Wow, I've been neglecting my writing duties. *shakes head* Anyway, here's some more to my little story. Oh yeah, thanks to everyone who has reviewed this story. I appreciate all you have to say and I have a feeling this isn't flowing very well. Oh well, I'm tired, I'm in a creative dip, and, as long as the story flows, this little blurb doesn't matter too much. Yeah, anyway, keep up the reading and reviews and perhaps this will actually become rated Rsomeday. Mwahahahahaaa

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Shades of Grey


You can't change a stubborn mind
You can't see the world if your eyes are blind
What does it matter anyway
In our darkest hour we're all just shades of grey
-Amanda Marshall






She could even hold more power than you, Ganner.

These words circled around and around in Ganner's head as he made his way back to his room. They resounded again and again with each step. Ganner tried to shake these words out of his mind, but they kept coming back.

more power than you

Ganner sighed as he entered his dark room and walked across the floor. He glanced at the full length mirror to his left and sighed again as he turned to face it. He took several steps closer and reached up to his face and ran a finger slowly down the long, crooked scar on his cheek. He then ran a hand through his black hair and furrowed his brow, shaking his head yet again.

More power than you, he smirked to himself as he dropped his hand. She must be amazing then. Ganner turned from the mirror and walked over to his bed. Dark covers were thrown back and bunched up at the bottom of the small bed and a pillow was slouching against the wall. A pair of loose pants lay forgotten near the head as did a small datapad.

Ganner shed his cloak and pulled his tunic over his head and dropped them both on the bed. He scratched his chest and glanced out the single small window in his room. Outside, the sun was still low in the sky and the traffic was thick and slow. Ganner could feel the waves of anger and frustration flow off of those caught in the traffic and a small smirk drifted across his face. He turned from the window, closed the heavy curtains, and pulled his lightsaber from his belt, activating it.

The sulfer-yellow glow of the saber filled the darkened room and fell over Ganner's lean, powerful body. He took a slow step forward and brought the saber to his right side, the blade pointing straight to the floor and his hands placed near his hip. He closed his eyes and slowly blew out the air in his lungs. He opened himself up to the Force and started to draw breaths slowly and evenly, the Force flowing about him and through him. Ganner slowly moved his saber into the on guard position and could hear the low hum of it's energy beam.

As if fighting an invisible foe, Ganner started to parry and lunge around his small room. Within no time, his tanned skin started to glisten with sweat but he persisted with his precise movements, his pace never slackening. The dark walls of his room lit up with the light of the saber's blade as he drew closer to them, darkening once again as he drew away. The blade sizzled and cracked as it arched through the cool air.

After several minutes of parries and lunges, Ganner shut off his lightsaber and opened his eyes slowly. He hooked the lightsaber back onto his belt and wiped perspiration from his forehead. He then wrinkled his nose and glanced at the window, which was now on his right due to his position in the room. He took two steps to it and threw open the curtains. The sun was sitting a bit higher in the sky now and the traffic was a little lighter. Ganner half smiled as he turned from the window, leaving the curtains open, and walked into the refresher, not even bothering to close the door behind him. He shed the rest of his clothing quickly and stepped into the shower, turning it on and letting the hot water run over his body. Ganner reached to a small shelf and picked up a bottle of soap. He put some in his hands and, rubbing them together, he started to wash his hair and skin.

After letting the soap sit for a little while, Ganner rinsed himself off and stepped out of the shower. He reached back in to turn it off and then for a towel, which he wrapped around his waist. He then stepped out of the steamy refresher and into his still dark room. Ganner started to close the curtains when he noticed a storm had started to brew in the skies above. A flash of concern for Keilana crossed through Ganner's mind just as a bolt of lightening lit up the sky. He shook his head, surprised by the thought, and turned away from the window. The curtain half closed behind him as he went to a small closet and pulled out clean clothing. He quickly dropped the towel and stepped into the black pants. He fastened a belt around his waist, to which he attached his lightsaber. He then pulled on a black tunic and walked back to the refresher.

There, he looked at his reflection in the small mirror and ran a hand through his longish, black hair. Ganner then ran the same hand over the dark stubble on his chin and poked a perfectly dry razor on the sink, shrugging and smiling at his reflection. He turned away from the mirror and back into the main room, picking up his abandoned clothes on the way. He dumped them in a pile in his closet and picked up his cloak from the bed, putting it on as he left the room.

As he stepped out into the hallway, Ganner looked at the large windows directly across from him and moved to them, leaning on the window sill. The rain out side was pelting down on the streets far below and soaked everything in it's path. The clouds were a dark grey and covered the entire sky, bolts of lighting coursing through them. A thick fog had built up and was hiding the tops of the tall buildings. Ganner watched the rain for several minutes longer before turning and making his way down the dim hall. The windows, which he glanced out of every few moments, continued to his right.

Ganner eventually found himself in the hanger. He did not know what brought him there nor why he would even want to be there. Just as he was about to turn to leave, however, he could see a speeder flying through the storm towards him. It was Keilana. A cold, wet and miserable Keilana.

Ganner watched as Keilana flew into the hanger and parked the speeder. She jumped out and glanced over at Ganner as she did. There was a rather large scowl on her face, which Ganner caught as she turned her head to look for her helmet. She reached back into the speeder, bending across the seat to reach the helmet on the other side. When she turned back around, the scowl was gone and, in it's place, there was a slight smile.

Eagerly awaiting my return, Ganner? Tell me, have you moved from that spot since I left? Keilana started to move towards Ganner, her left hand swinging her helmet and her right wringing out her hair. As she approached him, Keilana left a little trail of puddles and Ganner watched with slight interest.

he answered simply, turning around and heading back into the building. Keilana took several large steps to catch up to him and then matched his pace as he walked down the hall.

Yes, as I can see, Keilana mumbled as she noticed his damp hair. Ganner glanced at her quickly and Keilana did not notice the movement. Instead, she was concentrating on keeping up with his pace. It was not too difficult, but the muscles in her legs were taut from the cold and wet. So, where is this Master of yours? Keilana asked as she started to wring out her tunic. Ganner gave her an annoyed glance, which again, she didn't catch.

First, you are going to change into something dry, Ganner said as he turned suddenly to the left. Keilana had to take several more large steps to catch back up to him, seeing as she didn't anticipate the direction change and looked at Ganner.

In case you haven't noticed, I brought no baggage. I have nothing but the soggy clothes I'm wearing. Keilana snorted as Ganner took yet another sudden turn.

There is plenty of spare clothing floating around the Temple so I am sure we can find something for you to wear, Ganner slowed as they approached the lift and turned to Keilana, punching the call button. We do help those who need it.

Keilana was taken aback by the statement. She had not said anything about Jedi being selfish, nor had he.

Never said you were, love, she smiled, a slight accent slipping in to her speech. Keilana noticeably grimaced as she leaned a bit closer to Ganner. Dammit. So many years of hiding the dammed accent and it slips back now.

Ganner seemed confused about Keilana's grimace and could feel a small wave of discomfort roll off of her. He didn't understand what she was uncomfortable about and looked at her with slight concern in his eyes.

Are you all right?

Perfectly fine, Keilana smiled. There was no hint of the accent in Keilana's speech anymore and she seemed satisfied. Ganner could no longer read anything coming off of her and became even more confused. He just shook his head as the lift appeared and stepped back. He stepped into lift, Keilana directly behind him, and neither of them immediately noticing the other passenger. Keilana, surprisingly enough, was the first to notice the company. It was a woman about her own height with brilliant red-gold hair. Her skin was pale, almost sickly, but her green eyes were full of life. Ganner noticed the woman an instant after Keilana and smiled.

Good morning, Mara, Ganner nodded to the woman.

Mara Jade Skywalker smiled back. Dreadful day, isn't it?

Yes, yes it is, Ganner sighed. Hasn't rained like this in quite some time. And the sky, I don't think it was been that deep of a grey in an even longer time.

Mara just nodded as she noticed the third passenger. She looked from Ganner to Keilana and back to Ganner. Who's this?

My name is Key, Keilana answered shortly. Mara was a little taken aback and Ganner glanced at Keilana, a little surprised himself.

Hello, Key, Mara offered her hand. My name is Mara.

Keilana took Mara's hand and shook it once before dropping it. Keilana glanced at Mara once more and then turned to look out at the rain and lightning on the other side of the window. It's a pleasure.

Yes, it is, Mara answered as she looked up at Ganner, her brow furrowed. As if reading her thoughts, Ganner shook his head briskly and shrugged. Mara bit her lower lip and looked back at the other woman. Keilana was standing with her legs shoulder width apart and her hands clasped on her helmet in front of her. Her back was facing the other two as she looked out the window, her wet and dark hair falling about her shoulders. Mara glanced at Keilana's belt and looked back at Ganner. He shook his head, and once again shrugged. Mara nodded slowly and, looking past Keilana, looking out at the storm also.

Keilana could feel Mara's eyes on her back and just stood still, looking out at the rain. She moved her left hand to finger to brush the butt of her blaster quickly before turning back to the other two.

You say I can get some dry clothing? She asked, glancing back at forth between the two Jedi.

Ganner nodded slowly. I'm sure there is something that would fit you.

You can have some of my clothing, dear, Mara cut in quickly. Keilana snapped her head to look at the other woman and Mara flinched a little under her glare. Sorry, I just assumed you were younger than me.

You should never assume things, Keilana said as she flicked a piece of hair out of her face. In this case, however, you are probably right, though you certainly don't look it. Keilana threw in. No emotion played across Mara's face, but Keilana could tell she was a little peeved.

Yes, I am sure I have something that would fit you, Mara said as the lift slowed to a stop. Mara started to exit when she turned back to Keilana. If you want to try something on, I suggest you follow me.

Keilana nodded and stepped out of the lift, Ganner right behind her. Mara started to lead the other two through the halls and stopped in front of a large door in under a minute. She opened it and stepped inside, the other two following.

Keilana looked around at the room and was surprised by it's simple beauty. Everything was neat and in perfect order. Most of the furniture was light grey and large windows lit up the room. Mara disappeared into a door to their left and came back with several pieces of clothing in her arms.

she said, handing them to Keilana. Keilana took the clothing offered to her and looked at Mara. Mara then pointed at a door across the room. You can change through that door.

Thank you, Keilana nodded and gave Mara a quick smile before leaving to change.

As soon as the door shut behind Keilana, Mara turned to Ganner and frowned. Where'd you find this one?

In a club a couple of streets down, Ganner threw a thumb over his shoulder. She didn't have a place to stay so I said she could stay here for the night. It was supposed to be quick, you know one night and then she's on her way.

What happened to that plan? Mara turned from Ganner and sat down in a chair, offering him one across from her. Ganner smiled and sat down. Decided you liked her too much?

What? No, no, Ganner shook his head. She stayed in a separate room. Besides, Master Skywalker met her and now wants to speak with her. He thinks she could possibly have Force potential, Ganner smirked. He even suggested that she could be more powerful than me.

Mara raised her eyebrows at Ganner's statement. Mara was quite surprised, but not so much that Keilana could have a strong Force presence. It was the way Ganner had put it.

Mara nodded.

Yes. I mean, how could a girl coming off of the streets have near as much power as me? Ganner sat back in his chair and looked at Mara.

she sat up a little and leaned forward. It's not where or how a person grew up that determines their potential in the Force. It's who they are and who their parents are or were. Sometimes, rarely, the parents don't need to be strong in the Force, or have any potential in the Force what-so-ever. Mara shook her head and sighed. Just because you found Key in some club doesn't mean she isn't Force strong, Ganner. And yes, it is possible that she could be more powerful than you.




As Keilana walked through the door, she looked around at the room she had entered. It was a large refresher and everything in it was white. The floor was white, as were the walls, the ceiling, the shower, and everything else. Keilana nodded a little as she dumped the clothes on the sink. She scowled at them, slightly, before shedding her own clothing.

After drying herself off with a one of the soft, white towels, Keilana picked up the pants and stepped into them, happy that they were tight and would allow her full movement. She then pulled the tight tunic over her head and looked in the full length mirror on the back of the door. She gave herself a little smile, pleased with the fit of the borrowed clothing.

She then bent over to grab her boots, which where laying on the floor. She pulled them on quickly and, while straightening up, she grabbed her belt from the counter where she had placed it. She looked back in the mirror to fasten the belt around her waist and hips. She straightened out a couple of the tools and weapons before reaching behind her and grabbing her holster. She first attached this to her belt and then strapped it around her left thigh. She made sure the blaster was locked in place before picking up her black leather gloves from the sink also. She looked at them and, rather than putting them on her hands, she tucked them into her belt and glanced back into the mirror. She sighed and regarded herself once more.

The white clothing that now clung to her body was in stark contrast to the dark hair falling about her shoulders. The pants were formfitting and clung to her legs perfectly allowing for any movement she might need. The tunic was tight and formfitting as well and reached halfway down her thighs. There were slits on either side of the tunic that cut up to her hips, stopping just below them. The neck scooped low, allowing for some cleavage, and the sleeves were long with slits near the bottom for her thumbs. To be truthful, the outfit actually ended up flushing her skin out a little. Besides that, her dark eyes shone in the dim light of the refresher and her black boots also contrasted with the white, as did her belt, gloves, holster and blaster.

I can't hide in the shadows in this. Damn, Keilana scowled and crossed her arms, trying to think of something she could do. When nothing immediately popped into her head, she sighed began concealing several other weapons and tools in her clothing. Once she was finished, Keilana picked up her helmet and wet clothing and stepped through the door. She silently walked across the room to the two Jedi and they both looked up at her as she approached, Ganner smiling.

I trust you are feeling better, Ganner said as he stood up and walked over to Keilana. She just nodded and looked over at Mara who was not quite glaring back. Keilana furrowed her brow and turned back to Ganner.

Perhaps I should meet with your master now, Ganner, she said softly, not quite meeting his gaze. Ganner nodded slowly after glancing at Mara.

Yes, perhaps that is the best idea, Ganner agreed as he turned to Mara. She nodded and Ganner turned to leave, Keilana right behind him.

As they walked down the hall, Keilana hugged her wet clothes to her stomach and sighed. I wonder if Mara suspects anything, Keilana thought. That or she just doesn't like me. Keilana shook her head slightly, emptying her mind of such thoughts. Those are useless thoughts, Keilana. Why should you care about whether or not some Jedi likes you, you won't see her again as soon as you get Skywalker. Keilana let a small smirk play across her face for a few seconds and had to stop herself from laughing out loud. Five million. My Gods, I will be sitting pretty once I complete this job.

Ganner stopped at the lift and pushed the call button. Keilana stopped also and turned to a window to look at the storm outside. She brushed her blaster once again, her fingers lingering on the lock of the holster. I will go down in history as the bounty hunter able to bring in the great Rebel hero, Luke Skywalker. Keilana shook her head as she looked back at Ganner. He was leaning against the wall outside the lift, looking at his right hand and facing Keilana. He stroked the stubble on his chin and lifted his head a little, picking up Keilana's gaze. He smiled at her and she gave him a little smile back before turning to look out at the storm once again. Maybe then, Dad, you will be proud of me.

Genuinely proud.