Location: Ice Lands of Dathomir
Date: Vadris 8, 4 ABY

***

A soft ice breeze blew tiny particle of snow, while the sun hit on those particles of snow making quite a nice mist. There were no trees or mountains nearby, only one mountain where the temple was located.

The three Rancors walked near each other and once and a while it seemed that they talked to one another. To Tidus and Quistis this seemed very intriguing, but Tidus was more than Quistis, only because the rancors had their own clothes. Well it was not exactly clothes, but wooden blocks to protect their bodies, made by themselves.

Tidus knew that these Rancors were more evolved then any other rancor across the Galaxy. Tidus tried to think more and more, because Bazon was one more time the tale of Nagori. Tidus almost knew Nagori tale with his eyes closed. "Bazon don't you talk anything else, like sports, near death situations or the sort?"

Bazon nodded and looked behind to Tidus. "No..."

The rancor where Maniva, Bazon and Tidus were softly growled and shut up. Gnorin and Maniva started to laugh. Tidus nodded strangely. "What so funny?"

Maniva with her eyes straight on finally spoke. "He said that for you to lose patience so quickly you must be as ignorant as you are scared to fall down!"

Tidus nodded and didn't understand where was the funny in what the rancor said. He wanted to tell anything, but after a few seconds he decided to be silent and to hear the story of Nagori once more.

Mar'k looked behind and saw that Quistis was distant, looking towards the mountain that was just up ahead. "You seemed distant!" Mar'k told her.

Quistis shook her head and nodded. "No... Well... Yes! I feel something in me, something strange that if I get that sword, things will never be the same."

Mar'k looked behind to Quistis. "You're not scared are you?"

Quistis looked to his eyes. "For the first time in my life, yes I am!"

"Everyone is scared at least once in their lives. This is your turn. Don't worry, just follow your instincts and you will be fine."

Quistis inclined her head to what Mar'k just told her. "I'm not scared of what awaits me inside the temple, I'm scared in things I don't know and yet are somewhat... familiarized."

Elina and Gnorin were in the third Rancor, both woman couldn't avoid to listen to what Quistis said. "I think she now wonders," Gnorin said.

"My sister told that she might do that before arriving to the temple, but she's still not confidant on her skills. The Quests will show her true skills."

"But how sure is your sister about her?"

Elina nodded and approached to Gnorin's left ear and spoke. When Gnorin heard what Elina said she was quite shocked. "My, my, my, my! That is quite a secret. I never could have guessed that. Not in one million years."

"Try five!" Elina said.

Gnorin looked behind and opened her eyes as far as she could. She was really caught by surprise.

***Few hours later***

The three rancors approached the temple that one of the sides continued to be buried partially under the snow. The rancors stopped and everyone set their foots on the snow and walked the rest of the way. Gnorin, Mar'k and Maniva stood by the rancors as the rest of the party went towards the main entrance.

The temple itself was almost 1 kilometer high and probably 500 meters of size. It was huge to their perspectives. In the entrance Quistis saw that a few statues at the entrance were missing. Bazon approached the entrance and took out a strange object. He placed it over the lock on the entrance and turned.

Nothing, Bazon was perplexed. "It's got to be it! I stake my own life that this is the key to enter the temple."

"My friend Bazon, it didn't work! We find another way in..." Tidus was interrupted by the sound of a mechanical device and the rocks moving.

The entrance opened and the smile on Bazon's face was huge. "I told you. Now who is laughing, Corellian History College?"

Tidus hold himself not to burst out laughing. They proceeded through the entrance. The corridor was a dark place, but Bazon was leading. The ground was very uncorrected. Quistis and Elina almost tripped in one of the rocks on the floor. "The snow is slowly destroying this place," Tidus said, keeping an eye where he put his feet.

After a few minutes the party entered a grand chamber. It had a rectangular floor that lead to a black abyss. On the other side of the abyss was the rest of the floor.

"How do we go to the other side?" Elina asked, but before anyone could response a holographic image appeared.

It was a beautiful woman standing there, that caught the attention of everyone. She was wearing a long cape that covered her entire body. "Welcome strangers. You seek the Wakizashi Sword, that once belonged to one of the best warriors that was known in this Galaxy.

"But before you have the sword, you must prove that you are worthy of it. To whom will be the Quester, he or she must pass four Quests." It paused. "Quest of Courage, Quest of Strength, Quest of Wisdom and Quest of Honor. Also only one of you must pass to the other side and complete these four quests alone with only one help from his or her friends, but without interference. The others may see the progress of their friend, through the Holovids that are in front of you." The party saw two gigantic screens appeared.

The woman continued to talk. "The quester may walk over the round circle and we may proceed with the quests."

Everyone looked towards Quistis. To try to get some courage she took the huge jacket off her and with her trench coat stepped on the circle. She looked behind to Elina and saw in her face that she was going to make it.

"Use your help when you need something to interpret," Bazon said, which Quistis thought was good advice. She didn't yet understand the language that probably she might find in this place.

Quistis looked towards the other side as the circle started to move towards the other side, where her destiny was waiting for her.

"Saber Training"
by Kal'Aran
and Taran Kinneas

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 8, 4 ABY

***

A few days had passed and Kal'Aran was content that Taran was becoming better and more concentrated, thus getting better results and becoming more attuned with the Force. He was using the abilities of the Force to push and pull with much more ease, and was beginning to be able to lift objects and control them.

The training sabers clashed and they walked slowly in a circling motion. Kal'Aran nodded. "Very good... You read that very well. But beware to keep your distance from any incoming strike enough to prevent it," the Jedi Master said as he moved his blade to push Taran to the side and then force him to step back.

"Yes, Master..." Taran said, his training saber up again while held in just one hand. Once again, his grip of the training saber was too small and he felt as if something else was missing in his other hand.

"Think of it as if you had concentric circles around you. You must master anything that comes within that area and be aware of it," Kal'Aran explained before he invested again. "And the closer your opponent is to you the more control you may need to have over his or her actions. Only then will you truly be able to defend yourself properly..." he added as he moved to attack Taran once more. He wasn't going too hard, but wasn't making it easy either.

With a thought, Kal'Aran had a small stone lift and move its way towards them both. The idea was to make a distraction for Taran. The Jedi Master was nicely surprised when Taran moved out of the way, obviously having felt the stone.

Kal'Aran smiled. "That was good. You have your senses alert to incoming peril and distraction factors. They are always important and will be present most of the time you find yourself obliged to act," he said.

"Yes, Master. But ever since I was part of a team that built pits and barriers back home, the first thing we learned was to expect the unexpected. Lava rivers are a very unpredictable thing, and that is why I'm always ready for any cheats from others. The lava is and always will be a very good cheater," Taran said as he placed himself in a defence position again and waited for any his Master's attacks.

"Don't think of it as cheating or not. Although that would be the case here, perhaps, I did so because I want you to learn to cope with distractions. Imagine if this was a crowded street. Surely other people are always a distraction and they can either intervene, or worse, be the target for your opponent," Kal'Aran argued. As he said so he moved towards Taran and dodged at the last second from his path, striking at Taran and hitting him in the legs. Taran knelt down from the sting that the training saber dealt for a second but was still ready to defend himself.

"Nothing more shall I teach you today. You show great display of strength and courage, Taran. You did well, my Padawan," Kal'Aran smiled as he offered his hand to his padawan to help him up.

"Thank you, master!" Taran blinked his eyes and put the training saber above the table were the rest of the training sabers were. "It is a pity that there are no bigger sabers for both my hands..."

"Yes," Kal'Aran nodded. "I had considered building a bigger training saber for you to use. It will make it easier for you to learn. Besides, when you build your lightsaber you will surely have one that applies your hand size..." he smiled gently. "Come, let us go and meditate for a while."

"Yes, Master," Taran nodded as he followed Kal'Aran out of the room.

"Quest Of Courage"
by Quistis Knox
Tidus Highwind
Elina Kasn - NPC
Bazon Zak'Keeer - NPC

Location: Inside the Temple on Dathomir
Date: Vadris 8, 4 ABY

***

Quistis was transported over the black abyss to the other side. Quistis thought while she was being transported what kind of quests she had to pass to show that she was worthy of the sword.

As the transport docked on the other side of the abyss she stepped on the small dusty chair and walked slowly towards the entrance. As she stepped inside the first chamber she saw that the floor was a curved one. Very unusual floor, she thought to her self.

A holographic image of the woman appeared again, but now she seemed more real to Quistis' eyes. "Welcome, Quester!" the holo woman spoke. "As you know you must pass four quests to prove your worth or not. This chamber is where the Quest of Courage will happen."

Quistis heard that, part of the floor fell to the blackness. She could see a bridge leading to the other side. She continued to listen to the woman. "Courage is only proven when something is happened and you have to choose two choices in a matter of seconds. The quest of courage begins now!"

Quistis saw the image of the woman disappear and looked to the bridge. Inside her pain came again, but this time it was different, like it was alerting her for imminent danger. She didn't know what was exactly, but she started to walk on the bridge. After a while something in her alerted her, so she started to run and jumped forward.

A mechanism was activated and destroyed part of the bridge and missed Quistis for mere centimetres. She rolled on the floor and continued to run as the mechanism like pendulum destroying every part of the bridge. Then a second pendulum was activated and Quistis used her instincts to stop as she saw the path in front of her was destroyed.

"Geez, Glorify Gods, that was a close one," Tidus said as she moved near. "What insane person would create such a thing for a sword."

Elina smiled. "Well a very clever and a very dead person!"

Quistis walked a few steps backwards and ran towards the edge and jumped over it. She reached the other side successfully. As she got up she looked in front of her.

"Hey. Is this cool or what?"

Quistis turned to the side and saw her brother on the other side. "Bazon? Is that you?"

"Yeah, the woman let me pass the abyss. Wait I will come to you..." He glanced as he ran towards the abyss and jumped.

Quistis saw Bazon grabbing the other edge but he slipped. "Shit..." Without thinking she jumped to the other side and ran as fast as she could. Behind her the first pendulum destroyed part of the bridge. She slid on the ground and grabbed Bazon's hand just before he let go of the ground.

Quistis tried to pull him up, but he was too heavy. She looked to the side and saw the second pendulum going towards her. She felt thrown to the side and she knew that this was it. She was going to die...

"NO. QUISTIS THAT IS HOLOGRAPHIC. IT IS NOT ME!" Bazon screamed frenetically as he saw Quistis being hit by the pendulum.

Quistis felt herself hitting a hard floor that she was not suspecting so soon. The blow has hard, but when she opened her eyes she saw that the ground was back again, the two pendulums had disappeared. She got up and saw the Holographic image of the woman on the other side. She walked towards her and nodded. "What happened? I thought I was going to die... Where is Bazon?"

The woman smiled. "You value the life of others above you own. You had inner courage to sacrifice yourself to try save another's life. For that you successfully passed this Quest." The image faded as the door the leading to the second quest opened.

Quistis nodded strangely at what just happened. Only a few seconds later she understood that the Bazon she tried to rescue was a holographic image, a very real one. She walked through the door without knowing what lay head.

"New Enterprises, Part 1"
by: Adam Edwards
Dax Vogar (NPC)

Location: Elusive, somewhere in space
Date: Vadris 8, 4ABY

***

Adam sorted through the treasures he had looted from the Moff's quarters. The man apparently had a liking for precious gems. Putting together what he had taken from the Moff, with what Adam had earned from his mining operation, and he had a small fortune.

And Adam knew exactly what to do with it. Ever since working for Talon Karrde all those years ago, Adam had always wanted his own business.

On his way back to Chimaeria, Adam had planned it all out. He had a place. A month ago, he had discovered an abandoned Imperial research station in the next planet out from Chimaeria. The planet was called Maldorish, and it was used as a research post and a refueling station.

The research station was concealed in a canyon, and something in the soil of Maldorish naturally repelled scanners. It would be a perfect hiding place.

But first he had to get the connections. He knew the place to get them too.

***

New Plouton

Adam stepped into a rather seedy bar, named the Crescent Star. It was hot, and smelled of spice and Rodian Ale. A large Nikto guarded the door, and he gave Adam an unpleasant look as he entered.

Adam looked around and found his friend.

"Dax Vogar," Adam said, and he found his aging friend.

Dax was a man, in his early 50's, was a Corellian too. He had helped Adam's father in his smuggling days. Before that, he had been an Old Republic Army Officer. Dax had a Corellian ale in his hand, and he looked the old, shaggy man Adam had always known.

"Adam, what kinda trouble have you been getting into? Your parents miss you. You never visit them anymore," the old man said.

"I've been a bit busy Dax," Adam grinned.

"So I suspect," Dax said. "What can I do for ya"?

"I'm starting my own business, Dax, and I need your help. I need you to contact the smugglers you and Dad used to work for," Adam told him.

"I can do that for ya. I'll also put ya in contact with some guys who need work," Dax said.

"That would be great. I've already spoken to a Mercenary force who will run security of the base, all I need is the smugglers to run the goods. And, I want you," Adam said.

"Me?" Dax asked, a confused look on his face.

"I want you as my second in command. I need someone who knows how it's run," Edwards said.

"I'm not sure," Dax said," I'm a bit out of my game."

Adam stood up, and grinned at the older man. "Think about it." He threw a data disk across the table. The coordinates for the base are on there. "I'll be there, starting everything up".

Adam turned, and strode out, on his way back to his ship.

"Uncovering Truth, Part 1"
by Daemor'rah
Chronos [NPC]
and Yannos [NPC]

Location: Agamar, Mirgoshir System
Date: Vadris 8, 4 ABY

***

Commander Dynn had left her in the planet of Agamar, at her own request. It was a small planet near the one they had fled from, and had a similar temperate climate. She had chosen to stay in the forest, and Dynn thought that to be perfect since it would bring less questions for the Empire remnants to follow.

With the ship they had taken for himself, Dynn thanked Daemor'rah for her help and set his own course. With no time to lose, and what seemed like a storm heading her way, she had decided to look for a place to stay. Perhaps she could find a cave or a tree big enough to shelter her from the rain.

In her way, she found a stone wall with painted murals on it. The pictures seemed to tell a tale, a story. But there were no sentences or words that told the tale. Only pictures. Apparently it had something to do with a man and a staff. And everyone else was defeated at his feet. It was obvious that this man was a tyrant by the way he was depicted in the images, killing even small children. Perhaps she had not been too prudent to remain in that planet. She decided to go on with her journey.

Alas, it only took her a few minutes to find what was apparently a small village. It seemed simple and the people seemed nomads. Once she neared them, however, they became aroused and scared at the same time. She didn't know why... Perhaps they had never seen anyone like her. There was only one man who had the courage to approach her, and even he stayed a few steps away.

"You must go to the temple. You are required there by the great Chronos..." he told her.

She bowed to the man and made her way to what they referred to as temple. It was the only stone building in the village and seemed like an old one as well. Its large double doors were open, so she walked inside it, admiring its tinted windows and ancient looks. At the far end of the temple, stood a man dressed in reddish dark robes. He held a staff with an orb at the end and motioned for her to approach.

" 'Where am I?' is the usual question..." the man said.

Daemor'rah could feel his presence in the Force. This man was attuned with it, though she suspected he was no Jedi. She took her lightsaber and decided to have it ready for use. Alas, as soon as she ignited it, the old man's orb shined brightly and the lightsaber's blade retracted itself.

Daemor'rah frowned. "Very well, if you prefer I use my bare hands!" she told him as she walked towards him.

The man seemed both scared and confused. "This is not expected! The orb disables our enemies. Strangely, it has the same effect on that peculiar weapon you carry. You must believe me, I mean you no harm..."

"You can drop the facade! I know who you are. I should kill you where you stand!" she hissed at him.

"Perhaps you should..." the man nodded. "But you don't kill me!" he said, now with a mischievous grin.

"Are you so certain?" Daemor'rah asked with a raised eyebrow.

"My role as time guardian affords me a certain level of omniscience," Chronos explained. "No, you don't kill me. That honor belongs to Yannos, the one who is the true enemy here!"

"My, my... You are fatalistic," Daemor'rah said as she crossed her arms.

"Death comes for us all, Daemor'rah. It is just a matter of time," Chronos explained. "My future was foretold aeons ago. We each play out the parts fate has written for us. Free will is an illusion!"

"I don't agree. But who is this Yannos?" Daemor'rah asked.

"He is the scourge of this land! He butchers people and kills without mercy," Chronos explained with obvious feelings of hate for this Yannos character. "He has killed many over the years. And he is the reason why everyone looked scared to see you, because you look just like him. Same pale white skin, same long fingers and long red hair... They would have attacked you if I had not intervened."

"Then I should thank you," Daemor'rah replied. "But I don't understand. How do you know who I am?"

"I told you. I am the time guardian. I know many many things," Chronos explained. "And I know that you were tricked by the mural with the pictures. Yannos was the one who put it up. That one is the tenth he has placed now... The others, we have destroyed."

"And he alone has done harm to your people? Why?" she asked.

"Because it is in his nature. He is deranged, mad if you will..." Chronos waved. "The prophecy states you as our saviour. It states you as the only one who can kill Yannos, thus restoring balance to the land."

"And thus saving your life?" she asked rhetorically as she read the man before her. "After all, you said it yourself. Yannos is to be your assassin."

"I am prepared to accept my fate. I have known it for long. But the coming of the saviour. The one who is of the same mysterious race of Yannos and who can bring balance can call a history paradox," Chronos explained as he walked around. "And with this paradox, there can be new possibilities that are now impossible."

"And if I don't believe this nonsense?" she asked.

"You need not believe it, Daemor'rah. Just go to him and see for yourself. He awaits you in the pillars. The pillars represent the balance. See how he will be the one to corrupt them. Head north and you shall see what I mean..." Chronos said.

"I will go and see. But I shall return."

"The villagers will not harm you. I promise," Chronos bowed.

Daemor'rah nodded and walked away from the temple. She was curious to see what this was all about. All in all, she didn't believe this Chronos, this so-called Time Guardian. But he had surprised her with what he had told her, nonetheless. What if he was right? What if free will was nothing but an illusion? It can't be an illusion! she told herself.

***

The path to the pillars was an easy one to pick up. And it had not taken her too long to get there. They were black and high. In fact, they were so high that one could not see where they ended. They seemed to rise and rise until they were lost amidst the clouds in the sky. Truly magnificent.

And even though she did not believe Chronos to have been sincere to her, he had told her the truth. At the very center of the pillars, stood a man. He had the very same white skin she had and large fingers, plus a large braid of red hair protruding from the back of his head.

She approached him, but he did not turn to face her. She could feel that this man too was strong in the Force, but once more she wasn't sure he was Jedi. In fact, she wasn't truly aware whether he knew she was there or not, until he spoke.

"I know you are there..." he said, even though he did not turn to face her.

"Chronos led me to you," she answered.

"And if he told you I was hidden in the underside of hell, would you throw yourself into oblivion to pursue me?" Yannos asked with a mocking tone. "Chronos trawls for the ignorant and unwary, hauling his gasping prey from the streams of their destinies. Stay out of his net, Daemor'rah..." he warned, now turning to look at the woman in the eye.

"Spare me your elaborate metaphors! I have pursued you here for one purpose! You will pay for your actions and balance will be restored!" she answered.

"And whose will is satisfied then? Yours or Chronos'?" Yannos asked as he tilted his head ever so slightly and turned his back on her once more.

"Would I be better manipulated by you?" she asked as she withdrew her lightsaber and ignited it. This time, there was nothing to prevent the weapon from working properly. "Now, turn and face me. The chase is over!"

"This isn't a chase. We are merely passengers on the wheel of destiny, describing a perfect circle to this point. We have been brought here for a reason!" Yannos told Daemor'rah. "I have seen the beginning and the end of this story, however, and the tale is crude and ill-conceived. We must rewrite the ending, you and I."

"Face me! Even you shouldn't die a coward's death!" she replied, choosing not to pay attention to all the stories that this Yannos person was telling. He too seemed just as mad as Chronos. But this one was dark, whereas Chronos had been uncertain.

"Isn't it customary to grant the condemned a final request?" Yannos asked.

"Why should I?" Daemor'rah asked.

"Indulge me... All I ask is that you listen," Yannos gestured. "Let's drop the moral pursuit, shall we? We both know that there's no altruism in this pursuit. Your reckless indignation led you here. I counted on it!" he said, noticing that the white skinned woman was obviously disturbed. Yannos smiled. "There's no shame in it. Revenge is motivation enough. At least it's honest! Hate me, but do it honestly."

And even though Daemor'rah could feel the darkness in this particular one, she decided that hate was not a feeling she cared to have. She safeguarded her weapon and nodded. "Continue..." she told him.

Yannos bowed. "You see, I'm presented with a dilemma. Let's call it a two sided coin. If the coin falls one way, I die and the balance is restored. The pillars are supposed to be white and pure, not like you see them now. Alas, if I die, that would mean the total annihilation of our species," Yannos explained. "If the coin falls on the reverse, I refuse the sacrifice and doom the pillars to an eternity of corruption. Either way, the game is rigged."

Daemor'rah frowned. "Then we agree that balance must be restored?"

"Yes. That is why we have come full circle to this place," Yannos nodded.

"So, after all this, you make my case for me?"

"The pillars don't belong to them... They belong to us!" Yannos said somewhat furious.

"Your arrogance is boundless!" Daemor'rah shook her head.

"There's a third option. A monumental secret!" Yannos pointed out.

"You said it yourself," Daemor'rah argued. "There are two sides to your coin."

"Apparently so," Yannos said. "But suppose you throw a coin enough times... Suppose one day, it lands on its edge."

Daemor'rah considered the chance. The metaphor was clear enough. And though Yannos was not to be trusted, neither was Chronos. Perhaps she ought to know more of this game before she did something only to find out that she had been played as a pawn to one side.

Almost reading her mind, Yannos grinned. "Go east of here. There is a chamber where Chronos does his ritual and chanting, along with an occasional offering of life. He is going there now, and not expecting you to go there. Surprise him, and uncover the truth."

"You best not kill anyone or anything, or I will have you pay for your crimes!" she warned him. He gave her a bow to honor her request and she made her way east and away from the pillars.

"Uncovering Truth, Part 2"
by Daemor'rah
Chronos [NPC]
and Yannos [NPC]

Location: Agamar, Mirgoshir System
Date: Vadris 8, 4 ABY

***

The past few hours had been restless ones. She had found herself in the middle of what seemed too strange to be true. A man who was apparently of the same race she was, even though she didn't know what race that was, and an even more mysterious man who seemed to know too much beforehand. And both were strong with the Force, but not Jedi, nor Sith...

And the funny thing was that the supposedly evil man called Yannos, who was accused of butchering innocent people, was more straight forward than the cunning one called Chronos... But both seemed to hold back some of the cards of the deck.

And what of these pillars of balance? What was she to make of those? Black and corrupted, when they were supposed to be white and pure. And how was it possible that some pillars would hold balance to a land? It was a mere structure. She hoped to find more answers, for at this point she only had questions.

Yannos had led her well enough into Chronos' chamber. A small place, built with black stones, describing a circle. As she approached she could hear a chant. It seemed like several voices chanting as one. At least five different voices. Without too much time to lose, and little patience for games, Daemor'rah opened the door to the chamber and walked inside. She was at once intrigued that only Chronos was to be seen inside. And he too looked surprised to see her there.

"You? Here? This is most unexpected..." Chronos said, somewhat dumbfounded that she was there.

"And here I was thinking that you were omniscient," she mocked. "Perhaps you didn't tell me everything."

"I said I had a certain level of omniscience. But I am no god, Daemor'rah. Even I cannot see the whole future and what is to happen," Chronos said, now more secure about himself. "You didn't kill Yannos. Why?"

"Because he was not the beast you described. And you are far from what I would call a prophet. What game is this that you both seem to play?" she asked.

"It is no game. It is quite real!" Chronos corrected as he raised his hand. "Yannos is a deceiving person and he will cloud your mind. He must be stopped!"

"Then why don't you do it?" Daemor'rah asked. "I am not wanting to be played for a fool, and I am no pawn for your pathetic games!"

"If it were only that simple... You see, I cannot kill him because he was my maker, if you will," Chronos replied.

"Your maker? How so? You two look nothing alike!" the white skinned woman argued.

Chronos smirked. "I didn't mean my physical maker... I meant my role as time guardian. He was my mentor. And I was passed on with his unique abilities. But he was mad and wanted to create a new possibility, where both of us would play the same role. It could not be, so he became enraged and deranged as a consequence..."

"Explain yourself better," Daemor'rah asked. "I'm not sure I understand this charade."

"It is no charade," Chronos frowned. "You see, every three hundred years, a new time guardian is born. And from the very beginning of this new child's life, he or she is trained to become the next time guardian. I was taught by Yannos. But our minds can become tainted and deranged from seeing too many things, too many possibilities. So, there is a circle of men and women who play out to keep the balance of the time guardian. These men and women, a number of ten in total, are symbiotically bound together. When one of them died, murdered, the others were tainted on their minds with pain. Not wanting their loss to become his own, Yannos killed them all, thus dooming his own mind. He chose not to leave his role and have both of us play the same part. But there can only be one of us. You see, history abhors a paradox, and the change cost Yannos his own balance. Luckily, I sustained mine."

"How very convenient..." Daemor'rah frowned. "You will forgive me if I don't swallow every single shred of information you toss at me, but I didn't find Yannos to be crazy at all. Besides, what does this have to do with the pillars?"

"The pillars represent the soul of the time guardian. When a new guardian ascends, the old one must die. He did not accept his fate, and therefore condemned the pillars to damnation and corruption," Chronos said, somewhat furious.

"And so you have a new problem. You need someone who can kill him for you, don't you?" Daemor'rah asked, now understanding the reason. "You can't do it because he was a time guardian. In fact, you can't even fear him for what he represents."

"Yes. We are forever bound and yet we cannot approach one another. It would cost us both our lives. And the men at the village cannot do so either. It has to be someone with similar gifts..." Chronos continued.

"Gifted in the ways of the Force," Daemor'rah stated.

"If you would call it that, yes," Chronos nodded. "So you see, I need you to restore balance. It is even a better thing that you are the same race he is!"

"And what race is that?"

"I honestly don't know..." Chronos shook his head.

"Yannos said that the pillars belonged to us. What does that mean?" Daemor'rah asked.

"Lies. Lies and deceits!" Chronos waved. "The pillars belong to the land! There is no us. Now go. Leave me to my chanting for the gods to protect you and deliver balance to the land once more."

"I shall go, old man. But I will return," Daemor'rah bowed. Perhaps it was time to see this Yannos once more and check his version of the story. Truth was that she didn't like the way he seemed to act whenever he spoke.

"Beware!" Chronos called out. "To embrace a serpent is to invite poison into your heart. He is a sinuous beast. He will seduce you and deceive you! You pride yourself on your free will, and yet you let that degenerate deter your resolve!"

Daemor'rah stopped and turned back to face Chronos. "I harbor no illusions about his integrity, nor anyone else's. In fact, I am beset on manipulation on all sides. I merely seek the truth."

"You will find that the truth lies with my words..." Chronos bowed, then letting her go on her way.

***

Once back at the pillars she didn't manage to see Yannos anymore. But she knew he was there. She could feel his presence, even though she couldn't tell where exactly he stood.

"Show yourself!" she called.

From behind one of the large pillars, Yannos appeared. He was smiling and bowed respectfully. "At last. I must say I'm disappointed in your progress. I imagined you would be here sooner."

"Chronos told me quite a lot. How you butchered lives out of selfishness and spared only yourself of your supposed fate," Daemor'rah pointed out.

"Did he also tell you that he himself killed the very first one of the circle?" Yannos asked, immediately seeing that Chronos had not by the look on Daemor'rah. He laughed shortly. "I see he still throws just pieces of the story to conveniently benefit himself. You see, he wanted to become the time guardian, but it was all too soon. So he decided to create a catalyst event to make it happen. I was given no choice but to kill the rest of the circle."

"And what of not sacrificing yourself?" Daemor'rah asked plainly.

"Ahh, I told you that my death would mean annihilation of our species. You see, the circle were the very last ten of them. The sole survivors and you and I," he explained. He then took a few steps. "We were once the great men and women of this land. The stronger ones, who used their gifts to help others. We erected these monumental pillars that live on the souls of our kind. It has the unique power and ability to protect the living and the land itself. And now, Chronos is wanting to use it for his own sake."

"And I am to be your executioner because he cannot get near you, is that it?" Daemor'rah asked, now a bit confused once more.

"No..." Yannos smiled. "Fact remains that neither Chronos nor I know what will happen if we get near each other. It may cause a temporal distortion. But it may also cause nothing at all. I think he is simply scared because I will not refrain from killing him if he approaches too much."

Daemor'rah considered the words. She felt compelled to know the truth, mainly because she knew nothing of her own people. But this seemed way too crazy to be involved in. On the other hand, not being involved could be much worse...

"Here..." Yannos continued. "Everything is decided here. You cannot comprehend the magnitude, the rapture and tragedy of this moment."

"I understand only that you and Chronos have impelled me to this moment, which simply means I can't trust either of you!" Daemor'rah stated. "I don't know who is pulling the strings, but it no longer matters because I'm cutting them. I set my own course from here!"

"If it were only that simple..." Yannos grinned.

"Your fatalism is tiresome!" she answered.

"And profoundly ingrained!" Yannos pointed out. "You must understand, our presence here does not alter history. You and I meet here because we are compelled to. We have always met here! History is irredeemable. Drop a stone into a rushing river, the current simply courses around it and flows on as the obstruction were never there. You and I are pebbles, and have even less hope of disrupting the time stream. The continuum of history is simply too strong, too resilient."

"So, nothing I do is of free will?" Daemor'rah asked, even though she didn't believe it.

"I didn't say that... Even though Chronos believes it, that is not the truth either," Yannos replied. "You have seen one of my murals. You should see the other ones. Comprehend them and you will see that I mean the truth. Go north into the caves and see. I am not to die here and not by your hand."

"If what you say is true," Daemor'rah stated, igniting her lightsaber. "Then you shouldn't be scared that I point this at you! I could strike you down right now."

"You could. But then you would never find the truth," Yannos replied. "I'm sure you will comprehend once you see these murals I speak of. And I'm not the author so you need not worry about the truth depicted on them."

Daemor'rah narrowed her eyes. "I tire of your games. But I will go and see. In any case, I can find you, no matter how much you run," she said as she safeguarded her weapon.

"I know. And that is why I do not run away," Yannos bowed. After that, he watched her leave North of the pillars and sighed of relief.

"Uncovering Truth, Part 3"
by Daemor'rah
Chronos [NPC]
and Yannos [NPC]

Location: Agamar, Mirgoshir System
Date: Vadris 8, 4 ABY

***

The weather of this planet she was in had been cloudy so far, and ever since her arrival, she had foreseen a storm. But only now had it begun to rain. It took her a while to get to the caves that Yannos had mentioned. But there it was.

A large cavernous entrance with two big statues that seemed to guard it, and a frame carved into the stone itself, which created quite an atmosphere for it. And there was no mistake to be made. The statues were a representation of her race. The same sleek lines and long fingers and the long hair protruding from the back of the head. The statues were quite majestic and she stopped to admire them for a while, even in spite of the rain that poured down.

Finally, Daemor'rah decided to enter the cave and saw at once that Yannos was not joking nor mocking her when he told her to go there. Indeed there was murals that were painted by hand, so much like the first one she had seen. And like the first murals, these had no inscriptions, no words. Just images.

But one didn't have to be a genius to figure it all out. The story was quite clear. This race of men and women with white skin, so much like her own, had been the gallant people of this land. And there were several pictures that showed that they protected all the life forms and cared for the balance of the land. But they were not alone. More races were bound to the land, and they hated this mysterious race for their wizards and seeming magical powers... No doubt they were all strong in the Force.

Another mural told a war story. Of how the others took upon actions of war against her race, destroying the land and burning it up, thus consuming what they believed to be the source of their power. With all of this, the white skinned race erected the pillars. With all their might, this structure consumed most of their magical powers and served only one purpose - to be the key to the balance of the land.

That which was destroyed was once more reborn in order to sustain balance. And one man or woman called to be the time guardian, the keeper of the pillars and seer to the future. Along with a circle of men and women who strived to keep the balance of the time guardian.

But something went wrong. Not wanting to wage upon war any more, the white skinned race welcomed humans into their circle. And corrupted as they were, they brought only greed and selfishness. To make them understand, they chose a new time guardian. A human boy. Chronos. He was to become pupil to the circle and to Yannos.

But Chronos killed one of the circle out of greed to become that which he was destined to be. He wanted to accelerate the process. Yannos would not have that be, so between them they murdered the circle.

Daemor'rah touched the mural on Chronos' image. "You shouldn't have done it..." she whispered.

"No he shouldn't have!" someone called from behind.

Daemor'rah turned at once to see who it was, but was merely struck with disbelief and appalled to see what it was. A spirit. The spirit of a tormented woman who seemed to be there as well.

"I was his first kill... My mind was spared the loss of balance, but was the catalyst to the others going mad," the spirit continued. "It was a mistake to have humans inside the circle."

"Who are you?" Daemor'rah asked, still both marveled and uncertain as to what this was.

"Aeriel. Overseer of the circle that sustains balance to the time guardian," she replied. "I was not aware that there was more of us. I had thought Yannos to be the last."

"The last of what?" Daemor'rah asked.

"Of our race, of course!" Aeriel replied with a smile.

"And which race is that?"

"I...I do not know," Aeriel replied sadly. "We never understood who we are. But we came to accept that we simply are, and that we were all strong and gifted with the spirit world and all life."

"The Force..." Daemor'rah nodded.

But Aeriel seemed only confused by this word. "Force of what? We called it life spirit..."

"Then I guess we mean the same thing," Daemor'rah said with a short bow. "But...I thought that all went to be part of the pillars when they died."

"Yes. But only when their time comes. I was killed before my time," Aeriel explained. "Therefore, I am eternally bound to roam this land until balance is restored."

"Until Yannos dies," Daemor'rah nodded.

"Oh no!" Aeriel shook her head. "Yannos must not die! If he does, then the pillars will be destroyed and the balance tainted forever! No, my child, the answer is not Yannos' death."

"Then what is the answer? It is clear that Chronos must not die either..." Daemor'rah stated.

Aeriel nodded. "The answer is in life itself. And in the destruction of that which threatens, and birth of which keeps," she answered, then disappearing.

Daemor'rah knew better than to make more questions for it was clear that this spirit would answer no more... She decided to exit the caves, and was surprised that in the short time she had been there, the rain was no longer pouring down. She decided to return to the initial village and talk to Chronos.

***

Once at the village, it was becoming dark. The skies, now in shades of dark blue and violet, were clear and the small visibility gave a certain atmosphere to the small houses and even to the Temple itself. She could tell that Chronos was there even before she went in.

Disappointed as she was in not finding who her race was, she had decided that Aeriel's words were somewhat comforting. It didn't matter what race she was. Only that she, in fact, was. And the decision to accept it gave it a whole new meaning that was in fact, without a meaning - or at least an important one.

Chronos was now even more surprised to see that she was there, and he seemed to know that Yannos was still alive. He was scared. That much was visible from his eyes.

"Ahh yes. You really don't know what to do now, do you, Chronos?" she asked as she approached him. "Here you are, without your staff, and I suspect that things aren't progressing as you hoped. You're not used to the fly turning to confront you in your own web are you?" she asked sarcastically.

"His influence has poisoned your mind! Now you see betrayal everywhere, even in your closest allies!" Chronos cried out.

"We were never allies," Daemor'rah waved dismissively, as she neared him even more. "Conspirators perhaps, briefly."

"Why didn't you kill him when you had the chance?" he questioned. "He was at your mercy!"

"Precisely. I had a choice, and I chose mercy," she replied. "Strangely enough, I was enlightened by the devious Yannos, not by you. In fact, I've learned much more than you counted on. I understand how you tried to manipulate this story to your own personal gain! But now your little schemes are whirling in ruin around you, aren't they? I know the truth..."

Chronos frowned. "And what is the truth, precisely? I find that it always depends on who tells it. I didn't lie to you, even though I did refrain from telling you the whole lot, I admit."

"My, my... Aren't you a brave little cunning one. Lest I be inclined not to kill, I would think you were the one who deserves it the most," she told him.

"But you don't really think that Yannos was honest to you as well, do you?" Chronos asked with a mischievous grin. "After all, what do you make of the mural that you first saw. Nothing alike was in the caves, was it now?"

And before Daemor'rah could say anything, the room seemed to tremble a bit. And it felt as if things were constantly moving in the room, including the walls, even though at a very slow pace. Behind one of the columns came forth Yannos himself. He bowed at both Chronos and Daemor'rah.

"That mural represents the future. One which you fail to see because you are its catalyst, Chronos," Yannos explained. "But I always knew you for who you were. I knew you would kill Aeriel just to become the next time guardian sooner than expected."

"You knew?" Daemor'rah asked, somewhat confused.

"Yes, I had foreseen it before he was born. As time guardian I could tell these things," Yannos nodded.

"Then why accept him?" the girl asked.

Yannos laughed shortly. "Because I knew that he would hate us all. All of our race," he said then stopping for a little while to smile once more. "One must keep his friends close, Daemor'rah, and his enemies even closer. Who better to serve me than him whose passion transcends all notions of good and evil?"

Chronos too was confused. But amidst Yannos' speech he had grabbed the orb staff. And under his command he would use it to destroy Yannos. "Lies! All lies!" he shouted.

"No. Not lies. Honesty," Yannos corrected. "You are, after all, my son. It was the only way we could be able to introduce you into the circle. None of your race was strong in the ways of life spirit. It was the only way... But we made sure this was a well kept secret and made sure that your looks would be the same as theirs."

"Lies!" Chronos shouted. "You die now!" he said as he threw the orb staff at Yannos with intent to kill. He hoped the orb would do its work.

Daemor'rah tried to use the Force to have the staff miss, but the shining orb would not have it so. It was a weapon that seemed to affect the Force itself as well as lightsabers.

None of them had counted on what was to happen. The spirit of Aeriel was suddenly in the way and struck with the staff. Strange at it was, the staff could not go through her and the shining orb shattered when it hit, thus saving Yannos.

Aeriel, on the other hand, was beyond salvation. She ascended into the very essence of the Force and became a huge blue light spirit. The light that emanated from her was enough to fill the whole room, and make it shoot out the doors and windows.

"My purpose was this..." Aeriel's voice said. "To save Yannos." And with those words said, the whole light disappeared and so did Aeriel with it.

"The answer is in life itself. And in the destruction of that which threatens, and birth of which keeps," Daemor'rah whispered, remembering Aeriel's words.

"What?" Chronos asked, confused. He still couldn't believe that even he, as time guardian, was not able to foresee this.

"I have the answer," Daemor'rah smiled. "Yannos, if you die, the pillars will be destroyed. You are bound to them for an eternity, as were all before you. And you Chronos, must sustain your role as time guardian. But neither of you must attack each other."

"I don't understand. What of the paradox? Look at the walls. We're creating a paradox because we are both here!" Chronos stated.

"Only because you both share the same role," she said with a nod. "If you didn't, there would be no paradox, would there?"

"No," Yannos agreed. "But what role would that be?"

"You both agree that a time guardian needs someone who is symbiotically attached to the time guardian. All must share the life spirit power," she stated. "Now, whether you are willing to accept that you are father and son or not, you both share that unique ability."

"So, if I become his circle. His balance keeper, the corruption will end," Yannos agreed. "Yes! That is the key!"

Chronos didn't know what to think. Finally the whole truth sunk into him and he fell to his knees, sobbing for what he had done. "I am sorry... You were right."

Daemor'rah approached him and knelt by his side. "You need not worry now. New destinies are set and you will be able to bring balance."

"I accept my role as your balance keeper, should you accept me as such," Yannos stated.

Chronos got up and nodded seriously. "I accept your role as balance keeper. May the life spirit bless us all...father," Chronos said, smiling at the end.

There was no need to see what happened next was quite a beautiful vision. The pillars changed colour and became pearly white and pure once more. They could all see it, even though they weren't near the pillars.

***

"Thank you for your help. You avoided war and death for many," Chronos smiled as he shook Daemor'rah's hand.

"No need to thank me. But I must be going on my way. It was...interesting," she smiled. "Thank you for getting me a transport in which to leave."

Chronos bowed, and so did the villagers as she passed them. Not far from them was a landing strip, where a big freighter was docked. Arrangements had been made so that Daemor'rah could leave with them. She wasn't sure where she was headed to, but it didn't matter to her. She only knew that she had to go on, especially now after uncovering truth.

"A New Opponent"
by Reeve
Gherig Hoff, Crime Lord (NPC+)
Jal Saren, Bounty Hunter (NPC+)

Location: FOE-HAMMER, Hoff's Chambers
Date: Vadris 8, 4ABY

***

Gherig Hoff looked up from behind his desk as the portly aide entered. Hoff frowned immediately.

"This had better be important."

"Sir, there is more news of Reeve," the aide said. This made Hoff sit up in his seat. The aide now had his full attention.

"Go on," Hoff said.

"Well, the reports are unconfirmed as yet," the aide said. "But since yesterday, there have been at least four bounty-hunters killed. Two of them were stabbed, two more were incinerated when the house they were in exploded. There's no evidence implicating Reeve specifically yet, but..."

"It's his doing, all right," Hoff said. "And that proves he's still there."

Hoff leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers. The aide stood there for a moment, clearly uncomfortable, then cleared his throat softly.

"Erm...will that be all, sir?" he asked.

"Get out," Hoff said, not even looking at him. The aide quickly turned and left, leaving Hoff alone with his thoughts.

***

Location: Thanatos

Reeve stepped out onto the streets of Thanatos and began walking. Today, he had things to see to, preparations to make before Gherif Hoff arrived. He took a quick glance around, checking to make sure no one was following him. He noted a puny looking Twi'lek doing his best to not look in Reeve's direction. Reeve sighed.

Another idiot bounty hunter. Reeve had no qualms about killing people by the dozens, but the constant attempts on his life recently were getting tiresome. Reeve silently hoped this new bounty hunter would wise up and go home, but he seriously doubted it.

Oh well. If it came to it, Reeve would kill him without mercy. That was his way.

Reeve started down the street, whistling a merry tune to himself. He knew the Twi'lek was moving to follow him, but Reeve seriously doubted if this new bounty hunter would be any more successful than the others. Reeve did not pay him another thought - if the fool was stupid enough to act, he would very quickly realize the error of his ways. One way or the either, Reeve didn't care.

***

Location: FOE-HAMMER, Bridge

Hoff walked purposefully onto the bridge of his ship. The officer on duty noticed him immediately and saluted, but Hoff was hardly in any mood for pleasantries.

"Lieutenant," Hoff said. "I want you to contact someone for me."

"Of course, sir," the officer nodded. "Who?"

"A bounty hunter," Hoff said. "By the name of Jal Saren."

"Jal Saren, sir?" the officer asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes," Hoff said. "You won't have heard of him, of course - he likes to keep his name out of the spotlight."

"Very well, sir," the officer nodded.

"Notify me when you've reached him," Hoff said. "And put the transmission through to my private chambers. I want to speak with him myself."

"As you say, sir," the officer nodded. Hoff turned and left the bridge.

***

Location: Modified Corellian Freighter, STAR-RUNNER, somewhere in space

"Incoming transmission, sir."

Jal Saren slowly opened his eyes and stretched, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. He turned and looked over at AP-21, frowning.

"I thought I told you to screen my calls," Jal grumbled, rubbing his chin (with the perpetual five o'clock shadow).

"I think you will make an exception in this instance," the droid co-pilot said. "Receiving transmission now, sir."

Jal sighed. He had owned that droid for close to four years now, and it still seemed to take every possible opportunity to annoy him. This time, it had interrupted a very good dream, where Jal was the king of an entire kingdom full of beautiful human women and Twi'lek dancing girls. He made a mental note to melt down AP and sell him for scrap when they got back to a civilized system.

For now, though, he sat up and turned his attention to the small viewscreen in front of him. When a familiar face appeared, a face that Jal had not seen in nearly a year, he found himself fully awake fairly quickly.

"Gherig Hoff," Jal said, shaking his head.

"Jal Saren," Hoff's image replied.

"And to what do I owe this unwanted pleasure?" Jal asked. "Or is this just another one of your 'I swear I shall hunt you to the ends of the galaxy' calls?"

"That's behind me now, Saren," Hoff said. "There's someone I hate even more than you."

"Now that's a disappointment," Jal said, grinning. "And here I thought I was at the top of your 'Best Buddies' list."

"I'm in no mood for your sub-standard attempts at being witty, Saren," Hoff frowned. "I have a job for you."

Jal nearly fell out of his seat.

"...would you care to repeat that?" he asked.

"I said I have a job for you," Hoff said. "Believe me, I am loath to come to you, of all people, for help. But in this instance... well, I believe you might be the only person who can handle it."

"Could you say that a little louder?" Jal asked, cupping a hand behind his ear. "I could have sworn I just heard Gherig Hoff pay me a compliment."

"Enough, Saren," Hoff said. "Will you help me or not?"

"And what in the name of the Force makes you think I'd help you?" Jal asked, raising an eyebrow. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but haven't you spent the last two and a half years trying to kill me? I mean, I'm sorry, Hoff, but that's going to put quite a strain on our working relationship."

"Perhaps the lure of credits can change your mind?" Hoff said, a slight smile passing his lips. Jal's interest increased.

"That depends on how many," he said. Hoff's smile widened.

"Very well, then, Saren," he said. "Let's talk."

"The Calm Before the Storm"
By Vaya Bek, Padawan (PC)

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 8th, 4ABY

***

Vaya sat atop the Temple in silence and in deep thought. She had awoken to news that the Jedi had left for a mission. The past day seemed to be like a haze for her. She felt tired, drained, and had a mild headache. Not much of a headache she thought, just that her head was heavy. She felt sluggish and out of place. She looked out upon the surrounding grounds, the trees and the skies. She felt something about her, some sense of foreboding, a sense like she was forgetting something, or that something was going on around her that she was not totally aware of, yet had a sense of. It was quite perplexing to her.

She kept having these bits and pieces of a vision of sorts, like a distant memory of some kind of dream. She didn't feel much like herself and she could not place the origin of it all. Vaya thought maybe it was just stress of the Jedi's mission and her Master's foreboding prior. There was defiantly an odd air to the Temple of late, she thought. As she sat and tried to meditate, Vaya found it hard to concentrate, many thoughts whisked through her mind like the leaves in the autumn wind. Nothing particular, nothing cohesive.

Something is just not right, not right at all, she thought to herself.

She sighed and got up to reenter the Temple, thinking that she should busy herself, perhaps to find Aurra or the other Padawans to get her mind fixed on something productive while she awaited the return of the Jedi, and her Master.

"Back In the Game"
by Vyn Kether
Jerek Welder [NPC+]
Herker Gaal [NPC]
Jerrin Gaal [NPC]

Location: Jerek Welder's Quarters, Xayled's Abyss, Drogen Shipyards
Date: Vadris 8, 4 ABY

***

Vyn grinned as he paced down the ramp of the Midnight Rogue onto the floor of the main docking bay in Drogen Shipyards. Returning from his "much-needed" vacation from the smuggling business, he was eager to get started again, and in his mind, what better way to start fresh than on Drogen Shipyards. First though, he would track down the one who was responsible for Vicks' death. Although he grieved over the loss of his cousin, he earned quite a few of Vicks' contacts through Deebo, including a helpful acquaintance named Jerek Welder. Welder was apparently on the station, which was quite helpful because it meant that Vyn didn't have to track him down. He set out to his supposed quarters and pressed the chime button.

Suddenly, a grumpy inquiring voice sounded from the small intercom above the chime button. "Yeah? Who is it?"

"I'm a friend of Vicks Mason. Vyn Kether."

The door opened, revealing a shirtless but well-built man with very short hair and stubble. He stood there staring at Vyn.

"Well? Can I come in or--"

He tilted his head, signaling him to come in and walked back to what appeared to be the kitchen of his small and messy apartment. The room smelled of expired goods and decaying remnants of food left over on dirty dishes scattered all over. The man sighed and continued cooking what smelled like a dirty and wet womp rat, which wasn't very pleasant to most. "What do you want?" the man questioned.

"Are you Jerek Welder?"

"Maybe. What's it to you?"

"The amazing and undefeated freelance pit-fighter?"

"You forgot retired... After I lost my ship I settled for a deadbeat job up here working the docking bays. It's not bad..." Welder added with obvious insincerity.

"I need your help."

"With what?"

"Vicks was murdered. I need help to find his killer."

"What makes you think I know who his killer was?"

"You're one of the last individuals involved with him. You're gonna help me find him," said Vyn with bitterness in his voice.

"I don't think so, kid..." said Jerek with a chuckle.

"I have creds..."

"You do know that there is a pretty big bounty on your head? I may not be part of the underground crime anymore, but I still have my contacts. The Empire wants your head on a pike, and I know a lot of bounty hunters will be out for it," said Jerek in a serious tone. "It's not worth the risk."

"This doesn't sound like an undefeated pit fighter to me, besides, I can hold my own. I'm a pretty damn good shot."

"Maybe because I'm not a fighter anymore. I'm retired remember?"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah... I've heard enough. I'm going to the bar to get a couple drinks. I'll be back to talk to you about Vicks tomorrow," said Vyn reluctantly.

"Sure. Go to Xayled's Abyss, they make a damn good Storm Water there."

"Yeah, sure...." Vyn said as he began to leave Jerek's quarters.

"Vyn... watch your back... There have been a few bounty hunters on the station lately and I assume they're looking for you..."

Vyn nodded and left toward Xayled's Abyss to contemplate what to do next. He wasn't going to just give up on trying to enlist Jerek's help, but he needed to find a way to convince him. Arriving at the bar, he took a seat at an empty table in the corner and waited patiently for the gorgeous waitress to come and serve him. The catchy and uplifting jizz music could be heard from all over the bar and it was quite good. Vyn knew a good jizz band when he heard one and this one was quite spectacular. Just as the waitress was heading Vyn's direction, two identical twins with long dark coats sat down at the same table.

"What can I do for you...?" asked Vyn in a rude sort of way.

"We heard that you're a mercenary for hire..." one of them said.

"Where'd you hear that?" inquired Vyn.

"You Vyn Kether?" asked the other one.

"Who wants to know?" asked Vyn as he slowly went for his blaster.

"Herker and Jerrin Gaal. Keep your hands where we can see them. You currently have two DH-17 Blasters pointed at you right now..." said the one called Herker.

"If you didn't guess yet, we're here for your bounty. Can't believe how easy it was," said the one named Jerrin.

"Believe me, if I wanted to disappear, you wouldn't have found me..."

"Shut up, now--"

"Is there a problem here, gentlemen?" asked Jerek who appeared behind Herker, wearing a black spacers suit with two blasters holstered under his arms and a rifle on his back.

Vyn immediately kicked up Jerrin's blaster, firing a shot through the bottom of the table to the ceiling of the bar. Jerek quickly grabbed Herker and punched him in the face, knocking him out cold. Just as this was happening, Vyn drew his blaster in a split second and fired off a round at Jerrin, ending his life and preventing him from shooting Jerek or himself. Jerek threw Herker aside and looked at Vyn. It all happened in an instant and immediately someone was already calling Shipyard security.

"Let's go, kid. We don't have much time. I hope you have a ship ready..." said Jerek, following Vyn out the bar and to the docking bay.

"Don't worry, I have something that'll get us out of here before security even gets to the bar..." said Vyn.

Arriving at the docking bay, they didn't stop and ran up the ramp to the Midnight Rogue. Vyn yelled at the droid to get permission before the alarm went up. Permission was granted and the ship blasted its way out and down to the surface of Tae'Karada. Vyn took over the piloting and Jerek sat in the navigator's chair to the right of Vyn.

"What now?" asked Jerek.

"I have a plan to find Vicks' killer. I know a woman who was dealing with Vicks before he was killed. I'm going to contact her and she's hopefully going to help me find the killer. What I need you to do is come out of retirement..." Vyn said quickly.

"You mean, go back into pit fighting..."

"Essentially, yes. I need you to contact Jadda the Hutt and join his crime syndicate. You'll probably have to prove yourself in some way, and I assume it's going to be a pit fight. Last time I checked he's always looking for strong arms..."

"Wait, wait, wait! Why Jadda the Hutt?" inquired Jerek.

"Because he tried to kill Vicks once when Vicks was working for him. He either might have something to do with it or knows someone who might. I need you to find out all you can on Tae'Karada."

"What about you?" asked Jerek.

"I'm a wanted man with a bounty on my head. Tae'Karada isn't exactly a friendly place for men with bounties. I'm going to call on some old favours with the New Republic, they might be able to help me out..."

Jerek raised an eyebrow, sighed and looked ahead as they neared the Starport. "Let's hope this works..." said Jerek as the ship got closer and closer...

"Quest of Strength"
by Quistis Knox
Tidus Highwind
Elina Kasn - NPC
Bazon Zak'Keeer - NPC

Location: Inside the Temple On Dathomir
Date: Vadris 8, 4 ABY

***

Quistis entered a new chamber, this time it was a long hallway. It was so dark that she couldn't see anything in front of her. Then the series of torches lit up revealing the hallway. The floor was composed of many rocks that fit together perfectly like it made one single floor.

The walls were made of hard stone that exited from the wall that made the light of the fire exiting from the torches to have more light. The ceiling was composed of the same material as the floor. For Quistis if she put there blind folded she didn't know if that was the ceiling or the floor. She heard stories of the SSD Lusankya that its prison was upside down to prevent for prisoner to flee.

At the end of the corridor she could see the other door. The holo image appeared again revealing the same woman. But this time she had very beautiful blue eyes. "Quester, you succeeded in passing the first Quest, but it is far from over. This is the Quest of Strength. The only thing you have to do is simply carry those 10 rocks to the other side of the hallway. The key that opens that door..." She pointed to door at the end of the hallway. "But word of advise don't guess which rock has the key. Good luck, Quester and may you be fast enough..."

Quistis nodded in a strange way at the last few words of the woman. She looked to the rocks and saw that two piles of five rocks formed like a pyramid. She picked up the first rock and carried it through the hallway.

The rock at least was a weight of 30 Kg and this first rock for Quistis was not so heavy; the problem was the other nine. She reached and put the rock on the floor. At that time the walls started to move, closing the hallway. She knew that she had to be faster. Now she realized what the woman told her. Now she had to carry those heavy 30 kilos rocks and with the walls closing very slowly. Thank God I'm not claustrophobic, she thought as she ran quickly to the other side.

***

"Holy Gods..." Bazon said as he saw the walls closing.

Tidus saw that these Quests were not a piece of cake and he doubted if he was able to succeed in passing those tests. Are you afraid? he asked himself, it sort of affecting his ego, but he knew that this woman Quistis had to be special only for the extreme courage in not panicking at that same time. He was uneasy like Bazon, but Elina was different, she had so much confidence in Quistis, that it made him wonder what kind of game she was playing and what she knew about Quistis!

Elina saw the walls closing as Quistis carried the second, the third, the fourth rocks and in each time she carried one of those rocks she began to tire. At the Seventh rock, she fell and for the first time made her wonder if Quistis was really the one, but after seeing from the images of Quistis not giving up gave back the confidence in Elina. Quistis had to succeed.

***

Quistis put the ninth rock and she was beyond tired. She looked back and the walls were closing, Without a moment to lose she ran back to the other end of the corridor to get the final rock. She picked it up and started to move to the other side. The walls were so near that Quistis felt it hard to breathe, but that didn't make her give up. She tried to move quickly, hitting several times in the rocks and when she got near the other side away from the closing walls she fell to the floor and the rock rolled out to safety. Quistis could touch the end of the wall but her arms were so tired that they didn't respond. She looked up to see the walls. She then used her back to move her feet to the side where the ten rocks were located.

The walls closed just before her head exited the closing walls, but the walls caught her black leather trench coat, that put her in some awkward position. She took some time to undress the jacket since she was barely upside down.

She felt bad about losing her priceless jacket, but duty called. She knew that in those rocks was the key. But which one? Quistis thought.

She studied carefully the rocks and saw that each one had some strange markings. After a few times thinking she found out that in the ten rocks two rocks had the same markings. She picked up both and put the two rocks together. "A perfect fit."

She saw the two rocks flow in mid air and bending together. She couldn't believe what her eyes were seeing. The rocks fell to the floor, without breaking. She looked at it and saw that the two rocks were now has one. She saw another set of marking that both rocks made when they got together. She understood that all ten rocks were linked together.

When she slid the last rock with the rest, all ten rocks started to move in midair and then out of nothing tiny pieces of rock started to fall on the floor revealing a hiding object.

The object was a circular iron object with several lines the converged at the center. The object fell to the floor. Quistis picked it up and examined it. She noticed something written in it. "Shak lon sinon nor atuhum."

Quistis looked to the door and saw that it had a slot like the object. She put it and saw the circle object moving around and a sound came from the door. The door opened itself revealing another chamber. She stepped in where the third Quest was going to happen.

***

"What do those it mean, Shak lon sinon nor atuhum?" Tidus asked, keeping his eyes on the screen.

Bazon heard loud and clear what Quistis read and there was no need for Tidus to say it again. He was simply amazed by the words and translated. "All roads lead to the Force."

"Storming Arcadia, Part 1"
By: Koran Darr
Major Jaro
Alisson Blair
Kal'aran
Quinlan Vos
Liam Zaneth
Laedra Vorrel
Kael Selrid
Ambassador Theen Fida

Location: Palace of Arcadia
Date: Vadris 8, 4 ABY

***

Deployed in teams of two, each just outside the various entry points Alisson had uncovered for them, the Jedi were ready and merely waiting for the appropriate time to strike. Although they vowed they were not soldiers, they would be the aggressors of this battle, but only in retaliation for the unlawful seizure of Tae'Karada's palace by two of their former apprentices. It was their duty to put an end to Dani and Nieme's flight of terror, even if they were required to cut down their own.

Ambassador Fida's commander, Major Jaro, supplied New Republic soldiers as reinforcement, keeping with the ambassador's promise. It remained to be seen, however, how much they truly had told the Jedi about their attack plans, and how much they were concealing. In the end, they would need to rely on one another for survival; secrets would only jeopardize lives.

Sitting quietly in their dark corner, Laedra Vorrel kept her mind and senses open for the attack's commencement. Waiting was all they could do for the time being. She and Koran were positioned one kilometer from the palace itself, outside one of Alisson Blair's secret entrances. It placed them directly in an underground tunnel that had undoubtedly been home to some uncleanly, malodourous creature at one time, but the smell was easy to ignore after an hour of waiting.

"It's nearly time," Laedra said softly, again peering down the corridor, into further darkness.

Koran Darr pulled his lightsaber from his belt. "We should be receiving the notification to begin at any moment," he said. He lowered his voice for only her to hear. "Laedra, whatever happens in there, whatever may become of this attack, know that I love you and always will."

"Too late," she answered levelly, then smiled. "I already do. The Force will see us through this safely, Koran. There's no need for such fatalistic talk."

"I know," Koran said, "but I just wanted to say it." He looked up. "I think it's time."

Laedra exhaled steadily and nodded. They moved to face the portal that would lead them to the palace and for a moment Laedra clasped Koran's hand. "May the Force be with you," she whispered.

"May the Force be with us all tonight," Koran said as he gave her hand a squeeze. "Come on, let's go make this planet safe for everyone again."

Unclipping her lightsaber, Laedra prepared for inevitable battle. The only consolation was that Koran would be by her side through it all.

***

Alisson breathed deeply once. She had paired with the one man she had been so keen in not letting near. But this one man could make the difference. Besides, he had saved Zari, even though he left his son behind for Nieme and Dani's pleasure, no doubt... And then again, perhaps that was reason enough for Dargus to be trusted.

"We should be moving soon," she whispered. They were the closest ones to the Palace, just a little less than half a kilometer. "But I wanted to tell you one thing. You know I don't trust you much. We were never friends. But, in spite of things, I am willing to be the first one to support you with us. When we go in there, I can trust no one else, and neither can you. We're all each other has to count upon. So... May the Force be with you, Dargus Kandran."

Dargus looked over Alisson, then nodded. It was a new experience for him, to be fighting on this side, but it wasn't as bad as he thought...being a good guy. He hadn't had a chance to do the things he'd wanted yet. He needed to see Raeila again, to show her how he was living up to his promise, and doing so happily. To... to try to get through to Yelara. He hadn't had a chance to speak with Liam yet, but he knew that had to happen soon. He knew that Yelara belonged with Liam, and he would work with the Jedi toward that end. He wouldn't be responsible for hurting her more... he'd already done enough.

"Thank you," he said. "May the Force be with you as well."

***

Major Jaro stood upon a building not far from the Palace. His forces were in positions surrounding the Palace area, but of a distance and under covers so as not to alert the Palace forces. For some time had they been mobilised in secret, with weaponry and supplies funneled in. Jaro viewed the landscape with his macro. He then viewed the screen of his datapad which showed the blue spots of his forces in their positions.

Silently he chuckled and his heart pittered and pattered in the anticipation of all that was to unfold.

Stupid Jedi! he thought to himself.

"Major," a young officer approached. "All teams have reported in and are standing by."

"Very good," Jaro replied. "Now go make yourself useful, I am busy."

The young officer saluted and turned, and left the Major to his devices.

Jaro's datapad came to life with an incoming transmission. It was Theen.

"Major, report?" Theen ordered.

Bureaucrats! Jaro spat to himself. "Ambassador, we are in position, awaiting the Jedi's lead. I am confident all shall be well."

"Very good then, keep me apprised of any changes."

The tiny holograph of Theen dissipated from the data pad as Jaro mocked the Ambassador silently.

As soon as Theen's holograph disappeared, Jadda came into communication with Jaro. The Hutt laughed once and frowned his eyes a bit as he puffed his pipe, letting some smoke out. "Ahh... Ready are we? Let the Jedi go as planned. Create the diversion for them and let them in. As soon as you have them inside, leave a sentry in each secret entrance and have them blow it up with detonators as soon as they spot anyone coming out. Take the rest of your men and go inside and ally with the forces I borrowed Nieme and Dani. I will be ready for instructions and who to kill at that point. But if you shoot a Jedi I will not hold you for it," he said, then laughing.

Jaro smiled wickedly as the Hutt cut his communication. He ordered one of his officers to take over the command post and he made for his speeder. Jaro had it all planned out, his forces would keep with the Jedi's plan, by creating a diversion, then he would turn the tables on them, announcing to his squad leaders that new intelligence has indicated that the Jedi are in fact making to take over the Palace and all of Tae'Karada for themselves! He laughed to himself at all that was to unfold. Chaos, death, destruction!!

Though he was but a Major in his guise, the former was an operative of military intelligence, and that allowed even a lower ranking officer to out rank a field commander. Jaro commed the colonel who was in charge in the force that would draw out the Palace guard.

"Colonel, it is time. Proceed!" Jaro ordered.

Jaro's speeder flew around in a wide arc around the Palace area as he watched what was to unfold. A sizeable New Republic force marched upon the Palace grounds from their hidden positions. The Arcadian sentries did not know what was going on, only that a New Republic force was upon them.

Laser fire lit the sky as the New Republic soldiers and the Palace forces engaged at the outer borders of the government center.

***

"Ambassador," a human aide approached the large Anx diplomat.

"Yes?" he replied.

At the aide's side was another human, dressed in New Republic military uniform, a colonel by his insignia.

"Ambassador Theen, I am Colonel Drostnik, New Republic Intelligence," the man announced.

"What can I do for you, Colonel?" Theen asked with wonder.

"We seem to have a problem, Ambassador," the man stated.

"Well come on man, what is it?"

"Major Jaro, Sir," he replied as if he was unsure of what he was talking about.

"What of him?"

"He is dead, murdered, we found his body just hours ago," the Colonel explained.

"What in the blazes are you talking about, Colonel?" Theen spat. "I have just spoken with Major Jaro, he is engaged in an operation as we speak, in Arcadia!"

"Begging your pardon, Sir, but whoever that man is, he is not Major Jaro. The body we recovered has been positively identified with his DNA on record. We have an infiltration, Sir."

Theen stood there for a moment in wonder, "By the stars..."

"Sir," a soldier called as he ran up the hallway to the Colonel and Ambassador. "All communications to the forces in Arcadia are being jammed, there is an engagement as we speak."

"Come quickly, we must go to Arcadia," Theen commanded as he ushered them along. "How in all the hells could someone assume the identity of one of your operatives, Colonel?!" Theen demanded.

"I have no information at this time, Sir," he said plainly.

"It would have been good to know before all that has been set in motion! You have any idea what is transpiring?! Quickly now, the Jedi are in the middle of a trap!" Theen exclaimed as they rushed off for the landing bay.

***

The sounds of active bodies moving about brought him out of his meditation and Liam Zaneth opened his eyes. Something wasn't right but what it was remained elusive and distant. He stood from his meditative pose and looked at the Jedi gathered around him. "Something has started," he said. "We should get inside."

Kael's lightsaber was in his hand, but unignited. Koran Darr and Laedra Vorrel's lightsabers remained on their belts.

"May the Force be with us all," Koran said as he looked around at the others.

"It will be," Laedra whispered with resolve, though her words were almost lost amid the crash of turbulent waves. They were gathered at the base of a cliff branching from that upon which the palace stood. It was this cliff that bore the hidden passage they would traverse to gain entry unnoticed into the castle. It was dark and unknown territory, yet Laedra felt they would easily find their way. The Force would be their guiding light. With a reaffirming nod, Laedra was the first to venture inside the gaping mouth of the cave. Thick darkness closed around her in moments.

***

The shadows under the palace were oppressive, weighing down more heavily than the entire palace could have. Dargus Kandran stepped carefully, the hilt of his lightsaber held firmly in one hand. He felt no fear, from himself or his companions. They were here on Jedi business, and the Force would guide them. He had to have faith in the Force, even though this mindset was new to him. More than anything, he had to be ready for anything. As such, his mind was tuned to danger, heightened through the Force. He would be ready for anything that may happen.

They rounded a corner, and at the end Dargus felt life...and death. His companions felt it at the same time as he. Four bodies hidden in the darkness, surrounding a single object that weighed heavily in the Force. It was a weapon, for certain, and one which the four intended to use to end the lives of the approaching Jedi. Dargus turned to the senior of the Jedi, those who would make decisions.

Quinlan Vos knew only too well how to sense danger and be able to tell when it was nearby. After all, he was still a young padawan when he began to go on trips to the far ends of the galaxy with Master Tholme, his Jedi teacher. And most of those missions were based on stealth and intelligence gathering beyond enemy lines. In this particular case, danger lurked just around the corner.

He needed only to lift his hand in a closed fist to warn the others, although he was sure they too could feel the presence of the four men and the large object they had near them. He ignited his lightsaber, as he was sure to need it, and heard the hisses of the other lightsabers as they too ignited around him.

Kal'Aran frowned ever so slightly. This was a secret underground passage to the Palace. Supposedly, only Alisson had knowledge of them until recently, which meant that either Ambassador Theen had double-crossed them, which seemed unlikely, or someone had stolen the intel from their battle plan and granted it to Nieme and Dani. The question remained...how much did the two girls know and what had they done to confront the Jedi that were incoming?

The first shots fired seemed more of a warning, as they hit nothing but air. With the darkness of the tunnel, it was hard to tell for certain who remained on the other side, just next to the repeating blaster mounted on the ground. The question that had been answered, however, was that the object was in fact a weapon.

As the next shots came, Quinlan Vos moved gracefully and swiftly, sending them back. At the very least, he was looking to hit the repeating blaster. Alas, he had not expected what was to come. It seemed that the big mounted blaster had a shield generator of some sort, which protected it against the bolts that Quinlan sent back.

"They have a shield generator!" Quinlan shouted as he was forced to move aside. The repeating blaster was a very rapid weapon in firing, and he needed his best to be able to dodge and block its shots.

Kal'Aran too was concentrating on the incoming shots, and they seemed to come in abundance. The only small advantage they had was the basic fact that the mounted weapon fired almost always in the same basic line of fire, which left it easier to block any second shots. He moved side by side with Quinlan. "Yes, perhaps we should redirect the shots to our foes..." he suggested as he blocked a few more.

It took them less than a second to discover that the latter suggestion was not an option, as the men also had personal shields protecting them. It seemed Nieme and Dani had protected themselves well. "Does anyone have a suggestion?" Quinlan asked.

Alisson moved fast and took her place near Kal'Aran, immediately followed by Dargus. A line seemed the best way to protect themselves against their opponents, but even they wouldn't stand long as it was. And the clone soldiers had the obvious advantage. Sending shots back wasn't an option, which meant that striking at them would also not work... But then it struck her. Even a repeating blaster with shields wouldn't function on its own.

"Move with me!" she told the others as she took small steps ahead. One by one, they became closer and closer to the enemy, even if by just a small distance further on. When she was in range she quickly moved and stretched her arm. With a strong Force push, she was able to send them back, falling down. However, the soldiers were fast in getting up and they had personal blasters of their own. Easier as it was, the problem still persisted in a certain level. But at least they were well beyond the reach of the repeating blaster.

"Well, that takes care of the mounted turret!" Alisson commented. "But we still have these troopers to take care of."

Dargus Kandran pushed his way forward, crimson blade lighting the darkness. "Then let's take care of them," he said.

***

With no illumination, the Jedi navigated the sinuous, cavernous tunnels using their Force sight to guide them. No longer relying on their vision, they were allowed to depend solely on the Force for detecting danger, expanding their awareness outwards to what might be laying in wait for them. It was comforting to feel one another's presence so near, to know they were not alone in this darkness, but the inner quietude achieved through that unity was disturbed by a ripple in the Force. All four Jedi stopped.

"Something's near," Laedra whispered.

"Ahead," Liam whispered. "I sense...four. No, five. The danger is strong."

Koran nodded. "I sense it as well. Approach slowly, allow the Force to guide us." He knew he need not say it, but for the sake of Kael who brought up the rear, he did. "Have lightsabers ready."

Laedra unclipped hers but kept it deactivated. Alisson had insisted the tunnels were unknown to others, but it was apparent soon enough that she had been mistaken.

A chorus of blaster rifles charging filled the silence, yet their opposition remained in the dark. Stretching out towards them with the Force, there was nothing but a large void; even with droids there was something perceived in the Force, but aside from their intent to kill, the Jedi were incapable of discerning who awaited them. But even in the absence of perception, it was clear what they were.

"Clones," Laedra whispered.

"Somehow Nieme and Dani were alerted," Kael said. "It's the only reason for clones stationed inside these tunnels."

Koran nodded. "It is a valid point, but the source of betrayal will have to be sought at another time. For now, we must continue with our mission, if we can."

"We can," Laedra affirmed. "They're as much in the dark as we are. Our advantage is the Force, though I suggest we keep our lightsabers deactivated for as long as we can. They can't shoot if they can't see us."

"Let us conceal ourselves within the Force," Koran said. "If we can approach without them noticing, perhaps we can disable them quietly. That'll allow us to slip inside the Palace."

Liam nodded. "It sounds like a sound plan to me."

A blaster bolt screamed past them and struck the wall to Koran's left. They ducked and deflected the spray of rubble that broke free of the craggy surface, but only another inch to the right, and Koran would have been struck.

Laedra frowned. "It would seem they already know we're here."

"That it would," Koran said. "I believe we'll have to do this the hard way. Lightsabers, and move forward on my mark. Defensive until we approach, then subdue them as quickly as possible. This day is going to be bloody enough; I'd prefer that we minimize the death on both sides."

"Preferably our own," Laedra quipped, and as one the four Jedi activated their weapons. The darkness became alight with shafts of pink, green, and blue, casting an ominous glow on the faces of each Jedi. Without a word, the clones began firing relentlessly. Their long fight had just begun.

"Storming Arcadia, Part 2"
By: Koran Darr
Major Jaro
Alisson Blair
Kal'aran
Quinlan Vos
Liam Zaneth
Laedra Vorrel
Kael Selrid
Dani
Nieme

Location: Palace of Arcadia
Date: Vadris 8, 4 ABY

***

Dargus Kandran followed the others inside, stepping over the section of wall he'd helped cut away. He moved to flank Alisson as they started down the corridor into which they'd arrived. "If my guess is accurate," Dargus said, "Nieme and Dani will make their stand in the throne room."

"Yes," Alisson agreed. It was the main room with the main controls for the speakers and cameras that were spread throughout the palace. Surely the best stance for a complete control and planning. But even such a room had faults. "But they will know we're going that way, so perhaps we ought to consider a different way to get there. There is a passage that leads us there so that we don't have to commit to the main door. But that passage may be compromised as this one was, so I suggest we cut down the power to that section of the palace and then make our way."

"I agree. We will stand better chances if they can't see us," Quinlan agreed.

***

Koran, Laedra, Liam and Kael all filed into the gallery chamber of the palace. The room was empty, but they were all certain the danger was far from over. Nieme and Dani were monitoring everything. It was a game of holographic chess, and a particularly dangerous one at that. Without speaking, the Jedi spread themselves into a defensive wedge and began moving forward. Not too distant, the sound of booted feet could be heard approaching. The next stage of the fight was about to begin.

As he removed his lightsaber from his belt, Koran turned to Laedra. "Can you sense Talara?"

She shook her head curtly. "Unless they are masking her, I don't feel her anywhere near us. Perhaps we were deceived. Perhaps she never was here."

"I cannot imagine them separating their prisoners," Koran said. "I think we'll need to go deeper. Liam, keep your senses at their limits, let us know as soon as you sense something headed toward us. Kael and I will focus on closer threats. Laedra, search for Talara as we move. Let's move toward the habitation wing."

Liam stopped and glanced around. "I sense something but I'm unable to pinpoint it. It is malice toward us, but it's faint. Be wary."

With that warning, the Jedi started forward, taking the leftmost of the passages out of the gallery. According to the maps they had, it would lead them to the areas of the palace where private chambers would be located. While most would choose to keep their prisoners in some sort of cell, they had a feeling that Nieme and Dani would have other ideas for their defenseless prisoners.

***

Major Jaro had taken a position to allow him to watch as the Jedi had entered into the Palace via the secret entries.

Heehehee, not so secret now!! Jaro amused himself as he gave the go for his team to pursue the Jedi from behind.

Jaro commanded several commandos to stay behind and guard the entrance, while he and half a dozen others entered into the Palace to find the Jedi.

"As soon as you even think you hear one of them breathe," Jaro ordered under his breath, "Open fire and don't stop until they are all dead!!"

***

The Jedi were about to pass through the door that would take them across the main hall when Liam Zaneth suddenly stopped. He spun around, the azure blade of his lightsaber snapping to life as it blocked a blaster bolt before it could burn a hole through his chest. "Behind," he called, though the others were already reacting, their senses alerted through the Force.

A stream of New Republic troops came through one of the doors behind them, weapons aimed and firing at the Jedi. The betrayal was now obvious. The real question, as Liam blocked several shots intended to kill him, was weather these troops were real Republic troops, or if someone had replaced them from less savory sources.

As the four Jedi turned to focus their efforts on the swarm of soldiers positioned in the corridor, the doors to the palace's main hall were flung open. Laedra and Koran reacted by swinging back around, only to face an army of Nieme and Dani's clones. "It would seem, Koran, that we have been betrayed," Laedra said gravely.

Koran deflected a pair of blaster bolts back at the soldiers who fired them. "Yes," Koran said as he blocked a blast that would have punched through Kael's back just as Kael did the same for him. He looked at the young Knight and gave him a nod of thanks. "This will be a difficult fight, even with our skills. We need to find a way past them, one that won't involve wholesale slaughter."

Laedra flashed him the faintest of smiles. "Of us, or them?" But despite the moment of levity, she was wholly focused on defending against the relentless barrage of blaster fire being directed at them.

To make the most of their situation, she aimed to deflect every bolt back to its origin, but none of the clones so much as flinched when they were struck; their armour absorbed the brunt of each blast. It would take more than energy pulses to subdue them, and she feared that would mean a direct attack, with no holding back.

Kael Selrid's focus was complete as he pushed himself deeper within the Force, nearly becoming one with it as his lightsaber whirled about his body, catching all the blaster bolts that ventured too near his body. They were at a stand-off here, forced too far into a defensive stance that would give them no chance at offensive action. With the flurry of blaster fire, the Jedi would be able to do nothing but defend themselves. "We've got to move out of here and quickly," he said calmly. "This is a stalemate here."

"There does not seem to be an avenue of escape, Jedi Selrid," Laedra reminded him calmly. "Unless we wish to press forward into a close combat battle." She frowned as her blade flashed past her face to block a well-aimed shot. "There will undoubtedly be casualties."

"If we concentrate all of their fire into a particular section of their defense," Kael began.

"It will create a weak spot we might be able to punch through," Liam finished, and with that, began to focus the deflected blaster bolts at the path that would lead them further into the palace, closer to where the prisoners would be kept.

***

They had managed to make their way through the first corridor without having been caught or ambushed... so far. But with the Palace security systems, it was an almost certainty that Nieme and Dani knew they were inside, and probably which way they were headed. But even so, they had not yet heard or seen a guard since they made it inside.

All of a sudden, Quinlan Vos made a stop, motioning for the others to do the same. All knew that the odds were against them and that they had been betrayed. It was just a matter of finding out whom had done so and how much did Nieme and Dani know.

"A group is headed here..." Quinlan whispered. "Ahead of us...I sense five presences."

Kal'Aran nodded. He felt it too. But there was more to come. "And one other closing in from behind," he added. "We must move fast, lest we fall in the trap that has been laid for us."

But it was too late already. The only good thing was that they were only facing one of the groups, as the latter one was still somewhat behind them. Without a single second to lose, Quinlan touched the control to close the doors behind them and destroyed the control to it with his lightsaber after they were shut. It would surely hold the second groups for a while.

The first shots came and Kal'Aran deflected them. He was surprised to see that they were facing the New Republic troopers, even though it answered who was betraying them to a certain extent.

"We must find a way to resolve this! They are not to blame for their actions. After all, they are merely following orders. Try to preserve their lives," the Jedi Master said as he defended himself along with the others, even though he meant his words more as a reminder to Dargus Kandran.

Dargus found it difficult not to roll his eyes at Kal'Aran's comment as he moved forward with the others, his lightsaber held ready before him. Each blast that neared him, he sent back at the attacker, planting each bolt between their feet. He longed for a blaster with a stun setting, but knew that it wasn't quite that easy. He swept his hand before him, and in response, several of the clone troopers were flung back from where they'd taken up positions. Suddenly Dargus pulled back as if struck. He glared into the ranks of the New Republic troops, searching for the source, but he could find none. The others would find out soon enough, but it wouldn't hurt to give them advance warning... So, as he moved backwards, still defending himself with his lightsabers, he shouted: "Ysalamiri!"

Alisson moved back with Dargus and the others. Things had just gone from bad to worse. Plus, the blast door behind them would not hold the guards off for long. A solution had to be found, and fast. If the Ysalamiri get close enough, we're as good as dead... she told herself, though she felt no need to speak them, as she was certain everyone knew it.

"We have to stop them! And pushing them will not help with the lizards..." she said as she fended off a few more incoming blaster shots. The troopers were getting closer and closer, and with the lizards there was no pushing them back anymore.

Alisson made a decision and sent a blaster bolt back at the trooper who had fired it, making it hit his leg. The trooper fell down injured, though he was not dead. It was a simple wound to heal with a medical bot or even some bacta fluid, but effective nonetheless. She grinded her teeth for she didn't like what she had done, but they didn't seem to have an alternative at all. "I suggest we take them out like this before they come any closer," she told the others.

Keeping well out of the Force-void bubble, Dargus kept his lightsaber held in front of him, twitching it occasionally to block an incoming blaster bolt. "Find the one who's got the creature," he said to the others. "I know how to stop them, but I need to know who has it."

Alisson could tell that whoever had the Ysalamiri in his possession, that particular soldier was not with an adult lizard in his hands. It was still a small one. And that was their luck as well, for an adult one would have a ten meter radius and they would have been caught. "I can feel the first three soldiers, so that means they're out of the bubble, and therefore not holding it. Which leaves us with the other three soldiers," she commented.

Dargus glanced around and found a crystal vase setting atop a pedestal. He reached out a hand and pulled it to him in the Force. It stopped before him, and he clipped one of his lightsabers back onto his belt. He let go of the Force-hold he had on the vase, and it crashed to the floor at his feet. "Whoops," he said with a smile, then gathered the shards with the Force and brought them up to his gloved hand. "Just let me get a clear path to the one with the Ysalamiri."

Quinlan wasn't sure what Dargus was up to, but if he knew a way then they would have to risk it and trust him. There were a couple of vases on the corridor, not too far from where they stood. A curious thing about the void bubble created by the Ysalamiri was that a Jedi could not use the Force when within it, but was able to feel and reach with the Force things around it and too far from its limit. The vases would provide a way...

Taking a defensive stance, he trusted the Force to guide his hand and block the blaster shots, while he took hold of both vases with his will. His stretched hand hurled the vases to the two guards on the back that were closer to the walls, leaving the one in the middle unharmed. And even though he lost control of the vases when they became too close, they already had too much speed to simply drop to the floor. The hit was precise and the guards fell unconscious to the ground.

"The Ysalamiri must still be small enough to be kept within a human body. Probably embryo. If the bubble keeps moving forward, then we already know who has the Ysalamiri," he said.

"Ysalamiri are too fragile," Dargus said. "Many have died just getting them to uncling from the branches they've grabbed hold of. One would not survive within the body of a living being, not and produce the bubble we're seeing here. Look for someone carrying a case, or someone whose armour seems overly large for their body."

Jaro stayed his distance behind his troops as they opened fire on the Jedi. He delighted in their surprise at the attack and could only imagine their scathing at finding New Republic Troops coming up from the rear. He was fairly certain that the young ysalamiri he kept about him had had its desired effect of slowing the Jedi's abilities.

So far he concluded by the Jedi's manner of attack, that they were not at all aware that these particular troops were not true New republic commandos, but former Imperial troopers for hire. He had hoped the mercenaries would take care of the Jedi before they could catch on to the way they attacked. Their mannerisms were typical of Imperial training, unlike that of New Republic training. Jaro also surmised that the ysalamiri would probably help to mudd the Jedi Force senses that would also allow them to read the intentions of these troops, compared to the mentality that a New Republic Trooper would have.

Jaro had to keep from losing control of his emotions, he was absolutely giddy with how the events had unfolded.

Jaro took aim for the dark haired Jedi that he oddly thought resembled a well known criminal he was somewhat familiar with. He fired a shot with his blaster but it went wide as one of the troopers was shot in the leg by the deflection of their own laser fire.

Dargus had been turning away to address another threat when the shot aimed at him was fired. Without turning, he swung his lightsaber back and intercepted the blaster bolt. Using the Force as his guide, he sent the bolt right back toward his attacker. "That's the one we want," he called as he spun around to follow the blaster bolt he'd redirected. When he saw the man who had fired upon him, however, he only raised a very intrigued eyebrow. "Well, well," he murmured.

***

The four Jedi moved together, directing all of the blaster fire coming in at them toward a particular point in the ranks of those opposing them. Koran Darr was the focal point, the guide in their actions. With each action he made, Liam, Laedra and Kael followed instinctively. They were as one.

As they finally managed to push their way through the troops blocking their passage, they sensed a new danger approaching. Crackling with the anger of their emotions, Nieme and Dani stormed into the room, purple blades held ready as they glared at the Jedi.

"You've gone too far this time," Dani said, her voice an angry growl. "We've played with you before, but not any longer. Now, you will truly feel our wrath."

And with a piercing, sinister giggle issuing from the two creatures of darkness, the Jedi were engaged.

"In Waiting"
By: Yelara Zaneth
Jae Dyn Brael
Zari Zathmir
Raeila Selrid

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 8, 4 ABY

***

Holding Leshie close, Yelara studied the woman sitting across the room with much scrutiny and wariness. She had called herself Jae Dyn Brael - Kallia - but Yelara knew neither, even though the woman had insisted they had a history together. There were moments when Yelara's memory was stirred by Kallia's scent, or certain looks in her eyes, but nothing surfaced, and again she returned to her state of imposed ignorance that kept her suspicious of all those around her, save for Dargus. She couldn't remember much about him, but that he was familiar was enough for Yelara. Everyone else was strangers, and it frightened her.

Noticing Kallia glance up from the child sleeping in her own arms, Yelara quickly gazed away towards the window. She had no idea why the woman insisted on remaining with her at all times.

"They'll all be back soon," Kallia said again. "So, did you want anything to eat? I can have Orn make us something. He's a very good chef. You don't remember his cooking do you? I could tell that little Leshie does though."

"I'm not hungry," Yelara replied flatly. "But...if you're hungry, feel free to go dine. I won't be lonely."

"Oh, I'm not hungry," Kallia said. "But, I thought you might be. So, now that you're here, Yelara, what...what would you like to do? You used to be really good with technical things. Would you like to do that again?"

She was brushing her lips against the crown of Leshie's head, his fiery red hair reflecting against her pale flesh. "I don't...know how to do that," Yelara said quietly. "I just...want to be with my son."

Kal nodded. "You still have no idea who I am, what we've been through together, do you?"

"I'm afraid not," she answered, and seemed almost apologetic. "My memories...many of them are gone. It can't be helped."

"I understand," Kallia said softly. "It's hard for me...because...because we were very close. I...I named my little girl after you."

Yelara smiled kindly. "I've been told as much." She glanced briefly at Zari, the young Padawan who was sitting alone at the table, studying a text. Yelara spoke quietly, keeping the conversation from being heard entirely. "I'll admit...there are times when I think I know you, when I...feel something. But those moments are fleeting. Whatever it was we shared with one another...perhaps it's time to move on. We may never retrieve what has been lost."

"It's hardest on Liam," Kal continued, as if Yel hadn't even spoken. "You were married to him, had a child by him. You saved his life from Dargus' attack, and allowed him to get Tae'Karada back from his control. He spent months trying to find you, trying to bring you back. It's quite ironic that when you did come back, you rushed into the arms of the man who killed you to begin with."

Yelara's expression hardened. "I have no recollection of that. I only remember loving Dargus...but I wouldn't expect you to be truthful about the past. You have much to gain by tarnishing Dargus' reputation. But I will not be so easily manipulated, Ms. Brael."

"You think that I would seriously..." Kallia shook her head and sighed heavily. "Dargus Kandran is currently my lover. I have no desire to tarnish his reputation or hurt him in any way. I only want you to know the truth...I only want Leshie to know the truth...and I don't want Liam hurt by all of this. I don't want him to bring you back, only to lose both you and his son."

Yelara's raven hair curled around Leshie's face as she reached down to kiss his brow. "I can't help it if his intentions were selfish ones...but I am grateful he revived me. I just don't feel I'm obligated to him in any way because of it." She looked up at Kal, and her eyes were devoid of emotion. "Or you."

"No, now your intentions are the selfish ones," Kallia said. "Then again, maybe they always were. Just don't expect to keep the child from him...you'll have a fight on your hands if you do."

Her eyes narrowed to angry, violet slits. "He may see Leshie all he wants. But he must realize Leshie belongs to Dargus now just as much."

"We'll see about that," Kallia said, "because I really don't think Dargus wants that responsibility now, now that he's not the villain of the piece and actually wishes to end the hostilities he'd started with Liam. Though, we'll see when he returns from the Palace tonight. I'm sure he'll--" She suddenly whipped her attention around. "Intruders."

Yelara stiffened and pulled Leshie closer to her breast. He whimpered softly in protest. "Who is it?" she asked in a mild panic. "What are they doing here?"

"I can't tell that yet, but there are a lot," she said, then turned to Yelara. "It's a counter-attack. They're the clones sent from the Palace, they were sent here by Nieme and Dani."

"Well what do we do?" Yelara asked, already rising. "We can't stay here!"

"There are two choices for you," Kallia said, standing up and shifting the carrier in which Yara sat to her back. "You can stay in this room, and wait until we've taken care of the threat. Or you can stay close to me where I can protect you. I will need to, however, get out there to assist the padawans."

"You're going out there?" she said incredulously. "But...your baby..." Yel was gazing at Kallia's belly.

"I'm the only Jedi Knight in the Temple," Kallia said softly. "Someone has to lead the padawans, guide them. I know now isn't the best time for me, but there's no one else."

Yelara was surprised at the pang of fear she felt in knowing Kallia was prepared to risk her life to protect the Temple...and herself. It was a troubling sensation, for she had no idea why she should worry over a woman she hardly knew. "I'll go with you," she decided, still perplexed. "Do you have a blaster? I can help."

"There should be one around," Kallia said. "Come on, I know where it would be if there is one."

"You there," Yelara called to Zari, who seemed lost in her own thoughts and unaware of the danger around them. "The children...can you manage with both? We need to get them to safety, and I can't exactly shoot with Leshie in my arms. Can you do it?"

Zari looked up and nodded. "I can take them," she said as she pushed away from the table. "I don't know enough yet as a Jedi to be able to fight." She moved to stand in front of Yelara, and her eyes were rimmed with tears that she was trying to blink away. "I know a place that's safe where I can hide."

"Then I will trust you with him," Yelara said gently. She kissed her son's brow, and murmured something into his ear that seemed to calm the child. Then she offered him to Zari. "Keep him warm, remember."

"I will keep him safe for you," Zari murmured, then gave Yelara a short bow. "He is a beautiful baby."

She smiled. "I know it."

A brisk knock came to the door, startling the three, but the voice coming through the wood reassured them for a moment. "Master Brael!" Raeila's voice urgently whispered. "Please, hurry!"

"We're on our way," Kallia said, then turned to Zari as she helped fit Yara's carrier on to the girl's back. "Take good care of them, Zari." She brushed away one of her tears. "And, you'll be fine. The Force is strong in you, it will guide you well."

"Thank you, Master," Zari said.

Kallia moved to the door and opened it to find Raeila on the other side. "Are you going to be joining us to take a stand against the invader's, Raeila?"

Her eyes grew wide with surprise, and she looked between Kallia and Zari, lightly bouncing Leshie to keep him calm. "I...I can if you wish, Master Brael. Or I can help Zari."

"Go with Zari," Kallia said gratefully. "Make sure she stays safe. See that the other non-combatants go with you. If you see Tralesha or Shaza, send them to the main hall, that's where we'll be assembling. Come on, time is against us now." For as inspiring as the words were, Kallia didn't appear very inspiring as she waddled from the room with one hand supporting her very pregnant belly.

Zari looked up at Raeila as she fell into step beside her. "When I was at the Palace, I saw your brother once. He told me to tell you he was safe and he'd see you very soon...and that he loves you very much."

Raeila smiled wistfully at the girl. "I know he does. I feel it." And relieved Zari of Leshie to ease her burden, and winked at her friend to assuage her emotional one as well. "I'm glad you're back, Zari. So glad."

"Me too," Zari said with a smile. The tears that had fallen just a short time ago were gone. The fear she felt, the defenselessness and hopelessness was a thing of the past. With the Jedi taking a stand and with friends near her, she felt safe again. Hopefully very soon, they would all feel safe again.

"Promise of a Kiss"
By: Keeve Shivral
Talara Sorenne
Ferrig Mullerin
Oot Kovan

Location: Palace of Arcadia
Date: Vadris 8, 4 ABY

***

With all the organized chaos surrounding the palace's invasion, no one was placing much stock in guarding Dani and Nieme's acquisitions. Especially when one of them looked the part of one of Arcadia's Royal Guard. Playing his role as best he could, Keeve marched through the corridors with Talara hurrying along beside him. They'd avoided the fighting thus far, much of it localized at the far end of the palace where Dani and Nieme had positioned their troops. Even so, the sounds of battle rang through the corridors audibly enough.

"I thought the Jedi were supposed to be good," Keeve muttered to his companion. "It should've been over by now."

"Nieme and Dani were trained by the Jedi," Talara said softly. "And...and someone informed them that the Jedi were coming. They had a trap waiting."

Keeve stopped suddenly and turned to face her. "They were being ambushed and you knew about it? Why didn't you say anything! We could've tried to warn them!"

"I tried," Talara whispered softly. "They almost caught me, but...but I tried."

He grumbled. "We can't do anything for them now. Not until we get out." Then he started forward again. "Is Ferrig ready?"

"He should be," Tala said. "He took some clothes with him to Oot's room earlier. They should be dressed and ready to go."

Keeve raised his right hand and activated the comm imbedded in his vambrace. "Ferrig, we're nearing your location."

"We're ready," came the reply from Ferrig's own comm. "The guard has moved on. I don't think he enjoyed listening to us in here. We're ready for you."

"I hope you mean that in the most innocent way possible," Keeve retorted, and heard Oot chuckling in the background. "Just try not to start anything you can't finish before we get there. Keeve out." And he deactivated the comm before any other unwanted noises could issue from it. "Talara, go on ahead and make sure we're clear."

After checking her lightsaber, Talara nodded, then moved ahead of Keeve. The corridor was empty, except for the single guard stationed as far from Oot and Ferrig's door as he could be without abandoning his post. She gave him a nod and he returned it, then she started toward the door. As she did, she glanced back at Keeve and gave him a subtle nod. It was time.

Keeve stepped into the open with his blaster rifle levelled at the soldier. One clean shot hissed past Talara and threw the clone back. The only sound was a clatter as he hit the ground. "Alright, let's move," Keeve urged and jogged towards Oot's room. The two were in the doorway before he'd even come to a stop. "Get his weapon." Keeve tossed his head towards the fallen soldier.

Talara hurried to the crumpled heap that was no longer a threat and picked up his weapon. She quickly checked his vitals, and was satisfied that he was only unconscious. She ran silently back to the room, flashing a grin to Keeve as she approached.

Relieving Talara of the weapon, Keeve offered it to Ferrig. "You and Oot get to the south entrance. Shoot anything that moves. Talara and I will take the east."

Ferrig nodded and checked the weapon. "Good luck," he said. "I don't know the area around here, but we should meet outside if we can. Will the Jedi Temple work?"

"I think it's a location we may all know," Oot said, raising an eyebrow at Keeve.

He nodded curtly. "Right...if there's one left to return to," he muttered.

"If it's not there," Oot said, "we'll all have to figure something out on our own. Now, we need to get moving before those two have the sense to think that their little playthings might have minds and lives of their own with intentions to flee with the chaos." She turned to Ferrig. "Let's get moving." She gave Keeve a look that held a healthy amount of sultriness to it. "Good luck, Keeve. I'll see you soon."

Smirking under his helmet, he answered, "You wish." Then he and Talara stalked down the corridor. The last he saw of Oot before he rounded the corner was her hungry smile. He shook his head. "I'm in trouble when we get through this."

Talara grinned. "You don't sound too disappointed," she said as they moved silently through the corridor. "At least you can have your wife defend you from her advances."

He snorted. "From hers or yours?"

Talara grinned. "I'm being good now," she said. "Besides, I know a hopeless fight when I see one. I think I've got about as much of a chance at getting your attention as a frazzie in the desert."

"Then focus on Ferrig," he advised her. "But first...shall we get out of here?"

Talara nodded and moved alongside Keeve toward the exit they'd chosen. As they cautiously fled along the hallway, she glanced at him. "There isn't a chance, right?"

He glanced aside at her. "Do you really believe there could be?"

"Not really," Talara said with a smile. "But, you can't blame me for hoping. You are very cute, you know." With that, she quickly looked away from him and hurried a few steps ahead.

"Kids," he muttered fondly, and lengthened his strides to catch her. For as lustful as she was, Keeve still found Talara endearing. He just didn't want to get caught naked in a locked room with her, that was for certain. Though, he imagined Maeren would find that idea appealing. He sighed, thinking of his wife. "I'll be home soon," Keeve whispered. "I promise."

***

When Keeve arrived at the hidden door that would lead to his freedom, Talara was waiting for him, but the expression on her face was not a happy one. "The Jedi have broken through, and they're headed this way. That means troops are headed this way too. Hurry, Keeve. You have to get out."

Keeve grasped her arm gently and meant to drag her through with him. "You mean we."

"You have to get out, Keeve," Talara said urgently. "I'll cover for your escape, but you have to make it. If they don't think I betrayed them, I'll be fine, and I can find a way to sneak away. But as long as you and Ferrig and Oot are safe..."

"But you're just a kid," he told her. "What can you possibly do against all those troops!"

"I'm a Jedi Padawan," Talara said, a hint of pride leaking through in her words. "You'd be surprised at what I can do. I'll get out, Keeve, and I'll come see you to show you I'm alright. I promise."

Fearing for the girl, Keeve nodded hesitantly and released her. "When we meet up later...you'll have to collect your kiss."

"I'm looking forward to it," she whispered. "Be safe, Keeve. And, may the Force be with you."

Tugging off his helmet, Keeve smirked at Tala in the way he knew would melt her heart. "Who needs the Force when I've got the promise of a kiss from you to keep me going?" And with a dazzling wink, Keeve dashed through the door, ready for any offense he might face.

It took all of Talara's will not to wilt under the heat of his smile. She watched him go, offering a slight wave he couldn't see. Once she was certain he was gone and safe, she closed the hidden door and turned back down the hall. With her lightsaber in hand, she started down the corridor, preparing the story she would tell about the escape. She just hoped her own window of opportunity opened soon.

"Outnumbered"
By: Nyah Darasar
Vaya Bek
Aurra Sgall
Taran Kinneas
Yara Zaneth
Jae Dyn Brael
Yelara Zaneth
Va'Lesh Zaneth

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 8, 4 ABY

***

Ever since Nyah had learned of the plan the Jedi Masters devised she was worried. That uncertain feeling only grew stronger once Alisson and the others had departed the temple. She'd tried meditation but couldn't focus on that for as long as she'd like to. After giving up on that Nyah decided to go in search of Vaya. Perhaps some conversation with one of the other Padawans would do her some good.

***

Vaya felt that the mood in the Temple was very edgy. All the Jedi, save for Master Jae Dyn Brael, had left on some urgent and dangerous mission, leaving behind the Padawans. Not only was there a sense of uneasiness within the Temple, but Vaya herself was not feeling very well...she just wasn't herself, she was having feelings and thoughts that just were not like her own. She hadn't wanted to trouble her mentor with it as Laedra had more important things to attend to. In truth, Vaya didn't even know what she was thinking or feeling, she was just sort of lost in some kind of limbo. Sometimes she had her faculties about her, other times she felt as if she was drifting from reality.

Vaya had meditated for some time on these things and the sense of foreboding she was getting, either from the Force, or just her own personal feelings after her talk with Master Vorrel. Afterwards she thought it would be a good idea to seek Aurra out, and maybe have some companionship to ease her mind and feelings. She thought that maybe Aurra too may need a friend right now. She didn't know much about the Padawan, but the two were becoming friends, and after all, that was what friends were for.

Something's in the air... Vaya heard in her own head.

Padawans best beware... she heard again, like some stray unconscious thought of her.

Vaya shrugged it off, though she maintained a certain feeling of wonder and worry as she sought out her friend.

Alisson could handle herself well enough, Nyah knew. She'd seen her mentor in action in training several times and more recently on the mission with Korva. The cold feeling of darkness which settled on her that day wasn't something easily forgotten. With a quick shake of her head those thoughts were set aside. After some searching she finally located Vaya.

"Vaya I hope I'm not disturbing you," Nyah commented as a way of verbally announcing her presence even though that wasn't quite necessary.

"Hey, Nyah," Vaya answered. "No, you're not disturbing me, I was just looking for Aurra. Care to join me?"

Nyah nodded and fell into step beside Vaya. "I was hoping some conversation or other distraction would allow me to get my mind off of other things."

Vaya smiled. "I understand that, the air around here is pretty thick with everything going on."

Not to mention my own going-ons, Vaya thought to herself in regards to her recent dreams, loss of time and strange vibes.

"You're Master Blair's Padawan right?" Vaya asked the other girl.

Vaya didn't know much about the other Padawans; she had met and talked to Talara, and had quickly befriended Aurra. She hadn't really the pleasure of getting to know Nyah yet

Aurra saw the two girls and walked their way. She too knew of the dangers of the mission that the masters had undergone, and in a certain way she had hoped to go herself and help, but she knew that she was not yet ready for such a serious matter. No Padawan from the temple was.

"Hey..." she nodded to the two other girls. "Seems no one really knows what to do. Umm...maybe you want to hang out a bit?"

Nyah nodded a greeting to Aurra then proceeded to answer Vaya's earlier question. "Yes I'm training under the guidance of Master Blair. And yes I've been looking for a way to keep busy, even though I know the Masters are quite capable.