"Lies True"
By Amii'a Val'or (PC)
Theen Fida (NPC+ Writen by Amii'a)
and Rona'mon (NPC+ Written by Amii'a)

Location: New Republic Embassy, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 27th, 4ABY

***

The past week had come and gone like a hazy fog. Amii'a sat in Theen's office waiting for the Ambassador. She stared out across the expanse of New Plouton, a magnificent view of the city that the sky scraping embassy office afforded. Nothing in particular came to mind, just a blank.

She didn't even hear Theen enter and tell her hello.

"Amii'a? Amii'a?" he asked again. "Dear, are you alright?"

"Wha...ugh, um yeah...sorry," she said with a weak smile and a vacant look in her eyes. "I guess I was day dreaming."

"You were definitely not here," he said with some concern. He had noticed how absent she had been of late. "Care to tell an old Anx what seems to be on your mind of late?"

"I, I don't really know - to tell the truth. Stress I guess, and don't start in about a vacation!" she said a little more crossly than she intended. "After all, my world has been turned upside down by sycophants and these rebels really don't seem to be having the effect we had hoped. I have not been in contact with any of them since their operations started. All they have done across the continent and still Dani and Nieme are in power and all they have left is a path of destruction."

"Well, so much for not really knowing, hmm?" he said with what passed for a smile. "We both knew what was to come of lending aid to them...in truth, I had hoped that the Senate Committee would allow more direct action on my part what with the reports I have sent in on the actions of the Empresses and the doings of these Karadan Rebels. But the New Republic is stretched with their own campaigns as the drive to push the Imperial Remnant continues. It seems that the events this far in the Outer Rim have little interest to those of the Inner. My hands are increasingly tied in such matters. My main mandates are to solidify business dealings and political ties here in the system and keep my rather big nose out of the local affairs. Can you imagine?"

"No surprise there," she said unemotionally as she continued to stare out the window.

"Was there anything else, Amii'a? Officially?" he asked as he tried to refocus her attention.

"Agh, yes...I don't seem to have the meeting log from our talks with several of the cities Magistrates," she said as she fumbled with her data pad. "For some reason I am missing Vadris 13th, 17th, 20th and 23rd. I checked the main data terminal, and there are no records of these meetings."

Theen checked his own data console and frowned, "Well, I know I am aging...but I have no such records either for those dates. Are you certain of these meetings? Vadris 13th you were out on a sick day, the 17th you used a personal day, the 20th you used a vacation day, and the 23rd...well, surely you remember we partook upon the Mon Cal Ballet..." Theen said with increased concern.

"What?" she said as she pored over the data pad. "No, I clearly remember we spoke with the Magistrates on the 13th. I couldn't have mistaken that. We were informed that Jadda had ties to the Jorro imposter and," she laughed, "he was actual sitting..."

"He was actually what?" Theen asked with confusion.

"Well, I...he...hell," she sighed as she dropped the data pad to the floor. The memory of her meeting with the Magistrates were so very clear to her mind...yet she also remembered her doctor visit, having come down with some kind of bug... On the same damn day? she asked herself. Couldn't be...could it? she thought.

And then the memories of conversing with Jorro in the turbo-lift. What in the Sith?! she thought as she tried to sort through the confusion of the events of those days. She was about to say that Jorro was actually sitting with them through the meeting, posing as the assistant to the Twi'lek magistrate...she quickly caught herself on that one. She wondered if it was true...if it was, then she was party to some kind of deception against the Ambassador. But according to Theen the meeting never happened, and she wasn't even within the Embassy on that day.

She really didn't know what day was what, and she had a powerful anxiety growing deep in her chest.

"Amii'a," Theen said as he walked around from his desk. "Are you alright? You're not making any sense at all."

"I...I'm fine, I think," she said as she regained her composure.

Theen clicked his comlink, "Medic One to my office," he ordered. Shortly after a young Rodian female in a New Republic medic's uniform came into the office followed by a medical droid.

"Really, this isn't necessary, I..."

"No, but I think it is," he said as he stood to his full height and instructed the medic to check her out and escort her to the infirmary.

"Amii'a, I'm putting you on forced leave of absence for the remainder of the week. Do not leave the embassy until the doctor has checked you out," he ordered. "And then you will see your own doctor before coming back into work, do you understand?"

"Yes, yes, alright," she said without much of a fight as more conflicting and confusing memories swirled in her mind.

***

Amii'a sat a small and nondescript cafe on the other side of the city. Several hours before she had been cleared from the Embassy doctor. She should have gone straight to her own practitioner, but for whatever reasons she couldn't put her finger on...she came straight to the cafe and ordered a Nuubian double mocha cafe with Karadan mint cream.

She sipped on the hot, sweet yet strong and aromatic drink with delight as the sweetness tickled the back of her mouth and gave joy to her taste buds.

"Might I share a seat?" a strange yet familiar voice asked.

Amii'a looked up to the older woman wrapped in a shawl and smiled. She didn't take much to strangers, usually she was to absorbed in her work and thoughts to give little more than the time of day.

"Umm, yeah..sure," she said as the woman took a seat next to her.

"That smells quite nice," the lady said with an odd accented Basic. "I prefer tea, soothing, healthy, relaxing."

Amii'a smiled as she took another drink.

"Would you like to try, I have extra," the lady offered. "You look like you have had a long day hmm? This will relax you."

"I still have plenty here, thanks, I've never been very fond of..." she said as she stared into her empty cup.

"Oh, come now. Tea won't kill you, hehehe," the lady giggled. "Ronam'on knows what is best, yes, here, drink, drink."

Amii'a took the cup and took in the smell of the herbs before taking a healthy sip.

"It is quite nice, thank you," she smiled. "Um...Ronam'on, you said that was your name?" she asked with a puzzling look upon her brow.

"Hmm, yes dear, that would be me...old Ronam'on, yes."

"Have...have we met...before?" she asked with near certainty that they had. It was not like Amii'a to forget someone...but of course the whole past week had turned out to be one muddled mess. "I don't know, it must be your voice, a strange dialect...where is it you said you were from?"

"I didn't," Ronam'on said with a queer grin.

"Right," Amii'a said with a huge yawn and slight laugh at her manners. "Sorry, long week."

"I imagine, what with all your responsibility, and the terrible things happening to your world," Ronam'on said with a soothing voice.

*Your world, she had said, Amii'a noted as she took another drink of the tea. She did feel relaxed, very relaxed. Must be something in the tea, she thought.

"Nothing to worry about, like I said, it will relax you," Ronam'on replied with another queer smile.

Amii'a looked at her, and then to the tea. I didn't say anything out loud...did I? she wondered as she looked to the old lady again who just sat and smiled, sipped on her own tea.

"Amii'a darling?" she said to her.

"Mhhm?" she replied with a smile as she sank back into her chair.

"How are things with Ambassador Fida, hmmm?"

And so she began to reiterate all the goings on of the ambassador's office for the past week, in great treasonous detail as she had every few days for the past week...though she never remembered doing so, and wouldn't remember this day either.

---

"The Rebels: Heroes or Assassins?"
by Cloud Everblades
Other Minor Characters

Location: Mountains of New Plouton
Date: Vadris 27, 4 ABY

***

Cloud walked to the middle of the square of the village glancing to the sky. He walked near the edge of the mountain, glancing in the distance at the city of New Plouton.

He believed that the recent news that the rebels were being accused for the murder of several attacks like the school and the theater, were all the Empresses' doing.

Cloud knew it was the way to make the rebels the enemy of the common people and it was a very good play and he knew only the weak minded would believe such lies.

The recent news that several politicians had joined to see what to do once the Empresses were out of power. It still amazed him they allowed a person like Oot Kovan in that meeting after the things she did, like forfeit the throne to two women that were not fit to rule a world.

The consequences of Oot's actions lead to several deaths of innocent lives and still amazed him how a Jedi like Liam Zaneth, who was the Regent Emperor of Tae'Karada returned home and did nothing to regain his rightful place.

The rebels were the first to rise against the Empresses, since the Jedi and the so called people of power of this world did not act accordingly. Some people decided to raise arms against the tyranny of the Empresses.

Cloud knew that these people gave their lives to fight against the tyrannical rule, when others didn't do anything and it was those people that were the weak minded. People like Oot Kovan that believed every lie that she heard.

There was one thing clear though, the people that formed the rebels, would fight for the freedom of the Karadans, if that freedom is found, most rebels would go to Gallor to fight the freedom of the Gallorians at least Cloud knew that rebel would have full support of the Common people.

That was the difference with people who were heroic and people that only think about themselves and the recent days, the people responsible for the Karadans were simply cowards.

---

"An Offer You Can't Refuse"
By: Jedra Leesyn - Mechanic - PC
Tro'fan Dwika - 'Handyman' - NPC (played by Rylaa
Lyssander)
Mr. Parsonage - Gang leader - NPC (played by Rylaa
Lyssander)

Location: Yelldon District, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 27, 4 ABY

***

A tall, broad shouldered Twi'lek looked at the door in front of him then down at the address on his datapad. This was the place all right. He raised one dark blue skinned hand to the door and rapped loud.

Jedra shot up out of bed, as if hit by a jolt of electric current; it had been the nightmares again. Her shirt was saturated with perspiration, in spite of the mornings chill. With her heart hammering loudly in her ears, she reached instinctively for the medium blaster. Ever since her flight from Kessel, she never slept far from a weapon.

At first, she waited quietly, hoping that whomever was outside had made a mistake and moved on. A second, more insistent knock told her that her caller would not leave until she made an attempt to answer it.

Jedra put on her pants and cinched them up as best she could before padding to the door and looking out of the peephole. On the other side was a Twi'lek, tall and powerfully built. Had the fat Twi'lek at Bor'Cha's sent some hired muscle?

There was no getting past the security interfaces on the door unless she authenticated, so for the meantime, Jedra was safe. On that thought, she saw no reason why she couldn't carry on the conversation as is - with him on the other side of the door.

The fully charged indicator on the blaster lit up even as she answered, "Who is it?"

The twi'lek leaned against the door. It was obvious that this 'Jedra' was not about to open it. "My name is Tro'fan Dwika. I work for a man who is in need of your talents with all things mechanical."

This was good. The boss was offering decent payment for a short term contract and so far Jedra had been the first one on his list to respond. According to the data pad, she had just flown in yesterday.

They certainly work fast to acquire talent, he thought to himself. "My boss is willing to pay you well for your time and if you are good enough for his tastes, he may just have bigger and better things for you."

Jedra took a moment to ponder the Twi'lek's 'offer'. How - in the names of my ancestors, she thought, was this 'Tro'fan Dwika' able to find me so fast?

Tro'fan had her full attention at the words 'pay you well for your time'; with no immediate job prospects, she'd probably get kicked out of the habitat before nightfall to make room for someone else. As if in response to his offer, her empty stomach chose that particular moment to rumble. Food would be good right now.

One thing was for certain; she wasn't going to get any answers to her questions when the door to her habitat separated them. She undid the safeties on the door and stepped well clear of the door. The blaster, set for stun only, was leveled precisely at the entryway. If there was any subterfuge on his part, he wouldn't stay conscious long enough to see them to fruition.

"The door's open," Jedra instructed. "If you can keep your hands where I can see them, I'll listen to what you have to say."

Tro'fan pressed a button on the side of the door and it fwooshed open. He held his hands up at the sight of the blaster drawn down on him but maintained his easy smile.

He was wearing an open V-necked cotton shirt that flowed around his powerfully built muscles. His pants were standard black cargo pants, found anywhere in the Galaxy. At his waist was a large blaster pistol that once might have been a DL-44 but had since been heavily modified.

"Easy there," he said with only a slight trace of accent. His Basic had a slight Corellian tang to it. "I'm only here to make a deal, not vape you."

The Twi'lek's bulk fully filled the doorway as he stepped inside. Jedra gave him a quick and thorough look of appraisal. The blaster slung casually along one hip was a heavy one, of the sort favored by smugglers and others who didn't want to waste time putting their targets down. As if he needed it - with a build like that, he looked like he could kill someone with his bare hands.

It became painfully obvious that there was little Jedra could do to stop her 'guest' even if she wanted to - she doubted that a 'stun' setting would even knock him off his stride. His hands were out as she'd instructed, and his tones were reassuring enough. She thumbed the safety on her suddenly inadequate looking pistol and dropped it to her side, though she didn't holster it.

After he had shut the door, they were alone - and finally afforded a measure of privacy.

"You've got my attention," she said. "I'll hear what you have to say - but I want the option to be able to ask you a few questions. Fair enough by you?"

Tro'fan grinned as the blaster was lowered. "I'm glad we can speak like civilized sentients," he said. "The man I work for is in dire need of an expert starship mechanic, as well as someone who can... shall we say, un-fix things. The job itself says very well, and there will be more on your return. Now, before I go on, I need to hear that you will at least agree to meet with my boss."

The large twi'lek folded his arms across his chest. "Otherwise, I will simple turn around and walk out this door and will be left just as broke and poor as you are right now."

Jedra nodded her head in acquiescence, against the warnings of her conscience. Tro'fan knew more about her than she felt comfortable revealing; how long had his employer been watching her?

"All right," she said. "I'll meet with your boss. But I want a public place - in broad daylight - with just you and your employer. The Gardens in the City Square will work. Anyone else and I'm gone. The offer's intriguing - but I can always find work if I look hard enough."

She smiled broadly, but her gaze was quite serious. "Let's be honest - I don't know you, and I don't trust you. And you wouldn't be the first person that tried to cheat me out of a deal. If you've done as much checking up on me as I think you have, I'm sure you can understand my position - just like I'm sure you would do the same thing to protect your interests if our roles were reversed."

His grin got wider. "Of course that will be acceptable. I believe that you will find my boss not far from here, in the Gardens, calmly awaiting our arrival."

The door behind Tro'fan wooshed open and he stepped through, one arm waving to her to follow him. It was obvious that he trusted her not to place a blaster bolt in his back.

Though Jedra's face never changed expression, her one good eye blinked in surprise at Tro'fan's immediate reply. A trickle of sweat, a by-product of her fitful sleep, had begun to sneak its way maddeningly down towards the small of her back.

Her mind was warring with her instincts, and she played the options out in her mind in the span of a few seconds. Was he a bounty hunter setting an elaborate trap for her? She doubted it; Spice Mine escapees - especially those that hadn't committed a capital crime - weren't high on the list of priorities for the Bounty Hunter's Guild.

Law Enforcement then? That possibility was just as unlikely. She'd only arrived on Tae'Karada a few hours ago; nobody was that good. Her prospective employer hadn't come to visit on their own; they'd sent a front man to make the offer first. Only two kinds of people did that - the Crime Syndicate - or someone with Alliance sympathies, both of which would probably add to the price on her head and make her a more attractive target. It was not encouraging.

For the time being, she shelved her paranoia, slipping on her jacket and drawing the hood close to her face to hide her disfigurement.

"Lead on," Jedra said, sliding her pistol into her holster. She fell in behind Tro'fan and followed him out to The Gardens, keeping her head down submissively to keep from having to look anyone directly in the face.

Tro'fan kept his pace steady as Jedra followed him to the Gardens. He noticed that she was trying to hide her face. Perhaps it was because she was afraid of being recognized, or perhaps it was because of the cyborg implants that she had installed. He hazarded a guess.

"You really shouldn't hide your face," he said over his shoulder, "It really is quite lovely."

"It used to be," Jedra replied icily. "Now I have a hard time getting a drink because I'm mistaken for either a droid or a synthetic."

Tro'fan had touched a nerve. "The children that see me point at me and laugh," she continued. "Their mothers pull them off the street like I'm some sort of monster. Trust me - that this is best for all concerned."

"It's a long story - and one I'd rather not share." Quickly, to move things along, she changed the subject.

"Are we getting close to The Gardens yet?"

"Yeah, we're getting close, they're right around this corner." Tro'fan smiled disarmingly over his shoulder.

"There's nothing wrong with having a cybernetic implant you know," he said. "I myself have one." He stopped in the street and rolled up one of his sleeves. What had originally looked like thicker-than-normal muscle on his right arm was actually ropey cables and circuitry. The lower arm itself appeared to be reinforced durasteel while the hand looked normal. If a barabel took a punch from that arm, he would probably be feeling it in the morning.

Jedra attempted to remain indifferent to the Twi'lek's sudden revelation, but she nonetheless found her gaze drawn to the processors and myomer circuitry of his 'enhancements'.

"Pretty nice rip work," she observed clinically. "And I see you've got a synaptic accelerator for boosted reflexes. And military grade alloy, with what looks like grafted skin tissue. You must have paid quite a chunk of credits for all that hardware."

There was a pregnant pause as they regarded one another. "At least you can pull down a sleeve."

Jedra winced at how harsh her words must have sounded. "I don't mean to sound so bitter - it's just that I had something taken away that I can't get back. I appreciate you sharing your situation."

They began to walk again, finding themselves at the entrance to The Gardens.

It was unusual during the middle of the day like this for the Gardens to be empty, but they were. Sitting on a park bench calmly feeding some birds from a bag of crumbs was a rather feeble looking old human. He wore a black robe with crimson and gold trimming. A symbol on his chest looked like an ancient helmet of some sort.

Tro'fan stopped at the gate and waved his hand to show that Jedra should enter alone. "Mr. Parsonage will see you alone. But please, leave your weapon with me." He tossed another one of his disarmingly handsome smiles her way again.

Jedra unbuckled her integrated holster and toolbelt and wordlessly handed it over to Tro'fan before going inside to The Gardens.

Just how far down does one have to dig to find a fossil that old? she wondered. Nervously, she approached the man and stood near the park bench, but did not take a seat next to him. She said nothing for a few seconds, expecting some sort of greeting, but the wizened old man barely acknowledged her.

This is awkward, Jedra thought.

She cleared her throat politely to get his attention, hands in the pockets of her jacket. "Mister Parsonage, I presume? I'm told that you wanted to see me about a job. But you've got me at a disadvantage; how is it you know so many details about me? We've never met, as far as I know."

The old man looked up slowly, you could almost hear his ancient bones crackling at the strain. "Ahhh, Ms. Jedra, how good of you to join me. Please, sit down. I don't like having to look up at you."

Seeing that being difficult wasn't going to get her anywhere - or lose what might be a good chance at work - she took her hands from her pockets, and sat on the park bench.

Deliberately, she stayed at a polite distance where they could converse in relative privacy without giving the appearance of being intimate.

"All right, Mister Parsonage," she said. "I've done what you wanted - I've complied with your instructions, and the instructions of your front man. If we're going to be forming a more or less professional relationship, I was hoping you'd be able to answer my questions."

"Of course," the old man's dry voice cracked. "I'll answer any question you put forth as best I can. But you must realize, that I have question for you as well."

Jedra raised her eyebrow and was about to issue a retort, but she checked her tongue for the time being; she was the one looking for work and he was the one hiring.

"Which is?" she asked.

The old man went back to tossing some seeds at his birds. "Do you think that you could do something underhanded? Something illegal? Not to mention dangerous."

She blinked at him, as if she suddenly learned how to understand Galactic Basic. "Dangerous? Certainly. Underhanded? Possibly."

"As for illegal, I suppose that would have to depend. If you've been checking up on me as well as I think you have, then you'll understand why I'm all reluctant. I'm chump change for now - but I'm in NO hurry to increase my market value, if you know what I mean."

"I understand perfectly, Ms. Leesyn. The task itself is small, but inherently dangerous. I must warn you, before I tell you what it is I wish, I must have your word that you will never reveal what it is I am about to say."

Jedra gave a nod of her head in answer. "I know when to keep my mouth shut. On my honor."

The old man smiled and nodded at her. "Very good. There is a freighter scheduled to leave New Plouton in two days. It is an Empress-class so it has a fair size crew. They are looking for some new engineers after their last one met with... an accident." He turned to look her in the eye.

"This freighter is going to make a stop at Kessel. There they are going to load up with many tons of spice. What I want you to do, is to sabotage the engines so that the ship drops out of Hyperspace on the far core side of the Maw. There my men will take the ship and the spice."

"This needs to looks like an accident," he said to her. "I have taken the liberty of already having them hire you, under the pretense that you once worked for us."

Now it was Jedra's turn to smile. "Piracy - along with aiding and abetting piracy - carries the death sentence in a lot of star systems; life imprisonment without the chance of parole if they're lucky."

"In case you didn't know this already - I've been to Kessel. And I'm in absolutely no hurry to go back there."

Now Jedra began to look for an exit - somewhere where she wouldn't have to cross paths with Tro'fan. The Twi'lek had been charming, unassuming, and professional so far. No doubt he would be just as professional and thorough in making sure she 'disappeared'.

She stood to leave. "I gave you my word I wouldn't say anything - and I won't. But I don't have to be a Jedi to know that you're not about to let me leave, are you?"

The old man smiled at her. "You are correct, of course. I chose you for this assignment because I thought you could handle it. Please do not prove me wrong. If you wish, I will send Tro'fan along with you. He is one of my most capable lieutenants."

Jedra gave him a long, withering stare while she thought about her options. "You mean a babysitter. Someone to make sure I do the job correctly."

"And after that?", she asked, "Kill me to cover it up? There's a million things that can happen; all of them wrong. What if I'm caught? What if I'm captured? What if I'm recognized? And what if someone gets killed?"

"You are most astute in these matters Ms. Leesyn," the old man said through his gap toothed smile. "Yes, Tro'fan will go along as my representative. And no, we will not kill you to cover up an operation such as this. It is a shameless waste of talent. And of course a million things can go wrong, it's crime."

His lungs rattled as he sighed. "Because I have studied what we know of you, I an faith that you can accomplish what we ask." His eyes narrowed in thought for a few seconds. "I'll tell you what, I will give you a small beacon the size of a wrist chrono. If you are in trouble simply press the button and help will arrive. Don't worry... besides, you will have Tro'fan with you."

There it was. She was officially in too deep to just walk away. And all because she'd been desperate for work - grimly, she wondered what her odds on getting a 'straight' job would have been if she'd just told Tro'fan no.

She held out her hand for the beacon, accepting it with all of the enthusiasm of a woman that was doomed to her fate. There might be a way out of this - a covert way of passing a hint of what she knew to the crew so that all of this could be avoided, but this wasn't the time.

She would wait, and do what she always did - improvise when the opportunity presented itself.

"With all the risks I'm assuming," she warned, "the money I'm getting for this had better be good."

"Yes. it will be very good. If you pull this off, Ms. Leesyn, I will make sure you have a spot in our organization. I am placing a lot of trust into you, do not prove me wrong."

The old man watched as Jedra attached the beacon around her wrist. He smiled his gap-toothed grin. "Oh and Ms. Leesyn? Don't try and take that beacon off without my help, I don't believe you would like the consequences."

Yes my little mechanic, if you try anything other than what I say the micro bomb in the beacon will go off and you will have to wear an arm much like the one Tro'fan currently has.

Tro'fan met Jedra at the entrance to the Gardens. No words were exchanged between them but he nodded at the look in her human eye and they walked together towards the spaceport and Jedra's first job for Ares.

---

"Thoughtful Interlude"
By: Girra Xel-Xux Zallir (pc)

Location: Aboard the Helix, En route to Bonadon
Date: Vadris 27, 4ABY

***

After having wrapped up a few personal affairs after her excursion to the Hjarii world with the Jedi, Girra had met up with her Omwati contact, Thome Vhar who had approached her some time earlier in regards to their mutual search for lost loved ones.

During the early years of the Empire Tarkin had been in charge of many Imperial endeavors, all of which revolved around the Emperor's desire for weapons of mass destruction to help solidify the worlds he held in his grasp. The Omwati people were known for their intellectuals, their people were tested and culled for secret Imperial think-tanks to design new weapons of terror and suppression. Families were torn apart and loved ones never heard from again. A few trickled back home after the Battle of Endor as more systems fell to the New Republic, but they were so few...and in most cases they were changed.

Those who commanded over the think-tanks used many means necessary to encourage the creative process of the Omwati who had been abducted. Their ideas and research were twisted and molded from good intentions into vile weapons much like the Death Star whose earliest beginnings were a means to mine into the core of inhospitable worlds for raw materials...but instead became the ultimate power in the universe and used to strike fear into those who opposed Palpatine's New Order. Like what happened to Alderaan and what would have happened to countless other worlds were it not for the daring attack by the Rebels, and the victory over Endor.

Girra was among those who lost much to the Empire. She lost a brother...a brother she had never known for more reasons than that of Imperial meddling. He was the only relative she thought she had, her only connection to her family and a life that she never had. She had searched for him, for clues to what might have become of him for many years...and only the past few had shed any real leads. With the fall of the Empire and the pushing of its forces many things were coming to light about the Empire and its victims. Girra brother was one such victim, having been stolen from her family at a tender age to enter into one such think tank.

She didn't know if he was still alive...but she had recently been given tangible proof that he had been alive very recently, and that he may well still be alive. A fellow Omwati who helped to lead a small council of Omwati who searched for such loved ones had approached her, with a severed finger. The DNA was a match to being a male relative to Girra, a close match...that could only be that of a father, uncle, cousin...or a brother. And a brother, Orthan, was all that she knew to have survived.

Girra sat in the pilot seat starring out at the swirls of hyperspace, deep in all her thoughts. She tried not to get her hopes up, but she couldn't help it. She had never felt more close to finding out something, even if it wasn't actually finding Orthan himself...yet, she hoped.

Chakka growled lightly, refocusing her from her thoughts.

"Yeah, go check up on everyone," she replied at his desire to see to their guests. "They may be my people, and I don't feel that we are any wild bantha chase here," she said. "But I don't know them, and wouldn't trust them too much more than can I could throw your mangy ass!" she joked.

Chakka gave her a playful growl of hurt and anger as he made his way aft to check on the Omwati travelers who were aboard the Helix.

Girra checked her controls and instruments, and decided to follow. She was tired of thinking and thought perhaps she could try and get some more info from these people. She was intrigued by some of their stories, and she did enjoy the company of those who were of the same culture as she was.

Girra had the vaguest recollection of life with her parents, life on her homeworld of Omwat. She was very young when she was stricken with disease. Her parents were rather well to do and influential, and after exhausting all known remedies of their people, Girra had been sent away to Alderaan which boasted some of the most advanced sciences in such areas as medicine. Unfortunately she ended up in a form of hibernation stasis which made the diseases dormant. It stopped the progression of the disease, but it wasn't a cure, and it took life away from Girra as much as the disease did.

For many years she remained in stasis, aging very little while the galaxy moved on. Eventually she was awoken as a cure was found...but by then so much time had passed...her parents had died and she was alone. She was taken in by an Alderaanian family and cared for, educated, her parents having left everything for her care and future. It was then that she discovered she had a brother...a brother born long after she had been put into hibernation. But by then, the Empire had come to power, the Rebellion to Restore the Republic embroiled the galaxy in war...and when Alderaan was destroyed, again Girra was left alone.

She was a survivor, having been from one end of the galaxy to the other. She had seen and learned many things...some great and some atrocious. All the while she just wanted to find family and finally have a normal life. Some nights she wondered if it was ever possible and if she was just fooling herself. Sometimes she thought it best to through away everything of her old life and take a normal one...find a mate and make her own family. But something deep down drove her, and now with these new leads and her new Omwati friends she was more determined than ever in her quest to find Orthan.

---

"Missiles"
By: Chun Li - Pilot
and Lek - 'Entrepreneur' (NPC written by Li)

Location: Danebra's Den, Drogen Shipyards
Date: Vadris 27, 4ABY

***

Li had managed to find this Lek guy Tasia had mentioned as a source for concussion missiles, and she wished she hadn't. But she wanted to avoid more official means of getting the missiles, as they attracted attention she didn't want. Of course, she wasn't sure she wanted the attention of the man in front of her as well, not to mention the rest of the establishment she was now in.

The man in front of her called himself an 'entrepreneur', and it was a miracle he could even pronounce the word. The seedy bar they were in was his 'office', although he had another one, he seemed to do most of his business here. He was quite overweight, and sat in a repulsorchair. He also could do with a shower. Behind him were two bodyguards, men who looked like they had overslept the day the brains were handed out. Since Lek probably did all the thinking for them, it did work out somehow.

"So, you're looking for concussion missiles," Lek said, "Well, I might be able to get my hands on some."

"Good," Li said, "what's it going to cost? Tasia mentioned a special discount."

"That's only for good customers," Lek answered.

"Call it creating goodwill," Li said, "I'm an escort pilot, so my need for missiles is rather large. I can quickly become a good customer."

Lek had to think about it for a while. "Okay," he said, "we might be able to work something out. How many do you need?"

"Eight," Li said, looking at her drink again and wondering if she really should try it. Better not, she decided. He named a price, and Li looked at him. "I want to buy some missiles," she replied, "not a whole factory." She made a mental note to check how much shares in missile factories were going. It might be an option.

They started to haggle and in the end they settled on a price. It was still a lot of money, but with the civil war currently on, weaponry was expensive. They would be delivered in about two to three days. Lek couldn't be more precise, and Li didn't press the issue. One day more or less wouldn't be too much or a problem. Li also decided not to drink the lomin-ale she had ordered. She didn't really trust it, and others would probably don't mind, but just take it.

After reaching an agreement on time and place of delivery, Li quickly excused herself and left. She didn't really want to stay long in that bar, and she had to check up on the repairs on her ship.

---

"Re-evaluating Loyalties"
By: Meer'esh [NPC+]
Ro'namon [NPC+]
Yelara Neerou

Location: Yelara's Apartment, New Plouton; The Event Horizon - Yandrosa New Plouton
Date: Vadris 27, 4 ABY

***

"Meer'esh...please don't be mad. I promise, it'll work out."

She had invited him into her home, lulled him into complacency with dim lighting and redolent wine; his defences had been subdued by her soothing laughter and a sultry gaze that had entranced until he felt his body surrendering to her desire. Pale, silky flesh had allured with a magnetism beyond resistance, and his hands had given in, caressing smooth, bare shoulders and blushing cheeks; she had chuckled again as his fingertips grazed her full, grinning lips, which awaited eagerly the touch of his own. And he had almost obliged when his head bent forward of its own volition, and hers had risen.

Their half-lidded eyes had met, sending a jolt of electrified passion though him that had stripped Meer'esh of memory and purpose. His task was to observe, not seduce or be seduced, but she had managed it in that moment and Meer'esh would have given in had Yelara not pressed both hands to his pounding chest and held him at bay. She had smiled demurely and shook her head.

"Not yet," had come the husky whisper, spreading a tingling warmth over his lips. "Not before I tell you something..." And the longer Yelara had spoken, and the more her tale had unfolded, the tenser Meer'esh grew until his anger and inexplicable fear had taken hold. He had flown from the sofa and rounded on her. His stunned gaze had found her sad, faint smile.

She had fervently reassured him, attempted to appease him with a tender caress, and pleaded with him to stay his anger, but Meer'esh shook his head and pulled her hand away. "Are you knowing what this means, Yelara?" he asked, a hint of desperation creeping into his normally tranquil tone. "It is danger you are being walking into. Don't do this thing!"

"Liam will be there," she whispered, and reversed his hold on her until her hand was gripping his. The sorrow in Yelara's dazzling violet eyes was enough to temporarily placate Meer'esh, but he pressed on, knowing better than she ever could the danger that awaited.

He extricated his hand and used both to grasp her by the shoulders. "Listen to me! He cannot protect you, Yelara, not from what he is not knowing. He is still mortal only. What will be happening to you if he is not around?"

A glorious light seemed to shine from her as Yelara smiled. "That's why I want you there, Meer'esh. I'll feel so much safer if you're by my side." Managing to snake her arms up between his, Yelara framed his now-ashen face with both hands. It was enough to drain Meer'esh of his conviction, that single touch, and as he attempted another feeble protest, Yelara smothered his words with a light, yet thrilling kiss.

Meer'esh closed his eyes and focused not on the desire flowing through him, but on controlling his body's violent trembling. His emotions were quickly overriding his sense of duty and smothering the terror of knowing what would follow if he did not achieve his objective; with Yelara in his arms, touching and looking upon him as no other ever had, Meer'esh was powerless to deny her. But fear was still a very effective motivator towards maintaining one's loyalty. Those to whom his loyalty lay left Meer'esh no choice; his life was not his own, and nor was Yelara's.

"I will...need to think," he breathed, and put all his force of will into stepping away from Yelara and rushing for the door. He heard her murmur his name, but maintained his course out of her apartment. Although his heart ached at leaving her behind, Meer'esh knew what had to be done, and set out into the night to do so.

***

Meer'esh looked up from his examination of the table's sticky surface, beneath which his pallid hands were folded. His advisor on the planet entered the dimly-lit backroom, closing the door behind her and silencing the combined sounds of jizz music, raucous laughter, and the sloshing of liquor in never-empty glasses. He rose and greeted his superior with a respectful nod. A security field erected around the room once the woman was within, and only then were they safe to speak.

"Meer'esh," Ro'namon greeted with a nod of reply as she took her seat before him.

She took a casual look around the room, a mix of sentients who were oblivious to the ways of the galaxy, all too content in their own little and insignificant lives. She turned back to study the man in front of her, staring into his eyes for an unsettling moment of silence between the two.

"Well," she said finally. "There are those who desire for change to be stepped up. The time is very near, everything needs to be in place. Tae'Karada has a new monarch, but no throne. The time of these Empresses has expired."

"I am assured that the Empresses will being taken care of," he informed her. "That is not my...worry. It is the rightful monarch, the woman." Meer'esh's pale brow wrinkled delicately, only alluding to his inner conflict. "What-- What am I to be doing with her now that it is her mind to take the throne?"

"You must stay near her Meer'esh, though her character is what these people desire compared to the danger and instability of the two who have taken over. I believe that she shall work to our advantage," she said. "But that also depends on you. You have become close to her have you not? There are many about her, who seek to push and guide her along paths that suit their own needs. You must be there to guide her along our own agenda, and not allow the meddling of others, as a friend should do. My contact has led me to worry over this...Jedi that stands at her side."

His jaw clenched visibly and his eyes, always serene and gentle when looking upon Yelara, narrowed to angry slits. "He is not liked by her. And I am thinking that he does not like me a little. Should he not being eliminated?"

"These Jedi are a tricky bunch, very dangerous," Ro'namon hissed with disgust. "But not all powerful, after all two of their own whelps succeeded in taking over this world and remaining in control of it. No, I think your best course of action would be to try and gain his trust, then he can be eliminated when he least expects it," she growled with satisfaction at the thought of betrayal. "The important thing is to remain close to Yelara, she must trust you, yet this Jedi must not become overly cautious of your bond. When the time is right, Meer'esh, they will both be yours for the taking. For now though, they are where they need to be," she said, clearly wanting to move on to other matters.

"There is great concern over those here from this New Republic," she sneered. "They could pose a great problem, but for the moment they still serve a purpose. I have a contact inside, one whom I think you should also form a relationship with. She needs to be guided to think that the New Republic Ambassador she serves does not benefit this world that she holds so dearly. She may be an important key in our ridding of the New Republic presence here...but she needs to be made to think and do so as if of her own accord, in the best interest of her people."

"Then I shall agree to Yelara's request," he decided, "and be joining her at the Palace. I can get close to this woman you mention without drawing suspicions. What is being her name?"

"Amii'a Val'or..."

Meer'esh nodded slowly. "The Anx ambassador's aide... I will do as you have commanded." Pausing, Meer'esh studied Ro'namon closely then asked, "You will be telling our employer of my accomplishments, will you be?"

"You have been doing well, Meer'esh," she said. "I would pass on such satisfactions to our employer, yes. We both have been put into important roles here, have we not? Given responsibilities that can make or break us, hmm? We are both in a position to help each other, in the eyes of our employers. Let us continue to work together...in the interest of both our survival, hmm?"

"Yes," Meer'esh replied distantly, "survival.... Though, you are not expendable, as I am being. I must not be failing, or I will be never returned home."

"Then don't."

Recognizing Ro'namon's lack of compassion, Meer'esh nodded stiffly. "At any rate, I must being speaking with Yelara. There was to be a meeting with the council tomorrow, and I will be seeing if she will give me information."

"Yes, I know," she replied to Meer'esh. "Amii'a would have been present. Be sure to start working on her, Meer'esh, perhaps in time she will be of use to help do away with this Neerou woman you have grown to despise."

"I do not despise her," he protested firmly. "And I was told I might not have to be doing away with her. Have they told you different?"

"No different, as yet," she said. "One never knows, just be prepared to do what must be done. Going home is what is important to you no?"

Meer'esh sighed and nodded again, though not altogether unequivocally. "I will await word from our employer before taking that step, but...they must also be working at ridding the Jedi. I am not being able to do what I must when I must if he suspects."

"I shall pass on these concerns as it relates to your mission and our over all goals," Ro'namon said slowly as she studied the man before her. She knew him to be most capable, less their employers would never have trusted him with being so close to the likes of Yelara. Yet...she knew his predicament with being bound, and his desire to be freed to return home could prove to become problematic. Those without hope, often took to disparity and drastic measures.

"Well," Meer'esh sighed, rising from his seat. "I will be departing. We will meet again soon for another update. But I must be now giving Yelara my decision."

Ro'namon watched the man go as she then sat in thought. Meer'esh wasn't the only man bound to obligations. Long had she served her employers in the hopes of being rewarded greatly. She had no family or home awaiting her; she was the last of her people. But she had her own desires...as did Meer'esh.

***

The dim light filling Yelara's apartment was still illuminated when Meer'esh returned to her. Concern and grief had sapped the brilliance from her features and gave her normally tall and lithe stature a hint of frailty. It took a moment for him to comprehend that he had caused her such suffering.

"I will come with you," was all Meer'esh said as they stared back at one another, and the mere sight of her being filled with immense joy at his acquiescence brought Meer'esh overwhelming excitement such as he had never experienced.

The glow returned to her enchanting face, and as he moved forward to seize her in an ardent embrace, one Yelara accepted readily, Meer'esh knew undoubtedly where his devotions lay. But with his revelation came uneasiness, for although his wishes to keep Yelara from harm presently coincided with his employer's, Meer'esh held no illusions that they might not change their minds to suit their own needs. Meer'esh was no longer certain, when that time came, if he could help them fulfill their goals at the cost of Yelara's life, even if it meant surrendering his own in her place.

---

"A Bun in the Oven, Part 1"
by Jae Dyn Brael
Yara Brael
Keeve Shivral
Lyza Royale
Kimara

Location: Chimaerian Medical Center, Yesopol District, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 27, 4ABY

***

Jae Dyn Brael was seated, though awkwardly, on the couch in Keeve's apartment. Being the Mother Hen he was, he'd decided to stop by on his lunch to check on her and make sure she was eating. Kimara was still at the office, and Keeve didn't have much time before he had to return to take her to lunch. Despite his fussiness, Kallia was happy he'd stopped by.

"Don't worry," she said again as he stopped before turning to the door. "I'm perfectly fine. I'm not an invalid and can take care of myself. I'm just pregnant, Keeve." She gave him a teasing grin as he studied her. "And, I've been through this before. I'm practically a pro."

"Yeah...but you're alone here," he reminded her again. "What if you go into labour? I might not be able to get here in time."

"Oh, Keeve," she said to brush him off and tell him she'd be fine. Suddenly, however, her eyes widened in surprise. "Oh...uh oh...uh..."

Keeve smiled facetiously and snorted, "Yeah, now you're understanding me. Zenarr Inc.'s pretty far from here, and with the travel time alone required to get here, the baby could be born before I make it home!"

"Or before you leave," Kallia said quickly as she took a long, slow breath.

"How's that?" Keeve asked, genuinely puzzled and oblivious to Kallia's condition. "I'd know if you were in labour, Kal. Not all men are idiots."

"Then you're an idiot," Kallia said as she pushed herself off the couch and started toward where her packed bag waited. "It's time. I need to get Yara, then I have to get to the hospital."

Keeve's expression transformed from superciliousness, to curiousity, then shocking recognition. He paled. "The baby? She...he...it's coming now? It's too soon! This...there's a mistake, Kal. Maybe it's gas again!"

"It's not too soon," Kallia said as she focused for a moment on breathing, "unless you mean you want me to wait until after work. But the baby is coming now. I've done this before, my dear, I know what it feels like."

"Well I don't!" Keeve exclaimed. "I-I need to comm Kim." But his body refused to cooperate, and Keeve stood frozen, especially when Kallia groaned as a pool of water began collecting around her ankles. Keeve swallowed hard, fighting to maintain consciousness.

"Keeve, I'd really rather not have this baby here on your floor," Kal said. "So, we really should get me to the hospital. I need my bag, and Yara. You can contact Kim on the way, or once we get there."

Keeve bobbed his head stridently and rushed to Kallia's side. He nonsensically blabbered soothing words that failed to calm, only making himself breathless. When Kallia was deposited outside the speeder, Keeve darted back within the their home; recalling quickly he had neglected to help Kallia into the vehicle, Keeve hurried outside once again, issuing a fervent string of apologies as he aided her out of the cold, and into the speeder. Then, it was inside to retrieve Yara and whatsoever he could stuff into a duffel, and dashed outside with Yara giggling at her father's distress.

"Okay," he panted, Yara strapped into her seat, Kallia secured and duffel stashed away. "Are we ready?"

"Ready," Kallia said, focusing on her breathing and using a Jedi trick to keep herself calm. "I just hope my doctor is ready. Thank you, Keeve. This time, I'm glad I have someone with me. It makes a very big difference. Thank you, for all you've done for me."

"I haven't done anything yet," he warned her with a grin. "Thank me after I've avoided passing out on you in the delivery room." Slipping his hand into Kallia's and shooting Yara an affectionate wink, Keeve hit the thrusters to convey them towards the hospital where their unconventional family would gain a new addition.

***

True to her word, Dr. Royale was there to greet the couple outside the hospital as soon she had received word that Jae Dyn had arrived. She took note of the harried Keeve and smiled at the mother to be as she gestured for an orderly to help the laboring woman into a wheelchair. "How are you feeling, hon?"

"Ready to have a baby, doctor," Jae Dyn said with a smile. "I hope it's okay if Keeve comes in with us? And, Kim's coming too. She'll need to watch Yara when she gets here." She looked up at Keeve. "Do you think she'll be alright with that?"

"I could always stay out here and watch Yara," he offered with a nervous smile. "I bet Kim would just love to see a live birth."

"If she wants to come in," she said. "I'm sure I'll be fine either way, and I don't want you to be uncomfortable." She smiled fondly at him. "Everything will be fine, Keeve."

"Then I should be in there," he decided, though his expression was hardly resolute. "I-I have to see a birth once in my life, don't I?"

"Well, I'm sure you'll be there when you and Kim have a baby," Kallia said. "I'd love to have you in there, Keeve. I'm...I'm really happy to have you with me this time."

Keeve smiled bashfully and murmured a heartfelt, "Thanks."

Royale indicated that the orderly should follow her into the hospital. "In anticipation of your arrival, I took the opportunity to fill out some of the necessary registration forms. Perhaps Keeve would like to fill out the rest at the registration desk while we get you settled in?" Lyza could sense that the (possible father?) was uneasy about the prospect of witnessing a woman give birth. She hoped Keeve was prepared to stick with her during a labor and delivery without pain medication as they previously discussed.

In the meantime, Lyza had directed the couple to a private labor room. Given Jae Dyn's good health, Royale didn't anticipate any complications during delivery. Hopefully, the Jedi would be able to labor and deliver in the same room. The doctor smiled at the attending nurse. "This is Sirol. She'll help you get into a gown and hook you up to the monitors so that we can observe your vitals as well as the baby's."

"Thank you," Jae Dyn answered as she looked around the room. "Seems much more advanced here than where Yara was born. They had a clean facility, but Tatooine isn't known for being the most technologically advanced planet in the Outer Rim." With a smile for the nurse, she moved over to begin changing.

Royale nodded. "I'm just impressed that you practically did this all on your own the first time around. It must be such a relief to have Keeve, even though he seems a little nervous. Have you been in labor long or did you come as soon as the contractions started?"

"I think it's been about twenty minutes," Jae Dyn answered. "Keeve was home to check on me, and he was about to return to work when they started."

While Jae Dyn changed, Sirol turned down the bed and began calibrating the monitors. At the end of the bed just to the left there stood a tray containing all the instruments and scanners Lyza would need. Just behind her, hanging on the doorframe, was a light blue gown that Royale would put on when Jae Dyn was close.

Jae Dyn slipped into the gown, continuing to focus on the state of her body. As a Jedi, through the Force she had a considerable amount of control and awareness of her own body. Once she was ready, she turned back to Dr. Royale with a smile.

"Please don't take this as an insult to your Jedi abilities, but if you'd like pain killers, you need only let us know. At a certain point, it will be too late for drugs, as they will make the baby sluggish, but I will ask you again before the time comes. Things are going to get pretty intense."

"I didn't need them with Yara," Jae Dyn said. "I should be able to do without now. I'll let you know if I change my mind, though." She looked toward the door, and then back to the doctor. "Hopefully Keeve won't be too nervous to come in, though I think he may."

Lyza smiled. "I don't think I've ever had a father, when there was one present, refuse to witness the birth of his child, but then again, maybe that was because the mother was demanding that he be present." Royale suddenly felt awkward, remembering the circumstances of the conception. "Other than your friend, are you expecting anyone else to be present?" The doctor indicated Jae Dyn should get into bed so that she could attach the appropriate monitors.

"I don't believe so," Jae Dyn answered as she glanced at the bed. "I haven't spoken with many others, and...the others who would be here are busy. Just Keeve, or maybe Kim if he's not comfortable. Someone will have to watch Yara." As she glanced at the doctor, there was a noticeable tightness around her eyes indicating the strain she was under.

"Yara can watch, can't she?"

Lyza and Jae Dyn shifted their attention to the doorway where Keeve was framed and looking far calmer than previously. He smiled at Kal and stepped into the room to help her mount the bed. "She knows what's going on anyway, so why not?"

Lyza was hesitant. "Witnessing something like this, no matter how natural, can be distressing to a child. I'm not sure you want to put her through that. I can have a nurse watch her if your friend doesn't show up and you want to be present for the birth."

Keeve snorted. "Yara's no ordinary child, Doctor. She can handle this. I just know she'll be delighted when her little brother or sister is born."

"Is Kim coming, Keeve," Jae Dyn asked. "If the doctor doesn't think she should...maybe she should wait with Kim...if Kim's coming."

"Of course she's coming," he assured her. "She wouldn't miss this for anything. We'll keep Yara with her if that's what you want. Just...just don't get worked up, okay?" Whispering soothingly, Keeve leaned forward and brushed his lips against her brow. "Just relax and breathe...right?"

"Alright," Jae Dyn whispered. "Thank you, Keeve."

He grinned at her before his eyes were drawn again to the doctor, where his mirth was shifted to mild concern as Lyza began her work.

Royale attached the appropriate monitors to Jae Dyn's abdomen and was soon comforted by the sounds of mother and infant heartbeats. Royale frowned a moment later though, noticing something was slightly off. "Jae Dyn, I'm not sure what you're doing to cope with the pain, but I think it's lowering your heart rate. Is it possible for you to lessen some of your control? I know it will allow you to feel more pain visibly, but I need to get a sense of how your body's reacting to the contractions naturally. Also, I need you to tell me what you're feeling and when you feel ready. Don't hold back, okay? Scanners reveal a lot, but I believe nature knows best."

Jae Dyn nodded and peeled back some of the control over the pain her body was experiencing. She let out a gasp and quickly sucked in a breath. "There," she said. "I hope that's enough."

In point of fact, scanners showed Jae Dyn was almost ready to begin pushing her child out. Discreetly, Lyza requested a drape from the nurse. She looked to Keeve. "Would you like to help hold her legs, or perhaps," and she looked to the Jedi female, "you'd prefer him to hold your hand?"

"My hand," Jae Dyn whispered, then smiled at Keeve.

"Hand it is," he replied softly and slipped his into hers. They clasped one another tightly.

---

"A Bun in the Oven, Part 2"
by Jae Dyn Brael
Yara Brael
Keeve Shivral
Lyza Royale
Kimara

Location: Chimaerian Medical Center, Yesopol District, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 27, 4ABY

***

Two hours later, Jae Dyn was in the midst of active labor and clearly in pain. Because Brael had released some of her mental control, Royale could get better readings on how the child was tolerating the birth, but more pain naturally meant slower progress. The Jedi female was determined, however, and seemed embarrassed to show her discomfort.

"I don't think Yara was this stubborn when she was born," Jae Dyn said. "She just sort of...popped right out. Except for finances initially...oh...she's been such a wonder." She glanced up at Keeve, giving him a smile, then turned toward the doctor. "This...this is normal, right? The pain, and...it's...it's what I should expect?" She relaxed slightly at Lyza's nod. "Thank you."

At her place at the head of the bed, Lyza had yet to don the heavy gown, but was monitoring the baby's position on her scanner as well as the readouts on the fetal heart monitor. Royale tried to offer comforting words in between each contraction and encouraged Jae Dyn to relax in between as well. "You're doing beautifully, Jae Dyn. I want you to relax for a moment to gather your strength for the next one."

Jae Dyn took a deep breath and relaxed. "Just let me know when, Doctor." She closed her eyes briefly as she relaxed, allowing the Force to flow through her.

The door behind them opened and a blonde head poked in through the doorway. "Is this the right place? Oh, it is!" Kimara emerged fully into the room, grinning at Keeve. "I was afraid I'd miss the birth. No baby yet?" She scurried over to Keeve's side and grinned up at him, then suddenly frowned. "You look kind of pale."

"What do you expect?" he attempted snarkily, but he only came off nervous. "I've never done this before. How can women do this?"

"I've never done it before either," Kim said with a glance toward Kallia. "Unless you decide you don't want children, this will give me an idea of what I should expect when we have our baby."

"Oh gods," Keeve groaned, clutching his head with both hands as he collapsed into the chair behind him. "Please don't tell me you're pregnant too! I can't take much more of this...."

Lyza turned away from her monitors to express her surprise. It seemed the birth of a child wasn't the only drama unfolding today. "If you'd like a pregnancy test, I can set one up when I'm finished here. I'm kinda busy right now, though," she added dryly.

Kim laughed softly. "Not yet," she said. "I'm still using controls, so we're safe." She gave Keeve's hand a squeeze as she glanced up at him. "But, I thought eventually you'd want a baby of your own, with me," she added softly.

Royale looked to Keeve. "You do look a little rough around the edges. If you'd like a break, perhaps Kim," and she looked at the new arrival as if to confirm that was her name, "can fill in for awhile. I can always call you in so you're here in time for the big event."

"No," he complained, "I'm staying! I'm not weak, you know. I'm just...I'm just having a bad day, that's all!" Taking in a long, deep breath, Keeve removed himself from the chair and kissed Kim softly in greeting. "I'm staying," he said calmly. "Kim...do you mind taking care of Yara? Might give you some practice." Keeve grinned.

"I don't mind at all," Kim said with a grin as she took the little one into her arms. As a greeting, Yara tried to grab her nose, but settled for the collar of her shirt. "Oh, look at you, you little bundle of energy. Are you ready to meet your little brother or sister?" She looked at Keeve. "I should probably go walk her around."

"Yeah...that'll keep her from worrying, and if not" --Keeve chuckled tauntingly-- "then you'll gain even better practice, now won't you?"

"And it will keep my vision of you in tact," Kim said, her eyes glinting merrily as she glanced his way, "so that I don't see you fainting while Kal has her baby. My big, strong man can still be a big, strong man if I don't see him that way, right?"

Keeve grumbled affectionately. "You're rotten, you know that?"

Kim gave him an even bigger grin. "Oh, but you love me so," she said as she took Yara's hand in hers and they waved at Keeve before slipping out the door into the hallway.

Lyza sensed Kim had left rather than saw it and shook her head. She wondered if it was weird for Jae Dyn to be supported during the birth of her child by someone who obviously cared for her, seemingly as a lover might, but was so clearly flirting with another woman at a time such as this.

Royale shook her head and was interrupted by the beep of the monitors. "Alright, Jae Dyn, how are you feeling?"

"Perfectly fine, Doctor," Jae Dyn said in a voice tight from the strain. "Everything's just happy."

"Keeve, I want you to do what you can to support Jae Dyn by the shoulders. Jae Dyn, on the next contraction, I want you to bear down and push as hard as you can. Take breaths when you need to. You're going to feel lots of pressure and burning, but that's normal. Your body will tell you when the time is right, but you'll likely have to lose many of your controls to sense it."

"Trust me, Doctor," Jae Dyn said, "my body has a lot to say right now, and get this baby out of me is right at the top of its list. I have a greater sense of my body right now than you ever will, so don't you tell me I have to do anything differently. I was fine when I had Yara, I can do this too! Now, if you would be so...ugh...kind, please...I want to have this baby now!"

"Then keep pushing, Jae. We're all just cheerleaders for you while you do the heavy lifting," replied Royale, gesturing to the nurse to help her into the heavy surgical garb. "The baby is starting to crown and I'd rather not have to help him or her along. I know you can do this, and if you need to cry out, it's ok. Under the circumstances, you're allowed."

"Easy for you to say," Jae Dyn snarled as she reached out and re-gripped Keeve's hand. She turned her gaze to him and grinned. There was a glint there that was at once playful and mischievous. "Just be glad you're not the father; I'd make you pay." Her grin disappeared quickly as she clamped down on a cry. "Oh. Gods. Come on, little one. Time to meet mama." Again, her words were cut off with a sharp cry, but as Lyza could see, she was doing well.

Keeve swayed at one glance down between Kallia's legs, where the baby's head was beginning to poke through. He blinked rapidly to keep his eyes open and gave his head a shake; with consciousness secured, Keeve smiled waveringly at Kal. "Come on now... You want to be able to have sex again normally, don't you?"

"Somehow I think sex is the last thing on her mind, Keeve," replied Lyza, who was gently turning the baby. "If Kim would like to see this, you better tell her to get in here. You're a trooper, Jae Dyn, your little girl is being quite stubborn. One more push and your child's head will be out."

"I'm working on it," Jae Dyn snarled. "And sex is what got me into this problem in the first place. Wait-- Wha-- My girl? She's...she's a girl?"

Lyza suddenly felt like a slug. In all the excitement, she'd forgotten that Jae Dyn did not know the sex of her child. She tried to cover. "Well, I think... But I could be wrong."

"Kim!" Keeve called out excitedly, eyes wide with wonder, "get in here! Quick!"

Kimara, who had just been outside in the hall, came rushing through the door at the sound of her name. In her arms, Yara let out a happy squeal, one arm waving excitedly as she rushed to Keeve's side. "Oh! Oh wow! It's your little brother or sister there," she said to Yara. "Oh wow, Keeve. Oh look!"

With one push from Jae Dyn, the child's head was out, and Lyza reached for the bulb to suction the baby's nose and throat. Royale smiled at the sound of the child's mewling cries. "Jae Dyn, your baby is sucking my fingers."

"She...she sounds so beautiful," Jae Dyn said, tears forming in her eyes.

"Ok, Jae, just one more big push. If you like, you can reach down and catch your baby."

"One more," Jae Dyn rasped, and complied with the doctor's orders. The feeling of release washed over her as she felt the little one emerge fully into the world. "Keeve, is she beautiful? Is she alright, Doctor? Is she perfect?"

"How could she not be with you for a mother?" Keeve whispered in awe and braced himself with one hand to the wall before his legs gave out.

"Can I...can I see her?" She turned to the doctor with an expectant look.

Lyza gestured for a nurse to check on Keeve, even as she picked the little girl up from between her mother's legs and placed her on Jae Dyn's belly. The last thing she wanted was for Keeve to pass out and possibly sustain a concussion during such a joyous occasion. "Say hello to your momma, little one." Lyz smiled when the shift in position caused the newborn to wail in that way that was music to everyone's ears. "We'll take her in a minute and warm her up, but I'd say you've earned a visit. You did great, Jae."

"Thank you," Jae Dyn said, a smile going nearly from ear to ear as she looked down at the squalling form of her newborn. "She's beautiful, so very beau-- Oh...ow... Doctor...I...it's not...not supposed to still hurt..." She closed her eyes and quickly assessed her body's condition. Her concentration broke with a gasp. "Doctor..."

Keeve ceased swooning at Kallia's distress and quickly leaned over her in panic. "What's wrong? Kal, are you okay?"

Royale frowned, thinking it must be the placenta, the afterbirth, emerging. She gestured for the nurse on standby to take the little girl to the pediatrician. "What is it, Jae, what are you feeling?"

"It's...it's like before," Jae Dyn managed. "I sense...another...there's... more than...than one..."

"You're joking," Keeve squeaked, "right?"

As if in answer to Keeve's question, Lyza's scanner, which she had snatched from the instrument tray, registered an additional lifesign. Not trusting her own instruments completely, Lyza conducted her own internal exam and gently placed her hands on Jae Dyn's abdomen. Sure, enough, she felt another fetus, lying in the breech position, or feet first.

Royale exhaled and considered her options calmly. Scanners had obviously missed the second child because of its unusual presentation. Lyza could deliver the second baby without surgical intervention, which at this point seemed her only real option, but it would be challenging and painful, since the baby's head and shoulders would arrive last. She wondered if Jae Dyn could handle another delivery even as she prepared to issue orders.

Kallia leveled a gaze at Keeve that made even Kim take a step back. "Uh, I don't think she's joking," Kim said quickly, an edge of panic in her voice as she turned to the doctor, almost as if she were trying to will the woman to get to work. Suddenly, she forced a smile, turned to Keeve, and as brightly as she could, added, "Twins."

His breathing hastened and Keeve again found a seat, muttering frantically, "Oh gods...."

Lyza turned to Jae, Keeve, and Kim and spoke calmly. "There is definitely a second baby, Jae. Scanners missed it because the baby is breech, coming feet first. I can deliver the baby naturally, but I'm going to need your help. If the baby isn't coming or you get too worn out, we can always remove the baby surgically, but I'd rather not do that if we can avoid it. No matter what, however, I want you to know that everything's ok. I'm not going to let anything happen to you or the baby. You're safe. We can get you some pain meds if you like."

"I don't need pain meds, Doctor," Jae Dyn answered. "I'm ready."

Kim grinned then kissed Yara's cheek. "I think we're going to have to buy a lot more diapers, that's for sure. Maybe we should get the big, strong man there a drink of water or something."

Royale turned to Keeve, suddenly remembering he was present. "Keeve, perhaps you should take Yara and wait a little while outside. I don't want her to be frightened."

"She's not frightened," Keeve protested, gesturing to the giggling child in Kim's arms. "None of us are leaving. We're not through here, yet, and I promised Kal I'd stay, even if I get nauseous or faint or hysterical!" He winked at Jae Dyn and managed to rise without wobbling. Puffing up his chest and standing tall, Keeve nodded stiffly to the doctor. "Let's finish this, hm?"

"Sounds perfect," Jae Dyn said as she smiled at him, the expression only slightly marred by a brief wince. "I think the baby's in a hurry to meet his or her sisters, Doctor..."

Lyza simply nodded, reaching in to gently guide each tiny foot into the outside world. Sweat beaded on her forehead and dripped off her nose not only because of the sheer effort but because she was considering all that could go wrong. The baby's head or shoulders could get stuck. Worse yet, Jae Dyn's vitals could plunge before they even had a chance to rescue the baby. "I need you to push with everything you have Jae Dyn. The baby's head's in the right position, but it's still too far up for me to deliver."

She turned to Keeve and Kim. "Can one of you get behind her to provide leverage? No offense to your abilities, Jae, but I think not even you can do this alone. I need strong, controlled bursts. If I tell you to stop, I need you to hang on."

Jae Dyn only nodded, focusing herself on the task ahead. She still had strength within her, she still had the Force. The Force was life, and it was never more present than at moments just like this. She felt filled with the ethereal energy force, ready to go on despite the exhaustion her body felt.

Kimara glanced over at Keeve, then nodded for him to go ahead and help Jae Dyn.

He inhaled a deep, fortifying breath as he moved behind Kallia, and once he was in position, Keeve leaned over her shoulder and whispered, "You can do this, Kal. Let's have two healthy babies so I can get even more practice with this father thing."

"One more healthy baby, coming right up," she said with a grin for him before turning her full attention to the doctor and delivering her baby.

Royale blinked several times, forcing herself to concentrate. She would not panic, she just needed the baby's head to move a little further down without getting stuck. "Push, Jae, everything you got. Don't allow the force to disconnect you."

"Don't worry, Doctor," Jae Dyn said. She closed her eyes and pushed for all she was worth.

"That's it!" Royale practically cheered. She hadn't realized how scared she'd been until she heard her own voice. She grabbed Keeve's hand, Kim's, and then Jae Dyn's free hand, guiding them to the emerging baby. "Open your eyes, Jae, push, and help us catch your baby."

Jae Dyn nodded her understanding and reached down to where her child was coming into the world.

There was a groan heard from behind Kallia, where Keeve's head was turned away and his eyes clenched. His face had paled visibly, but he maintained his upright posture, though only by using Kallia's back as support.

Kim bounced Yara gently on her hip as she looked over at Keeve, then back to the doctor. "I think it's a safe bet you won't ever have to worry about Keeve taking your job, Doctor." She gave the woman a gentle smile, and moved closer to where she could offer some comfort to Keeve.

With one last hurculean effort from Jae Dyn, the baby slipped free silently. Immediately, Lyza began suctioning the child's nose and mouth, not yet even checking the sex. "Come on, little one, we want to check those lungs." Royale was calm and collected as she worked on the baby, but her heart was pounding practically in her ears.

"Doctor," Jae Dyn said softly. "Doctor, is...is my baby okay?" She tried to peer down to see, but with the exhaustion she felt, it was quite an effort to do so.

Lyza continued to work on the newborn, hoping that additional suction would clear the baby's lungs. She didn't want to have to hand the infant over to the pediatrician for more drastic measures if she didn't have to. Then, they all heard it, a weak and thready wail which gradually grew stronger.

Royale sighed visibly in relief, and smiled at the new mother. "Your daughter is going to be just fine. I'm going to give her to the pediatrician, so he can look her over and keep her warm, but you should be able to hold them both in a little while. You've lost a lot of blood, and I know you're exhausted, so we're going to clean you up and let you get some rest. You did beautifully, Jae Dyn, you're going to be just fine."

"Thank you, Doctor," Jae Dyn said softly. "Thank you very much. And, thank you, Keeve. I couldn't have done this without you and Kim."

"Two of them," Keeve was heard murmuring in amazement from the chair in which he watched the second baby being carried away. "Two of those little things fit inside your stomach, Kal? I have two new daughters now?"

"Well, not exactly my stomach," she said, "but very close. And, yes, they fit inside. I never expected to have three daughters. You'll be having a lot of practice for when you and Kim eventually have a baby."

"After this, we're never having children!" Keeve declared. "I don't think I could take much more of this sorta thing."

Jae Dyn laughed. "Well, we'll see if you stick with that," she said. "Then again, with my three you may never need to make one of your own."

Smiling fondly, Keeve slipped his hand into Kallia's. "I already have, Kal. Even though those girls don't carry a shred of my genes, they're still mine and yours. I'm going to help you raise them, and I'm going to be a father to them - one they can be proud of, if I can."

"Thank you," Kallia whispered, her eyes glistening with tears. "I love you."

"Gods," he scoffed affectionately as he leaned in towards her, "I thought you were emotional during the pregnancy." And he lightly placed a kiss upon her lips.

Lyza smiled. "I hate to break up the party, but the new mother needs her rest, and I'm sure it'll be the only rest she gets for awhile." The twins had been taken to pediatrics and now Royale was monitoring Jae Dyn's blood loss. "Are you in any pain, Jae Dyn?"

"I feel fine, Doctor," Jae Dyn said. "A little pain, a little exhaustion, but I can't remember being this happy in a long time. Thank you for everything, Doctor." She stifled a yawn. "Actually, I guess I am tired, aren't I. But, can they stay for a little longer? For when I get to see my girls?"

"Just a little longer, but not too much, ok, you need your rest."

In the end, Jae Dyn needed her sleep, and Keeve, Kim, and Jae Dyn's daughters would have to wait for later.

***

Once they were out into the waiting room, Kim turned to Keeve with an enormous grin on her face. "Oh, that was amazing. And, did you see them? They were so cute. Though, they did remind me of holo-images of that little, old Jedi Master they keep showing in that documentary they're doing on the Jedi."

Keeve blinked slowly at Kim and reminded her, "He was green, Kim, and had three fingers on each hand. Are you calling my kids short, ugly mutants?"

"But the face! They're so cute! All small and wrinkled!" She grinned brightly at him. "They're beautiful, Keeve. And, they're most definitely not ugly. Babies can't be ugly, Keeve. You should know that."

He grinned crookedly. "And why should I know that? I don't know the first thing about newborns. I promised Jae I'd help...but I'm not even sure I know how."

"I don't really know either," Kim said with a smile as she slipped her hand into his. "But, I'll help you however I can. We already know we can do anything together."

"Like what?" he chuckled. "We can't even cook a meal together without stepping on each other's toes...literally."

"That's because our kitchen is tiny," Kim said. "And besides, we can hardly cook a meal without you trying to feel me up."

"You're the one who starts it!" Keeve exclaimed. "Sure, I might pat your rear once or twice when I'm passing, but you're the one who does all the real grabbing."

Kim reached down and started to lift the hem of her shirt. "I can show you the marks you put there last night when we were trying to make that soup!" In her arms, Yara squeaked happily.

Keeve looked around in a panic as he hastily pulled Kim's hands away. "Stop that!" he whispered. "There are people here...and very impressionable babies!" Yara giggled in delight.

"Don't worry, my love," Kim said as she kissed Keeve's cheek. "I wasn't going to take my top off. I mean, there are impressionable babies here. Besides, I'll need something special to show you when we get home tonight."

He snorted. "I've already seen all that. You're going to need something better than" --he waved vaguely at her bosom-- "all that to tempt me."

"Oh, it's the whole package," Kim said with a seductive grin. "But, if you're not interested, I'll just make sure Yara gets a good night's sleep tonight without mommy around."

"I hardly think Kallia's ready for a night in bed yet. The woman needs time to recover before I get to her," he boasted.

"Oh, I'm sure," Kim said with a laugh. "I guess I could always just go into the office tonight to catch up with the work I'm falling behind on. You do still remember how to change Yara's diaper, don't you?"

"Of course," he insisted sarcastically. "Though, you're not really going into the office, are you? It's late, Kim. Stay home with us." He stroked her hand tenderly and smiled sincerely. "I'm glad you were here tonight. I really needed you."

"For you? Anything," Kim said with a warm smile. "But, you're still changing Yara's diapers tonight." She gave the end of his nose a quick kiss.

Watching her in pure wonder and amazement, Keeve said emphatically, "I love you, Kim. When can I marry you?"

Kim's face lit up and a smile spread across it in pure delight. "Whenever you want," she said. "As soon as we can..."

He grinned broadly, answering, "As soon as we can... I-I just need to end my marriage with Maeren...if I can bring myself to do it."

"I know it's hard for you, Keeve, and I'm not going to push. But I want you to know I'll be by your side the entire time. I love you."

"Yeah," he sighed, "I know. Let's just...we'll wait a couple weeks, okay? Give me time to find Maeren and end things with her...the right way." Grinning sidelong, he teased, "That'll give you a chance to plan things and indulge your controlling tendencies."

"What controlling tendencies!? I don't have any controlling tendencies! You'd better take that back right now, or you're in big trouble mister!"

"You are so controlling!" Keeve insisted with an incredulous laugh. "You won't even let me leave the house without approving my outfit."

"That is not true! It's the other way around. Perhaps you have good reason for it, but I only want to make sure your clothes are on right. You do have a habit of getting the fastenings out of alignment."

Keeve opened his mouth to protest, in rather childish fashion, but frowned instead and muttered, "And you always like to win, too..."

"I do always win, silly," Kim said with a grin. "Though, I think you let me win most of the time."

"I do," he admitted, "but only because you're much easier to live with if you're happy."

"Just as long as you don't give up too easily, my love," Kim said with a grin. "You know I do like a little bit of a tussle."

Keeve rubbed his arm in remembered pain. "Yeah...I know. I've still got the bite marks. I really think you've got a little of Hope in you. Must be the jungle blood."

Kim gave him a playful growl, and quickly leaned in as if to nip at him, and instead gave him a kiss on the cheek. "And Hope doesn't bite. She's the best reisakitten ever, you know. And, she loves us both, so don't you start smearing her character with your slanderous remarks."

"Okay, enough," he chuckled. "I need to go check on Kallia. You two will be alright out here? No mayhem?"

"We'll be fine," Kim said with a cheerful grin. "I think she's about ready for a bottle, so I'm going to find a corner." She glanced around, then pointed to one corner that seemed to have a variety of comfortable chairs. "Like that corner right over there."

Starting to rise, Keeve answered, "Alright...I won't be long, so don't wander too far." And he bent forward to kiss her brow. "I love you." Then he did the same to Yara, though he grinned fondly and tapped her nose before starting away.

When Keeve stepped into the doorway, Kallia was inside resting peacefully. As he started across the threshhold, she opened her eyes and looked up. "I was wondering when you'd stop by," she said fondly. "They brought the little ones in. You will help me with names, won't you? I've been too tired to think."

"You haven't already got a couple Jedi-sounding titles for them?" he joked and quickly kissed her cheek. "Congratulations, Mommy," he whispered. "Never thought you'd be a mother twice in one day, huh?"

"Not in my wildest dreams," Kallia said with a smile. "Before I came to this planet, I never expected one, let alone three. It's almost overwhelming, that's for sure. I think I'm going to need bigger rooms now."

"Well, you'll be staying with us still. That won't be a problem." Sitting on the edge of her mattress, Keeve watched Kallia expectantly. "So...are they Dargus'? I mean, it changes nothing if they are...but are they?"

"I don't really know," Kallia said with a frown. "At the time, I'd been with...a number of people. They could be his, yours, Liam's. I think there was even a guard on Dargus' cruiser who took advantage of the situation before I was put off-limits."

Keeve's jaw clenched as he restrained his anger, and self-guilt in knowing he had mistreated Kallia many times over; he was no better than Dargus, but he was at least making amends however he could. Raising her children would be his one path towards achieving forgiveness. "Kal," he told her ardently, "I don't care whose children they are. They're my girls, now, and I want them to know only me as their father. You don't have to tell them the truth, whatever it is, do you?"

"I think they deserve to know," Kallia said. "But, we may never know the truth. Perhaps the only truth we will need, despite biology and genetics, is you are the only father they will ever know, or ever need."

He smiled, elated over first Kim's agreeing to marry him, and now in having been appointed the father of two more darling children. Laughing with sheer joy, Keeve pulled Kallia into his arms and embraced her delicately, despite his excitement. "Thank you," he chuckled into her ear. "I know I was cruel to you for so long...but I'm going to make it up to you. I will, I promise."

"Oh, my dear, you're definitely already making it up to me," she said. "Though, I don't think you really need to worry about it. I love you, our daughters love you, and we always will."

"Even," he asked with much apprehension, "if I marry Kim?"

"You married Maeren and I still love you," Kallia said as she reached out for his hand. "What does that tell you?"

"That you're either still under Dargus' programming," he quipped, "or..." He glanced up at her, smiling crookedly. "Or...you could never hate a face like mine?"

"I couldn't," Kal said with a grin. "And, with all the ways you've helped me, Keeve, I couldn't hate you. You've been so good to me, and Yara, and now to the twins...I can't imagine my life without you, even if you marry Kim."

"Well...good! Because you're invited. You think you'll be up for it?" He shook his head, recalling, "I remember taking care of Aria...she's a handful. Imagine two of them!"

"And, there's still Yara too," Kallia said with a laugh. "I have no idea how I'm going to do this, Keeve. At times, Yara was a handful. Three...I'm sure they'll be wonderful, but...I'm so fortunate to have you and Kimara in my life. Without the two of you, I think I would be feeling a touch of despair right now. Instead, it's all joy."

"And maybe a little fatigue?" he reminded her with almost motherly concern. "You should sleep. I'll be here when you wake. I promise that."

"Fatigue, yes," Kal said with a sleepy smile. "It's not easy, you know, pushing two babies out of your body. I think I'll be sleeping soundly tonight."

"You deserve it," he told her. "I'll stay awhile and watch you sleep." Keeve winked. "If you don't mind the attention...."

"I don't mind at all," Kallia said. "I think they'll be able to let me go home tomorrow. I'll have to check in with the Temple. I do hope everything is alright there."

"That can wait," he assured her. "They don't need you right now. Our daughters do." Smoothing back her hair, Keeve kissed Jae's brow. "Stop worrying. Go to sleep."

"No worries with you here with me," Kallia whispered as she closed her eyes. "I love you, Keeve. I am very glad you were with me today. It made it that much more special of a day."

"I was just here for support," he told her. "Even though I was near fainting the entire time." He chuckled. "At least I'll be ready for next time."

"And that will have to be Kim's," Kallia said with a grin as she snuggled down into her bedding. "I think I'm done now."

"We'll see about that," he murmured quietly, and contently watched as Kallia's breathing slowed with the onset of a peaceful slumber.

Reflecting on the day, and the addition of two more women to his already large harem, Keeve decided with a sense of fulfillment that he had everything he needed in life. A serene smile tugged at Keeve's lips, and his body relaxed in response to the inner peace he felt, stretching out along the bed with Kallia. Sweeping his fingers up and down her bare arm fondly, Keeve watched Kallia sleep and was confident he'd discovered the purpose for all he'd endured, from his first day on Tae'Karada, to Dargus' interference in the natural progress of his growth, and to finding love with Shiv, only to realize he'd been ignoring the woman his heart truly longed for; all of it had led to this one moment, and he knew he'd go through it all again - all the pain, the heartache, the passion, and loss - if the outcome was assured to be the same: finding pure joy for the first time in his short life.

---