A/N - Meh, I don't know what to say. Here is another chapter. I might take it away if I don't like how it sounds in a few days, but here it is for now. Enjoy.

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Golden




She WHAT?! Añaa screeched. The two large guards standing below her throne flinched and a heavily built informant cowered away from the tiny woman. She cannot be alive, do you hear me? She cannot still be alive!

Of course, ma'am, the cowering informant squeaked, his voice hitting a falsetto. But she is.

Who do I have to send after this woman? Throwing herself into her chair, Añaa leaned into her hands.

I would suggest Boba Fett, my lady. The man stepped forward and looked at the little woman.

Añaa laughed as she looked at the man. He stepped back slightly and bowed his head. You think we should send tough, old, grisly Boba Fett.

Yes, ma'am.

Añaa grabbed her wine glass and threw it at the man. It flew wildly to the side and missed the man by a meter at least to shatter against the floor. He won't hunt his own daughter! I've already tried!

There is always the Guild, Lady. The informant dared to approach the throne once again and was greatly relieved when no flying wine glasses came his way.

The Guild? She mocked. You think I should try the Guild? I am beginning to doubt your intelligence, man. The only two good bounty hunters who are still alive aren't part of that organization. Añaa bared her teeth and began to growl through them. One I'm hunting and the other won't work for me.

Añaa scowled and set her jaw in frustration. This informant was far dumber than he first appeared and she was becoming highly irritated by the lack of intelligence in those she surrounded herself with. The guards were strong and dumb, the servants gullible and easily manipulated, and this informant. This informant was the least perceptive person she had ever dealt with.

Surely there are not only two reliable bounty hunters left in the galaxy.

I never said they were reliable. Fett is good about delivering his bounty, true, but Keilana has a problem with loyalty, Añaa stood up and started pacing back and forth. She brought this upon herself.

If I recall correctly, Lady, it was you who offered her only two-thirds of what the Hutts were offering for that smuggler. In the view of bounty hunters, she made the right decision.

No one asked you, the tiny woman growled. I placed the bounty on Haun's head far before the Hutts did. He was rightfully mine.

Be it so

Who's side are you on, Qern? Añaa sighed in frustration as she lowered herself into her throne. The dress she was wearing fell dangerously low over her breasts but she either did not care or did not notice. Qern averted his gaze slightly to look at the floor.

I am working for you, Lady.

That you are. Now stop talking, your voice is giving me a headache.

Of course, Lady.

Añaa gave him a look that made Qern, despite his large size, slink away from her throne and out the nearest door.

The air outside was still warm from the day, but Qern knew better than to trust that the warmth would last. Soon, just as the sun had done, the heat of the day would fade away into the night and a chill would set over the dark side of Tatooine. It was the same, day in and day out. The twin suns would only provide the planet with it's legendary heat when they rested high in the heavens, but as soon as they disappeared it was sometimes common to have a night as cold as a Hothen summer. Perhaps that is a bit of an exaggeration, but at times it seemed that cold. It was winter, so the nights were expected to be cool, but not that cold.

The large man walked along the balcony for a couple of minutes, his jacket zipped up and his arms at his sides. He had grown up on Corellia and, while he was used to cold winter nights, this chill was odd. Normally, even in this time of the year, Tatooine was not so cold. Especially right after sunset. Qern simply shrugged it off as an unexpectedly cold night and the thought was out of his mind quicker than a pod race. Then his comlink beeped. Reaching into his jacket, he flipped it on and brought it to his mouth.

Yes, my lady?

I didn't know you cared, a distinctly male voice answered.

Qern scowled. What do you want.

How is the Lady Añaa Ulkin?

Frustrated with, and caught up in her own concerns. Apparently the bounty hunter has caught on to the fact that she is being hunted herself.

As long as you keep the lady focused on the hunter and ignorant about the fact that you are hiring the lowest of the low and those who work for us, we should be able to proceed as planned. The disembodied voice paused for a moment. The contact just returned. She hasn't caught him yet. Just make sure you keep hiring men who can't shoot straight.

Of course, sir.

Too bad about the loss of Junio and Flint, they were good enough to pull off other tasks. Use your brain this time, Qern. Home out. The comlink clicked off and a newly scowling Qern returned it to his pocket.

Several imaginative curses ran through Qern's head as he turned to look out over the sea of sand. A brisk wind had picked up and far out in the distance, just within eyesight, and the sand started to pile up against itself. Qern thought he could see several campfires in the distance and wondered if they were Sand People.

Of course they're Sand People, Qern, what else would they be, he chided himself. However, something deep within him did not believe it.

Leaning against the handrail, the big man looked out at the Tatooine evening and away from the campfires. The sky had turned a musty orange colour and the high reaches of the atmosphere were just turning a deep indigo blue. A smile appeared on Qern's face as he placed his chin on his arms. As soon as Skywalker was captured and his captor dead, he would be able to escape this miserable planet.




Early the next morning, Jaina crept through the silent halls of the Jedi Temple to her brother's room. Hot-wiring the door in the blink of an eye, the Jedi slipped inside. Across from her, fast asleep, was her twin's still form. Sighing with relief that her entering had not awakened him, she started to move across the floor to gently shake him from his sleep.

The Jedi only made it a few steps. The thhurr mouse, who did not know of her gentle intentions, started to shriek. Jaina covered her ears and doubled over. Jacen had a similar response, only he sat bolt upright in his bed and was about to dart across the room to silence the frightened animal. Then he caught sight of his sister and decided to calm the animal from his bed. Sending it calming vibes and thoughts through the Force, Jacen quickly quieted the mouse.

Jaina straightened to ask her twin why he had not left bed when her eyes fell on the way his sheets fell across his lap. Turning around and staring at the wall, colour flamed in Jaina's cheeks. She opened her mouth to apoligize, but Jacen started first.

What are you doing in my room, Jaina?

I need to talk to you. Jaina crossed her arms and shifted her weight to her left foot. But if you wouldn't mind putting some pants on, I would much rather speak to your face than to the wall.

A short burst of embarrassment exploded off Jacen, which he quickly suppressed. A moment later Jacen touched Jaina's shoulder and she turned around.

And that's why you barged into my room? Jacen stepped back and rubbed a hand over his unshaved chin.

I didn't barge, I hot-wired. Jaina shrugged as if it were perfectly natural and very obvious. I was going to gently shake you awake but that thing

The thhurr mouse?



She has a name, you know.

Really? Fascinating. Jaina set her lips before continuing. However, I think I'm glad I didn't touch you.

Colour rose to Jacen's ears and he glanced away. So, why do you need to talk to me?

It's about Key.

Are you going to complain about the fight yesterday? Personally, I am quite sick of hearing your side of it and how she unfairly beat you up.

Hey, I should be the one you're defending, not that little Jaina trailed off as she racked her brain for the correct insult.

That little what? As I recall, she is taller than you. Quicker too. Jacen grinned in a way that made him look very much like his father, the same teasing twinkle settling into his eyes.

Throwing her arms up in the air, Jaina vented some of her frustration. I don't have a name for her, yet. And no, this is not about the fight.

Well, that certainly is a relief.

Jaina gave Jacen a glare that could burn a hole through a wall before she continued. She went out last night.

So, a lot of people do.

Yeah, but she came back covered in blood. That's not something a lot of people do. Seems as if she got into another fight.

That's apparent enough. Is she okay?

I don't know, she said, making frustrated gestures. Giving Jacen an incredulous look, Jaina continued. I was going to follow her, but Ganner beat me to her door.



Yeah, the poster boy himself. Apparently he noticed the same thing I did.

I hope she's okay, Jacen said, sitting down on the edge of his bed. Jaina's eyes widened on their own accord and she had to suppress the incredible urge to smack her brother across the head.

Are you and every other male being in this place too dense to add these things together? Key is up to something, Jacen. She is here with a purpose and there is method in her every word and action. Jaina's lip lifted in a snarl as she stepped closer to her brother. I take back my original accusation. She is not here to sell herself, she's after something else. Something from the material world, not that of fame and glory. She's a hunter, Jacen, I'm just not sure what kind.

Not yet, right? Jacen cocked a brow, but he was not teasing. I know you too well, sister.

You think I'm going to put on a relentless search until I figure out who she is? Sitting down next to her brother, Jaina sighed and leaned back.

Jacen simply nodded.

Than you don't know me at all, Jaina laughed lightly. I will try to figure her out, but it won't be relentless.

But bordering on obsessive?

Jaina shrugged. I just don't want her to hurt anyone.

And who would anyone be? Me? You? This family? She's bound to hurt someone sometime, Jaina. Just don't let this distract you. Jacen patted his sister on the knee and stood up. Walking over to the thhurr mouse, he opened the cage and coaxed her onto his outstretched palm. The tiny brown animal crawled cautiously forward and gripped his fingers with her tiny claws and tail as he lifted her up and out of the cage.

Stop treating me like that, Jaina snorted.

Treating you like what? Jacen allowed the tiny creature to crawl from hand to hand while he turned his attention back to his sister.

Like a child, a little girl. I'm older than you, for heaven's sake. And what exactly do you mean by don't let this distract you'? Don't get all philosophical with me, I'm not in the mood.

Obviously not, he muttered. Jacen set his lips in a line and glanced out his window at the golden morning. You know, the thhurr mouse

You're not going to tell me about that amazing' animal again, are you? Jaina's brandy-brown eyes shifted to the shivering creature in Jacen's hand.

Not that', Jaina, Jacen said softly as he attempted to calm the tiny animal further. This is a female thhurr mouse and her name is Speeka.

Speeka? Well the speak' part of that name is fitting. She has the shrillest voice I have ever heard.

Actually, compared to some animals

Jaina held up her hand and Jacen fell silent. I don't need a lecture about what animal has a shriller cry or other sithspit of the sort.

But I

Nope, save it for someone who really cares. Lowering her arm, Jaina did not catch the hurt expression that crossed her twins face. The man turned from his sister and, returning the mouse back to her cage, he glanced at Jaina for a moment before crossing his arms and walking along the wall.

What's the matter with you, Jaina?

What do you mean?

You've been horribly bitter lately. I don't know if it's something in your personal life that I shouldn't ask about that is getting you down or this new thing with Key. Jacen sighed and leaned his shoulder against the wall, his gaze fixed on the golden morning. I don't like this new you.



You used to be fun. Jacen turned to look at his sister when a wall of confusion hit him. Is this getting through to you?

Yes, but, I don't understand where this came from. Jaina started poking at the sheets on Jacen's bed.

You provoked it, Jaina. You used to let me talk all day about the animals, but now you hardly give me the time of day anymore.

Jaina stayed silent for a moment longer. In this time, her gaze shifted to the floor and then the wall. I guess I grew up, Jacen.

And out of me, he muttered, barely audible. Jaina looked at him, this time the hurt expression crossing her face, lingering in her eyes. She opened her mouth to apoligize, though she knew it would not do much good, when the door opened for the second time that morning. A younger version of Han Solo stood up and shut the control panel.

Is this not a good time? Anakin Solo asked, furrowing his brow.

Perfect time, actually, Jacen said, turning away from their sister. What's up? and why is everyone suddenly hot-wiring their way into my room?

I just got back, with Dad, to answer your first question. For the second one, Anakin shrugged. It's easy and convenient.

Someday you'll regret sneaking into other people's rooms at odd times of the day, Jacen snorted. Jaina smirked and hid her giggles behind her hand as Anakin gave his brother a wide-eyed, shocked look.

Excuse me?

Just saying, that's all. Jacen held up his hands in defence as he rose his brow.

Things still rough with Dad? Jaina turned to look at her little brother, changing the subject.

Anakin's gaze shifted to his other sibling as he nodded slowly. He's still pining after Chewie. It was a long nine days.

Where is he? This was Jacen.

Anakin shrugged. Mom's not there. I think he was hoping to avoid her. After a quick fuel-up he's gonna be leaving again.

To where? Jaina pulled her legs up on to the bed and crossed them, wincing slightly as her sore muscles stretched.

You know Dad. He'll be going where the cosmic winds call him; most likely into some sort of trouble. Anakin shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

That's our father, Jacen said, rolling his eyes to look back out the window. So, why didn't you go home?

And spend more time with a grieving Han Solo? I would rather wrestle a rancor. I was afraid for my life, being around Dad, Anakin laughed in his discomfort before biting his lower lip. Wait, let me rephrase that. I am afraid for my life. Sometimes I think that man is willing to give me up to have that damned walking carpet back again.

Jaina exclaimed, surprised by both his words and his language. Dad doesn't feel that way about you.

You obviously haven't been around him for awhile. Anakin set his lips and gave his sister a hard stare. Besides, you aren't the one who killed Chewbacca.

Don't get back into that, Anakin. You did not kill him. Jacen turned away from the window to place a hand on Anakin's shoulder. The younger man shrugged it off and turned away.

You don't know that. You weren't there.

But think about all the lives you did save, Anakin, Jaina put it. If you had turned back than you, Dad, Chewie, and however many refugees there were on the Falcon would have been dead.

At least Dad wouldn't be grieving, the youngest snorted.

Jacen forced his brother to look at him, but Anakin's icy-blue eyes kept darting away. Anakin, do I have to beat sense into you.

You could try, but it wouldn't help. Besides, I don't think you would succeed. Anakin had his mouth opened to say more but, for the third time that day, the door slid open on it's own accord. Or seemingly so. Outside was a crouching Keilana, her eyes darting from Solo to Solo.

her lips formed the word as she stood. I didn't know you had company, Jacen.

Well I certainly didn't except a family reunion this morning, Jacen said, letting go of his brother.

So this is the other Solo, she said, placing her hands on her hips. You're cute.

Anakin blinked several times, his mouth ajar. He could not believe the woman standing in his brother's door. She was gorgeous. He set his mouth to ask how Jacen knew her, but the words did not come out. Nor did he turn his gaze away from the woman. Rather, his eyes took in her every detail. She was dressed in a fitted skirt that cut high in the front, the back falling just above her knees. A thick leather jerkin covered the top half of her body, cutting low between her breasts. Short ankle boots covered her feet and gloves that appeared to be made of wrapped cloth covered her arms up to the elbow.

Laughing, Keilana stepped just inside the door.

Must run in the family. Keilana's eyes shifted to Jacen as a teasing grin sprang to her lips. He did not look happy, but did not get a chance to speak his mind.

And you are? Anakin said when he was finally able to speak.

she smiled, crossing her arms over her breasts. Her dark eyes grazed over Anakin's body and her slight smile widened. I'm a relatively new student.

She's been here a week, Jaina said bluntly.

Her eyes shifting between Jacen and Jaina, Keilana sighed and dropped her arms.

I can tell that I'm not wanted., she said, backing slightly toward the door. A dark eyed gaze fell on Jacen.

Wait, why are you here? Jacen put up a hand to stop the retreating woman.

Your uncle mentioned something about you being incredibly philosophical and I had a few questions, but they can wait.

Why didn't you just knock?

I'm not a conventional girl, Jacen, you should know that by now. I don't like to knock. Keilana paused for a moment, her lips remaining parted. Anyway, sorry about intruding, I really should learn some restraint.

And with that, Keilana turned and briskly walked out the door.

Well, that was odd, Anakin said after a moment.

That was Key, Jacen seemed to answer. You grow used to it after awhile.

No, Jacen, you grow used to it. Jaina crossed her arms and scowled.

Anakin looked at his older brother and furrowed his brow. What's up with her?



Why not just ask me to my face, Ani? Jaina growled deep in her throat and lowered her chin to glare at her younger brother.

You know I hate that name, Anakin growled back as he turned to his sister.

And you know I hate it when people don't direct questions about me to me when I am standing right there. Jaina's hands formed tight fists as she stood up. Good day, she snared before leaving.

Anakin breathed, his eyes on the now closed door.

Yeah. That's what happens to our sister when Key is near.



I can't figure her out, Jacen nodded toward the door. I figured it was because Key beat her soundly during some training during which Uncle Luke unwittingly insulted her.

That could make sense.

However, her reason is that Key is up to something.

I could see that too, Anakin nodded slowly.



She obviously had a life before hand seeing as she's Anakin trailed off for he did not know how old she was.



Okay. Seeing as she is twenty-one she obviously did something before coming here. You say sees been here for a week. Tell me, what has she done that could point to another life?

Now that you mention it, Jacen said, turning away from his brother.



She has actually done several things that I haven't really thought about.

And those are?

One, she left to check on her ship

Her ship?

Yeah. It's like Dad's, old and falling apart. Same model too.

You saw it?

No, she made me wait with the speeder when I went with her. Jacen pursed his lips slightly before continuing. Anyway, she went to check on that. She was nearly killed later that night, I think it was, when at least one man attacked her. That was after she shot and nearly killed him. I didn't witness this, but Ganner did, and he said she was surprised with her level of ability. She lied about telling our uncle about taking me along while she went to her ship once more and she did not at all seem phased when I mentioned seeing Boba Fett.

Boba Fett? The old bastard is still alive?

Apparently so, Jacen said, nodding slowly. Key also beat up Jaina in an impressive hand-to-hand battle training match. And then, most recently, she left once again and returned covered in someone else's blood.

Anakin sat down in one of Jacen's chairs after dropping the clothes that rested on it on the floor. I would have to agree with Jaina on this one, Jacen. This Key is up to something.

Yes, I would have to agree as well.




A seedy bar on some random rock was not a new thing to Boba Fett. He had spent his life jumping from moon to moon, planet to planet and had seen just about everything there was to see in the galaxy. So, on that note, the Sand Dragon Lounge and Bar was not anything new. It had the same sorts of spacers and scum that graced just about everything on Nar Shadda—the Smuggler's Moon. The dancing girls were something slightly new, but Fett was not there for the view. He was there for the promise of money, not that that was new either.

Despite that, Fett absolutely hated meeting in these sorts of places. He knew most bounty hunters did not care, even his own flesh and blood met people in bars and the like, but Boba Fett did not. He had too much dignity, not to mention experience, to do such a thing. But there he was, in a bar, waiting for a new customer.

Standing in the deep shadows of a corner, Fett felt that he was concealed, enough. He even started watching the girls on the stage. Eventually, he lost track of time. It was not until the bartender called out to him that he snapped his head away from the dancing.

Are ya gonna to order something to drink or are ya gonna to stand in that corner all night watching the girls, ya horny old bastard, the bartender called roughly. The only acknowledgement Fett gave him was turning his head in the man's direction.

Well, are ya gonna answer or do I have to send someone over there to persuade ya to do so?

Still, Fett did not answer.

The bartender turned away from the bar and disappeared into a back room. Fett watched him go and his danger sense started to tingle. It was not through the Force that he could sense this. No, Boba Fett was as ignorant to the Force as Han Solo was. Rather, this sense of danger had been developed over the years and was usually quite accurate. It was accurate during those few times he ever actually needed it, that is. However, Fett was not one to run.

As if right on cue, three large men came out of the back door, followed closely by the bartender. They climbed over the bar itself and advanced slowly toward the bounty hunter. And Fett let them come. He knew he could kill them all before they reached him, but he decided not too. He did not want to create a scene.

Why don't you answer, buddy? The largest of the three humans asked. Do you understand Basic or do we have to beat the understanding into you?

Again, the bounty hunter remained silent.





Keilana was in the middle of her now daily run with Ganner when it hit her. A quick burst of incredible pain that died away into nothing. Another one followed, but this time the pain lingered, numbing her from head to toe. The first burst had forced her to stop and the second round sent her to her hands and knees, gasping for air.

Ganner walked to her side to kneel next to her. Key, what's wrong?

She could not answer. The pain had numbed her brain and, even if she wanted to answer, there was no way she could. Her mouth had dried up and her tongue felt thick in her mouth. Strong arms became weak and Keilana's legs felt as if they were going to give way beneath her.

Eventually, hot tears welled up in her eyes and dripped down her face as the pain resided. But it was not the only thing to go.

There was now a hole. Deep within her being there was a hole, a place where someone had always been. Had always been until now, that is.

she stuttered. Oh gods, no.