Cast of Characters:

Nia'ree-Chiss, Sith Inquisitor, Sorcerer

(Drew) Andronikos Revel-Son of Casey Rix and Andronikos Revel Sr. (Thistle Legacy, father of Nik'khe Revel, husband of A'iofe, Sith Inquisitor)

Shaydia-Human, Imperial Agent. Sherastiliin Legacy

Sildrest- Lethan Twi'lek, Sith Inquisitor, Assassin, traveling companion of Nia'ree and father of her daughter Tessy

Tessy-Daughter of Nia'ree and Sildrest

Nik'khe-Sith Pureblood/Human, Sith Warrior, daughter of Andronikos Revel and A'iofe, Sith Inquisitor

Nanna-Ashara Zavros Drellik, family to Nik'khe Revel, helped raise her on the ship along with the other companions of her mother A'iofe.

Talos Drellik-Companion of A'iofe Revel. Husband of Ashara Zavros

Vette, Companion of Sith Warrior, Nik'khe Revel

Malavai Quinn, Companion of Sith Warrior, Nik'khe Revel

The Party

As the Darth and the elder Revel headed towards their ship, the younger crowd lagged a bit behind. From the looks of things, Nik's father was making sure the almost assassination attempt was not repeated. Nia'ree turned and met Drew's eyes, "Are you okay?"

His gaze went from her to Nik and he nodded slowly, swallowing hard, "I think so," he put an arm around Nik, "I'm not going to run, so stop looking like that."

Flushing with relief, Nik met Drew's eyes and smiled. "Okay, but it was a near one there. You can't blame me for worrying." Looking back at Sildrest, she reached out her hand to his and pulled him to her. "Looks like Daddy is doing his bodyguard thing. Mother always says half the reason no one gets through to her is Daddy, the other half is that no one bothers to notice him because he is a pirate, a human, non-Force user, nothing that would be noticed at all…or counted for much…in the Sith world."

Sildrest nodded slowly, "A deadly mistake. He is a formidable man. Not one to be taken lightly."

"No," Shaydia murmured, stepping up to join the group, "He is not one to be taken lightly. Very charming," she smiled at Nik and Drew, "The two of you together don't have half his charm. But he is dangerous. No question."

Nia'ree pursed her lips. That they were correct was undoubtedly true. The former pirate was dangerous, powerful in his own right. But he was eclipsed by the slip of a woman that walked beside him. She met Sildrest's eyes and he nodded briefly. Nik had mentioned her mother, and indicated she was ruthless, but until meeting her Nia'ree hadn't had any idea how seriously Nik meant that.

Sildrest intertwined his fingers with Nik'khe's, "It looks like we are being left behind. Shall we go?"

A blaze of a smile lit Nik's face looking at Sildrest. "Of course. Can't keep everyone waiting. And doubtless Uncle Talos and Daddy will have tussled over the decorations. Uncle Talos never will let Daddy live down the explosion on the ship at my fifth birthday party. He's really quite lucky Mother adamantly refuses to let Daddy kill him, or at least severely maim him. Daddy really holds a grudge a long time, and…well the original grudge predates that little dig by a few years before I was born."

Sildrest smiled at Nik'khe while she chatted at him. Her lovely face was animated and lit up with joy while she talked about her family. He was struck again by the energy and passion she contained. He swung their hands lightly between them, "Sounds like there's a pretty good story there."

Nia'ree linked her arm through Drew's and they fell into step behind a still chattering Nik and Sildrest. A glance behind confirmed that Shaydia and Vector had followed suit. Nia'ree caught Drew looking speculatively at the couple in front of them. He had been doing better with the black looks since she had 'talked' to him about attending the party.

Shaydia smiled over at Vector, "A party on the ship of a Dark Council member. There's something you don't get to do every day."

The Joiner nodded thoughtfully, "We are pleased with the opportunity to meet your friends. They are a most interesting group of people."

"They really are," she snickered slightly. Interesting, and not at all what she had envisioned for a group of friends.

"Well, well, look what the nexu finally drug in. About time Nik, did you take a scenic route around the Promenade before you walked up to the ship?" A tall, beautiful, older Togruta stood in the ship's doorway next to a man of military bearing with salt and pepper hair, his arm wrapped around her waist, both clearly joyful to see Nik.

Nik dropped Sildrest's hand and ran to the doorway, her face alight and looking even younger than her years. "Uncle Talos! Nanna! So wonderful to see you. I missed you." She threw her arms around both in a hug. "I can't wait for you to meet…well everyone." Turning around she held out her hand again to Sildrest, pulled him up next to her and wrapped an arm around him. "This is Sildrest."

Grinning and offering his hand, Talos replied, "Nice to finally meet you 'in person' Sildrest."

"Nice to meet you as well," Sildrest shook his hand firmly and nodded.

Talos chuckled. "Well, it's unusual me getting to meet any of Nik's special friends first. And I've never shot anyone on sight...like some people."

Shifting her eyes uneasily, Nik looked at Talos. "You're exaggerating. Daddy hasn't done that in a...long time."

"Long is relative when it's you being shot, princess." He nodded at Sildrest and gave him a slight smile. "Don't think it will be a real problem with your friend here. He seems…resourceful."

Biting her lip and looking deflated, Nik let out a deep breath. "You sure know how to make me feel fairly awful bringing anyone home, Uncle Talos." Glancing back to her friends and brother, Nik's face held much the same look Drew's had earlier when he was thinking of leaving when he saw his father.

Nik nodded grimly, continuing the introductions, the joy gone from her face, "And this is Nia'ree and Drew," turning her head to Shay next, "and Shay and Vector. Nia'ree, Nanna is Mother's Jedi, the one I told you about."

Nia'ree stepped forward, placing one hand lightly on Nik's arm and squeezing it comfortingly before she bowed politely to the elder woman, "It's an honor to meet you. Ashara, as I recall?"

Drew followed Nia'ree and the light fell on his face. There was an immediate reaction from the older couple.

Ashara lifted her hand to her mouth letting in a sharp breath. Talos' face registered a sharp double-take. Nik looked back and forth and realized she needed to say something. "Nanna, Uncle Talos. This is my brother…Drew. He's from Tatooine."

Ashara face held a soft smile as she recovered and stepped forward, placing a hand on Drew's arm. "You look…just like Andronikos when I first met him, when I joined A'iofe on her ship. He was so…kind to me. It was a rather frightening world to step into for a young padawan to join a…Sith. I'm very happy to meet you."

Talos placed a hand on Drew's shoulder. "Can't say as much, Andronikos never has really liked me. Always loved my sweet girl though." A wry grin followed a playful wink. "He has a soft spot for damsels in distress."

Drew nodded awkwardly. He'd had his share of experiences meeting people who wanted to kill his father who mistook him for the older man, but this was the first time, other than Nik, that he'd met people with a positive impression of him. "It's nice to meet both of you. Nik's told me a lot about you," he glanced at his sister, "She's very fond of you, so I suppose that means I'm predisposed to like you."

Talos smiled at Shay and Vector. "Nice to meet you also." Smiling at Shay while he offered his hand he asked, "Imperial service?" Tilting his head in curiosity he looked at Vector. "Forgive me for staring, I met a Joiner once on Alderaan, never had the pleasure again." He offered a hand and a smile to Vector. "I hope we have the opportunity to talk."

"Pleasure to meet you," Shay responded with a smile.

Vector nodded as well, "We would be delighted to talk, should the opportunity arise."

Pausing in trepidation, Nik ushered everyone the rest of the way in. The Fury was decorated in bright colors. Among the bright decorations were large sheets of drawing paper affixed to the walls with rough child-like drawings of wild creatures, most of which seemed to be Nexu. Nik colored sharply and hid her face in Sildrest's chest. "Not the drawings...anything but the drawings... can't believe they put those up."

Andronikos emerged from the captain's quarters with his arm around A'iofe. A rough laugh sounded from him on seeing Nik color while looking at the walls. Taking in her distress, and where she was hiding her head he released his wife and walked over to her, his sharp quick steps sounding even on the carpeted floor.

Sildrest felt speculative eyes raking up and down. Andronikos curled his lip, setting eyes of steel on Sildrest. His voice silky and friendly in contrast to his eyes, he offered his hand. "Obviously the new pretty. Hello, I'm Nik's father. Pleased to meet you."

Keeping one arm around Nik, Sildrest took Andronikos' hand and met his eyes steadily, "Sildrest. It's good to finally meet you." He smiled down at Nik'khe, hugging her tightly, before returning his gaze to her father's, "Nik talks about you all the time, of course." Eyes flashing, Nik glanced at her father and his hands and shifted slightly. Her eyes rose to his in challenge and narrowed, daring him try.

Drew covertly watched the interchange between Sildrest and Nik's, his, father. Sildrest was definitely showing the Sith part of himself that he tended to let slide by the wayside when he spoke to Drew. A muscle was twitching in the elder Revel's jaw and his free hand flickered almost as if he wanted to draw his blasters. Drew's eyes narrowed. From his vantage point, he could see the lines of tension in Sildrest's face, but he knew the only reason he could was because he was familiar with the twi'lek. To everyone else, he looked completely unconcerned. Nik also appeared ready to go on the offensive. Nia'ree put her hand on his forearm and winked. Drew relaxed fractionally. Not only was Sildrest terrifyingly fast with his lightsaber, Nia'ree was very quick with a Force bubble as well. Whatever happened, injuries were unlikely.

Shaydia and Vector hovered near the doorway where Ashara and Talos still stood. Shaydia still wasn't entirely convinced this was the best idea and she definitely wanted to keep her options open. She felt a faint, reassuring, Force touch and glanced over at Ashara whose eyes widened fractionally on realizing that Shaydia had felt it.

The tension in the room was palpable. Sildrest smiled easily, "So, I believe this is a party?" He looked down at Nik again, noting the hint of fear in her eyes. Fear for him, he realized, and wondered what her father had done in the past to inspire that, "Is there cake? Because it's really not a party without cake."

A light laugh cut through the tension. A'iofe walked over to her husband and put her hand on his arm, catching his eyes with a quick look. She turned to Sildrest. "I like you. Come on, cake is in the galley." She waved to the front of the ship. Smiling at Andronikos, she lightly pressed on his arm. "And didn't you have something in your 'special room' you wanted to give Nik dear?"

Andronikos disappeared for a moment and then reappeared in the galley with a couple boxes. He handed one to Nik with a grin. Nik cast an irritated look at her father and then put her head in her hands and sighed. Clearly she had no more ability to stay mad at him then he had with her. He turned and looked speculatively at Drew, opened one and picked up the barrel of a black handled and highly advanced Czerka blaster and tossed it end over end toward Drew. "Try that out, kid."

Drew caught the blaster midway through a spin, and flipped it around so it settled properly in his hand. Bringing it up to eye level, he sighted along the barrel and then flipped it to his other hand and did the same thing. Hefting it, he spun it a few times with his off hand and then nodded, popping the power pack out to check it and clipping back into place, "It's nice."

A wide grin crested across Andronikos' face. Reaching into the box, he pulled out the mate, walked over, and handed it to Drew. "Good hand you've got there." Nodding to the drawings on the walls he grinned. "So, what do you think of your sister's artistic talents?"

Glancing around the room, Drew chuckled, his smile widening when he saw Nik's mortified expression, "Honestly, I think she should give up this Sith gig and open a gallery. She's got a real eye for," his head cocked as he studied a severely out of proportion creature, "detail."

Andronikos reached over to the table laughing and handed the empty box to Drew with a grin. "Well, I thought so. She was on a real Nexu kick for a while there. Convinced it would make a great pet."

Nik glared at her father and bit her lip with an anguished groan. "Daddy, I swear if I ever find where you hide this stuff it is going to burn. After I dice it into tiny pieces, and maybe blow it up too…."

She looked down at her cake and back at her father with an evil gleam in her eye. Andronikos took one look at her and ducked, sidestepping the flying cake slice which splatted colorfully into Quinn's astonished face.

Vette burst out in laughter, choking out. "That was a great shot, Nik," before sinking to the floor in laughter induced tears from the look on Quinn's face.

"Bah. Torture me and then you won't even give me the satisfaction of hitting you." Nik shook her head and with a crooked grin kissed Andronikos on the cheek. "Okay, I give up, Daddy. You officially win; will you quit trying to embarrass me for the night?"

Shaydia exchanged an amused glance with Nia'ree who had hung back with her when Andronikos was giving Drew the blasters. "Do you think this is normal for a party with them?" she asked quietly.

Nia'ree giggled, "I have a feeling it is actually."

The agent watched the byplay between the Revel family members and bit her lip, "Is this what a family is supposed to be like?"

The Chiss sobered at her question, "Yes, it is," her red eyes filled with sorrow.

Vector took in the different auras that surrounded him. So much more variety than he had encountered in the hive. Emotions were high. The possibility of a charged situation turning sour was even higher. The hive was patient. He observed.

Drew watched his sister and father interact with a wistful smile. He hadn't missed the significance of the blasters his father handed to him. They were a gift, and the older man wanted him to keep them. He debated 'forgetting' them on the ship when they left, but realized quickly that could be interpreted as an insult. His opinion of his father was changing so rapidly he wasn't sure what he thought of him from one moment to the next. The opportunity to sit down and talk to the man was not likely to come up, and while part of him wanted that chance, it also terrified him. He had impressed the elder Revel with his ability to handle a blaster, but what if that was it? What if everything else about him was a disappointment? He didn't want to find out.

Glancing to his right, Drew caught Sildrest's eye. The twi'lek had stepped back once Andronikos was not focused on him. Drew knew it was not a retreat, but it was a tactical maneuver. He nodded very slightly to the other man and received a brief nod in return.

Nik looked down at the box her father had handed to her earlier. She reached over to the wall and ripped a piece of 'artwork' off the wall, carefully inserting it in the top before fully opening the box. When nothing launched at her she removed the paper. "Why, thank you, Daddy. What lovely blasters. We should go…shoot them somewhere." Nik giggled and inclined her head toward the back of the ship where her father's shooting room was located. "In fact," she grinned, "let's make it a contest since you seem thoroughly bent on embarrassing me. Come on, Drew, Vette, and Shay; let's see if anybody can beat Daddy."

"I'll pass, Nik," Shaydia demurred, "I'm a sniper. No quick draw ability here."

All eyes turned to Drew. After a moment he shrugged, "Ah, what the hell. I'm in. As long as I get to use these," he indicated the blasters that Andronikos had given him.

Andronikos grinned, his eyes flashing with delight. He offered a hand to Vette who was still recovering from her fit of laughter and gave her a quick hug and a kiss on the top of her head. "Come on kiddo, I got you a little something too. It's in the target room."

In the back of the ship was a room lined in durasteel, covered in blasters of every type and a few that Vette and Drew at least had never seen before. Targets of every shape and size occupied the room as well, moving and stationary.

Nik grinned and switched out her old guns for the new and placed her older guns on a table in the back of the room. "Which target Daddy?"

With a chuckle, Andronikos smiled at Drew. "Why don't you pick…" he paused remembering what Nik had been calling him and hesitating over using any other name "...Drew." He tossed a chrono to Shay at her observation point in the doorway. "And how about you be our timekeeper, Shay."

Andronikos handed a box to Vette who squealed with delight over the highly decorated but still quite functional blaster. Drew noted that Andronikos clearly liked Vette and the blaster had been designed for her; both aesthetically and with her skills in mind.

Vette took a shot at the target Drew indicated and made a disgruntled face after she heard her time that Shay called out. Nik took the next shot and used both her blasters with deadly accuracy but was only a trifle faster than Vette. Andronikos smiled in a cheeky way and blasted with deadly accuracy, fast enough that it was difficult to see the draw at best. He turned to Drew with a grin. Drew looked thoughtful at the playful challenge in Andronikos' eye, and using his new blasters took out the target with accuracy equal to Andronikos and a trifle faster. After Shay announced the times he looked a bit uneasy for a moment until he saw the grin on Andronikos' face, clearly his father didn't mind losing, to him anyway.

A'iofe smiled, watching the target shooting and walked up next to Sildrest where he was observing from what she noted was a safe distance from the shooters. A'iofe murmured quietly in Sildrest's ear. "Practical young man. You're relatively safe though. He wouldn't shoot you in front of Nik, it would irritate her. You are intriguing though, and not my daughter's usual taste. I'll be watching you, with…great interest."

Sildrest's lips tightened but he didn't bother to turn, knowing the Darth would have moved on. He saw Nia'ree turn slightly and catch his eye. She had felt it too. The suffocating malevolence. Like a vortex of Dark side energy. It was an effect that many Sith tried to duplicate, but few succeeded. Just then, Shay announced the times and Sildrest felt Nia'ree's spike of joy when Drew won.

Drew stepped back and turned in time to catch Nia'ree. She kissed him fiercely, her hand catching on the chain he wore around his neck as she put her arms around him. The pendant popped free of his collar and bounced against his shoulder. He didn't really notice though since he currently had his arms full of Chiss. She grinned at him, "That was amazing! I knew you were a fantastic shot, but that was amazing." She kissed him again.

Andronikos' eyes narrowed when he saw the necklace that Nia'ree had dislodged from under Drew's shirt. Walking over to Drew and Nia'ree he smiled a brief crooked smile at the Chiss. "I hate to interrupt but, do you mind if I look at that, Drew?" Andronikos indicated the pendant currently resting on Drew's shoulder.

"I guess not," Drew replied, pulling the chain over his head and handing it to Andronikos.

Nik's eyes followed her father's to the 'box' that she wasn't allowed to touch and her eyes narrowed sharply for a moment before she brightly announced that she wanted more cake while grabbing Vette's arm and dragging her to the doorway, looping her arm through Sildrest's and motioning for Shay and Vector to follow her to the galley.

Andronikos held the chain up to the light briefly and then walked over to a small table on the side of the room, running his hand over the top before opening it and reaching inside to remove the one item stowed within. Holding it up next to Drew's he blew out a brief breath before turning and walking back to Drew, handing both to him with a wry laugh and a nod.

Muttering under his breath he shook his head. "Sneaky Casey, very sneaky." He indicated the pendant on the cord lying next to the one on the chain in Drew's hand. "Your mother gave me that right before she wrangled my meeting the Sith."

Drew inhaled sharply when he saw that the pendants were matching halves. "She…she knew…she planned it…"

Nia'ree's eyes darted from father to son. Feeling suddenly like she was intruding, she kissed Drew's cheek, "I'll be in the other room if you need me."

He nodded woodenly, barely noticing her departure. "You still have it. But…you didn't know?"

Andronikos picked up his half out of Drew's hand. "No, I didn't kid. Just…it was from Casey." He shrugged for a moment before looking into Drew's eyes. "I knew I was bad news back then. Didn't mean I didn't know Casey was special. I'm curious though. How old exactly are you, Drew?"

Drew frowned, "I'll be twenty-eight in just over four months."

Andronikos exhaled sharply before looking down at the necklace with an admiring look, thinking of Casey. "After the Sky Princess, when she was still running interference with that bastard who mutinied the ship, and I was in Imperial prison. Not a word either. Amazing woman, handle all that without a word. Suppose it's not surprising seeing the man you look to be though."

"So, was…was I born yet then? When you left?" Drew swallowed hard. He knew his mom had been through a lot for him. He'd never dreamed she'd done it voluntarily, that she'd actually sent his father away.

"Well, if I'm figuring right, you would have been two maybe three when I left with the Sith."

Drew closed his eyes, "Two or three. And she didn't tell you." He raised his head and met his father's eyes, "You did care about her? She wasn't just some…nobody to warm your bed?"

"Never had one of those, boy. But no, far from nobody. More somebody who knew me well enough to push me out the airlock when it was a good time to be rid of me. And she did know me well."

He nodded. That matched up with what his mother had told him, "You know, Ma told me stories. Didn't romanticize things, but she told me about you," he chuckled bitterly looking at his hands, "My whole life, I just wanted to know if you would be proud of me. So, I just have one last question," he took a deep breath, unable to raise his eyes, "Do you want me as your son? Or would you rather I was a friend of Nik's?"

Andronikos placed a hand on Drew's jaw, drawing his face level. His eyes were a bright green and latched firmly onto Drew's brown eyes. "I would be very proud if you would consent to be my son. The credit's your mother's but I'll take what you care to throw my way." He crooked a smile at Drew.

Drew felt like the tension he'd lived with his whole life suddenly melted away. He couldn't speak, but nodded to the question implicit in his father's statement.

Andronikos' eyes glistened while he looked at his son's face. He folded him in his arms and held him close. "Glad to have…found you…son."

Drew felt the hot tears prickle the back of his eyes as well, and he returned his father's embrace without hesitation. Clearing his throat, he managed to say "Dad" before he choked up and couldn't say anything else.

Nik pursed her lips, looking up from her cake with a grin and hopped into Sildrest's lap. Leaning back to his ear she murmured in a delighted whisper, "I knew Drew would like Daddy if he just gave him a chance."

Sildrest grinned and brushed his thumb across her chin before dropping a light kiss on her lips, "I'm glad it worked out." He picked up some of his cake in his fingers and held it up to Nik's lips. She opened her mouth and licked his fingers as she took the cake before giggling at him.

A'iofe glanced at Nik, amused, and sat next to Nia'ree, covering the Chiss' hand with her own. "Welcome to the family, dear."

Nia'ree managed a smile and nodded politely before returning to her cake.

Andronikos loosened his hold on Drew but kept his arms around him and looked him in the face with wide smile. He looked thoughtful for a moment biting his bottom lip. "Can I ask you a question, son? The Sith, the red one, that you and your girl came in with." He raised his eyebrows. "Nik's new pretty. Do you know him? What can you tell me about him?"

Drew pursed his lips, "Well, I've known him for…oh, five months or so now? He's a decent enough guy. Pretty even-tempered and level-headed. I know there's been a few occasions where he would have been within his rights to bash me over the head with his lightsaber, but he never has," he chuckled lightly, "He had a bit of a thing for Nia'ree when I joined up, so yeah, he didn't like me much when I got in the way. He's been irritating, but nothing more. I can't say I particularly like the guy, but it's not because he's bad in any way."

Andronikos nodded brushing his hand on his chin. "Force users and Nik…worry me. She hasn't got the manipulation skills, too straightforward and direct. Hell, I'd have been happier if she really had no way to hide those damned Force powers to send her to the Jedi. I just," he paused, "don't honestly know if she can really survive as a Sith. Oh now, she's doing the right things, but there's more, lots more, and I've seen more than enough now to know what it takes. Makes me wish every day she'd been born Force blind, but she wasn't, so I worry." He glanced up at Drew with a huff of breath and a wry look. "Not much I can do about though other than take out the obvious dangers, when I find them."

"A month or two ago I wouldn't have had any idea what you meant," Drew shook his head, "Now, I do. I understand where you're coming from, and you certainly know Nik a lot better than I do. Then again, I have seen her put on that 'Sith aura' and everyone snap to attention and scurry to do her bidding, so I know she's capable of it. I just don't think she likes it very much. Bossing people around, yes, the whole 'I am Sith, blindly obey', not so much."

Andronikos glanced down thoughtfully and lowered his voice to a murmur. "Don't take this wrong, boy. I love my girls with all my heart. A'iofe and Nik, I'd die for them in a second. And I know A'iofe would do the same, but just for us. If it took sacrificing an army she'd do it without a thought, if it took sacrificing Talos or Ashara she'd do it, she'd regret it but she'd do it. Only ones she wouldn't are me and Nik. My girl's not like that. Her heart's too big. And she hasn't lived through what my Sith has to push herself to be able to do that, and I'm glad of that, but it makes me worry for Nik, maybe more than I should."

"Well, I'm not Sith, but I can promise you that I'll look after Nik as much as I'm able and as much as she'll let me," Drew smiled as he met his father's eyes and saw the gratitude bloom in them.

Andronikos gripped Drew tight in his arms and gave him a crushing hug. "Hope you don't mind those. I've missed quite a few, don't plan on missing more." Andronikos threw back his head with a laugh. "Enough dark talk. Get out your holo. I think we need to let your mama know what's going on." A small smile played on his face. "She worked awfully hard to make sure it would work out if it ever happened, be a shame not to tell her it did."

Drew briefly considered that, and realized that his father was right. He checked the chrono he had set to Tatooine time to make sure she'd be awake and not in the middle of her regular meetings. It was suns rise, so she'd be eating breakfast. Pretty much the ideal time to call her. He nodded, "Looks like it's a good time right now. She should be awake and not busy," he pulled out the holo and punched in his mother's code. Her face split into a wide smile when she saw her son. Drew grinned at her, "Hey, Ma."

"Andronikos! You haven't called for weeks. I was getting worried," her eyes narrowed as she chided him.

"Yeah, I know. I've been…really busy," he met his father's eyes, "So, Ma, something happened."

"What happened? Are you okay?" her voice filled with concern.

"Yeah, no, I'm fine," he held up his pendant, and then he picked up Andronikos' half and put them next to each other so she could see both of them, "I found the other half."

Casey's eyes widened, "You…"

Drew smiled, "You did it on purpose, didn't you. To make sure I gave him a chance," he glanced at the older man again, "I'm glad you did," he turned back to her, seeing her eyes darting around trying to see who he was looking at, "He wants to talk to you."

She swallowed hard and nodded, "Okay."

Andronikos moved into the holo view, a half smile playing on his face, his eyes warm. "Hey Case, long time. Quite a boy you've…we've got here. My girl actually found him. My Nik, met him up on Alderaan and managed to drag him over to the ship with her." He chuckled and glanced at Drew. "She always wanted a brother, or a Nexu, glad she managed to find the one less likely to bite her head off of the two."

Casey felt that old pang in her heart when she saw him move into the frame, older, even more dangerous, but a warm glow in his eyes. "Hello, Andronikos," she said softly. Her eyes moved to their son, so much like his father, "I am so very proud of him. I'm glad the two of you were able to meet," her eyes dropped, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I didn't tell you. I…I thought about it, so many times, and the longer I waited the more I wanted to, but…"

Sitting at the table the holo was placed on, Andronikos leaned toward the screen. He spoke softly, reassuring Casey. "No, you did the right thing Casey. You know you did. Even on Tatooine you could give him a better life than I could then, or for a very long time after that. It's different now, not less dangerous though. The Sith, she's never going to not be in danger and my place is with her, and well, somewhere along the way I think I managed to grow up. I'm glad you're okay and doing well. And you know if you ever need anything I'm here, now that I know that you're there."

"Thank you, Andronikos. Thank you for understanding," she shook her head, sniffling slightly, "I felt so guilty when your Sith told me you were out of jail. I knew I could have told you then, and I wanted to, I didn't want to deny you your son, but…she needed you. I'm sure neither of you really thought she needed anyone, but she needed you and I couldn't be selfish," she cleared her throat, "So, you mentioned a daughter? What's she like?" her eyes moved to her son, "How do you like having a sister then?"

Drew grinned, "Nik's pretty great, Ma. I hope you get to meet her one day."

"I hope so too," she smiled.

Andronikos smiled and popped up a small holo and punched a few codes pulling up a holo picture of a laughing girl with amber eyes, reddish brown skin, and a red mohawk. "That's Nik. She's a mess. More like me than I'd like. She doesn't have the trail of guns looking for her that I did at her age though, balances out I guess. She's probably doing something I wouldn't like right now, since she knows Drew and I are safely where we can't see her."

Drew snorted at that, "No doubt."

Andronikos snorted too, and continued, "And her Mother's definition of 'not a good idea' and mine don't always coincide. A'iofe figures being Sith she can manage to get her own self out of scrapes, she's still only 20, and being Sith doesn't fix all scrapes."

Casey giggled, "She sounds like a handful, and she is lovely," her forehead wrinkled then, "Drew?"

He chuckled, "That's me, Ma. Nik was having a hard time with my name; felt it was a bit awkward calling someone not her dad by his name. So, she came up with 'Drew'. It works pretty well, though it threw me the first few times. I think even Nia'ree has used it a couple of times now."

"Ah, I understand," there was a chiming sound from behind Casey and she turned to glance at her chrono, "Oh, dear. I have an early meeting today and I'm going to have to go," she smiled, "It was wonderful to see you again, Andronikos. And you," she pointed at Drew, "You call your mother more often."

"I know, Ma."

"I love you, sweetheart."

"Love you too, Ma," The holo blinked out and Drew smiled at his father, "Well, shall we go see what Nik has gotten up to?"

The older man growled slightly and gestured for Drew to precede him out of the room.

Back in the galley, Nik hadn't bothered removing herself from Sildrest's lap. She was comfortable, he wasn't objecting, and no one else was going to. The room was fairly quiet without Andronikos there and she rested her head against Sildrest's shoulder, nodding off to sleep.

Sildrest smiled slightly when he realized Nik was falling asleep. He shifted her to a more comfortable position and pressed his lips to her forehead before resting his head against hers.

Drew entered the room first and wasn't particularly surprised to see Nik in Sildrest's lap. He was surprised that she was asleep though. He studied the serene expressions on both Sildrest's and Nik's faces, feeling his father step up behind him and do the same.

Nia'ree rose from her seat, "Andronikos," they both turned to look at her and she colored slightly, "Sorry, um, Drew, we need to get back to the ship fairly soon. I'm not sure how long Tessy is going to behave with someone she doesn't know well."

Andronikos glanced at his daughter sleeping. The red Sith was holding her, his lips touching her forehead before he rested his head on hers and held her closer. Well, Nik could have an effect on just about anyone he guessed. And from the looks of things he wasn't a danger to Nik. More like a potential casualty to her attention span, not that Andronikos would shed any tears for him when he was.

Turning his head to Nia'ree he asked, "Tessy?" A dawning smile hit his face. "You have a little one?"

All eyes turned to Nia'ree and she shifted uncomfortably when she realized what she'd said. She bit her lip and nodded slowly, her eyes locking onto Andronikos', "I do. And I'm sure of all people you understand why I'm loath to reveal her existence to strangers."

Andronikos smiled and wrapped an arm around Nia'ree, giving her a light hug. "I completely understand. And don't worry; no one on this ship will say a word."

Nia'ree felt the tension seep out of her. If Nik and Drew's dad said something was going to happen, she had no doubt that was what was going to happen. "Thank you. She's…Tessy was sort of a happy accident. I wouldn't trade her for anything," her eyes briefly flickered to Sildrest's and his lips turned up slightly as well, "She is like a ray of sunshine. She adores Nik. Drew has started taking her into the cockpit while he's piloting and she loves it," she pulled out a holo and showed it to Andronikos, "She's only ten months old."

Drew was holding Tessy in the holo and she was giggling and grabbing at the camera that was apparently being held by her mother. Her blue eyes sparkled with joy and her baby fine black hair was bouncing with her movements.

Andronikos' eyes shone with delight. "She's beautiful, Nia'ree." He chuckled. "Nothing wrong with taking her into the cockpit, Nik flew all the time when she was two."

Talos chuckled, "Yes, that's where all the dings come from." Ashara punched him lightly while stepping between Andronikos and Talos.

A'iofe grabbed Andronikos' arm and said a quiet but firm 'no' looking between Talos and Andronikos, "She sounds delightful, Nia'ree. We'll have to talk more…later. I think the men need a time out for a while."

Touching his finger on Nik's cheek Sildrest leaned down and gave her a kiss. "Wake up. We need to head back and pick up Tessy."

Nik wrapped her arms around Sild's neck and gave him a slow kiss and then fully woke and jumped slightly after hearing her father clear his throat. She looked over her shoulder and bit her lip. "Oh, um, hi Daddy. Wasn't really awake."

Andronikos let out a slow, steady breath. "I could tell."

Drew took Nia'ree's arm, shaking his head in amusement when he caught his sister's eye. She rolled her eyes in response and stuck her tongue out at him. "Well, let's get back then. We don't want Tessy upset."

Nia'ree nodded and turned to their hosts, "Thank you both so much for a lovely evening. It was wonderful to meet Nik's parents."

Andronikos turned and looked at A'iofe catching her eyes while peeling her fingers off his arm. "I won't shoot him. Let go. I'm saying goodbye."

Plucking Nik up, he gave her a hug and swatted her rear shaking his head. Smiling, he went over to Drew and hugged him firmly. He smiled at Vette and gave her a quick squeeze hug and then caught Nia'ree and hugged her lightly. He nodded to the others. He tucked a chip in Drew's shirt pocket. "My holo frequency. Use it." Shaking his head at Nik. "Try not to get blown up, shot, or cut to ribbons any time soon. And call me every now and then, princess."

That nod was intended not to include Sildrest, and his jaw tightened at the obvious dismissal. He deliberately stepped up next to Nik'khe and bowed politely to Darth Nox, "My lord, it was an honor to meet you." He then waited until Andronikos glanced at him and nodded politely, "And you."

Andronikos pursed his lips, amusement dancing in his eyes, a slight twitch in his cheek indicating he might be holding in a laugh. He brought his eyes directly to Sildrest's and held them and gave a slight nod. "Okay, you have guts. Nice to meet you, Sildrest."

Interlacing his fingers with Nik's, Sildrest nodded again and they followed the others off of the ship.

At the bottom of the ramp, Shay and Vector said their goodbyes and headed off to continue with whatever they were currently doing. Nia'ree frowned after her friend. Something was off with Shay, but she couldn't put her finger on it. She turned to Nik, "Do you want us to send Stasia back to your ship when we get back to ours?"

"Good idea, Nia'ree. Vette, Quinn head on to the ship. I'll be over later." Nik finally let out the breath she'd been holding for a while. Laughing nervously, she added, "On the whole that went…sorta…okay."

Sildrest hugged her against his side and turned to Nia'ree, "How about drinks back on the ship? We can send Stasia on her way. I think Nik needs to relax a bit."

Nia'ree nodded, "Yes that would be fine. And our ship is closer," she eyed Nik's color, "You look a little pale, Nik'khe."

Nik nodded. "Maybe. Something's going on with him clearly that has ratcheted up the 'Sith dangerous not allowed near Nik' scale. I was actually more worried about Mother, and she only reacted exactly the way I expected her to, which means I get to feel creepy crawlies up my back all over the Force for a while, while she decides to be curious."

Drew's eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he recalled his father's words. Spoken in confidence so he wasn't going to say anything, but he knew exactly why the older man was objecting so violently to Sildrest. He chuckled to himself remembering the looks on everyone's faces when the twi'lek had demanded to be acknowledged. Had to admit, that took some kind of guts. Nia'ree's arm looped into his and they headed quickly towards their ship.

Once on board, Nia'ree ordered Toovee to get them some drinks and went to check on Tessy so she could send Stasia back to Nik's ship. The rest of them found seats in the lounge. Drew sat in his favorite spot, knowing Nia'ree would come and cuddle against his side. Sildrest and Nik sat opposite him.

Nik curled up close to Sildrest's side and wrapped her arms around him. She murmured softly to him. "Sorry about Daddy. I really didn't think he'd push that hard." She reached up, breathing out and leaning into him, gently pressing her lips to his. "You're really quite wonderful."

Sildrest cupped the side of Nik's face in one hand and kissed her tenderly, "He's obviously worried about you because he cares. That's kind of his job as your father, you know," his eyes flicked to Drew sitting opposite them, clearly trying very hard not to react, "Rather like it's your brother's job to protest and fuss at and tease you." He held her eyes for a moment before capturing her lips for a thorough kiss, "And you are absolutely amazing."

Drew eyed them, absently taking his drink from Toovee when the droid scuttled in with a tray. He was starting to wonder. Nik had mentioned her 'attention span of a gnat', but she had been with Sildrest for over a month now by his reckoning, and there didn't look to be any lessening of affection on either side. In fact, they were starting to get a little carried away over on the other couch. Sildrest's hand slid under Nik's shirt and Drew cleared his throat, "So, Nik. You like nexu, I take it? And do you still draw them? Because I think Tessy would love a picture."

Nik winced and sat up from her position cuddling Sild. Glanced at her glass and moving far more rapidly than she had with the blasters, she scooped two ice cubes and pelted them into Drew's face. "One day…I WILL find those drawings and where they store them and they will be piles of ashes when I am done. And I'm terrible at drawing. I can find Tessy a nexu though if she likes them." Nik grinned.

Nia'ree shook her head as she joined them, "Can't you two not fight for five minutes," she grinned and kissed Drew on the cheek before snuggling into his side, "Tessy is asleep. Your Stasia is a wonder, Nik'khe, she's rarely been so content, especially when one of us isn't here." She sipped thoughtfully at her drink, "I understand if this is something you can't share, but…what exactly is the problem between your father and your Uncle Talos?"

Nik glanced at Drew and Sildrest. Cleared her throat. "I'm not supposed to know. It took a long time figuring out that Mother forgot to tell Khem Val that he wasn't allowed to tell me. It's sort of a long story, it explains a lot about Mother, well to me anyway. Tells me exactly how far she's willing to go if she has to. And it's not pretty. Might bother Drew and Sildrest more than you, too. So…" she shrugged, "vote now if you don't want to know."

The three of them exchanged glances. Nik's voice was far more serious than they were used to. They each nodded firmly though. Whatever it was, they did want to know.

"Okay, it starts on Voss. Something about a Dreamwalk there. There were three ghosts. The last one was very difficult. Mother, well she came close to dying because she wouldn't give up and let the ghost kill Daddy. They had a fight when they got back to the ship. He was upset, didn't want to…well, the words Khem used were 'be her weakness'. Anyway, she got mad. Proved to him she was willing to let him die if she had to. About let him die the next day on Voss. Wouldn't heal him. Wouldn't let anyone but Ashara patch him, and Ashara's no healer. Took him two weeks to be able to walk even. Uncle Talos was pretty new on the ship then. He's a medic, and a reclamations specialist. Had sort of a crush on Mother. Mother…um was willing to let him have the crush while Daddy was getting his attitude adjustment. Anyway…a couple months later she was getting ready to settle her problem with a Dark Council member. Fight was not looking to be pretty and she was pregnant. Baby was Force sensitive too. It got…ugly…when Daddy realized it had to be on the ship and well he and Uncle Talos were the only men on the ship. Came pretty close to killing him before Mother stopped him. Khem said he shot at Mother too. I find that hard to believe but Khem doesn't lie. And sometimes when he's that mad he can't think, so I guess it's possible. She ended it, but she almost killed herself doing it. Said she wanted to remember killing the only thing she ever regretted killing. Daddy's never forgiven Uncle Talos. No matter what, he won't accept it was Mother's fault. Tells me a lot about Mother. How much she is willing to, I guess destroy is the best word, if she needs to, to do what she thinks she needs to do. Sort of why I'm not really afraid of Baras. He's nothing compared to Mother."

There was absolute silence when Nik'khe finished her tale. Nia'ree had covered her mouth with her hands about half way through and her red eyes were wide with horror. Sildrest and Drew were in nearly identical positions, both staring at the ground between their feet, one hand clenched into a fist. Each of their thoughts took the same path, and almost as one they turned to look where Tessy was sleeping.

Sildrest shook himself and then looked across to meet Drew's eyes. Understanding passed between them and they both nodded. Nia'ree saw the look and didn't quite know what to make of it, but she felt like some sort of agreement had been reached. She shivered involuntarily at the thought of what A'iofe had done. Nia'ree had nearly killed herself to save her child, and she would do it again without hesitation. She couldn't imagine what A'iofe had gone through. Nik said she regretted it, she hadn't wanted to, and that it had nearly killed her.

Desire to hold her baby rose up and nearly choked her, she saw Sildrest and Drew both make abortive gestures as though they did too. Nia'ree settled for wrapping Drew's arms around her and burrowing in close to him. He pulled her into his lap and kissed her soundly. Sildrest gathered Nik up as well, holding her close to his chest.

Nik burrowed her head in Sild's chest. She spoke quietly. "I know I won't ever be Mother, but…I don't want to be either. Right…so…something not horrific. What's in the sacred box Drew? I saw Daddy looking at it, after you shot, when Nia'ree was hugging you. That's why I got everyone out. You stayed in there a long time. He had to show you. What is it?"

Drew looked up in surprise, "I didn't realize it was 'sacred'," he pulled the chain out from around his neck and held up the pendant, "My mother gave me this when I was little. I've always worn it. Apparently, she gave the other half to…dad," the word was still unfamiliar and didn't roll off his tongue easily, "when she sent him off Tatooine with your mother. He says she told him it was something to remember her by, but…" he shook his head, "it was so I would give him a chance. I don't know how she knew he'd keep it, well, I guess she figured if he did keep it then it would help, but if he didn't then…I guess he didn't deserve the help."

"Well, it's the only thing Daddy's never let anyone lay a hand on but him, so I'd say it qualifies as sacred. Not that I think she was ever interested, but even Mother wasn't allowed." Nik settled into Sildrest's lap. "Okay, I only kill conversation. Clearly, I need to stop talking." Wrapping her arms around Sildrest's neck she leaned in and whispered against his lips "Want to help me stop talking?"

Nia'ree shook her head, "Before you two get started again. I've been starting to think about plans for Tessy's first birthday. It's coming up in a couple of months," she turned to Drew, "Your mother is more than welcome if she would care to come. Nik, you're invited, of course. Sildrest…you're required to be there."

He chuckled, "Wouldn't dream of being anywhere else."

Nik settled her head back against Sildrest's chest, reclining on him, and grinned. "I love birthdays. When is it? Mine and Tessy's might be close, mine is on the 7th in two months."

Sildrest and Nia'ree exchanged a surprised look. Nia'ree shook her head and smiled. Sildrest kissed the top of Nik's head, "Well, they are very close actually. They're the same day."

A huge grin filled Nik's face. "Oooh fun. We can share a birthday." Nik's eyes widened in realization. "Oh Nia'ree please, please let Daddy come. He would be distracted. I might not get an exploding present…" She looked thoughtful, "Still, I suppose Daddy's presents taught me useful life skills, it's disarming a trap to get anything he gives you open without something happening to you."

Nia'ree's eyebrow arched, "He is NOT giving my baby an exploding present. You'd better make that very, very clear to him," she poked Drew in the side, "And that goes triple for you. Don't even think about it."

"I wasn't!" he protested.

"He can come if he agrees," Nia'ree told Nik. Then, she stood and turned to Drew, "I think we should give them some privacy."

His eyes narrowed as he looked across to Sildrest and Nik, "Why?"

Nia'ree bent down to look in his eyes. "Because we're leaving in the morning, and they may not see each other until the birthday party. So, you're going to be nice and let them have some time to themselves. Besides," she grinned at him, "it gives you a perfect excuse to follow me into my quarters."

"Fine." He made a great show of reluctance, but really his mind was already on what he was going to do to Nia'ree once they got in there, and judging by the smile on her face, so was hers. "I'll see you two in the morning," he stood and moved to catch up to Nia'ree. Sildrest and Nik'khe heard her giggle when Drew reached her and her robe fluttered into the passageway before the door slid shut.