"The Operation, Part 2: Awake"
By: Vincenzo Lapenta - Neurosurgeon
and Vaela Jor (Yelara Neerou) - Patient

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

***

Vincenzo was called by one of the nurses that Vaela was starting to wake up. He had just replaced her spinal cord with bioneural circuitry, not really an operation that you did quickly between a couple of other things. Not to mention the complication they had. He made his way to the recovery ward, where the first order of business was checking the readouts of all the machines she was on. Everything seemed okay given her state.

"She seems to be coming around, Doctor," one of the nurses assigned to Yelara informed him. They were standing over her hospital bed, ensuring she would wake up from her surgery without trouble. Already her eyes were straining to open, but her body remained immobilized by invisible energy restraints. The slightest movement at this delicate stage would spell disaster for Yelara's recovery...even death.

When her eyes did open and she groggily attempted to turn her head towards Vincenzo, the protective field prevented it. "What...what's going on," she slurred.

"You just had surgery," Vincenzo said while sitting next to her so she could see him. As she had surgery on her back, she was lying on her stomach at the moment. "You probably are still a bit groggy, but that will pass soon enough," he continued.

"I'm not dead," she sighed, more than asked. "I...I can't feel anything though. Am I... Will I walk or...."

"When we're finished you will be able to walk," Vincenzo said, "but it will take a while. In this operation we've replaced your spinal cord with bioneural circuitry, and I also replaced one of your vertebras as it was becoming brittle. You didn't feel it now, but you would have eventually. In the following months, we're going to replace more of your nerves with artificial ones, while trying to regenerate the smaller ones."

"I...I understand," she whispered hoarsely, her throat parched and irritated. "I need some water. Can I sit up?"

Vincenzo motioned for a nurse to get some water. "I'm afraid you won't be sitting for a while," he said to Yelara, "first the spinal column has to heal before putting extra pressure on it."

"Well..." She chuckled weakly. "At least I don't feel any of the pain you warned me about." The nurse placed the straw at Yelara's lips and she drank greedily.

"Don't drink too much," Vincenzo said, "you're stomach has been out of commission for a couple of days and you could get sick that way... That's enough for now." The nurse took the drink away. "I'm sorry, but should you get sick right now it would give a whole lot of complications you really don't want."

"I understand," she sighed. "Have you found my friend yet? Someone should know I'm here...just in case I-I don't make it."

"I have Ms. Nightshade looking for him," Vincenzo said, "but so far no luck. Is there maybe someone else I might contact?"

"A grandfather," Yelara suggested reluctantly. "But...I don't want him involved. It's too dangerous and he's been through so much already. If people are looking for me...they may hurt him for information. I can't allow that."

"Then we'll keep looking for Liam," Vincenzo said, "but it might take a while. Anyway, you'll be here for a while as well."

"Wait!" She would have reached a hand out to him if she was physically able; instead, Yelara appealed to him verbally. "I don't want to be alone. I can't move...I can't do anything. I don't feel secure."

"It will all be okay," Vincenzo said, "now we've identified the problem we can do something about it. It will be complex, but straightforward. And it will take some time."

Yelara took a deep breath to restore her composure and then smiled. "I trust you, Doctor. If you learn anything about Liam...please let me know."

"Of course," Vincenzo said, "we'll move you to your room now."

Yelara thanked Vincenzo and did so again as he was leaving and the nurses were entering to prepare Yelara for the move to her room. She was helpless as they did so, forced to looking only at the passing white, pristine walls of the corridors while they travelled. The monotony lulled Yelara to sleep, slowly, with her mind drifting along the way to thoughts of Liam, sweeping in to rescue her, and Leshie safe and in her arms again. But until she regained her mobility, there would be no chance of holding him once more...even if he still lived. It was with such dreary thoughts that Yelara finally closed her eyes, squeezing out the first of many tears to come.

Vincenzo saw her go before he went to his office to update her file and see about the next part of the procedure.

---

"Revelations, Part Two"
Cirran Tyris - Pilot
Lerrah Breijal - Pilot
Gorta Jax

Location: Unknown
Date: 26 Selene, 5ABY

****

Cirran stirred, groggily. He felt like he was underwater. It was another awakening, another set of unfamiliar surroundings, another brief moment of confusion - this was getting old. In an unthinking reflex movement he made the mistake of pushing out with his arms in order to sit up. The searing pain that followed served to remind him exactly what had been going on lately. But surely - what he remembered couldn't be true? His hand...no. His hand was still there, he knew it - he tried wiggling his fingers. It certainly felt like he was wiggling his fingers - but the memories, and the pain...eyes blurred with tears of agony, and clenching his teeth, he brought up his left arm in front of his face in a sort of hopeful denial.

The sight that greeted him caused another moan of pain, but unlike the first, this was more one of mental anguish.

The bastards really had cut off his hand. Pelor's Teeth, that thing had cut off his hand and...and gods, it had eaten it! Cirran stared, dumbstruck, at where his hand should be. His arm now terminated in a well bandaged stump. With a sort of horrified fascination, Cirran reached up his right hand and gingerly unpeeled the bandages. To his surprise he found that his wound had been effectively sewn up, and a bacta patch was now in place. What was their plan, to cut the occasional bit off him, eat it, heal it up and do it again? I'm not playing that game, he thought to himself. I'd rather take on the Barabel with the sword and get it over with... "Hand-eating BASTARD!" he yelled in pain and anger, making a mental effort to stop himself lashing out and pounding a wall with his fist, which was his typical frustration release mechanism.

He took another look at said wall, which seemed to be composed of a glassy black rock. This wasn't where they had put him the first time. Were they moving him around to keep him confused, lessen any chance of escape? Cirran peered properly around what appeared to be the small and gloomy natural cavern he found himself in for the first time.

Feeling weak, he stood up from the bench/bed he had awakened on which protruded directly out of the rock wall and explored the circular natural chamber he was in, which look all of 10 seconds. Two more beds protruded from the wall, while above a security feeder looked down on the room. What lighting there was seemed to be coming from 4 or 5 strongly phosphorescent organic looking pods on the walls. Otherwise the chamber was bare, although the floor was strangely warm.

Whoever had put it the feeder there had made no effort to hide it. Like the light pods, It was well out of even the tall pilot's reach however, and he couldn't think of anything he could do with it anyway. Instead he made an obscene gesture at it with the only hand he now had left to do so.

The chamber had no door, but instead a narrow natural aperture led away into what seemed to be a narrow passage in the rock and darkness. Having nothing better to do, Cirran began to make his way cautiously down it, feeling along the wall with his right hand.

He had continued this way for several tense metres into increasing darkness for what seemed an age, but was in reality probably only a few minutes. Nevertheless he was in almost pitch black surroundings when he stumbled and nearly went flying headlong over something sizable on the ground. Although he managed to prevent a full fall, he crashed to his knees in the darkness, and his left arm flew out automatically to steady him. Although the end of this arm hit the ground with only moderate force, the level of pain was, unsurprisingly, intense. An inexorable scream of agony escaped Cirran's lips and went echoing away down what seemed like the interminable length of the tunnel. He pulled his arm in close to his body and hunched up, his back against the rock wall, and screwed up his face against the agony.

After a few moments the pain subsided somewhat, and after a few moments more Cirran grimly resolved to try and continue his progress down the tunnel. Struggling to keep his balance on hands and knees - it was just hand and knee now - he gingerly pawed the ground ahead of him, trying to work out what had brought him to ground. It was only took second or so for his hand touched what was unmistakably a body stretched across the rock floor... a slender female body, with long hair. His heart leapt into his mouth. "Lerrah, is that you?" he said into the darkness. His hand ran to the girl's face and over her head, where to his horror he could feel a patch of sticky matted hair on her temple. "Gods, please be OK...wake up, Lerrah!"

Lerrah started awake, making a muffled sound that sounded something like a groan. She started to sit up and paused with a wince. "Cirran," she murmured. Suddenly aware of his presence, she did sit upright and ignored the wave of nausea and vertigo that nearly overtook her. "I'm...I hurt, but...but I'm okay." She reached out to him and found his hand. "We're in a bit of a mess, aren't we?"

"Thank the gods you're alive," Cirran sighed in relief, squeezing her hand. "It's a mess alright," he acknowledged, glancing around their surroundings and looking for some clue, some explanation, but all was still blackness. "I don't understand this - it sounded like their little...surgery...was going to be the total punishment for our supposed crime – and now they throw us into some cave? What more do they want? This whole thing is...psychotic. I thought we were supposed to live in a civilised galaxy?"

"Before they tried to knock my brains out of my skull, I woke up," Lerrah said as she shifted herself closer to him. She kept her hand in his as she moved until her body pressed gently against his. "I think they were transferring us from one ship to another, or something like that. I was still groggy. They were talking about the New Dawn, so I don't think whoever's cave this is the New Dawn's. And...and they were talking about someone named..." She tried to recall the conversation and her thoughts, digging through the mush the crack to her head had caused. Then it came to her. "Jax."

In the dark, Lerrah couldn't see Cirran's facial expression, but she felt a sort of tremor run through Cirran's body as she mentioned the name. "Jax? Are you sure that was it?" Cirran asked urgently.

Lerrah nodded. "Very sure," she said.

Oh, this is bad. Hoth bad. Cirran's mind was racing. Had New Dawn handed them over to Jax? He knew that Jax had been somewhere in this area of space, but where were they - on Chimaeria, or whatever it was the locals called it? What was he doing here? Did he know where Kemma was? And why had he gone to all the trouble of getting hold of them? What did Lerrah even have to do with...

A grim realisation hit the pilot. Lerrah had nothing to do with it. If she had been a victim of coincidence or bad timing or whatever it was with New Dawn, now that was doubly the case. Although he hadn't seen Gorta Jax in years - not since the Imperial had had his parents killed - he knew how the man thought. If Lerrah was still here, alive, it was because Jax thought she would be of some use to him. Cirran thought about the uses Jax had obviously wanted to put his sister to all those years ago on Lianna, and his face twisted in anger. But no, it would be unlike the calculating bastard to take on another complication merely for his own carnal satisfaction...there was only one likely answer.

"Listen, Lerrah," Cirran said hastily. He bent his head close to Lerrah's whisper his explanation into her ear, in case more monitoring devices were in place unseen along the dark passage."Gorta Jax and I go a long way back. He was an Imperial, a major, but he defected to the Alliance during the war when he thought the tide might turn. Rebel Command cut him deal, and swept his war crimes under the rug – including having my parents killed. I don't know what he wants – but odds are it's something from me - possibly just to gloat over me as he puts a blaster bolt in my head. Whatever it is, he must have brought you along because he thinks it might give him leverage over me. I don't know what New Dawn might have told him, but you're going to be best off if we can convince him that we don't know each other – or better yet, that we hate each other." He paused to let this sink in for a second, and as he did a surprising smile came over his face. "Before we start on that though, I'd like to point out that especially considering everything that's been happening to us lately, you smell really good," he finished.

Lerrah laughed softly. "Really? I...thanks. I don't like the idea of pretending to hate you, but if you think it'll work. I just...I guess as long as they don't just kill me because they think I'm no use to them. I also don't want to leave you here if they think they can let me go. If you want me to try though, I will. But, just know that no matter what, I definitely don't hate you." As added emphasis, she leaned in and brushed his cheek with a kiss.

Cirran smiled, but despaired on the inside, knowing that Lerrah was probably right – Jax would probably simply dispose of her if she felt she was of no use to whatever his plans were. However, given what Cirran knew about Jax, a quick death might be the most merciful option for them both.

"Touching," a mocking voice suddenly blared out of the darkness, interrupting Cirran's morbid thoughts and echoing around the rock passage until it almost seemed to surround them. "It's surprising really, how even quite intelligent people will assume nothing can see them, so long as they're in the dark. Of course, you never fell into the category of 'intelligent people' yourself, did you, Tyris?"

Instant recognition flared for Cirran, and with it a lot of long pent-up anger and hatred boiled to the surface. "Jax," he snarled through clenched teeth.

"Oh, well done," the mocking voice leered. "Very quick on the uptake. What, didn't take your lovely friend here's word for it?"

"I guess that's plan A out the window," Cirran muttered.

"What is wrong with you people," Lerrah hissed as she held Cirran. "First those insane robots, and now you? Just leave him alone and let him live his life. Why do you all have to keep doing these things? We're not just toy soldiers for you to play with!"

The voice gave a derisive little laugh. "Robots?" it queried. "Oh how amusing, you think I'm something to do with those criminal thugs...most people are just pieces in the great game, my dear – but some of us fancy ourselves as players." There was an appreciative pause. "My, a little rough around the edges, perhaps, but she really is quite magnificent, Tyris. Feisty, as well. I can't imagine what on earth she's doing with you. A shame about those bruises...I always find it better not to leave marks."

"You touch her, Jax, and I'll..." Cirran started to growl furiously.

"You'll what...wave your stump at me?" the disembodied voice around them interrupted, dripping pure sarcasm, and then spoke at almost a whisper. "I bet it did hurt when they did that, didn't it, Cirran... you should realise of course that I can cause you much greater pain than those barbarians did employing such a crude method - and more importantly, I will not hesitate to cause it to your young friend here either, should you fail to cooperate...yes, I think perhaps we should continue this little reunion in a more, shall we say, intimate setting."

With this the two captives were dazzled as light suddenly poured in on them. A nearby door had opened, seemingly from nowhere, and Cirran and Lerrah shielded their eyes, as framed by the glare, armoured silhouettes appeared to hustle them to their feet.

A part of Lerrah wanted to retreat inwardly and find a quiet, safe place somewhere deep within her psyche. The nightmare just kept on going, and she could see no end anywhere on the horizon. Another part, however, knew that she had to stay for Cirran. She couldn't abandon him, not even to disappear into the sanctity of her own mind. She reached out and found Cirran's good hand and slipped hers into it. She bit her lip to keep from crying out, to keep from crying. Somewhere the nightmare would end, and she just hoped she'd be alive to see it.

Still half blinded by the bright lighting, Cirran struggled ineffectually but instinctively as he was pulled through the door it was now clear that he and Lerrah had only been a couple of metres away from in the darkness. A gun butt to the solar plexus doubled him over, and served effectively, as its perpetrator had intended, to remind him there wasn't much point. He straightened up, wheezing, and grateful that at least the soldier hadn't targeted the end of his arm. "OK, OK," he acknowledged reluctantly to his escorts, who prodded him forward. Looking around to get his bearings anew as he walked, he could see they had been pulled out into another rock passage, but this one equipped with regular light fittings and plexisteel flooring. The corridor stretched around a corner ahead, and behind – behind Cirran saw Lerrah being frog-marched away by two more soldiers in the opposite direction to him. "Lerrah!" he yelled, the earlier blow suddenly forgotten as he struggled furiously to stop. Nevertheless, he was being wrestled steadily away from her by his burly captors.

"Cirran," was her cry, followed by the distinctive sound of a blaster butt connecting with flesh.

"You bastards," Cirran snarled, but another blow to the ribs lessened his struggles, and he was being dragged rapidly away down the corridor. "Lerrah..." he started again weakly, but Lerrah what? You'll be OK? I'll get us out of this? It's going to be all right? Cirran knew he couldn't make any of these promises. "...hold on. Just hold on, Lerrah," he finished in a yell, his voice cracking.

The only answer to Cirran's cry was the fading sound of booted feet as both he and Lerrah were led further away from each other. A second or two later the girl and her tormentors had vanished behind the curvature of the corridor.

Cirran stopped struggling, and dazed, turned to allow the guards to half carry him away down the corridor towards what was no doubt some new horror. Although a large part of Cirran wanted to just give in and submit to whatever was coming, the sight of Lerrah dragged away to an uncertain fate had kindled the small spark of resistance still burning within him – he had to get her out of this, somehow, no matter what. With that resolve in mind, he straightened, shrugged his escorts off angrily, and with them on either side of them began to walk down the corridor with his head as high as he could make it towards whatever Jax had in store for him.

---

"Checking Fa'Rong"
by Chun Li - Escort Pilot
and Laszlo Esik - Crewmember of the Altdorf (NPC)

Location: Corellian Corvette Altdorf, in hyperspace
Date: Selene 26, 5 ABY

***

Li was working in the cargo hold, checking her fighter. She would probably need it and she wanted it in prime condition. She hadn't used it in some time and while that normally wasn't a problem, she wanted to take no chances when flying into combat. "You want some help with that," she heard behind her. She jumped, banging her head on the edge of the hatch she was currently checking.

"Laszlo, don't do that again," she snapped. While she hadn't looked, she recognised the voice.

"Sorry, miss," he said, "I just saw you checking out your ship and I was wondering if you needed a hand."

"Not at the moment," she said, "I'd rather do this alone. There is nothing else for me to do around here and this at least keeps me from climbing the walls in my cabin."

"Well, I'm off duty at the moment," Laszlo said, "maybe we can do something else in your cabin."

"Thanks, but no thanks," Li said.

"Wasn't I good enough," Laszlo asked, "I know I didn't have that much experience but..."

"It's not you, okay," Li said, "I was under the influence of a drug at that time. The guy on Commenor gave it to me."

"Oh, I see," he said, "I didn't know that."

"It's okay," Li said, "we had a good time and I think you learned a lot. It's just that I never do that before a battle. Starting a battle while falling over with fatigue is not a good idea, trust me."

Li bent over into the fighter to check out another circuit board. Laszlo gave her one last look and then left. Li wondered if she had done right not to go in on his question. Well, she hadn't lied about the fatigue. She would need her sleep and she first had to have another look at the station. While she didn't know what modification the Bothan had made, the basic layout of the station would probably have stayed the same. She could use that to identify blind spots where only one or two weapon batteries could reach and attack from there, using the station to shield from her from other weapons.

After finishing the inspection of her ship she went back to her quarters to study the station a bit more. She had quickly identified a couple of angles to attack from. And unless the Bothan had changed quite a lot, she also knew the position of most weapon systems and shield generators. She could attack from one of her main angles to destroy a shield generator, making a hole in the shield that could then be exploited by the Altdorf. She would only have to be very fast as the generator would only be visible for a short time from there and she would need at least four and probably six missiles to get through. Well, she would have to see it before she could make a final decision, but so far that looked like the best strategy.

---

"Insect Collecting"
By: Mordous Krull - Bounty Hunter
Selkis - Droid and Copilot (NPC)

Location: In Transit to unspecified location on board HWK-90 Dragonfly
Date: Selene 26, 5 ABY

***

Mordous continued to count out the currency and smiled at his copilot "No bad for a New Republic bounty is it?" he asked his droid. Selkis gave him a robotic glare and looked back at Hyperspace lines.

"Where are we heading exactly" Mordous played with the clip board for a few minutes and smiled.

"Our course is going to take us towards the Dantooine system, hate that place. Prepare for immediate jump upon arrival." Selkis looked at him then began to input coordinates for the next jump.

"Wait, We're being hailed... It's the bounty hunter's guild. Message reads 'possible contract on Dantooine...large payout'. What do you think, Captain?" Mordous thought long and hard about this so called contract. Last time he did something for a client on Dantooine Selkis had to break him out of a Imperial Detention Facility and the Repair bill for Dragonfly had been murder.

"I don't know, what's the contact's name?" Mordous said unbuttoning his collar so he could breathe a little better. "What kind of payout are we talking here?" he asked. Selkis showed him the number on the transmission. "10000, gee someone must have really pissed someone else off." He tuned into the frequency that was attached the spoke. "Ok you got my attention, what is the contract." The face of a young man appeared on his screen smiling at him.

"My name is Kel, I've heard about you, Mordous Krull, you have quite the reputation for a normal bounty hunter, I'm impressed," Mordous wasn't liking this man's tone.

"Skip the small talk what's the problem that you need to higher my services for," Mordous demanded. "You know I don't take any job so say your peace or I'm leaving, NOW!" he demanded. The man blinked at him and smiled.

"Oh very well I need you to do a favor for me," he responded. "I have these two little insects who need to be collected and squished and well your the best in the business at finding bugs I understand." Mordous looked at him hand then thought again.

"I don't do Dead or Alive bounties so back out." He was about to sever communications when Kel spoke up.

"Before you do that I'd like you to think about little Lylak, she's gone through quite a lot, I have friends in high places on Naboo...I could really make her life miserable," he insisted. "I'm sending the data on the targets now, I want them in two days or else." With that the line went dead. Selkis finished downloading the information then looked it over.

"Well well well, the Twin Butterflies, I wonder what they did to anger that low life." Mordous' face tightened in anger as he spoke.

"Good question, I'll ask them myself, before I decide weather or not to kill this Kel Tilmit fellow," he said. "Set course for Tae'Karada, and have the data transferred to my room, I need to look over it in private," he said standing up and kicking his boots off.

---

"Discoveries"
by Chun Li - Escort Pilot/PI
and Lorgal - Bodyguard and Secretary

Location: Altdorf - In Space
Date: Selene 26, 5ABY

***

They were on their way again, back to Commenor. Li had handed the datapads to the slicer droid the evening before when she had come back on the ship before retreating in her room. There she had blasted through another power pack on her toy, refraining from taking any of the crew in her quarters. After spending most of the night 'plugged in', she was calm enough to go outside of her room to visit Lorgal. She walked to his room and knocked on the door.

The door opened with a hiss and the dank smell of lizard again washed into Li's face. She grimaced at the stench and the dampness that came with it but walked in anyway. Lorgal was sitting at his desk and had just finished a conversation with whoever's holo he had just switched off. The chair swiveled with a warning creak.

"I've been waiting for you to come," he said, baring his teeth in what might be called a smile.

"There were some... things I had to take care of first," Li said, "but I gave the pads to your slicer. Learned anything interesting I assume?"

Lorgal spun around in a complete circle. When he turned back to Li he held the same large red datapad she had passed on to Credit a few hours ago. "It'ss a good thing that Credit knowss hiss business," he hissed pleasingly. "The little droid managed to slice deep into the pad and pull out several holonet logs that might come in handy."

He pushed a button on his desk and a grainy holopic flashed into existence of an older Bothan who had obviously seen better days. His fur was matted in many places and a deep scar crossed over an empty left eye socket. "That's Dirge," Lorgal said. "We're not sure we the logs are being relayed, but we made copies. A couple of outside sources consulted suggested that point to the Davidian System. It's a mynock-speck of a system that used to have an ice mining outpost somewhere. The way it goes, all the ice melted away when the sun suddenly shifted patterns, with it melted away all chance for profit."

And button pushed and a small holo of the known galaxy flashed up. A red box flashed around a system on the very edge of known space near the Corporate Sector and brought up another holo of a very dingy looking system with two planets. "It's about as rimward as you can get. Where the station is at the time is known. It used to have a super-long geo orbit with the sun itself, but apparently it drifted away some time ago. I believe that our quarry might just be on board." The holo flickered off and he raised an eyeridge in question. "How about you?"

"We can always check it out," Li said, "if it's a relay satellite, we can follow the trail to it's next destination. But if we do best is to come out of hyperspace a bit short of the system and then I'll transfer to my fighter. That might be very useful."

"Agreed, having you in your fighter would be better. Just in case the station defense are still online or even if Dirge has anybody else out there with him." The massive Barabel stood up. "There is another matter to tend with though," he rumbled.

"The implant in your arm registered some extremely strange readings while you were on the planet. Some sort of chemical was ingested by you and caused an imbalance within your body."

"You were monitoring my vitals?" Li asked surprised. She was sure the Barabel knew what she had been doing then.

"Correct. I didn't trust that Bothan and for good reason."

"I haven't eaten or drunk anything," Li said, "any idea what it might be?" She really didn't like the idea of being drugged with something. It might however, give an explanation of her recent behaviour.

"Actually," Lorgal replied, "we do. According to the Doc it's a chemical compound called TRX-7. Known to be used among members of the Bothan Spy Network as a sort of interrogation agent. One spritz of this stuff will get just about any human randy enough that they'd feel powerless unless pleasured. The torture is when they deny all objects, including their hands, that they desire. According to the readings, you were hit with a rather liberal dose of the stuff."

"It would give a good explanation," Li said, "you have any idea where I could have picked it up? At what time did it start?"

"It's an inhalant, so you could have gotten it anywhere really. It's colorless and odorless, so you'd never know what hit you. According to the readings taken the imbalance in you body started... right as you were getting ready to leave the ship. Perhaps it was sprayed on your garments, or even placed in something that that Bothan on Commenor gave you." Lorgal's eye widened. "Like that necklace!" His wide tail began to sway back and forth, threatening to put a dent in the durasteel bulkheads.

Li looked at the necklace which she was still wearing. She took it off and looked it over. Taking one of Lorgal's tools and started looking at the pendant attached to the necklace. She reached out to take a magnifier and gave it another look. "There are indeed some small holes in here," Li said, taking something else to try to get it open.

Lorgal watched with his arms crossed over his chest.

It took her a minute to get the pendant open and then it was easy to see what happened. "It's almost empty," Li said, "that's good. I'm going to keep this. You never know that you might have some uses for it."

"Might as well clean it out so you don't get re-exposed to the agent. TRX-7 should be easy to purchase from any black marketeer with Bothan connections."

"I will," Li said, putting the device back together, "anyway, we can skip the trip back to Commenor and go chasing those messages. We can always clean up on Commenor and Bothawui later. Or simply tip of the authorities."

"We'll leave an anonymous tip with the New Republic about the information smuggling activities here, though I doubt anything will come of it," Lorgal said. "Let's head to this first point and see what we can come up with."

"Stop about five minutes before the destination," Li suggested, "I'll go to my fighter and then we fly in."

"Sounds like a plan," Lorgal said.

---

"Life As Usual.... Part 1"
By: Captain Rilanna Kir
Captain Dresh Kano
Administrator Shrezade Anoran
Sa'Taka Gal'traq
Maeren Shivral
Kimara
Keeve Shivral

Location: Various
Date: Selene 26, 5 ABY

***

Rilanna Kir hurt all over. The battle armour she'd been wearing had been stripped from her body and she was given clothing to wear, though to call it clothing was a disservice to clothing. It was a grey shapeless, sleeveless gown that came to mid-thigh. The Jau, the aliens who had taken control of the station, had indicated a clear lack of trust in Rilanna, and therefore they had decided she should not be allowed to dress herself out of fear of what weapons she might conceal upon her body. When she was taken to the infirmary to have her wounds tended, they had given her the gown. When they had brought her to the shuttle that would take her to the planet, they had given her a pair of sandals. Manacled at both wrist and ankle, she could barely move without toppling over.

Seated beside her on the bench were Dresh Kano, still wearing his Tae'Karadan military uniform, and Shrezade Anoran, in her own clothing. Dresh and Reza were only bound at the wrists, neither considered the threat afforded to Rilanna.

"This is humiliating," Rilanna rasped, her voice still weak after the doctors had repaired the damage done by the Jau, including a punctured lung. She tugged at the hem of the gown, trying to force it lower upon her thighs. "At least the back isn't open."

Dresh smirked at her and nodded. "I think that's the point. They want you to feel humiliation and break you down after your resistance."

"You resisted them too," Ril said. "They haven't put you in a hospital gown."

"I didn't resist quite as well as you did," Dresh said.

"I think I'm still coughing up blood," Rilanna said. "So, what happens now?"

"They're taking us to the palace," Dresh explained. "I believe one of the guards called it the Ceremony of Binding."

Rilanna looked at her manacles and sighed. She turned to Reza. "I'm sorry I didn't do better to stop them. I should have...should have done more."

"How?" Reza inquired dully. "You against a horde of large, hideous aliens, and you expected to win?" She smiled, despite their situation. "So valiant...yet still so foolish. It only increases my fondness for you." There was a light jolt and a deep thump, the distinct signs of their shuttle having landed. Reza only wondered where they had docked, and how much longer they would survive once disembarked.

The door to their compartment clanged open, admitting one of their Jau captors. He tossed a piece of clothing Rilanna's way. It landed in a disorderly pile before her feet.

"Two minutes you have," the Jau said, the words coming out in a hissing snarl as he indicated the clothing.

Rilanna glanced between the Jau and the bodysuit, then shook her head. Dresh and Reza helped her to don the clothing. With the manacles, pulling the thing over her body was impossible, but it'd been designed with seams on the sides. Front and back were pressed against her body, and then a pair of zips on either side were used to seal up the suit around Rilanna's body.

The Jau, who hadn't looked away but seemed completely uninterested in Rilanna's body except as perhaps something to practice his martial training against, motioned for them to follow. "Follow."

Reza and Dresh travelled with ease, while Rilanna hitched along, encumbered by her ankle shackles. Reza smiled aside at Rilanna as they came abreast one another. "Some fun, hm? The best date we ever had."

"I don't know, escaping Drogen to flee to Riga's up there," Rilanna said.

They were led into the palace and into the grand assembly hall. Others were standing in the center already, and Rilanna, Reza, and Dresh were pushed toward the back of the crowd. Jau warriors lined the edge of the hall, weapons held at the ready.

At the head of the hall, the largest Jau present stood before the throne surveying all in the room. Two others stood at his sides, one with a military air about him. The other could only have been a politician. The leader, who all now knew to be Sa'Taka Gal'traq, stepped forward and all in the hall fell silent.

"You are the respective leaders of your people," he called. "You wield authority amongst your fellows, and therefore are important to us. We want peace with your people, and you will help to ensure that. When all is at peace, your people will prosper. If they step out of line or act against us, against our purpose they will be punished. You have been brought here to swear your fealty to the Jau."

He stepped forward and nodded to his people. Those captive in the chamber were efficiently lined up. The process took all of five minutes, and finally the first in the line was motioned forward.

Gal'traq towered over the human, one of the representatives of New Plouton. The sa'taka motioned for him to go down to his knees. "Swear your obedience to the Jau and pledge your loyal service to the Jau."

The man's eyes flashed defiantly and refused to bend. "Never," he spat. "We will fight you with our every last breath! Down with the Jau! Down with the--"

The military officer to Gal'traq's right stepped forward, drew a weapon and fired before the representative could finish. The man was dead before he hit the ground, his skull cored by the powerful Jau projectile weapon. With a sneer, officer shifted his weapon to the second in line and without hesitation fired. With crisp efficiency, he holstered his weapon and returned to his place.

Sa'Taka Gal'traq's eyes swept over the room. "If you defy us, you are not the only one who will pay the price of your defiance. Know that if you resist us, you will also end up killing those closest to you." He turned to the Jau on his other side. "Find their families and have them taken to our desert operation. The families of traitors cannot be trusted."

With that, the sa'taka turned to the next in line and motioned him to come forward and kneel.

Representative Palin came forward and went to a knee. "I so pledge my obedience, service, and loyalty to the Jau."

And so it went through the line.

Dresh, Reza, and Ril were moments away from their own forced vow of allegiance. Reza hazarded a comment sotto voce for Dresh, "I'm not doing it. How will I ever live it down?"

"If you don't do it," Dresh whispered back, "it doesn't look like you have to worry about living it down. Neither will I. If Rilanna can't do it, you won't have to worry about it at all."

Reza snorted dryly. "She'll do it if I tell her to."

"And do you want her to resist so you can watch them shoot her dead? We can fight this if we bend our knees to them. If not, then we'll have to leave that fighting to others."

"I'm too old to fight," Reza sighed. "But...the prospect of taking you to my bed again is tempting."

"I would hope so," Dresh said. "Besides, you're not that old." He looked up as Rilanna was gestured to kneel before the sa'taka.

Without looking back, Rilanna approached, and only hesitated slightly before going to a knee and saying the dreaded words. She was ushered off the stage, and then it was Reza's turn.

She could feel Dresh's eyes on her, goading her to supplicate herself to the Jau. Her arrogance and pride were giving her pause, but Reza had never been foolish, and to defy the planet's current rulers would be fatally stupid. She knelt slowly, her expression lacking none of its haughty indifference. Then she spoke.

As Reza was led away, Dresh watched her from the corner of his eye. Finally it was his turn, the last of everyone to pledge himself to the Jau. The leader stared at him with a hard expression and Dresh returned it.

"What I do," Dresh said, "I do for the people." And with that, he lowered himself to a knee and said the words.

***

Maeren couldn't help staring at the alien on the corner. As his gaze turned toward her, she quickly looked away to study Kimara's purse. "I hate these guys," she muttered. "Thanks for coming to check on me, Kim."

Kim gave her a smile and squeezed Keeve's arm. "With all the craziness, we had to come check on you. I'm glad we caught you before you got to work."

"You shouldn't be out alone," Keeve muttered distractedly, his gaze shifting guardedly about their surroundings and the aliens. "It'd be safer if you came home with us. These...creatures.... We have no idea what they really want."

"Keeve, I have to work," Maeren Shivral. "If I don't go in, they'll fire me, and I...I can't lose my job. Not when I just started, and my rent is due next week."

Keeve looked at her with incredulity. "The planet is under siege and we might all die. Who cares about a stupid job!"

"I still have to feed myself," Shiv said. "What am I supposed to do, Keeve? Hide at home until I don't have any money left and then I starve?"

"I have money, don't I? Or isn't my money good enough for you," he accused.

"I'm trying to make it on my own, Keeve," Shiv said. "I mean, you're divorcing me, and...then giving me money?" She looked over at Kim, then back to Keeve. "I should at least talk to the manager, so she knows what's happening. I don't want to just disappear...and if I lose this job, my only option left is going back to the Palace of Stars."

"There's never only one option," Keeve reminded her snarkily. "It's the only option because you want it to be."

"I don't have any other skills, Keeve," Shiv said. "Besides, it's not so bad. It's just dancing."

"And whoring. But look at Kim - she had no skills, but she's helping me run Zenarr Inc. You can learn!"

"Do you really want me working at Zenarr Inc with you," Shiv asked softly with not a little bit of hope in her voice.

Keeve shrugged. "Why not? We need all the help we can get."

Maeren was silent for a moment, then finally she nodded. "Okay," she said. "If...if that's okay."

He set his lips in a hard line, concealing the satisfaction he felt. "Sure. No problem."

"Okay," Shiv said, then looked around. "What do you suppose is gonna happen with this invasion? I mean, they're not killing people or anything. Stuff sort of feels more...stable than before."

"They're trying to lull us before eliminating us one by one." Keeve shrugged. "That's what I would do."

"Why would they bother lulling us," Kim asked. "They don't really outnumber us, but they sure moved in easily. I mean, I didn't even hear any fighting out in the streets. Should we leave? This planet definitely seems to attract trouble."

Keeve snorted a laugh. "Oh, I don't think it'll be that easy. They've got the shipyards and the New Republic base. I doubt we'll get free passage off Tae'Karada."

"What do we do then," Maeren asked.

"Well, you're not going to be alone during this," Kim said. "We'll find room for you in our apartment even though we're practically full."

"Less full now with Zari and Tala off on some stupid mission," Keeve grumbled. "You and Kim can share the bed if you want - I'll sleep on the couch, but I'm sure there'll be room enough."

Kim grinned. "No need for you to sleep on the couch," she said. "Maeren can sleep with us. You'll be on your side, I'll take the middle, and Maeren can be on the other side of me. That way when Tala and Zari get back, you don't have to worry about Tala coming out and joining you on the couch."

The scathing look issued to Kim was indication enough of Keeve's thoughts on her suggestion. "How about we both sleep on the couch then, hm?"

"I'll take the couch," Maeren said. "Don't worry."

"Alright," Kim said with a glare back at Keeve.

"I already called it," he declared. "It's mine. You sleep with Kim. At least I won't be kept awake at night by her thunderous snoring."

"I do not snore," Kim said, thumping Keeve in the arm. "Hope snores, and so does Kallia."

Keeve grinned at her. "That's what you say. Don't worry, Maeren does the same."

"You know it's not true," Kim said. "Come on, let's go tell Maer's boss she won't be working anymore." With that, she took both Maeren and Keeve's hands, and started down the street. "And, then we'll head on home and Maeren and I are making you dinner."

"Well then," Keeve drawled, putting a swagger in his gait, "I think I'm going to like this arrangement."

"I'm sure Maeren and I could make this a very nice arrangement for you," Kim said with a wink. "She is still your wife, after all."

Again, Keeve glowered at Kim. "Don't get any ideas. That's...that's not what she's here for. She's a guest."

Kim leaned in and kissed him. "As long as you know I don't mind, that's all," she said. "She is Maeren and she's doing a lot better than before."

"Then let's not mess things up for her," he muttered urgingly. "Which means you'll have to mind your own business. Can you do that?"

With a look in his eyes, Kim nodded. "Of course," she said. "I'm sorry, Keeve."

"Apologize to Maeren. She's the one you're embarrassing."

"But, you're the one I was trying to entice back into bed with Maeren," Kim said. "I don't think she'd mind at all, but I know you don't like the idea. So, I'm apologizing to you."

Keeve laughed incredulously. "She's right here! Have you forgotten? Why don't you let her decide what she wants?"

"I know she's right here," Kim said. "What if she decides she wants you to love her again? Hm? Then you're in real trouble, aren't you? But she doesn't, I'm sure. It's really not worth it."

Keeve looked past Kim to Shiv, whose head was bowed to avoid eye contact. Scowling at Kim, he muttered sullenly, "Meddler. Now you've insulted her."

"Maybe I should just go to work," Shiv said without looking toward them. "I don't want to be any trouble, and I can already see I'm that."

"Trouble? This?" Keeve chuckled. "Maeren, we're always like this. There's nothing to worry about."

"If you're sure," Maeren said. "Oh...over there. It's soldiers. They're so ugly."

"Just keep your head down and don't draw attention," Keeve advised quietly, and was barely able to follow his own suggestion as his eyes wandered towards the hulking creatures. They were conversing in their own harsh tongue, Keeve could hear that much when they passed he, Kim and Maeren. He nearly rudely compared their language to the grunting snorts of the Tae'Karadan muck sloth, but he wouldn't dare risk Kim and Maeren with his impulsiveness. Instead, they continued forward safely, quickly turning the corner towards their home. Maeren would have to comm her employers.

Once they were safely at the front door, Maeren looked back and would have been staring if the aliens were within view.

"I really hope someone gets them out of here soon," Kim said. "But, isn't it strange how everything is so calm? I mean, no fighting or anything. It's just tense, sure, but...it doesn't really feel all that different."

"There's no fighting because the Jedi are scared to expose themselves," was Keeve's critical assumption. He stepped aside once the door was unlocked and allowed the girls to enter first. Casting a wary eye around the street, Keeve backed inside after them.

---

"Life As Usual.... Part 2"
By: Analesse D'vrishay
Merrick Braston
Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr

Location: Various
Date: Selene 26, 5 ABY

***

The streets were not crowded as Merrick and Analesse made their way toward the White Noise. The alien soldiers could be seen about, but they seemed to be mostly letting people go about their business.

Merrick pulled their speeder into the parking structure near the club. Once in their stall, he shut off the engine, and popped the hatch so he and Lessa could exit. As she started out, he was already there offering a hand.

"I wonder how business will be affected," Merrick asked. "I can't imagine people will be entirely willing to go out for a night of entertainment when there's an occupation force wandering the streets."

"And I'm more than certain," Lessa added, "that they'll want some say in how our businesses are run. Not to mention much of our profit."

"I hope they don't have problems with the content of our shows," Merrick said. "I don't think we could handle more changes than we've already gone through. I'd expect the Palace or that club down the street, the Hit Spot, to have more trouble than us. We're just good music."

"We can't postpone the opening. We lose profit each night we remain closed," Analesse reminded him. "I really don't want to be poor."

"We'll go through with it," Merrick said. "For all we know, they don't have any interest in stopping the music. And, I have no intention of ever being poor again, so there is nothing for you to worry about, my dear."

"Poor again?" she repeated curiously. "When were you poor? I thought your family was rich."

"There was a time, mainly after I got out of the service," Merrick said. "But, I remember those days, and that's what keeps me going. I think we've got a real gem here, though, and as long as our new alien masters don't mind, I intend to keep it going and keep it profitable."

They climbed the steps to the newly renovated 'Noise', Lessa quietly pensive. As he opened the door for her, she stepped through, asking, "Did you invite Zale and Kaysa to the opening?"

"I did," Merrick said as he glanced down the street. Satisfied the aliens weren't paying attention to them, he followed Analesse through the door. "I still don't know if they're going to show up; I think Kaysa's still upset with me."

"I'd be worried if she wasn't. That could only mean you were inviting her advances."

"You don't have to worry about that," Merrick said with a chuckle. "I assure you she is not getting any invitations from me."

"But you still speak with her," Analesse reminded him. "Isn't that leading her on just a little?"

"I've made it very clear that I'm only interested in her friendship," Merrick said. "Besides, I have to at least communicate with her now that she's working as my manager. Besides, if we cut out all contact with Kaysa and Zale, we lose opportunities to spoil Aria."

Analesse chuckled and absolutely glowed upon mention of the child. "That's reason enough to stay in contact. We haven't seen her for so long, though. Should we invite them for dinner one evening?"

"We should ask Zale next time we see him," Merrick said with a grin. "And, make sure he knows the offer only stands as long as they bring Aria along. We'll have to get her a present. I was thinking of that stuffed reisacat they have in the window of Mortem's Boutique."

"It's ten times as big as Aria," Analesse laughed. "Quite a hazard for a little girl. Should we attach a warning label?"

"Perhaps," Merrick said with a chuckle, "but I don't think she can read yet. Can't you just see her curled up in its lap? That would be so completely adorable, I don't know if I could take it. But, I'll never know, unless we get it for her."

"Then let's do it."

"Do what?" Lessa and Merrick stopped and turned in one motion. Off to the side, from backstage, Merrick's manager presented herself in gray suit and perfectly coifed hair. She smiled pleasantly. "You're early. Couldn't wait to get started?"

Merrick blinked. "Needed to make sure a few things were ready before things got rolling," he said. "Besides, I wasn't expecting to see you here yet. So, how does everything look inside?"

Kaysa surveyed the club showily as she approached. "Looks about ready. Nothing like the old White Noise, though" --her gaze returned to Merrick, her smile significant-- "what better way to wipe out the past?"

"With a planetary invasion and a guard posted on every corner," Merrick said. "Assassinations and general upheaval always make for fresh starts."

"It's opening night," came a second, resonant voice, "I figured you'd be more cheerful and upbeat. Hello, Analesse. I love what you've done with my money in here."

Analesse returned her gaze to Kaysa's entrypoint, where Zale Tregat was now standing. "Come to inspect how wise an investment you've made?" she called back congenially.

"Indeed," Zale said. "I'm impressed so far, and it looks like our seats for the first show are right up front. I can't wait to hear the new music Merrick has prepared for the big night."

With a chuckle, Merrick added: "It's an entirely new show. We're pretty pleased with it so far, aren't we?" To punctuate the comment, he slipped his hand into Analesse's.

"Very much so," Analesse agreed cheerfully. "Have you seen the VIP lounge? It's fully furnished now and is looking pretty comfortable."

"Oh," Kaysa interjected, "I haven't seen it. Will you show it to me while we discuss your first performance?" This to Merrick, and solely Merrick.

"Of course," Merrick said, keeping hold of Analesse's hand. Indicating all present with a gesture from his other hand, he motioned for them to follow. "We can get something from the lounge before the show."

Kaysa waited for Zale to reach her before following Merrick and Lessa. She cocked an eyebrow, noting in amusement about Analesse, "She certainly walks with a sultry wag to her hips. I bet she's wild in bed."

"I wouldn't know," Zale said quietly in response. "She sort of walks a bit like you, now that I notice."

With a smile that held warning, Kaysa informed him, "She's nothing like me, or you'd be sleeping with her, too."

"Of course not," Zale said. "I'm glad we have that cleared up, and she walks nothing like you. Besides, while I think she's attractive, it takes more than a pretty face to get my blood pumping."

Kaysa gave a wry snort. "Don't I know it. Though, you've been pretty tame for a while.... You sure the blood's still pumping to certain places?" Her eyes, notably, swivelled to his groin.

"It's been pumping just fine," Zale said. "Does this mean you might be ready for us to...to be close again?"

"Is that what you've been waiting for?" she inquired, surprised and uncertain at once.

"I don't know if I would say waiting," Zale answered. "I'm a patient person, and I don't want to push you."

Kaysa slid her hand into his and smiled brightly. "Good...because I don't think I'm ready. Do you still love me even though?"

"Even though," Zale said, then kissed her tenderly.

"Here we are," Analesse announced, hastily averting her eyes from Zale and Kaysa's show of affection. She fanned one arm towards the lounge. "The bar is fully stocked. Anyone thirsty?"

"Sure," Zale said. "I'll have a Bespin Daiquiri and Kaysa would like a Beebleberry tea."

Analesse nodded and set out to fill drink orders.

"Classy," Kaysa commented, making an exploratory circuit of the room. She ran a hand along the top of one chair back, making an impressed noise. "Expensive. Frivolous, even. Colour's a little dark, isn't it?"

"Not according to the experts we brought in to advise us on the decor of the VIP lounge," Merrick said. "You walk a fine line with places like this, and it's always better to err on the side of expense. Go too cheap, and your establishment is viewed in that light. We figured we'd leave cheap establishments to Reinrich Tas."

"I hope you had some say in all this," Kaysa said to Zale. "It's your money, too, remember?"

"I did," Zale said. "I opted to go with the suggestions made by the people they brought in. I'm not a decorator, and I doubt I ever will be. But, I think it looks nice."

Kaysa grinned endearingly. "So do I." As she rounded the couch, Kaysa took a seat, while Analesse approached with their drinks on a tray. She smiled at Merrick as he lifted clear his and went next to Zale.

"Thank you very much," Zale said. "It looks like we should have quite a crowd tonight. That's a good sign, given the state of things."

"That's what we were thinking," Merrick said. "We were also thinking we have to have the three of you over for dinner, three including Aria."

"I'll cook," Analesse added as she seated herself beside Merrick. "Merrick's been teaching me."

Kaysa smiled weakly. "Nice. But it's been so busy lately...I'm not sure we have time."

"We'll consult our schedules and see what we can arrange," Zale said.

"Great," Merrick added. "That'll be perfect."

"But don't get your hopes up," Kaysa amended hastily.

Analesse smiled faintly. "Don't worry, we won't. But in case you find the time, I'll collect some great recipes...just to be prepared."

"Well, if Kaysa can't make it, maybe I can bring Aria over some night. That way your preparations don't go to waste."

Merrick surreptitiously glanced aside at Kaysa.

Kaysa sighed and looked chidingly at Zale. "I haven't said 'no', I only intimated that we have very hectic schedules and we can't commit to anything just yet."

"And I was just letting them know that if you couldn't make it, I'll make sure to come by with Aria so they can visit with her," Zale said. "I'm sure everything will work out for the best."

"Of course," Kaysa agreed brightly. "She's Merrick's child, too. He should visit with her...more often."

"Figuratively speaking of course," Zale added hastily. He didn't want Analesse getting a signal that indicated Merrick's commitment to her was flawed in any way. "If it weren't for Merrick, she probably still wouldn't have a name."

"He's told me all about it," Analesse assured Zale. "I think he's told me just about everything."

Kaysa chuckled skeptically. "Really? I seriously doubt that."

Analesse smiled back smugly. "I'm sure there are certain...escapades he hasn't gone into detail about, but I'm aware of them all."

"How nice for you," Kaysa muttered.

Merrick cast a glance in Kaysa's direction that held a warning. "I hate to invite you in for a drink and then run, but Analesse and I need to check a few things out front before the doors open. It's really great to see you both, and we can talk again after the show."

"We were supposed to have a meeting about your performance," Kaysa protested. "I can check those things with you while we talk, if you simply must."

"Yes, we must," Merrick said. "If you want to come with us while we check through." He glanced over to check on Analesse.

Analesse was unfazed by Kaysa's brash behaviour, and smiled pleasantly. "She's welcome to come along, though if you need time alone, I won't mind."

"Time alone isn't necessary," Merrick said. "Let's go." With that, he led the way off toward the stage area.

"Well," Kaysa relented, "I can't exactly leave my husband here all alone.... You two go on and have your fun."

"Alright," Merrick said with a courteous nod. "We'll see you after the show, then?"

"You will," Zale said and shook the musician's hand. "Have a great show, Merrick."

"I'll be watching from backstage," Kaysa added. "I can give you a little pep talk before you go on stage."

"I'll be in our front row seat then," Zale said. "I'll give you a thumb's up."

"Thanks," Merrick said with a grin. He turned to Kaysa. "I'll be coming on from the left side."

Her eyes softened for him, expressing her affection. "Then that's where I'll be."

"I'll see you there," Merrick said, then took Analesse's hand and they exited the room for the stage.

Once they were gone, Zale leaned in and kissed Kaysa's brow. "Want to go take a walk around outside? I could use some fresh air before the show."

She nodded grudgingly, sullen over Merrick's departure with Analesse. Tucked under Zale's arm as it wrapped about her shoulders, Kaysa wandered with her husband outside. "I don't know why I do it," she was explaining incredulously. "It's like...there's this bitch inside me who only comes out when she's around. What's wrong with me!"

"You want Merrick back," Zale said. "Though, given their relationship, I have a feeling that sniping at her like that is only going to push them closer together."

"So, you're rooting for me?" She gazed up at him and batted her lashes prettily. "You think I'm far sexier than she is. That's it, isn't it?"

"Personally, I want you all to myself," he answered. "But, I also want you happy. You're the sexiest woman I've ever met and the only one I want to be with. Though, I will admit that Maeren is still quite enticing."

"That's because we haven't made love in months," Kaysa reminded him. "And no...I'm not saving myself for Merrick, if that's what you're thinking."

"I never suspected you were," Zale said. "I think I know why, and I have no intention of rushing you. And I wouldn't run to Maeren to satisfy my lusts. I can be patient. Though, I have a suspicion if I did, Keeve would be very upset. He's still very protective of her even though he's pretty much shunned her."

"That's my boy," she sighed proudly, "a greedy brat." Laughing softly, they rounded the corner of the White Noise, but Kaysa was quickly pulled back behind cover of the club. "Zale," she complained irritably, "what are you doing?"

"Something's not right," Zale said, indicating out on the street with a nod of his head. "See that group of aliens? They're very agitated." After another moment, it became very clear. One of their number was lying on the ground, wounded or dead.

The three aliens still standing fanned and raised their weapons. A movement across the street drew their attention, and almost as one, they raised their weapons and fired. Three bursts of scarlet energy shot out and shattered the low wall atop the building that was hiding the single sniper. The man started to scramble back and away, shaking the debris of his hiding place off as he tried to reach safety. A second volley of shots slammed into him three times and blew him back across the roof.

Zale blinked. "Okay, upsetting these guys is bad news," he whispered. "That building was made of reinforced duracrete and they blew through that wall like it was flimsiplast."

"And that man," Kaysa added, stunned. "We'd better get out of here. I don't want to be caught in the middle of that. No one would."

Nodding his agreement, Zale began moving away with Kaysa. "I hope that doesn't hurt the opening of the White Noise," he said. "And, I wonder just how they feel about business ventures that have somewhat dirty hands."

"Whose dirty hands?" she asked, still looking back to observe the aftermath of what had happened.

"Antorial does have some shady dealings," he said. "We're not entirely above board."

Kaysa narrowed her eyes accusingly at him. "I thought you said you were going to go straight. We have a baby now, Zale. We can't take risks anymore."

"Moril's been handling most of that, and it's not exactly easy to just pull out of operations like that quickly," Zale said. "We're almost out completely, but these guys are definitely a good impetus to get out for good."

She snorted. "And your wife and child are not?"

"You saw what they did to that man out there," Zale said. "No one else I've ever gone against has been as big of a threat. And, besides, we've been getting out of the illegal trades we've been involved in. I figured it was better to salvage what I could, gain as much money as possible, and be out. To just drop it like I'm forced to do now is going to be a very costly measure, and we're not going to be able to buy that new home until Antorial recovers from this. Unless you think I should scrap all of Antorial, legal and illegal, as well."

"Don't twist my words," she snapped. "I just get worried, especially now. These aliens seem like no-nonsense beings. If they discover your operations, you'll be like that poor bastard on the roof."

"Don't worry, my love," Zale said. "I'm shutting it all down. We'll go completely legit, Moril too. I can't risk him for Saris. She'd be devastated if she lost him."

Kaysa frowned. "And what about me if I lost you? Just because I won't let you in my pants doesn't mean I wouldn't be heartbroken if you died."

"I didn't think it needed to be said that you'd be devastated," Zale said. "And, I'm not about to put you into that position. You mean too much to me to hurt you that deeply."

"But I don't mean so much that you would have no compunctions about hurting me a little?" Kaysa watched him expectantly, all seriousness, then laughed and looped her arms around his waist as they passed through the doors of the White Noise.

"Only just a tiny bit," Zale said with a mischievous smile. "But I promise I will never ask Keeve to sing again, and you'll be safe."

"But...I can still sing?" she inquired. Zale had no time to answer before Kaysa belted out the first lines of a rather bawdy tune involving a blaster and a tafta nut.

Zale blinked as several patrons turned to watch Kaysa with bemused expressions. One of them started applauding before her husband covered her hands with his own.

"Maybe Maeren can give you some lessons," Zale whispered. "And where did you learn that song?"

Kaysa waved to her fans, grinning widely as she muttered to Zale, "A bar called the Muddy Bantha in Yallder. Sang it standing on a table for free drinks."

"Strangely, I can see that," Zale said as he rolled his eyes. "Was this before or after you met Maeren?"

"Before - when I was a drunk," she added brightly. "Does that bother you?"

"It just sounds like something she'd be encouraging you to do," Zale said with a laugh. "Though, if you're drunk, I can see it. And, unfortunately, I can hear it."

"Oh, you're no fun." Backhanding his chest, Kaysa pushed off and started for the stage.

"I guess I'll be seeing you after the show," Zale called.

"Join me if you dare," she offered, smiling silkily. "I'll be singing along."

"Kaysa, you can't carry a tune," Zale said. "They're going to throw you out if you try."

Turning so that she was walking backwards to the stage, she hollered back, "And rest assured I'll go kicking and screaming! Unless you think you can stop me." She laughed.

"Just hope those aliens out front don't think it's a real incident," Zale answered, a look of worry in his eyes.

Her only response was a wave before disappearing backstage.

With a sigh and a shake of his head, Zale slipped through the tables below the stage to find his. Once there, he sank into the soft cushion of his chair and ordered himself a drink. As the server turned to leave, he caught her attention again. "Make it a double."

---

"Revelations, Part Three"
Cirran Tyris - Pilot
Gorta Jax
Banin

Location: Unknown
Date: 26 Selene, 5ABY

***

Cirran's mind was racing as the two troopers led him down the rock passage and further away from Lerrah. What could Jax want from him? Why these mind games? Was he involved with New Dawn at all? And most importantly, how would he get Lerrah out of this alive?

As he desperately sought answers to these question in his head, the passage abruptly finished. Walls and ceiling vanished to be replaced by an inky blackness, with the odd pin prick of light high above. Cirran wondered if they were stars, but they didn't look quite right, and besides it didn't feel like they were outdoors. The steel-plated path continued, but now with the addition of guard rails on either side, and through the grating under his feet, Cirran could no longer see solid rock below - it seemed they were now on some sort of rampart or elevated walkway - who knew how high up. The sound of his own footsteps echoing away into the darkness was enough to further convince Cirran he was travelling through some sort of large cavern, although the dim guide lights illuminating the walkway provided no clue to its dimensions.

"What is this place?" he tried on the guards, but merely received a solid prod in the back and a "shut up and keep moving" for his troubles.

The two soldiers marched him along the walkway for what seemed like an age, passing 3 separate lift platforms at regular intervals that evidently led down into the cavern. Eventually another vast rock wall loomed ahead in the darkness. The walkway led straight into another passage, but this one bore more signs of machine use than the one he had entered the cavern from - the one down which Lerrah had been led away to the Gods knew what. Cirran cursed under his breath and once again swore to himself he would get her out of this. Within a few metres the rock walls had been replaced by durasteel cladding, and if he hadn't known otherwise he might have thought he was on any typical kitset base or station. Soon enough the passage had widened, and they were being passed by other soldiers making their away around the place, headed down other corridors that led elsewhere. Cirran saw various signs proclaiming "Armoury", "Hangar" and "Testing Area" before his two escorts pulled him up outside a door.

"In there," one of them grunted, gesturing towards the door with the business end of his rifle.With little choice in the matter, Cirran ducked his tall frame under the door as it slid open.

Somewhat to his surprise, the room was some kind of obvious cell or torture chamber - it was an office, replete with luxurious furnishings. These were not what caught the pilot's eye, however. A panoramic viewing window on the opposite side of the door looked out over what Cirran could now see was the huge asteroid he was on - and beyond it and asteroid field, but certainly not just a typical one. The rocks themselves hung immobile in space, and appeared to contain large clusters of a dense, shiny black crystal - but more impressive than that, the entire field seemed to be situated in a vast nebula, where swirling and pulses of vivid colour - red, orange, crimson, violet - shifted as Cirran stared, rapt

"Impressive, isn't it?" came a familiar voice.

Cirran turned. To the right of the door at the back of the large room was a huge wooden desk, and behind it a plush swivel chair, turned away from Cirran while its occupant presumably studied some of the various monitors that covered the wall behind the desk. Behind to the chair stood a cloaked and cowled figure, who, as Cirran looked, rounded the desk and began striding towards him with obvious hostility.

"Patience, Banin," the chair's occupant barked, and the figure halted in mid-stride, clearly reluctantly. The chair swivelled. "Mr. Tyris is our guest."

Cirran glowered at the man in the chair, dressed in a crisp uniform-like ensemble, but one that bore no sign of any rank insignia. The face showed a little more age, some silver around the temples, but the sharp features were still there, the military style close-cropped hair, the cruel and infinitely smug little smile. A face he had been chasing unsuccessfully around the galaxy for years. "Gorta Jax," Cirran spat, the light show outside the window forgotten.

"Cirran Tyris," the man replied, adding for good measure another selection from his wide range of arrogant smirks. "You haven't changed much. Oh, hold on - I seem to remember you having more than one hand. Two, wasn't it?"

"Yes, well that's just one more thing I've got to thank you for," Cirran growled, wondering if he could cross the room, vault the desk and strangle the man with just the one hand. It was just Jax and this cloaked figure with him in the room now, neither visibly armed, and he was sure the seething anger he was feeling would carry him a long way.

Jax gave an infuriating laugh. "Oh, my dear boy, I thought I'd explained this? You've got it quite wrong. Wasn't my idea at all! In fact, it's quite the inconvenience - we're going to have to replace that hand, and at my expense. But I'm afraid these provincial criminals will insist on their little...eccentricities. Still, you are a clumsy fellow - losing a hand, a sister - what on earth is next?"

Cirran's conscious mind was no longer in control as he sprang towards the desk with a grim fury. He had taken probably no more than 3 steps however before there was a blur and suddenly he was flat on his back with his mouth tasting of blood. He struggled briefly to rise until the same black boot that had so recently lashed out into his face hacked viciously into his ribs. Cirran doubled up on the ground, coughing violently.

"Cirran Tyris, allow me to introduce Banin," Jax explained in even tones through Cirran's coughing fit, gesturing with one hand towards the cloaked figure now standing silently over the pilot. Jax calmly reached into his desk, retrieving a slim metal case as he continued: "Banin is very capable, and, what's more, has something of a personal dislike for you, one which even I have struggled to keep in check - so I wouldn't advise you try anything like that again." Flicking open the case the officer retrieved a thin red cigarette of some kind from within.

Cirran tried to gasp in lungfuls of air, a more pressing concern that the pains in his face, side, and even arm, where once again he had banged his stump on landing. Through all this however, something nagged at him - something he couldn't quite remember at present.

"Get up," a computerised voice ordered above him, striking out with a foot again, but this time in a warning nudge rather than a blow. Cirran abandoned his attempts to remember whatever it was for the moment and climbed painfully to his feet, keeping a wary eye on the cowled figure, and gingerly putting fingers to his swollen lips, which came away bloody.

"Now, if you'll just sit down and at least feign civilised behaviour, we can avoid any further unpleasantness," suggested Jax, indicating the chair opposite his at the desk.

Cirran half-collapsed into the proffered chair, his split lip dripping blood. He wiped it away with a sleeve. "Why am I alive, Jax?" he spat.

The officer gave a smirk. "Cutting to the chase then? Why my dear boy, what on earth might have led you to believe I might wish to do you harm?" He leant back in his chair and lit his cigarette with practiced motions.

"Let's cut the crap, shall we?" Cirran said. "I know there's something you want me for, otherwise I'd already be space debris somewhere. You certainly know what I'd like to do to you, if your trained mynock here wasn't-- "

A gloved fist arrived from nowhere to crash into Cirran's cheekbone and snap his head back in the chair. "Show some respect, filth," Banin added as an unnecessary verbal explanation.

"Banin, please," Jax protested in an infuriatingly reasonable tone, holding up a well manicured hand to halt, for now at least, any further blows. "You must forgive Mr. Tyris. He has after all been labouring under a number of misapprehensions. He has no idea what efforts we have gone to lately merely to ensure his welfare."

Cirran stopped painfully rubbing his face long enough to give a derisive laugh. "You've been looking after my welfare? You'll have to have your lackey here hit me in the head a lot harder before I'll believe that!" he retorted.

Jax merely smiled his irksome smile and leaned back in his chair, taking a deep draft of the cigarette, a slightly pink smoke hovering in the air. "I think you'll find that - although I'm sure Banin would enjoy employing it - that level of violence will not be needed to convince you. The evidence speaks for itself."

"The evidence? What..." Cirran began to protest, but Jax cut him off: "You are certainly right about one thing, Cirran - we do have a use for you, and it is the only reason you are still alive - in more ways than one."

"What in the hells are you talking about?" Cirran demanded.

Jax blew a cloud of pink haze in Cirran's direction. "You always were a headstrong individual, Cirran - and clumsy, too. Did you really think I wouldn't notice when you jumped ship on the Rebels and came blundering after me? The unsanctioned departure from the ranks by a war hero - even a minor one such as yourself - is not something easily kept under wraps. It was all too easy to stay ahead of your oafish attempts to locate me - indeed, New Republic Command was only too happy to help me in that regard. They hold me in quite high esteem, you know."

Cirran thought about what Walker would say to this, and right now agreed totally with the sentiment. "Yeah, well that's the top brass for you," he said scathingly, "wouldn't know their arses from their elbows - or a true asset from a liar and murderer like y..." Before he could complete his thought however, the back of Banin's open hand slapped heavily into his face. Cirran automatically tongued more blood away from his swollen lip.

"I've asked you to keep a civil tongue in your head," Jax said, his tone approaching anger for the first time. "If you are not prepared to do this, I can have Banin here go to work, and we can instead keep your uncivil tongue in a jar on this desk. I may need you alive, but talking is optional. I hope I make myself clear." Cirran glared daggers at the man, but this time said nothing.

"As I was saying," Jax continued, "you were simple to keep track of - no threat at all. It was a simple matter to direct you to the Chimaeria system - for there something quite momentous is even now taking place, something in which you are to play a part. And that was where I faced a problem. You, Cirran, seem to be remarkably good at making enemies."

"What can I say - it's a gift," Cirran shrugged sarcastically.

"It's a serious inconvenience," Jax replied. "In the course of blundering incompetently after me, you managed to stumble into more gundark nests than I would have thought possible. And I would have been happy to leave you to be a victim of your own idiocy - were it not for the fact I have need of your services. And so you forced me to intervene."

"Intervene?" Cirran queried, puzzled.

"Oh come now, you don't think you've survived until now due entirely to your own luck, do you?" Jax mocked. "I knew you were going to get yourself stabbed in some alley somewhere eventually, by someone - someone sent by that second rate Hutt gangster, for example. But we took care of that particular problem permanently. You think that would have solved the problem - but no! You continued your recklessness."

Light was beginning to dawn for Cirran. "...you killed Durga?" he asked incredulously. Then he remembered the reported facts of the Hutt criminal's demise, and his face flushed with anger. "That town was full of innocent people..."

For the third time since he had entered the office, Cirran received a stinging blow to the face from a gloved hand. "Spare us your false indignation, wretch!" Banin warned. "Don't pretend a man like you cares about innocent lives."

"...sonofabitch, that HURTS, godsdamnit!" Cirran yelled angrily, pain making him fail to pay much attention to the curiously inaccurate assessment of his character that had just been made. He gingerly stretched his jaw muscles, and looked up at the cloaked figure looming above his chair threateningly. "What is wrong with this guy?" he asked Jax.

"As I explained, Banin holds a very understandable, and indeed, commendable dislike for you, Cirran," Jax said, "and thus found it a particularly unpleasant task to have to spent a number of months repetitively saving your life."

Cirran stared blankly at the man behind the desk. "What?"

Jax shook his head with a mocking smile on his face. "You really aren't that quick on the uptake, are you - do you think I kill Hutts just for fun? As I explained, I need you alive to perform a little task for me - and yet you continued to hurl yourself into danger. I had to protect my investment."

Cirran thought back over the past few months. The mysterious death of his assailant at the prison on Drogen, his subsequent release, bounty hunters somehow taking so long to find him, CorSec tipped off on Corellia, all the luck he had somehow had to keep him from complete disaster - and now his delivery from the clutches of New Dawn. My mysterious benefactor was Jax? It didn't make sense. "You?" he simply asked the older man incredulously.

Jax smiled. "Me indeed - or Banin here did the job on the front lines, more specifically. After a while though it became clear we could not always be around to save you from yourself. Your participation in the fight against the Battle Cruiser that attacked Drogen, your little excursion to Gallor, your involvement with the escaped slave girl - all of these might have resulted in your inconveniently premature death. And then going up against New Dawn! We knew that eventually there would be little we could do to keep you out of their hands - I suspect their organisation has become more powerful and influential on the Rim than New Republic Command might suspect. I may get around to telling them that eventually - it is after all ostensibly my job - although soon they will have much greater problems to deal with," Jax smiled at his private joke and crushed his cigarette into a stone ashtray before continuing: "In light of the incidents such as the attack on you at the bar, we decided it would be better to negotiate with New Dawn for your safe release into our custody following your capture."

Again a feeling of familiarity had been stirred in Cirran by something Jax had just said, but he was too angry to pay much attention to it. He held up what should have been his left hand. "You call this a safe release?" he demanded angrily.

"My dear boy, I suspect a mere missing hand is the best result you could have hoped for with those people. They take transgressions against them very seriously. One might think you would offer me your help in gratitude for your deliverance."

"Gratitude!" Cirran exploded. "Just how long have you been out here floating on this rock? Do you think just because you to all intents and purposes had me kidnapped and brought out here I'd just forget you had my parents killed?"

"LIAR!" With the mechanical cry of Banin, Cirran's view of the room suddenly tilted as the chair he was sitting in was catapulted backwards. "What the...?" Cirran started, but was determined this time not to let surprise get the better of him. As his shoulders crashed against the floor, he flung his legs upward and turned his momentum into a backward roll, ending a standing position. Less than a second later the cloaked furiously descended on him with a flurry of blows.

Cirran wasn't a total slouch at close combat, but faced an opponent whose skill levels were clearly much higher than his - not to mention the handicap of a missing hand. He blocked a couple of Banin's attacks with his forearms, and then took a boot to his already tender ribs, and a stinging elbow to the chin. From the corner of the eye Cirran could see Jax remained sitting calmly at his desk. In desperation he threw a wild haymaker with his right hand, which Banin merely ducked under gracefully, coming up with a painful chop into Cirran's armpit. Cirran yelped and pulled his arm in sharply, temporarily trapping his opponent's outstretched arm. With an angry bellow he took advantage of this fact by throwing his weight forward and tackling the cloaked figure to the ground.

As Banin struggled under Cirran's lanky frame, Cirran clawed up at the heavy cowl with right hand. His reaching fingers came across a metal object strapped his opponent's throat. He grabbed at it and the strap came away. As it did, Banin's grunts of exertion suddenly became less tinny and were rendered more human, confirming what Cirran and others before him has suspected - Banin used a voice synthesiser. Cirran knew he wasn't going to win this fight, but he figured he could at least try and find out what he was dealing with. "Mystery man, eh?" Cirran growled. "What's the big secret? Don't like being seen in public with killers?" He ripped the heavy cowl partially off and uncovered a long shock of black hair.

Cirran's words seemed to stoke some fury in his opponent. With a massive heave Banin flipped Cirran bodily off, uttering a furious shriek. The cry of anger revealed a fact the heavy robes had disguised from Cirran - his opponent was a woman.

The pilot scrambled quickly to his feet. His stump felt like it was on fire and he was in pain in what seemed like a hundred different other places. He also knew that armed guards could be inside the room in less than 5 seconds with a call from Jax, but as had happened on occasion during the war, his reckless anger made him determined to keep fighting, no matter how futile it was, until someone put him down hard enough so that he couldn't anymore. He whirled to face his adversary - and stopped dead.

Banin had also climbed to her feet, her carefully concealing clothing dishevelled by Cirran's crude attack. The thick cowl lay on the ground where it had fallen. The cloaked woman had angrily shaken her long black hair back from her face, and in that instant Cirran knew what had seemed familiar to him earlier. His shocked mind flashed back to Gallor, under the mountain, where an old prisoner had first told him about the term Banin...

The sudden deathly silence in the room was broken by the soft mocking laughter of Gorta Jax as Cirran gazed, uncomprehending, into the blazing, hate-filled eyes of his sister.

---

"Intel from the Underworld"
By: A'kin
Brenna Hennely
Marsar Tilimit
Mordous Krull

Location: New Plouton
Date: 26 Selene, 5ABY

***

Clouds, that had once threatened rainfall and once again admitting the weatherman, or in this case woman, knew nothing about their profession, or as close to nothing as A'Kin couldn't tell, slowly began to dissipate in the heat of the morning. The horizon filled with buildings, tall and short, were silhouetted against a majestic fiery-red that almost bathed the entire sky. Only a few stray whispers of cloud, yet to dissolve, held onto a light blue in contrast to the otherwise dominant crimson.

The nightclub Midnights had been closed for little over an hour. Employees going about their daily duties of cleaning after the customers, both new and old alike. The name of the nightclub had only recently changed partially due to a fault with the lighting of the sign along the front of the building. Originally Midnight Star the electrical connection with Star had been severed, how still remained a mystery, though A'Kin suspected someone just didn't want the embarrassment of owning up. Regardless for days the nightclub only had Midnight displayed and after such a mess in trying to re-establish its proper identity A'Kin made the command decision of changing it.

He wasn't a superstitious man but when two highly paid electricians, though in truth where would you find a reasonably priced electrician? couldn't find the fault it was time for a new plan.

Turning away from the railing, that ran all along the this top section of the nightclub only for staff access, the owner opened a door into a large and currently unoccupied lounge. The wall directly in front of the only door into the room was glass, the reinforced cret-plastic ran up forming a curved ceiling allowing the red tinge to radiate through in streams. There were four sofas making a three-sided square, with two smaller sofas being on the side closest the door allowing a slight aisle. Two glass, and expensive, coffee tables were placed seemingly in opposite to one another. Two crystal lights hung from ceiling. This was one of A'Kin's favourite rooms, often coming here to think, or just simple to watch the passing of time through the window.

A slight knock on the door was followed by a young woman, Nima, who bowed her head before addressing her employer. It was a sign of respect A'Kin didn't much care for, Campbell on the other hand enforced it with an iron fist and had taken great delight it lecturing A'Kin about countermanding how the day-to-day running of the club was handled. There was little he could do, bar firing Campbell yet she did such a good job replacing her would be more pain than its worth.

"Sir, they have arrived."

A'Kin nodded, not turning from the view of the city. "Show them through, I'll see them here. Please inform Miss Campbell." There was a short reply that A'Kin barely registered before the young girl, in A'Kin's eyes, departed carrying out his wishes. According to the counter at the top-right of his implant display one-minute and sixteen seconds past before the door opened.

Brenna straightened her jacket out then looked over At Marsar who was still adjusting her dart gun and replacing the Saber darts with some of the more potent stun ones. "Look I don't think your going to need that," Brenna assured her. "It's simple where in a night club, that is closed and there is no one here that can hurt us." Marsar rolled her sleeve up over the dartgun then looked at Brenna.

"Everytime you say that something bad happens to us," Mar noted as wrapped her scarf around her neck then looked at Brenna. "I can't believe we're going to one crook to find information out on another crook," she said as she walked into the room. Brenna glared at her then looked to the man who was waiting for them.

"Hi sorry about the urgency here, I hope were not cutting in on business," she stated.

"You are not," A'Kin replied turning, almost reluctantly, from the window regarding the two, rather attractive women. Though one seemed to have a constant scowl as if not trusting anyone but the person beside her. "Little happens during the club's closer, apart from cleaning after the nights exploits. Please have a seat, would you care for any refreshments?"

"We're fine," Marsar replied as she scanned the room once more for anything that could harm the two of them. "Just to give you warning we are armed, so if you need us to put the weapons on your desk or anything just tell us," Marsar stated.

A'Kin just shrugged. "Whatever pleases you, it bothers me not..." Walking around to the front of one of the sofas, using his thick wooden cane for seemingly every step, it eased himself down into the leather. The security scans and cameras had picked up the weapons the instant they stepped into view, where they so naive that they thought they could entered this place without him knowing? Or were they just stupid?

Leaving that question unanswered for the moment A'Kin waited for them to make the first move. They had sort him out and he'd like to know the reason why, though he did have a slight inkling.

"We understand your a man who can help us, be it information of a job," Brenna stated. "Right now we are currently a serious problem, there was a bounty placed on our heads recently and the person who picked it up isn't your normal bounty hunter," she stated. "Have you ever heard of Mordous Krull before?" she asked.

Raising an eyebrow A'Kin nodded. "I know him, but why don't you tell me what you know and I'll fill in any blanks." Reaching forward he lifted the glass cork from the glass container filled with a dark liquid, after pouring himself a healthy amount he recorked the container taking a long sip. It had a slight kick to it, hitting the back of his throat, as the cool drank slid down his throat.

Brenna leaned forward and adjusted her seat slightly before continuing "I don't know that much aside from the fact that rumor has it, he is a former Storm Commando who now freelances as a bounty hunter, that and he's Naboo," she stated.

"Half Naboo," A'Kin corrected her. "On his mother's side, his father is... unknown presently. That he was a Storm Commando is true, his military career is colourful and long. The reasons for his turning freelance aren't known though I know of several opinions on the matter. He's one of the few honourable bounty hunters, not in the same league as Fett but has the skills and experience to one day be amongst the best." Pausing to take another drink A'Kin looked from Brenna to her companion. "The fact he's accepted the job is intriguing, normally two small-fries like yourself wouldn't interest him, the bounty must be immense."

Of course he knew the measure of how immense the bounty was, he paid considerable amounts to know such things. Information was power.

Marsar shifted nervously then looked over at the man. "I think that suggestion of a drink sounds a little better now, is it too late to ask for one," she swallowed hard then looked down. Brenna patted her on the back then looked at him. "If he has so much honor why would he hunt us, it's not like we're a threat to anyone."

"Well maybe he doesn't have a choice in the matter," Brenna responded. "There are a lot of people we've pissed off and I can't think which one wouldn't hire Mordous, they all would want him." She looked at him "I know you must be busy but do you think you can look into who hired him, it could give us some options."

A'Kin waved at the glass container he'd just poured from, five other glasses were placed around the container, each upside down and ready for use. "I can, though the reason why I should currently eludes me." A'Kin stated, pausing yet again to take another drink. The shock was easy to see, that he was their best chance in survive was evident, otherwise they wouldn't have come seeking his help.

"Except in this matter, strange as it may seem, the fates have chosen to cross your paths with mine, implying that it may benefit me if the hirer of Mr. Krull's services suddenly... dies..." It may have seemed strange to both ladies that he would speak of this so openly with them, why tip your hand and give away an advantage. "So, what do you have to give, to make this worth my time and effort?"

"DIES!" Brenna spat. "We don't want them killed, we just want to know who it is." Marsar took a sip of the drink then looked at Brenna.

"They want us dead, I say we return the favor." Brenna was never one for true violence she just starred in shock at the guy. Brenna shook her head then looked at him.

"We can offer you three thousand credits now, though I doubt you need that as much as pilots would work for you," she stated. "I can offer you our services of a job of your choice, free of charge as long as it doesn't involve Narcotics, we have friends in the Republic, we don't want to run anything that will get us in trouble with everyone in the universe."

"The three thousand and free job, will suffice." A'Kin stated calmly, resting the glass now a quarter full of the dark liquid, on his lap.

Brenna handed him the code. "Type that code in and 3000 credits should be instantly transferred into the account, no strings attached," she promised then pulled out a frequency number. "If you can find anything about the contractor, that's the frequency to the communications system installed in my ship and at our apartment, if you find anything please let us know," she asked.

Nodding he punched in one of his many account numbers, the inside display of his implant showering an instant deposit of three-thousand credits. "I'll contact you the moment I have anything, in the mean time I suggest laying low, Krull could be anywhere."

Brenna nodded then smiled at them man. "Thank you," she said as she gestured to Marsar. "Come on we better hurry, we're borderlining on curfew here and I don't want to get imprisoned anytime soon." she stated. Marsar nodded then stood up disarming her dart gun with a flick of her wrist. She looked over at the man behind the desk and nodded at him.

"You're a good man, most people probably wouldn't help us," she stated as the two of them exited heading out of the club and to their home away from home.

A minute passed before the floor into the lounge opened with Nima stepping over the threshold bowing to A'Kin before speaking. "Sir, you wished to see me after your guests left?"

Nodding he reached out placing the now empty glass on the coffee-table sighing heavily before replying. "Yes, please inform Mordous that the meeting has just finished, he's currently waiting in Campbell's office. Bring him here, no doubt he'll want to discuss what was said."

***

Mordous walked into the office and dropped down into the seat across from A'kin and smiled slightly. He hated having to be all cloak and dagger over the entire situation but he couldn't let this bounty escape him. He leaned forward then looked at him. "Well A'Kin I understand the meeting went rather well, if your information on the two is good." He pulled out a small disk and smiled. "Then these credits are good, what do have for me?"

"That all depends, now doesn't it." Leaning forward so his arms rested on his knees he saw Mordous' eyes twitch slightly. "The bounty is dead or alive, which is remarkably strange for two so young to have caused so much trouble. Your employer must have a great deal on you, to accept such a contract. One would think it beneath you Mordous, or are all the rumours of your honour false?"

Mordous leaned back not even blinking, however he felt his hand slowly sliding towards his shoulder holster but moved it away. "Unfortunately we all can't stick to honor all the time when there family is in trouble, and if your trying to get the employer's name out of me, not going to happen, it's complicated."

"I'll find out who your employer is, sooner or later, why not dispense with the bullshit. If what he has on you is so... concrete... why not simply do away with him, or her, I can help. I have friends you wouldn't believe."

Mordous slammed his fist into the table and looked at him. "Sorry that can't happen, he has friends in striking distance of my family....mine," he glared at him then looked at the ground. "I don't know if I can risk not taking this contract, if you had a family I think you would understand," he stated. "Now just give me the info please, I don't have that much time left."

Two wrongs don't make a right... he thought to himself. "They have an apartment, in the Dolar Sector. Eighth floor, apartment H-12. I told them to lay low. That would be your best bet."

"Thanks," he said checking the data. He tossed the disk on the table and looked at him. "6000 as we agreed, this better be right or so help me I'll be back here shortly." He turned his back to A'Kin then headed out the door never taking his hand away from his ripper. He was going to have a long talk with both ladies before he did anything to harm them.

---

"Revelations, Part Four"
Cirran Tyris - Pilot (PC)
Lerrah Breijal - Pilot (PC)
Gorta Jax - (NPC+)
Kemma Tyris a.k.a Banin (NPC+)

Location: Unknown
Date: 26 Selene, 5ABY

***

For a moment there was a heavy silence in the room as brother and sister locked eyes across the room. His considerable aches and pains for the moment forgotten, Cirran looked at the woman before him. Could this furious warrior really be his little sister? Emotions flooded through the pilot - relief and joy were there, but they were almost buried by confusion. His sister was alive - and working with Jax, the man who had killed their parents? It didn't make sense. She must not know him, she was undercover - something. But it was her. It was Kemma, alive. After what seemed an eternity he found his voice. "Kemma?" he asked in a trembling voice. "Don't you recognise me?"

"I recognise a murderer when I see one!" was her furious reply, and in the blink of an eye she crossed the space between them, her right leg flashing out in a flying kick of tremendous power. Still totally taken aback by her appearance, Cirran was too stunned to defend himself properly and the kick crashed squarely into his chest and sent him flying back into the panoramic window. Dazed, he raised his head and found himself looking into the barrel of a small but vicious looking holdout blaster his sister had produced from somewhere, his sibling's face looking down on him from above it, contorted with fury, her index finger curling around the trigger.

"BANIN!" The sharply barked name from Jax prevented Cirran's immediate death, but the blaster remained pointed at his face. Jax stood at his desk, his arm reached out to his servant in a desperate staying gesture. "Remember we need him alive!" the officer continued, urgency in his tone.

"He deserves death!" Kemma half snarled, half sobbed, tears now running down her cheeks. She brandished the blaster anew at Cirran's face.

"Kemma...what are you doing? What's going on? It's me!" Cirran stuttered, trying to find words, tears of his own coming now. He struggled to rise, but his sister's boot on his chest slammed him back to the ground.

"Just you give me a reason!" his sister screamed at him. "Just you give me a reason to spread your brains all over the floor right now!" The blaster trembled in her outstretched hand.

Jax had crossed cautiously to Kemma's side, his hands up in a placating gesture. "I don't doubt you're right, Banin," he said soothingly, " I know what he did to you, and he deserves death and worse. But we need him right now. He'll pay for what he did later. But now I need you to put the gun away."

Cirran watched his sister fight some kind of internal battle; and then she slowly lowered the weapon to her side, and removed her foot from his chest.

With all that had just happened, Cirran wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or disappointed. "Kemma..." he choked, again unable to find further words, and reaching up a hand to his sister. Her tearful eyes looked scornfully down upon him for a long second, and then she stepped away.

"That's good, Banin," Jax was continuing. "You've done well here. Now I want you to leave us. You've done well, but we have things to discuss. Go to your quarters. I'll see you there later."

Kemma nodded meekly at her master, and with that look, and seeing the face of Jax, Cirran gained some measure of understanding, and rediscovered his voice. "You!" he spat at the officer, the word dripping with hatred. "What in the hells have you told her, you-- "

The boot into his side came not from his sister this time, but from Jax. Any protestations of innocence Cirran might of made to his sister were cut off as he shot reflexively shot into the fetal position, trying to suck in air and gritting his teeth at the agony shooting through his by now severely battered ribs. "Go, now Banin," Jax instructed. "Send the sentries in. I'll deal with this worm. Put your mind at ease - I haven't forgotten my promise." Through the fog of pain, Cirran watched his sister leave the room, stony-faced. As she did, the former Imperial dropped into a squat next to him, speaking softly into the pilot's ear.

"Cirran, Cirran, Cirran. I've told her all sorts of things. We've had quite the interesting few years together, in fact. More than enough time to turn her against you. You can protest all you like, but it won't be me she thinks is lying."

The two sentries who had escorted Cirran to the office entered the room and took up position, and Jax stood and returned to his desk, leaving Cirran emotionally and physically shattered on the floor. Jax continued to talk as he nonchalantly lit up another of his cigarettes.

"Geniuses, your parents. I said it before of course, but it's worth repeating for emphasis. And what's more, they produced your sister! A beautiful and talented child. A shame about you, but all great men and women have their failings." Cigarette in hand, Jax again crossed the office to take up a position near the prone Cirran where he could admire the view out of the window, and began to talk over the pilot.

"The Empire knew your parents were special. But it didn't know how special. When command sent me to Lianna to supervise their work, I saw at once how talented they were, and I also saw at once that there was no advantage to be had in turning their best work over to my superiors. There is no future in causes, Cirran. Regimes come and go, as the Galactic Civil War is proving. If I come into possession of an advantage - some information, a technology - and I simply turn that advantage over like an obedient little soldier to my cause, how does that benefit me? Through some kind of noble feeling? In the satisfaction of doing my duty? Joy at the fact I am helping, in some small way, to eventually replace one creaking and ineffective bureaucracy with another? No, causes are for fools. You see my boy, I am simply good at recognising an opportunity."

Jax took a deep draught of his cigarette before continuing.

"As far as my superiors were concerned, your parents were put to their best possible use on the TIE Interceptor project, and I saw no need to correct them - not when I saw I could keep some of their considerably more interesting side projects to myself. They were so far ahead of their time. Oh, it meant a lot of work for them of course, working officially for the Empire as well as unofficially for me, but I found they were prepared to put up with the secrecy and the long hours I needed to impose once I had taken Kemma under my personal...protection. I was having you tailed as well, actually, although I'm afraid the thought of keeping you as close as I did Kemma didn't appeal - I merely told your parents you'd turn up with your throat sliced open one day if they failed to cooperate. Gave the order too, eventually, but your Rodian friend obviously kept you out of harm's way there, as we discovered afterwards - and what a happy chance in the end, too!" The officer gestured in an almost friendly manner at the prostrate pilot, and then a frown crept over his features as he noticed something. He motioned to the sentries. "Get him up, will you? He's bleeding on the carpet."

The two soldiers hauled Cirran to his feet and dragged him over to the desk where Jax indicated, righting the chair that Banin had upended and dropping Cirran heavily into it once more, where he slouched in a sort of stunned stupor. Jax remained at the window.

"Of course, when I discovered your parents planned to defect to the Alliance, I knew I couldn't allow it," he continued, gazing out at the spectacular light show the nebula was putting on. "They would have immediately shared the knowledge of their innovations with the Rebels, and where would that have left my profit margin? The Rebels would have put their designs into production, the Imperials would have eventually stolen or otherwise acquired the technology - and net profit to me would have been zero. Their greatest technology was nearing completion, and I had to block 4 or 5 of their attempts to smuggle the research and specifications to the Rebels - clumsy at first, but they grew increasingly sophisticated. I also knew if I placed them in total isolation under more central Imperial control, other Imperials would eventually discover our little secret, and again pass it slavishly to their overlords out of some ignorant, robotic sense of 'loyalty'. Time was against me. Even so, I might have come up with some way to keep them working for me - but then your blasted parents ruined everything by trying to get data on the TIE Interceptor to the Alliance. I had made the mistake of assuming they would be smarter than that."

Jax gave a small sigh and crossed to back to the desk, stubbing out his cigarette and taking a seat opposite Cirran again, steepling his fingers together as he continued to address the pilot.

"Causes again, you see, Cirran. They make people do stupid things. Your parents were incredibly intelligent people, quite brilliant - but their belief in their cause reduced them to fools. One of the links in the chain they tried to get the information out on was an undercover Imperial agent, and word of their treason spread to Command before I could limit the damage. I had little choice in events to follow, of course. I had Kemma swiftly rehoused off Lianna as a common prisoner, for the sake of appearances - she was the daughter of traitors after all - and then had your parents quickly and quietly executed before they could be further interrogated, which would have no doubt exposed my own private dealings with them. As you can imagine, Imperial Command would have frowned upon my withholding such potentially important strategic information from them - no doubt severely."

Cirran mumbled something inaudibly through swollen lips. Jax leaned forward with a look of faint amusement. "What's that, my boy?" he queried.

"I said I swear to the Gods I'm going to kill you," Cirran snarled, spitting a mouthful of blood on to the carpet as he finished in the best show of defiance he could currently manage.

Jax's lip curled slightly in distaste at the sight of the blood seeping into the expensive floor covering, but then gave a derisive laugh, and then relaxed back into his seat again, continuing his story as if nothing had happened.

"With your parents gone, there was nothing in particular to keep me on Lianna. I managed to convince Imperial Command that my talents were better employed elsewhere. I retained sole possession of your parent's research, but without them to complete it, I could not profit from it. For a while I assumed my efforts had been wasted, and you would inevitably be killed in the Rebellion - but I did not forget Kemma."

Cirran subconsciously hauled himself up in his chair. He had sat there largely passively as Jax's smug rant washed over him, but here was information he really wanted to hear. What fate had befallen his sister while he had searched for her?

"Your sister is a stubborn woman, Cirran. Throughout my time on Lianna, I tried to convince her of the benefits my...attention could bring her, but she resisted my every advance-- "

"Perhaps because you had enslaved our parents, Jax," Cirran interjected. "Or maybe it was simply because she found you as attractive as the hind end of a Dewback!" Cirran took great pleasure in the fact that his last remark wiped the smug smile from Jax's face.

"Perhaps," Jax acknowledged curtly, but then the contemptuous little smirk returned. "But she should have listened when she had the chance. Command were very suspicious following the death of your parents, and ordered a full investigation - to be seen to giving special treatment to the daughter of traitors might have sealed my own doom. I had no choice but to turn your sister over to less merciful men than myself. I saw the situation unfolding, and had her offworld 4 days before your parents died. I quickly discerned where she had been sent of course, but I could do nothing about it, at least while the heat was on. Some investigator would have connected everything otherwise. Imperial Command was suspicious of me for a long time after Lianna, and I had to wait until I was absolutely sure they had regained their trust in me, Meanwhile your sister was a guest in-- "

"Gallor." A look of understanding had dawned over Cirran's face, and horror quickly followed as he recalled the prison mines. The very thought of Kemma down those godsawful holes... "How long?" he managed to ask.

"Oh yes, you've been there of course," Jax smirked. "You've seen the--" he started, but was cut off by the sound of Cirran thumping his remaining fist into the desk.

"HOW LONG!" the pilot demanded.

The officer regarded Cirran in silence for a moment with a look in his eyes that might almost have suggested some kind of empathy for his prisoner. "About 2 and a half years," he informed Cirran quietly, and then the almost ever-present sneer crept back into his voice. "Two and a half years down in those mines, waiting for her brother the Rebel hero to come for her...waiting and waiting in the dark for a rescue that never arrived."

Jax gave Cirran a grin. "She still had spirit, of course - she's never lost it entirely. She even rose to become what the prisoners there called their Banin, their spokesman and advocate. But the people in charge of that place had little respect for the holders of that particular office, Cirran, or for the rights of their inmates...they broke her down in those mines, slowly but surely. And all the time she waited for you, waited for her big brother to come and save her. And after you didn't come, she waited for anyone. When I sent her off Lianna, the last thing she did was to spit in my face. On the day I took her out of that prison, she collapsed in tears of gratitude at my feet."

Cirran put his hands to his head. "I didn't know..." he stammered in apology. "I didn't even know she was alive...the Alliance knew nothing about Gallor, we didn't even know it existed..." He trailed off, unable to find the words.

"Small consolation to your sister I'm afraid," Jax concluded. "And she was hardly likely to accept your apologies after I informed her that you had killed your parents."

Cirran looked up. "What?" he said incredulously.

"Oh, don't look so surprised," Jax said, waving a casual hand in dismissal of Cirran. "I told Imperial Command the same thing. You were a Rebel sympathiser fanatic acting alone, and you killed them before they could further assist the Empire on the Interceptor project, little knowing they were trying to pass information on it to the Alliance...the circumstantial evidence was ridiculously easy to arrange, especially with you having fled to the Rebellion that very night...many high ranking officers came to be amused by the irony in the little scenario I concocted. Command was eventually convinced, so it was only natural that Kemma would be. She was skeptical at first, but once I she saw the information being presented by the man that had risked so much to save her from that hellhole - well, since then, she's been building up quite a healthy resentment towards you, I can tell you."

Mouth open, Cirran stared in open amazement at the man before him. He was so utterly cold, so calculating, so brazen...the pilot gave a bitter, utterly humourless laugh. "Oh, you are dead Jax, you bastard...I swear to the Gods, so help me, I'll wring your fucking neck..." he finally managed.

"A difficult task with just the one hand, surely?" Jax suggested with a wry smile at his own joke. "You're hardly in a position to make threats, my boy. Just a word at anytime and I can have your own sister come in here and quite happily put a blaster bolt in your skull. She is mine, Cirran, body and soul. After all my anticipation though, I must tell you I grew tired of her in bed surprisingly quickly - something inside of her died down in those mines, I think - but it is perhaps the loss of that same quality that has with the right training made her such an efficient killer. I can tell you she has detested having to tail you around the galaxy, repetitively saving you from your own idiocy - but she has done it competently enough in the end nonetheless."

Across the desk Cirran battled furiously with himself, desperately fighting back the urge to leap across the furniture and wipe that smile off Jax's face...logically he knew it would be a futile effort, and at this stage he could ill-afford the inevitable beating from the sentries that would result. Save your strength, Cirran, he told himself. Save it for when you can use it to crush his windpipe.

Considerably less shrewd judges of character than Jax could have easily read Cirran's murderous thoughts on his scowling face, but the officer was utterly unperturbed by the pilot's malevolent gaze. He gave a broad grin. "But my dear boy! I've been expatiating for an age. I didn't just bring you here to gloat, or for a family reunion! A new age is even now dawning in this galaxy, and you are going to help bring it about."

Despite the circumstances, Cirran felt a smile creep over his face at what he felt was Jax's ludicrous audacity. "If you think I'm going to help you in any way whatsoever, you're very much mistaken," he snarled.

"Oh, I think not," Jax shot back immediately, and stabbed a button on his desk which changed one of the displays behind him. Cirran's heart leapt to see Lerrah on the screen, apparently restrained in a chair in a cell-like room. With what had unfolded in the room over the past minutes, Cirran had almost forgotten she was in this mess with him, but here was a terrible reminder. The pilot shot Jax another venomous glance. "If you hurt her, I'll--"

"Yes, yes, I know, you'll kill me, etcetera," Jax interjected, sounding bored. He gestured towards the screen. "She can hear you - by all means, be my guest."

Cirran continued to look daggers at Jax briefly, but then turned his attentions to the screen and more importantly the woman on it. "Lerrah?" he called out inside the office, painfully conscious of his lack of privacy. "It's Cirran. Are you OK?"

Lerrah's head came up at the sound of his voice. She craned her neck around, searching for a monitor, but could find none. "I've had better days," Lerrah said. "Are you okay? What are they doing to you? I...Cirran, what's going on?"

Cirran wasn't sure where to start answering that question....what was going on? He still didn't know what Jax wanted from him. He looked at the officer, who merely gave him a knowing smile. "It's...I don't know, but Kemma's here, Lerrah. My sister is here, alive! But it's complicated...look, hang tight. I'm going to get you out of this mess somehow."

"Okay," Lerrah said, a smile playing over her lips. "I'll be right here waiting for you."

Cirran managed a smile of his own at Lerrah's bravery. She was an amazing woman, no doubt, and as he watched her on the screen in that moment, all the barriers and checks he had thrown up around his feelings towards her fell away completely for the first time. "Lerrah, I-- " he croaked, but Jax had stabbed a switch in front of him again and Lerrah's image on the screen cut to black.

"Enough chat for now," Jax explained. "I hardly feel now that I need to explain why exactly you are going to help me get what I want, Cirran, but let me point things out to you explicitly, since you were always very slow. If you do not help me, I am first going to have that lovely young woman's eyes removed, probably via vibroblade. That way she will not be able to see the blows coming when we break each one of her toes, and then move on to her fingers. From that point on, I like to play it by ear...there's a range of options available, and though typically I like to leave them to the discretion of my men, perhaps we'll allow you to make the choices in a special case such as this."

Cirran's resistance was, for the moment, completely ended. The physical beating, Kemma, and now this - it was too much. "Don't," was all he could manage in a whisper. "Please don't hurt her."

Jax smiled. "You need not fear I shall, Cirran - as long as you provide me with your complete cooperation. But for now, I think you need a rest!" He motioned the two sentries forward, and each grabbed Cirran roughly under an armpit, dragging him to his feet. Jax gave the shattered pilot an almost friendly smile.

"You go and get your strength back for a bit! You've had quite a day, and there's a lot of work to be done ahead of us."

At Jax's dismissive wave, Cirran was dragged unceremoniously from the room, body and spirit broken. Gorta Jax watched him go, and merely smiled a satisfied smile. Apart from the state of his carpet, things were finally proceeding to plan.

---

"The Creation of the Drogen Front"
By Connor Moonsgrave
Liira - NPC
Eeron - NPC

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Selene 26, 5 ABY

***

Under the domain of the Jau, several changes were noticed, but life at Drogen began to follow some normality, with new species roaming the streets as the new security forces of Drogen Shipyards.

People were usually frighten with the looks of the Jau, but others seemed secured on walking through the streets of the lower levels of Drogen Shipyards. For the first time the gangs were not in controlled of the streets, but the Jau.

In the center of lower levels of Drogen Shipyards, there was a large square that was usually fill of drunken people, spice dealers, but with the Jau none of that was visible. Instead four bodies were hanging by ropes that were around their necks. It was awful vision, but it send clear message to all people of the lower levels of Drogen, that anyone that would revolt against the Jau would end up like them.

Whoever local people that wanted to live a normal life, supported this action by the Jau, because the crimes, the illegal commercialization of spice and the gangs disappeared, since almost all of them was relocated, but no one knew where exactly.

Connor stood in his usually stool glimpsing towards the people that were in the lodge, there was a mix of feelings. A few had sad look, like the woman at the end of the Lodge that was constantly crying, because the Jau had taken her son and Liira was trying to calm her down. On the other end of the lodge there was a few people laughing and were overjoyed with the Jau finally resolve the crime on the lower levels and that finally they could have normal and secured life. However Connor, was in the middle of the two opinions, because Sa'Taka Gal'traq the leader of the Jau told in the message.

"Hey..." A voice said behind Connor that broke is line of thinking. "You look apprehensive!"

Connor turned back to the bar and looked to Eeron. "I'm still thinking about this Jau invasion. It still bothers me that they have other plan, rather then they come here to assist the people of Tae'Karada, leading them into new glory. They are hiding something."

"Like what?" Eeron asked interested to hear Connor's opinion.

"Well, like for example the resources Tae'Karada is so rich in. What are those resources and what the Jau would utilize them for? In way I don't believe this Sa'Taka's promise of better lives." Connor looked apprehensive, enough to make Eeron apprehensive.

"Then we must find out what they are up too!" Eeron suggested. "We could gather a few people and demand to answer our questions!" Eeron stopped speaking when Liira approached them, so that she could not hear their conversation, but it was already too late.

"Eeron, we can't just go out there, fire our blasters and pretend that we are the freaking Mandalorians!" Liira said angrily.

"Liira's is right, we can't simply demand that from the Jau. The consequences will not only to throw us to those mining facility as labor force, also a lot of people could die in the process." Connor looked around. "We need first to get organized, without the knowledge of the Jau. This station has a lot of people and from the fighting in the upper levels there is a lot of people that lost someone to the Jau or was sent to the mining and slave camps, people that also know this shipyards inside out, that can be handy."

"Are we talking in forming a rebellion here?" Liira said in low tone of voice, so that Connor and Eeron could hear.

"Yes, of course, we are!" Eeron quickly said and then look to Connor. "Aren't we?"

"In a way... Look Liira I know that you are uncomfortable with life threatening situations, but I can't simply trust the word of the leader of alien species that I never meet before. There is possibility that they are not honorable people and are used to lie to others or they could be extremely honorable, but I can dismiss what my guts are telling me." Connor looked over maintaining attention that no one was hearing their conversation. "What my guts tell me, is that the Jau has special plans for those unknown resources that they say this planet is so rich in. The Jau have their own plans and Tae'Karada and its people are not part of it."

"Then what do we do? We can't penetrate their shields," Liira said.

Connor looked to Liira and gave her smile to comfort her. "We will not be shooting or attacking the Jau, it would be at this point extremely stupid. What we are going to do is to gather more information that we can about these Jau and what are their plans are for Tae'Karada specially Drogen Shipyards."

"And how do you propose we do that? As you can see that we are always are empty, with low customers. If the Jau all of the sudden see a large group of people entering here, they will know that we are up to something," Liira stated.

"You know Connor, she is right about that."

"She is!" Connor confirmed what Liira said, which left her quite surprised for herself, to make such a important note, while Connor thought for a few seconds and began to look around the Lodge. "That can be easily resolved. We turn the Lodge to the hottest club in Drogen Shipyards, where the biggest and important people that live at Drogen wants to be customer, including the big shots among the Jau." Connor smiled for a brilliant idea he had.

Eeron and Liira were not so smiley as Connor. Eeron wanted to speak, but his words were somewhat stuck on his neck, but after few seconds, the words finally ca