"Turning the Tide"
By: Ronan Dayre [NPC+]
Tralesha Zibel [NPC+]
Orinth Neerou [NPC+]

Location: Corellia
Date: Eos 21, 4ABY

***

Ronan Dayre chattered on about the new pants he'd bought the other day. Tralesha smiled occasionally at him, though kept quiet. Yesterday it was a mauve shirt. The day before that, a pair of shoes. Tralesha didn't mind that he was better dressed than she was. At least, not really. She knew that she looked better than he ever could.

"Leather," Ronan was saying as they started up the walk to the old man's house. "Nothing looks better on a person than leather, especially when it's drawn tight right across the--"

"Ronan," Tralesha interrupted. "Please. I get the picture."

He glanced at her, looking over the skintight bodysuit she wore. "Oh, if you were a man..."

"Ronan, get your mind on the job," Tralesha said, glaring at him. "I'm not a man, so get your thoughts on what we're doing. You can find someone tonight before we leave Corellia and thrive in your leather fetish."

"You're just jeal-- Sorry."

They reached the door and she turned to him again. "You know how this is happening?"

"I know. I'm horny, not stupid."

Tralesha declined her witty retort despite how much she wanted to snap it off. "Okay, let's do this." With that, she knocked on the door of their target's home: Orinth Neerou.

The person answering the door hadn't been who they'd expected. Instead of the frail, sickly old man, a corpulent, middle-aged woman with a narrowed, suspicious gaze appeared. It was obvious they were foreigners, and foreigners were never to be trusted. "Yes? How may I help you?"

"Hi there," Tralesha said, stepping in before Ronan could get his mouth open. "My name is Analiese Soruun, and we were tasked to check in on--" She glanced at her datapad, even though she knew all the relevant details anyway. "To check in on Orinth Neerou by his granddaughter, Yelara Neerou."

The woman remained in front of Tralesha's path, blocking further passage into the house. "Well, she's asked me to do the same. I...I haven't seen you around town before. You don't live around here, do you?"

"We're from the city," Tralesha answered, and produced a card. "QualCare."

"Perhaps you've heard of us," Ronan lisped. "We usually only provide care outside of the city on special occasions, and with as much money as she dumped in our laps, we figured this was a special case."

Parnan, the woman, scrutinized each of them with her beady eyes. "I don't know.... Do you have any ID or anything? She never told me about you."

"I got the impression," Tralesha said as she fished for her identicard, "that it was a last minute sort of arrangement. Here we go." She pulled the card out and handed it to the woman. She gave her a smile to match the one in the picture.

"Hmm..." Parnan held the card close to her face, inspecting it for a good minute before handing it back. "He's asleep," she snapped. "You can have a look but don't wake him." The woman turned on her heel and marched off, leaving them to let themselves in.

Tralesha glanced at Ronan who was grinning. She saw him reach back and loosen the concealed blaster at the small of his back. The anxiety she'd been feeling for the last several days returned. They'd made arrangements for this job, making certain their cover identities were secure. Ronan's slicing skills were amazing, and he'd gotten them each solid covers.

They started inside and worked their way around until they finally found Orinth's bed.

"My turn," Ronan said. "This is what I get paid to do, sweetheart." He stepped forward to Orinth's bed. "Mr. Neerou? Sir? Wake up, sir, it's really important."

The sleeping man's eyes cracked open, but remained almost fully closed. He glanced at the blurred figures standing over him and tried to greet them, but his voice came out as only a croak. He made another attempt, and this time managed to whisper, "Yara?"

"No," Ronan answered as he pulled the blaster out. "But, we're close, personal friends. And, our boss, Mr. Kandran, he doesn't appreciate your attitude. So, we've been sent to make sure that attitude never causes another problem."

Orinth's eyes snapped open and a feeble gasp left his parched lips. His arms came up to shield his face in anticipation of the blast that was aimed to hit him squarely on the forehead. Behind them, a loud, shrill cry rang out, then a loud plea from Orinth as Ronin spun around and fired at the intruder in the doorway. Parnen's wail fizzled to a whimper as her body toppled backwards, a smoking hole in her chest.

The sickening feeling within Tralesha rose to a level where she felt like she was going to lose the bantha burger she'd had for lunch earlier. Watching as the woman sank to the ground, life ebbing, and glancing back at the frail old man in the bed, preparing for whatever fate Ronan had in store for him. Something within her snapped. The changes in her friends, the path they were taking. It wasn't her path She couldn't do this.

Ronan's blaster had retrained on Orinth, but before he could fire, Tralesha's hand snapped out, and knocked the blaster out of the way, sending an orange bolt into the far corner. She reversed her hand, and grasped his wrist. Her hands blurred in motion, and Ronan cried out in pain. He started to react, but not before her elbow slammed hard into his throat, depriving him of breath and stunning him.

Tralesha dropped back a step, and snapped a kick into Ronan's solar plexis. He dropped to the ground like a sack of boontaro flour. She followed it up with a heavy chop to the back of his neck.

Once she was satisfied that Ronan was unconscious, she quickly went to check the woman. She choked back a sob of guilt that her inaction had led to the woman's death. Moving on, she hurried to Orinth's bedside. "We have to get you out of here. We have to get you somewhere safe, somewhere where we can save your granddaughter. Dargus Kandran sent us to kill you. I may have done some bad things in my life, but I'm not a murderer and I'm not an assassin. Please, sir, we have to get you out of here."

Orinth looked horror-stricken at Tralesha, then sobbed at the sight of Parnan's dead body in the doorway. "Oh, Yara," he groaned. "My poor Yara is next..." His tear soaked, blue eyes stared up at Tralesha. "It's too late for her, isn't it?"

"It's not," Tralesha answered. "Come with me to Tae'Karada. We'll find the Jedi Knights there, and they can save her. They can save them both. Come with me, Orinth, and we'll get her back for you."

"Jedi?" Orinth took Tralesha's hand and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. He rose unsteadily, gripping Tralesha's shoulder for support. "Perhaps they can help us contact that Liam Zaneth fellow," he suggested. "He'd do anything for my Yara. He will help us."

"He's Dargus Kandran's prisoner," Tralesha said as she helped him. "But, the Jedi will help us find him. The Jedi will help us get them both back. Come with me to Tae'Karada and we'll help them rescue them all. Please, help me get them back and stop my former associates and Dargus Kandran."

The sound of his name sparked a fire in Orinth he thought had been smothered with the passing of his youth. He stood up as tall as his hunched back would allow and nodded decisively to Tralesha. "I shall help you, young woman."

Tralesha smiled and then nodded. "We'll need to take care of these two, then I have a ship. We should be able to make good time to Tae'Karada."

Orinth moved shakily across the room and felt a sickening roiling in his stomach at the sight of Parnan's dead form, and the man who had almost taken his life lying not far from her. "He was going to kill me," he said, surprisingly calmly. "Dargus Kandran is a dangerous, evil man. He must be stopped, young lady."

Tralesha nodded vigourously. "We'll get to the Jedi. They'll have what it takes to stop him. They'll be able to go after him and stand against him. I'm sorry we...that this...I wasn't fast enough to stop Ronan."

"But you did," he told her, patting her hand comfortingly. "You did in the end. That's what matters."

They stepped over Parnan and Orinth choked on a sob. "Dear woman... I hope she did not suffer much."

Tralesha put a hand on his shoulder. "Maybe by bringing them all to justice we can...we can somehow make it better. Did she have anyone? I have some credits...I know it can't even come close to their loss, but it's a start."

Orinth sighed. "She was alone, just as I am. No, it would be best to honour her by ending Dargus Kandran's evil ways."

"We'll end them together," Tralesha said, surprised to find her eyes brimmed with tears. How could she have almost been party to that? How could she have even possibly considered this a viable act? But, she hadn't planned on hurting Orinth from the start. Why hadn't she said something from the beginning? Because they would have killed you or worse, a part of her mind answered. "Come, let's go get the help we need to stop Kandran and rescue the others."

"But...what of your...friend?" Orinth asked, looking back at the man lying flat on his face. "He will not tell Dargus of us?"

"We'll turn him over to the authorities here," Tralesha said. "They'll keep him locked up for awhile. The alternative would be to lock him in the hold of my ship. It's built to accommodate prisoners, but I don't know if that would hinder us or not. We'll just drop him off with the Corellian police near the spaceport, and head on from there. I know a few people here who can keep tabs on him."

"Burn the place," Orinth said grimly. "With him inside. It is our way. He must pay for his crime by suffering the same."

"We can't burn down your home," Tralesha said. "You can't destroy everything here over him. It...it wouldn't be right, not for him. Not for you."

"It's isn't just him, my dear. Evil has touched this place, and so much pain and death..." Orinth smiled sadly. "I can't come back here, not after that."

Tralesha nodded and then offered a weak smile. "If there's anything I can do to help," she said. "Are there any preparations we need to make?"

Orinth didn't speak for fear that his voice would not hold up. Instead, he waved dismissively and managed to mutter, "Just burn it."

"Is there anything you wish to keep? We can take it to my ship, and then burn it. I've got lots of room..."

Orinth shook his head ruefully. "All I have exists only in my heart now, and in my mind. No, my dear, I believe I already have what I need."

"No holopics? No mementos?" She didn't know why she was so distraught, but she was. And, a part of it had to be because she didn't stop this from happening before she got to his house. She could have prevented it. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Neerou. I'll help you get her back, and then I'll do what I can to help you find a home again."

"You're worrying yourself too much, child," Orinth told her gently. "Please...you mustn't be sorry. You simply must get me to a ship and to the Jedi so I can save my grandchild."

Tralesha nodded, and started toward the door. "We should be able to get to the nearest village, and then take a speeder. It shouldn't take long."

Orinth sighed again wearily, feeling far older than his seventy-six years. If Yelara hadn't been in danger, he would've demanded that Tralesha torch the house with him still inside. But he couldn't give up completely, not until Yelara was safe.

The two of them made their way out of the small cottage and Orinth nodded to the small shed beside the dwelling. "There should be some oil in there. It will help get the fire going."

Tralesha nodded and tucked a white-tipped lock of hair that had blown into her face behind her ear. She started toward the shed, drawing her blaster from its concealed holster as she went. It only took a couple moments of searching to find the oil. She brought the oil back out in one hand, her blaster in the other. She handed one container to Orinth sullenly. "I think the blaster shouldn't have any trouble igniting the oil."

"I know it won't," Orinth replied solemnly.

He unscrewed the cap as he made his way back up the stairs, looking fondly upon the many times he'd chastised Yelara for thundering down the steps like a stray bantha, or the one time he found her hanging from the eaves late one night as she attempted to escape for a midnight tryst with her boyfriend. The cottage might have triggered the memories, but he knew they were rooted in his mind, and would remain always there for safe-keeping.

With that assurance made, Orinth took in a deep breath and began sprinkling the porch with oil, making his way into the house. Tralesha was behind him, sparging the areas he'd missed on his pass. When his canister was emptied, he tossed it aside and turned to Tralesha. "It's time."

Tralesha nodded to him and then raised her blaster into the heart of the area that had been drenched. Pulling the trigger on the blaster as it aimed at Orinth Neerou's home was one of the most difficult things she'd ever found herself faced with. Finally, with her eyes closed, she pulled the trigger. She heard it slam into the wood, splintering it with the violent energy of the bolt. She heard the crackling of flames starting. She squeezed her eyes tighter, images in her mind surging. Dargus. Raxis. Gort and Ronan. Her father. Over and over the images flashed. It took several moments for her mind to register that Orinth was calling to her. She opened her eyes then and realized that the home was an inferno, blazing from---as she looked at the power cell of her blaster whose grip now buzzed with the announcement that it was nearly depleted---the hundreds of shots she'd poured into the building. She turned to him then, tears streaking soot-stained cheeks. "We'll stop them," she promised. "We'll make them all pay for what they've done, who they've hurt."

Orinth brought a wizened, trembling hand to her sullied cheek and smiled comfortingly. "The evil will end soon, child. The gods will make certain of that. Rest assured."

She smiled at him, and brought a hand to his. "They will," she said. "And, my name is Tralesha. Tralesha Zibel."

"A pleasure, Ms. Zibel, and a fortunate meeting, I'd say."

Orinth squinted past her at the conflagration engulfing his cottage, and wondered if the tears in his eyes were from the intensity of the fire, or from the pain of watching his entire history reduced to cinders before him. "Let us depart now, Ms. Zibel," he said quietly. "I don't think there is anything left for us here."

"Maybe someday you can come back and rebuild," she said softly as they turned up the road. "It's a very nice planet, and the land out here is very beautiful."

"Perhaps," Orinth mused. "But not until the taint of Dargus Kandran has been removed. Nothing can thrive here until that is accomplished."

"With the help of the Jedi, we'll see that his taint is removed forever," she said. "You don't have problems with space travel by any chance do you?"

Orinth chuckled. "Oh, I've been through far worse, Ms. Zibel. You don't worry about me."

She grinned as they continued on.

It took them nearly an hour of travel before they finally reached her ship. docked in one of the docking bays in Cadrola City. She led him up toward the ramp, and indicated the ship behind her, painted a reddish colour. It was a flat ship, and somewhat saucer shaped. The cockpit jutted from the front of the ship, unlike the older YT-1300s. It had seen some time in space, but all in all looked like a decent ship. "Welcome to the Burgundy Rose."

Orinth surveyed the interior of the ship and nodded his approval. "A cozy little vessel. Perfect for just the two of us, dear." He gripped her arm tighter and said, "Now, do you have someplace an old, frail man can rest for a while?"

"Yes," Tralesha answered and led the way down toward the back of the main cabin of the ship. "You can sleep in here if you like. It hasn't been used in awhile, but I've got a few maintenance droids who keep it cleaned. Galley's just up there through that door. My cabin's just across the way. Head's next to you. And...I think that about does it. If you follow this corridor straight down, you'll get to the cockpit. I'll be there for a bit while we get underway, then I'll be back to check in with you."

"Thank you, dear." Before Tralesha could turn to make her way to the cockpit, Orinth placed a hand upon her shoulder and squeezed gently. "Whatever you may be thinking, dear, you did the right thing. Don't ever doubt that."

"Thank you," she said softly. "And, we're going to do the right thing again. We'll stop him, and bring them back. Get some rest, and we'll talk later." She gave him a warm smile, and found herself having a fluttering feeling in her stomach and chest. She turned and hurried away quickly before the tears could start.

As she settled into the pilot's chair and began the pre-flight check through tear-blurred vision, she found herself envious of Yelara. So, she thought to herself as she brought the repulsors online, that's what it's like to have a family, a father figure and someone who cares.

The ship lifted into the air, and she pointed it skyward. The drives thrummed and off they shot up into space. Tralesha pointed the Rose toward Tae'Karada. For Orinth's kindness, she owed him this. She would do everything she could to help reunite a family that belonged together. Hang on, she thought, help is on the way.

---

"Out Of Shadow, Into Light, Part 1"
By: Alisson Blair - Jedi Knight
Iyika - Assassin, Bounty Hunter, Intel Spy
and Quinlan Vos - Jedi Knight [NPC+]

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Eos 21, 4ABY

***

It was strange being this close to the Jedi. Most of her life she'd tried to stick well clear of them. But she'd been forced by events out of her control. On returning to Tae'Karada she tried to locate Jack Summons and it appeared he no longer existed. No records of him existed in transport records or in any hotel, inn or backend slum that kept records. So she ended up here in the forest not two clicks from the Jedi Temple seeking the answers.

The forest was beautiful, the trees huge all around her with the small grass plants of various kinds scattered everywhere. She looked out into the forest to her right, high up, lying on one of the large branches; she had no trouble with heights or any other phobias...well all but one which she never spoke of, even to her family.

"Should be there soon..." she whispered, closing her eyes, relaxing as she activated the link with her ever present A.I. which controlled the two spy droids which had been making their way into the Temple.

When she opened her eyes, her vision was filled with the sensors of the small droid. It was slightly overwhelming at first but she quickly got used to the feeling. The droid was in a corridor, seemingly made out of large stone slabs; it looked impeccably clean.

You know this is insane, sneaking spy droids in the Jedi Temple... Of all the things you've thought up!

"If you don't like it, buzz off!" Iyika forced herself not to shout but a bird close to her flew off from her forced whisper.

I only wanted to tell you how much I loved this mission you've given yourself; this has to be the worst idea in history of bad ideas! Whatever was down on that planet killed a whole legion of Imperial Troops...

"Yes and the Jedi know something about it or they wouldn't have sent Jack Summons, if he actually works for them. Look I'm slightly busy at the moment. Go run a diagnostic or watch a film, anything!"

Two young Jedi Padawan walked along the corridor, totally oblivious to the robotic eyes watching them from the ceiling, the six legs clinging to the stone like a spider on its web, holding the droid perfectly still. Once the two young Jedi in training had vanished around the corner the small droid moved on. It suddenly released its grip on the wall, spinning around as it fell from the ceiling. Vertical thrusters fired, making the droid hover in mid-air, slowly rising until it was a foot from the high ceiling.

The spy droid moved silently into the large hall where Jedi were walking in various directions. One of the Jedi Knights stuck out from the rest and the droid flew over to her while speaking with someone. Its sensors picking up everything they said.

"Keep up your practice. You did well!" Alisson smiled as she bowed softly, sending the Padawan away.

Iyika watched the Jedi through the sensors and eyes of the droid. She watched as the young Jedi Padawan walked away, leaving the Jedi Master. Iyika thought about moving the droid away but something stopped her. Probably the fact that if she did move she'd probably alert the Jedi and she'd only just got the droid inside the Temple. So Iyika was content to just stare down from the ceiling of the hall, the legs holding the droid up effortlessly. It wasn't that bad as the view was impressive. Just a pity she wasn't a Jedi.

Alisson sighed. She was about to leave down the hall when something caught her attention. She knew that there was something odd and was compelled to draw her lightsaber, but wasn't sure what it was. She knew that it wasn't anything bad. Just different... She glanced around but saw nothing. "Probably nothing," she whispered to herself.

The moment Iyika saw the Jedi turn around, grasping her lightsaber, her instincts took over and she moved away. The thrusters fired on the droid, propelling it back, its legs releasing their grip on the ceiling. She had no idea Alisson was just about to shrug it off, but the damage was already done.

As she heard the faint noise, she turned around and looked directly at the small droid. Her blade quickly found the droid's path, totally wrecking it. Alisson turned, startled. They were being spied upon. But why and by whom? She had better find the other Masters as well as the Padawans to make sure that everything was okay. She picked up the pieces scattered on the floor and ran off, down the hallway.

The instant the droid exploded sent pain surging through her mind. She lost all sense of where she was for a moment and it was only her quick reflexes that saved her. She had slipped over the side of the branch she was lying on, but quickly grabbed hold of another branch while falling towards the ground. She swung down to a large sturdy branch capable of taking the impact. The branch groaned under the impact and weight of Iyika but held. Iyika crouched, shaking her head.

"That was interesting..." she whispered to herself.

I've warned you about direct links, but do you ever listen? It caused no permanent damage, not that you'd notice. If I were you I'd run quickly before they realise you're out there!

Alisson had found Master Quinlan Vos and had rapidly explained what had happened. While he went to check on the others she came outside, glancing at the trees and forest around, looking for something suspicious. She knew it was a spying droid, which meant that one person had to be nearby, controlling it. Suddenly she noticed something.

Grabbing hold of her lightsaber she concentrated to move faster, so she could catch the spy. Alisson stopped, a few feet away from the woman she found, pointing her lightsaber at her. "Who are you and why are you spying on us?" she asked fiercely.

She glanced down at the sudden voice coming from below. There stood the Jedi she'd just been watching. She's fast, she thought while running through several scenarios, ranging from either combating the Jedi to escape, but she still needed the information. Is the second droid still working?

Yes... replied Oz inside her mind. The second droid has come to the main computer mainframe and is currently accessing data. There are several files too heavily encrypted to access but the majority of the mainframe is open. Seems they didn't expect people to break in.

Iyika continued to stare at the Jedi and she launched herself up from the branch onto another tree, grabbing hold, twisting and dodging as she quickly made her way down to the ground a safe distance from the Jedi. Iyika turned and saw she still stood in the same place but the lightsaber had followed her movements. "My name is none of your business. The reason I'm here is because I'm searching for something."

"Well, perhaps you can tell me what you're looking for and I can help you find it," Alisson said as she moved closer to the other woman slowly. "And may I advise honesty in your response..."

Iyika held her ground, moving her left hand slightly out of sight behind her just in case the need arose to pull out a blaster. "I'm searching...for death..." she replied, not lying. She didn't actually know what she was looking for. Looking around she could hear the birds in the trees above her, returning to nests filled with the hungry mouths of their young. Her eyes then returned to the Jedi in front of her.

"All I know is what I'm looking for scared a man so much he killed himself rather than face the truth. He worked for the Republic. He was an intelligence officer. I came here to find answers."

Alisson kept her stance, even though it was not a very menacing one. "Then perhaps you ought to try an honest and direct approach instead of spying on us!" Alisson replied. "And I imagine you're not doing this for fun, so who hired you? This man you speak of?"

"I didn't know if I could trust you. I'm working for myself. If there's danger in the galaxy I want to know about it. It was powerful enough to kill an entire Imperial Legion. Not a pretty sight." She continued to stare at the Jedi, her eyes moving from her face the lightsaber in her hand.

Are there any other bio signs in the area?

There was a short pause before the A.I. replied and the answer wasn't what Iyika was looking for. I couldn't tell you even if I wanted to; sensors are all over the place. It doesn't look like you're going to get much information out of her. I'd cut my losses and get out while you still can.

"Sound advice..." she whispered to herself, looking around her at the trees.

Alisson narrowed her eyes slightly. "Not a plausible story, the one you tell. If that is true, then I can assure you that you will not find what you seek here and you are following the wrong leads. Jedi do not kill people and most certainly do not slaughter whole legions..." she argued. "Now, if you would be so kind as to remove your other spy droids?"

"I know... But I had to consider all possibilities. The other spy droid has been called back," Iyika replied, bowing as she continued. "My apologies for the intrusion..." She turned and started to walk away from the Jedi out towards the forest.

Call the droid back...transmit all its data to my home mainframe.

Already done. The droid is out of the Temple and on its way home, all files contained within its memory banks, replied Oz.

Alisson raised her hand. "Wait! Perhaps your coming here isn't a total loss. Perhaps I could offer you some assistance to find what you look for?" she asked, wanting to know a little bit more. Perhaps it could lead to Dargus Kandran or some other Sith related person or group.

Iyika stopped just as her right foot crushed the dead leaves lying on the ground; there was a long pause before turning back, looking at the Jedi. "As you wish..." she finally replied bowing her head slightly. "But if you cross me, it'll be the last mistake you ever make. Meet me in the docks, 20 minutes..."

She turned back to the forest walking away, leaving the Jedi behind her along with the Temple standing tall and proud.

Alisson decided to let the woman go peacefully. She knew that this meeting could very well be a trap, but she had gone and placed herself in much worse places and situations to decide not to go. She was about to leave back for the Temple when Quinlan Vos showed up by her side.

"Master Vos," she said, startled. "I did not hear you approach..."

Master Vos nodded. "What do you make of this woman?" he asked Alisson.

"I'm not sure yet, but I'm about to find out... She may have some information that interests us. She said there was a man who told her he was fearful of something, possibly Jedi. But not us, not from this Temple. Perhaps we may yet learn some more," she explained.

He nodded with a frown. "Perhaps so... Nonetheless, I would like to go with you, if you don't mind," he said.

She nodded in consent. "Very well, Master Vos. We will both go to meet this woman. But we best make haste to get there on time. Come," she replied as they both made their way back.

---

"Sparring"
By: Shrezade Anoran
Rilanna Kir

Location: Riga
Date: Eos 21, 4ABY

***

"Good shot," Rilanna Kir said as she watched Shrezade Anoran's form from behind. A moment ago, she'd been watching her friend's profile, watching how she held herself while firing the blaster that had practically become an extension of Reza the same way Ril's own blasters had become extensions of herself. "Try the farther target now, and keep aiming for the chest. It's the best place to shoot for when you're trying to take someone down. Not only is it the biggest target, but most species carry a majority of their vital organs there. Though, I suspect it won't be long before you'll be easily taking shots at someone's head and making the shots ninety percent of the time."

Reza chuckled and glanced sidelong at Rilanna. "Who says I haven't been aiming for the head?" Without taking her eyes from Rilanna, she fired the blaster, still aimed at the center of the target, and smiled at her friend as the energy pulse impacted. "Dead center?"

"Dead center," Rilanna answered. "I must say, my dear, you are becoming quite the expert shot. With each day that we spend training, our chances of survival go up. I think together we can do anything, especially working toward a common goal." She was silent for a moment as she used the controls on their little firing range to re-adjust the targets. "When we go back, if we do, to liberate the station and possibly kick the Empire out of the sector, do you want to go back to your old job?"

Reza suppressed a sigh as she brought her weapon in towards herself and began adjusting the settings on the side panel. "I don't know, Rilanna. I know I would do anything to run it once again, but I'm not so certain I wish to do so in the manner I was previously. A lot has changed..." She glanced down at her attire and chuckled. "A lot," she repeated, "and I don't quite know what exactly I believe anymore."

"If you do decide to run it again," Rilanna said, "I'll gladly be your head of security again. But if not, whatever you do, Reza, I want to be your partner. We make a great team, and I think the only other person I'd rather have watching my back would be Cham, but he's too busy watching Hajne's backside. I trust you, Reza, and I know when we're together things'll go right."

"As they always do," she added with a smile for Rilanna. "You do realize you've been a very bad influence on me lately." Reza holstered her weapon and leaned back against the wall, watching Rilanna fidget with the firing controls. "I mean, the hair, the clothing...the attitude." She laughed at the indignant look Rilanna gave her and quickly added, "Don't you dare deny it, Rilanna Kir! You're a wicked girl, and you seemed to enjoy it well enough when you helped incinerate my old clothes."

"Very well," Rilanna said with a laugh. "Though, I haven't heard you raise any objections recently, and those that you raised early on where hardly that emphatic. I think you really wanted this, and I was merely a helpful catalyst. Besides, I like this new you. The clothes look great on you, the hairstyle gives you a more exotic look, and you seem much more happy and alive. The changes, in my opinion, have been one hundred percent positive." She then shot Reza a sultry look. "And, I love being a bad influence."

Reza shook her head and chuckled softly. "You just love having someone to play dress-up with. But at any rate, you are right. I do enjoy the freedom, being allowed to break free of my former shackles. When Vraner died, I wanted to just...disappear, to close myself off from everyone. That's what I was doing. I guess by being the heartless, cold, stuffy witch, I thought I would be ignored and left alone." She smiled warmly at Rilanna and added, "I don't want to be left alone anymore, especially by you, my dear friend."

"Good," Rilanna said as she stepped away from the controls. "Because I don't plan on leaving you alone. And, if you want to get rid of me, the only way you're doing it is by putting a blaster bolt in my chest."

"Oh, never," Reza said with a dismissive wave. "It's a beautiful chest. I would never dream of ruining it by putting a steaming, gaping hole in it." She pushed off the wall effortlessly and strolled back towards her firing position. "Now, a hole in your back on the other hand..." she teased, then shot Rilanna a wink.

Rilanna laughed. "Oh, you are definitely much more dangerous than you look," she said. "I like how sharp you keep that wit of yours, Reza. There's nothing more enticing than a lightning wit. However, to help you from getting too overconfident, we may have to do some more hand-to-hand training."

Reza shrugged elegantly, set the safety on her blaster, and once again slipped it into her holster. "I had no idea you were such a masochist, Rilanna Kir," she drawled. "You do so enjoy having your lovely behind kicked by yours truly."

"Only by you," Rilanna answered. "And, speaking of behinds, what do you think of our new guest? She's a cute girl with a lot of spirit. A little work and I'd say she could be someone very useful to us."

Reza shook out her hands to loosen up her arms, while nodding her head in agreement. "She's still a frightened child, though she does have some fire in her. However, if she is any indication of the army we've got behind us, I do fear for our chances of success."

"Would you believe she's a year older than me? I asked her while I was showing her to her room. She's been a smuggler for the last four years, and seems to have good instincts in that regard. Though, you're right about the frightened part. Though, I seem to remember a certain sexy blonde woman I know seemed to have similar problems when confronted with similar situations. However, she's now one of the most dangerous people I know."

"When was I ever afraid?" Reza asked with a slight scowl. She haughtily pushed her bangs off her brow, then proceeded to peel off the snug, leather jacket she wore, revealing the thin-strapped tank top beneath. "That wasn't fear, Ril," she continued as she tossed aside the jacket. "That was self-preservation. And since I am so dangerous, if I were you, I would be careful not to upset me."

"Oh really," Rilanna said with a smile. "Well, whatever it was, you've managed to do very well with yourself, and I think Lerrah will come around as well. She's got fire and with a little work she might be able to overcome that skittishness. Hajne, on the other hand, is hopeless in that regard. I did tell you that yesterday morning she almost shot Cham, didn't I? Once I was certain no one was hurt, it was actually pretty funny."

Reza laughed and nodded as she stepped forward into position. "Those two.... It's funny. She doesn't comprehend any of his vocalizations, yet each of them knows exactly what the other is saying. I guess that's what true love is all about...." She glanced furtively at Rilanna, then smiled imperceptibly and returned her gaze to the fighting circle drawn upon the floor.

Rilanna pulled off her vest and tossed it aside, leaving her in just a tight-fitting tank top. She moved into the circle, and then glanced up at Reza. "As silly as they are, it's also very cute. I never thought it would be something I'd see, but...but I approve of them together. They're both extremely happy with each other. It's very important that everyone find someone they can be happy with."

"Oh? And why is that?" Reza stood opposite of Rilanna in the circle and bowed to her. "Are you not happy now?" she asked when she came back up.

Rilanna offered Reza a bow, though her eyes never strayed from her friend's. "Actually," she said, "I'm quite happy now."

"That's my point. Who needs a lover when a friend can make one just as happy?" Reza then assumed the fighting pose Rilanna had taught her, though she preferred a slight variation to the one Rilanna chose. Rilanna looked almost relaxed and lissom in her stance, while Reza's position, with her legs bent low and one arm held far out before her as the other remained cocked back, made her appear tense and ready to snap at any moment. She rather liked the intimidating look she achieved, though Rilanna looked just as dangerous. "Ready?" she asked.

"Of course," Rilanna drawled. "Let's see how much you remember...though, I'm suspecting that you're starting to pick up on some of the tricks I haven't actually taught you yet. You are quite dangerous, my dear. I don't like that you're neutralizing my advantage by reading ahead, so to speak."

"I'll go easy on you then, dear," Reza replied. With a loud, startling shout, Reza announced the beginning of the match and immediately flew at Rilanna. Her fists punched rapidly and alternately at Rilanna, but each one thrown was either swatted aside or ducked. Reza chuckled lowly at her competitor. "Too slow?" she said in a raised voice.

"Just slightly," Rilanna answered, as she reversed their positions and threw in a few punches to gauge Reza's defenses. "You know, I really wouldn't want to meet you in a dark alley. You are definitely vastly improved over just a few days ago. You don't practice in your sleep, do you?"

Reza smiled enigmatically and surprised Rilanna with a low-blow to the abdomen, though when she easily blocked it, it was obvious she wasn't at all caught off-guard. "And you, my dear," Reza replied finally, "must have memorized my strike pattern already. I guess I'll need to modify!" That said, she dropped to a low crouch and swivelled around on one foot as her other leg was extended in an attempt to sweep Rilanna's out from under her.

Rilanna shifted quickly on her feet, but knew she wouldn't be able to avoid Reza's sweep. As she came down, she snapped out both legs, and then scissored, bringing Reza down with her. It wasn't graceful, but it was effective. Though, it'd put them both on the ground, neither really minded the position. It wasn't an advantageous place to fight from, but it was better to know how to defend one's self in a position that wasn't advantageous because few fights were choreographed for convenience. She flipped herself around and launched herself at Reza.

She managed to roll quickly out of the way, banging her knees and elbows against the ferrocrete surface, but the adrenaline coursing through her veins made the pain of little consequence to Reza. Rilanna somersaulted into her fall and came up standing, while Reza jumped to her feet in a less than dazzling manoeuvre compared to Rilanna's. However, despite her clumsy move, Reza was upright again and quickly assumed her fighting stance once again. "Dear Rilanna, it isn't polite to attempt to pounce on others like that. Have I taught you no manners?" she teased.

"You have," Rilanna answered, "but still...I really like pouncing. I actually think I'm quite good at it, though lately you've gotten really good about getting out of the way. But, sparring is definitely one big game of 'hard to get' isn't it?" She grinned again, and manoeuvred in for a kick.

Reza jumped back while a gentle chuckle escaped her lips. Rilanna's foot grazed her stomach but made no impact. As her leg came down and Rilanna's body twisted slightly from the forward momentum of the kick, Reza bounded behind the taller woman and wrapped an arm around her neck. She gripped her wrist with her other hand to give leverage to her choke-hold and flattened her body against Rilanna's to secure her position as the girl began struggling. "Do you submit?" she whispered, her lips brushing against Rilanna's ear.

A tingling sensation ran from her ear straight down Rilanna's spine, and it took a considerable amount of self-control not to give in to the feelings that seemed to surge within her. "I submit," she said in a shaky voice. "Very nice move, Reza."

Reza held Rilanna for a moment longer, enjoying the sound produced by their leather pants grinding together. "Thank you," she replied softly. She released the hold she'd had on her wrist, but kept her arm loosely around Rilanna's neck still as she brushed her fingers over her friend's bare shoulder. "Do you wish to go again?" she asked.

Rilanna felt herself blush slightly when she unconsciously made a happy, content noise that sounded very much like a moan. Finally, she nodded, but kept herself from moving away from Reza's touch. "Yes," she managed. "Let's see if you can do that again."

"Wouldn't you like that, my dear," Reza said with a slight chuckle. Her fingertips could feel the warmth spreading through Rilanna, and Reza knew she'd sufficiently affected the girl. As Rilanna leaned back slightly against her, Reza finally released her hold fully and took a step away. "I think, perhaps, that is enough for today. We must compile a message for Lord Kandran to send along with the Breijal girl."

With a soft laugh, Rilanna agreed. "I wonder if she's even awake yet," she said as she retrieved her vest. "I doubt it will take much convincing to get Kandran involved, though he'll be sad to know that Hajne's spoken for now."

Reza passed her forearm over her brow to clear away the beading sweat as she moved towards her jacket. "I don't quite know what he was thinking, trying to use Hajne to gain information about me. Did he actually believe that would work and that I wouldn't suspect a thing?" She laughed wryly and snatched up her jacket from the ground.

Rilanna sighed and then nodded. "Yes," she said. "He also seems like the type who goes for easily-controlled women with little intelligence. That way they don't see through his charade and realize what a shallow person devoid of any light he is."

"I suppose that was why he didn't even attempt to use his seductive wiles on us." She slung her jacket over her shoulder and slipped an arm around Ril's waist. "We're far too keen and sly to fall for that," she added with a wink.

"Definitely," Rilanna said with a smile as she and Reza started inside. "I think we're both very selective in who we spend our time with, and a man like Kandran would be a waste of time."

"I am not a waste of time?" Reza asked playfully as they slipped into the house. "Oh, how flattering!" She patted Rilanna's back congenially, then sped up her pace. "I get the shower first. Why?" she inquired, for Rilanna. "I'm older!"

"Very well," Rilanna said. "I'll take it after you, as long as you don't use up all the hot water. If you do that too many more times, my dear, I'm going to insist that we take our showers together."

Reza turned around to face Rilanna, shooting her a mischievous smile as she backed down the hallway. "That might not be a bad idea. There is this one spot on my back I always have trouble reaching." She held Rilanna's gaze for a lingering moment, allowing the suggestion to sink in, then she laughed softly and swung around again only to disappear around the corner.

The corners of Rilanna's mouth curled up in a grin and she held back the laugh that wanted to break free. Then, she strode around the corner after Reza, trying to appear as if she weren't hurrying.

---

"Dreams of Warmer Days"
By: Symm Ruus Dunn

Location: Thanatos
Date: Early morning, Eos 21, 4ABY

***

Symm turned his scope onto the battlefield. It was summertime here and it did two things here on Soffra 7; rain and rain more. The ground on which the combatants fought was the consistency of warm broth in some places and in some others it was little better. Symm had been in this firing position for less than ten hours and he had already sunk five inches into the ground, which actually gave him a bit of camouflage.

About an hour or so ago, Imperial Army Regulars had fought a brief meeting engagement here against some of the cream of the Soffrian insurrectionists. Symm knew that these Soffrians, approximately ten-thousand strong, had fortified and entrenched in a defensive line nearly invisible to the naked eye. With some of the hashed electronic gear in place, it was nearly sensor invisible as well. The Soffrians fully intended to lull the Imperial Army troops into comfortable complacency and herd them, much like the Soffrian's sheep, into a large pen to be slaughtered.

But now, the Imperial Army had come in force. Symm could see and identify at least two full Imperial Army Armored Infantry Battalions along with at least one Heavy Armored Cavalry Troop. Above, Symm had seen several Lambda shuttles in their gunship/infantry support configuration. All of this was brought to bear along this long valley against two battalions-sized units of irregular infantry and scattered blaster cannon emplacements. This one could get very messy.

In front of the Soffrian defensive line, which was largely built into light forest and rocky scrubland, was a long and skinny grassland in which the Soffrians ranched nerfs and other herd animals. On either side of the skinny grasses, two and half miles wide at its widest, were dense brushlands called squirds, named for a particular type of fish trap in which a fish could swim into but not out of. Symm laid in the edge of a particularly dense section of squird and was satisfied with his cover and concealment.

All down this long pseudo valley were houses and buildings, an occasional wall, and large piles of stones where the ranchers always threw stones they found in their fields. And in these buildings, along some of these walls, the strongest ones, and among these stones and boulders were the Soffrians. Little pockets of deadly crossfire, vehicle traps, and home-made anti-personnel mines dotted the landscape for a good mile before the defensive line could bring its firepower to bear in the conflict.

Symm turned his attention to some of the pockets of the fight. Several of the houses huddled together in the northwest were afire and out of one of the stone houses a withering blaster fire licked away at pinned down Imperial Army Troopers. The stone house was faltering. After two hours of constant barrage from blasters and grenades, one of the walls was visibly sagging out and it finally fell outward when the pilot of a stricken combat speeder rammed the old building. There was no dust from the building's collapse, just a slight imagined 'wump' as the rest of the building followed its stricken support into the ground. The area around the pile of rubble turned quiet.

Here and there the flash of white would indicate a stormtrooper reinforcement unit had just arrived. None of the stormtroopers now on the ground were polished and clean. Too much mud and guts had been thrown about to have the Imperial white shine through. Symm focused on one particular white flash that had poured out of the doors of an APC to be met with a wall of mud and rubble thrown up by one of the hundreds of patched-together explosive mines that the Imperials had missed on their initial sweep.

Directly in front of Symm, a flight of three atmospheric starfighters -, Symm had heard them called "Cloakshape" - rolled onto a strafing run at a small group of slow-moving supply speeders. The vehicles quickened their pace and began to scatter but it was too late as one of them exploded brilliantly and another began slowly smoldering. Symm imagined that he could feel the warm wash of the ion drives as the three fighters dove for the cover of safety. He noticed one of them take several glancing hits from some ground fire and it began to smoke slightly, but escaped into the low clouds, even so.

Symm traversed his firing area with the scope of his rifle and came to rest on another sight of destruction. A large rock and boulder pile was delivered, quickly diminishing blaster fire to a group of four armed speeders who were firing into the rubble with gun carriages of twin repeating blasters. In some places, the large boulders were glowing with dull red heat. The commanders of the speeders were standing in their turret cupolas ordering people around using radio, and Symm saw his chance to exercise his influence. From about eight hundred meters, at moving targets with low barometric pressure, Symm sent two of his three fired durasteel flechettes through the shoulders of the lightly armored tank crewman.

It was a futile effort in the end as the speeders just stopped and continued firing into the rock pile until several of the boulders had actually melted into the Soffrian fighting positions, who were already dead anyway. Symm shook his head and scanned for survivors, but finding none, he continued his traverse of his firing lane and stopped on another point of interest. Symm blinked and couldn't believe what he was seeing. A group of about fifty or so Kurths, a shaggy nerfalo of a sort, were huddled together in a defensive stance, chewing their stored cud and looking rather passive. Symm blinked again. A flash of movement caught his attention.

Quickly shifting position, Symm saw that the Imperials had maneuvered a large group of armored infantry through the morass and it was the first Imperial unit engaging the defensive line itself. The lead Armored transport speeder was hit three times with blaster cannons shots and promptly flipped onto its top and detonating.

The second two transports stopped and deployed their infantry. Several more cannon shots emerged from the trenchline and scored minor hits on these two. All the while, the other transports were turning left and moving laterally, deploying smoke all the way. Blaster fire began lancing in both directions as the Imperial troops found cover and began laying fire onto the trench and the infantry battle of the trench began.

Symm heard the sound of ion engines get louder as one of the Lambda gunships pulled in for a strafing run of the trench. From further to the rear of the trench a heavy blaster repeater began lancing the sky trying to bring the ship down, but on the first run, the Lambda escaped unscathed.

From the growing number of black plumes of smoke coming from the trench itself, Symm was sure that the Lambda needed to be brought down. No sooner as he had formed that idea in his mind did the Lambda dive from its position, two "Cloakshape" fighters on its tail. The lambda was getting its rear peppered with blaster fire and Symm could visibly see the moment when the shuttle lost all shields. Missile contrails appeared from each of the fighters.

The shuttle dived again, this time coming within twenty feet of the ground and turned directly toward where Symm lay in cover. Symm's eyes widened as the shuttle tried one last maneuver to escape the missiles but failed. The first missile impacted the shuttle midships on its right side. Symm imagined he could see the other side of the shuttle buckle as if there were internal explosions. The second impacted on the same side, several feet forward, right at the junction of pilot's compartment and troop compartment. The entire cockpit was engulfed in an explosion and when the shuttle appeared out of it, the cockpit was gone.

Symm watched the now burning wreck nudge the ground slightly and then begin to cartwheel across the ground, right at him. It bounced once and then plowed into the ground and broke into several pieces. Symm watched as the pieces came to rest less than fifty feet away.

The Cloakshapes each performed a victory roll in formation and climbed through the clouds. Symm turned his attention back to the battle at the trenchline. The Imperials began pulling slowly back as the flanking group of transports were met with a deadly accurate fusillade of cannon fire. Two of the group were holed and when the troops came out of the transport to escape, they were cut apart with hail upon hail of infantry blasters. Of the other two, one was smoking but limping away from the trench, collecting troops as it went. The other was a burning hulk.

Symm traversed the battle scene with his scope and could see a general withdrawal being undertaken by the Imperial Army. Symm estimated that the Imperials had lost roughly half of their strength of infantry, and at least thirty vehicles of various types. Special equipment losses were more significant; the Lambda was not worthless and they had tried to send AT-STs in the beginning and had lost two to gyro problems from walking in a morass of mud. All in all the soffrians had handled themselves well, although Symm suspected their losses would be much more serious.

Symm backed into a crouch and began making his way to the mini commsat set-up he had gotten from the Soffrian commander. He was anxious to hear of their losses and wasn't paying close attention when the sky brightened and all of the air seemed to press down on him. He was knocked to the ground as a shockwave bowled him over. The beam ascended into the heavens and a fireball followed it from the planet's surface.

The Imperials had turbo-laser bombarded the trenchline and an area roughly half a square mile around it all along its span. Fire was everywhere and Symm could still feel the ground trembling. Secondary explosions rapidly spread along the defensive perimeter and Symm could see flashes and arcs of light as he looked up. Symm knew then that the Imperial Navy was here. The sky pressed down on him again and he covered his face in his hands and lay on his stomach as the sky turned white again.

Symm lurched up in his bed, covered in a cold sweat. He hadn't thought of that one for quite a long time. He dressed in a loose collection of makeshift combat gear and grabbed the carbine. He opened the door out to the alleyway and began his search for a good place to hide away until the right targets presented themselves to him.

---

"Friends of the Order"
By: Koran Darr
Laedra Vorrel
Dani
Nieme Yaresh-Selrid

Location: New Plouton
Date: Eos 21, 4ABY

***

Laedra dipped the white washcloth stained with blood into the basin of water again and wrung out the excess liquid. Ferrig had slept fitfully the entire night, caught up in some febrile nightmare that left him drenched in sweat when she returned to check on him in the morning. She had no doubt he would survive the torture that had been inflicted upon him at Imperial hands; his injuries weren't that severe, aside from some infection that had set in, but she feared his mental health had suffered more.

After laying the damp cloth across his forehead, Laedra sighed and rose from where she'd been seated at his bedside. They'd managed to escape without further incident last night, and although there were a few close calls during their attempts to reach the hotel, the Imperials had apparently lost the scent. Koran had used a mind trick to remove all memory of their presence from the hotel owner's mind, then erased their names from the computer records at the front desk. They couldn't afford to leave even a trace of their whereabouts for any Imps who might drop by and start asking questions. If it were only she and Koran, the situation would not be so precarious, but with a sick, injured boy in their care, it required extra caution.

As Laedra moved towards the small living area sectioned off from the bedroom by only a half wall, she thought again back to their failure. Liam hadn't been there. In fact, he was in a worse predicament than Laedra could have imagined. She didn't know how they would retrieve him from the clutches of Dargus Kandran, but she couldn't turn back now. She couldn't rest until he was saved.

As she slipped into the quaint living area, Laedra paused and regarded Koran quizzically. He had his travelling cloak on and was placing some items into a small pack. Wherever he was going it became obvious she wasn't invited. "Master? What's going on?"

"We're safe enough in here," Koran said. "I was going to try to locate Nieme and Dani. If nothing else, they need to be warned of potential Imperial reprisals, and...and I'm concerned for them."

"I should come with you," she said readily. "It won't be safe for you out there either, Master. And you'll have a better chance of finding them if we're together."

Koran glanced at Ferrig. "Can we move him? We can get him back to the Temple to recover while we go into the city to find Nieme and Dani."

Laedra sighed and shook her head. "Not yet. Not until the fever breaks. I guess that means I'm staying here to watch over him," she said with slight disappointment.

"Any idea when his fever may break?" Koran asked. "I can wait until then, and we can both go together."

"It's alright," Laedra said, smiling reassuringly at him. "If you're that worried about Nieme and Dani, you should go. If there is any trouble though, comm me immediately."

"I will," Koran said with a nod. "And, perhaps soon, we can both go to check on them. They should know that they are still in our thoughts and we do care about their fate."

"And that whatever their decision, we will support them in it?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

Koran nodded. "We have to support their decision," he said. "Nieme doesn't wish to be a Jedi, and her chaotic nature could never handle the regimen. Dani would make a fine Jedi, except for her devotion to Nieme. Really it's a tricky issue, but hopefully in time we can smooth it out."

Laedra smiled admirably at Koran. "And if anyone can help that along, it is you, Master."

Koran smiled back at Laedra. "I'll return soon," he said. "If you need anything, let me know. And, if the Empire gets too close, get out. I'll meet you at the same hotel we stayed at last time if it comes to that."

"Yes, Master." Laedra escorted Koran as he made his way to the door and gave him a humble bow when they reached it. "May the Force be with you, Master."

"And, with you, Laedra," Koran said. He returned her bow, and then slipped outside.

***

It took him several hours of searching before the emanations of the Force finally led him to the not-quite-rundown apartments Nieme and Dani had found their home in. It was growing dark as he ascended the stairs and found their room. He knocked at the door, hoping they weren't out causing some havoc about the city.

There was barely audible voices conversing from the other side, then Nieme's characteristically boisterous giggle. When she swung the door open she was smiling, but at the sight of Koran, her face paled and she quickly moved to push the door closed again.

"Nieme," Koran said quickly. "I'm not here to take you back. I'm just...I just wanted to stop by and see how you and Dani are getting along, that's all."

Nieme opened the door a crack and watched Koran through it with one eye. "You're...you're not going to force us?"

"No," Koran answered with a reassuring smile. "I'm not here to force you to do anything. I'm just here to make sure my two former padawans are doing alright."

Nieme looked over her shoulder at Dani, then sighed and pulled the door the rest of the way open. "You can come in, Koran Darr. Just...don't mind the mess."

Inside, Dani was topless but quickly pulling on a vest. She gave Koran a grin and cleared a spot for him to sit on the corner of the bed. "We've been really busy with work, so we haven't had a chance to do much cleaning yet. You look really well, Koran Darr. How is everyone else?"

Koran nodded. "Everyone is doing fine," he said. "Even Laedra is recovering from losing Liam, though we have a lead to bring him back."

Nieme nodded thoughtfully, though she was uncomfortable with Koran's presence. She just wanted to live in peace with Dani, without the interference of the Order. "Um...do you want something to drink, Koran Darr? We have...juice I think."

"Thank you," Koran said. "Juice will be fine. Put your mind and heart at ease, Nieme. I am not here as a Jedi Master or a representative of the Jedi Order. I am here checking on two young women I would like to be able to call my friends."

"But what about the others?" Nieme asked, forgetting about the juice for the time being. "You'll tell them where we are and they'll come for us."

"No, I won't," Koran said. "We talked about it, and we've agreed to abide by your wishes. No one will be coming for you, Nieme. If you wish to be free of the Order, then you are."

"Then we are," Nieme echoed decisively. "We're not going back there, not to have our spirit stifled. You can't do that to people."

"I understand that," Koran said with a smile. "However, you are welcome to visit if you'd like. I know of one particular person who would love to receive a visit from you."

Nieme sighed. "Aurra will forget about us. And what's the point of seeing her? You've probably already made her afraid of going near us. We're unchaste, foul. She could be corrupted by us. That's what you've told her, isn't it?" she said bitterly.

"I wasn't referring to Aurra," Koran said. "There's someone at the Temple who loves you two girls about as much as you love each other."

Nieme furrowed her brow pensively, then frowned as the image of her old friend, hidden behind all the suspicion and skepticism, came to the forefront of her mind. "Orn," she said quietly. "I...I miss him, but we can't go back, not yet. We're just getting our lives together."

"Would you like for him to visit you here? I can make arrangements if you'd like. He's feeling terribly lonely at the Temple, and I'm sure seeing the two of you again would brighten his day."

"We didn't mean for him to be lonely," Nieme said. She moved sullenly to the bed and sank down upon it, next to Dani. "We were in a hurry or else we would have said goodbye properly. We just knew we had to sneak out or you'd never let us leave."

"I understand, and I think Orn understands. Is it too soon to see him? I have a feeling though, if he comes to visit you, you may find yourself with a new neighbour."

Nieme smiled. "Oh, we couldn't let him do that. He's better off at the Temple. It's safer. But...but he can visit, only if he promises to go back. If...if you get him to promise that, I would really like to see him."

Koran put a hand on her shoulder. "I will talk to him and see that he agrees. Do you have a comm so that I can keep in touch with you? I promise no spying or anything, just to be able to talk to the two of you on occasion. You were both my students, and I do care very much about your futures and your lives."

"We understand," Nieme said softly. "And...we don't have a comm. That's kind of a low priority for us. We'd rather spend our money on food and shelter."

Koran reached into his pocket and pulled out a credit chip. "For the two of you," he said. "It should help with food and shelter, and a few other luxuries. No repayment required and no strings attached."

Nieme glanced at Dani, then back to the chip. She wanted to reach out and take it, but finally shook her head. "We have to do this on our own, Koran. It'll be better for us that way."

Koran nodded, then slipped the chip away. "I understand," he said. "If you ever decide you do need it or want it, it will be available. But, I am proud of both of you for seeking your own path in life."

"How can you be?" Nieme asked skeptically. "We ran away. You're proud of us for that?"

"I am proud of you for doing what you felt in your heart you must," Koran said. "I am proud of you for seeking the strength to survive out here in the world on your own merits, rather than my offering of help. I am proud of you, Nieme and Dani, for being yourselves."

Nieme snorted wryly at that. "You didn't seem so proud of us when you were chastising Dani and I for making love to Aurra. Why couldn't you be proud of us when we were at the Temple, just being ourselves?"

"I was proud of you for being who you are," Koran said. "However, who you are contradicts what it is to be a Jedi. A Jedi Knight requires discipline, and the two of you are far too wild for that lifestyle. While the Force is strong in each of you, the life of the Jedi is not the correct path for you."

"But we still have our powers," Nieme told him. "And we still use them. Does that not make us Jedi already?"

"No, it doesn't," Koran said with a gentle smile. "Think of it this way: you are both Force sensitive, but that doesn't necessarily mean you are members of the Jedi Order. It'd be like being pilots, but then belonging to an elite fighter squadron. You have the powers and skills a Jedi employs, but without the philosophy and organization of the Order, it's not the Jedi."

Next to Nieme, Dani nodded. "But, we can still use our powers?"

"As long as you use them to cause no harm, I don't see a problem."

"And--" Nieme sighed and looked down at her hand suddenly clasping Dani's. "My visions. What if they come back and I can't control them? Will you help me?"

"I will," Koran said. "If you still wish for me to teach you, I can; though it would be to help you learn about yourselves and what you can do. I would do so as a friend, not as your Jedi Master."

"We'll have to think about that," Nieme said quietly, regarding her reticent lover. "We have so much going on right now... There's hardly any time for ourselves, it seems."

"We have three jobs so far," Dani said. "One of them we haven't really taken yet because we're not sure about the guy who offered it to us. He seemed really creepy, and he kept getting upset because we weren't gushing and grateful that he sank down to our level to help the lowly 'Jedi' as a means of paying back some debt. He was really strange, and...and I got bad feelings off him. But the Palace is amazing, and we're both really happy working at the Lucky Cup."

"Happier than we were at the Temple," Nieme added.

"Then this is where you belong," Koran answered. "I won't ever try to bring you two back to the Temple or the Jedi, unless it's to help you cheer up Orn. And, I will come here to help you as often as you desire. You two are free, and I will stand in the way of anyone who dares to think otherwise."

Nieme let her guard drop for a moment and allowed Koran a small smile. "Thank you, Koran Darr. You were always good to us, no matter how things ended. We won't forget that."

"And, no matter what happens from here, I will admit that I don't think any other padawan I take on will truly be able to replace the two of you. Your zest for life and enthusiastic spirit are beautiful. I hope that, even though I'm no longer your Master that I can still be your friend and teacher."

"Well, now that you're no longer our master," Nieme said almost cheerfully, "can we tell you how sexy you are and how many times we've daydreamed about pouncing on you and tearing your clothes off?"

Koran chuckled. "I believe you have already mentioned it, though I don't believe I was intended to hear it."

Nieme giggled. "Well, now you have. And since we're not Jedi anymore, feel free to take us up on our offer any time."

"I may just do that," Koran said with a smile.

Dani giggled and stared wide-eyed at Koran. "You will?"

Koran only grinned.

Nieme exchanged a surprised, hopeful look with Dani, then leapt forward with a laugh and embraced Koran where he sat. "Thank you for coming, Koran Darr. We were so worried...that you hated us."

"I could never hate the two of you," he said, returning Nieme's embrace. "There is too much life in you to ever feel anything but admiration and hope for you, both of you."

Nieme kissed Koran's cheek in gratitude and pulled back slightly to give him another smile. "Maybe one day you can take us out for creamy ices again. Would that be okay?"

"I think that would be very nice," Koran said. "Though, we can take a speeder there this time."

"And...you can bring Orn along," she added. "He hates creamy ice, but I think the company will compensate for that."

"I'll do that," Koran said. "And, I think he'll appreciate it. I imagine if I were to return and tell him, he'd want to go now."

"If you don't find us here, search for us at our many places of employment." Nieme impetuously kissed Koran's lips, then sat back beside Dani. "Visit any time you wish, Koran Darr. You're always welcome."

Koran chuckled. "Thank you," he said. "And, I'll be back by soon. You two take care of yourselves, and if you run into any trouble or need anything at all from me, you still know the frequency of the Temple comm system, right? You can use a public comm terminal."

Nieme playfully rolled her eyes at Koran's fussing. "Yes, Master. We remember."

"I'll see you both soon," he said with a warm smile.

Nieme escorted Koran to the door and embraced him one last time before he departed. She turned back to Dani once he was gone and sighed. "You were very quiet. What's wrong?"

"Nothing wrong," Dani said with a smile. "Though, I was kind of hoping he would pounce us. Maybe next time we can convince him to."

Nieme nodded uncertainly and moved back towards her lover. "You sure? I mean...you don't regret leaving, do you? Is that it?"

"I don't regret it," Dani said with a smile. "I love it out here with you, and wouldn't trade this life for any other. But, there are times when I do miss the Temple and the people there. But, at least we can visit, and Koran can visit us. I think we will have to teach him the proper way to eat creamy ice."

"Oh, I think so too," Nieme purred as she dropped down onto the bed and crawled salaciously towards Dani. "Should we maybe get some practice in right now?"

"Oh, I think we should too," Dani said with a wide grin. "One time with you and me, then we head out and find someone to pretend to be Koran Darr. That way when we get him back in our bed, we're ready for him."

"But will he be ready for us?" Nieme chuckled throatily, then pounced on Dani with a gentle growl.

"If he's not," Dani added playfully, "we'll have to give him lots of practice so he is ready for us!" Clothing began flying away from both of them as their giggling increased with their passion.

They now had Koran's approval and assurances that they would not be forced back to the Temple, that they could live their lives how they chose, not how they were expected to live them. With that knowledge, Nieme felt truly liberated at last.

---

"Out Of Shadow, Into Light, Part 2"
Alisson Blair - Jedi Knight
Iyika - Assassin, Bounty Hunter, Intel Spy
and Quinlan Vos - Jedi Knight [NPC+]

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Eos 21/22, 4ABY

***

It didn't take them long to get to the meeting point. There were several people walking about in the area but Alisson didn't see the woman. She stopped the swoopbike and both her and Master Vos got off it, walking towards the entrance.

"I do not see the woman," Alisson said.

"In that case we wait..." Vos replied.

She hadn't been waiting long, standing at the far side of the street. She'd spotted them a mile off and wasn't happy. Of course they couldn't see her standing almost directly in front of him. She watched the newcomer. Her eyes watched his movements that were boasting confidence, which made her slightly uneasy. She had allowed the Jedi to come along knowing if need be she had a good chance of taking her out, but with two?

Iyika shimmered into view, timing just right as a large Tolian beast walked past with its three riders high on its back. Once the huge beast walked past she made her way over to the two Jedi who were now staring right at her.

"What is he doing here?!" she demanded, not even looking into his direction. "There was no mention of another Jedi coming along. I agreed to take you and you alone!"

Alisson raised an eyebrow as she watched the woman approach. "Take me? Take me where?" she asked, not letting her eyes off her just in case, even though she knew that Master Quinlan Vos was more than enough to handle this woman should the need to arise. Vos, however, stood quiet.

Iyika continued to stare at the human, looking briefly to the one standing silently at her side. "You think I'd bring you to the docks for a get to know you chat?" She looked around her and saw several passersby glancing in their direction before moving off. "Well if you're coming, follow me. My pass will only last five more minutes."

Iyika looked back at the male Jedi for a brief moment before heading off towards the space docks where her ship was docked. She never looked back at the Jedi as she made her way along the corridor made of what appeared to be sandstone. Standing in the circular landing pad was Nightfire. She looked like a night predator waiting for the fall of darkness to awaken, a silent killer of the shadow.

Lower the access ramp and keep an eye on our guests while they're aboard. Don't let them anywhere near any vital systems and lock down the computer system.

Already on it, boss, was the reply from Oz, one of the few times he spoke seriously in Iyika's memory. The ramp lowered and touched down on the landing platform. Iyika stepped up and boarded her ship, vanishing inside.

Alisson looked at Master Vos. In return he gave her a small nod. His hands were folded just below his chest disappearing beneath the cloak he wore. He did not trust this woman, but he had been in many situations before when he had been in the presence of those he did not trust, and sometimes had even found himself having to defend them. This was just one more time.

Alisson saw Iyika disappear inside the vessel and made her way up the ramp as well, followed by Master Vos, who walked at her side. Once she saw Iyika once more she nodded towards her. "Is there somewhere you want to take us, or are we here merely for privacy?" she asked.

"I've come by some information. The human I mentioned who killed himself, he had a data crystal showing his travel destinations for the last five days. One of the planets he visited isn't suppose to be inhabited. It's not a very interesting planet in an out of the way system with no value." She looked over her shoulder, briefly looking at Alisson before she entered the bridge.

The door slid to the side, revealing the large bridge with the single lonely chair standing in the middle. Everything okay with docking security?

Everything is fine, security have allowed us to depart and are waiting. I suggest we depart... As the A.I. said this the view screen directly in front of Iyika appeared, showing what was in front of the vessel as the bridge was almost in the heart of the ship with no windows around.

Go ahead...make the jump as soon as we've left orbit. Iyika looked back at the two Jedi standing on her bridge, looking around. A smile crept over her face.

"Comfortable...? Good..." she didn't wait for a reply, looking back at the view screen in front of her.

Quinlan raised a hand and frowned at the woman. "Wait a minute!" he ordered. "We have not agreed to go to anywhere with you, let alone a far remote system!" he said.

Alisson frowned as well and nodded after Quinlan Vos' words. "Indeed... And why should we trust you in the first place, if you were attempting to spy on us in the first place?" she asked. "Enough of this game! I forewarn you that you had better come straight with us..."

Sighing, Iyika shook her head, spinning the chair around to stare up at the two Jedi. "Jedi..." she cursed under her breath before answering Alisson. "You want to know everything? Very well... I was approached by a human male to locate an Intelligence Agent spying for the Republic. He vanished after uncovering something. I tracked him from Thanatos, eventually to a forest planet where a remote Rebel research facility was being attacked. When I arrived all the Imperial forces were annihilated, all traces gone apart from a damaged Imperial Walker and some blood that was left."

The Acaran leaned back on her chair, folding her arms, regarding the two Jedi before her, letting the information sink in. "There were no tracks or traces of anything that entered the jungle other than the Imperials. All signs pointed to them having a huge fire fight, shooting in all directions. I've been trying to piece together what could have happened, from a new alien species saying hello, to Jedi entering out of the shadows. But by the reception I got and the information I gathered I've ruled out any Jedi involvement...for now..."

Start up all flight systems.

"I haven't got time for your lack of trust. Personally I don't trust you half of how you trust me. Jedi are worse trouble than most scum I've dealt with in my line of work. If you don't want to come, get off my ship. You have five seconds before I'm leaving, with or without you. Choose."

Alisson got up. "I have no interest in a phantom hunt and from what you tell us it would seem that there is no reason why we ought to tag along with you in the first place!" she stated. "We're off..."

Quinlan also got up. "Alisson... I don't trust this woman any more than you do, but perhaps it is worth investigating. However, I want to stay. Tell the others I will be back shortly."

"Are you sure, Master Vos?" Alisson asked.

"I am." Quinlan nodded, only to see Alisson walk off the ship. He then sat and looked straight at Iyika, folding his arms. "Very well then, make way to this location you speak of!"

Iyika watched as Alisson vanished off the bridge. The Acaran turned her chair around and stared at the view screen in front of her, bringing up the landing platform below the ship. She watched as the Nightfire lifted up off the landing pad. The ship swerved, peeling off away from the docks, heading up out of the atmosphere.

As soon as the ship was out of the gravitational pull of the planet she instantly made the jump to light speed.

"We're on our way..." she whispered, not bothering to look at the Jedi. "For what it's worth..." she added to herself.

Quinlan sat back comfortably. "How long will it take to get us there? And what is the name of the system we're headed to?" he asked.

Iyika relaxed in the chair, looking at the view screen showing the blue tunnel the ship was travelling through while in hyperspace. She turned to the Jedi. "Always with the questions... The planet is relatively small, mainly covered by ocean with several small continents which most are just rocks. The planet is called Telroo. Don't be surprised if you haven't heard of it, it's not very important. Until now..."

She turned away, looking back at the view screen. "I just hope when the time comes for action you won't be too preoccupied with asking about their life history... This is why I hate working with Jedi..." She spoke just above a whisper, making sure Vos could hear her.

Vos smirked. "And yet, if you recall correctly, this was your idea and it was you who came to us," he said as a reply. "Alas, although I am sure they would have an interesting story, whoever they are, if they show themselves to be hostile they won't find that I grant time for much at all, let alone questions."

"Good to know..." she replied as the ship silently came out of light speed, instantly heading down into the atmosphere of the planet. She flew down to one of the main continents of the planet, landing in a crater. The landing struts folded out and locked into position, taking the weight off the ship as she landed. Once down both Iyika and Vos emerged from the ship, stepping onto the surface.

"Looks like this is it..." Iyika whispered. "I'm detecting a strange power source close by. You getting anything?" Her eyes looked to the Jedi.

Quinlan breathed deeply, his eyes closed. "Small life forms mostly," he said. "Doesn't seem too menacing... Perhaps we ought to check that structure you say?" he asked.

"Right..." she whispered. It didn't take them long to gain access into the building. It seemed quiet, almost too quiet and something was troubling Iyika. It was like she knew something was wrong but could not put words to it. The only way into the building without being seen was through the air vents.

There was just enough room to crawl and it was a long way to crawl before they finally made it inside. Iyika opened the hatch and dropped down, landing quietly in a long corridor.

"My back is killing..." she whispered, stretching. That was the moment she heard a brief noise. It wasn't Vos dropping down behind her, but rather came from a doorway several metres in front of her. An old man suddenly emerged into the corridor the instant Iyika was about to peek inside. The shock almost gave the old man a heart attack.

"My god!" he screamed, stumbling back. "Who are you!? How did you get in here!" he shouted almost like a hostage seeing his rescuers for the first time. Iyika looked around the room and instantly saw that it was a command centre with huge monitors in the walls. Her eyes came back to the old man wearing a lab coat.

"First things first. Who are you, old man?" she asked, opening her right hand, activating the device up her sleeve, sending the pistol flying out into her hand.

"I-I'm Doctor Hirato. I'm a scientist working here... Please we must escape! They've gotten loose!"

"The Imperials... Your experiment did that, killed an entire legion of troops...?" asked Iyika, her pistol lowering slightly, shocked it would be so easy.

"Yes!" he screamed, stepping towards Iyika who stepped back in response. "We found them on this planet five years ago! Highly advanced alien technology. We've never seen its like before! It was decided we needed to study it, but things went all wrong!" he cried out.

Alas, the scientist's explanation went all wrong when an explosion occurred. With it, several shards of metal and glass on a nearby console shot out. Vos and Iyika were out of its way, but the poor doctor was hit and the shards had struck him across the chest and neck, killing him almost instantly.

SECURITY BREACH IN SECTOR 5 - SPECIMEN SET LOOSE, informed the computer through the base communications.

"This is not a safe place and we should get out..." Vos commented, as the emergency lights were turned on. Several crashing things could be heard, and they were not too far from them.

"I'm glad you're here to say these things!" Iyika shot back. "Come on... Let's move," she said as she made her way back to the tube they had used to come in.

Vos grabbed Iyika's arm. "No, wait! We can't use the same path. These creatures, whatever they are, have very little presence in the Force, as if almost not human, but I can feel them at the end of the tunnel still... We must find another way out."

She nodded with a sigh. "Oz, is there another way out of this place?" she asked.

My systems indicate that if you take the door to your left you should be able to find a way out, if you can go straight. However, there is a room which is blocked to my sensors and I cannot warn you of any possible danger there... Oz replied.

"Better than nothing..." she sighed. "Come on!" she told Quinlan as she moved out.

They could hear the noises as they were moving and the doors behind opened. For a brief instant, Vos looked over his shoulder and saw three dark grey human figures that were half machine half human, and he was not sure what they were... The humanoids started to go after them, obviously craving their death, and they could run a lot faster than a human possibly could as well...

As they passed the door, Quinlan pressed the button to shut the doors and Iyika shot the panel to prevent them from opening it again. Turning around, they could see that they were inside a large room with a small straight path walking high above a lava pit. They were about to keep moving when one wall was blown up and a huge humanoid jumped onto the path, right between Vos and Iyika.

The creature was huge and seemed to have metal parts all over his body, which had huge proportions. It was obvious then that this was the product of some sick experiment. The creature turned its attention on the girl and moved towards her. Iyika shot at it several times in strong bursts, but all the shot seemed to do was to delay him for a short while. Even the flesh wounds could be seen healing almost instantly.

Vos ignited his lightsaber and moved towards the huge humanoid, but just before he was about to strike him down, the creature turned and grabbed his wrist in a most powerful lock, using the other arm to grab the Jedi Master in the throat, setting him high and out of the small path, having nothing but lava beneath.

Iyika thought of leaving the Jedi there for a split second and get out herself, but she didn't think the Jedi would be able to last in the current situation he was in, so she fired a couple shots at the beast.

The very fact that it attracted the humanoid's attention was more than enough to make Quinlan release his arm and slice his blade through the beast's arm, cutting through it easily. He then somersaulted to the creature's back and sliced once more through his back, cutting him in two.

The humanoid was dead, but the banging on the doors continued, so they decided to make their way out. Vos looked up and saw a window on the ceiling. "We can get out through there!" he told Iyika.

But there was another huge explosion beneath them. Iyika looked down at the pool just as something huge forced its way up. She couldn't see what it was for a moment as the orange liquid covered it, but when it drained off, her eyes grew wide with the horror she saw. A huge metallic beast, easily twice the size of the humanoid they'd just seen. It was in the shape of an insect, more like a wasp with a strange humming sound. Although it had no wings it could fly with incredible speed and agility, and then it attacked!

"Watch out!" she screamed, pushing the Jedi to the side as the machine crashed into the walkway they were standing on. Iyika fell to the ground just as one of the spike-like legs slashed above them, cutting a huge gash into the wall like it was nothing but tissue paper. She pulled her rifle and fired but the energy just bounced off the armour, exploding when it struck the ceiling.

"Oz!" she screamed, jumping back to the wall behind her, propelling herself to the side as the robot attacked her once more. She'd managed to dodge away from the attack but away from Vos. When she landed, a holographic image from Oz appeared in front of her, showing the robot's schematics.

Aim for the neck! Its the only weak point! the A.I. screamed inside her mind.

She fired three more shots at the robot, provoking it to attack. The robot charged at her but missed, slamming into the wall, crashing into the walkway, bending the metal. Iyika had jumped up and, twisting in the air, landed on the robot's back.

She hung on for dear life as the robot flew back, away from the wall, showing the pool in metal and stone fragments vanishing below. Her hands gripped the metal armour of the robot until her knuckles grew white. She looked down as electricity shot out along the surface of the robot, engulfing her. She could do nothing but scream out her hands. Clutching the armour even tighter in response to the electricity, the robot flew up at high speed, slamming into the stone ceiling.

Iyika vanished from sight as she was slammed into the rock. When the robot lowered back down, the Acaran was still clutching the robot, blood seeping from various cuts and gashes. Gritting her teeth she grabbed a grenade and jammed it in the joint at the neck.

The robot seemed to know what she was doing as it started moving up and around, trying to throw her off. Finally Iyika released her grip and she flew to the side, flying down towards the Jedi and walkway. She slammed into the walkway, managing to grab the metal railing but dropped the trigger for the grenade.

"The trigger! Use it..." She heard something behind her and saw the robot turning to look directly at her. What seemed like a dozen arms and legs folded out of her robot and it looked pissed. "Now!" she cried as the robot charged towards her.

Vos extended his hand and pulled the trigger into his hands. The robot had jumped towards them, but being faster than the machine, Quinlan used his other hand, closing his eyes to focus. The machine was suddenly forced back in a violent push, and Vos concentrated to keep it from touching the ground once more, holding it in mid air.

The machine twitched as it tried to break loose, but to no avail since nothing but the Force was holding it still. Vos slowly opened his eyes, feeling the machine and its weight. To him, size and weight were the same as any other object when using the Force. They were only different on the mind if one would let it.

He pressed the command button on the trigger and the robot exploded, leaving almost nothing but tiny fragments and a few sparks. Vos helped Iyika stand up and nodded to her. "Are you okay?" he asked. "We must get out before more surprises come... The window is still our best option, it would seem."

"Looks fine to me..." she whispered, looking down at the wreckage below. She looked up at the window and it looked small even from where they stood. Oz, is it safe to get out through the window?

I'm detecting multiple power signals, the same signature as your robot friend moving all over the complex. The window is clear but there's a long drop on the other side. There's a small walkway five metres below the window.

Looking to Vos she told him what Oz had heard about the multiple power signatures moving around the complex. "So we'd better get a move on if we're going to get out of here. You go up first, I'll follow."

"You able to jump that high?" Vos asked, glancing at the window which stood a good fifteen feet high. "I'm impressed..." he commented as he safeguarded his lightsaber.

"Yeah, just make sure you catch me when I jump up. Don't forget my ship's our own way off this rock, so no funny business!" she said, pointing at the Jedi.

"I will be sure to catch you." He nodded. He then looked up at the ceiling and impulsed himself upwards like a spear, passing through the window and safely down to the ground. He then waited for Iyika, who came shortly afterwards. Vos caught her, holding her like he did with the huge metallic creature, setting her down softly. He looked around. "We better move fast. Be wary of nearby creatures!"

"Don't have to tell me twice..." She contacted her A.I. and soon her ship came roaring over the hill in front of them, coming towards Iyika and Vos. "Get in, quickly!"

Iyika turned, looking around, bringing her rifle up just in case. The ship came down with the access ramp lowering but never landed, just hovering above the ground. She watched as Vos jumped up into the ship and quickly followed.

"Oz, take us out of here!" she shouted, running along the corridor, hearing the access ramp closing behind them. They both came through the door and onto the bridge and Iyika quickly took her captain seat. The display screen in front of her came to life and showed the surface of the planet growing more and more distant.

The Nightfire flied up, out of the atmosphere into the dark endless cold of space. A split second later there was a huge explosion on the surface. A blinding flash sent out from the explosion quickly vanished, but the shockwave flowing over the surface of the planet hit the ocean and created a tidal wave reaching hundreds of feet into the air.

"Warning, twelve unidentified craft coming up from the planet!" came Oz's voice over the ship's intercom.

"Show me!" she shouted and the display screen which showed the explosion. There in space, flying after them, were twelve ships. But what was incredible was the fact that they were made up of the insect robots. Each ship comprised of dozens of these robots all merging together. The surface of their armour appeared to have merged together making a single incredibly strong hull. "My god..." whispered Iyika.

That was the second the fire fight started. Multiple lasers flashed around the Nightfire, exploding when hitting the ship's shields. Iyika was doing her best manual flying, activating the controls on both sides of her seat but the robots were faster.

"This is insane!" she shouted, firing back on the robot ships. The laser pulse from the Nightfire flew towards the robot ship, but the ship split into a dozen smaller sections, jumping apart, allowing the laser to fly harmlessly past before the ship reassembled. "Shit..." Iyika whispered, growling at the sight.

Vos took the seat next to Iyika and looked at the screens. "They are as a hive. I have seen beings alike these a long time ago. They unite to form a larger body, so killing the body is almost impossible! But they do have one weakness which is the cerebrum or the leader of the body. Kill it and the others lose their control!" Vos told Iyika.

"They're too fast...unless..." She hesitated. It was a long shot and it was dangerous.

"No!" screamed the voice of Oz through the bridge and most of the ship without his meaning to. "Its too dangerous! You could be killed!"

"Do it, Oz, it's the only way! Activate the link, now while we're still breathing!"

There was a long sigh from the A.I. before he activated the direct link with the ship, much like the link between her and the spy droid, but this was with the entire ship.

Iyika sat up straight and tried her best to relax but the more she tried the less she could relax knowing what was coming. She could hear the noise coming out of the chair. An arm slowly came out the underside of the chair, stopping when it was just under a metre in length. Strange spikes grew out from the arm just before it came shooting up, hitting the back of the chair.

The spikes were directly in line with Iyika's spine and they pierced through the chair, imbedding themselves into her back. More spikes shot up through the chair, but they were unseen.

"Direct link active," said Oz with worry edged into his words.

There was a loud piercing scream as Iyika's whole body felt like it was on fire from the inside out, her blood felt like it was boiling. Thankfully it lasted only a nanosecond, but it felt almost like a life time.

"Link established, holographic imaging online!" The voice on the ship's intercom was now Iyika's. A holographic net was cast, engulfing the bridge. As the net fell down over them the stars of the outside filled the bridge. It was like they were outside the ship in space. Looking behind it was possible to see the robotic ships pursuing them.

Quinlan Vos was somewhat caught up by surprise and had not expected something so...weird looking. Still, he knew better than to comment and it seemed Iyika was doing her best, so he let her do so by not emitting a sound and focusing on their target.

Iyika was everywhere and nowhere at the same time. She was seeing through the ship's sensors and her thoughts were instantly put into reality. It was a whole new way of looking at life. But she knew her body couldn't last. The only way it worked was the information to be fed right into her nervous system. The repercussions were hazardous to say the least, and organ failure was common in the simulations done by the computers, but then this was the first live test.

The Nightfire swerved to the left as laser fire hurtled towards her. One of the lasers caught the underside of the Nightfire, scorching the hull after passing through the shields.

That part of the ship was organic and pain surged through Iyika's arm and shoulder, feeling as though she'd just been shot in the shoulder and then burnt down the arm, but the pain soon faded and she could move her arm again like nothing had happened. "Time to see how good these robots are..."

The Nightfire fired, heading towards ice rings within the system. It appeared to be an asteroid field made up of ice. Even from this distance it was easy to see the ice slamming into each other, smashing into thousands of shards. One of the smaller pieces was thrown out towards Iyika's ship. The Nightfire was like a small child compared to a mountain as the huge ice crystal flew past, spinning through space.

Vos closed his eyes and sighed. This would take the best of precisions and even still it was possible to be surprised by unexpected crashes of ice and shards that could fly most lethally. Sitting behind Iyika, he placed his hands on her temples and closed his eyes. He would use his concentration to focus on seeing the right path, by letting the Force guide him, and by letting Iyika see those images.

The sudden senses from Vos flooded her system. It was like seeing the ice crystal almost like double vision, but she was seeing the future. It was only brief but it was incredible. If she could have she would have smiled but that was for later.

She spun her ship up to the right, heading right for an ice crystal. Her laser cannons fired, hurling towards the crystal and passing right through it. The ice crystal seemed to be frozen in time, not knowing whether to remain intact or be overcome and smash. Finally it exploded and shards of ice shot out in all directions. Iyika needed all her skill and Vos' Jedi insight to dodge the shrapnel that came towards them, but the robotic ships were less fortunate.

Even as the first ship split into dozens of smaller ships, they could not avoid the shards of ice. They were only machines, and machines would never have instincts. They crashed into the ice and exploded on impact, and when the leader ship exploded the rest went with it. But not all were caught in the trap... Seven still remained and pursed the Nightfire.

"Welcome to death..." Iyika's voice whispered over the ship's intercom. The Nightfire peeled off to the left, heading to one of the large ice formations. A hole was in one of the sides of the ice as it came around into view.

Iyika flew her ship straight into the mouth of the hole, passing through into the network of tunnels. The three robotic ships flew after while the other two circled around, moving up to the exit from the tunnels. The Nightfire flew around sharp corners, swerved past icicles coming down from the ceiling of the tunnel and at other random angles.

As her ship flew past an icicle she fired her rear laser cannons. The laser, though at minimum power, was enough to cause the effect she was after. The icicle was sheered off from the ceiling and began to drop. Iyika had waited for an icicle right after a sharp bend... The first robot ship came hurling around the corner, flying too fast even for a computer, and it crashed into the icicle, exploding on impact. Three of the robot links were able to severe themselves but the lead ship was destroyed and they all exploded simultaneously.

Out of the raging fire, the two robot ships surged through not even concerned for their fallen comrades. They continued on regardless, like the killing machines they were.

The Nightfire came around a corner and into a long straight, ending at a junction with the tunnel splitting into two directions. Using her ship's sensors she plotted each course of the tunnels and chose the tunnel accordingly. The two robot ships came around the corner after Iyika had vanished down her tunnel. The two robot wraiths flew up to the fork and took the right tunnel, heading for the exit out of the ice crystal.

Two more robotic ships were waiting at the exit, all their weapons trained, searching for any sign of their elusive enemy. They didn't have to wait long. Lights shone on the wall of the tunnel, leading out of the ice crystal to the two waiting ships. The instant the first sign of a ship appeared, the two robotic ships opened fire. Torpedoes flew from launchers, lasers flashed from their cannons, all vanishing into the tunnel and slamming into the ship.

Fire exploded out from the tunnel, creating huge cracks in the ice, and ice flew out from the large crystal as it began to collapse from the inside out. As the ice crystal began to fall apart two burning lasers exploded out high above the only visible exit from the crystal. The Nightfire smashed her way through the ice shrapnel. She flew like an angel born again from the depths of the ice, a once fallen angel who had learned to kill.

Two torpedoes launched from the Nightfire, slamming into the two robotic ships, exploding on impact. The shockwave flowed through the ice field smashing it as it expanded like a bubble, ever growing in size. But the shockwave soon dissipated, leaving nothing but ice in its place.

The Nightfire flew out from the ice field and vanished in a flash of light as it entered lightspeed.

"The two ships are gone..." Her voice was becoming muffled before it was finally cut. The spikes withdrew from Iyika with the arm lowering down and sliding underneath, out of sight. With the spikes out of her body all the ship's sensors vanished. It was like looking into heaven and having the sight ripped from you. In a blink of an eye Iyika found herself looking at the holographic net encased around the bridge. The net was deactivated and the walls of the bridge came into focus.

"Alive..." she whispered before her head fell to the side, blood seeping from her eyes and nose lost in the blackness of unconsciousness.

Quinlan quickly had her sit upright and picked her up from her seat, taking her into his arms. He knew the ship had some sort of navigational computer, so it was his best shot. "Oz, I need you to take over the ship while I see to her!" he told the computer. "Find us a safe haven..." he said as he placed her down on the ship's floor with care.

"Already done! We'll be arriving there shortly and I'll put us behind the seventh moon of a gas giant. No one will be able to pick us open even if they were right on top of us." There was a short pause as the ship came out of hyperspace. The Nightfire flew towards the gas giant. The display screen showed the spinning ball of gas but the ship turned away, heading towards a moon with more craters over its surface than one could shake a stick at.

"Take her to the medical bay. Follow the lights on the floor." A line of yellow light came up on the ground, running towards the door of the bridge. The door opened, sliding to the side before the Jedi had even picked Iyika up off the floor.

Quinlan picked Iyika's unconscious body from the floor gently and followed the yellow lights in the floor to the medical bay. On his way he made sure that she moved as little as possible, just in case...

Iyika's breathing was very shallow but it was stable. She was gently placed on the bed within the medical bay, which, like parts of the ship, seemed to have been grown rather than made. The bed merged with both the wall and floor, giving it the appearance that it grew out from the floor, and, since there was plenty of room for more beds, this further proved the point.

"Medical sensors scanning..." the A.I. spoke, as a green scanner came up over Iyika and started to scan her. A 3D holographic projection came up above her. At the start, it showed only her skeleton then added muscles, veins and arteries, internal organs came next... It could have continued on but Oz stopped it.

The image zoomed in on Iyika's back, turning the hologram around so Quinlan could see as well. Skin appeared on the hologram of Iyika's back and the holes made by the spikes could be seen running down her spine. The skin was removed and only the spinal column was shown.

"Signs of damage to nervous system but minimal, injuries to liver, brain and left heart."

Two tubes grew out from the bed and fed themselves into Iyika's neck, puncturing the skin like it wasn't even there. They stopped and a liquid was slowly pumped into her system.

"Bio agent injected."

The hologram showed the bio agent as a green liquid which slowly moved through her entire system. Once it got into her blood stream it was all around her body within seconds. It acted the same as a bacta tank or patch for healing wounds, only this was applied directly and in a much higher concentration, adding to its speed of healing.

Quinlan could see the liquid in the screen. Chemical agents were a wonder, and bacta was indeed one of the most precious things in the galaxy. It was good that the ship was supplied with it. Still, Quinlan wasn't so sure it would cure the damages she seemed to have sustained. He opened her shirt with care and placed his hands on her body very gently, while he closed his eyes and breathed deep.

"Don't worry... I know what I'm doing," he told Oz in a whisper as he felt her breathing as well as her heart pumping. Soon he could feel the life within her and the bloodstream linked with her organs. In everything there was midichlorine, attached to life itself. It was through it that Quinlan Vos used his skills to help perform Force Heal on Iyika's body.

It took a couple of hours but finally Iyika opened her eyes once more. Quinlan smiled and bowed his head ever so slightly. "Welcome back..."

She felt strange. She'd used the healing agent Oz had injected into her before and never in her life left this way. "Thanks..." she said below a whisper, forcing it out with a strain. "What did you do? It feels like I was jump started or something..." Her vision wasn't what it normally was, not crystal clear. Parts of the medical bay seemed out of focus, almost like looking through a swirling liquid. But the more she focused the more clear everything seemed to get.

"Nothing much. I took you to medical bay after you fainted and Oz pretty much took care of things. I just gave a hand..." he said simply. "You should rest. Oz can plot us a course back to Tae'Karada, can't you Oz?" he asked.

"You're smarter than you look, course plotted. We'll be there in little over three hours."

"Good..." she whispered, letting out a long breath as she looked over at the Jedi. "Thanks for saving my ass. Now we know what happened, what are your plans?"

Quinlan raised his eyebrows and sighed. "I'm not sure what ought to be done. Obviously this is a dangerous species, but they seem to seek mostly to protect what they consider their own hive, and not expand their territory. Or at least that is their plan, for now..." he stated. "We shall see. Don't worry, we'll think of something. Now, you must rest."

Her eyes closed and she soon fell into a deep restless sleep, when her eyes finally opened she could hear Oz telling her something.

"We've arrived back at Tae'Karada, we have clearance for landing. We'll be on the surface in under five minutes." Iyika didn't respond, knowing Oz had everything under control. Her eyes closed once more and she drifted off to sleep.

Once the ship had landed Vos woke Iyika gently. "You rest yourself, and I'll come see you tomorrow," he told her just before he walked away, saying goodbye to Oz in his way out.

---

"Defeat of Victory"
By Garnet Seifer
Gengis Zibel [NPC+]
Introducing Shaza Nightshade - Bounty Hunter
And other minor NPCS

Location: Spira System; Midgar, Capital of Gallor; Arcadia
Date: Eos 21, 4 ABY

***

Garnet entered the Imperial Lambda-Class shuttle that was on the hangar of the Hapes Super Nova-class Battle Cruiser Necron. The Imperial shuttle blasted out of the hangar and made its way to Gallor's capital, Midgar. The shuttle arrived at the spaceport of Midgar and there Emperor Yu and his ten Knights, the elite force of the Emperor, expected her right on the landing platform.

"Queen Garnet, it is a pleasure that you arrive well," Emperor Yu told her as she walked down the ramp of the Imperial Lambda Class Shuttle.

"The pleasure is all mine, Emperor." Garnet bowed. "It is I who am honored to be here for this purpose."

"Everything has been taken care of, Queen Seifer," said one of the knights, which accompanied her while she walked. "The people are very pleased that you are the new ruler."

"As am I..." Garnet nodded as she entered a small craft that was going to take her to the main plaza in the center of the city.

Garnet saw the city and felt that it had changed over the years. On the way over, people shouted in clear happiness when they saw her going to the main plaza where the Palace was, and where she was going to receive the title of ruler of Gallor. She didn't quite understand why they were happy for her becoming the new emperor though...

They arrived on the main plaza where a gorgeous and enormous palace was built. When she walked out of the vehicle thousands and thousands screamed in happiness saying "Long live Queen Garnet Seifer!" She waved her hand to the people and the people screamed even louder than before. Garnet walked to the stairs that led to the main entrance of the palace.

The ceremony of the crowning took two hours. Once over she entered a vehicle as to be transported so that the people could see their new ruler. She waved all the time smiling to her subjects, and the people waved back at her.

After the parade and the party that followed she was escorted to her new personal chamber in the palace. She was extremely tired and the day was not over yet. The console in the room beeped. As Garnet pressed a button, one of the knights was on the screen.

"Sorry to disturb you, your Highness, but there is a Dr. Ignisiuse too see you?" the knight asked.

"Show him in and take him to the throne room. I'll be there in a few moments, Sir Adelbert," she replied. Garnet walked out of the room and made her way to the throne room. As she entered, the doctor turned to face her.

"Dr. Ignisiuse, did you like the new home to fabricate the swords?" Garnet smiled.

"Yes, a lot better then working on that dump that I was on..." he grinned.

"Are those my swords?" she asked as she pointed at a paper wrapping he had.

"Yes, they are"

***

Her dark hair was pulled back into a braid, giving her a harder, serious look. Her hazel eyes scanned the readings coming in from all systems. "We've got a craft coming in. Can you get a profile, Zee?"

Z9-T3 ran a quick check. "It appears to be a pair of E-Wings, Shaza."

Shaza Nightshade nodded. "I imagine we should say hello then," she said. "Open the comm and let's see if they're friendly."

"Channel now open."

"Approaching E-Wing fighters, this is the Shadow Stalker. I am in system on request of Garnet Seifer. I believe I am expected."

"Shadow Stalker we have been expecting you. You may proceed. Prepare your codes, because you will need them for further clearance once you enter in Gallor's space." A voice came through the comm of the Shadow Stalker.

"Codes are prepared," Shaza answered. She glanced to Zee and gave her a nod. The two fighters took up escort positions and the Stalker was diverted onto the course they provided. "So, anything exciting happening out here in Spira?"

"Queen Garnet Seifer has just taken control of this system, the previous Emperor named her as the new leader of the Spira System," one of the pilot's said.

"There are also many rumors that one of the groups of the Empire remnants are planning to take control of this system," the other pilot said.

Shaza raised an eyebrow and glanced at Zee; the droid gave a mechanical shrug. "So this emperor just gave up his system and handed it over to Seifer? Interesting to be sure." She muted the mic and glanced to the droid. "How does one go from an emperor to a queen?"

"I was wondering that myself," Zee answered. "Perhaps this is a term that Garnet Seifer has claimed for herself, rather than accepting the standard title of empress that would come with the role she now fills within this system."

Shaza reactivated the pickups for the comm. "Have you seen much Imperial activity out here? I know they've been quite busy with things in Tae'Remok. How about out here?"

"The military trade route to Tae'Remok system came through this system. Since Queen Garnet Seifer took control of this system we cut off the trade route. But it has been diverted. Now it passes to the Regnarok system," the pilot said.

"It is a risky route, since the Regnarok system is formed by a small and yet powerful black hole, called the Regnarok black hole. The only safe route that connects Kamdon system to Tae'Remok system is through here," the other pilot said.

Shaza glanced at Zee, who only offered a mechanical shrug. "Well, Escort, I'm ready to land and do business. I'm following you in."

The E-wings made their way to Gallor, as the Shadow Stalker followed the E-Wings. As they approached Gallor another planet started to appear behind Gallor. It was a red like planet with some mixtures with blue, also they where able to see some sort of space stations around that reddish planet.

"This is the Necron. Transmit your codes and your business." The voice came through the comm.

Leaving the other ships behind, Shaza made her way toward Gallor. They didn't stop to see the sights, and headed straight toward the palace. It seemed as if the way had been cleared for them, and before she knew it, she was setting down on the landing pad reserved for those at the palace.

Once they were settled in, she unstrapped and started back toward the hatch. "Keep an eye on things here," she told Zee, and then started down the descending ramp. At the base of the ramp was a small group that had been sent to meet her. "I'm here to see Garnet Seifer. I'm Shaza Nightshade."

"I'm Sir Adelbert one of the Knights of Gallor and one of the personal guards of her Highness Garnet Seifer," he said. "This way!"

They walked through the corridors as they reach the Throne Room. "Wait here. I'm going to announce you."

Sir Adelbert entered the throne room and approached Garnet. "There is a Shaza Nightshade here to see you, Your Highness." He bowed.

"Show her in!" Garnet ordered.

Sir Adelbert walked back out and looked to Shaza. "You may enter."

Shaza gave him a nod, and then strode forward through the large, ornately decorated doors. She felt sorry for Adelbert, a knight on the planet, though demoted to the tasks of butlery.

At the end of the long walk was the woman she suspected was Garnet Seifer. As she drew close enough, she was certain that the woman seated on the throne was the woman she was here to meet. She stopped just before the throne. "I'm Shaza; you wanted to see me."

"Yes. I want you to capture a person for me. It is not very hard to catch her. You will earn five thousand republic credits." Garnet grinned as she looked to Shaza.

Shaza nodded. "Who's this person you want me to grab and what sort of resistance can I expect? Actually, why don't you just start to the top and give me all the information I'll need to know."

"Her name is Tralesha Zibel. She is a smuggler. The information that we where able to gather is that she joined the Red Dragon Society. The group is formed by four people: Ronan Dayre, Gort Donovan, Raxis L'Ygr, which is the leader of the group, and finally and last Tralesha Zibel," Garnet said as she delivered a datapad with all info about the four people.

"Your objective is to get is to get Tralesha Zibel and you will receive five thousand republic credits upon delivery. There is extra money if you bring the other three," Garnet said. "Their last known location was New Plouton in Tae'Karada."

Shaza studied the information in the datapad, going over what information was available on Tralesha Zibel and the other Red Dragons. She watched Seifer for a moment and then nodded. "Ten thousand. Five now, five when I deliver Zibel to you."

Garnet looked to Shaza. "Two now, eight when you deliver Tralesha Zibel. Also five hundred for each of the other three," Garnet replied. "And this is not negotiable. Look on the bright side, if you bring me the four you will receive eleven thousand and five hundred republic credits."

Shaza raised an eyebrow. "Non-negotiable?" She hated negotiating, but not as much as she hated people who tried to jack her during negotiations. Bright side? she thought. Stop trying to sound like you're doing me a favour and just do the deal, Queenie. "Four now, six later; or this trip has been a waste of time."

"Very well, but you will receive only nine hundred for the other three," Garnet stated. "Do we have a deal?" Garnet knew that she was extremely good. Shaza's reputation exceeded her more than she could ever imagine.

"The original five hundred for each of the other three, and it's a deal."

"It seems that you are very tough to discuss business with. But very well. It's a deal. But might I remind you that the rest of the money including of the other three depends if you bring me Tralesha Zibel," Garnet said with a raised eyebrow. "I'm most certain that you will bring her to me," Garnet said as she delivered the credits to Shaza.

Shaza checked her personal comp and verified the funds. She then sent a quick signal to Zee to have her re-route the funds to a different account. "I will bring her to you," Shaza said. She tapped the now-empty credit chip. "If not, you'll get this back. Now, if there's nothing else, I'll get to work."

Garnet saw Shaza walking way and exiting the throne room. Garnet sat there thinking that it was strange why a father could put his daughter's head for prize. The strangest part was why Gengis Zibel wanted this to be a big secret.

Garnet's thoughts where interrupted when her console started beeping. She turned it on and it was Admiral Zibel.

"My Queen news from Kamdon system. It seems that we lost the battle," Gengis said through the console.

"What?" Garnet asked.

"They were waiting for us. The decoy failed. Our entire fleet was destroyed, and only few returned," Gengis said.

"I see. I never thought that this could happen..." Garnet said.

"Neither did I, my Queen." Gengis paused. "But there is also good news. We were able to destroy Tarkin's mining facility in Tallus. The info that we were able to collect suggests that everything on the mining facility was destroyed."

"A defeat of victory!" Garnet said.

"Pardon, my Queen?" Gengis asked.

"It means that we lost the battle, but we were able to destroy the one thing most precious to Tarkin. Garnet out!" Piece by piece, Garnet was destroying the plans of Grand Admiral Tarkin, and she knew it.

---

"Anti-Terrorism"
by Zale Tregat
and Moril Astren [NPC+]

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Eos 21, 4ABY

***

Being a rich entrepreneur meant not having to show up in the office every day. Weeks or month away weren't much of a problem. However, days did exist when, no matter how rich or entrepreneurial a businessman was, showing up became absolute necessity. For Zale Tregat, today was one of those days.

He'd been going through the reports that had been filed while he'd been away. After finishing the necessary signing and sending on his holdings in the Core, he'd turned his attention back to local enterprises. Antorial was still strong, exceptionally strong actually. So far, his activities had been ignored by the occupying Imperial forces.

The first signs of alarm came when he reached the former Karradas holdings. The spaceport was being used by the Imperial occupying force. There was no way, without waging an open war against the Empire, that Zale could have avoided it. He'd made his defiance in many subtle ways, but nothing overt and aggressive. He wasn't in any position to go against Tarkin's people while they still occupied some of his property.

However, someone had.

Zale Tregat had re-read the report five times before his anger finally heated to the point of boiling durasteel. Some slank had bombed one of the Imperial ships as it was blasting away from his spaceport, and then proceeded to blast the fire suppression team in the same manner.

Not only had the fire spread to the rest of the spaceport -- the only port on the planet where ships could safely land, other than the now-Imperial occupied Thanatos port -- but had destroyed several of the ships and most of the north duracrete wall housing the spaceport.

As Zale stormed through the hallway toward his private office, his employees shrank in fear of the rage that glowed in his eyes. They all knew something big was going on because he was wearing a heavy blaster on his hip and carried his collapsible pike in his hand. He's style of clothing had changed as well. The lastro-silk weave was designed to minimize trauma against both energy and blunt weapons.

"In my office," he growled to Moril as he passed, synth-leather trench billowing behind him. "It's time to go headhunting."

Moril had looked startled for a moment, but Zale didn't bother to take the time to read his assistant's expression.

A moment later, the doors to his office were closed, and Moril was perched on one of the chairs opposite his desk. Zale had tried sitting, but lasted six seconds before he was pacing again, unable to contain himself.

"What's the damage estimate?" he asked Moril.

Moril Astren's capacity for numbers and doing quick math in his head was astounding. He'd often been accused of having had a computer installed for just that purpose, usually by Zale himself. "Current totals exceed three million without counting the starships damaged in the attack. There are forty-one dead, including those that were on the transport and the fire teams, and there are another twenty-six still hospitalized."

"Why didn't you say something to me?"

"Look in the mirror, Zale," Moril answered. "Remember where you were and who you were with and what you were doing there. Now, ask me that question again."

"Fine," Zale snapped. "Any suspects?"

"None, though witnesses, those who weren't killed by the ship falling on top of them, indicated that they saw a droid following the troops up into the transport. Courier droid in both cases. We've had forensics teams going over the site, and their report is due later tonight. They should be able to provide us with some serial numbers, from there we can trace back to whoever sent them."

"You think the droids set it off?"

"Droid zips up into the transport before it goes. Droid parts are found in the barracks of the fire suppression team. Too much to be a coincidence."

"So we trace this back. I want who did this, Moril. I want his head stuffed and mounted over my desk." He grumbled for a moment, seething angrily. "How much damage to civilian ships?"

"Fifty mil total," Moril answered. "Fortunately Lerrah's ship was off-planet at the time or else it would have come right down on top. Shiv's and your ships were on the other side of the port. The ships involved are in the report in section twenty-four."

Another growl escaped Zale and he turned back to Moril. "I'm putting a price on this guy's head. I want him hunted down and brought in like an animal."

"I wouldn't recommend that," Moril advised. "Go for the best we can get our hands on in the area, and send them on the trail."

"Who's in the area?"

Moril smiled. "I thought you might ask that, so I've compiled a list." He slid a datapad onto the edge of Zale's desk.

Zale picked up the device and scanned the list. "Daemor'rah's missing in action. No one knows where Rilanna Kir is and she appears to have gone legit. Fett's dead. Al'Trek is on Tatooine recovering from wounds he received while tracking a Wookiee. I won't deal with Bossk and his kind; there won't be enough of our guy left to make it worth the money. Which leaves us with...Shaza Nightshade."

"Leaves with? Zale, you have a gift for understatement. While she may not be on top of the list, she's still one o