Star Wars - Tales from the Outer Rim

"First Contact"
By: Rylaa Lyssander - PC
Dargus Kandran - PC
Lani Vissip - NPC+
Lorgal - NPC
Various NPCs

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 7th, 4ABY

***

"What do you see?" Lani asked as she nudged Rylaa. They were outside the Jedi Enclave after having rented a couple swoops and following the map Lani's contact had given them. Not one to just show up unannounced at someone's door, especially someone like a Jedi, they were doing some recon. A soft snoring sound behind them came from the Barabel bodyguard, Lorgal, whose contract had been purchased that morning.

"Hold on a minute, woman. Yeesh." Rylaa was scanning the entrance to the enclave from a goodly distance away with an expensive pair of electrobinoculars. He could see four people outside talking, one wearing the robes of a Jedi. But that was it. "I've got a couple of people down there, I think they are Jedi. One of them, at least, I'm sure of."

"So what do you want to do?" She nudged him again playfully, confident that no-one was around that would disturb them.

"Well, I say let's just head on down and see what happens. I've got a good feeling about this." He turned off the electrobinoculars and capped them.

"So you think we might get a job with this guy? I still say it's a better idea to go into business for ourselves." They both got up and walked over to the speeders. Rylaa poked the snoozing Lorgal with his foot, causing him to leap to his feet, blaster rifle at the ready.

"Stow that, big guy. And no, Lani, I don't think we're going to get a job. I'm pretty sure this guy has decided that being good feels good and won't be going back to crime for awhile." He clambered up onto his swoop and the others followed. Buckling on the leather helmet he said, "Plus, if we do go into business for ourselves, it would be nice to get to know both the Jedi and Kandran. You never know when that knowledge might come in handy. Let's go." He stepped down on the pedal and launched the swoop out of the bushes and down the path towards the group of people he had seen.

They roared through the bushes and slid to a halt before the group. The man wearing the robes gave a start at seeing them come at such high speeds. After all, it was not every day that someone came flying out of the underbrush on a swoop. The group dusted the debris thrown up by the repulsors off of themselves.

"Sorry about that," Rylaa was quick to apologize. He hopped off the swoop and dusted himself off with a wry grin.

"I'm Fal Morasa, is there something I can do for you?" the robed man asked.

"Yeah, I'm looking for a man named Dargus Kandran," Rylaa watched the man's eyes narrow. "Obviously you've heard of him."

"What business do you have with Mr. Kandran?"

"I just want to talk. That's all, just talk." The several youngsters who had been with Fal had quietly excused themselves and had gone running inside the complex.

"How about this, I'll inform Mr. Kandran that you wish to speak with him, and he can make the decision himself. What do you wish to speak to him about?" The man fished for a commlink in the pocket of his robes, eventually producing and older model.

"That's between me, Mr. Kandran, my associate over there," he pointed to Lani, "and the fence post. In other words, let him know that Rylaa Lyssander wishes to speak with him, them make like a leaf and get the hell out of here." He never did have much patience for pompous asses, which was what this guy was turning out to be.

Fal Morasa snorted self-importantly. "Let Mr. Kandran know he has a visitor outside near the eastern entrance," he muttered into the commlink. Lani, who had been focusing on their surroundings with a determination only decades of training could muster, heard him clearly. "The guy says his name is Rylaa something-or-other." A pause, "No, he doesn't look armed. He's got a good looking redhead and a barabel with him. Alright, thanks." Looking up from the commlink he sneered again at the chubby criminal. "Mr. Kandran will be informed that you wish to see him."

"Thanks," Rylaa said simply. When the man made no move to leave, Rylaa eyed him viciously and said, "Hey chum, I could have sworn I said this was an A and B conversation, so C your way out of it." Lorgal snorted a short laugh. He was leaning against his personal swoop, modified heavily to accommodate his size. Lani was too engrossed on their surroundings to have heard the bad joke.

Fal couldn't believe it. "But, what if Mr. Kandran doesn't come?" he asked. "I should be here to inform you."

"He'll come," he said matter-of-factly. "If he's the kind of guy I think he is, he'll be interested in what I have to say." Rylaa shrugged. "If not, oh well, I wasted a couple hours of my life, I've got plenty to spend." The robed man snorted again and stomped off, leaving the trio waiting next to the gently bobbing swoopbikes.

"In your line of work," a voice said, "I wouldn't count on that." The shadows seemed to shift and resolved themselves in the form of a man. The face wasn't one any who had not known him very recently would mark as Dargus Kandran, but the contained power and piercing gaze were his. "I am Dargus Kandran. How may I be of service?"

Lani had felt the man only moments before he emerged. It was strange, it was as if... something had redirected her sense. She resolved to study this man as closely as possible during their talk. Rylaa, having no such feelings, gave a slight start at the man appearing from what appeared to be nowhere. The face was different to be sure, but those eyes. Only a man who had seen absolute power could have eyes like that. They virtually emanated power, telling all others around them to obey. Rylaa should know, he once had eyes like that himself.

"You are absolutely right, most gentlemen in my line of work do not live long," he said, turning to face Dargus. "But then, I am not most gentlemen." Rylaa decided that with a man like Dargus Kandran, charming was not going to work. So he shifted roles to self-assurance. "I am Rylaa Lyssander, you may have heard of me if you were around Coruscant about a decade ago. If not, well, allow me to introduce myself further."

"Be my guest," Dargus said with a gesture to continue, "introduce yourself."

Rylaa smiled. "Very well. As I said, I am Rylaa Lyssander, thief, smuggler, con man, slicer, and any other petty criminal title you wish to pin upon me for I have tried them all. I am also, however, a man who has had a taste of power, and wants more. I once ran a corporation that I believe is still going strong on Coruscant to this day, Rising Thunder. What the company does means nothing, it is a front, a facade for the criminal doings of the top level executives.

"Obviously it was I who began the company, many years ago, and under my careful leadership I was able to nurture it until it grew into an intergalactic power. One that was said could rival the Black Sun in just a few more years!" Rylaa clenched his fist in frustration. It had all been in his grasp, everything he had wanted to obtain right there, laid in front of him like a meal. All that had been left was the main course. "But I was betrayed on the inside. One of my most trusted lieutenants, a bastard of a Bothan named Dirge, managed to convince the other members of my Board, through bribes and threats most likely, that I had to be killed. That my star was burning fast and that I would take the empire down with it!

"I was hunted for years, but always I managed to escape. Sometimes with nothing more than the clothes on my back and a stolen ship. I have flittered from one end of the galaxy to the other, setting up minor organizations here and there. A pirate outpost, a smuggling den, whatever met my fancy at the time. Then I came here, and now I see a way for me to regain what I had." He grinned, now was time for the punch. "I'm an ambitious man, Mr. Kandran, one who will go to great lengths to get what he wants. And I want power again," Rylaa brought his hand up and closed it sharply, "I want to feel the pulse of a new empire under my fingers, awaiting my beck and call. And you, Mr. Kandran, are the man who can aid me in my little quest.

"You are also a man who has tasted power, indeed had much more than a taste. But I believe that it has collapsed around you, has it not? What if I offered you the chance to have that power again? I give you an offer of an equal partnership, everything down the middle. Between the two of us, I am sure that very little could stand in our way." This was not what he had planned to begin with. He had expected another type of man, one who was broken, defeated. Instead he found one still very much in control of himself, one who, he hoped, still wanted what he once had. This was a gamble, one hell of a gamble, but the payoff was worth the risk. Maybe he should take another one.

"Of course, Mr. Kandran, I could be wrong. I may have read your personality in the wrong way and you are now content. If you are happy here with your... Jedi, then please, ignore my proposal. Indeed, turn around and walk away and you shall never be bothered by myself or my associates again. But always remember that you had a chance to regain what you lost, and that you turned that chance down." Extremely risky business. He honestly didn't know whether or not Dargus Kandran wanted his empire back, or he was content to sit back and watch from this little Enclave. He was playing on a hunch.

Lani had always known Rylaa to be a tailspinner, a masterful storyteller who could capture the imagination and play with it at whim. But she had no idea at the power he could project when he wanted to. She smiled inwardly, not wanting to give any outward signs of amusement during his tirade. He truly was a hell of a con man. Then something sparked her senses and she went on the alert. Someone was out there, she was sure, listening. But where exactly, she couldn't say. It was as if they were masking their presence from her, or perhaps redirecting it somehow. She would wait until the two men stopped talking, though, to act. Why startle them when whoever was listening would only get as far as the end of her knife?

"Whether or not I'm enjoying myself here," Dargus said, "is immaterial. I gave my word to someone that I would attempt this, and I'm going to see it through. But, aside from that, I've never been one for partnerships, at least not on a professional level. I'm afraid, for now, I'll have to decline your offer." He smiled, the same wolfish smile that had seen him through so many hardships. "I am curious, however, as to why you believe I'm the one who could help you through this."

"It is a pity. I would have enjoyed working with you." Rylaa clasped his hands behind his back. "As for why I came to you, you are the kind of man I look for when I wish to undertake a big project. You are intelligent, creative, and have an irresistible charismatic personality. But most of all, you are ambitious. These are many qualities that I myself have been told that I possess. That I believe them is, of course, purely narcissistic." He grinned. "I've explained myself to you already. I hunger for power of the kind that I once tasted long ago. And if you really must know the truth, I'd rather have you as an ally than as an enemy."

Dargus nodded slowly. "I wish I could help you," he said. "As I explained, that's a lifestyle that I'm currently not living. It's possible I may return to it somewhere in the future, or something similar. Or, I may strike a balance between this life I now lead and that. I cannot help you with this, though I must warn you that should your activities become too blatant, you and I may be enemies, now that I've allied myself with the Jedi."

"This is true, Mr. Kandran." Rylaa nodded and unclasped his hands. "I do not like my activities to become blatant though." He held out his hand for a shake. "I do hope, Mr. Kandran, that we can speak again some time. Perhaps with a more... unprofessional topic."

"Perhaps so," Dargus said with a smile before turning his attention to Lani. He raised an eyebrow curiously at her, but made no sound. "I wish you the best in your endeavours, Rylaa...and hope that they do not force us to meet under less civil circumstances."

Lani noticed the eyebrow but made no response. Instead she began to edge slowly towards where she thought there might be a listener. Her footsteps made no sound as she slowly put one hand down to the new vibrodagger sheath at her thigh.

"Thank you, and I wish you the best in yours," Rylaa said. He too, though, was eyeing Lani out of the corner of his eye. He also noted that the barabel, Lorgal, was shifting uneasily and fingering his huge repeating blaster rifle. Lani's eyes met his, and whole paragraphs were conveyed in that look. Someone was listening to the conversation.

"You have friends watching you," Dargus asked, his voice pitched so that only Rylaa and Lani could hear. "Or are those...not friends watching you?"

"This is not a friend, I believe," said Rylaa. He carefully watched as Lani slowly slid to a stop next to a small clump of angrove bushes. Several heartbeats passed as she steadied herself, then her hand shot forward with inhuman-like speed and clamped about the throat of the hiding man. Fal Morosa flew out of the bush and landed heavily on his back, a hand like a steel vice holding him to the earth. In a flash, Lani was atop the man, dagger pressed against his throat.

"And I hope that it is not one of yours, either." All three looked carefully at Dargus.

Dargus raised an eyebrow as he looked between Lani and Rylaa. "Do I look like I need someone like this working for me?"

"No, you do not. But then again, you never know." Rylaa looked at the man, who had apparently wet himself. "Many scenarios of what could have happened sail through my head. But I have always believed that often the truth is that which is the simplest. This man is probably only out for his own greed." He nodded to Lani who let Fal Morosa rise to his feet, though she kept one sharp blade to his throat. "This is your territory, Mr. Kandran. I'll let you take care of your own trash."

Dargus nodded to Rylaa. "Very well," he said. Then, the former crimelord turned his gaze upon the man whose life now appeared to be in his hands. "You found your way in here, you can find your way out. Trespass into this part of the forest again, and I'll have you turned over to the New Plouton authorities for your deeds." He shifted his gaze to Lani and her knife, an eyebrow quirked with an unspoken question.

Lani nodded slightly and relaxed her grip on the quivering man enough to let him slip loose. The gaze from Dargus was enough to send him fleeing into the woods as though his life depended on it. Lani, still focusing deeply on her center, sensed the man collapse just past the treeline. It was as if he simply... stopped being there.

Rylaa, oblivious to such things as always, extended a hand. "Good day to you, Mr. Kandran. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you do." Lani quirked a smile. It was rare for Rylaa to want to shake hands with anyone, let alone a fellow criminal, it was a sign of just how much respect he had for Dargus.

Dargus looked at the man's hand for a moment, then finally extended his own to shake it. "Stay out of trouble," Dargus said with a smile. "As much as you can, at any rate. Good luck to you, Rylaa Lyssander."

After they broke the handclasp, Rylaa hurried to his swoop without trying to show that he was in a hurry. He had a plan already. It would take guts, and it would take daring, but if they pulled it off, they would be the richest criminals on Tae'karada. Except for maybe the Hutt. Who knew just how much Hutts had stashed away?

Dargus Kandran's figure vanished quickly as they sped into the underbrush of the forest but Lani knew that he still stood in the spot he was at before, contemplating all that was said. She didn't know how she knew, she just did. It was as though at some cosmic level, she and Dargus were on the same field, doing the same thing. Just trying to get by in a galaxy that didn't want them. She also felt that he was telling the truth in what he said about giving his word to someone. She knew that someone was a woman, and that he had strong feelings for her. Lani's deep concentration almost caused her to run into a log.

Dargus watched them as they vanished into the trees, and marked their progress with hidden senses. He couldn't help his curiousity, but for now there was nothing more he could do about it. He had a feeling though, that this would not be the last time he encountered Rylaa Lyssander and Lani. Or at least I hope not, he thought with a slight smile as he turned back toward the Temple.

"Mobile Meeting"
By: Rylaa Lyssander - Criminal - PC
Lani Vissip - Smuggler - NPC+
Lorgal - Bodyguard - NPC+

Location: On the way back to New Plouton
Date: Vadris 7th, 4ABY

***

They flew over the plains of grass that led to the city of New Plouton. Three swoopbikes speeding along at a breakneck pace. They were still far off though, the tops of the towering buildings of the city could only just be seen over the horizon. Rylaa swung his swoop close to Lani as he contemplated their meeting with Dargus.

"So, what did you think?" he asked her via the comm unit built into the bike. The subvocal microphone placed at the Adam's apple was a bit difficult to get used to, but they came in handy at times like this. They were programmed to filter out higher noise levels.

"He's there because of a woman, and he wants to stay." Her helmeted head turned to regard him. "There is something about him I could not place. A power that swirled around him, it seemed to draw me in. I can't explain it." He heard her sigh over the closed circuit. "I might go back another day, by myself, to find out what that is. And, perhaps, to find out who that man was that was listening in."

"Don't worry about him. Dargus will take care of that particular problem."

"So, Rylaa, what do we do now? Shall we go and speak with the others as planned?"

He barked a short laugh at the ludicrous thought. None of those other petty crimelords could hope to match what he saw in Kandran's eyes. "No," he replied simply. A finger idly tapped some commands into the computer onboard the swoop and several messages were sent out to the hotel. Several moments later, he got his reply. "There is something else that we can do."

"And that is?"

"Follow your suggestion. Go into business for ourselves."

"Ahhh, so now you want to listen to me, is that it?" She chuckled to show that she was only joking with him.

"I was listening to you then as well. I just wanted to meet this man before anything else happened."

"Alright then, what are we going to do?"

"I've already got the plan in action."

"That's a little too vague for me there. What plan? What are we doing and why?"

"We're going to break into a bank."

Several minutes passed by in silence.

"A what?"

"A bank. It's a place where they store hard cred when it's not in use. Every major star system has at least one. Tae'remok just happens to have theirs here. Well... not right here. It's actually up north past Arcadia in the mountains."

"That a horrible idea. If a place like that really existed, it would be guarded to the gills. Not to mention there's no way to launder money like that."

"Not unless you had someone already willing to launder it for you."

She turned to look at him again. "Like who?"

"You remember Jaklet Flannigan?"

"The kid from Tatooine? Yeah I remember him. Good with numbers but a bit slow in everything else. Why?"

"Because Credit got in contact with him and the organization he set up a few years back. It's not the first time I've used him to launder money. I don't know how they do it, and I personally don't want to."

"Ok, so what to do with the money afterwards is taken care of. How about how to get to the money? That place is more than likely locked up tighter than Palpatine's asshole. Especially if it's an old Imperial joint."

"It is."

"Great, so we can at least expect a couple of walkers then."

"Yup."

"You're not very talkative here."

"Shut up, woman. I'm trying to find a way not to get us killed."

Lani shut up. Not because he told her to, he was going to get smacked for that later, but because she recognized the tone of voice he had used. It was the kind he used when he wouldn't brook any arguments. It was a voice of authority. She hadn't heard it in a long time.

It wasn't going to save him from getting slapped when they got back to the hotel room.

"Cargo Run, Part 2"
By: Oyani Tala
Rilanna Kir

Location: Ryloth Storm
Date: Vadris 7, 4 ABY

***

The Ryloth Storm lifted off from the moon's surface. Rilanna Kir was at the co-pilot's controls, setting a course for the final destination of their cargo run. The vessel pulled into the high atmosphere of Tae'Karada's moon, and Oyani sat, seemingly transfixed, watching Rilanna input flight co-ordinates into the navacomputer.

Oyani's lekku twitched as she watched the young woman work. It was cooler, now, aboard the ship and yet both women were still stripped down to the level in which they had been comfortable during the Storm's brief heatwave.

Rilanna had her dark jacket off, and sat punching controls in a sleeveless shirt.

Oyani was wearing the small outfit she had donned for the heat. It looked more like underwear than anything else, though the material of both the top and bottoms were of heavier material than an average undergarment.

As the cockpit of the ship grew cooler, Oyani began to actually feel a bit chilled, sitting in her pilot's seat next to her lovely companion. But, she didn't let on. She liked the feeling. It was relaxing somehow.

She sat back in the seat, feeling the cooler air touch her body. She closed her eyes, and smiled. Her voice was soft, and low as she addressed Rilanna.

"You take us in," Oyani said. "Your boss gave me the proper security codes on that datapad over there." The Twi'lek made a gesture towards a recess at the top of the control panel where she had put the datapad. "If I'm not being too presumptuous, I wanna see how The Storm handles with someone else at the controls."

She turned her green eyes on Rilanna and her expression was warm and friendly.

Rilanna grinned at Oyani as she slipped back to grab the datapad and returned to the copilot's seat. The feeling as her companion released control of the ship to her was liberating. There were few feelings Rilanna could think of that felt as powerful and free as being at the controls of a starship. She couldn't help feeling slightly nervous at the scrutiny she was receiving, but on the other hand she couldn't deny that she kind of enjoyed it.

She pushed the Storm through a roll that lined them up for their approach into the Lunar Base.

"She flies beautifully," Ril said, sparing a glance to the side where Oyani sat. "I'm very impressed."

"Thank you," Tala replied. "I take that as a high compliment. You handle her well too. You must have a very gentle touch, because you get the controls responding very smoothly."

Rilanna flashed Oyani a grin. "Thank you," she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "If you want her back so we can land..."

"You go ahead and take us in," Oyani said. She turned her chair to where she could lean in closer to Rilanna. "Let me ask you something.... um... whadda you think we're carrying? The cargo? Got any idea what's in there?"

The Twi'lek's green eyes shown with anticipation as she awaited Rilanna's answer.

"Well, it's for Dresh, from Shrezade, so it could be just about anything, and roughly half of those anythings I probably don't want to know about." She glanced back toward the hold and back to Oyani. Her smile had turned into a rather wicked grin. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"I'm thinking maybe we ought to inspect our shipment," Oyani said, with a devious grin. "I mean, you wouldn't want to deliver damaged goods in the name of your employer. And we did have a kind of rough time of it in the atmosphere.... whadda you say? Wanna take a look?"

Rilanna thought about it for a moment, then smiled at Oyani. "We did get shot at for it after all, and if we're going to ever get in trouble for this, we might as well know what it was we're getting in trouble over."

"I'll admit my curiosity has been piqued since we started this trip," Oyani said. "C'mon... we wont hurt anything. I mean, protecting the shipment is your job. If I break something you can shoot me." Here the Twi'lek winked, and her right lekku twitched in unison with her facial gesture. "But, you've gotta admit.... it is tempting, isn't it."

Both of the Twi'lek's lekku rose a bit, showing her excitement. And that is what this trip had been about, it seemed. Temptations....

"Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt to take a peek," she said, glancing back in the direction of the hold. "Come on, let's go see what Shrezade Anoran's sending to her secret lover on the moon."

Oyani hit a control on her console, and the Storm went into autopilot mode. "That'll buy is some cargo inspection time," she said to Rilanna. And then she led the way out of the cockpit, and into the cargo hold. Rilanna followed, and Oyani couldn't resist a chance to look at her at least once.

She was thoroughly enjoying the young woman's company. And, had Ril known much about Twi'lek lekku-language, she would have been able to pick up what was on Oyani's mind by the swaying and twitching of the head tails.

In the cargo hold, Oyani stopped, hesitating; she gave a backwards glance to Ril, before pulling her seemingly all-purpose tool from her belt. She knelt down, and worked the tool at each corner of the lid on one of the crates. And she soon had the seal broken, using an odd little short spanner that seemed to work the pressure seal against itself, forcing the lid up just enough to break the seal.

Oyani pushed the lid off, and let it fall with a sort of thick thud.

And then she reached into the crate. "Well, whadda you know!?" she exclaimed as she pulled out a bottle of some kind of dark, most likely very strong liquor.

"Is that what I think it is," Rilanna asked as she tried to get a good look at the bottle in Oyani's hand. "Oh, that looks like a very good year too. How many are there? Oh my...Reza, my dear, you've outdone yourself. This lot will definitely keep Dresh warm for quite some time." She looked up at her new friend with a wide, mischievous grin on her face. "I think we still have a little bit of time before we have to touch down. You thirsty?"

"Never thirstier," Oyani said. "Why don't we see if this little tool of mine has a... well... it certainly does..." She held up her funny little makeshift device, and protruding from one of the hollow handles was something shaped vaguely like a corkscrew. "I wont tell if you don't!" the Twi'lek said.

Rilanna grinned. "What she doesn't know..."

She took the bottle from Ril's hand, and forced the spiraled piece of metal into the cork that formed the seal. A few twists, and then she yanked it out with a loud pop. Her red face smiled. And she took a drink, right out of the bottle. It was good. A heady, strong beverage kept chilled by the environmental controls built in to the crates Reza was having them shipped in.

A grin curled on Rilanna's face as she watched Oyani. "Well?"

Oyani handed her newfound friend, and co-conspirator in stolen liquor the bottle. "Drink to your heart's content, my dear," she said.

Ril accepted the bottle and brought it to her lips. She tipped her head back and the dark liquid inside the bottle poured down her throat. It was good...very good in fact. When Ril finally pulled the bottle from her lips, she grinned at Oyani. "Oh, that is very good," she purred. "I'm feeling a little lightheaded already. We just have to make sure we don't drink all of it." She held the bottle out again to her friend. "More?"

Oyani took the bottle, smiling girlishly. "I doubt one bottle would make much difference," she said. "We could always claim the supplier shipped short." The Twi'lek took a longer drink than perhaps she should have, and she felt her vision blur for a moment. Shaking her head, she cleared it; the sound of her lekku slapping against the bulkhead seemed a bit louder than it should have.

"Oops," Rilanna said with a grin. "Those silly suppliers." She accepted the bottle and downed another large swallow of it, passing it back to Oyani once she finished.

"This is strong stuff," Oyani commented. "But very good." She passed the bottle back to Rilanna. "Hmmmm... I wish I had music. I love to dance when I'm drunk... well... tipsy, anyway. Hmmm... you don't sing do you?" She gave the young woman a flirtatious look. Oyani didn't need alcohol to think Rilanna was lovely. But, it helped to have the naturally uninhibiting properties of wine to help her to feel free to bring those particular feelings to the forefront.

"I've never really tried," Rilanna said, the bottle hovering near her mouth. "I don't know if I have a nice voice or not. After this, I don't know if I could..." She grinned and tipped the bottle back.

Oyani watched Rilanna drink. She blinked her green eyes, swallowed hard, and mumbled something about wishing the coolant units were on the blink again. Then she shook her head, her lekku dancing joyously behind her back. "Well.... do you think..." She groped for the bottle Rilanna was holding, as she tried to get back onto her feet. "Do you think you can fly after we finish this one little bottle of... what is this stuff?"

Rilanna grinned, and released the bottle to Oyani. "Something very good," she said then held out her hands. "See, steady as a rock. I can fly us, see?" She giggled and reached out, groping for Oyani. "Actually, I think we're flying now." Her eyes found Oyani's and she gasped softly. "You...you're a very beautiful woman, Oyani. And, we'd better get moving before I have inappropriate ideas..."

Oyani moved so that she stood in front of Rilanna. There was a slight smile on her face, and one lekku curled over her shoulder, to make its snakelike way onto Ril's. "You're very beautiful too. I've thought so since I first saw you. And, you know what they say - 'in wine there is truth'. So... let's confess some truth - what about these inappropriate ideas of yours?"

"Oh," Rilanna said, her voice a gentle purr, "they're very inappropriate." She brought a hand up and brushed her fingers over Oyani's lekku. "Extremely inappropriate."

Oyani licked her lips. The lekku that had wandered over Ril's shoulder tickled her back. The other lekku was waving in a type of rhythm behind Oyani's back. "Well... I've already sampled Shrezade Anoran's wine... perhaps I should sample her Chief of Security as well."

Rilanna felt herself leaning closer to Oyani, her eyes gazing deeply into her friend's. "It sounds like have some rather inappropriate thoughts of your own."

Oyani leaned in closer, her lips brushing Rilanna's "Stop me... if you want to," the Twi'lek said, in the same breath with which she kissed the other woman.

Oyani wasted no time in finding the proper clasps and snaps to loosen, and finally remove Rilanna's top, as they kissed. And then Ril could feel the soft, smooth flesh of Oyani's lekku rubbing against her bare back. The Twi'lek kissed her passionately, before breaking the kiss and smiling a girlish and yet mischievous grin.

"Ever seen a naked Twi'lek before?" she asked. "We're just like humans... just more... colorful." She giggled a little as she dropped her own top, allowing her full breasts to fall free of their fabric restraints. "Come here, Rilanna-dear... kiss me again," Oyani purred seductively. She kept Ril's dark eyes locked in her own, as the other woman moved closer to her.

"Gladly," Rilanna whispered and fell into Oyani's arms. The kiss seemed to be even more passionate than before. As they kissed, Rilanna brought her hands between them both to touch and caress. She didn't know what Shrezade would think of this, though a part of her thought that she might be amused. What they shared was a friendship, one that was very deep and passionate, that allowed them to be intimate with one another. They had never defined it further than that, and each had a lover on the side. She hoped Reza wouldn't mind her taking yet another, but Oyani Tala was irresistible, with or without clothes or alcohol. She lowered her lips to Oyani's breasts, suckling them while listening to the sounds of the Twi'lek's moans and heavy breathing. "I think we need to drink together more often," she purred.

Oyani had no other lover. At least no one that made her feel special, or fulfilled her emotionally. She had sexual partners. Usually strangers picked up in the bars on Drogen. But, she felt a sudden closeness with Rilanna. Something that made her want to hold the young woman and kiss her, from the heart as well as from her more basic desires of the flesh. She leaned her head back, her lekku trembling with excitement, as Rilanna licked and teased her. She felt her hands wander to the waistband of her shorts, almost as if she were not controlling them. Oyani slid the shorts down, revealing her nakedness to Rilanna.

Embracing the younger woman tightly, she moved down to the floor, laying with Rilanna on top of her; running her red fingers through Ril's dark hair; Oyani kissed her on the forehead, and as Rilanna looked up at her, their lips met again. "This is fun," Oyani said, as her tongue dived into Rilanna's mouth, and began to explore.

"All this drinking...." Oyani rolled her body so that she was atop Rilanna. She began kissing her, from the chin down onto her neck, and finally onto her breasts, "is making me... hungry."

Her scarlet lekku waved and swirled around in the air behind her, one or the other of them coming down to gently stroke Rilanna's arms, or her face as Oyani teased Rilanna's nipples, kissing them gently. The Twi'lek was careful not to squeeze too hard as she rubbed Rilanna's breasts. If human flesh was as tender and sensitive as a Twi'lek's then she had to go easily as not to hurt her partner.

As the Twi'lek ran her fingers over Rilanna's breasts, squeezing and gently scratching her with her nails, allowing the nails to run down onto the young woman's stomach, Oyani moved her mouth along the narrow line in the center of Rilanna's stomach made by the firmness of her muscles.

Oyani's mouth found the waist of Rilanna's pants only a few seconds before her eager fingers did. "Hmmmm... may I?" she asked, her voice sounding as innocent as a young girl's. Long Twi'lek fingers fiddled with the clasp of Rilanna's pants.

"Oh please," Rilanna said with a smile. As Oyani pushed the leather fabric of her pants down over her hips, Ril did her best to help by kicking off her boots. "I want to find out," she managed between panting gasps of breath, "if this is as fun when we're both sober too. If you're up for it, of course." She gave the Twi'lek a coy look that said so much more.

"I think I'd be up for anything, as long as your pretty face was around somewhere," Oyani said, leaning over quickly, to kiss Rilanna on the lips, before returning to her work of undressing her.

When Rilanna lay, naked, on the floor of Oyani's cargo bay, the Twi'lek made things more even - she removed the rest of her clothing, and lay her crimson body atop Rilanna. She closed her eyes, and bit her lips slightly, at the pleasure of feeling the young woman's flesh against hers. And then she slid down Rilanna's body again; kissing, and licking as she went - lekku doing a gentle dance of happiness across her back, onto the floor, and up and down Rilanna's sides.

When Oyani reached her destination, she gently lifted Rilanna's legs so that her feet were planted firmly on the floor of the cargo bay. The Twi'lek pushed the other's legs apart, and stroked the outside of Rilanna's thighs with her long, darkly polished nails. With an almost wicked grin, Oyani said:

"We're about to make the jump into hyperspace, my dear." And she kissed her way down the inside of Rilanna's left leg; on her way to giving the young woman a very pleasurable afternoon.

In the cockpit of the Ryloth Storm, an astromech droid squeezed himself between the pilot's and co-pilot's seats. He had been in this situation before. He had plugged himself into the ship's com-system. Not to eavesdrop, but to keep an eye on his mistress' situation. He could hear the moans and gasps coming from the cargo bay, and mused in his little mechanical mind that it might not have been necessary to have the com on to hear them.

Accessing the ship's piloting sequences, the droid took over for the autopilot, steering the Ryloth Storm in and out of the clouds, trying to keep the vessel hidden as best he could whilst his mistress was at play.

The little droid was in for a long shift at the controls.....

"Shattered Illusions, Part 1"
By: Keeve Shivral
Talara Sorenne

Location: Arcadian Temple
Date: Vadris 7, 4 ABY

***

She slipped into the room silently and crept over to the bed. She could see him lying upon it, sleeping fitfully. After what Nieme had been doing to him, how could it be anything but? She stood at the edge of the bed, watching for just a few moments, before discarding her flimsy robe behind her and sliding into the bed with him. His body was still warm, the hard muscles delightful bliss under her touch. She'd watched him, desired him, but knew he couldn't desire her, wouldn't desire her. It hurt much but what could she do? She couldn't force him, but perhaps in time, she could allow him to see that she wasn't as bad as he thought.

"Keeve," she whispered, and brushed her lips against his. "It's safe here; you're safe here. It's okay for now."

He flinched at her touch, and gasped Maeren's name. His heavy-lidded eyes forced themselves open, and through the haze it was truly Shiv's face he discerned. He'd seen her before, as well - in the small, luxurious room Nieme had imprisoned him in. Shackled by a pair of binders suspended from the ceiling by a chain, she'd tormented him for hours - toying with him mentally and physically, while he was incapable of fending her off. She'd burrowed into his mind, although initially encountering resistance that seemed to irritate more than it impressed her. With his mental shields penetrated she manipulated his thoughts and distorted reality, all with a wicked grin on her face, one that transformed to Kallia's, then Shiv's, and even Kimara's - all the women he had ever known and desired. Lerrah was there, smiling sweetly at him as he remembered her.

But no matter how artful Nieme had thought herself, even she could not keep her taint from seeping into the false images created. Were Zari's eyes always brown and her smile that lustful? And why was Maeren's hair so dark now? Despite the flawed semblances swimming before his tired eyes, Keeve had clung to the comforting illusions and gave them life. When Maeren's lips had touched his, Keeve greeted her kiss hungrily. As Kallia knelt before him and engulfed his erection in her mouth, he'd cried out ecstatically. And through it all, Nieme's voice whispered in his head, cackled with laughter as he called out Maeren's name in the heights of pleasure. Even now Nieme was there, torturing him as he tried for sleep, laughing at his foolishness and weakness, and all without surcease. Not for a moment could he find peace, but Maeren's smile alleviated the anguish, if only a little.

"You're back," he whispered, the muscles of his face tight with the pain of his struggle.

"I'd never leave you," came the reply so like Maeren's, yet so unlike. The warm body pressed against his side and kissed gently at his throat. "I've missed you so much, Keeve. I want to help you."

Weakened by Nieme's endless torment, Keeve barely had the strength to raise his hand to Maeren's cheek. It was fuller than hers, he noticed, but his ravaged mind clung to the image he saw, and rejected what his other senses were perceiving. "I have to...leave here," he murmured groggily. "Maeren...we have to leave together."

"We can't leave yet," she whispered back to him. "But there's a plan. Oot and Ferrig, they're trying to get out, to break free. If you help them, they can take you with them." She brushed her lips against his. "Take us with them."

"Oot?" he slurred. His fingers pushed through her hair, but the texture was all wrong. Though, his mind quickly corrected for that, and once again the illusion held firm. "We can take them with us," he sighed, nuzzling his lips to her throat. "What do-- What should I do?"

A gasp of pleasure escaped her lips. "I'll take you to them, Keeve. I'll take care of you here. I don't know how much I can do, but I'll do whatever I can to protect you. I'll take you to Oot and Ferrig. They'd get us out."

"That doesn't matter," he murmured. He pushed his knee between her thighs as Keeve slid atop her. His hands roamed over her breasts, ones so similar to Shiv's it was easy enough to believe they were hers he was cradling. "If we have to stay here, it won't matter as long as we're together." And his lips covered hers.

She couldn't help closing her eyes, almost believing the truth of his words. "As long as we're together," she breathed. "We'll be safe together, Keeve. We'll survive together."

Her words brought him peace, and although the contours of her body, the scent of her skin, everything that was incongruent with what he knew of Shiv should have stopped him, Nieme's voice taunted him and drove him to seek comfort in Talara's embrace. With desperation, Keeve clung to the girl he saw as Shiv and entered her. He would seek liberation from Nieme's torment in the love Maeren could offer. "Just you and I," he breathed into Talara's ear as he pushed against her.

She gasped and cried out softly as he entered her, the thing she'd been dreaming of, desiring since she'd first laid eyes upon him. That he hated her didn't matter because of the sweet, beautiful words he was speaking to her. The words were meant for another, but she felt the power behind them. "I love you," she whispered. "Just you and I."

Finding solace in her assurances and in her unfamiliar, yet desired touch, Keeve swayed against her with an infusion of passion and need. It was Shiv's name he whispered against her cheek, her lips he kissed, and yet the act lacked fulfillment. He drove into her with greater fervour as he sought that perfect moment of ecstasy he only ever found with Shiv.

She could sense that something wasn't quite right. She redoubled her efforts to give him something he would like, would...would want. She couldn't say the words again, even though they felt true. "It's wonderful, Keeve. You're wonderful. Love me, Keeve. Just...just love me."

"I-I do," he assured her, though his tone seemed uncertain and his brow was creased as if his subconscious was fighting to expose the truth. He gripped her arms tightly as his actions became rough and persistent. "Maeren," he grunted. "Just stay with me."

"I'll stay with you," she whispered. "I'll never leave, Keeve. I won't let them hurt you."

"Then get her voice...out of my head," he pleaded, burying his face into the curve of her neck. "She's there...laughing at me, tormenting me." Keeve sobbed into her shoulder even as he continued to thrust into Talara. "Please," he rasped. "Please help me, Maeren."

"I will," she whispered, "I'll try." She kissed him and began with the top to do everything she could to make Keeve forget about Nieme's voice, to wipe it from his mind and purge him of her influence.

Nieme's voice was slowly silenced by Talara's soothing words, spoken in Shiv's silky tones. His body ceased trembling as her hold on him began unravelling, but as it did, Nieme's spell, too, lost its power over him. Maeren's hair darkened when the fog clouding his mind began lifting, and her creamy, pale flesh lost its bright complexion. All the doubts nagging at him amplified, and when he pulled back, it was no longer Maeren's sweetly smiling lips he was kissing. He stopped abruptly, and gazed down at Talara with revulsion. "What the--?" His face twisted in rage as Keeve recoiled, rolling away from Talara and shoving her from the bed with a growl. "You whore! What were you trying to do!"

Talara's eyes filled with tears and she struggled to her feet. "I was trying to help you," she said. "I'm trying to help you, Keeve. Can't you see? Can't you? Please? I can get you to Oot. I can...I can help you."

"By fooling me into thinking you're someone I would actually want to be with?" He laughed harshly. "You sick, desperate bitch."

"Your eyes are open now, aren't they," Talara said softly. "You can see who I am, and you can think for yourself, can't you?"

Keeve smirked. "Disappointed?" He stepped off the bed and approached Talara menacingly. "Are you going to mess around with my mind, too? That's the only way I'd ever be with you." Towering over her now, Keeve grasped her arms and jerked her towards him. He grinned viciously into her upturned face. "When I'm free," he whispered, "you're one of the first to die."

"Fine then," Talara said with a sad smile. "You're stuck here. Alone. No allies. No one to help you. Just you against Nieme and Dani. Good luck, Keeve, because you'll need it."

He chuckled wryly. "Don't try that ploy with me, little girl. I don't need you to get out of here. And I don't need you trying to seduce me. What do I need with a child?" And he shoved her away before stalking back to the bed. He reclined on it comfortably with both hands laced behind his head, and a wide smirk on his face. "Go on," he urged her. "Pick up your robe and leave. The sight of you is leaving a bad taste in my mouth."

She pulled the robe to her and put it on. Once it was tied securely, she took a tentative step toward him. "Please, Keeve, let me help you. I won't try to seduce you anymore. But, I still want to help you. I'm...I'm sorry for what I did, for what I've done."

"You want to help?" he echoed, his smile twisting cruelly. "Then get Oot in here, with me, where I can keep her safe. If you do that" --he stretched out his legs and crossed them at the ankle-- "I'll consider your offer."

"I can try to get her here," Tala said, "but it'd be better if I take you to her. But I'll need to bring you back here at the end of the night. Everything has to appear normal, or they'll catch us."

"Well, then," he told her smugly, "you'll have to make sure they don't, now won't you?"

"Why can't you just work with me," Tala snapped. "You're not in control here, and you have no idea what they can do to you, what they have been doing to you. Why don't you snap out of your delusions and look around. You're in deep poodoo, and unless you start working with me, you're going to drown."

"And what if you're manipulating me?" Keeve countered. "You're here with them, aren't you? If you're against them, then why the hells are you doing their bidding!"

"You don't know what it's like," Talara said, near ready to sob. "You don't understand. You couldn't understand. And, I doubt you'd even try. Please, just...just trust me, alright? I'm trying to help you, trying to get you out. Sometimes...I...I can't help myself, like with you. But I'm still trying to help you."

Keeve sighed as he sat up. "Look...you can't blame me for not trusting you outright. Prove yourself to me, and I'll help you in return."

"How can I prove myself without getting us both caught?" she asked. "I'll do it, but...I just...I hope you understand..."

"All I understand is that I'm a captive while my wife is probably worrying sick over me," he rasped. "I took you into my home, protected you from those bitches... You owe me, so consider this payment."

"I'll try to get a message to her, if I can," Talara said. "I...I just don't want you to hate me. I'm...I'm not a bad person. I...I want to be a Jedi."

Keeve shook his head. "Then what the hells are you doing here?"

"I don't know anymore," Talara said softly. "But, from now on, I'm trying to get out."

"Then I'm helping you," Keeve promised with less rancor.

Talara held out a hand to him. "Thank you," she said.

He studied it warily, wondering if she was capable of influencing him through the Force with a single touch. But the expectation in her sorrowful eyes swayed him, and Keeve accepted her offered hand. "We'll get through this. And if you need to, you can stay here tonight, just to get away from them."

"Thank you," she whispered. "I promise I won't try anything, Keeve. Not anymore. But...but you are very impressive." She gave him a shy smile that she didn't think she could have given just a little bit ago. In his seeming forgiveness, it seemed some of her innocence may have been reclaimed. "Thank you." And, with that, she gave him a hug.

He returned it only half-heartedly, and cut it short when he gently pushed her back. "Now, about Oot...?"

"I can take you to her," Tala said. "She's three floors above here. We'll need to find a way to disguise you, but I can take you there. We can go now if you'd like. Though we'll have to go quickly. We can meet with her, then come back here. I can get you there again tomorrow night too. Longer, because we'll have more time."

"I'll need clothes," Keeve pointed out. "I think I'd fit into that black armour, if you can get me some."

"Of course," Tala said. "I'll get them for you. Not sure how long it'll take to get the armour, but I'll get it for you." She smiled up at him. "Clothes will be really easy though."

He spread his hands and shrugged. "Whatever you can manage. Just make it good."

"I'll go get you the clothes," Tala said. "After, though, you'll have to make sure you hide them really well. If they find them, we're both in trouble." She flung her arms around him and hugged him briefly before stepping back, a look of adoration in her eyes as she gazed up at him. "I'll be right back." With that, she scampered out of the room and off into the darkness.

Sighing, Keeve shook his head slowly at the odd girl. With as quickly as she'd broken her allegiance with Nieme and Dani, he questioned how trustworthy she truly was. But at least for now he had her performing his bidding, even if she did require some tactile encouragement to do so.

She was gone for about ten minutes before she slipped back into the room carrying a bundle of clothing. She grinned at Keeve where he was sitting on the edge of the bed, in an almost-meditative pose. She grinned and held out the bundle to him. "Got them," she whispered.

He studied the drab outfit of pants and a button-down shirt and quirked an eyebrow at her. "Not very flattering," Keeve quipped. He sighed and stood up. "But, it'll do." Retrieving the pants from her, he proceeded to slip them on. "There aren't any tracking devices embedded in it, are there?" he teased.

She shook her head. "Nieme and Dani have had too much else to do, I think. And, so far the soldiers are all loyal because Oot told them to be." She smiled up at him as she held out a pair of boots. "I got these too."

He smiled crookedly and snatched them up. "Thanks. You're this close to redeeming yourself."

Talara beamed at him. "Thank you," she said with a very large grin. "Once you're ready, we can sneak up to see Oot. She's with Ferrig up in her room." She half frowned, but it quickly turned to a bemused look. "I think they like each other for real."

Keeve snorted as he slipped on the shirt and began clasping the buttons. "Not Oot. She's very good at being submissive when she needs to be, but once this is over, he'll be nothing to her."

Tala frowned. "That doesn't sound very nice of her," she said.

"And she's being treated like a queen?" he riposted snarkily. "Don't be so naive, kid."

"Sorry," Talara said. "I didn't know. Ferrig's my boyfriend, but...but it's difficult because of Nieme and Dani. I know you don't like me, but...but I liked it with you. When you...you thought I was her...it felt very nice. We, me and Ferrig, we haven't had...had times like that." She looked up at him. "Maeren's really lucky to have someone who loves her so much."

"This Ferrig guy's your boyfriend?" Keeve asked. As he tucked the tails of his shirt into his pants, he said, "If this guy doesn't love you, then why's he your boyfriend?"

"He loves me," Talara said. "But, he's...he's just really confused right now. Because of Nieme and Dani. And...and they captured his sister, and...and I think she's with that Hutt still. So, he's worried." She sighed and shook her head. "I'm sorry, I'm not making any sense, I know. But, everything here is so confused."

"Blame yourself for that," Keeve told her. "You chose to come here with those freaks." He softened the admonishment with a smile. "I hope you've learned your lesson."

Talara nodded. "I was so stupid. Master Andro, he'd be so disappointed in me. I know Master Laedra is." She looked away so he couldn't see the tears in her eyes, the way her insides were twisted with anguish knowing how disappointed and upset Laedra would be with her. Before she realized it, the tears were falling and she couldn't stop them, she couldn't stop herself. She'd failed...but maybe there was still a chance to redeem herself. Maybe she wasn't completely lost yet.

"That won't do any good," Keeve said softly. He wrapped an arm around her heaving shoulders and pulled her into an embrace. "Crying will only waste time...and your eyes will get all poofy, as Maeren would say."

She nodded wordlessly as he held her. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I was just...just realizing how...I hope I see her soon, so I can...can prove that I'm not worthless." She looked up at him and forced a smile. "You're a good man. I'm glad I know you."

He smirked. "I'm good when I want to be. Other times, I'm just a gullible fool." He smoothed his thumbs over her cheeks to dry the tears, then stepped back. "You ready?"

She nodded. "I am," she said. "Come on. There's a back way we can take that won't take us past anywhere important."

"You saying I'm not important?" he teased, then smiled to give her courage and followed her away.

"Shattered Illusions, Part 2"
By: Keeve Shivral
Talara Sorenne
Ferrig Mullerin
Oot Kovan

Location: Arcadian Temple
Date: Vadris 7, 4 ABY

***

They reached the door without incident. Talara looked up and down the hallway before pushing the door silently open. She grinned up at Keeve, then motioned him inside. On the bed in the center of the room, Ferrig Mullerin lay with his back to the door. In his arms, her red skin a stark contrast against his desert bronze, lay Oot Kovan. Both stirred at the opening of the door, and Tala raised a finger to her lips. Oot nodded slowly and waited for the door to close. Tala tiptoed inside on bare feet, waving Keeve in behind her.

He stepped lightly so that the bottoms of his boots wouldn't make a sound against the marble floor. Once inside, he closed the door behind him and gave the twi'lek a lopsided grin. "Comfortable?"

Oot flashed a grin back to him, and slipped out of Ferrig's embrace. The young man glanced up, not worried since the stranger came with Tala's presence. He propped himself up on an elbow and watched Keeve. Oot slipped out of the bed and pulled on a robe, her lekku trailing down her back as she regarded him. "I've missed you, Keeve," she said. "I heard they'd captured you. I take it you're here to join up with our little resistance? Plans aren't quite firm yet, but we're not content staying here. My only real concern now are the clones. They may be clones, but they don't deserve this any more than we do."

"Resistance?" He looked between Oot and the lounging Ferrig uncertainly. "You two have been planning something?"

"Well, planning," Oot said, "when the stud here will let us plan."

"Oh," Ferrig said with a lazy grin, "don't blame that all on me. You're just as guilty as I am."

Oot laughed and turned to Keeve. "We are planning something, but it's not easy, not with Nieme and Dani around. The trick is finding a way out of here when they're not watching. The trickiest part is making sure we have the time to get away when they won't notice us, and keep their attention away long enough to get us far enough away that they won't find us easily."

Keeve groaned. "This is too complicated. And besides, I'm supposed to be here rescuing you, not the other way around."

Oot laughed softly. "Well, we hadn't made it very far yet. Anything you can do to help, I'm sure we'd all welcome it."

Talara smiled. "I know I would."

Oot smiled at her. "I see you've come around." Tala's only answer was to blush.

Rolling his eyes, Keeve moved past the two doting women for Ferrig and Oot's bed. "So, when do we do this?" he asked, plunking himself down upon the mattress.

"The sooner the better," Ferrig said. "The longer we're in here, the more chances our plans have to be spoiled. It should be as soon as we can get ourselves out of here. Do you have a plan? And, do you think tomorrow is soon enough?"

"No plan," Keeve told him. "Since you and Talara have free access to the palace, you'd be better able to get us what we need - armour, weapons, access codes..."

Talara nodded. "And, I have my lightsaber too. I think we can get armour and weapons. Access codes might be a little difficult, but...but I'll see what I can do. The soldiers can't be persuaded easily, but some of the others still working here can."

"It won't be easy to do this, especially with how paranoid they are," Ferrig said. "But if we're careful, and we don't move too quickly...I think we can do it."

"Maybe if you ask the bitches to give you and Talara some time together," Keeve suggested. He winked surreptitiously at the girl, knowing she would enjoy a moment alone with her boyfriend. "This way it won't seem suspicious if the two of you are seen together."

Talara nodded and looked over to Ferrig. He gave her a smile and she giggled.

"I think that's their acceptance," Oot said. "I think all I can really do is stay here. You're probably in the same spot, at least when Talara can't get you out."

"Then we'll have to deal with our impotence and use that time to plan," he told Oot. "You want your throne back, don't you?"

"Yes, I do," Oot said. "And, I want those two Huttslime taken down."

Keeve grinned at her. "That's more like it."

Talara let out a bust of laughter and did a little dance in a circle. "I think I just figured out how to get you some amour, Keeve. It'll mean I have to be kind of naughty with one of the soldiers, but not for very long."

"Like you'd mind that," he muttered. "So, when can you do it?"

"In the morning," she said with a smile. "I just need to get him out of his armour, and then find something I don't like about him. I send him scampering off like the bad little soldier he is, and I have a set of free amour, all for you."

"And what about Oot?" Keeve asked.

"We'll have to find her other clothes," Talara said.

"I can take care of that," Ferrig said. "I don't think it will look too suspicious."

Keeve snorted. "And why not? You often prance around in women's clothing?"

"I have no intention of wearing it," Ferrig said with a glare. "However, I might be able to get some clothes to her, as someone close to Nieme and Dani."

"Then do it," Keeve ordered, seeming to appoint himself leader of the small gang of rebels. "And weapons?"

"I'll get them," Talara said. "I think it would be less suspicious for me to have them than Ferrig. I think I can get a couple blasters and...and maybe some knives."

"I can work with anything," Keeve boasted with a grin.

"I'll get you the best of whatever I can find," Tala said with a grin in return. "And, we should probably get back."

Smirking at her knowingly, Keeve rose from the bed. "Yeah, I think I can imagine your hurry," he quipped.

Tala giggled and looked away. "Have you looked in a mirror lately," she said softly. "And...I just don't want them to catch us."

He nodded his head skeptically and turned away towards Oot. Approaching her with a swaggering gait and his trademark crooked smile, Keeve asked, "You gonna be alright with this kid?" He jerked a thumb towards Ferrig.

Oot glanced over at Ferrig and smiled. "Oh yes," she said. "Perfectly fine. You going to be alright with that one?"

Keeve shrugged. "She's feisty and persistent, but my will's not easily bent." He stopped before Oot and his smile softened, a reminder of their shared past. "You know you're safe with me around, don't you?"

She smiled a smile that was only meant for him. "I know I am," she said. "I always feel safe when you're around, Keeve."

"It's because I'm big and manly, isn't it?" he joked, then shot her a reassuring wink. "How could I forget how much you've helped me out in the past? It's the least I could do for you in return."

"If you can get us out of here," she said, "I think I'll owe you one. It'd be nice if you could stay here, but I know you can't."

" 'Course not," he told her, running a finger down one of her lekku. "I have to mastermind a prison break." Keeve grinned. "Maybe later."

She grinned at him. "You have no idea how much I'd like that. I'll see you soon, Keeve."

He gave her a lazy salute and stepped past her towards the door. Noting Talara's absence, Keeve turned back to find her snuggling up to Ferrig. He sighed. "Are we done?"

Talara gave Ferrig a quick kiss, then grinned up at Keeve. "We're done," she said and hopped up from the bed. As she did so, her robe was pulled wide open as Ferrig's hand was quickly whipped out of its folds. Tala quickly pulled the front closed and gave a very embarrassed, blushing smile to Keeve. "Sorry," she whispered.

Keeve emitted a trying sigh and turned his back on the entire scene. "The Arcadian House of Lust and Depravity," he muttered and stepped through the door with Talara.

"He just put his hand there," Tala said as they ventured down the hall. She quickly lowered her voice. "I didn't ask him to. It felt good, but still. He hasn't seen me for awhile, so...I don't know. Let's just...just go get some sleep, alright?"

"If you say so," Keeve answered, holding back a smile.

"What? What's so funny? This isn't easy for me, you know."

He finally snickered. "Why are you apologizing to me? He's your boyfriend. You're allowed to steal kisses."

"But...well...it just didn't feel right...in front of you. You know? I mean...I like you and...and I guess I wanted those to be your hands."

He frowned at her disapprovingly. "Talara, he's your boyfriend. I'm just a crush. I thought you said you loved the guy?"

She sighed. "I do," she said. "Very much. But...but I do like you too. And...I guess he's in there with Oot a lot, and he really likes her. Don't worry, I'll be good tonight."

"Of course you will be," he told her. "Because I'm sleeping on the floor."

"Oh, Keeve, you can't. What if they come in? We have to sleep in the bed, and...and I promise, I'll just...I'll sleep close. I won't even touch anything I'm not supposed to."

He laughed. "And what about everything else?"

"Not funny," Talara said and swatted him in the stomach. "I won't touch, Keeve. I promise. I'll just sleep. And, you can sleep, and if anyone looks in, they'll just see us sleeping together."

"With you trying to sneak a feel." He chuckled and playfully tousled her hair. "Okay...but just this once, got it?"

Talara giggled and hugged him. "You can sneak a feel too, if you want," she said with a playful grin. "But, just this once."

"Yeah, thanks, kid." Keeve shuffled along with Talara dangling from his arms. She reminded him of Zari in that moment, and although he missed the young girl, knowing she was safe was consolation enough. "We're gonna do this," he whispered to himself. "And those bitches are going to pay."

They managed to return to Keeve's room without incident. Once inside, Talara quickly checked to make sure they were safe, then slipped out of her robe and into the bed. She looked up at him, and felt her heart start pounding heavily in her chest. She couldn't help it, he was just too attractive. "I promise I'll be good," she said.

"The more you say that, the less I believe it," he quipped, then kicked off his boots. He shed his pants and shirt with little inhibition, then joined Talara beneath the sheets. As Talara timidly snuggled up to him, Keeve wrapped his arms around her shoulders and mused, "What will Nieme do when she finds out her mental tampering has been reversed?"

"I'm not sure," Talara whispered. "She might just think you're really strong, because...well, you are. You might be able to fool her if you go along. I might be able to help you after I take care of the other stuff." As she lay there in his arms, she couldn't help the feelings it caused. It felt so...wonderful. She relaxed back against him, closing her eyes and sighing with contentment. Maeren was the luckiest girl ever, to spend every night in his strong embrace. At least, I'll be safe tonight, she thought.

"Fragile Allegiance"
By Theen Fida, New Republic Ambassador (NPC+)
Major Jaro, New Republic Intelligence (NPC)
Kal'Aran, Master Jedi (PC)
Laedra Vorrel, Master Jedi (PC)
Koran Darr, Master Jedi (PC)

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 7th, 4ABY

***

A medium sized shuttle craft descended from the sky over the forest surrounding the Jedi Temple. It was an older model of the Imperial Lambda Class, distinctive of its folding wings and the large, vertical dorsal wing at its rear. As the wings folded up for landing, the craft's landing gear disengaged from the belly and the craft lightly touched down upon the pad. A ramp extended from underneath as a small honor guard exited. They were dressed in New Republic garb of blue and silver, looking like ancient warriors from some past Human civilization. They were armed with force-pikes, which each of the six guards held at attention at their sides. A large alien exited from the ramp from behind them, an Anx, the New republic Ambassador to Tae'Karada, Theen Fida.

Theen was an imposing looking being, tall and muscular with a long snout-like face and a crest that protruded back upon his head. His robes flowed as he strode from the ramp to the ground, maroon and black colored, the chest area was bare, revealing Theen's chest with a silver amulet, the insignia of those Anx who served in politics. From behind Theen followed another man, an older humanoid with long white hair and white, pupiless eyes, an Arkanian.

At the edge of the clearing, Theen and his companion were awaited by two white-robed figures, one a tall man mantled in a brown cloak, and the other a woman with striking green eyes who greeted them with an amiable smile. Both tipped their heads at Theen and the Arkanian. "Greetings, Ambassador," the woman stated. "It is a pleasure to meet you once again, albeit under unfortunate circumstances."

Theen nodded his head in greeting. "Greetings, Masters Vorrel and Darr, a pleasure of course. Most unfortunate indeed, yes." Theen then introduced the man at his side. He was dressed in a New republic military uniform, a major by the insignia on his chest. "This is Major Jaro, New Republic Intelligence."

Jaro snapped to attention and bowed his greeting to the Jedi.

The two Jedi returned the gesture. "I am aware that this is a New Republic affair now, since it concerns the welfare of this planet," Laedra began as she and Koran began leading them inside the Temple, "but I am intrigued to know how you wish the Jedi to aid."

"As am I," Theen replied simply. "Were these two not once part of your enclave?" Theen answered. "It is one thing to defend against a coup, forces against forces, but another when fallen Jedi are pulling the strings yes?"

"Dani and Nieme were students here before they fell to the dark side," Koran answered. "And, we have made many attempts to both capture and turn them back to the light. When they are working together, they are extremely powerful. In the past, we have tried to...bring them back, to return them to the light. Our hope was that they weren't so far gone that they couldn't be saved." He nodded gravely. "We see that we may no longer be able to maintain that hope. Now, we may need to destroy them."

"I am fully aware of the Jedi's respect for life, it is a most noble cause. In my position, it is not much different, though most people think little of politicians. I too desire the preservation of life and the goodwill of the people of Tae'Karada," said Theen. "However, hard decisions must be made sometimes, for the better good of the many. These two must be stopped before things get out of hand. This galaxy is just beginning to come out from the shadows from the likes of these two. Tae'Karada is still in a state of transition since its liberation, this just will not do."

"We are aware of what we must do," Koran answered. "Though, I feel that we should make certain you are aware, the Jedi are not...not strong. We have but a handful of Master Jedi, fewer Knights, and a handful of untrained Padawans. We will, however, do as we must to take care of the problem Nieme and Dani pose, the threat to peace they embody. To do otherwise, we would be failing in our primary mission. The Jedi will stop Nieme and Dani. The Jedi will restore peace to Tae'Karada."

Laedra gave Koran a surreptitiously cautioning look. It would not be wise to make promises the Jedi might not be able to uphold.

"In times as these, we all must do what we must. I may be in service to the New Republic, Jedi, but Tae'Karada has been my home for many years. I understand your caution, I will give to the Jedi any aid they may need or so desire," Theen replied.

Laedra raised an eyebrow. "So you did not come here to enlist our help, Ambassador," Laedra asked, "you simply dropped in to ensure that we were taking steps to rectify this matter ourselves?"

Theen rose to his full height and directed himself to the Jedi woman. "You mistake me, Master Jedi. In more ways than one. I doubt there is anything simple of this matter at all. I did not come here to ensure you rectify this situation yourselves. The Jedi have always acted in the best interests of the people, for the people. I had no doubts that the Jedi will do what is in their power to set things right. We are all in this together, we both have oaths to fulfill in the protection of this world and its people. I am here to assure you, that you have allies and that anything that you may need will be at your disposal, it was not meant that I have no intentions of dealing with this matter. Do not presume that I am here to wave about and not to act."

"Then let us get to the purpose of your visit," Laedra offered. She and Koran stepped aside from the conference chamber's open doorway to allow Theen and his companions entry. "Let us speak plainly, Ambassador," she advised the taller being, "so that no more presumptions need be made."

Theen and Major Jaro entered the doorway into the chamber.

"I am sorry to hear that your own have fallen as such, and that they have taken to such actions," Theen said.

"They are no longer our own," Laedra assured him. "There is hope that they still might return to us...but that hope is growing dimmer by the day." Laedra and Koran allowed Theen and his cohort to seat themselves first, then they joined them. "Have you a plan of attack then, Ambassador?"

"I have an idea that needs fleshing out, but I think I have something that may help give an advantage of sorts," said Theen. He then called after one of the guards on the outside of the open doorway. He took off for the shuttle and returned within a moment with a large bag.

He placed the bag on the table and Theen unstrapped the bag and pulled out a large cylinder with a creature inside.

"It is young, and this one's effect is not nearly as great as that of an adult," Major Jaro explained as he sat the cylinder upright on the table. "But I'm sure that you sense the unique attributes of this creature, or the lack of I should say."

A tightness developed around Laedra's eyes as she felt the creature's presence, or at least the effects of it. Trying to dismiss her uneasiness, Laedra shifted her gaze to the ambassador and said, "Young, but I still feel the void it casts. A ysalimiri."

Koran raised an eyebrow as he stared at the creature. It had been discovered after his time, but it was a phenomenon he had studied since his re-awakening. "You plan to use that to capture them," he said, his voice carrying a hint of disdain. "And you do plan to capture them?"

"If it can be so, yes," Theen stated. "If you wish them to be in your captivity to again try and turn them, yes. They mustn't be allowed to go free again to wreak havoc, Master Jedi. I understand your desires to change their ways, I would facilitate this desire in any way I can, however I hope you can respect my position as well. I swore an oath of justice and peace, I am a man of the law, and I would have justice and peace brought to this world to the best of my abilities."

Major Jaro then spoke up, "It is our hope to formulate a plan of action with the aid of the Jedi, this is everyone's problem. We have men, weapons, and the ysalamiri, and you all have a history and knowledge of Dani and Nieme, you know their strengths and weaknesses."

"Their only weakness is one another," Laedra replied, still battling the distraction caused by the Ambassador's creature. "If they can be separated, they can be defeated."

"Major, take the creature back to the ship if you would," Theen said.

The Arkanian put the cylinder back into the bag and took it to one of the New Republic guards outside and took his seat again.

"Then we should base our plan of action on this," Major Jaro stated. "Any thoughts on how to lure one of them away, Master Jedi?"

"Nieme is the darker of the two," Koran added. "She will resort to darker actions sooner than Dani would. We have the greatest chance of bringing Dani back, because of her empathy. She will be much more susceptible to the light-side emotions. But yes, separate them, and they will be easier to stop. You will want to acquire equipment that will render your people immune to her pheromones."

"Very well," Major Jaro replied. "Now what about infiltration? We had discussed on the way here, the possibility of Ambassador Theen going to the Palace with an entourage of some soldiers and perhaps some Jedi under the cloak of the ysalamiri, as a diplomatic envoy and having another team on stand-by, once things have been set in motion. Perhaps we should formulate a two pronged attacked, one to lure the other, and another to subdue this Nieme. We can have the anti-pheromones ready, and maybe even devise a way to pump some into circulation to reverse the effects of those who would already be under her pheromones influence."

"The problem I foresee is getting near the Temple," Laedra stated. "I do not think they would allow us inside so easily. However," she added, glancing at Koran with slight apprehension, "we might have a way."

Koran looked at her, and understood. "We would need to make it look convincing," he said. "I am not certain they would be entirely willing to trust again, not after what happened." He glanced at Theen, then back to Laedra and nodded. "Go ahead and explain."

"We have a Padawan at the Temple who has been...involved with Nieme and Dani," Laedra explained. "I am certain they would give anything to have her returned to them. Her name is Zari Zathmir - she was rescued from the Palace only last evening, after having been abducted by the two women. She will aid us if required."

"I believe that you know best in this area," Theen absconded. "Under the circumstances. How then shall we proceed with this?"

"Leave it with us," Laedra told him. "We shall speak with Zari and gain information from her that will help us infiltrate the palace. Then, we will be in touch, Ambassador." Before he could reply, Laedra quickly warned, "But please, do not do anything premature. If they are angered, I cannot guarantee the safety of anyone on this planet."

"I understand fully, Master Jedi," Theen replied. "I shall be returning to the embassy. Major Jaro can stay here if you wish to aid in your preparations."

"Thank you, Ambassador," Koran Darr said. "We welcome any assistance you can provide us. We will keep you informed of our progress, and alert you when we're ready to make our move on the Palace."

Theen nodded and arose from his seat. "Very well then, anything that is needed shall be at your disposal."

Major Jara also stood and bowed to the Jedi before walking the ambassador out.

"This has just gotten far more complicated," Laedra warned once their guests had left the room.

"It has," Koran said. "We'll need to call a meeting of the Council to discuss this. We need to form our plan of attack now."

Laedra sighed and pushed out of her chair to seek out the room's window. "We're peacekeepers, Koran, not soldiers. I know Nieme and Dani are partially our problem...but I don't feel comfortable storming into the palace and battling it out with them." She leaned her shoulder against the wall and gazed through the stained-glass window. "This doesn't feel right, Koran," she whispered.

"I know it doesn't," Koran said. "But who other than us has any chance of stopping them?"

"That's true," she answered slowly, "but that doesn't make it right, still."

"It doesn't, but what Nieme and Dani are doing is worse."

Laedra smiled wryly as she looked back at Koran. "Then we must stop them by any means necessary, is that not so?"

"Close," Koran said. "We'll stick to our ideals, but we must stop them. Before they do damage that will force us to question our ideals."

"And using a young girl as bait will not?" she asked.

Koran sighed. "We'll need to talk with her," Koran said. "We will need to find out if she is willing to do this. Let's go speak with Zari, and then we can speak with the Council."

Laedra bowed her head in reluctant submission, then joined Koran in leaving the room. As they stepped out into the corridor, a still troubled Laedra asked, "And if we do not stop them...who will be the one to strike the fatal blow?"

Koran let out a breath. "If it comes to it, I will take that responsibility," he said. "I believe it should fall to either myself or Kal'Aran as the senior members of the Council."

"That is foolish," Laedra told him frankly. "It should fall to their masters, Koran." She sighed and shook her head gravely. "Here we are...plotting their deaths already. This is sickening."

"In which case, it would still be me. And, possibly Kallia, though this would be no time for her to be doing such a thing. But you are correct. We will take that step as a last resort. I don't want to see those girls killed. In the Force, it doesn't feel right. It is not their time."

Laedra smiled up at him curiously. "You're trying to comfort me."

"There is still good in them both, Laedra," Koran said. "We just need to reach it. It won't be easy, but I believe we can do it. That is a comforting thought."

She surreptitiously slid her hand into Koran's as they walked and squeezed it. "Thank you."

"Of course," Koran said. "Come on, let's go find Zari. We may need to come up with an alternate plan if she's not up for it."

"For Keeve's sake," Laedra told him, "I believe she will." Or, so she hoped.

Koran nodded silently as they disappeared deeper into the Temple to seek out Zari Zathmir in regards to what very well could be the most important and most dangerous mission of her young life.

***

"What are your thoughts, Ambassador?" Major Jaro asked the Anx as they neared the shuttle.

"I do not believe the Jedi are very receptive to our help, and I think I may have pushed Master Vorrel's buttons the wrong way," he replied with thought.

"Yes, that one did seem rather pompous," Jaro commented.

"Well, I wouldn't say as much," Theen replied. "She is a Master Jedi, and the Jedi have a way of doing things that not all people can understand. As I was trying to explain to them, persons of my standing are not so different, we also dedicate our lives to the well-being of the people, to serve their best interests. Sometimes hard choices have to be made...I have heard an old Human adage, With awesome power comes awesome responsibility."

"As have I, Ambassador, Absolute power corrupts absolutely," Jaro quoted.

"True enough yes. That goes for anyone in such positions with power over others. The Jedi though, can be much more dangerous with their abilities and skills in the Force," Theen explained. "This is their home, as I claim it as my home, and these two failed apprentices are their own. They must be involved, and if they choose to take up where the Old Order left off so long ago, they too must atone for the actions of those they take into their fold. The same would be true of those like myself, in public office. Give men a gun and training, and when they make war unjustly and commit acts of terrorism we must be accountable for it."

"Of course, luckily for you though, you have a little thing called diplomatic immunity," Jaro joked.

"Not funny, my friend," Theen smiled. "Long have the Jedi been guardians of peace and justice throughout the galaxy. I remember the Jedi of old, I lived through and during the time the Jedi failed from the doings of their own. I don't mean to sound that they must be accountable for the actions of those they train and take into their numbers, but they must share in the responsibility."

"So we will wait for the lead of the Jedi then, Ambassador?" Jaro asked with a hint of disappointment in his voice.

"Yes, we shall, they know the enemy better than we, and are more capable of dealing with them," Theen replied as he was ready to enter the shuttle. "However, Delta Team will be on stand-by. This little coup of those two women will not be allowed, and I will not see them escape to wreak untold vengeance. We all have spent too much blood and effort for our freedoms to allow the likes of those two to plunge Tae'Karada into darkness."

"Understood," Jaro replied simply.

"Keep me apprised, Major Jaro," Theen ordered as he disappeared into the craft.

"Arrival in Dathomir"
by Tidus Highwind
Quistis Knox
Elina Kasn - NPC
Bazon Zak'Keeer - NPC
Gnorin - NPC
Mar'k - NPC

Location:Ice Lands of Dathomir
Date: Vadris 7, 4 ABY

***

Elina was seated on the controls of her ship, seeing to the situation of the final stage of the trip. Tidus entered the cockpit looking to every where. He never had seen a model like this one. It had few modifications, some improvements like the hyperspace engine that was faster than his ship, that stayed on Tae'Karada.

Tidus took the seat next and looked to Elina. "Nice ship you got here."

"Thank you," Elina said simply since she didn't want to discuss the subject no more.

Tidus felt uncomfortable in the position he was, he wanted to know more about her, but she was still a stranger to him. "So how long is it going to take to get us to Dathomir?"

Elina looked to Tidus. "About ten minutes or so... Well are you looking forward to finding the myth sword?"

Tidus looked and approached her. "Yeah, especially for the money you're paying. Besides it is only a sword isn't it?" Tidus saw that the answer that it was not, but he wanted her to say.

"No. It is a sword of honor. I waited my whole life to see it," Elina said as she kissed Tidus.

"Why is it so important to you?" Tidus nodded.

Elina laughed. "Well, my mother used to tell about Nagori and his legendary sword. I grew up with that stuff."

Tidus nodded. "But why are you interested in finding the sword. I mean you don't just like the story. He probably never existed..."

"You don't know anything about Nagori! And don't you dare talk that way," Elina said like she was indignifying what Tidus said.

"Elina, it is the way of the Galaxy. To some people Nagori never existed, because their cultures never learned his legend." Tidus paused and set his hand over hers. "I heard it once in my entire life and only now, to me is unknown territory, like you..."

"Me?"

"Yeah. I mean I know you are about honor, but I don't know it, like the story of Nagori."

She sighed and tried to smile. "I was raised based in honor, respecting the adversary, the enemy. The honor you know is not the same honor I know." She looked to the console.

Tidus sat forward and slid to Elina to face her. "Hey. I had three girlfriends in my entire life and you're the only one that was so spontaneous. I never felt like this way before..." He paused. What he said was not helping the situation. "Look I'm willing to learn everything you got to teach me, but you are afraid to teach it. I know you're hiding something and I don't care whatever you did in the past, because I love you."

Elina smiled and kissed him. "I love you too." And kissed and then a person entered the cockpit.

"Sorry to interrupt..." Quistis said to the love scene, that made to show that she was alone in this galaxy. "Is this going to take long? Bazon is about to tell me the story of Nagori for a third time."

"That is the myth story. Parts of it are not very accurate; any clues found will help the Galaxy know that he existed," Elina said. Tidus nodded. He saw the passion she talked about Nagori, why he didn't know, but he realised that what he said a short while ago was way out of hand.

The sound on the controls alerted Elina and Tidus. Elina turned to the controls and to see what was going on. "Better to fasten your seat belts and quick. We got company."

Quistis walked as fast as she could to where Bazon was located and fastened her seat belt around it.

"This is going to be a harsh ride from here," she said, as her ship exited from hyperspace. Tidus saw three to four capital ships, but Elina clicked on the cloaking shield. "Now I hope that they don't think to check the heat signature of this ship."

The ship entered quickly on the planet on Dathomir and quickly they were inside the planet's atmosphere.

Tidus glanced through the ship's window and saw that there was snow until the eyes could see. In some way it reminded him like Hoth, but it would be probably less cold than here.

Elina flew her ship around the settlement and landed on the outskirts of the settlement. She maintained her cloak device on so that the Empire couldn't track her ship. Elina got up from the seat and walked through the entrance where Quistis and Bazon were located. "Ok. I have the only instrument that can track down this ship. So keep close!" she said as she opened the ramp and she walked out, followed by Tidus, Quistis and Bazon.

Quistis felt the cold getting to her; she dressed a warm jacket that Elina had on her hand. Cold seemed not to bother her at all.

They walked to the settlement while a woman with a skin of some dead wild animal to keep her warm. She was holding a long spear. She looked like a warrior woman and seemed to know Elina very well, because she smiled towards her.

"Talek, Gnorin," Elina said as she hugged the woman.

"Talek, my old friend," the woman said. "It is good to see you again, Elina."

"You too..." The woman nodded to the others. "Oh sorry, this is Bazon, Quistis and Tidus. Guys this is Gnorin an old friend of mine and chief tribal of North Pole."

"Talek," Gnorin said. "Elina's friends are welcome to our village."

Quistis nodded. "Talek," she said, thinking that it was some kind of greeting word.

"Gnorin, is everything ready?" Elina asked, while she showed the way in the village.

"Yes. It will be a day of ridin to get to the Temple, but we are getting a strange vibration since it came to the surface," Gnorin said.

Quistis nodded and saw that she only saw girls and women in the village; she wondered where the men were located.

"You need to go to the temple right away. Elina, we are predicting a huge storm in two days and half to arrive here. If you don't arrive here before, your ship will be swallowed by the storm," Gnorin said as she nodded towards Quistis.

"Thank you, Gnorin," Elina said.

Gnorin showed their guide. "This is Maniva. She is going to be your guide."

"Talek, Maniva," Elina said, as Maniva nodded and walked away. Elina nodded, raising an eyebrow.

"She doesn't talk very much over the last two years. Don't worry she understands everything she hears," Gnorin said as she followed Maniva.

They arrived where the beasts that were carrying them to the temple. Maniva, Elina and Gnorin continued to talk, while the rest stood there shocked, looking to the beasts. Bazon even said, "Whoa."

Quistis saw that the beasts were rancors, domestic ones. I thought it was impossible to domesticate rancors. Quistis sighed at the nearby rancors as she made contact with the rancors' eyes.

"Don't be scared, they are not going to hurt you!" said a man that was standing there, like it was a very usual situation.

"I'm not scared! I'm simply surprised. The last time I saw one of this animals," Quistis thought it would insult the people and probably the Rancor's feelings if she called it a beast, "was trying to eat me."

"These are not like the wild ones, trust me." The man approached her with a smile.

"I would like to know a little more about them." Quistis pointed to the rancor.

Elina and Gnorin stood aside from the rest of the group. "Tell me," said Gnorin, "is she the one?"

Elina smiled. "The one and only."

Gnorin nodded and looked towards Quistis that was chatting with the man about the rancors. "Well, Lav seemed to like her. He never likes strangers."

Elina glanced towards Quistis that the man put a bit of food and she gave it to the rancor. "He better be, she is a pretty woman."

Gnorin started to laugh and Elina didn't understood why she was laughing. "You think Lav is the man? No my old friend, Lav is the rancor."

"Oh..." Elina nodded. "I thought you were... Yes, Lav seems to like her. It is in her blood."

"Yes, but Lav didn't like you the way Quistis. Look at her, she is feeding Lav, weeds, it takes Mar'k to hide between the meat so he eats it. She arrives here and Lav is eating willingly." Gnorin looked towards Elina. "She is a very potential girl!"

"I agree with you! She is still immature, she needs to open her eyes slowly to her potential and the temple can open her eyes in some way," Elina said, as she put her hand over Gnorin's shoulder. "How is your son?"

"The same." She looked away and nodded. "He thinks that he is going to be the best trainer of rancors, but he will never be as great has Maniva."

Elina laughed and put her other hand over Gnorin's other shoulder trying to comfort her. "Have a little faithe, Gnorin. Mar'k was able to take control of one of the toughest rancors that I have seen. Lav only obeys him and apparently another one." She nodded her head towards Quistis.

Quistis set her hand that had a glove on the rancor's face. "He is a very noble animal."

"You don't know how much," Mar'k said, glancing towards the glove. Quistis saw it was another man speaking. Mar'k smiled. "If you don't mind asking why are you wearing a glove? Don't you like to touch animals?"

Quistis looked to the glove and felt doubt clouding her head, but quickly shook her head. "No! None at all. I'm Kiffar and I'm natural Psychometry." She saw that Mar'k didn't understand what she said. "I can pick up impressions of past events from animals or objects. I don't have much control over it and if I touch him I will see any past event of Lav and I can hurt anyone around me, because it will seem extremely real to me."

"Sithspit, I though I had problems," Mar'k said out loud and realising a few seconds later. "Sorry."

"Do not worry." Quistis continued to run her hand over the rancor's skin. "It is my curse, my gift..."

Mar'k saw that the rancor understood long before she told him. He saw that a bond between the two was made.

"Miss Knox. Do you want to go with Lav?" Gnorin asked.

"Yes , of course," Quistis said without thinking.

"Very well. Mar'k you take Miss Knox with Lav. I'm going to take Ba with Elina and Mavina takes Kalic with the two men."

"Yes, Mother," Mar'k said. He turned to Quistis and showed the way to climb to Lav. He saw the opportunity to talk with an offworlder about many things of the galaxy.

Tidus and Bazon felt a little odd, like they were the scum of this planet. It was obvious that this trip was going to be quite long.

"Peace, Part 1"
by Alisson Blair
Jae Dyn Brael
Kael Selrid
Kal'Aran
Koran Darr
Laedra Vorrel
Quinlan Vos
Zari Zathmir
and Dargus Kandran

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 7, 4 ABY

***

They were all present. All the Jedi in the Temple, as opposed to only the elder ones with more experience. It was a matter that concerned them all. Alisson took a look around. Jae Dyn, Kael, Kal'Aran, Koran Darr, Laedra Vorrel and recently returned Quinlan Vos. She couldn't help but wonder if things should always have been with all of them in the Temple...

"The reason I called you all here, I'm sure you have already guessed," Alisson started. "Talara, Ferrig and Zari are missing again. But there seems to be no sign of struggle, so they must have left willingly... But this is not the major concern right now. Nieme and Dani have attacked the Palace in Arcadia last night, and have proclaimed themselves Empresses."

"Do we have reasons to believe that Talara, Ferrig and Zari are with them?" Quinlan asked, as he was the one who had been further away from the Temple in recent times.

"We do," Alisson nodded. "I believe we must consider we already lost Talara and Ferrig to their side. I'm not sure about Zari though. Perhaps Masters Vorrel and Darr can provide a better insight, though..."

"I don't believe she went willingly," Laedra said to the small group of masters. "She...is in love with Padawan Slaton. She likely would not have left without him, unless she was forced."

"Then we must consider that she isn't there willingly, but that Talara and Ferrig are," Kal'Aran stated. "And with Nieme and Dani, that makes three padawans and one more helper. Plus all the guards that may be at their disposal in the Palace," he pointed out.

"While there was no sign of a struggle, I believe Nieme and Dani may have caught them by surprise. Talara is still in a dangerous stage, and I believe it is possible that something of what Nieme and Dani are offering appeals to her. Ferrig, I am uncertain. In any case, Nieme and Dani must be stopped, and the others must be freed."

"This has gone too far. We cannot allow them to pursue this any longer. Taking padawans willingly or not, it has persisted too long," Quinlan said. "Master Darr, you have trained them before. Will either Nieme or Dani step down? Or will we have to ready ourselves for a more controversial end?" he asked.

"It doesn't seem likely that they should step down without a struggle. It seems obvious that they crave this title for quite some time now," Alisson stated with a raised eyebrow. "Plus, with all the guards at the Palace, they will think themselves stronger."

"So cutting them down," Laedra interpreted. "Is that a path you are so willing to take, Masters?"

"No," Quinlan said calmly as he shook his head. "This is not a path that I wish to pursue, Master Vorrel. But I have seen too many times what happens to those who endure too long in the dark side and who haven't a care in the world for resigning from it. And sometimes their death is the only safe way," he said.

"Hopefully it will not come to that," Kal'Aran said as he raised his hand gently to intervene. "Kael Selrid is perhaps the one among us who knows Nieme better," he pointed out as he looked at the young man. "Perhaps you can share your insight with us?"

"I knew Nieme," Kael said. "But, I don't believe I know her any longer, not as I did. I don't believe we will be able to reason with them, but we should fight to subdue, not to kill. They deserve the chance to return to the light before we make that choice for them."

"Even though that choice may not always be possible, I have to agree with Kael," Kal'Aran nodded. "It would be possible that they return. However, we cannot let them have this current position. It is not wise nor is it safe," he commented.

"And with the Palace guards, we will have to find an alternate way inside. Alisson?" Vos asked, finding that it wasn't necessary to ask the question.

Alisson nodded. "There are alternate ways. Some go from underground tunnels to certain rooms inside the Palace. There are also concealed paths that connect certain rooms within the palace itself..." she told the council. "However unlikely it may be that they know about them, I myself cannot say for sure which have been found and closed over the time, namely while Tarkin was still around. But finding that shouldn't be too hard. The real difficulty will be passing through security and finding Nieme and Dani. For this I would like to propose that Dargus Kandran joins us..." she said, seeing the look of surprise on most faces. She herself looked at Jae Dyn. "He knows the Palace well. Almost as well as me, in fact. And we should split in teams to cover more ground. The question is, can he be trusted? He was aligned with them before."

"For this, I believe Dargus can be trusted," Kallia said, looking around the room. Dargus wasn't present; at the moment he wasn't even at the Temple, instead he was off with Keeve making some plan that they intended to follow. She'd have to summon him back for the planning stages, and she was certain he'd agree. Keeve, on the other hand, would be a different matter. "Despite his past alliances, his heart is true in his desire to turn to the light. Somehow, he's found some honour. I think including him in the team would be a wise move."

"Or a foolish one," Laedra countered. "Are you so certain he is not deceiving us all, that he was not the one who aided Nieme and Dani in carrying out this coup?"

Kallia grinned. "I don't believe that Dargus Kandran possesses the subtlety required to do something like that," she said. "I don't think he'd be able to maintain an illusion like that for long, and...and I don't believe he'd be able to...to fool Yara."

"Many things can a dark one do. Let us not forget that the Emperor himself fooled all the Jedi at the time of the Old Republic. Even the most powerful Jedi Masters couldn't see through his intentions," Quinlan pointed out. "And though Dargus may not be as strong as the Emperor was, he did try to kill us all once."

"And yet he has come here willingly," Kal'Aran pointed out. "If we are to grant him a chance to prove that he wishes to leave his dark ways, then this might be it. In any case, if we are split in groups, Dargus will be with some of us at all times, meaning outnumbered."

"Perhaps," Laedra advised, "we should speak directly with Mr. Kandran before making any set decisions."

"He should return soon," Kallia offered. "Though, I am not certain of his exact schedule. I can have him summoned before us as soon as he's back though."

"Then we shall do so," Kal'Aran nodded. "It seems the best way to see his intentions. However, we must see to it that we do this soon. Taking too much time will mean granting Nieme and Dani more time to install and prepare themselves for any upcoming attack."

"That is why I believe that having Kandran at our side will grant us a certain advantage," Alisson shared as she took a glance. "Though I myself have never liked him much - not before he was trained in arcane ways, and certainly not afterwards - I must admit that he knows the Palace well. One party can come with me and the other can go with him. At any rate, we should be able to cross and gain easy access into the main room where Dani and Nieme should be. And if they are not, we can still gain access to most security overrides."

"And what of the hostages?" Laedra asked. "If we are detected, why should they not simply kill them in retaliation?"

"Well, first of all, we have to consider that the only real hostages would be Oot Kovan and the other members of the Royal Council. However, Nieme and Dani still do need them to be able to rule the planet, so it doesn't seem likely that they would kill them," Alisson told Laedra. "Besides that, the Palace Guards themselves served Oot Kovan as representative of the government of Tae'Karada, so they too shouldn't pose a threat to her life or that of the Royal Council. This means that our sole concern is really Nieme, Dani, Talara, Ferrig and Zari."

"You don't believe they will kill their hostages?" Laedra asked incredulously. "They have no regard for lives other than their own. Everyone near them is at risk."

"Then we have a reason to keep ourselves concealed, if possible, and act fast," Quinlan argued. To him it didn't seem all that hard, as he had done so countless times for the Old Republic Jedi Council, in many many difficult situations. "In any chance, it doesn't seem likely that they would kill the guards or use them as hostages, so the Royal Council and this Oot Kovan are the true threatened ones. However, I believe that the greatest challenge will be that Nieme, Dani, Talara and Ferrig may not be in the same location when we get there," he stated.

"Plus, we need to find Zari," Kal'Aran nodded. "Master Vorrel, how liable is it that Talara herself doesn't engage us? She might be a weak link..." he suggested.

"I am not certain what to think regarding Talara," she replied. "I thought she was fully prepared to follow the path of the Jedi, then she does this...." Laedra shook her head solemnly. "For Nieme and Dani, she would likely kill any of us if she had the chance. But it might be that Zari can get through to her."

"If anyone can get through to her," Kael said, adding his voice to the council for the first time, "it would be either Zari or Master Vorrel. Of the three of them, however, Talara will prove to be the greatest threat in a fight. While she may not be as skilled with the use of the lightsaber as Nieme or Dani, or any of us here, she has, at her young age, mastered Ta'Sae'Kordo under the tutelage of Master Ki'Ayalin."

"The greatest bondage should happen between Master and pupil..." Kal'Aran commented. "But it is often not so. Perhaps once we find Talara, she will turn down herself from fighting. At any chance, she should hold herself but certainly not be a match for any of us as in skill of the ways of the Force."

"My greatest concern goes for Nieme and Dani," Quinlan commented. "Can anyone assess how much they have been able to develop their skills?" he asked.

"I can attest that they have grown considerably in strength," Koran said. "Especially when they are working together. I believe we will have a difficult time of it, but our strengths will become their weakness. Our control, in greater numbers, will overmatch their chaos."

Alisson nodded to Koran's remarks. "Yes, surely if we bind our strength together, we can ascertain a greater skill and overcome them. However, this will not be an easy task and we will need to focus at our best. For this I propose we take no Padawans. As good as they may be, all lack the skill and could provide us with one extra care we will not be needing," she said. "And here they can guard the Temple... Perhaps with Master Jae Dyn?" she asked, since Jae Dyn was pregnant, and therefore not the best candidate to go with them on such a mission.

"I'll watch over the Temple and the Padawans," Jae Dyn said with a nod. "I don't believe I would be much use out there."

"We also have Ambassador Theen's soldiers at our disposal if necessary," Laedra informed them. "His commander, Major Jaro, is currently at the Temple, waiting for our decision."

"Although I am sure Ambassador Theen means well, we cannot indulge ourselves with an army. It seems better to maintain our numbers small and concealed, avoiding confrontation with Royal Palace guards than arriving with a large group. That would only mean a physical and unnecessary confrontation that would involve the death of soldiers, probably on both sides!" Quinlan said calmly.

Kal'Aran raised his hand gently. "It doesn't seem a wise thing to take them inside. But we may need them if things get bad enough. Perhaps they can serve as a backup, should we have need for them? Or better even they can call the guards' attention to another location within the Palace so we can roam more freely inside, with only a minimum number of guards?" he suggested with a raised eyebrow.

"I do not think Major Jaro or Ambassador Theen would approve," Laedra told them. "He seemed rather insistent. He even procured a ysalamiri for just this purpose."

"Then I suggest we stay at least ten meters away from the creature, and consequently from Major Jaro," Vos said with a small smirk. "Although it would be good to get the creature near Nieme and Dani, it is a two sided weapon, and we too will not be able to use our Jedi capabilities when near a ysalamiri."

"I would prefer acting alone at any rate," Laedra stated. "This is a matter involving two fallen Jedi. Outside involvement should be limited."

"I agree," Kal'Aran nodded. "Have you informed Major Jaro that we would not have him with us, especially considering the ysalamiri? That could damage us more than Nieme and Dani."

"We have not," Laedra informed him. "We can hardly deny them, Master Kal'Aran. It is his jurisdiction; allowing us to participate is simply courtesy on his part."

"The Jedi, Master Vorrel, are guardians of peace. And during the Old Republic we were confided with harsh tasks such as this one, or worse. If we had the trust of the majority of the galaxy before, then I believe that Ambassador Theen would grant us some leverage on the matter," Kal'Aran argued. "Nieme and Dani were our students, and therefore our responsibility all the most. Politics, we may leave at their hand."

Quinlan sighed as he rubbed his chin. "At the most, we can ask Major Jaro for his cooperation. His goal is the same as ours, and surely he does not wish death upon innocent lives, and nor should Ambassador Theen. As Jedi, we stand a greater chance than him. Perhaps we can talk to Major Jaro and find terms with him. And if he still wants to come, then his wild card will not be welcome among us," he stated, referring to the lizard-like ysalamiri.

"I doubt that is of any concern to him," Laedra mentioned. "But if you do wish to discuss it with him, he is staying on at the Temple for the time being." She smiled at Kal'Aran. "Perhaps the insight from someone of your status will help him to reconsider his approach to the matter."

"I will gladly speak to him on the matter," Kal'Aran nodded. "But we must move fast. The more time we take, the more time Nieme and Dani will have to prepare. I'm sure they know that we are coming."

"Should I go ahead in advance to check the areas from which we would be able to enter the Palace?" Alisson suggested. "I'm sure there are still secret entrances that have not yet been discovered. We could be ready to go tomorrow."

"If you go, be extremely careful," Koran Darr cautioned. "I'm certain that Dani and Nieme are on their guard now, and if they catch anyone poking around the palace, we may lose whatever element of surprise we may have."

"There were quite a few secret entrances that were a bit far from the Palace. Secret tunnels, if you will, so that the Royal family could leave and come out far from the Palace, should they be in danger," Alisson explained. "I will check some of those first, as they would be the safest way in. I take it that all agree on acting as soon as possible, so I will be ready with details tomorrow," she promised. "Jae Dyn, perhaps you can call on Dargus Kandran to know if he will join us with this task?" she asked.

"I always hate it when the party starts before I arrive," called out a voice from the back of the room. "Though, at least it looks like there's still enough going on for me to crash." At the back of the room, looking haggard and worn, was Dargus Kandran. At his side, wrapped in a blanket and still shivering slightly, stood Zari Zathmir. "Somehow Nieme and Dani have enlisted the palace guards to their side. I believe they're using some means to coerce them, but I sensed no Force-bond between them. I have a feeling the soldiers are acting upon Oot Kovan's orders and are going along until circumstances change."

Laedra stood from her seat, looking upon Zari with mild surprise and relief. "Padawan, are you harmed?"

"I think...I think I'm alright," Zari said. "They didn't...didn't beat me too much."

"Dargus Kandran..." Kal'Aran said with a rather mild tone. Truth was that he didn't trust the man for his past actions, namely against the Jedi. But he wasn't going to deny him a chance to redeem himself. "How did you manage to get in and out of the Palace? And what of Nieme, Dani and Talara?" he asked, as he wanted to know just what expected them.

"Nieme and Dani still hold the palace," Dargus answered. "I'm not certain of Talara's status, but I'm fairly certain she remains in the palace as well. Keeve and I went in, we ascended the cliff from the water below. We met resistance on the inside almost immediately. Keeve is still inside...he didn't make it out, and I can only assume he is still Nieme and Dani's prisoner. I'm quite certain they will have the cliff watched even more carefully now. The only change I am certain of is that they no longer hold Zari."

Alisson sighed. "Then we have lost our element of surprise. Or at least part of it," she stated. "But we still do have the advantage of maybe going inside by unconventional ways. Hopefully directly into the Palace itself," she added confidently. Alisson then looked at Dargus Kandran. "Dargus Kandran. We have crossed paths before, and I never liked you. Not when you were a crimelord who plotted and wished to take the throne for yourself and the High Princess to your bed, and certainly not when you raided the Temple and tried to kill us. But Jae Dyn seems to believe in you. And I'm ready to believe in her judgement. You know the Palace on the inside well. If you were to go with us, I would require your help to take Raeila and Nieme out of the throne. Would you accept to come with us and help?"

"To stop the two of them in what they're doing, I'll lend whatever help I can."

"By stopping them, we don't mean to take their lives," Kal'Aran said, just to make sure Dargus Kandran that it was clear as to what they intended. "We Jedi are peacekeepers, not assassins or killers. And there may yet be a chance to bring Nieme and Dani out of the dark path they walk in."

"Although, ultimately it will have to be their choice to give up that path..." Quinlan Vos added.

"At this time," Laedra said, now standing next to Zari, "I doubt that is even a consideration for them." Laying a hand gently on the girl's shoulder, she smiled. "I believe Major Jaro would gladly speak with the council. For now, I will take care of Padawan Zathmir." She bowed her head at the convening masters, then turned out of the chambers with Zari.

Dargus watched Laedra go, then turned back to Vos and Kal'Aran. "I just fought against both of them," he said. "If I intended to kill them, I would have already done it."

Kal'Aran merely nodded as acknowledgement to Kandran's words. "Then I believe we are ready for taking action in the Palace. Though we must still speak with Major Jaro," he stated. He wondered if Laedra would have called him in.

"Peace, Part 2"
by Alisson Blair
Jae Dyn Brael
Kael Selrid
Kal'Aran
Koran Darr
Laedra Vorrel
Quinlan Vos
and Dargus Kandran
Major Jaro

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 7, 4 ABY

***

Major Jaro was lead into the chambers by the Jedi Master Laedra Vorrel. He sized the council up and down before speaking.

"How may I be of service?" Jaro asked in a clear and crisp military fashion.

"Major Jaro," Kal'Aran said as he bowed his head. "I'm told we have your support and that of the New Republic for taking Nieme and Dani out of power..." he stated with a very serene tone. "First of all, let me thank you for your support. However, it may be irrational to storm the Palace. I'm sure you are aware that they too have guards, and that they are under the command of Nieme and Dani themselves. Though we have reasons to believe they would not harm Oot Kovan or the other members of the royal council, the same would not apply to you and your men or even to us. I see no reason to have a bloodshed. And more so, when we can prevent it from happening," he told the Major.

"I am Jedi Knight Alisson Blair. I was former personal guard to the High Prince and High Princess, and I was raised within the Palace walls," Alisson explained. "I know the place inside out, even blindfolded. And there are alternative ways. You see, the Palace has secret ways in and out. And even passages that connect areas of the palace, inside it. I don't believe that Nieme or Dani know of them. In fact, not even Oot Kovan may be aware of them. We can use these to get inside and free the royal council and stop Nieme and Dani," she said.

Quinlan raised his hand as he nodded to the Major who stood before them all. "However, Major Jaro, this does not mean we would not need assistance. While I believe that it would be best for the Jedi to deal with Nieme and Dani, we do not wish conflict with the guards at the palace. Should you and your men provide us with, let us call it a distraction, the palace guards would be more concentrated on your position, allowing us to get to Nieme and Dani faster. However, this is a big risk we ask you to take. One which I will understand if you do not wish to engage upon."

"With all due respect," Jaro replied, "my men and I have taken oaths, in service to the New Republic, to the galaxy in general. We are no strangers to dangerous situations, nor of dangerous foe. Ambassador Theen has pledged any and all support in this matter. Our services are at your disposal, Jedi Masters."

"Thank you," Kal'Aran bowed once more. "In that case I assume you accept to help create a diversion for us to gain an easier access to the main rooms of the palace, and therefore deal with Nieme and Dani ourselves?" he asked just to make sure that things were understood.

"I would request that you take care with the ysalamiri lizards. Though they create a void which nullifies the Force, which could be a good weapon against Nieme and Dani, they are a menace to our abilities as well. But bear conscience that the radius is only ten meters. If by any chance Nieme or Dani were to engage you, they will have full capability if beyond ten meters from the ysalamiri," Quinlan Vos added.

"We are aware of the ysalamiri capabilities and their limitations," Jaro answered. "As are we aware of the hindrance they could cause to you," Jaro continued. "My men will take the diversion, so that you may focus upon the Force wielders. However, I have my orders, Nieme and Dani are not to be allowed to escape. I shall aid you in any way you deem fit, but I cannot stand by and allow them to go free if you are not able to conclude their actions."

"We do not plan to let them escape, Major," Alisson said. "We too hope to see them brought to justice. But mind you that as peacekeepers we do not wish their death either," she explained calmly. She then looked at Dargus for a second. Should they wish death, surely he would have been their target for a long time. "And we thank you for your assistance. Hopefully we will deal with this matter swiftly, and peace will be restored."

Koran Darr turned his attention to the major. "What are your plans should we be unable to stop Nieme and Dani," he asked, a single eyebrow raised to punctuate the question. "You have your orders, and, as you say, you cannot stand by and allow them to go free. What is your plan should they...get free?"

Major Jaro stood for a moment in silence and then replied to the Jedi Master, "I understand that your role is that of peacekeepers, Master Jedi, and that you all honor all life. I too understand that these women were once under the tutelage and charge of this Temple. I do not mean any disrespect in your ways and in your concerns for how this situation is dealt with," he explained. "I have under my charge, forces that will not permit the escape of those in question. Dead, or alive, they will not be allowed to go free. We have tactical forces in place and awaiting their commands, as Ambassador Theen has instructed, I am to aid you in whatever ways you deem, after all, as you have all stated you know best how to deal with them, and your skills and knowledge are of course, better suited to the task. If you can reclaim the palace and apprehend the women with our aid in distracting the Palace forces, then so be it. But if you cannot, we shall act in force, with extreme prejudice.

"The New Republic has interests in this world, in this sector, and above all else, though this world is not a part of the New Republic, the governing body of the galaxy does not wish to see further harm and danger to the citizens of this world. Ambassador Theen especially, for this has been his home for many, many years. Ambassador Theen has nothing but the utmost respect for the Jedi and your ways, and his loyalty to this world is no less than that of your oaths to protect it from any and all dangers. You have your code, your beliefs and your ways, as does any other faction. I respect that, and though I have been ready to strike on behalf of the New Republic, Theen has dissuaded me otherwise, to allow for the Jedi to act within their parameters for the best interests of all. However, as has been stated, this situation shall not be allowed to spill out upon the entire world. It must end."

"I believe you misunderstood my question, Major," Koran Darr said as he leveled his gaze at the New Republic military officer. "Or, you are deliberately avoiding answering the question I asked. What is your plan? If the Jedi are unable to stop Nieme and Dani, what is your plan to stop Nieme and Dani, specifically?"

"Specifically, Master Jedi, my teams will have the palace grounds surrounded, we will commit to this diversion, and if you cannot apprehend the women, my men will take action to subdue them. We have plans of action in the event they flee the palace, to have them cornered, with force and the use of the ysalamiri if capable. I recommend to be included with those going into the palace, if what Master Blair says is true of these secret entrances and exits, I can have men stationed at those points, to keep from any possible escape. It is imperative that I be included, if your actions fail I need to be able to have my forces alerted. I assure you I shall follow your lead and not impede on your tasks," Jaro replied. "I sense that you do not approve nor care for the aid of myself and my forces, understandably so, however, we are here to help. If Theen has every confidence in your abilities to resolve this matter, then so do I. I am in no way here to make things difficult, nor to have the situation done in my way, I am the next line of action should things go awry. If you have an alternate plan of action for my men, I am open to discussion, after all that is why I am here."

"I'm sure Master Koran Darr means no disrespect to you or your men, nor to Ambassador Theen," Kal'Aran stated. "But we do need to know of your actions so we can combine with them. Notice that though we are more experienced than Nieme and Dani in the Jedi ways of the Force, even we cannot predict whether we will be able to stop them entirely," he explained. "It will not be easy."

Quinlan Vos nodded to Kal'Aran's words. "Concerning your coming along, Major, I'm not so sure that would be wise. After all, if Nieme and Dani slip our grasp, then you and your men are the next line. And facing them might be harder than anything you've come across so far. Surely your men would need your command with them," he suggested. "However, I'm sure Alisson would be willing to grant you her knowledge on the Palace grounds."

"I understand that you cannot foresee the assuredness of their capture, as I cannot either. I have explained so far that I have forces available, you have expressed your wishes to go in without me or my men, and that you wish to coordinate our efforts in the event that what actions you take fail," replied Jaro. "So then I ask you, other than a diversion to help keep the palace forces occupied, how else can we be of service so that you may act. After all, it will be difficult for me and my men to be on the ready if we haven't the slightest notion of what is going on within the palace."

Jaro then turned to face Master Blair, bowed with acknowledgement. "I would appreciate the sharing of your knowledge of the palace, Master Jedi."

"There are some locations that give access to certain areas inside the Palace. One of these passages will allow us inside unnoticed by the guards on the Palace perimeter. I shall reveal these same locations to you, so you may keep them guarded," Alisson stated. "But I don't believe that Nieme and Dani know of these ways in and out, or they would have used them. You creating a distraction would help get a concentrated number of palace guards to your location, leaving the inside of it more free for us to roam. Though I agree with not having others come along for our safety and their own, we would keep with communication, and therefore would be able to let you and your men know in advance if any of them escape," Alisson stated.

"Fair enough, Master Jedi," Jaro replied simply.

"Then I believe it is settled," Quinlan stated. "You agree to leave the inside of the Palace to us, unless we find ourselves unable to cope with our mission and let you know?" he asked just to make sure.

"Agreed," Major Jaro replied.

Kal'Aran nodded. "Then we shall move as soon as it is possible. We were thinking on tomorrow. Alisson Blair shall contact you to grant you the details on Palace grounds. Have your men ready for deployment. Is there anything you want to ask, Major Jaro?"

"I believe everything is in order, Master Jedi," Jaro replied. "My men will be ready, and I shall await the information from Master Blair."

With that, Major Jaro bowed, and turned crisply for the door. He left the chamber and exited the Temple.

***

Outside, alone, he commed his secure com-link. "This Major Jaro Ambassador."

"Report," Theen commanded from over the link.

"I have finished talking with the Jedi, they plan on striking tomorrow. My forces are to await their need in the event that the Jedi women in the Palace escape. I do not like the idea of sitting on the side, Ambassador," Jaro explained.

"Follow their lead, Major, that is an order," Theen commanded, and the com-link went out.

"Second Thoughts"
By: Kael Selrid
Raeila Selrid
Laedra Vorrel
Koran Darr
Alisson Blair
Nieme Yaresh
Dani
Talara Sorenne
Keeve Shivral
Kal'Aran
Quinlan Vos

Location: Various
Date: Vadris 7, 4 ABY

***

His boots rang loudly against the stone floors of the Temple as he made his way to his home. It was the first time it'd felt vaguely like home for some time. As Kael Selrid turned the corner, his cloak billowed behind him. He was a Jedi Knight, a guardian of peace in the galaxy. Tomorrow, he would take up the mantle of peacekeeper, the first official Jedi action against Nieme and Dani. Tomorrow, they would seek to remove Nieme and Dani from power. Kael was uncertain how he truly felt due to his past with both of them. He knew them, cared for them, but they were no longer the young women he'd once known. A darkness