"Up From The Dredges"
by Zion "The Worm" Xandler
and Raeila Mullerin

Location: Yellvin, New Plouton
Date: Niothe 23, 4 ABY

***

As bright as the sun in Thanatos was, it seemed far more garish and blinding when shining down upon New Plouton. Or perhaps her eyes were just overly sensitive to it now due to the entire day she'd spent locked in her dark apartment, curled up upon the floor and trembling from she knew not what. It could have been the residual pain from the beating, or perhaps it was hunger. Either way, her bones felt rattled now and her head still felt dizzy from the convulsions that had jarred her body yesterday.

She had to get out of that apartment, and that was the only reason she wandered the streets today. If she spent any more time in her small, dank prison, she knew her grim thoughts would consume her and drive her to take measures to end her suffering swiftly and permanently. Today, she hoped to find a reason to go on, and that purpose would be found only if she discovered Kael's location.

Raeila squinted up at the sign over the music shop, the one Zion had taken her to only days ago. If she was to uncover answers to her questions, she knew she had a good chance of doing so here. As she stepped through the doorway of the establishment, the screams of hovercars darting down the streets were replaced by the rhythmic, thumping music of synthesized instruments feeding through speakers positioned somewhere within the shop.

She scanned the modestly-sized room not for the hidden amplifiers, but for the man Zion had introduced her to the other day. He stood behind the counter, bouncing lightly to the music and smiling as he saw her approach. She kept her eyes and head down to conceal the bruises and swelling upon her face; she wasn't in the mood to go into detail about how she had acquired them. She flattened her shaking hands upon the counter and glanced up at the man. "Excuse me...sir?"

"Welcome to Max's Music World!" the man smiled. "How may I be of serv-- Wait, I know you. Mr. Xandler's friend are you not?" he asked as he recognized the woman, although she now looked less arranged than when he had seen her before.

"Uh...yeah," Raeila replied quietly. "I was just wondering..." She looked up at the man, whose eyes quickly widened upon witnessing the condition of her face. She abruptly looked down again. "My friend...the Kael fellow. I just wanted to know if you've seen him around lately."

"No such luck...yet. But I'll be sure to warn Mr. Xandler if I do," Max replied. "Listen, you don't seem too well. Is everything okay?"

Raeila nodded her head and backed away from the counter. "Uh...thanks anyway, Mister. I'll drop by again sometime next week, just to ask again if you don't mind."

"Sure thing...." Max nodded as he then began to pay more attention to his other customers who had just come in.

Raeila muttered an apology as she shouldered past a young man coming through the door in her hasty attempt to exit.

She moved sluggishly along the sidewalk while the other pedestrians seemed to rush hurriedly by, although they spared a moment in their busy schedules to eye her warily and gawk at her uncomely appearance. She pulled her cloak more tightly around her and stopped to rest her back against a wall. The pain in her stomach came and went, and when it was there, it made her wince and hunch over, just as it did now.

She wrapped her arms around her abdomen and groaned. It hadn't stopped hurting since the bastard in the alley kicked her, and compounded by hunger pains, it only felt ten times worse. Her money was running out and she desperately needed some customers before she starved. Combined with her efforts to find customers, she could keep on the look-out for Kael as well. With her life quickly becoming worthless, she figured she had nothing better to do.

***

Business had been painfully slow that day, but with the setting of the sun came the potential to make up for the meagerly earnings of the past eight hours. She'd been walking all day, pausing for the odd half hour to satisfy a customer and to rest herself up for the next. There was a throbbing ache between her legs now, and not the pleasant kind that came whenever Kael used to smile at her or touch her face; this one brought with it sharp pinpoints of pain that worsened with every hardened shaft that plunged into her, aggravating her injury from the other night. She needed time to heal, but there wasn't any, not when she needed to eat to survive.

Raeila shivered from the chill in the night air that carried with it the distant sounds of music, rhythmically much the same as the kind she'd heard in the music shop earlier in the day. Her eyes travelled up and straight ahead into the distance. Laser lights criss-crossed through the darkened sky, their source being a glitzy building twice the size of the other establishments lining the streets, and the word "Trancemania" blazing across the top in incandescent blue lights.

The brand of music and the young people filed outside wearing stylish attire gave Raeila the distinct impression that Trancemania was a danceclub. That interested her not in the least; it was the bounty of potential customers awaiting her within that sparked her curiousity.

She was hardly dressed for such an obviously exclusive place, but she had forty creds in her pocket and figured that would be enough to gain her entrance.

Raeila ran her fingers through her hair to loosen any knots as she manoeuvred her way up to the doorman. His broad, muscled physique almost intimidated her into scrapping her foolish idea, but the ache in her stomach was returning and reminded her of her desperate need for creds.

"Hey!" she hollered to him above the blaring music. Her voice obviously hadn't reached his ears, for he continued to stand by the door with his back to her. "Excuse me!" She tapped him on the shoulder this time and felt the hard muscles that once again caused her to almost change her mind. Finally, the hulking man turned around and looked down at her with a scowl. Raeila stepped back and gathered her courage. "Forty creds if you let me in there," she said firmly, despite the tremble in her voice.

The man shook his head and gave her a brushing gesture. She tapped his shoulder again and this time he whirled around to face with, now wearing an almost enraged expression.

"Fifty!" Raeila offered.

"Look, get lost or I'll toss you onto the street!" He glared at her to stress the sincerity of his threat, then turned his back to her again.

Raeila sighed sharply and this time grabbed his thick arm. If he hadn't intended on shifting around on his own to grab her by the shoulders and carry her to the street, Raeila would never have succeeded in forcefully turning him.

"Let go!" She kicked and hollered as she was physically removed from the doorway of the club and tossed onto the curb. The doorman jut a finger out towards her and threatened to call the authorities if she didn't stay out. Raeila gestured obscenely to him as he stormed back towards the club. She remained on the ground to wait until the pain in her stomach - triggered by her jostling tumble - passed. The evening, so far, wasn't going very well at all.

By then a swoop stormed past her and stopped quickly in the corner just past her. Zion descended from the swoop and turned back to face Raeila. He was wearing long baggy trousers with black boots underneath them that had metal screws popping out; a red tank top and green hair with silver stripe patterns. He took off his orange glasses. "I thought it was you... What are ya doin' 'round here? Long way from Thanatos!" he said first, then he saw her bad shape. "You look like shit girl! What happened?"

"Nothing," Raeila muttered. She got to her knees and was pushing herself to her feet before another stab of pain in her stomach felled her again. She groaned and clutched at her abdomen. "Just got a little roughed up, that's all," she said thickly.

"I'll say! Damn girl, you gotta be more careful!" he said as he picked her up in his arms. "C'mon, you need a doctor or somethin'!" he added as he took her to his swoop and sat her across his lap, not caring much for an answer. He considered himself a gentleman, a ladies man. And one not about to leave a girl like that.

Zion took her to a clinic, which seemed only to serve the rich and wealthy. The nurse twitched at the sight of Raeila but Zion was another thing. "Hey, we need us a doc here, prado! And you best not keep us waitin' too long either!" he hollered to the woman, making her rush down the aisle and get a doctor.

"How may I help?" a man asked as the nurse brought him back with her in no time. He was a middle-aged man with a thin beard.

"She's not doin' so well... Can you check 'er up?" Zion asked as he held Raeila.

"Credits or Medcard?" the doctor asked before he even looked at Raeila.

"It's always 'bout the money, ain't it?" Zion hollered to the man. "Medcard! Now check her up and treat her well, ya hear?!"

The doctor took Raeila to a room and had her lie down so he could examine her. As he was passing over her body with a scanner he asked her: "Tell me what hurts, my dear."

Raeila laughed dryly. "Everything." She took in a sharp breath as a cry for attention came up from her stomach in the form of an abrupt jolt of pain. "Mostly my ribs and...my stomach," she managed in a pain-stricken voice.

The doctor frowned and passed the scanners over her ribs and thorax. "Humm... You have a fractured rib and some minor internal injuries. We'll take care of that in no time!" he told her. He then told her to lie still and gave her a small injection. "Just to prevent you from feeling any pain while we fix this..." he explained.

Only a couple of minutes later she was sound asleep. With the aid of a new model medical droid, the doctor repositioned her fractured rib and took care of the internal injuries. He then ordered the droid to take her and place her in a bacta tank, where the liquids ought to make her well and leave only a few bruises on the skin, which she already had. It would take her about an hour to wake up and that was more than enough time for her to almost heal fully.

When Raeila finally did awaken, she was in a bed, which was in itself enough to spark her curiousity. She'd had only a blanket to lie on for the past four days and to now have a soft mattress beneath her...

Raeila blinked herself fully awake and scanned the white-walled room. They came to rest upon a green-haired figured hunched over in a chair by her bedside. She opened her mouth to call to him, but her throat was parched and she didn't really greet speaking with much anticipation. Instead, she picked up her weak arm and brushed her fingers along his hand.

Zion felt Raeila's hand and looked up at her. Smiling he got up and took her hand. "Hey... You look much better. Want some water?" he said as he handed over a glass with water. "Take small sips at a time. Doc's orders, just for a couple of hours more he said. So, how are ya feelin' now, Raeila?"

She moistened her throat with small dribbles of water, then handed Zion the glass again and sighed. "Better...I guess. You didn't have to do this, you know. It was nothing serious really. I would've gotten over it sooner or later."

"Sure you would!" he grinned. "Don't worry. I didn't hear you ask anything so you don't owe me, 'kay?! Now what the hell happened? I thought you weren't comin' back till I found your friend! Changing your mind and comin' to New Plouton seems quite impulsive... You wanna tell me 'bout it?"

Raeila shrugged. "I was no longer welcome there and I had nowhere else to go, so I came here. That's all."

"I see..." He frowned. "And I gather you have found a decent place to live? Some areas can be a really big shithole y'know?! You could've come seen me 'bout it!"

"Yeah...I got a place. I didn't want to be even more indebted to you so I didn't bother looking for you. I did go and see your man about Kael, though, the music shop owner. He hadn't seen him." Raeila looked down at the blue gown that was in place of her bloodied and worn clothes, and immediately visually searched the room for them. "I need to go. I can't stay here," she said as she pushed back the bedsheets and swung her legs over the side of the bed. "How long have I been here?"

"About three hours..." Zion sighed. "Listen, I could not help noticing you haven't got much money. Don't worry 'bout the bill though! That's taken care of. But I was wonderin' if you'd wanna rest in my place. The doc says you've gotta rest for a couple of days, take it easy, that sort of stuff... I reckon you'd be a lot better off in my place! Waddaya say, girl?"

Raeila narrowed her eyes at Zion, studying his face to determine his true intentions. "I won't spread my legs for you if that's what you're thinking. I won't do that just because you feel I owe you something. I thank you for your help, but I never asked for it and I don't think I should be entitled to repay it."

"Who's talking 'bout sex?!" he burst out. "Sex is great but it doesn't have to be about sex all the time!" he told her. "I was just tryin' t'be nice but if ya don't want my help I can leave you in the shithole you most probably live in! Or you can choose t'walk there if ya prefer!" he said as he turned his back on her and made his way for the door. "And I had told you about the bill. I took care of it and you don't owe me 'bout it. I had told you so already, no need t'repeat the words, ok?!"

Raeila sighed sharply and pushed herself up from the bed. "Look, I'm sorry, alright? Living in the desert, you learn not to trust people if you want to stay alive. I just don't know why you're being so nice to me and it makes me suspicious."

"Yeah, well not everyone is self-centered ya'know? And some are nice! In my case, I just like you, Raeila and I would never leave a girl like you in the streets when it's quite obvious that ya need help!" he told her. "Now ya wanna crash at my place until we find you a decent place or do ya just wanna go home?"

Raeila snorted wryly and hung her head low. "Home? I don't have a home anymore. But...your place is better than that dump I've been wasting away in." Raeila shuffled towards her clothing, folded neatly upon a chair by the doorway. She picked up her shirt and grimaced at the condition of it. "Uh...sorry. I know you spent a lot of money on this stuff, but..."

Zion laughed and tossed her his longcoat. "Put this on for now... We'll stop by a clothing shop on our way to my place. I know no better anti-depressant than going shopping for stuff. And don't worry 'bout the money!"

Zion took Raeila outside and they sat on the swoop. Putting his glasses back on, he ignited its engines and drove down the street, this time a lot more slowly than usual, since he didn't want to hurt her. They stopped at what seemed a street filled with clothing stores on both sides. Zion took Raeila's hand and took her into one of them with two large electronic doors. Inside, it had a black marble floor and a mirrored ceiling. Clothes of all sorts could be seen everywhere and a lift rode upwards to a second floor.

As Zion came in a man walked up to them with a large smile. He was very light-skinned and was dressed in a finely tailored suit. "Welcome to Fabric World! I am T'Palla, the store manager. How may I be of service?"

"Tell me, T'Palla. Do you have anything as beautiful as this lady here?" Zion asked with a grin, with Raeila by his side.

"Of course we do!" the man answered fast, only to see Zion frown. "I mean... We have things as beautiful as she would want them to be! That's where I was getting at..."

Zion placed his arm around the store manager. "Listen, we'll be needing some help from your best clerks. I am willing to spend an obscene amount here, but that will depend on whether you can satisfy her..."

T'Palla seemed to illuminate. He moved his arms and clapped his hands. "Miryam, Shireen, Jaana. Come help this lovely lady here and show her whatever she wants to see!" he ordered. "Tell me, how much are you really willing to expend here, Mr..."

"Xandler... Listen, suck up to her not me!" Zion told him as he looked over at Raeila with a grin.

"Of course..." T'Palla nodded. "Miss... Please, any item you like..."

Raeila regarded the strange man uncertainly, then at Zion's urgings, trepidly stepped forward to appraise the clothing brought out by the three women. She ran her hand along the fabric of each, comparing textures and smiling at the sensation they each produced. One felt as soft as Kael's hands roaming delicately over her flesh, the other as silky as a kiss from his lips. Raeila rejected the first two outfits due precisely to the memories that were evoked by them. Instead, she pointed to a sleek, metallic blue jumpsuit being held up by the blonde-haired woman and looked over her shoulder at Zion. "That one. Can I have that one? I-I've got fifty creds in my cloak pocket. I can help pay if you want."

"No need to... My treat!" Zion said, choosing to omit that 50 credits wouldn't pay for the suit. "But don't you want more? I mean, just one? Perhaps the store doesn't have anything else you like..." he said to the manager's fright.

"Oh, no, that's not it!" Raeila assured him readily. "It's just...I'm not used to stuff this nice. I'll buy more if that's what you want, but--" This to the manager "--do you have anything a little less flashy?"

Zion laughed. "You buy whatever you want to... Don't do it to please me!" he told Raeila then turning to the manager. "Tough customer!"

T'Palla smiled gently not making any comment as to not offend either Zion or Raeila and gestured to one of the clerks. "Shireen, our elegant fabrics! Miryam, the night fabrics! Jaana, the personals!" he ordered then turning to smile as always. "These are simpler fabrics with more light tones. Anything in particular that you would like? I assure you we have all fabrics you can name!"

"I don't know about that sort of thing," Raeila said to the man. "I just know about what looks good to me."

The women returned shortly, all three flocking around her to show off the choices of apparel. They had clothes ranging from casual wear to lingerie. She was never one to wear undergarments, which was only a hindrance in her line of work, but admittedly, they were beautiful. She stepped forward and for each woman, pointed out an outfit she approved of. It took longer to decide upon one of the numerous lingerie sets she saw, and finally chose a red bra and underwear set, with intricate lace patterning and a light, diaphanous waist-length cape with silk ties. Raeila smiled at the sight of the garment and nodded reverently her wish to own it. "I think that's all," she said absently to Zion. "That's all I could ever need or want."

"Very well..." Zion nodded with a smile. He went with the store manager and paid for everything and had them delivered to his apartment. He then took Raeila out of the store and into a shoemaker store, and had him take sizes for some shoes and boots. Those too he had delivered to his place.

About ten minutes later they were off and back into his apartment building. By the time they were there, already did the receptionist at the building give him the clothes that had been delivered, all nicely packed. Zion and Raeila went up and into Zion's apartment.

"Home... I think you've had enough for a day already. I'm sure the doc would have disapproved of you shopping but that's okay. Listen, I have a guest room you can use just down that hall." He pointed. "Or you can use mine. But I think you'd like the quiet and privacy. Anyway, if you need anything just let me know... It's late and I guess you oughta rest."

Raeila shrugged. "I'm not really tired, but the guest room's fine. You going out now? I promise I won't steal anything if you do wanna go somewhere."

"I wouldn't bring you here if I thought you would..." He nodded. "Yeah I was goin' to Trancemania for some fun. But I'm not so sure I feel like it. Besides I got some work to do... Maybe I'd stay and do that instead."

"Well...as long as you're not staying because of me. I don't want to be a problem. But if you're staying to do some work, then...I promise to stay outta your way."

Zion nodded with a smile. "Holler if ya need anything, okay? The room's just straight ahead down that hall. Just make yourself at home..." he told her.

Raeila nodded and started for the door. She scrounged through her bags of purchases, lying adjacent to the doorway, and pulled out one of her more casual nightgowns to wear to bed. As she straightened up again, she glanced over her shoulder at Zion. "Thanks for basically saving my life. I would've probably died if I hadn't gotten to a hospital. For whatever reason you truly did it, you seem like a good guy to me."

"No sweat!" Zion smirked as he watched her go down the hallway. He then turned around and walked into his room. Once there he walked into his walkthrough closet where he pulled some clothes aside, facing a console. After voice, handprint, and retinal scans, the wall shifted aside and he entered a concealed division with another door. Only when the wall closed itself again did the second door open, granting access to a new room where modern computers and tech of all sorts could be seen. It was Zion's work area, where only he could access due to the top notch security systems modified by himself. Sitting down in a comfortable chair he cracked his knuckles and started to break through systems and gather information for a client. Something that would get him a large sum of money.

As for Raeila, he knew where she was since the whole apartment had movement scanners that he could see in several monitors in his work area. He knew that even if she did find the console she would never pass all the security systems, and even if she did she would never gain access to the computer room. But he trusted her for no known reason. He knew that Raeila meant no harm and even if he denied it, he cared for her.

---

"It's a Raid! Part 1"
By Lt. Ezekial Noth
Stormtroopers [NPC]
Informant [NPC]
Smugglers [NPC]

Location: Yelldon, New Plouton
Date: Niothe 23, 4ABY

***

"Ha! I win again!" Linden cried as he spread his cards out in front of himself. The other smugglers grumbled quietly as he reached out with his large arms to gather up the pile of chips at the center of the table. As Linden counted his winnings one of the other smugglers gathered up the sabacc cards.

"Okay, who wants to play another hand?" asked the dealer. He looked around at Linden and the other three men at the small table.

Yaiyaro ran his hands through his thick red hair then pushed his chair away from the table and stood up. "I've lost too much to this snake already. I'm finished for tonight." He picked up his blaster rifle which was sitting nearby and headed for the front door. "I need a smoke, plus it's about time someone gave Dungar a break. I'll go make sure the others aren't sleeping also."

"Good idea. And get that kid of yours to go get us something more to drink! You can't play sabacc without some stiff drinks!" Linden barked to Yaiyaro.

"He isn't my kid," spat back Yaiyaro. "We only hired him to get us supplies and run errands for us."

"I think he took off already anyways," said one of the other men as he scratched his chin, carefully looking over his newly dealt cards.

"Good," replied Linden. He emptied another bottle of liquor into his glass and then threw the bottle across the room, sending it flying into the corner where the boy had been sleeping earlier. The bottle broke against the wall, glass shards covering the boys make-shift bed. "He had best hurry it up then, he doesn't want to see me angry again."

***

Lt. Noth surveyed the target building through a set of macro binoculars. The target building was a two storey warehouse in the business district of New Plouton. Noth and his command team had set up a command post in a similar building only a short distance away. According to the informant, a group of spice smugglers were inside awaiting transport off planet with their cargo. Intel had confirmed that a large group of smugglers were active in the area, and it was not long before Lt. Noth and his squad of troopers had located their hide-out.

"Are all squads in position?" Noth asked without looking away from the macro binoculars.

"Yes, sir," replied a nearby Stormtrooper. "A and B squads are already in position and C squad is waiting in the transport vehicle."

"Good," replied Noth. "Any word from the informant yet?"

"Yes, sir. He is on his way up."

"Good bring the boy in immediately once he is here."

Ezekial turned away from the window and checked the time. Everything was going just as planned. After double checking the squads' positions personally, he turned to face the doorway as a young boy in tattered clothing was escorted in by one of the troopers.

Ezekial looked over the boy. The boy was around the age of 15 years old. He had long dark hair and deep green eyes, one of which was severely swollen at the moment. Ezekial also noticed several other bruises on the boys arms and face. It looked as if the boy had been severely beaten by the smugglers. Upon entering the room the boy quickly recognized who Noth was. After glancing around at the other Stormtroopers the boy did his best to imitate the other troopers' poses of attention, even though the pain of his injuries must have been great. The boy's devotion brought a smile to Noth's face, although concealed under his helmet. The boy was a good informant and someday might make a good soldier for the Empire.

"What information do you have for us?" Noth asked.

The boy spoke clearly and with all the confidence he could muster. "There are about a dozen of them inside the building, sir. Two are positioned at each entry with four on the second storey and five relaxing near the stairwell to the sub basement. Two guard the basement and that is where they are keeping the spice. They wouldn't let me near it. One of them beat me when I tried to bring food down to the guards."

Lt. Noth pulled a pouch full of cred chips from his utility belt and tossed them to the boy. "Good work. Your service to the Empire will be remembered. We'll handle the rest of this. Corporal get him clear of the area, now."

"Yes, sir," replied the trooper who had escorted the boy into the room.. Without another word the stormtrooper escorted the young boy out of the room.

As soon as they exited the room, Lt. Noth turned back toward the window. He picked up the macro binoculars and scanned the warehouse one more time checking once again on the status of all the stormtrooper squads. Everything looked fine and he turned to the corporal at the comm unit.

"Inform all units to engage the target warehouse!" he shouted out.

---

"It's a Raid! Part 2"
By Lt. Ezekial Noth
Stormtroopers [NPC]
Informant [NPC]
Smugglers [NPC]

Location: Yelldon, New Plouton
Date: Niothe 23, 4ABY

***

Yaiyaro left the other smugglers to their card game and their alcohol. As he left the office area that others were in and closed the door behind himself, the noisy sound of the half drunk sabacc players disappeared and all that could be heard was the soft hum of the environmental unit keeping the warehouse slightly cooler than the temperature outside. He paced across the warehouse, slowly scanning it for any sign of intruders. The shipment they were going to transport off world was pretty hot. Yaiyaro didn't want anything to come between them and the large sum of credits their employer was paying them to handle the transportation of the cargo.

After checking the warehouse he headed over to the main entry door where Dungar and Dungar's brother were stationed, hopefully still awake and watching for any sign of trouble. As he rounded a large cargo crate, Yaiyaro's heart nearly stopped beating. Both Dungar and his brother were nowhere to be seen. Yaiyaro clutched at his blaster rifle and flicked the safety off. He sank into a crouch and brought the blaster up to his shoulder, slowly scanning the immediate area for any sign of the two. Where had the two guards gone? Was someone on to them? Had someone breeched the warehouse? Suddenly there was a soft voice from nowhere.

"Hey, over here," called out the voice.

Yaiyaro gave a sign of relief as he recognized Dungar's voice. "Where are you?" Yaiyaro asked.

"Over here," replied Dungar, as he slowly rose out of a dark shadow near the entry door. "Stay low and come over here," ordered Dungar.

Yaiyaro was about to ask why, but noticed that Dungar hadn't turned from looking out the warehouse window. Yaiyaro crawled over to Dungar's hiding spot and leaned up against another storage crate.

He leaned over to Dungar, who still had not turned from the window. "What's going on? Where is your brother?" questioned Yaiyaro.

"I sent him upstairs to check on the others and power-up the repeater cannon. I think we may have some trouble. Take a look. A speeder transport just pulled out from that alley up the street." Dungar slid away from his vantage point near the window to give Yaiyaro a view of the transport.

Yaiyaro squinted out the window and into the darkness of the streets outside the warehouse. After an instant he spotted the transport and looked it over. It looked like a standard cargo transport you could find just about anywhere. He was about to dismiss it as nothing, and then he noticed something different about it. Yaiyaro grimaced.

Dungar noticed the change in Yaiyaro's expression. "Ah, so you see it too. It looks like a normal speeder transport, but it's armored isn't it? I thought maybe I was seeing something that wasn't really there. It might be nothing but maybe we should alert the--"

Yaiyaro waved a hand at him and cut him off. "Quiet. It's moving!"

Both of them sat quietly and watched as the large speeder transport lurched forward stubbornly and then started to quickly speed up as it raced down the dark street towards the warehouse. The two smugglers readied their blaster rifles and held their breath as the transport came closer. For a moment it looked as if it would drive on past the warehouse then suddenly it lurched to a stop and spun around, coming to a jerky halt with the rear hatch of the transport facing the warehouse.

"It's a raid!" shouted Yaiyaro. He pulled out his commlink and began yelling into it as Dungar smashed out a couple windows to allow them a better shot on the speeder transport. Yaiyaro was still shouting into his commlink when Dungar began firing upon the vehicle.

"It's a damn raid! All of you lousy muthers get out here now! Now, now, NOW!" Yaiyaro finished yelling, then dropped the commlink and joined Dungar in firing on the transport. The two smugglers paled and nearly stopped firing as they watched the two side doors of the transport wisk open and nearly a dozen Imperial Stormtroopers leap out and begin advancing toward their position near the main entry door.

"Damn! Imps! Imps! It's the damn Imperials!" Yaiyaro shouted into his hand as he fired on the troopers, suddenly realizing to his dismay that the commlink was no longer in his hand.

Dungar kept firing on the Stormtroopers as they rushed the door. A dizzying array of blaster bolts flew forth from the troopers, shattering windows and blasting smoldering craters in the wall of the warehouse. Yaiyaro dove to the floor trying to find the commlink. Glass showered over him as he scooped it up and scurried off using the nearby tables as cover.

Dungar dropped two of the Stormtroopers with his blaster rifle and turned to where Yaiyaro had been. "Yeah baby! I got two of them Yaiyaro! Two of..." His voice trailed off as he realized Yaiyaro wasn't next to him but instead running off like a dog under the tables, towards the main office area where the other smugglers were. Dungar shouted after him, first confused then enraged. "Hey? Hey? Hey! Where are you going man?! You cowar--" Dungar's abusive comment was cut short as a volley of blaster fire tore into his chest and flung his writhing body into the nearby crates toppling several of them.

***

Lt. Noth watched the raid from his vantage point. The blaster firing from the warehouse's first floor had ceased and with the opposition cleared, the Stormtroopers from the speeder transport continued advancing on the main entryway. The first trooper reached the bulkhead door as did the second.. Noth watched as they placed a demo charge and backed away.

Suddenly instead of the charge going off, the second floor erupted with an explosion of glass and heavy blaster fire, all raining down on the Stormtroopers below on the street. Dungar's brother and several other smugglers manned a portable repeating blaster cannon from the second floor, and were now hammering the advancing Stormtroopers into the ground with it. One trooper exploded from the waist up and another took several hits and fell; the others scattered against the building and behind what little cover there was in the street. With most of the easy targets gone the smugglers turned the cannon upon the speeder transport. The transport sparked and bits of its armor blew off as the blaster cannon tore into it.

Ezekial watched the carnage below and smiled under his helmet. Simple fools. He thought, regarding the smugglers. He spoke into his commlink which, at this moment, was linked to each of the squads assaulting the warehouse.

"C-Squad hold position, wait for the demo charge to blow. B-Squad give cover fire to C-Squad. I want that blaster cannon eliminated! A-Squad wait 20 seconds and then enter the target building."

***

Yaiyaro stumbled into the office area where Linden and the other smugglers were gathering their gear. Linden tossed his sabacc winnings into a pack and heaved it, along with his blaster rifle, onto his back. Two of the other smugglers tipped over the table and pushed a couple of crates in front of it and the door Yaiyaro had just came through, forming a crude yet effective barricade. Linden grabbed another blaster from several setting against the wall and looked up at an out of breath and nearly pale Yaiyaro.

"What the hell is going on out there, Yaiyaro?" he bellowed, waving a fist in the direction of all the noise now coming from the warehouse. "What kinda trouble we got?" Linden demanded to know. He would be damned if some punker gang or some other less credible smuggler was trying to steal his precious shipment.

Yaiyaro slid behind the make-shift barricade with the other smugglers. He grabbed a bottle of hard liquor and sloshed it down his throat, hoping that the liquor would somehow invigorate him with the luck to survive what was about the come through the door. Barricade or no. He kept looking at the barricaded doorway, unaware of Linden's raving.

Linden grabbed Yaiyaro by the shirt and shook him harshly. "I asked you what kinda trouble we got!" he shouted into Yaiyaro's pale face.

Yaiyaro began to shake and sputter, the fear evident in his expression. "Imps! Imper-- Imperial Stormtroopers!" he cried out. "We're dead, we're all dead!"

Linden threw Yaiyaro to the ground and kicked him in the gut. "Shut up, fool! No one's getting in here. No damn punker gangs and no damn Imps!" He kicked Yaiyaro in the gut again just for extra effect. "No one is getting in here, remember? That's why we picked up that cannon and all." He gently picked up the cowering Yaiyaro and stuck a blaster rifle in his hand. "No one's getting in here, Yaiyaro, old pal, not with them boys on the second floor."

Suddenly there was a large thudding explosive quake from above them all. Dust and small debris fell from the ceiling, as several more quakes shook the ceiling. As the dust settled, the smugglers all realized that noise of the repeating blaster cannon could no longer be heard.

Linden spat and yelled to one of the smugglers in the corner of the room. "Rel! Quaid! Get on the comm you slime and contact the ship. Tell the other boys to take off and come pick us up!"

Linden's words were lost as a large explosion ripped through the room, and a huge three meter hole was blown into the rear exterior wall of the warehouse office area. An injured and dust covered Yaiyaro watched in horror as a fresh group of Stormtroopers poured into the room, red blaster bolts dancing from their blaster rifles, tearing apart his remaining smuggler comrades who continued to fight. Yaiyaro desperately looked around for a weapon. A blaster pistol lay in some nearby debris. He knew that the Imperials would find the shipment and confiscate it. And when they did he was as good as dead even if they set him free. Yaiyaro used his remaining strength to raise the blaster to his head and pull the trigger.

***

Lt. Noth strode through the debris that littered the warehouse office area. His men had already pulled the smugglers' bodies from the debris and arranged the corpses out in the main warehouse area. They had managed to take three of the smugglers alive but one died almost immediately and the other two were severely injured from the fighting. Ever since the raid had started something about it had bothered him. There was an extra number of smugglers participating in this spice shipment. And they were extremely well-armed. More so than the other raids that he had overseen in New Plouton so far. Two of his men had been killed and three others badly wounded. A good exchange compared to the number of smugglers they had sent to the sands. But losing even one trooper never made Ezekial very happy.

He looked around the warehouse again, over the dead bodies and back into the office area. The smugglers had fought hard and desperately. To no avail, but hard indeed. What was it they were trying to defend, or keep for themselves? And where was their cargo?

Ezekial's helmet comm buzzed. "Yes?" he spoke into it, still surveying the carnage.

"Sir, we've managed to salvage the repeating blaster cannon from the second storey. It took a good hit from the concussion grenades but it is definitely repairable."

Ezekial recognized his second sergeant's voice. "Good work, Sergeant. Confiscate it and load it into the transport. We'll add it to the unit's armory. Out."

"Yes, sir!" replied the Sergeant with enthusiasm.

Ezekial turned to the row of bodies as one of the Corporals stood and signaled for Ezekial to come over. "Lieutenant! I've found something, sir."

"What is it, Corporal?" Ezekial asked looking at the datapad and papers the Corporal had taken from one of the smugglers' bodies.

"This man's papers say he is Elimi Linden, a freighter captain. He has a ship berthed at the spaceport." At the same moment Ezekial's helmet commlink buzzed again and his first Sergeant's voice came over it.

"Lieutenant Noth, sir." The man's voice was a bit shaky. "There...there is something down here, down here in the basement you should, uh, see, sir. Right away." Ezekial could tell that something was wrong, and quickly turned to head to the warehouse's basement access.

Remembering the smugglers' ship, he quickly spun around toward the Corporal and pointed a finger at him. "Corporal, contact the Stormtrooper unit at the spaceport and have that ship seized and locked down! Now!"

The Corporal shook as Ezekial gave the order and didn't wait around to watch the Lieutenant enter into the office area.

Ezekial and two other stormtroopers headed down the short flight of steps which led under the warehouse to its underground basement. Several pipes and conduits ran along the ceiling above their heads. By the looks of the equipment on the walls the basement was some sort of cold storage for frozen produce. Ezekial noted that nothing looked as if it had been used to store anything of that sort down here in a while. Ezekial rounded a corner and came across a large bulkhead door guarded by three Stormtroopers and his first Sergeant. The lock on the door had already been blasted off and he could tell that the door had been forced open previously.

Ezekial strode up to the Sergeant and menacingly stood over him. "Well, what is it, Sergeant?" Disappointment and anger were in his voice. "What is the situation? Is there something you cannot handle here?" Ezekial knew his Sergeant was very capable of handling any situation without his personally being there to oversee anything. There was something about this whole raid that was bothering Ezekial, something just wasn't right. He could feel it. The smugglers had fought far too hard for only a shipment of spice. And the way the Sergeant was acting was only increasing the nagging feeling in Ezekial's mind.

Ezekial relaxed a bit, reassuring himself of the Sergeant's ability. As he did so he noticed again the fact that the Sergeant seemed a bit unnerved about something. Something behind the bulkhead. Ezekial placed a hand on the Sergeant's shoulder. "I'm sure we can handle anything those smuggler dogs have in here, Sergeant." Ezekial stepped back and placed his hands behind his back. "Now open this door," Ezekial said with a confident, commanding voice.

At the order, the Sergeant snapped to life. "Yes, sir!" And with the help of one of the other troopers, he pulled the door open.

Beyond the door Ezekial expected to see some outlandish amount of spice or some other illicit drug. At worst an entire drug production facility. That would have easily explained why the criminals had fought so fiercely to defend the warehouse. But what laid behind the door was beyond the range of even Ezekial's mind. Inside were perhaps nearly three dozen young girls, none maybe over the age of fourteen or sixteen and the youngest maybe eight years of age. Some clothed in rags, most wearing nothing at all. The smell of urine and feces was quite evident. All of the girls were bruised and beaten, most likely all abused and some worse. As Lieutenant Noth stepped into the small crowded room, the girls crawled away pressing the others into the far end of the room. Many hid their faces from him and several others began to cry.

Ezekial's hands curled tightly into fists. "Slave girls," he spat harshly into the comm.

"Yes, yes, sir," replied the Sergeant weakly. "By the looks of them, sex slaves. Probably taken from the desert villages outside of Thanatos."

Rage burned in Ezekial and he turned quickly, and roughly barked at the Sergeant. "Enough! I get the picture!" Ezekial stepped past the trooper and headed toward the stairs, his fists still clenched tightly. Stopping quickly he turned back to the Sergeant.

"You're in command of this site now, First Sergeant. You are to secure these citizens and are now in charge or their well being. Contact command, inform them of the situation and have a transport brought out here. I'll send the medical examiner down on the way out. Ezekial turned from the Sergeant and began climbing up the stairwell.

The Platoon's First Sergeant quickly stood at attention and saluted Lt. Noth. "Yes, sir!" he shouted after Ezekial and then turned to fulfill the Lieutenant's orders.

As he headed up the stairwell, Ezekial accessed the platoon's comm channel. "A-Squad and the heavy weapon team from B-Squad meet me in the transport now!" he roared into the comm unit. "And I want the Corporal who was in contact with the starport also!" The sound of his voice alerted the entire platoon that something was up and as Ezekial and his escorts rose from the basement stairwell, all members of the required squads were rushing quickly, but orderly, to the speeder transport.

The Corporal was standing ready before the speeder as Ezekial approached. "Sir?" he called out in a strong voice, awaiting his commander's orders.

Ezekial pointed a black gloved finger at him as he neared, and fiercely shouted his orders to the Corporal. "Get back in contact with the unit at the starport, tell them not to move on that smuggler's ship until we get there!"

Ezekial boarded the speeder transport along with the rest of the Stormtroopers who were nearly finished loading. Strapping in, Ezekial shouted some more orders to the Corporal. "Have them be sure that that freighter doesn't take off. Even if I am not there. Call for a TIE group, just in case. If it tries to take off, they may blow it out of the sky!"

The Corporal had barely acknowledged Ezekial's orders when the transport's hatches slammed shut.

As the transport sped off towards the spaceport, Lt. Noth addressed his men. "Alright men, it turns out we didn't bust a spice smuggling operation, we're dealing with Slavers!" The word 'slavers' echoed off the inner hull of the transport. "They have a freighter at the spaceport and we are seizing it. A-Squad is to re-arm and prep for starship boarding actions. I want the heavy weapons team armed with armor-penetrating rounds. B-Squad is to make sure that the freighter does not, I repeat does not take off. You all know what to do, now let's make it happen. For the Empire!"

"For the Empire!" all the Stormtroopers shouted in response, then began preparing for the boarding of the freighter.

---

"Searching for Answers, Part 1"
by Koran Darr
Laedra Vorrel
Liam Zaneth
and Kael Selrid

Location: Thanatos, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 23, 4ABY (early morning)

***

Of all the qualities Laedra admired in Liam, his patience had to be the most commendable. She'd hunkered down beside him on the ground floor at dusk, and the sun had long since set, yet still Laedra hadn't said a word. She was shamed into reticence and despaired of being unable to admit her disgrace to the man she loved. He deserved to know, especially for tolerating almost an hour of complete silence while waiting for her to gather up the courage to finally speak.

Laedra wrapped her cloak tighter around herself as the night's chill penetrated her robes. She was too nervous to even seek warmth in his embrace, no matter how ardently she wished he would hold her. If he did, however, it might put her at ease, then the admission would come whether she was prepared to divulge it or not. "I'm such a coward," she murmured as her head fell upon her drawn up knees.

Liam looked up, his eyes glowing in the failing light of the moons above. Clouds blocked out much of the light. The darkness helped them now though. The darkness was their ally. "You rushed out toward a ship that could have easily gotten you killed as well. How is that cowardice?"

"That was desperation," Laedra corrected. "I was afraid I was going to lose the man I loved, so I went to him. Hardly bravery."

Liam nodded slowly, and then reached out and took her hands in his. "What is bothering you, my love?"

"It's that I can't tell you what's on my mind. I hate that." Laedra leaned against Liam and laid her head upon his shoulder. "You'll be ashamed of me, Liam," she whispered.

"You think knowing that you can't talk to me about something makes me feel better than not knowing?" He brought one of her hands to his lips. "I could never be ashamed of you, Lae. I love you far too much."

Laedra sighed. "I'm going to tell you... I just need a moment. And you have to promise to at least keep the disappointment from your face, for my sake, when I do tell you. You promise?"

"If there is any disappointment," Liam said, "I promise to keep it from my face. And, we're here for most of the night, so you have time."

Laedra stretched out her legs and let out a deep breath. "I'm no longer Kael's master, but you know that." She glanced up at Liam. "Did you ever wonder why?"

"I wondered, but I figured you'd talk to me about it," he said. "I have a suspicion that it has something to do with what you want to talk to me about."

Laedra nodded her head glumly and unable to bear Liam's compassionate gaze upon her, she pushed herself to her feet and moved away to the far wall. With her back turned to him, she stared blindly out of the opening that served as a window. Still, she could feel his eyes upon her. "I lied when I said I couldn't get away the other night at the hotel. Koran wasn't meditating. He couldn't because I was talking with him, of my own choosing."

Liam felt like someone had kicked him in the gut. Hard. "What are you saying?" he heard himself ask.

Laedra braced the walls either side of the opening with her hands and lowered her head. "I didn't mean for it to happen," she said quietly. "We were just talking and then he just... I mean, I begged him not to, Liam. I pleaded with him. I didn't know he was going to do it."

Liam's eyes narrowed. "What did he do to you?" he said, his voice a harsh rasp. "How dare he call himself a Jedi Master..."

Laedra squeezed her eyes tightly shut and reviewed the events in her mind, and felt even more ashamed by what had happened than when it had first occurred. "He was right to do it, Liam. I see that now. I-I deserved it. Don't blame him. I deserved it."

"You deserved it? How could you even think such a thing? The man raped you, and you say you deserved it? What is wrong with you, Laedra? Jedi Master or no, he's going to answer for this!" Liam started up, pulling his lightsaber from his belt as he did.

"Liam!" Laedra whirled around and rushed towards him. Her fingers came around his wrist and she jerked his hand away from his weapon. "Liam, no! You don't understand!"

"Then make me understand," Liam said. "Make me understand why he did those things to you and that you're fine with it. Unless--" He shook his head, trying to force the thoughts away. "Why, Laedra?"

"No," she said softly. She pressed her hand to his cheek and shook her head slowly. "I'm sorry. I should have explained it better... He never raped me, Liam. It's nothing like that. In my mind...it's far worse than that." Her eyes lowered and her gaze fell upon her trembling hand gripping Liam's wrist tightly, for support, she suddenly realized. "I confided in him... I shouldn't have, but he would've found out sooner or later. It would've happened eventually."

"Laedra, will you please tell me what happened before I go insane? What happened that's far worse than being raped?"

"I snapped," she said quietly. "We were talking, and I completely lost control. He said I was flirting with darkness, Liam." Laedra met Liam's gaze and sobbed. "He banished me, Liam. He stripped me of my title and banished me."

Liam stared for a moment. "But you're not banished," he said. "Right? He didn't banish you in the end. You're still a Jedi. You wouldn't be here otherwise. He--" He stopped as the realization struck. "He made you his Padawan."

Laedra turned her face away in disgrace. "A Padawan," she repeated bitterly. "That was the stipulation. I could stay, but only if I gave up my rank and trained under him. Like I said: I deserved it."

"He's a good Jedi, Laedra," Liam said. "This is better than getting expelled from the Jedi. You can now be a Jedi taught by a Jedi Master who will make sure you do get the training you need. You won't be falling in love with him, and he won't spook at the thought and push you away. It'll work this time. You'll truly be a Jedi."

"You think he was right, then?" Laedra met Liam's gaze again, determined to hold it this time. "You're not disappointed in me? I'm a Padawan, Liam. I'm a disgraced Jedi Knight who is now a Padawan. Doesn't that bother you?"

"He could have kicked you out of the Order and I would have still loved you," Liam said. "And, after our argument in New Plouton after our last visit with Raxis...I think that what he can teach you won't hurt. And, you'll still be in the Order, so...it's not the best thing, but it could have been much worse. And, Laedra Vorrel, I could never be disappointed in you."

"Good," she said softly, "because hearing that makes it easier to feel less disappointed in myself. And I'm sorry I kept this from you for so long. It was just so hard, Liam, and I was so afraid."

"Well, I'll get over that you kept it from me," Liam said with a smile and then pulled her into his arms. "I know now and that's what matters. Now, let's go back and stare up at the stars again. I think I like stargazing with you. Maybe some night we should get together with Dani and Nieme, and Nieme can name all the stars for us."

"Stargazing with three Padawans..." Laedra smiled ruefully. "You can't tell anyone, Liam. Please. I don't think I could do this if everyone was looking at me and judging me."

"I'll say nothing," Liam said with a smile. "However, if you behave around other people as you were today, you will rouse suspicions. You deferred to Koran on every point. Maybe others won't be as astute, but I knew something was going on."

"I haven't been a Padawan for almost twenty years. I can't remember how I'm supposed to act." Laedra grinned. "I was just being extra careful." She kissed Liam lightly, then tightly embraced him. "Thank you for understanding," she whispered. "I thought I was going to lose you over this."

"I thought I was going to have to actually fight Koran," Liam said with a wince. "I haven't actually watched him fight yet...but he is a Jedi Master."

"I think I would have enjoyed watching you fight for my honour." Laedra brushed her lips against his. "I would also have enjoyed giving you my thanks...many times throughout the night."

"How about you give me your thanks for being so understanding?" Liam whispered. "As opposed to getting myself killed on Koran Darr's lightsaber."

"That works too." She brought her fingers to his lips and caressed them delicately. "And he's fine with us being together. But I don't think we should go and reveal our relationship to everyone in the Temple."

"I don't think so either," Liam said. "Especially since I am married. However, in private I think it's perfectly fine. Like right now."

"Not exactly private. I think Koran Darr is actually spying on us right now, just to make sure we behave." Laedra kissed Liam slowly and deeply. "But private enough."

"Private enough for me to have you in my arms," Liam said as he pulled himself and Laedra down to the ground. "That's all I need right now, but expect some private time when we get back to the Temple."

"If we get back to the Temple," she amended rather negatively. "How are we going to get out of Thanatos with thousands of Imperial officers scouring the streets?"

"We'll find a way," Liam said. "One option, if we can find a speeder, is to go deep, then cut around and come back into the city from a different angle. The other option is to go out on foot. If we do it at night, relying on the Force, we have a chance."

Laedra pulled herself closer to Liam and nestled her cheek to his chest. "I know you'll find a way, my love. I know you'll get us back safely. I have faith in you."

"Good," Liam said with a smile as he wrapped his arms around Laedra to keep them both warm against the desert's nighttime chill. "At least one of us does. But, we'll find a way. We'll get back, and then we will show the Empire the error of its ways."

"More will come, though. If we drive off these, more will replace them. I trust in the Force, Liam, but I still don't think we can do this alone."

"No," he said. "We'll need the rest of the Jedi. We'll need diplomacy. We need an army at our backs to keep them in check, and then we can talk to the Empire. We can do it. The Force is with us. We just need to get somewhere we can do some good."

Laedra nodded her head subtly and found herself clutching to Liam's robes. "I'm afraid, Liam. I almost watched you die today. I could lose you in this fight and that scares me."

"And, I could lose you," Liam said softly. "We will just have to make vows to each other to stay alive. I promise to not die, Laedra. Not until I'm much older, ancient beyond ancient. And, I will never leave you alone in this galaxy."

"I promise always to stand by your side and make sure no one and no thing ever takes you away from me." She looked up at him and smiled. "How's that for a vow?"

"That's a damn good vow," Liam said with a smile. "And, now that we've done that, nothing can stand in our way." He settled his arms around her. "And, I like that very much. Very much indeed."

Nothing in our way but your wife, she thought but didn't dare verbalize. At least he'd chosen her over Yelara...for now. She sighed and shifted onto her back to gaze up at the stars. There was no Empire, no danger, nothing while she lay there with Liam, but knowing that once the sun rose all of it would exist again, Laedra clung tighter to him. "I love you, Liam Zaneth," she whispered.

"And, I love you, Laedra Vorrel," Liam whispered in return.

***

It was several hours later that Koran Darr approached where Liam and Laedra lay clinging to each other. He crouched down beside them and pressed a hand to each's shoulder. "We're going to try to make a break out of here," he said. "Kael has secured us some water and ration packs. We're going to make for New Plouton."

Laedra rubbed at her tired eyes and nodded. "What's the plan?" she asked, then seated herself upright.

"We're going to start out to the east," Koran said. "Once we put sufficient distance behind us, we'll turn south for New Plouton. It will be precarious at first, but with Kael's help out there we should have no problem getting to the city. Also, once we're far enough, we can signal the Temple."

Laedra nudged Liam's arm to wake him completely then rose from the sand covered floor of the dwelling. "Has Kael spoken to his friends, Master?"

"He has," Koran said. "He went to speak with the leader of his former gang. I guess the boy is injured pretty badly but his spirit is still strong. But, he explained what we would do, and they will work at uniting the gangs against the Empire."

"It's a start...but we're still out of our league here. But," Laedra said with a grin, "I have trust in the Force, and it gives me faith that we might just succeed after all."

"Good," Koran said. "Kael has our provisions inside. Getting out of here should be easier, especially since the moons are setting. We will still need to be careful and mask ourselves with the Force. I spent about an hour teaching the skill to Kael. I trust that the two of you can do it."

"I can, Master, but I don't understand what use that will be to use. Do the Imperials have Force-sensitives among their ranks now?" Laedra asked.

"When you mask your presence through the Force, you also mask your presence outside of the Force. It'll make it harder for them to track us when we are using the Force to shroud ourselves from their sight."

"Of course, oh wise Master," Laedra teased. She quickly remembered her place though, and bowed her head in apology.

"Just remember that when they can't see you," Koran said. "Prepare yourselves. We leave in fifteen minutes."

Liam looked up at Koran. "Any idea what kind of patrols they're running?"

The Jedi Master shook his head. "Not the kind we want. They're pretty tight in the cities, and they have fighters patrolling the outsides, as well as speeders. We will be able to time our exit though. We'll make it through." With that, he returned to the upper level of the building.

"I don't think we'll be sleeping much tonight."

"And not for the reason we'd like," she replied with a suggestive smile. "But," she added, sobering her expression, "as long as we make it back to the Temple safely, I'm willing to make the sacrifice."

Liam nodded slowly, and then pulled Laedra into his arms. "As much as I enjoyed sitting here with you," he said, "I think it'll be good for us to be moving and trying to get ourselves out of this. And, then trying to get all of Thanatos out of this. We should probably go see about our provisions." He brushed his lips against hers. "In a minute."

Laedra smiled. "Only a minute?" Without waiting for a witty reply, she kissed Liam fully on the mouth and pressed herself firmly against him. If this was the last time she would be able to touch him, she wanted to at least make the most of it.

Liam's senses seemed to be on fire as he fell deeper into the passion Laedra had ignited within him. How difficult it was not to strip off their clothes then and there and make love in the desert darkness. But he knew they didn't have time for that. He knew that would be too great a risk. What if Koran sent Kael to get them? Then I just tell Kael to tell nothing to Yelara or I will kill him for their little tryst. He finally had to break their kiss in order to gather air in his lungs once more. "Oh gods," he whispered after a few deep breaths. "First thing I'm doing when we get back to the Temple is taking you to bed."

"Then we'd better get moving so you can fulfill your promise." Laedra kissed Liam again, but pulled away before their desires seized control of their actions. "Let's go look for those provisions now, while we're still clothed."

Liam slipped his hand into hers and smiled. "I love you, Lae," he said, and then gently pulled his hand free and led the way up to the second level where Koran and Kael were assembling packs with water and rations.

Kael looked up at their approach and smiled. "The Feltreys were able to help us out with these," he said. "And, if we have time, Ferrig...Ferrig asked me to try to find Raeila in New Plouton. If we have the chance, that is."

"Let's get there first, Kael," Laedra said. "Then you can decide if there's time for that."

Kael nodded, and then gave her a smile. "Good idea," he said with a sheepish grin. "All the packs are ready, and there should be enough water to last the trip. We'll have to conserve though." He handed a pack to both Laedra and Liam.

Koran stepped forward. "Are we ready?"

"I believe we are, Master Darr." Laedra slipped her arm through the straps of the pack and hefted it onto her back. "Kael, you should stay close to one of us so that we can help shield you with the Force."

Kael glanced to Koran Darr, who nodded in agreement with Laedra's suggestion.

"Let's go," Liam said, and led the way to the door. He looked outside and then back to the others. "It's clear."

The group started out and across the sandy streets. They used the many shadows to their advantages. Even with the scant light available, the Stormtroopers on the street shone in their white armour. They'd reached the edge of town, and all that lay ahead of them was a final patrol and then a vast expanse of the desert.

"We'll have to move quickly," Liam said quietly. "If they see us, we should separate so we don't offer them a single large target. As soon as these speeders approaching have passed, we'll go."

Laedra closed her eyes briefly to confirm that she truly was enshrouded by the Force. She assessed the strength of the cloak she'd created then gently expanded it to meld with Kael's and reinforce his own shield. Once she was satisfied that she would be concealed, as would Kael, she opened her eyes and nodded to Liam. "Just tell us when."

While they waited, Kael shifted closer to Laedra. He looked up at her and smiled. "Don't be afraid to let go of your masking on me," he whispered. "I know other tricks for hiding in the desert. If you need it for yourself, I'll be okay."

"Don't worry, Padawan. I'll help shield you for as long as I'm able," she assured him, smiling. "But thank you for your concern."

Kael smiled, and then dropped into silence as Liam crept out slowly from their position. After a moment, he turned back. "Now!"

Without waiting, he lurched forward with Koran beside him. Moving on the sand wasn't easy, but they had to make it. They wouldn't be getting many other chances like this. They had to make it work now, or else they would be stuck in Thanatos until they could try again or help arrived.

As he moved across the sand, Kael had a loping, awkward movement, but he was as stable on the precarious surface as if it were one of the paved streets in New Plouton.

Laedra sighed sharply and followed after Kael. She made a note to reprove the boy for breaking too far out of reach of her protective shield. But, when they made it back to the Temple. Still, though, he was moving impressively well across the yielding sand, much better than she. No longer needing to protect Kael, Laedra diverted some of the Force flowing through her to her legs and managed to catch up with Kael. "Stop showing off," she whispered to him.

"Move like this," Kael urged to her. "It makes it easier to run on sand."

Laedra mimicked Kael's motions and found that it was considerably less difficult to make her way across the sand. She raised her eyebrows at him. "Impressive, Padawan. Now, stop trying to impress the female Jedi and run!" she ordered quietly.

Kael laughed. "As long as she is impressed, I am happy," he said, and then shifted his concentration to fleeing Thanatos. A part of that thought sent pangs of guilt through him. He was abandoning his home when they needed him most. But, he had his duty, and they were going to bring help. I just hope we can find enough to save Thanatos.

"Speeder's returning," Liam called back. "Hurry!"

Once again, Laedra extended her cloak of the Force around Kael, and as one they edged towards freedom. She sensed a moment of hesitation from Kael, and admired his nobility. If she were in his place, she would scruple to leave her friends and home behind as well. "Almost there," she whispered to him. Laedra slipped her hand into his and squeezed it gently. "We'll be back, Kael. Don't worry."

"Thanks," he said softly. They hurried forward, running as fast as they could.

And, then they were free of the danger. Out in the empty sands beyond Thanatos with only more sand ahead of them. But, they were out of the speeder's patrol zone.

They paused to rest behind a large dune that easily obstructed them from view. "We still have a long way to go," Laedra said. "But at least the hardest part is over with. Do you think we'll be safe the rest of the way?"

"From Imperial patrols," Koran said, "we should be. I would imagine if there were other dangers between here and there they would be more prominent even against speeders. We should be safe. I think the only difficulty will be if we don't make it before sunrise. Five more minutes, and then we'll head out again."

"Agreed." Laedra settled down upon the ground and reclined back against the rise of the dune. "Kael, it will be up to you to find us the best route back to New Plouton, preferably near plenty of dunes in case we need cover again."

Kael nodded quickly. "I haven't traveled all the way to the city," he said, "but I can find the best path for us. And, there should be plenty of dunes, except maybe as we get closer to the coast. If they come looking for us, they won't see us."

Laedra curled her right leg in towards her and massaged her sore ankle. It would be no better off after they travelled the entire way to New Plouton on foot, but she saw no other option. "I am somewhat confident they will not seek us out," she went on. "It would appear they don't even know we exist. That seems like a good thing."

Liam took a seat next to Laedra. "Or if they know we exist, they believe us still in Thanatos. That could work to our advantage, but I'm not sure how yet. In any event, if they think they have Jedi loose in the town, then they will be more wary and less likely to send too many troops in as an occupying force."

"They've already sent too many troops," Laedra remarked grimly.

"This is overkill," Liam said. "They could have taken Thanatos with a single battalion. They didn't need this. There has to be more to it. There's a larger objective. Or it's all show."

"A ruse?" Laedra offered. "Or perhaps a smug Imperial commander is merely displaying his prowess to deter the Rebels from trying to free Tae'Karada, and Thanatos is merely better suited for such a large fleet. Still...why would they prevent anyone from going in or out, thereby keeping the news of their presence from disseminating? And why destroy all the communication towers, all but deterring anyone from discovering they're here?" She sighed. "Nothing makes sense."

"There has to be more to it," Liam said with a shake of his head. "We need more pieces in this puzzle. We don't know enough yet."

"Well, we certainly won't find any answers out here." Laedra picked herself up from the cold ground and dusted the sand off her robes. "Their intentions will reveal themselves soon. I only hope we're prepared for whatever they do have planned."

"We will have to be," Koran said as he came around the dune. "It will be difficult, but we will make it through. After we have briefed the others, I am going to see about paying a visit to Admiral Tarkin."

"Not alone, I hope," Laedra said.

"Are you volunteering to accompany me?" he asked with a smile. "If you are, then I accept. I have a feeling I could get in and out on my own, but with another Jedi Knight at my side I am certain we will succeed."

Laedra nodded reservedly and wondered if Koran was intentionally trying to wound her by reminding her of her shortcomings. "I believe Liam will be more suited to act as that Jedi Knight, Master Darr. He is a better fighter if it comes to that."

"Liam will have other tasks to take care of," Koran said. "And, the idea is to not fight. Not if we can avoid it. If you are up to the challenge of finding out what Admiral Tarkin wants, then I would be glad to have you at my side."

Laedra bowed her head to Koran. "I would be honoured," she muttered awkwardly. "But there is still plenty of time to decide upon a partner for your proposed endeavour, Master Darr. Once we return to the Temple, I believe it will be up to the Council to decide who is best suited for such a diplomatic mission."

Koran smiled. "I will discuss it with the Council, then you and I will go meet with Tarkin. We should get moving again before too much of the night passes."

With a nod, Laedra departed alongside Kael, who now lead the small group through the desert. She looked over her shoulder at Koran and sighed. He certainly was stubborn when he so chose to be.

The small group moved on across the sands. It would be a very long night.

---

"Searching for Answers, Part 2"
by Koran Darr
Laedra Vorrel
Liam Zaneth
and Kael Selrid
Arlen [NPC]

Location: Thanatos, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 23, 4ABY (early early morning)

***

There was still several hours until sunrise, and Koran Darr had a strong feeling that they would still be out here in the desert when it rose. He guessed they still had eight hours of travel to go. If they weren't Jedi, he would fear. Three skilled with the Force, and one who was a very quick student. In the last hour, Kael had nearly mastered the technique Koran had been trying to teach him earlier. It just took a shift of focus, and an added suggestion from Laedra. He would make a fine Jedi very soon.

"Let's go ahead and rest again," he said. "I think we can all use a swallow of water."

Laedra showed her agreement emphatically by sighing airily and sinking down onto the sand. She reached back into her journeypack and dug through it in search of her ration of water. "This would almost make a perfect training exercise for the Padawans." Fellow Padawans, she meant. "If we were cruel, that is."

Koran nodded. "Indeed," he said as he too sank to the ground. "I think this sort of survival is important. It also will help with focus and physical enhancement. Just think how fit the three of us will be when we walk out of the desert."

Liam nodded his agreement and then laughed. "We may be fit, but I've got sand in places where water won't reach."

"I'll help you clean that out after," Laedra muttered to him slyly.

"We may have to use the Force to get it out," Liam said with a chuckle. "That makes me nervous though. I-- I think I'll stop talking about this now. However, it gives me a new respect for the-- What's that?"

Off in the distance a cloud of dust was rising into the sky. All eyes turned to Kael, the resident expert in the deserts of Tae'Karada.

"It's not a storm," the youth said. "That's someone on a speeder, and probably people on foot judging by the way the sand is going up."

"Another patrol?" Laedra asked. "Out this far though?"

Koran pulled a pair of macrobinoculars from his journeypack and focused them on the approaching cloud of dust. "It's an Imperial patrol," he said. "And, they're marching someone in front of them. There's a speeder and a small hover-transport. I see about twenty stormtroopers, not counting however many are inside either vehicle. We'll have to be careful of the civilian, but we can take them."

Laedra cocked a skeptical eyebrow at Koran. "Are you certain, Master Darr? Twenty against three and a half? No offense, Kael."

"And, the two vehicles," Koran said. "And, I'm quite certain. Twenty against Jedi."

"There were more than twenty Feltreys," Liam said.

"You have to have faith in your skills as a Jedi," Koran said. "If you trust in yourself and the Force, you could take that whole group on yourself. It is not arrogance or conceit, but simply a matter of skill. And, we have the Force on our side. I almost feel sorry for them."

"Well then." Laedra rose from the ground and slapped her hands together. "Shall we? I could use a little work-out to fight off this chill."

Koran pulled his lightsaber from his belt and turned to face the onrushing Imperial force. "Liam, concentrate on disabling that transport. Kael, Laedra and I will take those on the ground. Try to get their prisoner clear first, and then take down as many as you can. Non-lethal if we can, but we need to free that prisoner and we need to get back to New Plouton and the Temple."

Laedra winked at Liam as she unclipped her lightsaber, then twirled it in her hand. "See you there, Liam Zaneth." She shot him her most alluring smile, then nudged Kael and the two crept forward in the darkness.

The Jedi all moved forward, using the shadows and dunes to hide their approach. With the Imps moving toward them, it made their progress that much faster.

And, the Imps were there. Koran gave the signal and sprang up into the air, leaping over the dune to come down between a small group of stormtroopers. As he touched the ground, a verdant blade sprang to life and sheared the weapons in their hands. He leapt up again, arcing back over the now-weaponless troops and raised his weapon into a defensive position. He hazarded a quick glance back to make certain that he was in line to block any shots that might stray to the poor man they held captive.

Laedra and Kael moved in to flank the soldiers, she with her pink blade and Kael with his blue. Their vibrating, humming blades remained poised in the air, waiting for the soldiers to make a move. They were to attack only in defense, for they could easily slaughter each trooper if they so chose, especially since they had caught them offguard. But deaths were not what they wanted.

"The rest of you please put down your weapons," Laedra ordered. "We will not harm you if you cooperate."

The troopers decided they wouldn't go down without a fight, and immediately raised their weapons. Unlike his last attempt at this sort of thing, Kael's blade moved with perfect precision, deflecting blaster bolts into the sand, harmlessly boiling away into small pools of liquid glass. Between one shot and the next, he pivoted his blade back and sliced through the manacles binding the young man who Kael recognized as a Razor. Once he was free, Kael's blade came back to deflect another shot away that would have caught him in the chest.

Laedra herself was busy with half a dozen troopers who decided they had a grudge against her they wished to fulfill. Her blade worked intricately to redirect blaster fire back to its source: two troopers with rifles. They slumped to the ground upon impact, but their friends quickly moved in to finish the job they had begun. Laedra, however, decided they wouldn't get the chance.

A wave of the Force knocked back three of the remaining four soldiers, but one persistent trooper eluded her. He fired a relentless stream of blaster shots at her, but all disappeared into the dark abyss laid out by the night as she vaulted over him and came down behind the confused trooper. She subdued him by thrusting a wall of the Force into his back that sent him sailing through the frigid desert air. Laedra didn't see where he landed, nor did she care.

The remaining troopers were regrouping and beginning another attack. Of course they would fail, but it was obvious they weren't aware of that or deluded enough to actually believe they had any chance against three trained Jedi, one a former Knight, and a Padawan. Laedra joined Kael as he fended off an assault from four troopers using sizable bank of sand as a shield. Their white-helmeted heads peered around the corner of the vehicle every periodically to spy their targets and fire, then they vanished again behind the hill while she and Kael deflected the bolts of light. "Have you got a plan, young Padawan?"

Kael sent a bolt of blaster fire back at a group of stormtroopers. "I was figuring they'll be running low on their powercells soon enough," he said. "Especially the way they're firing at us."

Laedra laughed, even though her lightsaber was twisting and parrying in a mad flurry trying to block the energy pulses. "So we wait until their weapons give out? Not very practical."

"We could continue throwing them around like rag dolls," Kael said. "We have to find a way to take them out of the fight. Master Koran had the right idea to slice their weapons, but they are too tightly packed for us to get in and disarm them. I guess we keep throwing them into the sand until they realize it's safer for them there."

"Or until they realize they never should have come to Thanatos to begin with." Laedra dodged a lance of blaster fire and dropped into a shoulder roll to avoid another. "This isn't going to work. Kael, you're more mobile on sand than I am. You need to sneak around behind them. I'll cover you. It's the only way."

Without a word, Kael sprang away from Laedra as he moved around to the other side of the fight. Once they had managed to flank the troopers, then it would be really interesting. His blade flashed in a wide arc to send a series of blaster bolts from the stormtroopers flying back at them, thus scattering them once more. Two of them had figured out his plan, and moved forward to cut off his path. He raised a hand and pushed as the others had done, and the troopers went flying to the sand. As he moved into position on the other side of the fight, he quickly drove his blade through the blaster rifles of the downed Imps.

He looked through the fight to Laedra and nodded. They were ready.

"Surrender!" Laedra hollered. She pointed her lightsaber at the troopers who had yet to fall or lose their weapons, prepared to disarm them or worse if it was required. "It's over. Put down your blasters and drop to your knees, and you will not be harmed."

The troopers, obviously, didn't even deliberate their decision before they opened fire. Laedra's lightsaber swept through the air and made easy work of dispersing the blaster bolts and finally subduing the troopers with them. They crumpled to the ground and the one that was left standing did nothing but point his blaster at Laedra, most likely contemplating the wisdom of firing on a Jedi. "Please, lower your weapon."

His hand tightened on the blaster, trembling as he nearly squeezed the trigger. Then finally, after a war had raged in his mind, his hand sprang open and he dropped the weapon to the sand.

From behind, Kael approached the trooper with his lightsaber still ready. "On your knees, and remove your helmet. Slowly."

The trooper obeyed and Kael quickly used the man's own binders to secure his arms behind his back. He looked over and Koran had already subdued the last of his stormtroopers and was binding them as well. The transport had lurched to a stop and sank to the sand with Liam sitting lazily atop it. "Looks like we have our transport back," he said with a grin.

"We are in your debt, oh great one," Laedra announced grandiloquently, adding a pompous bow for good measure.

"Of course you are," Liam said with a wide grin. "Now, what do we do about these troopers? If I hadn't been forced to make this transport unusable, we could have piled them in there and take them with us. I'm not sure how the Empire views prisoners of war, but it might have given us a position from which to bargain."

Laedra deactivated her lightsaber and returned the weapon to her belt clip. "I doubt the Empire would bargain for a dozen stormtroopers. They've got plenty more at their disposal."

Koran observed the twenty white-clad men lying on the sand and frowned. "They would slow us down in returning to the Temple. I don't believe we have any choice but to let them continue on to Thanatos. We will relieve them of their weapons and comlinks...and their prisoner, and they may go."

Liam hopped down from the top of the transport and landed gracefully in the sand. "We should relieve a few of them of their armour. It may come in handy later...depending on how things go."

Laedra grinned at Liam, admiring his cunning. "A good idea, Liam. Getting the urge to engage in some infiltration work?"

Liam smiled "It's a good way to get inside information on them," he said. "Though, we'll see. Hopefully it won't be something we need. Let's grab some of their armour and stuff it in the back of the speeder."

The three of them removed the white stormtrooper armour from the unconscious and semi-unconscious soldiers lying in the sand. Kael was with the prisoner, speaking with him while they packed the empty, white shells of the men now littering the desert floor into the speeder.

"I think we have enough," Laedra said. "Make certain to collect any intact weapons as well. We want them unarmed when they wake up."

Liam quickly moved about, collecting the weapons and piling them into the back of the speeder.

Koran used the macrobinoculars to make sure there was no one coming from out on the distance. No dust rose into the sky. No help was coming.

"Masters," Kael said. "Arlen managed to get away, but they caught him. He can't go back to Thanatos yet, but we can't just leave him out here."

Liam nodded and looked at Laedra. He raised a questioning eyebrow to her, and then indicated a private conference with a nod of his head.

"You want to bring him with us," Laedra surmised once she had joined Liam out of earshot.

"I couldn't send him back to Thanatos," Liam said. "If the Empire caught him on the way in, they'd kill him. What if we find a decent place in New Plouton, put him up there, and eventually maybe he can become a contact for the Temple. We will need people outside of the Jedi. He may not have much influence in the city, but he'll have some in the desert."

"Perhaps we can introduce him to Mr. L'Ygr," Laedra suggested. "At least then the boy would have allies to watch out for him."

"Good idea," Liam said with a smile. "I knew there was a reason I loved you. Well, other than the obvious ones."

"If we had time, I'd make you list them all." She grinned demurely, then gestured with her head towards Kael and the ganger. "Let's go fill them in on our offer."

He successfully fought back the urge to take Laedra's hand. Kael and Arlen looked up from where they were talking. "We don't want to send you back into Thanatos," Liam said. "I can't say that you would be killed, but the chances are too great for my tastes. Here's our proposal. We can find an apartment for you in New Plouton, at least until the situation in Thanatos is cleared up. But, you'll have a place to stay for now. We have a friend who could use someone with your knowledge and skills. And, we need someone in Thanatos."

"You want me to be a spy?"

Liam laughed. "Not exactly, but close. We're not asking you to spy on your friends. We're asking you to be a contact for us. Someone we can go to in order to rally the gangs, or pass on information. And, possibly provide information on events in Thanatos."

"You're not doing this only for our benefit, though," Laedra added. "You'll be helping to free your people. If we can track the movements of the Imperials in Thanatos, we might find a way to stop them. It's your home and we are giving you the means to help free it. If you do this for anyone, do it for yourself and your people."

Arlen looked between the three of them and nodded. "I'll do it," he said. "Just as long as you won't ask me to go against my people...I'll do it."

"Don't worry," Laedra assured him with a gentle smile, "we're on your side now, and that of your people. They will be free again. Trust in that, and it shall be so."

The young ganger smiled. "Thank you," he said. "If you're with Kael, you can't be bad." As he smiled, years seemed to be stripped from his face and revealed him for the fifteen years he was. "I'll be really good for you, and I'll tell you lots of things." Suddenly a thought seemed to strike him. "Will-- will there be running water?"

Laedra glanced sidelong at Liam and barely stifled a gentle laugh at the boy's wonder and innocence. "Yes," she replied. "There will be plenty of running water and you can use as much as you like."

With much effort he managed to keep his smile from getting too large. "Thank you," he said. "I'd like that very much. We don't have much water here in the desert. I've never seen more than a cupful at a time."

Liam grinned. "Oh, there will be whole tubs full of it."

The boy's eyes went wide as his imagination went to work.

Liam glanced at Laedra. "We should probably check with Koran, and then see about getting moving."

Laedra and Liam departed from the awestruck boy and Kael to confer with Koran. Soon, all of them had crammed themselves into the speeder and were rocketing towards New Plouton, or at least the general direction. "Sorry to say this, but I hope I never see the desert again."

"The desert will be the perfect place to fight this war," Koran said. "Though, preferably away from any inhabited areas. Hopefully we will not be required to return, but I will if the people of Thanatos need it. Perhaps Tarkin will be accommodating."

Laedra refrained from snorting derisively in expression of how implausible she found that idea. Tarkin would destroy them the moment he caught wind of their existence, and he most likely would after the less than low profile actions they engaged in during their stay in Thanatos. "Let's just go home now," she said. "And after an actual night's sleep, then we can decide what our next step will be."

"We should be to the New Plouton border in twenty minutes," Koran said. "If anyone wants to close their eyes, be my guest."

With a shrug, Laedra pulled her cloak tightly around her and snuggled up against Liam. If they ran into trouble, someone would wake her and if they didn't, at least she would be well-rested.

It was just over an hour later as the speeder slipped back into the clearing in front of the Temple. They had made a quick stop in the city to get Arlen a place to stay, and then moved on. Liam would check on him later in the day. After sleep.

Ten minutes after arriving, he carried Laedra into her room and laid her down on the bed. "We're going to get your bed all full of sand, you know," he said softly as she opened her eyes to look at him. "But, we can take care of that later."

"Later..." she murmured weakly. Her hand brushed along Liam's arm languidly. "You're staying, aren't you?"

"Of course," Liam said with a gentle smile. "After all that I couldn't stay apart from you. But, you're going to have to make room for me on the bed." He grinned. "And, you really should unclip your lightsaber from your belt. I wouldn't want to get the wrong idea, and we wouldn't want an accidental...accident."

Laedra laughed soundlessly and with lethargic movements, unclipped her lightsaber and let it fall from her hands onto the ground. She had never been so exhausted in all her life, but she rejected sleep's shroud of oblivion until she was satisfied that Liam was securely in her embrace. "We did well today," she sighed.

Liam levitated both lightsabers to a nearby table and then quickly removed his robe before climbing onto the bed with Laedra. "We did very well," he said. "And, you handled yourself well in that fight. I was impressed, my love. I think you've incorporated those tricks I taught you well. Next time we face Kandran, he's going to be surprised. I would reward you for today, but I don't think I can. Later though."

"Okay," Laedra replied, senseless from fatigue. "Just remember to wake me up. I think I want to be up for that..." Her drowsy eyes closed and Laedra whimpered softly as Liam's arms encircled her, followed by sleep's.

"I promise," Liam whispered as he too closed his eyes. They had had a very long day, and the only thing that had kept him awake for the last two hours was the Force. But, it was over now and they could rest. At least they had that luxury, unlike the people of Thanatos. After sleep, a plan would be made for them. But...after sleep.

---

"Changing Sides, Part 1"
by Kaysa Zenarr-Braston-Tregat
Merrick Braston
Zale Tregat
and Oot Kovan

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 23, 4ABY

***

Exhausted, grinning from ear to ear, and utterly euphoric, Kaysa and Merrick strolled lazily down the ramp of the transport hand in hand. They hadn't expected to make their stay on Bespin so lengthy, but after their extraordinary first night, making love as man and wife, they were loath to return to Tae'Karada where all their responsibilities would once again weigh down upon them and prevent them from celebrating further their union. She enjoyed being Kaysa Braston, but revelled more in the smile that touched Merrick's lips when she called herself that. The potency of the love she felt for him almost induced insanity it was so overwhelming, but she embraced it freely.

As her foot came down upon the deck of the spaceport, melancholy swept over her and she squeezed Merrick's hand. She didn't want the happiness they had discovered with each other to end; she didn't want their relationship to veer close to the precipice again. Kaysa needed Merrick and wanted him in her life for always, but Tae'Karada seemed to breed disappointment and heartache, and her relationship with Merrick had not been spared. They had salvaged what little had been left behind after the ravaging dealt their love, and it once again managed to blossom. She feared, however, that it would suffer under Tae'Karada's pernicious curse all over again.

"So...what now, Merrick?" Kaysa gazed up at him, her smile waning slightly. "What now?"

Merrick looked down at Kaysa and smiled. "We...we could take another week. Get an apartment at the edge of town, and just hide out together. No one will know we're here, and we can slowly acclimatize ourselves to this place again." He looked around and gave a wry laugh. "Maybe we could pack everyone up and just move to Bespin. We could live next to your parents, never visit them, but drive them completely insane. I'm sure Shiv prancing around without a stitch on will do nicely to start them on the path down to an asylum."

"Where they deserve to be." She nestled her cheek against Merrick's shoulder and ran her thumb over the ring upon her finger. That alone was enough to bring her smile back fully. "I want to go to the first show you play when you go back to the White Noise. I want to be there so you can sing to me, just to me."

"You're the only person I ever sing to," Merrick said with a smile. "Oh, the Morality Guard is going to love that we're back if we act on the thoughts going through my head right now. Should we contact the others, or enjoy our togetherness for longer? I'm voting for togetherness."

"We should at least drop by Zale's office and tell him we're back," Kaysa said. "Then we can lock ourselves away and I can remind you of how lucky you are to have me."

"Lucky like last night? Oh, I felt very lucky last night. Come on, let's walk there. I don't think I'm up for a cab right...then again... But, I want to spend the time with you, and cab rides are far too fast." He glanced up the street and laughed. "Of course, it doesn't help that his building's just right over there." Merrick slipped his hand into Kaysa's and started toward the tall building that housed Zale's criminal empire. "I just hope Keeve and Shiv don't go through our bags when they're dropped off at the apartment."

"Looking for souvenirs from the trip, no doubt. Oh, I can't wait to see them, Merrick. Surprisingly enough, especially Keeve." Shiv had done wonders in bringing him around from the bitter, petulant boy he had first been to one who she thought could love her. She couldn't wait to see how much more progress Shiv had made. "Have you thought of how to explain this to Shiv?"

Merrick gave a dry laugh. "Well, I don't think she'll be upset that we're married," he said. "I think she'll be very happy, and will think we did the right thing. What worries me though is the whole bride's maid thing. From what you've said, it sounds like she really wanted to. However..." He grinned. "What if we were to stage a ceremony at the White Noise for our loved ones? We're already married, but there's nothing to say we can't do this for them."

"And maybe include Keeve as well," Kaysa added. "He can be the one to give me away." She chuckled. "I wonder if he'll grant you permission to marry his mother."

"As long as I'm not marrying Shiv, I think he'll be fine with it. But, there's only one way to find out." They mounted the steps that led to the doors of Zale's building together. Merrick couldn't help smiling at the thought of riding up in the elevator with Kaysa. The idea of putting an elevator car in their bedroom was still an appealing idea, however strange it may sound.

"I wonder how things went with Oot." Kaysa repressed a scowl at the thought of the pink-fleshed creature with her hands on Zale. "Like he'd tell me anyway if anything happened," she grumbled.

"I'm sure Zale would tell you everything, Kaysa," Merrick said. "I don't think he'd hide it from you. Well, maybe unless they had sex. But, Zale's faithful to you. He'd never do anything like that, knowing how much it'd hurt you."

"Well...what if she overpowered him or something. I mean, those lekku look pretty powerful. I bet she could subdue him with one swat from those things."

"Well, I guess that's true. Or if she was more of a sex master than he is. Or drugs. I've heard that there are a lot of clubs in town where drugs are a common way for the trancers to convince their dates to come home willingly with them. The stuff practically turns them into sex slaves."

Wild thoughts of Zale strapped to Oot's bed and submitting to her every sexual desire filled Kaysa's head. She batted Merrick on the arm for provoking her paranoid delusions. "Not helping here, Braston! Now I'm going to have to examine Zale for any signs of infidelity." She narrowed her eyes. "A thorough examination."

A mischievous smile curled at Merrick's lips as they stepped into the elevator. "If you need any help, let me know."

"Okay...still not helping here, Merrick. Now you've got me thinking there's something going on between you and Zale, and that Oot was just a convenient distraction."

"After last night, how can you still think that? Kaysa, there's nothing going on between me and Zale, and while I may be heterosexual, he does have the nicest man-ass I've ever seen. Though, it's nowhere near as nice as yours."

Kaysa smiled silkily as she pressed closer to Merrick. "And if you want to keep the privilege of viewing this nice ass, you'll stop driving me insane with paranoia and kiss me."

Merrick's arms enveloped her and she was pulled tight into his embrace as he kissed her with all the passion he could gather within himself. After several long moments of a kiss, he pulled back and smiled. "Better?"

"Mmm..." Kaysa smiled dreamily and closed her eyes to savour the last lingering sensations of the kiss. "I would've married you for your kissing abilities alone if I didn't love you as much as I do."

"Wait until you see what else I can do with my mouth," he said with a seductive grin. "Oh, but I showed you some of them last night. But, with as much as you were screaming, I may have to show you again so you remember."

Before he could go on, the door to the lift opened, revealing the lobby of Zale's office. As they both stepped out, it was clear that something was dreadfully wrong. Moril was nowhere in sight, making the place seem as dead as a tomb. Aron and Deez were there, but each wore a suit of heavy battle armour and a very grim expression. The only acknowledgement they gave Kaysa and Merrick was a brusque nod.

Kaysa stopped Merrick as the tension pervading the hallway knotted her stomach. She looked to him, then back to Deez and Aron, but instead of wasting time questioning them, she hurried to the doors of Zale's office and burst through them hollering his name. If something's happened to him...

But Zale was inside his office when she got there. He stood facing outward from one of the windows overlooking the city. It was evident from his posture that he was upset. Seated across from his desk, looking over a datapad, was Oot Kovan. For the moment, she appeared to have no interest in Zale or whatever was upsetting him.

Kaysa's anxieties lessened compared to the growing rage Oot's presence evoked in her. She had the urge to storm over to the witch and tug on her swaying lekku, but the sight of Zale motionless and almost oblivious to her presence banished the thought and infused her with a deep-rooted fear. "Zale..." She took a step forward but was reluctant to get too close, unprepared for what to expect. "Zale? What's wrong?"

Zale's back stiffened and for a moment he was too paralyzed to move. But, he finally did, and turned to face Kaysa. "It's very bad, Kaysa. Worse than it's been before." He swallowed. "I don't know what to do."

The helplessness in his voice and his eyes drove Kaysa forward. She took him into her arms and stroked his back soothingly. "Tell me," she whispered. "Tell me and I'll help you, Zale. My love, I'll help you through this. Just tell me."

Zale could feel his already strained facade cracking. "Dargus," he said quietly. "Dargus killed two of my men. Somehow, he managed to get to Moril. He's missing, Kaysa. And..." He swallowed, unsure if he could even put the next part into words. It was a struggle, but he finally managed. "He got Shiv again. And this time...this time he got Keeve. But, it's worse, Kaysa. Keeve...Keeve went willingly. Somehow that bastard corrupted your son."

If her hold on Zale hadn't been so secure, Kaysa's weakening legs would have collapsed beneath her. She heard the words spoken, but comprehension came slowly and reluctantly. Not her boy, and not Shiv. It was only a week, just a week... She should have been there was all Kaysa could think of. If she'd stayed behind, she could have protected them and kept Dargus at bay. Perhaps she would have lost Merrick in the process, but they would have reconciled eventually. Shiv and Keeve, on the other hand... Kaysa had little hope that she would ever see them again.

She was too numb to feel the agonizing despair she knew was a standard reaction for something as traumatic as this; all she did experience, however, was confusion and incredulity. Keeve had chosen Dargus over her, a stranger over his own mother. It was obvious to Kaysa now that she truly had lost him the day she abandoned him and that all her foolish hopes of redeeming herself and being accepted by Keeve were wasted dreams. It never would have happened and she felt idiotic for ever believing it could. Dargus had him now, and he had Shiv, her girl. He'd won, just as he said he would. Kaysa should have simply given up the fight long ago.

She had barely noticed she'd slipped from Zale's arms and lifelessly drifted to the windows like a spirit. Looking out upon the cityscape, but not really seeing it, Kaysa found herself searching for Shiv and Keeve, searching for a reason to even keep up the struggle life now represented. How could she go on with only a memory of her two precious loves, yet without them in the flesh? She would only long for them and pine for them, but knowing they would not be there to answer her cries filled her with an ache that would never fade. So, she continued to stare out of the windows, seeing nothing else worth doing and began a silent vigil for those who were lost to her for always.

Zale closed his eyes and turned away, concentrating on holding his fists at his side or else he'd end up smashing them repeatedly against the transparisteel window. How could he have let this happen?

The rustling sound of a body shifting its weight in a chair seemed extremely loud in the otherwise silent room. "Perhaps I might be able to be of assistance."

The voice of Oot Kovan was sufficient to induce a spark of emotion in Kaysa, but not a very pleasant one...for Oot, at least. She turned slowly to face the Twi'lek and regarded her with a cold, steady glare. "You, help us?" Kaysa smiled cruelly. "You're a whore. What could a person like that possibly contribute in the way of aiding us?"

"A whore receives money for services," the twi'lek said with a smile. "However, I do have information. Before they left the apartment, I put a tracking device on Lerrah. I also have someone working within Dargus' organization. He has a heavily armed cruiser out there somewhere, and your son and lover are there."

"Lerrah?" Kaysa shook her head. "What does this have to do with her?"

"Oh gods," Merrick moaned from the floor where he'd happened to end up. Useless legs splayed out from his body and he was propped against the door. "Lerrah, Kaysa. From Agarra. The young woman Shiv left the planet with. Her former lover. Oh gods."

Kaysa saw Merrick through suddenly bleary, unfocused eyes and thought in passing that she should go to him and comfort him, but she didn't, couldn't. Shiv had been unfaithful to she and Merrick. She'd been sharing herself with another while Dargus was unknowingly encroaching upon them. The betrayal pained her as much as losing Shiv did, but her rage directed itself at Oot. "What do you want, Twi'lek? You say you're not a whore, but I know your information has a price," she spat with disgust. "So tell me what it is you want or else you can leave now."

Oot smiled. "You should have seen your son ordering those two around. Kept them naked too." She shook her head and then sighed. "My price. Zale Tregat whenever I want him, and you shall have all the information I possess on Dargus Kandran and your son and lover. Oh, and Zale's man too. Dargus has him as well."

Kaysa's face flared red with anger and her body trembled violently. Watching the woman casually bargain three lives for sexual gratification sickened her and infuriated her to the point where her body flew towards Oot and her hand cracked across her high-boned cheek. It threw her off balance and Oot ended up upon the ground. "You self-serving bitch," she hissed. "Sex? That's what you want? You'd risk the life of my child, Shiv, and Moril for the sake of having Zale's dick inside of you? Is your brain defective in some way, or do you merely lack a heart?"

Oot gracefully got to her feet and in the same movement backhanded Kaysa. "Your child wanted to go with Dargus, Shiv -- as you claim -- was cheating on you anyway, and poor Moril is stuck in the middle. However, he's being taken care of, and won't be put to death until it's convenient for Kandran to make an example of him to Zale. So, I have time, and I want your husband's dick. I live on a ship filled with droids and my only companion is a gungan. Perhaps one day I will be desperate enough to go to Kambra for gratification, but right now I want your husband, and in this situation, my knowledge is the only leverage I have to get that. He's far too devoted to you, and the only way I'd ever have a chance is either by drugging him or extorting it from him. Then again, I wouldn't expect you to understand since you probably haven't gone a day in the last year without having someone's dick inside you."

Kaysa's hand fell away from her stinging cheek and to her side. "You're cold, Oot Kovan," she whispered. "You've probably been working with Dargus all along, all for a night with Zale. Do you care about anyone but yourself?" Kaysa laughed wryly and shook her head. "No, of course not, because if you did you would never have made such a selfish, pathetic request. If you want Zale, convince him to take you. I won't do it, not even for this supposed information of yours. You're obviously a woman lacking in integrity, and that isn't the kind of scum I waste my time negotiating with."

Oot looked at Kaysa and then at Zale's back. She could see a slight tremor in his posture and she knew that he was very upset. She felt herself about to sigh, but stopped before it could form. A conscience is a weakness to a crimelord. She forced a smile to her lips. "And, you're the type of woman that would leave that decision to him, and then get upset with him when he goes through with it to save your son's and lover's lives, aren't you? Like you were upset at him when I only asked for a weekend of his time? Very well." She started toward the door. "If you aren't willing to negotiate, Kaysa, then I wish you good luck finding Dargus."

"And I wish you good luck finding the next available dick to satiate your desires with," Kaysa called back. "But from what I've just seen, it's no wonder you're alone. I pity you, Oot Kovan. I pity you."

The only answer Oot gave was a laugh, but before she could get through the door Merrick was blocking her way.

"Look, you self-serving bitch," he rasped. "If anything happens to Keeve, Maeren, or Moril, I will hold you personally responsible. Two million credits to anyone who can bring me your head. Five hundred thousand to anyone who brings me one of your lekku; one million for both. You will spend the rest of your days looking over your shoulder, wondering who might be the one working for me."

Oot put a hand to Merrick's chest to push him away, and suddenly found herself pressed against a wall with his hand at her throat.

"If you think I'm joking, walk out of here. If you think I'm joking, let Shiv, Moril, and Keeve get hurt. I've heard that the lekku are quite sensitive, and I can only imagine what it would feel like with someone trying to hack one of them off." He leaned close. "There's a bounty hunter rumoured to be on the Drogen Shipyards. Maybe I won't dick around with posting a large reward publicly. Maybe I'll just pay her two million to track you down and turn you into a wall ornament."

"You wouldn't da--"

"Wouldn't I? Try me, bitch. Try me and see." He pulled a comlink from his jacket and pulled his other hand from her throat. "Walk out the door and I'll sign your death warrant."

The fury in her eyes was intense, but nothing compared to what burned within Merrick.

"Fine," Oot snapped. "They're currently heading toward Corellia, and Dargus has a base on one of the outer moons. I have the location of both through the tracking device and my informant."

Kaysa overcame her surprise and shock quickly, and stepped forward. "And this informant... They can give us the layouts of this base if we require them, and information on Dargus' movements?"

"As much as she can," Oot said. "She has access to many areas, but there are some that she can't get to. I can get her to provide as much detail as possible."

"And...she can get a message to Shiv for us?" Kaysa looked down and cleared away the knot in her throat. "She can tell her that we love her and we're coming for her?"

Oot nodded. "She can. She is Dargus' head...harem girl." She clenched her jaw and looked away, out into the distance. It was obvious she was trying to come to a decision, and then finally nodded. "I can also contact the Jedi. You'll need their help against Dargus."

"The blue-eyed fellow?" Kaysa asked. "He'd risk his life again to help us?"

"He'd risk his life to go after Dargus Kandran. They have this hero-villain thing going on, and Liam will stop at nothing to try to stop and destroy Dargus. Especially since I have a suspicion why Dargus is headed for Corellia."

Kaysa nodded her head slowly. "When's the soonest your people can arrange a rescue mission? Zale will gladly provide the necessary resources." She glanced over her shoulder at him, and sighed at his lack of participation in the discussion. Instead, he stared through the window, silently. "And if I were you," Kaysa continued, her eyes once again upon Oot, "I'd forget this foolish notion of using Keeve and Shiv's location as leverage in achieving whatever sick fantasy you've chosen to include Zale in. You're not his type."

Oot narrowed her eyes and lowered her voice so only Kaysa would hear her. "How badly do you want your child back? How badly do you wish to have your girl removed from the harem of that depraved psychotic? Before you begin dictating the terms upon which I will be helpful, think about the sick fantasy that your loved ones are now a part of."

"One I have little doubt you helped Kandran to make possible." Kaysa gritted her teeth and took a menacing step towards Oot. "If I find out you had anything to do with their capture, finding a satisfying sexual partner will be the least of your concerns, Twi'lek."

---

"Changing Sides, Part 2"
by Kaysa Zenarr-Braston-Tregat
Merrick Braston
Zale Tregat
and Oot Kovan

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 23, 4ABY

***

Oot crossed her arms over her chest. "So, you believe that I'm working with Dargus Kandran? You believe I had some hand in all of this? Is my help now part of a trap? Luring you in so Dargus can finish you off? Perhaps you spent too much time in the sun at Vendra."

"And perhaps you've spent too much time being a conniving bitch, so much so that you've become callous and uncompassionate," Kaysa riposted. "You're a bitter woman, Oot Kovan. Whether you wittingly colluded with Dargus or not, withholding knowledge of Shiv and Keeve's location until divulging it suited you is just as depraved as if you were openly conspiring with the bastard."

"I don't know if your child will even wish to leave," Oot said. "And if Shiv is still as drugged out as she was when we arrived here, then you will have a difficult time getting her out as well. According to my contact, Dargus gave Keeve a drug to make 'his girls' more pliable and cooperative because they were too unruly and wouldn't obey his commands."

Kaysa looked away and shuddered at the thought of what Keeve could have done to an insensate Shiv, the yearnings he could have fulfilled with her. "And you never said a word," Kaysa said in a low frigid whisper. She returned her gaze to Oot, but in her eyes all light and warmth had fled. "You knew what was happening, and you said nothing. Is it your purpose in life to make everyone as miserable as you are? Do you sit back and watch such travesties occurring simply because you've been dealt misfortunes and it consoles you to see grief afflict others? Are you that sick?"

"I didn't know what was happening until after," Oot snapped. "I received no updates while I was in Vendra and the desert. It wasn't until after Zale and I returned here that I received a report and learned what was actually happening. I didn't know anything was amiss until we were inside your apartment and I had that other girl trying to have sex with me out of desperation. That's when I managed to get the tracer on her." Her eyes narrowed. "However, you make the idea of sitting back and watching all too appealing."

"To one as bereft of emotion as you, I have no doubt you would enjoy that." Kaysa glared up at Oot for an interminable expanse of time, but the sight of her quickly became revolting and Kaysa was forced to turn away. "Get her out of here," she said quietly. "Get her out of here and let her carry on with whatever rank and self-serving schemes she's concocted. Just...get her out of my sight."

"Kaysa," Merrick said, quickly stepping forward, and moving to block the door as he did. "We need her help. We can't just let her go like this. What about Keeve and Shiv?"

"If you want her help, then take it, Merrick. Just being near her makes me queasy."

Oot turned her gaze onto Merrick. "She doesn't want my help," she said. "So...get out of my way."

"You're helping him by walking out of here," Merrick said. "You're aiding Dargus Kandran by blocking our efforts. He's enslaved the woman I love--well, one of them--and he's taken prisoner a good friend." His eyes narrowed. "And, you're willing to just sit back and let that happen."

Oot watched Merrick for a long moment, a quiver running through her body as she tried to stand her ground. Finally she closed her eyes and looked away. A sob broke free as she collapsed to the floor, her lekku writhing in silent agony. How could she have even thought--? The tortured thoughts only helped to increase the suffering she now felt. So many of her people could have done this so well...but she had wilted under the pressure. She could see Kambra's disapproving gaze. She could see Yelara and Liam's disappointment. She had failed.

Oot had done what Kaysa had felt like doing since Zale confessed to her Shiv and Keeve's abduction. She wanted to cry and clutch her aching bosom; she wanted to batter Oot while she lay helplessly upon the ground, but her emotions were far too tangled for her to draw on one alone and act upon it. Instead, she remained neutral and unaffected, watching Oot's guilt overwhelm her.

"You've no right to feel," Kaysa muttered sedately. "You don't deserve to, not after all you've done. It's a privilege to be capable of love and joy and all those things Shiv and Keeve brought into my life." She knelt upon the ground, beside Oot and continued to simply watch. "You're not worthy of feeling, not even sadness," she droned. "So stop. Stop crying. Stop pitying yourself. Stop it now and do something useful, like helping save them. Do you hear me?" she asked, her voice still a murmur. "I said stop it."

Oot looked up at Kaysa with tear-reddened eyes. "I am a crimelord," Oot said softly. "I run a crime syndicate. I'm expected to be cold, heartless, and only looking out for my own needs and goals." She shook her head and cursed herself in ryl. "But, I can't do that. I...I can't believe what I've done here. I can't believe that I would have ever done this. And, then when I try to be a true crimelord, try to be like the others of my planet...I can't do it." Her shoulders wilted and her lekku drooped. "I'll provide you with the frequency of the tracer. Any information I have...it's yours. I will do everything I can to help you."

Kaysa nodded imperceptibly and silently stared at the fragile, broken creature before her. She did pity Oot Kovan, as much as she hated her, but she herself had been vindictive and ruthless at one time in her life, so she understood her more than she cared to. She had changed, though, and had been forgiven for her past transgressions. Oot deserved the same...eventually. Numbly, Kaysa wiped the tears from Oot's cheeks and managed a tight smile for her. "Thank you. We could use your help."

Oot nodded slowly. "I give my help willingly and expect nothing in return, but the fall of Dargus Kandran." She looked up at Kaysa, but couldn't keep the woman's gaze. She looked away, shamed. "I have a cruiser we can use to go after Kandran. But, we'll need to have a team that can get inside to get our people out. Tiala can keep me informed, and she should also be able to let us know where Keeve, Moril, Shiv, and Lerrah are. Kandran is a Sith, though. We'll have difficulty stopping him without the help of the Jedi."

"Then we'll appeal to them. It would be nice to see Blue Eyes again." Kaysa rose slowly and held out her hand to Oot. "Stand with me, Oot Kovan. Together, we'll stop him."

Oot looked up into Kaysa's eyes, and then nodded. She put her hand into Kaysa's and allowed Kaysa to help her to her feet. "Please accept my deepest apologies for what I have done," she said. "I was so very wrong to attempt such a thing, and for as much as I know you hate me, it can't come close to what I feel for myself. I allowed myself to turn a blind eye to something that has been the cause I fight for from the very beginning." She shook her head. "Hopefully I can do something to even partially make up for what I've done."

"Just help us destroy Kandran, and you shall be redeemed, Oot." Kaysa's smile softened as she leaned closer to Oot. "And if I'd been in your position," she whispered, "I might have bargained for a night with Zale too. He's quite good, you know."

Oot smiled. "That's what I've heard," she said. "I almost drugged him one of the nights in Vendra, but I couldn't do it. And, I know he was slipping up to your room as well." She laughed and shook her head.

"Well, he finds it difficult to resist Merrick." Kaysa sighed as she looked back at Zale, still standing motionless by the window, saying nothing, doing nothing. "If you combine your efforts," she said to Oot, "you and Zale can stop him. The trick will be getting Zale out of whatever rut he's in. You'll help me with that too, won't you?"

Oot smiled. "Of course," she said. "I'll have Kambra bring the ship farther in-system. While he's off toward Corellia, perhaps we should stage something against his base in Tae'Remok. It'll be a very nice welcome home, I'm sure."

"That would certainly bring Zale's spirits up. You see," Kaysa said with a sigh, "I have to be strong, Oot. I can't be there with arms wide open, offering a comforting embrace, because I have to be strong for them. If I crack...it'll weaken us and Dargus will win. So, I'll be needing your help from now on. I hope you don't mind giving it."

"I am happy to help in any way I am needed," Oot said. "I want to see that bastard brought down, and then made to pay for all his crimes. He will pay, Kaysa. He will pay."

"Well then." Kaysa detached from Oot and swivelled the leather chair opposite Zale's desk towards her. "Get comfortable and have a seat. We have much work to do, Ms. Kovan."

Oot took the offered chair and got as comfortable as she could under the circumstances. Merrick moved to one of the couches and stretched himself out on it, content to just listen. Zale, however, was still looking out over the city. The trembling anger that had been there before had subsided, but he still hadn't turned away.

Kaysa studied him as she approached, but instead of stopping behind him and wrapping her arms around his waist, she veered right and ensconced herself in his leather chair. She folded her hands atop his desk and gazed across it levelly at Oot. "Now, where do we begin?"

"I'm not entirely certain what sort of defenses he's left behind." She picked up a datapad from Zale's desk and tapped in some of the information she had and then slid it over to Kaysa. "Those are the coordinates of his base. We can bombard it from space, and then send in ground forces to mop up whatever's left. I don't know if we can hide our involvement from him, but that may be best -- at least Antorial involvement -- while he still has Moril, Shiv, and Keeve in his possession."

"Then perhaps we should not be seen together, at least not while appearing amicable towards one another. If you had hair, I would suggest a public hair-pulling match, but I'm sure we can come up with something else."

Oot laughed. "Well, please don't try pulling my lekku. It would have a similar effect to grabbing a man's genitals and yanking. It's quite an uncomfortable and painful sensation. However, publicly we shouldn't appear friendly. An argument could be very effective however. We will need to discuss the specifics, and rehearse our parts. I'm certain we can come up with something that will perk up the ears of any of Dargus' people."

Kaysa smiled slyly. "And I imagine we could make it appear quite believable. We have had practice, after all."

"Indeed we have," Oot said with a smile. "However, I think I would prefer practicing to be your friend. However, outward appearances must be maintained. But, once Dargus has been eliminated..."

Kaysa's expression sobered as she nodded thoughtfully. "We will see, Oot Kovan. But for now, allies." She sat back in her chair, sliding towards her the datapad into which Oot had entered the coordinates. She reviewed them quickly, then chewed her lip nervously. "Using that moon as his centre of operations, he can set up a pretty secure and heavily fortified base. Any attack on it will have to be tactically flawless and executed precisely. I hope the strategists you have working for you are brilliant."

"Kambra Gant has one of the best tactical minds in the galaxy," she said.

"You have Kambra Gant working for you?"

When both women looked, Zale had turned back around and was regarding Oot with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes, he is the head of my security," he said. "I take it you've heard of him."

Zale shook his head and laughed. "Very few people haven't. Maybe all hope isn't lost then."

Kaysa looked between the two, frowning and perplexed. "What? What am I missing here? Who's Kambra Gant?"

"Kambra is my head of security," Oot said.

"He's also got one of the fastest blasters in this side of the galaxy. Probably the other side as well. He's a gungan, but completely unlike most of the rest of their kind. If we have him on our side, we're not doing half bad."

"What can one blaster do against a whole army, Zale?" Kaysa asked skeptically. "Legendary as he may be, we'll still need a plan."

"In addition to his blasters, he's also got a very strong tactical mind. However, if we want the Tarabassic Syndicate to appear to be doing this on their own, we'll need to bring your ship in. You can bombard from orbit of the moon while fighters strafe it. Once we've done enough damage, we can land ground forces and let them clean out the place. I would like for Kandran to find his place a smoking ruin when he returns."

Kaysa smiled, satisfied with the discussion hovering about her and with Zale's participation in it. She pushed back her chair and vacated it for Zale. "I think this belongs to you, Mr. Tregat."

Zale watched her leave his chair, completely stunned at the action. "You are feeling alright, aren't you?" he said as he moved to take a seat. "I can't remember the last time you willingly got out of this chair." He grinned as he sank into the soft nerf hide cushions.

"It's your chair," Kaysa explained with a shrug. "I was just keeping it warm while I waited for you to come around." She grinned at Zale as she moved towards the couch occupied by Merrick and took a seat beside him.

As Oot and Zale began going over the strategy that would deal a blow to Dargus Kandran, Merrick sat upright on the couch and opened his arms to Kaysa. "Oh gods, Kaysa," he whispered. "That bastard is going to pay. I'll rip him apart with my bare hands if I have to, but he will pay for this."

Kaysa smiled wanly and buried herself in Merrick's embrace. "I know how you feel, Merrick. But I tried that myself one time, remember? You didn't like it so much and neither would I if you attempted to go after him yourself. We'll get them back, though, one way or the other. Keeve might not be so happy about it, but..." She sighed deeply and forced back the pain of rejection - of Keeve's rejection. He hated her enough to run to Dargus and hand over Shiv in the process. Once again, her past mistakes were returning to claim retribution from her. "Will I ever be free of this?" she muttered to herself.

"Maybe that Jedi guy will get him this time," Merrick said. "And, then we can all be free." He kissed the top of her head as it lay against his chest. "Perhaps he was able to offer him something we couldn't. He's wanted Shiv since the beginning, and it sounds like when Zale and Oot found them he had Shiv as practically his slave. Maybe Dargus offered him something he really wanted..."

"Like what? An escape from me?" Kaysa refused to indulge in self-pity, but the validity of the explanation she presented made it difficult not to wallow. "I should never have gone to Vendra... We never shouldn't have left them alone, Merrick."

"Shiv," Merrick said. "Dargus offered him the chance to have Shiv." He shifted his embrace so he could see into her eyes. "And, we never would have known this could happen if we left. And, even if we did, what could we have done? Two of Zale's men are dead and Moril is missing. Three of the people who were there to protect them."

"I could have done something," Kaysa replied curtly. "I could have sent him back, Merrick. I could have left him on Bespin to begin with. I could have done something!"

"Could you have really done that? Could you have sent him away, my love? We don't even know what happened. We just know what Zale and Oot have told us, and I don't know if there's anyone else who even could say anything about it. What's done is done, and now we just have to get them back. We can't spend our time second-guessing ourselves or trying to change the past."

"I know, I know. I just...I want them back, Merrick. And all these thoughts are flying through my head like, what if he's hurt them? Or will hurt them? And Lerrah..." Kaysa's jaw tightened. "I hired her and I didn't even realize it was the same person. I could have prevented that too. If I hadn't hired her, she and Shiv wouldn't have--" The thought was too painful to complete.

"Let's determine that when we get to it," Merrick said. "We don't know for certain anything did happen. And, if it did, it is Shiv. We both know that she's free with the love she gives out. We don't want to jump to conclusions that will drive us insane. If they did, they did. Shiv wouldn't stop loving us though. Not for anything."

Kaysa knew Shiv wouldn't betray them intentionally, but the drug Oot spoke of... If it was anything like spice, Shiv would be unable to control her desires, which meant she wouldn't have been able to resist Lerrah. "Gods...I'm thinking too much." She gently pulled away from Merrick and rose. She wanted this over now. Waiting to retaliate against Dargus was driving her insane, but it was out of her control, as much as she hated to admit it. "I have to...do something, Merrick. I need a distraction. I know of a good one, but I doubt that with as sexually repressed as Oot is she'd appreciate it."

Merrick smiled. "Well, I think I might appreciate it."

"I bet you would." The last time Shiv had been taken, Kaysa's love life with Merrick had gone cold. It wouldn't happen again, not with as desperately as she yearned to be comforted in his arms. "Let's go home, Merrick. I need to be near something of hers...of Keeve's. As much as I don't want to think about them, I need something to remind me of them."

Merrick stood from the couch. "We're going to go to the apartment," he announced.

Oot and Zale nodded.

"We'll keep you posted on our plans," Oot said. "I'm also going to have some of my force brought down to scour the area. With Dargus having vacated it, I'm also going to have Kambra seize the apartment they'd occupied. Perhaps a search will turn something up."

Merrick nodded. "Good," he said, not sure what else he could say in the realm of tactics and strategies.

Zale looked to Kaysa and noticed the ring she was fingering on her hand. He glanced between her and Merrick, and knew he'd have to talk to them later. "I'll see you at home soon. Once we finish some plans here, I'll stop by."

Kaysa nodded and with her arm through Merrick's, they started for the door...but got barely two feet before Kaysa broke away and approached Zale. Looking up at her from the chair as he was, Kaysa glimpsed at the depth of the despair and guilt she knew resided within him. That was why he had been so subdued and distant, and that he blamed himself for Shiv and Keeve's disappearance made her love for him that much stronger.

Kaysa leaned forward and kissed Zale upon the cheek. "It wasn't your fault," she whispered into his ear. "I don't care how you feel about it, I'm not gonna blame you for this, Zale, so don't you dare blame yourself. Promise me. Promise me you won't."

Zale wrapped his arms around Kaysa and held her tight. "I won't blame myself," he whispered. "But we'll get him, or hurt him. We'll get free of him, Kaysa. I promise we'll get them back and be free of him."

"I believe you, my love." She looked down into his eyes and smiled warmly. "I trust you."

Zale kissed her deeply, not caring that anyone else was watching. He needed this moment with Kaysa. He needed the solace her touch, her love gave him. "I'll be with you soon," he said softly. "For now though, Merrick will take care of you. Later, we both will."

Kaysa kissed Zale again, then straightened up and gave him a soft smile. "I look forward to it, my love, and to seeing the look on your face when Merrick and I tell you the surprise." She winked at him and backed away before he could pull her into his lap and demand to be told the secret. She stopped before continuing to the door and regarded Oot. "I'm glad you're helping us. You have the potential to be a good woman, Oot Kovan. Don't screw it up." She grinned.

Oot returned the grin. "Then I won't ask you for a kiss too," she said. "Don't worry, Kaysa. Zale is safe now. And, we'll get them back."

"Free of harm, I hope," Kaysa added. She moved beside Oot and lowered her lips to the Twi'lek's ear. "And if you help Zale succeed in this, you might just get that kiss."

"An incentive," Oot purred and then laughed softly. "I vow to do everything within my power."

"Then we shall negotiate something once we have our people back." Kaysa gave Oot a secretive smile then strolled past her towards Merrick. "Let's go home, my love."

Merrick turned toward the door and held an arm out for Kaysa. "I just hope they had a chance to clean up any messes before they left," he said. "If they didn't, I'm going to have to blister some bottoms when they're home safe and sound."

Kaysa's lips trembled with the first sign of tears since Zale had informed them of Shiv and Keeve's disappearance. She pushed them away, though, and smiled at Merrick. She would save the tears for when Shiv and Keeve returned to her, for when they were safely in her arms again. When that happened, her tears would be an expression only of joy and her love for them, and not of the pain and fear she now felt. Perhaps she would cry for Dargus too when he was dead. Kaysa chuckled lowly and shook her head. "Not a chance in all hells."

---

"Dark Turn"
by Liam Zaneth
and Laedra Vorrel

with Koran Darr
and Kael Selrid

Location: Jedi Temple; Spaceport, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 23, 4ABY

***

It was like flying. Wind whipped by over the long, flower-filled meadow. It was as perfect as an event could be. Completely perfect in every way he could imagine.

They were there, laughing together. He could feel the happiness. Pure and complete, as complete as her love for him. He didn't mind that she loved another. He loved another as well, but she would never understand. But, he could never stop loving her. They would make it work. Their love for each other was too complete.

The children were there. Small, helpless, yet so full of life. They were like beacons of the happiness radiating from the two women. With a smile, he noted that there were now more babies. Each bore distinctive qualities of their mothers, yet they all had the same blue of his own eyes. It brought a smile to his face. Such joy there was with them, and he was so far from it. But, at least he could see.

He could feel his smile begin to melt as the sky darkened and the flowers in the meadow blackened and crumbled to dust. A fire sprang up all around the meadow. He could see leering faces in the flames as they advanced toward the small clearing with the two women and their children. He wanted to cry out, to warn them, but his voice was gone. He reached inward to find the power that would allow him to say something, to warn them.

The fire moved faster, raging higher with each meter it swallowed. He screamed in his own mind, panic gripping at his chest. Fire ringed the edges of the blanket they lay upon, still laughing. He could barely see them through smoke and flames now.

Then they looked up. All eyes focused on a single face in the flame, a familiar face. They screamed, and the fire consumed them, burning all to ash in an instant. Like a giant, raging beast, all the fire melded into two forms. One of them a human shape and the other that of a giant bird of prey, a kestrel. The human-shaped flames shot out a hand to grasp the neck of the kestrel, and in a heartbeat the flames of the kestrel vanished. The Destroyer laughed. It turned to stare at him, a single face in the flames now. Its eyes burned with demonic fury as it bellowed a challenge.

He readied himself, but was not fast enough as the Destroyer sent a lance of black fire burning through his chest, disintegrating his heart, as it exploded outward into millions of shards of flame, shattering him mind, body and sprit.

***

The cry pierced the silence of the night. It was a prolonged sound that was torn from the ragged, raw throat that made it. Yelara!

Liam Zaneth nearly launched himself out of the bed as he bolted upright. A cold sweat covered him as he sat sucking in long breaths of cool air. He was shaking and tears stung at his eyes. What the hell had--?

The dream.

He didn't need to meditate on its meaning to know it for what it meant. It was a vision, and it was one that would come to pass. Liam had been granted few visions through the Force, but never had they failed to come to be true. He was still trying to fill his lungs when the gentle hand on his shoulder made him jump. "Oh gods," he whimpered.

"Liam..." Laedra was still settling her heart after sleep had been ripped from her like the cry from Liam's throat. She sat up beside him and stroked his cheek soothingly. "It's okay. You were dreaming, my love."

"Yelara." Liam turned to look at Laedra, his eyes wide with fear and worry. "Laedra...he's got her. Dargus Kandran has Yelara."

"What? Liam, how do you know?" Laedra shook her head slowly. "They're on Corellia. They're safe. They're safe, Liam."

"A vision," Liam whispered. "I had a vision...in my dreams." He shook his head and swore. "I have to go. I have to make sure. I can't get a message off the planet; the Imperials are blocking everything outgoing. I have to go, Laedra." He searched her eyes. "Come with me, please. I have to make sure."

"Liam...we can't go. Not now, not while the Imperials are moving in on Thanatos." Laedra couldn't continue staring into Liam's sorrowful eyes without losing her resolve. "We can't."

"I can't leave my wife in the hands of a psychopath like Kandran," Liam said. "He'll--" The thoughts of what Dargus would do to Yelara was almost too much for him. His jaw tightened as he fought to keep control of his emotions. "He'll rape her until he breaks her down enough that she no longer fights him. He'll use her to get to me." His hands had tightened into fists but he coaxed himself to open them and rest them on the bed. "He has my son. My child by Yelara...a child that he didn't give her. I have to go, Laedra. I have to save them. I won't be any use here knowing what's happened to them. I have to go."

Laedra nodded listlessly. If he left her to go to Yelara, and she was safe and happy, he might never return to her. If she joined him on the journey, at least she could be there to coax him back to her if necessary. "We'll speak with Koran Darr and ask for the Council's approval. But we can't leave without their permission." Laedra slipped out of bed and gathered her robes strewn about the room.

Liam slipped out of the bed as well. He came up behind Laedra and wrapped her into his arms. "Thank you," he whispered while kissing her neck. "I couldn't do this without you, not and remain sane. Not without losing myself to the dark side. Thank you, Laedra. I love you so much, and I would be lost without you."

Laedra closed her eyes and trembled not from the air's chill against her naked body, but because Liam's words, no matter how passionately or ardently spoken, were not enough to reassure her of his devotion. In the end, he would be forced to choose, and Laedra had little confidence that his heart would settle on her. "Get dressed," she said softly. "It's a long way to Corellia, so we should get moving."

Liam kissed Laedra's throat one more time, and then moved to quickly get himself dressed. Once he had his robes settled in place, he turned to find Laedra watching him. "We'll need to get a ship. We should be able to find a small transport."

Laedra nodded as she clipped her lightsaber to her belt. "We can have Kael accompany us to the spaceport so he can return to the Temple with the speeder." She pulled back her loose hair and tied it into a long, draping ponytail. "I think we can be in hyperspace by morning if we get moving."

"Let's go," Liam said as he clipped his lightsaber into place. "We should go rouse Master Koran, and then get Kael."

"Allow me to retrieve Master Darr. There is a small matter I wish to discuss with him in private."

"Very well," Liam said. "I'll meet you in the main training room then."

Laedra bowed her head and before leaving, she stepped forward and kissed Liam tenderly. "Everything will be fine, my love. And if it isn't, we'll make it fine."

"Thank you," Liam whispered. He held her gaze for a few seconds more, and then started down the corridor away from where Laedra would find Koran. He would stop by Kael's first, and then go on to the training room to wait for Laedra.

***

The knock Laedra made upon Koran's door echoed down the corridor and unnerved even her. She could only imagine what it did to those sleeping in the various rooms lining the hallway. As any obedient, devoted Padawan would do, she went first to her Master for advice and permission, even though she had already made the decision to go with Liam. She hadn't given much thought to what she would do if Koran rejected her request to join Liam, and she hoped she wouldn't find out now.

Koran's door opened and the Jedi Master looked out at Laedra. "Laedra? What is it?" He opened the door wider and beckoned her inside.

Laedra bowed her head and stepped into the room. "Master, I--" The words Laedra had intended to speak eluded her suddenly as her eyes flitted over Koran's tall frame. The sheet he wore around his waist presented no real concerns, for it was tightly closed and hid all that should have been concealed. His chest, however, was still bare, an irony that would have made her laugh if she hadn't been so flustered. It seemed to her that male Jedi had trouble keeping their shirts on.

She blushed profusely as she found herself staring at his chest, but she only did so to note how trim and finely sculpted his figure was for an older man. An apparently handsome older man. Laedra cleared her throat and quickly lowered her eyes to the floor. "Forgive me. I shouldn't-- I...I didn't mean to disturb you."

"It's alright, Laedra," Koran said. "Please, say what you came here to say. At this hour, I know you didn't knock on my door to make sure I was doing alright. Something concerns you. Please, come in and talk to me."

Laedra nodded quickly and made it entirely into the room without stumbling over her own feet or staring further at Koran's chest. She did, however, put as much distance between them as was possible without her having to shout across the room at him. "Um... Liam. He...he had a dream...a vision tonight." Laedra took in a deep breath and composed herself. "He fears that Dargus Kandran has found Yelara and now has her. He wishes to seek her out on Corellia to determine if this is so." She looked up into Koran's eyes. "I wish to go with him."

Koran nodded. He was silent for a few minutes before he looked up at her. "Very well," he said. "I think of anyone here, you'll have the best chance of helping Liam keep his emotions under control if something has happened. Keep in contact with us and we'll keep you apprised of the situation here. May the Force be with both of you, Laedra."

"Thank you, Master," Laedra said, somewhat surprised. "However, if you wish me to stay, I will out of duty to you. I do want to support Liam in this endeavour, but I am bound to you first as Padawan."

"I will be here when you return," Koran said. "And, this can be a sort of test to your skills. If you wish to accompany Liam to Corellia, then I have no problems with it. I will want a report when you return...leaving out yours and Liam's sordid personal details of course."

If it were possible for Laedra's face to grow any more flushed, it did. "Yes, of course, Master. Liam and I will attempt to practice the utmost professionalism during the journey." She bowed again to Koran. "I thank you for allowing me to go, Master. This is very important to Liam, and therefore very important to me."

"I understand," Koran said as he stood. "Keep me informed. If Yelara is still on Corellia, you and Liam must do everything you can to convince her to return to Tae'Karada...whether she wants to or not. We can protect her here, and we don't want Dargus Kandran using her against us."

"I believe my presence there might just provoke her into doing that. I doubt it would go down well with her knowing her husband will be returning to Tae'Karada alone on a ship with me." Laedra laughed softly and crossed the room towards the door. "Once again, I am sorry for disturbing you, Master. I trust we have the permission of the Council to leave?"

"Go," Koran said. "I'll make sure you have the Council's permission." He followed her to the door, keeping the sheet covering his body firmly in place with one hand as he put the other on her shoulder. "Remember that you're a good Jedi, Laedra. You just need the confidence in yourself to really break free of what holds you back. I have every faith in your ability to pull this mission off successfully."

It was difficult finding inspiration in Koran's words when her eyes felt compelled to stare at his chest, but she thanked him at any rate with a nod and a smile. "I will return soon, Master. Goodnight, and I hope you find sleep easily, especially after my intrusion."

Koran laughed softly. "Oh, I think as soon as I've had a little time to meditate and focus my mind again, I should have no problem sleeping. I will see you soon, Laedra. The Force is with you, and I know you'll return safely." He tightened the hold he had on the sheet wrapped around his body...just in case.

"Thank you again, and I will send Liam your regards as well." Laedra turned away and started out the door. "Oh, and Master?" She glanced over her shoulder at him, smiling mischievously. "You look good in just a sheet." Before he could notice the blush suffusing her cheeks, Laedra looked ahead and fled down the corridor.

"I bet you would too," Koran said with a soft laugh before he closed his door.

***

Liam was meditating when Laedra entered the training room. He opened his eyes as she neared him and was standing by the time she reached him. "From the look on your face, I would surmise that we have permission to go."

Laedra nodded briskly. "Koran Darr said he would speak to the Council and inform them of our departure."

"Kael was getting dressed when I left him. He'll meet us out front at the speeder. Is there anything else around here we need to bring with us? Whatever ship we end up on will have provisions. Should we bring some spare clothes?"

"I only own one pair of robes, Liam," Laedra replied. "But if you wish to retrieve some clothing, you may. I'll simply wait for you at the speeder."

"I don't need anything extra," he said. "We can just go. We'll need to find a ship when we get down there. Hopefully it won't be too difficult."

"The Force is with us, Liam," Laedra reminded him sagely. "We'll find a ship and we will find Yelara safely on Corellia. Now come. It's getting late."

With that, they started toward the front doors of the Temple.

***

Finding a ship had been more difficult than Liam thought it would be, but they'd gotten a better price than he'd anticipated. The ship they ended up with was an older Corellian ship. It was half the size of the Kestrel, but boasted nearly double the speed. The living area was spacious, but the cargo hold was tiny.

Liam paid the vendor, and all the papers were quickly signed. Kael waited patiently through it all, not wanting to leave until he was certain Liam and Laedra wouldn't need a ride back to the Temple.

"We're set," Liam said. "Everything's in order, and the ship checks out. Thank you for staying, Kael."

Kael nodded. "Of course," he said. "It was easier to stay here than to go and have to come back if something went wrong."

"Good thinking." He turned to Laedra. "Ready?"

"Of course." Laedra smiled at Kael and gave him the standard bow. "We shall return soon, Kael. Thank you for transporting us here."

Kael grinned. "Anytime," he said. "I'll see you when you get back. May the Force be with you." He gave them both a bow, and then turned back toward the speeder.

"Come on, my love," Liam said once Kael was out of earshot. "We've got quite a trip ahead of us."

"I never imagined we'd get a vacation alone together," Laedra commented. "But considering the situation, I'm not so certain I'm looking forward to this."

Liam smiled. "Let's make the trip there a vacation," he said. "Because I really don't think I want to think too hard about what could be happening. I'd rather concentrate on my time with you."

"I hope I can provide an adequate distraction."

Liam gave her an enigmatic smile. "Oh, I know you can," he said. "You can be very distracting when you want to be. In a good way."

Laedra laughed softly and shook her head. "As can Master Darr."

Liam raised an eyebrow as they started slowly toward the ship. "Really?"

"I'll tell you tonight in bed, when I can reassure you that my heart is completely yours."

"Oh, I'm quite assured of it," Liam said with a laugh. "You and Koran...you haven't...done anything...right?"

Laedra glanced sideways at Liam as her lips curved into a mischievous smile. Without a reply, Laedra moved ahead of Liam and sped up towards the ramp.

"Hey," Liam called as he rushed after her. He couldn't help laughing. "Hey, get back here and answer my question. If I'm going to have to share you with a Jedi Master, I at least want to know about it."

Laedra giggled and hastened her flight up the ramp and into the ship, providing no reply to Liam's demands. She was certain now that she would refuse to give up this man if it came to it, even if she had to hand Yelara Zaneth over to Dargus Kandran herself.

Once they were both inside, Liam closed the outer hatch and then went in search of Laedra. "Where'd you go?" he called out as he was drawn to her Force presence. "You're going to torment me with this aren't you? Tease me and torment me with your thoughts of your hunky master."

Laedra moved soundlessly about the ship, shedding her clothing as she went and leaving a trail for Liam. She had four days to bewitch Liam, to make him realize he loved her more than he could ever love Yelara. She had scant little time to secure him for herself, and she would call upon all her female wiles and sexual prowess to accomplish it...beginning now.

Liam followed her through the ship, noting each article of clothing as he went. With a lazy smile, he slipped off his robe and deposited it on the floor next to Laedra's tunic. Eventually she would run out of clothing, but he was certain she would give him a trail to follow. He couldn't wait to get the ship into space so they could enjoy their vacation.

"Well, Mr. Zaneth..." As he turned around toward the voice behind him, Laedra's white tank top draped itself over his head, covering his eyes. With a giggle, Laedra scampered past Liam before he could tear the fabric from his face, leaving behind as a trail, this time, the sound of her bare feet slapping against the deck plating.

With a wild laugh, Liam leapt after her, tracking by the sound of her feet. He couldn't imagine a better way to keep his mind from Yelara and her plight. Perhaps with Laedra's help he'd manage to reach Corellia while he was still sane. He turned another corner and Laedra was there, the seductive pose she'd taken almost comical in the given circumstances. He slowed his pace and approached with a wide grin turning up his lips. "I think I may have you now."

Laedra grinned slowly, then thrust out her arms and pulled Liam towards her. "No," she said silkily, "I think I have you." Then, she kissed him deeply and passionately, reminding herself that this event was definitely one to be omitted from their report to Koran.

When the kiss finally broke, Liam smiled. "Yes, you definitely have me," he said. "Want to help me get this thing up, and then we can go see if the private cabin is suitable to our needs?"

"The cabin?" Laedra caressed Liam's chest lightly and looked up at him from beneath long lashes. "We have a whole ship at our disposal, my love. Why go all the way to the cabin?"

Liam grinned and kissed her again. "Then let's get this crate on its way, and we'll see how sturdy the chairs in the cockpit are."

Laedra wrapped her arms around Liam's waist and walked leisurely beside him to the cockpit. The longer it took them to leave Tae'Karada, the longer it took to reach Corellia. With the possibility of Yelara still being there, Laedra of course wasn't too excited to get there. Liam appeared to have forgotten about his wife for now, but Laedra held no illusions that Yelara wasn't on his mind. "Liam...I love you. I just thought you should hear that again."

Liam smiled. "Each time you say it, I fall just a little more in love with you," he said. "And, I love you too. And, even though I'm worried about Yelara and Leshie, I'm happy that we have this time together. I don't know what Corellia will bring, but I want you to know that whatever happens, my love for you will not diminish and I will not give you up for anything."

"And I wouldn't let you go even if you did," Laedra replied, her words absolutely sincere and said with a solemn expression.

"That makes two of us," Liam said. "Have I mentioned that you're amazingly beautiful when you're naked?" They slipped into the cockpit and Liam slid behind the pilot's station. "Wanna help me get us up?"

Laedra laughed salaciously and reached over from where she sat in the co-pilot's seat to massage Liam's groin. "I think I can manage that."

"Oh, you definitely can," Liam murmured as he begin firing up the ship's systems. "We'll be up in no time at all." Once the systems check showed everything was green, he brought the repulsors online and they blasted skyward.

Laedra ceased her deliberate caresses for the time being and looked through the viewport with mild concern. "We won't have trouble with the Imperials, will we?"

"We shouldn't have any," he said. "I filed a flight plan with the dockmaster before we left, so we should have all the clearances we need to get out of here. If we do have any troubles, then we'll get to see just what this little girl has in her."

Once they were in space, it was obvious the Empire was on high alert. Two wings of TIE fighters buzzed past them as they worked their way from the planet.

Liam glanced at Laedra and grinned. "If they're checking us out, I'm sure they'll let us go with you sitting naked in the cockpit. That also explains why the fighters are flying so close." He looked at her again and shook his head. "Oh gods you're beautiful Laedra."

"Only for you, Liam," she said warmly. "Always for you, my love."

Word came through from the lead Imperial ship that they were free to proceed. Liam pushed the ship to the edge of the system and activated the hyperdrive. Once they were secure, he swiveled his chair to face her. "Now, get yourself over here so we can see how sturdy this chair is."

---

"Growing Pains, Part 1"
by Keeve Zenarr
and Dargus Kandran

Location: Dargus' cruiser, en route to Corellia
Date: Niothe 23, 4ABY

***

Keeve grumbled and flashed his eyes towards the chrono on the wall. He didn't understand why his friend needed to spend so much time with his Aunties. It was frustrating and made him immensely restive, but Dargus - which, he had discovered soon after their arrival, was Cadrel's real name - demanded his time with the women. But in return, Keeve would receive the one thing he had craved since his lips first touched Shiv's. To be an adult and capable of fully being with Shiv the way he was meant to be lessened the intensity of his irritation. Dargus could have Shiv and Lerrah too, but once he was big and strong, he would have a say in the matter.

Keeve rolled off of the lush bed provided him and marched straight out of his room. The door to Dargus' office was closed, but that didn't deter Keeve from opening it and entering. Dargus was sitting in his large chair and volubly discussing another plot with a holographically projected, gangly alien suspended above his desktop. Keeve sighed efficaciously and slumped into a chair opposite Dargus' desk. "Daddy? Daddy, we need to speak." Dargus brushed him off with a languid wave of his hand. Keeve harrumphed. "Daddy! Hello?!"

Dargus flicked his eyes to Keeve, and then gave the holographic figure a smile. "Dr. Tia, I must go now," he said. "Have everything made ready for tonight. Six hours, correct?"

The being nodded. "Yes," he said, his voice almost feminine in tone and quality. "Six hours will be enough for both procedures."

Dargus closed down the comm and turned to face Keeve. "Yes, Keeve," he said. "I was discussing tonight with the doctor who will be overseeing your growth. Now, what is it you wish to speak to me about?"

"Well...that." Keeve shifted in his chair. "You see, I want to grow up now. I watch Shiv with you, and I want to do what you do to her. I have to be big like you to do it. So, I want to be big."

"And, you will, but tonight," Dargus said. "We can't rush the good doctor, Keeve. If we rush him, he could reverse your aging and make you younger. Or he could make you too old. Or the memories we implant won't be right. You don't want to come out wrong, do you?"

Keeve shook his head briskly. "I want to come out just like you, Daddy, but I want to look like me. I have to be perfect or Auntie Shiv won't like me."

"I know you do," Dargus said with a smile. "I have some ideas that will help you be as perfect as any single being can be. You will be handsome, and skilled. Would you like to be able to fly your own ship, my son? I've already taken the liberty of making you a skilled lover. I think Shiv will really like that. Can you think of anything you'd like to do that I haven't thought of yet?"

"Hmm..." Keeve kicked his dangling legs idly as he gazed up at the ceiling for some sort of inspiration. "I want...to be able to beat up people I don't like. And I want to be smart...a little. But big and strong I have to be."

"Big, strong, and smart," Dargus said with a nod. "You'll be all three. Sia compiled a composite of what you'll look like after the procedure. Would you like to see?"

"Uh huh!" Keeve hopped out of his chair and scampered towards Dargus. With a giggle, he climbed onto Dargus' lap and bounced excitedly. "Show me. Show me, Daddy!"

Dargus reached up and pressed a button on his desk. In the spot where the Kaminoan doctor's hologram had been now was an attractive young man in his early twenties. He had shorter brown hair and a well-muscled, toned body. "That's going to be you," he said.

One side of Keeve's mouth lifted into a mild sneer and his eyes squinted at the projection as he examined it. "That's me? I look like that? Am I handsome, Daddy?"

"If I didn't look like me, I think I'd rather look like that," Dargus said with a wide smile. "And, I don't think that Shiv or Lerrah would be able to resist looks like those. If you want, we can genetically enhance certain assets...for their pleasure."

"Whatever you think is best, Daddy." He tilted his head from side to side, looking upon his future self from different angles. Finally, he nodded his tacit approval. "And I'll be like that forever, right? I won't get young again?"

"The procedure can't be reversed," Dargus said. "So, once we do this, that'll be you forever. You will age normally, but you'll be able to do grown-up things."

"That's what I want," he said quickly and assertively. "I want to be big forever. Then I can marry Auntie Shiv. We will do this, Daddy. We must!"

Dargus smiled and clapped a hand onto Keeve's shoulder. "We definitely will," he said. "By tomorrow morning, no one will ever mistaken you for a child again. And, then you can test to see how well your new charms work on Shiv."

"Daddy?" Keeve asked inquisitively. "Do you think Auntie Shiv still loves me? I was mean to her and I hurt her... She still loves me, right?"

"I'm sure she does," Dargus said. "Though, while she's under the effect of the drug, I don't think she knows much of anything other than to obey you. But, I think it's part of her nature to love, and she would certainly love you."

"Good. I don't want to beat her again and when I'm big and strong, I might hurt her worse if I do." Keeve studied the strong features and contoured body of his future self and smiled. Soon, very soon his desires would be fulfilled, and all thanks to his new Daddy. "Come on," he said as he slid off Dargus' lap. "Let's go play with the girls now."

"A wonderful idea," Dargus said with a smile as he rose from his chair. "I imagine we will have to do this now, because once you are big, I don't know if we will be able to share the women in the same bed."

"Why not, Daddy?" Keeve asked. "Daddy, I don't mind sharing sometimes. I want to share with you!"

Dargus smiled, and then placed a hand on Keeve's shoulder. "Then that's what we'll do. We will share, and together we will share the whole planet of Tae'Karada. I think you are really going to enjoy being big. And, I think you will love the things you can do with Maeren when you're big."

"Then teach me now, Daddy." Keeve gazed up at Dargus with determination and a fierce passion unusual for a mere child. "Teach me to be a man."

"I'll show you how to do it with Maeren," Dargus said. "And, then tomorrow you can show me how much you've learned."

Gallantly walking alongside his appointed father, trying to match his long strides, Keeve set out to absorb all Dargus would now teach him, for tomorrow, he would be a man and whereas he had been lacking as a child, as an adult he wanted to be certain he possessed all the qualities and knowledge that would make him wholly a man worthy of being Shiv's husband. It was all for her, all of it. Tomorrow morning, he would discover how much she truly appreciated it.

***

"Now," Dargus said, "climb on up on this bed. The doctor can start the procedure as soon as you're up here. You haven't eaten anything since lunch have you?"

Keeve shook his head, agitating his unruly brown hair. He clambered onto the bed and reclined back as instructed. He wasn't going to risk upsetting his chances of having his dream made reality by doing anything insolent or disobedient. "Daddy...will it hurt?"

"It shouldn't," Dargus said. "You'll be asleep for the procedure. I don't think your mind would be able to adapt to the rapid changes in your body if you were awake. But, when you wake up, you'll fill this bed." He brushed some hair from Keeve's forehead and smiled. "You are the son I should have had, but you are my boy now."

"And you'll be my daddy from now on." Keeve gave a toothy smile to Dargus. "I'm ready, Daddy. Make me a man."

Dargus took Keeve's hand and gave it a squeeze. "Maeren will do that in the morning," he said. "But now, I will make you grown-up."

Keeve's giggle was muffled by the clear chamber that descended upon him. It snicked into place and formed a tight seal with the outer edges of the gurney the small boy lay upon. A tube connected to the top of the transparisteel encasement fed a white gas into the chamber and soon, Keeve was deeply unconscious. He fell asleep a boy, but when he awoke, he would be a man.

***

Dargus stood watch over the chamber that held Keeve, not moving even in the slightest. He could see little through the cloudy haze, but he could sense something. He glanced at the Kaminoan doctor, working diligently. "How much longer?" he finally asked.

"The process is complete."

A smile twisted his lips and Dargus stepped forward. "All of it?"

"Yes," Tia said. "And, all the information I'm receiving says it worked perfectly."

"Can you revive him?"

"Of course."

There was a rush of air as the chamber was cleared of the gas that had occupied it for the last six hours. Dargus held his breath as he stared at the form lying inside. Clothing had been torn to shreds with the growth process, but the young man within was striking, handsome. Enough to drive me insane with jealousy, Dargus thought with a wry smile. The chamber was lifted from the bed, and a jolt was sent into Keeve's body to wake him.

"Wake up, Keeve," Dargus whispered. "Wake up, my son."

A distant moan was the first sound Keeve became cognizant of, but it was a voice not his own even though his parched throat ached with the effort required to produce the vocalization. It was a deep voice, rich and full in timbre and definitely unlike his own, yet he was aware that it belonged to him.

Consciousness swept over him as quickly as the cold breeze that suddenly enwrapped his listless body. His muscles were tight and his limbs immobile, but as he clenched and unclenched his hands he felt already the strength that lay dormant in the sinewy frame that was now his. His eyelids fluttered open, then slitted once the glaring light fell upon them. Where was he again? And why did Auntie Shiv let him sleep in so long? He blinked away the fog and surveyed the room. It definitely wasn't the opulent bedroom he remembered, and what was that etheric odour?

Keeve groaned as his mind told his body he'd like to sit up, but it refused to cooperate and left him lying helplessly upon the bed. "Wha--" He looked around again and this time, his gazed fixed upon a dark, looming figure by his bedside. The black eyes came into focus first and haggardly, Keeve smiled. "Father."

Dargus smiled at the boy, now a young man. Pride swelled within him and he gave a nod of acknowledgement. "Yes," he said. "How does it feel to be all grown up?"

Keeve balled up his hands again and flexed the muscles in his forearms. His lips curled sharply at the power he felt within those hands. "Wonderful." He struggled to sit up again, and this time managed to get upright. His eyes fell upon his toned, lean body, then focused intently upon the limp organ resting between his legs, partially obstructed by the shredded clothing. "Perfect, actually. Your man does good work, Father."

"He does," Dargus said with a smile. "I will have to make certain he gets a raise for his remarkable work. You may be a little weakened for now, but as you move around it should pass. We made certain your muscles were stimulated during the process so there would be no atrophying. Can you stand?"

"I can." Keeve swung his long, sturdy legs over the side of the procedure table and grinned at Dargus. His bare feet flattened upon the cold floor of the laboratory and Keeve stood for the first time upon his adult limbs. He wavered at first, but clamped down a powerful hand upon Dargus' shoulder and found his balance. Eye to eye he stood before Dargus and saw in the dark spheres his reflection. It was like looking into a mirror that projected back an image of the future, and the future certainly pleased Keeve. "I don't look like Kaysa. In fact, I think I resemble you, Father."

Dargus smiled, and decided to go along with the fiction. He looked so very much like Kaysa that it was almost eerie, but if the illusion of his paternity helped Keeve, then he would do so. "You do indeed," he said. "I always knew my son would be a handsome, strapping man, and you don't disappoint. And, I'm quite certain that Maeren won't be disappointed either."

Keeve's eyes lit up expectantly and even at the thought of Auntie Shiv, he sensed the limp organ dangling between his legs begin to stir. "I want to see her. I want her alone with me, Father."

Dargus glanced down at the not-quite-as-limp-as-it-was-a-moment-ago organ and raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps we should get you a robe before you go wandering through the ship," he said. "I wouldn't want all the women around here following you around like nerfs in heat. And, I don't want you all worn out before you see Shiv."

"Believe me, Father," Keeve assured him, grinning rakishly, "I can restrain myself. It's Shiv I want...for now. The others can wait."

A smile spread across Dargus' lips and he clapped Keeve on the shoulder. "Very well then," he said. "Let's go pay Shiv a visit." He glanced down at Keeve's groin, and then back up to his eyes. "I'm sure she'll be happy to see you."

---

"Growing Pains, Part 2"
by Keeve Zenarr
Dargus Kandran
and Maeren Shivral

Location: Dargus' cruiser, en route to Corellia
Date: Niothe 23, 4ABY

***

Keeve watched himself on the gleaming durasteel walls as he moved through the corridors. He was a finely molded, lissom creature and he knew aesthetically that he was handsome. His lips peeled back into a smile to allow him an inspection of his teeth. All were there, even the incisor he'd been missing for months, and not one was bent askew or anything less than a pristine white colour.

The muscles in his arms and legs tightened and swelled beneath his golden, resilient flesh which was free of any distinguishing marks. He was unmarred and absolutely perfect; he thought his body akin to what a god would look like if it appeared in human form. He hoped Shiv appreciated it as much as he did.

After a sufficient examination of himself, Keeve closed up the robe Dargus had given him. "The hair's a little short," he commented as his fingers raked through the mop of brown atop his head. "It'll grow, though." He chuckled lowly at his unintended pun.

"Oh, I'm certain it will," Dargus said with a laugh. "You have all the time you need to decide how you want to grow it. I imagine you'll be able to do all the experimenting you want until you find the perfect style. I had the doctor make a few modifications you'll be happy with. You're as near to perfection as a human can possibly be."

"I hear my mother is a psychotic bitch." Keeve glanced sidelong at Dargus. "Insanity is partially genetic, isn't it? I hope you fixed that, Father."

"All of your genetic flaws were repaired," Dargus said. "And, her insanity isn't a product of genetics, but from spending too much time in bed with Zale Tregat. However, if it was genetic, you no longer have to worry about it. You are as sane as I am."

Keeve gave a short laugh. "Comforting."

Zale and Kaysa and Merrick all seemed like distant strangers to him now, although they had been just that when they were still present in his life. He bore all his memories intact, yet there was knowledge there as well that he knew wasn't his own, yet he couldn't imagine himself without it. His child-like view of the world was gone and everything seemed so much more concrete and less fantastical than it had when he was still a young boy dreaming of flying and sweeping in to save the day, like any superhero would do. That boy was dead for always and had been replaced by a superior model, one who would make Shiv truly love him as he wanted.

"Take me to her now, Father. I can't wait any longer."

"This way," Dargus said, and lead the way down the corridor and into a turbolift. Keeve was getting stares from everyone as they passed, but his devotion to Shiv had him far too focused to notice.

Finally, a door opened and somewhere in his thoughts they had exited the turbolift and walked to this doorway, for inside, lying alone on the bed was Maeren Shivral.

Dargus looked at Keeve and smiled. "You won't have to wait at all," he said. "My gift to you, my son, the means to do as you've dreamed. And, now I place before you, the dreamland. Except, this is a dreamland that will never end."

Keeve nodded absently, all thoughts focused only on the lithe, delicate nymph sprawled atop red silk sheets that contrasted starkly with her creamy white flesh and golden hair. The stirring between his legs became a persistent throbbing as he watched her chest rise and fall gently while air passed through her parted, lusciously pink lips. "Leave me with her," he mumbled. "I need to be alone with her. I need her and she needs me now. Just...leave."

Dargus offered Keeve a quick bow, and then stepped away. "I'll leave you to your time here," he said. "Seek me out in my office when you wish to see me again. Enjoy yourself, Keeve. Make me proud." With that, he turned away and strode down the corridor.

Once Dargus was gone, Keeve found that he could not move forward. He was afraid even the slightest sound or movement would rouse Shiv and shatter the idyllic scene he now gazed upon raptly. But his desire to touch Shiv was more overpowering and silently, carefully, he went to her.

The injury to her nose had been healed and again she was perfection. Keeve reached out to her and almost apprehensively ran his fingers across the smooth flesh of her stomach. He grinned as she moaned quietly and knew it was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard.

Without disturbing the bed, Keeve sat down upon the mattress and moved his hand to one of Shiv's breasts. They seemed so much smaller now, cradled in his strong, large hands, but they were still flawless in his eyes. Her lips trembled with the touch and again she moaned. Keeve answered the call by brushing his lips against her ear and whispering her name. "I'm here now. Everything's complete, Maeren. You can wake up now because I'm here and I'm never going away."

Shiv's eyes slowly opened and she tried to shift away on the bed, trying to focus on where she was. She looked up into the face of the person there and realized, through the blur, that he was familiar yet unknown. There was a tightness around her eyes as she gazed, brought on by the headache pounding in her skull. It was starting to subside...slowly. "Where am I?" she whispered.

Keeve stroked her hair and nuzzled her ear with his lips. "It doesn't matter," he replied. "You're here with me. Nothing else matters, my love."

Shiv blinked as she felt her arm slip around his chest, welcoming his lips against her ear and throat. She tilted her head to look at him, and then blinked. She felt suddenly queasy and warm. She shook her head to clear the sudden fog. "Keeve?"

He smiled with satisfaction and pride in who he now was. "Yours, Maeren," he said softly. "That's who I am. Yours, always yours." His strong arms gathered up Shiv's fragile form and crushed her to his chest. He fed from her lips ravenously and with wild glee. She was his, finally all his, and now he had the means and equipment to love her entirely.

At first she tried pushing away from him as her mind reeled from what was going on. Was she dreaming? What was happening? Where were they? Memories of the last week flooded back to her in a rush, but suddenly she didn't care. She wrapped both arms around him and returned his kiss. She had no idea what happened, but his touch was amazing. She didn't want to ask about how he had gotten all grown up. Things like that happened in dreams.

"Maeren..." he whispered. "I knew you'd want this. I knew you'd want me." His lips pressed to hers in a bruising kiss as his hands caressed the smooth curves of her waist and breasts. He moved one hand to the belt of his robe and untied it with a firm pull. Shiv pushed open the silk garment for him and it was then that Keeve laughed almost wildly. It was just as he had imagined it. She wanted him as much as he desired her and it pleased him that he wouldn't have to force her. He wanted her to give herself freely and love him with a fierce passion, just as he did her.

"It's perfect now, Maeren. I knew we were meant to be together. I love you. I've always loved you. Now love me." Keeve lay Shiv back and pressed his body to hers. His mouth easily covered her breast and suckled the tender flesh there. One hand continued caressing her waist while his other dipped between her legs. "Love me," he pleaded quietly. "Say it. Say you love me, Auntie."

Shiv arched her back against his touch and cried out softly. "Oh gods, Keeve," she rasped. "I love you. If this is what you'll be like, then gods yes. You're beautiful and your touch is--" A pleasure-filled cry broke from her throat. "Oh, I don't want to wake up from this, from your touch. Oh gods I love you, Keeve!"

Fuelled by Shiv's professions, Keeve tangled his hands in her hair and kissed her roughly. Everything was in place now and precisely as he'd always imagined it would be. Shiv's cries were exquisite and the gentle tremors rippling through her body aroused Keeve only that much more. "You're awake, Shiv." He kissed her again. "This is real, all real. I'm here, always will be. You belong to me. We belong together." Keeve tightened his hold on Shiv's hair and pulled back her head. He nibbled on the flesh of her neck as his hand worked more deliberately between her legs.

"Yes," Shiv whispered while she writhed against him. There would be time to solve the mystery of his maturity later. For now, she couldn't turn from his touch, didn't want to despite what he'd put her through. There was no way she could even think about it with him touching her that way. With a moan only for him, she opened her legs wider to his touch. She welcomed him to her body.

"Auntie... Oh, Auntie. You don't know how long I've waited for this." Keeve's lips worked frantically over Shiv's chest and breasts while his fingers thrust skillfully inside of her. "You can be my wife, just as you always should've been. You'd like that, wouldn't you?"

Shiv cried out again. "Oh yes, Keeve," she said. "But...but...like this, I don't think...I don't think I should be Auntie anymore. Just Shiv...or Maeren. But...oh gods, Keeve..."

"Maeren..." he crooned. "To me, you'll be Maeren and only to me." He covered her mouth with his and muffled her prolonged moans with a kiss. His lips travelled along her cheek slowly and to her ear. Keeve chuckled deeply and abruptly plunged himself into Shiv. She arched off the bed so aggressively that Keeve was almost thrown off her, but there was nothing that could keep him from Shiv, not ever.

"You're mine," he whispered to her. "Remember that." He slipped his arm around Shiv's waist to steady her as he rocked his hips against hers. He imagined what it would be like to make love to Shiv, and now he was discovering the pure bliss of it firsthand. "Say it," he grunted, jerking himself into her again. "Tell me you're all mine, Maeren. Say it."

Shiv struggled to get her arms around him, her sharp cries punctuating their sexual romp. "Oh gods. Yes. Yes, I'm yours, Keeve. I'm all yours."

"Do you mean it, Maeren?" His powerful muscles strained with the force of his thrusts, but he wasn't going to tire out, not when his dream was in the midst of becoming fulfilled. "If you mean it, Maeren, then you'll do it." He groaned and paused to feast on Shiv's breasts again. "You'll do it," he rasped. "You'll marry me, Maeren. Say you will. Say it."

"Please, Keeve," Shiv begged. "Just make love to me. Make love to me, and we can talk about marriage later. Please?"

"No," he said through his teeth, the word punctuated with a sharp jerk of his hips. "Say yes. Say it, Maeren!"

Shiv cried out, but not in pleasure at his movement. "Please, Keeve. After. Please, after. Or stop and we'll talk. Please?" She felt the tears flowing back from her eyes and disappearing into her hair. "Please, Keeve..."

"Stop?" Keeve closed his hands around Shiv's slender arms and pressed her into the mattress. "Did you tell me to stop? Did you?!" he raged. His illusions of Shiv being the ideal, submissive woman he thought he'd made her were quickly vanishing. It was growing obvious he had not spent enough time disciplining her. And everything was going so well... "Maeren...say 'yes' or I won't be happy. Say it now before I have to do something you'll regret."

"Get the fuck off me, Keeve," Shiv growled. "If you want to talk, we'll talk. But, if we're going to have sex, we're not going to have a chat. One or the other. Please, Keeve. I don't want it to be like this. Please? It was nice before. Please..."

Keeve stared down at Shiv in an eerie silence. He'd stopped thrusting into her and barely breathed as his eyes bored into Shiv's. It was apparent now that she hadn't had hardly enough of Dargus' drug. Keeve, however, had other ways of encouraging obedience and respect.

His fingers dug into Shiv's arms and in one swift motion, he surged upright and held Shiv above the bed as if she were nothing but a stuffed toy. Her blonde hair fell into her face but her eyes were still free of obstruction, allowing him to gaze fiercely into them. "I'm not a child anymore, Shiv," he said in a quiet, threatening tone. "That broken nose was nothing compared to what I can do to you now. If you're not careful, I may just have to demonstrate for you."

"Rape me if you want, you disgusting bastard," Shiv rasped. "But, if this is how you're going to treat me, then fuck you. Beat me, rape me, do whatever the fuck you want to me. You'll never get my heart though. Go to all the hells."

With a primal, guttural cry, Keeve tossed Shiv onto the bed and threw himself at her. Before she could even think about scrambling away, he was on top of her again and pinning back her arms. "I would give you everything! You would be loved more than you've ever been before and this is how you act? What the fuck is wrong with you?!"

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" Shiv shouted back. "I'm not your fucking slave, Keeve. If you want to love me, love me. Don't turn me into your whore. And, don't turn me into your slave. And, don't expect me to be meek and mild for you to slap around whenever you get upset!"

"I don't want a slave! I want you, Maeren. Stop fighting me and you can have everything. Everything!"

"And, what if I don't want everything? What if I just want to be treated with respect? And, to love you without you throwing a tantrum when I ask you to stop or to put off talking about something until later? What about that? And, what if I don't want you hurting me or hitting me?"

Keeve lowered his face closer to Shiv's and smiled cruelly. "And what if I don't think Father's been giving you enough of the drug?" He laughed dryly and slid off the bed. "Maeren, you have no choice in the matter. You'll love me whether you want to or not. The drug will secure that for me, as well as remedy that defiance of yours." He bent over and swiped at his robe, then slung it over his shoulder. "I love you, Maeren and always will. You should worship me, and you will soon enough." With a twisted smile, Keeve turned and started towards the door. "It's all up to you, Maeren! You decide how it is to be."

"If you want a zombie, then that's what I'll be," Shiv said. "But, know that you're just getting a fuck toy, Keeve. You're not getting me. And, you sure as hell won't have my love. I hate you, Keeve Zenarr. I...I hate you with everything I am, and everything I will ever be." She sat up on the bed and glared at him, her body trembling as she did. "I hate you!" she screamed.

"No!" he roared. Keeve whirled around and stormed over to the bed. Once again he picked her up off the mattress, but instead of supporting her in the air by the arms, he hurled her against the nearest wall. Keeve was standing over her even before her body could crumple onto the ground and already had his hand wrapped around her throat. "Say it or die, Maeren. Tell me you love me or I will snap your neck!"

She couldn't breathe and pain flared through every part of her body. Her eyes smouldered with the hatred she felt, the hatred that seemed to grow by the minute as he abused her. "Go...to...hell..."

Keeve's hand convulsed and his fingers tightened their constricting grip on her neck. He knew he didn't have it within him to kill the woman he loved, but she didn't know that and it would have otherwise given him an advantage, but Shiv was no ordinary woman. She was strong-willed and untamed; threats and violence wouldn't work on her, but Keeve knew no other way to gain her love.

He emitted a loud, frustrated bellow and tore his hand away from her neck. His fists clenched at his sides, yet he wouldn't strike her, not at the risk of widening the rift between them. He'd been a man for less than an hour and already he was failing miserably at adulthood. He needed serious guidance from Dargus and quickly.

"You're lucky I love you so much, Maeren." He stepped back and glared down at her. "If I didn't love you, you'd be dead by now. Remember that."

From where she lay in a crumpled heap, massaging her throat, she glared up at him. "You should have thought of that before you started throwing me around. You should have thought about that before you started forcing me and pressuring me. You should have thought of all of this before, Keeve. How the fuck could I ever love someone who is sweet and gentle one minute, and a raging, psychotic maniac the second? Do you think I like being scared? If you want some submissive little bitch who'll do everything you say when you say it, you're going after the wrong girl. I'm me, and if you want something else...then you're not getting me. Drug me if you want, and I'll be your perfect sex slave. All you had to do was treat me nice, and I would have loved you. Somehow you're big and grown up, but you're still a ten year old spoiled brat who only cares about what he wants."

"You're right, Maeren," he said coldly. "I do only care about what I want, and what I want is you." He chuckled derisively as he began backing away towards the door. "And I will have you, Maeren. You'll realize sooner or later that you love me, and when you do, you'll be sorry for being so difficult. Remember that and maybe you'll think twice next time before you act so rashly." Keeve retrieved his robe again and pushed his arms through the sleeves, then left it hanging open. "You'll be in my bed tonight. I think you'll enjoy yourself immensely."

"Don't flatter yourself," Shiv said. "If you want to have sex with me from now on, you'll have to rape me. I hope that sits well in your conscience, being forced to rape the woman you say you love to get any sort of satisfaction. And, as you take me against my will, raping me because that's what you want and you just need somewhere convenient to stick your dick, listen to yourself as you tell me how much you love me, listen to how fucking hollow the words are, you pathetic bastard. However, if you'd like, I'll be more than happy to blow you, you cunt." She snapped her teeth at him, a perfect imitation of the gesture he'd made so often as a child.

Keeve stiffened with anger and was on the verge of storming towards Shiv and slamming her against the wall again, but he didn't want to damage her too extensively or he'd have to wait before he could have her again...if he even wanted to risk that with how passionately she wished to take a chunk out of his newly acquired endowment. He'd have Dargus drug her up sufficiently before she came to his bed, but it was Shiv he wanted, not some senseless, intoxicated drug addict. He was determined to find a way to make her love him, and she would soon enough. But certainly not now.

"I'll send someone in to clean you up," he muttered. Keeve stood in the open doorway and watched Shiv smiling while hatred clearly seeped from her brown doe eyes. She was a magnificent creature and even now, sensing how obviously she despised him, he found himself loving her more. "Goodbye, Maeren...for now." And then he was gone.

A pillow bounded off the door just as it closed. Shiv stared for several long seconds before the tears came. What had happened? Why had everything turned so bad? Why had her sweet little boy gone away? But, she'd lost him before he turned big...if she ever truly had him...

***

An enraged bellow preceded the crash of a glass vase striking the wall. Keeve avoided the jagged shards as he paced the room in a mad rush, still bare foot and wearing only the robe Dargus had lent him. Why had she rejected him so vehemently? She had surrendered herself to him, then she bared her teeth and struck viciously. "She hates me. She said it and she meant it. The drugs aren't working anymore. Fix it, Father! Fix it so she can see that she loves me!"

"You want me to give her more of the drug? I can give her the drug and make her docile and willing. But, not even I can make her love you. If I had the power to make women love me, I would be a very powerful man indeed. And, happy." The admission brought thoughts of Jae Dyn and Yelara to the forefront of his mind. Perhaps this time around he could make them love him. Perhaps he could make them more devoted. "I am a powerful man, Keeve, but there are some miracles I can't work."

"Well, then what can I do? Should I be kind to her? Should I let her visit with Lerrah? They seemed to be close to each other. If I do that, would it help make her love me?"

"Being kind with her would help," Dargus said. "The problem with someone as wilful as Shiv is that you have to change her or you have to change yourself if you want her to love you. There's no guarantee either way, and if you change her, there's the chance that she won't be the same person you love. However, perhaps some time with Lerrah will help her."

Keeve sighed and sank into a plush leather chair in the living area of Dargus' chambers. "It's what I'll have to do then, Father. I can keep drugging her, but once it wears off, she'll have the same unbridled spirit and we'll have the same problems." He lay his head back and closed his eyes. "Being a man is hard work. Why didn't you tell me this before I agreed to the procedure?"

"So, is it worse than being a kid?" Dargus shook his head and laughed. "If you want her to love you, you'll need to be someone she can love. You might be able to fool her for awhile by being the caring lover, the giving, compassionate man...but she's perceptive and would see through it if you weren't genuine. I don't know if even Lerrah could do your work for you on this one. Hate is a strong emotion, and it sounds like she feels very deeply in her hatred. But, we will do what we can."

"Yes, Father," he mumbled irritably. He pressed his fingers to his temples and began massaging. "What shall we do now? It would seem I still have a lot to learn about many things."

"It would seem," Dargus said. "You're a man now, Keeve. What would you like to do? I have plenty of other women. I have a full bar. You name it and I can have it for you."

Keeve grinned impishly and leaned forward in his seat. "I want to blow something up."

Dargus smiled. A boy after my own heart. "I have a blaster range, if you're interested. You can blow lots of things up in there. How does that sound?"

"Get me some real clothes and it might just be the thing I need to get Maeren off my mind."

Dargus pulled a small device out of his pocket and pointed it at the far wall. As he pressed a button on the device, the wall opened up to reveal a large closet. He glanced sidelong at Keeve. "Take your pick."

"My, my, Father. You certainly are keen about fashion, aren't you?" Keeve straightened up his long, firm body and strode casually towards the closet. "Black," he commented as he ran his hands along the outfits suspended by an invisible energy field. "Definitely black. I guess that was your doing. You had a say in what went into this head of mine, and since you seem to have a penchant for black..."

Keeve grinned and pulled the outfit free of the field. He dropped his robe to the ground and quickly suited up into the black leather pants and fitted black shirt he'd chosen. Now, he wanted to destroy something to relieve some of his pent up frustration. "I'm assuming I'll know how to use a blaster too. All in here," he said as he pointed a finger to his head, "isn't it?"

"All in there," Dargus said with a smile. "I can get you a list of everything if you'd like. That way it won't be a complete surprise that you know something. Now, come on. The range is this way." He started toward the door.

Keeve took a step forward, then stopped abruptly. "Father?" He looked down at this hands, stranger's hands that he controlled but felt no real attachment to, not yet, maybe not ever. But it was too late to turn back, even if he wanted to. However, after seeing the hatred in Shiv's eyes, the contempt and disgust, he was beginning to think he should give it some deep consideration. He closed his eyes tightly and forced away the doubt and anxiety. There was no place for it in his life, not if he wanted to remain sane and avoid becoming just like his mother.

He regarded Dargus again with a dashing, crooked grin, then started out of the room behind his new father, all but accepting his lot...for now.

---

"Shockwave"
By Zen Wayland - Smuggler/Mercenary
Syan Daywalker - Bounty Hunter

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Niothe 23, 4ABY

***

Zen Wayland had been hunted before. But never by Imperials. He had never done anything to grant him that much attention. Or rather, he had never done anything that they had found out about. That all changed after he decided to cut down a few of their stormtroopers. Now he was running. Ducking into each shadowed area, looking around every corner with a bounty hunter behind him, whose silence was more of a complaint than anything. He took a deep breath as they rounded another corner, the last of their trip. Or it was supposed to be anyways. The scene in front of Wayland's eyes was something he didn't expect and something that bothered him greatly. The door to Rijil's had been blasted in and he could already smell the burnt flesh emanating from the brothel.

"Shit," he cursed under his breath as he ran into the establishment, Syan close behind him. The place was in shambles, only hints of what it once was remained. He heard the click/whine of a heavy repeater from the bar. Rijil had the gun trained on them, his face looking angry and confused at the same time.

"Rij, it's Zen..." Wayland said, lifting his hands up, palms out. He took a step closer, watching the sweat drenched man for a reaction.

Rijil dropped the rifle. "Dammit, man. Where have you been?"

"Running. Probably from the same people who did this. Imps."

"Oh yeah. Two squads. Looking for you no less," the burly man said, jumping over the bar to join them. "They shot most of my girls, Zen."

"Yeah...I'm sorry. I didn't think..."

"Not your fault, man." Rijil shook his head. "Imps are fucking over the top all the time."

A sudden realization came over Zen as he walked over the knee high boot of one of the girls.

"What about Delana?"

"I'm sorry man...you'd be proud though. She bit the hell out of one of them before he killed her." The gruff man delivered the bad news with ease.

It still hit Zen like a hammer. It shouldn't have though. He shouldn't have let her get to him that much. He leaned against what was once the bar, taking a few deep breaths. He felt the supportive, yet meaty hand of Rijil on his shoulder. His old friend gave a him a squeeze and a pat.

"Zen!" A tall blonde woman, plasma rifle in hand came running from the back. She jumped into Zen, forcing him to embrace her just so he wouldn't fall down.

"Alira. I see you made it out of this mess relatively unscathed," Wayland said with a half smile. It would make sense that the Madame of such an establishment would walk out with her head held high and perfect ass untouched.

"Of course. I've been through much worse," she said with a wink. "Although, these were my best girls. I want some payback."

***

Syan Daywalker stood away from the pained revelry of old friends. He didn't really have any old friends, and he wasn't much for revelry.

Through the dark of busted light and singed-wood smoke, Syan's visors allowed him to see the depth of the destruction wrought on Rijil's establishment. The broken chairs and overturned tables might not have looked out of place in any bar on this station, but the Six-Diamond blast pattern was pure Imperial.

Glass crunched underfoot as Syan writhed his way through the shadows. While the bosom buddies chatted, he figured he could do something better with his time. He stopped by the bar and reached over, taking one of the few unshattered bottles from the mirrored shelf.

Byssan hooch. Vile going down, but pleasantly warm if it didn't cause your innards to ignite. Syan took a swallow of the hooch and tried not to gag.

"Careful with that. It's not good for humans," a voice said from behind him.

The bounty hunter swung his leg off the stool and turned, facing the Ferrerio, Karia. "You're not dead."

She smiled. "Not even a hello? Just 'you're not dead.' "

He shrugged.

***

Zen leaned gestured for Syan to come over and the unlikely group came together. Or maybe it wasn't so unlikely. A bounty hunter. A smuggler. A merc/pimp. A brothel Madame. A prostitute. Maybe they made the best group together.

"Alright, anyone attached to this place?" With the exception of Syan, everyone shook their heads. "Good. I have an idea. We're leaving. but we're leaving them a good-bye gift. Syan you mind a little company on the Aesir?"

Did he mind? "Yes" was such an easy word to say. One syllable. He could spit it at them in his death throes and still get his point across.

But the bounty hunter had a code of honor, in his own way. Sure, some might call it totally amoral homocidalism, but he didn't really see himself that way. He bore some responsibility for Rijil's place being shot up and his girls being killed. For now he owed a debt. Once that was paid, he could renegotiate them off his ship.

Fixing the blaster strapped to his thigh, Syan scowled. "Get them moving, Wayland. I don't want to get shot sitting on my ass."

"Such a nice bounty hunter," Zen replied, a hint of sarcasm in his voice, which matched the smirk on his face. He pulled the commlink from his belt and switched it on. "Salaab!"

"Cha?"

"Get the R2's and yourself onto the Aesir, and rig the Basilisk for self destruct. Fifteen minute silent countdown."

"Beechee Wawa! Ha lurdo?!"

"Just do it, fuzzball. We gotta fly!"

"Chak. Chak." Wayland switched the comm off, and turned to the rest of the group.

"Everyone ready?" They all nodded, even Syan, although his nod was definitely more tense. "Let's go."

As the group headed forward, Zen pulled back to where Syan took the rear. "We'll be off your ship soon."

Syan replied only with a snort.

He trailed the group, occasionally looking over his shoulder for pursuit as they made their way as non-chalantly toward the docking bays as possible. When they came to the edge of the bay, Rijil halted the troop. Assorted weapons and curves clogged the accessway and Syan shouldered through them. Karia looked up questioningly as he passed but he had no answer for her and said nothing.

Just inside the shadows, Syan looked out at the bay. The Imps were making a pretty poor showing of not conspicuously watching the bay. He looked back to see Zen slipping through the group to him. "We'll need to make this fast."

"Hold on. I'll distract them," Zen said, flicking his comm switch on. "Salaab. You still have the protocol droid you were working on?"

"Chak?"

"Activate it and send it to distract the Imps."

"Hehehe, oh chak. Rue boom boom?"

Zen looked back at the group. Rijil was smiling and enthusiastically nodding. He hadn't thought about making the droid blow up but Salaab was always thinking.

"Yeah, do it."

The group watched from the shadows as a rusty old C-180 unit waddled out of the Basilisk and headed towards the Imps. Zen could barely make out the mumbling of the droid, but it was working. When the droid started dancing the Imps got nervous. Real nervous. They must've been green because all of them started paying more attention to the damn droid than it was either ship in the bay. He watched as Salaab, followed by R2-451, made their way to the Aesir. They boarded and he saw a furry paw wave towards them.

"That's our cue," Wayland said.

"Oh this is gonna be funny," Alira's almost too angelic voice said from behind him. They started slowly at first, with a casual stride, but picked up when they heard a guard shout.

The other troopers were about to turn when the old C-180 droid exploded, taking two of the white armored men with him. They boarded the Aesir, and it was already floating on its repulsors by the time Zen followed Syan to the cockpit.

"Alright, Syan. Get us the hell out of here. We got one minute before the Basilisk blows a hole so big, this docking bay will be able to house a Nebulon frigate."

Aesir's protocol droid, AC-18, was in her usual place in the co-pilot seat, moving through the pre-launch sequence faster than any sentient could manage. Her head turned and faced him down with glowing blue eyes. "We're ready to depart, Master Syan."

"All power to the engines. Wayland, plot us a quick jump point out of here." Syan finally fell into his chair and strapped in, flicking switches off with two fingers to kill the ship's ID. "Hold on."

The Ansionian's techs had been busy. Power readings redlined without the barest shudder from Aesir. The ship's rotary thrust engines spun up, igniting in cobalt flame that shot the silver bullet out of the maw of Drogen Station. Syan rolled the ship to port just as he exited, skirting the docking clamps to hide his ship from the Imps and his ass from the blast that was coming. Aesir howled as she pulled up and out from under an ore hauler and into open space.

"Wayland..." he called quickly, hands resting on the hyperspace levers.

"Hold on," Zen said, his hand on the computer's manual navigation computer console. His eyes were trained on one of the small view screens above him. It was aimed aft. He saw a brilliant explosion, followed by what seemed to be an immense amount of confusion with the Imperial ships orbiting around the Shipyards. With a bittersweet smile, he tapped the console. "You're clear."

The ship star streaked into solid lines as the ship broke the light barrier, leaving behind a trail of dead men and a hell of a lot of confusion.

---

"Apologetic Return"
by Rilanna Kir
Shrezade Anoran
Cham [NPC]
Hajne Toray [NPC]

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Niothe 23, 4ABY

***

The bulkhead was cold against her bare back as Rilanna Kir leaned against it. Her eyes were squeezed closed tightly. She wasn't sure why except so that the tears she swore wouldn't fall couldn't. She'd lain awake most of the night in Dane's arms thinking about what she'd almost done. Not even the burn of scratches on her back and hips could pull her thoughts out of hyperspace.

Now she was in her own quarters. She felt Cham staring at her from across the room. It didn't seem to phase him that she was naked. It was probably because she had so little fur. She couldn't look into his eyes though. He didn't approve of her association with Major Weyland. The man didn't smell right, according to her Wookiee friend. He was also displeased that she hadn't spoken to Shrezade.

Finally, Rilanna opened her eyes and quickly wiped away a tear before it could fall. Cham, however, had seen it, and woofed a note of approval about the guilt she was feeling.

"Fine," Rilanna finally snarled. "I'll go talk to her. Okay?"

***

"Hajne."

The bumbling, bespectacled secretary flinched at the sudden intrusion of Reza's voice into her pleasant daydream and gazed up at her lithe employer standing in the doorway. "Yes, Mrs. Anoran?"

"Stop being an idiot. He's not coming back here for a long time and when he does, you're the last person he'll want to see."

Hajne's face scrunched up into a scowl, then she stubbornly crossed her arms over her chest and turned her head away from Reza. She only laughed. "Fine, Hajne. You may continue dreaming of Dargus Kandran. I'm going for a walk."

And that she did. Reza needed these walks, especially considering her thoughts had become particularly sombre and depressing lately. In fact, they had been ever since the last time she'd seen Rilanna. Why did she care whether the impetuous, foolish woman approved of how she lived her life? Rilanna Kir knew nothing of what she'd gone through, and it was obvious she had no respect or concern towards her whatsoever. That became apparent the other night when her office had filled with her laughter and that of who could only have been Major Dane Weyland. Reza seriously hoped Rilanna had enjoyed herself; she certainly sounded as if she was.

She hadn't deluded herself, luckily, into thinking Rilanna Kir had ever genuinely wished to befriend her. Friendship was a new concept and experience for Reza, although she knew now that she really hadn't experienced, not with Rilanna and never with anyone. Solitude was best for her. It was what she was used to and comfortable with. It was much safer at any rate.

As Rilanna Kir strode through the corridor she thanked whatever divine powers existed in the galaxy that her tears had seen fit to vanish. The last time she'd actually shed a tear over anything was when she was thirteen years old and Chibrim had died. Her parents thought it silly that a thirteen year old daughter of a syndicate ruler should be so fond of a chantri cat. But, when Chib died, she was distraught and nothing could break her out of it. She hadn't cried since the day she put him in the ground.

You're going weak, she scolded herself. Pull it together, Kir. You're head of security here. She was about to continue when her head suddenly cracked against another solid object. She wheeled away and steadied herself against a wall before looking around to find Shrezade Anoran holding her forehead much as she held her own.

"I should have been watching where I was going," Rilanna said despite the pain in her head. "I'm sorry." It was clear that she meant about more than nearly knocking Shrezade onto her back.

Reza rubbed her throbbing forehead and despite the blinding pain, she still managed a glower for Rilanna. "You should be." She stumbled forward and once she had passed Rilanna, she allowed herself a visible wince.

Rilanna turned after Shrezade. "I'm sorry, Shrezade," she said. "About everything. I shouldn't have said the things I did. I shouldn't have pushed you like that. I was wrong. And, I'm sorry."

Reza stopped, but kept her back to Rilanna. "I'm sure you are. That is what your little stunt the other night was all about, wasn't it? A very unconventional apology, Rilanna, but then again, you are an unconventional woman, aren't you?"

"It was wrong," Rilanna said, stepping after Shrezade. She lowered her voice so only Reza could hear. "We wanted to frustrate you. To get under your skin. But, I couldn't do that. I couldn't go through with it. I can't carry through the charade, not that far. With him I have to be indifferent or scornful of you. But...but I can't be. All I could think of was how much doing that would hurt you, after how much I'd already hurt you. I don't care if he finds me out after that. I can't do that to a friend."

A gentle stirring of her carefully guarded emotions disoriented Reza for a moment, but she quickly reined them in and literally shrugged off Rilanna's comment. "I'm not your friend, Rilanna. That was apparent the last time we spoke. I am not familiar with such relationships, but normally, isn't harsh criticism and expressions of disgust a little contradictory to actions friends engage in?"

"I was wrong to say those things," Rilanna said. "I hoped that my words might snap you away from feeling dejected and alone. I was hoping that I could jar you into believing there was still much to live for. I was wrong."

"You were." Reza finally turned around to face Rilanna, but with a severe expression meant to conceal the sudden melancholy she felt. "It isn't your duty to change me, Ms. Kir. I am who I am, and if that displeases you, then why did you even attempt to befriend me?"

"We're similar in many ways," Rilanna said. "And...and I just...I thought I could help you loosen the burden of your loss. I didn't think that you wouldn't wish to be unburdened. I'm sorry."

Reza nodded her head slowly. "Fine. I've received your apology," she said tightly. "Is there anything else you wish to discuss? If it's concerning your report, simply leave it with Hajne. I'll look over it when I have time."

Rilanna looked away for a moment, to compose her emotions. She hadn't thought it would be this difficult, this painful. How very arrogant, she told herself. You rip the woman's emotions to shreds, and you expect her to reclaim your friendship with open arms? She sighed and took a moment to steel herself. She turned her gaze back to Shrezade. "There wasn't anything else," she said. "I just wanted to apologize for my behaviour, that's all."

"Well, an apology really was unnecessary. I know I am not a very pleasant woman, and I most likely deserved your reproaches." Reza smiled wanly. "I don't know why you thought you could befriend me, Rilanna. I don't know why you wanted to. But it was a useless endeavour. I've yet to meet anyone who can tolerate me. You were no different. It's nothing to be sorry for. It just...is how things are."

"But it was different for a time," Rilanna said. "Down on the planet. The other meals. Planning against Weyland. It was different for us." She sighed and shook her head. "We were doing well until I ruined it." She quickly turned away and squeezed her eyes shut tight, cursing her weakness. She tried to do it surreptitiously, but there really aren't many ways to secretly wipe tears away while under the scrutiny of another.

Reza squinted at Rilanna, studying her demeanour and mannerisms. "What are you doing?" She took a step closer and continued to scrutinize Rilanna. "What's wrong with you? What are you doing, Ms. Kir?"

"Just something in my eye," came Ril's muffled reply. "I'll be okay in a moment."

Reza grimaced. "You're crying. Tell me why."

Rilanna quickly dropped her hands to her sides and looked up searching for a reason. "Because I thought we could have been friends. We were going to be friends. We were almost there, and I screwed it all up. Now, our working relationship is strained, and we can't even say anything civil to each other. I screwed everything up, and it's just frustrating. And, I'm weak. I'm weak to be emotional and unbalanced."

"I've never thought you weak, Rilanna Kir." Reza took a short step forward, but no more. She couldn't allow herself to get that close again, not as she had with Rilanna. "You don't need me as a friend, Rilanna. Stop dwelling on a loss that was hardly one at all. I'm a cruel woman, cold and unfeeling. Why in all hells would you ever want to be friends with someone like me?"

Rilanna turned to meet Shrezade's gaze. "Why wouldn't I? Just because you may think you're cold and unfeeling doesn't mean that you don't deserve friends. And, you're the closest I've ever come to having a friend. Except for Cham. But, why wouldn't I want to have you as a friend? Or...why wouldn't you want me as a friend?"

Reza stepped back, fearing she was getting too close. "Is that what all those tears are about? You feel rejected by me?" Chuckling dryly, Reza shook her head. "I enjoyed your company, Rilanna. That is as close to friendship as I am capable of. But you can't accept that. You can't accept who I am, Rilanna. That is where all the strife has come from. Yet still, you wish to be my friend?"

With a nod, Rilanna sighed. "Yes I do," she said. "And, I can accept who you are. I just...I thought you couldn't find what I thought you might want, and I tried to help. I'm sorry. I just...I wanted to see you closer to happy."

"Why? I can't have that, don't you see?" The softness in her own voice startled Reza. "Worry about your own happiness, Rilanna Kir. And I must admit, the other night you sounded quite happy."

"After what you've had to endure, you deserve happiness though," Rilanna said. "You deserve something other than the pain."

"Rilanna, I've brought all this on myself. It's no one's fault but my own. I am taking what life has dealt me and, as you said, I am enduring. Not everyone needs happiness. Not everyone can have it."

Ril shook her head. "You don't even want it? You don't want a friend? You don't want to even try?"

Reza sighed and positioned herself directly in front of Rilanna, staring directly into her eyes. "Rilanna, what do you want from me? Why is my happiness so important to you? You know I'm a horrible, miserable woman. Why should you care whether I'm content or not?"

"I don't know," Rilanna said with a shrug. "I guess I was just being stupid. I'll...I'll just leave you alone before I really screw something up. I'm sorry, Mrs. Anoran."

"Oh, stop being so childish, Ms. Kir," Reza chided. "If you wish to be acquainted with me again, we may try. But, if you pull anything like you did the last time, I'm afraid I will never again be able to give you another chance. You've had more than anyone else has ever gotten from me, Rilanna. That should tell you something."

Rilanna nodded. "Okay," she said. "Thank you for a second chance. Would...would you want to have dinner? In my quarters?"

Reza narrowed her eyes speculatively. "Will Major Weyland be there?"

"I wouldn't subject you to that," Rilanna said with a smirk. "I'm trying to be your friend, remember?"

"And I still can't understand why." Reza managed an almost congenial smile for Rilanna. "You're still so young, Rilanna, so idealistic. Not everything turns out for the best, so don't get your hopes up too high. We might just end up hating each other again; we might never truly be able to be friends. Don't set yourself up for disappointment is all I'm saying to you."

"Or we might become best friends," Rilanna said with a smile. "I'm just keeping my options open."

"Wide open," Reza added. "Well, I should continue with my walk, and perhaps find something to ease the throbbing in my head. You really should watch where you're going, Rilanna."

Rilanna gave Shrezade a sheepish smile. "I'm sorry about that," she said. "Can I buy you a drink? Something good from the nicer locations on the station?"

"That might do the trick." Reza nodded reluctantly and gestured for Rilanna to lead the way. "Frankly, I thought we were never going to speak again, Rilanna."

"I was afraid of that too," Rilanna said. "I didn't know if you'd ever want to talk to me again. Though, I guess you could blame Cham for me coming to you. You've never felt guilt until you've had it given by a Wookiee. He told me that if I didn't come and talk to you, he'd have to throw me over his shoulder and take me to you. He thinks being thrown over a Wookiee's shoulder is a good answer to pride."

Reza chuckled. "For a beast, he sounds pretty intelligent."

"You should hear his poetry," Rilanna said with a grin. "He may look beastly with all that hair, but he's not. He's smarter than most people I meet, and he's got one of the biggest hearts I've ever seen in another person."

"And his friendship doesn't suffice for you?"

Rilanna shook her head. "It's not like that. He's great. He's a wonderful friend. But, he's a male Wookiee. He's not my gender and not my species. There are levels upon which he and I just won't be able to connect. However, you are human and you are a woman. He and I are friends, and nothing can get in the way of that. But, there are just things I can talk to you about that I can't talk to him about."

"Rilanna, you have never confided in me, nor I in you." They turned a corner in the corridor and stepped onto the concourse section of the station. "You're looking for a confidante. Why would you even trust me to be that for you?"

Rilanna shrugged. "I don't know," she said. "Why does anyone want to be friends with another person? Cham will be my best friend and I'll confide in him. You won't have to worry about me getting too close."

"Now you're being childish again, Rilanna," Reza reproved gently. "Stop that. You wish to be my friend, I accept that. You merely can not become peevish because I don't accept your offering readily."

"It's not that you're not accepting it," Rilanna said. "It's that you're trying to push me away, question my reasoning, and make me feel like I'm out of my mind for even wanting something like that."

"Well," Reza said slowly, "you just might be. I don't know what you crave that would lead you to even offer friendship to me, but it must be something you desire very badly."

Rilanna sighed. "Forget I mentioned it," she said. "It's really not that important. I was mean and nasty the other night and I just want to make up for that."

"So, this is a pity friendship offering then?"

"It wasn't supposed to be," Rilanna said and shook her head. "I wanted to be your friend, but you don't want a friend. So...let's just forget about it. I don't want to make things worse than they are by pushing you again. Let's just go get that drink, and I'll go back on duty. And, before you say anything, I'm not getting alcohol."

"Well, I am. I do my job far better when I'm drunk. And, I might just become tolerable enough that you can bear to associate with me."

"I have no problems associating with you when you're sober," Rilanna said with a sidelong glance to Shrezade. "It's just you push harder when you're sober."

"So you prefer me drunk?" Reza chuckled lowly and lightly nudged Rilanna. "I think I like me drunk too. Much more fun when you're completely uninhibited due to alcohol consumption."

Rilanna laughed softly and shook her head. "I think the best drunk I've seen you was at the party," she said. "Whatever they put into that green punch was potent."

"I hardly tasted a thing," Reza lied. She stifled a sly grin and glanced sidelong at Rilanna. "Although I can't say that it wasn't a fortunate accident, stumbling upon that spiked punch."

"You sure were steady on your feet once we started running," Rilanna said. "And, the way you were throwing back glasses of that stuff, it's no wonder you couldn't taste it. The stuff hardly had a chance to introduce itself to your tongue."

"If you've been drinking as long and as much as I have, it would take a lot more than liquored punch to get to you too."

"Well, no liquored punch today," Rilanna said with a grin. "But, whatever you do want, it's on me. Even the expensive stuff."

"You've already apologized," Reza assured her. "There's no need to apologize further by purchasing drinks for me."

"Well, I've got a lot to apologize for," Rilanna said with a sigh. "Besides, I think you like the idea of the drink. And, what would you like for the dinner tonight? I'm not exactly your chef, but I can boil water." She grinned.

Reza raised an eyebrow at Rilanna. "You're cooking? I hadn't realized..." She smiled to conceal her apprehensions. "It should be...an interesting evening to say the least."

Rilanna laughed. "Don't worry," she said. "I wouldn't subject you to that. I'll have to make arrangements, but I won't force you to eat my cooking."

"No, that's quite alright, Rilanna. I want to try your cooking. And if all goes well, perhaps the next time we have dinner at my quarters, I can cook for you." She smiled nostalgically at the many occasions during which she prepared meals for herself and Vraner. He always did love her Rajit stew. No, Shrezade, don't let the despair consume you again. You can't afford it. "I really need that drink," she muttered.

"Come on," Rilanna said. "It's just up here."

Before Rilanna could take another step, the floor seemed to lurch out from under her. In face, the whole station seemed to be lurching out from under her. A deep rumble that seemed to shake the shipyards to the core shuddered through the floor and bulkheads. Before the tremors had ended, alarm klaxons began to blare.

"What in all hells are those idiots doing to my station?" Reza hissed. She released the half embrace she had been forced to give Rilanna to remain upright and cleared her throat uncomfortably. "I knew allowing those Imperials onto my station was a horrible idea."

"I don't know what's going on, but this will end now," Rilanna snarled through gritted teeth. She pulled out her comlink and snapped it on. "This is Kir. Status report."

"There's been an explosion, captain," the duty officer said, his voice relatively calm despite the emergency. "Class five. Casualty reports are coming in."

"Where?"

"Deck 325. Docking bay eight. Looks like a ship exploded in there."

"Damn," Rilanna rasped, and then turned to Shrezade who'd been able to hear the whole conversation.

"Find out the details. I want to know if there was foul play involved." Reza's eyes narrowed and her lips twisted into a bitter scowl. "With the scum roaming freely on this station, I have little doubt that explosion was more than an accident. I want this station locked down until you've gotten to the bottom of this incident, Ms. Kir. No one comes and no one goes until those responsible are identified."

"Consider it done," Rilanna said, her voice and features now devoid of emotion. It was time to be the security chief again. No more time for Rilanna Kir; that would have to wait for later. "I'll get you a preliminary report as soon as I have details."

Shrezade smoothed back blonde tendrils that had fallen loose of her bun, and in that moment, her nerves too resettled into place. "You have access to all the men and resources available on this station. They are at your disposal and I grant you authority to use them as you wish. If you find the Imperials on this station suspect, I want you to hold off questioning them directly. I will handle Major Weyland myself."

Rilanna gave a curt nod. "If you can talk to Major Weyland and let him know that the station is in charge of this incident and he and his people are to defer to us, we'll actually get something done. I don't want them going off and blowing up more than has already been blown up. I'll be down on 325. I'll give you an initial report as soon as I get there. We'll get whoever did this, Shrezade. And, I'll present you with their head."

"I would expect nothing less from you, Ms. Kir." Reza glanced around at the chaos afflicting the concourse level, with citizens either scrambling to find the safety of their quarters, or gathering to frantically discuss what could have happened. Mass confusion and fear abounded, and Reza anticipated a near riot would soon follow. "Get a squad to the more populated areas of the station. I want order maintained. If you need me, contact me at my office." Reza dropped her stern facade for a moment and smiled slightly at Rilanna. "I'll see you at dinner tonight." Then Shrezade Anoran turned and strode away, paying no heed to the restless crowds and thinking only of a way to punish Major Weyland for this, whether it was a result of his involvement or not.

Rilanna too spun on her heel and strode down the corridor, calling out orders into her comlink as she went. How had someone managed to blow up a ship in the docking bay? And, was it foul play as Shrezade suspected? And, as I'm finding myself suspecting, she thought to herself. She wasn't sure if the crisis would be resolved by the time she was supposed to have dinner ready for herself and Shrezade, but she wouldn't be missing that dinner. She wasn't going to let some terrorist come between herself and the friendship she hoped could be reforged. She'd work through the night if she had to, but she wouldn't be skipping out on the chance to regain Shrezade Anoran's trust. She needed her friend back.

---

"Convivial Conciliation"
By: Shrezade Anoran
Rilanna Kir

Location: Rilanna's Quarters - Drogen Shipyards
Date: Niothe 23, 4ABY

***

Her day would have been completely dismal had it not been for the appropriately timed arrival of the station's damage report. The explosion had caused a massive breach in Docking Bay Twelve, as well as major residual damage to the two adjacent docking bays. But the one, fortuitous result of the saboteur's wanton destruction of her station was that one of those hangar bays was the one under appropriation by the Imperials.

She laughed with satisfaction and amusement at poor Major Weyland's misfortune. Reza hoped there was much damage done to whatever it was the Imperial's were building behind those closed docking bay doors. It would have given her even greater joy if Major Weyland himself had been overseeing construction at the time of the explosion. She imagined his appearance would have improved considerably with a little fire to melt that smug grin from his face. Alas, luck had only favoured her enough to put a hamper on the Empire's project. Maybe now they would take the hint and finally leave.

Although news of Weyland's troubles were enough to put her in good spirits, she found that as she drew nearer to Rilanna's quarters, her mood brightened even more. She'd never thought herself capable of making friends or companions, but Rilanna seemed desperate to embrace her as one. The fact of the matter was, she happened to enjoy spending time with Rilanna, and looked forward to this dinner more than she did her inevitable meeting with Major Weyland to discuss the status of his project. She hoped she would be able to contain her laughter when the time came. But now, she could share in her delight with Rilanna, who would no doubt appreciate the irony of the Empire's sudden predicament.

For the occasion, she had chosen an outfit that was not too conservative, but one not too casual. She did not want to give Rilanna the appearance just yet that all was well between them, and by dressing in attire more suited to dinner with a friend, she might mistakenly give her that impression. So, she left her single-breasted suit in the closet, and instead wore a cream blouse with a pair of velvet black pants. Her hair, she piled atop her head in a bun with several thin tendrils hanging down the sides of her face to make her appearance less severe. On her lips was a light layer of coloured gloss and her cheeks were powdered softly with a rosy blush. She only hoped the furry creature of Rilanna's wasn't in attendance; the last thing she wanted was to give a Wookiee the wrong idea.

Reza reached Rilanna's door promptly and without a moment's pause, activated her door chime. Less than a minute passed before the door slid open. Rilanna stood in the doorway with a bottle of wine in one hand and a swatch of fabric in the other. She grinned and motioned for Shrezade to enter. "I'm just finishing up on dinner," she said. "It took awhile to convince Cham that he'd rather fix the terminal in my office than eat my cooking. Not that it's bad cooking, just that it's for us, and with the way he eats, there wouldn't be anything left."

The room was sparsely furnished, but still pleasant. The lighting level had been lowered and candles were spread all over the room to add additional light. It was obvious that Ril hadn't had a lot of time to make her quarters her home, but it still held an air of comfort.

She wore a tailored jumpsuit that varied in colour from dark blue to dark purple. She motioned Shrezade toward a couch. "Would you like some wine? I think it's pretty good."

"Of course, Ms. Kir." Reza strolled into the room and assessed her surroundings. She suppressed a frown of displeasure at the less than tidy appearance of Rilanna's living quarters and instead managed a smile. "Whatever you're preparing smells appetizing," she commented as she seated herself.

Rilanna pulled a pair of glasses from the table, and poured out wine for each of them. "It's from one of the vineyards on Cascarel," she said. "I've heard good things about their wines. What you're smelling is a noodle dish. It's a variety of spices, and some shrimp, and a white sauce. I think it'll be very good. At least, it was the last time I made it."

"I'm sure it'll be wonderful, Ms. Kir." Reza sipped the red wine and nodded her approval as she swallowed it down. "The wine is quite nice. You have good taste, Ms. Kir. Though, I cannot say the same for your choice in potential friends." Reza smiled wanly. "You really want this to work out, don't you, Rilanna?"

Rilanna smiled. "Yes," she said, "I do. And, I'm inclined to keep trying to be your friend whether you like it or not. I think you really want a friend, Mrs. Anoran. And, I'm going to be that friend."

"You seem to presume much, Rilanna. But I am intrigued. Why is it that you so confidently believe I wish to have a friend?" She glanced sidelong at Rilanna and added, "Especially you as my friend."

"We're sitting in my quarters having dinner together," Rilanna said with a smile. "I think that says very much, don't you?" She laughed. "Besides, I think you would have thrown me off the station if you didn't. Especially with me and Major Weyland."

"I'm fine with the relationship you share with him...as long as you don't pull another stunt like you did the other night." Reza swallowed down another mouthful of wine. "And you believe this is evidence of my desire to be your friend?"

"Just part of the evidence," Rilanna said with a smile. "And, I stopped it before it really got going the other night. I didn't think he'd actually do it. But I couldn't do that to you, no matter what our differences have been."

"You're a better person than I am," Reza said admirably. "Not that I would have performed that particular action, but if I had been hurt as I apparently hurt you, I would not have been so lenient."

"I couldn't do that to you," Ril said. "I know you're not seeking romance or companionship because you want to stay faithful, and to throw that in your face... That's wrong. And, I'm very sorry for that. I don't want to hurt you, and I don't want to try to make you feel that your choices are wrong or unimportant. I'm sorry."

"You should be." Reza smiled to lighten the tone of her comment, then patted Rilanna gently on the knee. "But don't worry. People have said far worse things to me in my time. You are forgiven for that, Rilanna, so there is no need to bring up that subject again. In fact, for both our sakes, I would prefer if you did not discuss that incident again, including any outside parties. It would not do for others to believe I was unstable mentally, especially with Grand Admiral Tarkin lying in wait for me to make a mistake so he may seize my station."

Rilanna laughed softly. "I don't think you're mentally unstable," she said. "I just think you're not all that wild about relationships. It's understandable, and I'm sure I would be in the same position if I'd lost someone I loved as much as you loved your husband."

"He's the only man I will ever love," Reza confessed quietly. "When you find that one person you can give your heart completely to, you'll understand truly how I can grieve so long and so bitterly for one man."

"I don't know," Rilanna said. "I'll have to find that one person though. At the moment, it's not Dane. He says he loves me, but I don't feel the same. It's too much of a job."

"But if it weren't, could you love him, Rilanna?"

Rilanna shrugged. "I don't know," she said. "We never do anything other than have sex in his quarters or go to the blaster range together. He can never go off the station because Tarkin would cut off his balls and feed them to him. In the end, I don't know. I don't think I could ever love someone who was loyal to Tarkin. The guy is just creepy."

"Tarkin or Weyland?" Reza teased. "But," she went on with a sigh, "it would be best if you didn't grow attached to him. It will only make it more difficult to do your duty to me. As much as I would prefer you did not, you have a conscience, Rilanna, and that can get in the way sometimes. Don't let that happen here."

"It won't get in the way of my orders," Rilanna said, and then smiled. "Don't worry about that. My loyalty is completely yours, and always shall be."

Reza stared into the red liquid floating within her goblet, then looked askance at Rilanna. "A good way of gaining my friendship. Professing one's loyalty is the surest way of accomplishing that."

Rilanna smiled. "Well, it's the truth, and not a ploy," she said. "I'd even kiss your ring if you wanted."

Reza chuckled dryly as she looked down at the wedding ring she still wore. "That won't be necessary, Rilanna. I believe I trust your sincerity."

Rilanna laughed. "You believe you trust? I won't ask you to fully believe me or trust me, but I assure you you can do both." She looked up. "I think dinner's ready. You want to help me pull things out to the table, or shall I serve you?"

"I think I'd prefer to help." Reza set her glass down upon the table and rose with Rilanna. "I can't remember the last time I actually prepared a table. I'm a snob, aren't I?"

"In a nice way," Rilanna said with a laugh. "I can't remember the last time I did though. Dane and I have been working different shifts, so we rarely get our meals together. And, I don't like cooking for just myself. However, I hope we get the chance to do this again. It helps me to keep my cooking skills polished. Come on, and have more wine if you'd like. I've got two more bottles."

"Is that all?" Reza grinned at Rilanna and moved with her to the dining area. Rilanna handed her two plates with utensils resting atop them, while Rilanna herself carried the meal to the table. Menial work was something Reza had not participated in since she became the shipyard's director, but there was a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment in the trivial task of preparing a table. She found it rather an amusing feeling.

Once they were both seated at the table, Reza took the liberty of filling both their glasses with wine and raised hers to Rilanna. "To a hopefully uneventful evening."

"Please, whatever gods are out there, let it be so," Rilanna said with a laugh. "And, to the two other bottles waiting for us to consume them, and the others that aren't quite as good, but after three bottles of this wine we won't even notice." She laughed, and drank with Reza. "And, to whatever the future may bring to us, as long as it's in our favour."

"A very good toast," Reza commented before bringing her glass to her lips. As Rilanna portioned the meal among them, Reza set down her goblet and regarded it thoughtfully. "Rilanna? I don't mean to turn the mood of the evening dour, but if Admiral Tarkin does choose to apprehend me for treason, what will you do? I have been thinking about this much recently and I must admit, your possible fate has concerned me greater than my own."

Rilanna nodded. "I hadn't really thought about it. I don't know what I'll do. I figure I'll have to get away. I won't let you languish in their prison though. You're just protecting what's yours. You're not doing anything wrong."

"In their eyes I am a traitor. But you needn't worry about me, Rilanna. I have some allies I believe I can rely on if necessary. It's your safety I worry about." She shifted in her chair to face Rilanna fully, and in a move surprising even to herself, Reza covered Rilanna's hand with her own. "If I am arrested, I want you to leave immediately, Rilanna. Don't give me another thought. Just run. You're young and you have so much life ahead of you. I want you to live it. That is why I'm giving you this." She reached into the pocket of her pants and pulled out a small, circular chip. "A gift," she said as she set it down beside Rilanna's hand. "If you're going to start a new life, you'll need some property and some credits to do it with, and not to mention a new identity. Everything you'll need is in that chip."

Rilanna stared at Reza for several long minutes. "Oh, Shrezade," she finally managed to say. "I don't know what... Thank you. I'll...I'll put it to good use. Oh gods... I-- I feel like...like I should hug you."

"That won't be necessary," Reza said softly. "Just be safe. That's all the gratitude you need to give me."

Rilanna smiled. "Then, I'll stay safe. However, I think it would be best if we just avoid getting you nabbed for treason. We'll be careful, and they won't know a thing."

"Frankly, I don't think it matters whether they acquire any evidence against me. The Admiral will have my head once he's grown weary of my insolence." Reza laughed wryly. "I think that time is quickly drawing near. The man almost had heart failure during our meeting the other day. It was quite entertaining, actually. He was convinced I was plotting the Empire's demise. Oh, how arrogant those Imperialists are. I mean, to even think I would waste my time with them when I could better put my efforts to use in cleaning up this station."

Rilanna shook her head and sighed. "I've heard there's more trouble brewing on the planet. One of my security people mentioned something while we were going through the hangar bays. And, the rumour is that the Jedi have also returned. Hopefully if something starts down there, Tarkin can turn his sights to that instead of us. Dane also mentioned that the Rebels are out there, possibly ready to make trouble as well. Diversions are good."

"Yes," Reza muttered. "But what concerns me is that if there is another war focused here on Tae'Karada, my station will no doubt be seized by the Imperials as a base of construction and repair for their ships. This does not sit well with me, Rilanna. None of this does."

"I understand," Rilanna said. She thought for a moment, and then sighed. "We'll need a plan to keep them from doing that. We can't let them take it away. I don't think they'd give it back if they did. Perhaps Dargus Kandran could be of help. He made that offer before..."

Reza smiled conspiratorially and patted Rilanna's hand. "Don't worry about a thing, dear Rilanna. You just worry about security and I'll take care of the rest. They won't be taking this station, not ever."

Rilanna laughed. "Preventing this station from being taken over is security," she said. "But, I'll do everything I can with my resources to prevent that. And, I'll assure the loyalty of every one of my people. And, you'll have Cham as well."

"The hairy creature?" Reza removed her hand from Rilanna's and picked up her fork. "And that wouldn't have anything to do with me smelling good, would it?"

Rilanna laughed; fortunately she'd just swallowed the wine she'd sipped. "That's part of it," she said. "Also, he's loyal to me, and I'm loyal to you. So, he's loyal to you as well."

"Well, having a wookiee on my side couldn't hurt," Reza mused. "And I imagine he despises Major Weyland, so what better ally could we possibly hope for?"

"Not only that, but the thought of the Empire reforming so soon after it fell nearly drives him into a rage. That dent in the wall over there? That was after the last news broadcast that featured Tarkin. Don't worry though, he'll be fixing it as soon as the repair supplies come in for it."

Reza examined the far wall from where she sat, then let out a low whistle. "He's a temperamental fellow, isn't he? Aren't you afraid he'll turn on you one day?"

Rilanna smiled. "I don't think so," she said. "He's actually very gentle when he's not upset. And, I don't think he could ever get that upset at me. He may throw tantrums, but he still knows I'm his friend."

"Somewhat like you and I?" Gazing down into her undisturbed plate of food, Reza smiled wanly at the thought of how difficult she had made their relationship for Rilanna. What she couldn't fathom was why the girl still chose to associate with her. Perhaps there was something Rilanna saw in her that she found compatible with what she was looking for in a friend. Or perhaps she was just ingratiating herself with the boss. Reza laughed at her own foolish paranoia and looked aside at Rilanna. "I believe it is possible for you to consider me a friend, Rilanna. All is forgiven, although I acted somewhat disgracefully myself."

"Neither of us were perfect, and I'm sure we'll butt heads again in the future. But, definitely friends from now on." She held out a hand over the table.

Reza rolled her eyes and with a laugh, she slipped her hand into Rilanna's. "You really are a silly creature, you know that?"

Rilanna only grinned as she and Reza shook hands. "Now, are you going to eat my cooking, or are we going to have to go out for a bite to eat?"

Reza gently eased her hand from Rilanna's hold and made a show of picking up her fork, then impaling a piece of shrimp with the tines. Concealing her apprehension, Reza slipped the shrimp into her mouth and slowly chewed. The surprise clearly showed on her face once she'd had a chance to savour the morsel of food and realize how truly delicious it was. "Oh, Rilanna... If Major Weyland gets a taste of this, I fear he might just propose."

Rilanna laughed and nearly knocked her plate off the table. "Oh, then he will not be tasting this dish. It's our little secret. And, Cham if he's interested in leftovers."

"If there are any." Reza scooped another forkful of the dish into her mouth and sighed contentedly. "I'll have to make you my personal chef as well. You're a multi-talented girl, Rilanna."

Rilanna laughed softly. "I got a well-rounded education growing up," she said. "I could strip down a blaster in five seconds and make a five-course gourmet meal. Not many girls can make that claim." She laughed, and then started in on more of her food. "There's plenty still available, so eat all you want. Whatever's left, the wookiee gets."

"So that's how you keep him docile. Well, if you fed this to me everyday, I imagine I wouldn't be as irritable as I normally am. The universe would thank you, Ril."

"Well, as long as it isn't every day, so my duty suffers, you're welcome here whenever you'd like. Or, maybe I can see what I can do in your kitchen. If you cook at all, maybe we can see what we can make together. If it's anything like us, it'll at least be interesting."

Reza smiled in admiration at Rilanna's efforts to draw them closer together, but with the times of struggle she foresaw, getting too close would only cause Rilanna more trouble than she deserved. Still, she was growing to like the girl far too much and surprising even herself, Reza looked forward to spending more time with her. Raising her half-filled glass again, Reza smiled at Rilanna and said, "My kitchen, tomorrow evening. Here's to a hopefully successful collaboration."

"Perhaps we can go over some recipes sometime during the day. I'm sure we can coordinate a break for that. And, then I'll have all the ingredients we'll need delivered to your quarters tomorrow evening, and we'll be all set. Your chef won't be upset will he? Though, I imagine he might like two nights off in a row." Rilanna raised her glass to Reza's in salute. "To success."

"On many fronts," Reza added before sipping down her wine.

Rilanna finished off her wine and reached for the bottle. It was going to be a good night, and things were really looking good between herself and Shrezade. Maybe things would go as she hoped after all. Dinner had been a good idea, and it'd brought them closer than she ever thought possible. She couldn't really say why she so desperately wanted Shrezade as a friend, other than she felt a closeness to her. Ever since that party. Ever since that first night of fun, of bonding. She'd never had a friend like that before, until now.

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