A StarWars Fable

by IAmElvie

The story is based on the SWTOR online game. There will be a mix of my characters & game NPCs. All class protagonists exist & occasionally come into contact with each other. My fable may veer some from the actual game content & timeline is imperfect. You will meet KOTOR descendants & a few Star Wars movie ancestors as well as whatever else I toss in. As always, mature readers only.

2. A StarWars Fable-Prologue Knight

SWTOR

A SWTOR Fable

Prologue

Knight – The Chase

He held a hand out to Qyzen as he drew near the trandoshan. "I know that you hold Lor in high esteem, as do I…but Lor sees more than most and sometimes what she sees can distract her. I ask only that you protect her as I would in my absence."

Qyzen's sense of smell told him far more than the pair ever did. "Is hard to separate from mate. Will guard Herald, little hunter."

He frowned as the trandoshan walked up the ramp. Little hunter, indeed. Not so little when he was larger than Qyzen. He shrugged. Perhaps it was a trandoshan thing.

He watched her shuttle until it disappeared. His heart squeezed and a shaky breath slipped from his lips. They hadn't been separated since they met each other as younglings. They would each walk a new path now…but one day those paths would align again. He just hoped she would find someone she could trust enough to share her visions with. He would always be there for her via holo, but he would be too far away physically to comfort her and help her through the visions. He turned away from the shuttle pad. All he could do was trust in the force that everything would work out as it was meant to.

He met up with Master Orgus for breakfast. Today he was going back out to the Kalikori Village. He had begun trying to establish a working relationship between the jedi and the twi'leks at the village. For too long the jedi had ignored their cries for help just because they weren't supposed to settle there. That always rubbed him the wrong way. Helping them was not only the right thing to do, but he was also able to search for more information concerning Bengel Morr.

He hurried to his quarters, snapped and buckled his armor into place and hopped a speeder to the Kalikori Village. Orgus said he would be checking in soon. He smiled at Ranna as he stepped into her home. "Good morning, Ranna. Any word from Master Orgus?" The smile slipped from his lips when he felt waves of pain coming from her.

"No. I'm sorry…My mother…she found peace while you were away. I – I'm the Matriarch now"

He could hear the anguish in her voice and he felt for her. "I am sorry to hear about your mother, Ranna. But you don't have to go through this alone. You know I'm here to help you," he assured her.

Every day he surprised her anew. He was nothing like what she thought he'd be. "People who say that Jedi have no feelings are wrong. I spoke to Master Orgus right after she passed. He told me, 'There is no death, there is the force.' He believes our essence lives on when we die and merges with the Force. I hope that is true."

He turned as a female twi'lek burst through the front entrance.

"Matriarch! Flesh Raiders broke through our defenses. They did something to our crop fields! They dropped strange machines in the soil. When a scout approached one, he collapsed with sickness. He managed to crawl away, but those machines…I fear they will poison our crops!"

He held up a hand to calm the terrified woman. "Tell your people to stay away from the fields. I will comb through your crops and disable the devices."

His presence gave Ranna a sense of well-being. Since his arrival he'd done nothing but risk his life for her people. He had become Kalikori's guardian. Always there, always caring, never asking for anything in return. "Once again, I am in your debt," Ranna said, her voice humble with a hint of awe.

A young boy pointed him to where the fields were and over the next several hours, he combed row by row disabling the devices as he found them. This had to be Bengel's handy work. It was far too advanced for flesh raiders.

He pushed through the ache in his lungs. He'd had to slow his breathing just to protect himself from succumbing to the poison gas. Even so, by the time he'd rooted out all the machines and killed the flesh raiders guarding them he was fairly light headed and nauseous.

When he was finally able to return to Ranna at least his body was no longer shaking. "I've destroyed the machines poisoning your crops and eliminated the flesh raiders that guarded them. You will want to have several of the men go in and retrieve the bodies."

Ranna slowly lifted her brown eyes to meet his vibrant, bright blue eyes. "I saw how you suffered out there for us. What you did was more than just brave – it was heroic. Please take a token of my people's honor. I'm sorry it can't be more."

He smiled warmly but shook his head no. "I did not help seeking a reward. I am content with what I have. Your village needs all that it has, please do not give to me what another can use."

She grasped the heirloom tightly and lowered her hand. "You've done more than any outsider ever has. Why would you face death again and again for a people you barely know?"

"I cannot stand by and do nothing while others suffer," he assured her. The words were sincere, even if they did sound like trite platitudes.

She shook her head over all the stupid misconceptions that her people had believed for years. "So many of my people mistrust the jedi. I wish they could know you like I do." Despite his own needs, he'd helped so many of her people over the last few weeks that surely more were coming to see him in a better light. Maybe he was an anomaly amongst the jedi, but she hoped that wasn't the case. "I should go inform everyone the danger is over."

He returned home exhausted and needing to clean himself and his armor, both of which were still covered with the poison's residue.

Over the next week, he'd spent most of his days at the Kalikori Village. They'd gone without jedi assistance for too long and they were in desperate need. Still, time spent there gave him the chance to keep busy while they were searching for Bengel Morr. He needed to keep his mind and body busy or the hole in his heart ached too much. She called him almost every morning and he enjoyed waking up to the sound of her voice, but it wasn't the same. He shook his head to clear his thoughts and wiped the sweat from his brow as he finished moving a pile of rubble too heavy to move with muscle alone. With a sigh, he pulled out his holo when i chimed. It was his Master.

"I found coordinates to a number of secret camps. Once camp is in the ruins of Kaleth. I need you to return to that area and take care of that camp." Orgus sent him the coordinates. "Be careful in those ruins, we haven't explored them all. Contact me when your mission's complete. May the Force be with you."

He fought his way through the ruins and into cave until he came upon an injured jedi.

Laotah grabbed his side, stumbled a step and fell to his knees. "Padawan, turn back. Leave this place – leave me. I'm dying. Know my name: Laotah. Flesh raiders are in this ruin. More powerful than we've seen."

"I'm not leaving you. Master Orgus sent me to drive back the flesh raiders," he assured the injured man.

"No…These flesh raiders control the force." He looked around. "This place…strong in the darks side. Flesh raiders channel their hatred here, feed on the darkness. They grow powerful."

He squatted down next to the man. "I wish I had the training to heal you. But I'm sorry. I'm all there is. No one else is coming. It is my mission to push back these flesh raiders. I will not fail."

He coughed, a groan slipping from his lips. "Turn back. The enemy is too strong. They have my lightsaber..."

Casyrian frowned when he heard the last, wet, rattling breath slip from the man's lips. He rose and moved purposely deeper into the cave. The flesh raiders chose to fight rather than retreat. But each of them fell to his lightsaber. When the cave was cleared out, he called his master. "The flesh raider's camp is out of commission, Master – but they were all Force users. They killed a jedi named Laotah. What would you like me to do with his body?"

Orgus' lips tightened. Another jedi lost to Bengel. "We'll reclaim our fallen later. Just got a distress call from the twi'lek settlement. They spotted Bengel Morr! I'm on my way to the settlement. Meet me there!"

Outside the cave he hopped his speeder and flew to the village faster than most would deem safe. He was off the speeder before it had even shut down and he burst into Ranna's home. "Master Orgus responded to your distress call. I was to meet him here. What's happened?"

Ranna shook her head, not quite meeting his eyes. "Nothing. We didn't send any distress call. Things have been quiet since you left. I haven't seen or spoken to Master Orgus."

T7 wobbled back and forth. "T7 = scanning area/ Stand by… Confirmed / Master Orgus = not in settlement = not answering holocom," he chirped.

That made no sense. He absently rubbed his chin. "Master Orgus should have arrived here ahead of me."

T7 beeped. "T7 = contact Jedi Temple?"

Oh no…she couldn't let it do that. "I'm sure it's all just a misunderstanding. Your Master will turn up," Ranna tried to assure him. "Why don't you stay awhile? You must be exhausted." Her eyes widened in alarm when three of her people showed up with their guns aimed at Cas. "Stop it! What are you doing?" she demanded.

Scout chief Moorint stepped forward. "Matriarch, step aside. Handing over the boy's Master wasn't enough. This padawan has to die." He blasted the droid and turned his blaster back to the jedi.

What? Die? She watched in horror as a dart brought the big jedi down. "I told you to leave him alone! That was the pact!"

Moorint waved his gun. "Bengel Morr refused your terms. This is to save our people!"

The fog started to recede as his body burned through the sedative. He rose to his feet ready to throw up a shield if they tried that again. He trusted these people…he trusted Ranna. "What did you do to my Master? Where's Bengel Morr?"

Moorint's shoulders straightened, but no matter what he did he could never make himself as large and imposing as the jedi mountain in front of him. "If we don't do what we're told, Bengel Morr will kill us all. He wants all the jedi dead – starting with you and your Master."

He'd heard enough. Cas gave a slight wave of his hand and pushed at their minds. "You don't want to hurt anyone. You want to leave here peacefully."

Moorint shook his head and then rubbed his forehead. "I…I don't want to hurt anyone.

Saylew nodded. "We should leave here peacefully."

Eseni couldn't agree more if she wanted to. "Yes. Better that way. Here," she said as she laid her weapons on the ground and kicked them away with the toe of her boot, "perhaps you can use these. We don't need them."

"This was all a terrible mistake," Ranna said as the three hurried out the door. "It wasn't supposed to be like this. I was going to save you – save us all."

Her words bit at him like stinging insects. How could she believe anything good would come from her actions? "By betraying me? By getting an innocent man killed and giving in to the demands of mad man? What good could come from doing evil? Are your actions worth the cost of your soul?"

He was right…she hadn't understood…hadn't seen the whole picture. All she knew was one man's death could save her village. "No! you can still save him. He's not dead yet! Bengel took Orgus to someplace called the Forge. Reactivate your droid – it might know where to find them." She rang her hands anxiously. "You can forgive me, can't you?"

He closed his eyes briefly and took a calming breath before looking at her. "I don't condone what you've done. But I'm aware that desperation can make people do things they wouldn't usually do. But there is always another way, Ranna."

"I'm sorry," she said quietly. "My decisions will be far more thought out in the future. And I will do whatever I can to make this up to you both." She stood a little straighter. "My people should hear what's happened. It's best if I tell them. I hope you find your master…"

He watched her leave and then turned to see what he could do to get T7 back up and running. A couple of hours later he wiped his brow and sat back on his heels when he her the familiar beeps.

(Questioning beeps) "T7 = power failure? / Memory logs = missing time."

He grinned and patted the top of T7's frame. "Sorry, little buddy. You took a blaster bolt before I knew what was happening. Bengel Morr took my Master someplace called the Forge. Do you know where that is?"

(mournful warble) "Forge = restricted access / T7 = no data on location." (brief whistle) "Jedi Archive Droid A-4PO = detailed data on forge. Jedi = contact A-4PO via holo / A-4PO = transmit Forge data to T7."

He flipped on his holo, and as T7 had told him, A-4PO was willing to give him the information he needed to find the forge once it knew a Master's life was on the line.

The coordinates led them to a narrow, cliff-side path near a stunning waterfall. There were a few droids similar to the ones he fought in Kaleth earlier and he was pretty sure they'd just trekked through Flesh Raider Central at Tythos Ridge, because the trail to the forge was knee-deep in flesh raiders. Not so much anymore. His gaze followed the distant, crumbling stone staircase down to find Bengel Morr. His steps faltered. Was that…yes…Orgus. He picked up speed, uncertain how much longer his master could hold out. "Come on. T7 – it's Orgus…and Bengel."

He watched as Bengel flung Orgus against the stone steps. His master fell limp to the ground and did not rise again. He was not quite close enough to reach Bengel, but he grabbed a flesh raider with the force and flung him into the dark jedi, knocking them both to the ground. To give him a few much-needed moments to reach his master.

Bengel rose and dusted off his hands as he turned to face the man that had come to challenge him. Finally, the fool had come to him just as he'd wanted. "I sensed you coming. Your fear gave you away."

He took a calming breath as he closed in on Bengel and came to a stop. "It was not fear you felt, but compassion for my master. Do you even remember what it feels like to have compassion?" he asked, though he already knew the answer.

"Compassion is for those too weak to act!" Bengel seethed. "You're weak, like my old Master. You will fall. With him."

His head moved slowly from side to side, his gaze not leaving the inky black depths of Bengel's eyes. "You are wrong. Compassion and mercy do not make you weak. They strengthen your heart…your resolve. Like the waves of the sea, they ripple outwards gathering strength to crush the fear and hate that would thwart them. Your fear has led you to forget all that you know."

"NO!," he said with a slice of his hand through the air. "The will of the Force guided me here for justice, to restore what the jedi lost." He rubbed his forehead, fighting to hold back the brunt of the memories that sought to overwhelm him. "You weren't on Coruscant. You never saw our greatest cut down or watched the temple burn. I escaped that destruction to see my own master surrender to the sith. They exterminated us and he gave up!"

"Perhaps his goal was simply to live to fight another day or give in so that he could locate where the others were being held. There are worlds within worlds, Bengel. You cannot know another man's thoughts by actions alone. You should have kept faith. Master Orgus would not give up and neither will I."

Bengel stabbed a finger towards the mountainous padawan. "You know nothing but jedi platitudes! The weak will be sacrificed here," he said as he waved his hand back towards the stairs leading up to the forge, "to make the Forge stronger. The Jedi Order must be reborn from the ashes…" he ignited his lightsaber. No mere padawan would stand in his way. The jedi could no longer remain weak – not if the sith were to be defeated."

With a frown, Casyrian unsnapped his practice blade from his magbelt and ignited it. "You are not the first to think his way was the only way. There is much I'd change about the jedi if I could, but killing those that don't agree with me is not one of them. You need help, Bengel." Apparently, Bengel didn't care to here that, because he his blade arched towards Cas.

"Weapons = overloaded," warbled T7 as he shot at the remaining flesh raiders.

While the nautolan was practiced in fighting, he was not as strong in the force as the padawan. Every move he made, the mirialan countered - almost before he even made the move. Add to that the man's sheer size and physical power. He knew he could not physically outfight the man. He gripped a nearby stone with the force and propelled it at the mirialan. In less time than he could blink the rock rebounded and struck him in the ribs, shattering at least one of them. He fell to one knee and thumbed off his lightsaber. A ragged breath tore from his throat as he rose on unsteady legs. The pain nearly brought him back down to his knees. "You've won – why has the force guided me to this defeat?" Comprehension flickered. Yes…now he knew. This…this was his future. "You're stronger than any jedi I've known. You could redeem the order and destroy the sith."

Casyrian glanced at his master who has still not risen, but he did not take his attention from Bengel for long. "Redeem the order as you would see it? No, that's never going to happen."

Bengel ignored the buzzing words and nodded in complete understanding. Of course. Yes. Of course. It all made sense now. "I understand. You are the weapon I came to forge."

"Bengel – what you went through…it warped who you were. You need help to regain your balance," he told the nautolan gently.

Bengel shook his head, pain shot through his lung and he closed his eyes briefly. "Don't deny the truth – how else could you have beaten me? I have spent a lifetime learning the paths to power. That knowledge is yours now. Let me leave Tython and prepare the galaxy for your ascendance. I will deliver the gifts you need to claim your destiny."

"I have no desire for power or ascension or a destiny. I simply want to be left in peace to help others. You'll get the help you need, Bengel. Please forgive me." His large fist shot out, connecting to the nautolan's jaw. The man sank to the ground as if in slow motion. "Keep an eye on Bengel, T7."

He knelt over his master and gently turned him onto his back. He sent a small burst of power into Orgus. He wasn't a practiced healer, but he could handle rejuvenation well enough. When Orgus groaned and rubbed the back of his head he smiled warmly at the older human and held out his hand to help him slowly to his feet.

Orgus blinked his eyes several time willing his vision to clear up. A familiar blonde haired and green skinned face came into focus. "Padawan…I must have you to thank for being alive."

He inclined his head. "Bengel Morr is…resting quietly, Master. It would appear he did not get enough sleep last night."

Orgus rubbed his chin and chuckled when he heard Bengel's snores. "I can see that." His gaze lifted to his padawan. Casyrian was a gifted jedi and he could not be prouder of his young charge. "You've done a great thing. He deserves a second chance. The horrors he witnessed on Coruscant broke him – destroyed the gentle padawan I trained. You, however, faced a challenge beyond any trial I could assign. There's nothing more I can teach you."

He wasn't sure what he felt about the direction of his master's words. He wanted off Tython. He needed to find Lor, but Orgus had grown on him more than he'd intended. In many ways, he'd become the father he never had.

T7 rocked back and forth on its two front legs. "Jedi = big victory / T7 = congratulates jedi."

Orgus look up the crumbling steps and then back to his padawan. "All that is left is for you to enter the forge and construct your own lightsaber. There's no substitute for the weapon you create yourself. Normally, we make the padawans gather materials themselves – but you've proven enough." He opened a pouch and pulled out the components he kept there in case his lightsaber was damaged and handed them over to his padawan. "These are all physical components – the rest will come from your mastery of the force."

T7 spun a 360. "T7 = stay with jedi + keep guard."

Orgus nodded to the astromech. "I'll carry Bengel back to the Jedi Temple and get him the help he needs. Meet me there when you are ready."

He watched his master gently pull the nautolan over his shoulder. There was a slight glow of gold. The force would help his master until he could get to a speeder for easier travel. He turned and looked up the broken stairway. His shoulders squared and he began to ascend the steps. His first lightsaber. He settled the pieces onto the forge. The forge lit up with a hum of energy. Energy that snapped and crackled much like electricity. The lightsaber was basic…. but there was much he could do to personalize it later. With a grin he knelt in front of the forge. He used the force and the power from the forge to fit the pieces together like an intricate puzzle.

He rose and held his hand out, drawing the lightsaber into it. He thumbed it on and smiled as he twirled it around to get used to its heft and glide. With a satisfied nod, he snapped it on the opposite side of his magbelt as his practice blade and hurried back down the stairs to join T7. He rented a speeder at Kalikori to save time getting to the Temple.

The meeting was already in session by the time he and T7 arrived. Orgus had just informed the Council on what happened.

Satele nodded at Orgus and gave her attention to the mirialan. "This temple could have been devastated. The entire order is in your debt, Padawan. However, recent developments in the twi'lek settlement demand a response."

Orgus tilted his head and studied his former padawan for a brief moment before he addressed Satele. "Their Matriarch betrayed me to Bengel, but she surrendered herself to us for judgment. Your doing, I understand." He inclined his head to his former padawan, "Good work."

Satele looked over at the giant padawan. "You know the twi'lek's, Padawan. How do you recommend we proceed?" she inquired.

"We created instability and desperation by refusing to help them. That has to change," he responded.

Satele frowned. His words showed compassion, but is that what he truly felt? There was a niggle of doubt within her if compassion was the right path to follow. "What happened to Master Orgus is almost unforgivable."

Orgus stepped forward to defend Casyrian. "But if we do forgive – and work with them – it can only improve our communities," he pointed out. It was the jedi's lack of acknowledgment that caused this problem to begin with. He also had something else to point out. "This young…large jedi," he said with a small grin aimed at Cas, "captured a fallen member of our order and saved this temple from destruction…as well as my life. He has also constructed his own lightsaber. I see no reason he should remain a Padawan."

Satele gave a slight nod to Orgus and focused on Casyrian. "Casyrian Vahn, your bravery, heroism and sacrifice show great depth of character. You represent our best hopes for the future. You arrived on Tython a Padawan, but you leave a Knight of the Republic. May the Force be with you."

He inclined his head to her. "It is my honor to serve the Jedi Council and the Republic."

T7 rocked back and forth. "T7 = requests permanent assignment to assist Jedi Casyrian / T7 + Casyrian = unstoppable."

He grinned down at the mech and lightly patted his dome. "This little droid and I have been through a lot. We are a great team."

"Then I see no reason you should not stay together," Satele told him.

"Wait -" Orgus spoke up. "We are getting a priority signal from Coruscant. It's from Master Kiwiiks.

"Master Orgus…" the togruta in a strained voice, "…everyone…I've discovered a situation requiring further assistance. The dark presence we have long sensed is stronger here."

Maybe that is what Lor had been talking about when she sensed the darkness. "Lor believes that darkness is different than the darkness that her master spoke of."

Satele turned sharply in his direction. They were talking. How much did they tell each other? That was a concern…or soon could be. "Did she say anything else?"

"No, Master. She did not know what this other darkness was. She only sensed that it was different than Master Yuon's darkness…worse than her darkness."

She looked at Bela Kiwiiks. "Have you or your Padawan spoken to Jedi Lora Draay?"

"Briefly, Master Satele, she told us nothing more than what Jedi Casyrian spoke of. Her duties called her…elsewhere. But what is very clear is that the security of the entire Republic could be at stake," Bela Kiwiiks admitted.

Satele nodded. She hoped it was not Sith…but she had to know. "This situation calls for our very best. Master Orgus, you and your former pupil should join Master Kiwiiks on Coruscant."

"Come to the Senate Tower as soon as you can. Master Kiwiiks out."

Orgus stretched and rubbed the back of his head. Kolto had helped, but his head still felt the bite of the stone steps. He was getting to old for this. "No rest for us, son. Take a shuttle to Coruscant as soon as you wrap things up here."

He inclined his head. "See you there soon, Master."

He hurried to his quarters, packed up and talked to T7 until his eyes drifted closed. There was no time for the standard Jedi Knight party. But he didn't much feel like partying with Lor gone. T7 was enough company for the evening.

Morning came sooner than he could have wanted, but if he wanted to eat before he had to hop the shuttle, he had to get up earlier than normal. He downed a quick breakfast, and hopped the shuttle to the space station to take a larger ship to Coruscant. He received a few friendly claps on the backs and a couple of hugs, but most were still abed, so he was able to slip out without much notice.

Lor called him while he was aboard the shuttle. Every time he saw her, she took his breath away. That would never change.

"You're already up, I see," she said with a grin.

He smiled back. "Would that I could join you." He raked a hand through his hair. "I'm up early because I'm on a shuttle leaving Tython. I caught Bengal Morr, saved my master and earned my knighthood. Even better – I'm coming to Coruscant. If you're still there by then…"

"The joke is on us, my love. I was able to learn a shielding technique to save Yuon and now they suspect two more masters have fallen to the mind-plague. They gave me a ship and I leave for Taris tomorrow. But at least I will not be going alone. Qyzen wished to stay with me and I met a wonderful woman who agreed to pilot the ship and shoot anyone who needs it," she said with a small smile and a shake of her head.

Mind-plague. The jedi needed its masters now more than ever. "I hope Master Orgus is spared. The man is like a father to me."

"I know…but you have to know that I'd come for him if he was affected. I wouldn't let anything happen to him," she assured him. She heard the wheedles and beeps from the astromech. "T7!" she said with a bright smile. "I sure do miss you, little guy! I'm glad Cas has you to help keep him safe. There's no one else I'd trust to have my man's back." She grinned at his warbles. "I know you make a great team." She listened to his beeps and whirs. "I hope I'll be able to see you again soon too."

She looked up at her lover. "Cas…Satele knows about my visions. She called me out and I – I couldn't lie. She promised she wouldn't treat me like they did when I was a child. I – I want to believe that. She never said whether she would tell the other Council members. For now, I will trust her wisdom."

He nodded. "For now, we have no choice but to trust her. Lor -as soon as we can arrange it, I want us to meet up on Nar Shaddaa. We'll wear civvies and get married like two normal people."

Her lips curled into a soft smile. "Sounds like a plan. I'll be heading to Nar Shaddaa after I leave Taris. That is where the second afflicted Master is. If you could arrange to join me…somehow…" her smile spread at the boyish grin that lit up his face.

Nar Shaddaa. Nasty place from what he'd heard…but perfect for a fast wedding. "I'll do whatever it takes to get there. Don't…get married without me. You're my bride and I'm not letting you go."

Her eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint. "What happens in Nar Shaddaa – stays in Nar Shaddaa."

His gaze narrowed on her. "So long as what happens in Nar Shaddaa is between you and I, I'm okay with it. I love you, Lor - I will see you soon."

She blew a kiss at him. "Love you too, and I'm holding you to that."

The smile slipped from his face when her holo vanished. He missed her.

Once they reached the space station, they boarded the Righteous Way for Coruscant. Since he wasn't used to being alone, he ended up trading stories with the droid during the flight. His little buddy had been seen quite a lot. Personally, he was glad the droid's memory was never wiped. It made for a far better companion.

Bits of debris still peppered around the planet and had to be avoided as they came in to land. He preferred wild, natural planets like Tython, but he could feel the history here. Feel it deep in his bones, like a pressure. With a small puff of breath, he messaged his Master and received the coordinates of where they were to meet up.

Orgus smiled when he saw his padawan…no…former padawan. "Glad you're here, Cas. You remember Master Kiwiiks and Padawan Kira?" He motioned towards the Mon Calamari. "This is General Var Suthra and that is Doctor Eli Tarnis," he said as he motioned towards the human. "We're discussing why the Republic secretly built a planetary-scale weapon without consulting the jedi."

Dr. Tarnis cleared his throat. "My work barely qualifies as a weapon. It's the most humane military technology ever invented. With a single activation, the Planet Prison super -charges a world's upper atmosphere, turning it into an enormous ion cannon. Any starship entering or leaving the planet will be completely disabled. Perfect enemy containment without casualties."

Cas felt his lips thin and took a calming breath so that he would not show his displeasure. "In theory it sounds nice, but I'm not sure it's worth the cost. If ships are disabled in the atmosphere, won't gravity pull the ship down and slam into the planet? That would be like dropping a bomb on the planet's surface. There would be mass casualties. Can you guarantee that wouldn't happen? And if you create something that could super-charge a planet's atmosphere then if that weapon fell into enemy hands, it could be altered to destroy or burn up the atmosphere – essentially killing everyone on the planet – or it could be used to hold the planet hostage. The question is never can you create the technology, but should you? Have you planned for every contingency that could possibly arise when you created the Planet Prison? If you had, we would not be here," he pointed out.

"Wow. Debbie downer," Kira mumbled. She ignored her Master's disapproving glare.

"My…friend raises some good questions, Padawan Kira," Orgus pointed out. His gaze slid to the Tarnis. "Well Dr. Tarnis?"

Dr. Tarnis took a step back. He hadn't expected the jedi to ask those sorts of questions. "We were about to begin field testing when this pointless debate started."

Cas' brows rose. "You would field test something without the means to disarm it?"

Bela also noticed he did not answer all of the new knight's questions. "Regardless, you've allowed the Planet Prison's design files to be stolen by common criminals."

Tarnis shook his head. "I doubt the thieves even realize what they have. Besides, the data is encrypted."

Gen. Var Suthra slipped his hands behind his back. "Our people are pursing every possible lead."

Orgus frowned and raised a brow towards the Mon Calamari. "With all due respect, old friend, don't you think it's time the jedi got involved?" He didn't give the man time to answer. "Master Kiwiiks and I must speak with the Supreme Chancellor." He nodded to Cas. "I need you here, finding those design files."

"Of course," he responded with a brief acknowledging nod. An icy shiver raced down his spine. "Do you feel that, Masters? Something is very wrong here. I can feel the darkness like a frozen pipe against my spine.

"Perhaps you are sensing the evil of the men in Coruscant's underbelly. I feel it too, Cas." Orgus assured him.

"No…" he murmured. "It's here. Close. With us."

"I'm sorry, son. I feel something is off, but I do not feel nearby darkness."

"I don't either," Bela told him before giving her attention to her Padawan. "You stay as well, Kira," Bela Kiwiiks told her Padawan. "Your security expertise may come in handy."

Galen hurried into the chamber, nodding at the two masters that passed him at the door. "General, we have a lead on the thieves."

"This is Agent Galen with the Strategic Information Service," Var Suthra informed them. "Agent, these young jedi will assist you."

Galen gave them a brief once over and then returned his attention to the General. "Thirty-two hours ago, thieves raided a military storehouse. They stole weapons, supplies and data files for the Planet Prison project. The thieves' leader slipped up – showed his face to a security camera. We identified him from our criminal database." He held up his holo to display a picture of the rodian. "Vistis, rodian smuggler, staying with the so-called Migrant Merchant's Guild. Nasty bunch of criminals."

Dr. Tarnis folded his arms over his chest and then raised a hand to rub his chin reminding himself to keep a straight face. "Why would alien gangsters rob a military storehouse?"

"I don't know…maybe for military grade weapons and secret projects?" he asked, pointing out the obvious, but careful to keep the sarcasm out of his voice. He didn't know why the masters could not feel what he felt, but he could not shake it. His found himself looking back over the room before his gaze settled once more on Tarnis.

"Impossible," Tarnis argued. "It must be a coincidence." The mountain of a jedi was causing everyone to over think things. That wouldn't do at all.

"Agent," Kira spoke up. Let's use your fancy security network to distract those gangsters. Give my friend and the thief some quality time together."

Galen held his hand up motioning his agreement. "When you find Vistis, contact me. The data files are top priority, but try to recover anything else stolen from us. Good luck, Master Jedi."

While most jedi would say they didn't need luck, they had the force. He would certainly not turn good luck away. "Thank you, agent. We will reach out to you shortly." He smiled warmly, inclined his head to Kira and retreated from the room with T7 at his side.

Kira fanned the flush in her cheeks. Wow. She didn't much care what color his skin was, the man was gorgeous. Too bad he had a flat and boring personality. Though…that could almost be overlooked.

He turned to find out what gave him the sense of being watched. All he saw was Kira walking deeper into the room. Perhaps she had wanted to speak further with him and changed her mind. But he no longer had the sense of being watched and shrugged. If she wanted to speak with him, she would. She was a very outspoken padawan.

As they strolled through the Migrant Merchant's sector, very few people gave them more than a glance. He was used to his size and the obvious fact that he was a jedi deterring people. But sometimes, groups of people would feel more secure against him and sought to test his abilities. That didn't happen here. At least not until he reached the men guarding the stolen crates. A couple ran…one received a blaster bolt in the back for leaving his post. Only one other man survived their encounter with Casyrian. He did so because he was willing to put down his weapon.

He knew he was taking a chance, but he allowed the man to leave. T7 alerted him to the life sign behind a locked door. "Do your thing, little buddy." He motioned to the door's controls. After the door slid open, its occupant was revealed. Visitis Garn, who immediate activated floor turrets.

After the turrets were neutralized, he folded his arms over his chest and quirked a brow at the rodian. "Anything else you'd like to try?"

The rodian held his hands up. "No. No. I give up! I only work for the guild part-time. I'm not dying for them. You here for something special, jedi? Take anything you want. I'll even help you steal it." Anything so long as that mountain didn't fall on him.

Casyrian withdrew his holo can called Agent Galen. "I have our thief."

Galen nodded and rubbed the back of his neck. A hard breath slipped from his lips. "Get the stolen design files and hurry back. We've had a major security breach."

Again? "I will return as quickly as possible."

"Copy that. Galen out."

"Hang on," Vistis said as he held out a hand. "You're after the data files I lifted? I knew I should have charged more for that heist!" He didn't have what the jedi wanted. Was he going to make it out of this alive now? "Let's make a deal, huh? I have the data files, but the guild already decrypted them. I transmitted a copy to my clients. But I can tell you who they were. I can tell you who hired me if you promise to let me go."

The man had a way of making him feel like a bully on the playground, but he was not in the wrong here. "Tell me about your employers and you can leave."

Hope sprang in his heart. "Really? I love jedi. You're such reasonable people. The Black Sun hired me. Them and the guild are rival syndicates, but I work both sides. My deal was to use the guild's slicer to decrypt the data files then transmit a copy to the Black Sun."

T7 beeped. "Thief = irrelevant / Black Sun = real culprit."

"Look," the rodian said in desperation as an icy cold fingered along his spine. Irrelevant often meant expendable. "You can have the data files I stole. Just let me go." He pulled the small storage disc from his MT. "Here.." he said as he shoved the disk at the jedi.

Cas' took the small disk and inserted it into his micro terminal to verify what he'd been given. The rodian had, indeed, given him the files. "Of course. I've received the files. Perhaps you should consider a career adjustment. You may go."

Relief flooded through him in hot waves, wiping away the cold that had gripped him. "You got a good heart, jedi. Think I'll go visit my friends on Nar Shaddaa…" he hurried away, not giving the jedi time to change his mind.

He nodded to Galen when the caught up to him. "I was able to get your files - but the thief transmitted a decrypted copy to the Black Sun." He pulled the small disk from his MT and handed it over to the Agent."

"Grand! Run a full diagnostic. Find out what was in these files," the agent told her. He glanced down at his MT, the corners of his mouth twitched in relief at the sight of the coordinates. "You found our stolen military hardware too. Good. We need it. I'll have someone retrieve it post-haste. While you were gone, kidnappers grabbed Doctor Tarnis. Kira led a security team in pursuit, but the kidnappers split up during the chase – hang on. Signal coming in…"

Kira popped up on the holo, her body jerking back to avoid a blaster bolt. "Agent Galen! I've got these creeps pinned down – but they won't surrender!" She dodged another bolt.

T7 rocked on his front legs. "Padawan Kira = in danger / Cas + T7 = must help."

"Don't know how long I can hold them!" Kira admitted.

Galen rubbed hi forehead. "She's in over her head."

"That – I can do something about. T7 and I will join her – send me her coordinates."

Galen sent the coordinates. "Her signal came from the spaceport. You must stop them before they leave with Doctor Tarnis"

He glanced down at the coordinates that would pin-point Kira's location. "If she reaches out to you again, let her know I'm on my way."

The spaceport had several levels. He was grateful the coordinates save him and T7 a lot of time. He could hear the blaster fire as he approached the docking bay.

"Just in time," Kira said, unwilling to show her concern or relief. "These guys get points for courage, but we're a little outnumbered. There's more than a few trigger-happy thugs in that docking bay. The kidnappers are threatening to kill Doctor Tarnis, but they might be bluffing. I'm not even sure they have him."

That meant no one had seen him with the kidnappers. "If the doctor has not been seen, then this could be a diversion or something else altogether is going on here. Either way, we are going to treat this as if he had been kidnapped. We do this the hard way."

She could not stop the heat from rising into her cheeks. She couldn't help but wonder if every inch of him was as hard as it looked. Kira – enough! You are a jedi, girl,…but I'm not dead! This was not the time to argue with herself. "Then you shouldn't go in alone. I borrowed a stealth field generator from Agent Galen's office. Makes me practically invisible. I can sneak in first, then when you attack, I can take a few thugs by surprise. What do you think?"

He did not know her well enough to know what she was capable of…besides stealing stealth generators. But he also knew that she wanted to prove herself as a competent jedi. He would do his best to keep an eye on her and keep the enemy focused on him. At least when she was visible. "I will accept your assistance, just follow my lead."

Kira grinned. "Great! Now you see me – now you don't," she said as she vanished from sight. "Oh, I like this. Now, I'll get into position and attack on your signal. Let's rescue us a doctor."

"Just remember that field generator will interfere with your ability to use the force," he reminded her.

"Yes…yes…I know. Give me a moment to get into place."

He could hear her footsteps recede, but they were more muted than they normally would have been. He waited until he sensed her stopping and then hurried deeper into the bay. Black Sun were scattered along the lower level, but far enough apart that they couldn't give immediate aid to each other.

They cleared a path to the stairs and entered the first door on the right. Three men fell to an invisible force before a blaster bolt struck Kira. He and T7 made quick work on the remaining men. One dropped down to his knees in surrender. "Watch him, little buddy. I'm going to check on Kira."

He darted over to her side and squatted down next to her. He gently rolled her over onto her back. He could feel the life within her, but lifted his fingers to her feel the pulse at her neck anyway. Strong and steady. Knocked out.

She blinked and grinned up at his concerned face. "I'm fine…just sent a shock through me. Felt rather stimulating, actually."

He chuckled and gave her a hand up. Together they returned to the man that had surrendered.

Zeer groaned. "Jedi scum," he growled. "I'll kill you…someday…"

"He sure killed my stealth generator, that's for sure," she said with a quirk of her lips. "Oh well…it was fun while it lasted. Isn't teamwork grand?"

Her sarcastic humor was refreshing. "You handled yourself well, Kira. I have enjoyed working with you," he told her.

"Wait! I need a holo of that. I want to play it back for Master Kiwiiks." Her grin faded as she looked around the room. "No sign of Doctor Tarnis. Kinda puts a damper on things. Maybe you were right about this being a diversion."

Zeer grunted. "Very smart, little jedi. We were the decoys. Now you will never see your little doctor again."

Kira's eyes narrowed on Zeer. "Is that so? Give me a minute with this guy. I'll make him talk."

Cas didn't know her well enough to know what she meant by those rather unsettling words, but he decided to give her the benefit of the doubt. He motioned a hand in the human's direction. "He's all yours, Kira. Make him talk."

She grinned at Cas. "We don't need him to talk." She lowered herself to her knees and pulled on the force. "Not when I can read his mind…"

An icy ball of fear dropped into Zeer's belly. "What? Stop that! Get out of my head! Get out! The doctor's in the Black Sun headquarters. Salarr has him! Just leave me alone!"

"Good," Kira said as she rose to her feet. "I did not want to wallow through your filthy memories."

Casyrian didn't try to hide the smile that pulled at his lips. "I wouldn't have thought to try that." Especially considering it wasn't even possible to read someone's thoughts. "I should return to Agent Galen. Do you have this?" he asked.

She winked at him, thanking him non-verbally for his support. "Me and my security detail will clean this up."

He inclined his head to her and took a taxi back to the Senate Tower. The masters and Galen were already together.

"Doctor Tarnis is the least of our worries, General," Galen retorted in a frustrated grumble. "The stolen data files had details, not only on the Planet Prison – but on every weapon prototype and research facility in existence."

The general took a shocked step back. "Our most powerful experimental weapons and Black Sun has access to them?" Anger displaced his shock. "How could this happen?"

Bela shook her head. She would not let this fall into a blame-fest. "We must act quickly to secure these other weapons. Where are they?"

Var Suthra settled his hands behind his back. "Three offworld research facilities. Minimal defenses to give them a low profile. They're vulnerable."

"Master Kiwiiks and I will split up to protect two," Orgus put forth.

"I'll take the third," Agent Galen informed the general.

Orgus nodded. "Then that leaves you with the fun part – rescuing Doctor Tarnis and the copied data files from the Black Sun."

Cas chuckled. "I think I need to take you back to Tython to spend the day fishing again, Master, because I believe you've forgotten what fun actually is," he teased.

Orgus smiled warmly. Casyrian reached a part of him that had been dormant for more years than it had thrived. He never knew what Cas would be having them do when they spent time personal time together. He had done things he'd never done before. Cas had taught him a lot about relaxing and just letting go for a while. The stress relief was far better than just meditation, because it worked his mind and body in new way. It made him feel lighter…younger. It didn't matter if it was fishing, or swimming, or nurturing orphaned animals. There were so many things Cas had brought to his life. And he was grateful for every one of them. "We'll do that again soon, Cas."

Bela Kiwiiks looked between the two. If she didn't know better, she'd think their relationship ran deeper than Master and Padawan. There was a light in Master Orgus' eyes that she had never seen before. And that light got warmer when he looked at Casyrian. There was an attachment between them that felt familial. No…she didn't have time to be concerned about that right now. "Kira will stay behind, too. With Agent Galen leaving, her computer talents will be needed."

Orgus agreed with that decision. "She can be impulsive, but give her a chance. You'll make a good team."

"We have already worked together and I agree – both that we work well together and that she is impulsive. But it's nothing I can't handle." Lor could be impulsive at times as well. He and Lor balanced each other. Perhaps, he would reach a similar balance with Kira.

"My Padawan struggles with emotional attachments, as many young jedi do. Be mindful of that," Bela informed him.

"Your Padawan is safe with Casyrian." Of that, Orgus had no doubt. Despite his concern, there was another knight that had Cas' attention. Cas was far too loyal to give Kira even the slightest encouragement. No, Cas could handle Kira. Neither he nor Cas had spoken about the connection between Cas and Lor, but that connection ran deep and could not be hidden from him. The two young jedi were stronger in the force than anyone he knew. The jedi needed them. He and Yuon had watched over them from the moment of their arrival. They were both aware of the relationship, but neither brought it up to the Council. Neither of their Padawans showed any signs of falling and neither he nor Yuon thought they'd lie if they were confronted. No, they'd leave if they were pushed and the Jedi Order would hurt for their loss. No, the best course of action for now was to remain vigilant and watch. "We should go. May the force be with us all."

As the Masters filed out, Galen turned to the knight. "I'm sending you the coordinates of Sergeant Nidaljo. He is in charge of a special tactical unit of Republic soldiers that will be assigned to assist you in this matter. I'll stay until Kira arrives. Good luck, jedi."

There were Black Sun outside the Republic defense position. That did not bode well. It was disheartening to find as many dead bodies outside as inside.

"Corporal, get a kolto pack on that man. The rest of you prepare for evac!" Sergeant Nodaljo barked.

"Agent Galen has sent me. What has happened?" he inquired.

"Black Sun. They're not a gang anymore. They are an army. We were securing a parameter around their base for you. They hit back with military -grade weapons. Killed six of my men."

The corporal closed his eyes and sucked in a harsh breath. "Seven, sir. Jorin's gone."

The Sergeant rubbed his forehead. Jorin's had such great promise. Another life lost. Another family he'd have to break the unfortunate news to. "We're not equipped for this fight – not any more. With the new armor and weapons, they're unstoppable. We can't help you."

T7 whirred and beeped. "Jedi Cas + T7 = stop unstoppable every day."

Sergeant Nidaljo waved a hand slowly outwards. "Look at us. We're half-dead and they didn't suffer a single casualty. There's no hope of victory."

"You didn't have us before. You do now. If you surrender, your solders will have died in vain. Is that what you want? What about the man inside the base waiting to be rescued? You'd abandon him? This is a moment of truth, Sergeant. Do you give up and let evil win or do you stand up and fight?"

The sergeant sighed. He could not live with himself if he left now. Not and be able to look in a mirror anymore. "I'll go with you. But I won't ask my men to follow."

The corporal picked up his rifle and moved to stand next to his sergeant. "You don't have to, Sergeant. The jedi's right. We can't let those scum beat us."

Another man joined in. "Count me in. Always wanted to fight alongside a jedi," he said with a friendly grin.

"You'll need to take down the base's security network so we can get inside," Nidaljo told the jedi. "Once the network's down, we'll attack the back entrance. You take the front. We'll rendezvous in the base."

Cas nodded. "Be strong…all of you. I'll see you on the inside." Time to disable the security terminals. There were four and thankfully, they were not that far from each other. Only two were even guarded. He thought security would have been tighter, though he wasn't complaining. He continued on towards the back of the base, uncertain where he'd find the sergeant. Voices drew his attention to a room where a few Black Sun were talking to a holo of what appeared to be a sith.

"Tarnis! We risked everything for you. Stealing those data files, faking your kidnapping…this is how you repay us?" Salarr bellowed.

"Tarnis held up his hand. "You were compensated with enough weapons and armor to make the Black Suns invincible."

"Invincible?" Solarr roared. "There's a jedi carving up my base! This is your fault! We never should have trusted a sith!"

"If a jedi has come for you, Salarr, it wasn't my doing," Tarnis pointed out.

"Never trust a sith," Casyrian warned as he stepped forward. I thought your kidnapping was a ruse, but I didn't think you were sith. Intriguing. I felt something off – something dark, but couldn't pin-point where it was coming from."

Tarnis almost grinned. "Ah...so the mountain comes calling on the Sun…there must be something philosophical about that. Well, no matter," he said with a wave of his hand. "I would have preferred a more graceful exit, but you forced my hand, young mountain. You were the only one that felt my presence. I knew you would be a problem. But it doesn't matter now – you're too late. Finish your pointless battle. Coruscant's fate is already sealed."

He spun around, his blade ignited and was surprised to see a man drop behind him.

"Surender you scum! We've got you surrounded…or don't. I prefer don't," Sergeant Nidaljo warned.

Cas chuckled. "Glad you made it to the party, boys."

"Wouldn't miss it, mountain man," the sergeant teased.

"Kill them all!" Salarr yelled.

It really wasn't a fair fight. Even so, the Black Sun refused to surrender and he'd been forced to end more lives.

"Can't believe it!" the sergeant beamed a grin. "We just took down Salarr. Black Sun won't forget that any time soon. And so the mountain falls on the sun."

Casyrian shook his head, a grin spreading over his lips. "Not sure who's funnier…you or the sith. Your men fought bravely. You should be proud, sergeant."

"Thanks for pulling us together and leading the mission. Black sun will have reinforcements here soon. Any sign of the man you came to rescue?" the sergeant inquired.

Cas turned when he heard the hiss of the holo.

Kira sighed in relief. "There you are…we intercepted Salarr's holocall to Tarnis. Can't believe he's a sith. But you knew – somehow you felt him and you knew…we didn't believe." She shook her head. "But that's not the worst news. The Planet Prison prototype here at the lab? A fake."

He closed his eyes briefly, inhaled a cleansing breath. "That is why he said Coruscan'ts fate is already sealed. He intends to use it on Coruscant. Trace that holocall you intercepted. Use it to locate our sith's base of operations."

"And so the mountain descends on the base." The sergeant's shoulder shook with quiet laughter.

He shot a mock glare at the sergeant. "I'm never going to live that down, am I?"

"Not a chance, mountain man."

Kira bit back a laugh. Mountain man? No denying he was big. "It would seem I miss out on all the fun. But worry not, mountain man, we are working on tracing that call. We need you back at the Senate Tower. Kira out."

He ran a hand down his face. It didn't matter what others thought of his size. Lor loved every inch of him and that was all that mattered. He swallowed when his mind zigged to somewhere he didn't want to go. He cleared his throat. "Let's find a taxi, T7."

The general's fist slammed down on his desk. "A sith, working as my chief scientist! How can I defend the Republic if I can't rust my own people? Tarnis' entire engineering team vanished along with the Planet Prison. They're traitors, too!"

Casyrian held up a hand. "That may not be the case, general. Perhaps they were abducted. Regardless, sith are masters of deception. We can't know anything for certain."

"I'm certain the sith want us dead," Var Suthra groused. "Tarnis could use the Planet Prison to hold us hostage and paralyze the Repubilc." He blinked when the jedi only stared pointedly at him. His mouth fell open when he remembered the jedi's words from earlier. "If he altered the Prison's functions, he could destroy Coruscant." He eyed the jedi with a new, more desperate perspective. "You're our only hope of stopping that."

Casyrian nodded. With the masters offworld, this was his responsibility. "I'll stop him, general. But I need to know where he is."

"That's where I come in," Kira jumped into the conversation. "I traced that holocall we intercepted from the Black Sun base. Tarnis was communication from down in sector 439."

Var Suthra rubbed his aching head. "Justicar territory. Tarnis knows we are not welcome there. Justicars are paramilitary vigilantes. They took over a sector – cut ties with the rest of Coruscant. And they don't like visitors."

Kira straightened her shoulders. "You shouldn't face Tarnis alone. I may only be a padawan, but I can help." Master Kiwiiks always took things slow. She wanted the chance to prove herself and this jedi might just be that chance. He'd been willing to work with her before. If she could keep her tongue from dragging the ground, every time she looked at him, she'd be a great asset.

He did not think he'd have trouble fighting Tarnis, if it came to that. But, as before, he knew she wanted to prove her capabilities. "With this much at stake, two jedi are better than one."

T7 spun a 360. "T7 = wait here / Kira + Cas = be careful + be fast!"

Cas grinned. "I'm not leaving you behind, little buddy. We three are a team now." The happy whistles made him chuckle.

"The fate of the Republic rests on your shoulders, jedi." He held up his hand. "No pressure. May the force be with you."

"Thank you, General. Let's find Tarnis."

"Have you fought a sith before?" she asked she watched him raise T7 into the hatch and then settled in next to him in taxi.

He shot her a smile before he focused on driving. "No, but nor am I worried."

She lifted a hand to feel what she knew she would not be able to feel. "If anyone else had said that I'd think they blowing jedi steam up my…robes. But I can feel the force in you. It's like a thick blanket wrapped around you. I've never felt anything like that before."

"It has been with me so long that I've forgotten that its always there. No one has ever described the feeling to me before. To me it is a warm pressure that hugs me from the inside," he felt his cheeks warm, but there was little he could do about it. "Lor is stronger in the force than I am, though I doubt she'd admit it. We were sent to Tython to train with the strongest masters in the jedi order because of our connection to the force," he said with a shrug.

"Lor? Wait – Lora Draay? I remember hearing about her. She saved her master, right? Some kind of jedi prodigy?"

A soft grin settled on his lips. "Yeah, that's her." He settled the taxi down on the landing pad and helped lower T7 to the ground.

"Cas + Lora = best match. T7 = misses Lor."

He gently tapped the droid's dome. "I know, little buddy. So do I."

She could tell he was closing down and wouldn't be open to more questions right now, but could be patient...most days…once in a while, she amended. "Are we going to tear through every inch of the Justicar territory?"

"No. I know where we need to go," he said quietly.

"How?" she asked point blank.

"I focus on what I want to find and then I know where I need to go," he told her.

"Then where are we going?"

His cheeks warmed again. "I can't give you exact coordinates. It doesn't work like that. I simply follow the pull of the force. It shows me where to go."

Oh. Gorgeous but odd. She could live with that. She was odd too, by jedi standards. "Similar to a game of hot and cold. I get it. Weird. But I get it. Is that how you caught Bengel?"

"No." He rented them both speeders. He handed her a helmet and slipped one over his head. "We've got a ways to go."

"Wait – why didn't your locator gift work on Tython?"

"Something was interfering. Or – or maybe it was just me." He slid onto his speeder and started it up. He was unwilling to tell her that he was emotionally drained after Lor left Tython. He supposed that played a heavy hand in the dip of his abilities. Or maybe it had something to do with the dark that was bothering Lor on Tython.

She was surprised that none of the justicars opposed them. Cas was very large, but she doubted that is what held them back. Numbers could defeat even the largest of men. Except they were also jedi. Maybe the justicars, or at least the ones they'd passed, didn't want to risk a fight with jedi. Hard to say.

She set her speeder down next to his and removed her helmet to look around. "This is a med bay and I certainly don't see the Planet Prison anywhere. That's not good."

Jonkan blinked his hazy eyes when he looked up to see jedi. He reached a hand out towards the pair and nearly fell over onto his face. "Jedi! We've been such fools. Tarnis – he's a sith!" Pain washed through him and curled up tighter on the ground. "He tricked us. Said you jedi were going to shut the project down. We brought Tarnis the prototype. He turned on us. Killed everyone."

He knelt down next to the human and sent a wave of rejuvenation into him. "Hold on. I'm not a healer, but I can get you into one of those kolto tanks."

Jonkan inhaled a much-needed breath. A momentary breath would never be enough. "No time. Tarnis will use the Planet Prison. The prototype creates a massive heat signature when activated. Run a thermal scan. You'll find Taarnis. It needs time to build up power. Enough…time for you to – to destroy it. Save…save Corusca…"

Kira shuddered at his wet, death rattle. "Poor man. He didn't deserve this. Come," she said as she tugged on his hand. Heat flooded into her cheeks when she realized she'd taken his hand. She dropped his hand and turned away from him. "I'll run a thermal scan from this terminal."

Her cheeks heated up even more when T7 beat her to the terminal. Now, things were more awkward. She risked a side look at Casyrian. He did not look in the slightest put out or disgruntled or anything really. Maybe he hadn't even noticed. She wasn't quite sure how she felt about that. She was pretty sure she was both hurt and relieved that he didn't seem to notice.

"There!" she said pointing to the holoscreen. Sector 167. Oordinates 8863…Oh, you've got to be kidding me. The signal's coming from the ruins of the Jedi Temple."

"Of course. We get a sith with a twisted sense of humor. Didn't know the doctor had it in him."

Kira grinned. "Seems you are more than you appear, Cas. I didn't know you had a sense of humor either. Maybe we'll get along better than I thought.

T7 rocked back and forth. "Jedi + T7 = remove sith from temple."

"That's right, little buddy."

"The temple ruins are in a hazard zone called The Works. There's an old elevator down to The Works near here. But – just so you know…People go in but don't come out," Kira warned.

"We can handle the Works and the sith, Kira. And just so you know – The Works can't hold us."

"Right," she said. "Then let's do this." Especially, before she did something stupid like kiss him. Did he have to be so beautiful? What man had a right to be beautiful? And those muscles…stop it, Kira! Head in the game. Sometimes she just didn't feel like a very good jedi. She could only hope that wasn't because of her past.

They located the lift and took it down into The Works. The moment they stepped out, Kira wished they could turn right back around. "Our robes are going to smell like sewage and droid oil for weeks," she grumbled.

"Silver lining, Kira – you're not a cathar. Take the wins you can," he teased.

He had a valid point. It would smell 200 times worse if she were a cathar. "Right. Point taken. Let's do this."

There were a plethora of droids that attacked them, but other residents seemed to prefer to stay out of sight. It wasn't until they took another lift to the old Jedi Temple speeder pad that reality took a hard shift to the right. Imperials were scavenging through piles of rubble. With little more than a warning he and Kira took every last imperial down without a word to each other.

When the last imp fell they entered the lift to go down to the temple. Both understood that they would find more imps in the temple below. She looked up at him. "Cas – we're doing this…right?"

He nodded. "Every last one, Kira."

And they did…at least the few left standing – all except for one. One imperial trooper was fighting off a squad of other imperial troopers who had him surrounded. Interesting. Cas gathered the energy around him and launched himself into the air, coming down on one of the trooper's shoulders. The weight combined with the height of the fall broke the trooper's collar bone on both sides and dislocated both shoulders. "Oopsie," Cas teased as he back flipped off the downed trooper and cast his lightsaber out to take out another opponent.

T7 spun in a circle when the last trooper fell. "Imperial = not bad?"

Cole pulled up on his helmet and tossed it to the side. A hard kick sent the helmet crashing into a pillar. He then removed his armor piece by piece and dropped it to the debris laden floor.

Kira arched a brow and tried not to smile. "Well, this is getting very interesting. Is there a reason you are getting naked? Not that I mind."

Cole looked up at the woman, his cheeks growing warm. "Sorry, ma'am. I did not pay much attention. I would normally not strip to my knickers in front of the fairer gender, but I cannot abide by this armor a moment longer." When the last piece fell to the ground a long, slow cleansing breath slipped from him. He looked down at his under-armor. Nothing screamed imperial. "My name is Cole Draek. I have been trying to defect for years, but this is the first time I've been on a Republic world."

Casyrian looked around at the other bodies strewn throughout the temple. "That is your handiwork?" he inquired with a wave of his hand."

Cole glanced around, a grin twitched at his lips. "As much mine as yours, I imagine. I could not let them destroy this world or hold it hostage. I could not think of a better gift to the Republic than to destroy the enemies that meant it harm."

Cas removed his belt and shrugged out of his armored robe. The man was not as large as him, but the robe had always been too short. "Here. It will provide you some protection. We are not done here." He picked up his belt and fastened it around his waist. "My name is Cas, this is Kira."

Cole pushed his arms through the robe and felt the comforting weight of the armor fall on his shoulders and back. He retrieved his belt from the pile of discarded armor and belted the robe to keep the armor from sliding around. Now it was obvious why the jedi wore his belt on the outside of his robe. "Thank you for you most generous contribution to my wardrobe."

"Notice he doesn't speak with an Imp accent?" she pointed out.

He bowed to her. "Now, my lady, you wound me. It would be far safer for me to speak as you do, yeah?"

"Ah…there it is. You hide it well, Mr. Draek. If I had not seen you in Imperial armor, I never would have guessed you were an Imp."

He winked at the woman. "Since we spilled blood together, the least you could do is call me Cole. Now…we have a sith to find, yeah? Follow me. He came this way." His gaze lifted to the very large jedi. "Glad you could make, by the way. I did not relish taking on Sir Sithalot on my own," he admitted.

"Sir Sithalot," she repeated with a laugh. "I like him. Can we keep him?"

"He's not a puppy, Kira."

"True," Cole grinned. "I'm housebroke. I have no intention of remaining a soldier. That part of my life is over. So, I do not mind being kept, Cas. I have no home, no family and no job. If I can lend my arm to your cause, then I will do so. And if working for the jedi tweaks a few Imperial noses, all the better."

"Are you willing to tell us everything you know about what the Imperials and sith have planned?" Cas asked curiously.

"No," Cole stated with a firm shake of his head. "I'm a defector not a traitor and I will not behave dishonorably. I would no more spill your secrets then I would theirs."

"I am okay with that," Cas returned. In fact, he was relieved. He did not think he'd be able to trust a man who was a traitor to remain loyal. "Let us pay Sir Sithalot a visit."

"Right on, mountain man – lead the way…Cole."

Cole held up his fist as they approached a room. "That's Sithalot," he murmured. "I'll play backup with the droid on this ride. Not looking forward to the whole…strangling bit. Good luck."

They moved silently closer.

"I'm departing Coruscant soon, father. The Planet Prison deploys in minutes. The Republic will have no choice but to surrender."

Darth Angral's smile was slight, but there. "You return to me a hero of the Empire, my son. Our victory is complete."

"Don't you just hate coming so close to victory and failing?" Casyrian asked as he approached the sith. "I bet that really stings. Hope daddy doesn't mind. If there's any surrendering to be done, it won't be Coruscant," he said pointedly.

Lord Sadic took a step forward, his finger pointed to the intruders. "What's this, Tarnis? Loose ends? For shame."

Tarnis' eye twitched as he turned to face the intruders. "Have you come to die, jedi?"

Cas crossed his arms over his chest. 'I've come for your surrender."

He grabbed his lightsaber and ignited it. The red blade snapped out with a hum. "Then you will fail…again. I've been one step ahead of you from the start and now you're too late. Pathetic. I am no mere sith. I am a sith lord. And you will learn what fear is before you die." He did not want to be here. The jedi in front of him was massive and steeped in the force. Due to his father watching he could not even hope the jedi would walk away. No, his only hope was that he could psych the jedi out. Fear and doubt weakened people.

Darth Angral looked at the four that faced off with his son. A droid, and what could possibly be three jedi. One of which was impressive by any standards. He wanted to think his son could handle it, but the odds were stacked against him. "Channel your rage, my son."

"Your blood flows through my veins, father. They are already dead," Tarnis replied. Why was that behemoth filth not raising his lightsaber? Only after his lightsaber was arching towards the filthy alien did he ignite his own lightsaber and raise it in defense.

Cas waved the others off. This was his fight. "Just you and me, Tarnis. Is it a blessing to only have to fight one man or a curse to fall to only one man?" He deflected a bolt of lightening with his lightsaber. "I will give you one more chance to surrender," he said quietly as he batted away another lightsaber attack. "Though, I suppose with your father watching you will not do as I suggest."

Tarnis knew the man was merely playing with him and that infuriated him. "Arrogant, alien filth! You should have been drowned at birth. I'll make you wish you had been!" he lunged towards the much larger man, hoping the giant did not kill him too quickly but too proud to ask the alien to make it look good. Sorry, father. I tried.

Cas held out a hand and the sith's lightsaber was ripped from the sith's hand. He caught it, thumbed it off and tossed it to Cole. "Will you surrender now?"

Tarnis held out his hand towards his lifesaber, expecting to feel it in his grasp, but instead felt his body propelled through the air and a flash of deep burning pain before he was sucked into the dark.

Cas thumbed off his lightsaber and lowered the body to the ground.

No! White hot fury slammed through the Darth when he felt the death of his son. What he felt was far stronger than anything his eyes could see. "Jedi filth…" Darth Angral growled. "You've killed my son."

Lord Praven folded his arms over his chest. "He'll pay with his life, my master. I swear it."

Angral's lip curled up in a snarl. "You have no idea what you've unleashed, jedi. There's no place in the galaxy to hide from my wrath."

"I have no intension of hiding. Meet me, man to man and we will finish this – if that is what you wish," Casyrian stated calmly.

"No! Death is too quick for you. I want you to suffer! I will inflict unimaginable suffering on your people. Billions will die because of you! My son's death will be avenged on the entire Republic – and you will bow down before I let you die."

"I won't let you do that," Cas warned.

"You cannot stop me! Tell your pathetic Masters that Darth Angral has returned. This time…there will be no mercy."

Kira blinked when the holo cut off. "Such a charmer. I miss him already."

"If you find him charming, clearly you have been dating the wrong kind of men," Cole teased.

"How about no men? I'm a jedi – attachments aren't allowed," she pointed out drolly.

Cole winced. A jedi's life was harsh and lonely, it seemed. "Ouch. Sorry, Kira."

"Somedays, so am I," she mumbled under her breath. "The Planet Prison is officially scrap metal. Looks like we saved Coruscant."

"I couldn't have done it without you, Kira." He could have, but that wasn't the point. She needed to gain faith in herself as a strong jedi and he wanted to make sure that happened. "Now, what do you say we get out of here?"

"As much as I'm enjoying these toxic ruins, I couldn't agree more."

Cole chuckled. "The sarcasm just drips off this one," he teased, motioning to Kira with his thumb. "I have to admit you both have surprised me. I thought jedi were basically dullards that spouted off ancient wisdom."

"You aren't wrong in that assumption, Cole. Mountain man, here, has surprised me and I didn't think that was possible. Most padawans have gotten the dull down pat by the time they become jedi knights. Maybe that's what I'm doing wrong."

"That's not true, Kira. Most jedi try to act like a preconceived notion of what a proper jedi should be in public. But if they trust you, they are far more likely to be themselves around you – at least in private." He smiled. "I remember a particularly funny late night with my master, Orgus. We drank too much wine and ended up in a food fight in the kitchens. We barely made it back to our rooms before we heard the cooks yelling."

She pulled to a stop at the taxi lot. "Wait – you are joking right?" She saw the warm glimmer in his bright blue eyes and knew the memory meant a lot to him. "You're not kidding. I can't believe Master Orgus did that. I can't imagine Master Kiwiiks ever…no," she shook her head, "not ever."

"Have you tried to spend any down time with her? Having personal talks with her the things you both enjoy for hobbies? Have you invited her out to do something fun with you?"

"No. My time is my time. I need a break from meditations and studies once in a while."

"There you have it. I was willing to give up some of my me-time to strengthen my connection to Orgus. I do not regret a moment of that time." He pointed to the single four-seater taxi. "I think that would serve us best right now."

"Good. Because I don't know either of you well enough to sit in your laps," she teased as she hopped into the front seat next to Cas. Cole Draek was good looking with his black hair and teal colored eyes, but he was no Cas.

"Follow me," she said as soon as the taxi touched down. "There are unclaimed items at the port that become donations. We can get you some proper clothing."

He nodded. He was certainly not arrogant enough to demand new clothing. "If I am to fight at your sides, I will need some kind of armor as well."

"If we do not find armor among the donated clothing, I will see about getting you something. You will be working with the jedi, it is the least we can do." Cas meant every word. If the Masters did not agree, then he would purchase armor from his own funds.

They managed to stun him again. Armor did not come cheap. When he was given his trooper armor, he'd had payments for it deducted from his pay. "You are nothing like what I expected. We grew up on horror stories of the jedi, but what I found most disturbing is that no matter what I'd been told about jedi, the sith were always far more terrifying."

Horror stories about jedi. She couldn't imagine anything funnier or further from the truth. "Just wait until we sprout fangs and rip open your throat. That's almost as fun as eating babies. But the babies must be marinated in corellian white-wine sauce."

"Kira…," Cas warned. "She's obvious playing with you. Babies need to be slow roasted on a rotisserie and basted with buttered corellian rum."

Cole burst out laughing. "You two are so twisted. I love it."

Kira quickened her steps. "Over here." The door slid open and she hurried into the Unclaimed room. "Good, the clothing has been sorted, but it hasn't been sent to the Donations store yet. "Pick out a weeks' worth of clothing and some shoes." She scanned the room, her smile widening. "Here's a duffle back you can fill."

Cole unbuckled his belt and handed the jedi back his armored robe. He didn't even glance at Kira when he pulled off his under-armor and stuffed it in the duffle and the slid into civilian clothing. He pulled on a pair of socks and stepped into a pair of boots and felt at least one hundred times better. He filled the bag and then laid the lightsaber he'd been handed on top. He'd had to leave his weapons behind in the Jedi Temple. They were Imperial made weapons and would cause far too much speculation. "Thank you, I'm ready."

Cas used the terminal to transfer a few credits for the clothing. "I'll see to it that you have armor and weapons, Cole. For now, we will stop off at my room. You may store your bag there before we return to the general."

It was surreal that this jedi would trust an Imperial defector enough to take him to his quarters. Not that he was foolish enough to try anything surrounded by jedi. No, this was a new chance at life and he wanted to take it.

They entered the Senate Plaza and Cas showed them to his room. "It's very late. We'll eat and bunk down for the night after we talk with General Var Suthra."

Kira looked around in surprise. "This is your room? And you don't have to share it?"

"Well, I am sharing it," he said with a grin as he motioned to Cole.

"No, I mean padawans share barracks. You are so lucky."

"I suppose I am, at that. Just focus on the goal, Kira. You'll be a knight before you know it. Now…let's go, before I can't maintain control of my baby eating urges," he teased. His belly growled and he laughed. "See? I haven't eaten since breakfast and you both are starting to look like bantha steaks."

"Okay, mountain man. No more delays." She laughed softly. "I bet you eat enough for two men."

He nodded. "Three, actually."

There was a discussion already in progress when they entered Var Suthra's office.

"No one saw this coming, Master Satele – not even the Jedi Council," Var Suthra pointed out.

"We sensed it for weeks, General. If you'd told us of your secret project, we might have averted this disaster," she responded, not giving an inch.

The Mon Calamari looked up and smiled. "There he is – the hero of Coruscant. Welcome back, son."

Cas inclined his head. "General. Coruscant is safe, but I had to destroy the Planet Prison and kill Tarnis."

"Yes, we heard," Satele replied. "We also know Tarnis was the son of Darth Angral."

Var Suthra bobbed his head. "Republic comm channels are being flooded with threats form that maniac vowing revenge."

"Darth Angral personally led the forces that sacked Coruscant in the last war," Satele told Cas.

The general nodded again. "He was furious when the Emperor signed the treaty. Looks like he's back to finish what he started. The Empire has formally disavowed Darth Angral's actions, saying he's gone rogue. It's a lie, of course, but the Senate refuses to authorize a military response."

"For good reason," Satele cut in. "Neither the Republic nor the Jedi are prepared for another war. We would lose. Billions would die."

Var Suthra grunted. "And if the enemy turns our weapons against us, billions will die. Tarnis transmitted details of all our top-secret projects to his father. We traced that transmission to the planet Ord Mantell. Darth Angral must have a base there." He motioned to Cas. "I need you to find it."

"Master Orgus senses greatness in you. So do I," Satele informed him. "The mission is yours."

Oh no…she was not going to be left behind. "I'm going to," Kira jumped into the conversation. "Master Kiwiiks left me here to help Cas."

"Agreed," Satele responded a dip of her head. "Take Kira, Cas. Train and protect her like she's your own padawan."

He inclined his head. "Of course, Master. I also wanted to introduce you to Cole Draek. When we went to the old Jedi Temple ruins, we discovered it was overrun with Imperials. Cole managed to take down most of them by the time we arrived. We worked well together and he's pledged his arm to my cause."

Satele nodded. "I cannot allow Imperials to remain in the Jedi Temple. I will send several knights to guard the ruins and ensure the Imperials do not return. As for Mr. Draek, he may prove useful to you. You are too strong in the force to hide your presence. He would be able to infiltrate areas you would not be able to. I will trust your judgement concerning Cole Draek. See that he is properly armored before you leave. I must inform the Council of these developments. Travel safely, Casyrian. May the force be with you."

Var Suthra shook his head with the holo blinked out. "I had thought Tarnis was only Imperial on Coruscant. To know that the Imperials are infiltrating the heart of the Republic is unacceptable. I will see that underbelly of Coruscant is searched. Thank you for alerting us, son." The general stepped forward and clapped Cas on the shoulder. "I have one of our best starships waiting for you at the space port. I will send your droid ahead to ensure it is ready for takeoff in the morning. I know it's late…" He grinned when Cas' belly growled again. "Grab some food and tuck in for the night. You'll be leaving after breakfast. You should know there's a civil war on Ord Mantell. It's a no -fly zone. Dock at the orbital station there and contact me. Good luck."

He invited Kira back to his place and they all ordered room service. It was far too late to dine out and the places that were left open were not places he cared to visit. He rose from the sofa briefly to order a set of armor, a sniper and automatic rifle from jedi requisitions to be sent to his new ship. He then removed his armor in his bedroom and threw on a tunic and breeches and rejoined them in the living room.

"You know, I thought you'd look smaller without your armor," Kira teased as she took another sip of her wine. "You are still a big, beautiful, green mountain." She blinked. "That was the wine talking. And you shouldn't listen to wine, because that's just crazy talk." She sat her wine glass on the table because she'd already had too much if she was running off at the mouth.

"No," Cole teased with a wink. "The wine was telling the truth. It does that on occasion, don't you know. I'm a man and even I can see that Cas is a big, beautiful, green mountain. Of course, he's not a mountain I'm ever going to climb. I'm a lady's man." He clapped Cas on the arm and laughed until his belly ached.

He knew his cheeks were turning golden thanks to the flush of blood. "You know, for that remark, you two are now sleeping on the sofas and I am going to stretch out in my bed…alone."

Kira pulled one of her knees up against her chest and wrapped an arm around it, laughter causing her shoulders to shake. "Oh, Cas…I think Cole and I both know you would never fit on the sofas. I was going to head back to the barracks, but," she said as her foot found Cole and she gave him a shove, along with a small boost of power, to kick him off the sofa as she stretched out, "this looks comfortable to me."

Cas rose and retrieved two pillows and blankets from the closet. He set one pair down on the sofa Cole was now sitting on then he lifted her head and slid the other pillow beneath it. With a flick of his wrists the blanket settled over her and he tucked it in slightly. "Are you sure about this?" he asked gently. "I was just teasing. You really can sleep in my bed."

She absently brought her hand up and it settled on his chest. His very broad…very muscular chest. She gave him a small shove to stop her hand from exploring every breathtaking inch. "Go away. I'm already asleep."

He turned to ask Cole if he wanted the bed, but Cole was already wrapped up in the blanket he'd put on the sofa.

"I wasn't going to wait for you to tuck me in too," he chuckled. "Go to bed, Cas. I'm better than fine right here. It's the first night in a very long while that I'm not sleeping with a bunch of men. Let me enjoy it while I can."

Casyrian raised his hands in surrender. "Fine…fine. I'm going to bed." His holo chimed softly. "I'll see you two in the morning." When his bedroom door slid shut behind him, he flipped on his holo. "I didn't expect to hear from you this early, but you are a sight I will never tire seeing."

She smiled. "I'm on Taris now – different time zone. Cas - I need to feel you in my arms. This being away from you – it hurts. I was hoping time would make it easier, but it only gets harder."

"I know, Lor – I feel it too. After our missions are complete, we will walk our own path…together. We can help those in need without losing each other. Tell me you will walk that path with me."

"You don't even have to ask…I will always be with you Cas." She looked around. "Give me a moment."

She disappeared from view, but actually did return in little more than a moment. Regardless, it gave him time to lay down on the bed.

"I had to make sure the door was locked." She slowly unfastened her shirt and dropped it to the floor. "Do you know how badly I want you right now, Cas? I want to feel the warmth of your skin against mine." She dropped her bra on top of her shirt. Her hands lifted to caress her breasts, her nipples drawing tight. I want to feel the rough pads of your fingers skimming down my body." She rolled her nipple between her fingers. "I want to feel the heat of your mouth suckling at my breast."

"Lor…" He could bare get her name out past the tightening of his throat. "You are torturing me." Indeed, she was. He was hard and aching and she was so very far away. Not to mention the two people sleeping not too far away.

"Not this time, Cas." She lowered her pants over her hips and wriggled them down until she could step out of them. She kicked them aside and trailed her hands down to the edge of her panties. "I'm so wet for you right now, Cas. Her fingers hooked under the band and slid the panties down her legs. She sat down on the sofa and spread her legs. "Can you see me, lover?"

"Yes…by all that is sweet and beautiful in this world…yes…" He groaned. "But you are wrong – this is torture, my love…but the sweetest of tortures."

She shook her head while her hand slipped down her belly to the slick folds below. A moan whispered from her lips as she stroked over the swollen nub. "I would give almost anything to feel the magic of your tongue right now."

"And I would give anything to taste you." Oh hell, anything. His body was trembling with a need that nearly over powered him.

"Take off your clothes, lover. I want to see every magnificent inch of you." Her hips undulated of their own accord as she rolled the nub between her fingers. A soft cry escaped her lips.

They'd never quite gone this far over vid before – well, they knew what each other was doing, but seeing it… After the slightest hesitation he discarded his clothing as fast as he could. His breathing grew harsh as he watched her pleasure herself. And sweet hell, nothing had better stop her because he needed to see the look on her face when she came. "I want to make you come…"

"You might not be touching me, but just thinking about you…seeing you – don't ever think you aren't making me come. But I need more. Pleasure yourself for me. I need to watch you come for me. Your pleasure gives me pleasure." She watched her lover's hand glide over his straining arousal. His groans and hitching breaths brought her closer to release. "Oh, yes…like that. You are so beautiful, Cas."

"Come for me, baby…I need to see you come…" He'd had to squeeze himself to keep from coming once already. But he didn't want them to come at the same time. He didn't want to miss watching her. His gaze remained locked on her face as her body stiffened. His heart fluttered when she cried out his name and her hips ground against her hand. She had not closed her eyes and severed their connection. Instead, she shared her soul with him and he would share his with her. "You are breathtaking and you are mine."

She lowered her hand and slid her fingers into the heat of her spasming core. "I need to feel you inside me, Cas. Stretching me…filling me so full. Thrust harder, Cas…don' t hold back. Fill me with your seed." Another cry tore from her as she thrust her fingers faster, grazing the tips over the sensitive spot inside her.

His harsh, ragged breaths and swelling arousal told her he was on the edge and about to splinter. She watched his straining neck, his Adam's apple bobbing and the harsh lines of a pleasure that bordered pain etched on his face as her name ripped from his lips in time with the burst of seed from his swollen shaft. But it was his gaze, locked to hers that showed a euphoric pleasure and love that took her breath away. She fell into the abyss as another orgasm rippled through her.

He was glad he had this moment with her. But it was not complete. It could never be complete until he was able to hold her against him as their bodies came down from the pleasure. He used his shirt to wipe away the evidence and tossed it onto the floor. "I should be holding you right now. It feels…incomplete without you in my arms," he admitted.

"I know," she said softly. "I don't regret the memory – I couldn't regret anything I did with you. But I'm not sure…I don't think I could do that very often. And you're right…incomplete. Nothing feels as good as you do, Cas."

"I can think of one thing…" his gaze dropped to the exposed heart of her. "You're still swollen."

She rubbed her thighs together to quell the ache that still wanted him. "And you are still naked and aroused, which means I still want you to make love to me. So, tell me about what happened on Coruscant to take my mind off of it."

He told her everything, leaving nothing out. "Right now, we're only cleaning up the mess left behind until we find out something more about Darth Angral's whereabouts. But we'll find him. My larger concern is you. I know you have a need to help people. And I need you to promise me that you will never forget that you are people too. Know your weaknesses – not just your strengths. Know when to say enough. I don't want that shielding technique to kill you, Lor. If you die, then everyone you shielded will suffer again along with the people they will hurt. If you die…" But he could say no more. The tightness that banded around his chest made it impossible to draw in even the shallowest of breaths.

She understood his pain. The thought of him dying…she locked the thought away before it could make a foothold. "I promise you I will be mindful of my limits, Cas. If you breathe then I live – so breathe."

He swallowed hard and inhaled sharply before he could manage a nod. "I'll keep breathing so that you can live – but I expect you to do the same. I couldn't survive a life without you in it."

"Cas -" She didn't know why she was trying to change his mind, when she felt the same way.

"Lor – I wouldn't want to. I want to die with you so that our souls can find each other in the next life. You know that."

"I know – I just don't like to think about…" she shook her head. "That is the last thing I should be thinking about when I'm looking at the only man in the galaxy that can make me drool. A very sexy…very naked…incredibly mouth-watering man." Her gazed lowered down his chiseled abs to his thickening shaft. "A man ….who is even now rising to the occasion."

"Not hard to do when I'm thinking about you…or when you look at me like that. Did you find out the name of the Master on Taris that you are searching for?"

She yawned. "Sorry…His name is Master Cin Tykan. Tykan is missing, but his padawan, Aris, is there. I am hoping she will give me some clue to how he's been thinking and feeling recently."

"Lor, my forever love, go to bed. I love you. I will talk to you tomorrow."

"I love you, Cas. Sweet dreams…of me."

He chuckled when the holo flickered off. There was little doubt that his dreams would be far more sexy than sweet.

Come morning, Kira dashed out his door to go get ready for their departure. He and Cole ate breakfast, packed up and headed to the spaceport. His ship was in docking bay 64. Cole followed him up the ramp and they were met with a service droid called C2-N2, who gave them a brief tour of the ship. He was pleased to note that there were two crew quarters separated by a lounge area in the middle. So, Kira would have complete privacy…unless other women joined their crew. Cole, due to his experience level, would be his XO, thus having the XO cabin. And, apparently, his pilot as well.

"I was a pilot before I became a trooper. When I found out pilots rarely leave the ship, I knew I'd never be free that way. Getting my boots on the ground was my only hope of ever seeing freedom. But I never thought Coruscant was where I'd find it." He chuckled as he tossed his bag on the bed in his new cabin. "Are you sure you want me to take this cabin? Perhaps, Kira..."

Cas clapped the man on the upper arm. "It's yours, Cole. As talented as Kira is, she's had no command experience. She is not qualified to be an XO…you are."

Cole nodded as he studied the jedi. "Hey, boss – er…Cas," he amended when he saw the dour look in the jedi's eyes, "I didn't mean to overhear….anything last night. I – well, I needed to visit the refresher…and…never mind -it's not my business. We are all entitled to happiness."

"Thank you," Cas responded. He would not have denied the relationship, but he was also glad at being relieved from having to admit to it at this time.

T7 rolled to a stop. "T7 = good to see you. T7 + ship = ready to depart."

Cas grinned and rubbed the mech's dome. "We're waiting for Kira -"

Kira leaned over T7 to peek into the room that Cole and Cas were in. "Then wait no longer. Do you know that droid of yours – that new droid of yours will talk your ears off? I had to chase one of mine into the kitchen." She swiveled her head to look Cole up and down. "So, you are the XO and the pilot. Is there anything you can't do?"

One corner of Cole's lips pulled up into a half grin. "I can't use the force and I can't sew a straight stich no matter how many times I've tried – so don't ask me to stitch you up if you get hurt…it will leave an ugly scar."

"Good to know," she said dryly. "C2 showed me to my…quarters. Guess if I get sick of the view I can always hop on a different bunk."

"Silver lining," Cas teased. "There is always a silver lining…even if you have to squint to see it." He gave Cole a small push towards the door. "Come on, pilot – let's get this bird in the sky."