"Pricing Heads"
by Daemor'rah - Jedi/Bounty Huntress
and Jadda the Hutt - Crimelord
Justin Darkaar - Petty Criminal (NPC written by Daemor'rah)
Location: Jadda the Hutt's Palace, Thanatos
Date: Praeda 8 - 4ABY

She kept him tied up with dense molecular bands so as to prevent him from escaping. She carried him in a leech and she dragged him along forcefully. This man had a bounty on his head set by Jadda the Hutt himself. Apparently it was something to do with a treason. Fact was she did not care what he had done or even why he had done it. As long as she got the bounty.

She had tracked this one down as soon as she learned he was in Chimaeria. After all, 250 000 credits was a considerable amount of money that she would be glad to receive. She had come across this man in a small bar in the Yallder District the night before. She had been asked to let her weapons at the entrance. Alas, she was not about to leave her weapons just like that. She decided to wait for this man patiently.

After a few hours, Darkaar came out of the bar and it was obvious the man was drunk. He had been a too easy target to catch and she simply knocked him out cold and tied him up. The next morning, as soon as Justin woke up, there was the Huntress, Daemor'rah, ready to take him to Jadda's Palace.

To his surprise, the woman was stronger than him and was able to drag him, even in spite of his attempts to escape from what seemed his doom. He tried to convince Daemor'rah to let him go and even begged for mercy and offered money, but the woman did not seem interested as she ignored him utterly. In the end he was in front of Jadda's Palace's large double blast doors. The Perimeter Droid came about and spoke a much strange language.

"I have come for the bounty on this man and seek an audience with Jadda..." Daemor'rah said plainly as she pointed to Justin. "This is Justin Darkaar. I believe your master will be pleased to have him brought over."

The droid let them both in and she this time pushed the man in front of her, threatening him with her blasters. He had no choice but to walk and decided that perhaps he would be able to have his freedom discussed later on with Jadda. After all, anything was a business for the Hutts. As they got to the main room, there was Jadda with two beautiful Twi'lek slaves carressing him.

"Ouhgh boony deepaa. Saalem doah tchingaa. Justin Darkaar, bichunga latchegaar daarpe bounty hunter." Jadda laughed as his translator droid spoke. "What have we here. This day was yet to come. Justin Darkaar, taken prisioner and over to me by a bounty hunter."

Justin was about to speak when Daemor'rah cut him off. "I want the prize set. 250, 000 credits for him plus 10, 000 for the good shape I deliver him in and the costs of the dense molecular bands I used," she said coldly.

"Darkaar boo jaadaa uchk tchinga weahtaa joubelae tumul... Tchingaa fough taare lytchoo dengaa 10 000 credits!" Jadda said angrily. His protocol droid translated. "Jadda wants you to know he believes Darkaar is not worth that kind of money and he wishes to know what are your intentions should he not pay you the extra 10, 000 credits you request."

"Because Jadda, you are known to be just in paying those who serve you well and because if you do not I will not deliver the goods in such good condition, starting now!" she warned him.

Jadda laughed. "Very well, you are fearless... I will pay your fees. Guards, take him to the dungeons. Please, bounty hunter, stay for the party I am hosting. You will be paid afterwards..." Jadda said by himself, not using his own language to the Huntress' surprise.

---

"Retribution, Part 1"
by Yelara Zaneth
and Liam Zaneth
Location: Approaching Tae'Karada in hyperspace
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

Four long months... They'd been drifting through space uneventfully for four consecutive months, but Yelara wasn't complaining. She didn't miss all the tension and anxiety of that pivotal day four months prior and was grateful for the quiet time alone she and Liam could finally bask in; what happened those two days, months ago, was something she never wanted to go through again, but even so, she found herself reliving the events every moment of solitude she had. Even when she tried to keep too busy to concentrate on anything but the task at hand, something managed to trigger the memories and they replayed in her mind with vivid clarity. Resisting that time of darkness, though, was necessary if she was to truly value how far she and Liam had come. The struggles they faced to get to this point had proven to them how strong their bond was and how pure was their love for each other. The memories would only help to reinforce that.

Yelara groaned as the soreness in her lower back returned, and she placed her hands on the spot the pain always seemed to originate from. She rubbed her back to try and ease the knots loose, but as the pain grew worse, she knew she needed expert help this time. "Liam!" she called out from the bedroom. "Your dear wife needs a massage!"

Liam poked his head through the doorway, a grin appearing as he saw the look on her face. He set the hollow lightsaber casing aside as he entered the room. He gave her a gentle kiss and then a warm smile as he brought a hand to her cheek. "I always have massages for my dear wife," he said. "Roll onto your side and we'll see what sort of magic I can work for you."

Yelara obeyed without hesitation and shifted onto her right side. "You know the spot, Liam, so get to work," she commanded playfully. "What have you been doing all morning, my love? I haven't seen you since breakfast," she asked as she closed her eyes and prepared to surrender to Liam's therapeutic touch.

Liam grinned as his hands started working at the knots in Yelara's back. "I've been working on a new pair of lightsabers," he said. "I figured it was time to give up the reds. They're the last holdover from my time serving the Emperor, and it's time to move on."

Yelara moaned as the healing warmth emanated from Liam's hands, and combined with his expert technique, all the pain began to melt away. "I kinda liked the reds," Yelara muttered as her entire body relaxed. "Maybe one day I'll get my own lightsaber, or are they reserved only for you Jedi?"

Liam laughed softly. "Typically they're just for Jedi Knights," he said, "but I'm sure being the wife of a Jedi comes with special privileges. Would you like your own lightsaber? I think I have enough materials available to make one for you too." He worked another groan out of Yelara as he felt one of the knots in her back release. He could feel the tension in her body drift away under his touch. He could feel the strain Yelara felt through their bond, and knew that she needed what he was giving her more than anything. "I'm going to have to find reasons to keep you off your feet to keep the tension from building up again."

"You could try strapping me to the bed, but I fear you may take that as an invitation to ravish me." Yelara laughed gently and sighed as the final knot came undone. She slowly moved onto her back again and opened her eyes to look up at Liam. "As for the lightsaber, my love, I think we're all much safer if you never ever place one in my hands. Remember that time you tried to train me to use the force pike? I don't think I ever managed to get the hang of that thing."

Liam laughed as he gently brushed his hands over Yelara's stomach. "You almost had it," he said. "For a brief moment there, I thought you were going to be an expert with it. But, then that whole actually trying to fight with the thing happened. I mean when you were standing ready, you were intimidating. Based on that alone, you could probably get most people wanting to pick a fight to back off."

Yelara laughed and pushed herself up into a sitting position, with some effort, of course. "I'm not sure how intimidating I'll look now," she said, looking down at her swollen belly. "Besides, I don't think I have much use for all that anymore. All that's done with."

Liam nodded and moved to put his arms around Yelara. "It's all behind us," he said. "It's hard to believe it's been four months already. I mean, it practically seems like yesterday when we met Oot and started the end of Kandran. That was back when your belly was still small and you were quite limber." He gave her a suggestive wink. "I remember that day in the cargo hold and then with meeting Oot."

Yelara laughed and slapped Liam playfully on the cheek to try and wipe the smug grin off his face. "How could I forget that day? It was the most important day of our lives...next to our wedding, of course." Yelara sighed and let her head rest upon Liam's shoulder as, once again, right on cue, the memories came back. "Those two days were probably the best and worst of my life."

***

Liam circled around Yelara in the Kestrel's cargo hold. His eyes watched her every movement as she adjusted to counter him. He held the force pike in one hand, the grip loose so he could easily slide into a number of other defensive or offensive forms.

"Make sure to keep your side to me," he cautioned. "It'll make you a smaller target. Your form is good though. When we go up against Dargus' men, they'll most likely be carrying blasters. But it's good to have the melee training for the times when it'll be needed. And we will need it at some point." Liam continued around Yelara as she watched him. He smiled and then launched his attack, driving forward as Yelara shifted to defend.

Yelara's heartbeat quickened as Liam's pike swung towards her. All the positions and moves Liam had taught her flashed through her mind as she tried to calculate the best defense with which to counter. Each fraction of a second brought Liam's pike screaming closer. Finally, she chose, letting her instincts move her own pike to defend.

She tightened the grip on her pike and planted the tip firmly into the floor to block Liam's as it came around, aimed at her midsection. Metal hitting metal rang through the room; the impact of his pike reverberated through hers, bringing with it a wave of nagging discomfort that travelled up to her hands and extended through her arms. "Hey, you're supposed to go easy on me!" she protested, but she quickly recovered and pushed away Liam's pike, which remained fixed to hers.

Liam laughed. "I am going easy," he said as he pulled his pike closer and brought Yelara with it. He quickly wrapped an arm around her waist and held her fast. "Gotcha."

"Liam Zaneth, you have no self-discipline," she chided playfully. "We're supposed to be training, remember?" She laughed gently and quickly planted a kiss on Liam's mouth. The salty taste of sweat lingered on her lips, and as she licked them slowly, feasting on Liam's familiar taste, a streak of wickedness possessed her. "So, you were going easy on me, were you?" she asked as she released her pike, which was still attached to Liam's. She then reached back and placed her hands atop Liam's. "Well, I won't be so kind." Yelara flashed Liam a smile as she pulled his hands free of her waist and hooked her leg around his. She pushed her hands against his chest and with some effort, swept his legs from under him. With wild laughter, Yelara watched as Liam's eyes grew wide and, with arms flailing, he desperately tried to maintain his balance, but to no avail.

As Liam toppled backwards, his hand fell away from the switch that charged the magnetic field in his pike. As the field dissipated, Yelara's pike clattered free. He dropped his own pike to the side and twisted as he fell.

His arm shot down to the deckplates, and he used the gentle tap against metal grating to propel himself back up. In mid-air, he flipped easily and came down easily on his feet. He laughed as he looked back at Yelara. "You fight dirty," he said. "I think it's one of the reasons I love you so much." He edged forward and grinned. "Did I mention I know how to fight dirty too?"

At her feet, the grating covering the deck of the Kestrel's cargo hold lifted, shifting Yelara's balance and leaving her no choice but to go forward where Liam waited. He slid his arms around her waist, and shifted his weight to put her more off-balance. As she fought to regain her footing, he brought her down to the ground with him on top looking down into her eyes. "Would you like me to stop going easy on you?" he asked with a wicked grin.

Yelara huffed in annoyance and frowned at Liam as she tried to wriggle out from under him. "You're just showing off now," she said irritably. "I don't know about Elisia but I don't appreciate--" As the grin on Liam's face quickly disappeared, Yelara held her tongue and looked away in shame. Somehow, she always seemed the one to put a damper on their happy moments. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring her up," she said quietly.

---

"Retribution, Part 2"
by Yelara Zaneth
and Liam Zaneth
Location: Approaching Tae'Karada in hyperspace
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

"No," he said, his jaw set as he stood in one fluid motion, "you're right. Our training should be that. I apologize for losing my focus." He held out his hand and the force pike jumped into it. He moved away, testing the weight of the training weapon. So he was showing off, and Yelara didn't appreciate it. Liam cursed himself for letting his emotions cloud his actions, and his carelessness for interfering in Yelara's training. "Do you wish to continue training? Or would you like to stop for the day?"

Yelara sat up and watched as Liam swiftly moved away from her. She looked up at him with an imploring gaze and spoke in a quiet, hesitant whisper. "I...I didn't mean to get mad, Liam. And I didn't mean to mention Elisia either." She slowly got to her feet and walked over to her own pike, picking it up from the ground. "I'm feeling a little tired," she said as she placed the pike back onto its holding rack. "Maybe I should get some rest and let you train without having to worry about me." She choked down a sudden knot that was growing in her throat, and wasn't certain if it was the pregnancy throwing her hormones into a loop, or if she was truly that upset about hurting Liam...as usual.

Liam nodded. "I think I'm done training for now," he said softly. "I've got another project to work on for a bit. I'll come in and check on you in a little while." He watched her, feeling the anxiety within her as if it were his own. "Is there anything I can get you before you go to sleep?"

"No, but you can do something for me," Yelara said as she turned around to face him. "You can tell me something, something I've been thinking about for a while now."

Liam took a step closer. "What is it," he asked gently, feeling some of the warring emotions finally begin to slip away.

Yelara gazed at Liam, who was expectantly awaiting her question. She didn't think he would be prepared for what she was to ask him. It had to be done, though. She needed to know, she deserved to know. "Do you miss her, Liam?" she asked. She fixed her eyes to his face and tried to detect any change in his facial expression. If he tried to lie to her, she hoped his features would betray what his true feelings were. "You took her in, trained her, befriended her...and more. Do you miss her?"

Liam laughed softly and shook his head. "Sometimes I miss her company," he said. "But I don't miss her jealousy, or the moods she'd get into, or the way she'd defy me to get herself in trouble. I miss training her though. When she wanted to be, when she wasn't fighting her jealousy, she was a good student. But I don't miss her as much as I thought I would. I still care for her and hope she's doing okay, but I know that my place in life right now is the right one. I think I hurt her deeply, and for that I am sorry. But, I don't think there was any way for me to not hurt her. At least, not without defying my own heart."

"I wish I could be so certain if that time ever comes for me," she said softly, so softly that the hum of the engines easily drowned out her voice. "I love you, Liam and I love Kallia. I try and think what it would have been like if I'd had to choose between the two of you and...I find myself unable to do so. I would have torn my hair out trying to decide, but I do know that now, I am content being with you."

She hazarded a step towards Liam and smiled gently at him. "I regret losing Kallia, but her loss opened the door for you and I to be together, Liam. It saved me from having to make a choice I don't think I could have made. I suppose all events in a person's life, even those that bring pain, serve some ultimate purpose." Yelara hesitantly pressed her hand to Liam's cheek. She was afraid his skin would be cold to her touch, a coldness she'd seen in his eyes only moments ago, but as her palm met his face, she found only a warmth there. "No more training for today, my love."

Liam covered Yelara's hand with his own, as he slipped his other arm around her waist. "No more training," he repeated. "I think we've been getting a lot in since leaving Turren. Maybe a little time together, just enjoying each other's company, will be good for us. And, later on, after we've checked in with the high princess on how things stand with the tracking device, we can leave this area for a good long time."

Yelara felt the weight lift from her chest and sighed quietly as Liam's smile returned. "The high princess, then we finally leave Tae'Karada behind." An excitement grew within Yelara as she thought about her and Liam already heading down the path leading to the new life they would live together. They would leave Dargus, and the past behind but despite that, they had still bound themselves to Dargus. The hit on his facility would strengthen that tie, but it would also solidify the fact that they refused to allow his past transgressions against them to dampen their future happiness. Destroying something of Dargus' was just as fulfilling as destroying the man himself; at least in doing this, she would not have to lay her eyes upon him. The morning sickness was bad enough, and the sight of Dargus would only further turn her stomach.

Yelara felt a streak of mischief accompany the thrill of starting their new life, and a grin spread across her face. "I'm not in the mood to train," she said sweetly as she slipped from Liam's grasp and sauntered towards the door, "but I'm in the mood for something else." She shot a suggestive look at Liam and the smile he gave her acknowledged that he knew precisely what she was implying.

As Liam took a step forward, Yelara giggled wildly and charged towards him. She squealed with excitement as she leapt into his arms and tackled him to the floor of the hold. She sat on his stomach as she laughed breathlessly, then quickly kissed him on the lips. "Now I've got you."

Liam laughed as Yelara held him pinned to the ground. Her lips were centimeters from his own and her eyes gazed into his. He slipped his arms up and around her. He could feel what she was feeling, and her feelings definitely matched his own. And, he had a feeling they wouldn't be making it to their bed. But, that was perfectly fine by him. The floor of the hold wasn't as comfortable as the bed, but it was as good a place as any. "So," he said, "what do you plan on doing with me now that you've got me?"

"Hmm..." Yelara looked playfully pensive and tapped her finger upon her chin. "Well, I can think of two things, one of which I'm sure you'll find very pleasurable, and the other perhaps not so pleasurable." Yelara smiled down at Liam and began slowly sliding the straps of her top off her shoulders. "Can you guess what one of the two involves, my love?"

"I think I've got a pretty good idea," he said with a slow smile. He reached a hand up and drew the fabric of her top down over her breasts and to her waist. He ran his hands up over her breasts and then down to her hips. "You know, I don't think we've made love in here yet."

"I guess that makes this the last place on the ship we haven't christened." Yelara laughed as she untied the drawstring on her pants and stretched the material away from her waist. "Well would you look at that," she said, looking down into her pants. "It would appear I completely neglected to put on underwear today. I could be wrong though..." She smiled mischievously at Liam. "Care to take a look?"

Liam raised an eyebrow and craned his neck so he could get a look. He brought a hand up to the material and pulled it down toward his body. He let out a low whistle when his eyes found the dark patch of hair uncovered before him. "Well, look at that," he said. "You did forget them, didn't you." He looked up at her and grinned. "What do you suppose we should do about that?"

"Well, I can't exactly wear pants without any underwear. That just isn't proper." Yelara let out an exaggerated sigh and rose with her legs still on either side of Liam's waist. "And since I can't wear pants without underwear," she said as she gripped her pants and pushed them down over her hips, "I shouldn't be wearing pants at all." She giggled as her pants fell and bunched around her ankles. Her top soon followed suit and ended up being flung across the hold. "My love, did you remember to put on your underwear today? If not, you know what you have to do."

Liam laughed. "Well," he said, "I am sorry to disappoint you, but I did remember my underwear today." He took the waistband of his workout pants and pulled it down enough to give Yelara a glimpse at the deep blue fabric underneath. "My underwear, my love."

Yelara's brows arched and she shook her head almost sympathetically. "Oh dear, that's rather unfortunate," she said almost regretfully. "That's very unfortunate. I guess I forgot to inform you of a minor technicality. I mean, there are certain rules that apply to underwear...wearing, and I'm afraid you've broken one of them."

Liam glanced from his underwear to Yelara and back. He tried to get the smile from his face, but it just wouldn't go. "I have? Oh my. I did think I knew all the rules for underwear. So, which of these rules have I broken?"

"The most sacred rule of them all, my love," Yelara said melodramatically as she stood towering over Liam. "My dear, the colour of your underwear doesn't match your shoes. They must always be coordinated. Failing to do so is the most serious fashion blunder there is! Now..." Yelara crouched down and smiled as she began tugging on the elastic of Liam's underwear. "Come on, off with them!"

Liam looked down at his underwear and gave an exaggerated sigh. "Well, we can't have me wandering around the ship uncoordinated." He reached down and pulled his boots free, and then rid himself of his pants and underwear. He looked up at Yelara and smiled. "I am no longer a fashion blunder. This is better, right?"

Yelara looked down at Liam's naked groin and smiled approvingly. "Oh, much better." She giggled and quickly dropped to her knees, straddling Liam. Her hands gripped the bottom of his shirt and she began pushing it up. Once his chest was exposed, she kissed it ravenously and sucked on his nipples gently. "Definitely much better."

"I am glad you approve, my love," he said as his hands moved to her breasts again. He moaned as her kisses sent shivers of excitement through his body.

He could feel her excitement through their bond, and it sent his own building arousal higher. Since they discovered their bond, lovemaking had been a transcendent act. No matter where they were, they could feel each other, know the other's mood; and when they made love it was beyond anything he'd ever experienced in his life. "You look ravishing naked atop me like that," he murmured.

"I like being on top," Yelara replied, only tearing her lips away from Liam's chest for a moment before returning them. Her hands moved to his waist, then slowly slipped between his legs where his cock stood very alert and became extremely responsive to her touch. "He's missed me, hasn't he?" she asked as she began massaging his cock gingerly.

Liam moaned at her touch. "He's missed you very much," he said. He kept one hand on her breasts, and slid the other down between her legs. "I think we should reacquaint old friends. I think they've missed each other too." Her body against his filled him with a fire he never felt any other time. He knew he was a cold person by nature, and it showed in his use of the Force. But, Yelara could melt all of that away.

Yelara closed her eyes and sighed heavily as Liam's fingers slipped inside of her. It seemed she and Liam hadn't gone a day without sex for weeks, and although she was pregnant and should have been easily fatigued, her sexual appetite had only grown more voracious. "Is the floor too hard?" she asked, a moan quickly following. "We can move to the bedroom if there's time...but I don't think I can wait."

"The floor is fine," he groaned. "I can't make it to the bed. Let's just-- We're doing good-- Oh I love you, Yelara. I need you, my love. I need you now."

"No need to beg, my love. I'm more than ready and willing to give you everything you need." Yelara sat up and smiled at Liam tenderly. "I love you Liam Zaneth. You can't realize how much being with you has changed me," she whispered. She positioned herself above Liam's waist and, holding his cock firmly in her grasp, she guided it into her. She moaned quite vocally and opened her eyes to look upon Liam. She began slowly rocking her hips against his and placed her hands atop his as he continued caressing her breasts. "We must have these little training sessions more often."

Liam moaned as the pleasure of Yelara sliding up and down on his shaft filled him. He sighed as his hips found her rhythm and his hands brought a low moan from her lips. "I could just do this all day," he said. His thoughts went back to all the sex they had shared on Turren. It seemed they'd done it everywhere they possibly could, including in the central square of the town where they were staying very early in the morning when no one else was out. He could feel everything building up, reaching toward the climax that seemed to get more powerful every time he and Yelara shared it. "We have to have more of these sess--"

A violent shudder rolled through the ship, tossing anything not bolted down.

Liam felt everything give way beneath him, a moment of weightlessness, and then it all crashed back into place. The motion brought Yelara back down on top of him. Liam pulled her to him protectively as another shudder shook the ship. He rolled aside covering her as a pike sailed past them, glancing off his shoulder as it did.

"Damn," he spat. He looked at her to make certain she was okay. He could feel her fear, but knew she was unhurt. As his eyes found hers, the klaxons started blaring. "We've dropped out of hyperspace." He sent his senses outward, and found the answer. "Something pulled us out. We need to get up to the cockpit. Are you alright?"

"Fine," she replied. She clung to Liam tightly as she tried to recover from the disorientation caused by the sudden jolt. "Who could it be, Liam?" she asked fearfully as the first thought that came to her mind was Dargus Kandran.

Liam shook his head. "I don't know," he said. "But, now is not a good time." He glanced around and found his pants. He quickly pulled himself into them, and grabbed the force pike that had gone flying. "Do you want to stay back here, or come up with me? Though, I think it'd be a good idea if we stay together. If whoever's out there enters the ship, we have a better chance if we're together."

Liam's last statement sent a pang of anxiety through Yelara and she moved to him, clinging to his arm firmly. "No, I'm coming with you. I'm not leaving your side, Liam." Yelara embraced Liam and kissed him tenderly on the lips. She didn't want to let go and no matter what happened, she wouldn't. "Just in case... I love you, Liam."

Liam returned the kiss, wrapping one arm tightly around her. "I love you too," he said. "And, we're going to get through this fine. I feel sorry for the other guys." He gave her a reassuring smile and took her hand. He started toward the exit of the cargo bay with her hand in one of his, and the force pike in the other.

"Uh, Liam, dear," Yelara said as she pulled him back. "I don't know if you plan on appeasing whoever that is by displaying your dazzling, naked wife to them, but I really do think I should dress first." Yelara laughed gently, allowing the tension to partially spill away, and pulled her hand free of Liam's while she collected her clothing. "I think, though, until I become more adept at the pike, I should let you handle things," she said while pulling on her pants and looking around for her misplaced top.

"I think so too," he said. "And, it was just here. It was...right there. Wasn't it? We haven't had problems losing clothing before now. Why do we have to start having problems now of all times?" He glanced around and then back at Yel who was still searching.

A low rumbling shook the ship, staggering both of them. "I think someone's getting impatient," Liam added. "Just grab my shirt."

"Good idea," Yelara said. She quickly took the shirt Liam handed to her and pulled it on as they made their way towards the cockpit. She remained close to Liam during the entire trek and hoped her trembling wouldn't unsettle him too much. "Why can't we just have a peaceful life together? Why must everyone try and interfere?"

Hand in hand, Liam and Yelara worked their way to the cockpit. Once there, the instruments were flashing a myriad of colours. Automated damage reports poured in from every system. In front of the Kestrel loomed a ship easily as large as some of the largest Star Destroyers. It was broadcasting no transponder codes, leaving Liam in the dark as to who they belonged to. The comms indicated they were being signalled, but Liam wasn't ready to answer just yet.

Information scrolled across one of the displays, and Liam just shook his head. "Looks like they pulled us out of hyperspace with a gravity generator. Whether they're looking specifically for us, or just stopping anyone passing this way, I don't know. But, I think we're about to find out." He looked at the reports coming in and shook his head. "Tarabassic? Where do I know that name from? It sounds familiar."

"I don't know, but at least it's not one of Dargus'." Yelara looked at Liam and squeezed his hand tighter as she said, "Should we comm them? I mean, they obviously want something if they went to all the trouble to knock us out of hyperspace. Besides, it's not like we can fight our way out of this. The Kestrel, no matter how many modifications I make, doesn't stand a chance against a ship like that."

Liam nodded and brought up the message the Tarabassic ship was sending. "...Scarlet Kestrel, this is the Tarabassic cruiser Nighada'Sto, Dame Oot Kovan extends her greetings and wishes to speak with you. Will you agree to this meeting? Respond."

Liam looked up at Yelara and raised a questioning eyebrow. "What do you think? Go meet this Oot Kovan and see what she wants?"

Yelara shot Liam an expression of uncertainty, then glanced back at the large ship. "We're just going to walk onto her ship without even asking what she wants? That's a little risky, don't you think, Liam? I mean, do you sense any malevolent intentions on their part?" Yelara sighed and looked back at Liam calmly. "We need some sort of reassurance we won't be harmed. Something...anything."

Liam glanced out the Kestrel's canopy at the other ship and shook his head. "Well, they could blast us into space dust if they wanted, but I'll get what assurances I can from them. And, I feel no malevolence, but there is a darkness."

He opened the channel again as the end of the message was repeating again. He tapped the switch that would send his message to the Nighada'Sto. The sooner they got this over with, the sooner they could get back to unfinished business. He put an arm around Yelara's waist for comfort.

"This is the Kestrel," he said. "We will agree to meet Oot Kovan, but we need assurances that no harm will come to us."

The comm crackled as the communications officer of the other ship opened the channel again. "We give you the assurance that you still breathe, Kestrel. Had we wished you dead, this conversation would not be happening. Prepare to receive a skiff at your docking portal. It will ferry you to our docking bay. Nighada'Sto out."

Liam turned to Yelara. "Friendly bunch," he said. "I guess they're giving us no choice. But, I still feel no malevolence, at least not directed toward us."

Yelara glanced at the imposing ship before them, then turned her eyes back to Liam. "I guess if they did want us dead, we would be. Although, once they do get what they want from us, our lives may become worthless to them." Yelara's hands moved to her stomach; her maternal instincts were in full force now, and she feared more for her unborn child's life than her own, but she trusted Liam. No matter what, she knew he would do everything to protect her and that was all the comfort she needed.

"Alright, we'll meet with this Oot Kovan. I want to know what was so urgent that she had disturb our little training session." She moved her hand to Liam's face and gave him a gentle smile. "And we will resume that little training session, my love, the moment we return...alive."

Liam smiled and kissed Yelara before they left the cockpit. "We will return alive," he said, "even if we have to leave their ship a drifting hulk. We should probably change into something more appropriate to going out in public. And, make sure you're wearing underwear, my love." He glanced at her and smiled. "Or, don't and I'll have to take care of your little fashion faux pas later."

"You're just giving me more incentive to accidentally forget my underwear, my love." Yelara laughed softly. "And if you're really daring, make certain your underwear is not matching your shoes. I'll just have to reprimand you for your blunder when we return to the ship." Yelara smiled up at Liam, but salacious thoughts soon possessed her mind and she slid her hand to Liam's stomach and began undoing his pants. "I'll help you undress," she said silkily. "How long do you think we can keep Dame Kovan waiting before she fires upon our ship?" she asked as her hand dipped into Liam's pants.

Liam gasped as the feelings rekindled inside of him. As Yelara deftly began working his cock, bringing it immediately to erection, he slipped his hand beneath his shirt that she wore and found her breasts. He moaned softly and slid one hand down into her pants. "If she really needs to talk to us, she can wait while we finish what she interrupted."

Yelara gasped as Liam's fingers slid easily inside of her, then she emitted a gentle giggle. "We're being held hostage by a large Tarabassic ship, and although we should be scared, we can't keep our hands off each other." Yelara laughed and wrapped her arms around Liam, kissing him deeply. "We haven't done it in the bedroom for a whole four hours. Why don't we try it in there this time?"

Liam laughed. He scooped Yelara into his arms, keeping his eyes on hers. "One bedroom coming up." He carried her through the ship toward the bedroom they shared. They tumbled to the bed together, Liam's arms immediately went around Yelara's waist. The shirt she wore disappeared as he pulled it away, and then pulled her to him, kissing her passionately. "I like our bed."

"It's a comfortable bed," Yelara said. "A big bed." She pushed Liam's pants down over his waist and scrambled to do the same with hers. "If this is going to be our last time together, I want it to be good. Screw Oot Kovan..." Yelara laughed. "But I'd much rather screw you." Yelara's laughter ceased as she slid into place atop Liam and moaned softly. "One day, we will live free of all these distractions. One day, all we'll have to worry about is what to name our child."

"Yes," he said softly, gazing into her eyes as they made love. There would be no interruptions this time. "I love you, Yelara. When our baby is born, we'll be free of all this. It'll just be us, and no more fighting and running. We'll make our own lives, not let them be dictated to us."

"That's how it should always be, that's how it should have been from the beginning." Yelara ran her fingers through Liam's soft, brown hair and kissed him gently on the lips. "And once we're through with fighting, Liam, we can find some planet far away from all this where the three of us can just settle and let our love for each other grow, unhindered by this oppressive universe. That's all I want."

Their combined movements were slow and deliberate, and once again, Yelara could feel Liam's soul merging with hers. The world around her dissolved away into an imperceptible cloud of nothingness, and all that existed for her now, was Liam and her love for him. "This is all that matters, Liam. Everything that matters is right here, right now."

"Everything," he said as he gazed into her eyes and into her soul, and brushed a hand across her belly, and the child growing inside. "We'll get through everything together, Yelara. You, me, and our baby. We'll make it." He could feel her heart beating in time with his, her breathing, coming in gasps that mirrored his own. They were nearly one being. He had a feeling anyone scanning their ship would only find one being aboard at that moment. "The fighting will end, and then there will be no more, not for us. After that is just happiness."

"That's all I ever wanted, Liam. I've searched for it all my life, and I've finally found it with you. You've saved me, Liam," she whispered. She pressed her cheek to his and allowed his warmth to envelop her, a warmth in which the love he felt for her was almost tangible. She smiled and hoped that the child within her could perceive that warmth, and the love they already felt for it. It was a love that would only grow, never diminishing.

It was born out of struggle and Yelara knew that was the purest and strongest form of love there was. If it could survive the obstacles they were about to thrust themselves into, she knew their love would be able to survive anything.

---

"Retribution, Part 3"
by Yelara Zaneth
Liam Zaneth
Kambra Gant
and Oot Kovan

Location: Approaching Tae'Karada in hyperspace
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

Yelara and Liam were met at the hatch by a gangly humanoid. Liam searched his memory and finally placed the man's species: Gungan. This one was quite grizzled and one of the stalks that were supposed to hold the creature's eyes was just a cauterized stub. He could sense the danger from the man, and knew that caution was warranted.

"Mesa Kambra Gant," he said in a raspy voice. "You follow to Dame Oot Kovan, and all be well. Okie dey? Fine. Please, get in da skiff so we can go."

Liam glanced at Yelara and them back at the Gungan. "Let's go then," he said.

"Dis way," Kambra said.

Liam put a hand on Yelara's waist as they moved into the skiff. "He's one to watch," he said. "He's dangerous. But, as long as we stay on his side, we should be okay."

"Him?" Yelara asked skeptically. "He looks harmless, Liam. He has one eye. How much damage could he possibly do? I think you can take him if the need arises, my love," Yelara said in a hushed voice.

Liam nodded. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that," he said.

They entered the skiff and were pointed to seats by the Gungan. At the controls of the skiff, he could see a droid waiting for the command to go. It didn't take long to cross the distance to the larger ship, and soon they were stepping off into a large corridor. Kambra motioned for Liam and Yelara to follow, and he headed off down the corridor.

Around them, droids moved about the corridor. As they walked through the ship, Liam noticed that there wasn't a single other living being other than Kambra. He stretched out his senses, and realized there were only a very small handful of living beings on the ship. He turned to glance at Yelara as she watched yet another droid pass them in the corridor. "The ship is mostly droids," he whispered.

"Yeah, I've been noticing," Yelara replied quietly. "Why is that? I mean, no matter how helpful technology is, it still can't exceed the advantages of having sentient beings around with which to interact. Oot Kovan must be a very lonely woman."

"I would gather so as well," Liam said. "Why droids? The costs aren't going to be much different either way. Does she not like other people? Or is there another reason for the isolation? I do detect other beings aboard the ship, but very few. A handful at most. Only thing I could think is that you've only got a handful of people, so spies are going to have a more difficult time getting in here."

"Or she decreases the odds of being betrayed. Eliminate the threat by eliminating the problem, isn't that right? By keeping only those she knows are loyal around, the chances of being betrayed are greatly reduced." Yelara laughed dryly and glanced sideways at Liam. "If that's the case, I'd say she's a smart woman. She may have sacrificed companionship by having all these droids around, but being lonely is better than being dead."

Liam nodded slowly. "Yes," he said. He raised his estimation of the entire operation, and pulled himself into a higher state of readiness. He still sensed no danger to himself or Yelara, but it was better to be cautious. His eyes actively scanned the surrounding area as they walked, not wanting to miss a thing. "She is very smart. Depending on her resources, she could be a useful ally. If she has a ship this large, she must have the finances to support it. Perhaps she would be willing to fund some of what we're doing. If we play this right, that is."

"Maybe first we should figure out what she wants with us before we start pledging our allegiance to her, Liam." Yelara drew nearer to Liam as they rounded yet another corridor. The ship seemed to be larger than it had appeared from the exterior; this only worried Yelara more, for it meant they had a much longer way to go if the need to escape arose. "Is it much further?" Yelara called out to Kambra, hoping they were actually allowed to speak.

Kambra glanced back and nodded. "Only a little further here now," he said. "Hundred meters."

Liam sighed, but kept walking. "Well, I'm not pledging my allegiance to her yet. Just being hopeful. This could be a big break against Dargus."

"Well, let's hope a friendly alliance is all this Oot woman has in mind for us." Yelara looked up at Liam and laughed quietly. "Who knows? If she's as lonely as it would seem, she may just want us as sex slaves."

Liam laughed. "Well as long as she locked us away in a room together, I'd be okay with that." He slipped his hand into Yelara's. "We'll be fine. I still sense no malice toward us."

"Wesa be here," Kambra announced. He tapped a button next to the door, and the door slid away. The room beyond appeared to be a banquet room of some sort, or perhaps it was a meeting room. A large table dominated the center of the room with chairs lining either side. Before each chair was a computer screen. At the end of the table sat a woman. As they were led inside, they could see that she was a Twi'lek.

Oot Kovan stood as Kambra led her guests along the table toward the chairs waiting for them. She gave them a welcoming smile, and motioned for them to sit. "Please," she said, "make yourselves comfortable. If you would care for food of any kind, I can have it prepared for you."

Liam shook his head, and glanced at Yelara to see if she wanted anything.

The baby inside of her, although barely the size of a Tafta nut, must have heard mention of food and it immediately began demanding to be fed. She was about to request a large bowl of Endwa meat stew, but even though the woman seemed harmless enough, Yelara wasn't ready to trust her not to poison the food. "Uh, I'm fine," Yelara said finally. Her eyes locked momentarily with the Twi'lek woman, but Yelara quickly shifted them away and focused on the subtly, yet elegantly decorated room. Judging by the decor in this room alone, Yelara was certain the woman had a sufficient amount of creds at hand.

Oot smiled graciously. "I am certain you both are curious as to why you are here," she said. "I will not keep you in suspense. Tae'Karada is currently blockaded by Imperial forces. The Imperial bounty for Kace Mordin is considerable. I am quite certain with a heightened Imperial presence in the area, showing up there would be a hazardous action. Additionally, there is a price on the head of Liam Zaneth, formerly Kace Mordin by Lord Dargus Kandran of the Kandran Syndicate." Oot had tried hard to keep the sarcasm from her voice, but failed. More's the pity, she thought. "Additionally, there has been talk among some circles that he has also put out feelers for Yelara Neerou, now Zaneth. One report indicated he wished to add her to his stable of concubines." She raised an eyebrow and met their gazes. "I would prefer that the two of you fell into neither Imperial nor Kandran hands.

"I do not know if you have heard of me, but I am the head of the Tarabassic Syndicate, a criminal organization looking to unseat Kandran as the overlord of the criminal underworld in this sector. I have heard stories of your encounters with him, and wish to discuss the future with you."

Yelara gripped Liam's hand firmly. Any mention of Dargus always made her tense, and finding out he was searching for them only unsettled her more. Her gaze finally returned to Oot, who had a soft, mildly arrogant smile on her face, but she seemed amicable enough or so she hoped. If what she said was true, she and Liam would definitely be needing allies. "You knocked us out of hyperspace so we could feed you information about Dargus Kandran? I was only with him a short time and I'm afraid he didn't keep me informed about his business affairs, so I can't help you much with that. What sort of future did you have in mind, Dame Kovan?"

"I knocked you out of hyperspace to keep you from walking into a deathtrap," Oot said. "And, I know of Liam's training, and have come across some information that indicates that you might be taking an active role in seeking to remove Dargus Kandran from the realm of the living, or at least to make his life and operations extremely difficult." She smiled. "I have similar goals, and would wish to seek an arrangement that will mutually benefit the two of you, and my organization. I know you do not know me, and fear that I could be just trying to trap you, destroy you." She glanced at Liam, and then shifted her gaze to Yelara where she kept it. "What can I do to prove myself to you?"

Yelara ignored Oot's question and held the woman's gaze without faltering. "If we ally ourselves with you, we'd just be getting involved with another ruthless crimelord. I spent months suffering at Dargus' hands, and the things he did to me still follow me to this day. You're probably just like him, except you mask your darkness with a friendly smile and sweet words." Yelara could feel Liam's hand tightening around her own, cautioning her to choose her words carefully. Yelara sighed and heeded Liam's warning. "We just want to get on with our lives. We want to hurt Dargus, and then move on."

Oot nodded, an acceptance of Yelara's point. "And, I wish to see Dargus Kandran hurt," she said. "I'm only interested in an alliance to go after Kandran. You are going to do this already. I offer my assistance, increasing your chance of success against him. I want no more than that, and will not bother you with anything outside of going after Kandran. You have suffered at Dargus' hands. I have suffered by men like him. While I have not suffered by him, I wish to put a stop to him before anyone else is made to go through what you have."

"And you expect me to believe you care about what I've been through. You've no idea what that man has done to me, the happiness he's stolen from me." Yelara clenched her eyes shut as everything Dargus cost her flooded back. The tortured expression on Kallia's face was the first thing to come to mind. Yelara tried to swallow back the tears that were involuntarily forming and hung her head towards the ground as she attempted to hide the emotions Oot may think a weakness. "We will succeed against Dargus, no matter what. I'll leave the decision about your offer to my husband. I will support him in whatever he wishes to do."

"I left my homeplanet when I was a young girl," Oot said. "I had the stars in my eyes and wanted to see the grand galaxy beyond my own yard. I came to a world similar to this one. There were many traders and merchants. I walked through the markets, wide-eyed and filled with fascination. I came upon a trader's wagon, and seated outside was a man, a powerful man, who watched me. He promised me things, and he gave them. But the price was greater than I ever expected. I was free to leave, he told me, but he would not let me go. I could do as I pleased, but only as long as it pleased him.

"If I looked at another man with interest, he would be killed. Soon, I would not raise my eyes above the ground out of fear for who would die because I happened to look upon them. I wanted to leave, but he had all his agents watching my every move." She rose from her chair and approached Yelara. She took a deep breath, appearing as if she were caught in a mental battle with herself. Finally it appeared as if the decision had been made. She took a breath and grabbed the hem of her skirt. She lifted it high enough for Yelara to see her inner thigh, but no more. The thigh bore a mark, a crescent with a wavy slash through it. "He marked me his, and left it permanently for any who see me to see. I care what you've gone through because I have gone through it as well. I am not here as the head of the Tarabassic Syndicate, but as a woman who has suffered at the hands of a man who sought to possess and consume her, as Dargus Kandran did to you."

Yelara's eyes froze on the mark branded upon Oot's thigh, a sign of ownership placed there by a man who sounded no different from Dargus Kandran. Yelara bore a similar mark, one in the form of an undetectable scar placed onto her arm by a blaster acting as an extension of Dargus' evil and rage. The tears slid easily down Yelara's cheeks as details of Oot's story sounded eerily enough like her own. Oot's captor bore Dargus' jealousy and possessiveness, both of which, in Yelara's case, caused the death of an innocent man, a death Yelara still blamed herself for. She had gone to Tae'Karada carrying an innocence within her, but it had been tainted by Dargus, much as Oot's had been by her captor.

Yelara looked up into Oot's eyes and saw a pain in them that matched her own. She hadn't seen it before when she was absorbed in antagonizing Oot, but she was certain now that it had always been there and now felt foolish and insensitive for judging the woman too prematurely.

"I'm sorry," Yelara whispered finally. "I didn't realize your stake in this was just as personal as mine is...as both of ours is," she said as she glanced sideways at Liam. "If you want to help us destroy Dargus, we will gladly accept your help. I suppose for you, lashing out at him is your one way to get back at that man who hurt you. I have no right to deny you that satisfaction." Yelara swallowed back the rest of her tears and found herself smiling gently at Oot. "Maybe someday, if you're up to it, we can help you carry out revenge upon the man who did that to you," she said, motioning her head to Oot's tattoo. "I'd be glad to do it."

Oot closed her eyes, but not before a few of the tears that appeared there spilled down over her cheeks. She let the skirt fall from her grasp, and it swished back into place. She took a moment to steady her breathing and compose herself. Normally she would have cursed herself for the emotional display, but she did not want to hide those emotions from Yelara. She did truly want her to know just how deeply she'd been hurt. And, in the presence of one who had suffered as she had, Oot did not know if her normal methods would have worked to keep her emotions in check.

"I can have whatever resources you require at your disposal for assaults against Dargus, " she said. "I can have Kambra assist with any tactical planning if you'd like. And, I can also have a legion of droids made available. Other personnel requirements for assaults would need to come through other recruitment methods. But if you require them that is definitely available as well. You are welcome if you like to use my ship as a base of operations, or as a supply station. Whatever you are most comfortable with." She looked again at Yelara. "I would like to go after him, after Azikael someday, and would welcome your help." She smiled, and placed her hand over Yelara's. "Thank you."

Yelara slowly rose and pulled her hand free of Liam's, placing it tenderly upon Oot's tear-stained cheek. "I will be the one thanking you once Dargus has been punished for his wrong-doings," she said softly as she began wiping away the traces of tears from Oot's face. "If you would like, Liam and I can remain docked with your ship for another day or so. We can further discuss any plans you have, and maybe I can make the modifications on the Kestrel I've been meaning to. We can even have dinner if you like. It would appear that you don't have much company on this ship, besides your droids."

Oot looked around as if she were seeing the entirety of her ship. "No," she said, "I don't have much company here. The price of having power in treacherous times. It keeps my operation safe, and betrayal almost impossible. Those who do stay here with me are completely loyal and cannot be bought, Kambra first among them. I would like your company for the next couple days. While I do have a few here who I can spend time with, I am afraid to say that many are not very good company a lot of the time." She smiled. "Perhaps you two would like to join me for dinner this evening?" She glanced between Yelara and Liam.

Liam glanced at Yelara and nodded. "I think that would be good. It'll be nice to have a decent meal for a change. We've been living off ration packs for a week." He grinned and glanced at Yelara. "Unfortunately, where we took our honeymoon didn't have the best shopping facilities. Eventually, we'll need to put in at a supply station and refill our stores."

Oot grinned. "Well, I am certain I should be able to supply a lot of your needs from here. Would you care to sleep here on my ship, or do you wish to quarter on your own in the docking bay?"

Yelara looked at Liam and shrugged her shoulders before returning her gaze to Oot. "Although sleeping in a docking bay sounds so tempting, I think I'd much rather prefer a cozy bed to sleep on." Yelara smiled at Oot and placed her hand in Liam's once again. As she did, the hunger from before returned and she grimaced while leaning in towards Oot. "Would you mind if we had an early dinner? Someone's a little hungry," she said, pointing to her stomach.

"I can have food brought in now," Oot said. "If you are hungry, it's no trouble to have something made this very moment."

She pressed a button on the table and a side door slid open. A droid shambled out to stand at Oot's side. "How may I be of service to you, Dame Kovan."

Oot smiled. "I believe Yelara would like something from the galley." She glanced at Yelara as the droid shuffled around to face her.

Yelara looked at the droid, then back at Oot and smiled. "Oh...well...I'll try and save room for dinner, so maybe just a little snack." Yelara turned her attentions back to the droid and looked at it inquisitively. "Now, I know this may be an odd request, but would it be possible to have a bowl of Endwa meat stew with some thick carbosyrup on top? I've just had the oddest craving for that..."

The droid gave Yelara a stiff bow. "It will be prepared at once," he said, and then turned to amble back out of the room.

Oot's eyes never left Yelara. Finally, once the droid was gone, she found her voice. "Endwa meat and carbosyrup? This may sound an odd question and possibly too personal, but...are you expecting a child?"

Yelara first looked at Oot, but quickly shifted her gaze to Liam. Her eyes searched Liam's face for any sign of apprehension or tension. If he didn't want Oot to know, Yelara wouldn't tell, but she saw no harm in it. In fact, in the short time they'd spoken, Yelara trusted Oot, even though she was a crimelord and Yelara had grown to despise crimelords. Oot, however was a woman first, one who had been hurt like she had been, and because of her experiences, Yelara felt akin to Oot and empathized deeply with the woman. Above all else, Yelara hadn't had any female friends besides Kallia and perhaps by confiding in her, she could find one in Oot.

Her eyes moved back to Oot's and a warm smile enveloped her face. She ran her hands over her stomach and nodded her head. "Almost two months. We found out on our honeymoon. I guess that explains my strange palate."

Oot smiled. "Then my sincerest congratulations to you both," she said. "May your child never know the terrors of men like Dargus Kandran, or those I have been forced to commit in this profession. Though, most of my business is now legitimate and legal. Would you care to see your rooms now? I can have your food brought there if you'd like. And, then we can meet in an hour or two for dinner. Does this sound acceptable to you?"

Liam nodded and glanced at Yelara. "It might be nice to get ourselves settled and relax for a bit. Or would you rather stay here, my love?"

"Um, I think I could use a rest. Liam and I have been training all morning and doing...other things," she said, shooting Liam a glance and a conspiratorial smile. "And don't worry," Yelara added as her expression became serious and firm, "this child will have nothing to do with Kandran. By the time it is born, I hope the universe has become rid of him and others like him."

Yelara's eyes fell to the ground as the grim reminder came that she may, in fact, never be free of Dargus, especially if she was carrying his child. Even if they destroyed Dargus, looking into the eyes of her child and knowing they were Dargus' would ultimately end up destroying her. "We should go to our room," she said softly as a churning in her stomach arose. "I think I'm feeling slightly space sick."

Liam put a protective arm around Yelara as Oot stood from the chair she'd just taken a seat in. "I can show you to your rooms now," she said. "It isn't far."

Liam looked into Yelara's eyes and gave her a reassuring smile. He knew the source of her distress. He saw it reflected in her eyes, and he could feel it through their bond. He stood and helped Yelara to her feet. He leaned close and kissed her ear gently, then whispered: "I think I know a good cure for space sickness."

Yelara forced a wan smile and shook her head gently. "Not now, Liam," she said quietly as they proceeded to follow Oot. She looked into Liam's eyes and saw the worry in them, as well as a hint of the growing coldness she'd seen in them many times, one that always came when the subject of Dargus was brought up. He knew her well and he must have known that it was Dargus who was on her mind. "I'm afraid, Liam," she whispered to him. "I'm so afraid."

"I know," he whispered back. "I am too. But, with Oot's help, we're stronger. We have a better chance at succeeding against him. We have a well-protected base of operations, a very wealthy backer, and someone who wants to see Dargus fall just as much as we do. We have the strength here, love. And, we'll stay here for a few days." He pulled her close and kissed her temple. "Just think, we are completely secluded from Dargus here. He has no eyes on us, no spies watching our every move. We are completely isolated from him right now."

"That's not what I'm afraid of, Liam," Yelara said. She slowly moved her eyes to her stomach - the place harbouring the unborn child that would be Liam's no matter what, but whose blood might belong to the man they despised. She had told him at one time that even if it was Dargus', it would be his and they would grow to love it together as their own, but Yelara feared that she might not be able to do that. She was afraid that if the child was Dargus', it would become just like its father and that she would grow to loathe it as much as she did Dargus. She didn't know if she could bear looking upon something she had nourished within her for nine months only to feel disgust towards it. It was something she feared more than death itself.

"I know," he said, understanding her full meaning. "I know. We will do everything we can, if the seed was Dargus', to raise our child to be everything Dargus isn't. We'll be okay, Yelara. We've gotten through this much, we can get through everything." He put his hand over her stomach, brushing it gently with his fingertips. "It has to be okay."

Yelara nodded her head and tried to ignore the confidence that had been absent from Liam's voice. If the child was Dargus', she didn't think she and Liam would make it together. She wasn't certain if he could bear knowing she'd conceived a child with Dargus, and she knew Liam hated Dargus far too much to be able to take something of his and love it as his own. If it was Dargus', Yelara was certain she would go mad. She'd lost Kallia to him, and she'd almost lost Liam to him, but to lose her own child to Dargus would be far too agonizing for her. If the child was Dargus', no matter what Liam said, nothing would ever be okay again.

---

"Retribution, Part 4"
by Yelara Zaneth
Liam Zaneth
Kambra Gant
and Oot Kovan

Location: Approaching Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

"Endwa meat stew with carbosyrup plus three helpings of roast nerf meat with heaps of gumes on the side...what were you thinking?" Yelara muttered to herself as she slipped quietly out of the room she'd been sharing with Liam.

The churning in her stomach had neither gotten worse nor better, and sleeping had become impossible. She groaned and rubbed her stomach to soothe the aches rising from it, but the pain just wouldn't pass. The lights in the corridors were still on, but had been dimmed for the night. She dragged her hand along the walls to make her trek through the slightly darkened corridors a little less precarious, and she looked down as she walked to make certain she didn't step on a droid or whatever else might be scuttling about.

The corridors were barren and the only sound in the entire ship was the hum of the engines. She kept her hand on the wall as she rounded a corner, taking her down another section of the ship. "Well, since I'm up, I might as well get myself better acquainted with the ship," she said to herself as she ventured further down the corridor.

As Yelara moved through the dimmed corridor, a shadow winked at her as it detached from the wall. It stepped from the shadows and resolved itself into the lanky form of a gungan. Kambra Gant gave Yelara a lopsided grin, hoping to stop any fear that might be caused by his sudden appearance. "Yousa take a late night stroll?"

Yelara tried to mask her surprise with a smile, but kept her hand firmly pressed against the wall for support as she looked up at the gungan. "Yeah, I couldn't sleep," Yelara answered warily. She slowly edged backwards as Kambra blocked the way and despite his grin, she wanted desperately to get out of that corridor. "If I'm not supposed to be out here, I'll just go back to my room."

Kambra shook his head, his single eye seeming to keep itself fixed on her as he did. "Yousa can be here," he said, his voice seeming even more gruff than earlier. "Dame Kovan make you guest. You can be anywhere you get. Jus' don't go through locked door. Okie-dey?"

Yelara ceased her subtle attempt to put distance between herself and Kambra, and smiled as she looked up at him. "So you're not gonna drag me back to my room?" Yelara laughed and folded her arms over her chest. "You know, my husband said you looked harmless enough, but that you were probably more dangerous than you seemed. Frankly, I think he was exaggerating slightly. You're far friendlier than I first thought you were."

Kambra laughed softly. "You seem okay, so mesa friendly," he said. "Mesa dangerous to those who want to hurt Dame Kovan or da Tarabassic. But, if you okie-fine, den you have no problem. You can't sleep? We have gardens. Maybe they can help? Dame Kovan always enjoys da walk through gardens for calm and sleep."

"Gardens?" Yelara asked in surprise. "On a ship? With real flowers?" Yelara's face lit up instantly and a smile encompassed the entirety of her visage. She took a step closer to Kambra and said, "I'd love to see the gardens if Dame Kovan wouldn't mind."

Kambra smiled even brighter. "Mesa think she like you to see," he said. "Yousa follow."

He led Yelara through the ship, twisting through and down corridors until finally they passed through a short foyer. As they neared the far door, the change in atmosphere was apparent. There was a coolness to it, and the feeling of life. As the door slid aside, the interior was filled with greenery and blooms from many worlds. Kambra stepped through the door and motioned her inside. "Here da garden. You like?"

Yelara took a step forward and was instantly transported to a different land, it seemed. Her jaw went agape as her breath quickly left her, and the myriad of colours and sweet fragrances bombarded her senses. She carefully walked forward silently, afraid that even the most subtle noise would shatter the tranquility of the garden and this magical place would disappear as if it were all a dream.

She managed to catch her breath finally and whispered, "This place is...the most beautiful thing I've ever seen." She turned back to Kambra with a radiant smile on her face and, possessed with excitement, she grabbed Kambra by the hand without thinking and tugged on it gently. "Come on. Show me around!"

Kambra gulped noisily as he was tugged into the garden. He laughed softly as he regained his balance and swaggered out toward one of the paths.

"Dese, dey from all around da galaxy. Dis plant, is from mesa homeworld. Is edvar'a. Good for medicines. Good for burns." He gave her a grin and rubbed at the cauterized stub of his eyestalk. "Come dis way. More to see."

Yelara continued along the path with Kambra and let her hands brush over the tall flowers as they walked. She glanced up at Kambra and looked at him inquisitively as his hand drew her attention to his eyestalk. "So, what happened to your eye...if you don't mind my asking," Yelara said.

"Mesa not mind," the gungan said. "It happen a long time ago when I first meet Oot Kovan. Yousa hear of Dargus Kandran, I know. Well, wookiee bodyguard, do this with bowcaster. Mesa waiting for chance to make dat one pay. Mesa think time is close."

Yelara looked away from Kambra and shifted her gaze to an oddly shaped, orange flower. It seemed everyone had been hurt by Dargus in one way or another, and it also appeared she and Liam weren't the only ones who wanted to do away with him and his associates. "I'm sure with Dame Kovan's help, we can make them all pay," Yelara said quietly as they entered a large courtyard. At the centre, a large pool of water was embedded in a circular patch of vibrant green grass. A fountain spouting arcs of crystal clear water rested in the middle of the reservoir, partially obstructing her view of what could only have been Oot sitting on a bench on the opposite side. "Oh, maybe we should find somewhere else to walk," Yelara whispered as she turned back to Kambra. "She might wanna be alone."

Kambra bobbed his head in an unidentifiable gesture. "Maybe no," he said. "It lonely here. Mesa think she like the company. If yousa want, we can go. But, mesa think Dame Kovan would like to talk some more to you." He gave her a sidelong look and a smile.

"You're just trying to get rid of me," Yelara said playfully. "I think I will pay Dame Kovan a visit after all." She smiled at Kambra and bowed her head in an expression of gratitude. "Thanks for showing me this place. And thank you for not hauling me to a detention cell when you found me wandering in the corridors."

Kambra gave Yelara a slight bow and took a step back. "Yousa good person," he said. "And, detention cell no good for the baby." He winked and turned slightly. "Mesa gonna be out in the corridors. If yousa need escort back to your room..." He tapped the commlink he wore.

"Don't worry, I'll come to you first if I need help making my way back." Yelara laughed quietly to herself as she turned from Kambra and strolled down the path towards Oot. Liam may have been a jedi, but he certainly wasn't a good judge of character. She couldn't wait to get back to their quarters and tell him how amiable Kambra really was.

Oot finally came into view as Yelara made her way to the opposite side of the reservoir. She'd never met many Twi'leks before, but Oot certainly was the most beautiful she'd ever seen. Her expression was pensive, yet her features were soft and relaxed. Yelara felt almost guilty disturbing Oot, so she stopped a short distance from the bench and simply stared at the Twi'lek.

Oot sat wearing a long pale violet gown as she gazed into the glittering water. In one hand she held a long, thin drinking glass that was half-filled with a deep blue liquid. She raised it to her lips and then stopped, turning her eyes to Yelara. In silence she watched the human as she herself was watched. Her expression was both quizzical and appraising. Finally, she smiled. "I take it you were unable to sleep," she said and motioned Yelara forward. "I often have that problem as well. So many things in my head keep me awake nights. And, then the terrible sound of non-life. Every once in awhile, I like to go to a planet and just be around people." She patted the bench next to her. "Please, sit."

Yelara smiled and moved a few paces forward before sitting down beside Oot. She gazed around the garden again before returning her eyes to Oot. "This is a beautiful place, that's for certain, but I can see how it would be more enjoyable sharing it with someone." Her smile waned as she looked upon Oot's almost delicate body caressed by the light, thin fabric of the dress. She looked so fragile, so vulnerable, and in her eyes, Yelara saw no happiness there. The sight was a piteous one and she found her hand closing over Oot's before she knew it. "Do you get lonely often? I mean, don't you wish you had someone...like I have Liam?"

Oot nodded slowly. "Almost every moment," she said, "I'm lonely, but it's the price I've paid for the power. Though, there are a few here on the ship. And, I have Kambra. But, I have no one to share my bed and my deepest thoughts. That's why yours and Liam's presence here is so nice. I do miss the company of others, but I can't allow myself too many distractions, especially in a galaxy as volatile as this one. One moment of inattention could be the end of me and Tarabassic." Oot smiled and glanced down at Yelara's hand over hers. The warm contact with another being was nice. She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt such a simple touch, but it made her feel warm and welcome all over. She hoped that Yelara and Liam would be frequent visitors, especially if they could mutually help each other reach their goals. "I come here often," she said, looking around. "It's one of the few touches of luxury I allow myself. It is nice to share it with someone, though Kambra does seem to enjoy it as much as I. It is an expensive diversion, but a necessary one. Almost as good as watching fish."

"I've always thought fish were rather...dull." Yelara laughed and eased closer to Oot as she stared at the water cascading from the fountain into the water below. Her laughter died quickly as the thoughts that had been plaguing her returned, the thoughts that she couldn't stop thinking about since she opened her eyes that night. "I'm afraid, Oot," Yelara said quietly. Her eyes fell away from the fountain and she stared at the lush, green grass under her feet. "This...hit Liam and I have planned...it's dangerous. I don't wanna lose him, Oot. That's part of the reason I couldn't sleep tonight. The other part had to do with me stuffing my face at dinner."

Yelara let out a short laugh and gazed up at Oot again. "I couldn't sleep because I kept going over in my mind what I would do if I lost Liam and I realized...I realized I had no idea what I would do. I'm lost without him. I can't picture my life without him. I'm beginning to wonder if going after Dargus is worth losing him. I don't know what to do, Oot."

Oot sighed and looked up into Yelara's eyes. "It is a very difficult position to be in," she said. "I find myself there whenever I must send Kambra on some mission. While my relationship to him is vastly different to yours and Liam's, he is my closest friend and advisor. I am closer to him than any other being I've ever met. I do know a little of what you feel." She turned to look back into the water as if it might have an answer. "You have to trust that he will do as you know he can, and he will. And, don't keep your fears from him. Your goals are worthy, but you have to decide on the prices you are willing to pay to achieve them. He is a strong man, and a powerful one. He loves you and will do everything he can to come back to you." She smiled and glanced down to Yelara's belly. "And, I think you have another incentive for him to return to you. There are no answers to solve this, but I will do everything I can to ensure yours and his continued survival."

Yelara wrapped her arms protectively around her stomach, and looked away from Oot. She'd been up all night thinking about something else as well, deliberating on the matter and until that moment, she'd been unable to reach a decision. If she and Liam went ahead with the raid on Dargus' facility, one or both of them would most likely lose their lives.

As well, Yelara had a duty to protect the unborn child within her and any decision she made in this matter, had to be made only after taking her child's life had to be taken into account. That, more than anything, had helped her reach the conclusion she'd finally come to. "I won't do it," Yelara said firmly as she faced Oot again. "The raid, as far as I'm concerned, is a last resort. Liam and I have...other means of hurting Dargus, but we haven't had the resources or the appropriate allies to carry out our plan."

Yelara paused a moment to make certain what she felt towards Oot was really trust, or merely compassion for a woman who had suffered more than she ever had. If she and Liam were going to live a long, happy life together, she had to trust, for once, what her heart was telling her. "I know a way to destroy Dargus in one fell swoop. I can provide you with that information if you promise to use it immediately."

Oot allowed a slight smile and then nodded. "Of course," she said. "I can have people ready to move on whatever information you have within four hours. It's hard to believe the end of that man is so close. I never thought to get here, but it sounds like we're standing at the brink. I promise to move swiftly, Yelara."

Yelara tried to contain her excitement and keep herself from rambling as she went through a quick run through of how she and Liam had deftly placed a cloaked tracking device on Dargus' ship. "I can give you the codes that would enable you to track the ship as it moves through Tae'Karada. Liam and I originally handed over the codes to the high princess, but because of her position, she would not be able to act against Dargus unless provoked, and only then after she's gotten approval from her husband. You, however, don't have such constraints placed upon you."

Yelara gripped Oot's hand firmly and looked imploringly at her. "With the firepower of your ships, you'd be able to destroy Dargus' floating pleasure ship in moments. Now, I'm not sure how Liam will react to me telling you this, but I don't care. I'll do anything to protect what we have, and if telling you will save us from having to go through with the raid, then any amount of disapproval he will feel towards me will be worth it in the long run. Will you do it?"

Oot allowed herself more of a smile. "The ships will need to be prepared for an atmospheric assault, but I think it can be done with no casualties on our side. When do you want this to happen, Yelara? How soon should we wait before ridding the galaxy of Dargus Kandran?"

"We don't wait, Oot," Yelara responded plainly. "As soon as you can prepare the assault, I want it done. I know I may have to deal with Liam's anger when he finds out I went behind his back, but the moment I knew I could trust you was the moment I decided for certain to tell you this. I know Liam wanted a chance to make Dargus pay slowly, to make him suffer and by his own hands, but it's better this way." Yelara laughed quietly to herself and leaned forward quickly to plant a kiss on Oot's cheek. "He'll finally be dead...and it's all thanks to you. I owe you everything."

"I will have the preparations begun immediately," Oot said. "Would you like to witness the event? Watch his ship as it's destroyed as he's destroyed so many others? I can provide a seat close enough to see all, but far enough to be safe." Oot placed her hand over Yelara's. "The celebration we'll throw will surpass any seen in the Outer Rim for generations. We will enjoy our breakfast as the Kandran Syndicate is brought to its knees and then obliterated forever."

"Yes," Yelara said almost breathlessly as the anticipation built up within her. She knew it was an evil thing to wish the death of another, but she wanted to savour watching Dargus die, especially knowing she had a hand in it. "Tomorrow then. I will provide you with the codes when the time comes, and then," Yelara said as she rose from the bench, "we can make him pay for everything he's ever done. I believe now, I can sleep."

Oot stood, keeping Yelara's gaze as she did. "The biggest crime he ever committed was being born, and that mistake will be taken care of tomorrow. Many will thank us for this. Many will celebrate what we do. Despite all the darkness around these days, there will at least be a bright moment in all of it."

"Literally," Yelara added. "It may be morbid, but I want to see Dargus' burning ship light up the skies, but for now," Yelara said, taking a deep breath, "I have to decide whether or not to tell my husband what I've done yet. Perhaps I'll wait until morning..." Yelara gave Oot's hand a final squeeze before pulling it away. "I should go. We have a long day tomorrow and I need some rest. Will you be staying here?"

Oot glanced around the garden and then back to Yelara. "For probably another minute or two, and then I'll get the preparations moving on the assault. Then I think I'm going to go back to my room, and sleep sounder than I've slept for a long time." As she stood there with Yelara, she knew their talk this night had formed a bond between them, a trust and possible friendship. She smiled at Yelara and without warning, embraced her. "Today is a turning point in both our lives."

Yelara was somewhat taken aback by Oot's sudden - and unexpected - display of affection, but she did not hesitate to return the embrace. Having her arms wrapped around Oot's lithe, delicate body, she seemed so fragile to Yelara; Oot had ceased to be a crimelord and was now only a woman who desperately needed a friend. Yelara rubbed Oot's back soothingly and laughed softly. "I think in the end, you'll have gained more in all this than Liam and I ever will." Yelara pulled away gently and smiled at Oot as she ran her hand tenderly along the Twi'lek's cheek. "Sleep well, Oot. You've earned a good night's rest." Yelara let her hand linger upon Oot's face a moment longer before turning away and heading back down the path.

Oot watched Yelara go. Once the human woman was gone, she turned down the path to the exit on the opposite end of the garden. As she walked, she pulled a comlink from a hidden pocket. "Kambra, it's Oot. Get the fighters prepped for atmospheric assault. Five wings. And, have our course diverted toward Tae'Karada. We'll need to run the blockade. I want all batteries primed and ready, it's going to get hot."

Kambra's voice crackled over the small communicator. "I shall begin the preparations at once, Dame Kovan. They shall be ready in six hours."

Oot smiled as she turned down the corridor that led to her own room. "Good," she said. "Thank you, Kambra. Now, get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow."

---

"Retribution, Part 5"
by Yelara Zaneth
Liam Zaneth
Kambra Gant
and Oot Kovan

Location: Approaching Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

The ship shook slightly as it blasted past the blockade. Fortunately, the diversion they'd set up worked beautifully and most of the Imperial forces were pulled away to stop the approaching fleet. The single Star Destroyer sent a wave of fighters after them, but against a ship the size of Oot's they had little chance. The weaponry mounts belched green fire that turned each approaching TIE Fighter into a cloud of debris.

With some Imperial fighters still in pursuit, the ship swung around toward the planet and awaited the opening of the shield. The money she'd paid was good, and on cue part of the shimmering force dome disappeared, and five wings of fighters streaked from the fighter bays and into the atmosphere.

Yelara sat on the edge of her seat in the transport ship Oot had provided for her and Liam to watch from as Dargus' reign was finally put to an end. She tore her eyes away from the chaotic scene before her only to glance back at Liam from time to time. He had been quiet since he found out what she'd done and his face was expressionless as he looked on at the raging battle in space. She took in a breath to say something to him, to break the silence, but she saw the physical display of his anger in the sudden tightening of his jaw, so she decided to hold her tongue for now. She looked back out through the canopy as they piggybacked behind Oot's fleet entering the planet's atmosphere. "So close...we're almost there."

There was a brief flash as the transport passed through the opening in the shield. The pilot banked the ship after the fleet as he raced after the signal Dargus' ship was broadcasting. Liam frowned and turned away. He knew he should be in the middle of that, fighting to bring Dargus Kandran down. Meting out the revenge he'd sought for so long. But instead he was out of the fight, pulled back out of harm's way. From the screen in front of them, he could see they were only three hundred kilometers from Dargus' position. He was trying to not let the anger he felt bleed through, but it was difficult. They'd planned together, and now this? He knew why Yelara made the decision she had, and, with a resigned sigh, it made him love her even more. But he still should have been in the thick of the fight.

"Yes," he said, "they're almost there."

The phrasing of Liam's words conveyed only anger and resentment to Yelara. She knew he'd be upset, but wasn't certain if it was because she'd gone behind his back and told Oot, or if it was the obvious helplessness he felt, sitting back while Oot dealt the final blow upon Dargus. "Don't be angry with me," she whispered with her eyes still held fast to the scene before her. "I did it for us, Liam."

"I know," he said. "And, I love you even more for that. But for what that bastard has done to us, we should be out there. Ours should be the killing blow. Us and Oot's forces together. At least he'll be gone forever. And, our life can be our own again."

"But that's not enough for you, is it?" Yelara finally turned around to face Liam. "If you had your way, you'd be on that ship of his, stabbing him through the heart with the blade of your lightsaber." She hesitantly shifted closer to Liam and dared to reach out her hand to touch his cheek. "I was afraid, Liam. I didn't want to lose you. You can be angry with me all you want, but if I had the decision to make again, I would have still done what I did."

Liam nodded. "I know," he said. "And, it's probably the safest choice for our child. I would have preferred to take a part in it. But, if this way makes you feel safer, happier, then this is the best way." He reached out and took her hand in his. "Now, let us watch and revel in the fall of our enemy, and start living our life free of his influence."

Yelara was overcome with relief and threw herself into Liam's arms. "I'll never do anything like this again, Liam. But you'll see, in the end, that it was worth it." She turned her head to the side and kept her gaze on the scene outside. It would be only a matter of minutes then it would all be over. A matter of minutes and the source of their pain and struggle would be nothing but ashes. "This shall be your punishment for everything, Dargus. I hope you enjoy suffering as much as you've made others suffer."

Outside, Oot's fighters dropped into multiple attack formations as they neared the location of Dargus' ship. The cockpit where Liam and Yelara were seated was filled with only the sounds of the ship. It was eerie, especially since in most assaults the comm would be full of the pilots' chatter. Liam put the thought out of his mind. The droids probably didn't need to communicate verbally, so there would be nothing for them to listen to.

The first wing of fighters opened fire at empty air. Though, the empty air blossomed into gouts of fire and, around it, the form of a spaceship shimmered into view. Dargus' ship lurched violently against the attack as more and more ships opened their gun ports at it. Across its hull, plating buckled and burst into red and yellow fire. A few lone fighters managed to get free of its launch bay, but they were quickly blasted into oblivion.

The assault was deadly accurate, and soon the entire ship was consumed in flame. It slid downward through the atmosphere, only burning hotter as it fell. Below, the Tarkayze Sea waited for the falling, burning ship. The water curled up around the blazing titanium plates as the nose of the ship plunged into the water. Down and down it went until the sea had swallowed it all like a giant slavering beast.

Liam and Yelara stood watching where it had been, still just a burning after image in the air. It was gone. He was gone. Dargus Kandran was dead.

Yelara clung to Liam and was motionless for a moment, not breathing, not blinking even though her eyes still burned from the intense light that had lit up the sky only moments ago. A smoke trail leading to where Dargus' ship now rested could still be seen against the vibrant blue of the sky behind it. It would soon disappear like Dargus had, forever gone from sight, but Yelara knew he would never be far from her mind.

There had been a time when she thought herself capable of loving Dargus, or even caring for him at least, but she still didn't regret doing what they had just done. He had fallen too far into the darkness to find his way out again, and because of that, his life had become meaningless, which gave Yelara some comfort. She felt guilty taking such pleasure in another's demise, but he was already dead to begin with; this was just a physical end for him, for his heart had died long ago, if he'd had one to begin with.

Yelara finally took a deep breath and looked up at Liam. He seemed to be watching with indifference, but the glow in his blue eyes told her he was celebrating inside. "I love you, Liam," she said gently. She hoped her voice could break the spell he was under and perhaps gain a smile from him.

Liam glanced down at Yelara. Her eyes looking up into his, and the feeling behind her words filled him with the love she had for him. He smiled and pulled her to him. Still looking into her eyes, he kissed her. "I love you," he said. "It's over. Now we can pick up the pieces and move on. We can make a new life for ourselves. We're free."

"Then let's not stay a moment longer, Liam. Once we've thanked Oot personally, we can pick up and leave." Yelara brushed her lips against Liam's and whispered, "I want to go back to the Kestrel and make love to you, Liam. Then we have to figure out what we're going to do with the rest of our free lives."

The fleet was already heading back to get out of the atmosphere as Liam kissed Yelara again harder. "As soon as we're back, we'll get out of here. Maybe we can take another week on Turren to celebrate. After we do a little private celebrating beforehand. Until then, why don't we head back into the main area and get comfortable on one of the couches instead of standing here."

"I think I like that idea very much." Yelara's smile became mischievous as she took Liam's hand and began leading him away. The excitement of watching Dargus' ship burnt asunder and enveloped by the Tarkayze Sea was having quite the stimulating effect on her. More than anything though, she just wanted to be with Liam and remind herself that finally, they could freely be together. It was what she'd wanted since she'd first met him, and now it was a reality, one she wanted to delve into. "It can only get better from here, Liam," she said as she glanced at him. "Nothing can taint our happiness now."

Liam pulled her down onto the couch next to him, a smile on his face. "Nothing at all," he said. "We're free of all that plagued us. Now it's just you and me, and our child. We can go anywhere we want and do anything we wish without looking over our shoulders. It feels like a great weight's been lifted." He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her neck playfully. "I hope I can wait 'til we get back to the Kestrel."

"I think we'll have to. I don't think Dame Kovan would appreciate us making a mess on her couch." Yelara resisted the urge to push Liam onto his back and straddle him, but the urge was very strong and persistent. "Can you believe it's over, Liam? It happened so quickly... We owe Dame Kovan everything, but hopefully she won't ask too much in return."

Liam nodded as he nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck. "I can't believe it happened that quickly. There's a part of me that almost feels sorry for Dargus. He got caught with his leather pants around his ankles. For an honourable man, it would have been a bad way to go. For a man like Kandran though, he deserved no honour in his death since he had none in life. The galaxy was made a better place today, and we had a strong hand in it." He sighed, a contented sigh he hadn't been able to make much lately. "So, what do you want to do first?"

"Oh, I don't know," Yelara replied almost lazily. She pulled her legs up onto the couch and laid them across Liam's lap. "We could just sit here and get used to not having to look over our shoulders every second. It really does save us time for other things, don't you think?" Yelara said with a suggestive smile.

Liam gave her a salacious grin and slipped his hands up her sides, just brushing the sides of her breasts. "I think I'll like trying out those other things without looking over our shoulders. I think a tour of the Outer Rim, just you and me, sounds like a nice idea. I think we've found a definite ally for the future in Oot. For the head of a crime family, she doesn't seem the type."

"She's not your typical crimelord. I've spoken with her and I think I've gotten to know her well enough. I hate to say this, but I can see myself considering her a friend." Yelara looked into Liam's eyes and the expression they conveyed told her he wasn't interested in talking anymore. In fact, neither was she. She laughed gently and slowly lay back on the couch, pulling Liam down with her. "Since she is so friendly, I doubt she'd mind a tiny mess on her couch." Yelara covered Liam's mouth with her own before he could respond. She unclasped the fastening holding together his cloak and pulled it away.

Seeing Dargus finally finished invigourated her and instilled her with a new sense of hope for the future. She and Liam were no longer hunted by him and could start enjoying their lives without his interference. Yelara wanted to make the most of every moment they had together and laying on that couch, making love to each other was as good a start as any.

***

"I've never been to an actual banquet before," Yelara said with half contained excitement. Oot had invited them to join her in a celebration of their victory against Dargus, and they hardly felt right refusing even if they'd wanted to. Yelara almost squealed with delight when Kambra came to their door to pass on Oot's invitation, and she was even more excited when Kambra handed her the dress Oot had kindly loaned her for the evening.

As she walked arm in arm with Liam along the corridor, she gazed down at the flowing, pink dress and marveled at how something so plain could be so beautiful. The airy fabric of the dress felt almost weightless upon her and if the material didn't rustle as it brushed along the ground with every step, she would have had to look down from time to time to remind herself she wasn't naked.

She tugged gently at the ends of her hair as they made their way towards the large banquet hall. Her hair wasn't long enough to touch her shoulders yet, but there was still enough there to twirl around her fingers. She was anxious to see what kind of celebration Oot had planned and playing with her hair did help to calm her a little. "Do you think Oot will let me keep the dress?" she asked. "It is a little tight, but I'm sure once the baby's born, it'll fit perfectly."

Liam laughed. "Well, you look beautiful in it," he said. "I think when she sees you in it, she'll know that dress belongs with you."

Yelara smiled and kissed Liam on the cheek. "And in case I haven't mentioned it, you look very handsome this evening, my love. Black really is your colour...well, at least I think it is. I haven't exactly seen you in any other colour."

"Perhaps I should wear another colour for you," he said. At the end of the corridor, the large banquet hall had come into view. Liam slowed his pace a little to give them a little more time before they were in the midst of a lot of people. "Hopefully the party won't run too terribly late. I want to get some time alone with you, and soon. But, I think I can hold off for now. Possibly."

"Again? Liam, we did it not more than an hour ago. I think you can wait a few more hours until the next time." Yelara laughed and patted Liam playfully on the rear. "Now move it along. I'm hungry and if you're lucky, I may fill up on too much food and burst out of my dress."

Liam chuckled as he started moving faster. "Well, hopefully you can stay in your dress while we're here," he said. "I don't know how Oot would take that. Or the others at the party."

They stepped into the large room. Though it could have held hundreds, there were only about thirty people total in the room. Oot was engaged in a conversation with three humans across the room, and Kambra was leaning against a wall to their left talking to a large human dressed like he could be royalty. Liam could tell from the way he moved that he was definitely a soldier of some sort. Around the room, there were others caught up in conversation. Most appeared to be technicians or computer operators. A few glanced at himself and Yelara, but on the whole most of the room was caught up in their own conversations.

As he and Yelara stepped over to a table piled high with food, Oot noticed them and started over. Liam grinned as he started filling a plate while Yelara did the same. "Our hostess and saviour is approaching," he said. "And, she definitely looks happy."

"She better be. We just gave her the means to eliminate one of her competitors," Yelara said between clenched teeth as she smiled at Oot. She put down her plate as the Twi'lek quickly made her way over and greeted her with kiss on the cheek and a friendly embrace. She let the embrace linger for a moment before pulling away. She looked down at Oot's dazzling dress, then back up at her face, which was absolutely gleaming with happiness. "You look radiant tonight, Oot. Maybe we can mingle with some of those handsome looking men out there and find one for you to get better acquainted with tonight. A little private celebration?"

Oot glanced back at the men around the room and then back to Yelara. "If only I could, " she said with a laughing sigh. "They all work for me, and I make it a point not to get close in that way with my employees. It leads to problems down the line. I should have had a few men brought in from the planet who might enjoy a good party." She took Yelara's hands and gave them a gentle squeeze. "Thank you for the offer though. You look wonderful in that dress. Much better than I ever looked in it."

Yelara looked down at her dress, then back at Oot with a grimace. "It's a bit tight...but I suppose that's my fault. I can't stop eating! And to make things worse, you bring out this bounty of food that's just calling my name out." Yelara giggled and leaned in towards Oot, whispering in her ear so Liam couldn't hear. "And if you want, I'd be glad to lend my husband out to you for the evening."

Oot couldn't hide the sudden surprise as she glanced at Yelara. Then in an equally quiet voice, she said: "If you were any other woman, I might just take you up on that. Especially for him. But from that look in his eyes, I think he's going to want to spend his night in bed with you." She laughed softly, and then gave Yelara a quick embrace. "Perhaps when the party is over, or winding down, I'll take a skiff down to Tae'Karada and find myself someone to hook up with for the night."

Liam watched the exchange between Yelara and Oot with an amused smile and laughed softly when they both looked at him. "I don't even want to know what you two are planning."

"Oh, I think you deserve to know, Liam," Yelara said with a suppressed laugh. "I've just offerred you up to Oot as a token of gratitude for her help. I think you'd make the perfect sex slave, don't you, Dame Kovan?"

Oot took a couple steps around Liam, appraising him as one would produce in a market. "I definitely think so. Good physique. Attitude would need some work, but other than that a fine specimen. I have a pleasure ship that runs between the core worlds and the rim. I think he would fit perfectly." She turned back to Yelara. "He doesn't chafe under wrist cuffs does he?"

"Not that I'm aware of," Yelara said. She looked at Liam with a mischievous smile and added, "But he does have a nasty tendency to mismatch the colour of his underwear and his shoes. I've tried to correct him on it, but he just doesn't seem to listen to me. Perhaps you can free him of that awful habit."

Oot made a tsking noise as she glanced back to Liam. "I'll do what I can, but that's a pretty severe affliction. It may take some time to cure him of that. Perhaps wearing nothing but a slave's collar will help him. It may be possible to program it to give him a shock whenever he even thinks about mismatching his clothing." She stood in front of Liam, sizing him up. "You're going to take a lot of work."

Liam laughed and shook his head. "I've been told I can't be trained, so you're going to have your work cut out for you."

Oot glanced down at the front of Liam's pants and then his shoes. "You're not mismatched now, are you?" She turned back to Yelara. "Were you able to get him matched for this celebration?"

"Matched?" Yelara repeated with a short laugh. "I don't even think he's wearing any!" Yelara swore she saw a slight flush run through Liam's cheeks and couldn't help but laugh at him. "Oh, my love," she said with a playful pout as she moved towards him and caressed his cheek. "You don't actually think I'd give away, do you? I have so many more fashion tips to teach you."

Liam laughed. "Oh," he said, "well thank the Force for my lack of fashion." He slipped his arms around Yelara and held her to him as he turned to Oot. "Thank you for moving so quickly with the information we had. We were counting on it taking months or years to get to this point. And, now we're free."

Oot smiled. "It was fortunate you had that tracking device in place. As much as you are indebted to me for what I was able to provide, I still extend all my gratitude to you for providing the means to achieve our victory. We worked well together today, and struck down a man who had caused more pain and suffering than any person has a right to. We are all heroes today."

Yelara looked up at Liam, knowing he would have felt more the hero if he'd been able to do away with Dargus himself. He didn't know it, but he was a hero to her; he risked being with her knowing Dargus would have the death squad after him. Even moreso, he opened himself up to possible heartbreak by marrying a woman whose heart belonged to another as well. For that, he was probably braver than anyone she'd ever met. She kissed Liam gently on the cheek and before he could react she turned her attention back to Oot. "We do still owe you for everything. You may call upon us if you ever need anything."

Oot gave Yelara a smile and touched her arm. "I shall remember that," she said. "Now, if you will excuse me, I must go mingle with my crew. They earned this celebration this day, as have you."

---

"Retribution, Part 6"
by Yelara Zaneth
Liam Zaneth
and Oot Kovan

Location: Approaching Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

Yelara gave Oot a nod and lightly brushed her hand against the Twi'lek's before she took her leave to entertain the crew. The moment Oot submerged herself in conversation with the guests, Yelara immediately turned back to the table and resumed filling her plate. "There's alot of food here and it certainly would be a shame to waste it all," Yelara explained. Her plate was filled to overflowing and small morsels of food managed to escape and dribble onto the table, but Yelara quickly retrieved them and stuffed them into her mouth. "You think I'm a completely disgusting, don't you?" Yelara asked in a muffled voice as she chewed the bits of food.

Liam laughed. "I think that you are extremely hungry, and probably more pregnant than you look." He began filling his own plate with food, marvelling at how much Yelara was managing to get onto hers. "And, you are as far from disgusting as a person can possibly get. Just don't try to shovel all of that in at once." He gave her a grin and a quick kiss on the cheek as they made their way toward where some tables had been set up along the side of the room.

Yelara reluctantly put her plate and fork down onto the table only to quickly pull out her chair and sit down before taking the fork up again. She jammed the utensil urgently into the heaping pile of food and brought it to her lips. The fork hovered before her lips as she glanced sideways at Liam and smiled. "Don't you just wish my sexual appetite was just as big?"

"You mean it's not?" Liam asked with a laugh. "And, I am quite happy with your sexual appetite. And," -- he crossed his fork over hers and leaned close -- "as with our victory over Dargus, savour that food. You eat like you did your dinner last night, and I don't see how you can even taste it." He pulled his fork away, and gave her a quick kiss before turning his attention back to his own plate of food.

Yelara turned the food around slowly in her mouth and stared at her meal, which no longer looked very appetizing. "He's gone, I know, but why is it that I can still see his face in my mind." She put down her fork and gripped Liam's free hand with her own. "I'm glad he's gone, but I guess it's gonna take a little time before I get used to the idea of our lives being uneventful. I think a part of me is gonna miss the excitement of plotting Dargus' demise."

Liam squeezed her hand gently and met her gaze steadily. "We'll find something to keep our life exciting. There's always the empire. And, maybe we can start something of our own. Like a ship repair service. Or investigative work. Or something like that."

Yelara laughed cynically. "Picture that for a moment, Liam: your very pregnant wife following you while we covertly travel around the galaxy investigating petty crimes like, who stole the apple from the old fruit vendor's cart." Yelara couldn't resist the urge to kiss Liam passionately on the mouth, but when the kiss broke, she continued laughing. "I think we're gonna end up living on that ship spending our days having lots of food, accompanied with even more sex."

Liam leaned back in his chair, letting his thoughts turn the images generated from Yelara's works over and smiled. "I think I could get used to that. We can make the ship more comfortable, and put pads on everything so we can have sex anywhere without worrying about uncomfortable floors. It'll be a life everyone will envy."

Yelara's appetite hadn't yet returned, so she pushed her plate away and shifted her chair closer to Liam's. "I'm beginning to think we don't have much more in common than our insatiable need for sex." She wrapped her arms around Liam's waist when she was close enough to him, then rested her head upon his shoulder. "You do know that once I'm farther along, sex will become quite difficult - if impossible - for us. That means we better get as much in as we can while there's still time."

"I think there are a few positions we can try that will still be okay when you're farther along," he said. "And, we have... Well, we have more than sex. We have each other, and now we do actually have the chance to find out what else we have in common."

"Then why not start now?" Yelara sat up straight and looked at Liam with an anxious smile on her face. "Why don't you and I excuse ourselves, thank Oot for everything and get back to the Kestrel for a long talk. I miss talking to you Liam, and I mean talking about something other than killing Dargus."

Liam leaned his face close to Yelara's, kissed her quickly, and then stood. He held his hand out to her and gave her a smile that he could feel filling her with warmth. "Let's go talk to Oot, and then go get reacquainted."

Yelara pushed her chair back and stood up with her hand in Liam's. "I don't usually go home with strangers, but for you, I'm willing to make an exception." Yelara smiled and stepped around her chair, but before she was too far out of reach, she stole a morsel of food from her plate and quickly popped it into her mouth. "It would be a shame to waste," she commented to Liam as she caught his quizzical expression.

"Well," he said, his expression changing to a grin, "I don't think Oot would mind if we snuck some of the food out with us. Those things on the end of the table over there were quite tasty. And, those crunchy things you had, they looked good. We can ask her."

"Good. I'll need something to keep me occupied while I force myself to listen to you talk." Yelara laughed and playfully jabbed Liam in the stomach. "And you're right, those crunchy things are good. Come on, let's go ask Oot." Yelara tugged on Liam's hand and pulled him through the sparsely spaced groups of men. She'd have to mention to Oot to consider enlisting some women; it would certainly make the men alot happier and probably add a little excitement to those long journeys through space - she knew Liam was always entertained when she was around, and not to mention quite satisfied.

They worked their way through the crowd until they were standing in front of Oot again. She gave them both warm smiles, but focused her attention on Yelara. "I see you've brought my new slave to me," she said playfully.

"Well, I just wanted to give you more time to appraise your new pet. I want you to be completely certain about him before you take him in. He can be quite troublesome at times." Yelara smiled and held out her hands to Oot. "I'm afraid it's time for Liam and I to take our leave."

Oot nodded. "I understand," she said. "If you ever feel the need or desire, please feel free to stop by. I will be in the area of Tae'Karada, though as far from the Imperial patrols as I can safely be." Oot embraced Yelara warmly. "It was nice to have you here, though it was only for a short time. Perhaps sometime we can spend more time together on less stressful terms. And, I would like to meet your child at some point. I can see already he or she will have a remarkable future with the two of you guiding the way."

Yelara was still embracing Oot. She was somewhat disheartened about leaving Oot and embraced her as if they were old friends. She wasn't feeling too emotional until the subject of her child came up again. Tears came far too freely to Yelara nowadays and thinking about the uncertainty she felt about her child only made the tears burn more fiercely. "The minute the child is born, we will send you a message," Yelara replied in a choked voice. "Our child will have a better chance at happiness, especially now that there is one less Dargus Kandran in the universe. You're a good woman, Oot Kovan and I've enjoyed every moment I've spent with you."

"And I you," she said. "Both of you. Perhaps we can help rid the universe of more Dargus Kandrans someday, once things have settled for you. And, I await your message. I shall make sure to keep you apprised as to my location. If you ever need me for anything, just call. This was a fortuitous meeting, and one that will breed friendships that will last. I thank you for the gift of your friendship, and offer you lodging and solace whenever you may require."

"Thank you," Yelara said quietly as the embrace ended. She smiled at Oot so her tears wouldn't make her look so somber and she raised a hand to Oot's cheek. "You're a beautiful woman, Oot, and that's in more ways than one. You deserve to be happy and if you haven't found happiness yet, I hope someday you do." Yelara looked over her shoulder at Liam and laughed when she returned her gaze to Oot. "And if you ever want to take me up on the offer I made, just ask and I'll have Liam bundled up and shipped to you immediately."

Oot turned her gaze to Liam, letting it devour him as she did. With a demure smile she turned back to Yelara. "I may have to take you up on that. He does a good job at keeping the bed warm? That's an absolute requirement." She grinned, and then turned to embrace Liam. "You take care of her. And, stay safe. There are a lot of people out there searching for people like you. Especially on Tae'Karada."

Liam returned Oot's hug. "Thank you," he said. "I think we're going to get away from this area for awhile, at least until the heat dies down some. If we see anyone we think might be able to keep your bed warm, we'll send them your direction. At least, until Yelara bundles me up."

"Don't worry. I think I plan on keeping you around for a little while longer. But don't worry, I'll keep my eye out for you, Oot." Yelara moved to Liam's side and slipped an arm around his waist. "Shall we go then?" she asked Liam. "Oh, you will tell Kambra we said goodbye, won't you?" she added suddenly to Oot. "He was quite helpful and surprisingly pleasant. I told you he was harmless, Liam."

Liam laughed as Oot said she would. Goodbyes were said again, and then Liam and Yelara made their way out of the banquet room, both carrying loads of food that Oot forced into their hands. They were still laughing as they headed down the corridor to the hanger bay where the Kestrel was docked. As they climbed the ramp into the ship, Liam let out a long sigh. "It's only a starship, but it certainly does feel like home."

"That's because it is home - our home, and one filled with love." Yelara and Liam finally mounted the ramp and headed down the corridor as it retracted behind them. "So, Liam," Yelara began as they leisurely made their way along, "tell me...tell me about...anything, Liam, anything at all."

***

Liam shook his head, thinking back to the event that changed their lives four months ago. Neither had gotten used to not looking over their shoulder yet. The fear that Dargus Kandran would rise from his watery grave and stalk them again still plagued them. But he was gone, and it was by their hand that it was so. Though, they owed most of the credit to Oot and her fleet.

"I keep getting the urge to return to Tae'Karada, and to make sure he's gone. But, I know he is. I feel he is. There's a part of my mind not ready to fully accept it though." He shook his head and gave a wry laugh.

"Well, I don't think we can ever forget him, but at least he won't rule our lives anymore." Yelara looked up at Liam and kissed him tenderly upon the cheek. "So, what do you have planned for the rest of the day? Going to stay in bed with your wife and massage all those knots building up throughout her body?"

"Ooh," he said. "A very tempting offer. The only thing I have planned today is replacing one of the repulsor-drive's mounts. It's only about thirty minutes of work, but it needs to be done before we land anywhere again. I'd just feel safer with a new one in there. And, after that I will glady spend the rest of the day in bed with my pregnant wife, massaging her until she's little more than a pool of contentment."

"Well, don't worry about me. I'll be fine all alone for half an hour. I bet I could have the job done in twenty..." Yelara gave Liam a sidelong glance and laughed as she grabbed his face with her hands and pulled him into a kiss. "I guess until I'm no longer incapacitated, I'll have to trust you with ship maintenance. Under my tutelage, you've become quite competent, my love," she teased.

Liam laughed softly and gave Yelara a gentle kiss. "And, you are quite the teacher. I won't be gone long, and then we can spend the rest of the day here together working out all the knots and soreness from your body."

"Alright," Yelara said with a weary sigh. "I'll stay here, all alone with nothing to do but stare at the ceiling. You could at least help your poor wife over to the viewport so she can look out at the stars."

Liam held out a hand to help Yel up. She took it and he pulled her to her feet, embracing her gently. He helped her to the side of the room where she could look out at the stars as they drifted past. It was a beautiful sight, especially drifting on sublight engines. "It's a nice day for stargazing," he said, and then turned back to her. "I won't be gone long. I promise."

"Fine. I'll see you in thirty minutes exactly, my love." Yelara smiled at Liam, then turned her attention to the stars outside. The easygoing manner with which she and Liam now interacted, and the perceptible absence of tension that used to surround them was definitely a welcome change from how things used to be. She hadn't consciously been aware of it before, but she noticed it now and she knew Liam noticed it too. "No matter what, Liam, we'll be happy from now on. I can just feel it."

Liam had been backing away toward the door when Yelara spoke again. He was pulled from the reverie of just watching her and smiled. "I can feel it too," he said. "With every part of my being, I can feel it too. I won't be long. I'll try to finish early to get back to you quicker." He slipped from the room, and headed back toward the engine compartment.

Yelara watched Liam's reflection disappear from the glass, then carefully seated herself upon the ledge created by the recessed viewport. Things were almost normal now. No more planning Dargus' demise, no more arguing when mention of his name came up - everything was as it should have been from the beginning. She and Liam had already begun their journey to leave behind that chapter of their life, but as of yet, Yelara couldn't keep from revisiting it. Perhaps it was the life growing within her now that reminded her of that past life she was sought to leave behind. She cradled her now visibly distended stomach protectively and rocked gently as she hummed a melody to soothe the restless child within her. Her child was the main source of any anxiety nowadays, but it was more anticipation of finally being able to see her baby's face rather than fear of not knowing who its father was, even though that still plagued her somewhat. Yet, why she still woke up at night, thinking back to her tortured days on the shipyards was unknown to her. She still clung to the past whether she wanted to or not, and it seemed so foolish of her to do so, yet she knew not why she did it.

As she sat on the recess created by the large viewport, she stared among the stars alighting the darkness of space. For a moment, it was as if their luminescence coalesced into a projection of her unconscious mind - a visual display of the real source of her distress. Her fingertips pressed against the viewport and traced the curves of the face she saw illuminated against the backdrop of space. The victory they'd achieved four months ago was supposed to have been a symbol of the beginning of the new life she and Liam would have together, but Yelara knew the purpose of doing what she did were more selfish. She wanted revenge for losing Kallia, and sweet revenge is what she got, but she still didn't have Kallia. That was what ate at her most.

She braced against the lower ledge of the recess as she pushed herself labourously to her feet. Her hands went to her lower back for support as she trudged over to the column of drawers embedded in the wall. She stopped before them and ran her hand along the top one, one she always kept locked. Liam had never asked why, and she wasn't too enthusiastic to tell him the reason if he did inquire. Slowly, she punched in a code on the keypad at the far end of the drawer and watched as it slid open before her. Resting alone, and extending the full length of the drawer was piece of black cloth wrapped around a long, slender cylinder. She carefully picked up the bundle in her hands and began unwinding the cloth. Yelara wasn't certain if she was ready for this yet; she'd hidden it in that locked drawer since she and Liam were married, and although she'd always been tempted to open it, she couldn't bring herself to do it.

As the cloth finally fell away and dropped to the ground below, the cold metal of the hilt of Kallia's lightsaber drained the warmth from her open palms. The pang of guilt and regret stabbed her heart, reminding her of why she'd hidden the lightsaber away from view for so long. The pain was too much to bear. Her body heaved and trembled as the sobs grew; her tears rolled from her cheeks and splattered onto the lightsaber still held in her shaking hands. "Oh, Kallia," she whispered in a choked voice as she brought the lightsaber close to her chest and embraced it firmly.

Her quiet sobs grew to bitter laments as she held onto the only piece of Kallia she had left. It wasn't good enough, though. The cold metal would never be a suitable replacement for the warmth of Kallia's skin. She remembered it vividly and it only made her yearn to touch Kallia's face again, to kiss her lips... "My love...my dear, sweet Kallia," she groaned.

The victory over Dargus seemed an empty one now. She and Liam had gained their freedom, but Yelara wanted something more. She wanted Kallia back as well and despite the happiness she felt in knowing she and Liam could finally start their life together, it was nothing compared to the happiness she would have felt if Kallia were in her arms right now. "Come back to me, Kallia," she pleaded desperately. She hoped her voice would carry through the vacuum of space and somehow reach Kallia's ears, and if by some blessed chance it did, she wanted her to know, to know for certain... "I love you, Kallia."

---

"Back to the surface"
by Ellemiek Vermollen - "Black Hawks" Rebel Squadron Leader
Jubey Khanor - Tae'Morad Guard (NPC by Ellemiek)
Sillas Blaine - Docking Port attendant (NPC by Ellemiek)
Location: Offworld, CRS Concordia, and Thanatos
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

She left her room in the Concordia after having dealt with several problems. They had lost the planet's freedom to the Galactic Empire and she could not help but feel disgust at seeing her home planet being taken by the hands of the foul Imperials. Her friends were foes to the Empire and would be sought out in order to be terminated... Places she knew would be taken to be used by the Imperial Ranks... It all seemed like one bad dream.

But she was not about to quit. Even if the Squadron she was responsible for took its losses, as had so many other Rebels in the failed attempt to attack Admiral Tarkin and the Imperial Blockade, she would not stop now. If there was one thing she had learned it had been that one must fight to achieve what one wants. And she was not about to see her home planet fall into the hands of the vicious Empire forever.

She made her way onto her X-Wing and cleared for leaving the docking bay of the Concordia. She would go back to the planet's surface as there were some things she wanted to check for herself, things she had to do. The Alliance had nothing to do with this. She had to do this for her own self, and so she had asked for a temporary leave from the Concordia. The blockade, she saw, was quite diminished, which made it easy to surpass it. As there was no more a planetary shield it was easy to get to the surface fast.

She made her way onto Thanatos. If there was one place she could walk without fear for the Empire as well as dock her ship with no questions asked, it was there. She got out and talked to one Sillas Blaine, the docking port attendant who received her payment and nodded thankfully. Just as she was about to leave the Docking Port, a familiar voice called her name.

"Ellemiek... Ellemiek Vermolen!?!" the man said.

She turned around and saw a face she had not seen for years and years. She ran to him and tossed herself in his arms cheerfully. "Jubey... I cannot believe I have found you so easily! I thought about when I would see you again!"

"Well, actually I found you..." he mocked. "But what are you doing here? It's dangerous with all the Imperials about the planet..."

"I had to come and see the situation by myself. No other way would suffice. But let me buy you a drink," she offered him. The next few hours were spent talking and putting things up to date. She learned about all that Jubey had to tell her. "I could use the remaining Tae'Morad. The whole Alliance could use you... We lack men. And you are wanted by the Empire anyway. Everyone knows the Tae'Morad are some of the best fighter pilots in the Galaxy!"

"We are runaways and wanted but many locals aid us as most do not like the Empire... Alisson, I cannot promise for the others, but I will be honoured to serve the Alliance with one condition: that I am put under your Squadron and thus under your command," Jubey Khanor told Ellemiek.

"Well then, speak to the others and meet me in the local spaceport where you found me earlier by tomorrow about this time," she told him. "Right now I have other matters I have to pursue. And be careful, ok?!" She smiled before leaving.

After that there was only one place she decided to go to. One place she had not been sure she wanted to go to earlier but alas one that could make the difference. Zale Tregat's Syndicate Headquarters...

---

"A New Home..."
by Kal'Aran - Jedi Master
and Alisson Blair - Jedi in training
Location: Yesdol District, New Plouton
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

Arriving at New Plouton, Alisson set her vessel in the spaceport where her Master had also put his Corellian Transport YT-2400 sometime ago and where it remained still... As it were, she was able to set her own ship in the spaceport and had only to pay what she considered quite a reasonable price. Her place was not too far off, and she remembered when she first bought it. It had been not too long after Kal'Aran had left. She had purchased this place secretly in order to get far from the palace and train by herself with no outer factors intruding.

Alas, it had been quite a long time since she had last come here as Kal'Aran returned and they continued her training in the region on Arcadia or other systems. Only now that it was no longer safe to stay in Arcadia