It was a relatively big camp, bigger then most. That had it's pros and cons. It would be able to defend itself better, but the Xeronian Seekers would be able to find it easier.

The people were a wide variety of races, Bimms, Humans, Aqualish, Bothans, Calamari, you name it. That was also a rarity, since when the invasion started in earnest, races began to keep together and became particularly violent to outsiders.

But despite the advances this small "colony" was making, they still kept their distance from me. I carried a lightsaber and was therefore Jedi, it is well known that we are doom on two feet.

A ragged, elderly man approached me, the way he stood, and the sense I got from him, led me to believe he was the unofficial leader of this group. He warily extended his hand towards me, I accepted it with a firm shake. Instantly, the tension in the air decreased, I had obviously done something right.

"I'd like to thank you for saving our lives young man, weÕre very grateful.Ó

ÒIt was nothing.Ó I said, it felt weird to speak, IÕve been alone for so long that IÕm not used to talking.

ÒNo, it wasnÕt nothing, most people now would have let my people be torn to pieces by that damn beast. I remember the time when everyone treated each other with decency.Ó

A few paces away, a ragged young human male laughed. His face was drawn back into a twisted smirk as he moved his gaze from the old man and me.

ÒRight Chalco, we all have heard your stories about the Ôgood olÕ daysÕ with the grand protection of SkywalkerÕs Jedi Knights and the Glorious New Republic.Ó The old man, Chalco, spun to face the youth, scowling.

ÒImpertinent young pup! How dare you speak of our civilization that way? Our way of life? Our people!ÓAnother young male crossed his arms in defiance, I shook my head. What was it with rebellious teenagers? The two male humans stepped forward to Chalco, tall and muscular, they dwarfed their elder. I let my hand drop towards my lightsaber in case things started heating up.

ÒKnock it off Zane, we donÕt need your testosterone battles here.Ó The girl I had rescued earlier, stepped between the two opposing parties. Zane blinked in shock and stepped back from the girl.

ÒHey, Shari, we werenÕt doinÕ nothinÕÓ He stammered, raising his hands. Shari glared at him.

ÒThen letÕs keep it that way,Ó she turned towards me, her eyes now held a much more friendly light, ÒI apologize stranger, for these boysÕ bad manners. They just donÕt know when to keep their mouths shut.Ó She sent another glare of fire at the boys, who had now retreated to the back of the crowd. ÒSo, what brings you here? Looking for family?Ó Shari asked me, genuine curiosity in her eyes and mind. The crowd around us began to disperse, and soon, was just me,Chalco and Shari.

ÒMy familyÕs all dead.Ó I stated simply, ShariÕs eyes widened.Chalco nodded grimly, his eyes took on a dim light.

ÒMilitary family?Ó He asked, I shrugged.

ÒSort of.Ó

ÒWhich one of your parents the Jedi?Ó I was silent, now he shrugged. He smiled slightly, Òrelax boy, I was just wondering. I had some dealings with Jedi myself. Young fellow by the name of Anakin Skywalker, heard of him?Ó

I felt my body go cold.

ÒWho hasnÕt?Ó

ÒRight, anyway. Good lad, not at all the stereotypical Jedi, he had a noble soul,ÓChalco shook his head sadly, ÒI was devastated when I heard about his death at the hands of those bastards.Ó

ÒHm.Ó

ÒIt seemed to be shock that started everything, a few months later his brother and father were killed. His mother a couple of years later, and when the Vong hit Courscant fourteen years ago, Skywalker and his wife, Mara Jade, were killed.Ó Chalco was watching my face carefully, he trying for a reaction. But why? I remained a statue, if he wanted something, he would have to come out and say it. ÒI was only just last year,Ó he continued, Òthat the last of them, Jaina Solo was reported dead.Ó

ÒQuite the tragity.Ó I remarked softly.

Chalco turned to Shari, ÒWill you be so kind as to fetch us something to eat?Ó He asked politely, her brow furrowed, as if she was annoyed that she was to excluded from this conversation. But she replied: ÒCertainly father.Ó When Shari has moved out of ear shot, Chalco spoke again.

ÒNow I am old, and my memory is failing, but you young sir look an awful lot like the late Mara Jade.Ó

ÒSo?Ó

ÒThere have been no death reports for her and Luke SkywalkerÕs son, Ben Skywalker.Ó

Silence hung in the air between us, I tilted my head and cocked and eyebrow.

ÒShould I bother denying it?Ó