Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars or any of these characters. Everything belongs to George Lucas, Aaron Allston and all the other brilliant people involved with this universe.

Chapter 1: The Good Life

Kyp sauntered slowly back to his room, as he lent himself freely to his surroundings. He could feel everything around him, lightly grazing over each of his distraught emotions. Far to few times now he felt comfortable enough to open himself completely and utterly to the Force.

Lately, he had been striving to hide his true feelings from everyone he encountered, even Master Skywalker. He wasn't sure when it started but he was constantly feeling at war with himself. Actually that's a lie---he knew precisely when it started---but he refused to admit it.

Within minutes he found himself walking through his automatic door and immediately flopping himself onto his bed, in a supreme cognitive state. He found himself muttering sarcastically under his breath, one last phrase, before he drifted off into a dreamless, seamless sleep. Yes, this is the good life.

After a few relaxing hours, he was awoken by a loud repeating tapping noise. He wasn't sure how long it had been recurring, but as he heard it grow even more annoyed, he decided quite sometime. Realizing there was indeed someone on the opposite side of his entranceway, he took a long calming breath and reached out to the Force, trying to feel any misplaced emotions.

Glancing to his right, making sure his lightsaber was in close proximity; he activated his door. With a whooshing noise, a little too loud for this time of day, the door quickly slid open, revealing Piggy. With a frown, Kyp took in Piggy's demeanor. Waking up to this creature didn't exactly give him warm feelings; after all… he was a Gamorrean.

The Gamorrean pilot casually leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, the classic "tough guy posture" that was all too familiar to Kyp. This was not a good start, he decided.

"It's the Great One" Piggy said.

Curiosity sparked, and Kyp found himself immediately alert. "What about her?" After all, to be awoken before dawn, it must be serious.

"She wants to see you."

"Now?" Kyp considered this for a moment. "Where?"

"On the roof"

Kyp let his eyes study the unruffled face of the pilot. He felt no deception, no coercion and no guilt. He felt safe with his assessment. Generally, Gamorrean's were very easy to read, even for an intelligent one such as Piggy.

"I'm on my way up."

Anyway, Kyp felt certain he could handle any threat, as long as it wasn't an extreme number of Yuuzhan Vong. Besides, why would they be after him? It wasn't a likely story.

Author's Note: Hey everyone, thanks for taking the time to read this. I've got much, much more to add. What do you think? Should I continue? Let me know your thoughts... good or bad. :)