Location: Keeve and Shiv's apartment, New Plouton
Date: Lythe 27, 4 ABY

***

The ride to the house was quick, though for some it seemed endless with Zari's non-stop questions and flirting with Keeve. In the end, however, her flirtations were harmless. As they were all shuffled into the house, Talara found herself in awe, especially when she realized who lived here. Still wearing Cole's shirt, she padded forward in the foyer. Soon, she'd have to find a comm. She'd have to contact Nieme and Dani as soon as she could. If nothing else, she and Ferrig needed to be rescued.

Zari stayed near to Keeve, shadowing his every move. Cole's jacket was huge on her, but she didn't care. "Do you think I could get something to eat?" she was asking. "I don't think I've had anything to eat for at least a day."

Keeve sighed and gestured tiredly to the refrigeration unit. Half an hour with Zari had worn him out faster than an entire night rolling through the sheets with Shiv. He grinned. If there were to be guests, he wasn't going to be the only one entertaining them.... "Maeren!" He rapped on the door to their bedroom. "We have visitors...hungry, naked visitors."

The door to the bedroom whipped open, revealing a fairly disheveled Maeren Shivral on the other side. "Naked?"

"They're just kids," Keeve chided. "It's Zari and her friends. You'll behave, right?" Keeve nodded slowly, encouraging her to do the same.

"Oh gods," Shiv said with a confused look. "What are they doing here naked? Was it a bet?" She tied her robe in place and motioned for Keeve to follow her back into the room. "We can find some of my clothes for them."

"That's probably best," he answered solemnly. "They were with Nieme and Dani - gods only know what they were showing those kids."

"Something someone Zari's age should not be seeing yet, that's for sure," Shiv said. "Then again, she's a peeper. I guess the only things she could see with them that she didn't see around the house on Agarra would be the depraved things that none of us get off on. I really wish someone would just...would...stop them."

"You used to like them," Keeve reminded her, frowning as she tossed a shirt over her shoulder that landed on his head. He pulled it down and slung it over his arm. "The way Zari was flirting with me," he continued, "seems like they...you know...got to her."

"Well, do you blame her for flirting with you," Shiv said. "She is getting to the age where she notices boys, and you are a rather fine specimen of the male half of the species. But, they probably did. We'll have to have a talk with her. And, I liked them, but it was before they turned so...psychotic."

"From what Zari said, sounds like the Jedi were keeping them busy," he assured her. His hand shot out to snatch another flying piece of clothing out of the air. "This would probably fit that street rat they've got with them," Keeve mused, examining the pants. "Apparently, he's Zari's boyfriend." His distaste was obvious in the frown deepening the furrows in his brow. "We send her off to the Temple to train, and now she's dating boys. She's better off with us!"

Shiv turned. "A boyfriend," she said with an amused smile. "And, I think I note a touch of jealousy in your tone. Or, perhaps it's just your overprotective nature. Zari's fourteen; she'll be fifteen next month. And, she's going to be interested in boys. We'll just have to make sure we have a talk with her and get a few things straight."

"And the sooner the better," Keeve muttered, retrieving a high-collared sweater from her hand and marching to the door with the intention of forcing it onto Zari. "While you're gushing," he called to Shiv, "comm Kallia. Tell her to come collect her wayward Padawan."

"Yes, sir," Shiv said with a laugh, and moved over to the comm unit to do just that.

Keeve watched her long enough to ensure she was truly complying, knowing how reluctant she would be to cause trouble for Zari, then stepped back into the living area. He gaped at the sight of the refrigeration unit's contents spread out before the four youths, seated on the floor in a circle. They were greedily sampling bits of each item, then tossing them back in the foraged pile for the others to share. All were ravenous. "Hungry?" he asked sardonically.

Zari looked up at him and grinned. "Keeve! We're famished. It's been so long since I've had any food. This is perfect."

From where she sat at the table, Talara looked up at Keeve and frowned. "Is...is Merrick here?"

He eyed the girl warily. "No...he lives with my mother-- How do you know Merrick?"

"We...we were captured by Nieme and Dani together, with Zale. I was there when he was."

Keeve's eyes only grew wider. "You were the one.... I mean, he mentioned a young girl. That was you?"

Tala nodded. "It was me," she whispered. "I was their prisoner...and...and...Merrick and Zale were there."

"Well." Keeve snorted and began making his way towards the group. "You'd better not introduce yourself to Kaysa, then." He tossed Talara a pair of Shiv's pants, which landed in her lap. "Mother's the jealous type."

Talara blushed and then started pulling the pants on. They were too large for her, but better than no pants at all. "Does she know what...what happened between me and Merrick? Does...does he ever mention me?"

Keeve exhaled deeply as he crouched beside her, searching his thoughts for the right things to say. "He...mentioned you, but didn't identify you. For the sake of his marriage...he tries not to bring it up." He studied Talara carefully. "You can understand that...can't you?"

She nodded ruefully. "I understand," she whispered. "I probably shouldn't see him again. I think...I think it would be bad. And...and Ferrig's my boyfriend now, so I...he's so...so beautiful and amazing." She smiled. "He sang to me when we were prisoners...and I sang to him. He said I have a nice voice."

Keeve smirked. "Yeah...well boys will say anything to get into a girl's pants." He shot Zari a pointed glare.

"Is that why you gave me these pants?" she asked with a grin, then blushed. "They made us be together, but...but after awhile it became a release. It was...he made me feel safe there."

"Look," Keeve told her with as much gentleness as he could muster, "I know you think you two had something...but he's not here right now, and not in your position, so I'd suggest you stop dreaming of reliving the past and start dealing with what you all have been through. It can't have been pleasant."

Talara nodded and looked away. "It was pretty awful," she said. "They're not nice people. They make you do things you don't want to do."

"And...they did that with you?" Keeve hesitantly glanced aside at Zari. "Did they?"

"They did," Talara said. She glanced over to her friend and nodded slowly. "And, they did. She already knew a lot and...and...and she wasn't...you know. A...a virgin. But...but they weren't gentle. They gave her a tattoo too. Another day, and she would have been...they would have taken her for piercings."

"Well, they didn't," Keeve consoled them, though his voice carried a hard edge, one that transferred to his eyes as he reviewed what he had heard. "Wait...Zari, you weren't a virgin?" His steely gaze shifted to Cole.

"Keeve," Zari said, quickly backing away from the table and rushing toward him. Her chair clattered to the floor as she bounded away, clinging to him fiercely. "Please, Keeve, don't be upset. It was my choice. I wanted to, and so we...it...it happened. I'm a woman now. So...please..." Her arms were thrown around him and she clung as if he might try to push her away.

"A woman," he growled, displeased by the notion, though as Zari's legs wrapped around his waist, he relented and supported her with his arms. "You and I...we need to have a little talk about all this," he said quietly to Zari.

Her blue eyes found his and she nodded. "Alright," she whispered and pressed her forehead against his chest. "Thank you, Keeve."

"What's all the commotion?" a sleepy voice from the doorway said. Standing there was an identical twin to Maeren, but she was wearing a rumpled nightshirt and blinking as if she just woke up. "Oh...Zari." She turned to Keeve. "What's going on?"

He sighed and set the girl down, though she seemed reluctant to unwind her legs from his as she slid down. "We have guests," he told Kim once Zari was safely upright. "Meet Talara, Zari" --he motioned to the girl before him-- "and their boyfriends...even though they're too young to have them." This remark was directed at Zari.

Kimara moved to stand beside Keeve and watched the four youths at the table. She decided it wouldn't be good to comment on any respective cuteness considering Keeve didn't seem to appreciate the relationships. Zari and Talara were quite young as well, and perhaps he had the right of it The two boys though, they were...well, almost her own age. "It's very nice to meet you, Zari, Talara, and boyfriends."

"It's nice to meet you too," Talara said, her eyes fixed on Keeve and her expression almost dreamy. She suddenly looked over at Kimara and blinked. "Thank you for letting us stay here."

Kim laughed. "Well, I'm just a guest here as well. I just sort of help keep the place straightened up for my...my sister and her husband." She pinched Keeve's backside. "Don't I, brother-by-marriage?"

Keeve smiled through clenched teeth and reached behind to imprison Kim's hand in his own. "That's right, dearest sister-by-marriage," he retorted. "So why don't you get to doing that now, starting with preparing sleeping arrangements for our guests."

"A perfect idea," Kim said, then leaned up and gave him a kiss. "I'll put the boys in the other room, and the girls can sleep with me."

Keeve cleared his throat and pulled Kim back before she could venture too far. With his mouth brushing her ear, he whispered, "Don't give them any ideas, and don't influence them. They need to learn what's normal behaviour for girls their age, and what isn't."

"Don't worry," Kim said with a smile. "I plan on being a perfect example for them. It'll be a little slumber party, and I'll set them straight on the path of normal girlness."

"Good girl." Keeve offered a crooked smile as he stepped back and extended his arm, giving Kim leave. "You can start by putting on some clothes, hm?"

Kim laughed. "Might be a good idea," she said. "I'll do that while I'm getting their sleeping arrangements ready." She kissed his cheek, then skipped off out of the room.

Keeve sighed with resignation and started back into his room, patting Zari on the head as he passed. He stepped inside just as Shiv terminated her comm transmission. "So...did you reach Kal?"

"She's on her way," Shiv said. "She's been worried sick, but she had to stay behind because of the pregnancy. Two other Jedi went after them, she said she'd contact them and send them here too."

Sighing heavily, he dropped supine onto the bed with arms sprawled to each side. "We're never having children," he declared wearily.

Shiv crawled onto the bed and over toward him. "Are they too much for you, my love?" she asked. "Well, at least with our own child, he or she probably won't try to seduce you."

He looked down at her with a raised eyebrow. "Probably won't?"

"Ninety-five percent chance," Shiv said. "You always have to leave room for the abnormal, right? Oh Keeve...it's just that Zari likes you. I think with a little talking to, perhaps we can straighten her out."

He shifted onto his side, agitated, and watched Shiv with a deadly serious gaze. "This isn't the sort of thing you just...brush off, Maeren. I mean, when was the first time you...experienced it?" he asked uncomfortably. "And would a simple talking to have convinced you you didn't like it and wanted no more of it?"

"Probably not," Shiv said. "But what else can we do? We can't lock them up and put them away. We need to let them grow up and live their lives and help guide them when we can. And, I was fourteen the first time. It was with Lerrah."

"And I was ten," Keeve admitted, smiling and brushing his fingers over her arm. "It was with you. But, I was also slightly out of my mind."

"For a ten year old, you were very impressive," Shiv said. "And, if Zari did manage to seduce you, I wonder what she'd think if she knew she'd seduced a younger man."

Keeve sighed irritably. "I don't want to think about that, Maeren," he complained. "Things are bad enough as it is! If they hear you talking like this, they'll think what happened with Nieme and Dani is fine. And it isn't!"

"Don't worry," Shiv said as she kissed his brow, "we'll talk to them and set them straight. We'll teach them what they need to know, but in the end the decision is theirs."

Keeve snorted. "Not if I have something to say about it...and Kallia! You'll see."

Shiv giggled. "Have you ever heard the saying about unscrambling an augg? Unless we monitor them around the clock, if they want to, they'll find a way. We have to educate them. And...and probably watch them closely."

"I'm sure you'd like that," he grumbled and sat upright. "Dammit, I thought those Jedi were going to take care of those bitches!"

"Maybe it's not easy to do," Shiv said. "They seem very powerful, and...and slippery." From outside the room, the sound of the entry chime could be heard. Shiv glanced toward the door with a grin. "I think it's Kallia."

"About damned time," he muttered, and was stridently marching out of the room. As he passed the group in the living area, he pointed a finger at them, warning, "You're in trouble now..."

Zari blinked at him as Talara looked away. Ferrig was still too out of it really to do much other than nod, then flop back with a groan.

"What else is new...?" Cole whispered to himself, matching him eye for eye. It was about time; anything was better than this, the looks he'd been getting from the pompous ass was getting on his nerves. He hated being around so many people, so many strangers. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, demanding him to do something, anything! He could hear it in his ears like thunder. He clenched his fists tightly, moving them behind his back so no one could see him. Calm down... He forced himself to take deep, long breaths, stepping back to the wall, leaning against it.

He smirked, satisfied with his attempts at intimidation. At the door, he activated the door release. Kallia nearly bowled him over as she shouldered her way inside.

From behind Kallia, two small fists waved frantically in the air. "Bagaba!" came the small voice from the carrier on her back. A small, big-eyed face looked about as they entered the apartment.

Behind her stood Merrick and a young man Keeve didn't recognize. "Sorry," the young man said with a smile. "She's been a little overwrought since they disappeared. We all have."

Keeve nodded absently, more interested in scrutinizing the blonde-haired Jedi. He jerked a thumb towards him, asking Merrick, "Who's this?"

"His name's Kael and he's a Jedi. From what I understand, he was somehow connected with one of the two, either Nieme or Dani. He's also here because Kallia isn't in much of a condition to really defend herself if it comes to that. But, he's very concerned about the girls...and it appears that Nieme and Dani are holding his wife."

Keeve shook his head. "Well...they've certainly accumulated themselves a harem. Too bad they've been divested of some." He nodded towards Zari, Tala, and the others. "I imagine they'll come looking sooner or later."

Merrick nodded. "Exactly," he said. "Which is the other reason why he came. In case they do."

Suddenly, from the other room a cry of delight was heard. Tala barreled into Merrick, wrapping her arms around him and hugging him fiercely. "Merrick! Oh it's you!"

Merrick laughed and put his arms around her. "It's good to see you, Tala," he said.

"I've missed you," she whispered.

"I've missed you too," he said. "Are you alright?"

"Since Keeve and Cole rescued us, yes."

"Since Keeve was stupid enough to reunite you," Keeve corrected, rolling his eyes as he moved off stubbornly.

"You should probably get back over to listen to Kallia," Merrick urged. "I don't think she'd be too happy with you being over here with me while she's trying to make sure you're all alright."

Tala smiled up at him and tried to kiss his cheek, but wasn't tall enough.

Kallia assessed each of the young ones as they sat before her, glancing at Talara as she moved to sit next to Ferrig. "I'm glad you're all safe," she said. "From now on though, I don't think it's a good idea to leave any of you unsupervised since it appears Nieme and Dani have no qualms about just marching right onto the Temple grounds and snatching you away. The time for passive reactions is over."

"Gaboo!"

Kal glanced over her shoulder at Yara's grinning face and couldn't help smiling. "No more venturing off unchaperoned. No more late night dips in the pond. No more putting yourselves at risk while Nieme and Dani are still around."

You've got to be kidding! Cole thought. But a thought came to him. She was speaking to Tala and Zari... not him... well not directly anyhow. There was no chance in hell's army he was stopping his nightly walks in the forest - it was the only thing keeping him sane! It may be splitting hairs, it was just a good thing he was an expert at that.

"Accommodating Guests, Part 2"
By: Keeve Shivral
Zari Zathmir
Maeren Shivral
Talara Sorenne
Cole Slaton
Ferrig Mullerin
Kimara
Kallia Brael
Koran Darr
Laedra Vorrel
Yara Brael
Kael Selrid

Location: Keeve and Shiv's apartment, New Plouton
Date: Lythe 27, 4 ABY

***

There was another knock at the door. As Keeve moved to get it, Kael held up a hand. "I'll get it. It's Koran and Laedra, two Jedi." He stepped away and found the two standing there. He grinned and beckoned them inside. "So far they seem safe enough, and for the most part, physically unharmed."

Koran nodded. "Good," he said. "We led them away, and...then I believe Dargus Kandran led them away from us. It's been an extremely odd night."

"And exhausting," Laedra admitted, still wearing her blood-stained clothing, though the bleeding had stopped and she no longer appeared to be in pain. In the background, Keeve groaned. "Now we're going to have Jedi bleeding on our carpet...."

"The blood has already been dealt with," Koran said with a smile. "I am Jedi Master Koran Darr. This is Jedi Laedra Vorrel. Kael notified us the girls were here when he was on his way. We'd followed Padawan Slaton to the house Nieme and Dani were using. Thank you for keeping them safe for now."

Keeve shrugged. "As long as they're eating, they aren't interested in getting into trouble." Remembering his manners, especially at an elbow from Shiv, Keeve beckoned them into the apartment. "Want anything to drink or eat?" he asked, already moving towards the refrigeration unit.

"Nothing for me, thank you," Laedra replied, seating herself on the sofa with obvious difficulty.

"Just some water for me, please," Koran said with a bow.

Cole looked away as soon as Koran stepped in. He sighed heavily, knowing what was coming. Out of the Order, here I come... he groaned. Though something struck him suddenly. What if they had other plans for him? They could make his life a living hell. Gods I hope not... he sighed again.

Koran turned and regarded the young man, as if he'd been reading his thoughts. "If you wish to become a Jedi," he said, "you will learn to follow directions better. Though, we must thank you for leading us to where Nieme and Dani were holding the girls."

Cole smiled, though half-heartedly, as he looked back at Koran. "Glad I helped..." he whispered.

After it was clear Master Jae Dyn was finished with her scolding of them, Talara slipped away from Ferrig and the others and made her way over to where Master Laedra sat with Master Koran. She bowed her head meekly as she approached. "Master," she whispered.

Laedra watched Tala with unreadable eyes. "Padawan," she greeted in return. "It would seem we have much to discuss."

"Yes," Tala replied. "Thank you for coming after us. Nieme and Dani...they're...they're unkind. I don't know if they can ever be returned to the light side of the Force."

"It seems unlikely," Laedra agreed without inflection. "Though, what remains to be seen is whether you shall follow them, Padawan."

Talara raised her eyes to meet her master's. "Wh-what do you mean?"

"If you do not know," Laedra answered, a hint of disappointment obvious in her tone, "then I truly do fear for you, Padawan. How can you avoid something whose existence you're unaware of?"

Talara's eyes showed nothing but confusion. "What existence? Master, I left them with the others. I got away. What did I do wrong?"

Laedra regarded her still with impassivity, but as she spoke, her voice was gentle. "You yearned for what they could give you, Talara - you still do, don't you?"

"It feels good," Talara whispered.

"Then your devotion is to those who can stimulate those feelings within you," Laedra declared. "I am not certain, Talara, if you truly wish to be a Jedi - it would be impossible if your desires are leading you in a different direction."

"What can I do?" Talara asked. "I can't stop myself from feeling, Master. I can try to be stronger, more disciplined...but...but it's hard. I want to be a Jedi...I do."

"Then do it for yourself," Laedra urged her. "Do not do this to please me, or because of obligation to Andro. You must take time and think, Talara, and if your final decision is to leave the Order to pursue your carnal desires, then..." Laedra sighed and lowered her head in accedence. "It is up to you, Talara."

Talara looked up at Laedra, her eyes wide and filled with tears. "Please, Master," she whispered. "I want to be a Jedi. I...I'm not strong enough though. The...the temptation is...it's so much."

"Then you will learn to control it," she explained frankly. "If you doubt yourself, there is no hope, Padawan." Displaying the first hint of emotion, Laedra smiled faintly. "Master Andro had faith in you, Talara. Why do you not feel the same for yourself?"

"Because I've failed," Talara answered, nearly a cry of despair. "I wasn't strong enough. I'm not...I need...need help..."

"You need to help yourself," Laedra told her gently. "And that can only happen once you realize how truly strong you are, Talara Sorenne. If you cannot do that..." Laedra looked down at her hands folded upon her lap. "I will do all I can, Talara, but it is up to you, in the end."

Talara nodded. "Thank you, Master."

"You can thank me when we return to the Temple and you are a Padawan again." Laedra looked to Koran and mentioned softly, "I do believe it is time we returned."

"I agree," Koran said with a firm nod. He looked around, spotted Keeve, and approached. "I believe it's time for us to take our leave, and we'll take the children with us. Thank you for your hospitality and for contacting us as swiftly as you did."

Keeve shrugged. "They were cleaning out the refrigeration unit - what other choice did I have?"

"If you ever need our assistance, please contact us. Again, our thanks. And, we'll take them away before they completely clean out your refrigeration unit. Padawans, the speeder is waiting out front."

As the Jedi prepared to leave, Shiv moved up beside Keeve and slipped her arm through his. "Aw, I was hoping we could have a slumber party," she said for only him.

"We will," he assured her, kissed her brow, then called out to the gathering party. "Zari. Say goodbye to your friends. It's well past your bedtime."

Zari stopped and frowned. "What do you mean?" she asked softly. "I'm a Padawan too. I have to go back to the Temple."

"Not so you can get caught up with Dani and Nieme again." He waved her towards him. "Now, come on. Kal? Tell her this is best."

Kallia glanced at Laedra and Koran, then back to Keeve. "For tonight," she said, to Zari. "I'll stop by again tomorrow and we'll discuss it further. The two of you take care of yourselves, and if anything happens, contact us immediately. I'll see you around the middle of the day tomorrow. We can have lunch and discuss the future of Zari's training."

Zari pouted prettily, then shuffled over to the others and began explaining how she had to stay.

"I know she wants to train as a Jedi, and I'd like to see her trained. But, for tonight, I'll allow her to sleep here with her family. Nieme and Dani may strike again, and it's unlikely they'll look here."

"Stay with us," Keeve offered. "You've had a tough night as it is - no need to travel back to the Temple this late at night." Briefly glancing up at Kim, and struck with the idea, Keeve added, "You can have Kim's bed. She'll sleep out here with Zari."

Kallia thought about it a moment, then nodded. "Good idea," she said. "It'll keep me close to Zari as well. And, I think Yara's about ready to fall asleep right up there." She glanced back and noticed her little girl's dark eyes closing as she reached out to try to grab some of Keeve's hair. "I'll stay. And, we can figure the rest of this out tomorrow." She groaned. "It'll be good to get off my feet. I'd forgotten about this part of being pregnant."

Keeve detached from Shiv immediately and moved to Kallia, who he offered support to. "I can show you to the room now...while Zari finishes her goodbyes." He cast a stern gaze in the girl's direction.

"Thank you," Kal said and accepted his help. "It'll be nice when this new one is born. I hope he or she looks like his or her father."

"I don't know," Keeve mused, smiling at her, "I think looking like his or her mother is the better deal...."

Kallia laughed. "Well, if it's the father, then I'll know who it was."

"It certainly wasn't me," Keeve retorted and led her off with a guiding hand on her lower back, below Yara's dangling legs.

Laedra and Koran stood by as the goodbyes continued. The look she directed at him was furtively concerned. "What will the other masters say?" she asked for his ears only. "They may very well recommend harsh punishment for Talara."

"I do not know," he said. "There are only so many chances we can give before the cause does become lost. But where do you draw the line? She could be a danger at the Temple. Then again, she may not be. What are your thoughts?"

"I would've assumed you'd know by now," she teased. "I am giving her another chance. I've had many - she deserves the same."

Koran smiled and nodded. "Good. That was what I had assumed, and I don't want to give up on her, not yet. We'll bring her around, Laedra. You'll see."

"We all will," she reminded him, for bringing Talara to the Temple again meant she would become everyone's problem.

Koran nodded solemnly. "That we will."

Zari approached Cole timidly. "I'm going to be staying here tonight," she said, looking up at him. "But I think I'll come back to the Temple tomorrow. I'm sorry about...about everything." She slipped her arms around him and hugged him tight. "I don't care what they say though, you're still my boyfriend." She looked up into his eyes again. "If you want to be."

"You bet your cute ass I am..." he whispered into her ear so none of the Jedi standing around them could hear. He hugged her tightly against him, feeling her rubbing against his chest. He then kissed her lightly on her cheek as he pulled back. "I'll see you soon... that's a promise..." He had one of those mischievous grins that spoke volumes.

Talara approached Ferrig and helped him to his feet. "I'm starting to feel...halfway normal again. What did you hit me with?"

Tala smiled. "I tried a Force sleep, but it didn't work. So...so I used a board. I'll look at your head when we get back to the Temple. I don't think I even dented it though, you stubborn boy."

Ferrig laughed. "I don't know what got into me. It's...it's that they could get Raeila back."

"The Jedi can, if they try," she said. "You'll see. Now you can just be my boyfriend instead of being shared with them. And, you'll have Raeila when she comes back."

"I hope," Ferrig whispered.

Kimara approached the Jedi as Keeve and Shiv got Kallia's bed ready in her room. She looked at the two of them in wonder, then over at Kael and felt her knees go slightly weak. "Thank you for bringing her back. It means very much to us. And, I know you don't have trouble often, but...but if any Jedi ever need a place to stop and rest or stay, our door is open."

Laedra tipped her head. "Thank you. We may take you up on that offer someday."

Kim smiled at the Jedi, especially Kael, then took a couple steps back and held her hand out to Zari. "Come on, Zeezee, let's get our beds made up."

"Alright," Zari said sadly, though she couldn't stay that way for long...she never could.

As the two moved off to prepare their bedding, Koran ushered the others out of the apartment. "Come on, time to get back to the Temple. We'll have a big day tomorrow." With that, he lead the way out to the speeder.

Inside, Merrick stayed around just long enough to make sure everyone was alright, then said his goodbyes.

"Okay," Keeve sighed, his hand on Zari's shoulder as she gazed forlornly at the door, "off to bed. And this time" --he leaned over to bring his lips level with her ear-- "you're staying there."

She turned around and held him tight. "I'm sorry I was a problem, Keeve," she whispered. "I didn't mean to be. I didn't mean to be kidnapped or...or any of that. I didn't know...I didn't know being a Jedi was so dangerous."

"I wouldn't exactly call that being a Jedi," he pointed out. Staring down into her blue, doe eyes entreating him for reciprocal affection, Keeve sighed, rolled his own eyes, and rubbed her back soothingly. "You can stay here as long as you want, okay? It'll give you some time to figure out if you really want the life of a Jedi."

She looked up at him. "Can I sleep in your bed with you?" she asked. "I know they wouldn't be able to get to me in there."

Keeve frowned. "You're a crafty one, aren't you?" he accused. "Putting on the sad act, then springing that on me?" In front of him, Kimara was scowling at his comment. Keeve grumbled and relented. "You keep your hands above the waist, got it?"

Zari nodded. "Of course," she whispered. "Thank you, Keeve. I promise I'll be good."

Sighing, Keeve shuffled away with Zari clinging securely to him. The night would likely only get longer as he spent it fending off Zari's wandering hands.

"The Host"
By Theen Fida

Location: New Republic Embassy, Yalyssar District (New Plouton)
Date: Lythe 27, 4ABY

***

It had been a very long day, Theen thought to himself as he gazed out the panoramic view from his office. The sun was setting, washing its brilliant hues over the cityscape, reflecting its fading reddish-orange shape upon the metal and transparisteel surfaces that made up the city. Soon it would be night, and the sun's life giving energy would be replaced by the trillions of artificial lights that would twinkle and shine like the night sky. Theen made it a point in his increasing age to watch every sunrise and sunset he was capable of. There were few natural phenomena that one could take in, that had so much philosophical meaning, he had explained on many an occasion. He did love to watch them. So peaceful and serene...

Theen turned about from his respite to finish up his work of the day. He shuffled through some datapads, put some others in order, and yet still others he had to download information into his own personal datapad. So much was demanded of him, so much he demanded of himself. The life of a diplomat was not always an easy one, long days and nights, travels to every corner of the galaxy, dealing with the most unreasonable of people, dealing with those who only sought gains for themselves...it was an intricate game with many players, and rules that bended and folded, and were molded to suit the needs of those who played. It was a toilsome and burdensome life to say the least, but Theen loved being in service to the New Republic, he loved being in service to Tae'Karada, his home for almost 50 years.

Theen scrolled through some of the latest information that had been downloaded to his office's computer. He glanced over a small report from the New Republic base on the moon. A couple of ships were dispatched to the Netrilva Sector to investigate an anomaly, of which they had not been heard back from several days before. Theen had ordered a contact of his to pass on the information to the Jedi to see if they could be of any help. Apparently communications were in a blackout in that area. The report stated further that the information was carried on via a contact of the contact, a freighter captain who was delivering supplies to the Jedi Temple. That was all the report stated, no new information. Theen thought to himself a moment, and continued to sort through the information.

After all was in order he shut down his office for the night, securing his personal computer and the numerous datapads that held information of the state of affairs. He left the office for the turbolift. The turbolift carried him up several levels to a grand hallway, the foyer to the embassy's ball room. The day before Theen had instructed for the ball room to be prepared for an event. Amii'a had sent out the invitations several days before. And Theen was seeing to the decor, the entertainment, the food and the drink himself. He loved playing the host. As an Anx, it was in his nature to be highly sociable, and as a diplomat he had broad means to put together many a social event. Most often the events were diplomatic dinners, preludes to monotonous haggling over intergalactic affairs, treaty signings, business dealings, and sometimes just plain ass kissing to please those that the New Republic deemed in need of having asses kissed. This time however, Theen was just in the mood for a party, a regal affair of socialization. Of course he always had his own agendas, Theen was one of a kind; you couldn't take the Anx out of the politician, nor could you take the politician out of the Anx. Both were intertwined and an essential part of Theen's being. A party was always good for interesting conversations, information gathering, making of contacts, cashing in of favors, making favors, procuring favors...but most of all, the event would just be for enjoyment.

Those who would be in attendance were the elite, the who-is-who of the area, the major players. These would be the people who would shape the future of Chimaeria and the Tae-Remok system. There would be up-and-coming players as well in attendance, those who were in positions to become important figures in the state of affairs. Even at a party of his own making, a diplomat's work is never done! Theen bemused himself at the thoughts of the future event. Theen knew a well rounded diplomat knew how to mix business and pleasure, less one wanted to lose their insanity.

As Theen made his way from the foyer, the room opened up into a vast expanse that was already well into its transformation for the party. The ball room had already been reconfigured for the events. Theen had the room designed so that it had customizable columns and walls, an architectural ingenuity he had procured from a Chiss magistrate he had the pleasure of working with just prior to the embassy's construction. The Chiss were many things, and efficient was one of them.

When not in use, the ball room area was just one plain vast room, nondescript save for a half ring of columns at the back of the room, of which a balcony lay beyond, opened to the beautiful scenery of the Yalyssar District. By Chiss construct, the room could be modified in many ways to suit the affair. By means of a control panel, the room could be automatically reconfigured and decorated. Theen watched as several of the embassy's aides worked on the configuration and decoration of the room, per his requests.

Smoothly and silently the room changed. A dozen or so wall sections, and flooring sections swung out and up and around, transforming the vast empty room into one ready for a party. Rather than having a room that one was limited to in design and shape, Theen had the ball room designed with Chiss technology, so that it could be transformed in many, many customizable ways. Tables mushroomed from the floor, hover-chairs disengaged from the solidly round table columns that were produced from the floor, leaving a pedestal underneath the table as the chairs came to rest in mid air around each of the tables.

From the walls several bars were swiveled out from hiding, each equipped with their own bar-keep droid. The main floor lit up in dazzling colors as ceiling panels lowered to reveal holographic displays of colors. The room dazzled with color and with the intricate light beams that shot about like harmless blaster bolts. Towards the back of the main floor a rounded dais formed where the band would play. At one affair, a gymnastics group made grand use of the room's capabilities by allowing the main floor to reconfigure randomly and repeatedly as they jumped about from dais to dais for the attendees' amusement.

"Ah, Ambassador, I trust everything is in accordance to your specifications yes?" a feathery headed Ayrou asked of Theen.

"Tessyn, everything looks wonderful, you always do an immaculate job." Theen congratulated the Ayrou. Ayrou were well known as tireless collectors of information, and Tessyn was a great asset to Theen's administration on Chimaeria. Ayrou was his head of cultural affairs, having extensive knowledge in the ethical do's, don'ts and appeals to over a hundred cultures. At any affair of state that Theen visited or hosted, Tessyn was at his disposal to assure that there were no cultural misinterpretations, and that everyone involved had a fabulous time.

"Thank you, Ambassador, my pleasure to serve as always," Tessyn replied with gratitude. "If you may, I have the food and beverage menus for your choosing, and the entertainment itinerary for confirmation."

"Yes, of course," Theen answered as he looked over the vast menu of food items and beverages available for the gala. Theen assured that every possible choice was available for his guests, the finest of hors d'oeuvre, spirits and main dishes from all corners of the galaxy.

"The maitre d' droid will announce the arrival of our guests, we have a host staff to direct guests to the seating floor, the balcony, the bars, and the refreshers. Servant droids are programmed to deliver the guests' meals and drinks as they are ordered from the tables datapads," Tessyn explained. "We have several ice sculptures from local artists coming in the morning, exquisite I must say. As for the entertainment we have the Bith Intergalactic Troubadours, along with the Rylothi Dance Corps. I have managed to procure several special acts by the Togruti opera singer Ashla Dyani, and the Falleen sensation Maziel. She will be quite pleasing I assure you, I have had the pleasure of attending one of her shows in the recent past, very entertaining, upbeat to say the least," Tessyn explained with much satisfaction.

"Very good, very good indeed." Theen gleamed with approval. "I assume the security measures are in place?"

"But of course, Ambassador, everything is as you have requested, the event will proceed as planned I assure you."

Theen nodded as he left the Aryou to his devices and strode about the room in expectation and inspection. He strode out to the balcony to take in the night air and the ambiance of the multitude of lights from the city.

"Reprimands"
By: Cole Slaton
Koran Darr
Laedra Vorrel
Talara Sorenne

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Lythe 27, 4 ABY

***

The wooden doors at the Temple were always so adept at absorbing sound, which proved frustrating when one was trying intently to eavesdrop on the conversation behind it. Cole Slaton was such a person as he awaited his turn to be chastised by Koran and Laedra, and all he could discern was muffled speech and the vibrations of a baritone, male voice.

Silence then followed, and the young Padawan quickly stepped away to innocently study a nearby statue. Moments later, the door swing open and an upset Talara rushed out. She barely spared him a glimpse of her red-rimmed eyes before she fled down the corridor. Inside, Laedra and Koran were seated behind a long table, both facing the doorway. Laedra gestured Cole inside.

"Please close the door behind you," she instructed him.

Cole swallowed, though he had nothing in his mouth - it was as dry as a desert, all that was needed was the wind to carry a rolling bush across the plains. He wiped his sweaty palms on the side of his newly washed robe. He would have asked himself how he'd got himself into this, but what would be the point. He knew why he was here. He just had to face the music.

He stepped through the threshold of no return, closing the door behind him. The noise of the door hitting the frame made him jump, it was like thunder roaring in his ears. He sighed, turning away from the door to face Laedra and Koran. They did not look amused.

Laedra raised an eyebrow at him, and asked, "Aren't you forgetting something, Padawan?"

It took him a brief moment to realise it and it struck him like a cruiser at lightspeed. "Yes, Master..." he replied, bowing at them both before rising slowly. He hadn't been this nervous in his entire life. Well, it was probably true as nothing remotely close came to mind.

"I believe, Padawan," Laedra told him gently, "that is your first problem: you lack discipline, and that is usually the curse of the headstrong. And that is likely what instigated last night's incident."

"I honestly couldn't say, Master..." Cole replied, bowing again, as if it could make any difference. He knew they'd already made their minds up, the choice had been made. They were chucking him out. "I've done my best in my studies with Master Darr..."

"Have you truly?" Koran asked. Then continued before Cole could respond. "The problem is not your studies. The problem, Cole, is the bitter negativity that you exude wherever you go. You are unhappy, and that much is obvious. What is it you want, Cole?"

"To become a Jedi...and..." he hesitated, looking from one Jedi to the other before replying. "To stop the nightmares I keep having. I want to be Jedi..." he said, almost taking a step forward towards them. He held himself back, firmly rooting his feet.

"Then why is it you cannot follow the rules?" Laedra asked. "Why is it that you sneak out of the Temple at night?" She noted his surprise and smiled. "Did you think we wouldn't notice?"

"It helps me relax...to gather my thoughts..." he sighed, cursing his luck. "I go there, after having a nightmare. It just helps, I don't know why. No one mentioned anything about it so I thought it was ok. I wasn't harming anyone or doing anything wrong."

Laedra glanced down briefly at her folded hands, obscuring the disappointment in her eyes. "Joran says he found pistols in your possession." She looked up and smiled wanly. "He apologizes for snooping, by the way. The point is, such weapons are not permitted at the Temple, yet you chose to possess them. Why?"

He looked away from her for a moment. "I've had pistols, blasters since I was twelve..." he whispered, his eyes looking back at her. "I just felt more comfortable knowing they were there." It wasn't the best excuse he'd ever come up with, heck he could have come up with something better without breaking a sweat, but it was the truth. He owed them that much, at least.

"How can you take comfort from a device whose only purpose is to propel a metallic projectile into a living being and tear apart their insides?" Koran asked. "While a lightsaber may be able to maim, it is primarily a defensive weapon, as well as a tool. Walking in the forest is fine, Cole. It's the sneaking outside the Temple that is the problem. And, now, there are dangers in just being outside the Temple, dangers that could cost any of us our lives."

"Lightsabers can do more than maim, they can cut a man clean in half," Cole said a little more forcibly than he'd first intended. The words came out before he could stop them. "I apologise, Masters... I had no right to speak so..."

"You did," Laedra assured him. "We do not condemn free-speech here, Padawan. Opposed to promoting censorship, we do seek to teach you that a lightsaber is merely a defensive weapon. Our aim is to train you in other methods of resolving confrontation, other less violent approaches. We hope that is not the impression you have of us, Mr. Slaton - that we are nothing more than a legion of trained murderers. Our goal is peace."

Cole nodded. "I know that, Master, it's just harder than I thought to stop what's kept me alive all these years. I wish I could just forget it all and move on...but I can't. I can only do my best, Masters, it's all I have."

"Then explain why you simply ran off to rescue Zari without telling us?" Laedra demanded. "Do you not trust us, Cole?"

"She'd already been gone days when I found out. I'd asked the other Padawans if they'd seen Tala or Zari, none of them had. I then overheard you speaking about her... I wasn't thinking straight. I care for Zari, I won't deny it..." he was sure they were aware of the fact. "...as soon as I heard she was in danger... something clicked..." He tapped the side of his head, though he should have been pointing towards his heart.

Laedra sighed and nodded in acknowledgement. "I know sometimes it can be difficult to resist those overwhelming urges that defy better judgement...but that is what we will teach you, Padawan. We cannot do it, however, unless you try harder than you have been. Until today, you have shown no interest in any of the Jedi teachings outside of combat. You can't simply coast along, expressing disdain and disinterest towards everything we cherish. Being a Jedi is a calling, not a profession." She smiled sagely. "Either you accept that calling, or you move on."

"I will do better, Master..." Cole bowed slowly. "I will accept the calling and everything it entails."

Laedra and Koran exchanged the faintest of nods, then they regarded him once more.

"Cole, regarding Zari," Koran began. "The relationship you've developed with Zari Zathmir will have to end. You have enough distractions as it is without a relationship with her interfering as well. You'll have to stop seeing Zari."

"I can't see Zari?" That was something he wasn't expecting. They couldn't! They wouldn't! "You can't be serious...!"

"You can see her," Laedra amended. "But...it would not be prudent for the two of you to engage in sexual activity or courtship with one another, not until your training is farther along."

Cole looked from Laedra to Koran and saw he wasn't going to get anywhere with either of them. Their minds were made up. He sighed, nodding. "As you wish, Master..." It was then a thought struck him. "My training? You're not sending me away?"

"Not unless you wish to leave," Koran answered. "I will continue to train you, and you will become a Jedi Knight if you wish to be. In time, you may resume your relationship with Zari if the two of you wish. I know we cannot tell your heart to stop caring for her, and we won't. That love and compassion will be something we nurture as you grow into Knighthood. But the physical relationship should not continue until you both have progressed further."

"I take it no matter what I say or do you're not going to change your minds..." He sighed, nodding more to himself than to them. "I'm sure we can work through it together."

"Meditation will help, Cole," Laedra assured him. She grinned. "A lot of meditation."

He breathed out slowly, nodding. "You're not kidding..." he said as if joking but was far from it.

"No joke," Koran said. "We are reasonable people, Cole, and we understand what it means to love and be in love. But, you are at a critical stage in your development. If you can prove your dedication to the Order and that you are mature enough to manage your time as a Jedi and a personal relationship, we can revisit this issue. Bear in mind, that also means that Miss Zathmir must be able to do the same, and we'll need the approval of Jae Dyn, as well."

"I understand, Master, and will dedicate myself to the Order and my studies to becoming a Master Jedi." He was going to be one of the most powerful Jedi.

"Then you start this afternoon," Laedra replied. "Until then, please return to your room and practice your meditative techniques."

"As you say, Master..." Cole said, bowing before he left, allowing himself to relax and breathe out in the corridor. That could have gone worse, could have gone better, but could have been a lot worse. He looked up at the ceiling. "Someone up there still likes me..." he said with grin, running up the stairs to his room.

Meditating was far from one of his strong points - that was fighting obviously. He'd given his word that he'd do his best, so upon entering his room he climbed up on his bed, crossed his legs, and closed his eyes. He rotated his head slightly, allowing his neck to crack in several places. He slowly allowed himself to relax and empty his mind.

"Second Watch"
By: Cirran Tyris (PC)
Sgt. Mathias 'Walker' Coin (NPC+)
Tasia Harough (NPC+)
Lerrah Breijal (NPC+)
Tyriam "Ty" Kat'Ritara (NPC+)

Location: Hyperspace en route to rendezvous near Spira system
Date: Lythe 27, 4 ABY

***

Cirran's eyes snapped open as he awoke with a start. As usual, his brain was slightly behind his body during these few seconds, and took a while to catch up. I'm in space - the bunk on the 'Hope' - I'm in the 'Hope' and someone else is flying her. It was with this realisation that the rush of the past few days came back in well, a rush. It was little wonder that Cirran was struggling to keep up with events, even in his fully cogent waking hours. In just over a week he had battled pirates in space and (a lot more worryingly) on the ground, found out where Jax was supposed to be, gotten lost, crashed his ship, and become forcibly employed on a space station, and now he was en route to Gods know where with some people he barely knew to rescue some woman he'd never heard of who maybe, just maybe, had heard his sister's name mentioned. Just another typical month, really, he thought. He swung his legs over the bunk and sat up, looking at the new paneling on the floor.

He had to hand it to Tasia Harough. Once she had decided to come along on this little joy ride, the sway over the amount of resources she had thrown at the 'Fool's Hope' was pretty impressive. After a couple of pretty sleepless days working around the clock with the resources of Tasia's crew and parts on call, she and Cirran had put the ship in better condition than it had probably ever been since he owned it. Not only was the crash damage repaired, but a complete overhaul, and in some cases, replacement, had been made of most of the ship's major systems. He now had a new (second-hand) engine to replace the one that had flamed out, a bunch of shiny new stabilisers fresh out of the crate, a revamped torpedo launcher, well-tuned shield harmonics, and a countermeasures launcher, which somebody (he wasn't sure who - time had flown by pretty fast, in a blurry fashion) had thoughtfully added during the external repairs to the back of the ship.

The ship was now more heavily armoured on the starboard and at the back, where those making repairs had used military grade armour plating - but the part of the ship undamaged in the crash, which there had been no time to work on, were still composed of the same old pock-marked freighter plating, giving the ship a pretty bizarre appearance.

The strangest addition for Cirran though had been that of a crew. Tasia had called her friends in, Walker had signed up, and now there were 6 of them on the Hope, tripping over each other a lot, and optimising systems Cirran had never even had a chance or the expertise to look at. It felt strange to have people helping him after the long months going it alone in the universe, and he was still getting used to the idea of being part of a team again - a pretty untested team, at that. It was like his first days in the Alliance again.

We'll have to attack things in reverse, he thought, thinking of the lopsided armour. He didn't know how the uneven plating would affect the handling - or if the countermeasure launcher worked, or how the reworking of the shield harmonics that the specialist had argued with him about (and eventually won) would hold up, or why someone had decided to replace his floor. And he couldn't shake the feeling that someone was going to present him with a bill for all this soon. But no-one had yet, and it was good to see the ship running well. He patted the bulkhead affectionately.

A shadow darkened the doorway. "Typical bloody spacer," came a booming voice. "Loves his ship more than his mother!" Cirran looked up as the massive form of Sgt. 'Walker' Coin lowered itself through the doorway, chuckling quietly to himself, which when Walker was doing it, sounded like a space slug clearing its throat. Cirran smiled.

It was good to have Walker along, since, as Cirran understood it, they were going to break someone out of some kind of prison, and that was not exactly Cirran's area of expertise. Attacking an SD, no problem, tangling with eyeballs, fine, assaulting a weapons platform, easy. But sneaking through the dark, slicing into computer systems, and getting into firefights that didn't involve starfighters were none of them strong suits of his, whereas the more he got to know Walker, the more it seemed he was a man who well and truly knew one end of a blaster from another.

Following the revelation from Tasia a couple of days previously, Cirran hadn't been sure what to feel - elation or worry, optimism or pessimism. The one emotion he had been sure of was one of overwhelmed surprise. Naturally enough, he had headed for the nearest bar following his shift, and had set about the task of using his small remaining cash reserve to drink himself into quite a stupor. This would have been harmless enough, except that in the event (as was highly probable on the lower levels of the Drogen station) the nearest bar had happened to be a pretty disreputable joint, and Cirran had happened to overhear (or at least think he had overheard; his Rodian was pretty patchy) a Rodian telling his two gambling partners how they were going to cheat the woman they were playing sabaac with. In his drunken state, he decided that chivalry was called for, and informed the woman, who had hurriedly left, talking about calling the authorities.

Whether it was a case of them having been deprived of their easy pickings, or perhaps being simply offended and morally outraged at Cirran's accusation that they were cheating (Cirran couldn't be sure, but greatly doubted the latter), the Rodian and his colleagues had not taken this well. While Cirran's small arms instructors during Alliance basic training had been generally driven to despair, those in charge of teaching him unarmed combat had found a little more to work with. He was still by no means an expert, but drunk as he was, he had managed to elbow the larger Rodian in the face and punch the human in the solar plexus before the smaller Rodian had kicked his legs out from under him, and hit him over the back of a head with a pitcher.

Things went rather spinny after that, and it might have gone rather worse for Cirran were it not for the timely arrival of Walker, who after assessing the situation in what Cirran understood to be a typically brisk fashion, knocked the two Rodians' heads together and threw the unfortunate human into - and through - a drinks trolley. He had then hauled Cirran up while his squad mates placed the three very unconscious gamblers under arrest. "Can't you stay out of trouble, spacer?" he had laughed.

At that point, Cirran's answer had consisted of: "Hey! 'Ssss Walker! Hey Walker! I think I hit my head...but s'all right...hey, Walker! Nice there, with the, you know, the thing, and the uh, beating...you saved my arse, like again. Do you need a drink? I need a drink. Lessss get drinks."

Cirran couldn't remember a lot of the night after that, but evidently he had drunkenly proceeded to loudly tell his whole story to Walker, and then invite him along on this little jaunt, and here Walker was. Which was good, as the list of people lining up to hand Cirran's own arse to him seemed to be growing longer by the day, and having a battle-hardened tough-as-nails giant as a friend was a good idea. And if Walker was here on this crazy mission, he wasn't on the station reporting things to the authorities - although Cirran reflected that between Tasia's docking crew, and his own completely oblivious loud ramblings in the bar, it would be a miracle if he wasn't arrested as soon as he set foot back on the station. Best avoided, then, he thought. He yawned and looked at the huge man resting opposite him, shaking his head. "Why are you here, Walker?" he asked.

Walker grinned his sharkish grin. "I like you, spacer. You attract trouble, and trouble is fun. Besides, after all that time mopping up the pathetic lowlife on Drogen, you kinda get to longing for a bit of real opposition - see how the skills are holding up, sort of thing. I had some R and R time saved up, I may as well use it in pursuit of my hobby - blasting Imps. It's good for the soul."

Cirran smiled. "It might not even be Imps. In case you haven't noticed, details round here are sketchy. We could run into a bunch of replica droids or Mandalorians or Wookiee commandos, for all I know."

"Doesn't matter to me," the giant replied. "Just point me at 'em."

Cirran grinned wider. "You're a crazy son of a bitch, you know that? Ha! We're crazy sons of bitches together. I'll fly, you shoot. Now speaking of flying, who dares touch the controls of my beloved bucket of bolts?"

"Not sure who's on this shift, I've been looking at your turret targeting calibration. Who'd let a dumb spacer like yourself near a high performance weapon like that? It was point three seven off, at least! Disgraceful! Go take a look if you can't stand the suspense!" He laughed his booming laugh.

"Yeah, well sorry, I don't get a lot of time for the micro-management of minor systems on this ride, what with the keeping it actually running and flying it places and so on to do...your expertise is appreciated though..." Cirran replied mockingly.

"I should think so!" harumphed Walker. "Now get your lazy behind out of that there tiny bunk so I can get some sleep."

"Right you are, sergeant," said Cirran with a grin, and standing up, he left the small crew room and headed for the cockpit to see how things were going.

Two steps into the hatch, the dark-haired, sultry-eyed technician from the shipyards slid into his path with hands bracing her hips. Tasia Harough grinned. "Slept well, I gather?" She jerked a thumb over her shoulder at the young woman manning the controls. "If you're through lazing about, mind if my girl takes a break?"

Cirran took a second to mentally readjust to the sight of two attractive women in his ship, one of whom was actually flying it. So that's what it looked like from the back. "No problem," he said, "Although she might have to fight Coin for a bunk."

"Don't worry," Lerrah said with a cheeky grin. "I'll just share Tasia's bunk." She slipped away from the helm and patted his shoulder, then sashayed her way over to where Tasia stood. "Nice beast, though I still prefer flying the Pride."

Cirran smiled. "Typical pilot - each to their own. Speaking of which, it's definitely time for me to get back in the chair with the old girl and make up with her after our last effort..." Cirran said "...um, providing someone explains to me exactly where we're going again?"

"Just outside the Spira system," Tasia told him. "There's someone there who can help us find these mountains." She patted his shoulder as well and assured him, "It's more exciting going in blind, isn't it?"

Cirran nodded as he slipped into the pilot's chair, automatically glancing over the vital readouts. The 'Hope' seemed to be operating in good shape, with their destination only a few hours away. "Yes, more exciting, and more suicidally dangerous..." he said. "I'm not sure, perhaps there's some kind of link there," he added sarcastically. "Funny, no matter how many times people try their hardest to vape you, it gets the blood pounding every time. So what's the plan? Are we paying this guy for information?"

"Not if we can help it," Tasia answered, smirking. "He's some military official...not sure what kind, but Ty says if we want information about the Spira system, he's the one to talk to." She slipped an arm around Lerrah's waist as she came up beside her, and winked at Cirran. "Mind if we take a break? Just comm us when we jump out of hyperspace."

"Mmmm? Yeah, sure." Cirran waved dismissively towards the rear of the ship, engrossed in readouts, and then turned his attention fully back to a power level display.

Lerrah nuzzled her lips against Tasia's throat as she circled an arm around Tasia. She gave Cirran a demure look. "You have a nice ship," she said. "She handles well."

As the two women left the cockpit, Cirran suddenly realised what 'taking a break' meant. Although there was no-one around, he started blushing. I have to spend less time in this cockpit, he thought. Still, he was taking enormous satisfaction in the manner the ship was running. He sat back and watched the familiar streaks of hyperspace shoot past, and was pleasantly surprised as he glanced at the speed readout, which for the first time in a while actually agreed with reality.

"Hi there," came a voice from the back of the cockpit as a young man in dark pants with large cargo pockets on the side and a high-collared shirt entered. Ty Kat'Ritara gave Cirran a smile. "How's our progress?"

"Good question," said Cirran. "I'm kind of new to this rescue mission stuff..." he admitted, "...seems that most of the time when I come out of hyperspace, it's time to start shooting stuff at the other end. I gather that's not the idea this time round. But I can tell you that the hyperspace part at least seems to be going well." Cirran smiled. "You done this sort of thing before, Ty?" He knew little about the man. Tasia had told him he was 'good with computers', and Cirran had thought the more, the merrier. Now there was barely enough room for them all on the ship. But this was probably a good thing, Cirran reflected.

"Not like this," Ty answered. "Had a helping hand in getting the station back from the Empire, but nothing ever so grand as flying around the hyperspace lanes ready to come out on some special rescue mission."

Cirran laughed. "You know, I'm starting to think we just should have hired a bunch of bounty hunters. Still, between us we must have the skills to account for at least 4 or 5 of the probably thousands of guards in this place...no, I take that back. I think Walker and Tasia's Wookiee friend are good for at least 10 each. But I think you're gonna have to use those magic fingers of yours on their systems and mess with their heads, Ty, if we're going to have a shot at this."

"That's what I'm here for," Ty said with a grin. "And, don't discount Tasia's other friend, Lerrah. She may not look it, but she's fairly handy in a fight. I don't think I've ever seen reflexes like hers, and she seems to be pretty damn lucky. I think, as far as getting the job done, we may not be an assault force, but we can make a pretty fine strike force."

Cirran smiled. "Ah, optimism! I remember that!" His smile faded. "I also remember a lot of dead optimists," he said quietly. There was a silence in the cockpit as Cirran stared into the hyperspace blurs shooting past for a while, and then he seemed to come to his senses, brightening up a bit. "Still, I'm glad to have you guys along," he said to Ty. "It's good to be part of a team again. I look forward to us kicking some arse as a group unit." His smile returned.

Ty laughed aloud. "Well, I'm sure there will be plenty to kick," he said. "Just got to get there first. How long until we're in-system? I made a few modifications to the sensor package. Should help boost readings by about fourteen percent."

"Thanks, Ty. I'm starting to think I should crash into strange space stations more often," Cirran said, smirking. "Somewhat oddly, it actually seems to be good for my ship. According to the course that Lerrah set, which I'm not going to mess with, because last time I tried to take a shortcut I got severely lost, we're about 4 hours out now. Then we just have to find Tasia's contact - I suspect that's the easy part."

"I suspect you're right," Ty said with a grin. "Four hours? I think that's just enough time for them to finish up and rejoin us. Well, unless you want me to stick around here, I'll let you fly and I'm going to go prep some software that might come in handy for this little adventure."

Four hours? Sithspit! thought Cirran, but his mouth said, "Good idea, we'll need it. I'll give you a call if my poor simple pilot's brain gets confused by any of your modifications," he smiled. "And, Ty - thanks again."

As the slicer left the cockpit, Cirran again had cause to wonder what he had done to deserve all this help. I suppose my luck had to change sometime, he thought. He was not really sure if it really had though, or if this latest crazy enterprise would be the biggest disaster yet. But he had four hours to think about it.

He pulled the DL-44 Walker had leant him and sighted down the barrel, knowing he was unlikely to hit anything more than about 5 metres away with it. Guess I had better learn fast, he thought. He sighed and sat back in his chair as the 'Hope' continued to carry him and his new friends towards the unknown.

"The Talk"
By: Kallia Brael
Zari Zathmir
Keeve Shivral

Location: Keeve's Apartment, New Plouton
Date: Lythe 27, 4 ABY

***

Zari sat facing Keeve and Kallia, looking between the two. She settled her gaze back on Keeve, the strongest proponent for this new change.

"Why can't I go back to the Temple? I have to become a Jedi. I can't become a Jedi from here. I have to go to the Temple. It's not as dangerous as you think. I'll be fine. I promise!"

"Like you were fine last night?" Keeve told her, watching her skeptically. "I don't think so, Zari. Kallia can teach you just as well here."

"But what about the others?" Zari said. "What about my friends?"

"I'm sure you can visit them once in a while," Keeve assured her. "You just won't be having any sleep-over parties with them for a good long while."

"It's for the best," Kallia said. "And, besides, with my pregnancy, it's best that we remain here in the city for longer."

"But what about...what about Tala?"

"If it is alright with Master Laedra," Kal said, "perhaps she can visit you here as well."

Zari looked between the two of them again, and pouted.

"You know that won't get you anywhere," Keeve reminded her, though he was chuckling. "Besides, that boy's no good for you. Hasn't Kallia taught you that you're too young for sex?"

"You don't even know him," Zari whispered. "I love Cole. He's so gentle and sweet and he loves me. And...and if I love him...isn't...isn't making love, sex, isn't that part of..."

"Not yet it isn't!" Keeve bellowed. "Are you insane? Do you really want to...to conceive a child right now, Zari?"

"No! I just...I want him to know...how I feel about him, and that's...that's what...that's what making love...I'm not ready to have babies!" She glanced at Kallia's belly, then back to Keeve.

He rolled his eyes, leaning in towards her. "Then don't have sex, Zari. Express your love in other ways...like telling him."

"Can he...he still be my boyfriend...if we don't?"

Keeve raised an eyebrow at Kallia. "She's your Padawan," he reminded.

"You'll take it slowly," Kallia said.

Zari nodded. "I will. I love him. Can he come visit us here too?"

Kal sighed. "That would be up to Keeve and Maeren."

"Oh, no," Keeve answered emphatically. "That little brat isn't stepping foot in here. He called me 'old'!"

Zari giggled. "Well, you are older than he is," she said. "But I still love you, Keeve. If you weren't married, I think I'd want you as my boyfriend."

He shook his finger at her severely and told her, "No more boys! You concentrate on training instead, got it?"

Zari nodded slowly. She looked at Jae Dyn, then sighed. "I'm sorry, Master," she said.

"As am I, Zari," Jae answered. She indicated her swollen belly. "If I hadn't gotten myself into this situation, I would have been better able to protect you."

"Don't you dare blame yourself," Keeve told her gently. "Zari got herself into this mess, and now she'll work to get herself out of it and back on track with her training." He looked down the length of his nose at the young girl. "Got it?"

"I understand," Zari said quietly.

Keeve smiled arrogantly at Kallia and rose from the sofa. "Well, she's all yours, then. I've done all I can do for her. She's got a taste for it now...you know what I mean."

Kallia looked up at him. "I'm afraid we weren't very good role models for her on Agarra, yourself included. How many times do you suppose she watched you and Maeren together?"

He threw up his arms. "How the hells should I know! It's not as if I was aware of her eyes on us when we were...you know."

"Well, just in case, I imagine we should take precautions," Kal said.

Zari looked hurt. "You don't trust me."

Kallia laughed and put her hand on her Padwan's shoulder. "It's not about trust, it's about desire. I know what it feels like to desire, and I think it would be best just to make certain there aren't any unfortunate consequences. I also think if you're going to be living here, around Maeren and Kimara, it'd also be a good idea...since I don't believe either of them know the meaning of the word self-restraint, and won't exactly be the best role models."

"That's my wife you're insulting," Keeve reminded Kal only half-teasingly. "Maeren's not going to seduce the girl, if that's what's got you worried."

"Not at all," Kallia said. "However, when have you ever known your wife to show any sort of restraint regarding sex and sexuality. She may not seduce Zari, but I believe that she won't exactly discourage Zari from experiencing...especially since Shiv became sexually active around Zari's age. Your biological age is several years younger. I'm just thinking preparedness is better than turning a blind eye and hoping."

Keeve sighed and grumbled. "Fine...I'll talk to her. But if Zari goes wild again, you won't be able to blame Maeren, got it?"

"I'm not going to go wild! I didn't in the first place." She shook her head and made a noise that sounded vaguely like a growl. "I love Cole! What's the matter with me making love with him, Keeve? Why can't I? How old are you? How old did Kallia say Maeren was when she started?"

"Stop it!" Keeve hollered. "You're too young! And how the hells do you know you even love him? Are you sure you don't simply think you love him because you had sex with him? You're confused, Zari!"

"How do you know you love Maeren, and not Kim!? How does anyone know?"

"Because we're old enough to know," he snapped. "You're not, so get over it!"

"How do you know?" Zari snapped. "You're younger than me!"

"But my brain's older!" he riposted. "I have more damn experience than you do!"

"Will the two of you stop this," Kallia snapped. "Your silly argument isn't going to solve anything. Zari, wherever your feelings take you, we'll deal with them as it happens. Keeve...don't be so condescending and snooty." She leaned close to him. "She may think it's too cute, you know."

He silently fumed, then spun away and marched off. "I'm going to make sure the doors are locked," he hollered back. "And if that Cole fellow stops by, I don't care if my blaster accidentally discharges!"

"Keeve!" Zari charged after him, catching up to him in the hallway and grabbing him around the waist. "Please, Keeve." She scampered around him, her blue eyes searching for his. "Why can't you let me be with him? He's my boyfriend. I love him." Her eyes found his, fell into his, and she whimpered. "Keeve..."

He upturned his face to ceiling and sighed deeply. "You know this cute-act won't work, Zari." Though, it was. "You--" He groaned irritably and caved. His arms came up around her and he again looked down upon her. "Give it time - you and he apart for a while - and if you still think you love him...then...I promise not to kill him, alright?"

"Alright," Zari whispered and held him tighter. "Thank you, Keeve."

"Thank me when I don't kill him," he quipped, then shot her a warm, lopsided grin and kissed her forehead. "Now, go on and let Kal scold you some more. She needs the practice for when Yara is old enough to start dating."

"I think she's going to have to fend Yara's boys off with a stick," Zari said. "She's so cute, and she's just going to get cuter."

He eyed her warily. "You're not getting ideas, are you?"

Zari grinned up at him and kissed his chest. "Why did you have to marry Maeren?" she asked. "If you hadn't, you could have been my boyfriend."

"You're too young for boys, remember?" Keeve winked at her, then turned her towards the living area by the shoulders. "Go talk to Kal." Leaning over, he whispered into her ear, "And be a Jedi, got it?"

Zari giggled and started on in to talk to Kallia. As she did, a pair of arms slipped around Keeve's waist and a pair of gentle lips pressed against his neck. "Nicely done."

"What can I say? I've got a way with kids." He reached back and stroked the silken hair belonging to his wife. "I definitely deserve a reward, don't you agree?"

"Oh, I think you definitely do," Maeren whispered. "Would you like to claim your reward now while Kallia is busy with Zari?"

He chuckled lowly and shifted around to pull her closer. "You need to ask?" Eliciting giggles from her as his hands roamed, Keeve half-carried Maeren away.

***

Zari sat down in front of Jae Dyn, who regarded her silently. She wasn't certain if her master was upset with her or not. Finally, Jae Dyn smiled, and Zari allowed herself to breathe easier. She's not that mad, she decided.

"We will return to the Temple for some of our things, but I'd like to return here for a time. It'll allow you greater focus away from the distraction of your friends, and it'll put me closer to a hospital for when the baby is born."

Zari looked up. "What about Cole?"

"We will visit the Temple from time to time," Jae Dyn answered. "And perhaps he can meet you in the city, chaperoned, of course."

A bright smile lit up Zari's face. "Really?"

Kallia laughed. "Really. But, you have to prove yourself as a student."

"I'll be the best student ever!"

There was a long moment of silence as Jae Dyn regarded her student. "You really do care for him, don't you?"

Zari looked away with a blush, then finally faced her master again. "I love him very much."

She wasn't certain if she truly believed it was love between the two, but Kallia was certain that Zari believed she loved Cole. As long as they were watched and she didn't lose focus again, she saw no harm in allowing Zari to spend time with Cole. And, if they were watched, then they wouldn't be doing things they weren't supposed to. "Well, we'll see what happens then. And, remember your promise."

"I'll remember, Master."

Jae Dyn nodded with finality. "Good. Now, I think it's time for some meditation and focus. Close your eyes and clear your mind..."

"Training Exercise"
by Kyra Ronso
Auron Ronso
Ellemiek Vermollen
Aeris Strife
Jubey Khaanor - NPC
Kilgara Saaknor - NPC
and Corey Vankils - NPC

Location: MCC Galleon, en route to "Underworld"
Date: Lythe 27, 4 ABY

***

Auron tried to get an aim with his ship lasers. As he got a lock and fired his lasers, he saw them hitting on the target. He got up, putting his feet on the chair and peeked with his head out of the cockpit. "Corey, tell Whinner to adjust the laser cannons two clicks to my right."

Corey was on ground and glanced towards Auron. "Ok. Whinner, two clicks to Auron's right."

Auron's droid was under the X-Wing. He whistled in agreement as he extended his arm on the panel that was in the droid's right. Whinner whistled and Auron understood that he had made the last adjustment.

He sat again on his cockpit and got a lock to the far panel and fired. Auron saw that the lasers hit right on the bull's-eye. "That's fine, Whinner! This fighter is ready for action!" he said as he got up again and climbed down the ladder. "Ok, Whinner, go and tell the carry droids to take this ship back to the main hangar."

The droid whistled in agreement and rolled out of the room. "It is unbelievable how one mission can set off our laser canons..." Auron said as he walked out of the room, accompanied by Corey.

"Yes, but what made me worry was your fourth engine. I never thought that a micro asteroid had so much destructive power. It's a wonder how the engine didn't explode!" Corey said.

"I was lucky on that one. Just a few centimetres to the left and that micro asteroid would have hit where the fuel was. Luckily, I had Whinner, who shut off that engine just in time..." Auron paused as he looked at Corey. "Hey, I'm heading to the gym. Want to come?"

Corey blinked and smiled. "Sure!"

They went towards the gym and spoke a little on the way. When they were there, Auron saw Ellemiek with Jubey and Kilgara, and they were exercising something that looked rather uncomfortable, but Auron knew that they were in a session of relaxing and stretching. Auron glanced to the main ring where the commandos usually used to train their martial arts amongst other things. He noticed that Kyra was inside with two swords and she was kneeling down with her eyes shut.

Aeris was also near Elliemiek, in front of the controls that created the environment for the ring. Auron went first to Ellemiek, looking towards Kyra who seemed to be in some kind of meditation. "Hey, guys! How long is Kyra in there?" Auron said, realising that the ring had no walls to make the limits of the ring, meaning the term he used was somewhat wrong. The entire room was its limits, but Auron figured that it had some kind of controls to make the training dummies only attack the person that was training and not the others who were making the other exercises.

Ellemiek sat on the floor with her left leg stretched in front of her and the other one tucked behind her. She grabbed her left foot and had her torso fall on top of her leg, stretching and breathing smoothly but continuously. She then let go and looked up at Auron with a smile. "To be honest, I can't really say. She was here when I arrived already... So that means that she's been in there for at least an hour."

Kilgara also sat on the floor with Jubey sitting in front of her, as they faced each other. Kilgara had her legs split apart as far as she could manage and Jubey had his feet poised in her inner legs, just beyond her knees. He was grabbing Kilgara's hands and pulling her forward to him, helping her to stretch. He looked at Auron. "She also hasn't moved an inch since we got here..." he added.

Kyra opened her eyes and grabbed both swords. She waved them, and the swords cut through the air, making a noise that could be heard in the entire room. She moved through the room, accelerating the movement of her arms and hands, while moving the swords between her fingers. She made it look as it was an easy thing, a walk in the park. She then stopped for a second and moved even faster.

At this point, Auron couldn't see exactly were the swords were. He could only see as if Kyra was being shielded by a silver blur that she was creating with the swords. Auron was amazed by the speed that Kyra moved the swords.

Kyra stopped after a few seconds and she was tired. She set the swords down with the rest of the weapons. She then took a huge wooden pole off the weapons stand and walked to the center of the room.

"What level, Kyra?" Aeris asked simply, since she knew what exactly it was that Kyra wanted.

"The highest level," Kyra said. She put one of the ends of the pole on the ground. The pole was a little higher than Kyra. She grabbed the pole with her right hand and rested her right foot in front of the pole and her left foot around the pole and she stayed in that position while Aeris punched the controls of the environment.

Six holographic dummies appeared around her and all of them had weapons in their hands. Kyra concentrated to hear her surroundings. She remembered what her teacher taught her. "Imagine a circle. Inside it is your world that you control. Outside it there is nothing, absolutely nothing. Your deadliest enemies don't exist until they step inside your circle, your world." Kyra waited for one of the dummies who stood there, walking around her. Kyra focused.

It was only after ten minutes that the first dummy charged against her. She pulled the pole to the side, making it hit with the other end on the ground. The pole elevated to the level of her thorax. Kyra moved her thorax without moving her feet and grabbed it with both hands. She then spun to the other side and took her right hand off the pole. The pole went with such speed that the only thing heard was the sound of the wind while it travelled through. She stopped holding the pole with her left hand, and it crossed her back while she had her left arm extended. She placed her right hand in front of her and her legs were spread. The dummy that took the blow spun in mid air several times before it hit the ground. The computer marked that the dummy on the ground was dead. The computer then pointed out that the hit was so hard that in reality it would have broken a human neck.

Everyone in the room stopped to see the speed that pole travelled. The sound that came from it was similar to a blaster firing. Auron was perplexed with what he saw. He couldn't believe that it could be done. Auron knew, like everyone else in that room, that those training exercises were tough, and yet all she did was move her pole once to kill one dummy. He couldn't believe what he had seen. "Force shit!" Auron spoke without noticing that he did so.

Auron saw the rest of the dummies charging against Kyra, but she moved as the dummies reached a certain distance from her, and moved the pole as if she knew the exact distance, as if every inch of the pole counted as a defense circle or something. She never charged the dummies that were too far away, only the ones that the pole could hit. "Ellemiek, are you still believing what you're seeing?" Auron noticed that Aeris was somewhat impressed, but Jubey wasn't impressed at all. It was as if he had seen such a thing before. "I mean, when I fought her, she wasn't like this at all! If she fought like this with me I wouldn't stand five minutes!"

"I've seen it before... When I first saw her. She was the one who ambushed me and the others back on the surface, in Tae'Karada," Jubey said. "She was just as this, or even faster. I gotta tell you guys, I'm glad to have her on our side."

"Well, in that case, I have to admit, she has come a long way..." Ellemiek said. "You're lucky to be alive if this is how she was with you guys!" she told Jubey.

"Yup..." he grinned. "Although it would be totally the opposite way if it was inside the cockpit of any given starfighter!" he laughed. "But, I guess we all have our strong and weak points, eh?"

"Well, it's good to see that standing alone isn't one of hers!" Ellemiek commented. "Because she'll have to do it on the platform of the space station."

"You can say that again!" Auron said as he looked at Ellemiek. "It's like she wants to prove to everyone that if this mission fails like the last one she has something to say. That everything was done about intelligence. But there's something that motivates her to volunteer to do a crazy thing like this."

"Isn't it obvious?" Aeris spoke finally without looking directly at anyone, since she wanted to learn something with Kyra. "She wants to die."

"Well, I sure hope not!" Ellemiek said with a raised eyebrow. "We need her alive to perform her part of the mission, and her having a death wish doesn't seem the appropriate thing!"

Aeris laughed. "In this case, you better hope that she has a death wish, because she will do insane things!"

"Well, I'd rather see her do it in a calculative way, as opposed to out of control..." Ellemiek stated. She then sighed. "Let's hope she can pull it off."

"No you don't. What makes Kyra be Kyra is that she's never calculative. Calculative can save your ass on a fighter, but in this line of work, if you're calculative she and other troopers die. She will pull it off, but if she is this slow she will die!" Aeris answered.

"You're saying that she's too slow?!"

"Yes..." Aeris saw Kyra being hit in her stomach and being hit with the dummy's pole and sent to the floor. Aeris saw the rage appearing from Kyra's eyes. Aeris nodded and released a smile. "Now things are going to become interesting."

Kyra used her pole to jump to her feet, twisting in mid air. She stopped and looked to the dummy as the fire in her eyes increased. Kyra moved to a dummy and waved her pole, but the dummy defended Kyra's attack. Kyra then moved the pole and hit the dummy on its head and struck another blow to its face. The dummy fell to the ground and the computer marked it as dead. Kyra moved to the side and moved the pole, hitting the other dummy's nose, breaking her pole. She then jammed it in his throat and the dummy fell to the ground as dead.

Kyra had no weapons in her hands, but she wasn't worried, as if she was used to not having weapons. The three dummies that were still standing attacked with their poles and Kyra moved as she avoided the attacks. The movements of the dummies increased in speed, but Kyra continued to avoid them and defended mainly with her feet. Kyra jumped backwards, twisting in mid air, and as a dummy jumped towards her, she avoided the pole and grabbed the dummy's throat and squeezed it, but she threw him against another dummy. As yet one other approached her and punched her in the stomach. Ahe was able to grab his arm, pulled him towards her and grabbed his head, breaking his neck without remorse.

There were only two dummies standing now, and one of them charged against her. She grabbed the pole and made it hit his stomach, then grabbing him as the last dummy threw a vibroknife towards her. She used the second dummy as a shield, then letting the dummy fall to the floor dead, as the other dummy on the far side kept throwing vibroknives towards her. Kyra moved to the side, avoiding them.

"Whoa! Tell me, Aeris, what exactly do you mean by insane?" Auron looked at Kyra and saw that the dummy was in one end of the ring and Kyra in another. Out of nothing she started to run towards the dummy.

"Like that!" Aeris pointed at Kyra.

She continued to run towards the dummy, avoiding everything that was thrown at her, and the closer she got the faster the dummy threw vibroknives. She approached him, grabbing while en route one of the vibroknives that the dummy had thrown. She then moved fast enough and jabbed it in his jaws, and up towards the brain, killing it. The dummy disappeared and all of the six dummies lied down. Kyra got up and looked at the computer as it marked that the mission was successful. She looked around and saw everyone looking at her. She noticed that everyone was standing amazed by what she had done, including Jubey and Aeris.

Aeris barely saw how she grabbed that vibroknife and continued to move and approached the dummy face to face...

Kyra walked through the ring in the direction of Auron and the others with an embarrassed smile. She saw the dummies' bodies disappear. "Hi, guys. You can close your mouths now!"

"That was...quite impressive!" Ellemiek said.

"Thank you, coming from you," Kyra said as she looked at everyone. "Guys. Breathe!"

"Well, well, well..." Jubey laughed. "You've improved since the last time I saw you go at it. Where did you learn all that stuff?"

Kyra nodded. "Don't know. I just improvise with what I've got." Kyra didn't really know how she did the things she did in the ring.

"Care to teach me sometime?" Jubey asked with a grin.

Kyra nodded and smiled. "Sure! I can even teach you now if you want to."

"Love to, but can't," Jubey told Kyra. "I still want to have a go in the flight simulators, so I'm taking a rain check. But I'll get back to you on it some other time..."

"Ok, just let me know when..." Kyra smiled and looked at the others. "Guys, I'll see you at dinner. I need to check a few of my weapons and see how Decoy is doing." Kyra waved and walked away from the room.

Auron knew that Decoy was the name of the transport that Kyra was going to fly to Underworld. Auron didn't agree with this course of action, but there was no point in talking some sense into Kyra. Once she got something in her mind it was hard to get it out.

Aeris approached Corey and set her hand over his and smiled. "I don't know about you guys, but I'm going to feel more comfortable if she is faster, because she will need all the luck to pull this off."

"Yeah..." Auron said simply. He knew that at this point Kyra was able to pull it off just barely, but he hoped that his wife had all the luck of the Galaxy.

"Old Memories, Old Nightmares"
By: Cole Slaton

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Lythe 27, 4 ABY

***

Pain shot out from his leg as they kicked him, forcing him down onto his knees. He struggled to free himself, screaming out as if someone could hear and help, though they were in a room of a hotel which was full. No one would hear his cries, no one would see his suffering. He was alone. He was always alone. A hand grabbed his hair, yanking back, lifting his head, forcing him to watch. He opened his eyes though he wanted nothing more than to close them, but that would never be enough. He watched, he would have gouged out his own eyes rather than watch what was about to happen.

Like all dreams they took a life of their own. Things changed, images were distorted until they made another entirely. This time it was just how it happened, this time it was real. The sounds of her screaming filled his eyes, mixed with the incisive laughter. Susan... Her name was Susan! A name he'd never forget, though he would try, how he would try.

As he watched, he didn't even realise some of the screams were coming from his own mouth. Tears ran freely down his face to fall aimlessly to the floor. He watched with wide eyes as if unable to believe what was happening was in fact real and not some dream, some nightmare he was going to wake up from. He didn't see the faces of the two figures who poured the alcohol over her, bottles and bottles carelessly poured over her head plastering her hair, her gorgeous silky hair, against her face.

He remembered lying with her, smelling her sweet scent that filled his nostrils, her soft skin rubbing against his as he moved while sleeping, but the thing he remembered most of all was her hair. A dark brown that shone in the sunlight. As he watched all he could think of was her hair. How her hair would be ruined!

His eyes caught movement. The silver lighter caught the light coming from the corner lamp. It had a carving in the side of a dragon. On the other side Cole knew it had a carving of a wolf. It was his lighter. He watched as the figure ignited the gas held within. The lighter dropped from his hand, spinning within the air. It took an eternity for the lighter to finally hit the floor, bouncing up. As it rose up into the air the fumes of the spirits ignited. A beautiful wave of flame shot out along the floor, rushing up, engulfing Susan who screamed. She fought against the bonds that held her arms tight against her back. Her legs were tied together allowing her to roll over. She reminded him of a worm struggling to make its way across a baking pavement heated by the sun. Her screams were muffled by his own, but he couldn't look away, for the life of him he couldn't look away.

Cole jumped up from his bed, crying out. His right hand reached out above him, grasping air. His breathing was fast and hard, his chest hurt from his heart beating against his chest. He threw the remains of the sheet away from him, sliding his feet over the side of the bed.

He found his way to the bathroom, turning the overhead light on. Turning both taps on he started splashing water on his face. It should have bothered him that his roommate hadn't said anything; there had been times when he'd just left him alone when waking from a nightmare, but this seemed different. Cole looked up to find the mirror steamed up. There wasn't enough heat to cause the mirror to react in such a way.

His right hand touched the cold mirror and it ran across, wiping part of the mirror clear. His eyes grew wide at what he saw. Something dark moving within the mirror. He should be seeing his own reflection staring back! But he wasn't.

Two dark red eyes of fire stared back at him within the darkness. The mirror smashed as two burning hands reached out for him, grabbing his neck.

***

Cole screamed into the night, bringing himself awake. The bed covers were thrown off, left to fall to the side. Cole looked around him before he finally looked up. Broken shards of glass hung above him along with a wooden drawer and the corner lamp which had been ripped from the wall.

Cole didn't have time to think. Jumping to the side, slamming into the wardrobe, almost knocking it over, the shards of glass fell along with the drawer and lamp. The lamp bounced off the bed, smashing into the wall on the other side. The drawer hit one of the larger pieces of glass, forcing it down through the bed.

Cole slowly glanced under the bed and saw the glass tip protruding from the underside. It had been driven straight through. Cole just sat there swallowing the saliva building in his mouth, recovering from both his nightmares and his near death experience.

Life as a Jedi certainly wasn't a boring one.

Opening one of the drawers he reached in, while still sitting, taking out a silver lighter. He ran his thumb over the dragon carved in the side before turning it over ,revealing the wolf carved in the other.