"Catching Up With the News"
By Quistis Knox
Akesha Valerious

Location: Yesdol District, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 4, 4 ABY

***

The Theed Palace Space Vessel Engineering Corps, Customized H-Type yacht, also known as The Verona jumped out of hyperspace near Tae'Karada. The ship flew gently towards the planet as the pilot adjusted the ship according to the surface of the planet.

After the pilot had the authorization to go on planet, the ship moved to the city of New Plouton. The ship shook as always, since it was very common when a ship entered the atmosphere of any planet and Tae'Karada was no exception.

Akesha continued to lay on her bed in a comfortable way. She had the mask in front of her face like the veil that she almost always wore. She stood there looking to the monitor that showed the view from outside. "So this is the city that Quistis doesn't like? It is a nice city, but nothing special." Akesha stood, glancing to the images of her monitor as her mind raced. "But we can make it a very special city."

After a few minutes the ship approached the sky spaceport that Brath'Nam Inter-Galactic Guild built for people that were extremely wealthy to own a personal luxury ships. The space port stood above the buildings of Yesdol District. It proved extremely useful since before this platform existed, the wealthy people had to land their ships on Yelldon district. Of course the enterprise that controlled those spaceports owned a small portion of this spaceport. Since all will have their portion of the profit, everyone would be happy.

The ship set on the ground as the ion engines shut down. Akesha got up and saw the monitor turning off. She opened the door and walked through the entrance of the ship where she could see the ramp opening. At last, freedom, Akesha thought to herself. There she felt more free since she didn't have those idiots from the Triumvirate always saying what to do.

She knew some of the projects that she presented were not approved by them, but she continued with those projects either way. Those projects earned a lot of money for the Triumvirate; she now hoped that with the help of Jadda and Grarkina The Hutt, she would be able to get rid of the Triumvirate, but at this point The Cult of Assacis was with the Triumvirate and she wanted to have the Cult in her power, but the High Cleric was a person that had her allegiance to the Triumvirate. It was extremely hard to pursue her, to turn against the Triumvirate and also she was hard to tame.

Akesha needed someone that she could trust and a person that was willing to make the Cult of Assacis obey the Administrative Council of B.I.G. Her first option was Quistis, but she knew that she was never going to accept it. Her second option was the Vice Cleric, he was man that was one of the former High Cleric's apprentice. Quistis was one of his greater friends, but both of them never talked when he took the rank of Vice Cleric, which made it difficult for Quistis talk to him and worst were the rumors that the Vice Cleric and the High Cleric were lovers. She only hoped that wasn't true.

Akesha walked out of the ramp and there was only one person waiting, since it was Akesha's will. The representatives of each enterprise were going to meet her on the following day. Akesha smiled to see the person's face. "Cleric Knox, so good to see you again." As she approached Quistis with a smile.

"President Valerious." Quistis approached Akesha and then hugged her. "You didn't change at all, Akesha. How is your dirty rat you called brother?"

Akesha laughed, putting her arm around her friend. "He is fine he was thrilled when I left him in charge of business in Corellia, but that crush he has for you continues to last, I think it is real enough what he says."

Quistis nodded. "That brother of yours will never learn, it is only a crush, not love. He still is the little brat that when I first met you." Quistis paused as she looked to her friend. "Geez, do you remember when he was acting like he was cool enough to conquer my heart?"

"Do I? Kolin broke three vases and his left leg when he tried to make the dinner table his huge enemy. My father was pissed with Kolin, luckily my stepmother was there to stop him."

"Talking about you stepmother, how is she?" Quistis smiled as they moved to the sky speeder.

"She is fine. She got a cold two weeks ago, but she is better now. She is supervising Kolin in his new job." Akesha paused and glanced. "I forgot to tell you. When Admiral Akosh talked about your condition, Kolin wanted to come to Tae'Karada to support you, but I prevented him from coming at all, because I wanted him to be ready. You never know what he did, before he got news that you were better."

Quistis nodded. "What?"

"He prayed to the Gods to save you." Akesha smiled at her, as Quistis was caught by surprise.

"What? Kolin praying? For me?" Quistis glanced towards Akesha. Ok, this is becoming more serious than I ever thought. Quistis entered the sky speeder followed by Akesha.

"I know it is hard to believe, but Kolin has grown into a fine man. Promise that you talk to him. He needs to know if that crush he feels for you is true or not," Akesha said as she sat next to Quistis.

"I promise, Akesha." Quistis looked to Akesha. "I saw the message from the Triumvirate congratulating me for the success I did. What a bunch of poodoo. The presidents and the employees made all the effort and they won half what was the Enterprise's profit. It seems hardly fair."

"Yes it is, that is why I'm going to have a meeting with both Hutts to start planning what to do against the Triumvirate. Also I'm somewhat interested in speaking to the Gardans - you said that are both nice people and both deadly in negotiations." Akesha looked as the sky speeder moved slowly.

"Yes she is. I can arrange a meeting with them," Quistis suggested.

"No, Quistis. You are going to take two weeks of vacation because you earned it. I will make those arrangements for the meeting with them. Just take two weeks of vacation and that is an order, not a suggestion." Akesha nodded towards Quistis.

"As you wish," Quistis said. She didn't want to take a vacation, but she felt in her body that she was still a little tired and one or two days sleeping would do her some good. She hoped.

---

"Help of a Stranger"
By Tidus Highwind
Elina Kasn - NPC

Location: Yallder District, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 4, 4 ABY

***

Tidus got up from his bed and looked to the small bag full of diamonds. He wondered why Elina hired him and offered a lot of money only to retrieve value pieces and the reward was... not big, probably huge. A few more jobs like that and he could retire for the rest of his life. He decided not to create much confusion and to carry with that kind of cash in his pockets he decided to take only a few crystals, just in case. he wanted to get cash since he wanted to buy probably a nice place over the new districts or something. Tidus felt uncomfortable in Yallder district especially with that amount of cash.

He walked through the streets seeing puberty all around and some people glancing towards him, sometimes because he looked menacing enough, others for the expensive clothes he was wearing. Tidus, after few minutes, arrived to where he wanted to get. The Dave's Buy or Sell. The door that lead to inside was always locked - the costumer had to say exactly what they wanted, if Dave thought he was saying the truth he let the customer enter, but Tidus saw there were four guards standing on his way to the store itself. Tidus examined the four guards and they looked menacing enough, but with these guards, Tidus saw, it wasn't able to win, because the way they placed themselves Tidus could see that they were professionals.

Tidus was checked for guns and found two guns and a vibroknife. Tidus was able to see a scar of one of the guard's face. Tidus concluded that the scar was a battle scar, since the scar was made by a weapon extremely powerful, probably a Fighter or Walker, but he wasn't sure.

When the guards saw that he wasn't carrying any more weapons he was allowed to enter. Dave was standing at the balcony, glancing to him like he examined him. "How can I be of service?"

Tidus looked to Dave and took a small bag and showed the crystals to Dave. "This is the purpose of my visit."

Dave whistled as he saw the three crystals. "Hello, my beauty!" Dave took his magnifying glass to see if the crystals were worth anything. Dave looked up, amazed. "They are real... Where did you find them?"

Tidus approached Dave with an irony look. "I suppose if I asked where you got your guards, you wouldn't say, would you?"

Dave smiled and laughed. "Of course not. Fair enough. How much you want for these crystals?" Dave looked to his eyes.

Tidus started to make some math in his head and then when he got to a conclusion. "About 100 thousand in New Republic credits."

Dave looked to The crystals. "60 thousand credits!"

Tidus covered the crystals with his hand and glanced towards Dave. "100 thousand credits, Dave. You can rip off the one you sell these credits and you still win 20 thousand to 50 thousand credits in the process. You will win your money back and more."

Dave thought for moment and it was clear that he was really thinking about what Tidus told him. "You have a deal."

Tidus took his hand out of the way as Dave grabbed the crystal and went outback and when he returned he had a bag and set it on the balcony. "100 thousand Republic credits in cash," Dave told, as Tidus checked the money.

"Good," Tidus said as he grabbed the bag and left out of the door.

As he was getting near to cross the entrance of the alley he felt someone hitting his head. He felt on the floor because he momentarily felt dizzy. He also felt he was dragged to the alley, but he didn't see who where his attackers. As the people dragging him stopped he recovered his sight and looked up. A human was standing in front of him, seeing the bag. "Hello, Mr. Highwind. The Dug who you stole his ring says his hellos."

Tidus saw that the human saw the money inside the bag. "Well, well. It seems that we got lucky, boys." As he showed the money to his companions.

"That is mine!" Tidus stated, but another human approached him and punched him in the stomach and in the face. That opened his lower lip, which was bleeding.

"No, Mr. Highwind... You don't mind me calling you Tidus?" The man holding the bag closed it and put the bag on the ground.

Tidus blinked as he looked to the human. "Yes I do mind..." The other human punched him again in the face. He now had a cut near his left eye.

"Tidus. I'm going to ask only once because I don't have any patience in this, so I'm going right to the matter." He paused as he kneed himself to look to Tidus' face. "Where is the ring?"

Tidus looked up and spit in the man's face. He stood up and took a piece of silk to clean the bloody spit off his face. "Get him up!"

The other human did as ordered. Two man were holding Tidus' arms. "I tried to be nice, but I don't like people who don't cooperate." He punched Tidus in the stomach and face.

After a few punches Tidus fell on the floor, but his aggressors continued to kicked him in the face or stomach and only stopped as a distorted scream was heard in alley. Everyone aggressing Tidus stopped and looked everywhere but they couldn't see anything, but after a few seconds they continued to kick Tidus.

"Would you please stop that!" a voice said. Everyone looked at the voice and saw a beautiful person.

"Gorgeous, if I were you I walked away for your sake." The leader of the group said as the other continued to look at her.

"You will stop that for your sake." The woman started to walk as she approached Tidus who looked horrible. His face was full of blood.

Tidus opened his eyes and saw the woman's face. "Elina?"

Then out of nothing two of the humans grabbed Elina's arms and got her up. The leader of the group approached and glanced to Elina. "I offer to walk away. Now here's what I'm going to do. I will punch you a few times and when you don't have the strength I'm going to rip you, until you die."

Elina didn't respond as the man approached her. She jumped and kicked the man's face, throwing to him the ground as she set her feet on the ground. She quickly got free of her left arm and with her hand open she punched the man holding her right arm in the nose, sending its bone to his brain, killing him instantly. She moved to the side, jamming her shoulder on the other man that was holding her left arm, making him spin. The man's back and Elina's back were lean. She stepped on the man's feet and she put her arms over her head and grabbed the man's lower jaw. She started to pull slowly as the man screamed in pain and then she, in a strong pull, broke the man's neck. She set her feet forward as she was ducked a little, holding the man's body with her back. She stood straight up and the body of the man fell to the floor.

The sound of the two dead men was like to huge explosion. Elina, under five seconds, had already killed two men. The others saw hopelessly their friends killed by the woman. They saw that she was more dangerous than previously. They knew that of the four men left standing to win this they had to fight together

The four men attacked Elina, trying to kill her or at least hit her, but Elina moved fast. She was without weapons and she avoided all swords and knives. She then kicked one in the stomach, punched the other two in the face and the last one she kicked in the man's face once, twice and a third time jamming him against the wall.

Elina looked to the other three and saw that one of them charged her against with sword. Elina was able to move to the side, grabbed the man's sword and made him continue to run towards one of his friends. The sword penetrated that man near the wall and also the sword penetrated the sword. The man screamed in pain as the blood slowly rolled down the sword.

But she wasn't focused on the others. The leader punched her face, throwing her away from the man on the wall. Another one kicked her stomach, that made her spin and fall to the ground. Elina got up when she was shot in the shoulder. Elina was thrown almost to the ground, but she was able to stand. She looked behind and saw that the leader was holding a blaster. "You are without honour!"

"Sorry, but I prefer to kill you," the leader said while the other three were in rage for the death of their companions.

"If you fight without honour, I will fight without honour. All of you will feel my wrath." Elina's voice became distorted, her eyes became red.

The men's hearts raced one second to another; their hearts became scared and when Elina charged against them, all men screamed at the same time.

Tidus, when he recovered consciousness, he was some place else. He didn't recognise at first the place he was at, but he recognised the woman. "Elina! Where am I?"

"We are in your home," Elina said as she was holding a small pot. She placed two of her fingers inside the pot and took out a green paste. She placed it over the wound next to his right eye. "This will burn a little."

"Arrghh," Tidus screamed. "A little? You meant a lot." He looked at Elina and he met her eyes. "How did you bring me here? Here are those men... My money?"

"Don't worry! I got it. I pursued a little your attackers to let us go." She looked at Tidus and smiled. "Get some rest it will do some good for your body."

"Ok." Tidus closed his eyes since his body hurt everywhere and almost instantly he fell asleep.

---

"A Journey's End & Beginning"
By Vaya Bek, Padawan (PC)
& Laedra Vorrel, Jedi (PC)
With Talara Sorenne, Padawan (NPC+)
& Koran Darr, Jedi Master (PC)

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 4th, 4ABY

***

Vaya had been walking through the forest all morning, as she had done the day before. After she had taken a bit of a break around noon time, she had felt a sense of urgency, a sense that she only hoped that this part of her journey was nearing its end. She gathered up her meager belongings and took off in a dead run.

Her heart raced with both excitement and some anxiety of what was to lie before her. She used the Force as she had been taught, a rudimentary exercise that enabled her body to sustain more endurance during physical exertion. Her blood pumped and flowed through her veins, she was almost giddy.

Up ahead some ways she heard the sounds of sublight engines. A cargo ship rose up from the tree lines and zoomed off above her position. Vaya skidded to a stop and gazed at the ship as it flew off over her head. She stumbled...fell...and cracked her head on a rock. She was out cold.

***

"Is she alright?" came a distant voice, young and slightly panicked. "Oh, I think I see blood! Is she okay? She's still breathing; that's good. Oh, Master, I think she's starting to wake up."

A light pressure weighed down on Vaya's shoulder, keeping her prone. "You mustn't move," a soft voice advised her. "Padawan, please remove your tunic. I require something for the wound."

There was a rustling beside Vaya and a moment later, the first voice said, "Here you are, Master."

A sharp tearing of fabric preceded a warm, gentle hand sliding under her neck. "Please raise her head," the audibly older woman said. "We must stop the bleeding before we transport her."

Vaya was starting to come to. She felt the presence of someone, heard two separate voices, but she was pretty dazed. She felt a pressure on her, but she wasn't clear on what was going on.

"Mmm...Kherris?" Vaya asked as she tried to sit up, but she could not, both from the throbbing pain to the side of her head and the person kneeling before her.

"Rest, child," the woman told her soothingly. "You're hurt."

Vaya tried to open her eyes and she was made nauseous with vertigo.

"Who are you?" she croaked. "What happened?"

"We are here to help you," the elder one replied, her response partially muffled by the fabric wrapping around Vaya's head and covering her ears. "We are Jedi. We will not hurt you. It seems you had some sort of accident."

Jedi! Vaya thought. Vaya's excitement brought on another wave of pain from her head. She felt like she was blacking out. The last thing she saw was the woman kneeling over her. Vaya thought she felt compassion from the woman, a sense of trust, almost a motherly feeling. Or maybe it was just the bang to her head, her fatigue and hunger. In any case, Vaya let herself fall into the shroud of sleep, comforted by the knowledge that she had finally found the Jedi, even though it was the Jedi that had found her.

***

"I think she's coming around again," the young voice from earlier said in an excited whisper. "Can you hear me? I'm Talara. You're in the Jedi Temple now. You're safe."

"Yes," Vaya answered groggily. "I am Vaya, Vaya Bek. What happened?"

The last thing Vaya remembered was watching the ship fly by. She didn't recall the Jedi finding her and helping her to the Temple.

"You were injured," the woman, Laedra Vorrel, explained. "You seemed to have knocked your head upon a rock." Her bright, green eyes were studying Vaya, seeming to penetrate deeper than simply a physical scan of the girl. She smiled knowingly. "Why were you wandering the woods?"

Vaya sat up a bit; her head hurt some, but it was not very painful.

"I was searching for the Jedi. I have lost my Master, and I...I wanted to come to the Temple and resume my training," she replied with a bit of apprehension in her voice. Vaya felt a bit ill, she had been through a lot in the past weeks, and she was fatigued, stressed, and feeling quite hungry. She almost felt as if she could cry, but she wasn't going to let that happen. She heard the girl say that she was at the Jedi Temple, that she was with the Jedi. She didn't want their first impression of her to be that of a scared and emotional young girl.

Laedra smiled, her expression unreadable as she regarded Vaya. Then, she shifted her gaze to Talara and nodded briefly. "You will watch over her, Padawan. I will be back shortly."

"Of course, Master," Talara said, then smiled at Vaya. "Don't worry, we'll take good care of you here."

Vaya gave Talara a weary smile. "I trust that would be so, Talara, right? You are a Padawan here? And that woman is your mentor?"

"That's right," Talara answered. "She's my Master. I've been here for a few months, but before that I was training on Naboo." She played with the silver stud in her tongue as she watched Vaya. "It's nice here, and the city isn't too far away. The lake and waterfall are great places to meditate."

Vaya thought Talara seemed nice enough. Maybe I have found a new friend already, that is of course if I get to stay here...

Vaya couldn't read too much else into the girl. Probably from her injury and the fatigue from late. Usually Vaya was quite apt at discerning one's mood and intents through a person's body language and speech, as she was a Lorddian. But it wasn't one-hundred percent accurate in any case, and as Vaya thought, nothing compared to the abilities one had through the power of the Force.

"Sounds wonderful. How do you like it here at the Temple?" Vaya asked.

"I like it here very much," Talara said. "Master Laedra is a good teacher, though she can be very strict at times. Sometimes, I wish that I could have more freedom, but it is still a nice life here."

"How many Jedi are here?" Vaya asked. "Are there other Padawans?"

Vaya was curious about these Jedi and their Temple, and a bit apprehensive. She knew that Jedi could be rather selective about choosing their Padawans, by their own council did they decide who could or could not be trained. Vaya had heard very little about these Jedi. She knew that since the fall of the Old Republic, and the destruction the Old Jedi Order, that different enclaves of Jedi had developed their own cultures. Vaya so hoped she would be allowed to stay, but had some reservations as to what life here might be like.

Still, she thought, it would be better than being lost on my own. Vaya was no stranger to hardships in life. It only helped drive her to better herself and to never have to live in the ways she used to.

"I'm not really sure," Talara answered. "But it seems like there are more every day, including you. I think you're one of the first found unconscious in the forest though."

Vaya laughed with some embarrassment. "Well aren't I the trend-setter!" She looked at Talara and said, "Thank you, by the way, for helping me out there. I hope Master Laedra comes back soon, I should thank her as well."

"No 'thanks' will be required," the person of interest assured Vaya. She had returned to the medical bay with Koran Darr at her side, both seeming to study the girl openly.

Vaya blushed. "I do believe so, Jedi Master. I am very thankful."

"We are glad we found you and were able to nurse you back to health," Laedra continued. She held a hand out towards Koran in presentation. "This is another Jedi Master - Koran Darr."

Vaya smiled at the man and offered her hand in greeting. "Greetings, Master Darr, I am Vaya Bek."

Vaya tried to maintain her composure, but she was quite taken by the Jedi Master.Vaya thought he was very handsome, but it wasn't so much his rugged looks, but the feeling she got from his presence. From his body language, Vaya felt very secure and trusting of the man, which only served to reinforce Vaya's positive impression of the Jedi thus far, as she had felt a similar feeling of genuine care and security from the Jedi called Laedra.

Koran bowed to her. "It is good to meet you, Vaya Bek," he said. "Laedra tells me you should recover from your injury in no time. She also mentioned that you said you were seeking the Jedi and you wish to resume your training here."

Vaya touched her head where she had been injured. Well here it goes, she thought to herself as she looked to Laedra and then to Koran.

"Yes, Master Darr, I have sought the Jedi and wish to to be accepted to resume my training," she said to the Jedi.

Vaya felt her emotions fighting to take control, but she wouldn't allow it. Master Kherris had taught her to be mindful of such. It was an old Jedi edict that, 'There was no emotion, there was peace'. Vaya took a calming breath and tried to focus herself in the Force. If she were to be accepted here as a Padawan, she knew she had to be strong. She could not be afraid. As Qel had told her, she knew she had to trust in the Force, and to trust in the Jedi. Vaya didn't read any negativity in the man, nor did she think there was any from the Jedi woman Laedra. Of course, as she knew, they were Jedi, masters of the Force.

Vaya looked at Master Darr with a calm and confidence. "And I do wish to continue my training if I may." Vaya looked to Laedra and to Koran again. "I have lost my Master, through the Force have I been drawn here."

Koran nodded, then smiled. "I think we'll have a place for you here," he said. "We'll need to confer with the Council, and we should test your aptitude, though we might be able to leave that to whomever takes up your training. For now, I think it best that you rest and recover your strength. And, before you argue, just remember this may be the last time you are able to just lie around and be waited upon by others." His smile brightened, and he placed his hand on her shoulder. "The Force brought you here, and I'm certain we'll be able to continue your training."

Vaya smiled from ear to ear. "I understand, Master Darr. I'm very grateful, truly I am. I am no stranger to hard work and dedication, I assure you," Vaya said. The man was sincere, and his gesture further enforced Vaya's trust and feeling of security in her situation.

By the Force!! Vaya thought to herself. She didn't know what else to say, or what to think. Becoming a Jedi was all the real direction and desire she had ever had in her life. She felt a great relief in her soul, to again be among those like herself, and she knew that she would indeed resume her training here at the Jedi Temple.

"I do need to rest, yes," Vaya said again, settling back down into the med-bed. "As you have said, I will be fine soon enough. If I could have a little something to eat, that would be well appreciated."

Laedra exchanged an unreadable glance with Koran, then bowed her head at Vaya. "You may rest, for we would very much like to ask you some questions if you're up for it later."

"Yes, of course," Vaya replied with a smile.

The two masters departed, Talara tagging along behind them after offering Vaya a brief smile. Tala paused briefly at the door. "I'll see you when you're better, Vaya. Maybe we can go to the waterfall, or train together." And, with that, she slipped out the door and hurried after her master.

Vaya gave Talara a quick nod and smile, thinking to herself that she would like that very much.

All alone, Vaya curled up and closed her eyes. She was more tired than she realised, but she felt a lot better than she had for some time. She felt more at peace with the apparency of her continued training with the Jedi.

Vaya commanded for the lights to dim. As the voice recognition system obeyed her command, and Vaya turned from her position facing the doorway, she saw a familiar figure glowing with ephemeral energy off to the side of the foot of the bed.

Qel! Vaya thought with pleasure. Before she could say anything the figure just smiled and dissipated.

The Force will be with you, Vaya, always trust in the Force...

As his voice trailed with the evaporation of his image, Vaya fell fast asleep.

---

"Fugitive, Part 1"
by Daemor'rah
Quinlan Vos
and Xora (NPC)

Location: Space Station "The Wheel", Duros System
Date: Vadris 4, 4 ABY

***

She was in the maintenance levels. Kib Kopatha had come through with his information, and apparently it was accurate. But things had not gone as planned. She had also learned that her former Master, Quinlan Vos was after her... Well, she wasn't about to let him get in her way, even though she didn't bear him ill will. But the price Jadda had paid was enough for her not to even consider not doing the job. Besides, she always delivered.

But now, even if she could tell that Quinlan was also in the Space Station, she had more serious things to be concerned about, for Quinlan was not the only one who knew she was there... She had Ruva's men after her as well, and they were shooting at her. Luckily, she was a few floors below, so she avoided them and went through the doors of a cargo lift and pressed the key button that should take her out of the maintenance levels.

Alas, once the doors opened, there was a Quarren there already waiting for her. Daemor'rah recognised him. He wasn't one of Ruva's men, but a bounty hunter. They had crossed paths in the past, a long time ago. She had even saved his life from another man, even though just to collect the prize on the killer who was about to slay the Quarren. Still, the Quarren was pointing a blaster at her. She frowned.

"Hey, Grakko. Let me pass, for old time's sake?" she asked him.

"Love to. Can't," he replied. "The job specifically requires you dead. You're a good bounty huntress, but you must die now."

At that point, and faster than he could react and shoot her, Daemor'rah dashed past Grakko and gave him a kick behind his legs to make him fall down. She was at a considerable distance when he got up. He picked up his blaster and pointed it at her.

"Sorry. Nothing personal, Daemor'rah..." he said as he pointed his blaster at her.

She turned around and brought her hand up. She was holding an anti-person grenade pin. "Nothing personal, Grakko. Sorry..." she said.

The Quarren looked down at his vest and saw that one of his grenades was missing its pin, and was about to explode. "Ahh... Sithspit!" he mumbled. When he looked back at Daemor'rah he saw her beyond a door. She had touched its controls and the door was closing. He had lost his chance to get her and it was the very last mistake he did. The next thing was an explosion.

***

"Well, she was here. She was definitely here!" one of the guards assured.

"She isn't here now, is she?" Ruva asked sarcastically to his guard. "Change of plans. I want her alive. Am I clear?"

"But she's just a bounty huntress. Why keep her alive, Master?" the guard asked.

"Because I want it so!" Ruva answered. "I need to know if she has told anyone of us, especially Jadda the Hutt. Besides, I'm on a timetable. If I can't buy what I need, when I need it, I will die. So will you. I promise!"

"It's a space station. Only so many places to hide. I will find her, Master."

***

Meanwhile, Quinlan Vos walked through the cantina, where many different species could be seen. But they all seemed to share one thing: They were either part of some smuggling operation or they were pirates. He took notice of a few of them who seemed to follow him with their eyes as he walked. It also seemed that the Falleen girl who had come along with him wasn't too content to be there.

"Stay close..." Quinlan told her simply, only to see her almost cling to him.

All of the sudden, a small Chadra-fan came forward. He was dressed in dark brown robes and had the typical pointy ears and large black eyes covered in dark grey fur that all Chadra-fans seemed to have. "You looking for someone? Maybe I can help you find who you seek?"

Quinlan looked at the little Chadra-fan. They weren't brave creatures, or creatures to be feared for the most part, for they were known to be quite cowards when it came to confrontations. But they were not a stupid race, however... "I seek Ruva. I am told he is here?"

"Come... Come this way!" the small being said as he led them out of the cantina. A little while later they were in a different area of the space station. It was filled with containers and cables. It was also hot and had much vapor in it, so it was easy to conclude it was a more industrious area. "Step carefully. Please, always, always, we must be careful, yes? Tell me, what exactly is your business with Ruva?"

"My business is my business," Vos replied. "You are certain that Ruva is this way, Chadra-fan?"

"Please, call me Tookirto. Many people look to find Ruva, you know. Some are bad people, so we must be careful, you see?" the small being said. "We must ask questions."

"All right. What do you want to know?" Vos asked. At that point he noticed two guards coming forward. They were holding a vibro-spear each.

"I am sorry..." the Chadra-fan said. "There must be pain first. Then answers. No truth comes without pain! You... umm... gentlemen. Inflict truth, please?"

All Quinlan needed was a swift movement of his hand to have both guards dismissed against a wall. They were both out cold after that. "I'm not here to play games, Tookirto. I'm here to see Ruva," he said seriously.

"Ye-es. I can see you're sincere. I'll take you to him immediately."

"Will you?" Xora asked as she stepped in behind Vos. She was looking down at the small rodent-like being with a frown. "As you said, there's no truth without pain, is there?" she asked, only to see the small one get even more nervous.

"I heard somebody was looking for me. Didn't hear it from you Tookirto. What's going on here?" a man asked as he walked through a door and in their direction. He was rather tall and well built, with long jet black hair that fell over his black painted armor. He held a blaster rifle, although he wasn't pointing it.

"I take it you are Ruva?" Quinlan asked.

"I am."

"We need to talk. Privately," Quinlan said.

***A Few Minutes Later***

"So I need these gems to make payment for the release of my ships! You understand now? The lives of my men are depending on it!" Ruva explained.

"Well, Daemor'rah is an unstoppable huntress and she won't rest until she reaches her goal. Right now, she is after you for stealing from Jadda. The Hutt paid her because she has never failed him before!" Xora explained. "She already killed my father and brothers. Believe me, I know what I'm saying."

"But you're here to stop her, right?" Ruva asked.

Quinlan considered Ruva. Even though this was a man known for his piracy acts, he could not read any lie in his words. Perhaps Ruva wasn't a fool to consider the possibility of lying to a Jedi. "To stop her, yes. But she is very skilled in concealing herself, and I trust she knows I'm here, so she won't reveal herself to you. Not until the time in which she plans to kill you."

"And you're saying you can't stop her?" Ruva asked with a raised eyebrow.

"That is not what I said..." Quinlan replied. "I said that I cannot tell you where she is now, even though I can feel she is here at this station. Be wary and do not underestimate her."

"I have my personal guard looking for her. He knows all the hiding places of this station like the palm of his hand. He will find her!" Ruva assured them. "Now, I must go. I have a meeting to exchange the gems to buy back the lives of my men and my ships due in a few minutes."

"Perhaps I can escort you. It would certainly prove to be more secure for you..." Quinlan suggested.

"No," Ruva dismissed. "I am told to go alone. This is not a known meeting, so no parties shall interfere!" he said as he walked towards the exit. As he opened the door, however, he was dumbstruck with what he saw. Lying on the floor was the head of Ruva's personal guard. Clearly a message from Daemor'rah.

Quinlan walked to see what it was that had Ruva so worried all of the sudden. When he saw it he had to sigh. Daemor'rah had been there, so very close. She was concealing herself all too well. "Perhaps now you will take my advice?" he asked.

"Yes... You can come. But conceal yourself as well!" Ruva answered.

"Stay here. It is safer here," Quinlan told Xora as he left the room with Ruva. The girl merely frowned, but stayed where she was.

***

The meeting place was in one of the lower levels of the station. A bridge crossed over a chasm and there was steam coming from the furnaces below it. Quinlan had found a place to hide from sight, but was a little too far off to do anything, should Daemor'rah get any close. But he too was concealing himself, so with a little luck, Daemor'rah could be stopped before she got to Ruva.

The known pirate stood on the bridge with a large container with gems beside him, on a hover-platform. He saw the other party as they came along. "I have the gems. I trust you're keeping your end of the deal?" he asked.

"We will..." the other man said as he came forward. He was a Twi'lek and came along with two guards of his own. "Just hand over the payment."

"This has cost me much," Ruva said.

"It could cost you a lot more!" the Twi'lek answered as he had his two guards take the container. "You have my word that I will keep my end of the deal!" he said, then laughing. "This is the day when the infamous pirate Ruva has actually lost a treasure!"

"Yes, well... Can't win them all!" Ruva said with a grin.

Suddenly, Quinlan felt something. He moved quickly and leaped from where he stood to near himself to Ruva. With a swift movement he had his lightsaber drawn and fended off the incoming shot.

Up from above, Daemor'rah cursed the Jedi Master. She was looking down at them. "You just cost me a lot by doing that! I wanted the bonus for Ruva's head!"

"No lives shall be taken today!" Quinlan replied. "And I know that this is not the real you! Give up on your hatred! You walk down the path of the Dark Side!"

Daemor'rah didn't answer. She was going to, but then again, why should she lie? Instead she safeguarded her long projectile rifle. Suddenly, she felt something. It was a feeling of emotions and love though the air. She knew the technique... Pheromones being used to make others do the bidding of those who controlled them. A technique known to the Falleen.

Xora stood at the base of the bridge and was using her knowledge to lure Daemor'rah down. The huntress leapt down and stood near Xora, who by now thought she was in control. But Daemor'rah had other plans, and took hold of the girl and ignited her lightsaber, which she placed under the girl's chin as she used her as shield to retreat.

"You're not going to kill her!" Quinlan said.

"Are you sure? I killed her brothers... And her father as well!" Daemor'rah replied.

"But not her..." Quinlan insisted. "You are one of us Jedi. We protect life and respect it, as opposed to taking lives."

"Well, taking lives is what I do best," Daemor'rah commented. "So, maybe I'm not one of you."

"You are, and you know this. Come with me. Let the girl go and return with me to Tae'Karada..." Quinlan offered. "Everyone awaits you. Especially Aurra."

"No! You're wrong!" the huntress shouted. She then tossed Xora at Quinlan as dashed off through the exit and disappeared.

***

"Move up that container onto our ship!" the Twi'lek ordered to his guards.

"Hold!" Daemor'rah said as she approached. "You don't own that container. Jadda the Hutt does. And he wants it back."

"Well, Ruva sold it to me legitimately! So, you go tell Jadda that his problem is with Ruva and not with me!" the Twi'lek answered.

"Wrong!" Daemor'rah said. And with that she pulled her two blasters and shot both guards down faster than they could pull their own blasters to fight her. The Twi'lek was in awe. "That container will go with me. And if you have it otherwise, then my problem is with you!"

"Of course!" the Twi'lek said, now smiling to try and save his life. "I will have it transported to your ship immediately!" he promised.

"Yes, I'm sure you will..." she said calmly. Now for the delivery of the gems.

---

"Daily Training"
by Kal'Aran
Aurra Sgall
and Taran Kinneas

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 4, 4 ABY

***

She was upside down, standing on one arm only. It seemed hard but to her it came through as regular training. Something she had picked up from Kal'Aran's wisdom about fitness and agility that a Jedi should master in order to be prepared for anything and any challenge that might come.

She breathed and concentrated as she felt all things that surrounded her, all the life belonging to the plants and the animals that were about, all the inanimate objects that constituted the scenario. The rock, the pebbles, dirt or water.

She knew her master was also there, as was Taran, standing beside her, watching her as she trained and concentrated in feeling the Force, for it was present in all things and bonded all in one. She knew it could not be totally controlled but only bent in certain directions.

As he watched he closed his eyes and felt the Force affecting her as well as vice-versa. She had indeed come a long way, and that made Kal'Aran glad.

"Yes... Feel the Force surrounding you. Feel it in all things," he whispered to her.

She kept her eyes closed and her breathing smooth and controlled. She then lifted another rock and had it moved about slowly and steadily and set it atop the other three rocks that she had already moved. A little while later, Master Kal'Aran told her that she could stop, that it had been enough concentrating for the day and she did nothing less than what he had asked, getting back onto her feet.

"Good!" Kal'Aran smiled. "Now clear your mind..." he told her next. She nodded and did so. A most relaxing exercise that she enjoyed after training.

"Thank you, Master Kal'Aran," she said with a smile as she bowed her head ever so slightly. "I enjoyed it as well. But it still leaves me somewhat tired when I do these exercises with lifting too many things..." she admitted.

"You still see the object as it seems to be," Kal'Aran told her. "It seems large but it is affected the same way as any other smaller object. If you cannot truly feel the object you will always be exhausted by doing so, whenever the object is large. You must forget what you see and see only what you feel..." He then smiled and added, "But you are getting much better!"

"Thank you, Master," she smiled back.

Kal'Aran then turned to Taran. "Shall we then begin our physical training?" he asked.

"I'm here to learn everything you have to teach, Master," Taran said, agreeing with the physical training.

Kal'Aran nodded and took a few seconds to himself. He took a few steps and then looked back at Taran and Aurra. "You will run through that path over there," he said as he pointed out a path that led into the woods nearby, "and follow it to the big vine tree. Once you are there, I want you to climb one of the vines up to one of the first branches, then somersault down and trek back here. And I want you to concentrate while you do this and feel the Force flowing around you..."

Aurra simply bowed to Master Kal'Aran's words. She saw Taran nod and they both ran off into the woods. The path wasn't too long until they reached the big vine tree. It had many tall branches and many more thick dark green vines coming down to the ground.

For a few seconds, Aurra closed her eyes and breathed deep to feel the Force. The tree was old, very old, but it had much strength in it. Finally, she grabbed a vine and pulled herself up. The branches were a bit far off the ground, so it took her quite a while to be able to reach one. Once there, she let go the vine she had climbed and looked down. She was about fourteen feet high, which seemed a considerable distance. But she was used to it by now and it was amazing how tall one could leap without any damage with the aid of the Force. She concentrated and somersaulted down to the forest path again, kneeling as she landed. Aurra then looked up to see how Tarran was doing.

Tarran was a little slower than Aurra, since he didn't have the kind of touch that Aurra had with the Force. But climbing the old vine tree was not so hard, and he was a little faster there. Not only was he taller, but all of his life he climbed rocks and trees since it made part of his survival back on his homeworld.

Aurra and Taran then jogged back to the Temple, and met their Master once more. Kal'Aran smiled and gave them a slight bow with his head in acknowledgement for their effort. "You have done well. Although you must learn to feel the Force more freely and open-minded," he told them. He meant it more for Taran, but for Aurra as well. "But your skills improve each passing day, my Padawans!" he smiled.

"Thank you, Master," Aurra bowed gently.

"Thank you, Master," Taran nodded slightly with his head and crossed his arms. He was tall alright, but Aurra and Kal'Aran were used to his height.

"Aurra, I want you to meditate while I do a different exercise with Taran," Kal'Aran said.

The twi'lek girl sat on the ground with her arms resting upon her legs and closed her eyes, initiating her meditation. Meanwhile, Kal'Aran walked a little further on with Taran.

"This will be a new exercise. You will stand there and I will toss a few pebbles at your direction. I want you to divert them through the use of the Force," Kal'Aran explained. "Don't worry. I won't throw them hard at you. Merely toss them. And they are small enough not to hurt you."

"Yes, Master. My skin can protect me from larger pebbles than that, Master, so don't concern me," Taran said.

"Just concentrate on your task..." Kal'Aran said with ease as he walked a bit further away from Taran and picked up a few pebbles that were already gathered in a small pile. "You must feel the pebbles and see them as I toss them. Stretch your feelings. Feel the Force," Kal'Aran said, instructing Taran to concentrate.

"Ok, Master," Taran said as he tried to concentrate. He looked at the pebbles as Master Kal'Aran threw them to him. He tried to use the Force to push it aside, but the pebble hit Taran. Of course, it didn't hurt him at all.

Kal'Aran breathed deeply. "Concentrate, Taran. Close your eyes and feel the Force. Feel it in the air, on the ground and even in the pebbles I throw at you. The Force is everywhere, binding all things together. You must first feel... Only then shall you see."

Taran closed his eyes and tried to concentrate and feel the Force. Kal'Aran threw a pebble and Taran was able to feel it and move it to the side.

"Good. Let's try that again..." Kal'Aran said. He felt Taran as he concentrated and gave him a few seconds before he actually threw the pebble. Again, Taran was able to deviate it from its course. Kal'Aran smiled and took yet another pebble. "Let's try something a bit different. Now, I want you to lift the pebble I'm holding with the aid of the Force."

Taran closed his eyes and tried to concentrate for a few minutes. He pointed his hand towards the pebble and slowly started to elevate it. For Taran, it was a little bit difficult to do it.

"Feel the pebble... Feel the Force surrounding it..." Kal'Aran said smoothly. "Move it aside and feel it as it connects with all things through the Force. Then set it down on the ground, slowly."

Taran moved his arm to the side and the pebble moved slowly in the same direction of his arm. Taran then slowly moved his arm, pointing it to the ground and the pebble did the same. When the pebble reached the ground, Taran was somewhat tired. It was still very hard for him to use the Force.

Kal'Aran gave a small smile and motioned for Taran to let go. As the rock was set free and rolled a little bit, the Jedi Master nodded. "That was good. You still have much to learn, but it was a good start. Just try to look beyond what you can see. Feel the Force..." he told Taran as a reminder. "I want you to meditate on this. For today, you will learn nothing more."

"Thank you, Master..." Taran said. He then took a place next to Aurra and closed his eyes, starting to meditate.

Kal'Aran watched his two Padawans and felt them. Aurra was becoming strong in the ways of the Force indeed, and Taran was learning well. He walked softly and sat opposite of them, closing his eyes as well and giving into mediation.

---

"Missing Councillors"
Kitana Gellar
Strider Ixion
Raydan Levianthan - NPC
Regent Duke Regi - NPC
Rita Keares - NPC
Vula Kairn - NPC
Hel Akinolan - NPC

Location: Royal Palace, Midgar, Gallor
Date: Vadris 4, 4 ABY

***

Raydan walked through the corridors as fast as he could walk, since he was somewhat worried. He walked past some servants and didn't bother to look were exactly the servants were since he almost tripped on one of the servants.

He walked through the council chamber and approached an old man with a long beard that covered his fat neck. "Master, do you know where is Vylon?" Raydan called him master because he was Raydan's teacher. His name was Dailyn.

"No, last I saw him was Duky Yu's funeral. Is something wrong?"

Raydan approached Dailyn and spoke in a low voice so that the others couldn't hear. "I talked to his wife just to know where he was and he didn't return home yesterday."

Dailyn nodded strangely at what Raydan told him. "What? Are you telling me that he is missing?"

"Yes, Master. No one knows where he is. He always was the first to arrive and to leave. Also Justice Council reported to me that Lon disappeared." Raydan was worried and his face showed it.

"That is too much coincidence. Ever since Regi took over he make some changes. The contracts with B.I.G. and several other enterprises are being renegotiated. The taxes were raised, without our or the councilors' advisement or support these few things makes all of us very nervous. I don't like this one bit, Raydan, Regi is making changes that the councils are very concerned. The changes he is making to what he calls walking to the future."

"Yes, Master, I agree with you. I know that Regi had something to do with the death of Duke Yu." Raydan paused. "It is better to make few arrangements, mainly some basic procedures of the councils members and the respected families to go on vacation to the Green Forest or to the Mountains of Kir'llor just in case." Raydan looked to his surroundings to try to see if anyone was hearing their conversation.

"I will pass the word to the councilors that were friends of Duke Yu for a meeting at my house, tonight. To start to send some of the councilors' families away from here." He paused. "Raydan, Strider is our only ace that we've got in our deck, if we lose him, Regi will be unstoppable and out of control."

"Master, I think Regi is already out of control..." Raydan stopped as Regi entered and sat in the throne and the people sat on their placements. Raydan took the chair in the darkest room of the council.

"Well, I see few empty chairs. Where are the respective councilors?" Regi asked. Raydan thought for himself. You know exactly where they are, don't you, Regi?

The man next to Regi stood up. "We don't know where they are, my Duke. We're still looking into it."

"I see." He paused. Regi looked towards the councilors. "Let us begin this reunion. As you all heard that I wanted to renegotiate foreign enterprises because I see that Gallor has been exploited by them. If Gallor needs advanced technologically to be known in this Galaxy we need to have more profitable contracts."

A man from the Economical council stood up. "Duke, if we renegotiate with the foreign enterprises and if this proposition we read here on your report is correct, most of the enterprises will flee from Gallor and without them our economy will collapse."

"No, Councilor Gana. The enterprises will have to renegotiate and if they like to flee from our world we make contracts with other enterprises that want to make a deal with us."

The councilors started to mumble when a man stood up. It was a military councilor. "You mean with the Corporate enterprises, don't you? We all know that you want to make deals with the Corporate Sector, that is why you want to renegotiate these contracts."

"Yeah," the man of the people's council stood up. "We all know that we weren't attacked by the Corporate Sector because you want to make an alliance with them. Duke Regi, we have a deal with the New Republic to join the League of the Outer Rim."

"The League will not benefit Gallor, gentlemen. They are weak and I know and you all know that if we join this League we will not be so benefited. The New Republic doesn't care about peace as they say. They have no interest in helping us or the worlds of the Outer Rim. They are interested in helping themselves and we all know how evil the Empire was, but the New Republic is far worse."

Many of the councilors got up screaming, not agreeing with the Duke and some were outraged by what the Duke said. Raydan saw that many of the people didn't support the new Duke. Things were starting to get bad, then what Regi thought or even Raydan, but on the other hand it was good - at least many of the councilors were on the same side as Raydan. To Regi it was really bad. Raydan knew that he was going to do whatever it took to do whatever he wanted, even if he had to eliminate the obstacles.

An hour later Raydan entered Strider's room where Rita was singing to him. Raydan stopped and glanced to them. It was nice to see that kind of love. If Raydan didn't know that Strider was Kitana's son he would say that Rita was Strider's mother.

He inclined against the nearby wall and stood there, watching that scene. All the problems that can show up in this life it is moments like this that make this life worth it.

Rita looked to Raydan and smiled as a piece of her black hair fell in front of her face and Raydan loved how that piece of hair fell in front of her face. "Hi." She spoke almost quietly. "He finally fell asleep. How did the meeting go?"

Raydan approached her and kissed her lips. "Not very good, ninety percent of the councilors don't agree with Regi's plans. There is going to be a secret meeting in my Master's house. I'm going!"

Rita felt something in her guts telling her that she didn't want him to go, but it was his duty for Gallor, because Duke Yu fought against the Empress to Gallor's freedom and now his half brother was another tyrant. "Be careful because I have strange feeling about this meeting. Don't worry, I will watch over Strider."

"I will try to be extra careful. I gotta go..."

Rita kissed him like it was some kind of goodbye. "For luck."

Raydan walked away and left the room. Rita watched the door close and the sound was like a huge hammer in her ears.

***In Dailyn's Mansion***

Raydan saw that many of the councilors were already there when he arrived. It looked like more as a party than a secret meeting. Raydan was amazed the way his master continued to surprise him. Raydan could beat easily his master, but Raydan knew that he still had a lot to learn about tactics.

"Master, it is a nice party that you planed, you still amaze me."

"Thank you, Raydan. Why don't you go to have a drink in my study, while I wait for one final guest." Dailyn winked an eye at Raydan.

Raydan smiled and started to walk and entered the study. A few people were inside. It was a group of ten people and in that group was the chief of each council. Raydan stood there as the people looked to each other and had conversations that didn't last long. Finally Dailyn entered the room followed by two figures. "Gentleman, sorry for keeping you waiting. This are my two guests that you want to meet, one you know very well. Kitana Gellar."

Kitana took her hood off and every person bowed before her. Kitana was extremely used to this, but on the other hand was not.

"And this is Hel Akinolan. She is a specialist in geology and biology of our planet. She knows every inch of this planet." He looked to the people. "Ok, we all know that Regi is going to go forward with his plans, even if he has to dissolve the councils..."

"That is absurd. The people will not stand for that," said the same guy who accused Regi at the council's meeting.

The woman that had the hood spoke without anybody replying. "I'm sorry to interrupt, gentlemen, but the Gallorians think everything goes as smoothly as before the death of Duke Yu and mark my words, gentlemen, Regi will think of a good reason to absolve the councils and will charge against you crimes against Gallor just to put the people on the stand with him, because, gentlemen, you are one of the things that still makes Regi cautious. He knows that you have power and together you can beat him. Why do you think ten councilors already disappeared?"

"So what can he do?" Kitana asked as she looked to Hel.

"Send your families on vacation. I will tell you where soon. Make arrangements so if you're accused of something you can hide quickly from the authorities. Fake IDs for you and your respective families..."

"Are you suggesting that we run like cowards?" a man that had belonged to the army council.

"Remember this phrase, gentlemen, it will help you stay alive in the hard days that you have in front of you. 'Live to fight another day.' "

"She is right, people," Raydan finally said. "Regi has the edge over us. If even we fight against Regi by force, Gallor will succumb to another Civil War and this time it will not last for two months. I think Gallor will be destroyed forever and will sink in the darkness of the war. I think it is better now to take the most people that is against Regi out of Gallor, out of reach of his hands."

"My Embassy in Tae'Karada can become a representative for those who want to fight against Regi and we will give sanctuary to any of the refugees. Also I can talk with Miss Kovan and Ambassador Theen to support us any way they can. Regi will have the family fortune to fight against us," Kitana said while she took a thread of hair and pushed it to the side with her hand. For her she would just walk to Regi and fire a blaster at his head, but that wasn't the right way to do things.

"Gentlemen let us plan this correctly. For our sake," Dailyn said since he knew that was much to discuss.

***Meanwhile at the Palace***

Rita stood there reading her book has she was watching Strider. He was still asleep. Out of nothing Strider started to cry for no apparent reason. Rita got up and picked up Strider, trying to calm him down.

Then the door opened and a woman entered. Rita recognised her has Vula. She didn't looked so menacing, so evil as Raydan told, but Rita knew that there was some danger in her.

"Hi, sorry to bother but I wanted to see the famous Strider. The heir to the throne of Gallor."

"Here he is,." Rita said icily and with some posture without making any accusation.

"He is so little and so innocent. I'm Vula, Regi's personel body guard." Vula extended her arm to shake Rita's hand.

"Sorry if I don't shake your hand, as you can see they're busy right now," Rita said as she walked through the room, keeping her distance between Vula.

"So... Can I hold him?"

Rita knew what exactly she meant by that. "He doesn't like to be held by strangers." Rita tried to calm Strider down but it wasn't working, since she was afraid. "As you can see he doesn't like to be in your presence, so can you come back later or tomorrow?" How about never? Rita thought.

"Yes, I will return later!" Vula forced an ironic smiled and walked through the door. Rita walked to the door and closed it. Rita tried to breathe to calm down. She was not nervous for her life, but for Strider's. Rita, just breathe, try to calm down and think how to avoid that woman!

---

"Secret Reunion"
By: Amii'a Val'or
Colonel Merk Krie
Lt. Sul Fhurr
Theen Fida
& Kitana Gellar

Location: Gallor
Date: Vadris 4, 4 ABY

***

Amii'a and her team had been holed up in a small village outside of Midgar, waiting to be contacted by the representative, Kitana. Their contact had left a data-pad with more information on the latest goings-on with Gallor. But the meager information did not make the time pass any sooner, nor did it help to resolve the restlessness of those within the small building.

Amii'a had gotten a response from Theen however on her own data-pad.

Message received. Friends will be by shortly.

"Well, I do hope something, anything, transpires in the next few micro-secs," Merk said with a sigh. "This waiting around is driving me mad, and if this blasted dog doesn't stop licking by boots I may just shoot the fur ball!"

"It is not like we have not been in these situations before, Merk," Amii'a replied. "Besides, I have the feeling that we may have just wound ourselves in the middle of something, and you may yet wish to have still been here with the dog."

Merk raised his eyebrow in response to Amii'a's comment.

Kitana knocked at the door and the door opened and she step in, she pushed her hood revealing her face. "Amii'a it is good to see you again! Thank you for coming in short notice."

"Of course, Kitana, good to see you as well, though I wish it were under better circumstances," Amii'a replied. "I'm told that help could be yours, and that is why we are here. Now tell me, what is going on out there? Our information has been sporadic and vague at best."

"Well ok. Well myself and almost every councilor thinks that Duke Regi killed my father, because I and few of us know that my father planned to put Raydan which is my son's bodyguard as the Regent Duke and my son would take the throne when he came of age. But Regi took over and ten councilors disappeared. They never returned home when the coronation occured. He also wants to re-negotiate the contracts with foreign enterprises, that we think that he wants the enterprises to cancel it and forge a deal with the enterprises of the Corporate Sector."

"Should we look into these missing councilors, Kitana? If you and the other members of the government believe that Duke Regi has assassinated your father, is there is any movement to displace his position?" Amii'a asked.

"We can't, if we did that Gallor will succumb to another civil war and that is not an option. Also Regi has the support of the people, because he blames the councils not to make the traditional burial and for the people that was an outrage. If we displace his position, the people will put Regi on the throne again." Kitana walked near Amii'a. "Time will be our ally, we intend to ruin Regi's plans and that will force him to make mistakes that the people will see that he is the enemy."

"I see," Amii'a acknowledged. "So how can we be of service to Gallor?"

"Well, you can help us any way to probably form the rebels to fight against Regi tyranny. Also your team can try to discover any clues about Regi's involvement in my father's death. We can't do this because we are being watched. I came because I was able to lose them with one of my hand maids. I have to return very soon." Kitana looked heavily to Amii'a.

Amii'a raised her brow and looked to Merk, then to Kitana again. "Well, we are here for Intel, as to forming a resistance, we were not prepared for that," she said. "But I think we may be able to help. It will be up to you and those you can trust to gather potentials, arms and equipment. And we will need to find a place to set up shop. What you see here, is what you get at the moment."

"Very Well! I need to go, Amii'a in case of any unpredictable eventuality your contact will tell you about it and where we can meet again." Kitana sighed to Amii'a. "It was good to see you again." Kitana said that and walked out. She hoped that her Uncle Regi didn't know that she was involved or her son would take the heat.

---

"The Lord"
by Garnet Seifer (as Ammut)
Aeolus - NPC
White Cloaked Man - NPC

Location: Ammut's Mansion, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 4, 4 ABY

***

The body laid on the white floor, the stench of burned flesh filling the air. A pool of blood become bigger as the time passed, exiting from the wound of the dead body. The eyes of the body were wide open glimpsing to the last moment of life.

Ammut stood there with her blaster still aiming to where the body was standing. The smoke from her blaster was still exiting from the chamber. She put down her blaster over the nearby table and looked back to the dead body. "That is the price of failure!"

She walked out of the room and went to her private chamber. She took off her mask and looked to the mirror. "I know that you are there inside somewhere." A soft knocking on the door and the door opened. On the other side was Aeolus.

"My Lady. I have disposed of the body and one of my men are cleaning the floor. Do you want to dispose of the body as always?" Aeolus stepped inside the room standing there.

"Yes!" She paused and looked to him. "Do you have the reports?"

Aeolus walked near her and put a datapad over the table. "The reports said we increase of profits, but the test didn't work. The reports on home base are very positive."

"Good. Did you find the good doctor?" Ammut asked, looking to his black sun glasses.

"No not yet!"

"Well..." Ammut said, looking to the datapad. "Double the price on his head. The sooner he is here before me, the better!"

"Yes..." The image turned on and a white cloaked man appeared. His face was not visible or any part of his skin. His breath was hard and difficult. "Gar... Ammut. Do you have the report?"

"Yes, My Lord." She put the datapad on the slot and ordered the transfer. The man looked to the info and in that brief moment of silence made her very uneasy.

"I'm satisfied with the report, but the test didn't work. Why?"

"Well, My Lord, a woman named Quistis Knox found the crate it was intercepted by her. Also she is the one the Gallorians found out about our mining facility!"

"That woman is becoming a headache, take care of her. Ammut I received a report of your Admiral and he did everything on schedule. Do you want me to replace him with you?"

"No..." She was shocked with what he said.

"I hope the new test is successful... I see you didn't solve your problem, Ammut. Find any way to solve your double personality or I have to replace you permanently."

"Yes..." Before Ammut could say more the image disappeared. The situation was too difficult. She turned to Aeolus with no happy face. "Aeolus, deploy the Riders to any planet that we guess the doctor is living. Have them report to you and when they do, you bring him before me," she said with an angry voice, possibly the situation between the wall and the blade. "Aeolus don't return without him!"

Aeolus nodded and exited the room. Ammut looked to the mirror and she could see Garnet's face and that made her mad, she knew that she was the evil side of Garnet. "Garnet, if you're listening and you are, if we continue in this double personality we will lose control of everything we gain. You are nothing without me."

---

"Pleasant Punishment"
By: Rilanna Kir
Tasia Harough

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Vadris 4, 4 ABY

***

Rilanna Kir knew the Drogen Shipyards like the back of her hand. She could lose her eyesight and still be able to find her way with little difficulty. As she moved purposefully through the station, she was glad for that fact because her mind was occupied with other things, specifically what she would say to her sometime lover in the discussion they would be having shortly. She had contemplated asking Tasia to her office, but decided that her office would exacerbate the situation. Somewhere neutral would work, or the Foreman's office. Something that wouldn't make Ril into the tyrant she didn't want to be.

The time for debate and planning was over as Rilanna entered the repair bay. She looked around and spotted Tasia working on a ship in one of the repair berths. With a sigh, she approached. Ril stood watching Tasia for a moment before stepping forward. There was no use putting it off any longer "Tasia," she said. "May I have a word with you? In your office will be fine. It won't take long, I promise."

Tasia smiled down at Ril, and wiped a hand across her brow, leaving a smear of grease behind. As aware as she was of it, Tasia didn't mind; the seriousness of Ril's tone was far too arresting. She had no illusions about what Ril wanted to discuss. Tasia had just expected it to happen a little sooner.

"Making a house-call, Chief?" she asked with all the charm she could muster, and braced the sides of her ladder with both feet to slide her way to the ground. She hit the deck with practiced eased and made the feat seem almost graceful. It was obvious, however, that Tasia was taking her time in turning to face Ril. When she did, Tasia sighed. "Would it make things easier if I just apologized right here?"

Despite the firm set of Rilanna's jaw, there was a flash in her eyes that carried the weight of her feelings for Tasia. "If you'd like," she said. "Though, you can also apologize in your office if you'd like. Come on, let's at least get out of the watchful eyes here."

The sultry foreman grinned crookedly as she started past Ril. "Should I keep my hands-up as we walk while you prod me in the back with that pistol of yours?"

Rilanna chuckled. "I don't think that will be necessary," she said. "That is, unless you want to try to make this difficult. But, you know what usually happens there, and I'm not sure if you want to treat your crew to that sort of show."

"It's more about placating you," Tasia muttered as they stepped through the door of her office. When it sealed behind Ril, Tasia faced her and smiled wanly. "You think I betrayed you, Ril...but I didn't."

"I think you were trying to help a friend," Rilanna said, "but the manner in which you chose to do it ran up against what my job as security chief on this station is supposed to do. It puts me in a very bad situation, especially in the eyes of the head of the station."

"You should have just let him go," Tasia whispered. "It's not as if he'd done anything wrong to Anoran...aside from crashing through her station," she quipped. "I don't see why we're obligated to apprehend citizens the New Republic considers criminals. Just because Anoran's sleeping with one of their representatives doesn't mean we have any obligations to those people."

"They helped us clear up our Imperial problem," Rilanna said. "There are some people in control of the planet --- the one we're orbiting --- who feel somewhat obligated to assist the people who pulled our asses out of the flames. Besides, I put him in a cell next to Ty for a reason."

Tasia cocked a stern eyebrow at Rilanna. "You know he doesn't belong there," she reminded. "Ty was doing me a favour...and he's still recovering. I deserve to be in there more than he does. Though," she added quickly, "none of us really deserve to be detained. We weren't really doing anything wrong."

Rilanna smiled. "Do you really think I would throw Ty in a cell for that? Or you? Ty's doing me a favour, and you...and your friend. And, Cirran is wanted, so trying to smuggle him out would technically be wrong. The other wrong thing is that you didn't talk to me about this first."

Tasia shrugged. "We were in a hurry. That big oaf you've got working in security owed me a drink."

"The big oaf I have working in security could learn to play as part of a team," Ril said. "He hasn't quite figured that one out yet. Then, I believe there's a distrust for authority."

"I wouldn't know," she admitted. "It's not as if I know him well." Watching Rilanna with a smouldering gaze, Tasia admitted, "He's just a fling. We haven't even spoken after last night."

Rilanna chuckled. "I guess that's what Lerrah was fretting about," she said. "Well, regardless of how well you know him, please try not to openly defy my authority. From anyone else, I can deal with it. From someone I occasionally share my bed with...Shrezade could make my life a living hell if it happens too much."

"Doesn't she already?" Tasia remarked sardonically. "She's got you wrapped around her finger, so much so that I think it's impossible for you two to separate your personal lives from your professional. How much influence over you do you think she has because of it?"

"For the most part, everything is fairly smooth and uncomplicated. We don't fight much, and there is peace. If something were to happen where we were on opposite sides of the issue, that could be extremely bad, especially if it's something that suddenly pops up on us."

"And is that really healthy?" Tasia counselled gently. "You're her chief of security on duty, not her lover. And...it's the same for me, or Lerrah. If you were really worried about appearances, you would've at least hauled me away with Tyris instead of leaving me on that flight deck with nothing but a disappointed frown." Crossing her arms beneath her bosom, Tasia sighed airily and admonished, "You can't have it both ways, Ril. Either you follow your own personal rules and ethics or you reveal yourself for the sham you are." She smiled. "Sorry, love, but I don't sleep with hypocrites. And do let me remind you this is Anoran's fault. She's utterly got you under her thumb somehow so that you no longer know what you want to do."

"I'd be a hypocrite if I hauled Walker away, and left you there with nothing but a disappointed frown," Ril said, her expression hardening. "But, I'm glad I now know that you believe I'm a sham. As far as hypocrisy, I'll make sure that next time we're on opposite sides of a situation, you'll fall just as hard as everyone else. Luckily for you, no one is falling this time. This has nothing to do with Anoran; you and Walker decided on your own to protect Tyris from the New Republic, despite numerous warnings to stay out of it. Your opinion of Anoran is skewing your judgement here, Tasia. It's not about what I want, or that anything exists between myself and Shrezade. What it has to do with is me not wanting to have to face you as the chief of security of this station. You may believe that you can be completely objective in a situation, and after I rake you over hot coals, you'd be able to turn around and make love to me...but I doubt it. I don't want to give you any cause to resent me anymore than you'd want me to resent you. If you call that hypocrisy, so be it. I call it the subjective nature of humanity, and desire not to hurt those you care about. Good day, Tasia. Try to stay out of trouble."

She chuckled behind Ril. "Now, if only you could inject some of that angry fire into your lovemaking, I'd show you another five uses for that talented tongue of yours."

"Maybe after you're off-shift," Rilanna said with a glance back over her shoulder. "Though, you might want to devote some time to Lerrah, too; you've pretty much ignored her since returning from your trip."

Tasia made a dismissive sound and rounded the desk towards her chair. "She can handle it. We're not exclusive, you know, and I did want to see what Walker's capabilities were." She shot Rilanna a suggestive wink as she folded into the chair. "I'd like to become reacquainted with yours, too, this evening...if you're up for it."

"Sure," Rilanna said. "I'll tell Lerrah to go find something else to do tonight then. I'll also tell her that you think she should be able to handle you ignoring her, because I don't think you really care, and she deserves to know. I think she realizes you're not exclusive, but I don't think she realized just how little she mattered to you. Probably about as little as I do, or Walker does. We're just all bodies for you to fuck and dump. On second thought, Tasia, you go find something else for tonight; I'm gonna be with Lerrah. Go roll around with Walker's capabilities again, I'm sure he doesn't care either."

"Quite the self-righteous, perfect little saint, aren't you," Tasia taunted mildly. "Lerrah and I understand each other perfectly well. It's you, young lady, who doesn't get how things work around here. I may not be keen on expressing to you how Lerrah and I truly feel about each other, but that really shouldn't be your concern, nor is it your privilege to know." Smiling wryly, Tasia said, "You're not the chief of security when it comes to my relationship with Lerr, Ril. You really have no jurisdiction over that, so save your pompous insults for someone else. They're misdirected at me."

"While you were checking out Walker's capabilities last night, Lerrah and I had a chat," Rilanna said. "Perhaps you don't understand her as well as you think you do, but she's not happy that since the two of you arrived back on the station, you haven't spared a minute of time for her. I don't know what you consider your relationship with her to be, but her view of it is that she won't be completely ignored when you find some new stud you have to bang. Maybe you should talk to her yourself...oh, but that's right, you're not exclusive and she can handle it. Like I said, I'll pass that little message on since you don't have any time for her."

"You have a lot to learn, Ril," Tasia whispered gravely. "I know how Lerrah's mind works; you don't. She enjoys seeking attention, and sulking over my absence has always been a favourite of hers." She smiled fondly to herself. "She knows it always gets me to come running...so don't tire her out. I want seconds."

"And, that's why the bored, tired expression," Ril said. "Of course. You can't have it both ways, Tasia. Lerrah is my friend, and if I find you've been playing her, building up to hurt her, no force in the galaxy will stop me from making you pay. You may claim something over her, but it's clear the only thing you care about is yourself. You hurt Lerrah, I'll hunt you down and hurt you right back."

Tasia continued smiling, unimpressed with all of Ril's bluster. "Dear...no offense," she drawled, "but mind your own business...unless you're serious about the hurting part." And at the alluring, hooded stare she fixed Ril with, it was clear Tasia hoped Ril made good on her threat.

Rilanna turned back to fully face Tasia. She approached slowly, until she stood directly over her. "I'm dead serious," she said, her voice a rasp.

Swivelling lazily towards Rilanna, Tasia parted her knees wide until Rilanna was centred between them, and casually folded her hands behind her head. Grinning, she whispered back, "Prove it."

Rilanna reached forward and grasped the zip holding Tasia's coveralls closed. She gave it a hard tug and the fabric came open beneath her hands. She gripped the coveralls lower and gave another tug, ripping them right along the seam and exposing Tasia to her. The flimsy fabric covering Tasia's mound was easily dealt with. Rilanna dropped onto her knees between Tasia and buried her face between her lover's thighs.

Tasia chuckled huskily at Rilanna's enthusiasm, and at the aggression she'd managed to draw out from the girl. She pushed her hips forward, accommodating Rilanna's desires and surrendering to her own. Her fingers tangled in Rilanna's hair, fueling the girl's ferocity with a harshness of her own, one Ril would feed off greedily. She tugged hard to pull Rilanna's head back and stretched her neck to an uncomfortable angle. "I knew you cared," she cooed, and lowered her lips to her lover's

Rilanna's gaze never wavered from Tasia's as she stood up, then deftly popped open the fastenings on her own pants. "Now, you get to return the favour," she said huskily.

Tasia arched an eyebrow at her imperiousness, deciding she rather enjoyed it. Stepping out of her tattered coveralls, the foreman stood entirely exposed before Rilanna and pressed her flushed body to Ril's. She smiled hungrily, and with a forceful push she had Rilanna flat on her back atop Tasia's desk. Her own face was soon wedged between Rilanna's spread legs and a thick moan accompanyied the start of Tasia's well-formed apology.

Much later, with their clothing heaped in various piles around Tasia's office, Rilanna patted Tasia's bare thigh. "That didn't quite go like I'd planned," she murmured, "but I have no room for complaint. I'm glad we've come to some sort of accord here because your tongue and fingers are amazing."

"And you are far more enthusiastic when you're angry," Tasia chuckled as she traced circles around Rilanna's naval. They were both curled up against one another on Tasia's desk, and although the surface was hard and uncomfortable, neither noticed in the haze of their bliss. "Now do you believe I'm not truly cold-hearted?" Tasia whispered. "I can be nice..."

"You can," Rilanna said with a grin. "Speaking of nice, you really should talk to Lerrah. She was talking about visiting the planet to see if her ex-girlfriend was still around."

"Lerrah's always been free to go where she chooses," Tasia told her, nibbling lightly on her earlobe. "Of course I'll see her, Ril. I just need a chance to, when I'm not aiding criminals and ingratiating myself with the station's security chief." She grinned slyly.

"Well, you've ingratiated yourself," Rilanna said with a grin. "And, you've finished your aiding and examining criminal bodies. And, while Lerrah is free to go where she chooses, her choice is to dive between your thighs."

"Then you tell her," Tasia purred against Ril's throat, "that she should drop by my quarters tonight for dinner. Perhaps she won't feel so neglected after that...."

"I'll make sure to pass that on," Ril said with a grin. "And, I'm sure she'll be very happy to hear it; and I'd better see a big grin on her face tomorrow."

"You will...if you don't wear me out." Laughing softly, Tasia kissed Rilanna's sweat-dappled cheek, then rolled off her desk. "Gotta get back to work, I suppose... Then I have to drop by to visit Ty."

Ril chuckled. "You treat him like you did me, and I'm sure he'll forget all about his time in that cell. Then again, you treat him like that, and I'm not sure he'd recover. I don't think he quite knows what to do with a woman."

"He spends his time wooing a computer, what do you expect?" Tasia crouched down to rifle through their pile of clothing and pulled free her mangled coveralls. She held them up, frowning, and shot Ril a mildly accusatory look. "You just had to tear the seams, didn't you?" Chuckling, Tasia tossed it aside and crossed towards her storage locker. "It's a good thing I have extras...you know, for times like this."

"I'll try not to go through the extras too quickly so you have time to replenish your supply," Ril said with a grin. "And, I wasn't about to ask you to stand up and remove your clothes." She followed Tasia to the locker, and leaned forward to brush her lips against Tasia's neck. "If you don't want your seams torn, you should invest in some breakaway clothing."

"And you should invest in some patience," Tasia replied, reaching behind to smooth her hands down Rilanna's bare thighs. Grinning mischievously, she twisted aside and swatted Ril's backside as sufficient chastisment, then turned back to the locker. "So...while we're reconciled, may I ask what you plan on doing with Walker?"

"I haven't decided," Ril said. "If he can't learn to be part of the team though, I have a feeling he's going to be looking for a job. Even Cham has the whole teamwork thing down, I can't imagine it would be too difficult for a blasterjockey like Walker. Though, I think with some men, when their neck gets too thick, it suppresses bloodflow to the brain."

Tasia laughed softly. "Go easy on him, Ril. He's just looking for some adventure. You've been keeping him idle for far too long." Stepping into her coveralls, Tasia yanked them up her legs. "If you give him something to do that doesn't involve boring patrols, he'll behave himself." As she pushed her arms through the sleeves, Tasia shifted around with a curious smile. "Although...haven't you kept him around this long because he's got rebellious tendencies?"

"Not because of, but it does help in some cases," Ril said. "I can only give him something exciting to do when there's something exciting happening on the station. And, that doesn't mean he should make situations for himself. I'm only the security chief here, and if my crew makes trouble, I'm held accountable for it. If that happens too much, I won't exactly be the chief of security here any longer. I happen to like the stability of the job here, you know. I guess we should just be thankful our new queens haven't decided to turn their attention here...though, I'm sure Walker would enjoy the adventure."

"I thought that was my job?" Tasia joked, and zipped her jumpsuit to just above the valley of her breasts. "Now" --she laid her hands upon Ril's shoulders and kissed her lightly-- "stay as long as you like. Just remember to dress before leaving or you really will have a scandal on your hands."

"Wouldn't you like a bit of scandal in your life?" Ril asked with a grin. "Don't worry, I'm about to get dressed once you're out of here and through distracting me."

Tasia smiled crookedly, pensively, and brushed her fingers slowly over Ril's cheek. "Don't hate me for saying it," she whispered, "but you're wasted on Anoran. You're too young, too vibrant to devote yourself so fully to her. I don't think I'll ever understand what you see in her."

"Most people don't," Ril said with a grin. "And, if I were fully devoted to her, we wouldn't have just had that wonderful romp on your uncomfortable desk."

Tasia chuckled. "And she wouldn't mind in the least discovering that her wife" --she grinned impishly-- "is spending her time with other people in a not so chaste way?"

"Oh, she knows all about this," Ril said with a grin. "Just as she and Dresh have a thing, she knows I have a thing with you and Lerrah."

Shaking her head incredulously, Tasia quipped, "You've got a strange life, Rilanna Kir. You're a bigger slut than I am." With a fond smile, she kissed Rilanna's cheek and slipped past her towards the door. "Drop by for drinks at Lerr's place tonight. I'll be there."

"I'll be there," Rilanna said with a laugh. "And, I've got a ways to go before I achieve the lofty levels of your sluttiness. I'm still working on it though. See you tonight, Tase."

With a flickering of her fingers, Tasia waved coyly and was gone, displaying a very satisfied smile.

Rilanna stood a moment, watching the doorway Tasia had just departed through. Finally, she turned away and began gathering her clothes. It hadn't quite gone the way she'd hoped, but in the end the results were satisfactory. Her grin widened as she amended and quite pleasurable to the thought. The rest of the day would be spent on paperwork and patrolling the station, but the prospect of a night with Lerrah and Tasia brightened it considerably.

So, it was with a very satisfied smile that Rilanna left Tasia's office and returned to her duties.

---

"Dazzling Rescuer"
By: Lerrah Breijal
Tasia Harough
Rilanna Kir

Location: Lerrah's Quarters, Drogen Shipyards
Date: Vadris 4, 4 ABY

***

With goblets of wine cradled in their palms, Tasia Harough and Lerrah Breijal reposed on the sofa before their meal, the latter nestled against the former with her head upon Tasia's shoulder. The tech kissed the young woman's crown and sighed blissfully. "Silly me...we should've done this sooner."

"Oh, I agree," Lerrah said. "Things have been so busy and hectic lately. Between work, that little trip out to help Cirran, and then everything since we got back. I don't think we've had five minutes alone together...well, until now."

"Well, that'll have to change, now won't it?" With her endearing, crooked smile, Tasia lowered her lips to Lerrah's cheek while she slid her free arm around the girl's shoulders. Her hand fell conveniently upon Lerrah's left breast. "Am I forgiven yet for snubbing you that first day?" Tasia whispered slyly.

Lerrah's eyes met Tasia's and she returned the smile. "Oh, I'm still considering," she said. "We'll just have to see, won't we?" She glanced down at Tasia's hand. "That's a good start though. So, my dear, what delights are you preparing for our feast?"

Tasia chuckled lowly and began massaging the mound of flesh concealed by Lerrah's shirt beneath her hand. She moved her lips towards Lerrah's, giving her a taste of their banquet for the evening.

"Oh, my favourite," Lerrah purred as she slid her hand over to slide down Tasia's thigh.

"I don't think," Tasia said, laughing softly, "we're going to get to dinner at this rate."

"Oh...well...I am hungry," she said with a smile. "But...maybe later." She nuzzled closer, trailing kisses along Tasia's throat.

Tossing away her wineglass, and doing the same to Lerrah's before her own even hit the ground, Tasia pulled Lerrah into her for a deep kiss. The two women reclined on the sofa amid caresses and giggles.

Just as Tasia was reaching to relieve Lerrah of her top, the door chime sounded.

Lerrah groaned and did her best to ignore the sound, but whoever was on the outside was getting very insistent.

"I would suggest we stay right here," Tasia murmured against Lerrah's throat, "but it might be Ril."

"Oh, right," Lerrah said, then looked at the door. "Do you want to go let her in if it's her? Or, send them away if it's not?"

"Since I'm the least dishevelled..." Tasia plucked at the dangling strap of Lerrah's top, then chuckled and swatted her rear. "Roll off and I'll get it."

"Don't be too long," Lerrah said as she slid off to the side to allow Tasia to get to the door.

Stealing another kiss, Tasia slipped off the sofa, then stumbled away, clumsy with the headiness of desire. Righting herself at the door, she winked back at Lerrah and activated the door release, prepared to sweep Ril into her arms. She stopped, and instead studied the strange visitor warily. "Hello... Can I help you?"

The man on the other side was roughly dressed. A long scar ran from his eye down over his jaw and his smile and eyes held a hint of cruelty behind them despite the attempt at appearing to be merely a pleasant visitor. He gave Tasia a smile that could never hide the leer behind it. "Good evening, Madame," he said and nodded assertively. "I'm looking for a Miss Lerrah Breijal. It's a very important matter, I assure you."

Tasia nodded slowly. "Alright...can I at least ask your name and pass on the message?"

"Of course," he said with a smile that could have curdled milk. "Tell her it's Kaedrick Mazz."

"Alright..." Tasia answered guardedly and stepped back, making certain to lock the door behind her. She appeared pensive when she reached Lerrah again, and studied the floor for a moment before looking up to report, "Lerr...there's a Kaedrick Mazz at the door. Said it was urgent... You know that guy?"

Lerrah's eyes went wide with fright and she sat up abruptly. "K-K-Kaedrick Mazz? Oh gods. Oh gods! Oh please...please tell me it's not!! Oh Tasia...no...please no..."

Tasia growled and quickly slapped a hand over Lerrah's mouth to keep her fear from being realized by the strange man outside. "Lerrah," she whispered soothingly. "I won't let him in, okay? He won't touch you...but you have to tell me who he is and how dangerous, so I can warn Ril when I comm her to come kick his butt, okay?"

Lerrah nodded behind the hand stopping the string of expletives that would have been streaming out of her mouth. Tasia pulled her hand away, and Lerrah took a calming breath. "A couple years ago, I ran a shipment for a guy --- Kaedrick Mazz --- and when it was all done, he wasn't happy. He blamed me for it...and I barely got away. If he's here...I wonder if...I wonder if he's also tried to find Maeren. But, he's insane and he blamed me because the person I was delivering to didn't want to pay for the whole thing. We got what we could and brought it back, but...he just flipped out. He nearly shot me, but Maeren put a knife into his hand before he could shoot. I...I don't know how he found me..."

"However he did," Tasia sighed, "he doesn't sound like the type of guy you can negotiate with." Shaking her head regretfully, she whispered, "I can't stall him for long, Lerr. You...comm Ril, and I'll go out and talk to him, alright?"

Lerrah nodded. "I'll be in the bedroom then," she said. "Be careful, Tasia. They're not nice people! I'll also comm Ty and see if there's anything he can do."

Tasia snorted. "Unlikely if you mention my name," she quipped. "I think he's still a little angry with me." Delivering a tender kiss to Lerrah's brow, Tasia promised, "It'll be okay, Lerr. Now...get out of here and I'll stall this brute for you."

"I'm gone," Lerrah said, then slipped away off into the other room to contact Lerrah. She stopped in the doorway before going through. She gave Tasia a loving look, then she disappeared.

Steeling her resolve with a deep sigh, Tasia was ready to confront the man who might threaten her precious Lerrah. She marched confidently to the door and slapped the control panel. When it slid open, Tasia watched the man with rude indifference. "Look...you'll have to come again at another time. Lerrah's bathing and I really don't think she wants visitors where she is. So...I'll tell her you came by Mr..." Tasia frowned. "What was it again?"

"It's Mazz," he said with a cruel smile. He reached down and touched the grip of her blaster. "You want to ask her again? I'm sure she'll reconsider. Kaedrick Mazz. I'm sure she'll want to see me when you emphasize that it is me."

Tasia narrowed her eyes and stood her ground, despite the intimidating presence of a likely charged blaster. She just hoped Lerrah had gotten through to Ril... "Look, Mr. Mazz...how about she meet you down below, in a bar of your choosing. This way she can shower, and you can speak to her like you want. I mean...it's not like you're going anywhere, right? And Lerrah's not going anywhere...." She shrugged. "What's the problem?"

The man removed the blaster from its holster and lifted it until it was aimed at Tasia's chest. "I think you're stalling," he said. A shrill whine sounded from the weapon as the safety was disengaged. "Move aside or I'll move you."

Disregarding her first instinct to do as instructed, Tasia stood firm, only hoping Mazz couldn't discern her fear. "I...can't do that," she told him quietly. "I can't let you hurt Lerrah." A curious smile touched Tasia's lips as she made a sudden realization aloud to Mazz, "You see...I love--"

"I don't give a Jawa's shit what you--"

A blaster shot punctuated his words and a cry rang out in the corridor. The thug snarled and spun around, his mangled hand still holding what was left of the blaster. At the other end of the hall, clad in her battle armour, stood Rilanna Kir with both of her blasters pointed at him.

"Stand down, creep," she snarled, her voice even despite the tinny echo caused by the helmet's mic pick-up. "Don't think I have any regrets about putting some more holes in you. You alright, Tase?"

She nodded dumbly, too surprised to deliver a witticism in reply. Tasia quickly stepped back and out of reach of the wounded thug.

"When Mazz finds out what you've done," the man snarled to Rilanna, "the shitstorm he'll rain down on this place, you'll wish for death."

"Charming," Ril said. "Now, step away with your hands were I can see them. You're under arrest. Deke, take him to the infirmary to have his hand looked at, then lock him in three. Keep a team of three on him at all times. He tries anything funny, shoot him."

"Aye, Captain," came the reply as a pair of security officers came forward to take the man into custody.

"When Kaedrick Mazz hears about this, he'll revisit this upon you tenfold!"

In response, Ril's arm whipped around and fired, placing a blaster bolt into his knee. "Shut it," Ril snapped. "You've only got one knee left. You keep it up, I'll have to find more creative places to shoot you. Take him away."

This time, her squad was able to get the man taken away without a fuss. Ril looked back to Tasia. "Sorry for the disturbance. He won't bother you any more tonight. I'll keep a guard in the area in case there are more."

Overcoming her initial shock, Tasia gave Ril an easy smile and quipped, "Nice entrance. Though, you didn't have to do anything that elaborate, it's just dinner."

"You know me," Ril said with a grin that was hidden inside her helmet, "I just love to make a grand entrance."

"Well, it was a well-timed one," Tasia admitted soberly. "That guy wasn't Mazz after all?" She sighed. "Lerr will be glad to hear it."

"I don't know the full story yet," Rilanna said. "But, no, that wasn't Mazz. Kaedrick Mazz is a big name crimelord closer toward the mid rim. If he were actually here, it would definitely show how important our Lerrah is to him, and that would worry me. As it is, I have a feeling I'll need to beef up security some more. In my experience, those with power like Mazz don't like to be slapped on the nose and mocked...and to do that to their muscle is the same as doing it to them."

"Then he shouldn't have tried to mess with Lerrah," Tasia pointed out. "She was really spooked, Ril. Are you sure she's not in jeopardy at the moment?"

"Security's at Omega alert status right now," Rilanna said. "In order to get to her right now, they'd need some form of matter teleportation device, and the station would pick up the energy signal from something like that if it existed. The only other way is going to be going through the door here, or a wall. We're watching, Tase. She's not in jeopardy...we've got all eyes open and alert. If anyone else tries it, they'll find themselves in a bad spot."

"I'm glad you're on our side," Tasia drawled, and leaned casually against the doorframe. "So...off-duty, yet? We were only just getting started." She smiled flirtatiously.

Rilanna smiled. "As much as I'd love to," she said, "I should keep on top of this. Once things are settled down later, I'll swing back by if the two of you aren't too lost in each other. I've got to make sure this place is safe for the two of you."

Tasia sighed dramatically. "How noble of you, Rilanna Kir. So much so, if you weren't wearing that obtrusive mask, I'd be all over you." Grinning lopsidedly, Tasia backed into the room. "Incentive to return later," she explained.

"Definitely," Ril said with another hidden smile. "I'll see you later tonight, Tasia. Let Lerr know everything's alright...and if anyone else comes knocking, I won't be far away."

"Just the way we like you," Tasia purred and gave Ril a cute little wave as the door closed behind her. Sighing happily, Tasia rushed to the bedroom and opened the door in a hustle. "Lerr? It's okay! He's gone!" she called into the room.

"Thank you," Lerrah breathed as she rushed into Tasia's arms. "I never...I didn't think he'd ever find me...I...I didn't think he'd ever look for me. I should...I should contact Maeren to let her know too."

"You should," Tasia agreed, stroking Lerrah's back. "Mazz's whereabouts aren't known...but his people are about. They're the ones you have to watch out for...but Ril assures me everything's secure for her girl." She smiled tenderly.

"Thank you," Lerrah whispered. "I'll have to thank Rilanna later. The two of you are too good to me. I...I don't know if...if I'm ready to just...like we were before he...you know. But...if there's some more wine, I think a glass might calm my nerves."

Tasia laughed softly and slung an arm around Lerrah's shoulders to steer her from the room. "Come on...I'll make it better."

"I love it when you say that," Lerrah said with a smile as she rested her head on her lover's shoulder.

After they had reached the sofa once again, and Tasia was filling Lerrah a new glass, Tasia mused, "You know, Lerr...you really should tell me things like this. I mean...big, scary men knocking at your door?" She smirked. "You sure he wasn't an ex-boyfriend?"

"I've never had a boyfriend, silly Tasia," Lerrah said with a grin. "If a woman comes knocking at our door, then maybe...but if it's a man, most likely it's some crimelord or businessman who doesn't know how to let things go and just go on with life. It makes them feel big if they can beat their chest a little, especially toward women who appear defenseless."

"But, I like you defenseless," Tasia told her with a lecherous smile. "At my complete mercy...what could be better?"

Lerrah grinned and slid an arm around Tasia's waist. "Oh, I love that kind of defenselessness," she said. "There's nothing better than giving yourself over to someone you trust implicitly. Are you going to have your wicked way with me, Tase?"

Leaning close to hand Lerrah her glass, Tasia purred, "Would you like me to?"

"Oh, that sounds rather delightful," she said. "Just let me finish my wine first. I may need a little fortification..."

"Are you sure," Tasia husked, her lips brushing against Lerrah's, "you don't mean 'fornication'?"

Lerrah giggled and wrapped her arms around Tasia. "Oh, definitely that too," she whispered.

"Then shall we forget the drinks and get started?" Tasia shrugged innocently. "While we're alone and no strange men are trying to haul you away."

Lerrah grinned. "Sounds like a great idea," she whispered. "But...but...one glass? I think...as good as you are...I think I still need one."

Tasia smiled mischievously as she placed her hand over Lerrah's on the goblet and helped raise it to her lover's lips. "Now...drink up," she sang, and picked up where they had been interrupted, making it quite difficult for Lerrah to take even a sip.

"Oh wow," Lerrah whispered and with a trembling hand tried to set the goblet aside. "I don't think I need that after all. Oh Tasia, that's unfair."

Raising her head from between Lerrah's thighs, Tasia teased, "Then tell me to stop."

"Never," Lerrah said with an impish grin as she managed to find a place for the goblet to rest, then wasted no time burying her fingers in Tasia's hair.

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