"Old Grudge"
by Gherig Hoff (NPC+)
Reeve

Location: Armored Freighter, FOE-HAMMER
Date: Vadris 6, 4ABY

***

The crime lord Gherig Hoff's eyes were fixed on the display screen before him. His face was twisted into a sinister grin... at last, he had located the biggest thorn in his side.

Hoff looked up from the screen at the Rodian aide who stood before him.

"You are sure of this information?" Hoff asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Absolutely," the Rodian replied in his own language. "These security tapes were stolen from the Thanatos docking-facility two days ago."

Hoff returned his attention to the screen, and his grin widened. The image on the video clearly showed a man dressed in fine, black clothing disembarking from a small transport freighter. Hoff recognized the sword that hung at the man's side... the same sword that had lopped off Hoff's own hand, two years ago.

"Excellent," Hoff said, turning the monitor off. "I want the bounty I've placed on his head to be doubled. And make sure every bounty-hunter on Thanatos is aware of it. I want to see Reeve's head on a fucking platter before the week is out, do you understand me?"

"Of course, Mr. Hoff," the rodian nodded.

"Meanwhile, have the lieutenant change our course to Tae'Karada," Hoff said. "I want to be there when Reeve dies, if at all possible."

"As you say, Mr. Hoff," the Rodian nodded again, before turning and exiting Hoff's chambers. Hoff smiled again, then looked down at his right hand. It looked normal enough, but it was synthetic... a little going-away present that Reeve had given him before disappearing.

Since that day, two years ago, Hoff had harbored a special hatred for Reeve, but the man had proven to be too resourceful for Hoff and his spy-net to keep track of. Hoff was not the most powerful crimelord in the galaxy - indeed, he was somewhat minor - and so Reeve managed to slip through his fingers.

But now, Hoff had finally tracked him down...

There would be no mistakes this time around. Reeve would die, Hoff would see to that. No matter how much he had to pay some stinking bounty hunter to do it, Hoff would make sure that Reeve's days were numbered.

"Mr. Hoff," a voice came from the comm-unit on Hoff's desk. "Our course has been changed, and we shall reach Tae-Karada in approximately three days."

"Excellent," Hoff smiled. "Have you made certain that the bounty on Reeve's head is common knowledge?"

"Aye sir," the voice over the comm replied. "In a few hours, every bounty hunter on Tae'Karada will know Reeve is there."

"Good," Hoff nodded. "Very good, indeed."

***

Location: Thanatos

Reeve emerged from his small room in the back of the cantina. It was a squalid place to have to stay, but it was the best that could be found in a place like Thanatos. Reeve resolved that he would spend no more time in this desert than was absolutely necessary.

After a quick breakfast, Reeve returned to his room and grabbed the satchel he had stolen from Budo Pumbular. It still held the wealth of credits, but that was not what Reeve was immediately interested in. Instead, his attention went to one of the satchel's side pockets, from which he produced a small, syringe-like object full of a strange, purple fluid.

Reeve held the fluid up for a moment and regarded it. This was the serum that was vitally important to Reeve's life... without it, he would waste away and die in less than a week. No one in the galaxy knew how to make it except for Reeve, and Reeve took care to ensure that he always had enough serum for him to safely get by.

Reeve took the syringe and plunged it directly into his heart, his face betraying no sign of pain. As the purple fluid disappeared into Reeve's body, his eyelids fluttered and his fist clenched and unclenched. Finally, once he had finished, he removed the syringe and returned it to the case. Immediately, he could feel the serum working its way through his veins.

Once that had been taken care of, Reeve left his room and headed for the street. Today, he would have a look around Thanatos, see what information he could dredge up about the local crime-bosses. He had plans on offering his services to one of them, but first he had to know who to ask.

***

As Reeve walked out of the cantina, a Cathar male watched him leave. Then, he rose and strode over to his friend, a Twi'lek.

"Is that the one?" the Cathar asked.

"That's him," the Twi'lek replied. "Gherig Hoff is offering 20, 000 credits for his head."

"Good," the Cathar smiled. "I hate it when they want them alive. How much time do we have?"

"Hoff is on his way to Tae'Karada," the Twi'lek said. "Be here in about three days. That, and just about every other bounty hunter on the planet has heard of this job. Some of them won't touch it - I guess this Reeve character has a reputation. But there are others who are a bit braver..."

"Then I guess we'd better not waste time," the Cathar said. He and the Twi'lek rose from their table and headed for the door.

---

"Marked For Death"
by Reeve
Joren Kurr, Bounty Hunter (NPC)
Jooka Vee, Bounty Hunter (NPC)

Location: Thanatos
Date: Vadris 6, 4ABY

***

"You're the one looking for work?"

Reeve looked down at the weasely-looking man who stood before him. It was obvious he was scum, but Reeve had heard that this particular piece of scum had connections that might prove to be of value. Even so, Reeve was loath to have to actually stand in the presence of a human so loathsome. He wished he could snap this man's neck for daring to exist, but fought the urge and forced a smile instead.

"Yes, I am," Reeve nodded. The man nodded back, before turning and spitting a wad of saliva and phlegm off to the side. Reeve's fist clenched, his desire to crush this man's throat nearly overpowering.

"Alright," the man nodded. "I represent a powerful... businessman. He's located in New Plouton, but he often does some scouting from here in Thanatos when he's looking for new talent."

"May I have this benefactor's name?" Reeve asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Not just yet," the man said. "Hell, I don't even know who it is. I just know one of his recruiters. I can set up a meeting... if you got the creds for it."

Reeve sighed, and reached into the black satchel. He produced a handful of credits and tossed them in the man's direction. The man's eyes lit up as he saw how much Reeve had given him.

"Great!" he said. "Alright... I'll tell the recruiter you're interested. They'll get in touch with you in about five days or so."

"Why so long?" Reeve asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Dunno," the weasely-looking man shrugged. "My guess, they want to double-check your background. Anyway - they'll find you, don't worry."

"Very well," Reeve said. "Now, get out of my sight. I find your presence offensive."

If the man was put-off by this remark, he did not show it. Instead, he seemed more focused on the credits rather than Reeve's opinion of him, so he obediently scurried off and disappeared around a corner. Reeve watched him go, before turning and heading back the way he had come.

***

"Jooka," the Cathar said to his Twi'lek companion. "He's moving."

"I see it," the Twi'lek named Jooka replied with a flip of one of his head-tentacles. "Where is he going?"

Joren Kurr, the Cathar bounty hunter, watched as his target moved down the street and rounded a corner, into an alleyway. He turned and flashed a toothy grin at Jooka.

"He just headed into the alley," he said. "Too good to be true."

"Box him in?" Jooka asked, his hand moving down towards the handle of his blaster.

"Right," Joren nodded. "Go around the other side. Hurry, don't let him get by you."

Jooka nodded and ran off in the other direction. Joren watched him go for a moment, before turning and following Reeve into the alley.

***

Jooka smiled to himself as he ran. He couldn't help it - this was always the part he loved best.

Jooka had only been a mediocre bounty-hunter before he'd hooked up with Joren. But once he had met the Cathar, things had changed. They had worked together on one bounty, agreeing to split it down the middle. Of course, Jooka had been suspicious of betrayal, but to his surprise, Joren had kept his word and split the bounty.

The two of them realized they worked well together, and decided to partner up. Between the two of them, they had never failed to collect on a bounty. Already, they were beginning to make a name for themselves in Thanatos, and Jooka was sure that before long, they'd be more feared than any bounty hunter in the galaxy.

As Jooka rounded a corner into the alley, his smile faded. He looked around, seeing no sign of their target. At the other end of the alley, he could see Joren, his blaster in hand, looking around with a confused expression.

Jooka and Joren moved down the alley towards each other, meeting in the middle. Joren looked around again, then at Jooka.

"Where did he go?"

"I didn't see him," Jooka said. "He couldn't have just disappeared!"

"You must have let him get out on your end, Jooka," Joren said, shaking his head.

"No!" Jooka protested. "I'm telling you, he didn't come out on my side, he must have--"

Jooka stopped, mid-sentence. He saw the flash of light too late to do anything about it, but the whole thing still seemed to move in slow motion. He saw the long, metallic blade shoot out of a shadowy area between two buildings, plunging deep into Joren's chest. He saw his Cathar partner's teeth and eyes clench tightly shut, as blood began pouring down his body.

With a sudden jerk, the blade withdrew and disappeared into the shadow again. Joren's legs gave out, and the Cathar tumbled to the street. Jooka could see his lifeless eyes staring off into the distance... Joren was dead.

Terrified, Jooka looked back to the shadow where the blade had come from, and saw the target emerge. His sword was drawn, his eyes full of darkness, his face twisted in an evil smile. Jooka tried to raise his blaster, but was too overcome with fear to do it. He fumbled, dropping the blaster to the street.

Seeing he had dropped his weapon, Jooka pressed against the opposite wall of the alley, too terrified to run, to fight back, to do anything but stare into those dark eyes.

Reeve's hand shot out, grabbing Jooka by his collar, and lifting him into the air. He brought the Twi'lek close to his face, his smile reducing to a slight smirk. Jooka shook with fear, his eyes clenched tightly closed.

"Tell me," Reeve said softly. "Why are you following me?"

Jooka could not respond - the words stuck in his throat.

"I'll ask you again, and then I'll take a finger," Reeve said, his voice calm and emotionless. "Why are you following me?"

"Th-there's a b-b-bounty on y-you," Jooka said, trembling.

"There's always a bounty on me," Reeve said. "Tell me something I don't know."

"The price j-just doubled..." Jooka said. "The c-crime lord n-n-named Hoff."

"Hoff," Reeve said, shaking his head. "Still chasing me after two years..."

"H-he knows y-you're here," Jooka said. "He's d-d-doubled the bounty, and h-he's coming."

"What?" Reeve asked.

"He wants to make s-sure you're d-d-dead," Jooka said. "S-so he's coming here. H-he'll be here in three days."

"Three days," Reeve mused. "And I assume that every bounty hunter in the system is aware of the bounty?"

Jooka could only nod. Reeve sighed.

"Well, thank you very much for the information," Reeve said.

"W-will you let me go?" Jooka asked.

"No."

Jooka suddenly felt a biting pain in his abdomen. Looking down, he saw the long blade sticking through his body. He began to feel weak, and everything went black.

***

Reeve pulled his sword out of the dead Twi'lek's body and wiped it off before returning it to its sheath. After making sure no blood had gotten on him or his clothing, Reeve leaned against the alley wall and stroked his chin, considering what he had learned.

Gherig Hoff was an old enemy of Reeve's. They had met face-to-face once before, and Reeve had chopped the crime-lord's hand off during the exchange. He could have killed Hoff, but had decided it wasn't necessary...teaching the crime-lord a lesson would be sufficient.

Hoff, it seems, was not about to let such an insult go unpunished. For two years, Hoff's bounty was on Reeve's head. Of course, there were so many bounties on his head for varying amounts that Reeve hardly took notice of one more.

But now that Hoff had doubled his asking price, Reeve felt he was in for some...difficult times.

No doubt, other bounty hunters would try for him, and these would not likely be as foolish as the Cathar and Twi'lek that Reeve had so easily spotted following him out of the cantina that morning. Reeve couldn't dodge bounty-hunters forever.

But there was good news - Hoff was coming.

Reeve smiled. If he killed Hoff, the bounty on his head would disappear, and with it, his problems.

Reeve emerged from the alley, silently considering his good fortune. Fate had given him the opportunity to take care of an old grudge. And if Hoff was arriving in three days, that meant that Reeve would have ample time to deal with this problem before meeting with the crime-lord recruiting agent.

Reeve was looking forward to what the next few days would have in store.

---

"Matters of Security, Part 2"
By: Amii'a Val'or (NPC+)
Col. Merk Krie (NPC)
Lt. Sul Fhurr (NPC)

Location: Mega City of Midgar, Gallor
Date: Vadris 6th, 4 ABY

***

The Freedom's Venture had touched down outside of Midgar. The ship was cloaked and came in undetected. Amii'a and her escort, a special-ops team, exited the craft and made their way to the rendezvous point where they were to meet their contact. They traveled by foot to a small village outside of the Mega City by the dark of night.

Amii'a had traveled to the planet to gather more information on the state of affairs of the world. She was accompanied by a small covert team under the leadership of Colonel Merk Krie, an old friend from her days in the Rebellion. Colonel Merk Krie had been an officer with the Imperial armed forces, an elite Stormtrooper. He and his closest friend and team mate, Lieutenant Sul Fhurr, had defected to the Rebellion several years before the defeat of the Empire on Tae'Karada. To the galaxy they were long dead and forgotten, to the New Republic, were they ever caught behind enemies lines, unacknowledged and disavowed.

"Copy that Beta 3," Merk said into his microphone. "Beta 3 says the perimeter is secure, no movement."

Amii'a stood by his side, dressed in an all black field uniform as was the rest of her team. She nodded in acknowledgement. Where are you? Amii'a thought to herself as she surveyed the immediate area and took account of those who were with her.

They had been waiting outside of a small village where they were to meet their contact, a reliable informant. He was overdue.

"How much longer are we going to wait, Colonel?" a female voice whispered.

"As long as we have to, soldier," Merk answered. "You have your orders, when they change, you will know it. Understand?"

"Yes, sir," she replied.

"Beta 1, we have movement," a voice informed over their secure com-link channel. "I repeat, we have movement, sector 4."

"Beta 3 acknowledged," Merk replied. "Beta 2 can you confirm?"

"Affirmative, Beta 1. We have a yellow and white Gallor Hound, I repeat, a yellow and white Gallor Hound, Beta 2," Lt. Sul Furr said.

"What?!"

"Sir, yes sir, it's a dog. Standby," Beta 5 replied. "The dog is now pissing on a tree, I repeat, he is pissing on a tree!"

The team members shared a snicker in the humor of it all.

"Alright, cut the chatter, Beta," Merk commanded. "I didn't know your contact was a canine," he said to Amii'a who just rolled her eyes.

The dog came loping up to the team, tongue wagging and tail flying. It found Amii'a and plopped to the ground on its back, kicking its paws to the air and whimpering for attention.

Amii'a bent down, spying something attached to the dog's collar. She removed the cylinder, a com-link.

The dog sat up and pawed the ground, once, twice, once, and three times again. Amii'a smiled knowingly.

She set the com-link to the frequency of 1, 2, 1, 3 and the comlink came to life.

"I am sorry I could not come in person, I am hung up elsewhere," a familiar voice chittered over the secure com-link.

"Apparently so. What is going on?" Amii'a asked both in amusement and some annoyance.

"It is turning into a mess here I'm afraid. Diplomats have gone missing in the wake of the Duke's passing. An emergency meeting of other representatives have been called. There is talk of civil war, my friend. I fear darkness is again descending upon Gallor. You must contact the representative at once, this is all I have for you at this time, I am sorry."

"Acknowledged. Where can we find her?" Amii'a asked.

"She will contact your employer soon enough, Gallor is in need of help. My furry friend will lead you to a safe house. I have already left word with the representative that you will be there. When she can, she shall contact you. I must go now, someone is coming."

The com-link went dead.

"So..." Merk said, looking at the dog. "We are to follow the pooch and take this man's word?"

"Yes, we are. He can be trusted, I assure you. We have a job to do, Colonel," Amii'a stated.

"You're the boss."

Amii'a smiled. She retrieved her datapad from her back pack. She punched in a few codes.

"What are you doing?" Merk asked.

"I am accessing the Freedom's Venture's long range communication, to send word back home."

Amii'a punched at the data pad again and then proceeded to type a message:

have made contact. diplomats have disappeared. political unrest. awaiting contact from representative. will report in 048 standard hours.

Amii'a packed up the data pad. "All right, let's move out."

She whistled at the dog, and he trotted off into the woods. Amii'a and her team followed.

---

"Hate and Fear"
by Daemor'rah
Quinlan Vos
Xora [NPC]

Location: Kessel Maximum Security Prison
Date: Vadris 6, 4 ABY

***

"I'm impressed. I thought you would be a lot easier to break," she said as she looked down at her vibroknife. It was smeared with blood, that slowly worked its way down the blade. "I have cut you once for each of my questions that you have failed to answer... Where shall I cut next? An eye? An ear?" she asked with a wicked grin, then pointing the bladed weapon at his throat. "Your throat?"

The New Republic guard had both his feet and arms in huge bindings that immobilized him and made impossible any attempt to escape or even move. But he could still see and speak. He looked at the white skinned woman in front of him and merely frowned. "Might as well take my tongue, too. I'm not trained to answer questions."

"You're trained to be fodder. Trained to die for the New Republic..." she nodded. "In fact, you're only alive because of me. Just tell me what I want to know and you'll go free. Perhaps to start a life on your own... Why were you aligned with Quinlan Vos against the Hutts?" she asked.

"I am Advanced Recon Commando A-17, New Republic Army, under the Command of General Sulkov. That is all I am authorized to reveal," the trooper answered.

"Why were you aligned with Quinlan Vos against the Hutts?" Daemor'rah demanded again.

"I am Advanced Recon Commando A-17..." the trooper began again.

She sneered and waved a dismissive hand at him. "You've just consigned yourself to a painful death, trooper. The spice mines here are a real terrible sight," she told him as she walked out of the room.

As she stepped out she was greeted by one of the guard chiefs. "Aidus, throw the trooper in with the Jedi. Perhaps he will be less resilient once he's seen how we've brutalized a Jedi..." she told him.

"Yes, ma'am. And how does the Jedi himself fare?" the guard chief asked. "He has resisted conventional interrogation. But his body is weak. The muscle maggots we fed him are eating the last of his physical strength as we speak, even though it can ultimately kill him..."

"That would displease me, Aidus," Daemor'rah said. "I don't want him harmed. Not yet."

***In Quinlan Vos' Cell***

The New Republic guard fell onto the floor as he was thrown inside the cell. Xora rushed to help him stand up, but the guard wasn't too badly hurt. Just a few cuts, but mainly superficial.

"You're not dead!" she exclaimed.

"Not yet," the trooper said as he got up. "How are you doing?" he asked. Alas, he didn't need the answer to his own question. The girl was free, but the Jedi had manacles tied to the ceiling that had his arms pulled up.

"I was waiting to know on your condition," Vos said.

"I'm ok. Though I don't expect to survive my next interrogation," the guard nodded. "I assume you have devised an escape plan?"

"First we need these manacles off!" Quinlan said as he looked up to a few pipes that ran the ceiling. He used the Force to bend them to a breaking point and water began to gush down.

"Great!" the trooper sighed. "Now we either drown or die electrocuted!"

"Or the water shorts out our manacles," Quinlan Vos argued as the binders broke free from contact with the water. Once free, Quinlan rubbed his wrists and nodded. "Now, let me concentrate on the door..." he said.

As the door was pushed violently off its place, all three came out of the cell, making sure that no one knew they were free.

"We need to release the other prisoners," Quinlan said as he began to move out of there.

"Smart move!" Xora agreed. "A mass jailbreak will create confusion..."

***Main Tower***

A prison guard came in rushing through the doors. He was obviously in a hurry. "Commander, the dungeons are flooding!"

"Vos..." Daemor'rah grunted as she turned to face the prison guard who had just come in.

***Back in the Dungeons***

The first prison guards to arrive at the corridor had faced only a few prisoners. The floor was now covered with water, which made it easy to follow the sound of the fleeing prisoners. They eventually caught up with Quinlan, Xora and the New Republic trooper.

"They don't have any weapons! Kill them!" one of the prison guards cried out.

Quinlan immediately jumped high up with the aid of the Force, in a dazzling forward somersault. "You think I'm unarmed?" he asked as they fell on the guards. One went down as Quinlan kicked him, while another was severely pushed into the wall and knocked out. The last one that remained didn't have time to fire his weapon, as the Jedi master pulled it from his hands and stunned the last guard with it.

"I thought the maggots were eating you from inside out!" Xora said in amazement.

"I used the Force to kill them as soon as they used them. But it was useful to let them think I was helpless," Quinlan explained.

"I'll never make that mistake!" the New Republic trooper grinned as he picked up one of the prison guards' blaster rifles. "But, even we can't defeat an entire army. We should slip out while we have the chance."

***Upper Levels***

"What's the disturbance this time?" a prison guard asked another as they walked patrol of a corridor.

"I don't know... Something about escaped prisoners," the other one replied.

"And I was hoping for a real fight," the first guard laughed. But as he did so, Quinlan and the NR trooper jumped down from the ceiling and each grabbed one of the prison guards. Quinlan merely placed the guard to sleep, but the Recon Commando immediately broke the neck of the guard.

"I told you to use restraint!" Quinlan argued.

"But then I wouldn't have my hands free..." the trooper answered as he shot towards two more incoming prison guards, killing both of them. "...for any more unexpected surprises."

Xora came in behind them and looked at the corpses. At first she was somewhat shocked. It reminded her of her brothers. But she dismissed that idea and grabbed a blaster off one of the dead guards.

"We can't be slowed down by your conscience," the New Republic trooper said.

"We agreed to slip out quietly!" Vos reminded him.

"It's too late for that. Let's just hope that I shoot faster than they do," the trooper answered. "This way. I was brought here. We're near Daemor'rah's appointed chambers."

They found the chambers empty, but their things were there, including Master Vos' lightsaber and the New Republic Recon Commando's gear.

"The landing padds are near. I was awake when we got here. I think I know the way there..." Xora stated. Both men nodded and they made their way out.

There were two guards outside, near Daemor'rah's ship. Other than that no one else could be seen. Silently but swiftly, Quinlan and the Recon Commando moved in close behind them and knocked them out, while Xora guarded the entrance to the building, should anyone come their way.

"Can you fly that?" Quinlan asked as he pointed out to the ship that was docked just nearby. Daemor'rah's ship.

"We're getting out of here before she finds us," the trooper nodded as he began to follow Xora who was already making her way to the ship.

"Too late!" Daemor'rah called out. She had just got to the landing padds herself. "I'm surprised you're fleeing. I would have thought you'd want revenge," she said as she came forward with her lightsaber in hand.

Vos took a small leap back to gain a defensive distance and took his own lightsaber in hand, igniting its blade. "The first goal in any battle is survival. You should know that," he told the white-skinned woman.

"Very well then!" she grinned as she charged upon him. She came down with a fierce strike but Quinlan fended it off easily. He was about to counter it, but she kicked him back first.

The Jedi Master regained his balance and came forward. His blade clashed with Daemor'rah's as they moved. She tried to strike him in the legs, but he jumped over her blade.

When the blades crossed and stopped each other, they were close by. Her ship, however, was already in the air, with the New Republic trooper guiding it. The ramp was lowered and he hovered nearby, waiting for Quinlan. Xora was at the base of the ramp to help if needed. Prison guards were coming by, and surrounding the place, with blasters at hand.

"Surrender and I will make sure you do not die here," Daemor'rah told Quinlan.

Quinlan smiled. "You have my pity, Daemor'rah. You could have been a great Jedi Master. One of the best and brightest in the Jedi Order..." he said just before he took a backwards somersault into the ship's ramp.

Daemor'rah looked up at him. "Your Order has failed, Master..."

"And now, you fail yourself!" Quinlan told her from atop the ramp. "Let go of your hatred and fear! It will not make up for anything! Certainly not for Aurra who wishes your return!" he added as the ship began to move out.

The prison guards opened fire, but Daemor'rah turned back and used the Force to push them down and make them miss their target. There was one prison guard, however, who was left intact, and he was using a scope to aim at Xora. Alas, as soon as he fired, Daemor'rah threw her lightsaber onto the air, blocking the shot, and took the weapon off the prison guard's hands, punching him clean off.

She turned to face her ship and Master Vos one last time before they flew off and Quinlan was able to see the tears mount up in her eyes.

"He stole your ship?" Aidus asked as he approached Daemor'rah.

The white skinned woman safeguarded her lightsaber and wiped her eyes for a second as she saw her own ship disappear from sight. "He stole more than that..." she answered in a whisper as she left the scene.

***Onboard Daemor'rah's Ship***

Xora sat down in the cargobay with Quinlan at her side. She couldn't believe it... "Why? Why did she save my life? I mean nothing to her! I have tried to kill her and I hated her!"

Quinlan sighed with a soft smile. His last words to Daemor'rah had been a possible final key and he had felt the turmoil come to pass in his former padawan. He looked at Xora and nodded. "A Jedi preserves life. She let go of her hatred and she does not want any revenge for you attacking her. In fact, she might even regret what she did to your family..." Quinlan told her.

"She didn't kill me before and saved my life now..." Xora said. "No matter how much grief she has given me, I owe her my life. Twice."

"Then let go of your hatred for her as well and seek to life a long and peaceful life from here on," Vos told her. The girl merely nodded and both walked to the cockpit. They were safe now. But Quinlan still wondered what would happen to Daemor'rah...

---

"The Legend?"
by Tidus Highwind
Quistis Knox
Elina Kasn - NPC
Bazon Zak'Keeer - NPC

Location: Cantina in New Plouton
Date: Vadris 6, 4 ABY

***

Elina entered the cantina and saw that many species were here, the sound of live music animated the cantina bar. Elina saw that it was absolutely full, so she sharpened her senses, but nothing, the place was clean. Good, father doesn't know what is... Her thoughts broke right there when she felt something. It came from the back of the room. She glanced in that same direction and only after a minute she saw that there was no cause for alarm, but the person seemed afraid, nervous.

Elina walked every pace as she saw in the person's face fear like a wild animal captured and inside a cage. Elina saw that the woman with black hair was entering a state of panic. She could hear the woman trying to breathe, like she was suffering from an ancient disease called asthma. Elina approached the woman. "Don't fight it!"

Quistis barely could breathe; a huge pain came from her chest, she was scared that something was wrong with her. "Who are you? What do you want?" Quistis spoke like she barely had a voice on her throat.

Elina kneeled herself and placed her hand over Quistis' chest. "Breathe at the same time as me," Elina said. Quistis was much afraid to hear her. "Let the pain flow through you."

Quistis did what the strange woman said, then the pain started to dissipate and Quistis calmed down. "Who are you!"

"I'm the woman that has a job to offer you." Holy I thought she was going to die. "Are you alright now?"

Quistis nodded. "How did you know to make this pain go? Why do I have this pain?"

"I'm not the person you want to give the answers." Elina paused as she took a seat in front of Quistis. "But next time you feel this way let your body dissipate the pain."

Quistis looked at her like she was saying the truth, that soon she would get some answers, but her body expression... She couldn't read her body expression. Also her voice... Where do I know that voice? she thought. "Look, Miss Kasn, thank you for helping me in whatever I was feeling, but what is this job that you need me, that you can't hire another person?"

Elina smiled. "You can call me Elina and this is a job that will interest you, something that might change the way you see things and might possibly change your life." Elina looked back as Tidus and a hairy person accompanied Tidus. Elina recognised him as a Bothan. "Tidus, darling." She kissed him on the lips. "This is Quistis Knox, the one I told you about."

"Ah, Miss Knox, a pleasure. Ever since Elina talked to you, she has being saying that you are the only one to do this job. To help us is Mr. Bazon Zak'Keeer, specialist in temples especially the one we are going to."

Quistis shook the hands of both men and nodded. Everyone sat at the table. The Bothan took the seat in front of Quistis and Elina sat next to Quistis while Tidus sat next to the Bothan and in front of Elina.

"So what is this job about? I know that it has something about the Forgotten Temple of Dathomir?" Bozan spoke like he was speaking basic for many years.

"Bozan, what can you tell us about that temple for our friend Quistis, since she is the one still in the dark here," Tidus spoke as he forced a smile towards Quistis.

Quistis understood very well that this was one of the other things that she would escape barely alive like Gallor.

"Well, the Forgotten Temple of Dathomir was built by a very old civilization and it is said to hold one of the Legendary Swords of Time. What makes me reach this insane conclusion is that we found destroyed temples in Dathomir and none has the same architecture of this temple. Of course this temple was discovered only a few months ago, since it was buried by snow and ice. So it has to be in there!" the Bazon said.

To Quistis it was all nice, but Bazon was talking to her in a different language.

"Miss Quistis do you know how big this is? We are on a quest to find the legendary sword of Nagori..." Bazon said.

Quistis opened her eyes by surprise. "Nagori's sword? You're saying inside this temple is the legendary sword of Nagori? The Wakizashi?"

Elina was caught by surprise. "How do you know it is called Wakizashi? I found out only a week ago that the sword was called that after months of research! Who told you?"

Quistis thought for a moment. How did I speak out loud the name of a sword which I never knew? "I... It simply came... I... I just knew it!"

Tidus glanced to Elina and nodded. They were somewhat speechless. "Was it mentioned to you by anyone?"

"No. My father all night before I went to bed told stories about Nagori's exploits. I know that he made it up, but I'm absolutely sure that he never mentioned it to me." Quistis nodded. Or has he? This was becoming confusing, because Quistis was beginning to wonder if her father told her or not.

"Ok, that was strangely freaky..." Bazon said. "It was probably mentioned to you and you don't recall, either way isn't it exciting?"

"Yes it is. The Legendary Sword of Nagori..." Quistis stopped and realized something. "You know what this means? If the sword exists Nagori once in some lifetime existed." This could be the biggest find in the Galaxy at least to the ones who knew well the legend of Nagori. "So why do you need me? Why don't you go there and collect the sword yourselves?"

"Well, because the information says that the sword is not for everybody; you have to be accepted to enter and in that small group you have to show that you are worthy of the sword."

"So you need me to go inside and collect the sword, is that it?" Quistis approached the table, she didn't realize yet that the pain was all gone.

"Pretty much," Tidus responded as he glanced to Elina and made a gesture for Elina to tell something.

"Well, you bring back the sword to us and you will receive the payment." Elina smiled.

Quistis thought for a moment. If she stayed here she was going to end up bored beyond imagination; if accepted she had to go inside the temple to collect a legendary Wakizashi sword that once belonged to Nagori. it was obvious which option she was going to take. "You can count on me!"

"Great!" Elina said, with a smile. "You won't be sorry, I promise. We are all going to meet in two hours on the hangar. Be prepared." Elina got up. "One more thing: don't tell this to anyone, there are a lot of people that want that sword for the wrong reason, so please keep your mouths shut about this," Elina replied as she looked to the other people and agree. She then turned to Tidus and smiled. "I will join you in the hangar momentarily. I need to take care of business before I go."

"Ok, don't take too long." He kissed Elina as she got up and exited the room.

Quistis also got up and exited. She felt again the sharp pain, but in using what Elina told her, the pain didn't hurt much, but it continued to hurt her, but nothing compared just only touching on Nagori's sword, the legendary Wakizashi.

Minutes later Elina entered one of the dark alleys of New Plouton and waited. Out of the shadow exited another woman. "Sister, got to see you again." She hugged her sister and looked to her face.

"It is good to see you too. Did you have any trouble?" Elina's sister asked.

"None, father doesn't know about what we are planning."

"The candidate?"

"She accepted, Sister. She also said the name of the sword without knowing," Elina said as she saw her sister walk to the near wall.

"That is the sign that she is the correct candidate. Once she gets the sword you know what to do?"

"Yes, Sister," Elina said. "There is one thing: she still doesn't control it. I thought she was going to die right there. She is not prepared for such things!"

"She will, soon. Trust me, Sister, we only fail when father discovers our plans. If not we have still a chance to change our plans. Make sure that you arrive there and Quistis will do the rest." Elina's sister smiled.

"I still think that it is too risky in trusting a sword like that to someone that has no training," Elina said as her sister approached her.

"You have little faith, sister. If she learns the truth slowly she will be able to accept it, but if she learns all at once she will never accept it. Our friends will do the rest."

Elina glanced to her sister's eyes. "I hope you're right that she will become what you want her to be. Or f..."

"Elina, you will see when she is doing the quests to prove she is worthy of the sword, then you will see that she is the one." Elina's sister paused. "Go, your boyfriend is waiting. Shaken, Sister!"

"Shaken, Sister," Elina said as she walked away. She only hoped that her sister was right about Quistis. If not they were going to lose someone too valuable.

---

"Retribution, Part 2"
By Girra Xel Xux-Zallir, Smuggler/BountyHunter (PC)
& Laerron, Assasin/BodyGaurd (NPC)

Location: Lath's Bar, Yallder District, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 6th, 4ABY

***

"What'll ya have, missy?" the Balosarian barkeep asked Girra.

"Rodian Ale," she replied to the green haired man with the pair of retractable antennapalps poking from his coarse hair. "I hear it's a specialty here, no?"

"We have the meanest Rodian Ale this side of the Outer Rim, yes," he answered as he poured the liquid into a mug and then handed it to her.

Girra sat at the bar sideways on the hover stool so that she could have a view of the establishment. She had disguised herself the day before, using skin tone enhancements and a temporary hair dye. Her normally blue hued skin was now a pinkish tone, and her gossamer white hued hair was turned a violet. She had applied synthetic tattoo markings upon her face and arms, to further add to her disguise. She had thought it to help deviate from her facial features, the bone structures that demanded a person's unique facial design. She now looked like a Zeltron, a trashy Zeltron by the way she was dressed.

"Is there uh...anything else I might get for ya, girlie?" the scoundrel behind the bar asked with a hint of his desires in his voice. "Perhaps a little something stronger and more relaxing than that ale, if ya know what I mean?"

Girra took an apt drink of her mug and swung around to the Balosar. "Why don't you go take a healthy dose of whatever garbage you like to take," she said coolly, "and fuck-off."

The man snorted and turned away as another patron was trying to get his attention for a drink, and cursing the barkeep's maternal heritage. Girra swung back around and surveyed the floor, taking stock in the people that were present, and especially of the man in the corner, a red skinned Elomin.

Laerron was sitting in a corner booth with several females of different species, a Twi'lek, an Arkanian, and a human. He seemed to be having quite the time, Girra noted, and hoped he would be up to a fourth female to join his party.

Girra got up and walked over to the table. When she reached the table she traced her fingers along the outer edge of the table top and winked at the man. The females showed themselves with displeasure and disapproving glares at the new female to encroach upon their little get-together.

"Well, what have we here, ladies?" Laerron asked with the hint of some inebriation in his voice. "A Zeltron! Magnificent you are, yes come on over, darling, come, come."

Girra smiled and took a seat. "What are we celebrating?" she asked as she made herself comfortable.

"Oh, we don't need her, do we girls?" the human woman said with pouty lips to Laerron.

"Yeah, common, Ronnie, I thought it was just us? We don't wanna share!" the Twi'lek whined.

Pathetic whores, Girra thought to herself with a sarcastic smile in reply to the females' complaints.

"Now girls," Laerron replied, "You know there is plenty of me to go around, and besides, as good as the three of you are, and the fun we have together, this is a Zeltron! She is born and bred for pleasure, and she doesn't have any inhibitions about anything we would like to do, now do you, my dear?" he directed to Girra.

"Why now, I surely do not, anything goes tonight, Ronnie," Girra replied, mimicking the sultriness of the women about the Elomin man. "I plan on doing things to you you couldn't possibly imagine!" Girra said with enthusiasm at her double meaning.

"See! What did I say?! Hahahaa! Come on now, girls, let's go enjoy ourselves!" he said with an enthusiasm that he wouldn't have if he knew who he had just invited.

The group filed out of the booth with the Twi'lek and the human in the lead, Laerron took Girra in his hand and the other woman in his other as they headed for the door.

They crossed the street and continued on their way. As they were rounding a corner the two women backed up into Girra, Laerron and the other woman with slight screams of shock, surprise and fear. An unmistakable growl of a Wookiee came from the shadows as a the hairy being stepped out into the dim light of the street.

Laerron shoved Girra and the other woman away from him as he drew a blaster. The Wookiee snarled and spittled at the man's reaction. He was quite a sight, knotty and dirty fur, a cybernetic knee replacement, and missing teeth in his foul mouth. He appeared to be under some influence by the glazed look in his eyes.

"Filthy mongrel," Laerron spat as he prepared to fire.

Girra spun and kicked the Elomin, knocking him forward into the Wookiee.

"Chakka!" Girra commanded.

The Wookiee obeyed and snatched Laerron's blaster arm, forcibly disarming him and breaking the man's wrist in the process. The Wookiee was not what he seemed, not entirely.

Chakka had been saved, by chance, when Girra had confronted Morg and his Nikto lackeys a few days before. He had been a glitterstim addict, broke, let go, and had had his knee bashed in by the crooks that Girra had dealt with that night. Girra had taken the Wookiee with her, and helped him back into some better health over the course of the last few days with bacta treatments and a cybernetic knee implant for the one that had been destroyed. Chakka had been trying to keep clean for some time before Girra had happened upon him. He didn't look a whole lot better than before, but he was getting there, from the inside out. He had sworn his allegiance to her that night, making a life-debt to her for his rescue, albeit an indirect rescue. Girra wouldn't hear anything about it at first, but for some reason she had a soft spot for the Wookiee.

Chakka threw to Girra her trusty Death Hammer, and she waved it about to the females who had scattered.

"I suggest you bitches high-tail it out of here, unless you would like to suffer the same fate that will befall him," Girra ordered to the females.

They didn't think twice, nor did they waste time in heeding the woman's words as they hurried off.

Laerron was knelt to the ground holding his wrist and trying to get back to his feet. Girra took a couple forceful steps toward him and gave him an apt kick to the stomach, knocking the wind from the man. She then raised her blaster and swung it down upon the back of the man's head, knocking him out cold.

Chakka huffed and woofed in amusement.

"He won't think it's too funny once he comes to," Girra said with no amusement in her voice. "Laerron is very dangerous, we are lucky we caught him in such a state."

Girra had spent the last few days, and more credits than she really cared to, gathering information on Laerron's where-abouts and habits. She happened to find that he was on a little indulgence spree the last few days, and Girra couldn't resist. She thought herself a fair fighter and skilled bounty-hunter, but she knew Laerron was a skilled killer, a cold-hearted man who lived to hunt and kill other beings. Girra could hold her own in most situations, and she was fairly skilled as a hunter herself, but she was no killer; Laerron was a killer, it was his specialty, his life's work and passion.

"Let's get him to the speeder and get back to the Helix, Chakka," Girra ordered. "Ronnie here is going to wake up to a big day tomorrow!"

---

"Twisted Ambition"
By: Nieme Yaresh
Dani
Talara

Location: Thanatos; Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 6, 4 ABY

***

For their help in retrieving Jadda's property, Nieme and Dani had been granted the use of a small squad of the Hutt's enforcers. Of course, as soon as they'd returned the overgrown worm his prize, he turned around and sold it. That he'd sold Raeila off was of particular frustration to Dani who cared for her, and had hoped to provide some protection for...for her friend. Yes, she decided, at the end there, Raeila was my friend...and I can't protect her now.

And now, to top everything off, all of their slaves were gone. It saddened her greatly, and made her a little angry. But, there were other options.

She looked up at Nieme and sighed dramatically. "I miss our slaves, Ni," she said. "I think we should take our newfound army and go get ourselves some more slaves."

"It's always the same thing, isn't it?" she asked dully. She was sprawled atop their bed with arms and legs dangling over the edges. Her look was one of boredom. "We lose a slave, we gain a slave...in the end, it's all pointless distraction." Nieme huffed and pounded a fist into the mattress. "I want the damn palace, Dani, so we can have as many slaves as we want at any time!"

Dani smiled seductively. "Then let's go retrieve Talara and Ferrig, and then kick that tentacled bitch off our throne."

Nieme smirked hungrily and lithely rose onto her knees upon the bed. "Exactly what I was hoping you'd say." She chuckled and leapt off the bed. "Get dressed! We leave in an hour!"

Dani let out a low, growling purr as she slipped off her couch and started toward the second floor. "Oh, I definitely feel like taking over a planet tonight." With that, she disappeared upstairs to get herself ready.

***

"Talara...."

Talara Sorenne's eyes opened slowly as sleep fell away from her. Beside her in the bed, she felt Ferrig's chest against her skin. She knew that if he were found in here, they would both be in big trouble...though, she couldn't help the desire she felt for him, the need to be at his side, to have him at hers. And, she couldn't forget the beautiful sex they shared. As she heard her name again, she came more fully awake. She smiled, an almost giddy joy filling her. "My Mistress," she whispered.

Nieme chuckled throatily as she leaned her elbows on the open window ledge. "It's been too long, my love. Won't you come outside and join us? Dani and I have a surprise."

Talara grinned and slipped out of the bed. She padded quietly over to the window where Nieme waited. "I have missed you, my Mistress," she whispered. "I've kept both Zari and Ferrig safe for you here." As Nieme stepped back, Talara slipped out the window, and a moment later was standing before Nieme and Dani.

"Our dear girl," Nieme purred and cupped her cheek tenderly. "We haven't much time. Collect your things. There's something we need to do tonight, and we want you by our side to do it."

Talara smiled up at Nieme. "Of course," she whispered. She started to turn back to the window, giving Nieme a momentary glance at her bare backside, before turning back again. "Should I get Ferrig and Zari?"

Her grin was sultry and savage at once. "What do you think, dear girl? Do we not deserve something extra special?"

"Oh, you do," Talara answered quickly. "I'll be right back." And, she was gone, scrambling back inside.

"Such a good little slave," Nieme observed, then pivoted on one foot to face Dani. She was smirking. "Those stupid Jedi don't know the first thing about securing loyalty. We'll have all their Padawans before the year is up."

"Oh, I like the sound of that," Dani said as she stretched languidly. "I especially would like to get at that young thing that came to rescue our dear Zari. The attitude would have to be changed, but his body was quite desirable."

Nieme chuckled as she pressed into her lover, both arms circling her waist. "Maybe we can convince Dargus that he prefers being evil again. Then...we will be complete."

"We could try," Dani said with a salacious smile as she reached out into the Temple, feeling for Dargus. When she found him, she gave a delighted squeal. "Oh, but we'd have to convince him to get out of Jae Dyn Brael's bed first."

Nieme snorted. "What does he want with a fat, pregnant woman anyway?" She moaned with delight as her hands smoothed over Dani's rear. "He'll regain his senses soon enough...I hope. It would be a shame to have to kill him, too."

"Oh, I know," Dani said with a delighted purr. "It is so fun to be wicked, but sometimes the killing is so difficult. It is a shame to waste a potential source of pleasure."

"Like Raeila?" Nieme smiled knowingly at her lover. "We'll get her back for you, don't worry. I know how fond of playing with her you were."

"We have so few slaves that are so capable of pleasuring," Dani said. "She was positively masterful. Though, with a little more practice, I think Talara might be just as good. She is very talented."

As if on cue, Talara appeared in the window again. She tossed a pair of bags out, and then climbed out herself. Once she was on the ground, Ferrig appeared and handed a still-sleeping Zari to her. The young blonde girl was as naked as Talara and showed no signs of waking. Tala held her protectively while Ferrig climbed out the window. As he was doing so, Tala leaned in and gave Zari a kiss. She smiled as Zeezee stirred slightly. Ferrig kissed the top of Talara's head, then took Zari from her. He was bare-chested and wore only a pair of leather pants. One of the two bags was his, the other Tala's. They didn't pack any clothing for Zari, knowing that would be Nieme and Dani's preference.

Talara gave them both a beaming smile. "We're ready," she said.

Nieme stroked Zari's cheek, while smiling at both Tala and Ferrig. "Our happy family, back together once again." She inhaled the damp night hair deeply and sighed. "Just one more piece needed, and it'll be perfect." Joining Dani by her side, the two women stealthily marched back towards the forest with their obedient slaves falling in step behind. The Jedi were none the wiser.

***

Two black specters stood on the edge of the divide, black cloaks flaring and flapping on the wind like infernal wings preparing to carry them from the rooftop towards their destination. Hand resting on the hilt of her lightsaber, Nieme turned her eyes from the Arcadian palace and its scintillating, ivory exterior to grin at her lover. "Is it time?"

"It is time," said Dani, a smile curling her lips and her eyes seeming to glow from the light coming from the palace. "I like our beach home, but this is so much better. When we're done, I want Oot Kovan to dance for us. And we need to finish our job with Zari; I just hope we can find an artist as talented as Turg."

"Talara will help us find someone," Nieme assured her lover. "Just as she'll help us now." She smiled over her shoulder at the girl. "Won't you, dear Tala?"

"Of course," said Talara brightly. "I will help you in any way you desire." She was still bereft of clothing, but felt no qualms since this is how Nieme and Dani, her mistresses, preferred her. Another month from now, however, and the chill that slipped through the air would be much worse...though, being near her mistresses kept her warm enough.

"So, obedient. I am glad we gave her a second chance. I believe she will be a perfect protégé."

"As long as she ceases getting herself rescued," Nieme quipped dryly. She said not another word as she focused her senses on the palace, questing through the corridors for guard placement, sentry droids, surveillance devices, and the quickest way to Oot Kovan's bed chambers. A satisfied chuckle announced Nieme's successful search. "Let's go. Talara...you know what you have to do."

"I know, my Mistress," Talara said as she edged forward, ready to help make

Nieme and Dani the most powerful people on the entire planet. "I will be the distraction so that you can get inside. Then, once I elude the guards, I'm to meet you in the throne room."

"Where you shall witness our crowning glory." She smirked. "Literally." With a snap of her fingers, Talara scampered on her way. They watched her go for a moment, then Nieme clasped her lover's hand and squeezed it. "If all goes well, we'll be Empresses."

Dani took in a deep breath and let it out. "Oh, I do like the sound of that," she said. "And, tomorrow, we start bringing the people of this lovely little planet to their knees, so that they may kiss our feet and pay us homage."

Nieme giggled. "My thoughts exactly." Then she took the plunge with her lover and stepped off the building's edge.

---

"Taken"
By: Dani
Nieme Yaresh
Talara Sorenne
Zari Zathmir
Ferrig Mullerin
Oot Kovan

Location: Arcadia, Tae'Karada
Date: Vadris 6, 4 ABY

***

She could feel him, sliding in and out of her as her own voice cried out with delirious pleasure. It had been going on since they'd arrived at this place, though she did not know where it was. At first, she had thought she was with Cole, at least until he'd whispered in her ear and she knew it was Ferrig. She could not fight him, and a part of her did not even want to.

It seemed to go on forever. With him inside her, her taking him into her mouth. On and on it went, and by the end, she was crying. For as good as it felt, for as nice as Ferrig was, he wasn't Cole. Zari wanted Cole, kept hoping the door would burst open and he would come in to save her. She knew he couldn't save her from Nieme and Dani, but from Ferrig? She knew he could. But, how would he ever find her, not now.

The orgasms came in a rush, and when he was done, Zari curled into a ball and cried. Nothing he could do would break her out of it. She just wanted to be safe and home.

***

"To the left," Dani whispered. "It's a clear spot." Talara's distraction out front would give them the opportunity to get inside. As long as the Jedi stayed away, they would soon be exactly where they desired. Nothing could go wrong now. "Ready?"

Nieme smiled ferally and kept one hand on her lightsaber. "I have been forever." She caught Dani's lips in a greedy kiss, then giggled and shot forward into the courtyard. Surveillance devices fizzled and popped as Nieme and Dani used the Force to affect the electronic machinery. With the guards occupied by a very nude Talara, and no way to see what was occurring via cameras, Dani and Nieme moved with ease.

When they reached the large doorway that would give them admittance into the palace, Dani ignited her blade and plunged it into the door. The doors had been constructed to withstand a barrage of blaster fire, but there was little it could do against a lightsaber. It was, however, slow going. As she continued cutting through the door, Dani grinned at her lover. "We'll need to replace this once we kick that tentacled freak out."

"Durasteel is so drab anyway," she quipped, and when Dani's blade had carved a near perfect circle out of the door, Nieme flicked her forefinger at it, directing a pulse of Force energy from its tip. She giggled as the hunk of metal flittered inwards and crashed to the ground. They ducked through the opening and were down the corridor at a brisk run before it skittered to a screeching halt. Talara! Nieme hollered in her mind. You're needed. Finish up!

Though Talara was talented with the Force, she did not have the skills yet to send back messages. What Nieme did receive, however, was the mental image of her acknowledgement.

"Great Hall is through there," Dani said, pointing. "If Oot Kovan is still up, she'll be up in the eastern wing."

"Right," Nieme nodded and clasped her lightsaber into her hand. She left it deactivated after noting the current lack of resistance.

Sentry droids were making their rounds of the corridors, but paid no mind to Nieme and Dani; without the command to attack sent from the central computer, they wouldn't register them as threats, and until their presence was noted by a humanoid security officer, that command would never come. Nieme didn't doubt, however, that Oot Kovan had far more intelligent droids guarding her personally, and then the fun would begin.

As Dani and Nieme continued further, the sound of bare feet on tile could be heard coming up from behind them. A glance back revealed Talara hustling to reach them, a look of excitement brimming on her face. "They were very distracted," she whispered with a grin.

Nieme smiled appraisingly. "I can imagine, my dear. Now go on ahead of us. If you encounter anyone else requiring...distraction, you know what to do."

Talara grinned, showing that she knew exactly what to do, and then she skipped on forward to make sure there would be nothing to stop Nieme and Dani from taking over.

"She does have a very cute ass," Dani said with a smile. "If she does well in this, I hope to reward her later."

"Even if she doesn't," Nieme pointed out, "I'll still do so." She giggled and turned down the next corridor, the one that would hopefully lead them to Oot Kovan, soon-to-be deposed High Regent.

As expected, there was a larger contingent of security surrounding Kovan's likely location, except the guards consisted of humanoid soldiers in black armour, not the easily dispensed droids she was hoping for. Nieme frowned. "Well...at least we might be able to make them slaves."

"Oh, I like the sound of that," Dani said. "Though, all that restrictive armour will have to go. Once we take this place, we'll need to get our own soldiers in here so those meddlers don't try to take it back from us." She readied her weapon. "Go ahead, Talara. Go show all those men what you have."

Not needing any more encouragement, the young girl started forward, moving her body sinuously to entice the soldiers. For a moment, it looked like it'd worked marvelously. All of them looked, and Dani knew that within their armour their mouths were gaping. She wondered if the groinal area of their armour was getting a little tight as well. She could sense one of the guards having difficulty as Tala moved over to him and ran a hand over his chest. Her moves were very dance-like, and she had them enraptured. But, both Dani and Nieme knew it wouldn't last long. "Come, my love, before they start fighting over her. They'll all get their turns...we just have to make sure they understand that."

And just as Dani completed her statement, nearly all of the soldiers looked away from Talara in unison and began advancing towards Nieme and Dani. Those remaining sought to apprehend the naked girl. Nieme's eyes widened briefly. "That was too quick..."

"Far too quick," Dani answered. "She'd distract me for longer than that. I think this is about to get fun." She brought up her lightsaber and ignited it. "There may not be much left of them after all."

"We must try to salvage what we can," Nieme reminded her and activated her own weapon. Sharing a fierce smile with her lover, Nieme said, "See you at the end, my love."

With that, both young women charged into the fray, protecting themselves, Talara, and trying not to injure the soldiers too badly. As the fight continued, the door that the guards had been guarding whooshed open to reveal Oot Kovan in a nightgown. She took one look at what was going on and then called out to those in the fray, trying desperately to put an end to the fight before too many died here. Then she saw who it was the soldiers were defending her from, and an icy fear gripped her. This was going to get very bad.

"Hello, Twi'lek!" Nieme hollered. She growled as her blade slashed across the breastplate of one soldier, cutting through it but only nicking the flesh beneath. It was enough to send him staggering backwards. Her grin was vicious, and each guard she subdued brought her a step closer to Oot. "I do love that dress, High Regent. Your curves" --she gritted her teeth and knocked another soldier in the jaw with the butt of her hilt-- "are especially sumptuous."

"You will leave this place at once," Oot hissed, "or I will have the authorities notified. The Jedi will be here, and they will stop you. Go now, and you are free."

"The Jedi?" Nieme cackled. She hopped back to avoid a blow from one gauntleted fist, and instead of severing the hand to keep her potential slave intact, she issued a solid wave of Force essence at him. He clattered against the wall, leaving a fissure in its surface. "The Jedi," Nieme continued without barely missing a beat, "could hardly escape with their lives the last time they encountered us. Surrender!"

"Never," Oot called back, and stepped back into her room. She tapped the control, and the door began closing.

"How very coy," Dani called. "She wants us to chase her."

"I believe she does," Nieme mused.

Hungry for a taste of the Twi'lek, Nieme parted a knot of guards with a gesture and dashed through the path cleared as their bodies sailed to either side. With enhanced speed, she managed to reach the door before it sealed and drove her blade through the tiny crack. "Open up," Nieme sang, peering through the opening and grinning. "I won't hurt you...much."

From within the room, Oot screamed. She had to get away, get free from these two and contact the Jedi. She knew if she stayed here longer, terrible things would happen. But, trapped in her room, she had no where to go.

"Okay, okay," Nieme teased, "you don't have to beg me." Her low chuckles were lost amid the shrill hiss of her lightsaber and the creaking of metal as her blade was angled forward. Using the doorframe for leverage and channeling strength from the Force into her weapon, she slowly managed to push the door wider. The door activator's servos crackled and sparks showered from them, until the door gave and slid open. Standing in the doorway and grinning darkly, Nieme saluted Oot. "A pleasure...or at least it will be." Then, she stepped through.

Oot screamed again, though she knew that the one she knew would protect her wouldn't be able to hear. Kambra had gone to the Drogen Shipyards for a meeting with the New Republic Security Advisor. He would take this very poorly when he found out. She could only hope he didn't blame himself. And, Oot Kovan wasn't going to go down without a fight. She hefted the lamp from beside the bed and brandished it as a weapon.

This earned a delighted laugh from Nieme, who made quick work of the lamp with a wave of her hand. It shattered against the wall, and as Oot's eyes darted quickly to follow it, Nieme launched herself at the Twi'lek. Tackled onto the bed, Nieme held her lightsaber across Oot's throat, casting a sinister purple glow upon her face that created twisted shadows of her features. "This is what you were bred for, Twi'lek," Nieme whispered as one hand smoothed over Oot's chest. "Don't play modest with me."

"Leave me alone," Oot rasped, though she dared not move. "Please...just go."

"I'm afraid we can't do that," Nieme pouted. "This palace is ours now...as is Tae'Karada." She smiled serenely as her fingers brushed against the tops of Oot's breasts. "You see, Dani and I have been waiting a long time for this. You don't really expect us to give it all up now, do you?"

Oot couldn't help a gasp as Nieme's fingers found a particularly sensitive spot. "They won't let you," she said. "Just like with Tarkin. They'll fight you. How can you win?"

She giggled and pushed herself upright atop Oot, straddling her shapely hips as she sat tall, proudly. "Because, dear Twi'lek, we have the Force on our side." With a deft, precise motion of her lightsaber, Nieme dragged the tip down the front of Oot's nightgown, splitting the material in two and exposing both pink, heaving breasts. Nieme chuckled throatily. "Now...do you submit?"

"What will become of my people if I do," Oot rasped as Nieme grasped one of her breasts with a free hand.

"They will serve us, of course," she answered and lowered her lips to Oot's chin. "Just as you will...."

As Nieme's teeth dragged over her flesh, the touch sent a warm rush through her body. Oot knew she had no hope, no choice. "So we'll just be your slaves, and made to satisfy whatever cravings you have. What difference does it make if I submit or not? You'll just take what you want anyway."

"If you submit," Nieme purred as her hand slid to Oot's belly, "there won't be any pain."

That was all she could ask for. If she submitted, they wouldn't be harmed. If she did, it would mean that those in the palace would be the subject of abuse, and she couldn't subject them to that. "Then I submit," Oot whispered.

She chuckled. "A wise choice, Twi'lek." After a kiss placed on Oot's trembling lips, Nieme rolled off her and landed upright with feet on the ground. "Now," she said, aiming the tip of her lightsaber at Oot's forehead, "get up and call your people off."

Oot was ready to cry, but she managed to keep her composure as she pulled the tatters of her nightgown together to cover her nakedness. With a glance back at Nieme, she started toward the door.

"No surprises," Nieme warned as she followed behind. "I would certainly like a taste of you, but if you anger me, I won't scruple to kill you."

Oot stepped through the door where the fighting was still going on. "Alright," she called out, her voice ringing down the corridor. "The fighting will stop. For the sake of ending the bloodshed, we are surrendering. We will cooperate fully to the demands of our captors and remain their prisoners." She glanced back to Nieme. "Good enough?"

She smirked. "Now, we're going to the control room so you can announce it to the rest of your garrison. Agreed?"

"Of course," Oot said. She nodded gravely, gave a few quick orders to the troops in the corridor, then started off to the control room to surrender the whole palace to Nieme and Dani.

As Nieme steered the Twi'lek away, she smiled triumphantly at her lover. Victory and conquest was finally theirs.

***

Zari Zathmir watched out of the window overlooking the courtyard. Nieme and Dani where getting ready to address the people. They had Oot with them, and she couldn't help feeling sorry for the Twi'lek woman, especially considering the costume they'd given her. She looked behind her where Talara and Ferrig stood in each other's arms. She wanted to cry.

As Dani and Nieme stood together with Oot Kovan between them, Dani smiled at the Twi'lek. "You won't cause problems?"

"No problems," Oot said softly, defeat clear in her voice. "I will cause you no problems."

"Good." Nieme shoved the alien forward, the separated pleats of her leather skirt swinging as she stumbled towards the holoprojector. There was nothing beneath to prevent exposure of her bare thighs and crotch; the slave brand was there for all to see, as were Oot's breasts under the sheer fabric draped over her torso. "Now, present us to the world...and don't forget the appropriate honourifics."

She had never felt so exposed, so vulnerable, not even as a dancing slave. But, now here were Nieme and Dani, dressing her in barely anything that left her body almost bare for all to see. Both Nieme and Dani seemed to take great joy from reaching beneath the pleats of her skirt.

"People of Tae'Karada," she said before the projector, "I bring to you today, news of change. In these times, change is inevitable, and after the fall of the Empire, Tae'Karada has been in transition. Now, I present to you the new rulers of the planet. They seek obedience and peace, and those who support them will receive great rewards. Those who oppose will be punished harshly. I give you your new leaders. Empress Nieme and Empress Dani, the sovereign rulers of Tae'Karada." She bowed low and stepped out of the way for Nieme and Dani to take their places before the camera.

They still wore their black cloaks, but had borrowed two of Oot's finest dresses for their first appearance to the world of Tae'Karada. Their lightsabers remained in plain sight. "This, people of Tae'Karada, is the beginning of a new era," Nieme announced. "For so long you have suffered under the oppression of High Princes who hadn't what it took to lead this planet to glory. Then the New Republic conspired with the Jedi of this planet to place this pathetic creature" --she gestured to Oot in all her defeat-- "to oversee the well-being of Tae'Karada. And through it all, were your best interests in mind?" She snorted disdainfully. "Of course not."

"We," Dani called out, "as your new Empresses, will see to your needs. We understand that people just want to live their lives without meddlers interfering, and that's what you shall have. Provided the proper tributes are made, and the appropriate respect is shown, your lives shall be your own. And, as your leaders, it is our solemn vow to see that you live the lives you deserve."

"With much sex included," Nieme added, then giggled. "Oh, and if you pesky Jedi are thinking of trying anything" --she extended a hand and clenched it into a fist, causing Oot to fall to her knees with a gag-- "we'll have to be naughty."

With a flick of her wrist, Dani shut off the holoprojector. "Oh, very good, Oot," she said. "I think you deserve a reward for that."

Nieme grinned. "As do I." She cut her eyes to Ferrig and Talara. "Take her to your room. Loosen her up for us."

"Oh, with pleasure," Talara purred. "Would you like for us to bring Zari along too? I'm certain she could help us."

The young girl was still peering out the window when Nieme turned to appraise her. Even from that distance, she appeared to tremble. Nieme chuckled. "No...leave her to us. I have some questions for our girl."

Talara grinned and slipped an arm into Ferrig's. "Of course," she said. "Come on, Ferrig, let's go get Oot all ready for her new mistresses." Without a word, they went off together, taking Oot along with them. With a grin, Ferrig slipped one hand under Oot's skirt as they disappeared through the door.

"Zari!" Nieme snapped her fingers at the girl as she and Dani moved to Oot's high-backed, plush chair. Nieme sank down into it and pulled Dani onto her lap. "Come here and visit with us. We haven't had much time to catch up," she purred.

As Dani sprawled in Nieme's lap, Zari approached slowly and sheepishly. The fear in her eyes was more than evident, but she knew she had more to fear if she didn't obey. She stopped before the throne, head bowed.

"What's this then?" Nieme clucked her tongue. "Are you afraid of us, Zari? I thought we were friends."

At first, Zari was only able to stammer the beginning of a reply, then finally managed to sputter, "I don't want to be hurt."

Nieme feigned insult, then reached out for her hand. "Why would we hurt you? It's not your fault those intrusive Jedi stole you away from us." Then, she smiled darkly. "Unless you wished to go with them."

"You hurt me last time," Zari whispered. "You made me bleed. It hurt very much."

"But I promised to be gentle," Nieme told her softly. "Don't you like us?"

Zari took a couple steps closer, and then reached out to put her hand into Nieme's. "I like you," she said in a shaky voice. "Sometimes...I get afraid though."

Nieme chuckled and tugged Zari forward with a single jerk. "Well," she confided, peering into the girl's wide eyes, "you should be."

Zari couldn't help cowering, even as Dani's hand trailed up and down her hip. "I'll be good," she whispered. "I'll do whatever you want...just...just please don't hurt me again."

"Then stop whining and go practice on some of our newest acquisitions," Nieme snapped and stopped her swinging hand before it could connect with Zari's cheek.

Zari scampered away, but stopped a few meters from where Nieme and Dani reclined together. "You want me to...to have sex with them?"

Dani smiled. "Yes, love," she said. "Actually, with all of them. We're going to conduct a poll of all our new slaves later, and any who say they were not pleasured and pleased by you will earn you fifty lashes. And, tomorrow, Tala will find us a place to get you some modifications to make you even more potent as a lover." To emphasize, she drew her hand over her crotch, stopping to slide the fabric aside to reveal the twin rings to their young slave. "You will be perfect, my pet. Now go...there are a lot of slaves for you to get to."

As Zari stumbled away, Nieme giggled and added her own hand to where Dani's still rested. "Being rulers has its benefits, doesn't it, my flower?"

"Oh, it certainly does," Dani whispered. "And, you can just keep doing that if you'd like. You have beautiful hands, my star."

"I know," she murmured against her lover's ear. After delivering a gentle nip to its lobe, Nieme chuckled and pulled back. "But...there isn't time for play yet. We have to make sure this palace is secured. The Jedi will no doubt come calling soon."

Dani sneered. "They'd better not ruin our fun this time," she said. "And, if they stop us from decorating our Zari tomorrow, I will be very upset. I want her to have a ring just like yours." For emphasis, she reached over and caressed between Nieme's thighs. "She'll be perfect."

"No," Nieme sighed, leaning her head forward to kiss Dani's bare shoulder. "She's a liability, my love. If she doesn't stop resisting...we'll have to send her back to the Jedi short one head."

"She'll stop resisting," Dani said. "I'll make sure of it personally. We just give her time, and stop tormenting her. Now, let's go get this place defensible. The Jedi will arrive soon no doubt. We'll need to be ready to push them back. I think the shield will be useful."

"As do I," Nieme agreed, patting Dani's rear to encourage her to rise. "Perhaps a modulating frequency? That would make it difficult to penetrate." She chuckled and trapped Dani in an embrace as they both stood before their throne. "But," she breathed, brushing her lips against Dani's and gently thrusting her hips forward, "I do so love penetration...."

"Oh, so do I," Dani cooed. "And, tonight, if all goes well, I want to try that new FleshMorpher. Some real penetration for you."

Nieme snickered as she twirled away with Dani in her arms. Dark as their intentions were, it could not be denied they had found the beginnings of true happiness in the palace...even if it was at the expense of an entire planet.

---

"Padawan Friendship"
by Aurra Sgall
and Vaya Bek

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 6, 4 ABY

***

Aurra was sitting down on the center of the room with her legs crossed. She had her lightsaber resting by her side, along with a small metal box, and her hands resting on her knees. With long and concentrated breaths, she was meditating. She had found it one of the best ways to relax and to gain an insight on recent events.

When she was done, and after having felt in touch with the whole of the Temple and herself, she opened her eyes and picked up her lightsaber. She opened the box and took two training remotes from within it. Igniting her lightsaber made the training drones come to life, as they began to circle her.

She moved fast and just a second before the first shot came, blocking it in perfection. The second drone then shot from behind, and Aurra didn't even have to look behind her shoulder to block it. She merely placed her blade alongside her back, deviating it. But the drones were set high, and with her front open there came one more shot from the first drone. Aurra had to step back while circling her blade to catch that one, and then leaped to the side to catch a more defensive stance.

The drones circled each other and moved around her. She breathed deep and moved her lightsaber. First to the left and then to the right, and going into a rampart of circling movements and sending each bolt away from her. The drones seemed to increase their speed, but so did Aurra. About five minutes later she was getting very tired and safeguarded her weapon. And as soon as she did so, the drones shut themselves off.

Aurra placed her lightsaber on her belt and picked up a small towel she had lying on the ground, wiping her forehead from its sweat. It was then that she noticed Vaya standing at the door.

"Hey, Vaya!" Aurra smiled. "Good morning."

"Good morning, Aurra," Vaya replied with a smile. "I hope I wasn't distracting your training, I couldn't help but to notice, very impressive."

"Thanks!" Aurra said as she bowed her head slightly. She placed the towel over her shoulder and picked up the drones to place them back in the box. "So, what are you up to this morning?"

"Here let me help you with those," Vaya offered. "Nothing much really, I was going to meditate for a time and work on some training, but I'm way-open for suggestions," she said with an inviting grin. "Have you seen Talara around? I haven't seen her since I was in with the Council the day before."

"Actually, now that you mention it, no I haven't," the blue twi'lek girl replied. "But we can still practice together if you want. I have the day off so I was going for a run in the woods and perhaps to the lake. Maybe you'd like to come along? We can even practice some lightsaber duels near the lake," she offered with a smile.

"That would be great, Aurra, I love to go for a run now and then. Of course the last time I was in the woods I cracked my head!" Vaya joked. "I would like very much to practice with the sabers with you, I have a training saber, I don't dare use a real one just yet, though I have one from a friend before I came to Chimaeria."

Aurra smiled gently. "Yes, we can use training sabers so we don't hurt ourselves. Normally I use them when I practice against Master Kal'Aran also. Do you need to get anything before we go? A towel perhaps?"

"Yes, let me grab one," Vaya said. She got one from within the room.

***

About an hour and a half later the two girls reached the lake. Its waters were cold, but then swimming was not why they had come here. The scenery was beautiful and there was a small cascade of water that came down, making the flow of the water the only permanent sound that seemed to mingle perfectly with the sound of all the wild life that spread around.

Aurra breathed deep and took a sip of water from a canteen she had with her. She then offered it to Vaya for her to drink.

"So, have you had any good lightsaber training?" she asked her new friend.

Vaya took a drink of the water and smiled her appreciation to the other Padawan.

"I believe I have had some good training, yes," Vaya replied. "I'm sure I have much to learn. Master Vorrel decapitated me yesterday afternoon!" she laughed. "Practice makes perfect I have heard," she said as she withdrew her training saber and thumbed it to life.

The snap-hiss of the lightsaber was simultaneous with the violet blade's extension from the hilt. Vaya gave the blade a bit of a twirl in her hand, took a battle stance and grinned at her opponent.

"On-guard!" she exclaimed with a smile, offering a duel with her fellow student of the Force.

Aurra grinned and extended her arm to the side. On her sheer will, the training saber she had tied to her waist jumped into her hands. Igniting it, a yellowish blade hissed and extended itself. Aurra twirled the blade in a cross and once more to her right side with a circular motion.

"Ready when you are..." she smiled as she met Vaya's blade with her own.

Violet and yellow hued blades clashed with the thrum of energy and the crackling of the two blades meeting. Vaya spun her saber around the other girl's blade, forcing it to the left as she spun around with her body to attack. Her blade was met with the clashing of Aurra's again.

Vaya had often lost herself in her imaginative lives when she was younger, when she was in service to Moff Fairevax. With her skills of mimicry, Vaya often pretended she was someone else, from somewhere else, living a different life. She would wander the promenades of Cloud City and talk to strangers and shopkeepers, using a voice and dialect that was not her own. It was her way of dealing with the stresses of such a terrible life, an escape from reality. When she had learned that she was Force sensitive, Vaya had often imagined herself a great Jedi, like the ones from the Old Republic. She spent many hours day-dreaming that she was a valiant warrior of the Force, fighting for the rights of others against those who would do them harm. As she mock-battled with Aurra, she felt her dreams coming true, in a sense. Vaya was no longer that child, and though she had a long way to go before ever becoming a true Jedi Knight. Vaya felt more alive, centered, focused and felt herself with a purpose when she was training in the ways of the Force.

Master Vorrel had told her that her apparent confidence may, or may not, prove to be a hindrance in her progression towards knighthood. Vaya took the comment to heart, though deep down she felt that she would never succumb to such arrogance. She had known too much humility and submission in her life to ever think herself so above other beings, and that her rare gifts through the Force were her salvation from that awful life. She simply felt that she had to be confident that she could learn, apply and accomplish all that was set before her.

Vaya and Aurra continued their dance with the sabers, parrying and thrusting, spinning and lunging. On the attack, on the defensive, back and forth, both girls showing their skills and utilizing the lessons they had been taught.

She is very good, Vaya thought to herself, feeling no shame in her own skill nor any jealousy at the other's.

Aurra grinned as she parried Vaya's lightsaber, while stepping off to gain a better stance every now and then. She is good, for someone without much time on training... she told herself. Better take this up another level!

With that thought, Aurra moved from defense to offense and moved faster, although with the same precision she was already using. She spun her training saber and in the last second clashed it against Vaya's. The blue skinned twi'lek girl pushed her friend's blade to the side and quickly pushed her back with her foot.

With Vaya now a bit further away, she ran towards her and leaped over her in a somersault, twisting in mid air to strike down on her. Of course she would never come down too hard as this was merely a game...

Vaya threw herself to the ground, rolled on her shoulder and spun around to meet the blue skinned Twi'lek who had vaulted to the air above and behind her. With one knee on the ground she took a defensive posture and brought her saber up as if to block, but instead disengaged the blade, followed through with her motion and attempted to kick the girl's feet out from under her.

Aurra simply had to raise her first foot to dodge from Vaya's attempt to sweep her feet, but took a step back as well. She used the momentum from Vaya to pull the lightsaber from Vaya's hand, since it wasn't too well gripped. Now with two lightsabers in hand, Aurra looked at Vaya with a smile.

"You should be more careful. I now have your weapon and mine..." she said. "And although that does not mean certain victory, it certainly gives me a very big advantage. Do you yield?"

Vaya slumped to the ground in defeat, a look of surprise and a playful pout about her mouth.

"Aurra one," Vaya said. "And Vaya zero. I yield...this time!" she said with a smile. "Nice move, by the way."

Aurra safeguarded both training sabers and tossed one at Vaya. "Thanks!" she smiled. "It took me quite a while to perfect my lightsaber skills, but Master Kal'Aran says I'm getting better by the day. But I still feel I have much to learn, as I'm not even close to some skills I've seen with Kael Selrid or Master Quinlan Vos," she admitted. "But you're pretty good as well! To be honest, I didn't think you would be this good."

Vaya caught the training saber and nodded in acknowledgement. "Thanks, Aurra," she smiled with appreciation. "You will undoubtedly become very apt in the skills of the lightsaber. Myself, I have just trained hard. When I was first taken in to be trained, it was a whole new life, not that my life before was gratifying. I have just dedicated myself to learning and improving on the skills I have been taught."

Vaya looked around for a moment and took the scenery in. It had been a pretty good morning; she had enjoyed the run and enjoyed dueling with her friend. Vaya had an ethereal sense that she and Aurra were to be life long friends. She remembered stories from the Old Order of Jedi, how Padawans grew up and trained together, formed life-long bonds of trust and friendship. Vaya never had a real friend before, she was quite pleased to have one now.

"Well, Master Vorrel had said she had wanted to get with me to go over a training schedule," Vaya said. "I ought to get back and find her in case she is looking for me. Are you coming back to the Temple, Aurra?"

"Yes," Aurra nodded with a smile. She had hoped for a friend such as Vaya, as she and Talara never got too close as friends. And besides her there had been Nieme and Dani who seemed more enemies than friends now, and Daemor'rah who had left the Temple, which left Aurra with no one else but Taran. But Vaya reminded Aurra very much of herself. They seemed quite similar in character. "I'm glad you stayed with us. Perhaps we can practice together more times!" she smiled as she started to walk back to the Temple with Vaya at her side.

Vaya smiled. "I am glad I was able to stay as well, and to meet you, Aurra. I would be most pleased to train with you more, or just hang out and talk or whatever."

Aurra smiled with a nod to her new friend. It really felt great to have more Padawans to share things with. It was curious, but it seemed that since Dani and Nieme had left the Temple that most Padawans came in and out of the Temple. And then there were the lone ones, like Cole. Even Talara seemed to disappear now and then, which made Aurra wonder. But Vaya seemed a different type of Padawan. More serious, more focused. A bit like Taran and herself. And that made her smile.

---

"Found, Part 1"
by Zion "The Worm" Xandler
Raeila Selrid
Kael Selrid
and Laedra Vorrel

Location: New Plouton
Date: Vadris 6, 4 ABY

***

Zion was already up, while Raeila was still sleeping. He had ordered breakfast by one of the best catering companies in New Plouton. Probably one of the best he had ever seen, really. The table was set with a wide selection of the best natural fresh juices, the best bread, jams, cold meat products, fruits, among other things.

Zion looked out the window of the tall building. It was winter, but the skies were still clear and blue. A nice winter weather, really. He took a sip of one of the fresh juices and thought to himself. Finally, he decided that it wasn't totally right and picked up his portable intercom. He knew that the Jedi at the Temple had a communication device on their computer, but Raeila was supposedly the one who knew how to operate it... But then again, how hard could it be for anyone to learn?!

He typed in a short message and sent it, telling the Jedi that Raeila was safe from Jadda the Hutt and was staying with him, and that he would bring her around to the Temple that same afternoon.

Not sure she'll be glad I did this... Zion told himself as he thought of the way Raeila would react.

"Working already?" Raeila, in a loose-fitting robe and unbound hair, was leaning in the doorway when he turned. Her smile was bright and the weary, sorrowful look from the previous night had all but vanished. She rubbed her left shin with her bare right foot, exposing a substantial length of thigh as the robe's flap fell away. "Is this a breakfast meeting, then?" she went on, then chuckled. "Am I invited?"

"You're the main guest!" Zion grinned as he passed on the table and picked up a plate with wild berries from Kashyyyk. "Try one of these. They're really very good!" he said as she took one. "I didn't know what to order, so I ordered almost everything, really..." he said as he walked back to the table and filled up a glass of juice for Raeila.

She gave a sound of delighted approval when one of the plump, red berries was crushed in her mouth. "I wish I could eat all of this," she mumbled around her mouthful. "Is breakfast always this extravagant around here?"

"Not as such, I'm afraid," Zion laughed. "But if you have the money, then catering and service is of no problem!" he smiled with a courteous bow. "I thought you'd like something different. Plus, we didn't eat much yesterday, so... I thought you would be hungry," he said.

"I am." She smiled at him softly. "Thanks. And thank you for tucking me into bed. It was far more comfortable than sleeping on that couch probably would've been."

"It was ok," Zion smiled. "But I do have something to tell you. I took the liberty of warning the Jedi just a few minutes ago that you were safe. And that you were with me. I'm not sure they know how to check on messages at the Temple, but maybe we should go there this afternoon..." Zion told Raeila. He then sighed at the whole idea. "I don't think it would be fair to let them worry about you now that everything is well. Especially...especially your husband, Kael."

Rae sighed and moved solemnly towards the nearest chair. "I should probably talk to them," she agreed. "But...I'm not even sure I'm ready for that."

"I'll go with you, and I'll be there for you if you need me. But it is the right thing to do," he said, even though he himself didn't like the idea of going very much.

"I know," she whispered and smiled at him as she reached out a hand. "But join me for breakfast, first? Then you can help me to work up courage enough to take that step."

"I wouldn't have it any other way!" Zion grinned as he sat down with Raeila and took some grapes from a plate, plucking them out one by one as he ate them along with his juice and some fresh bread.

Both looked up from the feast laid before them as the door chime sounded. Raeila looked to Zion apprehensively. "Are you expecting someone?"

"No. Not at all," he replied, somewhat surprised at the door chime. He got up and walked over to the door then pressed the intercom. The image appeared on a small screen. "It's Kael...and someone else," he said dumbfounded. He took a deep breath, and then decided to open the door. "Err... Hi, Kael. I assume you got my message. Didn't expect you to get here though."

"Thank you," Kael said with a smile. He gestured to the woman at his side. "This is Jedi Master Laedra Vorrel. She's been assisting me in trying to find Raeila. We received word this morning that she might be with you."

"Yes..." Zion mumbled. "But, how did you manage to find me here? In the message I sent I told you that I would come around to the Temple with Raeila today but I didn't say where we were..."

"I-I'm here," Raeila called from behind in a small voice. She was wringing her hands nervously.

Zion's question was completely forgotten at the sound of Raeila's voice. "Rae," Kael called with heart hammering in his chest. "Raeila?"

Her eyes were filled with apprehension as she stared across the hall at him. She shook her head slowly and stepped back. "I...I didn't expect to see you...."

Zion didn't really know how to react. But since they were here... "Yeah, why don't you come in?" he asked as he motioned for the two Jedi to enter.

"Thank you," Laedra said as she stepped inside and up to Zion. "Perhaps you could show me around this lovely apartment," she told him with a meaningful smile. "I'm sure Kael and Raeila will be alright alone."

Zion looked at Raeila for a second. He wasn't quite sure she wanted to be left alone. On the other hand, Kael was her husband and they did have things they had to sort out in their lives. Zion looked back at Laedra and nodded. "Sure..." he said, forcing a small grin. He passed Raeila and rubber her arm. "If you need me, just call," he whispered to her. He then turned back to Laedra and smiled at her. "This way. Let me begin by showing you the balcony. It connects to one of the bedrooms. Where we stand, is the living room, of course!" he smiled as he led her out of the way. Ultimately he also wanted to be left alone with this other Jedi Master, for he too had questions he wanted to ask.

Kael just watched Raeila for several long moments before he finally spoke. "You're looking well," he said, noting her new clothing and the new colour in her cheeks. He could tell that there were trying times before that. "I missed you so much, Rae. I...I could barely think straight without you near."

She smiled wanly and wrapped both arms around herself. "You missed me? Did you...did you miss Nieme, too, when she left?" Rae was surprised that the question had escaped, but still waited for his reply.

"No," Kael answered. "I didn't miss Nieme, and I don't miss Nieme. She's a menace and needs to be stopped before more innocent people are harmed...or worse."

Raeila bit her tongue, silently fuming, then blurted, "And that's why you slept with her on our wedding day?"

The look of surprise on Kael's face was that of a person who'd just been punched in the gut. "No," he finally said. "Anything that happened then between Nieme and I...it was because I was confused. There was so much happening, and...and I wasn't right in my mind. I didn't mean to hurt you...I didn't know what I was doing...but...but I ended it with her for good after that. She wouldn't take no for an answer, and I wasn't strong enough to resist then."

"Then why did you marry me?" she whispered. "And when did you plan on telling me?" Rae narrowed her eyes. "Or had you planned to at all?"

"I married you because I love you, Raeila," he said. "I married you because despite everything that's happened in my life, you're the one I think of first, who's in my dreams, and in my heart. I didn't say anything because after we were married, I just didn't think of it again. It was a part of my life, a part of my past, that I didn't want to think about again. I'm very sorry I hurt you, Raeila, but once I became your husband the doubts went away and I knew where my heart truly was. Since I took my vows, I have been faithful and I've never even desired to stray."

"Then why didn't you come for me!" she hollered, tears spilling from her eyes. "You don't know the things that have been done to me, Kael! And through it all, I thought of you, and why you weren't there for me!" Raeila sobbed. "Why weren't you there?" she whispered.

Kael closed his eyes, tears of the pain she was feel building there. "I tried," he said softly. "I tried to come for you, to get to you. They drove us away the first time. Oh Raeila, I tried to get to you, but...but I couldn't do it alone. Nieme and Dani, they have to be stopped...and...every turn, they were causing more trouble. The Jedi, we're spread so thin... For not rescuing you from that, I don't think I can even ask you to forgive me, Raeila. They were...I wasn't strong enough to get to you. I'm so sorry..."

"Did you try?" she asked. Her eyes implored him for some reply that would restore her faith in him. "Did you at least try?"

"Yes," Kael answered. "One time I did get inside. The others...the Hutt's security was too tight. I spent many nights there, just watching, looking for an opening. But...even if I got inside. I saw you...sometimes in the Hutt's palace...one time at the pod races. I could never get close enough though."

"Dargus Kandran did," she told him. Her eyes shone with bitter resentment. "He didn't have to fight through waves of soldiers, Kael. He just did it! No thought involved!" Raeila whimpered, and gripped the sleeves of her robe in trembling fists. "Zion saved me... everyone tried but you...." With renewed confidence, Raeila raised her chin high, yet could barely look at Kael. "He's taking me away for a while - a place where I can...I can recover. I should probably go with him..."

"At the time Dargus Kandran walked in there, everyone thought he was still dark. Zion doesn't run with the good guys, Rae, and he spends a lot of time around criminals. I'm a Jedi Knight. It sounds like you wanted me to sacrifice myself to get you out of there, to throw my life away. I couldn't just walk in, Rae, because of who I am. How did Dargus get you away, Raeila? What did Zion offer to get you free? And, what do you think I could have offered Jadda the Hutt to get you free?"

"I don't know, Kael," she whispered. Raeila sucked in a quivering breath, and exhaled a sob. "Everything with Nieme...then wasting away with that Hutt.... I dreamed about you, Kael...and you never came. I was so lonely, Kael...and all I could think was that you'd gone back to...to her and left me there to rot."

"I would never do that," Kael whispered. "I wouldn't leave you there. I didn't want to leave you there. But...but there was no deal I could make with the Hutt, nothing I can think of. I don't have any money, and...even with my training, I'm only one person. When Koran, Laedra and I came to rescue you...we couldn't stop them, not with Nieme and Dani there. I dreamed of you, I tried to get to you...but that slug had you too well protected...too guarded." He took a step toward her. "It was torture for me, to not be able to swoop in to rescue you. And, then Dargus just walks in and takes you away. And...and whatever Zion paid for your freedom. I couldn't match whatever they offered, Raeila. And...and now you think less of me. I'm no longer your hero, and...and you want to go off with another. I'm sorry I failed you, my love."

Any lingering hatred she had harboured for Kael was rapidly dispelled in the face of his sorrow. She realized, then, that it hadn't been hatred at all. It had only been fear that he had chosen Nieme over her, and had left her with Jadda to rot so they could finally be together. His grief made that nothing but a foolish notion. "Kael," she whispered. Her hand reached out to him and connected with his cheek, growing wet with tears. Raeila sobbed and rushed into his arms. "Thana, Kael! I missed you so badly!"

He hugged her so fiercely, for a moment he thought he might end up crushing her. He kissed her face, finally finding her lips. "Oh Thana, Rae," he rasped, "my life has been...it's been a nightmare without you in it. I'm so sorry, so very sorry I couldn't get to you...to save you." He found her lips and they kissed. "I'll make it up to you however I can. Maybe...maybe, if you still want to go...maybe Zion has an extra spot..."

"Maybe," she affirmed, breathing heavily against his lips and clinging to him desperately. "Kael...it was so horrible.... I just...I have to go, get away for a while. I-I have to forget."

Kael held her close, not wanting to let go, never wanting to let go again. "If you want me to," he said softly, "I'd like to come with you, to get away. I don't want to be away from you, Rae. I don't want to be away from you ever again."

Rae's smile had faded when she pulled back to look at Kael. "I...I want that...but what about Ferrig? Kael...where's Ferrig? Who's looking for him?"

Kael smiled. "He's at the Temple," he said. "We retrieved him Zari and Talara just the other day. They got away from Nieme and Dani and went to a friend of Zari's. I guess he's a good friend of Jae Dyn Brael's. He contacted her, and we went out to get them."

Rae beamed. "He is?" Laughing happily, she tightened her embrace and kissed Kael fervently on the cheek. "He's okay! I-I want to see him! Maybe...maybe they could come with us, too...if Zion would allow it."

"He's doing alright," Kael said with a grin, then kissed her. "As long as Zion's alright with it," he said, "I don't see why not. We'll just need to clear things with Master Laedra as well, since she's Talara's master."

"We'll worry about it later," she whispered, then lay her head upon his shoulder with a sigh. "I want to start over, Kael. I want all this to be just a horrible dream."

"Being away from here will give us the chance," he said softly. "We can start over together, and plan our new life. I don't know if we're quite ready, but...but do you want to...to try for a baby? Our family. It might be just the start we're looking for."

"A baby?" she breathed dreamily. "More than anything, Kael...but let's fix things, first. Though" --she smiled warmly-- "that shouldn't take long, maybe just a couple days locked in a room together?"

"I think that'll do it," he said with a warm, loving smile. "Things will be better from now on, Rae. I'll do everything I can to make them better. You want to go find Zion, and see if there's room for more on this trip?"

She nodded brightly and hastily kissed him once more before sliding out of his hold. "I won't be long," she promised. Caressing his cheek fondly, she declared, "I love you still, Kael Selrid. You'll never stop being my hero. I promise."

"And, you'll always be first in my heart, Raeila Selrid, from the day I vowed I was yours until the sands finally claim me."

Raeila giggled gently and rubbed the tip of her nose against his. "Always the romantic," she teased, then turned and scampered away, the train of her robe flaring out behind her.

Kael smiled, then started walking slowly in the direction she'd gone. As he moved, he couldn't help noticing the lightness he felt, the freedom from worry. The day had turned out much better than he'd hoped.

---

"Found, Part 2"
by Zion "The Worm" Xandler
Raeila Selrid
Kael Selrid
and Laedra Vorrel

Location: New Plouton
Date: Vadris 6, 4 ABY

***

"This truly is a lovely place you have, Mr. Xandler," Laedra commented once they'd reached a balcony on the second floor. She leaned over the railing, and smiled approval at the cityscape below. "You are a hard man to find, you know?"

"Yes... I always seem to be running around," he had admitted. "But, I'm curious, how did you find me?"

She smiled enigmatically. "I have my sources, Mr. Xandler, much as you have. I assume that is how you managed to procure Mrs. Raeila Selrid?"

"No..." Zion shook his head. "Actually that was just sheer dumb luck. But I was fortunate to get her out of the Hutt's lair and cease to be his slave, with the added bonus that he will not be coming after her any more!" he pointed out. "How long was she there? And why didn't you get her back?"

Laedra smiled serenely. "She was there a matter of weeks. Unfortunately, as Jedi, we must live by certain codes - ones prohibiting us from barging into the Hutt's palace and stripping him of his...prize. Rest assured, Mr. Xandler, that we had not planned on leaving her there."

"Well, even so, leaving her there seems a lot worse than to go through some disgusting life. And Hutts are always open for business," he argued. "You of all people should know that. But, in any case, she is safe now. Which leaves me but one question. About Kael... Was he always just with her? I hear he wasn't faithful as a husband," Zion commented.

Laedra turned her back to the balcony to regard Zion. "That is not my place to say, Mr. Xandler, and not your place to ask...unless you have more than a passing interest in the strength of their relationship." Watching him with an unreadable expression, she asked, "How long have you loved her?"

Zion frowned at first and waved a dismissive hand as he glanced at the sight they had from the balcony. He then sighed and let his eyes roll down to the ground for a second. "Since I found how special she was," he told Laedra. "But know that I did not save her so she could be mine. In fact, nothing happened between us. But I do care for her, and as a friend I would like to know just how much Kael loves her."

She seemed satisfied with the sincere answer, and turned again to join Zion in gazing past the balcony. "Only Kael and Raeila can answer that, I'm afraid. And more than anything, she does need a friend after all that has happened, Mr. Xandler. I hope you can truly be that for her."

"I always have been. And I always will be," Zion told the Jedi woman. It actually sounded more like a promise than anything else. "Actually, Raeila might very well be my only friend. I don't trust anyone, but I have found myself trusting her."

"And is that why you failed to inform us of her rescue?" Laedra asked pointedly.

"You've got it wrong, Jedi lady!" Zion laughed. "You see, first of all, I didn't plan her rescue because I didn't know she was there in the first place. That was an on-the-spot decision. So, I couldn't inform you of something I didn't know I was going to do," he pointed out as he pointed his hand at her. "And secondly, it only happened yesterday. I did, however, inform you today - actually only a few minutes ago - that she was safe and that I would be bringing her by the Temple. So don't give me sarcasm, because I did a heck of a lot more than you did, and certainly more than her own husband!" Zion told her rather loudly. It didn't really matter that he spoke loud because the windows were sound proof and they were shut anyway, so Kael and Raeila would never even notice it.

Laedra took his heated reply with a gentle smile and little else. "We do thank you for rescuing her, Mr. Xandler. Raeila does mean much to us. And, I do not sense any ill-intentions toward her on your part. But you must see that you stand in the way of her relationship with Kael. He is a Jedi, and feelings of jealousy can only lead him down a dangerous path. Even if you care nothing for Kael, you must see how that would affect Raeila."

"Oh, so your solution for his problem is that she ought to suffer and be kept inside a crystal glass case? Is that it?" Zion asked. "It certainly seems that she cannot have any friends, or at least that if she does, she has to consult you first... Consider this, Master Jedi, has Raeila been happy lately with Kael? Tell me, have you seen her laughing?"

"Again, Mr. Xandler, that can only be answered by Raeila and Kael. I am not informed about the details of their relationship. But if you truly are concerned, then you must decide whether to confront the matter or not." Laedra nodded her head towards the landscape and commented, "A beautiful view, truly. Though, it is often best to observe such visions from afar." She smiled meaningfully at Zion. "Don't you agree?"

"Yes, I see that no matter what I might say, you will simply hide under the rules that you yourself create. And you call that a better life?" he asked with a tone of sarcasm. "I may not battle around with lightsaber and dodge blaster shots all the time, but courage and honor cannot be gained by saying so. Fact, you didn't save Raeila and didn't have the guts to try. Fact, you think what's best for others without consulting them. Fact, you believe you can do whatever you feel is ok because you think it," he pointed out.

Zion then looked away and dismissed the scenery, even though it was a beautiful one. "I will promise you one thing. No one runs my life but me. And it's no secret that I don't like Kael. But it has nothing to do with wanting Raeila for myself. I'm probably not worthy of her, but neither is he! So, I leave the choice to her. If she wants to go, then I won't stop her. I have not spoken ill will of Kael to Raeila. Not this time at least. But you are not all powerful and not all knowing, and you cannot convice me that she will shed no more tears over his actions. So don't expect me to help them get together either... Now, is there any other thing you might be wanting? Otherwise, I think you three are ready to leave."

"Zion," Raeila whispered from behind them. Her expression was one of confusion bordering on sorrow. "What's going on here?"

Zion turned and looked directly into Raeila's eyes with a bit of a cold expression. "Nothing. Just having a chat with this Jedi woman here. Now, I have much to do, so I won't take your time," he said as he handed Raeila a small digital padd. "Here are two tickets for the resort on the Beaches of Spira. Everything's paid for, so you may go with your husband, Kael. Just make sure you don't forget to write," he told her as he made his way inside. "Cylo will see to your needs... Have a nice day!"

Raeila regarded the padd with increasing perplexity when coupled with Zion's reaction. Narrowing her eyes, her fist snapped closed around the device and swung back with her arm. "Jerk!" she shouted after him, then let the padd fly. It bounced off Zion's back, and clattered to the ground. Laedra stood back and watched, masking her surprise with neutrality.

Zion stopped and looked over his shoulder for a while. Though it might hurt him to have Raeila against him, there was no way he would step down from his decision on Raeila and Kael. "Cylo," he called out, making the digital woman appear. "Make sure Miss Raeila and her husband get all they need. Have her things sent over to wherever she desires. I will be leaving now, so I will see you later."

"Very well, Zion," Cylo nodded.

Rae did nothing to hide the pain in her eyes as she stared back at Zion.

"Raeila," Laedra said softly. She came up beside her and touched her shoulder lightly. "Come. Let us go."

But Raeila continued to peer at Zion until he finally retreated. Fending off tears, Raeila shrugged off Laedra's hand and dashed away, shouldering past Cylo. Zion moved hastily, for he was already gone when she reached the hallway. Laedra stayed on the balcony for a moment longer, sighing to herself. This was a triangle Kael could not afford to be tangled in. She required a long talk with the young Jedi Knight.

As Zion got out of the building he looked up. Once more it seemed that Raeila had chosen Kael, even in spite of him not being faithful and leaving her within the lair of a Hutt. "Shouldn't have left like that..." he mumbled to himself as he got on his swoop bike. He took his pair of sunglasses and placed them on, then turned on the bike. He then took a moment to grab what looked like a comm device and talked into it in a low tone, then speeding off down the street.

Above in the apartment, Cylo made her way towards Raeila. The digital woman seemed quite human in her movements, even being just a hologram. She looked at Raeila for a moment before talking. "I have received a message from Zion. He apologises for his departure, and wishes you to take that trip with your husband. He claims it is the wedding gift he promised but never delivered."

Raeila narrowed her eyes at the hologram and quickly swatted at the stray tears. "You can tell him I don't want anything more from him." She whirled away from Cylo and shouted as she bolted down the stairs, "Ever!"

"The message shall be delivered. And your clothes? Where shall I send them to?" Cylo asked, now looking at the Jedi who was still in the room.

"Incinerate them!" she hollered up at the hologram.

Laedra shrugged at Cylo.

Cylo bowed to the Jedi. "Is there anything you will be requiring? Transportation perhaps?" Cylo asked Laedra.

"Nothing, thank you," she answered. "But please do tell Mr. Xandler that he is making a grave error. This was not what I had in mind when I suggested admiring Raeila from a distance." And inclining her head at the hologram, Laedra departed to join Kael and Raeila.

"I will," Cylo promised. She watched the Jedi depart and had the door close behind them. She then turned to have the chores that were set out to her be done and the tickets collected from the floor and set on the table. Zion would not be pleased...

***

When they got outside, Kael put his arms around Raeila. "We'll still get away. I have some money saved up, we can find a planet and just get away from all this for a little bit. If that's what you want, Rae. I think we could both use a little time away from here."

"We can do that anywhere," she told him with a wan smile. "Maybe even a day in the desert or Arcadia..." Raeila stopped at the speeder and turned to face Kael. "I don't understand what happened," she whispered. "What did I do wrong?"

"I don't know," Kael said softly. "I don't know if it was because of us, or...or if it was something else. Perhaps, in time, whatever damage was done can be healed. In the meantime, how would you like to spend a week with me on Riga?"

Raeila sighed. "Let's just...go home now, Kael."

"I agree," Laedra concurred from within the speeder. "It is late."

Kael nodded. "Alright," he said, then opened the speeder hatch for her. Once she was settled into the speeder, he climbed in as well and indicated with a nod that Laedra could take them home. And as they sped away from Zion's home, Raeila couldn't help one last, longing gaze through the window for a friend lost.

---

"Matters of Security: Part 3"
By: Amii'a Val'or
& Cara Landross
With: Merk Krie
Sul Fhurr

Location: Gallor
Date: Vadris 6th, 4ABY

***

Amii'a and her team, led by Colonel Merk Krie, had left the village outside of Midgar and had returned to the Freedom's Venture hidden in the forest outside of the capital city. Kitanna had to be on her way to attend to the mounting troubles that were plaguing her world since the death of Gallor's leader. When they arrived, a new addition to the team had arrived, courtesy of Theen Fida, the New Republic Ambassador to Tae'Karada, and one of the leading members of the forming League of the Outer Rim; a social-political endeavor of corporate and political leaders throughout the Outer Rim who strived to act as a shadow government by which member worlds promoted greater economic and political freedoms and prosperities for their worlds, outside of the political red-tape and diplomatic maelstrom that plagued the young New Republic.

"Cara Landross I presume?" Amii'a asked, holding out her hand in greeting. Amii'a knew that Theen had some things in the works to help her, and to help the situation on Gallor, she had received his latest report just prior to leaving the village, in which he informed her of Cara's arrival.

Cara stood there looking at the woman. The data she'd received hadn't been specific, but she knew someone was going to meet her. She just looked at the woman's hand. "Yes, I am Cara."

Amii'a raised an eyebrow at the woman's callousness. "Well then, welcome aboard," she said. She continued to introduce the two leading members of the strike force, Merk and Sul.

"Well, here is the current data for the mission at hand," Amii'a explained as she walked towards her ship. "We are to rescue the Gallorian Councilors from a prison on this isle," Amii'a continued as she thumbed a device in her hand, and a holo of the prison on an island flickered to life upon the table that had been set up by the ship. The team had already began to unload supplies and equipment from the ship.

"We are going to have two teams," Merk spoke up from behind Cara as he joined the two women. "Both teams will go in by sea from opposite directions, here," he pointed at one side of the isle, "and here on this side. The first team will knock out the power generator, enabling the second team just enough time to enter the disposal tunnel within the cliff wall, under the sea undetected. The back up generator will turn on within minutes, it isn't a lot of time, but should be enough for the team to get inside and make their way into the complex."

"The second team will help draw attention to the far side of the isle and give us more time to enter into the complex," Amii'a further explained. "We have a ship in orbit, standing by with reinforcements of a sort, more like a diversion to keep the prison forces occupied while we infiltrate and knock out the back up generator before acquiring the imprisoned Councilors."

"That will be the easy part," Lt. Sul Fhurr spoke up. "The hard part is getting out. Prisoners will be loosed upon the facility, an added distraction and interference, however, they are hardened criminals, murderers and the like that would see us dead just as any other person that crosses their path. We will have civs in our charge, their well-being and freedom is our top priority. We will have to commandeer a shuttle from the landing pad there," he pointed to the holo.

Cara frowned. "I don't know what kind of information you had on me, but this isn't my kind of job. I'm a mercenary...and I don't come cheap. I'm good at what I do...and to tell you the truth, this isn't my usual cup of coffee. I can fight," she patted the weapons at her side, "I can pilot a ship...which explains the ship I came here on...but those 'civs' will be in your charge, their well-being and freedom is your top priority. My responsibility is to finish this task and get the credits owed to me."

She grabbed up a data-transceiver from her pouch and carried it over her shoulder. On it she had a number...the number meant the number of credits it would take for them to pay for her services. "This isn't negotiable. I want half before we start, the other half when we're done." The number: 1/2 a million credits.

Amii'a punched a few codes on her own data pad and showed the screen to the woman. "You will get your money, mercenary, if that is all you are concerned with. The creds are available for transfer," she said with a bit of disdain in her voice as she handed the data pad over. "Transfer your funds so that we may get on with this."

Cara pressed her thumb to the padd on the data pad, this to be able to transfer the funds she'd required. Once done she glanced at the holo imager, something she hadn't bothered with, much, during the entirety of the conversation. "So, you and your people get the 'civs', and I get the rest, sounds fair to me." She sounded a little smug...a little too smug apparently.

Amii'a didn't know where Theen got this woman from, she thought, or what he was even thinking, all she knew was she had better be every bit worth the creds they were forking over for this endeavor.

"Well, let us keep in mind then, Miss Landross," Amii'a replied with some smugness of her own. "That you are getting paid to fight, but the fight is for the safety and rescue of the civs."

Colonel Krie spoke up before the tension in the air outright exploded.

"Landross will be with Beta team, priority one: knock out the power generator and run interference with the security on that side of the island. Once the shields are down, deploy the cargo Theen had procured in your ship, Cara," he said looking directly at her, speaking of the small force of relic battle droids that had once been the feared armada of the long past Trade Federation.

Lt. Fhurr passed out several small devices to all the members. "These are friendly-beacons, much like a starfighter would have programmed in its weapons systems," he explained. "Just attach them to your headpieces, and the battle droids will recognise you as friendly, they are all auto-programmed and set to wreak hell on everyone and everything that does not have one of these babies on." He threw a few extra to Amii'a. "And don't forget to place them with the rescuees or they will be turned into bantha fodder."

"Alright then," Colonel Krie continued. "Alpha team is with me and Amii'a, infiltration into the complex, location and extraction of the civs. The sooner the power generator is out, the sooner we get in, the longer Beta team keeps their defenses occupied, the better odds we have of getting out with lesser obstructions."

He then tapped a remote control and two spherical objects rolled from the ramp of the Freedom's Venture.

"And that is where these two bad boys come in," Krie smiled as the spheres unraveled and a blue force-field shone around the droids armed with repeating blaster carbines for arms. "Droidekas!" he exclaimed. "Same programming as the battle droids, separately slaved though, of course. Their programming is minimal and basic at best, they are ancient junk, but will serve their purpose."

"Now wait one damned minute. I didn't agree to this. I help with the fight getting out or I don't help at all." She wasn't about to join in on this venture just to be sitting on the sidelines. "I wasn't told I'd be sitting on my ass waiting for those who were having all the fun to come back out."

"Well, we didn't want to bother you with having civs amongst us," Amii'a stated. "Cara will have point with Alpha team, then," she said, having waited for the woman's disagreement with assignment. After all, Amii'a thought to herself, she has a half-million worth of creds to earn.

"Your skills and experience are valued here, Cara," Amii'a said with more genuine friendliness to take the sting from her last words. "Else you would not have been contacted for this job. But let's remember one thing, this is as much a diplomatic mission as a tactical one, we need quick thinking and sharp shooting, but not a trigger-happy-hot-head. Peoples lives are at stake, your payment is as much in that respect as it is for your services as a warrior."

Always the diplomat, Amii'a hoped to get through to the woman. Her skills and help would be a value to the mission, but if she remained in the apparent cocky and loose-cannon type that Amii'a took her for, she would be a liability. Amii'a didn't know anything about the woman, but she trusted in Theen's judgement, and if this woman is what he had procured, even if he didn't actually know her, then so be it. Amii'a knew her type however, she wasn't the first that she had come across and had dealings with, their stories varied like the star systems, but one thing remained the same, they valued money, they valued their livelihood, and when in the thick of it all, they came through.

She smirked. "Oh nothing to worry about, I'll do the job, just that you now know that the civilians are your complete and total responsibility...you protect them, and I'll do what I can to get you out."

Colonel Kriev called out to the small encampment, "Alright people, lets move out!"

---

"Drawing the Line"
By: Talara Sorenne [NPC+]
Dani
Nieme Yaresh
Keeve Shivral
Jae Dyn Brael
Dargus Kandran
Yara Brael [NPC+]

Location: Palace of Arcadia, Arcadia; Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 6, 4 ABY

***

Talara lounged gracefully at the foot of the thrones occupied by Nieme and Dani. She'd changed into clothing, a set of curve-hugging leather that seemed to greatly accentuate her youthful figure. She wore no weapon since Nieme and Dani didn't trust her with one quite yet. She looked around and once again noticed that Ferrig, her lover and the love of her life, was not present. She'd have to reconsider the love of her life part if he continued to stay away, occupied in the large bed where Oot was still being kept. They had taken to each other, that was for certain. She'd spent some time watching them together, and couldn't deny how enticing and exciting their bodies looked as they writhed together. She'd even helped a little as she watched Ferrig disappearing inside Oot, his tanned body a contrast against her red skin.

She looked up at her mistresses as they whispered together. She smiled, knowing that this is where she wanted to be. Though, there was still a longing in the back of her mind and in her heart. Deep down, a part of her knew that this was wrong. But the louder voice, encouraged by Nieme and Dani's actions, won out.

She turned her attention to the corner where one of Nieme and Dani's personal guards, humans offered to them from the service of Jadda the Hutt for bringing Raeila back to him, leaned against the wall while Zari pleasured him. Even from this distance, she could tell that the smaller human girl wasn't enjoying herself, and kept up a constant battle against the pleasure that was constantly bestowed upon her. She noticed one of the palace guards, now loyal to Nieme and Dani, moving over without his armour, to join in the festivities.

Tala slid around until she was facing Nieme and Dani once again. "To look at her," she said, indicating Zari with a nod of her head, "you'd never know she was completely in love with Cole. Though, she is still resisting. Last night, one of the clones accidentally poked her in the eye when she wouldn't open up for him. I bet she imagines they're either Cole...or better, Keeve."

"She can imagine them as whomever she desires," Nieme replied, "as long as she doesn't pose any problems."

Sweeping aside the filmy, pink train of her robe, Nieme draped her right leg over her left. She was unclothed from head to bare toe beneath the sheer garment, and appeared completely at ease with the rose-coloured tips of both breasts and triangular patch of hair between her thighs plain for all to see. In fact, it amused her to taunt the clones with her feminine assets; while staring at her breasts, they had little choice but to obey her directives, especially when they paid no attention to what those were.

Smiling at her lover, Nieme stroked Dani's forearm as it lay atop her throne's armrest. Finally they were precisely where they wanted to be. "When do you think the Jedi will come calling?"

"Oh, I'm sure they'll be along soon enough," said Dani, her tone lazy and unconcerned. She, like Nieme, wore only a flimsy, transparent robe. Unlike Nieme, her breasts were tipped with dark purple nipples that were pierced with a silver ring and the patch of hair between her thighs was absent. Nakedness had been a part of her life since her birth and she felt as comfortable without a stitch as she did dressed similarly to Talara. She was beautiful, exotically and in every other way; it was a trait of her species, in addition to very powerful pheromones that could sway the senses of even the most stalwart.

"How do you know, Keeve?" she asked of Tala. He was the husband of the object of much desire for both herself and Nieme. Where he was, Maeren was undoubtedly present as well.

"He was at the apartment where Zeezee and I went when we escaped last time. They were both there, and Maeren's twin. He's very handsome, Keeve is, but he's so...sour."

Nieme chuckled richly. "I'm sure if we had him in our possession, we could sweeten him up. Do you think he would like to join Maeren here?"

"Oh, I'm quite certain he would," said Dani, her smile both sensuous and wicked at the same time. "Especially since Maeren will be with us here too. Oh, I'm intrigued now. I want to see him. I've never had the chance, but I hear he's quite something to see. Tala, dear, you did such a wonderful job finding that artist for Zari, perhaps you could lead us to them? And, perhaps, on the way to see them, we can get Zari decorated, and you can have another, too, since you've been so delightful."

Talara smiled up at her, then looked over to Nieme. There was a hunger in her eyes as she looked at them, then she nodded. "I'd be happy to," she said. "They're over in New Plouton."

Nieme frowned slightly with distaste. "My flower, I'm truly thinking we need to have that name changed."

"It is a dreadful name," said Dani. "And, we need to get rid of that organization in charge of so-called morality. I never have liked them. And, the decency laws? I believe they were much better in the time of the high princes...though, should apply to men and women. I would love to see more people in equadis and less."

"We have time to work on all that," Nieme assured her fellow empress. She sighed and smiled placidly. "We have all the time in the world..."

***

"I told you I didn't want her coming back here! She was safer with me than in a place full of useless Jedi!"

"I know that, Keeve," said Jae Dyn, trying to explain. "We were going to be leaving again. They grabbed Talara again as well, and Ferrig. We're trying to locate them, and we believe we know where they're being held. Getting them back won't be as easy, but we will get them back, Keeve. We believe they're being held in the palace in Arcadia. Nieme and Dani took over the place last night, then broadcast it across the planet. We will get them back, Keeve."

He whirled on her from where he had ended up across the room in his rampant pacing. "Get them back?" Keeve snorted. "At the pace these Jedi move, she'll be an old woman before that happens! If they'd taken care of those two witches beforehand, there would have been no threat! Instead, they were biding their time...and for what!?"

"There is still potential for good in them," Jae Dyn answered. "Especially in Dani. Masters Darr and Vorrel hope to be able to turn them back. Now...perhaps that's no longer possible. We will go, Keeve." She didn't want to tell him that the Jedi's primary concern was to gain back control of the planet. "We haven't heard from Oot since she introduced them. I'm certain she's not being treated kindly. Keeve, please, just go back to your apartment. I'll keep you informed. I'll get them back myself, if it comes down to it. Please, Keeve, Nieme and Dani are extremely dangerous; let us handle this."

"No," he snapped, and crossed both arms over his chest. His full lips were inverted in a stubborn pout and both eyebrows beetled together over his glaring blue eyes. "If there's a rescue effort, I'm going to be involved. I'm staying here and helping until Zari's back."

"Keeve," Kallia said softly, "you know I love you and don't want you getting hurt. Nieme and Dani will do anything, absolutely anything, to get what they want. They will hurt, torture, maim and kill. Please, don't try to get involved. I don't want them to hurt you...or worse, to take a fancy to you. The Jedi will handle this. Perhaps I can even convince Dargus to help."

Keeve's eyes shot wide. "What the hells are you talking about? He's dead, Kal...and I don't want to hear his name again, alright?"

"No," Kallia answered as she reached out a hand and forced it into his, "he's very much alive and he's here at the Temple. He's studying to become a Jedi, Keeve. If you'd like, I can take you to see him."

He laughed incredulously and jerked his hand away. "Are you out of your mind? He was killed, Kal! I know you probably love him still in some...twisted way...but he's dead and is better off that way. Now can we please go talk to these other Jedi?"

"If that's the case, Keeve, then there's a very convincing imposter sleeping in my bed with my daughter curled up against his chest, and she seems positively convinced that he's her daddy. Keeve, he is alive, and he's very different from who you remember."

His face paled and both eyes slowly travelled to the door sealing Kallia's bedroom. Dargus was dead - he was certain of it. But whether he was or not, there was someone in there with Yara. With a growl, Keeve pushed past Kal and stormed towards the door. "I can't believe you left Yara alone with a stranger!"

"Hardly a stranger," Kallia muttered, knowing that Keeve would have to encounter Dargus for himself before he'd understand.

The door was flung wide and banged opened against the wall before bouncing back into Keeve, who was frozen in the doorway. Yara had barely stirred from the brief clamor, but the man holding her was wide awake. Keeve stared at him with malice and instant hatred, even before he fully recognized it was Dargus himself. The face had been modified, but there was no mistaking who was looking through those eyes. Keeve's teeth clenched.

"You bastard," he rasped and launched himself forward to snatch Yara from his arms. She awoke with a start and a squall ripped from her throat, but Keeve held her tight to his chest. "Get out of here, Kandran. Now!"

"I'm afraid I can't do that," Dargus answered calmly. "I made a promise to a young woman, and I intend to keep it. I am here learning the ways of the Jedi. You may hold onto your anger with me, but I would prefer if you took time to realize that I'm not quite the person you remember. And, I believe that Kallia might not appreciate me leaving just yet."

"Keeve, you've always been stubborn," said Kallia. "Please, take a moment to look around. Would the Dargus you're angry at have just sat there when you did that?"

"If he wanted something, he would," Keeve answered coldly. "He's manipulating you, Kal..." Shaking his head, Keeve backed away from the bed and brushed his lips against the baby's brow to soothe her. "I won't let him near Yara. I won't."

"Keeve," Dargus said, standing up from the bed, "what will it take to convince you? I'm not what you think, not any longer."

Keeve smirked viciously. "The day Maeren stops trembling at the sound of your name is the day I'll stop thinking of you as a sadistic bastard."

"What can I do, Keeve? What will make you believe that I've changed? Name it."

Keeve was nearly out of the door when he stopped. The idea he had in mind was perfectly ironic, and would also prove the most fulfilling form of punishment for Dargus' sins. He grinned. "It would seem we have a little problem, one you helped to create." With slow, methodical steps forward, Keeve continued. "Dani and Nieme - you took them under your wing, and now look at them. They're menaces, and they have someone I care for." Halting at his bedside, Keeve peered down at Dargus with a cruel smile still on his lips. "Stop them...and I'll consider it."

Dargus nodded his consent. "Very well," he said. "I will bring the person you care for back. I will need details, of course, but I'll do it."

"You're not going alone," Kallia growled. "I'm going with you."

"No you're not!" Keeve and Dargus replied in unison. Keeve grumbled and glowered at Kandran. "Kallia's not going with you," he said with finality. "I am."

"Very well," Dargus said again, and gave a half-bow, half-nod to Keeve. "When would you like to leave?"

Dargus' ready agreement gave Keeve pause and roused his suspicions. What was he plotting? "I think, first, we need a plan," was his wary response. "Put some clothes on and meet me outside. Then we'll talk." And with a mild scowl at both he and Kallia, Keeve cradled Yara more possessively and departed.

"Get dressed and I'll see you out there," Kallia said to Dargus, then followed Keeve outside. "I know you have anger issues, Keeve. But, please at least have the courtesy to allow me to decide what is best for my child. For the first time in her life, she has her father, her real father. I love you, Keeve...after everything, I still love you, but Yara is happy when he's around now. Think about it. She's sensitive to the Force, and she can tell. I don't think she could hide from him."

"She's more my child than she'll ever be his," Keeve whispered harshly, though attempting to restrain himself. "I was her father for so long, Kal. I can give her more love than that monster ever could."

"I keep telling you, Keeve, he's not the monster you think he is. But of course, you're infallible, aren't you? You're perfect and could never possibly be wrong about anything. Therefore, no matter what I say, you know better."

"I do," he told her, smiling wryly. "I am perfect, Kal...because if you've forgotten he stole me from my mother and made me this way. He" --Keeve thrust a finger towards the bedroom or emphasis-- "stole my childhood. Whether he's changed or not, he has some debts to repay, and I refuse to let him achieve his redemption using Yara. I won't let another innocent become tainted by him."

"Even though I'm pregnant and as big as a bantha," Kallia said, "I can still take care of myself and my daughter. You don't trust me, do you?"

Before Keeve could reply, however, Dargus emerged from the bedroom. Yara squealed with delight at his appearance. "Dadei! Dadei!" Her little legs kicked frantically and her tiny fists waved in the air as she squirmed and wriggled with excitement.

Kallia gave Keeve a look. He could barely make eye contact now, aware that she might see his defeat. The little girl he had adopted as his own flesh and blood daughter was rejecting him and screaming for another. Yara refused to still and had nearly pushed free of his always affectionate embrace, but with his heart almost at its breaking point, Keeve pushed her into Kal's arms and let Yara go. His fingers brushed through her shock of thick, brown hair, but she was still transfixed only to Dargus. Keeve clenched and unclenched his jaw repeatedly to contain his devastation, then rushed past them with long-legged strides.

"Enjoy your family reunion," he said tightly and slammed the door behind him.

"Have some juice or something," she said hurriedly to Dargus, and rushed after Keeve, opening doors before her with the Force. She wasn't able to move as fast as she once had, but with the Force, she caught him before he could get completely away. "Keeve," she called. "Stop! Please! What about Zari? And...and what about me?"

"I'll take care of Zari!" he hollered back with a dismissive wave over his shoulder. "As for you...well, it seems you've got that part taken care of."

"Stop being a prat," she shouted after him. "Just because Dargus Kandran is no longer the rotten bastard he once was, you're going to turn away from me? Do you care for me that little? Keeve, I'm trying to help...don't push me away. Don't push me away like you do everyone."

"What does it matter?" he boomed. He spun to face her and his struggle for composure was obvious in the tight lines around his eyes and creasing his brow. "He walks back into your life and the next thing I know Yara's treating me like a stranger, you're turning to him for help, and I'm suddenly the little brat who doesn't know when to shut up!" Smiling wanly, Keeve said, "I may be stubborn, and I may impose when I'm not wanted, but I know when a fight's lost, Kal. It's just better if I focus my energies on saving Zari. At least I know she'll have a smile for me when I see her." He sighed. "Now, go on back inside. I need to think about my next move."

Kallia sighed, but didn't turn away. She could only watch him while she tried to figure out how to get him to not walk out of her life.

"Keebee," came the answer. "Mawah!"

Kal looked down at her daughter, whose large, brown eyes were watching Keeve intently. She seemed on the verge of crying by the look of her quivering bottom lip.

Keeve turned half away and stared at the wall before him, trying to resist looking at Yara again. Her gentle whimpers were wearing his resolve thin. He was determined to leave - hearing Yara call another 'father' would drive him mad. But never seeing Yara again would be far worse. Grumbling unhappily, Keeve swung towards Kal and Yara, and closed the distance between them in two strides. His arms were around both a moment later, and a kiss was placed on each of their brows. "Dammit all to hell," he muttered.

As they held each other, Yara reached out and grabbed a fistful of Keeve's shirt. "Dadei," she cooed.

Keeve chuckled softly. "Not entirely...but I won't object to that." His hand closed gently around Yara's and he smiled at Kal. "I won't tell you how to raise her...but I do want only the best for Yara. You have to know that."

"I know," she said with a smile. "And, right now, with the way Dargus is, she's happy. And, she needs that happiness, and I am watching her very closely with him. Something has changed in him, Keeve. Something big, something very drastic. For now, I really like the change. I don't know what next week will bring, but...but for now, Dargus is...he's a good influence." She brushed her lips over Keeve's cheek. "And, when you're around, so are you. Just remember that you're always going to have a place in our lives. Always."

He nodded reluctantly, realizing the place he truly wanted was now occupied by Dargus. "I really do have to go now," he said while stepping back. "I have to think about Zari right now." Grinning crookedly, he tapped the end of Yara's nose. "But that doesn't mean you won't be on my mind."

Yara tried to catch his finger as Kallia caught his arm. "You should take Dargus with you. He can help. And...and I should go as well, though I'll stay back as support. Against those two, you'll need me, Keeve. I won't endanger myself though, I promise you."

"You won't endanger yourself because you won't be there," he told her. "There are other Jedi who can help, Kal. It doesn't need to be you."

"She's my Padawan," Kallia said. "It's my fault she's out there, Keeve. I brought her back here. I lingered too long before returning to your place. This is my fault. I can't just sit by and wait."

"So you're going to go out there and get you or the baby hurt instead?" He frowned at her. "Don't be so noble, Kal. Just stay here and take care of Yara. Dargus and I can handle the rest."

"Alright," Kal said. "I'll stay here, but keep me up to date on everything. If there's trouble, I want to know...and I want to get people there right away."

Keeve patted her cheek and smiled noncommittally. "Go get your boyfriend. Tell him I'll be in the speeder." And with a parting kiss for both, Keeve started down the corridor once more.

Several minutes later, Dargus joined Keeve at the speeder. He was dressed in dark clothing and a pair of lightsabers hung from his belt, at least before they were obscured by a long, black cloak. His hair had been pulled back into a tail behind his head and his goatee appeared to have been trimmed. He gave a nod to Keeve. "Have you thought of a plan?" he asked. "I know a few secrets of the Palace, if we need them."

Keeve glared through the viewport. "I'm sure you do," he muttered sourly, then punched the thrusters to launch the speeder headlong into the forest.

"Just the two of us, or do you have any others who can assist? Though, I think a smaller strike team, in this case, will be better."

Keeve mumbled sullenly, "What do you know?"

"I know a few things," Dargus said. "You realize you're showing your age, don't you? Can we at least agree to work together?"

"Once you tell me your true motivations," Keeve shot back with a probing look in his direction.

"I've been dreaming of Yelara," Dargus said. "She's in my dreams, watching. I...I couldn't take it any longer. I helped someone from the Temple, a civilian taken by Nieme and Dani and then ended up as a slave to Jadda the Hutt. I got her away from the Hutt, and was going to take her back to the Temple. I made her a promise, that I would return to the Temple and learn the ways of the Jedi." He turned back to Keeve. "My motivation is...is I want the dreams, the nightmares to end. And...and I like how people look at me when they're not afraid I'm going to try to kill them. I'm tired of looking over my shoulder. Those are my motivations."

He snorted. "So...your reasons are entirely selfish. You murdered Yel and now you feel bad about all you've done?" Keeve shook his head in disbelief. "You're no good for Kal or Yara. You're going to end up getting them killed, too."

"I'm tired of hurting people, Keeve," he said. "I won't get them killed. I won't get my daughter, my child, killed. Regardless of what you think of me, she is that, and she means more to me than you could ever imagine. I want to see her grow up, become a woman, become a Jedi Knight. I want to know and feel love, I want to love. I don't want the hate, not any longer. I...I want to start over."

"Then do it, but leave Kal and Yara out of it." He narrowed his eyes at Dargus and whispered, "Don't you see you're a threat to their safety, just as I was a threat to Maeren's at one time? People like us get others hurt, Dargus. It's our curse."

"I have to remain at the Temple," Dargus said. "That's where my training will happen. That's where I'll learn what the light side of the Force is. If she leaves the Temple with Zari, then...then she'll be away from me."

Keeve nodded slowly. "That's a thought.... And if she does, you'll stay away from them?"

"Unless they want to be near me," Dargus answered. "I will, however, remain at the Temple for my training."

Smiling with some satisfaction, Keeve focused straight ahead once more. "Then we have an understanding," he said quietly. "That's all I wanted."

"I guess we do," Dargus said with a laugh. "So, do you have a plan for getting us into the palace yet?"

"No." He grinned menacingly. "Though, with guns blazing sounds good to me."

"Have you ever shot a blaster at a Dark Jedi before?" Dargus asked. "Guns blazing doesn't necessarily work well. We need to get in unnoticed, and once they're not expecting us, then we jump out with guns blazing. If they know we're coming, they have time to prepare. Preparation time for them works against us."

Keeve sighed. "So...we need to plan?" He grimaced. "You know how I like to jump into things head first."

"Rushing right in is likely to get us caught," Dargus said. "How good are you at climbing rock faces?"

"You created me to be in peak physical form, remember?" Keeve smirked. "I can climb anything you want."

"We'll need to wait until it's dark," Dargus said. "We will need a boat of some sort. We take it below the cliff, then climb up. There is a defensive net on the way up, but we can get past that without alerting them inside."

"And you're not going to stab me in the back with your lightsaber when we get there?" Keeve asked smugly.

"Only if you ask nicely," Dargus said with a laugh. "No, I'm not going to stab you in the back. Are you going to stab me in the back to get rid of me? I'm sure that Nieme and Dani would be delighted to get their hands on either of us. They'd love to kill me, and I'm quite certain they would love to add you to their harem."

"They can try, but I'll kill them first." He flashed his teeth at Dargus, much as he would when just a boy in Dargus' keeping. "No matter what happens," he told Dargus, "I'll still hate you for what you did to Maeren, to Kim and Saris...to everyone you laid your hands on. I'll hate you most for trying to turn me into what you were. And you almost succeeded."

"I'm glad I did not," Dargus said. "I have a lot of debts to repay. I have no idea how I can begin to repay the debt I owe to Maeren."

"You're not," Keeve told him. "You're not going near her. In fact, I'd appreciate it if you didn't reveal who you are to her." He added, with a hard stare, "Ever."

Dargus nodded. "As you wish," he said. "I take it that Kimara and Saris are the clones?"

"The ones you enslaved," Keeve affirmed bitterly. "And you just...left them there. Oot took them in afterwards and took care of them. Now they're with us." He shook his head disparagingly. "You cloned Maeren... I can't believe you'd do that."

"I've done a lot of things I regret," answered Dargus. "There are many things that, if I could, I would go back and change them. Honestly, however, do you regret that Kimara and Saris are alive now? I'm not trying to justify what I did, but...I guess I'm hoping that their existence is better than their not existing."

Keeve wove the speeder through the stands of trees in silence. His thoughts touched briefly upon Saris, and stayed longer on Kim, the clone who had truly impacted him. He grew fonder of her each day. "They're not so bad," he allowed with a shrug. "You still shouldn't have done it. It was...a violation."

"It was," Dargus answered. "Though, hopefully one that their lives will overcome. I do not think I can make reparations for all the damage I've done, but I'm going to try."

"So you've said," Keeve sighed and jerked the throttle forward. The speeder followed. Keeve suspected this collaboration was going to be a long and tedious one. He was liable to cut Dargus down himself if he spouted another tale of repentance. Bearing it with gritted teeth, Keeve pushed onward.

---

"Interrogation"
by Kitana Gellar
Duke Regi - NPC

Location: Death Island, off shore of Midgar.
Date: Vadris 6, 4 ABY

***

Kitana looked through the bars of her cell. She knew that soon or later were coming to get her out. She only hoped that Amii'a was now making plans to rescue these people or without them the Gallorian rebels will never exist.

That was exactly why her uncle threw her in jail without making any crime, but she knew that Regi was going to accuse her of crimes against Gallor and why should be always like this, some second born child decides to kill family so that he has a chance to sit on the throne.

A sound at the corridor was heard and two guards heavily armed were walking through the corridor. They stopped in front of Kitana's cell. With the turn of the keys the two guards entered and grabbed her. She tried to get free, but one of the guards hit with his stick on Kitana's head. She fainted for mere minutes, but she could hear the voices around her and then all went black.

She woke up and she was seated on a wooden chair with her wrists and legs tied to the chair. She wanted to get up, but she could barely move in front of her was tiny desk. The light that came from a little bolt was barely enough to lit up the entire room.

The sound of the door opening was heard and a light came from the door. A bald man entered. "Good Morning." He set his briefcase over the desk. He walked to the chair that was behind the desk. He took his jacket off and placed it on the back of the chair. He approached the brief case and opened it.

Kitana knew that he was going to take some nasty torture devices, but she was wrong. Instead the man took a small personal computer and placed it on the desk. He took a datapad and closed his briefcase. He looked towards Kitana and smiled. Before he occupied his chair he walked the room and turned off the light of the outside corridor. When the light came from the corridor she realised that he was playing with her.

Finally he took his seat, picked his brief case and put it on the floor next to the desk. "Now, this is how it is going to work. I will ask you a few questions and if you tell me the truth there shall be a reward. If you lie there shall be punishment."

Kitana looked to the man's eyes, and didn't responded.

"You know, every prisoner I interrogated always start so brave, but in a short while they start to talk." He smiled as he opened his collar of his shirt, since it was becoming hot.

***A Few Hours Later***

A drop of her sweat rolled down her forehead to her chin. She wanted to drink a little of water if she had to, but she still remained shut.

The bald man opened his brief case and took a bottle of water and opened it. He started to drink the water, but usually he spit on the floor, making the water a waste before her eyes. She then finally decided to speak. "I know what are you trying to do, but that isn't going to work with me."

The bald man turned to Kitana and nodded. "What do you think I'm trying to do?"

"You are taking me to despair so I can say everything I know, and guess what you just did that just to make me say anything." Kitana looked to the water on the floor and then to the man.

"You know, you are paranoid..."

Kitana started to laugh. "Paranoid... Who, me?" She continued to laugh. "I've never been more lucid than ever, Mister. You were going to say that Regi isn't the enemy, right, and pigs fly, don't you? Now cut this bureaucracy shit and call my uncle. That is a fucking order."

"I don't take orders from a rebel. That is what you are, a rebel. Always they are not catchable and always he captures them. For that you just cost yourself another day of water and food."

"Good, kill me. Why don't you go get a blaster and shoot me, you stupid fucker. I will not tell nothing, bring me Regi now!" Kitana ordered. She knew she would resist another day without food and her resistance was going to half than today and she could slip some information.

The man blinked his two eyes and smiled. "Well it seems you entered stage two. We made progress." The man placed his personal computer and the datapad on his brief case and closed it. With one single wave he grabbed his coat and walked out, but she didn't notice that something was injected on her foot. The temperature was descending. Kitana looked to the floor and a tear came from one of her eyes. A sound came from the door and a ghostly form appeared in front of her. She had a red cloak over her head and it covered its entire body.

Kitana knew that her mind was playing tricks, soon she was speaking anything that her mind thought of. She looked again to the figure and started to cry, and then she fell sleep.

She woke up and she was tied in the same chair, but the room was lit up and she could see every inch of the room. She noticed the man in front of her. It was Regi, and next the bald man, that didn't nod. to Regi's right side was a woman with some bandages over her face. "Regi."

"Hello, princess. Did you have a nice sleep?" Regi told and then he laughed.

Kitana looked serious enough. In her mind she pictured she jumped upon him and stabbed him with vibrokinfe until his body and face were beyond recognition. She then thought if she said anything? "Well, Regi. Your ambition always spoke out loud didn't it? You killed your brother for pure power, as long my son still lives, there is hope."

Regi walked near her. "Well... I know your secret." He looked to Kitana with a huge smile.

Kitana's rage came over and she moved hysterical, trying to get free. She wanted to kill everybody in the room. "Don't you fucking dare. Do you hear me. Don't you fucking dare. DO YOU HEAR ME, LEAVE IT ALONE," Kitana screamed, it was true she had spoken something that she didn't want to. SHIT, she thought.

Regi smile. "No, I won't. You see, I need what you said, to become definitely a Duke of this planet. Niece. So thanks a lot." Regi walked out. "Sedate her and take her to her cell." Regi turned one last time towards Kitana and smiled. "Kitana you will have two days to think about it, that you betrayed a well kept promise, since you're going to be executed in the public square for conspiracy against Gallor." He laughed and walked out.

Kitana stopped screaming and started to cry. "I'm sorry!" was the only thing she could say. Her cry echoed in the entire room. She knew that this was the end of the road for her.

---

"Almost Foiled, Part 1"
By: Keeve Shivral [NPC+]
Dargus Kandran
Nieme Yaresh
Dani
Talara Sorenne
Zari Zathmir

Location: Palace of Arcadia, Arcadia
Date: Vadris 6, 4 ABY

***

They sat in a small boat at the base of the cliff, atop which sat the palace. They'd been sitting in silence for the last hour, after Keeve's last outburst. Dargus looked over at him and raised an eyebrow. "Are you ready?"

Keeve craned his neck to peer into the misty darkness that cloaked the top of the cliff. From Dargus' description, they would be climbing all night. "For Zari," he whispered, "I'm ready."

"Then let's get a move on," Dargus said. "We've got a long climb ahead of us."

"Very understated, Fath--" Keeve caught himself before his mouth could embarrass him. Grumbling irritably, Keeve cinched his waist harness and plucked the portable maghook from his belt. With a single tap, the cylindrical object levitated off his palm and ascended three meters horizontally along the cliff face, trailing a length of carbon rope behind it. Beside him, Dargus did the same. "So, if one of us falls, we keep going," Keeve told him. The cylinder stopped and, with a beep, a spike ejected from its flat base and impaled itself deep into the rocky surface. Another beep and five jointed spider legs unfolded away from the shaft, embedding their sharp tips into the rock. Keeve nodded to Dargus as he tugged on the dangling rope to ensure secureness. "Agreed?"

"Agreed," Dargus confirmed. Then, he tugged on his length of rope to make sure it was secure, and started up. It wasn't easy, as expected. The last time Dargus had seen this stretch of rock, he'd been falling from the other direction with a large portion of his arm missing. Thoughts of that time sent a shudder down his spine, but it only forced him to concentrate more fully on their ascent. He only hoped that, once they got inside, Keeve would keep his head.

***

Proving they were clones in every way, the two red-haired boys in their bed lay, staring up at the ceiling with arms limply outstretched by their sides as they strived to catch their breath. Nieme emitted a throaty chuckle as she delivered a final kiss to the now-flaccid organ between her slave's powerful legs and climbed up to lay alongside him. "Your turn," she sighed, and folded her hands behind her head while awaiting his ministrations.

Beside her, Dani was finishing up with her own pet for the evening, who differed from his brother in that his climax was longer in arriving. But with a sharp gasp, his blazing blue eyes rolled back and the muscles in his legs pushed against pale flesh as his body tensed. Nieme giggled at the scene, then sighed as Tosh, as she had come to call him, burrowed his head between her legs.

Dani climbed up to recline next to her lover after finishing up with her clone. As he mirrored his brother between her thighs, she shared a brief kiss with Nieme. "We could have a different one every night," she said with a smile. "Oh, they are very talented though, aren't they? And, I think they're starting to...warm up to us. You can tell they were made by Dargus. Their sexual appetites are...well, delicious."

"But their technique still needs some work," Nieme noted as Tosh lapped at her like one would a frazzie. "At least they don't raise a protest. That is a must in a good slave."

"Oh, very true," Dani said. "Their stamina is remarkable. Perhaps we will need to have lessons for all of them. They certainly seem willing."

"And Zari?" Nieme sighed, and not from the mild pleasure being bestowed upon her. "Ferrig informed me she was crying last night. Whatever would she have to be sad about?"

"Oh I don't know," Dani said. "Perhaps once she's been decorated, she'll come around. Perhaps we're pushing her too hard. Do you think? Maybe she would enjoy a night in our bed. We have neglected her somewhat."

"Perhaps," Nieme mused. "Yes...you're right." She tapped Tosh's shoulder and shooed him away. "Go find Zari. Bring her to us." He nodded obediently and brusquely moved away to perform his mistress' bidding.

Dani pushed her slave away as well. "Go help him find her," she said. "And, then go find Talara. Practice with her and Ferrig. Ferrig will teach you the proper technique." As obedient as a puppy, he followed after his twin. Dani turned on her side to face Nieme. "We'll train them yet. And, we'll win over the girl."

Nieme smirked. "If we don't have to kill her first."

"It will not come to that," Dani insisted. "We will win her over here in our bed. That is, provided we don't give her more reasons to fear and hate us."

"We've given her everything, Dani; what more does she want from us?"

"That's what we'll need to find out from her," Dani said. "What does she need, and if we can, then we give it to her. Personally, I believe she just needs some good sex. Good, caring sex from us."

Nieme chuckled throatily as she rolled over onto her side and slid her leg over Dani's waist. "When she arrives, we'll do just that," she whispered and covered Dani's breast with her lips.

"Oh," Dani purred. "And, she will love us forever."

***

Peering over the lip of the cliff, Keeve used the moments of surveillance to take a much needed break. They'd been climbing for nearly two hours as far as he could discern, and with fingers numb and bloody from grasping sometimes jagged rocks, and sweat stinging his eyes, Keeve was in no shape to infiltrate the palace and attempt a rescue. "Your idea's a bust," he rasped at Dargus.

"Guards?" Dargus asked as he reached the spot where Keeve was crouched. He raised his head just high enough to peek over, then frowned. "Not a complete bust. We may be able to make this work..."

"I start shooting and you cover me?" Keeve guessed.

Dargus pulled out a lightsaber and grinned. "How many do you see? We need to take them all out at the same time with a minimal amount of noise. Too much noise, and we'll end up alerting the whole palace."

Keeve narrowed his eyes, allowing the black of his pupils to expand and engulf the dark green. The courtyard became alive with movement, figures shifting in the darkness and captured by his enhanced vision. As much as he insisted he despised Dargus for altering him, Keeve never hesitated to use his abilities, especially when it was to help save Zari. "Four near the entrance," he whispered, still scanning the area. "Three more on patrol. Doesn't seem much..."

"I'll take the four, you take the three," Dargus said. "Don't kill them. They're the regular palace guard. Most likely patrolling under duress."

"If it's a choice between them and me," Keeve riposted, "I'm not holding back." Grinning at Dargus, Keeve raised his blaster and tapped his forehead with its muzzle in salute. "Watch where you're slicing," he told him, then vaulted over the cliff ledge and dashed into the darkness.

Dargus rolled his eyes. "And they say I'm the evil one," he muttered. With that, he propelled himself upward with the Force in a rather spectacular leap. His aim was true and he managed to come down in the middle of the four. With a snap-hiss, his lightsaber ignited and quickly destroyed their weapons. As they were reacting to being disarmed, he used the Force to subdue each of them one-by-one, a trick he'd learned from Jae Dyn just yesterday. He gave a satisfied smile as he watched them all slump to the ground, then turned to see how Keeve was managing.

The second guard was staggering backwards to join the first on the dewy grass when Dargus spotted Keeve. Growling, he charged forward to tackle the third as his blaster rifle was swinging to get a bead on Keeve. The two slammed into the ground with a stray blaster bolt shooting off one of their weapons. Another disappeared between them, and it was only when Keeve leapt to his feet that it became obvious who had received the burst. He turned away from the unconscious soldier to flash a smirk at Dargus. "Easy enough."

Dargus chuckled, then motioned for the door. "Come on," he said. "Let's get inside and find Zari. I don't think it will be too difficult."

Keeve snorted as he headed for the palace. "Don't speak too soon, Kandran," he muttered.

***

Zari's cries were still ringing through the room when Dani had finished with her. Still writhing in the sheets, the girl's soft whimpers were music to Dani's ears. She'd always found that multiple orgasms would earn loyalty far more securely than any form of punishment ever could. She could feel one of Zari's hands curling through her hair. She looked up and saw that the other was slipping down to fondle Nieme's breasts as her lover suckled at Zari's small breasts. Dani looked at Nieme and grinned. "Not bad," she said.

Nieme smiled with her teeth around Zari's nipple, then released it and sat up on her haunches. "Not bad...but still such a long way to go." She lazily wound a finger down Zari's thigh, watching the pink trail her nail left on the girl's pale flesh. "Zari...are you happy to be here with us?" she asked.

Zari smiled, still somewhat drunk on the emotions generated by Dani's ministrations. "I am very happy," she said. "I can't remember when I've felt like this before."

Nieme chuckled and rewarded her answer by burying her finger between the girl's legs. "Good," Nieme purred. "Your happiness is all we want."

Zari arched her back as Nieme's finger slid inside her. She was still sensitive from what Dani had been doing, and just Nieme's slight touch sent her over the edge again with a cry.

Dani cooed, but then looked aside. "Oh, my dear, we have visitors. I can feel Dargus. And...and someone I haven't felt before. They're here for her."

Nieme emitted a short, haughty laugh and made no move to leave. "I'd like to see them try, my flower. They have to get past our army first." She thrust her hand deeper into Zari.

Zari let out a cry, but didn't flinch away from Nieme's touch, not when it felt so wonderful. She knew she shouldn't be doing this, but how could she not. Nieme and Dani were experts at feeling pleasure, and they knew how to make Zari feel amazing and more. How could she not want this when they were doing everything they could to make her feel happy instead of hurting her. It was bliss she couldn't deny.

"After our trespassers are dealt with, I believe I would like to share our new toy with her. Talara likes it very much, I know that for certain."

"And Ferrig would just as much if he could let go of the Twi'lek," Nieme quipped.

Their privacy was intruded upon by a soldier who burst into the room. He snapped a salute. "Empresses, we have intruders in the palace. They are currently being held back in the eastern corridor."

Nieme rolled her eyes. "Then keep them there."

"Yes, Empress, however, they are proving difficult to subdue."

Dani rolled her eyes. "Try harder then," she said. "You've been trained to deal with threats like this. Don't let us down." As he turned to go, she sighed and added, "but if you find the situation more than you are able to handle, contact us at once."

The soldier nodded curtly, then continued his march out of the room. "It would seem," Nieme drawled, smiling down at Zari, "someone else wishes to possess you. But...you're happy right where you are, aren't you?"

Zari gave Nieme a dreamy smile. "I'm very happy," she said, then suddenly gasped as Nieme found a particularly sensitive spot. "Very, very happy."

With a lazy grin, Dani crawled up the bed toward Nieme, then around Zari to take up a position to mirror her lover. "Very devoted. Though, we'll have to see how devoted she is when we're not having sex with her. She might need a little spice to help her along."

Nieme giggled. "And if that doesn't work, we'll just have to threaten those she loves."

"I doubt she loves Dargus," Dani said with a sultry grin, "but perhaps her other so-called rescuer might be someone she cares about."

"Then perhaps," Nieme whispered, her lips brushing Zari's, "we should find out who it is and make certain."

Zari tried to put her arms around Nieme, to hug her, to kiss her, to thank her for the pleasure they'd shared with her. Dani smiled at the girl's affection. "Come, my love," she said to Nieme. "Let's get some clothes and go welcome our visitors." With that, she slid out of the bed and moved to retrieve her leather.

"Don't worry, Zari," Nieme assured their girl with a soothing stroke of her hair, "we won't let them take you." And after a deep, lingering kiss, Nieme rolled off the bed to join Dani. Nothing would get in their way, Nieme was determined. Though it appeared they might have two new pets to add to their harem. That was enough of a prospect to keep Nieme giggling throughout her preparation.

After collecting the last of her attire - her lightsaber - Nieme nodded to her lover. "Only harm them if necessary."

"Oh, I know, my love," Dani said with a grin. "They're not as fun with parts missing. Come on."

***

"Easy," Keeve jeered, ducking back behind the wall as another blaster bolt hurtled his way. "This was supposed to be easy, you said?"

"They've got a few extra guards," Dargus said. "It just makes things a little more difficult, that's all." Dargus whipped his lightsaber around the corner and sent a bolt careening back toward their attackers. "Let's try this. We come out around the corner. You'll be behind me, I'll be shielding you. I block what's coming in, you fire around me. Good?"

"Or fire through you if necessary," Keeve added, then smirked. "Just watch where you're swinging that thing."

Dargus laughed as he ignited his second blade. Making sure that Keeve was behind him, he nodded. "Ready?" At Keeve's affirmative, Dargus swung around the corner. He began pressing forward immediately. With Keeve behind him, firing outward, he spun his paired lightsabers in an arc around their bodies. As the blaster bolts from the palace guards came in, Dargus deflected them outward, back at the attackers. His control over the blades was phenomenal, never putting himself or Keeve in any danger. Now it was just up to Keeve to get them through the danger.

Flashes of red lent his face an ominous glow with each pass of Dargus' lightsabers. Keeve squeezed off shot after shot, most finding their mark, but others slamming into the walls behind each guard who managed to deftly elude the bolts. They seemed to have received similar modifications he had been bestowed with, moving quickly and with great agility.

Amidst the cross-fire, two black-clad figures approached, both small in stature but made to appear larger by their billowing capes. Although the glare of laser fire made it difficult to see fully, the igniting of two lightsabers was unmistakable. Keeve swung his blaster towards them and began firing rapidly. "Dargus! Company!"

"Blast," Dargus snarled. "Find cover. I'll take care of those two." He shifted position, moving Keeve along with him, as he tried to get closer to the wall to give Keeve cover against the soldiers.

"I'm not a child," Keeve growled. "I can take care of myself! I need to go find Zari!"

"When I engage those two," Dargus growled back, "I'm not going to be able to stop those soldiers from shooting you. If you want to stand out in the middle with them firing at you, be my guest. But, I need to go stop those two."

Keeve gripped his blaster tightly and ground his teeth in fury. "Fine. I'll cover you." He continued shooting past Dargus, but his aim was consciously trained on the two dark Jedi stalking regally into the fray of battle. The soldiers cleared a path for their approach.

With a laugh, Dani batted several of Keeve's shots back in their direction, forcing Dargus to deflect them away. "When they get here," Dargus said, "I want you to go after Zari. Comm me once you've found her, then get yourself out. I'll keep them busy here."

Keeve hesitated. As much as he despised Dargus, he found it difficult to abandon him. "Father, I...."

"Don't worry, Keeve," Dargus said. "I don't plan on staying here. I'll make it out. Just let me know when you're safe."

He clenched his jaw and nodded stiffly. He lingered only a moment longer, then slipped away in a running crouch. Some of the soldiers gave chase, but were repelled by Dargus. Keeve escaped into an empty corridor.

"Well, well, well," Nieme drawled, holding her lightsaber at her side and pointed towards the ground. It cast a purple glow onto her sleek, black leather pants. "You've come back for some fun, have you?"

"Why else would I ever come to you," Dargus said as he moved his lightsabers into a better defensive position. "And, our last little tussle was interrupted, and that painted freak kept cutting into our fun."

"Is that why you betrayed us?" She grinned viciously. "That wasn't very nice, Dargus."

"Oh no," Dargus said with a smile as he parried one of Nieme's thrusts and slapped away a lunge from Dani, "I betrayed you before then. I've grown tired of the dark side. I decided it was time for a change. Unfortunately for you, that required betraying you. Sorry."

"And it also meant giving those Jedi our toys?" Nieme slashed at Dargus' chest, while Dani sought the soft-spot of his abdomen. One blade angled up and the other downwards over his torso to stop each of the blows. Nieme chuckled as she pressed her blade against his, both sizzling and crackling while she tried to overpower him. "Ready to submit yet, Dargus? We promise not to kill you."

"Not just yet," Dargus said with a laugh, then with a powerful push, sent the two of them reeling backwards with a mighty shove. He sprang away to give himself some space, and flashed them both a grin while he brandished his lightsabers in their direction. "Are you ready to submit?"

Now righted, Nieme smiled alluringly. "If it involves the three of us unclothed and in bed."

"That does sound fairly exciting, doesn't it," Dargus said. "Though, that would require us putting our weapons down. Are you ready to do that?"

"If you promise to let us have our fun," Nieme answered. "We want to keep our pets...and that fellow you brought with you." She chuckled throatily. "He's delightful..."

"I'm afraid I have no say in the matter," Dargus said. "Besides, his wife expects him home for dinner. You'll have to settle for me for now."

"Bring her along," Nieme drawled. "The palace is large enough for all." She crooked her finger at Dargus, gesturing him closer. "I like the new you... So...exotic," she sighed.

"It is a rather nice look, isn't it," Dargus said with a roguish smile. Even as he bantered with Nieme, he couldn't help wondering how Keeve was fairing. Though, now was not the time to divert his attention. He lunged at Dani with one blade and tried to drive Nieme back with the other. The attacks mostly succeeded, though it didn't put him into the position he'd hoped for. At least it was buying more time.

"Naughty!" Nieme chided, even as she was swatting away one of his attacks. "And here we were ready to open our legs for you!" Smiling cruelly, Nieme promised, "We won't be fooled twice." And launched herself over Dargus as Dani charged him. Landing behind him, with Dani still in front, the fight had truly become two-to-one. The odds were no longer in his favour.

---

"Almost Foiled, Part 2"
By: Keeve Shivral [NPC+]
Dargus Kandran
Nieme Yaresh
Dani
Talara Sorenne
Zari Zathmir

Location: Palace of Arcadia, Arcadia
Date: Vadris 6, 4 ABY

***

The door to the bedroom opened and Zari looked up. She was still bereft of clothing, and the rush of excitement from her activity with Nieme and Dani had faded somewhat. She smiled at the man coming through the door. "Keeve," she said happily, stretching a hand out to him.

"Oh, Zari," he murmured sadly. Keeve kept his eyes above her neck, and worked quickly to wrap the bedsheet around her. He easily scooped her up from the bed, and paused to kiss her brow. "We're going home," he whispered. "I won't let them have you again, Zari."

Zari wrapped her arms around him as he picked her up. "I love you, Keeve," she said softly. "I was dreaming about you." She kissed his cheek, then moved her head to rest against his shoulder.

Keeve sighed, holding her securely to his chest. He had to escape safely with Zari; even if he died in the end, as long as she was free.... Swinging around, Keeve hurried for the corridor that had brought him to the room. He could no longer hear blaster fire, but Dargus had yet to return, which indicated he was still contending with Dani and Nieme. Although it was difficult to even think of leaving him behind, Keeve had little choice. Zari was his main concern now.

Nuzzling his lips to her brow and whispering for her to remain silent, he crept through the hallway and sought out an alternate route to the courtyard. Down the cliff from which they'd ascended was the surest way to freedom, even if it was the most dangerous, especially with a person to carry down. But, he could worry about that once they made it out of the palace.

"I missed you, Keeve," Zari was whispering as they crept through the corridors. "I couldn't get away. They wouldn't let me."

"Now," came a voice from behind them, "where do you think you're going?"

Behind them stood Talara in a very revealing outfit made of leather. She grinned at Keeve and Zari, appearing ready to pounce if needed.

He narrowed his eyes, prepared to shoot using the blaster peeking out from under Zari's legs. But he recognized Talara, knew her as the girl he had sheltered in his home the evening of Zari's return. Something about her smile, and her eyes, though, warned Keeve that this wasn't the same girl. He slowly backed away. "I'm taking her with me...and you're not stopping us. She doesn't belong here."

"She likes what happens here," Talara answered as she watched them. "You should have heard her earlier. Beautiful screams. I bet you'd like them, Keeve. You hold everything in, hold everything back. You shouldn't, you know. You'll end up hurting yourself or something if you don't let out that pent up energy of yours. I could help you, you know."

He sneered. "I don't need your damn help...neither does Zari." Keeve glanced down at Zari. "Right? Tell her, Zari. T-Tell her you don't like that...stuff."

"It feels so good though, Keeve," Zari said, gazing with longing into his eyes. "You know it feels good, Keeve. You and Shiv. It's wonderful."

Keeve shook her. "Stop it, Zari! It's not about...pleasure! It's about being in love. That's not what this is! This...this is sick!"

"But it feels so good, Keeve," Zari said.

"Are you saying," Talara said, "that you've never had sex because you wanted to have sex? There's nothing sick about it, Keeve. It's pleasure for the sake of enjoying life and another. How can you not just enjoy sex?"

"Because she's too young," he snarled, holding Zari possessively. "Because you've poisoned her mind!" Shaking his head defiantly, Keeve moved away from Talara. "But you won't any longer...not anymore!" From beneath Zari came a flash of light that resolved into a blaster bolt sailing towards Talara. Then he was off down the corridor in a sprint.

With a smile, Talara reached out and used the Force to form a wall before Keeve. "My mistresses wouldn't like you getting away with their prize."

He staggered back from the invisible barrier, but maintained his footing. He whirled on Talara angrily. "Let us go! If you're Zari's friend...you'll let us out of here."

"You heard her," Tala answered. "She likes it. Why stop her if she likes it? I bet you like it too, but you're too repressed to admit it."

"Too sane, maybe," he riposted. "You've brainwashed her...she doesn't know what she wants really!"

"Are you willing to test that?" Talara asked, taking a few steps forward. "See just how repressed or sane you really are?"

"I'm taking her home," he repeated forcefully. "Now get out of my way." The muzzle of his blaster poked out from under Zari's knees. "Or I'll move you."

Talara smiled sweetly at him, then held out her hand. The blaster leapt from Keeve's hand and sailed into hers. "You can't leave until my mistresses say you can leave."

"Damn you," he rasped. "Your mistresses are lying to you. They're doing this for themselves - they don't care about you!" Keeve shook Zari gently, trying to nudge her awake. "Tell her, Zari. Tell her you want to come home with me."

"I don't know," Zari sobbed. "I want...I want to see Maeren...and Keeve...and Cole." She wrapped her arms around Keeve, tears falling. "Home..."

"That doesn't mean you can leave," Tala answered. "My mistresses...they won't like it. They'll hunt you down. They'll stop you."

"I don't care," Keeve growled. He was embracing Zari fully now and kissed her crown to soothe her. "Can't you see she doesn't want to be here? Can't you see you're breaking her?"

"We're not breaking her," Tala said with a laugh. "We're freeing her. We're making her not be a prude like you! But, I'll let you go and won't try to stop you on one condition. You have sex with me, and you're free to go and I won't stand in your way."

Keeve laughed. "What? Are you insane? Aside from all the other hundred reasons I wouldn't, you're just a kid!"

Talara laughed. "Well, I guess you're not getting out of here then," she said. "My mistresses will be so pleased with me that I've caught you."

"You manipulative bitch," Keeve spat. It wouldn't be the most glorified means of securing Zari's freedom, but it was the most assured. After placing a kiss squarely on her brow, Keeve set Zari down gently. "Now...while I'm away," he told her quietly, "you find a way out, okay?"

Zari nodded at him. "I will," she whispered. "I love you, Keeve. Be safe."

He smiled charmingly. "Just tell Maeren everything's okay. I know she'll worry."

"I'll let her know," Zari said, gazing up at him and nearly swooning. "You'll be okay, Keeve, I know it."

Cupping her cheek, Keeve shot her a wink to reassure her, then stood tall and watched Talara from across the gap. His eyes were hard. "You ready?" he called to her.

"I'm ready," she said, then beckoned him with a forefinger. "The bedroom's just back here." She held a hand out to him and waited for his approach with an eager smile on her face.

Keeve tipped his head slowly in a nod of acknowledgement as he started forward. This was for Zari, so his resolve remained firm, but he was still determined not to give Talara what she desired. The girl's gaze was hungry and her body language spoke of unbridled lust. Keeve raised a hand to his shirt and loosened the first fastening for effect. Her smile broadened. "Is this what you want?" he asked with an edge to his voice.

Talara grinned. "That's a start," she said as she started loosening her own top. She stopped at the doorway, and motioned him inside with a giggle.

Keeve smiled wanly, gesturing his eyes towards her weapon. "You won't need that, right?"

"Depends on if you're good or not," she said with a grin. "Come on, Keeve. And, don't try anything funny. We had a deal."

"A deal..." he echoed and halted inches from her, until Talara was forced to crane her neck painfully to peer up at him. Keeve smiled crookedly. "I don't remember any deal." He wasn't equipped with the ability to enhance his movements using the Force, but he did have Dargus' modifications on his side. Surprisingly fast for a deceptively normal-looking human, each of Keeve's hands shot out, one clamping around her neck, and the other twisting her lightsaber-wielding arm away at an uncomfortable angle. He lowered his face to hers and squeezed her throat. "I don't make deals with whores like you," he rasped above her gags, then drove his knee into her gut.

Talara's eyes narrowed as she twisted to get her throat out of his grasp. Her lightsaber was no use, but Keeve's blaster was still within reach. It leapt from the ground and into her open palm. The corridor suddenly echoed with the sounds of blaster fire as she fired wildly down the corridor. A part of her hoped that Zari had moved, but another part knew that Keeve had just earned Zari some extra time with the other slaves. "You bastard," she rasped. "You've just made sure-- sure she'll be abused-- more." With that, lighting arced over her body and into him, fueled by her anger, her hate. She heard him cry out as it ripped against his flesh. As his hand came away, she used the Force to slap him into the wall. "Don't you see? You prudish bastard! It would have been so much easier if you'd just fucked me! Now you'll suffer!"

Keeve laughed hoarsely, struggling unsuccessfully to break free of his invisible restraints. "Do what you want," he grunted. "My life is meaningless. Zari's what's important."

"I bet you'd love it if I found her and brought her back here to suck you off," Talara said as she moved forward until she was right in front of him. "She wasn't working out well anyway. But, I'm sure my mistresses will enjoy breaking you, turning you into a slave. Maybe they'll even try you out with Oot." She tugged his pants open and dropped to her knees before him. "Now, let's see how much restraint you have." And, with that she took him into her mouth.

Keeve exhaled sharply through his nose, keeping his jaw clenched tightly. Closing his eyes, he hoped to center himself and suppress his physical response to her touch. Instead, he focused on his hatred of her, but it proved only marginally successful. He grunted a curse as the first moan escaped, but was consoled in knowing Zari was running towards freedom.

Tala looked up at him, and paused briefly to say, "The more time you spend here with me, the more time she has to try to get away." She grinned. "The more time you're with me, the safer she'll be...think about it." And, with that, she happily returned to her task.

Keeve opened his eyes to stare up at the ceiling and wonder whether the young woman kneeling before him was truly as malevolent as she first appeared, or if she would allow Zari to flee. In either case, he was still suspicious of her motivations, but knowing his discomfort would buy Zari some time, Keeve fought for control. Though little by little, his resistance weakened. If it was going to increase Zari's chances of escape, he might as well enjoy himself...but not too much so.

***

His crimson blades crashed against theirs once more, and Dargus still managed to keep Nieme and Dani at bay. He couldn't help wondering what had happened to Keeve, why he hadn't reported. Something had happened, but Dargus couldn't sense what. He Force-sprang back over the top of Dani, putting them both in front of him once more. "The two of you are very lovely," he said, "especially those outfits. Though, it is too bad you're so...chaotic and untrustworthy."

"We're untrustworthy?" Nieme laughed at that. "You're the one who turned against us!" She growled and lunged at him again. "Bastard!"

Dargus skipped out of the way of the attack, and nearly removed Dani's saber hand at the wrist as she struck at him. "Tut tut, getting slow," he said. "Now, I'd love to teach you both the joys of not being evil, but I don't think you'd be willing to listen. I don't think you appreciate anything but causing pain and trouble. I'm surprised the two of you can actually care for each other, let alone love each other."

"We would've loved you, Dargus." Nieme swept her blade in a low arc, but Dargus leapt before his legs could be severed at the knee. She pressed her attack and came out of her spin stabbing at his chest. "If only you'd loved us!"

"It's very difficult to love when you're so filled with hate," Darus said with an enigmatic smile. "And, that goes for both sides."

Nieme continued running past Dargus as he twisted clear of her blade, and swung to face him again. "Not hate, Dargus," she corrected, grinning. "Just...determination." She raised her weapon high for another charge, but a familiar presence tickled her perception. She chuckled lowly. "Looks like someone else has come to play." Her eyes slid aside as Zari stumbled into view, the end of a bedsheet trailing behind her. She appeared stunned.

Dargus was moving even as he noticed the girl arrive. He propelled himself up and over using the Force and came down with his body between Nieme and Dani. "Stay behind me and you'll be safe, Zari," he said softly.

"I will," she said in a quiet, meek voice. And with that, Dargus began shifting the two of them toward the exit, hoping Keeve would be able to arrive in time.

"Zari!" Nieme screamed, enraged and trembling with fury. "Get back here with us!"

"No," Zari squeaked as she clung to Dargus. "I don't like it. It's...oh...I don't want to be like that. I want to be a Jedi. I want to be with Cole. I don't like it here!"

Dargus shrugged. "Sounds like she doesn't like it here. Sorry. She's leaving with me."

Nieme smirked. "Oh really?" She raised her arm, then waved it forward. The black-clad soldiers still able to fight rushed in orderly columns towards Dargus and Zari. Nieme and Dani stalked down the center of both lines, the air around them humming with furious energy.

Dargus reached forward with one hand and tossed the leader of one column back into the rest. As they stumbled over each other, he turned, scooped Zari into one arm, and rushed away. His Force-sense was tuned to the maximum, and he managed to keep one lightsaber behind him for defense, letting the Force guide his hand and blade. "We'll be out soon," he whispered. "Not much farther now."

Nieme and Dani's giggles assured Dargus they hadn't lost pace. In Zari's mind, there was an incoherent din of whispers and shrewd laughter. Underlying it was a clear message telling here there was no escape. ~You're ours, Zari. Ours....~

"No," she muttered over and over. He held her as close as he dared as they ran, through twisting corridors, until he finally came to the balcony where he nearly met his end last time he'd been here. He raced straight toward the edge, toward the railing where he'd fallen the last time. He wouldn't be falling this time, however. At least, not exactly. With Nieme and Dani in close pursuit, he leaped. The railing passed beneath them, and then they were falling.

There was howl of rage that cut through the chill night air. At the edge, peering over with anger resonating through the Force, Nieme and Dani stood. Their eyes blazed, even as Zari and Dargus disappeared in the mist. "That bitch," Nieme hissed. "If I ever find her again...." She clenched her fist around the hilt of her weapon.

"Him too," Dani seethed. "But for now, we have a prize to attend to. He's with Tala now."

Nieme's darkness flared outwards, engulfing even the blackness of the night. "A prize, hm?" she asked coldly. Spinning away from the balcony, she snarled, "Then he'll be the one to suffer for this."

Dani followed after her lover, her boot heels clacking against the ornate tiles of the floor. She only hoped that the suffering their prize would endure would leave him in a serviceable condition. When they arrived, they found Talara on her knees before a young man with one of the most beautiful organs Dani had ever seen bobbing in and out of her mouth. She could tell immediately that he wasn't happy, but he was fighting very hard against his body's reaction to Talara's expert touch. Before either she or Nieme could act or react, Tala had pushed him over the edge and he exploded into her mouth. She could tell that Tala was very pleased with herself as she gazed longingly up into his eyes.

"Well, well, well," she said as she moved forward, "it appears our little pet has found a new toy for us. Hopefully he'll be much more obedient than our last." She glanced down at his crotch, then up into his eyes and smiled. "I'm Dani."

Keeve was still gritting his teeth, air whistling through them as he struggled to calm his heavy breathing. His face was damp and flushed, betraying the arousal Tala had coaxed into him, yet his gaze was stony and jagged as he stared at Dani. Still restrained to the wall by Tala's Force projected net, he could only try to hurt Dani with words until his hands were free to inflict physical damage. "You purple freak...do you think Tae'Karada will gladly accept an alien ruler? They'd rather fit you into a costume and force you to perform for a Hutt. Now release me!" he boomed.

"Hutts are just smelly worms," Dani said as she moved closer. "Perhaps we should fit you into a costume and invite some Hutts over for you to perform for them." She reached down and massaged his groin. "I'm very impressed. Tomorrow, you'll be decorated, I think. Tonight, you'll learn obedience and how to please us. If you fight--" she released some of her pheromones into the air as she smiled seductively at him "--you'll be punished."

As Keeve groaned under the onslaught of her scent, Nieme stepped forward to scrutinize him. "He'll be punished at any rate," she announced. "We must make an example of him for others who might wish to cross us."

Dani smiled. "Just as long as I can still have fun with him," she said. "You do want to have fun with me, don't you?" She pressed the thought into him with the Force. His will was strong, but with her pheromones the suggestion would at least influence him a little. "I can take you places you've never dreamed."

He grunted a noncommittal response - all he could verbalize without completely giving in to Dani. But when his chin dropped forward onto his chest and Keeve's shoulders sagged, his defeat became all too visible. Nieme chuckled. "Talara, take him to the throneroom. And bring my tools."

"Yes, my mistress," Talara said happily, then reached up and started moving Keeve away from the wall. She kept her Force-bindings in place, but she didn't think he'd be fighting too hard yet. With that, she dragged him away, talking softly to him as they walked. And, then she was too far away to hear any longer.

Dani turned to Nieme. "Oh, he's a nice one."

"I don't care," Nieme snapped, fairly glowering. "He tried to ruin this for us, Dani. They all did." She grinned ferally. "We can't have that. This is our planet, and its citizens are going to learn that we deserve respect enough to rule without opposition. They're going to learn to fear us, Dani, no matter what."

"It may take time for them to accept these changes," Dani said. "Until then, we will have to teach them the error of their ways. Come, let's go take care of this new one. And, when I said I still want him serviceable, I mean it."

Nieme smirked, but made no promises. "I'd like to visit with him myself. Go check in on Ferrig, won't you?" And awaiting no response, she followed after Talara and their newest acquisition.

Dani watched Nieme for a moment, suspicion fleeting across her features before she turned away and disappeared down the corridor to check on Ferrig and Oot.

---

"Light of Darkness"
By Nyah Darasar

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 6, 4 ABY

***

Nigthfall didn't do much to comfort Nyah. Her eyes had been opened during her short field trip outside the Jedi Temple. While she already knew the universe was a dangerous place that had only been confirmed in solid, undeniable evidence. That also made her reasons for choosing the path of a Jedi clearer than they'd ever been before.

Certainly Nyah felt compelled by some inner destiny, a calling, but the visual imaged of the remains of a totally destroyed planet would haunt her forever, that cold, evil lingering signature of the dark side only confirmed it wasn't just a bad dream.

She had learned a lesson only life could teach her. One that came with a heavy price. Yet more than anything Nyah knew the Jedi existed for a reason amid a very tenuous peace. Someone had to take on that very heady mantle. It had fallen upon the Jedi Order for a reason.

Each day Nyah learned more about her own personal path as well as hidden facts about the legacy of her family among the Jedi. Gone were those days she could look at a sunrise or sunset, through the same eyes she did as a child. Already as a Padawan she'd made great strides but there was still a long journey ahead.

From that day she'd first set foot on the grounds of the Temple she knew there would be no going back. Nyah had just crossed another point of no return. What she'd learned on her recent trip with Alisson would remain with her forever, but it would also serve to shape her perceptions of the future.

A slight chill ran through her as she focused her mind on something else. It was good to reflect but she couldn't allow herself to be drawn in by dark thoughts. But knowing she'd made the right decision to leave her long time Guardian and pursue Jedi training was all the reassurance she needed.

---

"Casino Profits"
by Alicia Ashantee Gardan
Dumah Gardan
Gengis Zibel
and Kaede Aoki

Location: Sybil Casino - Yelldon District, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 6, 4 ABY

***

The main room of the casino was quite crowded in the evening. She had decided to come by and see how things were going for herself rather than just read reports on profits. Plus, she had to bring her brother along, since he was quite the expert when it came to casinos and gambling activities.

Alicia was nicely surprised. Last time she had come was before it all began. And now the place was well open, no menacing guards - although security could be seen almost everywhere - and many many wealthy people who strolled by the tables and gambled happily, while waitresses offered drinks and other goods for them to purchase.

Dumah nodded with approval. The decoration was a bit retro for his taste, but it was well done nonetheless. And the environment was quite good. Top notch gambling tables and machines. He then gave a small nod to the bar that was across the room and made his way there, accompanied by his sister and her personal guard.

Alicia saw Gengis Zibel there and walked straight to him. She nodded her head graciously. "Mr. Zibel. I'm content to see that the casino has done well."

Zibel looked towards the voice and noticed it was Alicia. "Miss Gardan, so pleased to see you again. Yes, the casino is going extremely fine. As you can see, we had a 200% increase in the profits."

"Yes, I have received the reports with all the info and statistics," Alicia nodded. She then motioned to her side. "May I introduce my brother, Dumah."

"Mr. Zibel," Dumah smiled as he shook the man's hand with a rather strong grip. "You have a nice casino. I myself have partnerships in some casinos spread over the galaxy... A quite unique retro look you have here. Different, but nice."

Gengis smiled and returned the strong shake. "Thank you. A casino is a place of gambling, not to admire art. But the touch helps the customers feel more comfortable. Also, I invested in one of the new sensations of Tae'Karada. Would you like to see? A round is about to begin."

"You mean the arena?" Alicia asked. "Yes, I was quite curious. Please," she motioned with a nod for Gengis to lead the way.

Gengis smiled and started to walk towards the arena. "The arena is what keeps those profits rising. I hired a few retired bounty hunters to play in these games. It seems the fighting has been quite fantastic."

"So it does..." Alicia nodded. In fact the Arena was quite crowded. It seemed it was the main attraction in the casino, and surely the one with the most wealthy gamblers. Something about racing and fighting always seemed to attract a large crowd with pockets stuffed with credits. Of course Gengis had a private booth from which they could all view the arena itself.

"Nice!" Dumah exclaimed as he viewed the scenery. "So, what's the deal here?" he asked Gengis.

Gengis put a cigar in his mouth and lit it, then inhaling some of the smoke. A few seconds later he threw the smoke out of his lungs. "Well, people place their bets on who is going to win each round. Normally it's a 20 to 1 chance, so the winners don't pass two to three people tops. And if more than five people win their bets, we insert more gladiators so we diminish that."

As Gengis explained the way the arena matches went on, the two next fighters entered the ring. One was quite large and muscular, with a tanned tone of skin. He had tattoos across his arms and torso, and a shaved head. He looked like the type of person who had no fear of just about anyone, and apparently he was a winner as people screamed when he entered the arena. The board called him "The Deathstriker".

His opponent was a man who was the other one seemed just slightly less strong, even though he had a very tough complex. He had long dark hair tied in the back of his head and a pierced ear, and he lifted his arms to raise the applause of the people watching, as he roared in fury. His chosen name was "Butcher".

Both men walked to each other, but it was clear that Butcher was more agile, as he crossed his legs and took a stance. But Deathstriker wasn't one bit afraid of him and came straight at him. Butcher kicked him across the torso, but his opponent only took a few steps back. He then tried to side kick him but he was unsuccessful, as Deathstrike had his knee up and was quite able to defend the blow.

Butcher tried to counter before Deathstrike would try to get at him and threw a punch, but the other man was faster and grabbed his hand and moved in closer. With his other hand, Deathstrike grabbed Butcher's pierced ear and ripped the piercing off it, sending blood all over the sand in the floor.

Butcher yelled in pain, but it only made him angry. He twisted his arm and got it free and his forehead on Deathstrike's nose, sending him away stumbling back a few steps. With this new opening, Butcher ran to do a fatal blow. He jumped and was going to deliver one last punch. But what he hadn't anticipated was that his opponent was beyond furious.

Deathstrike kicked Butcher while he was in mid air, sending him several meters across the ground. Butcher was grabbing onto his chest with pain when Deathstrike got close and kicked him several times across the torso and then on his face. When Butcher was already almost unconscious, Deathstrike picked him up by the neck and gave him a blow across the face with his elbow. The match was obviously done with and Deathstrike received the glory and applause of the public, then starting to scream for anyone to dare and enter the ring to face him.

Deathstrike was sweeping the balcony with his eyes when he caught Alicia on his sight. A truly beautiful woman, he pointed at her. "Hey baby, you wanna share the bed of a champion?! I'll show you what a real man is like!" he laughed.

Alicia ignored the man, although she didn't like the comment, nor the eyes of the other people on the other balconies turned upon her. She turned to Gengis. "I'm not sure I like this arena, but the betting and the profits are undeniable, so you have my approval," she said.

"I think it's great!" Dumah grinned.

"However, I do have one request. Have Kaede face this man on the next match. If he's looking for an opponent I shall provide one of my liking," she stated with a small smile on her lips.

Kaede smirked and nodded. "It will be my pleasure to train on him. I promise not to kill him," she bowed.

Gengis nodded with his cigar. He waved his hand to a man who was by the door to had him come forward. He told the man something, then sent him away. Kaede was led to the inside of the ring.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, our final round of this evening is a very unique one. Only two opponents will face for the ultimate victory of this day. First, the winner of the last round, Deathstrike!" The people cheered towards the man. He waved his hands towards the crowd and he kissed his hand and blew it towards Alicia. "The challenger, she can look like a tiny girl, but she can be as deadly as a Nexus! Don't be mistaken by the way she looks. I present you, the amazing Kaede!" The people seemed to cheer even more. Gengis knew that just mere manipulation of words could push the crowd either way.

The bet droid approached Gengis. "Place your bet, sir."

Gengis smiled. "One million on Kaede," he said. It didn't take a wizard to know who was going to win this one.

Dumah laughed shortly and placed a bet on Kaede as well. At the end, it was curious to see that there were still more bets placed on Deathstrike. "Those sad poor bastards don't even know they are going to lose their money..." he sighed.

Below on the ring, Deathstrike looked at Kaede. He was preparing himself but was also smiling. No way he was going to lose this one. The girl didn't even have half his strength! "A sure victory..." he mumbled. He then let his guard down and laughed. "Hey honey, I don't usually hit on weak girls. So, before I knock you out I'm going to give you a chance... Come on, hit me," he told her as he opened his arms for her to move.

For a split second, Kaede wondered if this was some kind of strategy for him to play a trick on her. But she soon realized that the man was nothing more than an asshole. "Very well then," she smiled as she walked towards him. I'll play him for a while... she told herself. With a swift move, she kicked her opponent in the chest. Her muscles all contracted at the very last second, just before impact, sending a power shockwave through Deathstrike's body, which sent him flying five meters across the floor.

Deathstrike couldn't breathe for a few seconds, and was on the floor twitching in pain. How could it be that a small girl could deliver such a powerful blow? He coughed up and got up. "No more mister nice guy! I will kill you now!" he said in a shout as he started to run towards her. His intent was truly that of his words.

But Kaede didn't move one inch. She was merely waiting for Deathstrike to come close enough. Before she was within his range, she moved her torso to the side, while parrying his punch, and with an amazing display of flexibility, she lifted her knee high up, hitting Deathstrike in his neck. The large bulky man fell like a heavy stone to the ground, completely knocked out.

The crowd was silent. Nobody knew what to think. Most of them had never seen such a display by anyone, let alone a small looking girl. In record time for the Arena, she had finished off her opponent. The silence was broken when the applause came. And it was wild. Kaede didn't care about the applause, nor the prize. She merely turned to Alicia's booth and bowed to her friend and employer.

"Now that's what I call kicking ass!" Dumah smiled.

"You can say that again..." Gengis agreed. He had only seen that kind of quickness once. It was in the humid forest when he was dispatched with other fellow troopers to rescue Garnet Seifer. One rookie was able to dispatch three soldiers under one minute. He had been perplexed by it. Now his eyes had the chance to see such quickness in another person. "You have quite a unique bodyguard."

"Yes, I do," Alicia smiled. "And a good friend as well I assure you. Kaede has never lost a fight, and she travelled the galaxy for a while searching for anyone who was capable of doing so."

"I was not successful in finding anyone capable," the young girl nodded seriously, although serene. "Though some came closer than others. This Deathstrike person, however, was foolish and badly prepared. It was not a true challenge."

"Quite true, Miss Aoki," Gengis nodded as he got up. "I will give you an advice from a person's experience in life. Soon enough, someone a lot inferior or maybe superior might beat you. That will affect your ego, since your winning stroke comes to an end. Kaede, in this life we learn from our mistakes, and it will reach a point that you are only to evolve when you do those mistakes. I know that you know that, but it is a lot different when it really happens," Gengis said putting a sum of credits in one of her hands. "All winners receive their money and you are no exception." He gave a warm smile and took his seat once again.

"But I have lost before..." Kaede smiled. "To my own father, who taught me. However, I understand what you told me, and I have come close to losing a few times. But not today," she said with a short bow of the head.

Gengis smiled. "Of course not. Well, either way, what is your humble opinion of this arena?" he asked, as he continued to look at Kaede.

"It is quite spacious. The sand is a nice touch, but I can see that it would be used by certain individuals to blind others..." she smiled. "The overview of the stances up above is certainly nice for the viewers."

"Glad you like it." He nodded to Dumah and then to Alicia. "Well, it seems the arena has the approval of your brother and bodyguard, Miss Gardan. I hope in time you will enjoy this arena as well."

"My idea of leisure, Mr Zibel, does not include two people fighting while I stand to watch the show. But, even though I do not like it as leisure for myself, I can appreciate that others enjoy it. Plus, the expense for maintenance is low and the profit is high. You have my approval to keep it up," Alicia nodded.

Gengis knew that without her money he couldn't have this Arena, but he was happy by the margin of profit that came from it. "I'm glad to hear that. Would you like to have dinner on the Casino's Restaurant? And I won't take no for an answer. You see, without your investment, we couldn't have this Arena and the restaurant itself."

"Then I accept your invitation, Mr Zibel," Alicia nodded. "Please, after you."

---

"Decisions"
By: Rylaa Lyssander - Criminal - PC
Lani Vissip - Smuggler - NPC+

Location: New Plouton
Date: Vadris 6, 4ABY

***

The game of Murderball playing on the holovid had thus far proved to be resilient to Rylaa's cursing. The Corellian Kapitans were up 12 to 1 against the Manaan Mausers. He had a small wager placed on the underdog team, the Mausers, in the hopes that their new Juicer would carry the team through. Just goes to show you, never bet on anything you can't control.

The chubby criminal was lounging in an authentic brushed dewbackskin lounge chair and wearing only his black, silk boxers. His socked feet were kicked up on a very expensive Nabooian Woaka wood table. A bottle of Corellian Ale balanced precariously on his stomach and a ham and cheese sandwich was slowly getting eaten. He and Lani were in their large, two-bedroom suite at one of the most expensive hotels in New Plouton.

They had arrived on planet a few days earlier and had been greeted immediately by a Twi'lek chauffer who bypassed security and led them straight to an awaiting hoverlimo. The limo was the same normally reserved for visiting dignitaries or Heads of State. The hoverlimo had taken them to "The 13th Gate" hotel where several valets were waiting to take the bags they didn't have. At the front table, they were told that they had been expected and that they had reservations in the Presidential Suite. Anything they wanted, was theirs, free of charge. Rylaa, always the supreme con-man and opportunist, played along as if he had been the one to make every arrangement himself. When asked though, it could be found out that it was Tobius Ambrose that had made the reservations. As the weary pair had settled into their temporary home, it was decided that Lani would try to find out as much information as possible about Dargus Kandran while Rylaa looked for the mysterious Tobius Ambrose.

Lani walked through the door leading to her spacious room and eyed him evilly. She stalked over to the chair and snatched the bottle of ale off his stomach. "What the hell are you doing?" she demanded. "You're supposed to be looking for Ambrose, not lounging around in your underwear."

Rylaa didn't appear to be startled and in fact took another bite of his sandwich before answering. "I already found him, it was easier than you think. In fact, I not only know who he is, but where he is, and what he's doing at this very moment."

She looked at him skeptically. "Oh yeah, hot shot? Then where is he?"

"He's sitting over there." He pointed to the corner behind Lani with his half-eaten sandwich. She spun on her heel but could only see Credit sitting calmly next to a potted plant.

"Where? Behind your broken down, rust bucket of a droid?"

"Nope, he's right next to the plant." He took another bite of his sandwich. Realization washed over Lani as she took another look at the little R2 unit.

Credit? "Credit!?"

"Yup."

"Is this supposed to be a joke? How is that bucket of bolts Ambrose?"

"It's no joke, I got the story from him yesterday." He cursed the game good naturedly one last time, resigned himself to defeat, and flipped to the local news. Rylaa turned in his seat to address her. "You might want to apologize to the particular bucket of bolts. Because of him we managed to get our asses off of the shipyards and down to this planet. Not only that, but because of him we have virtually unlimited funds for the next couple of days."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Lani crossed her arms and shook her head. She hated it when he got like this.

"My little genius of a droid here set up a virtual persona, Tobius Ambrose, and gave him enough credit to buy this whole fragging shipyards if he wanted to. He invented a Holonet worm virus, not an easy thing to do. This little worm snatches bits and pieces of free floating credit from all over the galaxy, assembles it into several accounts, then launders it through several corporations and into one big outlet, the account he set up for Ambrose. Now this ain't easy, and it will eventually get found out, so he built a detonator into it. That means that in a couple days, the virus will wipe itself out, and take its whole path of networks with it. Easy cred chummer, and it's ours to keep." As usual, Rylaa's eyes lit up as he spoke of getting money the easy way.

"Credit did that all by himself? That's pretty smart, even for a droid."

He chuckled. "Did I ever tell you how old Credit really is?"

"No," she said, shaking her head.

"Credit is almost 200 years old. And in that entire timeframe, he has never had a memory wipe. What does that tell you?"

"200 years? But R2 units are relatively new models! And with that long without a memory wipe... his personality program could be anything!"

He smiled. "That's right. I found Credit in a Nar Shadda junk heap and revamped him, put his brain and workings into a new body. He's about the closest thing to a fully aware Artificial Intelligence that I've ever heard of."

"That's amazing. So... how much credit are we talking here, anyway?"

"I don't know, a couple hundred thousand, why?" He raised an eyebrow.

Lani set the bottle down on the table. "So, what all could I buy with that kind of money?" she asked. A dangerous light flickered in her eye.

"Short of a medium sized starship, which they run a check for, just about anything. Why?" He sounded worried.

"How long do we have this room for?" Now he was really growing nervous.

"I don't know, another couple weeks."

"Good!" She whipped around and started walking towards the doors that led to their suite. "I'll be back later!"

"Where are you going?" he asked with a sinking feeling in his stomach. He already had a pretty good idea.

Lani flashed her trademark brilliant smile over her shoulder and one word followed her out the door. "Shopping."

The world came to a crashing halt. Fuck.

***Several Hours Later***

A steady stream of packages had been arriving for a couple of hours now. Some of them were wrapped in expensive paper and had brand names on them. Several were simple durasteel crates with no distinguishing markings. He was dying to find out what was in those. But, he knew better to mess with Lani's stuff before she got back. He figured that she had been buying mostly clothes, since hers had been left on the space station and his disappeared with his pack. Everything would get sorted out at a later date. She always did take such good care of him, even when he didn't deserve it.

He hadn't really moved from the chair he had been sitting in when she left. He had gotten up briefly to get another Ale and throw on a soft cotton robe, but that was about it. He heard the doors behind him opened and guessed that it was simply another delivery droid with a package or two. That is, until a luscious female voice asked, "So, how do I look?" Rylaa turned around to take a look. A loud THUNK echoed through the room as his jaw hit the floor and his tongue rolled out.

Lani was standing in the doorway with her hands on the frame and her hips cocked in a very provocative pose. She was wearing a very tight, sleeveless baby blue dress that accentuated every curve of her body and stopped just above the knee. An oval had been cut out of the bust and a generous amount of cleavage showed through. Her hair had been let down and it flowed around her shoulders. Two knuckle sized, Green Durandol gems were worn as earrings. A pair of matching high heels were worn on her feet. All of it combined with her million dollar smile caused Rylaa's brain to ooze out the back of his head.

"Holy Shit," was all he could get out, and it sounded stupid at that. He regretted saying anything at all since he knew the effect women like that had on him. Why could he not think of something witty to say? Crap!

"Pick your jaw up, no need to go catching flies in here." It was obvious she was enjoying what she was doing do him, her smile never once wavered. "I'll take that as a compliment though." She turned and sauntered back to her room. Rylaa's head turned to watch her every step. How does she move so many things at the same time? It looks like a pair of cats fighting to get out of a bag! He chocked it up to yet another mystery that men will forever be unable to solve about women.

Twenty minute later, Lani emerged from her room wearing a soft white cotton robe much like Rylaa's only hers stopped at midthigh. Her hair was back in its characteristic ponytail. She was carrying her datapad with her. Walking over to the couch next to him, she plopped down with her feet folded under her.

"How much did you spend?" It was a dangerous question, but one that had to be asked.

"I don't know," she look thoughtful for a moment. "I lost count after the first hundred thousand."

His heart skipped a beat. "Frag me gently with a chainsaw. What the hell did you buy? I was trying to get that money to last awhile!"

"Let's see. Well, I bought that dress. It's made of Calimdorian silk you know." She said it in such an offhand manner. Calimdorian Silk, from her homeworld, was some of the most expensive stuff on the market. A single bolt of it could bankrupt a minor noble house. "I also bought some other clothes and shoes and stuff. Things you don't need to know about. I got you some clothes too, the kind you like. I also got you a really nice black silk suit for when you need it. Hmmm, what else?" She tapped a few commands into her datapad. "Oh yeah. A couple of sets of form fitting body armor, some military comm sets, four nine inch long vibrodaggers, a new blaster pistol, and a pair of mark five personal shield generators."

"What the fuck do you need all that for!? Sithspit woman, you'd think we were at war!" Personal Shield Generators? PSGs were some high level and very rare Imperial technology. Form-fitting body armor wasn't exactly easy to come by either. Where the hell did she go? "Where the hell did you go to get all that stuff?" Something on the holovid caught his attention and he held up a hand to stymie Lani's response. Something more important seemed to be going on. "Hold on a minute, take a look at the vid."

On the vid a near naked, red skinned Twi'lek woman was talking. "People of Tae'Karada, I bring to you today, news of change. In these times, change is inevitable, and after the fall of the Empire, Tae'Karada has been in transition. Now, I present to you the new rulers of the planet. They seek obedience and peace, and those who support them will receive great rewards. Those who oppose will be punished harshly. I give you your new leaders. Empress Nieme and Empress Dani, the sovereign rulers of Tae'Karada." The caption under her name said 'Oot Kovan, Former High Regent.'

The Twi'lek bowed and two women took her place. They wore fine dresses and each had on a black cloak. Visible on their waists where a pair of lightsabers. As they began talking, Rylaa stopped listening. They were both beautiful, but purple wasn't really his color. Besides, upheavals in planetary politics rarely concerned him as they were all too commonplace. Especially in the Outer Rim, were Fortune could run in any direction at Her whim and fancy.

Rylaa turned his attention from the two and said, "Alright, I don't know how much that little coup will affect us. More than likely, nothing will come of it. A few new laws, maybe some other minor changes. Eventually those two little girls will see themselves overthrown and probably killed. By the lightsabers on their belts I'd say they were renegade Jedi. They'll probably be dealt with swiftly in the next couple of days. Anyway, tell me what you've got."

"Ok, I had to burn a couple favors," she said, "but I was able to talk to a bothan friend of mine and he did some research on mister Kandran for me."

"Alright, so what was he able to find out?" He turned the chair to face her and steepled his fingers thoughtfully.

"Not much. This guy was pretty secretive, but I still got more info than your Average Joe would be able to pull up. Get this, Dargus Kandran was more like an evil genius than a crimelord."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean he was into cloning, developing bio-toxins, had ambitions of conquest. All those fun things that an evil genius needs to have. Not only was he into the research aspect of it all, he was into production too. He apparently had an army of clones loyal only to him. He was doing pretty well for himself when, as my contact heard it, it all sort of blew up on him."

"So this guy was more of an evil mad scientist than a criminal? Well that kind of blows, but evil genius' need henchmen too. Hell, sometimes they pay better. What else?"

"Well, after his plans fell apart he kind of went into hiding for awhile, and no one really heard anything about him for some time."

"So we don't know where he is?" Rylaa pounded his hand on the armrest. "Blast!"

"Actually, we do. At least, where he might be. A report from one of my contact's eyes and ears on this planet says that Kandran might be hiding out at the Jedi Enclave."

"The Jedi? That's pretty strange, the Jedi used to uphold the law, they were the peace keepers. What would make them take in a guy like Dargus Kandran?"

"Well, here's an idea. You know those lightsabers he carries at his belt? The ones we thought might be for show?"

"Yeah, what about them?"

"Well, I've got several reports from various underlings about Kandran using them, and skillfully no less. Lightsabers are a Jedi weapon. Perhaps he used to be a Jedi?"

"They usually get rid of the ones that fall from their Order. Though sometimes they do take them back if there is hope for redemption. Hell, this guy might have gone goody-two-shoes on us. Well, we'll still look into it. It can't hurt to ask. You know how to get to this place?"

"Yeah, I had him send me a map with the way drawn into it. It's not an easy path, nor is it close."

"That's fine, we'll get a pair of speederbikes tomorrow and head out that way to talk to this guy. I hope it pans out into something. I kind of like a man with big ambitions. You get anything else?"

Lani checked her datapad again. "Yeah, I found another name. Zale Tregat, CEO of Zenarr Inc. It's a big-time shipping mogul that seems to be doing some smuggling on the side."

"Hmmm, I don't know about smuggling. The Getaway doesn't have a whole lot of room on her. I'd make a hell of a courier though. Alright, let's keep that one on the back burner. If Mr. Kandran has indeed gone over to the good guys, we can always talk to this Zale Tregat and see if he's got any jobs open for us. If all else fails, there's always that slug over in Thanatos."

"You know, Rylaa, why don't we just set up our own thing?"

"Put our own operation in effect?" He scratched his chin as he thought of it. "No, it wouldn't work. This planet is too small for even two crimelords, and it seems if this place has three. I'd probably never get through the front door, and if I did manage to, the other would take me down when my power grew too much for them. I've seen it happen before." He shook his head. "No, the best plan is to join another organization for a little while, make some friends, get to know the area, then break away when the time is right. Do you really think I built Rising Thunder from scratch?"

"Alright alright, I understand. So we'll head over to the Enclave to talk to Dargus Kandran tomorrow. If that fails, we check out Tregat and his Zenarr Inc. If those goes bust..." Lani winced. "We talk to the Hutt. Alright, now that's taken care of, I want to do something."

"Like what?" he asked with an eyebrow cocked.

"I want to go out, I don't care where, but somewhere nice."

Ideas swam through his head as he began to organize the night. "Very well then, my dear, we shall go out tonight. Dress in your finest, for I shall find the best place I can. I've always heard that credits can't buy happiness, so tonight I'm going to rent it!"

Lani jumped off the couch, her datapad forgotten. She leapt at him and threw her arms around his neck. Surprised at this, Rylaa could only sit there. She then bounded off to her room to get ready. As she left, he could only shake his head in wonder. Tomorrow they might make the deal of the lifetime, or they might end up working for a Hutt. Yet Lani wants to go out to eat at someplace nice, no troubles on her mind at all. Yet another chapter of the Mysteries of Women. Rylaa sighed, Oh well, might as well try out that new suit she got me. Crap, now which of these boxes is it in?

---

"Arc of Lost Knowledge - Arc One"
by Cloud Everblades

Location: High Skylines on Coruscant
Date: Vadris 6, 4 ABY

***

The rain hit hard on the floor, flooding the street of Coruscant. The thunders ruled the dark clouds of Coruscant, making night where there was supposed to be day. A small breeze of wind was felt in the skin of Humans and Non-humans, which pushed the rain to the walls of the building and windows. The air was humid and it was hard to breathe and the cold made possible the breath of everyone to create a small fog in front of the person.

A man stopped at the end of the street breathing very rapidly like he had been running. He looked everywhere searching and examining if he wasn't being followed, but he didn't saw the hunter that wanted to calm him down, so he took the skyline on the right. His pace was large and quick since he felt very uncomfortable in the middle of all these people. In between of both his arms and his chest he was carrying a piece of brown tissue, it was dirty and wet and if the people examine it well that it was covering some sort of rectangular object.

He moved between the crowd and the more he travelled, the more the object was secure in his arms, but as he walked between the crowd, he felt more uncomfortable and his face was in pure panic. He knew that someone was after him. He knew that his life was about to end in probably the next minutes if he still continued in this crowded skyline.

He got to across the road and looked where exactly he was and deciding which way to take and between the looks to the signs he decided to look over his shoulder to see if anyone was chasing him. When he saw a man walking very calmly. He had blond hair and a pair of sunglasses covering his eyes.

The man panicked and took the nearby skyline available and started to run as fast as he could. He started to pray to the Gods to survive this hour of despair, while he prayed, fear overwhelmed his heart and soul. He didn't want to die. After few seconds later he noticed that the skyline he took was an empty one.

A shot was heard and echoed to the surrounding areas. The man smelled a stench of burn tissue for a brief moment and then he noticed that he had no injuries on his body: He dropped the object that he held against his arms. He glanced one last time to the dark clouds as he saw for a final moment the rain coming in the direction of his eyes. He collapsed over the object and on the ground a small river of blood exited from his mouth to the ground, creating a small pond, but the rain washed it away, mixing with the rivers and small ponds that the rain created. His eyes were wide open, but he didn't see anything or hear anything, his heart had already stopped. The man was dead from a direct hit on to his heart.

The blond man approached the dead body placing his Blaster pistol on his belt. He knee next to the man and smiled. "I told you to accept my offer." Cloud grabbed the dead body right side and turned it around and glanced to the object.

He gave a brief victory smile and got up. He picked up a credit chip and tossed it onto the man's chest. "It's been a pleasure doing business with you!"

***

After a few hours later the rain stopped and the dark clouds started dissipating, letting the sun light part of the city of Coruscant. The fresh breeze continued still making the day a cold one.

Cloud was now holding the object in his hand as he entered one of the million space ports that existed on Coruscant. He walked towards his ship, maintaining the same attitude.

"Wait!"

Cloud stopped and turned to face the voice. He saw a man approaching him. He was dressed like the local authorities. "Yes?"

"Sorry to disturb you, mister. But there is one small problem," the man said.

Cloud looked through his glances and making his right hand available to take his blaster in any case. "What is the problem?"

The trooper approached him, taking out of his black jacket what at first looked like a blaster, but when the trooper showed the object he saw it was piece of paper. "I have to give a ticket to you. The weight of cargo you carry on your ship is beyond what is permitted by law."

Cloud faced the trooper somewhat incredulously. He thought it was more serious than what the trooper said. "Sorry about that, promise not to happen again."

"Just make sure that next time you see what is the weight permitted." He delivered the ticket to the man. "Have a nice day!"

Cloud looked at the ticket and walked inside his ship.

***

Cloud set the course to Gallor, where the new owners of the artifact were waiting.

As he entered hyperspace, he pushed his chair backwards and picked up the object still covered by an old piece of cloth. When he unpacked the object he saw it was a very detailed carved box. On top of it was a format of one hand.

"So this is one of the mythical Arc of the lost Knowledge. The first of a hundred that was spread throughout the entire galaxy! It is prettier than what I saw on the holographic images." Cloud sat over the second pilot chair. He got up and walked through the door the lead right to the cargo bay.

The cargo bay was not a huge compartment just enough to carry just a few creates, but the cargo bay now had a huge cage in it. The cage was not yet finished.

He picked up a blow torch and walked to one of the walls of his ship inside the cage. He picked up a wall of the cage and placed it and used the blow torch to attach it to the existing cage. Soon his line of work would expand, which meant more money to pay the detectives or even hire some more to search for the killers of his wife.

---