Disclaimer: I forgot this part earlier. All official Star Wars characters belong to Lucas Liscensing and the authors to whom they created them. Especial thanks to the X-Wing series of books, the Jedi Academy Trilogy and Crystal Star who brought forth many of these characters for the first time. If you don't know what a Firrereo is.go read Crystal Star. The characters of Gatore, Simeon and Kylla are my own as are some prisoners that will show up later. No, I do not intend to sell this story or make money off it in any way, etc.











In Kyp's Quarters.

Kyp felt numb. He was cut off from his senses, cut off from the Force. He knew someone was in the room, knew where he was, but he couldn't respond. It was like his mouth and ears were filled with sand. Try as he must, he could not open his eyes. They had been open long but finally they had closed. Kyp thought it was preferable to not being able to see with his eyes open. At least he knew now why he was not able to see.

Then Kyp's thoughts returned to Gatore. He still couldn't believe Gatore was after him, still hindering him after all these years. Kyp felt his body tense in fear, felt the tremor rack his body. Gatore, why must it be Gatore?

Cool hands were placed on his forehead, though to him it felt more like a single drop of water in the desert. He felt something scrambling around the edges of his consciousness. Kyp's thoughts scattered in panic. The press on his mind became firmer, but it became recognizable. Kyp relaxed, he knew Tionne's touch. She helped him reestablish his connections which allowed him to control his body. Another presence joined in and helped him reinstall his mental armor. Kyp coughed as he once again took control of his voluntary functions. He took a deep breath. His eyes opened slowly and blinked against the brightness of the room. His surroundings came into focus. He saw Tionne and Mara looking down at him in relief. Kyp smiled apologetically.

"How nice of you to drop in," Kyp said roughly.

"You're welcome, Kyp," Mara said as she left the room, "You know you just have to learn to take care of yourself. You're a big boy now."

Kyp frowned in puzzlement. He tried to sit up, but Tionne held him down. Her opalescent eyes shone in concern.

"You've had a traumatic experience, Kyp," Tionne said gently, "Take it easy. You need to sleep."

Kyp tried to respond, but it was suddenly too exhausting. He looked up at Tionne, his eyes begging her not to leave him alone. Tionne clasped his hand reassuringly.

"I'll be right here beside you," Tionne said, "Rest easy now."

"But I need to tell you." Kyp whispered.

"You can tell me when you wake up," Tionne reassured the young Jedi.

Kyp slipped into sleep. Tionne sat beside his bed. She tried to release his hand, but he just clenched it harder. A shadow fell across the floor. Tionne looked over her shoulder to see Streen looking in. The old man looked at Tionne inquisitively.

"Kyp is through the worst of it," Tionne said, "He's just sleeping."

Streen nodded, "I told President Organa Solo that Luke is coming for a visit. She gave us permission to run things for a while. I did not tell her about Kyp. Was that wrong?"

"I don't think so," Tionne said slowly, "No need to worry her when we don't know what the danger is yet."

Streen turned to go. Tionne stopped him with a question. "What are you going to do?"

Streen answered, "Guard against the shadow man."