"Two Girls, A Hydrospanner, And A Really Good Time"
By: Yelara Neerou - Shipyard Mechanic
Jae Dyn Brael - Jedi Knight

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Eos 22, 3 ABY

***

Yelara walked away from Jae Dyn's quarters. Jae Dyn was already gone when Yelara had awakened, so she saw herself out. It was the best night's sleep she had had since she arrived on the shipyards and would have to thank Jae Dyn again next time she saw her.

Yelara hadn't bothered going to her room to change into her working gear; there was no point in doing so. She never did get a chance to work on ships because she was so busy entering information that by the time she finished, her shift was over.

Yelara walked in to relieve the previous shift's foreman and instantly got to work. The workers still leered at her and joked about her when she had her back turned, but she just tuned it out and carried on. She walked around, checking out each ship and punching information into her commpad. The monotony of her job was beginning to become unbearable. She had come to the shipyards to work on ships, live out her dreams, but ended up watching and envying the workers who were doing just that.

Yelara sighed and walked over to Jae Dyn's ship. It was still docked and hadn't been touched by anyone. She wondered why no one had been working on it, and walked around to examine it herself. She ran her hands along its surface, admiring it. She needed some pleasure in her day and if this was the closest she was going to get to a ship, then she'd savour it.

Jae Dyn's morning workout had been great. A solid physical workout mixed with a rigorous series of exercises with the remotes. When she arrived at the flight deck to work on her fighter, she was feeling wide awake and alert. After Yelara's story of her day on the flight deck, Jae Dyn was more wary of the others on the deck.

She'd climbed atop Tal Dan, the name she'd finally decided on for the fighter, and got to work replacing one of the repulsor drivers. A presence below the small ship pulled at her senses and she glanced over the side. She smiled when she saw it was Yelara down below.

"She's beautiful, isn't she?"

Yelara looked up, a little startled. "Yes, she is. Sorry, I didn't mean to touch her. I've just been aching to get my hands dirty."

Jae Dyn grinned. "Touch all you want," she said. "If you want to get your hands dirty, and you have the time, come on up. I need to replace the whole lift assembly, and I don't think I can do it myself."

Yelara smiled from ear to ear. "You know, I think I do have some time." She put her commpad into her belt clip and hopped onto the ladder extending from the ship. "Give me a hand, will you?" she said as she reached her hand out to Jae Dyn.

Jae Dyn held out her hand to help Yelara up behind the cockpit. "It's fairly standard construction," she said. "A little older than most of the ships in here, but still a marvelous piece of work." She looked at Yelara's face and frowned at the lip that was still damaged. She lowered her voice. "When we get out of here today, I'd like to take care of that. If I hadn't been so exhausted last night, I would have done it then."

Yelara had been smiling, but frowned slightly when Jae Dyn mentioned her lip. "It doesn't hurt much anymore. Don't put yourself out, and don't worry about me. There'll be many more where that came from if I don't compromise with Dargus." Yelara looked around and admired the workmanship on the vessel. "So, have you done any special modifications?" Yelara asked, trying to change the subject.

Jae Dyn shook her head. "No," she said. "I haven't really had the time or the resources." She watched Yelara another moment before moving back to the engine housing. "It makes you look tough."

Yelara smiled and ran a finger over the wound on her bottom lip. "Yeah...I guess it makes me feel tough."

Jae Dyn smiled for a moment, then asked, "So, how long have you worked on ships?"

"Well, I've been working on ships only for about four years, but I've been working on ship parts since I was a teenager. You know, modifying weapons, working on old hyperdrive engines, adding my own little touches here and there. So, should we get started?" Yelara asked, anxious to begin.

"Sure," Jae Dyn said, forcing herself to look down at the open engine compartment. She started explaining what it was she was trying to do with the engine and how it had been running rough lately. She figured Yelara had more actual time under the hood, and deferred to her judgement when she had a better idea on the modifications she was planning.

Once they had the casing clear, they would be free to work on it outside of the cramped compartment it lived in. Jae Dyn started in on one side with a spanner, letting Yelara take the other side.

Yelara moved in and began examining the engine. She laughed and looked at Jae Dyn. "I'm afraid your engine's almost on its last legs, but I'll see what I can do with it." Yelara began tinkering about with the engine, finally getting her hands dirty. "I wanted to thank you again for last night. I've never slept better."

Jae Dyn smiled. "Anytime you want to stay over," she said, "you're more than welcome. The company is nice." She looked over the engine and frowned. "I had a feeling it was close to shot. Well, as much as we can save is good. I don't have the resources to buy another ship, so I need to keep this one going. And, I don't feel up to getting myself indebted to Dargus Kandran for that kind of money."

"Maybe I'll take you up on that offer. Can you hand me that spanner?" Yelara asked as she reached her hand out, not taking her eyes off the engine.

Jae Dyn murmured a response and handed the spanner over without shifting her attention from the engine. She felt the spanner hit Yelara's hand just as Yelara's hand closed around her own. She looked up and realized neither of them had been looking. She quickly shifted so that the spanner was more firmly in Yelara's hand. She raised his eyes until they met her friend's. She quickly looked away, unable to stifle the giggle that seemed to come out of nowhere.

Yelara looked at Jae Dyn and laughed. "I guess that shall be our curse. We're too busy looking at the world around us to notice what's standing right in front of us. I do that so often that sometimes I don't even see a good thing when it's coming." Yelara sighed and looked down. "I'll never be able to leave this place alive," she said quietly.

"Sure you will," Jae Dyn said, her voice almost inaudible. She looked back and watched Yelara for a long moment. The moment seemed to multiply, but Jae Dyn couldn't concentrate on the engine. She took a deep breath and forced her eyes to go somewhere else. She started in on one of the repulsor feeds. Keep focused, she told herself.

Yelara looked at Jae Dyn curiously. "Why do you look at me like that? Is my lip that bad?" she asked, giving a laugh.

She shook her head. "No, not at all," Jae Dyn said. "Your lip is fine. I guess the idea of having a friend after so long is still new to me. Someone I can talk to and not feel wary of."

Yelara smiled and placed her hand on Jae Dyn's forearm. "You're my first friend ever. And frankly, I couldn't have chosen a better one."

Jae Dyn smiled. Her eyes flitted to Yelara's hand and then back up to her eyes. "I agree," she said. "Have you ever...ever been to the core worlds? I grew up near Malastare. I haven't been back since I was ten. I've spent the last five years hiding out here along the rim. It's so nice to finally find someone to spend time with."

"Well, I'm from Corellia. I lived there until I was about 18, then I struck out on my own. In all that time, I haven't met one person I can relate as well as I can with you." Yelara smiled for a brief moment, removed her hand and continued working on the engine. She began struggling, trying to adjust something, but it was jammed. "You certainly did a number on her," she said in a strained voice. Yelara continued to struggle until the piece finally gave and she stumbled backwards into Jae Dyn.

If it hadn't been for Jedi reflexes, both women would most likely have toppled off the top of the fighter. But, Jae Dyn brought up her hands in time to catch Yelara and steady them both. One hand was against Yelara's back and the other around her waist. She felt a moment of panic but it quickly subsided. "You okay?" she asked, her hands still supporting her friend.

Yelara smiled. "I'm fine. I'm sorry. Even the engine seems to be against me." Yelara's heart leapt slightly. The feel of Jae Dyn's arms around her felt almost...good. She felt safe and comforted as she never had been before. She cleared her throat and moved away from Jae Dyn. "I'm almost done the adjustments," Yelara said awkwardly.

Jae Dyn only nodded, not trusting her voice. Not trusting herself to say something she shouldn't. She took a few quick breaths before moving over to where she'd been working and quickly locked down the plate she'd removed. She tried to keep her breathing steady and her thoughts focused, but it was becoming increasingly difficult. She glanced up at Yelara and smiled.

"Hey! You wanna...I dunno...do something tonight, after my shift's over?" Yelara asked.

Jae Dyn's smile got bigger. "Sure," she said. "I'd like that. Have anything in mind, or you just want to make it up as we go along?"

"I think spontaneous is better, don't you?" Yelara looked at Jae Dyn and winked. She turned back to the engine and did some final adjustments. "Well, it's looking better but...I'm afraid it'll never make point 5 again."

Jae Dyn laughed. "I'll remember that," she said. "And, maybe start used starship shopping. And, yes, spontaneous is better. Though, I think after this at least one drink."

Yelara laughed. "Look, you can take all the parts you need. I'll just write them off when I do the inventory. It'll be our little secret."

Jae Dyn joined in the laughter. "I'll do that," she said. "So, should I meet you here when you're done?"

"Well, if you don't mind what I'm wearing now, then sure! If you want, you can hang out here all day... No, that's stupid. It's just that I'm enjoying your company too much."

"I don't have anything else I need to be doing," Jae Dyn said. "I'd like to stay here for awhile longer. If nothing else, give all the creeps around the deck someone else to glare at. And, what you're wearing now is perfect."

"Oh, so you've noticed that too," Yelara said, her smiled fading. "I haven't been spit on yet, but I know they've been thinking about it." Yelara began finishing up on the engine, her movements becoming more agressive as she tried to bottle up her rage. She hated that the workers didn't respect her. She wanted to be 'one of the guys', fixing ships, having a laugh, but she would never have that as long as they thought of her as the shipyard slut. "You like what I'm wearing? Yeah, it's new. Something...happened to my other work outfit. Let's just say, it's beyond mending."

"Somehow I have a feeling that something was Dargus Kandran," Jae Dyn said. "And, I like what you're wearing. Leather suits you." She smiled and felt her face going red. She glanced down at her own clothes. "Though, maybe I'm saying that because we have similar tastes in clothing. But, you do look good."

Yelara blushed herself. She'd never had nice compliments before, always degrading comments and mostly from men. "Thanks. I'm getting so hot all of a sudden," Yelara said as she wiped her brow. "Well, I'm done here. I'll see what parts I can scrounge up for you, but frankly, I don't know if that will help. Um...I can lend you some cash if you need it? Just so you won't have to go to Dargus."

"That would be...I don't know." Jae Dyn watched Yelara and smiled. "That would be very nice. As long as it's no trouble. And, only if we go in as partners. I'll probably need you to help me keep her together." She looked around. "It is suddenly warm up here, isn't it?"

Yelara laughed jubilantly. "Partners?" she leaned in close to Jae Dyn's ear and whispered, "Just between you and me...I can't stand flying!" Yelara held out her hand to Jae Dyn. "But, partners it is. I'll hand over the creds to you tonight when we go out."

"Deal," Jae Dyn said, shaking Yelara's hand.

Yelara pulled her hand away and put her tools down. "Well, I guess I'd better be getting back to 'work'."

Jae Dyn grinned. "If there's anything I can do to help you out around here, let me know," she said. "I could use a little decent work."

"I could use another woman around here. Someone who can look at me without sneering." Yelara walked away from the engine compartment and towards the ladder.

She looked back at Jae Dyn and smiled. "Maybe some time I can show you some specs I've drawn up. Just some technology I've been working on that maybe you can give me a hand with." Yelara laughed uncomfortably. "Ok, I'm just trying to find some excuse to hang out with you."

Jae Dyn smiled. "You don't need excuses," she said. "Friends don't need excuses. But, if you want me to look over your designs, I'd love to."

Yelara just kept smiling. "Yeah, I'd love that. I need some outside criticism. My conscience doesn't seem to be working properly lately." Yelara stepped down onto the ladder, still looking at Jae Dyn and almost losing her footing. "Well, I'd better get down before I kill myself. I'll stop by the...ship, when my shift's over," Yelara said before she started stepping down.

She finally reached the ground and looked up at Jae Dyn. "Thanks for letting me work on her. She really is a beauty."

"Yeah, she is," Jae Dyn said without taking her eyes from Yelara. She caught herself and looked away. She moved to the edge of the ship and hopped down, deciding not to do anything fancy. "Thanks for helping me with her. Is there anything you'd like me to do?"

Yelara looked around and then back at Jae Dyn. "Well, you can start by teaching those men over there how to install a repulsorlift. They are just as incompetent as they look sometimes." Yelara looked at Jae Dyn and squinted. "You've got some...thing on your cheek." Yelara raised her hand to Jae Dyn's cheek and gently wiped away a smear of grease.

Jae Dyn's breath caught as Yelara's hand touched her cheek. "Thank you," she said softly. She felt light-headed with her friend so close, but strangely didn't want her to move away. "I'll go talk to them."

"Don't let them push you around, as I know you won't. Just come to me if you have any trouble." Yelara wiped own greasy hands onto her vest. She smiled at Jae Dyn and took out her commpadd. "Well, have a good day, Jae Dyn." Yelara turned and began to walk away.

"You too," Jae Dyn said. "And, I'll see you later, Yelara. If you need anything else, or anything, I'll be out here."

Yelara turned back and waved at Jae Dyn. She had never felt as close to anyone as she felt with her. She was glad she had met her. Jae Dyn was someone who could sympathize with what she was feeling and going through with Dargus. It's just what she needed. She was beginning to realize that if she hadn't met Jae Dyn, she would have been completely miserable now.

Jae Dyn watched Yelara disappear back toward the flight deck office. She smiled. How long had she been alone and wishing for someone to confide in? And, she couldn't imagine a more perfect friend than Yelara. She struck out across the flight deck toward the men Yelara had indicated. She glanced back at the office and smiled. Maybe the darkness of this place wasn't so dark after all.

---

"Pulling Arms"
By: Gor'garr and Mer'rrar [NPCs] - Kandran's Bodyguards
Gin Toran [NPC]
Assorted NPCs of the flight deck

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Eos 22, 3 ABY

***

The two wookiees entered the shipyard and all around them people shied away. They knew what it meant when Dargus Kandran's henchmen showed up together. Together, they entered the repair deck. It was obvious to the workers though they were headed for Yelara, to spirit her off for another sexual adventure with Dargus Kandran, the sex machine. But, they didn't even slow when they reached her. It soon became quite obvious they were headed toward Gin Toran.

Mer'rrar spoke in Shyriiwook, but the translator said, "Toran come."

Toran approached slowly, wary of what the wookiees might want with him. "So, what's this about, Mer'rrar?"

"You're gonna be an example, Toran. If any of you disrespects Foreman Yelara Neerou again, you will suffer the same fate as Tech Toran. Lord Dargus Kandran commands it."

The fear from the gathered crowd was palpable. They knew what came next. They'd all seen it happen to FlightOp Akeri last month. Most wanted to look away, but knew they would be in trouble if they did not give their full attention to Gin Toran's example.

Gor'garr grabbed Toran to hold him in place, and Mer'rrar leaned close to laugh in his face. Mer'rrar's love of violence was no secret, and it looked like he was taking great delight in what was happening here today.

With Gor'garr holding Toran in place, Mer'rrar grabbed the human's arm and started pulling. Toran let out a scream. His face drained of colour and the sour smells of urine and feces filled the bay. Blood seeped through the coverall he wore. A snapping sound echoed around the area, bringing an even louder, more shrill scream from the man's now-raw throat.

Though they wanted to run, the employees knew they had to stay put. The sight was gruesome, and a man near the back heaved his lunch onto the floor. A loud pop sounded, and the arm came free of the body. The wookiee roared and waved the limb in the air, bellowing a challenge to all those assembled.

Still held in Gor'garr's grip, Toran didn't fall when he passed out from the pain and bloodloss. Blood covered the floor as large gouts spurted from the socket that used to hold Toran's arm. The wookiee let him go, and they strode from the deck. Lord Kandran would be proud.

Yelara would no longer experience problems with that lot. The holovid Gor'garr made would be played before each shift as a reminder to those still thinking they could treat her with anything less than the respect they'd give their lord and master. A special copy would go to Dargus, since he would delight in watching it again and again.

---

"Jedi Night"
By: Dargus Kandran - Crimelord, Kandran Syndicate
Jae Dyn Brael - Jedi Knight

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Eos 22, 3ABY

***

Dargus Kandran strode through the corridors of his shipyards. He smiled as a technician shied out of his path, moving to cower against a wall. He loved the power he had over people. He could see it in their bodies and in how they looked at him. People feared him. He thrived on the fear he could feel from people, an emanation that filled him and made him stronger. He laughed as the man scurried off behind him. Oh how he loved that fear.

He entered her apartment using his own passcode, smiling at the power he felt walking in on her like that. "Jae Dyn," he called out and moved to take a seat on one of her couches.

Jae Dyn emerged from the bathroom fastening her vest, giving Dargus the briefest glimpse of the flesh beneath. She smoothed the vest and gave him a smile. "Dargus," she said. "I hadn't expected to see you today. You look well."

He smiled at the flash of skin she'd shown him. Oh how he wanted that body again. If she were any other woman, any woman other than a Jedi, he would have taken her then. "I have missed you," he said. "A week without you is far too long. You do things to me, Jae Dyn; things that cannot be denied between a man and a woman." If he couldn't take her by force, he would charm her into his bed again.

Jae Dyn smiled. "I can tell," she said with a wink. "I've been busy trying to put the Tal Dan back in shape. She hasn't had a good overhaul in a long time. Got some good work done today though. I'm probably going to need to replace the lifters and the hyperdrive."

"You can have one of the new YT-4500's I just picked up," he said. "A token of our friendship. You can still keep your starfighter if you'd like. I really think someone such as yourself deserves a ship much better than that old thing you fly. A bigger ship." He gave her a suggestive wink, and shifted his hips so she wouldn't miss the double meaning of his words.

Jae Dyn couldn't help smiling. It was exactly what she didn't want. She didn't want him to offer her a ship, but he was. And, a YT-4500 was a very nice offer. But which strings came attached to it, she wondered. "And, what would this starship cost me?" she asked. "I have a feeling you won't ask for credits, but I can't imagine you just want to give me a starship."

"As I see it, there are two options," he said, motioning her to join him on the couch. She shook her head, so he stood and moved to her. "The first: you take my ship and run around the galaxy playing do-gooder. You could use the shipyards as a base of operations or a sanctuary as you need it. The second option would be that you choose how much you think this hundred fifty thousand credit ship could cost you, and you can pay me that." He moved close to her, wanting to tell her she could pay him in sexual favours if she preferred, but knew that would be the wrong thing to say to this one. "My preference is the first option with you here, and sharing my bed."

Jae Dyn ran a finger down his chest, not taking her eyes from his. "The first choice is a nice one," she said softly. "Are there any strings? Or is it mine to do with as I please? And you or your Syndicate hold no claim to it or me?"

She could feel both his lust and his darkness; each pulled at a part of her. She could feel his darkness, his corruption reaching into her. The way he looked at and into her left her breathless. He had shown her kindness she never thought possible from him, though she knew what he was capable of doing. He probably never raised a hand against her because of her strength in the Force. Even without her lightsaber, she was far from defenseless. But, there was something in the danger that beckoned her to him.

Images from earlier in the day flashed through her mind. Blood clouded her vision as she remembered the screams of pain as they filled the flight deck. A keening wail that struck to the core of her being. Yelara had explained the circumstances of the actions. For the disrespect Toran had shown, his punishment was far more than he deserved. The screams still swarmed in her mind like carrion birds on a bantha.

The warmth that had entered Jae Dyn's eyes vanished as her thoughts turned to the maiming on the flight deck. She took a step back and withdrew her hand. "I saw your Wookiees' work today," she said. She shook her head and turned away. "How can you even sleep nights knowing the pain you cause others?" She turned back. "Don't answer that because I don't want to know your answer. How can you be capable of such brutal cruelty on one hand and then the generosity to offer me a starship? It really baffles me how one person can be so schizophrenic. How can you be capable of so much tenderness and consideration when we are in bed together, and then you turn around and order your Wookiee to rip a man's arm from his body?"

"Control," he said, softly as his eyes bore into hers. He moved slowly close to her, letting his desire for her envelope her, bring her rage at him to something else. He wanted to make her forget what had happened, and only remember the pleasure of their union. "I cannot allow those around me to perceive me as weak. They must fear me. If I'm not strong, in control, those who oppose me will take advantage of my weakness and destroy me. Only the strong survive in this galaxy, Jae Dyn. Only the strong." He gave her a sensuous smile. "Besides, all of his medical bills were paid by me. Now, when anyone thinks about crossing my new foreman, they'll remember Gin Toran. They will respect her. I demand respect for the women that work for me. I despise the sort of sexism you see on the flight deck, and will do all I can to stamp it out. I am their protector, and will use every resource at my disposal to give them that."

Dargus closed the remaining distance between himself and Jae Dyn, and pulled her into an embrace. "I have not hurt you, my dear," he cooed, "nor would I ever. There are no strings attached to my gift. Your gratitude and kindness for what I have given you is enough for me. You are one of my women now, and I will protect you. Even now, you are protected from those that would seek to do you harm. You are safe with me, Jae Dyn Brael. Safer than you've ever been in your life."

He kissed her, his passions boiling as his tongue sought hers, as his hips pressed forward. He wanted her and knew she could feel his need. "You will always receive my kindness, my beloved; but those that defy me, that try to harm me and mine, will face my wrath. I will not appear weak to those who would seek my head. I will protect my domain at any cost."

With the kiss, the darkness pulled at her. She looked up into Dargus’ eyes and smiled. She gave herself a moment to settle herself inside. Then, she seized the Force and Dargus found himself airborne. He slammed against the far wall and sank to the floor. Before he could move to stand himself, Jae Dyn was over him, violet blade lit and pointed at his heart.

"You are an evil man, Dargus Kandran," she hissed. "You have ended countless lives and ruined even more. You give no regard to how your actions affect anyone but yourself. Your death would serve the light." The blade of Jae Dyn's lightsaber vanished and she stepped back. "But, I will spare your life today. I suppose you think I am weak for doing so. Though, think about it more deeply, Dargus Kandran. I am not weak because of my actions. I am strong in that I can allow you to live. My strength is in that I give you life today. I give you the chance to continue living your life, and the knowledge that I held your life in my grasp and chose to return it to you. I am strong enough to allow you to live unscathed and feel no fear for my own life." She watched him for a moment. She could tell he was mad. "You shouldn't send your Wookiees to hurt other people. You should do it yourself if it's to happen. You should be man enough to look those you hurt in the eye when you hurt them, rather than hiding behind that beast. The Hutts will fear you more if you are unafraid. Don't rule your Syndicate as the Emperor rules the Galaxy. Your men will respect you more if you respect them." She offered him a hand to help him up.

Dargus Kandran stared up at Jae Dyn with hate in his eyes. He seethed as she gloated over him, telling him how good she was, how she could spare his life and not be weak. He had to be strong, and fear was the only way he could do that. But, the thing that angered Dargus most, the thing that tore at every fibre of his being was the fear that had gripped him. The irrational feeling of helplessness and that his life was near its end. She could have killed him without effort, and that froze him to the bone. As she stood over him, he saw the true danger of the woman before him.

"You cannot kill me today," he said, reasserting himself and driving his fears into the back of his mind, "because that would drive you into the path of darkness. Hurting criminals is not evil, Jae Dyn. It is just. The people I hurt are the ones you should attack, not me. You should attack the criminals."

He stared at her hand for a moment, and then took it. As she helped him up, he knew he needed to find a way to remove the fangs from the viper. If he could remove her threat to him, she would make a glorious concubine. "Did you wish to dine with me tonight, Jae Dyn?"

Jae Dyn smiled. "I have plans this evening," she said. "Though, I think I am available tomorrow night."

"Very good," he said, forcing a smile. "I will have a splendid meal prepared for us on my ship. And, then we will spend a long night together making up for this unfortunate incident." He looked at the hilt of the lightsaber still in her hand with distaste. "But, please, when you come, leave that weapon at home."

Dargus smiled graciously. He did not ask about her plans and she did not ask him about his, it worked out nicely. "Wonderful! I will be sure to have a fine meal prepared for your pleasure and we will spend some time keeping each other company. But, please Jae, leave the lightsaber in your quarters," he said playfully, despite the seriousness of the request.

Jae Dyn answered with a nod. "I look forward to it," she said. "I shall see you tomorrow evening then. Unless I see you before."

She did not respond to his demand, and that infuriated Dargus, but he kept the emotion from his expression. "You are welcome at my table and in my bed as long as you leave your lightsaber in your apartment." He gave her a smile that held no mirth. "I do not want conflict with us, Jae Dyn. I do not want to harm you."

"And, I wish you none," she said. "Though, if I am forced to leave my lightsaber behind, I must pass on dinner. I am hunted, and will not leave myself unarmed. If you will not allow me to carry my weapon around you, then I will make other plans."

"I have no quarrel with you carrying a weapon," he said. "But, you just pointed that thing at me, and I will not tolerate such defiance. You live here at my sufferance. I have hurt you in no way, and yet you turned on me today. I have let that go, but I cannot forget it. I must be conscious of my own safety. If you give me your word, on your honour as a Jedi Knight, then we have no reason for distrust. With me, you are under my protection, and no minion of the Emperor will harm you. I only ask that you do not draw your weapon against me again."

Jae Dyn watched him for a moment before answering. "I give you my word I will not raise my weapon against you provided you give me no reason to do so," she said. "Today, I had a reason. You have had a taste of the fear those beneath you feel every waking moment. When might they anger you and have one of your Wookiees appear at their door to unlimb them? They live in constant fear of you, Dargus. They know your wrath. I witnessed it today as your Wookiees brutalized that man. Now they fear you all the more. And, how long before the opportunity to turn against you arises? How long before the promise of hope outweighs the fear of death?" He was keeping his distance from her now. He still didn't trust her. Probably could never trust her again.

"You probably don't want to hear my advice, but I shall give it to you. When you need to punish someone, have the courage to face them yourself. Don't send your Wookiees. If you are going to condemn a man, earn his respect by doing it yourself. When someone needs their arm ripped out, do it yourself. Otherwise, you are only a wealthy coward hiding behind your hired muscle. Help yourself and your organization. Bring your Wookiees to stand at your side and protect you, but do the work yourself. Your Syndicate will grow stronger for it, and your enemies will fear you more. Jabba the Hutt has his enemies brought before him to be dealt with, as does Xizor. Deal with your enemies yourself, Dargus." She turned away and checked her hair in the floor-length mirror. "I will bring you to the light," she said. Or strike you down myself, she added. "I will see you tomorrow evening?"

"Yes," he said. "Tomorrow evening. You, me, and all our passions."

Jae Dyn nodded and turned toward the door. Time to get back down to the shipyards, she told herself.

Dargus watched her walk past him and smiled. Oh how he loved a woman in leather, especially one who looked like Jae Dyn Brael. If he could only do something about her attitude. There must be a drug somewhere that would make a woman submit to his every whim. If there was, he would find it. He bit his lip as he fought the urge to tackle her to the ground and force himself on her repeatedly. As soon as she was gone, he'd need to return to his ship and take one of his concubines. Another look at Jae Dyn's swaying hips, and he told himself to have four of his concubines ready and in his room when he returned.

Jae Dyn stopped in the doorway and turned. She smiled when she saw Dargus watching her. "So," she asked, "where do I get to pick up my new ship?"

Dargus gave her a wolfish smile and pulled a datapad from out of his longcoat. He transferred the necessary codes and tossed her a datachip with the information on it. "Landing pad 31B."

Jae Dyn caught the chip in midflight and slipped it into a vest pocket. "I will," she said. "And, thank you." She gave him one last smile and turned to head out the door again. She could feel his eyes on her back as she left. No, not her back entirely...a little lower. She shook her head.

---

"A Night Out"
By: Yelara Neerou - Shipyards Mechanic
Jae Dyn Brael - Jedi Knight

Location: The Drogen Shipyards
Date: Eos 22, 3 ABY

***

Jae Dyn settled the ship Dargus had given her into the new berth she'd been assigned. She powered down the thrusters and shook her head. It's still new, she told herself. Maybe in time it will handle like Tal Dan. Once the systems were shut down, she pushed herself out of the pilot's seat and headed for the exit. It was weird to not hop out of a cockpit. The ramp descended and she walked down it. Once on the deck, she looked back at the ship and shook her head. He'd just given it to her. He probably had hundreds of them though.

She set off in search of Yelara, anxious to find her friend and get the night started.

Yelara was leaning against a wall in the corridor with her arms crossed. She saw Jae Dyn walk out of the flight deck, presumably looking for her. "There you are!" Yelara called out. "So, are you the new valet around here, or did you steal that ship from someone," she said, jokingly.

Jae Dyn hurried over to Yelara, her smile big and bright. "Stole it from Dargus," she said with a frown. "Thing flies like a Hutt."

Yelara laughed. "Really, where'd you get it?"

"I ran into Dargus," Jae Dyn said. "I mentioned the work on my fighter. And, he offered this. It's so cumbersome though."

Yelara's smile turned into a frown instantly. "You...you got that from Dargus?" Yelara shook her head and turned to walk away. She didn't know why, but she immediately felt betrayed.

"Wait," Jae Dyn said, hoping Yelara wouldn't leave. "Please, don't...not like this. I don't want that ship. I want to get a ship with you. I did something very stupid with Dargus earlier. I had to do something to make amends, and since he was offering, I took the ship. I plan on giving it back. I confronted him over the bit with Toran, and things didn't go well. Yelara?"

Yelara stopped, realizing she was being foolish. She turned back to face Jae Dyn and sighed. "He won't let you give it back without giving him something else in return. You know that just as well as I do."

Jae Dyn nodded. "Perhaps I don't have to give it back to him then," she said. "Perhaps it can go to a charitable source. I know the Rebellion can use all the ships they can muster. Perhaps they would like a fresh off the assembly line YT-4500. We don't have to worry about giving it back to Dargus, and the Rebellion benefits. And, we can look for our own ship." She smiled. As Yelara turned back, her heart settled down. She had briefly thought she had lost the one friend she had found here.

Yelara smiled. "Hmm, giving it to charity is a good idea. And if Dargus found out, he'd be even angrier, which would completely make my day." Yelara became serious and walked up to Jae Dyn. "I'm sorry. It's just that...for once, I wanted to do something that didn't involve Dargus Kandran."

"I can think of a lot of things we can do without Dargus Kandran," Jae Dyn said with a smile. She felt her gut tighten and realized how that might sound. Quickly, she added: "First I think we should get a drink without Dargus, and then I think we should look through a catalogue for a ship we can buy without Dargus."

"I do think a drink is in order." Yelara took Jae Dyn's hand and began pulling her along. "Oh, I met the cutest pilot today," Yelara said, sounding like a giddy teenager. "I was working on his ship today and...Ohhhh, those eyes." Yelara was practically drooling and completely turning red in the face.

Jae Dyn looked over at Yelara, then away. "Oh," she said. She couldn't understand why she wasn't as happy as Yelara about the news. She should have been happy that Yelara found this stranger, this man. It was great news for Yelara. But, why did she feel a wrenching in her gut over it? "That's great news," she added, trying to put more cheer in her voice. "I'm happy for you."

"Oh don't be. It's just a silly crush and even if I wanted it to be more, Dargus would never let that happen." Yelara clenched her teeth. She hated not having control of her own life and she hated the fact that her every action ultimately had an effect on what happened to others, Gin Toran being a prime example.

Jae Dyn frowned. "You are a free woman, not a slave," she said. "If you want to be with anyone else, you should. If the only thing holding you back is Dargus Kandran, leave him to me. I can handle Dargus."

Yelara let go of Jae Dyn's hand. "No! I don't need anyone to take care of me. I'm a grown woman, even though I don't act like it at times, and I can handle Dargus on my own." Yelara hated being treated like a delicate, frail object. That is exactly how she felt right now. Dargus made her feel like a sex toy and now Jae Dyn was treating her like a little child who needed protecting. She wouldn't stand for either.

Jae Dyn took a step back against the anger of Yelara's words. "My apologies," she said softly. "I did not mean to imply that you weren't. Since you said that Dargus wouldn't let it happen, I thought... Again, I'm sorry. I won't let it happen again."

Yelara saw that she had hurt Jae Dyn with her words. She may have thought she was a woman, but right now she was acting like a stubborn child. "I'm sorry Jae Dyn. I'm...the sight of that poor man's arm being ripped from his socket has thrown me into a whirlwind, I'm afraid. It's made me realize that Dargus is capable of anything and that he can make my life, and the lives of everyone I come into contact with, very difficult."

Jae Dyn nodded. "I had to leave the flight deck because of it," she said. "Inside, watching that man as he was maimed ripped me apart. My first impulse was to go in and deal with Dargus' Wookies. I knew that had I done so, my life and that of everyone here would suffer because of it. Not from Dargus either. If I came out in front of everyone as I am, a Jedi Knight, word would spread, and soon the Emperor would hear. He would send Darth Vader here. The shield around this planet would hold them out, but they would blockade the planet. No ships in or out, intent on starving out everyone here. And, all for me and what I am. They would send assassins to the planet, to seek me out. To kill me. I don't think they would turn me. Dargus cannot hold off the Emperor as much as he likes to think he can. How many would die because of me?"

She turned to watch Yelara as they began walking slowly toward the bar. "I cried for nearly an hour," she said. "Cried at my inability to stop such barbarism. It is fortunate I expelled my grief then, because I would have cut Dargus down in a heartbeat when I saw him. I am not ready for that yet. He wishes me to have dinner with him tomorrow night. My quest to turn him to the light demands that I do so. I have to have hope that I can turn him. I have a feeling I may be on a fool's quest though." She sighed. She didn't look like she had much confidence in her ability to help Dargus.

"In all honesty, I would rather share a bed with you than Dargus." The words had left her mouth before she realized it. She quickly turned to Yelara, her embarrassment plain on her reddening face. Before she stammered some explanation, the realization of how what she'd just said may have sounded hit her. "I didn't mean that in a bad way. Like an I'd rather sleep with a Wookie kind of way. I just meant that--that sleeping with you would be far nicer than sleeping with Dargus. I am going to be quiet now while I consider more ways I can sound completely daft."

Yelara laughed at Jae Dyn's remark, and at how red her face was becoming because of it. "It's ok Jae Dyn. I know what you mean. You don't ever have to be embarrassed around me." Yelara paused, then asked gently, "You really cried for that man, Toran? You have a kind heart, Jae Dyn. That's a rarity these days."

"More for my inability to do anything about it," Jae Dyn responded. "He may not have been a good man, but he didn't deserve that. And, I guess I do have a kind heart."

"You do. You are the most caring person I've ever encountered. " Yelara touched Jae Dyn's arm and stared into her eyes. "I'm sorry if my words hurt you. I wasn't mad at you. I was just feeling a little...frustrated, that's all."

Jae Dyn looked over to Yelara and cocked her head to the side. "Anything I can help with?"

"I feel trapped, Jae Dyn. I've always been able to go where I wanted, do what I wanted, see whoever I wanted to see and now..." Yelara sighed. She felt as if she were suffocating. Her chest felt so heavy and she felt so drained, probably from struggling with Dargus every moment they were together. "Jae Dyn, maybe it's best if we don't...if we try not to spend so much time together. It would put us both in jeopardy."

Jae Dyn nodded. She could feel her insides wrenching at the thought. "I would not like that," she said. "Though, if that is what you feel is best..."

Yelara cried out in frustration, but not at Jae Dyn. "No. That is not what I want!" Yelara slammed her hand on the wall, trying to take out her aggression. "I will not have him running my life! He forced me into this. This is not how I wanted things." Yelara turned to Jae Dyn, and spoke with confidence. "He will not dictate how to run my life. If I want to be friends with you, I will....that is, if that's what you still want?"

Jae Dyn smiled. "Of course I want to be friends with you," she said. "You are the only real friend I have had in many years." She reached out and took Yelara's hand in her own. "I will spend as much time with you as you will allow me. And, if Dargus Kandran does not like that, then he can share his bed with his damn Wookies."

Yelara burst into laughter, then covered her mouth. "You are incorrigible, Jae Dyn." Yelara once again pulled on Jae Dyn's hand, dragging her towards the bar. "C'mon. I want a drink!"

***

Jae Dyn finished the last of her third drink. She looked at the now-empty glass and, for the life of her, couldn't remember what it was. It went down easy and tasted nice. Well, the first one had given her a coughing fit and tasted terrible, but the successive drinks had been smoother and better tasting. She set the glass on the table and looked across at her companion. A fit of giggles erupted out of nowhere. "I haven't had sex with Dargus Kandran for over a week," she said, "but, I imagine he will want to get me in his bed tomorrow night."

Yelara laughed uncontrollably and banged her hand on the table, spilling her drink. "A week?! I'm lucky if I get even one day away from Dargus'...giant ego, if you know what I mean."

Jae Dyn sprawled back in her chair and laughed louder than she would have thought she could. "What is it with that?" she said, her voice carrying through the bar. "He had to have had surgery. And, he would too. You know he would. I heard one of his concubines saying that he had his genitalia removed and replaced with those of a Hutt. It sort of has that look, don't you think?" She couldn't hold the laughter back, and let loose with peels that were drawing attention from all the tables around them. The glass Jae Dyn had emptied clattered off the table and onto the floor.

Yelara howled with laughter and wheezed from trying to catch her breath. "I know what you mean! It can't be real. I mean, his feet aren't that big!" Yelara buried her face into the table, laughing so hard that tears began to run from her eyes.

That laughter that had been subsiding erupted again. Jae Dyn's chair nearly toppled. The bartender had taken notice of their drunken behavior and slowly approached. He eyed them suspiciously.

"Ladies," he said, "you're disrupting business. I'm afraid if you can't keep it quiet, I'm gonna have to ask you to leave."

Jae Dyn looked up at him and laughed again. His hand went to his blaster and she laughed even harder. She looked over at Yelara and waited to catch her breath. "Should we leave?"

Yelara stood up, still laughing and a bit shakey. She stood face to face with the bartender and pulled out her dagger, pressing it into the bartender's bloated stomach. Even in her drunken state, she was fast. Still laughing, she pulled the blaster out of the man's holster and dangled it in front of him. "Uh oh," she teased, "I have your blaster. Tsk tsk. You should really lay off the desserts. It would increase your reaction time," she said, as she pat his belly.

Yelara laughed even louder and hopped onto the table, practically tipping it over. "Excuse me, ladies and so-called gentlemen," she shouted above the music and the noise, her speech becoming slurred. Yelara lost her balance, but regained it quickly. "I just wanted everyone to know that Dargus Kandran is the most generous man I have ever met...even though he's not entirely a man." Yelara gave a suggestive wink and laughed even louder, as she began dancing on the table. "I mean, no wonder he's at war with the Hutts! He wants to secure himself a bountiful supply of big, supple Hutt ....parts."

Jae Dyn was laughing so hard she fell off the chair and onto the floor at the bartender's feet. The man, thinking he had a prime opportunity to grab her blaster, went for it. Jae Dyn grabbed his hand and met his stare with one of her own. "No," she said softly. "Don't even think about it. Drunk as I am, I'm still faster than you."

He backed away and Jae Dyn wobbled to her feet. She looked up at Yelara and smiled. "I want to leave now," she said as she grabbed one of the full bottles from the bar. She held out a hand to help Yelara down.

Yelara gave a curt bow and grabbed Jae Dyn's hand, hopping off the table. Her balance was still off and Yelara ended up falling Jae Dyn, sending both of them plummeting to the ground on top of one another. "You know, Jae Dyn," Yelara said, still snickering, "You're awful pretty," she drawled.

Jae Dyn smiled. "You are too," she said. "You are very, very pretty."

She struggled to get them both to their feet, overly careful where she placed her hands while helping Yelara stand. When they were both standing, Jae Dyn found she was looking into Yelara's eyes. Without thinking, she leaned close and kissed her friend.

Yelara giggled and playfully pushed Jae Dyn away. "You're such a clown, Jae Dyn," Yelara said as she turned and began stumbling out of the bar. "Oh yeah, barkeep!" she turned around and called back. "Here!" and with that she tossed him his blaster. "Sorry about the mess, but Kandran will be more than happy to cover any damages...and the drinks too while he's at it!"

Jae Dyn followed Yelara toward the door. Before exiting, she turned back to the barkeep, opened her mouth to say something, laughed, and headed out the door. She caught up to Yelara leaning against a wall watching her. "We should go back to my place," she said. "We'll cause less damage there."

Yelara was about to answer when her eyes shot open and she began gagging. She swallowed hard to try and keep the entire contents of her stomach down, but it was too late. There, Yelara stood, in the corridor outside one of the sleaziest bars in the shipyards, vomiting loudly and furiously.

She sank to her knees and looked up at Jae Dyn. "I don't feel so good," she said, vomit still dripping from her chin.

Jae Dyn nodded. "I imagine not," she said. "Let's go get you cleaned up. I think we could both use some sleep."

Yelara nodded her head, moaning a little as she tried to get to her feet. "Good idea. You always know what to do Jae Dyn," she said groggily.

Jae Dyn helped steady Yelara, supporting her as she stood. "Not always," she said. "If you want I can carry you, but after what we drank I might fall over."

Yelara tried to laugh but her stomach was still turning and she feared she would make an even bigger mess. "No, that's alright Jae Dyn. I think I can walk. Just don't let go." Yelara took a couple steps forward, clinging to Jae Dyn. "We made a big mess, didn't we?"

Jae Dyn glanced back toward the bar and smiled. "Yes, we did. Though, I think they all deserve a mess." She put an arm around Yelara for support and they started forward. Fortunately, it wasn't all that far to where her apartment was. She led Yelara to the couch where she'd slept the night before.

"Dargus's gonna be mad when he finds out about this." Yelara yawned as the alcohol finally began to wear off and fatigue set in.

Jae Dyn nodded, steadying herself against a table. "I don't doubt it," she said. "Though, the tyrant could stand a little public ridicule. If his ego grows any larger, he'll need a bigger ship. What's done is done; we shall deal with whatever fallout comes of this. And, we shall do it together. Dargus will want to take the brunt of his anger out against you. We were both involved, and he will deal with us equally. If he is going to hit you, he will need to try to hit me as well. If it comes to that, I assure you he will never raise a hand against another woman for the remainder of his life. We will deal with this together."

Yelara smiled and ran her hand along Jae Dyn's cheek. "I know you can handle him, Jae Dyn. But you can't be around me all the time." Yelara dropped her hand, letting it fall limp at her side as she became far too tired to hold it up. "He'll get to me if he really wants to...and by the time you find out it will be too late..." Yelara's voice became sleepy and her eyes began to close. "I can take it, Jae Dyn...don't worry about me..." was the last thing she said before sleep consumed her and she fell gently into Jae Dyn's arms.

"It's too late for that," Jae Dyn whispered, smoothing Yelara's hair. "And, I will do everything I can to keep you safe from Dargus' harm. Sleep well." She pulled a blanket over her friend, then moved back to her bedroom.

---