"End of Discussion, Part 1"
By: Zari Zathmir
Keeve Zenarr
Talara Sorenne
Kellin Zathmir [NPC+]

Location: Keeve's Apartment, New Plouton
Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY

***

Large blue eyes stared up at her and Zari Zathmir felt her heart melting again. Chubby fingers were holding tight onto her thumb as she knelt next to the bassinet. She couldn't help feeling wonder as she looked down into his tiny face, and her heart broke every time he started crying.

Hearing the sound of someone coming into the room behind her, Zari turned. She was dressed in a tank top and lightweight pants that came down to just below her knees. While it was getting colder outside, it was quite nice in Keeve's apartment. She gave a big grin to Keeve as he stopped in the middle of the room to peer in at the baby who was quietly surveying the room with a fist shoved halfway into his mouth.

"I think he's going to be hungry again soon," Zari said as she dislodged her thumb from his grip. "Kellin Talyn Zathmir. That's a good name, isn't it, Keeve?"

He grinned fondly, smoothing a hand over the baby's downy soft hair. "It's a perfect name. Did Kim help you with that?"

"She did," Zari said, brushing a finger affectionately over Kellin's cheek. "Talyn's the name of a boy I knew on Agarra. He was really funny and he loved to climb too. I can't believe he's two weeks old already." She blinked and brushed away a tear trying to make its way down her cheek. "I know I said I'd give my baby up, Keeve, but...but I don't know if I can now. He's so beautiful and...and for all that bad that Ferrig did to me...Kellin isn't bad. He's so wonderful. He's completely opposite of Ferrig."

"And you're ready to be a mother?" he asked gently. "I mean, Kim and I are here to help...but this is what you really want?"

"I'm not ready, but I am," Zari said. "But, even if I'm not, look at him. How could I not want to have him in my life? Gods, Keeve, how did you handle growing up so fast so easily?"

His smile was negligent, yet held a trace of wistfulness. "My childhood was a mess. I didn't mind leaving it behind."

"I know I have to take care of him for awhile," Zari said. "When he's around three or four, he can start training to be a Jedi. But, the more time I spend with him, the more I love him."

"And you still want to be a Jedi? You know you don't have to go back to them - you can stay with us as long as you want."

"I like being a Jedi even though now isn't the best time to be one," Zari said. "I guess I have some time to think about it. And, I can keep training and be a mommy." She patted her flat belly. "I'm even back in shape."

"Well" -- Keeve squeezed her shoulder companionably -- "whatever you decide, we're here to support you. And if you ever need a night out or time alone...Kim says we'd be glad to babysit."

Zari grinned, then leaned up and kissed his cheek. "Thanks, Keeve," she said.

From the doorway, there was a giggle. "Isn't that the cutest sight," said Talara as she entered the room. "Hi there, Keeve."

He grimaced and decided his visit would have to be cut short. "You were with Dev again?" Leaning over the crib to kiss Kellin, then smiling at Zari, he strolled towards the door, where Talara was. "You've been out with him every day and night since you got back."

"And because of that, you have to leave when I show up?" Talara asked, her tone carrying a strong hint of incredulity. For the sake of Zari's baby, she kept her voice down. The little one tended to react poorly to Keeve and Talara's frequent arguments. "Maybe I should be the one to leave, Keeve. Since you can't stand to be around me, and since you can't stand me spending time with Dev, maybe I should just go so you don't have to worry about having to vacate rooms I happen to walk into. I'll find a place of my own."

"You mean a place of your own with Dev." He snorted derisively, and loomed over her in the doorway. "I thought, after the mission, you'd forget all about Dev and romance and just focus on training." Narrowing his eyes to study Talara intensely for deception, Keeve asked, "Have you had sex with him yet?"

Talara grabbed Keeve by the shirt and pulled him out into the hall. "No, we haven't," she said. "We've come close, but I stopped it. I like spending time with him, Keeve. He's a friend, he doesn't fight with me, and he helps me forget that there are a lot of people out there who would like to see me dead. And besides, you've abandoned all your claims to my feelings for you, so who I want to be with is none of your concern."

"He's getting too close," Keeve hissed, intending for Zari and Kellin to be spared the sounds of their argument. "You're jeopardizing Zari, Kallia and the babies. Don't you care?"

"He's not a threat, Keeve!" Tala answered, matching Keeve's tone. "I don't know why you hate him so much, but I think you'd hate anyone who showed any interest in me. You've made it perfectly clear you don't have any interest in me so you must want me to be unhappy. He hardly spends any time at all in here, Keeve. We either go outside and hang out in the park across the street, out in the hall, or down at the frazzie stand. I'm careful, Keeve, and I wouldn't do anything to hurt them. I need a friend Keeve, and you're too bossy and fussy to be my friend. You don't even seem to want to have fun anymore. You just spend all your time with Kim or yelling at me."

"I do not yell at you!" he hollered. Zari shushed them from inside Kellin's nursery. Keeve pouted at being stifled and lowered his face towards Talara's to continue their discussion, in a whisper. "Why won't you just acknowledge that I'm trying to keep this whole family safe and cared for - including you? It's hard enough without my having to worry about where you are, who you're with, and whether or not you're in trouble. Why can't you just be around more often?"

Rather than answering with words, Talara answered by kissing him. Next, she felt his hands closing around her arms, but instead of drawing her closer, Keeve used his grip to restrain Talara as he pulled back. Keeve's eyes were closed, either relishing the kiss or masking his disappointment. "This is going to end badly," he sighed. "I don't see any other outcome." Green-tinged eyes ensnared Talara as they opened; they were soft, nearly saddened instead of cold and hard like his words. "All you want is sex. You're a Jedi - can you foresee a future where we live happily as a couple, but without all the intimacy? I...I can't sleep with you, Tala. It isn't right."

"I don't just want sex, Keeve," Talara whispered. "A kiss isn't sex. Holding me isn't sex. Being my friend and spending time with me isn't sex. Sex is a celebration of the love two people share for each other. Sure it can be shallow and only a means of pleasure. But...but it can be so much more. You and Kim are very intimate and very happy. Master Darr and Master Vorrel, too. I can be a Jedi and love someone, Keeve. I'm not going to become a Dark Jedi. But you don't care for me that way. I'd hoped, but didn't want to believe it. But...but I guess I should accept it as it is, and move on." She swallowed. "I will spend more time here, but I'm going to tell Dev that I can be his girlfriend now."

Keeve's hold remained firm. "What? What are you talking about? What are you pulling here, Talara?"

"Just that, I give up, Keeve," Tala said. "Dev's been asking me to be his girlfriend for three months. He likes me a lot, and he enjoys the time we spend together. He says that he's never seen a girl who can ride a hoverboard better than he can. But, I like him too, and since whatever chance of being with you is gone, I might as well tell him I'll be his girlfriend. I do like him a lot, Keeve. He's a wonderful boy, and he's a good friend. It doesn't mean that we're getting married or moving in together. It just means I'm going to be his girlfriend. That's all."

"To spite me." Keeve laughed bitterly and finally released Talara. "You're going to go run off with that boy to make me jealous, to get a rise out of me. Is that it? Is that the game you're playing?"

"Don't flatter yourself," Talara said. "I can't believe I ever loved you or thought I loved you if that's what you think of me. I'm not your mother, Keeve. I don't play games with other people's emotions. I thought there really might have been a chance for us, but I can see it was always impossible because of your low opinion of me. I only wanted your love, Keeve. I guess it's your inflexibility and unwillingness to change that makes it so you can't see when other people have changed." She stepped back away from him. "I'm going down to Dev's. I can't be around you now, not knowing how you really think of me."

"You've seen enough of him for one day. You should stay home," Keeve advised curtly. "Why don't you go upstairs and...meditate or something."

"I'll be back in an hour, Keeve," Talara said. "He deserves to know that I'm his girlfriend. I won't be gone long, and then I'll be back so you can tell me how evil sex and boys and friends are again." She turned and started toward the front of the apartment.

"You got the first two right," he called back to her, resisting the impulse to give chase. "You're acting crazy, Tala! You've lost it!"

Talara turned around. "I'm not the one shouting, Keeve. Dev's my boyfriend. I thought he'd like to know he's my boyfriend. He's the only friend I know who actually has time for me. You're always working or with Kim. You leave the room when I enter. Zari's got her baby now; Kallia has her babies. No one has time to be my friend except for Dev. Unless you don't think I need friends."

"You don't care what I think," Keeve spat. "You stopped listening to me long ago."

"Right when you stopped caring about my feelings," Talara answered back. "Keeve, I just want a friend, and it's clear you can't be my friend."

"A friend you can spread your legs for!" he hollered back, being unintentionally vulgar. "You don't want my friendship - you want to share my bed!"

Without realizing it, she'd closed the distance with him. Her open palm cracked against his cheek. "You bastard," she rasped. "I wanted your love and your friendship. Being able to love you would have come with it, but you didn't want that. I wanted your friendship, I wanted us to have fun together, but you seem to be under the impression that you're either eighty years old or that adults aren't allowed to have fun. You're afraid to get on a hoverboard. It's like someone shoved a durasteel rod up your ass and you haven't bothered to remove it yet. I can't imagine why I thought you could love me or be my friend because you've never even made an effort to be my friend. You're too intent on what I'm not supposed to be doing and how I'm the worst slut on the whole planet, than on just trying to be the friend I need."

She jabbed her finger into his chest. "Want to know who the last person I had sex with was? It wasn't one person, it was three people in Jadda's Palace when I was a prisoner there. I can't tell you their names or what they looked like, but I can tell you they smelled terrible. They weren't people I chose or even wanted to. I was forced into it because I was their slave, presented to them by Nieme and Dani because I turned against them by helping you escape from the palace. As punishment before handing me over, they tied me up out in the courtyard of the palace and let all of the mercenaries have their way with me. The last person I had sex with that was actually my choice was you, but you shoved me off of you when you realized I wasn't Maeren. When I was finally rescued from Jadda, my boyfriend couldn't even touch me because I wasn't ready. Incidentally, he couldn't hack that and went on to start raping Zari over and over until he got her pregnant." She looked up at him, unshed tears shining in her eyes. "And every time I've talked to you, you practically call me a slut to my face and tell me how terrible I am. Fine, you don't want me, but Dev does. And...and gods, Keeve, I need someone who can hold me and tell me that things are okay and that I'm not all the things you tell me I am."

The muscles in Keeve's cheeks flexed and relaxed repeatedly as he clenched and unclenched his jaw to force back his shame. Not a thought had been given to Talara's hardships - Keeve had been too focused on avoiding her to suspect she may not have yet recovered. When he tried to speak, his voice caught. He refused to even consider that grief was responsible for constricting his throat and tightening his chest. Instead, he mastered himself by taking a moment to ponder the wall before him and clearing the knot in his throat. "I didn't know," he managed to say, his voice quiet and strained. "You never...never indicated that was still bothering you. I thought you were happy."

"I was trying to be," Talara said softly, trying not to sniffle. "I was trying to be a Jedi. I was...I was trying to be grown up. I like Dev a lot, and we kiss and hug, and are really close. But I don't think I'm ready to have sex with him yet. Even if you wanted to be with me, I don't know if I could. But...but I want to have someone who can be close to me, and help make everything alright."

"If you'd just told me...I would've been all that for you," Keeve insisted, trying but failing to look at her. "I would've listened.... I thought all along you were just...trying to seduce me."

"Only a little," Talara said. "I thought you really did like me, but didn't want to because of Kim. Or that you weren't sure how you felt and would eventually realize. I didn't want to give up hope...because I didn't think I could handle it. I thought you wanted me to be strong and like a Jedi, not a little girl in over her head and trying to cope."

"I do," he exclaimed, finally gazing at her. "I want you to be a Jedi and forget about all these distractions, like love, and sex, and relationships. You're special, Talara. You could be the most powerful Jedi ever to live if you'd just focus on your training. All I want for you, and will ever want for you, is to be happy and fulfilled. I just don't think your current path will lead to that."

"But, I don't want to be alone, Keeve," Talara whispered. "And you only want me to be a Jedi to keep me away from Dev. When it comes to being a Jedi, you don't want me doing anything dangerous, and I should stay in here and hide."

He laughed incredulously. "What do you want from me?! I want to keep you safe because you're my friend, Tala! But when I worry and try to protect you, you accuse me of being a jerk. I don't know how else to express my concern except by making demands. Maybe I go about it the wrong way," he allowed, "but can't you see I mean well?"

"I can," Talara said. "Keeve, if I can't be your girlfriend, I want to be Dev's. I do really like him, and he really likes me. If it's not going to be you, since you were first, then it is him. I know you're trying to keep me safe, but don't over-protect me." She moved closer to him. "If you aren't jealous of Dev, that means you think he's truly a danger. I really don't see how you can think that since he's just sixteen years old, he's not a Jedi, and he's a very nice boy. If you're not going to be interested in me, make sure you're not jealous of him."

"Then how about I stay out of it entirely?" he suggested sardonically. "I'm making a mess of things...so from now on, you just do what you want, Tala. This way I'll never make you miserable again and you can live happily with Dev without my jealousy ruining everything."

"Are you jealous, Keeve," Talara asked.

He smirked, realizing he'd stepped into his own trap. "Would that change anything - the knowing one way or the other?"

"Probably not," Talara said. "If you're not willing to express or act on your feelings, then you'll just have to live with your jealousy and knowing that someone else is where you could have been."

"Where I could be," he corrected, "if I weren't going to marry Kim. I won't be that man, Tala. I'd rather sin in thought than action. It makes it easier to live with oneself. If I'm jealous of Dev, it would only be because you don't resent him like you do me. Because he can make you laugh, and smile, and bring you joy. I can't do that so...." Clearing his throat, Keeve straightened, stiffened and admitted grudgingly, "So, in that respect...yes, I'm jealous. You're closer to him than you ever were with me. Of course that irritates me. Why shouldn't it?"

"Because it doesn't have to be that way," Talara said. "Because everything could be different. But, I know it won't be, and it makes me very sad. We're on Tae'Karada where a man can have as many wives as he wants, as many wives as he can support, and I fell in love with the one who doesn't believe in that. We're on a planet where you could have both of us if you wanted, but you limit yourself to what you think is proper. I know it won't ever change because you don't accept it. You can do all those things if you try, Keeve, even without loving me like you love Kim. It's a lesson that life isn't fair, and I don't know if you're suffering like I am, but a part of me hopes that you are so that it means that you really do love me and wish we could be together. And, this is the last chance. Once I go to Dev and I'm his girlfriend, I can't turn back unless the relationship doesn't work. I'm going to do everything I can to make it work. So, if there's a chance you think you could bend and allow yourself two wives or a wife and mistress like is allowed on this stupid planet, then say so now. I--" She quickly closed her mouth, knowing she could say no more without being reduced to tears. She didn't want to go to Dev, her new boyfriend, all puffy-eyed with tears dripping off her nose.

Keeve lowered his gaze, unable to experience anything but guilt at the sight of Talara's grief. She would never understand that her suffering caused his own; he was a prudish, heartless jerk, that's all she would believe until he relented. It wasn't so easy, yet nothing could convince Talara of that. He couldn't, however, leave her hanging any longer - she was too dear for Keeve to perpetuate her anguish in this way. Speaking through clenched teeth, Keeve uttered tautly, "I won't stand in the way, Tala. Just...be happy. If that means going to Dev...then that's all I want for you. Just to be happy."

Without realizing she was doing it, Talara found herself pushing her way into Keeve's embrace. Her head laying against his chest, listening to his heartbeat, she held him close. "I wish it could be different," she whispered. "I wish...I wish it could be okay. If it ever is with you, Keeve, if you ever realize you can share your love and heart with me too, please tell me."

Keeve smiled wanly, allowing himself one concession by stroking Talara's hair. "You'll be the first to know. Deal?"

"Deal," Talara said as she slipped out of his arms. "But, I am going to really miss kissing you. I'm going to go down to talk with Dev and let him know. I'll be back soon, and...and maybe we can talk about stuff. I really want to go to a show at the White Noise. Do you think we can go?"

Doubting his ability to speak without his voice wavering, Keeve nodded and gestured for her to go to Dev. "Go on," he whispered, finding it easier to mask the unsteadiness of his tone.

Talara backed away from him. Just before turning and starting toward the front door, she hurriedly said, "I love you, Keeve." With that, as the tears started to fall, she fled their penthouse.

He couldn't watch, and turned fully with his back to the wall for support. "Crazy, headstrong women," Keeve grumbled somberly. Emotions were a plague on humans...especially when conflicted. Although having convinced himself he felt nothing remotely near to love for Talara, his jealousy of Dev seemed inexplicable in the face of such a denial. You're just being overprotective, he assured himself, but failing to do so with much conviction. Keeve shook his head briskly to clear his mind, then pushed off the wall for the door. "Zari! I'm going out for a while!"

"Okay," Zari called out after him. "I'm just putting Kellin down for a-- Keeve?" As she stepped into the hall, she found him already gone. With a shrug, she turned back into the nursery to make sure the little one was comfortable. She just hoped that when Keeve and Talara came back, they wouldn't start yelling again.

---

"End of Discussion, Part 2"
By: Talara Sorenne
Dev [NPC+]
Sathis [NPC+]
Reinrich Tas [NPC+]

Location: Dev's Apartment, Yesdol, New Plouton; Reinrich's Office, Yesdol, New Plouton
Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY

***

Once she had wiped her eyes free of the tears and regained her composure, Talara finished the journey from the lift to the front door of Dev's home. It was a penthouse similar to Keeve and Kim's. She knocked softly, and she heard sounds inside.

The door opened and a tall man who looked like an older version of Dev was standing there. He looked shocked for just a moment before recovering. He gave Talara a smile that sent a shiver down her spine, and for just a moment, she thought of bolting back for the elevator. She'd never met Dev's father, but as he gazed wolfishly down at her, she wished that would have continued to be the case.

"You must be Talara," he said, then offered his hand. As she placed her hand in his, he held it firmly and continued, "Dev has spoken very highly of you, but I believe he neglected to mention just how beautiful you were. Please, come in."

Finally releasing her hand, he stepped back to allow her to enter. She could feel his eyes upon her, undressing her, and it made her very uncomfortable.

"Is Dev here," she asked.

There was a pause as the man continued to watch hungrily. "He is," he said after some delay. "Devan! Your friend Talara is here to see you."

Dev appeared a moment later, and when he saw Talara there, his face lit up. "Hey, I didn't expect to see you again until tomorrow."

"Keeve and I had a talk, and I had to come see you." She glanced aside where Dev's father stood waiting. "Is there somewhere we can talk?

Sending a peevish glare toward his father, he motioned for her to follow him. "Come on, we can talk in my room."

They disappeared quickly, and Talara could feel the oily gaze of Dev's father still on her back as they disappeared down the hall.

As Dev closed the door behind them, he turned and grinned at her. "You look great," he said.

She glanced down at the blue mini-dress she wore. It was sleeveless and fell to the middle of her thighs. She wore a pair of short boots and tights. "This is what I was wearing earlier, silly," she said.

"You still look great, but you've been crying." Looking concerned, he reached out and took her hands.

"Just Keeve," she said. "You know how weird things are, and the reason I haven't said I'd be your girlfriend." He nodded. "Well, I do want to be your girlfriend now. I really do, Dev, and I'm completely free of Keeve."

The fact that he was her second choice didn't bother him at all as he swept her into his arms and they kissed. As long as she was his, he was happy. And by her words, he was certain that she was his for certain.

***

The link in Reinrich Tas's office lit up with the incoming communication from his business partner Sathis Exan. As Reinrich pressed the key that would accept the call, Sathis's form appeared holographically standing before the desk.

"Reinrich," he said with a predatory smile, "I believe I have a means to secure our key to finally thwart Merrick Braston and Analesse D'vrishay." He paused, waiting for Tas to ask him to continue so that he could dramatically lay out his plan.

Showing little outward interest, Reinrich took a pull from his drink before indulging Sathis. "So...what is so brilliant that I haven't already thought of it myself?"

"Well, it appears that the shining knight of the White Noise had a few weak moments that were broadcast out to anyone with an open comm frequency." His image was replaced with a holographic scene that was unmistakably Merrick Braston with an attractive young girl, both naked and coupling madly. After a moment, the image returned to Sathis. "That beautiful little darling is in my son's room and apparently his new girlfriend. And, you know how particular Analesse is about things like this. I have a feeling we can use this little beauty to drive a wedge between the two, and then the White Noise, and Analesse D'vrishay are yours again."

Reinrich's beverage was of little interest to him now; he set it aside to lean forward for a better vantage of the show before him. He grinned slowly. "So...what's the plan? A rebroadcast of this juicy home movie for all of Tae'Karada to see?"

"It turns out that the little minx servicing Braston so expertly is none other than the Jedi Padawan who's been featured in the news, or was before the Jedi were branded traitors. She's living the mundane life with my neighbours upstairs. The thing is, she's still a Jedi, and that's a no-no. So, the plan becomes obtain her loyal assistance under penalty of revealing who she is, where she's staying, and all the little people who are helping her to the authorities. We then use her to become a foil between Braston and D'vrishay. I figure with those antics she's showing with him, she might be able to put on quite a show at your club. Considering she's got him shoved down her throat like that--" he indicated the display "--maybe she can sing. But, wouldn't it be a delight to show up at a party with her on your arm and him staring wide-eyed and ready to bolt lest his dirty secret is revealed. I'm sure, once they've split, we can get rid of the girl unless you want to keep her as a trophy or set her to working for you. She seems to be quite talented."

Reinrich chuckled deeply as he dragged a finger over the holoimage, tracing the arch of Talara's back and momentarily disrupting the projection. "I think I could have some fun with her.... Her expertise is wasted on that foppish musician." No thought was necessary; the decision came far too easily to Reinrich. "When do we begin? I want a look at her up close."

"The door just closed a moment ago, so she has returned to her home," Sathis said. "Undoubtedly with the misplaced affection she has for my son, she will return tomorrow. I will present this new arrangement to her tomorrow, and when she cannot refuse and therefore accepts, I will bring her to you at once."

"And you're sure she won't give you trouble?" He smirked. "I don't want her pretty face marred."

"Oh, quite sure," Sathis said. "She will be unharmed, and I will make it very clear that any resistance on her part will be very bad for her loved ones. I'm sure when I tell her what will happen to that cute little blonde and her baby once they are taken into custody, she'll be very cooperative."

Reinrich was clearly pleased with Sathis' ruthlessness. "I'm glad we met, Sathis. This is just what we need to ruin my Analesse. Contact me once you're ready."

"I will contact you before we arrive," Sathis stated. "I will make certain the little minx is prepared for you."

"Just don't use her up before I get a spin with her."

Sathis grinned. "I'll bring her to you untouched," he said. "At least, I will not touch her. I give her to you, and if you have a wish to share her, I'll take my spin then. And, if you make her your wife, you own her completely. Not only will she be bound by the threat of danger to that sad little family of hers, but she will be legally bound to you."

Reinrich chuckled. "You've thought this over long and hard. You'll be rewarded well, my friend. Don't be long."

"I expect the girl will show up here quite early," Sathis said. "Expect our arrival shortly after that." His image winked out.

"Oh, Analesse," Reinrich purred, sinking against his chairback. Languidly stroking his chin, he envisioned finally seizing Analesse from Merrick's clutches, using Talara as the very tool to do so. Analesse would submit to him, whether it be to punish Merrick or truly acknowledge her desire for Reinrich; in either case, he awaited that day eagerly...as did the appendage placing increasing pressure against his pants.

---

"Seeking Guidance from Unlikely Sources"
By: Kaysa Tregat
Aria Tregat
Keeve Zenarr

Location: Kaysa and Zale's Residence, Yesdol, New Plouton
Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY

***

Aria's eyelids were finally drooping when the intercom chirped. Kaysa winced, knowing her efforts to put her daughter to bed had been wasted. The young girl's keen hearing picked up the alert and her eyes snapped open. She smiled up at Kaysa, who sighed defeatedly and wanly smiled back.

The intercom located on Aria's wall continued chirping. With the girl cradled in her arms, Kaysa made her way towards the annoying device and received the transmission.

"Mrs. Tregat, sorry to disturb you--"

"No you're not, Yoltesh," she informed him with mild irritation. The man had been hired by Zale, following the move to their new home, to guard the gates fencing in the property. He communicated with them via an intercom routed throughout the home, and disturbed them no matter what the situation, at all hours of the day. Zale had insisted on the security measure, but Kaysa was prepared to send the man on his way. Zale would have none of it, so instead, Kaysa needled the man ceaselessly. It helped to relieve frustration. "Yoltesh, what's the problem? Has a bird landed on our side of the gate again? Do you wish permission to shoot it?"

Yoltesh sighed. "No, ma'am," he replied flatly. "That was only one time...and it could have been an espionage device disguised as a bird. It was a risk I couldn't take."

Kaysa chuckled, despite her slowly waning patience. "Then what is it?"

"Mom! This idiot won't let me pass!"

"Keeve?" Kaysa hadn't spoken or seen her son in months - Keeve's choice. Now, he was standing outside her gate, waiting for passage. Aria babbled away while Keeve and Yoltesh could be heard bickering on the other end. Overcoming her surprise, Kaysa interjected. "Let him pass, Yoltesh. It's my son."

Yoltesh emitted a resigned affirmative and severed the transmission. Kaysa was already on her way down the staircase, reaching the front door just as Keeve did. She opened it before he could activate the door chime. They stared at one another, Kaysa in uncertainty and Keeve with a doleful, sullen expression.

Aria had squirmed her way upright and was reaching out to her brother. How she even remembered him, Kaysa knew not, but she was insistent about seeking his embrace. It did coax a smile from Keeve, who took his sister into his arms and kissed her cheek. Chocolate coloured eyes stared up at him in wonderment, and Keeve gazed back with equal amazement. "She's so different," he breathed. "Still looks like Zale...but she's got our eyes."

"She is your sister," Kaysa reminded him fondly, stroking her daughters curls. "She hasn't seen you in a while. I was afraid she'd forget you."

Keeve smiled crookedly in challenge. "Never."

Chuckling, Kaysa ushered him into the home. She gestured him to the sofa, upon which he sat, propping Aria on his lap. The child giggled as he tickled her belly. Kaysa, seated on the adjacent armchair, watched them contentedly in silence for a time before saying gently, "You look horrible. What's happened?"

The joy Aria had brought to his expression faded quickly. Keeve was frowning noticeably again. "I had an argument with...someone again."

"Kim? Maeren?" Kaysa smiled faintly. "How is she? I haven't seen her in so long."

"She's fine," he answered distractedly. "But it was neither of them. You...you know Talara, right?" Kaysa nodded. "Well...she...sort of...." He sighed, frustrated with his inability to form his thoughts into coherent speech.

"Don't worry," Kaysa consoled him, "Zale already told me about it. She still has a crush on you?"

"It's more than that," he snapped, then smiled contritely. "She thinks-- She loves me and I refuse to have anything to do with her...in that way."

"So...what's the problem? You can't just force yourself to feel the same way because you pity her."

"I don't pity her!" he informed her rather poutily. Aria stopped blubbering and gaped up at Keeve, startled by his raised voice. Keeve sighed and kissed her brow apologetically. "Look," he continued calmly now, "the problem is that she's completely in love and I feel horrible about it because I know...I know I could love her back if I let myself. But I don't want to."

Kaysa asked softly, "And why don't you?"

"Because, Mom," he explained petulantly, "she's too young - even though she doesn't act her age - and I've got Kim. It'd be too complicated."

"Well then." Kaysa exhaled deeply and leaned forward to pat her son's knee. "You'll just have to come to terms with your own guilt. Is there any way you two can continue living with one another without making her miserable, and yourself?"

"Well...she's got a boyfriend now. She seems happy." Keeve shrugged, while Aria grabbed at his nose. Kaysa laughed tenderly at the sight of her two children at play. Keeve continued, voice now nasally as Aria pinched closed his nostrils. "I just can't get over the fact she loves me. It makes it hard to be her friend."

"Oh, stop being so arrogant," Kaysa stated pithily. "My son, you are just like your mother - always thinking the world revolves around you, and meanwhile missing out on everything as life somehow carries on without you." She smiled. "Funny how that works, hm? So concerned that your actions are deeply impacting others, meanwhile you barely register on their radar. That's where I went wrong, Keeve. I was so self-involved, that I barely noticed everyone around me was slipping away. You just have to relax!" Kaysa advised him cheerfully. "Things seem to just...fall into place when you stop trying to control everything. Try it sometime. You'll be much happier if you do."

Keeve sighed heavily, still frowning dourly. Kaysa pursed her lips and lightly slapped his thigh. "Keeve...loosen up! You've always been such a serious boy. I...I blame myself for that." She smiled wistfully. "I blame myself for a lot, but I'm trying to make up for it all...and I'm glad you've forgiven me."

"I never blamed you, not really. I was just hurt that you didn't want me in your life, and I admit, I acted out." Kaysa laughed and Keeve chuckled. "Yeah...that's an understatement. I was a brat...still am."

"No, you're not," she told him affectionately. "You're my son, and you're still feeling your way through this whole adulthood thing. Give yourself some time and you'll get it right. We can even help each other out with that part," Kaysa suggested jovially.

"Yeah," Keeve agreed, laughing in spite of himself and his sullen nature. "I can teach you how to be serious and stern, and you can teach me how to have a little fun."

"Great! We'll start tomorrow," she decided, rising from her seat and plunking down next to Keeve on the sofa. "You, me, and Aria will go out for the day. She loves the park around the corner, then we'll go for dessert at the café down the street. Sound good?"

Keeve watched his mother, marvelling at the ebullient, happy woman who had replaced the temperamental lunatic he'd known previously. She seemed momentarily taken aback when he impulsively kissed her cheek. "I love you, Mom. I want to spend the day with you and my sister." He smiled. "Definitely."

Kaysa grinned tearfully and embraced her son. Aria mimicked her mother and did the same, clutching her brother's shirt-front with tiny fists. Keeve sighed serenely, and finally experienced, for a moment, confidence that he would resolve his issues with Talara. And he had his mother to thank, and his adoring sister. "I should've done this a long time ago," he whispered.

Tomorrow, he'd tell Talara the conclusions he'd come to this night and begin the friendship with her he'd been missing out on for far too long.

---

"Fighting the System"
By Selena Rellik
Plus Several NPCs

Location: New Plouton
Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY

***

Many days had passed since the aliens had invaded. People were still rather confused as to this new regime, though it was obvious that most disliked the fact that they were under the tutelage of a leader they had not chosen. But they also feared these aliens for their obvious displays of power, and those who did dare to speak against them or act against the new imposed laws would somehow disappear, never to be heard from again.

It seemed rather similar to going back to the older days of the Empire, when fear also was used as a control agent, only perhaps worse because this time she knew nothing of them. Actually, they had seemed to come out of nowhere, and not even Red Eye could find previous information that could prove useful... And with the blockade, no ships were going in or out.

Not that Selena would step away from Tae'Karada now... After all, she was more needed now, in this place where people were constantly being made to do things that they didn't want to, than anywhere else. And fighting such a regime was the ultimate goal for someone who believed in freedom and in righteousness, even if that meant taking the fight up to them.

The past few days, Selena had kept a low profile and had tried to study the aliens. They were strong, but certainly they would not be impervious to an attack, and they were not immortals either. Now that time was reaching the imposed curfew, the streets were deserted. It was that which caught Selena's attention. A woman was facing one of the aliens who patrolled the streets, and they were having a discussion of sorts... Selena concealed herself and tried to eavesdrop on them.

"You must go home. Curfew is approaching," one of the soldiers said in deep, rumbling Basic.

"But...my daughter. She's sick," a young woman wrapped in a cloak pleaded. "I need to get her medicine. Please, just a little while!"

The second alien seemed just as unmoved by her entreaties as the first. "Return home," he told her firmly. "Or you will be arrested and punished accordingly."

The woman sobbed and shook her head briskly. "Please! My daughter--"

"What is the commotion?" another voice boomed - a third soldier, one with a metallic sash angling across his broad chest. He came up beside his compatriots and studied the woman briefly. "She will miss curfew. Hurry her along."

"We have been, Taka'a," the first alien replied. "She resists."

The woman attempted a feeble protest, but would not be heard by the Taka'a. "Apprehend her," he ordered. The two lower ranked aliens obeyed without hesitation, moving forward to seize the woman. She screamed and attempted to flee. Both soldiers upholstered their rifles and aimed.

"Drop it!" Selena warned as she approached the aliens. She already had her blaster aimed in their direction and was holding a thermal detonator on the other. "And before you even think on shooting, know that if you do, you kill us all with the blast..."

"We are not afraid to die, woman..." one of the soldiers stated, a mocking grin on his face. "Kill her!"

Selena cursed something inaudible and opened fire, while the alien soldiers turned on her. She was sure to hit one of them in the chest, but the blast seemed to do little if anything at all. She then realized that they had some form of personal shield. Taking cover behind a parked speeder she breathed in deep while thinking how to get rid of them. She knew that the detonator would probably work, but it would also take the woman and the child.

Taking a glimpse from the side, Selena could see that they were already moving in on her - all three of them. She knew she had little time before she had to come up with something, so she decided to take her vibrodagger and move in up and close. They were all rather close, which could still work to her advantage.

She waited until they were close enough and jumped from behind the speeder, jumping in on them. One of the soldiers - the closest one - tried to take her out with a shot. But Selena dodged and was able to move in on them. She slashed away with her bladed weapon and was able to cut one of the alien soldier's cheeks.

He jerked in pain from the hit, and Selena didn't lose time, pushing him with a kick towards his comrades. So, they are impervious to blaster bolts but not bladed weapons... Only thing was that they can still fire from afar... she told herself.

"You will pay for that human!" the soldier promised.

Selena noticed that the woman was now gone, and perhaps she had better run as well. But as she turned away, the aliens opened fire. They were much too determined to get to her, and chased her. Selena noticed that there was a nearby wall that was in a rather bad shape... With less and less time to think on a plan, she ran and leaped onto a large container, then turning around to face the wall. On the other side she had a balcony, her best way to get out of there.

The soldiers fired at her, while she ran and leapt. But the shots hit the already crumbling wall, damaging it even further. The wall could not sustain the damage any longer and crumbled, making debris fall over the soldiers. Two of them were fast enough to dodge it, but the third one got caught and was clearly squished under the rubble.

Alas, that only served to infuriate the remaining ones even further, as they shot at the balcony Selena was in. The structure was also not in its prime condition and could not sustain the damage from the large guns, and started to shake, just seconds before detaching itself from the building it belonged to, falling on the streets below.

With the fall, Selena became slightly injured, but not to a point where she could not fight. She got up, and immediately noticed that she had lost her vibrodagger. And since the blaster didn't work, she could now only use her own hands.

One of the aliens rushed towards her, gun in hand. Selena noticed a pipe with a sharp edge near her feet and kicked it up, taking it into her hands. She was then forced onto taking cover behind some of the rubble as one of the incoming soldiers opened fire. As the alien soldier approached she took a swing at him with the pipe, hitting his weapon and taking it from his hands. The soldier moved fast and punched her across the face, sending her staggering back a few feet. He then took out a bladed weapon, not bothering too much with the loss of his projectile weapon. This was clearly the mark of a well trained soldier, or a madman with an obvious desire to kill her.

Selena readied herself, while still on the lookout for the third soldier, as he could still fire from afar. While still catching her breath, she watched the alien and let him make the first move. When he lashed at her, she was able to parry the charge, then grabbing hold of his arm and twisting it, making him turn. She then head butt him and kicked his groin, a thing that she was sure to work.

Alas, the alien looked back at her with a mischievous grin. "Wrong species!" he told her as he punched her across her jaw. Selena fell down to her knees and the alien lost no time in kicking her in the chest, sending her back a few yards.

Badly hurt and with a substantial loss of air, Selena tried to get up as fast as she could, knowing that if she did not she would surely die. She still had a hold on the sharpened pipe, though at this point she wasn't sure she could do much with it. Trying a desperate lash at the alien, she managed to get him in the chest, though his armor seemed to absorb most of the shock from the strike.

The alien, in turn, took a swing at Selena with his bladed weapon. She moved back but was still superficially cut in her upper leg. The cut hurt like hell but not enough to send her back down. It was then that she noticed the third soldier approaching. Why he had taken so long she did not know, but things were all the more complicated now.

The third soldier was already near her and took a shot at Selena. But she had moved aside and dodged it, then making a run towards him in hopes of being able to at least disarm him as well. But the alien was no rookie and fended her off with the butt end of his weapon, then turning around and shooting at her. She had moved, but was still scratched in her left shoulder by the projectile, which hurt more than a blaster since it didn't cauterize the wound.

Mustering all the strength she had, Selena threw the pipe at the third alien soldier, then leaping forward and punching him in the face. She then took control of his weapon and twisted his arms, then kicking him in the knee. The alien was indeed strong and not too injured from her attempts, but she was still more agile than he was, and in a close combat she had an advantage over him. Being able to block most of the alien's attempts, she knew that she had little time before the other alien came back at her. Once she saw an opening, Selena parried a punch, then taking into her own hands one of the bladed weapons from the alien soldier's armor and drove it into his neck, where he had no armor.

She was about to turn to the last remaining soldier when she felt a piercing sensation that was followed by excruciating pain in her abdomen. When she looked down, she saw that she was hurt...fatally. The last alien soldier stood there, weapon in hand, looking over her, as she fell down with the loss of strength. He had gone back to get his projectile weapon and had got the best out of it.

"You are impressive human," he told her. "You managed to kill two of my comrades, which is more than anyone can say. Tell me, who sent you and why did you attack us."

Selena could feel the blood in her mouth already. "There will be others... Others like me who will fight your system of government. And you will lose. Soon..."

"Who sent you?" the soldier persisted. "You are dying, so you might as well not take it with you... We will find out, you know."

"You want to know my greatest secret? Come closer and I'll tell you," she said as she coughed up some blood. She was near her death... She could tell that much. But the alien was not interested in getting close and still had his weapon raised and pointed at her. She sighted, feeling weaker and weaker by the second. Mustering all that she had left within her, she showed him the thermal detonator, already activated.

"I'm not afraid to die!" she said as she released the trigger. There was an explosion which took what remained of Selena, and appeared to consume the Taka'a. Perhaps someone would know what had happened there, perhaps not.

Only one thing was clear. This would certainly stir up doubts...though perhaps it would also bring someone hope.

***

"She appeared to be working alone - a vigilante who was foolish enough to interfere in Jau matters." The Taka'a, after having spent some time in a regeneration chamber, now stood before his superior, apprising him of the day's tragic event. Two of their own had been callously dispatched. But, their replacements were already developing in the gestation capsules; their loss would not be felt for long.

"An example will need to be made," Mun'daq said. As the right hand of Sa'Taka Gal'traq, military matters were his to deal with. "I believe five citizens will be sufficient. For this woman's actions, five will be publicly executed. Their families will be sent to the operation in the desert. This rebellious cannot be tolerated." He looked over the Taka'a and nodded gravely. "You will be honoured for this." He touched the officer on top of his head where three crests already stood. "You may allow the fourth to grow."

The Taka'a bowed his head in dutiful gratitude. It was the greatest honour one could be bestowed. "I shall wear it with pride."

"Once your injuries are treated, see to the gathering of the citizens for the executions. They will be conducted in New Plouton."

The alien's scaly lips pulled back to reveal jagged, sharp teeth - a sneer of a smile. "I will enjoy the choosing." He thumped his chest with a fist, and then turned to depart. An example would be made of this rebel to ensure none would follow in her misguided footsteps. The Jau's power was absolute. All would know this, soon enough.

---

"Alone"
By Titus Moss

Location: Unknown
Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY

***

As Titus open his eyes he found himself looking at a strange roof. Titus sat up and began to notice that he was in different clothing. He grabbed his clothes and began to throw them on, the last thing Titus remember was coming into the Tae'Karada System, his ship had come under attack, he had taken command of the RSS Naboo when the entire command crew had been killed while he was in the Axillary Command Information Center when a Tie Fighter took out the Bridge.

Titus pulled out both his blaster and began to move into halls, as he moved down the hall he began to here voices.

"...don't know, he a Commander in the New Republic." a female voice said.

"Well, what the hell do we know?" a male voice asked.

"Sir, from what I could get from on all the sensors," she said, "Of an entire crew he and ten other are the only one who were left alive."

"We have and NRI agent on the way, until then keep him guarded."

Titus rounded the corner and looked at them and said, "May I ask who the hell are you."

The two people turned and looked at him, both saw the blasters in his hand and then looked at him, they both wore robes and looked at him. Titus turned his laser on and leveled them on the two.

The male looked at him and yelled, "Blast it, Commander lower you weapons."

"First, you will tell me who the darned are you," Titus replied charging his weapons.

"I'm Colonel..."

Titus never heard what he said because a hand that he didn't see knocked him out.

---

"New Plouton Shuffle - Part I"
By Brayton Val - former Tae'Morad Officer

Location: Yelldon District, New Plouton
Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY

***

The Pink Monga. One of the more frequented bars in Yelldon, it seemed to offer access to a wider variety of clientele than some of the more exclusive establishments found around New Plouton. Plus, they didn't have any form of dress code, which sat well with Brayton.

Sitting in a booth, alone, he kept his business to himself, while watching the other patrons come and go. After all, ever since the aliens invaded, he had little if nothing to do. Curfews, patrols, new rules for the population and firm punishment to those who opposed the aliens... Made Brayton wonder whether it would be best to simply go back to Kiffu rather than stay where he was. On the other hand, he didn't have much of a choice, since nobody seemed cleared to leave the planet anyway.

It was then that someone came by his booth and sat down, opposite Brayton - a middle aged man with grayish hair wearing a trench coat. Nothing peculiar about him, except for a smirk he had.

"I'm peculiar with whom I drink with..." Brayton muttered.

"Name's Jorga. I'm from out of town," the man said.

"Listen, Mister Jorga..."

"Just Jorga," the man interrupted. "The reason I'm in town, in case you're wondering, is to find you. I hear you're the man nowadays to find other men while offering protection to the man who employs you..."

"So?"

"So, I represent someone who wants to employ your services. You see, we're looking to find someone...someone who owes my boss quite a lot of money from a gambling bet," Jorga explained.

"I'm no bookie... Find someone else," Brayton answered.

"Terrible thing, gambling debts. This guy got himself on a string because he heard about something that required a lot of planning. The kind of stuff that falls on deaf ears mostly... People connected only by the slightest of events. Like places in the night that never forgets even when most people do," Jorga explained. "It starts with a swoop race. It's what they call a techno-handicap... A guy wants what the other calls a sure thing, so he schemes to make it so. He calls in the tech, a guy known for his savvy but not for his discretion. The same could be said for the tech's jelly on the side, Lorra... Which brings us to a man named Abe, because Lorra was too much jelly for one outfit. She finds out and tells Abe about the fix. Now, Abe wasn't a nosy fellow, but he had a nose. And right below his nose was his mouth, so he tells a friend of his in a club. Only, the bartender is around and hears the conversation, so he tells his nephew. And before you know it, folks are getting a big dose of the gimmies... And so this new guy goes down to a bookie to lay down an illegal bet. Only the deal goes sour because the racer couldn't handle the power, and so this guy ends up owing us a lot of credits... Alas, he disappears."

"Lucky guy, I guess... But that's your problem, not mine," Brayton answers.

"True as that may be, my boss is willing to make it up to you if you find this man for us, unharmed. You see, we would gladly place a bounty on his head, but with the aliens and all, my boss cannot be implied or caught, so we need to do this with an outsider. So, can you do it?"

"It can be done..." Brayton told him. "With a New Plouton Shuffle."

"What's that?"

"New Plouton Shuffle is when you make them look left while you go right. Hard to explain, and requires a lot of planning. But in all cases, that's why I have to deal with your boss directly."

"I'm afraid that's not negotiable. You deal with me directly and I take it up to the man. You don't get to see the man."

"Then I guess your boss doesn't get to see this guy he's looking for," the Kiffar answered simply.

Jorga frowned and touched his ear. No doubt he had a communicating unit to link him directly to his boss. He mumbled something and heard back what he needed to know. He then turned to look at Brayton once more. "Very well... You will be expected at the Segrelat Tower, floor number 52. Now, order me a drink."

"I told you, I'm peculiar about whom I drink with," Brayton answered him as he got up and walked out of the Pink Monga. He had a new job outlined for him, and a lot of planning to do before he did it.

---

"The Cult of Personality"
By: Rylaa Lyssander - Crimelord

Location: New Plouton
Date: Lythe 26, 5ABY

***

Sitting deep underground in the bunker system under New Plouton, Rylaa Lyssander idly smoked a fat cigar and read the report that had crossed his desk. His Dawn Seekers had sufficiently infiltrated the New Republic Intelligence enough that even personal messages between intel heads were being passed along. He couldn't stop himself from chuckling, the New Republic had certainly done their homework. Even with the Jau occupation of Tae'Karada and Rylaa's being stuck here, the New Dawn had spread and prospered even further.

Eyes Only: Colonel Itk Absath Subject: New Dawn Cult Classification: Top Secret - Magik code 3

Itk,

You asked me to look further into the growing cult of the New Dawn. While it appears that they are still a criminal organization, they are continuing to cloak themselves in mysticism and rituals. Every time we turn around they seem to have added more and more to their various systems. They even have a bible, of sorts, and they are attracting a lot of followers with their message. They have been preaching, openly, about serving the self and just doing what you want.

Not much has changed from their criminal origins in terms of leadership, but those leaders are now responsible for BOTH sides of the card. The religion, and the underground. If they are not up to par they are replaced, quickly, with someone more qualified to be there.

The New Dawn as been sponsoring parties and social gatherings on many of the planets they are present on (a number which as grown swiftly in the last couple months) and usually distribute spice and other 'social drugs'. Even the leaders and administrators of many of these planets are not immune to the vices that the New Dawn preaches.

They have no God that they worship at all, but instead say that the truest form is the one that they have now. They say that reincarnation is a real thing, that people are reborn all the time, but which little or no memories of their past lives. The only way to regain these memories, they say, to by ingesting spice and dancing as well as going through many of the rituals they have set up seemingly out of nowhere.

Other than that, they seem rather harmless. I don't personally see where this 'religion' thing is going to go since no matter what, they are still a criminal organization and should be treated as such.

One thing to note, however, is their cult of Dawn Seekers. The are the intelligence and special operations wing of the New Dawn, and they're good. Real good. Most of them are ex-Imperial Intelligence or private mercenaries that have thrown in their lot with New Dawn. They have even set up a training program in order to put out more operatives. They are a very close knit organization and work in a cell system. We have yet to be able to infiltrate a man that far.

Glenta is also wondering when the next time you and Tashja are going to come over for tea. She hasn't seen you two in the last couple weeks and you know how lonely she gets sometimes with me away.

Regards, Vicenle Trebora

Rylaa looked at the few spatters of Ikt's blood that stained the sheet of flimsy. Too bad the colonel had figured out one of his men worked for them. He puffed his cigar several times then touched the glowing end to the paper. It flashed brightly then disintegrated into a fine ash.

---

"Recruiting"
by: Rylaa Lyssander
Lorgal
Various NPCs

Location: New Plouton
Date: Lythe 26, 5ABY

***

Yashi Newsta looked over his shoulder in case one of the Jau patrols happened the walk past where he was. Nobody was in the streets at this time of the morning, lucky him. The can of spray paint was whipped out of his backpack and he started to spray an anti-Jau slogan on the side of the building.

"Hey, you there!" a deep voice called in accented basic. The young Rodian turned and swore several times to himself. A Jau street patrol was standing there, four members strong. "Get over here," the lead Jau said, obviously an officer.

In response Yashi dropped the spray can and took of running. One of the Jau chuckled to himself as his weapon coughed twice. Blood sprayed from the Rodian's back and he went down, sliding in the dirt. The other Jau in the patrol chuckled as well and they continued on their way.

High up the building, two people watched what had happened. They spoke briefly with each other then went downstairs to talk to someone they had heard about.

***

The human couple that entered the dive bar in the Yallder District were in their late 40s and look rather frightened to be there. Any sane sentient would be frightened to enter a dive bar in that district, so no one paid them any mind. The husband walked over to the bar and said quietly, "We're looking for a man we were told would be here."

The bartender, a squat humanoid with a fat face leered. "There's a lot of men in here, looking for one in particular."

"Ummm," the man glanced around nervously, "I was told to say, 'A new day comes'."

"Oh," the bartender looked more serious, "In that case, you want booth ten. Over in the corner." A jerked thumb pointed the way.

"Thanks," the man said before the couple shuffled to the booth. In the shadows they could see a pair of eyes just this side of glowing. "What," came a deep sibilant voice, "do you want?"

"A new day comes," the man said. His wife just hugged his arm.

"Oh," a scaled reptilian face leaned forward, grinning. "Don't be scared, we're here to help. Sit down."

The couple sat. "I'm not sure where we go from here," the husband said, growing a bit bolder.

"It's simple, I give you a comm. unit, and you will soon be contacted by the leader of a cell in your area."

"C-cell?"

"What, you think everybody knows everybody? No no, we work in a cell system. And we work quietly."

"Oh, ok. So that's it then?"

"That's it," the reptilian alien said, leaning back into the darkness. A second later, a tiny round comm. bead came rolling out. "Put that in your ear, almost completely undetectable."

The couple nodded and the husband picked up the bead before the scurried out the door. A click came from the dark. "51," the deep voice said.

---

"New Plouton Shuffle, Part 2"
By Brayton Val - former Tae'Morad Officer

Location: Segrelat Tower, New Plouton
Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY

***

As he walked through the large main doors of the Segrelat tower, he was immediately approached by a concierge, who seemed a little distasteful as to the clothes Brayton wore. Perhaps he was not the type of person who usually walked in there...

"May I help you, sir..." he started.

"Brayton Val. I'm expected at floor 54, by someone. No name."

"I see..." the concierge frowned. "Let me just check that," he asked in a polite manner, as he went back to the front desk and checked the computer. "Ahh yes, mister Val. I have it right here. Please go up elevator number two to the 54th floor. I will inform them of your arrival."

Brayton gave him a nod as he walked through to the elevator. As he entered he pressed the 54th floor button and was transported up. Once he got there, there were two thug looking men waiting for him, though one was obviously larger than the other.

"The boss wants to see you," the large security stated.

"Who?" Brayton asked.

"The boss," the large man pressed on.

"And who might that be?" Brayton sighted.

"The man we work for... Now come in here before I have to drag your punk ass down to the boss!" the smaller man insisted. For someone not that large he was certainly full of himself.

Brayton smirked and gestured for him to lead the way. He would certainly love to kick the heck out of them both, but that was not why he had come to the Segrelat Tower in the first place. The larger security pointed to a door up ahead in a hall.

"The boss is right up there."

Brayton walked in through the doors he was shown. It was a nice furnished room with large windows and a black marble floor. There were also some columns that seemed to be made of some kind of metal, though adorned with red wooden patterns. A man was looking through the window, his back to the room doors.

"So listen," Brayton started. "If you want me to work for you we're going to have to deal by my terms..."

"Are you familiar with the Goo, Mr. Val?" the boss asked as he turned around. He was an older looking man, with grey hair and dark brown eyes that hid under bushy eyebrows. "A children's toy that I used to love as a boy, the Goo was a lovable creature really... Laid eggs, gave milk, and died of sheer ecstasy when looked at with hunger. The Goo loved to be eaten, and it could taste like any food you desire. Goo hide, cut thin, made fine leather. Even Goo whiskers made excellent toothpicks. In essence, the Goo supplied all of the galaxy wants! I only bring up the case of the Goo because it's relevant to you and to why I summoned you."

"I'm sorry...who are you?" Brayton asked.

"I'm the boss."

"That doesn't cut it. Half truths are not what I came here for," Brayton replied.

"But they are not lies either," the boss answered. "What if I told you that I wanted to give you a hundred thousand credits?"

"You want to give me a hundred thousand credits?" Brayton asked.

"No... You want to give me a hundred thousand credits?" the boss asked.

"Nope," Brayton answered shortly.

"Then I suggest you find the man who does owe me such an amount. And do so fast, Mister Val," the boss stated, as he turned away to look at the window.

"And who might this be?"

"The Law of retaliation... A pact was broken. Jaalib Mereel was hired by my archenemy to murder my son, and so now he must suffer the same fate or worse."

"And where do I fit in?" Brayton asked.

"You're the trigger man. And I don't think I have to say anything as cliché as go to the authorities and you're a dead man..." the boss said.

"First, I am the authorities... These aliens are just a pest in the way. And secondly, I think you just did," Brayton frowned.

"So I did..."

"Well then, I'm going to need specific detail on the target as well as this archenemy of yours as well as names, locations, known schedules. Supply all this, plus fifty thousand credits and we have a deal."

"Fifty thousand?! I could hire a bounty hunter for much less!"

"Not with the aliens running around and blocking all entrances and leaves of the planet... And the price has gone up. Sixty thousand credits," Brayton answered.

"Very well..." the boss sighted. "You drive a hard bargain, Mister Val. I expect things to be done in a quick manner and one that does not lead up to me or to this place. Now, will you join me for a drink?"

"I'm peculiar with whom I drink with..." Brayton answered and walked out the door. Things were picking up and he knew what he had come for. Now to find this wanted man and take the next step.

---

"Heading City Side"
By: Kalista "Klay" Volaris
Mordous Krull

Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY
Location: Forests Around New Plouton

***

As Klay felt her body go through its basic procedures she could tell that is was morning at last. She slowly sat up and looked around trying to remember where she was. It took her awhile before the memories of the crash and rescue flooded back in and she let out a short gasp. "The floor is probably freezing,...oh well." She slowly rolled out of bed then stretched. "God I can't see a thing, where are my glasses." She felt around until she found them on one of the tables in the room. She put them back on then blinked twice to allow her eyes to focus and let out a long sigh. "And I was hoping this entire thing was going to be a dream." She let out a long sigh the attempted to open the door. It was still locked. "Hello!" she called out "Hello is anyone awake out there, I would really like to get out of this room," she called. Still no answer. Klay punched the door then pulled back shaking her hand.

"You do realize that door is made of reinforced platisteel and hurts when punched right?" she heard on the other end. She gave a small stupid grin while she rubbed her hand.

"Thanks for the heads up," she snapped. "What do you want, you can come in if you like..." she grumbled. She listened as the door unlocked and waited for a few seconds as the bounty hunter entered carrying what appeared to be a tray with some kind of meal on it. "Breakfast for the prisoner...how thoughtful of you." He looked at her then set the closest table.

"As soon as your clothes are dry you can leave ok." He pulled a few items out from beside the doorway and set them in front of her. Her daggers and vibrosword cane seemed to be in perfect condition but she would have to check them out later. "But I think it would be best if you left the flight suit and Helmet here with me, that will attract way too much attention." She nodded then sat down and checked the food.

"This isn't drugged or anything is it?" she asked. Mordous looked at her and she nodded. "You're not the type to resort to that kind of method, I've read your file, which confuses me, you're not the type to get caught out here, what happened," she asked.

Mordous looked then shook his head.

"Come on, It's not like I'm asking for details here just give me a clue as to why you are here, does it have to do with your daughter?" she asked gesturing towards a photograph of a young girl standing next to Mordous. He nodded

"I got suckered into a bounty I had a limited time to complete, and well If I don't complete it soon something may happen to my daughter, I can't let that happen to her so I've got to take care of it," he said. "It's just the targets have been impossible to track." He let out a long sigh. "Who knew a pair of female smugglers would be so much trouble." Klay took a sip of water and looked at him.

"Who are these so called Smugglers that seem to be giving you the slip," she asked. "I might be able to help you....if it's just talk to me." He looked at her. "Consider it thanks for breakfast and the rescue last night," she stated.

He looked at her then shook his head. "All I know is their names, Brenna and Marsar, something like that, I don't know much more than that, look If I catch them I'm going to talk to them before I decide what I'm going to do with them."

Klay felt her appetite fade. She knew his targets, they had saved her life twice in the past when her usual extraction wasn't possible, she had been able to just bum a ride with them when her cover had been compromised. They were both friendly and had helped her without question on both occasions. She couldn't let this guy near them they would be in danger...however he didn't seem like that bad of a man but still he was under pressure, lots of it.

"Never heard of them," she lied as she finished off the rest of the meal then stood up. "I need to get going," she told him. "I better change, I need to get going, what of mine aside from these," she asked, picking up the weapons and setting them down again. "I could use my clothes and boots now."

He let out a sigh then snapped his fingers. Slowly the door opened up and a droid, one like she had never seen before entered the room carrying her duffel from the ship. Saying nothing the droid proceeded to set the bag on the bed then turned and left. Klay looked at the droid then looked back to Mordous. "Thanks, do you mind leaving the room for a few moments?" she asked.

He gave her a puzzled glance, she shook her head and looked at him again. "Can I change in private or do you have to watch?" Mordous quickly got the idea then stood up and walked out, closing and locking the door behind him. Klay let out a long sigh then walked over to the duffel bag and opened it up. "Let's see what command packed me today."

***

Klay finished adjusting the straps on her boots then tugged on them one last time to ensure they were tight. Once again they had given her the usual attire she liked, the colors on the other hand were not her favorite choices. "Dark green with silver...I need a new fashion consultant," she told herself as she hefted her bag over one shoulder.

She double checked the straps that held her daggers in place under her over shirt and double checked her sword cane to see that it was still in working condition. "Well I'll be off," she stated looking back over at the ship behind her. She nodded towards it and headed in the direction of the city. Hopefully she would reach it before nightfall but that didn't seem likely.

***

Mordous watched her leave and looked to Selkis. "And your sure she didn't find the tracker," he asked the droid. It nodded and Mordous smiled. He had to keep tabs on this girl, not only did she know where his ship was but she also knew who he was talking about. "She will lead me right to the Butterflies I know it, I just have to wait."

---

"To Defend a Simple Family"
By: Kel Deneb, Bounty Hunter

Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY
Location: Arcadia

***

Kel looked around the place, the familiarity of it starting to implant itself into his new memories. With the occupation going on, his own personal history would have to be put on hold. He may have been a murder in his previous life, he was not sure yet whether he had killed his sister in cold blood, or if there had been a reason, he vowed to help out the normal people on this planet in any way he could. If that meant going alone in trying to repel these invaders, he would. Perhaps it could help right any wrongs he may have done in the past, standing up for those who were unable to fight back any way. He had been observing these Jau for some time now, and their skin provided one of the best natural barriers he had seen in recent memory.

He watched from his position above the streets in the darkness, his fully armored person hidden from all but the most powerful of sensing. He had figured out how to work the suit with ease, which was apparently his. Somehow, his subconscious knew how to activate and operate everything, making Kel an efficient killing machine. He noticed a movement below, and zoomed his optical sensors in to have a look as to what was going on. Apparently, a Jau patrol was taking exception to the fact that a family was returning to their housing unit after the curfew.

Unblinking, Kel pressed a few buttons, and was able to discern the conversation from the background noise. He listened..

"What are you doing out at this time of night, human?" the apparent patrol leader demanded.

"We are returning home, our speeder broke so we had to get a ride from a ca..."

"You know the rules, you should have returned earlier," he continued, obviously looking to cause problems.

"But..."

"Are you questioning us?" the patrol leader demanded, approaching the man who was talking. He elicited the reaction he wanted, the man shrinking away from the imposing figure.

"N...no," he said, obviously comprehending what may happen to him for talking back to the Jau patrol.

The Jau felt like being a bit mean, so backhanded the man hard, causing him to fly backwards with the force of the impact. The man's daughter let a yelp out, while her mom held her close, fearing what may happen.

At this point, Kel decided it was time to act. He leapt off the building, enjoying the free falling sensation that it elicited. About 20 meters above the street, the wind whistling past, he fired the jets on his backpack, coming to an easy landing near the group. "Is there a problem here?" he asked, the voice-coder easily masking his identity.

"Who the hell are you?" one of the Jau patrol members asked, raising his fire arm, pointing it to Kel.

"A simple observer who thinks you are overreacting to this situation. These kind people apologized, and I'm sure it won't happen again," Kel said calmly.

"You're damn right it won't, especially since we plan on taking this person into custody," the leader said, storming over to Kel and staring at him, his face inches from Kel's mask. He noticed that the armored being didn't even flinch.

"I see, probably on some sort of drummed up charges. I don't think I can allow that to happen," he added.

"And you can join him," the leader added, grabbing Kel by the shoulder. Kel reacted swiftly, releasing a vibroblade implanted in the gauntlet of his suit, and burying it into the Jau's face, causing what remained of it to stagger backwards and fall, a gaping hole left in place of one of its eyes.

The remaining two Jau opened fire with their dart weapons, which easily were deflected by Kel's armor. It had, after all, been designed to withstand light sabre combat, so mere simple weapons were not a match for its protective plating. Kel calmly turned, and activated another gizmo he had found on his suit, a rocket launcher. Aiming it at the nearest of the two, he left fly with high impact rockets, obliterating the Jau's protective scales, and piercing its internal organs. Kel turned to the other. "You may flee if you wish."

The Jau thought for a moment, then quickly vacated the area, obviously overmatched at this fight. He would report to his superiors about this armored foe that had come from no where.

Kel turned to the cowering family. "Return to your home. They did not get your names, so you should be safe for now."

"Who are you?" the man asked as he stood up, in awe for now at the person who had just saved them.

"Someone who would like to make things right in the world," Kel said, and walked off into one of the dark alleys.

---

"Arrival and Back Alley Brawls"
By: Kalista Volaris - New Republic Intelligence Agent

Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY
Location: Yemol District - New Plouton

***

Klay rubbed her eyes as the transport craft hovered along the skyways towards the terminal. It had taken her a little longer to get into the city than she had expected but thankfully she hadn't been spotted by the Jau yet. However on a minus note no one she had come across seemed to want to tell her what the hell had happened on this world, at least not in too much detail. "Probably scared," she muttered as she put her glasses back on. As the shuttle neared the ground she had four main objectives going through her head, number one -find a place to call home for the time being, two - take a shower, she hadn't had one in two days, three - get some kind of drink to chill her nerves and four - find the Jade butterfly and tell them about Mordous. However objective number 3 seemed to be nagging at her enough to turn into number one.

"Driver. Hey driver can you tell me the way to the nearest place to get a drink?" she asked. The shuttle pilot gave her a funny look then pointed straight at a small outdoor cantina looking place.

"Not the best place but its prices are decent, and speaking of price...that will be 45 credits for the transport fee."

Klay nodded then withdrew the credit disk that had been issued to her via rebel command, there were enough credits on that disk to make sure she didn't have scrounge for credits anytime soon. She waited as the driver swiped the disk, taking his fee then took back her disk and headed for the cantina watching her surroundings carefully. The bar in question was right down through an alley way and looked to be clear.

"Well this is...strange but everything has been ever since I've arrived." She continued to head down the alleyway but felt something creeping up behind her. She slowly turned around and spotted a trio of thugs approaching her from behind. "OK keep cool, Klay they're definitely following you but they're not Jau so this might just be a coincidence."

As she took a few more steps forward she spotted a fairly large Trandosian blocking her path. "Go figure," she uttered as she stopped moving and dropped her bag on the ground. She slowly turned toward the three behind her and assessed the threat. "Three in front one behind. Typical odds." She pulled a small hair tie out of her pocket and quickly tied her hair in a fashion so that it wouldn't get in her face if she had to fight. Slowly the three approached her from behind allowing her to get a better look at them, a Rodian and a pair of humans. One of the humans, a thug who looked to be on his last legs.

"Well little girl you've got a serious problem," the thug stated. Klay adjusted her grip on her sword cane and set it so the safety lock was off.

"I don't know why, I'm just walking through nothing more," she stated as she got into a minor defensive stance keeping a firm grip on the sword handle. She wasn't going to pull it unless she had to. The thug moved closer to her and smiled at her showing his disgusting yellow teeth. She felt a little disgusted but kept the comments to herself, not wanting to provoke them anymore.

"This is our alleyway...in order to pass you must pay a toll, say 10000 credits." The thug closed in on her taking three steps closer to her. "However if you can't pay in credits," he whispered moving within arm's reach of her and putting a hand close to her cheek. "I think us humans can work something out, what do you say?"

She gave him a small mocking smile then shoved the point of the sword cane into his gut.

The man reeled back in pain and turned to face her. "Or we could beat the payment out of you...and then some."

Klay adjusted her stance to prepare for attack.

"I'd like to see you back that up," she laughed. Before she could move she felt something grab her from behind putting her into a choke hold, lifting her off the ground. She struggled vainly against the trendo's iron grip. "Damn it let me go!!!" she coughed as she tried to break free. The Rodian and one of the humans attempted to her restrain her legs as she struggled against them.

"Hold her, she is nothing more than a civilian with a fancy walking stick."

Klay gave a little smile then brought both legs up and kicked forward hard connecting with the two thugs in front of her sending them back sprawling on the ground. In the confusion Klay threw her head back hard, catching the Trandosian in the nose, causing him to drop her and reel back in pain. Klay added to the trando's pain by executing a spinning back kick into its midsection causing it to reel back in pain and collapse. Klay paused for a moment then rubbed the back of her head.

"Well that was easy," she stated as she looked at the downed trando then looked to the three others. She spun the sword cane then dropped into a standard low attack stance allowing the weapon to brace itself across her shoulders. "Well are we going for a round two?" she asked. The leader of the group looked at the downed alien then looked to her. He quickly shoved the guy forward and gestured to her.

"Get her, she's only one woman." The head thug shoved rodian towards. The Rodian approached her nervously and moved in for an attack. Klay evaded his strike the added in her own strike slamming the hard metal end into the base of the Rodian's skull knocking him senseless. She spun around in time to see the other man letting loose with a hard right catching her in the side of her head, causing her to fall to the ground. Her cane stumbled out of her grasp as did her glasses from her face.

"She's down," the second stated as he grabbed her, trying to immobilize her so the other thug could get his hands on her. She twisted and turned her body attempting to wrestle free from his vice like grip but there was no luck. "I'm going to slam her into the wall, that should take the fight out of this bitch."

Klay's mind was racing, since she couldn't find her glasses she could hardly see, let alone fight back. She could see a dark blur growing closer and figured that it had to be the wall. With seconds remaining she kicked her legs forward making hard contact with the wall. She pushed off hard then threw her body back as hard as possible. Using the momentum she broke free of the man grip landing on her feet. Before the man could react she let loose with a reckless round house causing both her and the man to collapse to the ground. Klay scrambled to her feet searching for the sword cane as she moved. The last man could easily take her in her current state if she didn't find some way to defend herself. After a second she found her weapon and turned to face the man. Though she couldn't make out details on the guy but could easily see his outline as it blocked out the light behind him.

"Listen pal, you have a chance to get out of here, you don't want to try my patience." The thug let out a little laugh then withdrew something.

"Lady I'm going to cut you to pieces," Klay smiled then withdrew the vibrosword from its sheath. The thug dropped his dagger then ran. Klay smiled then crouched down to check the ground for her glasses. After a few seconds she found them. She cleaned them off them put them back on. Amazingly there was no damage. "Ok," she uttered as she resheathed the sword. "Now it's time to get that drink," she muttered retrieving her bag and heading away from the alley way.

---

"Time to Heal Fully"
by Chun Li - Escort Pilot
and Vincenzo Lapenta - Neurosurgeon

Location: New Plouton Institute for Neuroscience
Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY

***

Li was sitting in a waiting room of the New Plouton Institute of Neuroscience. She had gotten back to Chimaeria for some supplies to get her base operational and also to get her arm fully fixed. While she could do most things, she still didn't have full motor control over it. "Dr. Lapenta will see you now, Miss Li," a nurse said as she entered the room. Li stood up and followed her into the doctor's office.

Vincenzo was behind his desk, but he stood up when Li entered. "Welcome, Miss Li," he said, "please have a seat and explain what's wrong."

"Thank you," Li said, sitting down, "About three months ago my fighter was hit in a space fight. Due to the shorts it experienced I got some electricity in me as well, which gave an effect a bit like being stunned. For some reason I don't know my arm was severely affected and I couldn't use it. an Two-onebee droid managed to give me back 80% of usage, but the facilities at that moment were not good enough to give full recovery. Which is why I'm here now."

"I see," Vincenzo said, "You have a list of what the two-onebee has done?"

"No," Li said, "but it involved a Zirko XHG-34 machine. I've seen that machine for hours on end."

"Okay," Vincenzo said, doing a quick search on that type of machine on his terminal.

"I have it here," he said, "it's an older machine, but still good. Okay, let's start an examination."

He did a scan, drew some blood and also let her do some exercises with the arm while he pressed on certain points.

"There is indeed some nerve damage," Vincenzo said, "but nothing we can't fix though. As there's already much done, it will require two treatment courses with a two week gap."

"Can't it go faster," Li asked.

"Unfortunately not," Vincenzo said, "repairing neurological damage of this kind is not difficult, it just takes some time."

Li shrugged. There clearly was nothing she could do about it, and she had almost full use of her arm anyway. "Okay, when can we start," she asked the doctor.

"How about tomorrow," Vincenzo said, "I'll need some time to set it all up, so let's say tomorrow at 14.00."

"Okay," Li said, "I'll be there."

Saying goodbye, Li walked out, going back to her Drogen apartment. Time to get some planning done to get back at Rylaa for trying to kill her. First she put everything she had on what she had to do for him on a datapad. This also included the location of the turbolift to his private apartment on Drogen which Li had used the one and only time she had met him. All the information would be send to a lawyer for safe keeping. If she didn't call in regularly it would be distributed according to a prefixed schedule.

---

"Unexpected Guests"
By: Brenna Hennely - Smuggler

Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY
Location: Yemol District New Plouton, Brenna's Apartment

***

It was late late afternoon when Brenna finally arrived. As she approached the building something didn't seem right. Brenna hadn't been back to her place to pick up anything in weeks and was slightly worried but she knew she would be fine, Mar on the other had was paranoid and swore that she wouldn't leave the room without Republic Issue body armor. Brenna knew the guy wasn't crazy enough to try anything out in the open so she knew she would be fine. All at once however she noticed a lot of activity in the lobby.

"Maybe I should just turn around before...." Before she could turn and walk away the owner of the apartment complex pointed in her direction.

"That's the person I leased the apartment too, talk to her I have no clue what happened up there." Brenna froze in her tracks then spotted a pair of Jau moving in on either side, giving her two choices. Either she could run for the nearest shuttle but then the Jau would probably find some kind fake reason to track and arrest her, or she could go with them and still get arrested but it would show that she was cooperative and they might let her go....at least she hoped, she couldn't handle a labor camp. Slowly the Jau approached her and looked her over.

"Human, are you Brenna Hennely."

She swallowed and nodded at them. "What's the problem?" she asked. She felt a vice like grip on one of her arms and felt the Jau dragging her back towards the building. "Hey, hey take it easy I'm willing to cooperate no need for the harsh treatment."

As they reentered the building they shoved her forward causing her to stumble and fall to the floor. She landed on the ground hard knocking the wind out of her. She slowly picked herself up and stood facing yet another one of the Invaders. This was starting to look bad.

"Um, hi, how can I help you?" she asked.

The Jau glared at her and then gestured for her to follow. Not wanting to be treated like luggage again she followed behind the Jau who seemed to be in charge. As she followed him up the stairway he started to speak in her direction.

"You have a father with the Empire do you not."

Brenna swallowed hard. "Unfortunately, but we don't talk."

The Jau did respond to that comment just kept going. Brenna was now officially worried, if these guys didn't like the Empire, there was no telling what they would do to the daughter of a Captain in the Imperial Navy.

"And you run a cargo hauler am I right?"

Brenna nodded.

"Interesting line of work...you own a ship yet you lease a apartment here, Explain yourself."

Brenna swallowed again then spoke. "Though I doubt you have to worry about it, some days I just get sick of staying on my ship and I like the real household feel some days, is that a crime."

The Jau said nothing again only walked down the hallway that Brenna's apartment was located on. There was a strange scent in the air but she ignored it, for all she knew it was the Jau. As she approached the door to her apartment her eyes went wide. There were a pair of bodies laying on her floor, rotting away with time.

"Wha...what.....wha what happened here?" she asked. The Jau officer looked back at her and glared.

"You tell me, this is your apartment, why are these men dead."

Brenna felt all color from her face drain as she heard those words. There translation was simple, even if you didn't know anything or do anything they would place the crime one you. She looked around hoping to find some means of escape, but with the Jau blocking the escape routes she couldn't make a move.

"I really don't know," she insisted trying to avoid incriminating herself. "I haven't been back here in..." The Jau cut her off as she circled in front of her.

"At least three weeks, care to explain that?"

She swallowed hard again then nodded. "Yeah actually I can, with all the insanity that has been going on since your inva...I mean your arrival I was afraid that someone might attempt to steal my ship and leave the planet, possibly getting it destroyed in the process." She coughed then looked around, was the smell of this place not getting to anyone else or something. "So my copilot and I decided to spend out time on our ship...until things calm down." She looked at the Jau that surrounded her and gave them an uneasy smile. "Is that too hard to believe."

The Jau said nothing to ease her tension just looked at one of the bodies.

"Have you ever used a Slug thrower?"

Brenna shook her head right away. "I have a thing against killing people, even in self defense, why do you ask these questions anyhow, I've been very cooperative and forgive me if I sound rude but I deserve a answer here."

Two of the Jau raised there weapons to cover her and Brenna froze... "Unless that is you don't know either, I mean with all the goings on right now it's hard to...."

The Jau who had been asking questions lifted his hand causing Brenna to stop talking and both of guards to lower there weapons.

"That's enough, take what you came here for and leave...now."

Brenna didn't argue, she grabbed Mar's backpack and a few other items that belonged to the two of them and headed out. She made a b-line for the nearest shuttle and climbed in. "The Starport Hangers.....now," she demanded.

As she left the Jau officer looked at his two men. "Make sure she is watched, there is something about her story I do not trust. If she has anything to do with that unknown fighter, I want to know," he ordered. Both guards followed and the Jau checked the bodies once more, whoever killed these men had been after the girl, he was sure of it.

---

"Tusken Hermit"
By Jeron Kes-Allia

Location: Tae'Sollar Desert
Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY

***

Three months had passed since Jeron had found himself alone. The aliens known as Jau had invaded and Master Gideon Kherris had instructed Jeron to be cautious at all times, but most especially when they went into contact with civilization. And yet, Jeron had gone for a simple morning run once and had come back to their encampment only to find that Master Kherris was gone.

At first, Jeron thought that perhaps the Jedi Master had gone on an errand or perhaps to get more supplies, even though they were stacked for quite a while. But he had not returned by the end of the day, nor the day after. Not sure what had happened, Jeron wondered whether Master Kherris was testing him, so he decided to keep his training schedule and wait for Kherris' safe return.

But three months had passed, and the Jedi Master had not returned, nor given any signs of his well being. Even when Jeron went into the city to get some more supplies, he saw no evidence of Jedi or that which could imply that his master had been caught by the Jau. He was, however, surprised to find that Thanatos was not mostly serving as a complex of sorts for the labor camps with mines where the aliens sent those who opposed them. Exactly who they sent in and what they extracted, Jeron did not know. But he kept mindful not to attract too much attention, just like his master had instructed him to be.

Back in the Tae'Sollar desert, Jeron found peace and quiet. Not even the Jau seemed interested in that particular part of the planet, and others deemed it uninhabitable, so Jeron had it mostly to himself, if not for a Podrace every once in a while. Paying no attention to those who came to race, Jeron spent his days practicing with his training saber, every time trying to raise the level in the training drone, and sometimes trying to go against two at the same time. He also improved his physical condition so he would be faster and stronger, and often meditated. He was beginning to feel a lot more comfortable with lifting large heavy objects with the aid of the Force.

Always wearing a mix between his Tusken attire and the Jedi robes, Jeron always said a Tusken prayer by the end of the day. It was a ritual to ask for safe passage for those who were out of camp. Jeron did it not because he believed, but because it was a way of remembering the Jedi scattered across the planet, while in hiding.

He was, after all, alone and living the life of a hermit.

---

"Big Trouble is Easy to Find"
By: Titus Moss
Klaista Volaris

Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY
Location: Yemol District - New Plouton

***

Titus' eyes open as he looked around he notice that the room was dark expect for where he was, a light shone down on him, "Well, it nice to see you awake."

Titus looked up as a face appeared out of the darkness, "Who are you?"

"I'm just a man," he replied, "someone that about to find out who you are. Now tell me who you work for?"

Titus looked at him and replied, "I'm just a pilot."

Titus flew back as he was hit in the face, he thought he saw stars going around his eye. The Nameless man said as he picked Moss up, "Mr. Moss, your not any pilot, are you."

Titus didn't say anything as he was hit again.

Outside Klay could heard something that didn't sound right. She had caught the tailwind of some kind of conversation but couldn't make out the rest of it, but she could swear she heard voices coming from one of the walls. "Hmm this doesn't seem right," she stated as she knocked on wall next to her….it was fake. Slowly she pushed against it. The wall gave way into was appeared to be some kind of hallway. "This is too good to pass up, I better check it out," she told herself moving farther in.

The Dark Man was suddenly losing his grip as he yelled, "Who are you, Mr. Titus."

Titus tasted blood in his mouth as he spat on the floor, "Go to the sun."

Klay had caught the last few comments that had been stated in the other room then pulled back. "I have to get help, this isn't my problem but…." She heard the sound of a blaster powering up and turned around. As she turned she found herself starring right down the barrel of a heavy blaster pistol. The man on the other side smiled at her.

"Well looked what the Kath hound dragged in," the man stated as she grabbed her by her turtle neck's collar. "What are you doing here?" he demanded. Klay gave him a nervous little smile then looked around. She couldn't hit him with her cane and hope to enough damage to knock him out, however she couldn't easily talk her way out of it either.

"I was umm….site seeing," she joked. The man shoved the barrel of the blaster against her stomach and smiled.

"Well you can't miss this land mark now can you." With that the man spun her around and grabbed the back of her over shirt, shoving her through the door into the room where the interrogation was taking place. She stumbled and fell, hitting the ground hard.

"Oww, that was unnecessary." She looked over at the man in the chair and shook her head. "Listen I can forget I was here I swear," she insisted. The man who had dragged her in the room tossed her bag and cane into a corner then kicked her hard in the stomach. Titus looked up as another person enter the room this time with a hostage, Titus looked at the Dark Man who smiled, "Now who are you."

Titus knew his mission but mission be damned, "I'm Commander Titus Moss, Commander of the 8th Gold Wing, New Republic."

Klay looked back up at him and her eyes went wide. "Uh oh," she coughed as she looked back at there situation. The man who brought her slowly approached picking up Klay's sword cane

"Judging by the tech so is she, I've only ever seen one of these," he said pulling the cane from its location and withdrawing the sword from it. "Once before, and if I recall from my imperial days, it was carried by a female Rebel Operative." He turned his face showing the scar that started down his temple to his cheek. "Look familiar?"

Klay swallowed again then looked around. "Maybe I should add one to your face." She started to scramble back then bumped up against the chair they were keeping Moss in. As the two men started to discuss something she looked over at him and spoke, quiet enough so that they couldn't hear her.

"Fancy meeting you here," she stated, "any idea how to get out of this mess?"

Titus looked at her and smiled, "I'm a pilot, but I'm also an agent, my shirt has a blaster inside it."

Titus looked over at them as she grabbed the blaster, he had made a point to hid some of his gear and some of the body fat on him was fake with his gear inside it.

She gave him a nervous grin as she removed the blaster then looked at it, "I'm a crappy shot, hold one, let me see if I can cut you loose." She slowly reached up into her over shirt and removed one of her eagle daggers from it, moving towards the restraints she looked at him. "Don't move, I may miss."

Titus moved over a bit and nodded to her, after she cut him loose the two agents turned around. Titus took the bigger of the two going into an unarmed combat stance. Klay withdrew her second dagger and got into a low defensive stance as the other thug approached her. The man withdrew the sword from its sheath and approached her.

"I'm going to cut you to ribbons little girl what do you say."

She gave a nervous smile then looked around. "I say you're crazy," she stated waiting for his attack

Titus ducked as the Dark Man took a swing, as he came back up he punched him in the jaw and watched him step back. Titus did a spin kick as he walked forward, he heard a cracking sound as he turned around he looked at the other agent.

Klay ducked a second reckless swing then spun blocking another enemy attack. "This is not what I wanted to do this morning!" she yelled as she stumbled back from the impact as the blades kissed. Klay regained her footing and shook her head. "You're going to owe me big for saving your sorry…" she ducked as the man swung at her again.

Titus looked at her and decide to help her out he went to the floor and did a swing kick bring the second agent to the floor, before he could get up, Titus placed his foot on his chest, "How big?"

Klay retrieved a blaster from its resting place and leveled it at the downed man firing twice then rotated to the other man and fired once. She tossed Titus the blaster then picked up her sword cane. "I'll tell you when we get out of here, there bound to wake up sooner or later and I don't think killing them is the best idea," she insisted.

Titus nodded to her as he followed her, once outside in the shadows he leveled his blaster at her, "Who are you?"

Klay slowly looked back at him and shook her head. "You're going to shoot me, after what I just did for you back there?" she demanded.

Titus didn't move at all as he replied, "Ma'am, that could have been a set up, so who are you truthfully, because I have a job to do."

"I've already risked my cover enough by getting pulled into your little mess," she said keeping her hands away from her daggers and keeping the sword cane locked. He probably reset his blaster to kill setting. "I can't and I wish I could tell you but were on the same side here."

Titus looked at her before replying, "Well allow to tell you who I am, "Command Titus Moss, New Republic Fighter Command."

Klay shook her head. "I know who you are, I heard your name when they were beating you senseless." She commented, "If you get my name, and they get you again I'm as good as dead because it seems you can't hold information." She wished something would get her out of this mess. "So you have two choices, leave me alone or see if you can shoot a woman with glasses." She watched him for a reaction but got no response, that scared her.

Titus looked at her and holstered his weapons, "Ma'am, are there any Jedi on this world?"

She had never heard that word before in all her time with the alliance or on Chandrilla for that matter "Jedi? What's that?" she asked. All at once she heard the sound of something metal bouncing against the ground. She glanced down in time to see it then covered her eyes as it detonated filling the ally with light.

Titus cover his eyes as the light filled the alley, after it ended he looked around for her and gave up as he started walking toward the street.

Klay hugged her bag close to her chest as he left, breathing slowly so she wouldn't attract his attention. After he was completely out of sight she let out a long breath then exited her hiding spot. "That's twice I've been saved…who threw that…?" she shook her head. "To the cantina….I need a drink….now."

---

"New Alliances, Part 1"
By: Kel Denab, Rylaa Lyssander

Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY
Location: New Plouton

***

Kel let out a slight sigh, sitting at a bar alone. He had been doing the vigilante bit for a few days now it seemed, but was barely making a dent in any of the patrols. It almost seemed like they were daring him to continue his attacks. Perhaps these Jau people were starting to learn his tactics, and would soon be able to counter them. If that day came, it would definitely spell the end of his personal attack against these foes from space.

The stool next to him scraped against the badly kept duracrete floor of the bar and a reedy man wearing a non-descript jumpsuit slip into it. The man had a tousled mop of brown hair and average brown eyes. He had what could be called a "face-shaped face" and could probably slip into any crowd in the universe and simply vanish. "Give me a Thunderstroke '65," he said to the bartender in a soft tenor. His voice had the tight control noticeable only in singers and public speakers. "You know you are a hard man to kind, Kel."

"Evening," Kel said to the man, his rough gravelly voice a stark contrast to the man who was beside him. "Quite the past few days isn't it?" he added, taking a drink of his plain beer.

"Aye," the man says, "It has been. What with this armored vigilante going around annoying the Jau and all." His drink arrived, a bubbling blue concoction that appeared to be trying to climb out of the glass to attack something. The man took a sip. "Have you heard the latest decree from the aliens, by the way?"

"No, I haven't," Kel told the man. He smiled inwardly, so he was being noticed by people. At least, hopefully, it gave the populace some hope. "What have they said?"

"For every Jau attacked, five people will be chosen at random and sent to those mines out in the desert. For every one killed, five people will be executed." The man took another drink of his brew and grimaced slightly. "Tastes a bit like boiled pomegranates."

Kel actually had not heard that one yet. Had he known, he might have found another way to resist. "I see.. bit brutal isn't it?" he told the man. "Seems to me that it should be a signal that these aren't exactly passive people here to help out..." he said, not really caring if this man sitting next to him was an informant. If he was, Kel would just eliminate him later.

The man and the bartender shared a look for a brief moment before the bartender turned and walked away to the other side of the bar. "There is a growing group of people that agree with you, Kel, and the ones who are leading it have noticed your activities."

"Whoa, you know my name, and what I've been doing?" Kel said, immediately going on his guard. "You need to start talking fast..."

The man turn and smiled at Kel. The smile didn't reach his eyes. "Don't be so hasty, Kel, we just want to talk, that's all." He turned back to his drink. "You see we need a man like you, more importantly we need the capabilities that your armor provides."

"You mean you need someone who can go toe to toe with the Jau, and live to tell about it," Kel snorted, taking a drink of his beer. "So who is this group? And, if people die when I kill a Jau, isn't that counter productive in the eyes of the populace?"

"Bingo," the man replied, shooting a finger at Kel. "And we don't need you to kill Jau, just yet. For the time being passive resistance is best. Graffiti, flyers, random desecration, that sort of thing." He leaned back in the barstool and gave Kel a calculating look. "Of course, if aren't interested I can make sure that you won't be bothered again... ever." The emphasis placed on the last word told Kel truckloads about the finality of the statement.

"So, I can tell that this is a 'join us or you won't be heard from again' type of proposition. Seeing as I have no where else to go, why the hell not," he said, drinking his beer again. "And defacing doesn't seem to require the need of a guy in a suit that can walk up to a Jau and punch him, and live to tell about it.."

"Well no," the man shrugged, "that's not what we need you for. That can be done by the rabble that grows each passing day. No, my friend, you will be working with a very... err, select group of individuals." He slapped down a couple of credit chips on the bar then reached a hand out to Kel. "I'm sure we will talk again, Kel, and you will be hearing from my associates soon." His entire manner of speech had changed, as had his body language. The man's eyes met Kel's, then he pointedly looked over Kel's shoulder towards the entrance of the bar.

"I look forward to the next meeting," Kel said, and turned his head slightly to see what the other man was looking at, after shaking his hand.

Kel feel something cold and metallic in the man's hand and he quickly realizes it's a small communicator. He palms it as he turns to look at the door. A pair of hulking Jau soldiers stand there, regarding the thin clientele. "We are looking for a man named Najub Doors," the tallest of the two said. The bartender spat on the floor.

"That bastard ain't welcome here no more," he told the aliens. "He owes me almost 400 credits and I says to him that if he can't pay, he ain't allowed back."

"Good day to you, Kel," the man said one more time before walking towards the aliens. They spared him only a glance and then looked back towards the bartender. "We don't believe you," the Jau growled.

Kel raised an eyebrow, and sat back down at the bar, taking a drink. He wondered how this situation would play out.

"Well that's too bad," the bartender said. "You can search the bar if you like, even the back room, but you won't find him here. If you're really looking for him try down the street at the 'Wayside', though he probably owes as much on his tab over there."

The Jau grunted then tried and stare down the bartender who stared back. Surprisingly, the Jau backed down first. "Very well, we will check at the 'Wayside', but we better not catch you lying to us." They both turned and left and a collective gasp was heard from the patrons holding their breaths. The bartender plopped down another beer in front of Kel as well as a small plate of nachos.

"It's on the house," he said before turning to help another customer.

"Thanks," Kel said. God he hated the Jau... they were brutal and without any sense of honor. He took another drink, and decided what to do next.. probably wait for a call on this communication device.

Within minutes the communicator vibrated.

Kel jumped slightly, and picked up the comm device, putting it in his ear. He activated it, and listened for whomever was on the other end to say something. They would know he had activated the link.

"Go out the back door of the cantina and turn right. You should see a metal door on the other side of the alley leading into the warehouse there. Go inside and speak to nobody, they will deny your existence anyway. In the center of the warehouse you find a small service elevator leading down the lower storage levels. Activate the lift and when you reach the bottom you will be further contacted." The communicator shut off then fizzled slightly. The air smelled like burning electronics.

Kel calmly took the comm out of his ear, and slipped it into his pocket. He did as he was instructed, making sure there was no patrols around while he did this. Kel walked in, and found the elevator just as he had been told, and activated the elevator. He wondered what he had gotten into, exactly...

A small faded company logo could be seen above the warehouse and inside there was a massive bustle of activity as people moved boxes and crates from shelf to shelf and into waiting trucks. Nobody even glanced in his direction as the elevator took him to the lower level. The air grew chilly as the lift descended lower, eventually arriving at and passing the lower warehouse. It continued until the lift stopped deep below the planet's surface.

---

"New Alliances, Part 2"
By: Kel Denab
Rylaa Lyssander

Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY
Location: New Plouton

***

The air smelled stale and faintly of mold. In the dim light provided by several wirecage-wrapped glowbulbs Kel could just make out a figure standing there, waiting for him. He was dressed in a dark cloth wrap and a veil covered his face except for his eyes, which glittered gold. "Welcome, Mr. Deneb," the figure spoke in a rich bass. His accent gave an exotic lilt to the language.

"Wow, you guys certainly know a lot about me," he said, keeping guarded that he barely knew himself. "Looks like I came to the right place."

"When we want to know about someone, Mr. Deneb, we like to know as much as possible." He extended a hand clothed in a slick black glove. Several wires and a couple of thin tubes ran from the top of the glove and up into the sleeve of the man's robe. "I'm called Rashid, and if you would follow me, there is someone who would like to meet you."

Kel smirked, and went ahead of the person who introduced himself. It appeared this man was partly cybernetic, or was a droid, one of the two. "Well, I look forward to meeting whomever this is."

"Mr. Deneb you do not want to do that," the man said. He moved with a catlike grace and his footsteps made no sound. It should have been a sin that anyone as tall as he should be able to move with so much stealth. "The tunnels that we are in are very much like a maze and it would be very easy for you to get lost. Not to mention, fall prey to the defenses we have set up."

"Oh, lovely..." Kel said, falling into step behind the cloaked greeter. "Keeps you safe, doesn't it?"

"Well we have yet to test it," Rashid explained. "So we're not actually sure if everything will work the way it is supposed to." The tunnels are like a warren as the veiled man leads Kel around numerous turns and curves until he feels as though he as no idea where he is at all. Piping of all sizes and colors jut from the walls and ceiling, sometimes running for several lengths of tunnel and other times practically curving in on themselves.

"Well, now that I'm fully lost, I hope you can get me out of here," Kel said, joking slightly. "And I guess you could say it's a good thing you haven't tested them yet," he added as they approached what appeared to be the end.

They came to a pair of reinforced doors. As the echoes of their footsteps died away Kel could hear the soft whirrr of a camera in one of the corners. Rashid seemed to hesitate for a brief moment before walking over and banging on the doors twice. One of them creaked open on hinges worn with rust and age and a cowled figure popped his head out. Kel's guide and the doorman spoke in hushed tones before Rashid turned and gestured towards the open doorway. "Please, enter," he said.

"Nice place," he said, stepping through the doorway into whatever waited on the other side for him.

"It suits our needs," Rashid said, following Kel inside. The room they entered looked as though it had once been an office for whatever workers used to be down in these tunnels. It had since been converted into a kind operations center with a bank of large computer consoles covered in monitors, buttons and lights on one side and a large cork board covered in flimsisheets of detailed maps of the underground. The center of the room was dominated by a large grey table with the black bulge of a holoprojector in the middle. Seated at the table, smoking a thick cigar, was a short fat human with long greasy looking hair and a thing oiled mustache. He was going over something on a small red datapad he held and was talking to someone behind him.

It was then that Kel noticed the massive shadow behind the fat man was not, in fact, some sort of vehicle, but a living creature. A living creature wearing ceramaplas plates over what appeared to be gleaming black scales. The reason his initial glance had first missed the Barabel, because that's what it could only be, was that nothing should ever be that big and hidden in the shadows. The fat man finally looked at and noticed Kel and his guide. "Ah, Rashid and Mr. Deneb, excellent," the fat man said with a rich vibrant voice practically dripping with charm.

Kel nodded his head slightly, looking at the man. Quite the help he had surrounding him. "I assume you must be the leader of this group I was 'invited' to join?" Kel asked, getting straight to the point.

"For the time being, yes," the fat man replied with a smile. "My name's Rylaa Lyssander, and I'm glad you could join us." He threw out his hands, "This is our little home away from home, so to speak, and where we have begun planning our operations. We're small, for now, but people are flocking to us daily. Us course certain people, like yourself, require special attention and must be approached rather than seeking one of the recruiters I have around the poorer districts."

"Well, I tend to get peoples' attention when I act," Kel said with a slight smirk. "Perhaps in the wrong way, but maybe it was giving people some hope."

"It was, it was," Rylaa said, sitting down once more, "and that's one of the reason we approached you. One of my plans, Mr. Deneb, is for you to be our poster child, so to speak. Our masked vigilante! Striking from the shadows and poking a stick in the eye of the Jau!"

"Really?" Kel said, raising an eyebrow. "First, if you figured out who I was, what's stopping the Jau from figuring that out. And secondly, if I keep poking a Jau, they just kill people I heard. That's not exactly a great cause for freedom, is it?"

"You are missing my point there Mr. Deneb, poking at the Jau and attacking the Jau are two different things. And no, the Jau won't possibly know who you are because they have nowhere near the intelligence resources at their that I do. Besides, we'll give you a new name, something heroic that the people can look up to and whisper in their homes. No offense but Kel Deneb just seems too... grim."

Rylaa stood suddenly, tossing the datapad he had been holding across the table to Kel. "The type of operations I'm planning against the Jau for the moment if more like interrupting their infrastructure than anything else. Jau deaths will result in citizen deaths and that is something that I simply do not want to see. Most of the attacks will be carried out at night, or early hours of the day, when few people will be present."

"I see," he said, picking up the datapad. "Mining installations, droid convoys, these are all easily overcome," Kel said, scanning the datapad. "And grim? Thanks. I'm going to be a pop icon now..." he said with a snort.

"It's better than being a nobody, isn't it Mr. Deneb? Who knows, when this business is all said and done and we reveal your true face, there might just be somebody out there who can help you with your memory problem."

Kel's head snapped up, and looked at him. "How the hell do you know about that, and start talking...now," he said. Only three people knew of that, himself being one of them.

Rylaa simply stroked his moustache. "I have my ways and my connections. There is no secret so absolute that nobody but yourself and a few others know about it, Mr. Deneb. A secret is safe between you and one other person, probably, but it is lost when you add a third."

Kel scowled a little. "No wonder you came to me. What better person for a cover than someone who has no memory," he said with a slight smirk. "I applaud your abilities of organizing and recruiting, Mr. Lyssander."

"Exactly!" Rylaa exclaimed, shooting a finger at Kel. "I'm glad you understand. And I will take that as a compliment as well." He snapped his fingers and the huge Barabel behind him picked up a small box from the floor and placed it on the table. It too was slid over to Kel. "Take that, inside you will find various things to aid you. I've heard the Jau are practically impervious to energy attacks so inside you'll find an electronic slugthrower that I believe you will enjoy. You'll also find a small commbead that when placed in your ear in practically undetectable."

Kel picked up the box, and opened it. He pulled out the commbead and placed it in his ear, and pocketed the slugthrower. "Are you saying my rockets are too messy?" he said with a smirk. "And yes, they are impervious to blaster shots, it's why I stopped employing the blasters on my suit. So, what sort of name are you going to give me, anyway? And do you have a place to stay? My normal apartment isn't safe."

"Well actually we haven't thought of a name yet, thought I've got some people working it." Rylaa grinned. The Barabel leaned down and whispered something into his boss's ear. Rylaa nodded and pulled out a thin piece of plastic out from a pocket. "Here, this card will access a safehouse in the Yallder district. It isn't much but it's out of the way and quite comfortable." The card lands next to the box.

Kel picked up the card, and slipped it into his pocket. "Great. That's where I'll head to then. Will you let me know when any of these go down?" Kel added, gazing across the table with a cool eye at Rylaa.

Rylaa nodded. "Of course. Rashid will show you how to get out."

"Thanks," he said with a nod. "Look forward to this little game we have going on," Kel added with a smirk, and was shown the way out.

---

"Walking Around"
by Chun Li - Escort Pilot
and Axon (R2X1) - Droid (NPC)

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY

***

Li was walking around on Drogen, seemingly aimlessly, but that was only to the casual observer. With Axon following her she was trying to get a feel of the situation on the station. She also wanted to find Rylaa Lyssander and ask him a couple of questions, starting with where here 20.000 credits were and going from there. But first she had to find him. After asking Axon to record everything she had walked through the corridor the hidden door to his apartment had been in. She hadn't lingered as she knew there had to be holocams, but she wasn't really concerned about being recognised. She was wearing a suit with helmet and while she wasn't large, there were more small people out there. As she hadn't lingered in the corridor she wouldn't stand out among all the people that used that particular corridor every day.

With that done, Li headed towards a bar. Not the best, but not the worst either it was a bar on the middle levels. While sitting at the bar nursing a drink she listened to the conversations around her to get a feel of the general mood on the station. From what she could understand most people weren't too happy with the aliens, but the harsh measures taken by the Jau made that they kept silent at the moment. One thing the Jau seemed to have done was cleaning out the bottom levels of the station in a general effort to reduce crime.

For Li this was both an advantage and a disadvantage. The advantage was the Rylaa would have lost a number of people, including snitches not part of his organisation but who told him things. The disadvantage was that the remaining people, Rylaa included would probably have dug themselves in and would be more difficult to find.

After paying her drink she went back to her apartment where she asked Axon to load the recorded data on her holopad so she could have a look at it. The little droid obliged and she started going over it, for a couple of moments of their walk even frame by frame. She also made a drawing of the corridor on which she also put her notes. Now she only had to find a way to use this. She had two options. One was to tip of the Jau and let them check it out and the other was to tip of a rival of Rylaa. She decided she would first take a good night's sleep and see tomorrow.

---

"Room For A Rebel"
By: Brenna Hennely
Marsar Tilimit
Klaista Volaris

Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY
Location: Yelldon District Starport Hangers- New Plouton

***

The sun had just finished setting as Brenna stepped outside her ship to get a good look around there hanger for any sign of trouble. Brenna shivered slightly and looked around. "It's colder than usual tonight," she muttered as she pulled her jacket on tighter to shut out the cold. The Jau hadn't come after them yet thinking that they were involved in the incident but it still worried Brenna that someone had been gunning for the two of them that night. She let out a long sigh then heard a noise coming up behind her. Slowly she reached around into the waistband of her pants for her blaster when she head the sound of a Vibrosword clearing its sheath. "Only a fool brings a knife to a gun fight," Brenna echoed as she felt the grip of her blaster.

"And only a fool brings a stunner to a fight where real weapons are involved Miss Hennely," Brenna glanced over her shoulder at the speaker and laughed.

"And only fool doesn't have all there bases covered right Mar?" The sound of a E-11 Blaster rifle hummed to life as Marsar leaned out of the loading ramp, rifle balancing in one hand.

"Damn not again, you two always do this to me," the intruder stated as she exited from the shadows, a duffel bag slung over her shoulder and both hands her arms trying to warm up. "Well no hug for an old friend?" she asked. Brenna shoved the blaster back in it's place and walked toward the woman and smile spreading from ear to ear.

"Klay, what are you doing here," the woman smiled at them as she approached still rubbing her arms.

"Long story, I'll tell you if you guys let me on board, and offer me something warm to drink, I'm freezing," she stated. Marsar lowered the rifle and smiled.

"Come on in, but be quick," she stated "There is a lot going on here that I do not like." Klay walked up the loading ramp dock to her and laughed.

"You never change, always paranoid it seems," she stated as she walked into the ship next to Marsar. Brenna scanned the hanger one last time then walked onto the ramp and hit the button on the inside closing it off as she stepped on board, unaware of the figure that was currently stalking the ship.

***

"Care for some more Miss Volaris?" Marsar offered as she approached with another cup of the warm liquid.

"Yes thank you," to exchanged the empty mug with a second one of the sweet liquid and smiled at Marsar "You still into the sweets I see," she said as she cracked her neck. The three were sitting cross legged on the floor of the ship, resting for the time being but still on alert to anything out and around the ship.

"You know me to well, and what with you being a spy and all, I'm guessing you aren't here on vacation," Marsar said as she sat back down next to her furry little friend. Klay watched as the little creature placed both of it's front paws onto Mar's leg and whined slightly.

"I can't say fully but it had to do with a communication blackout in the general area, but it appears to have been more than a blackout, How long has this been going on for anyway, the occupation I mean?" Klaista asked them.

Brenna and Marsar looked at each other for a minute then started to go into detail about what had happened and what was happening in the general area. The explained everything from the Invasion, to the Occupation and what they knew about the Jau. As they spoke Klay listened intently to everything they said and slowly put the pieces together in her mind. The Republic base had probably been taken first so that the New Republic wouldn't receive word of the invasion then they moved on to other locations that would allow the world to send out a distress signal. As for the scouts that had been sent initially were either capture or most likely killed within seconds of arriving this sector.

"...and that's all we care to know, we don't want to ask questions or attract unwanted attention," she stated. Klay nodded then took another sip of the sweet concoction. "Which leads us to how you arrived here, I find it rather odd that you just show up after two bodies were recovered." Marsar nodded and Klay looked down to see a small red dot centered on her chest.

"Ok want what happened to me, I got shot down over the lake on the city outskirts and pulled from the water by a very dashing looking bounty hunter, the one who is hunting you." Marsar's eyes went wide as she looked at her.

"You lead him here didn't you."

Klay shook her head. "No, I had no clue you were in the general area until he told me, besides were friends right, I would never turn you in." Klay finished the contents of the cup and looked at her. "He said that a Kel hired him, name ring a bell."

Marsar disarmed the dartgun and lowered it.

"My older brother hired him, go figure what's the price." Klay let out a sigh then looked at her.

"His daughter's safety it seems," she stated. "I didn't get the whole story but he's only doing this because he loves his daughter, he's worried for her safety and well being." Brenna shook her head.

"So the way he's going to take care of her is by killing two other girls...that's twisted." Klay glared at her and watched Brenna's reaction. "Sorry I think I touched a nerve there didn't I."

She nodded.

"So what's going to happen to us now."

Klay shrugged. "He said if he caught you, he would want to know what exactly you did to anger this client and then he would decide the course of action." Klay insisted, "And If it does come to him attempting to cash in on the bounty, I won't let him," she said tapping her vibrosword. "Now I know I've asked you a lot tonight, but do you possibly have a spare blaster....and a shower, I haven't had one in a few days." Brenna laughed and nodded.

"Yeah, I believe you do need one?" Klay looked at her then sniffed the collar of her shirt. It did smell pretty rank from the days events, and hiding in the trash pile didn't help her that much either.

"I smell that bad?" she asked. Marsar looked at her and laughed.

"Trust someone who has almost no sense of smell from working on engines too long, you smell so bad...even I can smell you from where I'm sitting," she stated picking up a towel from one of the small storage containers behind her and threw it at her. "We have something to that effect down near the cargo area, Impossible to miss, we'll stay up here until your done."

Klay nodded at them and smiled. "Thank you guys, your always on top of things it seems," she said picking up her bag and the towel then heading in the direction of the cargo area, closing the hatch behind her. Brenna let out a sigh then opened the weapons locker and removed a single heavy blaster from it and tossed it onto one of the cots then went into another crate and removed a small rope hammock from another one and started to put it together. Marsar stood up and started to help Brenna put it together.

"So can she be trusted." Brenna nodded.

"She may lie for a career but, she's a good person, If we were in danger she would tell us flat out." Marsar looked back towards her little Sevie Pup and smiled.

"And my furry little friend can sense danger as it is...can't you." The creature let out a little bark then rolled onto it's back. Marsar laughed at it's antics then looked at Brenna. "So who gets the hammock?" Brenna looked at her. Then pulled a coin out.

"Heads or tails?" she asked.

---

"Dark Dealings"
By: Mordous Krull - Bounty Hunter

Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY
Location: Yadller District - New Plouton

***

Mordous took a sip of his drink once more then looked around the shady location that he was currently sitting in. This was the fourth location he had scouted in the past six hours since dropping the flash grenade to give the rebel agents some time to lose each other and give him a chance to slip away. He coughed as he sent the glass down and looked at the bartender. "What's this poison called again." The bartender glared at him then took the glass back.

"Stick to water if your going to insult me," the bartender stated. Mordous gave the man a face at the mention of the water.

"I'll pass on both...." he insisted, getting up and walking away from the counter and head toward the exit. He knew his contact was going to stiff him again so he better just get out of there before it was too late. As he approached the door he spotted a familiar face among the gamblers closest to the door. There was his contact, Mordous could pick the man out of any crowd, he recognized the Vibroblade scar that he had given the man. "Drex!" he called out. "There you are I've been looking all over the place for...." All at once several blasters armed themselves and raised simultaneously all pointing in his direction.

"Mordous, Mordous, Mordous, you never learn do you," Drex stated walking up to him. "What made you think you could just walk in here and collect the bounty on my head again." Mordous looked around then remembered.

"I already collected on that bounty stupid, remember...unless there's a new one that you think I can collect on." He looked around. "Which I won't." Drex had been one of Mordous' first bounties with the Empire. He was a well known blackmarketeer in the smaller circles that had stolen Imperial Supplies back in the years of the Rebellion. The Empire had put a hefty contract out on his head, Alive only. Mordous caught up to him and after a long drawn-out knife fight Mordous managed to bring him in...minus one eye.

"Give me a reason why my men shouldn't just shoot you now?" Mordous looked at him and held up a datapad with a set of credit disks attached to it. He knew this was risky but it was the only way he was going to live through this one. Drex stopped then looked at him. "That might just work, sit down and no funny stuff." Mordous sat at the table he gestured to and Drex joined him. "Ok what do you want?" he asked. Mordous slid the data pad across the table then looked at him.

"Doing some repair and modification on my ship, since your one of the few dealers that escaped the Jau's detection network I could use you to get me some parts." Drex lifted the pad up and read over the parts and items that were currently scrolling over the screen while Mordous slowly placed her slugthrower under the table and waited for a second. As the datapad beeped he pulled the hammer back and waited. No response from Drex.

"Hmm these are odd items for a man who owns a HWK Frigate." He looked up at Mordous as he gave him some of the highlights. "Repair and replacement parts for a class two hyperdrive. A concussion missile rack plus missiles, military grade canopy glass and parts for a MandelMotors military grade engine. Do you own a fighter that your not telling me about." Mordous looked at him.

"Your asking too many questions, just can you get those." Drex looked at him.

"Even before the Jau's arrival getting this kind of hardware wasn't a picnic, but with there arrival it's become even harder, you can't just find this gear laying around you know." Mordous shook his head.

"Does this mean I need to go to another dealer." Mordous was about to slip his weapon into his boot and leave when Drex grabbed his arm.

"Hey, hey, hey take it easy, I've got connections here, It will take a day or two but I can think I can get a good deal of it, but I need payment now 15000." Mordous shook his head.

"Do you think I was born yesterday Payment on delivery." Mordous tossed him a credit disk. "That's 5000 credits, get me the parts and I'll pay the 10000 deal." Drex looked at him and waved him off. Mordous pulled her coat tight and left.

As Drex Watched him go he looked over the list again then smiled. "These are parts for a Star Viper which means he knows the pilot, I bet my people would love to get there hands on that pilot..."

---

"Family Reunion, Part 2"
By Vincenzo Lapenta - Neurosurgeon
Master Liam Zaneth
Kael Selrid - Jedi Knight
Orinth Neerou [NPC+]
Vaela Jor (Yelara Neerou) - Patient
Leshie Zaneth [NPC+]

Location: New Plouton Institute of Neuroscience
Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY

***

The scene played out just as it had the day before. This time, however, Liam was accompanied by Yelara's grandfather and his son, as well as Kael Selrid. Orinth Neerou stood at his side while Leshie bounced happily in his arms. Kael stayed back a few steps while Liam talked to the receptionist. As the day before, he was told to wait while she notified the doctor.

Vincenzo was going over another set of budget figures. While his lab was getting close to completion, there still were a couple of last minute details that had to be taken care of.

"Dr. Lapenta," he heard over the comm, "I have some visitors for you."

"Show them in," he said to his secretary. One minute later two men arrived in his office.

"I'm Dr. Vincenzo Lapenta," he said, "what can I do for you, gentlemen?"

"We are here to see Vaela Jor," Kael stated while Liam entered the office behind him with Va'Lesh in his arms. "We are expected, as far as I know." He glanced at Liam, who nodded. "In the past, Ms. Jor has been a patient of mine, and this gentleman is her only living relative. You already know Mr. Mordin, and the little bundle in his arms is Ms. Jor's son."

"Yes, I was expecting you," Vincenzo said, "before we go just two things. Try to keep it as quiet as possible and when I say the visit is over, it's over. I'm not saying this to annoy you, it's for Ms. Jor's health. She's still recovering and she has more surgery tomorrow. Okay. Please follow me."

"Of course," Liam answered as they followed after the doctor.

Vincenzo lead them towards Yelara's room. Again he unlocked the door and let them all in.

"Yelara," he said when the door was closed, "there are some visitors for you."

She looked their way, already smiling, albeit weakly, but was invigorated by the sight of her son in Liam's arms. Yelara cried out and impulsively tried to surge up from the bed, yet only succeeding in raising her head. "Va'Lesh," she called tearfully. "Va'lesh!"

Liam was already moving forward with their squirming son. The happy, squealing noises were an indication of his pure happiness at seeing his mama again.

Kael moved to the other side of the bed, and reached out to touch a hand to Yelara's arm, infusing her with Force energy as he had so many months earlier.

Leshie was lowered towards Yelara, their faces drawing close, until Va'Lesh's cheek was within reach. Yelara kissed it ardently, and wished she could wrap him in her embrace. For now, she satisfied herself with a kiss alone. "My gods," she breathed, "he's grown so much, Liam. Where did you find him?"

"He was with Orinth and Tralesha," Liam said. "Apparently Meer'esh took him there, possibly when he brought you here."

Yelara lowered her eyes to absorb Liam's admission. She had resented and despised Meer'esh for so long, but to learn he had done everything in his power to protect she and Leshie proved difficult to accept. Her mind shifted from pondering the revelation to the surge of energy she felt. One look at Kael, concentrating deeply with his hand upon her arm, and Yelara suspected he was the cause. She smiled back at Liam. "Is he making me better, then?"

"He's trying to," Liam said as he glanced aside at Kael.

As both of their gazes touched him, Kael did look up briefly. "I think it would be nice if you could hold your son during your reunion," he said softly. "I'm doing what I can to make that happen. Afterwards, I would like to see the doctor's information. I'm not certain how much help I can be, but I've learned quite a bit in the last four months."

"What exactly are you doing," Vincenzo asked. He didn't know why but he just knew that Kael was doing something. "If you could be so kind as to not do anything to the patient without asking me," he said, "whatever it is you were doing it might interfere with what I've been doing and cause some serious side effects. As a doctor you should know that."

"I'm not licensed as a medical practitioner yet," Kael said. "Though, I would hardly call what I'm doing as practicing medicine at the moment. In fact, if the authorities knew what I was doing here, they would want to arrest me." As he continued to infuse Force energy into Yelara, giving her strength as he had the last time he'd seen her, he looked up at the doctor. "They would more than likely want to arrest you as well, Doctor, though my talent with the Force would be much more identifiable than yours. However, as to what I'm doing, I can perhaps teach you in time, but I assure you that right now you wouldn't understand in the slightest. I assure you, though, I would never do anything to cause Yelara harm." With that, he removed his hands from her and stepped back. "How do you feel, Yelara?"

She took a deep breath and exhaled, feeling revived. "Better, thank you, Kael." She smiled, though somewhat curiously. "What did you mean by that, Kael? About the doctor...."

"He's Force-sensitive," Kael said, and glanced toward the doctor. "I can see something of an aura around him, and it's stronger in here near you, but it's definitely there. I wouldn't be surprised if the Force doesn't come into play, subconsciously, when he's with patients. Actually, from my research, the aura is indicative of that."

Vincenzo looked at Kael. Then he began to realise what the man had said. "So that's what happened," he said. "Sometimes I just know what is wrong with the patient, even though I can't say way. And sometimes during operations I just know that something's going to happen. Like with Yelara. While we were doing the first operation I simply felt that her third vertebra was brittle and it was."

"Many who are not found early in their lives go through much of what you just described," Liam said. His hand was holding Yelara's as they marveled at their son.

"Can you teach me," Vincenzo asked, "not now of course, but after all this has gone away. It would be useful to know to use this consciously."

"Of course," Kael said. "Just remember, as long as the Jau are here, and as long as the laws remain as they are, using the Force can get you killed. But, I will teach you what I know."

"It can wait," Vincenzo said, "and unless they can see Force-use one way or the other they can't detect me, as I'm not doing anything fancy. And if I ever get one of them on my operating table I can always go with only scan readings." He took out a scanner. "Let's see what you actually have done," he said to Kael, "I'd like to keep aware of what happens with my patient." That was one thing he, and most doctors with him, were quite possessive about.

"He's done no harm," Yelara assured the doctor kindly. "I'm actually feeling like I have more energy and not so much pain.... That has to be a good sign, right?"

"Normally yes," Vincenzo said, "but I don't know how this will interfere with the surgery tomorrow. Maybe when all surgery is done and we're in the final recovery phase."

Yelara nodded reluctantly but explained, "I...I just want to hold my child, Doctor. It's been so long..."

"I understand," Vincenzo said. "I just don't want any surprises tomorrow." He took out his handheld scanner. "Let me first see what has been done," he said.

Nothing significant had changed in Yelara's readings, but a slight increase in signal conductivity throughout her nervous system was detected. She watched the doctor expectantly. "No harm done...right?"

"It looks okay," Vincenzo had to admit, "it would be nice to be able to do that as well."

"We can begin training you soon," Kael said. "We should probably wait until after Yelara's operation. I can come back, when you have time, and begin teaching you about the Force."

"Maybe a bit longer," Vincenzo said. "I'm currently in the middle of setting up a neurotoxicity lab which takes about all extra time I'm not spending with patients. As soon as that is working."

Yelara laughed gently. "Too busy to be a Jedi," she mentioned ironically. "Hopefully my husband can take a cue from you."

Liam leaned in and planted a kiss on Yelara's forehead. "I definitely plan to focus all of my attention on my wife as soon as she's well enough to have all of my attention. The Jedi can wait in line for awhile. My family needs me more than the planet does."

"I'm glad you've finally come to your senses," she teased fondly.

Leshie let out a joyous squeal.

"I think that makes three of us," said Liam with a laugh.

Vincenzo waited at the side. This was something for the family to enjoy together. But he stayed in the room, just in case.

"Doctor," Liam said, not taking his eyes from Yelara, "may I have some time alone with my wife, son, and Orinth?"

"Ten minutes," Vincenzo said, "not more. She has surgery this afternoon and we still have to do some preparations." With that Vincenzo left the room.

Taking his cue, Kael excused himself to go check on his own wife, departing with, "It's very good to see you looking better, Yelara." With that, he slipped out the door.

Yelara smiled at Kael's departing back, and her eyes strayed to the older man who had entered the room with Liam and Kael, yet remained standing quietly in the corner. Her smile turned onto him and grew larger. "Grandfather," she whispered.

The old man laughed with joy and finally moved towards them, no longer fearing Yelara would fail to recognize him. Leshie giggled, feeling Orinth and Yelara's elation; when the old man leaned over his granddaughter to kiss her brow, Leshie babbled excitedly. Orinth's eyes were tearful, and Yelara's matched. "I remember," she assured him. "I remember everything."

"I know. It was always in you," he whispered ardently. One thin, weathered hand smoothed back Yelara's raven hair. Her expression revealed a desperation to take his hand and kiss it fervently.

"I'll be better soon. Things will be as they were," she assured him.

Orinth smiled. "Yes. But you need to rest to make that so."

"But I'm not tired," she insisted.

"Mama!"

"Yes, Leshie, that's mama," Liam said. "Soon she'll be with us all the time. The doctor's going to make her all better, and we can get our own home." He exchanged a look with Yelara and smiled. "I'm looking forward to that."

"A hideaway...." Yelara sighed dreamily and closed her eyes to explore the glorious future Liam was promising. She grinned. "I'm going to walk again," Yelara vowed. "Va'lesh and I can learn together."

"Perfect," Liam said as he leaned in and kissed her. "And now, you should get some rest. We want you ready for the operation, so we can get our lives back as soon as possible. We'll stop by to see you before the operation, and then we'll see you after."

"I-I'm scared," she whispered, her joyous expression regressing to fear. "What if--"

Orinth squeezed her hand. "You'll do fine," he assured her, his smile comforting.

Yelara sighed and mustered a smile. "I love you all." She looked to Leshie, who was grinning at her. "I'm glad I'll never forget any of you again."

"And we'll never be far from you again," Liam said. "Rest well, my love. We'll see you again very soon."

The small group said their good-byes, Orinth shuffling out first with Va'Lesh in his arms. Liam was the last to depart, but not without a final kiss for his wife that gave her assurances she would survive the operation, for the gods would not have returned him to her only to tear him away again. So it was with a tranquil spirit that Yelara went to sleep, ready to face anything that was to come when she awakened.

---

"Hasty Decisions"
By: Dani
Raeila Selrid
Zari Zathmir
Jae Dyn Brael
Yara Brael

Location: New Plouton
Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY

***

Kael had gone ahead with Liam and the older man, leaving Dani and Raeila to make their way to the clinic behind them. It gave them a chance to chat while glancing in store windows at the clothing and other displays. They hadn't spent much time in the city, given the trouble with the Jau, as well as preferring the pace of life away from the bustle.

"I'd get an equadi," Dani said, indicating one of the transparent gowns as they passed, "but I think I'd give the Jedi a heart attack. Zarrak would approve, though."

"Of course he would," Raeila replied. "Though he'd like you better naked."

"Do you think Kael would approve," Dani asked. "I bet he would. Maybe I could get one for the next time we try to have a baby. The three of us could have a nice-- Oh, isn't that Zari over there?"

Raeila squinted, peering with slitted gray eyes into the distance. She hadn't seen Zari in so long, it was nearly difficult to remember what she looked like. "I think," she answered uncertainly, and decided there was one way to find out for sure. "Zari!" Raeila waved her hand high above her head. "Hey, Zari!"

The girl paused as she was walking, and turned. The recognition dawning on her face was only moments in coming, and she waved back. On bare feet, despite the chillier weather, she raced to meet Dani and Raeila.

Dani caught her in an embrace and held her tight. "It's so good to see you," she said. "We were very worried."

"I've been living with friends," Zari said. "You guys look great. How are you? What are you doing here? I'm looking for Talara. She disappeared, and we don't know where she is."

"Disappeared how?" Raeila asked. "Like...ran off?"

"We don't know," Zari said. "She's had this thing for Keeve, and they finally agreed that it was never going to work, and the next morning she disappeared. There was a boy downstairs and they liked each other. He wanted her to be his girlfriend, and since Keeve couldn't be anymore, she agreed. And then they were gone. They might have run off together."

Raeila giggled. "How thrilling! They eloped. Isn't it romantic?" She sighed dreamily.

Zari looked a little said. "She's my best friend, and she just left. And she didn't even say goodbye to Kellin. Though, he doesn't really know who she is yet."

"Well, if she did run off," Raeila explained in consolation, "then she'll be back. Maybe they've just gone on a vacation alone together." She wrinkled her nose in thought then asked, "Who's Kellin?"

"He's...he's my baby," Zari said.

Raeila looked down at Zari's now flat stomach, then up at her in astonishment. "You're married?"

"No," Zari said. "It...the baby, he's Ferrig's, from what happened at the Temple. I had to leave the Temple to have the baby, and...I guess that means you're his auntie, Raeila."

The idea of having a nephew seemed overshadowed by the shock of learning who had fathered Kellin. Raeila gaped, her ears filling with the pound of her heartbeat. "What?" she whispered. "No...you must be wrong. It's some other man's." Then, her mood darkened and she hissed viciously, "Lying slut," before shouldering past the young woman and marching on.

"I didn't...Raeila...please...I wasn't..."

"I'll go after her," Dani said, then chased on after Rae.

"Everyone, Dani," Raeila was ranting while still walking briskly down the path. "Everyone can have a baby but me! This is...insane!"

Before Dani could say a word, a voice piped up from behind. "My...Kellin, he needs a real mommy...and...and as much as I love him...I can't..."

Raeila halted, unable to comprehend Zari's audacity. She whirled, stopping the girl short of colliding with her. "You're selfish," she whispered harshly. "You had a child - were given a wonderful gift from the gods - and you're complaining?"

"Raeila, I wasn't ready to have a baby," she said, her voice growing frosty. "Your brother raped me daily and told me if I didn't go along with it, he would tell the Masters what I was doing, and they'd put me out of the Temple. He put a baby in me, and it would have been wrong of me to stop the pregnancy. So, I had a baby, but...but I'm still a Jedi. I love Kellin with all my heart, but I can't take care of him. Not the way he deserves. You can't have your own baby, but could you love one that you didn't carry? Could you love Kellin and raise him properly, be a good mommy?"

All sign of aggression and resentment vanished from her posture to her features as Zari's offer registered. Raeila wept soundlessly. "You...you'd let me?" she whispered. "I can have him?"

Tears filled Zari's eyes and her resolve wavered slightly. "I have to give him up," she said, the strain in her voice obvious. "We'd have to do all the legal stuff, but...but yes. I know you've wanted a baby, and...it's harder than I thought it would be. He's very easy to love, Raeila. You'll see."

"It won't matter," she assured Zari, "I'll love him just the same." Smiling eagerly, and with a vague glint of hunger in her eyes, Raeila pleaded, "Can I have him now? When can I have my child?"

Zari blinked and stepped back. "He's at home," she said. "Master Brael's watching him while I search for Tala. I have to go home to feed him soon."

"Then I'll come," she volunteered. "Me and Dani both."

Dani put a calming hand on Raeila's shoulder as she gave Zari an encouraging smile. "It'll be nice to see Master Brael again."

"We can go now if you'd like," Zari said. "I'm sure Kellin won't mind getting fed a little early."

"And it wouldn't hurt to get him all packed up," Raeila suggested, still grinning elatedly. She leaned forward and kissed Zari's cheek. "Thank you," she whispered. "You've made my dreams come true, Zari."

"I'm glad," Zari said. "I...come on, home is this way."

Raeila took Zari's hand, then Dani's. Linked inextricably, Zari led Raeila and Dani to the apartment she shared. Raeila fairly skipped alongside them. "I've been trying forever," she confessed to Zari. "But something's wrong with me. I can't carry a child. Was it...was it nice - giving birth?"

"It wasn't...really nice," Zari said. "It hurt a lot, and I was really uncomfortable for the whole last month. But, when he looked at me for the first time after he was born, it sort of made everything else alright. He's got Ferrig's darker complexion, but my eyes and hair. He doesn't have a whole lot of hair yet."

"I still have to talk to Nieme about that," Dani said. "If she can remember what she did, she might be able to undo it."

"It doesn't matter now," Raeila told her, "Kellin will be my child now. He's my blood. That's what's important."

They stepped into the lift and started up toward the penthouse where little Kellin slept peacefully.

"Of course," Dani said. "Though, in time, he may want a little brother or sister."

"Only if he wants," Raeila allowed. "But I'd rather Kellin was spoiled as much as possible first." She beamed. "Kael's always wanted a boy, I think."

The door opened and Zari led Raeila and Dani inside. "He's this way. He sleeps in my room with me."

Jae Dyn Brael appeared, little Yara toddling along behind her. "Zari, Raeila, Dani."

"Raeila and Kael are going to adopt Kellin, Master," Zari said.

"Zawee!"

Zari grinned. "How are you today, Yara?"

"Wawa two!"

Zari giggled, and motioned Rae to follow into the bedroom where the crib was set up for little Kellin.

When Raeila saw the sleeping child she couldn't resist rushing forward to peer down into the crib. Tears drowned her sight. "He's...perfect," she whispered. "My perfect little boy...." She reached out and stroked his hair tenderly.

Zari came up behind her. "You'll need to get some formula for him," she whispered. "We don't have any here since I've been breastfeeding him. The doctors say he's very healthy, and I've got all the certificates from the hospital and my doctor."

In the crib, Kellin fidgeted slightly as he started to wake.

Raeila gasped softly in adoration and scooped up the child without waiting for him to rise. She cradled him in her arms and kissed his brow. Blue eyes stared up at Raeila when she pulled back. She frowned slightly. "He doesn't look much like Ferrig...but I guess there's still time."

"He may have Ferrig's nose," Zari suggested.

Dani grinned as she brushed a finger down Kellin's arm. "As long as he doesn't have Ferrig's judgement and lack of common sense, we're okay. He's beautiful."

"He is," Raeila cooed. "You're making the right decision, Zari. Thank you."

"I just want him to have a good home and lots of love," Zari said softly. "I know I can give him love, but...but he deserves better. Besides, you're married and it'll be better for him."

"You can visit," Raeila assured her. "Anytime you want."

"Thank you," Zari said with obvious relief. "I think he likes you, Raeila. Look how he's looking at you."

Raeila watched the child studying her wondrously and chuckled with joy. "He's perfect. Who knew I'd wake up this morning without a baby, and have one even before the day's out?"

"The galaxy does work in funny ways," Zari said. Tears shimmered in her eyes as she watched Kellin, and she was forced to bite her lip to keep from breaking down. A reassuring hand found its way to her shoulder and she looked to find Dani there, looking at her with understanding clear in her eyes.

Oblivious to Zari's grief, Raeila asked brightly, "Can I take him home now? Kael will be so surprised!"

"Yes," Zari said, sniffling slightly. "Let's get his things."

While Zari and Dani packed, Raeila clung fiercely to Kellin, depriving his mother of time to say goodbye. Even when he fussed, Raeila would not surrender him. If she had things her way, she would never let him go.

Once all of the outfits had been put in a bag, as well as all the other sundries necessary, Dani collapsed the crib. With the bag set near the door, Zari brought in the stroller that she'd bought.

"There," Zari finally said. "Everything packed. I...I think he might be hungry. He usually is when he wakes up from a nap."

"I'll feed him," Raeila volunteered. "I have to learn, right?"

"We'll need to go buy formula for him, then," Zari said. "And it'll need to be prepared."

She was hesitant, but Raeila finally relented. "You...you can breastfeed him. One last time."

"Okay," Zari said, and came forward to take Kellin from Raeila's arms.

There was a compulsion to jerk away from Zari, twisting Kellin out of reach, but Raeila mastered her fear and slowly handed Kellin to his mother.

Zari took Kellin and moved to sit on the edge of the bed. She smoothed his hair back, smiling sadly down at him. With a sigh, she unfastened the strap holding her top in place on the left side, and pulled the fabric down to expose a swollen breast to the infant. He eagerly took the nipple into his mouth and began to feed while she looked up at Raeila and Dani. "He's got a big appetite," she said, her voice somewhat tremulous.

"He'll be fine," Raeila mumbled, entranced by the sight of Kellin feeding from Zari. It was a bond she would never share with the child, and one she wished to sever immediately. She would be his mother, no matter who had given birth to him. Difficult as it was, Raeila managed not to look away in disgust.

Dani put a hand into Raeila's and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Don't be angry with her," she whispered. "You're going to have a child, but he could pick up the negative emotions you're feeling. You don't want him to do that."

"I can't be a mother in the true sense of the word," she whispered bitterly. "Maybe Kellin will help me get over that...in time."

"Maybe you can when Kael finds a way to fix you, or Nieme undoes whatever it was she did," Dani suggested quietly.

Raeila nodded slowly, still fixed to Kellin greedily suckling on Zari's nipple, and hating every moment of it increasingly. Finally, she mustered a smile for Dani and announced softly, "I'll comm for a hovercab." She kissed Dani. "I'll be back."

"Okay," Dani said.

As Raeila reached the comm station and started making her connection, a little, dark-haired shape bumped into her leg.

"Hi," came a tiny voice at her side.

Raeila started, and looked down. The most darling face she had ever witnessed stared back up. Raeila couldn't help laughing and lifting the girl into her arms. "Oh my...you're so adorable," she gushed. "The most beautiful little girl I've ever seen! Do you know that?"

"Yawa two!" the little one said as she leaned forward and gave Raeila a kiss. "Hi!"

Her heart melted and she embraced the little girl ardently. "You speak... My gods, you're perfect. The perfect darling." Raeila chuckled tearfully and kissed Yara's soft, plump cheeks fervently. "If I had a girl," she told Yara lamentably, "she'd be just like you."

"What you name?" little Yara asked as she watched Raeila happily. "I Yawa."

"You can call me Auntie Rae." Raeila grinned. "Would you like to be my friend, Yara?"

Yara's giggle was answer enough and then to certify their new friendship, she leaned in and gave Raeila a kiss. "Wae!"

Raeila giggled with the young girl. "Maybe we can play together, Yara. Do you like games?"

"Yes," Yara said and nodded vigourously. "Game!"

"Great! You hide and I'll try to find you, okay?" Raeila started counting, then stopped to remind the girl, "You have to be very quiet, okay?"

With a squeal of delight, Yara darted away from Raeila and around a corner. Hide was a game Keeve and Tala played with her all the time, so she knew it well. And soon, she was hidden as well as a two-year old could be.

Raeila smiled and set about searching for Yara.

***

"Raeila?"

Dani glanced around, wondering where her friend had disappeared to. The comm station was waiting in standby, but a call hadn't been placed. Frowning, she chewed her lip as she casually looked around.

"Yara?"

Dani looked over at the doorway, startled out of her musing. Master Brael stood there looking concerned. She glanced around the room, and then settled her gaze on Dani.

"Have you seen my oldest daughter? About this high, topknot, and cheeks that just ask to be pinched?"

Dani shook her head. "I haven't. I just came out to get Rae. We're about ready to leave, and she's supposed to be calling a speeder for us."

With a sigh, the Jedi Master motioned for Dani to follow her as they set off in search of their lost charges.

It was some minutes later that a hushed voice was heard in the kitchen. Listening hard, they followed the trail to one of the lower cabinets where someone could be heard whispering, "Kellin's coming...you can come too. Wouldn't that be fun? All of us together?"

"We hide," came the small voice of Yara.

There was a smile in Rae's voice. "Exactly. Would you like that?"

"Mommy come?"

"She can visit," Rae allowed.

Yara giggled, more than likely from some tickling, as Dani and Jae Dyn exchanged a look. "You baby," the little girl asked from within their hiding place.

"Mine," Raeila affirmed tearfully. "All mine."

"See baby!"

Chuckling, Raeila informed Yara, "It's you. You and Kellin. My babies both."

The cupboard door swung open and Dani and Jae Dyn's faces came into view. "Actually, this little one has to take a bath now," Jae Dyn said.

Raeila appeared startled, but covered it well with a beaming smile. "We were just playing. Sorry for keeping her so long, Master Brael."

"It's alright, Raeila," Jae Dyn said. She held a hand out and Yara bounded out of the cupboard to take it. "Come along, let's go get you all clean."

"Mommy!"

As the two wandered off, Dani couldn't help grinning. "She's a cute little girl, isn't she?"

"The perfect little girl," Raeila corrected, crawling out of the cupboard herself. "Do you think Master Brael would let her come over to play sometime?"

"I think so," Dani said. "Though, I think Kellin will need to get a little bigger before he can really play."

Raeila shrugged, undeterred. "He can watch. But I'd better go get him before Zari changes her mind. You'll comm a cab, right?" She smiled guiltily. "I got distracted playing with Yara. Gods...doesn't she have the brownest eyes you've ever seen?"

"She does," Dani said. "She's absolutely adorable. It's really hard to believe that Dargus was her father. I'll make that comm call."

Raeila nodded then excitedly scampered back to Kellin's room to retrieve her baby. Zari still held him, rousing Raeila's jealousy again. She smiled, still. "Ready? The cab is waiting downstairs."

Zari reached up and wiped away her tears. "I was just...just saying goodbye," she said. "I didn't think it would hurt so much."

"He won't be far," Raeila consoled her. "Don't be sad. I'll send you an image of him, if you'd like."

"Yes," Zari whispered, then looked up at Rae as she hesitantly held Kellin out to her.

Excitement seizing her, Raeila rushed forward and took Kellin into her arms. She turned the infant away from Zari's sight and started for the door. "Carry his bags, please?"

"Of course," Zari said, then hurried to grab Kellin's bags, and then followed after Raeila. "When...when I want to visit him, where will...where are you staying?"

"Kael and I have a place," Raeila told her. "I'll comm you with the address, okay?"

"Can...can I come with you? I can help you get him settled in."

Raeila paused in the hallway, thinking. "I don't know if that's a good idea," she decided, without turning. "It's best to make a clean break...you know?"

"I...I can still visit though," Zari said, her eyes tearing up again. "I mean, if I can visit, I can...I should be...I can help. I...I understand though, Raeila. I...it's painful."

Dani appeared at the other end of the hall. The pain she felt from Zari was breaking her heart. She gave her an understanding look, and picked up the stroller. "Everything's ready," she said.

Kellin began fussing as Raeila turned to Zari. She gave her a sympathetic look. "He'll be fine, I promise. I'll comm you later, alright?"

"Okay," Zari said. "I'll be here waiting. Oh Kellin. I love you, but...but this is for the best."

Looking over her shoulder, Raeila said, "I'm glad you agree." Then Kellin was carried away, leaving Zari's life as quickly as he had entered it.

Dani glanced back at the girl, and gave her a comforting smile, before moving on again at Raeila's side. When they got downstairs, the speeder was waiting for them. The driver quickly grabbed the bags and strollers while Dani held the back hatch open for Rae.

After Rae and Kellin were settled, Dani joined them in the rear. Raeila was entranced, watching the child in her arms. When the vehicle started off, Raeila whispered, "Kael will be so surprised."

"He definitely will," Dani said softly as she smiled at Rae and Kellin. "I hope everything's okay with him and he's not too worried where we are."

"He won't care," Raeila assured her, smiling lovingly at Kellin. "Not once he sees my son."

"Will you want to move back to the desert now," Dani asked.

She shrugged. "Whatever Kellin wants." Brushing her lips against the infant's brow, Raeila whispered playfully, "So do you want, Kellin? You want to move to the desert?" Then, Raeila frowned pensively and mused, "I should change his name...don't you think? Kellin doesn't suit my child."

"You'll have to talk to the people at the hospital, I think," Dani said. "That way his name will be legally changed. So, what are you going to tell Ferrig?"

"That I have a baby," she answered. "He doesn't need to know it's his. It'll be too complicated if he knows."

"I definitely think you're right," Dani said. "If you and Kael want the room to yourselves tonight, I can stay in another room."

Raeila smiled fondly at Dani. "Thanks. We need some time to get to know our son." She sighed and gazed down at Kellin. "Our son... I never thought I'd say that. It's been a long time coming."

"Yes it has," Dani said. "Do you know what you'll name him?"

"Kael and I will have to discuss it, but..." Raeila teared up and whispered, "Miaken. My little miracle."

"That sounds perfect, Rae," Dani said as she reached to stroke the little one's brow. "The perfect miracle."

---

"Enforced Labour"
By: Yara Brael
Va'Lesh Zaneth

Location: Slave Mines, Tae'Sollar Desert
Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY

***

"This is not your designated rest period. Up, grau'aka!"

A shock stick wielded by a powerful, scaled arm was driven between the fallen Rodian's shoulderblades. The alien arched, mouth open in a rictus of wordless agony. Blue-white fingers skipped and crawled along his exposed flesh, the perspiration coating it only increasing the electricity's conductivity. He spasmed and thrashed, while the others watched on. Some turned away in horror, knowing the same fate might befall them once exhaustion prevented they, too, from working; others, those who had been there long enough to become desensitized to such displays, merely continued with the day's labours. They saw no reason to risk similar punishment for neglecting their work. The Jau were merciless - their slaves were there for a single purpose and no defiance or indolence was tolerated.

The mines were run strictly, organized. There was a precise schedule for everything, from two allotted breaks per day, to the six-hour long time-slot allocated for rest. Otherwise, the slaves worked, and arduously so. Buried deep within the desert, in hollow caverns excavated from the mountain ridge separating Thanatos from Tae'Sollar, those who had fallen into disfavour with the Jau were relegated to the blistering mines of their new leaders. It was said they had only just escaped death, working the mines the alternative punishment for those who had displeased the Jau, yet death seemed a far better option to those plying the mine shafts.

Although located in the depths of cool, dark rock, the conditions were unbearably hot, day and night. Physical exertion contributed to the uncomfortable environment, but the Jau's somewhat archaic equipment emitted a majority of the heat. The huge smelting chambers located on the far end of the shaft generated scorching temperatures; only water offered at specified intervals by slaves appointed to the task alleviated some of the discomfort, for nothing else was offered by the Jau, who were immune to the intense thermal conditions.

None of the slaves knew what they were mining - all were instructed only on what to look for and how to extract it; they had no idea how valuable, how fragile was what they were mining. Such delicate work was entrusted only to humanoids, and they provided free labour. Droids malfunctioned and required maintenance, whereas a humanoid, if ill or dead, could easily be replaced, and they required little programming - one prod from a shock stick, and they fell into line easily enough. They necessitated sustenance as well, but nutrient bars were inexpensive and provided the required nutrition. Their tools were rather primitive as well - hydropicks among them - and required much strength and little skill to operate. Even hover mine cars transported the ore to the smelting chamber in the slaves' stead - the Jau believed the workers had it easy.

The prisoners worked in shifts, and barracks were assigned so those not labouring away could benefit from the restorative powers of sleep. Showers were allowed once weekly, simply to spare the Jau from that offensive odor of filthy, sweat-soaked bodies confined to a single space. The only clothing permitted were the Jau-issued jumpsuits, which were clearly not tailored for the different body types that comprised the slave ranks - they seemed to expect their thralls to be in pique physical condition, and their form-fitting uniforms reflected that.

Those who had once enjoyed a comfortable life of inactivity were stuffed into the undersized jumpsuits, corpulent flesh spilling from the opening they were unable to fasten fully shut; for others, the outfit sagged limply and draped over their limbs to provide an encumbrance; but it was for the Jau's model workers that these outfits were truly meant to fit: Dargus' clones - the teenaged counterparts to Yara Brael and Va'Lesh Zaneth, who had been seized from the palace and put to work at the mines. Their athletic, slim bodies filled out the jumpsuits perfectly. They were the epitome of all the Jau hoped for in a slave - agile, strong, bearing inexhaustible stamina, and obedient. And there were many of them.

Among the clones were two Jedi Padawans - Yara and Va'Lesh - and from the corner of their eyes, they watched the writhing Rodian. They exchanged a knowing look of disappointment, but knew better than to speak. That was punishable by far worse than a shock. They had been there for months and knew the routine, had studied every corner of the mines...yet still they were unable to discover a path to freedom. But they had not given up - they would not. They were Jedi.

***

Va'Lesh Zaneth deposited the load of material into the mine cart and turned back to where he'd been digging. His eyes met his companion's as he returned to extracting the mineral. When he spoke, his voice was quiet, pitched only for Yara to hear. "I still do not see a means for us to escape this," he said. "We will need to continue to bide our time until an option presents itself."

"Our brothers and sisters can help," Yara responded, lips barely moving. They had adopted various techniques for communicating without giving the appearance of doing so. Thus far, they had avoided discovery and its accompanying punishment. Chipping away at a deposit with her hydropick, Yara murmured, "If we could speak with them, I know they would join us in planning a revolt."

"We can attempt to communicate with them when we are given time to sleep. They can pass the word amongst themselves if they are willing to assist." He dug into the stone with his pick. As he paused to shift the rock, he leaned slightly to Yara to speak again. "Our shift is nearly over. We will be able to speak to our brothers and sisters soon."

"The Jau will be listening," she reminded him. "There is no fraternizing. We have not even been able to touch since coming here."

"We will find a way," he answered. "And then we will find a way out of here and back to our Master."

A howl erupted as another ineffective worker was hauled away. Yara watched briefly but was discouraged from doing so further by a passing Jau who barked a warning at her. She resumed her labour, gathering a hefty chunk of rock and tossing it into a passing mine cart, then turned back to the wall. "We'll find a way," she affirmed, sweat rolling down her cheek as she hammered at the rockface. "We are Jedi. As long as the Force flows, there is always hope."

Va'Lesh gave the passing Jau a hard look and turned away to resume his work. He thought the guard would step closer to beat him for his insolence, but the alien moved on further. "Yes," he affirmed. "And as long as we remain together, we will always find a way through such hardships."

A horn blared in the vast cavern and a flurry of Jau marched in to herd the slaves out in time for the next shift to move in. Yara and Va'Lesh dropped their tools and joined the file. After a meal, they would be expected to rest for their next turn in the mines. There would be no showering or towels to dry the sweat, but accustomed to living without luxuries as soldiers, Yara and Va'Lesh were unaffected by such privation.

Va'Lesh fell into line behind Yara. They were led out of the mine and into a large hall filled with tables and benches. As they sat, other slaves entered with carts filled with a simple meal designed to nourish. Taste was not a concern. The entire proceeding was supervised by Jau guards. Any trouble would result in harsh punishment.

Seating himself beside Yara, Va'Lesh waited as a plate was set before him. The only utensil he had to consume his food was a spoon. Picking it up, he scooped up some of the gruel-like substance and brought it into his mouth. "This is unpleasant," he said once he'd swallowed.

"But we must consume to maintain our strength," she reminded him before sampling their dinner. Yara swallowed without complaint or distaste altering her features. Scooping up another spoonful of the sludge, Yara glanced about the cafeteria, assessing their fellow thralls. Only a small portion of clones were in the room. "They are keeping us separated," Yara concluded. "They suspect we may band together and attempt to overthrow them."

Imperceptibly, Va'Lesh nodded. "Yes. I fear eventually, they may try to separate you and I."

The spoon paused at her lips, a drop of gruel splatting onto the table as Yara cocked her head to one side quizzically. "But...we cannot be separated, Va'Lesh. You are my chosen. We must remain together."

"If we must attempt to guide events through the Force to remain together, we shall," he answered. "They may try, but we will not allow them to."

"Even if resistance means death?"

"We will have to give them no reason to suspect," he said. "We can do it, my dearest. Despite our predicament, the Force is with us."

Yara smiled and cleaned off her spoon. As she chewed, her expression became wistful and pensive. She sighed. "I wonder if my mother and my sisters are alright. I desire to see them again."

"We will visit them as soon as we are free from here," Va'Lesh said. "I believe I would like to know your family better."

"As would I. I did not get much chance to know my mother. But I am told we look much alike," she informed him.

"We will find her once we are free," he said "There is so much we can teach your little sisters too."

"And your brother," she reminded him. "Do you believe he is speaking now?"

"It is a possibility," he answered. He was quiet for a moment before adding: "I hope my mother is alright."

Yara nodded compassionately. "I am sorry we could not get to her, to rescue her. Perhaps if we had been better Jedi..."

"I believe we were competent enough," Va'Lesh said. "We were not able to act in time."

"We will not make that error again," Yara declared. "That is why we must" -- she paused to glance around for passing Jau-- "plan. Then, we may again share kisses, as we have not been able to for some time."

"I do miss our private time together," Va'Lesh said. "And, that jumpsuit is not as flattering as your usual attire."

Yara studied her outfit, stained with perspiration and dirt. "I agree. Entirely unflattering." She watched Va'Lesh curiously. "I hope that does not cause you to alter your feelings for me."

"It does not," he answered, a smile showing for her only in his eyes since if his face showed anything but impassivity, he would be punished. "It does assist in my focus on our liberation."

"Then I shall use it as a point of focus, as well." Yara ingested more of their dinner, noting how much easier it went down amid thoughts of the glorious day when they would be free. Such struggle and adversity was part of their journey as Jedi; Yara and Va'Lesh were enduring it with optimism that once they emerged, both will have gained strength from it. Perhaps, they would even attain the rank of Knight. Yara and Va'lesh would not be broken - they were soldiers, Jedi. They would prevail.

---

"Back Where You Belong"
By: Maeren Shivral
Kimara
Keeve Zenarr
Zari Zathmir
Kallia Brael
Raeila Selrid
Kael Selrid
Dani

Location: Various, New Plouton
Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY

***

It had been an interesting talk with his mother, and as much as her advice had helped, Keeve was still exhausted physically, and mentally regarding the trouble with Talara. He looked especially dour as he stepped into the living area.

Kallia appeared across the room with Yara toddling along behind her. She met Keeve's gaze, and he could tell right away that all wasn't well. She approached, and sighed.

"There's a problem," she said. "You know how the Jedi stated that if Zari wanted to remain a Jedi, she'd have to give up Kellin? She couldn't be a mother and a Jedi Padawan at the same time. She gave Kellin away to a young woman from the Temple, the wife of Jedi Selrid, who is unable to have children of her own. She's in her room now, and hasn't come out since they left. And, she's in a rather bad state."

"What in all hells-- How could you let her do it!?" Keeve roared. "Kellin's her baby - you should've stopped her!"

"It was done before I could do anything," Kallia said. "I was trying to get the twins down for a nap, and then Yara needed her bath. I didn't realize what was happening. I thought they were just friends here to visit, or friends helping with the search."

Keeve exhaled through his nostrils and shook his head. "You should've commed me, Kal. But there's still time to get him back."

"I'm sorry I didn't," Kallia said.

"You go talk to Zari," Kim said. "Maeren and I will get the speeder ready."

She and Maeren hurried away, leaving Keeve and Kallia alone.

"I'm sorry, Keeve. I hadn't meant to...to cause trouble. I've been so busy with the girls, I wasn't paying attention."

"And I haven't been here to help," he admitted, giving her shoulder a tender squeeze. "It's not your fault. Zari's not a child - she knew what she was doing." Smiling, Keeve added, "You go and rest. I'll come visit you and the girls when I finish talking with Zari."

"Alright," Kallia said. "I'll see you soon." With that, she walked off toward the room she shared with her daughters.

After taking a moment to centre himself, Keeve started calmly towards Zari's room. As he raised his fist to the door, prepared to wrap, he could hear Zari sniffling. He sighed and invited himself in. "Zari...what's happened?"

"Rae was...she was so upset that I had a baby, and I was going to have to give up Kellin so I could be a Jedi. But, but now I...now I'm not sure. I...I think I'd give up being a Jedi for him. But, I can't anymore."

Keeve frowned and moved to the bed, where Zari was seated with knees tucked under her chin. He sat, watching her sympathetically. "It's not too late, Zari. Kellin's still yours, no matter what. You don't really want him gone, do you?"

"I thought I had to," Zari said. "But now...now I don't want to."

"Then we'll get him back," Keeve insisted. "We'll go right over there and get Kellin back." He held out his hand to her and smiled encouragement. "Together, Zari. We can do this."

"I don't know where he is," Zari said, "but I can feel him. Thank you, Keeve. I don't think I could do this without you. I know how much this is going to hurt her. Raeila, I mean."

"Kellin's yours," Keeve pointed out. "She had no right taking him to begin with. Now let's go." He grinned. "I'll let you drive if you want."

She gave him a smile. "Thank you so much, Keeve," she said. With a slight colouring of her features, she gave him a hug.

"Don't ever make a decision like this without me again," he whispered against her ear and gave Zari a comforting squeeze. Pulling back, Keeve motioned his head towards the door. "No time to lose, hm?"

Zari hurried along at his side as they got to the lift and rode down to where the speeder waited.

"All set," Kim said as Maeren jumped out from behind the controls. "Go get him. Let us know when you're on your way back with him."

With a feeling approaching relief, Zari moved over and got into the other side of the speeder while Keeve got behind the controls.

Looking at him, she smiled. "Ready."

Keeve nodded and sped the vehicle forward, with Zari questing out through the Force to uncover the correct path. He watched her sidelong. "Someone must know where she's staying. She's not entirely a complete stranger if you were willing to give Kellin to her."

"I knew her at the Temple," Zari said. "She's Ferrig's sister, but...but she's not evil." She pointed with her eyes still closed. "They're that way. Near the beaches, I think."

Keeve steered the vehicle that direction and continued glancing aside at Zari from time to time. "You wanted to be a Jedi this badly, Zari? Badly enough to give up the one thing you love most in the world?"

"I thought I did," Zari said. "Not now. Not anymore. I want my little boy, Keeve. If I have to give him up, I don't want to be a Jedi."

Keeve smiled. "Now you're making sense. I never could understand what everyone finds so amazing about being a Jedi."

"You'd have to be one to understand," Zari said. "I think if I hadn't had Kellin, I'd want to still be one. You're a part of something bigger than yourself, something where you help others. But, Kellin needs me more than the Jedi do."

"And that means," Keeve told her softly, "you're definitely ready to be a mother. So...we'd better get that boy back, hm?" With a wink, Keeve asked, "Which way now?"

"Keep going," she said, pointing out of the city. "Go toward Vendra. It feels like he's that way."

"This could take a while," Keeve sighed. "Vendra's a long way off." He smiled. "I'll get us there...and fast. Rest assured, Zari. They're not getting away from us."

"Okay," she said. With a smile that carried all of her gratitude, she reached over and rested her hand atop his. "Thank you, Keeve. For all of this. I'm really glad you're my friend."

***

"There," Zari said, pointing. They'd been in Vendra for nearly an hour, following intuitive sense of where her little boy was. "That building there."

Keeve located a suitable place to park the speeder, just outside the apartment complex. He frowned deeply as he watched the building. "I hope they haven't gotten too comfortable with him...because it's time he comes home." His expression softened when he regarded Zari again. "You ready? I'll be with you the whole time."

"I'm ready," Zari said. She slipped out of the speeder and waited for him, then they walked up to the front door together.

With a calming breath, Zari stepped inside after Keeve opened the passage for her. Within, they spoke with the man tending the front desk and located the apartment belonging to Raeila and Kael. Keeve wrapped a comforting arm around Zari's shoulders as they started for the lift. "It'll be fine. You'll see."

She gave him a smile. Keeve was entirely unconvinced she was confident about their present course, but he was determined Zari should stand firm. Kellin was her blood, and a child deserved the right to know its mother, something Keeve was robbed of. The same mistake would not happen again.

Reaching Raeila's apartment, Keeve knocked insistently. He gave Zari a nod and returned his eyes forward. When the door opened, he was momentarily taken aback by who answered. No one mentioned a man would be at home.... "Hi, there." Keeve smiled. "You wouldn't happen to have seen a baby around here, would you?"

"Yes," came the answer. "Raeila brought him home earlier. Hello, Zari." The girl acknowledged him with an embarrassed nod. Turning back to address Keeve, he continued: "So, what brings you here?"

"Well...." Keeve cleared his throat, but his eyes never moved from Kael's. "Zari wants her baby back. She's changed her mind."

Kael Selrid glanced between them, and then gave an understanding nod. "Raeila's going to take it very hard," he said. "Nieme did something to her, and now she is unable to have a baby of her own. I haven't seen her as happy was she was when she came back in a very long time. Her reaction to giving up the baby will not be...good."

"I know," Zari said, the anguish in her voice palpable. "But, I...I'm so sorry, Kael. I didn't mean to cause trouble, but I realized I want him so much and I can't...can't give him up."

"The Jedi gave her an ultimatum," Keeve explained. "Either she give up her baby, or she leave the Order. She was confused. Can you blame her?"

"I see," Kael said. "And, I can't blame her. He's a beautiful boy. He's cried for a bit, so I have a feeling he misses her." He sighed. "Come on. This won't be a good situation, but it has to be done."

He led them both further back into the apartment.

"Raeila," he called as they came into the room. She looked up from where she was putting a new diaper on Kellin.

Tears were already falling from Zari's eyes and she hated herself. She didn't want to hurt Raeila, but when they took Kellin away, it was more painful than anything she'd ever felt. "I'm sorry, Raeila, but...but I can't...I need my baby. I'm so sorry. I know you hate me, and...and I hate myself."

Raeila was already pulling Kellin close to her chest protectively and shaking her head. Desperation and anguish registered in her gaze. "He's...he's my baby," she informed them. "You can't have him, Zari. He's mine now, remember?!" Her focus shifted to Kael, to whom she pleaded. "Don't let them do this. Our baby, Kael!"

"We can talk to Nieme tomorrow, Raeila," Kael said. "She can undo what she did, and then we can have a baby of our own. I know it hurts, but wouldn't you rather have a baby we made together?"

"And if it never happens? I won't give him up only to end up with nothing in return!" she shrieked. Kellin then began crying. Raeila scowled at Zari. "See what you've done?" she accused harshly. "You've upset my baby!"

"He's not yours," Keeve pointed out indelicately. "Zari gave birth to him. Now she wants him back."

"No!" Raeila backed away, shaking her head violently as she did. The room whirled dizzily around her; she nearly tripped over the nightstand. Keeve started forward, but Raeila recovered. She thrust a warning finger his way. "Stay away," she rasped. Her hand slid over Kellin's face; the child's cries became muffled and laboured. "I won't let you have him," she whispered tearfully. "He's mine..."

"Raeila, don't," Zari said. The tears were now gone, replaced by something darker. She reached out through the Force to calm Kellin, and to be ready to stop Raeila from hurting her baby.

"This isn't right," Dani said, entering the room. She'd already released pheromones into the air to calm everyone. "Hurting him isn't the way, Raeila." Adding the strength of suggestion into her voice, she continued: "You want to give the child back to Zari now. You and Kael will make one of your own."

Raeila blinked in confusion, but her mind was already surrendering to Dani's suggestion. Her hand slowly, reluctantly, slid away from Kellin's face, which was now dark red from crying. Entire body trembling visibly, Raeila repeated haltingly, "I want....to give your child back, Zari. Me and Kael...we'll make our...our own." Then, she held out the child at arm's length. Keeve rush forward and snatched Kellin from her grasp, watching her as one would watch an obviously mentally unstable person.

As Kael and Dani moved in to comfort Raeila, Zari was at Keeve's side and making sure Kellin was okay. Tears spilled down her cheeks as Keeve let her take him, and she held the little one protectively to her chest. She kissed his cheek and forehead, and whispered tenderly to him as he stared up at her with his big blue eyes.

"His bag's right here," Dani said softly as she came over. She indicated the bag Zari had given them earlier. "I'll bring the other things by tomorrow when I can. You'll be alright otherwise?" On the other side of the room, Kael was leading Raeila away.

Zari nodded. "Yes," she whispered. "Will Raeila be okay?"

"I don't know," Dani answered. "We'll do our best. You should go though, just to be safe. I'll see you tomorrow, Zari. Keeve, please give my best to Maeren, and tell her I'm very sorry for everything Nieme and I did to her. Things were really bad then."

Keeve glanced past her to Raeila, looking back fixedly at Kellin and mumbling incoherently. He sighed. "I think they're about to get worse. I'll pass on the message. You just...take care of your friend."

"I will," Dani said. "Goodnight to both of you, and I'll see you tomorrow."

Bouncing Kellin gently in her arms, Zari turned and started toward the door. "You have his bag, Keeve?"

Keeve raised it into view, then hefted it onto his shoulder. Stroking Kellin's head affectionately and smiling to Zari, he whispered, "Let's go home. There's nothing more for us here."

"Yes," Zari said. "I think Kellin should get a bath when we get home. And, maybe a treat. I'll ready him a story, I think." She looked up at him as they departed. "Thank you, Keeve. I love you."

He rolled his eyes and complained playfully, "That's my problem - I'm irresistible to women...." They left the apartment behind laughing gently, despite what had occurred, and relief in knowing that if Kellin had not been retrieved when he was, Zari's son could very well have been harmed by the hands of a madwoman.

***

"There's still time. You can get him back." Raeila paced the room briskly, a caged animal on the brink of hysteria. She whirled on Kael and shrieked, "If you kill them, we can get him back!"

"I can't kill them, Rae," Kael said. "We'll make our own baby. We'll talk to Nieme tomorrow and she'll undo whatever it was she did, and you'll be able to have a baby. Our baby."

"How do you know!? You couldn't do anything. Maybe she can't!" Raeila wept shrilly and threw herself onto the bed. She kicked and beat at the mattress, screaming into it until she was breathless. "I want my baby! You let her take him!"

"Rae, she changed her mind about the baby," Kael said. "I'm sorry, but there wasn't anything I could do that wouldn't have gotten us in trouble. What were you trying to do to him, Rae? With your hand over his face?"

Raeila's head raised slowly, but Kael only saw the back of it as she answered quietly, coldly, "He was...crying. I couldn't bear to see him crying, Kael. I would've made him stop." When she twisted her neck to bring her face within view, something disturbing could be glimpsed behind her deadened eyes. "I would've made him quiet...as only a mother knows how."

"Raeila. We'll have a baby of our own. We don't need Zari's baby. We'll have our own soon enough. Our own, not someone else's."

"He was Ferrig's," Raeila informed him. "He was as much mine as anyone's. And I will have him back...or no one will have him."

"Raeila, you can't mean that," Kael said. "Whatever connection Ferrig has to the baby is something he'll have to take up with Zari. But, you can't start issuing ultimatums with the baby. We'll figure out a way to have our own baby, because we can't have Zari's."

She surged upright in the bed, hollering, "We can! And I will, Kael, with or without your help!"

"You don't want to do that, Raeila," Kael said. "If you get caught, the Jau will send you to the desert."

"I'm Kir'Thana - I'll thrive. I need him. You don't understand because you don't feel what I do...but I need him!"

"But why that one, Raeila? Why can't you and I make one of our own? Nieme can fix what she did to you, and then you'll be able to carry our baby."

"You don't know that!" she shrieked. "If I wait and it doesn't work, our baby will be gone!" Raeila flew from the bed and gripped Kael's shirtfront desperately. "Please," she whispered, "you have to let me. I-I need to get him back."

"You can't just take him, Rae," Kael said, desperation entering his voice. "You can't just take the baby. We will find another way, but Kellin isn't that way now. We will find a way, a different way. I promise."

Raeila's eyes narrowed. "His name...is Miaken," she rasped and pushed away from Kael. "You just don't understand.... How could you anyway? You're a man! You don't know what it's like!"

"What I understand is my wife is so desperate to have a child, she wants to take one from another person," Kael said. "She is so desperate, she can't wait one day for us to see if whatever was done to make her incapable of bearing children can be reversed. I see my wife willing to steal a child because she doesn't care about anyone's needs, except her own. I want this baby to be ours, Rae. I want to make a baby with you, if Nieme can fix what she did."

"How can you trust her after what she did?" Raeila smirked and accused, "You just want to see her again. You can't stay away.... This has nothing to do with a baby!" Raeila thumped her fists against Kael's chest then shoved. "You selfish bastard!"

Kael didn't move, and instead reached up and calmly took her wrists. "I really hope you don't believe that," he said. "I really hope that is only your anger talking. You need help, Rae. What you're saying and what you want to do, it's wrong. I know you want a child, but you can't just take from someone else."

"Why can't I?" she asked snidely. "My child was taken away - why can't I do the same? Isn't it only fair!?"

"No, it's not," Kael said. "It's not right. Zari should have thought it through more before giving him to you, but he's still hers. We can go to the proper people and adopt a baby legally. No one can contest it, and no one can take the baby away. We just have to do it the right way."

Raeila sobbed. "But I want a baby now, Kael. I've waited so long.... Don't I deserve one?"

"Of course you do," Kael said. "But if you don't things properly and legally, the authorities will take him away, and I don't want to think about what they'd do to you. I don't want to see them take you away, Rae. The mines in the desert are bad places. If you get sent there, you'll never have a child. Ever."

"Isn't it worth the risk?" she reasoned. "It's all I've ever wanted. If that's not something to risk your life for, what is?"

"I know you want a baby now," Kael said. "I know waiting is difficult. But, isn't it better to wait a week and not have to worry about someone breaking down our door and taking our child away? I know it's hard, Rae. But, it's only a little more time. We can go tomorrow, and talk to them. Just see what they say, and see if they have a baby that we can make our own...and not worry about the trouble. Please Rae, if we go down the path you want to follow, I'm going to end up losing you and our baby. They'll take the baby away from you. Is it worth the risk of losing everything when only a little more time will make it so we have nothing to fear?"

Raeila screamed in frustration and twisted free of Kael's grasp. She stumbled away, hollering, "You don't understand anything! I-I can't take this. I can't wait anymore!" Raeila bolted from the room and dashed off.

Kael followed after her, but when she slammed through the front door, he let her go.

"She okay?"

He turned to find Dani standing there, and he sighed and shook his head. "No. She believes she needs a baby right now."

"We should go after her," Dani said. "Kael she's not well, and in this state, she very well could do what she wants."

Kael gave a wry chuckle. "She took our speeder," he said.

"Come on, let's go see if we can get one from the Jedi," Dani said. "Then we go after her, and bring her back here. Probably tie her up to keep her from doing anything stupid."

Kael nodded, and led the way out. He had a bad feeling about this.

---

"Close Encounters of the Marital Kind"
by Vincenzo Lapenta - Neurosurgeon
and Sarah Lapage - Neurosurgeon (NPC+)
and Robert Reyno - Representative (NPC)

Location: Sarah's Apartment, Arcadia
Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY

***

Vincenzo arrived at Sarah's apartment a bit later then expected, due to an extra security check at the monorail station. As a doctor, he had a pass to be out later then curfew, but he'd rather not use it too often, specially not on the way from Arcadia to New Plouton. And now he had heard today that he was force sensitive he had to be extra careful not to have the aliens look too closely to what he was and who he was treating. He had an excuse for this day's visit though, as he had some notes on Jean Van der Morken with him. That case was closed at Enpin now.

Arriving at the station in Arcadia, he exited the train and took a taxi to Sarah's apartment. But it wasn't Sarah opening the door but a man.

"Yes," he said.

"I'm here for Dr. Lapage," Vincenzo said, "I'm here to discuss a case with her."

"Let him in, Robert," Sarah said, appearing behind him, "it's a colleague from New Plouton."

Vincenzo entered and Robert closed the door behind him. "Robert, this is Vincenzo Lapenta," Sarah introduced them, "Vincenzo, this is Robert Reyno, my husband."

"Pleasure to meet you, sir," Vincenzo said. He knew that he had to get back as quickly as possible, before he or she said something wrong.

"Why do you come here," Robert asked.

"Both your wife and myself are very busy during the day," Vincenzo explained, "this is the first opportunity in more then a week I have to bring this information. And as I have to explain a couple of things I found it easier to do so in person."

"We'll go into the study," Sarah said, "you want something to drink, Dr. Lapenta?"

"No thank you," Vincenzo said, "I'll have to go as quickly as possible. I'd rather be in before the curfew."

They moved into the study and Sarah turned around as soon as the door was closed. "Nice save, Vince," she whispered.

"I know," Vincenzo whispered back, "if you want to continue this, maybe we should agree on a code you can send to me to let me know if I can visit or not."

"It's a good idea," Sarah said, "I'll comm you tomorrow from my work."

"Okay," Vincenzo said, putting the datapad on the desk, "here's the information on Van der Morken you needed. As far as I'm concerned, everything I could do is done. The rest is for you."

"They might call you for the hearing," Sarah said, "although they probably just use the reports."

"As long as I know in advance," Vincenzo said, "so I can plan operations and things like that."

"That wouldn't be a problem," Sarah said, wrapping her arms around him, "let me give you a small present before you have to go."

They kissed for quite some time, before Vincenzo let go. "If we continue this, I'll do you here, and damn your husband," he whispered.

"That wouldn't be a good idea," Sarah whispered back before letting go. They went back to the living room and after saying goodbye, Vincenzo left. Ten minutes later he was sitting back on the monorail, thinking about the extra complication in his life. He had known that this day would come, but still he would have liked it if it hadn't. Given that these laws hadn't been changed by the aliens they had to be careful.

---

"Sibling Conspiracy, Part 1"
By: Raeila Selrid
Ferrig Mullerin

Location: Yesdol, New Plouton
Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY

***

He couldn't understand - he was Kir'thanan, but had become too Wet in his time away from the desert. He didn't understand the way of things. Blood was blood, thicker, more cohesive than water. And that was why a Wetter could never grasp the pain Raeila felt.

Miaken, nee Kellin, was hers, and no Wetter law or code of etiquette could keep him from her. There was one she knew would agree with her, someone who could help her reclaim her child. What he was doing working at such an establishment, however, she didn't know.

The towering golden bantha loomed over her. Behind - the Palace of Stars, and one of a pair flanking the double red doors on top of the staircase was Ferrig. When his apartment's landlady mentioned he worked at the Palace, Raeila snickered. He truly did enjoy the establishment, enough to desire employment as a doorman. She was certain there were perks that came with the job that appealed far more to Ferrig than the wages.

The line of patrons awaiting entry into the club was already lengthy, considering the doors had yet to open for the evening. And already, the temperature outside was dropping to the low numbers typical of Tae'Karada as of late. Winter was approaching and Raeila was feeling the chill, likely more than the native Wetters. The desert was always warm, always nurturing. New Plouton was like hard, cold durasteel.

The revellers had come prepared in their expensive coats and fur-trimmed mantles. Raeila, not accustomed to such luxury, and having departed in a hurry, was in lightweight pants and a flimsy tank. Only her loose, flowing hair provided some cover for her bare arms and shoulders. She shivered badly, though the press of warm bodies provided some relief as Raeila squeezed and jostled through the crowd to reach the doors. Appalled chatter arose in her wake, and condescending insults. They thought her a wayward street urchin having wandered into the crowd, not realizing she was among the wrong social class. Raeila, however, held purpose, and determined to reach Ferrig.

She called to him, but the din of the crowd drowned her voice. Having reached the head of the crowd, Raeila was denied further access by two very large Gamorreans guarding the stairs. Raeila waved frantically at Ferrig, crying out his name. She hopped to clear the aliens' heads, calling to Ferrig each time. The Gamorreans, growing irritated, snortled gruffly. One gripped Raeila's arm and proceeded to steer her out onto the street. She struggled, the commotion finally drawing Ferrig's notice.

"Hey," came a familiar voice from the front of the crowd. Ferrig was hurrying down the stairs, intent on stopping the Gamorrean before he did any lasting harm to his sister. He managed to get himself over the ropes, bodies, and other obstacles designed to keep the unwanted out of the Palace of Stars. He thumped the thuggish brute on the back of the head as he came around to take Raeila into his arms. "Hands off."

With a glare, he sent Durb -- or Norg, he could never keep the two straight -- back to his position.

"Raeila," he said, a sense of wonder in his voice at seeing her again. "I thought you and Dani had abandoned me forever. I stayed like you said though. Weibran said I spent so much time here, I might as well work. Helped me keep a roof over my head. What are you doing here? You're shivering." He quickly stripped out of his jacket and put it around her shoulders. He steered her away from the crowd. He flashed a sign back to the other bouncer standing by the door. "Come on, let's go somewhere warm."

"I have the speeder," she told him. "Left it at your place... I walked here." Raeila nestled her cheek against Ferrig's chest as she hugged him tightly. "I should never have turned my back on you," she whispered. "You're my brother...the only one who knows me. Kael...he let them take him. He's just like they are...."

"Him? Take who, Rae?"

"Miaken," she sobbed. "My--" Raeila raised her eyes to Ferrig's and smiled. "Our baby. Zari gave birth to him...but he's of our blood, Ferrig. She gave him to me...and they made her take him back."

"Zari had a baby?" Ferrig said, blinking. "My...she was...with my...? Our baby, Rae? Our little boy? We have to get him back!"

Raeila grinned, relieved that someone finally saw things her way. "Yes," she breathed. "Yes, Ferrig! I wanted to, but they wouldn't let me. But you can help." Turning her body into his and caressing his cheek, Raeila whispered, "Together...we can get our boy back. Our son."

With a joyful smile, he leaned in and gave her a passionate kiss. "Where is he? We have to plan. We have to figure out how to get him back."

"I know where they live. I've been there. We can go right away!" Raeila kissed him again, fervent with the excitement of knowing her Miaken would be hers soon enough. "We'll have to be careful," she murmured, lazily tracing kisses along his jawline and throat. "She lives with a Jedi Master."

"That could be tricky," Ferrig said. "We'll have to find a way to get the Jedi out of the way then. I figure, if we can get to Zari, it should be easy. The girl will cave just like she always did. Toward the end, before they drove me out, she would have done anything I asked her without hesitation. You should have seen the things I got her to do, the things she was so willing to do."

"Because," Raeila reasoned, hands sliding down Ferrig's chest, "you're powerful, Ferrig, you're commanding.... Just as a true king of the desert should be."

"Oh, I like the sound of that," he said, moving his hands down to her hips. "And, every king needs a queen."

She chuckled and looped her arms about his neck. "And your queen has returned. She was stupid for going away.... Can you forgive her?"

"With my whole heart," Ferrig said, then kissed her again. "Oh, I've missed you."

"I won't leave ever again," she promised.

They stumbled and shuffled their way to Ferrig's apartment, wrapped in one another's inextricable embrace. Luckily they avoided the notice of patrolling Jau, and managed to restrain themselves enough to seek out Ferrig's apartment rather than couple in the nearest alley. As it was, Ferrig's pants were nearly around his ankles when they reached his door, and their lips swollen and red from the rough, desperate kisses being exchanged. Raeila moaned into the hollow of his mouth as he pressed her against his door and slipped one hand down past her waistband while the other punched in his door code.

"I'm never letting you get away again," he said as they tumbled through the door.

His touch was deft and sure as he managed to move them from the door toward his bed. His hands slipped in, teasing and tantalizing, as he managed to kick himself free of his boots to untangle his feet. The passion surpassed anything he had felt in some time. Their separation had raised his longing to a point where just being near her was like the most potent hit of Spice. His body sang for her touch, a desire hotter than even the last time they'd been together.

Raeila held no desire to slow Ferrig down, and fed off his urgency, peeling off her top with little care for its survival. They trampled the shed tank underfoot before toppling onto the bed. Raeila arched in a jolt of pleasure, blonde hair flipping back as she tossed her head to release a shuddering moan. She grinned at Ferrig hungrily and leaned forward to kiss him fiercely.

There was a blur of motion that ended with the remainder of their clothing on the floor and only searing flesh meeting. Legs twined and hands caressed tenderly, despite the uncontrollable need that existed. They rolled, bodies as one, with Raeila now beneath Ferrig. Their hips joined, interlocking seamlessly. They fit together as one, and Raeila knew it was wrong to have denied her brother in the past...and herself.

She kissed him greedily as he stroked her thigh and smoothly brought one leg around his waist. "Don't you have to go back to work?" Raeila asked, breathless with anticipation.

"Who could work when I have you back in my life," he asked as he found their perfect rhythm. "Weibran knows me, and I'm sure he won't mind me taking some time off. Besides, now that I have you back, we'll need a place for both of us and our baby." He couldn't imagine a mate other than Raeila, they were two halves of a whole and he was certain no other would do. Not any of the girls at the Palace, not even Aera. He moaned with pleasure as their pace sped up again, rising with their lusts.

It was difficult to focus clearly on any one thought as many whirled through her mind - Miaken, Zari weeping as her baby was ripped from her embrace, and Kael. He would be hurt, but only because he didn't understand, not as Ferrig did. If he could forgive her, they would return to the desert to raise their child, with Ferrig by their side.

Even as she cried out in ecstasy, a tear seeped from the corner of her eye and puddled in her ear. As happy as she was, she also grieved over the schism created between herself and her husband. And Dani, though Raeila wasn't certain whose side she was truly on. If only she hadn't interfered, Miaken would still be safely in her arms.... But he would be again, and Ferrig would provide the way. She clutched him to her possessively, determined not to lose him or her best chance to reclaim Miaken. Ferrig always had taken care of her and she'd been mistaken to turn her back on him. He would make everything right.

Ferrig couldn't imagine a more perfect time. It had been some time since they'd been together, but never in all their time together had they become one as they did tonight. As they reached their climaxes, it was together. And, once they'd recovered, they would go and recover his son, their son.

As he and Raeila lay together, panting from their rigourous exertions, he smiled and trailed kisses along her shoulders. "I've really missed you," he whispered. "I'm glad we're together again, little sister."

"It feels...completely right," she sighed, while her fingers reacquainted themselves with the muscular planes of Ferrig's abdomen. "We'll, of course, have to hide-out once we get Miaken. We...we could return to the desert."

"I think that'd be best," he said. "Besides, that's the best place for our son to be raised."

"But how are we going to get into the apartment?" Raeila asked. "The place is full of people."

"We'll need a way to get them out," Ferrig said. "What about one of those alarms they have to warn about fires? Do you think it would get all of them out? Or would we really need to set a fire?"

"Master Brael would be able to sense if it was a false alarm," Raeila pointed out. "It'll need to be as real as we can make it. We'd have to try and separate them - Zari will be grouped with the rest."

"What if we let the aliens do it for us," Ferrig asked. "And that'll mean we won't have to worry about them chasing us when we get away with Miaken."

Raeila smiled curiously. "How do you mean? What are you plotting, my wonderful, brilliant brother?"

"Well, the aliens don't like Jedi, right? Well, we tell them that that place is just a haven for Jedi. We just need to grab Miaken on the way out."

"You're going to turn them in?" Raeila whispered in shock. "But...Jae Dyn Brael...she has children. Won't they be hurt?"

"That's the problem," Ferrig said. "I don't know what they'd do to any of them, including Zari and Miaken. It won't work, Rae. I shouldn't have even mentioned it. Maybe a fire is the best option. We'd need to start it high enough where they would know they needed to evacuate, but not high enough that they'd really be in danger of getting hurt."

"In all the confusion...maybe we can get Zari separated from the others," Raeila mused. "If we distract the others...especially Master Brael."

Ferrig grinned wickedly. "Oh, I think I have an idea, dear sister," he said. "Oh, and I believe we'll need to pick up some diapers, because we're bringing home a baby tonight!"

Raeila giggled happily and embraced her brother. They rolled until Raeila was propped atop her brother, grinning down at him. "I guess," she purred, trailing a finger over his lips, "we won't have time for another whirl, hm?"

Ferrig grinned as he ran his hands over her hips. "I think we might have enough time for another quick romp. Then, we put our plan into action."

"Action," she echoed with an enticing smile. "I definitely like that." Raeila lowered her lips to his and soon enough they revelled in their reconciliation, and in the child they were about to make their own.

---

"Sibling Conspiracy, Part 2"
By: Raeila Selrid
Ferrig Mullerin
Zari Zathmir
Keeve Zenarr
Maeren Shivral
Kimara
Kallia Brael
Yelara Brael
Kael Selrid
Dani

Location: Yesdol, New Plouton
Date: Lythe 26, 5 ABY

***

Zari walked across the room, Kellin held gently in her arms as she beamed at him. He gurgled softly as she caressed his cheek. She looked up to find Keeve watching her. It was clear that she was happier than she'd been since he'd arrived home that night. "He's so wonderful," she said. "Oh, Keeve, thank you. From both of us!"

Keeve grinned, though quickly smothered it to admonish, "Don't let him out of your sight again. He needs his mother." Then, he chuckled and leaned forward in his armchair to jiggle Kellin's foot. The infant smiled. "That woman...she was crazy, Zari," he told her gently. "You saw what she did to Kellin."

"I know," Zari said. "She was...so desperate, and...and if Dani hadn't stopped her, she might have smothered him. I should take him to the doctor tomorrow, just to make sure he's all okay." She leaned in and kissed his cheek. "So perfect."

Sighing, Keeve rose. "You two should go get some sleep." He kissed first Kellin's brow, then Zari's. He smiled. "I'm proud of you. You stood up for yourself tonight, and you were finally strong in your convictions. I do believe you're growing up, Zari."

"Thank you," Zari said. "It means a lot. And, I'm so really happy that everything worked out. I don't--"

Before she could finish, an alarm blared through the penthouse. As soon as the sound started, Kellin started wailing. On the other side of the apartment, Kallia's girls could also be heard voicing their displeasure.

"Fire," Zari breathed.

"Get him wrapped up - tightly! - I'll gather the others." Keeve dashed off, hollering to roust anyone who'd managed to find sleep. Kim appeared at their bedroom door, a towel still wrapped around her wet hair. "There's a fire," he explained as she opened her mouth to ask. "Go help Kallia with the babies and get them out."

"Hope!" Kim cried. She whistled, and both could hear the mewling from in the kitchen.

Maeren appeared from the other side of the room, hair showing the signs of being towel-dried and shirt hanging open. She gasped when she saw Keeve, and pulled it closed.

"Go get, Hope," said Kim. "I'll help Kallia." They both rushed off to do their bit to help get everyone out of the apartment.

When Keeve reached the front door, Zari was already waiting there with Kellin bundled in her arms. A noticeable cylindrical lump was concealed inside of her jacket.

"Ready," said Zari.

Keeve nodded grimly and went to the door first. Taking a deep breath and holding it, Keeve tapped the door panel and exposed the way into the hall. There was no sign of smoke. He turned to quickly usher the women out. "Kallia, take the lead! Find us the safest route out." As she neared he smiled wanly and kissed Yara's crown, burying his lips deep in her dark curls. "Daddy will be right behind," he whispered to her.

"Beeve!"

Kallia gave her daughter a smile as she went through the door and out into the hall. The paneled wall beside the lift door had already opened automatically to reveal the set of stairs descending down to the main level of the building. Behind Kallia, both Maeren and Kim came, each with a baby tucked safely in their arms. On Kim's shoulder, Hope was clinging and looking around curiously.

Leading the way into the emergency stairs, Kallia started down the red illumined steps. As they went down, there was a faint smell of smoke on the air.

"Mama," Yara peeped as she looked around. The twins were quiet, but Kellin was hiccuping in Zari's arms while she whispered soothing words to him.

"Careful," Keeve urged everyone.

Other voices could be heard as they started down the stairs. It was clear those from the floors above and below were following the same evacuation procedure, which troubled Keeve. The stairwell, soon, would become congested, endangering all. As they reached the second landing, a blinding beam of light flashed through the doorway and a shout rang out. "This way!"

Keeve squinted against the blinding light, raised a hand to shield his eyes. The man wore a helmet and was dressed in a bulky outfit, a uniform, Keeve presumed. He called to the others. "Back up the stairs! We've got another way out!"

"Okay," said Kallia as she followed the instructions.

Behind her, Maeren and Kim had the twins while Hope yowled from her perch atop Kim's shoulder.

"Shush," Kim said to the reisakitten. "I can't hear the instructions with you going on like that."

In response, Hope just butted her head against Kim's ear.

Zari let the others past, and adjusted the strap of her bag, and Kellin against her chest. Looking around in confusion, she wasn't sure why they were going back up, but apparently there was a plan. Whispering a few calming words to Kellin, she started back the way they'd come. The smell of smoke was stronger now, and the air was slightly hazy. Even so, she could still see Keeve and the others in the harsh light, being motioned on by the crew helping to evacuate the building.

As they were directed through an emergency exit, the bag slipped from her shoulder and she had to pause to rearrange it. "It's okay," she whispered to Kellin, then started after Keeve trying to catch up after falling behind.

The corridor was growing thicker with smoke and evacuees, and the distance between she and the rest of her group larger as the crowd moved in. Soon, Keeve was out of sight behind, and the other women in front. Only unfamiliar faces and jostling bodies were around Zari. She was drowning among them. The mass of panicked tenants eager to escape the blaze herded around the corner. Zari stumbled and struggled to remain upright. A hand clamped around her arm, keeping her from falling.

"I've got you," a voice whispered in her ear.

"Thanks," Zari said, struggling under the bag. "I have to find my family. They were just ahead."

"I'm sorry it's impossible," the female fire rescuer explained, while pulling Zari free of the crowd, towards the adjacent corridor. "It's too crowded. Some of you will need to come this way."

"But, my family," Zari said, but then moved along at the prompting of the official. "It's okay, sweetie," she whispered to Kellin. "We'll be out soon, and we'll be able to find the others. It's okay, Kellin."

"Ma'am...I really should take the child." The helmeted woman squeezed her arm detectably. "If you succumb to the smoke inhalation, he'll be safe in my arms."

"No," Zari said. "I'm not letting him go. Carry the bag if you want, but I'm not letting go of my baby."

There was a long pause before the woman answered tautly, "As you wish." She turned them down another corridor and led Zari towards another stairwell, an empty one. Instead of going down, however, the fire official led them upwards.

"Hey," Zari said. "Where are we going? Don't we have to get out? Going up isn't going to get us out!"

"It'll get us to the roof," the officer explained, "where rescue craft are waiting. The fire began four floors down. If we descend, we'll get caught in the blaze. Please, just trust me."

"Then why isn't everyone else going to the roof," Zari asked tartly, but followed along anyway. "We have to get out. I don't like this."

"The others are behind us. We can't all take the same stairwell."

Living on the last floor of the high-rise apartment complex, the roof wasn't far. They were nearly at the rooftop access. Zari's escort pulled her along with greater haste. "Almost there," she could be heard whispering.

"It'll be okay, Kellin," Zari whispered. "We'll be safe in just a few minutes. Shh, sweetie, it's alright." She could see a door looming ahead of them with its brightly lit sign indicating it was an exit. "Almost there."

The officer stopped at the doorway and punched in the access code for the rooftop. Her hand shook visibly as it worked at the control panel. With two beeps, the door receded into the frame. A gust of howling wind greeted them, wrapping its frigid embrace around the three.

"Let's go," the woman rasped, and jerked Zari onto the rooftop. No rescue craft were in sight.

Zari stepped out onto the roof and frowned. Clutching Kellin protectively to her breast, she turned and backed away from the door. "What's going on? What are you doing?"

"We're just waiting for the craft," the woman explained, her voice changing subtly as she spoke, becoming almost recognizable. She turned to face Zari, still gripping her arm tightly, and still moving along the rooftop. "Calm down, Ma'am. It's going to be fine."

"Please," Zari said, "stop...don't touch me like that. Stop pushing me. You're frightening my baby."

The officer stopped a meter from the building's edge and bent forward, her eyes peering at Zari through the darkened visor. "Don't you mean," she drawled wickedly, false voice falling away to reveal the officer's true identity, "my baby?"

The shock registered briefly in Zari's eyes, but then they narrowed. "No, Raeila," she said. "I mean, my baby. You did all of this to get Kellin back? To steal him back? You set fire to the building? You're insane! First you try to smother him, then you do this? You need help. Serious help!" She saw another figure appear at the door, and knew this would be tricky. "Step away from me so I can leave. I don't want to have to hurt you, but I will if you force me."

Raeila removed her helmet, and with her other hand produced a blaster from beneath her uniform. The barrel of it was aimed at Kellin's head. She watched Zari with a glassy, vacant stare that served to convince Zari Raeila was not in her right mind. "I would have done it before," Raeila confessed. "I would have killed him today if only to keep him for myself. Don't make me do it."

Zari twisted her body to shield Kellin from the blaster. As she did, the lightsaber she'd concealed in her jacket earlier slapped into the palm of her free hand. The blade ignited casting Kellin, Zari and Raeila all in its iridescent blue glow. "You can't have him," Zari said.

Behind Raeila, Ferrig removed his helmet and approached slowly. "Hello, Zari," he said. "Miss me? Now, be a good girl and give Raeila our baby. You don't want to get in trouble, do you?" If looks could kill, the one Zari gave him would have reduced him to a smoldering pile of ash. "Now, now, that little laser sword there is going to get you in trouble with the Jau. Put it away, give us the baby, and everything should be fine."

"Tala shouldn't have stopped Cole from killing you," Zari said, then shifted her attention back to Raeila. "Please, just go. Leave me and Kellin alone and...and just go."

"But he's mine," Raeila insisted taking a step closer in apparent disregard for her safety. "You gave him up! You don't really love him. How could a mother abandon her own child?" Kellin began wailing and Raeila gasped. "You see," she breathed, and smiled tearfully. "He wants me."

"No!" Zari rasped, barely above a whisper. "Back away, Raeila. The Jedi told me I had to give him up to be a Jedi, but after I realized I'd rather not be a Jedi. Now, move away. You're scaring Kellin." The weapon in Zari's hand twitched slightly, feinting toward the blaster held in Raeila's hand.

"You are!" Raeila shrieked. Emotion finally registered on her face, and it was rage. "I'm his mother! You had no right to take him from me. And Ferrig. Kellin's his, too!"

"I'm not the one shouting," Zari said. "Please, Raeila. Just go. Leave us alone. He's my baby, and I won't let him go again. And, after what Ferrig did, he can jump off the building for all I care."

"I love you too, sweetie," Ferrig said with a forced smile. "Give him up, and we'll go away. Otherwise, we'll just have to take him from you."

"Come get him then," Zari said. "But, you have to get him away from me first."

Raeila smiled viciously. "Is that a challenge?" She stepped back and discharged the blaster with little care for where the shot might land.

Zari's lightsaber flicked slightly, and neatly caught the blaster bolt. Behind Raeila, Ferrig let out a grunt of pain. He looked down at the burn mark seared across his thigh.

Kellin's wailing increased in Zari's arms, as she tried to keep him protected from Rae's blaster.

From near the doorway, a sudden shout broke through the fight. "Enough! Stop this at once!"

Raeila frowned at the figure past Zari's shoulder. "Come to betray me again, Kael?"

"I've come to stop you from doing something stupid," Kael said. His unlit lightsaber was in one hand. Behind him, Dani stood with hers ready to ignite. "Come away from the edge. Put down your blaster and let Zari come over to Dani."

"No," she whispered sadly. "Miaken's ours, Kael. She doesn't deserve him! She didn't even want him!"

"She said she'd kill Kellin to keep him from me," Zari called to Kael. "She's crazy, Kael. She's really crazy. Leave me alone!"

"Rae, let her go," Kael said. "You can't have Zari's baby. We can make our own, but you can't have hers. Please, my love, put down your blaster and come with me."

"Stay out of this, Kael," Ferrig called back. "You've gone soft. The baby is mine. And, Zari gave him to Rae. He's ours. If you don't want him, go away, but we're taking him."

With that, Ferrig spun and fired the blaster he'd concealed at Kael. Kael's lightsaber came up, and deflected the shot up into the sky. Three steps forward, and a swift strike disarmed Ferrig. Ferrig was left staring at the sheered edge of the blaster, less than a centimeter from here his hand still held the remainder of the weapon.

"Raeila, put the weapon down now," Kael called, more forceful this time. "This is wrong! And you need help."

"There's nothing wrong with me!" she screamed, waving her blaster carelessly about. "Zari doesn't know what she wants. If I were anyone else, she'd gladly give up Miaken to me. But because I'm Ferrig's arozeil, she won't!"

"I wouldn't give my baby up for anyone," Zari said. "Rae, please. He's my baby. I won't give him up. Please...if...if you can understand any of that, please just leave. I won't give up Kellin for anything or anyone."

"Rae, please," Kael said, holding a hand out to her.

"Stop," she pleaded tearfully to Kael. "Why can't you understand me? Ferrig does. He knows how much this means to me."

"Raeila, this has nothing to do with me understanding," Kael answered gently. "I know how much this means to you. I know how much you want a child. But you just can't just steal someone's child. The baby isn't yours because Zari still wants him. Please, Raeila, can't you understand that what you're doing is terribly wrong? You can't steal someone's baby."

"Miaken is my baby!" she raved and lunged for Kellin.

Even encumbered as she was with the baby, the training she'd received from Talara and Master Novix over the last several months paid off. With a twist to the side, Zari stepped forward, immediately putting Raeila's lunge off-balance. If she did nothing further, Raeila would go over the edge. She could already hear Kael and Dani's horrified cries.

Dropping her lightsaber, Zari reached back and caught Rae's wrist as she went past. With a Force-enhanced tug, she brought her around, and reversed her momentum to send her sprawling onto the roof before her. Kael rushed forward to catch Rae, while Dani moved to block Ferrig's way.

"Come on, sweets," Ferrig said with a smile. He crumpled under Dani's right cross.

"Rae," Kael called again.

Raeila grunted as hands and knees hit the ground. Emitted almost simultaneously was the shrill discharge of a blaster. Raeila looked up, everyone's stares equally as shocked as her own. She shifted her gaze to Zari, focusing on Kellin. "Miaken," Raeila managed before slumping to the cold ground.

Kael's hand covered the blaster and pulled it from Rae's hand. It skittered across the roof to land at Dani's feet. He quickly examined the wound, and allowed himself to breathe easier. "It's not bad," he said. "You'll live, this time. Zari, go. Get down to your family."

Zari looked between Ferrig and Raeila, then picked up her lightsaber and rushed to the stairs.

"Rae, we have to leave now. The authorities are on the way, and if we're not gone, they will want to arrest you."

"I don't...care," she managed in a pain-tinged grunt. The impact to her shoulder had charred her clothing, but the fire official's protective jacket prevented much damage, save for a blistering, bloody wound to her right shoulder. She tried to pull away from Kael, but cried out and covered the wound. "Miaken's gone," she sobbed. "Why did you do this, Kael?"

"Because what you were doing was wrong," Kael said. "That baby is Zari's, Rae. She may have thought she was going to give him to you, but she changed her mind. She's allowed that. If you still want to, we can try to make a baby of our own. Or we can adopt one legally and legitimately, instead of trying to steal one."

"Ferrig said I shouldn't have to, that I'm a Kir'Thanan, and we get what we want." Raeila turned her head to where Ferrig was picking himself up from the rooftop. She smiled wistfully. "I'm a Queen, Kael. Anything I command, I receive."

"And you believed him because he was telling you what you wanted to hear," Kael said. "You can't just name yourself a king or queen, and I don't think the Jau would allow Ferrig to claim Thanatos or any part of the desert as his own. You've instructed your brother on the differences between right and wrong, and yet now you can't even see them yourself. You can't have a baby right now, Rae, but if you come with me, if you trust me again, I promise you will have the most beautiful baby in the whole galaxy."

"I did," she sobbed, "and you let him get away." Raeila sat up, wincing and gasping in pain. She searched the rooftop frantically for Miaken, but Zari had already escaped. "Ferrig!" she wailed, reaching her uninjured arm out to him.

"I'm alright," Ferrig said, then glared at Dani. "Will you get out of my way!"

Dani didn't move, but continued to watch Raeila, her expression revealing the sadness she felt over her friend's situation.

"Rae, he is not yours. He will not be yours. And you will not attempt to steal him from Zari again."

"Just lay off her, Kael," Ferrig growled as he stood up. "You've forgotten what it means to be Kir'Thana. You've forgotten who we are! The child is Raeila's by right, and Zari should give her up!"

With no wasted movements, Dani put Ferrig hard down on his butt, and twisted her lightsaber around until it was a centimeter from his nose. "You're the one who forgot, if you ever knew at all. Being Kir'Thana isn't about taking what you want because you believe it's yours by right. Being a Child of Thana is about strength against adversity and surviving against life's trials. Not selfishly taking what you want because you're too lazy or weak to work for it yourself." She turned then to face Raeila. "You have started down a wrong path, and are going somewhere I cannot follow. I followed Nieme into darkness and madness, and I cannot do it again. I love you with all of my heart, and want only the best for you, but the steps you take now are leading you only to heartache and loss. Please, Raeila, turn back and go with Kael."

"But you don't understand," she explained sorrowfully. "I feel so...empty. I need my baby." Raeila's tear-filled eyes shifted to Kael, and she smiled sadly. "You're not a woman...you don't know how it feels."

"But, I am your husband," he whispered. "I am your arozeil. I know the pain you're suffering, and it tears me apart to not be able to do anything. I want to help, Raeila. I don't want our baby taken away from us, and that's why we must do this the right way. It'll take some time, but we will have our baby. Come with me, and we'll go see Nieme so she can fix what she did. If she can't, we'll go right down and see about adopting a baby. We will do it, and we'll do it together. Please, Raeila, trust me for just a little longer, and you'll be able to hold our baby in your arms. Please."

Raeila looked helplessly between Ferrig, Dani, and Kael, her resolve wavering. "But...but Miaken," she whispered. "Can't we adopt him? Zari won't be able to take care of him."

"I think she has plenty of help," Dani said. "He'll be fine. Maybe, in time, you might be able to visit him. And your baby can be his best friend."

"That's Kellin, Rae," Kael said as he leaned in and kissed her forehead. "We haven't met Miaken yet, but we will. And, we'll love him completely, and he'll be our little miracle. There's still time now if you want to go see Nieme."

Raeila's body shook with silent tears, and she swallowed down her sobs to no avail. She curled in on herself, slumping over Kael's supporting arm and wept convulsively, screaming until her lungs burned. There was no escape - Kellin was out of her reach. But she couldn't stop trying, not when she had already experienced his warmth against her bosom. She called to Ferrig, to Miaken, to Thana, but her voice was seized by grief and words smothered before they reached her lips.

Dani watched her, sympathetically smiling, and Kael with hesitant optimism, holding her upright, always supporting her and never letting up. It was the one, important reason she had married him, but could he help her through this? Gazing up into his searching, concerned gaze, Raeila knew, at the least, that he wanted desperately to.

"I don't know what to do," she gasped amid sobs.

"Come with me," he said, his voice a tender whisper, "and we'll start making everything alright again."

"You promise?" she croaked. "I can't...I can't fail again, Kael. I'll die."

"I promise, my arozeil," he said. "We'll need to go home now. Is that okay, my love? Are you ready to go home?"

Raeila nodded slowly, her eyes straying towards Ferrig. "Not...without him. I-I need him."

"As long as he promises to behave himself," Kael said.

"Sure," Ferrig said with a shrug. "I'll behave."

"And you promise not to hurt him anymore?" This she directed at Dani.

"As long as he doesn't cause trouble, he has nothing to fear from me," Dani said.

Raeila lowered her head, giving herself a moment to explore her feelings and decide for a certainty if she was taking the correct course. When she raised her eyes to Kael's and witnessed the ardency there, Raeila couldn't refuse him. "Okay," she whispered, voice thick with grief. "I'll come. But...this has to work."

"I promise it will," Kael said, then kissed her tenderly.

Biting her lip to stifle sharp gasps of pain, Kael helped her from the cold duracreet rooftop and guided her towards the door. Her eyes locked with Ferrig's as they passed and she mouthed an apology to him.

Ferrig's reply was a shrug.

At her side, Kael examined her wound. "I'll take a look at that on our way back. Dani can pilot the speeder."

"And, I'll just sit and be a good little boy." Ferrig rolled his eyes.

"As long as you do it quietly," Dani said. "Come on."

The smoke that had collected in the corridors was thinning, a sign that the true fire crew had arrived in time to smother the flames ignited by Ferrig and Raeila. She wept quietly throughout the trek to Dani's speeder, unable to match stares with Kael, Dani, or even Ferrig. All had been disappointed by her at one time or another. She couldn't decide who to seek atonement from first, and wasn't certain any would even forgive her.

As they walked, sensing her despondency, Kael reached out and took her hand into his. It wasn't much, but at least it was a start.

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