The Storm

by Djuva

After the victories won the New Republic faces a new threat from without a mysterious alien race and an old one: the Empire. Palpatine's legacy is still haunting the heroes of The Art of War, and it hits one of them particularly hard, when the plans bot

4. Chapter 3 - Broken Bonds

Chapter 3 - Broken Bonds

Bringing the Morning Glory out of hyperspace smoothly, Luke gave his co-pilot a pleased smile. But she was not even looking at him. Nuron's golden eyes were fixed straight ahead on the strange world

spinning on its axis slowly as it glided on its predestined course through the galaxy. Niaruan. He could sense the powerful presence of three Force-users, Chi'in, Puket and Naas Deron, if he was any judge. The former Sith warriors had found a new home in the Outer Rim, and a new base on Niaruan. Luke was truly looking forward to seeing them again, especially Chi'in. The Noghri reminded him of Master Yoda, and he was already missing his old master.

Yoda's death had surprised him, and even though over the past days they had spent in hyperspace on their way here he had tried to come to terms with the fact that he was gone, Luke still felt adrift. He could see no true purpose in his life. Perhaps he was a Jedi Knight now, but what was he to do? Was there still a place for him? His father had been vague, when asked about the future, as if it were not his affair any longer. Luke did not understand why Anakin would not teach him, as if he feared that his lessons might endanger his son.

He shivered, remembering Roj Kell's words the first and last time he had come face to face with the ancient Sith. Kell had told him that he did not know enough of life or the Force yet. Was that true? Did he not know enough yet? Perhaps Chi'in could help him find a way into the future.

Suddenly a feeling as sharp as a blade tore through his mind, an arrow of pleading and determination that remained for a heart-beat. "Leia?" he whispered. Nuron looked at him sharply.

"What is it?"

"I thought I felt—"

"What?"

"I am not sure. I think she is in danger somehow."

"Can you contact her?"

He tried. "She is too far away. The feeling was not clear either. Maybe it is nothing."

The Zabrak smiled warmly. "You are worried for her, yes?"

Luke nodded slowly. "I guess."

"But Han Solo is with her. He is a competent man and he knows how to protect her, if she did not know herself. Your sister is strong and smart. No one will be able to surprise her."

"You are right." Running a hand over the smooth knobs raised on her forehead, Luke bent forward to kiss her softly. "But I will call Coruscant nevertheless once we are onplanet. I am really looking forward to visiting Thrawn's 'secret base'."

"Chi'in says it is not that interesting."

"Oh my, then he really must be bored. He never ever complained about Korriban," Luke quipped.

"Lord Kell always made sure that everyone went on tiptoe. Life certainly never got boring back then."

Luke gave her a long, incredulous look. Nuron was three years younger than he, but right now she sounded like five years his senior—at least five years. What was wrong? "Don't tell me you miss the old man."

"Don't be ridiculous!" Nuron exclaimed and rubbed a hand over her left cheek unconsciously. "I don't miss him at all!"

"Good." Luke could not suppress a grin. "Mother said she fell in love with him, just a little bit. I am still not sure whether she truly meant it or if it was just to tease Father."

Nuron burst out laughing. "No!"

"Father was furious."

"I can imagine." Nuron nodded toward the planet. "Let's get her down there and meet our friends."

Grand Admiral Thrawn, standing on the bridge of the Super Star Destroyer Executor, squinted into the darkness of space beyond the giant forward viewport. There, spread out among the stars, rested the carcasses of at least fifty battle-ships. He had found three more such graveyards over the past weeks, all situated deep in the Unknown Territories. The Executor had patrolled the entire perimeter a few months ago already, but he had returned on a hunch, sensing that something was wrong. And his aide had shared his worries.

Raising his left hand he snapped his fingers once, his red eyes glowing faintly. There was a movement at his side, a slight change in the air.

"Sir?"

"What do you make of this?"

The Falleen who had joined his side cocked his head to one side, as if listening. "I should be able to pick up the residues of what happened here, but... Your men confirmed the date?"

"Three weeks ago. We were just a few clicks away when this happened. You did not sense anything back then either."

"No."

"Any ideas who could be behind this?"

"I fear not."

Thrawn suppressed a sigh. He would very much have preferred Chi'in over Cronn, but the Noghri had declined the offer of a post as his personal aide. The Falleen was competent, no doubt about that, but unfortunately he had no clue about the Unknown Regions or its dangers. There were things out there that no Jedi had ever known about, and only few Sith. Before leaving Coruscant Thrawn had asked Mon Mothma to be assigned as Roj Kell's guardian, confident that their common goals would allow him to keep the ancient Sith in check, but she had refused. Perhaps that had been for the best, after all.

"Cronn, I want you to establish a secure channel to Coruscant. Get me Roj Kell. Maybe he knows something about this."

"Yes, sir."

Fifteen minutes later he had joined the Falleen in the bridge's conference room. Instead of the ancient Sith though, he was facing Mon Mothma.

"Madam President," he acknowledged her with a tiny bow. "An honor. Although I had expected someone else."

"Cronn has told me already. Unfortunately I have bad news for you. Roj Kell is dead."

"Dead?" Thrawn was slightly taken aback. "That is indeed unfortunate. How?"

"We assume natural causes."

"You assume? I would have thought your scientists would have leapt on the opportunity to examine a three-thousand-year-old corpse. That means you do not have the body."

Her lips twitched in a thin smile. "True."

"Then how do you know he is dead?"

"It is logical. Master Yoda was first to pass away, and a few hours later Lord Kell followed."

"Followed. I see. What did Lord Skywalker have to say?"

"He is a suspicious man, Grand Admiral. He confirmed, though, that Kell's presence has disappeared."

"I for one will not believe he's dead unless I see his body."

Mon Mothma shook her head slowly. "Perhaps I could assist you with your request instead?"

"With all due respect, that I doubt very strongly. What about Lord Skywalker? Could I speak to him?"

"I have a question of my own, Grand Admiral," she began, ignoring him. "I have heard rumors that there is a possible threat out there. Can you handle it?"

"That is what I wanted to ask Lord Kell, actually. There are maybe one hundred wrecked ships floating around out there."

She bit her lower lip softly. "Grand Admiral, I am President of the New Republic. If there is something out there that might threaten the New Republic I want to be the first to know. Is that clear?"

He gave her a long look. So that was it. Smiling at her he nodded. "Madam President, we may have been allies in the past, but I am neither your watchdog nor your bullyboy, and if I do not want to inform you, I have my reasons too. The reason right now is that the events are complicated enough even for a warrior's mind. You would simply not understand. I had hoped that Lord Kell might give me some clarity about this."

"Not my watchdog? Grand Admiral, need I remind you that you yourself profit from the New Republic?"

"No, I did not forget that. But I also need not remind you that the Chiss will not exchange one overlord for another. We agreed on a fair partnership, an alliance, but I am not the lesser partner of that deal, Mon Mothma."

"I never meant to imply any such thing. But please, for the sake of security, keep me informed on what is happening. If you need help, we will of course grant it, if it does not endanger our own borders."

"Of course. Thank you."

Mon Mothma hesitated, but then her voice took on an almost commanding tone. "Grand Admiral, you know I am grateful for your assistance in the past, and for your continued alliance with us. But I have to respect the wishes of the people. They do not want visible reminders of the past, all they want is to feel safe again."

He gave her a cold smile. "We all want that, Mon Mothma. It has been nice talking to you again, but I have a mystery to investigate. If you will excuse me?"

"Certainly. I did not mean to take up too much of your precious time."

"Good. I am sure you also have a lot to do. Good luck with that." Deactivating the comm, he stared off into the distance pensively. What was going on?

"Sir? While you were busy I received another message," Cronn told him. "Apparently Luke Skywalker and Nuron Sarin have arrived at Niaruan."

"Perfect. Set course for the planet then. Maybe they can tell me more."

They had left the ship on Bespin for the sake of secrecy, but Belana had not been certain if it did not draw more attention when her charge simply burst out of thin air. The way she remembered him he would stand out anywhere, by his looks, his behavior, his aura. Yet he was surprisingly adept at keeping himself hidden. Currently he was limping through the depressingly low hallways of Kala'uun, Ryloth's major spaceport. The sound of giant fans propelling fresh air through large ventilation shafts was like a slow and steady heart-beat, and Belana had the eerie feeling that the city itself was something organic, a large creature of some kind.

"You are learning," Kell whispered softly.

She did not answer. Having been called back into this realm for the sole purpose of being his guide, she had a hard time concentrating on her task. So much had changed. He was not affected by that, naturally. Luckily, she thought, when another slender Twi'lek female hurried past, her exotic features pretty enough to make any male stare, but Kell ignored her, which made Belana feel strangely pleased. A specter should not be able to feel jealousy, but then, a Jedi Master should not fall in love with a Sith either. When she had been his apprentice over two thousand years ago, she had only begun to learn perceiving the Force from another point of view, a skewed one, as she had found back then. Now it was his turn to learn to combine his unique perception with that of the Jedi.

"What are we looking for again?" she asked at last.

"A way to change this little corner of the galaxy," he explained with a soft laugh.

Belana would give much to know what he was thinking right then, to get a glimpse at his immediate feelings, but ever since she had freed him back on Coruscant, he had been a blind spot to the Force; or rather, she could not really see him because of the Force. Her vision was limited by her own experiences, her own past, even though she had joined the flow of the Force upon her death, like every being did at the end. Perhaps she had hoped to gain enlightenment on the way, but enlightenment could only be achieved through making an effort at understanding. The wisdom one had in the after-life was the same one had had upon one's death. It could evolve further, true, but there was no sudden omniscience. Unfortunately.

Yet she could sense the effects his actions had on the overall balance of the Force. The killings in the Outer Rim and the release of that immense reservoir of life force on Yavin 4 had not registered with her; there had been no great disturbances, the way she would have expected. And yet they had affected her too. She felt calmer somehow, more tranquil. It was very strange.

Rounding a corner, Kell made his way deeper into the port city. Corridors had been hacked into the mountains for miles upon miles, and they housed dwellings and shops and whatnot. It was a fascinating complex, actually. Belana had never been to Ryloth before. Sure, there had been a few Twi'lek Jedi Knights, but she had had other things to worry about than learn about their culture. Right now she wondered what her charge was planning.

"It is quite easy, really," he told her quietly. "Even though I do not like it, but I believe it will help the overall balance, especially with what is to come. The Twi'lek are adapting to the new circumstances, but the Hutts will prevent that, if they can. They could do so easily, I believe, unless the New Republic claims an interest in the Twi'lek's fate first. Until that happens, we have to buy time."

"What if the Hutts hold the Princess?" It was very satisfying to see him hesitate. Belana hated it that he could read her thoughts so easily while she could not do the same with him. "If they have her, the New Republic will tread very lightly around this topic."

"Actually I spread those rumors to get the New Republic interested in the first place and to gain the Hutts' attention. The Princess does not really matter. If the Hutts have her, they will not use her as hostage. That would be the stupidest thing to do."

"No one ever claimed that the Hutts are more than just sly bastards," Belana reminded him in some amusement. He smiled at her.

"I never claimed anything else either. But the Hutts will not risk the New Republic's wrath over this matter. If they do, they'll lose far more than if they just let it be. Their move will be different. They will try to suppress any contact between the New Republic and the Twi'lek. Secretly, of course."

"So that's what you are here to prevent, right?

"No. I am here to check out the internal factions. How the Council stands on this, what the people want."

"To what purpose?"

"When things turn nasty, the Twi'lek have to be sure which way to jump. And if I want them to jump right, I have to show them first that left is the worse choice."

"Kell, tell me you aren't selling the Twi'lek out to the Hutts."

"You got it."

"That's not right! You have a responsibility to these people!"

"You prefer the alternative? Would you rather have the entire sector belong to the Hutts, who won't lift a finger when the New Republic gets under attack? Where will your ideals stand then? They have to be isolated! Unity and stability will save the Republic, nothing else, the same it would have saved the Jedi."

"You have already drawn the maps for the future, haven't you?" she asked quietly.

"If you must know, yes."

"And where do we stand now?"

He gave her a long look, his pale eyes earnest, almost sad. "There is a storm coming, Belana, and when it breaks, we had better be sure that everything holds together."

Chi'in waited patiently until the Morning Glory had settled down on its assigned landing pad, then walked over unhurriedly to welcome its passengers. He had discarded the traditional black robes of a Sith warrior for the less formal garb of his native people. It came as a surprise to Nuron, he could see, when she strode down the landing ramp of the ship and stopped dead upon seeing him, but Luke Skywalker merely nodded in apparent approval. The boy was learning. Chi'in wondered briefly what transformation his father might have gone through over the past months.

They were all returning to the past in some way or other, all those who could remember their roots. That left Nuron at loose ends. She had been just a child when the Sith had found her, and she had known nothing else since then. Perhaps that was the reason for her turning to Luke Skywalker's teachings, even though they were only half-baked. The Noghri supressed a sigh. Difficult times were ahead and they were not prepared yet. He knew that he could not be everywhere at once, that they were too few to begin with. They simply would have to manage some way or other.

"Welcome on Niaruan," he said pleasantly, when Nuron and Luke had finally reached him. He had to crane his neck to look up at them, but he did not mind.

The young Zabrak nodded. "It is good to see you again, Chi'in. We've been missing you."

"Really? I am honored. Come." He turned around and started walking toward the distant building that would lead them into the larger underground of the fortress. "What news?"

"Master Yoda is dead," Luke explained quietly. Nodding to himself, the Noghri felt strangely relieved. So that was what he had sensed. It had been too far away to place properly, and he had been too busy to confirm any suspicions. So, Yoda was dead. A sudden thought hit him.

"Lord Kell?"

"Vanished. His presence, his body, just like Master Yoda."

"I see. Perhaps Master Yoda should have tried to get more information out of him, rather than swap philosophical arguments."

Luke gave him an incredulous look. "What?"

"Forgive me if I do not share your loss, young Skywalker. One death or another does not matter when so many lives are in danger."

"Father said you had disturbing news from the Unknown Territories."

"That depends. We have found several sites of destruction out there, ship wreckage, hidden bases destroyed. The victims all belonged to groups that we had classified as possible threats. All dangerous in themselves. The Grand Admiral tells me that the Chiss managed to keep them far off usually, so the fact that they advance so boldly now can only mean that they have caught the scent of wounded prey."

"The Emperor's death," Nuron supplied thoughtfully.

"Yes. This means that they will come at us in greater numbers now. And if we fail to hold them off, the New Republic will have to test its strength against them. In short, we need help."

"But you just said that someone is already helping you."

Chi'in threw Luke a cold glance. "The fact that a greater predator is stalking the lesser ones waiting outside our perimeter is not a very comforting one. And when I say 'lesser' I mean that each one of those groups might overwhelm us by itself."

"So why didn't you place a request with the New Republic? They could send forces out here to increase your fleet," the young Jedi suggested.

"It is more complicated than that. If the New Republic draws forces away from its critical borders, the remaining Imperial warlords might pounce on the opportunity to reclaim a few worlds."

"So what is your plan?"

"I want to go on an extensive scouting trip, to get a feel for what is waiting for us out there. Puket and Naas Deron know their way around now and I can leave them here to support our defenses, but I cannot go on a foray mission all by myself. I did that once and I almost got myself killed back then."

That admission earned him shocked expressions by the two young warriors.

"You?" Luke exclaimed, then grimaced wryly. "That really is bad."

"Yes. So, are you game?"

Luke shrugged. "I guess we are. Nuron?"

"I would rather know what enemy I am about to face than stumble into a fight blind-folded."

"Very wise, Nuron. Then we are agreed. Good. Before we leave, though, I want to introduce you to our crew here on Niaruan."

"Chi'in," Luke interrupted quietly. "Could I take a moment to make a call to Coruscant?"

"Of course." Looking up at the young man's concerned features sharply, the Noghri became aware of the other's worry more clearly. "Is something wrong?"

"That's what I hope to find out."

It was a bit unsettling to see so many blue-skinned humanoids walk along the stone corridors of the fortress, but Luke told himself that the Chiss were allies and that they were actually pretty reasonable, if Thrawn was any example. Yet his uneasiness remained. Following Chi'in, he could not help noticing the subtle changes in the short warrior. The Noghri did not wear his black robes any longer, and his lightsaber was not present either. A set of knives had been tucked behind his belt, and a holstered blaster, but nothing made Chi'in appear more than a very deadly warrior. No one would know just by looking at him that he was a fully trained Sith Lord. The question was: why? He could sense that it was upsetting Nuron too, and he could pick up her determination that meant she would talk to her older friend quite severely once they were in private. Perhaps he should caution her about that. There was nothing amiss in Chi'in, and he was not hiding anything.

"We are here. The comm center," the Noghri announced suddenly.

They walked into the crowded room in single file, to get past all the desks and chairs. Five pairs of glowing red eyes watched them as they made their way toward what Luke recognized as a Z14 hypercomm, the most powerful model on the current market. For some reason he hesitated to use it though. When the truth hit him, he almost blushed with embarrassment. He did not trust the Chiss.

Turning his head slightly, he gave Chi'in an apologetic smile that the Noghri requited with a sharp nod of understanding. Then the alien warrior stepped forward and activated the comm, using his own codes. It took a few moments for the connection to be established. Finally though Luke could contact his parents' apartment. Mother answered the call.

"Yes? Chi'in? Should I get Anakin on the line?"

"It's Luke, Mother."

"Oh!" she sounded relieved and surprised at the same time. "Luke! Are you well? Everything is all right?"

"Yes, we are fine. Is Leia with you?"

"She went off with Han, remember?" Mother asked cautiously. Something was very wrong.

"Do you know when they will be back?" There was silence for quite some time. "Mother? Are you still there?" He thought he could pick up a hushed conversation and then Father said:

"Luke, stay where you are and stay sharp. Your sister seems to have run afoul of some unexpected trouble."

"What?"

"Han is up to it. Do not worry yourself, okay?"

"I thought I had felt... What are you going to do?"

"Everything we can. Can you give me Chi'in for a moment?"

"Of course." Nodding at the Noghri, Luke felt his mind grow numb. What had happened? Was she injured? Had she been kidnapped? And why would his parents not tell him? Chi'in was talking into the comm rapidly in a language Luke had never heard before. He frowned at that. Why were they keeping secrets? Finally the Noghri disconnected the call, looking very pensive.

"We need to talk. Come."

The trio made the trip to Chi'in's quarters in silence, and Luke for one did not mind at all. He was constantly trying to establish contact with Leia, but she did not respond. Picking up her presence was difficult enough at the distance that separated them, but reaching her turned out to be impossible.

The set of rooms the Sith occupied were sparsely furnished and did not really look lived-in. Two adjacent rooms though yielded a lively chaos. Out of one of those Puket poked her head in to see what was going on and her lekkus twitched in greeting.

"Hello! Chi'in did not say you were coming!"

"We didn't announce it," Luke answered apologetically. The Twi'lek ambled into the room gracefully and nodded at Nuron. Luke had a hard time not to stare at her, but apparently Chi'in was not the only one who had forgone his Sithian attire. He also tried to ignore the strong sense of disapproval flaring up from Nuron at his side. Puket's slim body was dressed in a confusing array of leather straps and dark brown fabric that revealed more of her pale skin that Luke had ever seen before.

"So you are here to help? He's been going on about his scouting trip for weeks, and I get a feeling he knew you were coming. Am I right, boss?"

"Yes," the Noghri replied amiably. "Please, take a seat, all of you."

"What about Deron?" Nuron asked.

"He is not here at the moment. But he'll be back in a few days," the Twi'lek answered with a smile that told Luke that the former Sith order had indeed yielded another couple. Fascinating, how a war could bring people together, he thought smugly.

"Now that we are all accounted for?" Chi'in sat down on one of the cushions that had been assembled underneath the room's single window. "I have just talked to the Dark Lord and he has clarified a few things for me. Puket, I want you to inform the Grand Admiral personally once he's back." She nodded. "Very well. Lord Skywalker tells me that we cannot count on the New Republic for help and neither should we, because in case of an emergency he will not be available to lead them to our aid."

"What!" Luke exclaimed, aghast.

"He has been officially retired, which means no more information from him. We will officially only know what Mon Mothma chooses to tell the Grand Admiral. I cannot say I am very happy about that, and neither is Lord Skywalker. This makes our mission all the more important."

"But if we have lost communications with Coruscant—" Puket began, but her former master interrupted her immediately.

"There are always channels open, and we will use Talon Karrde for our ends. I am sure he will be happy to help us out. Now. The other piece of news is that the Minister of State has been kidnapped on Corellia. Yes, Luke, you were right about your sister. Your father's hands are bound though, because of said reasons. He has sent Han Solo on a mission to recover her."

"Han! All on his own?"

"Apparently he has enlisted some help. But that need not concern us now. I want to leave immediately. If you agree?"

"What? No introductions?" Luke asked weakly. Chi'in shook his head.

"That will have to wait until we are back. Puket, you know all you need to know. "

"Yes," she nodded.

"Then we have nothing else to say except farewell." They rose from their seats, all caught up in the sober mood Chi'in's announcement had left them in. "May the Force be with you, Puket."

"And with you, Chi'in." She smiled. "With all of you. Come back safely."

"We will."

Somehow, hearing the Noghri say those words made Luke feel a little bit less on edge. Chi'in was as implacable as a rock, and if he said something would be done, then he would see it through, no matter what. They would come back. Definitely.

"What was that about?" Padmé asked, her tone a mixture of suspicion and resignation.

Jerked out of his own musings by her question, Anakin tried a weak smile. "Information, what else?"

"What language was that? I have never heard the like before."

"Sith. I did not want to risk anyone overhearing that little discussion."

Padmé frowned at him. "Anakin, Mon Mothma would not appreciate that sort of secrecy."

He shrugged. "I have been retired and my daily activities are none of her business anymore. If I want to talk to an old friend, I will."

"What did you talk about?" Walking over to where he was standing next to the comm console, she lay an arm around his waist affectionately. "Anything the Senior Analyst should know?"

"Not yet."

"Anakin, you promised that there would be no more secrets between us."

"I know."

"So?"

"This is not exactly a secret, Padmé. I did not mention Palpatine's courtiers in the last meeting for no reason. There have been fund transfers, assets moved from one place to another, things that seem minor compared with what military threat there is out there. But I think you might want to look into that, too."

"You believe they really will approach the military?"

"At least I thought Chi'in and Thrawn should know about this. They might have more freedom of movement in this case."

"What do you mean?" Her eyes were searching his, then locked on them with a suspicious glare.

"What I mean, my love, is that Grand Admiral Thrawn was never close to any of the courtiers or the military types. They ignored him, and since he was mostly off in the Unknown Territories, that was even understandable."

"And because he is an alien?"

"That too. After that brief comeback during the last months of the war he is conveniently out of the way once more. I doubt any of them will pay any heed of what is coming from his direction."

"Then you want Chi'in to spy for you?"

"Not Chi'in. Karrde. And he will get that information to you, once he has taken care of that business on Ryloth."

"And after he has relayed that information to Thrawn?"

"You got it."

Padmé smiled up at him fondly. "I love the way you never give up, Ani. Be careful though. If Mon Mothma finds out you've been scheming behind her back..."

"She won't learn anything from me," he replied and wrapped her in his arms, engulfing her tiny body almost completely in his embrace.

"I suppose the same goes for me then," she mumbled against his chest.

"Besides, I am not doing anything at all," he added with a small laugh.

"Yes, I noticed. You let the others run around doing your bidding. So, Karrde is on his way to Ryloth?"

"Hm-hm. Piett should be arriving on Chandrila at any time now. How is your debriefing going, by the way?"

"There is a lot to learn about the factions we have now, the people who are in charge. So many died, so many I knew." Padmé sighed wistfully. "It is hard to start from scrap."

"So you will be busy for some time longer, am I right?"

"Don't tell me you get bored without me," she teased him with a smile. Anakin laughed out loud. "You could go explore Coruscant. I hear there are many interesting sights now."

A sudden grin flashed across his face. "Perhaps I will," he mused aloud and started rocking her in his arms tenderly. "Maybe I will truly do that."

Mon Mothma might have deprived him of any legal assets, but there were many possibilities to work around that. And Coruscant's underground might yield just that. Kissing the top of Padmé's head, breathing in the scent of her hair deeply, he was smiling to himself. For a while he had believed he could really kick back and simply enjoy life, but he had always wanted to do that with Padmé, or his children. Now he had an entire planet at his disposal. Oh, yes. Mon Mothma had no idea what a retired Sith Lord might find to amuse himself.

"Anakin? Do you think she is all right?"

Laying his left cheek against the back of her head, he closed his eyes. "I hope she is." It was unsettling that he was trying to push his worries away, but Anakin had the feeling that worrying too much about his daughter's fate would paralyze him. He could not afford that now. He needed a clear head, and so did Padmé.

"Can you sense her?"

She sounded so hopeful.... Reaching out to the Force, the Dark Lord let his mind wander along the bond he had formed with Leia over the past months. A smile crept upon his lips as he remembered her at the beginning, when they had met on Debelan, then later her patience during her apprenticeship, the pride in her eyes when he had allowed her to take over the Alliance troops. There was something he could sense, tightly controlled determination and anticipation. Not fear exactly, rather a being aware of danger close by. But she was unhurt. Anakin smiled and hugged Padmé tightly.

"She is unharmed. Don't worry, Han will find her."

Leaning back in his seat, Talon Karrde watched contentedly as Dankin brought the Wilde Karrde into port. Kala'uun was as busy as he remembered, maybe more so, since now that the Empire had withdrawn from this section of space, back to the other side of the Outer Rim, legal and illegal business was flourishing on Ryloth. The smuggler chief knew for a fact that the profits that Galactic Exotics, one of the biggest Twi'lek companies, was getting out of near-by Belsavis were rising continuously. People enjoyed their liberties, expecting a new era to begin and shower them with wealth and freedom. They were buying luxury goods now, confident that times would get better again. Actually, he hoped so too, but knowing the people who were in charge now, he also knew that he would not lose his job too soon. Apart from that, he still had his income from brokering information, so his organization really had nothing to fear, even should things turn out the way everyone hoped.

Take this new assignment that the Dark Lord had arranged for him on his wife's behalf. It was a clear to anyone who listened closely that the Twi'lek were getting restless. They wanted to be in charge of their own trade again, without the Hutts dictating the conditions for their dealings. It was just a whisper so far, but Karrde did not doubt that it would grow into more soon.

The Wilde Karrde settled down in her landing slots with a soft thud. Smiling at Aves, the smuggler chief rose from his seat.

"You know the routine, guys. Three guards on the ship, and keep me posted on anything that strikes you as interesting."

"Sure, boss," his crew chorused with wide grins.

"Then I'm off. Aves, you're coming with me."

They made their way into Kala'uun slowly. It would take time to uncover the right people anyway, and haste would only lead to mistakes. Talon Karrde had a few leads to follow, a few names. But what he found just minutes after having set foot on the planet surprised him nevertheless.

"Talon Karrde!" a deep, pleasant voice called out. "Just the man I need."

Whirling around, the smuggler felt his jaw drop. "You!" he exclaimed, totally shocked. At his side Aves had unholstered his blaster, but Karrde doubted that the newcomer was much impressed by this. Roj Kell was rumored dead, but apparently that had been greatly exaggerated. He wore nondescript clothes in shades of brown, and his long white hair had been bound together at the nape of his neck.

Karrde frowned. "What are you doing here?"

"The same you are doing, I assume." Joining them, the Sith dropped his voice to a more normal level. "Uncovering information on a certain rumor."

"Why?"

Roj Kell cocked his head to one side, as if listening to something only he could hear, then smiled at the two men. "Perhaps we should continue this discussion somewhere more pleasant and private. There is a very nice restaurant just around the corner."

Karrde frowned suspiciously, but nodded at last. As far as he knew, Kell was never this friendly. What was he up to? He should send Aves back to the ship and get this piece of information back to Coruscant, instead of joining the Sith for dinner, but there was something in the old man's eyes, a slightly mocking gaze that convinced him otherwise. "Do they have Rycrit steak?"

"The best in town."

Twenty minutes later they were seated together in a Twi'lek restaurant, just as promised, and Karrde had ordered a steak with mushrooms, following Aves' lead. "So, why am I here?"

"A common friend sent you, to establish contact with certain renegade elements."

"An educated guess?"

"One could call it that, yes." The Sith gave him a cold smile.

"And why do you need my help in this?"

"Did I say I need your help? No, Karrde, I am a step ahead of you, and I can cut your time here short. Undoubtedly you have a lot to do now."

Talon Karrde kept his features blank, but his mind was freezing with uncertainty. How much did Kell really know?

As if he had read his thoughts, the old man leaned a little bit closer. "I know the name of the man you are looking for, Karrde. You'll be surprised when I tell you, but," here his smile widened a bit more, "I want something in exchange."

Exhaling slowly, Karrde tried not to shift in his seat with discomfort. This was a very awkward situation. If Kell really knew, he'd save him a lot of trouble, but could he trust him? "I need some reassurance, Lord Kell. I know a bit about you, and I would not want to get blown apart by your scheming."

"Ah. I can ease your mind here. My business is not with the New Republic, rather the opposite."

"Even worse," Karrde snorted. "If you think I'll help you if you are aiding the Empire..."

"None of that sort," Kell interrupted him, his pale eyes flashing with sudden anger. "Certainly not the Empire. No, my business is a bit different."

"Will you tell me?"

"Let me put it like this: I have no interest in seeing the Hutts expand their territory."

Karrde's eyes widened. "You are behind this!"

"Would you say that again, please?" Kell asked drily. "I think someone across the street hasn't heard."

"Why?" the smuggler hissed, feeling upset. "Why this charade?"

"Tell me what your contractor has planned, and I will tell you why."

"Very well." Lowering his voice, Karrde threw a casual glance around. No one seemed to be watching or listening. "He has the same interests here you seem to have. The other thing..." he hesitated. "The other involves other renegade elements. Of the military persuasion. Luckily we have an ally who can watch them for us."

"And you supply that ally with information. I see." When Roj Kell smiled, Karrde felt positively uneasy. "This supposed internal conflict on Ryloth is a grab for power, actually, and a bit complicated. All you need to know is that Joral's chief administrator is responsible for whatever will happen."

Karrde's eyes narrowed slightly. "What are you planning?"

"I do not want Haman to start a civil war on Ryloth, and I do not want the New Republic to descend on the Hutts with a vengeance. Neither would be a very wise move right now."

"That does not really answer my question."

"Keep the New Republic out of this perimeter, Karrde. Whatever happens here is none of their business. And don't tell anyone of this little meeting." Rising abruptly, a snarl on his face, the Sith hesitated suddenly, his features easing considerably. "I would appreciate it," he added, the words sounding a bit strange. "And it would be in your own interest. Yours, and that of the Republic."

Turning around, Kell left briskly. Talon Karrde slumped against the headrest of his chair. "Well. And so we've been dismissed."

"You don't trust him, boss, do you?" Aves asked quietly.

"No. But you know what? I don't care whether reason tells me I should not trust him. I have a business to run."

"We are leaving?"

"Don't look at me like that, Aves. I won't mess with local politics, especially if Roj Kell has his dirty little fingers in it. We are still doing the other job, and I will tell his lordship about this." Karrde stopped himself. Would he? It was not as if he had given Kell his word, not at all. But he could read the signs of the times. There was trouble ahead. The fact that Vader was scheming again was as sure a sign as the fact that Roj Kell had an interest in Hutt space. What was going on? All he knew for certain was that if this was Haman's doing, he could spend weeks on Ryloth trying to sort things out, weeks he did not have. So he would tell Vader what he knew and be done with it. They still had an appointment in the Outer Rim.

"Do you think he will come to your rescue?" Irek's eyes were piercing, and hauntingly familiar. Where had she seen that intense gaze before? Leia met him glare for glare from where she was seated on a plush, generous sofa underneath a wide, slightly curving viewport that gave her a splendid view of the stars. The ship had entered a stational orbit above a world she recognized immediately. It was a moon really, the Smugglers' Moon, Nar Shadaa. Roganda had left them a few hours ago, and frankly Leia had been surprised that Irek had not accompanied her.

"Who do you mean?" she asked at last.

"Solo. The smuggler."

The Princess smiled slowly. "I suppose he will."

"You suppose?" Crossing his arms in front of his chest Irek sneered down at her. "I thought you love him?"

"Is that any of your business, Irek?"

"I suppose not." The sneer turned into a grin that made him look his real age. He dropped down in his padded chair with boneless grace. Leia frowned at him. His movements seemed so familiar ... "I wonder if my mother loved Father too." She chocked on that. Palpatine? How could anyone ever have felt anything for that monster? Not even one of his concubines! But Irek was not finished yet. "What about your mother, Leia? Does she love your father despite what he has done?"

Leia gave him a sharp glance. "None of your business either, boy," she snapped.

He leaned toward her, his blue eyes piercing into her head mercilessly. "No?"

"Do you think he will kneel to you? Swear to serve you? You are nothing but what your mother tells you to be, Irek Ismaren."

He laughed at that, a rich sound, laced with chiming bells. Leia froze. It sounded so, so...no. She shook her head in confusion.

"You are ridiculous, Princess," Irek wheezed.

"And what are we doing here anyway?" she asked, just to change the subject.

"We are doing nothing. Mother is talking to some Yana Dar. I don't know what about, and if I knew I would certainly not tell you."

"Really? What a good boy you are."

"I hate Nar Shadaa," he said suddenly, fiercely.

"You have been here before?"

"No! I mean—no."

Leia shook her head in mild disapproval, a gesture he simply could not miss, then bent to study the holobook she was pretending to read on the datapad Magrody had given to her to pass the time. A novel on the Jedi Master Arca. She had been surprised at the professor's choice at first, then insulted. Now she was intrigued. Just a bit.

"I wonder what is taking her so long." Pounding a fist on the armrest of his chair, Irek rose impatiently. "I hate waiting!"

"Patience is the virtue of the warrior," Leia quoted an old saying, not bothering to hide a smile.

"I am no warrior!" Irek screamed. The Princess arched her eyebrows coolly.

"Ah?" she said. "Tell me, Irek, who are you really?"

"Nooooo, no, no, Princess," he said, wagging his finger at her playfully. "I know your kind. But I am not a child any more."

"Obviously not," Leia replied pensively. She recognized the conflict. A loved parent, who demanded much and did not seem to appreciate what you did. Her father had been just the same when she had been his apprentice. Just the same. She did not doubt that Roganda loved her son, or that Irek loved his mother, but he was obviously growing weary of her demands. Her father had known when to let go, had guided her with a gentle hand. Roganda had no time for that. What did she want of him? What was his secret?

"I will leave you to your lecture, Princess," he said with a smile, and what a smile it was, far too knowing, seemingly fake on his young face.

Leia frowned after him, her mind turning blank for a moment. But she could not solve the puzzle. Then, after another long moment of pure nothing she returned to her reading. Master Arca had headed a Jedi training camp on Arkania, training such Jedi legends as Nomi Sunrider. Leia noticed an internal link on Arkania. Activating it she found herself directed to an extensive databank on the planet. Leia stared. Reading on she was frantically trying to understand what message her mind was trying to give her here. The Arkanians, a peaceful, highly intelligent race, had worked hard on improving the mental capacities of the Yaka, another race that populated the planet. Arkania was not far from Nal Hutta. And Irek had hinted that he had been on Nar Shadaa before, not a pleasant visit. Magrody. What was Magrody's part in this game? He was the expert on Artificial Intelligence, wasn't he? A technical genius.

Leia compressed her lips in determination. She had to talk to the professor. Fast. And he had given her a hint, by giving her the datapad, right? Time to find out if she was right on that hunch.

TBC