A/N" I do not own or will ever own anything made by Bioware or George Lucas. I have played KOTOR a lot and when the Old Republic came out, I had to pick it up. This is my idea of the Jedi Knight story line."

(As a warning I am aware the grammar is rough at best...believe I know. If you can read through it and still make sense of it, then that's all I am asking for.)

Chapter 21

My Baby's Got a Secret

"I don't know T7, I don't think this shirt goes well with the skirt,"said Kira holding up blue long sleeve teal green shirt with a matching light green under shirt against her clothes.

Beeping back at her that the color pattern showed a 89% ascetically pleasing to most species who see in color, Kira chuckled light to herself.

"Only 89%, I was kinda hoping for 95%."

Whistling back to her that wasn't including the matching skirt which would raise the pleasing level to 97%. Holding up the the blue and gray skirt with it's top she nodded her head.

"Now that's a percentage I can live with. Excuse me ma'am?"

"Yes Miss,"asked the female human sales associate.

"I think I am going to buy this. Can you ring it up for me?"

"Of course,"she said taking the clothes from her and getting ready to bag it up.

Looking back into the mirror, Kira examined her current state of clothes. Wearing her blue and gold pattern along with darker gray sleeves and matching skirt, she was going for a more relaxed look while they were busy shopping on Coruscant. Backing away from the mirror, she and T7 went up to the front counter.

"Okay, how much?"

"That will be 500 credits ma'am."

Frowning a bit, she reached inside her pocket and pulled out five 100 credit pieces. "Well there goes my spending money."

Taking the bag from the sale associate, the Jedi knight gave the woman a small smile before heading for the exit. Looking around numerous shops that was near the senate building, Kira started scanning the crowd for her husband and his padawan. Not been able to see them with her naked eyes she quickly closed them and started searching through the force. Focusing on their force bond, she was easily able to find him in the back corner next to a shop that sold frozen drinks from all over the galaxy.

"Come T7, lets go."

Making there over them Kira spotted Tristan and Allure both drinking some type of frozen drink. Tristan was wearing his traditional brown and white Jedi robes while Allure had on a blue and black Echani Leatheras Jacket with matching pants, boots and gloves.

"So...what did you get?" Asked her husband who had a teasing smile on his face.

"Some new clothes."

"Why I am not surprised,"added the voice of Tristan's former master Kayer Luse.

Turning around, Kira saw the Echani woman giving her a wide grin. Kayer who was wearing a bright purple and gold trimmed formal robes that perfectly accented her white long hair and piercing silver eyes.

"Ah master...what brings you here?"

"Business. I mean, look at these robes. They must have cost a fortune. But when you're a personal guest of the supreme Chancellor you have to look your best,"she said rolling her eyes at the remark.

"You know chancellor Janarus?" Asked Allure in slightly surprised tone.

Chuckling, Kayer shook her head. "Of course not. But Jun Seros is buddies with him, so with him being away it falls upon me to be here."

"Why is that?"

"Because padawan, I am next in line to become the order's Battle-master. That's not me bragging but the truth. According to the council it shows unity to have the battle-master or their second stand next to the supreme chancellor during important events. Normally I don't want anything to do with this political bullshit. But I couldn't pass up a chance to spend some time with you guys."

It was then Tristan turned and offered his former master a wide grin. "Really now? Why do I think that your not being completely honest."

"What are you getting at my former padawan?"

Laughing, Tristan turned and offered her a small wink. "Don't play coy with me. While you might have wanted to spend some time with us, you hate being stuck in one place for too long. Especially around a bunch of stuffy, hypercritical jerks who think they know everything"

Turning to look back at the Jedi master, Kira could see a small grin appears on her face. "It figures the only time I wanted you to not pay attention you do the opposite."

"What can I say, I learned from the best."

Rolling her eyes, master Luse couldn't suppress the amused look that appeared on her face. "Anyways, I would like to speak to your partner alone, if you would please?"

Giving her a curious look, master Luse simply responded by offering her a wink. "Works for me. I kinda want show Allure that new ship parts store."

"Hey! Don't forget all star ship upgrades have to go through me first!" She yelled back to them as they started to walk away.

Waving his hand, Kira could feel his amusement through their force bond. (You're loving this aren't you?)

(Only a little.)

(Your a terrible lair my love.)

(Some people would say that's a good thing.)

(I can't argue with that.)

(You two have fun.)

(I am sure we will.)

(Love you.)

(Love you too.)

Opening her eyes, Kira could see the Echani Jedi had crossed her arms and was staring at her with her own amused look.

"You all done."

"You bet."

"Good. Now if you will...walk with me."

Looking down at T7 who gave her a small beep, she simply shrugged her shoulders before falling in line with her. Moving through the crowds of people Kira could see they were heading away from the market district and heading back on top near the senate Tower. Going over to a few nearby benches that over looked the skyline, Kayer took a seat new a holographic tree garden that was sent up behind them.

Seeing a few tourists look out at the evening sky Kira ran a nervous hand through her hair before taking a seat next to her. During the whole trip out of the market they hadn't said a single word. While she trusted Tristan's former master almost as much as her own former master she couldn't help but feel like Kayer was still testing her.

Remaining silent, she continued to stare out at the traffic that zoomed by their platform. "Kira, you can calm down. I am not here to poke you with my light sabers."

"I know master Luse."

"Really? Cause I can sense your apprehension a mile away."

Offering her a nervous chuckle, Kira took a few deep breaths and did her best to calm herself. "There, now I can barely even sense you."

"So...what did you want to talk about?" She asked trying her best to help ease the tension that was between them.

Instead of answering her right away the Jedi knight saw her attention drift towards T7. The currently the astromech droid was chasing after a pair of children while their caretakers watched with amusement.

"We really haven't gotten a chance to get know each other very well. Have we?"

"I am not sure what you mean master. We've know each other ever since you took Tristan as your padawan. That was almost."

"Ten years ago,"she said finishing her sentence for her.

"Wow, has it been that long already."

Chuckling, Kayer turned to look at her. "It has. But in those years we really haven't...talked."

"Well considering that you weren't my Jedi master it's understandable."

Shaking her head, she offered her a soft smile. "That's not what I meant Kira. I would never try to replace the relationship you have with Master Kiwiiks."

"Then what did you mean?" She asked giving her a confused look.

"As you already know, Tristan is like a son to me. So it's important that I take an interest in the people that are important to him. That was why I wanted to spend time with Allure in the first place."

"But if this was so important to you why have you waited until now to bring it up?"

Leaning back into the bench, Kayer offered her a sly grin. "Because I wanted to give you guys your space. I know how hard it is for both of you to maintain your relationship."

"Maintain our relationship? I am not quite sure what you mean master Luse."

It was then the Jedi master rolled her eyes before turning back to her. "Give me some credit here Kira. I have known for a long time now that you and Tristan are more than force bonded. It doesn't take a genius to see that you two love each other."

Instantly Kira could feel a small blush appear on her face as she turned away from the Jedi master's strong silver gaze. Staring down at the ground, she could feel the panic begin to set in. If Kayer new that could mean other Jedi could possibly now as well. Right when she was about to stand up and remove herself from the situation she felt a strong grip on her shoulder.

Looking up, the Jedi knight could see master Luse giving her a sympathetic look."I guess I didn't realize that we were being that obvious."

"Oh you weren't"she added very quickly causing her to meet her eye line again,"it's something I have seen over a long period of time. So you don't have to worry that your giving yourself away that easily. Only a Jedi who has been in love before would ever recognize that your more than just force bonded."

It was then she turned and gave the older female Jedi a curious look. "Wait, does that mean?"

"That I was in love with someone...yes Kira that is exactly what I am saying."

Meeting her silver gaze, she could tell she was being complete honest with her. "Wow. I guess I never thought about it like that. I mean, I knew there had to be others who have and are secretly in love. But I never thought it would be with someone I knew."

"It usually doesn't. But before you ask, I don't really want to talk about it. I am not trying to be rude or judgmental. It's just better I keep this to myself, for now."

Seeing the sincerity in her face she nodded her head. "Fair enough."

"Well now that is out of the way, I have a few questions if you don't mind?"

"I really don't have much of a choice do I?"

"Not really,"she added with a amused smile.

"What do you want to know?"

Tilting her head, she pretending to be thinking hard about the subject. "I would think it's a safe assumption that you two are married by now."

"Yes. We got married almost a year ago on Dantoonie."

"Makes sense. Considering Tristan's cousin is now the new Regent of the planet. Have you guys thought about having kids?"

Chuckling lightly at her comment, Kira looked out into the evening sky. "We have discussed it before. While I am not turned off by the idea, I kinda think having kids right now won't be the best decision for both of us. You know what I mean?"

"I wholeheartedly agree. But if whatever reason it does happen before you ready. Come to me first before you do anything crazy. I can help the both of you. That's a promise."

"I will keep that in mind. So, anything else you want to know?"

Turning back to the Echani Jedi master Kira could see her shake her head. "Nope. Anything else really doesn't matter. The only thing I will ask is that you keep this our little secret. I understand and know the reason why Tristan hasn't told me about it. And it's smart reason. The less people know the better. But I will say this...I suggest you tell Allure before she finds out from someone else. Trust me on this, it will be better for all three of you in long run."

Thinking about what Kayer had told her she nodded her head before smiling turning back and offering her a smile. "I will think about what you have said Kayer. I guess this gives more of an incentive to talk then."

"Indeed it does my daughter in law."

It was then both female Jedi started laughing amongst themselves, causing a few passerby to give them strange looks before moving on. Finally once their laughter had died down Kira noticed her holo-commicator was going off.

Reaching down to her belt, she grabbed the communicator and activated. "Tristan, what's up?"

"Unfortunately we are going to have to call this little excursion over. General Val Suthra has messaged me about something very important that only me and you can look into."

"Alright. I will make my way back towards the ship."

"Where are you going to send Allure?"

"I haven't got that far yet,"said the blue holo-image of her husband.

It was then master Luse spun around on her side of the bench and gave her a wink. "She can come with me and learn about diplomacy. Every good Jedi needs to learn it."

Laughing, Tristan nodded his head. "Always the clever one my former master. Alright sounds like a plan to me. Allure, you are to go with master Luse while me and Kira are away."

"Sounds like fun. Where are you guys at right now?"

"We just outside the market district over looking skyline behind holographic trees."

"See you on the ship Kira."

"Likewise Tristan."

Closing the communicator, Kira stood up and offered the Jedi master a warm smile. "Thank you for everything. It was good to actually talk about this with someone another than Tristan."

"It's not a problem Kira. Like I said, your part of the family."

"Indeed. Come on T7. We've got a mission to do."

Beeping back at her, the astromech droid quickly rolled it's way over to them. "Until next time Kayer."

"Until next time Kira."

Arriving back at the Kayer Ackonora, Tristan as usual was greeted by his faithful maintenance droid C2. "Ah master, welcome back. How was your trip?"

"Fine C2, just fine."

"Would you like for me to call general Var Suthra?"

"Not yet,"he added shaking his head, "will wait for Kira to get here first."

"Of course master."

Taking a seat on one of the nearby couched near their small holo-library, Tristan closed his eyes and tried to relax for a bit.

"Would you like for me to get you something to drink?"

Opening his eyes, he offered his maintenance droid a soft chuckle. "Sure, why not."

Closing his eyes once more, the Jedi knight allowed his mind to wander. Feeling the many precises all of the people on Coruscant he instead turned his focus on his wife. Normally it would have been hard to find one person on a planet so heavily populated like the Republic capital but thanks to their force bond he was able to find her quite easily. Feeling her riding the elevator up to their hanger bay, he smiled to himself before opening his eyes to see C2 waiting patiently for him.

"I got you some water master."

"Thank you C2,"he said taking the glass of water from him.

"Is there anything else you need of me?"

"No. You may go back to your original duties."

"Of course,"it said giving him a small bow and went below deck.

Taking a sip of his water, Tristan turned his head to see Kira finally enter the ship. Immediately he could feel that she was in a surprisingly pleasant mood. "You seem pleased."

"I am."

"I will take it your chat with my former master went over well."

"You can say that,"she added with an amused look on her face before turning to T7,"can you put this into my room for me."

Beeping back to her, the little astromech droid pulled out it's extendable grabber and took a hold off her bag. Watching T7 roll away, Tristan stood up and put arm around her shoulder."Well that's good. What do you say we see what the general has in store for us?"

"I guess, since your so determined."

Activating the communicator, he could see a rather agitated general Val Suthra staring back at them. "Okay general, were here. What's going on?"

"A major tactical advantage has opened up. But you have to act quickly. One of Darth Angral's closest advisers, Admiral Hacklin has asked us for asylum. He wants to defect."

"A full blown Admiral of the Imperial army defecting? I seriously have my doubts,"added Kira in a disbelieve tone before crossing her arms.

"As do I. But the admiral is on the run. There are unconfirmed reports that Hacklin earned a death mark."

Running a hand through his goatee, Tristan shook his head. "One of Darth Angral's top men turned traitor. No way this isn't anything but a trap."

"My thoughts exactly partner."

Sighing, the Mon Calamari general nodded his head. "I understand. But Hacklin wouldn't be the first high ranking Imperial to switch sides. Until we know otherwise, we have to believe this is real."

"Alright. What do we need to do?"

"Meet and organize his defection. Afterwords I will send someone from my office to official come up with the terms of his defection."

"Sounds easy enough, anything else?" He asked looking at Kira before turning back to the general.

"Oh one last thing. He has told us he will only surrender to Kira Carsen."

"Me?" Asked Kira with a stunned look on her face.

"I am as perplexed as you are my Jedi friend. But admiral Hacklin is expecting you two, and no one else. I told him to wait for you at an old asteroid mining facility. I am uploading the coordinates now."

"Okay. Will leave immediately."

"Thank you for doing this. I know it's a long shot but I personally think it's worth the risk. May the force be with you."

"And with you general."

Exiting out of the call, the two Jedi knights slowly made there way towards the bridge. Along the way Tristan could feel his wife's apprehension through there force bond. Taking a seat in the captain's chair, Kira took the helm and started their take off from Coruscant. Once they were clear of the planet she plotted the coordinates that the general had given them into the nav-computer and entered light speed.

"We should be arrive at the abandon mining facility in about two hours."

"That's good."

"Yeah,"she said softly while staring absentmindedly at the monitor that was in front of her.

Staring at his wife, he could feel she was closing herself of from their force bond. Normally he would just give her some space and then when she was ready let her come to him. But with them heading into a mission they really didn't have the luxury of time.

"Hey T7, can you do me a favor and check the hyperdrive. I pretty sure that I felt it jump a bit before we entered light speed."

Whistling back to him that he checked the hyperdrive only a few hours ago, Tristan in returned gave him a grin. "Please?"

Beeping back to him something along the lines of whatever you say, the astromech droid slowly rolled out of the bridge. Getting up from his captain's chair, he walked over to her and calmly placed his hands on her shoulders. "Sweetheart, what's wrong?"

Feeling her taking several deep breaths she finally seemed to relax. "I have a bad feeling about this."

"As do I."

"Then why the hell are we doing this! " She shouted while turning around in her chair in order to face him.

"Because it's our duty."

"Don't give me that bullshit line Tristan. You owe me better than that."

Sighing heavily, he knelt down in order to meet her blue eyes with his own. "You're right. I owe you everything."

"That's not what I meant."

"I know my love. I'm just trying to prove a point."

Shrugging off his hands, she crossed her arms and gave him a stern expression. "What is that?"

"That I trust you, no matter what. I always have. And...I always will. Isn't that enough?"

Biting her lower lip, Tristan could see a small bit of anxiety appear on her face. "Look, all of my instincts are telling me to run right now. I have learned a long time ago to trust them. They have saved me more times than I can possible even think. So now your telling me to ignore them and go marching headlong into a trap...well that kinda messes with my ability to remain calm."

"I understand. I have learned to trust your instincts as well. Unfortunately we really don't have much of a choice in this situation. So instead, I will make you a promise. If things go bad as you think they might, will the get the hell out of there first chance we get."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

Giving him a nervous chuckle, she leaned in close and gave him a quick kiss. "Thanks."

"Anything for you."

Backing up, he gave her room so that she could stand back up again. "Why don't we see if C2 can whip us up something to eat before we meet this admiral?"

Docking with the abandon mining facility, Tristan wasn't surprise to see power had been restored to the once silent operation. The Republic would have wanted the Admiral to be at least comfortable before discussing the terms of his defection.

Looking to the right, they could see Hacklin's ship docked inside the hanger as well. "Well at least we know that someone is exactly here?"

"I guess so."

"Kira...you have to try and calm your self."

"I am...trying,"she added with another nervous smile.

"That's all I am asking for."

Leaving the bridge behind, the two Jedi knights were greeted with his maintenance droid. "Oh please be carefully out there master Rivers and mistress Carsen."

"We will. Just keep the engines primed and ready. We might need a quick evac."

"Of course master. I will have T7 station at the helm. Just give me your word and will take off as soon as your on board."

Leaving the Kayer Ackonora, they slowly made their way past the docking tunnel and into the bay itself. Off in the distance he could see a man surrounded by four Imperial guards man waiting for them. Right as they were about to set foot into the bay, Kira reached out and grabbed his wrist. "Just know no matter what happens, I love you."

"I love too,"he said giving her a confused look before they both finally started walking again.

Immediately the Jedi knight could see this wasn't admiral Hacklin. But instead they were greeted by a man wearing red and blue light armored clothes who had a light saber clipped to his belt.

"Greetings. I am Valis. Your quick response is most appreciated. Please forgive the depiction. Admiral Hacklin remains Darth Angral's faithful servant. His name seemly made this meeting convenient."

"He's Sith. We need to take him out now,"replied Kira before activating her viridian green double bladed light saber.

"Now really,"he said chuckling lightly at comment,"is that anyway to treat your family?"

"Family? Kira what's going on?"

"Don't listen to him. He's trying to confuse you...us."

"Your partner isn't who you think. She's no Jedi. She's a child of the emperor. Like me. And it's time she return to our father's warm embrace."

Shaking his head, Tristan refused to believe what he was hearing. "Tell whatever lies you want Sith. I know Kira better than anyone. So you'll have to try harder than that to deceive me."

"Amusing. I can see she has already woven her fingers into you. The dark side runs strong in all of us."

"Tristan, you know me. I am no Sith. You have to trust me...please?" She begged him.

Hearing Valis chuckle again, he turned back towards the Sith. "As interested as I am to see how this lovely conversation would have gone, I am afraid I must get us back on track. You are not my enemy Jedi. Return back to your ship and let Kira come home. The emperor wills it."

Despite everything the Sith had told him about his wife he knew deep down it didn't matter. He loved her and would protect her from anything or anyone.

"I don't care where she came from. Your not taking my wife from me. Got it?"

"Thank you for believing me."

"Always."

Glaring back at them, Valis signaled for the four Imperial guards to surround them. "Bravo Kira. Getting him to fall in love with you. I must commend you on a job well done. Love is powerful tool that can be easily manipulated. But I am afraid I must insist. After you little brush with Darth Angral, the Emperor knows your alive. And where to find you. No matter where you go...father sees you. He sees you right now...and he wants you back."

"I would rather die than ever see that Sithspawn again!" She shouted back at him while spinning her light saber around at the ready.

Grabbing his two light sabers, Tristan quickly activated them as well. "So be it, sister."

Valis quickly responded by activating his purple light saber. Which in return made the four Imperial guardsmen active there single red light sabers. Pressing there backs against each other, the two Jedi knights were prepared to defend themselves from all angles.

"These four are not just your basic warriors my sister. They have been enhanced with cybernetics. Ironically you could call them the perfect killing machines. So while they are busy dealing with your husband, I will personally take care of you,"he said before unleashing a strong force push that knocked her away from him.

That was all it took for the cyborgs to advance him in a flurry of red light sabers. Using all of his skills in light saber combat and battle awareness he was able to block there precise but also fast attacks that was aimed at him. Knowing he couldn't keep up this kind of effort for long, Tristan began searching for an escape route.

Ducking a wide slash that was aimed his head, Tristan brought up his cyan blue light saber and blocked another attack before it could cut him across the chest. Swinging his viridian green saber to the right, he unleashed a small force wave that sent one opponent to the ground while the second one used the force in order to shield himself from the attack.

Force leaping high in the air, he was about to spin around and throw one his light sabers at them when suddenly he felt a large piece of debris strike him in the side. While his Echani armor prevented him from taking an serious damage, the blow did knock him off course.

Now falling down to the ground at angle, Tristan was forced to cut in half a series of other metal projectiles before landing. Once again his opponents were on him a flash. But this time their was no to his back, giving him a small window of opportunity to go on the offensive. Switching to his unique Ataru form the Jedi knight tried to press his small advantage.

Attacking all them with a flurry of rolls and flips he was for the a brief moment able to put them on the defensive. Dodging a saber throw aimed at his legs, Tristan spun around attempted to stab the two Sith who were directly in front of him. One turned his body in order to dodge the attack while the second one knocked his blue saber down.

Reacting quickly, knight Rivers pulled his sabers back and force pulled the third Sith towards the fourth Imperial. Right when the fourth Sith warrior was about to grab his saber the third warrior was caught in the cross fire and was cut in half.

But his move also cost him as he was immediately put back on the defensive once again. While blocking and dodging a flurry of attacks again, his only thought was to some how reunite with his wife once more.

(Kira! We need to regroup.)

(I agree. But how?)

Out of the corner of his eye he spotted a flammable tank near the back of the enemies ship. (Towards the back of there ship. I've got an idea.)

(On it.)

Raising his sabers above his head, Tristan slashed to the right and left quickly before jumping high in the air. Knowing they were going to be on him the moment he jumped, he spun around and without even looking unleashed a strong force push in their direction. Rolling on the ground, he immediately starting force sprinting towards the back of the enemy ships. Sensing Kira was right beside him he kept going until they both Jedi knights reached the back of the ship.

(Now what?)

(Blow up that barrel.)

(You got it.)

Waiting for there enemies to get even closer, Tristan and Kira both turned off their light sabers. Pulling her close to him, he gave her a nod. Feeling her reach out with the force, he gathered up as much force energy he could and made them both leap high in the air. At the same time she crushed the fuel tanks supports, causing it start leaning towards to the ground.

Bringing there leap into a tight spiral he was able to fling them about half way across the docking bay before the tank could exploded. Feeling the explosion rock the docking bay, Tristan brought them out of there tight spiral and back on the ground. Pulling away from each other, both Jedi quickly turned around and activated their light sabers once more.

Using the force to look through the black smoke that had erupted near their ship, Tristan could feel that someone was still alive. While the explosion was big enough to destroy the enemies ship he could see that it had been knocked off it's landing supports and now lay crashed on it's side. Suddenly he spotted a slightly burnt and bloody Valis slowly making his way over to them.

"Impressive. But it will take more than your amateur abilities to stop me,"he said activating his purple light saber once more.

"This time we will take him together."

"Of course."

Putting away his cyan blue light saber, Kira deactivated one end of her double bladed before they both spun around there now single viridian green blades. Reaching out with his right hand, Valis sent a cackle of purple force lighting at them. Bringing up there light sabers, they managed to deflect the lightening away from them.

Spinning his green blade over his head, Tristan shot a blast of force lightening back at him. Catching him off guard, the Sith was forced to bring up his own saber in order to block his own lightening. While still blocking his force lightening Kira hit him in the side with a force push, causing him to go fly across the docking bay and impacting the front end of his ship.

Pulling himself back up, Tristan watched as Valis coughed up some blood. Wiping away the remaining blood away from his mouth with his sleeve, he slowly once again made his way over to them. "Why do you resist sister. All you are doing is delaying the inevitable. Our father will never let you go. The sooner you submit the sooner everything will be clear for you."

"I will never go back. I am a Jedi knight. And there is nothing you can say to change that."

Shaking his head, Valis activated his purple blade once more. "It matters not what you think. I was only trying to ease your pain. But it appears that simply won't do anymore."

Not giving him another chance to say anything else Tristan and Kira both charged forward. Engaging the powerful Sith in light saber combat they were able to put him on his heels despite his best efforts to assert his dominance over them.

Going low, Tristan swung down attempting to cut him across his legs. Valis responded by jumping over his attack and was about to hit him with a force attack but Kira struck first. Swinging up and across her body, she cut his left arm off at the bicep. Looking briefly down at his now severed arm, the Sith spun his purple blade around and engaged them into light saber combat again.

(Let's end this.)

(Sounds good to me.)

Charging forward, Tristan rolled out of the a wide slash that was aimed at his body. Coming to an abruptly stop, he thrust his saber backwards, impaling him in the middle of the chest. Turning his head around, he could see Valis was beginning to rear back and strike at him when suddenly his head was quickly severed from the rest of his body.

Removing his green saber from his corpse, Tristan watched as the rest of his body fell to the ground while his head rolled a few feet before coming to a rest. Deactivating his light saber, he could see that Kira was still standing over the dead Sith's body with an intense look in her eyes.

"Kira,"he called out to her attempting to reach her.

But instead she kept her eyes glued to Vali's corpse. Calling out to her once more, she completely ignore him again. Making his way over to her, he slowly reached out and put his hands on her shoulders. Immediately he could feel her tense up and was about to raise her light saber in defense when he pulled her into a tight embrace.

Relaxing in his arms, Kira finally deactivated her light saber. "Listen. Now is not the time for this. We need to get out of here. Who knows what other surprises could lay in store for us."

Pulling back, he saw her nod her head in agreement. "Okay."

Taking her by the hand, Tristan quickly led them out of the docking bay and back on board the Kayer Ackonora. "T7. Take off."

Feeling the defender lift off from the mining facility he continued to led his wife towards their shared room. It was then the Jedi knight heard the astromech droid beep back to him about where they were heading.

"Tython,"he said quickly into the ship's intercom before closing and locking the bedroom door.

Removing his brown Jedi robe, Tristan set the piece of clothing on a nearby rack. Slowly taking off his boots, he took several deep breaths before turning around to face his wife.

"We need to talk."

Nervously biting the bottom of her lip, she gave him a somber look before nodding her head. "I know."

Taking a seat next to her on the bed, he put his arm around her shoulder. "I know this won't be easy. But I need to know the truth."

Staring hard at the ground, she slowly looked up and out at the wall that was in front of them. "The truth. It's funny how little we know of it."

"Tell me about it."

"Well I guess the first thing you should know is that; I am not the emperor's child. It's just a title. I have a father and mother."

"Do you remember much about them?"

Standing up, Kira began to pace back and forth. "Not really. I know my father was a powerful Sith lord and my mother...apparently she was a high ranking navy officer. From what I can gathered they never loved each other. No, there relationship was one built on lust and procreation. Nothing more, and nothing less."

"Okay, so what happen?"

Stopping her pacing, Kira ran a hand through her medium length auburn hair. "Once my affinity for the force was discovered, I was immediately sent to the academy on Korriban. While there I kept hearing rumors of people going to visit the emperor and not being able to remember anything. It was then I realized there was whole stretches of time that I couldn't remember. I knew they were doing it to me. So first chance I got I got the hell out there."

"How?"

"I was still small enough to sneak on a freighter undetected. Landing on Nar Shaddaa I fell into the crowd of refugees who were flooding the smuggler's moon at the time. It was rather easy to lose myself among them. But still I worried that some how they would find me. That whatever he did would lead them too me. But as the year went by and still no sign of a single Sith...I allowed myself to think it was all over. It was then I had my faithful encounter with master Kiwiiks. The rest as they say is history,"she finished explaining to him.

Processing everything she had told him, Tristan sighed heavily. "I hate to do this. But is anything you can remember from your time with the Emperor?"

Shaking her head, Kira offered him a pained expression. "Every time I try it get's cloudy. Like something or someone is pushing me back."

"I believe you,"he said standing up and making his way over to her,"I've never doubted before. And I am not about to start now."

"I am sorry Tristan. I should have told you the truth a long time ago. It's just that..."

"You feared how others would react. I understand. Kira, I've known you for almost ten years. And that time I have never questioned your loyalty, your commitment, or your sincerity to the Order. But more importantly I never questioned your love for me. Your my wife, my soul mate, and the one person I would do anything for. So don't think for a minute I would ever think any less of you. I love you. And that's all that matters,"he said to her before leaning down and kissing her softly.

Feeling her kissing him back, Tristan could feel her apprehension leave her. "Thank you for believing. I could have never asked for a better person to fall in love with."

"Anything for you sweetheart. Now, we just have to tell council."

Giving him a confidence look, he placed a hand on his chest. "I ready for them. I am done running from this. As long as I have you beside me, I know I will be fine."

"Now that's the confidence I remember,"he said in amused tone,"those council members won't know what hit them."

"Damn right."

Waiting by the high council Doors, Kira started to feel antsy again. While she was drawing strength from her husband through their bond, it couldn't stop all the butterflies she was feeling in her stomach. Watching a Jedi guardian giving a brief instruction about the dangers of being over confident she attempted to clear her mind. Feeling a sense of calm wash over her she was suddenly present with the image of a younger Tristan giving her a boyish grin.

Opening her eyes, she could see that the present Tristan giving her the same grin she had seen inside her head. Shaking her head, she couldn't help but smile back at him before turning away.

(You know you love it.)

(More than you'll ever know.)

(I don't know. I can read your thoughts. So I have a pretty good idea.)

(Just take the compliment smart ass.)

Laughing, he offered her a wink before approaching the now opened council doors. Feeling a little better about the whole situation, Kira quickly fallowed her husband down the long walk way that led to the council members themselves.

Looking ahead, she could see only masters Syo Bakarn, Jaric Kaeden, and Tol Braga were present besides the Grand master herself. While she had hoped that her own master could be here, Kira knew that Kiwiiks and Din were busy off world trying to stop the Sith from finding out the other weapon projects.

"Jedi knights Tristan Rivers and Kira Carsen. I believe you have request an audience with us a matter of importance,"stated the Grand master before turning to look at her.

"We have grand master."

Giving her husband a quick glance, Kira quickly turned back around. "Before master Kiwiiks discovered me on Nar Shaddaa I was trained at the Sith academy on Korriban. While I was there, I kept hearing and noticing about children who went to see the Emperor. They came back different. Not being able to remember long stretches of time. It was then I noticed I couldn't remember days and even weeks of time either. Suddenly it dawned on me that the same thing was happening to me. So first chance I got I left before they could finish making me a child of the Emperor."

At first none of the council members even reacted at what she said. As the silence continued Kira was starting to think this might have been a mistake until master Kakarn spoke.

"Interesting. I believe this proves the theory that your padawan told us about then,"he said turning to look master Braga.

"I believe your right. You see Jedi knights. My padawan Sajar was actual a former Sith Lord and Dark Council member. I managed to convince him to give up the dark side and become my padawan. It was then he began to tell me things about the Empire and more importantly about the Emperor himself. These Children of the Emperor was among them. Although there wasn't any concrete proof about it...until now."

"But all of you are missing the point,"added master Kaeden who stood up,"that means we could have Sith agents inside our order."

Nodding her head, grand master Shan turned back to her. "Is there anything else you can tell us that could help us root them out?"

"I am afraid not grand master. We were not privy who went to see the Emperor. Valis, was raised inside the Empire so he was proud of his title. The others, will not even know it has happen to them."

"Regardless of the information you have given us, you should not be allowed to be a Jedi anymore. You're a danger to all of us!" Shouted master Kaeden, causing the rest of the council to look at him.

This was the very thing she feared could happen. That because of her past they would banish her from the order and not allow her to fight along side the man she loved.

(Be strong darling. I've got your back.)

"Since Kira's former master is not available to speak for her, I will defer to her partner on this matter. As you are the one besides knight Carsen who will be the most affected by this."

"His opinion should not count! Is he not force bonded with her? So shouldn't he have been able sense something like this a long time ago. Or has her corruption already spread to him!"

"Enough master Kaeden! Jedi knight Rivers, I believe we all would like to hear what you have to say on the matter,"replied the grand master before taking her seat once more.

Turning towards him, she could see he had a confident look on his face. "I have known Kira Carsen for nearly a decade. And in all those years she has been nothing but a Jedi I can always count on. Not once has her dedication to the Order or the Republic has faltered. It matters not how she got here, but what she has chosen to do with her life. Or are you suggesting no one can be redeem master Kaeden?"

"That's not what I meant and you know it! You're just trying to twist my words against me!"

"But is he not right Jaric. You're allowing your anger to cloud your judgment. My own padawan is proof that everyone can be saved."

"I agree,"added master Kakarn,"it just so happens Knight Carsen choose this action on her own. It could have so easy for her remain a Sith. But instead she made a choice to leave not knowing what was in store for her. Her case is a perfect example of what our Order has always reflected."

Feeling the support of the council members added to the words that Tristan said, Kira felt a sense of calmness wash over her yet again.

"I believe we have reached an decision. Jedi knight Kira Carsen will remain a part of the Jedi Order. I will advise you to keep this to yourselves. Now I believe you still have an important mission for the Republic to do,"added the Grand master before opening the high council doors for them.

Bowing back to the council, Kira and Tristan slowly made their way up the walkway before she turned around. "I will keep proving to everyone I belong. Even to you master Kaeden."

A/n"This is going to be a long story and I am not sure how long it will take me to finish it. So I welcome any reviews and will read each one of them with care, even if they are to address my bad grammar or spelling. As you can always learn from something. Thanks for your time."