"Partnership Reborn"
By: Tarrel
Lenara

Location Thanatos
Date: Eos 28, 4 ABY

***

Lenara stood slightly hunched over the main computer terminal, tapping at it. She and Tarrel were getting ready to test the systems they had managed to jerry rig. This would be an interesting adventure no doubt.

"Tarrel?" she called.

"Yeah... FRACK!" he called, looking up just in time to strike a hard cylinder made of dura-steel yet again.

Lenara chuckled, "You okay?"

"Yeah, they put these things together with the idea of you hitting your blacken head! I'm done down here." She flicked on several switches and somewhere energy started flowing. That was good...or so she hoped.

"Ready to start?"

"Yeah, but give me a moment to get clear. I don't want a repeat of the last test of the power systems... I don't think we have any burn ointment left!"

The Engineer-ess smiled, "Whenever you're ready darlin'."

As he slipped out, diligently avoiding any more metal he heard his com link drop down to the area below. Instead of going back for it, he was sure at least it was safe down there, he slid the rest of the way out and called, "Clear," as loudly as he could.

She initiated power to the first series of relays. After a short buzz, and some quiet frizzling, she could feel the ship slowly gaining life.

"How's it look down there?" she asked, wiping the sweat off her brow.

Lenara wore her usual pants and boots and a sleeveless undershirt, her hair tied back and up so she could work without annoying distractions. She had fingerless gloves on, using them to wipe some of the sweat off.

He looked down the pipe. He couldn't see the power go through the systems, but the lack of seeing it going out of them was a good sign. "Looks good, no sparks this time! Try switching us off of ground support, if the lights stay on we're good!"

Len nodded unconsciously and flicked off the power. "You need to check if they're on!"

"We have power down here. Looks like our Aux power system is working. That means we can possibly get engines to fire this time." He knew enough to know that a ship wouldn't light engines off of ground support, that tentacle that provided power, environment and toiletries for a ship while it was sitting on the ground.

"True...want do it now then?"

"That's your call, I don't know how to tell if they're ready, and no I'm not going to go stand behind the ship to see if they fire." He'd moved into the cockpit, so he didn't have to scream.

She chuckled at him from the co-pilot's seat. "Well if we don't end up on the floor when we release the landing struts, we're fine." She winked at him. "Where's your sense of adventure?"

"Hey, I've seen what happens when someone 'checks the engines.' It's not pretty!" He sat down and strapped in. "Let's hope the ground restraints are up to par here."

Lenara flicked several switches, turning the hover thruster's on. Next step, retract the struts. Slowly, painstakingly, the struts retracted into the belly of the ship. She closed her eyes, expecting to feel and hear a loud crash. Yet none came.

"Okay. So that means we're floating." She chuckled and craned her neck. "Not bad."

"Not bad... Not bad at all. I'll admit, I had doubts. You've proven yourself, and that this ship can fly. Let's see, air tight, and lift. We'll have to check out the hyperdrive next..."

Lenara looked over to him. "And where would we do that? We are hiding."

He'd been so caught up in the bad news he'd forgotten to tell her the good. "Well officially I own this ship. My debt's, well, let's just say that the siege caused some changes in that area, apparently as well as yours since he that put out your contract isn't going to be able to pay up. And, well, bounty hunters always like to know they can collect."

She looked at him for a moment. "What?"

"Well, ol' whatsisname, he's dead. You know your friendly neighborhood hood. And Darius being part of the rebellion is in hiding and wiped his records. So I'm free and clear and so are you."

Lenara turned to her display, somewhat shocked. This was too good to be true. "Thanks," she replied in a soft voice.

"I tried to get news while I was out. There's a siege on, and apparently the Imperials want to be the only gang in town, so they burned his shop down, after locking his doors from the outside. Standard Operating for the Imperials." His excursion was good only for information. "I found this in a pile of rubble that was pointed out as his shop." He put his hand in his pocket and handed it to her. "I would have told you before, but you're a slave driver when it comes to repairs!"

Lenara took the rubble from his hand and looked at it. Part of why she was with Tarrel was to hide from Suntamer. And now the clan was dead. Did she stay with Tarrel? Did she go find her own destiny?

"So now what?"

"So now we're partners unless you want to leave. The ring leader's dead, but I'm sure there's minions out there somewhere. Not to mention Imperials, who just love single women..."

She chuckled at the irony. "You know how to keep them around you."

Sighing, she turned to the job at hand. "Let's see about the engines then."

"On the contrary, I know how to keep a good engineer. What doya say? Fifty-fifty? I own it, fly it, you fix it?"

"How's that 50/50?" She chuckled, "Don't worry...I'm cool with that."

He laughed. She was right, there was a lot of work to do on this ship. Maybe it would fly, but that was about it, and then there was still the question of the hyper-drive. There was always the chance that it was inoperable. "Well I'll help make it more even by helping fix it, Ok?" He winked as he stood up. Now to figure a way out of here. "I'm sure the Imperials have an embargo up right now."

"And are probably sweeping iffy areas," Lenara added. "Well, Mr. Gettingusoutofhere, what do we do?" She looked after him.

"Well we can start with a nice meal. I have some credits available, and maybe we'll get lucky and find someone to bribe?"

She nodded, "Lead the way."

---

"Brutal Force"
by Grand Admiral Tarkin
and Moff Seare

Location: Royal Palace, Arcadia
Date: Eos 28 , 4 ABY

***

Standing on a balcony, he overlooked the gardens. From where he stood, it would seem that everything was more than safe and secure, with dozens of troops lurking by and even Imperial Walkers standing guard. And, as if it was not enough, the grounds were also protected by a shield. A gift from the High Prince who was once the ruler of Tae'Karada.

Behind him someone approached, and Tarkin looked over his shoulder. It was Commander Drebel. "Commander," he nodded. "Tell me, Commander, what went wrong with the Thanatos region? I hear we suffered a major blow there from the local residents. And I was wondering if this is possible when our forces outnumber theirs and so does our technology!"

Drebel bowed low before the Grand Admiral. "I've just received Moff Seare's report, sir, and he explains that the rebels are using tactics that his men are ill-equipped to defend against. They strike quickly and fade away, then attack from the other flank. With the settlement as spread out as it is, he requires additional men to hold the region."

"And is Moff Seare too proud to request extra men? Does he prefer to have the Empire mocked by some of those desert scum?" Tarkin asked. "Did the Walkers get to Moff Seare, Commander?"

"They are still being adapted for the sand," the commander answered. "They should be ready for deployment by the end of the week. The Marauders are also doing fairly well there, however they are only six against the rest of the desert. Grand Admiral, Moff Seare...is en route to the palace as we speak. I believe he wishes to discuss this matter with you personally."

"I would expect his success and nothing else," Tarkin said. "For a man of his experience, the locals in the Thanatos region shouldn't be a match! Have him brought to my presence as soon as he arrives."

"As you command."

***

Thirty minutes later, Commander Drebel brought Moff Seare before Admiral Tarkin. As the underling disappeared, Seare regarded the grand admiral. After a moment's study, he inclined his head in greeting. "Grand Admiral," he said in a grave tone.

"Moff Seare." Tarkin sighed briefly. "I must say I expected more of your command in the Thanatos region. I wouldn't assume that the desert sand is a problem as you've dealt with harsher conditions in the past," he said. "And the guerrilla tactics the locals seem to use should also pose no threat to a man with your experience. In a place where your men outnumber theirs and in which you have more technology at your disposal, I see no reason not to be getting positive results. Perhaps you would care to enlighten me?"

"Grand Admiral," Seare said, "do you wish for there to be anything remaining within the region when my men have finished their work? If not, I will just strafe the settlement, killing everything and destroying everything that stands. However, I was attempting to preserve the civilian populace, which means that more...brutal tactics are less effective. Also, it seems that someone has organized the gangs of Thanatos into a force. They have been equipped and continue to strike at my people. While we may outnumber and overpower them, the tactics to which they have resorted are tactics the men you have placed under my command are ill-equipped to counter. We are reducing the numbers in the gangs, however when they do not present large numbers of themselves, it becomes increasingly difficult to kill them. Would that I could kill them without ever having to see them."

"Quite frankly, I could not care less for the populace in Thanatos. They are not civilized, and thus deserve no place of any status. Not like some in New Plouton," Tarkin said. "But I don't want to create a bloodbath, even if this is a hostile takeover of the region. So, Moff Seare, perhaps you can tell me what you need to improve results in the region?"

Moff Seare thought for a moment, and then nodded. "I will need an additional five thousand men to help pacify the populace. Additional heavy weaponry and perimeter security devices to use around our bases of operation in the region."

"Commander Drebel will see to your requests. And with them, I expect results," Tarkin answered. "And some small advice, Moff Seare. Fear gets results just as well as sympathy. I'm not searching for allies in those people, but obedience from them. They won't defy the Empire! They will be the example. Am I clear?"

"Quite clear," Seare answered. "I will bring results within the week."

"I would wish you luck, but there is no such thing as far as I am concerned. And even if there were, you are much too competent to need it, Moff Seare. Dismissed," Tarkin said with a nod. With that, a guard stepped up to escort Seare.

Without another word, Moff Seare left Grand Admiral Tarkin's presence, and returned to the desert.

---

"The Deal, Part 1"
by Korva Valkier
& Leija

Location: Kashyyk
Date: Eos 28, 4ABY

***

It was dark out, not that he'd notice; he was still working on the power core. This was the second late night in a row; Chowe had long since gone to sleep with his wife at his side leaving Korva to do the work alone.

"Ok...let's try it again..." he said, as he entered the cockpit, edged with grit determination not about to let this hunk of metal beat him. He pressed the start up buttons in sequence; there was a loud whining noise that quickly followed. Lights all around flickered on and off, the consoles and terminals also flickered occasionally. But it didn't last long, only a few seconds before it cut and started to whine down. "Come on!" he shouted, hitting the top of the doorway with rows of switches and flicking lights.

The power reasserted itself and all the flickering lights lit up along with the display screens and terminals, nodding to himself, pride flowing out at finally succeeding in fixing the problem. "At long...bloody--" Just before he finished all the power shut down. Lights, terminals, consoles everything suddenly went dead. "... last..." he finished in darkness.

He looked around in the darkness for a few seconds, sighing heavily. Grabbing a torch, he turned it on, looking around the dark cockpit. "Figures..." he whispered, shaking his head.

In the darkness of the forest nearby, a figure, blacker against the black of night, crouched. Glowing red eyes were locked on the cockpit, and the man working inside it. Her quarry. Korva. Jadda would pay a mighty price for returning the mercenary to him, alive and ripe for whatever punishment the Hutt had devised for him.

Leija had to draw him out.

Certainly, she could have shot him through the transparisteel of the cockpit windows. But, she did not want to drag a corpse back to the crimelord's hall. The Chiss leveled her long-barrelled rifle, aiming for the top of the cockpit, and not the windows. She fired. Her shot glanced off the hullplating. It made enough noise to get Korva's attention.

Leija put the rifle's carrystrap over her shoulder, and crept, slowly, to the edge of the wood that offered her protection from the eyes of the man she was hunting. Her hand went inside her cloak, gripping the handle of her oddly curved sword.

If he didn't have enough problems! One moment he was trying to figure out what to try, next to fix his damned ship apart from the obvious hitting her until she submitted, which brought a faint smile to his face. The next moment he was ducked down as a laser bolt flashed through the cockpit hitting a console. The console exploded, sparks shooting out towards him along with debris. His hand grabbed his blaster, pulling it free in the time it took his heart to beat. Crouched low, he looked out through the cockpit window.

It took a moment for his eyes to adjust and then he saw a figure moving. He or she - Korva couldn't tell at the distance with it being so dark - was walking towards him from the woods, drawing an oddly shaped sword. "Bounty Hunters..." he whispered, cursing the name. He watched the bounty hunter for a moment, it obviously wasn't 'The Ghost' as she'd have come aboard without him even knowing which was where she got her name from.

With the power down he couldn't activate the anti-personnel cannon that folded out the underside of the ship. Cursing his ill-luck Korva headed out of the cockpit, blaster in hand to meet this bounty hunter not giving in without a fight.

As Korva stepped out into the moonlight, he heard a sound, like a sudden wind. A dark figure appeared, suddenly, beside him, and slightly behind him. Something silver and metallic twirled in the air, and he realized that was the source of the sound. The black-cloaked figure moved rapidly, and was soon in front of him, pointing the blade.

"You are Korva Valkier, the mercenary ?" a soft, feminine voice said. "I have come to take you to Jadda the Hutt. Lower your weapon, and follow my peaceably."

He stared at the silver blade, the tip pointed at him. He was sure the knife was laser sharpened. This has not been my week... he thought, cursing whatever god who seemed to be plaguing him this time. "What the hell did I do to deserve this?" he whispered to himself. Korva then acted, or rather his pet did.

The Nirish had crept up to within a metre of his attacker with incredible stealth. The Corellian didn't know she was even there until she appeared out of the shadows, padded feet madding her incredibly quiet. Her top lip rose, revealing her large white fangs and razor sharp teeth as she growled at the Bounty Hunter, causing her to turn around, which Korva was betting on.

As she turned, he reached forward, grabbing the wrist, holding the knife. He gripped it with both hands, pulling it up over his shoulder, twisting her wrist and arm as he threw her over him. She crashed to the ground in front of him. He quickly rolled her over onto her front, pinning her to the floor with his knee to the back of her neck. Twisting her arm around behind her, he forcibly removed the knife.

This all happened within a few seconds. Once Leija was on the floor Isia moved up to her stopping mere inches from her face, Leija now faced a growling beast of teeth and claws, feeling her breath on her face warm to the touch.

"Now..." he said, leaning against the hull of his ship, looking the knife now in his hand over. "Let's talk..."

"If I move, this animal will likely remove my face," Leija said, staring with her glowing red eyes into those of the Nirish. "Or, at least my nose. You have me at a disadvantage, Mr. Valkier. Call off your animal. And we will...talk."

Korva said a single word in an unfamiliar language after thinking about it for a moment. Isia slowly back away though never took her eyes from Leija growling.

Leija moved, slowly, gaining her feet, only to turn and find her own sword leveled at her. She rose one eyebrow. The only show of emotion on her face. "Please, do not take it personally, Mr. Valkier," she said. "There is a price on your head. And Jadda the Hutt would like to have that head, in his palace. I need the Hutt's help, to find someone. And so, I sought you out. I am a Bounty Hunter by trade. So, unless you kill me now, you will see me again."

She folded her hands behind her back, and took a deep breath. This was the part about her profession she did not like. The part that often made her question why she did what she did. A look into this man's eyes told her that he was a better creature than the Hutt. But, it was not her place to moralize. She was a hunter. He was what she was hunting.

"So I have a choice, let her" --he indicated Isia now standing at his side-- "rip your throat off or let you go and have you pop out of nowhere to take my to slug of Hutt, who will no doubt make my stay very uncomfortable." He had to admit the thought of sticking the sword he held into her cold heart was appealing, but he couldn't, wasn't in his nature to kill an unarmed person, especially a woman. Slowly, the sword lowered to the ground. "I'll give you this chance: leave...but if I see you again I'll kill you." He reversed the sword, throwing it back to Leija.

She resheathed it with surprising speed. And then, rather than doing as Korva had said, and leaving him to his animal and his ship, she turned her glowing eyes on him again. She seemed to be sizing him up. "Why does the Hutt want you ?" she asked, blandly.

"I owe him money, had a little trouble making a shipment." It was when all this trouble started. From the moment he decided to cut and run from the Imperials, everything went from bad to worse. What troubled Korva was the fact the Imperials seemed to be waiting for them. The moment they dropped out of hyperspace they attacked out of nowhere. "Now he wants my head on a silver dish, as well as my ship."

"You have never head of me, have you ?" Leija asked him. When he did not answer, she continued. "Normally, I wouldn't take after someone like you. But, I needed information the Hutt could offer me. Usually, I prefer to target agents of the Empire. And if I have done my homework correctly, Mr. Valkier; that gives me more in common with you, than with Jadda the Hutt."

What was she doing ? She could have left, unharmed, but instead she was standing there dickering with Korva. If there was some trick behind the Chiss's soft words, her face did not give it away.

"But the matter still remains, you're a bounty hunter... I'm your target, your merk, nothing more than a payday. And to answer your question, no I haven't heard of you...so why don't you enlighten a poor smuggler." He kept his hand close to his holstered blaster after he'd picked it up off the floor. He could draw it with speed but more importantly he was deadly accurate - a deadly combination.

"Leija. That is my name," the Chiss answered. "I am a Bounty hunter by choice, but my methods are quite different from most. As I said, I often target agents of the Empire. That, at least, gives us a mutual enemy. Now, time is of the essence to me, Mr. Valkier. Perhaps we can make a deal, that would at least put a pause to your trouble with the Hutt. And benefit me as well."

"That depends on what you have in mind," Valkier replied, still not relaxing fully, not trusting this woman as far as he could throw her.

"I assure you I am thinking out of pure necessity," Leija said. "The Chiss are known for their ability to strategize. I am strategizing. I convince the Hutt you are dead, he gives me the information I need. You assist me in finding the person I am looking for...and I will aid you in any Imperial entanglements you have been unfortunate to get yourself involved in."

"Sounds promising," Korva said, thinking about taking on another partner. It was an interesting proposal, he'd have to run the idea by Chowe.

"I am searching for someone, for personal reasons," Leija said. "I have some information that may be of value to them. The information was given me by another quarry, in exchange for his life. And I am honor-bound to deliver it. It might even be of help to the Rebellion. And that is something that, in the name of my mother, and my husband, I must pursue."

This woman was a strange sort of Hunter. Not like any other. But, then again, she had every reason to be a bit strange. She was in a situation quite by accident, only to further a cause she had lost some sight of. It was not an easy position to be in, and only someone with the methodical mind of a Chiss could have rationalized it all so well.

Korva took a few minutes to think it over. He crouched down, running his hand through Isia's fur coat, stroking her head, concentrating behind the ears. He looked up from his companion, staring into the Bounty Hunter's eyes. "Just because we're talking doesn't make us friends. Bounty Hunters aren't known for their trust...but at the moment I can't see any other way out of my current situation. If it's fine with my partner we have a deal."

Leija's first reaction to the statement was a simple, slight bow of the head. "If friendship is a destiny we share it will come in time," she said. "Right now, you have me at a disadvantage. Or, you did so, a few moments ago. I have no desire to kill you. I took the job of tracking you down, for a single purpose. And, as I rationalize the situation, I see how both of our purposes can be served. Without my having to kill you...or at least try. Nor, you having to kill me. Mutually beneficial."

"Very mutual..." the Corellian whispered almost to himself. He half turned away from the Chiss, not fully trusting her. Who really would? She was a bounty hunter by trade even by choice, though she seemed to have a strange sense of honour.

"Now, let us go see this partner of yours," Leija said.

Korva shrugged. He was about to lead her to Chowe but then taking a step away from her he remembered the Wookiee would be fast asleep alongside his wife. "That may prove difficult..." he said with a sly smile, winking at Leija. "He's currently occupied with Familial Matters, but you can use my ship if you want to rest up until he comes down." The Corellian turned to the Nerish, whispering something out of earshot. The furry animal, with twitching ears, listening to the sounds around her looked once at the Chiss before running off, vanishing into the shadows. "What drink would you like?" he asked, stepping onto the access ramp heading up into the Wraith.

"Whatever you have...that is cold," Leija replied. And she found herself a seat, in what was probably the darkest corner of the ship's main crew area. She would wait.

---

"Final Preparations"
By: Grand Admiral Tarkin
Commander Drebel [NPC]

Location: Tarkin's Palace, Arcadia
Date: Eos 28, 4 ABY

***

The now entitled Commander Drebel marched into the Grand Admiral's chambers and snapped him a salute. "Grand Admiral, the preparations are complete."

Tarkin grinned viciously. "Good. Soon the Jedi will be no more and so will the rebellion with time. We will arise once more as the New Empire!" he said. "I trust that all of them have their cortosis armor?"

"All of them are suited up and eager to march, my lord." Drebel handed the Grand Admiral a datapad. "We have two shuttles prepped and ready to launch. Each will land a kilometer from the Temple, one team at the North and the other at the South. From there the teams will move in to outflank the Jedi." A meek smile touched the commander's lips. "It will be a glorious victory in your name, my lord."

"In the name of the Empire," Tarkin corrected, although he enjoyed hearing that the victory would be in his name. "You have served me well, Drebel. Serve me well and after we arise as the new superpower I will make you Sector Moff."

"You honour me, Grand Admiral," he replied with an obsequious bow of his head. "Though, I have one question: Do you wish to have the Jedi dead or alive when we present them to you?"

Tarkin thought about it for a few seconds. "The Jedi shouldn't be too many, and considering that they were hiding all these years they should know little of the Rebellion. Kill them! Besides, they are a pest, and tricky ones..." Tarkin said.

Drebel nodded duteously. "As you wish, Admiral. Their dead bodies shall be delivered to you promptly following the battle. Then, with your permission, we will destroy the Temple."

Tarkin nodded with a grin. "You may go when ready," he said with a nod.

"We will be launching our attack at 04h00 tomorrow," Drebel replied. "I will be sure and keep you apprised of our progress during that time. And," he added, humbly lowering his eyes to the ground, "I would like to thank you for this opportunity, Admiral. It is an honour to serve you and the Empire in such a noble endeavour."

"It is I who will be thanking you, Commander, for your competence and success soon enough," Tarkin nodded. He then dismissed the Commander and took a seat as he thought about it. Soon he would rule and he would be so much more than the late Emperor Palpatine...

---

"Intervention"
by Kal'Aran
Aurra Sgall
Nieme Yaresh
and Dani

Location: Jedi Temple; New Plouton
Date: Eos 28, 4 ABY

***

She ran through the door. She knew she would find him there as she could sense him. Alas, even though she had things she wanted to say and questions to ask, she decided to stop, as he was meditating.

"What runs through your mind, my young padawan, that makes you rush onto my presence?" Kal'Aran asked, even though he had his back turned to Aurra.

The blue Twi'lek girl made her way forward and kneeled down next to her Master, looking him in the eyes. "Is it true, Master? Have Nieme and Dani truly kidnapped padawan Talara Sorenne and Ferrig Mullerin?" she asked.

Kal'Aran lifted his eyebrows slightly. "It seems so... Ferrig has returned and is safe, but I fear padawan Sorenne is still missing."

"Does this mean Dani and Nieme have walked the path to the dark side, Master?" Aurra asked, quite directly.

"It is hard to know..." he sighed. "It seems likely, although I cannot guarantee it. Normally they would be felt, but the dark side can cloud things and they may have learned to conceal themselves."

"Then the dark side is stronger?" Aurra said, confused.

Kal'Aran shook his head. "No, not stronger. Easier to learn, quicker. But not stronger..." he explained. He then placed his hand on Aurra's shoulder. "Master Yoda used to explain this. You see, fear leads to hate and hate leads to anger. Anger leads to the dark side... A padawan that falls astray from training is a potential sith. But this does not mean Nieme and Dani have gone that path."

"But, if Dani can sense what other people feel how can she hurt them? How can she hurt Talara and Ferrig?" Aurra argued.

"Unfortunately, I don't have the answers..." Kal'Aran said.

"I feel sorry for Master Ki'Ayalin," Aurra said. Her Master said nothing, but rather got up and gestured for Aurra to follow. When they were outside he looked around.

"Come, let us go to New Plouton to get some provisions for the Temple," he told Aurra. They got on a speeder bike and made their way.

***

Aurra was picking some fruit while her Master was not far away getting some plant roots. "I'll take these," she told the merchant as he took the fruits off her hands and wrapped them for her to take.

From a good distance away, two unseen shadows watched the young Twi'lek at her shopping. One of them turned to the other and made a pleased noise. "Oh, do you see there, my beautiful star? It's a little blue nymph, just waiting for us."

"Another to add to our collection," the other purred. "Shall we go and pay her a small visit?"

"Oh, I think we should," Dani said. "It's been so long, I want to hear that sound she makes when we kiss her lekku."

Nieme giggled and, wrapping her cloak more tightly around herself, started into the market with Dani close behind. "Now, we have to get her before her pesky master comes back. Those masters always think they know what's good for people..."

"If we could only just get rid of all of them," Dani said with an airy sigh. "Except for Koran Darr and Liam Zaneth. I think they would be perfect as our personal slaves. Could you imagine Master Liam Zaneth in a leather collar pleasing us whenever we desired it?"

Nieme moaned happily as she passed her hand sensually between her breasts. "He would be such a beautiful slave... Though, Aurra will be far more beautiful."

"Women are always more beautiful than men," Dani purred. "Let's go see how long it will take for us to convince her to get naked."

Nieme snickered, then fell silent as they neared Aurra. She admired the young Twi'lek from behind, and noted how even beneath her robes her body was exquisite. The gentle breeze coming from the west blew her cloak to the side, pulling it tightly against her and making her gentle curves more prominent. Nieme felt her desire rising at just the smallest glimpse of what was beneath. As they came up beside her, without a sound and unnoticed, Nieme brushed a hand along her side and whispered into her ear. "Miss us?"

Aurra turned, startled at first. She saw it was Nieme and Dani. How could they have come so close without her noticing? The young Twi'lek wasn't sure what to do or say, but she could tell Nieme and Dani were not the same anymore. They seemed more primal... Cold. But she remembered instantly what her Jedi Master had told her that same day. Fear leads to hate and hate leads to anger. Anger leads to the dark side. Aurra dismissed that feeling at once. Besides, she knew Dani would be able to feel it.

"You startled me," she smiled, although forcefully. "I should be quite angry at you... At both of you! You left the temple and didn't even say goodbye," she said. She thought about calling for Master Kal'Aran but she knew Dani and Nieme wouldn't hurt her.

Nieme pouted and, caressing Aurra's lekku, said, "We're sorry, Aurra. But...we can make it up to you if you like." She smiled lasciviously and brushed her lips against Aurra's cheek.

Aurra stepped back. She wasn't sure she should still be friendly. Perhaps some caution was due after what they had done recently. "Where is Talara?" she asked quite directly to the two girls.

Dani smiled and took a step closer. "Want to come see her?" she asked. "I'm sure Tala would like to see you, Aurra. You can meet our new friends too. I think you would really like Musician...he's got very nimble fingers."

"When I chose the path of becoming a Jedi I chose to devote myself to a higher purpose than mere sexual gratification. I do care to know about Talara, to know that she is ok. And I would ask you to let her return to the Temple... But I would be content with your word on it. I have no need to see..." Aurra answered.

Nieme shifted closer to Aurra, wearing a silky smile. "Oh, but we wish you to see, dear Aurra. We wish to free you from the oppression of the Temple. Don't you want that?"

"I like the Temple. I like what I learn there. And I have learned much since I first got here," Aurra said. And it was true. What she didn't say was that she was not happy that Nieme and Dani had changed. They were no longer sweet or friendly but rather mischievous.

Suddenly from behind them someone spoke. "Nieme and Dani. It is good to see you unhurt..." It was Kal'Aran who had seen his padawan accompanied by the two former padawans. He bowed slightly to them. "But you didn't need to run off from the Temple. You could have simply stated your mind and tell us that you wanted to leave. I can recall of no padawan that was trained against his or her will..."

Nieme regarded Kal'Aran with a decidedly lustful gaze, then turned fully to him. "We just got a little bored of all you stuffy Masters telling us what to do all the time... So we decided to pursue...other interests." She brushed her fingers across her chest to elaborate on what interests they had in mind.

"Allow me to apologise in the name of the Council. I'm sure that telling you what to do was not the intention of the Jedi Masters at the Temple. One must learn but on freedom of choice, of course," he nodded. "Although I hope you keep in mind the good things you learned at the Temple as Master Koran Darr's padawans, like not using your skills for self-gain purposes or worse...like hurting others," Kal'Aran said calmly.

"We're only interested in hurting those who try to hurt us, or who deny us what we desire. Pleasure is our desire, Kal'Aran, and any who don't also seek that are only lying to themselves. I imagine all that abstinence required of a Jedi Master of your age is rather...uncomfortable. We could help you, Kal'Aran... We could help you to learn what it is we seek, what it is we desire."

"Abstinence was my choice. And it is not a current ban at the Temple nor was it by the time you left. I am sure you knew this..." Kal'Aran argued. "And I am also sure that your former Master would not be pleased to know that you intend to strike any person who would stand in your way. But if the life you lead is the one you want, then I wish you well. But consider respect over other people's choices. They may not want what you want and think differently. We are blessed things are so, or we could all serve Emperor Palpatine still. I wish you both well. May the Force be with you..." He bowed.

Aurra stepped forward. "I pray that someday you will see things differently, and I hope that day comes soon. In the meantime, consider freeing Talara. You never forced me into things and I thought we were friends and I could trust you... I hope you consider her just as much and grant her the option," Aurra said. It was hurtful to see Nieme and Dani so different and it was at the same time an incentive to learn more and become a Jedi, so that she too would not follow that path.

Nieme smiled viciously at Aurra and less than delicately pulled the girl's lekku through her hand. "You really shouldn't deny us what we want. We hate to be disappointed."

Aurra twisted her head, making her lekku slide through Nieme's hand. "Well then, you will just have to live with that disappointment, same as I live with yours," she said, quite directly.

Nieme chuckled. "I like your attitude, Aurra. I always knew you had some fire in you!"

"Just consider my request..." Aurra repeated, looking at Dani, hoping that perhaps she was still more like she used to be than Nieme.

"We'll consider your request," Dani said, not taking her eyes from Aurra, "as much as you'll consider ours. We shall miss you, Aurra...and it will sadden us to know that you are living in such rigid, emotionless confinement."

"A Jedi is not deprived of emotions or caring for one another. But one must control and master feelings and not let our actions be driven from them. That is the very first Jedi precept: There is no emotion; there is peace," Aurra said. "I do miss your company and I do wish you were still at the Temple. But not like this."

Kal'Aran folded his arms. It seemed Aurra was almost as wise as any Jedi could be. And she had learned her lessons well. "Would either of you have a message you would like us to deliver to your former Jedi Master, Koran Darr?" he asked Nieme and Dani.

"Yeah," Nieme replied with an increasingly mischievous smile. "You tell him to stay out of our way. And that goes for the rest of you too. Though," she added, fixing a lustful gaze upon Aurra, "you're always welcome to join us if you change your mind."

Aurra bowed to both girls. "So are you welcome to change your minds and return to the Temple," she said.

Kal'Aran also bowed. "May the Force guide you well and in righteous ways..." he told them, placing his hand on Aurra's shoulder as if to tell her to let them go.

"Of course," Dani said. "I imagine that's all you know how to do, isn't it, Kal? Just spout off your pious bleating? Beg for those who are wicked enough to think for themselves and act on their own urges and emotions to walk a righteous path? To walk the path that you would lay for them, rather than letting them find their own path!" A nimbus of energy surrounded her. "Just because you have the Force does not make you everyone's master. Just because you have walked in the light doesn't make you're everyone's moral guide! You are nothing more than a nerf, held in pasture! Go back with the rest of your flock, Jedi Master Nerf! Go back and bleat with the others, make your pious, righteous noises! And, take your simple, pious baby nerf with you!"

"Yeah!" Nieme chimed in. "Go and don't dare bother us again. We have more power than you could ever fathom, old man. Don't even try crossing us."

"One must always walk his or her own path. But the path of one is made by the many. It would be wise if one would listen to who wishes you no harm rather than those who wish to take advantage of you..." the Jedi Master said. "But, your path must be walked by you and you alone, and your choices may be made only by you. A Jedi does not lay paths nor master someone by telling them what to do. Those are the doings of the Sith," he said.

"You were so friendly just a few minutes ago and just now you're calling me nerf..." Aurra said. "I wish that we could be friends. But I wish that you were just as you were when we met. Warm, gentle and kind. Not cold and sarcastic," the blue Twi'lek commented. She then stood there for a few seconds as her Master started to walk away. In a way she was waiting for a glimpse of her friends. She was hoping...

"We're calling you a nerf, dear Aurra, because all you do is follow him around and spout his flowering words. You just follow the herd, rather than following the instincts of your people. If this is what you want, then go. Go, and pray we do not meet again. If you turn away from us now, the next time we see each other, we will not ask you to our beds and we will not give you chances. Either of you."

"Then I hope that the Force will lead us all in ways that bring peace and not conflict," Kal'Aran said as he stood waiting for Aurra.

Aurra bowed one last time. "And I hope that the Force brings us back together in different circumstances where we need not to battle between each other," she said as she turned and followed her Master.

As the two Jedi blended into the crowd of merchants and buyers, Nieme snorted and waved her hand dismissively at them. "Fools. Now I remember why we left."

"Why can't she see the truth of them? Why can't she see how they're smothering her there? They have turned her into one of them, and I think undoing their mental conditioning would take considerable effort. Talara wasn't there long enough to be so consumed by their braying."

"And already her mind is being freed," Nieme said contentedly. "Perhaps Aurra is lost to us. Which means we'll just have to find someone else to amuse us."

Dani smiled mischievously. "Oh, but if we do get our hands on her... Until then, I think we can find more amusement at Trancemania. Maybe even Shiny would amuse us. I still want to see just how shiny he is."

Nieme giggled and took her lover's hand. "Then let's go!" And the two scampered through the market square, to wreak more havoc, this time at Trancemania.

---

"The Deal, Part 2"
by Korva Valkier [NPC+]
Chowe [NPC+]
& Leija

Location: Kashyyk (Wookiee Homeworld)
Date: Eos 28, 4ABY

***

Korva walked out of the small crew area in the heart of the ship, it wasn't much only a small table, a holographic fighting game, of which Chowe loved, and a few chairs. He looked back at Leija, watching as she sat down on the sofa. She quickly faded into the shadows.

Sighing, Korva went and got the cold drink. He preferred a hot one himself, getting a hot cup of coffee. "I must be insane..." Korva whispered before returning to the crew room. "Your drink..." Korva said, placing the cold drink on the table before sitting down on the sofa beside her, close but not too close so he couldn't stretch out a bit.

Leija sat across from him, her eyes darting to and fro, looking for his pet, and not wanting to get pounced on. She didn't trust Korva any more than he trusted her. But, she was doing what she felt was best, to achieve the goal she wanted to achieve. It would do her no good to take Korva in to the Hutt. It would only serve to enlighten the Imperials to her presence, and maybe even earn her their gratitude. Something she did not want.

But, she had already gotten the information she needed from Jadda.

Now she had to make good.

But, she saw no reason to kill Valkier, when he could help her. Two ships searching for someone, after all, was better than one.

"Tell me about this partner of yours," Leija said, over the lip of her drink. "He is Corellian, as you are?"

Korva shook his head. "No..." he stated. He looked up at Leija and saw she wanted more than the simple reply he'd given her. "He's a Wookiee..."

At the mention of the word Wookiee, Leija's eyes widened. This could be an advantage for her. Her mother had helped to liberate several Wookiees from Palpatine's Empire before she was murdered by Bossk. Perhaps Korva's partner would know this. And the Wookiee would be more trusting of her than his human counterpart.

"He's more like a brother now than a partner..." Korva caught himself, suddenly stopping. "Don't tell him I said that or I'll never live it down."

"Your secret shall be safe with me, Mr. Valkier," Leija replied.

Korva smiled at her comment. He was about to say something when he heard something from outside. He saw his shadow cast on the far wall before the large Wookiee appeared, the silent beast stood frozen at the sight of Leija. His small piercing eyes looked from Korva to Leija and back again. Chowe growled, making strange noises that seemed to echo around them. He told Korva he'd come down to check on him at finding his bed hadn't been slept in.

Korva nodded, looking at Leija, not knowing if she understood what he was saying or not. Most people didn't take the time to learn the Wookiee language, seeing Wookiees as galaxy trash. Korva wasn't such a person. He'd sent people to hospital in one form or another at the smallest remark against Wookiees. They were proud, honourable, fierce, brave and much more. "She's the reason I haven't slept..." Korva said, replying to Chowe's unspoken questions as he stared at the new comer. "She's made an interesting proposition for us... Why don't you fill him in?" Valkier said, waving his free hand in the air, indicating to the young bounty hunter that she had centre stage, while he took a sip of his slightly cooling, though relatively hot, drink held in his other hand.

Leija set her drink on the Wookiee's gaming table, and stood, slowly. She did understand some of the Wookiee language, but not as much as Korva did. And, of course, she could not speak it. Most humanoids could never achieve the lung power to make the sounds that made up the language of the mighty Wookiees of Kashyyk. Leija offered Chowe a smile. And then she began her tale.

"I need to find someone," she said. "A woman, called Karma Arien. It is imperative that I find her, and quickly. The information I have for her could be very.. important for the people trying to defend this system against the Imperial Uprising. I have no loyalties to the Empire. Nor to the criminal element here. I am a bounty hunter, but I ply my trade selectively. I became a bounty hunter trying to avenge the death of my mother at the hands of Bossk. My mother was Leinalana'piral'mijalasa."

She paused, wondering if the Wookiee had heard the name of the Chiss woman who had helped to liberate an Imperial prison filled with Wookiees, so many years ago.

The Wookiee looked over at Korva who seemed lost at the mention of Leija's mother, but Chowe had heard the name mentioned more than once, rumours amongst his people, whispers of a campaign of Chiss who tried to save the lives of Wookiees. They were partly successful but not all were saved; Chowe's father's cousin was one who was killed.

After an almost nervous looking glance at Korva, she continued. She laid out her plan, in the meticulous style of a Chiss. She needed to find Karma Arien. The Hutt had told her where Arien was. And now, she needed help in finding her, and, perhaps, in acting on the result of her meeting with Arien. She needed Korva's help, thusly Chowe's as well. And in return she would offer a deception, played on the Hutt, that might at least give Chowe and Korva some peace from Bounty Hunters with less scruples and single-mindedness than Leija.

"So...what do you say, mighty Wookiee?" she asked, as she finished. "Will you help me, or do I not offer enough?"

Korva nodded at Chowe, indicating they should head off into the next room to talk. "Excuse us for a few minutes..." Korva said, rising from the table. Chowe followed his partner out of the crew area, giving Leija one last glance before vanishing from view. "What do you think?" Korva didn't like wasting time and came right to the point as the Wookiee had expected.

Korva listened to the Wookiee speaking about Leija's late mother how she risked herself to save the Wookiees, though not all, from certain death. Korva nodded as his friend recounted the tale that had been passed on from Wookiee to Wookiee ever since that day. "The acts of parents don't reflect on their children..." Korva said coldly. He saw he'd struck a nerve with Chowe and lifted his hands in mock surrender. "Wookiees aren't like other races, Chowe, you know that. Look at the history of other races, they're not all honourable as you."

Korva looked at the doorway leading back into the crew area as he listened to his giant companion. He liked Leija, that was obvious. "You like her..." he said and the Wookiee nodded vigorously. "But do you trust her?" There was a long pause before the Wookiee replied, one confident nod which was all Korva needed. "Go and tell her the good news... I still have a ship to repair."

He watched the Wookiee heading out into the crew area. He stood there for a good few seconds thinking about his decision to accept Leija's offer. Finally he turned and headed back into the core room. He was determined to find the problem even if it killed him in the attempt.

Leija, in the meanwhile, was doing her best to overhear the conversation. Some might call it eavesdropping. But, Leija was in a dishonorable profession. So, sometimes, she didn't hold to the same code of honor her father, and her mother had taught her. But...she never sank to the level of her brother. Helping the Empire murder his own mother - that was something Leija could not forgive. And it was one of the things that drove her loyalties.

Loyalties that caused her to be drawn into an allegiance with Korva and the Wookiee, rather than do what most Bounty Hunters would do; and take their bounty in.

Leija moved, quickly, away from the entrance to the smaller room; just as Chowe emerged, ducking down to avoid hitting his head against the bulkhead.

Chowe stood for a brief moment. He looked at the entrance before looking back at Leija. He didn't have to say, or rather growl, anything as the look did it all.

Leija tried a smile. "You can't blame me, can you ?" Leija said. "I was...anxious to see what decision you and Mr. Valkier reached. And, I'm no telepath, so some good, old-fashioned eavesdropping was necessary."

He growled in reply but it was lost on the young bounty hunter. He moved up to the table she was sitting at.

"But, I'm not a good eavesdropper," Leija said. "So...what decision did you and Valkier reach ?"

Chowe stood close to the table, a towering mass of muscles and fur. His small eyes stared down at Leija and told her the good news. He left out the fact Korva wasn't overtly happy about the prospect as she didn't really need to know.

Leija smiled. "Good...it is a decision you will not regret," she said. "Now...perhaps I can help your partner fix his ship. It won't go along, at all, with my plan if your ship does not work." And she ducked past the Wookiee, following Korva.

---

"Pre-Battle Preparations"
by Ellemiek Vermolen
and Auron Ronso
plus a few minor NPCs

Location: SSD Lusankya
Date: Eos 28, 4 ABY

***

She stood in front of her squadron. She could see that the pilots in her crew were all paying attention and it was no secret that they were going to take a very large and serious mission. In fact, there was word of a large battle, and that this was their statement to free the system from Imperial tyranny, which left them somewhat content, even in spite of the battle that was approaching. Behind her was a large panel with a three dimension map of the Tae'Remok system.

"At ease..." Ellemiek told her pilots. "I am sure that you have all heard rumors of the upcoming possibility of a battle. Even though not all of what you've heard is true, the base line is: We are indeed going into battle," she said as some whispers could be heard. She waited for a few seconds before proceeding.

"Our role will be separated in two goals. The first one will be to escort a transport and see to it that it reaches the Drogen Shipyards. It is imperative that it docks with the station and that it takes no damage! This will mean cover against many TIE fighters as well as other Imperial starfighters. Also, we may be facing the Station's turrets..." she told them.

"After the transport is docked and we are given our signal, we are to break loose and join the Blue Falcon group in aiding in the battle. This will mean, mostly, securing the New Republic's Capital Ships against more fighters and making sure we can minimize damage. Also, it may be requested from us to lay down escort and cover for our B-Wing fighters, so they can bomb down their ships," she said.

Ellemiek paused for a few seconds and sighed. "This will not be easy, I assure you. Since you got here we have been in simulations. We may be outnumbered and we may be facing some of the best pilots the Empire has. I've trained you personally through these past few years and I know you'll give your very best! Are there any questions?" she asked.

Auron was seated and paying close attention to what Ellemiek said. "I have a question. Are we going to have support while we escort this transport?" Auron asked, as every single pilot looked at him.

"As in backup support?" Ellemiek asked back, only to see him nod. "No, we are not. Outnumbered as we are it will be too uptight to request backup starfighters to aid us. However, we do not want to pursue the enemy's starfighters nor engage them too fast, so I want you to keep a 500 mile range maximum. If you are going too far off, return. We do not want them to be able to get us too far off so they can attack with bombers," she informed.

Ellemiek then pressed a button that gave the 3D map a close shot of the station area. "Also, I have prepared an emergency run, just in case it is necessary. Since we're forming in attack pattern Delta 2, going with the closed diamond formation, we will be able to split in a rapid manner. For that, and if we find ourselves in the middle of heavy Imperial fire, then I want you to go to attack pattern Beta 3. Two of you will follow my wing and keep the transport secure, while wings 4 through 6 will follow Auron Ronso and keep perimeter as short as possible from 200 miles outward. This will mean that we are alone for anything from five to ten minutes..." she said, replying to Auron's question, then raising an eyebrow. "After that we are to return and render Blue Falcon group against the Imperials. Anything else?"

Auron understood completely. He was somewhat proud of Ellemiek. She had become more experienced than she was two years ago. "Yes..." Auron paused. "May be the Force be with us."

"May it be with us all," Ellemiek repeated. "Ok, you are all dismissed. You are all to be up and ready at 0500 hours. By that time, I want you all to personally check your starfighters along with the mechanics and droids. You will be informed by then of when we will begin our run... So, be ready," she nodded. "You are dismissed and rest well tonight! That's an order!" she smiled. She knew these were hard times they were going into. And this battle would surely not be an easy one.

---

"A Powerful Ally"
by Kal'Aran
and Aurra Sgall

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Eos 28, 4 ABY

***

There was a swift sound. She knew it well. It was the sound of a seeker drone as it swirled around her. She could even feel it move, and even though at times she knew well that it stood behind her, she felt not the need to move. So, instead, she stood still, listening, waiting for the right time...

Suddenly she felt something. She knew it was going to fire upon her, so she turned in a split second and was ready to deflect the shot with her lightsaber. In her mind, the shot had already happened before it took place in reality. Aurra held her lightsaber with a little more grip and readied herself, separating her legs a little bit more and lifting her heel just a little over the ground, to grant her advantage in case of the need to move fast. She felt it again, as if a warning and saw the shots take place in her mind. She circled her blade and fended off all the next five shots that were fired, one after another.

After a magnificent display of skill, she safeguarded her weapon and took off her blindfold. As she did so, the seeker drone stopped and waited to be placed away. It was caught by Kal'Aran who placed it inside a small box. "You have grown in the ways of the Force and have improved your skills greatly, my Padawan," he smiled.

"Thank you, Master Kal'Aran. But it has been mostly due to you and your teachings," she said with a slight bow.

Kal'Aran laughed shortly. "Well, I thank you for the compliment, but it has been your work and dedication that has brought you this far. I have merely given you information and small training exercises..." he told her. "But come. Today you will learn a new technique," he added, as he motioned for her to follow.

She came in closer to her Master and accompanied him into another room. When they stood alone she was quite curious, so she decided to ask. "Master, what is this new technique?"

"Well, my young Padawan, during conflict one does not always need to respond in the same way, even if you can't avoid others from attacking," Kal'Aran stated.

"Yes, one could always go away. Flee the scene. It is better than taking lives, is it not? Avoid conflict," Aurra pointed out.

Kal'Aran smiled. "This is true," he nodded. "But there are other alternatives still... You see, when I was a Padawan to Master Mace Windu I met most of the Jedi Council of those days. There was one Master, called Oppo Rancisis, who had mastered a Jedi technique that was known as Malacia."

"I've never heard of it..." Aurra said, curious about this so called Malacia. "What does it consist of?"

"Malacia is a Jedi technique that causes strong nausea and a feeling of sickness, thus incapacitating one's foes without causing any kind of physical damage to them," Kal'Aran explained.

Aurra raised her eyebrow. "Now that seems like a good idea. You can render your opponent beyond the point where he can stand against you and you don't have to hurt him..." she said. "But, the feeling is only a temporary setback, right? I mean, it can't really hurt someone from the inside, can it?" she asked.

"No, it cannot..." Kal'Aran smiled. "They will feel it for a few hours perhaps. A few hours at the most. Then they will come back to normal," he assured her, only to see Aurra smile. "Come, let me teach you to use this technique," he said.

"The Force is a powerful ally..." Aurra said as she listened Kal'Aran, as he explained how to use this new technique.

***

A few hours later Aurra walked out of the training room. She had been practicing and learning to use the Malacia technique, although she had not experimented with it, of course. Still, she knew she could do it if she wanted to, although at this point she would still have to focus to use it properly. She was excused for the afternoon, so she decided to go for a swim at the lake near the waterfalls. On her way, she wondered about Dani and Nieme and if they would ever come back and be friends with her again, or had she truly lost them forever...

---

"First Mission"
By Kyra Ronso
Gengis Zibel
And Other Minor NPCs

Location: Necron
Date Eos 28, 4 ABY

***

Gengis looked to the data that they were constantly receiving since the day before... Almost every single ship was uploaded with the New Republic codes to this battle. The Gallorians still had to prove their value on the battlefield to fully gain the trust of the New Republic. Also, Gengis ordered to paint some parts of his fleet with green paint in all of the Imperial ships that the Gallorians had. They were only a few, but he didn't want to take any chances of his ships being mistaken by Imperial fighters. Also, the AT-AT walkers and the AT-ST walkers were painted in some parts so the New Republic didn't mistake them for Imperial forces in case they would be sent down.

Gengis looked to the planet Tae'Karada. It was far but the Necron was with the cloaking device on and it could last for almost two days. Compared to the New Republic capital ships, the Necron was the one with the ability to be nearest to where the battle was going to occur, but he ordered to move further away from the planet. The prisoner Kyra Ronso was going to be taken to Gallor where her trial would occur.

As he lost sight of Tae'Karada, Gengis turned and walked to where was Garnet's throne stood. He looked at the empty chair. He couldn't possibly imagine why Kitana wanted to get involved in this battle since she had no military experience nor knew military tactics. Still, he felt it was her duty to be there and improve the moral of the Gallorians forces as highly possible. Yet, there was still another point to Kitana staying. She had to prove that the Gallorian forces were trustworthy to the New Republic. She was able to make the alliance, but in exchange for Garnet.

Gengis walked a little more to one of the windows of the bridge and looked to the empty space as he saw the stars. This was going to be his last battle. The last battle that he was going to command. After this he was going to retire. And, with the money he had gathered, he was going to open a casino somewhere. Maybe on that planet back there, maybe on Tae'Karada.

He shook his head. It was not the time to think sad stories. Every time he heard casino, the memories of his family came back. And the only member he knew was somewhere out there, hated him for what he did in the past.

"Sir, we are off Imperial scanners range. It is safe to transport the prisoner," said the bridge officer.

"Very well," Gengis said as he walked out of the bridge.

He made his way to the cell block. As he arrived to the cell block he saw Kyra being chained, in order to be taken to Gallor.

"Is the prisoner secure?" Gengis asked.

"Almost, Sir!" one of the prison guards said.

Kyra looked at Gengis. She was finally getting out of this rat hole that she was in. "Admiral, at last you came to see me."

"Shut up! I'm here to see if you are well secured! Once in Gallor they will not as benevolent as I was, Kyra Ronso," Gengis said.

"I bet. I delivered myself to ease your job, Admiral. You're such a pathetic excuse for an Admiral, not even you or the best rebel operatives could catch me... You're such incompetents!" Kyra said, laughing.

"Take her away!" Gengis ordered as the guards took her away from her cell.

They made their way to the Imperial lambda-class shuttle that was going to take her to Gallor. Everywhere she passed, everybody stopped what they were doing just to look at her.

As they entered the main hangar everybody stopped as well. Aeris saw her ex-partner being taken to the Imperial Shuttle. She started to walk nearer, as she was stopped by Tifa. She saw Tifa's head shake in a negative way.

Aeris saw Kyra walk inside the Imperial shuttle. This was it, she was not going to see Kyra ever again.

Kyra was strapped inside the Imperial Shuttle on the cargo hold. She looked and saw one trooper and one pilot. Gengis entered the Imperial Shuttle and delivered to the trooper a small comm. The he looked at Kyra.

"Any last words?" Gengis asked her.

"Thanks for your hospitality. Worst than this rat hole is impossible!" Kyra said as she gave a mocking look to Gengis.

"You know what to do..." Gengis said.

"Yes, sir!" said the pilot. Gengis walked out of the Imperial Shuttle as well as the prison guards.

The Imperial shuttle closed slowly its entrance ramp. As the ramp closed, the ion engines started up. The Imperial shuttle slowly lifted off, as the landing gear retracted. The Imperial Shuttle blasted off the hangar into the empty space.

The pilot glanced over to the back to check on things. As he punched the coordinates for the destination, and activated the hyperdrive.

"Are we in Hyperdrive?" the trooper asked.

"Yes, in no time we will be in Gallor," the pilot said.

The trooper looked to the pilot and calmly gave him a nod. "Change of plans!"

The pilot looked to the trooper as he saw a blaster pistol pointed at him. The trooper fired the weapon without wasting time, killing the pilot.

Kyra almost jumped as the shot was pretty loud. She felt she ship exiting from hyperdrive. She heard the trooper taking the dead body of the pilot as he placed it on the floor. She heard him punching some controls as he activated once again the hyperdrive.

The trooper got out of the cockpit and came near Kyra. He looked at her as he clearly understood that Kyra was confused.

"I have a message from Gengis. But first, you have two choices. Either you accept this mission or I have to kill you..." the trooper said.

"Those are the choices I have? What kind of mission is it?" Kyra asked.

"You have to kill someone," the trooper answered and paused. "If you accept this mission, the evidence against your murder will disappear..."

"Then I accept," Kyra said as she looked at the trooper and then to the chains.

The trooper first placed a collar on Kyra and then took the chains off her. She was relieved to get rid of the chains. She looked at the trooper as he gave Kyra the comm.

She punched the comm as she saw there was a recorded message. She saw a face coming up on the message. It was Gengis.

"Kyra Ronso, I greet you once more. In many years of experience I never saw such an exhibition like the one you made on the cell. You proved to be the correct subject. You see, I had to test you and see if you were as good as your reputation stated." Gengis paused. "By now, my loyal trooper as released you and you've accepted this mission without knowing what it was."

A picture of a human appear next to Gengis. "The picture you see is a human named Gher'wt. In the past he overthrew Garnet. He is a potential danger to us and especially to Garnet. Your mission is to find Gher'wt and kill him." Gengis paused. "We don't know where exactly he is but we know that he is in Tatooine. There is an informant that knows his precise location. You are supposed to meet him in Mos Espa. There is a cantina next to the spaceport. You will meet your contact there... Oh, and I advise you not to take that collar off. If you do it will explode and you will die. I assure you the only way to take it off is to input a code which only I know. Double-cross us and it goes off, and so do you."

The message faded away. Kyra didn't believe that she was going back to her former home. How she hated that place. She looked at the Trooper as he took from one of the compartments all of her weapons. He gave a look as she understood that she was on her way to her destination. She was going home. Home was Tatooine.

---

"The Deal, Part 3"
by Korva Valkier [NPC+]
& Leija

Location: Kashyyk
Date: Eos 28, 4ABY

***

Korva had spent most of his smuggling life in this dark room, the core of his ship, the heart that kept her going. He'd been standing, leaning against the side wall for what seemed an eternity trying to think what the problem was. The pipes were all clear, the filters were fine, pumping system was working normally.

"Why are you doing this time me?" he asked, his eyes looking up at the ceiling as if waiting for a reply. But as usual no reply came so he forced himself up away from the wall, he lowered himself down, grabbing a hypospanner, his favourite tool, and vanished below the flooring plating.

Underneath was a maze of pipes and tubes running off seemingly in all directions. To any casual looker it looked like a forest of metal in total chaos, but to Korva it was a work of art and he knew which everything was and where it went. Once he acquired her Korva had spent time, blood and thousands of creds on making her one of the fastest ships in the fleet. Once she got going nothing could keep up with her not even an Imperial Cruiser, but it did take a while to reach top speed which is why he'd made her so agile.

He crawled and climbed over and under pipes of various sizes finally arriving at what he thought was the problem: getting into a comfortable position lying along the floor, his feet hooked over a fairly warm conduit behind him. He grabbed his torch from his belt and started to look along the power conduit. It joined the power regulator at the far right side. It regulated the plasma and ignition flow to the engine, hundreds of various sensor inputs came to the regulator, from the throttle lever itself to whether gravity was affecting the ship like being in a planet's atmosphere.

It was then that he realized he was not alone. A quick glance over his shoulder, and he could see the glowing eyes of the Bounty Hunter, staring at him from above. "The Wookiee agrees," she said. "We will follow my plan." And Leija began climbing down to where Korva was. "Now, I feel it is necessary for me to explain to you my plan in its entirety. Or, at least the part that affects you, and Chowe."

She crouched, balancing herself with one hand, as she reached for a tool, hanging from Korva's belt. She took it in her hand and hefted it, gently. "What is wrong with your ship?" she asked.

"She's just not getting the right amount of power on start up, like she's choking." He always called her she or her because in his eyes the ship was a alive; she'd saved his hide more times than he could count.

Leija nodded. "Try reversing the polarities on the power couplings. It's risky, and I've burned out a few couplings, but the boost in speed, and acceleration gain is worth the chance. Channel the transfer input through the negative power coupling and bypass the standard transfer coils." She sounded like an engineer.

Korva looked at the Chiss with surprise. "I've already done that," he said with a little shock edged in his words before looking away, returning to the power regulator, looking it over. "How do you know so much about engines?"

"My husband was a freighter pilot," Leija answered. "And, I worked as his engineer. I learned a lot...the hard way. Now. My plan."

She made herself comfortable. "I've already told you, I need information from Jadda the Hutt. Well, the Hutt gave me the information, up front. And I'm sure of his game. Rather than promise me the information in exchange for you...so that I would be forced to bring you in to hear, from him, what I needed to know, the Hutt gave me the information outright so that I will be beholden to him. If I do not bring you in, he can collect his debt from me, and have never paid me a credit. I do not like the feeling of owing the Hutt a man's life, for only a few words. And though I am only guessing at the Hutt's intentions, I have some experience in the criminal underworld, and let us just say it would not be an unusual move for one of those bloated slug-creatures."

"Well, sorry to say I've never heard of this Arien...but I know a man who might. He's a weird guy, older than he looks or probably knows, he's worked with the Rebels if you wanted to know. But we'll owe him one. You interested in seeing him?" he asked the Chiss not bothering to look over his shoulder. He didn't want her to see his unease about seeing this man.

Some say he's more dangerous than all the Hutts combined, that he was a ruthless killer, but they were just rumours and Korva never paid attention to rumours.

"Yes," Leija answered. "I would be very interested in seeing this man. As a matter of fact, it might be best that I do. If I am to achieve what I want, then the Rebels must achieve their aims as well. That is my goal - destruction of the Empire. And justice for my mother, and my husband."

Leija paused a moment, as if she were listening to the silence that suddenly filled the air, then continued. "Had the Hutt offered to give me the information after I brought you in, I would have simply tried to steal some item that would have been significant to the Hutt, as proof of your death. But, now, if I do not return with something, I will owe him. I am a Chiss, and the Chiss are a studious people, Mr. Valkier. I did as much research as I could on you and your record in this sector, before contacting the Hutt. That is how I knew he had placed a heavy price on your head. And how I learned of your proclivity for assisting the Rebels. And I realized I did not want to kill you. Our loyalties are too similar, and I believe we can serve a mutual purpose by working together."

"So you keep saying..." Korva whispered. It was more to himself than to the Chiss but he didn't hide the fact he still didn't trust her. "So tell me... What's this great plan of yours..."

"I don't know if it would be described as great," Leija responded. "But, I have thought it out, and though circumstances continue to arise that cause me to need to make certain mental amendments to it, it is basically thus: The Hutt knows I have gone after you. It appears no other Hunters have taken any interest in the price he has put on your head, as of yet. I will return to him, with some sort of 'proof' that you are dead that he will not dispute. Assuming you to be dead, he will pay me for killing you. And you will not have to worry with some other Bounty Hunter coming after you. In the meantime, you help me find Karma Arien. And with the information I give her, we can, possibly, turn the tide for the Rebellion. With the Empire gone the Jedi will deal with the criminal element in this sector. And Jadda will no longer be a problem. By the time he realizes you are alive, both of us will be heroes of the Rebellion. Just as my mother was."

Korva stopped for a moment like he'd just been frozen in that exact pose. He then slowly looked back at Leija. "Chowe spoke of your mother... She was a hero." His voice trailed off, seeing the expression on Leija's face. "What about your father? He follow the family tradition of being a hero? Or is it just a female thing...?"

Leija's expression changed, somewhat. Which was saying something, as she often wore no expression, at all. "My father was, and still is, a high-ranking officer in the Chiss Starfleet," she answered. "But, he is no hero. Not in the sense of one who does things out of bravery or necessity as my mother did. He does his duty, and helps to protect our world, and our borders. But...he is no hero."

"There are different types of heroes," Korva stated, looking over his shoulder. "Perhaps you're looking in all the wrong places." Korva let the matter drop, seeing Leija's expression.

"The only question is, now... How do we convince Jadda I have killed you?" She put her head in a cupped hand, and rested her elbow on her knee. The expression on her face let Korva know that even her inbred skills with strategy and tactics did not have an answer for her question.

Korva didn't like what she was saying, something of his that would prove he was dead. Nothing came to mind. One problem at a time, he thought, concentrating on trying to fix his ship. He grabbed his spanner, working on the regulator, adjusting the sensor inputs. Sighing, he slowly crawled away, taking one last look before climbing out from the network of pipes and conduits. "Let's hope it's as simple as that..." he said.

Once he'd climbed out he moved up to the power console and flicked it on. He waited for Leija to get clear before turning it on. The power core hummed and whined as she powered up. There was a brief moment of hesitation, causing Korva to sigh, thinking he'd failed again, but the power reasserted itself and there was a staggering boom. Power flowed to the ship's systems, engines, weapons, stabilizers, everything and anything that required power. "I think we're in business..." Korva said, a proud smile on his face as he tapped the side wall like he was patting a pet or friend.

"Indeed," Leija commented, dryly. "Now... I require a tissue sample." The look on her face was as calm as if she had asked him to borrow a few credits for a drink.

---

"Out of the Frying Pan"
By: Gerrick Streen

Location: Thanatos
Date: 28 Eos, 4 ABY

***

On Gerrick's third day in Thanatos he followed the same routine he had the day before and again started to work on the roof. He didn't have to work long this time before he was disturbed.

The head of the barkeeper protruded from out of the roof hatch Gerrick used for access. His face was grave and his one good eye was wide. He seemed out of breath.

"Good morning," said Gerrick "You look shocked, I hope my work isn't so bad, you're offended," he finished with a grin. The bartender's expression didn't change.

"You have to go, a squad of stormtroopers are on the way here to take you into custody. It seems that the men you fought yesterday have connections with the local Imperial authorities. They have paid them to arrest you," he finished, gasping for breath.

"Typical. Cowardly thieving scum always seek solace with the law when the tides turn," Gerrick spat and held his forehead in his hands. As he did this he heard a commotion in the distance. They were here. Gerrick sprang to his feet and darted to the hatch. The barkeeper fell back in an attempt to get out of the way.

As Gerrick landed he strapped on his utility belt and picked up his staff. The Barkeeper produced Gerrick's animal skin water bottle and handed it over.

"I'll have to leave my pack here, it'll slow me down. I'll return for it later, if you can keep it hidden. I have enough gear here to keep me alive for a while," Gerrick said, his voice taking a serious tone.

"Take this. It's not much but it will appease my conscience," said the barkeeper, stuffing money into the pocket of Gerrick's jacket and handing a parcel of salted meat.

"Appease your conscience, why?" inquired Gerrick.

"When they ask I will tell them where you are. I will not oppose any resistance. I still have to live and work here. They could kill me, I'm not brave like you," he replied, looking down in disgust. "Now run. I'll put your things in the bin out back it should be safe for about a week," he added.

Gerrick understood the man's actions and patted him on the shoulder. A loud bang was heard from the front door and the barkeeper turned to look at the door. He turned back to encourage the stranger to leave but he had already gone.

Gerrick landed at the back of the building and edged slowly 'round the corner to see what his opposition was. He saw a squad of stormtroopers flanking into position outside the shop. In the distance he saw the unit's commander conversing with the fatman (whose face was strapped up and bruised) and laughing.

Gerrick heard a noise behind him and turned to see the barrel of a blaster rifle slowly protruding round the corner of the opposite side of the building. As the wrist came into view Gerrick was already moving and struck the wrist of the trooper with his staff and followed this with a kick to the other hand. The target of the assault yelled in pain and the rifle flew from his grip. Gerrick struck out at the head of the target but the stormtrooper's armour stopped the blow cold. The trooper came forward and gripped Gerrick around the throat. Gerrick struck out but his blows rained down harmlessly on the white armour.

Gerrick gritted his teeth and brought up his hands, breaking the choke hold and put his foot flat against the trooper's chest. He then extended his leg, sending his assailant flying back into the dirt. As the trooper fell he put his hand to his helmet in an attempt to raise help on his comlink. Gerrick took the man in a headlock and dragged him to his feet. He then spun the trooper into a wall. Gerrick now focused his attacks on the black "soft" sections of the storm trooper armour and delivered a series of punches to the throat area.

The trooper was unable to breathe now, let alone talk (and request backup) and in a last ditch attempt to take out Gerrick he sprinted at him with the intention of tackling him in the mid-riff. Gerrick twisted with attack and sent him flying into a wall. The trooper fell to his knees. Gerrick stepped forward and inserted his fingers under the lip at the back of the helmet and pulled. The area of black covering the rear of the neck extended and Gerrick focused his aggression and brought his elbow down on the spine of his assailant.

The trooper lay there on the floor silent and Gerrick looked at him. He was torn between staying and examining the man to see if he was ok, or simply fleeing. He placed the man in a position that would keep his airway clear and picked up the blaster rifle. He then fired a single shot into the air. He then turned and ran.

As the other troopers rounded the corner they saw the fallen trooper and instinctively ignored it (as they were trained to do). They saw nothing else in the alley and communicated it to their superior officer.

"The rear of the building is secured. You may approach, sir," The trooper said calmly. He made a hand signal to the nearest trooper and then he pointed at the fallen trooper. Med packs were produced and the fallen man tended to.

In the distance Gerrick watched on from his hidden vantage point. He wasn't seen and the troopers wouldn't find him; he was damn good at hiding. The troopers produced macrobinoculars and thermo goggles in an attempt to find him, but he knew he was beyond the reach of their technology. As Gerrick sat near the building exhaust point for a nearby laundry his residual aura was blocked by the heat and vapour escaping from the medium sized tube and he would have time to think up his next move.

Gerrick thought how much more effective the troopers would be if they learned to use their natural senses. They were the sharpest tools a person had and the hardest to fool (if trained properly). Gerrick was glad he had no use for such things as he was sure they would make him lazy and take away the edge that had kept him safe all these years.

Gerrick once knew a Jedi who had said that technology was the way of the dark side. When quizzed by Gerrick the old woman had explained that technology was simply a way of making a task easier and quicker to complete. Still appearing puzzled the woman explained to Gerrick that the path of the dark side is always quicker and easier but in the end never as powerful as the light side. Gerrick had quipped that this wasn't much use when you needed to get between planets. The old woman still remained confident that given enough time she could find a way with the light side. In his current situation it became clear to Gerrick that the old woman's teachings were extremely relevant.

Gerrick saw movement and snapped back to the here and now. The stormtroopers were moving closer. Gerrick hit the dirt running and was gone long before his pursuers arrived. Gerrick felt that he was in for some long term trouble in Thanatos and needed a plan as soon as possible.

Gerrick ducked into an alley and planned his thoughts even further ahead. It became apparent that sticks and stones alone were not going to be enough to fend off his new enemies and more drastic implements were needed. Gerrick would never consider carrying a blaster by his side, or any other type of firearm and the thought never came into his head. However he would carry a bow or slingshot and had done so frequently in the past. A sling or bow could deliver a disabling blow to a sentient with a good chance of full recovery; a blaster or slugthrower could still cause severe injury or death, even with a shot to a minor area (Gerrick had seen limbs blown off by blasters in such cases, and wouldn't ever resort to that).

However if needed, a bow could still deliver a swift and quick death which Gerrick was also aware of. In fact Gerrick had seen slings deliver death blows to large predators, even in the hands of children. All in all Gerrick thought that he had more options with a bow or sling than with a gun and was therefore more sensible.

Gerrick's next problem was whether to go with a normal bow or a crossbow. Granted a crossbow would be quicker, as unlike a long or composite bow a bolt didn't need stringing; all you did was load it and "forget," but with multiple enemies the bow had a higher rate of fire. The sling wasn't an issue. He could merely make that himself from scavenged materials and although the ammo for it didn't grow on trees, it did lie on the floor.

Gerrick moved again, away into the night and made the dubious decision to try and contact an arms dealer of some kind. It wouldn't be easy in a strange town, but he had to try.

---