Alia had been crying for the past two hours. Thank the force HK was gone on a mission, otherwise he would have probably asked her why she was leaking fluid at such a rapid rate. Or make some other backhanded comment. The violent sobbing had finally stopped, but the tears kept flowing, despite how exhausted she was.

Alia's life had been changed for the better, she was free of her collar, free of the Slaver King, and free to learn again. But that meant absolutely nothing if she couldn't help her friends, who wouldn't even look her in the eye anymore. Most painful of all however was Ana, the others she could live without if she had to...but not her.

The sound of the automatic door to Revan's personal chambers opening woke Alia from her depressed stupor. She quickly wiped the new tears away from her eyes and composed herself.

"No encrypting session tonight. I'll be up in my study doing research, no disturbances. Understood?"

"Yes Master."

Alia quickly helped Revan out of his cloak and mask. As she was about to turn to put his things away, he stopped her; placing his hand under her chin and tilting it to meet his gaze. Her glassy eyes met his as he wiped a stray tear from her cheek with the back of his free hand. She was completely entranced.

"You missed one."

His comment caused her to turn away in shame. She didn't like him seeing her like this.

"I apologize, Master...I promise it won't happen again. It's just been a rough day."

"I take it then, that Taiget's advice to you fell on deaf ears?"

"I'm sorry...I'm not like you or him. I can't just abandon my friends because they're holding me back. I would…" she gulped "I would rather I remained on their level than leave them behind."

"I see...how disappointing."

His words stung her like a vibroblade in the arm.

"Don't worry about your Sister. From what I understood from my latest report from Brom, one of his men got in a scuffle with those three Soldiers responsible for her wounds."

She felt like she should have been surprised he knew all that, but at this point it was just sort of expected.

"What happened to him?"

"Broken arms, fractured ribs, multiple internal lacerations, it was a mess."

"They did that to a commando?"

"No, you've got it backwards. The Commando did that to them."

Alia was taken aback. One man did that to three soldiers?

"I have research to attend to. The rest of the night is yours."

"Y...yes Master."

He began climbing the stairs, turning back before he completely reached the study.

"If you don't take Taiget's advice then at least listen to mine.

She canted her head at him curiously.

"If you can't convince someone to listen to you, then you must force them to listen to you."

With that he ascended the stairs. Leaving Alia to ponder on his words.

Force them to listen? How am I supposed to do that?

She wasn't sure how she was going to convince her sister's, but after hearing Revan describe what happened to the three soldiers, a neat little idea popped into her head.


She was nervous. She had every right to be. The last time she was down here she was very nearly assaulted by three men. Nevertheless, Alia once again found herself wandering the corridors of the Commando Wing of the Soldier's barracks.

For forces sake I don't want to be here.

Her heart was racing as she rounded the corner.

This is crazy! These men will eat me alive.

The voice in the back of her head kept trying to talk her out of this insane plan, but she ignored it. This was no longer just about her. She had to protect her sister's no matter what. Even if that meant swallowing her fears and talking to Captain Brom again.

They won't hurt you, not as long as they know who you are...that is unless you make them mad. No! Can't think about that, I just have to calm down. Breathe Alia. Breathe.

After searching the barracks for what felt like hours, Alia finally found the man she wanted to see. Captain Brom was standing in the corridor with Jace and Jax. The three of them were discussing plans for the next planetside raid on Dromas as Alia approached.

"I'm just saying, if we were to ditch the backup rocket launchers we'd move a lot faster." Jace explained.

"And I'm saying I can't believe you're seriously considering leaving one of our heavy hitters behind. If we run into any mobile anti-infantry platforms in the killzone we'd be sitting ducks." Jax countered.

"Those launchers won't count for jack if we don't close that 200 meter gap before the mortars zero in on our position. Speed is key for this run, I'm telling you."

"Alright you two that's enough. We can discuss this further after the…"

"Umm...excuse me." Alia timidly interrupted.

All three of them immediately turned towards her. She suddenly froze like a taun taun in headlights. She seriously began to question her sanity for ever coming up with this idea.

"Well well well. Look who we have here boys." Brom grinned maliciously at her.

She wanted to turn away, but she kept her composure and stood her ground.

"Never thought I'd see you down here again, love. Come to take us up on that offer, after all?" Jace smirked wryly at her.

"Errr, no…." She did her best not to sound completely repulsed by the idea.

"Well what is it then? We're kind of in the middle of something important." Brom commented dismissively.

"I heard what happened yesterday. One of your men beat up three soldiers?"

"For forces sake Jace, I thought I told you not to go spreading that around!" Jax complained.

"Those punks needed a lesson in who their betters were. They shouldn't have gotten in my face like that." Jace shrugged.

"Why are you here about that?" Brom asked.

"Are all your commandos that strong?" She asked curiously.

"Of course they are!" He sounded almost offended by the question. "I trained these men personally. They're the best of the best."

"So...each of them received the same training as a Mandolarian would." She confirmed. "In other words, there's no soldier on this ship stronger than they are?"

"Damn right!" Jax chimed in. "The Imperial Commando's are the greatest military unit in the galaxy." He boasted.

"We're the strongest men in the Dark Lord's army. Hands down." Jace added, thumping his chest.

This was good. As long as she kept stroking their egos it seemed she was free to talk about whatever she needed to.

"I...I have a favor to ask of the strongest men in the Dark Lord's army."

"Oh, this should be good." Brom commented in amusement.

"I know you and your men aren't always away on missions. In your down time, I would really appreciate it if you would send some men to keep an eye on my sister's while they work. They need someone to guard them from the other soldiers, and you're the strongest on the ship."

The three of them stared at her completely dumbfounded

"You...you want us to guard servants while they work?"

Alia nodded timidly.

"Yes...please."

Brom and his men exchanged unbelieving looks with one another, before bursting into a fit of thunderous laughter. Jace pounded the side of the corridor with his fist, laughing hysterically. Even Brom wasn't able to compose himself, keeling over in a laughing fit. The obtuse response instantly caused Alia's blood to boil. She was sick of this. She was sick of their disrespectful attitudes and their condescending tone towards her. She stomped her foot as hard as she could.

"Listen! I'm serious! There's a chance they could get hurt if someone isn't watching their back! They serve the Empire just as you do, they deserve to at least know they can work safely!"

"Why don't you head back to your Master little pup." Brom waved her off. "I'm sure he'll be curious to know why his favorite bitch left the bedroom."

That was it. That was officially it. With that one backhanded comment Alia had officially reached her threshold. She didn't care if he killed her, or what his men would do to her any longer. She had had enough.

By the time Brom had noticed the pistol at his waist had left its holster it was far too late. Alia quickly gripped the handle of the weapon and pointed it directly into his face. The Captain's men had their own pistol's drawn within seconds of Alia stealing his.

"Drop them! Drop them NOW!" She screamed. "Drop them or I swear by the force I'll blast his damn head off!"

"You've got some nerve you little…"

"Jace, Jax, do as she says." Brom calmly interrupted.

"But Captain! We can't just…"

"Weapons down!" He barked.

She wasn't expecting that. When she pulled the blaster on him, she wasn't thinking. When she realized what she had just done, she thought for sure she was about to get her head fried off. Not knowing what else to do, Alia continued to jam the gun directly into Brom's face, her arms trembling violently.

"Now...now you're gonna listen to me. And you're gonna listen good or I swear I'll make you regret it." She was doing her best to sound convincing.

"Come on Captain. Just let us fry this little schutta!" Jax growled.

"I ordered you to stand down!"

Jace and Jax exchanged angry looks with one another. Reluctantly, they re-holstered their blasters.

"Okay. You've got my attention pup. So talk."

The look he was giving her at that moment….Alia wanted nothing more than to drop that blaster and run, but she was in too deep now. She had no choice but to push through.

"First of all. My name isn't pup. It's Alia. I'm sick of you and your men calling me names like I'm some sort of pet. I'm not! I'm the personal assistant of the Dark Lord! Your Master!"

"Your Master." Brom corrected. "I serve no one."

"That may be what you tell your men, but I know the truth. I know better than any of them what you really are, Mandalorian."

He raised a brow at her, crossing his arms.

"Is that right?"

"Yes...yes it is."

Alia knew what she had to do. She began speaking in Mandoa.

"I once served the fire of Mandaoan men. I have witness the destruction of the Outer Rim. Served among the warriors of many clans. I polished their armor, repaired their weapons….warmed their beds."

She had to stop herself from gagging on that last part. She took a deep breath and continued.

"I bore witness to the destruction of The Ultimate One at the hands of the Revanite. Now I serve the new Lord. I serve Tautunga."

Brom's face began to heat up. There was murder in his eyes. He responded to her in Mandoa.

"Tautunga is dead! The Master of Master's was slain by The Revanite at Malachor V. You speak with stolen words little thing!"

"Tautunga is alive and well. When the Revanite slew The Ultimate One he took the Mask of Tautunga. Though he does not wear it, by the laws of the Ancient Warriors he holds the Mask. That makes him Tautunga. You understand this, warrior. Whether you admit it or not."

"Speak your next words carefully little thing….lest I make them your last."

"That is why you follow him is it not? The others, they have lost their honor. They no longer follow the ancient ways. They're content to sell themselves as mercenaries or bounty hunters. But you...you have not lost your Mandoan pride. That is why you serve The Revanite. Why you serve Tautunga!"

Jace and Jax, who didn't speak of word of Mandoa, were utterly confused throughout the entire exchange. Brom's face finally began to cool down. He took a deep breath, before addressing his men in Galactic Basic.

"Men, back to the barracks."

"But Captain! We can't just let her…"

"Just go! Drinks are on me tonight."

The two commando's wanted to protest further, but knew better than to question their Captain. Slowly, reluctantly, they left. Leaving a still slightly shaky Alia alone with the massive warrior.

"You've got guts little pup. I'll give you that."

He took two steps toward her. She immediately took two steps backwards, the blaster still in her trembling hands. A wicked grin crossed lips.

"But...if you're going to threaten someone with a Blaster. It helps if you turn the safety off first."

Alia turned pale. Slowly, she lowered the weapon. Brom, grinning like an idiot, reached out his open palm.

"May I?" He asked condescendingly.

Alia deflated, shamefully placing the weapon back in his hand. She felt like an incompetent moron. Brom took the weapon and turned it upwards toward the ceiling with the left side facing towards her.

"It's here." He explained, pointing to a small button on the side of the weapon.

"Hold it down until you hear the tone. That will let you know the weapon is ready to fire."

He armed the blaster and then, surprisingly, offered it back to her. Alia gave him a confused look before gingerly taking the weapon back. He guided her arms outwards directing the weapon towards his chest.

"Always aim for center mass. Never aim for the head, it's too small a target. When you fire the weapon, squeeze the trigger, don't just pull it. Let the recoil travel through your arm, not just your wrist." He instructed.

"Why are you showing me this?"

"Because if I'm going to be honor armed to a scrawny thing like you, I want to at least know it was done competently."

"Honor armed?"

"You know our language. Surely you know something of our code as well."

It hit her at that moment. Of course! She had successfully disarmed a Mandalorian Officer of his weapon. That was a huge deal in their culture. As per part of their code, if a subordinate ever successfully relieved a Mandalorian officer of his weapon, that subordinate was entitled to boons from the commanding officer. One for each rank he was above him.

"As honor dictates, you will have three boons."

"Why three?"

"Though I despise to admit it….that outfit you're wearing technically makes you an Officer. A lieutenant to be precise. As I am a Captain, that gives me three ranks above you."

So Ana was right...it really is a Sith Officer's Uniform.

"Name them. I won't stand around all day."

Alia thought long and hard about what she wanted. Finally she spoke.

"First of all, you're going to instruct your men to treat the Servants with respect. They serve the Empire just as you do. You won't belittle them any longer."

Brom rolled his eyes.

"Very well. What else?"

"Also, you're going to commit three of your men every day to guarding my sister's while they work. If your men have time to drink then they have time to watch a few charges."

"You're pushing your luck pup…."

"You are honor armed, Captain Brom. You won't break this oath, no matter what. Not if you are truly Mandalorian." She challenged.

He took a deep breath, calming himself down.

"Fine...and what is the last one?"

Alia held the blaster up in her hand.

"You're going to teach me how to use this."

That last one surprised him. For a moment he just stared at her unbelievingly. When he realized she was serious, he burst into laughter.

"Ha! So not a pup after all. She has the spirit of a warrior it seems." He exclaimed. "We have training and target practice every day from 0700 to 0900. Stop by if you want a lesson."

"That's all Captain. You're dismissed"

With that, Alia turned and began to leave.

"Just one thing…"

She turned back around.

"What is it?"

"You got that weapon off me because my guard was down. I underestimated you, which was my failure. I'll readily admit that."

His expression became deathly serious.

"But don't think for one second that I will repeat that mistake. If you ever try something like that again. I will kill you. Am I clear?"


Alia gingerly entered the Servant's quarters with her gift in hand. It had been three days since she was last here. This time would be different. This time, she would make things right. As she entered the East Wing, she saw the girls setting up for another story night. They all turned and stared at her. Their expressions had changed. They were softer, more curious than judgemental this time. Mother Nali smiled at her as she approached.

"Umm...hello everyone."

"Hello my darling Alia. It's good to see you. What is that you've got in your hands?" She asked curiously.

She carefully walked up to Mother Nali, the girls all staring at her and whispering softly to one another. Even Liz's expression seemed to be softer, though she still stared suspiciously at Alia as she approached.

Alia placed a stack of holobooks in her hands. Mother Nali inspected them curiously.

"What are these my dear?"

"They're holobooks Mother Nali. From Darth Revan's personal collection. They contain information on real galactic history. Use them in your stories, not just to entertain them, but to teach them as well."

"To... to teach them? I don't understand."

"Your stories are wonderful Mother Nali. But they often lack critical details that make them true. It's time my sister's had a proper education. It's time they learned history, math, reading, galactic basic. I want them to have a better chance at a real life. And this is the first step."

The girls didn't know what to think. They all muttered to each other disbelievingly. Unsure what to make of this new development.

"Oh please! Like we're going to be bought so easily. Are you truly so desperate for company that you'll bribe your way back into story night?" Saphira mocked.

"It's not a bribe. I have no intention of staying." Alia answered honestly.

The whole room was silent.

"Those men who have been following us around…" Liz finally broke the silence. "They say they were ordered by their leader to protect us while we work...and that you had something to do with that. Is it true?"

"Yes sister. It's true." Alia smiled.

Liz didn't respond.

"There's a week's worth of information in every single one of these. I'll return in two months time and recollect them, exchanging them for new ones. And then I'll return two months after that again. And again."

"Oh spare us Alia! We know what you're trying to do! We're not dumb! If you think you'll win us back over with some guards and a few hand me down history books you're sadly mistaken. We know what you truly are! You're the Master's favorite!"

"You're right Saphira." Alia answered without hesitation.

"I...I am?" Saphira blinked in confusion.

"Yes. You are. I'm the Master's favorite. There's no sense in trying to dance around that fact any longer. For whatever reason, he favors me over the rest of you." She spoke honestly.

"So you admit it then!" Saphira snapped.

For a moment, it seemed like the girls would turn on her again.

"Yes sister. I do admit. And as long as I continue to be his favorite, then I am going to do everything in my power to make sure that you girls are taken care of."

"Alia…"

"Please Liz, just let me talk." Alia requested.

"O...okay sister. Go ahead. We're listening."

"Seriously?! Oh come on! Don't tell me any of you are actually buying this bantha poodoo!"

"Shut up Saphira."

"What? But she's the…

"I said shut up!" Liz interjected. "I want to listen to what she has to say."

"Yeah! We'll hear her out this time." Another girl stated.

"Let Alia speak. She deserves a chance to explain herself!"

Finally. She thought. Alia took a deep breath before speaking.

"I thought you all hated me simply for the lies Saphira had been feeding you. I now realize that I was wrong. All this time, I've been sleeping in a comfy bed, wearing comfy clothes, and have enjoyed a comfy life while the rest of you have suffered. There was more I could have done for you and I truly apologize for that."

Her body began to quiver, her eyes quickly teared up.

"But I want you to know...that in all the time I spent with the Dark Lord, never once did any of you leave my thoughts. You were always there for me when things were at their worst with the Slaver King. And now that things are better for me, it's my turn to be there for you. Just as Mother Nali once told me I would be."

The old Matriarch gave her a proud smile, wiping a fresh tear away from her face.

"You girls, and you too Pix, all of you are my friends. My family. I love each and every one of you with all that I am. And whether you hate me, revile me, or never want to see me again it matters little. I will continue to do everything I can to help you. I will never abandon you, any of you, for as long as I live."

Nothing but silence in the room. The girls all stared at one another, all with the same expression on their face. They had made a terrible terrible mistake. And they all knew it.

Having said her piece. Alia turned towards the door to leave.

"Sister?" A familiar, squeaky voice called out.

Alia turned around.

"Yes Pix?"

"Could you read these to us tonight?" He asked, a bright smile on his face. "I mean...if Mother Nali is okay with it."

"I think that's a wonderful idea. You'd be a much better narrator for these stories than I could ever be, my dear Alia."

"I agree. Yeah! Stay and read to us sister. Tell us a story. We want to hear!"

They were smiling. They were all smiling at her again. By the force she had missed this. It was as if a hole in her heart were suddenly being refilled with the energy of her loving family. Saphira's body quivered in rage. Now she was the one who wanted her sister dead.

"Alia…."

A voice she instantly recognized cut through the crowd. The girls split the small semi-circle revealing Ana, who stood at the end of the room. Her eyes met Alia's for the first time in what felt like an eternity.

"Ana...I've missed you." Alia gave her a loving smile.

She could tell Ana was trying to compose herself. She didn't like crying in front of others. But Alia could always pinpoint the moment right before she was about to break down. It started with the slightest tremble in her bottom lip. Then it slowly crept across her entire body until she was shaking all over. Then her voice would catch just once, in the sweetest way. Finally would come the tears. It only took her a few moments this time, before she was running in a full sprint, openly weeping, into Alia's arms.

"I'm sorry! I'm so so sorry! I should never have doubted you! I'm the worst friend imaginable!"

Ana sobbed heavily into Alia's shoulder, clutching her sister tightly to her chest.

"It's okay Ana. It's okay. You don't have to cry anymore. I could never be mad at you. You know that." She stroked her hair reassuringly, the shoulder of her uniform was soaked with Ana's tears.

"If anyone should be apologizing it's me."

"Taya?"

Liz's eyes lit up the moment she saw her sister on her feet again. She ran to her, wrapping her arms around her.

"I'm glad to see you're okay Taya." Alia beamed, still clutching Ana close.

"My head still hurts, but I'll recover. I wanted to apologize to you the moment you defended us from those men. If I had been conscious I would have set the others straight, I promise you." She said regretfully.

"Don't do that to me again." Liz trembled. "I thought I had lost you."

"Liz, as happy as I am to see you, I think there's someone else who deserves your attention more than me right now."

"Y...you're right."

Liz shamefully turned her head. It was time for her to swallow every last bit of pride she had. Alia finally let go of Ana for a brief moment to address her redheaded sister.

"You've got no reason to forgive me. I wouldn't blame you if you didn't. But I promise I didn't hate you. I was just scared for what might happen to us. For what might happen to her…" She motioned to Taya as she spoke. "But that's no excuse for how I acted. I was just as big a schutta as Saphira. I'll never forgive myself for that."

"Speaking of which, where is she?" Pix asked, changing the subject.

"She stormed out the moment Alia finished her speech. I don't think we'll be seeing her in here again anytime soon." One of the girls commented.

"Of course she did! For forces sake I can't believe I bought her act for one minute! You must think I'm the dumbest sister in the world…" Liz lowered her head in shame.

Alia sighed.

"Liz...you've always been a complete bitch."

"Alia!"

"It's true Ana. As long as I've known you Liz, you've always been the first to snap at people. You're one of the brashest, most fiery girls I know."

Liz didn't say anything. She had earned this and she knew it.

"I don't accept your apology."

"I understand…"

"No you don't. I don't accept it, because there's nothing to forgive. What makes you different from Saphira is that you were never angry at me because of what you thought I did to you. All that time, your thoughts were wholly consumed with your sister's well beings. Especially Taya. You're a bitch Liz, but your a bitch with heart. And it's one of the things I've always admired the most about you."

"That's a way kinder response than I honestly deserve…." Now it was Liz's turn to wipe a tear away. "Ah hell, is anyone else here besides me sick of all this crying?"

They all laughed in agreement.

"I want to hear sister read to us!" Pix chimed in.

"Okay. Okay. Everyone gather around and I'll start us off with something I know you'll all enjoy."

"Will there plenty of action in this one sister?"

"I won't lie. These stories will be a little bit different. But what's important is that they contain information that the rest of you can use. It's important we know the truth. That's what these stories will give us."

"Alia...it's good to have you back."

"It's good to be back sister. I promise that this time, I'm not going anywhere."