"On To the Next Stop"
by Chun Li - PI, Escort Pilot
and Lorgal - Secretary and Bodyguard (NPC+)

Location: Correllian Corvette Altdorf, Commenor
Date: Selene 23, 5 ABY

***

Li was quite tired when she arrived on the Altdorf. She hadn't slept all that much during the night, but she did have a lot of information. Before going to Lorgal, she did take a quick shower and some proper clothing. She also undid the necklace she still had, before going with the datacore and the datapads to Lorgal. "Some extra information," she said, "have someone try to get everything of this memcore."

"Have fun last night, did we?" the massive Barabel rumbled without looking up from what it was he was working on. Since leaving, Lorgal had been displaying more and more skills that were so unlike most of his species. He was obviously very well versed on intelligence collection and had a strange knack for advanced electronics.

Upon their arrival to Commenor two men wearing nondescript garb, but each with a large sunburst medallion, left the Altdorf and separated. Both of them were carrying messenger bags and a light sidearm. No one onboard seemed to mention their mysterious absence, in fact no one even seemed to care.

"It was the only way to get this information so quickly," Li snapped, "besides, it's a good intel technique. They even gave us classes at the academy. I just have to buy some clothes and then we can be on our way. The next stop is Bothawui."

Lorgal's grin split his face at how easily it was to egg her on. "Hey now, It's not like I really care, we got what we needed. Feed the memcore to the little droid in the corner, that's the boss' personal slicer." He suddenly turned in his chair and looked Li right in the eye. "Bothawui? Why the hell are we going there?"

"Because I have to deliver these two datapads to a contact there and maybe pick something up to bring back," Li said, "by doing this, I can get closer to Fenn and figure out where Dirge is. I'll try later to see what's on these datapads."

"Alright, works for me." He turned back to his work, trusting in Li to take care of her business.

Li went back to the spaceport and in one of the shops she bought some clothes she might need if she would play this role further. She also transferred an amount of money, close to the current rate charged for passengers on freighter, to one of her own accounts. It was an account that was linked to someone who owned a small freighter, a YT-2400. The ship didn't exist anymore, but it was still registered. As she had seen there were some YT-2400s on the spaceport, and it wasn't unheard of that the name on the spaceport register and the name linked to the account didn't match. She also got a couple of other things she wanted, and if Fenn would ever check the account, it would be consistent with her role.

After Li had departed the ship, Captain Kerensky found Lorgal and sat down next to him. In his hands were two large steaming mugs of Kaf, a potent caffeine brew. The Barabel took his cup gratefully and let the dark, bitter liquid slide down his throat. "Getting anywhere?" Alekzander asked.

"Yeah, the Li woman is finding out quite a bit actually. We're going to be making a brief run to Bothawui though."

"Bothawui? That's a goodly distance, I wouldn't quite call that a short run. At least four days in hyperspace, one way..."

"I know Alekzander, but it's necessary for further information. The faster we find Dirge, the faster we can get home and the faster you can get back to your favorite pastime." Lorgal grinned knowingly at the Altdorf's captain.

The pirate grinned right back. "Emperor's own truth, that. My boys have been getting a little antsy lately, especially when they see a fat merchant just cruising through space and us not able to do anything about it." He took a long swallow of the Kaf. "Ahhh, now that hits the spot. I'll go get the ship ready for Bothawui, make sure your droid is standing by to slice the ship lane codes."

"Don't worry, he's always ready," Lorgal replied before turning back to his work.

An hour after she had left, Li came back on the ship, which left as soon as they could. Inside her quarters, Li unpacked the things she had bought and put them away.

---

"On The Trail"
by Zarrak (PC)
Mielikki Aune (PC)
Various NPCs

Location: Thanatos/Drogen Shipyards
Date: Selene 23, 5 ABY

***

Zarrak left Drer's palace and made his way back to town. He had better be paid for this and yet maybe if the girl was pretty Zarrak would have a little fun with her before he turned her in.

He checked both of his Scatter pistols and both were charged and ready for action. The Dug grinned, he couldn't wait to accomplish this task.

***

Mielikki yawned as she stretched tiredly, she had just completed a long day's worth of work for Tasia. She was more than certain she was starting to develop a knack for working with other mechanical devices aside from droids. But now all she wanted was to grab something to eat and then get some sleep.

***

Zarrak entered the cantina. He figured if anyone saw the girl chances are they'd be in the cantina. He walked over to the bartender ordered some Corellia whisky and began to ask if anyone saw a Veaseph female.

A Weequay sat next to the bar nursing a beer, he looked up at the Dug's mention of the race. Could it be that girl he saw? The one with the spots? The Weequay wracked his brain, he heard of the race from a friend but never thought he'd actually see one in his old age. He tapped the Dug's shoulder. "I think I saw one."

Zarrak felt the tap on his shoulder and he turned around and face the Weequay. "Really now? And where would that be?" He glanced at the drink the leathery skinned creature was nursing. "If you're lying to me...well you wouldn't like what I do to liars."

Guzzling his beer the Weequay belched loudly before replying. "I can't remember, or much of anything else from that night." He remarked remembering the terrible hangover he had.

Zarrak growled low in his throat. He could feel one of his massive hands curl into a fist as he got ready to throw a punch.

"Relax!! All I know is she goes everyday to Gage's for lunch, I've seen her there myself twice." Backing away from the upset Dug he scratched absently at his braids that lay in a tangled mess upon his head. "What's it to you anyway Dug?"

"She's wanted by someone," he replied. "Let's just keep it that simple." He downed his whisky and slammed the glass down on the table. "Now where is this Gage's place?"

"The Drogen Shipyards. I work there, but I come down to the planet here often to visit my sister who lives out here in the sands." The Weequay turned and looked at the Dug. "You should be able to take a civilian transport to get to the shipyards, the next ride out leaves in about --" A beat. "Five or ten minutes. Gage's isn't too hard to find, it's really popular just check the directory."

Zarrak nodded and paid for his drinks. He leapt off of the bar stool and stalked out of the cantina.

I'll have you fairly soon, Zarrak thought, a leer was spreading across his lips as he imagined the catch itself.

He ran as a fast as powerful arms would motor him, heading towards the shipyard. He paid for a ticket and handed it to one of the officers standing near the ship.

He sat in seat and closed his eyes. A few people were watching him and his Scatter pistols with a hint of worry. He pulled out a fake ID saying that he was a CorSec officer.

***

Zarrak finally landed and he walked over to the directory and got the location of Gage's. Grinning he set off in that direction.

***

Sighing Mielikki leaned back in the booth as she sipped at her Terubian malt shake before proceeding to pick up one of the many technical manuals that she had laying on top of the table. Setting down her drink she thumbed through the materials as she attempted to make sense of information contained within. Lately when she had the opportunity she had taken to study the different working mechanics of other varieties of droids aside from the RA-7 units she was familiar with.

For the most part her mechanical friend Jaytwo had taken to performing minor tasks in assisting the Veaseph with her work when and if needed. The majority of his time he had spent either recharging or exploring the station when he was not helping Mielikki with her duties.

Looking up Mielikki proceeded to enter the remainder of her order when she noticed something that caught her eye; a Dug carrying a pair of scatter pistols? Instantly she wondered if Drer had sent the small alien to come find her but then she thought would Drer really take the chance in sending a Dug bounty hunter to capture her? Was he that desperate? Deciding that perhaps that this Dug was nothing but perhaps just nothing but another Dug, Mielikki decided to order her meal and engrossed herself in her studies.

Zarrak glanced Veaseph. She was even prettier in person. He calmly walked over to her table and sat in the chair right across from her and leaned in closer, so that their faces were practically touching.

"Now we can do this two ways," Zarrak whispered into her ear. "The easy way in which you walk out of here with me. Or the hard way in which we're going to make a huge scene in which a few people are going to die. I'm only interested in getting back alive."

He gave her cheek a lick before leaning back into his seat. His yellow eyes were watching her carefully. He was ready at any moment to leap into action.

Cold chills ran down her spine as Mielikki eyed the Dug. "I've seen enough people die in my short lifetime and I'm not about to relive that experience again anytime soon." Mielikki did not speak these words outloud, the only person that heard them was herself. She had wanted to say this but fear clenched her heart tightly like a vise and she simply nodded in response.

"Fi-fine we'll do this your way. But leave these p-people out of it please." Her voice wavered noticeably as she spoke, she fought to keep herself calm as to not draw attention, fearful of what the alien sitting across from her would do if otherwise.

"Don't worry I won't hurt any of them," he whispered in her ear. "Now act casual. For all they know we're just going for a simple walk. We'll head back to the space port and from there we return back to the planet itself and back to your master."

Nodding, Mielikki slid out of the booth and began to gather her texts and stopped looking to glance over at the Dug.

Zarrak jumped down from the chair and landed on his feet. He gave a swift jerk of his head towards the doorway and just to show he was in control he gave a pat on the butt of one of his blaster pistols.

Gathering the remainder of her items, Mielikki stood ramrod straight as she walked towards the doorway, she could feel Zarrak's eyes watching her every movement as the unusual pair walked towards the exit of Gage's. Daring not to look over her shoulder she swallowed a slight lump in her throat praying silently to her gods for what little protection she could have.

Zarrak swung open the door and followed her out of the doorway. He stayed several paces behind her just in case she tried anything funny. However he quickly reminded himself that Drer wanted her alive and he'd rather not damage any of her pretty features.

Stopping to a halt once they were outside of Gage's, Mielikki looked around uncertainly and instead felt a sharp poke in the back of her leg causing her to stand on edge. "I don't know where you want me- I mean us to go." She remarked uncertainly.

"You let me worry about that," Zarrak growled. "Now walk." He was leading her towards the starport where once again he'd get on a ship in order to get back to the planet. "Part of me is tempted to keep you for myself. But your master offered me a good deal to bring you back."

"I don't doubt it," she replied quietly, allowing him to lead her deciding not to cause any further trouble despite the roiling pains that were beginning to surface in her stomach.

The Dug finally brought her to the starport and got them both tickets. He pushed through a members of the crowd, showed his ticket, and found a seat. Lowering himself into it he patted the seat nearest to him for her to sit down.

"Come, relax. This'll be a fun trip."

---

"Intrusion, Part 1"
by: Adam Edwards
Cailin Fawkes
DB-7(NPC+)
Dax Vogar(NPC)
Colonel Murphy(NPC)

Location: Maldorish
Date: Selene 23, 5 ABY

***

Recent reports had come in from various smuggling runs near the Corporate sector, and it was Adam's job to read them and pass on what information was needed to his men to keep his operation running.

He leaned backed, his feet propped up on the table. Dax was sitting in a chair on the other side of the desk, looking over the latest financial sheets.

"One of our ships was fired upon by the Corporate Authority. Moderate damage....will take some time to repair," Dax told Adam, his eyes never leaving his paperwork.

"We'll have to send scouts out there to find a couple of routes the Corporate's rarely use," Adam said.

In the months since Adam and Cailin had assisted the Jedi and the New Republic dethrone Nieme and Dani, Adam had used the chaos to his advantage, and struck out his smuggling operations throughout Chimaeria, the nearby systems, and the Outer Rim.

Adam was about to grab his bottle to down another swig of Corellian ale when the alert button on his desk began to light up. He activated his intercom.

"Sir, we have a situation." The voice was Colonel Murphy, who was apparently calling Adam from the command center.

"Yes Colonel, go ahead."

"We have detected a vessel on approach through the atmosphere. It seems to be headed straight towards our position." Colonel Murphy's voice was amusingly one that sounded only mildly concerned. The man, Adam knew, had seen far to much in his days as a mercenary to get worried over every little thing.

Still, it was odd that a vessel would be heading for their position. Maldorish was a barren world on the outskirts of the Chimaerian system, and the only thing there was the abandoned Imperial research facility, which Adam now used for a base, and that base was hidden underground in a canyon.

Adam pressed the talk button. "I'll be right up." He then reached for the comlink on his belt. "Cailin, where are you?"

"Was trying to catch some sleep," came the reply through the comm system. There was a hint of amusement underlying her words. "I take it there's a situation?"

"We got an unidentified ship dropping down through the atmosphere. It seems like it's headed straight here," Adam said.

"I understand," Cailin answered. "I'm heading toward your location."

As if on cue, the small ship dropped out of the sky, crashing through the planets crust and creating a gaping hole in one of the facilities corridors. A hatch on the side of the ship flew open, and heavily armed men began to pour out.

"It seems we have a security breach in the northern sector near the hanger. Guards there are reporting a firefight with intruders," Colonel Murphy said to Adam, through the comlink.

"On my way."

"I'll meet you there," Cailin said into her comlink as she hurried toward the hangar.

Adam raced out of his office, drawing his blaster pistol. He motioned for the two guards outside his office to follow him, and the trio proceeded down the corridor.

They ran for several minutes until they reached the northern sector. They were just about to turn another corner when the sound of blaster fire filled the corridor, and Adam dared to peak around the bend. Four of his men were in a shootout with what was close to a squad of intruders. Adam ducked around the corner, firing into the enemy.

Cailin didn't bother taking cover. She came around the corner with her blade out and ready to defend herself against the squadron attacking their base. With precise movements, she began deflecting the incoming blasterfire harmlessly into the walls and floor, and in the process creating a pathway for Adam to follow.

With motions of his hand, Adam ordered his men to follow him behind Cailin. Their hail of blaster fire cut down several of the intruders, who had to fall back because the tightness off the corridor gave them little room to disperse. Off the original squad, only three of the men were left, and retreated around the corridor back towards their ship.

Adam, Cailin, and the group of Adam's guards followed them into one of the hangers, where their ship had crashed through from above.. As soon as they turned to fire, a new presence from across the room caught their attention. A blast from a concussion rifle caught the first two, and before the third could fire, a blur moved across the room, slamming into the last intruder and throwing him across the room.

"Showoff," was all that Adam said.

DB's usual emotionless stare was the only response.

The intruders had used a custom made ship to literally punch through the planets crust and into the hanger bay. As Adam was inspecting the ship, he noticed one of the men was still breathing. He motioned to his guards. "Get him to the infirmary. I want to ask him some questions later."

Adam turned to Cailin. "I want you to be there with me when he wakes up. I need to know what they wanted and how these guys knew where to look, and I need you to tell me if he's telling the truth."

Cailin nodded. "Of course," she said. "Anything you need me to do until then?"

Shaking his head, Adam said, "Just meet me down in medical in a few. I'm gonna have our medics wake our friend up."

***Several minutes later, in the medbay***

Adam leaned against the wall, watching their intruder, who now lay on the medical table. DB stood silent in the doorway, Cailin next to him, and two guards waited outside in the corridor. A medical droid hovered over the unconscious man, who had been stripped of his rifle and battle gear. He was human, had a long scar running down his face, and was bigger than most, as well as heavily muscular.

Adam motioned to the droid. "Wake him."

The droid pressed a instrument to the man's neck, and his eyes fluttered open. When he realized where he was, the man tried to surge off the bed. A restraint field in place kept the man from leaving his reposed position. He grunted against the field, but it was of no use.

"Don't try. That restraint field is set to full. You'll just knock yourself unconscious before you get out," Adam offered to their prisoner.

"Why are you keeping me alive," the man asked, quite obviously surprised to still be speaking to them.

"You crashed into my base, shot at my men, and broke a lot of things," Adam told him. "I figured you could at least be polite enough to offer me an explanation."

"It was a job. Only a job," the man said.

"Well, then whoever your employer is, knows quite a bit, cause only myself and my men know the location of this base," Adam said.

"He was somebody with a lot of connections," the intruder said. "He gave us the location of this place and was prepared to pay a lot."

"Where did you contact him," Adam asked.

The man grew fearful, as if he was scared of answering the question. "I can't tell you. They'd kill me if I told."

"What makes you think I won't kill you?" Adam asked the man.

The intruder had no response.

Adam moved out of earshot of the man, and whispered to Cailin. "Could you.....persuade this man that he needs to....seek out his employer again? We might be able to follow him right to the source of this problem."

"I'll do what I can," Cailin said. She moved closer to the prisoner, her eyes focuses on his. "You have done well," she said, using her hand to guide the suggestion into the man's mind. "You should seek out your employer now. For a job well done." As she watched his lips echo back her words, she turned and nodded to Adam.

The man still in a slight haze, glanced toward Adam. "Well? Your free to go!"

The man nodded, and as fast as he could made his way back to the bay where they has crashed the ship into the corridor. Oddly enough, the ship was made to crash through the hulls of ships and bases, and it lifted off the deck and with little time to waste, back oughta go the now gaping hole, and headed towards the sky.

"Was the tracking device placed on the ship?" Adam asked his men.

"Yes Sir."

"Good. I want the Elusive ready in 10 minutes," he told them.

"Your not going to take the Fury," Colonel Murphy offered.

Adam considered, but decided against it. "The Fury is big enough to make some noise when it comes and goes. I'd rather not make to much attention. Colonel, you'll be coming with me. DB and Cailin as well. Dax, you think you can handle things while we're gone?"

"Of course."

"Good."

10 minutes later, the Elusive was airborne, locked onto the tracking beacon, and heading out of the atmosphere. The ship hadn't entered hyperspace, so it must have been going somewhere in system.

Adam sat at the controls, keeping the ship out of sensor range but just close enough to keep tabs on the ship. DB sat in the co-pilots seat, Cailin was at the sensors, and Colonel Murphy was sitting behind Adam, along for the ride.

"Cailin, can you plot a course for this guy. Tell me where he's going," Adam asked, turning back to look at her.

"Just looking at current trajectories and what's in his path, I'd say most likely destination is going to be Tae'Remok system." She laughed softly and shook her head. "It always leads back there, doesn't it?"

Adam grinned. "Ain't that the truth. I suppose since it's the only thing around here worth anything." He adjusted their course to the same trajectory that the ship was following. "DB keep most of our systems powered. I don't wanna be obvious."

The trip was a short one, being only one system over. The craft that the Elusive was following angled off and made straight for the Drogen shipyards. The ship maneuvered, and docked on one of the lower levels. Adam turned to his crew. "We'll dock on one of those old ports in the lower levels and try to find him. Cailin, can you feel him through the force strong enough to follow him?"

"Not really," Cailin said. "But enough, I guess. With all the people on the station, it'll be harder, but I figure we can find him in there. In either case, it'll be an adventure."

"Do your best. We'll dock and head out from there." Edwards docked the ship and everyone headed toward the hatch.

---

"Returning a Lost Treasure"
by Zarrak PC
Drer Rda NPC+
Mielikki Aune PC
Noca Kallvar NPC+
and Various NPC's

Location: Drer's Palace
Date: Selene 23, 5 ABY

***

They had finally landed and Zarrak glanced over to Mielikki as he was driving her back to Drer on board his landspeeder.

"Well fairly soon you're going to be back home," Zarrak replied, there was a hint of disappointment in his voice.

Damn that lucky wormhead, he mentally added.

Finally he noticed the faint outline of the palace. Once they arrived there, the Dug stopped the speeder and looked back at her. "Home sweet home. Get out."

He leapt out of the landspeeder and opened up the door for her.

Reluctantly, Mielikki got out of the landspeeder and followed Zarrak to what appeared to be a wall of rock accompanied by a rusted console concealed in rock. A sleek female Bothan stood nearby standing watch. As they neared closer Mielikki could see she had numerous piercings on her face and ears that jangled when she spoke.

"You've returned at long last, Dug." The Bothan remarked glancing down at Zarrak. She then took a look at Mielikki and sneered. "Though not empty handed I see. The boss will be pleased...but..." She looked around as though searching for something else, something more. "Where is the human male?"

"Simple he wasn't around when I arrived. Besides the sooner I get the girl and bring her back here the sooner I get paid." The diminutive bounty hunter glared at the Bothan female.

"I see, for your sake perhaps Rda will be satisfied enough with having his prized possession returned." Tapping at some controls in the rusted console the Bothan spoke briefly to the Jawa controlling the door from inside and had him release the locks. "Come."

Zarrak gave Mielikki a little shove into the doorway, not hard to enough to make her fall, but hard enough to make her stumble forward a bit. He entered the palace.

He couldn't believe how easy this mission was. The Dug expected something more challenging but he also liked easy credits.

"Come on, you over grown womp rat,bring us to Rda now," Zarrak growled to Bothan.

"Watch your tongue Dug before I decide to rip it out!" The Bothan barked warningly in return. "Rda is this way." Turning on her heel she led them into the main hall where Zarrak and Mielikki could see several people hailing from various races stood around talking, drinking, and gambling. In the center of the room seated on his fainting couch, the ominous Twi'lek could be seen chatting intently with a small sharklike alien.

The Bothan stepped before Drer and bowed. "Boss, the Dug has returned with your missing Veaseph." Looking up Drer raised a brow as he studied the Dug intensely with his dark red eyes. Mielikki was certain if he stared long enough Drer would bore holes through Zarrak's head. He was angry and she knew it.

"I thought you said you would return to me with both the human male and the girl? It appears you're not as good as I'd thought you'd be Dug." He asked not so much as acknowledging Mielikki's presence. For the most part of her journey back to her master/owner Rda, the young Veaseph's thoughts were a mixed jumble of confusion and fear. Out of fear she had chosen to remain quiet unless spoken to. But still...things seemed to going back the we they had been before...

Zarrak stood his ground and didn't even flinch when Rda glared at him. Instead the Dug glared up at him with his yellow eyes. He refused to be intimidated by anyone.

"He wasn't around when I got there. My thinking was that he dumped her off and fled, knowing that you'd send someone after him." The Dug shrugged, without warning he grabbed Mielikki's wrist in one of his hand-like feet. "If you want I can bring her back and then you can hire someone else to do it. Now I want my credits or the girl and I are gonna go away."

He glanced around the room, he knew his small size could be used as an advantage if he'd be forced to use the girl as a shield.

"Send all your guards after me, see what I care. I did half of the job and therefore I deserve half the pay," Zarrak snarled. "If you don't like that well you can come over here and kiss my ass." He glanced at Mielikki before looking back at Rda. "In my opinion she's far to lovely for a wormhead like you."

In response to Zarrak's actions several of Drer's guards including Agork drew their weapons; some vibroblades others pistols, and for some claws and talons.

From the side, Ntenta leapt at the bone gate roaring wildly at the sudden uproar that disturbed her nap, her large claws poking through the opening spaces in the bars. Growling angrily that she was currently barred from allowing to do harm to the Dug she watched the scene with vivid eyes her forked tail lashing behind her as she licked her fangs.

Drer glanced over briefly at his pet before looking back to Zarrak. A heavy tension hung thick in the air as the two though differing greatly in height eyed each other with animalistic ferocity. A small smirk had begun to creep across the Twi'lek's face. "You have gall, Zarrak I will most certainly give you that. But I gave you a job to do, one I expected you to complete." He looked over at the young ever-growing Nexu pacing in her cage before looking back to Zarrak. "I could just as soon have Ntenta over there feasting upon on your flesh, yet you did do the one thing I asked of you and that is return my treasure, had you returned with just the human I would have happily fed you both to Ntenta."

"What about my kriffing pay?" Zarrak growled, watching the Nexu and the guards that now had their weapons drawn.

"I just said I could have killed you, you shall have your pay. Here." Reaching into his robes, Drer withdraw a small pleather pouch held together with braided cords which he tossed to Zarrak. "Inside you will find five thousand credits, as promised you shall receive half of the original amount."

Zarrak scooped up the pouch and opened it up. He slowly began to count the credits and he counted the amount Rda said would be there. He just nodded at the Twi'lek.

He walked over to him and Mielikki. "I am glad to see you're satisfied as am I...although not quite completely." He ran a skeletal hand through her dark, thick hair and grabbed her waist with his other hand drawing the Veaseph close to him. "Though I'm sure we can change that, of course my beauty."

He smiled feeling her shudder under his grip. He then studied her outfit, we must do something about these dreadful things though..."

Rda then seemingly out of thin air produced a vibroblade, and with a quick flick of the wrist ripped the front of the girl's tunic open using an angular cut and exposed her bare breasts to the air. Trembling she could only stand still and watch as Drer brought the blade down to the waistband of her pants.

"Did you really think you could escape from me? My beautiful treasure..." He whispered in her ear. Too frightened to say anything Mielikki stood stock still as a lone tear drifted down her cheek, she barely acknowledged Drer's words, her own heartbeat filling her head.

The Dug watched as Rda cut through Mielikki's clothes. He licked his lips when he saw the girl's breasts.

He was still angry at the Twi'lek and so he had a plan that would piss him off even more. Taking Mielikki away from him and Zarrak had his ways.

"You seem like the gambling type, Rda," he replied casually. "As am I. So how about we make a little wager? A pod race. If I win I get the girl and the rest of the pay. If you win you keep the girl and you get the five thousand you paid me. Deal?"

"Tch, and I suppose you plan to participate in the race yourself or do you have even have a driver let alone a pod?" The Twi'lek asked, daring not to break his gaze with the small yet powerful creature.

"I'll race it myself but I'll need a pod," Zarrak replied. He was still trying to stare down Rda the Dug's ego would not allow him to be intimidated.

"Even I could outrace you easily and I've only just begun to turn around a few heads around this dry scrap of land." A voice piped up from behind Zarrak. As he turned he could now see the sharklike alien up close was a Neelabi, what they lacked in opposable appendages the aquatic race had adapted quite well to piloting though from what little was known of their technology water seemed to play a key factor in control.

Zarrak smirked and gazed at the Neelabi. "Well I suppose that none of you heard of me. I used to race pods back on Tatooine, I was pretty good and pretty popular." He then gave Rda his attention. "I'll race Junior over here.However I'll need you to supply a pod and if you tamper with it any way the race will be forfeit and I immediately get the girl and the rest of the credits. Do we have a deal?"

He held out his hand-like foot for him to shake.

"Deal." Drer took his hand smiling maliciously. Noca would make a fool of the Dug at the race and the Twi'lek was determined to prove it. Even if he did lose he would see to it that Zarrak did not have the privilege of keeping Mielikki very long.

---

"Yo Ho Ho This"
By: Brenna Hennely - Smuggler
Random NPCs (Pirates)

Location: New Plouton Yelldon District Starport
Date: Selene 13, 5ABY

***

After her encounter with her friend she walked back onboard the ship in time to see Marsar tinkering with the hyperdrive. She put her hands on her hips and let out a long sigh. "Marsar what are you doing?" she asked. Marsar didn't respond just went on checking the device again. "Hello, Mar this is your captain speaking, Brenna, what are you looking at?" she repeated. Marsar removed a pair of head phones and looked back at her.

"You were saying something," she said, unzipping the flightsuit down to her waist. Brenna looked at the Hyperdrive then to her. If the damage was only to the outside why the heck was her copilot dismantling there hyperdrive.

"Mar what are you doing?" She passed Brenna her data pad and spoke

"Our Hyperdrive is damaged from the attack, I can't fix it alone, if you're ok with the idea of a getting some help I could really use a hired hand right now." Brenna looked at her

"It's that bad?" she asked. Marsar nodded. Brenna didn't like hiring outside help, which included droids. "Just patch it up the best you can now, let's go out and get something to eat." She smiled. "On me this time, ok?" Her copilot nodded

"Let me change first, ok, wait for me outside." Brenna smiled and headed down the ramp and waited for a few minutes as the Co-pilot finished cleaning herself up and changing into some of the more casual clothing that she usually wore. All at once something caught her attention, a short figure moving behind a set of crates. "Ok let's go," Marsar echoed as she headed towards the ramp. Brenna looked up and waved her off.

"Stay there and get inside," she called. "We're not alone." Marsar slid Brenna's spray stick down the ramp to her then waited. Slowly Five figures dressed in black flightsuits and helmets approached her. She shoved the stick into boot and waited for the five to get closer. Two removed there helmets reviling the reptilian faces of two Trandosians. The rest of the group left their helmets on. Brenna put on her best smuggler's smile and walked to the end of the ramp knowing that her weapon would be useless against them.

"Gentlemen and Aliens, what can I do for you," she said, leaning up against her ship's landing strut her right hand firmly planted on her hip. One approached her and looked her over.

"You don't look like a pilot," he said. "Nice ship, how much is it." Brenna watched as the Trandosians started reaching for what appeared to be vibroknives. She knew what was coming but decided to play it cool.

"Are you looking for a freelancer, if so get in line, I have a few clients ahead of you," she said acting cool. She noted the two in the back were now reaching there hands towards what appeared to be blaster pistols. She watched as they got closer to her and swallowed hard. "Listen if you're in the market for a ship try another hangar, I'm not for hire." The lead pirate stopped and looked at her, then removed its helmet reviling the face of a human. He walked right up to her and starred her in the eyes

"I don't think you understand, you see you damaged our ship so badly that it's junk." She gave him a half smile realizing these were the hijackers that had attempted to take the two of them out above the planet. It looked as though they weren't in that bad of shape which could easily change in seconds if he copilot was listening to the actually conversation she was having with these people. All at once the ship's Ion cannon dropped down separating the two and pointed in the general direction of the five pirates.

"What the devil..." the man in front of Brenna called. She walked over to him and removed his sporting blaster from it's holster then pushed him back.

"I forgot to mention I had a Copilot, now get out of here," she barked. Slowly the pirates started to back there way out of the hanger then left. She looked to her left and spotted Marsar exiting with her Blaster rifle at the ready. "They're gone," she said. "You can put that away now, as well as this." She tossed her copilot the sporting blaster. "Add it to the collection," she joked. Brenna watched the hangar bay and let out a long sigh. They'd be back, she knew it.

---

"Sealing the Deal"
By: Atryu, New Dawn (NPC)
Gorta Jax (NPC+)
Banin (NPC+)

Location: Drogen Station/Te'gon Mountains
Date: Selene 23, 5ABY

***

"I shouldn't have insulted him," the figure known as Banin muttered. "That could have been more costly."

Its superior however seemed less inclined to condemn than normal. "It was technically the droid that insulted him," pointed out the holographic image of Gorta Jax. "They were bound to follow anyway, and we have more droids. Besides, your remark was probably accurate enough. Many of these former Imperials maintain delusions about their so-called honour - as you can imagine though, I am not one of them. Most of the Imperials that had any real honour are dead - and I am not so stupid as to be among their number. I wonder how well the 'honour' of this man would serve him if he was brought before someone like Gil Pallaeon. Do not be concerned, all that matter the wheels are in motion."

"They had better be," his underling replied. "Tyris has been taken."

This gave the officer more pause for thought. "Sooner than I expected...and later, of course, thanks to our own efforts. Nevertheless, it is good that another meeting has already been arranged. It seems our coin served us well where our manners did not. This time you will attend personally - and try to reign in your distaste."

"I will, master," replied Jax's servant, eyes flicking over the screen as an arriving upload gave details of the meeting arrangements. Leaving the secretive cell in the depths of the station, Banin headed for a docking bay.

***

The Te'gon mountain range began 100 kilometers to the north of Arcadia. Fully half of the mountain lay in the Tae'Sollar desert while the other half ran into the lush evergreen forests the overran the northern half of the continent. Atryu huddled into his cloak high up on the peak of one of Tae'Karada's tallest mountains, Lonely Peak, named such because when you were at the top, above the perpetual layer of clouds, you seemed to be the only person on the planet. He considered this to be a foolish place to hold a meeting and he silently cursed his bosses every time he notice the thick clouds of his own breath emerging. This was quite possibly the only place on the planet where the planetary sensor net did not cover. Mostly because there wasn't anything out here worth noticing.

The portable fusion heater he had brought with him was doing nothing to stop the biting wind that cut through the layers of clothing that he wore. He was here to meet the Banin that had formerly contacted by Stasha Voriss. But where Stasha had been an Imperial Intelligence agent, Stryu had been part of the Bothan spy network. One of the few humans ever deemed good enough to be accepted into the Bothan academy, he had been eliminated from the network after only a couple of years of service because of "differences," ie. The Bothan he reported to was a racial bigot and viewed him to be less than a womp rat because he was human so he wrote up many unfavorable reports about him. Since then he'd been working for one crime oraganization to the next. Until he found the New Dawn.

It was a place that made him feel safe, for once. New Dawn Agents, at least in intelligence community, looked out for each other. They had to, otherwise their leader would probably make them disappear. He said that they had to work like a well oiled machine, with every piece getting its fair share. Backstabbing of any sort was not tolerated and anybody who tried would be ratted out. A well oiled machine.

A damn cold well oiled machine, he thought angrily as he stamped his fur lined boots onto the rocks. A rebreather mask compensated for the lack of oxygen this far up into the atmosphere, and has the added bonus of disguising his features. The roar of a small craft approaching shifted his thinking into professional mode and he stopped shivering and stomping around. The short human stood with his hands on his hips as the interplanetary transport landed on probably the only flat piece of stone in the entire range.

A hiss sounded as a ramp descended from the nondescript craft, a civilian variation of the typical Imperial shuttle. Momentarily a figure wearing a black cowled cloak made a descent into the twilight and the biting wind. The cowl was pulled closely forward, and worn in combination with a black mask over the lower face from the nose, gave little of the arrival's features away. As the wind whipped around the peak however, Atryu caught a glimpse of some long strands of black hair whipping around out from underneath his contact's hood. Any further inspection though was ruled out, as the arrival hunched into the gale and pulled the hood further over their face - whether this was against the chill, or for purposes of anonymity, he could only speculate.

The figure approached him. "You must be New Dawn's man. No-one else would be out in this gods-forsaken place. I'm Banin." The voice was loud, to carry above the howling winds, but androgynous, with little discernible trace of an accent. It seemed then that anonymity would indeed be the name of the day.

"Atryu," the agent replied simply. There were no handshakes offered here, it was a meeting between professionals. "We have your man, as I'm sure you already know, and it appears the Boss doesn't want him dead any more."

"This is most convenient for our own purposes," his opposite replied. "I'm glad he can see reason. Allow me to show the nature of the offer we are prepared to make for Mr. Tyris." Without any sudden movements, the figure reached a gloved hand carefully within the folds of its cloak and emerged with a datapad in hand. It held up the display to Atryu, who immediately noticed the words "Level 1 Clearance - Eyes Only" flashing at the top. The cloaked handed the datapad to him.

"That tells you exactly what every New Republic ship in this system will be doing for the next 8 hours," it explained. "Duty rosters, patrol routes, assignments, even combat patterns - it's all there. I expect you'll want to check it out, but when you see it's genuine - as it is - you can tell this boss of yours that there's more where that came from," it finished.

The New Dawn operative scanned the pad only briefly before tossing it onto the ground at Banin's feet. "I should certainly hope there is more than that. We've had this system covered for months, and most of the outlying ones as well. Do you have anything substantial to offer us or should I just call my ride right now?" Atryu placed a hand into the sleeve of his jacket where it rested on his specially made gauntlet. "Understand that if you do not take the pilot off our hands, he will be disposed of as we see fit."

Banin was possibly raising his or her eyebrows in there - if he or she was of a species that had any, it was hard to tell - but the inflection of what the cloaked figure said next somehow seemed to suggest it. "Your organisation has a direct line to the upper echelons of New Republic Command? This is up-to-the-minute stuff you understand, direct from the top on an ongoing basis, and not based on some half-drunk cantina-rat informant calling in what he thinks might have been a few X-Wings taking off 20 minutes ago from a starport somewhere. Nevertheless, I see you remain unimpressed. Very well, I am authorised to offer you this, as well."

Stooping to the ground, Banin retrieved the datapad and entered a string of numbers. The readout changed, now displaying what appeared to be a short series of diagrams, notes and scientific formulae. "Recognise anything?" Banin asked.

Ignoring the implied insult, Atryu took the datapad back and glanced at it. Though he forced himself not to look it, he was surprised. "The diagrams for the new E-wing Advanced Tactical Fighter? This is the New Republic's latest. Including it's updated shielding system and fuel efficient hyperdrive as well? Excellent." He slipped the datapad into his jacket. "This information will do nicely, Banin. This could be the start of an interesting relationship. By-the-by, I was instructed to offer you some intelligence of our own on the Corporate Sector, if you are interested."

"But of course," Banin replied. "There is no such thing as too much information. New Dawn will receive the remaining bulk of that technical document after we have Tyris, of course," the agent added perfunctorily, knowing that someone like Atryu had probably already surmised this. Banin appreciated it that the human was professional enough to leave personality out of his work, unlike New Dawn's previous representative.

"Of course." Another datapad was taken out of the jacket, "On here is not only a tidbit of what we are offering, but also a certain frequency I'm sure you will want to monitor. We plan leave the pilot to stew for a day before the Boss takes a look at him and his friend, but when we are finished with him we will send out several coded burst transmissions at one hour intervals for a period of ten hours. At that time you may contact us on the second frequency included within, someone will answer and you will give him a drop-off location. A droid piloted ship will drop off Tyris, and perhaps his friend too if we have no use for her, and then self destruct. You must understand that the location of our base must be kept an absolute secret, so I do hope that you have ready to retrieve the pilot before the transport blows."

"I understand. Our resources will be ready. I suppose that concludes our business." The figure in the cloak made a stiff half-bow. It appreciated competence. Dark eyes peered out at Atryu from beneath the cowl. It's a pity you'll probably die soon, along with half this ignorant system.

"Yes," Atryu replied, his eyes betraying nothing, "that concludes our business. Good day to you." He returned the stiff with a simple nod and watched as his opposite boarded his shuttle and took off without so much as a glance behind him. A complete professional, the New Dawn Operative thought, but he gave away much for so little. There was something in his voice, too, that he could not disguise. Pity? The plans for the new E-wing and its systems would of course be copied down by Ares scientists to see if the new shields could be incorporated into any of their existing products. There were many people out there who would also pay an Emperor's ransom to get their hands on them. The Boss would see to it that they arrived in the right places.

***

The holographic display flicked, the many surrounding bulkheads, high level of electronic interference and cheap quality equipment provided by the tiny room's obscure location making transmission quality poor.

"Patrol data was of no interest to them - I had to offer the E-Wing."

The face of the gaunt officer grimaced slightly. "Perhaps we have underestimated the reach and strength of this New Dawn - and if we have clearly New Republic intelligence has as well. They are certainly not noted as a major threat at this stage. Who knows, they might even serve to hold the Jau up for a while..." he mused. "No matter - it is slightly unfortunate we had to offer our prize piece of information, but by the time the leak might be traced back to us, we will be well beyond the reach of any reprisals. Tyris will ensure that."

"And once he is of no use to us..." said Banin, with a barely repressed fierce joy.

"Then I shall turn him over to you," Jax promised.

In the dark cell, Banin smiled. The long-awaited day would be soon. Very soon.

---

"Missing Persons Report, Part 1"
by Maeren Shivral
Kimara
and Keeve Shivral
also appearing: Rilanna Kir

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Selene 23, 5ABY

***

"You're sure she's not there," Maeren Shivral was asking as she glanced out the booth of the public comm terminal. She was situated so she could watch the door of the restaurant where she and Lerrah Breijal were supposed to meet. She wanted to see it in case Lerrah arrived.

"I am sorry," the man on the screen said. "I've scanned the grid, and she's not here."

"When does your grid mark her leaving then?" Maeren asked.

"Just a moment," the man said. A moment later, he frowned. "We have no record of her going through any of the station checkpoints to depart."

"So, she's still there," Maeren said.

"Her ident is not showing up," he said. The frown showed even more of a hint of concern. "And, she did not check in for her duty shift this morning. I will notify Captain Kir immediately, Miss Shivral. We will contact you with additional information."

"I'm at a public terminal," Maeren said. "I'm sending you my private comcode." She submitted the information through the station terminal, and saw the man nodding that he'd received it on the Drogen side. She'd used the public terminal specifically for the vidfeed.

"I have the information," the man said. "Either myself or the captain will notify you personally."

"Thank you," Maeren said, a slight sense of relief filling her.

The screen went dark, then returned to the Chimaeria Communications Network logo. Slipping her ident chip from the reader, she left the booth and returned to the restaurant. As she crossed the street, she tried Lerrah's private comm again. When her friend didn't pick up and she was dumped into the Drogen Shipyards messaging system, she disconnected.

"Where are you," she whispered.

They had agreed to meet for a quick lunch before Maeren had to report for her job. It was only her second day there, and she couldn't afford time off. She still had an hour before she needed to be there. After finding an apartment, she'd found the job offering in a clothing store down on the corner. It seemed so very normal.

Lerrah had contacted her while she was working, so Maeren had called her back after her shift. They'd agreed to meet for lunch. Only, Lerrah never arrived.

"We will not be able to hold your table for much longer, Miss Shivral," the woman behind the desk said.

"It's alright," Maeren answered. "My friend couldn't make it. Thank you for holding it as long as you did. It means a lot." With that, she left.

She wandered for several minutes, uncertain what to do. As she passed Weibran's giant bantha though, she quickly turned down a side street.

It only took a few minutes to reach Zenarr Inc, and when she burst through the door, her twin looked up startled.

"Maeren," Kimara said, blinking. "What are you doing here? You look...Shiv, what's wrong?"

"Something's happened to Lerrah," Maeren said. "She's gone. Missing. We were going to meet for lunch, but she never arrived. That's when I contacted the station." She quickly explained what she knew, adding that the captain of Drogen security would be contacting her.

She looked up and noticed that Keeve was there, watching her from the other side of the room.

"I mean, she did so much to help rescue me. And, she lost her ship. And, she was still my friend after everything else. I have to help her."

"We'll figure it out," Kim said. "I'll talk to Kallia. I'm sure she'd know what to do."

"Do you really think the Jedi would help?" Maeren asked. "Why would they help me, especially with all their problems now?"

Kim smiled. "Because they don't like being cooped up and hiding. Something to help take their minds off being hunted, especially off-world where they're not criminals might be good."

Shiv's comlink chirped. "This is Maeren Shivral," she said.

"Miss Shivral, my name is Captain Rilanna Kir, head of security on Drogen," said the voice coming from Shiv's wrist. "I'm heading the investigation into the disappearance on the station. There have been a few recently, but they don't seem to be connected. And Lerrah and I were...good friends. The preliminary results of our investigation---and this is very preliminary, we'll have a more detailed report in several hours---indicates that there was a struggle outside of Cirran Tyris' ship Fool's Hope. Forensic scans place both Cirran Tyris and Lerrah there at the time. Signs indicate there was a third, but scans are inconclusive as of yet. I'll know more later."

"Thank you so much, Captain Kir," Maeren said. "You'll contact me later?"

"I will," Ril said. "Unfortunately, I can't leave the station now."

"I'm making arrangements for someone to look for her," Maeren said and received a hopeful smile from Kim, along with a thumbs up sign.

"If I can be of any assistance, let me know." Rilanna said.

"Thanks," Maeren said. "I'll let you know. And I'll be waiting to hear from you."

The Drogen security chief signed off, and Shiv turned to Kim and Keeve. "I hope we can find her." She closed her eyes and whispered, "Please don't let anything happen to her."

"You've got Zenarr Inc's resources at your disposal," Keeve offered, albeit awkwardly. With a clear of his throat, he muttered, "If...you know...you want them to be."

"Thank you," Maeren said with equal awkwardness. "I appreciate the help very much. I have to go, I think. I need to get to work. I...I started yesterday. Clothes store across from the apartment I found."

"Where?" Detecting the urgency in his voice, Keeve found a mark on his shoe to study as he repeated with less vigour, "Is it someplace I know? Didn't know you'd gotten an apartment."

"Needed someplace when we got back," Maeren said. "It's the big place on the corner near the cafe that sells those great pastries. It's not really upscale, but there aren't any bugs, and it came furnished."

"Nice," he muttered. "I did say I'd help...though you never bothered to ask."

"I know," Shiv said. "It's not because I didn't want to, Keeve. It's just...I want to try to do this on my own. I'm trying to...to get clean, I guess. And, I need the job and...and I want to pay as much of my way as I can. It's not fair to make you pay. I promise I won't be a stranger though, and if you ever want clothes, the Bounteous Closet's got some great stuff."

His smile was flat and lacking in enthusiasm. "I'm sure Kim will want to stop by...but not before we help you find your friend. I'll go comm Zale...see if he knows anything." Keeve's retreat into the back room was swift.

"Thanks," Maeren called after him, then looked at Kim. "I really should go."

"Go on," Kim said. "We'll keep on top of things here. You don't want to get fired on your second day. If we find anything, we'll let you know."

"Thanks," Maeren said again. "I'll give you a call once I hear back from the captain."

Kim nodded. "Good. Now get going, and I'll go help Keeve. I'll also call Kallia, and see if she can pull any Jedi help, if there are any still around."

Maeren smiled, kissed Kim's cheek, and then darted out the door. With her gone, Kim went into the back to help Keeve with getting the information to Zale.

---

"Architecture of Aggression"
by: Drer Rda (NPC+)
Noca Kallvar (NPC)
Rashid al-Hyu al-Hamad (NPC+)

Location: Near Thanatos
Date: Selene 23, 5 ABY

***

A lone figure stood knelt atop a sand dune in silent meditation. The light and dark brown splotched clothing he wore blended in with the surrounding sand almost perfectly, one might not even have noticed him were it not for the movement of the wind rustling his cloths. A brown and dark red burkha wrapped around his head, leaving only eyes black as midnight seen. Those eyes were currently closed, however, as Rashid prayed to a God long since forgotten.

The hot sun hung low in the cloudless sky, illuminating the bowed figure briefly before dipping down behind the dune and allowing the night to creep in. Still Rashid did not move, years of hard self-discipline overriding the body's wish to move. He willed blood to flow in his legs instead of having them go numb, he willed the acids to leaving his muscles so that they would not cramp. He was in total and absolute control.

The chill of night washed over Rashid and still he prayed. Finally, long after the moons had risen and the stars shone brightly, he rose to his feet and brush the sand off his legs. It was only a quick trot back to where Drer Rda was staying at in Thanatos and the assassin made it in no time. The two guards at the door nodded had the dark skinned man, instinctively knowing that messing with him would be the last stupid thing they ever did.

In the main hall, Drer knelt at a half kneel over his beloved pet Nexu stroking the massive female pup's belly, an odd sight to some that a creature built primarily as a killing machine could be so docile under the hand of one such as the Twi'lek. In Ntenta his pet, Drer had found a loyal unquestioning friend who as far as Ntenta was concerned only asked for attention and food in return. The large felinesque beast rolled to her side as she noticed Rashid step into the hall and rumbled a low growl in greeting.

Drer looked up at the man whose skin was nearly perhaps darker than his own and nodded in greeting. He was still not quite sure what to make of this man, he like Ntenta followed him without question and it made the Twi'lek somewhat uneasy...did he expect something in return? If he was a bounty hunter he would have asked for women or credits yet he would probably accept neither and instead promise to follow Drer blindly. Yet he was neither bounty hunter this man or a merchant peddling goods he was merely a man. "You retreat to the sands everyday to pray, always the same time you leave and always the same time you return." He commented.

"The sands remind of my home, my people, and my God. I go to the dunes every evening and pray, for when the light of the sun ebbs, the face of my God is seen in the sky. When His gaze is upon me, I feel at peace with the universe, and one with all that is around me." Rashid adjusted the burkha so that it fell away from his near-human face. A thin goatee of course black hair lined his mouth, from which two razor sharp incisors stuck down. "The setting of the sun and the rise of the moon, is also a legend for my people. In the desert, most activity takes place at night, when it is coolest. Only the evil ones are active during the day. Every evening, when my people rise from their slumber, we give thanks that we were not taken during the day while we slept."

The Twi'lek eyed Rashid curiously. So it was true, this race of Night dwellers. He only knew little of them but from what Drer knew of from various sources was that Rashid's people were said to have been that of legend. And that their history was a very complex one filled with all manners of tales ranging from that of love to betrayal, and the rise and fall of power. Idly he wondered if the rumors were true that this race could even take the form of another or an animal even. If that were true could Rashid be hiding behind a false persona even now? Shrugging the thought aside Drer stood, "I only know your history is said to be that of a long and complex one and for that I can understand your reasons for prayer."

"Much of our history has been lost with the sands," was all that he replied with.

Sitting himself on his fainting couch Rda sat towards the edge and folded his hands before beckoning Rashid closer. "We have a problem." He glanced over his shoulder briefly where a young spotted girl lay resting near the fainting couch. Clothed in but sheer silken wraps, she was near nude the unusual outfit exposing just enough flesh and spots for the eyes to feast upon. Fastened around her neck was a heavy metal collar attached to a long chain that allowed her just enough freedom of movement to get up and please her master be it to entertain with dance or interact with nearby slaves. At Rashid's presence not a word nor a glance had been uttered from Mielikki, her eyes stared aimlessly her mind far away. She was as though she were a porcelain doll.

"As you can see, I have my prized treasure back in my possession, however the very Dug I sent to retrieve her has challenged me with a bet, that Noca over there cannot beat him. In return for beating me he expects the rest of his pay and the girl."

"Then we cannot allow him to win, can we." Rashid's eyes only flickered, but already he had noticed the shark-like alien in the corner. Noca Kallvar, a braggart of the worst kind. He could never back up the many boasts that he claimed. Perhaps this race could be view as an opportunity.

"There's a catch however, he wants me to supply him with a pod, and one that has not been tampered with." He fell silent briefly before continuing evaluating his thoughts as he did. "Where I can get one of such nature that would be to Zarrak--the Dug's liking is beyond me. From what I have seen mostly they are junkers that put together piles of scrap into choking machines that they call works of art." He snuffed with cynicism.

"Art is in the eye of the Artist, Drer." Rashid always talked to the Twi'lek as an equal. It was probably one of the reasons the purple skinned criminal kept him around. "But, I believe I have a solution to the problem. The pod racing track is owned by a Hutt. Not a very powerful one, but a Hutt non-the-less, therefore he has many followers and hangers-on. I'm sure that he might have one or two around that he wouldn't miss. Unless, of course, you don't want me to find one that will... win?" The question was framed with the slight raise of an eyebrow.

"Find him a pod that is to his liking, whether or not he will win will not matter on the pod alone but also the skills of the one controlling the machine." He replied allowing a slight smile to creep across his lips.

Rashid placed one hand on his chest and bow slightly. "I shall do as you request and find this Dug a pod." He then turned and walked out, tucking the burkha around his face as he went.

*** Later that evening ***

The Aqualish's place had been easy to find, it only took a few credits slipped into the right hands. The walrus-like alien had been a pod racing champion many years ago, but now was retired and living comfortably. A pair of loose lips at one of the local cantinas had let slip that he had also kept his prize winning pod in the shed behind his modest house. Enough information had been gathered to know that the Aqualish wouldn't sell the pod, it would have to be taken.

Rashid slipped out from the shadows and dashed across the street. His normal desert garb had been replaced by a mottled gray and black stealthsuit. His head and face were completely covered, only a pair of night vision goggles and a breath mask were visible. The fabric would dissipate the heat of his body in such a way that it made him effectively invisible to infrared and heat sensors. Most other electronic means of detection would be foiled by the sophisticated electronics suit carried in a small backpack.

The dash was ended by a roll to the front door, an electronic lockpick already in hand. The lockpick was plugged into the door's panel and several seconds later, the door opened. The theft of the pod would have the go mostly unnoticed, so a distraction had to be made. The house was dark, which was expected, the only moving thing a figure that seemed to blend with the shadows. The house was sparsely furnished and in shambles. Trash was strewn around and piled in corners along papers and all manner of boxes. A set of stairs in the back led up to the bedroom while off to the side was the door leading to the shed and the pod.

The bedroom door opened silently and Rashid snuck through, every step going toe to heel, eliminating any noise the padded boots might have made in the thick carpet. Resting in a tank of fluid was the Aqualish, his eyes closed. A vial of poison was pulled from a pouch on a belt, the stopper slowly pulled off, and the dark liquid poured into the tank. The first effects would be felt in a couple hours, when the alien would start to feel violently ill. The true destruction of the poison wouldn't be noticed still several days from now, when the authorities would find only a corpse.

With the first problem taken care of, Rashid needed only to remove the pod. A quick subvocal brought a flatbed skimmer around the corner of the street, driven by a droid. The door to the shed was unlocked, easy access. Several large hunks of metal lay on large pallets of wood. The pod looked ancient, well built, but ancient. It probably hadn't even been move in years. A quick blowdown of the engine and a new coat of paint, however, and the Dug who was to receive this prize would never know the difference.

The large door to the shed lifted and the flatbed skimmer floated in and settled on the floor. The three large engines would go first, the enclosed pod next. It was an operation that would take a couple hours at least. It was good to know that they wouldn't be disturbed by the owner.

*** Even Later ***

It was well after midnight when Rashid returned to Drer's dwelling, no longer wearing the stealthsuit. He drove the skimmer around to the back and deposited the pod next to the massive engines. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up, alerting Rashid to someone's presence. He spun around and watched the dark skinned Twi'lek enter the garage.

"It is done," he said simply.

Drer overlooked the massive pod with great interest as he stepped towards the gargantuan machine, the small shark-like alien Rashid had seen earlier hopped in behind Rda at his toes. Then, in an instant he leapt up onto a crate and ran a small fin over the pod with intent curiosity. "This thing is perhaps even older than time itself! Where did you find this heap?" The Neelabi asked looking over to Rashid.

"It's not important," he replied with obvious disdain. "I acquired it, and that's all that matters. An engine blowdown and a fresh coat of paint, and the Dug won't even know."

The purple skinned Twi'lek barely gave his answer a second thought and nodded more to himself than anything.

"Do it."

---

"Anatomy of a Psychopath"
Kai Kedemoth - Rouge Imperial Assassin (NPC+)

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Selene 23, 5 ABY

***

The figure walked purposefully along the corridor deep in Drogen's bowels. She moved as silently as the shadow she cast in the dim light. Her mind raced, bounced from one thought to another, like a shuttle caught in the wash of a star cruiser.

The mental monologue running through her psyche was disjointed, but centered on common themes; all of them dark and violent. The mental banter helped to drown out the pain, the craving for spice, the memories. Her scattered thoughts finally parted to allow one image to emerge, Omri Kedemoth, her husband.

She had little memory of their life together. The imperial probes took care of that. All she remembered was that she once loved him.

When a bounty hunter captured her and turned her over to imperial intelligence, she expected Omri to rescue her. He never did. He never arrived to storm the gates of the imperial prison to save her from the torment. He never avenged the torture and horrors of the imperial interrogators. He never intercepted her as she assassinated their friends at the bidding of her imperial handlers. Over time, she learned to hate her husband and blamed him for the wretched soul she had become.

Then, a sinister grin crossed Kai's lips. His sudden appearance here in Tae'Karada proffered the opportunity for vengeance. The bewilderment on his face when she revealed herself to him was delicious. His shock as she strove to kill him delighted her. She was glad she was not able to kill him. Now she had the chance to torment him. Now she would have her fun. She just needed something to draw her husband into her web.

Her wicked revelry was interrupted by a sharp pain in her head. It forced her to stop as she clamp her hands over her ears. Unbidden and unstoppable, again the memories flooded in. Images of interrogator droids, their humming instruments precise in their ability to cause pain; the faces of imperial guards looming over her, their hot stale breath, their pawing hands. . .

She stumbled against the wall and slid down to her knees, whimpering. The images wouldn't stop, no matter how loud she screamed. She shuddered in rage as tears rolled from her tightly shut eyes. With all the strength she could muster, her eyes flew open, staring up into nothingness, her hands balled into tight fists. In a voice almost inhuman, she screamed. "Omri, you will suffer!!"

---

"A Timely Arrival"
by: Koran Darr - Jedi Master
Lani Vissip - Padawan in distress

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Selene 23rd, 5ABY

***

Survival.

It was the base instinct of an organism. The fight or flight mentality that comes over a creature in times of duress. For most it runs their lives. Just living to see the next dawn an every day struggle against the odds. Some creatures, usually sentients that show signs of higher intelligence, are able to repress or ignore it at both the conscious and the subconscious levels.

But a very small percentage are able to take this basest of instincts and hone it to the razor's edge. All senses sharp and alert. Ready to spring into action at a moment notice. Only the greatest of predators in the galaxy can achieve a state like this. Humans are one predator that falls perfectly into that category.

Special Forces, Black Ops, Assassin Clans. All of these groups and hundreds of others like them train men and women to that razor's edge. They teach them to wrap themselves in their instincts. Every movement, every action, judged instantly. When the difference between thought and death is mere seconds, instincts are all that they have to keep them alive.

What can it go too far? When under extreme stress those that have lived much of their life in this state often immerse themselves into it without thinking. They use it as their shield, wrapping themselves from whatever is happening. They often become hyperfocused. Obtaining their goal becomes the number one priority in their mind. It doesn't matter if that goal is escape, evade, or eliminate. They will do whatever is possible. This is the predatory state Lani found herself in. Caught off guard she had fallen into her training and let it guide her.

Today it had guided her into a trap.

Inside the dining room of the Jedi Temple thirty of the Palace Guard had the redhead pinned behind a table that was gradually being eaten away by the flurry of blaster bolts. Despite her mind screaming at her to run, she had decided to stay and fight. Instinct had failed her, so she repressed it. She snapped off a few shots with her blaster pistol and was rewarded with the sound of an armored body hitting the stone floor. No scream though. One of the clones. The death brought the red storm of energy with a renewed intensity. All the Padawan could do was lean back and wonder how she was going to get out of this mess.

There was a sudden change in the storm, a shifting of focus and intensity. As Lani remained hidden behind her nearly-gone table, the assault subsided. As she peered over the table, the focus of the attackers had directed itself at a new body in their midst. Standing in the middle of the storm with a single blade made of emerald fire was Jedi Master Koran Darr.

As the armored warriors attacked, his blade was there to parry away the blasts. His lightsaber was a verdant shield that the blaster bolts did not seem able to pierce. As the assault continued, Koran moved through it toward where Lani waited.

"You missed the transport, my Padawan," he said once he was close enough. He did not turn or look at her, but kept his focus on the incoming blasts. "It's going to be a bit cramped, but we need to get ourselves out of here. Can you run?"

She felt herself smiling. "Like the wind, Master," she said. With Koran deflecting the shot towards the few remaining soldiers Lani had enough time to draw down.

As Lani's weapon leveled at one of their attackers, Master Darr's weapon shifted slightly in it's arc and removed the barrel from just past the trigger assembly. "Our situation is dire enough as it is, Padawan, mass slaughter of the government's soldiers will only further exacerbate our situation. They have managed to successfully turn the public's opinion against us, the incident here"--he indicated the corpses surrounding them--"may very likely solidify that turn."

There was a brief surge of anger before it was quashed under the fist of reason. Master Darr was of course doing what he was supposed to be doing, protecting lives. "Very well, Master," Lani said. She couldn't hide the disappointment from her tone. There was another brief lull in the fire and the Padawan saw her Master nod slightly towards her. His body language told the story, it was time to run. Inhaling deeply, she leapt to her feet and sprinted after Koran and into the labyrinthine corridors of the Jedi Temple.

Koran knew every micrometer of the Temple, and so wending his way back to where he'd left his Aethersprite outside was an easy matter. As he ran, he reached out through the Force, and briefly made contact with the powerful presence that resided within the Temple. A quick negotiation was made, and contact was broken. As they reached the doors that would lead them outside, he could hear the sounds behind them of the Spirits suggesting to the remaining troops that it would be a good idea to relocate to somewhere else.

Once out, Koran led the way up toward the top of the Temple, using Force-assisted leaps to ascend quickly. On the roof of the Temple, his Aethersprite waited. "R9," he called, "scramble back to homebase. I've got her and we're returning." He turned to his Padawan. "As I said, it's going to be a tight squeeze, but it'll get us back to where the others are."

Lani nodded and clambered into the back. There was barely enough room for her own tall frame and she wondered briefly how Koran was going to get in. The Jedi Master dove in after her and somehow wedged himself into the pilot's chair. The canopy closed on the tiny fighter, cramping Lani even more into a space reserved for little more than a large duffel bag. Her face was almost uncomfortably close to her Master's. "Where are we going, Master?" She asked in a strained voice as Koran launch from the Temple roof.

"We've set up in a warehouse about ten kilometers from Vendra," Koran said. "It took a little work to get it, but it will keep us safe for now. There are eleven of us there, twelve with you. We've mostly split up and gone into hiding around the planet. The only one who knows where we all are is Master Baen Novix. For now, he's our liaison between each of the Jedi cells."

"What is happening?" Lani asked her Master, concern evident in her tone. "I've been outside of communications the past couple days, and those were palace soldiers, weren't they?"

"For the most part yes," Koran answered. "I suspect some sort of coup at the palace. Prior to the attack on the Temple, we were warned by High Princess Neerou. We were able to get everyone out, mostly, before the attack. From what we have been able to determine, Dani was spotted in New Plouton. She was with Kael and Raeila at the time, and somehow the crowd determined that the Jedi were protecting Dani and Nieme. Through that, they were able to swing public opinion against the Jedi, and sent troops to bring us in."

"Wait... The palace sent troops to take the Jedi but we were warned by the new High Princess? Sounds like a coup to me. Do we have any eyes and ears in the palace"

"Not currently," Koran said. "Liam is watching the palace along with a woman who assisted him and the others who were operating on a mission outside of the system. But, that's not inside...at least not yet."

"Too bad," she remarked. "I'd sure like to know what is up in there. I'd love to try and make it in, but I overheard one of their captains saying that they had taken a holopic of me somehow." She sighed. It was a shame she couldn't use her skills to help the Jedi more. It would have been an excellent way to show them her dedication.

"I figure it's only a matter of time before Liam gets inside," Koran said. "I'm fairly certain his intent is to get Yelara Neerou out of there and to safety."

"Master Darr?" Lani asked, shifting the conversation. "I overheard something about Master Zaneth from a couple of the other Padawans. Something that I'm sure is just a rumor... but I really want to know."

"Go ahead," he said as he made a slight correction to their course.

"I heard that the High Princess was once his wife, and that she died and he brought her back somehow. But when she came back... she was someone else."

"Most of her memories were gone," Koran said. "Communication I had with Liam before his mission to Coruscant indicated that she was starting to remember. I don't know if she's someone else, but she's definitely not the same. I would imagine there wouldn't be a way for her to be the same after that."

She thought about it for a minute and then agreed with him. The tiny snubfighter had already crossed a goodly amount of territory since they had escaped from the temple. "Where are we going, Master?"

"To somewhere safe," Koran answered. "Just outside of Vendra."

Lani just nodded and settled into what cramped space she had for the last bit of the ride. Her respect for the Jedi Master skyrocketed when he came to her rescue. Never before had anyone ever come back for her... ever. Even Rylaa had left her to rot in a prison for a couple years. The Rebellion had left her and her troopers for dead on Hoth, never to return. But Koran had come, and because of this she mentally swore that she would never leave his side.

---

"In Denial"
Tara Darellia-Pilot (NPC+)
Tal Harak- Barkeep (NPC)

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Selene 23, 5 ABY

***

Of the dozens of bars, cafes and lounges on Drogen Station, Tara Darellia had been to most. But never Dirg's Descent. Nevertheless, she found herself walking under the half-lit sign hanging over the bar's entrance. Half her brain had her convinced there was no special reason why she was here. That side of her brain was good and shutting up the side that knew perfectly well what she was doing at there.

She meandered through the maze of tables, occupied by a variety of station techs, mechanics and spacers. She had seen better places, had definitely seen worse.

Hopping up onto a seat at the bar, the blonde pilot gestured casually at the barkeep, a dark-skinned zabrak. He approached her with a friendly smile. "What can I get for you tonight ma'am."

"Isothane, and don't call me ma'am," she said with deadly sincerity before breaking into a grin.

"You got it." The zabrak went about deftly creating the concoction. He glanced sidelong at the woman. Dressed in a black sleeveless vest and loose black cargo pants, she was not out of place among the other pilots and ship crewmen in his bar. Not stunningly beautiful, but attractive. He placed the drink in front of her.

Tara sipped at the drink, raising the glass toward the barkeep in approval. "Thanks."

"Name's Tal, let me know if you need anything else," the zabrak replied.

"Hey," Tara continued, "have you seen a tall human around, wears a lot of black, has strange tattoos on his face, carries an old sword?" She tried to be as casual as possible.

"Omri? Yeah, he's not on the station. He left earlier today for the planet surface. Said he had to take care of some business."

"Oh," Tara replied nonchalantly. "OK." The first half of Tara's brain was busy convincing the other half that she was not disappointed that Omri wasn't around. It failed and Tara pursed her lips and slumped into her stool in full pout mode.

Thoroughly disturbed at her weak spot for Omri, see tried to distract herself by watching the holonet feed on the monitor over the bar. Apparently the government on Tae'Karada had declared the local Jedi outlaws. Everytime she landed in the system it seemed there was some upheaval in Arcadia.

Slinging back the last of her isothane, Tara settled her tab and made her way out of the bar. Turning toward her docking bay, she noticed a woman standing against the wall across the busy promenade. She caught just a glimpse, but the long black hair, dark eyes and tattooed face seemed familiar. Suddenly it came to her. It was the woman in Omri's holoportrait. His wife.

A group of tall Duros in flight suits walked between her and the woman. When they had passed, the woman was gone. Tara looked desperately around to find her, but to no avail. Something made Tara feel creepy. She shivered involuntarily and hurried back to Tara's Freedom.

---

"Changing of the Guard"
By: Meer'esh
Ron'amon
Sa'Taka Gal'traq

Location: Royal Palace of Arcadia
Date: Selene 23, 5 ABY

***

The Palace was dark as the convoy of speeders passed through the gates, waved through on diplomatic privilege. The guard, a man who had only been working in the palace for several days, turned away from the vehicle as it disappeared further into the Palace grounds, and returned his attention to his job: watching the front gate and letting in no one except those on official business. The list of those allowed in was short, but the vehicle that just passed through was at the top. Most of the regular palace guards had been detached to the various Tae'Karadan diplomats stationed on other planets and systems.

The speeders pulled up in front of the Palace doors, a small entourage gathered to greet them. At the front of the gathering Meer'esh and Ron'amon stood prominently. The doors of the last speeder opened, and four of Meer'esh's cousins, or they definitely could have been given the similarities of features, stepped out. Three were male, one was female. Two moved to the first speeder, two to the second. The hatches were opened and the servants stepped back. From the lead speeder, a single being, taller than the rest, exited the vehicle. Its skin shone in the darkness and its alien eyes seemed to glow as they surveyed the gathering. From the second vehicle, two more emerged. Not nearly as tall as the first, nor as impressive. One wore ornate robes of state while the other wore a military uniform. Two more beings, similar yet different, exited the third speeder and moved to take up positions to the sides of their obvious leaders.

The tallest of the three nodded gravely to the assembled beings. "I am Sa'Taka Gal'traq, Supreme Commander of the Jau military forces. You live because you serve the Jau." He offered a salute, a fist pressed against his breastbone. "You have done well, and for that you will be rewarded. The glory of Mun'Hashai is close, but we cannot afford to lose the resources of this planet. Your continued service will be critical in taking this planet with little bloodshed, for ourselves and for our new slaves." His face contorted into an expression that may have been a smile. "The one they call High Princess, what is her condition?"

Meer'esh's eyes were lowered, as was instinct when in the presence of a superior. "She is being in custody, Sa'Taka. I am having her locked in her chambers. She...she will not be interfering."

Sa'Taka Gal'traq nodded, the crest of spikes, three rows that ran from his forehead to the nape of his neck, glinting in the courtyard lights. "Good," he said. "Is the throne room secure?"

"It is," Meer'esh confirmed, bowing meekly. "The former guards are being held in custody. We are not sure if they are trusted."

"Mun'daq, see to the assessment of the former guards," Gal'traq said.

The military advisor saluted crisply. "It will be done, Sa'Taka."

"Let us move this to the throne room," the Supreme Commander said. He gestured to Ron'amon and Meer'esh. "Lead us."

Without raising his head, Meer'esh obeyed, turning swiftly on his heel and conveying the Sa'Taka through the palace. All was deathly quiet within, the once guarded corridors now bare while Ron'amon's replacements lurked in the shadows. Their eyes followed the group proceeding towards the throne room.

Meer'esh hurried forward to push open the double-doors, then ducked back as he extended an arm into the vast hall. "This is it, Sa'Taka. We have...removed all the decorative items. We were being uncertain if they would please you."

"It will suffice for now," Gal'traq said. He gave Meer'esh an approving nod. With that, he strode down the length of purple carpet to the room's sole furnishing, the throne from which the ruling power of Tae'Karada originated. He turned to face his people, and then sat upon the throne, effectively claiming control of the planet. "This chair, it pleases me much. Kan'viq, when time allows, have some of our decor brought in to this room." The robed political advisor bowed his acknowledgement. "We were forced to accelerate our schedule due to an interloper upon the planet we've been using as a staging ground. The ship managed to escape, and so we will need to begin the operation before word can spread and panic the population. Ron'amon, you did well in ensuring that word did not spread through the news organizations. Our hold upon the media of this world is still secure?"

"My Lord, it is as you desire," she replied with submissive respect, keeping her answer simple and direct as she fought to contain the fear within. A fear she had lived with all her life. "The New Republic leadership within this sector is under my command, they will not be able to interfere," she informed.

"Once the supply ships arrive, construction will begin in the desert regions noted for highest concentrations of the adryx," Gal'traq said. "The initial workforce will come from our own thralls. However, once we hold the planet, new thralls will need to be selected from the population. Ron'amon, you will oversee the selection of thralls to be used. So as to not panic the population, the less savory of the society shall be used to begin with, criminals and other such...scum. Meer'esh, you will continue your duties here in the palace. Give me your assessment of the councillors. How many among them will need to be...removed?"

"Those that are being left are the allies that have been planted," Meer'esh replied. The quaver in his voice was unmistakable, as was his reluctance to even glance up at the Sa'Taka. "Theen and...and the others have been arrested. Councilor Va'lor was taking care of that."

"Very good," the sa'taka said. "Do you believe that the people of this world will require one of their own, or one who resembles them, to govern them without their open revolt?"

Ron'amon bowed her acknowledgement of her new task. She replied quickly and precisely as her master demanded: "They would, my Lord and preferably Human as they are the majority. The population has come to accept the new High Princess after the rule of the Empresses and the alien Oot Kovan. They don't take to change very well and are quick to speak out and pick up arms."

"Then the High Princess and this Oot Kovan shall remain as our mouthpieces to the people," Gal'traq said.

"The Twi'lek," Meer'esh interrupted timidly. "She is...she is not being here. It has been arranged for her to...be on a very long meeting off-planet. I am not certain if she will be returning ever."

"Very well," the sa'taka said. "Then only the High Princess will be our voice to the people of this planet. See that she is eating properly. I observed a recording of her last address to her people; she looked unwell by the standards of this species. See that she is getting proper nourishment. We do not want our new thralls to lose hope due to a failing leader."

Meer'esh kept his head lowered to conceal his growing fear. If they knew how truly grim was the state of Yelara's health, they would find a replacement far sooner, and she her grave. "She will be well taken care of," he replied in a strangled whisper.

"Good," Gal'traq said. His lips curled into an expression that may have been a smile, though it was closer to what could be expected of a predator just before it devoured its prey. "At long last, our full return to power is upon us. From this seat, we shall bring all those who oppose us to their knees. Gehv'fah mauqad Jau!" Glory to the Jau.

Below him, the cry was taken up until it rang about the room, sounding as if an entire legion stood before the throne.

Soon, he mused. Very soon, all would be as the seers had prophesized.

---

"Strange Case Coming In"
By Vincenzo Lapenta - Neurosurgeon
Vaela Jor

Location: New Plouton Institute of Neuroscience
Date: Selene 23, 5 ABY

***

Vincenzo looked up at the watch in his office. That late already. He had been updating case files from a patient he had seen today, and on top he had done three meetings to set up the toxicology lab. He was getting there, but especially the budget wasn't easy. Well, that had to wait until tomorrow. After finishing up his patient file, he closed his computer.

Even as thoughts of departure for the night were entertained by his weary mind, the night-shift attending nurse burst into his office, foregoing the intercom entirely, and exclaimed, "We need you in the emergency room, Doctor Lapenta! We've just gotten a patient. She doesn't look too well off at all and the other residents haven't a clue what's wrong."

"Crap," Vincenzo said. He had been looking forward to a quick trip to Arcadia to spend some time with Sarah, but he was a doctor, and patients came first. He followed the nurse to the ER. Upon his arrival, he saw that it was sliding into chaos. "Okay everybody," he shouted to get their attention, before he started barking orders, "you, get a blood sample to the lab ASAP. Let them do a full set of tests. You get the MRI and the confocal PET warmed up. You, get a IV set up, fluids and food only for the moment."

With everybody busy at the moment, Vincenzo could have a quiet look at the patient. It was a woman in her 20s, currently unconscious. "How did she get here," Vincenzo asked the nurse who had asked him, "and who dropped her off?"

"No one knows," the nurse replied. "We received an anonymous call, directing us to the waiting room, that we would find a very sick woman there, and that's just what we found when we got there. She had ID on her, though - Vaela Jor. That's all we know."

"Have someone search for this name," Vincenzo said, "our own records, police records if necessary. If they have a biometrics database on this planet, use that as well. Her condition is very severe, and I have to know as much as possible about her."

The nurse nodded and hurried off, seeking out a background for their mysterious patient.

Vincenzo started a standard search for signs and symptoms. Pulse was weak, but still acceptable, but she seemed to have some trouble getting oxygen around. "Respirator," he called out. First of all they had to make sure she stayed alive long enough to do all the rest. The unit was brought in quickly, and while it was hooked up, Vincenzo took a little device that Yelara would probably have recognised. It looked very similar to what techs used to search for electric currents, and that was exactly what he was going to do.

As he checked his first readings he took another scanner and repeated the process, but this one gave him the exact same results. There was no neural activity in her extremities, and definitely less then there should be in her central nervous system. "What the heck is this," he said, "is that scanner prepped. I need confocal PET right now."

"We've got it," one of the residents called and steered the portable machine into place, while a nurse injected her with the tracers. As the PET scanner's arm travelled above and over the length of Vaela's torso, an image of her brain was displayed on the computer.

Vincenzo was baffled. It was the first time he had ever seen something like this. It was as if her neural pathways were just dying off. "Bring her to a private room," Vincenzo ordered, "I'm going to take some neural cells. Also get some cell culture medium. And tell the lab to prepare the full scale of biochemistry tests. I want to know what's wrong with these cells, and I want to know it yesterday."

It wasn't an easy procedure to get the neural tissue, but he needed to know more, and this was the only way. For now they would have to keep her alive, and then try to figure out what was wrong.

With two nurses both guiding the hovering gurney out of the ER, and another pushing along the life support units tethered to Vaela's slender arms and providing oxygen through her mouth and nose, she was shown to a private room. It was unlikely there would be any visitors for the mysterious woman, nor was it likely her eyes would be opening any time soon.

Vincenzo went to a supply room to get the things he needed. Coming back with the equipment, he put the scanner on a part of her arm where he could still see some neural activity. He took some neural cells from the dead part and from the living part of her pathways, and placed them in the cell culture medium that had been brought down. These also went to the lab for analysis.

As there wasn't much he could do at the moment. He made sure that the patient was comfortable and that the night shift knew what to do in case of an emergency. For the moment there was nothing more they could do than try to keep her alive, until the lab results were in.

---

"Lunch Bust"
By: Merrick Braston
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat
Zale Tregat

Location: The Frugal Café, New Plouton
Date: Selene 23, 5 ABY

***

When a tourist visited New Plouton, one thing that would be noticeable from the start was the presence of many sidewalk cafes. The city was too nice and the atmosphere too accommodating, and thus many would partake of their lunch meals at a table where they could watch all of the hustle and bustle of the day. Some cafes were quite upscale with fine foods and even finer decor. Others weren't quite as pricey, but the food was always exemplary. Bad cafes didn't last long in New Plouton.

Seated at a table overlooking one of the canals that wended its way through the Yellvin district sat Merrick Braston and Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat. Close observations of the two would reveal an uncomfortable silence as they both looked through their menu. Merrick glanced over the top of his to spy upon Kaysa when she might not be looking only to find her eyes watching him. As one, both gazes dropped to the menus once more, and the charade of finding a suitable lunchtime meal choice began again.

Finally, Merrick set his menu upon the table having made his choice of the open-faced spiced chippen sandwich with a reggen salad on the side. He regarded Kaysa, and wondered if anyone watching them would mistake their behaviour as that of two interested in becoming lovers who were uncertain their affections and feelings would be returned. Of course, those people would be wrong. Former lovers, not-quite former married couple, things had gone very sour in their relationship. As they sat at the table together, Merrick's hope was a way to maintain their friendship. He suspected that Kaysa still wanted more, and that was more he could no longer give.

"I always have trouble choosing here," Merrick finally said, breaking the silence. "Their menu is too full of things that I want to try, and they keep adding new items. That beebleberry tea? That's new. So, do you know what you want?" Nice, Braston, he thought to himself. Just drop that extremely loaded question right out there. "And you'd better get more than a salad; you're still far too thin."

"If 'thin' bothers you so much, you should really have a talk with your gir--" Kaysa's heart sank, loathing any reminder of Analesse. Recapturing Merrick's love would be much easier without another woman in the picture. Her smile was joyless as she dropped her eyes back to the menu. "I think I'll just have the soup of the day," she murmured, dropping her chin sullenly onto her raised fist.

"Kaysa, you need the nutrition, especially after everything you've gone through," he said. "Try that chippen sandwich too. I've heard it's really great. And, if you don't like it, or don't eat it, you can always bring it home to Zale." He gave her what he hoped was his most charming smile. "Speaking of home, how's Aria doing?"

"You didn't drop by to visit her," Kaysa recalled as gentle admonishment. "She's growing fast, and you're going to miss it all if you don't take some time to see her. If you'd rather I weren't there when you did...." Sighing, Kaysa closed her menu and relented dourly, "Chippen it is."

"Chippen it is," Merrick echoed. "And it's fine. She needs her mother around, and we're not going to get past the problems we had if we avoid each other. I'll come by and visit later today, if that's okay. After lunch, I need to do a sound test at the club."

Kaysa's face brightened and a genuine smile transformed her frown. "Can I come? I miss hearing you sing."

"Analesse may be there," Merrick said. "But, you can come if you'd like. We're getting closer to being able to open the club. I'd like you and Zale to come for the opening if you can."

Fiddling with her cutlery, Kaysa uncomfortably declined. "Maybe we can just make the opening. Rehearsals are slow, anyway." Avoiding his gaze, she glanced around in search of a waiter while twining a single brown curl around her finger faux casually. "Was service always so bad here? Can't remember...."

"Things have been slower," Merrick said. "I knew we should have asked for the terrace seats. I think they deliberately put their slower servers on this section. Have you talked to Maeren? I know she took things really hard with Keeve."

"She's handling things well," Kaysa allowed. "I haven't seen her in a couple days, but we've spoken and she got a new job. She's strong. She'll get over him." Watching Merrick significantly, Kaysa added, "One day...."

"I should stop by and see her," Merrick said. He sighed. "Things have changed so much."

Kaysa smiled ruefully, her hand twitching with the urge to reach across the table and touch Merrick's. "They don't have to, you know. I mean...if you wanted them to be the same, they could be."

"Can you guarantee me that what happened between us before you disappeared will never happen again, Kaysa," Merrick asked.

Her smile was one of hope and reserved excitement at Merrick's apparent turnaround. She treaded carefully, but knew the truth would be appreciated. "I don't want to make you anymore false promises, Merrick," she told him fervently, "but I feel different. This time...I believe I have changed and that I won't go down that path again. I've lost too much to risk it. I can't say for certain that I'll be perfect...but I feel as if I'll never hurt you or Zale again."

Merrick nodded and sighed. "You definitely don't sound like the old Kaysa," he said. "It's too soon, and I'm with Analesse now. Our relationship is still new, and I don't think she'd take too happily to sharing. And...and I'm not sure if I want to share or be shared."

"Thanks for getting my hopes up," she quipped, a weak, disappointed chuckle following. "I'm really trying, Merrick. I just want you to see that, if nothing else."

"I see it, Kaysa," Merrick said. "And this is the most pleasant time I've spent with you in a long time. It gives me hope for the future for us."

"So there is a future?" A grin reminiscent of those endearing, radiant expressions of delight Kaysa had formerly been quick to flash Merrick in the past made an appearance briefly, for there was still a trace of sadness in her countenance. Looking down at her empty lap for wont of a better focal point, Kaysa whispered, "I love you, Merrick, and I'm ready to have you in my life again. The rest...I leave it up to you."

"We'll see what happens, Kaysa," he said. "I don't want to make you any promises or leave you thinking that something will happen. But, I do want to be your friend, I do want to be a part of your life, and that's what I can give you right now. As for the rest, only fate can say for sure."

She nodded grudgingly and tried to smile. The waiter's arrival spared her the wasted effort. Orders were given, Kaysa's uttered absently as she dwelled on the lack of progress with Merrick. When the young man departed with their lunch selections, she remained in scrutiny of a spot on her dress that had gone unnoticed until that moment. Frowning, Kaysa scrubbed at it with her thumbnail, experiencing relief over how stubborn it was proving - any reason not to look at Merrick and be reminded of what she'd foolishly lost was welcome. Her actions were blurred by the sudden physical onset of grief, a droplet plummeting from her eye onto the stain that was her focus now, unintentionally aiding the cleaning process. More followed, despite a struggle to master her emotions. Kaysa swallowed hard to stifle a sob. Merrick would likely think this an attempt to guilt him into a relationship and only push him farther away. It was Kaysa's curse: trying too hard to achieve something and, in the end, producing the opposite effect. Lunch couldn't have been progressing slower.

"Kaysa," Merrick said softly. He couldn't help reaching out to her, though had to slide his chair around closer to hers so he could take one of her hands into his.

She shook her head, sending the tears off course down the line of her nose until they were dripping off its tip. The warmth of his hand against hers only made her situation worse - it reminded her more vividly of what she could never reclaim. "I'll be fine," she assured him in a choked whisper. "I'm just still...I must still be exhausted from everything."

"Did you want to go," he asked. "We don't have to stay. We can go see Zale, or find Maeren. Or go see how Aria's doing?"

"No," she answered abruptly. "No...I want to stay here. I may not get another chance to be alone with you...so we're staying." Kaysa summoned a smile to reassure Merrick. "I'm fine. Let me have one day, Merrick...please?"

"Of course," Merrick said with a smile in return. "I'm glad you want to stay, because I do want to spend this time with you. And our food should be here soon."

Kaysa turned her gaze his way to watch him ardently. "Thank you for being here with me, for giving me this chance. I'll show you just how far I've come, Merrick, so that some day you'll think highly of me once again."

"I look forward to that," Merrick said. "And I do hope you believe that. I care for you still, Kaysa, and I want to see you happy and healthy again. I want to see you smiling like that all of the time."

She chuckled gently and averted her eyes to their joined hands. Her thumb idly caressed Merrick's. "Would Analesse approve? Does she even know you're here today?"

"She knows I'm here," Merrick said. "She knows that I still want you as my friend. I don't think you really want me to say much more about Analesse though."

"Then I've heard enough." She eased her hand free of Merrick's and used it to wipe at her tears. "Looks like we have little to talk about, since anything we do speak of leads to something I can't bear to hear. Shall we talk of the weather, then?"

"Do you think you'll be taking control of Zenarr Inc. back from Keeve? You'd have to work around her new job, but you could probably get Maeren to run some cargo runs for you, I bet."

"I don't know...I'm not really up for it right now. Zale said I could come into work with him for a while...just to get back into it, but...." She shrugged, obviously unenthusiastic about the idea. "I just need to take things slowly for a while, I think."

"I don't blame you," he said. "It also gives you more time with Aria. How well do you think you might adapt to the music business, if that might be an interest of yours, of course?"

She laughed gently, her regard skeptical. "What do you mean? You know I can't carry a tune, or need I remind you of that with an example?"

"I know that," Merrick said. "But, you're a very good businesswoman. With me as involved in the White Noise as I have been, the management side of, well, me, is slipping. I don't have a manager, and haven't had one for a long time. If you could learn the business... I'm not sure if you'd want to, but it's a thought."

"Really?" Kaysa verily glowed, her flagging spirits uplifted. "You know it would mean spending a lot more time with me. You're fine with that?"

"You will have to be able to get along with Analesse," Merrick said. "And, it is a professional relationship. I don't want to turn my back on you, Kaysa. I do want us to still see each other, talk, and be around each other. It won't be like it was before, but maybe it will take us somewhere new. I don't know if it'll work out, but I do hope it does."

"I'll do it," she decided without hesitation. "If it means being with you, even in a professional capacity, then how could I say 'no'?"

Merrick chuckled. "You'll need to start brushing up on the music business then," he said. "I can get you some information to look over. And, we'll have to get you a suitable office space."

Too ecstatic to speak, Kaysa could only laugh and throw her arms around Merrick. In a moment of habit overruling thought, her lips met his, the kiss unchaste but conveniently brief. Still, she maintained her embrace. "Thank you," she breathed into his ear.

"Of course," Merrick said. "And, I'm happy to be able to keep you in my life, Kaysa. You do think you can get along with Analesse, right? I won't have to worry about any fights?"

"Unless provoked," she assured him, "I'll play nice." Kaysa pulled her head back, but remained close to Merrick as she gazed into his eyes ardently. "Thank you. Maybe I can prove to you how much I really have changed, if this all works out."

"I look forward to that," Merrick said with a smile. "I'll also speak with Analesse and make sure she does no provoking."

Kaysa nodded in gratitude, then awkwardly separated from Merrick after noting his lack of reciprocation to her affections. She cleared her throat and gestured towards the approaching server. "You should...get back to your place. The food's coming."

Merrick chuckled and nodded. He slid his chair back around to the spot where his table settings were awaiting his return. "I can smell it already," he said. "I'm glad we did this, Kaysa, and not just because of the good food."

"Me too," was all she could say, keeping her true feelings bottled up. They would not be appreciated, she suspected, and forlornly watched as her meal was set down before her. It seemed none too appetizing now, so instead she reached for her glass of torberry juice and raised it towards Merrick. "A toast to our new business relationship?"

Merrick raised his glass. "To new horizons and the songs they will bring," he said, then touched his glass to hers.

But Kaysa knew there would be no ballads written for her, not any longer, and drinking deeply from her glass, she sought to drown her grief, as well as the sob rising in her throat. Nothing could assuage the pain, nothing save Merrick's love.

Merrick felt a pang of both guilt and pain as he caught the look in Kaysa's eyes before they closed. He wished there were a way for him to be everything to everyone, but unlike Maeren, he was only himself. As much as his heart yearned to reach out to Kaysa, to comfort and love her, his love was Analesse's now, and he couldn't ruin what they had. He only wished that Zale could love Kaysa enough for both of them.

***

Her blue sundress fluttered gently back into place upon her thighs, just as Kaysa, too, settled exhaustedly onto the welcoming sofa within Zale's office. She had been unprepared for the strain of too much activity and emotions on her fragile constitution. Now, she was paying the price, though accepted it as penance for her stupidity. "It was horrible," she told Zale as he approached. "I don't know why I even bothered."

Zale slid down onto the sofa beside her. "Tell me what happened if you'd like," he said as he took her hands into his.

"He wouldn't budge." She gave a mirthless chuckle. "He won't love me...not with that woman in the picture. But," Kaysa added with feigned enthusiasm, "he does want me to manage him. Isn't that great?" Frowning, she muttered, "Yeah...great."

"You don't know anything about the music business though," Zale said, confusion on his face. "I don't mean any offense to you at all, but it's never been your focus. Sure you enjoy music, but...what's he thinking? You're going to do it though?"

"Why not? I can learn!" She sighed, her body sagging further into the couch. "I just want to be near him, Zale, any way I can," was her sullen admission. "Is that so wrong?"

"As long as it doesn't become an obsession," Zale said. "It could take time and it could not happen at all. And, if you press harder, you could end up pushing him even further away. He still loves you, Kaysa, but you and him, and him and Analesse just won't work together. If their relationship doesn't work out, maybe you'd have a chance with him. As long as they're together, I don't think he'd turn back to you."

"So I should just give up," she concluded morosely. "I've messed up...and there's no chance of regaining what I've lost." Dropping her head defeatedly upon Zale's shoulder, Kaysa whispered, "I've screwed up for the last time. I...I have to let go. But it's so hard."

"My advice," Zale said as he shifted around so he could hold her. "Why don't we focus on us, you, me, and Aria. You can be Merrick's manager if you want, or not if it'd cause too much pain. And, if something does happen eventually, you can be around for Merrick. For now though, I think it'd be too much pain and heartache for you, and I don't know if I could bear to watch you suffer more and know there's nothing I can do to make it better." He pressed his lips to her forehead.

"Well," she sighed dreamily, "that helped a little. I'll...I'll try to move on, Zale, I will. But I need to try this. If I can work by his side and perhaps accept that he only wants friendship, I can finally come to terms with his wishes. Or," Kaysa added, a mischievous smile on her lips, reminiscent of the times prior to her abduction, "I could just scheme to break them up. That should be easy, right?"

"I imagine it could be," Zale said. "But, going that route, you could also easily earn his everlasting enmity and lose him forever even as a friend."

Kaysa patted Zale's chest and raised her face towards his so that her teasing grin could be seen. "Then it's a good thing I was only joking. You still think I'm that vindictive and cruel? Because I have learned my lesson, Zale."

"It's not that I think you're vindictive or cruel," Zale said, "it's just that I do know that Merrick is very important to you, and I didn't quite know how far you'd be willing to go to get him back. I'm glad you're not."

She frowned in disappointment at Zale. "You don't trust me yet, do you? You still think I'm a lunatic."

"Still would imply that I thought that at some point," Zale said flatly. "I've never thought you a lunatic, Kaysa. I came after you when that bastard had you. I'm still here now, holding you. I'm the one that holds you when you wake up at night crying. I do trust you and I love you. But, I think that Merrick very well could be the factor that could tip the scales again if you were to go down that road. I'd be at your side through it all, but please don't turn against me and suggest that I don't trust you. We've been through a lot, and it's still a bit early after it. I'm here though, and I'm not going away."

Sufficiently chastised and repentant, Kaysa lowered her head, nodding an apology. She returned to Zale's embrace and burrowed her head into the curve of his neck, the darkness of obscured vision comforting to Kaysa. "I'm an idiot, as always," came a muffled remark of self-deprecation. "I'm trying to move things too fast with Merrick. I shouldn't, I'm not ready. It's only been a couple days. I-I need to focus on the nightmares, the fear...and I need to be only with people who can support me." A warm kiss pressed to Zale's throat, and Kaysa gazed up at him adoringly. "People like you."

"Me always," Zale said then kissed the top of her head. "And our beautiful baby girl."

"Good...then it won't be a problem if I become Merrick's manager, because what ever happens, you'll be there for me." She grinned facetiously. "Please?"

"I'll definitely be wherever you need me for now and always," Zale said, and then gave her a tender kiss.

"Still so obedient," Kaysa teased fondly. Slender, pale fingers twined a single thin braid of dark brown depending from Zale's head, just as she had made a habit of doing during the night when sleep refused to claim her, and the only thing to soothe her was that simple act. She laughed softly to herself. "Can't you take the rest of the day off? I need some new clothes - all the old ones just hang off me now."

"I can," Zale said. "I'll let Moril know we're going and that he's in charge until tomorrow."

"Really? I haven't kept you away from your business for too long already?"

"I've got a little girl at home that needs some time with papa," Zale said. "Besides, Moril can handle it while I'm gone. I think I could use some new clothes as well, especially with the hot weather on the way."

Kaysa kissed his cheek then sprang up from the sofa. "Come on," she urged him with light-hearted impatience, and gave his hand a tug. "I'm in the mood to spend all your creds, so let's go!"

"Our house isn't big enough for that much clothing," Zale said as he got to his feet. "Unless you're planning on having me buy us a bigger house too."

"You'd do that for me?" She smiled, assuring Zale she had been nothing close to serious. Now, though, she was, and paused a moment to ask with a straight-face, "Can we actually...get a smaller one? I didn't want to mention it before but it's too big...too many places for people to hide if they were to...you know...get inside the house. All those dark corners, Zale," she whispered in growing dis-ease, "anyone could be waiting there. If Vrax had friends, they might come for me, they might wait in the shadows...."

"We'll get one that's smaller and better lit," Zale said. "With just the three of us there now, it's much too big."

"And no one will find us there?" Her breathing had hastened and her eyes grown large, distress pooling in them. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," Zale said. "We can keep it very private, and only those people we wanted to know we're there would know."

"You can't guarantee that," she insisted. "If someone wanted to find me, they could. Vrax did. Anyone could."

"Vrax found you because of Cadwin," Zale said. "We weren't trying to stay private, hidden. But this time we can."

Kaysa concentrated on settling her breathing as it dawned on her how unreasonable her fears were becoming. It was impossible, however, to shake the nagging concern that someone somewhere was out to get her. She never did see Vrax's dead body to confirm he would no longer be capable of harming her. Pressing the heels of her palms into her eyes, massaging free the stress, Kaysa groaned, "I'm losing my mind. That, or it's already gone."

"It's only been a couple days, Kaysa," Zale said softly. "I think it's natural to still feel fears at this point."

"I'm moving too fast...with everything," she admitted. "With Merrick, with believing I'm actually over what happened...." Kaysa removed her hands from over her eyes and touched Zale's cheek briefly. "I'm just going to go home and be with Aria...and think about things. We can try shopping another day, hm?"

"Sure," Zale said. The look he gave her was full of both his love and understanding. "If you'd like, I can still duck out of here early, and spend the rest of the day with the two most important girls in my life."

"If you don't mind very little conversation," she warned, "then I don't mind."

"Not at all," Zale said with a smile. "Give me a moment to gather some things and let Moril know what's going on."

She swept her arm dramatically towards his desk, and stepped aside, giving him leave to do what he must. It was the most amount of playfulness Kaysa had managed since her rescue, but a glimmer of her old self and even then seemed contrived. Nothing from life before her abduction was clicking anymore, leaving Kaysa to wonder whether or not she was the same person now, as then, or if it was even worth the effort to try and recapture those traits that defined Kaysa Zenarr. If she didn't, though, would Zale still love her?

Plagued with concern and doubts, Kaysa plunked herself back down onto the sofa and wallowed. At least that was one aspect of her old personality she had remastered. A small victory.

---

"Intrusion"
By: Ferrig Mullerin
Raeila Selrid
Dani
Aera [NPC]
Thiri [NPC]

Location: Kael and Raeila's home, Thanatos
Date: Selene 23, 5 ABY

***

Kael Selrid was no longer at the house. At least, that's what Ferrig's watchers told him. That was good news. Very good news. He left Pack and Yannick at the Feltrey House, mainly because he didn't feel they'd have the stomach for what was needed. Taking a small group with him, he set off for the house.

He hoped they'd find Raeila and Dani in the middle of something, that'd at least give the boys a nice show. He set his people around the house to watch as he moved in to peer through one of the windows. Inside, he found things exactly as he hoped. And so, all they had to do was wait.

They didn't have to wait long before Thiri entered the kitchen to grab a snack. With a smile, Ferrig nodded to Zaneck and they slipped in through the back door. Too intent on spooning some hadish onto a plate, the girl didn't even hear them. When she finally did let out a cry of alarm, it was after Ferrig's hand had clamped over her mouth.

"Shh," Ferrig murmured. "Cooperate and everything will be fine. Fight us, and I can't promise the same." She went still in his arms, and so he reached down beneath the long nightshirt she still wore and pulled her underpants off. "To establish that I'm very truthful in what I say," he mentioned after Zaneck's raised eyebrows. He passed the girl to his gangmate. "Get her back to the house. Look but don't touch."

He watched the other Feltrey drag Thiri away, then pushed his way out of the kitchen where the others were.

"Hello, ladies," Ferrig said. "I was hoping I'd find you here."

Aera let out a gasp, and Dani rose to her feet and brought her lightsaber to hand. Raeila moved in front of Aera, instinctively shielding her from whatever it was Ferrig intended to do.

"Calm down," Ferrig said. "If you don't, Thiri will not be treated well, I assure you." With that, he tossed the girl's underpants to Rae. "She's safe and unharmed and will stay that way if you do as I say. Defy me, and she'll become the newest Feltrey toy."

"Why are you doing this?" Raeila whispered, holding Thiri's undergarment in her trembling open hands. "What do you want?"

"I'm rescuing you from Kael," Ferrig said. "That's what I'm doing. I'm taking you off this idealistic path he's leading you down where you'll find no joy or happiness. I'm taking you back to the life you had when you were happy and carefree, when you knew how to smile and enjoy life."

"And what does Thiri have to do with your insane scheme? Leave her out of this!"

"She'll be treated well," Ferrig said. "But, you're incredibly stubborn, my sweet sister, and Thiri is the added incentive for you to cooperate with me. It would be a shame if you didn't cooperate."

"Please," Aera said, fighting back tears, "leave her alone. She's a good girl. She doesn't deserve this."

Ferrig smiled. "All you have to do is cooperate, all three of you. And Tralesha after the baby is born. If you're good, then there's nothing to worry about, is there?"

Raeila sneered at Ferrig, "What's that supposed to mean? What do they have to do with anything!"

Ferrig smiled. "They will help to earn the gang some money to fill our coffers. If the Feltreys are going to be the guardians of Thanatos and the desert, then we'll need the funds to do so."

"Then you and your Feltreys can find their own funding. Leave these girls out of it," she hissed. "You've lost it, Ferrig. You've completely lost it! What the hells are you thinking!?"

"I'm thinking you need to rethink this Rae," Ferrig said. "If you don't cooperate, and that means all of you, Thiri is going to have a very bad day. In time, though, she may come to enjoy it though. Work for me, and no one will touch a hair on her pretty little head."

"Please don't hurt her," Aera whispered. "I'll do it. Just...just don't hurt her."

"There, very reasonable," Ferrig said.

"I will find a way to hurt you for this," Dani said flatly.

"Of course you will," was Ferrig's reply. "But for now, you'll be my whore and make me money. It's something you're good at, Dani. Do what you know best, and the three of you can screw like no one else. Whore for me, or Aera's little sister will be doing the job for you."

If looks could kill, the glare Dani gave Ferrig would have killed him several times over. Finally she looked away. "Alright."

Ferrig's smile was filled with menace. "Perfect. Rae?"

She gaped at Dani, incapable of comprehending her quick acquiescence. "No," she blurted out in shock. "No, we're not doing this! You're not doing this to Aera and Thiri, Ferrig! Leave them out of this and...and you and I can talk about things, privately. You don't need them as bargaining tools, Ferrig. I'm your sister. If you'll just talk to me..."

"Fine, we'll talk," Ferrig said. "Let's go upstairs. We can talk there."

Raeila nodded stiffly and gestured for Ferrig to precede her. She didn't trust what he would do with her back turned. As he complied and the two were moving towards the stairs, Raeila looked back at Dani and smiled reassuringly. She would get them out of this, no matter what she had to offer her brother.

On the second floor now, Ferrig and Raeila holed themselves up in her bedroom where, instead of attacking her brother with vicious, hateful words, Raeila gently lay her hands upon his shoulders and kissed each of his cheeks in a proper greeting. "Ferrig," she told him softly, "what are you doing? Does this actually feel right in your asri? Doesn't it pain you to threaten those you love?"

"Of course it does," Ferrig had, the strain in his voice clear. "But, he's poisoned your mind, Rae. I'm just trying to bring you back, and...and it required drastic measures because you wouldn't go on your own."

"So your ultimate goal is to turn your sister into a whore once again?" She smiled mildly. "Wouldn't you rather we had fun together, as brother and sister, without my having to run off to seek out clients constantly? How is that better?"

"I just know that you were happier then," Ferrig said. "And you never complained about it. But, now you complain about things all the time."

"Come on, Ferrig, you're not doing all this for me. Tell the truth. What is this about really?"

"It's partly about you," Ferrig admitted. "And partly because the three of you could probably make the gang a lot of money. You could easily charge more than anyone else. That's what you used to love doing. Aera loved it before you pulled h