"Hope Undiminished"
by Dargus Kandran
Yelara Kandran
Liam Zaneth
Leshie Zaneth [NPC+]
and Dargus' Sith Master [NPC+]

Location: Somewhere on Tae'Karada
Date: Eos 23, 4ABY

***

A harsh jolt slammed through his body as his knees hit the floor. His body bowed in supplication, forehead lowered to the floor. Pain racked his body, a pain more intense than any other he'd ever felt in his life. It was the feeling of having one's insides turned out, or perhaps having each centimeter of bone systematically pulverized.

A cry of anguish fled his spittle-flecked lips. As he gazed up at the figure looming above him, a nimbus of pure evil crackling around the upstretched arms, he realized that he had gotten more than he bargained for. Another spasm of pain rocked through him as white-blue lightning crackled around him, searing flesh and clothing.

"I bow before you, my master," he grovelled. "I bow to your strength and power."

"My young apprentice," the shrouded figure snarled, "you do not know strength and power. You are weak. Your path strays too far, and you reach too high."

"I am sorry, my master. I was only acting as I always have."

"As you did before I saved you. As you did before I showed you what you could become. Things have changed, Darth Morikal. You have accepted a new path in your life, and your behaviour must change accordingly."

"I understand, my master, and I obey."

Dargus Kandran raised his eyes to regard the only man he had ever come to call master. He looked on him with respect and awe, knowing full well that any feelings other than respect would be detected and punished.

"Good," the Sith lord replied.

"What do you wish for me, my master?" he finally asked.

"Send Tia Am to me. I have need of the doctor's services."

"At once, my master," Dargus replied, but did not move.

"What have you learned of the Jedi threat growing on the planet?"

Dargus looked up, and his master bid him to rise. He did so. "They are weak, my master, but well defended. Their Temple is protected by some...outer entities."

"The spirits of those who came before now protect their sanctuary. You breached their defenses once, but I doubt that you will succeed a second time. The spirit has grown in power. Your clones stand little chance against the Jedi, even few in number they may be. We will have to engage them on a different battlefield."

"I have captured a Jedi."

Beneath the hood of the cloak, an eyebrow raised. "This is fortuitous," came the answer. His eyes became distant as he sought for information through the Force. A smile cracked the elder man's lips. "You will bring Kace Mordin to me, my apprentice. The chains that bind him to the light shall be sundered."

"As you command, my master," Dargus answered, bowing deeply.

"You will take a new name, Dargus Kandran. Your power has grown and you are ready for the next stage of your growth. You will no longer use the name I granted you when you became my pupil. You will now choose your own."

"I didn't realize--"

"That you would be able to select your own? You are a special case, and I granted you your name to help break your spirit to pull you in completely. You have excelled at your training, but there is still some spirit in you. However, you have shown me proper deference, and I will grant you your name."

Dargus bowed low. "Yes, my master. Then...then I choose Malice."

He sensed a smile from beneath his master's cowl. "Then, rise, Darth Malice, my apprentice. Rise, and do my bidding."

Dargus did as he was instructed and rose. "I will return to you soon, my master. And, I will bring the Jedi to you then."

With that, Dargus turned and left the room. He returned to the speeder waiting for him outside, and instructed the driver to make for the spaceport. Yelara was waiting for him there. She hadn't been happy about the sudden detour to Tae'Karada, but as soon as their ship reached the Tae'Remok system, Dargus had been summoned to the planet where his master waited. It was clear that the need was urgent, and not one he could ignore. Yelara had agreed with that as well, and he could feel her fear when they were confronted by the hologram of Dargus' master.

At least that was over with now, and they could return to their home. Finally, the speeder reached the spaceport, and he ascended the ramp into their ship.

"Yelara," he said when he found her waiting for him at the top of the ramp. "We're cleared to leave now. Let's return to our home."

The sweat on his brow glistened and the tightness around his eyes was perceptible, and at once worrisome. "Dargus? What's wrong?" Yelara asked softly.

"My master isn't always gentle," Dargus answered with a tight smile. "He wasn't pleased that I've been neglecting my duties to him."

Yelara pressed a hand to Dargus' cheek to soothe away his tension. "Well, don't think about that now. Once we leave, you won't have to see him again for a long while."

"Oh I wouldn't be so sure of that," Dargus said with a smile. "However, I will be a more attentive apprentice from now on. Let's go home, my love. I think Liam will help alleviate some of my stress. I'm to bring Liam to my master, though he didn't say that he had to be completely uninjured."

Yelara's hand flew away from Dargus' cheek and came to her chest, where she could feel the vibrations of her pounding heart ramming into her chest. "What?" she asked, almost voicelessly. "What-- What will he do with him?"

Dargus shrugged. "Turn him most likely," he answered. "Though, if he doesn't turn, I imagine he'll just kill him. Pity that we won't be able to do that. Come, my love, let's settle in for the ride back to the ship."

Settle in? Yelara swallowed back the sickening dread rising into her throat in the form of the acidic liquid she'd come to know far too well the past two days. Though, the first four times, it had had nothing to do with her fear for Liam's life and more to do with her body giving her not altogether happy news. She closed her eyes and covered a hand over her mouth to force back the nausea. If Liam was to survive, she had to act quickly, though without letting Dargus in on her plan.

"Yes," he said with a smile, feeling her discomfort. A part of him chided himself for revelling in her distress. "Come, let's go check and see how Leshie is doing. I'm sure he misses his daddy."

Yelara sucked in a shaky breath and nodded quickly. She didn't dare speak for fear that her unsteady voice would betray her discomfort, or that she'd vomit and betray something else to him she wasn't quite ready to confess yet. Closing her eyes again, Yelara sighed and rested her head against his chest as he embraced her gently to him. She wouldn't last long in this state, but Liam was far worse off and she had to persevere for him. If Dargus didn't kill her first.

"Come, my love," Dargus said as he led her down the hallway of the ship toward their private cabin. He signalled for the pilot to take them home. As they entered the room, Leshie's gurbling noises ceased, and a soft whimper escaped from his lips. The ship however, lifted into the air, and reached for the sky to take them home. "Don't worry, my love," he said. "I'll let you see Liam one last time before he's taken away."

"But...weren't we supposed to finish him?" she asked. "I mean...I thought we were supposed to break him first."

"I cannot go against my master's wishes," Dargus said. "Perhaps we can break him quickly. He seemed close last night."

Yelara nodded shakily and stared blindly at Dargus' hand already moving towards the bindings on his pants. "When does... Your master, when does he want Liam?" she asked quietly.

"He didn't say specifically," Dargus answered. "So, I will assume he means to have him as soon as possible. I would estimate we have a few days before I must take Liam to him."

The anxiety in Yelara was smothering and she found that no matter how deeply she breathed, she simply couldn't get enough air. Everything was happening too fast. There simply wasn't enough time. "I should-- Shouldn't I start now? It could take time. He's such a stubborn man."

"He is," Dargus said with a smile. "Very well, now would be best."

Yelara's breathing slowed and her eyebrow lifted slightly. "Right now? Are you certain?"

"Well, maybe not right now," Dargus said with a smile. "I am feeling somewhat frisky, and I would feel so distressed if I was feeling like that and you were spending your time with your ex-husband."

Yelara smiled and said, "It's not like I'll be doing anything with him. Besides, you'll be watching the whole time, so even if I had the urge, I wouldn't be able to fulfill it."

"Well, I would hope that the time you've spent in my bed would have purged any desires you might have to have his lecherous, cheating hands touching your body. Whenever you are ready to go to him then. Seeing him break will be a beautiful thing."

"Well...we probably have a little spare time," she told him with a single, desirous look. "Just a little."

"You keep looking at me like that," Dargus said with a smile to match her look, "and we won't have any time at all for Liam."

Yelara looped her arms around Dargus' neck, playing her part well, and nuzzled her lips to his ear. "Would that be so bad?" she whispered.

"Not at all," Dargus answered. "We can just ship him off to my master and be done with him. You and I can start our life together, without having to worry about Liam Zaneth's interference."

"Not yet," she said, far too quickly. "Just...give me a little while. Just a little?"

"Very well, my love," Dargus answered. "Just tell me when you're ready. I'll be right here waiting."

"Playing with your honourary son?" She grinned and kissed his lips. "I shouldn't be long. I'll wear him down little by little, then your master can be done with him."

Dargus smiled. "I will keep Leshie company while you're away. The boy needs a man's influence, and I will gladly provide it. I can only imagine what would have happened to him with you and Kallia raising him."

Yelara's smile softened and a tight knot filled her throat. Not once had she thought of her Kallia the entire trip, but now that she had, she missed her desperately. "Oh, I think he would have turned out well enough," she said with a fond smile. "But, see what you can do with him. I'll see you later, my love."

After one parting kiss, Yelara drifted listlessly out of the room and towards her intended destination: fate, perhaps, but she would know that for certain when she stood before Liam, when she touched him again. She willed the hatred to return, to fuel her desire to toss him to Dargus' master and watch him in his death throes. But the nearer she drew to his cell, the less she wanted that. How could she have been so certain of wanting him to suffer before, yet be so sure of the opposite now? Whatever the answer was, she knew it lay with Liam now.

Prior to arriving at the detention area, Yelara made a quick, stealthy detour to Leshie's nursery. The item she'd had hidden in Leshie's carrier since the day Dargus abducted them still remained concealed. She was glad Dargus had never discovered it. She found the small hole in the seam left from where she'd forced Liam's lightsaber into the lining of the fabric, behind the padding within. She heard the material tearing as she pushed her hand inside and carefully pulled out the long hilt. Liam's scent was still on it as she pressed her cheek to the cold metal, and after a moment of delighting in the familiar smell, Yelara hastily pulled up her dress and secured the weapon to her thigh.

Returning to the detention area, she greeted the guards, who gave her passage easily into the corridor that led to the holding cells. She had no idea why such security was required; Dargus had neutralized Liam's powers with the ysalimiri, making him more powerless than Leshie.

At the second set of doors, the guards passed wary, scrutinizing glances over Yelara, but the guard on the right appeared to be listening to a voice coming through the transceiver in his ear, likely Dargus ordering them to give her passage. In another instant, the guards were stepping aside and punching in the unlocking sequence upon the console.

Yelara closed her eyes as the door raised and she stepped through. She gasped and jumped forward as it banged closed behind her, leaving just she and Liam in the room, though she'd yet to look at him. She didn't need to, for she could feel him through their bond, the one that still existed even as distant as they had grown. Something that strong wasn't likely to break that easily.

Liam raised his head, though it felt like a tremendous weight was pressing down. His eyes found her through the haze of his own mind and he smiled. "Yelara," he rasped.

Yelara's eyes flicked open at the sound, and hearing, and seeing what Liam had been reduced to only tore more fiercely at her heart. She wanted to rush forward and embrace him, to apologize for everything, but she couldn't, not with Dargus watching. Swallowing down the tightness in her throat, Yelara strolled casually towards him and said, "Liam Zaneth, formerly Kace Mordin, presently the prisoner of Dargus Kandran and his wife, Yelara Kandran. You've been condemned for your crime of infidelity, deception--" Her voice faltered as she came within reach of him, but she cleared her throat and continued on with the charade. "You've been sentenced to death for your transgressions," she said evenly, though the tears beading in her eyes betrayed the frailty of her emotions. "Have you anything to say in your defense?"

Whatever hope had existed in Liam's face faded. His shoulders sagged and his head drooped back to his chest. "I can say nothing for the defense of my actions. What I did was wrong and uncalled for. However, in my actions, it did show me just how much I love my wife, how empty my life is without her. If death is my punishment, then I will welcome it to a life without my wife and son."

Yelara nodded her head slowly as she circled behind Liam, concealing the warring expression contorting her features. "And what of your mistress? Have you so easily forgotten her?"

"I have not forgotten her," Liam answered. "I still love her, but she's not the one I want to be with. She is a friend and an ally, a person I care about very much, but she's not the woman I need at my side and in my heart."

Yelara paused behind Liam, bound to the chair still, and found herself believing his words without question. But the nagging doubt was still there. "But why?" she whispered. "Gods...why did you do it, Liam? What didn't I give you that she did?"

"I don't know," Liam rasped, shifting his gaze away, unable to look into her eyes. "You had Kallia, and...and I don't know. I don't know why I did it, or what compelled me. I don't know. You are everything I want and need, and there is no reason I should have gone to anyone else, not even to Kallia. Oh gods, Yelara, I don't know why I did it, but I've been regretting it from the moment it started. I can't go back to her. I know I have to, to tell her, to tell her I can't be hers ever again...but...oh gods, Yel. I'll break her heart, but being with her, even in spirit will destroy me."

"It won't really matter," she said monotonously as she crouched down before Liam. "There is little chance of you getting out of this alive." Her eyes glanced briefly at the creature hanging from Liam's neck, then gazed up at him again with the subtlest of smiles. Her expression exuded a tenderness she'd concealed before, but offered to Liam now as a source of hope. "You have nothing, Liam Zaneth. You're a Jedi, your powers out of reach now. And your lightsaber...you've not even that." Surreptitiously, Yelara hiked her skirt up higher, just enough for Liam to catch the flash of metal strapped to her thigh. "What will you do, Liam Zaneth? You're helpless."

"There is nothing I can do," Liam said, his voice full of despair. His face showed his complete loss, but his eyes flared again with hope. "I am nothing but a pawn for Dargus' will."

"And his master," she said, though her eyes held a warning to him. "He has plans for you. I do so hope I get to watch."

Liam nodded with his eyes. "I've dealt with the Sith before," he said. "I know their methods and I know how to resist them. They'll have to try really hard to break me. I don't think Dargus has it in him. I'd say he'll leave me here for a week or so before he gets the nerve to turn me over."

Yelara chuckled deeply, jeeringly. "Oh, we won't need that long," she told him. "I'd say only another couple days before he tosses you to his master to take what's left of you after we've had our fill."

Liam nodded with his eyes once more. "You'll find me harder to break than you think. Dargus will really have to work at breaking me. Just...just make sure you're not there, Yelara. I know we used to have something special. You don't want to see this. You don't want to watch something like this. And, make sure it happens here on the ship. I don't want to be on the planet where the Jedi are. I don't want them to sense me and try to rescue me. Not after this."

Yelara's slight nod conveyed her understanding. She drew attention away from the gesture by rising to her full height, in case Dargus was watching intently. "Don't worry, your friends won't be there to help you. No one will." She leaned over and placed her face near to Liam's, keeping her eyes always on his and hoping he could see her love for him there. "What we had is gone," she told him, loud enough for the eavesdropping devices to pick up. "I'm married to Dargus, and we love each other. You destroyed what we had. Remember that." Her eyes became awash with tears again, and it took all her self-restraint to keep from touching his cheek. "I hate you, Liam Zaneth," she whispered ardently, hoping he recognized the hidden meaning underlying words.

Liam's eyes met Yelara's, and they misted with tears. "I don't deserve your hatred," he said softly, unsure if any listening devices could pick it up. "But, soon you will be rid of me, and for that you can be happy. Please, whatever you think of me, please give my love to our son."

"Never," she replied, which amounted to precisely the opposite in the secret language of antitheses they'd created. "And you more than deserve my hatred, Liam. You always have and always will."

Liam's eyes shone with the love he felt for her, and the hope that he would actually make it out of this alive and with Yelara. "Your presence here is killing me," Liam said. "Please, just go and leave me alone. Go back to your husband, and leave me to languish in your hatred."

"For now, you shall have your wish, but I will be back. Then, the torment shall continue." She grinned menacingly at Liam, leaving her eyes to express her love for him. "Until then, enjoy your time alone." Her lips moved to his ear, and whispering only for him, she added, "I love you, my Kestrel. We will fly together again soon. I promise." She gave his ear the gentlest of kisses, then pulled away wearing a twisted smile for Dargus' benefit. "Think on that, Liam Zaneth."

It took Liam considerable effort not to let her admission show on his face, though he made no attempt at keeping the love from his eyes. "I guess I have a lot to think about," he said, keeping his voice grave. He lowered his head then, and lowered his voice to near inaudibility: "I love you, my Yelara. Soon, we will fly and we will have our freedom once more."

"So be it, Liam Zaneth," she replied tersely, though her eyes still held their warmth and love for him. "Have a good night. I'll be certain to give my son a kiss for you," she said sardonically, but she'd no doubt Liam understood that she was being sincere. Yelara held his gaze for a lingering moment, and through their bond she conveyed all her love for him, and reassurance that she would save them all. "Sleep well," she sang before she finally turned and sauntered towards the door.

Liam allowed her retreat to force a despondent reaction from his body. He slumped in the chair and his chin fell to his chest. It appeared that he had given up completely; though, hidden from all view, his elation burned brightly. He knew he was safe to feel the joy Yelara's presence gave him with the ysalimiri around his neck. He knew that no one could detect what went on in his mind or heart, and was safe to feel hope, true hope for the first time in a long time. The little joy he gleaned from Yelara's rebuffs at Dargus' advances from a few days before were nothing compared to the nova-bright joy that filled him now.

***

Yelara spent the entire trek back to Dargus trying to bury her true emotions deeply within her, where he could not touch them or see them. After returning the lightsaber to Leshie's carrier, she entered the room, appearing disturbed by her visit with Liam, but she couldn't remain glum for long at the sound of her Leshie squealing happily.

"What's all that about?" she asked, moving to stand over her son's crib. The sight of his joy made her laugh fondly. "Have you been playing with him?"

"I was talking to him, telling him how amazing his future will be, and all of a sudden he started. I thought one of his little booties was going to fly right off he was kicking his feet so hard. I was wondering if he needed food or changing, but he just kept on with his squealing. Honest, I didn't give him any spice."

Despite her current situation, Yelara grinned at Dargus, then returned her gaze to Leshie. "What's so funny, little man?" she asked as she scooped him up into her arms. "What are you laughing at? Did Uncle Dargus make a joke?"

"I couldn't figure it out either," Dargus said, coming up behind her. He was surprised that his presence, which usually made the boy fussy, had no effect. Perhaps Va'Lesh was getting used to him. "He definitely looks happy."

"Yeah," she said softly, stroking her child's cheek. Just like his father, she thought.

"If you'd like, my dear," Dargus said with a smile as he edged slowly back to their bed, "I can make you look just as happy over here."

Yelara smiled down at her child, unbothered by Dargus' suggestion. After her meeting with Liam, she found that everything seemed brighter and more optimistic, that not even the thought of having to give herself to Dargus made her anxious now. It was all part of the cause to reunite with her Kestrel and fly free of Dargus' hold once again. They'd done it once and they could accomplish it again.

Setting her Va'Lesh down, her Freedom, Yelara turned around to face Dargus and easily stepped out of her dress. Smiling enticingly, she slunk towards the bed, hoping to give Dargus something to remember, though her heart and mind would be only on Liam. She'd promised him that they'd fly together again soon, and as long as she could continue to fool Dargus, that hope would become realized. If she failed, at least they would be reunited in death and be free to soar again. Either way, the Kestrels would be one, just as fate would have it.

---

"Identifying the Culprits"
By: Grand Admiral Tarkin
Lieutenant Debrel [NPC]

Location: Royal Palace, Arcadia
Date: Eos 23, 4 ABY

***

Lieutenant Debrel strode into Grand Admiral Tarkin's council chamber with a padd tucked under his arm and his back impeccably straight. As with all Imperial officers, Debrel took his appearance very seriously, from his pristine white, perfectly steamed uniform, to his polished and trimmed fingernails; all were within specified standards. He was honoured to serve the Imperials, and felt a rush of pride in knowing the information he was bringing to his leader would help bring down those who had dared to strike against them.

With a stiff salute, Debrel greeted his superior, then, with a precise motion, held out the datapad to him. "The report you asked for, Grand Admiral."

Tarkin took the datapad, nodding to the Lieutenant. He then read briefly the information contained in the padd and frowned. "It seems we still have breaches in the Palace..." he frowned. "Tell me, Lieutenant, what do we know about how they came in? Or how they got back out? Or even where they went?"

"It would seem, Grand Admiral," he began, fearful he would appear the incompetent one for others' mistakes, "that the prison block was formerly connected to a hidden tunnel, one built by the former king. It was sealed, but...the ventilation shafts were not." Debrel cleared his throat, ashamed for those who had failed the Grand Admiral by overlooking such a triviality. "They crawled through the shafts to the prison block, then...crawled back out again, your eminence."

Tarkin frowned. The incompetence of his men was one of the things he didn't tolerate. But he also knew that Drebel was not the one responsible. "Well, we cannot tolerate such incompetence from our officers, can we now?" Tarkin said. "I want the Commander responsible for the prison cell block to be relieved and stripped down to ensign. And I want you, Commander Drebel to take his place and find me that prisoner as well as his rescuers... I expect news within the hour!"

Drebel snapped a salute. "Yes, sir!" He turned on his heel and marched towards the door. Before he departed, however, he turned back to his superior and said, "If you wish, sir, there is some surveillance footage I've gathered from that night. I believe it will be helpful in identifying the perpetrators." And with a humble nod, Drebel left the Admiral to his thoughts.

Tarkin turned and took a seat. He pressed the padd he had just received once more and viewed the information as well as the report and the video surveillance that had been gathered. From it he could very well see the lightsabers as they fended off the blaster shots. This was the work of Jedi. He had seen it before in older days, when the Republic began to fall. Upon looking with more attention he saw that it was the Jedi that had spoken to him once... Tarkin rubbed his chin and narrowed his eyes as he thought about what he would do now that he had learned who he was up against. It took him only a few moments to think about it.

He turned to face one of the Red Guards standing post in the room. "I want the location of the defectors found out. Use thermal scans and use your wit! I want the correct answer within the hour! Have this message delivered to Commander Drebel at once!" he demanded. The Red Guard merely nodded and walked out of the room as Tarkin sat back. Finally he was going to use his Elite Forces...

---

"Easy Prey, Part 1"
By: Dani
Neron Tregat [NPC+]
Qual Tregat [NPC+]
Nieme Yaresh-Selrid

Location: New Plouton
Date: Eos 23, 4ABY

***

Neron tossed the datapad containing the day's news across the room and pushed aggressively out of his chair. Cheated is what they'd been, and he was tired of it. First Zale, then some cocky boyfriend who looked barely old enough to handle a blaster. He'd kill him first if he could, especially for interrupting the delightful time he had been having with Ms. Shivral.

The tears might have made her appear frightened enough, but Neron had heard her moans, had felt her hips swaying against his and knew she'd been enjoying herself. He stalked restlessly about the small room, slapping at the curtains as he passed the window, then kicking a fallen pillow across the living area. He wanted another go at the bitch and would have it.

"Why can't we go now?" he asked Qual impatiently. "She'll come to us, I know it! She won't be able to stay away for long, not after that."

"We need to wait for our opportunity," Qual answered. "You watched last night on the surveillance holos. She's got that brat with her, as well as Zale and Kaysa. They're watching her closely. Our spy droids are keeping close watch on them, and as soon as Ms. Shivral is alone, we will visit her and you can finish what you started. So, what did it feel like, brother, being inside the little slut? Was that beautiful ass as tight as it looked?"

Neron grinned hungrily and idly brushed a hand over his groin. "She wanted it, brother. No matter how much and how loud she protested, she didn't want me to stop. Zale's a fool to miss out on such a willing whore."

"Which only goes to prove that she should be with us. She'll be treated how she should be treated, how she wants to be treated. Looking into those brown eyes of hers, she's practically begging to be someone's whore. She should be ours, my brother. She will be ours."

Neron lifted a brow inquiringly. "And Kaysa?"

"She will, of course, be ours as well. The difficulty will be keeping the two of them apart. But, yes. They will both be ours. We will turn the musician and that whelp into man-whores, and we will thoroughly break Zale."

"It's all well and good to have goals, brother, but how do we achieve them? I'm tired of waiting. I want to do something now!"

"You need patience, my brother," Qual said. "We can't just barge in there and kill everything in sight. Now, what we need is an opening. We will watch them, and be always ready. As soon as Shiv is alone, we grab her. And, then the real fun begins."

Neron slumped down into a chair and sighed. "What if she's never alone? I'm betting after last night, Zale's increased security. We'll never get to any of them."

"How do you feel about killing off a few guards then? In the meantime, I think I'd like some company while we wait. What do you think about those two who've been coming over to Shiv's apartment? The purple one and the other? You've seen the way they dress, I bet if we get in nice with them, they'll help us however they can...including getting close to their dance partner, Shiv."

Neron's body reacted to his renewed interest by sitting up straighter. "They could get Ms. Shivral to meet them somewhere...without that bastard boyfriend. Then we pounce!" He chuckled deeply and waggled a finger at his brother. "You're smarter than I give you credit for, brother."

"Of course I am," Qual answered. "I think it's time we arranged for ourselves to get acquainted with those two lovely young ladies. We can spend tonight getting to know them and becoming their best friends, then tomorrow we can convince them to introduce us to their beautiful dancing friend."

Neron's eyes held a predatory gleam, and his tongue ran over his lips as he imagined tasting Shiv again. In a sudden, eager move, Neron jumped to his feet and strode towards the door. "I'm getting ready. I want to be out of here as soon as we can."

With a laugh, Qual followed after his brother. Those two girls would be in their own apartment, and he had a feeling how to gain introductions. All it required was a little finesse, and all the charm he and his brother could muster.

***

Nieme clutched Dani to her and cried out as her lover thrust one final time, bringing her release. Her lips closed around Dani's, but her moans continued, until Dani pulled the synthetic phallus out and collapsed gently onto her. Nieme giggled and lazily stroked her lover's back, saying breathlessly, "Oh my... I think somebody's feisty today."

Dani giggled. "Of course I am," she said. "Especially when you start whispering those things in my ear like you were earlier. Just thinking about them still makes me all tingly, you know." Lazily, she reached down to unfasten the straps holding their toy in place. It was another new acquisition, and boasted increased pleasure in both parties, and Nieme and Dani had been finding that to be very true. "So, you want to go dancing tonight? It's super special drink night at Trancemania."

"Mmm...extra steamy Passions?" Nieme kissed Dani slowly and smoothed her hands over her lover's rear. The two were so engrossed in their shared tenderness that neither noticed the two forms watching them from the doorway. "Is it my turn?" Nieme asked Dani eagerly. "One more time before we go?"

"Oh goddess yes," Dani said. As she prepared to transfer the harness to Nieme, she noticed additional emotional resonance in the room, a very aroused resonance at that. She glanced over at the two men, lounging in the doorway watching. She cocked her head to the side, wondering how long they'd been standing there. "Can, uh, can we help you?"

Neron's large grin spread his lips and he casually stepped forward. "Well, since you asked..."

Dani glanced at the harness with attached phallus and then at the two strangers standing in their apartment and tossed the apparatus away. She shifted down toward the end of the bed where Neron was approaching, a seductive smile on her lips and lust in her eyes.

Nieme looked between her lover and the very large, intimidating man drawing near, then at the other man still standing afar, observing. She felt the urge to pull the sheets up around herself, but was rendered motionless by his hypnotic, enticing stare. As Neron enveloped Dani in an embrace, Nieme watched the other man inquisitively. "And what about you? What are you here for?"

Qual smiled at her and took a couple steps forward. "We're in from offworld," he said. "I had a friend who used to live in this apartment, around six months ago. We got here, and knocked, but you apparently didn't hear us. That was when we heard the screaming." He chuckled softly, still not taking his eyes from hers. "Once we saw what was happening, can you blame us for not wanting to move?"

Nieme took a moment to catch her breath, and found herself edging closer to Qual as if drawn in by the sexual desire he exuded. "Well...you didn't have to come in," she said huskily. She sucked in a sharp breath and let it out as a moan when Dani's intense emotions hit her. A tingle coursed through her and Nieme found her hands caressing her own body, just as Neron's were caressing Dani's.

"We thought someone might be hurt," Qual said, still moving closer. "I'm not the kind who can just leave someone in danger, so, we came in. Thankfully your door was already open." He glanced at her hands and then back to her eyes. "Do you need some help there?"

Nieme's dilated eyes locked with Qual's as she shifted further towards the edge of the bed, closer to him. Her legs spread wide for him in offering and her lips curled into a smile. "Would you?"

"It would be my pleasure," Qual said as he started removing his shirt. "Though, I have a feeling it will be yours as well." He lowered his face between her thighs and allowed his tongue to explore her offering.

Nieme's back arched as a cry spilled from her lips. Her hands gripped the sheets tightly, keeping her from sliding off the bed. Beside her, Neron was thrusting forcefully into Dani as her lover clawed frantically at his back. This only elevated Nieme's arousal. "Oh...did the gods send you?" she groaned. "Where did you come from?"

Qual said nothing, letting his actions speak for him. He knew it wouldn't be long before she was crying out with her orgasm. And, at that point would be when he entered her, a technique, if timed just right, that would heighten the experience for both. A glance to the side showed that Neron was thoroughly enjoying himself as he continued driving himself into the Zeltron. Qual vowed that he would partake in her later. This would be a very productive venture, he told himself. It was fairly clear that they had these two already, both willing. Perhaps they would willingly join the entourage.

Nieme groaned resonantly and grasped what she could of the flesh on Qual's back, trying to push him in closer, to envelop her entirely with his expert mouth. She fell back onto the mattress, writhing against the rumpled sheets. The gods definitely had sent these two down for their pleasure, and Nieme would express her gratitude very soon with a cry loud enough to shatter the windows.

Qual had managed to remove the rest of his clothes, and was gauging Nieme's readiness. As she continued to writhe and moan on the bed, he quickly moved upward, and forward, until he had smoothly slid himself inside of her in a practiced motion. The sudden contact brought a sharp cry from her lips, and he could already feel the tremors beginning within her. "Oh, I really could get used to this," he whispered. "If you wouldn't mind, of course."

Nieme thrashed her head side to side upon the bed, and elucidated her reply by jerking her hips forward against his and desperately pulling him closer. Dani's moans and cries were piercing and startling, accompanied by Neron's grunts and even low growls. Nieme reached a hand over to her lover blindly and found a shoulder to caress. "Oh gods... Better than a Steaming Pass--" Nieme's words were lost in a cry and she gripped Dani's shoulder tightly as the rush of ecstasy engulfed her.

As soon as Nieme's cry began, another of Dani's rang out, this one signalling the onset of her own orgasm. As if cosmic forces had aligned, all four experienced their climaxes together, powerful ones that left both girls hoarse and panting desperately for air. Dani sprawled languidly on the bed as she reached up to touch her lover. She glanced up at Neron and smiled. "You two didn't have any other plans tonight, did you?"

Neron glanced slyly at his brother, then down at Dani and shook his head. "Hopefully neither do you."

"The only plans we had were going out dancing," she said. "Would you guys like to come along? There's some great drinks and dancing. Not to mention we'll be there writhing against you, among other things."

"Sounds like a great time," Neron purred as he drew a hand up Dani's side.

"You'll come too...won't you?" Nieme asked Qual breathlessly. "Oh gods...please say yes."

"Of course I will," Qual answered with a laugh. "How could I miss a night like that? So, are the two of you ready for another round, or should we get ready to go dancing now?"

Nieme giggled and gyrated her hips against Qual's lewdly. "Why not do both? The dancefloor's as good a place as any to get...better acquainted," she whispered, trailing a finger down his chest.

"Now, that sounds like a beautiful idea," Qual said. "I take it you two already have something appropriate to wear...for that sort of dancing? And, I'm certain mine and Neron's clothing will suffice."

"Oh, definitely suffice," Dani said. "Just as long as you're able to get the space slug out of the asteroid, it's all perfect."

Nieme snickered and playfully swatted her lover's arm. "We've got plenty to wear," she told Qual. "If you'll get your beautiful, wonderful dick out of me, I'll show you."

Qual laughed, and obliged her. He took a moment before retrieving his clothes, just watching her watch him. He loved the hungry look in her eyes, and knew that he had her. There was nothing more amazing than a woman who voraciously loved sex, and she was obviously that sort of woman. "I have a feeling you'll be seeing a lot of each other," he said as he patted himself.

"I certainly hope so," Nieme cooed.

Neron locked his lips with Dani's in a rough kiss before he too pulled away to gather his clothing. "Do you always taste so sweet?" he asked her.

"Always," Dani answered. "Though, later on, I want to find out how you taste, unless you have some objections."

Neron turned to face Dani fully and pulled his shaft slowly through his hand. "And why would the hell would I?" He gave Dani a most feral, leering grin, then reached down to pick up his shirt.

Nieme giggled beside Dani and tugged at her lover's arm. "Come on. Let's find something extra sexy to wear tonight."

Dani slid off the bed with Nieme and darted off with her lover toward their very full closet. Once they were out of earshot, she pressed her lips to Nieme's throat. "Oh goddess, Nieme, that was amazing. Those two guys, oh wow. They're experts. I couldn't tell if it was shac'tae, the Erigadra technique, or shim'tora, but it was amazing. I don't think I've ever...oh, that powerful. I'm still tingling."

"Gods, I know! I'm still wondering where they came from, but after that, I don't care!" She threw her arms around her lover and kissed her deeply. "Oh, we're going to have fun tonight. Did you want mine next time and I can try yours?"

"Definitely," Dani whispered. "Though, I made a promise to mine that I'll need to fulfill for him. I think there are gods watching over us, and they sent us to them. Other than that, after what they did, I don't care."

"All that matters now is finding the sexiest outfits, and the ones that are easiest to pull off in the heat of passion!" Nieme flung open the closet with a flourish, then leapt inside and rifled through their clothing.

On the other side of the room, Neron finished buckling up his pants as he moved towards his brother, still admiring the two girls across the way. "That was easy enough," he muttered. "The little sluts will lead us right to her."

"They'll probably wrap her up in a bow, and eat her out for us," Qual answered. "Though, they are both very sweet. I think this is going to be a night to remember, my brother. Though, perhaps not as memorable as tomorrow."

Neron frowned. "I thought we were nabbing her tonight."

"We can attempt it," Qual answered. "We will see what opportunities present themselves. We riled the taba bee's nest last night, brother. You know what they're like when they are upset. I don't want us getting stung because you're impatient. We have these two for tonight, and a whole night for them to get used to their new roles as our sex slaves."

Neron's good humour returned as he said, "I doubt we'll even need that long."

Qual laughed. "Well, I guess we consider the rest of the night insurance then."

Clapping Qual on the back, Neron returned his gaze to the girls, who emerged from behind the divide partially separating the rooms. "Well, aren't we quite the vixens," Neron said. "Are you sure you're wearing enough?"

Dani glanced down at her outfit. It was mostly leather and left her breasts exposed. A long, leather skirt hung to the floor, but was split up the front and back, obviously making it easier for certain dancefloor antics. "These are our dance clothes," she said. "And, it's summer, so it'll be fine."

Nieme giggled as she spun around in the dress she wore, which was comprised of a single, wide strip of fabric hanging from her neck in front and in back, tied at the waist by a ribbon. It left her sides entirely exposed, including those of her breasts, legs and rear, and certainly concealed even less as she moved and shifted the material away from her legs and crotch. Neron nodded approvingly at them both, then at Qual. "I'd say we're ready to go."

"We definitely are," Qual said. "Come on, ladies, let's go see what kind of fun we can have together out there."

Nieme skipped excitedly towards Qual and slipped her arm through his as she came up beside him. "You're paying, right?"

Qual smiled. "Yes," he said. "I am paying. Now, where is it that we're going?"

"Don't worry," Nieme replied, "just follow us, big stud."

Neron raised his eyebrows at Qual as they were led out of the apartment. From the expression on his brother's face, it was clear he too knew that tonight would be one of the most interesting of all their lives.

---

"Easy Prey, Part 2"
By: Dani
Maeren Shivral
Neron Tregat [NPC+]
Qual Tregat [NPC+]
Nieme Yaresh-Selrid

Location: New Plouton
Date: Eos 23, 4ABY

***

The club was frenetic with people and music. Bodies writhed in various states of dress, some moving to the pulsing beat of the trance music, others to some inner, primal beat all their own. Qual surveyed the club as Dani and Nieme led the way toward the bar. He wanted to see Ms. Shivral here. Dope her up on some spice and have their way with her while surrounded by all the scum of Tae'Karada. He glanced at his brother and grinned. "Nice place," he called over the noise.

Neron followed a passing Twi'lek with his eyes and grinned as she flicked back a lekku at him. "Very nice." His attention returned to the two girls entertaining them for the evening, focusing on their swaying hips and flesh that became increasingly exposed each time they moved. "How many more times do you think we'll need to take them to convince them to give up their friend to us?"

"You sound as if that's such a burdensome thing, my brother. If you'd prefer to go wait in our hotel room, you may. I'll deal with our lovely new slaves and let you know once I'm in possession of Ms. Shivral."

Neron scowled at Qual, then grinned smugly. "Not necessary, brother dearest." With a rakish wink, Neron swept forward and came up between the two girls, slipping an arm around each of their waists. "So, when are you gonna show us something interesting, ladies?"

"First things," Dani said, as she nuzzled her lips against his throat and snaked a free hand down to the front of his pants, "are Steaming Passions. After that, I know I have plans to show you a few things on the dancefloor. You don't think I wore this skirt with a slit up to my crotch because I like the breeze blowing through down there, do you?"

Neron made a sound half-way between a laugh and a moan, making no move to pull away from Dani's touch. "I would have preferred nothing at all, but the skirt will do."

Beside him, Nieme giggled and pressed her body against his, working her hand down into his pants as well. "Sex on the dancefloor is such a rush," she purred. "Is Qual daring enough to try it, do you think?" She glanced back at the brother in question and gave him a sultry smile.

Qual gave Nieme a lust-filled look that indicated that whether they were on the dancefloor or leaning against the bar didn't matter to him. He motioned her forward with a finger. "You are quite the little vixen, aren't you? So, my dear, have you ever considered some jewellery for that luscious body of yours? Perhaps a tattoo?"

"Possibly," she replied coyly as she moved sensually towards him. "Are you offering?"

"I am," Qual answered. "I'll even pay for the procedures. Maybe a beautiful tattoo on your back? Would you like that? Piercings here and here." He emphasized with his hands, earning a moan in response. "Would you like that, Nieme?"

She sighed and rubbed up against Qual. "I think I would," she whispered. Nieme grinned as she slipped her arms around Qual's neck and brushed her lips against his chest, the only part of exposed flesh she could reach. "In return, shall I give you the most sexually satisfying evening of your life?"

"Well, you are already off to a very nice start," he said. "You are very talented, you know. Both of you. You know, after one night, I think I'm going to be quite hooked on you. What do you think of a more...regular arrangement?"

Nieme chuckled huskily, bringing one leg up to rub against Qual's sensuously. "What sort of arrangement, stranger? Dani and I are lovers, and although we share ourselves with others, we belong only to each other...if that's what you're implying."

"Oh, nothing like that," Qual answered. "And, you would still be able to be lovers with each other. It's just that you and Dani and me and Neron would be with each other regularly. I also have a number of people that work for me who might enjoy your talents as well. And, we can take care of all your monetary needs as well."

"Really?" Nieme asked, lifting one eyebrow delicately. "And...would we have a say in what acts we perform?" She drew a hand over his chest, pushing his shirt open more and giving her a larger area of flesh to suckle. "We like it rough sometimes," she whispered. To emphasize, Nieme took one of Qual's nipples into her mouth and pulled it between her teeth. "But we still get to tell them how it's done."

Qual moaned and slipped a hand down to her hip. He savoured the sensations she was causing in him, and then slid his hand through the side of her skirt, honing in on her very wet mound. "Of course," he answered. "You have a say, and if you'd like we'll have a say sometimes as well. Though, it will always be a mutual consenting relationship. You won't have to ever do anything you don't wish to. Just think of the fantasies you can fulfill with mine and Neron's help."

"Oh, I am," she moaned, parting her thighs to give Qual easier access. "But...where would we live? I mean...would we have to live with you?"

"You could stay with us," Qual answered as he slid a pair of fingers inside her. "Or we could set you up with a place. I understand what it is to be a free spirit, Nieme, and I know that Neron and I couldn't deprive you of that. You would be free to go wherever and be with whomever you desired. Though, with us, I'm certain we could help you fulfill every fantasy you could ever dream of."

Nieme gripped Qual's shoulders securely to keep her legs from completely melting away beneath her. "Oh gods," she whispered. "We'll do and go wherever you want. Please... There are some back rooms. We could...go there and complete the deal."

"Are you telling me you want to go to a back room, rather than consummating our new deal right here? If you'd like we can head toward one of the walls where the shadows are deeper."

Nieme pressed her face to Qual's chest and trembled excitedly against him. "Oh gods...I don't care where. Just...just take me." She cried out softly and pushed her hips forward against Qual's. "Please...I won't last much longer."

As one of Qual's arms circled her, his other hand deftly opened his pants. The fabric of her dress was no hindrance since she'd already pushed it aside. He adjusted his hips, and easily entered her, nearly drawing a cry of pleasure from Nieme. He started moving toward the rest of the dancers with her. "Now," he said as he started rocking his pelvis, "we dance."

Nieme whimpered and crushed the fabric of Qual's shirt in her fists. With each thrust, Nieme felt her heels being lifted off the ground and only the tips of her toes touching down. She bit down roughly on her lip to keep back a cry, but the moans reverberating in her throat could be heard to those standing near. Some of the revellers glanced languidly upon the scene, knowing all too well what was going on, and smiled their approval. Nieme didn't care about them. She simply wrapped her arms around Qual's neck, clutched the back of his shirt tightly, and hung on.

As they danced together, Qual sensed the attention on them. He felt hands reaching out to caress Nieme. Several slipped beneath the fabric of her dress, caressing her body as well as his organ buried within her. He could tell the girl was ecstatic. A body pressed against Nieme from the other side, and groped around. Nieme cried out as the other reveller entered her from behind. With a smile, he and their new dance partner began searching for a perfect rhythm. If Nieme's whimpering cries of purest pleasure were any indication, they'd quickly found it. "Is this a fantasy of yours?" Qual rasped into her ear.

Nieme choked on a gasping moan and shook her head lazily. "Not anymore," she groaned. The smile she gave Qual was delirious and the look in her eyes wild. Her accelerated breaths were mingled with gentle laughter as Nieme leaned back into the stranger giving her pleasure from behind. The pain of being ravaged from her rear was of little consequence compared to the ecstasy, and Nieme found her hips swaying back and forth to meet each of their thrusts.

One arm hung tightly around Qual's neck, while her other went back to brush her fingers through their guest's hair. Nieme had never felt such explosive delight, not even with Dani, and as her eyes rolled back into her head and her body grew limp against the man supporting her from behind, Nieme swore she'd died and gone to a heaven filled with all the carnal pleasures that existed.

"More," she breathed. "Oh gods...always more...."

Qual laughed. "Of course more," he said into her ear. "There's a line forming up behind you, Nieme. Do you want them?"

Nieme strained her neck to look back at the gathering of dancers that had amassed around them, all writhing and swaying to the music. Some had already moved in, and were continuing to move their hands over her and Qual, some slipping beneath her dress to fondle her breasts, while unseen lips kissed her neck and face. Nieme laughed breathlessly at the overwhelming passion being aroused by the strangers, and shifted her eyes lazily back towards Qual. "If they want me, they'll have to pay. I'm yours now, aren't I?"

"Five hundred," Qual said. "Is that a good number for you? We can even vary the rates by what they want. If they want penetration, it's five hundred. They want you to suck them, it's four. If they just want to touch and caress, one. How about that, Nieme? If you love it as much as you seem to, you'll be rich without my help." He kissed her and brought his lips to her ear again. "But, I will still help you."

Nieme shivered with excitement and looped both her arms around Qual's neck, pulling herself firmly against him. "That sounds perfect," she whispered unsteadily. "And free of charge...I'll even call you 'Master.' "

"I'm going to finish up," Qual answered, "but I will still be here. I think there are some others around here who want to dance with you too. You appear to be quite popular. Afterwards, would you like to be decorated properly for your role as sex slave?"

Nieme moaned loudly, both in affirmative reply to Qual's question and in the unrelenting ecstasy being inspired in. She clawed desperately at Qual's back as he thrust especially roughly into her, bringing her only closer to the brink. "Oh gods...yes! Decoration...definitely!" She kissed his chest fervently and gripped the back of his shirt tightly in an attempt to force Qual deeper inside of her. "Oh gods...anything you want, Master."

It didn't take Qual much longer before his climax hit with the force of a turbolaser. Nothing he could have done would have stopped the cry unleashed from Nieme's lips at that. He kissed her again before sliding himself out. "More later," he promised, and then stepped to the side as an eager young reveller who couldn't have been older than Dani stepped in to take his place.

He began by kissing Nieme's throat and working his way up to her lips. About the time he was sliding himself inside, the person behind her finished with a climax. Another youth took his place, eager to have a piece of Nieme. Qual stood to the side, accepting their money, happily watching his new slave at work.

***

Neron's deep, resounding cry was accompanied by a gentle ripple of laughter from beneath the table. He sank back against his seat, blinking slowly and sucking in large lungfuls of air. "Oh, definitely better the second time," he rasped.

Between his legs, a pair of violet eyes stared up at him and purple lips kissed the tip of his organ one final time before pulling away. Neron chuckled as he grabbed a handful of Dani's loose hair and drew her up towards him from where she was kneeling under their table. He offered her a seat on his lap by patting his thigh, then motioned his eyes towards his exposed shaft. "You played with it, you put it away."

Dani grinned as she finished off the treat he'd gifted her with a swallow. "What if I'm not exactly finished with it?" she asked with a coy smile. She slid her way into his lap and folded herself against him. "I must say that you do taste very nice. One of my favourite flavours, actually."

Neron nipped at her bottom lip as a smooth chuckle rumbled in his throat. "You don't taste so bad yourself. Sweet...though I prefer it when your not."

"So, Neron," Dani said as she shifted her position so that she straddled him, "you like bad girls?"

"Sometimes," he replied, pushing his hands up her thighs. "But you look like a good, obedient girl to me. Or am I wrong?"

Dani smiled. "I am many things," she said. "I am both good and bad depending on how I feel. It all depends on my mood. But, I'm also an empath, so part of it depends on the mood of those I'm with. So, Neron, do you want a bad girl tonight?"

His hands slipped up to her waist and her jerked Dani into him. "That and more.... Oh, you'd work well with another girl of ours." He pressed his lips to Dani's neck while a deep, lustful chuckle spilled from them. "Maeren is insatiable...a truly breathtaking creature. If only I had the chance to see her again..."

"Wow," Dani whispered as she rolled her head back against his touch. "Nieme and I know a girl named Maeren too. She's beautiful and amazing, and the best dancer I've ever seen. She tastes really good too."

"Really?" Neron concealed a fiendish grin and gazed up inquisitively at Dani. "Her last name wouldn't happen to be 'Shivral' would it?" He feigned a bashful laugh and shook his head. "Too much to hope for, I know."

"It is! You didn't tell us you knew Maeren! We dance together at the Palace! Oh wow...so you and Maeren know each other? Well, we may just have to hook the two of you up together...if you want the chance to see her again. With as good as you are, I can't imagine that she'd not want to see you again."

"Well...it has been a long time," Neron mused. "I mean, she might not even remember me. You really know her?" He laughed in disbelief. "Well, how very fortunate." His hands made their way to Dani's breasts, cradling them and massaging them deliberately. "You should get her to join the party," he whispered. "But surprise her. Invite her over to your place, but don't tell her we're there. You'll see her more happy and excited than you've ever seen her, I promise."

Dani grinned. "Get me a comm and I'll give her a call," she said. "Maeren's really great when she's happy. Oh this'll be so great. Oh, you're good with your hands, Neron. You're very good with your-- Oh goddess, look at Nieme!"

Neron followed, with his eyes, Dani's outstretched arm all the way to the tip of her extended, purple finger and stopped at Nieme, who was wrapped around a large man and swaying frenziedly against him. Not far from her, Qual was collecting creds from an eager knot of men, waiting for their turn. It was all proving easier than they'd imagined, and all thanks to two of the biggest whores on Tae'Karada.

With a booming laugh, Neron gripped Dani's breasts and tugged her forward for a hard kiss. Her hips began pushing against his and her moans drifted into his mouth, but before the passion could reach its threshold, Neron pulled back and grinned. "Comm Maeren and tell her to meet you at your apartment in two hours. But remember," he whispered, bringing his lips temptingly close to hers, but not allowing her greedy mouth to deliver its kiss, "it's a surprise."

"A very big, wonderful, sensual surprise," she answered. "Where's a comm for me to use?"

Neron brought one hand down and brushed it delicately along the length of Dani's thigh. It dipped into the pocket of his pants, and came up again holding a commlink. "For you, my beautiful."

Dani grinned, and accepted the device. She quickly dialled in Maeren's personal comm code. It took several moments, but finally Shiv's musical voice filtered out of the unit.

"This is Maeren."

"Hi, Maeren," Dani said with a giggle. "It's Dani. Um, Nieme and I were wondering if it...if we could do some dance practicing tonight? We have the show tomorrow, and Nieme and I want to make sure we have it perfect."

"Oh...uh..."

"It's not your boyfriend is it?"

"Well, one of them," she answered. "He wasn't happy that I answered the comm. Merrick, I'll be back out, stop it!" Laughter could be heard from the musician. "Okay! I can come over."

"Great! Two hours in Nieme's and my apartment?"

Dani gave a wide grin to Neron and slid a hand along his chest. She nearly moaned to herself, when she felt him go hard as a durasteel pipe when Maeren answered, "Yes!"

"See you then," Dani said.

She shut down the comm and handed it back to him. "Well?"

After putting away the comm, Neron replied by resting his hand on Dani's lower back while he gripped his erect shaft, and finally pivoting her hips towards his. Upon entering her, he started up a rhythm and grinned slowly. "Perfect, my beauty. Absolutely perfect."

"You can say that again," she rasped, her voice soaked with pleasure.

"And I will," he said between gritted teeth, pumping forcefully into her. "When Maeren's with us, we'll be complete."

Neron chuckled darkly as he surged up and threw Dani back onto the table, quickly following her down and resuming his thrusts. If the rest of their plans and schemes went as smoothly as this one, he had a feeling he and Qual would have control of Tae'Karada sooner than they thought.

***

Drunk and still giggling as they finally made it back to their apartment, Dani bent over again to peer under Nieme's skirt at the silver rings sparking back at her. "They're so amazing," she cooed. "I never thought you could look so sexy, Nieme!" She yelped and giggled as someone tugged at the rings adorning the cleft between her own legs. "Watch out! I'm still all tingly down there from when that guy with the needles tested out his work!"

She was as drunk on liquor as she was on the heady emotions that had permeated the entire evening. At first she'd declined the decorations Qual had convinced Nieme to get, but Nieme had been very convincing in her pleas. So, now she had two rings piercing her genitals, one in each nipple, one in her navel, a small stud in one nostril, one in her tongue, and each ear was glittering with sparkling gems. She also had a glittering tattoo of a purple heart on her left buttock and a Zeltron tastri-cat climbing her shoulder blade. "Stop moving, Nieme. I wanna lick!"

Nieme screeched and swatted feebly at her lover's wriggling tongue aiming for the jewel piercing her own nostril. She hadn't been as daring as Dani, but Nieme still had a considerable array of piercings, from her ears and eyebrow, to the one on her navel and that between her legs. Qual had forbidden her from piercing her nipples, for he felt it detracted from his ability to suckle them comfortably.

As she leapt away from Dani to avoid her frisky hands, Nieme's dress swayed to reveal the desert porja flower tattooed onto her inner thigh, in honour of her flower, Dani. The other tattoo, the stylized star outlining her naval, was still concealed beneath the fabric, and the final one, the one Qual had chosen of a rylothian t'laka cat was on her lower back. He'd explained that it was a cat from Twi'lek, one that had an insatiable, voracious sexual appetite, just like she, but all Nieme knew for certain was that it felt good going on.

"Oh gods...I've never felt so liberated," she moaned, twirling dizzily on the walkway. "We should've done this long ago!"

"It's so amazing," Dani said as she pulled herself into an embrace with Nieme. "It's like everything that has ever burdened us has been scoured away. I feel reborn, Nieme. Reborn with you, and our new masters. It's never been this way before, never so fulfilling and free. We have to do that again. All those strangers, and their hands and tongues, and... Oh goddess, Nieme, I want an orgy! With alcohol and spice and sex and lots of writhing, naked, oiled bodies!"

"With Maeren!" she shrieked. "Oh gods, we have to hurry so we can get there before her. We have to make everything perfect for our beautiful girl."

As Nieme and Dani skipped along ahead of them, Neron grinned at Qual and nudged his arm. "Easy enough. You want Maeren this time?"

"No, little brother," Qual answered with a feral smile. "I want to watch you finish what you started with her, and then I'll take my turn."

"Oh, how generous of you, dear brother." Neron sighed and looked up at the pristine stars glittering the sky. "This place could be ours soon, you know."

"What do you mean could be?"

Neron laughed at his brother and exchanged a knowing glance with him. They wouldn't fail, not when things were going as smoothly as they were now.

By the time he and Qual reached Nieme and Dani's apartment, the two girls had themselves in a passionate embrace while their hands wildly groped for any available flesh. "Save it for Maeren, ladies," Neron called out to them. "Don't wanna disappoint her by getting all worn out, do we?"

Dani glanced up at him, purple locks obscuring her face, but her mouth was curled into a grin. "Oh alright," she said. "She should be here soon anyway."

"Yes, she should," Qual answered with a smile. "Now, we'll stay out of sight, and you girls make her feel comfortable when she gets here. Neron and I will hide out of sight over here to surprise her. Oh, I can't wait to see the look on her face when she sees us. Now, you two better get ready for the best sex you've ever had in your lives."

"You mean we haven't already had it?" Nieme quipped. She grinned at Qual as she pushed open the door, then slipped inside with Dani.

"You contacted the guys and they're taking care of Zale's men, right?" Neron whispered to his brother. "We don't want them barging in at the wrong time."

"The nice thing about Zale's men is they like to shadow rather than playing escort," Qual answered. "And, I checked. The brat and his naked bitch left earlier today to go back to their ship. We've got her this time, brother. She's all ours."

"Hopefully," he muttered, always the pessimist.

He and Qual blended into the shadows caused by the single light failing to illuminate the entire room. Dani and Nieme had drunkenly and quickly shed their clothing, giving the two brothers the opportunity to watch lazily, never imagining they'd find two willing whores for such a small price.

Just as they toppled onto the bed together, a knock sounded from the door and both girls ceased their foreplay to gaze at Qual and Neron's shadowed forms for instructions.

"Go ahead," Neron whispered. "But remember...a surprise."

Nieme and Dani nodded rigorously, then sprang from the bed and flew towards the door. "Coming, our dear, sweet Maeren!"

The door was flung wide open, and Maeren Shivral stood there alone. She grinned at both Nieme and Dani. She was startled as Dani grabbed her by the hand and tugged her inside. "Oh goddess, Maeren, we've missed you so much!"

"I've missed you-- Oh wow! Look at you, all glittery and tattooey! You look great!"

"And you do too," Nieme purred, "even with all those clothes on." She smiled at Maeren and ran a hand across her chest. "Get comfortable," she whispered. "It's time to dance."

Shiv grinned and then reached down and tugged her top off, letting it flutter away behind her. Immediately, she had Dani pressed against her, suckling her breasts and igniting a fire within her. "Oh gods, I've really missed you two." With deft fingers, she slipped open her pants and quickly shed them. As Dani continued what she was doing, Shiv pushed Nieme back and quickly buried her face between Nieme's legs.

Nieme's ecstatic moans weren't the only thing bringing a smile to Neron's face as he watched Shiv's bare, perfectly contoured rear displayed in its full glory, and seemingly summoning him to slip himself between its beautiful folds. His hands were already working deftly at removing his pants as he emerged from the darkness, a hungry, vicious smile touching his lips. Nieme moaned louder at the sight of him and his hand massaging his organ to erection, though it didn't take much effort.

With Shiv kneeling on the bed and leaning forward to work between Nieme's legs, she was in the perfect position to resume where they'd been so rudely interrupted. And with relative ease, Neron halted behind her, pausing for a moment to watch her hips gently swaying back and forth, then plunged himself inside of her with a loud grunt.

Her body tensed briefly, but Neron clamped his hands down firmly upon her waist to keep her from fleeing. Nieme and Dani were watching with envy and desire, and encouraged Shiv with tender kisses and words of affection. Chuckling lewdly, Neron ran a hand down her spine, from her nape to the curve of her smooth rear. He felt her tremble under his touch, and her hips pushing back against his erection.

Thrusting with long strokes into her, and listening to her weep and moan at the invasive, yet welcomed penetration, Neron brushed his lips against her ear and sang discordantly, "Surprise."

---

"Realisation"
By A'Kin [NPC+]
and Campbell [NPC]

Location: New Plouton
Date: Eos 23, 4ABY

***

It had been a long day for Campbell, the club was a booming success with hundreds of people coming to enjoy the various drinks and the music, some would go leaving space for others but the majority were becoming regulars and staying from opening to closing time.

What troubled the young man was that his employer kept staring at the door as if awaiting someone to enter. Sadly he knew who he was waiting for and though he hated to bring the subject up he saw no other choice. He took a deep breath and headed over to him.

A'Kin sat at the table in the relatively empty club, employees were moving around tidying up, readying the club for the opening at seven that same evening. A small drink of Tekalian whiskey, still untouched, stood on the table in front of him. He reached for the drink but another hand beat him, picking it up.

"Don't mind if I do..." said Campbell, throwing the whiskey down his throat in one go. "Another!" he called, signalling to a waiter.

"Thanks..." A'Kin replied, looking at the empty glass that Campbell placed in front of him.

"Its for me," Campbell said, sitting at the table opposite A'Kin. "You've had enough to drink, you stare at that door--"

He was silenced by A'Kin waving his hand in front of him. "Enough! I have heard this before! I know what I'm doing! They need my help!"

"If you'd let me finish!" Campbell shouted, which startled A'Kin so much he closed his mouth, growling as he looked down, taking the empty whiskey glass in his hand. "You stare at that door like you were expecting them to come walking in here like they'd seen the light and would forever be in your debt." The look he got from A'Kin only made his point. "It will never happen, my friend; the universe doesn't work that way, you of all people should know that!"

"They're young! They need guidance...!"

"Then guide them! Don't force them! You said it yourself the Jedi did that and look where it got them! Be their friend, you have enough enemies you don't need to add any more!"

"They'll come..." A'Kin said with an iron determination.

"You've been walking with all those ghosts of your past for long enough. Your wife is gone A'Kin and there's nothing you can do to bring her back, the Jedi who saved you is gone... There's nothing to keep you! You don't owe them anything!"

"What would you know?!" A'Kin screamed, causing the waiter who was bringing Campbell's drink to pause. She quickly turned and headed back to the bar, acting as if she hadn't made the drink yet.

"I've been in your employment for years! I consider you a friend and I'd trust you and your daughter with my life. Though you aren't of the same blood your hearts are the same and your loyalties. I don't walk out on friends! And neither would you! They don't know you, for if they did they would be here now! But knowing you they probably don't even know your name! Let them go! You can do nothing for them. If they choose to come that is their choice; you cannot force them, A'Kin, it will only make it worse!"

"Ha!" A'Kin shouted, standing up, throwing the glass off the table. The glass slammed into one of the wooden fences, smashing into hundreds of pieces. A'Kin just stared at the glass fragments now spilled out on the carpet. He could see some of the whiskey slowly trickling down the wood, soaking into the carpet the instant they met.

"Let go of the past, A'Kin; if you don't it will consume you and destroy you."

A'Kin reluctantly turned to look at his friend. It wasn't what he said that registered warnings it was the way he said it. In all his years he'd never really known many who he'd call his friend but Campbell was one of them and he trusted him.

"Maybe you're right..." the Kel'Ishan said as he sat back down on the chair. He looked over at the doors and nodded to the two men who stood on either side of them. They moved up to the doors and began locking up. "Maybe I have been going at this all wrong, forcing them to do what I thought best. I think it's time for a new start..."

Campbell smiled, nodding at his friend as the Kel'Ishan stood. Campbell watch as A'Kin took the wooden staff and made his way to the lift that led up to his apartment. "Good night, old friend..." he said just as his drink was placed in front of him.

---

"Morning After"
By: Iyika and
Karma Arien

Location: New Plouton
Date: Eos 23, 4ABY

***

Karma awoke to find Iyika was gone. Actually she needed some time to herself after recent events. Not because of what had transpired between them but because images from her past were surfacing with more fury than she was used to. Why? That remained to be answered.

After a shower, then getting dressed she set about gathering something for breakfast. Lost in thought she took notice of the door opening but it took a moment to register that it was Iyika standing there.

"Dressed all ready?" she asked, smiling as the door closed behind her. She walked up to Karma, kissing her lightly on the back of the neck as she stepped past behind her. She grabbed a cup and stuck it under the coffee maker. "Have a good sleep? How's your arm?"

She turned to Karma, leaning back against the side table, looking at her while taking a sip of her cup, enjoying the hot taste.

"I needed to clear my head," Karma replied as she took a sip of juice. "The arm seems to be doing better but I slept lousy."

Iyika looked at Karma while sipping her coffee, as she lowered the cup down placing it on the side she stopped for a moment. "Do you regret what happened last night?" she asked, looking up from the cup at Karma.

Karma regarded Iyika sincerely. "No that's not what kept me from sleeping. I have no regrets about last night at all."

Iyika smiled, more from relief than anything. She took her coffee and headed over to the sofa, sitting down. "So what is troubling you. May be I can help?" she asked, looking up at Karma.

She picked up her glass and followed Iyika. "Abstract dreams and fuzzy memories of my past seem to be haunting me. I'm not sure exactly what they mean or why it's happening now."

"Maybe something has happened to you to bring out old memories, old feelings to the surface."

For a brief moment Karma regarded Iyika seriously. "More than anything I'd like to see the day that I can regain what I was destined for, yet aware that day may never come."

"Alone that may be true," Iyika said, watching as Karma sat down opposite her across the glass table separating them. "But there are other sworn enemies of the Empire, the Republic, the old soldiers of the Rebels still fighting. Your not alone, Karma. Not anymore."

Unconsciously Karma nodded. "Yes, there are but there is more to it than that. There are many questions I need to find answers to." Her attention rested on Iyika once more. "And maybe I worry too much at times."

"There are always questions that need answering, Karma. Some remain unanswered, but some are answered, in time. But most aren't. You may have to live with the knowledge you may never learn the answers." Iyika sighed heavily, her gills opening with the layer of skin running over her eyes before vanishing out of view a split second later. "I will try and find answers if you will trust me with the questions, but some questions are best left unanswered." She was sounding more and more like her father. A half smiled crept over her face but she put those thoughts aside, looking back at Karma.

After another sip from her glass Karma placed it on the table. Without really thinking about it she stretched. "I think I'm at a point of trying to determine what exactly those questions are. Though many of them deal with a life I barely remember."

Iyika nodded, leaning forward, looking at Karma. "This is about your planet isn't it? Why the empire destroyed your world... Why you still live when so many others aren't." Iyika knew about 'survivor's guilt'; she'd seen it more than she cared to admit, but it was all the same.

"To some extent. But for me it runs deeper than that."

"That inner hurt of being betrayed by her own family would not ever go away completely."

"I honestly didn't mean to drag down the morning conversation with this discussion," Karma added.

Iyika smiled half heartedly as she leaned back on the sofa, crossing her legs, feeling the leather stretching. "Don't worry, you need to talk about it... Maybe it will help and bring out the questions you're looking for, possibly even the answers." She looked at Karma. She knew it would help and now had to wait.

"I hope so," Karma confessed. "Talking about it is necessary yet I don't know if I can get past the invisible mental block enough to do any good. At the time I was still a child." She closed her eyes for a moment as she unconsciously ran a hand through her hair. Concentrating on focusing her thoughts on what she did know.

Iyika got up, placing the cup on the table. She moved around to Karma, sitting in front of her on the table, looking directly at Karma and nothing else. "Take your time, Karma... Allow the memories to surface by themselves, don't force them." She replaced her hands on her knees. "Relax..."

As Karma continued to try, all that surfaced was the jumbled images that kept her awake the night before. "I'm not seeing anything that I didn't last night." One memory of her mother, Leita, surfaced. The voice was haunting and as Karma recalled those distinct words she felt herself tense up even as she willed herself to remain calm.

"Talk about your family, your mother... What was she like? What did she look like, her feelings, what made her happy and sad?" Iyika asked, pressing to get her going, trying to find that elusive key into her memories.

Karma began where it was easiest. "Leita was beautiful and incredibly brilliant. Her goal was to raise us in the typical traditions of Oceana and family destiny. And then I recall just how cold, uncaring and evil she turned." Memories that actually made her visibly flinch.

"Go on..." Iyika whispered not wanting her to stop.

"But I don't recall much after that and still have trouble accessing earlier memories," Karma replied.

"What turned her cold? Can you remember? Why do you remember brilliant one second and uncaring the next?"

Karma continued, "Oceana's destruction had something to do with it. All she wanted was revenge for the Empire's handy work and yet that turned her to the dark side." A definite chill rippled through her as she spoke.

Iyika watched Karma; she saw the pain on her face as she tried to recover the lost memories.

"She betrayed her family...more importantly she betrayed me. My father and sister soon followed in my mother's footsteps."

"Did she betray them trying to turn them to the dark side? Or was she still searching for vengeance?"

It was something Karma had pondered for a long time. "They are one in the same at least to me. My father and my younger sister weren't strong enough to resist."

"So you resisted? How old were you when this all happened?" Iyika asked, the thumb of her right hand lightly rubbing Karma's knee.

"Yes," Karma replied nearly in tears, "I don't recall exactly how old I was at the time."

Iyika gave her a reassuring squeeze before speaking. "But you did resist, you are part of your mother and father, the best parts. Perhaps they're still alive waiting for you. There is good in everyone, Karma. Darth Vader was considered a monster, but in the end he did the right thing. Your family can be brought back..."

"That is a very big 'if,' Iyika," she continued in a mess of emotions. "Since I did not gain my parents' Jedi powers it made it easier for me to resist. But there is no evidence to state that any of them are even still alive."

"Then there's no evidence they're dead either..." Iyika replied. "I have friends in many places. My father has sources, 'spiders' is what he calls them. We can help you, Karma... I can help you..."

She wanted to, she really did and that shocked Iyika. She never really cared about anyone but herself and her family. No one else mattered until this woman stepped into her life, then she'd turned her life upside down. A 20 year old. The universe was a strange place.

Iyika's words surprised Karma slightly. "I'm not sure I want to know the truth." Actually she wasn't certain if she really wanted to find out the truth. Beyond that small confession she wasn't resisting the offer for help either. It put her amid a violent mix of emotions.

"Well it's there if you ever need it..." Iyika replied, smiling until she remembered Karma's eyes were still closed and her smile faded. "Tell me of your home world. What is it like?"

Karma opened her eyes just in time to catch Iyika's expression. Her face lit up at vivid memories of Oceana. "Knowing what I know so far about you, Iyika, you would enjoy my home planet. It was beautiful, tropical and its waters the most impressive crystal blue anyone has ever seen." She brushed her hand against Iyika's arm lightly.

Her hand came up, stroking Karma's hair, feeling her soft smooth stands running in between her fingers. "I'm sorry, Karma..." Iyika whispered, kissing her on the hand. "My home world is mostly ocean; a paradise of white hot beaches and the lands are covered with incredible views that could make the hardest of men's hearts fill with joy. I have not seen my world in years... Knowing how much I miss my world I can imagine what it would be like for you..."

She kissed Karma again as her hand came up once more, running down Karma's hair, down her back. "I would have liked to look upon your oceans, Karma and see the joy return to your eyes..."

Something in Iyika's touch seemed to relax her a bit. "Keep that thought because someday that may happen. I'd like you to be there the day I stand upon the soil of my new home world, gazing upon its oceans."

"I'll be there..." Iyika whispered softly. "Nothing in this galaxy could stop me... Ever seen the ocean from underwater? Among the fish, swimming with them without a mask? Has to be one of the best experiences I can think of."

Karma had to smile at that. "Underwater, yes...without a mask, no. "

"Remind me to show it you," Iyika said softly, smiling.

"You can count on it." Her hand played with Iyika's hair.

Iyika smiled, enjoying Karma's fingers playing with her long hair; she looked at Karma and lifted her face to look at her. "You're beautiful..." she whispered, kissing her on the lips, closing her eyes, enjoying the feeling of Karma's lips on her own. She pulled back, opening her eyes, looking at Karma.

"And so are you," Karma replied, meeting Iyika's gaze. "Thank you for listening and just being near." Her hand trailed down Iyika's neck to her shoulder.

"Anytime..." Iyika replied, smiling, leaning closer to Karma, looking into her eyes as she slowly kissed her. Their lips met and Iyika moved closer, opening Karma's mouth her tongue, licking inside her mouth, tasting her, feeling her teeth as her tongue roamed inside her.

There was no resistance from Karma when Iyika changed the tone of her kisses. Visibly relaxing a bit more and allowing things to move at their own pace. "Frisky this morning I see," she commented between kisses.

"Only when you're around..." Iyika whispered back, her hands roaming up and down Karma. She leaned Karma back against the chair, smiling at her. "Relax..." she said, kissing her lips, moving down her neck. She undid the loose shirt she was wearing. Underneath she was naked, her breasts firm as her hands roamed over her soft skin. Her fingers never touched her breasts only her lips and tongue.

Her lips moved down in between her breasts, licking her soft skin. She moved to Karma's left breast, licking around the nipple for several seconds before her lips circled around it, sucking.

Karma relaxed a bit more, though her reaction was one of pleasure and visible arousal in its beginning stages. "Umm..."

She smiled at the reaction she was getting and proceeded to Karma's other breast while her hands moved up and down Karma's front. Her right hand moved down Karma's thigh before moving back up, moving in between her legs.

This time Karma's reaction was more intense as she moved in response to Iyika's touch. "Ohh..."

While she sucked on her breast, flicking her nipple with the tip of her tongue, Iyika's hands were undoing her trousers. Once undone she slid them down to her ankles, exposing her panties. She could smell her scent filling her nostrils; she didn't need to feel her panties to know they were already wet.

Just in the past few minutes, or perhaps it was only seconds, Karma's breathing had become more pronounced. Her body readily reacted to Iyika's actions. That familiar sensation of urgency flooded through her, though she wasn't about to ruin whatever Iyika had in mind.

Iyika's fingers moved the thin fabric of Karma's panties to one side. They looked more like a thin thong, and Iyika continued to lick and suck on Karma's breasts as her fingers parted her lower lips, her fingers roaming beneath.

"I'm leaving this in your control," Karma smiled as her body responded without much prompting.

"Famous last words..." Iyika replied, smiling, her tongue licking out along her nipple.

Her fingers rubbed against her clit, replaced by her thumb as she slid her first finger slowly inside her. She sucked hungrily on her breasts as her finger moved in and out of Karma, her thumb rubbing over her clit, moistening with her juices.

This prompted Karma to shift position slightly. Iyika was doing a good job of releasing pent up tension but some still remained. Her breathing increased more as arousal increased.

She then slid a second figure into her tight cunt feeling the walls around them clamping down as they slid in and out, picking up speed. Iyika moved to Karma's other breast, licking her way from one to the other, giving the other the same attention.

If Karma didn't hold back it would be over all too soon. Certainly it was a change of events for her morning but it was probably a good way to proceed. "Surprise me."

Iyika moved down towards the source, kissing all the way down. She came to Karma's clit, her lips moving around it, sucking lightly while her fingers continued moving in and out of her. She tried pushing a third in but it was a very tight fit. She moved her hand around until the third finger could fit inside.

Her other hand moved around to Karma's ass, squeezing her cheeks. Her fingers slid up her crack, teasing her asshole.

"Yes we are in a very feisty mood today," Karma managed to comment between rapid breaths.

Her fingers were soaking as they pumped in and out of Karma. She licked and sucked on her clit, tasting her. The middle finger of her other hand traced the outer edge of Karma's asshole before pushing all the way in. She could feel the finger pushing into Karma's ass with her other fingers pushing deep inside her cunt. They started moving in opposition to each other, as one went in the other came out, picking up speed.

Karma found it more difficult to hold anything back as Iyika continued. Her entire body responded naturally with great intensity. Words caught in her throat as a very distinct groan of pleasure escaped.

Iyika felt Karma's body tense up, almost like every muscle in her body as if it was trying to squeeze every last second out of it as the orgasm flooded through her. Karma's juices flooded into her mouth, swallowing down into her stomach.

Iyika continued to lick Karma's clit though with less force. Her tongue ran over it, circling around, teasing her. Her fingers slowly slid out of her cunt and traced up Karma's front to her mouth. Iyika looked up as Karma sucked on the fingers that had just been inside her.

"You certainly have an interesting way of distracting me this morning," Karma replied.

"Always aim to please..." Iyika whispered, smiling before going back down on Karma.

Iyika continue licking and sucking the rest of the juices that came out of Karma before moving up, sliding beside her. She smiled as she kissed Karma, her left hand lightly running up and down Karma's stomach.

She looked at her companion for a moment longer. "I really should go shower and dress as I have a few errands to run."

"A shower sounds nice... But not the errands part..." Iyika smiled, her hands running down in between her legs, rubbing her gently; she heard the faint gasp from Karma as she moved up close to her, kissing her all over her face before kissing her passionately on the lips, their mouths opening.

"Well then if you're so content on distracting me today we might as well move this to some place more interesting, like the shower," Karma responded as she tried her best to ignore Iyika's advances for a moment longer.

"Perhaps..." Iyika whispered, breaking apart for that nanosecond to speak.

Iyika's tongue wrestled with each other in between their mouths. Iyika could still taste Karma on her tongue and lips and made it even more arousing as they continued.

Her hand ran along the back of Iyika's neck. "Unless of course you have another place in mind to alter the scenery a bit," Karma responded, sounding just a bit breathless for a moment or two.

"I have a few in mind..." Iyika slowly stood, taking Karma's hand, helping her to stand. She then led her into the bedroom where she turned around, allowing Karma to sit down. Iyika then went on to slowly take her clothes off.

"Ok I'll leave it up to you to decide," Karma answered, sitting.

"But where to start..." she whispered softly as she started from the top, undoing her shirt, letting it fall to the floor down her back, revealing her black lace bra. She then undid her trousers, sliding them off, shaking her hips slowly as the trousers moved down. She took off her socks and, standing in front of Karma with only her black panties and bra on, she said, "Your turn..."

Karma stood to remove her clothing, not that there was much of it to remove after the earlier distraction. "So what do you have in mind?" She remained facing Iyika.

"Nothing particular this time... Why don't you show me what you want to do..." Iyika smiled, leaning forward, taking Karma's hand, moving it up to her breast and then taking the other and moving it down to her thighs, running it up.

Karma's hands began to explore. "Well as I said some change of scenery would be interesting." She started to move towards the bathroom slowly.

Iyika followed, keeping close to Karma, following her into the bathroom. The door opened, revealing the large room behind with the bath and shower on the left and the wash basin on the right. Iyika moaned, feeling Karma's hand rubbing against her cunt. Iyika leaned forward, wrapping her arms around Karma, kissing.

"Mmm," was all she could get out before Iyika's kiss interrupted.

"Shower...on..." Iyika said in between deep breaths. The four shower heads all came to life with steaming hot water coming out; Karma was first in with Iyika in tow.

---

"Unexpected Allies"
By: Iyika
and Cara Landross

Location: New Plouton
Date: Eos 23, 4ABY

***

Cara left the complex and made her way back to the spaceport. Her objective was clear, but her path wasn't. She'd arrived at a shop and made her way around. Her search goal was to purchase a new blaster with a couple of rechargeable power packs. She had a charger on her ship which would help in conserving energy.

Another purchase was to be an R2 unit. She preferred the thing to be green, but she didn't find one. She found one that was red, blue and yellow, no green. Too bad that the blue and yellow ones couldn't be combined to make my green one, she thought. She bought the yellow one after she figured out that the other two were defective.

Then she went about to purchase her supplies. Supplies she would need for a possible long haul space flight. Blankets, food packs, rations, clothes and the like. She had ordered the supplies to be taken to her ship, and the R2 unit as well. She kept the new blaster on her person and one of the spare power packs as well.

It was on her walk back to her ship that she was confronted by a thug. "Well, well, well, what do we have here? Come on my pretty one, give me a little kiss."

"Oh sure, and then what, you want more?"

"Maybe."

It was late a night. She looked up, hoping to see stars glittering like small pinpricks in a black curtain drawn across but dark clouds were cast overhead and by the look of them it seemed more than likely rain was coming.

"I hate rain..." she whispered to herself.

You hate all weather! said Oz, commenting on what Iyika had said.

"Oh go annoy a dustbin or something! I can complain about whatever and whoever I want to, thank you very much..."

I only gave my opinion and I get my head bitten off!

"You don't have a head..." Iyika turned, hearing something as she entered one of the streets. She saw a woman across the street with a large man in front of her. He was a large human by the looks of him, wearing what could only be described as rags sewn together, trying to resemble clothing.

She looked up and down the street and as she did so caught movement in the direction the woman was facing. The thug obviously had some friends or either other people were getting interested in the situation. She stepped back into the shadows shifting as she stepped back, vanishing from sight. The rain then started to fall like a misty drizzle, the type that could hardly be felt but soaked within seconds.

Cara was soaked by the time the others surrounded her. "If you think you can take me on, big boy, come and get me." She took up a defensive stance, and as she did, she watched him. Her attention being on the one in front of her, it took her attention off those surrounding her and eventually the one behind her came up and wrapped his arms around her, pinning her arms to her sides.

She kicked back. Her head snapped back to butt his. He screamed as her head made contact with his nose and he slammed her in the side of her head, causing her head to spin from the impact. By the time the dizziness dissipated, the thug in front of her had stepped forward and his mouth was pressed to hers.

"This isn't good..." Iyika whispered, still standing on the other side of the street. Two more thugs were moving in behind the woman. Iyika had two choices: one, leave and let the woman fend for herself, as it was her own stupid fault for getting in the mess; two, she could help.

You going to stand there all night or are you going to help her? Oz asked which made her mind up for her.

She pulled out her blaster from under her coat, attached to her back, and fired. It was a fluid motion, making no sound other than the blaster firing the white blue energy pulse. The pulse struck the man, still holding onto Cara, puncturing through his head. The pulse struck him in the side of the head directly in front of his left ear. The pulse carried on until it exploded out through the other side, hitting the wall beside him.

The two human males coming up behind Cara instantly froze, watching their companion collapsing to the ground. It took a few seconds before his body caught onto the fact he was dead. The third man, forcing himself on Cara, smacked her across the face, thinking she'd somehow done it. But seeing his two friends looking across the street, his eyes followed theirs.

What he saw could only be described as a ghost, the rain hitting an invisible figure standing in the middle of the street enabling them to see the faint outline of the thick coat Iyika wore.

"Leave her alone..." Iyika said, watching all three men at the same time. One of the thugs took a step back while the man beside him flinched. It was small but still noticeable, not believing what his eyes were showing him or what they weren't showing him.

Cara spat the blood that started flowing into her mouth after she was smacked. When the man's attention was drawn from her, she began by punching him in the back of the head, startling him. While he turned to face her again, she started kicking him, one round-house kick after another. She was pissed and she was taking her anger out on this man who'd tried to rape her.

She wasn't a virgin, not by a long shot, but she wasn't going to let this man get away with trying to rape her, either. She continued, even when the man had fallen to his knees, and even after he'd fallen face down on the sidewalk. She wasn't at all aware of the movement of any of the others around her; her mind and concentration was on the man before her. And when she realized he wasn't moving anymore, she pulled her blaster out and shot him in the head.

The human male with the knife seemed to lose his nerve, coming right up to Iyika and seeing nothing but the rain hitting her coat, running down, but his companion cried out, swinging the metal pole at Iyika. But the Acaran moved up as the pole was lifted above the man's head and she grabbed both his arms, stopping the blow before it started. Iyika kicked his friend in the chest as he came forward, sending him crashing into the ground, sliding through a puddle.

Iyika twisted the man's arms around, throwing the human over his back. He slammed into a small puddle of water, slowly growing with the continued rain coming down from the heavens. Iyika quickly twisted one of the man's arms up and around, pinning him on his front. There was a loud snap as she easily twisted his arm that bit too far. His arm broke cleanly and he screamed, his legs lifting up into the air. Iyika drew his right hand back, punching into the back of the man's neck, smashing his head into the concrete of the street. She turned and saw the other man was getting up, rubbing his chest with left hand while his other hand held the knife.

Cara looked up after shooting the man's head clean off his shoulders. Her gaze took in the woman down the street with the two men coming at her. She took aim with her blaster at one of the men, but noticed that she was able to take care of herself. She watched the woman as she fought off the second one who had attacked her.

Iyika took a brief second to look to her right and saw the woman was all right with a blaster in her hand, steam coming off the barrel as rain continued to hit it. Her gaze returned to the man holding the knife who lunged at her. It was such an amateur attack that Iyika could have done it blind folded; she even shimmered back into view as she side-stepped out of the way of the knife.

It was all over in a blink of an eye. Iyika took the man's wrist with her right hand, twisting it. Though she twisted it only slightly it was enough for the desired effect as it turned his elbow outwards, ready for her left arm hitting it a millisecond later, shattering it. As he screamed, letting go of the knife, Iyika stepped behind him, wrapped one arm around his neck and yanked back, snapping it instantly. The limp body fell to the ground, falling at her feet.

She walked forward, her blaster still held in her hand. "Impressive."

"Thanks... I suppose..." replied Iyika, not knowing if she should take it as a compliment or not knowing how the woman came to be in this situation. She looked down at the two bodies as she stepped up to the woman. "I needed some exercise. I watched you walk into the trap from across the street. You new around here?"

"To this part of town, yes, but not to town. I grew up in this town. I was just on my way to my ship, and now that things are alright, I'll be going now." She holstered her new blaster. She'd just tested it and it tested out quite well. "Thanks for the help, even though I didn't really need it."

"Sure you didn't..." Iyika looked around the dark street. She was about to turn away but something stopped her. She instantly looked and caught a glimpse of a figure standing on one of the rooftops. "Get down!" Iyika screamed, running to Cara, pushing her back into a side alley.

Cara turned then only to be bowled over by Iyika.

***

A missile was launched from the roof, swerving as it flew towards Iyika and Cara. It exploded, crashing into the side of the street close to where Cara had been standing. A small shockwave shot across the ground, picking up water from the puddles like a tidal wave. Fire and debris shot out from the explosion.

Kresh lowered the launcher, looking down at the street below, pressing the throat mike against his throat, making sure he could be heard. "No sign of them. Three of our men are dead."

"You sure?!" came a voice over his earphones.

"Well, they ain't moving so I'm pretty sure they're dead, or they're sleeping," replied Kresh, sarcasm echoing from his words. "Jesn, get your butt in gear and check to see if those bitches are dead!"

"Roger. Moving in!"

***

There was smoke and dust from the building that caught most of the blast. Iyika was lying on the ground on top of Cara. Blood was running down from a large cut running along her forehead. The blood ran down the side of her face. "You all right?" she asked, trying to hide the dizziness from her voice.

It only took her a moment to catch her breath. The concussion of the explosion was still ringing in her ears. She glanced up the moment she'd heard Iyika speak, but the words were a little dim sounding compared to the ringing in her ears. "No, not really." She wasn't even sure if she even answered the question right. "We better get out of here before they find out we're still alive and come here to kill us."

It was then she'd chosen to look up and seen the blood flowing from the cut on Iyika's forehead. "That, and we should take care of your injuries." She was still speaking, but she was hoping she wasn't speaking so loudly that the ones who'd attacked them could hear her.

"You go on ahead... I'll be right behind you!" Iyika said, her head ringing like mad but it wasn't that which was troubling her; she could feel the blood running down her back. Her hand reached up and around, touching the metal fragment lodged into her back. She rolled onto her side, looking up at the night sky, the rain falling onto her. Her blood mixed with the rain running along the ground.

Cara pulled herself up, her ears still ringing. She looked at her, the blood unmistakable. "I don't think you'll be walking. Here, let me help you up." She offered her hand to Iyika.

Iyika heard something, large boots approaching, splashing in water not far off. "I'll only slow you down..." she replied. "Get going. I've been worse off before."

"I'm no stranger to this kind of thing. Besides, I've got my blaster I can use. Now come on."

Seeing the look on Cara's face she saw she wasn't going to budge. Reluctantly she nodded and took Cara's outstretched hand, doing her best to hold back a loud groan as pain surged up her back. Despite her best efforts a muffled gasp passed her lips.

"Let's go..." she managed to say, gritting her teeth.

Cara's arm went about the woman's back as she guided her towards the other end of the alley. She had her blaster in her free hand and she glanced back from time to time to see if they were being followed, yet.

***

"Closing in on their last known position..." He came up to the wall to the side of the entrance into the side alley. His shoulder crashed into the wall a split second before his partner appeared from the darkness. "Jesn..." he whispered, nodding.

Jesn nodded in return and signalled for him to move. They both peered into the alley. Jesn ducked around the corner as laser bolts came flashing towards them. Jesn was able to move out of the way but his friend was too slow. He watched his friend as a laser bolt struck him in the forehead.

It exploded out through the top of his head, spraying burnt flesh and bone out onto the floor of the street behind him. He remained standing as if oblivious to the fact he was dead. After what seemed an eternity he finally collapsed, crashing to the ground.

"You bitch!" screamed Jesn, firing down the alley at Iyika and Cara.

***

Cara screamed out as a bolt hit the back of her calf. "Damnit." She continued to fire down the alley as she tripped down and around the corner with Iyika in tow.

Iyika reached out with her right hand, a small blaster shooting out from under her sleeve into her hand. Her hand gripped the blaster tightly. She leaned up against the wall and waited for several seconds, bringing her breathing under control.

Finally she peered around the corner, back down the alley. The man following them obviously thought that both Cara and herself had run off as he was out in the open, no cover anywhere. Iyika took aim and fired. The blue-white laser blasts struck the man in the chest, exploding out through his back. The man took several more steps before finally collapsing.

"That's the last of them..." Iyika whimpered as she leaned against the wall, sliding down to the ground. "Well this has been an entertaining night..."

"You don't know the half of it. Let's get you to my ship so we can get you patched up. I'm sure my R2 unit can take care of it." She stood back up, since she too had slid down the wall to the street's surface. "Let me help you up." She offered Iyika a hand up.

"Now there's a grand idea..." She took the offered hand and groaned as she was pulled up to her feet. They both headed off through the back streets of the city finally arriving where Cara's ship was docked. "I could kill for a hot bath..." Iyika whispered as they both stepped up the access ramp once it had lowered to the ground.

She was impressed with Cara's ship. It looked in pretty good condition though looked like it had been through a few scrapes. There was a scratch mark along the bottom of the ship and looked quite recent.

"The lav is that way, take your time." Cara then made her way to the cockpit to see what, if anything, was left on the computer.

In the room that Iyika stepped into was a tank. The bacta tank was rather large, big enough to hold a Wookiee should one need the tank, yet she could fit in it quite well. A med droid stepped away from the wall the instant Iyika walked into the room.

"Good evening, I am medical droid ZX-23. Please step this way," the droid said. The droid didn't have legs but small wheels hidden under its casing. The droid had several devices attached to it for various treatments. Iyika managed to walk to the nearest bed, grabbing hold of it as the droid went to work.

"My back..." Iyika whispered. The droid started work straight away on her back but the wound was too severe. Lying Iyika down on the bed the harness came down around her, picking her up as gently as possible. She was lifted up and moved over to the bacta tank before dropping her in. The feel of the bacta soaking through her clothing was strange. Her skin tingled as the liquid started its magic. Soon she was up to her neck in the solution before a breathing mask came up around her face. She didn't need one but she wasn't in the mood to say anything.

Her face pierced the surface of the bacta tank. She closed her eyes as her gills opened, the green protective layer of skin moving over her eyes before she opened them. She didn't use her gills as oxygen was being supplied through the mask but she could see around her, feeling her wounds closing.

Cara sat in the cockpit and watched as the repair reports from her newly acquired R2 unit kept flashing on the screen in front of her. She herself had some wounds that needed work, but she wasn't one of those that headed straight for the med-bay the instant she was injured.

The reports coming in told her that all repairs large or small were being worked on. She couldn't believe that the little yellow R2 unit was able to make all the repairs. But there it was, right on the report, the unit was doing the job.

***

It didn't take long and before she knew it she was out of the bacta tank dripping wet. She looked around and was just about to ask the droid for some clothes when he brought over a white robe. Raising an eyebrow she took the robe and then started taking her soaking clothes off. That was the trouble with leather, they didn't really like being soaked in bacta.

After drying off as best she could, slipping into the white robe made out of a strange material, she stepped out of the medical bay and looked around. "Which way...?" she asked herself, not familiar with the ship. Taking a wild guess she turned right and headed along the corridor.

Lucky for her she chose the right direction and found Cara in the cockpit appearing to be going over repairs. "If you have any spare clothes I'd appreciate it, then I'll be able to get out of your hair and back to work."

"As luck would have it, I just bought a bunch of supplies, and that includes clothes. I'll take you to the storage locker." She stood up and the moment she did, her leg gave out on her. "Fuck!"

Iyika grabbed hold of her before she crashed to the floor of the cockpit. She then picked her up. "Okay there's a point where being brave turns to being stupid and I think you just crossed it. Let's get you to the medical bay."

Cara hated feeling weak, not to mention helpless; those were the two things she hated feeling. "I'm not too good at this."

"Who is?" Iyika replied with a smile, stepping out of the cockpit into the corridor carrying Cara. "It's not weak to need help, Cara... Everyone needs it sooner or later."

The door slid open into the med bay and Iyika stepped through the threshold. "Hey, metal butt!" she called, getting the attention of the medical droid.

Cara couldn't help but laugh at the med-bot being called metal butt. She winced in pain as the metal thing came over and began to examine her wound. It wasn't major so all it needed was a burn patch and a small amount of pain medication administered.

"Okay, now I feel stupid."

"It happens to us all," Iyika said, looking up and down the med bay. Her eyes fell back on Cara. "Nice vessel. Must have cost you a pretty packet."

Cara shook her head. "No," she said. "I didn't have to purchase this. My parents bought it for me when I was eighteen." Then she winced in pain as the med-bot worked on her leg.

"Nice present," she said, leaning against the bed, watching as the medical droid worked on Cara. She looked at her watch, seeing the time. It was late. Later than she thought it would have been, close to midnight. "How long have you been a smuggler?" she asked Cara, turning so she could look at her.

Cara winced again as the med-droid worked on her leg. "This is one of two ships my parents got for me. The first one got destroyed about three years ago. The first ship I had, I got when I was sixteen, that too was a birthday gift." She looked at Iyika and said, "Now who said I was a smuggler?"

"I know people...and you have secret chambers in the flooring. I looked around while finding my way to the cockpit." Iyika smiled, walking over to the far bed opposite Cara so she could sit down. "That and you have the arrogance of a smuggler, almost as bad as Han Solo."

Cara sat up and looked at Iyika. "I see."

"Well this has been fun but no doubt my girl will be worried about me. She gets that way," Iyika said with a wink, sliding off the bed. "Where's those clothes you mentioned?"

Cara stood up and moved off the bed slowly. "Girl?" She nodded and headed for the door of the medbay. "This way."

"My thanks..." Iyika nodded, following after Cara. She didn't trust her enough to answer her question; no doubt several were running through her mind, bringing a smile to Iyika as she looked down. Nothing was quite like unanswered questions beating against the walls of one's mind. Iyika quickly wiped the smile from her face as they approached the hold with the clothes.

"Yeah. You know where the hatch is." And she left...

---

"Ricochet"
By: Syan Daywalker - Bounty Hunter
& Karia [NPC+]

Location: Yelsdol District, New Plouton
Date: Eos 23, 4ABY

***

"Are you done yet?"

The bounty hunter Daywalker was sitting across the table from a beautiful and rather unique woman in the middle of an expensive restaurant in the midst of people unnerved by his appearance. In typical fashion, Syan Daywalker had refused to remove his hunter gear. He had, however, consented to leaving his coat at the check. With his armored vest strapped with weapons over a black silk shirt, it might have been better, in hindsight, to keep the coat.

Across from him, his companion Karia was finishing up her plate of Respari omelets. The slices of selgrain bread were coated rather liberally with carbosyrup. She forked the last of the omelet into her mouth and chewed, slowly, enjoying every bite. She took up the last bit of carbosyrup-slathered bread and popped it into her mouth to finish it off.

"Now I'm done." She smiled.

On a weird level, Syan was impressed. He wouldn't have thought she could eat such a large breakfast by herself but she had.

Something occurred to him and his hazel eyes narrowed. "I heard something about that carbosyrup stuff the first time I came here."

"Oh?" she asked, dabbing at the corners of her mouth like a cultured debutante. She showed almost no sign of the stripper and call girl she'd been just a month before. She was wearing a pale beige pantsuit that helped mellow the gold tint of her skin. "What was that?"

Syan shifted in his chair. His DD6 was starting to dig into his hip.

"I heard that the largest percentage of people who enjoy carbosyrup are pregnant females," he said, deadpan.

Surprise showed in her eyes and she laughed. The morning sun coming in through Raoral's windows caught the silver streaks in her hair. "And you thought maybe I...that we...."

Syan replied only with a slightly raised eyebrow.

Which drew another laugh at his expense. Karia smiled at him and gave his hand a friendly pat. "Relax hunter, you dodged that particular blaster bolt. We females have our regimens. Besides, I don't even know if Ferrerrio and humans are compatible." She winked. "Genetically, anyway."

Satisfied, Syan relaxed some. "Are you ready to go?"

Karia nodded and they got up. Syan dropped a stack of triangular credit chits on the table to cover the bill. Before they'd gotten three steps from the table, the waiter who had served them had swooped down to claim the money.

At the front of the restaurant, Syan gave the droid his claim check for his coat and leaned against the counter, watching the door out of habit. He felt Karia's hands on his waist, caressing his skin lightly through the silk.

He looked back at her.

She was staring at him with the same smile. "Admit it."

"What?"

"That you had a good time bringing me here," she said. "I told you you would."

He shrugged. "The food was good."

Knowing that was all the admission she was going to get, Karia satisfied herself with that and then glanced over his shoulder and gestured.

Syan turned and took the coat from the returning droid. He slipped it on, shrugging it in place.

"Let's go."

Karia followed him out of the restaurant and into the glittering New Plouton sunshine. Everywhere on street level and in the sky, speeders and anti-grav trucks followed imaginary lines in traffic. The restaurant was upscale enough to employ a living valet instead of a droid. The valet seemed no more at ease with the pair than he had been when they arrived. Of course that didn't stop the adolescent Twi'lek from eyeballing Karia before ambling off to retrieve their vehicle.

When the valet was safely out of earshot, Karia turned to Syan. "Where're we headed? I've already figured out that it's not back to the hotel."

Syan folded his arms as he waited. "Time for me to find Ricketts." He paused and watched an Imperial Chariot command speeder pass by. "Time to get the hell off this world before it explodes."

The woman didn't answer. He knew she was getting edgy enough as it was. Not any and every Imperial trooper was up on the entire 'Detain on Sight' list. But sooner or later, someone would recognize that she was a Ferrerrio and try to take her into custody.

The valet returned with Syan's silver speeder bike, going faster than he had any need to. He drew the bike to a quick stop in front of them and revved the thrusters a couple of times before climbing off the bike. He took the claim card from Karia and grinned with pointed teeth. "Pleasant day to you, ma'am."

Syan climbed on to the bike and checked the settings. Nothing seemed out of place. He felt Karia's weight settle in behind him. "You have an admirer," he said over his shoulder.

She slipped her arms around him from behind to hold on and whispered close to his ear, "Jealous, hunter?"

A sideways glance at her confirmed she was grinning. She fixed his visors and eased back. "Maybe after he gets his first chest hair he'll have a shot."

Despite his usual staid demeanor, Syan chuckled. "Right. Hold on."

He twisted the lift and thrust grips and the speederbike lifted off the ground and into the air to join up with traffic.

***

The neighborhood that the arranger Ricketts lived in was not nearly as plush as where they'd come from. Syan felt more comfortable here. Less light. Less glitter. Less security.

Syan and Karia traveled by back streets and alleys to Ricketts' place. The route served two purposes. To keep them off of the general routes where it would be easier to tail, and to pass by each of the near-invisible limpet cameras the middleman had placed along the way to confirm his guests.

Ignoring the cameras, Syan led the way. Karia kept up easily. The stealth skills she'd been forced to learn from growing up on the run kicked in naturally. She followed silently behind, watching for tailgaters.

Ricketts's route took them through a long forgotten square in a planned neighborhood. On the far end, his broken down home served as a safe house. They were halfway across the square when Syan heard something and waved Karia down.

"What is it?" she whispered softly.

"I hear something. Quiet now."

The bounty hunter closed his eyes and focused. Using the techniques taught to him by the Dagobah force witch, he attuned and enhanced his natural hearing. Enough to pick up sounds of a struggle and Rickett's voice screaming in anger.

Syan opened his eyes and leaned around the long-dry fountain that they had ducked behind. Adjusting the muscles in his eyes just right, the controls in his macro visors magnified the image ahead. At the other side of the square and down the alley that led to Ricketts' safe house, Syan saw a sight he hadn't expected.

Just around the corner he could make out the back end of an Imperial troop transport with the loading ramp lowered. A half dozen olive-clad Imperial Army soldiers were milling about, armed with blaster pistols, backed up by a 4-squad of stormtroopers, two of them on speeder bikes for support.

In the middle of the Empire's little party, the portly Ricketts, cursing creatively as the other two stormtroopers dragged him toward the troop transport. Against one wall the body of Aarlwooka, Ricketts' Wookiee bodyguard, was slumped down with three still smoldering holes in his chest. The arrangers' cursing got louder and his struggling more fervent as he looked at his Wookiee guard. Apparently having had enough, one of the stormtroopers spun his blaster rifle around and slammed the butt of the gun into the arranger's face. Blood spilled from his mouth and he fell limp. The stormtroopers finished up carrying him, quieter now, his feet dragging on the ramp as they hauled him in.

Dammit, Syan thought. Now he wouldn't get his money out of Ricketts.

He looked back to Karia and shook his head. "Let's g-- Get down!" he whispered harshly before shoving the woman to the ground. A blaster bolt sizzled past and hit the fountain, cracking the side. Fetid water that had been stagnant in the fountain forever spilled out, ripe and fecund with stench.

"Freeze!" the Imp soldier that had fired shouted.

Like hell, Syan thought. He stood quickly and drew the blaster from his thigh holster and opened fire, catching the Imp in the shoulder and spinning him around. Before the soldier could hit the ground, Syan was running to the side of the square, dragging Karia by the arm.

"Let go!" she shouted before wrenching her arm free. She slid to a stop beside him and drew the twin silver blasters she wore at the small of her back under the jacket of her outfit. Around the corner where the first soldier had been, another couple of soldiers showed up and started firing. Karia leaned out and let go a volley of shots to pin them down.

Backing her up, the hunter fired three times, chipping away at the corner the soldiers were hiding behind.

Chaos broke loose as the soldiers from behind them joined the fight. The firefight grew, with Syan and Karia downing four more troopers before those behind got into a better position. The air got hot with blaster bolts that formed a deadly web of fire and coherent energy. The noise was incredible. Their cover was being blown away around them, showering them with wall gravel and permacrete dust.

Shoving Karia to the ground again, Syan shouted, "Stay down!" As he stood up, he drew from his belt holster the curved silver glaive he carried. The boomerang folded open and snapped in place. He pivoted, crossing his ankles and then uncrossed, adding the spin and momentum to his arm as he threw the blade. It hummed as it sliced through the air toward the rear guard. While the blade flew, Syan pulled one of the silver spikes he carried in his thigh holster and with a snap of the hand, caught an Imp soldier in his chest.

Karia was back on her feet and looking none too happy. "What the hell are you--" She didn't get to finish. Syan grabbed the woman by her waist and tossed her up onto the low overhang of a shanty house. The structure was shaky but held her weight. Stepping back twice, ducking once to dodge a blaster bolt, Syan launched himself up on to the overhang and drew himself up quickly. Landing on his back, he reached over the side and caught the glaive as it returned to him. The silver blade was spoiled and sticky with blood now. One of the storm troopers and the Army lieutenant didn't duck fast enough.

Still holding the blade in his grip, Syan pulled himself on to his feet and ran to join Karia farther up on the roof where she was waiting.

"Get moving!" Syan hissed angrily.

Karia did as he asked but looked back over her shoulder. "We're running?"

Syan looked back as well. "We can't win this fight."

The sound he'd been waiting for appeared behind them. The whine of repulsor engines. The bike troopers were in pursuit.

Karia and Syan ran in the general direction of his stashed bike. Ricketts' route had been long and circuitous in the alleys, but by rooftop it was much quicker and more direct. They ran full tilt, hopping from rooftop to rooftop as they went, never stopping to look back lest they miss a step and fall off a house.

A more powerful blaster bolt hit the roof nearest Syan. He risked a look now and spotted both bikes catching up behind them. Close enough, the bikers opened fire in earnest. Green bolts spattered the roofs and singed by in the air, crackling with energy.

The two were forced to zig and zag to stay out of the way. The bikers weren't novices. Their shots herded the two off the side of one of the buildings on a much lower roof, one