"Departure"
By: Robin Black [NPC+]
Jack Black

Location: Orbit above Arcadia
Date: Lythe 2, 4 ABY

***

Through the empty halls a gentle tapping rang as a metal staff tapped against the black polished floor. Jack stalked through the halls of the cruiser. His black cloak swung from side to side, scraping along the ground. Behind him the blonde girl, 'Anne,' he broke in to a quick run.

"Lord Black," she called.

Jack turned around slowly. He looked with his deep black eyes at the young girl. "Yes," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Your brother Captain Black has just reported in. He reports no success with recruiting the bounty hunters and will return to our ship momentarily." She reported efficiently as she paced along beside Jack. "We have received reports that pirate raiders have sprung up in the Bantu sector again, and our return is expected shortly."

Jack stopped and paused. "We seem to keep destroying the pirates' fleets but they keep building more." Jack looked at the young blonde commander. "As soon as my brother is onboard prepare for departure, load up a homing beacon on to a Marauder and select a crew with high stealth ratings. I've had an idea to end this little problem for a while."

"Yes, sir." She saluted and turned to commence her duties.

Jack walked down the corridor until he walked into a darkened section of the corridor. Jack ran his finger over a seamlessly smooth area of the wall. Slowly the wall began to slide open. When it was wide enough Jack slipped in and the door closed quickly behind him.

***

Robin leaned back as the marauder landed in the fighter bay. Robin climbed out of the ship and rubbed the back of his neck. Anne walked down to greet him. Robin looked up and smiled. "Hey there." He smiled. "We leaving or something?" Robin asked, noting that all of the troopers were hefting things into flight position and attack readiness.

"Pirates have raided Bantu again. Jack is planning a retaliation strike." She saluted. "He wants you to report to the command bridge immediately."

Robin shrugged and followed the blonde girl to the command deck. Jack was seated upon his throne, looking out over the planet as they broke orbit. "Bring us out of orbit and prepare for hyperspace. It should take us just over a day to get there."

Robin looked up at his brother. "No word from the Jedi council?" he asked.

"None yet, however I've not given up hope. We will return here in a few days after we've dealt with the pirates."

"I saw them loading something on to a marauder," Robin started.

"Yes a small homing beacon. A marauder will lock on to their command ship, install the beacon, then retreat," Jack smiled. "I will find out where these pirates are operating from and annihilate them."

Robin nodded. He walked forward and sat on the comfortable chair just below and right of Jack's. He pulled the status console up. "We have the calculations for the jump to light speed," Robin commented.

"Punch it," he ordered.

The large black cruiser suddenly shot off into the stars with a loud bang.

"Business Proposal"
By: Kel Deneb
Laedra Vorrel

Location: Pink Monga - New Plouton
Date: Lythe 2, 4 ABY

***

Kel sat at the main bar of this place called the Pink Monga in New Plouton, and he looked around, drinking the ale he had ordered. He smiled a bit at the bartender as she took the creds he had placed on the table to pay her. Kel knew his name was getting out now, especially after that big haul. He hoped hanging around the business district more would drum up some additional high paying business.

As he took his first long pull on the chilled ale, a long, vertical shadow was thrown across the bar from behind. The aroma of wild flowers and spice drifted from the body standing close, and accompanying it was a distinctly feminine voice that seemed to cut through the chatter of the bar, even with the gentleness of it. "Kel Deneb?"

Kel had caught the scent of someone before she had even spoken, and was already starting to turn in his chair. There, standing near him was a rather beautiful woman. "Yes?" he asked, smiling to her slightly, even though his eyes still had a slight chill about them.

The cowl draped over her head concealed much of her face in darkness, but her green eyes pierced through it to fix on Kel's. "You will be flattered to know you come highly recommended," she replied. "May I sit?"

"Of course," he said, able to see slight shadows against her face, which piecing together had given him a slight image of her face in his mind. Kel indicated the stool beside of him. "I see. I was hoping my name was getting out on the market for services," he added, taking a drink from the ale. "Want anything to drink, Miss...?" he asked, wanting to get her name.

She declined with a shake of her head, and smiled slightly at her own refusal to offer a name. Once seated, she drew back the hood to reveal her long train of brown hair and a gently contoured face. She stared with unwavering confidence into his eyes. "You find people, do you not, Mr. Deneb? People who would otherwise not wish to be found?"

He raised an eyebrow, unsure of why she did not give her name out. That might come later, then, he thought to himself. Kel then nodded to her. "Yes, I have that ability. Depending on the person, and how long, depends on the price," he said to her.

The stranger nodded slowly, thoughtfully. "For this task, I cannot pay you in the usual form of currency. It is against my beliefs. But we can come to an arrangement, I'm sure."

"Hmmm," he said, taking another slow draw on the ale, setting the mug down. "Against your beliefs for payment?" Kel asked again, then mulled over the thought in his head. It was not like he truly needed the money, and he also wanted to help some people out who could not afford it or could not pay him, just to increase customer base which could lead to more revenue. "What sort of arrangement could we work out instead?" he asked.

She sighed, displaying the first sign of weakness in her confident exterior. "I do not wish to discuss it in such a public forum. It is a...delicate matter. Let me first explain what I require of you; if you agree, we may then discuss repayment. Is that amenable to you?"

Kel raised an eyebrow, but then nodded slowly. "Very well. Is there someplace else you would rather go instead of here?" he asked.

The woman nodded, then slid off her seat and floated unnoticed across the bar, pulling up her hood as she moved. She didn't look back to ensure he was following.

Kel stood up, and followed her out quickly, finding the woman just outside the door. He started walking beside of her. The air of mystery intrigued Kel.

"The man," she began after a distance's worth of silence, "was once named Ina Galean. I doubt he goes by that name still." She paused, making her next statement all the more ominous. "If he still lives, that is."

"I see," Kel said, storing the name away in his memory. *Interesting.* So this might actually challenge him slightly in finding this person. "Where was the last place you know he was?" he asked, walking beside of her.

Despite her training, she was still rendered speechless for a moment as she recalled the day Ina had discharged her from his tutelage, against her wishes. She closed her eyes briefly against the dormant pain, then sighed. "He left me on Tatooine. It was almost fifteen years ago. However, he had a vessel, and if you agree to this, I will provide you with the registry information." She shrugged eloquently. "Perhaps you may have some resources available that will allow you to track it."

"Perhaps," he said, knowing that he still had vast access to the Imperial databases. Kel noticed that the thought brought her some pain, as it was evident in her face as she thought. "If I may ask, which normally I don't, but what is the particular reason you're trying to find this person?"

She smiled wistfully, and glanced sidelong at him. "For closure. Nothing more. Will you help me?"

He smiled a little. "After due deliberation with myself, and for trying to boost my reputation more among other people, I figure why the hell not; it'll give me a chance to possibly brush up on some skills."

"And what would those be, Mr. Deneb?" she inquired with a teasing smile. "I thought you were an expert in all things nefarious and underhanded." Her expression sobered, then, and she stopped on the sidewalk to face Deneb. "But...I cannot condone such things. I know it may not be my place to dictate your actions to you, but I would appreciate it if no one came to harm during your search. That, too, is against my beliefs."

"Well, most of the time these searches result in me sitting at a computer, and visiting the other places and making live inquiries. Payoffs are generally the order of the day, not killing. Only time I kill someone is in self defense, or if they are guarding someone who I need to haul in to justice," Kel said, turning to the woman. "The only harm on searches will come to computer bots who try to keep me from data I want, and only software wise."

"Perhaps," she said, "this is where I may propose my form of payment. I know my looks may be deceiving, but perhaps I can be of service to you in the field of defense. Do you not run into much danger in your job, Mr. Deneb?"

"Ahhh," he said with a slight smile to her. "Yes, on occasion I can. And one thing I've learned in this field is never base skill levels on looks alone," Kel said to her. "So you'd offer to work alongside me if need be, or what exactly?" he asked.

"Until the completion of your job for me," she corrected. "Is this favourable to you, Mr. Deneb?"

Kel thought for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, it does," he said to her. "Would you like me to keep you updated?" he asked. "And if so, I'll need your name, so I may get into contact with you."

The woman looked down at her hand pushing free of one long sleeve of her robe, and extended it to Kel. "Laedra Vorrel. It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Kel Deneb."

"Nice to meet you," he said, shaking her hand with confidence. Kel would have to search whom she was exactly while he looked for the person she wanted. "Give me a few days initially to get something started."

"Of course," she answered, pulling her hand back. "I will contact you. It will be easier to ensure my anonymity that way. I trust you will not speak of this to anyone else, Mr. Deneb?"

"Secrecy is my business. People don't know who I'm going for until after they have been turned in, and in search missions, only myself and the person asking knows what happens. If I don't keep it that way, then I lose money, or my life."

Laedra smiled, apparently satisfied with his response. "Then I shall see you in three days' time, Mr. Deneb. And don't worry," she added, "I'll find you." Folding her arms and slipping both hands into the opposite sleeve of her robe, Laedra stepped past him and continued on down the street.

Kel watched her head off, and smiled a little. She would be an interesting person to be around, he thought to himself as he walked towards a transport unit. He would get started on what she needed this evening; some of the feelers might take a while.

"Merc Meeting"
By: Robin Black [NPC+]
and Kel Deneb

Location: Arcada
Date: Lythe 2, 4 ABY

***

Robin entered the well to-do bar in Arcadia. Robin's eyes scanned the room quickly; it didn't take long before he could tell who were warriors and who were the Techs. One man caught Robin's eye. He was a tall powerful looking man. Robin nodded to him as he entered. The man with the goatee nodded back. There was many secret signs of the bounty hunters and mercenaries; Robin barely knew enough to say 'Hello I'm a fellow Merc.'

Robin went to the bar and ordered a drink, non-alcoholic. He had to keep his wits about him.

Robin walked over to the tall man. "Excuse me," Robin introduced himself, "I was wondering if you would be interested in a bit of business."

"Oh?" Kel asked, taking a drink of the ale he had. This guy was direct, Kel gave him that much. However, it also made him a little leery, as there might be strings attached to whatever business deal this guy was inquiring about. "My name is Robin Black, I am currently looking for hunters who have the drive but are low on the means." Robin smiled.

"And you think my coffers are a little low I take it?" he said with a wry smile. Actually, the pays had been fairly decent as of late, so Kel could not complain about it too much. He leaned back in his chair a little, listening. "Continue."

"My brother owned a command carrier. It is an impressive ship. We are currently hiring ourselves out as local policing forces." Robin looked into Kel's eyes. He wasn't a man to dance around with fancy language, so Robin got to the point, "We believe that if a bounty hunter joined us on our voyage they might be able to make a pretty penny. We do, after all, encounter criminals and pirates of all walks of life."

"I see," Kel said, not impressed at the moment by anything. He could drum up bounties most anywhere he went. "However, I would be directly working for you I assume, and to top that off, you would want some sort of 'compensation' for the bounties any of us brought in?" he asked, leaning forward in his chair slightly. Kel did not give off much emotion as he spoke.

Robin looked confused for a few moments then realised what the hunter meant. "Well the advantages are clear to me, maybe I'm not explaining them too well." Robin shrugged, "If you join with us, you would be able to come and go as you wanted. You would gain our support when hunting in our protected sectors, also" --Robin's face broke into a big grin-- "I imagine you've made a couple of enemies in your time. Wouldn't it be good to occasionally have a strong ally to hold your back?" Robin shrugged. "The only thing we would charge you, is costs, i.e. fuel you used and any other equipment based costs, nothing you don't have to pay for already. Also we won't try to screw you around like some of the local traders." Robin paused. "There is one catch: for this 'generous' deal we would like for you to occasionally lead our troops on their missions."

Kel looked at him for a moment, his eyes unforgiving. "My enemies are dead," he said calmly. "And I enjoy working alone," he added with a slight smirk. "Leading is done by example, not from a back office or behind the mass of people." Kel leaned back again. There still was no big incentive for him joining with this person, other than becoming tied.

"While our troops are skilled warriors they lack actual experience. You, on the other hand, look like you've been in more than one fire fight," Robin complimented. "And you could help us in our goal of keeping the peace."

"And what about freedom. Would I have to be at your every whim?" Deneb asked.

Robin was getting slightly annoyed. "Look, clearly you're not interested." Robin got up. "It's ok." Robin shook his head. "Pity, though. You looked like a half decent warrior. If you change your mind in the next day." Robin gave the man a small communicator."We will be in orbit for a day." With that Robin turned and walked away

Kel did not take kindly to being insulted, let alone by someone who clearly needed to be knocked a few pegs from the arrogance area. In a blinding flash of speed, Kel had his blaster out. "Words like that can get you killed by a man like myself," he said calm and cold. "And if you try to make a move for any weapons you have, you will not know what hit you in the last few seconds before you die," he added. "You may treat me with respect, but not with insults."

Robin slowly turned around and looked at the blaster aimed at him. Robin began to laugh softly. Holding his hands out carefully Robin lifted his shirt and showed a small flashing box. "Recognise one of these?" Robin asked. "Personal shield, probably couldn't hold up against more than a couple of blasts from that handcannon of yours but I could probably draw my weapon and do some damage to you." Robin shrugged. "So let's drop the weapons; this isn't a roughrider bar, we are in a fairly nice place here and they probably don't take kindly to weapons being drawn." Robin looked at the end of the barrel. "Let's just part company and leave it at that." Robin lowered his shirt and looked around the bar. Everything had gone silent as all of the patrons looked at the two mercenaries suspiciously. Robin smiled at them and then turned around and walked away.

Robin stopped outside and waited for a few moments. Jack wouldn't be pleased; most of the Mercs Robin had met had not been at all interested in gunning for someone else. Robin looked up at the slowly setting sun. Off to Thanatos now, he thought gruffly. He looked around. He saw one further bar. "May as well try that one." Robin paused for a moment. He then reached up under his shirt. "This time I really should turn this thing on," he muttered to himself and flicked the power switch. The shield generator began to softly hum then the hum faded to just a light vibration. Robin then approached the next bar.

"New Business Sector"
by Alicia Ashantee Gardan
and Jadda the Hutt

Location: New Plouton; Tae'Sollar Gauntlet, Tae'Sollar Desert
Date: Lythe 2, 4 ABY

***

Everything was set up. She had a building in Yesdol which was amazingly cheap to buy for her family so she could set up her offices. It was always the same thing with wars. A lot of collateral damage. And in the case of New Plouton, this particular building had been very damaged and she had bought it at a low price and had it restored for her. It was now immaculate. Perfect for a new beginning. Perfect for her to expand business in the name of her family and herself.

Alas, there was one problem. She had wanted to create some areas of business that could clash with the Hutt's domain. And going up against a Hutt was suicide! She hoped she could reason with Jadda and get her things going. She sighed and took a look at the time. It was time to confront the Hutt at his racetrack. Time to go to the Tae'Sollar Desert.

***

When Alicia got there things were pretty calm. A few people could be seen walking around, but nothing like the regular confusion on a race day. She got out of her speeder and had her driver wait for her. A guard also stepped out to escort her.

They were greeted by a short fat looking man. "You are here to see mighty Jadda, yes?" he asked.

Alicia nodded. "That is correct. I have an appointment with him."

"This way please!" the man answered as he showed them the way to Jadda's booth. Once there he let them pass to where the Hutt stood with his female Twi'lek slaves, his protocol droid and his trusted bodyguard. Alicia had heard of this latter one. Apparently he was a highly skilled guard, an assassin, who worked only for Jadda.

"Mighty Jadda, I thank you for seeing me in such short notice," Alicia said as she offered a bow. "I will not take too much of your time and cut to the chase. I am with the Gardan Corporation. As I am sure you know, we are to set up here at the Tae'Remok system, namely at Tae'Karada. I am the one who will be leading in these affairs for my family. However, I do not wish to clash with your interests, so I come here to set up a deal so we can both profit."

Jadda opened his eyes and moved a little bit about. He was interested in hearing more, especially because of the word 'profit.' He was also interested in the woman, who was strikingly beautiful. "Shoonta ib dunga obee nutta," Jadda stated. The droid translated. "Exalted Jadda would like to hear more."

"Well, we are to set up as transporters for imports and exports of goods, provided with goods that can only be acquired in the outer rims and other systems, and to deal in real estate. I'm aware that none of these will clash much with your deals and perhaps I can cooperate to serve your needs as well... But there is one other thing I am interested in on a personal level," the young woman explained.

"Hadoo sooda oob beepa doo?" Jadda asked. The droid gave the translation once more. "Master Jadda asks what is this other thing."

"This gauntlet. The race track. You have set it up and it is grand. But it lacks certain aspects which I can improve. For example, you offer racers almost nothing in mechanical aid such as droids. Also, the outer part has very good space but it is poorly developed. Things such as stools for merchandising and proper places as well as more seats could be made. And all this should have good income! I am willing to build these things for you and provide with the pit droids since I have connections. In return for all this, I would only want forty percent of the profit on those areas."

Jadda laughed. It was a good deal! He enjoyed having this woman offering him with goods and money. "Bellaa noosa boonta ib dungoo shoza!" Jadda said. "Exalted Jadda wants this deal to be split in seventy-thirty."

Alicia frowned. Hutts were tough to deal with. "Why don't we come to terms at me gaining thirty-five?" she asked. "That is as low as I am willing, really."

Jadda laughed and nodded. There was no need for words. He licked himself and waved his hand. The short man came forward and escorted Alicia and her guard out of the booth and back to their vehicle. They were getting there when one of the Female Twi'leks arrived. "Master Jadda grants you permission to start whenever you want and gives you permission to set up your family affairs here at the Tae'Remok system. But he wants things here to be ready before the podracing season begins."

"Tell your master that I thank him and accept. Things will be ready on time!" Alicia assured the Twi'lek woman. She then gave her order for the driver to take off. The first step was given and she had a new business sector to work on.

"A New Beginning"
by Kal'Aran
Aurra Sgall
Kael Selrid
and Raeila Selrid

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Lythe 2, 4 ABY

***

Standing on her right hand she closed her eyes gently and felt her surroundings. Rocks, trees, birds, all were around her and part of one big system that was called nature. And she too was part of that system as were all living beings. She felt the rock and even big as it was it was just as heavy as anything else. Only bigger in the mind. Stretching out her feelings she had it lift up from the ground and float in mid air. She didn't need to open her eyes to know where it was.

Stretching out further and breathing to concentrate she had the rock move about and set it gently on the ground. She then opened her eyes and exhaled slowly. She felt her master's presence.

"Free your mind," he whispered to her. "Feel the Force flow through you. Concentrate and keep your focus."

She gave a very small nod. One that could barely even be seen. She moved her left arm slowly as to keep her balance and stretched to lift another rock. It was not as large as the first one and even though Aurra knew that the difference was in her mind only, she found it easier to lift than the first one. She had it move and set it next to the first one, again setting it on the ground slowly.

"Good," Kal'Aran smiled. "You may rest now."

Aurra opened her eyes and set her left hand also on the ground before standing on her feet. She sighed with a smile. "It's getting easier!" "You will find it that it is you who is getting better, my young padawan." Kal'Aran smiled. "And in it you are finding that exercises are easier to surpass. Nothing more will we train today."

The girl bowed. "Then if I am allowed I would like to go for a walk. Perhaps meditate a bit," the blue girl said only to see her master nod in concordance. Aurra then left and went into the Temple to her room. She found Kael and Raeila on her way. They seemed very much in love with one another, as always.

"Good morning Kael, Raeila..." she smiled. "How are you this morning?"

Rae smiled cheerfully at the Twi'lek, one of the many young padawans at the Temple now. She imagined, once born, her child with Kael would join them. "We're fine this morning, Aurra," she replied. "You're up pretty early. Were you out training again?"

"Yes, I was actually," Aurra smiled gently. "But I was given the rest of the day off. Master Kal'Aran says I am developing my skills quite fast. I just hope to be as good as you someday, Kael!" she smiled.

Kael chuckled. "Thank you, Aurra. It appears that you're already headed on that path, so it shouldn't be too long. The Force is with you."

"It is with us all," Aurra nodded. "Maybe we can spar sometime, although you'd have to go easy on me. I'm still light years before your level of skill!" the girl chuckled. "By the way, have you seen Daemor'rah this morning?"

"I haven't," Raeila replied. She looked to Kael, then, and smiled teasingly. "You wouldn't pick on a little girl, would you, Kael?"

"I can assure you, Raeila, that he would find that I am no match for him..." Aurra smiled. "But I would find the spar with Kael a good lesson I'm sure. Well, if you'll excuse me, I'll go find Daemor'rah... Oh, and I'll be waiting for that spar, Kael!" the young girl bowed.

Raeila raised both eyebrows at her husband, then giggled. "Looks like somebody has a crush on a certain Jedi Knight," she teased.

Kael chuckled. "It's only a professional interest, my dear," he said. He bowed to Aurra and gave her a wink. "Won't be long and I'll have to really start practicing with my lightsaber."

"To fend off the young Padawans who find you irresistible?" Rae ventured.

"Quite possibly," Kael said with a laugh. "I don't understand it. What is it about me, hm? What is it that you find so irresistible?"

Aurra merely smiled at the comment. Even though in the past she had tried sexual gratification she was no longer seeking it and felt no need to seek it further any more. "I assure you, Raeila, that my interest lies only on practicing. You need not fear on any type of competition for Kael's heart," the blue skinned girl said with a soft smile.

She smiled at the Twi'lek, and answered, "I know, Aurra. You can practice with Kael anytime you like. I trust you."

After the young girl waved to them both and bounded away, Raeila smiled and loosely wound her arms around his neck. "To answer your question.... Well...you're funny and smart," she said. "And very sexy. What's not to like?"

"Well, I can buy the funny and smart for them, but I don't think the padawans really notice my overwhelming sexiness yet. Do they?"

She frowned. "But...how can they not, my love?" Chuckling, she passed her lips over his. "Someone needs a self-esteem boost, doesn't he?"

Kael laughed. "Does that mean we should go back to our room?"

Raeila's sultry gaze was answer enough. She smoothed her hand over his cheek, then brushed past him. A single smile over her shoulder and a seductive movement of her hips, and Kael was soon following.