Chapter XVII: Outside the Wall

Administrator Loch - Day 5 - Ordel, Romesch District

''Counting votes, standby. Logged - displaying results. ''IAR-Act'' by Councilor Katherine. Results: 54.5% percent in agreement. Resolution passed pending administrator review. Logging off.''

As soon as the protocol droid's voice dampened, a row of cheers erupted from the left-wing of the city hall, followed by a couple of groans from the other. Administrator Richard Loch sighed before he raised his hand, silencing the rowdy crowd swiftly.

''As acting Imperial Administrator, I authorize the article dubbed ''IAR-ACT''. Discussion on this matter is now closed until further notice. This officially finishes today's session - ''

''This is pathetic, administrator. Why is it that they are allowed to plant whatever they wish on Ordel's fields? Stone Town has quotas to fill, our beloved Empire ... - ''

Kill me.

Not even trying to hide the annoyance that crept through his body, Richard looked down from his elevated seat towards Councilman Milton, punishing the man with a scoff like no other. He knew that he grew more aggressive with his political ploys ever since the situation on the outskirts became worse. A factor that he might not have fully supported, but tolerated, given that the more ''critical thinking'' councilmen and women on the other side were hit in the crossfire he created as well. But to so openly challenge both him and his title as Administrator in the front of the collected government was brazen, even for a man as grandstanding as him.

''Councilor, in case you've failed to notice: I speak for the Empire. I alone. It is up to me to decide what is good for it and what isn't. Our resources are spare as it is already, I won't waste the men on the farms.'' Richard said in a calm, yet stern voice. He wanted this to be over already, badly. There were hundred other things that required his attention, the councilman's illusions of grandeur certainly weren't on that list.

''One would need to ask themself, however - how comes it was your former sister-in-law that passed the resolution? How can my faction be assured that your loyalties remain pure? Certainly, you have heard of the increasing number of rebel cells spreading havoc? Raada. Mon Cala. Umbara. We can't let Ordel become the next victims of those revolutionaries!''

The entire room turned dead silence, all of their eyes focused on Loch as his scorn turned into an expression of rage. Before he could scream at the foolish man however, he took a deep breath and calmed himself. That was Milton's entire goal: to weaken his credibility in front of the others. A trap he refused to step into. Alas, Loch knew the flow of politics better than any of them, especially the daring councilman.

''Two reasons. First - '' he pointed squarely at him ''the fact that I won't execute you for these words should show you that I put the Empire's interests above my own. Secondly, I certainly find it interesting that you of all people would bring loyalty into play. Or how else would you explain your nightfall visits to the farms?''

Perhaps in this case, it was foul play, but Loch always spoke his words with surgical precision. It was no great secret that Milton based his entire political identity on a set of classical ''imperial family values'', as he liked to call it. Proud patriots that would greatly die for the cause, the same old spiel that he had to hear ever since the Empire rose into power. What was a secret, however, was the fact that Milton also cheated on his wife. If said knowledge would find its way into the public, he was sure to lose the support of his base. Luckily for him, Loch needed Milton. With the current political climate of Ordel, he required someone to weaken the more anti-imperial members of government, even if they'd never be so foolish as to openly declare themselves as such. Then, neither Ordel's relative irrelevance nor his already merciful enough approach to politics would protect them from the long reach of the Empire. And then there was the fact that whoever would replace Milton was probably more of a pain in the ass than he was - and that said a lot.

The councilman stormed out of the building in a hurry, conjuring up whispers of his colleagues that were talking about why exactly he reacted as he did. Music to his ears, if anyone would've asked him. Soon, the others joined him, leaving only him and Councilor Katherine behind.

''He's right, though. Our former ties appear questionable in a lot of ways, no matter the falseness of such claims.''

Richard shut his terminal down and glared over to Katherine, who was stepping towards him in a quiet manner. Even now, it still surprised him how much she looked like his late wife. They might've been sisters, but if anyone would've told him that they were twins? He would've believed that in a heartbeat. The same caramel skin, the same blue eyes and black hair: sometimes the shared appearance unsettled him in more ways than one.

''Milton isn't exactly the brightest tool in the hangar, forget him. My people will deal with it.''

''The Councilman still leads one of the biggest parties within Ordel, next to yours. Another reason we shouldn't be on private terms inside of these halls, Councilor.''

She rolled her eyes fiercely at that. Katherine was always rebellious, even when they were still children. A circumstance he gladly welcomed, given that it only highlighted the already few differences between her and his late wife, Sarah. In a dark and twisted way, it helped to recall how spitefull Katherine could act from time to time, if only to tell his brain that Sarah was long gone, no matter how much Katherine looked like her.

''Give it a rest, Richard. I'm too tired for this shit. Are the kids still coming later?''

He rose from his seat and strolled over to the exit, waiting for her to follow him.

''Yes. Elisabeth will be over after her visit to Blue Gate ... she's still looking for an instructor, so be prepared for her usual mood. Miranda should already be on her way if her studies are already finished.''

Without saying goodbye, Loch opened the door to his private office and closed it behind him quickly. It was already bad enough that their relation was pulled into this mess, he certainly didn't need to talk about their personal lives as long as they were in city hall. Not with things going as they currently were, at any rate. Stepping over to the window, he directed his eyesight onto the mountains, scoffing plainly while he did so. There was another attack, one of the farmers on the outskirts. Torn to pieces in the middle of the night, right in front of her husband and the kids. Even the mercenaries they hired weren't able to fend them all off - some managed to sneak by and made their way to Stone Town. Speaking of ...

''Why is the Empire paying you if you're unable to do your job?''

From behind him, he heard the squeak of a chair as a man clad in leather armor stepped towards him. Grimacing as the smell of bad alcohol penetrated his nose, he faced the man in question head-on, anger caressing the wrinkles in his face.

''Hold up, loverboy. Our job is to kill as many as we can up there - and not down here in that city of yours. We're already bleeding Cred's as it is, I'm not going to get my boys killed for you until you pay better ... but as I've heard, that isn't an option, eh boss?''

He was right, it certainly wasn't. Ever since the Empire withdrew the majority of its forces from Ordel, they were left with an economy that might as well have been a death sentence for them. If it wasn't for his radical shift towards agriculture, Stone Town would've been nothing but another ruin lost in time. However, all dreams of a bright future for the remote planet were lost as soon as the local animal population started to attack the people. Worst of all was that nobody knew why. From one day to the next, everything wild on four legs suddenly turned savage without any prior indications or explanations. And given that the Heartland, the seat of their farming production, was outside of the city's walls, every attack not only meant more innocent lives lost, it also damaged the core of the already weakened economy. A deadly combination with no solution in sight.

''You'll get more Credits once I see results. Until then, you've got your orders. Keep those ... blasted things in the mountains and away from Stone Town. You're dismissed.''

The administrator walked back to the window and began to stroke his chin. The growing influence of Katherine and her party, Milton's increasing lust for power and those bloodthirsty beasts. Three problems he had to solve, one way or another.

''I'll better get to work, then.'' he said to himself ere he sat down, typing away at his terminal until sleep claimed him.

Cal - Day 5 - Ordel, the Mantis

Cal put away his lightsaber carefully, happy with the modifications he did to it. Thinking that a break was in order, he walked back to his room and grabbed his set of earpieces from his bed, throwing himself onto it shortly afterward. Nothing better to soothe the soul than some catching music, a lesson he soon learned as his time on Bracca went on. He didn't quite know how long he lay there spread out on his bunk, but no matter how long it truly was, he enjoyed every second of it. Mostly growing up in either the Jedi temple or a Venator, Cal soon got used to the lack of personal space that they brought with them. There was something magical in spending time alone and only with your thoughts. Perhaps those feelings were only the results of Tapal's countless meditation sessions, but Cal always looked forward to those sparse moments when it was only him.

His serenity was soon interrupted, however, as a strange yet certainly sweet smell clenched to his nostrils. He opened his eyes in surprise, seeing that Trilla stood before him, a big plastic cup of something held tightly in her hands. Quickly, he took off his earpieces as he looked at her in confusion, unsure of what was about to happen.

''Kestis - it's obvious you like Caf. Here, it's for you. Enjoy.'' she chirped hastily, not looking him into his eyes before she turned around and tried to walk out of the door.

''Wait what ... hold up!''

He darted out of his bed and ran towards her, almost tipping over his legs before he managed to stop her.

''Thank you, Trilla. That's so nice of you. But you do know it isn't my birthday, right?''

She stood there in dead silence, underneath the arch between his room and the rest of the ship. He watched as she shook her head before she turned around, smiling slightly at him. Could this be it? Would she trust himself enough to open a bit, if only a little?

''I'd like to say that this would be a pathetic excuse of a birthday gift, but something tells me that nobody on this ship would know what a good one entails.'' she stated quietly.

That much was certainly true, he thought. Especially in her case. Never the less, he pointed towards the table, planting himself on his bunk while Trilla crossed her arms in front of her chest and placed herself on the edge of the small table.

''Listen, Trilla ... I just wanted to apologize. For before. I shouldn't have pressed you like that, not so suddenly. Perhaps I shouldn't have done that in general. So yeah, I'm really sorry. Let's just forget that, alright?''

He truly did feel sorry. When he saw her, those words left his mouth quicker than his mind could even work through them, no doubt adding to his embarssement - not to mention his feeble attempts at pretending to work on his lightsaber shortly afterward. Once she left, Cal thought about how he'd feel if he was in her position, and he didn't like to entertain that line of thought one bit. From everything he has gathered, no matter through the Force or through their shared past, Trilla probably had to endure unspeakable things under the influence of the Dark Side. The last thing she needed was for him to add to those memories.

''I ... '' she stuttered and looked away from him once more ''listen, Kestis. As I said, I know what sort of influence I carry around with myself, given my past. And no, I'm not ready to talk about ... all of this, not yet. Not with you, not with Cere - not with anyone. Truth be told, I hardly try to think about it myself. All of the things I did ... the Jedi, the Dark Side. Two philosophies clashing constantly within me, both of them proving to be equally flawed for me. And the Force ... it's as if I can feel it in the air, feel a spark of electricity on my tongue. A gust of wind, but nothing more. Damn it, I feel to tense and yet so numb. I can't even explain it. Attuned to the flow of the Force, yet not able to use it. It sickens me to my core.''

Knowing that now was certainly not the time to debate philosophy with her, Cal glanced at her with sympathy in his eyes. He couldn't even begin to think how she had to feel right now, after everything that has transpired. Light and Dark were opposites on every count, beginning with the emotions required and ending with the goals their respective followers wished to achieve. To have those two worlds clash constantly had to be a nightmare for everyone.

She locked her eyes with his before she shrugged.

''Let me tell you something ... regard it as an offering of peace. I don't wish to talk about the Inquisitorius or the Empire, but ... ''

She marched back over the door before she threw one last look at him.

''if it pleases you, we can talk about other matters. On a regular basis, I mean. Force knows, something tells me that you're probably the person on board that wouldn't judge me - which is ironic, considering that I tried to kill you on multiple occasions.''

Cal gleed at that. He was thankful for her words, as it showed him that his presence had a positive effect on her. If talking about the most random things in the galaxy would help her mend her wounds, it'd be worth it. Rest assured, he was proud that Trilla would even consider talking to him like that. He only hoped that his companionship would help her along her future path.

''I'd like that, Trilla. Really. You've got my ears if you need them.''

And once she was already almost out of his room, she dropped one final surprise on him.

''Oh, and by the way ... Cere wants us to get jobs, the Mantis is damaged and we're stuck here. We'll talk about it over a shared dinner, so prepare for that.''

... What? Jobs? The Mantis ...

... damn it.

Relor - Day 5 - Somewhere in the Red Light District, Nar Shaddaa

''Scanning: Targets in optimal range. Thanks for using Czerka Arms. Czerka - anytime, anywhere ... we're there!''

His finger twitched slightly as he caressed the trigger of his rifle, its scope trained solely on the heads of the approaching thugs. He had to give credit where credit was due: this recon-unit he got from the kids was worth the money, even for Czerka equipment. It wouldn't be long now until they'd step right into the nearby planted set of tripwire mines. Then it would be a matter of seconds for Relor to thin their numbers, enough for them to retreat and leave them alone for good. That was what he hoped, at least. Once could never know what the Hutts were up to, especially on territory they considered their turf. Ashla be damned, if the past few days were any indication of things to come, Nar Shaddaa would soon be more grittier and harsh than he could've ever imagined. Right now, you couldn't even walk for half an hour without someone being put against a wall and getting shot - if they were lucky. Without the Boss to serve as an buffer between the crimelords and the Hutts, chaos has claimed the bloodied streets of the district. And although he didn't yet grasp who exactly found themself in power now, it was no secret anymore that the Hutts wouldn't tolerate a middle man anymore. Relor didn't need the countless speakers blasting propaganda through the alleys to realize that - even if they did start to hurt his head with all of their collected bullshit they spewed.

''Mr. Relor, sir. Are we going to be alright ... s-should we run?''

He lifted his finger before he took a deep breath. With a loud thud, a green blaster bolt danced over the tip of his rifle, killing one of the attackers outright. Not even a second passed ere a set of explosions made the ground beneath his bare toes vibrate, the mines no doubt doing more damage to them than he could've ever done. Relor put his rifle against the wall and looked down at the young orphan.

''If you run on Nar Shaddaa, you're already dead. It's just a matter of time. You don't run, you retreat.'' he glared down at his stiffed leg, nodding in approval as his wound didn't seem to hinder his movement that much anymore. Without the bacta to save him from death's grasp, Relor severely doubted that he'd be standing here today. Speaking of which -

''But you'll learn. You have to. If you don't ... you know. I don't want you all to charge into danger head-on. I just don't want you to hide. Be smart about it, prepare your moves and wait for the perfect opportunity. Just don't run or hide ... eventually, it will all creep up to you.'' quickly, Relor glared over to the scorched remains of the Tower, cursing under his breath as he did so ''believe me. Still, that should've been the last of them. The rifle is yours to keep - my old one was ruined recently anyway and that one is better for beginners, too. Just remember what I taught you about aiming and breathing. Did you store the Credits I gave you as instructed?''

The young man nodded hastily. He was a smart one, Relor thought. Perhaps naive, but certainly smarter than average. They'll do fine with him in charge, as long as they remember everything he told them.

''Yes! I hid them away with the meds and those blaster pistols of yours. In a sturdy, yet mobile storage. Just as you told us! And that Czerka droid will help, too!''

Relor smiled at that. It was the least he could do for them. After his defeat at the hands of Cal Kestis, Relor strolled through the streets of Nar Shaddaa like a soulless thrall, bleeding out of his leg at every step he took. Although he failed to recall the details, he knew that something whispered to him, guiding him through the narrow alleys and right into the orphans arms. It was them who cared for him in exchange for protection against the Hutts numerous acts of aggression. But now, he did everything he could for them. It was time for Relor to leave, for both of their sakes. Anyone that managed to take the Boss down had to know about his network as well. He wouldn't be surprised if the bounty hunters he once worked side at side with were already on the lookout for him, driven by the Hutts almost endless coffins of Credits.

''Alright son, come here.''

With a slight grunt, Relor kneeled down in front of the boy, putting one of his hands on his shoulders as he looked him into his eyes.

''Thank you. You didn't have to help me ... and perhaps you shouldn't have been so trusting of me. But it all worked out in the end, didn't it? But from now on, you need to be careful. I know that I don't need to sugar coat if for you all, but still: things are bad now. Way worse than under the Boss. He, at least, wouldn't waste life like that without profit. Those slugs, though ... ''

''I know. We know. We'll move on, leave the sector, perhaps. I heard that there are other orphans over in the Chemical Sector, maybe we'll check it out.''

Giving him a final clasp, Relor stood up and turned around. He wasn't one for long goodbyes, no matter how much he wished for the opposite to be true. So he just marched past him, making his way to a nearby set of stairs until the lad's voice rang past his ears anew.

''Where are you going now, by the way? Will you leave Nar Shaddaa?''

Question of the century. What was he supposed to do now? He couldn't stay, that much was certain. At this point, all of Hutt Space might as well be deadly for him. Yesterday, he checked into some of his old contacts, trying to get a read on the current state of the galaxy. There were some ideas that were promising, at least. Empire always offered good work on numerous planets. And although he didn't harbor much love for Palpatine, he wouldn't bite the hand that fed him. For example, he heard that Ordel - a pathetic excuse of a planet somewhere in the Mid Rim, looked for people to keep the local animal population in line. Irrelevant, not so oppressing for the people living there and right in the heart of the Empire: a job that wouldn't toy with his morals that much while still paying enough to feed him. He needed that, now more than ever.

''You know I can't tell you that. But I'll try to be careful.''

Without any of them ushering another word, Relor walked away. There was never much that bound him to Nar Shaddaa, minus the Credits he acquired by working for the Boss. It wasn't that he was going to miss the planet per se - how could anyone in their right mind miss the Smuggler's Moon? No, it was something else, something more subtle. Relor was going to miss the man he became here. The events and trauma that defined him, all of it somehow connected to the planet. No matter the circumstance, he'd have to begin anew now. Was he strong enough for such a big step? What if this version of Relor would remain here?

You are. Trust only in the Force.

Perhaps Ordel was the start of something new, something better for him. All of the constant betrayal and killing, it left scars on him. Some of them would never probably heal. But he could try - no matter whether he succeeded or not, he could still choose for himself. A lot of people left here couldn't claim the same for them. And thus, Relor left. It would all work out for him, in the end. It always did.

AN: AN for this and next chapter coming ... well, next chapter!