Post 6

"Luke,

There are many things one can say at a moment such as this--but words escape me. I know how it must feel, reaching out and sensing that emptiness, that unending pain. I've felt it once before, on Niruaun when we were surrounded by ysalamiri and were too distracted to notice. …I knew then as I know now that to live without you would tear me apart--and it would be the same for you. "

Mara paused, frowned slightly, and let out a rush of air, her voice catching as she began again, and surprising her with the torrent of emotions that surged through her, "Don't---Don't you dare stop living just because I'm no longer in this universe. Even if I am not there holding your hand, I swear I will always be with you. "

She looked down at her palm, willing her stressed lined features away from her forehead, immersing herself into the Force, pulling on its strength. When she looked up, she knew that tears were shining in her eyes. She whispered hoarsely,

"I will be in the wind, the air you breathe.

I will be that silent step beside you, and protecting you.

I will be in the happiness of our family,

I will be there when you make your way to rejoin me, "

She repeated herself, almost harsh, "Don't you DARE stop living, The Force is life Luke--and anywhere you are living, I know I will be there. If you stop, I will not be able to hold on. This time we've had together has embraced me, giving things that I am not sure I deserve. Your love, and the Force has filled me with a contentment that is too strong to just disappear. "

"Reach out, Farmboy, and I will reach back, in your memories, in your smiles, in your happiness. "

While her tears were falling unabashedly and without reservation now, the camera did not take in the death grip her hands had on the chair. With all the strength that she had left for this, Mara looked at the holoprojecter in front of her and showed the determination and fire that had kept her through tough times. She would not leave this message without showing Luke that she was strong, in the end---"Trust in the force Luke, and remember, I Love you. "

She clicked the off button that was on the seat next to her, saved the message and collapsed with her face in her hands. With the Force as my ally, I know that Luke will never need to see this. I understand the necessity, but the idea of never saying anything more to him, never to feel his presence, just chills me to my bones. Mara stood up, stretched, and wiped away her tears, her hand darted towards her light saber at the light tap on her door. Making sure that all evidence of her crying had been eradicated, she gestured at the sensor, looking up as three women entered the room.

Shalla, Bindhi, and Dia stood just inside the door, with frowns on their faces. Bindhi was the first to speak.

"Mara, we have some problems." Mara gestured for them to sit down; she didn't trust her voice just yet.

"Wait--something is wrong." Shalla looked at the woman's calm, yet slightly tense features and then glanced at the projector. "The message."

Surprised, Mara shrugged, and brushed her hair absently from her shoulders. "I've never had to do one of those before. Never was necessary."

Bindhi nodded, and leaned over giving Mara's shoulder a quick squeeze. "We understand, it's become so …natural now, that it becomes a routine, just one more check on the 'hey tomorrow you might die' checklist.

Dia, cleared her throat, "Sorry Mara, not to be insensitive, but we have to focus, problems, major problems are on the horizon." She sounded so serious, that Mara lost the last of her apprehension and immediately went into what she had come to fondly refer to as Jedi Knight mode.

"Tell me."

Shalla frowned, and then made a quick decision. "The first one is Wes."

"Wes is a problem? Tell me something I don't know."

"No, this time he really is. Mara, have you ever heard of--"

"Wait Shalla, we almost forgot." Bindhi removed a handheld device from her pocket and walked around the room. Mara's eyes sharpened as she watched. "Ok, clean,"

"I'd hope it was." Mara growled.

"Anway, have you heard of Lara Notsil?"

Mara thought for a second and then nodded slowly, "Yes, but that was not her name, correct? Gara Petothel? And something happened with her involving Zinj and the Iron Fist?"


"Yes, she was a Wraith--"

Dia jumped in, "Until the fiasco with Face occurred, leaving Donos little better off than he was after the death of Talon Squadron."

The story clicked and Mara let out a rush of air, "She was an Imperial, and she died protecting the rebel fleet didn't she? So what's the problem?"

"The problem is that, Face knew her, I knew her, most of the squadron knew her, and we saw the effect she had on Myn. The affect she still has on Myn."

Something about her phrasing caught Mara's ear, and the pieces fell together. "She's not dead is she. She's the one that Wes thinks Myn is leaving Rogue Squadron for--but if she's alive, she'll face--" Mara's face scrunched up, knowing that this was her tenuous position not more than a few years ago. "And that is why Wes is a problem."

Dia jumped in, "The thing is, we only are speculating-- based on a photograph that fell out of Myn's sniper case one day, one that I saw. Since she left, he's evolved, his time with the Rogues and the Wraith's has made him more open then he ever has been, except when it comes to that girl. We can't tell Wes for sure, because if he found out, General Antilles will find out, and he'll be conscious-bound to tell the authorities. "

Mara asked mildly, "And you are not?"

Two of the three girls looked at one another, "we trust her, we know how hard it is to fight for something you believe in, all the while being told you're on the wrong side."

Bindhi spoke up, "I'm here because I overheard the other day, and offered to help; I know enough of the circumstances to trust their judgement, I learned a long time ago that distrust comes easy, sometimes the benefit of the doubt is necessary."

"So what do I have to do with any of this. "

"We have a plan--" The three girls, lowered their voices, and shushed Mara when she let out a startled gasp, and a small laugh as the group turned to leave the room.

"Oh, this makes up for everything--Wait! What was the other problem?"

Shalla left the room and smiled wanly, her dimples showing up as small indentations. " Uh, We have a briefing in two minutes, where we have to figure out how to take out the cruiser, take over their cargo, and deliver it, all without firing a shot or starting a pirate war, nothing short of the impossible."

Bindhi grinned, showing her teeth, "Oh the usual."

Dia snorted, "Just another normal day in the lives of Wraith Squadron."

Mara smiled "and you forgot you have some Rogues, and impossible is what Rogues do best."

~~~~

Mara waited within the transport awaiting the launch signal, thinking about the tasks that had been set out for the Wraiths. She along with Wes, Myn and Hobbie, were X-wing duty. Almost a week ago Face had called the group of pilots and personnel to explain this crazy scheme. She had the feeling that she was one of the only pilots in the room who had reservations, and consequently had developed a more grudging respect of her other squad mates, including Janson who had jumped into the planning with a surprising amount of gusto. The resulting plan that supposedly went into motion two days ago had bolstered Mara's confidence.

On the bridge of Hawkbat Pride, Dia frowned outwardly as she waited for the Fallen Vengeance to exit hyperspace. They were already two hours past their rendezvous time, and Captain Karrigan had retired to his quarters to show displeasure at being kept waiting. She knew that the Lieutenant that she was would be rejoicing at being given point after all this time. She knew that if all went well, she would continue to lead this band of merry pirates to the Fallen Vengeance's final destination, just beyond the Corellian Run, with their mysterious cargo. Hopefully Booster Terrik's associates had done their part at the refueling stop two days ago. But what if they did too good a job?

She let out a bit of air as the proximity alarms began to blare. "Nogtar, direction and heading? " Her head turned to the Devaronian on her right.

Elassar glanced up, "Coming up 100 klicks and closing, " he rattled out some coordinates. "the ship profile matches that of a light transport similar to the profile we have on the Fallen Vengeance."

"Wonderful, Communications, open up the comm." Dia glanced back at Bhindi who was scanning the incoming ship's energy signatures.

The woman from Chandrilla looked up from her station, "The damage appears to have been successful, their shields are failing, and I'm getting energy spurts from two of their turbolaser cannons. Stand by…"

A light shock of static exited the comm, then coalesced into basic. A gravelly voice, lilting spoke, "This is the transport ship Fallen Vengeance, Captain F'l'con speaking. Bloodthirsty Vengeance to you, Hawk-bat leader."

"Captain, I am Lieutenant Seku of the Hawk-bats, Captain Karrigan has been detained and will be unable to join us." She left out the customary posturing, making it clear that the Hawk-bats were very displeased.

"Please, send our apologies to your Captain, we apologize for the delay. " There was some murmuring in the background, and the F'l'con came back on, with an underlying tension. "Are you prepared to make the exchange."

Dia frowned, by the sound of the energy emissions, the Vengeance's navigation grid had to be down due to the ionizing energy. F'l'con should be handing them his cargo. She glanced at the screen off to her side as some text appeared.

Request flyby to ensure safety of crew. His confidence seems stretched fairly thin. If directly confronted about problem, he may be able to acknowledge the seriousness.

Sharr, along with Face were sitting in the auxiliary bridge, and Dia stood a little straighter, putting some grist into her voice. "Captain F'l'con, it appears that we may have a bit of a difficulty. I am not sending my crew onto a ship that appears to be a ticking time bomb. Members of my crew have noticed some problems with your shields as well, a phenomena called a refractor backshock. Your energy fluctuations are skyrocketing, if you do not stabilize you and your cargo will be space dust. " She pursed her lips, "tell me why should I risk my crew when you obviously don't seem to care about yours? Let me send a fighter group to inspect your problem."

F'l'con's smooth voice came back wearied, "Very well, make your fly by…"

Dia flicked her wrist towards Bindhi, "Launch group A please".

Mara, with Myn as her wing, led Hobbie and Janson in a leisurely circle, flying past the bridge to show off their horrifying wing designs, courtesy of Cubber Daine, and making sure to circle latterly where Booster's men had placed a small limpet mine. The ionizing energy covered the signal, and using part Force, part natural instincts, she guided her fighter away as the explosion ripped through the outer hull of the transport. She clicked he comm to an open channel "What in the blazin' sith was that!"

"Kettch saw, Kettch know." Mara pursed her lips as Janson spoke. She could tell he was smiling behind his Ewok disguise.

Lieutanant Seku urged him on, "Yes, Kettch, what is it."

"Ionizing energy cause heat on hyperspace cold hull, different temp-tres cause 'plosion."

Mara spoke again, " Lieutenant, this is Lead." She watched as a steam of cloud exited the transport. "There appears to be some sort of breach, there's no way she's going anywhere."

Captain F'l'con spoke again resigned, and slightly angry "We are aware of that, we have backup arriving. Lieutenant Seku, perhaps we can come to a compromise. I will send a shuttle over to your ship with our cargo, if you would be so kind to deliver it to the following system, you can have your fees for meeting at this rendezvous, along with our fees for completion of our delivery."

"Accepted, May you lose many limbs with valor---"

Mara tuned out the rest of the conversation as a sudden spike of dread flooded her senses. It was coming from the direction of Myn's X-wing; she switched over to the private group signal. "D'tar, is there something wrong? "

His voice came back modified to sound like a female Devaronian, "my stick's a bit sluggish to port. I think I may have caught some of the explosion on my S-foil"

"Can your R2 unit do anything?"

"Negative."

Hobbie's mournful voice came over the frequency, "try--" whatever he was going to say was halted as a piece of Donos' S-foil broke off toward him. "Shavit."

Mara could tell that Myn was struggling to maintain stability. With his concentration on the ship, he was broadcasting his nervous thoughts. Before she could close them out so he had some privacy, it was too late. She switched back to open frequency, "Lieutenant, we have a problem."

~~~

Myn grimaced, as he used both hands to slam the rudder to starboard. Part of him listened to Mara as she explained the situation to Dia, the other part struggled to maintain calm while his own fears began to haunt him. No, not yet.

In his mind's eye a small red-hared woman smiled at him. His wife, Kirney. She'll be waiting for me…How would she even find out? No one knew how to contact her. He had not even left a parting message, understanding the risks they were taking. He blinked as a voice yelled at him.

He grunted, "Yes, sorry. "

Mara's disguised voice came back worried. "This is what we're going to do. Kettch and Ho'din are going to stay here to watch the breach. You and I are going to slowly make our way back towards the Pride. I'll escort you, and we're going to try to land that ship together." He wasn't sure he understood her; the leaking comm signal typical of pirate ships was preventing her from being clear. He sighed.

"All right," They slowly made their way back to the Hawk-bat Pride. There were no tractor beams on the light freighter, so he knew it would be a blind landing. Kirney, Oh Kirney. I promised…push rudder harder…this was supposed to be the last one…he'd already given notice to Tycho…but then this had come up, and she had given him her blessing…Lara…he hadn't called her by that name in years…His thoughts broke off as Mara's voice came up again.

"If you don't keep paying attention, you will not be getting back to her."

Myn berated himself silently, and refocused his attention, clearing his mind. Nearly forty minutes later, the two ships entered the docking bay, and he prepared for the hardest landing of his life. With the rudder taking up all his attention, his speed and velocity had remained steady, meaning that when he landed he would crash land. He watched Mara settle her ship down a mere meter from where he was expected to stop. Isn't she afraid I'll crash into her…before he could finish the thought his X-wing shuddered and slowed as if in an invisible grip. He frowned, splitting his concentration for a moment, Tractor Beam--no it can't be.

Making minor adjustments, he eased the slowing fighter onto the deck, only releasing the rudder to shut down the ship. Frozen, he sat there, and let out the air he had been holding. By the force I'm glad she was here. He pulled out a ring from his pocket and clenched it. Soon, soon. Hopping out of the X-wing he found himself standing a few feet from some very worried green eyes.

Mara nodded, "You all right?"

"Yea,"

She glanced pointedly at his hand. "When we get back to base, we're going to have a talk."

~~~~~~

Ryloth

Em Teedee raised his servomotors in an attempt to stay close to the four young Jedi Knights in front of him. He relished his newfound abilities, which enabled him to complete his duties more properly. Now even he could help Master Lowbacca escape from the Diversity Alliance. He also could not wait to see R2-D2 again, who he was sure would pass along to C-3P0 all the information about Em Teedee's recent adventures. The droid continued along the cave-like hallway dampening the humming of his innards as he went along.

Let's see… he had been to Mechis III to help Young Master Raynar Thul with the droid facility while they looked for Tyko Thul, who surprisingly ended up to have arranged for his own disappearance to convince Bornan Thul to come out of hiding. That droid factory was a marvel, but it was increasingly sorrowful for him to have seen all those droid deaths when Bounty Hunter Dengar destroyed some of the Thul facilities. Those factories were the very ones that had given him the repulsorlifts and the extra language facilities. The droid's golden eyes flashed as he practiced helping someone out in his 16 new languages.

Now he was helping out on another adventure, one which would bring home his master. He felt the pride, knowing that he had helped the other young Jedi Knights outwit the Alliance and enter the tunnels without detection. Now Mistress Tenel Ka walked point and examined one of the corridors searching for some evidence of Lowie's presence. After a moment she directed the group in a specific direction, and then, touching her rancor-tooth lightsaber, whispered, "If we are seen, we should return to the Rock Dragon. We must use our lightsabers--the fight will be for our very lives."

Well, that was silly, Em Teedee thought. "I propose that we not allow ourselves to be seen in the first place. It would be entirely too dangerous."

"Great suggestion, " Master Jacen said, "Now why didn't we think of that?"

They continued on their way through the isolated caverns, which were far away from the main cities of Ryloth, without meeting anyone from the Diversity Alliance. They moved slowly until, after making a quick turn, the audible sound of several large beings drifted towards the group.

"In here quick," Mistress Jaina whispered pointing to a small storage alcove. "We've got to hide." The four scrambled into the room, with Mistress Jaina pulling a slow Master Raynar in front of her. Em Teedee, recognizing the danger ducked in just before the tarpaulin came down. He took a place hovering just above Mistress Tenel Ka where he could see outside the edge of the covering. He watched as three huge Gamorrean guards came buy on patrol. One in particular, seemed to hold his glance at the covering for .26 seconds longer then was normal, and then seemed to purposely stumble and fall into the guard next to him, after a brief shoving match they continued on their way. Just as he was about to suggest they keep moving he heard Master Jacen whisper, "Hey, look at this."

Using his optical sensors to brighten up the room, Em Teedee was impressed by the blasters, laser rifles thermal detonators and sonic grenades that that surrounded them. Obviously this was a stockpile storage facility for the fight against the human enemies of the Diversity Alliance. "Oh my, I daresay, this is quite impressive array of firepower!" Very quietly, the group left the small cramped area, and continued seemingly undetected through the tomblike caverns. Suddenly there was Master Lowbacca, in a computer room just off one of the more inhabited portion of the tunnels. Mistress Jaina pointed him out, and the small droid could not but express his relief. "I'm certain he'll be most pleased to see us, simply do not know how he manages to get by without me."

Spinning in the air as Mistress Jaina moved towards the intersection, he repeated, "I'm certainly anxious to see Master Lowbacca again." He watched the other direction, and was surprised to see a large group of Abyssin carrying spiked clubs, a Trandoshan and a Wolfman approaching them. He wailed just as the young Jedi Knights sensed the danger, "Oh dear, they've found us."

The leader, Hovrak, warned the Knights to not move or they would be shot, and Em Teedee struggled against the grip of one of the cylcoptic Abyssin. "Let me go, you brute! Be careful--you'll scratch my casing!"

"No outburst, no noise,' Hovrak Warned. "You will come with us quietly."

Em Teedee had just enough time to wonder why Master Lowbacca's friend Raaba was with another group of soldiers before his optical parts dimmed as he was shut down.

~~~~~~~

Yavin IV

"Master Skywalker, I was told to notify you that the Lightening Rod just landed a few moments ago."

Luke glanced up tiredly from the holoscreen in the communications center and nodded his thanks to the aid. He finished scanning his mail, transferred two letters from Mara to his data pad and walked towards the landing pad. He had just gotten back from a mission for the New Republic, and had to send Tionne and R2 off on another fact-finding mission to evaluate some lost Jedi artifacts that had shown up. In between that and all the messages that required immediate attention, he had all of two minutes to wonder just how much longer it would be before he would see his wife again.

He nodded as a group of younger children walked by, with a chorus of "Welcome back Master Skywalker" ringing through his ears. Sighing he closed his eyes briefly and reached for his bond with Mara and felt her slightly stressed presence. He quickly pulled back, making a mental note to check if everything was all right. Reaching one of the Great Temple's exterior staircases and Luke walked towards the prone young man in front of him, and frowned introspectively as he felt the former dark Jedi dampen his anxiousness. Zekk didn't want to face the Jedi Master just yet, and Luke wanted to follow Jaina's friends wishes. So he smiled in greeting and reached out to shake Zekk's hand.

"I'm sorry I wasn't here to great you. It's been a busy day of arrivals and departures for us." Luke shook his head wearily. "I only returned from Coruscant a few hours ago, and already I've had to send Tionne and Artoo-Detoo off on a special assignment. " He met the young man's green eyes. "After the fall of the Second Imperium, I expected the galaxy to be a quiet place…but now it seems too quiet; I can sense dark undercurrents, secret plans being drawn against us, I have to be watchful."

The two of them reentered the great temple, "You have a strong purpose in coming here today, Zekk. Is the Lightening Rod in need of repairs again?"

"No, my ship is fine, "Zekk said. As they walked along the dim corridors, he tried to tell which pats of the outside walls were original, ancient stone and which had been replaced skillful craftsmen had after the great battle.

Luke Skywalker must have forgiven him, Zekk thought, but did the Jedi trust him? "Actually, I need to speak with Raynar Thul, and Jaina and Jacen."

Luke frowned, surprised and turned to Zekk, "They didn't send you a message? I only had a couple of hours to speak with Tionne before she left today, but she told me that Tenel Ka received some disturbing news from home several days ago. It must have been something pretty important, because Jacen and Jaina left with her in the Rock Dragon to investigate. They took Raynar with them, too."

Zekk expressed his dismay, but decided to tell the Jedi Master about his suspicions regarding Bornan Thul, the navicomputer and the location of a mysterious disease depot that Nolaa Tarkona was trying to get. "I need your help, Master Skywalker, I've got to find Raynar in the next few days. It may be a mater of life and death--for all of us. It has to do with his father…and the Diversity Alliance."

Luke looked at the young man and nodded, with compassion at Zekk's unwavering spirit. He gave a slow nod, "Lusa was the one who told Tionne that the others had left in the Rock Dragon. She's an old friend of Jaina's and recently she and Raynar have become rather close. If anyone knows exactly where they went, it's Lusa,"

Luke knew of a special place that Lusa liked to go and sit, so after leaving a message with some of the teachers, the two of them made their way into the forests of Yavin. Talk was nominal, mostly, Luke suspected, because Zekk was a still a little nervous, and consequently the two of them hiked in silence. As they walked a spike of fear flashed through Luke's senses, and he grimaced, Something is not right. He glanced at Zekk, who was unconsciously fingering his blaster. Not quite as sensitive as Luke was, the young bounty hunter had good enough instincts to recognize that something was off.

"I think, Zekk, that we should pick up our pace." Minutes later they entered a grassy knoll which ended in a pond with a cascading waterfall. Zekk could understand why the young centaur Jedi would come here for quietness. The lush greenery, and natural stillness held a sense of comfort. He glanced around and immediately started at the scene before him. "Master Skywalker---"

Luke sensed the agitation, fear and malice coming from the knoll before they exited the clearing. At first he did not see anyone in the water. If it hadn't been for his senses, and the flash of the vibroblade in the sunlight, he never would have seen the Bothan assassin.

The alien was just beneath the waterfall, suffocating the young girl, and just as Luke and Zekk had entered the clearing he had pulled a vibroblade to finish his task. "Zekk, stay in the shallow end, " Luke ordered, launching into the water. Using the Force he yanked first the vibroblade, then the Bothan away from its captive. Holding the imposter two feet above water, Luke saw Lusa struggle for control beneath the current and rush of water. He lifted beneath her forelegs and brought her head above water. He held her close and whispered, "It's all right. I have you. You're with friends now."

After Luke had helped Lusa, and Zekk had apprehended the prisoner from the shallow end of the pond where he had been deposited, the four of them made their way back to the med-center for a talk. A few hours later, the three of them began to make preparations to visit Ryloth to rescue the Young Jedi Knights.

~~~~~~~~

Valdet

Elbereth collected herself before entering the parliamentary chamber. Today would mark the fifth meeting where she and Tristan had barely said a word to each other. It seemed as if every time he looked at her, he choked, as if he could not believe what he was going to say. Why won't he talk to me? I'm his wife. He's all I have. This morning dawned clear, a morning that mocked the way she felt.

Every night for the past few weeks, Tristan's guards had reported to her. He knew, of course, she would never spy on him. It was the only way she could find out what was going on, just short of finding out what he was thinking. Last night, she had followed him to his haunt, the statue commemorating the sacrifices of Anian and Illian during the revolution, and had watched long into the night, as he stood staring, unfeeling. When approached, her husband could not even meet her gaze, his gray eyes looking everywhere but her, so she had done the only thing she could think of, and had gone back to their chambers determined to confront him when he came back. When she awoke his side was slept in but empty and devoid of all signs of life and love, and that was when she made her decision, and there was no turning back. I hope he can forgive me, but it's the only way I can make him see, the only way I can help him out of this burden laden depression that life has pressed upon his shoulders.

Elbereth realized she was sweating and began to shiver as she noticed a chill in the air. "Nestor," her voice low, and tense "could you hand me my shawl?" Making an attempt to gather her thoughts toward the session, she missed the glance her steward and guard passed, both of whom were sweating under the harsh lights and fan on what was the hottest day on record. She also missed the entrance of her light, her love, her family as he walked in moments later, prepared to meet her gaze and come back into her arms. When he touched her elbow, there was no motion, only silence in return.

Tristan grimaced, How could I have alienated her so? Elbereth, is my rock, how could I ever have thought of abandoning her. My fear has been my chains for too long, I realized that last night, my fear of failing is replacing my insistence on focusing on tradition. He reached for her arm again, and together they entered the chamber, and into more despair.

A reply to their petition for entrance into the New Republic was expected soon, one that would have to be rejected, even after all the effort and work that their administration had done. Somehow, someone had tacked on a rider to the end of an appropriations bill, one that--if made into law--would prevent the New Republic from accepting them. For five sessions the monarchs had filibustered, and fought, and were failing. Too many of their supporters had left town for local problems and ceremonies so that there were barely any allies. What in the name of the Force are they thinking? Elbereth could barely breathe, as the current speaker read the disputed section, word for word.

"It is hereby ordained that all trade within and without the supreme territories of Valdet and Danshitie are subject only to local regulations, without any application of a higher law, or galactic government…. The sovereignty of the system comes above a higher jurisdiction."

They had not even bothered to disguise their true intent. Tristan snuck a glance at his wife, and inhaled sharply. There was something wrong. Her usually tanned face, was white, and her breathing was labored as her fists clenched on either side of the desk in front of her. He could sense her thoughts, because they were his own. It was as if the revolution did not matter that all that they had lost such a short while ago to overthrow the shadow of Bran Morodin was for naught. He watched Elbereth warily as she slowly stood, with thin lips to address the assembly. Her voice was unusually low, almost hoarse, with one arm resting on her stomach and the other gripping the edge of the desk.

She interrupted the current soliloquy in favor of the bill. "Many cycles past, we had agreed to willingly petition the New Republic for entry. Now with this rider, your Royal Highnesses Tristan and I will have to withdraw the petition, for in the galactic realm our sovereignty exists on the principles of morality and equality, including trade equality throughout the outer rim and beyond. These additions not only show our unwillingness to cooperate, but also our pride and ego at not seeing the need for change the need to make life better for so many of our citizens who live in poverty. Why is this body so willing to overturn a decision that was so unanimous? Why? Will someone please explain this? " At the last her voice turned venomous, angry. "I ask for one of you defending this rider, please enlighten us, tell us why you wish to doom our people to a life far less deserving of them, when we, this body of representatives, have the option of bettering their lives?" She scanned over the Citizen Representatives before her, all tensing for an explosion, all waiting for something, but for what?

He started with a whisper, his voice drifting from their right growing in strength and tenor as he went on breaking the uneasy silence. When they recognized who it was, both monarchs exhaled in relief. Iker; he wants galactic involvement as much as Tristan and I do, of all our supporters, he has never wavered, never--- Her thoughts cut off as she listened in horror, unknowingly reaching over and gripping Tristan hand, her knuckles growing white. The betrayal was now clear, there was triumph in the chameleon's eyes.

"Your Royal Majesties, friends, my masters." Iker Rafagr risked a glance to ensure the holorecorders were lit. "Our great planets have lived with each other for thousands of years, bringing through natural competition a higher standard of living.

"Why? Because the people had spoken, and it was the right thing to do.

"We overthrew Imperial and Smuggling threats. Why? Because the people had spoken.

"Bran Morodin, Danshitie's rightful king, was deposed and destroyed. Because through all his terror he could not manage to close down the one thing that mattered. His ashes wander the mythical mountains today. Why? Because the people had spoken. " His yellow eyes flashed, as he pulled himself out of his hunchback position and stood upright for the monarchs to see for the first time. "They ask not for your rights as rulers, but for their wishes as citizens. They ask not only for sovereignty from a galactic hegemony, but separate sovereignty--because that is what will best serve their needs. Change," he spat "is for the weak, for those who lack the strength and willpower to follow tradition and the status-quo. Your citizens, your highness, ask for a return, a return to the simplicity of life.

"For thousands of years our two great worlds have fought, only to have the curtain of darkness fall up us in the wars of domination and death, and consequently, I propose the following. That the monarchs step down, return to their familial manors, and allow the people to speak. They ask for freedom from Galactic Tyranny and oppression, they ask that the silver dove and gold falcon be allowed to fly free. Pass this bill; the people have spoken."

The roar of approval in the chamber distracted Elbereth from the look of manic anger on Iker's face. What is loyalty to a changeling? How did we come so far from our dreams? The unanimous vote to send the petition? What of that? What has changed? She listened to the votes being cast, and the darkness that she fought ever since stepping into the chamber took over. Still holding Tristan's hand, she sat down mutely, astonished at the turnaround.

Still holding her hand, his heart thudding against his chest, Tristan stood and acknowledged the vote and dismissed the session. His people had voted to be reduced to stagnation, isolation and warfare. He knew that this conspiracy driven truce would not last, and arms would be taken up again. He watched silently as Iker stood, tall, and unhindered as the undisputed leader of…what? "He is no longer the man we once knew."

A whisper came from his right and Tristan realized he had spoken aloud, "T-He was never our friend, not even in the beginning." For the first time in weeks, husband and wife locked gazes, and for the first time that evening, Tristan took in the red rimmed eyes, the sallow skin and her trembling fingers. As a doctor, he recognized her shock, and quickly with her leaning heavily on his arm, they walked regally outside the chamber where her strength finally gave way and failed.

He reached over and tapped her cheeks lightly to shake her out of her daze. "E, my heart, E wake up--What's going on?" Oh by the force...Straightening briefly, Tristan stood up and ordered her steward, "Nestor, dispatch the doctor to our quarters, tell him to bring a HT Kit with fluids," The gentleman beside him took off at a brisk jog down the corridor. As he lifted Elbereth, and my child, he wondered, into his arms he yelled again, "Nainiya, hurry!"

~~~~

Are, ashiela i Me. So-ra, Al'orian Morodin denaitha. Elbereth, denaitha. Are, deatithi. Se'la, S'ela. Insahal ne

Insahal me.

O! beloved, love (mirror of the stars). Ancestors of the Al'orian Morodin. Keep Elbereth within your embrace. O! magnificence. Safe, protected. Forgive her.

Forgive me

Credit: The scene involving the YJK capture: all dialogue is from the book, with the descriptions a POV change to Em-Teedee's POV so his thoughts etc, i.e. calling them Mistress Jaina, Master Jacen are all me...(Which is why he doesn't pick up on Jacen's sarcasm.) The scene with Zekk and Master Skywalker on Yavin IV: From "I'm sorry I wasn't here to greet you..." through to "If anyone knows exactly where they went, its Lusa." Is all dialogue based on a scene on page 113 of Jedi Bounty. The description before Luke's first line, is mine--the book follows Zekk, I just followed Luke. What happens afterwards is a POV change for Lusa's assassination attempt so while the dialogue is the same the description is all mine.

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