Eavesdropping and the Cyclops of Bounty's Passed




Compared to the first week or so, the next four months flew by like a whirlwind through a small town. Everything had become a blur of feeding, changing, putting to sleep, and bathing Jax. There was no time for Keilana to indulge in the things she enjoyed and barely time to pay attention to herself for Jax was her world and her everything. His demands came before hers and his needs were her top priority. Others had tried to help out, other female Jedi had offered to take Jax off of her hands for a time so that Keilana could have me-time', but it had been of no use. No matter how much Keilana wanted to give in, she knew she would be more of a wreak away from her child than she was around him—not that she was a wreak, at least not in her eyes.

How long have you been able to pull your hair completely out of your face? Ganner asked suddenly, watching her from his bed. Keilana, who was sitting on a blanket on the floor and playing with her son, turned from Jax, one brow arched. After a moment, she shrugged and turned back to the boy.

I don't know, a month maybe? I haven't been paying much attention to those things lately.

Which is exactly my point. When was the last time you were relaxing by yourself, completely and wholly, without Jax? Ganner glanced back at his lightsaber, which he had been toying with, before setting both it and the multitool down. It's been awhile, hasn't it?

You know I tried that once. I was back at his side within an hour and I would hardly call that hour relaxing.

Dare I ask about the last time you were able to enjoy yourself? Ganner rose his brow as he slid off his bed to join Keilana on the floor.

Don't worry about last night, poster boy, Keilana said as she patted him on the knee. I was only afraid you might wake up Jax.



Keilana nodded, a smirk playing across her face as she turned away from her lover and back to her child. Jax was laying on his back, his eyes fixed on a toy to his left. He didn't grab for the bright coloured ring and when Keilana picked it up, his dark eyes simply followed it. It was almost as if he had never seen the toy before. However, as soon as Keilana dangled it down in front of him, Jax reached up for it, a smile spreading across his face as he cooed. Keilana's face broke out into a smile as well as Jax grasped the toy and held on to it firmly.

What do you mean by that? Ganner said a moment later, still on the subject of the previous night. Keilana turned to look at him and shook her head.

I always took you as a smart one, Ganner, but I guess I am allowed to be wrong occasionally.

What? Hey, that wasn't very nice.

Nope, I guess it wasn't, she said with a wide grin. Ganner chuckled and shook his head slowly.

I think it's time for you to get out of this room. You haven't left since yesterday afternoon.

And did I have a reason to? Keilana asked, her brow raised. Her grin turned into a sly one as she gathered Jax in her arms and stood up. Holding her son against her shoulder, Keilana followed Ganner out of the room and down the hall.





Jacen Solo watched Keilana and Ganner walk into the mess hall, Jax wriggling and drooling in Keilana's arms. They sat off in the corner away from most of the noise. After handing her son to Ganner, Keilana stared at the far wall, her chin resting in her hand. There were dark shadows of exhaustion under her eyes and her hair was sticking out at odd angles from the rough knot she had put it in. Despite her appearance she was grinning widely as her son turned at the sound of her voice, breaking out into a smile as well and grabbing at a strand of hair that fell over her shoulder. Jacen couldn't help but smile at the scene.

someone barked sharply. Shaking his head slightly and starting, Jacen turned to look at his sister who was just sitting down across from him. No doubt her gaze had followed his to Keilana. Jacen you have to stop pining after her.

I am not pining after her, Jaina, he said setting his fork down. There was never anything between us that would cause me to pine after her.

Fine, you have to stop lusting after her. Honestly, I don't understand the attraction men have towards women with babies. First you, and then Kyp, and now I see some of the other male Jedi looking after her as she walks by. I could almost swear that she knows some other kind of sorcery besides that of the Force. Jaina looked down at her food before shoving a piece of it into her mouth. But I don't know if I'm willing to give her that much credit. She then started to chew thoughtfully before gesturing at Jacen with her fork. You do know about the baby's father, don't you?

The child has a name, Jaina, and you don't have to go gossiping about Jax's lineage or Keilana's private life to me.

Oh, so they're suddenly Jax and Keilana, are they?

You do realize that you're the only person in the Temple who doesn't refer to them by their proper names, don't you? Jacen said as he shoved his plate away to cross his arms on the table. Why don't you just get over your hatred of her.

Because she betrayed us, Jacen, Jaina growled, putting down her own fork. She took Uncle Luke away from us and was going to turn him in.

But she didn't turn him over and that's the point. She is not some evil monster here to destroy us all, Jaina. She wants to learn the ways of the Jedi and she wants to raise her son.

No, Jacen, she is being forced to train and the child was an accident. She didn't want him and she hates the thought of who fathered her son.

There you go again with the unnecessary facts. I know. Everybody knows. The only person you're hurting here is yourself, Jaina. Jacen narrowed his eyes at his sister. Jaina simply continued as if she hadn't heard a word her brother had said.

Personally, I liked the idea of sending her to some prison. Perhaps Kessel would have straightened her out. Jaina began to tap her upper lip in a thoughtful manner, her gaze turning to the ceiling. Yes, it definitely would have worked for her. Hard work, no light. Yes, yes, it sounds as if it would have fit her perfectly.

Just like it worked and fit for Dad and Kyp? Jacen asked. Jaina's gaze shot back to her brother, her eyes narrowing to match his.

They have nothing to do with this, Jacen—

On the contrary, dear sister, they do. Dad was a criminal and Kessel hardly phased him. The stories he tells about his days there makes it sound as if the whole experience where some grand vacation on a Corellian beach. Jaina opened her mouth to argue but Jacen cut her off with a quick gesture of his hand. He then continued, If anything, Kessel fuelled Kyp's fire when he was younger than us. She's only partially trained and has so much raw power flowing through her it's quite frightening to think about what she could do if she became very angry. So, what makes her so different? I know it's not because she is a criminal or because she is strong, because you don't hold those things against Dad or Kyp. Is it because she beat you up fair and square? Jacen stood up and leaned forward on the table. Is it because she could attract the attention of people you know you never could? Jacen's eyes flickered to Ganner. Jaina's jaw dropped in outrage. You're jealous of her, aren't you?

Ganner? Sith, Jacen, you think I'm jealous because that oaf fell in love with her? Before she barged in he didn't care about anything but himself. He would be in another woman's bed every other night; there was nothing that kept him from himself. He saw himself quite the player and quite the suave one. Remember: as long as he looks good doing whatever he's doing, he's quite pleased with himself; that's his motto, isn't it? Honestly, Jacen, what's gotten into you? What's made you make up such fantastical accusations? Jaina stood up as well and brought her face close to her brother's as she too leaned her weight against the table. Why are you defending her? You haven't fallen in love with her, have you?

but Jacen never got the chance to argue back for Anakin Solo, their younger brother, had walked up to them. He was watching the two with mild interest, his arms crossed over his chest.

Am I interrupting something here? He asked.

Just a little, Ani, Jaina growled. Anakin turned a scowl on her but further ignored Jaina by swinging one leg over the bench and sitting down.

Why must you two constantly bicker about Keilana? He asked.

Get your nose out of our business, Anakin, Jaina snapped, her gaze turning on the younger boy. Anakin simply shrugged as he started to pick food off of Jacen's plate.

Well, when you hiss and scream at each other in the middle of the mess hall, it's kinda hard not to listen in, he said while chewing. Swallowing, he watched them for a moment. So, what's your problem with her this time, Jaina?

Why do you automatically assume that I am the one with the problem? Jaina frowned and turned to look at Jacen who wasn't quick enough to hide the smug grin that had spread across his lips. Anakin sensed the nasty retort to Jacen's expression his sister had coming and started talking to stop the confrontation from even starting.

Because Jacen is too star-struck by Keilana to find any faults in her. Anakin said as he picked at Jacen's food some more. This time it was Jacen's turn to scowl. And you're jealous of what she can do, Jaina. Besides, you've never really liked her and Jacen has.

Jaina glared at her youngest brother before sighing and dropping her head. What are you up to anyway?

Why must you always assume that I'm up to something? As your brother, am I not allowed to simply want to spend time with my dear older siblings? Anakin blinked innocently as he slowly chewed away.

Don't play with me, Anakin. I'm sure you can tell that I'm not in the mood for it.

Anakin gave an exasperated sigh and shook his head. Dropping the piece of fruit he was about to eat, he crossed his arms and twisted to lean on the table.

Uncle Luke wants to talk to you, both of you, he said, his eyes flickering to Jacen. Something about a new mission. Apparently there's trouble brewing in the Outer Rim that is rumored to be Vong related.



That would be the most convenient seeing as he's already summoned Kyp.

Jacen frowned and sat back. He wasn't very fond of the older Jedi. Three well-trained Jedi for a single mission? What's going on?

I don't know, Anakin shrugged. I'm just the messenger boy.

Jaina sighed as she stepped over the bench. Glancing at her half eaten meal, she turned and moved toward the doors, Jacen on her heel.

What kind of trouble do you think it is, Jaina? He asked as soon as they were in an empty hallway. The Vong haven't moved out to the Outer Rim yet and it's hard to believe that they would skip over a huge part of the galaxy.

Who knows what goes through their minds, Jacen. Besides, if you think about it, it could make sense. Take over a part of the galaxy that is relatively unprotected and then move in on Coruscant from two sides or more. It's quite strategic, actually, and we know that this planet is their ultimate target.

No, their ultimate target is to destroy everything mechanical and all life that doesn't follow their ways.

You know what I mean, Jacen, Jaina said, looking at him out of the corner of her eye.

After that, the two walked on in silence and it didn't take long for them to navigate their way to their uncle's office. As soon as the door slid open, they stepped in. Kyp and Luke turned to look at them.

So Anakin found you, Luke said with a nod of approval. He was quicker than I thought he would be. He waved them toward two empty seats and waited for the twins to sit down before he started. As you already know, or so I assume, there have been reports of Yuuzhan Vong trouble in the Outer Rim. Now, nobody has actually seen one of the aliens, but, as everyone now knows, there are ways that they can hide.

What kind of trouble? Jaina piped up. Luke turned his gaze on her and smiled softly.

I was getting to that, Jaina, don't be hasty. He nodded and glanced back toward the others, meeting their gazes individually. Jaina scowled when Luke wasn't looking at her. There have been reports of destroyed technology and beaten and dismantled droids. Several civilians have been found dead, covered in amphistaff wounds, their features completely unrecognisable.

That's sick, Kyp said, his upper lip raised in a soft snarl.

Yes it is. I want you three to head out that way within the week to see what you can't find out. Our information is patched and hazy as Karrde is too busy with other business at the moment to hand us what he knows, if he knows anything at all. If you can, try to stay inconspicuous. This is a mission for gathering information only. Act only if you absolutely have too. We don't need the government to know that we are trying to handle this or the Vong to know that we are sending out three agents. It is imperative that you keep a low profile. Luke turned away from them for a moment to rummage through a desk drawer. Now, if you will give me your datapads I can transfer over what information I have and we can get down to the details.

The three younger Jedi pulled out their respective datapads, uploading the information quickly. Once they all had the files to flip through, Luke started talking about the specifics of the mission, about how they would leave and how they would return. The four Jedi talked well into the night, planning everything out to the very last detail.





As the Solo twins left the hall, Keilana followed them with her eyes, a smile spreading across her face. She had heard what they were up to, the careless children. Had anybody been willing to listen in and to pick out their voices from the rest of the crowd, they too would have heard the conversation word for word.

Keilana? Are you listening?

Keilana started and turned to look at Ganner. He had his brow furrowed, his eyes flickering toward the doors the children had just left through.

Yes, of course I am, Ganner, she said, picking at her food. Jax was sitting on Ganner's lap, steady in Ganner's careful hands, as he gripped the black material of the Jedi's tunic. His brown eyes, however, were steady on Keilana as she talked, a sort of half-smile on his tiny lips.

Then you heard my offer to take Jax off your hands for a bit.

Yes, yes of course I did. I don't know, Ganner, you heard what I said earlier today. I trust other people enough, I just don't know if I can handle myself being away from him. I guess I'll have to get used to leaving him with other people eventually. Keilana sighed and pushed a piece of meat across her plate. Sure, I'll think about it.



What do you mean?

You. This will be good for you, Key. You look like you need some time by yourself, to sleep at least.

I get plenty of sleep, Ganner. He can sleep through most of the night now with only one or two feedings. You should know that by now. She poked him hard in the chest before taking Jax away. Jax smiled widely as he gripped Keilana's jacket and proceed to drool all over her shoulder.

I don't spend as much time in your bed as either of us might like. Ganner shrugged as if the statement were nothing but a simple fact and leaned forward to eat his now cold food. Keilana nodded absently and watched Anakin Solo as he stood up and left. Setting her jaw, Keilana tried to figure out why the twin's new mission sounded familiar but nothing was coming. She knew she had heard something like it not too long ago.

Standing up, Keilana stepped back from the table. Ganner looked at her, confusion crossing his eyes as he furrowed his brow.

I just remembered something I have to do back in my room, Ganner. Besides, it's time for Jax's nap, she said quickly. Leaning down and placing a kiss on Ganner's forehead, Keilana exited the hall and nearly ran into Anakin Solo, who was standing right outside the doors. He turned to look at Keilana and gave her a lopsided grin so like his father's.

Sorry about that, Keilana, he said, stepping back and crossing his arms. Just a moment of indecision.

I'm sure, Keilana said, a smile flickering across her lips. She was busy inspecting Jax to make sure the near-collision hadn't harmed him in any way. The young boy had not apparently noticed as he was still drooling and cooing away.

Jaxon has grown quite a bit, hasn't he? Anakin asked, attempting friendly conversation. Keilana nodded, her mind preoccupied with the mission she had overheard about. She almost suspected Anakin able to read her thoughts.

Yes, yes he has, hasn't he, Keilana said with a nod, obviously distracted. Now, I don't mean to sound rude or anything, but I really must be rushing off. It's Jax's nap time and if he doesn't sleep then he's a real terror.

Oh, well, I'll talk to you later then. Anakin furrowed his brow slightly as he watched Keilana closely.

Yes, later. Keilana smiled at him, mentally beating herself up. If that hadn't sounded suspicious, what would? Anakin obviously did not believe her excuse but there was really no point to cause an internal dispute over it. What had been said had been said and there was no way she could take it back now.

With a final smile, Keilana turned around and left Anakin in the hall. She hurried to her room and, after putting Jax down in his crib (it really was nearly time for his nap), Keilana picked up her datapad and turned it on. The soft light it emitted was the only light in the entire room. It lit up Keilana's face turning her skin white and her dark hair a sort of silvery-blue. The light reflected in her dark eyes as she turned to the Net and started flipping through the latest jobs.

There. There it was. Sent to her by an old contact of hers—a man who would find her the best jobs for both a nominal fee and fair protection from the men after him—was the latest big one. The bounty was on a man claiming to be a member of the Peace Brigade doing work in the Outer Rim by smashing up droids and killing off civilians who did not see the Light of the True Way. If this was not the man the Jedi were going after, Keilana would give her left arm.

Looking down at the screen, Keilana felt that unmistakable yearning to be on the hunt again. It almost felt as if some giant hook had attached to her navel and was pulling her out of the room, the urge was so strong. However, glancing across the room and to the crib where Jax lay with his fist shoved into his mouth, made that hook dissolve. Sighing, Keilana placed the datapad on the bed next to her and stood up. She walked to the window and pushed the curtain out of the way. The midday sun streamed into the room through the light clouds that covered the sky.

After a long while of standing at the window, listening to Jax's breathing as it eventually slowed into the even rhythm of sleep, Keilana decided that a look could not be harmful. Just so long as it stayed a look. Looking but not touching had never brought harm to anybody. Or, at least, no one Keilana knew. Allowing a smile to creep across her lips, Keilana turned away from the window, allowing the curtains to fall back into place as she picked up her comlink. Dialling the correct number and frequency, Keilana waited for the familiar rough voice to answer.

Keilana responded with a smile. I believe you have a job for me, Clancy?

The voice on the other end drawled out a single word, a smile in the man's tone.







Before Ganner could get very far into the room, Keilana was on her feet and across the floor.

I think I will take you up on your offer to take care of Jax for a little while, Ganner.

Ganner blinked several times before comprehension dawned on him.

And what brought this on? Suddenly decide that you couldn't wait to get away from the little twerp? Ganner grinned as he brushed a piece of hair out of her face. You even showered for your little exertion. This must really mean something to you.

Keilana shot Ganner a death look and closed her arms over her chest. He is not a twerp, you big lug. And yes, I did bother to shower as I have reason to be around other people.

What? I suddenly don't count as other people'?

Keilana said with a single shake of her head. I could stink as bad as a dead nerf and you would still follow me around like a wide-eyed pup.

Ganner opened his mouth to retort but the words seemed to die in his throat. Instead, he shook his own head and sighed. Yeah, that's probably true.

Keilana grinned widely and touched Ganner's cheek. I know you so well.

Too well, Ganner muttered with a grin. Keilana dropped her head in fake exasperation and let out a sigh before stepping back and moving to Jax's cradle. She didn't pick him up. Rather, she just looked over him and smiled gently, running a finger over his forehead and then over one of the fists he had stuck straight up in the air as he slept.

Where are you going off to? Ganner asked as he came up behind Keilana. Placing a hand on her stomach and pulling her back against him, Ganner put his other hand on Jax's cradle, creating quite a domestic scene as he too looked down on the sleeping babe.

To meet an old friend, Keilana shrugged. She didn't bother mentioning, of course, that this old friend happened to be her number one informer and the man who found many of her bounties when she wasn't contacted directly. I haven't seen him since before accepting the Skywalker job.



Don't get jealous, Ganner. He's old and scarred up and Turning against him, she studied his face. Seriously, don't worry about where my heart lies. I'm not about to run off with some man as old as my father and just leave Jax here with you Jedi.

Us Jedi? You do know that your son is going to be trained as one, don't you?

It's not like I can hide him now, Ganner, Keilana said with a roll of her eyes. However, there was some sort of emotion that shined through the sarcasm that Ganner could not figure out. It almost looked as if the thought of her son being trained as a Jedi pained Keilana somehow. He could tell that she was still hiding something; always hiding something.

As Ganner mused, Keilana pulled back and away from him. She smiled softly and glanced down at her son, the near-pained expression gone. Now don't worry about me, I can handle myself. She gave a sweeping gesture that included two holstered blasters. Reaching into her short flight jacket, Keilana pulled out a piece of flimsy. Here, I wrote out some instructions for you just in case you have trouble remembering Jax's bedtime routine.

Bedtime routine, Ganner said, taking the piece of flimsy and glancing at it.

Yeah, that's what I called it, have a problem with that?

No, it just sounds so I don't know, so motherly.

Keilana rose her brow. Having a baby kind of does that to a woman.

Ganner shrugged and stuck the piece of flimsy into his pocket.

You know where everything is and if you have problems don't hesitate to ask Cilghal or one of the other mother's around the Temple, I'm sure they would be all too happy to help. Now, I don't know when I'll be back so you'll have to stay over tonight—

That won't be a problem.

Keilana grinned. No, I'm sure it won't be. Anyway, if there is an emergency, you know how to contact me.

I feel like an irresponsible teenager being left alone with your son for the first time.

You know, I sometimes see you in that light, Ganner, Keilana said as she headed toward the door. Ganner simply shook his head and followed her out into the hall, stopping in the doorway. Keilana tilted her head up and planted a quick kiss on Ganner's lips. I shouldn't be too long. He's just passing through and has time for a quick chat and maybe a drink or two.

You know that you shouldn't be drinking while breast feeding.

Thank you Doctor Rhysode for that warning, Keilana said as she walked past him quickly to give Jax a kiss on the forehead. Then, exiting to the hall once more, Keilana shrugged. Besides, I never said that I would be the one drinking.

True enough. Well, have fun, I guess, Ganner said as he leaned against the door frame, his hands in his pockets.

I will. And thank you for taking care of Jax.

Of course, just take care of yourself since I won't be around to pick up the pieces of you if you fall apart. Ganner cocked one hand in farewell and Keilana grinned as she disappeared around the corner.

Sighing, Ganner turned back into the room and looked over the sleeping child.

Looks like it's just you and me, little man, he said. Jax stirred slightly in his sleep and let out a low, moaning wail before falling back into his slumber. It was almost as if he could feel his mother leaving.





It did not take Keilana long to locate the Staggering Bantha as she had met Clancy there many times in the past. It was his favorite little watering hole on all of Coruscant and, while not the most despicable bar she had ever been in, it certainly was close to it. Just walking in through the low, pointed arch doorway brought back memories of her life before the Jedi and before Jax. Imagining a life without Jax made Keilana feel oddly empty inside. Shaking her head free of the thought and unconsciously dampening her presence in the Force, Keilana straightened her back and walked deeper into the bar.

She gained many lingering glances as she was the only female of any species in the bar, if one did not include the dancers on the stage. Truth be told, all of the dancers could have afforded to loose a kiloor five.

Looking around, Keilana quickly picked out the familiar silvering-red hair of Clancy and walked purposefully over to him. As soon as she sat down in his booth, all eyes snapped back to their drinks.

I see you still have quite a reputation around here, she said, looking up into the sharp green eye of her old friend; the other was clouded over and blinded from an accident long ago. He smiled and gestured at the rest of the bar with his slightly chunky drink. Keilana was quite disgusted.

They all know I am not someone to mess with and that's why I keep coming back to this bar, he said, his accent giving a lazy drawl to his voice. Tipping his glass and nodding his head to the bartender, Clancy turned back to Keilana. I like being respected rather than hunted, though you certainly have kept those men at bay.

They haven't come in a long time, Clancy. I believe they think you're dead.

Then praise be to them, he said, taking a healthy mouthful of his greenish-brown drink. And how have you been? It's been a long time since you showed your face and rumors started up that you finally got yourself killed.

Keilana asked. She chuckled and shook her head. No, not dead, just resting.

Resting? Well it doesn't look like it's working too well with those bags you've got there, Clancy said as he set down his drink. Though, you certainly do have a rather healthy glow about you, your skin especially.

Keilana smiled and glanced down at the table. She started to wonder if whether or not Clancy would be able to tell that she had borne a child. However, if he did, he did not talk further on the issue. Instead, he fell silent for a moment before starting up on another subject.

So this bounty is what brought you out of your hiding place? I can't blame you, personally. If I were any good I'd be going after him and I'm sure anyone who has access to the Net will be on the hunt.

Keilana nodded and traced the deep scratches on the table with a gloved finger. Good thing none of the Elite like watching the Net. Only the Gutter Hunters watch it religiously these days.

So you're suddenly not part of the Elite anymore?

No, I am, or, at least, I assume I'm still in that league, Keilana said with a shake of her head. I meant all of the other ones who are too good to watch such an abomination to the art of hunting. In fact, I know that many of them don't even have access. It's a tricky thing, the Net, though not as temperamental as some of the other information systems out there.

Clancy nodded as he finished off his drink. And it's nice that I can have access to it to find stuff for you.

That it is, Clance, that it is. But we are not here to discuss the pros and cons of the Net. Despite the information you were able to gather and send me, I know that there is more and that you know it.

Very right you are. The man's name is Josef Trigen—brown hair, blue eyes, tall with a medium build—born to respectable nerf ranchers on Corellia, and fairly young. He joined up with the Peace Brigade very early in the war and has been an active member ever since. He truly believes that the Yuuzhan Vong will spare his life. Clancy shook his head. 'Tis a shameful thing what some of the young'uns think these days Anyway, it has been reported that he's out in the Outer Rim stirring up some trouble with a couple of his comrades but that has not been confirmed as of yet. It will take a great deal of work to figure out his exact location but I know you have the contacts to find him right quick.

That I do, Keilana muttered, glancing around the bar. The dancers had started to dance to something a bit more lively, a couple of them singing. Had the girls been even a bit attractive or talented it might have been slightly more enjoyable than a salted wound. Grimacing slightly, Keilana turned back to Clancy. Who's paying for this job?

A powerful crime organization under the banner of an exploding star.



Clancy nodded. But better known as the Arm these days after the take over.

Mmm, I heard about that.

I'm not surprised. It was a big thing a couple of years back when you were just starting out. No one knows who this new crimelord is, as everyone just refers to him as The Crimelord'. No name nor face has ever been connected to him.

That sounds a lot like the last guy I worked for.

Once again, that's not surprising. It's the big thing these days as far as syndicates go. If the underlings don't have a face to connect to their master then they are even more afraid of him. It's some psychological thing that I don't understand. Clancy pushed his empty drink glass around on the table without much point; just something for his hands to do.

You're lucky your boss has a face, Keilana grinned.

Yeah, that way I don't have to be afraid of you, at least not in the physical department. He laughed lightly at Keilana's scowl and grinned widely, showing off several gold teeth. But I am still very frightened of you, you know that. I've seen the things you can do.

Good, just so long as this whole hunter-informer relationship is still understood by both parties. Keilana nodded and glanced around the bar one last time. If you're done then I'll have to take my leave. I have a lot of things to do tonight and that's not counting gathering information for this bounty.

So you're going to take it?

I'll think about it. Besides, even if I don't hunt him in the end, I can still trade my information for a pretty penny. He's hot, this Trigen, and a lot of people are going to go after him.

Very true.

And I already know some people who might be keen on this information.

Do you?

Keilana nodded and stood up.

You know how to contact me. And without another word, Keilana strode out of the bar and to the speeder she had parked not too far away from the small establishment. She hopped over the side into the pilot seat and, rather than starting up the engine and soaring out of there, she sat still for a moment, staring straight ahead and into the dark. This was what her life had been like before she had taken the Skywalker job. She had lived on her ship and in the dingy bars around the galaxy, hunting and gathering information. She had not lived in one place for most of her life until coming to the Temple. It was almost weird being back in the dark and stench of the lower streets, but so calming and familiar at the same time.

With a shake of her head, Keilana started up the ignition and and pulled back on the controls, flying up into the starless night of Coruscant.





Keilana let the offered bounty brew around in her thoughts for several days before acting on it. There were several steps she would have to take before starting the hunt, the most difficult being the first. Somehow, she would have to come up with a good and logical reason to leave the Temple. The most obvious way seemed to be the most difficult, but it was worth a shot all the same.

Master Skywalker, Keilana said, sidling up to him as he walked down the hall. Luke glanced over at Keilana and nodded, not at all surprised by her sudden appearance.

Good day, Keilana, he said. What is it that you want?

Keilana said, playing innocent. Why must you assume that I want something when I seek you out in the labyrinth of the Temple?

Because it is a labyrinth and I know that you have better things to do than to track down an old man who tends to get on your case about restarting your training. Luke gave Keilana a slight grin. Well, get on with it then. Ask me what you're going to ask.

Keilana heaved a tragic sigh and rolled her eyes momentarily heavenward. You know me all too well, Master. Yes, I am afraid that there is something that I am going to request since I did bother to track you down.

And what is it? Luke continued walking at his quick pace as he continued reading the text on his datapad. Keilana glanced at the small computer as she kept pace but Luke had it tilted to an angle so that she could not read it.

I heard about the mission you are sending Kyp, Jacen, and Jaina on, she said rather bluntly. This got Luke's attention. He stopped in his tracks and turned to look at Keilana.

And how

Don't ask questions, Master. Sometimes there are things that are better left unsaid.

Luke sighed and shook his head. I don't like that you know about things that you shouldn't know about, Keilana. You really must drop this bad habit of yours and drop it quickly. Rubbing his forehead, Luke pursed his lips. Okay, so you've heard about the mission. I guess I can't change that. What do you want?

I want to go along.



Think about it, Master, I could be a great asset. Keilana said, stepping in front of Luke as he started to walk away. Luke eyed her suspiciously, his eyes flashing.

And what kind of a profit would you be making out of going?

You think that this is a bounty? I am appalled, Master. Have I not proven to you that I am no longer hunting?

Now you are the one jumping to conclusions, Keilana, and that makes it hard for me to not to help but wonder if this is in fact a bounty. Luke crossed his arms over his chest and shifted his weight to one leg. Keilana furrowed her brow. It was quite obvious that a battle of the wills was coming on.

This would be a great opportunity to advance my training, Master.

And what about your son?

I have to learn to get away from him eventually, Master, why not start now?

It could be dangerous, Luke countered as he tilted his chin slightly to look directly into Keilana's eyes. She narrowed hers into two dark slits that were not quite fierce.

I thought that this was only a mission to gather information, Master. Luke's eyes widened. She apparently knew more about it than he had suspected. However, Keilana did not seem to notice his reaction for she continued on. Besides, who could you find that would be better at gathering information than a former bounty hunter with connections in the underworld? I can find out all sorts of things that could help this mission without even leaving my room.

Are you sure that this is something you want to be telling me?

What about trust, Master?

I still do not trust you, Keilana.

Fine, but doesn't this mean that I trust you enough to tell you something that could be damaging to myself?

Luke appeared to be considering that for a moment before shaking his head. Does this have anything to do with your father?

This time Keilana actually snarled out loud. Why the hell would you think that? You were there. If he were lying in a gutter dying of thirst I wouldn't even spit on him. I don't ever want to see him again, not after what he said about Jax. I don't even want to be thinking about him. He is a snake and a rat and a dirty, rotten excuse for a man. I hope he gets what's coming to him and quick at that.

I'm sorry I brought him up then, Luke said without an ounce of sincerity in his voice. Keilana's eyes flashed dangerously and whether or not Luke picked it up, he did not acknowledge. Look, Keilana, I have to get to a meeting.

And I still want to go on that mission, Keilana said, not giving up any ground. You have to admit that I could find out far more information than any of the three Jedi you are sending away.

Okay then, I admit that you would be far better then Kyp, Jaina, or Jacen as far as gathering information goes, but it is still dangerous.

So you don't think that I can take care of myself?

I have no doubt that you can take of yourself.

Then why aren't you letting me go? You said it yourself that I would be a very good asset on the mission.

And that is because I don't trust you.

So you think that I might sell them all out?

There are great rewards for the turn over of the twins, Keilana, and I'm sure that if anyone knows that then it is you. Luke narrowed his eyes to match Keilana glare for glare. The Force was practically crackling around them.

I would not betray the Jedi.

You would have been willing to a year ago.

That wouldn't have been betrayal, Master, because I wasn't a part of the Jedi then. I was a bounty hunter and one of the Elite. I sometimes think that coming here was a mistake as all I have found is hatred and mistrust. For being Champions of Peace, the Jedi sure are doing a lousy job at keeping things peaceful within their own Temple which, might I add, includes welcoming the Force-strong into their midst, hearts, and minds.

Luke bit back a rather rude comment and forced himself to relax his shoulders and breathe in a calming breath.

Listen, I really do have somewhere I have to be but I will think about your request.

It could be a great opportunity to advance my skills, Master, Keilana said, giving an outward appearance of relaxing. You bother me every time you see me to continue on with my training and this could do wonders where other methods might fail. I am not a green babe who has never seen the real world on her own. I know what happens and I know the reality that we live in. She dampened her appearance in the Force but Luke could tell that she was still very agitated about the whole situation. Besides, my ship is very advanced and far better then anything you have here. I have also made sure that she has no distinguishing marks. You let me go and you've got my ship to use as a transport craft. She's state of the art despite being twice my age at the very least. Send me along and you get the best money could offer free of charge. That, you must admit, is a rather nice deal.

Luke nodded slightly and stepped around Keilana. This time she let him pass.

Like I said, Keilana, I'll think about it.

I would say that that is all I am asking of you, Master, but that would be a lie as we both would know.

I'll think about it, Luke said a final time, turning to look at her over his shoulder. Without another word he turned back around and disappeared around a corner. Keilana smiled and stayed where she was in the middle of the hallway, her arms closed over her chest.









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A/N - Ahhh! Run for the hills! This story actually has a plot! *gasp* And, not only that, but this chapter was almost all plot! *gasp again* On another note, sorry this chapter took so long to write. Finals were a bitch (an even bigger one than midterms) and that gosh darned writer's block struck again. That and half the chapter was on another computer which meant that I couldn't access it until I got home for the holidays and I got real busy around Christmas time (which was when I planned on posting this chapter). Anyway, enough with the excuses! Until we meet again, adieu.