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21 BBY (Before Battle of Yavin)
2nd Year of the Clone Wars
Taris

From the Private Journals of Jacalyn Arden:

One would think that a Jedi would have concerns lying. And in some aspects, I do. Our word is important. But at the same time, lying to play a role... Is that entirely wrong? Sometimes one has to go undercover, be someone else, to uncover truth. And though I try to be truthful in many aspects, I know that I have to lie many a time, including who I am, in order to protect the Republic. Is that entirely wrong? Does the ends justify the means? You have some who argue that in doing so one loses oneself. But someone has to do this job. The Force has led me here and continues to guide me. And though some aspects might weigh on me, there is nothing I would rather be doing.

A place of rich history and great sorrow, Taris was located in the Outer Rim. An ecumenopolis like Coruscant, it once rivaled the Republic capital in glory. But that had changed as the planet-wide city started to reach overpopulation issues. Unlike Coruscant which was deep in the core and able to continually bring in food and resources to sustain itself, Taris had been further out, near only two trade routes – neither of which could sustain the heavy population. Other factors such as the Mandalorian Wars and even the Taris Civil War caused some issues. However, it wasn't until the great Jedi Civil War that it lost any hope of recovery. Nearly wiped out by Sith bombardment, the devastation wrought was beyond what most could even imagine, wiping out ninety percent of the planet. Even nearly four thousand years later, a good portion of the planet was still devastated – old ships hulks, destroyed buildings, marshland – reigned. It was a major hub for smugglers and desperados. Pirates and criminals. It was also a good place to get information.

Jacalyn sat at a corner table, chair tilted back slightly. One of her feet pushed against the table while the other while the other stretched, almost lazily, to the floor, the edge of her boot touching the wooden floor long since stained by alcohol, vomit, and possibly even blood. A blaster hung on her hip for a quick draw but she didn't seem to be thinking much on it. Nor was it something out of place. Nearly everyone, including the bartender, had some form a weapon on them or within reach.

Frankly, blasters were so uncivilized but Jacalyn had grown quite accustomed to hers. She had to. It wasn't like she could use her lightsaber in most instances. Not unless she wanted everyone to know she was a Jedi – something that wouldn't really go well with what her purpose was. She'd still take a lightsaber over a blaster any day but frankly, both were tools. Tools that she could use.

As was this bar.

A half cup of alcohol sat in front of her though she took her time drinking it. Her senses were still alert as ever and frankly, the drink was more in line of who she was seen as versus she truly was. That and you couldn't really just walk into a bar in some low-level area and get away with not drinking something. Thankfully Master Revi had taught her the best method to make it look like you were drinking a lot while really barely consuming anything.

Her hand tapping the side of the glass thoughtfully, Jacalyn kept her body loose almost, seemingly relaxed. Her gaze drifted lazily over the room from time to time, even though her mind took in every detail. Her contact should be here soon enough.

She caught a few glances sent her way. A lone woman usually was almost like an invitation but she had been her frequent enough and she was known that not many of the 'locals' bothered her. You always had some newcomers usually try something but a blaster on her hip usually deterred them – that and the look and change of body language that she'd shift too when threatened. Even relaxed slightly she gave off a slight vibe of one you didn't really mess too much with.

A lot had changed over the year and the skills she had picked up were pretty amazing.

The door opened and two individuals entered. Jacalyn recognized one as her contact. Dropping her foot, she let the chair fall back to all fours as she straightened slightly, her facial expression tightening a bit. Her hand fell to the blaster, though didn't draw it.

"You didn't say you'd be coming with someone," she said, coolly as the two approached.

Attuned in the Force, Jacalyn continued to feel the slight constant vibe of a threat. In a place like this, it was natural. What one had to do was learn to focus even more to see how much of that threat was genuine and actually going to be carried out. Thankfully, the Force was with her and she had yet to get herself into a situation that she couldn't get out of. But as she had been told by Master Revi, a lot of it was being aware of one's position using methods outside the Force as well.

The Force is helpful and will be your best ally, but you will place yourself in situations that are dangerous. There, intelligence and awareness will enhance your senses in the Force. Though the Force will continue to be the best tool on your side, don't rely solely on it.

Her contact, Akkels Ralg gave her a distasteful look and waved away the concern. The Quarren had always been a bit condescending to anyone who wasn't her own species, especially humans. But her kind, in general, was a bit xenophobic. Thus, it had been interesting that she was so far from her homeworld of Dac – or as many knew it, Mon Calamari, after the other species that shared their homeworld. But Akkels Ralg was not like most of her species. Though extremely disdainful of others, she was very successful in the underground smuggling arena. And one of the better contacts in this sector that Jacalyn knew – all be it difficult to have earned that connection.

"You said you needed a pilot who knows Murkhana." The Quarren said in her native tongue, refusing to speak the "barbaric" Basic so commonly used. Thankfully, Jacalyn had learned Quarrenese with Master Revi. "So, I brought one."

Jacalyn kept her hand on the blaster as she turned her attention slightly over to the human male. She kept a slight eye on Akkels as it was never good to truly leave oneself unguarded against the Quarren. Though the woman wouldn't necessarily betray her – yet – she was not one to be trusted despite how helpful she was to the Republic. Unknowingly of course as the orange-skinned alien despised anything to do with peace and the Republic.

"You know Murkhana?" Jacalyn eyed the young man cautiously.

Though an excellent pilot herself, Jacalyn had need of someone that knew the homeworld of the Separatist leader Passel Argente. Being also the headquarters of the Corporate Alliance, Murkhana was not a world that was easy to access. It was extremely hostile to anyone from the Republic and Jedi. Not that Jacalyn was known as either. Still, it was unfamiliar territory and having someone who knew the area as well as be able to help fly a ship out of there if need be would be beneficial. Despite the fact, you couldn't completely trust them.

The young man leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed. He sat perfectly relaxed, almost seeming content. His gaze drifts over Jacalyn, taking her in – not necessarily in a way that others had looked at her but still with a bit of interest.

"I know Murkhana well," he said giving a slight incline of his head. "Did several runs out that way." He leaned forward. "I know the city fairly well and can get you in and out without issue."

Jacalyn raised an eyebrow before glancing back at Akkels. "You vouch for his credibility?" She asked.

The young man didn't seem to take any offense, just smiled and glanced toward the Quarren.

The four tentacles on the woman's face moved almost as if they had a mind of their own, though the method they moved combined with the body language gave Jacalyn a good indication that the Quarren was annoyed.

"Of course. Why else would I bring him? If you don't want him…" The woman started to rise before Jacalyn leaned forward, hands moving to the table in front of her.

"No, that's not it at all. Just have to be careful, you understand." She gave a tight smile before turning to look at the young man, the smile slipping away. "You never know who to trust."

The young man leaned forward, placing his own hands on the table. He gave Jacalyn a grin. "I'm sure you'll find me trustworthy."

"Hmm." Jacalyn leaned back and crossed her arms over her chest. She glanced over at Akkels. "Very well, thank you. If this works out, it won't be forgotten."

"Remembered or not, you owe me." The Quarren held out a hand, palm up.

Jacalyn gave a tight smile. "Of course. After all, we are such good partners." If the Quarren picked up on the sarcasm it didn't say but waited while Jacalyn fished a data crystal out of her jacket. "Payment as requested. Pleasure doing business with you."

Akkels took the crystal examined it before slipping it inside the folds of her clothes. She rose.

"Until next time, Jacalyn."

Jacalyn watched the Quarren leave. Despite the obvious distaste and possible annoyance, Akkels still had no qualms working with Jacalyn. It had taken a bit of time to build up a relationship and reputation but now – as much as one could in this kind of arena, Jacalyn had a decent working relationship with the Quarren. If she needed something else she knew she could always contact Akkels and the woman would help. Well, as long as there was a payment of sorts.

In a way, Akkels was very easy to deal with. Jacalyn knew her, knew her motives and what drove her. Money. The Quarren would do anything for money – including betrayal. If she knew that Jacalyn was a Jedi she would turn on her so fast. But so would anyone else in this business.

Jacalyn turned her attention to the young man across from her. He met her gaze openly, a half smile on his lips as he openly studied her.

"Akkels doesn't recommend lightly," he told her. "And she seems to think you make good on your end."

High praise, especially from that Quarren. Assuming of course, the young man wasn't lying to her. Not that Jacalyn picked up anything indicating he was. In fact, he seemed honest in that regard though a bit…sure of himself. He had a bit of arrogance almost as well as boldness. Jacalyn knew not to trust him completely but was he trustworthy enough to get her in and out of Murkhana?

"Akkels does anything for money," Jacalyn retorted turning a bit to face him directly. "It's her driving motivation. Well, money and anything to hurt the Republic." She smirked at the last remark, her "thoughts" of the Republic coming out a bit negative.

One really couldn't do a lot of interaction in her line of work or even digging into the Separatists as a Republic sympathizer.

She leaned forward.

"What is your motivation?"

The young man smiled. He gave a slight shrug and looked away before his gaze drifted back to her.

"Well, frankly I'm motivated by a few different things. Money, obviously. But I like to fly. And I like to do so in high stress situations. Makes me feel alive."

Jacalyn raised an eyebrow. "Adrenaline junky?" She leaned back, expression closing slightly. "Means you are in it for the thrill and possibly might get me killed."

The young man laughed. "Yes and no. True, I do enjoy the thrills, as you elegantly pointed out, but I have yet to get anyone killed. Believe me, I enjoy life. Why would I want to end it?" He spread out his hands innocently.

"Not very comforting," Jacalyn said.

"Look," the smile held a bit of amusement. "Would Akkels Ralg recommend a human if she wasn't confident I could do the job well?"

Jacalyn paused. He had a point. She asked Akkels for a good pilot. One who knew the ins and outs of Murkhana. One that wouldn't ask too many questions and could get the job done without killing her. Despite the fact that the Quarren looked down on her and was in it for the money, she was good to her word – at least on bargains. But then again, in a way, even among the underground, pirates, smugglers, and thieves, you were only as good as your deliverables. If you promised one thing and didn't deliver you not only risked alienating future business but you ran the risk of getting yourself killed. It was because of this – and this only – that Jacalyn was even willing to consider the young man across from her.

That and she did need to go to Murkhana. Though she could figure it out on her own, having someone with contacts who knew the lay of the land was helpful.

"Alright. We can talk. But I don't do business with anyone I don't know the name to." She lifted her chin slightly and looked at the young man. "I'm Jacalyn. And you are?"

"Skywalker." The smile grew as the young man stared at her, extending his hand in greeting. "Anakin Skywalker."

Author's Note:

Ironically, I had gone back and forth with what to do with Anakin Skywalker. Part of me had originally thought of cutting him out of the story completely.
But then I was thinking there is a lot that is tied to him so I might have to bring him in on some level. But how to do so where he doesn't take the forefront and falls into what I have planned?

It wasn't until after the question asked about if/when he was coming in that I really sat down and thought a lot more of it. And I believe I have it.
So here he is. lol.