The Cycle Begins Anew



Gods almighty, Ganner! I'm not helpless! Keilana's voice could be heard from across the abandoned hanger where a shadowed figure stood, watching, waiting. Just let me do something on my own for once and—fuck it! Now look what you've gone and made me do! Will you pick up the multitool for me, please?

The shadow continued to watch the empty hatchway and listen to the argument unfold. Sharp eyes of gold and purple played along the hull of the jet black Corellian ship for a moment, taking in every detail, burning the image of this ship into memory. And then a sound echoed across the hanger to the left; a door had opened. Looking back at the ship once more, the shadow slipped out of the open hanger and disappeared into the inky night.

Just as the shadow disappeared, Kyp Durron entered the hanger. He stopped momentarily in his tracks and glanced at the spot the figure had previously occupied. Furrowing his brow, sure that he had seen movement, the large Jedi made his way to Keilana's ship, a smile blossoming on his lips at the sound of quarrelling.

Shuffling and then the sound of a sharp kick to the hull plating within the ship echoed out. Keilana growled and howled at her ship a bit longer before reverting into the curious language no one dared ask about. And no sound whatsoever came from Ganner, the man Kyp had come to see.

Walking up the hatchway, Kyp leaned into the ship and looked to either side of him. The hall was empty. Knowing the layout of the ship thanks to the Millennium Falcon, Kyp stepped inside and followed the voices to a compartment that should have been living space. Instead, there was a gutted out room full of transparisteel cages. Albeit there were only four cages, but the room was full of them all the same. Looking around for a moment, Kyp quickly found the ship's other two occupants. A very pregnant Keilana was standing with her side to the wall and glowering down at a datapad while Ganner sat a meter or so away, his legs crossed and his eyes closed. Clearing his throat, Kyp smiled and stepped closer to them.

Sorry to intrude, he started. Keilana gave him a glare that could kill before beckoning him to come further into the room. And how are you this fine evening, Keilana?

Can the pleasantries, Kyp, Keilana growled, looking up once again from her datapad. Why are you here?

I've come for Ganner, actually, Kyp said, shifting his gaze to the black-haired man. Ganner opened his eyes slowly and looked up at Kyp. Luke sent for him.



Well you're the only Ganner I know, so I assume he was talking about you. Kyp rose his brow and cocked a smile on his lips. Ganner just rubbed his palms on his trousers and stood up.

Why would Luke want me?

I'm only the messenger, Ganner. You'll have to talk to the big man himself if you want answers. Kyp glanced toward the still glowering Keilana—who had started muttering to herself again—and straightened out his dark tunic. I assume you don't mind, Keilana?

No, I don't mind. All he's good for right now is picking up things I've dropped, Keilana said, a smile spreading across her lips. She tossed the datapad to Ganner, who hooked it onto his belt. That and holding things for me. Can't do much of either at the moment. Besides that? No, he's not of great importance to me. Take him if you must.

And how is the child, might I ask? Kyp said, stepping closer to Keilana.

He's doing just fine, thank you, Keilana answered with a smile, glad to be off the subject of her and Ganner's relationship. Tumbles around like a damned circus acrobat in the middle of the night and keeps me up, but I guess I'd better get used to that now, right? Keilana laughed softly to herself and closed an open panel behind her. Pulling a rag out from under Ganner's belt, Keilana started to wipe the grease from her hands. I have nothing left to do here—though I don't think I'd get much done without Ganner around. Mind if I join you?

Not at all, Kyp said. He escorted them down the hatch and out of the ship, Keilana holding onto his elbow. The three of them moved across the abandoned hanger to the door, exiting without a sound. None of them felt the careful eyes that had been trained on their backs as they walked away; none felt the hunger, anger, and hate radiating off the shadow that had reappeared.

A pink tongue ran carefully over indigo lips as the alien watched from her perch. As soon as the three disappeared, she gave a grin full of large, razor sharp teeth, her tail wiping through the air above her head. She would have her revenge, someday, and, O, what sweet revenge it would be. Yes, she told herself, Someday, daughter of Fett, you will taste the bitter irony of your death by my hand.

The alien's smile grew as she clenched one fist before disappearing into the night once again.




Luke Skywalker looked up as his door slid open. Smiling and standing, he greeted Ganner as he stepped into the small office. His gaze then fell on Keilana who was standing just outside in the hallway. Putting out his hand to stop the door from closing, Luke stepped out to greet her as well.

You are absolutely glowing this evening, Keilana, he said, smiling widely. The pregnancy has done wonders for you.

Keilana said, shifting her weight. I'm surprised. Beyond losing my waistline, I haven't found any benefits thus far. I can't sleep, my feet constantly ache, and I eat like a half-starved wampa led into a Rebel base. Luke flinched at the mention of the creature causing Keilana to smile. Not to mention that my hormones are completely out of whack.

Ah, the joys of motherhood.

So you've impregnated that many women, eh, Skywalker? Keilana smiled wider and cocked one brow.

More than I can count, he countered before waving one hand. No, after watching my sister with her children I've learned what to expect if I am ever to have any of my own.

You haven't been there first hand, though, Ganner said from behind. He lowered his chin to meet his Master's gaze, his bright eyes twinkling. Do you know how hard it is to find iced melon and two duck steaks at three in the morning? Or perhaps how it feels when every eatery in the vicinity is suddenly out of smoked nerf ribs, chocolate pie, and cinna tea at the exact same moment?

But I thought you two—

It doesn't stop her from calling me up in the middle of the night asking for favors. Personally, I would like to keep certain parts of my anatomy, so I humor her. Ganner sighed and ran a hand through his hair. I don't think I've ever looked forward to something being over quite as much as I do this.

Keilana chuckled. It's only the beginning, poster boy. Ganner gave an exaggerated groan and Luke smiled, meeting Kyp's gaze, laughter in their eyes. After a moment, Keilana rested one hand on her stomach and turned to look at Ganner. Well, don't you two boys have a meeting to get too?

Luke cleared his throat. Yes, yes we do. If you would be so kind as to wait out here, both of you?

Kyp and Keilana nodded. After thanking them, Luke turned back to his office, Ganner close behind. The door slid shut leaving only Kyp and Keilana in the hall. There was a moment of silence before Kyp leaned against the wall.

So I take it Ganner is looking forward to the birth?

He's not the only one, Keilana said, looking around for a place to sit. Her eyes quickly fell on a bench which she promptly moved toward. With a great sigh, Keilana sat down and closed her eyes. I almost look forward to two a.m. feedings and no sleep.

But the key word is almost,' correct? When Keilana nodded, Kyp chuckled softly and crossed the floor to sit next to her. Ganner's a lucky guy, he really is.

He's not the father, you know that.

That's not what I mean, Keilana and you know that. He's found one of the greatest things someone in this galaxy can find, which is second only to that perfect buzz you get when you've drunken just too much. Keilana opened one eye to regard Kyp. The dark orb of her iris shined with laughter before closing the eye once more.

You certainly aren't talking about love, now are you? Remember, he screwed that whole thing months ago. Keilana dropped silent for a moment before saying, Yes, I suppose there is nothing better than that buzz. It's gonna be a long while before I get that again.

So you've sworn off drinking then?

I'm not completely reckless, Kyp, despite popular belief. I know the harmful effects it could have on my child. I guess I could be compared to some sort of exotic fruit; prickly and uninviting on the outside and so sickeningly sweet on the inside it makes you, well, sick.

Now, I wouldn't go around calling you sweet, but you've got some of that right; you're uninviting and you do have a certain degree of exoticness about you. This time, both of Keilana's eyes flew open and she spun gracelessly to meet Kyp's gaze.

Excuse me?

Whoa, don't get all defensive, sweetheart, he said, giving Keilana a mocking grin. I just don't generally associate bounty hunters with being sweet, retired or not, that's all. Besides, you're a gorgeous girl, Keilana, and many people would call your looks exotic.

Exotic? Well, I guess if a walking, talking balloon filled to the point of bursting can be called exotic, than that's me. Keilana laughed lightly. Kyp chuckled as well before raising his brow.

You know, Kyp started, scratching his cheek, some men find pregnancy a turn on.

Eugh, don't tell me you're one of those men, Kyp.

And if I did?

Then as soon as I could stand up I would run—er—walk as quickly as I could away from you and hole up in my room until the birth. Don't need any wandering eyes coming my way for a little while. Keilana said this with a hint of sadness as she absently patted her stomach. Kyp opened his mouth to ask about the child's father, but changed his mind quickly. Perhaps it was better for that to remain Keilana's closely guarded secret.

he said instead. When is the baby due?

Any day now, Keilana said, the sadness gone. Any day now.

Ah. So any day now we will not only have your complaining to listen to but the complaints of a newborn babe racking our brains and stealing our sanity?

Well, I don't know about your sanity, but I sure as hell have the feeling that I'll be willing to go back to my job as assassin-for-hire when this is all over.

You're not serious, are you?

I really don't know, Kyp. I was raised as a bounty hunter and, up until about seven months ago, bounty hunting was all I'd known. It's just as much a part of me as this life is a part of you. Like they say, you can take the girl out of hunting, but not the hunting out of the girl.

Who says that? Kyp furrowed his brow. He did not like the way this conversation was turning.

It doesn't matter, Keilana said with a wave of her hand. The point is that, sick and twisted as this might sound, I still have urges to go on the hunt again. At times I wake up in the middle of the night and reach under my pillow for a blaster that's not there. Keilana sighed and glanced at the floor. I even keep track of bounties that come up on the Net every once and awhile. I can't seem to shake my former life.

You're right, that does sound sick, Kyp said, turning his concerned gaze to the opposite wall. How could you have ever enjoyed a life like that?

Like I said, that's how I grew up. I didn't know any other way of life. After awhile, it almost became an obsession. Life didn't feel right if I didn't have a job or if I was stationary too long. For Gods' sake, my father would send me people hunting for target practice when I annoyed him. Mind you, I wasn't shooting to kill, but that's the life I lived until I ran away.

How old were you when you ran away? Kyp made a face which Keilana didn't catch. He detested these sort of interview-like conversations.

Fifteen. I couldn't take living with my father anymore on that damn blasted antique he called a ship. I rarely touched down on solid ground and I could never escape from his training routine. He'd dial up the artificial gravity to force me to train harder and he'd restrict my diet to only certain types of food, not that we had much food on the ship to begin with, mind you. He'd put all of his money into renovations to keep the ship together and to upgrade his weapons. I'd only get new clothes when I had worn out my current set or outgrew them. Keilana sighed and slumped her shoulders. My life was hell when I lived with him.

What kind of a man could do that to their child?

If you knew who my father was you'd choke on that question, Keilana said with a slight chuckle, though the laughter didn't carry to her eyes. But don't even bother asking who he is cause I'm not telling you. There's only one other person who'd I'd ever trust with that information and he knows. She didn't bother mentioning that it was that same bit of information that had torn them apart as well.

I thought you said an entire crime organization knows who your father is? Kyp said, glancing at Keilana.

Unfortunately. I still haven't figured out how they know who he is but I have a feeling it has something to do with that mad crimelord who's after me. Keilana bowed her head and shook it in frustration. I'm only twenty-two years old and I have an entire crime organization after me, not to mention the outrageous bounty that's slowly turning into a death mark. Gods, I'll end up dying like my mother. Only she didn't die quite as soon as you thought, now did she?

And how was that, since you brought it up?

Keilana turned her gaze on Kyp and bared her teeth momentarily. She had brought this on herself, she knew that, but it didn't mean she had to be happy about it. She was a young bounty hunter and had managed to get a death mark on her head. As far as I know, she hid in the lower levels of Coruscant until she had given birth to me in a place I can only speculate about. Then, when I was nearly a year old, she had been rooted out and was on the run. It was only luck, as far as I can see it, that she ran into my father, otherwise I'd probably have been abandoned in a garbage heap. Anyway, after she had abandoned me, my father never saw her again, she lied. I don't know much about her beyond that. I don't even look like her, or so my father says. I favored his looks, the dark hair and eyes. My face is a feminine reconstruction of his as is my short temper and degree of recklessness. The only thing he told me I inherited from my mother was her pale skin and build, along with complete and udder stubbornness.

Kyp let out a low whistle as he studied the far wall. Looking back at the woman at his side, he frowned as he watched the progress of a single tear over her cheek. Putting an arm around her shoulders, Kyp pulled her close. I'm sorry, he said. I'm sorry for asking you to delve into your past like that.

No, Kyp, it's okay. Keilana wiped her cheek with the back of her hand and attempted a smile. Sometimes a girl just needs to complain and bitch about her past. There is rarely a person who will listen, not to mention the fact that it is never a guy. You had a rough childhood too, didn't you, Kyp?

Yes, but unlike you, I don't need to bitch on about it. I've done enough of that in my lifetime. Besides, I'm a big boy now, he said with a smile. I can deal with my problems like a man.

Just don't get too macho with your feelings—but, oh dear, I guess it's a little late for that. Keilana chuckled softly to herself before resting her head on Kyp's shoulder. Sighing, she closed her eyes and allowed a soft smile to play across her face. Kyp looked down at her face, studying it for a moment.

You know, if Ganner caught us out here like this, he'd kill me. He still loves you, you know.

Keilana, choosing to ignore Kyp's added comment, sighed and leaned heavier against him. And as long as he looked good doing it, he'd be delighted with himself.

Gee, thanks for the support.

You're welcome, Keilana said in a singsong voice. She laughed lightly before squeezing Kyp's hand with her own. But you're the same way, so I wouldn't go around complaining for too long.

Kyp simply shrugged as he took Keilana's hand in his own. Much to his surprise, she didn't pull away.




Have you heard the latest news from the

The man sitting across from the first looked up, his drink halfway to his mouth. You have access to that? I heard only certain people can get into it.

A common misconception, I assure you. Anyway, have you heard about the latest big one?

Enlighten me.

Word is that the record price placed on a bounty hunter's head has been broken. It's a whopper, I tell you, an absolutely ridiculous amount of money.

How much?

Three-point-five million.

That's pocket change these days as far as the big bounties go. The second man took a long swig of his drink, finishing it. Wiping a hand across his mouth, he glared at the man before him. There have been people raking in amounts up in the seven and eight-million-credit range these days. What's so important about this one?

For starters, it's on one of the precious big time bounty hunters. The first man smirked as if the idea were humorous. You know, the upper-class, the private commissioners, the special' ones?

They must have ticked someone off real bad to deserve a price like that. Who is it.

You'll never guess.

Then tell me.

You know about Keilana, right?

'Course I do. She rose out of nothing to become one of the privileged few elites.

 first man laughed. Good word.

Word is she even knows Fett, but what's she got to do with this? Is it a private job or something?

No! It's her. She's the one with the price. Smart girl has holed up somewhere too, cause no one can find her.

Got any information on her whereabouts?

The first man shook his head. Since the Skywalker job she's been nowhere, out of sight, no one's seen her...

And the conversation continued as thus. From across the crowded, smokey bar, there was another man listening to the two men talk as well. His head was cocked in an unnoticeable fashion as he took in every word the two men were saying. It was times like this when the genetic manipulation he'd undergone seemed worth it.

As he listened, the insistent drumming of fingers on the table top pounded into his brain. So far, he'd been able to ignore it. However, as the pattern grew louder and more insistent, he could no longer stand it. Reaching out, he grabbed the fingers in his hand and squeezed down until their owner squealed in pain.

Then stop doing it, he growled low under his breath. Shifting his eyes to the rusty-haired woman in front of him, he almost smiled at the look of sheer terror on her face before releasing her.

Why are we here? She asked in a shaky voice after a moment.

I'm gathering information.



Fett turned to glare at Jikala. Because I am.

Oh, well, that's a good reason, Jikala said, her gaze falling to the table top.

Fett growled. This reminded him too much of Keilana's early childhood before she had learned the value of silence. It hadn't taken his own child long to figure out not to ask questions, but this girl, well, she was not quite as sharp.

Just be quiet, all right?

Jikala nodded as she pulled her hood further down over her eyes. Nodding in satisfaction, Fett turned his ear back toward the two bounty hunters. However, their conversation had turned from Keilana to the best kind of draught they could buy with the money they had. Sighing in frustration, Fett grabbed Jikala by the wrist and stood up, pulling her with him. After throwing a couple of coins to the barkeeper, he dragged the young woman out of the bar behind him.

So I gather you got what you needed? Jikala ventured to ask. However, as soon as she met Fett's glare, she turned her gaze to the ground and shut up.

We've got a couple more errands to run. Fett said shortly as they made their way to a parked speeder.

Jikala started to protest, that's not ours.

It is now, Fett growled as he straddled the bike. Opening up a central compartment, Fett managed to hot-wire the craft in a matter of seconds. Growling for Jikala to get on behind him, he closed the small door and leaned forward to take the controls. As soon as the girl had mounted and placed her hands tentatively on Fett's waist, he took off with a roar of the engine. Within moments, Jikala had adjusted her grip to a strangle hold about his waist as they moved through traffic on the one-man bike.

After only a few minutes, during which Jikala's eyes were tightly closed, Fett brought the bike down in front of an empty store. Prying Jikala off from around him, he jumped down and moved toward the little shop. Jikala followed tensively behind, wringing her hands together.

The owner of the store looked up from behind the counter and put down what he was working on as Fett and Jikala entered.

Don't think I've seen you around these parts, stranger, he said, furrowing his brow at the two. What can I get for you?

Fett studied the man for a moment before glancing around the shop. I need some weapons.

Well you've come to the right place, the owner said, furrowing his brow further. What are you looking for?

Fett said, sliding a piece of flimsy forward. The store owner picked it up, his brow rising suddenly in surprise.

Are you sure you want this model, sir? There are plenty of newer, far more dependable models on the market these days. In fact, I'm not sure if I even have one of these antiques in stock.

Then I will just have to bring my money elsewhere, Fett growled. He put his hand out for the paper, but the man seemed to be considering it.

Now that you mention it, the owner said, I think I just might have one of these in the back room. Let me just go look for you.

Fett said, dropping his hand. He watched the other man carefully as he seemed to make some adjustments to a screen before disappearing from the store front. Fett smiled, the cloth covering his face—with the exception of his eyes—crinkling with the expression. At least the man was smart enough to keep his store under tight watch. Turning to Jikala, Fett shook his head before moving about the store looking at different objects here and there. He had selected a few of the other parts he was looking for before the store owner came back. He was carrying a large blaster rifle and looked to be having a bit of trouble with it. This amused Fett to no end.

Well, it looks as if I did have one in the back room. This one came in awhile back with a few thugs claiming it to be Boba Fett's own. Now, I don't know how much truth there is to that, because I certainly can't find any special markings that would make it so, but they certainly were asking quite a price for it. However, after inspecting it a bit more, and hearing that Fett had been killed—which I still don't rightly believe—I figured there might be some truth to their story. You know, stranger, this Fett seems to be invincible, always bouncing back from being killed, ya know?

Fett simply looked at the blaster, itching to have it back in his hands, for it was indeed his. It had taken a lot of work to find out where certain parts of his armour had been sold off to. He was only lucky enough to find that this particular item, unlike the rest of his stuff, had not yet been sold off of Nar Shadda. Growling, Fett tore his gaze away from the weapon. And is there a point to your little story?

That this item is very, very expensive.

How expensive?

One-hundred-thousand credits.

Make it seventy and you've got a deal. Fett's gaze had shifted back to the weapon and the store owner seemed to pick up that he wanted it real bad.

You must desperately want this blaster, sir. I'll cut you a deal: ninety-five.

Fett said stubbornly. He should not have to pay for this blaster! It was rightfully his! However, he knew he would not get it from the owner unless, of course Fett's hand started to grope for the small blaster at his hip, his fingers only millimetres away, before he forced it to stay.

Ninety and no less.

Look, unless you want your body full of blaster holes, I suggest you work with me here.

Threats won't get you anywhere, sir, the shop owner drawled. However, Fett could see that his eyes were glancing warily at the blaster.

They sure have worked in the past, Fett growled as he drew his weapon. Aiming it at the store owner, he beckoned for the gun. After a moment's hesitation, the owner handed it over to Jikala, along with Fett's other items. The bounty hunter threw some credits on the counter and, nodding to the shop owner, he allowed the man to count the money.

This is only fifteen.

Like I said, you'll have to work with me if you want to stay alive. Fett started to back out of the store. Besides, fifteen's all this particular model is worth, and that is including the other items as well.

I'll call the authorities on you! The owner threatened as Fett backed out of the store.

And you think they'll actually give a shit? Fett said just before stepping over the threshold. He instructed Jikala to get on the bike before he himself mounted up.

Where will I put the blaster? She whispered, daring to lean close to him.

Hold it in one hand, girl, he growled as he started the engine up again. Jikala swallowed audibly before putting one arm around Fett to keep her balance, the other wrapped tightly around the blaster. She feared more for her life if the blaster were lost rather than she did falling off the bike. Even Fett seemed to sense this for he did not make any sudden moves the entire way back to Jikala's little hut. However, that could have been because he cared only for the blaster.

As soon as Fett entered the small house, he made for his room, stopping only to answer Caitern's question about how the trip went. She had learned quickly not to ask too many questions but one every once in awhile did not bother the bounty hunter. In fact, it made the whole living situation as pleasant as it could be, which was not very.

Closing the door behind him, Fett made his way across the room and opened up the tiny chest he had dug out of the trash somewhere. Inside, and away from the knowledge of the family, was his completely rebuilt armour. It had taken long months of scavenging and dealing, but he was almost ready to leave. Placing the blaster almost lovingly among the other items, Fett closed the chest and sat down on top of it. There was only one obstacle left and that was to find out whether or not his precious ship was still on the moon. So far, all his search had turned up were dead ends. Perhaps, he would have to contact Keilana about it, he finally decided, seeing as she was the only other person who could safely approach the ship. Yes, he nodded, as soon as he could find a long distance holocomm, he would contact his daughter about the ship. A grin spread across his face as he removed the cloth. His daughter was in for the surprise of her life.