Star Wars - Tales from the Outer Rim

"Closing In"
by Reeve
Jal Saren, Bounty Hunter (NPC+)
Gherig Hoff, Crimelord (NPC+)

Location: Armored Freighter FOE-HAMMER, Corridor
Date: Vadris 9, 4ABY

***

Jal Saren crept down the corridor, blaster drawn. As he neared a turn, he pressed himself against the wall and peeked around the corner, to make sure the coast was clear. It was, and he started moving again.

Jal knew it wasn't going to last. When he got to the bridge, alarms would sound, to be sure. In fact, Jal wasn't even sure he'd be able to take the bridge on his own. He'd been planning on a surprise attack, to catch them off guard, and blast the tractor-beam controls and escape before any of them knew what happened.

Of course, Jal wasn't totally sure that would work, but he figured his options were somewhat limited.

Suddenly, a door opened on the side of the corridor, and a pair of guards stepped out, in the middle of a conversation. They immediately stopped when they saw Jal, and for a moment everyone stood there, stock still and staring.

Then the guards reacted, quickly raising their guns. Jal took aim and fired, hitting them both in the chest before they had a chance to aim their own weapons. They hit the door that had closed behind them and slid down to the floor, dead.

Jal exhaled a deep breath. That had been close. He hoped the noise wouldn't attract any undue attention.

***

The guard heard the door opening, and turned to see who it was. He barely had time to react as Reeve lunged, gripping him by the throat with one hand and lifting him into the air. The guard could feel his wind-pipe collapsing as Reeve's iron grip tightened around his neck.

"Tell me," Reeve said, his voice soft and calm. "Where is Gherig Hoff?"

The guard tried to say something, but couldn't get the words out. Reeve rolled his eyes and loosened his grip somewhat, to let the guard speak.

"He's in his private chambers!" the guard croaked out.

"And where might I find those?" Reeve asked, raising an eyebrow.

"On Deck 1, not far from the bridge!"

"Thank you very much," Reeve said, with a polite smile. Then his grip tightened all the way, snapping the guard's neck like a twig. The guard went limp.

Reeve dropped the guard's lifeless body to the ground and turned towards the door. Now that he knew where Hoff was, it was only a matter of time.

***

Suddenly, alarm klaxons went off. Jal immediately cursed. His luck certainly had been rotten as of late.

"Attention!" a voice over the ship's PA system sounded. "Intruder alert! Intruder alert! Reeve sighted on Deck 3. His destination is Deck 1. Repeat, Reeve is moving towards Deck 1. All personnel, move to intercept! Exercise extreme caution!"

Jal smiled. So, it looks like that stun blast didn't put quite as much of a dent on Reeve as it looked like. Now that the maniac was loose on the ship, Jal felt certain that the bodies would start to pile up.

If it was anywhere else, Jal might have been horrified. But recent events had made him a little less fond of Gherig Hoff and his goons. Jal hated to say it, but Reeve was going to give them what they deserved.

Still, Jal didn't want to run into Reeve, if he could help it. Chances were, Reeve would still be a little mad about that business back on Thanatos. Of course, Jal was starting to suspect more and more that that whole fight had been just for show, and that this had been Reeve's plan all along.

Well, it made sense. Jal had been thinking that capturing Reeve had been pretty easy, considering his reputation. This was likely the only way that Reeve could get onto Hoff's ship.

Clever bastard, Jal thought. Oh well, doesn't change a thing. I still need to get to the bridge.

***

Reeve pressed himself against the wall and peered around the corner. A group of 6 guards were waiting, their blasters drawn, ready to shoot him as soon as he rounded the corner. Reeve frowned and began to think. He wasn't fast enough to make it down that corridor without getting shot, and while Reeve knew he could take one or two blaster shots and probably live, 6 of them would surely kill him.

Then Reeve spotted a control console on the opposite wall. An idea began to form in his head, and he smiled.

***

The guards stood, their fingers on the triggers, waiting for someone to round the corner. Anyone who was foolish enough to come that way was definitely dead. Even Reeve.

The guards waited.

Suddenly, the lighting in the corridor began to flicker. One of the guards looked up, and noticed that the lights had begun to die out, one by one. As more and more of the hallway was cloaked in darkness, the guards began to stir, looking at the ceiling and wondering what was going on.

When the last light died out, it was too late for them.

Reeve struck.

***

Shortly thereafter, the lights began to come back on. It was gradual, one light at a time, but before long, the corridor had returned to its normal lighting.

Reeve stood, surveying the carnage. Around him were the six guards, all of them dead. A few had their heads twisted at sickening angles, one had a broken spine, and one had had his head smashed against the wall until his skull had broken open.

Reeve looked at his hands, and frowned when he saw that they were covered in blood. He cast an angry glance at the man whose head he'd bashed in, and knelt down to wipe his hands off on the man's clothing. Once they were clean, he stood up.

Reeve started forward again, not looking back at the six men whose lives he'd just so violently ended.

***

Gherig Hoff had been in his chambers, examining Reeve's sword, when the alarms had sounded. Immediately, Hoff looked up, his eyes wide. A million thoughts raced through his head at once.

Reeve is awake. He's loose on the ship. He's coming.

Hoff set the sword down on his desk and turned, heading for the bridge.

He was determined that Reeve would not get to him. Not on his own ship.

***

Jal Saren emerged from the elevator and stepped onto Deck 1. He looked up and down the corridor, and saw no guards. He figured most of them were on Deck 2, waiting to ambush Reeve. Jal was surprised they hadn't cut off power to the elevators yet... but Jal guessed that his luck had been rotten enough for one day, and he was about due for a break.

Jal started towards the bridge. It had been awhile since he'd be on this ship, but its layout was all coming back to him now. Jal knew the way to go.

"Double-cross"
with Reeve
Jal Saren, Bounty Hunter (NPC+)
Gherig Hoff, Crimelord (NPC+)

Location: STAR-RUNNER
Date: Vadris 9, 4ABY

***

"Are you sure about this, sir?"

Jal Saren rolled his eyes and looked over at AP.

"You're the one who told me he'd be out for hours," Jal said. "Now you're getting worried about it?"

"Well, I assumed he'd be a little more restrained," AP said. Jal shrugged, taking a quick glance back at Reeve's unconscious form. His wrists were bound, and he was strapped into a passenger-chair. He had not moved since AP had hit him with the stun-blast on full power.

"Don't worry about it, AP," Jal said. "My luck ain't that bad."

"That's what you said when you lost the reward for our last job, sir," AP replied, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

"So pazaak isn't my game," Jal shrugged. "Sue me. Did you get a message out to Hoff yet?"

"Yes sir," AP said. "He knows we're on our way. I'm sure he'll be waiting for us."

"Yeah," Jal frowned. "Now comes the hard part."

"Sir?"

"Collecting the money," Jal replied.

***

Location: Armored Freighter, FOE-HAMMER, Docking Bay

Gherig Hoff watched as the STAR-RUNNER docked and its entrance ramp lowered. When Jal Saren began walking down it, Hoff started towards the ship, flanked on either side by guards. He came to a stop in front of Jal, and noticed that he was holding a long black sword, still in its sheath, in his hand.

"Been awhile since I seen the inside of this ship," Jal said, looking around.

"Quite," Hoff said. "You have Reeve?"

"Hey now, let's not skip the foreplay, here," Jal said. "What about my money?"

Hoff frowned, then looked over at one of his guards and nodded. The guard stepped forward and threw a large black bag at Jal's feet.

"100,000 credits," Hoff said. "As we agreed. Now, bring me Reeve."

Jal nodded, and grabbed his comm-unit from his belt. "Alright, AP, bring him out."

A moment later, AP-21 appeared at the top of the ramp, pushing a hover-stretcher in front of him. Sprawled out on the stretcher, hands still bound, was Reeve. Hoff's eyes were fixed on his enemy, a look of sadistic joy and relief. It made Jal uncomfortable.

A guard walked up and relieve AP of the stretcher. AP returned up the ramp and into the ship, as the guard pushed the hover-stretcher over to where Gherig Hoff was standing. Hoff stared down at his enemy for a moment, then spoke.

"Take him to the brig," Hoff said. "I want to have a talk with him before he dies. Inform me the moment he regains consciousness."

"Yes sir," the guard nodded. He started pushing the stretcher away, in the direction of the brig. Hoff followed Reeve with his eyes, watching his enemy disappear through the hangar-bay doors. Once he had, Hoff turned his gaze to the weapon in Jal's hand.

"That is his sword?" Hoff asked.

"Yeah," Jal nodded.

"Give it to me," Hoff ordered. Jal looked at him for a moment, seeming to consider it, then nodded and held the sword out. Hoff took it and removed it from its sheath, examining it closely. He knew this blade well.

"This sword," Hoff said. "This is the sword he used to cut my hand off, two years ago."

"Yeah, Reeve sure is one helluva charmer," Jal said, shifting his stance uncomfortably. "So, uh... look, I have my money, so AP and I are just going to head out of here, alright?"

"Just a moment, Saren," Hoff said, returning the sword to its sheath. "Did you know, Saren, that every time I crush an enemy, I take something of theirs to keep as a trophy? I do it to remind myself of those who have stood in my path and paid the price. These trophies remind me of the mistakes they made, lest I repeat them. But for all the trophies I have collected, this sword will be my most prized."

"That's... uh... nice, Gherig," Jal shrugged. "Can I go now?"

"But do you know what my second most prized trophy will be?" Hoff asked, his expression turning into a sadistic smile. "Your ship, Saren."

With a snap of his fingers, two guards approached Jal and took him roughly by the arms. Jal thought for a moment about resisting, but quickly decided it was a bad idea - there were about five guards in the room, all of them armed with blaster-rifles. Instead, he looked at Hoff and forced a smile, even as a third guard stepped up and confiscated his equipment.

"Jeez, Hoff, I didn't know you liked to get rough on the first date."

"I have suffered your insults for some time, Saren," Hoff said, his evil grin fading. "Now that my biggest enemy is in my grasp, I see no reason why I should allow my second biggest to fly out of here with 100,000 of my credits."

Hoff turned his attention to one of the guards who held Saren's arms.

"Take him to the brig as well," Hoff ordered.

"You really should have just given me the money, Hoff," Jal said as the guards began to drag him away.

Hoff did not respond. Instead, he returned his gaze to the sword - Reeve's sword, now Hoff's trophy. It was truly magnificent.

***

As the guards led Jal through the corridor, Jal was doing his best to remember the ship's layout. Before, when he'd worked for Hoff, he'd ridden on this ship many times. It was a little hazy, but he thought he remembered where the important places were.

If Jal was going to get out of this one, he would have to get to his ship. Of course, with the FOE-HAMMER's tractor beams still operational, it would be a pretty short ride. So, Jal had to get to the bridge to deactivate the tractor beams... easier said than done, considering that Hoff had a small army of guards patrolling the corridors of his ship.

Still, Jal certainly wasn't going to get anything done from the brig.

"You guys like working for Hoff?" Jal asked.

"Shut up," one of the guards said gruffly.

"Hey, just making conversation," Jal said quickly. "Don't get angry."

"You're pretty cheery for someone who's going to be dead soon," one of the guards taunted.

"Yeah, I was thinking about that, actually," Jal said. "And you know what? I've decided that I'd really, really like to live. You think you guys might want to, you know, let me go?"

"Not likely," one of the guards said. "Keep moving."

"Well, worth a shot," Jal shrugged. Then, without warning, he twisted out of the guards' grasp and lashed out with a fist, catching one guard square on the jaw and knocking him out cold. Before he fell over, Jal grabbed the blaster-rifle that was slung on his shoulder and spun around, firing a blast directly into the second guard's chest.

The third guard brought up his blaster and fired, but Jal dropped to one knee, avoiding the bolt, and returned fire. His shot caught the guard in the shoulder, causing him to stumble backward. A second shot to his stomach dropped him to the ground.

Jal stood up and looked around. Then, he slung the blaster-rifle around his shoulder and grabbed his belt from one of the fallen guards. He strapped it on, then grabbed the comm-link.

"AP, it's me," Jal said.

"Yes, sir?" AP's voice replied.

"AP, it's a double-cross," Jal said. "Hoff just tried to haul me to the brig."

"And now I suppose you need my help," AP replied.

"You know, I'm really glad you understand the gravity of the situation," Jal said, rolling his eyes. "Listen, AP, get the ship ready, but don't let them know. I have to take out the tractor beams so we can get out of here. When I get back to the ship, I'll probably have some guards on my ass, so I want to be ready to leave as soon as possible."

"Yes, sir," AP replied. "See you soon."

Jal deactivated the comm-link and returned it to his belt. Then, he pulled his blaster pistol and started down the hall.

***

The guard pushing Reeve's hover-stretcher did not notice when Reeve's finger twitched. Nor did he notice when Reeve's eyes opened. In fact, he didn't notice anything until Reeve's hand had shot out and slammed into his neck, collapsing his trachea and rendering him immediately unconscious.

Reeve got up from the stretcher and looked around. He was slightly sore, but none the worse for wear. He knew that getting shot with a stun-blast was going to hurt, but it was the only way he could think of to get onto Gherig Hoff's ship.

Reeve had known about AP, of course. He knew that Jal Saren would not be so foolish as to try and take him on single-handed. And a modified droid sidekick was certainly the kind of backup that a bounty-hunter liked to keep on hand.

Now that Reeve was aboard, the real fun could begin. Gherig Hoff was already a dead man.

Reeve just had to deliver the news.

"Face Off"
by Reeve
Jal Saren, Bounty Hunter (NPC+)
Gherig Hoff, Crimelord (NPC+)

Location: Armored Freighter, FOE-HAMMER, Bridge
Date: Vadris 9, 4ABY

***

Gherig Hoff watched as his ship dropped out of hyperspace and Tae'Karada came into view. Hoff's expression was emotionless, but deep inside he was anxious. His enemy was somewhere on that world, and his other enemy would have to bring him down.

Hoff shook his head and turned, looking at a nearby crewman.

"Inform Saren that I have arrived," he ordered. "When he has Reeve, tell him to bring him here."

"Yes sir," the crewman nodded. Hoff returned his gaze to Tae'Karada.

Soon, Reeve, he thought. Soon.

***

Location: Thanatos, Street

The sun had set on Thanatos, and the streets had emptied. Only the very bold or very foolish dared walk the streets of Thanatos after dark. One lone figure could be seen, walking fearlessly down the middle of the street, not seeming to have any particular destination.

Reeve walked, not knowing where he was walking and not really caring, either. He was waiting - waiting for the man named Jal Saren to make his move.

Reeve had done his own research - after his sudden "brush" with Saren the previous day, Reeve had taken it upon himself to find out the man's name. Jal Saren wasn't the most well-known, but he had enough of a reputation that people knew his name. Apparently, Saren was supposed to be incredibly resourceful and possessed an uncanny luck. Rumor had it, Saren was an awfully hard man to kill.

No matter. No matter how good Saren was, in the end he was only human. And to Reeve, he was a mere insect.

Reeve stopped. He'd heard something - a noise from behind him. He did not turn to look, because he knew he was not yet in danger. Instead, he merely smiled slightly and rested his hand on the hilt of his sword.

"Mr. Saren, I presume," he said.

"Good guess," the voice replied. Reeve turned, and looked into the face of the man who had bumped into him the day before. The bounty hunter named Jal Saren.

Saren's hand was on the handle of his blaster, but he hadn't drawn it yet. If he had wanted, he could have tried to shoot Reeve in the back - he would have failed, of course, but he could have tried - so Reeve guessed that Saren probably wanted to try and take him alive.

The operative word being "try".

"How much is Hoff paying you?" Reeve asked. "I do hope it's worthy of me."

"100,000," Saren replied. "Nothing personal, but I could use the money."

"Indeed," Reeve said. "However, you're going to have to earn it, you know."

"Now now," Saren said. "No need for this to get ugly. Whatever business is between you and Hoff, well... that's up to you to square that up. All I want is to take you to him."

"Mr. Saren," Reeve said. "Did you honestly expect me to come quietly?"

"Honestly?" Saren replied. "Not for a second."

In an instant, Jal Saren had pulled his blaster and fired. Reeve had to admit, the man had quite a fast draw. If Reeve had been anyone else, Saren would no doubt have landed a direct hit. However, Reeve's Imperial training coupled with his enhanced genetics made it easy for him to side-step the shot and roll behind a nearby building. Drawing his sword, he peeked out to see where Saren had gone.

Saren had disappeared from sight - likely, he was hiding behind another nearby building. Saren was obviously no fool - he knew that a straight fight with Reeve would have been a fatal decision. Instead, he was going to try and hide, take Reeve out by surprise. Reeve suspected that Saren had a plan.

But Reeve had a plan of his own. Of course, he still had to avoid getting shot.

"You've got quite the quick-draw, Mr. Saren," Reeve called out. "I can see why Hoff hired you. He must have a great deal of faith in your abilities."

"Either that or he wouldn't mind seeing you whack me," Saren called back. "But hey, I gotta pay the bills, right?"

Two more blaster shots erupted from the darkness, striking the wall in front of Reeve. Reeve ducked down and stepped back, his eyes fixed in the direction that the shots had come from. Kneeling down, Reeve picked up a medium-sized stone and hurled it in that direction.

"Shit!"

The rock clattered loudly into a nearby building. Saren had obviously ducked the rock by mere inches, but it had given Reeve enough time to quickly run behind another building, this one closer to where Saren was hiding. While Saren got to his feet and desperately searched for where Reeve had run to, Reeve climbed onto the roof of the shack he was using as cover and began silently creeping towards Saren.

Jal Saren, meanwhile, desperately searched the darkness, his eyes straining for any sign of movement. He crept as quietly as a shadow, his hand steady, the blaster-pistol still firmly gripped with his finger on the trigger.

He didn't think to check the roof until it was too late.

Without warning, Reeve dropped down onto Saren from above, kicking him in the back and sending him sprawling. Saren fell, rolled, and got back to his feet. He took aim and fired, but Reeve dodged the shot and charged, swinging his sword. Saren jumped back to avoid having his stomach split, then kicked out with his foot. Reeve effortlessly caught Saren's foot and threw him onto his back. Jal hit the ground hard, and for a moment he thought he could see stars. When his vision cleared, however, all he saw was the face of Reeve, staring down at him. The smirk had never left his face.

Reeve touched the tip of his blade to Jal's throat.

"A noble effort, Mr. Saren," Reeve said. "But in the end, pointless. You couldn't possibly have hoped to defeat me, not by yourself."

"Who said I was by myself?" Jal asked. "AP, now!"

Reeve's eyes widened, and his head whipped around just in time to see Jal's droid, AP, open fire. A blue beam of light shot out and struck Reeve full on, knocking him to the ground. He did not stir.

***

Jal Saren sat up and dusted himself off. His ribs were a little bit sore, but all in all he was in pretty good shape. That's more than most people who had tangled with Reeve could say.

Jal looked over at AP, who lowered the stun-rifle he had been holding.

"You know, I think this is the first time I was ever actually glad to see you," Jal said, as he laboriously got to his feet. "Will he live?"

"Yes sir," AP replied. "I used the highest setting. He'll be out cold for at least a few hours, and may wake up with a slight headache. Beyond that, however, he will be fine."

"I dunno' about that, AP," Jal said. "Not after Hoff gets his hands on him."

"An astute observation, sir," AP said.

"Well, help me bind him and get him to the ship," Jal said. "We got an appointment with our old pal, Gherig Hoff. And boy, will he be happy to see what I'm bringing him."

"Squaring Up"
by Reeve
Jal Saren, Bounty Hunter (NPC+)
Gherig Hoff, Crimelord (NPC+)

Location: Armored Freighter FOE-HAMMER, Bridge
Date: Vadris 9, 4ABY

***

"I want a report, dammit!" Gherig Hoff boomed as he walked quickly through the bridge doors. Lieutenant Everett, the officer on duty, turned to face him.

"Sir, it would appear that Reeve has escaped," he said.

"I know Reeve has escaped, you moron!" Hoff said, backhanding Everett suddenly. "I want to know what you're doing about it!"

"We... we have security teams sweeping the ship for him," Everett said, holding his hand to his bloody-lower lip. "But they haven't found him yet."

"Seal off Deck 2 and cut life-support!" Hoff demanded. "We'll suffocate that son of a bitch!"

"But sir!" Everett protested. "Our men are still on Deck 2, we'd kill all of them as well!"

"I said do it!" Hoff yelled. Everett gulped and stepped over to the computer console. He tapped in a few commands, but then his expression turned grim.

"I... I can't, sir!" Everett said. "Somebody has locked down the controls, I don't have access to anything!"

"What?!" Hoff said, stepping over to the console.

"Sir, there's a pre-recorded message stored in the ship's databank," Everett said. "It came up when I tried to seal Deck 2."

"Play it," Hoff said.

Everett nodded, and a moment later, Reeve's voice was coming out of the computer.

"Nice try, Hoff," it said. "But I thought of it too. In fact, I figured you'd have more than one trick up your sleeve to try and stop me from getting to you, so I just went ahead and locked you out of the computer entirely. You won't be able to do anything but... well... wait for me."

"That son of a bitch!" Hoff said, pounding his hands on the console.

"See you soon!" Reeve's voice came over the speaker. It was unnaturally cheerful, and Hoff found that both infuriating and terrifying.

"Find a way back into the ship's computer!" Hoff demanded. "I want control of my ship back!"

Everett nodded, and he and a few other crewmen set to work. Hoff took a deep breath and stared out the window into space. He had to stay calm, to think. He wouldn't let Reeve beat him, not again, not on his own ship.

***

Jal slowed down as he neared the door to the bridge. Normally, there would be guards on duty, but Jal guessed that Hoff had damn near everyone on the lower decks hunting for Reeve. Jal doubted if any of them would be successful - indeed, Hoff had probably just sent them to be slaughtered - but it didn't matter. One way or the other, Jal was getting off this ship.

"AP, is the ship prepared for take-off?" Jal said into his comm-unit.

"Almost, sir," his droid replied.

"Good," Jal said. "I'm at the bridge. Keep the engines warm."

"Aye aye, sir," AP said. Jal returned the comm-unit to his belt and tightened his grip on his blaster. He took a deep breath, then stepped towards the bridge doors. They opened.

The bridge was nearly abandoned. Jal saw only four crewmen, and none of them were armed. In the middle of the room, staring out into space, was Gherig Hoff.

One of the crew-men looked up and spotted him, and Jal immediately raised his pistol.

"Everyone freeze!" he said. All the bridge's occupants turned to look at him now, being careful to move slowly so as not to get shot.

"Saren!" Hoff said, the anger apparent in both his tone and his expression.

"Gherig," Jal smirked. "You're looking a little worked-up."

Suddenly, one of the crewmen dove for a nearby weapon's locker. Jal turned and fired, hitting the floor directly in front of the running crew-man. The crewman got the hint and stopped moving, his hands raised. He took a few steps back.

"Alright," Jal nodded. "Now, I'm just here to kill the power on your tractor beam, and then I'll be on my way."

"You're wasting your time, Saren," Hoff said. "Reeve has locked out the bridge entirely. We can't do anything from here."

"Well, I'd still feel better knowing that the tractor beam just wasn't a factor anymore," Jal said. With that, he raised his blaster and fired, hitting the main control console behind Lieutenant Everett. It exploded in a rain of fiery shrapnel.

"There," Jal smiled. "All done." He turned to leave.

"Wait!" Hoff said. "Saren! You have to... you have to take me with you!"

Jal stopped, and turned to face Hoff again.

"You want to repeat that?" Jal asked.

"You have to get me out of here!" Hoff said. "Reeve is going to... to kill me!"

"Oh gee, why would he want to do that?" Jal asked. "You're such a wonderful person." He turned to leave again.

"You son of a bitch, Saren!" Hoff called out. "I'll see you in Hell!"

The bridge-doors closed. Jal would never see Gherig Hoff again.

***

Hoff fell to his knees after Saren had left. He was at the end of his rope. He knew that there was nothing more he could do, except wait for Reeve to come. He was trapped. Helpless.

"Sir, what shall we do?" Everett asked. "Saren destroyed the main command-console. We can't regain control of the ship."

"I... I have to go," Hoff said, getting to his feet. He walked slowly off the bridge. Lieutenant Everett watched him leave, not saying anything. There was nothing to say.

***

Location: Hoff's Private Chambers

Hoff entered his private chambers. His desk was at the far end, his large chair still behind it. On the walls were trophies, the things he had taken from crushed enemies. He had dozens, and normally marvelled at the sight of them, but he paid them no heed now. He walked numbly towards his desk. Reeve's sword still lay there, but it no longer gave Hoff any joy to look at it.

He was going to die. It was no longer a question of "if". Now, it was just a matter of time.

Hoff felt sick.

As he neared the desk, he heard a voice that made his eyes widen in primal terror.

"Well, I've been waiting for you."

The large-backed chair behind Hoff's desk spun, and Reeve was sitting there, his fingers steepled, his face wearing a sadistic grin. His dark eyes stared at Hoff, piercing him to the soul. Hoff could do nothing but stare back.

For a moment, neither spoke. Then...

"Reeve..." Hoff said.

"Yes," Reeve nodded. "This is no nightmare, I am here."

"You... you're going to kill me?" Hoff asked.

"And why not?" Reeve asked. "You tried to kill me. Fair is fair, after all."

"Please," Hoff pleaded. "Please, I don't want to die."

"Oh now, Hoff, this really is unbecoming," Reeve shook his head. "Do you really want to spend your final moments quivering in fear, begging for mercy?"

"I...I don't, I don't want to die," Hoff shook his head. He was shaking, and there were tears on his cheeks. Reeve sighed and stood, picking up his sword and strapping it to his side once again. He walked over to Hoff, who shied away at his touch.

"Don't worry," Reeve said. "I'm not going to hurt you. Well, not yet, anyway."

Surprisingly gently, Reeve took Hoff by the arm and started towards the door.

"Come," he said. "You and I are going to take a little walk."

Hoff could do nothing but obey. Reeve led him to the doors.

"What about my guards?" Hoff asked quietly.

"Don't worry about them," Reeve shook his head. "They're all dead."

"All of them?"

"All of them."

They stepped out into the corridor.

***

Location: Hangar Bay

Jal ran into the hanger. The STAR-RUNNER was a sight for sore-eyes... the sooner Jal got off this ship, the better.

AP lowered the ramp for him as he approached. Jal dashed up it quickly, and in a moment he was seated in the pilot's chair. AP was next to him.

"So, did you have fun, sir?" the droid asked.

"Yeah," Jal nodded, making a few last-minute calibrations. "Oodles."

"What about Hoff?" AP asked.

"I don't think we'll have to worry about him anymore."

The STAR-RUNNER lifted off, and flew out into space.

***

Location: Escape Pods

The elevator door opened, and Hoff stepped out. He looked around, then looked back at Reeve.

"The escape pods?" he asked.

"Yes," Reeve nodded.

"Why?"

"You'll see."

Reeve stepped over to one of the pod-bay doors. He tapped a few commands into the control console. There was a noise, and suddenly the escape-pod in the bay blasted off into space. Reeve watched through the small window as the pod slowly got smaller, before disappearing entirely into the blackness of space. The bay-doors closed again, sealing the chamber.

"Well then," Reeve said, turning to face Hoff. "You know what it's time for now, don't you?"

"I don't understand," Hoff said.

Reeve turned and hit a button on the tiny console, and the door into the pod-bay chamber opened. It was rather large, big enough accommodate an attached escape-pod, but it was empty. Reeve turned to look at Hoff again.

"Get in," he said. Hoff's eyes widened as he realized what Reeve was going to do.

"No!" he cried.

"In a moment, I'll break both your legs and throw you in there," Reeve said. "Now, why don't you be a good boy and just get in on your own?"

Hoff began to cry, but he slowly stepped towards the open door. He stepped down into the pod-bay, turning to look back at Reeve. His eyes were red, and tears streamed down his face.

"Please..." he said. "Please, don't."

"You know, Hoff, a lot of people mistakenly call me a sadist," Reeve said. "That couldn't be farther from the truth, you know. You see, a sadist is someone who takes pleasure in the suffering of others. Someone who enjoys inflicting pain and death. But that's not me at all. For what possible joy could there be in crushing someone as pathetic as you?"

With that, Reeve hit another button on the console. The pod-bay doors closed suddenly, sealing Hoff away in the pod-bay chamber. Hoff began to scream, pounding his hands on the door, begging Reeve to let him out.

Reeve hit another button, and the outer-bay doors opened. Gherig Hoff was sucked out into space.

"Loose Ends"
by Reeve
Jal Saren, Bounty Hunter (NPC+)

Location: STAR-RUNNER
Date: Vadris 9, 4ABY

***

"So, what now, sir?"

AP's voice roused Jal Saren from his thoughts. Jal turned to look at his droid companion.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"I mean, where to?" AP replied. "After all, Hoff is dead, Reeve is gone... there does not seem to be any further reason for us to stay here. So... where to?"

"Thanatos, I suppose," Jal shrugged.

"Back to Tae'Karada, sir?" AP asked. "Is that wise?"

"Why wouldn't it be?" Jal asked.

"Reeve, sir," AP said. "Surely, he escaped from Hoff. If he should return to the planet, he may find us. I don't know that he will be happy to see us, sir."

"I doubt it," Jal shook his head. "That whole fight between me and him... you hitting him with that stun-ray... somehow, I get the feeling it was a set-up. Reeve needed us to get him to Hoff... I don't think he'll come looking for us now."

"But still... why return to Thanatos?" AP asked.

Jal thought of a witty-retort, something about how Thanatos was a "wicked hive of scum and villainy", but decided not to bother. Instead, he just sighed.

"Look, why don't you just shut up and do as I told you, alright?"

"Very well, sir," AP said. Jal returned his gaze to the stars outside.

***

Location: Thanatos

A pair of dark eyes watched as the STAR-RUNNER approached and landed in the hangar.

Once the ship had descended behind the walls of the hangar, Reeve smiled. The trouble with Hoff was over. With Hoff dead, the bounty on his head was meaningless, and now all that remained was to make sure that this business was truly finished.

***

Location: Thanatos, Hangar

"And clean up the place while I'm gone, too!" Jal shouted up the ramp at AP. He heard the droid reply, likely some kind of snide remark designed to get under Jal's skin, but Jal let it go. Instead, he turned. A figure stood at the end of the ramp, clad in all black. A familiar-looking sword hung at the figure's side. The figure was looking up at Jal with eyes as dark as space itself, a slight grin on its lips.

Jal stopped. His hand slowly went to the handle of his blaster, but he did not draw. Instead, he did his best to smile.

"Made it off the FOE-HAMMER, I see," he said. Reeve nodded. "And Hoff?"

"You needn't worry about him anymore," Reeve said. "I took care of him."

"How?" Jal asked.

"I blew him out of an escape-pod bay into deep space," Reeve said, as though he were describing the most trivial of details. Jal's smile faded.

"You could have just stabbed him, you know," Jal said. "But I won't say he didn't have it coming."

"Quite," Reeve said.

"So... what brings you here?" Jal asked.

"You do, of course," Reeve said.

"Me?"

"Yes," Reeve nodded. "You see, I don't like to leave loose-ends. I made that mistake with Hoff, letting him live the first time instead of just killing him, and we all saw how that turned out. This time... I want to make sure."

"I gotcha," Jal nodded. And suddenly, he pulled his blaster. Jal was a quick draw, there could be no debate, but Reeve was faster. In an instant, Reeve had drawn his blade and swung it. Jal saw the blade catch the light of the hangar as it whistled through the air, and closed his eyes, expecting to feel the bite of the metal tearing through his neck.

It didn't. Instead, he felt the blade come to a gentle stop, barely touching his neck. Jal opened his eyes, and saw Reeve grinning back at him. Jal let his breath out, suddenly realizing that he'd been holding it.

"Neat trick," he said.

"Indeed," Reeve smirked. "Now you see, Saren... I could have killed you just now. I could kill you still. But I won't."

"That's good to hear," Jal said.

"You see, Saren, I have no especial desire to see you dead, and neither do I have any especial desire to see you live," Reeve said. "It would not suit my purposes to kill you, any more than it would suit them to spare you. So instead, I leave the decision to you."

"To me?" Jal asked.

"Never give me reason to regret this night, Saren," Reeve said, his expression suddenly turning cold. "Stay away from me. If I should have reason to visit you again, you will not survive the encounter. Do you understand?"

"Not so well," Jal said. "You'll have to speak into my good ear."

For a moment, Reeve stared at him, and Jal expected that, at any moment, his head would be severed. But instead, Reeve smiled. He lowered the blade, returned it to its sheath, and looked up at Jal.

"You have quite the sunny disposition, Mr. Saren," Reeve said. "I think the galaxy is more interesting with people like you in it. It is a shame that we will not be friends."

With that, Reeve turned and began to walk away.

"Wait!" Jal called. Reeve stopped, but did not turn to face him. "What are you going to do now?"

Reeve laughed, then turned his head to look back at Jal.

"You'll see," he said with a wink. Then he continued walking, disappearing into the dark Thanatos night.

"Revisiting Past Lives, Part 1"
by Jerek Welder [NPC+]
Jadda the Hutt

Location: Jadda's Palace, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 9, 4 ABY

***

Jerek walked up to the palace entrance and sighed. "Why am I getting myself into this again?" he thought to himself. Tapping on the door, he waited for some kind of response and expected the greeter to be some sort of automated droid that popped out of the door. He looked around and fastened his gloves, waiting for whatever came next. Although he had been away from the pit fighting industry, he wasn't rusty. He would practice every day for several hours, perfecting his technique.

Indeed the automated droid popped out and grunted a few words in a strange dialect. The only obvious thing was that it was a question. However, it did not wait for an answer on Vicks' part and retreated back inside. Shortly after, the large doors opened and gave Jerek entrance.

Inside, shortly beyond the doors were a couple of Gamorrean guards and a female twi'lek. "Ahh... If it isn't the infamous Jerek Welder, retired and yet to be defeated pit-fighter," she welcomed.

Jerek gave off a half-assed smile and chuckled. "May I speak with Jadda?" he inquired.

"You may speak with me," the female twi'lek replied with a grin. "If what you have to discuss is of any interest, then we shall see if Master Jadda is willing to see you or not."

"Employment. I'm willing to lend my fighting skills for a price..." said Jerek responding to the Twi'Lek with a retorting grin.

"Have you been sacked at the station?" she asked with a tone of mockery. "Or simply bored perhaps of pushing crates? Make no mistake, Mr. Welder... I know your type. You're a fighter, and as such it would seem that any other job would not fulfill you. Now, let us see if Master Jadda is willing to see you now," she said with a nod. "Wait here."

A few moments later, the twi'lek returned. Jerek was still waiting as told. She looked at him from top to bottom, as if studying him. "Master Jadda will see you now. Perhaps after business is made you would stay and enjoy yourself. I'm sure I can show you the pleasures that make us twi'leks so well known, should you get the graces of my master..." she said with lust in her words.

Jerek grinned once again and looked her over fully. "We shall see, won't we?" He walked past her inside toward Jadda's platform. He stood and nodded his head. "Good to see you again, Jadda. It's been awhile hasn't it?"

"Ahh... Wata sa ta champio Jerek Welder. Chowbasa. Haku jee ha che chuba?" Jadda stated. The droid that stood near the Hutt translated. "Master Jadda welcomes you, Jerek Welder. He wishes to know the purpose of you coming here."

"I'm looking to come out of retirement... That job up on the shipyards didn't cut it for me... You were the first person I thought of," said Jerek.

Jadda laughed. "Du jooba peet-fitoo oob murishani?" the Hutt asked. The droid translated. "Master Jadda asks if you were thinking of a job as a pit fighter, or bounty-hunter?"

"I can do both..." Jerek said with a smile. "You can always count on me."

Jadda puffed on his long pipe for a few seconds as he thought about it. "Haku mu-moolee chuba bolla che?" he asked. The droid translated once more. "Master Jadda wishes to know the amount you wish to be paid for this service?"

"How about 1000 a job with transport provided. Not a bad amount for someone who's laying his life on the line eh?" said Jerek, hoping he'd comply by knowing Jadda would bargain.

Jadda laughed. "Con creeda moolee-rah. Mu-moolee fifto luto," he stated. The droid translated. "Master Jadda is willing to pay you half of what you asked. No more than that."

Jerek laughed. "You really think I'm gonna fight for that little amount! I can probably get more from Weibran the Hutt! I'm undefeated remember?" added Jerek.

Jadda laughed. "Slimo peedunkey! Foonta creeda seven hundred fifty. Nobata yatu!" he then spat. The droid looked at Jerek. "Master Jadda offers you 750 credits for your services. No more than that."

"900, transportation and a new blaster. That seems fair to me," said Jerek.

"800... Jee bousha chuba hodrudda. Wamma blastoh an transport," Jadda stated. "My Master offers a sum of 800 credits because he likes you, plus the blaster you request. Transportation is always dealt with, so you needn't worry," the droid translated.

"...Agreed. When do I start?" asked Jerek with a smirk.

"Ateema," Jadda nodded. "Chuba bolla yavoo wermo outmian. Daemor'rah murishani," the Hutt ordered. The droid translated. "Master Jadda wishes you to begin at once. You are to bring the bounty hunter that goes by the name of Daemor'rah to him."

"Consider it done. Oh, I also require some information about someone, but we'll discuss this once I get back..." said Jerek. "Do you want her alive or dead?"

Jadda laughed, and so did some of Jadda's entourage who were also in the room. "Alive," the Hutt said in a simple manner. Jerek would be lucky to find her and live to tell the tale, let alone do the job. But it would be worth as a test.

"Grief, Part 1"
By: Raeila Selrid
Kael Selrid
Laedra Vorrel
Koran Darr
Liam Zaneth
Yelara Neerou
Kallia Brael
Yara Brael
Va'Lesh Zaneth
Dargus Kandran

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 9, 4 ABY

***

Even though it meant cutting short her reunion with Ferrig and preventing one with Kael, Raeila Selrid insisted on remaining in the medbay hunched forward in her chair with her forehead resting upon his cold hand. In the other was the twisted metal spoon he had once gifted her, its handle enclosed by his small fingers before they could go rigid. The charred clothing around his chest had been covered by a cambric to keep the horrific blaster wound from sight; no one could be certain what had truly killed the boy - the shot, or the broken neck incurred by his fall from the tree he'd been perched in. In either case, a clone had caused his death directly in the end. Raeila hated them all the more for it.

It would have been easy for her to imagine the boy asleep, the expression upon his young face as peaceful as it was, but this still, cold body was a far cry from the vibrant child who had delighted in shaping utensils into flowers for her, and cajoling her into a frolic whenever the boy's playful tendencies got ahold of him. Raeila found, though, that she had looked forward to those romps in the forest. In fact, he was the first to instruct her on treeclimbing.

He expressed a fondness for venturing up high, so that he could gaze across the expanse of green, rolling treetops. For such a young boy, she could understand the sense of importance and superiority it gave him to look down upon the world from so high. It also gave him a boldness that amused Raeila. "When I'm a real Jedi, Rae, you can be my queen," he was fond of reminding her time and again. "Oh," he'd add with a mischievous smile, "and Kael can be our manservant." And with a stolen kiss upon her cheek, he'd giggle boisterously and scrambled down the tree with ease.

Now, though, he would never do so again, his gap-toothed smile would never beam at her, and bitterly she wept again for the child taken by a pointless battle that had nothing to do with him. Rae wondered if he would have been safer left on the harsh streets of Yallder after all. In that moment, she hated Koran Darr for having rescued him from that life, and she nearly resented Kael for dragging her away from the desert to suffer such a loss. Nothing good seemed to come from the Wetter lands or the Jedi. With a miserable groan, she shook with fresh tears.

Kael Selrid stared at the wall at the back of the medbay, his body as still as a statue, his face appearing as if it could have been carved from stone. Belying the image, he blinked slowly. It was taking every bit of his control, every trick and tip he'd ever learned throughout his training to become a Jedi, to keep the boiling rage within him, ready to erupt with volcanic fury. He closed his eyes, and focused deeper, harder. This was Nieme and Dani's doing. In his mind's eye he saw Nieme's smug, taunting smile.

I hope she appreciates my work.

It was as if a physical blow struck him across the face, forcing his entire body to flinch at the phantom contact. Even though he'd managed to bring his emotions under control on the way back, seeing Raeila had brought the pain to the surface. Then, seeing the body of her young friend, a mere child, brought in; it had been the flame that had re-ignited the fuse within him.

How could he swear vengeance for all the harm they'd caused, for all the pain and suffering others were forced to endure because of them? How could he swear for something that he felt in his heart was necessary, but all of his training said was wrong? Whether he fell to darkness or not, Nieme and Dani had to be stopped.

***

Even in her state of semi-wakefulness, Laedra Vorrel had been made aware of the deaths, and even though they were few, every one was a blow against her tightly reined emotions, especially that of young Forlan. He was among the most lively and popular of the child padawans, and his loss was felt deeply. It brought silent tears to Laedra's eyes, despite how focused she was trying to be on aiding in Koran's recovery.

He remained in his near-coma meditative state, and doubtlessly had barely noticed when Oot's soldiers transferred him from the transport to his own bed. His wound was, after all, not fatal. It would seem Dani's aim was slightly off for as arrogantly talented as the two girls portrayed themselves to be. Even so, she stayed by his side, seated in an uncomfortable wooden chair with her hand upon his.

The silence gave her too much time to ponder their defeat and sacrifices. It put into awful perspective how despised they still were, even after the Empire's fall, especially if someone had gone out of their way to betray them all. That they were shunned even now by the planet they called home and had sworn to defend sunk Laedra into a solemn state. She closed her eyes and hung her head low.

"He's strong in the Force," Liam said as he moved into the doorway. "His body is healing itself fairly rapidly. I would guess he should be up and on his feet in a matter of days." He moved toward Laedra, the pain of the day's events clear in his eyes. "We'll all bear the scars of this day for some time to come...if they ever do manage to fade."

She sighed, fatigued, and leaned back heavily in her chair. "We failed... If we had not been betrayed, would we have succeeded, Liam?" Laedra smiled wryly. "If we hadn't, I do know that Forlan, and the other Padawans would still be safe." Gazing back at him, she asked, "How's Kael doing? And Raeila?"

"Raeila is grieving," Liam said. "She and Forlan were friends. Kael is holding by a thread, but too much more and I fear that thread will snap. I know this issue with Nieme and Dani has always been personal for him, because of their past, but it's become much more so after this. We'll need to watch him very closely. After what happened at the Palace, and now with this pain inflicted upon Raeila...he's a strong young man, but too much can still wear him down."

"I think it's time he and Koran go abroad, away from all of this," Laedra suggested. "Every Jedi in training should go on a journey with his master at least once, and this might just give him time to heal...without Raeila to distract him."

"Considering their situation, from what I've heard of it, do you believe that's a good idea? Or is it your plan to break their relationship?"

Laedra shook her head gravely. "Do you think I'm so vindictive, Liam, that I would do that? I just think Kael needs to find his focus once again, to strengthen his control over the emotions he's quickly losing hold of. You saw him tonight, Liam. We could easily have lost him to the dark side. That can't happen again."

"I don't believe separating him from Raeila right now would be the wisest course of action," Liam said. "I don't know the full details of the situation, but I do know that the two of them have recently come through some hard times. With their relationship under strain, I don't think it would be good for them to put even more strain on it by separation and distance." He was silent for a moment, then looked up at her. "We should probably talk to them to find out what they feel they need now."

She smiled at him tiredly. "Perhaps after Koran awakens, after I know how he's doing."

Liam nodded. "I don't know how we'll be able to do it, but we do need to remove Nieme and Dani from power. We have to stop them...before it gets worse."

"Let's recuperate first," she reminded him gently. "And identify all our enemies before we decide to trust so easily again."

"Dani...is the key." The voice was weak and distant, though since neither Liam nor Laedra had spoken, there was only one other person in the room who could have spoken the words. As they turned, they saw Koran watching them through slightly glazed eyes. He took a ragged breath and let it out, then in a stronger voice repeated: "Dani is the key." And, with that, he lapsed back into unconsciousness and the trance that would serve to repair his body.

Laedra leaned forward in her chair, watching Koran expectantly for any acknowledgement of her presence, or a sign of his condition. But as his breathing calmed again, she knew he was once again at rest. She sighed and glanced back at Liam. "If he wakes again, I'll ask for more details. Until then...I'd appreciate a report on everyone's condition." She smiled. "If you don't mind."

"I don't mind," Liam said with a smile. "I'll see you soon." With that, he slipped out of the room, leaving Laedra alone with Koran again. They would never be the same again, that was for certain.

***

Holding Leshie in her arms was comfort enough for Yelara. After her startling memory, she'd been nearly distraught and holed herself up in Dargus' room. She'd once felt safe there, but now, after the memory that may or may not have been accurate, just being in proximity to something of his terrified her. Instead of fleeing, though, she'd stayed behind and rationalized the visions. His eyes had appeared, no doubt, but why should they frighten her now? He was the one man she loved; why should he ever wish her harm?

With Leshie cradled restlessly in her arms, she sat wedged in the corner of his room, trying desperately to call up memories of her forgotten past. Why did she know she loved Dargus...yet couldn't truly feel it for him? He was her husband, Leshie's father...she would force herself to, no matter what.

"Yelara," came the voice from outside the door. "It's Kallia. I'm coming in, alright? Me and Yara, we're coming in."

When Kallia peeked into the room, Yelara still occupied one corner of it, with her knees curled in towards her chest to protect Va'Lesh. Her lips were buried in his hair. "I...I saw something," she whispered. "And...I don't know what's real."

Kallia closed the door behind herself and approached Yelara slowly. Yara sat silently against Kal's hip, but her eyes were focused on Leshie. One of her tiny feet kicked happily at the sight of him, but she made no sound. "What did you see?" Kal asked as she moved to sit near her friend.

She shook her head slowly. "I'm not sure... A memory...a vision... I just don't know, but my fear was real. I know that much."

Kallia shifted Yara to her lap as she regarded Yelara. "What was it," she asked softly. "What did you remember?"

"Pain," Yelara whispered. "Pain...and those eyes..." She shuddered at the recollection. "I...I don't remember how I died, Jae Dyn. But...when I saw his eyes, I felt my blood growing cold and my heart lurch. And I don't know why. I love Dargus.... Why should his eyes bring up such horrible memories?"

"There was a time when Dargus was pain for both of us," Kallia said. "He's...he's better now, but he used to be a very bad person. He caused us each a lot of pain and a lot of heartache."

"Then why is he the only one I trust?" Yelara watched Kallia with desperation. "Kallia...do you think it's time I knew everything about my old life?"

Kallia nodded. "I think it is," she said. "Perhaps in hearing about your past, other memories will come. But, if it becomes too much, you'll need to let us know. We don't want to push to hard, Yel. We want to help."

"And I want to know who I am," Yelara told her fervently. "I want to know why you're familiar, yet unfamiliar, or why Liam always looks so sad when I'm in the room." Leshie burbled and Yelara gazed down at him fondly. "I want to remember my child's birth. I can't even recall that, or his first word, his first smile... Everything's just...gone."

"We'll see what we can do," Kallia said with a smile. "But, you have to remember and know that I will not try to mislead you or lie to you. I will tell you nothing but the truth, as far as I know it."

"Even concerning Dargus?" she asked skeptically.

"Even concerning Dargus," Kallia answered. "I'll even talk to Dargus, ask him to help me. And Liam too."

"No," Yelara said quickly, almost startled. "I...just you. I don't want to deal with everyone right now." She smiled wanly. "Just you, Kallia."

"Alright," Kallia said with a smile. "Do you want to start now, or should we wait until later after the chaos has settled a little around here?"

"Just a little while longer," Yelara whispered. Kallia's warmth and understanding was comforting, and as Yelara stared into her soft, brown eyes, again she experienced the strange sensation of familiarity she'd encountered before in the presence of Jae Dyn. The feeling was a tenuous one of fondness, and something far deeper, but when Yelara tried to grasp at it, once more she was left with nothing but frustration and emptiness. She sighed and looked away. "What if, after everything's said, I still don't remember a damn thing, Kallia?"

"Maybe you just need time," Kal answered. "We'll try whatever we can, I promise. I'll do everything I possibly can to help you get your memory back."

Yelara chuckled. "By your willingness to help me, I'm guessing we were once good friends. Am I right?"

"We were more than friends," Kallia whispered. "We loved each other very much, but we had a fight and...and I went away. At the time, I didn't realize I was pregnant with Dargus' child. When I returned, you and Liam were together, were married. And, because of my foolishness, I missed my golden opportunity."

"Golden opportunity for what?" she asked quietly, studying Kallia intently as if she could discern the truth of what she'd said simply by doing so.

"We were lovers before I fled," Kallia explained. "I...when I returned, you were married. We were still lovers, and...with Liam as well. It was an unorthodox arrangement, but we seemed happy with it. It allowed you to be with the man you loved, and it allowed us to be together. The golden opportunity would have been becoming your partner, as Liam had. But, in the end, I think the arrangement we came up with was the best arrangement for each of us."

Yelara pondered the revelation, seeking the love she supposedly felt for this woman who was nearly a stranger. She shook her head irritably. "I don't remember any of this. I mean...how could I have loved you if I...I barely tolerate you now? And where does Dargus figure into all of this?" Clenching her eyes shut, Yelara pressed fingers into her temples to soothe a developing headache. "This is going to be a lot to take in, isn't it?"

"It is," Kallia answered. "Dargus used to be a crimelord, and controlled a large part of this area. We both met on the Drogen Shipyards after we'd first met Dargus. I had interfered in something his Wookiees were doing; they'd been beating up a Rodian, and I stepped in. I knew there was someone else behind it, so I allowed myself to be captured, though I was incredibly foolish to do so. When I woke up, I was strapped in a chair with Dargus and a number of his people around me, and no access to the Force. In the end, I went to his bed with him, but only because he would have forced me otherwise. We met the following day while you helped me work on my ship, and we realized we were both being bedded and nearly controlled by Dargus Kandran. I think that sort of sealed our friendship."

"If Dargus is such an evil man," Yelara reasoned slowly, "then why is he here? And why are you fathering his children? And," she finished, "why is he my husband?"

"Dargus was an evil man," Kallia said softly. "He's trying to be...less so, now. He recently began to be plagued by dreams, dreams that...that forced him to where he's at now. They were dreams of guilt, guilt over...over killing you. You have two husbands, Yel. You married Liam Zaneth out of love, and Dargus Kandran out of spite." She went on to quickly explain the falling out between Yel and Liam, and how at the end, their true feelings for each other brought them back together. "It's a very confusing situation, and not one easily explained or understood, even by those who were involved."

Yelara was quiet, gazing down at Va'Lesh's head distantly. Her vision had held truth. Those were Dargus' hateful eyes she'd seen, and it was by his hand that her life was stolen from her. Yet she'd believed Dargus to be the only one she could trust now. That was a lie, and Yelara was incapable of realizing it on her own. Could she now put much stock in what Jae Dyn was telling her? How was she to trust anyone? "I...I have to go," she mumbled, unsteadily rising. Leshie fussed as his hand was forced away from Yara's. "We need a walk, Va'Lesh and I."

Kallia nodded. "I understand," she said softly as she adjusted Yara in her lap. "I'll talk to you soon then."

Yelara strode off without another word, desperate to escape the suddenly stifling atmosphere of Dargus' chambers. She swung the door open, and barely stopped short of colliding with the room's resident. His eyes sent a chill down her spine. "Excuse me," she whispered apprehensively.

Dargus stepped aside for Yelara. "Of course," he said then gave her a smile. "I'm glad you are safe, Yelara. I was worried."

Eyeing him warily, she sidled her way past Dargus. "I'm sure you were," she muttered, and holding Leshie closer, she hurried away.

Dargus watched her go, then looked into the room at Kallia who shrugged, then motioned him in with her. With a resigned sigh, he moved over and sat down next to her as she began to tell him what had happened.

"Family Gathering, Part 1"
By: Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat
Zale Tregat
Moril Astren
Saris
Maeren Shivral
Merrick Braston

Location: New Plouton
Date: Vadris 9, 4 ABY

***

She was falling, and in the darkness only her pale, white arms, reaching for anything to stop her descent were visible against the backdrop. There was no sound, only the air whistling past her ears and her rapid breaths. Every scream caught in her throat, and now only her lips moved, forming names she wished to cry out but was unable to. Maeren....Zale....Merrick.... Keeve. It was the only word that vocalized, at first in a whisper, then louder until it was a scream so loud it created a rush of stabbing pain in her belly.

It grew in intensity until his name regressed to nothing more but a thick cry of pain. And above her, in the fathomless darkness, his face coalesced, or at least that of the ten year-old boy trapped within his now adult body. Wearing a mischievous, yet adoring smile, Keeve whispered, "Almost there, now. We're almost there."

Then she curled in on herself, overcome with pain.

That was when Kaysa awoke, numbly aware that she was kneeling upon the bed, bent over herself. Her nightgown was soaked through between her legs and sweat was running down the sides of her face. And then came the pain, experienced so far in the past, but now all too familiar again. Her arms cradled her swollen stomach and taking a deep breath to bolster her voice, she cried out for Zale.

The door to the bedroom burst open, and Zale Tregat charged through. He wore a robe and in one hand carried a large spoon, a tool that had been useful while in the kitchen preparing food, but now only occupied space in his hand. He rushed toward the bed where Kaysa lay doubled over, curled against herself. "Kaysa," he said quickly as he reached her side. Taking in her position, he could think of one of two options. He quickly abandoned the thought that the food he'd made for dinner was the cause. "I'm here. Everything's going to be alright. Is it...it's...baby?"

"I don't know...yes," she groaned. Wild, panicked eyes gazed up at him while her hand reached out to clutch his sleeve. "It hurts," she whispered hoarsely. "But it isn't time yet..."

He slipped his arms around her to hold her, to comfort her. "Come on," he said. "Let's get you up and to the doctor. Unless...do you need me to call emergency transport? I can...they'll be here in...and take us...we don't want to risk the baby. Can you make it, Kaysa?"

She gritted her teeth against the new wave of pain, and let out her breath in a hiss. "Zale," she growled, "put down the damn spoon and get me to the hospital...dear!"

Zale looked at the spoon in his hand as if he had no idea where it had come from or how it had managed to find its way into his hand. He dropped it to the side of the bed, and nearly scooped Kaysa from the floor. Before he could actually pick her up, though, he managed to shift his weight so that he'd be helping her along instead. Helping would be better for the baby and Kaysa than carrying, he decided. "Do you...here...uh, just this way. I'll...I...oh hell...come on, I'll drive us myself. Slippers?"

She nodded hastily, inhaling and exhaling deeply to dampen the pain. "Jacket too," she wheezed, pointing distractedly at the long coat draped over a nearby chair. "Oh gods...we have to call Shiv...and Merrick." Kaysa sobbed. "And what about...Keeve?"

"I'll call Shiv and Merrick on the way," Zale said as he pulled a jacket from beside the bed and helped Kaysa into it. He almost pulled it off her when he realized it was Merrick's, but decided it was fine. "I'll leave a note for Keeve in case he comes back...while we're...there..."

Kaysa groaned and nearly dropped to her knees once more, overcome with both grief and agony. "My Keeve," she sulked. "He can't miss...his little sibling being born. He just can't, Zale!" Kaysa blubbered something incoherent, then wept into Zale's chest.

"I know," Zale whispered and gently helped her back to her feet, keeping his arms around her and holding her close. "We'll find him on the way. We'll try to find him so he can meet his little brother or sister." He kissed the top of Kaysa's head and helped her start moving again. "Everything will be fine."

"No it won't," she wailed suddenly louder. "We haven't even thought of a name!"

"We'll talk about it on the way," Zale said. "Now, you need to move your feet if you ever plan on getting to the hospital, love. And, we've talked about names...lots of names. We'll just need to pick on. Or we can pick a few so he or she will have options."

Kaysa nodded sullenly and trudged unsteadily against Zale. When they reached the stairs, Kaysa shook her head vigorously at the daunting task of having to descend them. After some gentle coaxing from Zale, Kaysa relented and made her way slowly down, emitting a cry or two as they went.

"I hope everything's alright...Zale," she whispered breathlessly. "We've waited too long for this...I don't want anything to go wrong." Kaysa whimpered. "We deserve a beautiful baby, don't we?"

"We do," Zale said gently as he supported her down over the last steps. "Come on, my love. The speeder should be just out front." His lips brushed the top of her head as he urged her along. "Everything's going to be alright now, you'll see."

And as they neared the vehicle, Keeve's words came back to her, reinforcing Zale's. Almost there, now.... Where? She wasn't quite certain, but Kaysa hoped it at least involved a moment of happiness and a new child in her arms.

***

In the penthouse suite of the Estri-Casren Tower, Moril Astren diligently tracked down the members of Kaysa and Zale's so-called family. It was a family unlike any...well, pretty much anywhere. But, it suited them.

"Maeren," he said into the comm as Saris sat on the edge of the desk watching him, "it's Moril. No, nothing wrong. Well, actually things are very good."

"What is it, Moril," Shiv said, with a giggle, then: "Stop it, Kim, I'm talking to Moril. Sorry about that, Moril, we were having a little...um...well, nevermind...what was it."

Moril laughed and rolled his eyes to Saris who did the same. "It appears that Kaysa and Zale have rushed to the hospital...for happier reasons than past hospital visits."

"The baby," came the dual, shrieked answer.

Moril chuckled again. "Yup, they're-- Maeren? Maeren?" He shook his head again and glanced to his lover who was a twin to the two he'd just spoken to.

"They're very excited," Saris said.

"I bet," Moril said as he punched in the comm code for the White Noise. A few moments later, a gruff voice answered. "Braston, please."

"Who's calling."

"Tell him it's Moril."

There were a few moments of shouting, then silence, another shout, and finally the sound of running feet. "Yeah, I heard you the first time," Merrick Braston was saying. "Sorry about that Moril, what is it?"

"The baby," Moril said with a wide grin that vaguely resembled the famous portrait of the reisacat that swallowed the giffie bird.

"The baby? Really? Now? I'm on my way! Thanks a million, Moril! I owe you! Both you and Saris! Bye! I'll take you both out--"

"Just go," Moril said with a laugh, and then Merrick was gone. He stared at the comm unit for several moments before sighing and finally dialing in another comm number. "Keeve, if you receive this, it's Moril. I don't know if this will reach you in time, but if it does...Kaysa's gone to the hospital. It's time for you to be a brother."

He listened to it a couple more times, and then sent in a command that would have it delivered to every comm code he could think of that Keeve might check. Finally, with that done, he turned to Saris. "Come on, my love, let's go see our...niece or nephew, I guess."

"But," Saris said as they started toward the door together, "neither of us are biologically related to the parents of the child."

Moril grinned. "Oh, that's just a formality. Usually, close friends of the family are considered...aunts and uncles...just because."

Saris grinned as they stepped into the lift. "I've never been an aunt before," she said as the door closed. "Though, I think I would like to be a mother."

As the doors to the lift closed, Moril felt his face redden and his heart soar. His only response was to grin at her, and then pull her into his arms for a kiss.

***

"Come on, Kaysa, up you go," Zale said as he helped his wife up the couple stairs into the medical center. "It's not far, just right up here. The doctor should be meeting us."

Kaysa groaned thickly, and again her legs melted away from beneath her. "No," she managed in a strained whisper, while Zale attempted to keep her upright, "here's just fine I think."

"Just a little farther, Kaysa," Zale said. "Once we're inside, you'll get to sit in a hoverchair. Come on, just a few more steps."

"Stop pestering me," she snapped, then regretted it as a stab of pain erupted from her stomach once again. Kaysa cried out and slumped against Zale in the doorway. "It never hurt this much with...with Keeve," Kaysa forced out.

Another shout of surprise ripped from her throat, and drew the attention of two of the medical center's staff. They rushed forward, one with a hoverchair being pushed in front of her. Kaysa nearly collapsed upon it once it was near, but never released her grip on Zale's shirt. "Don't leave me," she pleaded, and the fear was obvious in her eyes.

"Not for a moment," Zale whispered.

As they situated Kaysa in the chair, a middle-aged man with a fringe of hair around his skull and a long white coat hurried to greet them. "Kaysa," he said with a twinkling smile for her and a pleasant nod for Zale. "I guess someone's trying to tell you it's about time?" There were care lines creasing his forehead as he brought out a medical probe and moved the wand-like device over Kaysa's abdomen. He referred to a device strapped to his belt and nodded. "Come, let's get you inside." As they began moving, he turned to one of the orderlies. "Room seven. I'm going to hurry ahead and get scrubbed. Regular preparations for a Class 9 of her condition." With a smile for Kaysa and Zale, he hurried off ahead of them.

"All that medical talk," she panted. "He makes it sound like I'm doing more than pushing a baby ou-- Ow!" Kaysa curled over her stomach, clenching her eyes shut and hissing through gritted teeth. They parked her inside the designated room, and it took much doing to convince Kaysa to uncurl herself from the chair and move onto the bed. She only did so by digging her fingernails into Zale's forearm as he helped her there.

Once disrobed and outfitted with a standard medical gown, Kaysa was allowed to relax upon the bed, still groaning in pain. "Where's my medicine?" she mumbled breathlessly. Her head rolled listlessly on the pillow as she focused to overcome the fading stab of her last contraction. "Zale," she whimpered. "It hurts."

"I'm sure the doctor will be here with it in just a moment," Zale said as he silently wished he'd given her the other arm to hold. If it got any worse, he could very well end up with two prosthetic arms.

A nurse entered with a hyposyringe on a tray, carrying it towards Kaysa. "This will ease the pain," she told them both, and injected the contents into Kaysa's arm. The relief was instantaneous, and with a sigh Kaysa's hand fell limply away from Zale's arm.

"That's better," she muttered. Her eyes fluttered closed and her breathing began to level off. The nurse departed after informing Zale the doctor would be arriving shortly. He was left alone with Kaysa, who began laughing weakly at some untold joke. "If this turns out to be Merrick's baby, he owes you royally for going through this with me."

Zale chuckled. "Moril said he'd be on his way as soon as he could," he said. "Which means, he could be showing up any minute, depending on how fast he can kick everyone out, or get someone to take over for him. Should be pretty obvious as soon as the baby shows up though. If the baby is pasty and light, it's his. If he or she is beautiful and dark, then mine." He beamed at her and gave her a gentle kiss. "But, his or mine, the little one will be part of our family, and loved to pieces."

Again, Kaysa's mood sombered. "I just hope he or she won't be acting as replacement...for Keeve. I-I hope he's alright...no matter how much he might still hate me."

"Don't ever think that," Zale said. "He loves you, but he's just got a few years of anger to get out, years where he felt betrayed and alone. But he's got us now, and he's got Maeren. Look how much he's softened already."

"But I wanted to share this with him," she sobbed. "I...I wanted this to bring us closer together...." Kaysa rubbed her abdomen in a soothing large circle. "Don't worry," she murmured to the baby ready to emerge. "He'll be here soon."

"Mrs. Tregat?" The jolly doctor strolled in again with a pretty young nurse on his heels. His smile was ever-present, despite Kaysa's pout. "Well," he grinned, "are we ready?" He companionably patted Zale on the back. "And you, sir? The father gets to watch, of course."

"Thank you," Zale said with a smile. "There should be others...who'll be arriving. A...a very close friend, and Kaysa's daughter-by-marriage. Can you see that they're...at least brought close if they can't come in to watch the birth?"

"And Keeve," Kaysa reminded him, her breathing already growing faster with the next contraction. "He'll be coming, too."

"That's alright then," the doctor assured them. He slapped his hands together and rubbed them briskly in anticipation. "So, shall we get started, then?"

Kaysa nodded vigorously, eager to end her pain and to see her new child.

"Alright then." The grinning doctor motioned his nurse forward, and Kaysa was prepared for the birthing.

All the while, she gazed up at Zale, smiling fondly. Her hand never left his, not even when the doctor positioned himself between her legs and ordered Kaysa to push.

***

"Stop fussing," Shiv said as she hurried through the doors of the hospital. "You look fine. Come on, we're probably missing it!"

"I'm not fussing," Kimara said as she hurried behind her twin. "It's not too short though, is it?"

"No, it's fine," Shiv said. "I guess people will stop mistaking us for each other now."

"No, I'm sure they'll still figure out a way to do it. They won't remember which of us cut her hair."

Shiv giggled as she pointed to a nurse up ahead and rushed forward.

Kim stumbled behind her with a laugh. "Shouldn't we wait for Merrick?"

Shiv stopped, glanced out the doorway, and nodded. "Sure," she said. "We'll give him a minute."

Kim clapped and pointed. "There he is, look."

A moment later, Merrick Braston strode through the doors, his long cloak fluttering behind him as he hurried. "Anything yet?"

"Well," Shiv said. "We would know more, but someone insisted we wait for you." She cast a grin toward Kim who stuck out her tongue as they all moved toward the desk.

Merrick stopped in front of the desk and smiled. "Hi there," he said. "I'm Merrick Braston. My wife was brought in just a little bit ago. Kaysa...well, it's probably going to be under Zenarr."

The middle-aged woman scrolled through her information, then cocked an eyebrow at Merrick from beneath her glasses. "Her husband? He's already in with her, Room 7."

"It's a rather complicated situation," Merrick said with a smile. "I'm her...her second husband. She has two. Actually, three but I guess that's not really the issue. Is there an observation room? Her daughter-by-marriage is also here." He indicated Maeren, thought for a moment and indicated the other Maeren. "It's very important."

The woman sighed. "I can let two of you in, but no more." She returned her gaze to her work. "Choose one to stay, and I'll show the other two in."

Kim motioned both Maeren and Merrick forward. "You two go," she said. "I'll wait out here in case Moril and Saris show up."

Shiv gave her twin a hug. "I'll tell you all about it later," she whispered, then kissed Kim's cheek. She turned to Merrick and slipped her hand into his. "Come on." With excited grins, both turned to the nurse.

"The delivery's already begun," the woman informed them as she led them towards the room. "Try to be silent when you enter."

"Of course," Merrick said with a charming grin. "I'm sorry we weren't here sooner, but it was all a surprise to us. Thank you again."

Barely acknowledging them with a nod, the nurse stopped outside of Kaysa's room and activated the door. It slid aside, allowing a high-pitched shriek to escape, as well as Zale's pleas for Kaysa to loosen her grip on his arm.

"Looks like we're in the right place," Shiv said with a grin to Merrick. They both hurried forward, passing through the biofilter into the room itself and over to the bed upon which Kaysa lay. "We got here as quickly as we could." She looked up at Zale's pain-stricken face and grimaced, then made sure none of her extremities were too near Kaysa's hands or teeth.

"Shiv," Kaysa grunted. As she smiled, sweat rolled along the creases formed around her mouth. "Merrick," she whispered, and was only allowed a moment to watch him fondly before her head was thrown back again in agony. Kaysa's scream offended even her ears.

"She's doing well, she is," the doctor praised without moving his head from between her knees. "No baby yet, but he or she will be here soon!"

Merrick beamed at Kaysa and moved close to take her other hand. "You're doing great," he said. "And, you keep hitting those high notes like that, and I'm going to put you in my band."

His dull joke earned Merrick a tearful laugh from Kaysa. "I knew I needed you here for something," she panted and released her hand from Zale's arm to clasp Merrick's. "Any word from Cadwin?"

"He was a few minutes behind us," Shiv said. "He was going to be riding with Moril and Saris, but...but they won't let him in. The woman at the front, she said only two more. Kim's out front waiting for them."

"Well," she said, managing a tired chuckle, "I've got a big enough audience already, haven't I?"

"And with one more joining you soon," the doctor reminded her, giving a wave to her above the sheet covering her legs. The reminder seemed to renew Kaysa's pain, and soon she was crying out again.

Almost there now, Keeve's voice whispered to her, and she clung to that hope desperately as the pain mounted. "Almost there," she murmured, then gritted her teeth and pushed with all her might.

"Grief, Part 2"
Orinth Neerou
Shaza Nightshade
Dani
Keeve Shivral
Oot Kovan

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 9, 4 ABY

***

Only once out of his armour did Keeve experience the full extent of his injuries. It seemed the tight-fitting plating had suppressed much of the pain that was lying below the surface of every bruise and gash, but without that protection he was in near agony. Even simply standing up, listening to Oot and Kambra's report was nearly too much, and Keeve wilted into the nearest chair, holding his head in both hands. "Can everyone please stop talking," he grumbled. "It's torture!"

Oot looked over at him and smiled. "Sorry about that," she said softly and stepped forward closer to him. "You look terrible, Keeve." She found a medical kit, and set it on the table near the couch. "May I?"

Raising his head slightly, he cocked a dubious eyebrow at the Twi'lek. "You just want your hands on me," he accused, but the throbbing in his skull bid him drop his hands from his face so she could get a closer look. As she set to work, he sighed. "Any word on Talara?"

As Oot began attending to his cuts and scrapes, Oot sighed. "My sources indicate that she didn't make it out," she said, then paused. "I don't know if you do want to hear the rest, though."

Keeve gritted his teeth, though not against any discomfort from her ministrations; his anger was already raging. "What have they done to her, Oot? Tell me."

"My contacts in the area indicate that they stripped her and put her out in the courtyard for any who may wish to...use her. She appeared to be holding up under the circumstances, but... I have my people watching for her."

"Dammit," he growled and lurched out of his chair, intent on storming into Arcadia and retrieving her himself. But as a wave of vertigo hit, the only thing he could do was collapse into his chair once more. "Dammit," he whispered again, feebly. "I told her she'd be okay, she'd be safe.... Isn't there anything you can do?"

"I'll see what my people can do," she said. "I think we might be able to get someone in tonight, while she's in the courtyard."

"Count me in," he told her resolutely.

"We'll see," Oot said with a smile. "Though, I can't make promises. Though, until I get you bandaged up, you're not going anywhere." She leaned close and whispered. "I think I should give you a thorough examination."

He smirked and furtively brushed his fingers against her outer thigh. "Maybe later, hm?"

"Promises, promises," Oot whispered. "And, I'm going to hold you to that, you know." She frowned as she affixed a bandage to one of his cuts and glanced at the medical scanner. "Keeve, you really should see a doctor. The New Plouton hospital isn't far. I think it's a little more than just a few bandages will fix."

"What do you mean? I feel alright." And contrary to his assurances, Keeve winced and clutched at his side. "Okay," he croaked, "maybe there's a broken rib or two...but I heal fast."

"If you don't have those looked at, you could end up healing badly," Oot said. "You don't want that, Keeve. We'll watch over things here, and we'll alert you as soon as we know something about Talara."

"But I made a promise," he repeated gruffly, though there was little intensity behind his words. Fatigue was winning out over stubbornness. Sagging in the chair, he muttered, "You'll comm me, if anything?"

"Yes," Oot said with a smile, then gave him a gentle kiss on the forehead. "I promise to let you know immediately."

Nodding grudgingly, Keeve rose with effort and started off, a hitch in his step. He smiled in acknowledgement at Kambra as he passed, and only truly betrayed his agonizing pain when he leaned against the wall outside their room to catch his breath. The prospect of seeing Shiv again, though, infused him with the stamina to continue onward. First, he had to find transport, for as proud as he was, even Keeve knew there was no way he could make it on foot into New Plouton in his condition. Though, the anticipation of reuniting with his wife was nearly invigorating enough to have him attempt it.

***

She trudged her way back to the Temple, an angry torrent of expletives following in her wake. She pushed through the doors and headed toward her room. If she hurried, she might be able to catch up. Otherwise...otherwise she had no idea. She pushed her way through the door and quickly began grabbing weapons. A sound at the door pulled her attention up as she was stuffing her gear into a duffel. She looked up to see Orinth Neerou standing there, a perplexed look on his face.

"Dear girl...where have you been?" Orinth glanced down at the arsenal being packed away. "The clones have left. You won't need those now."

"Something's happened," Shaza said as she looked up at him, her face etched with the emotion raging within. "It's...it's Tralesha, someone...they've..."

The old man's wrinkled face sagged with concern as he stepped into the room. "They've what? Is she hurt? Where is she, Ms. Nightshade?"

"Someone came," Shaza said. "They...I couldn't stop her. She took her, and...I don't know her. I don't know who she was. But, she took her, and I have to go. I have to find her. I have to get Tralesha back."

Despite his shock and grief, Orinth gently grabbed Shaza by the arms with his shaking, weathered hands and turned her to face him fully. "Don't be rash," he urged her. "You're upset - if you go off like this, you'll only get hurt."

"I can't let the trail get cold," Shaza whispered. "I can't let her get too far away. I have to be quick. Maybe...maybe Liam can help. I'm...I'll have to talk to him. I'm sure he can help, Orinth. He can help me find Tralesha."

"Oh, Shaza," he murmured ruefully. "We've lost so much...you and Tralesha are dear to me, and now that Yelara barely recognizes me...." Orinth's voice caught in his throat, but he quickly cleared the knot away and smiled fondly at her. "You find her," he whispered, patting her cheek affectionately. "You find her, and bring her home to us."

Shaza took both of Orinth's hands in hers. "I promise, Orinth," she said. "I'll go get her. I'll bring her back."

He smiled paternally. "And you remember to bring yourself back here safely, too, hm?"

"I promise that too," Shaza whispered, then gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you very soon, Orinth. Take care of yourself."

"Oh, I think I can keep myself out of trouble." He winked at her, then stepped aside as she hefted the back of weaponry onto her shoulder. "Luck, Shaza."

Shaza glanced back at him once, then strode through the doorway and off down the hall. She'd get Tralesha back, or die trying. She just hoped it wouldn't come to that though.

***

Lifting one corner of the bacta patch away from his flesh, Laedra Vorrel examined Koran's wound with much interest. The wound was deep, however it had missed all vital organs and was no more dangerous than a scratch. She puzzled over it for a time, then replaced the healing patch.

Many kilometers distant, on a balcony overlooking the Palace grounds and all of Arcadia, the giver of Koran Darr's wound gazed into the nothingness. Unclothed, but unaffected by the chill of the night, she stood in the darkness, seeing Koran and Lae sitting together in her mind's eye. She could barely sense his health, the vibrant life that still beat within him. Her strike had been true, and she had managed to miss anything important. Within, she had no desire to kill him, despite the rages she displayed when Nieme was near. She could not shake that which was the core of her being, could not shake that which she could feel as if it were her own.

She stretched her body, causing a few below in the courtyard to turn their attentions briefly away from the young girl strapped there for their pleasure. She leant some of her strength to the girl, and hoped her pain would end soon. At least, tomorrow, the torment of a Hutt would be less painful than the torment Nieme could heap upon her.

With a sigh, Dani turned to the inside of the Palace, silently wishing Koran Darr and the Jedi well. Perhaps in the near future the pain could end, but she wasn't certain she was ready to face what would bring that about. Not yet.

"Family Gathering, Part 2"
By: Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat
Zale Tregat
Moril Astren
Saris
Maeren Shivral
Merrick Braston
Kimara
Cadwin Tarell

Location: New Plouton
Date: Vadris 9, 4 ABY

***

"Nothing yet," Cadwin Tarrel said as he paced in the waiting room.

From where she sat on the couch, Kimara watched him, trying not to get too dizzy by his frequent changes of direction. Across from her, sharing a smaller couch, Moril and Saris were sharing a mug of caf and reading from one of the holonet screamsheets. They were so cute, she mused.

"I can't stand waiting," Cadwin said. Kim did some quick arithmetic and decided it was the twelfth time he'd spoken that phrase.

"I know you can't," she said with a grin. "Though, I don't think that's going to make Kaysa have her baby any sooner." The only reply he made was a very exasperated sound which earned a giggle from both Saris and Kim.

"You really should sit down," Moril said and indicated the couch. "You won't do anyone any good just hovering." As Cadwin grumped down into a seat, Moril was in the process of glancing around when a sudden beeping from his datapad drew his attention back to it. He stared at it, taking in every word, then looked up. "There's been an attack on the palace. The Jedi, they've...they're trying to remove Nieme and Dani from power." He started reading from the datapad, Saris and Cadwin leaning in.

Kim's mind, however, was elsewhere, though very focused on that elsewhere. She stood up, slowly edging toward the door as she looked out into the darkened night. "Keeve," she whispered.

***

Beyond exhaustion, Kaysa slumped back against the pillow, prepared to succumb to sleep. Her eyes closed over and she vaguely heard the doctor urging her to keep going. Numbly, she shook her head. "Too much," Kaysa murmured. "I...I can't...."

Zale leaned down close, his lips grazing lightly over her forehead. "Yes you can," he whispered. "Just a little bit more, and then you can rest. Just a little more, Kaysa."

"Is-- Is Keeve here yet?" She sobbed weakly, her head lolling against the pillow. "Oh Keeve..."

"If you stop now," the doctor told her gently, "you could harm the child, Mrs. Tregat. You must proceed."

She opened her eyes a crack, straining to accomplish even that. "Not without Keeve," she muttered in near delirium. "I...I have to stop until he comes...."

"Kaysa," Merrick said. "I'm sure he's on his way. He's coming, but...but you can't just stop. You have to keep going."

"Not yet..." she mumbled inaudibly. "Not until--"

A commotion at the door turned all heads from Kaysa's plight, even pulling the doctor's attention away from between her legs.

"I told you, sir, you can't!" Hovering about the intruder was the hospital's head nurse. "This room is full!" Although she tried to block the large stranger with her slight frame, the nurse was easily sidestepped.

Kaysa watched him come into view and smiled haggardly. "I knew you'd come," she whispered.

"And I wouldn't have missed it for anything." Keeve Shivral, looking worse for the wear after his night of adventure, managed a grin for his mother, even with the pain of a cracked lip.

"Sir! You can't be in here," the nurse persisted.

"Keeve!" It was nearly a shriek as Shiv flung herself into Keeve's arms. She barely noticed him wincing. "Oh, I knew you'd come. What happened to you? Oh, I missed you-- Are you alright? Oh it's so good to see you!" From within the small black bag, slung over her shoulder so that it bounced gently against her hip, a small white head popped up and mewed softly at Keeve.

He chuckled despite every nerve in his body screaming against the pain and fondly patted Hope's fluffy head. "I didn't think I'd see you two again." Keeve shook his head gravely. "Some bad stuff's happened...but I'm okay, Maeren. I was just on my way to get checked out when I saw Kim and the others in the waiting room. They told me about Kaysa and I ran over here." He jerked a thumb back at the fuming nurse. "Couldn't shake this thing, though."

"Please, just go back," Shiv said. "She's almost ready...and...and she wouldn't keep...not without him. Please? He's her son."

The churlish woman jammed both fists into her wide hips and frowned at Shiv. "It's against regulations--"

"Oh, just let them stay," the doctor interjected dismissively. "There's plenty of room."

Overruled by her superior, the nurse scowled at Shiv and Keeve before departing. Keeve smiled as he kissed Shiv gratefully. "We need to catch up later," he whispered.

Shiv grinned and nodded as they moved back over to Kaysa. "I think it's okay to begin again," she said to Kaysa. She raised her hand, clasped in Keeve's, into view. At her side, Hope trilled her encouragement as well.

"I dreamt you'd be here," Kaysa sighed. She raised a hand towards him and Keeve quickly clasped it.

"I can't miss my sibling's first birthday," Keeve told her playfully, then kissed the back of her hand. "Now, come on. Let's see just how cute a brother or sister of mine can be." He flashed Kaysa a smile and she chuckled.

Propping herself up again on her elbows, while Zale supported her, Kaysa nodded to the doctor. "Let's finish this," she told him, then bore down with renewed strength. Keeve only slightly winced as she crushed his fingers in her hand.

"Almost there," the doctor announced. "There's a head! A full mane of black hair!"

Keeve looked aside at Shiv with wonder, then quickly turned back to the birthing. He'd never witnessed anything like it, and was in awe. Kaysa's grunts and screams echoed even into the corridor, but her face showed clearly fierce determination. She wasn't giving up again.

"Oh look," Maeren said, pointing for Keeve. "Oh it's so amazing. Your little...well...sibling!"

He nodded dumbly, too amazed to feel embarrassed at seeing his mother's nether region. It was the life emerging that held his attention. He wondered if he'd given Kaysa this much trouble on the way out.

"I think another good push will do it, Mrs. Tregat." The doctor smiled and gave her a quick nod. "Now!"

Kaysa's hand clenched tighter around Keeve's, and her face twisted into a mask of exertion and pain. Her hair was damp with sweat and her gown nearly soaked through as well. It dawned on Keeve, then, how difficult an experience delivering a baby was for a woman, and how Kaysa would never have given birth to him if she hadn't truly wanted him. In that single moment, all his doubts about her love for him fled, and he was left ashamed of how he'd treated her so cruelly before. Keeve again kissed her hand and smiled. "Come on, Mom. Just a little more."

His encouragement seemed enough, for with a final shriek from Kaysa, a cheer erupted from the doctor, followed by a garbled cry given by the white-coated, slick child in his arms. Keeve nearly swooned at the sight. The doctor's aide finally stepped forward to provide assistance by severing the baby's umbilical cord and swaddling it in a blanket. Kaysa, meanwhile, was collapsed on the bed, struggling to catch her breath and laugh tearfully at the same time.

"The mother and father will be glad to know," announced the doctor, carrying the now cleaned and wailing child towards them, "that you have yourselves a daughter."

"She's beautiful," Zale whispered as he gazed upon his daughter for the first time as she lay squalling in the doctor's arms. "Look at her. Oh Kaysa." He leaned close to Kaysa and gave her a kiss that carried all of his joy with it.

Beside them both, Merrick stared on as well. It was obvious that the baby was Zale's and Kaysa's. He'd had a hope that it might be his, but...such was not the case. He smiled for both and nodded. "She's beautiful," he said, his voice happy despite the disappointment. How could he not be happy for Kaysa? There was no way, not with the way she glowed with wonder as the doctor brought her baby closer.

Kaysa laughed gently as the child was transferred to her cradling arms. The eyes were undoubtedly her own, and her skin the same rich mocha of Zale's. Her hair, now drying, looped into curls, adding to her child's beauty. She wept happily and kissed the girl's brow. "Keeve, do you see?" Her teary eyes found his. "Your sister, Keeve. Go on...you can touch her."

Keeve nodded hesitantly and stepped closer. Although the baby had ceased crying, she still whimpered now and again. He feared touching her and causing her to start up again, but when he brushed a finger against her cheek, the baby simply cooed. Keeve laughed in amazement and stared wide-eyed at Kaysa. "My sister.... What...what are we calling her?"

Kaysa looked up at Zale, giving him a questioning smile. "So, Daddy...what's it to be?"

"We'd thought of a few, but...but we never got a chance to decide on any." He glanced at Merrick and felt a slight twinge of sadness for his friend, then cast a questioning look at Kaysa.

She winked furtively at Zale, and grinned at Merrick. "You've always been good with words...and she's as much your daughter, too. How about you take a stab at it?"

Merrick looked between the two as they watched him expectantly. He smiled happily and nodded. "How about...Aria?"

Kaysa frowned briefly, but it was soon apparent she did so out of surprise rather than displeasure, especially when she lowered her face to her child's and whispered, "It's nice to meet you finally, Aria." Then, she kissed the tip of Aria's nose.

"We should probably go and tell the others the news," Keeve suggested to Shiv, still transfixed to the scene before him. Gazing aside at Shiv, he said, "I think I want one."

"You do, do you," she said with an infectious grin. "Well, now that you're back, we can try to start making one again." She leaned close as they both remained standing in place. "I'd like to start tonight, if you're up for it."

"Once they patch me up I will be," he answered, slipping his arms around Shiv's waist. "Though, there's a lot to tell you, first." Keeve groaned and reached back to rub at his lower back. "Like how breaking your fall with a solid piece of rock isn't the most comfortable experience," he quipped.

Shiv's eyes went wide, and for the first time she saw the extent of her husband's injuries. "Oh Keeve," she whispered as her hands went gently to the visible wounds, her concern more than obvious in her eyes as she gazed at him. "We have to find you a doctor. Right now. Come on."

He laid his hands gently upon her shoulders to restrain Shiv. "Don't worry, it's not that bad." Smiling, he kissed her brow. "I don't want to panic Kaysa. Let's just go outside, send Kim and Moril and everyone in, then you and I can quietly slip away to get myself looked at."

She looked up at him with love in her eyes and nodded. "Alright," she said. "So...did Kim tackle you when you came in?"

Keeve grimaced at the relived pain of that encounter. "I could barely get her off me. For a minute there, I'd thought you'd cut off your hair." Nuzzling her ear with his lips as they strolled off, Keeve whispered, "Don't you ever dare think of doing the same."

"I like her hair like that," Shiv said with a grin. "And, it does make it easier to tell us apart. Though, when I mentioned that to her, she almost didn't. I think she's still hoping...you know..."

"I know," he sighed. "I'm still trying to figure out what to do about that. And your encouraging her doesn't help!" he chided playfully.

Shiv grinned. "I know," she said. "We should try to...oh, if we can find someone, maybe sometime we could do a double date. You and me, and then Kim and a date."

"We don't know anyone else," Keeve reminded her, but as they reached the waiting room and Kim's face lit up at the sight of him, he amended, "But I'm sure we can find someone."

"Good," Shiv said with a smile, then she added in a whisper: "Because you're either going to have to accept her, reject her, or find a suitable replacement before her heart gets broken."

Kim rushed over, followed by Cadwin, Moril and Saris. "Well?" they all managed to say in unison.

Keeve couldn't help the grin he developed at the miracle he'd just witnessed. "A girl. They named her 'Aria'."

"Oh," Kim cooed. "Oh, that's a beautiful name! Can we see her? Will they let us in now? Oh, is she just adorable?"

Behind her, Moril and Cadwin chuckled. Saris stood close to Moril, smiling dreamily as his arm wrapped around her. "How is Kaysa?" she asked gently.

"Tired," Keeve answered. "But fine. You guys can go in now, just try not to alert that annoying head nurse."

"She kept glaring at us," Kim said, unable to take her eyes off Keeve. "At least in there, she won't be able to see us any longer."

"You guys go ahead," Shiv said, "we need to go have--" The look Keeve gave her stopped her from revealing to Kim that Keeve was injured, and she felt a slight blush suffuse her cheeks at the almost slip that would have earned Keeve even more attention from her twin. "We have some things to take care of."

"Alright," Moril said, stepping forward and taking charge. "Come on, let's go see the proud parents. Speaking of--"

"Zale," Shiv said with a grin.

Moril nodded. "Thanks," he said. "That could have been awkward." And, with that, the small group shuffled off together, leaving Keeve and Shiv alone.

Letting out a long sigh, Keeve sagged lightly against Shiv for support. "Now that the room's begun spinning...should we go see that doctor?" He smiled wanly.

"Come on," Shiv said, then helped him over to the desk. "We need to see a doctor. He's hurt."

Of course, as bad luck would have it, the disgruntled head nurse was the first they met. She smiled, and Keeve was at once fearful. "Yes, dears, I have the perfect man in mind." And as she rose and imperiously strode from the desk, Keeve doubted his injuries would be feeling very much better.

"I've got a bad feeling about this," Shiv said as she watched the nurse, then glanced at Keeve. "I think we can still run if you want."

He chuckled weakly. "Actually, I think we should just stay right here." And with eyes rolling back into his head, Keeve slumped to the ground, deciding he much preferred the floor to a spinning room.

As Shiv quickly dropped to the floor beside him, holding and comforting him as best she could before someone came to take Keeve to a room with a doctor, she pressed her forehead to his. "I guess I'll take a raincheck on getting reacquainted with you then," she said softly.

Despite his injuries and the sudden way in which he'd arrived, she couldn't help the overjoyed feeling within at having him back in her arms. It wasn't until the doctors arrived to put him on a gurney that she realized that his forehead was wet with her tears, tears that spoke of her overwhelming happiness at having him back.

"I love you," she whispered to him as they disappeared together from the lobby and into one of the rooms where the doctors could patch him up. Keeve had returned to her.

"Aftermath"
By Theen Fida, New Republic Ambassador to Tae'Karada
& Colonel Drostnik, New Republic Intelligence, NPC

Location: New Republic Embassy
Date: Vadris 9th, 4ABY

***

Dawn had broken upon the horizon as Theen gazed out the plasteel window of his office. As far as offices go, Theen's was quite opulent. It was spacious to accommodate his large size, few furnishings save for his desk and repulsor chair, several other chairs sat motionless in mid air to the other side of the desk, which itself was a gigantic slab of worked marble native to his homeworld. Theen had several fauna that decorated the office. The office area was positioned to the back of the building, its windows jutted out to overlook the cityscape. Plush azure blue carpeting covered the floors, with a creamy white zig-zagged design running through it. Upon the walls were a few holo-frames from his days as a diplomat, signings of treaties and business dealings for the greater good of the galaxy. A couple were of his homeworld, shifting to different scenes of its natural beauty and beautifully sculpted cities that almost seemed to have been grown from the surrounding ecology.

Theen was troubled.

"Sir," an office droid piped from the door way. It was a shiny silver and blue protocol droid, similar to the C3-P0 line. "I have just come from the debriefing, Colonel Drostnik has asked that I personally give you his report."

"Very well, leave it on the desk," Theen said without looking behind him.

The droid cocked its head and timidly entered into the room to comply. The droid laid the diskette on the desk and turned to move away, his servos making a faint mechanical whir with every step and motion. The droid waddled towards the door, stopped and looked back, turned back around and departed the office.

Theen turned around and picked up the data diskette, stuck into his data pad and reviewed the report. As he suspected, all the New republic troops that had been called back and interrogated were working upon officials orders from Major Jaro. What they did not know, and Theen thought to keep it that way, was that Major Jaro, was not Major Jaro. Theen studied the report that detailed the interrogation of a captured trooper who was found to not be one of their own, a trooper who was engaged within the Palace, and presumably under the command of this doppelganger-Jaro. The colonel's report stated that he did not reveal any information even under the common duress of interrogation, and that all he had to report on the matter was that the trooper was indeed not one of their own. The colonel speculated he was probably ex-Imperial, and they were trained to resist interrogation techniques, at least the more passive that were considered legal, unlike the drastic techniques that were commonly used by the Imperials during the Galactic Civil War.

Theen commed his secretary, "Inform Colonel Drastnik that I am on way down."

Theen abruptly left his office for the lower levels of the Embassy, levels that were secret to the public, secret to the government of Tae'Karada, and secret to all but a few within his chain of command who had privileged information.

Theen entered the turbolift that would take him down. Punching in his security code to allow him access to the secret floors, the turbolift whizzed him on down beneath the ground floors of the Embassy.

When the doors opened, Theen passed by two guards; they did not move. Anyone who came down to these levels had clearance. The turbolift operated a series of discrete verification programs that only Theen was aware of, a special precaution he had had added. The security verification programs worked with multiple verifying technologies. A hidden camera took a retinal scan, and checked it against the Embassy's autonomous database. Tint nano-tech droids took a DNA sample with no knowledge to those who entered the turbolift. The DNA was quickly matched to the database as well. Anyone who did not have clearance, would not get far. The guards would have been notified that a non-cleared person or persons were descending. And they would be met appropriately.

The guards stood motionless as if they were but statues as Theen passed them by, his robes flowing behind them.

"Ambassador," Colonel Drostnik approached the tall Anx.

Drostnik stood at attention when he discerned the ill-favored expression upon the Anx's face.

"I will see to the prison personally, Colonel," Theen growled.

Drostnik let him pass as he nodded to the droid behind the control console.

Theen passed through a door way as the door swooshed up and then back down as Theen and Drostnik passed through.

"I assure you, Ambassador, that every resource at my disposal shall be used to..." Drostnik was saying as Theen abruptly hushed him with a large clawed finger in his face.

Drostnik swallowed hard.

"This is not the Empire, Colonel Drostnik, however, you know full well the repercussions for failure. I cannot hold you personally responsible for this embarrassing and unfortunate incident," Theen stated. "However, you will come to find that my reach is far and great. I don't care how, but you will get to the bottom of this, and you will find out how it was that the true Major Jaro was subdued, and his classified information and codes stolen. It is absurd to think that such an event as this has come to pass."

Theen abruptly turned away and strode down the hall. Drostnik gathered himself and followed after. He knew full well the repercussions of his occupation. When one worked behind the public eyes in military and diplomatic intelligence, serious blunders were met with serious occupational transformations. True, this was not the Empire, he did not fear for his life, or those of his family. Only for his future. Drostnik knew full well he could find himself freezing on the icy world of Hoth, finishing his career at a meaningless station, or finding himself stuck on some forsaken world - the furthest from civilization one could ever imagine.

"Right here, Sir," Drostnik stated as he pulled a data-cylinder to open the door.

Inside the room was pitch dark, save for the light coming in from the hall way, and the eerie red laser bars that held the captive at bay. The bars would not kill, but an extreme high voltage would send the captive fumbling back to the wall and incapacitated. The room was actually very bright with blinding light before the door was opened, but the lights went off just as soon as the door was keyed to open. The sensation of blinding white light and near utter darkness was an old technique.

"Disengage the beams, Colonel," Theen ordered.

Drostnik complied with a tap from his data-pad that was keyed into the facility. The red laser bars dissipated and the lighting in the room had also come to a comfortable level, not bright, but not dark, a romantic mixture of lighting and shadow if one were here for such a thing.

Theen moved in closer to the man who was shackled. As an Anx, he had the uncanny knowledge of physiology for most every species that was common within the worlds of the New Republic. It was a powerful knowledge, and if there was anything that Theen excelled at, it was knowledge.

The giant Anx toward over the captured soldier. "Has he been drugged?"

"He has had a limited amount of truth serum, Sir," Drostnik replied. "Nothing to hinder the gathering of information, I assure you."

Obviously not, Theen thought to himself, How else would you try and gain information if you hindered the prisoner's capability to divulge information...military intelligence! Bhaaa!

"Leave us," Theen ordered. "Stay by the door, go no further."

Colonel Drostnik hesitated for a moment until Theen gave him a look that he should comply. Images of a frozen arctic waste hurried Drostnik back through the door.

Theen grabbed hold of the man and applied increasing pressure to several key areas of the man's nervous system with one quick and experienced motion.

"Nyaaaaahhhrr.." the man yelped and whimpered.

"I can do a great many things to your body, do you understand?" Theen asked the prisoner. "I can make this painful, all of which is temporary if you so choose to cooperate. I can shut your bodily functions off and on like a droid, do you understand?" he asked again as he applied more pressure.

"Y...yes!" the man hissed.

"I can paralyze you, I can blind you, I can make it so that you will be a prisoner within your own body, you would go mad inside that feeble mind of yours...alive, but no control over your bodily functions," he explained. "Now tell me, whose orders were you under? Hmm? Who do you work for?"

Drostnik stood outside the room. Nothing could be heard from inside, and he had no capabilities of looking in with any technological devices from his position outside the room. He thought he didn't want to know anyway, although it was always advantageous to have information under one's hat to use for personal gain, especially when one feared for their future.

What seemed like forever, only a few microns had elapsed until Theen emerged from the room. Drostnik caught a glance of the limp prisoner before the door swooshed shut again. Inside the red-lasers zapped to life and the lighting blared back to blinding intensity.

"I have no further use for the prisoner, Colonel," Theen announced as he made down the hall from where they had originated. "Ensure that he finds his way to a suitable facility, he has no useful information."

"Yes Sir," Drostnik replied as they passed through the doorway to the outer hall.

Theen briskly made for the turbolift to make it back to his office.

Inside the lift, Theen churned the information he had procured from the man. Theen had left the man with no memory of the incident. A human's physiology and neurology was easily manipulated, he thought as the lift flew up to the uppermost levels. The information the prisoner offered was nothing of a revolutionary nature, but it was a starting point to uncover the treachery of the past night...

"Re-Laying Groundwork"
By: Yelara Neerou
Va'Lesh Zaneth
Liam Zaneth

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 9, 4 ABY

***

Leshie had ceased fidgeting only when exhaustion finally overcame the small child and sleep claimed him. Now, cradled in Yelara's arms and suckling at something imagined in his dream, Va'Lesh was allowed to forget the tumultuous day that had befallen them all; though, graced with the short memory and lack of comprehension all children were granted, it was unlikely he had remembered any of it moments after all had ended. Yelara was much like him, in that regard; her own memories were fleeting, lost somewhere in the labyrinth of her damaged mind. Oblivion, however, was not as comforting for Yelara as it was now with Va'lesh.

All she knew of herself was she had risen from the dead after succumbing to Dargus' violence. She had a son named Va'Lesh and a husband or two...though neither of them she knew anything about. There was Kallia, whose presence brought brief glimpses of happiness and affection, but Yelara was either too afraid to cling to them, or incapable of doing so. All that remained was emptiness, and without Va'Lesh, there would also have been loneliness.

Although the chill of the night's air nipped at her cheeks and stung her eyes, Yelara sat on the cold bench of the courtyard and gazed at the winking stars. She yearned to drift among them and leave the Temple behind, where there was nothing for her. In space, at least she could find someplace new, somewhere to start fresh. The past, as inscrutable as it was, was just that. There would be no use in dwelling on what couldn't be remembered. Yelara needed to move forward.

Her mind decided, she rose, stiffened muscles tensing against the cold and flesh raising in goosepimples. The wind swept Yelara's sable curls aside as she turned, only to be met by two glowing blue orbs piercing through the darkness. She took a startled step back.

"I'm sorry," Liam Zaneth said softly. "I didn't mean to surprise you. I was just going around, checking on people. Are you alright, Yelara?"

She nodded imperceptibly. "I'm unhurt." Swallowing hard and trembling, she asked, "And you?"

"Same," he said with a smile. "I'm unhurt, but concerned." He frowned as he watched her. "Are you cold?" He pulled his cloak off, and held it out for her. "Here, it'll help keep you warm."

Yelara would have refused if Leshie weren't in her arms. If she was frigid, he was likely just as cold, despite the warmth her body provided. Suppressing a cold shudder, Yelara accepted the garment and adjusted it around her shoulders. "I should probably take him inside," she murmured, gazing only at Leshie and consciously avoiding Liam's stare. "I just have nowhere to go in this place...no room that's just my own."

"We can arrange for one," Liam said as he used the Force to keep the chill away from his own body. "There's plenty of room in the Temple if you and Leshie want your own room."

"I don't--" She sighed and squinted up at Liam in the darkness. "I don't know if the Temple is the best place for me and my son. I'm not sure I want him around Dargus...not until I can determine what exactly I'm feeling, and who he is really."

"Dargus isn't the man he used to be," Liam said. "But if you don't feel comfortable here, we can also find a place for you in the city, if you would like. Perhaps you would like to spend some time with your grandfather, Orinth. Whatever you would like, Yel, we'll see what we can do."

"We?" She emitted a weak chuckle. "I really do wish I could remember what we were to each other, Mr. Zaneth - why you're going out of your way to help me. Jae Dyn said that we...we were married, which presumes that we did love each other...but I can't remember any of that. I don't feel it."

"We had our ups and downs," Liam said, "but we loved each other very much. We got married on Akaphael." He brushed his fingers against the kestrel hanging from his earlobe, and felt the memories wash over him in a rush. "We had our honeymoon on Turren."

Yelara shrugged, shifting Liam's cloak upon her shoulders. "Those places are foreign to me. The only thing familiar is Va'Lesh...and sometimes Jae Dyn and Dargus, but you...you're a mystery to me for some reason. Why any memory of you wouldn't remain...I don't know."

"I cannot answer that," Liam said, his face not betraying the pain within. "I don't understand everything that happened. I did my best to bring you back as whole as I could. I...I wasn't certain I'd succeed." A part of him wasn't certain he had actually succeeded. "It is somewhat ironic that you don't remember me, I guess."

"Because you've done so much for me?" Yelara ventured. Leshie shifted in her arms, and Yelara adjusted him in them until the boy was comfortable once again. "Did you revive me so that Leshie would have a mother?" she asked him softly. "Is that why you brought me back? Is that why you did this to me?"

"I wanted Leshie to have his mother," Liam said softly. "And...and I wasn't ready to lose my wife, not like it happened. But...but he needed you...I couldn't alone..."

As cold as she felt, Yelara's heart had not yet been touched by it. Witnessing his anguish, she haltingly stepped towards him. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I don't mean to cause you pain. If I could remember...."

"It's not your fault," Liam said softly. "There's a part of me...a part that knows that I should have done what I did, in bringing you back. I was playing with forces I had...that I shouldn't have. But, to see you again, to see Leshie with you...I can't imagine any wrongness in what I did. You were taken too early; our baby was cheated out of his mother. For myself, if you never...never remember, never feel again...I can bear it. But, to have our child grow up without ever knowing his mama..."

"He'll know me," Yelara insisted, standing directly before him now. His handsome features, not completely buried beneath his expression of sorrow, were not lost on Yelara. She smiled. "I'm here for him, I always will be. And...and Jae Dyn told me." Her features sobered. "You're his father, not Dargus. You...you've a right to be involved in his life, Mr. Zaneth. I won't keep him from you."

"Thank you," Liam said with a smile. "It means very much to me that you're willing... Are you feeling warm enough?" He reached a finger out to Leshie who quickly grasped it. "We can find a warm spot inside if you want."

" 'We' again," Yelara teased. "You're not going to give up on me, are you?" It was more a mild accusation than a question.

"If you wish to be alone, I can go," Liam said. "But, unless you don't want me to be, I'd like to be a part of your life...since we both will be involved in raising Leshie."

Yelara held Liam in a curiously amused regard. "You truly believe we can so easily return to...whatever it was we had? We're nearly strangers. Instead of working to rebuild a marriage," she reasoned, "we should be first working towards getting acquainted, don't you think?"

"Based on where we are now," Liam said with a nod, "I don't think we can pick up where we left off. We'll have to start over... It's a good idea, to get acquainted again. I'd like that." He gave her a smile. "I'm Liam Zaneth."

Flashing him the first true and dazzling smile she had adopted since her death, she replied, "I'm Yelara. I've been told my last name is Zaneth, too." With an extended hand, she offered her greeting. "It's an intriguing pleasure to meet you, Liam Zaneth."

He took her hand with a smile. "I've heard that before, your last name was Neerou, if you wished continue using that," he said with a wink. "Would you like help finding a room for the night? It looks like the little one is getting a little sleepy."

"He's not the only one, and I'm not just talking about me." Giving his hand a brief squeeze, she whispered, "You look ready to fall down, Liam. Get some rest. I'm sure I can find an empty room somewhere in this place."

"If you'd like to spend some time together tomorrow, getting acquainted, you, me, and little Leshie can go look for a place for the two of you, if you'd like. If you'd like."

She sighed, and only after realizing her hand was still resting in his, with one thumb barely stroking her own, did she gently and abashedly reclaim hers. "I think I'll need a job first," was her distracted reminder. His touch had sparked a warmth in her, and Yelara was grateful for the darkness, then, where her blushing cheeks would not be visible. "Jae Dyn said I used to be a technician. Maybe I could do that again...."

"Would you like something outside of the Jedi?" he asked. "You set up some security devices for us before. We could use your help here, if you're interested. You don't have to though, if you're not comfortable."

"It's not a matter of my personal comfort." Yelara smiled wryly, watching her son grinning sleepily at Liam and tugging weakly at his finger. "I've nowhere to go...and I'm not equipped to take care of him as well as I should if I leave the Temple." Her bewitching violet eyes locked with Liam's, and her smile softened. "I could stay here...for a while. I feel comfortable enough with you right now to do that. You have...your soul is kind, I can tell." Chuckling at her child's squeal of delight as he managed to fit Liam's finger into his mouth, Yelara added with mirth, "And Va'Lesh seems to like you well enough. How could I say 'no'?"

Liam grinned at his son as he pushed his free hand through the mop of red hair atop the baby's head. "There are some free rooms in the northern wing," he said. "The non-Jedi at the Temple are using some of those rooms, including Orinth. Tomorrow, when the sun is up, it might be better to look for a more permanent room here at the Temple, and your belongings can be moved in. If you'd like, of course. I don't want to push you into anything you don't want, or aren't ready for."

"Well, I'm not going anywhere tonight, so there's time to decide." Leshie's fidgeting increased, until he was at the brink of squeezing free of Yelara's embrace. She struggled to restrain him, though was smiling wryly after realizing where he was trying to go. "I think he wants your arms, Liam. Do you mind taking him?"

"Not at all," Liam said with a smile. "He's very insistent when he decides on something like this. Come on, my little bantha."

Transferred to Liam's hold, Leshie calmed considerably and was now only restless with excitement at being close to his father. It grieved Yelara to see their bond and have no understanding of her own with Liam. She had conceived a child with him, yet couldn't imagine ever having lain with him. Her past was gone, and at the moment not even her future looked very bright. There seemed to be little left for her. "Would you like to watch him for a while?" she asked quietly. "I...there's something I need to do."

"Of course," he said, watching her with some concern. "I'll have him in my room." He quickly gave her directions to the room so she could find him and Leshie. "I have some of his things there, and it's easy to find. Not to mention warmer, though with all of his energy, I think he warms himself up with fidgeting."

His