"What's Happening With Me"
by Chun Li - PI
and Laszlo Esik - Crewmember of the Altdorf

Date: Selene 24, 5 ABY
Location: Corellian Corvette Altdorf, en route to Bothawui

***

Li was reading the datapads she had gotten from Fenn. There had been security on them, but she was slicer enough to get through it. She had let Lorgal check it out as well, to see if there had been more layers then she could find, but there were none, or at least none that he could find. As the cabin she had was very small, she was sitting on her bed to read, or better, lying on it. While she was reading, her free hand was wandering over her body, ending up on her crotch. Just one touch there and she was aflame again. She sighed while her hand moved into her pants. She had lost count of how many times she had gone through this today. For some reason she always started rubbing herself, and it always got down to bringing herself to a serious orgasm, often even more then one. Just one touch was enough to get going lately. She had tried to fight it, but it never worked.

Sighing again as her hand got down to business, the put the datapad on the little nightstand next to her bed and took the item that was on there. Wriggling out of her pants, she spread her legs and placed the item, a large vibrator she had bought on Commenor on her clit. She wasn't wearing any panties at the moment, as she had decided not to put them back on after the 3rd time she had taken them off. While her other hand went to her breasts, she switched the thing on and exactly nothing happened.

Frustrated, she thumbed it of and on again. Still nothing. Throwing the thing to the side, she put her pants back on. She had to control herself, and first check what was wrong with her new toy. She dug in her closet for the box with the manual, and started checking things, while one hand kept rubbing over her body, paying particular attention to her breasts. Her nipples were standing out, as they had the whole day.

"Oh crap," she said to herself as she read that the first thing you should do is charge the batteries. Clearly they had held some charge, but Li had been using the toy quite intensively. Now she would have to wait for 12 hours before the batteries were recharged.

Li took the datapad again, but her mind wasn't really into it. She was far too aroused at the moment to concentrate on her reading. She needed something inside her, and her fingers wouldn't do, she could feel that already. So she stood up and left her quarters. Even though there was no real day-night cycle in starships, there were moments when there were less people in the corridors, usually dependent on the day-night cycle of their home planet. And this was such a moment.

It took her a while to find a crewmember, and it was one she recognised. Laszlo something, an engineer, and a very young one. That was good, as she had a good excuse to get him in her room. "Excuse me, Laszlo" she said. He stopped and turned around.

"Yes, miss," he said. He wasn't sure where she was in the ship's hierarchy, but definitely higher than him. He was only 17 and it was his first trip on the Altdorf.

"You're an engineer, right," Li asked, trying to play it out. It was good exercise in keeping herself under control, although some parts of her wanted nothing more then just pounce on the young man.

"That is correct, miss," he said.

"And you know something about small equipment," she asked next.

"Of course, miss," he said, "I repair all the datapads and blasters on this ship. You have a problem?"

Although his shift had already ended, he wasn't going to say no to this woman. You never knew what trouble you could get into. "A small one," Li said, "Come on, let's see."

"I'll get my toolbox," he said.

"It won't be necessary," she said, "I have a lot of tools. It's just that I don't know how to do this."

"Okay," he said, as he followed her. She looked very nice, he thought, even though he couldn't see much, as she didn't wear those very tight form-fitting clothes some other women wore.

Arriving in Li's quarters, she locked the door behind him. He hadn't seen that she had locked the door, and was now looking for the device he was supposed to repair.

"Here it is," Li said, giving him the vibrator, "see, it doesn't work anymore."

She flipped it on and after a couple of seconds back off again. Laszlo was blushing. "C'mon," Li said, putting her hand on his shoulder, "don't tell me you've never seen one of those before. But you can see that I have a problem now." Her hand moved over his back towards his ass, where it stopped. He didn't move, but she could see that she had an effect on him. And judging by what she could see through his pants, it was going to be fun. He might be inexperienced, but as he was very young, he should have great stamina.

"Don't worry about that," she said, putting her toy away, "it's just a question of dead batteries. But I think you can help me otherwise, don't you?" Her other hand joined the first on his body, but at the front, feeling him up. It definitely could be a very nice night. She pushed him on the bed and straddled him. In a quick motion she lifted her shirt, leaving her topless as she hadn't bothered with a bra. Her breasts weren't big so she didn't need one, although on her petite frame they looked very nice. They were also extremely sensitive, specially the last couple of days.

"Don't be shy," she said as she took his hands and placed them on her breasts. Even the touch on its own was enough to make her moan, and she rubbed her crotch against his.

This seemed to bring him out of the hypnosis he had been under, and he started to massage her breasts. As he was inexperienced, Li guided his hands and was quickly moaning non-stop. She leaned over so he could add his mouth to the stimulations, something she greatly appreciated. Again she had to guide him a bit, but he was a quick learner and it didn't take long for her to experience her first orgasm of this session. Her cry of passion had to be heard halfway through the ship, but she didn't care.

She moved of him and quickly got rid of her pants. The next move was to start undoing his, which were also quickly discarded, underwear and all. His member stood already straight up, and Li gasped. It was big. She crawled back on the bed and placed a kiss on it.

"I'm going to take good care of you," she whispered to the head, before taking it into her mouth. The young man was quite aroused already and after only a short period he moaned and came in her mouth. She just kept sucking until he was spent.

"I'm sorry," he said, "but..."

"Don't worry," Li whispered to him, "I'm sure we can go a couple times more. You're still young, but you'll last longer next time."

"Next time," he asked.

"Of course," Li laughed, "as many times as we can."

"But I have to be on duty..."

"You silly man," Li said as her hands moved over his chest, "I'll simply tell the captain that you were helping and that it took longer then we expected. And we wouldn't be lying, right?"

As a grin spread on his face, she moved herself in a classical 69 position. "Now, let's get started for round two," she said to him as she took him in her mouth again. He was a bit startled but soon followed, and while he was a bit clumsy, by moving her body a bit now and then she could teach him what she liked. He was again a quick study and it didn't take long for Li to orgasm again.

"You're wonderful," she said, "a couple of years to learn some extra tricks and you're a super lover. Now I want you inside me."

She moved to straddle him and guided him inside her. As she sank down, another cry escaped from her lips. He was rather large and she stretched to take him in.

"I didn't hurt you," he asked.

"No silly," Li said, "on the contrary. Now just relax and enjoy." She started to move up and down on him, and soon he started meeting her trusts. Li smiled as his hands moved to her breasts and her moans only grew louder.

Ten minutes and three orgasms later, Li decided it was time for something else. She moved of him, and gave him a deep kiss before he could protest. Then she moved on all fours.

"Take me from behind," she said. He moved and entered her again, hesitant at first, but with more force as he gained confidence. He started massaging her breasts again, pinching her nipples. Li moaned and started to push back against him. It didn't her long to reach yet another orgasm, and this time it was too much for him too.

Five minutes later they were lying snuggled against each other, Li's head on Laszlo's chest. One of her hands was on his tight, softly stroking his leg, and one of his hands was doing the same with her. Her other hand moved between her legs, feeling their combined liquid between her thighs. They were silent, and Li was thinking. Thinking why she had done this, why she hadn't been able to control herself, why she could orgasm from even the lightest touch.

"I never thought it could be like this," Laszlo said dreamily, "I mean, I've only had sex a couple of times, but this is something special."

"I liked it too," Li responded, "you might need a little more experience, but you're very enthusiastic and you have great stamina. And that experience will come."

"You know what I really found surprising," he said as he moved his hand to the top of her mound, "that it feels so smooth."

"I like it smoothly shaven," Li said as she felt the urge build in her again now he was moving his hand so near her entrance. She moved her hand as well, and quickly felt him reacting as well.

An hour later, Li was looking at Laszlo, already half asleep. He hadn't been able to fight of the sleep any longer. She was not yet panicking, but she didn't like the control she normally had slipping away. Sighing, she rested her head on Laszlo's chest. She knew she would be sore tomorrow, but it would be a good sore, and she would recover quickly anyway. Five minutes later she was asleep.

---

“Return to an Old Way, Part 2”
Kylen Muston – Engineer/Smuggler
Heelan (NPC) - Smuggler

Location: An Unknown Space Station, Space, and Drogen
Date: Selene 24, 5 ABY

***

Again, Heelan woke him a few minutes before coming off the jump. This time, the world looked more hospitable. The side Kylen saw was about half water and half land, not nearly enough information to try and determine where he was. Heelan directed the ship to a space station above the planet, and docked without a problem. When they exited the ship, Kylen was amazed to find himself surrounded by Imperial stormtroopers! They were standing at the ready, and it looked like they were going to receive the cargo that Heelan had brought.

Kylen’s feelings for Heelan immediately turned from mild dislike and disappointment to hatred. He couldn’t believe that anyone would help the people who had destroyed his planet. He quickly realized he should not betray his origins, and was glad that he hadn’t told Heelan of his heritage. He masked the emotions on his face and quickly decided to be a Corellian if anyone asked him. No one ever questioned a smuggler who said they were from Corellia. He watched, trying to both remain and appear calm, as Heelan met with an officer. The two men talked briefly, then the officer left. Heelan came over to Kylen and began speaking to him.

“We’ll be here overnight. I’m staying on the ship, they want to talk with you, then you’ll be put up in a guest room. This is their standard practice for newcomers, so don’t worry, you’ll be fine. I’ll call you on the comlink again when it’s about time to leave.”

Kylen was led away by a pair of stormtroopers to a rather spartan room a good distance away from the docking bay. The troopers took up positions on both sides of the door, and another officer entered. Kylen knew nothing of the marking he wore on his uniform, but guessed that the man was from Imperial Intelligence. The man never introduced himself, but he led Kylen through a series of questions:

“What is your name?”

“Kylen Muston.”

“Where do you hail from?”

“Corellia.”

“What is your business here?”

“I’m with Heelan, we brought you a load of cargo.”

“You do not know the contents?”

“No, he pays me to work, not ask questions.”

“Have you ever served in the Imperial Armed Forces?”

“Never have.”

There were a number of other questions following these 5, but Kylen answered them all as void from emotion as he could, while trying to stick to his story of being Corellian. The Intel officer finished his interrogation and released Kylen. The troopers marched him down the hall, about halfway back to the docking bay, and put him in a ‘guest room,’ which really meant a prison cell with a window to the corridor. The door wasn’t locked however, and he was told where the nearest refresher was and where a messhall was, that he could find food at.

They left him alone for the time being, and Kylen visited the ‘fresher and the mess to both check them out and pass the time. He found that no one would talk to him, so he just returned to the guest room and slept, hoping to pass the time as quickly as he could. He woke and checked his chronometer, finding that was 0330. He needed to use the refresher, and started to walk down the corridor as he oriented himself. He thought he heard footsteps behind him, and he turned around to find a lone stormtrooper about 10 meters back. He decided that it was nothing and continued on his way to the ‘fresher station.

He used the spacious, public refresher and just as he was about to step back out into the corridor, the stormtrooper entered. He still thought it was a coincidence, and tried to step around the armored figure. He was met with a rifle butt to the gut. The trooper took off his helmet and sneered at him.

“There’s no way you’re a Corellian. I am, and I’d never believe that you are. Too bad my superiors didn’t believe me, because now I’m going to take it out on you and make them rethink it in the morning,” he stated. His lashed and kicked Kylen a number of times in the stomach and chest. Kylen tried to think about it, but his reflexes took over. He reached out, grabbed the booted foot, and twisted his entire body from the hips, sharply bringing the foot with him. The trooper started to go down, and Kylen heard a crack when the back of the man’s head hit the wall. In a flash, Kylen was on top of him, with a vibroknife at the man’s throat. He expected to have to force the man into submission, but oddly met with no resistance. He waited a moment, then checked for a pulse. Nothing. He ran through the events in his mind, and slowly rolled the man over and felt the back of his head. There it was. A sharp fracture at the point where the skull met the spinal column. The man had died instantly.

Kylen stood up and sheathed his knife. What would he do now? A dead body and no good explanation because the man had tried to bully information out of him. Kylen suddenly had a bright flash of insight. The man was almost the same size as him. Kylen quickly stripped the armor off him and pieced it all together back on himself. He found a datacard with the man’s name and bunk location on it. He didn’t even bother with the name, but as soon as he was ready, he stuffed the body in a small storage area in the ‘fresher room. He left the refresher and quickly found his way to the man’s bunk. He found a large black bag, designed to hold the armor in place for cleaning. He took it with him and made his way back to Heelan’s ship. In a stroke of luck, the gangway was down. He glanced around, saw that there was only one trooper on duty, all the way across the docking bay.

With minimal waiting, he got to the ship and up the gangway without being seen. He quickly got into his room, as quietly as he could to avoid alerting Heelan. He removed the armor and packed it in the bag, stowing it out of sight. He made his way back to his guest room a few minutes later, and laid down. He knew that he wouldn’t be able to sleep again, partly because a man had just died, and partly because he was both hurt and nervous about being discovered.

He stared off for a long time, but eventually, sleep did come. When he woke in the morning to a knock on the door, he only groaned a little bit, and he did it quietly to himself. He dragged himself up and tried to disguise his movements to keep it unknown that he had suffered a beating last night. He answered the door, and was greeted by the same Intel officer from yesterday and a pair of troopers. They didn’t immediately aim their carbines at him, and the thought that he hadn’t been discovered flew to his mind. The officer handed him a stack of forms and led him through filling them out. After he finished, he was marched back to Heelan’s ship, and released to Heelan’s custody. The cargo had been unloaded and exchanged, and Heelan was looking impatient, so they didn’t waste any time. Once they were off the station, Heelan relaxed a little and before too long they were in hyperspace. Only then did Heelan return to normal, or at least to the state that Kylen thought was normal for him. They didn’t talk at all on the trip back, and when they returned to Drogen, Heelan unceremonially handed Kylen the cred chips and then walked into Kylen’s cabin and came out with the large black bag and practically threw it into Kylen’s hands.

“Here, now don’t ever put my life on the line again! If you want to take on stormtroopers, do it on your own time, not while I’m paying you to help me. Now get out of my sight!” Heelan exclaimed.

“Wait! It wasn’t like that! The stormtrooper attacked me!” Kylen tried to exclaim, but Heelan had already pushed him down the open gangway and walked back, closing it as he went.

With no other options at this point, Kylen carried the bag back to his quarters. He opened it up to check the contents. The full set of the armor was still there, as well as the E-11 blaster rifle that was common issue to almost all stormtroopers. The utility belt was there, but some of the compartments were opened. Kylen guessed that Heelan must have found it and helped himself, since he was angry and probably felt like he needed to get something out of the deal. He wasn’t too worried about it. He repacked the bag and stored it, taking extra care to keep it out of sight.

With nothing else to do, and it being just after noon, Kylen took the turbolift up to 401 and reported in for a half day of work. He put on a little show to make it look like he was still grieving, but what he really needed was to take his mind of Heelan. The man had unsettled him, first by not turning out to be the fatherly figure, and then by exploding at him on the trip home. Kylen worked out his frustrations with a hydrospanner, and started to settle back into life on Drogen.

---

"What's This"
by Vincenzo Lapenta - Neurosurgeon

Location: New Plouton Institute of Neuroscience
Date: Selene 24, 5 ABY

***

"Dr. Lapenta."

Vincenzo looked up from his datapad to see a nurse coming into his office. He had already send a message to Sarah that he couldn't come the following days with his new patient.

"I have some results from the lab for you," she said, putting another pad on his desk, "more will come in an hour or so."

"Thank you," Vincenzo said, picking up the pad and reading it. He immediately noticed that his mystery patient had a very interesting history. When he had checked up on her in the morning, nothing had changed since last night. With help, she stayed alive, yet still only barely. The blood results hadn't given anything special, but these, taken on the neural cells themselves, yielded many questions, but also provided some answers.

On the datapad it showed clearly that his patient's nervous system was commiting suicide. This was normal, but not on a scale like this, and not only in the nerve cells. He took the pad with the blood results which had been on his desk in the morning. There was no sign of hightened white blood cell count, so that ruled out auto-immune disease. He also hadn't found more then usual numbers of white blood cells in her spinal column, so that was also counter-indicative for auto-immune disorders. He took his comm and called the lab.

"Dr. Lapenta here," he said, "on those tissue samples you got for patient 04-23-123, can you also do a neutrophin test."

"It's already set up, doctor," the lab tech said, "results will be in soon."

"Okay, thanks," Vincenzo said, "and the receptors?"

"The same," came the reply.

"Very good," Vincenzo said before closing the comm.

***A Couple of Hours Later***

Vincenzo had just finished another budget meeting, and before going to his office, he went past his mystery patient. The nurse who had called him yesterday was also there.

"And," he asked, "any more identification except Vaela Jor?"

"Nothing yet, doctor," she said, "but I don't get much cooperation from the police forces."

"I'll get the bureaucracy moving," Vincenzo said, "and as last resort we can always ask a 'missing person' report to be put on the holovid news."

"More results, doctor," another nurse said as she entered the room, handing him a pad.

"Anything special," the first nurse asked.

"As I thought," Vincenzo said, "she doesn't seem to make neutrophins anymore, or only very tiny quantities. Without those, her nerve cells die. Can you check if we have any neutrophins in our pharmacy."

"Immediately, doctor," the nurse said, moving out of the room.

Now they had at least something to start with. They would support her with neutrophins so her central nervous system wouldn't degenerate any further while he would try to find something to reverse the damage. He would also have to talk to the cybernetics group about an implant with these growth factors, so she could have a supply of them, should it be necessary. That would depend on the type of treatment, but it was always good to be prepared.

He commed his secretary and asked her to check the regulations concerning finding the identity of mystery patients, and while he was doing that, the nurse came back.

"We still have some NGF and NT-3, but no BDNF," she reported.

"How much of the first two," Vincenzo asked.

"Enough for a couple of days," she said.

"Order enough for two weeks," he said, "I'll sign the forms once you have them."

---

"Judgement, Part 1"
Rylaa "Boss" Lyssander - Crimelord
Morgal - New Dawn Agent
Lerrah Breijal - Pilot
Cirran Tyris - Pilot

Location: New Dawn Headquarters, Tigris III
Date: 24 Selene, 5ABY

***

Cirran awoke to an all over body ache, his face pressed flat against cold metal. He groaned and rolled over to a slightly more comfortable position on his back, and a nondescript and entirely unfamiliar ceiling came into view. He let out a sigh. The way some of his wakening-ups had been going lately, he wondered why he continued to bother with them.

What had happened this time? He sat up, eyes closed. The last thing he remembered was a blue light. Well, you didn't need to be CorSec to work this one out - someone had stunned him, that was clear enough. It was a first for Cirran, and he wouldn't recommend the experience. But what had he been doing before that? He remembered trying to pull someone out of the way...who had it been...

The rush of information that arrived when his brain caught up to events was a lot more unpleasant than anything the after effects of the stunner produced. He shot bolt upright. "Lerrah?" he called out, but the muffled and hollow sound of his voice only somehow served to confirm he was alone in some kind of dimly lit cell. And there was little doubt about who the cell belonged to.

This was bad. Very bad. Not so much for himself, since this would have probably eventually happened anyway, Cirran thought - although certainly it wasn't great news - but for Lerrah. Cirran swore at himself again for chasing ghosts to the Rim, for vaporizing that godsdamned canister, and at the Universe for bringing her to his ship moments before he was set to leave the station for good. "Lerrah?" he tried calling again, waiting uselessly for an answer, a faint knock on the other side of a wall, anything. He strode over to the steel door and pounded his fists on it. "I want to talk to someone in charge," he bellowed. Nothing happened. "Hey!" The only sound was a flickering hum from the inadequate overhead lighting. "If you hurt her, you bastards, I'll..." You'll what, Cirran? Bleed on them? With a final hammering on the door that was more out of frustration than any hope of an answer, Cirran miserably sank to the floor to wait. There seemed to be little other option.

***

Darkness lined with pain.

Slowly, Lerrah Breijal opened her eyes and ended up wishing she hadn't. The lighting in the...cell? The lighting in the cell was dim, filtered in from somewhere above her, but even the thought of turning to look was painful. Closing her eyes, she tried to put the pieces of what had happened together.

She remembered going to Cirran, of telling him how she felt, and just as he was about to throw her off his ship...something bad had happened. The fight came back in brief flashes, and she was a little miffed at how quickly both she and Cirran had fallen. She groaned, partly with memory and partly with pain. Her eyes opened again, and this time she forced herself to sit up. Flares of pain sparked through her body, but she managed to keep both from passing out and throwing up. Lucky me, she thought.

After a moment to let pain subside, Lerrah looked around. A droid stood watch in the corner, and she didn't like the look of it. There was no one else, and the slight shimmer in the air ahead of her indicated that there was probably a ray shield blocking her way out. She was trapped.

"Hey," she called to the droid, pain lancing through her mouth. Split lip, she thought with a moan. Her voice didn't sound that great either, hoarse and weak. "Droid, hello."

She thought she saw the quirk of a photoreceptor, but there was no answer.

"Cirran?" she shouted weakly. Then more softly, "You'd better be alright."

She fought back a sob, but the hot trail that burned down her cheek indicated the inability to stop the flow of tears. What kind of mess had she gotten herself into?

***

They had been collected. It was the best word to be used as the hulking war droids used to fetch Cirran and Lerrah from their respective cells simply walked in and snatched them up without saying anything. Deprived of food or water for over a day had done a number on the two and any attempts at resistance were futile.

It was the first time the two had seen each other since their capture.

Too tired to struggle, Lerrah let the droid carry her wherever it was going. As soon as she saw Cirran, however, she felt her heart leap. Vigor seemed to flow back in and she struggled to get free. "Cirran," she called. Her lip was split open, as she'd suspected and one black eye was sore. At least those were the only wounds that were visible. Her ribs were sore, and she felt like someone had stomped on her hand. "Oh, you're alive!"

"Lerrah! Thank the gods! Are you alright?" Whisked from his cell, it had quickly transpired from the appearance of his friend from a door on a left only a few seconds into the journey that while he had sat in his cell driving himself crazy about what might have happened to her for what seemed like an eternity, in reality they had only been a few meters away all that time. Cirran got a closer look at Lerrah's bruised and bloody face. He swore under his breath. "What have they done to you?" he said angrily, struggling furiously but ineffectually against one of the two hulking war droids that were frog-marching the two of them down a metal corridor.

"They were kind enough to give me a makeover while I waited," she said, trying to smile. "I tried to tell them I'm really not into that whole being made up thing."

"You two will be silent," a voice said from the shadows. It was followed shortly thereafter by a massive figure wearing old fashioned black robes. The New Dawn sunburst was stamped in gold both on the front and on the shoulders. Though the hood was up, the two pilots could hear a soft hiss, like air escaping from a tire. The robed figured joined in step with the droids, heading the only destination that seemed visible, a massive set of doors that looked forged from a single piece of bronze. Light was being provided by dull orange and red orbs that hung from the ceiling.

Without warning Lerrah and Cirran suddenly found themselves being unceremoniously dumped in the middle of the corridor by the war droids. The walls had gone from smooth metal to natural rock that was very warm to the touch. The robed figure stood behind them while the droids moved to either side of the doors. "Announce yourselves," the figure said with a sibilant hiss.

"Announce ourselves?" Cirran incredulously asked the imposing figure. This was pretty imposing all round, in fact, but he'd be damned if he'd whimper in front of these people before they put a blaster bolt in his face, not after what they'd done to Lerrah. "Certainly," he muttered. "I'm former Emperor Palpatine, mistakenly assumed dead, and my dinner companion this evening is Princess Leia Organa Solo. We'll be looking to try and put aside our differences over the appetizers. I'd like a table by the window if you've got one, please," he finished.

Dull light glinted off of polished scales as a fist the size of a dinner plate shot out to cuff the pilot on the side of the head. "Sssarcasssim will only prolong your pain Mr. Tyriss." The blow was much akin to getting hit by a speeder and it sent him to the floor where his head hitting the rock made an impressive cracking sound. It was a fight to maintain consciousness. "Either announce yourselves, or I will do it for you."

"Stop!" Lerrah shrieked, though it only came out as a croak. Freed of the droid, she was at Cirran's side instantly. "You already know who he is, so why do you even bother asking? Just so you can hit him? I'm Lerrah Breijal, you bastard. That a good enough answer for you?"

Cirran tried to shake his head clear. "Whoa...anyone see who was riding that bantha that hit me?" he muttered. He gave Lerrah a weak smile. "Let's have Vader bring the speeder around, Princess. The service at this place is terrible." His bitter grin quickly faded, and groggily he climbed unsteadily to his feet, Lerrah helping him up. "Cirran Tyris," he snarled at the hulking alien figure. "I'm Cirran Tyris. Does that clear everything up?"

No answer emerged from the robe the huge double door swung open with a great deal of groaning. A wall of darkness that the dim light couldn't penetrate met them. "Enter," a deep rumbling voice said from the gloom.

Allowing Cirran to put his weight on her as they moved, she mumbled, "Pretentious jerks. When we leave this place, let's remember not to tip."

"Agreed," Cirran murmured, the grogginess - if not the pain - from the blow he had taken slowly starting to fade now.

As they entered the room the walls illuminated in a soft orange light. The outline of several different alien species could be seen sitting around a long table. At the head of the sat was an ambiguous figure with the golden starburst of the New Dawn above its head. Lights positioned around the high-backed chairs shone on the two pilots and prevented them from seeing who they were speaking with. "Cirran Tyris," the same deep voice intoned. It seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once.

"You were contracted to deliver a simple package to Coruscant, one that you were told was very valuable. Instead of completing your task, you turned coward and ran, but not before destroying what was rightfully New Dawn property. One of our associates, Ares Macrotechnology, was able to collect enough of the container that our reputation was not severely harmed. I cannot say the same for you two."

Cirran gave something of a snort. "They have to be bluffing. We vaped that sithspit in open space in the middle of nowhere," he said quietly to Lerrah.

"That wasn't just a simple package," Lerrah said. "I don't care whose property it was, but it was dangerous and would probably killed a lot of people. Maybe you don't care about people or the harm you cause, but we didn't want that sort of thing hanging over our heads."

Lerrah got the feeling that the short silhouette at the end of the long table turned its head towards her. "So you opened the package?" the voice asked. "How very un-professional of you Ms. Breijal, our reports say that you've dabbled in smuggling a time or two yourself. Do you believe that load of weapons or shipment of Spice or whatever you might have carried would have done any less harm that what you were carrying that day?" The figure huffed in amusement. "If you were worried about your conscience you never should have looked into the crate, then you never would have known what was inside, and you two wouldn't be here right now."

"We wouldn't, but I bet there'd be a lot of people very unhappy that we existed," Lerrah said. "At least they got some relief from our actions. But, you don't care about them, do you? You just care about your credits, no matter who gets hurt in the process. As long as you're safe in your dark little room, pretending to be your own little dictator, where you can feel important in bullying others around."

"But New Dawn is not without mercy, as we realize it is valuable to keep certain people on retainer with the threat of certain death hanging over their heads. It's those sorts of people that will do things for you would have to pay others greatly for."

A different voice picked up. "This is what we had planned for you Cirran Tyris and Lerrah Breijal," it said in an exotic accent. "But since you admitted that you had opened the package, a punishment must be delivered. One that fits the crime." The hulking robed figured that had greeted them earlier stepped up behind them, a gleaming curved sword resting on one shoulder. "We equate opening that crate with theft. Far in the past, thieves paid with their hands, so that they may never steal again. Today we resurrect this practice, specifically for you." The mocking tone of the voice could not be mistaken.

"Technically," Lerrah said, "it was my droid that opened it. But, I doubt you'll let a thing like that bother you." Trying to be brave was difficult with the prospect of having her hands lopped off. "This is insane. What sort of sick twisted person do you have to be to actually do this to people?"

"Sick?" the first voice ask. "Twisted? Well to get along in this line of work you do have to be a little bit of both. I'll tell you what, Ms. Breijal, I'll give you a choice. Your hand, as it was your droid, or Tyris' hand. Choose carefully for there will be no going back."

"Why does it have to be anyone's hand? I'm not choosing. Cut off your own hand. You're the thief here! You're the real criminal!"

Cirran stood up straight. "I'm not sure anyone who trades in that stuff we dumped has any kind of a right to be applying much of a moral code," he said. "Lerrah's right - if we chopped off something for everything you lot had stolen, this room would be waist deep in limbs. But if you insist on going through this ritualistic Council of Elders wank, then I'm the guy you want. It was my ship; it was my decision to open the cargo, and my decision to blow it to hell. And I'd probably do it again." Sure Cirran, say that now when you've still got two hands, he nevertheless thought to himself.

If any of the insults had gotten through to the silent figures sitting around the table it didn't show. They sat as uncaring gods, masters and overlords of the two humans sitting before them. It wasn't until Cirran's announcement that a third voice joined the other two. "And who are you to judge us, Cirran Tyris and Lerrah Breijal? You who have both done your share of evil even though you allow yourself to sleep better at night by saying it was for the greater good. You may have even balanced it with acts of kindness, saying that it must surely cancel out what was done in the past. I've got news for you; We are the same! No matter what you may think and no matter what you may do we are the same in body and mind. We both commit evils, and we both do good deeds."

The first voice joined in. "But enough of that. You chose, Tyris, you chose your penalty. Remember that." A spotlight from somewhere overhead shone and a previous unnoticed stone altar. "Place your arm on the altar, and our agent will make this quick."

Cirran gazed in horrified fascination at the stone, trying to come to terms with the reality of this situation. This was mad. "Oh yeah, we're the same as them all right," Cirran muttered to Lerrah. "Look at you, Lerrah, You're a regular monster. Bet you've chopped 3 or 4 hands off today already - probably working on a toxic bioagent in your bathroom." He gave a bitter laugh, but there was no point trying to trade any more comparisons with their captors, who had clearly all made peace with their no-doubt heinous list of misdeeds many years ago, in whatever deluded ways had served them best.

Was there another way out of this? He tried to look around the room. No telling how many crack shots with blasters they had up there, and behind them on the floor, the enormous figure in the cloak waited patiently with the sword in a manner that very much suggested that he knew what he was doing with it. No escape. His gaze met the face of the girl next to him. "I don't think I'm getting out of this, Lerrah," he said quietly, a hint of fear now definitely noticeable in his voice.

"We'll find a way out," Lerrah said. There was definite anger underlying her voice, and her eyes seemed to shine with an inner light as she turned to their captors. "What will it take to get you to stop this sadistic insanity?"

"Nothing," the deep voice said with a tone that would brook no argument. "Payment must be had. Tyris has made his choice and he can either go willingly," the massive robed figure behind them placed a scaled claw on Cirran's shoulder, "or he can be forced."

Cirran weighed his options. They seemed to be: 1) enter unarmed hand to hand combat with what appeared to be a Barabel - a Barabel with a sword no less - defeat him, grab the sword, get Lerrah, and fight his way - with a sword - past the numerous heavy battle droids he had passed on the way in, and Gods knew what else. 2) have a hand removed by said sword. It had to be said that neither appealed. It suddenly occurred to him, raising what was in the situation an incongruous smirk, that either option would be a lot easier if only he was Luke Skywalker.

---

"Judgement, Part 2"
Rylaa "Boss" Lyssander - Crimelord
Morgal - New Dawn Agent
Lerrah Breijal - Pilot
Cirran Tyris - Pilot

Location: New Dawn Headquarters, Tigris III
Date: 24 Selene, 5ABY

***

"So you cut off my hand, and I bleed to death in agony, is that it?" he asked the assembled anonymous figures. "Because if that's the plan, I'd maybe prefer that he just took off my head now - maybe."

"If you want the medical answer," the third voice spoke again, "your human body will close the wound itself on a clean cut. We are not monsters, Tyris, despite what you may believe. Our agent behind you is carrying an extremely sharp sword."

"Oh, the sword's sharp? Why didn't you say so earlier? In that case, this whole thing is PERFECTLY OK, then." Cirran was still having some trouble believing this could all actually be real, but he had also dropped into the sarcasm that always emerged almost as an armor in times of emotional stress. He was shaking slightly now. He still couldn't bring himself to just walk up and lay his hand on a stone for someone to chop it off with a sword. He looked around again, desperately. Nope, he was still stuffed. "So, I don't suppose there's any chance I can convince you turn on them, kill 'em all, and then lead us the hell out of here?" he tried on the extremely solid figure immediately behind him. "Go on, I'll buy you a drink."

The only response he got for his wit was a shove forward and a deep growl from beneath the cowl of robe. The dim light in the room reflected not only from the wide blade of the sword, but also on the row of needle sharp teeth from the robed alien's grin. "You have one minute, Mr. Tyris, to decide. The easy way, or the much more painful way." It was a fourth voice that spoke, this one much more cordial than the others but held a dominant tone. There was no mistaking the source of the voice at the figure at the head of the table, as it spoke clearly from that direction. "Your associate chose the painful way."

Another light shone from somewhere overhead on another stone alter opposite the first. On the altar was a gruesome sight. Mirrasa Colemain, the contact who had originally gave him the mission, lay there. Or rather, simply her head, floating in a large jar of sickly green fluid, the face twisted into an eternal scream. "The price of failure," the voice said again.

Cirran turned pale. He had hardly known the woman - well, he'd known her in the Lanteshi Scroll sense, of course - but from what little of her, she had seemed nice. She certainly hadn't deserved this. Who did? Fear mixed with guilt and anger gripped him. "OK, that's me out of jokes," he said to no-one in particular. He thought back to the burning cockpit on Hoth, his legs trapped in the red hot metal...would this hurt as much? More? He tried to take a step towards the altar, and only managed to sway slightly. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, and then turned to Lerrah. "Don't go anywhere, OK?" he said. "I have a feeling I'm going to need you around pretty badly soon."

"Do you really think they'll let me stay with you," Lerrah said, venom in her voice as she glared up under the cowl of the beast who'd been pushing Cirran around. She turned to Cirran, and her voice softened considerably. Tears glittered as she met his eyes. "If they let me, I'll be there with you." She leaned in and kissed him, not caring what their captors thought.

She finally pulled away. "When I get out of here," Lerrah seethed, "they will all pay. I'm going to hurt them ten times over for what they do to you, Cirran. I will hurt them."

Cirran nodded, and smiled, the kiss still tingling on his lips. He gave Lerrah a last look, hoping that somehow the two of them would see each other again outside of this room. This was exactly what he hadn't wanted to happen, but right now he was glad she was here with him.

He walked slowly towards the stone altar, trying not to look at the floating head of the girl he'd slept with. Behind him came the beweaponed alien, shadowing his footsteps like a mobile wall. How did one decide which hand to lose? He was right handed, so logically it should be his left. But he liked his left hand. It had many fine qualities. Have I tried mentioning how insane all this is? he thought. Yes, he had. Slowly he bent down and laid his left hand on the stone, where a manacle emerged to lock it into place. A sort of expectant hush came over the room. Cirran looked around, looked at the lights, the unfeeling figure in the cloak preparing his sword, the figures above in all their affected solemnity, and then across to Lerrah. Gods, she was beautiful. He smiled, and although his legs were trembling, the sight of her couldn't help but produce one last piece of defiance.

"So, it'll grow back, right?" he queried the room casually.

"Perhaps," came the reply as the huge curved blade hovered just millimeters above Cirran's wrist. The pilot held his breath and tensed up as the robed alien steadied himself and slowly raised the sword in both hands. Steel flashed and fire shot up Cirran's arm. Tendons in his neck strained as it was all he could do not to scream in agony. Mercifully his brain decided he had had enough and shut down. He collapsed to the floor, his severed stump spurting blood for only a few seconds before the body's self defense system kicked in and closed the veins.

Lerrah did not turn away or close her eyes as the sword came down, but as it sliced through Cirran's wrist, she flinched. However, the term convulsed may have been more appropriate. As he finally did pass out in a pool of his own blood, Lerrah did shut her eyes. Something inside, something she could not say exactly what it was, snapped. A grief-stricken, keening cry was torn from her lips, and she rushed to Cirran's side. She pulled him into her arms, protectively.

The movement jerked Cirran back to a world of pain. Pale as a sheet, and not being able to bring himself to look at where his hand should be, he instinctively clutched his left arm - his stump, that's what he had now, Pelor's Teeth, he had a stump - into the armpit of his right, smearing blood everywhere. An involuntary body twitch, a pocket zip caught on something and this time the cry of pain was truly irrepressible. Cirran gazed about numbly - he was probably in shock, some still functioning part of his brain decided. His gaze found Lerrah's. "Hey, you're still here," he said weakly. "This hurts."

"I know," she whispered, pressing her lips to his forehead. "I'm not going anywhere, Cirran, and when we're out of this, we'll get you a brand new hand. We'll find a way out of this, I promise."

The grinning beast with the sword placed the blade to his lips and licked the blood off with an evil smile. He leered at Lerrah as his forked tongue ran up and down the edge. With the sword now cleaned, he leaned against the side of the stone alter and picked up the pilot's hand. As the two horrified humans watched numbly, the beast bit off a finger and began to crunch.

"The Bosss sssaid I could have your fingersss when we were done with you," it hissed.

The double doors opened an older human in a medical lab coat walked in with a large needle and a first aid kit. Two large claws held Lerrah in place as the needle was jabbed into her neck and half the fluid pumped in. She seconds later. "What the..." was all Cirran could get out before the same needle was jammed into his own and what felt like molten metal pumped into his vein. He passed out again.

***

Rylaa Lyssander was sitting around a table with his lieutenants in a room on the other side of the station. They had been watching the entire proceedings on the massive viewscreen the covered one entire wall. A thick cigar was clamped firmly between his teeth and a thin haze of smoke filled the room from it. When Cirran's hand was removed by Morgal's sword he winced.

"Ooooooo, that looked like it smarted," he commented good-naturedly to his men. Most of them were drinking, smoking, and playing Sabaac whiles the ones whose voices were being used for the mockup sat with microphones in front of them.

After the doctor had come in and injected the two with the knockout drugs, the crimelord spun his chair around to face his men. "Well that was a bit of fun. The information we were paid for their lives is well worth it." He puffed on his cigar as he looked at the human in charge of his scientists and medical staffing. The ancient man looked as though the only thing holding him together was the hatred that burned in his breast after being kicked out from his professorship the Imperial Medical Academy. "Make sure the pilot won't die and that the droids on board the Lambda have enough juice to keep them in La-La land until it lands."

Five minutes later a coded pulse went out over a secure frequency into the far reaches of the system. Seconds later a coded packet of information was received on a second frequency with coordinates for a drop-off location. The information was loaded into the droid brain of a Lambda-class shuttle waiting in the planetoid's docking bay which activated itself. Clearance was granted and the droid piloted shuttle left to deliver its package.

---

"The New Dawn"
by: Rylaa Lyssander - Crimelord

Location: Enroute to Tae'Karada
Date: Selene 24, 5ABY

***

It had been a tough few days. The chubby crimelord ran a hand down his face and blinked his eyes open again. Sleep was something his body needed. Put paperwork was something else.

It was tough work making a religion out criminalistic ideals, but he and his lieutenants had persevered and it was swiftly on its way to become exactly what they wanted. The only bright star what that the quasi-mysticism that they had already instilled into the syndicate fed directly with what they wanted.

But first... paperwork.

One report from a man on Coruscant itself caught his eye.

***

ZNR UUUUU ZUI RHHMMCB 7635 1571943 O I 062129Z KUN 06 PSN 760155K24 FM NEWREPINTEL DET ONE TWO SEVEN TO ALL DEPARTMENTS BT PART 01 YUWDHLP0470 TOP SECRET TOP SECRET//N03123// MSGID/IDENTIFICATION REPORT/JEARL// SUBJ/CRIME SYNDICATE - NEW DAWN// POC/KANKE, FORD F./T3E/NRID127-N32M2B/-/HOLONET:15-1233-100375 X295// RMKS/ 1. OVERVIEW: A) FULL REPORT TO FOLLOW. AT FIRST IT APPEARED THAT THE FLEDGLING CRIME SYNDICATE OF THE SELF STYLED "NEW DAWN" BASED, IT APPEARS, OUT OF THE TAE'REMOK SYSTEM WOULD QUICKLY DIE FROM INTERNAL FIGHTING AND SO WAS PLACED ON THE BACK BURNER UNTIL SUCH A TIME AS RESOURCES WERE AVAILABLE TO ALLOCATE TO INVESTIGATION. AN AGENT OF OURS WHO RECENTLY HAD CONTACT WITH A MEMBER OF THE NEW DAWN BROUGHT TO OUR ATTENTION THE FACT THAT THIS ORGANIZATION WARRANTS IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION. INDEED, OUR AGENT WAS CORRECT. IN THE SHORT TIME THAT WE HAD LEFT THE ORGANIZATION ALONE, IT PRACTICALLY EXPLODED ACROSS THE OUTER RIM. THE FOLLOWING PRELIMINARY REPORT OUTLINES THE NEW DAWN AS IT IS BELIEVED TO EXIST NOT. 2. LEADERSHIP: A) THE LEADERSHIP OF THE NEW DAWN APPEARS TO BE HELD BY TWO ENTITIES. THE FIRST IS A COUNCIL WHOSE IDENTITIES ARE UNKNOWN BY ANY BUT THE CLOSEST OF MEMBERS OF THE ORGANIZATION, THAT APPEARS TO RUN THE EVERYDAY OPERATION OF THE ORGANIZATION AT LARGE. THE SECOND ENTITY IS A MAN KNOWN ONLY AS "THE BOSS" WHOSE WORD, IT APPEARS, IS FINAL. THE IDENTITY OF THIS MAN IS KNOWN ONLY BY THE COUNCIL AND HIS CLOSEST ADVISORS. B) SYSTEMS THAT HAVE AT LEAST ONE NEW DAWN CELL ON A PLANET ARE RUN BY POWERFUL MEN AN WOMEN KNOWN AS DUKES. THESE ARE RUTHLESS, AGGRESSIVE INDIVIDUALS WHO ANSWER ONLY TO THE COUNCIL AND THE BOSS. MANY OF THEM HAVE BEEN IN THE CRIMINAL UNDERWORLD FOR DECADES WITH OTHER SYNDICATES BEFORE BEING BROUGHT INTO THE NEW DAWN FOLD. ALL ARE FIERCELY LOYAL TO THE IDEALS OF THE NEW DAWN. C) INDIVIDUAL PLANETS WITH NEW DAWN CELLS ARE RUN BY MEN AND WOMEN OF MODERATE POWER CALLED VISCOUNTS. IN THE EVENT THAT A SYSTEM ONLY HAS ONE PLANET WITH A NEW DAWN CELL ON IT, THEN THAT PLANET IS INSTEAD RUN BY THE DUKE OF THE SYSTEM. VISCOUNTS ARE ALMOST AS RUTHLESS AS THEIR DUKES AND ANNEX OTHER CRIMINAL ELEMENTS WITH AN ALMOST BORDERLINE FANATICISM. ON PLANETS WITH WELL ESTABLISHED CRIMINAL ELEMENTS, SUCH AS CORUSCANT OR CORELLIA, DEALS HAVE BEEN STRUCK BETWEEN THE NEW DAWN AND THE EXISTING UNDERGROUND. ALL VISCOUNTS SO FAR IDENTIFIED HAVE BEEN FANATICALLY LOYAL TO THE ORGANIZATION AND INTERESTED ONLY IN FURTHERING THE GOALS OF THE COUNCIL. D) BANDS OF CRIMINALS ARE RUN BY A CHIEFTAIN. EACH PART OF THE CRIMINAL NETWORK HAS ITS OWN CHIEFTAIN ON THE PLANET. I.E. THE CHIEFTAIN OF SMUGGLING, THE CHIEFTAIN OF SLAVERY, THE CHIEFTAN OF DRUG DISTRIBUTION, ETC. CHIEFTAINS ARE USUALLY SMALL TIME THUGS WHO HAVE MANAGED TO SHOW SOME GLIMMER OF INTELLIGENCE IN THEIR CHOSEN FIELD AND HAVE BEEN APPOINTED THE RUN THAT SECTION BY THE PLANET'S VISCOUNT. THE CHIEFTAINS ARE ALL PROTECTED BY A STRONG-ARM DIVISION KNOWN AS THE "DAWN PROTECTORS". DESPITE THE LOFTY NAME, THIS DIVISION IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS ANY GUARD DIVISION FOUND IN ANY CRIMINAL SYNDICATE. E) A FEW REPORTS HAVE COME IN ABOUT AN INDEPENDENT SECTION OF THE NEW DAWN KNOWN ONLY AS THE "DAWN SEEKERS". FROM WHAT WE CAN TELL, THESE DAWN SEEKERS ARE THE INTELLIGENCE ARM OF THE NEW DAWN. THEY ARE EXTREMELY SECRETIVE AND USE TOP-OF-THE-LINE TECHNOLOGY TO AID THEM IN THEIR TASKS. NOTHING MORE IS KNOWN ABOUT THEM THOUGH REPORTS CONTINUE TO FILTER IN. 3. TRADE: A) THE NEW DAWN HAS SET UP SMUGGLING RINGS FOR ALMOST EVERY COMMON VICE THAT CAN BE FOUND IN THE UNIVERSE. SLAVES, SPICE, DRUGS, LIQUOR, ARMS, ETC. THEY DABBLE IN EVERYTHING BUT APPEAR TO HOLD NO ONE THING HIGHER THAN THE OTHERS. CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE ORGANIZATION, HOWEVER, APPEAR TO BE HIGHLY INTERESTED IN TRADING ONLY IN CRAFTED GOODS SUCH AS JEWELRY AND ART AND HAVE SET UP BLACK MARKETS DIRECTLY RELATING TO SUCH GOODS. B) NEW DAWN MEMBERS APPEAR TO COLLECT INTELLIGENCE AT EVERY TURN. INFORMATION APPEARS TO BE THEIR TRUE BREAD AND BUTTER AND THEY BROKER IT ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THEIR MYSTERIOUS "DAWN SEEKERS". 4. SUMMERY: A) THE NEW DAWN CRIMINAL ORGANIZATION HAS SPREAD LIKE WILDFIRE THROUGHOUT THE OUTER RIM. THEIR AGGRESSIVE, STRONG-ARM TACTICS IN ANNEXING OTHER SMALLER ORGANIZATIONS AND ABSORBING THEM INTO THE FOLD HAVE MADE THEM MANY ALLIES AND MANY ENEMIES BUT APPEAR TO ONLY STRENGTHEN THEIR RANKS. IT IS EXPECTED THAT THEY WILL HAVE A CELL IN EVERY MAJOR SYSTEM IN SEVERAL GALACTIC MONTHS. EVERY EFFORT SHOULD BE TAKEN TO KEEP AN EYE OUT ON THIS UP-AND-COMING SYNDICATE FOR AS THEY GROW THEY ARE CEMENTING ALLIANCES WITH THE MORE POWERFUL ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS THE SMUGGLER'S ALLIANCE. B) MUCH OF THE NEW DAWN IS CLOUDED IN MYSTICISM AND RITUALS. EXAMPLES FOLLOW: DUKES OF SYSTEMS RARELY APPEAR IN PERSON, AND THEN ONLY CLOAKED AND COWLED SO AS TO BE MAINLY UNIDENTIFIABLE; THEY NEVER SPEAK THEMSELVES, ONLY THROUGH AN ADVISOR KNOWN AS "THE SPEAKER"; THE MODE OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE TWO IS UNKNOWN. THE COUNCIL ITSELF HAS ONLY EVER BEEN SEEN BY THE MOST POWERFUL MEMBERS OF THE NEW DAWN, AND WHAT RUMORS FILTER DOWN TO THE LOWER RANKS ARE FILLED WITH AWE AND MYSTERY. IT APPEARS THAT THE NEW DAWN USES THIS MYSTICISM TO KEEP ITS MEMBERS IN LINE AND TO PROMOTE AN ALMOST FANATICAL LOYALTY TO THE ORGANIZATION. 5. SOURCE: A) RELIABLE SOURCES WHO HAVE INFILTRATED VARIOUS OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. HOWEVER, CONTACT HAS BEEN LOST SINCE INITIAL REPORT. BELIEVE THEM TO BE LOST AND COMPROMISED. FURTHER CONTACT WILL NOT BE ATTEMPTED. // BT #0470 NNNN

***

Rylaa could only smile. The New Republic's intel certainly was good. He wondered what they would say once they saw that the religious overtones of everything. But that was for another day. The intelligence report was separated from the pile. It would be framed later and hung in the main office on Tigris III at some other date.

---

"Intrusion, Part 2"
Adam Edwards
Cailin Fawkes
DB-7(NPC+)
Colonel Murphy(NPC)

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Selene 24, 5 ABY

***

Trying to find an individual on a crowded space station was a difficult task, to have to find that person through the Force was even harder. Cailin Fawkes had been tasked with such a job, and she certainly hoped she was leading the small team following behind her in the right direction. She glanced at Adam who strode along at her side.

She couldn't allow herself to get distracted, so she renewed her focus on finding their target. She had to admit that his presence was comforting, but she really wasn't sure if she should thank Nieme and Dani for the added complication they'd introduced into her employment with him or not. She allowed a slight smile and let the back of her hand brush against his. No regrets.

"I think he's directly below us," she finally announced. "I'm guessing he's down about ten levels below us. I think that makes it a residential level."

Considering his options, Adam smiled at her. He was extremely fond of Cailin, even if he sometimes felt awkward over events that had taken place. He also sometimes worried about her. Having read histories of force sensitive people, it amazed him how many of these force users started using their power for their own means. And if Nieme and Dani had been so powerful as to manipulate Adam around as they did, who's to say that it couldn't happen to Cailin.

Adam tried to push the thought from his mind.

"Alright, we'll head down and check it out."

The team found the nearest lift, and headed down ten levels. Cailin had said "about" ten levels, so it was possible that the man could be one or two above, or the same below.

"What do you feel now?" Adam asked, his eyes scanning the corridor.

"This level," she said. "Toward the end. There are some men inside, armed with blasters."

As they approached the door. Adam drew his blaster. He put his ear against the door, and could hear the muffled voices of people talking inside.

DB cocked his head to the side. "The amount of vibration indicates at least 4 beings inside. One of them appears to have a Bothan accent."

Colonel Murphy was busy watching the groups rear. "What's the plan sir?"

Edwards regarded the group. "I'd hate to say the plan is to bust in and surprise the bad guys, but I suppose that's the only thing to do. Everyone ready?"

They neared the door. "Cailin, go in first. See if you can't deflect some of that blaster fire if they want to put up a fight," Adam said, as his hand moved to open the door.

Cailin removed her lightsaber from her belt and nodded. Her thumb touched the activator plate and the blade snapped to life with a hiss. It's glow filled the corridor with light. As the door opened, she moved forward, lightsaber coming up. There was a brief pause as those inside reacted to what was happening, and then the blaster fire began.

Blade moving in a dizzying dance, Cailin managed to deflect those bolts that would have injured herself or those behind her. As she felt them coming into the room behind her, she edged forward, her blade whipping dangerously close to those inside. One thug pulled back a cauterized stump as he tried to sneak a knife in between her ribs, leaving behind the twitching hand that still held the blade.

Adam watched Cailin cleave through the guard's arm, as he brought his weapon up and tried to sight in on the nearest man. It was a Bothan, and the alien was moving across the room. Set for the stun, the blastech pistol discharged, and missed. A second shut down the bothan, and he slumped to the ground.

Colonel Murphy's rifle, also set for stun, cut down two humans trying to pull blasters to help their friends but it was two late. Three occupants of the room lie stunned, and the fourth one lie clutching his severed arm. The man clutching his arm was the same man who had been caught back at Adam's base.

Motioned to DB, Adam ordered them tied up. While DB was trying the four men with flexi-cords, Adam turned to Cailin. "Can you and Colonel Murphy watch the door? Once the rest of the these guys wake up, I'm gonna get some answers?"

"Of course," Cailin said as she moved. As she took up a position beside the door, she sensed a tremor run through the Force. "Security's been notified and a team has been dispatched to our location."

Adam looked back at the four men, now all tied up. Three of them were awake. The one with the amputated arm was the same man who they had caught at Adam's base earlier.

"We meet again," Adam said, smiling.

The man spat out a few curse words. "How did you find me?"

Adam nodded back to Cailin, who was standing in the doorway, watching the corridor. "I didn't find you, friend. She did." He turned to the next one over, a Bothan man. "Which one of you is in charge?"

The group remained silent. Adam sighed. "Look, I'm not gonna torture you. I'm really bad at it. I could shoot you," he trained his blaster on the group," But where would that get me?"

"I'm a business man," Adam said, "so I'll make you a deal.

"I know it wasn't you," Adam told the man with the severed arm. "I know that because you where the one who showed up on my cozy planet."

"So that makes one of you," he looked at the other two humans and the Bothan, "his superior. Right?" Adam smiled. "Which brings us back to the deal. The first one of you that tells me what the hell is going on...lives. I shoot the other two."

The three glanced at each other, sweat starting to form on their faces. One of the humans, a tall man with a short mustache and dark features was the one to crack. "The men that arrived at your base, were my employees. But I'm not in charge. I was hired by someone, a human, or near human. I only met him in person. He told me to contact him again when the mission was successful and then, to head back to where I'd first met him. We'd receive payment there."

"Where were you going to meet him?" Adam demanded.

The man started to say, but then held back.

"WHERE?"

"Nar Shaddaa. A warehouse on Nar Shaddaa. The information is on a infochip in my pocket." The man was really sweating now.

Adam put the blaster against the man's temple, and switched the weapon back to the blast function, off of stun. "I want you to answer this one very, very carefully, because if you don't, someone's going to be scraping your brains off the wall. Have you contacted this man to tell him the mission status?"

"No! No I swear!"

Adam grinned. "Then why don't we call him together?"

Adam marched the man to the holonet console. Stepping out of the way, he aimed his blaster at the man's chest. "Well?"

The man typed in a code, and the holonet sprang to life. The image of a man shrouded in shadow's appeared, only the bottom of his face visible. Adam didn't recognize the man, but then, he could barely see him. The face started to speak.

"I hope your not wasting my time. What is the status of the mission?"

Risking a glance to Adam, the man turned back to the holonet. "A success, sir. Everything went according to plan."

"I want his head on Nar Shaddaa in two days. Don't be late." The image of the man vanished.

No sooner had the holonet transmission ended when the man exhaled loudly, glancing over at Adam. With a swift blow to the temple, Adam knocked the man into unconsciousness. Moving quickly, he stunned the other three, and went to the door.

Cailin glanced down the hall. "I guess this means we're going to Nar Shadda," she said. "If you want to avoid security, we're almost out of time."

The heavy booted feet coming down the corridor indicated that a security detachment in heavy armor was on its way, and would be there within the minute.

"We're going to have to sweet talk them to get out," Cailin amended. I can't mind trick our way out of here against that group, and they're pretty much blocking the whole corridor." She grinned and pulled her lightsaber from her belt. "Though, we could always just go down a level to slip past them."

Adam looked back the way they came, to the lift that had brought them to this level, then back the other way, where Drogen Security was bound to show up any moment. He turned back the group. "Let's go."

They jogged down to the lift. Adam pressed the button to open the lift doors, but nothing happened. Idiot. Of course the lift would have been called to a different area. They, were, in essence, trapped.

"Time to start thinking up a interesting story," he said with a smirk.

With a hiss, Cailin's blade emerged. With a smile for Adam, she proceeded to cut a hole into the floor at their feet. As the plate of decking dropped to the lower level, she turned to the door just to the side, and waved a hand. It slid open. "In there," she said.

They all dropped through the hole and went for the door. It turned out to be another corridor, but this section of Drogen looked abandoned. The lights were low, making it hard to make things out, except for the dull red glow of DB's eyes. Hearing the sounds of the security team still outside, Adam fished a glowstick out of his vest, and activated it. The dull glow gave the team just enough room to see the ground in front of them as they ran.

The corridor turned right, and turned into an old lift tube, with no lift car in sight. The lift tube stretched up into infinity, but somewhere up there was the hanger where the Elusive sat, so up was the way they had to go.

Adam reached out and grabbed the ladder that transversed the vast tunnel. He turned back to his friends. "Only way to go, unless you want to have a talk with station security."

"That sounds pretty boring," Cailin said. "Let's get on out of here. We've got a visit to Nar Shaddaa to plan."

One rung at a time, the four traveled up the ladder. Considering Drogen was a huge station, it would take some time for the group to make it up to be even close to where the Elusive was docked.

Not sure which level to climb out on, Adam finally picked a opening about thirty levels up from their original point. They were still well within Drogen's lower levels, so with any luck, the odd inhabitants of this part of the station wouldn't pay any mind to three humans and a droid crawling out of a lift tube.

After fiddling with the control panel next to the ladder, Adam finally got the hatch to open, he pulled himself through. He reached his hand back down to help the others up.

Like Adam had hoped, the poor and ramshackle inhabitants of the lower levels didn't seem to care as they emerged from the tube into the poor living quarters. It saddened Adam to know that he had helped chase the Imperials off this station not to long ago, but for these people, not much had improved.

Now to find a lift that worked, Adam thought as him and his party made their way through the matching hallways of this level, until finally, by chance, they found another lift that could take them back to the Elusive.

The lift did, in fact, put them within walking distance of the Elusive's docking port, and they made good time, although, that might have been because the still present threat of security trying to locate them. Adam didn't feel relief until he had closed the ships hatch and was sitting in the cockpit.

He pressed some levers and activated the engines, as the ship moved away from it's docking port, into the relative safety of space. As the navicomputer punched up the route, Adam leaned back in his seat.

Everyone in his profession had been to the smugglers moon. Hell, Adam's little smuggling corporation commonly ran cargo through Nar Shaddaa. That didn't make it a great place. Still, Adam had friends in the Corellian sector, and with luck, he could get to the bottom of this.

---

"Gathering for the Hunt"
Anamaghera Zek, Bounty Hunter (NPC+)
Zarrak, Bounty Hunter
Omri Kenemoth, Vigilante
Selena Rellik, Death Dealer
and The Pale Woman (NPC)

Location: Palace Courtyard, Arcadia, Tae'Karada
Date: Selene 24, 5ABY

***

Anamaghera Zek surveyed the other Hunters assembled in the Palace courtyard. The call had gone out the previous day, silently and swiftly. He'd been halfway through his second ale when the news reached him. Most people would have had some fear at the thought of trying to nab a rogue Jedi, but not Zek. Some would have called it foolishness or perhaps stupidity. Zek figured he had an edge though, and the pay was more than he could turn down. So, here he was, amongst others who had also answered the call to go after a Jedi.

The woman facing them had extremely pale skin and sharp blue eyes. She held herself with a regal bearing, but seemed to flinch just a little when she met his eye.

"The pay will be fifty thousand credits for this job," the woman said. "You may work together or separately, but whomever brings her in will receive fifty thousand, whether one alone or all four as a team." She pointed a small device at the holoprojector between them, and pressed the activator. A holographic image sprung up from the ground. The former empress stood there, dressed in black leather with her hair falling free over her shoulders. Even captured in a hologram, her allure pulled at the viewer. "The former empress, Dani, harboured by the Jedi Knights. We have learned of her location, in the desert settlement of Thanatos. I know each of you is very skilled, however I must warn you to use caution against someone trained as she is." She looked between each of them.

"You will receive ten thousand credits just for meeting with me here," the woman said. "When you walk out of those gates, whether you accept or not, you will be paid that sum. Upon arrival with the prisoner, you will receive the additional forty thousand credits. Walk away now if you wish. Stay, and I will give you the details we know of her location."

Zarrak scratched his chin. Part of him didn't want to betray Dani. After all she gave him his payment that one night at the Jedi Temple. But this was too much credits to give up.

"I think I might remember where she is," Zarrak replied after a while. "But I'll let you give me the details in case anything has changed."

Omri stood silent. He weighed the pale-skinned woman's words while considering the others with a wary eye.

Selena looked at the woman who was addressing them. She had never seen someone from her species. In fact, she wasn't sure what species she was... But that was of no consequence. As much as Selena disliked the idea of being amidst the bounty hunters that she despised, she had heard of this former Empress. One of the two who had seized the throne by force and who had acted as tyrants for quite a while before they were taken down. They had, however, disappeared and were wanted.

As much as Selena wasn't keen on working with governmental agencies, she shared the idea that the former Empresses, Dani and Nieme, should somehow pay for their transgressions on others. There were simply too many stories of people who had died at their hands, or as consequence of their actions. Innocent people. She didn't want to work with the bounty hunters, for she thought them to be no better than the scum they preyed upon, so that meant that she was looking at competition.

"So talk..." She nodded to the woman. "Might as well tell us where she is. Unless you want to go get her yourself."

The woman regarded Selena with a weary expression. "If I had wanted to get her myself, do you really think I would be wasting my time speaking of it with you." She shifted her gaze to the others, and brought up the next holo. Before her, a holographic representation of the desert shimmered into view. "This is the desert settlement of Thanatos."

An indicator flashed, directing attention to a small two-story dwelling. The holograph adjusted until it was displayed vertically, allowing the hunters to gaze down upon the settlement. The area around the dwelling was enlarged.

"This is the house in which she is staying. There are others residing there, but they are of no consequence. Desert dwellers who pose no threat to the government. You may do with them as you like, punish them for their transgressions or leave them in peace. There is no additional reward for them. The reward for Dani is only good if she lives. Her body is to be intact, but we will not be displeased if she is ill-treated before her arrival."

Selena watched the holo-recordings and made a mental note of them. It seemed fairly easy...almost too easy to be true, if not for the fact that there were Jedi guarding her. In fact, the former Empresses were known to have Jedi training. "What can we expect on protection around them? Other than the Jedi, that is..." she asked.

Zarrak glanced at the human female hunter. He gave a snort and shook his head, chuckling. The tiny bounty hunter turned his chair around and glanced at her.

"Trust me, pretty one, you shouldn't be making plans so early," the Dug replied. "If we prepare for one thing completely then they may have something else in store for us that we won't be prepared for. Therefore I suggest we prepare ourselves for whatever those bastards can throw at us." He then tossed her a wink. "Besides, I don't think you should go. You're far to lovely to be doing something like this. If anything you should be waiting for us men here in something skimpy and wait on us."

"Careful Dug," Omri warned. "You may wake up with her pretty little vibrodagger sticking out of your throat." Omri had learned from his wife, beauty and swift death can come in the same petite package. "You are right, however. We should be prepared for any contingency."

Selena looked at the Dug. Tough as they were, they always seemed to think themselves far superior than their capabilities allowed. Besides, she had killed Dug before. The other man, however, seemed far more professional and thorough. Still, working with bounty hunters was not her idea. Given the chance, she would probably set justice upon most of those who were present... "You may have to prepare for whatever you think you need to do... I, however, have my own means. So, I suggest you mind your own business and think on what is best for you, rather than what I should do. Make no mistakes, there is no we in this equation."

"Ha. Full of yourself, ain't ya," Zek said. "Woman just spends a spell sputtering on about how this purple slot is dangerous and all heck and how we're best to work as a team. As soon as her mouth is shut, you're yammerin' on about how you're not part of we. Your funeral and all that rim, but I like the odds of a team going after the target. Just make sure you stay out of our way." He gave a nod and smiled. "And if we happen by your corpse, we'll make sure to say some pretty words over it."

"In case you're too slow and missed the point, there was no saying on how each of us work. It was left up to each one present to decide that for themselves," Selena pointed out. "But unlike you, I'm not doing this for the money. So, there will be no need to work with you, since there is nothing to share, money or equipment or otherwise. That much being said, I think there is little else for me here. The more time I spend here verbalizing ideas, the more time spent and the more time this former Empress is on the loose," she added as she turned away and left.

The pale woman regarded Selena as she departed. Once the other woman was gone, she turned back to the others. "If you have no other questions, I will leave you to make your plans and put them into action. Good luck to you in this, and I wish you success." With that, she turned and departed the courtyard.

---

"Passing Muster, Part 1"
By: Talara Sorenne
Kallia Brael
Zari Zathmir
Keeve Zenarr
Kimara
Dev [NPC+]

Location: Keeve's Apartment, New Plouton
Date: Selene 24, 5 ABY

***

Talara kicked her hoverboard up into her hand and glanced over at Dev as he did the same. She smiled as he fumbled slightly before fimrly taking hold of the board. He was cute with his mop of brown hair and large, expressive eyes. She was glad they'd met and seemed to be becoming good friends. She knew she couldn't tell him about who she really was, or, rather, what she was.

"You want to come up and have dinner with us tonight," she asked as they started inside.

He pondered a moment, then grinned. "Sure," he said. "I'll just need to make sure it's alright. We can stop at my place on the way up."

They took the lift up, stopping first at Dev's where he asked his mother, who had to contact his father. In the end, they allowed Dev to go, but not before her father got a good look at Talara over the holo-link, and then finally acquiesced.

"She's really young," Tala was saying as they got into the lift. "She can't be much older than Kimara."

"She's not my real mom," Dev answered. "Dad married her about four months ago." He shrugged. "She's nice though. And, it's nice when she's around and dad isn't."

"You don't like your dad much?"

Dev shrugged again. "He's a bit...overbearing, but he's still good to me."

Silence remained between them until the lift doors opened again.

***

Dev followed Talara into the apartment as she sought out Kallia who was busily preparing dinner before Keeve and Kim got home. Zari was helping by slicing up vegetables. Due to interruptions by the babies it was clear dinner wouldn't be quite ready. As Talara got to the kitchen, a white missile seemed to rocket off of the space above the cabinets. With a grin, she caught the little fluffball and gave it a kiss. "Dev, meet Hope. She's quite a handful."

The boy laughed and reached out to ruffle the fur atop the reisakitten's head.

"Kallia, is it alright if Dev stays with us for food tonight?" Talara asked. "I know I should have asked earlier, but we were downstairs on hoverboards."

Kallia surveyed the fixings they had available, then nodded. "We'll have more than enough for a guest," she said. "In the future, make sure you ask first...in case we don't have enough."

"I will, Kal," Tala said.

"Thank you," Dev echoed as she led him away from the kitchen into the other room.

As she was settling onto the floor with Hope, the front door opened, and the reisakitten was off like a ship jumping to hyperspace. Talara laughed and shook her head. "Every night..." In response to her words, from the other room, Kimara's voice could be heard welcoming the little white ball of hyperenergy. Talara reached out and took Dev's hand and indicated the front area again. "Come on, I'll introduce you to Keeve."

As they both got up and started to the door, Tala glanced down to where their hands were linked and couldn't help thinking about how nice it felt. She smiled as she led the way until Keeve and Kim came into view, giving Hope all the loving attention she demanded.

"Hi Kim, hi Keeve," Talara said. "I want you to meet Dev, Keeve. He lives below us."

Shifting his gaze away from the reisakitten, Keeve studied Dev severely, noting his proximity to Talara, and the meeting flesh of their hands. "What's he doing here?" Keeve grunted.

"He's my friend and he's having dinner with us," Tala answered. "Kallia said there was enough."

"Well, Kallia's gone a little insane after giving birth," he retorted. "We have no room for strays."

Talara looked aside at Dev as her cheeks flushed noticeably. She crossed her arms under her breasts and glared at Keeve. "He's not a stray, he lives downstairs. He's my friend and we've been riding hoverboards downstairs. I asked Kallia if it was alright, and she said yes. If you don't want him to eat here, then maybe his mother will want a guest at their table."

Lowering his voice, Keeve reminded her, "You're not supposed to talk to strangers, Tala. I know I don't have to go into why. You should have told me about this."

"I know," she said. "But, he's a nice guy. Kim met him and she liked him." She gave Kim a pleading look. "It's okay, Keeve. Let him stay for dinner and you'll see."

He looked between Kim, and Talara, one piteously beseeching and the other glaring threateningly at him. With a frustrated sigh, he threw up his arms and marched past the trio. "Why do I even bother? Invite the whole damned neighbourhood next time! Whoopee!"

Kim handed Hope to Talara. "Entertain her and I'll go talk to him," she said, then strode off after Keeve.

With Hope in hand, Tala and Dev returned to the living area, both not quite certain what had just happened.

***

"Keeve," Kim said as she approached her hopefully soon-to-be husband. "Talk to me."

"What's the point?" He tossed his jacket across their mattress in exasperation. "No one listens to me anyway. I'm not wasting my breath any longer!"

"Of course we do," Kim answered. "Do you really expect her to just hide inside here for as long as it takes someone to clear the Jedi name? She's growing up fast, but she's still young."

Keeve whirled on Kim, hissing, "Doesn't she get it? She's being hunted, Kim! I'm trying to protect her, but I can't do it if she's running off with strange boys. What does she even know about him? Can he be trusted?"

"I'm quite sure she knows more about him than you do," Kim said. "And, she hasn't run off anywhere as they're out in our living room entertaining Hope. He also lives on the floor below us. I figured you'd be happy, Keeve. The way they were holding hands out there, it looks like she may actually be moving on from you."

Keeve laughed incredulously. "You think I'm jealous? I'm not! If you've both forgotten, the Jedi are being hunted, and she's one of them! If she gets too comfortable with this boy and let slips what she is, who knows what'll happen, Kim."

"Something or nothing is my guess," Kim said. "What would you have us do about her, Keeve? Lock her in her room and not let her out? Tell her she's not allowed to leave the apartment for anything? I know there are dangers, but do you really want to just make her a prisoner? It's easy for you since you get to leave whenever you want, do whatever you want. At least a friend is going to take her mind off the people who are hunting her and the friends who could be out there dying right now."

"What's so wrong with spending all her time with us?" he asked gruffly. "Aren't we fun?"

"Because you'd freak out if we brought her along to work," Kim said. "Since that's where we've been all day, while she's been here. We're plenty of fun, but most of the day we're away doing other things, which leaves her here with Kallia, Zari, and the babies."

Keeve sighed, some sense beginning to penetrate his thick skull. He sank defeatedly onto the mattress and pouted. "I'm supposed to protect her, Kim. If this boy does something, how guilty do you think I'll feel?"

"There's a saying," Kim said with a smile. "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. They haven't ventured far, but he is a neighbour and they just ride their hoverboards out in the park across from us. You can see them if you stand out on the balcony." She leaned in and kissed his nose. "And, you have to remember that she does know how to protect herself."

"But she's too easily fooled by charm, Kim. For all we know, that kid only wants to get her into bed."

"Perhaps, Mr. Doom and Gloom," Kim said. "Or he could actually like her and enjoy spending time with her. So, did you just want to get me into bed? Is that it?"

He grudgingly smiled and nodded as he pulled Kim down onto his lap. "Is that wrong? Because if it is, I could always say I didn't know any better. Would that help?"

"It might," she said. "All we can do with Talara is watch out for her as best we can, Keeve. We can't put her in a box and store her on a shelf. I wouldn't want that for myself, and I know you wouldn't for you. I think just as long as you don't get too jealous because she's not fawning all over you, we'll all be okay."

"I'm not jealous," he informed her peevishly. "Why would I be?" Cracking under Kim's scrutiny, Keeve rose abruptly, nearly throwing Kim to the ground. Her reflexes were quick enough to save her, though she still wasn't fast enough to keep up with Keeve, who was now rushing towards the door. "Let's eat. It's time we get to know this boy, isn't it?"

"You are," Kim called, her voice full of laughter as she struggled back to her feet to race after him. "You are! I knew it!"

As the two came racing out, both Talara and Dev stared open mouthed. Hope leapt straight up into the air, re-corrected when she figured out what was going on, then raced after Kim.

"Kal!" Keeve hollered across the room. His eyes flashed towards Dev and Talara, expressing displeasure over his presence, then he disappeared within the dining room, Hope still loping behind he and Kim. "It's dinner time. This is a family dinner, and I want everyone here to meet Talara's little boyfriend."

"Keeve," Zari said as she watched Hope leap up into Kim's arms, "you're the only one who hasn't met him. And, he's not her boyfriend yet."

"Yet," Kim said with a giggle.

He scowled at the both of them in turn as he took his place at the table's head. "Zari, why don't you help Kallia bring in the food. I'm sure she'd appreciate the help more than I appreciate your teasing."

Zari gave him a big grin as she skipped in to help Kallia. Kim leaned in and gave Keeve a kiss on the cheek as she deposited Hope on the floor. She then took a seat at his side as Dev and Talara wandered in.

With the table configured with two chairs on each side and one chair at each end, Talara led Dev to the side opposite Kim and they sat.

Keeve watched him with a keen eye, bordering on predatory, though his tame smile showed an attempt at civility. "Dev...what a name," he commented. "How old are you, then, Dev?"

"I'm sixteen," Dev said with a glance at Talara. "I'll be seventeen in two months. You run one of the shipping companies in the city, don't you?"

"Temporarily," was Keeve's brief response. "Do you work, Dev? Go to school...do much of anything?"

"I go to school," he answered. "Sometimes I work at my dad's club, just cleaning up and stuff. I'm not allowed in while it's open."

Eyebrow shooting up, Keeve inquired, "What kind of club? And why aren't you allowed in? You haven't dragged Talara there, I hope. She's just a kid, you know."

He shot another panicked look to Talara.

"Keeve, it's a club where alcohol and stuff is served. We're not allowed in. And, because we're not allowed in, no we haven't gone there."

"Then where have you gone?" he pressed. "And why haven't you asked permission" --Keeve's intense gaze skewered Dev now-- "either of you?"

"We've just been riding hoverboards across in the park," Dev said, his voice indicating his defensiveness.

"Kallia," Talara called. "Hurry with the food so Keeve has something to shove in his mouth."

"Almost ready," Kallia answered back. "Zari, don't try to juggle that! Just take it out to the table."

A moment later, the blonde girl arrived carrying three bowls filled with parts of their meal. She set the bowls into the center of the table and moved to sit in the chair beside Kim.

Kallia arrived a moment later, carrying a pair of platters filled with meats and breads as well as a pitcher of blue milk. Once the platter was on the table, Zari set a large piece of the flat bread onto her plate and began filling it with meats and vegetables, as well as the lentils that filled one of the bowls.

With an angry glance at Keeve, Talara began to do the same.

He made no move for the food, instead still watching Dev probingly. "So, did Talara tell you?" Keeve inquired. "Her birthday's coming up. Her 15th," he stressed. "Still young in our eyes." At this he feigned a nostalgic sigh and wistful smile. "Our little girl."

"She told me," Dev said as he tried to manage getting food onto his plate, even though it was difficult under Keeve's stare. "She also said you were a great guy."

"I take that back," Talara said between bites.

"If I weren't a great guy," Keeve informed them, his pointed stare now on Talara, "I wouldn't care so much about who she was associating with, but she can't seem to understand that."

"Yes, but a great guy wouldn't try to completely alienate my friend and thoroughly embarrass me," Talara added. "All the wicked, evil things you think we've been doing aren't being done, Keeve. All we've done is ride hoverboards and talk about stuff. Your opinion of me hasn't changed at all, has it? I'm still just wicked Talara who only has a one-track mind."

"No one's saying that," he informed her with barely restrained frustration. "I'm supposed to be watching out for you, and I can't do that if you're running around befriending strangers and not telling me about it."

"Well, it doesn't really matter when you seem to fully intend on chasing away anyone who might possibly want to be my friend," Talara said. "And then, once you've driven everyone off, you get to be here all nice and cozy with Kim, snuggling and kissing at every opportunity you can get. And you do half of it right in front of me to help remind me that you want me all alone. You don't care what I feel, Keeve. You just tell me what I'm supposed to feel or not feel, and then claim it's for the best. Do this, do that, don't do that. Easy for you to say since you're not the one who has to live my stupid life!"

Keeve threw up his arms and replied just as explosively, "Then do what you want! I won't care anymore if you get hurt or worse! Is that what you want - me to let you go off and fend for yourself?"

"You know I don't," Talara said. "Why does it have to be all or nothing, Keeve? Does Dev seem like a bad boy to you? Did you have to be so mean to him? Kallia didn't freak out. Kim didn't freak out. Why did you freak out? He's a nice boy and I like him. He hasn't hurt me and has been so nice at a time when I needed a friend. I really wish you could be more of my friend than an overprotective guardian who has to try to drive everyone away from me to keep me safe. Can't you see?" She looked at Dev who looked like he'd rather be anywhere else than sitting at the table. "You're trying so hard to protect me and keep me at arm's length, that you're not the one thing I want...I want most, and that's just being my friend."

"I am your friend," Keeve explained, "but I'm also your guardian, Tala, which means I have to protect you and be overprotective. You waited this long to tell me about Dev - how did you think I would react?"

"I figured you'd react this way if I told you the day I met him, so it doesn't really matter. And, I figured I'd protect him from having to go through the ordeal of how you'd treat him. But, when he finally did meet you, you did exactly what I expected. You were mean and nasty, you embarrassed me so completely. There's a difference between being overprotective and treating people like bantha dung." Talara sighed, but felt slight relief as Dev's hand slipped into hers. "I just wish you weren't so mean, Keeve. You treat everyone like your enemy."

"He doesn't treat me like the enemy," Zari said. "Just people who do things he doesn't like or who aren't Kim and want to have sex with him. Merrick dumped Kaysa, so he hates him. Kaysa did everything wrong, so he hates her. And, then you and Maeren wanted to have sex with him, so he gets to be mean to you too."

Kim snickered. "Not entirely accurate," she said. "But, but close."

Dev gaped. "You want to have sex with him?"

Talara blushed. "When he's not being a pain in the neck, he can be very nice. It's just been awhile."

"Everyone has a huge crush on Keeve," Zari added with a grin. "Well not me."

"Because you know he's not interested in you, Zee," Talara said with a frown. "Besides, you've already got your boyfriend, as well as being preggers."

Dev blinked. "You're pregnant?"

Zari nodded. "If you and Tala have sex, Dev, make sure you use protection." She patted her belly. "We've got enough babies around here."

"Zari," Keeve grumbled under his breath, "you talk too much." Sighing ponderously, Keeve regarded Dev, who was still gaping. "We've got a...less than ordinary family, as you've now heard, but I...I don't want to scare you off." From Keeve's clenched jaw, it was apparent the admission came with much difficulty. "If you want to be Talara's friend...you and I need to have a chat - in private."

Dev nodded slowly. "Sure," he said. There was a moment's silence, then, "Now?"

His grin was tauntingly mischievous. "If you're brave enough."

At the squeeze Talara gave his hand, the boy smiled. "I'm brave enough," he said, then stood up, reluctantly letting go of Talara's hand.

Rising far more abruptly, with rousing the boy's fright in mind, Keeve motioned towards the balcony. He started for it first, slipping outside as Dev hesitantly poked his head through the doorway. Once his courage carried him onto the balcony, Keeve reached past Dev to close the sliding transparisteel door. He delighted in the boy's flinch as his arm brushed against the sleeve of his shirt; despite the pleasure he derived from Dev's torment, Keeve stepped back to lean against the rail, elbows propped atop it. "So...have you kissed her yet?" came Keeve's forthright question. "And if not...do you plan to?"

Dev blinked and wished there were farther he could step back away from Keeve. Swallowing, he knew he had to answer. "I-I haven't...but...I don't know if I would say I plan to...but...but I...I'd like to."

Keeve's incisive stare remained fixed on Dev. "And what are your intentions beyond that? She's not a fool, boy - if you try anything, I won't have to step in because she'll take care of you herself."

"She...she won't let me kiss her, and she took my hand in the lift," Dev said. "I just like being around her. Sure I want to kiss her. A guy would be crazy not to. She's so perfect and cute and adorable. But, I'm not going to do anything she doesn't want to. I won't."

"She's younger than you are, and still not old enough to do those things your twisted little mind is imagining," Keeve warned. "You don't want to be responsible for taking away what's left of her childhood by giving in to your urges, now do you?"

"She's got way more experience than me, Mr. Keeve," Dev said. "She told me about some of it. It's terrible what happened, and I don't want to make her life any harder than it's been. I get what you're saying. You don't want me and Talara having sex, right?"

"That's right," he answered slowly. "But you're not going to listen to me, are you?"

"Sure, I'll listen to you," Dev said. "But will she? Does she want to listen to what you say? I'm definitely not going to pester her, but...but if she tries to...go farther, I'll try to resist."

"But not very hard, am I right?" The impulse to push off the rail and throw Dev over the side was strong, but Keeve held back for the time being. "If she sleeps with you, just remember that it will be to spite me, Dev. It won't be you she wants - it'll be to make me jealous enough to finally claim her for myself. Are you getting it, now?"

"Even if that's true," Dev said, "you never will, so what's it matter. She doesn't seem like the kind of person who would do that, but you seem like the type who would lie to keep me away from her. Maybe you do secretly want her, but are ashamed or don't think your wife will be happy about it, and you're just trying to keep me away from her. Still, I like her. She's a fun, wonderful person. She's full of life and fun and seems to like actually having me as a friend. You seem to just want to put her on a shelf and keep her away from everyone."

"And if you knew why," Keeve replied darkly, "you'd understand. She's not your typical girl; there are things about her you can't know, but one thing that's for certain is your relationship can't go beyond friendship, even she understands that. I'm just making sure you do."

"She's an amazing girl," Dev said. "Do you think you'd be able to resist Kimara if she wanted to get you into bed bad enough?"

"Kimara's not what Talara is - there's no comparison when it comes to that." Keeve advanced on Dev, slowly and menacingly, but he halted just before the tips of their shoes met and no longer displayed any hint of aggression. His eyes leered down at the young man. "Whether I like it or not, I have a feeling Talara isn't going to give you up, and I'd rather she not hide this from me. If I'm going to let this go on, as her guardian I need to know everything about you, because if you're hiding anything...." He smiled coldly, leaving his threat unspoken. "The best way to do that is by spending time together - alone. Drop by Zenarr Inc. tomorrow and I'll show you around. Then we'll see whether or not Talara is truly misguided."

Dev blinked. "Okay," he said. "I can come by after classes. Is that okay?"

Keeve nodded curtly. "Don't be late." Then, he brushed past Dev and slid open the balcony door. "Come on - dinner's getting cold."

"Good," Talara said when she saw Keeve come in behind Dev, "you didn't throw him over."

"It'd make too much of a mess," Zari said. "Big splat on the ground. People would notice. If he really wanted to get rid of Dev, he'd invite him somewhere private where he could dispose of him without big splatters. Like hiding him in a shipping crate at Zenarr Inc."

Dev went extremely pale as he was halfway back into his chair. "Zenn--"

"You better not do anything to him, Keeve," Talara said with a glare.

Keeve shrugged innocently. "It was Zari's idea, not mine."

"But I know how your mind works, Keeve, and I know you've thought it," Talara said.

"Keeve," Kim said, "please, don't do anything to hurt, Dev. We can't really get married if you're sent to that prison place down in the desert."

"I'm not going to hurt him," Keeve assured them all with a roll of his eyes. "Not as long as he treats Talara right."

"Is that your definition of right, or normal people's definition of right," Talara asked.

He spooned a dollop of mashed dega root onto his plate, smiling negligently. "I'm not normal? Is that what you think?" This, he posed to Dev.

"Keeve, stop that," Talara said. "Let him get to know you first. Once he has, I think he'll agree that when you're acting like this, you're a spiteful little troll with the mental capacity of an eleven year old."

Keeve's grin remained in place as he gave Talara an amused wink. "I'll tell him all about it tomorrow, hm? Then will I have permission to have fun with the boy?"

"You're insane," Talara said. "I can't even see why I ever cared for you, Keeve. You're as mean and manipulative as your mother." She pushed her chair back. "I'm sorry I brought you into this, Dev. I have to go. I can't stay in here anymore. You can stay and finish eating if you'd like."

"It's alright," Dev said softly. "I can come with you."

"Talara, it's late. You should stay inside," Keeve told her, his tone ringing with authority. "You know it's not safe out there after dark."

Zari almost opened her mouth, but a look from Kallia shut it again.

"No, it's not, but at least it's not oppressive outside," Talara answered. "At least I won't have to worry about you freaking out over everything." She shook her head. "You never should have kissed me, Keeve. Never. That's the meanest thing you ever did."

With that, she turned and ran from the room. Dev was too stunned to move.

---

"Passing Muster, Part 2"
By: Talara Sorenne
Kallia Brael
Zari Zathmir
Keeve Zenarr
Kimara
Dev [NPC+]

Location: Keeve's Apartment, New Plouton
Date: Selene 24, 5 ABY

***

Kim grinned. "You kissed her?"

"I promised I would," he explained through clenched teeth.

"And you probably ruined her for every man who's ever going to kiss her in her life," Kim said with a laugh. "I think she liked that kiss you gave her a bit too much. You don't know the power of your own lips, my dear."

"I thought she'd be immune!" he insisted in exasperation. "Because of her...you know...training." Careful not to give any more away with Dev present, Keeve shoved back his chair, legs grinding against the floor, and removed himself from the table. "Everyone stay where you are. We're clearing this up once and for all!"

"We'll be waiting right here," Kim said. "Might as well go ahead and finish up your meal, Dev. And while you do, you can go ahead and tell us about your school."

As the chatter from within the dining room began, Keeve had mounted the staircase leading to the bedrooms and stopped before Talara's. He rapped on it lightly. "Talara...open the door. This needs to be cleared up right now, and running off to hide isn't going to solve anything."

The door opened and swung open, though Talara was across the room on the bed. She was seated in a meditative pose as she watched him. "I don't see what needs to be cleared up," Tala said. "I think everything is very clear. I'm just stupid for wishing it weren't that way."

Keeve sighed, refraining from speaking just yet in favour of closing the door behind him as he entered her room, and perching on one corner of her mattress. He watched her in silence, noting how she maintained her focus in his presence instead of being flustered by it. She was disciplined in some areas of her Jedi teachings, but completely inept at others, those requiring sole devotion to the Order and abstaining from intimacy. That she still yearned for him was clear, yet Keeve had no idea how to dissuade her. "Talara," he began, his voice pleading, "this is happening too often. I'm not being stubborn because I'm jealous of you and this...this Dev boy. I'm trying to protect you, and you're resisting me."

"And you don't trust me to be a good judge of people," she said. "You don't think that I'm capable of choosing who my friends should be. Only you have the wisdom to know who would make me a good friend, and who is going to stab me in the back. His name is Dev, Keeve. Not that Dev boy, or this Dev boy, or whatever else you want to use to make him less than he is. That you can't just call him by his name shows that you don't like him. I don't know if that's because you still don't trust him or something else. I know it's not because you want any sort of relationship with me because you obviously don't. Or worse, you do, but you don't think I can handle it...and don't trust me enough to prove that I can."

"So you want a relationship, instead, with this--" He caught himself, and finished, "With Dev. Even though you're not supposed to? Even though you're a Jedi?"

"Being a Jedi is illegal now," Talara said. "And I know I can handle it, Keeve. I know it. Dev's a nice boy. He's really nice, and I like him a lot. He's been a friend for me in a time that's just...just very difficult because of what I am. I can go out and do things in the park, I can talk to someone, and...and it's nice to have a friend who isn't a Jedi or anything like that. I really do like him. And, if there's no hope at all for us, for you and me, then why shouldn't I move on?"

Keeve shifted closer now that calm had been established between them. He covered her knee with his hand and lowered his head until their eyes were level. His smile was apologetic. "I'm not keeping you from him because I want you all to myself. Dev's a stranger, and that's why I asked to meet him tomorrow. As much as you think you know about him, I want to make sure he's exactly who he says he is. Let me at least protect you, Talara, if you won't even allow us to be friends."

"I understand that, Keeve," she said. "But you were so mean about it. You said some mean things and weren't nice to him even though he's a guest. I want to be friends, Keeve. I really do."

"Then we will be," he decided. "And to help things along...how about we get you an early birthday present? Anything you want."

One moment she was grinning at him, trying to decide what present she wanted, the next she'd leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. As flustered as she'd been when he kissed her, she wanted to return the favour.

Keeve's surprise was paralyzing, until the kiss protracted, grew in intensity with Talara's bosom pressing into his chest. He overcame his initial shock and held Talara at arm's length, searching her eyes hesitantly. "I...haven't even given you your present yet. What was that for?"

"Because I wanted to," she said softly. "And...and I hope you don't mind. I just...I wanted to see...what would happen. I'm sorry, Keeve."

"Tala..." he murmured regretfully and drew her into his embrace, his lips touching her brow. "You don't know how this eats away at me - everytime you look at me I can see the sadness there. I'm not heartless, Tala; I feel guilty for all of this, and it's worse when we fight."

"But there's no hope for us ever, is there," Talara whispered. "You don't see me that way. I'm just a kid to you, and that's all. I'm more than that, Keeve. I really am. Because of everything that happened, I had to grow up. And...and I can't stop feeling the way I do, or wanting what I do. I'm not out of control like you seem to think I am. I don't let myself feel or want when I have to be a Jedi, but I'm still me when I'm not being a Jedi. Master Darr and Master Vorrel can have relationships and still be good Jedi. I know I can too."

"But why with me, Tala? What do I have that other men don't? You said it yourself - I'm spiteful, stubborn, mean.... How could you love someone like that?"

"Because I've seen the other side of you too," Talara said softly. "When you're not all that, you're very kind and considerate. You can be a great friend when you're not smothering me to protect me. I know you care, Keeve. I know you do. That's why you."

Her loose hair entangled itself around his fingers as he rubbed her back soothingly, now and then pausing to comb through the silky tendrils. "I don't mean to smother you, I just worry about you. You're too determined and impetuous - I never know what you're going to do if I'm not watching! Could you be happy with us as just friends? Tell me how to make you smile at me again, Tala."

"I don't know, Keeve," she said. "I want to. I want to be able to be friends, to be happy. But, then there's a part of me that wants you to hold me, to love me the way you love Kim. But...but I know it can't because you don't love me. You don't want to love me...and...and I have to get used to that."

Keeve leaned back and smiled wanly at her. "Is that what Dev is for? To help you forget?"

She shook her head. "He's just my friend," she said. "He's cute and fun, and I do really like him. I guess I keep hoping that you really do love me, and...and you're just hiding it, squashing it down because you're with Kim. It's stupid of me."

"Not stupid," he insisted fondly. "Maybe someday, Tala...when you're a little older and know what you really want, not what you think you want. Because in a couple years, you won't even remember what you ever saw in me, and all this grief you're feeling will seem silly to you. You have to just...be a kid, enjoy yourself, and stop worrying so much about love and sex. I never got that chance," he confided wistfully, "so don't waste it."

"And what if I do know, Keeve," Tala said. She looked up into his eyes, her own clearly reflecting her feelings for him. "If you think I'll forget you or stop loving you, you're crazy. I know you're just trying to push me off, to make me stop feeling what I do feel, what I know I'll always feel. It won't make a difference when I'm older Keeve, because you'll just find another excuse to push me off."

His charming, lopsided grin made an appearance, and he used it to muse, "We'll see, now won't we? Until then...what do you really want for your birthday?"

"I don't really know," she said. "Though, I guess we could just go out and see what we can find."

"And will I be able to make you smile again, if we do?"

"I think maybe you can," Talara said. "Especially if you give me a kiss."

"You've already had one," he reminded her with an admonishing smile. "Though, I do promise to give you one on your birthday, if you'll still want it by then, and if you're not completely gone on Dev."

"I promise you can kiss me whenever you want, Keeve," Tala said with a smile. "Always."

And he did precisely that, though with a far more innocent kiss upon Talara's cheek, rather than her smiling lips. "Now...shall we go back out there and try this again?" He rolled his eyes and added grudgingly, "And I might even apologize to Dev."

"I think he deserves one," Talara said. "You were very hard on him. And I do appreciate you making sure I'm safe. Just...try to be more subtle from now on. If you're good, maybe I'll even let you try out my hoverboard."

A brief glimmer sparked in Keeve's eyes, memories surging forth in his mind, but all just as quickly being set aside. He smiled faintly. "My hoverboarding days are over, I think. It'd look humourous, an old man like me flying around on a 'board."

"The current best 'boarder on the whole planet is twice your age, Keeve," Tala said with a smile. "Your apparent age, not your real one. I bet that's what your problem is. You just think you're this old fart who can't have fun anymore. You're definitely not old, and you deserve fun too. So you better start having some!"

"I don't know," he considered slowly, "I wasn't that good as a kid.... Maybe I should just watch at first. I don't need Dev watching me collide with a speeder - I'm sure he'd enjoy that far too much."

"After your interrogation, I think maybe he'd deserve a little enjoyment." She gave him a smile and took his hands. "I'll help you feel young again, if you want. Maybe not a bratty eleven year old young, but at least so you can unwind a little more often."

With a wary eye and knowing smile, Keeve accused, "You just want me to loosen up so I'll have sex with you. You Jedi really are crafty, aren't you?"

"That's not true at all," Talara said. "I just want you to loosen up so you realize you want to have sex with me." She gave him a big grin. "I just want you to be happy, Keeve. That's all. I want you to be happy with yourself and your life, and if something happens between us, it does. If it doesn't it doesn't. I won't deny that I want us to be together, but I don't want you to be unhappy. And, I want you to have fun with your life, like riding a hoverboard."

Keeve shrugged indifferently. "Well then...tomorrow, after I show Dev around Zenarr Inc. Kim's been begging me to take her to the beach, so why don't we go there - with hoverboards."

"Oh, that'd be great! I can't wait! It'll be so much fun! I can't wait to see the babies on the beach. You're the best, Keeve!" She flung herself into his arms again, though the hug was only intended to relay to him her excitement and glee.

"Oh, now you think I'm a nice guy." He sighed woefully as he patted Talara's back. "You women are fickle creatures. Now come on - let's get out there before they think we're killing each other in here."

"Or worse," Talara said with a grin. "Who knows what Zari and Kim have been telling Dev out there."

Keeve tensed, fully capable of imagining what was spilling from the girls' mouths. Releasing Tala, Keeve stood. "Let's go rescue your boyfriend, or you'll be looking for another one soon enough."

Talara giggled. "Or you could save me the trouble and volunteer," she said. "Oh alright." With that, she stepped back from him, and used the Force to open the door. She went through ahead of him, making sure he got enough of a show to let him know what he was missing.

Shaking his head, Keeve began understanding just how difficult this living arrangement would be, especially with Talara attempting to seduce him by any means. He still suspected Dev was nothing more than a pawn in her games, a tool to spark some reaction in him. Keeping his eyes above her waist he was glad for something else to look at when they reached the dining room. He smiled at Kim, a tacit signal that all was well. Resuming his seat, Keeve asked brightly, "Did we miss anything interesting?"

Kim grinned. "Just Zari giving all the reasons why she hates shoes."

"Don't forget the part where I told Dev how Talara likes to be kissed," Zari said with an impish grin.

Keeve's eyes grew as round as saucers, then he grinned jeeringly and asked Zari, "How would you know that, then? Is there something you're not telling Dev?"

"She's my best friend, Keeve," Zari said. "It's my job to know that." She rolled her eyes.

"Don't worry," Kim said, laying a placating hand on Keeve's arm. "She didn't say anything like that. While she and Talara do talk about such things, they haven't been revealed to anyone but me, Kallia, and the babies."

"So, everyone, you mean." Keeve snorted and gestured for everyone to continue their meal. As they tucked in, Keeve watched Dev, who was nervously picking at his steak, and gave Talara a furtive wink before saying, "So...are you joining us tomorrow for a trip to the beach? They sell beebleberry pops, you know."

"I...really? You want me...I'd like that."

"And Keeve even promises to be nice," Talara said with a grin. "Don't you, Keeve?"

"I promise to try," he answered, "and as long as I have no reason to be cruel to you, Dev, then I won't be. And as long as Talara's happy, then I'm happy."

"I'll do everything I can to make her happy," Dev said.

Keeve smiled mildly and nodded. "Then I'm fine with that. Tomorrow, then?"

"I'll be there," Dev said with a grin.

"This is so much better," Zari said with a big grin as she started back in on her food.

"Meddler," Keeve muttered to Zari under his breath, but his smile conveyed a fondness for her. As his gaze shifted back to his plate, he caught an approving nod from Kim in his peripheral vision, and to his right was Kallia, watching him meaningfully, though he wasn't certain if she was pleased with his turn-around or satisfied that he had ceased being an ass. Of one thing he was certain, and it was that Kallia would definitely have some words for him later, not all of them pleasant. At least Talara was smiling again and Kim wasn't glaring at him any longer.

For the sake of his sanity, Keeve hoped the truce between he and Talara wasn't as tenuous as the last or new living arrangements might be necessary. Though with Dev in the picture, she would have someone to run to during their next argument, and Keeve didn't trust her devotion to the Jedi Order enough to dissuade her from engaging in something foolish with her new boyfriend. Tighter reins were required for his recalcitrant charge, though she'd only rebel against him more fiercely, even though he cared only for her best interests. There was no winning for Keeve Zenarr.

Stifling a woeful sigh, Keeve propped his cheek up on one fisted hand and unenthusiastically ate his meal. Life was never this complicated as an eleven year-old.

---

"Assassination"
Jedi Master Liam Zaneth
Jedi Kael Selrid
Huntress Kaylee Soras
and High Princess Yelara Neerou

Location: Royal Palace, Arcadia, Tae'Karada
Date: Selene 24, 5ABY

***

The old secret tunnels to the Palace were mostly closed. Mostly. A deliberate few had been left accessible, but were guarded. It happened to be a bit of fortune that Liam Zaneth had been responsible for overseeing the security on those tunnels.

Now, as he, Kael Selrid, and Kaylee slipped unnoticed through the hidden passage into the heart of the palace, Liam was thankful for his involvement. While a frontal assault would have worked, stealth was his preferred means of getting Yelara back. Perhaps they could get Yelara out without even alerting Meer'esh, though Liam had his doubts. He suspected the pale man was never far from Yel's side. Yel wouldn't be far from Va'Lesh, and so getting his son free of the palace would be easier.

Liam stopped and motioned to the door in front of him. He reached out and touched a plate beside the door, and the wall before him slid noiselessly aside. With care, all three emerged into the hallway and allowed the secret door to slide closed behind them.

As they started down the hall, they began chatting amongst themselves. New policies implemented, latest fashions coming out of the New Plouton designers, and the results of the latest polling of the populace. A woman passed on the other side of the hall, and Liam gave her a polite nod. She smiled and continued on.

Liam adjusted his suit jacket, making sure the lightsaber still remained hidden within the inner pocket. The suit was the current fashion, and he and Kael both wore them. Kaylee wore a similar jacket, but a long skirt, split up either side to give her more freedom of movement. Their parts were played with perfection.

Their steps led them through the palace toward the private chambers of the High Princess. As they neared the hallway that would lead them down the final hallway before the doors to her room, Liam gave his companions an imperceptible nod. Their stride shifted subtly, positions altered minutely. Liam now led with Kaylee and Kael flanking him to either side and two steps behind.

They were in a foyer with multiple doors. To the far left was the one they needed, the one that would lead to Yelara's chambers. In the center was a conference room utilized for special announcements and briefings with the media outlets. Both Liam and Kael could sense the occupants within the room, and cast a frown in one another's direction. Unexpected, but not an issue that would foil their plan. To the other side, on the right, doors led to the meeting rooms on the lower levels and to the balcony from which the High Princess could address her people gathered in the courtyard below.

Before they could approach the door to Yelara's chambers, the center door burst open and a host of reporters filed out. Behind them came the royal procession with Yelara at its center. Questions were called out, desperately hoping for an answer.

"High Princess Neerou," called one journalist. "Is it true there are plans to reclaim the desert territories?"

"Why have there been palace speeders scouting the desert?"

"When will social reform reverse the decrees of the past High Princes? When will women be treated equally instead of as objects?"

"Why has the Equadi Statute not been reinstated? The identity of our planet requires the traditional attire of our women and families."

"Is there any truth to the rumour that corporate interests will be gaining a larger share of government attention than individuals?"

"Who makes your dresses?"

"High Princess Neerou," called a Tae'Morad guard, his rifle raised and aimed at Yelara.

Drawn to the voice artificially augmented by the soldier's the tactical armour, Yelara was facing him directly when the shot was fired. Screams rang out. The High Princess' eyes rolled back and her body crumpled to the floor.

In that moment, as Liam Zaneth watched her body fall, he felt as if a fist had reached into his chest to squeeze his heart. He felt himself moving, pushing through the crowd.

"NO," came the shout, and he realized it was his own voice.

"Liam! Stop!" The voice belonged to Kael, but it sounded distant and muffled. A hand gripped his shoulder, but he shrugged it off.

The cold metal of the cylindrical shaft of his lightsaber filled his hand. The world seemed to slow around him as he advanced upon the assassin. The man wore the battle armour of the Tae'Morad and he was struggling to escape. The snap-hiss of his lightsaber igniting was a roar of fury in Liam's ears.

The blade went up, and in his mind's eye, Liam could see it slicing through the armour and the flesh within. With a feral shout, he brought the weapon down, an indigo slash that burned its afterimage onto his retinas.

Just before it parted the armour, his blade struck something solid. A look told him that another blade, this one a paler blue than his own, had stopped his weapon, blocked his revenge.

Liam Zaneth pushed away and faced his new opponent. Something in his mind recognized Kael as he stood before him, shifting to a defensive stance. Kael was saying something, but again it was muffled and far off.

"Why did you stop me," Liam snarled. "Why did you get in my way? I had him! And you stopped me!" He lunged forward with a savage cut. Kael's blade snapped into place, and parried the attack away. A series of high and low cuts ended up against Kael's blade, the younger Jedi moving masterfully to keep himself from harm.

"I don't want to fight you, Liam," Kael said, and this time it seemed closer.

Perhaps, Liam thought, it's something with my ears. Or, another voice in his head suggested, you're blinded by your own fury. As he continued to battle against Kael, Liam couldn't help thinking that perhaps he was going slightly mad as two parts of his consciences had a war of words in his mind.

As he shut out the two voices, and continued his attack on Kael, the dark need for revenge growing stronger within. Some part of him knew it was wrong to fight Kael, that Kael was on his side. But Kael had stopped him from cutting down Yelara's killer. And for that, he would have to pay.

Kael had not attacked him yet. Instead, the younger Jedi was only using his blade for defense. And, Liam noted as he feinted to Kael's left and came around to the right, his defense was very good.

"This isn't right," Kael shouted. "Liam!? Can't you see?"

"All I see is you standing in my way." The next flurry of attacks did drive Kael back toward the far doors. Around them, Liam could see the onlookers, partially in disbelief over the assassination of their High Princess and afraid of the battle between the two Jedi right before them. Liam nearly had Kael against the wall, when the younger mean made a graceful leap right over Liam's head. A strike which should have sliced through Kael's legs only found the other blue blade. The clash of blades echoed Liam Zaneth's growing fury.

Liam spun, and relaunched his attack at Kael. The strike carried a power that would have propelled the younger Jedi Knight back if Kael Selrid were not one of the most skilled lightsaber combatants at the Jedi Temple. Kael parried the blade, then turned it into a lightning fast counterstrike, and it was then that Liam got a taste of what the Shien style, one he had mastered some time ago, was all about. The thing that cut through his fury was the realization that Kael Selrid was quite possibly more skilled in the saber style than he himself.

The counterstrike pushed Liam back several steps, and was quickly forced onto the defensive. He could see that the younger Jedi was not trying to strike to kill or wound, but was deliberately keeping him occupied and focused on his own defense.

"Look," Kael snapped as Liam barely managed to get his blade around in time. "Look around you. Use the Force!"

And it was then that Liam saw.

The body, crumpled on the ground, surrounded by aides and advisors. And, through the Force, he felt it too.

Lowering one's guard in a lightsaber duel one of the single most unwise moves a combatant can make. As Kael prepared for another series of attacks, Liam lowered his blade. The attack that would have wounded, or killed, him never came. Blue blade stopped within a centimeter of his body, and he met Kael's gaze.

"It's not her," he whispered.

Kael allowed a slight smile as his features relaxed. "Exactly."

Around them, the palace security seemed to realize that the two Jedi were no longer fighting each other, and raised their weapons.

Looking at the assembled crowd, Liam sighed. "I think I made things worse."

Kael chuckled. "Just a little."

"Surrender your weapons, Jedi," one of the guards said as he aimed his weapon at Liam's chest.

With a look to Kael, and then at the guards surrounding them, he knew they had no chance. The chaos began to rise around them, and panicked officials began to finally react to the death of the High Princess and the Jedi duel. Liam dropped his weapon to the ground, and Kael followed suit.

"I hope you have a plan," Kael said.

"I'm working on one," Liam said as the guards rushed in. Pain twinged his shoulders as his arms were twisted back to fit into a pair of binders. He took a blow to the chin, and a rifle butt to the small of his back.

Kael remained calm as one of the guards tightened the binders too tight. He asked "Where's Kaylee?" and another guard slammed his weapon across Kael's jaw. "No talking," warned the guard.

Liam looked around but did not see the Huntress anywhere. "Hopefully somewhere safe," he said. The rifle cracking across his temple sent a shower of sparkling lights across his vision before it was consumed by blackness. He definitely had made a mess of things.

And, in the depth of blackness, he realized they would be getting much worse.

The press had a field day as they recorded the palace security forces hauling the two Jedi away.

---

"Tranquility Under the Stars"
By: Ferrig Mullerin
Raeila Selrid

Location: Thanatos
Date: Selene 24, 5 ABY

***

The moon sat low to the horizon, bathing all of Thanatos in silver light. The nightsounds of insects and beasts could be heard. In the distance, the luprid howled to the moon and its brethren picked up the cry. Unlike so many nights in the past, this night was peaceful and calm. A serenity that would have felt out of place in the settlement a year ago felt perfectly natural now. Things had definitely changed.

Several rows of buildings featuring a variety of goods and services cast a dull glow of artificial light from the bulbs hanging outside their walls. Some offered food, some goods, but all seemed populated by kir'thana. It had all been constructed by companies from New Plouton, contracted to renovate Thanatos and turn it into something more civilized. Some of the kir'thana were adapting, but not all. Over all, it made the settlement of Thanatos different, and there were some who didn't like change.

Seated at a table for two in one of the sidewalk cafes were Raeila Selrid and Ferrig Mullerin. A tension seemed to surround them as they talked quietly over their meal. Ferrig was smiling as he talked, occasionally pausing to bring some of the food to his mouth using the ornate utensils. It was quite a step up from the normal mealtimes of a Feltrey.

"...so with some of the money we've made," Ferrig was saying as he took a sip from his glass of wine, "we'll be able to do a whole renovation on the house. It'll be perfect. We'll still have the bunks and all, but it'll give us much more space. I think it'll be really good for the gang. I think Pack and Yannick deserve their own rooms now. But, I was also thinking that maybe it was time we got more respectable as a group, which means we'd have to tell the girls that we don't need Feltrey Girls anymore. Seeing how much happier Aera is with you guys, and...you're really adamant against it. So...well, I was stupid, and I think a change is good."

"You're lying," Raeila accused, laughing. "That's a complete turn-around from what you were telling me just the other day - too much so."

"A lot of what you said made sense, Rae," Ferrig said. "I'd like to, or at least give the girls the choice to go if they wanted. If they wanted to stay, I wouldn't stop them as long as it was their choice. But, I don't think the gang would accept it. And I guess since you threw me out, I do kind of like having the girls around. Definitely miss Aera. And you."

Raeila stared into her dega root stew as her spoon stirred it up absently. "I still love you, brother...but all these things you've done and said lately.... It's sickened me and I couldn't bring myself to be with you." Ashen gray eyes studied her brother from beneath golden lashes as she asked, "Doesn't it ever give you pause - the things you do?"

"It does," Ferrig said. "It's just...I get so restless. It...the things I've done. It didn't help. I don't know what I want or need, Rae. But I need to keep looking. I won't be doing the things I'd been doing. I don't know. I mean, after the stuff with the Jedi, they're so powerful, and I'm... I remember, before, with the gang, feeling like I was so alive then. I just wanted that again. Maybe, if being like I was when we were in the gang, would help. It didn't. Yesterday showed me."

Raeila's smile evinced joy and pride in her brother. She abandoned her spoon and used her hand to reach across the table and touch Ferrig's. "I'm glad. I didn't want to lose you to darkness. You're my only family...I would die if we couldn't be together."

"Kael's your family too," Ferrig said. "Not that I want to be lost to darkness or anything."

"But we're blood," she told him insistently, squeezing his hand. Her eyes glittered with a hesitant optimism. "Don't let your sister down, Ferrig. Please stay with me."

"I will," Ferrig said. He gave her a smile that resembled his smiles of old. "I kind of like this, here with you. I don't want to screw up again."

"Then don't." Her chuckle was unhindered by sadness or fear of losing her brother, and now exuded pure happiness. She leaned out of her seat and quickly kissed Ferrig's mouth. Licking the tasty residue of his jedra beast chop from her lips, Raeila waved him to join her. "Let's walk. It's a great night!"

"Lemme grab the payment, and we'll be off," he said. He pulled some credits from a pocket, and looked around for one of the servers. Flashing the wad of bills got the attention of theirs. Paying didn't take much time, and they were soon on their way, under the moonlight, walking hand in hand.

"It's a nice night," Ferrig said as they passed by another cafe.

Raeila breathed the crisp night air in deeply and tilted her head onto his shoulder. "It's so calm... So quiet, too, which is surprising considering where we are. When's the last time there was a gang raid, I wonder?"

"I'd guess three months," Ferrig said as he looked over at her. Able to get a good look at her as they walked, he grinned. "You weren't kidding when you'd say you'd wear something sexy. I approve. You look very nice, Rae." She had on a white top with a single strap running over one shoulder and leaving the other bare. It fit close over her bosom but flared away from there. Her pants were black and very tight-fitting, and he paused extra long to admire her posterior. "And while you look very sexy and nice, you still look very respectable. You're so very beautiful, my little sister."

"I know," she sighed airily, with a straight-faced expression that was soon effaced by laughter. "You're such a flirt, Ferrig Mullerin. All the girls know it."

"Oh, I am," Ferrig said with a chuckle. "But that's part of my charm. It really is nice how...calm it is here. It feels like a home, a real home where people can live and have families. And feel safe."

"Pack and Yannick have got to make sure it stays this way. You think they're enough to protect the peace?"

"I don't know," Ferrig said. Something dark passed through his eyes, and his expression showed real worry. "There have been some people, not nice people, sniffing around. I think they're big league stuff. Pack and Yannick have been holding them off, but if these guys mean business, it could get messy. We may have to get help."

"From who? The Jedi are in hiding." Raeila looped her arms around Ferrig's and clenched tightly. "You should stay out of it. What if you get hurt?"

"I'll be careful," Ferrig said. "I don't know what we'll end up doing, but...Pack and Yannick will figure it out, I'm sure."

Watching him warily askance, Raeila asked, "You don't have even the slightest desire to get involved?"

"I do," Ferrig said. "But, we'll see how it all goes. Pack and Yannick are running things now, and I'll help when I can. They're the ones though."

"So what'll you do in your spare time? You know you'll get bored and end up getting into trouble."

"I'll have to figure something out," Ferrig said. "I never really did anything but be a Feltrey. I'm sure there has to be something else I'm good at."

Raeila's smooth cheek rubbed against his shoulder in a stroking motion intended to soothe her brother. "I'll help you. Never think you're useless, brother, because if I can learn to heal people, I'm sure you can do anything you'd like."

"Doctor Ferrig," he said. "Doctor Mullerin. I think I like the sound of that. Do you think I have what it takes?"

"If you like helping people," she reasoned, "then you should do just fine." Grinning with extreme joy, Raeila mused, "See? A night out together was the perfect remedy to all your troubles." Then, she giggled. "A medicine related pun!"

Ferrig chuckled. "I really think you should stick to the medical field and leave the comedy to Pack," he said. "About...us and Dani. I think you should have Kael and Dani make that baby together, Rae. He's your husband, and...and I don't think Dani's all that happy with me now."

"I know," she admitted grudgingly, a pout pushing out her lower lip adorably. "I just don't want what little time he's had lately trying to get Dani pregnant while I'm left out. It isn't fair."

"Make sure he has enough time for you," Ferrig said. "And, if he doesn't, I'm sure I could make time enough for you."

Snickering lightly, Raeila reminded him, "Not tonight...the girls are home and I won't do anything with them in the house. Besides...that time has sort of passed for us, hasn't it?" Raeila smiled hesitantly, hoping no offense had been taken. "I mean...you love other people...we're last on one another's lists, right?"

"You'll never be last on my list, Rae," Ferrig said. "You're always first."

"I shouldn't be," she insisted. "Maybe because of our relationship...you had trouble with developing others. Like with Talara and Tralesha. Don't you think?"

"Tralesha freaked out because of what I did with Zari, and after all the stuff Nieme and Dani did to Talara, she wasn't ready for a relationship. We were actually doing good before that. Maybe I was impatient, but it was still going good."

"Or my being with you was giving you too much of a taste from the past. Maybe I caused you to crave the violence again." There was sorrowful desperation in her manner as Rae halted Ferrig, gripping the sleeves of his shirt fiercely. "I'm sorry if I did, Ferrig. I'm sorry if I made you turn."

"It wasn't you, Rae," Ferrig said softly, tenderly. "It was me. It was all me. You're...you're the bright point in the darkness that was my life."

"And I can still be that," she asked carefully, "even if you don't share my bed anymore?"

"You don't want me in your bed then," Ferrig said. "I never thought we'd see that day."

Raeila sighed. "It's not about what I want...it's about what you may need. Just for a little while, maybe?"

Ferrig shrugged. "I'm happiest when I'm with you, Rae," he said. "I mean, all the trouble I've caused has been when we aren't together, or we're on the outs. I need to be close to my sister."

"You are right now," she reminded him. "Isn't that enough?"

"I guess it will have to be," he said with a harsh sigh. "So, it's done, just like that? You don't want to be with me anymore?"

Their conversation was quickly going down a rocky path, and Raeila was eager to abandon it before she lost her hold on Ferrig once again. Her endearing, bewitching grin was flashed, one that always reeled Ferrig back in. "Come on," she encouraged softly. "The old tower's just along the way. We can watch the moon rising from there...like we used to."

"Sure," Ferrig answered, his voice carrying a distinct lack of enthusiasm. "I always like watching the moon."

Their progress was made in relative silence, with a notable separation between brother and sister. Her hand clung to his, while Ferrig made no effort to return the show of affection, his own hand resting stiffly within hers. They arrived at the tower minutes later, mercifully, giving Raeila a topic with which to spark conversation. "It's still standing! That thing will be here long after we're all dust."

"It will," Ferrig said. "Remember when we used to come out here as kids?"

She giggled and closed the gap between them to lean on her brother. "We'd steal torberry tarts from the baker and just sit at the top, watching the stars. Those were the best times."

"They definitely were," Ferrig said. "Sometimes, it would be nice to be able to go back to that, to have everything simple again." He sighed. "Want to go on up. I'm sure that old spiral staircase will support us."

An impetuous grin and Raeila scampered off towards the tower, kicking up sand behind her. Ferrig gave chase, eliciting a squeal from Raeila who wasn't far ahead, though she did manage to slip into the narrow opening of the gray, sandstone tower without being caught.

It took a couple tries, but Ferrig managed to squeeze himself through. When he finally managed to get up the spiral staircase and onto the platform above, he found Raeila laying on her back and staring up into the sky. Her smile was serene and peaceful, and despite his earlier feelings he felt a sense of contentment. "Beautiful night," he said.

She glanced aside, her gaze warm and inviting as she patted the empty space beside her. Ferrig stretched out onto the cold stone floor and Rae covered his hand with her own. "You could get lost in the stillness, the darkness," she murmured dreamily. "It makes everything horrible in the world seem not so hopelessly irreparable."

"I hope I can keep from becoming part of that dark hopelessness again," Ferrig said. "I like this much better. I was so stupid to think that...that I could go back to that, that it'd make me happy. At least I have another chance."

"So you'll talk to Talara, then? You'll make up with her?"

"I'll talk to her if she'll let me," Ferrig said. "And Zari too. I don't know if I can ever make up for what I did, but I need to do something." He sighed. "I don't think either one of them would take me back. I don't know if I would take me back. But...but I was thinking about asking Aera if she'd like to spend more time with me."

A note of distress struck discordantly across Rae's features, sapping much of its tranquility. "I thought you were going to leave her be and let her decide for herself the life she wants to lead."

Ferrig closed his eyes and took a long, unsteady breath. "Then you want me to go away and find a cave to live in where I can never bother anyone again. I like Aera, Rae, and I thought she liked me. You're turning your back on me, and I hurt Zari, Tralesha, and Talara too much to ever hope that they might care for me again. I...I was just...I want someone I can be close to, someone I can love."

"I love you, Brother. Isn't that enough?" Shifting onto her side, Raeila laid a hand on Ferrig's chest comfortingly. "I want you to be solid on your own two feet instead of leaning on someone else for support. Once you're sure of yourself, then you'll be ready to love someone. Until then... I'm just afraid you'll falter again. I don't want to lose my brother like that."

"It's really easy for you to say when you get to go home to either Kael or Dani," Ferrig said. "I don't even have a home; I just use Yannick's bed when he's not using it. I don't think I'm going to get much better if I'm breaking off all contact with everyone but you. I need to feel like I belong somewhere, that someone wants me for who I am, good or bad."

"I've loved you through it all," she reminded him gently, her hand wending its way upwards to cradle his cheek. "What do you need from me to make things better? Tell me what I can give you, Ferrig."

"I just want love without restrictions and rules. I don't want people coddling me and treating me like a bomb about to go off."

Rae smiled teasingly. "Aren't you, though?" Her other hand brushed his groin suggestively. "Your bomb's always about to go off, my brother."

"In that case, then I need someone always ready to take care of the bomb and make sure it doesn't go off at the wrong time in the wrong place," he said.

Giggling, Raeila lay half-atop her brother and nestled her head into the curve of his neck, all notion of making their relationship a completely platonic one now forgotten when the distance between them was closed. "I'll help you with that. I'm good with my hands, remember?"

"Oh, I remember," Ferrig said, his voice a whisper as his arms slipped comfortably around her. "You're good with everything." He brushed his lips against her forehead.

"And you're always so good at making me feel like I'm not useless." A kiss found Ferrig's cheek. Raeila smiled adoringly up at her brother. "You love me so much. You were always the best brother - my protector, my friend...." A fond chuckle was evoked by an amusing memory from their past. "Remember that older boy who used to always pick on me when we were younger? Borj Nev? He would always chase me around the marketplace, trying to steal the thirads I'd made each day selling wares?" Rae snickered. "You beat him so bad, we never saw him again!"

Ferrig laughed. "Oh I hadn't thought about that in so long," he said, musing. "I think they moved off to that one village over by Thana's Breast. I don't think his nose will ever be straight again."

"And that's why you're my favourite brother." She beamed a toothy, facetious grin.

"Sort of helps that I'm your only brother," Ferrig said with a grin.

Raeila concurred with a decisive nod then returned her head to the crook of his neck. The stars grew brighter by the minute as the moon reached its apex and full darkness cast its shadow across the sky. It transported Rae to their childhood, when very little mattered except being with one another and living for each other. She would have them stay there forever if at all possible, and keep Ferrig from straying back onto the path of evil. For one night.

---

"Best Laid Plans"
by Selena Rellik - Death Dealer
Dani - Jedi / Former Empress
and Tralesha Zibel - Smuggler

Location: Thanatos
Date: Selene 24, 5ABY

***

Dusty, arid, hot and dirty. Those four words could describe Thanatos, a small city that thrived in smuggling operations. Black Markets were visible, as were the poor. This could very well be the darkest part of Tae'Karada, if not for the scorching sun. Small rock and sand buildings were abundant, some with small terraces, and few with windows. Perhaps petty crime helped people to not want many openings to the insides of the housings. Almost a replica of the small colony cities in Tatooine... It was hard to believe that a planet with such lush places and tall buildings would have such a place.

From atop a building terrace that she had rented, Selena picked her electrobinoculars and looked over. She had an open view towards the building in which the mark was. A small and simple house, just like any other. The movement in the streets was low at this point, which made it possible for her to pass unnoticed. Pressing a button in her gear, Selena could see an infra-red image of the house, reading those that occupied its insides.

Four marks... Two seemed adult, while the other two were either children or simply smaller. She had to be sure what she was up against. Going back inside, Selena opened a small box that contained a small computer unit. On the side was a small container that had a nano-bug. A droid unit that was like a one inch small insect. However, it could move by land or air and climb most surfaces, while sending live video feed. Those capabilities made it perfect for espionage. A toy Selena had access to from the Red Eye.

Programming the nano-bug, all she had to do was wait... It only took about five minutes to get what she wanted. Dani was definitely inside. The other occupants were two small children and a young woman. None of them seemed dangerous and none carried weapons. That much being said, it seemed that Selena was up against Dani alone, which made it all the more perfect. Now was the time to act.

***

She sighed. She had gone through her own plan over and over in her head. Her single mark was Dani, so she didn't want to harm the others, unless that became totally necessary. She was, however, aware that they could intervene in her plans, although they could also be used to her advantage. Selena checked her weapons and then looked at the trigger in her hand. She had placed a small charge at the door and welding charges at the windows. That way she would go in through the door, while the other exits would be welded shut.

Pressing the button, Selena ran inside, blaster in hand. She immediately found Dani and the others in the main room. She could tell that they were still getting themselves up from the blast and that the children were obviously scared. Pointing her weapon towards Dani, while keeping her distance Selena nodded. "Nobody move an inch... I don't want to have to hurt anyone here. I'm here for former Empress Dani alone. If you come quietly, unnecessary violence can be avoided."

"I was wondering how long it would take you to make your move," Dani said. Her eyes narrowed as she rose smoothly from the floor, lightsaber in hand, igniting as she moved. She was clad in a leather bodysuit that left one shoulder and arm bare, exposing the purple skin, a unique trait amongst her people whose skin was typically red. She opened the palm of her other hand, and pulled through the Force. She felt the weapon in the woman's hand discharge, sending a shot wide. With another tug, the weapon was free and sailed into Dani's waiting hand. "You've destroyed our property. You've invaded our home. You've threatened us with violence. For that, I have no qualms about hurting you. Now, turn around and leave."

"You were warned..." Selena replied. In a quick move she dropped two flash bombs that made a loud bang that would create unbalance in an adult person while delivering an immense light that blinded the eyes at the same time. She however, was ready for it and immune to its effects. As the bombs exploded, Selena took a grappling hook and fired it at Dani's wrist. The line wrapped around Dani's wrist, and with a strong pull, Selena sent her down, making her lose her lightsaber. "You will answer for the crimes you committed...or face the wrath of a much harsher justice right here. Make no mistake, this is about no bounty."

Behind her, Dani could hear Thiri and Aera crying out. Above her, Tralesha was coming down the stairs. Dani's eyesight still burned with the afterimage of the flash bomb, but she didn't need her eyes to fight. Her other hand opened and the lightsaber jumped right back into it. The blade ignited and sliced the cable tying her to the bounty hunter. With a Force-aided push, she was on her feet again.

As she turned to face her opponent, her eyesight was mostly clear. "Don't you people get it," she snarled. "No, you don't; you never will. I was warned. You attached a bomb to the front door and welded our windows shut. I sensed your every movement. You're good, I'll give you that, but not good enough." With that, her now-free hand reached out to Selena. It was as if an invisible hand had closed around the woman's throat and lifted her bodily off the ground. Holding her steady in the air and making an effort not to begin choking her, Dani stepped forward.

From above, a blaster levelled itself at Selena. "You okay, Dani? Aer? Thiri?" Thin cries from the two girls gave an affirmative, and Tralesha Zibel allowed herself to focus on the woman. Dani only nodded.

She could feel the woman's emotions as if they were her own, the attempt to be brave, the fear of helplessness running beneath it all. Texturing those emotions, she could feel Thiri and Aera's fears, and Aera's attempts to be brave for her little sister. Above her, Tralesha was resolute and determined. It gave her a new respect for Tral.

"You talk about my crimes," Dani said. "And you've entered a private home and started throwing explosive devices around. Your hypocrisy is disgusting. At least while I was doing what I did, I did it to keep Nieme in check. She was sick, and it got worse without me around. I don't know what crimes you lay at my feet, but all I did, I did to protect her...and to protect the people of this world from her. So we had some sex and parties. We didn't kill people. We didn't torture people. We just tried to live the life we wanted. In the end, she got violent, but I did what I could. But it isn't enough for people like you. The former high princes did far worse than we ever could. The current government has branded all Jedi as traitors in an effort to get me and Nieme. Do you really think I'm the bad person here?"

With a wave of her hand, she flung Selena through the doorway and out of the house, following behind her, lightsaber now ignited again.

"If you still wish to fight me, we'll do it out here where you can't wantonly destroy my friends' house," she said, then set herself, all senses open and ready.

Selena got back up, one hand rubbing her neck while she caught her breath again, while the other one clenched in some dirt. Selena got back up on her feet and looked at Dani. She had her answer from long ago...Jedi were indeed good opponents. Nearly unbeatable, with their tricks and telekinesis. But nobody was truly unbeatable, no matter how good they were. It was all a matter of skill.

"You did a lot worse than that which you claim and you know it... There are many types of torture, both physical and psychological. Can you really state that you're innocent on any of those claims, despite your reasons? Your intentions, good or bad, resulted in a lot of pain for a lot of people. Any criminal should have to pay for their faults," Selena replied. "You may have known I was coming. If that much is true, then you also know that none of which I did would harm any of the other occupants in the building. My only interest is in you... And unlike you, I would not harm innocents just to protect my own interest."

Selena then started to circle around Dani, her guard up and ready. "You Jedi are all alike...You really think you have the upper hand and that you can see all the angles. But then you fail and it's somehow somebody else's fault, isn't it? And somehow you always find it in you to say that it was all for a greater good. Well, greater for whom? Certainly not for those who suffered losses! And being less worse than someone before your time doesn't exactly make you good. It just makes you not so bad..." she argued. "You make it sound as if what you did was commendable, as if you're a hero of sorts. If you're so innocent, then why run away from a trial?"

"They branded all Jedi as traitors," Dani said. "Do you really believe I would get a fair trial? Had I not tempered Nieme's rages, the losses would have been far worse. My crimes are no greater than any other, no less. Innocent men and women were killed, brutally and without the chance to defend themselves, because they had chosen to speak with Nieme and I. And, you come after me? Do you truly want me to be bad? Do you truly want me to be the person you seem to want me to be?"

She opened her hand, and Selena's did the same, allowing the dirt she'd picked up to fall to the ground. "I do not want to be that person that I never was, that everyone seems to think I was. It is their word against mine, and they have more voices. They have the resources to hire people like you. If I allow you to take me in, do you really believe justice will be served? It won't. What will happen is they will do far worse to me than Nieme and I ever did. Revenge is what they seek. They want to hurt me. Only partly because of what my hand touched. They want to hurt me because of the Empire, the High Princes, Dargus Kandran, and Tarkin. Is that what you intend to take me back to?"

"You're wrong..." Selena replied. "And even if you weren't, then I find that revenge is the purest of justices, though misguided by the person. Besides, the day we stop believing in the judicial system, is the day it ceases to exist. And then we are all left with anarchy," she said. "But you're right, delivering you wouldn't prove anything. Not in this case. Instead, I will leave you with the idea that you have already lost and that innocent blood of hundreds of people is in you hands. I hope that you wake up at night hearing their ghosts and screams. That is my sentence to you. That you live in agony for what you have done, knowing that you could have prevented it if you were stronger..."

Selena then walked back to the doorway, collected her blaster that was lying near and started to walk away. "Know this... There are others after you. And unlike me, they will not stop out of sympathy or by hearing your words. And know that they will not have any regards as to killing innocents like those children inside. If you truly have changed, and if you feel anything for them at all, then I suggest you send them away. At best, you have but a couple of hours."

"If the people running the system of justice are corrupt, then the system is corrupt," Dani said. "The justice system is a sham, and our government is moving quickly toward tyranny. Compared to that, perhaps anarchy wouldn't be so bad. Revenge is the product of emotion unconnected to logic. Revenge will wipe out the whole for the crime of the one. Revenge is twisted and leads to a very dark place. I assure you, there is nothing pure in revenge. What I did before was wrong, but I am on the right path now." She watched the woman walk away, arrogant and righteous in her own beliefs. Then, "Thank you for the warning."

She turned to the home to check on Aera and Thiri. It was too easy to judge and many so easily fell into the trap of self-righteous preaching. For Dani, who could feel the emotions of others, she could always know what another felt. It was not easy for those who had only their own emotions, their own feelings, and could not gain an accurate sense of what others felt. Had Selena been Zeltron, she would have known. She wondered if the woman would ever realize that continued suffering did not make for the best conditions for rehabilitation. Or, perhaps she wished for Dani to truly be the evil she'd come seeking, so they might have a rematch.

She smiled as she comforted Thiri while Aera tried to be brave. With a kiss atop Thiri's head, she decided she'd sleep just fine at night. With as much love as she felt around her, it certainly helped to blot out the pain. The path she was on, as she had stated, was indeed the right one.

---

"Serving Justice"
by Anamaghera Zek, Bounty Hunter
Omri Kedemoth, Vigilante
Zarrak, Bounty Hunter
Dani, Jedi
and Tralesha Zibel, Mercenary

Location: Thanatos, Tae'Karada
Date: Selene 24, 5ABY

***

The electrobinoculars brought the house into sharp focus, magnifying it so that the details were as clear as if he were standing right in front of it. Sweeping the device over the whole building, taking it all in, and then finally pulling them away. Anamaghera Zek scratched his nose with the hand not holding the magnifiers and turned to his companions. "Looks like they's inside, but someone did a touch of remodeling. Door's blown to slotted pieces, but I can't see no corpse. I'm reckonin' that our departed partner was here, but she didn't get herself whacked. Thermo reads four inside. Three humans and a Zeltron, by the temperature scans." He slipped the electrobinoculars back into their case, rubbed a hand down his thigh to dry it, then spat. "I'm gonna suspicion just rushing in the front door isn't the way to go. What'dya suppose?"

Omri stroked his short beard. "Agreed, seems like that has already failed. We'll need to find another way in, more than one would be better." He shifted in is concealed position to see both Zek and Zarrak. "Who's up for some recon?"

Zarrak glanced over and he had one of his Scatter pistols drawn and was tapping his hand-like foot with it. "I'll go," he replied. "Dani knows me, with any luck I may be able to get her to come out. And that's when you two barves will attack."

Omri looked to Zek, one eyebrow raised. "Sounds like an order." Turning his attention back to the dug, Omri continued. "It is a good start, but we should proceed with caution. She's not some slug late on her payments. She's got blasted powers."

"So the Dug lures her out, and we open up on her," Zek said. "As long as we ain't just pokin' at her with blasters, I can't see a dilemma. Jedi just deflect lasers, but scatterguns and such should be a might be easier to fumble her up."

"Its settled then." Omri replied, pulling the Morellian Enforcer out of its shoulder holster. He checked the heavy slug pistol to make sure it was fully loaded. He then unslung the leather pack from his back. "Zarrak, do your thing. We'll get into position."

Zarrak holstered his pistols and began to make his way over to the building where Dani was hidden. He only hoped he could lure her out and live to tell the tale.

"Dani! It's me Zarrak!" he shouted. "What the hell happened here? If you were in trouble why didn't you contact me? Remember what I said about our payment? Since you gave me what I desired I'd protect you from anything."

That of course was all a lie. The Dug only hoped he made it sound sincere.

It was a minute or so before anyone appeared.

"Stay inside," a voice said, and a second later, Dani stepped outside. "Zarrak? How'd you find me here?" She indicated the remains of the door. "It wasn't anything I couldn't handle."

Her question took Zarrak by surprise and he quickly had to think of something to say. Part of the Dug wanted to warn her so she'd be safe but that part Zarrak hardly ever listened to these days.

"I'm a bounty hunter," he replied, "I have connections. And judging by the door, I guess you handled it pretty well." He held out a foot for her to take. "Now come on, let me get you out of here."

"I can't leave," Dani said. "I need to watch over Aera and Thiri. And Raeila will be home soon. Thanks for looking out for me, Zarrak, but I can't leave."

"Then we can bring them with us," Zarrak replied. "And then you can contact Raeila when I get you somewhere's safe."

Dani glanced back into the house, saw Tralesha standing there, one arm curled around behind her back. Something didn't add up. She had no proof, but the feeling was there. She turned back to Zarrak. "I can't leave," she said. "Besides, I can take care of myself.

Zarrak shifted his weight, hoping the other two hunters would take this as a sign that he was beginning to lose patience.

"Like I said before, bring them with us," he replied. "Look, you can trust me, Dani. I promised I wouldn't let any harm come to you."

From behind the corner of a nearby building, Omri squinted his eyes as a hot desert wind blew up a cloud of dust. As it died down, he saw a figure appear in the blasted doorway behind Zarrak and the Zeltron. She appeared to have something behind her back. The Dug's attempt to lure Dani further away had stalled and the window of opportunity was closing. He glanced toward Zek, who was watching the scene through electrobinoculars.

"I think our boy is asking the lady out on a date," Zek said with a frown. "While I do support inter-species relations, I really can't comprehend anyone's attraction to a dug. That little minx, however, is quite the gem. Wouldn't mind a quick spin through a pile of sand with her. So, just pop her and her friend before they cause trouble or let our diminutive friend work is magic?"

"Shouldn't leave him hanging, a dug can only carry on a civil conversation for a few minutes." Omri grinned at Zek.

He reached in his leather pack, pulled out a meter-long case and strapped it to his back. Next he took out a large pistol with a long barrel and a plasteel stock.

Brandishing the dart weapon he turned back to Zek, "Thought we'd try to take them out without too much fuss. Lets make our move."

Zek adjusted the power setting on his rifle and grinned. "That sounds like a powerful good idea," he said. "You pop them, and I'll cover you."

Nodding, Omri made a duck run for a vaporator closer to the house. He popped a clip of neutralizing toxin-loaded gyrodarts into his weapon. Crouching behind the vaporator, Omri raised the carbine and took aim at the figure in the doorway.

"What do you have behind your back, little one?" he muttered to himself. Drawing a bead on the young woman, he squeezed the trigger. The weapon made a soft coughing sound, propelling the dart toward its target.

Before the dart even struck the young woman, Dani had spun in place. "Tralesha," she rasped just as the dart found its mark.

Tralesha Zibel looked down at the dart suddenly protruding from her chest. A confused look crossed her face, and the blaster she was holding fell into view as the muscles in her arms suddenly relaxed. It fired once, into the floorboards of the doorway, before she crumpled.

Dani's lightsaber was suddenly in her hand and igniting, casting its glow across hers and Zarrak's features. "Aera, Thiri! Stay inside!" she called as she moved away from Zarrak, angling herself to defend against threats from two sides.

"Got one," Zek said with a grin. "Let's see how well this chippy goes down." With that, he started squeezing off shots from his blaster rifle.

Dani's weapon became a blur of motion as her blade intercepted each of the blasts.

Zarrak drew his twin Scatter pistols and stepped back. He set them both to stun and began to fire his own shots at Dani. He opened up his mind to the young Zeltron. A single thought was all he had for her and it was: Sorry.

Omri had to pause. He had never seen a Jedi or a lightsaber. The young Zeltron wielded the glowing weapon with such speed and grace. He had to admire the beauty of the motion.

A deflected blaster bolt whizzed by his head, drawing his attention back to the attack. He raised the dart carbine again, taking aim and squeezing off the rest of the clip, hoping one would bypass the whirling energy blade.

Fortunately the projectiles disintegrated on Dani's blade, so she could not redirect them at her attackers. Zek found some comfort at that. It would have been disheartening to get one of those darts jabbed into his forehead or something. "Blasted harpy, hold still," he muttered as he continued pouring blaster bolts at Dani.

As Dani fought, she knew it was only a matter of time before one of them managed to get through her defenses. She parried Zarrak's blasts, but could sense him angling around to her opposite side. It would put her in a cross-fire, but she could also use their attacks against her back against them more easily with a direct line of attack.

Her blade swept around too slow and she felt a sharp sting in her bicep. She glanced down at the dart protruding from her purple flesh. "Damn," she rasped as she felt the toxin beginning to take effect. The blaster bolts had stopped and the scene around her, including Zarrak were now blurred. "You bastard," she added, directing the comment in the Dug's direction. A jarring thud told her, she'd gone to her knees, unable to support herself standing.

"Well, looks like she's not so tough now after all," Zek said as he came out from his hiding spot, blaster rifle pointed at Dani. "Definitely is a powerful beauty though. Though, after this, I reckon any chances of her an' me gettin' hitched are off."

Zarrak glanced at Zek and holstered his blaster pistols. Her last statement had actually stung him pretty deeply.

"You're probably right," he replied. "Well let's cuff her and get the hell out of here, eh? Personally I know I could use a few drinks and some pretty little thing to keep me company at a cantina."

Omri approached the motionless Dani. He thought to himself, how could a girl so young, lovely and talented gotten into a mess like this.

He felt pity for the woman as he pulled a set of binders out from under his cloak, bound her hands behind her and hoisted her unceremoniously over his shoulder.

Looking at his unlikely partners he grunted, "Lead the way."

"It's a shame we have to turn her over," Zek said as he hefted his blaster rifle up onto his shoulder. "Looks like she'd be a spirited one to get under the sheets. Ah well, maybe there'll be enough left when they get done with her that she might forgive me and then we can play nice." With a gesture to the other two, he started back toward where they left the speeder they'd arrived in.

Soon Zarrak had a plan that he thought would redeem himself in Dani's eyes. Once they were at the speeder he'd betray the two other bounty hunters and take Dani some place safe.

"How much longer till we're back at the speeder, Zek?" he asked. He glanced at his Scatter pistols, luckily both were still set on stun.

"Two minutes, I reckon," Zek answered as he glanced back to make sure they weren't being pursued. Luckily, the one Omri had pelted wouldn't be waking up for awhile, and the two girls weren't likely to give them any trouble.

"Roger that," Zarrak replied. He glanced at Dani. Soon she'd be safe with him, heading back to some sort of a safe house.

They rounded the corner, and the speeder came into view. With a grin, Zek patted the back fender over the repulsor housing. "Here we go, and all ready to take us to get our reward."

"Correction," Zarrak replied. "It's ready to take the girl and myself back." The Dug drew his Scatter pistol and aimed it at Zek and then he drew his second and aimed it Omri. "Now, put the girl in the speeder."

"I should have known." Omri laughed, a gesture his eyes did not share. They stared with deadly intent at the bold dug. Without taking his eyes off of the squat bounty hunter, Omri laid the immobile Dani in the back seat of the speeder.

"So, you're just expectin' us to give up our part of the reward? Just like that? So you can take it all for yourself?" Zek flashed a glare at the Dug, but wasn't ready to test his draw against the weapon already pointed at him.

"Pretty much," Zarrak replied. "I figure this'll make things more interesting. You get to hunt me and the girl. Who knows maybe you might get paid extra."

He squeezed off shot at Zek, his weapon was still on stun and he did the same to Omri.

---

"Awake"
by Vincenzo Lapenta - Neurosurgeon
and Vaela Jor

Date: Selene 24, 5 ABY
Location: New Plouton Institute of Neuroscience

***

Vincenzo had been doing his rounds and was now behind his desk. In the corner of his room he had installed a holoprojector currently tuned to an all news channel. He needed to get in touch with the news on this world, and the fastest way was by having it on all the time, except when there were patients of course. Currently there was a piece about the new legislation that outlawed the Jedi. He was only listening to it while doing some paperwork. Suddenly he heard the word assassination, and he looked up in the face of his mystery patient. The only difference was that below the portrait was not Vaela Jor but Yelara Neerou. He quickly took the hologram and had it transferred to a datapad.

Armed with that datapad he went to her room, where he compared the face on the picture with the one in the hospital bed. The first thing that came to mind was 'oh shit'. This was political with a capital P. On the news they had told that she was dead, but he knew for a fact that she was not. With the IV currently giving her the growth factors she had a good chance of surviving. This was going to give a whole nest of problems. He had been in a political movement on Russ, so he wasn't as ignorant as most people. He instinctively knew that if he told anybody she might come in the news a second time. That also meant calling off his nurse, but then he had to tell her. Otherwise she would find out at one point, and who knows what would happen then.

It was with that in mind Vincenzo turned away from Vaela's bed. Barely a step was taken when the biomonitors connected to Vaela changed tune, the sluggish beeps accelerating and increasing in pitch excitedly. When he'd turned, the most ethereal violet eyes were staring up at him, wild and confused. Vaela Jor was awake, and frightened.

He moved to the bed and sat down next to her. "Don't worry," he said, "everything will be fine. You're in a hospital at the moment, but you're getting better." With a glance he checked her vitals on the monitor. Clearly the growth factors did have their effect already.

A breathing apparatus was feeding oxygen into Yelara's nostrils, which aided her in drawing the necessary air to whisper, "What....what's happening? What day is it?"

"Selene 24," Vincenzo said, "and I'm going to be honest with you. You're quite ill, but we know what's going on and we have a couple of options to cure you. But first, is there anybody you want us to contact?"

Her soporific gaze shifted languidly about the room before returning to Vincenzo. Confusion still reigned in her eyes. "How did I get here? Was it--" Again she looked to her surroundings, desperately now and even tried to sit up as she called weakly, "Liam? Liam, where--"

"Liam who," Vincenzo asked. He hadn't been here long enough to recognize the name.

She watched him askance, warily. "Who are you? Who do you work for?"

"Oh, I'm sorry," he said, "I'm Vincenzo Lapenta, and I work for the New Plouton Neuroscience Institute. Now, can you recall the last name of this Liam..." He looked around to see if there was no-one listening. "... Yelara."

The familiarity with which he used her name put Yelara mildly at ease, but she could not give Liam away, not when he might very well be hunted. "The Jedi," she asked, "what...what's happened to them? I don't remember anything after the announcement."

"They have captured some I think," Vincenzo said, "but most got away. They are now searching for them." He would have to look for a Liam under the Jedi. But now he had first to discuss the treatment options with her, as he didn't know how long she would remain conscious. "Now, for your treatment," he started, "there are two big options."

A wiry, sad smile tugged weakly at her lips. "I'm...dying again, aren't I? They said the surgery...it could kill me just as well."

"We stopped the dying part," Vincenzo said, "it turned out your body didn't make certain growth factors your nerve cells need to survive. We're supplying you with those until we can have all the options worked out. Now, we have two options. The first is replacing your nerves, or at least the big ones, with bioneural circuitry that you find in artificial limbs. It works, it doesn't break down, but it's a lot of surgery, as we can't do it in one go, and it will probably be painful.

"The other option is using stem cells and trying to regenerate your own nerves. This is less painful, but you can get the same problem again. Of course, now we know it, we can give you those growth factors from the start. It would probably be in the form of an implant. Now, it's your choice as to which you want, but first ask any questions you might have at the moment."

Yelara shook her head, nonplussed and overwhelmed by her situation. She still had no idea how she had gotten there to begin with. "I...I don't know. I don't even know what's happening. There's no one here to help me, to confer with...." Her eyes shut tightly, pressing out tears that refused to be quelled. "I'm so confused," she sobbed. "What's happening?"

"You are registered as Vaela Jor," Vincenzo said, "and there has just been a holovid news bulletin proclaiming you are assassinated. I know this is a lot of stuff at one time, but you need to know. If anybody finds out that you are here, they will probably want to try to do what they said was already done. As your doctor I can limit the number of people that can see you."

He took her hand in his. "This is going to take a long time," he continued, "but you will get through. For now, concentrate on getting better and let the rest of the world sort itself out. You're in no shape to help at the moment, but we're going to do everything we can to help you."

Her mind was a jumble of thoughts, each increasingly unsettling than the last. She, or at least someone modelling as herself, had been murdered. But she'd been smuggled out of the palace...by whom? "Find Liam," she whispered thickly. "Liam Zaneth...he's a Jedi. I need him here." Her tear-glazed eyes beseeched Vincenzo while her hand weakly squeezed his own. "Please. Find him."

"I will try," Vincenzo said, "you have any idea where I can start?" It would otherwise be very difficult to find a man who probably didn't want to be found, he didn't add.

She shook her head dejectedly. "If he's on the run...I have no idea where to look." Yelara sighed and closed her eyes briefly. "I'm very tired, Doctor. I...I should sleep. There's so much to think about...."

"True," Vincenzo said, "think about the two treatment options, and if you have any questions, you can always ask me. With the growth factors we're giving you we can keep your disease stable, but I'd like to start the treatment as soon as possible. One more thing for your safety, I'm going to put on your chart that you have hallucinations. If you make a mistake and use your real name, then we can attribute it to that."

Yelara smiled curiously at this unexpected ally. "Thank you... Thank you so much."

"Oh, one more thing," Vincenzo said, "Liam, does he have access to spaceships? It might be an easy way to track him."

"I really don't know," she murmured, eyelids beginning to drift closed. "Shaza...Shaza Nightshade might know. They were...were close at one time."

"I'll try to find him," Vincenzo promised, "you focus on getting better." As she was falling asleep again, he did a last check of her vitals and then left the room. This was going to be fun, trying to find a person who had to be very good at not being found.

---

"What's Happening With Me"
by Chun Li - PI
and Laszlo Esik - Crewmember of the Altdorf

Date: Selene 24, 5 ABY
Location: Corellian Corvette Altdorf, en route to Bothawui

***

Li was reading the datapads she had gotten from Fenn. There had been security on them, but she was slicer enough to get through it. She had let Lorgal check it out as well, to see if there had been more layers then she could find, but there were none, or at least none that he could find. As the cabin she had was very small, she was sitting on her bed to read, or better, lying on it. While she was reading, her free hand was wandering over her body, ending up on her crotch. Just one touch there and she was aflame again. She sighed while her hand moved into her pants. She had lost count of how many times she had gone through this today. For some reason she always started rubbing herself, and it always got down to bringing herself to a serious orgasm, often even more then one. Just one touch was enough to get going lately. She had tried to fight it, but it never worked.

Sighing again as her hand got down to business, the put the datapad on the little nightstand next to her bed and took the item that was on there. Wriggling out of her pants, she spread her legs and placed the item, a large vibrator she had bought on Commenor on her clit. She wasn't wearing any panties at the moment, as she had decided not to put them back on after the 3rd time she had taken them off. While her other hand went to her breasts, she switched the thing on and exactly nothing happened.

Frustrated, she thumbed it of and on again. Still nothing. Throwing the thing to the side, she put her pants back on. She had to control herself, and first check what was wrong with her new toy. She dug in her closet for the box with the manual, and started checking things, while one hand kept rubbing over her body, paying particular attention to her breasts. Her nipples were standing out, as they had the whole day.

"Oh crap," she said to herself as she read that the first thing you should do is charge the batteries. Clearly they had held some charge, but Li had been using the toy quite intensively. Now she would have to wait for 12 hours before the batteries were recharged.

Li took the datapad again, but her mind wasn't really into it. She was far too aroused at the moment to concentrate on her reading. She needed something inside her, and her fingers wouldn't do, she could feel that already. So she stood up and left her quarters. Even though there was no real day-night cycle in starships, there were moments when there were less people in the corridors, usually dependent on the day-night cycle of their home planet. And this was such a moment.

It took her a while to find a crewmember, and it was one she recognised. Laszlo something, an engineer, and a very young one. That was good, as she had a good excuse to get him in her room. "Excuse me, Laszlo" she said. He stopped and turned around.

"Yes, miss," he said. He wasn't sure where she was in the ship's hierarchy, but definitely higher than him. He was only 17 and it was his first trip on the Altdorf.

"You're an engineer, right," Li asked, trying to play it out. It was good exercise in keeping herself under control, although some parts of her wanted nothing more then just pounce on the young man.

"That is correct, miss," he said.

"And you know something about small equipment," she asked next.

"Of course, miss," he said, "I repair all the datapads and blasters on this ship. You have a problem?"

Although his shift had already ended, he wasn't going to say no to this woman. You never knew what trouble you could get into. "A small one," Li said, "Come on, let's see."

"I'll get my toolbox," he said.

"It won't be necessary," she said, "I have a lot of tools. It's just that I don't know how to do this."

"Okay," he said, as he followed her. She looked very nice, he thought, even though he couldn't see much, as she didn't wear those very tight form-fitting clothes some other women wore.

Arriving in Li's quarters, she locked the door behind him. He hadn't seen that she had locked the door, and was now looking for the device he was supposed to repair.

"Here it is," Li said, giving him the vibrator, "see, it doesn't work anymore."

She flipped it on and after a couple of seconds back off again. Laszlo was blushing. "C'mon," Li said, putting her hand on his shoulder, "don't tell me you've never seen one of those before. But you can see that I have a problem now." Her hand moved over his back towards his ass, where it stopped. He didn't move, but she could see that she had an effect on him. And judging by what she could see through his pants, it was going to be fun. He might be inexperienced, but as he was very young, he should have great stamina.

"Don't worry about that," she said, putting her toy away, "it's just a question of dead batteries. But I think you can help me otherwise, don't you?" Her other hand joined the first on his body, but at the front, feeling him up. It definitely could be a very nice night. She pushed him on the bed and straddled him. In a quick motion she lifted her shirt, leaving her topless as she hadn't bothered with a bra. Her breasts weren't big so she didn't need one, although on her petite frame they looked very nice. They were also extremely sensitive, specially the last couple of days.

"Don't be shy," she said as she took his hands and placed them on her breasts. Even the touch on its own was enough to make her moan, and she rubbed her crotch against his.

This seemed to bring him out of the hypnosis he had been under, and he started to massage her breasts. As he was inexperienced, Li guided his hands and was quickly moaning non-stop. She leaned over so he could add his mouth to the stimulations, something she greatly appreciated. Again she had to guide him a bit, but he was a quick learner and it didn't take long for her to experience her first orgasm of this session. Her cry of passion had to be heard halfway through the ship, but she didn't care.

She moved of him and quickly got rid of her pants. The next move was to start undoing his, which were also quickly discarded, underwear and all. His member stood already straight up, and Li gasped. It was big. She crawled back on the bed and placed a kiss on it.

"I'm going to take good care of you," she whispered to the head, before taking it into her mouth. The young man was quite aroused already and after only a short period he moaned and came in her mouth. She just kept sucking until he was spent.

"I'm sorry," he said, "but..."

"Don't worry," Li whispered to him, "I'm sure we can go a couple times more. You're still young, but you'll last longer next time."

"Next time," he asked.

"Of course," Li laughed, "as many times as we can."

"But I have to be on duty..."

"You silly man," Li said as her hands moved over his chest, "I'll simply tell the captain that you were helping and that it took longer then we expected. And we wouldn't be lying, right?"

As a grin spread on his face, she moved herself in a classical 69 position. "Now, let's get started for round two," she said to him as she took him in her mouth again. He was a bit startled but soon followed, and while he was a bit clumsy, by moving her body a bit now and then she could teach him what she liked. He was again a quick study and it didn't take long for Li to orgasm again.

"You're wonderful," she said, "a couple of years to learn some extra tricks and you're a super lover. Now I want you inside me."

She moved to straddle him and guided him inside her. As she sank down, another cry escaped from her lips. He was rather large and she stretched to take him in.

"I didn't hurt you," he asked.

"No silly," Li said, "on the contrary. Now just relax and enjoy." She started to move up and down on him, and soon he started meeting her trusts. Li smiled as his hands moved to her breasts and her moans only grew louder.

Ten minutes and three orgasms later, Li decided it was time for something else. She moved of him, and gave him a deep kiss before he could protest. Then she moved on all fours.

"Take me from behind," she said. He moved and entered her again, hesitant at first, but with more force as he gained confidence. He started massaging her breasts again, pinching her nipples. Li moaned and started to push back against him. It didn't her long to reach yet another orgasm, and this time it was too much for him too.

Five minutes later they were lying snuggled against each other, Li's head on Laszlo's chest. One of her hands was on his tight, softly stroking his leg, and one of his hands was doing the same with her. Her other hand moved between her legs, feeling their combined liquid between her thighs. They were silent, and Li was thinking. Thinking why she had done this, why she hadn't been able to control herself, why she could orgasm from even the lightest touch.

"I never thought it could be like this," Laszlo said dreamily, "I mean, I've only had sex a couple of times, but this is something special."

"I liked it too," Li responded, "you might need a little more experience, but you're very enthusiastic and you have great stamina. And that experience will come."

"You know what I really found surprising," he said as he moved his hand to the top of her mound, "that it feels so smooth."

"I like it smoothly shaven," Li said as she felt the urge build in her again now he was moving his hand so near her entrance. She moved her hand as well, and quickly felt him reacting as well.

An hour later, Li was looking at Laszlo, already half asleep. He hadn't been able to fight of the sleep any longer. She was not yet panicking, but she didn't like the control she normally had slipping away. Sighing, she rested her head on Laszlo's chest. She knew she would be sore tomorrow, but it would be a good sore, and she would recover quickly anyway. Five minutes later she was asleep.

---

“Return to an Old Way, Part 2”
Kylen Muston – Engineer/Smuggler
Heelan (NPC) - Smuggler

Location: An Unknown Space Station, Space, and Drogen
Date: Selene 24, 5 ABY

***

Again, Heelan woke him a few minutes before coming off the jump. This time, the world looked more hospitable. The side Kylen saw was about half water and half land, not nearly enough information to try and determine where he was. Heelan directed the ship to a space station above the planet, and docked without a problem. When they exited the ship, Kylen was amazed to find himself surrounded by Imperial stormtroopers! They were standing at the ready, and it looked like they were going to receive the cargo that Heelan had brought.

Kylen’s feelings for Heelan immediately turned from mild dislike and disappointment to hatred. He couldn’t believe that anyone would help the people who had destroyed his planet. He quickly realized he should not betray his origins, and was glad that he hadn’t told Heelan of his heritage. He masked the emotions on his face and quickly decided to be a Corellian if anyone asked him. No one ever questioned a smuggler who said they were from Corellia. He watched, trying to both remain and appear calm, as Heelan met with an officer. The two men talked briefly, then the officer left. Heelan came over to Kylen and began speaking to him.

“We’ll be here overnight. I’m staying on the ship, they want to talk with you, then you’ll be put up in a guest room. This is their standard practice for newcomers, so don’t worry, you’ll be fine. I’ll call you on the comlink again when it’s about time to leave.”

Kylen was led away by a pair of stormtroopers to a rather spartan room a good distance away from the docking bay. The troopers took up positions on both sides of the door, and another officer entered. Kylen knew nothing of the marking he wore on his uniform, but guessed that the man was from Imperial Intelligence. The man never introduced himself, but he led Kylen through a series of questions:

“What is your name?”

“Kylen Muston.”

“Where do you hail from?”

“Corellia.”

“What is your business here?”

“I’m with Heelan, we brought you a load of cargo.”

“You do not know the contents?”

“No, he pays me to work, not ask questions.”

“Have you ever served in the Imperial Armed Forces?”

“Never have.”

There were a number of other questions following these 5, but Kylen answered them all as void from emotion as he could, while trying to stick to his story of being Corellian. The Intel officer finished his interrogation and released Kylen. The troopers marched him down the hall, about halfway back to the docking bay, and put him in a ‘guest room,’ which really meant a prison cell with a window to the corridor. The door wasn’t locked however, and he was told where the nearest refresher was and where a messhall was, that he could find food at.

They left him alone for the time being, and Kylen visited the ‘fresher and the mess to both check them out and pass the time. He found that no one would talk to him, so he just returned to the guest room and slept, hoping to pass the time as quickly as he could. He woke and checked his chronometer, finding that was 0330. He needed to use the refresher, and started to walk down the corridor as he oriented himself. He thought he heard footsteps behind him, and he turned around to find a lone stormtrooper about 10 meters back. He decided that it was nothing and continued on his way to the ‘fresher station.

He used the spacious, public refresher and just as he was about to step back out into the corridor, the stormtrooper entered. He still thought it was a coincidence, and tried to step around the armored figure. He was met with a rifle butt to the gut. The trooper took off his helmet and sneered at him.

“There’s no way you’re a Corellian. I am, and I’d never believe that you are. Too bad my superiors didn’t believe me, because now I’m going to take it out on you and make them rethink it in the morning,” he stated. His lashed and kicked Kylen a number of times in the stomach and chest. Kylen tried to think about it, but his reflexes took over. He reached out, grabbed the booted foot, and twisted his entire body from the hips, sharply bringing the foot with him. The trooper started to go down, and Kylen heard a crack when the back of the man’s head hit the wall. In a flash, Kylen was on top of him, with a vibroknife at the man’s throat. He expected to have to force the man into submission, but oddly met with no resistance. He waited a moment, then checked for a pulse. Nothing. He ran through the events in his mind, and slowly rolled the man over and felt the back of his head. There it was. A sharp fracture at the point where the skull met the spinal column. The man had died instantly.

Kylen stood up and sheathed his knife. What would he do now? A dead body and no good explanation because the man had tried to bully information out of him. Kylen suddenly had a bright flash of insight. The man was almost the same size as him. Kylen quickly stripped the armor off him and pieced it all together back on himself. He found a datacard with the man’s name and bunk location on it. He didn’t even bother with the name, but as soon as he was ready, he stuffed the body in a small storage area in the ‘fresher room. He left the refresher and quickly found his way to the man’s bunk. He found a large black bag, designed to hold the armor in place for cleaning. He took it with him and made his way back to Heelan’s ship. In a stroke of luck, the gangway was down. He glanced around, saw that there was only one trooper on duty, all the way across the docking bay.

With minimal waiting, he got to the ship and up the gangway without being seen. He quickly got into his room, as quietly as he could to avoid alerting Heelan. He removed the armor and packed it in the bag, stowing it out of sight. He made his way back to his guest room a few minutes later, and laid down. He knew that he wouldn’t be able to sleep again, partly because a man had just died, and partly because he was both hurt and nervous about being discovered.

He stared off for a long time, but eventually, sleep did come. When he woke in the morning to a knock on the door, he only groaned a little bit, and he did it quietly to himself. He dragged himself up and tried to disguise his movements to keep it unknown that he had suffered a beating last night. He answered the door, and was greeted by the same Intel officer from yesterday and a pair of troopers. They didn’t immediately aim their carbines at him, and the thought that he hadn’t been discovered flew to his mind. The officer handed him a stack of forms and led him through filling them out. After he finished, he was marched back to Heelan’s ship, and released to Heelan’s custody. The cargo had been unloaded and exchanged, and Heelan was looking impatient, so they didn’t waste any time. Once they were off the station, Heelan relaxed a little and before too long they were in hyperspace. Only then did Heelan return to normal, or at least to the state that Kylen thought was normal for him. They didn’t talk at all on the trip back, and when they returned to Drogen, Heelan unceremonially handed Kylen the cred chips and then walked into Kylen’s cabin and came out with the large black bag and practically threw it into Kylen’s hands.

“Here, now don’t ever put my life on the line again! If you want to take on stormtroopers, do it on your own time, not while I’m paying you to help me. Now get out of my sight!” Heelan exclaimed.

“Wait! It wasn’t like that! The stormtrooper attacked me!” Kylen tried to exclaim, but Heelan had already pushed him down the open gangway and walked back, closing it as he went.

With no other options at this point, Kylen carried the bag back to his quarters. He opened it up to check the contents. The full set of the armor was still there, as well as the E-11 blaster rifle that was common issue to almost all stormtroopers. The utility belt was there, but some of the compartments were opened. Kylen guessed that Heelan must have found it and helped himself, since he was angry and probably felt like he needed to get something out of the deal. He wasn’t too worried about it. He repacked the bag and stored it, taking extra care to keep it out of sight.

With nothing else to do, and it being just after noon, Kylen took the turbolift up to 401 and reported in for a half day of work. He put on a little show to make it look like he was still grieving, but what he really needed was to take his mind of Heelan. The man had unsettled him, first by not turning out to be the fatherly figure, and then by exploding at him on the trip home. Kylen worked out his frustrations with a hydrospanner, and started to settle back into life on Drogen.

---

"The Getaway, Part 1"
by Zarrak
and Dani

Date: Selene 24, 5ABY
Location: From Thanatos to New Plouton

****

Zarrak increased the throttle on the landspeeder and didn't look back to see if he missed and if he did hit them if they were getting up. His heart was pounding in his chest and he worried it would explode from all the stress.

He glanced around his shoulder and notice Dani was still in the back seat. She didn't appear to be harmed in any way which was good thing. Now all he had to do was find a safe place for them two of them to hide.

I am in some deep shit now, he thought to himself. He was in the same speeder as the woman he just betrayed not to long ago. He was taking a chance, if she didn't believe him then he'd be dead. Not to mention he just stole a target from two fellow bounty hunters.

From where she was slumped in the seat beside him, Dani groaned and shifted. A brief moment passed and she was suddenly wide awake, bolting upright in her seat and taking a quick assessment. Her hand groped for the lightsaber that wasn't there. She spotted it on the other side of where Zarrak sat. She realized then that the other two weren't there and the speeder was travelling at a high rate of speed. She fixed her gaze upon Zarrak. "What's going on, Zarrak? Where are the others? Where are you taking me?"

"I'm saving you," was all the Dug had to say. "And as for the others well let's just say they're taking a nice nap. And I'm taking you to a safe house. Only thing is you may have to act like my slave girl as well as look like one." He glanced back at her. "If you can try to make your clothes look like something a pleasure slave would wear."

"Sure," Dani said. "I'm sure we can stop somewhere and grab some things to make me look more like a slave. We'll probably have better luck in New Plouton, and it's easier to disappear in the city than out here. Will I be able to let Raeila and the others know what happened?"

Zarrak nodded. "Yeah you can let them know. And, Dani, I'm sorry if it seemed like I betrayed you. Now we're both going to be hunted." He glanced at her. "And now I'm going to do everything in my power to help you get out of this."

"Whoever is running this is doing it from Arcadia," Dani said. "They want Nieme and I back so they can beat their chests and tell themselves how superior they are. They want the rest of the Jedi for protecting us. I imagine they'll want you as well now. I don't know what's happening in the Palace, but something bad is going on. Though, I guess making sure we're clear is the first course of business for us. When we get to a place for clothing, you should choose. I don't think it would look appropriate for me to be choosing for myself."

For the remainder of the drive Zarrak was silent. He was musing. They finally entered New Plouton and Zarrak went to work looking for clothes at a local shop.

He found something that would fit him. It was a Dug robe and it would allow Zarrak to conceal his weapons better.

He then grabbed something for Dani. It was just a simple dewback skin bikini and a dewback skin miniskirt imported from Tatooine.

He quickly paid for the clothes and handed Dani's too her while he changed into his robe. It made him look more like a rich slave owner than his original getup.

Dani stripped out of the bodysuit she'd been wearing and then donned the new outfit. It left most of her purple skin exposed and she found herself thankful it was summer. She kept the choker in place and the cuff circling her right bicep as well as the low boots; they were black and matched the bikini and miniskirt that had been dyed black as well. "I'll need to do something about my hair later," she said as she coiled it into as ornate a braid as she could given the lack of mirror and other styling tools. "I should dye it red or black. More makeup should also change my appearance enough. Still can't past the fact that purple tends to stand out quite a bit here in this land of pasty white people." She gave him a smile. "Thank you for helping me, Zarrak. It means very much to me."

Zarrak nodded at her. "It's not a problem. I owe you for that time at the Temple." She did look good in the outfit and he grinned at her. "Know of any places where we can get you some makeup?"

"I'm sure if we drive up a little further we'll find a place," Dani said. "Where's your safe house? I can contact Raeila from there and let her know I'm safe."

"My safe house used to be an old club, I think," he replied. "I'd rather not give you the exact location since I'm not sure who is listening."

He continued to drive until he found a place. He glanced at it and then at Dani. "Please don't make me go in there and pick out some stuff for you. I have to protect my pride, y'know."

Dani laughed. She reached back to grab some credits from within one of the hidden pockets of her old outfit, then gave Zarrak a quick kiss. "I'll be right back then," she said.

She disappeared inside the shop, and noticed that it was very near to closing time for them. She gave the clerk a smile, and the woman's eyes nearly fell out of her head when she saw Dani's outfit. Picking out the right make-up was almost second-nature to Dani, and soon she approached the counter along with a bottle of coloring for her hair.

The woman gave a sniff of disapproval as she began running a scanning wand over Dani's purchases. "Perhaps you should consider our selection of clothing," the woman finally said, unable to hold her tongue any longer. "That is hardly appropriate attire for a woman to wear to bed, let alone parading around the street like a tramp."

Dani dipped into a curtsey. "I am sorry I have offended, noble lady," she said. "My master will not permit me any other attire." She indicated Zarrak waiting out in the speeder. "He desired that I enhance my appearance with these. Will these be enough for the purchase?"

The woman scowled. "More than enough," she said, and pushed several coins back toward Dani. "You're a slave then? I abhor that practice, and wish they would outlaw it on this planet. Bestial and barbaric is what it is. You should be free, like all people are. Not property."

"I am a pleasure slave, noble lady," Dani answered meekly. "It is the only life I have known. I tried to flee, but my master used me very poorly when I was caught. I shall not disappoint him again." She bobbed another curtsey and picked up the cosmetics.

The woman was still grumbling as Dani exited the shop and climbed back into the speeder with Zarrak. She gave him a grin. "She didn't even recognize me."

Zarrak glanced at the window and noticed the woman was looking at him with disgust written on her features. He glanced over at Dani.

"Judging by her looks I assume you told her that I'm a bad master," he replied, his voice actually seemed pleased and relieved that so far their little coup was working.

He started up the speeder again and brought them to the little safe house. He entered it first and noticed no one had sneaked in while he was gone. Soon the Dug reappeared and gestured for Dani to show up.

"How did you get so lucky, Karraz?" a Twi'lek asked. The Twi'lek was called Grel and was the local spice addict. "Zeltron pleasure slaves don't come easy."

"I know some people," Zarrak replied. Grel nodded and walked off. Once he was gone he turned to Dani and grinned. "Karraz is just name I used to get this place. Grel looked like he was all spiced up so I doubt he'll remember seeing you. Well follow me and I'll show you where you can contact Raeila."

"Perfect," Dani said as she adjusted her skirt. "I shouldn't be long. Wonder where he gets the spice and if he has a little extra. After everything that's happened, I could use a hit of something. Besides, it wouldn't hurt to play the part more fully, just in case someone takes notice. And, Dani won't do for a name. How about Alya, unless you had a slave name picked out for me already."

"Alya is fine," he replied, kissing her hand and winking at her. "Sounds sultry I like it. So I guess you can call me Master then or Karraz. For all they know Karraz could mean 'Master' in my native tongue." He then grinned at her. "I'll see where Grel keeps his stash."

He then led her to area where she could contact Raeila. "There you are. I checked to make sure it was clean when I first got here. I found no bugs on it at all."

As he left to give her some privacy he gave her a quick playful slap on the rear.

---

"The Getaway, Part 2"
by Dani
and Zarrak

Date: Selene 24, 5ABY
Location: Somewhere in New Plouton

***

Dani emerged from the room and found Zarrak. "All done," she said. "They're still worried, but not as much so."

Zarrak was sitting on a bed with a bottle of wine from Naboo and two glasses. He poured himself one and he poured another to Dani.

"Here's to surviving," he replied, taking a long sip of his wine. "And I'm afraid this is the only bed. But it could help make our roles more believable."

"I had expected that," Dani said with a grin as she joined Zarrak on the bed. "And to surviving," she added, as she sipped her wine. She was silent for several minutes, drinking and thinking "I don't know what our next step should be, except maybe lying low. Even trained as a Jedi, I'm out of my element. I've worked as a cargo tech, a ship mechanic, and I know how to please in bed. I'm not so used to be hunted though, or stopping the hunters from hunting me."

Zarrak slipped an arm around Dani's bare middle, enjoying how her soft flesh felt to the touch. He finished his wine and placed the glass on a nightstand next to the bed.

"I am planning a little card game with Grel and a few others," he replied. "These guys are no loyalists to any form of a government but I figure they may know something about what is going on. This way we can stay one step ahead of the game."

His hand-like foot was now rubbing her leg and he was grinning at her.

Dani set her own glass aside and began to gently offer him caresses, massaging his muscles and helping them both to relax. "One step head is good," she murmured. "I'll play the perfect pleasure slave, and keep my mouth closed, but if I think of any questions I can whisper them to you." She bent down to him and trailed a string of kisses to his lips. "The palace hired you, didn't they? Do you know who tipped the off where I was? They've probably got spies and informers all over, but I'd think Thanatos would be one of the harder places for them to infiltrate."

Zarrak returned her kisses as they came to his lips and he felt himself relax at the massage she giving him. Not only that he was becoming aroused and he leaned his head back.

"The woman who gave us the job was a pale woman," he replied. "As far as spies I'm not sure. But there was something about her...her body language screamed 'royalty'. She's obviously a high ranking official at the palace."

His large hand caressed her cheek and then tried to remove her top. "Want to have a little fun?" he asked.

"Always," Dani whispered as his hands pulled her top away and dropped it to the floor. While most in the galaxy may find Dugs repulsive, having been with Zarrak before, she knew that he was not only a wonderful lover, but she found him cute besides. She had a gift for being able to find beauty in all beings (though, there were a few decided exceptions). This time was because she wanted to be with him, not as a payment.

And so she leaned him back on the bed and pushed his robe up and out of the way. With a smile, she began to pleasure him while his hand-like-feet played through her hair. If they were walked in on now, they'd definitely look their respective parts. The next few days would certainly be interesting.

Zarrak grunted in pleasure as she began to please him. His feet played with her hair and he pulled her even closer to his body. He kissed her breasts with all the passion his tiny yet powerful body had in it.

He found himself feeling something for the lovely Zeltron before him that he never thought possible. It was genuine affection. When he first met her it was lust now it was becoming something else.

Dani smiled at Zarrak, a knowing smile that came from her empathy. There was a definite tenderness in her coupling this time that had been absent before. While Dani always committed emotionally to any of her partners, there was definitely something more this time. Their bodies were not sized or shaped to be a good fit as they lay together, not the way two Zeltrons or two Dugs would have been, but they seemed to manage much more comfortably this time than they had at the Temple. As he entered her, Dani wound the pleasure they were sharing together and released it as pheromones, heightening their experience even further.

***

A ring from a comlink snapped Zarrak out of the blissful realm of sleep he had just entered. He rolled over and grabbed it with his foot and handed it to his large hand.

"Hello?" he asked, he sounded groggy still. He glanced over at Dani and stroked her hair lovingly.

"Karraz, this is Grel. You remember we have our card game tonight, right?"

Zarrak told the Twi'lek he did and then tried to wake Dani up. "Come on, put on the makeup and dye your hair. Grel and some of the others are coming over for a card game, with any luck they might have some information."

He rolled out of the bed, took a quick shower and dressed again in his robes, straightening them.

Dani was finishing dying her hair when Zarrak finished robing himself. She gave him a smile. "Just a minute or so and this will be set, then I'll be able to shower too," she said. She regathered her top and skirt and set them aside to be put on again once she was clean. After removing her choker and armband, she stepped into the refresher and took a quick shower. It felt good to be clean again after her fight in the desert. She laughed when she emerged from the 'fresher to find Zarrak watching her. She pulled on both the bikini top and miniskirt. The make-up went quickly and easily, and she finally put her choker and armband back on. She was just putting her boots back on when there was a knock at the door.

"Party time," she said.

Zarrak opened the door and let the group in. It was comprised of Grel, who handed Zarrak some spice, a bald-headed human with his beard pulled into a braid, a Rodian, and a crafty looking Bothan with a scar running down his left eye. The Bothan was his informant and he hoped he had some intel, but first the game.

The Bothan, who went by Eacopad, knew Zarrak only as Karraz and assumed he was interested in finding the Jedi because he had a grudge against them.

"Alya!" Zarrak shouted once they were at the table and Eacopad was dealing the card. "Get our guests something to drink and while you're done rub my shoulders for a bit."

"Of course, Karraz," Dani said and bowed, then scurried out of the room to retrieve the drinks.

Eacopad nodded approvingly at Dani's retreating form, then gave Zarrak a smile. "You must be sitting well to afford a Zeltron, Karraz," he said as he smoothed the brow over his good eye. "She'll definitely make for pleasant company during the game." He set the stack of cards aside as everyone now had their hands. "This is the part where I take all of your money. Perhaps when the night is over, I'll be the one sitting well with a Zeltron massaging my intimates."

Zarrak watched Dani go and he licked his lips before he turned his attention back to the Bothan. He shook his head at Eacopad's comment and ignored the murmuring of the other men at the table.

"Keep on dreaming you over grown womp rat," he growled, picking up his cards. "Grel, it's your hand."

Grel's head was sinking, it was obvious he was going to be all spiced up for the card game. Zarrak slammed his fist on the table and the Twi'lek's eyes snapped open.

"It's your hand, you doped-up worm-head!"

Grel looked confused and murmured passed which caused Zarrak to curse in Huttese.

Dani returned as Grel was managing to figure out what he was supposed to do with his cards. She placed a tray of drinks near the table. She started distributing the drinks, and as she was giving Eacopad his, the Bothan's hand disappeared up under her short skirt. The sound she made was somewhere between a squeak and a cry, and ended up nearly spilling his drink. The Bothan made a show of licking his finger and gave her a sly grin as he raised the bets out on the table. Once the drinks had been given out, Dani moved behind Zarrak and began to massage his small shoulders.

Zarrak glared at Eacopad. If the Bothan didn't have the information he needed he'd bust his face. He growled and sipped his drink.

The Dug placed down one of his cards and watched as Ull, the Rodian cursed and passed.

Sabaac was a game Dani had never been able to understand, and as she worked at the knots in Zarrak's muscles, she tried to figure out what they were doing. As they worked their way around the table again, she found herself thoroughly lost and gave up trying to figure it out. Interestingly though, she could easily tell who thought they had the best hands. While their faces remained neutral, she could certainly feel the excitement of the good hands and the disappointments of the bad. Perhaps it was a good thing she was terrible at games like this.

Zarrak now picked up a card and placed it into his deck. It was an Idiot. If only he had a 2 and 3 then he'd be able to win by using the Idiot's Array, but he no such luck.

"Lower," he told Alya. He was watching Eacopad, wondering what the Bothan had planned.

Dani complied with his wish and moved her hands down his back.

A smile curled Eacopad's lips, and he added dropped several coins into the Pots, and gave Zarrak a knowing nod.

Zarrak tossed in some of his coins and a bag of spice that Grel had given him. He noticed how the Twi'lek's dull pink eyes eyed the pack carefully.

The human backed out and now it seemed like it was just Grel, Eacopad, and Zarrak. Grel was sweating and Zarrak tossed Eacopad a cocky grin.

Zarrak pulled Dani down into the chair next to him and held his card next to her lips.

Grel placed his cards on the table. He had two commander face cards which counted as twelve, a master card which counted as 14 and an Ace which equaled 15. Altogether he had 53 points, which caused him to automatically lose since he went over 46 points. The Twi'lek's head hit the table and he cursed in his native language.

"Kiss the cards for good luck, Alya," he replied.

She smiled then planted a very sensual kiss upon the surface of Zarrak's cards.

Zarrak grinned at Dani while she kissed his cards. He kissed her lips while he placed them down. His eyes glanced down at his cards. He had scored 26 points.

Eacopad flipped over the first of his cards revealing The Evil One. The second card was the Balance. His eyes flashed as he gave Zarrak a toothy smile. With a total of negative twenty-eight, there was a slim chance the third card he was holding would win him the pot. He flipped the final card. A Six of Flasks, giving him a hand of negative twenty-two.

The Dug watched the Bothan carefully. It had been a while since he last played Sabaac and his yellow eyes blinked for a bit.

"So, who won?" he asked, licking his lips. He hoped Eacopad would just give him the information without making any sort of demands from the Dug. That would be bad for the Bothan.

"You went over twenty-three," Eacopad said. "I didn't. I win." He smiled. "A good game though, to be sure. Close, but good."

The others all got up and left the table. Grel tried to get his spice back but Zarrak slapped the Twi'lek's hand away.

"Well do you have the info?" Zarrak asked. He was already reaching for the pouch full of credits he promised Eacopad.

He watched the Bothan carefully. If necessary Zarrak would protect Dani and if killing Eacopad fell in the category of protecting her then he'd do it. He only hoped that the furry humanoid saw that there was no way he was letting the Zeltron out of his sight.

Eacopad returned Zarrak's gaze for several moments, before saying: "The Jedi, I may have a lead. They're all spread out all over, but I tracked a snubnose from their Temple and got a good idea where it went. The game was fun, but you didn't raise the stakes enough. So, I'll up the ante just a little. You know you've got a sweet treasure there, and all I want is a sample. One hour with your pleasure slave, and I'll give you all the information I have on that ship."

"How do I know you won't run off with her?" Zarrak asked. He then reached into his pocket and handed Eacopad another pouch. "It's either this pouch and the pouch I gave you or I go inside and tear apart your ship."

He whispered in Dani's ear. "Do you want to go with him? I'd rather not let you out of my sight. You're too important to me right now."

"If it gets us the information," Dani whispered back. "It's only an hour."

Eacopad watched the silent exchange and sighed. "When have I ever steered you wrong, Karraz? Besides, she's just a pleasure slave, a very valuable one, but what's the point of having such valuable property if you can't make good use of her services? I have no doubt if you sold her out, you could make a very good profit. I estimate ten thousand a night given the right clientele. Still, all I'm asking for is an hour of her very charming and beautiful time. At the end of that time, I give you the information you want. If you're afraid of me skipping out, you can watch me if you'd like. Hell, Karraz, I'll be naked. You can hold on to my clothing if you trust me so little."

"Fine," Zarrak growled. "You have one hour. Starting now."

He gave Dani a gentle push towards Eacopad and he glared at the Bothan. He much rather would've beaten it out of him, but the Dug new that being subtle was the only way to get things done now.

"See you in an hour, Karraz," the Bothan said, then took Dani by the hand and led her away.

***

An hour later, looking both quite pleased and somewhat tired, Eacopad returned. "I don't know what you paid for her, but it couldn't have been enough. She is amazing. I must go to Zeltros and find one for myself." He grinned. "But first, I understand you're looking for information regarding those Jedi, along with a good number of other people."

Zarrak nodded at Eacopad. "That is correct. So what did you find out? Who is behind all of this?"

He motioned for Dani to come to him. He wanted to make sure if she was alright. If she wasn't, Eacopad would either leave here in a body bag or in a lot of physical anguish.

Wearing nothing, Dani sat beside Zarrak. Her hair was damp, an indicator that she'd showered after her time with Eacopad. "I'm fine," she whispered, then kissed his cheek.

"Someone in the palace," the Bothan said. "Anything more, I can't say. The Jedi are hiding in a warehouse just outside of Vendra. Saw a ship jet out of the Temple and head there. I followed, being the curious sort I am. They weren't wearing their robes, but it was easy to tell. They got more inside, including that crazy one who was Empress."

"Nieme," Dani breathed, but Zarrak's hand on her thigh kept her from bolting for the door.

"Yeah, that's the one," he said. He gave Dani a sly look, but diverted his attention back to the Dug. "I'm sure this information could make me rich beyond my wildest dreams, and I could afford a whole harem of Zeltron pleasure slaves. But, the kind of karma turning a bunch of Jedi over to the Palace isn't something I'm all that keen on."

"Thanks for your time, Eacopad," Zarrak replied. "Right now I need some time to think. Leave us."

He glanced at Dani. So Nieme was back which couldn't be a good thing. He rubbed Dani's thigh and kissed her neck and shoulders.

Tomorrow they'd go to the Jedi and let them know what they found out. That is if they didn't kill Zarrak first.

He whispered to Dani, "We'll figure out a way to save Nieme. But first we have to find the Jedi and once we do will you stay with them? Or stay with me?" He inhaled her scent and grinned.

Before he could stop himself he blurted into her ear, "I find myself beginning to care for you. Maybe even love..."

Dani smiled at Zarrak, then kissed him tenderly. "I know," she said as she reached down along his body, her fingers skillfully touching him. "And, I didn't use up all my energy with Eacopad, and now I want to express my feelings for you."

Zarrak smiled at her and kissed her in return before moving to the bed. He stripped off the robes he was wearing and waited for Dani to join him. Tonight was going to be great.

Dani was only a moment before she joined him. With a sultry smile, she closed the door behind her, closing out the rest of the planet's troubles, at least for a few hours.

Once she joined him on the bed, the Dug began to kiss her on her lips, her cheeks, her chin, her hair, and her neck. Anywhere his lips could reach he kissed. His large hands gripped her shoulders and he smiled at her.

"Let the pleasure begin..."

---

"From Bad To Worse"
By: Raeila Selrid
Ferrig Selrid
Tralesha Zibel
Dani
Aera [NPC]
Thiri [NPC]

Location: Raeila and Kael's home, Thanatos
Date: Selene 24, 5 ABY

***

Their assignation, which was more family outing than romantic engagement, had ended prematurely once Raeila dozed off after a few minutes of star-gazing. Always looking out for his little sister, Ferrig had awakened her, encouraging Raeila to find a comfortable bed upon which to sleep rather than a cold, stone floor. She'd agreed and strolled home with Ferrig, his shoulder a prop for her head as she closed her eyes in a perambulatory slumber. No intimacy would be shared between brother and sister that night, nor would Raeila be in the mood for anything such after their return home.

Her eyes cracked open as they rounded the familiar corner leading to her home, the glaze of moisture over her eyes blurring the sight before her. Only Ferrig's gasp prompted a second look, after which Raeila tripped to a halt. "Thana," she breathed.

The wooden door that once greeted visitors was a smouldering ruin upon the stoop, wisps of ashen smoke rising from it and the broken frame. Overcoming her initial shock, Raeila broke away from her brother and sped for the home, thinking the worst.

Ferrig charged forward after Raeila with a blaster in hand. It was a smaller weapon, one that could be easily hidden in a boot, but would still do enough damage if it hit someone in the face. "Aera! Dani!" he called as he followed Rae through the door. Then gasped, "Thiri," as the young blonde girl came rushing toward them.

Aera looked up from where she was cradling someone across the room. She looked small and scared. As she shifted, the hair fell off the face of the woman she had been holding, revealing it to be Tralesha. "They came...and...and one blew up the door, but Dani made her go away. But, then the men came...and...and one of them, he shot Tralesha with something. And...and then he shot Dani, and they took her. But, Tralesha's asleep. She's still alive. I think they only put her to sleep, but...but they took Dani..."

Ferrig went to her and put his arms around her, shushing her as he did. "We'll figure out who they were and why they took Dani," he said softly. "You girls are okay?" At their nods, he looked up at Rae. "They've been broadcasting for rewards on Dani and Nieme almost non-stop. I'm guessing bounty hunters and they're on their way to Arcadia."

"But...but how would they know?" Raeila was pale and her eyes vacant as she held Thiri in an embrace. The reality of what had happened was too difficult to face. "How did they find out she was here?"

"The Palace had to have spies in Thanatos," Ferrig said, his worry clear on his face. "Someone saw Dani, and they informed. I can't think of any other way it could have happened. It had to be a Wetter spy."

"But who?" Raeila pressed, growing despondent. "She hardly went out, Ferrig! Only the Feltreys saw her last night...and you're the one who brought them here! No one would've known if you'd just left us alone."

"There was that night she and Tral went into the city," Ferrig said. "Maybe she was followed."

"But by who? Who could have done this, Ferrig, and what are they going to do to her!"

"I don't know," Ferrig said. "If they're bounty hunters, they'd take her to the palace for the reward. I don't know if we could catch them, but--" Interrupting him, the comm signalled an incoming call.

Raeila seemed momentarily confused, but once she realized the source of the chirping, she raced for the device. The person appearing on the vidscreen caused even greater bewilderment. Outfitted in a black ensemble of miniskirt and bikini top was Dani, appearing unharmed and at ease. Raeila blinked hard. Dani remained before her, confirming what her eyes had seen. "Dani?" she whispered in amazement. "What-- What's going on? Where are you?"

"I'm in a safe house," Dani said. "The channel is scrambled, so we have time. I don't know if you remember the Dug who came when I returned from the desert. He's a bounty hunter, and he and some others were hired to come get me and take me back to the palace. I figure they want to execute me, but not before making my life hell. Zarrak changed his mind at the last minute and got me away from the other two. A fourth tried to nab me earlier. She's the one who blew up the door. She also sealed the windows. I'm safe for now, but I'm going to dye my hair and try to use some cosmetics to change my appearance enough that people won't recognize me easily. And, we're using the story that I'm his pleasure slave. It was the only thing we could come up with why a Zeltron would be going around with a Dug. Meek and mild seems to be working. The clerk where I got the cosmetics didn't suspect a thing."

"But...but when can I see you? Where are you now? I'll come to you!"

"You probably shouldn't tonight," Dani said. "I'm not even sure where we are right now. I'll contact you in the morning, and we can meet. I know we're in New Plouton. Can you make it to the city?"

Raeila nodded eagerly. "I can. Where do I go? I need to see you Dani...I was so scared."

"Meet me tomorrow morning," Dani said. "There's this place with this really big bantha out front. Palace of Stars, I think it's called. Meet me there. What time is best for you?"

"As soon as you can make it," Raeila replied. "I'm leaving tonight...I'll be waiting for you in the morning."

"Okay," Dani said. "I'll see you as soon as I can."

"Wait," Ferrig said from behind Rae. "You can't go out there now. It's dark. You can go see her in the morning, Rae. At least you can sleep in your own bed tonight, and go first thing in the morning."

"Do you really think I'm going to be able to sleep after this?" Raeila shook her head decisively. "I have to go, Ferrig. I can't stay here."

"What about Aera and Thiri, unless you want me to stay here with them," Ferrig asked. "And Tralesha. I'm sure she'll just sleep for awhile, and then wake up. But...why not stay here to make sure they're okay, and then go in the morning?"

Raeila looked between Ferrig and Dani indecisively. "But...Dani" --her sorrowful gaze settled upon her friend-- "I have to be there with you...I have to."

"Can you bring them with you," Dani asked.

"She shouldn't," Ferrig jumped in. "Tralesha got hit with something, and Aera and Thiri probably wouldn't want to leave Thanatos to go to a Wetter city."

"Sure we would!" the two girls added excitedly.

Ferrig sighed. "Or, they would."

"Dani," Raeila decided exuberantly, "we're coming! I'll bring some of your clothes since you don't seem to have anything appropriate to wear."

"This is fine, Rae," Dani said. "I have to wear this with Zarrak. I don't know...maybe we could all pose as his harem while we figure out what's going on, but I need to stay with him until the government stops trying to get me."

Raeila snickered. "Ferrig's been trying to get me into a miniskirt all week. But I don't think I should give him his wish just yet. We'll keep in touch however we can. I won't give up on you, Dani, I promise."

Dani grinned. "You don't have to bring him along," she said. "And wouldn't that just kill him to know you were wearing a miniskirt and he wasn't here to see it." Her expression shifted slightly, looking more sad. "Does that mean you're not coming to New Plouton?"

"I'll be there, Dani," she reassured. "I won't play the part of concubine, but I'll be there." Raeila appeared nearly bashful as she whispered, "I love you, Dani. Be safe."

"I love you too," Dani said earnestly. "I'll see you tomorrow morning, first thing."

"First thing," Raeila affirmed ardently, then Dani's smiling face disappeared. Relieved but still saddened by Dani's absence, Raeila turned to Ferrig, Aera, and Thiri. "We should get ready. We need to make it by morning or we'll miss her. We can't miss her."

Ferrig seemed to look pleased that he was included in the whole getting ready and going part.

"I think Tralesha's starting to wake up," Aera said. Thiri hurried over and plopped down on the couch beside her sister.

It did appear that the young dark-haired woman was beginning to wake. Slowly, movement could be seen beneath her closed eyelids as her body shifted minutely in Aera's hold. The girl whispered soothing words to Tral.

Raeila joined them, with Ferrig by her side. "Do you think we should get a doctor?" she whispered to him. "What if whatever she was given is harmful to her...or the baby?"

"It's possible," Ferrig said in a returned whisper. Aera and Thiri were now both talking to Tralesha in quiet voices. "Do you think we can drop her off on the way to New Plouton? We can pick her up on the way home tomorrow."

"But why not just...let her go?" she suggested. "It would be better for her."

"Drop her off and then let her do what she wants?" Ferrig asked. "Are you sure? What about the baby?"

"She promised the baby would be mine," Rae reminded him. "She...she wouldn't lie about that. Not Tralesha, not to me."

"But, what if she was lying?" Ferrig asked. "And she gets away."

"Don't do that, Ferrig," Thiri said. "You're just being a meanie. Tralesha's nice, and if she said so, she will."

Aera looked up at him and nodded.

"Fine," Ferrig said as he rolled his eyes. "I'm outvoted."

Raeila giggled and playfully nudged her brother with an elbow. "So that means you're coming with us. You won't regret it, brother, I promise."

"Alright then," Ferrig said. "Thiri, you need to put some clothes on other than that shirt. You too Aera; get some shoes on."

Thiri dashed off to get her clothes, but Aera remained to help Tralesha sit up.

Tral blinked at Rae, still obviously drowsy from whatever the dart had injected into her system. "How long was I out," she asked.

"It was awhile," Aera said. "We're going to take you to a doctor. Dani was...captured, but she's safe. We're going to go find her." Once she was sure Tralesha was okay, she slipped off the sofa to go change clothes.

Tralesha nodded and thought about standing, but decided against it. "I feel like I've been asleep for a week."

"You'll be fine," Raeila assured her softly, sitting upon the edge of the couch to take her friend's hand. "Do you think you'll be alright to move in a while? We need to go into New Plouton, and we can't leave you here. It's not safe."

Tralesha nodded. "Yes," she said. "I'll be fine in a minute, I think."

"We're going to take you to a doctor," Ferrig said. "I think the one right over by the Feltrey house would be good, don't you Rae?"

She nodded. "Ferrig can carry you if you have trouble standing," Rae suggested. "I'm sure he'll be more than happy to."

"Are there places I can go to stay after the doctor," Tralesha asked. "Like a hotel."

"You can stay at the Feltrey house," Ferrig suggested.

"You can stay anywhere you like," Raeila corrected with an unpleasant glance Ferrig's way. "I'll lend you the creds. Whatever you want, Tralesha."

"Can I go back to the city?" Tralesha asked. "I'd just need credits to rent a speeder, then I can go to the apartment there."

"Your life is your own. Just...please remember your promise to me." Raeila squeezed her hand, her smile hopeful. "The baby...I can have my baby?"

Tralesha smiled and nodded. "Yes," she said. "Just like I promised." She started to stand up and winced. She paused briefly, then did get to her feet. She put a hand to her stomach and wavered slightly. "Stomach's a little unsettled," she added.

Raeila watched her friend with concern. "We need to get you to the doctor. Ferrig...help relieve some of her weight."

Ferrig quickly moved to help Tralesha and started helping her toward the door. "Speeder's out front," he called. "Aera, Thiri! We're going now. Tralesha needs help!"

"It's going to be fine," Raeila was assuring her friend as she helped Ferrig support her. "Just...just relax and it'll be alright."

"I feel a little lightheaded," Tralesha said as Ferrig got her to the speeder.

Aera and Thiri came rushing out together. "We're here," Thiri called.

"Is it the tranquilizer?" Raeila asked Tralesha as she ran to open the rear hatch. "Do you feel sleepy or is it something else?" She clamped down hard on her panic. "Is it...the baby?"

"I can't tell," Tralesha said. "I think...I think it's something with the tranquilizer. I don't know what was in there, but...it feels like my entire gut is on fire."

Aera and Thiri had piled into the front of the speeder with Ferrig while Raeila helped Tral into the back. Furrows creased his brow, an obvious display of his worry. But, inside, he knew in the end he was to blame. He knew, that the men who had come, they had come on the information he provided. If it was the baby, he'd probably killed his own child.

"Just breathe," Raeila whispered calmly, following Tralesha into the back seat. She stroked her hair and tenderly kissed her brow. "It's going to be fine. Everything will be fine." When Ferrig was in the speeder, their eyes met, hers bearing an urgency as she nodded for him to proceed.

While Ferrig had not had many opportunities to drive a speeder, desperation was enough to get them to the doctor. The hospital in Thanatos was not very large, but the staff was competent. The dwellings of the settlement flashed past as he kept the speeder going as fast as he could make it and still control the thing. It was only three minutes from the point where they started until the speeder slowed to a stop outside of the doctor's office. He was out of the speeder in a flash and racing inside. "Get her out, I'll get the doctor," he called.

The girls complied, each lending their own strength to supporting Tralesha. Raeila's despair was mounting, imbuing her with greater energy and allowing her to bear most of Tralesha's weight on her own. Her baby couldn't die, and wouldn't if she could prevent it. This was her last chance for happiness.

A nurse and doctor rushed out to meet them, ushering them into his office, while Aera related the tale of what had happened to the man. "She's pregnant," Raeila supplied, despite the obvious bulge in Tralesha's belly.

"Let's get her inside," the doctor said. As they got a wheeled chair for Tralesha, the man approached one of the nurses. "Prep scanning room two. We'll need a full scan. Setting five. Expecting mother who was hit by a tranq dart."

The nurse hurried down the hall to the second scanning room. The doctor motioned Raeila, Ferrig and the others to follow him.

Once inside the room, he helped move Tralesha into a chair with an older, funnel-shaped scanning device above it. Once there, he shifted the device into place, and nodded to the nurse.

It was several long minutes before he turned off the device and retrieved a datapad from the nurse. His face remained neutral, but something in his eyes said that the news was not good. Ferrig put an arm around Raeila as the doctor stepped back over to them. He looked up, paused for just a moment, and shook his head. "I'm afraid that the tranquilizer that was used was too much for the child to handle. It forced a miscarriage. I'm very sorry."

Ferrig squeezed his eyes shut, as Thiri and Aera comforted Tralesha, who had begun crying as soon as she'd seen the doctor's eyes. "We'll find a way to have another baby," Ferrig whispered to Rae. "There's still Zari and Aera looks just like you. You'll have a baby, my dearest sister, I promise."

"Shut up," she whispered woodenly, her eyes fixed to Tralesha's distended abdomen, now her unborn child's grave. Tears burned tracks down her cheeks. "Just...shut up and leave me alone. All of you," she hissed then dashed from the room.

"Stay here," Ferrig ordered, then charged after Raeila.

She had reached the speeder and was unsealing the hatch when Ferrig caught up. Noting his approach, Raeila screamed, "Leave me alone! That was my baby in there, Ferrig. Mine! And now it's gone!"

Ferrig continued on until he was nearly pinning her to the side of the speeder. "Right! It's gone! So how is running off and screaming at me going to bring it back? It's not, Rae! It won't! Be sad, be mad, but don't shut out your family! Don't take out your anger on us, the people who love you! You still have chances, but now you're going to throw them all away in your grief. Where you could have a baby, you're about to throw it all away now because you're angry! So snap out of it!"

"What do you know about any of it!" she hollered back, shoving and elbowing Ferrig wildly to no avail - he held fast to his position, caging her in with his body and long limbs. "You can stick your donga into any girl and make a baby! I've tried and tried, and nothing, so don't you dare tell me to calm down!"

"Yes, Rae," Ferrig said. "I can stick my donga into any girl and make a baby...for you. I can do it for you, Rae. I want to do it for you. Please, don't shut me out and give up. Let me help. Let me be here for you again."

Cheeks flushed and drenched to match her reddened eyes, Raeila wailed, "But there's no way, no matter what you do, to give me my own baby! I can't conceive...and that's all I want. It's all I've ever wanted, brother."

"Kael's working to fix whatever Nieme did," Ferrig said softly. "Once he comes home, she'll start looking again. He's always looking at those medical books. He'll fix whatever she did, and you and Kael will be able to have babies and babies. You just need to trust him to do it, Rae. You know if anyone can, it's Kael."

"The doctors," she told him in a quivering whisper, "they said nothing's wrong. There's nothing to fix, Ferrig...nothing anyone can see." Sobbing quietly to herself, Raeila turned her back to Ferrig and buried her face into her forearms as she crossed them atop the speeder. "I'm defective," she wept. "I'm broken and nothing can fix me."

Ferrig slipped his arms around her as he'd done so many times before. "Maybe she did something with the Force, and that's something normal doctors can't find. But Kael could. Everything looks like it should work, but it's not...so it has to be something. Something they can't see...is the Force, right?"

"I don't want false hopes, not from you, brother. You've always been honest with me." Raising her head and twisting back to look at him, she pleaded, "Don't do that to me. Don't treat me like I'm crazy. I'm not mother!"

"I don't want to give you false hopes," Ferrig answered. "If anyone can do it, it's Kael. But, I don't want you to give up hope either. You never have before, and I don't want you starting now."

"But I was so close," she reminded him plaintively. "I could have had Tralesha's baby...now I'm left with nothing again. You can't understand how that's killing me inside. I-I can't cope with it. I need to get away...and breathe."

"Did you want to go see Dani on your own," Ferrig asked. "I can stay here with Aera and Thiri. Unless you want me to help you cope. I can try to take the pain away."

Smiling weakly, Raeila turned in her brother's embrace to ask, "How are you going to do that? And wouldn't you rather comfort your woman? That was your child, too, Ferrig. But I don't think you care too much about that. No," she concluded, searching his eyes, "I don't think you care at all."

"May have come from me," Ferrig said, "but it wasn't mine. The day Tralesha found out about what I did to Zari was the last day she wanted to have anything to do with me. She wouldn't want me near. I do care, Rae, and it does hurt, but there's nothing I can do about that. I really screwed everything up."

"You did," she agreed. "But I can't help you with that, not now. At the moment, I'm more concerned with what I've lost, not you." Wedged between the speeder and Ferrig, Raeila squeezed around and again sought to open the hatch. "I'm leaving. Dani's expecting me."

"Actually, she's expecting all of us," Ferrig said, then stepped away. "But, I'll watch over Thiri and Aera while you're gone. They'll be safe."

The hatch released, and once it was raised she faced her brother again, this time with markedly less anger. "I do love you, Ferrig...and I know you're only trying to help. Too much has happened, though. I'm having trouble dealing with everything. I don't know how."

"Running out on the people who care about you isn't going to help," Ferrig said. "But, I understand you need to follow your heart, and I'm not going to stand in your way. I'll be at the house if you need me."

Raeila shook her head in disbelief and hastily slid into the speeder. Before the hatch could close fully, she glared at her brother, and muttered, "Self-righteous jerk."

"Just get out of here, Rae," Ferrig snarled back. "Go run away, run away from the people who love you and want to help. Go! When things get rough, it's the only thing you know how to do!"

The hatch raised abruptly, nearly cracking Ferrig's jaw, but fast reflexes had him jumping back out of the hatch's path. Raeila was scowling at him. "Get in," she snapped. "I won't be running away if you're with me."

"What about Aera and Thiri," Ferrig asked as he moved around to the other side of the speeder.

"I think they'll be safer without you," Raeila pointed out, and smiled smugly at him as he slipped inside. "After mention of your desire to impregnate them both, it'd be better if you weren't left alone with them."

"I guess they can walk back across to the house," Ferrig said. "Come on, let's get to New Plouton so you can be there for Dani when she shows up."

Nodding, Raeila fired up the thrusters, then smiled wanly at her brother. "Sorry I yelled at you. But...I can't take much more disappointment. I'll...die, Ferrig."

"I know," Ferrig said as he reached over and took her hand. "I'll help however I can, Rae. Whatever you need me to do, I'm here and I always will be. I've been stupid, but it's time for me to wise up."

Giggling, Raeila teased, "I'm glad you finally see things my way." She pecked his cheek with puckered lips, then revved the thrusters. "Just you and me...like it used to be, brother."

"Just you and me," Ferrig said with a grin. At least until Kael comes home again.

---

"Seeking"
by Sa'Taka Gal'traq
and Meer'esh

Location: Royal Palace, Arcadia, Tae'Karada
Date: Selene 24, 5ABY

***

Sa'Taka Gal'traq stormed through the doors of the throne room. Behind him, aides kept a safe distance, pausing just inside the door and following no further. His heavy cape streamed in his wake, billowing with the force of his movement. As he spied the single figure kneeling before the throne, his scowl deepened. With heavy footfalls, he trod past the prone form and ascended to the throne. With a flourish, he settled the cape and sat so that he was looking down upon the quaking slave.

"The High Princess is dead and the people of this wretched world know it to be true. For now, I will leave the matter of the captured Jedi aside. How did the assassin manage to enter the palace, and be wearing the armour of the palace guard? How did he manage to get so close to the high princess, and then kill her? How has this all come to pass?"

"We are...investigating," Meer'esh replied with a quiver in his delicate voice. "Ron'amon was being responsible for hiring of the mercenaries. Perhaps she had chosen badly."

"Very well," Gal'traq said. "Then we will bring Ron'amon in and discuss the matter with her. As it stands, the high princess is now dead. We will have to accelerate our plans. Without the high princess alive, you will be reassigned to a new task once the investigation is complete. Has your investigation uncovered anything thus far?"

Meer'esh's pale head raised, though his eyes barely met the Sa'Taka's before quickly lowering to the marble flooring. He maintained his composure by focusing on the pattern of gold-specked gray veins running through the tile directly in his line of sight. "The Jedi...they were coming to rescue the High Princess. We are beginning to interrogate and uncover the location of the Jedi who are hiding."

"Good," the leader said. "One of them shall be kept for leverage against the rest of the Jedi, and the other shall be executed as an example to all. Was the assassin caught?"

Meer'esh hesitated, fearful of providing an unacceptable response. "N-No, my lord. The crowd was being too thick.... He escaped. We are continuing the search, but...if I may be suggesting...?"

"Go on," Gal'traq said with a nod.

"My lord...we should not be wasting the resources searching for this person," Meer'esh reasoned, albeit nervously. "He is being an ally, in a way. If he was assassinating the High Princess, he was not approving of her ruling. He might be approving of you, Sa'Taka, if you are being different from her. Instead, we can be preparing for your ascension to the throne. Is that not being more important?"

"It is," Gal'traq stated. "We must also prepare for the landing. With the high princess dead, we must make certain order is maintained. Who is overseeing the interrogation of the Jedi?"

"He is being a military advisor...Magnus Kresk." Meer'esh panicked, suspecting Sa'Taka would not appreciate being left out of the decision-making. He added hastily, "If that is being your wish, my lord."

"Has Taka Mun'daq approved of this man?"

Meer'esh bowed his head. "He has."

"Good," Gal'traq said. "Do you know these Jedi?"

Again, Meer'esh was apprehensive about replying, for his admission could very well earn him the Sa'Taka's ire. "I...am knowing the two prisoners," he answered carefully, unconsciously bending closer to the ground until his nose was nearly touching, hoping to somehow disappear. "The one...the blue-eyed man...he was being closest to Yelara. You should be speaking to him first."

"Then I shall," the leader said. "Do you believe one or the other would be more valuable kept alive to deal with the remaining Jedi?"

His first instinct was to mark Liam for death and finally free himself of any competition for Yelara's affections. But Liam was the strongest connection to the Jedi they had, and if Meer'esh offered misleading advice to his overlords, he might not be alive long enough to enjoy his solitude with Yelara. He clenched his jaw and replied tautly, "The blue-eyed one. He is being more important. I am being certain he planned this. The others are only following."

"Very well," Gal'traq said, nodding to one of the enforcers near the door. "The blue-eyed Jedi will be spared. The other will be executed publicly. When the purple one is brought in, she will be executed along with the others. We must let these people know that they are not to go against us...not without risking our wrath."

"They shall be knowing of your greatness, my lord," he praised in supplication.

"Now leave me," Sa'Taka Gal'traq said. "Contact the planet's media regarding the execution of the traitorous Jedi."

Meer'esh nodded obediently and finally rose. He paused before departing to ask, "Shall I be having Ron'amon summoned? She is being responsible for selecting those guarding your palace, my lord. This was an error in judgement. She must be learning to take care in the future."

"Yes," Gal'traq said. "Have her brought before me. She must be instructed in how to properly qualify a guard for duty in the palace."

Refraining from actualizing the smile he felt bubbling within, Meer'esh murmured acknowledgement and took his leave, satisfied with having scored one victory over the pest, Ron'amon, and another in securing Yelara's safety by turning Gal'traq's attention towards torturing Liam. His energies, now, would be focused on currying the continued favour of his overlord so that he lived long enough to reunite with Yelara.

---

"Another Meeting, This Time in Arcadia"
by Vincenzo Lapenta - Neurosurgeon
and Sarah Lapage - Neurosurgeon (NPC)

Location: Sarah's Apartment, Arcadia
Date: Selene 24, 5ABY

***

Vincenzo stepped of the monorail in Arcadia. The sun was already setting, and the palace was nicely outlined from where he stood. He had found Sarah's address and was now on his way there. Five minutes later he stood in front of her apartment door. He rang the bell and a minute later Sarah opened. "Vince, what the hell are you doing here," she asked.

"Coming to see you," Vincenzo said.

"Come in," she said, leading him into the living room.

"Are you out of your mind," she said when the door had closed, "coming here."

"But I thought you wanted to be together from time to time," he said.

"Yes, but not here," she snapped back, "I'm married, and I have some sort of image to uphold in this place. It can even cost me my job if we are caught, thanks to those stupid laws in this place."

"Excuse me," Vincenzo said.

"Everything a woman owns is given to the man upon marriage," Sarah explained, "I'd lose everything when I get a divorce. While my husband leaves me more freedom than is the norm - I even have my own job - when I'm found cheating on him he can take everything from me. And most people here are so narrow-minded that they would never hire me."

Vincenzo hadn't known that. He hadn't really looked into the laws of Chimaeria all that closely. The basics were the same everywhere and he figured that he would learn the rest by being here. And since he wasn't married himself he hadn't really learned those laws. "I didn't know that," he said, "I'm only here for 10 days now."

"Which reminds me," Sarah said, "I received a message from you today that you weren't available due to a patient."

"Well, she's stable now," Vincenzo said, "and there's little we can do until she wakes up, if at all." This was a lie, as he knew what to do, but he didn't want to tell Sarah much more about this patient. She lived too close to the Palace and he didn't know what her loyalties were.

"That bad," she said, "how is everything at the hospital besides a bad prognosis patient?"

"Busy," Vincenzo said, "I'm tasked with setting up a neurotoxicity lab. So far just a lot of budget meetings."

"Poor boy," she said, wrapping her arms around him and kissing him.

Now it was Vincenzo's turn to be surprised. First she almost told him to bugger of, and now she's kissing him.

"Well, you're here anyway," she said when she saw his expression, "and as long as you only come here just this once, it's okay."

"Nice," Vincenzo said, kissing her back. Then they moved into the bedroom. Besides being a good place with a nice soft, flat surface, the room also didn't have any windows.

---

"Solo Training"
By Jeron Kes-Allia

Location: Tae'Sollar Desert
Date: Selene 24, 5 ABY

***

The desert. Seemingly endless dunes of sand that extended as far as the eye could see. There were no buildings, no passing vehicles, no people around... Only the hot scorching sun and a hot dry breeze. But this did not matter to Jeron, as it was perhaps the type of climate he was more used to.

Although similar to Thanatos in climate, the Tae'Sollar desert remained relatively uninhabited, except for those who came to watch the podraces. One only had to stay clear from the path of the racers to be left alone. Those were some of the reasons why Jeron and Jedi Master Gideon Kherris had chosen the Tae'Sollar desert over Thanatos. Besides, there would certainly be too many people trying to take advantage and earn a few quick credits by trying to claim the wanted prize for Jedi.

With Jeron's skills and knowledge of the desert, it was easy to make a small encampment capable of sustaining the harshness of the desert. And one thing that Jeron had found was that no matter the planet, deserts seemed to remain true to their nature and behaved similarly to one another. Jeron was glad, however, to have his Tusken Raider garments with him. Life in the desert would have been much harder to sustain without it...

Now that Master Kherris was gone to get some supplies for them, Jeron sat and meditated. The past few days there had been little to do at all, so most of the time Jeron learned from the Jedi Master. He was finding meditation much easier with each attempt, and things came faster to him. And perhaps his being closer to the desert provided him with some extra comfort and less distractions.

He finished his meditation, as Master Kherris had shown him and got up. He took a training saber into his hands and activated a remote drone. Lifting his blade up, the drone began to move. The young padawan moved along with it and breathed deep.

The first shot fired at his right hip and slightly touched him, stinging just a bit. At first, Jeron ground his teeth, but soon remembered the words from the Jedi Master.

"Relax and concentrate," Jeron told himself.

The droid moved again, but this time Jeron was ready for it and the blade caught the two next shots. The remote then moved off to the right in a circle around the padawan. It opened fire once more, but Jeron was faster and caught the shots again. Alas, when the drone dropped down and fired one more time, it hit Jeron in the shoulder.

"Your eyes can betray you... Do more than just look. See with your feelings and trust your instinct," Jeron told himself, as if reminding himself of the words Master Kherris had taught him once.

Breathing deep, Jeron looked up at the remote, only this time he extended all of his senses towards the remote. He could sense it, despite it being a droid, and in his mind could almost see the shots before they were actually fired. The remote fired six times, but none were successful.

With a smile, Jeron deactivated the training saber and took the remote into his hands, shutting it down as well. Master Kherris would certainly have been pleased, and Jeron was too, despite knowing that he still had a long way to go and much more to learn...

---

"Missing Persons Report, Part 2"
Jedi Master Jae Dyn Brael
Jedi Master Baen Novix

Location: Keeve Zenarr's Apartment, New Plouton
Date: Selene 24, 5ABY

***

"Thank you for coming, Baen," Jae Dyn Brael said and gestured for him to take a seat. Keeve and the others were gone. Eiden, and Zari were down in the training room working on weaponless sparring. She had taken the opportunity to accept Jedi Master Baen Novix's offer to meet.

She had been contacted by him yesterday, and it had been a surprise. Since the evacuation of the Temple, the Jedi had been in hiding and had no contact with those outside of their cell. The exception, apparently, was Baen Novix. It made her a little nervous since the Jedi Master was new to the Temple, and apparently the only one who knew were all the Jedi were.

Novix took a seat opposite Jae Dyn and nodded. "I'm happy to come. For now, Koran urges all Jedi to remain in hiding. Once there is a plan, we can begin to move again. But at the current time, the situation is still too dicey and the risks too great. There are not enough of us to take on the forces set against us."

Jae Dyn nodded. "It makes sense," she said. "Though, I still don't like just sitting around waiting."

"None of us do," Novix assured her. "But, in time, we will be able to act. When the time is right."

Jae Dyn watched him for a long moment, then finally nodded.

"There's something else you wanted to talk to me about," he said.

She sighed and shook her head. "Yes, but given our situation, I don't think we can afford it. And, with the girls here, there's nothing else I can do."

"Yara is walking now, isn't she?"

For the first time since his arrival, Jae Dyn smiled. "She skipped right on past walking and straight to running."

"What is it you want to ask, Jae Dyn?"

"A close friend of the family has gone missing," Jae Dyn said. "Well, a close friend of both Kimara and Maeren. Maeren contacted Kimara last night. Apparently, she and Lerrah were going to meet for a bite to eat before Maeren had to go to work. Lerrah never showed up. No one on the station has seen her. And one of the other station regulars has gone missing. His ship is still on the station, but he is not. There were signs of a struggle near the ship.

"A ship had requested docking access the night they apparently disappeared," Jae Dyn continued. "It is called Aesir."

"Should I know that ship," Baen asked.

"Probably not, but the captain of the station security did. It belongs to a bounty hunter named Syan Daywalker. He's bad news from what I've been able to find, but there's not much about him."

"You believe this Daywalker nabbed them then," Baen Novix said. "And you want me to assist in finding this...friend of the family."

"If you could," Jae Dyn said. "I'd ask Kael, but I don't want to take him away from Raeila just yet. And, I don't think Dani is ready for something like this."

"I will speak with Koran," Novix said. "If he has no objections to setting aside my Jedi courier role for a short time, I will be happy to help find your friend."

"Her name is Lerrah," Jae Dyn said. "Lerrah Breijal."

"While I seek out Koran," Baen said, "see if you can obtain something of hers. My ability may be of no use in helping to find her, but it is worth the chance. I have never tried to find someone who was not Sensitive, so I do not know how well it will work on someone who is not. But, since the Force is in all of us..."

"I will," Jae Dyn said. "And, I have another request."

"Another," Baen said with a smile. "Very well. What is your request, Jedi Master Jae Dyn Brael?"

"I would like for you to bring my Padawans with you," she said. "It will be a good learning experience for both of them. And, if it is possible to do so, I think that we should try to get Talara back to Laedra. While she is maintaining both her studies and a physical regimen, Keeve and Dev are a distraction for her. She's committed to the Order, but I believe their presence is not helpful."

"Perhaps Talara would like to come along as well," Novix said. "She's advanced enough in her training that her presence will be helpful. I'll speak with Laedra."

"Thank you," Jae Dyn said. "May the Force be with you, Baen."

"You too, Jae Dyn," he said, then rose and started toward the door. "I will see Laedra tonight, but say hello to Talara for me. I will return tomorrow." With that, he exited and was gone.

---

"Allies in the Dark"
By: Irie - Padawan
J'do - Padawan
Laedra Vorrel - Jedi master
Koran Darr - Jedi Master
The Cult of the Dawn Seekers (Rylaa)

Location: Arcadia
Date: Selene 24, 5ABY

***

"Master V--"

Irie glared at her younger companion and swiftly punched him in the arm. With a pout, he massaged the abused area.

"You're not supposed to mention that stuff, remember?" The red-haired girl's braids danced across her back as she pivoted her head side to side, motioning to the milling crowd occupying the market square, and the innumerable sets of ears that could potentially overhear J'do's verbal slip. His brown-hair topped head bobbed contritely. "Now" --Irie straightened and raised her chin rather imperiously for an eight-year old-- "you were saying?"

"Well...should we be in such a busy place?" A spurt of courage bid him to look Irie directly in the eye as he exclaimed, "Someone might notice!" A querulous frown from Irie and J'do hastily dropped his gaze to the tops of his boots. "I was just saying," he mumbled sullenly.

"No one will know who we are," Irie whispered assuredly. "We're just kids, J'do." Her mouth split into a vibrant grin, the dark hollow of her mouth visible through the gap made by a missing front tooth. "Kids who don't have a class and are free to take a stroll around their new home. Think of it as part of our training," she reasoned while J'do listened on dubiously. "We learn the layout of the city so that if we ever do get in trouble, we'll know the best escape routes."

J'do's brow furrowed and he gnawed at his lower lip in rumination. "I guess," he allowed uncertainly. "But...won't we get in trouble if--"

"Hey! Fizzy pops!" Irie dashed off, arm outstretched and finger extended towards a merchant stand offering a variety of confections, including Irie's favourite. J'do sulked, not at all eager to follow Irie around all afternoon, and trudged head-down towards his exuberant partner in mischief, though J'do was an unwilling participant.

He was close enough to hear Irie making the transaction for her fizzy pop, but made it no further...on his feet, at least. The solid body moving swiftly past him proved an untimely obstacle for J'do, whose foot hooked around the large man's ankle, tripping up the stranger, but launching J'do into a headfirst dive. A roared curse, a crash, the shatter of glass, and J'do's cry of alarm was drowned out. Those within proximity of the scene turned to watch the irate man swearing venomously over his fallen purchases - a jar of pickled beets and a jug of red liquid that looked and smelled like wine. J'do, recovering from initial pain and surprise rolled over onto his back, propped up on both elbows, and took a moment to regain his bearings. There wasn't enough time, however, to scramble to his feet and elude the hulking, enraged man, now thundering towards him.

"You urchin!" he growled.

J'do yelped but was able to do little else before he was hefted off the ground by his shirt-front. Scattered gasps of astonishment sounded from the crowd of onlookers now fixated on the confrontation. One of those watching in surprise and irritation over J'do's ability to get into trouble before she could have even a lick of her fizzy pop, was Irie. It would have been easy, and satisfying, to leave her friend suspended helplessly in the air, legs kicking and arms waving frantically, at the mercy of the irate Nikto, but Irie was a Padawan learner. It was her duty to defend those unable to protect themselves...and J'do obviously fell into that category.

His squeals intensified, reaching a pitch Irie wasn't sure boys were supposed to be capable of hitting, while the Nikto raved. And cocked his arm back, hand fisted.

"J'do!" Irie cried and ran towards them.

Women in the crowd covered their mouths in horror, unable to bear what was to come; the men egged on the Nikto. J'do was wailing in terror and brought his arms over his face to shield himself. The Nikto swung. Irie reacted as only she knew how, as they'd both promised Master Vorrel they wouldn't when in the public eye. The Force flowed through Irie...and she wielded it without a second thought. One apple, then a barrage of others flew from the nearby vendor's cart, the first striking true, catching the Nikto in one eye, others missing their mark, and the rest battering various parts of the giant's body. J'do plummeted to the ground and landed with a grunt. Those gathered erupted upon realizing what was transpiring - the word 'Jedi' mentioned more than a few times - but Irie ignored their insults and angry calls of 'traitor' and continued towards J'do.

The young boy was on his feet massaging his rear-end when she reached him. Irie snatched up his other hand and jerked him into motion. "We have to go! Run!"

Noticing the Nikto was recovering from the assailment, J'do required no explanations; he simply ran.

Some in the throng reeled back from Irie and J'do, fearing even physical contact with the Jedi would condemn them, too. Others attempted to grab at them, grasping for clothing or hair...anything to ensnare the children and haul the two filthy traitors to the authorities for a hefty reward. The padawans dodged, weaved, and shoved their way through the mob. Irie screeched as a braid was tugged hard; J'do yipped when his arm was roughly seized. The edge of the swarm was near, within reach, and freedom in sight.

Then, an amplified voice boomed across the square, all hope of escape fleeing quickly. "This is the Tae'Morad street patrol! Turn yourselves in, Jedi!"

The model citizens had caged Irie and J'do in and now jostled for position, each wanting the honour of capturing the traitors. Irie pulled J'do into a protective embrace as the two huddled on the ground. "It's okay," she whispered soothingly to the weeping child. "We're kids. They won't hurt us."

"Make way!" the soldiers hollered, pushing through the crowd to reach Irie and J'do.

The grasping hands were beginning to withdraw as the soldier's closed in. "I'm sorry," Irie whispered, knowing this was the end, "Master Vorrel."

The Tae'Morad reached the two errant padawans, their sergeant wearing a grin. The officer's hand reached but was intercepted as a crimson-gloved hand wrapped around his wrist. The gathering crowd gasp and quickly moved away from the crimson robed figures that seemingly materialized out of nowhere. Their faces were hidden behind a gauzy veil the same color as their thick robes and on the right breast was a badge of allegiance. A golden sunburst on a black background. The symbol of the New Dawn.

"These children are with us," the largest of the two figures said in a rumbling voice, "and they are most assuredly not Jedi."

The Tae'Morad sergeant sneered at the robed man. "And why should we believe you, scum?"

"Because otherwise I'll have to kill you in front of all these people." The threat was put across coldly, without a hint of emotion, but it had the desired effect. The throng, seeing the Dawn Seeker in their midst, had begun to rapidly disperse. Though Arcadia was the seat of political power on the planet, New Dawn owned it heart and soul. The sergeant began to sweat.

The smaller of the Dawn Seekers, with an obviously feminine form, turned to regard the two children. Her eyes glinted with mischief, she was obviously enjoying the confusion she and her larger companion were causing with the law. "Come on, dears," she said in a low voice. "Let's get you away from the crowd."

"But--" J'do frowned at Irie, whose elbow had connected with his ribs. She shook her head faintly, then clutched his hand and reached her own out to the stranger. Irie had no idea what was transpiring, or who these strange, red-clothed figures were, but if it would mean salvation, Irie would gladly take it from them.

After being helped to their feet, Irie and J'do stayed close to the woman. The angry mob was keeping their distance.

The Dawn Seeker took both children by the hand and moved with graceful strides past the rapidly dispersing crowd to an alley that lay between a couple of the buildings. "Do you think you can find your way to your Masters from here?" the woman asked them. Her larger companion had stayed behind to deal with the law.

"Y-yes," Irie replied uncertainly. "But...who are you? Why did you save us?"

"My friend and I belong to the cult of the Dawn Seekers, and we saved you because we were asked to watch out for you." She reached up and unclasped one side of her veil, revealing a stunningly beautiful face. The Dawn Seeker smiled warmly; for some reason it didn't reach her eyes. "You two should run along now, and be sure to tell your Masters what happened so they can instruct you on how you should have reacted in that situation."

J'do, awed by the woman before them, asked timidly, "Will we ever see you again?"

Again a warm smile and again it never touched her eyes. Steel cannot be warmed in such a manner. "Only if you run into trouble again, little one. So let's hope you never have to see me again, huh?"

He nodded dumbly, while Irie gave his arm a tug and urged him to get going. "We'll tell our Masters about you," Irie told her. "Thank you." The two Padawan learners scampered off, clearly relieved to be out of harm.

The woman placed her veil back in place and turned to rejoin her companion. The Tae'Morad evidently had decided that messing with the New Dawn agents was bad for their health and left. "The children have been taken care of," she said to her partner. The crowd that had surrounded the two younglings had left and the remainder were trying vainly not to look at the two agents.

"Good," the man replied. He crossed his arms across his chest and squinted over the heads of the crowd. "That was not enjoyable and I hope we do not have to do it again."

"Agreed." They both turned and walked into the mob of people and aliens which they broke like a ship through the waves.

***

"Irie," Master Laedra Vorrel chided gently, careful not to upset the obviously shaken children any more than they were. "You were trying to help J'do and simply reacted. Do not be sorry for that." The young girl nodded solemnly.

Upon their return to the safehouse, Irie and J'do had tracked her down and related their tale to Laedra - rather quickly and incoherently the first time around. After sitting them down and calming them, Laedra, with Master Koran Darr summoned and standing by, gently coaxed a more intelligible version of events out of the children. Koran and Laedra were both troubled by what they had heard - mainly that the children had exposed their true identities to the authorities and could very well have threatened the safety of all the Jedi. What captured their attention most, however, was the children's mysterious saviours. Had the Jedi unknown allies?

"Children" -- Laedra smiled warmly -- "go on and shower, then head to bed if you wish. We can talk further in the morning."

Irie and J'do nodded, then filed out of Laedra's quarters. Once alone with Koran, Laedra sighed and sat upon the bed. "New Dawn... Have you ever heard of them?"

"I've heard the name," Koran replied. "They're some sort of religious cult, I believe. Though, I also remember Baen mentioning the name. They were somehow involved in an investigation he conducted a few months ago. Jae Dyn's missing friend, I think it was. The girl was Force Sensitive and he was able to track her, but the New Dawn was somehow connected to their abduction. They've been gaining strength around the Outer Rim, and possibly further toward the Core. Though, the rescuing of the children doesn't sound like the work of the same group."

"Perhaps they are not who they say they are," Laedra surmised. "They may be posing as the New Dawn to keep their true identity secure. But if they saved the children, knowing they were Force sensitive...then they cannot possibly be a threat to us."

"Unless they're planning on using that fact as leverage against us," Koran said, then sighed. "These days, it's too difficult to tell whose side anyone is on. Perhaps they are allies, and we owe them our thanks. Though, they didn't seem all that intent on coming forward to accept our gratitude. Our mysterious saviours."

Laedra nodded pensively, doubtfully. "Whatever the case...we need to be far more careful than we have been. Padawans no longer go out on their own, if at all. And we may need to consider finding a new safehouse. They may have made it possible for the authorities to track us."

"I agree," Koran said. "Do you think it would be prudent to move further from Arcadia? I am uncertain how far we should spread ourselves over the planet, but I know we cannot reform the Temple as long as the threat lingers."

"We may have to move the Padawans, at the least. To somewhere more secluded, perhaps Vendra. We cannot risk them."

"Somewhere away from where there are a lot of people," Koran said. "With winter just around the corner, Vendra sounds like a good place. If not there, possibly the other continent. Though, that may be too distant."

"We'll think on it," Laedra decided. "In the meantime, we should passively investigate this New Dawn. It would help to know if they're truly friend, or foe."

"I agree completely," Koran said. "While we're not in a position to do so now, I would like to see if we can make contact with the New Dawn. But, that is a plan for another time. First, we will need to make sure the Padawans are safe."

"I'll speak with them again," Laedra volunteered. "And despite Irie's quick thinking, I believe I will stop short of commending her for her actions."

"Given the circumstances," Koran said thoughtfully, "that's probably for the best. Under normal circumstances, I think she'd deserve one. But, she did endanger them both by using the Force when she did, and as visibly as she did. Still, it wouldn't hurt to make sure she knows that we're glad that she and J'do were returned to us safely. I wonder if this is what parenting feels like."

Laedra gave him a glower of warning, then chuckled. "Do not get any ideas, Koran." She then started for the door, with the padawans' wellbeing foremost on her mind, and the identity of their saviours not too far behind. Perhaps the New Dawn would make themselves known to the Jedi, or they would remain silent allies...if that was what they were. Trust could not be freely given to these mysterious strangers, but for the time being, they were more friend than enemy.

---

"There Goes The Neighborhood, Part I"
By Brenna Hennely - Smuggler
Marsar Tilmit - Smuggler
And Selena Rellik - Death Dealer

Location: New Plouton
Date: Selene 24, 5 ABY

***

Brenna smiled as she sat with Marsar and laughed again as they looked over they're pay out from the sale they had taken part in. "Feels good to do some honest work for once doesn't it?" Brenna said to her friend as she took another look at the datapad in front of her. "So who's buying tonight?" Marsar smiled at her then gestured to the serving bar. "Oh no, come on. It was my dealing that got us the bonus wasn't it." Marsar gave a little laugh then looked at her.

"And my gunnery skills that got us away from that Remnant Patrol, so I feel you're buying today." Brenna let out a long sigh then stepped up to the bar and glanced around, her hand gently touching the butt of her spraystick. All at once she felt an uneasy presence and turned noticing someone watching her. "What do you want?" she mouthed looking at the person

"You know... For someone who has a bounty on their head, you're not too hard to find, and don't seem too worried about keeping a low profile either. To be honest, if I can find you this fast, I'm surprised that the Remnant are not here yet," Selena stated as she walked forward.

Brenna recognized the woman and gave her a little smile. "If you're talking about the pair we ran into on Naboo recently they were easy to shake. They're not going to cause us any more trouble any time soon," she said smartly then ordered her and Marsar's drinks. "Furthermore, I doubt what's left of the Empire cares about a pair of smugglers right now."

"You would probably be surprised about how long the Empire can hold a grudge and how far they will go for some form of revenge," Selena warned. "And they don't have to send anyone of their own, not really... Having placed a bounty on you, all they need is for some bounty hunter become interested enough in collecting the prize."

"Let them come," Brenna said looking at the woman. "If you're here though, it must mean something is here that isn't good, am I correct? Possibly a bounty hunter who rivals your skills?" she joked playfully "If you want to talk to me, meet me and Mar over by our table, she'll want to know as well," she told the mysterious woman.

Selena raised an eyebrow. "If you're going to play this about, then perhaps you don't take threats seriously enough... Don't underestimate an opponent. It could be a serious mistake to do so," she told Brenna. "As this are, I only caught the information that you two are wanted, and with a good enough bounty to send skilled bounty hunters after you. And after what you did, if the Empire decides to ante up the amount you might find the likes of Boba Fett, meaning serious trouble."

Marsar gave a little laugh. "Look, for your information, we check on our own bounties, currently there are none for us so do you know something we don't know?"

"Apparently so... You are being hunted, bounty or no bounty. That much is clear," Selena replied simply. "I would suggest you either take the proper precautions or leave the system. Otherwise, you may yet find yourselves in danger. The life threatening kind."

"Oh come on," Marsar beamed. "Who in the world is coming after..." She cut the response short and stared at the entrance to the cantina and froze. Confused, Brenna followed her line of site to the well dressed man being escorted by some kind of droid...looked old entering the cantina.

"Mar, are you ok?" she asked. "You look like you're going into shock." She didn't say anything and just looked at the man again. "You know him?" she asked. Marsar nodded.

"I've seen his picture before... Mordous Krull, some sort of gentlemen Bounty Hunter," she explained.

"Well ladies, this is where you should take my advice for serious. Walk away and you might live this one also... I wish you luck and bid you farewell," she said as she turned to walk away. She did, however keep an eye on the man who had entered, just in case.

Brenna and Marsar took this as a sigh to leave and hurried out the back exit hopefully undetected. "How good is supposed to be Mar" she asked as the two exited the cantina. Marsar though for a moment then spoke

"Does the word Storm commando mean anything to you?" she asked innocently. Brenna said nothing only hurried along to where they could reach a shuttle to get them back to there ship. Wasn't the smartest place to go but it was the safest.

---

"Taking Care of Business"
Nosh Ker Forin
and Jaller Two-thumbs

Location: Thantos
Date: Selene 24, 5ABY

***

Nosh was now awake and was awaiting the call from the person the note said would call him. He had eaten a big breakfast and his comlink rested in his clawed hand. It chirped twice and when Nosh answered a voice spoke.

"Nosh Ker Forin?" it asked with an authoritative tone. This was a person used to giving orders and expecting them to be carried out. "I'm Jaller Two-thumbs, Captain of the merc group Durasteel Fist, I understand you will be working with us in our upcoming mission?"

"That is correct," Nosh replied. "Where do you want me to meet you so we can discuss what it is I am supposed to do?"

"Don't worry about it, I'm almost at your room right now. This hotel is owned by New Dawn, and they've taken steps to ensure what we say won't be overheard." The comlink went dead just at the was a rap at the door, the clang of metal on metal.

Nosh grabbed the rifle and put it near the door and kept it there just in case he needed to grab it quickly. He opened the door and greeted the person who stood there.

"Come in." He gestured with a clawed hand into the room.

What walked into the room might once have been human, indeed there were many human features and flesh incorporated into the gleaming durasteel body. But the extra set of weapon-laden arms attached to the hip and the dead stare in the one living eye gave away just how far into the machine this man had given himself. The cyborg wore no clothing, for none was needed, but painted in various locations was not only the sunburst symbol at the New Dawn, but also what could only be the symbol for the mercenary company he commanded, Durasteel Fist.

"Good to meet you," Jaller Two-thumbs said, holding out a thick metal hand. Though his voice still had the authoritative edge to it, it sounded hollow, as if spoken from a great distance. The two smaller weapon-arms twitched compulsively. Each had two single-edged vibro-bayonets and what looked like a twin-barrel blazer, a kind of plasma shotgun.

"It is good to meet you as well," Nosh replied. The...thing before him was an interesting sight. And he had to admit it intimidated him slightly. But he did not let that show. No he would not back down to anyone or anything.

A belt around the cyborg's waist was chock full of pouches and holsters with exotic looking blasters and pistols. From one of the pouches was produced a thin datapad. "This is a list of the men and equipment that's available to us for this mission. What we're going to be doing is basically a full surprise assault on the most powerful gang in Thanatos. These guys are miscreants and thugs, so they won't be expecting a military style assault."

He nodded his head as he read the datapad. "I assume I am to lead this mission?" he asked, setting aside the datapad when he was done. "And is there a catch with this mission?"

"You will be leading the ground assault with my heavy weapons team. The base of operations for this gang has many entrances and exits, as they really do not expect anyone to fuck with them as we are about to. I myself will lead the team that is going to come through one of the back doors." The human side of the cyborg's face twisted into a sick grin. "We can meet up in the middle and compare kill counts if ya want."

Nosh's upper lip curled up in his form of a grin. "That sounds good to me. I look forward to it. And who knows maybe I'll get more kills than you."

The sound of a cyborg laughing is one known to cause many a creature's eardrums to rupture in a state of pure revulsion. Probably because it something along the lines of several Rancors clawing away at giant chalkboards while somebody kicks a box of reisacats down the stairs. Nosh, fortunately, was not one of those creatures. It still didn't sound pretty.

"If you get more kills than I do I'll buy dinner!" Jaller declared before clapping Nosh on the shoulder with a strength that surprised him. "But back to business. Aerial holos have been taken of the area as well as holos of the three we've identified as basically the ringleaders. Their names are Pack, Yannick, and Ferrig. We don't really want to kill all of them, but it has been told to me in a quiet undertone that if it were to happen, there would not really be any complaints."

"And if you get more kills then me I'll buy dinner and a few rounds at a bar," he replied. He too got serious as well. "I see. Well I'd like to see the team I am to lead as soon as possible. If possible as well I'd like to run a few training sessions in any location or facility you can give me."

"We've got a camp out in the desert that I can take you too tomorrow. I think you'll like the team, they're about as a hard-ass group of fuckers as I can get my hands on. Until then, lets go hit a cantina I spotted down the street, I'll buy the first round."

"Sounds good to me," Nosh said, smiling. It had been a while since he last had something to drink.

---

"There Goes The Neighborhood, Part II"
By Brenna Hennely - Smuggler
Marsar Tilmit - Smuggler
And Selena Rellik - Death Dealer

Location: New Plouton
Date: Selene 24, 5 ABY

***

She walked out of the cantina and pulled the black cloak over her head. There were a few people roaming the streets at that time but not too many, which was good if the infamous bounty hunter would tag them along. There was less of a chance of someone innocent getting hit by a stray shot. But on the other hand, it made it harder to disappear amidst the crowd.

Selena could tell that Brenna and Marsar came out of the cantina as well and made their own way. Indeed getting to their ship would prove a safer haven than the streets or a closed up space like a cantina. At least, in the ship they could launch out of there if things got dangerous enough. Still, just in case, Selena decided to keep an eye out for them and make sure they made it to the spaceport safely.

Mordous checked his slugthrower and armed it then slowly slipped it into the shoulder holster hidden inside his suit jacket. The bartender at the cantina had been very helpful with the information but not helpful enough. "Looks like I just missed them. Must have slipped out back when I wasn't paying attention," he muttered to himself.

He let out a sigh then spotted someone who looked vaguely familiar. "Black cloak...black hair.....about 5'7"......oh figures," he shook his head then proceeded into the crowd using people of cover as he went along, trying to block himself from her line of site. The imperials had taught him well. He could be right behind his target and they wouldn't notice...until it was too late. He just hoped she would be as easy.

Selena let herself get closer to Brenna and Marsar, just in case. She was only a few meter away when she caught a fast glimpse out of a shiny speeder that passed by her with tinted windows. Through the reflection she could see that she was being followed, a trait that she had caught on through years of hard training to become a Red Eye operative. It was almost impossible to get to her without her noticing it somehow.

Ok, this has gone far enough... Selena thought to herself. She waited a few seconds until some people were crossing the street. There was a nearby man in a swoop bike waiting. Selena walked up to him and jumped, kicking him off the bike and taking the controls to herself. There were some screams of people who panicked, but that only played to her advantage as it would make it harder for a hit.

Driving the swoop only a few meters, she braked right in front of Brenna and Marsar. "Get on this bike and drive away!" she told them as she took out her blaster. "Time to get this bounty hunter off the list..."

Mordous drew his ripper from a hidden holster and fired two shots, one taking out the bike's engine, the second knocking the blaster from the woman's hand. "You are so predictable," he said. "I've never killed a bounty unless really necessary, so ladies if you will please keep from..." He watched as the two red heads ran off into the night. "Why do they always run?" He took a few steps forward and started off in a sprint towards the two girls only to be struck hard in the stomach by the black haired woman's boot. He dropped to the ground and exhaled hard. "Damn, so it is you," he smiled at her. "The only bounty that got away... However, I lost that contract, so if you don't let me pass I'm going to have to hurt you," he explained, holstering his ripper behind his back.

Selena positioned herself in a balanced fighting stance and exhaled slowly, while studying the man. She now recalled him perfectly. She had saved an honest politician once from a murder attempt. The entrepreneur who wanted the politician dead was so furious that he ordered a kill on Selena. But it had failed.

"You have tried to kill me in the past and failed, like others before you. Seize this bounty and walk away...and you might live to see the sun rise tomorrow," she warned the bounty hunter.

Mordous shook his head. He didn't want to do this bounty either, but between they're lives and his daughter's, hers was more important. "Sorry." Mordous moved in with lightning speed, feting loose with a hard right for the woman's face. The female leaned back, causing Mordous to pitch passed her, leaving him self vulnerable for a counter...which came a splint second after he spun around and blocked it. He jumped back and retaliated with a second attack, a roundhouse right that too was evaded. "You're fast, but no one is ever faster than the 8492th..." he mocked as he moved into a defensive stance and started to circle around her.

Selena had little time to lose and less time to stand there and fight. She moved with a punch that Mordous evaded and followed with a kick to his stomach. He caught her leg, but Selena was faster and jumped into the air, kicking him across his jaw with her other leg.

As the man stumbled a few paces backwards, she took a small disc like bladed object from her belt and threw it at him. He dodged the disc, causing it to hit the wall just behind him.

"You missed," he told her.

"No, I didn't..." she said as the disc exploded. However, it was merely a high impact blow that would disturb one's balance and pull down their defenses. Still, it was enough to send the bounty hunter down.

Mordous felt the area spinning as she toppled back against the wall. He shook his head for a few seconds then looked back at his opponent and slowly felt his hand snaking towards one of the holsters when he heard the sound of boot heels striking the ground hard. From the sound of the runners there were about ten, maybe fifteen, security troops. "This isn't over little missy. Those two will not ruin my daughter's life!" he called out pulling a small charge from his pocket and tossing it at the ground.

As soon as she saw what the bounty hunter tossed, Selena knew better than to keep looking at it. She looked the opposite way while shutting her eyes for no more than a split second. It was a flash charge and the burst would blind anyone in the vicinity. When Selena looked again, the man was gone.

Knowing fully well that security was on the way, she knew better than to be still and have to explain what had happened. Instead, she decided it best to make herself disappear from the scene. At this point, surely both Brenna and Marsar would have reached a more than safe distance, and maybe make it out of the planet before the bounty hunter could reach them.

Selena decided not to go check on them. After all, they were not friends... Just two girls whom she had helped out of a messy situation.

---

"Never Trust a Dug"
By Omri Kedemoth

Location: Thanatos
Date: Selene 24, 5ABY

***

The first sensation Omri had was a sting to the face. Then another one. Then he heard hushed whispers. He strained to open his eyes. He was face down in the dust of a hot Thanatos alley. Though his vision was still blurry, he could see small figures several meters away. He felt another sting in his forehead. The hushed voices became giggles. As his vision cleared, he saw several raggedly dressed children staring at him. He growled at them . Screaming, the rugrats dropped the pebbles they had been pelting him with and ran off.

Omri struggled to his feet, his head pounding. Then it all came back to him. The battle to capture the wanted Jedi called Dani. Then the betrayal by the Dug bounty hunter. Zarrak had stunned Omri and their partner Anamaghera Zek. There was no sign of either of them. Omri cursed the Dug, and then himself for getting involved with the bounty hunters in the first place.

Omri looked around the alley for his gear. His dart carbine, macrobinoculars, backpack. All gone. His hand quickly went to his side and under his cloak. He sighed in relief as he felt both his sword and slugthrower. Gathering himself to full height, Omri Kedemoth staggered toward the center of town to find transport back to Arcadia.

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