It would was nearly a year later that Kennayil is sent to Nar Shadda. His last message from Zentiira was terse and felt as if she was afraid of something. Before he had left his ship he had left a note that he would be available to talk in a few days, but his master had a job for him. Using code phrases, he inquired about her status. Kennayil snapped himself out of his worry, and focused on the next part of his mission. According to the information his slicer was able to come up with, the thief he was chasing holed up somewhere in the Exchange's sector. That made it too close to the Republic forces for his tastes, but he had to retrieve the stolen tech. Doing a quick check on the local network, Kennayil decided to head for a cantina deep within the sector that was far enough from both Empire and Republic, that the chances of an unnecessary fight were slim.

After a thirty minute taxi rid, and a two hour walk with several gangs attempting to lead him into traps, Kennayil had finally made it. As soon as he walked through the door, he could feel a familiar presence. He could not place where he had felt it before, but he knew it was Jedi. Quickly, Kennayil diminished his presence in the Force. Although the other may have felt him already, it was worth the effort in case the Jedi was distracted. He walked into the cantina as if he had no care in the world, giving people the impression that he was a weak Sith. Kennayil approached the barkeep.

Speaking softly, Kennayil holds out a holo of a human male in his mid-thirties. "I seek information on this man. His current where-about, who he's been speaking to, and any other information that may lead me to him."

The bartender peers at the holo for a moment then nods, "I know him. It will cost you though. And it will be extra if there's any bloodshed."

Kennayil considers this for a moment. He could easily kill everyone here, but that would put the Empire into trouble with the Hutts. He glares at the barkeep but nods.

"Fine. What's the cost to include bloodshed?"

"25 thousand. More if you damage my patrons or equipment."

Kennayil grins evilly as he hands over the credits, "As long as no one attempts to get between me and my prey, then they will be fine. This man stole something of mine and I want it back."

"He's in the Respite Room. I do know that he's awaiting someone, but not who." He points to an alcove to the left of the stage. " Take the lift over by the band."

Kennayil nodded, then walked off. As he got on the lift, he realized that the barkeep would probably warn Crental that he was coming. Psyching himself up for a fight, he pulled his lightsaber from its clip. Upon entering the room, Kennayil spotted his prey immediately. Sitting on the other side of the table was a Jedi. The Jedi spotted him first, and stood. Crental turned to see who was there and paled.

Kennayil, keeping his eyes on Crental, spoke softly to the Jedi, "I have no quarrel with you Jedi. This man stole technology from me. I came up with the idea. I built it. He simply provided me with the raw materials. I want my device back, and to take him in for theft."

The Jedi looked at the Sith as if he had grown a second head, "My name is Kii'drel, Sith. I can sense the truth of what you say. But I cannot let you take this man with you. Nor will I let you take something that you will undoubtedly use to enslave more people."

Kennayil hisses in anger, then growls out, "Why do I even try to be civil to you idiot Jedi? That toy is mine! I built it to make me money. It is harmless for anyone without Force sensitivity. It is meant to provide entertainment, and teach Force usage. Some of us do have interests outside of conquest."

Kii'drel shakes his head, bewildered at the sudden aggression. Igniting his lightsaber, he replies with calm detachment. "You Sith think of nothing but causing pain and gaining power. Now, I give you this chance to surrender. You will be treated well."

Kennayil ingnites his own lightsaber before spitting out, "Close minded fool! I tried to get this back peacefully. Something you Jedi profess to care a great deal about. Now I see that you are nothing but hypocrites and hot air."

Kennayil launches himself at the Jedi, his lightsaber arcing through the air in a downward strike. The Jedi easily parried the strike and used the Force to push Kennayil backwards. Too late, he realized his mistake. Kennayil landed next to Crental. Without missing a beat, Kennayil removed Crental's head and snagged the device from his hands before the body hit the ground. He never took his eyes off the Jedi.

The shock of being outplayed and the death of the one he was sent to protect sends Kii'drel over the edge. "You blood thirsty BEAST! I'LL KILL YOU!"

Kennayil smiles at this. OH, he's making this too easy. "Welcome to the Dark Side." As he walks from the stunned Jedi he turns his head slightly and continues, "Fear not Jedi. I will tell no one of our encounter. Tell whomever you wish."

Kennayil took the lift back down to the main level humming happily to himself. Returned to the bartender, and handed him an extra 500 credits.

"There is one rather stunned Jedi and a corpse up there. Give the Jedi something to drink out of that and keep the rest as a tip."

On the way back to his ship, his personal communicator chimed three times, indicating a message on the forums. Increasing speed, Kennayil headed back to base. Stopping outside the building he was using as a temporary headquarters, he ran to his office. Once there he keyed in his personal ID and contacted his master.

Kennayil bowed as the image of his master took form. "My master, I have retrieved the device. Is there any word yet on that other matter that you needed me here for?"

Darth Ravenous smiled, pleased with the efficiency of his newest apprentice. "Fastest work to date, my apprentice. It would seem my agent on Nar Shadda is not responding to me. Last message from him placed him in Black Sun territory. See if you can find something about his whereabouts."

"It will be done, Master."

Darth Ravenous studied his apprentice for a moment before he cut the communication. He could sense something, but would not push until he was certain as to what it is. Kennayil keyed off the comm, then inserted the pad with the forum connection data. There was only a brief message from Zentiira. "NS. BlueOrb. One point five." Quickly checking the time stamp, it was only 20 minutes old. If he wanted to catch up to her, he'd have to hurry. The Blue Orb Cantina was almost an hour away.

[To be Continued…]

A/N: As I continue my editing, I will be making some changes to the flow of the story. And as always, even if it is just an anonymous response, please review. Reviews motivate a writer. Also, I'd like to know if you found any errors that need/should be fixed.