The Descendant: Echoes of the Revanchist

by darthmaul90

The Old Republic is gone; the last vestiges of it swept away and replaced by Palpatine's Galactic Empire. But as the heroic Rebel Alliance wages their war of independence against Palaptine's machine, the descendant of Revan stands poised to launch his own war against the Empire. Will he be persuaded to join the Rebellion, or will he make his own path amongst the battlefields?

25. The Descendant: Chapter 24

The Descendant, Echoes of the Revanchist – Chapter 24

Hutt Space – Moon of Nar Shaddaa

The Next Day

With a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast under his belt, Dahlgen finally got the audience with Nawnum he'd been wanting. Kryll, the Rodian bartender, had arranged it over night and informed Dahlgen in the wee hours of the morning when and where the meeting would take place. That hour had come and Dahlgen was now at Nawnum's private estate, seated in a comfortable chair in one of the home's many audience chambers.

Dahlgen couldn't help but laugh. He'd arrived at the estate to find a giant party was in full swing, no doubt still celebrating the local driver's recent win of the Nar Shaddaa Grand Prix. Incredibly loud music reverberated throughout the home and threatened to blow the roof off the structure. Drinks were flowing freely and many of the partiers had already ingested way too many of them. And of course there were dancing girls cavorting everywhere around the home, all in various states of dress. One orange skinned Twi'lek girl dancing topless had even thrown a cloth wrap around Dahlgen and tried to "entice" him into dancing with her. Somehow he'd managed to wriggle his way free of her only to have Dannix razz him remorselessly about the whole incident.

Neither Maris nor Juliette had been particularly pleased about the incident and just prior to Dahlgen breaking free, both of them were preparing to "coax" the young Twi'lek to leave him alone, though neither of them had been aware of the other's intentions. Thank the Force the room where they were now was relatively quiet, though they could still hear the dull thumps of the music. Nawnum had felt it best to conduct this meeting away from the party and there wasn't a person in the room who wasn't grateful for this decision.

Also representing Force Revanchist at the meeting were Dijas and Katya. Dahlgen had felt it wise to not bring his father nor the Royal Family along and he was now appreciating the wisdom of that decision. As such, he'd left Marsala, Rayna, Cronus and the droids behind to handle security. With all of them having been on Nar Shaddaa less than a day, he didn't believe there'd be any problems. Still, a day was more than enough time for one to get into trouble on Nar Shaddaa if that's what one was looking for.

Nawnum was seated on a large sofa on the far end of the room. Even though it was clearly made for a Hutt's girth, it nevertheless looked like it might fall apart under Nawnum's crushing weight any second. Nearby was Atkel his Quarren majordomo, Kryll, a Rutian blue skinned Twi'lek girl named Areia and three of Nawnum's bodyguards, a Gamorrean, a Nikto and a Klatooinian.

Nawnum noticed that Katya appeared to be particularly upset. Something wrong pateesa? he asked.

"Just your patrons Nawnum," she complained. "Between here and the entrance I received nine requests to dance, six requests for sexual pleasure and five marriage proposals. One of your particularly drunken lecherous patrons even had the audacity to try and rip my clothes off me even after I explained to him that I wasn't a topless or nude dancer."

Nawnum seemed to be a bit upset himself now too. I'm genuinely sorry for that Katya. Who was it that accosted you in such a manner?

"I don't know," Katya said, "But he'll be easy to find. Just look for a scrawny human wearing a bright orange jacket and sporting a broken jaw. That's the guy."

"Bloke's lucky all Katya did was break his jaw," Dannix observed.

Nawnum knew who Katya was talking about. He was an accountant for one of Nawnum's business partners who thought he was a big shot because of the sheer amounts of money he handled. I'll make sure he doesn't accost you again, Nawnum assured her.

"While you're at it you might want to mention to him that he's lucky Katya exercised some restraint," Dahlgen pointed out. "Or else your medical staff would be fitting him for prosthetic arms at this very moment."

Noted, Nawnum nodded. I'll make sure he gets the point. He lit a cigar and took a long puff. Now then, when is Salparoo and his detachment arriving?

Really? Do you need to smoke those damn things in our presence? Dahlgen wondered. "They'll arrive tomorrow around midday," he said. "I spoke with Salparoo briefly before coming here and he confirmed his arrival time."

Nawnum flicked an ash onto the floor. Very well. I'll provide Salparoo with the coordinates to the location of where the Royal Family is to be hidden upon his arrival. He took another drag on his cigar. You sure you don't want to know where they will be?

Maris answered for the group. "No Nawnum. It's better that we don't. Marsala made a good point earlier that if we knew their location, it could prove to be an unnecessary security risk if one or more of us were captured by the Empire."

True, Nawnum agreed. He turned to Atkel. Uh, perhaps our guests would like some drinks?

"Fine by me," Dijas commented.

"Sure, why not?" Dahlgen replied. He briefly glanced at Areia who winked seductively at him. Dahlgen ignored it.

Nawnum gestured to Atkel and he left the room to fetch refreshments for everyone. He turned back to Dahlgen. Are you absolutely sure that you don't need any of my men for added security? I'd be happy to loan you a few.

Out of the corner of his eye, Dahlgen saw Maris roll her eyes. For a fee I'm sure, he thought. "Thank you, but no. No offense, but I do not trust those who work for you. They'd sooner sell the Royal Family out to the Empire the instant it suited them." He leaned forward slightly. "And I sincerely hope that you have not blabbed where they will be staying to anyone else in your organization."

Nawnum raised his hands defensively. You have my word Dahlgen. I have not discussed their location with anyone else. Not even Atkel knows where they will be. Only I know that and it will stay that way, I promise.

A Hutt's word wasn't something that Dahlgen tended to trust, but Nawnum seemed sincere. Still, he wasn't convinced. He'd have to watch Nawnum like a hawk for the foreseeable future. "I'll hold you to that Nawnum," Dahlgen warned. He thought he should tell Nawnum that even though he wouldn't know where the Royal Family was located, he needed to be able to contact them at his pleasure. But he decided against that in favor of making the request to Salparoo. The less Nawnum knew of the Royal Family's activities once they were off Nar Shaddaa, the better.

So how about this Project Epsilon that we discussed the last time you were here? Nawnum asked. I promised I'd look into it and I have, but I've come up with nothing. He took and other drag from his cigar and flicked a long ash onto the floor.

Juliette leaned in close to Dahlgen. "Doesn't he have an ashtray?" she asked behind the hand.

"Shhht," Dahlgen quietly reprimanded.

Maris answered for the group. "Due to some recent discoveries, we think we know what Project Epsilon really is. We're just waiting for confirmation from an inside source."

Interesting, Nawnum said. He cleared his throat loudly and the Nikto guard presented Nawnum with a silver tray that he promptly used to crush out his cigar. Before he had finished, the Klatooinian had fired up another one and handed it to him. Nawnum took a puff of his fresh cigar before asking his next question. So educate me then. What do you think it is?

Dahlgen could see that Areia was getting tired of smelling stale cigar smoke and he couldn't help but laugh to himself. "Have you ever heard of the Mass Shadow Generator?"

Nawnum nodded. "Of course I have," he said. "Dreadful device." He cleared his throat again. "Uh, but perhaps for the benefit of everyone else here, you should explain it anyway."

Dahlgen glanced over at Maris who rolled her eyes and cast a knowing smile in his direction. In other words, Nawnum has no idea what it is but he doesn't want to look ignorant in front of his lackeys and his girlfriend.

Would you expect anything less from His Corpulence? Maris asked him.

None whatsoever, Dahlgen replied. For the next half hour Dahlgen explained the Mass Shadow Generator and its use at the Battle of Malachor Five to Nawnum and his entourage. By the time he was done, they all appeared to be sufficiently scared at the possibility of such a weapon being used against Nar Shaddaa.

Nawnum kept his stubby arms close to his body, unwilling to show anyone he was trembling with fear. See, he spoke to his entourage. I said it was a dreadful weapon. Who knows about these things better than me?

Oh brother, Maris thought.

No one saw Dijas and Dannix roll their eyes underneath their helmets.

Even Juliette could see that Nawnum was full of it. Nawnum's goons may have bought his story, but Areia clearly didn't. She rolled her eyes towards the ceiling and displayed a look of exasperation. Dahlghen elected not to call Nawnum out on his ignorance and embarrass him, preferring instead to just move on. "When we last talked about this I told you I believed that the Empire was conducting this project somewhere in the Kwymar Sector. I still believe that now and after uncovering some additional information, I have some conclusions that are worth looking into."

I'm listening, Nawnum said.

"I was captured by the Empire right after they overran Onderon," Dahlgen said. "While being held by them, I happened to speak with an agent we have on the inside. He believes that the Empire's secret base is somewhere near the Listehol Run."

Nawnum was surprised. Captured by the Empire my boy? I'm pleased to see that you're still in one piece!

"It was a… shocking experience," Dahlgen said sarcastically. A few groans from his friends accompanied the statement.

Not funny Dahlgen, Maris semi-playfully reprimanded him.

Areia appeared distressed, then gave Dahlgen a seductive facial gesture that seemed to say, I know just how to make you feel better dear sir. "If you're still in pain after your ordeal Dahlgen," she said. "I can give you a private massage that will make you feel just wonderful."

Oh Lord, Maris thought as she rolled her eyes. Give me a break.

Juliette appeared furious.

Dannix and Dijas both laughed under their helmets.

Katya smiled at Dahlgen. "How can you pass up an offer like that Dahlgen?"

"Eh, he, he," Dahlgen said with an expression and a tone that suggested to Katya it'd behoove her to not say any more on the subject. He turned to Areia. "Thanks, but that won't be necessary."

"Okay big boy," she responded. "Just know the offer is open anytime you want to take me up on it."

Now Maris was starting to get miffed. Drop it you two credit whore, she thought.

Why is it that wherever we go I always end up with some floozy trying to sink her claws into me, Dahlgen wondered.

Maris faced him. Because you're just so irresistible darling, she replied sarcastically and batted her eyes at him. Besides, you've got friends in low places remember?

Hey, that wasn't very nice, Dahlgen griped. Maris ignored him.

"Perhaps we should get back to the point," Dannix encouraged.

Absolutely, Nawnum agreed. So what makes your inside guy suspect the Listehol Run? He asked. Another puff on his cigar and another supply of ash on the floor.

Dannix answered. "The route they took from wherever the secret base is located to Onderon," he said. "Apparently they stopped at a couple of places along the Listehol Run."

Even if you're right, the Listehol Run travels through dozens more sectors than the Kwymar Sector, Nawnum pointed out. And the number of planets along its route in the Kwymar Sector is quite significant. Finding where the Empire is hiding this base along the route will be extremely difficult, assuming you're right of course.

"We're aware of that," Dahlgen said. "But as I said, I've drawn some conclusions based on recently discovered information. For example, we're pretty sure we know why the Empire needs tertronium now."

Why is that?

Maris picked up the conversation. "The power output of the Mass Shadow Generator. It requires incredible amounts of power to activate and unless one has a few spare sublight engines lying around, trying to generate that kind of power in a small, confined space would produce an explosion."

"The Empire's already made that mistake once," Dijas added. "They lost an entire engineering crew to an energy explosion. We learned of it during a recent intelligence mission to Zeltros."

I think I see where you're going with this, Nawnum replied with a nod. The Empire plans to use the tertronium to compensate for whatever shortcomings or hazards were revealed as a result of the previous energy explosion, right?

"You got it," Katya spoke.

"That about sums it up," Dahlgen agreed.

The Empire will need to refine the ore they've discovered. Nawnum stated the obvious.

"Right again," Dahlgen replied. "And that's how I think we'll find their secret base. Now granted, this is a bit of a long shot but I think it'll pay off. We're willing to bet that the Empire will refine that ore in the same place where they are developing the new Mass Shadow Generator. If that turns out to be true, we're also willing to bet that the Empire didn't bet on that when they initially constructed the base. So we're thinking they had to physically expand the base wherever it is."

"If we're right about that, the Empire will have shuttled in a ton of construction materials and equipment used in the refining process," Maris said. "Not to mention they will have moved a large amount of excavated material out."

Nawnum smiled as best as possible for a Hutt. And if we can find where those supplies went or where the excavated material came from, then the location of the secret base will be uncovered assuming your theory is right. Good idea Dahlgen my boy. I do so wish you would entertain the idea of working for me full time.

"Thanks, but no thanks Nawnum," Dahlgen said. "Start with the Listehol Run in the Kwymar Sector. I'm still convinced the Empire's secret base is that sector. Go over every shipping manifest in that sector for the past three months you can get your hands on. Pay particular attention to the manifests that don't list the travel route they use or that use incredibly old and outdated routes."

What for?

"The Empire stayed away from the heavily traveled, public routes when they launched the invasion of Onderon," Maris said. "We're betting the excavation and construction teams did the same."

"The answer is there Nawnum," Dahlgen said. "I'm sure of it."

The gargantuan Hutt nodded. Makes sense to me. We'll get on it right away, Nawnum assured him. He poked Areia in the side. I'm leaving that to you sweet cheeks. Don't disappoint me.

Areia nodded to Nawnum, but remained silent. She winked at Dahlgen again and subtly licked her lips. Dahlgen shook his head. She just didn't quit. Don't say anything, he telepathically told Maris.

I never said a word, Maris said innocently though it was clear to Dahlgen from her tone that she'd seen Areia's latest attempt at flirtation.

Atkel returned with the drinks and handed them out to everyone, including a mammoth sized reddish yellow concoction for Nawnum. Once more he called for the silver plate to crush out his cigar and he took a giant swig of whatever drink Atkel had brought him. It was followed up shortly thereafter by an incredibly loud belch.

Dahlgen rolled his eyes and a quick glance at the faces of his friends told him they too thought the whole display had been revolting. While it was custom in Hutt culture to belch out loud if something tasted good to them, not too many other people were willing to demean themselves by indulging in such behavior. The Hutts had learned thousands of years ago to overlook this otherwise insult to their culture.

So what else can I do for you all? Nawnum asked everyone.

"Swallow a thousand breath mints?" Juliette muttered and was promptly kicked in the ankle by Dahlgen.

Dannix had a more productive question. "Has anything interesting been going on in the bounty hunter community lately?"

Nawnum shrugged. I guess that would depend on what you call interesting. Why, what's up?

"As you already know Nawnum, my ex-wife is in charge of seeing Project Epsilon through to its completion," Dahlgen said. "Ever since the Governor's Reception on Kestos Minor, Katarina has been one step behind us. With the recent Imperial victory at Onderon however, I feel she'd going to have to devote more of her time to the duties surrounding Project Epsilon than hunting us."

Nawnum got the picture. You think she'd hire a bounty hunter to find you guys?

"Right," Dahlgen replied.

There is a certain amount of logic to that, Nawnum agreed and took another gulp of his drink followed by a belch that was even louder than the first. Even if the hunter doesn't move against you directly, he or she can still track your movements until such time as Katarina can devote her own time to moving against you. He nodded appreciatively. I'll do some sniffing around for you. If there's a contract out on you guys, we'll find it.

"Keep in mind Nawnum, that Katarina probably would not have gone through normal channels to advertise this contract," Dahlgen pointed out. "So look for anything in the bounty hunter community that looks out of the ordinary. Things like secret meetings or perhaps a disproportionately high number of hunters gathering in an unknown or unusual location are what you should be looking for."

Again Nawnum nodded. Might make our search a little more difficult, he admitted. But we should still be able to find something. We'll get on it right away and I'll contact you the minute we do find something of interest to you.

"I appreciate that Nawnum," Dahlgen said. "Next item, we need billets for approximately a thousand people."

The request surprised Nawnum and he let it show. A thousand people! What for?

Maris explained. "We're all under the belief that we're going to have to move against the Empire and Project Epsilon in the next few weeks. If that's true, we'll need a strike force as we have reason to believe that a full battalion's worth of the Empire's finest are responsible for guarding the secret installation where Project Epsilon is being constructed. Now we're hoping that the Alliance will provide us with a sizable enough strike force to do the job, but we're not counting on it."

"Bottom line, I don't want to rely on the Alliance," Dahlgen said. "I want to form my own strike force." He gestured towards Dannix and Dijas. To that end, I've had these two making a few calls to some friends of theirs as of yesterday."

Really? Nawnum sounded surprised and he looked over at Dannix and Dijas. Another swig of his drink and another enormous belch. How's that been going?

"About as well as could expected this early into the recruiting process," Dijas claimed. "So far we've had seven responses."

Nawnum looked back at Dahlgen. That's a far cry from a thousand my boy.

Dahlgen sighed. "In truth Nawnum, I'm not expecting to get that many, but I want to plan for it just in case."

You're putting me in a lousy situation Dahlgen, Nawnum protested.

"And how lousy a situation would you potentially be in if we moved against Project Epsilon with an inferior force and all got slaughtered?" Katya wondered.

Nawnum brooded over the subject for a moment. All right, point made, he relented. I can't give you billeting for a thousand people though.

"That what can you give us Nawnum?" Dahlgen asked, starting to get mildly agitated.

Nawnum shrugged. Seven hundred give or take a couple dozen.

Dahlgen considered the offer. It was less than he wanted, but it was still more than the actual number of people he was expecting to respond to his call. "All right," he agreed. "Seven hundred. I'll cover their room and board for sixty days. Make sure that anyone who responds to my call knows that after sixty days though, they're on their own."

I'll make sure they're aware of the terms, Nawnum assured him.

"Now then, let's talk about Raquel Pherredyne's living arrangements," Dahlgen said.

Nawnum chuckled. I had a feeling we'd be talking about this. What's the problem?

Dahlgen almost couldn't believe Nawnum had asked that. Was he an idiot? No, of course he wasn't. He knew exactly what he was doing when he'd booted Raquel out of the apartment and forced her into a flophouse. Problem was Dahlgen didn't quite know what his motivation was, though he suspected. And come hell or high water, he was going to get to the bottom of it. "Let's start with why you booted her out of my apartment… an apartment that I loaned to her in the first place?"

Nawnum raised his hands defensively. Hey, I never knew you loaned the apartment to her, he claimed. For all I knew, she was a squatter trying to get out of paying rent.

He was lying and Dahlgen knew it. "Rancor pucks Nawnum," he said. "You knew she was a victim of the Kwymar Suppressions. I told you that myself. And yet, you booted her out my apartment and forced her into an arrangement of your making."

Maris was almost afraid to ask. "What sort of arrangement?"

"Sixteen hundred credits a month plus one month's rent in advance for two flophouses that could best be described as shit holes," Dahlgen growled. "Does that sound about right to you Nawnum?"

Maris was taken by surprise. "Are you serious?"

Dahlgen didn't look at her, preferring to concentrate his stare at Nawnum. Yet he answered her question anyway. "Yes, I am," he replied.

"And I can tell you from first hand experience that the term shit hole is being extremely generous in description," Juliette stated.

"That's outrageous," Maris said.

"Unbelievable," Katya grumbled

"Inexcusable Nawnum," Dannix added.

"If you'd rented those flophouses to anyone else, you'd have been lucky to get four hundred a month for one of them and you know it," Dahlgen accused. "Instead, seven hundred is what she still owes you for this month isn't it? And since this is only the first month I have no doubt that you've already thought up an excuse to raise her rent next month."

All right, perhaps the price is a little excessive, Nawnum admitted. But as I own the property, I think I should be free to charge what I feel is appropriate depending on what the tenant can pay, don't you?

"You don't charge me sixteen hundred a month for the two I rent Nawnum," Dahlgen reminded him. "And I can afford it many times over." He sat back in his chair and interlaced his fingers in front of him. "I know the game you're playing here Nawnum and I don't like it. Raquel told me that you made her a "generous" offer of employment. Is that right?"

Yes it is, Nawnum replied.

"Let me guess," Maris said sarcastically. "That job involves a lot of dancing with not a lot of clothes doesn't it?" She was also well aware of his employment offers as she'd received a few similar offers from Nawnum in the immediate days after she'd joined Force Revanchist.

"That's exactly what the initial offer was," Dahlgen said. "But she turned you down flat. So in retaliation, you kicked her out of my apartment on some trumped up notion that you had no idea who she was and then forced her into the flophouse where she currently is. Now you're gouging the price of her living accommodations to the point where she'll be in the negative every month."

"Why would he do that?" Juliette asked, clearly displaying her lack of knowledge of the criminal underworld.

"So that when Raquel was sufficiently indebted to you, she'd have no choice but to accept a job offer from you," Dahlgen summed it up. "But not a job as one of his trussed up dancing girls. Oh no. It would be a job where you could exploit her more productive talents such as slicing, droid and computer repair and document forging. You'll pay her of course, but only just enough so that her expenses to you are covered. That way, she's indebted to you for life. How am I doing here?"

"Just fine," Maris encouraged.

"Right on the money my brother," Dannix added.

So what if that's what I'm doing, Nawnum admitted, confirming Dahlgen's suspicions. He finished off his drink and treated everyone to one final annoyingly loud belch. She's been more or less unemployed since the Kwymar Suppressions anyway. Why should she care?

"There's a difference between accepting a job and being muscled into doing something she doesn't want to do Nawnum," Dahlgen replied. "I will not allow that to happen to Raquel. Not as long as I live anyway. She wants to leave Nar Shaddaa and I have every intention of taking her with us. However, I am not unsympathetic to your needs Nawnum, so we will now negotiate a settlement for her outstanding debt. When she leaves here I want it to be free and clear."

If I refuse to negotiate a settlement? Nawnum asked. He was starting to push his luck.

Dahlgen's sat back in his chair and his expression grew dark and even threatening as did the expressions of everyone of his friends. "Nawnum, I can honestly tell you that you do not want to know the answer to that question. I would also advise you not to test my patience any further on this one."

The argument they were having was more of a showboat than anything so that Nawnum wouldn't lose face in front of his associates. Both Nawnum and Dahlgen knew that as it had happened several times before. However Nawnum also knew that Dahlgen was most serious about settling Raquel's "account" and that if he was pushed too far, he would have no qualms whatsoever about following through on any perceived threats. Therefore, he chose now to back down. Oh very well my friend, he said. If you insist. She owes me seven hundred credits. I'll consider the matter closed for that amount.

Nearly every one of the Force Revanchist members present snorted at that. "Nawnum, Nawnum, Nawnum," Dahlgen said. "Do I need to remind you that Raquel has already paid you nine hundred credits for a pair of accommodations that we've already agreed would barely fetch you seven to eight hundred under normal conditions. Three hundred."

"Six hundred," Nawnum countered.

"Four hundred," Dahlgen re-countered.

"Five hundred," Nawnum insisted.

"Four-fifty," Dahlgen said, clearly indicating he was getting tired of the back and forth bantering.

"Done," Nawnum accepted.

Dahlgen turned to Dijas. "Dijas, give him two thousand."

They were all a little surprised. "Two thousand? What for?"

Dahlgen faced Nawnum again. "Consider the extra fifteen fifty a down payment on the billets."

Nawnum nodded curtly. Of course Dahlgen. Dijas tossed him a credit stick. Thank you. He motioned to the Klatooinian again who immediately presented Nawnum with a freshly lit cigar. He took a puff. But now Dahlgen, that brings me to something I wish to discuss with you. Last time you were here you accepted a job to deliver some supplies to the Rebel Alliance. My sources inform me that your part of that bargain has not yet been filled. Why is that?

"As I told you back when I accepted the job Nawnum, my business on Onderon took priority," Dahlgen reminded him. "However, that business is nearly concluded – for the time being anyway. You have my word Nawnum, that as soon as we have finished our business here on Nar Shadda, we will head for Bangalore Station and thereafter, Byblos Tower 214 to honor our agreement. Fair enough?"

Nawnum nodded. Fair enough. Just get on with it please.

"Well, this meeting has gone better than I expected," Dannix said dryly.

Says you, Juliette thought. I could've done without all the cigar smoke and burping.

"Indeed. Nawnum, I do believe that concludes this meeting for now," Dahlgen announced as he rose from his chair.

That it does my boy, Nawnum agreed. I'll get on those searches for you right away. If we find something, we'll let you know immediately.

"I thank you for your help Nawnum," Dahlgen replied. He was about to leave when he stopped and faced Nawnum one last time. "Before I go Nawnum, a final thought. The safety of the Royal Family is paramount to me and it is something on which I will tolerate no excuses for failure. If anything happens to jeopardize their security, you will be the first person I come looking to for an explanation as to just what the hell went wrong. Do we understand each other Nawnum?"

We do Dahlgen, Nawnum assured him. You have my word Dahlgen that they will be safe from harm of any sort so long as they need to remain hidden.

I really, really don't trust Hutts, Dahlgen thought.

Me either, Maris agreed with him.

Looking back over his shoulder to make sure no one was looking, Atkel had a seat at a computer terminal and began typing a message. This was his big chance. He'd seen a posting on the holonet not long ago from someone looking for their "long lost brother." A picture had been included and Atkel had been surprised to see it was none other than Dahlgen Luzard.

With everything that had been discussed before his master, Atkel suspected that the posting had been placed by the bounty hunter that Dahlgen was sure was shadowing him and his team. But whether that was true or not, Atkel really didn't care. The posting had offered a reward of five thousand credits for "information leading to the reunification of this long lost brother with his worried family." That's what Atkel wanted.

Stroking his facial tentacles, Atkel thought about the last ten years of his life. That was how long he'd been Nawnum's majordomo. While Nawnum treated him reasonably well, three times in the past he had asked Nawnum if he could take over management of one or more of his master's lesser enterprises. Each time he'd been rebuffed and given a lecture about "where his place was" and to "not get any delusions of grandeur." After the third time, Atkel had realized that he'd gone as far as he was ever going to go in Nawnum's organization and it ticked him off. He wanted more. He wanted to be his own boss. He wanted his own organization.

Five thousand credits would be just enough to get started in some of the lower end schemes and enterprises that most crime organizations ran such as prostitution and gambling. It would be a slow start to be sure, but at least it was a start. And if he was successful there, he could earn enough money to leave Nawnum's organization forever and start his own. Or even usurp Nawnum in his own organization.

Atkel had to be careful though. If Nawnum were to ever discover what he was doing his death would be swift, but certainly not painless. He'd probably be fed to Shu-Shu, Nawnum's pet zakkeg. Any money he earned on top of that five thousand would have to be safely deposited away from where Nawnum's accountants could find it. But even that was risky. Nawnum's accountants weren't morons and they knew where nearly ever credit came from. If Nawnum caught him doing business in any side enterprises, his death would again be swift but painful. But he was betting that he wouldn't be caught.

Atkel typed out a simple message. "I have found your brother. He is currently on Nar Shaddaa though he will not be here much longer. You can catch up to him soon though at either Bangalore Station or Byblos Tower 214." He left his name and some contact information.

Now he had to erase all traces of the message. He didn't want his little covert activities to be discovered by wanton carelessness. Fortunately that was a relatively easy process. A few quick keystrokes and it was done. Good. With any luck, the hunter would capture Dahlgen and the others and turn them over to whoever wanted them. He'd have his money and begin his own business ventures and no one would be the wiser. And who cared about that Mass Shadow Generator anyway? He was sure Dahlgen was exaggerating whatever it was that the Empire was up to. And even if he wasn't, Aktel really didn't care what the Empire did as long as they left him alone. Once more looking around to make sure no one was around, he quietly left the room.

The Kwymar Sector – Azkul Base

Base Power Generation Room

Amidst the incessant roar of Azkul Base's power generation room Vilnius, Elassa, Marlowe and Sheila discussed their latest discoveries about Project Epsilon. As always, the noise from the surrounding machinery was near deafening and they practically had to shout to hear one another. "How did you think of the Mass Shadow Generator Vilnius?" Elassa wondered.

Vilnius shrugged in response. "Like Dahlgen and his group, we've assumed all along that Project Epsilon was a super weapon. Taking into account that several high placed people within this project have said that it's been used before, I decided to research various battles throughout history where super weapons were used, or least believed to have been used. After coming up empty on several of them, I thought of the Battle of Malachor Five. And with that, everything fell into place."

"But are we absolutely, one hundred percent certain that Project Epsilon is indeed the Empire's attempt to rebuild the Mass Shadow Generator?" Elassa asked. "It seems to me that there could be any number of potential super weapons out there that could just as easily be what the Empire is working on."

Marlowe picked up the conversation. "I considered that. Vilnius asked me to do whatever I could to confirm his suspicions and I think I've done that." He passed a data pad around to everyone. On the screen was an odd looking series of characters and symbols, almost like a signature or sorts. "This strange pattern of symbols showed up in several places among the few files I was able to find regarding the Derby Project. We already know that project was the original Mass Shadow Generator used at Malachor Five. On a hunch, I researched those symbols and I have confirmed that this is the signature of Bao-Dur in an ancient and obscure Zabrak dialect. As we all know, he was the designer and chief engineer of the original Mass Shadow Generator."

Sheila furrowed her eyebrows as she looked at the picture. "Why not use Basic?" she wondered. "Why did he sign his name using an ancient dialect?"

Vilnius had a plausible answer. "Bao-Dur always regretted the death and destruction his creation wreaked and he lived with the guilt of it for the rest of his life. I'm just theorizing here, but I suspect he knew even in the Derby Project's early design stages just what his creation would be capable of doing. Perhaps he thought that by signing documents in an ancient version of his own language, it distanced him from the project somehow. I don't know. If that was his intention it backfired on him, because as I just said, he lived with the guilt of what he had created for the remainder of his days."

"Fair enough," Elassa said, "But it still doesn't answer my question of are we absolutely certain that the Empire is trying to rebuild this ancient weapon?"

Marlowe indicated she should be patient. "Hold on a second now, I'm not finished." He took the data pad back from Sheila and called up another picture file. Marlowe handed it to Elassa. "Now take a look at this."

Elassa observed the picture and frowned slightly. "Same symbol," she said handing the data pad to Vilnius. "So what?"

"I see what," Vilnius remarked. "I see the word epsilon on this document."

Marlowe thrust a finger in his direction. "Bingo. That document is but one page from the official notes of Project Epsilon's original chief engineer. The very guy I took over for after he was killed in that energy explosion. That symbol, Bao-Dur's ancient signature, appears on every single page of his notes."

That cinched it. It was the proof Dahlgen had asked him to find. Any doubts that Vilnius may have still had about Project Epsilon not being a recreation of the ancient Mass Shadow Generator vanished in an instant. Dahlgen had to be informed of this immediately.

"Why would the original chief engineer of Project Epsilon put Bao-Dur's name on every page of his notes?" Sheila asked the question of no one in particular. "It doesn't make any sense."

"It does if the original chief engineer had no idea what the symbols meant," Marlowe said. "Remember I said it was an obscure ancient dialect that Bao-Dur used to sign the original documents. I seriously doubt anyone outside of the Zabrak race would know what the symbols meant and even then, knowledge would be limited. After all, Bao-Dur did live four thousand years ago and if this dialect was ancient then? Well, you get my drift. I discovered the true meaning of this only because I had something to go on. My predecessor had no such thing and to my knowledge, he never looked into the true origins of Project Epsilon. I think he may have just adopted the symbols as his own sort of trademark, not truly knowing or appreciating what they really were."

"I'll buy that," Vilnius said.

"Me too," Elassa remarked.

"Makes sense to me now," Sheila concluded.

"I think it goes without saying that we need to get this information to Dahlgen as soon as possible," Vilnius said playing the part of someone who had not been in touch with him recently to perfection. "He's probably been wondering why we haven't contacted him recently. He may even be suspecting that we've been discovered and we're no longer a viable source. Marlowe, how soon can you have that transmitter repaired?"

Marlowe exhaled heavily. "My workload relating to the project has increased exponentially since the takeover of Onderon. We're bringing in hundreds of tons of tertronium ore every day and the new refining facility is operating at maximum efficiency. On top of that I promised Katarina that I'd be ready for an initial test in a little over two weeks. My support staff has begun constructing my redesigned power generator and I've had no choice but to oversee every last detail of that."

Vilnius was getting a little impatient. "Uh, bottom line it Marlowe. How long?"

Marlowe shrugged. "A week. Maybe more."

Everyone groaned and snorted in frustration. "A week Marlowe?" Vilnius protested. "That's not going to cut it."

"I don't know what else I can do," Marlowe argued. "I've got to present something to Katarina when I told her I would or else she'll dispose of me like she disposes of everyone else who fails her."

Vilnius could understand that. "I get your point. Katarina disposed of Admiral Stowe for allowing half the Onderonian fleet to escape."

Neither Marlowe nor Sheila had known that. "Geez," Marlowe said through gritted teeth. He looked Vilnius in the eye. "I'll get it repaired Vilnius, I promise. And I'll get it done in a week. Please at least give me that and I promise you won't be disappointed."

"All right," Vilnius said. "But I don't need to remind you that we're almost out of time."

"I know, I know," Marlowe insisted.

Vilnius nodded. He smiled to himself, knowing he'd done a sufficient job of concealing the fact that he was in communication with Dahlgen again. While they were all under the impression that it would be a week or more before they could get a message to Dahlgen, in truth Vilnius would send that message in about ten minutes. Vilnius only hoped Dahlgen checked his messages more often than he did.

He wanted to bait the trap for the ISB agent in their midst now, but he felt it was still too soon. And trying to make the agent nervous with some smack talk would likely backfire on him at this point. "All right," he said. "I guess that's all for now. We'll meet again in a week when Marlowe has the transmitter repaired. Until then, everyone just go about your daily business."

Heading back to his office, Marlowe smiled to himself. His contingency plan was going well.

Bright Jewel Sector - Planet Ord Mantell

Ardraz's Quest

Pay dirt, finally. It hadn't been easy and Zardra had even had to call in a couple favors to get the information she now possessed. But after nearly a full day of exhaustive searching, Zardra now had the answer to the burning question in her mind, why was Katarina so obsessed with this hunt in general and Dahlgen Luzard in particular?

The document on her computer screen right now had her undivided attention. It was Dahlgen and Katarina's divorce decree. "So that's it," Zardra said to herself. "Dahlgen is your ex-husband. That's just wonderful. Like I really needed to have that mixed into this already crazy hunt."

Zardra studied the divorce decree closer and it gave cause for raised eyebrows. The marriage had dissolved after just over one year. Zardra had never been married before, but even she knew that it took nothing short of a complete disaster to end a marriage that was still technically in its honeymoon stages. She wondered if Katarina's use of the dark side had torn the marriage apart.

Oh well. At this stage how or why the marriage had fallen apart was irrelevant. Closing that document, Zardra opened a second one and got the second but not altogether unsurprising shock of the day. "And Marsala is your son. Now it all makes sense." She put two and two together and quickly deduced that the true reason behind the contract Katarina had on Dahlgen was revenge. And the reason for the contract on her son was she wanted him, no doubt to turn him into a dark side puppet. Dahlgen was just in the way and would likely be eliminated once Katarina had both him and her son.

But then why ask for him to be delivered to her alive? Unless? Yes, of course. Katarina wanted to torture Dahlgen by making him watch his son become a twisted agent of darkness. Only after that was done would she kill Dahlgen. But how then did the Zabrak woman, Maris Brood figure into all this? Zardra figured she was likely Dahlgen's new woman and Katarina would torture her by forcing her to watch Dahlgen suffer. If she was right, Zardra found that particular aspect of this whole thing to be extremely juvenile. What was she saying? The whole damned contract seemed juvenile. Just what was Katarina, a servant of the Emperor or a spoiled teenager?

Zardra closed the second file and leaned forward on her desk, massaging her aching temples. Initiating a bounty for personal reasons was silly enough, but what she'd just uncovered bordered on lunacy. No matter what she did, Zardra felt there was no way this was going to end well. If she fulfilled the contract and turned the trio over to Katarina, Dahlgen and Maris were as good as dead and the boy, Marsala, would be at his mother's mercy. Zardra didn't really care what happened to Dahlgen and Maris, but she had problem with Marsala. He was just a kid after all and he didn't deserve to be caught in the middle of what from Zardra's point of view, was his parents' petty squabble.

Yet if she didn't fulfill the contract, Zardra herself was as good as dead. And then there was all that money that was being offered. It was more than enough to live very comfortably for awhile and she could even invest some of it in other ventures that caught her eye. Not content with what she made as a bounty hunter, about a year ago she had attended a seminar on real estate investment. Intrigued by what the lecturer had said, Zardra had taken a small bit of her earnings and invested them into a couple of rental properties in the Core region. It was providing her with some residual income but nowhere close to enough to be able to rely on it to support her lifestyle. Maybe by fulfilling this contract, she'd be able to act more aggressively on that former employer's advice and finally get out of the bounty hunting racket.

Zardra shook her head in disgust. "Serves me right I guess. I join this profession to get rich and when the big contract that could make it happen for me comes, it's a contract I'd rather not have." Still, when it all boiled down to the bare essentials, she valued her own skin more than she valued anyone else's.

A message alert on her computer sounded and she opened it. Immediately, Zardra smiled. Nar Shaddaa, hmmm? This may be easier than I thought. She read onward. Or not. Damn. Zardra kept reading and smiled again. Okay, so where do I intercept you? Bangalore Station or Byblos Tower 214?

That was an easy question to answer. Byblos Tower 214. Most of Bangalore Station was run down and inoperative. Even the three sections that were still operational were in much need of repair. If Dahlgen was as good as the files she'd read about him boasted, then he'd be on to her within a minute or two of arriving on Bangalore Station. Okay, maybe that was exaggerating it a bit but Byblos Tower had thousands of inhabitants. It would be much easier to hide and strike from the shadows there.

Zardra returned to the cockpit of her vessel and keyed the comm. station. "Mantell control, this is Ardraz's Quest. I am requesting a departure clearance, priority three."

"Ardraz's Quest, Mantell control," a metallic droid voice returned. "Standby. You can expect departure clearance within the half hour."

"Thank you."

Moon of Nar Shaddaa

One of Dahlgen's private apartments

Sitting in a makeshift office, Dahlgen put a call through to General Cracken. Even though Katya and Maris had both told him about the General's call some hours ago, it was only now that Dahlgen was finally getting a chance to return it. Maris had even questioned him about what file Cracken supposedly had for him – questions that he had not wanted to answer at the time. Fortunately she'd backed off before he'd gotten short with her, but he had eventually confided in her what the request was about. Things were understandably tense among the members of Force Revanchist at the moment. With just under thirty hours until Salparoo arrived and took the Royal Family into hiding and them not being able to really go anywhere out of fear of discovery, even with their new IDs, it was understandable.

There was one bit of news though that had them all elated though. Less than an hour ago, Dahlgen had received a message from Kel and included in the message was the proof that they needed to present their case to the Rebel Alliance. So in a way, Dahlgen being tardy with his return call to Cracken had worked out for the best. This conversation would kill two birds with one stone. He'd find out what Cracken wanted and, Force willing, get another meeting with the Alliance High Command.

Katya and Maris were seated nearby; Maris because she'd said she had something important to talk to him about. He had a feeling it was about what he'd asked her to verify on the late Admiral Bostuko's data pad. Truth be told, he was not looking forward to the conversation. Well whatever it was, it would have to wait a few minutes more.

Finally, General Cracken's face filled the screen. "Ah Dahlgen, how are you? I was beginning to wonder if Katya had given you my message."

"She did but unfortunately I haven't been able to respond until just now," Dahlgen confirmed. "My apologies on that General but it works out well because I've got something I need to discuss with you too. What have you got for me?"

"A complete file on Sheila Alston."

"And?"

"I'd rather let the file speak for itself," General Cracken said.

"All right, send it to the Silver Horizon," Dahlgen said. He turned to Katya. "You and Dannix take Gee Tee to the Horizon, download that file and bring it to me. I want to review it before we send it to Kel." He turned back to the screen. "I assume you'll be sending that file soon?"

"Already on its way," General Cracken confirmed.

Katya nodded to Dahlgen and rose to leave. "I'm on it."

"So what do you have for me then?" General Cracken was curious.

"I assume you recall that the Alliance High Command asked for proof that Project Epsilon was a super weapon," Dahlgen said. "Well I've got it. The proof that High Command asked for."

General Cracken leaned forward, his interested spiked. "Are you absolutely certain Dahlgen?"

"Yes, no question about it," Dahlgen answered. "Has High Command had a chance to review the report I sent you from Telos?"

"I'm not sure," Cracken answered. "I gave it them of course, but I can't say whether or not they've actually looked at the file."

"Well if they haven't they'd better do it now because I want a meeting with them via holonet right away," Dahlgen said.

General Cracken nodded. "Stay by your comm. console," he said, fully appreciating the gravity of the situation. "I'll contact you as soon as I can get everyone together. Cracken out."

The screen went dark and Dahlgen turned to face Maris. He smiled at her. "I'm so sorry Maris. You've been very patient with me and I appreciate it more than you know. What's on your mind?"

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I um, I did what you asked."

Dahlgen leaned forward, her tone all too familiar to him. "I see. I get the feeling that I'm not going to like what you have say, am I?"

She slowly shook her head, handed him the data pad and sank back in her chair as she watched him read over its contents. For several moments, he was silent but his eyes never rose from the data pad in front of him. Maris watched his expression intently, trying to see if he was angry, hurt or just plain outraged. But his expression remained neutral and emotionless. In a way it scared her even more. At least if he was angry or upset, she could help him calm down or comfort him. But not knowing what he was feeling added a certain element of uncertainty to their relationship.

After what seemed like forever, Dahlgen raised his head slightly and looked her in the eye. "Are you kidding me?" he asked her.

"I wish I was Dahlgen," Maris replied. "But the tests were run three times and it came out the same every time."

"You sure Nawnum's goons didn't screw something up?" Dahlgen asked her.

"That's impossible Dahlgen," Maris assured him.

"How do you know?"

"Because Nawnum's goons didn't run the test," Maris confessed. "HK did it under my supervision."

To say that Dahlgen was surprised by Maris's revelation was an understatement. He sat back in his chair, a look of utter shock on his face. "HK ran the test?"

Maris nodded and presented her explanation. "When you entrusted this to me Dahlgen, I told you I wouldn't let you down. So I wasn't about to have Nawnum's hammer handed clowns do this for me. I figured with all of HK's medical programming, he'd know how to conduct these kinds of tests. I was right."

"So he knows about all this too?" Dahlgen asked.

"Yes," Maris confirmed. "But I have already sworn him to secrecy. He will not say anything to anyone about any of this."

Dahlgen exhaled heavily and looked back at the data pad. He couldn't believe what he'd just read. It was even worse than what he suspected when he first asked Maris to do this for him. He stood up, walked over to a nearby window and looked out at the endless parade of airspeeders that flew by in all directions. Only two other times in his life had he felt betrayed this deeply. The first had been when the clone troopers turned on him and Master Zaitsev. The other had been when Katarina had succumbed to the dark side. "If you and HK ran the tests yourselves Maris, I can't argue with the results. Doesn't mean I don't wish I could though."

For several moments, Dahlgen was silent as he processed all he had read and Maris began to get concerned. "Dahlgen?" she asked.

Truth be told, Dahlgen was so absorbed in what Maris had presented to him, he'd momentarily forgotten she was still in the room. Her uttering his name brought him back to reality. "I'm not even going to ask you where you obtained subject D's profile," Dahlgen said as calmly as he could. "I understand why you obtained it and why you ran that portion of the test, despite not being asked to."

Through their special bond, Maris could feel the immense pain and sadness he was feeling at that moment. Tears fell from her eyes. She sniffed sadly and she bowed her head just a little. "Something about the sequence of subject C seemed familiar. I don't know why, I just felt it. I'm so sorry Dahlgen, but I had to know for sure."

"I said I understood Maris," he reminded her. "Whether I agree with it or not is neither here nor there at this point. And had the roles been reversed I probably would've done the same thing." He turned and offered Maris a smile, yet the agony in his expression was not lost on her. "I can't fault you for that Maris. Though I can assure you that what you thought or perhaps feared never ever had a chance of being true."

Maris nodded. "I know Dahlgen," she said and she wiped her eyes. "I should've trusted my instincts."

Dahlgen turned back towards the window. "As I said Maris, that's neither here nor there now. You did what I asked and gave it to me straight like I asked you to. From the bottom of my heart Maris, I thank you for that."

Maris smiled widely. "You're welcome Dahlgen." She stood up and walked up behind him, giving his arm a gentle squeeze. "Years ago when we were kids running around the Temple I promised you that I would always find you. I also promised that I would always have your back Dahlgen. That hasn't changed now and it never will change. I'll always have your back Dahlgen. Always. If there ever comes a time when you feel that you can't count on anything or anyone else, you can always count on me. Forever Dahlgen." She squeezed his arm again and turned to leave. Dahlgen stopped her when she was halfway across the room.

"Maris, wait," he said quietly. "Please don't go."

Maris stopped and turned again, elated that he'd asked her to stay but she didn't let it show. "Are you sure? I'll stay Dahlgen, but only if you really want me to."

Though he didn't turn around, Dahlgen nodded. "Yes. Your presence is very comforting to me. I've always thought that way even when we were kids and I was feeling uncertain or out of sorts. You don't have to say anything Maris. You don't even have to do anything. I merely ask you not to leave."

Maris's heart swelled with love and affection as she smiled and stepped forward, stopping next to him. She looked up at him with a smile and though he managed to smile back, she could still see the intense pain in his eyes and feel it in his heart. Without a word she leaned her body sideways against his and rested her head on his chest, taking care not to poke him with her cranial horns. A jolt of electricity ran through her when Dahlgen placed his arms around her.

I'll stay with you as long as you want me to Dahlgen, she told him.

Thank you Maris, he replied, though he misinterpreted the true meaning of her words.

Kwymar Sector – Azkul Base

Katarina's Private Quarters

Looking over the latest reports of Project Epsilon's progress, Katarina became frustrated and tossed the data pad she had in hand across the room, smiling in twisted satisfaction as it shattered against a wall. Not that the progress was frustrating her. No, the project was more or less back on schedule and the Emperor had contacted her a short while ago to express his "immense gratitude" for all her hard work. Wonderful, she'd thought at the time.

Katarina's problem was that she was bored. Ever since returning to Azkul Base the details and nuances of Project Epsilon had demanded nearly all of her time and supervisory skills. She would've given anything to be out hunting Dahlgen and whoever else was with him. But no, she was cooped up here in this far flung place with only Major Derwit to keep herself from going completely nuts from the sheer monotony of everything. And even taking him into her bed every other night was starting to become bothersome.

With a snort of rage, Katarina snagged another data pad off the corner of her desk and examined it. It was a report on the efficiency of the new refining section of the base. Katarina had finally inspected it the day before and had been concerned with the way the conveyor belts between the refining units moved in all sorts of seemingly haphazard directions. Marlowe Derwit had explained that it was because of the placement of the refining units. The excavation crews had been concerned about excavating too much material during the build out. Those concerns had forced the constructions crews to place the refining units in a less than ideal way with oddly shaped and placed conveyors between them.

Oh well, at least it didn't seem to be hindering production that much. So far the refinery in general had processed about forty percent of the total amount of tertronium ore needed for the project. At this rate it would be just over two weeks before enough had been processed to ensure structural integrity of the device's power generation unit, just as Marlowe Derwit had said.

Sit around here for two or more weeks doing nothing? The thought of it nearly drove her insane. There had to be something else she could do. Shoving herself away from her desk, she walked into the middle of the room, ignited her lightsaber and began practicing the aggressive movements of the Djem So form. Her weapon moved with efficiency and power as she imagined it slicing the head off of her ex-husband. All these years since she'd left him, she'd dreamt of what she would do to him were they to confront each other again. Thrusting her blade through his heart, chopping off his arms, hearing him beg for mercy, all of these thoughts had consumed nearly every moment of her life since that day.

And yet in the past month or so, that long dreamt of confrontation had occurred twice and both times she'd failed to best him. Why? What was wrong with her? Her skills were at the pinnacle of perfection as they always had been. Her master had claimed so and she believed him. Yet for some reason, she could never seem to overpower him and achieve the victory over Dahlgen she so desperately craved. It never dawned on her that perhaps his skills were just a hair's breadth better than hers were.

She could feel her rage building. The way he constantly bested her and eluded her made her furious. The way he kept their son just out of her reach made her thirsty for revenge. Katarina preferred to keep her life simple, yet he insisted on making it difficult. She despised him for it. He was annoying her. He was toying with her. He…

Katarina's rage suddenly exploded in a violent expulsion of Force energy. The wave she unleashed sent the furniture on all sides of her flying in all directions before being crushed and broken against the walls. Her desk spun around several times before splintering into a million little matchsticks and her computer console shorted and sparked as the Force's energy overwhelmed it.

Breathing heavily, Katarina deactivated her lightsaber and took a moment to survey the damage all around her. Wonderful. Now she was going to have to have all the furniture in the common area of her quarters replaced. In a huff, she stormed out of her quarters and nearly body checked a trooper in the hall who was walking a patrol. "You there, trooper!" she shouted upon seeing him.

Nervous, the trooper faced her. "Yes ma'am!"

Katarina jerked a thumb towards her quarters. "Get maintenance in there and have them remove and replace the furniture. It's… defective."

"Yes ma'am," the trooper said, eager to get away from her as soon as possible. "Right away."

Katarina resumed her brisk pace and she headed for the comm. station. She was still absolutely convinced that one day in the not too distant future Dahlgen would discover the location of this base. Therefore, she felt now was the time to recall her remaining Dark Side Adepts to Azkul Base. She'd left them on Onderon overseeing the mining operation, but with the mine working at the capacity it was she felt there was nothing that would slow down production now.

That was how she could alleviate some of the boredom. She'd begin putting her Dark Side Adepts through a crushing training regimen. It would prepare them for the inevitable strike against the base that Dahlgen and his group would mount. It almost seemed absurd for Dahlgen and his group to mount an assault against this base considering how much the odds of success were against them. But if Katarina knew Dahlgen the way she believed she did, he was already taking that into consideration. She smiled. As a side benefit of training the younger Dark Side Adepts, if the base appeared in danger of being overrun and they were better prepared to face Dahlgen, it could give her a few precious seconds to escape.

She snorted angrily. She'd started the Onderonian campaign with thirteen Dark Side Adepts and she was now down to seven. Two had been killed during the invasion of Onderon, three during Dahlgen's escape from the palace and the last had been killed by her own hand for gross ineptitude just prior to that. Oh well, at least she was weeding out the weak ones. Still, was it enough? Perhaps a call to the Emperor for two or three additional adepts was in order?

No, not a good idea. If she did that now, the Emperor would most definitely ask why she needed them. She could claim unforeseen casualties during the recent combat mission to Onderon, but that would probably just induce his ire. He'd also wonder what she had mismanaged so badly to waste the lives and talents of six of the adepts that had been presented to her initially. The Sith were known for many things but needlessly wasting resources was not one of them. No. Better to avoid that whole scenario altogether.

Fortunately she still had seven of her original thirteen adepts. In her mind, that was just enough to mount an effective defense when Dahlgen and his followers attacked. Still, they needed additional training, even if all Katarina could count on them for was to fight a delaying action against Dahlgen and whoever he brought with him. The Emperor wouldn't be pleased with that, but if the sacrifice of a few dark side acolytes resulted in the successful completion of Project Epsilon, it was worth it.

Katarina smiled wickedly as she entered the turbolift. She was confident that the foreseen assault from Dahlgen and his friends would come sooner than later. That was fine in her book. As long as that kid, Marlowe Derwit, delivered on his promise she was preparing a little surprise for them all when they arrived. And what a surprise it was going to be.

Moon of Nar Shaddaa

The Silver Horizon

"Before we begin ladies and gentlemen, may I express my deepest condolences on the loss of General Dondonna?" Dahlgen asked.

"Indeed, he was a great man," Dijas added.

"His loss is a tremendous loss to the Alliance and the cause of freedom." Maris summed it up.

"Thank you Dahlgen," Mon Mothma returned. "Thank you all. Your sentiment is greatly appreciated."

Dannix couldn't resist an interjection. "I personally still believe it would be worth the Alliance's time to do everything in their power to confirm his death. If his body has not yet been recovered, there's a chance he could still be alive."

You just had to go there, didn't you? Dahlgen thought. Despite the fact that he believed the same thing, now was not the time to bring that subject to the forefront. Sure enough, Leia Organa was about to open her mouth in response. Dahlgen got his hand up before she could say anything. "While we may have our own opinions as to what should or should not be done regarding confirmation and / or body retrieval, this is not the time nor the place to discuss those opinions." He cast a glance at Dannix.

Dannix got the message; Zip it.

"Has everyone had a chance to review the report that we filed through General Cracken last week?" Dahlgen asked the assembled leaders.

Admiral Ackbar supplied the answer. "We have."

"Good," Dahlgen nodded. "If I may then direct your attention to page two, paragraph five where I first mention the Zabrak man, Bao-Dur?"

Dahlgen waited for them all to find the part of his report he was referring to. Aside from Mon Mothma, Leia Organa and Admiral Ackbar, General Cracken was, of course, present as was General Carlist Rieekan. General Vanden Willard, newly promoted in the wake of General Dodonna's presumed fate, rounded out the Alliance commanders present in the briefing.

Representing Force Revanchist aside from Dahlgen, Maris, Dannix and Dijas were Katya, Cronus, Juliette and Rayna. Marsala on the other hand, had curiously asked to be excused from the meeting. Dahlgen had almost said no, but then was reminded of the fact that the Onderonian Royal Family would be going into hiding in less than twelve hours. It became apparent that he wanted to spend some time alone with Hermia before they were forced to part company. In the end, Dahlgen reluctantly granted his son's request.

Because of the large number of people from Force Revanchist participating in the meeting, Dahlgen had decided it would be best to conduct it in the Silver Horizon's crew lounge where they would all be able to see and be seen by Alliance High Command. The resulting crowd of people and holograms was a little claustrophobic, but it was still better than trying to conduct the meeting from the cramped little makeshift office in one of the apartments.

"Everyone got it?" Dahlgen asked. He made a quick glance at Maris who was going over some notes. He was going to be relying on her to do some translation shortly.

"Yes," was the general consensus among the Alliance leaders.

"Okay, historical records prove that Bao-Dur was the chief designer and engineer of the super weapon known as the Mass Shadow Generator," Dahlgen lectured. "If you all have read our report as you claim, then you have become intimately familiar with the device, who commissioned its construction, who ordered its use, how it works and what it did at the Battle of Malachor Five."

"We have Dahlgen," Mon Mothma spoke for all the Alliance leaders.

"Very well, if I may then now direct your attention to the report addendum filed less than two hours ago," Dahlgen replied. "You'll notice that there two pictures of symbols with the addendum. Subject A is a confirmed signature of Bao-Dur."

General Rieekan asked a question. "How can you can be absolutely sure of that?"

"Maris?" Dahlgen asked looking at her.

"General, as you can plainly see I am a Zabrak," Maris picked up the discussion. "I also happen to be from the Zabrak home world of Iridonia as Bao-Dur was. I am a bit of a hoverchair historian shall we say, particularly when it comes to my own species, especially Zabrak Jedi. This includes Bao-Dur for two reasons. One, several years after the Mandalorian Wars, Meetra Surik trained him as a Jedi and two, I happen to be direct descendant of Bao-Dur. As such, I can definitively confirm that this group of symbols is indeed the signature of Bao-Dur in an ancient Zabrakian dialect."

"How ancient are we talking?" General Rieekan wondered.

"If you were to travel to Iridonia and search through every possible record you could find on this dialect, you wouldn't discover much. That being said, what is known about it is that it was used exclusively by Zabrak hailing from our home world of Iridonia, and then only by a handful of mountain tribes."

"Could Bao-Dur have been a descendant of someone one belonging to those ancient mountain tribes?" Mon Mothma asked.

"I suppose that's possible," Maris answered. "But I don't see what difference that makes. More likely Bao-Dur was a bit of a hoverchair historian himself. After all, this dialect was three thousand years obsolete by the time he signed these documents."

"And what do the signatures actually say?" Mon Mothma asked a follow up question.

"It's not a perfect translation," Maris admitted. "But for all intents and purposes it says 'Bao-Dur, Chief Engineer, Derby Project.'" She glanced at Dahlgen and smiled at him. You knew that question about the authenticity of Bao-Dur's signature was going to come up, didn't you?

Yes I did.

Now I understand why you had me studying all these documents before the meeting.

You got it, Dahlgen confirmed. "Bottom line, this signature was found within several files pertaining to the Derby Project, it being the project name of the original Mass Shadow Generator four thousand years ago. This variation of the Zabrak language is not how Bao-Dur was known for signing his name in general. The only place where Bao-Dur was known to sign documents in this way was in the files of the Derby Project. Have I lost anyone?"

The Alliance leaders all looked amongst themselves and shook their heads.

"Okay. Subject B was taken from the notes of the original chief engineer of Project Epsilon," Dahlgen said. "As you can see, it is the exact same symbol as Bao-Dur's signature from the Derby Project files."

There were murmurs of discussion amongst the Alliance leaders particularly from Leia Organa. That got your attention, didn't it? Dahlgen thought with a smile on his face.

Finally Admiral Ackbar asked a question. "Is it possible that this former chief engineer obtained knowledge of the signature somewhere else?"

Dahlgen glanced at Maris. Here we go, he said. Trying to debunk the theory.

Steady, Maris counseled.

"I think that what Maris just told you all about the language used in the signature rules out that possibility Admiral," Dahlgen said as calmly as he could. "And on top of that, I've already said that's not possible as well. The only way that the former chief engineer of Project Epsilon could've known about those symbols was if he'd seen them before and for him to have seen them, he would've had access to at least some of the original Derby Project files. The only reason he would've been given access to those files was if the Empire was attempting to redesign and rebuild it."

"Then how the heck do you have access to these files Dahlgen," General Willard asked directly.

From the nature of the question, Dahlgen knew General Willard hadn't read his original report, even if he had claimed to. "You forget sir that my ancestor, Revan, commissioned the Derby Project. He knew everything about it and he kept his own set of detailed files concerning it. Until recently, I would've said it was probably the most complete set of files concerning the project that exited today. Those files survive to this day, in my archives."

Of her own accord, Rayna had been taking meticulous notes on the meeting. Hearing what Dahlgen had just said though, made her turn toward him with wide eyes. From her history lessons in school, she was well aware of who Revan was and the heroic role he had played in the liberation of Onderon during the waning days of the Mandalorian Wars. But this was the first time she'd ever heard that Dahlgen was his descendant. The obvious conclusion flashed through her mind. If he's descended from Revan, then so is Marsala!

Now Leia asked a question. "Where did this information come from? While you may have records of the Derby Project, I find it unlikely that you would have the notes of Project Epsilon's chief engineer at your disposal."

Your grasp of the insanely obvious is breathtaking, Dahlgen thought. "Of course not," Dahlgen said pleasantly. "We've managed to enlist the aid of a small team on the inside. They've been filtering information back to us when they can. One of those people is the current chief engineer of the project, Marlowe Derwit."

"Can you trust him?" General Rieekan wondered. "Or any other member of the team for that matter?"

"Not implicitly, no," Dahlgen replied. "But there is one thing that entitles them to the generous benefit of whatever small amount of doubt there may be."

"And what's that?" Admiral Ackbar wanted to know.

Dannix could keep silent no longer. "Oh brother, how much longer are we going to split bloody hairs here?"

"It's almost as if you all are looking for an excuse to deny Project Epsilon's true nature," Katya added.

Dahlgen motioned for both of them to pipe down. "Without them, the Royal Family of Onderon would be dead now," Dahlgen told the Alliance commanders. "We never would've known about the impending Imperial invasion and as a matter of consequence, never been able to warn the Royal Family and evacuate them. They would've been certain fatalities along with thousands upon thousands of others who were not saved by the evacuation, not to mention the large chunk of the Onderonian Defense Fleet that was obliterated by the Empire's task force."

Juliette made a statement. "And as a member of the Royal House of Kira, I wholly agree with what Dahlgen says."

Once again, the Alliance leaders looked at each other and muttered a few things to one another. "I don't know," Admiral Ackbar said. "It sounds kind of suspect to me."

There wasn't a member of Force Revanchist who didn't snort in frustration. "Unbelievable," Dannix groaned.

Katya rolled her eyes. "How do you people manage to get anything done?"

"No wonder the Alliance is constantly having recruitment problems," Cronus jabbed.

Maris looked at Dahlgen. Have you ever gotten the feeling that we fight the Alliance almost as hard as we fight the Empire?

Sure, Dahlgen replied. Every time we have one of these damned meetings with them. He waved his hand and called for quiet. "All right that's enough." He looked at the Alliance leaders with a great deal of sternness. "Listen up you all. Two or so months ago, you all challenged us to prove that Project Epsilon was a project of its own accord and not part of something else; with nearly all of you practically laughing in our faces, I might add. Now I believe we've satisfied that challenge and with a great deal of professionalism despite you all not deserving it. For example, you General Willard. I know damn well you didn't read a single word of our reports. Your earlier question proved it."

General Willard looked like he was about to shout something but Dahlgen's continued tirade kept his mouth shut.

"Don't say anything General," Dahlgen continued on. "Your words would be useless to me, my team, and possibly even insulting. I can't stop you all from being suspicious and pessimistic, but you all damn well better keep one thing in mind. If we're right, Project Epsilon will be completed in less than thirty days and a new Mass Shadow Generator will exist. The minute it does, the Empire will use it on whatever planet they choose to and they will put a spin on it that undermines the Alliance's credibility. So the galaxy at large will hold the Alliance responsible for the destruction of another world. And in a way they'll be right because right now, this minute, you all have the evidence in front of you. And yet you all are sitting on your jackasses debating its authenticity."

"What if you're wrong?" Leia Organa put the question to him directly.

Dahlgen spread his arms wide. "Then nothing happens. We're back at square one trying to figure out what Project Epsilon truly is." He thrust a finger in Leia's direction. "But let me ask you this one little miss High-and-Mighty. Can you or the Alliance in general afford for us to be right? Because if we are and you sit back and end up watching another planet go the way of Malachor Five and Alderaan, you all can kiss your little revolution movement goodbye. No one will trust you or want to join your cause after that. Bear one other thing in mind too. If we are right and the Mass Shadow Generator is activated again, the innocent blood spilled in its use will be just as much on the Alliance's hands as it will be on the Empire's. So I ask you all again, can you afford to sit back and do nothing if we're right?"

General Cracken smiled wryly. Dahlgen had definitely struck a nerve within High Command with that argument. The other members of High Command spent several minutes looking at one another as if expecting one of them to speak but finding out that none of them wanted to. Finally, Mon Mothma herself broke the awkward silence. "I uh, I think we should adjourn this meeting so we may speak amongst ourselves," she said sheepishly. "We'll be in touch Dahlgen."

"In that case, I urge you to keep your discussions about the matter incredibly short and to the damn point," Dahlgen responded. "Every moment that you all spend continuing to debate this in a committee is a moment closer to the Mass Shadow Generator going active."

Mon Mothma nodded once. "Noted Dahlgen."

"Force Revanchist out," Dahlgen announced. He made slashing motion across his throat and Dijas hit the disconnect button, terminating the link.

Taking in a deep breath of the crisp, if somewhat polluted Nar Shaddaa night air, Marsala stood alone on the balcony of apartment two. All around in front of him, buildings were lit up like beacons. On the streets below, twinkling neon lights beckoned locals and other travelers to their favorite watering holes, casinos or other entertainment venues. Air speeders whizzed by in all directions, some so close that they'd actually blast Marsala with a gust of wind.

This was the last night he was going to have with Hermia for an indefinite period. Because of that he'd cooked an intimate dinner for the two of them earlier. Or more accurately, he'd tried. It had turned out so bad that he'd given up, tossed it down the garbage chute and ordered some hot wings from the kiosk down the hall. Fortunately, Hermia had been a good sport about it and even appreciated his efforts to make their last evening together memorable.

He sensed her presence behind him and instant before she joined him on the balcony. "Hey there," Hermia said leaning against the balcony railing. "Whatcha doin'?"

"Oh, just listening to Nar Shaddaa's rhythm," Marsala replied.

A confused look appeared on Hermia's face. "Huh?"

Marsala smiled. It was difficult to explain the mysteries of the Force to those who couldn't feel it for themselves. "This planet, moon, whatever you want to call it, it has a rhythm, a beat. And that beat is comprised of all the beings and creatures who live here." He chuckled. "Granted, given where we are that rhythm is somewhat apathetic and greedy. But it's still there as it is for every inhabited world in the galaxy."

Hermia nodded, though she still didn't quite understand what he was talking about. "So, you think your father and the others will convince the Alliance about the Mass Shadow Generator?"

"If they don't now, then it's a lost cause," Marsala said. "They were pretty hard headed about it when we first mentioned the possibility to them. But then at the time we didn't have the evidence that we do now. It's been a long road to get it, so I hope the Alliance takes that into consideration."

Hermia nodded again. She turned around and leaned back against the railing. A gust of wind blew some her hair into her face and she brushed it back over her ear. Hermia then looked at Marsala who was still looking out over the endless cityscape of Nar Shaddaa. "I like you Marsala," she said.

He turned to face her. "I like you too Hermia. Very much."

She sighed heavily, a hint of sadness in her voice. "No I mean I really, really like you. And tomorrow I'm off to wherever you father's friends are going to hide us and you're back to doing whatever it is that you do." She turned to face him directly. "We haven't had that much time together but I'm going to miss you Marsala. I've kind of gotten used to having you around."

"I'll miss you too Hermia," he assured her.

Hermia was almost afraid to ask the next question. "Will we ever see each other again?"

Marsala smiled at her. "What does your heart tell you Hermia?"

Hermia smiled and nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, we will."

"Then we will," Marsala said confidently.

Hermia leaned in closer. Their lips were about to meet when Dannix suddenly bellowed from the other room, "We're back!"

Startled by everyone's return, Hermia suddenly backed away from Marsala. Before either of them could say anything, Juliette appeared in the doorway. "What are you two doing out here?" she wondered.

"Oh nothing," Marsala replied. "Just listening to Nar Shaddaa's rhythm."

With a sly smile, Juliette walked away and Rayna appeared in the door. "Can I talk to you a moment?" she asked Marsala.

Sensing that was her cue and not wanting to be further embarrassed, Hermia made an announcement. "I should go."

Marsala frowned. "You don't have to Hermia."

"No really, I should," she fumbled. "I uh, I have some packing I need to finish up before we depart tomorrow." She gave Marsala an embarrassed nod. "See you later." She made a similar comment to Rayna before making her exit.

Rayna sensed her timing couldn't have been worse. "I hope I didn't interrupt anything," she said apologetically.

Marsala shook his head. "Not really. Yeah, I was about to kiss her when uncle Dannix made his grand announcement. But as we got closer, something about it just didn't feel right." He looked at Rayna, smiled and shrugged. "I don't know. Probably just nerves. I've never truly kissed a girl after all."

Rayna found the comment somewhat amusing. "Never?"

"Nope," Marsala admitted. "Not once. Unless you count the handful of pecks that Hermia has stolen from me, which I don't."

Rayna smiled. "Well I've only known you a short time but if I may say so, whoever does get that first kiss from you will be a very lucky girl indeed."

Marsala glanced at her and laughed. "Thanks. Meh, I got time. I am only thirteen after all."

Rayna's smile widened and a brief thought flashed through her mind. A thought of her being Marsala's first kiss. Almost unconsciously, she licked her lips.

He must've sensed it because he somewhat sheepishly changed the subject. "Uh, you said you wanted to talk to me."

She shook herself back to reality. "Actually I wanted to ask you a question about your heritage," Rayna said. "Dahlgen said something during the meeting that got my attention and I wanted to know if it was true or not."

"If what was true?"

"If you and he were truly descendants of Revan?"

Marsala nodded in affirmation. "Yes Rayna, it's true. Dad is descended from Revan through his mother, my grandmother." He gestured towards General Xavier who was inside having a discussion of sorts with Dannix and Dijas. "His late wife."

"Did you ever know your grandmother?"

Marsala shook his head. "No. She died long before I was born. In fact, dad was younger than I am now when she died."

"So it is true," Rayna said. "I had a feeling it was. I just, I don't know, wanted confirmation I guess." She looked at Marsala with an admiring gaze. "I've studied Revan." She laughed. "Well, at least what the Onderonian educational system instructed us to study about him. It's a hell of a legacy for the two of you to live up to."

"Hasn't always been easy for either of us, I can assure you," Marsala told her. "Especially when you take into consideration what happened to my mother."

"Do you remember your mother at all?"

Again Marsala shook his head. "Not really. And what little I do remember is very painful to talk about."

"Do you feel anything for her?" Rayna sincerely was curious. "Anger? Resentment? Betrayal?"

"Of course I feel all those things to a certain degree," Marsala admitted. He turned and leaned against the balcony railing so that he was facing her. "But more than anything, I feel pity for her. Pity that instead of maintaining the path of wisdom and enlightenment, she chose the path of power and domination. Yet the only thing that path has led her to has been death, destruction, chaos and heartbreak. But she's too far gone to see the error of her own ways." He turned to face Rayna. "I suspect that's one of the admittedly near limitless reasons why dad took you in Rayna."

"What do you mean?"

"I suspect that dad sensed you were sensitive to the Force back when he helped you escape Onderon," Marsala replied. "Even if that sensation was only on the subconscious level. In the midst of your grief for your brother and your own father, you could've become susceptible to corrupt teachers and dark practices. Dad had to have recognized this and felt the only way to ensure you didn't follow that path was to give you the opposite path. The path to enlightenment. Because without it, without the tools to process what has happened to you and what you are capable of, you would surely have gone down the same path that my mother now walks.

"No one is disputing that you still grieve for your brother and your father," Marsala continued. "But how you deal with that grief, with those emotions, can very well determine what path you walk. Light and dark, they're just choices. If you choose to walk in darkness, you will. And if you choose to walk in light, you will. This is important for you to realize Rayna because anyone can be tempted by the dark side. You, me, Katya, Maris and even dad. None of us are immune from it."

Rayna slowly nodded understandingly. "I understand what you're saying Marsala. And if what you say is true, then I am forever grateful to Dahlgen for giving me this opportunity."

"It's true if your heart wishes it to be true," Marsala said reassuringly. "Not everything can be said so simply like that. But in this case, it can."

Rayna smiled. "Thanks Marsala."

"Thank you," he insisted. "That's the first time I've talked about my feelings for my mother, such as they are, in a long time." He looked inside the apartment at the others. "Incidentally, where is dad?"

Rayna shrugged. "Beats me. After we left the ship, he said he had something to take care of and wandered off."

Marsala was puzzled. "Hmmm."

The Jewel of Kashyyyk

Morning on Nar Shaddaa brought new life and promises of new experiences to everyone as it always did on every inhabited world in the galaxy. Up early with the rising sun, Katya Saren and Raquel Pherredyne decided to treat themselves to breakfast at the Jewel of Kashyyyk. For years, Huuruundar had been serving an "early riser – late sleeper" meal special to early weekday morning patrons. On this particular morning, the place was relatively empty save for a few late night workers desperate for a bite to eat before heading home to bed.

As she and Raquel seated themselves at a booth, Katya caught sight of a familiar figure seated at the far end of the counter. "Hey Dahlgen," she called out. "When did you get here?"

For a second, Katya didn't think Dahlgen had heard her, but then he turned around part way and saw her. "Huh? Oh. Uh, not long Katya. Ten or fifteen minutes maybe."

"Well get on over here then big guy," Raquel encouraged. "Join us for breakfast, hmm?"

Dahlgen ignored them, turning instead back towards the morning news program he was apparently watching.

It wasn't like Dahlgen to turn away from his friends and Katya sensed something was amiss. "Dahlgen, what's wrong?"

Before she could pry further, Huuruundar arrived at the table. Morning ladies, he greeted them cheerfully. What what you like for breakfast today?

Katya ignored Huuruundar's question and instead pointed to Dahlgen. "What's with him this morning Hooroo?"

Huuruundar shrugged. Beats me, he said. Hasn't had much to say since he got here. And don't you dare believe what he just told you about only being here ten or fifteen minutes.

"He's been here longer then?" Katya asked.

Oh yes, Huuruundar replied. Quite a bit a longer.

"Let me guess," Raquel said. "A couple hours?"

Try all night, Huuruundar corrected her.

Katya and Raquel were both stunned. "What?" Katya said with surprise.

That's what I said, Huuruundar confirmed. Came in here last night around nine, plopped himself down in that chair and he's been there ever since. Hasn't been in a real talkative mood either. The boys and I tried to find out what was going on with him, but he only muttered something about thinking that you know someone only to discover you never knew them at all. Finally we gave up and left him alone.

The news worried Katya and Raquel even more. "Is he feeling okay?" Katya wondered. "Has he eaten anything at all since he's been here?"

A little bit, Huuruundar confirmed. He's also had quite a few beers in that time, though he stopped drinking about three hours ago.

Katya and Raquel were genuinely concerned. "What gives?" Katya wondered.

Forgive me for being rude, but uh, may I get you something for breakfast? Huuruundar said, reminding them both of why he'd come to the table in the first place.

"Ah, sorry," Katya apologized. "How about a steak cooked medium well, scrambled eggs, a bowl of whatever fruit you have on hand and a large coffee to wash it all down please Hooroo."

You got it, Huuruundar answered and he looked at Raquel.

"Two," Raquel replied.

Coming right up ladies, Huuruundar said and headed off to fetch their orders.

"I'll be right back," Katya said to Raquel. She got up and walked over to Dahlgen who sensed her approach, but didn't turn towards her. "Hey Dahlgen, what's up?"

He didn't bother to face her. "Not much Katya," he said.

"You sure about that?" Katya demanded a straight answer. "Because you don't look okay."

"I'm fine," Dahlgen insisted, still without turning to face her. "Why do you ask?"

"Hooroo tells me you've been sitting here all night," Katya responded to his question. "Do you even know what time it is?"

Truth be told, Dahlgen had no idea and he looked at his timepiece. It surprised him. "Geez. Is that really the time?"

"Yeah it is." Katya confirmed it. "You mean to tell me you've been sitting here for nearly ten hours and had no idea?"

"No, I didn't," Dahlgen replied honestly. Truth be told, the past several hours were something of a blur to him. He only remembered coming in, sitting down, thinking about the report Maris had given him the day before and ordering a couple beers. Other than that, he had very little recollection of what he'd been doing up until Katya called his name a moment ago.

Katya knew something was bothering Dahlgen a great deal and she took a seat on the stool next to him. He looked like hell and she couldn't stand seeing the man she considered to be her brother in a state like this. "Dahlgen what's wrong?" she asked sweetly. "You obviously haven't slept in ages. This isn't like you."

"No it isn't is it?" he said. He finally looked at Katya, then quickly looked away at nothing in particular. "You know, you think you know people and yet they can still surprise you. You think you can trust people and yet they can still stab you in the back. You think you know everything there is to know about a person and yet one day you find yourself wondering if you ever really knew that person at all. I really thought I knew her. I really did. Was I ever wrong or what?"

Katya wrinkled her brow in complete confusion. What was he talking about? "What? Who her? Me? Maris? Juliette? Raquel? Your ex?"

Dahlgen refused to say anymore however. Instead he tossed forty credits onto the bar as payment for his tab and finally rose from his seat. "Excuse me Katya, I've got to go." He gave her a friendly pat on the arm and headed for the exit.

"Wait Dahlgen," Katya called after him. "What are you doing?"

"I'm going to settle an issue that needs settling once and for all," he said.

33