***

The sun glaring down onto the Thanatos sands was intense, but Liam Zaneth hardly felt the heat. The Force was a strong ally, and today it served to protect him from the weather. He moved through the street, eyes scanning for people. Most of those he had seen reacted to him with caution, making his job here in Thanatos that much more difficult. The large black cloak he wore probably kept them wary; and given their natural paranoia, they would give him a very wide berth.

He pushed the hood of his cloak back and looked around once more. With a sigh, he decided that, even with the protection of the Force, it would be good to get out of the sun. He made his way across the street and entered the small restaurant. The sign above the door indicated it was called the Rhack. It was gloomy inside after the sun, but cooler. He made his way to a vacant table and took a seat. He picked up the tattered menu and started looking through it. As he browsed the offerings, he once again found himself hoping that his search in Thanatos would prove fruitful. If not, the Jedi Temple would be very empty.

"Lunch starts in 20 minutes," Orn called out to the lowly patron. He threw his cleaning cloth over his right shoulder and studied the man scrupulously. His clothes showed no signs of wear, and his skin was fair and not sunbeaten like that of the native Kir'Thana. He definitely wasn't a native, and Orn was set upon keeping his eye on the stranger. "Can I get you a drink, sir? It's a pretty hot day out there."

Liam looked up at the man and noted the way he was watching him. "I'll have whatever your house blend of tea is," he said. "And, it is pretty hot. It raises my respect for those that live here to be able to survive in such heat all their lives."

"Yeah, didn't think you were from around here. I thought you looked too classy for this place." Orn moved around behind the counter and pulled out a chipped glass. "We're outta tea cups. I hope you don't mind. We don't get a lot of people asking for tea. In the desert, people are usually looking for drinks to cool them down, and tea certainly isn't one of them." Orn looked up from the task at hand as the bell on the front door tinkled gently. "Hey, Nieme. You're here early."

Nieme smiled at Orn and shrugged her shoulders. She pulled back her hood and started through the small dining area. "I thought I'd have some lunch before I started, so I came early." Nieme laughed softly. "Don't worry, you won't have to pay me extra."

Orn shook with laughter as he poured the man's tea. "Oh, would you mind bringing this to that man over there? I'll even pay you extra for it, alright?"

Nieme smiled shyly and nodded as she took the warm glass from Orn's hands. She turned back and moved towards the man's table. Her eyes studied the sticky, sullied ground beneath her feet, and she made a mental note to give it a good scrub down before she left that night. As the table approached, Nieme glanced up for a moment and her eyes were suddenly caught in the blazing, blue glow of those of the man staring up at her. The eyes...she knew them so well, yet they were foreign to her, just as the man was. They burned brightly in her mind, those blue orbs, and triggered a flashback to the forest, the holy place...the darkness and light. Nieme jumped back with a gasp and barely flinched as the glass slipped from her hand and shattered on the ground below, adding to the already building layers of scum. All that existed were those eyes and the pull they had on her. "You found me," she whispered breathlessly.

"Nieme! What the hell's wrong with you?" Orn's hand fell heavily upon her shoulder, and Nieme let out an involuntary shriek as he spun her around. She whimpered and pushed past him as she ran towards the kitchen. Orn looked at Liam and gave him a nervous laugh. "Sorry. She's a little weird sometimes."

"No," Liam said absently as he waved away the accident, "it's alright." He stared after the girl whose aura still flared in his mind. He knew there was another reason for his being drawn to this place than thirst. "Sometimes my eyes have that sort of effect on people. Blue is one thing, incandescent is something entirely different. I think it comes from too many years spent around poorly aligned particle reactors. Do you mind if I talk to her? Let her know it's alright?" When she reacted to seeing him he had become aware of the power within her, an emotional surge that lit her up like a lightsaber in the darkness. "I don't want to be the cause of any trouble."

Orn narrowed his eyes at the man, wary of his real intentions, but he laughed it off and hollered through the dining area. "Nieme! Come out here and clean up this mess." Orn turned back to the man and focused his eyes, which had seemed to cause the entire commotion in the first place. "They are kinda funny looking. You better watch out, though. Walking out there looking like that, you'll attract attention." He leaned in and slapped the man's arm congenially with the back of his hand. "Just hope you don't catch the eye of some of the gangs - the Feltreys, namely. They don't like outsiders and will you kill you if they even suspect you're a wetter."

Liam met the man's gaze firmly. "I can take care of myself," he said. "I'm tougher than I look." He watched as the girl came out of the kitchen with a rag and small container for the broken glass. He sent out tendrils of the Force to probe her strength. She had not tapped much of her potential, but he could tell that she had experienced some use of her Force powers. "Hi, Nieme," he said. "I'm sorry I scared you like that."

Nieme dared not look into the man's eyes for fear she'd lose her resolve and run back into the kitchen. She moved past Orn and knelt before the man's table, careful not to plant her knee in any glass. Orn laughed uncomfortably and nudged Nieme with his foot. "Nieme, the man's talking to you. The least you could do is apologize to him."

Nieme nodded her head slowly and whispered a shaky apology to the man. Her eyes never left the shards of glass being swept into the small container she'd acquired. For a moment, she allowed her senses to open fully to the man, her curiousity piqued and craving knowledge about the man from her dreams. As the wave of emotions permeated her, Nieme felt an indescribable serenity fill her. Just as in her dream, she felt only soft, warm light emanating from him, but its light was dulled by the touch of darkness still looming around him. He'd struggled, that much she could tell, but his emotions weren't warred or frantic as she had felt in so many others.

She smiled contentedly and closed off her mind. Her intrigue was causing her to delve deeper, but she didn't feel right invading his mind. With a gentle sigh, Nieme scraped the last shard of glass into the container and rose from the sticky ground.

"There's a good girl," Orn said affectionately as he patted her back. "She's a damn good cook too," he commented to the man. "If you're placing an order, might I suggest the Mepat pot pie? It's her own special creation."

"Then how could I refuse that," Liam said. "I will have the Mepat pot pie." Liam glanced up at the proprietor, and held back the frown he wished to make. He had to talk to the girl, and he wouldn't be doing it with the man hovering over her like some overprotective female bantha. "How long have you been cooking, Nieme?"

Nieme opened her mouth to answer, but the only sound that came out was that of Orn's voice interjecting. "She's been with us for two cycles. Her Hojet is a hit too. It's not on the lunch menu, but if you stop in for dinner some time, I really recommend it."

Liam sighed, but held his rising anger in check. He let the Force flow through him and looked up at Orn. He made a fanning gesture with his hand and said, "You will leave the girl and me to talk. When I have left, you will return to your normal behaviour and remember nothing of this."

Orn blinked and frowned for a moment, but he smiled again and slapped his hands together. "Well, I think I'll leave you and Nieme to talk." He patted Nieme on the back and smiled as he turned and headed towards the counter. He frowned slightly as he looked back at the man, but simply shook his head and continued onward.

Nieme gasped quietly as Orn left her alone with the man, but she stood her ground and continued gazing at the floor below. "I'm sorry..." She paused to calm her breathing, then tried her voice again. "I'm sorry I dropped your tea...sir."

"It's alright," Liam said calmly, and then gestured to the seat across from him. "Would you care to sit? I do a bit of cooking myself, though I've never worked in a restaurant. Perhaps we could exchange recipes."

Nieme nodded her head and trepidly took a seat across from the man. She tugged nervously at a frayed edge of her cloak and focused on the man's hands. They looked strong and were callused from use, but she could tell from the way they were gently folded together on the table that he was a gentle soul. Her eyes fluttered up to his, but she quickly looked away again and returned her focus to his hands.

Liam leaned closer to Nieme, and gave her a warm smile. "Have you ever seen or witnessed things before they happen? Or done strange things that you couldn't explain? The sorts of things that you wouldn't expect to ever be possible?"

Nieme's entire body stilled and her breath caught in her throat. She reviewed in her mind the many times she'd awoken from her strangely vivid dreams, or pictured the eyes of the woman whose death she had foreseen. Then, there was the man before her, the vision of whom had invaded her dreams every night for the past week. She looked up at him hesitantly, but said nothing. She didn't think he needed her response; he most likely already knew more about her than she herself had ever known.

Liam sat for a moment in the silence, and then smiled. "You are attuned to what is called the Force," he said softly. "It allows you to see things, and do things that most people could only ever dream of. Have you ever heard of the Jedi Knights, Nieme?"

"I..." Nieme took a deep breath and looked around the restaurant nervously. She'd heard about them, that was for certain. She'd also heard about the plight the Empire had cast upon them. She didn't want to place herself directly in the path of that. "You're one of those? And the woman too?"

Liam nodded slowly. "I am," he said. "Though, I've taken a more roundabout way to get here." He paused for a moment to look at her. "What woman?" He had a feeling he knew, but wanted to see if she would confirm his guess.

Nieme held the man's gaze and smiled at him slowly. He was testing her. She felt it immediately, but it was the stray image she picked up from his mind that really gave it away. "You know who she is," Nieme said softly. Her smile faded as a powerful sense of dread and slowly growing anguish accompanied the image of the woman in his mind. Nieme looked down at his hands again and whispered, "Why does she trouble you so?"

"We're involved in a fairly complex relationship," Liam said. "She's like me, a Jedi, and very good; much better than me, in fact. I'm certain you will meet her at some point. Have you ever thought about exploring the power you have in you? Finding control and the discipline to make it happen at will?"

Nieme shook her head while picking nervously at a scab on her hand from a cut she accidentally inflicted upon herself the other day. "They're just dreams," she said softly. She glanced up at him and tried to hide the smile that was tugging at her lips. "This is about the temple, isn't it? You've found it and you want me there. You'll want him too," she added as she concentrated on her scab. "I can't enter unless he's there."

Dreams, Liam thought. She's been having visions while she sleeps. He knew that was how Nieme knew what she did. Unfortunately, she was the only one with the information and she didn't appear all that willing to share it. "Who is he," he asked. "Does he have the same sort of power as you? Can you take me to him? Perhaps we can convince him to join us there."

Nieme laughed softly and shook her head. "He won't like you. You're a wetter." She sighed and sat back in her chair. He didn't know about Kael, and if she did tell him, Kael would never forgive her. "He...he might be like me. But he isn't. He's a shadow, you see. I don't think I am. He was like how you used to be, a memory of what you were. Like you, but not like you now. That's what he is."

"So he walks the path of darkness," Liam said. "That's a dangerous road, and few survive it." He had to think of a way to get to talk with Nieme's friend. "I don't live here in Thanatos, but I do respect what Thanatos is and what it's about. I am from a planet called Corellia, and I've been to many other planets after that. I've read about some of the struggle your people have had with the cities."

"I know about places," Nieme said, her soft voice gaining an edge to it. "I can read too, in case you were thinking otherwise." She sighed and finally met his gaze. She knew she was supposed to go with him, but she couldn't leave without Kael. Although she didn't understand completely yet, her destiny was linked with Kael's. "He may be darkness, but there is light in him. I saw it...felt it. You survived it, didn't you? He will too, if I help him." Nieme closed her eyes and sat back in her chair. She was confusing him, she could tell, and not just by the tightness in his jaw and the furrowing of his brow. She knew it was wrong, but she was actually enjoying making his colours swirl the way they were.

"I survived it," Liam said, "but it wasn't easy. Once you start down that road, it's difficult to turn from. I managed it, and it nearly killed me in the process. My methods since then haven't taken me far enough from that path, but the new Temple will help solidify my choices and stabilize the darkness that was once a part of me. I have finally found the balance I have been seeking. If you're to save him, you will need training. The Jedi Temple can provide that for you."

Nieme sighed sharply. She couldn't save Kael on her own, she'd known that since she first met him, but the man hadn't even told her his name yet. She refused to pick up and leave behind 20 years of her life to live in a forest with a complete stranger. He was a hider, she kept telling herself. She couldn't trust someone who refused to open up to her. "You talk, and you talk, but you say nothing," she said irritably. "You say you can help me, help Kael, but you're still in need of help yourself." She pushed her chair back and stood, staring down at the man with a suddenly rising anger. "Your eyes, they glow too brightly. It's like staring into the sun; you can't see anything. Why do you want me? Why do you want Kael? What mistake in your life are you trying to reconcile? It's there...don't lie."

Liam released himself to the Force, letting it shroud him and calm him against the girl's impertinence. When he started to speak again, it was with a serenity he had not felt in some time. "Many years ago, I was taken to the dark side of the Force," he said. "I was trained to kill and destroy, and I was very good at it. When I was finally set loose by my new masters, it was to hunt down and destroy Jedi. I sought my old master, and killed him. Many more followed that death, until I was finally pulled from the grip of darkness, and thrust back toward the light. I played a large part in the destruction of the Jedi order, and now I have the chance to undo what I have done."

Nieme sighed and smiled gently as she sat back down. "That's better," she said softly. She gazed at the man, and immediately understood the disjointed thoughts that were flying through her mind when she looked at him. "You killed your master, and now you're trying to find retribution by bringing us...gifted ones together so we can stamp out the darkness enveloping the universe." Nieme shrugged her shoulders. "Makes sense. So...you can make my dreams go away. Is that right?"

Liam smiled. "I will try if you let me," he said. "Though, it won't necessarily be me making them go away, but me giving you the skills to make the dreams come when you want them to."

"Well...wouldn't that be wrong? I mean...they come for a reason, don't they?" Nieme leaned forward and gazed up quizzically at the man. "I can help people, can't I? Like that woman..." She clenched her eyes shut against the surge of memories that suddenly assailed her mind, and looked away with a quiet whimper. "I didn't know what it meant at the time. Could I...could I have stopped it if I knew?"

"With the Force, it's hard to say," Liam said. "Sometimes the Force can show you something that has not yet happened, and you can affect those events by your actions. It will all depend on the will of the Force. I can teach you what you will need to know in order to help people if that is what you'd like. In the past, the Jedi were guardians and protectors, and we will be again. You would be part of that."

"And I will be," Nieme said quietly. She opened her eyes and looked at the man with a sidelong glance. "I'll join you in the forest, but I can't be there without Kael. You must understand that. I'm not allowed to leave him behind."

"Will you help me find him and convince him to join us then," Liam asked. "Do you think he would want to join? Most people in darkness don't want to join the light."

"He doesn't want to be in darkness. He's told me... He doesn't know how to be any other way." Nieme sighed deeply, then muttered quietly to herself as she deliberated on the situation. "He'll become defensive," she warned. "He'll lash out and run. Then, he'll hate me. But you stopped the darkness from consuming him. It has to be you; no one else can do it." Nieme looked up at the man. "I'll help you and your friend, the woman. But I have to speak to him alone first. Like I said, he doesn't like wetters, no matter where you've come from."

Liam smiled. "Good," he said. "Do you want me to meet you back here after you've talked to him? And, the woman's name is Jae Dyn, and my name is Liam, Liam Zaneth."

"I'm Nieme Yaresh, Liam Zaneth. I have to work in the kitchen today. He might come in with his gang. He likes my Hojet." Nieme grinned uncontrollably and looked down to hide her blushing cheeks. "He...you have to wait until he's alone, though. If he's with his gang, he'll be defiant and combatitive. He's the leader; he has a reputation to uphold."

"I understand," Liam said. "I won't face him in front of them then. It wouldn't do to best him in front of those who look to him for leadership, though I think I will need to prove myself to him from the sound of it. I'll wait until he's alone. Do you think you might be able to arrange a meeting for us?"

"I...uh...I could try." Nieme cleared her throat and slowly slid back her chair. "He normally comes in around an hour before closing time. I wouldn't approach him then if I were you. And if you're going to observe him, don't make it obvious. If he suspects you are, he'll confront you."

"I'll make it so he doesn't even know I'm here," Liam said with a smile. "I'll come back around that time, and hopefully he'll be amenable to talking to me. I'll keep my distance until you tell me it's alright."

"I won't be able to keep an eye on you, though. Orn keeps me in the kitchen. I only really see what's going on when I deliver a meal." The chrono on the far wall caught Nieme's eye and she abruptly stiffened. "Lunchtime. The crowd will be here soon and I still have to warm up the range." She scrambled to pull off her cloak and stammered an apology to Liam. "I...you're staying then? I mean...it's pretty hot outside now. You're a wetter...you wouldn't be able to withstand it."

Liam smiled. "I've been out their since early morning," he said. "I haven't broken a sweat yet. But, I will stay for some food. Your special, the Mepat pot pie, sounds good. I think I'd like that. I'll be here for a little while longer, so if you have a moment you want to talk more, let me know. And, if your boss wouldn't throw a fit about it, I do know my way around a kitchen."

Nieme smiled nervously at Liam and nodded her head. "I...I could use the help. I mean...it gets pretty hectic around here during lunch. And...and you got Orn to back off pretty easily. I'm sure he wouldn't protest." Nieme hesitantly held out her hand to Liam and gazed at him uncertainly. "I'll show you the way."

Liam reached out and accepted the hand. "Thank you," he said. "And, it'll be good practice for my cooking skills. I have a feeling they may come in handy at the Jedi Temple." He slid out from the booth and decided to wait until he was safely in the kitchen before removing his cloak. He didn't think it would be a good idea to show off the twin lightsabers hanging from his belt. "Lead on, Nieme."

Nieme scurried through the dining area, glancing at Orn for a moment who only laughed and waved at them, before disappearing into the kitchen. "It's small and dirty, but I only really need the range. Do you cook much? I've been cooking for years but I only really got good a few years ago. I didn't really have anywhere to practice..." Nieme laughed and bit her tongue before she rambled Liam to boredom. "There's an extra apron over there if you want."

"Thank you," Liam said as he grabbed the apron. "And, I cook quite a bit. My wife doesn't cook, and she makes me do it all. Though, I don't mind; I enjoy it." He looked around the kitchen, and then glanced to Nieme. He removed his cloak and set it aside, and pulled on the apron. "So, where do you want me to start?"

Nieme glanced at the metallic rods peeking out from under Liam's apron, then looked up at him with a smile. "Those are weapons then? A good idea bringing those with you out here. You're different. They kill those who are different." Nieme turned on the range and walked past Liam to grab her own apron. "I don't carry one myself. I just mind my own business and avoid the gang traps..."

"The lightsaber has been the weapon of the Jedi for millennia," Liam said. "And, in these times, it's a good idea to be able to protect yourself. There are people out there who seek out and kill Jedi and others strong in the Force. Some people carry knives or blasters, but the Jedi carry these. You'll learn to use one as a Jedi."

Nieme swallowed back a gasp and looked at Liam with surprise. "Me? Use a weapon? I-I couldn't. I've never used one before and I don't think I could ever harm another person." Her eyes travelled slowly up from Liam's weapons to his eyes. "Do you use them anymore? You don't...kill anymore, do you?"

Liam's features softened as he looked at Nieme. "I only kill when there is no other choice now," he said. "When the choice is between my life or his... A Jedi always seeks a peaceful, non-violent solution to problems, and only fights when all other avenues have been exhausted. I think you would make a good consular for the Jedi. They're more of the diplomats, and seldom fight."

Nieme gave a dry laugh and began pulling out pots. "Me? Half the time, no one can make out a word I say. I doubt I would be a very coherent diplomat." She glanced sideways at Liam and grinned. "You, though, you wouldn't be a good one either. You're not very patient, are you? And you're shy, but you don't let it show."

Liam laughed. "My wife tells me the same thing," he said. "And, I'm working on patience. You should have seen what I was like before. Fortunately, those scars have healed. You seem to be a very patient person. I think you'd make a fine diplomat, once you have learned to listen to the will of the Force and then relay that in words. I think you will do very well, Nieme."

Nieme smiled uncontrollably and turned away so Liam wouldn't see the flush in her cheeks. "Or I could just be the temple chef. I could council people while I cook." She poured oil into one of the pans she'd set upon the range and motioned Liam over. "Have you ever made Hojet? It's really easy, but it's delicious I hear. Maybe I'll serve Kael some Hojet tonight so he'll be in a better mood when you talk to him."

"A good idea," Liam said as he stepped closer to watch Nieme. "I've never made it before. Though, I think I read about it in one of the cooking databases. It's native isn't it? I haven't tried to make any native dishes yet. My wife is pregnant, and if it doesn't taste good with carbosyrup then she's not interested."

Nieme laughed. "If you like, I can try making a dessert from it sometime. I haven't tried yet, but it might go very well with carbosyrup." She looked up at Liam and studied his face intently. "You know, your eyes dimmed when you mentioned the child. Are you worried you won't make a good father?"

"There are...other complications with the baby," Liam said. "We are uncertain who the father is. She was with me and another man around the time of conception, and we're fearing that the child could be his. He was an evil man, but he's dead now. I don't know if his influence ever reached down into Thanatos. His name was Dargus Kandran."

Nieme grimaced and slowly averted her gaze to the pan of bubbling oil. "All have heard of that demon. He was a plague on this planet, but even with his death, his evil still lingers." She smiled softly at Liam, feeling his despair and pain. "It'll all work out. Not all of us can see what's to come, but if we're optimistic enough, maybe we can persuade destiny to take the course we will it to. But let's not talk about such things now. It's time to learn the fine art of cooking Hojet. I've always found cooking takes my mind off things I'd rather not think about. And you look like you could use a diversion right now."

"Hojet sounds like the perfect diversion," Liam said. "I place myself under your tutelage, and we can hope that your friend is willing, so that I can take you under mine."

"You really want to teach me? I could tell earlier that you were very exasperated. I tend to do that to people. I'm sorry."

Liam smiled. "The only exasperation was in trying to find a connection to you," he said. "But I think we've managed that. Sometimes, it can be difficult to find a common link to another person, to break through the protective boundaries we make for ourselves. And, yes, it would be a great honour to teach you how to use your talents."

"You're wise, Liam Zaneth. Kael told me I was as well, but you've lived and know more about life than I ever could. I've been stuck here, living the routine that is my simple life... I don't know a thing about anything." Nieme shifted over and waved Liam closer beside her. She looked up at him and studied his face. If anything, he would certainly be a handsome teacher, but she already knew he would be a capable one as well. "First step in making Hojet: don't cook it too long or it'll burn."

Liam kept careful watch of what Nieme was doing. He wondered if Kallia and Yelara would like Hojet. "How long should it be cooked," he asked as he leant a hand where she might need it. "You may not feel like you have much knowledge, but you have good insight. I think with the texts available, you'll soon have access to all the knowledge you could ever want."

"And with a little time, you may learn to make Hojet. Now pay attention." Nieme stood aside and let Liam handle the cooking for the time being. She gave him instructions and gentle criticisms, as well as dousing the odd fire he caused. She knew, soon, their positions would be reversed and she would be benefiting from his tutelage, but when it came to cooking, she knew she was definitely in control.

"Out of the Darkness, Part 2"
by Liam Zaneth
Nieme Yaresh
Jae Dyn Brael
Kael Selrid
and Orn Gham [NPC]
Location: Thanatos, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 22, 4ABY

***

As Kallia wandered back toward the speeder she and Liam had rented for the day, she felt a malevolent presence in the area. She frowned and continued forward around the corner and the source of the malevolence became apparent.

Surrounding the speeder was a group of kids, the oldest of whom appeared about five years younger than she. They had most of the contents of the speeder out on the sand, and one of them appeared to be trying to remove the passenger seat.

Upon the hood of the speeder was a white-haired youth who appeared to be calling out orders to the rest. He'd put large dents in the tritian-plated engine covering, much to the amusement of his companions.

With a great heave, the passenger seat came loose and was deposited with a cheer into the sand.

"It'll make a nice chair for the the Pit," one of the youths called. "It'll be Kael's throne! He can pass judgement on all who defy the Edicts of the Kir'Thana."

Kallia shook her head and stepped forward. "What about those who commit common thuggery," she asked.

The youths stopped their celebrations and turned to her. The one who had spoken turned to her and smiled. "Thuggery is permitted, of course," he said. "And, wetters sticking their turned-up noses into our affairs is a capital crime." He started toward her, but stopped at a hissing sound from the white-haired one.

"Back off, Ferrig," he rasped and hopped from the hood of his car. "This ain't your speeder anymore. You'd best move along before things turn ugly. You may be a woman, but you're still a wetter."

Kallia looked around at the group and felt their surging emotions. She concentrated her attention on the leader and felt a spark of something familiar. The Force pulsed within him. She sensed a darkness warring against light and knew that there was a chance to win him over to the cause of the Jedi. Not with this crowd though, she thought. Their influence corrupts.

"I rented that speeder for the day, and they'll want it returned." Kallia watched as snickers and snorts rippled through the group.

"Rented from a wetter company, no doubt," the one the leader had called Ferrig said. "Come on, Kael; let's just waste the wet bitch and be over with it."

"Cool your thrusters, Ferrig," Kael said. "I'll take care of this."

"Bantha shit you will," Ferrig spat. "You're going soft, Selrid. She's a wetter and she goes."

Before Kael could stop him, Ferrig rushed forward with a vibroblade raised to kill. When the blade slashed through the air, it found nothing for Kallia was no longer there.

With Jedi-enhanced movements, she slipped to the side at the last possible moment. The thug turned once he realized she was gone and growled in frustration.

Kallia could feel the rest of the group closing in behind her. The fight was going to get ugly very quickly. She closed her eyes briefly and summoned all her will toward the task she was about to perform.

"You will return to your dwelling and cease your violence," she said with a subtle gesture of command.

Ferrig was first to respond with a slow, wooden nod as he mumbled concurrence and turned to leave. The rest of the thugs followed suit, moving away after Ferrig.

Kael stood gaping as he watched his friends just walk away from the fight. He'd felt a soft tug at his mind, a compulsion to leave, but he pushed it off as one would brush sand from his clothes.

"Hold on," he shouted stepping forward. The roar of his voice seemed to snap the spell his friends were under and they turned around, perplexed.

"What sort of crap you trying to work on us, lady," Kael said moving forward. "We should just kill you now, and be done with it. No one plays with the Feltryes and lives to spread the tale." He pulled a blaster from the back of his waistband and leveled it at her. "Ferrig, Tenry, grab her arms and hold her down."

Kallia frowned as the two thugs pushed forward with destruction in their eyes. She wouldn't walk away from this easily. As the thugs rushed her, she stretched out a hand and sent out thick tendrils of the Force. The two boys, caught unawares by the invisible blow, flew back five meters and sprawled in the sand sputtering.

Kael watched the exchange in awe and then remembered he intended to kill the woman. He squeezed the trigger five times, sending a rapid succession of blaster bolts in her direction. He could only watch as she suddenly leapt straight up and over him.

She came down into the sand, her cloak fluttering around her. Thoughts of shooting her fled from his mind as he tried to figure out what just happened. People didn't just go leaping around like that, not nearly ten meters into the air without some sort of assistance. He could only watch as she ran down the street and disappeared down an alley.

"What the fuck, Kael," Ferrig shouted, slapping Kael's shoulder. "She was standing right in front of you. How the fuck could you miss her?"

Kael turned and stared dumbly into Ferrig's snarling face. "I don't know," he said. "One moment she was there..."

"I don't care how the fuck she did it," Ferrig said, his eyes still blazing white hot hatred, "she's gonna pay for that shit. No one messes with the Feltreys and gets away with it. No one."

Kael only nodded. "Yeah," he murmured, "no one."

***

The front door of the Rhack opened, and Kallia Brael stepped through. She had the hood of her cloak pulled up against the sands outside, but it provided good concealment from all the eyes that turned toward her in the restaurant. She could sense no ill intent from any of them, so she pushed the cowl back and approached the man who appeared to be the proprietor. "Good afternoon," she said with a smile. "I'm looking for a friend." She gave a description and then added, "Have you seen him?"

"Oh, that fellow," Orn said with a laugh. "He's been in the kitchen all day cooking. I think I might hire him on as permanent help."

Kallia raised an eyebrow. "Really," she said with a barely hidden smirk. "Would it be alright if I were to go in and talk with him?"

"Sure. Join the party, Miss. It looks like it's gonna be a big crowd tonight and Nieme could use the help." Orn smiled at Kallia, then turned away to slap the counter and bellow an order into the kitchen.

Kallia nodded gratefully and slipped past him into the kitchen. She noticed Liam in front of a range transferring a pile of noodles from a pan onto a plate. The sight brought a smile to her face. "I figured I'd find you in someone's kitchen, Liam," Kallia said with a laugh. "So this is how you get so good in the kitchen."

Liam looked up and smiled. "Nieme had to get to work, and this was the best way to talk to her," he said. "Not to mention a great chance to pick up some new recipes from a master chef. Nieme Yaresh, meet Jae Dyn Brael, Jedi Knight."

Before she'd even set her eyes upon the woman, Nieme knew she was the one. The sense of calm she exuded was the same she'd felt in her dream, and finally turning to look at her, Nieme noticed that her light shone just as brightly as she remembered it. "You're even more beautiful in the flesh," Nieme said softly.

Kallia raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Thank you," she said moving closer. She didn't need Liam to tell her that Nieme had strength with the Force. "So you've seen me before? You must have Foresight. That's very rare in the Jedi, at least for those who haven't been trained to use it. It's good to meet you, Nieme." She looked around at the food they were preparing. "And, it smells like I'm going to want to stay here for a meal. It smells delicious."

Nieme shrugged her shoulders and smiled modestly. "Most of it's Liam's doing. Strangely, though, he keeps trying to put carbosyrup on everything." Nieme shyly looked away from Kallia, finding that her beauty and commanding presence was intimidating, but her beauty gave her a softness and kindness that was soothing despite the awkwardness she felt. "You can sit in the dining area with your friend if you like. I'll make you both something for dinner," she whispered to Liam. "You've done good for your first day. I think you might have a future as a chef yet."

Liam smiled. "You think so? Well, perhaps you and I can do the cooking at the Temple if you'd like that," he said. "Though, I think having a rotating schedule would be good too. I think everyone should do a little of the cooking. So do you have any breaks that you'd be able to join us for a bit?"

"No breaks," Nieme said simply. She smiled at Liam and shooed him away. "Go have a seat in the dining area and talk to your friend. She's dying to tell you something; I can tell."

Liam glanced to Kallia who nodded, and then turned back to Nieme. "If you have a chance to stop out to see us, we should make arrangements to see your friend. And, perhaps when you're not working, I can teach you a few of my recipes."

"I'm sure carbosyrup's one of the ingredients." Nieme smiled at Liam, then looked away and focused her attention on the Dernian eggs frying in the pan.

Both Kallia and Liam laughed as they exited the kitchen. As Liam started back to assure Nieme there would be no carbosyrup, or that it would at least be optional, Kallia pulled him along and out toward the main section of the restaurant.

***

Liam and Kallia found a seat out at one of the tables. He looked at her face and could read her expression well. "You found someone," he said.

"I did," she responded, "but I'm uncertain. I believe he was the leader of a gang, and they tried to kill me. I was able to get away, but I know I left them wondering."

Liam nodded slowly. "I believe that sounds like Nieme's friend, though we'll need to check with her to be certain."

"They've destroyed the speeder by now, and I'm quite certain they will be unfriendly toward me if they see me again. I tried to disperse them peacefully, but Kael, their leader, wasn't swayed. After that it was all I could do to get out of there before I truly revealed who and what I am. I have a feeling I already did more than I should have."

"At least you're safe," Liam said. "And, if he is Nieme's friend, we may have some damage control to do when we talk to him. How long ago did you meet with them?"

"It's been a few hours," she said. "And, then I had to try to find you. Do you think Nieme will join us?"

Liam nodded. "If we can get her friend with us, then we'll have her. She says she won't join us without him too. She has potential, that's for certain. And, with her, we'll have two Padawans."

"We'll need more trained Jedi before we can have any more students," Kallia said. "I can handle one Padawan, and you the other; I don't think we should break the rule that each master only has one Padawan. To take on too much would breed trouble, I think."

"I agree," Liam said. "Finding others who have been trained will be difficult, but they are still out there. For now, we will have Nieme and her friend. Once they are sufficiently trained, we can take on new padawans, and so can they. It will be slow rebuilding. It may require leaving Tae'Karada to search. And, we'll have to do it in secret. If the Emperor hears that the Jedi Order is rebuilding, I'm certain the cleansing will begin again."

"It's going to be difficult building the Jedi again under Tarkin's nose."

"I think we can do it in the Temple," Liam said. "It's hidden from technological surveillance, and we will have other defenses as well."

"Good," Kallia said. "We'll need to make sure those working with us can be trusted absolutely."

The sound of scuffing shoes on the floor brought their attention to the approach of their meal. Both smiled when they saw that it was Nieme bringing it to them. "Hello again, Nieme," Liam said. "We were just discussing the Jedi Temple." He glanced at the food she was setting on the table and inhaled deeply. "That smells wonderful."

Nieme smiled bashfully and looked down to conceal her reddening cheeks from Liam and Kallia. "It's just some Joba meat stew. Nothing special." She laughed shyly and began moving away. "Well...enjoy. If...if you want seconds, I'll just be sitting over there and you can signal me and I'll hurry into the kitchen and just...well...make some more."

"Why don't you sit with us," Kallia asked. She slid over on her seat to make room for Nieme. "There's plenty of room. And, it might be nicer to sit with someone, or two someones, than alone. At least today."

"I...I suppose so," Nieme said hesitantly. She met Kallia's gaze and finally smiled at her. Her beauty was incomparable and her kindness was visible even in her smile. She slid carefully into the chair pulled out for her, and looked at Kallia out of the corner of her eye. "You...you're going to be my teacher then?"

Kallia glanced to Liam and then back to Nieme. She smiled warmly and nodded. "Yes," she said. "I am going to be your teacher. I will try to find some texts for you to start reading if you'd like." She looked around and then lowered her voice. "You will need to keep them very secret though. If anyone knows, it could put all of us in danger." Despite the severity of her words, Kallia allowed herself to exude a calm. She would have to talk to Nieme in private and make sure she understood the potential danger she would be getting herself into by training as a Jedi.

"I don't talk much to anyone, so your secret's safe." Nieme couldn't hold Kallia's gaze no matter how desperately she tried to, but once she found Liam's eyes, she focused on those instead. "You'll be training Kael. It can't be anyone else. It must be you. He won't like you though, not at first. But once he trusts you, you'll see that he really does want to change."

Kallia and Liam exchanged a glance and then Kallia sighed. "I think I ran into Kael today. He's a young man with bleached white hair, isn't he? I believe that was his gang with him as well. I have a feeling convincing him to join with us may be a little difficult."

"You've met him?" Nieme turned to Kallia with an unrestrained smile, which quickly faded as she caught Kallia's solemn gaze. "What happened? He did something bad again, didn't he?"

"When I found him, his friends were looting our speeder," Kallia explained. "I tried to diffuse the situation carefully and painlessly, but one of his friends was intent on making more of the situation. I used a Jedi mental trick to make them leave, but Kael's mind was too strong to be manipulated like that. He was upset that I tried to manipulate his friends, and he tried to shoot me with a blaster. I left them all in a daze by the speeder, but I fear he might not want to see me again."

Nieme blinked away the sudden disappointment and shock she was hit with, then closed her eyes and shook her head slowly. "He promised he would try," she said quietly. "He didn't want the blood to stain him or the sands anymore." She sighed gravely and opened her eyes only to stare blankly across the crowded room. "He has to see you again. Don't you understand? If he doesn't go, neither can I. That's what the dream told me. We're supposed to be in the forest together. It won't work unless we're together."

Kallia put a hand on Nieme's arm. "I got the sense that he didn't want to do what he was doing," she said. "The feelings I felt from him indicated that he was only doing what he did because of his friends. Perhaps if we can convince him to come with us, he can leave their influence behind."

"You won't be able to convince him," Nieme replied. "Only I can, but once he discovers I told you two about him, he might never speak to me again." Nieme pushed her chair back slowly and rose almost lethargically. "I have to go now. Enjoy your stew. Wait here for Kael if you like, but if he does come in, be warned. He doesn't like my Hojet that much, so he'd risk getting kicked out by pulling a blaster on you two."

She looked down at Liam, then Kallia and swallowed back the bitter disappointment she felt. Kael showed the yearning to change, but it seemed he was too set in his ways to bother trying. Nieme somberly moved back towards the kitchen to submerse herself in more cooking - a much needed distraction.

***

It was many hours later when the white-haired youth and his gang entered the Rhack. Kael was in the lead with the rest of the Feltreys following him. It took a moment as Kael's eyes scanned the room before he noticed a face he recognized. Unfortunately, it was about that time that Ferrig also spotted her.

"It's the bitch from earlier," Ferrig spat, heedless of whatever complaints Orn might have. He tugged his blaster out and pushed forward. "Get her."

"Outside," Kael barked.

"What the fuck, Kael? What is that about? She dashed us on our own sand. We can't let that go unpunished."

Kael turned to his friend and scowled. "Get outside right now before I rip your head from your neck and feed it up your ass. I'll handle this."

"This is bantha-- Fine, fine," Ferrig snarled, "I'm going. Just call us when you want us to snap her in two."

Kael glanced toward Orn with a sneer. "Orn," he called. "A plate of Hojet."

Orn smiled pleasantly, a rarity for him, and complied to Kael's request. He'd been feeling lighthearted all day and had no idea why. He gently called out to Nieme in the kitchen and politely asked for a plate of Hojet. Nieme nodded her head and as she looked back towards Orn, a flash of white caught her eye. The excitement she should have felt in knowing he'd finally come was suddenly overshadowed by the despair and utter dejection she was consumed with. He'd lied and she had no idea why, but there was no turning back tonight. If he chose to continue on the path he was treading, she refused to associate with him any longer; she couldn't bear to be around one who exuded such pain and hatred.

She continued to gaze through the hole in the wall opening that revealed the dining area, and the tension between Kael and her new friends was almost visible. She worried, then, that he would do something to avenge his honour in front of his gang, and Nieme knew Liam and Jae Dyn had it within their powers to hurt Kael. Even though he selfishly and unwittingly caused her pain, she couldn't bear to see him subjected to it.

Kael started forward toward the table until he stood over facing the two people there. He noticed the man shift slightly, giving himself easier access to something beneath the folds of his cloak. A blaster most likely. The woman, on the other hand, stayed completely still, just following him with her eyes.

"Kael Selrid," Kallia said.

"I don't know your name, and I don't know you," he said, "but I recommend you catch the first transport back to whichever wetland you came from and never return here again. I'm the only thing keeping the rest of those rockwolves off you right now, and I don't know how long I can keep them back."

Kallia shrugged. "Then don't keep them back," she said. "Let them come. But I can see you're unhappy with them. You don't like the position you're in now. Why don't you come with us and start a life you may find more to your liking?"

"Why should I come with you? I'm not leaving Thanatos to go off to some wetter land with two strangers. My place is here with my people."

"That is your choice, though the choice you are making affects Nieme as well."

Kael growled under his breath. "What's this got to do with Nieme? This has nothing to do-- This is me and you and that crap you pulled out by your speeder." He looked around and glanced at Orn. "Hey Orn, what's taking that Hojet? Nieme's usually faster than this."

"Oh, I'll see what's taking her, Kael." Orn smiled at Kael again and backed away towards the kitchen opening. "Nieme, dear, Kael's waiting for his Hojet."

Nieme flashed a seething gaze at Orn and hissed as she slammed the plate onto the counter. "Here's his Hojet," she said crudely. "Tell him if he starts any trouble in here, he won't be allowed back, nor will I forgive him."

Orn looked to Nieme, then Kael, jabbering along the way, but he didn't need to relay Nieme's message; she'd spoken it loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear. Nieme looked out upon the dining area and kept her eyes focused on Kael's. She wanted to know if he could so easily destroy their friendship while she stared him in the eye. If he was truly soulless, he would do so without hesitation.

Kael looked between Nieme and the duo at the table. "You told her what happened today, didn't you? With my gang?"

Kallia nodded. "I did," she said. "There are things we need to discuss with you, Kael, but not here. There are too many people around. It's about what I did earlier, and what you have the potential to do. Meet us here after the restaurant closes, without your friends."

Kael thought about it for a moment, then looked back at Nieme. He watched her for a moment, then looked back at Kallia. "Alright, I'll meet you. After closing, just us."

Kallia nodded and Liam relaxed. "Very well, Kael," she said. "We'll see you in an hour." Once he'd reached the door, she slowly shook her head and sighed. "That one will be tough, but I think with Nieme on our side he'll be easier to convince to come with us." She looked toward where Nieme still watched out of the small opening from the kitchen.

As the door closed behind Kael, Nieme shifted her gaze to Kallia and Liam. His departure didn't seem hasty or stormy, but he had turned his back nonetheless. She slowly disappeared into the kitchen and stared at the sputtering grease raining down onto the range from the pan atop it. They hadn't convinced him yet; she could sense the uncertainty and trepidation in him. If she was by their side, though, their chances of convincing him would be significantly better.

The door to the kitchen opened and Kallia stepped inside. "Nieme," she said as she stepped around to where she could see the girl. "He's going to come back after the restaurant has closed when there are fewer people around, and he's going to come without his friends."

"It's not his friends. It's you and Liam. You're the enemy. Agreeing to go with you would be a betrayal to everything and everyone." Nieme abandoned the eggs she'd been frying and turned towards Kallia. "Do you think he can be saved? I've tried...and he just went back to his old ways. I need him to be there, but do you want him there?"

Kallia moved closer to Nieme, and then leaned against one of the counters. "I'd like for him to be there if he can turn from his old ways," she said. "And, for what it's worth, he did seem to regret what he'd done. It is possible that the actions he took today were out of pressure from his friends. Perhaps if we can get him away from this environment and those sorts of influences, we can save him from himself and the destruction that permeates this place. Are you willing to be there with us when we talk to him?"

"Of course I'll be there," Nieme said softly. "It won't work any other way. Don't you see? It has to be the four of us, always. Nothing is complete without the four of us. You're the light, Liam carries elements of the darkness. Kael exists as both and I...I don't know what I am. They never told me."

"Perhaps what you are is still to be decided," Kallia said. "Or that you are so firmly where you are, that you did not need to see it. The four of us will be together then. He should be back in an hour, and then we can talk about the future."

"I see the future," Nieme said grimly, "and it's always filled with blood and darkness." She turned back to her burning eggs and doused them in a red sauce. "I try not to think about the future too much. If there's no way to avoid it, I'd much rather live in the present and deal with the future when it comes."

"As a Jedi, you'll be able to help avert some of that darkness and blood," Kallia said as she put a calming hand on Nieme's shoulder. "I have seen flashes of the future as well, and it allowed me to save someone I love from a man who wanted to hurt her. I will help you tame the wild nature of your visions, Nieme."

Nieme cocked her head to the side and gazed up at Kallia quizzically. "Her?" She smiled sheepishly, then looked away to hide her reddening cheeks. "I...I've never met a woman who loved...a woman. I've never loved anyone like that. Before Kael, I never even had a friend. He likes my Hojet," she said with another unrestrained smile.

Kallia smiled. "Well, I will have to try your Hojet," she said. Then she let her features soften. "And, now you have met a woman who loves another woman. I am certain you will meet Yelara one of these days, that is unless you don't wish to. She's a remarkable woman, and she's married to Liam."

Nieme once again looked up at Kallia wide-eyed. "I knew he was hiding something else. When I mentioned you, it was like a veil of darkness suddenly descended upon him. I don't think he's very happy about your arrangement."

"No, he's not," Kallia said. "Yelara and I are hoping that he will come around to accept it instead of resenting it. On the surface, he seems okay, but beneath I can sense his hesitation."

"Hesitation is an understatement," Nieme muttered. She slowly lowered her head and pulled the pan from the range. The eggs were poured onto a plate then Nieme placed it on the order counter. She turned back around to face Kallia and smiled shyly. "You're a beautiful woman. Maybe that's why he's nervous. Perhaps he fears getting far too close to you and hurting Yelara. Or maybe he fears the arrangement will dredge up emotions that can only push him towards the darkness again." Nieme shrugged her shoulders and sighed. "But I don't know much about anything, so I could be wrong."

"For claiming to not know much about anything," Kallia said, "you seem to have come fairly close to the truth. From my observations, both that you've described sound like a likely reason for his feelings. I know that Yelara loves us both, and he knows that as well but it is still difficult for him. I think time shall help, though it could also hurt. Hopefully focusing on training will calm his mind."

Nieme gave a short laugh. "He'll be training Kael. I doubt that will be very calming."

Kallia smiled. "Well, perhaps focus is closer to what he'll have," she said. "To keep Kael in line will require a good measure of focus from Liam. As he draws closer to the light and sheds more of his dark past, Liam will be better able to retain his composure in frantic or trying situations. He has come a long way from the darkness that once consumed him, but he has not yet finished his journey."

"You're wise too," Nieme said with a smile. "Liam Zaneth is as well. Maybe together, you can figure out a way to solve your dilemma. You're together, don't you see? It has to be that way. Nothing will succeed unless you're together. Kael will drown in darkness, the temple will crumble, and my dreams will continue to haunt me. You have to make it work. Please."

Kallia nodded slowly. "We will make it work, Nieme," she said. "All of us together will make it work." She looked around the kitchen and then back to Nieme. "Will it be difficult for you to leave here?"

"No. Liam Zaneth has Orn under some sort of spell. He won't put up much of a protest if I leave." Nieme narrowed her eyes and asked, uncertainly, "You meant the restaurant, right?"

"Actually," Kallia said softly, "I meant Thanatos. If you are to train with us at the Temple, you will need to leave Thanatos."

"Oh..." Nieme moved slowly back to the range and thought about everything she would have to leave behind. The Rhack, her home...the desert, her beloved desert. She didn't think even the beauty of the forest could compete with that she saw in the sun burnt sands of the desert. No one could ever understand what she saw in such a barren, desolate landscape, but then, no one ever really looked. "It'll be hard," Nieme answered finally. "But as long as I can come back from time to time, I don't think I should miss it too dearly."

"I think we may be able to arrange some of your training here," Kallia said. "And, it is very close to the Temple, so coming here shouldn't be too difficult. I guess then all we will need now is for Kael to join us."

"And that shall be the first obstacle. The second will be to get these pans scrubbed before closing time. I think I burned just about everything today." Nieme looked out at the dwindling crowd and abandoned her range to begin with dishes. "You can go join Liam Zaneth again if you like. Scouring pots and pans isn't very entertaining."

"If you'd like, Liam and I can help you with cleaning things up in here," Kallia said. "I would feel bad to sit out there with Liam knowing that you were slaving against the mess he helped you make."

"But...I'm to be the student. Shouldn't I learn now to obediently serve my teachers?" Nieme began scrubbing vigourously at a particularly dark patch of burnt Hojet, but managed to keep smiling at Kallia.

"You should obediently learn from and respect your teachers," Kallia said with a smile as she started adjusting the pots and pans so they could be cleaned more efficiently. "But, that doesn't mean that you will be our slave to do our chores for us."

Nieme laughed softly. "I guess I don't know much about what being a Jedi is supposed to be like." She looked up at Kallia, then handed her the cleaning cloth. "If you soak the pots in warm water first, it loosens the charred bits."

As Kallia started transferring all the pots into the sink filling with water, she smiled at Nieme. "Soon you will know all you ever wanted to know and more about being a Jedi," she said. "Now, let's get these things cleaned before we have to meet with Kael."

"Out of the Darkness, Part 3"
by Liam Zaneth
Nieme Yaresh
Jae Dyn Brael
and Kael Selrid
Location: Thanatos, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 22, 4ABY

***

As the last of the dishes were being cleared, the door to the kitchen opened again and Liam stepped inside. "Looks like it's closing time," he said. "Orn's getting everyone to leave at the moment."

Nieme turned off the range and moved to the rack to hang up her apron. "Kael's near. I think he's alone, but his emotions are always so powerful that it almost feels as if he's four people."

Kallia turned and nodded. "Yes," she said, "I can feel his presence. Nieme, do you think Orn would let us talk in here, or should we leave the Rhack to talk with Kael?"

"I think it would be safe here, but we can go wherever he wants to. As long as I'm there, I think he might be alright." Nieme smiled at Liam and stood by the door. "Excuse me, Liam Zaneth. I should tell Orn we're staying here for a while longer."

Liam stepped out of her way as Nieme left the kitchen for a moment. "How did it go in here?" Liam asked.

"It went well I think," Kallia said. "I think she'll make a good Padawan. Though, it may take a little time for her confidence to improve. And, she cares about Kael enough that she'll help us with him, though it's hard to say how he'll react."

"We will know soon enough," Liam said. "He should be here in just a few minutes. It can go very well, or very poorly; let us hope it's the former."

The sound of the door opening brought their attention to Nieme returning. Kallia smiled. "It should only be a few moments more. Are you ready?"

"Yes. Orn said we could take all the time we needed. He's being awfully generous today." Nieme smiled and held the door open for both Liam and Kallia. "We can wait for him out here."

The two Jedi made their way out into the main section of the restaurant and found seats at a table near the center of the room. Both exuded a calmness as they sat, waiting for Kael to make his appearance. They didn't have to wait long before he pushed his way inside. He stopped in the doorway and looked at Liam and Kallia seated at the table, and then shifted his gaze to Nieme. "Hi," he said. "So you're in on their deal that's better than life in Thanatos, eh?"

"You came back so you must be interested." Nieme moved towards the table, but kept her eyes on Kael, silently pleading with him to at least hear Kallia and Liam out. "And not better," Nieme added as she took a seat. "Just...different."

Kael shrugged and dropped into the free seat. "I'll listen," he said, and then with a gesture, indicated that Kallia and Liam should say their piece.

"My name is Jae Dyn Brael and this is Liam Zaneth," Kallia began. "Have you ever heard of the Force, Kael?"

Kael laughed. "Bedtime stories for the kiddies," he said. "Yeah, what about it?"

"Then you have also heard of the Jedi Knights," she continued. "Liam and I are two of the last of that order, and we are in the process of rebuilding the Jedi Temple and bringing back the Jedi with those who have power in the Force. You have that power, Kael. I felt it earlier at the speeder, and I can feel it pulsing within you right now."

Kael was about to snap off a rude comment, but he noted Nieme watching him intently and thought better of it. He shook his head. "They suckered you, Nieme. It's all stories and fantasy. It's all gone. No more Jedi, no more Force. They're charlatans. They're trying to con you somehow, and I won't have it. You're not going to sucker Nieme."

"They're not lying, Kael. How do you explain the dreams I've had of you? How is it that I can feel you every time you're near?" Nieme took in a staggered breath and looked at her hands folded together in her lap. "They're trying to help you, Kael. They...they know about the darkness."

Kallia glanced down at the table and focused her mind on the salt shaker. She reached out a tendril of the Force, and wrapped the shaker in it. She then lifted it into the air and slowly moved it around Kael's head. Once his eyes showed his amazement, she let the object come to rest on the back of his hand. "You have the power to do that within you, Kael. Come with us, and we will train you to be a Jedi Knight. Take your first step away from that world you are finding increasingly distasteful."

Kael set the salt back on the table and frowned. "I can't just up and leave," he said. "This place is my life. I can't just walk from that. And, my friends. They won't get on without me. I can't do this. And, Nieme; she's got her place here. We'll be letting down too many people here if we go away."

Nieme looked up at Kael with a burning gaze. "You almost killed Jae Dyn Brael today, Kael. I thought you were trying to change, but you're not, and it's because of your so-called friends. They do enough damage on their own; they don't need you there to keep them organized and make them an even bigger threat." Nieme's features softened and for a moment, she reached out to Kael with her hand, but drew it away slowly. "If you stay, Kael, so will I, but only because I can't leave here without you. I don't want to. I promised to help you with the darkness, and that's what I'm trying to do."

Kael looked away briefly at the mention of his attack at Jae Dyn earlier. He took a breath and let it out. "Things got out of hand, and she was messing around with my friends. I didn't want to hurt her. I didn't even come close to touching her."

Kallia laughed. "Well, against an ordinary person, you probably would have had no problem hitting them, but I'm hardly a normal person. I think we can put that incident behind us if you agree to come with us for training."

Kael started to open his mouth, but was interrupted as the door burst open and Ferrig stormed in. In each hand, he carried a heavy blaster. "What the fuck are you doing to us, Selrid," he cried out, leveling the blasters. "You're selling us out." He opened fire, sending a flurry of blaster bolts at the group at the table.

Liam and Kallia didn't even stop to think about what was happening. Both dropped into the void offered by the Force and sprang to the front of the table. Kallia's lightsaber slipped from its hidden sheath and ignited in one fluid motion as she brought it up to block the first bolt. Beside her, a flare of blue boiled from the hilt of Liam's lightsaber. The blaster bolts ricocheted up into the ceiling and down into the floor, none of them getting through to their targets.

Nieme had instinctively dropped to the floor and curled up under the table with her hands over her ears. She whimpered and retreated into her mind, thinking to the forest and the soothing sound of the water from the falls crashing down on the rocks below. There were no blasters or rape gangs there, but without Kael, she would never see that place in all its splendour. Instead, she would die now, sitting on the sticky floor of a third rate diner while sobbing like a frightened little child. "Don't worry," she whispered to herself as she rocked monotonously on the ground. "Nothing can hurt you if you don't let it. If you're not there, if you can't see it, you can't feel the pain. Just dream, Nieme. Just dream..." She continued to mutter quietly to herself as the tears streamed down her cheeks. She didn't even notice the blaster fire had ceased.

Ferrig stood staring at the glowing blades in the hands of the two people with Kael. What had Kael gotten himself into? He could see his gangleader's mouth moving, but none of the words were reaching him. Suddenly, he dropped both blasters and bolted out the door.

"Dammit, Ferrig," Kael shouted after him. "What the bloody hell do you think you're doing!" He shook his head and glared at the two Jedi for no reason other than that they were there instead of Ferrig. And, then he saw Nieme under the table. He dropped to his knees next to her, and reached out a hand. He had the stark fear that she might have been hurt. He touched her shoulder gently. "Nieme?"

Nieme emitted a choked gasp as reality was thrust upon her again by the sensation of something weighing upon her shoulder. She shrank farther back under the table and whispered her soothing chant even louder to block out the voice calling her name, trying to trick her into leaving the forest. She shook her head defiantly and whispered fiercely, "You can't trick me. I feel you, and you're darkness. You're trying to strip me of my light and I won't fall for it. I...I won't let you hurt me."

"Nieme," Kael said, "It's me, it's Kael. It's safe now, Ferrig's gone. We're alright. You can come out now."

Kael's voice began puncturing through the thunderous sounds of the waterfalls, and the quiet sobs she was emitting. There was no more blaster fire, and Kael didn't feel dark anymore. He was more afraid, it seemed than anything. Nieme slowly opened her eyes, feeling the need to comfort Kael, and once she saw him half under the table and watching her with concern, she swiftly crawled over to him and sought shelter in his arms, and offerred him the same. "It's ok. Don't be afraid anymore. It'll all be better soon. You and me, we're going to keep the darkness away, and we'll do it together. I won't leave you. There's no need to be afraid; don't worry."

Kael smiled and wasn't quite sure what to do as he found himself suddenly holding Nieme to him. "Yeah," he said softly, "it's all going to be okay now. We're going to go away, and you'll be able to help me get better. We're going to be Jedi Knights, Nieme; you and me."

"We are?" Nieme quickly looked up at Kael and felt her fears subsiding. "No more darkness? Only light and happiness. No more fear." Nieme reached up and caressed Kael's cheek gently. "You won't have to be afraid anymore, Kael. I'll keep you safe. I'll keep the shadows away. I'll make sure they don't call to you anymore and if they do, I'll teach you how to block out their voices. It's not so hard; I can teach you."

Kael felt himself drawn more to her as they sat under the table. As he looked into her eyes, he found himself relaxing and feeling as if things were lighter and less stressful. Together they'd make this work.

Kallia appeared at the edge of the table. "Is everything okay under here? Nieme, are you alright?"

"We're fine," Nieme said with a large smile. "Kael's coming with us. He's coming to fight the darkness. Tell her, Kael."

Kael nodded. "I'll join you at your Jedi Temple," he said. "I'll be a Jedi. I want to leave what I was behind."

Kallia smiled. "Very good," she said. "How soon do you think you two could be ready to leave for the Temple?"

"I'm ready to go whenever," Kael said. "I just have a few things I'd like to get, and then I'm set."

"Nieme?"

Nieme was still overcome with excitement and focused only on Kael and nothing more. When Jae Dyn's voice finally processed in her mind, she realized she was still in Kael's arms. With a silent gasp, she pulled away and crawled out from under the table. Once she was on her feet again, she looked to Kallia in confusion. "What? What did you ask again?"

"How soon do you think you will be ready to leave for the Temple? We'll also need to arrange for another speeder to get us out of here."

"My books...I need to get my books." Nieme looked to Kael, then back at Kallia. "Do we have time to get them? I can't leave without my books."

Kallia smiled. "Of course we have time," she said. "I wouldn't want to just pull you two out of here without a look back. If you have belongings you'd like to bring, you can have the time to gather them."

"Well...Kael and I can go now. I assume you and Liam Zaneth will have to find transportation." Nieme turned to Kael and smiled. "Don't worry," she said as she turned back to Kallia, "we'll be fine. Kael and I have got street smarts. We know how to elude the gangs."

Kael smiled as he tried to put the memory of Nieme in his arms out of his head. He didn't need that kind of distraction now. "It may be tricky getting my things right out from under the noses of the Feltreys, especially after I basically just poured their water into the sand. But, I'll make it." He turned to Nieme. "Will you need help with your books? I can carry some if you'd like."

"There's not many, but...I do have other things as well." Nieme lowered her eyes to the ground and chewed her lip to force back a smile. "And I'll help protect you from the Feltreys if you need it. We can hide together. I know lotsa places to hide...good ones too."

Kael smiled at Nieme and nodded his approval at her suggestion. "So, I guess you just tell us where to meet you, and we'll be there."

Kallia frowned. "At this hour, I doubt we'll be able to get a speeder. We'd best depart first thing in the morning. That will mean we'll have to stay here the night. Will the two of you be alright for an extra night here after what just happened?"

Nieme turned to Kael quickly and flashed him a smile. "We could stay in the planetarium, Kael. Well...the house. Remember?"

Kael nodded. "Yeah," he said. "I remember that one. It'll be a nice place to stay the night. And, I think it'll be easy enough to lose the rest of the Feltreys if they try to catch us. I think it's perfect. We should probably get your things there, and then go to get my things."

"Will you be staying with us?" Nieme looked between Kallia and Liam with a smile. "The view of the stars really is beautiful and I can even teach you the names. I know them all...but you'd probably wanna sleep instead of staring at glowing balls of dust, right?" Nieme laughed softly and shook her head. "Forget the stars; you can still stay there, if you don't mind, Kael."

Kael shook his head. "No," he said. "I don't mind. And, it'll save you from having to find a place at this hour. Most won't open up this late, especially for...outsiders."

Kallia glanced at Liam, who agreed that it was a good idea. "Then it's settled, the four of us will stay there and then set out in the morning. While the two of you gather your things, we'll see what we can salvage from the speeder, and then make a call to Yelara to let her know what's happening. And, I think I need to see my baby. I'm just glad we got her to take a bottle before we left."

"A baby?" Nieme's face lit up with a bright smile. "You have a child and Liam Zaneth is expecting one... Are you certain you two will have time to train Kael and I? I foresee the two of us causing you and Liam Zaneth alot of trouble."

Kallia smiled. "Well, I think we'll have time for our children," she said. "But, we'll have to see. Perhaps we'll have to include babysitting as one of our padawans' duties. We should go find this house, and then split up to take care of the rest of our tasks."

Nieme cocked an eyebrow at Kael upon mention of babysitting. She didn't think he'd be too excited about the idea. "Come on," she said with a smile. She moved towards the doorway and motioned for her three companions to follow. "It's going to be a cold night. I can bring some blankets along."

With that the trio fell into step behind Nieme, and they ventured out into the night toward the abandoned house Nieme had shared with Kael not so long ago. Once they knew where it was, Liam and Kallia bid their goodbyes, and headed back toward the speeder to take care of their errands.

Kael glanced at Nieme. "Let's go get your things, and then we can try to sneak into the Feltrey's lair."

"They'll be keeping an eye out for you, Kael. But I'll be there...though, I'm not exactly sure what I can do." Nieme walked side by side with Kael through the frigid desert sands and wrapped her cloak snugly around herself. "If they try anything, I'll...I'll... Well, I could always ramble at them and throw them into a tumult. They'll probably forget all about shooting at you after that."

Kael laughed. "Well, we'll have to watch out for Ferrig," he said. "He never listens to anything anyone says. I suppose they'll all just want to kill me for collaborating with the enemy. Makes a good reason to get out of here. We'll make it, Nieme. And, then we'll go with Kallia and Liam and become Jedi." He chuckled and shook his head. "Who would have ever thought that I'd be training to be a Jedi?"

"I knew you would, Kael. The first time I met you, I knew you had potential to be more than just a petty thug. You're more than that...well, to me, at least." Nieme looked up at Kael, and smiled bashfully as she turned away again. "I've never had a friend before... You're the closest thing I've got to one. I think you make a good friend, Kael. A very good one."

Kael smiled and looked away. "Well, I've never had a friend like you before," he said. He glanced back. "You're a good friend too. I never thought I'd have a friend who wasn't also in my gang, and I never realized what I was missing by it. I'm glad I met you. I think my life is changing for the better."

"There's still a long way to go, Kael. But we can do it together, because I have just as much to learn as you do. Jae Dyn Brael...she said she'd help me with my dreams - make them go away. She can help your hate go away too if you'll let her." Nieme grinned at Kael. "Though, you'll be training with Liam Zaneth. How do you like him?"

"He didn't say much," Kael said, "but he was very good with that light sword of his. Ferrig was shooting at us, and they both just jumped up and blocked every shot with those swords of theirs. And, one of them had to have done something to Orn; he didn't yell at me once today. I think I like them both; and Jae Dyn Brael is...attractive."

Nieme laughed softly and lowered her eyes to the ground. "Yes...she is," she said quietly. "And I wish I could have seen that...the light sword thing. I guess I kind of retreated into my own little world. It just felt much safer."

"Maybe we'll get to learn how to do that someday," he said as they walked along together. He noticed the change in her expression and frowned. "It's too bad it won't be long before she's not the prettiest Jedi, anymore. I mean...once you become a Jedi, that is."

Nieme glanced at Kael, then quickly turned away to hide her blushing cheeks. She covered her mouth quickly to conceal the large grin Kael's comment had planted there and resolved herself not to dare look at him for fear she would make a fool of herself. "I...well...she's very beautiful. I don't think I could ever compete with her beauty...but...I...Liam Zaneth is very handsome too. Maybe that's what he's worried about. You see, Jae Dyn Brael and Liam Zaneth's wife are lovers. Perhaps he's afraid Jae Dyn is so beautiful, he'll steal his wife away from him, but I don't see how that could be since he's so beautiful himself...though, I don't know much about anything, so I'm probably wrong...about everything."

Kael laughed. "I don't think you're wrong," he said. "So Jae Dyn and...wow. I think beautiful is a Jedi requirement, which is why they came to you first. You don't have much to bring, do you? Not that it'd be a problem. We just don't want to be caught out here when it gets too cold. We'll definitely need extra blankets tonight though."

"I have a few, but they're rather thin. If we stick close together, it might keep us warmer..." Nieme flushed again as the less than innocent meaning of her suggestion came to mind. "I...I don't mean that we should all...sleep together. I just mean that maybe if we..." She decided to end her thought prematurely and sped up the pace so they could somehow escape the awkward situation they'd put themselves in. "We're almost there. It's...it's a small house, nothing special, but it's a house nonetheless, I suppose."

Kael hurried his pace to keep up with her. "You live there alone? You like having time to yourself don't you? I wonder what it'll be like at the Temple. Though, I guess we'll be finding out soon enough."

"I don't mind being alone. I have my thoughts, and my dreams to keep me company and sometimes..." Nieme frowned and shook her head. "Nothing. I mean, you already probably think I'm crazy. I don't want to give you even more reason to think so."

"No I don't," he said. "I think you're one of the most interesting people I know. You've got a very unique outlook on life, at least from where I've been; and it's nice. It's nice to look at things differently. I feel like after all this time I've finally got my eyes open."

"I like seeing your eyes," Nieme said softly. "They're...they're nice eyes." Her breath caught in her throat and Nieme scolded herself for being so foolish. "Oh...uh...my house. Here we go." Nieme swallowed hard and pushed open the door of her small hovel. She rushed inside and looked back towards Kael. "It's ok. You can come in if you like."

Kael followed her inside. "So this is where you live? It's a nice place, much better than mine. I share my house with about twenty other guys, and there's really no space that's just your own. I wonder what our rooms will be like there. I imagine that's what we'll get. Just a room, but I'd like that. It'll be more than I've ever had before. I think it's going to be good, Nieme. It's the right thing, going with Jae Dyn and Liam."

"But we'll still miss Thanatos. I know I will." Nieme scurried over to her bed and knelt down before it. She reached under and began sliding out small boxes. "Some of my books are in here." She pulled out the last box and got to her feet again, trying to heft the box up into her arms, but only dropping it onto the floor and spilling its contents. "I don't know how we're going to carry all these," Nieme said as she dropped to the floor again. "I think I'm going to have to leave some behind."

"We'll get as many as we can," Kael said as he moved to help her put books back into the box. "We can take extra trips if we need to. We won't leave anything you want to take behind, Nieme. The books are important. I've really only got one thing I need to get, and even then I can replace it easy enough. I don't think your books can be so easily replaced."

Nieme smiled and watched Kael as she blindly replaced the books into the box. "You should be proud of yourself. What you did today...it was very brave. I...I think you're very brave."

Kael looked up at her with a questioning look. "I don't understand," he said. "What did I do? I mean, I just agreed to go through the training. You did too."

"That's why you're brave. You're willing to give up everything to follow a new path. I didn't have a path before Jae Dyn Brael and Liam Zaneth showed up today. That's why you're brave. You're willing to take a chance and begin anew, start a new life even though you might fail. I'm just starting for the first time, so I've nothing to lose." Nieme shrugged her shoulders as she placed away the last book. "I'm not brave. I'm just...a slave to my dreams. I do what they tell me to do. You follow your heart."

Kael watched Nieme in silence for a moment, and then smiled warmly. "I'm just following the path that will keep me near my first true friend," he said. "Anyway, we're both stepping out into something new and unknown, and I think together we'll be able to make it work. I think we might be able to help each other along, to become Jedi."

"To tell the truth, Kael, I don't really care about being a Jedi. I just want some way to control the dreams. Jae Dyn Brael said she could help me with that. They scare me sometimes, Kael, and then the voices..." Nieme frowned and looked away from Kael's piercing gaze. "I should find those blankets," she muttered quietly as she stood. She walked across the small room and forced open the door to what passed for a closet.

"I'm sure she'll be able to help you," Kael said. "She seems like she's good at that sort of thing. She's so calm and in control of herself; I can't imagine her not being able to pass that on to you through her teaching. So, after you get control of your dreams, would you just go? Or would you stay?"

"I know I'm supposed to be there, but for how long?" Nieme sighed and pulled out a pile of blankets. "I guess the dreams will tell me when it's time to go. Until then, I'll just stay. I mean...you'll be there and the forest will be there. That's reason enough to stay isn't it?" Nieme turned around, holding the small stack of blankets in her hands and smiling at Kael. "Well, and the waterfalls of course."

Kael's eyes widened in surprise. "Waterfalls?" He laughed. "I can't imagine a place where the water falls freely. I'd like to see that."

"It's true! I've seen it in my dreams. There are trees and flying animals and flowers! It's a magical place, Kael. At least, it seemed so in my dreams." Nieme laughed softly as she thrust the blankets towards Kael. "Now come on. We have to get these to our new teachers before they freeze."

Kael took the blankets and a box of books, then headed toward the door. "I guess it will be interesting to see new places," he said. "Anything other than sand and heat seems almost magical."

"You'll see, Kael. Once we've left Thanatos, you'll begin to realize how truly beautiful it is." Nieme moved to the bed and took up one of the lighter boxes. "There's beauty in everything if you look hard enough. Most don't see it because they're only looking for the imperfections, just as they only look for the bad in others instead of the good. Look for the beauty, and you'll find it."

"I'm starting to see the benefit in doing that," he said. "Life is much better that way, and when I'm trying to make things live and not die. Thank you for not giving up on me, Nieme. Thank you for helping me take my first steps toward the light."

Nieme laughed shyly and nodded her head. "Thank me when you've actually escaped the darkness. Thank me then." Nieme disappeared through the open door and entered the darkened desert. She looked back at Kael for a moment and smiled contentedly. Even now he was illuminating the dark backdrop of night. He'd come so far already, and with Liam's help, she had no doubt he would succeed. He was beginning to discover his path, and she was grateful for that. The only thing putting a damper on her excitement was that she was still uncertain about her own path.

After a moment, Kael followed Nieme out of the small house. "But, I think you deserve thanks for starting me on this path," he said. "Without your help in that, I would never have had the chance to go any further into the light. But, I will thank you again once I have reached the end of this path."

Nieme giggled and shot Kael a queer gaze. "You're beginning to sound like Liam Zaneth. I think you two will get along just fine after all. Now come on! We don't want to keep our teachers waiting."

They set out across the sands and soon found themselves back at the secret place. Liam and Jae Dyn hadn't returned yet, so Kael and Nieme went inside to start setting things up for them when they got there. They had plenty of blankets to keep them warm during the night.

Once everything was in its place, Kael glanced around and then back to Nieme. "Was there more you wanted to get from your home?"

"Just the rest of my books, but we can get those before we leave I guess." Nieme looked at Kael solemnly and asked almost fearfully, "It's time to get your things, isn't it?"

Kael nodded slowly. "Yes," he said. "If we're quiet and quick, we should be able to get in and out before they even realize we're there. Are you ready, or do you need to rest for a bit?"

"No. We should get this done now. They'll want to hurt us just as badly later." Nieme took a deep breath and cocked her head high in the air, but her serious expression quickly softened as she broke into laughter. "I can't exactly look mean, but I can run really fast."

Kael laughed as he led the way back into the night. "Well, I'll try to look mean enough for both of us," he said. "Come on, it's this way."

Twenty minutes later, they were cautiously approaching the old building the Feltreys called a home. The sounds of shouting and other rowdy noises drifted out on the still night air. "Most of them are probably drunk right now," he said. "My things will be through that window there on the end."

"Is there alot?" Nieme looked around worriedly and made certain to remain closely by Kael's side. "So we just slip through that window and grab your stuff? Then we leave?"

Kael shook his head. "Hardly anything," he said. "Do you want to wait out here and I can hand the stuff out to you? If there's anyone in there, it could get ugly, especially after what happened to Ferrig at the Rhack. He's no doubt told everyone about it already."

Nieme chilled at the thought of what would happen to them if one of the gang members awoke. She feared more for Kael, for he would be inside there, with them, but she knew if something happened, she couldn't just run from harm without Kael. "I'll grab your things, but be careful, Kael."

"I'll be careful," he whispered, and then moved up to the window. It opened easily, having not been closed very securely. He slipped inside and landed softly within. He moved quickly and efficiently to his things. Though thing was a more appropriate term. He picked up his baitar and snuck back to the window. He slid it out to Nieme who took it. "Just a little more," he whispered, and moved back to grab some of his clothes...just in case.

As Nieme waited for Kael to return, she didn't notice the form sneaking up on her until it put its hand on her shoulder. "Hello, cooking girl," a voice whispered in her ear as another arm wrapped around her middle.

Nieme stiffened and gasped softly, but she knew better than to scream. Kael was still inside with the rest of the gang, and her cries would no doubt rouse them. She remained as still as possible, and thought it best not to struggle. She recognized the voice, and knew Ferrig was most likely carrying a blaster. Nieme only hoped it wasn't already pointed at her head. "Wha... What do you want," she whispered, her voice betraying her fears undoubtedly.

"I want to know what sort of shit you've done to Kael," he rasped. "I want to know why he's suddenly hanging out with wetter scum and throwing sand in the faces of his friends. What shit did you and those wetters do to him?" He pushed his face into her hair and sniffed loudly, then laughed with wicked glee. "You know, Nieme, you're starting to smell a little damp yourself."

She clenched her eyes shut against Ferrig's scrutiny. As her body trembled, her breathing grew shallow and ragged, but she still dared not squirm from his hold. "You...you're luring him into the darkness. He doesn't want to be there anymore." Nieme swallowed back a whimper and took a deep breath. "It's his choice and he's chosen against bloodening the soils further. He doesn't want to be evil."

"You've done something," Ferrig snapped. "Kael Selrid would have never turned his back on us, not like this. It's you and those Jedi. They've twisted his mind with those powers. I've read the stories; I know how it works."

Nieme shook her head slowly. "He's decided this on his own. He...he tried to do the right thing, tried to be better, but you wouldn't let him. You don't want to change but he does. Your goals are different and that's why he has to leave. Just...please let me go."

"Bantha shi--"

"Get away from her," Kael's voice rasped from the window.

As both Nieme and Ferrig looked up, Kael was crouched in the window and his eyes blazed with anger.

"You've run out on us, Selrid," Ferrig said. "I'm running the Feltreys now, and I've got orders for anyone who sees you to bring me your head. Never really expected I'd get to bring myself your head. You're a dead man." He raised a blaster at Kael. He glanced at Nieme and laughed. He kissed her on the cheek. "Say goodbye to your boyfriend, Cookie."

Nieme cringed at Ferrig's touch, then gasped as the metal of the blaster glinted and caught her eye. She looked frantically to Kael, then back to the blaster before, instinctively, she reached out and closed her hands around Ferrig's outstretched arm. She grunted with effort as she tried to keep him from getting a clean target on Kael while attempting to wriggle from his grasp. "Kael!" she hollered in desperation.

Ferrig cried out in frustration, and then pushed Nieme away into the sand. The force of the blow left her momentarily stunned as he brought up his blaster once more. Kael had jumped down from the window and stood helpless in the sights of the weapon.

Ferrig smiled and started to squeeze the trigger. Kael raised his arm as if to shield himself from the blast. Ferrig cried out as a blow seemed to glance across his arm, knocking the blaster aside. It fired off into the night and burned through a dune of sand. Before he could recover, Kael was on him. He went down under a hail of blows and then Kael was gone.

He moved quickly to Nieme and grabbed the baitar with one hand and her hand with the other. "Come on," he called, "we've got to go."

"What?" Nieme looked around in confusion as she was pulled from the cold sands. She spotted Ferrig groaning and lethargically trying to get to his feet. His hand was smoothing over the sands, presumably to find his fallen blaster. She looked quickly to Kael and began rushing away before Ferrig recovered and the rest of his gang decided to come out and see what the commotion was about. "What happened? I-I didn't see anything. Are you hurt?"

"No," Kael said, as they ran off in the opposite direction from where they wanted to go. "I--He--The blaster was pointed at me one moment, and then it wasn't the next. I don't know...I think I may have done something...with the Force."

"Really? How did it feel?" Nieme smiled at Kael expectantly. "Did it feel...good? I can't wait to tell Liam Zaneth!"

"I think so," he said with a laugh. "It just sort of happened. I'm sure it will be great when I can do it whenever I want. But, I feel good now. Does that count?"

Nieme laughed and squeezed Kael's hand gently. "Of course it does!" She looked up at Kael and let her excitement dwindle before asking, "How do you feel, though, about finally turning your back on your friends? I knew you would be faced with the choice soon, and if you don't mind me saying so, I think you made the right one."

Kael glanced back behind them and nodded. "It feels right," he said. "It's tough to walk away like that, but I think Ferrig made it easier. If he hadn't been trying to kill me, I think I would have had a more difficult time leaving."

"Well...if you had decided to stay, I-I would have been... I wouldn't have liked it at all." Nieme and Kael finally sped around a building and started down main street, still looking over their shoulders from time to time. "Come this way," Nieme said as she pulled Kael down a tiny alleyway. "We can cut through here. It'll take us back to the shelter."

"Out of the Darkness, Part 4"
by Liam Zaneth
Nieme Yaresh
Jae Dyn Brael
and Kael Selrid
Location: Thanatos, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 22, 4ABY

***

Out of breath, they finally slowed their pace, but Nieme didn't feel like releasing her hold on his hand. She didn't know how he felt about it, but she enjoyed the touch of his flesh against hers. "Jae Dyn Brael and Liam Zaneth will be worried. I'm sure they'll be glad that you're still coming with us though."

Kael nodded. "Well, it shouldn't take too long to get to them," he said. "So, we won't keep them worrying for long. If they're back yet, of course. They could still be out talking to their...mutual lover, I guess. Still, it'll be good to get back so we can stop looking over our shoulders." He glanced down at his hand still holding Nieme's and smiled. He'd never thought his life would change from the path it'd been on, but now it seemed to have changed as much as a life possibly could have. And, none of it would have happened if it hadn't been for Nieme. "You're gonna make a good Jedi, Nieme."

"Me? But...I'm a coward, Kael. Jedi are fighters and me..." Nieme smiled sadly and shook her head. "I cower under tables and revert to a whimpering, trembling mess. I could never do what you did tonight, or what Jae Dyn Brael and Liam Zaneth do. I could never truly be a Jedi." Nieme shrugged her shoulders and sighed softly as she continued leading Kael along. "It doesn't matter really. I'm not doing this to be a Jedi. I know the dreams told me that's what I'm to be, but this really is all about you."

"I think this is about both of us," Kael said. "And, who knows what will happen once we are trained. You may find that you have it in you to be able to fight as well as either of them. From what I've read, and it's not much, Jedi only fight when there are no other options. I think we'll both be okay in this, Nieme. And, I think you'll find that you're braver than you think you are. You were brave enough to try to convince the leader of the most dangerous gang in Thanatos to walk a path other than bloodshed and violence."

"That's only because you liked my Hojet." Nieme smiled and looked away before Kael noticed the other reason she was so intent upon helping him through her flushed cheeks. She knew she was fooling herself, though; Kael preferred women, ones like Jae Dyn, not timid, plain girls like herself. "We're almost there," Nieme said quietly. "And I think we lost your friends."

Kael looked back and nodded. "Yeah," he said. "I don't think anyone could follow you when you didn't want to be followed." He looked up into the sky at the stars and sighed. "It's going to be a very cold night tonight."

"We'll have blankets and...and we can all stay close to eachother while we sleep." Nieme laughed uncomfortably and pulled her hand awkwardly from Kael's as the awareness of their flesh still touching caused her to blush even moreso than her comment had. "I mean...it'll be warmer if we're together. We...well... Yes," Nieme said with a sigh, "it's going to be a cold night."

Kael quickly looked away, finding a sand dune in the distance to focus his attention on. "We'll keep each other warm," he said. "It wouldn't do to freeze to death before we could ever get to our training."

Nieme nodded quickly and felt her anxieties melt away as their shelter came into view. She didn't see Jae Dyn or Liam waiting for them outside, so Nieme figured they had already gotten comfortable inside. "I hope they don't think anything's happened to us. I don't want them to have gone out searching. I don't think they could handle the desert cold."

"Well, we've got blankets for them," Kael said. "Maybe we'll have to go out and rescue the Jedi." He grinned as they got up to the door. "Well, we made it back. That wasn't so bad."

Nieme peered inside and saw some supplies Jae Dyn and Liam had brought back. "They're not here. Well, we'll give them another half an hour. If they're not back, I think we should go look for them, especially before the temperature drops again." Nieme began mounting the stack of crates that led to the top level and once she was there, she reached her hand out towards Kael. "I'll hold the baitar for you. It's too bad you didn't have time to get your other things."

Kael handed up the musical instrument and then climbed up after Nieme. "There wasn't much else there to get," he said. "I didn't have much to begin with. But I got the most important one."

Nieme studied the instrument with a smile of wonderment, then looked up at Kael and gently thrust it towards him. "Play it." She kept her gaze steadily on his and gave him a smile of encouragement. "I won't laugh. I promise."

With a grin, Kael took the instrument and sat on a large box that served as a chair. He rested the baitar across his knee and tested the tuning. After a few minor adjustments, he decided it was ready. And, then he started in on a song he'd learned a few years ago. It was a soft melody, a ballad written many years ago by a slave who had been forced from his family and all that he loved in life. While he mourned the loss of that, he could not deny that the new life in which he found himself was far better than anything he'd had before. Kael found himself smiling at the irony of the situation.

Nieme sat on the floor before Kael with her knees curled up against her. She gazed up at him with a gentle smile. They hadn't known eachother for long, but already Nieme knew that she and Kael had been fated to be together. She was as close to him now as she had been with Fytha, the woman who had cared for her for 12 years, and to whom she'd confided all her hopes and fears. Kael would be that for her now, and she for him if that's what he desired. She knew now that she would do anything for Kael and expected nothing in return. As the song ended, Nieme sighed softly and lay her head upon her knees. "I think you could soothe any restless soul with that. You're wonderful, Kael."

Kael gave an embarrassed smile at her comment and then set the baitar aside. He slid down to the floor with his back against the box he'd been sitting on. "Thank you," he said. "That's one of the first songs I learned to play, and I always go back to playing it. It really does help to calm down and step back. It's helped keep me from doing some stupid things, but I just wish I'd played it more often. I've never played it for anyone else before."

"Never? Oh you should have! I'm sure it would have tamed the rest of the Feltreys. Maybe you could play it over a loud speaker so all of Thanatos can hear it. Everyone would stop what they were doing, and listen. They couldn't do any harm to others while being entranced by your music." Nieme laughed softly and closed her eyes as she gently hummed the tune she'd just heard. "Fytha used to sing me to sleep," Nieme said quietly. "Even as a child I had strange dreams. They would always frighten me and when I couldn't sleep, she sang to me and it helped. I miss her, but sometimes I hear her talking to me in my head or I see her in my dreams. I know she's alright, but I still miss her."

"I only ever had the Feltreys to watch after me," Kael said. "They weren't really much help, as you can see. But, I think I'm heading in a better direction now." He looked up at the stars and then back to Nieme. "If you have the dreams now, maybe I can play...to help make them go away."

Nieme opened her eyes slowly and smiled at Kael. "I'd like that," she said softly. As the gaze lingered for an uncomfortably long time, Nieme laughed and looked away. She quickly scrambled to her feet and moved to the window. She peered down onto the streets below and felt the chill in the night air cooling her blood. "I hope they get back soon. It's late."

Kael stood and moved to the window next to the one Nieme was looking out. He shifted his gaze upwards. "I'm sure they're okay," he said. "But, around here you never know." He looked down across the sand to where a couple figures could be seen moving. "Is that them?"

Nieme squinted her eyes, and in the darkness of night, she could see Liam and Jae Dyn's distinctive colours flaring up around them. "It is! Maybe they got lost." Nieme waved down at them to grab their attention, then smiled at Kael. "Wait till we tell them what you did tonight. I think they'll be just as excited as I was."

Kael laughed softly. "Let's go ahead and go downstairs to meet them. We've got plenty of blankets for all of us, I think, but we might want to find a way to warm this place. Does it have a fire pit for heating? I don't know if that would give us away to anyone though."

"Well...I don't know. I've never looked for one, but I think we can manage something." Nieme smiled as she hurried away from the window and down the crates to meet Jae Dyn and Liam. She peeked her head out of the doorway and waved at them again as they came around the corner. "We were wondering where you two went."

"We made the trip back with the gear from the speeder," Liam said as they reached the door. "But, we had to go back to use the satellite relays to make the comm call into New Plouton. Fortunately, Yelara is doing fine with the baby and there's nothing to worry about. Did you and Kael manage okay?"

"For the most part," Nieme replied. Nieme made her way walking backwards as Liam and Jae Dyn entered the house. A large smile graced her features as she began recounting the story, but interrupted herself as she was overcome with excitement. "You should have seen him...well, not that I saw him, but from what he told me, it sounded pretty extraordinary. We managed to get away and I don't think they followed us either."

Kallia suddenly looked concerned. "Followed? Who followed? I think you're going to have to give us a little more information than that, Nieme. I assume you are talking about getting yours and Kael's things. And, you ran into a gang?"

"The Feltreys," Nieme said with a nod. "Kael was getting his things and then Ferrig came from behind and grabbed me and then Kael came out and then I grabbed Ferrig's arm and then...well, I didn't see what happened after that because I was on the ground but from what Kael told me, it was pretty amazing." Nieme stood before Liam and Kallia, breathless after her frantic story, and smiling proudly. "Kael's gonna make a wonderful Jedi."

Kallia smiled. "I'm sure he'll be a wonderful Jedi," she said. "And, it sounds like he resisted the temptation of his friends. That's a very good first step. Yours will occur in the morning, when you will have to talk to Orn. I can be with you when you tell him if you'd like. To help answer questions or bolster your spirit."

Nieme frowned at the thought of having to say goodbye to Orn. He was gruff and temperamental, but in the end, he was always kind to her. Nieme turned away slowly and mounted the crates again. "Tomorrow..." she called back quietly. "I didn't even think about that." Nieme reached the top level again and shifted her gaze to Kael for a moment before looking away and perching herself on the windowsill. "They're here," she said softly. "I told them the story... They seem impressed."

Kael glanced down the series of crates that served as stairs, and then back over to Nieme. He quickly moved to her side and sat on the windowsill next to her. He took her hand in his and looked into her eyes, though they were focused up into the sky. "What is it, Nieme," he asked, his voice gentle in a way he never thought possible.

The warmth flooding through her hand from Kael's repelled any cold that may have been coming through the window. She glanced down at her hand in his, then up to his eyes with a wistful smile. "I just... I guess I never thought this whole thing through - leaving and all, I mean. My entire past is here and I'm just going to be leaving it behind tomorrow. It's sad, but I know I should be happy because I'm following my destiny, or at least what I think it is." Nieme watched for a moment in awe at how well her hand fit into Kael's, but her sadness grew in intensity as she reminded herself it was wishful thinking. "I'm just being sentimental, that's all," she whispered.

Kael leaned closer and reached out his other hand to cup her chin. He lifted it slightly so she was looking in his eyes and he smiled. "It'll be okay, Nieme," he said. "It's hard to walk away, especially if what you're walking away from is good. I know Orn never liked me, but I've always respected him. He's a good man, and it'll be hard to go away from that. But, it's not very far from New Plouton to Thanatos; I'm sure we'll be able to come back from time to time. I won't have anyone here anymore, but you'll have Orn. And, we'll have each other to remind us of what we had here. It's going to be alright; I promise."

Nieme focused only on Kael's eyes gazing into hers. That alone was enough to give her comfort. "Each other," Nieme repeated absently. She smiled bashfully at Kael and continued staring dreamily into his brown eyes. "As long as I have you, nothing could ever be bad."

Kael was caught in Nieme's gaze for a long time before he finally broke the spell at the sound of a shifting crate down below. He blinked and then smiled. "It's getting late," he said. "We should get some sleep if we plan on waking up in the morning."

Nieme nodded slowly and slipped her hand away from Kael's. "You're right," she said after swallowing hard. She suddenly shrank away from Kael and stepped off the windowsill. "I'll get the blankets spread."

Kael nodded. "Okay," he said. "All of us just going to sleep downstairs, or did you want to stay up here under the stars?"

"I-I'll stay up here. If you three want to sleep down there, you can. I won't be lonely, don't worry." Nieme smiled at Kael as she stepped onto the crates and began descending. "I'll just recite all the names of the stars to help me fall asleep. I'll be fine."

Kael started after her. "If you want," he said, "I can stay up here too. For the body heat. You'd be too cold up here by yourself. We can lie close together, so both of us will be warm."

Nieme blanched and her mouth became parched once she realized the meaning of Kael's suggestion. She stumbled momentarily in her descent, but managed to regain her footing and gazed up at Kael in bewilderment. "I-I don't know... I mean...would that be... We really shouldn't..." Nieme's mouth hung open as she shook her head slowly. Her face sank and her lip trembled as she forced back a sob. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I can't." She quickly clambered down the rest of the crates. She'd never shied away from Kael's touch, but suddenly, the thought of lying in his arms frightened her dearly.

Kael watched Nieme disappear down the makeshift stairs and frowned. He turned back and gazed off into the distance, trying to figure out why her reaction pained him as it did. He glanced back toward where she was and realized what she must have thought he was asking. He felt his shoulders slump and his chin sank to his chest with a heavy sigh. He suddenly realized that the image of he and Nieme lying together appealed to him very much, but he knew it would never happen. Not with his past the way it was. Nieme would help him, but as she just did, she'd recoil at the thought of anything more. He let out another sigh and raised his eyes back up to the sky.

Down on the bottom floor, Kallia looked up as Nieme arrived. "We were just getting ready to go to sleep for the night. Is everything alright up there? You look flushed."

"Fine. I just..." Nieme shook her head and covered her mouth with her hand. She quickly headed towards the corner of the room where they'd set all the supplies and knelt down before one of the boxes of books. Quietly, she sobbed but refused to make even a sound loud enough for Jae Dyn and Liam to hear, one that would give her away.

Kalla watched Nieme for a few moments before she moved over near the girl. She put a caring hand on her shoulder and knelt down at her side. "What's wrong, Nieme," she asked softly.

"Nothing," she whispered in a thick voice. She rifled through her books and attempted to give the appearance that nothing was amiss. She hid her face from Kallia, but let a sob escape accidentally. "I'm just sad about leaving, that's all."

"It's more than just sadness," Kallia said. "I can feel your emotions coming off of you like heat off the range. I won't press the matter, but if you'd like someone to talk to, I will always be here for you, to listen or advise."

Nieme nodded her head and tried to swallow back the rest of her tears. "I can't tell you," she said softly. "I don't know why I'm crying. I was just surprised, that's all, and I didn't know how to react." She turned to Jae Dyn and attempted a reassuring smile, but her eyes drifted to the top level where she'd left Kael, then they quickly fell to the floor again. "I'll be alright. I just need some sleep."

Kallia smiled and pulled the girl into a hug. "It'll be alright," she whispered. "If you want, we can try to keep Kael down here tonight, if you think it'd be a problem to have him upstairs."

Nieme closed her eyes and sank into Kallia's comforting embrace. She'd been without a mother figure for so long, she'd forgotten how good it felt to just be held. "I don't want to hurt him. He will be if he thinks something's wrong." Nieme rested her cheek upon Kallia's breast and sighed softly. "If you and Liam Zaneth are up there, I'll be much better."

"Then the four of us will sleep up there," Kallia said. "Let me tell Liam what's happening, and we'll go up together with the blankets." She held Nieme for another moment, and then withdrew her arms. "Tomorrow night, you will be able to sleep in a bed in the Jedi Temple. We've pretty much got everything prepared there now."

Nieme's smile returned upon mention of that and quickly, she hugged Kallia again. "I think I'll be glad that you're my teacher. Very glad, I think." Nieme pulled away with a gentle laugh, then got to her feet and rushed up to Liam. She wrapped her arms around his waist and held him tightly. "And I think I'll be very glad to teach you to cook."

Liam laughed and put his arms around Nieme. "And, I would be very glad to learn from you," he said. "Some of the things you were doing today... You're very good in the kitchen. It's very impressive Nieme. And, as much as I'd love to eat food that you've made for every single meal, we won't force you to do all the cooking."

"Oh, but I want to! Unless you want to help sometimes." Nieme smiled shyly at Liam and pulled away before she blushed even more profusely. "I'd be glad to cook for all the students. How many are there anyway?"

"So far," Liam said, "there are two. But, we should have more than that soon. But, you can cook as often as you'd like, as long as it doesn't interfere with your training. How does that sound?"

Nieme smiled excitedly at Liam and nodded her head vigorously. "I promise I won't let it interfere with my training." Her excitement waned as she thought back to Kael, and with an imploring gaze, she pleaded with Liam. "Will you... Can you go talk to Kael? I think I upset him and...well...will you?"

Liam nodded. "Yes," he said, "Of course I'll talk to him. What happened? Just so I have a point of reference when I talk to him."

"I-I can't tell you. I got upset and I think he's upset because he upset me. Please?"

Liam put a hand on Nieme's shoulder and he smiled. "I'll talk to him," he said. "I'll go head up and see how he's doing. In the meantime, why don't you help Kallia gather up the blankets so we don't freeze tonight."

Nieme nodded quickly and slowly ventured back to Kallia. She, however, kept her eyes on Liam as he approached the crates. She became curious as to how Kael would react to him. They would have to become friendly very quickly if they were to last as teacher and student.

It was quiet for a long time as Kallia and Nieme gathered up the blankets to take up the stairs. They could hear the murmuring voices of Liam and Kael upstairs, occassionally punctuated by a curse from Kael. After about ten minutes, Liam descended the stairs once more. He glanced at Nieme and Kallia and offered a subdued smile. "I think things are calm now. He was a little upset, but didn't really want to talk about it much. But, I think we've come to something of an understanding."

Nieme gazed inquisitively at Liam and from Kael's vocalizations, she wasn't exactly certain what kind of an understanding they could have possibly come to. "Is he alright? He didn't sound very happy."

"He's much better now," Liam said. "Though, he didn't exactly appreciate me intruding into what he thought was a personal matter. I don't think he's ever had anyone he could sit down and talk to. And, I don't think he's ever opened up to another when he's had problems, so me coming to him to talk was not welcomed. But, I put a few thoughts in his mind that settled him considerably. He may be a little quiet as he broods for awhile, but he'll be back to himself soon enough."

"Except that he won't talk to me again." Nieme sighed solemnly and looked at the blankets clutched in her hand. "Do you think I should go bring these to him? Maybe...maybe he won't feel so bad if I show him I'm not upset anymore."

Liam smiled. "I think that would be a good idea," he said. He didn't mention that the fear of leaving Tae'Karada, and especially Nieme, behind was what calmed Kael's fire. The thought of spending all his training on Tatooine, away from Nieme, had quickly brought the youth into a calmer mood. "And, I think he'll talk to you again."

Nieme smiled and quickly got to her feet. She scampered over to the stack of crates and with the blankets in her one hand, she climbed them. Before stepping off the last crate, she looked out for Kael and upon seeing him sitting on the window ledge, she whispered out to him. "I only came to bring you blankets. I won't come up if you don't want me to."

Kael looked back at her and nodded. "If you want to come up," he said, "it's alright. I won't hurt you or anything like that. I'm going to be a Jedi, I don't do things like that anymore."

"I never thought you'd hurt me, Kael. What are you talking about?" Nieme sighed and finally climbed onto the top floor. With the blankets in hand, she stretched her arm out towards Kael. "I brought you these. I don't want you to be cold tonight."

"Thanks," Kael said as he slid from the sill and reached out for the blankets. "Just the way you left earlier...I thought you were afraid of me. You did look scared, and I figured with my past...you'd be afraid that...you know."

Nieme looked to the ground and shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know why I was so upset. I wasn't scared of you, just of...what I thought you were asking me to do." She felt her cheeks growing warm again and quickly turned away. She was only giving him more reason to think she was a mere child instead of a woman. Knowing he thought of her as only that, she felt even more foolish for reading far too deep into what he had offerred her. "I was stupid. I'm sorry," she whispered.

Kael took a step forward and shook his head. "No," he said, "you're not stupid, and there's no reason to be sorry. I don't want to...you know, unless that's what you want too. But, if you wanted to just be near each other to stay warm tonight...without anything else happening...we could. Or we could just stay on opposite sides of the room. It's alright, Nieme. We don't have to do anything you don't want to."

"But...but you were you thinking it, then?" Nieme felt her heart racing and hoped Kael couldn't see it pounding furiously against her chest. She didn't step away when Kael moved closer, but her mind was hollering at her and telling her to keep her distance. Her conscience screaming in her mind was overshadowed by one, crisp voice that resoundingly informed her that if he'd wanted to sleep with her, it must have meant he thought of her as more than just a child. Nieme chewed her lip nervously, then looked up at Kael. "I've never...been with anyone before, Kael. I didn't even have a friend before you came along. I just...I don't know how it goes. I mean...can...can I get p-pregnant by just being near you?"

Kael smiled gently and shook his head. "No," he said. "Not by being near. We'd have to have sex together, and I'd have to...to release inside you. If we were to just sleep next to each other, even if you were asleep in my arms, you couldn't...get pregnant." He took another step toward her. "We don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with, Nieme. Whatever happens, we'll take it slowly."

Nieme looked perplexed for a moment, then gazed up at Kael and said, "Oh." She laughed softly and took a deep, relieved breath. "Fytha...she never told me about those...things. I thought...well... I don't know what I thought." The idea of sleeping in Kael's arms was beginning to appeal more and more to Nieme, and with a smile, she nodded her head. "I'm not having sex with you, b-but I'll keep you warm tonight. Just...we'll just hold eachother, but nothing more. And I won't be scared."

"No sex," Kael said. "But, we'll make sure we're warm tonight." He took another step closer until they were almost touching, and he brushed a hand across her cheek. "I know I've been bad in the past, but I'm going to be better now."

A quiet whimper involuntarily escaped Nieme's lips at Kael's touch, but she didn't shy away from it. She closed her eyes and surrendered to the sensations emanating from Kael's fingers as they trailed along her cheek. She didn't need to see into his mind to know that he meant what he said, that he really was going to become a better person. Whether he succeeded in that or not, Nieme didn't think she could ever turn her back on him. "We... It's late," she said breathlessly. "We should...sleep."

Kael nodded. "We should," he said. "We can sleep here under the window with the stars. I don't think it would be too cold there with both of us close." He took the blankets from her hands and started laying them out. "Is this okay?"

With a sigh, Nieme finally opened her eyes and smiled at Kael. "The stars... I think it's a perfect spot." She moved quietly towards Kael and helped to spread the blankets across the floor. Once their sleeping area was set up, Nieme looked down at their make-shift beds, then up at Kael. "How do we do this? Should I sit down first and then you and then we..." Nieme laughed softly and wrapped her cloak tightly around her.

Kael smiled. "Yeah," he said. "That sounds like the best idea. You lie down, and then I will, and we can pull the blankets over us. And, if it's okay, I can...you know. Um, put my arms around you...and then we can fall asleep. Under the stars."

Trepidly, Nieme sat down on the blanket while keeping her eyes on Kael. She laughed nervously as she slowly reclined back on the blanket and wrapped her arms protectively around herself. "Like this?" Her breath came ragged and her mouth was parched, but she knew she trusted Kael. She'd only ever let Fytha put her arms around her, but she was more than anxious to have Kael's around her now.

"Like that," Kael said as he sat down next to her. He reclined back until they were laying side by side. He pulled the blanket over them with one hand as he turned toward her. Slowly he slipped one hand behind her and one over her, careful not to touch her anywhere that would cause anxiety. He could feel the tension in her body, and smiled to himself as he thought of a way to ease it. Softly, he started singing the words he'd written for the song he'd played for her earlier.

The gentle vibrations in his chest as he sang, and the unimposing softness of his voice loosened Nieme's muscles and she felt herself melting into his embrace. Instead of gazing up at the stars, Nieme closed her eyes and nestled her head against his chest. As her inhibitions floated away upon the gentle breeze coming through the window, she brought her arms up and wrapped them lightly around Kael's waist. "You're gonna make it, Kael," she whispered. "I know you are."

As the song finally ended, Kael smiled at Nieme snuggled so close to him. He sighed softly and realized that he would probably get a nicer night's sleep than he'd had in a very long time. He pressed his lips to her forehead and then whispered, "We both are."

"Unlikely Alliance"
by Shrezade Anoran - Director of the Drogen Shipyards
and Rilanna Kir - Bounty Hunter
Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Praeda 22, 4ABY

***

Shrezade ran her finger around the brim of her glass of brandy while looking over the security logs for the month. The gentle grin curling her lips grew as she continued scrolling through the list of names. Charn wasn't exaggerating when he professed his confidence about the success of the bounty hunts. Already the list of scum that had been caught and hauled off her shipyards was extensive, but the contentment she felt upon seeing the fruitfulness of her plan was quickly becoming overshadowed by the growing intrigue.

A single name dominated the list, one who'd accumulated the most bounty and who'd apprehended the most criminals. Was it a loyal citizen tired of having their home overrun with crime, or a criminal who betrayed her own kind for a bounty of credits? Whoever she was, Shrezade was becoming exceedingly impressed with her, and even more anxious to see who this lone huntress was.

"Mrs. Anoran?"

Shrezade rolled her eyes and sighed at the annoyance that was her secretary. She hit the button on her intercom and replied. "Yes, Hajne? What trivial matter have you decided to bother me with now?"

"Mrs. Anoran," Hajne repeated, unphased by Reza's stinging sarcasm. "Your visitor has arrived. Shall I send her in?"

"Yes, Hajne. Send her right in." Shrezade reclined back in her chair and gazed at the door, imagining the woman on the other side, what she looked like, who she was, and what her motivations were. More importantly, she wanted to know how to motivate her into making bounty hunting a permanent profession.

The woman that entered the office hardly looked the part of a bounty hunter. She was darkly attractive and young, very young for a bounty hunter. Her eyes showed a determination and as they quickly flicked around the room taking in everything, it was obvious she knew what she was doing. Once her brief scan of the room was finished, she fixed her gaze on the woman behind the desk.

"Shrezade Anoran," she said. She wore no blasters on her hips, and felt half-naked for it. At least some of her other weapons were still here, concealed on her person. She'd been told that going to see the head of the station with obvious weaponry would be a poor idea, and she'd heeded it. "My name is Rilanna Kir, I was told you wished to see me."

Shrezade nodded once and motioned towards the chair across from her desk. She didn't try to hide the fact that she was scrutinizing the girl from head to toe with an almost amused smile on her face. A child, nothing more, yet she'd done for Shrezade what she'd strived for years to accomplish. She was helping rid her station of the criminal infestation, but it almost sickened Shrezade that she was indebted to a different brand of criminal, one with no scruples about betraying her own. "You're young," Shrezade said airily. "And I see you've opted to leave your weapons behind. A wise choice."

Rilanna moved to the offered chair and took a seat. She moved with a catlike grace, and her body was poised to leap to action should the unexpected happen. "I was warned ahead of time that coming to see you armed would be an unwise choice." She looked around the office and then turned her attention back to Shrezade. "My age surprises you?"

"Yes, actually. Your feats are quite impressive, more than I thought a mere child capable of." Shrezade's lips held a cold smile as she continued to gloss her eyes over Rilanna's sturdy, yet gracile form. She imagined the girl carried a healthy number of weapons on her. A child couldn't survive two seconds in the lower levels without some form of protection. Unless, of course, she was the concubine of one of the more prominent crime figures and gave her body in return for protection... "Tell me, Rilanna," Shrezade began abruptly. "What exactly do you do? You don't have to go into details about your more...illicit practices, but a brief overview would certainly quench my curiousity."

"A large part of my training has been in finding that which doesn't wish to be found," Rilanna said. "Using public databases and other means, as well as asking the right questions of the right people can lead you along the path a criminal doesn't want you following. It all comes down to recognizing the patterns of behaviour. In the case of the guy I brought in yesterday, he'd had similar instances of barfighting in the past. His type usually favours a particular kind of bar. I just had to piece together, from various sources, the most likely location a man like that would go to water down." She then shrugged. "Then I just have to go get him and bring him in. Sometimes they fight, sometimes not."

"So you fight for justice then?" Shrezade leaned forward and placed her elbows onto her desk with her hands folded together. "Or do you just like the creds?" She laughed and softened her hard gaze. "It's alright. Everyone likes creds, and I doubt you'd be doing what you were doing if I weren't offerring them up as a prize. You've brought in more criminals in a month than my security team has in almost half a year. I have to admit, it does intrigue me."

"I do what I do because the criminals need to be brought to justice," Rilanna said. "They hurt people for profit and sometimes for kicks. I bring them in because what they do is illegal. The bounties I collect provide a better living than some security grunt. I've brought in more scum because I'm better than your security team." She gave Shrezade a smile that said she knew she was right.

"You're right," Shrezade replied with a smirk. "You are better than they are, that's why I've called you here today." She sat back in her chair and folded her hands in her lap. "I'm not one for trivial formalities or small talk, so I'll get down to the real reason I wanted to speak to you. I want the scum off my station and you are going to help me."

Rilanna nodded, a slow smile creeping into her features. "You've got my attention," she said. "Why don't you elaborate a little on my new assignment?"

"Oh, this isn't a new assignment. It's the same old thing with a few minor additions." Shrezade's smile held a hint