Star Wars - Tales from the Outer Rim

"Professional Advice"
By: Analesse D'vrishay
Minn Dakara (a.k.a. Minn Starcrash)
Nemyos [NPC+]

Location: Analesse's Office, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 22, 5 ABY

***

Minn Dakara stepped into Analesse's office, past the ever-scowling Nemyos. While he was no longer snarling, he still looked up every time she approached the refrigeration unit to make sure she was not stealing his lunch. She tried to be friendly toward him, but it only made him more suspicious. It made her grin whenever she returned to her office.

"I finished that report," Minn said as Ms. D'vrishay looked up from her desk. "I managed to get the word count down this time, like you asked. But, it still contains all of the pertinent information from that last meeting." She held up the stack of flimsis for Lessa to see.

"Already?" Lessa refrained from expressing further surprise either vocally or by the slightest lift of her eyebrows. Instead, she motioned Minn to set the report down before her. "I hadn't expected you to be finished yet," she mentioned. "I didn't get a chance to prepare another task for you."

Minn smiled with just a hint of sheepishness. "I worked on it while I ate my lunch."

Analesse chuckled. "That's dedication for you. It's really not necessary, Ms. Dakara. Lunchtime is your own time, so feel free to enjoy it."

"I know, but I figured since I had the inspiration I might as well carry through. I'll try not to make a habit of working through my lunches. But, at least I did eat my lunch today."

"You really are new at this," Lessa commented. Sighing deeply, she leaned back in her chair and gestured Minn to take a seat of her own. "Listen," she confided as Minn settled into the chair, "you're going to have to learn that, in this business, it does pay to move fast - it's the only way to secure those juicy deals. But go too fast, and it's easy to make mistakes. More importantly," she added with a nearly wistful smile, "you get so absorbed in your work, it stops being fun - life stops being fun because you're letting everything pass you by while your head is buried in reports. I did that for a long time...but I'm finally learning to slow down just enough to enjoy my success. You'll learn the same, I hope."

"I'll remember that," Minn said with a nod. "If you don't mind me asking, did it stop being fun?"

"Truthfully?" Analesse smiled. "For a time, though I didn't realize it until I met my current partner. It was then I knew I'd been missing everything." Mildly startled by her own candidness, then, Analesse cleared her throat awkwardly and resumed her stiff, upright sitting posture. "At any rate," she continued more guardedly, "you need to live your life, Ms. Dakara. Don't get bogged down by work. You're too young for that."

"I'll just eat my lunch at lunch from now on," Minn said. "Unless I'm up against a deadline. Your partner, I thought I saw him coming in last night. He looks familiar. He's kind of famous isn't he? I know I've seen him somewhere before."

"Probably," Lessa allowed. "He's a performer. You may have seen him performing at the White Noise."

"I've never been there. Though, I've been by there a few times. I think there was a poster. That's probably it. So, that report, if you have any other changes on it, let me know. I made the corrections you suggested on the first draft, but I'm not certain if I cut too much out to bring down the size."

"Relax," Analesse urged. "I'll finish it off. You can leave early if you want...attend a show at the White Noise, even." She smiled reassuringly. "It's no trouble at all."

"Are you sure," Minn said. "I don't feel overworked at all. In fact, I really like it here. Nemyos still is very suspicious of me, but it's still a great working environment."

"He's suspicious of anyone better looking than himself," she dismissed playfully. "Don't mind him. But if it does become a problem, let me know. I would hate for you to leave so soon."

"Oh, it's no problem at all," Minn said, her grin cheerful. "I've made it my mission to make him like me. It may be impossible, but it definitely makes things interesting."

Analesse shrugged. "Well, if it's a source of amusement for you.... At any rate, I should probably start going through this report. I'll need it for a very important meeting in two days."

"Oh, if you want me to compile note cards for the meeting, I can do that," Minn said. "Will you need any presentation? I should be able to get some holographics set up for it as well."

"I'll consider it," Analesse told her noncommittally. "For now, take a break. You've earned it."

"I think I may have to sneak out," Minn said. "Nemyos is likely to get quite jealous of me leaving early."

"I'll take care of him. You just enjoy yourself."

Minn grinned. "I will," she said. "I'll go see my first show at the White Noise."

"If you enjoy Merrick's music," she suggested, "I could perhaps introduce you to him sometime."

"That would be very nice," Minn said. "I'll let you know what I think of his music after tomorrow."

Analesse smiled and watched Minn briefly as she departed before shifting focus to the report. So far, Minn was working out splendidly. If she continued to be as diligent, Analesse very well may have found her very first apprentice.

"No Turning Back"
by: Sgt. Johan Eddis
various NPC's of Team 3212

Location: New Pluton and Authority
Date: Vadris 22, 5ABY

****

"Did they take the bait?"

The team had melted back into the shadows, leaving the Jedi safehouse behind and retreating to the safety of the Authority, one again hidden in the remains on a long forgotten industrial sector. The hump back had taken a bit longer than it usually would have. Silas was sure that someone had been following them, and Johan didn't doubt the trained sniper's sense.

They had made a series of random detours, at one point taking their route underground through the twisting corridors of an old sewer system. It was there that Silas believed they lost their tail, though whether by skill or if the pursuer just gave up, Silas wasn't sure.

Nevertheless, Johan had Thorgim take off when they made it to the Authority, just to be sure.

Corporal Logan stood in one of the Authority's cramped hallways, his back wound still troubling him, though he was up and moving again. He was the one who voiced they question when he saw Johan striding down the corridor, unbuckling his web vest.

"I think so," Johan said. "They were suspicious, but I wouldn't have expected less."

Logan just nodded. There was a few seconds of silence before Johan spoke again.

"She was there."

"Who?"

"The one who injured you. This...Talara Sorenne."

"The young one?"

Johan sighed. "Does it matter?"

The corporal shrugged. "I suppose not. She's just not like the targets we've had before."

"Logan, she almost killed you." Johan's voice was chiding. "Don't forget what we've got here to do."

The uneasy silence returned, and Johan couldn't notice a moment of defensive anger on his sub-ordinate's face. "I haven't forgotten."

Johan nodded, satisfied. "I didn't think so for a second. We'll probably have to alter our plans. From the way the interior of that safehouse looked, there could be fifty or more of these Jedi. I want you to pull up the intelligence files and see if you can get me anything on a Jedi Master Koran Darr. He seems to be running this whole thing."

"I'll get on it."

****

Johan made his way up to cockpit, fumbling to open his pack of cigarras. To his dismay, only a single stick remained in the box. The sergeant cringed. This was his last good Corellian cigarra that he had managed to pack when they left the Imperial task force. He would have to find some replacements somewhere on this planet. He couldn't imagine how bad Outer Rim cigarras must be.

Upon reaching the cockpit, he set himself down in the co-pilot's seat, sticking the tip of the cigarra into his mouth and lighting the other end.

"Still on course for Kaidaga?"

Thorgim nodded. "Good weather, this thing is practically flying itself."

"Good to hear, I need some help anyway."

The pilot tapped a control, putting the ship on auto-pilot, and spun in his chair. "What can I help you with, Sergeant?"

"Your slicing skills," Johan told him. "What does the planet's holonet have on a man named Rylaa Lyssander?"

"Lets find out." The pilot moved over to one of the side console, activated the holonet transceiver. After a few second, Thorgim reported his findings. "Seems to be the CEO of a local weapons developer, Ares Macrotechnology. This guy important?"

"Something the Jedi Master said back at the safehouse. He called the guy a 'criminal mastermind'."

Tapping a button, Thorgim brought of a picture of a rather unattractive rotund man. "He sure doesn't look like a criminal mastermind."

Johan grinned. That much was true. The man had an almost...goofy demeanor. "Anything suspicious on the official channels?"

"No," the pilot said. "Of course, if he is a criminal mastermind, I doubt we'd find any."

"Well, we can obviously assume he is in league with the Jedi. Maybe providing them with weapons, transportation, it's possible he was even in on the Jau Mining Raid," Johan pondered out loud.

"If he is, we're not going to find it in any public database," Thorgim told him. "I could hack Ares's servers. See what I can find out."

"You think you'd find anything?"

"If I don't, then maybe it can point us in the next direction," Thorgim offered.

"Get on it then. And send a communication on this encryption code when we land in Kaidaga," Johan ordered, handing him the encryption cylinder.

The pilot took it. "That guy again, huh? Figured out what his game is yet?"

"No," the stormtrooper sergeant admitted. "And at this point it doesn't matter. He knows who we are, and he's got a clone of one of the Jedi. What does that tell you?"

"That he's got his claws in pretty deep here."

"Yep."

There was a silence.

"And," Johan said quietly. "He reminds me of someone, someone I met once."

"Who?"

The sergeant turned to leave. "Forget about it."

Johan stalked back down the halls to get in a quick workout before they had to be down in Kaidaga. He was sure that his mysterious ally would send Talira to meet him again, once they set down. Oddly, that brought up a feeling in Johan that he hadn't felt in a while. She was gorgeous. And her eyes, while cold, didn't look on him with the same contempt that her...."original" counterpart did. And beyond her attractiveness, Johan found her demeanor stimulating as well. She moved like he did, a weapon with a singular purpose.

The stormtrooper shook his head. His mind would have to be clear. She was a clone, grown in some factory Emperor knows where. And he was a soldier, with a mission. He could be....what....close to a decade older. It was impossible.

And yet, Johan's service record showed a list of success doing what was "impossible". This was different though. He had given away his heart along time ago to the Empire he served.

The sergeant sighed as he realized his cigarra had burned out. He took the tip of it and with a sigh, flipped it into the nearest waste disposal tube. What a shame.

****

Sweat dripped off the Sergeant's brow as his feet pounded the treadmill. Johan liked running. It helped him think, and gave him clarity in what was usually a stressful job.

The combead in his ear chirped. With a sigh, Johan stopped the treadmill, standing with his hands on his hips for a few seconds before answering the call. It was Silas.

"Sergeant, I've unpacked the items you wanted".

"I'll be right down".

***

He hadn't even bothered to change. This was too important, so Johan made his way to the weapon storage bay where Silas was waiting. The sniper was standing in front of a reinforced metal crate, the color of dull grey. A series of warning labels in Galactic Basic covered the crate.

"Everything in order, then?" Johan asked.

The sniper inserted an electronic key into the crate's port. There was a soft whirr and the latches released. Silas pulled it open.

If there was one thing the Galactic Empire was the best at, it was the production of weapons. When it came to power, the Empire initiated the largest arms buildup in galactic history, and had a thousand different ways of laying waste to it's enemies.

Sitting before the two soldiers was one of its most deadly weapons. A cylinder, only three feet long and only a foot wide. It's simple exterior didn't do it's immense power justice.

It was an anti-matter bomb. One such weapon was capable of laying waste to a large city. It's terrifying potential was only made more so by the portable nature of the bomb. The Authority carried six such weapons, but only one would be needed.

Johan had lied to the Jedi. The plan he had provided them with would have worked. It would have shut down the skyhook, but it was only a half measure. The Jau would have had it fixed in time. But after this bomb was attached and detonated, they would never recover.

"We're closing in on Kaidaga, Sergeant," Thorgim said over the comm. "I've sent the communication."

"Good."

"I've Got a Bad Feeling..."
By: Tara Darellia, pilot (NPC+)
Mysterious Passenger (NPC+)

Location: Sarcophagus, burial moon in the Sacorrian System
Date: Vadris 22, 5 ABY

***

Tara Darellia paced nervously at the edge of the small landing pad, a cold wind whipping her blonde hair around her face. "This has to be the stupidest thing I have ever agreed to..." she mumbled to herself. As far as she could see, the landscape was covered with burial markers and mausoleums. All humans have a deep-seated uneasiness about the dead, its part of their collective psyche. Tara was no different. She crossed her arms and hugged her leather flight jacket close around her, only partly due to the cold.

She tried to distract herself by studying a statue not far off. The tall warrior captured in stone wore a long coat and carried a S-curved sword. Tara knew from her frequent visits to Sacorria that this was a Nexi warrior. They were the planet's elite defenders. That is until the Empire destroyed them. Well, most of them. Tara's lips pouted as the name came to her mind uninvited. Omri Kedemoth. She met the Nexi warrior at a station in the Ralikane system three months ago. "Irritating and stubborn," she said out loud. "And handsome..." she thought. "Shut up," she muttered, rebuking herself.

"Tara Darellia."

Startled by the sound, Tara gasped audibly, nearly jumping out of her skin. Spinning around, she groped at the blaster holstered at her hip. "Blast it," she barked. "Do you really think this is the place to sneak up on someone?" Looking up, Tara froze, staring.

For a long moment, the hooded figure did not reply. The long dark cloak gave no clues to the nature of the being, and the hood shrouded the face in darkness. Tara thought this place was creepy, but something about this stranger gave her a very palpable shiver down her spine.

Then the tense silence was broken again by the cold, female voice. "I need passage to the Ralikane System."

"Well, uh....Not many going that way these days. Word is a new government is in control and they don't like strangers." Tara's bad feeling about this deal was getting stronger by the minute.

"I will double your payment," the voice answered, almost seductively. The figure took one step towards Tara. Raising one arm, the figure touched a control on her wrist band just under the cloak's sleeve. A small repulsor sled appeared from behind her carrying several small pieces of luggage.

Tara paused, trying to make out a glimpse of something under the cowl. She finally answered, "OK, follow me." Tara turned toward Tara's Freedom II waiting on the landing pad. It took all of her nerve to turn her back on the stranger, everything in her wanted to walk to the ship backward so she could keep her eyes on her passenger.

Once on board the small Phoenix Hawk-class ship, Tara pointed to the passenger quarters down the corridor and carefully watched the figure move silently through the cabin door before it slid shut behind her. With another shiver and a knot in her stomach, Tara moved to the cockpit to start the launch sequence. She could not remember a voyage she was more anxious to complete than this one.

***

Once inside the small cabin, the stranger lowered the cloak's hood, uncovering a pale female face framed by long black hair and square-cut bangs. The woman could have been beautiful, and was, if one could get past the sinister look in her bloodshot eyes. The woman removed the cloak and threw it over a chair, revealing a gray short sleeve shirt of a form fitting fabric and black pants to match. She moved lithely to the bunk, pulled a long bundle off of the repulsor-sled and removed a curious sword. Mumbling softly to herself, she began to rub an oiled bantha-hide rag along the S-curved blade.

"The Light In Her Eyes"
By: Analesse D'vrishay
Minn Starcrash (a.k.a. Minn Dakara)
Merrick Braston

Location: The White Noise, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 22, 5 ABY

***

Walking into the White Noise was a stark contrast to Nocturnal Delights. People were clothed. Women were not pressed against a wall while nameless men took their pleasure from them. It was well-lit and open. The music was soothing and the atmosphere relaxing. Nocturnal Delights existed to serve New Plouton's baser needs while the White Noise offered a more refined entertainment.

It was the difference of those associated with each. Reinrich Tas against Merrick Braston. And caught in the middle, Analesse D'vrishay. Her heart, it was said, belonged to Braston, but Tas sought to claim it as his own. And, to achieve that goal, he needed to break Braston. Minn Starcrash was the tool to do just that. She would insinuate herself between Braston and D'vrishay. If she could not draw him away from his lover, she would at least make it appear that was happening.

When Minn Starcrash entered the club, she had done it as Minn Dakara, the young assistant to Analesse D'vrishay. She gave off the appearance of an up-and-coming New Ploutonian real estate developer who had attached herself to D'vrishay to learn from one of the best in the business. She was everything her employer had expected, but so much more besides.

Tonight, her attire was a little less conservative. The skirt she wore was cut a little higher and the blouse plunged a little lower. Her hair fell free around her shoulders and her face had been accented with cosmetics more common to places such as this.

Across the club, she spotted her employer, and the woman gave her a nod of recognition coupled with a wave of acknowledgment. Minn smiled and made her way across the club floor.

"Hi there," she said. "I hope I'm not too late. The transit mall was more crowded and the grav-train was delayed. May I join you?"

"We did have an appointment," Analesse reminded her and glanced towards the seat she had saved for Minn. As with all areas of her life, Analesse was reserved in a high-collared blue tunic that accentuated her curves and slender, long neck; this was bottomed by loose-fitting white pants. Even in her sedate attire, Analesse was still among the most striking women in the club.

Just as Minn seated herself, the drinks Analesse had ordered arrived. A pink beverage in a tall glass was set down before Minn. "I wasn't sure what you liked, so I took a guess."

"Looks tasty," Minn said as she slid into the chair. She took a sip and smiled. "A little sweet, but I think I'll manage. So, how are you?"

"As well as can be expected," she answered with a sigh. "Now that the morning is over, I'm much better."

"Hopefully that won't happen again," Minn said. She took another sip of her pink drink. "I'm just glad everything turned out alright."

"You certainly took control of that meeting," Analesse commented with the barest hint of cynicism. "You seem more confident standing before a group of executives than you do with me. I couldn't possibly intimidate you more than they."

Minn took another sip, this one longer than the last. "Oh, you'd be surprised. I knew that if I didn't do that, the whole meeting would be a disaster and everything would fall apart. I just had to jump in. I was quaking on the inside, believe me. And, you're my boss, so there's a different level there. I've always gotta impress you, or you may find someone who will. Speaking of that, I hope this skirt isn't too short. I thought it might be appropriate here."

"Is that something you'd normally have in your wardrobe?" Analesse inquired evenly.

"This is the first time I've worn it, actually," Minn said. "Most of my clothes are business attire, but I thought I might need something like this for events like this." She leaned close and lowered her voice. "I mainly thought I'd wear something like this to have a better chance at securing a deal with male clients. The ones that are weak enough to fall for it, that is."

Analesse stiffened, her look mildly scandalized. "You can't be serious. That's not the way I do business, and nor should you."

Chastened, Minn sat back in her chair. "That was one of the things one of my instructors suggested," she said. "That using people's weaknesses against them was a good strategy, and she used the example of women... Oh, I guess it doesn't matter. I never really felt comfortable with the idea. If I set myself up as an object, I'm no better than the men who founded this society and turned women into brood mares and put them on pedestals in their equadis to be salivated over." She sighed, then looked sheepish. "Sorry, I didn't mean to go on like that."

"It's alright," Analesse assured her gently. "You can't listen to anything that condones to a woman's debaement. You've been terribly mislead, Minn. It's a very good thing you came to me when you did, or you could have been mistreated very badly by someone."

"For that, I feel very fortunate," Minn said with a smile.

With a sigh, Analesse shook her head and mused, "You're still so naive, Minn. Don't worry, though...we'll work on that." Smiling over the brim of her glass, Analesse was in the process of sipping her drink when the lights dimmed. All eyes turned to the stage, illuminated in a wash of pure white light, where Chrik strode to its center. "Here we go," Analesse whispered to Minn, though her eyes were fixed to the smartly attired club manager as he introduced the White Noise's star performer. The smile on her lips was tender, diminishing the severity of her often stern expression, and it was the man who appeared behind the parting curtains that caused the drastic change in Minn's employer. "That," Analesse murmured, "is Merrick Braston."

The first set of Merrick's performance started off with gusto. As the brass started wailing along with the wintrella's soulful thrum, he began with "Brown Eyes to My Soul." Somehow, with the glare of the lights and the darkness beyond the stage, he managed to settle his gaze on Analesse whenever he reached the refrain. Sliding easily into "Rockets to Riga" and then easing down into "Echo of Your Love," he brought the crowd with him through a passionate and life-fulfilling exploration of sound and song, love and life, and pushed the thoughts of occupation into the back of the mind.

Tonight was a night to give thanks for being alive, to soar to heights unreached, and to let the fire of hope fill the soul. Merrick Braston was a performer of skill and talent unmatched by any in the sector, possibly the entire Outer Rim. And for tonight, he was theirs. The emotional outpouring from the stage was matched by that returning. To say that Merrick was loved would be an understatement, though it was obvious his true love resided with the woman sitting beside Minn. And, as she sat, watching the performance, it became clear to her what her mission truly was. The dreamy smile on Analesse's face, and the way her businesswoman facade melted away as he appeared, would crumble, and she would cast off the soulful, passionate man crooning from the stage.

For the first time in a very long time, Minn felt a twinge of fear. She had never failed her master, old or new. In that gaze of boundless love, she saw the potential for failure, and it did not sit well with her.

And then, the show was over. Merrick Braston had returned to the stage three times to thunderous applause, and even invited the crowd to sing along for his final encore. With a final bow, he had left the stage, and Minn witnessed a little bit of the glow that had surrounded Analesse for the entire show diminished. It had not dimmed completely, and she suspected that was because soon she would see him again. Minn smiled as her boss turned to her.

"He was so amazing," Minn gushed, and in truth she did not need to pretend at being impressed by his talent. "He had his eyes on you the entire time, even when women were throwing their underwear at him."

"Yeah," Analesse admitted uneasily, "that happens often. I'm thinking of installing an energy barrier on stage that will deflect them."

Minn laughed. "I wonder what they would think of that, having them come flying back? If you do, please invite me to watch. That would be a sight to see."

"You know what would be even better?" She smiled enigmatically and rose from her seat. "Follow me."

With a smile, Minn left the table to follow after Analesse.

Analesse wended her way expertly through the throngs of patrons now making use of the dancefloor to mingle and enjoy the band's energetic stylings. They reached a guarded doorway at the edge of the floor, set off to the side in a darkened corner of the club. The two men posted there nodded faintly to Analesse before granting her passage. Behind the door was a large corridor decorated just as tastefully as the main section of the club. The hallway was carpeted in a plush fabric that cushioned one's feet as they landed. Along the walls were contemporary paintings of various themes, from floral subjects, to Merrick Braston himself. Minn hadn't a chance to study them all before they stopped at an ornately carved door with Merrick's name engraved in beautiful tracery upon a metal plaque. Analesse smiled again at Minn as she knocked.

There was a brief pause before the door swung open. Framed on the other side, now with his jacket removed and a towel draped over his shoulders, stood Merrick Braston. His face lit up when he saw Analesse there and opened his arms for her to step into. He kissed her briefly, not wanting to get carried away in the doorway. "It's so good to see you," he said. "After your call earlier, I didn't know if you'd be here. I'm glad you were." He smiled at Minn.

"I had to come," she explained coyly, winking at Minn, "my new assistant couldn't wait to meet you. Minn, this is Merrick Braston, the greatest musician on Tae'Karada. Merrick...this is Minn Dakara."

"It's very nice to meet you, Minn Dakara," Merrick said as he shook her hand.

"You were amazing, Mr. Braston," Minn said. "This was the best music I've heard in my life, I think."

"You're not sure," Merrick asked, then winked. "I tease. That's kind of you to say. It's something I love doing, so I'm glad you enjoyed it. Did the two of you want to come in? We can have a drink and--" he kissed the side of Lessa's head "--you can tell me about your day."

Analesse gave a short, wry chuckle. "Do I really need to relive it? It was horrible." Exhaling a deep breath, Analesse then relented and looped her arms around his waist. "Definitely a drink. Come on, Minn. I bet you've never seen a celebrity's dressing room before."

"I haven't," Minn said, the wonder clear in her voice.

Merrick led Analesse inside, then detached to prepare their drinks at the bar across the room. "Please, make yourselves comfortable," he said. "Are you from Chimaeria, Minn?"

"Yes, I am. Born and raised. Ms. D'Vrishay's been something of an idol to me for awhile. She's been an inspiration, especially in an environment where we have to work twice as hard to get where the men can get without trying."

"That's the case in many systems," Merrick said, "though in a lot of them women are making strides toward equality. Bespin's a prime example. It's especially tough here, though at least you can walk the streets and not have to wear an equadi."

Minn laughed. "I would die."

"With that skirt?" Analesse reminded her with a raised brow. "I suspect you won't have a problem."

"At least the skirt covers what should be covered," Minn said. "Those equadis, they don't cover anything. I mean, sure you can wear that thing under them to hide your privates, but there's nothing to hide your chest." She tried to surreptitiously tug at the ends of the skirt to bring it further down her thighs.

"Well, we don't currently have that problem. It's the only thing we can thank the Jau for." Analesse reposed comfortably upon the sofa, legs crossed and left arm draped lazily over the armrest. When Merrick approached with their drinks, she accepted hers with a languid smile of thanks. "Tell us now, Merrick, did you approve of the equadi when it was popular?"

"That's a trap," Merrick said as Minn took her drink from him. "If I approved, I'm a lout and if I didn't, I'm a liar. So, I decline to answer the question on grounds that there is no way for me to win. Though, perhaps I should write a song about Tae'Karada's controversial garment." To which, he quickly sang out, "Slip into that equadi when you're feelin' a little naughty."

The laughter that issued from her employer's throat was something Minn had never witnessed or even envisioned before. Analesse D'vrishay was thoroughly enjoying herself, her guard having completely fallen away to reveal the soft, passionate woman concealed by her stoic exterior. And Merrick Braston was responsible for the transformation.

"You see?" Analesse said, laughter still in her voice. "He really is the most talented in the system. I made quite the acquisition, didn't I?"

"You did," Minn said with a laugh as she watched the two of them together. Trying to woo Merrick Braston here and now would be dangerous. She would have to come up with reasons to see him without Analesse around. "I'm surprised you're safe out there during the show with all those underwear-throwing fans. They might just mob you to get closer to Merrick."

"They wouldn't dare," she answered with a vaguely sinister gleam in her eye and a smile lingering on her lips.

Merrick chuckled. "And why wouldn't they," he asked.

She arched her eyebrows haughtily. "Would you dare cross a woman who is fiercely protective of her man?"

Merrick laughed as he took Lessa's hand. "I can't imagine anyone ever thinking they could come between us."

"It's good that you're so strong," Minn said. "I don't think anyone would be able to come close to stealing Merrick away, and if they did they'd have to contend with you. Though, I guess if they did come close, that would mean..." She glanced at Merrick. "Well, it doesn't matter. I'm sure if it could happen, you'd take care of her and she'd wish she was never born."

"I think I know where you were going with that," Merrick said with a nod. He took a long sip of his drink. "Takes two to dance the Tasana, and she'd have just as much reason to geld me. But, Analesse is all I need or want."

Minn shrugged. "I'm perfectly happy not having anyone," she said. "I don't need it in my life right now. And besides, if I do meet someone, who knows if they're the right one. I mean, there are a lot of people in the galaxy. It'd be my luck to meet the man of my dreams a week after I found someone I thought was the man of my dreams. Or worse, the man of my dreams would turn out to be a woman, that's the way my luck goes."

Analesse choked briefly on her brandy, but recovered sufficiently to ask, "A woman? Would you entertain such a thing for yourself?"

"Maybe," Minn said. "It's really hard to say. But if I found myself with really strong feelings toward someone, I might regardless if it was a woman. It's not something I'm planning for though, that's for sure. I'd also be the one who'd fall for someone like Nemyos."

Merrick laughed loudly. "You're a funny woman, Minn."

Minn blushed, and quickly stammered thanks. "Someone once told me that if we can't laugh at ourselves, we have no business laughing."

"I'm afraid Nemyos is already taken," Analesse helpfully notified her. "But if you really are longing for love, perhaps Merrick knows someone who might suit you."

Minn laughed. "Really, I'm not. I have to focus on my career for now, and getting caught up in a relationship isn't going to help that."

"It couldn't hurt," Analesse said, "if it's the right person." She nudged Merrick. "Isn't that right?"

"Definitely right," Merrick said. "I guess the best thing is to just keep your mind open for the possibility. You never know where you'll find it."

Minn met Merrick's gaze and smiled. "Yeah," she said, "you never know."

During the ensuing silence, Analesse drained her glass and patted Merrick's hand while swallowing. "It's getting late," she told him. "We should get going."

Minn stood and extended her hand to Merrick. "It was very nice to meet you," she said. "I've heard so many wonderful things about you, so I'm finally glad I actually was able to see you perform. I think I'm a fan now."

"Just make sure you don't throw your underwear up on the stage," Merrick said. "Your boss thinks I should put an end to that little tradition, and I think she would disapprove."

"Oh, don't worry there," Minn said. "My underwear is staying on."

Merrick chuckled. "I'm happy to have met you, Minn. If you ever want to come see the show again, just let me know and I'll set aside a ticket for you."

Minn's face lit up. "Oh, you don't have to do that," she said. "But, thank you so much."

"I don't give out many comps like that, but for the special fans, especially those who have helped take some of the burden at work off of my beautiful Lessa, I'm happy to do so. I'll see you again soon, perhaps." With that, he brought her hand to his lips, kissed it, and gave her his trademark smile.

Minn didn't need to fake the sudden rush she felt. He was an enchanting man, and had a power that she couldn't explain. With another thank you, she bid Lessa goodnight and would see her in the morning, then slipped out the door, leaving Merrick and Analesse alone.

"She's a nice girl," he said after pulling Lessa into his arms. "I think you found a good one in her. Maybe she'll be so efficient she'll get Nemyos to get his mind off Moril while he's working for fear that she'll take over his job too."

"I don't think anyone could ever be that efficient," she quipped while fiddling idly with his collar. "Though, she is pretty talented. I can't believe she just dropped right into my lap."

"It's pretty amazing," Merrick said. "Maybe, her working for you might give the two of us more time together. Wouldn't it be nice to just spend a whole day at home, just being together?"

"It would," she allowed. "I just have to make certain she can handle it; rather, I hope she doesn't become too good or I'll lose all my clients if she chooses to defect."

"Hopefully that won't happen," Merrick said. "You need someone you can rely on there. I think we're about due for Reinrich to unleash another one of his schemes. It'd be nice if you can rely on her to the point where you can confront him without having to worry about what's happening at the office too."

Analesse smiled wryly. "I'd rather not have to confront him, but you're right." Chuckling, she added with a roll of her eyes, "As usual. Satisfied?"

"It's a sure bet he'll start something, so best to be ready," Merrick said. "And, having you all to myself for the rest of the night satisfies me. Shall we say goodnight to Chrik and return home and see if I can finish the rest of that equadi song?"

"Must you really? It wasn't your best work, my dear."

"You seemed quite delighted with it when Minn was here," Merrick said with a grin. "The most talented person in the system, you said."

"I was just trying to stroke your ego," she whispered against his lips. "I can't stand it when you pout."

He laughed, then kissed her. "Well, I guess that's okay," he said. "Though, we should go on home before I start pouting." He started leading her toward the door, but kept his lips against hers.

No longer was Analesse's day an entire bust, for she had a pleasurable night to look forward to. And she had Minn, who could potentially make Analesse's professional life less burdensome. She could also serve as an attractive, physical barrier between she and Reinrich when she did encounter him once again. Reinrich would never bypass a pretty face just to reach Analesse, meaning Minn could replace her in any situation requiring a one-on-one meeting with Reinrich. Though that was only if Minn proved to have the fortitude to do so, and if Analesse could bring herself to thrust Minn into such a situation. It was wishful thinking; Reinrich would be springing a new scheme on her soon enough and Analesse simply hadn't the energy to deal with him. But Minn would be there to support her at the office and for that Analesse was grateful and relieved. She would keep her around after all.

"Hello and Goodbye"
By: Cirran Tyris, Pilot
Lerrah Breijal, Pilot
Rilanna Kir, Head of Drogen Station Security
Dani, Jedi Knight
Kaylee Soras, Hunter

Location: Vendra, northern region
Date: Vadris 22, 5ABY

***

Lerrah Breijal came awake with a start as the speeder began to slow, raising her head from where it had been resting on Cirran's shoulder. She looked around, blinking to adjust her eyes, though the blanket of white made everything brighter than normal. Just ahead, she could make out buildings. Homes, by the look of them. As the speeder drew closer, she could see that they were definitely homes. Some had walks swept clean of snow, and most had tendrils of smoke from their chimneys, reaching into the slate grey sky.

"Vendra," she asked, her voice still thick from sleep.

"Yes," Dani answered. "The Jedi safe house is past this section of the town. It's in the warehouse district, just ahead. You can barely make out the beginnings of the warehouses beyond those homes. It's hard to see, but to the left is paths down to the beaches."

"There are beaches here?" There was an incredulous sound in her voice as she looked at the snow.

"Yes, though not many people visit this time of year," Dani said.

Looking up at Cirran, Lerrah smiled. "I hope you didn't mind me falling asleep on you," she said. She slid her hand into his. "Did you get any rest? How's your hand?"

Cirran smiled. "I'm happy to act as your pillow any time. I drifted off myself for a while" he said, although he had been too busy worrying about Walker, Tasia and Ty to get much proper sleep. He smiled and flexed his artificial fingers with the slight mechanical sound he was slowly getting used to. "It's strangely non-cold" he concluded. He peered out at the town. "Well, this place looks like a slight improvement over that last blip on the radar. And less like Hoth, which suits me." He frowned and tapped the purple-skinned Jedi on the shoulder. "Are there Jau here? They might have been warned to expect us"

"Not many," Dani answered. "Vendra is more of a resort town. They'll get an occasional patrol through here. But there's not a permanent presence."

She was quiet for a moment as she piloted the speeder through the town. Finally, she stopped it just outside of the warehouse district.

"It's just up here," Dani said, pointing in the direction of a large warehouse. "That one. There should be someone out front to see us in."

Rilanna slipped out the other side and held the side hatch open for Lerrah. Dani did the same for Cirran. Elf followed Lerrah with a series of whistles.

"I forgot how cold it is out here," Lerrah whispered as she quickly sought the warmth of Cirran's body.

Dani led the way toward the warehouse.

"I hope they have the heat on inside," Lerrah said to Cirran.

Cirran shivered. "Me too. Someone on the station told me this planet was mostly desert! Now I get here and my ship's probably already buried in snow. I *hate* snow" he muttered as an afterthought.

Cirran wrapped his arms around Lerrah as they trudged towards the front of the building, feeling self-conscious of grasping her shoulder with an artificial hand. "Did you know anything about this planet being apparently covered in Jedi? I always thought Skywalker was the last one left."

"I guess they've been busy," Lerrah said. "Maybe it's the sort of thing where anyone can be one, but you just have to apply yourself. And they've managed to find a bunch of people who were silly enough to believe. Though, after watching Dani, I'm inclined to believe too."

Cirran stayed silent for a moment. He wasn't sure what to believe about the Jedi yet. Although they were legendary figures, and Dani certainly seemed to have some astounding skills, he was trying to rely on his own rational adult judgment, rather than the childhood stories he had heard, to assess their abilities as a group. He just hoped desperately that they could do something effective with the information that he and Lerrah were bringing to them.

He remembered what Dani had said to Lerrah in the bar, and shot her a smile.

"I'm trying to imagine you leaping around with one of those lightsabers" he grinned.

"Me as one of them?" Lerrah said, then rolled her eyes. "I'd probably chop my own head off if I had one of them. Do you really think I could do that? If I had one of those things, I can think of a few people I'd like to visit."

Cirran nodded. "I can think of at least one Barabel we could reintroduce you to." He came to a halt as Dani pulled them up outside a nondescript warehouse, indistinguishable from several surrounding units. "Hmmm, somehow I imagined a Jedi stronghold as being a bit more majestic" the pilot mused.

"Our Temple was before it was attacked and we went into hiding," Dani said. Despite the calm in her voice, her brow furrowed.

"What is it," Lerrah asked, sensing her unease.

Dani looked around, her eyes unfocused briefly, then she shook her head. "Something's wrong," she said. "Something happened."

She pulled her lightsaber free and moved to the door.

Before she could open it, the door burst open and a man with a blue lightsaber surged outward. Dani's blade ignited as she backpeddled away and caught his blade before he could strike her down.

And then, as quickly as the fight had started, he stepped back and closed down his blade. He was probably in his thirties, mostly attractive in a rugged sort of way.

He looked at the group around him and laughed. "Dani, strange company you keep." He offered a hand to help her up.

"A little jumpy, Master Novix?"

"I sensed a Force user and a group of others. While I felt no threat, I suspect Master Bennis didn't either before the Imperial swine killed him."

"Master Bennis?" Dani felt faint, but Rilanna was there to offer support. "The skyhook. There was another Jedi?"

"The cameras caught Master Bennis and the media has been doing their best to turn the public against us again. There were some other images, and we found some of them showed two people with lightsabers. They were too distant and grainy to determine who the other was."

"Sith," Dani rasped.

Novix nodded. "Quite possibly."

Dani looked around. "Where are the others?"

"Somewhere safe," Bennis said.

Behind him, there was movement and a woman emerged. She was clad in a series of leather straps that covered the essentials. She nodded to Dani, and then the others.

"Just the two of you," Dani said.

"We remained in case others arrived," he said. "We have just enough here to survive. We felt it best to have two, for the sake of safety."

"We have news," Dani said, then motioned Lerrah and Cirran forward. She introduced them both, as well as Rilanna and Elf. "These two have detailed information about a Jau plan that will make them virtually invincible. We need to get to someone in the Resistance as soon as possible."

Bennis nodded to Cirran and Lerrah. His eyes widened slightly when he turned his attention to her. "You're Force Sensitive," he said.

Lerrah grinned. "Yeah, I've heard that."

"I mentioned it to her when we met," she said. "Though it was a suspicion based on certain factors. That you sense it, it must be certain."

"If you would wish to train as a Jedi," he said, "then I will teach you." Lerrah gulped, then looked at Cirran. "But first, please tell me of the information you've found."

Cirran took a deep breath, unsure of where to start relating all that had happened to he and Lerrah lately, but decided he should get quickly to the point. "I've no doubt you know all about the Jau's little blaster-bouncing trick" Cirran started. "I think describing it as an advantage for their troops would be something of an understatement. Through numerous misadventures Lerrah and I have discovered that a technology that will provide exactly the same advantage to their ships has fallen into their hands, or at least into the hands of a man working for them, anyway. Near as I can understand it, if they can implement the tech properly, their fleet will be virtually impervious to direct energy weapons."

"This is grave information," Novix said. Behind him, Kaylee paled visibly. "The commanders of the Resistance should learn about this at once. We have a speeder nearby I fear it will not fit all of us."

Dani turned to Lerrah and Cirran. "You two go with them. We'll catch up."

Lerrah nodded. "Sure," she said. "Keep Elf safe?"

Rilanna patted the droid on top of its dome. "We will."

Lerrah looked at Cirran. "That okay?"

Cirran nodded. "I guess Walker, Ty and the chief will have to catch us up too" he said, a worried look on his face betraying his fears. "Keep an eye out for them, would you?" he asked Dani. "They don't know where this safehouse of yours is, and the combination of Walker and Tasia isn't the most subtle one. Knowing them they'll probably roll into town and accidentally run over the first Jau they come across."

"We'll watch for them," Dani said. "Both here and in New Plouton. You guys go do what you to stop the Jau from making those ships."

Master Novix nodded. "Whenever you two are ready, we can go," he said. "Kaylee will stay here. She can watch for them as well."

Cirran nodded. "No time like the present. Shall we go, Miss Breijal? Or shoud I start calling you *Padawan* Breijal now, just to get used to it?" he teased Lerrah.

Lerrah laughed and punched Cirran in the arm. "No, I don't think you need to call me Padawan anything. I don't want to have to slice you in half with my laser sword."

Cirran grinned, then at a noise turned his head, half-hoping to see Walker, Tasia and Ty pull up in a speeder. But there was only wind blown debris moving about the deserted, snow-swept alley behind him. His grin faded.

"Let's go, then. The sooner we get this info to someone, the sooner we can use it to get the Jau the hell out of this system" he concluded.

Master Novix exchanged a quick word with Kaylee, then motioned for Cirran and Lerrah to follow him. "We will need to go to the city," he said. "There are allies there who will help us get this information to the proper place. We will need to be careful once in the city, but unless we do anything conspicuous, I do not believe the Jau will make note of us."

Cirran turned to the purple-skinned Jedi and Rilanna. "Not sure I had a chance to say thanks for the rescue. I think we owe you guys a dinner." He flashed Rilanna a grin. "I find it pretty sad to think that my life would have been a lot easier recently if only I'd stayed in your jail, Captain. In there people trying to kill me was more of an occasional hazard, rather than a full-time occupation."

Rilanna chuckled. "Well, when we get everything straightened out and back into normalcy, I'll make sure to keep a cell open for you," she said. "Good luck to you, and I hope our paths cross again soon." She waved to the two as they got into the speeder and prepared to depart. It was obvious something was on Cirran's mind, despite the light-hearted comment.

Once in the speeder, they sped off and away from Vendra. Noticing that he was distracted by his own thoughts and guessing at what those thoughts might be, Lerrah leaned against Cirran and tried for a reassuring smile. "I'm sure they're fine," she said. "We'll see them soon. You'll see." She looked out at the desolate white around them, felt a sense of hope out there. "You'll see."

Cirran smiled, but he had seen too much of war to share her optimism. With any luck that's this Force sensitivity thing of hers speaking he thought, but as the speeder took them further away from the town there was a sinking feeling in his stomach. "Let's hope so" he said. "Let's hope a lot of things, in fact." Novix throttled up the speeder, and they sped away south.