"Finding Out Information"
Dargus Kandran- Crimelord, Kandran Syndicate
Kalaira Ardelyr- Ambassador-at-Large

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Eos 23, 3ABY

***

Dargus Kandran slammed the dockworker into the deckplates once again. Blood trailed from cuts around his face and one arm hung limp at his side. The man grunted in pain as Dargus knelt hard into the small of the man's back and threw a powerful blow into the base of his neck. The man cried out in pain. Dargus got to his feet and kicked the man in the side, rolling him over onto his back.

Hate flared in the man's eyes, and he lunged off the ground at Dargus. As soon as he started moving, the six guards surrounding him, along with the two Wookiees, raised their weapons and leveled them at him. If he made a move to hurt Dargus, he would not get farther than a meter before all eight weapons brought him down.

Dargus stomped down hard into the man's groin, sending even more screams ripping from the man's throat. He could sense all those working the area recoiling at the sound. They knew what this was about, and they knew they would get the same if they crossed him. Finally the man had had enough.

Turning to one of his guards, Dargus smiled. "Cut off his hand, I don't care which, and then put him in bacta for eight hours."

He turned to move away and spotted Jae Dyn Brael and Kalaira walking down the ramp of the ship he'd given to Jae. Now what are those two doing together, Dargus asked himself.

"Gor'garr," he barked. "I want you and Mer'rarr to make sure that the high princess ends up in my office. Understood?" The Wookiee growled an affirmative and then pulled his brother off down a side corridor where they'd be able to intercept the woman.

Dargus then pulled out a commlink and signalled the deck operator. "How many ships are currently docked on the shipyards with Tae'Karadan government papers?"

"There is only one, sir," the operator answered. "A ship called the Dove."

Dargus smiled his wolfish smile. "Seal the ship to the deck. It's not to receive clearance to leave, under any authority, until I say so."

"Aye, sir," the man said.

***

Twenty minutes later, Dargus was seated at his desk as the Wookiees pushed Kalaira into his office. "Make sure she's carrying no weapons."

Gor'garr took great delight in patting the high princess down for weapons and found a vibrodagger and blaster. They were quickly removed and given to Dargus. Then his brother ran a weapons sweep using a hand-scanner and found nothing else. Gor'garr sounded like he was laughing as he finally withdrew his hands from Kalaira. When at last she stood before him helplessly, he ordered the Wookiees from the room.

"Tell me why you were meeting with Jae Dyn Brael."

It had been all Kalaira could do to keep Bara from defending her when the Wookiees had approached. Only her insistence on their long-standing friendship had kept him alive. Though he would have struck down at least one, she did not want him dead. She now looked at Dargus with wide-eyed innocence. "I was here in the capacity of Ambassador as is my job. I had to give fair warning that the High Prince will not allow Jedis to bring their battles with opposing forces to the planet." This was true. Kalaira had warned Jae Dyn about the dark Jedi near the shipyards. "I would appreciate it if you would call off your hounds and let me do my job."

"I have the upper hand in this situation, so you will make no demands of me. We can have an amicable relationship, or not. It will be much more pleasant if our relationship is amicable, I assure you. Keep this from Airan, and everyone will be unharmed. You know he needs me. And, you know that he would never move against me. Do not anger me, and you will live a long happy life bearing Airan Valreth many babies.

"Now," he continued as he leaned back in his chair, "first thing I need are passes to get some of my men on the planet below. They're Trandoshans, so they're a little rough around the edges, but they serve me well. All the details are on the datapad on the edge of the desk there."

"Passes to do what?" she asked. She shifted from foot to foot. She had never been so vulnerable before and she did not like it.

"Passes to do as they please," Dargus said with a smile. "Passes to get them into New Plouton and Arcadia. They'll be able to move freely and unobstructed by the Tae'Morad. It would be best to have them authorized by someone other than yourself. That would...raise too many questions."

"No!" she said handing him the pad of information back. "I cannot and will not allow such creatures free access."

Dargus laughed and leaned forward over his desk. "What choice do you have," he asked. "You will do this or else I will take you down in a whirlwind of shame that will haunt your family for generations. You know the price of defying me, Kalaira. Your answer to me, my pet, is yes. To anything I demand or desire, your only answer shall be yes."

"You need me in this position. No other High Princess would have such an opportunity for blackmail nor hold the heart of the High Prince so firmly," she said with a soft smile. "But I will choose what I answer and what I will not. I will not be your puppet to dance as you command." Her eyes held firm, though her heart was in her throat. "I told you before, I will do nothing that endangers Tae'Karada. I will not increase the crime you have arranged against me."

Dargus stood from his desk and moved slowly around toward Kalaira, a wolfish smile growing with each step. "If you will not serve as my puppet, I have no use for you. And, thus, you will leave me little option but to destroy you. I have a message already prepared for your dear high prince. You will be ruined and your family will be destroyed. I suggest you reconsider."

"I have more faith in Airan than that. You will ruin yourself as well. For Airan is the type of man to kill the bearer of bad news as well as the harbinger," she said with a firm tone. Her heart beat rapidly and her hands were sweating.

"Answer me this," he said. "Airan had everything in line to have me killed when I took you, but he did not. He knows the power of his relationship with me. He knows that hurting me only hurts himself. You are mine, Kalaira."

He tapped a button on his belt, and the Wookiees barged into the room. Each quickly had an ankle and they held her aloft, upside down.

They held her so that when Dargus approached, her eyes could only see his groin. "Now, my dear, you are in my power and I can do as I wish to you. I can torture, rape, abuse and destroy however I please, and put it all back right with a quick bacta treatment. Your precious high prince would notice nothing amiss. Now, do as I say, or I will have my Wookiees start pulling."

Fear was a foreign companion and it did not sit well. "Fine," she spat. "Fine, I will get your blasted passes." She was furious but could barely even squirm.

"Very good," Dargus crooned. "Though, I believe the Wookiees were looking forward to encouraging you. Now, remove your clothing before I order them to. I think a quick romp will do us good. And, then I'll release your ship and you can be on your way."

Kalaira was more than furious. She was livid. If she had had any weapon on her, she would have killed him then and there. "Little hard to undress upside down," she snarled.

At Dargus' nod, the Wookiees put her back upright and stepped back. "Much better, yes?"

"Then I suggest you get rid of your pets. Or are you not man enough to take me without assistance," she taunted.

"Oh, I'm sure you remember how much of a man I am," he said as he signalled the Wookiees to leave. "Now, if you would remove your clothing, we can begin."

She disrobed without ceremony. Her eyes daring and angry. "You realize, if I ever figure out how, you will pay for this?" she asked almost casually.

"If I thought you could go to him with his, I wouldn't have. Family is everything to that man, and if he knew this was happening, you would lose everything. Now, go lean yourself over my desk." As she moved, he quickly took off his pants and boots.

Kalaira did as he asked. She, however, made no efforts other than his direction. She might as well have been made of ice. She was stiff with anger and was imagining all the ways she would make him suffer.

Dargus moved to Kalaira and pushed her farther down onto the desk. He took her from behind, hard and fast. He knew that while Kalaira would never admit it, she did like it rough. He rode her hard until at last he climaxed deep inside her with a bellowing shout.

As he rested atop her as they half-laid on his desk, he explored her body. It was a good feeling to take the woman that would be the wife of his enemy. He would have to schedule regular visits with Kalaira. Soon he would have to take her in the palace, now that would be quite the coup.

"I must say that Airan is a lucky man," he said. "Though, I guess now so am I."

Kalaira did not move. She did not react. "Are you finished?" she asked coldly. "I really have better things to do."

Dargus pulled out of her, spun her around and slapped her. No one defied him, and no one made light of his skills at pleasure.

"You will not be leaving," he bellowed. "You will stay here until I am thoroughly satisfied. Until that willful spirit is broken, you will be mine to take whenever and however I please! Get onto the bed. Now!"

Kalaira shrugged and went to the bed. She did not care what he did right now. She smiled warmly. "I think I won't take birth precautions anymore. Then you can explain to Airan why his son is yours," she said sweetly.

"And, that would take down both Airan and you," he said with a terrible smile. "Oh, wouldn't that bring the monarchy to its knees. The high princess impregnated by a man not of the royal line. Your child would be the royal bastard. After he was deposed, I imagine Airan might kill you himself before he came after me."

Kalaira frowned. "I hate you!" she spat. "I don't know what I saw in you the first time. You aren't even that good of a lover!"

"Your situation is hopeless, Kalaira," he said. "Just give yourself to me willingly and all will be well. This is about pleasure. Well, mostly pleasure. There is the control angle for me. I control you; you are mine. All you are and do, is mine now. You will be my slave, and defiance will only bring your ruin. And, you know that I am good; the best you've ever had."

A single tear ran down her cheek. "You don't understand. Please, just let me go," she whispered.

"Give me a reason," he said coldly. "Why should I let you go?"

She looked away. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction. What was worse was the occasional betrayal of her own senses for he was a good lover. But the hate in her heart could not be swayed by his gentle touch or kisses.

Dargus took her again. He was a little more gentle this time, but still he took her from a position of power. She would know, even as he brought her closer to climax, that he was the one in power. When his own climax neared, he pulled out of her and spilled his seed onto her back.

"May I go now?" she whispered this time. She did not demand and there was no sarcasm in her voice.

"You may leave now," he said, glad for the meekness in her voice. "If you wish you may dress. Your weapons will not be returned to you, and when you arrive I will release your ship."

Kalaira dressed slowly. She sat down and pulled on her boots. She did not look at him. She stood and finally raised her eyes. "I need my weapons back," she said simply.

"Your weapons are now mine," he said. "And, you will never be able to raise them against me again. I am letting you leave with your life, and not forcing you to suffer further violations. Go back to Airan now."

"Thank you!" she said quietly. She turned on her heel and strode to the door.

Dargus watched her leave and smiled. Soon his goal would be realized. Soon, Tae'Karada would be his.

---

"The Morning After"
By: Yelara Neerou - Shipyards Mechanic
Jae Dyn Brael - Jedi Knight

Location: The Drogen Shipyards
Date: Eos 23, 3 ABY

***

Yelara opened her eyes slowly, groaning as she did. Her head felt like she had been banging it against a wall for hours and her mouth tasted like she'd been drinking acid.

Yelara suddenly opened her eyes wide as she realized she wasn't in her own bed. She sat up quickly, then let out a moan as her head pounded even harder. "Owww!" She grabbed her head with her hands and stumbled as she got off the couch.

Yelara's eyes were still blurry, but as they focused, she realized she was in Jae Dyn's apartment. She looked down at her outfit and noticed it was stained with vomit. "Must have been some party,” she said to herself.

The door at the back of the apartment opened and Jae Dyn stood there wrapped in a robe. She saw Yelara and smiled. "How are you feeling? And, can I get you a change of clothes or a shower?"

Yelara smiled when she saw Jae Dyn. "I have been better...much better." She walked forward, a little shakily, towards her friend. "I've imposed on you too much already. I should probably just go back to my own quarters."

Jae Dyn shook her head. "You haven't imposed on me at all," she said. "You are my friend, and by no means an imposition. My apartment is your apartment if you want it. I like having you here. No imposition at all."

Yelara smiled at Jae Dyn. "You like having me here? You really mean that?" Yelara couldn't comprehend why Jae Dyn was so willing to let her crash in her apartment and make a huge mess on the floor, which Yelara just realized she had done. "Sorry about that,” she said uncomfortably. "I'll clean it up."

"Don't worry about it," Jae Dyn said. "I'll have a droid do it. And, yes I like having you here. You're good company, even when you're not at your best."

"Even when I was leaning over the side of the couch, tossing up my dinner? You're too kind, Jae Dyn,” Yelara said sarcastically. "I don't even remember what happened in the bar. That is exactly why I don't drink." Yelara tried to keep her distance from Jae Dyn. The vomit may have dried, but she could still taste it on her breath. "I hope we didn't trash the place too badly."

"I don't think we did," Jae Dyn said. "Though, I doubt they'll want us back there again. And, yes, even when tossing up your dinner. I would have helped get you cleaned up more, but then you fell asleep. I hope you weren't too uncomfortable. Would you like to get cleaned up?"

Yelara sighed and nodded her head. "I really don't wanna walk down the corridors looking like this. I could use a shower, but are you sure your clothes would fit me? You're much slimmer than me."

"We'll have to see," she said. "If you'd like to try, you're welcome to anything I have. And, I don't think our sizes are that different."

"Well lead the way,” Yelara said as she walked closer to Jae Dyn. "Hmm, you smell nice,” she commented, leaning in closer and sniffing Jae Dyn's hair. "It's a nice scent."

Jae Dyn smiled, though it felt like the bottom just dropped out of her stomach. "Thank you," she said. "I would return the compliment, but..." She grinned. "Normally, you do as well. Even after you've been working."

"Normally?" Yelara repeated, as she raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, you're right." She laughed. "I do smell pretty bad. That's what I get for drinking...I don't know how much, Corellian Ale!" Yelara stepped back a bit, not wanting to subject Jae Dyn to any more of her pungant odour. "Well, just lead me to the shower and I'm sure I'll be much more pleasant to be around in no time."

"Right through here," Jae Dyn said, leading the way into her bedroom, making a point of walking close to Yelara. "And, you are never unpleasant to be around." She indicated the door to the bathroom. "Shower's in here. You should have everything you need in there."

Yelara looked into the bathroom and her jaw dropped. "Wow! Dargus must really like you. This thing alone is the size of my entire room!" Yelara turned back to face Jae Dyn, and noticed she was standing extremely close to her, which triggered a memory from the previous night. "Jae Dyn?" Yelara asked, her stomach jumping into her throat. "When you kissed me, how did you mean it? Were you just extremely drunk or..." Yelara could feel her face turning red. She had never been more uncomfortable in her life.

"I...I don't really remember," she said, suddenly aware of Yelara's discomfort. "I think it was the drink." She didn't sound very confident in her answer, she knew. But, she could not push away her friend with affections that were unwelcome.

Yelara didn't know why, but she felt a little disappointed. A part of her wanted Jae Dyn to have meant it, but another part of her looked at Jae Dyn as only a friend. "Well, it doesn't matter anyway. Friends are allowed to kiss friends. I would kiss you right now if my breath wasn't disgusting,” Yelara said with a nervous laugh. She took a deep breath and began to walk backwards into the bathroom. "I guess I should take that shower now."

Jae Dyn smiled. A part of her wanted to tell Yelara she would welcome a kiss, even with her breath as it was. "I will see you when you are finished then. If you need anything, just let me know. We can go find breakfast when you're done, if you like."

Yelara smiled gently. "I'd like that." She didn't know what else to say. The situation was already uncomfortable and talking about it would only make things worse. "I won't be long,” she said before she slowly closed the door. She watched Jae Dyn until the door finally closed and separated them. Her heart was beating loudly and hard. She didn't know what was going on or what she was feeling; she only knew that she'd never met anyone like Jae Dyn and she had a connection with her that was inexplicable. She turned on the shower and slipped off her soiled clothes. She decided a cold shower was in order.

Jae Dyn moved back to the clothes chest and changed into another pair of leathers she owned. She chose the pair with red laces up the sides and front of the pants. She slipped into the vest and fastened it. She looked through the rest of her clothing for something that might suit Yelara. She finally decided on a pair similar to what she'd been wearing the day before. She set them near the door of the bathroom for Yelara.

She moved to the center of the room. Her mind would not settle itself. She closed her eyes and dropped forward. When her hands touched the floor, she quickly sprang upward so she stood on her hands. She stayed there for a moment before raising one hand. She adjusted her body to balance herself. The pose was one that she found comfortable while meditating because it required focus. Now she needed focus.

Yelara turned off the shower and grabbed a towel from the rack. She wrapped it around herself and walked out of the bathroom to see Jae Dyn standing on her hands in a very precarious position. "Uh, so have you picked out something for me to wear?" Yelara called out, her hair still dripping.

Jae Dyn bent at the elbow and then pushed upward, launching herself upward. She twisted in the air and reoriented herself to land on agile feet. She smiled at Yelara. "I set them over there," she said, pointing next to the door of the bathroom. "But, that looks nice too."

Yelara smiled, then turned away from Jae Dyn and let her towel fall to the ground. She took the leather pants Jae Dyn had chosen, and began to slip them on. "So what exactly were you doing just now?"

Jae Dyn quickly looked away from Yelara as she started to dress. She didn't want to stare, and she knew if she looked back at her friend she wouldn't be able to look away again. "It's a form of meditation," she said. "It helps me focus my thoughts and energies. It helps me determine the will of the Force. It's also a great workout physically."

"I bet,” Yelara said with a chuckle. "Those were some pretty neat moves....Damn!" she suddenly blurted out as she put on Jae Dyn's vest. "I can't get this closed." She turned around to Jae Dyn, holding the vest closed so her chest wouldn't become exposed. "I guess you're slimmer than me after all. Can you help?" Yelara asked as she walked towards Jae Dyn. "I'll hold it closed while you do it up."

"Sure," Jae Dyn said, with a smile. She carefully took the zipper of the vest and tugged it upward. At first it wouldn't budge, but then it gave. Once the vest was zipped, Jae Dyn looked up at Yelara and smiled. She found herself caught in Yelara's gaze. She couldn't catch her breath, and her heart was pounding. "There."

Yelara suddenly laughed. "I've never had this much cleavage in my life. Thanks." Yelara adjusted her breasts in the vest with her hands, and took a deep breath. "I only hope I'll be able to breathe for the rest of the day." Yelara looked at Jae Dyn and smiled. "I'll return this to you as soon as I can change into my own clothes." She noticed a strand of hair had fallen into Jae Dyn's face, and brought a hand to her cheek to push it away. "You have such nice hair. I could never get mine to grow that long and full."

"Thank you," she said. "Have you tried? Besides, your hair looks nice like that. And, if you want to keep that, you can." She glanced at Yelara's chest and grinned. "I don't think my clothes have ever looked so good. Can you breathe?"

Yelara laughed, causing her chest to heave. "For a while...I think. I don't know if the zipper will hold, though." Yelara ran her fingers through her own hair and walked over to the couch to put on her boots. "So, shall we go for breakfast?" She leaned over to put on her first boot, but she felt her breasts spilling out of her vest and quickly placed a hand over her chest, trying to hold them in. "That didn't work," she said, laughing uncontrollably. "Let's try this another way." She took her boot in her hand and lay down on the couch, bending her knee towards her body and trying to slip her boot on. "I never thought these things could be that much trouble,” she said, referring to her breasts.

Yelara sighed in frustration and dropped her leg back down, unable to get the boot on. "I guess I'm trapped here forever, Jae Dyn. I can't go anywhere without my boots. I mean, where else would I hide my dagger?" she said with a smile.

Jae Dyn laughed. "Allow me to help you with your boots then," she said. She held the boot so Yelara could slip her foot into it. "Though, the big question will be if you can pull the knife without ripping the clothes apart. You look very good in my clothes, but I think they may not be entirely practical. Wearing that though, I imagine you could get anyone you wanted into bed with you."

Yelara forced a smile. "I doubt I'd be able to get anyone into my bed, even with these clothes. They'd be too afraid of Dargus’ wrath if they did." Yelara slipped her foot into the boot Jae Dyn was holding for her. "Have you ever been able to see anyone besides Dargus?"

Jae Dyn picked up the other boot. "I haven't tried to see anyone else," she said. "Though, if there was someone I wanted to see, I would. And, I think people would be willing to risk Dargus’ wrath for you. I mean, I know I would."

"You always know the right thing to say Jae Dyn. Maybe that's why I like you so much." Yelara slipped her foot into the other boot, then stood up. "And I don't think anyone would risk death, even for me." Yelara adjusted the vest and held out her hand to help Jae Dyn get up from her kneeling position.

Jae Dyn accepted Yelara's hand. "I would," she said once standing. "But, maybe that's just me."

Yelara walked towards the door as she ran a hand through her hair one last time. "You have to say that, Jae Dyn. You're my friend,” she said with a laugh as she stood in the doorway. "So who's buying? For the life of me, I cant remember who paid for drinks last night."

"Neither can I," Jae Dyn said with a laugh. She watched Yelara for a quick moment, then grinned. "I'll buy this time."

Yelara grinned and walked out of the room. "Good, because I didn't bring my credit slip."

Jae Dyn laughed. "I've got mine," she said. "Let's go." She reached out and grabbed Yelara's hand as she headed toward the door.

Yelara smiled and folded her fingers in between Jae Dyn's. The feel of Jae Dyn's hand in hers felt so natural and comfortable. She was amazed at how close they'd gotten in such a short time and was beginning to feel as if not even Dargus himself could tear them apart. "You know, I've come to a conclusion that it was a good thing Dargus found me. If it hadn't been for him, we may not have met."

Jae Dyn smiled. "It is strange how life does that," she said. "Perhaps that is the good I feel within Dargus, that he brought us together."

"Good in Dargus?" Yelara chuckled. "I think not!" She yanked Jae Dyn, and began running up the corridor. "C'mon! Breakfast is getting cold!"

Jae Dyn laughed as she let Yelara drag her along the corridor. Fortunately, they were not heading to the bar from the previous night. Jae Dyn's memories were scattered, but she knew showing up there again would be problematic. The place they found was small, and had few patrons. They found seats to the side of the place. "I wonder if they have good Corellian Ale here," she said. "If we want to drink together again, we're probably going to have to find a new hang out."

"Yeah, but I fear we'll eventually run out of places to trash around here." Yelara sat back and stretched her arms. "Frankly, I think I'll lay off the ale for a while."

"Not a bad idea," she said. "So, you want to go ship shopping today? We can go through catalogs."

"Sure," Yelara said enthusiastically. "And get rid of that one Dargus gave you. Or...we could invite him to take a little tour of the inside and then shove him out an airlock,” she said, giving a mischievous grin.

Jae Dyn laughed. "That would mean we'd have to be close to him today," she said. "I have to have dinner with him tonight, and probably sex. But, I'll take care of the ship today. And, we can find another one. You said you don't like flying. Does that mean, you probably wouldn't want to go somewhere with me sometime?"

Yelara grimaced when she heard Jae Dyn talk about sex with Dargus. Then she grimaced more when she mentioned flying. "You'd probably have to sedate me, but I'd love to fly with you. I'm sure you're a very capable pilot. And with the modifications I'll make on her, she'll fly like a dream."

"I look forward to making the modifications with you," she said. "That was nice working on my fighter yesterday." She put a hand on Yelara's. "And, don't worry about me and Dargus. Don't worry about Dargus at all. After tonight, I won't be staying with Dargus. Maybe we can hook up. I'll need a friendly face afterwards."

Yelara looked at Jae Dyn in confusion. "What do you mean you won't be staying with him? Jae Dyn, he'll kill you,” she said in a panicked voice.

"No, he won't," Jae Dyn said. "I never stay with him after. He doesn't like it, but he hasn't done anything about it yet. I refuse to sleep with him. I will not share a bed with him other than for him to have sex with me and for me to try to pull him closer to the light. If I can convince him to treat others kinder, more like he treats me, then I may win." She looked down and sighed. "I don't know if I can do it, but I must try. I have to have faith in my cause. It may just be me being foolish. If it means I have to have sex with him to do so, then I'll do it. He's much more susceptible afterwards." She sighed again. "Your friendship gives me strength though. When I realize I am no longer alone, that I have a friend, I feel better."

Yelara smiled, gaining comfort from her words. "I don't think I could ever do that. The only time I refused, I ended up in a bacta tank for two hours." Yelara held out her arm towards Jae Dyn and pointed to the scar on her shoulder. "See that? That's what I get for refusing to sleep next to Dargus." She sighed, then smiled as she placed her own hand over Jae Dyn's and began caressing it. "You give me strength Jae Dyn. If I hadn't found you, I don't know if...I might not have made it." Yelara looked down and tried to suppress a frown.

"But we did find each other," Jae Dyn said. "Let us not ponder what might have happened. It did, and we know each other. As long as we are together, we will make it."

Yelara brought Jae Dyn's hand to her lips and kissed it, then nestled it against her cheek. "Together, yes, but for how long after Dargus finds out, I wonder." Yelara closed her eyes, trying to imprint that moment into her memory. She tried to remember the colour of Jae Dyn's eyes, the shape of her face, the sound of her voice. Yelara didn't want to ever be without her and even if she was, she wanted the memory of Jae Dyn to be there to comfort her. "After my parents died, I stopped speaking for a year. Words just didn't seem enough to express what I was feeling. It's the same thing right now, with you. Words couldn't do justice to how much you mean to me. I know I've only met you, but already, I can't picture my life without you."

Jae Dyn placed her hand over Yelara's. "Neither can I," she whispered. In an easy motion, Jae Dyn stood from her chair and moved closer to Yelara. "I promise to do everything I can to keep us together."

"I know you will." Yelara smiled up at Jae Dyn and slowly freed her hand from Jae Dyn's. "I should get to work." Yelara got up from her chair and stood, facing Jae Dyn. "You'll come by later, won't you? Just to visit me," she asked, grinning at Jae Dyn.

"Definitely," Jae Dyn said. "Before you go, I was wondering... It's just that I... Oh, you should probably get going before you're late."

Yelara stopped, her curiosity piqued by Jae Dyn's hesitation. "No. Go on. What is it? You can tell me anything."

Jae Dyn laughed. "Well, it's not really saying something, exactly," she said. "It sort of goes back to a conversation from earlier, and last night."

Yelara laughed. "Well, last night is still a bit fuzzy to me. I guess we'll have to save it for another time, then: like when this massive headache goes away." Yelara sighed and smiled at Jae Dyn. "Well, I'll see you later, I guess."

The distance between them seemed to melt away. Jae Dyn raised her eyes to meet Yelara's. "I want to kiss you again."

Yelara's smile faded and her heart pounded hard into her chest. "You..." The words stuck in her throat and she stumbled backwards momentarily. She had not expected those words to come from Jae Dyn's mouth just then. Her mind filled with confusion. She didn't want to refuse Jae Dyn for fear that she would hurt her, but a part of her wanted to feel Jae Dyn's soft, sweet lips against her own.

Yelara began breathing heavily and her hands were sweating, and all she could do was stare at Jae Dyn speechlessly. "I...I have to go,” Yelara blurted out, not knowing what else to say. She quickly brushed past Jae Dyn, the feel of their bodies touching momentarily sending shivers through her. Yelara couldn't bring herself to turn around and face Jae Dyn. "I'll be seeing you, Jae Dyn."

Yelara walked out of the cafe quickly and stopped to catch her breath, leaning against a wall. Her cheeks felt hot and she knew she was blushing. She suddenly felt sick to her stomach, realizing she must have hurt Jae Dyn immensely just then, but everything was happening so fast and she needed time to put things into perspective. "What am I gonna do?" she asked, hoping for some divine intervention. She paused for a moment before she turned and ran down the corridor.

Jae Dyn watched Yelara rush from the restaurant. Her shoulders slumped and her head dropped forward to her chest. She glanced down at the table. With a heavy sigh, she left the restaurant and returned to her apartment. Jae Dyn took a moment to focus all of her thoughts and emotions. If she couldn't gain control of her emotions, she wouldn't survive the day. What had happened? How could she have been so stupid? How could she have taken that path with her friend? "What have I done," she asked herself.

---

"Helpful"
By: Kalaira Ardelyr - Ambassador-at-large
Jae Dyn Brael - Jedi Knight

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Eos 23, 3 ABY

***

Kalaira had been working furiously to neutralize Dargus Kandran. She had to take the weapon out of his hands and quickly. She had searched for any in. But every operative Airan had ever gotten in...had disappeared. Every rumor that might be strong enough to convict him or at least put them back on an even field led to a dead end, usually literally.

She read the morning reports and then suddenly stopped and went back. What was a Jedi Knight doing with the likes of Dargus Kandran? If she still followed the path of goodness...just maybe. Kalaira decided it was worth the chance and went and found Bara to take her to Dargus' Shipyards. She did not figure she had long until he discovered she was there. But, it should be long enough for a nice long chat with one Jae Dyn.

Once on station, it took her awhile to find the young woman. Finally, she cornered her by a fairly new looking ship. "Excuse me, are you Jae Dyn?"

The young woman looked up from where she sat near one of the landing struts of the starship, a new freighter that appeared as if it didn't need any work. She shut off the welding torch she'd been using and set it aside. "That is correct," she said. "I am Jae Dyn Brael."

"I am Kalaira Ardelyr, Ambassador to the High Prince of Tae'Karada. I wish to speak to you privately if you do not mind?" The guard flanking her scowled at this statement.

Jae Dyn looked her over a moment, and then glanced to the guard beside her. "Certainly," she said. "We can go inside and speak, or we can return to my apartment. Both are clear of listening devices."

"Inside will be fine," Kalaira said with smile. She was not dressed in the typical garb of the planet but rather in leather pants and a loose black tunic top. Her hair was loose though and she pushed it back. She preceded Jae Dyn inside the ship. Bara waited for the lady to proceed.

Jae Dyn followed Kalaira up the ramp into the ship she still hadn't given a name to. Really there was no point if she was giving it back. But, was she going to give it back now? The falling out with Yelara had probably destroyed whatever plans they had been making for going in on a ship together. Once inside, she motioned for the ambassador to have a seat. Once Kalaira had seated herself, Jae Dyn took a seat. The leather pants she wore sounded off loudly, creaking against her movements.

"I apologize for the furnishings," she said with a smile. "The ship is new, and I haven't had a chance to do anything with it yet."

"A gift from Dargus Kandran," Kalaira stated rather than asked.

She nodded. "It was. Though, I am still debating returning it."

"I have a problem, I am hoping you will be open to helping with," Kalaira stated openly. There was no sense in deception. A Jedi would know.

"How may I be of assistance?"

Kalaira layed out her problem. The blackmail, the fact that no harm had been intended but the High Prince would never accept that, and the fact that she needed something on Dargus just as damaging to neutralize him. "I was hoping you might be able to help, since he seems to have a fondness for you."

Jae Dyn nodded. "Well, as long as it doesn't involve explaining his fondness for me," she said with a wry smile, "I'll do whatever I can to help you. I fear my actions yesterday may have damaged some of the trust Dargus had in me, but I feel I may be able to restore that easily enough. I will do what I can to help you in this. I will assist however you need me to."

"I am unsure if you even can. But if you find anything, that might end this threat... Perhaps I should just tell the High Prince. But it will mostly mean my death and the disgrace, if not deaths of my family. Even though I had no knowledge of the connection, it will be enough. I cannot find proof to refute his evidence and he has killed this supposed witness," Kalaira said with a sad sigh.

Jae Dyn frowned. "Can Dargus know that I am aware of what he is doing?" she asked. "It may be easiest to confront him directly." She thought about it for a moment before continuing. "The other option is for you to go to the High Prince with this information. Your death would serve no one's justice. I will stand by your side, if you wish, and keep you from harm."

Kalaira frowned uncertainly. "If Dargus knows I have even spoke to you, I can be sure I have raised his wrath. If he knew I asked you to help, even more so. It may be a mute point but I decided the chance was worth it. As for the High Prince, I do not fear my death nearly so much as what he would do to my family. I am supposed to marry him you see, so this is a much larger problem than you suppose. Dargus hopes to control the High Prince through the High Princess."

Jae Dyn nodded. "That is something that can't be allowed to happen," she said. "I will do what I can to assist you. Each new revelation about Dargus Kandran makes me like him even less, makes being around him less tolerable. Perhaps my quest to restore him to the light is a fool's errand. I will seek information to help buffer you against his charges. I do not know if he hides any secrets that would keep him at bay, but I will find them if he does."

Kalaira smiled and stood. "That is all I can ask." She handed Jae Dyn a datachip. "Here is the information I have so far. Maybe something will strike a spark for you. Also, there is an encrypted communications channel and passwords are all there. Please...destroy the chip when you are through with it. " Kalaira smiled at the Jedi. "Also, a forewarning. A dark Jedi has been said to have arrived. Word has it that he hunts you," she said quietly.

Jae Dyn's face paled. "A dark Jedi? Here?" Her hand went immediately to brush against the hidden compartment that held her lightsaber. "Thank you for the warning. I hope the Emperor hasn't traced me here, sent one of his agents after me. It could be very bad for Tae'Karada."

"If the man does not leave, he cannot report." Kalaira smiled. "Steps are being taken to neutralize that threat and no transmission has been sent since his arrival."

The Jedi nodded. "That is good. He will need to be handled carefully. Anyone trained in the Force who uses it for Darkness is a deadly opponent." Jae Dyn extended her senses. She felt the corruption as he moved through the station. She could feel the darkness calling to her, beckoning with dark hateful tendrils. "He is searching for me now. I can feel him. It would be best if you were to leave me, Ambassador. When he finds me, the situation will grow dire very fast. I must prepare for facing him."

Kalaira stood. "Do not die Jae Dyn, for I have need of you." Her tone was not imperious but almost pleading. "May your force be with you." She bowed and withdrew, leaving the young Jedi woman to face her internal and external enemies.

Jae Dyn returned the bow. "Thank you, my lady," she said.

Jae Dyn left the confines of her starship and climbed quickly to the top. She would be ready for the Dark Jedi when he came. She dropped smoothly into a meditative crouch and awaited his approach.

---

"Dinner And The Light"
By: Dargus Kandran - Crimelord, Kandran Syndicate
Jae Dyn Brael - Jedi Knight

Location: Dargus' Floating ship
Date: Eos 23, 3 ABY

***

Dargus glanced at the chron on his wrist and frowned. When Jae Dyn agreed to dinner, he figured a Jedi would at least be punctual. Of course, he'd forgotten to factor in the part about her being a woman. She was either fussing over her clothes or makeup, or too terrified to face him again. Those were the most common reasons for lateness.

Only another moment or two passed before Jae Dyn appeared in the doorway being led by a protocol droid. She was dressed in similar clothing to what she had been wearing the day before. The leather pants she wore were held together at the sides and in front by red lacings. Down her legs, bare skin showed through the gaps formed by the laces. Her leather vest was fastened at her chest leaving her navel exposed. The blaster she normally wore was absent, but her lightsaber dangled from her belt. When Dargus' eyes went to the weapon, a faint smile crossed Jae Dyn's features.

She nodded to the droid and stepped forward into the room. "I am sorry I'm late," she said. She glanced down at her pants and back to him. "Dressing took longer than I anticipated. I haven't worn these in awhile. Not used to all the laces." She smiled.

"Please," he said, indicating the seat across from him, "have a seat. Dinner is ready." He forced himself to keep his eyes from her lightsaber, knowing the its presence would only rouse his anger at her defiance.

Jae Dyn sat in the chair offered. "Nice set up," she said as she glanced over the table settings. "I am sure your droids must have gone to great lengths with the preparations."

Dargus let a smile unfurl at her cutting remark, and then let it fade. "Oh, they went to great effort." He lit the candles in the centre of the table to set the mood, and then turned to Jae Dyn. He opened a bottle of wine and poured each of them a glass. "So, how was your day?"

"The day was fine," she said. "I went down to the surface for part of it. I realized I hadn't seen much of the planet since I arrived here, so I decided to play tourist. I did some shopping in New Plouton."

Dargus smiled at the opening she'd given him. "Really?" he crooned. "I went shopping as well."

Jae Dyn raised an eyebrow. "Shopping," she said. "That sounds like fun. Though, with as much money as you have, I imagine it's not as fun as it is for those less affluent around the galaxy."

"Yes," he said, his smile widening like a wolf after cornering a small hare. "I bought some presents for you, and Yelara. Oh, and I bought myself a wonderful little necklace. It is truly remarkable, I think you'd like it." He sat back lazily, watching her, anticipating her reaction to his necklace. "It is good to see that you're making friends, Jae Dyn."

"Hardly friends," she said. "We might have been friends, but I'm afraid it wasn't meant to be. So, you bought yourself a necklace?"

Dargus feigned a frown as he covered her hand with his. "I am sorry to hear that," he said. "It is really quite a bad thing. Friends are very important in life, as is finding someone you can trust." He smiled at her again and saw her shift in her seat. "Would you like to see my new necklace?"

Jae Dyn smiled. "I would love to see it," she said.

Dargus picked up his commlink and activated it. "C-92B," he said, giving Jae a humourless smile. "Please bring in my package." He set the commlink down and looked at Jae Dyn's hand in his. "It'll only be a moment."

A few moments later, the droid walked in carrying a slender container. It stopped at the end of the table near Dargus and offered it to him. Dargus took it and placed it on the table before him. He looked up at Jae Dyn and then pulled out a necklace from the container. On a slender piece of a tree running through the center of the metal links was a small lizard-like creature. It was a ysalimiri, and it would protect him from her Jedi powers.

"Do you like it?" he asked, his wolfish smile in place. "I think it's quite beautiful, don't you?"

As soon as the box was brought near, the sense of foreboding descended over Jae Dyn. And, then it disappeared completely, leaving her with only a twisting discomfort in her gut. As he brought it out, she looked up at him with narrowed eyes.

"Our date has ended, Dargus Kandran," she hissed. She pushed away from the table sending her chair crashing to the floor. She stormed toward the door, her hair streaming behind her. She turned at the door and glared at him. "Good night." And, then she was gone.

Dargus threw his napkin down onto the table and started after her. She wasn't running very fast, and he caught her easily. "Oh, Jae Dyn," he said, his tone mocking, "you can throw me around all you want, but as soon as I try to protect myself from you, you pull this. Not very sportsmanlike. Please, come back and finish the meal with me. I promise my little friend here won't hurt you."

She stopped long enough to face him. "That thing is the problem, Dargus," she said. "As long as you have those creatures around, I won't be. You can defend yourself however you like; however, if you choose to do it with those things, then you will have to do it without me. Now, good night, Dargus." She turned down the corridor and spun back, lightsaber in hand, as he started after her. "And, I warn you, Dargus, do not pursue me tonight. I am in no mood to banter with you this evening. If you follow, I will strike you down for your crimes against all those who have suffered at your hand and atone for my actions later. Leave me."

She turned and stormed down the corridor, intent on getting back to the shipyards and away from Dargus. She didn't know if he followed her, but she made it to her ship unmolested. She blasted off the landing platform and raced skyward. The shipyards loomed ahead in the planet's orbit.

She set Tal Dan down on the platform. The deck was fairly empty as she hopped out of the cockpit and moved quickly toward her apartment. Before sleep, she would definitely require meditation.

---