Chapter 2

The Levana and the Star Searcher entered the atmosphere of the planet Bothawui, home of the Bothan Spynet, The largest and most effective known espionage organization in the universe. No other spy network in the galaxy could claim the level and expansion of Bothan Spynet. Using trade, bribery, espionage and observation, the Spynet obtained information from every corner of the galaxy. The Spynet consisted of thousands of spies, informants and data collection droids that fed into a centralized command structure located in the capital of Bothawui. The building of the Intergalactic Trade Mission on Bothawui secretly served as a center of operations for the Spynet. Because of the Bothans' professed impartiality and the Bothans' monopoly on the Intergalactic Trade Union, the Empire had chosen to overlook the practices of the Spynet for the time being. Despite many other species being active agents of the Bothan Spynet, positions of authority were filled almost exclusively by Bothans. Marik was hoping the Bothans would accept the Jedi police officers as operatives in the service of the Spynet. Luckily, the Bothans were known to have aided Jedi in the past. It was likely they would help this time.

Alanna was looking around the ship for Shiro. She came upon Alexia in the hallway. "Alexia, have you seen Shiro? He's not in his room."

Alexia frowned and shouted a bit. "Why would I know where he is? Am I Shiro's keeper? He doesn't tell me anything!"

Alanna was taken aback. Okay, what was that about? Why is she being defensive? "Okay, sorry! I'll find him myself."

She turned down the hallway and heard loud music coming from the Game Room. She peered around the corner of the room. Shiro and Kyra were in crazy dancing thrall to the music of Firgin D'an and the Modal Nodes, blazing on the speakers.

"Yeah, baby! Get down!" Shiro shouted out. Alanna watched with a level of shock.

The music increased in volume flooding the ship with noise. Shiro and Kyra used the Force and lifted themselves in the air as they danced.

"What always runs but never walks?" Shiro shouted to Kyra. "Often murmurs, never talks. What has a bed but never sleeps, has a mouth but never eats?"

Kyra laughed, "A river!"

Alanna came around the corner and flipped a switch, turning the music off.

Shiro shouted, "Hey! What the frell?! Who killed the music?!" He turned the music back on with the Force. Alanna stopped the music again. Shiro started it.

Alanna flipped the switch again. "Shiro, it's time to leave. Stop messing around. We need to head over to the ITM in a few minutes."

"Alright," Shiro said. He and Kyra lowered to the floor. "Geez, give a guy a break. Those were some wizard tunes. Right, Kyra?"

Kyra nodded, "Yeah."

"Plus I was in the ZONE!"

"I got them off of Ami's ship."

Alanna folded her arms. "Don't care! Time to go! We're expected!"

"What a party pooper!" Shiro used the Force to raise Alanna's hair into a bunny ear shape. Kyra and Shiro laughed.

Alanna sighed. "Come on, please!"

"Okay, sorry." Shiro walked down the hallway towards the wardrobe area to put on a disguise garb. On the way, Alanna tapped Shiro on the shoulder. Shiro turned around.

Alanna smiled. "You might wanna give these guys a listen next time." Alanna handed Shiro a disc of the Max Rebo Band's recordings. Shiro smiled and took the disc.

After Shiro was finished dressing, he headed for the kitchen. "Hey, Alanna, you got any Blue Milk? I got a hankering."

"In the fridge, drink outta the one with the big 'S' on it."

"What's the S for?"

"For Shiro."

"Oh. Right."

"The one with the 'A S' is mine."

Amelie put down a bottle with a sheepish grin. "Well, pardon me."

"I wanted to make sure we didn't have any more mix-ups with the alcoholic Blue Milk."

Shiro nodded. "Fine." He took some Blue Milk bottles and put them in his pack.

Kyra went over and put a hand on Amelie's shoulder. "Hey, Amelie. How are things? You feeling any better?"

Amelie stopped a moment and looked down. Kyra had touched on a deep wound. "Yeah. I… I'll be alright." She rubbed her eyes a bit.

Shiro looked around. "Where's Marik?"

Alanna bit her lip at the mention of Marik. Then, groggily, Marik came into the room and cleared his throat. Shiro looked over at Marik. Marik's eyes were red and had bags under them. His hair was ruffled and he looked scruffy with five o' clock shadow.

Shiro took a breath. "Oh. There you are. You okay, Marik? You look a little…"

Marik leaned against the wall like he needed the support. His cheeks were a little flushed. "A little what?"

"Umm...well, you look like pudu."

"Well, I feel like it too," he said gruffly. He brushed past Alanna to get some coffee. Alanna and Marik exchanged shy glances. Marik sipped his coffee and then after a moment cleared his throat again. "Well, we better move ahead. This Daargo guy's going to meet us at the ITM."

Amelie nodded. "Yeah. Let's go." After the Jedi police officers and the group had donned their garb, they walked out of the ship and out of the hangar toward the ITM building. They came to a building shaped like a top. A Bothan stood outside the building on the steps wearing officious garb.

"Welcome," he said.

Ame smiled. "Daargo!" The two friends embraced each other.

The furry Daargo patted Amelie's back. "I missed you, Amelie."

"Daargo, I have to tell you something. It's about Mulann…"

"I've been informed. We'll talk more later." He turned toward Marik. "Welcome, Marik. How was your trip?"

"Could have been better. For now, I'm glad we're here. About our deal…"

Daargo cut him off. "We'll talk more inside." He turned to Frell. "Hey, you old rascal. Get into any trouble lately."

Frell smiled slightly. "No more than usual."

Daargo looked at Shiro. "Nice to see you again, Shiro."

"Likewise."

Daargo shook Alanna's hand. "Hello. Say, you look rather familiar."

Alanna smiled. "I have heard of you."

Daargo raised an eyebrow. "You're not supposed to know the Bothans. We're supposed to know you. Get it?"

Alanna rolled her eyes. "Your intellect is dizzying."

Daargo nodded at the Jedi officers and spoke to the whole group. "Everyone, welcome to the Intergalactic Trade Mission. We are aware of your concerns. We have private rooms reserved. Please follow me inside and we'll discuss matters at more length."

The group headed up the steps toward the building.

Amelie paced nervously back and forth in her private room in the ITM. Okay, what was that all about?, she thought. Why did they start by asking for a blood test? That was unusual. And why did they later ask Frell to step outside with them? What's going on here? It isn't like Daargo to keep secrets from me.

The door opened and Daargo and Frell came in. Frell had his arms folded and looked like he had something on his mind.

Amelie turned around. "Okay, Daargo, I want some answers. Why are y'all looking at me like that?"

Daargo gestured to the table and chairs in the room. "Ame, please have a seat."

Amelie sighed and sat down. Daargo sat down across from her and Frell remained standing. Frell immediately spoke up. "When were you planning on telling me?"

"What?"

Daargo put a hand up. "Frell, I don't think she knew either. Though I'm not sure how she could miss it."

"What are you talking about, Daargo?"

Daargo took a deep breath. "Amelie, we Bothans have heightened senses. We can detect things about humans that others cannot. I had your blood taken to confirm what I smelled on you. Amelie, you're pregnant."

"Pregnant?!"

"Yes. We ran a scan. There's no doubt."

Amelie paused for a moment. "Okay. So I'm pregnant. Why do y'all look like you're putting me on trial?"

Frell spoke, "Amelie, think about the responsibility you, I mean we now carry. We have to protect our child. We can't be charging into danger now that we've got this new life with us. This may be a burden to you with your sense of thrill-seeking but I've thought about it and I've got to ask you to leave Shiro's party behind."

"No. I can't do that. Shiro's my friend. I owe him my life. You do too."

Daargo spoke up. "But Amelie, this is bigger than just your commitment to your friends. Didn't losing Mulann teach you anything?"

"It taught me a lot! It taught me that you stick up for your friends when they need you. You defend them to the death."

"It may just come to that. Your death and the death of this new child. You're a mother now, Ame. Unless you want to take measures against that then you've got to set some limits."

Frell came over and put his hand on Amelie's shoulder. "Look, Ame, I know this is a hard thing to ask. At least give yourself some time to think about it. I know this is a lot to handle. I do owe Shiro my life, but I must admit that even I'm getting tired of this danger-filled life we lead. I don't want to see you gunned down in your prime like Mulann. Nor do I want to lose our future child."

Amelie looked up at Frell. "But, Frell, you know me. I can take care of myself. I'm pretty tough. I'm a Mandalorian for crying out loud! I was raised with the warrior's life, as were you. Think of the code of the Mandalorians. We never desert our comrades."

"But, Amelie, things have changed now. Shiro's journey is full of danger. The kid will only bring trouble to you. Trust me. It's time. You've got to let Shiro go…"

Amelie looked down in a moment of deep thought.

Marik and Alanna sat at a table in a small light blue waiting room. They glanced at each other and then away nervously.

Alanna sighed, "Hurry up and wait. The story of my life."

Marik chuckled a little, then held his head and squinted.

Alanna looked toward him. "What's your problem?"

Marik groaned, "Hangover!"

Alanna chuckled a little. "Now ain't that a marvel! A Jedi with a hangover. And I thought Jedi were all about discipline. I never would have thought Jedi could be heavy drinkers too!"

"Yeah, well… I'm one of a kind."

Alanna shook her head. "A hangover would serve you right after what you did to yourself last night."

Marik looked up and pondered a moment. Hesitantly, he spoke to Alanna. "About that... Alanna, what did I do last night? I remember you finding me there, but the details are a little fuzzy..."

"You were drunk, and you were depressed. You told me about your disappointment, and I helped you to bed."

Marik became even more nervous when he heard this. He was afraid to ask his next question but he felt he had to know. "Alanna, did we... that is did I... I mean, did we kiss last night?"

Alanna took a breath. She looked at Marik thoughtfully. Unsure of what to say, Alanna paused a moment. "Maybe that is a question that you need to figure out for yourself."

Before Marik could speak another word, the door of the room opened and two Bothans entered. They sat down at the table, opposite Marik and Alanna. One of the Bothans spoke. "We of the Bothan Spynet have been informed on the extent of your ventures by Senator Osma and we are prepared to help you."

Marik nodded. "We were hoping for that. I am Marik Horn, and this is Alanna Sitara."

The Bothan nodded. "We know. You have brought some Jedi refugees with you which we have decided to incorporate into our service of the Bothan Spynet to hide them from Imperial observation and keep them sustained. Do you have any questions?"

Marik shook his head. "Nay, the less I know the less I can reveal if I am captured."

"Very well. We do wish to tell you that they will not be asked to betray their code."

"Very good, that will be sufficient."

"The others you have brought with you are being held in isolated cells under close observation."

Alanna nodded in unison with Marik. "That sounds good… Wait, what?!" Alanna was suddenly apprehensive.

Without looking at Alanna, the Bothan responded, "Worry not , sir. They are being held comfortably and will soon be released." The Bothan then checked himself. "…Er Ma'am."

Alanna chuckled softly to herself. "It is not the first time I've been called 'sir.'"

Suddenly, Alanna's comlink went off. She picked it up. It was Alexia. "Alanna, Marik?! Are you there?!"

Alanna spoke into the comm. "Yes, 'Lexi, we're here. What is it?"

"Alanna, Shiro's gone! I checked his room and… he's not there! I don't know where he is!"

Alanna looked at Marik. "We gotta go, now!"

Marik nodded and rose with Alanna, looking at the Bothan. "Please excuse us. There is a personal matter I have to attend to."

The Bothans stood up. One of them said, "Of course. We'll show you out."

As they walked out of the room, Marik closed his eyes for a moment. Then he turned to Alanna and smiled. "I know where he's going."

In a large empty gym, Shiro wandered about. He looked up at the cavernous ceiling, pondering about many things. Suddenly he heard the sound of a ball bouncing. Out of the shadows stepped Marik, dribbling an orange ball up and down.

"Netball," Marik said. With both hands, he threw the ball up in the air. It sailed across the court and went through a suspended net on the other end of the court. "Two points," he smirked. With the Force, Marik summoned the rolling ball back towards him. He picked it up and spun the ball around while supporting it on one finger. "Here you go!" he said. "Catch!" He passed the ball to Shiro.

Shiro caught the ball. "Netball, huh? Never really played it. Is it an old sport?"

Marik nodded, "Ages. This court was built here a long time ago."

"I guess I was pretty secluded in the Temple. Netball wasn't among the requirements for being a Jedi. We did have Scramball though."

Marik reflected for a moment. "Well living the peacekeeper life, always living in potentially dangerous and warlike situations, doesn't allow for much free playtime."

"Nor does running from the Empire." Shiro looked down.

"Well…? Pass it."

Shiro threw the ball to Marik. Marik caught it and dribbled it up and down. "You know, as quick as you seem to learn, Shiro, I bet you could be a Netball champ in no time." Marik passed the ball back to Shiro, who turned around and threw the ball toward the net.

Marik and Alanna watched as Shiro and Kyra faced off over a game of Netball. Shiro advanced toward the net, dribbling. Kyra blocked him. Shiro faked a throw and went around to the other side of the net. Kyra came up towards him to block him. Shiro jumped into the air and soared towards the net. He made a slam dunk and came down. Shiro smiled cockily at Kyra, who returned the grin. Kyra grabbed the ball and dribbled toward the net. The ball was knocked out of her hand by Shiro. Shiro was about to advance toward the net when the ball was snatched out of his hand by Alexia.

"I'll take it from here, Shiro, if you don't mind," said Alexia.

"Uh… Sure, Alexia," Shiro said uncertainly and stepped back to watch the two.

Alexia looked at Kyra with a friendly smile, and yet with fierce eyes. Kyra nodded back at her. Alexia dribbled the ball methodically. Kyra coiled and coiled her fingers. Alexia rushed forward. Kyra tried to block but Alexia pushed her aside harshly and went toward the net. Kyra pushed herself up and ran and blocked Alexia's way. Alexia stopped and lightly threw the ball against Kyra's chest, knocking her to the ground. The ball bounced back to Alexia, who threw it straight into the hoop.

"Nothing but net," she said.

Alexia helped Kyra up and winked playfully at her. Kyra took a deep breath and faintly smiled. As the ball came back down, Alexia and Kyra resumed playing, both very fiercely yet playfully. Shiro gazed in shock at his two friends' unexpected tenacity and wondered if something deeper was going on here than just a friendly game. After a while Shiro decided to join in and played against both Kyra and Alexia, and of course they all ended up cheating by using Force powers.

Meanwhile, Marik and Alanna talked with each other, off to the side of the court.

"Bors and several of the officers have decided to join us in our trip to Ilum and then to Byss," said Marik.

"We'll need all the help we can get," Alanna said and smiled at Marik, "So, felt it was time for a little recreation, huh?"

Marik nodded. "Let Shiro and his friends have a moment of freedom and fun while they still can. Such moments are precious in these dark times."

"Yes," Alanna nodded. "Such moments are precious."

A hand tapped Alanna's shoulder. Alanna turned around to see Amelie.

"Amelie?"

"Hey, Alanna." Amelie looked down, unhappily.

"What is it?"

Amelie paused a moment and then continued, "You, Marik and Shiro are leaving for Ilum in a couple of days, yes?"

"Yeah. That's the plan."

"I've been thinking I can't go with you guys."

Marik stepped forward. "Is there a reason?"

"Yes. I'm pregnant."

Alanna and Marik gaped in shock. Alanna spoke. "Really? Well, that's good news."

"Not for you," said Amelie. "Frell and I talked and we think it would be best for the baby's sake to stay out of danger for a while. Plus, I'm still recuperating from Mulann's death. She was such a dear friend."

"Oh. I see. Well I can't pretend to know your pain but I respect your decision."

Marik nodded. "As do I.

"You do what you have to do. We shall always be your friends, even if worse comes to worst."

Amelie nodded. "I'm sorry. I don't want see you guys get hurt. I wish I could do something to prevent that. But your decision is made and my hands are tied. I love you guys. In the past months I feel I've really gotten to know you. Especially you, Alanna."

Alanna nodded slowly. "I understand your concerns for the baby's' heath. I know if I were expecting a little one, I would be concerned as well." She and Amelie gripped hands strongly. "We will see each other again. You and I haven't got into enough trouble together yet." They smiled at each other. "We'll comm you after the guys are done on Ilum and meet up after that."

Amelie sighed and said. "Okay. We'll see. I'll say goodbye to Shiro when the time comes. Whatever happens, I have enjoyed our journey."

The three of them turned and watched as Shiro, Alexia and Kyra talked and played like the old friends they were.