"The Arrival"
By: Kace Mordin - Traveller

Location: Tae'Remok Sector; Drogen Shipyards
Date: Eos 25, 3 ABY

***

The hyperdrive let loose with a shrill howl as the transport dropped out of hyperspace. The pilot was vaguely aware of the billowing smoke toward the back of his position. The hyperdrive was shot, he knew that immediately. The rest of the systems were sluggish. It was like trying to fly one of the becka't rocks back home.

The screen in front of him sputtered, wavy lines of static dancing across its surface. He accessed the mapping sub-system and called up the current system map. Tae'Remok sector. There was a planet there, inhabited. The pilot smiled, his blue eyes catching the light, of the stars flickering out in space. Altering his course toward the planet was laborious, thrusters and maneuvering jets working in fits and starts.

Finally, the system drive engaged, and Vengeance of Corellia lurched forward.

***

It was nearly twenty-six hours before he was within comms range of the planet. Shining in orbit against the pale blue surface of the world, the space station beckoned him closer.

"Unidentified craft," a voice crackled over the comms, "please state your intentions."

The pilot reached out and touched a button. "This is the Vengeance of Corellia," he said, in an even tone. "I was set upon by pirates and seek repairs to my ship. I request docking clearance for your shipyards."

There was a long silence as the ship rumbled closer to the planet. "You are cleared for docking in berth seventeen-b. Our tractors will guide you in."

The pilot cut his engines and used thrusters to move the ship into a better profile for docking. He felt the gentle tug as the beam grabbed hold of his ship and began pulling him in. He glanced at the damage report the computer had compiled for him and frowned. The repairs were going to be extensive.

He left the cockpit to check on the rest of the ship. Auto-containment had put out the fire that started in the hyperdrive, but it still appeared charred. It would need to replaced. He scratched at the surface, and it flaked. He shook his head and turned away.

A gentle thud reverberated through the ship as it settled into place inside the shipyard. Hopefully the repairs could be made swiftly. He knew he could not linger for long.

He approached the exit hatch and lowered the ramp. The door slid open and he stepped down to the technicians waiting below.

One man disengaged himself from the group and approached. He bore a sour expression and looked over ship and pilot with disdain.

"My name is Kace Mordin," the pilot began, his voice carrying a hint of music in its tone. "My ship requires repairs. I have run into slight trouble with pirates, and they took a larger chunk of me than I thought."

The one with the sour expression took another long look. "Can I take a look inside?"

Kace stepped aside and motioned the man toward the ramp. "Please."

Sour Face motioned for two others to follow him, and they trudged up the ramp. Kace turned to observe the others. They all watched him with wary eyes. He imagined he would make them suspicious. Dressed foot to throat in black with a long cloak covering him. Black hair fell to his collar, tied behind his head with a black cord. They shied from his eyes when he looked at them. Deep blue eyes, bluer than any man was allowed to have. They seemed to glow in the light offered from overhead. He smiled as he heard the sounds of booted feet approaching the exit.

Sour Face was the first to appear. He was shaking his head. "It looks pretty bad in there," he said. He glanced at the commpadd shoved in a pocket. "My estimate is it will cost you minimum one fifty."

Kace nodded. Cheap, he thought. "One fifty?"

Sour Face smiled. "Thousand."

Kace's eyes seemed to burn brighter for just a moment. "That is outrageous," he said. "You can't possibly think that I would pay for something like that. From my estimate, there is forty thousand worth of damages, at the most."

"Well, you're not the tech here, are you, Blackie?" Sour Face shouted. "I gave you the price, and you can pay it or leave."

Kace's eyes swept across the men gathered around him. There were seven including Sour Face. They were all soft, and wouldn't put up much of a fight. But, he could not afford the attention it would bring him. If it were only Sour Face, the negotiation would be simple. With all of them, not so.

"Perhaps we can come to an arrangement."

Sour Face pushed Kace. It was unexpected, and the force of the shove was more than Kace would have thought from a man like Sour Face. Artificial, he thought as he looked at the arm. "One fifty thousand. Cash, no vouchers."

Kace pushed himself up from the floor. "I'm afraid there has been some misunderstanding."

"Yes," Sour Face rasped. "Yours. Now, you going to pay, or do we have to push you and this crate out the side?"

Kace's anger was building. He pushed Sour Face back harder than the man had shoved him. The man went sprawling and his companions quickly moved around him. They glared at Kace, but moved no closer. One of them helped Sour Face to his feet.

"How dare you," Sour Face roared. "You will pay for that, Blackie. He's going out the side boys. Get him."

---

"Darkness Lifting"
By: Yelara Neerou - Shipyards Mechanic
Kace Mordin - Traveller

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Eos 25, 3 ABY

***

Yelara was standing by her office, watching as some workers replaced the glass she had broken. The pain of Jae Dyn's departure was still fresh in her mind. She had spent the night in Jae Dyn's room, sleeping on her bed and holding her pillows close to her face. She tried to take in Jae Dyn's sweet scent left there from where her head had hit the pillows, but it just wasn't enough.

She wanted to cling onto something that would keep the memory of Jae Dyn always in her mind. Her smile, the smell of her hair... Yelara had to stop thinking about it or fear breaking down into tears again.

The image of Jae Dyn's face in her mind dissipated as she was brought back to reality by a loud commotion from somewhere on the flight deck. Yelara turned around to see several of her workers surrounding a tall, dark-clothed man and hollering at him. He looked like he could handle all of the men on his own, but for some reason, he didn't put up much of a fight.

Yelara saw that Gin Toran was at the forefront of the commotion and immediately stormed over. She pushed her way through the crowd of men, and stood in between Toran and the man, who had been standing face to face, only inches from each other. "What is going on here!?" she hollered in a commanding voice.

Toran glared at her, but had a mischievous grin on his face. Yelara knew he was the one who had written the death threat, and the look on his face indicated to Yelara that he knew she suspected him.

"I was just explaining to the gentleman," Toran began, "our policy regarding repairs on ships not owned by Mr. Kandran. I gave him the price, and he didn't like it. We were just telling him if he didn't want to pay the prices, he'd have to find another yard."

"Well, I'm the foreman here, Toran, so I decide who gets served and who doesn't." She then turned to the rest of the men and yelled out, in a stern voice, "Now if all of you don't return to work right now, don't bother coming in tomorrow because you won't have a job to come to. Got it?"

Yelara turned her eyes back to Toran, who was still grinning at her. The men mumbled under their breath and turned to walk away. Toran stayed behind. "Do you have a problem, Toran?" Yelara asked, staring down at him.

His grin never disappeared. "No," he said. "No, you're the foreman. I guess I'd better get back to work so I can come to work tomorrow, eh boss?" As he started to turn, he gave her a wink. Then he strolled off the deck, pulling out a blade to clean his fingernails as he did.

"Thank you for that," the man said. He gave her a smile. "I thought I was going to have to do something I would regret later. My name is Kace Mordin, and I need to get my ship patched up. Should I talk to you?"

Yelara looked at the man and sighed. "I'm sorry for that. They are my men, and my responsibility. It won't happen again." Yelara held out her hand to the man and smiled. "Yelara Neerou. It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Mordin. I'll take a look at your ship this time."

Kace shook her hand. "Thank you," he said. "I think they were trying to make a healthy profit off me. Please, call me Kace. Would you like to take a look now? Or should we wait until another time, Ms. Neerou?"

Yelara looked at the dark-haired man and smiled. "We can take a look now if you're not busy. I know I'm free, I mean it's not like I have to keep an eye on my workers. It looks like they can handle ripping off unsuspecting customers all on their own." Yelara walked past Kace and started up the ramp of his battered ship. "Wow! She's certainly a mess."

Following her up the ramp, Kace nodded. "Pirates," he said as way of explanation. The lie almost felt truthful now. It was the story he'd told in so many shipyards, over so many worlds, he nearly believed it himself. "The hyperdrive will need to be completely replaced. It nearly burned up when I dropped out of hyperspace. Fortunately, I have decent fire suppression. I think all the important systems are shot though. So, what do you think?"

Yelara looked around at the charred interior of the ship and walked up to the cockpit to check out the console. Her hands flew across it as she did a scan of the shipboard systems. She furrowed her brow and looked back at Kace with a solemn expression. "Well, let me put it this way. You could do a complete overhaul, or...you could just buy yourself a new ship."

Yelara leaned back against the console and crossed her arms. "I could repair it for you for probably ten times less than what my men quoted you, but that would mean you'd be staying on the shipyards for a pretty long time."

Yelara stared into the man's brilliant blue eyes and was suddenly intrigued by him. She knew the amount of damage done could not have been done by pirates alone. He was hiding something, but she figured it was none of her business, so she decided to let it slide...for now. "So, if you have any pressing engagements, I suggest you find some other transportation, because I can tell you right now that you're not leaving here with this baby for at least a couple weeks, maybe more."

Yelara stared at the man who seemed very quiet and secretive, waiting for him to make up his mind. He had this aura of mystery about him which made Yelara just want to get inside his head and learn more, but she knew he'd probably get defensive if she started prying.

Kace watched her for a long minute, then smiled. "Ten times less would be fifteen thousand," he said. "That's more reasonable. I guess I'd better find a place to stay. I imagine staying in the cabin will put me in the way, and probably get loud." He gestured to the ship around him. "She's all yours."

Yelara nodded her head and stood straight up again. "Well, anywhere you go looking for a place, they'll upcharge you for sure." Yelara didn't know why, but she suddenly had the urge to help this man in any way she could. "I actually have an extra room, if you're interested. I don't sleep in there because I've temporarily switched quarters, so you're free to have it until I finish the repairs." Yelara walked up closer to the man and looked up at him. "Consider it as my way of making it up to you for what my workers did today."

He smiled at her, his bright blue eyes glowing with warmth. "Thank you," he said. "Though, I think that may be too much. I will accept your offer, since you have offered. But, if ever you feel I'm overstaying my welcome or taking advantage of your hospitality, please tell me. And, if there is anyway I can help you out. I know my way around a repair bay." Kace felt fortunate she had come out when she did.

Yelara nodded her head and smiled. "Good. Then it's settled. I'll show you to your quarters after you help me repair your ship." Yelara leaned in closer and looked Kace in the eyes. "And while we're doing that, you can also tell me who was really firing at you out there."

He smiled. "Deal," he said. "If you'd like-- anything you wish to ask me, feel free. I will give you the best answer I can, and all my answers will be the truth. For your kindness to me, you deserve no less." He liked her. And, he felt he could give her the truth, and feel safe in doing so.

Yelara was trying to read Kace, but she just couldn't figure him out. She gave him a curious glance then chuckled. "Well, not necessarily everything. All of us have a part of ourselves we like to keep private, so you don't have to tell me anything you don't want to..." Yelara leaned in close to his ear and whispered, "But I'll work much faster if you keep me entertained with details about your life." She smiled and stepped back. "I'll go get some tools and I'll be right back."

Yelara walked down the ramp to fetch her toolkit, still smiling to herself. She certainly was going to have fun with this one. He seemed nice enough and kind, but there was still something about him that Yelara couldn't quite figure out. He was pleasant when he spoke to her, but there just seemed to be a looming darkness around him as if he were hiding something. She liked mysterious men, but since Jae Dyn had left, she just felt as if she had no more of herself to give to anyone.

Yelara grabbed the toolkit and walked back up the ramp to Kace. "So, where do you wanna start?"

"Why don't we start with the hyperdrive," he said. "It took the worst of it, I think." He led the way back and helped her open the compartment.

As Yelara started working, Kace stayed close so as to help where he could. They started to remove the housing first.

"It wasn't pirates that did this," he said. "It was actually an Imperial patrol out near Veskil. They were establishing a base there, which would give them a stronger hold along the outer rim. I managed to take out the generator and three squads before I had to bust out. They tore into the Corellia with a vengeance, but I managed to get away."

"The Corellia? That's the name of your ship?" Yelara smiled. "Are you from Corellia?"

"Originally," he replied. "I've managed to get back every once in awhile, but never for long. And, we are in Vengeance of Corellia. She has been able to extract a good deal of vengeance on the Emperor since I took up this little crusade."

Yelara gritted her teeth when she heard mention of the Emperor. She'd spent her life hating him and everything he stood for. It was his imperial soldiers who had killed her parents and for that, she would deal out her own form of vengeance when she got the chance. Yelara looked down at the hyperdrive and cleared her throat. "I was born on Corellia too. I left two years ago to...well, I guess to end up working here. I haven't been back since I left, but I imagine my grandparents don't miss my wild personality and my stubbornness, that's for sure."

"I never knew my family," Kace said. "I was raised in a dozen orphanages before I ran away." He looked at her and wondered if she were really ready for the truth. He felt he could trust her, and that settled his mind. He pulled off the cloak and set it aside. Once the cloak was gone, his lightsabers were in plain view on his belt.

Yelara's eye immediately caught the lightsabers and, instinctively, she stepped away quickly from Kace. "You're a jedi," she said, still keeping her eyes on him. She knew there were two kinds of Jedi: the good and the bad. Jae Dyn was one of the good ones, but when a Jedi was bad, they were really dangerous, as she witnessed with Kel before Jae Dyn finished him off.

Yelara continued to walk backwards, trying to give herself some leeway in case she needed to make a run for it. "Are you one of those, nice Jedi or are you..." Yelara let her voice trail off, knowing he probably knew what she was getting at.

Kace smiled. "I think I am," he said. "It's a long story, and one I'm not proud of." His smile disappeared as the past reared up before him. "I believe I am nice, and I have no wish to hurt you now or ever. If you'll come back over here, I will tell you the sordid story of my past."

Yelara looked at Kace, trying to decide whether to trust him or not. She really had no where to go, and if he was going to attack her, he would have done so a long time ago. Yelara gripped the hydrospanner she had in her hand and slowly walked towards Kace. She was always good at separating the liars from those telling the truth, but with Kace, she was completely mystified.

She finally stopped next to Kace and stared at him, her heart beating a little harder than when she had first met him. "You think you are?" she asked, suspiciously. "Have you not made up your mind yet?" Yelara quipped.

"I am more good than bad," he said. "Eventually, perhaps I can atone for what I have done in the past. That is my goal. When I was very young, just around seven years old, a man came to me, and told me I was special. He told me about Jedi Knights and the Force, and offered to train me. I went with him. I had no family and was living on the street. I was seventeen years old when we returned to Corellia for supplies. Darth Vader was waiting for us. I don't really remember it all, but when the day was over, I was with Vader and my Master had fled. Vader continued my training and molded me. I was a dark tool for him to use as he wanted. And, use me he did. He and the Emperor set me loose hunting down Jedi where they hid."

He focused his eyes on the back of the small room. He couldn't look at her while he spoke, not this. "I don't even remember how many I killed when it was all over. Two others and I, we tracked two Jedi Knights to a planet in the Tesseral system, Restive IV. We were there to kill them. We tried to kill them. But, then it was as if my eyes were suddenly opened to what I'd been doing. I was nearly sick. I turned on my companions and helped kill them. Since then, I have been seeking redemption for the dark acts I have committed. I was a Dark Jedi, a very bad man." He looked at his hands. "But, I feel I'm more good now. The path I follow is a difficult one, and with the dark side of the Force, a treacherous one. But, I am staying my course. I will get there."

He finally looked at her. "So, to answer your question, I would not call myself a good Jedi because of my past. But, I am trying to be one again."

Yelara stared at Kace, feeling almost sorry that she had pried into his affairs. She could see the regret and pain in his eyes, and could almost see the struggle going on within himself as he spoke of his past. "I'm sorry," was all she managed to say. "I shouldn't have snooped into your affairs. I realize how difficult that was for you and...I'm just so sorry." Yelara turned away from Kace, almost ashamed of what she had done, and focused her attention on the hyperdrive.

He put a hand on her shoulder. "Please, don't be sorry," he said. "I would not have said something had I not wanted you to know. I would not have removed my cloak had I not been ready to reveal who and what I am, my past included."

He was silent for a long moment, then continued. "I have never told that story to anyone else. I've never had the chance because I rarely ever talk with people. I stay to myself normally. But, I wanted you to know. I wanted to tell you. You are being very kind to me where you don't have to. And, I felt that I could...could talk to you. I guess I also wanted someone to know that I'm trying to...to not be what I was."

Yelara felt a wave of serenity flood over her as Kace touched her arm. At that moment, she began to have trouble believing that a man with such kindness in his eyes, could have committed the acts he spoke of. She sighed and smiled as she placed her hand over his. "You can talk to me whenever you need to. And it doesn't matter to me who you used to be; I shall only judge you by who you are now, and right now, I see a kind, caring man who wouldn't harm another unless provoked. We have all done things in our past that we're ashamed of, but it is just that: the past. Leave it behind, and just concentrate on the future. At least that's what my parents used to tell me."

Yelara grinned as she could hear the voice of her parents repeating those words to her when she was a child. It was still fresh in her mind as if it had happened yesterday. It made her happy to know she could still remember them that vividly, even after they had been dead for all those years.

He smiled again, the warmth returning to his eyes. "Good advice," he said. "And, thank you. I feel when everything is finished here, I will have no way to truly repay your kindness."

Listening to Kace speak, Yelara was suddenly reminded of Jae Dyn. He spoke so gently and with such calm in his voice, that Yelara could almost hear Jae Dyn's voice in place of his. Yelara began to choke up as the still fresh wounds of Jae Dyn's departure reopened. "You don't owe me a thing," she said, her lips beginning to tremble. "Excuse me," she whispered in a strained voice as the tears built up in her eyes. She dropped her hydrospanner and quickly ran down off the ship. She felt so weak, showing emotions in front of others. Of all things, she hated crying in front of people the most.

Kace followed her down the ramp as Yelara hurried across the flight deck. She wanted to be alone, and he would respect that. Perhaps later he could listen to her story. There was one there, and a very powerful one. He glanced around and frowned. He sensed something familiar, yet different. Or was it a someone? He couldn't be certain. He felt eyes on him, and found Sour Face watching from across the flight deck. Toran, Yelara called him. Kace would remember the name. The man was the sort to hold grudges, and soon he would come looking to repay insults exchanged.

Kace looked out across the deck and hoped Yelara was alright. He would have to find out what it was later, if she was willing to talk about it.

---

"A Friendly Ear"
Yelara Neerou, Shipyards Mechanic
Kace Mordin, Traveller

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Eos 25, 3 ABY

***

Yelara had completely abandoned the repairs on Kace's ship. She had been sitting in her office for hours, staring blankly at the wall with only one thing on her mind: Jae Dyn. She kept going over in her mind the conversation she and Jae Dyn had before she left. Yelara was trying to figure out what she could have done or said differently to have made Jae Dyn stay. To put it plainly, she completely blamed herself for Jae Dyn's leaving.

Her heart was aching and nothing else mattered to her in that moment. Her tears had dried from her earlier crying episode, but inside, she was still pining for Jae Dyn.

A soft knock at the door drew up Yelara's attention. In the doorway, Kace stood, his eyes on her, glowing softly in the light. He tilted his head to the side and took a hesitant step forward. He had put the cloak back on so it covered his lightsabers.

"Would you care for a little company? Perhaps just an ear to listen?"

Yelara stared at Kace in confusion. She had only just met him and already he was being compassionate and caring towards her without asking anything in return. She let out a deep breath and nodded her head. "Some company would be great. Come on in and close the door behind you." She motioned for Kace to take a seat on the chair across from hers and leaned in closer to him. "How are the repairs coming? I'm sorry I haven't been helping, it's just that..." Yelara looked down and closed her eyes tightly. "My heart just wasn't in it today."

He nodded. "The repairs are coming along, though slowly. I think I've been making progress, though the mess has grown in the process. I have parts spread all over the repair bay now." He watched her. The presence he'd sensed earlier was back, though just niggling out the edges of his consciousness. "And, you don't have to worry about not being there. You have been more than kind already. If I have to stay a little longer, then I stay a little longer." He smiled. "Something is troubling you. Would you like to talk about it?"

Yelara wasn't used to opening herself up to strangers so quickly, but she felt so comfortable with Kace and trusted him implicitly for some reason. Maybe it was just that Yelara needed to make all the pain she was feeling go away and telling Kace might help that along. Whatever it was, she just let it all out. "Someone I cared for deeply just left me...and I'm feeling so guilty. I never got a chance to tell her how I felt." Yelara gave an exasperated sigh. "I hate myself for it. I mean, I may never see her again and for once I could have trusted what my heart was telling me enough to tell her my true feelings. I'm such a coward!"

Kace watched her and then smiled. "You aren't a coward," he said. "Sometimes, it's just very difficult to trust what you feel inside. Especially when it comes to love. I would not consider myself an expert on the subject, by any stretch of the imagination, but I hope what I say sounds good. It makes sense to me. I have never felt close to anyone like that, except for my Master. Some nights I still hear his voice. Perhaps fate will offer you a second chance, the opportunity to tell her." He raised an eyebrow and smiled as the realization hit. But, then the doubts arrived right behind it. It would appear by her statement that Yelara preferred the company of women. "You seem to be a good person, and I have faith you will see her again. The fates are not entirely cruel."

Yelara felt reassured by his words, but there was still a looming sadness within her. "It is far more complicated Kace. Even if she comes back, I fear we may not be able to be together. I have a pre-existing...obligation, of sorts, to a very powerful man." Yelara stood up and stared out the window of her office. "If he finds out how we feel about each other, he won't hesitate to do everything in his power to separate us." Yelara's stomach turned at even the thought of her and Jae Dyn being forced apart forever. "You miss your Master dearly, don't you?" she asked gently.

He nodded. "A day does not go by that I do not think of him, and the regret I feel at our parting," he said. "Losing him is part of the reason I do what I do. I will never stop until the Empire and the Emperor have been destroyed. I will destroy ever base I can find, sabotage every starship I come across. I will risk everything I am to atone for what I have done, what they forced me to do. I will have my revenge, and with it, the revenge of all those hurt by my hands. But, even then, the pain of his loss will haunt me forever." He sighed and looked up. "So, you are Dargus Kandran's?"

Yelara was listening to Kace's passionate speech and felt akin to everything he was saying. They were both on the same quest trying to reach the same goals, except Kace was actually out there, accomplishing things while Yelara was stuck in the shipyards helplessly watching as the rebels fought and died for a cause she too cared about. Kace's last question took Yelara by surprise. She had not mentioned Dargus' name, yet somehow he knew. She turned around quickly and stared at Kace in puzzlement, feeling, as well, a bit enraged. "Kandran does not own me, if that's what you were implying," she answered, trying not to be offensive. She sighed, realizing it was an innocent question and walked over to Kace, looking down at him. "Yes, I am Dargus', but not by choice," she said, feeling ashamed of having to admit it.

"I did not mean to anger you," he said. "I did a little research on the planet today. There are two powerful men here, Dargus and the king. And, you are working on Dargus' shipyard. And, I have a feeling if I were to ask Dargus, and he were to tell me the truth, he would assure me that he owned you and everyone in his employ. Though, I imagine the king may say the same of every citizen of his planet." He looked into her beautiful violet eyes and smiled. "But, I can see that Dargus Kandran will never possess your spirit. Though, he will try. And, if he can't possess it, he will grind it down until there is nothing left of it. That is the way he works. That is the way the Emperor works. That was how they turned me, used me. They ground me down and broke me. I was their tool to destroy the remaining Jedi."

Yelara crouched down next to Kace and placed her hand on his forearm. "I can hear in your voice the pain that exists in your heart. I feel almost stupid complaining about something as trivial as losing a friend." Yelara was beginning to feel embarrassed about crying over her petty troubles. Kace had suffered more than she ever had or would, and he was here offering to help her in her time of need. She couldn't help but think how amazing this man truly was. "You're right about Dargus though. He can take my body as many times as he likes, but he can never touch my soul." Yelara smiled at Kace. "If your spirit can survive everything you have gone through, it makes me confident that maybe mine can as well."

He returned the smile, even though it felt like his chest was constricting. His breathing came short and shallow as he looked into her eyes. He closed them and dropped his head slightly, so he wouldn't be looking into those eyes. They were drawing him in, pulling him close. "She was more than a friend to you though," he said. "That is a loss, and one you feel deeply. The pain we both feel is a different sort of pain, but yours is completely valid. And, I know you can survive this. You are a strong woman."

Yelara gently placed her hand under his chin and raised his head so she could look into his eyes. "I may seem strong on the outside, but I'm still a young, naive child who has much to learn about things such as love and life itself. I am still not certain what my feelings are for Jae Dyn. I know that I love her and that it is a spiritual love, but I'm not certain yet if it is more than that." Yelara pulled her hand away and stood up. "It seems both our hearts are trying to mend. Who knows? Maybe you and I can help each other heal." Yelara smiled at Kace and asked gently, "What d'ya say?"

He turned the smile, his eyes seeming to glow even brighter as he did. "I like the idea. Though, I should probably say that this, and maybe earlier, are the longest conversations I've had with anyone in nearly ten years. I will do what I can to help you heal, but I will be doing so blindly. I want to do what I can for you though."

Yelara laughed gently. "And this is the most interesting conversation I've ever had with a man before." Yelara looked into his eyes and felt almost a calm sweep over her. They exuded a peace that settled her heart instantly, which was exactly what she needed right now. "It's a deal then. I help you and you put up with my stubbornness and my temper, and you listen to me blab on about my problems. It sounds like a fair trade to me!" Yelara said, feeling the most content she had been in almost two days.

Kace laughed. "Then it sounds like we have a deal," he said. He watched her for a long moment. "Dargus Kandran doesn't deserve a woman like you. Perhaps I was wrong about the fates. Perhaps they are cruel to put you with a man like that, and leave other better people with nothing."

Yelara frowned slightly at Kace's remark. Somehow, she couldn't help but think that even if she did deserve better than Dargus, she could never be free of him and wasn't sure she wanted to be. Her need for him was still great and until someone who could convince her otherwise came along, she would continue to go to his bed. "You're a kind man Kace." Yelara bent over and kissed Kace gently on the cheek. "I'm glad that all the darkness you were exposed to in your life hasn't blackened your heart. Thank you for all your help."

He hid is reaction from his face, but somehow hers indicated that perhaps she wanted to be with Dargus. And, her words seemed to indicate their conversation was at an end. Perhaps he had overstepped himself. "You are welcome," he said. "And, thank you for listening as well." He stood and straightened his cloak. "I think I should probably go now."

Yelara was a little confused by Kace's reaction. He seemed to be trying to distance himself from her for some reason and Yelara began to wonder if she had been too forward with him. "I'm sorry if I've offended you in some way. Don't feel obligated to stay here on my account. If you like, I can still show you to the quarters I've offered you."

"Oh, you've done nothing to offend me," he said quickly. "You've been kinder to me than anyone in my life. It's just that, I don't want to bring-- I mean, if staying in the room you've offered will cause any sort of problem, perhaps I should just stay in my ship. I just don't want to cause any trouble for you."

Yelara tried to mask her disappointment. He had been so kind to her that she merely wanted to return the favour by offering him her old room, but she didn't want to force him to take it. "It won't cause me any trouble at all. But if you're not comfortable taking it then I won't pressure you."

"I will accept the room," he said. "But, I just don't want anything--" He dropped his head and sighed. "I will accept the room. And, thank you. I only wish there was more I could do. I've never had anyone be this kind to me before." He raised a hand to his cheek, suddenly very aware of where she'd kissed it. He dropped his hand to his side quickly and smiled, his face flushing slightly. "I'm sorry if I appear ungrateful; it's not intended. I am very grateful. Overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity. I'm not used to it."

Yelara laughed at Kace's apparent bashfulness. She found it very refreshing compared to other men, namely Dargus. "Fine. Good. Just tell me when you're ready to go and I'll lead the way," Yelara said, with a satisfied smile.

Kace nodded. "Now would be good," he said. The office was feeling very close as he stood there talking to her. It was a little warm, and the air seemed to be disappearing. "I mean, unless there's something else you wanted to talk about."

"We can talk more later. I have to get out of this cramped office." Yelara walked over to the door and opened it. "Come on. Let's get you to your quarters. You look exhausted!"

He nodded, though he wasn't really exhausted. "That's good. It'll be nice to have a place to settle down to. Though, it will be strange living somewhere stationary. I spend most of my time on my ship. I think it will be nice though. Nice to have a place to go, with familiar faces."

Yelara began walking out and nodded her head. "I know what you mean. I'm new here, so I don't really know anyone, besides Jae Dyn and, unfortunately, Dargus." Yelara walked out of the flight deck with Kace beside her. "Do you think you will ever really settle down for good? I mean, I know that I could never sit still in one place forever, but I think stability is good sometimes."

He shook his head. "Never for good," he said. "There's something in me that keeps me moving. Though, someday I'm probably going to have to buy a droid. Long jumps through hyperspace can get fairly lonely without someone to talk to sometimes."

"Well have you ever considered bringing an actual person with you? I mean a friend, a wife, maybe?" Yelara realized that she might be getting too personal, but she had already asked the question and hoped Kace wouldn't find it too intrusive.

Kace smiled. "Would it surprise you if I told you the thought never occurred to me? Though, if I ever found someone who was interested in going with me, I would definitely consider it." He glanced over as she walked beside him. "And, you are the first woman I've had a prolonged conversation with in..well my whole life, so I had never considered a wife. I never thought to find someone." He glanced at her again, and quickly away. He could hardly try walking that path. They had only just met, and she was involved with another man. Though the thought was a very nice one.

Yelara was a bit surprised. Kace was handsome and kind, a man any woman would fall for, yet he was alone. "You'll find someone, someday Kace. Everyone does...even if it's the wrong person," she said, sounding grim. She finally reached the door to her old room and stopped in front of it. "Here it is," she said, as she unlocked the door and threw it open. "Courtesy of Dargus Kandran himself." Yelara walked in and started to tidy up. She had made a mess last time she was here because she was packing to move into Jae Dyn's apartment. She still made the move, even though Jae Dyn had left, but somehow it wasn't the same without her. "Sorry about the mess. You can come in and get acquainted with the place. There's a bathroom, a shower, a big bed....all the necessities." Yelara sounded as if she were trying to sell the place to a potential buyer, but she was really trying to make Kace feel at home.

Kace looked at the bed and laughed. "I had heard rumors that beds that large existed, but I never believed it. And, the mess doesn't bother me. You've seen the inside of my ship, though I usually keep a much it tidier." He looked around and nodded. "I will thank you for the courtesy because I would rather not have to thank Mr. Kandran. I think it will satisfy my needs while I am here."

Yelara smiled while still cleaning up. "I'm glad you like it. And don't worry, Kandran doesn't have to know about this. He's rarely around the shipyards anyway, so you're safe here." Yelara tidied up the last bit of mess she had made and walked over to Kace. "Well, I better be getting back to work. They get frantic when I'm not around." Yelara looked up at Kace's deep, blue eyes and felt herself grinning from ear to ear. "Well...I guess I'll see you tomorrow," she said, still standing in front of him, showing no intention of moving.

Kace couldn't take his eyes away from hers. He nodded. "Yeah," he said. "You should probably go. I'll see you tomorrow, and we can see what we can do about my ship. Though, if you have other things you need to do, I'm sure staying here longer wouldn't be a problem." The words were tumbling out of his mouth, but his mind was elsewhere. He raised a hand to her cheek and brushed it gently. He didn't want her to leave. He could stand where he was for days and just gaze into her eyes.

Yelara closed her eyes as she felt Kace's hand against her skin. It comforted her so much so that she didn't want to leave his room without feeling his arms around her, embracing her. But just as she closed her eyes and was becoming soothed by Kace's touch, Jae Dyn's voice rushed back to Yelara, telling her that she loved her. Yelara opened her eyes and pulled away quickly. "If this were any other time, Kace, I would not hesitate to spend the night with you, but...it's too soon," she said, looking down and afraid to look into his eyes and of seeing the pain she might be causing him. "I hope you understand," she added, gently.

He nodded, the hint of a smile still playing at his lips. His eyes still radiated warmth as he looked at her. "I understand," he said. "And, I do not fault you for...that. I don't want to put any pressure on you. I-- I have to admit that I am relieved. I fear that were you to stay here, I would probably make a fool of myself."

Yelara smiled at Kace's remark, uncertain about what he meant. "Make a fool of yourself? I don't understand..." Yelara stopped herself as it suddenly dawned on her what Kace was getting at. "Oh, I see." Yelara looked into Kace's eyes and gave a gentle grin. "I think that's so wonderful, I do, and I guess now I'm glad I'm not staying for the night. I wouldn't want me to be the first woman you share yourself with. You deserve someone better." Yelara took Kace's hand and squeezed it gently. "I'll see you tomorrow...on the flight deck." Yelara moved in slowly and kissed Kace on the cheek, while whispering in his ear, "Goodnight."

Kace closed his eyes, forcing his hands to stay at his side. He wanted to reach out, and touch her again. He wanted to feel her skin against his fingertips. There is no one better, he thought, opening his eyes to watch her. "Goodnight," he whispered. "I'll see you out by the Corellia tomorrow."

Yelara stepped back and walked towards the door. She opened it and turned back to Kace before exiting, holding his gaze with her own. "I hope you sleep well," was all she said before she gave one last smile and walked out of the room. She closed the door behind her and damned herself, cursing under her breath. She had just finished beating herself up for being too much of a coward to profess her true feelings to Jae Dyn, and now she was passing up Kace because she was too afraid of getting close to another person, and not to mention getting him in trouble with Dargus. Fear had begun to take hold of her life and she hated it, but there was nothing she could do. She didn't want to force Kace into her life, a life that was already upside down. She would just drag him down with her, so she decided that she would not pursue him unless he made the first move and unless he knew everything about her relationship with Dargus. Yelara had no intention of condemning anyone to a life of fear and violence, a life that any man she was intimate with would become exposed to due to Dargus' jealousy and possessiveness. Kace was too good a man to have to suffer such a fate as that.

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