"Renovations"
By: Master Koran Darr
Raeila Selrid
Forlan [NPC]

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Lythe 6, 4 ABY

***

Koran stood in the hallway looking down along the row of open doors. He glanced into the door beside him and then at the young woman beside him. She held a datapad in one hand while the other rested on her hip as she frowned at the numbers displayed on the datapad. Koran looked and chuckled. "It's going to be expensive to do this, but we have funding to do so now. Don't worry too much about the costs, especially if we can get some of what we need discounted for buying in large quantities. So, forty beds, right?"

Raeila sighed and performed a quick mental calculation. She groaned and reluctantly punched in the amount. "Master Darr, at this rate, will we even have enough money left over for food? Forty beds is a lot." She then flicked back the long, sunbleached hair falling over shoulders and turned to regard Koran fully. "Why can't they sleep on the floor?" Before he could chide her, she jumped rapidly into an explanation. "It could be part of their training. I mean...shouldn't they learn to live simply and without luxuries? If all they have is a mattress on the ground, a bedsheet, maybe a pillow that would instill in them an appreciation for what they have, wouldn't it?"

"Possibly," Koran said. "But some of them will be fairly young. And, trust me, we have the resources available to set this up. Forty beds is reasonable. Simple beds, with nothing fancy, but something to sleep on. I wouldn't say our funds are unlimited, because they're not, but our backers have assured me that we have enough to set up the facilities for training young Jedi."

Raeila sighed, and muttered disappointment as she resumed typing in notes. In the four months of Koran's tutelage, Raeila had made rapid progress in her reading and writing skills, so much so that the masters had given her permission to set up a schoolroom for the younger children, where she would teach them the same. And, having shown a facility for numbers - something gained through years of collecting and counting the creds earned during her many evenings of solicitation - she was also appointed to teach them mathematics, while leaving the other masters to provide them with more Jedi- related knowledge. It was a role she took seriously, and which gave her much satisfaction. For once, she felt important.

As she and Koran moved past the bedrooms, she tucked her padd away into a pocket. "The refreshers are coming along nicely," she noted. "I wonder if three will be enough."

"I think three should be enough, though we'll have to see how it works. Unfortunately it's hard to gauge that sort of thing. We'll possibly need a separate room set aside for showers, though we'll have to see."

"You need to learn to plan ahead, Master Darr," Rae told him. "Most of them may be children now, but the minute they hit their teens, they're going to be spending a lot more time in the refreshers, then there's going to be bickering, and they'll never get to training in time." She sighed. "Oh, I can just imagine it...."

"So, two more refreshers then?" Koran asked with a smile. "Have I mentioned how happy I am to have you here at the Temple recently, Raeila? You are a very welcome addition here, and I'm very pleased with how well everything is working out. I know the stipend we pay you isn't much, but I've received authorization to give you a little more." He handed her a datapad. "The details are there."

Raeila gazed up at Koran with wide, gray eyes, then down at the padd. She quickly shook her head and took a step away from it as she hugged her arms around herself in a blatant gesture of refusal. "Oh...please, no, Koran. I-I can't accept any more. You give Kael and I food, lodgings, anything we need.... I can't take anymore than what you've so graciously given us."

"If nothing else, save it away for your future family," Koran said. "We want to make certain you know how much we appreciate you here, how happy we are to have you working with us. It's the least we can do."

Rae sighed and stared at the padd with deeply conflicted features. Grudgingly, she extended one hand and gently gripped the edge of the device. In another instant, she was embracing Koran and placing an affectionate kiss on his cheek. "Thank you, Koran," she whispered.

Koran returned the embrace and smiled fondly. "You're very welcome, Raeila," he said softly. "You deserve it. You both do. You and Kael, in the last several months, you've been amazing. Ferrig too. We can't express-- I can't express, how happy and pleased, and overjoyed I am with all you've been doing for us. You're as important a part of the Jedi Temple as any of the Jedi Knights or Jedi Masters here."

"You don't know how glad I am to hear that, Koran." She smiled tenderly and tightened her embrace. "It's good to fit in, and really feel wanted. I promise not to let you down."

"I know you won't, Raeila," Koran said. "I know how happy you, your brother, and Kael are here, and it shows in your actions. And, seeing the three of you around here, taking charge and getting things done, it makes me very happy and proud. Where I may have been nervous coming into this world from the Republic---Old Republic---I'm hopeful for our future, and I know with people like the three of you, we'll make this Jedi Order as great as the last."

"And maybe someday soon, Kael and I can bring a little Jedi into it." She held Koran for a moment longer, appreciating the acceptance she had finally achieved. Her moment of fulfillment was brought to an abrupt, quick end from a puerile, crisp voice giggling boisterously at them. She pulled away with a gasp, then playfully scowled at the young child as she marched towards him. The young boy squealed and darted away, but Raeila gave chase and caught up to him. From behind, she scooped the blonde-haired boy into her arms, gaining another fit of shrieking laughter. "It's not nice to sneak up on people, Forlan!" Rae chided, laughing herself.

The young boy, Koran had guessed, was almost six, though his short stature and underdeveloped features made it difficult to truly tell. Koran had brought him to the Temple during one of his sweeps for Force-potentials in the city. He'd found him nearly dead in an alley, abandoned by whoever had claimed him and left to fend for himself. Raeila had taken to him immediately, and he to her. It was she who, after everyone else had failed, had coaxed out his first word. That was two months ago, and now they couldn't keep him quiet.

"I wasn't spying, Rae!" he insisted, then squealed and thrashed in her arms to evade her teeth playfully nipping at his neck. She knew all his ticklish spots. "I'm sorry!"

"And I'll make you sorrier," she announced, then giggled and gave him a sloppy, loud kiss. He made a retching noise, then went limp in her arms and played dead. She giggled more exuberantly and crushed him against her in a full embrace. As his head fell onto her shoulder, still mimicking a lifeless body, Forlan opened one eye, then both and grinned at Koran. "Morning, Master Darr."

"Good morning, Forlan," Koran said with a smile. "And, I can see that you're doing fine today. I commonly have that same reaction in the arms of a pretty woman. Though, I usually add in a mixture of plaintive moans and a gasp, for effect. Though, you were doing very well."

"Koran!" Rae whispered, her expression shocked, though amused.

"It's okay, Rae," Forlan assured her. "I heard that stuff all the time."

"Well, not in here you don't." She smiled again, then kissed the boy's freckled cheek and set him down.

"So," he asked, gazing up at her quizzically, "what are you two doing over here anyway?" He grinned, revealing a missing front tooth. "And why were you two kissing?"

"We weren't!" Rae protested, then glanced helplessly back at Koran.

"I was merely telling Raeila what a wonderful job she's doing around here, and how we're very impressed with the work she's doing for the Temple. She thanked me with a kiss to my cheek. A quiet kiss to my cheek, at that."

"Well...good," Forlan said with a rather stern pout. "I think Jedi Knight Kael Selrid would be very jealous if the kiss was loud."

Raeila snickered and leaned over to embrace Forlan again. To appease his own jealousy, she gave him another kiss on the cheek. "Go on," she whispered. "I'll meet you in the courtyard later and we can catch up on the reading lessons."

Whereas previously he would have stomped his foot petulantly, Forlan now eagerly awaited his lessons with Rae. He grinned, dimpling his cheeks, and bowed to Koran. "See ya, Rae!" he called out as, with a wave, he scampered down the corridor.

Koran smiled as he watched the boy go, then turned back to Raeila. "You're very good with them," he said. "And, they love you."

She blushed, though her face glowed as she smiled. "I just know how kids like to be treated, that's all. Though, may I say, I'm very glad you found Forlan. I hate to think of him all alone and on the streets... It's just too bad we can't save them all."

"Yes," Koran said, a bit of melancholy creeping into his voice. Then he smiled. "I wish we could give them all a home here. Though, I do hope those we can't keep here we can find another home for."

"And I know Forlan and I would be glad to help." She grinned and rejoined Koran as again they began their stroll through the corridor. "So, where were we?"

"Refreshers and the number we think we'll need. And, I think you're right. Two more, for the future."

Raeila chuckled and slipped her arm through Koran's. "And what a bright future it's turning out to be," she mused.

"Indeed it is," Koran said. "This is proving successful beyond our hopes, and this place is beginning to feel more alive every day. The sound of voices, of life, is everywhere, and...and it makes me happy to be alive every day."

Raeila nodded, though somewhat ruefully. "You still miss Laedra, don't you," she said.

Koran nodded. "I do," he said. "A lot actually. Every once in awhile I sense her, and it comforts me. I know why she's keeping her distance, and I respect that. At least she allows me an occasional touch through the Force to let me know she's well."

She smiled wanly and remained pensively quiet as they walked. Kael had told her of the visits he'd made to Laedra, and although he had hinted that Koran was not to be told, he had never sworn her to secrecy. Or at least that was how she believed she could justify what next came from her lips. "Kael's seen her...in the city and Arcadia." Raeila was gazing up at him now. "He's seen her."

"Really?" Koran asked. He was quiet for a moment, then laughed. "I imagine I should feel jealous of him. I'm...I'm happy that she hasn't completely disassociated herself from the Jedi."

Rae sighed and stopped Koran gently. "He says she's been thinking of you, Koran," Rae told him. "I just know she loves you. He says she's been watching over you, like that night at the palace. She does care, Koran. She has to!"

Koran smiled. "I know," he said softly. "It's just difficult sometimes. I know, because of things that have happened, she needs some time and space to work through things. When she's ready, if she decides to come back, she will. I love her, and it's difficult to sit back sometimes. I know, in this case, I must. If you can pass a word to Kael, let him know that I think of her often, and appreciate her watching."

"I will," she whispered, then smiled as she slipped her hand into his. "She'll return to you, Koran. I know firsthand it's impossible to stay apart from those you love for long."

Koran smiled, then laughed. "I'll have to let Kael know how lucky he is."

"Anyone loved is considered lucky, Koran Darr," she told him. Her lips pulled into a smile and she motioned down the corridor. "The dining hall is next. Let's see how many more chairs we need."

"I imagine quite a few, and a table or two," he said. "We'll have to check with Orn about utensils. He may need an assistant or two in there, but I imagine we can also have some of the older padawans helping out."

"And maybe Forlan...now that we know he won't be stealing them anymore," Raeila quipped.

Koran laughed. "I still can't believe how many we found in his room. It was an impressive collection, to be sure."

Rae giggled. "Though, the one he bent into a crude flower for me was a cute touch."

Koran laughed. "Impressive," he said. "So, should Kael be afraid? I wouldn't be surprised if he picks up on some of Kael's charm to start using on you." He patted her hand and laughed. "Ah, the intrigues of the Jedi Temple. If the public only knew."

"We'd certainly get a bigger crowd," she finished for him. "Though the crowd at our office is big enough."

"We may need to do something about that too, though one thing at a time." He held the door open for her as they slipped into the dining area of the Temple. "More chairs," he said. "And, I think just one more table. And, you're free to do whatever decorating you'd like in here."

"Really?" Rae's face lit up with glee, and at Koran's nod she pulled out her datapad and placed her hand at the ready. "Okay, let's have at it, Koran."

"Just like before," he said with a smile. "I'll count 'em off and you mark 'em down. Then we switch to make sure I'm accurate. Ready?"

And, they were back to taking stock of the Temple, to prepare it for the future Jedi Knights, the Padawans who would take up the mantle of the Jedi, and form the new Jedi Order.

---

"Planning For Paranoia"
By: Dani
Nieme Yaresh
Talara Sorenne [NPC+]

Location: New Plouton
Date: Lythe 6, 4 ABY

***

"How does he do it?" Dani snarled as she burst through the front door of their apartment. To call it an apartment anymore, though, would be a misnomer. The entire floor was theirs, though it had been a chore to come by it since their neighbours had been somewhat reluctant. They'd succeeded though, and now it was their penthouse suite in the heart of their territory. Or, what was becoming their territory anyway. Finding the loyalty of the people here wasn't as easy as they'd expected, but they were finally coming around, just as their neighbours had.

"He uses the Force to find us," Talara offered, and received a rough kiss from Dani in response.

"We have to stop him," Dani said as she looked at hers and Nieme's student. "Go get naked and wait on our bed, Talara. Make sure you're nice and wet for us when we come in."

She turned to Nieme who was as angry as she, though more so. Dani had altered her ways slightly since the other night when they'd encountered Koran Darr. She knew what he'd said, the thoughts he'd planted in Nieme's head. Liam Zaneth had done the same thing, and it would take much to convince Nieme of their error, even if they were partially correct. But, Dani's loyalty was to Nieme, no matter how guilty she felt over hurting people; it was all for Nieme, and she'd do anything for her beautiful star.

Dani finally sighed and closed the distance between herself and her lover. "Though, you should have seen the look on his face when you threw him across the room like that."

Nieme grinned viciously as her hand smoothed over the tops of her lover's breasts. "He's weak," she whispered. She kissed Dani briefly, giving her a small taste, then she pulled back. "If we work together, we can defeat him." Her words held a deeper underlying meaning, and a veiled menace that would play upon Dani's doubts. "You hardly made an effort tonight, Dani," she noted, while her fingers lightly brushed over her bare shoulder. "Don't you like the taste of blood anymore?"

"You know me, Nieme," Dani whispered. "I prefer to fuck them over killing them. It...it hurts to kill them...because...because I feel it."

"Then shut your emotions off," Nieme replied in a dark sing-song. Her fingers curled up to draw her nails against Dani's purple flesh. She chuckled at Dani's wince, and watched her lover as she leaned forward to pass her tongue over the welts. "The darkness will protect you, my love," she told her. "Give into it, and all the pain will go away...."

"It's not as easy as that," Dani said softly, "but for you, I will. I'll be dark and evil and deliciously wicked, for you and our future."

Nieme stood back, dropping her hands to her sides and regarding Dani with clear disapproval. "You have to want this for yourself. Don't you want to be happy, Dani?"

"Being with you makes me happy, getting what we want makes me happy, having sex all night and all morning makes me happy. All of that makes me happy. Killing people for the sake of killing them, won't make me happy. Not unless they threaten our lives or our goals, they are beneath us and not worthy of our attention. I would much rather enslave them and have them serve us than to kill them."

Nieme smiled then, sweetly but with underlying malice. With her slender, pale fingers, she began unclasping the fastenings of her leather corset, while slowly moving towards Dani. The darkness emanating from her seemed to push Dani one step back for every one she took forward. "Dani, my love, you rationalize too much. You must rely on instinct alone."

"Instinct," Dani whispered. "Yes, on instinct. Instinct is key."

"And what," Nieme asked with a sultry smile as her top was spread open, "is your instinct telling you now, my love?"

Dani reached out and brushed her hands over Nieme's creamy flesh. "What my instincts tell me every time I see you naked," she purred.

The wall came up behind Dani, allowing Nieme to press into her lover and pin her against the surface. "Then use that," Nieme whispered, her warm breath falling upon Dani's blushing, purple cheek. "And the next time we kill someone, you'll remember only what you're feeling now."

Dani moaned and tried to close the distance between herself and Nieme. "Yes," she breathed, her mind on fire and her body throbbing with the desire Nieme was invoking in her. Her hands pressed against Nieme's flesh, and her body tried its best to merge with Nieme's. "Oh goddess..."

"No," Nieme breathed, guiding her hands over Dani's heaving chest. "Only my name," she told her. "The only name you shall ever call out in passion is mine."

Dani smiled and purred. "Oh Nieme."

She chuckled throatily. "That's better." Then dropped her hands to Dani's and in a swift, impassioned move she had both her arms pinned over her head. She was next ravenously kissing Dani's mouth, neck, chest - all raising her name from her lover's lips. It was invigorating and satisfying. At least she still held control over her.

It wasn't long before Dani exploded in a passionate climax that left her nearly unable to stand. "Oh Nieme," she rasped several minutes later. "Oh that was beautiful. Let's...oh, Talara. Can we go make Talara feel like that?"

Nieme looked up at her lover from her knelt position between Dani's legs. Her lips still brushed against her center, causing a shudder to shake her lover's body. "You won't be seeing Talara tonight, my flower. I'd rather if you stayed here tonight." Nieme's hands caressed Dani's thighs, firmly and roughly. "I want you to think about what I've told you. I want you to seek a closer connection with the darkness. It's the only way, my love."

"Yes," Dani whispered. "It's the...the only way. What shall I do to please you, my love?"

Nieme grinned slowly, and motioned her head towards their bedroom. "Lie down. Lie down, and tonight, as I take Tala again and again, and our emotions are permeating the entire apartment, I want you to refrain from touching yourself. The need will be overpowering, but through the darkness, you will find a way, won't you?"

"I...I will find a way," Dani said, defeat clear in her words, but there was also an edge to it. "I will find a way, Nieme."

"Of course you will." Nieme's eyes were hard and her smile cold. She rose smoothly and stepped away from her lover, keeping her stony gaze lingering. She extended her arm towards the bedroom, then nodded slowly. "It's for your own good."

"Yes, Nieme," Dani whispered, and then pushed herself up to her feet. Her knees still wobbled slightly as she moved to the bedroom, then to the bed and sank down upon.

Nieme smiled ferally. "Good. Now, be a good girl, my love." And with a blown kiss, Nieme, bereft of clothing, slipped away. For Dani's sake, she hoped her lover didn't fail.

As Dani collapsed onto her back, she let out a shuddering sigh. What's happening?

***

Talara's high-pitched cry and spasming body brought delight and unwholesome glee to Nieme. The girl's explosion of pleasure sent a shockwave of emotions she had no doubt Dani was sensing, and likely writhing in the wake of. It would be in her best interest to overcome the urge to bask in it.

Once Talara's body relaxed and her fingers ceased clawing the sheets, Nieme slid up against her body and flattened herself atop the young girl. "You performed well, my dear," Nieme purred, then kissed her trembling lips fiercely. Talara returned the gesture with just as much enthusiasm. As her hands came up to caress Nieme's breasts, a low chuckle rose in her throat and she sharply slapped them away. "I certainly like initiative," she quipped, "but not right now. There are...some things I wish to discuss."

With effort, Talara pulled her hands back to her sides. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "With you, I can barely help myself, my mistress. Discipline is key." She gazed up into Nieme's eyes and waited patiently, devotedly. She liked the way Nieme took her time, staring, gazing, intimidating. It sent a ripple of pleasure through Talara's body and she found it hard to resist the urge to touch again. "I am yours."

Nieme smiled sourly. "Yes, I know this," she answered. "But that's not what I wished to discuss... You see, I'm afraid there's something wrong with Dani," she began. The heavy, plaintive sigh that followed was meant to appeal to Talara's sympathies. "I really don't want her ruining everything, Tali." She followed that up with a kiss, her teeth teasing Talara's bottom lip. "Now, what are we to do with her? She could betray us and then how would we have fun? Hm?"

"I...I didn't know...how can I help? I didn't know she was... We have to make her. So, she doesn't. What can I do, Nieme? I'll do anything."

"Of course you will," she answered as one hand dipped between her thighs. "If you don't, I'll have to kill you."

Talara's eyes widened in surprise. "Anything you ask," she whispered. "I'll do anything, Nieme, my Mistress."

"Really?" Nieme chuckled deeply. "Then you won't mind at all helping me prove her loyalty, will you?" At Talara's acknowledgement, Nieme easily pushed her fingers into the girl's opening and grinned at her ensuing moan. "Then tomorrow night," she whispered against Talara's ear, "we're going to do just that."

"Of course," Talara whispered. Then arched her back as Nieme continued to convince her even further while she laid out her plan.

---

"Bounty Hunters"
By: Korva Valkier [NPC+]
Leija [PC]
Chowe [NPC]

Location: A jungle-planet near Tae'Karada
Date: Lythe 6, 4 ABY

***

It was starting to get to him. His situation was getting impossible, Bounty Hunters were becoming more common than not. Korva crouched down low to the ground, rifle in hand. He glanced down at the rifle. "Half left..." he said, cursing his luck. The sound of the jungle filled his ears. He just hoped this plan worked. This Bounty Hunter had been stalking him for days. He was almost as good a Leija; he smiled at the memory of her. "She certainly was one in a million..." he whispered.

He slowly rose up from behind the large tree, its roots twisted around each other over and over again before vanishing deep below the ground at the base of the tree. A sound caught his attention. Looking up Korva smiled, almost laughing at the sight. The same furball. When he came to this jungle the Bounty Hunter wasn't the only thing following him. It seemed he had another admirer.

"Well..." Korva whispered. "Nice to see you're still around. If you happen to see a three-eyed Bounty Hunter be sure to let me know." The blue furry animal nodded furiously like it had heard him. It had two large black eyes that seemed to show a strange intelligence, with six legs, which it seemed to use as both feet and hands. The little animal was remarkably quick.

The animal, which Korva had nicknamed 'Stich', stopped nodding as his eyes perked up, listening to the sounds around him. Within a flash he vanished, climbing the tree, disappearing into the branches and leaves above. Korva took note of his sudden reaction to whatever he had heard. Lifting his rifle he looked around him.

Lasers shot out from the jungle. They bombarded his position, singeing the trees and vegetation. Korva instantly hid behind the tree as three laser pulses flashed past him. He felt the heat from the lasers as they passed. Dozens more struck the tree, but just like they appeared the lasers suddenly stopped. Korva glanced through the smoke that rose up from the tree now covered with black burn marks.

The smell was a mix of strange spices and burnt fruit, but he quickly put it out of his mind, looking along the sight of his rifle aiming it wherever he looked. A twig suddenly snapped behind him. Turning sharply Korva was about to fire but never got the chance.

***

Elsewhere in the jungle, a lithe, feminine form moved slowly through the underbrush. A shaft of light caught on a silver blade she carried, and the blue skinned hand that carried it.

Leija, the Chiss bounty hunter, stopped, and her head twitched from side to side, her glowing red eyes surveying the thick brush around her. She was looking for someone. But, someone found her first.

A hulking Weequay lunged from the brush, a vibroblade axe swinging down and slicing air even as its wielder moved into position. A flick of Leija's wrist and her sword came up to meet the axe. And as it did so, a sheath of sparkling energy surrounded the blade, flickering and dancing like a small lightning storm bound to the sword.

Leija had been tinkering.

The flickering blade caught the Weequay's axe in midair, and sliced through the steel axehaft as if it were butter. The axehead fell, with a dull thud to the jungle floor, landing on a bed of old, discarded leaves.

Leija swung her sword, and it made a dull buzzing sound, like a lightsaber, but thicker, and somehow uglier. Wielding the sword in her right hand, she brought her left hand up to put a double grip on the haft, and then she took a defensive position. The Weequay drew out a long dagger that almost qualified as a short sword.

The Weequay swung, but to no avail. Leija's sword cut through the dagger, and left him with a haft in his hand. Then the Chiss made her move. She swung the sword in a circular motion to gain momentum as she lunged, bringing her blade up to pass through the Weequay's body in the center of his chest. The Weequay stood, still, quivering as he stopped breathing. Leija removed the sword, quickly. And before the body could fall to the floor of the jungle, she relieved it of the weight of its head.

"I didn't know Fir Davo had a partner," Leija commented as she deactivated the energy field on her sword, and slid it, with only the slightest sound, into its scabbard.

***

A blue energy beam shot out from the Bounty Hunter's rifle, hitting Korva in the chest. The Corellian was thrown back, slamming into the tree. His rifle fell from his hand, hitting the ground beside him. Pain shot out from his chest through his arms and legs; it was only the fact he was leaning back against the tree that kept him from collapsing. He forced his eyes to open, looking at the Bounty Hunter. His three eyes were fixed on him along with the overly large rifle. "You disappoint me, Valkier! I thought you be good hunt!" the Bounty Hunter said in his native language.

"Well...I don't want to disappoint you! So why don't you surrender and I won't have to kill you..." Korva said, wincing as he tried to move.

The alien laughed, his rifle bobbing up and down as he did. Two of his eyes closed with the middle one keeping a close eye on Korva. "You a funny man, Valkier, a shame Jadda wants you living. You do terrible things to you. He's had time to think it over," he replied, sniggering as he spoke. "Why should I surrender? You only have blaster at your hip and you be dead before your hand reaches it, you are all alone with no one to save you...why should I?"

"Who said I was alone?"

Korva smiled as the confused look spread over the Bounty Hunter's face. It was accompanied by a loud familiar growl that echoed out through the jungle. The alien turned at the sound but only had enough time to see the laser pulse moments before hitting him in the chest. It passed right through, exploding out through his back, vanishing into the jungle behind him. Korva watched as the Bounty Hunter fell, crashing to the ground.

"Told you it would work!" Korva winced as he stepped away from the tree, bending down to pick up his rifle. Chowe growled shaking his head as he stepped up to the Bounty Hunter, kicking the dead body with his foot as if making sure he was dead. "What?!" Korva shouted. "You didn't believe me?!" The Wookiee shrugged, making a slight noise before turning away, walking back the way he'd come. "What do you mean you didn't think it would work? So that's why you didn't volunteer being the bait!?! You son-of-a...!"

The sound of Chowe laughing stopped him from finishing what he was going to say. "Hey!" he shouted, half wincing as he followed after Chowe. "Hey! Get your furry butt back here! You said it was a great idea! You suckered me into it! When I get feeling back in my legs I'm gonna kick your ass! You listening to me!?!" In between Korva shouting and Chowe's laughter only the sound of 'Stich' could be heard as he continued to follow Korva and Chowe as they ventured through the jungle.

***

A huge form came crashing through the jungle brush. Leija's sword was free of its sheath in a flash of steel, and the point was aimed directly at the tall shape in front of her. She heard a sound. The grunting of a surprised Wookiee.

"Chowe?!" Leija lowered the blade.

The Wookiee gave a happy howl, and Leija resheathed her sword. "Chowe... Korva..."

"Well...you're a sight for sore eyes...." Korva said, slightly shocked at seeing Leija here of all places, not that he was complaining.

"I've been looking for you," Leija explained. "I was at Drogen Shipyards awaiting a job-interview. I ran into an old colleague. Fir Davo. A Gran. He told me he was going after the Bounty on you....so, I tailed him."

Korva smiled, leaning against one of the trees beside him, crossing his arms, trying to hide the wince. He was still feeling that stun. It was then 'Stich' appeared, scurrying down the tree Korva was leaning against. He climbed down onto Korva, wrapping itself around his neck several times before finally settling down on his shoulder. With his tail wrapped tightly around Korva's neck he wasn't going anywhere.

"Oh, I see you've got another pet," Leija commented. "What happened to that little animal that nearly took my face off?"

"It seems I've adopted him...or the other way around..." Korva caught the slight snigger from Chowe, giving the Wookiee an evil stare. "Isia is resting on the ship. I didn't want her anywhere near this place. So...you were worried about me?!" he asked, smiling at Leija.

"Both of you," Leija said, with a cock of the head towards Chowe. "You do have a knack of getting into trouble, Korva." She paused, a moment, and her red eyes met Korva's. He could see, in them, the smile that was hidden from his face. "Yes...I was worried about you." And she smiled at him.

"My ship isn't far...just over the next hill," Korva nodded for Chowe to lead the way. The large Wookiee quickly vanished into the jungle leaving Korva and Leija behind along with Stich still perched on Korva's shoulder. His left hand reached up, scratching the furball behind the ears something he seemed to enjoy.

"I landed the Harbinger as close to your ship as I could. After I found your vessel on scanners," Leija said. "I'll follow you up, and make sure that Davo doesn't have any more partners lurking in the wings." She noticed Korva straining to move away from the tree on which he was leaning, and her brow knitted in a look of worried concern.

"Are you alright?" she asked, moving to steady him.

"I was just wondering..." Korva replied, his eyes lifting the from place he had been staring at. "You came a long way to find us and risked your life. Since our parting I've not heard a word from you, I was just wondering...why?" He leaned forward off the tree, sliding his rifle up into its holster on his back. Once it was safely tucked away he stepped up to Leija. "I think someone has the hots for me..." he said with a smirk, sliding his hands into his pockets as he walked past her.

Leija made a stammering noise. She stood, as if struck to stone, for a moment, before moving to catch Korva up, and eventually come in front of him. "Mr. Valkier... I assure you my intentions were only to...to prevent you from becoming a victim of.... Mr. Valkier, sometimes your ego is the most overwhelming creature I have ever encountered. And, I'll have you know...I'll have you know you're right!"

The Chiss grabbed Korva's face, with both hands and kissed him, hard, on the lips. Her glowing eyes closed as their lips met, and for a moment she was lost in her own desire. Then, she broke the kiss.

"There...satisfied?" she asked, standing in front of him with her hands on her hips, and her dark hair falling into her face.

To say he was stunned was an understatement, but his composure quickly returned. "Very!" he said. Moving quickly up to the Chiss, he wrapped his arms around her, leaning her back like it was then of a dance, which in a way it was. He slowly moved down to her, pausing for a moment just before their lips touched. He felt her warm lips on his. Opening his mouth he allowed his tongue out tracing the lines of her lips.

Finally, and very reluctantly, he pulled back, breaking the kiss. He opened his eyes, not remembering having actually closed them. He looked at Leija, into her fiery eyes. "The Bounty Hunter should have a ship...it's yours if you want it," he said, half whispering almost like the words were stuck in the back of his throat.

"I have a ship," Leija said. She was smiling. "Do that again...with the tongue. It felt...very good."

"As the lady wishes..." Korva said with a smirk. Moving back up to Leija, he moved slowly up to her, teasing her slightly, but then he closed to gap, kissing her passionately, opening his mouth, tracing his tongue her lips. She opened her mouth, allowing his tongue to seep inside. Their tongues wrestled together, dancing to the music of their hearts.

"Mmmmm...we'd better go investigate that ship," Leija said when their lips parted. "I mean...one of us might be able to still make good use of it. We could sell it at Drogen. Now...we'd better stop enjoying each other's company, before Chowe comes looking for us."

He tapped his com-unit, opening a channel to the Wraith. "Chowe..." he began, getting the usual grunt from the Wookiee. "I'm taking Leija to the Bounty Hunter's ship and see if it's worth selling at Drogen. We'll be..." he looked at Leija for a moment, smiling. "... about 20 minutes...make that 30..."

Leija rose an eyebrow. "30? We'll see what we can accomplish in that time." Her voice was its usual flat self, but the hint of double entendre in her words was unmistakable, at least to Valkier.

They worked their way through the jungle. It didn't take them long to find the small ship parked in a clearing. It wasn't that impressive looking, nothing like the Wraith. Korva opened the access ramp which lowered down, hitting the ground, crushing the grass under it. "Ladies first..." he said, waving his hand up the ramp.

---

"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Syndrome"
By Garnet Seifer
Aeolus [NPC]
Other Minor NPCs

Location: Yelldon District & Yesdol District, New Plouton
Date: Lythe 6 & 7, 4 ABY

***Lythe 6 - on the Lord Ammut Headquarters Mansion in Yelldon District***

Aeolus walked through the corridors of the huge mansion in Yelldon District. A lot of people walked in any direction, people that didn't dare to look into his yellow eyes with a red iris with contrast with his white skin and white clothes.

He looked out the window and saw the high buildings. He stared there for minutes as frenetic young women walked quickly in the direction of Aeolus.

"Sir! Lord Ammut has arrived..."

"What?! Why I wasn't informed when she arrived to Tae'Karada or the fact she was on her way?" Aeolus said, very angry. He noticed that the young woman didn't dare to look to his eyes.

"I'm sorry, sir. No one knew! We only knew when she arrived here!" the young woman said.

"She is already here? Where?" Aeolus demanded.

"She is on the meeting room!" She paused as saw Aeolus walking quickly. "Sir, she also summoned an urgent meeting with every crime lord of this organization," the young woman said as she tried to accompany him.

"Did she mention why?" Aeolus asked.

"No, sir. She only said to do it!" the young woman said. She saw Aeolus raising his arm to her to shut up and go on with her business.

He couldn't believe it. Lord Ammut was already arrived and he was not informed about even her arrival on the planet. He entered the meeting room and there was a figure with black robes with a hood over its head. Aeolus neared the figure and kneeled before the figure.

"My Lord Ammut I must apologize not to receive you here..." Aeolus said as he was interrupted when the figure raised its hand.

"No need to apologize, Aeolus. The fault was mine not to inform the people here. It was better this way. No one knows that I arrived earlier. How are the operations?" Ammut asked as she walked to the chair in front of the large rectangular table.

"They go as you planned, My Lord. The contraband of weapons, the casino and sale of slaves are growing. Also the contraband of pleasure girls has huge growth not to mention the bets of sports," Aeolus said has he got up.

"Good. Everything is going according as planned. What about our mercenaries?" Ammut asked as she sat on the chair.

"It seems they need more training." Aeolus stood next to her.

"So it failed?"

"No. Not at all. The mercenaries were beyond our expectations, during the Gallorian Civil War but the fact we weren't able to conquer the planet back for our contractor," Aeolus said.

Ammut turned, slowly, her head towards the Aeolus. "Garnet? She is only weak of mind. She thinks she will be adored by her people and instead the rumors that came from the planet Gallor that her beloved people change to side of the Regent Duke's forces." Ammut stood there, waiting for her crime lords.

"It hardly a rumor, my lord. They are facts!" Aeolus said.

Lord Ammut laughed in a dark way. Then the young woman entered and bowed immediately. "Sorry if I interrupted something, but the Princes have arrived.

"Good, let them in," Ammut said. She knew that the so called princes were in fact the crime lords of her organization. "Aeolus, one of the princes is corrupted."

Aeolus bowed his head.

The men entered the room and quickly occupied their seats, while Aeolus stood next to Ammut.

"Gentleman..." Ammut said, continuing to stay in the same position. "I have bad news. There is a traitor among us."

Aeolus started to walk behind the men that were seated on the table. Aeolus walked slowly, keeping an eye on any movement from Ammut to tell who was the traitor.

"It seems that one of you has agreed to sell many information to our rivals. I won't tolerate traitors on my organization," Ammut said. When Aeolus passed a Human with black hair, he saw Ammut making a signal. Aeolus approached the Human and quickly grabbed him by his throat and elevate him. The Human didn't touch his feet on the floor. He squeezed the life out of the Human and let him drop to the floor and his dead head hit the table like a rock and slide to the floor.

"Now, Gentleman, I hope that you have someone that you can trust to replace the late Mr. Hew'ter," Ammut said. She noticed that Aeolus enjoyed killing the traitor and that was one of the many things that he liked. "Aeolus, can you take Mr. Hew'ter out of here! Now..." Ammut said, turning to the rest of men that were somewhat thinking twice not to betray her. "We can proceed with the meeting."

***Lythe 7 on Garnet's New Mansion in Yesdol District***

Garnet woke up with a huge headache. She saw that she was on her bed with her pajamas. She was confused. She knew that she had arrived to this mansion yesterday, but... The last she remembered doing was exiting from her Mansion to see the final stage of construction of the Brutball stadium. This was not good. The representative from Jadda was to meet her. Did she meet with him? She couldn't remember nothing.

Garnet quickly got up and dressed in her robe and walked fast, exiting her bedroom. She walked down the stairs and encountered there her motorist that was going to clean up the Limousine.

"Teard! Did you take me to see that Representative of Jadda?" Garnet demanded quickly and nervous.

"No, Ma'am. You said change of plans and you took your personal speeder. You said that I could take the rest the day off," the old man said.

Garnet looked to Teard and she was disappointed. Then suddenly she realized that Jadda was now pretty mad to make his representative waiting. "Teard, contact Gengis and say that I demand that he contacts Jadda by comm and say that I deeply apologize for not showing. Tell him to make up with some sort of an excuse and a good one. He has to say to me what was the excuse he said to Jadda. I will meet Jadda or his representative on the stadium in two hours, so also get the Limousine ready and make sure I get there. No change of plan,s I want to go to that stadium. Drag me to the limousine if you have too. Make sure that I arrive to the Stadium." She walked quickly up the stairs.

"Ma'am I found this today on your personal speeder. It's some sort of black robe," Teard said as he picked up the black robe that was above the entrance table.

"That isn't mine, is it?" Garnet said as she started to walked down the stairs.

"I don't know, ma'am, maybe you bought it someplace, yesterday?" Teard delivered the black robe to Garnet as she strangely looked to the robe. "Ma'am, may I remind you that in two hours you are going to meet with Jadda or his representative!" Teard reminded.

"Yes...right, thank you, Teard." She walked quickly up the stairs and into her room.

She put the robes above her bed and a small noise of a holodisk fell on the floor. She looked to the holodisk and realized that it came from inside one of the robe pockets. She picked up the holodisk and clicked on. A written message appeared saying: Hello Garnet. This is the first message of many. I came to stay that I intend to have total control of your gorgeous body for ever. Truly yours, your second personality of your mind. Ammut.

---

"Training Sessions"
by Aurra Sgall
Daemor'rah
Quinlan Vos
and Kal'Aran

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Lythe 6, 4 ABY

***

"A Jedi never uses the Force for personal gain," she said, only to see him nod. "And a Jedi does not give into arrogance or greed but must also not be negative about his skills. One must be confident to a certain limit, but not stubborn," she added. Once again he gave a nod. "Jedi are by no means better than others just for their skills, but because they have them they are obliged to protect those in need and offer assistance when requested with purpose."

Kal'Aran smiled gently. "That is correct," he told his Padawan. "You have learned the Jedi Code well, and I trust that your conduct will be done always with care for the words you have spoken. But a Jedi must also be aware of the various possibilities, and even though there are things and situations that can be driven to a certain path, other possibilities have to remain at attention. And one must always follow the will of the Force," he told her.

"But, Master, how do I know what the will of the Force is? How do I know that I have chosen well when I use my skills to change something?" the blue skinned girl asked.

Questions he had heard before. He remembered when it had been Alisson to ask those very same questions and the memory of it brought a soft smile. "You will know, trust me. You are in touch with the Force and you will know how to act. Try not to think on it and act out of instinct. Let go of your conscious self, but never lose your wits," he answered, knowing fully well that these were somewhat contradictory answers, even though they were the absolute truth.

Aurra sighed. "Perhaps I will have to meditate more on this to better understand..." she admitted. "But I think I grasp the meaning of it. More or less like when we practice with the training drones, right? We let go of our conscious selves and act of instinct..." she said.

"The basis is the same, yes," Kal'Aran nodded. "It will reveal more understandable with time. For now meditate on it. Tomorrow we will have physical training..." he said with a small bow of the head. "You may have the rest of the day free," he added as he walked out of the room.

Aurra followed her Master out of the room.

***

Her training sword slid down his and he moved out to his left side to strike down a swift blow on her arms. But she had seen the movement and was fast enough to dodge it by stepping back in time. Alas, there was no way to foresee his spinning and striking low on her legs with a kick, while twisting her blade on his own and taking her weapon from her hands. But she was far from done and from quitting.

Daemor'rah somersaulted high into the air and used the Force to get her weapon back into her hands. Once she landed she tossed her sword and caught it behind her back. She then threw it high into the air while she took a fast run towards her Master. She then leaped once more and grabbed the sword in mid-air, striking a mighty blow at him. He frowned and fended her off, then gaining room by starting to strike back at her. At a certain point he let go of his lightsaber and used his sheer will and control over the Force to have it move about very fast and make as if a shield, so that she could not approach.

She was left back, having to step back more and more until she was at a rather useless distance to attack him. She let her sword down, off guard for an instant. It was then that something that she wasn't expecting happened. Tiny stones and pebbles that were laying on the ground lifted and started to move into her. They weren't big enough to hurt but certainly big enough to confuse her. She could dodge some by concentrating and due to her excellent physical skills, even though it was impossible to dodge them all.

It took him but a second to disarm her once more and have his blade against her chest. "You let your guard down. You thought you were at a safe distance and you trusted your skills too much. Be careful..." he told her.

"Yes, Master," she bowed. "You are right. The pebbles was something I hadn't foreseen," she admitted.

"And you were going so well up to that part. I was quite impressed by your improvising that mid-air blow on me." He smiled. "You did well," he concluded.

"I would be dead if this was a real fight, Master," she corrected.

"Don't be so harsh on yourself, my Padawan. You and I may always be surprised by any attack if our guard is let down. And even Jedi have been struck by a single shot of a blaster by mistake or in situations that they weren't ready for. You did better than many, I assure you!" he told her. "Come, this is all for now. Meditate on this and tomorrow we try again," he told her as he led their way back to the Temple.

***

Quinlan found Kal'Aran just outside the Temple later on. He approached his friend and smiled. "Padawans are promising..." he commented.

"We are lucky that they are devoted. We've lost too many already with the going of Dani and Nieme and now with Talara as well," Kal'Aran answered.

"Yes, not to count on the loss of Master Ki'Ayalin. But perhaps the lost Padawans can still make a come back to our ways..." Vos argued.

"I hope you are right, my friend. And I hope that they have not gone beyond the dark point and have retained some good in them. If they are converted to the Dark Side we may yet face a serious opponent."

"Let us hope and meditate so that we never find ourselves in that path then..." Vos nodded.

---

"Discoveries, Part 3"
By: Adam Edwards-Smuggler
DB-7(NPC+)

Location: The Elusive, Hoth
Date: Lythe 6, 4 ABY

***

The retrieval of data had been going slow. The information had been so damaged, it was taking longer to find what they needed.

It was DB who spotted something first. It was from the Rebels' first survey when they were scanning for a place to construct their base.

The image revealed an aerial view. In the center of the image, there was a metallic structure. It looked like a mining outpost.

It also looked like it had been abandoned for sometime.

And the information showed that this mining outpost was 30 miles east from the Rebel Base, exactly where the old man had said it was.

"Maybe that old man wasn't as crazy as he looked," Adam said, looking at DB. "Let's go find out."

Soon the Elusive was cruising low over the ice planet's surface. The location of this mine was coming up fast. Adam kept watch out of the Elusive's cockpit.

In the corner of his eye, Adam saw it. The mining outpost gleamed a dull silver against the surrounding white. The outpost was half buried in snow, but a lot of it was still visible.

The Elusive set down a hundred yards away from the outpost. Adam and DB descended down the ramp, and made their way to the outpost.

There was one hatch in or out of the structure. And the access mechanism was stuck. DB reached for the door and pushed against each side. The hatch groaned. It slid apart.

Adam drew his blaster and ventured inside. The old mining site couldn't have looked worse. Old mining equipment littered the ground.

Two corridors split off in opposite directions. Adam chose right. They both headed that way.

At the end of the hallway was a huge hole. On the side, was a lift. The hole descended deeper than Adam could see. It seemed to stretch into the abyss.

"The only way we're gonna find the truth, is down there," Adam said, a grim look on his face.

Easier said than done. The outpost had lost power years ago, so a portable power generator had to be brought in and hooked into the main power supply.

But power was restored to the elevator, and they both boarded. Adam pressed the down button, and soon they were on their way down into the darkness.

"DB, switch to infrared. Since it's so cold you should be able to pick up life form by its body heat," Adam ordered.

Soon it was pitch black. No light existed in this dark underground. The lift came to a halt.

"No lifeforms detected," DB reported.

Adam fetched a small flashlight out of his coat. He shined it around. They were in a large cavern, with several pathways branching off in each direction.

They picked one, and headed that way. The snow cracked beneath Adam's feet.

And then his feet hit something. Hard. He brought his flashlight down. Halfway buried in the snow, was a boot. Adam bent down and started digging. The boot belonged to a long frozen body.

The body seemed to be human, or a near-human. The man had been dead for a long time. In his right hand, he clutched a blaster, its cell depleted.

There was also something in his left hand. The man had a death grip on it. When Adam went to pry it out, the hand broke off the arm.

Adam, grimacing, broke each finger off until he could reach the object. It looked like a vial. Like one of the vials used to store glitterstim or other valuable spices.

Except, inside this vial, was something Adam had never seen before. It appeared to be similar to glitterstim, but it glowed a dull blue when light reflected off it. Adam had seen plenty of spice before, but never anything like this.

He slipped the vial into his jacket, then gave the man one last look. Adam could now see a slash, made long ago, across the man's chest. Something attacked this man.

"Let's get out of here," Adam said to his droid companion. They hurried out the way they came. That was when the sounds began.

They started with a low roar, as if coming from far away. The heavy footsteps, as if something was getting closer. Closing in behind them.

Adam turned at the right time. A wampa charged at them. His blaster went off, leaving a smoking hole in the creature.

They arrived back at the cavern with the lift. More Wampas appeared out of the tunnels. Adam downed a few more as they ran for the elevator.

DB immediately began working the controls. The lift shot straight up, leaving the vicious animals below. The lift arrived at the top, and the two headed outside, back into their ship.

"Make sure the hatch is locked, DB," Adam said, "I don't want any of those animals getting in here."

"What did you find on that dead humanoid?" DB asked.

Adam pulled out that vial, and showed DB.

"Let's find out."

An hour later, Adam was using the equipment on his ship to examine his find. So far, the computer hadn't come up with a single match for this sample.

It had similarities with glitterstim and other spices, but it contained certain elements that no other spice had.

Suddenly, the computer found a single reference. The data was about ten years old, and it was connected to an incident that happened on Ryloth.

Reportedly, a man named Les Drego claimed to have found a new kind of spice buried beneath the surface of Hoth. He called it Lumni Spice. He promised a fortune to anyone who would help him retrieve it. He organized an expedition, and was never heard from again.

Adam turned to DB. "Did you get a good look at the dead man we found down there?"

"Yes," was DB's response.

"Go back in your memory files. Was there any kind of identification tag on him?" Adam asked.

"Yes, a name was stenciled on his shirt," the droid told Adam.

"The clothing was old, the text was damaged, but I believe the man's name was Les Drego," DB reported.

"It says here Les Drego found this stuff, and led an expedition here. That old man wasn't crazy. He knew what was down there. There has got to be millions of this stuff beneath that planet. Billions!" Adam told him.

"Perhaps, but even so, we don't posses the resources to mine it," DB said, truthfully.

"We don't now, but I know where we can find some. Prep the engines. We're going back to Chimaeria," Adam ordered.

---

"Decisions Made"
by Auron Ronso
Kyra Ronso
Ellemiek Vermolen
Tifa Alexandros Lionheart
Aeris Strife

Location: CRS Concordia, Tae'Remok System
Date: Lythe 6, 4 ABY

***

Kyra stepped through the corridors of the ship that was stationed on the Tae'Remok system. She walked through one of the corridors and made sure that she had entered the right room. Kyra saw that the room was still empty and was perfect to train without causing any disturbances to others.

She stood at the center of the room for a few minutes with her eyes closed, controlling her breath. She concentrated and made her mind let go of her bad memories. She knew she had to confront her nightmares even if it took her a whole month, or even a year.

She imagined being in a different place, and the silence of the training room was good. My friends come forward I do not wish to harm you, Kyra thought to herself. Different faces appeared in front of her, like shadows with the faces of her former companions of her platoon.

They simply stood there looking at her, but then their faces transformed into daemons and started to run towards her. She then saw that someone was calling for her. She opened her eyes and saw one of the faces of the daemons standing there in someone's body. She gave a scream and fell to the floor. She then looked up and saw that it was Ellemiek.

"Don't do that again!" Kyra said somewhat in anger to Ellemiek, but she didn't blame her. It was the fright that Ellemiek had given her that transformed into anger. Kyra gave a big sigh to calm her heart that was beating like a pod racer. "You scared me!"

"Sorry, It wasn't my intention," Ellemiek replied. She looked around and wondered what Kyra was doing in an empty room. "So, what are you doing here all alone?" she decided to ask.

Kyra sighed. "I was trying to perform a technique that I learned during my stay with the Empire. It's hard to explain, but it's based to better understand the nightmares or feelings. A person performs their job better if they are focused, especially if our lives depend on it! Feelings and nightmares, in particular, make a person think about them, but I think that these nightmares of mine are too deep inside my..." Kyra was going to say the word mind but that was not the correct word she was looking for. "Heart." That was exactly the word that she was looking for! Heart. Her heart was wounded deep inside and the last events during the Civil War in Gallor were the last drop that her heart could take. She had to find the source of these nightmares, especially if the cause was another thing.

Ellemiek tried to give Kyra a comforting smile. "Well, I hope you can overcome those bad feelings... I know that war can be hell, and I've seen too many people in my lifetime lose it because of all the bloodshed. When I first lost someone in my squadron I thought I'd die. I think a part of me died with him... But with time I overcame it for the greater good of the galaxy. There were more people that could need help and I wasn't any help if I was like a rock floating in space... I guess you just have to let go," she told Kyra.

"Don't get me wrong, it's not pleasant to die shot down in space because I've seen it many times, but nothing compares to being under fire, seeing your partners being shot down. Quades was one of my partners during the rescue operation of a village near the Tree Falls. He was shot in his throat, only a few centimeters away from me. I pulled him to cover from enemy fire. The shot had trespassed his throat without cauterizing it. The blood was flowing out of the wound like a waterfall and his entire body shook in panic. I placed my finger inside his wound, trying to cut the circulation off the vein but I couldn't find it. Our medical droid and staff stayed with some few survivors from other villagers. There was no way to save him. I looked at his eyes and tried to calm him down. You don't know what I saw... He was afraid to die, but he knew that he was going to die for certain. I lied to him, telling him the wound was not so bad. Then, for a split second, I saw in his eyes a glimpse of joy, as if...as if he was at that same time seeing the Gods and he was not afraid. His body stopped shaking and it was then that I realized that he was dead," Kyra said, as she looked into Ellemiek's eyes.

Ellemiek placed her hand on Kyra's shoulder. "You did all you could. And you're right. I can't imagine what it was like to be in the presence those things every day... In space you see them blown to bits, engulfed in a blaze of fire as their cockpits explode. But you almost never see the actual corpse. But all things in war are terrible, and most memories of them are worse than bad memories. But you're still alive, and as much as that may hurt you have to keep going," Ellemiek said. "You were trained as a trooper. Trained to overcome those feelings. Now tell me, where's the Kyra I knew? The one who could withstand almost anything?"

Kyra smiled ironically. "Somewhere inside this head waiting to come out. That was why I was trying that technique to surpass this problem I'm facing. Well, anyhow, there is another technique, an easy one, and it takes a long time to heal. It is only possible with the help of friends!" Kyra smiled and nodded to Ellemiek.

Ellemiek smiled. "We were once friends. We became foes afterwards. But that war so long gone and I don't see why we shouldn't give friendship another try! So, if there's anything I can do for you, just ask. But, for starters, what do you say we go remember old times and grab a drink?" she asked.

"That sounds great!" Kyra smiled as she walked with Ellemiek out of the training room and walked through the corridors. "It would be even better if Auron could join us. Do you know where he is?" Kyra asked as she glanced at Ellemiek.

"His squadron is out, on a training run. He should be back soon..." Ellemiek replied. "But we can meet him in the hangar bay if you like."

"Yes I would like that!" Kyra smiled, waiting for Ellemiek to show the way.

Once they arrived at the Hangar, the X-Wings had been set down already. Some of the pilots could be seen as well as the regular staff and droids. Ellemiek spotted Auron as he was talking to another crew member of his new squadron. "Hey there, Auron. How was practice run?" she asked as she and Kyra came closer.

"Isn't this a pretty sight! Ellemiek and Kyra together to see me as friends," Auron smiled towards them. "Well these rookies have a lot to learn but I have two to help me out. This is Flying Officer Tifa Alexandros Lionheart and Flying Officer Aeris Strife. We are the superior rankings of the Flying Blazes Squadron." Auron nodded.

"Aeris?" Kyra said surprised.

"Kyra..."Aeris nodded.

"Well, I know you two have a lot to catch up. Like I was saying, there's a lot of rookies that need practice. During the practice there was a few childish mistakes," Auron said he knew that he had interrupted Aeris. But they could catch up in another time.

"Like Auron said, they have a lot to learn, especially that one!" Tifa said as she pointed to a pilot coming out of an X-Wing. "Top of his class. A gifted kid. I never saw a rookie doing moves like that, but the problem is he still thinks he is invincible."

"Shouldn't be too hard to beat for a former instructor of the Tae'Morad Academy..." Ellemiek commented in a tone of tease towards Auron. "But I can rough him up for you if you want in a simulator. Anyway, most of them come out feeling invincible when they come out of the academy. We're the oldies now!" she smiled.

Kyra looked at Ellemiek and nodded. "Oldies? Yes, we are! And to think that only two years ago we were the rookies... Now that I think of it, I hope that these rookies never have to see the horrors that we saw. That is the most important thing to teach the rookies. The word 'humility' because pride can be your worst enemy!" Kyra said while looking at Auron and giving a tiny smile.

"Well, I have my own practice run due soon so I better prep up. I still want to give the Black Hawks a small briefing before we go out. But maybe we can meet later up for dinner and catch up talk?" Ellemiek asked.

"It's settled then. We'll meet at dinner. I have to go. I still want to give the rookies a lesson in dogfight with a more maneuverable foe and check their errors," Auron said as he looked at Kyra and Ellemiek.

"Ok. I also have a few things to do myself," Kyra smiled and looked at everybody that was on the group. "We'll catch up at dinner." She walked away as everybody went separate ways.

Kyra saw that every squadron took this time of peace to train rookies or even to perfect their skills. There were a lot of X-Wings, A-Wings, E-wings and so on coming in and out of the hangars, making training sessions. It was a good way to ensure that next time that a war should be knocking at their doors they would be prepared for it. Of course, she hoped that another battle wouldn't come for many years, if ever again.

She entered the training room and picked up a small training sword. She stepped to the center and closed her eyes, controlling her breath. She slowly opened her eyes and got a good grip on the sword's handle. She spread her legs, the sword at her left side. Kyra started to run, swinging her sword as if she was attacking multiple foes. She stopped on the edge of the carpet and pointed her sword to the center of the room. She swung her sword again in many directions, increasing her speed while walking back to the center.

She jumped, twisting her body and her sword like a fan. As Kyra touched the ground she swung her sword behind her, making an air kick. She jumped and twisted to her right, extending her left leg and her right hand that was holding the training sword, her face turned towards her leg.

She completely stopped and moved again to the center, making multiple attacks on the same direction as she stopped in the middle of the carpet.

Kyra continued her training with the sword for hours, never stopping and never resting. A thing she learned from when she was training to become an Imperial Black Operative. To improve her stamina and extend her skills beyond her limits. The tiredness and fatigue can drive anyone to defeat, so if she improved herself she would take longer to get tired. She stopped on the middle of the carpet, safeguarded her training sword and opened her eyes. There were a few people looking at her.

"So, who wants to confront me in one on one, unarmed?" Kyra asked as she instantly saw many people ignoring and only a few stepping onto the carpet. She smiled. At least here the people were brave enough to confront her. After this she was going to take a rest and to encourage herself at least to tell Auron that her mind was made up to find what had happened to the Wild Cats squadron. Who the attacker had been, since she had tried to find it while on the Empire but it seemed that the supposed TIE squadron that made the attack didn't exist. Nobody was going to tell her otherwise. She was determined to find the ones responsible, she was going to get to the bottom of this with the help of a hacker that had helped her before. The Worm was the one that was going to find that info for her.

---

"Show A Little Restraint"
With Devlin Kane, Bounty Hunter

Location: Streely's Club, Thanatos
Date: Lythe 6, 4 ABY

***

The city of Thanatos seemed to sway as the sandstorm raged. Winds relentlessly whipped sand and small rocks through the night air and into the hapless walls of the darkened buildings. Doors were locked and windows barred as the residents rode out the storm's fury.

One figure trudged through a darkened alley towards an oasis of blinking neon, a cloak bundled tightly across his face and body in an effort to shield his skin from the sand's bite. He stopped before a large black door and swiped a well worn identification card through the door's lock. He watched through squinted eyes as the tiny light remained red. He swiped his card repeatedly, then banged a fist along side the lock mechanism. Tiny bits of sand fell from the strip, but the lock remained red.

He cursed in his native tongue and slapped the door once again -- this time with more force.

The intercom crackled to life.

"You break it, you bought it, pal!" a gruff voice squawked.

"Just open the door! Gaol wishes to be serviced," the man snarled.

The lock buzzed and the doors swished open. The traveler entered the foyer and drew back his hood, revealing the Gammorean's weathered face. His snout twitched as he snorted. As he shook his bulk, sand cascaded from his body and formed tiny piles at his feet.

"You find it humorous to keep Gaol locked out there in that...that mess? Were we back upon Goal's homeworld, Goal could have you slathered in moronut oil and then pleasure himself to the sounds of your screaming, as hungry Korl Beasts feast upon your entrails," he growled in his unique blend of broken basic.

The human behind the counter didn't bother glancing up when he spoke. His focus instead was a wad of money he was counting while at the same time watching a vid screen that currently displayed a man, a woman and a very large apparatus currently being buckled upon the woman's torso. He reached out and pressed an intercom actuator that sent a buzz through the back room.

"You know the drill. You now the rates. You know the rules. Your thirty minutes starts when you pick your pleasure," he said. The Gammorean just snorted and scratched himself as he waddled about the showroom, studying the posters and magazines that decorated the walls. Within moments, four partially clad women slipped into the room and lined up before Goal, who was feverishly trying to stop the vibration of a device he had mistakenly activated.

The first woman in line, a tiny brunette, plucked the toy from the Gammorean's pudgy hands and flipped the off switch.

Gaol's beady eyes narrowed. "Gaol has seen better breasts on pregnant Ton-Tons."

The girl blushed in offense as the woman to her left, a slender Twi'lek, scrunched her nose at the Gammorean's fetid breath as he moved closer to her face. "Gaol don't think you could handle the experience."

He halted before the third woman and ordered her to turn around. His rough hand slapped the woman's exposed backside and in one swift motion, she turned and brought her hand against Gaol's unsuspecting cheek.

Deep green spread across his leathery cheek, followed by a twisted smile. "This one will do nicely," he said and then looked back at the tiny brunette. "Bring her along too. Goal requires more than his usual tonight."

The two women led him through a velvet curtain and into one of the back rooms. A large bed filled the center of the chamber. Manacles were affixed to the frame of the bed and large rubber sheets were pulled tautly across the mattress. The wall to the left was covered with various paddles and wands hanging off hooks. The Gammorean waddled over to the wall and after a moment's study, he pointed to a rather large wooden plank.

"That one. Short, sharp strokes and Gaol wants you to put some muscle into it," he snorted to the woman who had moments ago assaulted him. He disrobed, and waddled over to the bed. He clamped the manacles upon his ankles and wrists and laid upon his immense stomach and chuckled. "After thirty strokes, you are to urinate upon Gaol's tender flesh."

"I...you want me to..." the brunette protested.

"Gaol's wants have been declared," the Gammorean snorted. He looked at the taller woman and ordered her to begin. The woman grabbed the wicked looking paddle off the rack and swung it a couple times, testing its balance. She disappeared behind the naked man and he closed his eyes in anticipation.

When a few moments passed, he grew agitated. "What are you waiting for? Begin! Gaol commands it! Gaol has been a bad and Gaol must be punished! Strike! Strike now!!!" he screamed before he registered a cold cylinder pressed against the base of his spine.

"Gaol does not require a probing this session! Gaol requires a beating!!"

"You really are one sick son of a bitch, you know that?" a man's voice called out.

The Gammorean flailed and strained to turn himself until a middle aged human moved into view. He held a blaster in his left hand and it was leveled at Gaol's face.

"KANE!!!" he screamed, spittle flying through the air and down his large lips.

The human smirked. "The Hutt wants to talk to you."

"GAOL WILL KILL YOU!! GAOL WILL GNAW UPON YOUR LUNGS WHILE YOU STILL DRAW BREATH IN THEM!! GAOL WILL PENETRATE YOU WITH HIS..." the Gammorean screamed.

Devlin Kane smiled at the two women who were giving their knight in shining armor a bit more than a passing glance. "You ladies have something I could shut him up with?"

"Just this..." the brunette said, holding a large rubber ball with buckles upon either side.

Devlin's smirk grew larger.

---

"Gentleman Caller, Part 1"
By: Kallia Brael
Maeren Shivral
Kaysa Zenarr
Zari Zathmir [NPC+]
Cadwin Tarrel [NPC+]

Location: Agarra
Date: Lythe 6, 4 ABY

***

Cadwin Tarell glanced around nervously. Why did he feel like he was some teenager on his first date again? Taking a deep breath and blowing it out, he counted down from ten and felt a few of his muscles relax. At least his heart wasn't beating so quickly anymore. He glanced at the cluster of flowers in his hand, and almost turned to leave. Finally, after another breath and a mental chiding, Cadwin reached out and knocked on the frame of the door.

"That's him!" Kaysa called from the bedroom, before emerging into the living area wearing a flowing, blue sundress that brushed against the tops of her bare feet. Her face was glowing radiantly as she smiled. "Is everyone ready?"

Shiv giggled. "Ready!"

Seated on the floor next to Shiv's feet, Zari nodded vigourously. She wore a long skirt and a loose-fitting, backless top that was one of the popular styles on Agarra.

Kallia gave Kaysa an encouraging look. "You'll do wonderfully," she said.

She sighed and straightened out her dress as she stopped at the door. Grinning with overflowing excitement, Kaysa nodded to the three, then faced the door. "Here goes," she whispered, then depressed the door activator. Her heart nearly burst when Cadwin came into view. Oh, I love you! her mind shouted. "Hi," Kaysa herself whispered.

"Hi," he said with a smile. Then he started as if remembering something and held out the flowers to her. "For you. I thought about bringing wine, but I noticed you weren't drinking the other night...so, I just brought myself."

Kaysa's grin expanded. "That's all I need..." Adding quickly, "I mean...for tonight...just..." She laughed nervously and accepted the bouquet. "Thanks." After sniffing them briefly, she glanced at him skeptically and asked, "Where'd you pick them?"

"There was a girl selling them on a corner a few blocks back. I saw them, thought of you, and bought them. She said you should get them into water right away."

"Then you'd better come in so I can." She smiled tenderly at Cadwin and stepped aside for him. "There's some people you have to meet, Win." Kaysa stopped abruptly and smiled bashfully at the pet name. "I mean...." She chuckled and shook her head. "Just...get in."

"On my way in," Cadwin said with a laugh. He slipped past her and into the small home. "It's very nice. Better than my hotel."

"I should hope so," she quipped, then linked arms with him and led him into the living area. "This, is my family," Kaysa announced, as Shiv, Zari, and Kallia looked up at them in the archway. "Family, this is Cadwin Tarell."

Everyone beamed at Cadwin, and Shiv started to stick her fingers into her mouth to let out a raucous whistle, but a look from Kaysa stopped her.

"I know Kallia from the other night," Cadwin said. "But, I'm afraid I don't know those other two beauties." Zari blushed.

Kaysa elbowed him in the ribs. "She's just a girl, you fiend." Then she smiled fondly. "That's Zari, a student of Kallia's. And that" --she gestured to Shiv-- "Is Maeren Shivral. She's your son's wife."

"I guess I don't have to worry about my son's taste in women," he said with a smile. "It's very nice to meet you, Maeren. And, welcome to the, apparently, very awkward family."

"It's a family I wouldn't ever want to be without," Shiv said. "Between us here, and the rest back on Tae'Karada...there's never a dull moment and there's more love than you could find anywhere else. And, damn, Kaysa, you never said he was gorgeous!" It was Cadwin's turn to blush.

"Have you gotten a look at Keeve?" Kaysa asked, then chuckled. "Now that everyone's introduced...." She regarded Cadwin, and lowered her voice, "You'll stay for dinner?"

"Of course," Cadwin said with a grin. "Besides, I don't think the little one would let me out of here without a story or two, and I want to know more about my son and daughter-by-marriage."

Kaysa was filled with the urge to kiss her husband, but instead smiled ecstatically. "Just through there." She pointed through another opening. "Kallia will take you. I...I needed to ask Shiv something."

"Come on, Cadwin," Kallia said. With that, she led him through into the other room.

Zari seemed confused for a moment, and Shiv whispered something to her. She nodded, and then moved off to the doorway as Shiv approached Kaysa. "You look like you could walk through the clouds."

Kaysa sighed happily and embraced Shiv. "I feel like I am... Oh gods...it's been so long and...I still love him." She pulled back slightly and gazed at Shiv, at once nervous and filled with joy. "Shiv...is this the right thing? I mean, he explained everything, but...but what if what happened the first time happens again? What if we really weren't meant to be together?"

Shiv gave Kaysa a lingering kiss. "But what if you are," she whispered. "Go slowly, Kaysa, and see what happens. But, it's been awhile since I've seen you blissfully happy, and I think you need happiness and joy in your life right now, and Cadwin is definitely that."

"No," Kaysa insisted, cradling Shiv's face in her hands. "You're my happiness, Shiv. You, and Kallia, and Zari. Cadwin's just extra."

"Then he's a whole lot of extra, Kaysa," Shiv said with a giggle. "You walked out of that room to get the door, and you floated back. He's making you happy, and it shows. Be happy with him and see what happens, but hold back enough...just in case it happens again. But, keep the thought 'but what if it's different this time?' in your mind."

Kaysa chuckled. "Oh, my optimistic star." She kissed Shiv's brow, then nodded towards the dining area. "Let's go eat and you can ask all those questions I know are in your curious mind."

"Oh, I don't know if you want that," Shiv said as they started toward the dining area. "Then again, maybe you do." She waggled her eyebrows suggestively at Kaysa, and then giggled.

Kaysa sighed and rolled her eyes. "Silly woman...." As they entered the room, Zari and Kallia were setting down the last of the meal, and Cadwin was grinning directly at her. "Don't worry," she told him, "I didn't touch any of the food."

Cadwin laughed. "Good," he said. "Now, I know I'll survive the night."

Kaysa playfully cuffed the back of his head, then kissed the top of it. "I'm really getting better," she informed him. She paused to laboriously take her seat, then sighed and smiled at them all. "Next dinner, I think I'll cook the entire thing."

"Is that really a good idea?" Zari asked, then grinned at Kaysa.

"We'll see once the dinner's over," Kaysa replied with a jesting glare at the girl. "Now, go on," she told them all. "Let's eat." Smiling tenderly at Cadwin beside her, Kaysa nodded to the roast in front of him. "You're the guest, so you first."

Cadwin lifted his utensils in his hands and looked at the roast. He glanced at Kaysa and whispered, perhaps a little too loudly, "And, you didn't make this one, right?" Before she could answer, however, he dug in.

Kaysa winked at all the woman at the table as they watched Cadwin with various expressions; to Kaysa, they all appeared envious. She laughed to herself, then thanked Cadwin as he laid a slice of roast onto her plate. "I usually have two," she whispered, glancing down at her swollen belly. "I mean...baby's got to eat too, right?"

"Two it is," Cadwin said with a chuckle. He added the slice to her plate, and then sliced off portions for Maeren, Kallia, and Zari. Once everyone's plate was filled with food, Cadwin glanced at them all and laughed. "You wouldn't think of me badly if I said a man could get used to sitting at a table surrounded by beautiful women, would you?"

Again, Zari blushed.

"Ignore him," Kaysa advised the girl. "He's an incorrigible flirt. Even when we were married, I swear he couldn't keep his eyes off every passing woman!"

"I only did that," Cadwin said with a laugh, "because you couldn't keep your eyes off of every passing man. I thought it only fair that I look as well. Besides, harmless flirting is fun...as long as it stays harmless and flirting." He reached over and covered Kaysa's hand. "And, as long as you know where your heart belongs, you'll be fine." He gave her a lopsided smile. "I know that more than anything now."

From over by Zari, Shiv sniffled and made an "Aww" noise.

Kaysa silenced them all with a scowl, but quickly returned her gaze to Cadwin and smiled dreamily. "You are not leaving this house tonight until I'm certain I'll see you again. There's no way I'm losing you now."

"You know," Cadwin said, his gaze never leaving hers, "I don't think I could skip out of here now, even if I wanted to. And, I definitely don't want to skip out. Now, eat your meat, Kibbers. That sprout you've got growing in you needs his strength, or hers."

Kaysa gasped and blushed hotly. "Cadwin!" she whispered. "You weren't ever supposed to use that name in public."

Cadwin leaned close and brushed his lips against her cheek. "Sorry," he whispered. "I thought we were all family here, and I guess I...I got carried away. It's been so long since I've called you that...it feels good, Kib. Real good."

Kaysa sighed, her heart leaping into her throat. He always had that effect on her, especially when his lips touched her flesh, though she could remember a few other places they'd touched she wouldn't mind him seeking out now. "Naughty," she murmured as she turned her face towards his, the corners of their lips brushing. "You play unfairly, Win."

"I can play fair if you really want to," he said, his voice gentle and rich and only for her ears. "But, sometimes playing fair just isn't as much fun."

Kaysa smiled, her stretching lips running along Cadwin's. "We really shouldn't play at the dinner table, though," she whispered. "Especially when there are others sitting, watching...." Kaysa's breath caught as her eyes locked with Cadwin's. Merrick, and Zale, and even Shiv were now lost to her mind. There was only Cadwin. "Oh gods," she said, only audible to him. "I still want you, Win."

"And, I you, Kib," he murmured. There was no holding back then, and so he kissed her.

All of Shiv's 'ooh's and Zari's dry retching noises were inconsequential, and nothing compared to the volume of Kaysa's whimper in her own mind. A hand came up to rake back through Cadwin's waves of brown hair, and the other gripped his nape in a trembling hand. She remembered all over again what it had been like with Cadwin ten years ago, how electrifying and passionate it was, and how she was always helpless to deny him anything, especially with how expertly his lips were working against her own now. Kaysa pushed in towards him, then chuckled against his lips as her protruding stomach stopped her halfway. They stared at each other, then both broke into laughter at the predicament. "Seems like someone's trying to protect his or her mommy."

He placed his hand gently on her belly and smiled. "Not sure if it's protection or hunger," he said. "But, we should probably finish the meal, and then get reacquainted if we're still up for it."

"Oh gods, you're stopping," Shiv said. "Thank you! Too much more of that and I would have had to masturbate to relieve the steamy tension you two were creating." Zari gasped and giggled and jabbed her elbow into Shiv's side. "What, it's not like you don't know about it."

"I know," Zari gasped. "But it's so...messy!"

Shiv giggled even harder, earning another jab from Zari in the process.

Kaysa gave them both a quelling smile. "Now, now, girls. We're at the dinner table." She returned her gaze to Cadwin, and her smile softened. "Dessert's after."

"Oh dessert," Shiv cooed, then threw her arms around Zari. Rather than making her usual yuck noises, Zari threw her arms around Shiv, and started making loud kissing noises into Shiv's shoulder, causing Shiv to break down into a fit of giggles once again. When Zari finally righted herself in her seat, her face was bright red, and she gave a sheepish look to the bemused one Kallia was giving her.

She glanced to Kaysa, and where she expected anger or a snappish comment, she found another bemused smile.

"No," Shiv said quickly. "You will not show her how it's done properly."

Zari blushed even brighter.

Kaysa smiled serenely. "That's much better. Now, eat... Cadwin and I can't smooch if you're watching."

Shiv raised an eyebrow. "So, if we put all of our attention on our food," Shiv said, "the two of you are going to start smooching?"

Shrugging, she answered, "Perhaps."

"Oh," Shiv said with a nod. "Okay." With that, she lowered her eyes to her plate, and paid it particularly close attention.

A moment later, there was an audible smacking of flesh, but when her eyes flicked upwards at Kaysa and Cadwin, they were innocently slicing into their roasts. Kaysa glanced up and questioned her with a raised eyebrow. "Too dry?"

"Oh no, it's perfect," Shiv said. She glanced at Zari. "Isn't it?"

"Polphfreip," Zari answered, though had her mouth not been full, it would have sounded something closer to, "Perfect."

"Perfect," Shiv said with a nod, and once again averted her eyes, earning a chuckle from Cadwin.

After a time of silence, and chewing, and the gentle clatter of metal utensils hitting their plates, Kaysa sighed and addressed the small group. "So...does anyone have any questions for Cadwin? Now's your chance to scope him out, girls, so get to it!"

Kallia looked up, glanced between Kaysa and Cadwin, and then asked, "You don't mind sharing, do you?"

Cadwin's eyes widened. "No, no I guess I don't. I know Kaysa has...has two other husbands, and I'm fine with that as long as I have her in my life, in some way again. I love her too much to let something like that interfere now."

"Good," Kallia said.

Kaysa nodded, and affirmed, "Good. Because I'm also sleeping with your son's wife." She smiled and pulled another morsel of meat off her fork.

"Don't forget about me," Kallia said. "I guess the only one here you're not sleeping with would be Zari."

Cadwin laughed. "Wow, Kayse, I'm impressed. That's...wow. As long as you're happy...and there's room for me, I guess...I guess I'm alright with that."

Kaysa snickered. "Really? You wouldn't have said that ten years ago."

"I hadn't spent ten years apart from you," Cadwin said. "Besides, I couldn't just waltz back into your life and demand that you drop everything for me. I have to adapt, and if that means having to accept you having multiple lovers, then that's fine with me. As long as I fit in somewhere."

Shiv giggled. "Well, I'm sure we can work out other arrangements as well. Though, I guess that depends on if Kaysa's willing to share."

"I am," she answered without reservation. "But I don't think it'd be a good idea...for once."

Shiv frowned. "Why not?" she asked.

"Because," she answered with a shrug. "I haven't seen him for ten years. I'm just not ready to start sharing him yet."

"Oh...well, that makes sense. It wouldn't be right to have some blonde trollop steal him away for the night when he just got here. But, don't worry, I'll keep an eye on Zari so she doesn't try anything sneaky."

"NO!" the girl cried out. "Eww!"

Kaysa chuckled and would have petted the girl's head if she was near enough. "What's the matter, Zari? This is just the nature of sexuality - to constantly want 'it.' You will too, someday."

The girl blushed and quickly looked away, drawing a laugh from Shiv. "Well, he's all yours then," she said. "Though, since Zari continues to shun me, I may have to borrow Kallia for the night if you and Kallia are alright with that."

Kaysa exchanged a shrug with Kallia, then smiled at Shiv. "Sure. It's what you've been waiting for for some time."

"I just hope we don't get stuck together," Shiv said, then gave Kallia a suggestive grin. "Though, since neither of us has a pierced tongue, I think we'll be fine."

Kallia laughed. "Oh, I'm sure we will be."

Kaysa lightly tapped the table with her hand and grinned at the two. "Enough of that, now. We're at the dinner table." Glancing aside at Cadwin, she teased, "And you're making my husband horny."

He glanced at her and laughed. "Sorry," he said with a sheepish grin. "It's okay, my love." She leaned aside and kissed him lightly. "You can make up for it during dessert."

"Make sure you save room for a big dessert then," Cadwin said, then gave her a wink.

Kaysa's stomach knotted with anticipation and her cheeks grew warm at the thought of being in his arms again. She remembered their nights together, especially the first where Cadwin had initiated her into the world of sexuality. Kaysa desired him fervently now. "Eat up," she whispered, slightly breathless, then tried to turn both eyes towards her meal.

"Yes, ma'am," he whispered, and then devoted his attention to his food. Occasionally, a giggle could be heard from Shiv or Zari, but the others appeared to have decided to allow Kaysa and Cadwin a chance to finish their meals so they could move on to what promised to be a very delightful dessert.

---

"Gentleman Caller, Part 2"
By: Kaysa Zenarr
Zari Zathmir [NPC+]
Cadwin Tarrel [NPC+]

Location: Agarra
Date: Lythe 6, 4 ABY

***

Kaysa ran her finger over the length of each of Cadwin's as they laced with hers. She'd done the same to Keeve not so long ago. It brought a warm smile to her face, and with a sigh, she lay her head upon his shoulder. "I'm glad you came," she told him.

"Me too," Cadwin said. "Once I saw you...I knew I had to spend at least a little time with you, to get to know you again. Oh gods, Kaysa, I missed you so much. And, I've felt so terrible ever since...for ten years. I hope I can spend the next ten years making it up to you."

"Do you think we can?" she asked softly. "Have things not changed so much that we're still the people we were?" Kaysa chuckled. "I'm not a teenager anymore, Win. I'm...I'm a woman now."

"And, I'm not a wild and reckless smuggler who gets in over his head every other day anymore," Cadwin said. "I think I've toned down a little, maybe enough. But, seeing you again, being here again...it makes me want to find out what it's like with you, to see what we've been missing."

Kaysa smiled ruefully, and squeezed his hand. "A lot. I mean...almost too much. I mean, Keeve's change, getting married twice and almost dying...." She closed her eyes against the memories, wondering where she would be if Cadwin had never left. Likely in the same position, only five years later, she admitted sadly.

He shifted closer. "I want to stick around for awhile at least," Cadwin said. "I want to get to know you again, I want to meet my son. And...and if you like having me around, want me to be here more...then I want to be. Kaysa, I've missed so much, and I don't want to miss even more."

"But..." She sighed. "What if my husbands refuse to accept you? Oh gods..." Kaysa snickered. "Zale is going to hate you."

"Do you want to deal with that if it becomes a problem?" he asked. "I'd hate to throw everything away to find them accepting. Of course, I'd rather not have my face pounded in if they're not. But, I'd like to take that chance if you're up for it."

Kaysa grinned, her face upturned towards his. She brought one hand up to caress his stubbled cheek. "I'm up for it, Win. I'm up for giving us a good, second shot."

"Thank you," he whispered, and then kissed her. So much had almost been lost, and he was determined not to lose it this time. And with the way his body was reacting to hers, it was as if they'd never been apart.

Kaysa took it slowly first, then her lips grew hungrier for his and refused to disentangle. Her hand slid from his cheek, down to his chest, where she gently clutched at the fabric of his shirt. She sighed into his mouth as one strong, rough hand covered her bare knee and slowly slid higher. Kaysa's heart battered maddeningly in her chest as his hand inched further beneath her skirt; with her free arm, she pulled him closer.

With her pregnancy, it was awkward, but they'd done this before. Ten years was a long time, but not that long. Cadwin heard Kaysa moan as his fingers brushed against her inner thigh. Finding no resistance from her, he allowed his fingers to brush gently against her, earning himself another moan. They held each other tight, close. He only hoped the night would never end.

"You're still...good with the hands," she whispered, then kissed him fully again. Her hand dropped to his pants and tugged at the fastenings, while his worked beneath her dress. She groaned with the next rush of pleasure, and gently bit down on his bottom lip before feeding from both again. With his pants open, Kaysa dipped her hand into his undergarment and groped blindly within. His moans soon joined hers.

"Oh, I'm not the only one," he said, the next time his mouth was free for speaking. "I forgot how wonderful your hands were, Kib. Remind me to thank you, a lot." He glanced down between them and laughed. "Well, lookie there, you haven't lost your touch, that's for sure. No one makes me hard the way you do, Kib."

"That's because you've been looking in all the wrong places." She chuckled and leaned in for another kiss, while continuing to remove Cadwin from the confines of his undergarment. It would be the first she'd been with a man since her pregnancy, and already she was having trouble maneuvering into a position more comfortable and functional for them both. Kaysa whimpered with anticipation and frustration at being so close, but unable to consummate the desire that had been unexplored for ten years. She finally pried her lips free of Cadwin's, and breathed, "Be with me, Win...please?"

"Yes," he whispered. "Here, shift around. It'll make it so we can...without your belly." He positioned her so they were lying on their sides and she had her back against his chest. "I can't see your eyes, but we can be this way...at least for this part. Is this okay, Kaysa?"

She found his lips again before she could respond, and wound one arm up and behind his head to bring his face closer. His erection pressed against her backside, separated by the fabric of her dress, and Kaysa pushed back to greet it. "Win..." she murmured against his lips. "I still love you so much."

"Me too, you," Cadwin rasped. "Oh gods, Kibber, I've missed this." He hiked her skirt higher while continuing to kiss and caress with his free hand. It took a little work, but he managed to get her free of her underwear. As he brushed his hand against her, he found her very ready for him. It took little encouragement after that to maneuver himself to her entrance.

There was no sense of betrayal or guilt when Kaysa joined with Cadwin again, as they had so long ago, though she had no doubts Merrick and Zale wouldn't rejoice over their reunion. The moment Cadwin looked at her with those blue beacons expressing his love and regret in leaving her, she was incapable of doing anything but fall in love again. Life could not go on without him in it, not now. Where she went, so did he and it was bound to cause conflict in the end. But now, as his body swayed against hers and her desires soared, there was nothing but euphoria and a sense of completion. Life was complete with Cadwin.

From the slender crack in the door on the other side of the room, a nearly-audible gasp came from the owner of the blue eye peering in on Kaysa and Cadwin. She hadn't expected such a display when she peeped in at the two lovebirds on the couch, but she couldn't look away from the unexpected lesson in sexuality. She didn't dare push the door open any wider and risk having them catch her, not and miss what they were doing. A deep blush covered her cheeks, and any thoughts of disgust were long gone, replaced by wide-eyed wonder and curiousity. Next time, she just hoped she could find a better hiding spot.

Kaysa was very vocal in her expression of pleasure, for she could not engage fully physically in the act save for caresses and kisses, so moans, and calling Cadwin's name were ample replacement for that. The doctor had told her to rest, to take things easy, but with Cadwin she could scarcely hold back. He was still as handsome, as rugged, and alluring as always, but his willingness to start anew gave him even greater appeal. Breathing heavily against his lips, Kaysa kissed him again greedily and crushed a handful of his hair in her hand as his thrust brought out a spike of pleasure. It was as if they were sharing themselves for the first time ever.

The position they'd found was awkward, but Cadwin had found a way to nearly wrap himself around her. They could kiss and touch, and he could still make love to her in a manner that didn't crush against her abdomen. There was a part of him that felt that the love they were making now was better than anything they shared before, more desperate and passionate, but filled with more love than they'd ever found before his disappearance. "I want to reaffirm my vows with you," he whispered. "I want to make it real again. If...if you want that..."

Kaysa smiled fondly at Cadwin and tenderly stroked his cheek. "I want that too," she whispered. "But...but we should wait for Keeve. I want him to be there when his parents get married again."

"That'd be nice," Cadwin said. "I hope he likes me. You think he will? Maeren was saying how cranky and stubborn he can get about things, but...do you think...do you think he's mad at me?"

Kaysa chuckled huskily. "He hates the world. I just don't know what he'd feel about you."

"I guess we'll just have to see, won't we?" he asked as he moved his lips to her throat.

Kaysa cooed and craned her neck for him. "We have plenty of time," she breathed, then closed her eyes and gave herself completely over to his attentions.

"All the time in the world," he whispered, and then quickened his pace, bringing passionate cries from both of their lips, and unknowingly giving the little voyeur across the room quite a show.

Kaysa's voice was shrill and evincing complete rapture and ecstasy she never believed she could experience again after months of being without. Her hands reached back to grip Cadwin's thighs as he moved against her, and the pitch of her cries intensified. She didn't look forward to ending this moment with Cadwin, but hoped there would be many more to come. "Cadwin," she moaned. "Stay tonight..."

"Yes," he groaned. "Oh gods, yes, Kaysa. I'll stay...as long...as long as...as you want..." His thrusts increased in tempo, both of their climaxes drawing close enough to touch, to feel. He could feel the wall before him crumbling, the barrier holding back the rush of pleasure about to explode into a shower of bliss.

Kaysa's vision glittered with the blanket of stars flung over them as she clenched her eyes shut. Her breathing was so rapid, her chest ached, but the ecstasy rising from Cadwin's every thrust easily compensated for any discomfort. She tensed against him as she peaked, and emitted a choked, shuddering cry. At once, all the pain, heartache, nights of crying he had caused her in the past became meaningless. Only their future together mattered.

Only a second after Kaysa, Cadwin came, filling her as he'd done so many years ago. They'd conceived a son then, but now a love, stronger than ever before, was conceived, a bond that nothing would sunder. A muffled yelp came from the other side of the door, drowned out by Cadwin and Kaysa's cries. Even if they had heard, it couldn't have broken through their reverie...nothing could, not now.

Weeping now, tears of elation and regret for all the time lost, Kaysa wound her arms back around Cadwin's neck and embraced him awkwardly, but fully with love and protectiveness. He wasn't leaving again, no matter how fervently he might want to, and she was not letting him go. "The past is nothing, now," she whispered to him tearfully. "Let's not think about that again."

"Only the future," he whispered. "From now on, only the future."

Kaysa chuckled softly and, with Cadwin's help, shifted onto the opposite side where she embraced him fully. "It's a good thing you hang out at bars, or I would never have found you."

"It's a good thing you hang out at bars too, or you never would have found me there," Cadwin said. "So, all of you here, it's all pretty open? You're all alright with that?"

Kaysa nodded and smiled against his cheek. "We are...except for Zari. She's off-limits." Frowning playfully, she pulled back. "Why? You interested in one of them?"

"I would hope Zari would be off-limits; she is just a kid. And, I think Maeren and Kallia are very nice. I guess, if it's acceptable, I wouldn't mind sharing in what you have here. You'll always be first and foremost, Kibbie. But...I guess if...if it doesn't bother you..." He grinned. "I am a man, I guess."

Kaysa smirked. "You sure are... I guess that means when I'm too large for sex, you'll go to Shiv, just until I'm good for the taking again. Hm?"

Cadwin chuckled. "My love, you'll never be too large for sex, and you'll never be unappealing to me. I guess, I was just thinking...since you had two husbands besides me, and two lovers. I don't need it, Kaysa. And, if it would upset you...I wouldn't. I guess, I just don't know how I'd feel if...if you were with one of the others, and I had to just sit around waiting for you to have time for me again." He shook his head and sighed. "This isn't coming out right. I'm not bitter, I'm not upset...I guess, I just want to be part of your life again, however that is supposed to be."

She smiled tenderly at Cadwin and tried to ease his anxieties with a gentle kiss. "We'll work it out," she whispered. "Can we just enjoy this moment for now?"

"I can think of a few more moments I'd like to enjoy with you," Cadwin said with a suggestive grin. "You ready for round two in our reunion love-fest, Kibbie?"

Kaysa's eyes expanded, and she pulled back further with a laugh. "Oh gods...already? How much have you missed me again?"

"Do you want me to tell you or show you?" Cadwin asked with a laugh. "We can talk instead if you'd like."

"Or, we can rest a while and let your pregnant wife recuperate." She grinned. "Hm?"

"Yes," Cadwin said with a laugh. "I think we can do that. And, while we recuperate, I catch each other up on everything that's been happening for the last ten years. I'll start. You're comfortable? This is a long, and I hope somewhat interesting story."

Kaysa grinned and snuggled closer to Cadwin, while nestling her head against his chest. With a sigh and a nod, she said, "Ready, my love. Tell me...everything."

"Of course, my love," Cadwin answered. "The beginning of the story actually starts thirteen years ago. I was a young man, working a lift station on Bespin. One night, a man came to me, and had an offer I couldn't refuse..."

The tale was a long one, filled with much adventure, heartbreak, and turmoil, for both he and Kaysa. The end, however, was turning out to be a happy one.

---

"Mess Hall Fraternization"
By: Auron Ronso
Kyra Ronso
Ellemiek Vermolen
Tifa Alexandros Lionhart [NPC+]
Aeris Strife [NPC+]

Location: CRS Concordia, Mess Hall
Date: Lythe 6, 4 ABY

***

Kyra entered her room. Since she was tired from the extensive training that she had done, she quickly took a hot bath and got dressed to meet her friends for dinner. She looked to one of the windows that oversaw the empty space and the planet Tae'Karada. The sun was starting to be hidden behind the planet and it was somewhat different from what one could see on the planet's surface.

The warm and huge sunset seemed to calm every spirit. It was so beautiful that there were no words to describe what she was seeing. Then, as the sun almost disappeared, she felt as if its last rays told her that there was always another new day tomorrow where she could feel its warm rays again. Kyra smiled within herself. She hadn't felt this good for a long time.

Now it was more clear than before what she had to do and say at dinner. She was going to find the ones responsible of the attack on the Wild Cat Squadron. Even if it was the last thing she did on her lifetime. After a while she exited her room and walked through the corridors, making her way to the Mess Hall.

She stood at the entrance of the Mess Hall. There were a lot of people on the tables laughing and talking about all sorts of different subjects. It was clear that most people were happy as the conversation was vivid with laughter now and then. Kyra gazed around...not much room for her friends, too much confusion. Then from the middle of the noise someone was shouting her name.

Ellemiek raised her arm and could tell that Kyra had seen her. She was already seated along with Auron and Tifa and Aeris, and they had saved a seat for Kyra as well. "Hey there! We saved a seat for you..." Ellemiek said as Kyra approached the table.

"Thank you..." Kyra sat between Ellemiek and Aeris. She smiled towards everybody. "So, how did your training run go, Elle?"

"Well, I don't have to deal with rookies," she smiled, teasing Auron somewhat. "It went fine, but I guess I'm lucky that my wing didn't lose any men during the last battle against Tarkin. I guess situations like that are the true reason why I make my training runs hard to pass. I've had some superiors disapprove, but they seem to work!" she smiled.

"So you push your people to beyond the limits?" Kyra said with a nod, looking back at Auron, who swallowed a little of his drink.

"Aeris said that you graduated top of the class on the Empire?" Tifa asked with much curiosity.

"Well yeah...but there were better ones than me. It's one thing training on a facility where instructors ask you what you did wrong and sometimes obligate you to repeat the exercise, to push you beyond the limits until you do it right. The other thing is to be in a real life situation. The improvisation that you have to do to complete your mission... It never prepares us for those improvisations. Those people that graduated above my grade, they are all dead. It's different to have the highest grade and to be a pure natural in what you do," Kyra said with a smile.

"Precisely why my wingmen are good. Not because I push them but because they're naturals!" Ellemiek said. "I just use hard training methods because anything lower would provide less of a challenge! And it would be a lot less fun too!" she laughed. "But I never get any complaints from them so I guess they approve..."

"Of course they approve! Those hard trainings made them better in what they do. For what I have seen and heard you should be proud of your men. Elle, push them hard and make them ready. Time of peace is a time for our enemies to gather their strength and become stronger," Kyra said as she smiled. "A thing that life taught me was that there will be fights, wars and conflicts that put our lives between life and death."

"An unfortunate constant..." Ellemiek sighed as she took a bite of her meal. "But hey, it's peace time! I don't know about you guys, but I think we ought to talk about happier things! Like for instance, what are you finding of your new lives?" she asked towards Tifa and Aeris.

"Well... I'm planning to continue to be part of Auron's Squadron. I believe that I'm doing the right thing. Since I'm ex-Imperial, at least I'm welcome on his squadron, and the rookies seemed to learn from me and my skills that I learned on the Empire Academy," Aeris said as she sighed at Tifa.

"Me... I don't know. Probably I will continue on Auron's Squadron as well, but I have discussed with him to be transferred to a more suitable place for my skills. Probably Intelligence or going on behind enemies lines as a spy. Well, anyway, it will take a long time the bureaucracy and all," Tifa said with a smile.

"And you Ellemiek, what are your plans?" Aeris asked with an intrigued face.

"I already have my squadron. I've had it for years and I've worked hard in doing what I like to do and what I believe is right. So, I guess I'll remain doing that, serving the New Republic whenever needed. For me, flying is life, and it has been ever for as long as I can remember..." she smiled.

"Mine too! But I'm the first pilot in my family, as opposed to Ellemiek's family that has been composed of pilots for many, many generations. It's almost like a tradition of her family," Auron teased.

"My mother wasn't a pilot..." she corrected him with a wink. "But yes, you do have a point. I did follow into my father's footsteps. But I guess when you're an only child and are raised in a hangar with almost nothing but flight simulators to play with, you learn to fly from a very early age! And you learn to tweak ships as well..." she laughed.

Everyone at the table laughed. Kyra hadn't enjoyed herself with friends for quite some time. "Well it's not the same for me."

"Why not, Kyra?" Aeris and Tifa asked at the same time.

"Well, I don't know who my parents were. The closest thing to a mother was a woman that found me on Mos Espa, in Tatooine. Since she was a slave, I was treated as a slave as well. Life was pretty hard but the people that owned us were not that severe compared to the Jabba's slaves. Still, it was a hard life. At a point in my life I got the opportunity to buy my freedom and I got away from that rat hole and joined the rebellion. The rest you already know." Kyra paused for a while. "And the man that had a some clue about my real parents is now dead."

"Yeah, but at least you have hope to see you family, as for me..." Tifa paused as she gave a big breath for courage. "My family and relatives all died on the destruction of Alderaan. The only thing I have to hope is that someone was offworld when it happened."

"Come on, you guys... Cheer up!" Ellemiek said with a reassuring smile. "At least the people who were the ones responsible for all those things that the Empire did are already dead, have been caught, or have fled like cowards. It's peace time now. Time to enjoy the good things, not live out the past of the bad ones! I too lost important people. But you have to be glad to al least be alive to presence peace!" she said.

Kyra looked at Ellemiek. "I know it's sad to talk about these things but isn't it from our past mistakes that we learn?" she asked Ellemiek, as she looked at Auron, Aeris and Tifa, but only Auron and Aeris seemed to agree with this entirely. Tifa didn't seem to agree since she was a special case. The people of Alderaan died and the only thing they had done was support the good guys. It wasn't something to be blamed at all. What the people of Alderaan had done was be sacrificed for supporting a good cause and bring the Empire to its destruction. Millions died, but their honors lived on.

"Well, I for one feel that clinging to the past for too long will only destroy you inside. And acting out of revenge or anger isn't the right thing. We have all lost family or friends in this war... And I will never forget them. But I will not live every day for the rest of my life blaming myself or living out of bad memories!" Ellemiek said. "It's self destructive and I refuse to do it. Now, if you will all excuse me I have reports to write due for tomorrow morning," she said as she got up. "I'll see you guys tomorrow?"

"Yeah sure," Auron, Tifa and Aeris said like a choir.

"Before you go, I have like an announcement to make, especially to Ellemiek and Auron," Kyra said.

"Sure... That reminds me of another thing, but please announce yours and I'll make mine afterwards," Auron said.

"The thing is..." Kyra paused for while. giving a big sigh. "This is little hard to say, but here it goes. I making an investigation of my own about the people responsible for the attack of the former squadron that Auron and I used to be in, the Wild Cats." Kyra looked at everybody on the table. She had definitely caught Auron's attention, who was somewhat speechless.

"But... That was a long time ago..." Ellemiek said with a raised eyebrow. "Do you even know where to start? What to look for? I mean, the ones could very well be dead in the war and the battles that followed after that incident."

"Well, I know that, Elle. While I was with the Empire and was a Black operative I had some privileges to information, to investigate without questions asked. I tried to find out the name of the squadron of TIEs that attacked me, Auron and the Wild Cats that day. What I found was not important stuff. Those TIEs were reported missing from sector 84 near the frontier of the Spira System and the Corporative Sector."

"Sector 84?" Tifa asked quickly. "That was the same sector I was working undercover to find Admiral Thrawn's new TIE prototype. It was said that sector 84 was haunted. Weird things happened there while I was undercover. Four Star Destroyers went there and never came back. The only one that came alive was a TIE pilot and he said that everything was ok until something happened and a giant wormhole appeared and sucked everything inside it. He said he saw the Star Destroyer that he was escorting be ripped apart. We didn't believe him so he was sent to a psychiatric evaluation, but the next two Star Destroyers that went there never returned also..." Tifa said. She could tell that she had caught everybody's attention.

"Seems dangerous to go there... And I take it that Thrawn still operates there also, which only makes it the more dangerous," Ellemiek commented. "You're not considering going there are you, Kyra?"

"No! I was and still am smarter than that, Elle! I took every detail of the missing ships. I just need some really good hacker who can hack into every system," Kyra answered.

"Even if you find that it was another group that did the attack, what then?" Auron asked.

"Luck favors the calm mind, Auron! One thing at a time. When the hacker finds what I want then I will study what he finds out and then plan my next move. Tomorrow I will see this hacker since it's my leave time. Do any of you wish to accompany me?" Kyra asked as she finished to eat her meal.

"Sorry, I can't..." Ellemiek answered. "I'm busy with training and paperwork mostly. Sacrifices of being a Commander, I guess!" she chuckled. "In fact, I ought to get going!"

"No problem," Kyra said quickly.

"So... Time for my announcement... Early today, I received a message from one if Miss Garnet's assistants inviting me for an exhibition game of Brutball," Auron said without letting Ellemiek to go away from the table.

Elle turned back and smiled. "Are you serious? They are going to reinstate Brutball?"

"Yes they are, Ellemiek, but this time they intend to make it a commercialized sport. There is no longer the tradition and the love for the game because players only want to receive their pay checks. On the other hand, the game will become popular as the people of the Tae'Morad always wanted!" Auron said, smiling.

"And you intend to play in this game they invited you for?" Elle asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes of course! I intend to at least retire in style now that I have that chance," Auron smiled and looked at everybody on the table.

"Well then, let me know when the game is so I can go cheer for your team!" Ellemiek told him. She then waved off to the others and walked away from the mess hall.

Auron and the girls stayed there for a while, but Auron stayed without mentioning nothing further until he was sure that Ellemiek was far away. What he had to say was for Tifa, Aeris and Kyra only. It wasn't an important thing but Auron knew Ellemiek would be upset if she heard what he had to say.

"Girls, don't mention this to Ellemiek, she might be upset when she hears about this..." Auron paused talking while he looked around to make sure that Ellemiek wasn't around. "I didn't mention that when I was contacted about the invitation to play, that several names came up. When Ellemiek and I were on the Tae'Morad she tried to get in several times but she couldn't."

"Yes, she told me that when we were on Yavin 4. That she would like to enter Brutball," Kyra said, reminding the past.

"Who is on that list of names that Ellemiek would be upset about?" Aeris asked, giving a sarcastic smile.

"Me, Jubey and..." Auron paused creating a little suspense on the girls.

"Stop that, Auron! Tell us the name!" Kyra demanded looking into Auron's eyes.

Auron filled himself with courage and looked to every single pair of eyes that were on the table. "...and Tifa."

"Me?" Tifa said in surprise. Why had she been called to a game she knew nothing about?

"Yes you, Tifa. I don't get it either, but if you want to, I can give some pointers about the game," Auron said, smiling as everybody on the table got up and walked out the mess Hall.

They walked through the corridors of the ship in direction to the hangar. "Those names are of all the people of all the teams on the game?"

"No, Kyra, it's only one team and a few substitutes. I don't know how they are doing the selection of the other team, but who is choosing the other team is a Hutt called Jadda," Auron said as he entered the hangar.

"Jadda?" Kyra said as she reminded about that bodyguard of his. She felt a cold shiver down her spine.

"Yes, I don't know who is on the team, probably he hasn't chosen one yet. Well, Kyra, since you are going tomorrow to Tae'Karada to contact that hacker you could ask him to find that out," Auron smiled.

Kyra stopped without the others noticing. That was a great idea! Kyra always wanted to enter on those games but didn't have the chance to play it. But there was a chance now and the Worm could help her get in at least one Jadda's team. Kyra released a small smile.

---

"Creamy Ice Discussion"
by Daemor'rah
Strider Ixion
Orn Gham
and Quinlan Vos

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Lythe 6, 4 ABY

***

"Run Strider! Catch the ball!" she laughed vividly. She was having some leisure time with Strider who had ended up staying in the Jedi Temple for the last few months. She loved to spend time with the child and it was a fact that he always felt calm near her. She was playing with him, moving a large ball around with the aid of the Force. Strider was laughing and she laughed with him. "Look at the ball, Strider... Go on, catch it quickly!" she giggled. She saw it as amusement for Strider and training for herself, moving the ball without her touching it.

At a certain point she let Strider catch the ball. She smiled at him and walked towards him. She was a lot taller than he was so she kneeled beside him and ran her fingers through his hair. "Are you hungry?" she asked him.

The kid smiled and shook his head affirmatively as he continued to grab the ball tightly on his hands. He was happy and his contentment was visible on his face.

Daemor'rah picked him up and took him in her arms into the Temple and onto the dining hall. There they found Orn. The white skinned woman smiled. "Hey there, Orn! What can you make for a young hungry kid?" she asked.

Orn poked his head through the doorway from within the kitchen, and chuckled heartily at the sight of Strider. "You're going to clean us out, kiddo!" He strode towards them with arms held out to the little boy. When he was near enough, he scooped him up and held the child high above him. "Oh, I was right! You're getting heavier by the day." He cocked an eyebrow at Daemor'rah. "You sure he's hungry? The kid's certainly not starving by the look of him!"

"Well, he claims to be hungry..." she replied with a raised eyebrow and a large smile. "Maybe you can get some of that creamy icy thing for the three of us?" she asked with a wink.

Orn chuckled. "Ah...so someone else is hungry, is she?" He nodded significantly to Daemor'rah, then brought Strider against his chest as he turned back into the kitchen. "I've been working on a new flavor," he called back to Daemor'rah. "It's with those berries the Padawans discovered in the forest last week." Orn set Strider down onto the counter, then lightly dabbed the tip of his nose. "But for you, it's chocolate." The young boy dimpled at him.

Strider seemed to understand everything that was said to him, but what caught his attention was when Orn said the word chocolate. Strider hugged him with happiness.

Daemor'rah gave out a small laugh. "That new flavour sounds really good! I mean, the berries themselves are really good and tasty!" she said. "And with you doing the cooking it has to be good! As a matter of fact, I wonder what we would eat if you weren't with us... Not so many goodies, I'm sure!" she smiled.

At that point Quinlan stepped into the kitchen. He had overheard some of the conversation on his way over, especially the last sentence by his Padawan. "Well, I myself can barely recall when I last ate so well," he smiled. "And since I had to cook for myself and I'm no good at it, I'm one of those who has to be glad to be in a Temple with someone such as Orn!" he added as he passed Daemor'rah and gave her a tap in her back and looked at Strider. "Good morning, young one!" he said with a smile as he tickled him.

"Vos, Vos," the kid said randomly. He smiled to Quinlan with a big smile. The kid was now not interested to be held by Orn. He wanted to be held by Master Quinlan Vos now. But then again, he enjoyed being held by everybody and this was no recent news.

Quinlan didn't want to spoil the child but he gave in and picked him up. "I see our grand chef is doing you a desert... You shouldn't eat too much of those. You're getting heavy!" Vos told the child with a smile and a raised eyebrow.

"Orn said the same thing..." Daemor'rah winked.

"Ahh, but how can one really resist his cooking, my young Padawan?" Vos asked hypothetically. He then sat the child on the counter again as he could see that Orn was finishing the creamy icy deserts.

"Okay," the portly man announced, "coming up!" He turned his immense bulk towards Strider, and set down a frosted glass bowl with a healthy mountain of chocolate creamy ice sitting in it. On top was a red berry and a dollop of whipped cream. "For you, my favourite two-year old Padawan." He winked at the boy.

"He is gifted but he is not a Padawan yet..." Quinlan corrected. "But perhaps one day," he smiled. He then took a few steps towards Daemor'rah and whispered to her. "Which reminds me that we ought to make a trip to Gallor and find his relatives. I hear the war in Gallor is over." He was barely audible, for he didn't want the child to hear.

Daemor'rah, however, could hear him well. She merely nodded to her Master's comment. It was the right thing to do, and even though she liked the child she knew they had no right to keep him away from his home planet and his family. She looked at the young boy and smiled at him. "How is your creamy ice, Strider?"

"Nha ma nha, gonhd." Strider didn't speak that well English, but it was quite visible that he was content eating his chocolate creamy ice. He constantly looked at Vos, Deamor'rah and Orn. He definitely had the innocence of a child, but, sooner or later, Strider would grow up. To be trained as a Jedi or to become the next Duke of Gallor, there was only room for one. His fate was not yet decided. Perhaps in time it would be, and good or bad, his fate would be decided on a near future.

Orn smiled fondly as he watched the child, then nodded at the two Jedi companionably. "So...have you contacted his mother yet? Four months is a long time for a boy to be away from his family."

Vos nodded at Orn. "We will be taking him home soon. With hope we will be able to find them," he said, as he couldn't help wonder what the boy thought when he spoke of his family. But as it was, Strider seemed to be more interested in the creamy ice than what they were talking about. "We leave in a couple of days."

Orn frowned. "For good?" He looked to the boy and was filled with disappointment. He'd lost too many already.... "It's a shame.... Why can't he stay with the J