Sorry about the amount of time between updates but my new house doesn't have internet access yet so I have to go to the library, and well being surrounded by textbooks kinda scares me. And the end of the second book isn't finished yet so I have to give myself time so my typing doesn't catch up. Cos of the wait here's a double update to make up for it.
Obi Wan turned and went in the opposite direction to where his room had been allocated. An unfamiliar feeling welled up inside him. He went through a meditative exercise to rid himself of it but it proved more difficult than it should have been. He opened the door and sat down on his bed trying to identify the feeling, and then it hit him. It was something a Jedi was not supposed to be able to feel: jealousy. Garyde was flirting with the possibility of something he could never do. Marrying Kyia. He knew he had feelings for her; he had tried to repress them for the two years he had been gone; despite the fact he had given in briefly when he was here last. The reality of the situation was she would marry someday, maybe soon and it could not be him. Her reaction to him today had showed that she had acknowledged that and passed him over.
"Not him" he insisted out loud. "The man has an ego the size of a red giant and obviously is used to being waited on hand and foot. Kyia hates that. Besides I've known trees with more force potential" Suddenly he realised how petty he was being and chastised himself. What was even scarier was that events were unfolding exactly as Anakin said they would. "I pray that boy never takes up gambling"
Kyia turned her head at the gentle tap at the door a few hours later. "Enter".
Garyde opened the door and peered in. "Told you I'd see you later"
She smiled softly. "Sorry about Obi Wan, he isn't usually like that".
The Prince sat down on the bed. "He did not like me. He has a right to his opinion."
"But not to be so blatant about it. So much for Jedi diplomacy." She rolled her eyes and shuffled her the bits of flimsiplast on her desk.
"You have rather a lot of filing to do there," He said jokingly.
Kyia sighed, "You could say that".
"Important? Or is this just normal?"
"A little" She replied. "Dealing with Hapes is a very different to the Republic. More forms."
He stood and walked over to her. "So I've heard. How have you been coping?"
The Quelena laughed lightly. "Much to the dismay of half the galaxy, quite well. Its taking some getting used to but we're doing okay, and even establishing some links with the Corporate Sector as well as Hapes"
"I'd be careful," he advised sternly. "Their ruler is an untrustworthy ally if ever I saw one. If there is real trouble I doubt you will be able to count on her."
She caught his eye, mildly touched at his concern and impressed at his accurate assessment of her situation. "It's sweet of you to be worried, but I know exactly what Ta'a Chume is like, she's a relative and it runs in the family.
His eyes widened in amazement. "I don't believe you! On second thoughts, you've got the same shrewdness…"
"Hey" She slapped him playfully for his sarcasm. "Very distantly related and the sides of the family don't see eye to eye. It was pure blackmail that I obtained the treaty in the first place."
"Sounds like my family", he snorted, then his look became craftier. "Can I ask the question that has been plaguing the galaxy for two years?"
"Depends how nicely you ask."
"Why did you leave the Republic" he smiled "Please".
Kyia smiled back. "How do I know you're not a spy?"
He raised a finger to his chin. "Would this face lie?"
"Most definitely" She added sweetly. "Anyway I gave out a statement."
"I can spot political jargon at twenty paces" He replied.
Kyia screwed up her face. "Looks like I've been caught. I would tell you but you didn't ask nicely enough"."
"You don't trust me." He said frankly.
"I do," She wasn't lying. She could feel his sincerity through the Force. "Its just Elphora cannot afford to."
Garyde shrugged light-heartedly. "Fair enough." The crafty look re-emerged. "How am I doing so far?"
She raised an eyebrow. "Still alive aren't you?"
"You're avoiding the question."
"You're doing okay." She sighed. Garyde rewarded her with another smile that lit up his face with boyish excitement.
"That's good." He started to move away. "Well I had better leave you and your paperwork alone. I know how it can build up."
"Tell me about it" She moaned. He left with a quiet understanding of her work that Obi Wan, although guessing the nature of it could not show the same empathy that Garyde did with her. The Quelena picked up a datacard and tapped it lightly. It outlined one of their main difficulties, acquiring weaponry. People tended to over-look a planet wanted to boost a shield generator, but buying ion cannons and heavy artillery was a different matter. Bis Xandel had suggested buying them on the black-market to by-pass official channels. Despite seeming the safest though not the most cost effective, it did not appeal to Kyia. It was after-all breaking the law not to mention moral codes.
"But what other option do I have?" She said out loud. Restlessly she leaned back in her chair and glanced at the datacard. Scrolling down the text with her thumb the other options listed, put in a request to Hapes, petition the Republic or buy directly from the manufacturers; they all involved extensive procedures and record keeping, which would direct more attention to Elphora. This was assuming Ta'a Chume and the Republic did not put her request into the nearest waste shoot. So many problems and the Force kept whispering to her that she needed Kayless, and at this point in time she was inclined to agree with it. There was something important about that girl, maybe even instrumental, if only she could find her. Kyia reached out with her mind knowing it was pointless to try and bridge the vast void of space that separated them.
"Where are you Kayless Tieta?"
A tall half Twi'lek swung her lightsabre at her foe forcefully, her pale lekku swinging with the momentum. A blaster bolt came from behind her and she turned and deflected it towards the alien in front of her. He hissed as it hit the soft flesh of his thigh. The attacker behind her ran. The girl de-activated her lightsabre and flung it at it and it smacked square into the back of his head with a dull thud. He too tumbled to the ground. The Jedi apprentice called her lightsabre using the Force and a second later felt it in her grasp.
"I'm good!" She said confidently.
Her master stepped from the shadows. "Do not let your confidence be your undoing."
She shrugged. "It's just an expression. Admittedly there were only two. What do we do with them?"
The conscious villain glared up at the Jedi Master. "We'll let the local law enforcement deal with them. We've done all we need to."
"Spoil my fun" She spoke with a smile she was becoming known for."
Her master waved his hand and the other assailant joined his companion in the realm of the subconscious. "Just to make sure you don't feel the need to leave." The Jedi began to leave the pair asleep in the darkness. "You are improving. However your technique lacks in grace what it makes up in strength."
"Do I need grace?" He nodded. "When the delicate cuts of a viroblade are will do to open a lock rather than a proton torpedo."
She bit her lip and thought for moment as if processing this. "Okay" She brushed a dark braid from her face. Suddenly the girl reached out as if dizzy.
Her master took her arm and she dropped down on one knee. "What is it Kayless?"
Her lilac eyes flashed towards him and filmed over.
Acnab Drais sat his apprentice down in their temporary lodgings on Vortex. "Calm yourself Kayless. Reach out to the Force." He handed her an icepack and she placed it on her head.
"We need to return to Elphora." She repeated. It was the only coherent thing she's been able to mutter since her fainting spell.
"I don't sense anything" He replied.
She shook her head. "It's fading. I felt the Quelena calling me. It was so strong I couldn't control it."
"I fail to see how she could have summoned you using the Force over so greater distance when you barely know her." Acnab looked over her with scrutiny. "But we have been away from Elphora for a long time, and I would be a fool to ignore your instincts completely." He mumbled under his breath, "No matter how much I hate space travel."
Kayless sniggered, her good humour returned. "Good thing your padawan is such as good pilot."
"A Jedi's strength lies in the Force, not those contraptions." He grumbled. "Pack your things swiftly."
Kayless rushed from the room. The Jedi pressed his lips together for a moment pondering what this all meant. Shaking his head he moved towards his belongings.
Obi Wan scanned a datacard containing basic Elphoran history futilely; the information seemed to be bouncing of his skull. He slammed it down on he desk. "Your mind is obviously not on this Obi Wan. Why don't you go and talk to her instead of just thinking about it." He stood up resolved and walked down the corridor towards Kyia's suite. It also had not escaped his notice that he'd been placed further away from her than last time.
The Quelena was also seated at her desk; she raised her head from her pile of datacards. "Yes?" She blinked stonily, knowing full well whom it was.
"I think we need to talk".
Kyia put a hand to her brow. "Please Obi Wan, not now."
"I think we have things to say to each other." He shifted awkwardly.
She gritted her teeth and stood up, taking offence at his tone. "No, we don't. What I have to do is save my home from being torn apart by a Sith Lord. I have a meeting with the Elected Governors in ten triacts and I still haven't finished sifting through this mountain of paperwork. I do not have time for this now." Despite her voice remaining neutral her gaze cut through him.
"I understand." He replied bitterly.
"No you don't". The frustration finally reached her voice. "Elphora comes first. What I want, what I need comes second, and your insecurities are a lot further down the list."
"And Garyde isn't I suppose" Obi Wan was aware of how childish he sounded but he was past caring.
The Quelena raised an eyebrow at his sudden outburst. "My private life is not your concern," She said calmly. "And Garyde like me has grown up with this. He really does understand."
"Fine" He clenched his jaw, bowed slightly and walked out.
Kyia exhaled. "That's not what I meant." She whispered to the closed door. I just can't stay rooted in the past, not considering what lies ahead." She had not meant to be so cold but that was the effect of years of not being able to let off steam had done, and she hated being trapped behind her desk like a caged animal, but she did not have time for escape either. The Quelena sat down at her desk and flicked through the remaining datacards.
"Boring". She sighed and went back to work. There were still many trade contracts that had to approved and signed.
Obi Wan turned and went in the opposite direction to where his room had been allocated. An unfamiliar feeling welled up inside him. He went through a meditative exercise to rid himself of it but it proved more difficult than it should have been. He opened the door and sat down on his bed trying to identify the feeling, and then it hit him. It was something a Jedi was not supposed to be able to feel: jealousy. Garyde was flirting with the possibility of something he could never do. Marrying Kyia. He knew he had feelings for her; he had tried to repress them for the two years he had been gone; despite the fact he had given in briefly when he was here last. The reality of the situation was she would marry someday, maybe soon and it could not be him. Her reaction to him today had showed that she had acknowledged that and passed him over.
"Not him" he insisted out loud. "The man has an ego the size of a red giant and obviously is used to being waited on hand and foot. Kyia hates that. Besides I've known trees with more force potential" Suddenly he realised how petty he was being and chastised himself. What was even scarier was that events were unfolding exactly as Anakin said they would. "I pray that boy never takes up gambling"
Kyia turned her head at the gentle tap at the door a few hours later. "Enter".
Garyde opened the door and peered in. "Told you I'd see you later"
She smiled softly. "Sorry about Obi Wan, he isn't usually like that".
The Prince sat down on the bed. "He did not like me. He has a right to his opinion."
"But not to be so blatant about it. So much for Jedi diplomacy." She rolled her eyes and shuffled her the bits of flimsiplast on her desk.
"You have rather a lot of filing to do there," He said jokingly.
Kyia sighed, "You could say that".
"Important? Or is this just normal?"
"A little" She replied. "Dealing with Hapes is a very different to the Republic. More forms."
He stood and walked over to her. "So I've heard. How have you been coping?"
The Quelena laughed lightly. "Much to the dismay of half the galaxy, quite well. Its taking some getting used to but we're doing okay, and even establishing some links with the Corporate Sector as well as Hapes"
"I'd be careful," he advised sternly. "Their ruler is an untrustworthy ally if ever I saw one. If there is real trouble I doubt you will be able to count on her."
She caught his eye, mildly touched at his concern and impressed at his accurate assessment of her situation. "It's sweet of you to be worried, but I know exactly what Ta'a Chume is like, she's a relative and it runs in the family.
His eyes widened in amazement. "I don't believe you! On second thoughts, you've got the same shrewdness…"
"Hey" She slapped him playfully for his sarcasm. "Very distantly related and the sides of the family don't see eye to eye. It was pure blackmail that I obtained the treaty in the first place."
"Sounds like my family", he snorted, then his look became craftier. "Can I ask the question that has been plaguing the galaxy for two years?"
"Depends how nicely you ask."
"Why did you leave the Republic" he smiled "Please".
Kyia smiled back. "How do I know you're not a spy?"
He raised a finger to his chin. "Would this face lie?"
"Most definitely" She added sweetly. "Anyway I gave out a statement."
"I can spot political jargon at twenty paces" He replied.
Kyia screwed up her face. "Looks like I've been caught. I would tell you but you didn't ask nicely enough"."
"You don't trust me." He said frankly.
"I do," She wasn't lying. She could feel his sincerity through the Force. "Its just Elphora cannot afford to."
Garyde shrugged light-heartedly. "Fair enough." The crafty look re-emerged. "How am I doing so far?"
She raised an eyebrow. "Still alive aren't you?"
"You're avoiding the question."
"You're doing okay." She sighed. Garyde rewarded her with another smile that lit up his face with boyish excitement.
"That's good." He started to move away. "Well I had better leave you and your paperwork alone. I know how it can build up."
"Tell me about it" She moaned. He left with a quiet understanding of her work that Obi Wan, although guessing the nature of it could not show the same empathy that Garyde did with her. The Quelena picked up a datacard and tapped it lightly. It outlined one of their main difficulties, acquiring weaponry. People tended to over-look a planet wanted to boost a shield generator, but buying ion cannons and heavy artillery was a different matter. Bis Xandel had suggested buying them on the black-market to by-pass official channels. Despite seeming the safest though not the most cost effective, it did not appeal to Kyia. It was after-all breaking the law not to mention moral codes.
"But what other option do I have?" She said out loud. Restlessly she leaned back in her chair and glanced at the datacard. Scrolling down the text with her thumb the other options listed, put in a request to Hapes, petition the Republic or buy directly from the manufacturers; they all involved extensive procedures and record keeping, which would direct more attention to Elphora. This was assuming Ta'a Chume and the Republic did not put her request into the nearest waste shoot. So many problems and the Force kept whispering to her that she needed Kayless, and at this point in time she was inclined to agree with it. There was something important about that girl, maybe even instrumental, if only she could find her. Kyia reached out with her mind knowing it was pointless to try and bridge the vast void of space that separated them.
"Where are you Kayless Tieta?"
A tall half Twi'lek swung her lightsabre at her foe forcefully, her pale lekku swinging with the momentum. A blaster bolt came from behind her and she turned and deflected it towards the alien in front of her. He hissed as it hit the soft flesh of his thigh. The attacker behind her ran. The girl de-activated her lightsabre and flung it at it and it smacked square into the back of his head with a dull thud. He too tumbled to the ground. The Jedi apprentice called her lightsabre using the Force and a second later felt it in her grasp.
"I'm good!" She said confidently.
Her master stepped from the shadows. "Do not let your confidence be your undoing."
She shrugged. "It's just an expression. Admittedly there were only two. What do we do with them?"
The conscious villain glared up at the Jedi Master. "We'll let the local law enforcement deal with them. We've done all we need to."
"Spoil my fun" She spoke with a smile she was becoming known for."
Her master waved his hand and the other assailant joined his companion in the realm of the subconscious. "Just to make sure you don't feel the need to leave." The Jedi began to leave the pair asleep in the darkness. "You are improving. However your technique lacks in grace what it makes up in strength."
"Do I need grace?" He nodded. "When the delicate cuts of a viroblade are will do to open a lock rather than a proton torpedo."
She bit her lip and thought for moment as if processing this. "Okay" She brushed a dark braid from her face. Suddenly the girl reached out as if dizzy.
Her master took her arm and she dropped down on one knee. "What is it Kayless?"
Her lilac eyes flashed towards him and filmed over.
Acnab Drais sat his apprentice down in their temporary lodgings on Vortex. "Calm yourself Kayless. Reach out to the Force." He handed her an icepack and she placed it on her head.
"We need to return to Elphora." She repeated. It was the only coherent thing she's been able to mutter since her fainting spell.
"I don't sense anything" He replied.
She shook her head. "It's fading. I felt the Quelena calling me. It was so strong I couldn't control it."
"I fail to see how she could have summoned you using the Force over so greater distance when you barely know her." Acnab looked over her with scrutiny. "But we have been away from Elphora for a long time, and I would be a fool to ignore your instincts completely." He mumbled under his breath, "No matter how much I hate space travel."
Kayless sniggered, her good humour returned. "Good thing your padawan is such as good pilot."
"A Jedi's strength lies in the Force, not those contraptions." He grumbled. "Pack your things swiftly."
Kayless rushed from the room. The Jedi pressed his lips together for a moment pondering what this all meant. Shaking his head he moved towards his belongings.
Obi Wan scanned a datacard containing basic Elphoran history futilely; the information seemed to be bouncing of his skull. He slammed it down on he desk. "Your mind is obviously not on this Obi Wan. Why don't you go and talk to her instead of just thinking about it." He stood up resolved and walked down the corridor towards Kyia's suite. It also had not escaped his notice that he'd been placed further away from her than last time.
The Quelena was also seated at her desk; she raised her head from her pile of datacards. "Yes?" She blinked stonily, knowing full well whom it was.
"I think we need to talk".
Kyia put a hand to her brow. "Please Obi Wan, not now."
"I think we have things to say to each other." He shifted awkwardly.
She gritted her teeth and stood up, taking offence at his tone. "No, we don't. What I have to do is save my home from being torn apart by a Sith Lord. I have a meeting with the Elected Governors in ten triacts and I still haven't finished sifting through this mountain of paperwork. I do not have time for this now." Despite her voice remaining neutral her gaze cut through him.
"I understand." He replied bitterly.
"No you don't". The frustration finally reached her voice. "Elphora comes first. What I want, what I need comes second, and your insecurities are a lot further down the list."
"And Garyde isn't I suppose" Obi Wan was aware of how childish he sounded but he was past caring.
The Quelena raised an eyebrow at his sudden outburst. "My private life is not your concern," She said calmly. "And Garyde like me has grown up with this. He really does understand."
"Fine" He clenched his jaw, bowed slightly and walked out.
Kyia exhaled. "That's not what I meant." She whispered to the closed door. I just can't stay rooted in the past, not considering what lies ahead." She had not meant to be so cold but that was the effect of years of not being able to let off steam had done, and she hated being trapped behind her desk like a caged animal, but she did not have time for escape either. The Quelena sat down at her desk and flicked through the remaining datacards.
"Boring". She sighed and went back to work. There were still many trade contracts that had to approved and signed.