"Reconciling"
By: Yelara Neerou - Shipyard Mechanic
Jae Dyn Brael - Jedi Knight

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Eos 24, 3 ABY

***

Jae Dyn dropped the welding torch to the side of the ship. She still hadn't given it a name, and the work she'd been putting into it was only half-hearted at best. She didn't really want the thing, but could she really afford to get rid of it after recent events? She sighed, putting the thoughts out of her mind. She really didn't want to think about what had happened the previous day. She didn't want to think about how completely stupid she had been.

With a sigh, she decided to not put off what she'd been putting off for an hour. She picked up the requisition form she'd filled out and headed up to where she needed to get it signed for the parts she needed. Of course, doing that meant she'd have to talk to the flight deck foreman. And, that meant she'd have to see Yelara.

The thought twisted her stomach in a knot. She knew Yelara wouldn't want to see her. How could she have been so stupid? How could she have thought--? She spent the entire previous night standing on one hand, and it didn't do a bit of good.

Jae Dyn approached where she saw Yelara working.

Yelara saw someone approaching her out of the corner of her eye and turned around to greet them. She stood there, frozen, as she realized it was Jae Dyn. She hadn't seen her since that morning in the cafe and wasn't exactly anxious to do so at this particular time. She felt so awkward now that she knew Jae Dyn's true feelings for her, but it was more awkward because Yelara had no idea if she could reciprocate.

"Jae Dyn," she said uncomfortably as she looked back down at her commpadd.

As Yelara dropped her gaze to the commpadd, Jae Dyn felt the bottom drop out of her stomach. She closed her eyes briefly to gather her strength and to focus her thoughts. "I need to requisition some parts," she said. She held out the compadd with the list of parts she needed and her credit chip.

Yelara glanced at the items Jae Dyn had placed towards her and took them from her hands, trying carefully not to make physical contact. She scanned through the requisition form, checking the list of items and transferring them to her compadd. "I'm afraid this hyperdrive coil is gonna have to be ordered in. It should take about a week," she said coldly as she signed the requisition form and handed back the compadd to Jae Dyn.

Jae Dyn nodded. "Thank you," she said, trying to keep the emotion from her voice. "I expected it might."

Yelara was intentionally giving Jae Dyn a hard time, and she had no idea why. She knew very well there was a spare coil in stock, but she was withholding it. Yelara wasn't trying to hurt Jae Dyn; she only wanted to distance herself from her because of what happened, but it was killing her to do so.

The uncomfortable silence stretched longer than Jae Dyn could stand. Apparently whatever friendship they had shared was indeed gone. She quickly shielded herself from the emotions bubbling upward. "How much will this cost me?"

"800 even," Yelara answered, quietly, pretending to be occupied with whatever she was looking at on her commpadd. She tried to look up at Jae Dyn, but she couldn't do it. Her heart was aching and she knew that if she looked in Jae Dyn's eyes, she'd break down.

Jae Dyn nodded. "Okay," she said. "Go ahead and take the whole thing now. Easier that way." She knew she should just turn and walk away, but she couldn't. Not yet. "I just want to say I'm sorry."

Yelara transferred the creds and handed back the chip to Jae Dyn. "There's nothing to be sorry for Jae Dyn. It was a mistake, that's all. We all make mistakes..."

Jae Dyn pocketed the chip. "Yes, it was a mistake on my part," she said. "And, one I deeply regret. For that, I am sorry." Her stature changed to something more mannered and refined. "Thank you, Yelara. May the Force be with you." She turned away and started toward her ship, afraid to slow in case she lost the threads of control she had bound around her emotions.

Yelara watched as Jae Dyn walked away. She instantly felt her heart fall to the pit of her stomach, knowing she was torturing Jae Dyn immensely. She sighed in frustration and slammed her commpadd down onto the table she was next to. She was being a stubborn fool and was ignoring how she truly felt for Jae Dyn.

Her emotions were yearning to break free, but Yelara kept pushing them back and trying to silence them. She remembered how worried she'd felt when she heard of Jae Dyn's battle with the Dark Jedi. She could feel her heart being ripped into two at the thought of losing Jae Dyn forever, so why, now, was she ignoring her? Yelara couldn't continue like this. She had to talk to Jae Dyn.

She started hesitantly towards Jae Dyn's new vessel. She was beginning to wonder if the pain she had inflicted on Jae Dyn had already ruined any chance of rekindling the fire between them.

Yelara stopped in front of the ship and cleared her throat. "Jae Dyn?" she called out.

Jae Dyn appeared at the top of the ramp of the new ship Dargus had given her. It still bore the scars of her fight with the Dark Jedi. She considered leaving them there, but hadn't fully decided yet. She stepped down the ramp toward where Yelara stood. "Yes," she said, cautiously.

Yelara could see that Jae Dyn was hesitant about coming too close, so she took a step forward and faced her. "How are the repairs coming?" she asked, trying to stick to small talk first so she could ease into what she really wanted to say.

Jae Dyn shrugged. "Slower than I'd like, but they're coming along." She looked back at the ship and sighed. It reminded her of Dargus. Everything around here reminded her of Dargus. "How are you?"

Yelara sighed. She hated these formalities so decided to drop it and get straight to what she wanted to say. "Jae Dyn, I was scared to death when I found out that Dark Jedi was after you. I thought...I thought I was gonna lose you." Yelara reached out and took Jae Dyn's hand into her own. "That made me realize how much I truly needed you, and how empty my life would be if you ever left me."

Jae Dyn half-smiled, still unsure of what has happening. "I'm sorry for putting you through that," she said. "It was not something I would ever want to do." She looked down at Yelara's hand holding hers, and then looked back up to her eyes. "I thought I would never see you again after I came back here. I thought-- I figured you didn't want to be around me anymore."

Yelara's eyes began to tear up. She hated crying in front of people, but she had been bottling up her emotions for so long, that they suddenly came rushing out in full force. "I can't be without you Jae Dyn. I realized just that when we were apart, and when I thought I had almost lost you." Yelara pulled Jae Dyn towards her and embraced her. She was shaking, and the tears came streaming down her face. "I'm sorry, Jae Dyn," she whispered into her friend's ear. "I don't ever want us to be apart again."

Jae Dyn put her arms around Yelara and held her close. "You have nothing to be sorry for," she whispered back. "I will be your friend always...in whatever capacity you wish me."

Yelara ran her hand through Jae Dyn's hair and buried her face into her shoulder. "I just need time, Jae Dyn. Time to sort out what I'm feeling. I have never felt this way about anyone before, and I'm not exactly sure what it all means." Yelara squeezed Jae Dyn tighter. She felt so safe in her arms and so comforted. Nothing else mattered in that moment. All she cared about was standing there, in Jae Dyn's arms and never wanting to let go.

"Whatever time you need," she said softly. She closed her eyes and just held her friend. "I'm your friend."

"That's all I ask of you," Yelara said gently. She slowly released her embrace and stared into Jae Dyn's eyes. "I lied about the hyperdrive coil," Yelara said with a smile. "I have one in the back." She looked innocently into Jae Dyn's eyes, hoping she wouldn't be mad.

Jae Dyn laughed. "You really were mad at me, weren't you?"

"No. I was just being stubborn, that's all," she said, still smiling. "I'll give you the one in back. And since I'm so nice, I won't charge you again for it."

"Good," Jae Dyn said, still laughing, "since these are my credits and not Dargus'. Though, if I were to sell off this crate, they would sort of be Dargus' credits. We can do that later though. I'm not really all fired up to replace the hyperdrive just yet."

Yelara became serious again and began caressing Jae Dyn's cheek with her hand. "I...I have to get back to work now," she said as she removed her hand quickly from Jae Dyn's face and took another step back. "I've really missed you, you know that?"

"I've missed you too," Jae Dyn said. "I didn't sleep at all last night. I'm completely exhausted today."

Yelara laughed when she heard that. "I couldn't sleep either. I just felt so uncomfortable sleeping in my own bed." Yelara stared into Jae Dyn's eyes and took a deep breath. "Can I come over tonight? I don't wanna go back to my own room."

Jae Dyn smiled. "Of course you can," she said. "I'll see if I can have the locks keyed to your bio-signature too. That way you can come and go as you please. And, if you want, you can put some clothes in there too. Unless you want to keep wearing my clothes." She grinned.

Yelara shook her head and laughed. "No, I think my breasts are still sore from trying to cram them into your vest. I'll bring some clothes by after work." Yelara looked at Jae Dyn with an uncertain smile and asked, "So, does this mean we're roomates?"

Jae Dyn laughed. She leaned close and said softly, "You looked very nice in my vest." She grinned. "And, yes, roommates. I'll have another bed brought in later today. You don't want to keep sleeping on the couch."

Yelara blushed at Jae Dyn's remark, then burst out laughing. "No, way am I sleeping on the couch again! That thing was so uncomfortable to sleep on. But don't go to any trouble bringing in another bed. We can just bunk together on yours," Yelara said with a smile.

Jae Dyn returned the smile. "You're sure?" she asked. "I mean, we'd be sleeping in the same bed together every night."

"That's fine. I mean, we could stay up talking all night and make fun of Dargus...It'll be so much fun!"

Jae Dyn laughed. "Okay," she said. "It will be fun."

Yelara hugged Jae Dyn again as the excitement overwhelmed her. "I can't wait! We can go to my place after work and collect all my things." Yelara smiled and kissed Jae Dyn on the cheek. "I have to get back to work now, but I'll see you later." She squealed with delight and hugged Jae Dyn again.

Jae Dyn hugged Yelara. "I'll meet you back here when you get finished with work."

Yelara nodded her head and smiled at Jae Dyn. She paused for a moment just staring at Jae Dyn, then turned and happily walked back to her office, whistling a tune.

Jae Dyn watched her friend disappear back toward the office and shook her head. Things were definitely going to get interesting from here on out. She would have to be very careful with her feelings and affections. But no matter what happened, they would at least go through it together.

---

"Distance"
Jae Dyn Brael - Jedi Knight
Kalaira Ardelyr- Ambassador-at-Large

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Eos 24, 3 ABY

***

Despite the wounds of her previous day's fight, and the soreness she felt within, Jae Dyn smiled as she strolled across the flight deck. Things had taken a decidedly positive turn with Yelara, and she felt more alive than she had felt in a long time. But, there would be time for celebration later. For now, she had to do some things in her apartment before Yelara came off her shift.

A figured emerged from one of the corridors leading from the deck. Jae Dyn had only met the ambassador once, but she recognized her immediately. She changed direction and approached. She had to thank Kalaira for the warning yesterday. She knew had it not come, she would have been the one cast out into space to burn in the Tae'Karadan atmosphere.

"Ambassador," she said. "I wanted to extend my thanks for your warning yesterday. It was perfectly timed to allow me to prepare for the Dark Jedi."

Kalaira forced a smile to her lips. "I am glad to be of service. I would not want your death to be caused by negligence or misplaced information." A costly mistake she would never make twice.

Jae Dyn nodded. She glanced around and then back to Kalaira. "I had not expected to find you here," she said. "I would have thought you would have returned to the planet after speaking with me." A wave of darkness passed over her and she could taste something bitter at the of her throat. She didn't need the Force to tell her something was wrong with the information she'd received the previous day. "Something happened with Dargus, didn't it?"

Kalaira looked to the floor. "It doesn't matter." She muttered. "I can handle myself. Just get the information if you can?" A note of begging could be heard in the normally unruffled Ambassador's voice. She had handled nearly being assassinated better then this.

"I will get whatever information I can," she said. "And, it does matter. Every person Dargus Kandran hurts drives him farther and farther from the light. Each step takes him closer to complete darkness. And, each step makes saving him that much more difficult. Before long, all hope of saving him from the dark side will be gone."

Maybe it was a fool's errand. Her voice had become cold and distant. It happened when she walled off her emotions. The walls were necessary when her emotions raged, and when it came to Dargus they raged more than she could have ever imagined. But now, the fury was contained behind carefully constructed walls. It protected her from the beckoning darkness.

She knew instinctively what Dargus had done. It was what he did with every women he sought to possess. He would have done it to her if she hadn't had the strength to oppose him, if he had kept the ysalamiri around. She dropped the volume of her voice for Kalaira's ears only. "He forced you into his bed against your will, didn't he?"

"It depends on your definition of against my will." Kalaira said with a sad smile. "I would not say he physically forced me."

"Physical force is only one means to force you against your will," Jae Dyn said. "He forced you, didn't he? To have sex with him? He used his position to take you to his bed."

Kalaira looked up at her. "It is far worse then sex, Jae Dyn. I cannot speak of it but if it were only his bed, I could endure, for he is not a bad or harsh lover."

Jae Dyn nodded. "I know that all too well," she said. The darkness permeating the shipyards was oppressive. It clung to every one and every thing. And, it all stank of Dargus. "Well, I should probably leave you to depart. I am sorry for what you are going through. I will do what I can to put things right again."

"It may not matter. I am not sure I want to live a life deceiving the one that I love." She said with a sad frown. "I wish you luck, do pass on anything you find out to the directions I gave you." Kalaira saluted Jae Dyn and moved on to the ship.

---

"Bargaining Chips To Dust"
By: Dargus Kandran- Crimelord, Kandran Syndicate
Jae Dyn Brael- Jedi Knight

Location: Jae Dyn's Apartment - Drogen Shipyards
Date: Eos 24, 3 ABY

***

Dargus Kandran glanced at the time again, and wondered what was taking Jae Dyn so long in arriving. After her tantrum at his ysalamiri necklace, he figured it was best to smooth the waters. It wouldn't do to have a trained Jedi upset at him, even though he'd only done it for his protection. He reclined on her couch and listened to the sound of Gor'garr and Mer'rrar conversing in low rumbling voices in the other room. At last, he heard a sound and turned to the door.

Jae Dyn had been smiling when she stepped through the door, but the smile disappeared quickly. She glanced between the door she'd locked when she left in the morning and the couch he sat on. She had to fight back the smile knowing that he was sitting in exactly the spot where Yelara had left most of her regurgitated Corellian Ale and dinner from the other night. She quickly remembered that he'd entered her apartment without her permission, and thoughts of amusement disappeared. "What the bloody hell are you doing in here, Dargus?"

"After the other night, I figured a truce was in order," he said with a smile. "I figured we could negotiate a settlement between us."

Jae Dyn watched him for a moment, then nodded. "Okay," she said. "What did you have in mind?"

"Why don't you give me your demands, and we'll see if they match up with my own." He wanted to negotiate from a position of power, and that required knowing what she wanted.

Jae Dyn laughed. "Well, if you would be kind enough to reveal which settlement we're going to be negotiating," she said. "Unfortunately, you appear to be the only one who knows what we're talking about."

Dargus laughed. "The one that brings peace between us," he said. "So that we may spend time with each other, enjoying each other's company. I like having you around, Jae Dyn. I don't care for this rift between us, and I wish it repaired as quickly as possible."

"I see," she said, with a nod. "You, me, and your ysalamiris. Me, you, and your wookiees hiding in my bedroom. How very charming."

Dargus glanced back toward the bedroom and smiled. She was good. "The wookiees can wait outside, and we'll have to negotiate for the ysalamiri. Will you listen to what I have to say?"

She nodded. "I will listen."

"When you used your powers against me," he began, "I realized the threat to myself. When I am threatened, I make sure I have the protection necessary to keep myself alive. Thus, the necklace. I figured the ysalamiri would allow us some peace. Now, with our new peace, we can have a truce, possibly a friendship. And, if things go the way I envision them, there is the possibility of a relationship."

She inclined her head, half a nod. She moved further in the room, placing her attention on the objects decorating it. She had suspected the need for a relationship from Dargus. She had to wonder how many others had received the same offer. "A relationship? That is an interesting thought. So, what becomes of the rest of your stable of women?"

"You will become the alpha of my women," he said. "You will be the cherished above all others. They would remain to give you solace against my vast sexual appetite. I have never selected one above the rest. I am certain the significance is not lost on you. You would be my favourite, so to speak." He gave her another of his wolfish smiles and edged closer.

Jae Dyn nodded. She turned to face him. "Tell me about Kalaira."

"Kalaira is a member of the High Prince's staff and an ambassador. She's a very powerful woman."

Jae Dyn smiled. It wasn't a kind smile, and never touched her eyes. "Okay," she said, "tell me about your involvement with the ambassador. Focus specifically on recent events, please."

"We had a meeting," Dargus said, his impatience and irritation growing. "I requested passes for some employees I need to work on the surface. That is all I remember of the meeting."

Jae Dyn narrowed her eyes. "Get out."

Dargus narrowed his eyes, wondering how she'd found out about Kalaira. He put on an innocent face. "But I don't understand, Jae Dyn. Why does Ambassador Kalaira concern you? Is there some sort of problem?"

"I have recently spoken to Ambassadar Kalaira," she said. "You run a crime syndicate, Dargus. I would think such an endeavour would require an intelligent man. Please tell me you are intelligent enough to connect these dots. I want you to tell me what has recently transpired between you and the ambassador. If you are unable to speak the truth, I want you to leave me now."

Dargus stood and moved to the door. He turned back and glared at Jae Dyn. He snapped his fingers and the wookiees appeared from the bedroom. Kalaira would suffer for going to the Jedi with her information. And, for ruining his chances to gain a Jedi under his control. "This is not the last of this, Jae Dyn," he said. "You are getting yourself involved in things in which you should not meddle. Stay clear, or you run the risk of having my wrath turned upon you. Good day." He and the wookiees left the room leaving Jae Dyn alone.

---

"Difficult Decisions"
By: Yelara Neerou - Shipyards Mechanic
Jae Dyn Brael - Jedi Knight

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Eos 24, 3 ABY

***

Jae Dyn watched Dargus as he left her apartment and sighed. Things hadn't happened the way she had hoped. And, it was clear any chance of turning Dargus to the light was now gone. He had chosen his path, and would not waver. She hadn't needed to watch his thoughts to know he had dark plans for Kalaira; his eyes said it plain enough. Kalaira was in danger. She was right to warn against saying anything to Dargus.

Jae Dyn moved to the bedroom and began collecting her belongings. She didn't have much, so it took little time to pack everything up. Most of her clothes went into a duffel, save what she would be wearing. She stripped out of the leathers she'd been wearing, and packed them as well. Finally her blaster followed her clothing into the duffel.

She then began to dress slowly, methodically. It had been five years since she had worn her robes. Five long and trying years. She had not thought she would wear them again while the Emperor still held the galaxy in his fist. She adjusted the fit, not bothering to check the mirror, for she knew how she looked. She attached her lightsaber to her belt.

She cast a final glance around the apartment that would have been hers and Yelara's.

She felt a stab of pain in her heart at the thought of having to leave Yelara. It would destroy her to do so, but she had to protect Kalaira from Dargus. It was her fault Kalaira was now faced with Dargus' wrath.

Jae Dyn's resolve wavered as she thought of Yelara. How was she going to do this? How could she just leave the only friend she'd really ever had in her life? But, how could she let Dargus do whatever it was he planned for Kalaira?

She had to go speak with Yelara. She left the apartment, duffel over her shoulder, and headed toward the flight deck. She found Yelara in the office.

She was sitting in the big chair Dargus had provided for her, resting her feet on her desk. Her shift had ended and she was now waiting for Jae Dyn to return so she could move her things into Jae Dyn's apartment. She was anxious to spend every day and night with Jae Dyn; this would give her an opportunity to become even closer to her. Yelara, more than anything, needed a friend after all she'd been through and would most likely go through, with Dargus.

Yelara sighed and picked up her compadd, scanning through it to see if she'd forgotten to do anything. "Specs, inventory, more specs, blah blah blah..." Yelara muttered to herself as the information on the compadd flashed by the screen. "What the...?" Yelara said as something strange flashed by. She placed her feet flat on the floor and scanned back a bit. As she did, her face went flush and her heart began pounding relentlessly in her chest.

Hi there, boss. Wondering who wrote this aren't you? Didn't see anyone come in or out of your office; but I did. I was sitting exactly where you are sitting right now. I can be anywhere at any time, and you would never know it. I know everywhere you've gone in the past week, following you, watching you and you didn't even suspect a thing. You never will. You won't see me until I am standing over your bloody and beaten body, waiting for you to slowly die as you choke on your own blood. I won't do it now; I'm patient, I can wait, but when the day does come, make sure you wear something nice for me. Maybe a red dress, just so the blood stains won't be so visible. Hmm.death. Let's see if Kandran can get you out of that little mess.

See you around very soon,

Your Personal Angel of Death.

Yelara cried out in fear mingled with frustration. She bolted up out of her chair and launched the compadd towards the wall. She stood there, staring at the padd on the floor, breathing heavily and shaking. She knew who had written that letter. It had to have been Gin Toran.

He had been acting strange towards her all week, smiling and practically following her around the deck flight. She knew he was bitter because of losing his arm, but she had no idea he wanted her dead.

The sudden scream from the office, hastened Jae Dyn's pace. She hurried forward, dropping her duffel to the side and pulling her lightsaber free of her belt.

Inside the office, Yelara stood staring at a compadd on the floor and visibly trembling. Jae Dyn was behind her instantly.

"Yelara," she said softly, hoping not to startle her friend, "it's me."

Yelara jumped back a bit and gasped, but she gave a sigh of relief. "You don't know how glad I am to see you right now," Yelara said, trying to stop herself from shaking.

Jae Dyn steadied herself quickly so Yelara jumping back into her didn't knock her over. She put her arms around her friend and pulled her close, hoping the embrace would help her trembling. As soon as she had her arms around Yelara, she knew it would make what she had to do today very difficult. She glanced to the padd on the floor. "Are you alright?"

Yelara sank into Jae Dyn's arms and held her tight. She tried to stop trembling but she felt so cold. "I'm fine. Just glad to see you, that's all."

Jae Dyn leaned her head forward until is rested against the back of Yelara's. Yelara's short hair against her face felt nice. She closed her eyes and tried to get her focus back. "Good," she said. "I heard you scream, and I--I was worried." She released the embrace, and slipped past Yelara to pick up the fallen padd. She picked it up and placed it on the desk.

Just before she released the device, a wave of revulsion washed over her. Her eyes focused on the padd. What was--? A phrase caught her eye. "Angel of Death." Jae Dyn picked it up and read it quickly. Jae Dyn looked up at Yelara, concern clear on her face.

Yelara quickly tore the padd away from Jae Dyn's hands and stepped back. "It's nothing," Yelara said, with a forced smile. "It's just one of the guys playing a joke on me." Yelara tried to sound convincing, but her trembling body was no doubt betraying her fear to Jae Dyn. She looked at Jae Dyn strangely as she noticed the long robes. "Why are you dressed like that, Jae Dyn? I don't think I've seen those robes before."

Jae Dyn glanced down at her attire and back at Yelara. "This is the standard dress of the Jedi Knight," she said. She could feel her gut twisting fiercely inside. She couldn't keep the pained look from her face. "I am--I am afraid I must go away for awhile. I fear I made a grave mistake. I confronted Dargus with information I have obtained, and have put someone into a dire situation. Dargus plans to do something terrible I fear, and it is my fault it will happen. I must protect her until the danger has passed." There, she'd said it.

Yelara walked up close to Jae Dyn and looked at her with sorrowful eyes. "You're leaving?" she said, her voice barely a whisper. "You can't." Her voice was becoming shrill. She had just begun to think that things were actually going to turn out alright, now that she had Jae Dyn by her side. But now she was leaving and Yelara had no idea what she was going to do. She took Jae Dyn's hand and pleaded. "Jae Dyn, don't leave me! I...I need you."

Jae Dyn closed her eyes, and fought for focus, for control. She opened her eyes again, and looked into Yelara's. "Come with me," she said. Her resolve was crumbling, fading away as tears welled in her eyes. "Please, come with me while I do this."

Yelara nodded her head slowly, her brows furrowing and expressing her confusion. "I'll go anywhere you ask me to, Jae Dyn."

Jae Dyn took both of Yelara's hands in hers. "Oh, thank you," she said. "Thank you, thank you." She smiled and hugged her friend tight. "We must leave soon, before Dargus has a chance to move against Kalaira."

Yelara drew her hand away quickly from Jae Dyn's. The realization hit her that they would have to go against Dargus.that she would have to betray him. What was she thinking? Yelara stepped back a bit and began shaking her head. "I...I can't go against Dargus, Jae Dyn. It's complicated, but...I need him, just as much as I need you." Yelara stared into Jae Dyn's eyes, hoping she had not just pushed Jae Dyn away again.

Jae Dyn nodded. Yelara had chosen Dargus. She put every last ounce of he strength into focusing on what she needed to do. "Then I must leave," she said. "Dargus plans to do something dire to the future high princess of Tae'Karada because of me. I must protect her as best I can. It has been good to know you, Yelara. I will always remember you fondly, and do hope I can return to visit you." The words tasted bitter coming out, and Jae Dyn had nearly choked on them. She still clung by a thread.

The thread snapped, and the tears came. "I will miss you."

Yelara was in shock. She had never once seen Jae Dyn express such a flood of emotion before. It frightened her. She relied on Jae Dyn for stability, to keep herself planted firmly on the ground, and now, even Jae Dyn was faltering. "No," Yelara said, shaking her head desperately and grabbing Jae Dyn by the arms. "No! You will not do this. You are the strong one Jae Dyn. Don't give out on me now. I want to come with you, I do, but if I cross Dargus he..." Yelara looked down, trying to gather what she wanted to say. "I need him to avenge my parents, Jae Dyn. Without him, I cannot make the Empire suffer for what they did." Yelara's lips began to tremble as she held back tears. "You have to do what you must Jae Dyn, but please," Yelara said gently as she placed her hand on Jae Dyn's cheek, "Please come back to me."

Jae Dyn nodded. "I will return if Dargus leaves enough for me to do so," she said, as her focus slowly returned. "I wish you the best of luck in your revenge. Dargus will only assist you if it serves his needs." She watched Yelara for a long moment before she trusted her voice to not falter. When she spoke again, her voice was hardly a whisper. "I would help you avenge your parents." She looked away, taking another moment to gain back the focus that seemed so elusive. "I love you, Yelara," she finally managed. "Keep yourself safe."

Yelara let a tear fall from her eye. No one, other than her parents, had ever said that to her before. She tried to speak, but the words would not come out. "Jae Dyn, I..." Yelara looked to the ground, the tears freely flowing now. She wanted so much to reply to Jae Dyn's profession, but she didn't trust her heart to tell her whether or not she truly felt the same way. She pulled Jae Dyn close again and held onto her, not wanting to let go. "Don't worry about me. Just watch your back. As long as I know you're safe and alive, nothing can harm me, no matter what."

Jae Dyn couldn't tell Yelara she didn't expect to live through this. She had to give her some hope, despite the fact that she was condemning her to a life as Dargus Kandran's plaything. He would use her until there was nothing left he needed, then he would discard her, her dreams and her vengeance.

But Yelara had chosen to walk a path with Dargus, and she would have to live with that choice. Jae Dyn had brought Dargus' wrath upon Kalaira. And, with that mistake, she was forced to hand over the person dearest in her heart, the one she truly loved, to the darkest and cruelest beast in the galaxy. And, there was nothing she could do. "Good bye, Yelara."

Yelara watched as Jae Dyn slipped out of her arms and turned to walk away. She stood there, frozen, unable to say or do anything. She wanted to hold on to Jae Dyn and convince her to give up this foolish quest, but her mouth refused to form the words. Her heart was beating so fast, her chest was beginning to ache, while the tears in her eyes began to blur her vision. She was watching as, yet again, she lost another person she cared about. "Good bye..." she whispered.

Jae Dyn forced herself toward the door and she knew she could not turn back. If she turned back, she would condemn Kalaira. Her insides had been torn to ribbons by the emotions waging a war inside her. She squeezed her eyes shut against it all, hoping to just blink it away. She reached out a hand and her duffel flew into her grasp. She started off across the deck toward her fighter. One of the men on the flight deck, a man wearing the uniform of one of Dargus' security personnel approached saying something. She raised her eyes to his and met his gaze with a glare that would freeze the blood in his veins. He continued forward. Jae Dyn raised a hand and sent him flying backwards into a heap.

She reached her ship and climbed into the cockpit. She looked around the flight deck, brushed the tears from her eyes one last time, and started the pre-flight warm up. She glanced back to the office and the cracks rippled across the walls of her control. The green lights on the forward console told her the ship was ready.

She squeezed her eyes tight again and tried to push back the anger. "Dammit," she said softly as she engaged the repulsordrive. The ship rose and arced gracefully across the flight deck. She almost aborted three times to go back to Yelara. She knew she couldn't though. She had to protect Kalaira. She had to protect Kalaira.

Oh gods I am so sorry, Yelara. The thought drifted back and brushed across Yelara's mind.

With a shaking hand and a shattered heart, Jae Dyn activated the system drive.

Yelara watched as Jae Dyn's ship took off. She had really left her. Yelara could not believe that Jae Dyn had left her, all alone, in Dargus' violent grip. She would have to fend for herself now, but she wasn't sure if she could survive without Jae Dyn.

Yelara swore she could hear Jae Dyn's voice in her head, which caused her to crack. She let out a loud, tormented cry, grabbed the chair Dargus had generously given her, and with all her strength, she threw it towards the glass window of her office. As the shattered pieces fell to the ground, Yelara sank to her knees and buried her face into her hands as she cried. Her heart felt as if it were going to shatter like the glass on the floor. "Jae Dyn!!" she called out, her voice choked with tears. "I love you."

---