The Longclaw, Exiting Hyperspace

Kara bounced up and down excitedly as Keyla took the Longclaw out of hyperspace. "Where do you think we're going Cal?"

"I don't know Kara. Somewhere safe I'd imagine."

"Safe smafe Cal! Just think about the possibilities. It could be a water planet or oh a planet that's just a giant shell for an egg that contains an intergalactic tentacle horror that, when it hatches, lays a new egg that replaces the planet!"

Keyla paused in the entrance to the common room mouth parted in confusion. Efia and Malya cocked their heads to the side while Phara and Cal has assumed near identical postures of pinching the bridges of their noses in exasperation. Mera, Jace and Mhisha meanwhile simply chuckled to themselves .

"Well…" The Captain mused. "I'm pretty damn sure it's not that last one. Ladies and Gentlemen I am pleased to present you with the location of our new base: Gymnos 1!"

So saying the orange Togruta brought up a holo of what looked to be a mid sized tropical world made up primarily of island chains and ocean. Kara eyes wide was drawn to it like a moth to flame an interest shared by the rest of the crew. "According to the records we have it's been uninhabited for centuries. Apparently back in the time of the Old Republic there was an effort to make it a resort but a mix of it's remoteness, the unusual humidity and sabotage by some corporate big wig who went back to nature, the planet was abandoned and largely forgotten. Skinny Dipping enthusiasts and smugglers have used this as a stop off point for years and it's not on any Imperial Charts. I believe we're the right group of individuals to make this place work."

Kara clapped her hands. "Oohh this is so exciting! Say… where's Jem? She should be here!"

Phara and Keyla exchanged a quick glance before Phara reassured the young girl. "She just needs a little alone time right now. I'm sure she'll be ecstatic once she's out and about."

Kara frowned. "Alright…"

Keyla clapped her hands together. "Well, do we like what we see people?" Receiving a round of nods the rebel captain grinned. "Alright! I'll bring us down, strap in folks."

As the Longclaw descended though the tropical planets atmosphere all eyes were glued to the windows as they took in the beauty of their new home. The vegetation was lush and green on the wide variety of Island Chains scattered across the world. In the deep blue waters of the oceans shapes seemed to move suggesting deep dwelling behemoths of the waves. Keyla piloted the ship towards one of the planets largest landmasses a city sized island.

The Longclaw settled in a natural clearing between the mountainous cliff that towered to either side of a bay. Feathered avains screeched as they wheeled around this strange new addition to the world. From the trees squid like creatures chattered to one another swinging from branch to branch.

The hissing of the ramp lowering was quickly followed by the delighted squealing of Kara, Kiki and Ray as they explored their new home with wonder. The rest of the squad followed at a more sedate pace but with no less interest and enthusiasm. Cal and Malya basked in the sun listening to the sounds of the forest and nearby surf while Jace and Mera softly held one another with wordless smiles on their face. Phara, Keyla and Mhisha meanwhile examined the location strategically but with pleased looks on their faces.

"I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE IT!" Kara shrieked bouncing around with the other younglings. Keyla laughed and clapped her hands to gain everyone's attention.

"Alright troops, much as I'd love to just chill on the beach for the next little bit we have work to do. Now," She grabbed a stick from the ground and started to trace in a patch of clear dirt. "We are here, our future landing pad. Over that way underneath those trees," She pointed towards the beach. "We'll have our command center. I'm hoping that Mera and Jace will be able to build us a bunker below it for the storage of any and all electronics. Surrounding this central base we'll have a variety of huts made of a mix of natural building materials with concrete foundations. Ideally I'd like to link these satellite buildings up via tunnel with our central bunker."

"That's…a pretty ambitious design their Keyla." Phara observed.

"Well, Pyso I've been rebelling for most of my adult life. Before that, however, I dabbled in construction and architecture. Nice thing about this group is the amount of force users, I believe it should speed construction along nicely."

"I have a question!" Kara declared raising her hand eagerly.

"Yes, Kara?"

"May I build a tree house?"

Keyla smiled. "Yes Kara, you may. Any other questions?" The squad exchanged a series of looks and shook their heads. "Then let us begin."

Over the next few hours the shape of the base took form. Mera, Jace and Phara worked together to excavate a large-scale bunker using concrete to shore up the foundations. Mhisha and Keyla took the earth from this excavation and created a packed knee-high wall around the open aired commander center they had built out of a mix of local vegetation wood and sheet metal. Malya and Efia meanwhile had constructed the first of the satellite huts while Kara and Cal had taken to the trees constructing not one but a series of connected tree houses built in the Wookiee style.

As night began to fall the crew exhausted and cover in mud stains gathered on the beach side to a late night meal of caf and some freshly caught fish. Keyla beamed at her squad and slapped them on the back for their good work. Together they watched the sun set on their new home bonfire burning beside them.

"…I wish Jemini was here with us." Kara sighed wistfully head resting on Cal's shoulder.

Efia nodded as she looked up at the stores. "Yeah. She's a bit of a dick but… she reminds me of my brother."

Mayla loomed from the shadows behind Kara and Cal. "She's cool." Kara and Cal flinched but otherwise remained stationary. The brunette frowned at this. "Damn. I'm becoming predictable… I'll have to change that. Heh. Heh. Ha. HA! HA HA HA HA!"

Keyla shook her head in amusement at the cackling teen before meeting Phara's eye.

"Captain," the blonde asked quietly, "How long are we going to let her… wallow?" The other adults nodded in agreement at this statement. Keyla sighed.

"One more night, then I'll talk to her myself. You have my word."

The Gra'Tua, Enroute to Dandoran

Alana breathed in and out deeply as she sighted down the barrel of her weapon. A simple A280 it was the standard issue weapon of the Rebellion. As she tried to bring the metal cut-out of a Stormtrooper into focus she half listened to Loners quiet advice.

"Now in real combat you need to predict where your enemy will be so you'll have to lead. What's best is to aim for the center mass, you're no marksman not yet. Get your sights focused right on the center breathe in then-"

Alana pulled the trigger shot going well past the mark screaming to ricochet off the hangers door and up into the roof.

"- Pull the trigger." The clone sighed hand tracing the outline of his temple.

"Oh don't vorry Alana! Zat vaz slightly more accurate zan last time!" J-2 mocked cheerfully.

"Quite roight y'are Two. Oi'd giv it a solid three out of ten, so I would." J-1 agreed projecting the number. The two big droids could only fit into the Gra'Tua's spacious hold and as such had front row seats to Alana's efforts. Sai Fel-don smacked J-2 on her head from the catwalk.

"None of that. It's her first time."

"More like her twentieth try, no?" The droid quipped back before turnings too focus back on her and her comrade's game.

Loner stood up with a groan. "Listen kid don't take this the wrong way but I'm not sure if marksmanship is for you."

Alana smacked the ground and rose as well. "Listen if my… if my sister can do it co can I. Maybe if we try another blaster…"

Loner shook his head. "We've tried pistols, rifles, scatterguns and snipers. You just aren't cut out for it."

"Jemini-"

Kibi's voice cut through the chatter "Is not you. It's time you stop acting like her."

The Devaronian smoothly sauntered into the loading bay patting Loner on the shoulder. The sniper nodded and gathered up his weapons and turned to leave. Kibi paced around Alana sizing her up.

"Listen I can do anything Jemini can and more!"

"Except shoot straight it seems. Fight me."

"What?" Alana hissed sharply.

Rather then answer the red skinned Mando simply sunk into a ready stance arms raised. With a slight smile he crooked one finger and wagged it at her. Alana grit her teeth and squared her shoulders. While by no means the fighter her sister was Alana knew her way around a scrap.

Alana's punches, while undisciplined, were swift and powerful as she swung at Kibi. The man faded away from each blow but this only emboldened Alana to try harder with simple kicks and lunges. The red skinned alien smirked at the display before gracefully stepping within her guard and smacking her lightly on the back of the head.

Alana swung around face red and feinted with her left before delivering a powerful jab with her right catching the edge of his arm. Kibi dodged the next few blows before stepping within her guard once again. Rather then allow him to pull the same trick Alana swiftly elbowed him in the gut. Kibi broke away laughting.

"What?! What's so funny?!" Alana yelled hands outstretched.

"As I thought, a natural." Kibi chuckled. "Let me get something." The wiry man opened up a box and rummaged through them before drawing forth two metal weapons of simple design. They were shaped like nightsticks and consisted of simple metal bars with handles attached. "Watch." He commanded grasping the handles.

Kibi centered himself in the room breathing in and out before assuming a ready stance. The man started out simple slowly twirling the weapons from side to side, brining them down sharply in front of him before reversing them and thrusting forward in a punching motion. The longer he went on the faster he went, flipping, kicking and spinning all the while maintain perfect control of the weapons. He finished with the shafts of the weapon tucked under his arm pits and gave a short bow.

Alana's mouth was open wide as Kibi handed her the weapons. "These are tonfas. It takes a warrior of great skill to use them, ad'ika." Alana twirled them in her hand a smile appearing on her face. Immediately she started imitating the moves he'd just demonstrated adapting her fighting style to the oddly balanced yet perfect weapons.

Kibi stepped back and drew forth a staff from the crate and faced off against her. The two sparred for the better part of an hour Alana quickly picking the basics up smiling widely as she did. Madik joined Sai eventually on the catwalk and the two shared a meaningful look.

"She reminds me of her father. Always the first to draw a blade and get right into the thick of it." Madik mused aloud.

Sai nodded. "She's got her mothers strength of will though. Two hours of fruitless target practice and she still didn't give up."

Madik scratched his beard. "Are we doing the right thing Sai?" Kibi laughed as Alana managed to score a strike on his side before sweeping the feet from under her.

"Only the Force knows Madi."

"You haven't been a Jedi in a long time Sai. Forget the Force, what does your gut tell ya?"

"She's not ready. Not yet. I wouldn't have agreed to this if we weren't dropping her off somewhere safe."

Alana rolled back up striking low with her Tonfa's. "Safe is relative these days Sai. I can't help but feel the safest place is either with us…or her sister."

"Not that we know where she is," The Zabrak groaned running a hand over her face. "I suppose Madik we'll see if we make the right choice or not."

The two left the young girl to her training the ringing of Tonfa's echoing throughout the ship.

The Light Corvette Unwavering Justice, The Moons of Arendell

"READY!"

Medical Sargent Dea Arimais wiped her face as she asked. "What's the heart rate at?"

The man she was addressing was a haggard looking Stormtrooper who was doing his best not to stare at his comrades missing arm as he scanned his body.

"Eighty over one twenty, sarge."

"AIM!"

"Shit." Arimais cursed as she studied the slowly dying trooper. "We're going to have to cauterize. Get his helmet off."

Her assistant nodded as he wrestled his mate's helmet off revealing a young dark skinned human male. "Hey Jaz, it's me Denven. Look at me buddy."

"Hurts man it…hurts."

"FIRE!" Dea glanced up as the report of a dozen blasters went off dropping two of the surviving rebels. As far as bases went this was small fry. Located in an old monastery on the moons of an isolated planet this had been but a link in supply chain. It had been staffed by no more than a hundred rebels, of which less then a dozen now remained.

Arimais' Captain, a rail thin man by the name of Saxx impatiently gestured to his men. Another two rebels a grey Rodian and a red Twi'lek were dragged struggling from the knot of survivors to the wall in front of the firing squad. As she prepared her plasma torch she half listened to Saxx's speech.

"Really, Lieutenant, this unpleasantness is easily avoided. Simply tell me where I might find the next rebel base and this will all stop."

The man he was addressing was a stone-faced Mon Calmari who started straight ahead in silence. The seven remaining men behind him did their best match their commander's stoicism despite the situation. Saxx shook his head sadly.

"Well, they're your men. READY!"

Plasma torch assembled Arimais took a rubber block from her utility belt. "Have him bite down on this." She ordered. As Denven opened his friend's mouth Dea drew her service knife and ignited her torch. "This will hurt like hell even with the meds trooper."

The pale-faced Jaz grinned shakily as he mumbled around the bit. "I…I can take it Doc."

"AIM!" Dea returned his smile as her knife went from cherry red to blinding white.

"Hoohah. On three alright?" Receiving a nod she addressed his friend. "You're gonna want to hold him." Denven took Jaz's remaining arm in his own and placed his free arm on the injured troopers chest. Arimais grinned. "Alright boys. Three!"

"FIRE!" The blaster volley drowned Jaz's muffled scream out as Dea's knife cauterized the wound. The young trooper collapsed into unconsciousness in eerie synchronicity with the dropping of the rebel's bodies.

Arimais stuck her knife into the moons rocky soil to let it cool as she inspected her handy work. It wasn't pretty but the trooper was no longer leaking blood. She smiled a little bit as she brought out her marker tracing the symbols for priority and bacta on both his chest and his helmet. "Stay with him," She ordered Denven. "The moment we're off this rock I want him in a tank, clear?"

"Yes sir, thank you so much sir."

"Just doing my job."

A commotion from the prisoners drew Armiais' attention. One of the candidates Saxx had selected was a dirty young red headed human woman. Another young human with brown hair was desperately trying to keep her behind him.

"Take me damn it! Take your hands off her you filthy bastards!" The troopers in question bashed his guns stock into the rebel's head until he dropped to his knees. They then dragged the woman away as the man rose shakily to his feet. "Kait… Kait!"

The Rebels leader broke his silence and hissed. "Damn it Ferral keep it together!"

The woman was thrust beside her comrade a solemn faced Durros. She squared her shoulder s and raised her chin defiantly glaring at the firing squad. Arimais shook her head at such bravery for a pointless cause.

Ferral who was being restrained by two troopers strained to get to Kait bloody face twisted in anger. Saxx calmly walked up to him and grabbed him by the chin.

"You know her boy? You love her perhaps?" The only response the officer got was the Rebels eyes remaining fixed on Kait. Saxx smiled. "I thought so. You can end this Ferral right here right now. I'm not a bad man; I just need to know where the rest of your terrorist friends are. I would, no I will, kill every one of you if I must. Say the word."

"Ferral!" Kait called. "Think of the cause! Don't do it!"

"Listen to her soldier," the Rebels Lieutenant hissed. "You'll be damming all of our sacrifices." Tears in his eyes Ferral stared at Kait face in conflict.

Dea ran a hand through her spiked blonde hair sick to her stomach. Captain Saxx's…. interrogation techniques could kindly be described as 'visceral'. Torture he knew was rarely effective but finding leverage on someone… well that could make or break these moments.

When no reply was forthcoming Saxx sighed in disappointment and let Ferral's chin go. "Unfortunate. READY!"

Moving in perfect sync the Stormtroopers shouldered their rifles. Dea knew she should find her squad but something about this moment compelled her to watch. The five remaining rebels in the knot of prisoners all steeled their faces save the still struggling Ferral.

"AIM!" The firing squad raised there weapons and trained them on the chests of Kait and the now softly praying Durros. A small ring of troopers had surrounded the unfolding drama watching to see the outcome. Saxx raised his hand thematically.

"FI-"

"WAIT! Dandoran!"

"HOLD!" Saxx barked turning to young rebel. "What did you say?"

Still staring at Kait who had visibly deflated the young man continued. "It's a rebel training base. New recruits go through basic there."

"How, pray tell, do you know?"

"Me and Kait trained there. I'll tell you anything just… stop the killing."

Saxx smiled. "Of course. I will need your full cooperation of course if you want to keep her and your comrades alive."

"Anything."

The Mon Calmari abruptly lunged for the young man hands out stretched.

"Ferral you damn idiot! You've-"

A single blaster shot rang out as Saxx shot the officer through the head. Checking the charge on his pistol in an absent minded way the tall Imperial ordered. "Firing squad, secure the prisoners for transit. Take extra care of Ms. Kait, no harm is to come to her. I want us wheels up within the hour."

Arimais shook her head at that little performance. It took a cold son of a bitch to manipulate a person like that. There were days she didn't know how much of that little performance was an act and how much was the real Saxx.

With one last sigh the medic trudged off to find her men leaving the bodies of the dead rebels behind.

The Planet Dandoran, Hidden Rebel Base

Alana swallowed nervously as the Gra'Tua's ramp extended to the planet's surface. The young Mando was now clad in simple military cut green pants and jacket with light armour affixed to her chest and arms. Hanging from her belt were her Tonfa's and a light blaster pistol despite her less then ideal marksman abilities. She bounced on the ball of her feet before being stilled by a friendly hand on her shoulder.

Kibi smiled at her and lowered his free hand wordlessly communicating his intent. Alana let out a deep breath and returned the smile before following in Madik's footsteps.

A motley group greeted them. At the head was a rough looking blonde human with a rifle slung over his back. To his right a female red headed Mirilan and a lion like Cathar male reclined. To his left a blue Nosaurian female and a red furred male Snivvian stood.

"Captain Syntine!" Madik greeted hand outstretched.

"Captain Frendin," The human returned grasping the Mando's armoured hand. "A pleasure as always."

"Likewise. How have things been here?"

"Quiet, which is the way I like it. Delivered some supplies to Keyla's new squadron a week ago."

"Captain Kaeno? She yet lives?"

"Aye, last survivor of the seventh. She's rebuilding in a…singular unique way. A natural one you might even say."

"Personally I quite like it. Lots of girl power." The redhead threw in studying her nails. The Cathar beside her nodded his agreement."

Madik smiled widely. "Glad to hear. There's been to much death lately."

Valen's smile fell. "Aye, that there has. What brings you here?"

"Refuelling stop and a new recruit. Alana?" Alana strode forward and did her best to give a charming smile. "This is Alana Linaki. She…. Well she recently lost her parents and is wanted by the Empire. She wants to learn how to fight. I'd teach her but our next job is a little too…intense for someone untrained. We were hoping she could learn from you."

The Rebel Captain smiled. "I'm sorry to hear about your parents but any enemy of the Empire is a friend of mine. You're more then welcome here. Fraydom? Berst? You have any room in your unit?"

The Mirialan and Cathar exchanged a glance before she spoke up. "No sir, me and Berst are pretty well full." The Cathar shrugged apologetically.

"Sir? If I may?" The rodent like Snivvian inquired receiving a nod from Syntinne. "Me and Corporal Roughroot would be more then willing to take recruit Linaki in." The female Nosaurain nodded beak like mouth curling into a smile.

"Very well then Sargent Grunn, it shall be so. Captain Frendin we'll have your ship refuelled within the hour."

Alana felt tears gathering in her eyes as she bid her farewells to the crew of the Gra'Tua. Despite the short time she'd known them they'd been very good to her and been there for her after her parents' deaths. Alana gave each of the clones a hug despite the armour and tapped the chassis of J-1 and J-2 fondly. Sai Fel-don warily wrapped the young teen in a hug planting a kiss on her head.

"Go with the Force, Alana. We will meet again."

"Thank you Ms. Fel-don. Go in the force as well." The Zabark smiled and nodded at her. Alana next turned to Kibi whom she simply bowed to.

"Thank you master for showing me the way. I look forward to our next bout together."

The small arms expert smiled and returned the bow uttering a rare word. "As do I, my pupil."

Finally Alana turned to Madik who merely took her in a crushing bear hug. "No word's are needed Al'ika. Next time we see you we'll find that sister of yours, I promise. Now go, learn, and grow. You'll do your parents proud."

Alana rubbed her eyes fiercely as she walked over to her new commanding officer. The Snivvian smiled kindly and addressed Madik.

"Don't ya worry big man, I'll take good care of her for ya."

Madik nodded as he and the rest of the crew turned to the task of readying the Gra'Tua. The Sargent patted Alana on the back. "Name's Sargent Grunn kid but you can call me Sarge, everyone does. This rare beauty here is Corporal Jani Roughtroot my second in command." The Nosaurain snorted but extended a four-finger hand in greeting, which Alana accepted with a sniff.

"Don't mind him Linaki. Old fool's a poet at heart."

"But a warrior one, number two, a warrior one! Right now this warrior poet could use a good meal. Tell me Al do you cook?"

Alana blinked at this particular nickname but nodded as the three started to head further into the rebel compound. Sarge laughed in delight smacking Roughroot on the arm.

"See that Jani can I pick em or what? Hey Puer!" Fraydom looked up from her conversation with the Captain and Barst. "You missed out on a chef here! Bet you're sorry now!" The tall woman snorted and yelled back.

"Oh, but Sarge then who would fill that starving artists belly of yours?"

"Oh low blow Lieutenant, low blow!" Alana found herself smiling again as she took in the open friendly nature of these Rebels. If only Jemini could be here… she shook her head from such sad thoughts and strode in step with her new squad mates towards the barracks.

Gymnos 1, The Bare Base

Keyla exhaled before she raised her hand to knock. If she knew Jem this was going to be one hell of a conversation. Rapping sharply Keyla barked.

"Jemini!" When no answer was forthcoming she tried again. "Jemini Linaki!" Silence reigned from inside the Sabre. Keyla sighed as she was forced to rely on old skills from a lifetime ago. Popping opening the shuttles key pad Keyla clicked her tongue as she got to work.

Five minutes later she had the thing hotwired and open. The orange Togruta's sensitive nose wrinkled at the odour that wafted from the Mandalorain's ship. A mix of sweat and liquor seemed to roll out like a wall of smell. Keyla sighed and cracked her neck as she walked into the darkness.

The Sabre was a mess. Empty bottles of liquor were scattered everywhere along with blaster energy packs, knifes and dirty sheets. Dishes were piled in the small crafts dishwasher while clothes seemed to have been scattered willy nilly. Lying in the centre of it all was a still nude Jemini Linaki sprawled out half on a pull out cot, snoring harshly. Keyla took all this in with a raised eye before barking in true drill Sargent form.

"ON YOUR FEET SOLDIER!" A groan and Jem twisting fully off the bed was all the reaction Keyla garnered. With a sigh she stooped down to grab a discarded bowl. Walking over to the ships sole tap Keyla started running some ice cold water as she looked at the passed out Mandalorian. Dirt smeared her body allowing Keyla to see the lines tears had cut on her face. She'd seen this type of thing before.

When that bowl was good and full Keyla stepped up so she was just over the prone for of Jemini. The Rebel Captain grinned. "Rise and shine."

A splash of cold water to the face was a shock. A splash of cold water to a whole naked body was electrifying. Like a wet cat Jem screeched and scrambled to all fours shouting ineligibly. The suddenly sodden Mando dove for her pistol. Keyla moved almost as fast pinning Jem before she could bring it to bear.

"Jem! Jem it's me sister! Peace Jemini, peace." Jemini's hurried panting grew silent as her darting eyes took in Keyla's face. The Mando released her hold on her pistol as her face morphed into a scowl.

"Keyla! What the shab are you doing chakkar?"

Keyla smiled as she got off the younger woman. "Checking up on my troops. You?"

"You're not my kriffing mother Keyla and more's the pity. She's… shab I need a drink."

"I think you've had enough soldier."

"I'm not a bloody solider. I'm a bounty hunter! I kill for money! I go off and hunt people and leave my family behind! I… I…"

Keyla's face had lost its smile. "Your parents are dead Jemini. You need to come to terms with that."

Jemini unsteadily pulled her self onto her messy cot. "Go to hell Keyla! I can't just move on like that!"

"I never said you would. Both of my parents are dead as it happens. Same with Kara's, that new kid, Malya we've all lost someone. You really think you're special?"

"How?"

"Excuse me?"

"How'd you lose your parents?"

Keyla exhaled softly as she sat beside the hungover Mandalorian. "My daddy, he died back in the war. The Clone Wars mind you. He believed in the cause of the Republic, so he signed up to serve in our planet's defence force. He died when the Sep's came round. It was rough on me. After the war I was a punk, stayed out late, disrespected my momma, the whole bit. Thought the fact I lost my father made me entitled to something." Keyla's gaze was no longer focused on the dank interior of Jemini's ship. It pierced time as she recalled days gone past. "My momma was pretty. Drop dead gorgeous. When the Empire was young they sent a garrison to 'peace-keep' on my home world. The commander took a liking to her. Wanted her to put out for him. My momma refused. He asked again. Same answer. He tried to… force himself on her. She cut his face. So he took my momma and had her flogged in the town square. He asked her again and still she refused. So he flogged my mother to death in front of everyone. That's when I showed up. I watched her die Jemini and I held her afterwards."

Jemini was silent as Keyla tears gathering in her eyes continued. "So I buried her beside my daddy and went got me his old gun. I walked into that garrison and I killed the son of a bitch who flogged my mother. For good measure I blew the whole damn place up. You feel a fury burning inside ya right now don't ya Jem? It burns you up that rage, that fury. Cal might say it's the way to the dark side, I don't know. All I do know is it doesn't cool any without help. I left my home behind, went on the run and joined the alliance. I joined a squad and quickly rose thought the ranks. Those people, my family they were what brought me back from despair and destruction. The times we had Jemini.,. you wouldn't believe." Keyla smiled as she cried. "Those poor bastards were so busy saving me they forgot to save themselves. I'm still here Jem. Twenty brave friends pushed me out first. Twenty graves I dug in that Felucian soil. Twenty friends."

Jemini voice small whispered. "It's not right."

Keyla took in a deep shuddering breath. "No it's not. I miss em Jem, all of them. Everyday. Do you know what keeps me going though?

"No."

"You guys, my new squad, my new family. Kara and Cal, they saved my life. They gave me purpose again. They helped me move on. Not forget, just move on. It will never be right Jem but you still have family left. Maybe Alana hates you right now, maybe she doesn't. Either way, I have a whole squad of people out there who need you as much as you need them, so, pull yourself together solider."

Jemini took in a breath of her own. "Yeah… I'm sorry Captain… what is your last name?" Keyla smirked.

"Funny you're the first one to ask me that. It's Keyla Kaeno."

Jemini nodded. "Right then Captain Kaeno. Hunter Linaki reporting for duty!"

Keyla's nose wrinkled once more. "No offence sister but let's get you in the ocean first. You reek."

"Yeah I do smell like ossick as it happens." Jemini growled as the two women left the darkness behind and walked out into the light.

The force sensitive members of the Bare Squadron were relaxing on the beach. The majority of the days work had been completed leaving them to frolic and tan on the sands of their new home. Kara was lazily floating in the shallows of the bay with Cal. Phara had stretched out like a cat on the beach gazing at Malya who refused to leave the shade of a nearby tree. The pale skinned girl was worried about burning red as Efia, which would in her words be 'un-conductive to stealth.'

"How's the shadows kiddo?" Phara called out mockingly.

"All this sunlight," Malya hissed as she rubbed sun block on her arms. "It's unnatural. I do not like it, not one bit."

"Only you Mal, only you." Phara snickered softly to herself basking in the sun till a shadow blocked it out. Scowling Phara gazed up at the large form of Mhisha.

"You're blocking my sun, Mhisha." She groused.

The big man chuckled. "Am I? Hadn't noticed. Up you get Pyso." The commando turned and addressed the others. "That goes for you lot to!"

Phara sprung to her feet wiping sand off her back as she did. "What's up Lieutenant?"

"Training day!" Mhisha responded with a grin as he waved Cal and Phara in to shore. Once all the force sensitive's had gathered in front of him he started walking off towards one of the cliff's that ringed the harbour. Phara had to speed walk to keep up with the soldier's brisk pace.

"Excuse me, training day? We all already know how to fight."

"True." The brown Zabrak agreed as he strode forward. "In the art of melee combat there is little for me to teach you. In the art of ranged combat, however, you all have much to learn."

"Umm excuse me?" Malya remarked. "Forgetting something?" The blindfolded girl whipped her hand up and down in front of her blindfold. Mhisha snorted and ruffled the young seers hair.

"Yes well, there are ways to work around that."

Phara out her hands behind the back of her head and observed dryly. "No offence bud, but, I far prefer a lightsaber to a blaster. More efficient, more precise and well, let's be honest, more stylish. When are we ever not going to use them?"

Mhisha nodded. "All valid points but what pray tell will you do in a situation where you can't use those fancy glow sticks of yours? What if we wish to not advertise our presence on a planet? What if we are captured and the only weapons available are blasters? A warrior who relies on one weapon alone inevitably will be failed by it, given enough time."

Cal and Kara exchanged a glance. "He's got a point…" Phara's younger sibling observed scratching his head ruefully.

"I want to learn how to use a bowcaster! Do you have a bowcaster?" Kara exclaimed excitedly jumping up and down.

The big man smiled as they reached the cliff. "Not quite but I do have a variety of options thanks to Captain Syntine. I suspect we'll find you something more then adequate. What do you say Phara?"

Phara sighed. "My old teacher would've said the same. Alright shooty gunsalot lets see what you got." Mhisha stared at her eyebrow raised soon joined by the rest of the group. "Oh come on Kara can say things like that and I can't?"

Cal's face twisted. "Listen, sis, when Kara does it it's endearing. When you do it it's just…weird."

Malya nodded. "Unnatural even."

"I hate all of you." Phara growled kicking the ground as they came to their destination.

Against the cliff wall Mhisha had cleared the underbrush creating a large open field of fire. Against the wall he'd set up a variety of Stormtrooper metal cut-outs while at the opposite end of the field a collection of weapons crates rested. He strode up to them and gazed critically at his pupils.

"Alright, we'll start out simple, basic weapons handling. Everyone take a rifle." The four exchanged glances before each picking up an A280C rifle. A reliable gun outfitted with a scope it was one of the favoured weapon of the Alliance.

For the next several minutes Mhisha had them clean and check their weapons. This done he demonstrated the proper way to hold the weapons and aim. The Zabrak moved up and down the line adjusting a foot here and an arm there.

Finally he stepped back and nodded. "Alright. Fire at will!"

The first volley was mixed. Phara hit the target dead in the centre of mass while Cal winged the shoulder wincing at rifles the kick. Kara's shot went wide hitting Malya's target who herself shot well above the mark.

Phara grinned as she asked. "Do you have anything with more kick Mhisha?"

Cal rubbed his shoulder as he engaged his weapons safety. "Or one with less preferably?"

Kara waved her hand to get his attention. "I need something that's more….more, y'know?"

Malya meanwhile squeezed off several more shots all going well wide of the mark. "Did I hit it?" There was abject silence as the girl turned to them hot barrel pointing at their chests. "Should I take that as a no?"

Mhisha gingerly removed the rifle from her hands and flicked the safety on. "Perhaps we should try you with something that doesn't require… aim. Phara, in the far crate you should find what you're looking for. As for the rest of you lets move on to pistols."

The next lesson went quicker as Mhisha merely had to reiterate the importance of range safety. Now armed with the DH-17, a mainstay of the rebel alliance the three took up their stances. Kara hunched behind her gun crouching to absorb the recoil. Cal meanwhile spread his legs and assumed a duellists stance twisting his body in profile. Malya held the blaster in a side grip cocking her head as she did.

Mhisha nodded at Cal's form raised an eyebrow at Kara's and shrugged at Malya's "Alright. Fire at will!"

This time it was Cal who was on target. The youth expertly sent a hail of fire the targets way pausing every few seconds to readjust his aim. Kara meanwhile fired from the hip with mixed results hitting her target roughly half of the time. Head still cocked to one side Malya seemed to be feeling the target out before whipping her weapon up and letting the automatic weapon do it's work. Cackling the seer sprayed the entire area in front of her before ejecting the power cell with a flourish.

"This is my type of gun!"

"One that requires no aim whatsoever?" Kara asked softly in the sudden silence. Malya grinned.

"Exactly!"

"Girl after my own heart," Mhisha chuckled as he turned to the other two. "How did they feel young ones?"

Cal studied the pistol thoughtfully. "Close but do you have anything thing with better control?"

Mhisha turned and started rummaging though a nearby crate. "I just might at that. How about you Kara?"

"I need something with more punch to it Mhish, y'know? Something like my stick."

"Strong, sturdy and not at all subtle?" Phara deadpanned as she re-joined the group toting a sizable rifle. Mhisha extracted a slender looking pistol and passed it to Cal saying.

"The DL-18. Less stopping power then some of it's counterparts but a good deal more accurate, while not sacrificing it's rate of fire." Cal took the gun with a grin feeling the weight of it. Mhisha turned to Phara and studied the weapon in her arms. It was a solid looking weapon with a marksman stock and a short barrel."Ahh the N'Grant-Zarvel 9118 Heavy Carbine, an interesting choice. It packs quite a punch. May I ask why?"

"Well," Phara replied loading the weapon. "My entire style of lightsaber combat is founded upon swift, powerful and disabling blows. It's all about strength on the surface," She crouched shouldering the weapon sighting down its scope less barrel. "But more then that it's all about…" With a loud echoing thump she fired the carbine sending a bolt of pure plasma straight through the head of one of the cut-outs. She finished her sentence with a satisfied grin. "Landing one good blow."

Mhisha clapped her on the shoulder and nodded turning back to Cal. The male Pyso was grinning as well as he effortlessly scored hit after hit. Reloading he remarked.

"A lot of the pirates I used to hang out with used pistols like these! I always thought you could use on of these and," With a flourish Cal drew his lightsaber with his free hand. "Ahh yeah! A Lightsaber! Best of both worlds!" Mhisha nodded and turned nearly bumping into Kara. The Wookiee raised girl looked like a forlorn Loth Cat as she stared up at him.

The big man smiled and ruffled her hair. "Don't worry little hunter. I believe I know what you yearn for." So saying he drew a snub nosed compact blaster from a nearby crate. "Correct me if I'm wrong but you like getting rough and dirty yes?" Kara nodded enthusiastically. "Well then the CA-87 should be the gun for you. It's a modified Jawa weapon, perfect for close range fighters. I warn you though at anything beyond mid to medium range this will be useless."

Kara cooed as she took the short weapon in her hand. Toeing the line she braced herself and yelped as the gun went off. A scorched close by trooper cut-out rather suddenly was missing half of its torso. Grinning Kara took off the other side causing to fold in on itself. She held the gun to her chest lovingly. "I'll call him… Ashley."

"Ashley?" Cal asked eyebrow raised.

"Ayep! Ashley the Boomstick!"

Mhisha chuckled as he picked up his own rotary blaster. "This, is Valva. She weighs 150 kilograms and fires custom tooled rounds of plasma at a rate of ten thousand per minute. She is a work of art but like any weapon, she must not be used lightly." The big man turned to regard the four. "Like your lightsabers and… staff they must be treated with respect. These are not toys. Do you understand?"

"Yes sir!" Cal responded crisply. The others followed Cal's example. Mhisha nodded and offered a toothy grin.

"Do you wish to see Valva in action?" Kara eagerly nodded while Malya gave a long-suffering side. "Alright then. Stand back." The four parted to let their instructor to the edge of the firing range. Bringing the gun to bare Mhisha paused for a moment and breathed in letting the silence surround him. A loud whir began as the barrels stared to spin.

With a laughing roar the solider pulled the trigger sending out a constant stream of blue bolts across the field. Still bellowing the big man swept the field somehow managing to hit every target as he passed tearing holes out of them. Finally after a solid minute the big man released the trigger and studied his handiwork. "That is how Valva and I dance. Shall we continue?"

The four nodded eagerly as they crowded on to the line each readying their weapons. Mhisha loving deposited Valva on a patch of nearby grass before turning to the four.

"Fire at will!"
The Unwavering Justice, Hyperspace Enroute to Dandoran

Sargent Dea Arimais enjoyed few things unconditionally. Corellain Punk Metal was one. Another was patching men up in the heat of battle a suture kit in one hand and a blaster in the other. Perhaps the most satisfying were the communal showers of the Justice after a hard fight.

On smaller ships such as the Justice the Empire could not afford gender segregated locker rooms. Therefore all Stormtroopers bathed together. It was a unique chance for Dea to get to know the men behind the armour and better yet a chance for the caring medic to give them a full physical and note any 'scrapes' they'd neglected to inform her of.

With a content sigh Dea slipped the last of her armour off clad now only in her black body suit. Beside her the rest of her squad was in various stages of undress chattering casually to one another.

A nude blonde man with a scar across his upper chest known as Cutter smacked his squad mate on his tattooed shoulder. "Any fresh marks Farar?"

Farar 'Tally' Jalon slid his briefs off fully revealing a thin wiry bald frame covered in little black marks that formed intricate designs. "Five." He replied shortly tossing his underwear in his locker. Dea's eyes glanced over their bodies. Beyond some light bruising on the shins the two were in peak condition.

Reaching behind her back with a hiss Dea turned to one of the only other woman on the ship. "Unzip me?"

Triece 'Lady' Marren was just above minimal acceptable storm trooper height. The bronze skinned human's slanted eyes crinkled in amusement as the topless woman moved to facilitate her sergeant's request. As Dea started to shimmy out of the body glove a snort came from behind her.

"In my day every man could get in and out of his armour in two minutes flat."

CT-1011 or Gramps as he was more commonly known was the last of a dying breed. A remnant from the GAR, Gramps was a first generation Fett Clone. While most had been quietly removed from duty in the years since the Clone Wars certain tough sons of bitches like Gramps had held on. While his military cut hair had turned steel grey Gramps still could outrun, out shoot and out perform any Stormtrooper worth their salt.

The cranky old trooper swiftly and efficiently stripped himself of his armour placing each piece within his locker with reverence like care. As Dea removed her bra revealing her modest bust Gramps was already shimmying out of his own body suit revealing a lifetime collection of scars and several old tattoos including the symbol for the GAR and several pro republic slogans.

"In your day things sounded a whole of a lot more… boring." A cocky voice remarked coming from a thin-framed trooper with a generically handsome face crowned by a lovingly combed head of black hair. Daren 'Moony' Morres was a former TIE Fighter pilot and the squad cynic. "Honestly same face, same armour, same 'Sir yes, sir." God I would've blown my brains out."

Gramps scowled. "A lot of my brothers did as it so happens boy." The wiry old clone clenched his fists and approached the heckler. Before he could get to close the large frame of Gord 'Shocks' Lakqua interjected himself between the two. A former Nar Shaddan criminal Shocks had joined the Stormtrooper Legion rather then face hard time. His sheer brawn stopped the two from getting any closer to on another.

"Calm, yeah Gramps?"

The former pilot scratched his head ruefully. "Sorry Gramps. Didn't mean nothing by it."

The old trooper sniffed. "See it dosen't happen again."

"You boys and your fisticuffs. Care to kiss and make up?" The final member of Dea's squad remarked hand on her hips suggestively. Nance 'Kiss' Hel-Borne was what one might conservatively call a bombshell by any standards. With a curvaceous figure, jet-black hair and blue eyes it was mystery as to why Nance had joined the military. Despite her appearance the beautiful woman had shown a rare skill for combat earning her the moniker of 'The Kiss of Death.'

Dea snickered as she threw the last of her clothes into the nearby chute. While their armour was stored carefully in their lockers their soiled clothes were immediately collected for cleaning. Dea turned and critically examined the now nude forms of her comrades. Beyond the usual scrapes and bruises that came from combat they were all in perfect physical health.

"Real funny Kiss." Moony growled as he headed for the showers followed by the rest of his squad mates.

About two-dozen out of uniform Stomrtroopers currently occupied the showers. They ranged in age and ethnicity but there was one universal constant: all were human. Arimais was unsure of the cause of this xenophobia. While humanity was doubtlessly a majority in the galaxy there were many near humans like Zabraks, Twileks and Mirilans that were nearly as prolific and just as qualified.

Dea shook such dangerous thoughts from her head and let the warm water of the shower wash the sweat and stress away. Beside her Cutter and Lady did the same the squad making light small talk as they did.

"So Dea," Cutter drawled as he soaped up his crotch. "When do you reckon we're do our next leave?" It was funny how with the loss of their armour, titles seemed to melt away. Tracing the lines of her fire ball neck tattoo Dea mused.

"Well if this Dandoran Mission works out the way Saxx wants, it could be as early as next week."

"Wicked! It's been to long since we hit up the nightclubs on Triple Zip hey Tally? God I'm looking forward to seeing me some girls again."

Kiss raised a slender eyebrow. "I'm sorry do you not see the three pairs of tits beside you?"

Lady lived up to her name as she smacked the brunette upside the head. "Nance! Language!"

"Oh come on Kiss, you, Triece, Arimais you are all women. Strong, independent women capable of snapping my cock off if they were so inclined."

"Hmmm-hmm." Kiss snorted grabbing some shampoo from a dispenser. "Not like that'd be hard job with the size of your package."

Tally snickered at his friend's indignant look. "I'll have you know I'm a grower thank you very much." The scarred man shot back.

"Illuminating as this conversation is," Gramps groused as he vigorously scrubbed his arms. "May we please try and think with one head only?"

Moony smirked as he washed his pits. "Damn Gramps that was almost a joke! I must be rubbing off on you."

"Phrasing." Dea coughed to hide her grin. She received a near identical glare from both parties.

"Very mature, Sargent."

"Yeah blondie. Really mature."

Shocks sighed contently under the shower jet as he observed. "We should all grab a drink together once we're off. I know a few places on the lower levels that are an absolute riot."

"And drug dens no doubt." Lady observed as she washed Kiss' back. Shocks gave a crooked smile.

"Why else do you think they're a riot?" Dea slicked back her short hair and glanced towards the shower room entrance. A squad of buff arrogant looking male troopers stood shoulder to shoulder. She scowled and growled a warning.

"Look sharp folks. Lapdogs are here." The Squad in question all bore a firing rifle on their biceps and walked with a certain untrainable arrogance. They had earned the unofficial moniker of 'The Firing Squad' due to their willingness to take part in Saxx's 'interrogation' techniques. There was little love lost between the medic's squad and the death squad before them.

Their leader a red headed human named Balor swaggered into the showers towards Dea. Her unit in a rather unconscious manner arranged themselves around her. Arimais' lip curled in disgust as she noticed the man was visibly aroused.

"Like what you see D?" The man grinned to the chuckles of his squad mates.

"Hmm. You know if you weren't turned on by violence, maybe you'd be able to keep a girl, hey Balor?"

Balor's grin developed a hitch. "That's Sargent Balor."

"Then it's Sargent Arimais isn't it?" Dea responded coolly as she deliberately ran the soap over her shoulder blades. Balor wordlessly conceded and continued on a new track.

"Like how we dealt with that scum today Arimais?"

"Indeed. Very brave of you shooting unarmed prisoners, I must say. Truly you are the Empire's finest."

Balor's grin fell. "We do our duty."

"Never said you didn't."

"Well perhaps you don't have the stomach for it, girl." The air had become charged as the two stared one another down. A familiar voice suddenly spoke up.

"With respect, sir, I think her stomach is just fine." All eyes suddenly turned to a fresh-faced rookie who judging by his posture was not yet used to being naked with his fellows. Still, despite this, the crew cut sporting solider stood his ground. "Arimais used a knife and a plasma torch to cauterize a mans arm down there. She didn't even flinch while she did it, sir."

Balor turned and gazed at Denven levelly. "What's your name Trooper?"

"Denven, sir."

"Yeah, I saw you Denven helping out Arimais here. What are you, her little stretcher bearer?"

"Would that I was so honoured, sir."

"Heh. Well alright then Stretch. Point taken. Be seeing you, Sargent." So saying the Firing Squad turned to leave. "Oh and Dea? I'd watch whom you look down on. One word to Saxx and well, you know the rest."

"Dick." Gramps observed simply turning back to the shower spray. Dea nodded at Denven who face red attempted to hide his manhood. Lady snickered at Balor's retreating back.

"Prick like that almost makes Cutter look huge."

"Oh come on!" The man in question protested as the squad broke into laughter. Dea simply let the warm water relax her muscles as her squad chattered on. She knew that all to soon they'd be back in that armour and into the war.