Chapter Five

Without too much prying, Kayl was able to extract Urela and the others from the camp with promises that they would not quickly abandon the situation on the ground. The actress actually seemed very sincere about helping with aid from her own planet, something Kayl should have seen coming. She spoke of it as they returned to the ship.

"-So we will most likely spend some time here." She remarked, walking back to the ship next to Kayl, while the others followed. "Are you staying in the sector?"

Kayl didn't much like talking about these things in the open, but he gave her a hidden smile."We'll see."

"Were you able to find what you were looking for?" She pressed gently, highly curious herself. She and Kayl hadn't yet found time to catch up, so everything that had happened here on Telos only piled atop the time they'd been apart. Kayl hadn't even told her why he'd left the Navy, or how….

"When we get back to the ship, how about a drink?"

Urela looked across at him, unable to hide her surprise. This was very uncharacteristic of him, especially of late. She was unable to stop the smile from appearing on her lips. Of course she would love to share a drink with him. As they neared the ship, she thought of everything she had to do before checking out for the evening. Unfortunately, after such a day, she needed some time to freshen up and choose which Senator she wished to appeal to for aid.

"Twenty minutes?" Kayl inquired suddenly, anticipating those needs. "I should check on my men first. Make sure the boys are settled."

The boys.

"Of course." She replied without any hesitation. "I'll contact Alderaan and meet in your cabin?"

Kayl nodded. "If I'm not there, you can let yourself in. I wont be long."

Urela watched him go, hanging back to speak with her own staff, while Kayl and the rest of his crew entered the ship and disappeared.

It had been a long time since she had spent any length of time with the man, but she was already becoming familiar with his habits. He may of not been an actual General anymore, but his men still came first. He was a good man. There was no way around it. No rumour or malicious tongue could change that.

Urela was always surprised by the the man Kayl had been. Always impressed by him, and she'd missed him. She hadn't realized that until now. Until that youthful smile he flashed when he'd suggested sharing a drink. The brilliant, talented Officer wasn't gone. He was still here, just a little hidden from view.

Urela looked at the ship, where he'd disappeared. Now that he was back, Urela knew for a certainty she wouldn't be able to let him go again.

Kayl peaked in on the galley where Raynar and Trask sat with Varin, sharing a meal and quietly talking about where the boys would live.

Kayl watched them a moment, amazed at how different and yet the same the boys were. Without intruding though, Kayl moved on. He would check in later, once Trask had fallen asleep and he could actually talk to Raynar. First he needed to make sure the rest of his men were accounted for and get their reports. Only then would he head for the quarters he'd been allotted and meet with Urela.

When he finally entered his cabin thirty minutes later Urela was waiting for him.

"I hope you don't mind, but I started without you." She told him, gesturing to the drink in her hand.

"I don't blame you." He replied, carrying the bag he'd asked Deth to stow for him. He set it down and accepted the second glass, she held, for himself.

Urela stood there, next to him, and held her glass out to clink his. "To moderate success?"

Kayl exhaled a dry chuckle and touched his glass to hers. "Moderate success."

Glad for the drink, he downed its contents in one mouthful. This garnished a smile from Urela but somehow it was more concerning than amused. She softened her gaze.

"You found Trask, I see." She began gently, taking the end seat of the little couch where she'd waited for him.

She sat there like this was her cabin, bare feet tucked up under her, a beautiful shawl pulled around her shoulders. Her hair, still slightly damp from a shower and smelling lightly of citrus fruits, and piled loosely atop her head with an ornate spike.

Kayl hadn't expected he would find this private chat difficult, but here he was… already struggling to stay focused. He had underestimated his indifference towards her. After being apart for so long, it wasn't any easier to be around her.

"Was there any trouble?" She asked gently, unsure just how much information he was willing to offer.

Kayl shook his head lightly. "Nothing we haven't encountered before."

She raised a brow.

He exhaled another chuckle and lifted his glass. "Any chance there is more of whatever this is?"

She smiled and stood, retrieving the bottle she'd brought for him and refilled his glass. She set the bottle aside, as he sipped it, this time appreciating the flavour. She returned to her seat and waited.

What are you going to do now?

She wanted to ask him so badly. They hadn't talked about it at all, genuinely she was curious. She didn't even really know what he was doing, now that he'd left the Navy. They hadn't spoken since before he was released.

Kayl sat back, lost in thought, the drink allowing him to relax enough to do just that. Get a little lost. Nothing much had changed in the past 24 hours and yet he had yet another child to care for and protect.

That thought gave Kayl reason to pause. He leaned forward on his knees, craddeling the glass in his hand. Staring at it. He had two children under his care. Two dependants now. He wasn't just some washed up Republic General anymore with a hated family and a distrust for authority. He had his own family. Or at least, the resemblance of one.

"Kayl?"

He looked up and into the face of one of the most famous holovid stars in the galaxy, sitting here with him alone in this quiet room.

"Thank you." He told her abruptly, not knowing what else was worthy of saying. Things were different with them now. He was no longer the starry-eyed youth who had fallen head over heels with the idea of romancing this famous beauty. "Thank you for this. Helping us here. We're in your debt."

Urela shook her head.

"Please. I wanted to. After I saw you on Coruscant, you disappeared completely. I was so happy to find you again. To help." She exhaled slowly, carefully watching his expression. "Raynar is very special."

Kayl stood up abruptly, falling into an unconscious inability to settle.

Urela watched him for a moment before acknowledging it. She knew this wasn't comfortable behaviour.

"What's wrong?"

"I found something, at the house." He confessed.

He'd always trusted her. It was instinctive, and he'd never been disappointed. He couldn't help it now. She knew him well enough that her sage advice was always on point and he needed that now. He needed an ally that he didn't have to 'be the boss' with.

She waited. He went to the bag he'd carried in and withdrew the beautifully crafted wooden box he'd found. He laid it on the table before her and stood back.

"You've always known me pretty well. Understood me." His genuinely kind gaze turned rather dismal as he dropped his eyes to the box. "I need you to tell me what I do about this."

Urela traced her fingertips along the beautiful scrollwork craved into the box.

"It's beautiful." She breathed. "Where did you get it?"

"The Skidder house. Hidden, buried in the basement… literally. Look inside."

Urela opened the box at his request and stared blankly at the two tubular weapons laying in the case.

Immediately she looked up at him.

"Yeah." He exhaled, moving away from the table and averting his gaze from the contents of the box, which Urela now examined.

"You found these in the house?" She spoke quietly, looking at the contents, flanked by two small devices on opposite ends of the weapons. Two beautifully carved cubes, glowing faintly between the delicate scrollwork decorating the surfaces. She looked up at Kayl for more information.

"I dug them out of a hidden compartment sunken into a basement that should not of existed." He replied with a tone of mockery. Not for her but the situation.

She looked at them again, unable to help herself from touching them… ever so lightly with her finger. The cubes glowed a little brighter as she did so, but remained still.

"Obviously they didn't want them to be found by just anyone."

"I've never seen anything like his." She breathed, admiring their beauty and craftsmanship. "Family heirlooms?"

"The kid's never mentioned anything like this but… he's different." Kayl confessed, suddenly feeling very deflated. He sat down next to her on the couch and leaned back, almost afraid to look at that box again. "I should of guessed it sooner but this makes it obvious, doesn't it? The kid's parents were Jedi. He inherited those powers and I am essentially screwed."

Urela turned, readjusting her place on the couch so she could rest a comforting hand on his knee. She fixed him with a tender smile, ignoring everything else in the room but him.

"You are the furthest thing from it, sweetheart." She admonished. Actually pained that he couldn't see just how fortunate he was. "I've seen the two of you. You are anything but screwed by this bond that you've forged. Maybe it's just freedom from the mantle of leadership but you are far more content and sure of yourself than I have ever seen you."

Kayl met her gaze, silently teasing her for her praise. He didn't feel like he deserved it.

"You severe the bond you have with that boy and you will forever regret it."

Her voice always carried that whisper of reason for him, but this time she was so right that it actually hurt. Already Kayl knew there was no way he would be able to give up Raynar to another family. Although it was probably the better choice, finding Raynar a real family to grow up with. A safe home. Security. He couldn't do it. He was already far too attached to him and he doubted it would be any different for his little brother, given they have time to get to know each other.

Idiot. Kayl told himself, again angry his own selfishness might interfere with the upbringing of those boys. What kind of life can I offer them?

With talents like theirs, suppose they inherit them from the parents, who was he in comparison to Jedi powers? Already Raynar seemed on the path towards that kind of life. How was he going to be able to provide that teaching… that challenge? It wasn't going to be easy, if it was even possible.

He sighed and closed the box. He didn't want to look at it anymore.

"What will you do now?"

He rubbed his forehead pensively. "Once we dock at Citidel Station I have a friend to meet. Talk about a potential partnership."

She frowned. She didn't love the idea of being separated from this man, but she knew she was not part of the plans involving Citidel Station. He had plans that did not involve her any further… and that hurt.

"Did I ever tell you about Tynn Wix?"

"The raider you met on Duxnn?" She questioned, thinking back, ignoring her own feelings.

Kayl nodded. It felt odd now to think back to that life. A young Sergeant, wounded and stranded on a dangerous world, with the audacity and gall to charm and befriend an outer world crime boss. And to maintain that friendship, despite climbing in the ranks all the way to General, only to loss it and all authority.

Kayl sobered up at the thought. He cleared his throat and stood, aimlessly walking yet again.

"He's got a small crew, but he's looking to expand and settle on solid ground. Can't stand freighter life anymore. Something about his knees."

Urela ignored the bid at a humorous distraction. "You're going to join up with him, and be what, muscle?"

He shrugged.

She frowned in that way she could, making him question everything.

"What?"

"Kayl Tyris, you are far better than a life as hired muscle. How stupid have you become, willing to throw your life away at the bidding of idiots who've had their egos bruised? Besides, what about those kids? Special as they are, you don't think anyone else will notice? How many of them will either try to hurt, or use those children without any regard for their own safety?"

He ignored the fact that she had just essentially attacked him and looked at her pointedly.

Tynn isn't like that. You know it.

She frowned and raised a brow, challenging him the way she always could. She had never been afraid of him, of pushing him to be better, smarter. It was a trait he always admired and loved in her. She has always made him a better man.

"Do you really want to take that risk? With those two, sitting out there with Varin?"

Kayl felt chastened. Still, he looked at Urela, so stubborn and passionate about her argument. It was difficult not to slide up close and try to whoo her, as he had in the past. A subtle touch. A quiet word, just for her. Before, he would of been able to easily hold her attention… but never as good as she had been able to command his.

His heart thudded loudly in his chest. He loved this woman more than any whom had come before, and even now he knew there would be none to follow.

"I, like always, appreciate your advice." He finally replied, quiet and appreciate. Truly sincere.

Urela was shocked. He put up no fight. He had always loved a good fight.

"I'll tread carefully, but you know it just as much as we do. We will not survive out here long without a family. Without strength you can only find in numbers."

Urela held his gaze so long that it actually made him uncomfortable.

"What?" he questioned, stopping with a frown from his aimless pacing.

"Have I done something wrong?" She inquired abruptly with a tone that suggested more curiosity than spite. "You seem different. You have been different since that first message you sent me after that party we went to on Coruscant. Cold. Not yourself. What's happened?"

"Nothing." He attempted to laugh it of with a shrug.

She stood and walked over to him, making him inadvertently grimace to smell the exotic oils in her hair, remember the way she felt in his arms. How soft and supple her skin was. She wasn't one of the most popular actresses in the galaxy for her talent, however taleneted she was… Urela Olenta was a goddess with a heart more pure than the snow on Ilum.

He tried to appear unaffected by the way she stood before him, looking up, so brazenly searching his face for answers.

"So help me… if this is some kind of way of edging me out of your life because you are no longer a Republic General-"

Kayl grimaced again, stopping her short. Once again, she got it on the first try.

She grabbed his face with both hands and forced him to look at her.

"Kayl Tyris." She breathed quietly. "You are the man I love. I wouldn't care if we were the poorest beggars-"

He shook himself from her touch and stepped back. He gestured to himself wordlessly, then glanced around the room, drawing her attention to it all.

"Take a good look Urela, because I'm already there. Me, that kiffing box and everything that comes with it. That's all I have." He exhaled a laugh, surprising even himself. He was a joke. How did she not see it? " No actual title, no medals or real authority. Just a man with a family that has been labeled traitorous to the majority of this galaxy. You dont want to get caught up in all that, trust me. Save yourself."

"Is that all you think I am interested in?" She returned, glaring at him for his idiocy and ignoring his last remark all together. She did want to get swept up with him and his life. If it meant he wouldn't disappear forever, she'd do anything.

He frowned as she came closer once more, softening her gaze and desperately trying to reach him with some truth.

"You have those boys. You have your friends." She reminded him, staying focused on what really mattered. "You have a decade of the best training money can buy. And you have heart." She repositioned herself in front of him, this time with her hand on his chest, grabbing his shirtfront.

"So many have said it, Kayl." She pressed even further, griping his shirt tightly.

She wanted nothing more then to be done with this distance between them. She missed her friend. She missed his confident smile. She wanted to see it everyday.

"Why don't you believe them?"

Kayl didn't say anything. He knew why. He'd always known why. The reason why he pushed himself so hard. It was because his father never said it. His mother never was around long enough to say anything. He had never heard anything positive from anyone in his early life, nor in the rest of it as he rose through the military ranks… it had shaped him.

"You are not him, love." She whispered, knowing more about him than most. She had been there, when a much younger Kayl Tyris had shared his up-bringing… shared truths hidden about his family. She knew it all. "You are already better then he ever was."

Kayl gave his head a shake and still moved away from her.

"I know we are not the same but, he made me into the man that stands here today." He told her with a fierce light in his eyes. "Do I hate him? Sure, but I still owe him everything."

Raynr was still awake when Kayl came to see him later. He was sitting protectively at the end of Trask's bunk, his blanket and pillow propped up so he could sleep on the outside of the bunk while keeping an eye on his little brother, sleeping safely on the inside. Kayl smiled, glad things seemed to be natural for the two of them.

"Hey." Kayl said quietly, squatting by the bedside and peeking at Trask's sleeping face.

He looked so peaceful. Maybe he would be ok afterall. He'd been through more than even a few of Kayl's men could boast but he seemed resilient. Kayl looked at Raynar, unable to keep the pride at bay when he saw the way Raynar looked at his kid brother. They had just found each other a few hours ago but it was clear that they would never be parted again. Kayl could sense it, same as that strength. It must have been a family trait.

"I thought you were going to be back sooner." Raynar replied in that matter-of-fact way that only he could.

Kyl looked at him, almost missing the tiny smile hidden in the corner of his frown.

"Find something better to do?"

Kayl almost choked on the laugh that escaped him as Raynar raised a brow. Evidently he knew where he had been. The kid always did.

"Hey!" He hissed. "Uncalled for."

Raynar rolled his eyes comicaly.

It was clear that he boy was doing better. Kayl was glad.

"Would you come over here, so I don't need to whisper and squat here like a Blurrg digging for a snack."

Raynar crawled out from under the covers with a light chuckle. "It's ok. He's out cold. Varin gave him a little something to help him sleep."

Kayl frowned, moving with Raynar to the table across the room.

"Is he alright?" Kayl questioned, watching Raynar pull his knees to his chest and just sit there watching him.

"He's ok. He misses mom and dad. Thats all." Raynar replied in an offhanded way that made Kayl wonder if Raynar ever missed them himself. "Varin said he'd been through a lot and he needed rest most of all, so she gave him some kind of tea stuff. She said you'd know it as a 'the humm of a warp core'?"

Kayl smiled. Yes, he knew what she was talking about. A sleep aid they'd been taught as new cadets by a very kind, old Duro who took pity on the homesick cadets on base.

"She's right. The best for him, on his first night, is a solid sleep." Kayl told him. "There's nothing more upsetting than waking up and not knowing where you are."

Raynar nodded quietly. Kayl watched him. He actually seemed to understand the sentiment. Kayl felt a little chill.

"Hey kid… we need to talk about something." He leaned forward, elbows on the table and regarded the youth carefully. Watching for tells… any emotions, sudden or deliberate. "I found your parents home. I went there to gather some momentos for you and your brother… and…"

Raynar stared at him, his blue eyes growing rather misty despite his efforts to be tough and unaffected. He apparently didn't like talking about this as much as he played it off as nothing.

"Were your parents Jedi?"

Kayl held his breath for the answer. He didn't mean to, just… the moment seemed to go on forever. Waiting for the confirmation was excruciating.

"Yes."

Kayl took a breath. "And I take it, you inherited those abilities?"

"Sort of." Raynar confessed easily. "I was learning to. That's why I was on Coruscant and not home with them on Telos. I was sent away for training."

It suddenly made so much sense now. So many things began to click into place.

Raynar looked back at Trask, sleeping in the bunk. "I guess I was lucky though… when I lost mom and dad at least I had Thyanni and Ganner with me… Trask only really has me."

"You're not alone kid." Kayl soothed. "You've got me and the rest of us rouges. Both of you will always have a home here with us, wherever we end up."

Raynar nodded. "I know. Its just different."

"How so?" Kayl frowned.

Raynar looked at Kayl like he didn't quite understand. "Ganner and Thyanni were our older brother and sister."

Kayl stared at his charge, he opened his mouth to speak but words failed him.

What?