Star Wars - Tales from the Outer Rim

"Contacts"
By: Gengis Zibel
Jolt Firus - NPC
Helina L'sfer - NPC
Mr. Levitz - NPC

Location: Sybil Casino & Sybilla Hotel, at Yelldon District, New Plouton
Date: Lythe 24, 4 ABY

***

Gengis exited his private elevator, and then he was on the ground floor of his casino. The crowd was unimaginable. His profits had quadrupled ever since he received the new machines from Alicia Ashantee Garden, as she promised him.

What Gengis liked about Alicia, that she was beautiful, had a gorgeous body and she kept their promises. He felt somewhat secure seeing this crowd and the stature that he was slowly gaining, but at the same time he felt insecure seeing his connection with Ammut, that was why he hired some expertise to find out, but every single one didn't reported back, which meant that they here probably buried somewhere in this planet or Galaxy.

Jolt Firus was Gengis' chief of security. Everyday at that time they meet on the ground floor where he would deliver the new security codes of the day. Also reports everything that had happened on the casino. Of course as usual that day went with no fuss, no confusion, only the daily and remarkably noticeable cheaters, that think that they will never be caught by security.

"Good. Very good indeed, Jolt." Gengis smiled, since he had a reason to smile since the money he received compared to the one that he had to pay to Ammut and the percentage to Alicia, seemed very tiny for considerable expenditure. "What about the CGS?"

"The Chimaeria Gladiators of Sybilla, had more income than usual, since bets had been greater. Only a little confusion, when a drunkard tried to rob our cashier, but we handled it pretty well."

"Good, Jolt. But next time try to predict this kind of situation, since it shows how we work, and I don't want that. Last time I had to sell half my casino and that doomed me." Gengis shook his head not to remind him of his painful memories.

"Sure, boss, no problem. Also there is a Miss L'sfer who wants to talk to you - she is on Personal Balcony 56," Jolt told him, keeping his eye to the crowed.

"Thank you, Jolt, keep up the good work," Gengis said as he walked towards the entrance to the elevators that took every single person who could afford a Personal Balcony on the arena.

Minutes later Gengis opened the door of the personal balcony 56 and there was seated a woman that was well dressed with brownish hair. "Miss L'sfer, I hope you are enjoying the show." Gengis took the seat next to her.

"Mr. Zibel I can assure you that I'm, so violent..." She then smiled. "Some of the Bounty Hunters on the Guild would like to see this and some of them would like to participate."

"The doors are open to everyone who would like to watch and also to participate, but of course if they suppress the entry levels.... I do have to keep calling the attention of the people, or this arena would be empty." Gengis smiled as the arena made their sounds.

"Yes of course. Where did you find these gladiators? if you don't mind my asking."

"None at all. Most of them are from the poor side of New Plouton, others were washout bounty hunters, that were trying to find salvation at the bottom of a bottle. I offer this job and they seemed happy to do this."

"Ah, you are a clever person, Mr. Zibel. Using Bounty Hunters, very resourceful in many ways."

"Yes they are and the winners are always bounty Hunters, but since there aren't killings, most common are broken bones, flesh wounds and open heads. The people are content with it. Also I was thinking of adding a little act on it."

"That is a great idea, Mr. Zibel. If you don't mind we have a few Bounty Hunters that don't have what it takes to be real bounty Hunters, if you don't mind they can become your gladiators."

"If you wish, Miss L'sfer." Gengis looked and saw the crowd vibrating, then Gengis was able to release a somewhat triumphant smile. "Miss L'sfer did you bring what I asked for?"

"Yes of course. Do you have the money?"

Gengis smiled towards Helina. A droid entered that was bringing a bandage and he set it on the table next to Helina. The droid took the cover off and in the middle there was a credit chip. "You will find the amount we arranged."

"Good, here is the contact of Bounty Hunter that might do the job and I can guarantee you she will do the job." She gave a datapad to Gengis. "Her name is Daemor'rah, I can't be sure if she is doing a job for someone or not."

"Daemor'rah...? By her name I already like her. Thank you for your help, Miss L'sfer. And if any of your tired Bounty hunters would like to do something for a living you know where to contact me." He got up and walked to the door then he turned back. "Miss L'sfer if I were you I would bet on Garlin." Gengis smiled and exit the private balcony.

"Nurturing Loyalty, Part 1"
By: Nieme Yaresh
Dani
Talara Sorenne
Ferrig Mullerin
Zari Zathmir

Location: Yuarteira District, New Plouton
Date: Lythe 24, 4 ABY

***

"It's glorious!" Nieme breathed as she spun with arms outstretched beneath the glass-domed ceiling of their newest abode. Although the sun was nearly set, the last of its rays reflected off the lapping waves of the ocean and flung shards of glittering orange light through the transparent walls of their beach house, setting their new home alight. Nieme laughed joyously and whirled into Dani's arms to kiss her fervently. "Perfect," she breathed against her lover's lips.

"Oh yes," Dani purred. "And, it's so much closer. I think we should make this our new permanent home. So close to the water, and to the city. And there isn't sand everywhere and the heat isn't unbearable. Oh Nieme, you're right: it's perfect."

"And there's plenty of room for us all." She looked past Dani's shoulder at Tala, Ferrig, and Zari, all clustered together and observing the manse in awe. "The girl came willingly...though I suspect too willingly."

"Perhaps it was Tala's influence," Dani said. "I do sense that she has been...awakened. In any case, we'll have to make sure she knows her place here. It will truly be a delight training her. And, we'll need to find someone to decorate her, even though her body is quite lovely."

Nieme chuckled throatily and gently kissed her cheek. "Ferrig," she called to him. "Care to show the girls to their rooms?"

Ferrig bowed reverently to Nieme. "Of course, my mistress," he said. "Shall I return to you when I have completed that task?"

"No," she answered, smiling tenderly at Dani. "We could use some time alone."

"Thank you," Ferrig answered, and bowed again.

"If you'd like to spend some special time with Talara, you may," Dani said. "But, not Zari. She may watch, but not participate. Not yet."

"Thank you again, my mistress," Ferrig said, then turned and left them.

"He's always so agreeable," Nieme sighed. She took her lover's hand and drew her towards the plush sofa. They both sank down into the yielding pillows and curled up against one another. "We could have a veritable harem soon," she mused.

"I do believe you are right," Dani said. "Once we have Raeila... You know who else I would love to have as a willing slave? Laedra Vorrel. She's such a beautiful woman...if only she was more pleasant, she could be quite desirable."

"The things we could teach her," Nieme moaned. She slid her hand up Dani's abdomen, and over the cleft of her confined breasts. Her smile was sultry as she leaned forward to nuzzle the two perfect mounds of flesh. "I bet Jae Dyn would like a lesson from us as well...."

"Oh indeed," Dani said, her body reacting to both Nieme's touch and the thought of Jae Dyn and Laedra serving them willingly. Her hands slipped over to caress Nieme. "You know who else would be perfect? And, I would love breaking her from her self-righteousness? Aurra. So beautiful, so blue."

"Not more beautiful than purple." Nieme giggled and tugged loose the ties of Dani's corset to bare her chest. She buried her lips between her free-hanging breasts, and her hand between Dani's thighs.

Dani threw her head back and cried out. The time she spent with Nieme was greater than any other moment. No amount of slave girls or boys would ever compare, could ever compare. As Nieme sent her crashing toward even greater pleasure, Dani did what she could to return the favour. Nieme's touch was blissful fire. "Oh, you're far too good to me."

"No...never," Nieme whispered. "It could never be enough." She left a trail of kisses along Dani's stomach as she lowered herself. "They may think us evil," she told Dani softly, smoothing her hands over her thighs, "but they can't say we don't love."

Dani gasped with pleasure. "How can we be as evil as they claim with our love so strong? They're foolish and deluded. They don't understand. They'll never understand. So, my love, how should we decorate our new prize?"

"Oh, the usual," she replied, lazily passing her tongue between Dani's legs. Nieme sighed to savour the taste of her flower, and to think. "Tattoos, of course," she mused. "And purple flowers in her hair...."

"Oh perfect," Dani cooed. "We should do that soon, so we can start exerting our dominance over her right away. We'll need a slave's collar for her, but unlike Tala before, she will not be allowed clothing. And, neither shall Tala for that matter. She will learn her place this time for certain."

"She is certainly a headstrong one," Nieme purred. "But" --she pressed her lips to Dani's flower briefly -- "I'm sure we can break her of that character flaw." With a reverberant chuckle, she buried herself fully between Dani's legs.

"Oh yes," Dani cried, though whether she was referring to Nieme's comment or Nieme's pleasuring, none would know.

***

Zari's eyes were wide when they returned to the home. She could sense the wrongness when she first met them, but there was still a spark of something within. Now she sensed that what she felt was their love for each other. Her body hurt but the pain had lessened with healing. She could feel the mark on her shoulder, their symbol. At first she had not thought this would be so terribly bad. Now...she knew she had to get free.

"We'll save the piercings for tomorrow," Nieme declared, studying the tattoo artist's work. She grinned wolfishly and firmly passed her finger over the star wreathed in purple flowers, knowing it was still a source of discomfort for the young girl.

Zari winced at the touch.

"It's beautiful," Dani said. "Now, lie down over there Zari. Tala and Ferrig, go upstairs. Have some fun."

The two did as they were told and disappeared up the stairs. Zari trembled as she moved to the bed as indicated.

"Don't be so shy," Nieme told her with false kindness. "We know you're experienced, Zari. You have to be if you've spent even a moment with our dear Tala."

"I...I haven't been with Tala. I was with Cole, but not Tala."

Nieme raised an appraising eyebrow, grinning aside at Dani. "Our little girl is less innocent than we thought." She gave Zari a measured stare, passing her gaze over the slender lines of her youthful body. "And you enjoy your time with this Cole?"

"It was only once, but it felt very nice," Zari said. She blushed at the memories. "Very nice."

Nieme liked that answer, and conveyed as much when she dropped to her knees upon the mattress, straddling Zari's lap as she sat there. "Did you want to try again?" she asked, dragging a finger over Zari's lips.

Zari felt a tingle of excitement at the touch and the words, but she feared. Nieme and Dani were dark, malicious. I have to get out of here, she thought. But, she knew to deny now would mean punishment...and a part of her wanted those feelings again. She nodded slowly. "Yes," she whispered.

With a husky laugh, Nieme shoved Zari onto her back roughly, leaving the reddening imprints of her hands upon Zari's chest. "You've never been with a woman...so this will be a little different." She nodded to the girl, though her eyes were upon Zari's golden patch of hair between her slender thighs. "Have you ever touched yourself?"

Zari nodded. "Yes," she whispered. "At night in my bed. And, sometimes when I was out alone at the streams."

"Good," Nieme told her perfunctorily. "Being with a woman is similar, except we use our mouths." She pushed her finger into the folds of Zari's sex probingly, with little tenderness, though she could already feel the girl's growing wetness. "You're not very large," she noted, though grinning hungrily. "Dani...retrieve the large one, please."

"Of course," Dani said and moved off to their toybox to retrieve the requested one. She returned, holding it before her. There was a happy gleam in both Dani and Nieme's eyes as Dani passed it to her lover. "Oh, I think it will be perfect, my love."

"Only if it makes her scream." Nieme grinned slyly and brought the phallic-shaped metallic object down between Zari's legs. "Was Cole's as big?" she asked, gently pushing its tip into Zari.

As it was inserted inside her, Zari let out a squeak that turned into a moan. She tried to speak, and instead ended up shaking her head back and forth. Finally, did manage, "His...his is like...like Ferrig's..."

This elicited an amused chuckle from Nieme. "Oh, my dear girl," she whispered with a subtle darkness in her tone, "this will be nothing like Ferrig's. But after this, you'll be ready for anything." She glanced aside at Dani, both women grinning as if sharing a secret joke. "Now, dear Zari," Nieme purred, "scream for us." And with a powerful, abrupt shove, Nieme drove the thick instrument fully into Zari's opening.

And scream she did...

***

The tears had stopped awhile ago and the pain for some time before that. She shifted where she lay and pain flared anew. It was subsiding and some of the Jedi exercises she'd learned helped to hasten that. There was a warm body against her back now, whispering words in her ear that everything would be alright. It was Ferrig. She could hear Tala over with Nieme and Dani, whispering and laughing.

Zari gasped quietly as she felt Ferrig's hands groping. He was touching her breasts with one hand and gently caressing between her legs with the other. She felt his lips, warm and sensual, against her new tattoo.

"Don't worry," he said. "After awhile, it won't seem so bad. They just want for you to give yourself willingly. They want you to submit.

Zari fought back a sob and failed, then gasped again as he slipped himself inside her. There was leftover pain from Nieme's ministrations, but there was a gentleness that had her wet within moments. She tried to struggle, but soon found her body unwilling to do so. She nearly cried out, but Ferrig's hand over her mouth stopped her. Then she could only let him do as he desired.

As Ferrig gently and lovingly took Zari, Nieme and Dani had Tala tied up on the bed. "I promise," she said earnestly, "I will never do anything to disobey or betray you again. Ask anything of me to prove my loyalty." She met Nieme's eyes. "Please?"

"Don't be so facetious," Nieme admonished and lightly swatted Tala's cheek before leaning over to graze her tongue over the abused area. Her hands kneaded Talara's modest-sized breasts fondly, in contrast to her indelicate treatment moments ago. "You will help us with Zari," she told the girl. "You will help her submit."

"Of course," Talara whispered. "Whatever you need me to do with her, I will do it. I will encourage her and help her to learn."

"To be as insolent as you have become?" Nieme tsked and clenched her hands around Talara's mounds of flesh, while she thrust the phallis strapped to her waist into the girl, the same she had used to savage Zari. "You wouldn't do that to us, would you, dear Tala?"

Tala cried out. "Never, my mistress," she called. "I will teach her to be submissive and to do as you desire. I will teach her to be exactly as you wish her to be."

"Why should I believe you?" Nieme rocked her hips against Talara's roughly, gritting her teeth at the girl. "You hurt our feelings, Tala. Why would you do that to us when we loved you?"

"I was confused, but I'm not any longer," Talara said with desperation, tears filling her eyes. "I love you, Nieme. I belong here with you, I know that for certain now. Please, let me prove myself. Whatever I can do to prove myself...please, just name it."

"Just lie there," Nieme answered. "Lie there and convince me you couldn't live without Dani and I, without our love."

"Yes," Tala rasped, and did exactly as she was bid, her cries a sign of her sure devotion and love.

Nieme was satisfied physically and emotionally when the two were heaving breathlessly and dripping with sweat. Tala was back, and Zari would join her soon enough. Whereas she had initially been aggressive, Nieme now lay beside Tala, stroking her damp hair lovingly and kissing her cheek. "Would you like me to remove the restraints?" she whispered.

"If that is your wish, my mistress," Tala said. "I wish only what will make you happy."

"Your obedience," Nieme answered. "That is all we ask for." She smiled almost tenderly. "And now that we have it...." With a single languid gesture wielding the Force, the shackles popped open and released Tala's wrists and ankles.

"Thank you, mistress," Tala whispered, and curled into Nieme.

On the other side of the room, Ferrig grunted softly, forcing himself not to cry out at the pleasure of the feelings he was experiencing. His hand over Zari's mouth had kept her orgasms quiet, and he was having a time keeping his the same. He thrust one final time and filled her.

Zari was trembling when he pulled himself free of her. There was a laugh from the other side of the room. "Oh," Dani called, "you couldn't hold back, could you Ferrig? Look how flushed she is, Nieme. Oh, I think our boy rode her well."

"Ferrig, don't fool the girl into thinking this is going to be easy," Nieme chided, turning over to glare at their slave. "Did she beg? Did she?" She hissed and briefly seized his throat with the Force. "Next time, you make her beg before you take her or else she'll never learn!"

He bowed before her. "I am sorry, mistress," he said. "I didn't give her the choice to beg...I just took her. Shall I make her beg, my mistress?"

Nieme sighed in disgust and waved away Ferrig's offer. "Just take her away and have her cleaned. She's getting blood on the sheets."

"Of course," Ferrig answered, then led Zari away.

"Nurturing Loyalty, Part 2"
By: Nieme Yaresh
Dani
Talara Sorenne
Ferrig Mullerin
Zari Zathmir

Location: Yuarteira District, New Plouton
Date: Lythe 24, 4 ABY

***

Dani flopped down next to Nieme and sighed dramatically. "Next time, my love, don't make her bleed. You make her bleed and it means I have to heal her. Unless you want to have to replace our slaves because of infection."

"She's young, she'll live." Nieme wriggled aside, pushing in closer to Tala. "Besides, she enjoyed it - I could detect it, even if she was screaming."

"She was," Dani said, "but she'd enjoy it more if she weren't bleeding, she wouldn't mess up our sheets, and I think we could get more out of her that way. Could you feel her over there with Ferrig though? Oh, that was delightful."

"But if we don't make her fear us," Nieme explained, "she will be just like Tala - impudent and defiant and flighty. I can't have that, Dani. I won't allow it!"

"Make her love you rather than fear you," Dani suggested. "Make her love you to the point that she could never even consider betrayal. Make her love you to the point that betraying you would just be betraying herself."

Nieme pondered her lover's wisdom, nodding slowly as she realized she'd been acting out of foolish desperation. She hated losing a slave, especially when they were so well trained. "Perhaps..." she mused. "I'll try it your way, my flower. But if I even suspect it's not working, I can't promise I'll be nice."

"If she misbehaves, she'll need to be punished," Dani said. "But if she's good, she should be rewarded. We should treat our lovely slaves with great love, and they will always remain loyal to us."

"Well." Nieme frowned peevishly and sat up with her back to the headboard and arms crossed over her bare chest. "A nice theory...but a view I doubt Dargus will share." Her smile returned, accompanied by a giggle. "Oh can you imagine what he will think of our Zari?"

"Oh, he won't be able to get enough of her," Dani said with a boisterous giggle of her own. "Oh, we just cannot allow him to ruin her. We have to keep an element of her innocence about her...I think that's part of her appeal. Just like Tala. When you look at her, you'd never think she's as big a slut as we are. There's a certain attraction in that."

"Because it gives the illusion that there is still some part of her left to corrupt," Nieme explained. "And as you well know, my love, we certainly love our corruption." She grinned maliciously.

"Oh, indeed we do," Dani whispered. "I think our corruption of dear Tala this time will be--" Her head snapped around to stare up at the ceiling, as if she was seeing through it. "Ferrig!"

Nieme flew off the bed an instant later, lightsaber flying into her grip as she stormed to the door. "What the hell is he doing!?" She shrieked in fury, then whipped back around, pointing her weapon at Tala. "Come here! In case he needs some incentive."

When they reached the refresher, the door blasted open with the force of Nieme's anger. Lying in the middle of the floor was Ferrig, a wound in the back of his head bleeding from where he'd been struck. The window at the other end of the room was open with draperies fluttering into the outside. Dani stepped over Ferrig's prone form and moved to the window. Zari could be seen down in the garden, a towel wrapped around her, as she scampered toward the gate. "Insolent bitch," Dani hissed.

"Slow insolent bitch," Nieme amended with a feral smile as she backed out of the room. "I'll go through the front!" She turned and dashed off, a low, seething growl left in her wake. ~We're coming,~ she sang to the girl. ~And when we do...it won't be pleasant.~

She could feel Zari's fear as she scrambled out of the garden and out onto the street. Using the Force, Dani went out the window, uncaring of her unclothed state. Nieme was ahead of her, using the Force to give her additional speed. Zari would be caught, and punished. Only she'd be enough to temper Nieme's anger. There was much potential in Zari, and it would be a shame to waste her.

"I'll slice off one leg at a time if you wish, Zari," Nieme called to the girl, gaining more ground than Zari was. She could almost smell the girl's scent now. The air thrummed as Nieme waved her blade, instilling fear further in the girl. "You won't get far, Zari, so why risk the punishment!"

Zari looked back and knew she couldn't get away. With a look of defeat, she stopped and fell to her knees facing Nieme. She was sobbing and holding herself. "Please..."

Nieme slowed to a slinking gait, approaching the fallen girl with a toothy grin. "Oh, Zari," she moaned, "we do so love it when you beg." She stopped before her and trained the point of her blade on Zari's heaving chest, casting a purple glow upon it. With a derisive chuckle, the blade retracted into the hilt. She firmly placed the end of her metal cylinder beneath Zari's chin and jerked her face upwards. Nieme peered down at the weeping girl. "You'll pay for that," she whispered. "And so will Ferrig."

"Ferrig didn't do anything," Zari sobbed. "He was...he was helping me, and I hit him over the head. I...I...please don't punish him because of me. He was loyal to you."

Nieme dug the tip of her hilt into the soft flesh of Zari's throat, smiling with grim amusement. "You actually believe you can lie to us and get away with it?" She clucked her tongue disparagingly. "Stupid little girl," she whispered, and dealt a stinging backhand to her cheek that threw Zari to the ground. "Don't lie again."

Dani moved up to Nieme's side and regarded where Zari lay sprawled on the ground. "Remember what we discussed," she said softly.

"I remember," Nieme rasped. "But it would appear our precious little girl has so soon forgotten what we're capable of. Do you require another lesson, Zari?"

"I don't," Zari said, sobbing loudly. "Please, not again...not like that."

"You hurt her," Dani said, her voice hard. "What did you expect? You made her bleed. Did you expect her to love you? Did you expect her to fear you so much that she would suddenly be loyal to you? Did you expect her to forget the blood, and not try to escape the pain? Think, Nieme! Don't try to rule like Dargus Kandran."

"Dargus taught us all we know!" Nieme snarled. "Have you forgotten all the wisdom he's bestowed upon us, my dear, sweet, flower?" She gripped Zari's arm and roughly dragged her to her feet. "You won't forget this," she warned. "I won't let you." Then shoved her forward. "Get inside! We still have Ferrig to deal with."

Force lightning leapt from Dani's fingers and rippled across Zari's body. The girl screamed and dropped to the ground, writhing against the pain. Another burst shot from Dani's hands, eliciting another scream of pain. "I will not have them betraying us later," Dani called to Nieme, "so they die now before they can!"

"You fool!" Nieme bellowed and grasped at Dani's arm. "She needs a lesson, not death! You'll scorch her sumptuous flesh, then what use will she be to us!"

"Oh, then by all means," Dani snarled, "should we tear her cunt to pieces again? Or maybe beat her? Oh, I know, we'll cut her legs off. That will make her loyal to us, and she'd never ever possibly consider trying to get away from us, or turning against us at the first possible chance. What lesson in pain do you believe is going to teach her to be our willing slave, Nieme? What possible torture do you believe will make her completely ours?"

"If she doesn't fear us, she will betray us!" Nieme insisted. "Look at Ferrig. We've given him love and passion...and now he's turned on us too! What choice have we?"

"She does fear us," Dani said. "I think we left no doubts that she should fear us when you rammed into her as hard as you could. I think her only choice was to fear us when we taught her that sex was about pain and suffering, not pleasure. And, I think that we diminished the love and passion we've given Ferrig when he witnessed the mess you'd made of her. You destroy everything you touch, or you try to. You never listen to a word I say. Ever. Make her love us so much that she'd consider betraying us to be a betrayal of herself. You'll never get that if you give her no reason to love you. That happened to Dargus. That happened to that emperor. Domination and fear will never bring loyalty. They will keep a person in line long enough for them to find an opening and chance to betray."

Nieme stepped back, her eyes hard. "And is that how you feel about me? Are you looking for a chance to betray me, Dani?"

"You know my heart about that, Nieme," Dani answered. "You know that for me to betray you, I would be betraying myself. Without you, I am incomplete. Without you, I am no one. I can't even believe you would suspect such a thing of me...even though we disagree on how our slaves should be treated. Pain and suffering are not the only answers."

Nieme caressed Dani's cheek, whispering, "Then stop this." She nodded towards Zari, thrashing against the ground as lightning struck at her still. "We'll work it out...but not like this."

The lightning stopped instantly and Dani slipped her hand into Nieme's. "I like that idea," she said. "And, I like the idea of gaining Zari's loyalty, to show her that whatever her life has been before, nothing could hope to compare to life with us."

"Okay," Nieme acceded. She smiled and slipped into Dani's embrace. "We'll try it your way...but if it doesn't work, we try it my way again."

"Deal, my love," she said. "Now, we should get Zari inside. I believe I'll need to heal her."

Nieme mentally summoned Talara away from Ferrig to haul Zari in, then turned away with Dani. "I think we need to have a chat with Ferrig, however."

"I do as well," Dani answered. "He may have been unconscious up there, but it was because he allowed her to do so. Or instructed her to do so. Though, I do have to give him credit for his...guile."

"I much prefer his virility," Nieme quipped, then giggled along with her lover.

It was their own fault for preferring slaves with spirit - it only made them exceedingly unmanageable. But Nieme and Dani would manage. They had three to their harem, and more would doubtlessly follow. The Palace of Arcadia had plenty of rooms to accommodate them, and Nieme and Dani would not leave a single one empty once they finally seized it.

"Past Discussion"
By: Auron Ronso
Kyra Ronso
Ellemiek Vermolen

Location: CRS Concordia
Date: Lythe 24, 4 ABY

***

Auron was standing next to the remaining survivors of his squadron. In front of him were twelve coffins, the pilots who had died during the last mission. Of course the coffins didn't have the bodies inside since there was nothing left to recover from the Graveyard. What was inside the coffins, Auron didn't know for sure.

He glanced to the left and saw Corey Vankils standing with the rest of the Wild Cards. He saw most of them were standing there, looking to the coffins as well. Auron then glanced to his right, where the Admiral, Kyra, Vyn and Adam stood. After them was Ellemiek's Squadron and finally the Kondor squadron.

The sound of the mourning music came to his ears. Auron saw some trooper standing next to the coffins. He moved to face the coffins and saluted. Everyone standing there saluted as well. Then the troopers made their way and stood near the coffins and turned to face where the coffins were going to be sent to in outer space.

Once the ceremony was finished the pilots started to disperse. Auron sighed towards Kyra and then forced a smile. The Admiral approached him. "Auron, I'm sorry for the loss of your pilots..."

"Thank you, sir. I appreciate it." Auron wanted to say so many things, like they were not prepared to go on a mission.

"I pondered this decision very much, Auron, and it is uneasy for me as much as it is for you..." the Admiral told him, trying to make a comfortable sigh.

"Yes, sir," Auron said simply.

"The Flying Blazes are from now on out of commission," the Admiral told Auron. He could see that it was as if Auron had been killed right there. "The pilots from the Flying Blazes that survived are being transferred to the Wild Cards Squadron. As for you, Auron... You were the easy part of this decision."

Auron didn't say anything. He knew that he was probably going back to the Black Hawks since from the day he returned he had done a good job there. But on the other hand...

"I'm transferring you, as the new CO of the Wild Cards Squadron," the Admiral nodded.

Auron was caught by surprise. "Sir?"

"Yes, Auron. You are now the Wing Commander of the Wild Cards. It was the last wish of Commander Mikto. So, I'll tell Lieutenant Corey to report with you in one hour..." the Admiral smiled once again before he exited the place.

Auron was really caught by surprise, since he barely moved. Kyra tried to comfort him in some way.

On his way, the Admiral stopped next to Ellemiek and gave her a nod. "I'm sorry for your loss. They were all good pilots," he told her.

"They were all good friends, sir," Ellemiek nodded in agreement. "I guess no one could predict what we were facing, and we went on a ghost hunt."

"Many times in this war against the Empire, and now against the Remnants, we have lost many pilots. But they are not forgotten. They are the heroes that make freedom a possibility for everyone," the Admiral told her as a way of comforting Ellemiek. "And so are you for your job."

"We all know what we were up against when we first came to join the cause..." Ellemiek said reassuringly to the Admiral. "Thank you, sir."

"I trust you will be choosing some new recruits for your squadron soon?" he asked simply.

"If you grant me the chance to pick my own men, sir... Yes, I will," she replied.

"Then I will be expecting a new report sometime soon with the new roster for your open spaces, Commander," the Admiral replied before saluting and walking away.

Ellemiek then made her way over to Auron and Kyra. She gave Kyra a nod. "Kyra. Auron. I'm sorry for the loss of your men. It's never easy..."

Auron continued to be speechless, he was like a statue. He spoke something that couldn't be heard.

Kyra smiled. "Yes, it always is, Ellemiek. But I think Auron is in shock. You are now looking to the new CO of the elite squadron of the Wild Cards!" Kyra pointed to Auron, that continued the same way.

Ellemiek found it odd that Kyra could smile. After all, it was partly her fault that their comrades had died in the battle field, even if it was impossible to know whether imperials would have been there or not. After all, it was her job, and she was intel. And even if it was good news for Auron, it was still strange, for the dead had just been hailed respectfully in a ceremony. It just didn't seem right to be glad about anything at all.

Still, Ellemiek forced a small smile. "Well, I guess congratulations are in order. I knew Mikto well and he was a good friend. I can think of no one more suited to take his place," she nodded.

"Yes..." Auron finally spoke. "Well, we have an hour before we have to report to the Admiral, so drinks are on me!"

Kyra glanced over at Ellemiek and she knew exactly what she was thinking. She was blaming her for the dead pilots, like she blamed Kyra for the death of the Wild Cats. Kyra knew that Ellemiek was just waiting for the right moment to think wrong of her. She knew that expression too well. She had been a black operative from the Empire and during her time the worst thing that she could have was sureness of an intelligence operative. Also, Ellemiek or any of the pilots or troopers didn't know that an intelligence operative had to work with few information and that sometimes they were not correct.

Kyra really wanted to go with Auron and Ellemiek on the mission, but her gathering information about Underworld was more important to her than the mission itself. Now, she looked as responsible for the death of those pilots. She was once again in the gods' forsaken spot, just like two years ago.

Kyra was the last one to enter the bar and he saw that everyone was somewhat down. Ellemiek was at the bar and had already ordered her drink, while Auron went over to the Wild Cards' pilots to get to know them a little better.

Kyra walked towards Ellemiek and took the seat next to Ellemiek. She glanced towards her and looked towards the bartender. "A rush, please." She then looked at Ellemiek. Kyra knew what she was ordering, but the fact was that she was tired and had to remain awake for the next few days since there was too much information to handle. Rush was a non-alcoholic drink, but the drink contained natural stimulants to keep the average human awake for several days. "Ellemiek, I know that you have something to say to my face, so please say it."

Ellemiek looked at Kyra and raised her eyebrow. "I don't have anything particular to say to you, Kyra..." she replied. Ellemiek then sighed. "Look, I know that you think I blame you for being the intelligence op that was in care of this mission, and yes, I do think you screwed up big time. And it cost me the lives of my crewmembers and the lives of many others. I lost a good deal of friends! But I know you didn't mean it, and I sure as hell wouldn't want to do what you do! We all knew the risks and we all accepted them."

"Yes, but you are accusing me of screwing up, since I only have one operative on Underworld. And to insert her there was not an easy job! I'm not a wizard or Jedi who can predict the future!" Kyra sighed at Ellemiek heavily. "What offends me is that you think that, like you did two years ago."

Ellemiek frowned. "Kyra, your job, whether you like it or not, is gathering intelligence! My job is flying starfighters and leading my attack squadron, mostly in dangerous missions. And in this case, your mistake cost lives. I'm not saying that anyone else would have done a better job or not. Maybe if I did my job better I wouldn't have had casualties in my squadron because they would be better trained. But these things are never predictable! I don't blame you directly! You were not the one who attacked and fired upon my men! But you weren't able to find out about the Starlight, and you sent us on a ghost hunt. One that cost lives. And what I found odd was the fact that you could smile after doing such a thing, just for hearing that Auron had a promotion!" Ellemiek told Kyra. "And yes, I too am glad that he got it, but I would rather have Mikto alive!"

"And the truth will set you free!" Kyra said simply as the bartender placed her drink in front of her. She picked up her glass and in one shot she drank all her drink, and then made it sound as if it was a strong one. "Now you know how I felt two years ago, and how much I mourn for my friends that died on that day. It can even surpass the hatred that I have of you because I will never forgive you when you accused me of killing them. I was stabbed in the back by my own best friend! That is a far worse feeling than seeing your friend being killed. I have to mourn the death of my friends and my husband, and you accused me of pulling the trigger on them?"

Kyra walked away and stopped and then approached Ellemiek again. "You know, I was wrong when I said you know how I felt two years ago, because you can't!" Kyra sighed and smiled. "I wish that I died on that day because it was when you died for me and you are still dead. I will never forgive you for placing me on that spot you placed me two years ago!" Kyra hit her glass on the floor so hard that it almost broke the glass and then she exited from the bar.

Ellemiek got up and walked after Kyra, stopping her in the corridor. "You want to hate me for blaming you on that trial? Go ahead! I did what I had to do, and you were unable to prove your innocence. Fact is that you lived because they gave their lives for you. And I too have lost beloved ones, more than I can count! And I expect to lose a lot more... But I would never cross the line and join the enemy! I would rather die than join those who killed my friends and family! And that is what makes us so different. And as I told you, I don't blame you for the death of my comrades, but it was still your mistake that drove us out there. Just make sure you don't do that mistake again..." Ellemiek pointed at Kyra, before walking back to the bar.

"Yes, I joined the enemy. I did what I had to do there because Auron was dead! You accused me of shooting my own husband! Come on, Ellemiek, you knew how much I loved him! Do you really think that I could shoot him?" Kyra nodded, crossing her arms. "Do you really think I would do that childish mistake when Auron was on that mission? To go over it all once again? All that mourning if he died... No, I couldn't! I'd rather die first than Auron. You pilots think that we are some kind of Jedi who can foresee the future! Newsflash, Ellemiek, there is no way to find out about things like that! Also, I told the Admiral that there was a chance that the Starlight was destroyed and I advised him not to send a rescue team until there was word from them, because I knew it in me that there was chance of a trap. The orders came from a much higher position. So don't patronize me about making mistakes because I didn't make one!" Kyra had her eyes in flame again.

"Your fallen comrades died so you could live! And you betrayed them when you joined the same ones who killed them!" Ellemiek answered. "And you now come back and I'm supposed to forgive and forget? I can work with you, as long as you keep it clean and competent enough for all of us. I'm not asking for you to predict what would happen! No one can tell the future for sure! But you could have found out and warned us that there were two enemy capital ships on the Graveyard. Just make sure you get it all right next time, that's all I ask. Nothing more..." Ellemiek told Kyra.

"You will never understand what I'm feeling and also you don't want to listen, because there was no way I could find out about the two capital ships and I warn the admiral about that all, there was possibility for a trap, because I knew Gustalv was capable of doing that and yet you still blame me... You know that talking to you is talking to wall." Kyra walked away at the end of the corridor and disappeared.

Auron was standing at the entrance of the bar and was nodding. "All this time, you blamed Kyra for my death and the pilots of Wild Cats squadron that died that day? Amazing?"

Ellemiek shook her head. "I don't blame Kyra for their deaths, but I do blame her for turning against us and joining the same faction that killed them! And I also believe that it was her job to know that there were two capital ships, and I kind of expected her to say she was sorry, but she didn't. I don't even think she considers her mistake, and it doesn't seem she cares much about it!" Ellemiek told Auron. "She's not the same Kyra I knew anymore..." she sighed.

"Elle, how can you blame someone if you don't understand their feelings? I mean, her reason to join the Empire is far more complicated than simply joining the Empire. I can say, and I do fully respect you, but I think it's wrong to blame her for a mistake that you can't possible comprehend." Auron paused as he got near Ellemiek. "I don't comprehend it either, but we have to give her more time. She is not entirely the Kyra that we knew, but she is somewhere in there. We can't forget that during her stay in the Empire she was manipulated to be an assassin, so Kyra is entirely someone else and we can't see a change from one day to another. Also, it doesn't help if you continue to accuse her like that, to blame her. You are only pushing her far away from the Kyra that we know."

"Maybe. But that's personal life, Auron. And that's fine! But don't ask me to overlook it just because she needs more time..." Ellemiek told Auron, shrugging him away. "This is not a game, and if she's not up for the job she has, then maybe she should be granted time off to re-think and re-discover herself. As long as people don't get their lives jeopardised because she can't pull her own weight!" Ellemiek said, then sighing and looking into Auron's eyes. "Look, I can understand a hard time. We all had it at one point or another and we're bound to have it again. And I'm not saying that it's easy to keep going, but if I'm questioned about this mission, I'll have to report that intelligence is partly responsible for us being ambushed and sent over to a ghost hunt! And you think about it, Auron... You are now commanding a squadron because Mikto died. And he didn't have to die out there if we knew what we had up against us!"

Auron sighed. "You only listen to what you want, Elle. She said that she advised the Admiral not to send a scout mission after the Starlight. I see that she did her job, but it was the Admiral who ordered us to go because the orders came from his superiors. Elle... These things just happen. I can't blame her because it wasn't her fault. You want to blame her for the death of Mikto, but don't mix blaming her for joining the Empire and this mission! Hell, you should blame me, yourself or Mikto, because we simply did the job for the Empire, because we never thought that the Empire would do such a thing, but they did!" Auron raised her face to look at her eyes. "A lot of pilots died, but not because we fell on ambush. Well, part of it was, but...it was mostly our way of thinking that this would be an easy mission. The last time I thought like that was when the Wild Cats were destroyed..." Auron paused. "Do you remember that match of brutball against Class B on Tae'Morad? They were the worst team on the league. We entered the match as if we had already won. What happened? We lost, and big time! 12 to 1! It was our fault to think it would be an easy game. That was exactly what happened on this mission."

"Sorry, Auron, but I disagree. Our last training runs were quite hard on the pilots, even though I believe that your squadron was too green for this mission," Ellemiek told Auron. "Either way, it's not like I haven't lost pilots and friends before. When the first one dies, you die with him. But then you learn to let go and you keep on going, because that's the right thing to do. But tell me this, do you really think that the Admiral wouldn't have sent heavy bombers or at least warned us if he knew what we were up against? I don't blame Kyra for the pilots' deaths, but I did expect some sympathy for their deaths and I did expect her to do her job well done. And the way I see it, she did neither! Frankly, I was amazed at the way she was able to smile just because you got transferred to a new squadron..."

"Kyra had Imperial training and since she had black operative training, she was clearly manipulated to have no feelings at all. I noticed that and I think you noticed that too, but you can't ask her to change just like that. Just give her more time and during that time be her friend..." Auron came closer to Ellemiek and kissed her forehead.

"Very well..." Ellemiek sighed. "But I will have to write my report. Being friends doesn't mean I can give her slack that I wouldn't normally give someone else."

Auron sighed and then nodded. "I think Kyra wouldn't like to have it any other way."