o:o:o

A few minutes later, Phaelon wended her way back to her rooms. So, her parents weren't angry with her anymore. Lovely how it takes almost dying to bring people to their senses.

She paused outside the door. If Jysella was there, she'd be able to feel her Force signature, and it wasn't there. She touched the keypad, trying to read its memories. Jysella had been there, but hadn't been the only one. She read back further, someone had been there after they'd left; someone she'd seen somewhere before.

Then it hit her and she pulled her hand away from the keypad as though it had burned her. She knew those icy blue eyes and that curly blonde hair – Cammi Freelancer.

Using the Force, she reached out for Jysella and Cammi, neither of which she could feel inside. Unless? Well, let's not think about that right now. Carefully, she hit the buttons of the passcode and the door slide open with a hiss.

The room was perfectly still. Judging by the mess and the number of lightsaber and blaster scorches, there must have been quite a struggle.

She touched an overturned chair full of blaster holes. Jysella hid here from Cammi's ambush, which had started – Careful not to disturb anything, Phaelon crossed the room. – here. Cammi had pressed herself against the wall and waited.

The trail guided her back to the door. Cammi shoved her against the wall here, probably to get hold of her. Without her lightsaber, Jysella didn't stand a chance – she was as hopeless as her father when it comes to tk.

Phaelon went back into the hall and felt in the Force for any sign of Jysella or Cammi. They had been there some time ago, but their presences were already starting to be dissolved by the constant ebb and flow of the Force. Sithspit! They could be anywhere by now.

Nonetheless, she continued moving away from her rooms, following their presences like a vornskr hunting its prey.

The trail grew unintelligible when it headed outside of the complex in which they'd been staying. Dejectedly, Phaelon slumped against the side of the building and stared into the rocky landscape. For all she knew, Cammi could be watching her at this very instant and laughing hysterical.

She was just contemplating her next move when the door opened and her sister appeared.

"Thank goodness I found you," she said, breathing heavily. "I've looked everywhere."

"What's the matter?" Phaelon asked, concernedly.

"There's a HoloNet transmission for you," Ilyra panted.

Phaelon jumped to her feet. "Thanks."

Still trying to catch her breath, Ilyra trotted at her heels. "What's going on? Why were you outside?"

"I'll tell you later," she promised, before disappearing into the central communications room.

o:o:o

Just as she'd expected, the message was from Cammi. She was smiling smugly and her eyes danced maliciously. We meet again, Jedi, she sneered.

"Hello, Cammi. What can I do for you?" Phaelon asked, forcing herself to remain calm.

The girl was set off balance by her apparently uncaring reaction, but she soon recovered her boastful persona. Didn't you get my last message? she simpered. I'm sorry for having made such a mess, but I had been hoping to see you again.

You have lovely taste in redecorating, Cammi, she replied with a sigh. I'm sure your prison cell will look wonderful. Is that all you called about?

Cammi's face broke into outright anger. Don't you get it! she demanded. I have your precious little apprentice! She took a breath and resumed her simpering air. I had come here to kill you, but I think I might just kill her instead.

She sighed. "I ask again: What do you want, Cammi?"

The girl's face seemed to contort with rage. I want you! she shouted. I want you dead for what you did to me and my father! We had a great thing going until you and your friend showed up!

"And what would you like me to do about it?" Phaelon asked calmly, though she was a little worried Cammi would just get angrier and hurt Jysella.

I want the authorities to stop looking for me! I want my dad released! And I want the Jedi to leave us alone! she demanded, all in one breath.

Phaelon schooled her face to remain impassive. "That's a long list of demands. What guarantee do I have you won't hurt Jysella?"

You'll just have to take my word for it, she sighed triumphantly.

"I can't do that, Cammi," she said calmly, "for all I know, she could be dead already."

The slaver sneered. Could be, she taunted, but you won't know until I get what I want. You have twelve standard hours. I'll be in touch.

With that, the connection went dead.

o:o:o