Decisions Part 4 Force Ghosts and Demons

by Jules Cesar

A continuation of the Decisions series. Krillgan is having trouble mourning Smasher's death. He also blames himself for not being there in time to prevent Grandmother Emily from dying. While on Devaron, researching how to be recognised as a Krillgan, the Voss contact him. They need his help preventing the dead Sith Emperor from taking on corporeal form and ruling the Empire, again.

3. Chapter 3

©2018

Ludia asked her Grandmother to help guide her steps, to lead her to the right woman to look after Ta'Yanna. She found herself walking through one of the poorer sections of Montellian Serat City. Even though it was poorer, the people that lived there kept their neighborhood clean. You saw that they did what they could with the few credits they had, to maintain their homes. Ludia believed that these are good people. She did not know that she was walking through a neighborhood, owned by a clan, nickname by other clans, the Widow's Clan. Since they had a disproportionally high number of their men killed, by pirate attacks, or other work related incidents. So they had little offworld credits coming into their clan. None of their women had been taught any trades, so the ones that could work, were usually hired as short term laborers. So the clan money available to help young widows raise their infants, until they were old enough for their mothers to go look for work themselves, was tight.

Ludia saw that a young mother had just finished nursing her infant child, and was just holding her in her arms, as she slowly started falling asleep. Ludia asked her if she had enough milk in her mountains to also feed an older child. The mother was shocked by this question. She assumed that the little girl being held by the woman who asked, was the child in question.

"I have enough for now, but my baby is still growing. It seems that she takes more milk every day. Besides, it looks like you are still producing milk."

She saw the milk stains on Ludia's blouse. A dead giveaway that the lady was still producing milk.

Ludia told the lady, that she was warned that her milk was about to be poisoned. She did not want the health of her daughter to be compromised. She also told the lady that her daughter was old enough, that she could be weaned off of milk, so it would not jeopardise the amount of milk necessary for her own baby.

At this moment, Ta'Yanna indicated to her mother that she was hungry. Ludia asked if they could trade babies, and sat down beside the young mother. Ludia put Ta'Yanna down, then picked up the sleepy infant. The young mother picked up Ta'Yanna, and started nursing her. Ta'Yanna was surprised by this, but because she was hungry, she did nurse from this strange woman. There was also something familiar and comforting about the way this woman looked. She did not know that she was remembering the faint memories of Grandmother Andriel.

Ludia told this young mother about her first experience in weaning a child. How the Togruta Clan she was visiting, gave her a plate of different jellies and mushed vegetables, so that her child could enjoy the different textures. Because her child saw the adults putting these things in their mouth. The child emulated what they saw. Getting more outside their mouth, then what was inside. Ludia opened the large bag she had with her. She showed her the container of special porridge she had for young children. Only needing hot water to be added to it, and in a couple of minutes it was ready. She showed her the different jams that she brought with her, off the Phoenix. She told the young mother that adding a small spoonful of different jams each time she made it, altered the flavor. That way a child does not become quickly bored with eating porridge.

Ludia showed her the other items she had in her bag for Ta'Yanna, including the diapers. She told the young mother, that she had always bought mashed fruits and vegetables, for children, at local markets. Since she did not have a kitchen of her own, to make them. Since Ta'Yanna showed that she wanted to nap, because she had finished nursing. The young mother took them into her house, so that Ludia could lay Ta'Yanna down, while the Devaronian mother put her own baby in its crib.

Ludia had tears in her eyes as she told her that she was leaving her with Aunt Lindream. When she wakes up she will be gone. But she will come back for her as soon as she can. A sleepy Ta'Yanna asked, if she will be bringing Papa back with her? Since she knew they had come to this planet, looking for Papa. Mother assured her that Papa will be with her, and they will be a family again. That was enough for Ta'Yanna, as she fell asleep.

Ludia wiped the tears from her eyes, as she handed Lindream a sack of credits. So told her that there was more than enough there to cover Ta'Yanna's direct needs. It was okay to use the credits to buy the equipment she would need, to make her own mushed fruits and vegetables, if she was so inclined. If she needed more, she would cover the cost, when she returns.

Ludia handed her a paper with her name, her son's name, and her husband's name. There was the information needed to contact the Fenelar Phoenix, if there is an emergency. She told the lady if she is not back within a month's time, she should contact Planetary Defense, and give them all this information. Lindream told her that they don't have a Planetary Defense. Here they have Internal Devaron Security. Ludia apologised, and told her that it was okay to contact them, and left with Richard.

After Ludia left, Lindream counted all the credits this lady had intrusted to her care. She thought that it would be a bag of one credit pieces. She counted twenty thousand credits. She had never seen so much money in one place, at the same time. This lady did not hand her child over to her, because she could not afford it. She wondered if this lady was sick, and going to a hospital for treatment. She heard of some treatments turning a mother's milk into poison for the nursing child.

Lindream's heart almost stopped when she read the father's name. This is the man that everyone is talking about, that killed a witch in the courthouse this morning. Lindream did not wait one month before going to a Security office. She went the next day, as soon as she was able. Right now she needed to nap, and laid down beside Ta'Yanna.

Ludia hoped that it was a good sign that the lady she left Ta'Yanna with, has the same name as Mother Andriel's sister. She was glad Lindream told her that on this planet Planetary Defense is called Internal Devaron Security. She went to the closest Security Office, and gave them her name. She told them that she had come to the planet to find her husband, but she understands that he had just left. She asked them if they could tell her where she and her son can go wait, until he returns. When she told the officer her husband's name, it was like she was struck by lightning or something. Because she jumped up out of her chair, and ran back towards the offices. She returned a few minutes later, with what looks like a very senior officer.

This officer invited her back to her office. She checked her id, noting that it was identical to the one that Krillgan Djo produced when he landed. She asked her, why she did not come to Devaron with her husband? Ludia told her that she had recently given birth to their daughter. Krillgan was not sure what type of reception he would get on Devaron. Since he was obviously of a mixed breed. They had also recently lost members of their family that Krillgan was close to. Krillgan was not good at mourning loved ones. She suspected that in one sense, he was trying to run away from himself. By allowing himself to become distracted by another project.

The officer asked her, where her daughter is? She told her, that because of a warning from her grandmother, she arranged for her daughter to be looked after, until her husband returns, and they can be united as a family. The officer asked her, if she knew that her husband is a force user? Ludia told them that she knows. She told them that he has also been trained as a healer. On the planet where they grew up. He was considered the most powerful of all the healers.

The officer asked Ludia, if that is where they call home? Hoping that she would reveal what planet they are from. That might also indicate why he did not marry into his own clan. Ludia told her that the Fenelar Phoenix is their home. Everyone knew that Krillgan's destiny is amongst the stars. She asked Ludia, if Krillgan has wanderlust? Ludia told her that she did not know. Krillgan is always going to places where he is needed. Doing things that it seems that only he can. Making many friends along the way. The officer asked her, if he has made any enemies? Ludia told her that of course he will make enemies. Fortunately, most of them are dead.

The senior officer obtained enough information out of Ludia that she was satisfied that Ludia Djo is Krillgan Djo's wife. Unfortunately, she was not able to ascertain anything else. Except that they are co-owners, and co-captains of the Fenelar Phoenix, also known as the pirate killer, according to their records. Such little new information will be a disappointment to her Commander, and the other senior officers.

With the interview over, she gave Ludia the address of the lady her husband was staying with. She did not think that it would be an inconvenience for her and her son to stay there, until her husband returns. She also gave her good directions on how to get there.

The Rattataki Sith thought it was kind of Devaron Security, to give them the time to get everyone in place. Snatch the son, and the mother will come willingly. Notify Krillgan when he returns, that they are holding wife and son hostage, and he will do as they say.

Richard was tired from following his mother around all day. He had no time to play, and he saw plenty of children he would like to play with. He did take a nap, while that lady in uniform talked with his mother. But now he was awake, and he had lots of energy to go play. Mama told him that it would only be a little further, until they find the place where father was staying. Then she was sure the nice lady could tell them where he can go and play. Richard saw a man selling furry things. He hoped that they were creatures to play with. He let go of his mother's hand to run over to have a look. He heard his mother call his name. But before he made it to the man selling furry things, another man blocked his way, and picked him up. Richard started squirming, and started yelling Mama. The man put his hand over his open mouth, so Richard bit his finger. The man forced Richard to close his mouth. Then he whispered in his ear, that if he does not calm down, he will hurt his mother. He let Richard see that there were people on either side of his mother. He saw that at least one of them had a pistol like what father wears, when he goes on a planet. Only this pistol was pointed at his mother.

Krillgan was startled to hear a voice say, "This is Voss traffic control. Welcome to the system. You are cleared to land at Voss-Ka spaceport." Then passed along the planetary co-ordinates. He was startled because he sensed in his spirit that someone close to him needed help, and he wasn't in a position to help them.

Right after that, he heard, "This is Gomak space traffic control. If you land at Voss-Ka, you will be our enemy forever. You are ordered to land at the planetary co-ordinates we will send you. You will be questioned for your purpose in coming to this planet, then you will be released." Another set of co-ordinates was transmitted.

Krillgan just replied, "Co-ordinates received." As did the two other pilots.

One thing was for sure. Krillgan was not going to the second co-ordinates. When you land for questioning, it usually means they want to arrest you, and seize your ship. That means that there is usually a fight. People probably get shot and killed. They may even damage your starfighter. Not the way you want the first visit to a new planet to go.

The spaceport was quite small. Kind of what you would expect for one built on the side of a mountain. The other pilots were both experienced pilots, so there was no problem landing. The one pilot was a Nikto warrior. So the Starfighter he was flying was probably of a Hutt design. The other pilot resembled a Besalisk, but thinner, and taller. Standing a good two meters tall. Krillgan did not recognise his ship either. As they came closer. Krillgan recognises the weapons and armour of a Morgukai warrior on the Nikto, only he wasn't a Red Nikto. He looked like the Nikto warrior that was executed in the gladiator arena on Sleheyron. The one that Talmi said was a mixed-breed Nikto. So the armour and weapons must be a trophy. There was a Voss mystic, and a couple of acolytes that approached them. First they were introduced to each other. The Nikto warrior is called Kaijan, the Besalisk is called Stretch.

They were asked to walk with the mystic, because time was of the essence. They were told that the reason they were brought to Voss, was because the Sith Emperor's ghost has been reaching out to other force ghost entities. Supposedly to form an alliance, so that they will all be stronger. With some he does want an alliance, but will take, not share his power. With others, he wants to send his agents to steal their force energy, and transfer it to his own. When he becomes powerful enough, he will be able to take on corporeal form, and rule the Sith Empire again.

They have a creature on Voss, which was formed out of dark force energy. It calls itself Sel-Makor, and makes its home in the ruins found in the Dark Heart, at the center of the nightmare lands. They have been called, to make a way for those who will come after them. The ones that will destroy the Sel-Makor, before the Emperor can steal his force energy. First they must go to the Gomak to secure safe passage to the nightmare lands. The Gomack greatly respect those that understand physical world manipulations, calling them Engineers. The highest praise a Gomak can give someone. The Mystic told Krillgan that he must share with them his title as "Son of the Builder" and how he earned that title, by developing a cooling cylinder, in a world that has no electricity. The modifications he designed for that one settlement. To keep the flood waters out, and to provide a steady flow of air through the settlement. This is also something the Gomak would be interested in. What the Gomak are opposed to, is any use of the force. They consider it unnatural. That is why he asked the Nikto and Besalisk to surrender their lightsabers, and in their place gave them swords.

Krillgan's eyes widened, because he recognised the swords. They came from Bill'dit's collection. An acolyte whispered to Krillgan that he doesn't know they are missing, and they will be returned before he knows they are gone.

There was a lot of information the Voss mystic failed to tell them. Partially because they did not think it was relevant. Partially because it would take up too much time. Partially, because there was a lot of their own history they have forgotten.

For instance, the ancient ruins were made by the Sith Eons ago, during the time of the Second Great Chism. When they came to Voss to exploit its natural resources for their Empire. The Sith at the time did not believe the native species of the planet, intelligent enough to exploit them for slave labour, so they left them alone. The Jedi came and started teaching the Gomak that showed an affinity for the force, how to connect with the force to use the force. They were hoping to train a guerrilla faction, to harass the Sith. The Gomak that had an affinity for the force, ignored what the Jedi tried teaching them. Instead they used their understanding of their new ability to attack and destroy the Sith. It was out of that battle, that Sel-Makor came to be. Having been born out of violence and suffering. To continue feeding on what brought it into being. It drove the Gomak that had no affinity for the force, to attack those that did. Those that had an affinity to the force retreated to a mountain, and became the Voss. There they built Voss-Ka, their new home.

Krillgan also had trouble not staring at their eyes. They were not like anyone else's. They were compound eyes, like an insects. With male Voss having orange eyes, and female Voss having azure (blue) eyes.

Because the Voss had no desire in learning the Jedi's teaching. Preferring instead to explore the force on their own. The Jedi left. They were forgotten, and remained undiscovered by the rest of the Galaxy, until just after the Cold War started. When both sides decided that they wanted Voss, and wanted to protect it from the other side. The Voss mystics proved they were not helpless, by making the Sith Empire Invasion Fleet to disappear. That is when both sides decided that invasion was not the way to go. Instead they both built embassies just outside Voss-Ka, hoping to gain the Voss's support.

Krillgan and his two companions made their way down the mountain. Skirting around obstacles, and staying clear of the local predators. The Mawvorr, also known as the Crysfangs, are a reptilian creature that goes about on four legs. Their scales are burgundy in colour, and they have two pair of azure compound eyes. They appear to have protective armour around their heads, jutting out on both sides of their heads beyond their jawline. They also appear to have armour plates along their back. What is interesting is that they will attack Gomak on sight, but appeared to ignore the three companions. Which seems to indicate that they have a force sensitivity.

When they reached the Gomak lines, the Gomak wanted to know why they are there. They told them that the Voss called them, because they all have aptitude in the natural sciences. Krillgan shared his title and his achievements. His companions shared what they were also able to do. The Gomak decided to test them. To see if what they shared was true, or were they trying to deceive them. They showed them what looked like the front of a box, with the back half buried in the side of a mountain. They told them that it takes a group of four, under an Engineer's guidance, to complete this obstacle course. But if they are as good as they claim, then it should only need to take the three of them. They let them know that they have places where they can watch them, as they progress through the obstacle course.

Krillgan warned his companions that they need to keep their eyes open, and be ready for anything. The things they find along the way, may give them a clue, as to what they will be facing next.

They found material at the entrance to the box, with which they can make torches. Stretch complained that they did not need this stuff, when they have the force. Kaijan reminded him that the whole point of this challenge is to show the Gomak what they can accomplish without using the force. Or were the things he boasted about a lie. This comment made Stretch turn red in the face. He was silent, when like the others, he proceeded to construct his own torch.

Krillgan used the piece of metal and the rock beside it to produce sparks to ignite Kaijan's torch. From Kaijan's torch, the other two torches were lit. The first part of this obstacle course was a straight tunnel back into the mountain. No obstacles at all, until the tunnel ended in a flat stone wall. They all knew they missed something. They backtracked along the tunnel, until Stretch pointed out a ledge above them, that they missed before. As they were all taller than the Gomak, they assumed that this is where four Gomak were needed, in overcoming this course. With their combined heights they should just make it. The first thing will be a test on how well they constructed their torches. Stretch threw his torch up to the ledge. It remained intact, and continued to burn. Krillgan was not sure, but thought he heard a creature scurry away. Kaijan mentioned that he thought the same thing. Kaijan then threw his torch on top of the ledge. It also kept burning, so the space between the two torches was the target for their climb. The least likely space to encounter a creature. Krillgan just rested his torch on the ground to give them some light to see what they are doing. They all agreed that Stretch should go up last, and grab the lip of the ledge. Krillgan and Kaijan were about the same build so it did not make any difference, which one was the bottom man. So Krillgan volunteered. He stood below the ledge and placed both hands on the wall, to make himself more stable for the two men who will be climbing up on top of him. Kaijan came next. When he was standing on Krillgan's shoulders he let Stretch know that it was his turn. When Stretch was standing on Kaijan's shoulders, he warned everyone that he needed to make a short hop up, to get his hands up to the lip of the ledge. When he said he had a firm grip. Kraijan just reached up and grabbed Stretches boots at his ankles, hoping Stretch had done his boots up properly. When Krillgan felt Kaijan's weight was off his shoulders, he stepped back from the wall, and picked up his torch. He jammed it between his sword and his back, hoping that he does not burn anyone on his way up, including himself. Now would be a bad time for someone's piece of clothing to come unfastened.

Krillgan jumped up and grabbed Kaijan's pants. He then proceeded to climb up Kaijan's back, then up Stretch's back. When he climbed up onto the ledge, he could see some marks in the fine dust on the ledge. Krillgan then held his arm and torch out over the wall, so that Kaijan could see what he needs to grab, to climb up. Krillgan then reached out with his other hand, when he saw that Kaijan was almost to the ledge. Making sure he was standing so that Kaijan could not pull him over. After reaching the ledge, and Kaijan said he was ready, they both reached over the lip, and pulled Stretch up.

Before they compared notes, on who had the hardest position. Krillgan indicated silence. Then points out the tracks. Kaijan and Stretch picked up their torches. The three of them followed the tracks to a hole in the rock face, which was too small for the three men to crawl into. They assumed that this is the creature's den. Krillgan chose not to reach out with the force, to determine if the creature was predator or prey. The other's asked what he thought of the type of creature it might be. He told them that it did not matter. This is the creature's territory. If they did not drive it away with the torches, Stretch would have received a nasty bite on his hand, no matter what type of creature it was. They had a number of man sized holes to choose from, for the next portion of their journey. Krillgan held his torch at the opening to each one. They found two that showed that there was air flowing through it. They let Kaijan decide. He said that he prefers the left one. When they asked him why? He told them that he has deduced from his own life's experience, that the right path always gets him into trouble. That was a good enough reason for Stretch and Krillgan.

Kaijan went first, followed by Stretch, then Krillgan. Krillgan kept his torch low behind him. To discourage the creature from following them. It was not an easy path, especially for Stretch, who always seemed bent over. They had to climb over things, and squeeze under things. They even had to force their way around things and through things. Until they came to a black basalt chamber, with a small river of lava flowing through it. On their side of the river, they found another opening. When they looked down it, they thought they saw the evidence of a cave-in. Something they would have had needed to dig through, if they had taken the right path.

They all placed their torches in one of the four torch holders attached to the one wall.

They noticed guy wires stretching from one side of the chamber over the lava flow, to the other side. They also found a metal boat, and two animal skins full of water. They examined the way the guy wire were attached to the wall. It was obvious that the attachment was not strong enough to support their weight. So they could not climb on the wires and climb across. Their only way across, was to use the metal boat. That on its own, would melt in the lava flow. Krillgan pointed out that this is what the water is for. Metal is a heat conductor. So if they have water inside the boat, to absorb the heat, and boil away. Then the metal boat will not melt, and they can make it across. He pointed out that they all have leather boots. Leather is not a good heat conductor. So by the time they reach the other side. Their feet will be hot, but not scalding hot. Stretch was reluctant, with the solution Krillgan was proposing. He thought that they should just use the force to take turns carrying each other across. Kaijan proceeded to lecture Stretch once again. Krillgan asked Stretch what was really wrong. Stretch was clearly embarrassed, and told them that he has a hole in the sole of his boot. He either needs to keep his one foot out of the water, or risk getting scalding hot water in his boot.

Krillgan told Stretch to take his boot off. His father is a cobbler, and he learnt a thing or two, while watching his father. They both said, that they thought his father is a famous builder? He told them that he is. But his first love is working with leather. The leather clothes he is wearing was designed and assembled by his father. So Stretch took his boot off and handed it to Krillgan. It was a good thing that the fumes coming off the lava, masked the smell of the boot. Krillgan asked Stretch for his vibro-blade knife. He was going to cut the tongue out of his boot, to place over the hole. Unfortunately, he has no glue, to glue it in place. Kaijan suggested that they use saliva as a glue. Sure it is water soluble. But it should slow down the rate at which the water seeps into the boots. They all agreed that it was better than nothing. So after Krillgan cut off the leather tongue, the three of them started spitting on it, until Krillgan signalled enough. He slipped it in the boot, over the hole. Then gave the boot back to Stretch, for him to put it back on. While Stretch was putting his boot back on. Krillgan removed his leather jacket, his shirt, and his undershirt. He put his shirt and jacket back on, then started folding up his undershirt. Kaijan and Stretch both asked him what he was up to. He told them that they will need to lift their boots up off the bottom of the boat from time to time. To get water under their boots, to slow down the heat transfer from the boat to the boot. Stretch cannot lift the boot that has the hole in it. He needs to keep pressure on the patch for it to stay in place. Otherwise when he lifts the boot, water will start flooding through the hole. So Krillgan held his folded undershirt under Stretch's boot, while Kaijan sacrificed a piece of his clothing to tie it in place.

The all agreed that Krillgan and Kaijan were responsible for keeping the inside of the boat wet. While Stretch would be using the guywires to pull them across the lava. They first soaked the inside of the boat, before placing it on the lava. Krillgan got in first, and right away started spraying the inside of the boat, as most of the water had already boiled away. Stretch went in second, standing in the middle, and holding the wires. Kaijan was in last, warning everyone he was pushing with his foot, to get them going. Then he started spraying the bottom of the boat as well. They also sprayed their boots as well, to help keep their boots a little cooler.

Krillgan ran out of water just before they reached the other side, and warned everyone he was about to jump out. He had his hands inside the sleeves of his jacket, when he grabbed the front of the boat to stabilize it. Allowing Stretch, then Kaijan to jump out of the boat, then he pulled it up out of the lava. While he did that, Stretch was busy removing his boots. He thinks the other boot also has a leak in it. They used the last of their drinking water to cool Stretch's feet down. Water that they would rather be drinking, since they were all parched after that ordeal.

Stretch told them that he will continue the challenge barefoot. Then he asked Krillgan how he can get a hold of his father? He would like talk to him about getting some new boots. He has not had great success with the last few cobbler's he tried. Krillgan told him that he cannot get a hold of his father. Then he named a number of planets that have good Master Cobblers. They closest one to Voss, is Deysum III.

Before moving on, they found more torch building material. But nothing to ignite them. Kaijan simply went back to the flowing lava, and held the tip of the torch over it. In no time it burst into flame. Then he came over and lit the other torches.

The next chamber they came to, has three urns of water. Krillgan told them that he has Devaronian blood, so can detect poisons. They should let him try each one, before they start drinking. He told them the bad news. All three urns contain poison. The good news is that each poison is different. There is a chance that two of the poisons will react, and hopefully will precipitate out. Leaving them clean water to drink. The first two they tried mixing, produced a milky white solution. The next two gave a clear solution. But when Krillgan touched the solution with his finger, he said that the poisons did not react. They were both still there. It was the third combination that they were hoping for. Drop after drop they saw a reaction, until the last drop produced no reaction. Krillgan touched the water, and said it was drinkable. He suggested that the solid particles might still be toxic.

Kaijan cut off another piece of clothing, from what he had cut before, to use as a filter. Because it was his cloth, they let him have the first cup. They kept repeating what they did before, until all of them said that they had enough.

The next chamber they came to, the exit way was blocked. It seems that what was blocking the way, was supposed to move up, but they found no lever or switch to activate, to get it to move. What they did find, was a partially deflated leather sack that appeared to be attached to the top of what was blocking the way. They reasoned that they need to inflate the leather sack, so it can lift the block, out of the way. They could use their torches to heat the leather sack, which in turn will heat the gas inside it, causing it to expand. Only if they heat the leather without first treating it, they will just burn a hole in it. Stretch asked them why they cannot simply use the urns of water from the last chamber. Krillgan told him that it was fine if they first treat it, like they did before drinking it. But it they use the water with poison in it, it might be worse to have the poison in the air. Kaijan pointed out that they have another source of water. Their urine. Krillgan agreed, but pointed out that the urine will stink when they heat it. There is probably more water that they can still treat, then the amount of urine the three of them have when combined.

They went back to the other chamber, and started preparing water. Krillgan was the first one to come back. He only put a little water on the leather sack at a time, to try and get it to absorb it. Instead of getting it to simply bead up, and roll off. The others were waiting their turns. Krillgan told them that once the leather starts absorbing the water, than it should make soaking it, much faster. When Krillgan though that the leather was wet enough, he held his torch under a portion of the sack, and told his companions to keep bringing water. Each time they returned, they could see the sack getting larger. They could also feel the increase in moisture in the air. They could finally see the leather sack in the air. They also found themselves sweating more in that room, than cooling down, when they went back. Stretch asked Kaijan if it would speed things up if they could somehow get the cold air from the water urn room, to the leather sack room. Kaijan thought it would. So when they went from back for more water, they tried making themselves tall, and dragging the warm moist air with them. When they returned with water, they tried staying low, to try and drag the cooler air back with them.

When Krillgan called out that it is moving, they both ran back as quickly as they could. When they could get their fingers underneath the barrier, they lifted it as high as they could, and went through the opening. They found themselves on a slide, and slid right out of the mountain. Quickly putting out their torches when they came out into the sunlight.

When they came out, there were Gomak there to greet them. It looked like a Clan Leader came up to Kaijan, and but a leather thong with a metal disk attached to it, around his neck. He told Kaijan that he recognises that he is an Engineer. He did the same for Krillgan, calling him the Builder's Son. When he came to Stretch, he only had a leather disk attached to his thong. Stretch asked, what did it mean? The Clan Leader told him that he is only an Engineer's helper. A good Engineer would have taken the time to have his boots fixed properly. Which made the other Gomak laugh.

Another group of Gomak came up and asked the Gomak clan what they were doing? King Jokull ordered that the strangers be killed. The Clan Leader told them that they decided to test the strangers, as is their right. They passed the challenge, showing that they are skilled as Engineers. The other group said that they obviously cheated, they are force users. The Clan Leader told them that they did not use the force at any time. Each time they used the materials on hand, to overcome each challenge.

While the two groups were arguing, the three companions, slowly walked away. The Voss told them that the Clans are not all blind, when it came to obeying their King. The medals will allow them to get to the nightmare lands unchallenged. The same cannot be said of their return trip. By that time King Jokull will have teams of his people out hunting them. Their only order, to kill them.

What the three did not know, was that this first part was the most important part of their mission. All the clans will hear about them passing the challenge. That despite that, their King ordered them killed, in opposition to their own laws. So many clans will refuse to co-operate, and work on the King's projects. Slowing down their completion. Until the Voss have right people in place, to finally destroy them.

When Richard let go of her hand, Ludia knew that they were in a bad place. She was not surprised that two Devaronian stepped between her and Richard, blocking her view of him. She was not surprised when two more came along side of her, with one of them pointing a blaster pistol at her. She was not surprised to see a fake Devaronian male holding Richard, when she could finally see him. Poor Richard did not know that a blaster bolt could not go through her leather jacket. There were too many innocent people around, for her to do anything, without them being hurt. She was pretty sure that the fake Devaronian is a Sith, and can easily kill her son, while he still has his hands on him. She was also sure that they did not know that she is a force user. She was very sure that if any of them hurt her or Richard. Krillgan would hunt them down and make them pay. So she just needed to bide her time, and only act, if the opportunity presented itself.

They took them away from the busy streets, to an area were a freighter skiff was waiting for them. A freighter skiff is four time the size of a droid driven farm skiff. It is the principal means used to transport products between cities, and are usually piled quite high. There are routes that are maintained through the forests and jungles, where the trees are cut down, but the underbrush is undisturbed. The bonus for the forests and jungles is that these routes also have a high number of plant eating creatures, because of all the underbrush. So there are also the occasional sightseeing tour along these routes, which the Sith and his people will now pretend to be.

They searched Ludia, when they reached the freighter skiff. While they did, Ludia made sure that they knew who they were dealing with. She told them that her husband is called Krillgan. It is not just his name. When he comes back he will be hunting for them, and lf he finds them, they will be dead. (They all heard about Krillgan killing that dark force witch, in the middle of a courtroom.) She told them that she bets their Sith, did not mention the other attempts by the Sith Empire to capture her husband. The Ministry of Intelligence, sent two teams of their best assassins to capture him. They also took family members hostage. But all the assassins are now dead, but not her husband. He is still hunting those that abuse others.

They found her two Dathomirite daggers, but they did not find her stone knives. They all had a look at her daggers, trying to figure out what type of metal they are made out of. She told them that they are designed to kill witches and demons. Which one are they. They made sure that Richard watched as they tied his mother's hands in front of her. Richard was unconcerned, they only used rope. They would need something much stronger than that, if they wanted to keep Mama from using her hands.

The Sith handed her a potion to drink. He was ignorant of the fact that she was full of light force energy, because he was not used to having so much force energy available to him on a planet before. Potions is something they are taught at the Academy. They are taught some of the Emperor's favorites, and how to make them, and when to use them. They are taught about the different rape drugs, and how to modify them, including infusing them with dark force energy. The Rattataki Sith has conducted his own experiments with potions. This is one he mixed up himself, from an ingredient list he gave his informant to purchase.

Ludia sensed the dark force energy in the potion. She bathed it with light force energy, not just to dispel the dark force energy, but to also imbue it with light force energy, to magnify the effects of the good ingredients, to minimize the effect of the poisons on her body. It was a good thing Grandmother warned her. She will not be able to nurse anyone, once she drinks this potion. After she drank it, she asked the Devaronians to ask the Sith how many Sith Lords he has killed. That is supposed to be the final step to their real graduation. But she doubts that he has ever killed one. Her husband on the other hand has killed two. You cannot just walk up to a Sith Lord to kill him. You have to go through other Sith, before you can get to the Sith Lord. She does not know how many Sith he has killed. He knows that he has killed some that are called Marauders. He has even shown her their special weapon. A dual lightsaber. He calls it the weapon choice of fools. It is a very hard weapon to learn, because it is not as effective as other weapons, and is restrictive in the actual sequences that can be done with it. It is very impressive when you have never seen it before. Just not as impressive as a sunrise, seen for the very first time. Now that is impressive. Then she told them about another type of Sith her husband faced. He said they are called Juggernauts. They are supposed to be killing machines, ready to jump into the heart of any battle. The only problem is that they have never been taught to fight properly. The Hutts employ warriors that are not force users that have no problem standing up to them. Those are fighters that her husband respects. Not the pathetic Juggernaut, who want to break out in tears, when they realize how easily they were defeated. That is why her husband always cuts off their heads. They are crying for the wrong reasons. A child who has fallen down and scraped a knee, or twisted an ankle. Those are legitimate tears. But not the tears of a Sith, when they know that their Academy has failed them. Because they were never taught to face a Krillgan.

The Sith saw that this mother's talk was affecting everyone. It was even affecting him. He did not know that this Krillgan was such a powerful force user. He needed a team of Imperial Troopers. That have been trained for subduing Jedi. He doesn't even have the right restraints for a force user. If the things she is saying is true, then the only restraints he has are his wife and son. If he doesn't keep them alive, then he will have no choice but to kill this Krillgan. If he does that, he doubts that the Dark Council will forgive him for running away. They will take it as a sign that he is unprepared. Just like in everything he has done, since first being assigned to this mission. The other thing that bothered him, is that his potion is taking a lot longer to bring the desired results, than he anticipated. He dare not increase its strength, in case he kills her. He also whished the droid driver would go faster.

The droid driver was moving the freighter skiff as fast as the programing allowed it to. It even took the city bypasses as instructed. Only forced to slow down because someone was getting off. It seems when they came close to a city. Devaronians the informant had hired, as instructed by the Sith, were returning the money he gave them, and getting off. They were not even holding back anything, for helping in the initial kidnapping. They told him that they cannot do their usual work, if they are always looking over their shoulder for a Krillgan. By the time they reached the last city, where they will be leaving the freighter skiff, for a private skiff. All the informant had was his original crew, and they all had fear in their eyes.

Lindream had trouble getting organized in the morning. She had never had to do it with two children before. It was also hard because Ta'Yanna was crying for her mother. At least Ta'Yanna did not reject her. She let her know when she was hungry. She let her know whenever her diaper needed changing. She let her hug her and kiss her, to try and comfort her. She also felt the tears that Lindream was crying for her. So it was a sad group that entered the Security Office. Where Lindream poured out her heart to the Watch Officer, and handed her the money that Ludia Djo had given her. Twenty Thousand credits. What a widow can expect to be paid if she finds labour jobs every day for a year. She was surprised that the Watch Officer took her to an office, instead of an interrogation room. She even had someone bring her a cup of tea and some biscuits, and a juice container for Ta'Yanna. Then a junior officer sat with her in-case she needed anything. Even when a Senior Officer came in to hear her story again.

She did not know that they dispatched a vehicle to Drumanna's home, and picked her up. She verified that Krillgan's wife and son did not make it to her home. Special Surveillance droids were pouring over all surveillance that was recorded, between their Security Office, and Drumanna's home. They followed the mother and son, until they deviated from the path. They suspected that this was professionally done. Because the deviation occurred in a dead zone. Then they poured over what they had, to see if they could spot anyone following the mother and daughter. They were in luck, the computer spotted a couple that were in their system. The computer even had an address for them. They contacted the Internal Devaron Security in their city, and asked them to pick them up. They may have been involved in a possible kidnapping.

Drumanna was introduced to Lindream, her daughter, and Ta'Yanna. Lindream was told that Drumanna has been appointed as Ta'Yanna's legal guardian, but Lindream has a legal contract with Ludia Djo, which she is obligated to fulfill. Lindream was happy that a grandmother figure was going to help her, and was responsible for all the credits. What was also nice, is that Ta'Yanna liked the juice.

Drumanna was in Lindream's home, when Ta'Yanna was put down for the night, and she was back before Ta'Yanna was up in the morning. She assured Ta'Yanna, every morning. That all her friends were looking for her mother and brother, so that they can bring them back to her. Drumanna even told her that they believe some bad people took her mother and brother. Ta'Yanna told her that Papa will find them, if bad people have them.

Drumanna talked to Lindream on how to use the credits, besides the obvious. Lindream was planning to make her own daughter's vegetable and fruit mushes. There are a lot of women in the clan that have good recipes. Drumanna suggested that she buy commercial equipment to make them for Ta'Yanna. That way anything left over, can be sold at a local market. She can help the clan with the right permits, so a member of the clan can sell them.

Drumanna had contacted the Senior Officers in Internal Devaron Security. She told them that she found a good clan, where they can find good recruits. Theirs is not a wealthy clan. But they are all hard workers, and are used to sharing what they get, so no one goes to bed hungry. The clothes that they wear, and the need for better maintenance of their homes, reflects where the credits the clan earns is distributed. She knew the Senior Officers were always looking for good recruits.

One day Drumanna asked Lindream, if she ever heard of a ship called the Fenelar Phoenix? Lindream told her that everyone working in the offworld shipping industry has heard of the pirate killer. It they ever landed on Devaron, they would have no shortage of people wanting to buy their crewmembers a drink. Drumanna told her that Ta'Yanna's parents are the current owners of that ship. Lindream picked up Ta'Yanna and hugged her and kissed her. She told her that her parents are very special, so she has to take good care of her. Ta'Yanna hugged her back. "Mama likes you. That is why I am here."

They took Ludia and Richard to a special hunting lodge. It was here that they processed any Quarra they killed, for the black market. The reason they have never been caught, is because most of their customers are off planet. So the goods are harder to trace back to them.

The couple that Internal Devaron Security picked up. Turned out to be a dead end. They admitted taking part in a kidnapping of a foreign mother and son. They have never worked with that crew before. They also believe that a lot of the people that were with them, were hired just for this job. They were told that the mother had wealthy parents. Who would pay a king's ransom, to get their daughter and grandson back. It was the mother who said her husband is a Krillgan. They heard about that witch getting killed in the courtroom. They were brought up like every child on Devaron, on stories of the Krillgan of old. How relentless they were in pursuing someone who wronged someone else. "Tell the Krillgan that we are really sorry. We will try really hard to do what is right." Internal Devaron Security had no choice but to enroll them into a program that will help reformed convicts properly reintegrate back into Devaron society.

Ludia was placed in a separate room from Richard. Ludia was drowsy and slightly incoherent. Every morning she was brought a fresh potion to drink. But never by the Sith. If he had, he would have found himself in a life and death struggle with an angry mother. The first morning, she held the person that brought her the potion, by the neck, despite her hands being tied. She threatened to choke her to death, if she did not hear from her son. The lady had to yell out, to let the son talk to his mother, or she won't take the potion. So every morning, Richard was woken up, so that he could talk to his mother through the door. No one dared enter her room after that, without her first talking to her son. The lady when she came out of Ludia's room, rubbed her sore neck. She complained to the Sith, that his potion is supposed to make her weak. She is still too strong for her liking. If her son had not spoken to her, and calmed her down. She might not have made it out of her room alive. Her boss told her, that he heard somewhere, some mothers are capable of extreme feats of strength, if they believe that their child is in danger. Maybe this mother is one of them. She will only be weak, if she knows that her son is safe. Despite his reassurance, they were always wary when they had to go into her room, for any reason.

The two Jedi scholars had contacted the Temple of Eedit for help in ministering to the people exposed to dark force energy. They also let the Jedi Master at the Temple do the investigation, to determine if the Witch was self-trained, or was she trained by another. They sent a full report to Typhon. They even told them about the Judges request for them to translate the section the Jedi Council has forbidden that they do. They told the Council about the one paragraph they did translate. Then the Judges showed them all the notes, that Krillgan Djo had made, including his translation of the forbidden section. His translation of that paragraph was almost identical to what they did. He had also translated the signs to test a Krillgan by. Which is why the Judges all believe that he declared himself a Krillgan, when they questioned his authority to pass judgement. What is even worse, is the Judges all knew they would not translate that section. They are also looking at making it official that Krillgan Djo is a Krillgan. If they do, the politicians will rubber stamp it. Making it official on Devaron. Then their Senator will present it before the Republic. Making it official, in all of the Republic. They asked for an immediate reply from the Jedi Council. Because they do not know what to do, except to continue with the translating.

The test for the Krillgan that the Jedi Scholars referred to, are three things. First the Krillgan must have a sense of compulsion, that the law be applied in a fair manner. Krillgan Djo demonstrated this, when he sent a note to the three Judges warning about a different interpretation of the law, than what they were familiar with. Which started the whole translation crisis. The second test, is that he be immune to dark force magic. Everyone who was in the courtroom when he confronted the witch, would testify on his behalf. Including the three judges. The third test, is that he be able to communicate with the Quarra. This was the only sticky point with the Judges. How do they test Krillgan for that? The three judges that were in the courtroom told the other Judges not to worry. The other tests just happened. None of them could have set the tests up for the Krillgan. If he is to be declared a Krillgan, then it will just happen, and they will all know.

Krillgan shared with his companions, how to fill themselves with light force energy, so that they cannot be attacked by dark force energy. Which the Sith Lords love to use. To try and get a force user under their control. He also told them that this will also make them as targets in the nightmare lands. Every creature that has been touched by dark force energy, will be coming after them. He also told them that their swords are better at dealing with creatures warped by dark force energy. Then their lightsabers. Their lightsabers could not penetrate the skin and armour of many dark force creatures. Just like they cannot easily cut through his leather garments. His garments are made out of Rancor leather. A leather that is extremely difficult to work with, but somehow his father mastered it. But his sword, just like the swords that Voss lent them, will have no trouble.

Before entering the nightmare land, his companions asked Krillgan, to teach them proper sword handling technique. As they believed that it is different than a lightsaber. The mass and momentum of the sword took a little getting used to. Krillgan had to teach them how to use the force, to boost their strength. So that handling the sword, became as comfortable as handling a lightsaber. They did not have to wait long to use the things that Krillgan taught them.

A pack of Mawvorr, from the nightmare land, was attracted to all their practicing, as they were all using the light side of the force. Krillgan warned them in time, so they each stood with their backs to their companions, and still had room to maneuver. The pack surrounded them, then attacked as one. Both Krillgan and Kaijan used force push, to send half the pack flying. While the three of them used their swords to dispatch the other half. Kaijan and Stretch realised how tough the dark force energy made the armour of the Mawvorr, as they had trouble slicing through it. If Krillgan and Kaijan had not sent half the pack flying, they would have been overwhelmed, as their swords jammed in their armour. As it was, they had recovered enough, to handle the second wave when they hit. Then like Krillgan, they made sure that all of the Mawvorr were beheaded.

They asked Krillgan how he made it look so easy. Not once, did he have trouble slicing through the Mawvorr armour. He told them, that when he was old enough to handle a sword, that was all he knew. The swords he practised with were just regular metal. Not like the force activated swords they are holding. When you took a swipe at a tree trunk. You better hold your sword right, or you will have to go to your instructor, to ask if they can pull it out for you.

They ate and rested, where they were. They doubted that they will have time to do either, once they enter the nightmare lands. Until they have destroyed every beast between where they were, and the gate to enter the Dark Heart. They used the techniques they were taught. Keeping their backs towards their companions. Kaijan and Krillgan using force push if there were too many of them. So they do not get overwhelmed. As it was they were facing wave after wave of distorted ugly beasts. If they had not learnt to draw strength from the force, they would not have survived the first day. All night long they kept coming. What helped them at night, was the glowing red eyes filled with hatred, and Krillgans warnings on how many were coming. So they were always prepared.

They had a small reprieve in the morning. Just enough to make sure that they cut off the heads of the beasts they had killed, and move to a new battle ground. After that it was pretty much the same, as it had been the previous day, and night. The next day, things slowed down. It was slow enough for one to sleep, while the other two battled. That way they all had some sleep before night fell, and they had to face the night hordes once again. By this time, Kaijin and Stretch were veterans in fighting with the sword, and they never had their sword stuck in a creature's armour again.

The next day they rested as they did the previous day. Only that night, the hordes did not materialise. So they slowly made their way deeper into the nightmare land. They continued that way, taking turns sleeping during the day, then slowly making their way through the night. Any food or drink they had at that time, was what they brought with them, which wasn't that much. The Voss warned them that everything within the nightmare lands, is poison. Even to Krillgan. By the time they reached the gate, they were hungry and thirsty. Now it was time to turn back.

Stretch told them that someone has set out a feast for them. He sat down on a rock, as if it was a chair, and supposedly ate what was in front of him. From what Kaijan and Krillgan saw. He was eating nothing. They tried what they could to snap him out of his illusion, but that only made him angry. He told them to stop fighting with him over his food, when they have so much before them. Then he got up, and told them that he was going to take a peek inside the gate, to see what the Dark Heart looks like. They again told him that the Voss strictly forbid it. Saying that they were not prepared. Stretch told them that he did not come to this planet to take orders from the Voss. He is his own man, and can do what he wants. He opened the gate slightly, and stuck his head and shoulder through it, to have a look. They heard a loud roar, from a beast that Krillgan could not detect. Even though it sounded like it came from just the other side of the gate.

Stretch seemed frozen where he was, so Krillgan chanced reaching out with the force, and pulling Stretch away from the gate. Hoping that he will not be too angry. They need to get out of the nightmare lands, so that they can nourish their bodies. Both Kaijan and Krillgan were surprised that Stretch's head and one shoulder were missing. It was like someone cut off everything that went through the gate. Krillgan put his sword away, and picked up the one the Voss gave to Stretch. They both took turns carrying Stretch's body out of the nightmare lands. This was not the place to leave it. Fortunately there were not as many creatures left to attack them. So they made good time leaving the nightmare lands. Hoping to get to the place they had practised. There was good water to drink nearby, and it was a good place for hunting. Only when they reached it, there were Gomak camped there.

They suspected that they were King Jokull's men. Ready to bushwhack them, when they came out of the nightmare lands. Neither Kaijan nor Krillgan wanted to fight with the Gomak. So they decided to enlist Stretch in scaring them off. Krillgan put the force sword he was carrying, into the only hand Stretch still had. Holding Stretch's body upright with the force, causing the sword to glow. Kaijan had picked up one of the rotting Mawvorr heads and placed it on Stretches body. They floated this apparition towards the Gomak, then Kaijan let out a most hideous roar. When the Gomak looked up, they could not get up, and get out of there, fast enough.

Kaijan and Krillgan had trouble refraining from laughing. But they had to, or lose control of Stretch. As it was their suppressed desire to laugh, did make Stretch's body to jiggle. Which was enough of an incentive for the Gomak who looked over their shoulders at the apparition, to keep running. It was only when they were finally out of sight. That Krillgan lowered Stretch's body, and Kaijan floated the Mawvorr head, back to where the Mawvorr bodies were lying.

They went to see what the Gomak left behind. They had a nice pot of stew, and an animal skin of their ale. Kaijan and Krillgan had a feast. They watered down the ale, so they would not have a headache when they woke up, from being too dehydrated. They ate their fill of stew, then added water to it, so that it would continue to simmer. Then they both fell asleep. When they woke up, they finished off the stew, and the rest of the watered down ale. Then they proceeded to gather firewood, to burn Stretch's body. Their way to say goodbye.

They built the bonfire right in the middle of the Gomak camp. The fire was hot enough, that the tents the Gomak had set up, had all caught fire. As they were leaving, Krillgan detected a small army coming their way, so he and Kaijan went and hid behind a ridge, to watch the Gomak's reaction. They saw some Gomak being very animated about what they saw before. They blamed the creature for destroying their camp. The Gomak Commander told them that they were drinking too much ale, and they foolishly let their camp catch on fire. So they piled a whole bunch of firewood in the middle and fled. Kaijan could not help himself, he let out that roar once again. The Gomak that had been there the first time, just started running, and did not look back. The rest of the Gomak went chasing after them. Not wanting to encounter whatever made that noise.

Kaijan laughed (probably the only Nikto that ever did), and then shrugged his shoulders. He told Krillgan that he did not like the way the Commander was riding his own men. At least now, they will have interesting stories to tell at their campfires.

They had no more interesting encounters, as they made their way back to the mountain. They were able to skirt around the Gomak patrols looking for them. They were also able to find enough game animals, and drinkable streams. So they were neither hungry nor thirsty. The Mawvorr they encountered ignored them. Not considering them suitable game.

The Voss did not seem to notice that Stretch had not returned with them, as they took the two swords back. They did tell Krillgan that he needs to return to Devaron right away. His wife and son need him. His daughter is being looked after. They told him that they will call him, to reveal the next locations he needs to go to. They told him that they have generated an Infinite Gate that he can use to get back.

The only sign that Krillgan saw that the Voss acknowledged that Stretch was not coming back. Was the sight of some Voss dismantling Stretch's ship. Krillgan ran for his starfighter, and took off.

Krillgan saw what the Voss called the Infinite Gate. It was the same phenomenon that brought him there. He also remembered that his father told him that the Kwa had built Infinite Gates into their Star Temples. That was how they travelled around the galaxy.

There was quite the wave of ships coming up from Devaron, when Krillgan exited the Infinite Gate. They were all disappointed when the gate collapsed behind him, after he came out. Some asked where he had been, hoping that he would say that he had been to a whole new galaxy. He told them that a new friend called him asking for his help. When he finished, they told him he was needed on Devaron. So he is back.

When he contacted spaceport traffic control, asking for permission to land at Montellian Serat City Spaceport. They were going to redirect him to another city. Because that spaceport is at its maximum capacity. But instead they were handed a note, "Make an exception for the Krillgan!" So they gave him the planetary co-ordinates for Montellian Serat Spaceport, leaving it up to the spaceport itself, to find him a place to park.

The spaceport assigned him a spot in the section reserved for visiting diplomats. Right next to the ship flown by the Jedi Master, and member of the Jedi Council, in response to the last communiqué received from the two scholars. The Council believed that the situation on Devaron had become critical, and they wanted a member of the Council there to diffuse it.

What the Jedi Council did not know, is that the Jedi Master at the Temple of Eedit, had given a copy of the original signed contract to the Devaronian Judges in Montellian Serat City, because his orders from the Jedi Council, was to co-operate fully with the Devaronians.

The reason this was significant, was because the Devaronian copy of this contract had mysteriously disappeared, thousands of years ago. Forcing the resignation of the woman in charge of the archives, and a once powerful Devaronian Clan to lose its influence and prestige. Which they have slowly over the years regained.

This Clan is no friend of the Jedi Order, since they have always believed that it was the Jedi that stole it, and now they have the proof as to why they did. There is a noncompliance clause in the contract. Which becomes activated when Devaron is able to interpret their own laws by another means.

The Judges confronted the Jedi Master about the lack of co-operation from the Jedi Council in having their laws completely translated from the Jedi symbols. They also informed the Jedi Master that there is now a time limit, as to when the project must be completed by, or the noncompliance clause becomes activated. Now that their linguists know which sections of their law, was accurately translated. They have made a number of breakthroughs, in being able to read their old Devaronian language. Soon they will have a computer program ready, so that all the old Devaronian language documents can be translated into Simple Written Basic. With the Jedi Order being in noncompliance for over 20 Thousand Years, and the penalty being compounded every Devaronian year. (With the Devaronian year being so much shorter than a standard year. Just like a day on Devaron is shorter than a standard day. Devaron experiences more than one and a half years in every standard year.) There are not enough credits in the entire galaxy for the Jedi Order to pay Devaron the penalty for noncompliance. Even if Devaron agree to be paid only 1% of what the Jedi Order owed Devaron. Devaron would be forced to seize all Jedi assets, including the entire planet of Typhon, and force the Jedi Order into perpetual servitude to the planet and Government of Devaron. This would force the Jedi Council to be disbanded, as it would no longer be needed. All Jedi artifacts would be sold through clearing houses on Nar Shaddaa. The Jedi themselves would become a wing under IDS, Internal Devaron Security. With a branch under contract to the SIS.

The embarrassed Jedi Master ordered the scholars to complete a translation of every section of Devaronian Law. Then he retreated to the Temple of Eedit. Ostensibly, because Krillgan Djo was not on the planet, and he wanted to meet him. The Judges believed he retreated to lick his wounds, and to wonder how the ancient Jedi Councils could ever allow themselves to be put in such a position. That the Jedi Order was shamed by their actions and inactions.

When Krillgan climbed out of his starfighter, there was a small delegation to meet him. Three Judges representing all judges, there to observe and help, if there was a way for them to help. The General in charge of Internal Devron Security for the whole planet, as well as the Commander of Internal Devron Security of Montellian Serat city. To brief Krillgan on his wife and son's kidnapping. What they know, and what they are doing. There was also a customs official there. Ready to lead him to where his wife's ship is parked. In case that can help him.

After Krillgan was brought up to speed, he confirmed that his wife's starfighter was parked in his old spot. He told them that he might know of an exceptional tracker that can help. He will meet them at his wife's starfighter. The delegation could not believe the speed at which Krillgan was running when exiting the spaceport. They believe that IDS's pursuit vehicles would have trouble keeping up, and they are the fastest on the planet.

Krillgan ran through the forest outside of Montellian Serat City. Jumping from branch to branch, until he came to the den of the Quarra couple he had helped. He was happy to see that all their eggs had hatched, and the little ones were all feasting on their father's latest kill. The Quarra young were safe from attack by a Quarra pack. So it would not be a strain for the father to leave them, to help Krillgan. When Krillgan jumped down out of the tree, all the little ones growled at this stranger. But the adults knew his scent. So just looked at him. Krillgan asked them how good they are in tracking others. They told him that they are very good. He told them that he has a way for them to repay him. He told them that some people took his mate and his son. He wants to track them down, to kill them. So everyone will think twice about touching his pack again. The Quarra male agreed to help, leaving their young under the care of his mate.

The Quarra male was surprised as to how quickly he was able to run through the forest with this man somehow helping him. He believes that this man could run faster if he wanted to, but was letting him set the pace, as this is all new to him. They ran into the place where man has established multiple, perpetual dens. He ignored all the people, just as this man did. It was not long before they came to an area of what the man called flying dens. A means by which they can travel to other worlds. There was a small crowd as they approached a small flying den, and the Quarra let the man speak to them.

The Judges were delighted, when they saw Krillgan approaching with a Quarra. This completes the last trial. Krillgan Djo really is a Krillgan. Krillgan told the group that he had the opportunity to help protect a Quarra couple, from a Quarra pack, that wanted their eggs. He will let them talk to the Quarra experts about that. He said that the father of the young Quarra has agreed to repay him, by tracking down his mate and son.

Krillgan confirmed with the customs officer that no one has touched his wife's starfighter since she left it. With the canopy sealed, their scent should still be strong and fresh. He asked the customs officer to open the canopy and step back. He told the Quarra not to panic. He was about to pick him up, so that he could have a good sniff of his family.

The group watched as the Krillgan picked up the Quarra by the force, so that he was able to stick his head inside the starfighter. First at the pilot's seat, then at the passenger's seat. Then the Quarra looked at the Krillgan, as if to say he had a good smell. Then the Krillgan put the Quarra down and they were off.

The Quarra had told Krillgan that there was the scent of two children, the youngest is a female. Krillgan told the Quarra that his wife believed something bad would happen. So she found a safe place for the youngest.

After they left, the three Judges contacted the other Judges, and told them what happened. That Krillgan had enlisted the help of a Quarra to help him find his wife and son. They all agreed right then, to declare Krillgan Djo a Krillgan, and to notify their government to make it official. They also wanted to talk with a Quarra expert about what just happened. The heads of Internal Devaron Security also wanted to talk to them. They ended up talking to the Devaronian couple Drumanna had sent Krillgan to talk to. The Devaronian male became excited, when they said that the Quarra had followed Krillgan willingly into the city. He told his wife that the eggs had hatched, so it was safe for one of them to leave the den area. He was also excited that Krillgan could communicate with the Quarra. This could advance their knowledge of the Quarra, decades beyond what anyone has had a chance to research. They had to get the wife to calm the excited male down, so that she could tell them everything about Krillgan, from when he first came to their door, until he left. The Devaronian man got up while his wife was talking. His wife stopped talking, and asked where he is going? He told her that he was going to pack their gear. He wants to go see the young Quarra. They cannot be that far away if Krillgan took less than an hour to run to the den, then back to the spaceport. His wife reminded him that Krillgan ran faster than a pursuit vehicle, and he still has not told anyone where the location of the den is. It might take them a couple of days before they can find it. He told his wife that in that case, she needs to stop talking, and help him pack. They still need to purchase some fresh supplies. The other women smiled knowingly, at a Devaronian male full of wanderlust.

Krillgan followed the Quarra to a home. After sniffing around outside, the Quarra told Killgan that the youngest is in this den. Then they ran on. They came to the local IDS office. The Quarra said that his mate and son went into this large den, then came out again. When they reached the spot where the kidnapping took place. The Quarra told Krillgan that mother and son were separated, and the son was afraid. They ran to where they went onto the freighter skiff. The Quarra told Krillgan that they are no longer using their feet. The scent was not as strong, but he can still track them. They followed the route the freighter took out of the city, to where it joined the thoroughfare going to the next city.

The Quarra told Krillgan that it will be difficult running through all the underbrush. Krillgan told him that they do not need to. They can run in the forest beside the trail. They know that they will be forced to stay on the trail. They just need to find where they left the trail. So they ran in the forest together. Past game animals that froze in fear from their sudden approach. Then relaxed as they ran right past them. Relieved that they were not being the ones they were tracking. They ran right past a couple of Quarra packs that were out hunting. The startled Quarra tried catching up to them, but were easily left behind. The pack had a choice to track them, or to resume hunting. Their bellies told them to keep hunting.

Every once and a while, the Quarra asked if they could slow down, so that he could go into the underbrush, to confirm that they are still on their trail. Krillgan agreed, even though he was sure that they had not come to a point where they could leave. He also felt better when the Quarra returned and confirmed that he could still find their scent.

They both became excited when they reached the city bypass, as it indicated that they left the thoroughfare. It was slower going. They followed the trail until it connected with another thoroughfare, on the other side of the city. They both tried to hide their disappointment. They were both anticipating some action.

The travel became harder as the forest transitioned into a jungle. Krillgan did think about picking up the Quarra and dropping him over his shoulders. He could travel faster through the trees, than on the ground. But he thought it would be undignified for the Quarra that is helping him. There were game trails running through the jungle's underbrush. But they never ran straight, there were always twists and turns. Krillgan often had to slow down, so he could verify that they were still near the thoroughfare, and travelling in the right direction. It would be very embarrassing, if they both became turned around.

This time when they intercepted the city bypass, they did not get excited. The Quarra confirmed that more people left this place on foot. But not his mate and son. Krillgan remembered the Officer telling him about the couple from another city that confessed to helping kidnap his wife and son. But when she warned them that her husband is a Krillgan, and will show them no mercy, if they continued to help the Sith. They panicked and left the freighter skiff, and even apologised for their involvement. It seems that others were also feeling the pressure, and did not want a Krillgan hunting them down.

The one consolation that Krillgan had. Was that though they were travelling much slower than in the forest. They were still travelling faster than the freighters in the thoroughfare. One thing that Krillgan noticed, that since they have entered the jungle, the Quarra has stopped to drink more often. Which is understandable, with the higher temperature and humidity. Krillgan was also thirsty, but he wasn't about to drink from a stagnant pool of standing water. In a forest, it was easy to find drinkable streams of water. In the jungle there was more water. The big question is, is it drinkable?

They pushed on. The freighter did not take the next city bypass. Instead it continued on towards the city. At the city's edge, the Quarra said that his mate and son, are on their feet again. A short distance away, he said that they were not on their feet.

Now it was harder that they had no thoroughfare to run beside. They had to rely completely on the Quarra's nose, and make their own way through the jungle. After running a ways through the underbrush. Krillgan had to stop them. He picked up a few leeches along the way. Very localised applications of force lightning convinced them that they tried sucking blood out of the wrong body. Then Krillgan stood still and concentrated. Using the force to detect all life forces, in him, and closely around him. To make sure that he did not miss any of the bloodsuckers. The Quarra told him that this is why scales are good, the things he removed cannot fasten themselves to scales. Krillgan told the Quarra that he was heading up into the trees. From there he can follow him and strengthen him.

They continued like this until the sun started setting, and Krillgan detected a perimeter security fence up ahead. The fence was designed for jungle environments. Where the undergrowth grows at phenomenal rates. Anything touching the fence is fried.

Krillgan told the Quarra that it looks like they have reached their destination. He studied the place for a while, to see what else he could learn about this place, before planning his next move. He sensed that they have sensors, but of a design he would not be able to lock on their location, until they had detected something, and went from passive to active mode. As they transmitted their signal, showing they were now active.

Krillgan told the Quarra to go stand near the ribbons of light, but not to touch them, they can hurt him. The Quarra told him that this place smells bad. There has been much death here. Krillgan told the Quarra that there is about to be more.

The Quarra stood where Krillgan had told him. In the hunting lodge, the informant had just notified the Sith, that he just received confirmation that Krillgan Djo landed on Devron, then disappeared into the forest when told about his wife and son. Suddenly, a perimeter security alarm sounded. They checked the monitor, and they saw a Quarra just standing there. Then the alarm sounded that there has been a sensor malfunction, and the image of the Quarra disappeared. The computer warned that there are multiple sensor malfunctions. An entire perimeter section is now offline. Then the computer warned that the perimeter security has been breached, and displayed the section of the fence that was now not functioning. The informant looked at his people. "What are you waiting for? Our compound is under attack! Get to your places and defend it."

"But who is attacking? All we saw was a Quarra, and they cannot breach the perimeter. As far as we know the IDS does not use Quarra."

"Maybe the Quarra was a lucky coincidence. But you do not lose sensors, and have a section of the fence come down at the same time, unless you are under attack."

Three Devaronian couples ran out of the lodge, to their prepared strongpoints, and started scanning there kill zones, to see if they could detect any activity. Then while one continued scanning, the other checked their arsenal of weapons, to make sure that everything is in working order. They thought they were ready for anything. They were wrong.

The Quarra liked watching the man and his preparations, to confront the enemy. He saw him pick up some straight sticks, and use the claw he kept in his boot, to bring the sticks to a point. Why make pointy sticks when you have a good claw? This is why he was watching the man.

Krillgan saw the first strongpoint. It looked like its sides were made out of a type of concrete. But the roof was made out of wood. Like they were trying to disguise it as some sort of outbuilding to the hunting lodge. The other mistake they made was leaving some trees inside the lodge's perimeter. They did not have the interlocking roots with the other jungle trees to keep them strong and stable. Krillgan pushed with the force on one of the trees, and had it come crashing down on the one strong point. He made himself appear small, and ran to the strong point. He knew that he had pinned the couple inside. He suspected they were injured, but not dead. He had to take them out quickly, while they are still in shock. Before they start thinking about defending themselves.

"Boss! A tree just fell on Brem and Grenda's location. We have tried to raise them, but there is no response. Do you want us to go check and see if they are okay?"

"Negative! Hold your positions, and keep your eyes open."

The Sith was standing in the doorway of the lodge's control room. He asked the informant, who would use a tree to attack a strong point? The informant asked, if he could do it? The Sith said he did not know.

Richard was also standing there, he had to be, because he had to stay by the pretend Devaronian. He told them that Papa would use a tree. He can do things that they can't. He did not know that the pretend Devaronian was a force user.

The informant tried to raise the other two couples. He got nothing. The Sith ordered him to go outside and find out what was going on. The informant complained. He said that staying in the lodge is more secure. The Sith told him that the people outside are his responsibility. He needs to find a way to reconnect with them. If they are to defend the lodge. The informant grumbled, but did as he was told.

Krillgan remembered that when the Clan Mother captured the Nightsister's slave village, she threw an arrow with her hand, which thudded into the village's palisade, as if it was shoot out of a bow. That is why he picked up the sticks and sharpened them to a point. They were larger than arrows, but smaller than spears. He should have no trouble guiding them, and pushing them, using the force. After dispatching the couple he knocked the tree down on. He was in perfect alignment to see the couples in the other two strong points. First he threw two of the sticks in quick succession at the one strong point. Catching the person using the electrobiniculors in the throat. The other person was struck in the side of the head. The second person died instantly. The first person choked to death, on their own blood. The Quarra had jumped up onto the downed tree, to see what he was doing. Almost giving him away.

He then threw the remaining two sticks at the other couple. This time he got the person looking through the electrobinoculars in the side of their temple. The other person turned their head towards him. So instead of getting them through their ear canal, he got them in the eye. Both those deaths would have been instantaneous.

He then walked around to the front of the lodge. Wondering how he was going to get in. Suspecting that they must have a way to secure the doors and windows, so it would be hard to get in. That is when the door started to open. Krillgan crouched down, and pulled a dagger from his boot. Being dark out, the person coming from inside the lodge, would not readily see him.

When the informant opened the front door he suddenly saw a blue glowing dagger in the air in front of him. Before he could shout a warning, the dagger was in his throat. Then it was pulled sideways, as if someone was holding it. So not only was his windpipe pierced, but then the artery carrying his blood to his brain was cut. Causing him to topple over on his face.

Krillgan grabbed his dagger, cleaned it, then put it back in his boot. He walked into the lodge, with the Quarra right behind him. The Sith called out from the control room. Asking if he had made contact with his people? Krillgan replied that he has, he has gone to the same hell as the others. The Sith jumps into the main room of the lodge. One hand holding Richard to his own body. The other hand holding his lightsaber, with the blade dangerously close to Richard's neck. Krillgan tells the Quarra to maneuver around to the side of the evil man that is holding the claw of light. So the Quarra knew it was dangerous. Krillgan then smashed open the door to the room, where they were holding Ludia. Which was on the Sith's other side.

"What are you doing? I have a lightsaber at your son's neck. You are supposed to do whatever I tell you!"

"I am Krillgan. You were supposed to fall down on your knees, and beg for mercy. It looks like neither one of us is doing what he is supposed to."

When Krillgan saw that the Quarra was to the one side, and a little behind the Sith. He instructed the Quarra to get ready to attack. The Quarra went into his crouch, and tensed his muscles, ready to leap when the man told him, despite the dangerous claw.

The Sith was warned by the force, that the creature was about to attack, so he shifted his stance slightly, and moved his lightsaber. So he was ready to decapitate the creature. Then it felt like someone had grabbed his hand holding the lightsaber. He could not move it. At the same time he had the boy wrenched out of his arm, using the force. Then he was being warned by the force that he was being attacked from the other side. The only thing he had to defend himself, was the hand that he had just used to hold the boy. He brought his hand to his neck and felt the shearing pain as a knife blade went through his hand and into his neck. Cutting the blood vessel carrying blood to his brain. He pulled his hand away from his neck, and looked at it. Not even noticing the blood squirting from his neck. His last thought was, "what a curious handle". Then he fainted from blood loss to the brain.

At the same time that the Sith collapsed, Ludia also collapsed. She knew her son was safe, and did not have to fight the poison anymore.

Krillgan told Richard to turn his head, as he jumped over to the Sith and cut off his head. Then he ran to Ludia.

When Richard heard his father moving towards his mother's room. He knew it was safe to move, and ran after him. When he saw his mother on the floor he started to cry. He told his father that the man said that if he did as he was told, he would not hurt mother. Krillgan told him that the man is a Sith, all they do is lie. He said this as he picked up Ludia off the floor, and held her in his arms. The nice thing about Ludia's skin, is he can touch her anywhere, and if she needs Kolto, it will flow.

Richard thought his father was rebuking him, for listening to the Sith. Krillgan sensed that his son may have been hurt by what he said, and called him to his side. He asked him, if he spoke to mother? Richard nodded his head. He told his father that they woke him up every morning to talk with her. They were afraid to go into her room, until after they talked. Krillgan asked his son, if his mother instructed him what to do? He nodded his head yes. He told his father that she said to listen to the Devaronians. Krillgan asked his son, if he did what his mother told him? Richard nodded his head yes again. Krillgan told him that he is a good boy, because he listened to his mother, then he kissed him on his forehead. Which made Richard feel good. Richard told his father that mother told him every day that papa was coming for them. He knew that the bad people did not like hearing her say that, but it always made him feel good. He then asked his father, if Mama is going to be all right? Papa told him that they made his mother swallow poison. "Mama does not have the same blood as Papa. So poison bothers her more. I am healing her right now, to stop the poison from doing any more damage. But we still need to get her to a place, where they can help get the poison out of her."

The Quarra asked Krillgan, if he needs him anymore? Krillgan told the Quarra that they will leave this place together, once his mate feels better. They will take him close to his den, so that it will not be far for him to find his way home. The Quarra asked Krillgan, why he asked him to get ready to attack, but did not have him attack? Krillgan told him that the bad man had to be ready for his attack, when he knew he was about to. It forced the man to move the claw of light away from his son, to get ready to defend himself. That gave him the opportunity to tear his son away from his grasp. It also gave his mate the confidence to attack, knowing her son would not be hurt when she did. The Quarra asked him, if his mate is like him? Krillgan told the Quarra that his mate is better than him. She has always been better than him. The Quarra was satisfied with that answer.

When Ludia regained consciousness, Krillgan told her that she left one of her knives lying around again. Only this time someone was hurt. She asked him, if they were hurt bad? He told her that they lost their head over the incident. There is nothing more they can do. Then he kissed her on her lips. He put her on her bed to rest, and told Richard to watch over her.

Krillgan went and found where the Sith had mixed his potion, and grabbed all the ingredients, packing them away. He then went and had a look at the private skiff, to see what they had aboard, as far as creature comforts. There was not very much. He warned the droid driver that they will be leaving shortly. The driver responded that all systems are on standby. Krillgan went back into the lodge. He gave the Sith's ingredients to his son to hold, while he used the force to pick up Ludia, still on her mattress. Ludia complained that she can still walk. Krillgan told her that the healer says that she is supposed to rest.

The droid did not react to Krillgan carrying his wife this way, and settled her safely down. He then picked Richard up with his arms, and placed him on the Skiff. The Quarra took it as a sign they were leaving on this machine and jumped aboard. Krillgan jumped up after him, and told the droid to take them to Montellian Serat City. The droid asked, what about the rest of them? Krillgan told the droid that this is everyone. The droid objected. He told Krillgan that he is private property, not a taxi service. Krillgan told the droid that his owner is dead. If he does not do as he is told. He will personally dismantle him into spare parts, to be used in repairing household appliances. The droid said that if his owner is dead, they need to report it to the IDS. Krillgan told him that this is why they are going to IDS Headquarters in Montellian Serat City. The droid asked, how did its owner die? Krillgan told the droid that he killed him. The droid asked him, if he was turning himself in? Krillgan told the droid that his owner had kidnapped his wife and son. Why should he turn himself in? He also informed the droid that it will need to bring back IDS Officers to this location. They will want to examine the crime scene. He also told the droid to take the skiff to its maximum speed when on the thoroughfares. The droid responded that if it did that, than the other droids will report them. Krillgan replied, that the IDS will know for sure that they are coming.

It was kind of ironic, that the gate through the security fence still worked. Krillgan and Richard, laid down with Ludia, and they all fell asleep. The Quarra went as far forward on the skiff as he could go. He liked the breeze in his face, he also liked the scent of so many game animals below them. It was too bad that it was dark out, and he could not see them. He did like that they were overtaking so many of the big, cumbersome, flying boxes. When he returns to their den, he will have many stories to tell his family about the good man who could talk to them, and how he was able to pay a debt that the family owed him.

They stopped just outside Montellian Serat City. Krillgan pointed in the direction of the Quarra's den. He asked the Quarra, if he will have any trouble finding it? The Quarra told him that his directions have always been good, and jumped off of the machine. He was sure he heard a new voice saw goodbye. This man does have a good mate.

The droid driver contacted the first IDS pursuit vehicle it encountered. The droid indicated that it was asked to quickly get to IDS Headquarters, it was in regard to a kidnapping. When asked, the droid described the three people. The IDS vehicle went in front of the private skiff to clear the way ahead, to get to headquarters. The droid was also asked about a Quarra? The droid said that they stopped at the edge of the city, to let a creature off of the skiff. It does not have the programing to identify creatures. The droid asked, if Quarra are dangerous? The reply was that they are the most dangerous creature on Devaron. The droid said that they must not be as dangerous as the man on the skiff. This man threatened to dismantle him. The response was that it was a good thing that the droid obeyed the man. Since he is known to follow through on his threats.

There was quite a number of people waiting for them at IDS Headquarters. Ludia was rushed to the hospital, along with all the ingredients the Sith used. So that the medical staff could identify the different poisons, and the best way to purge them from her system. A team of Officers did board the skiff to be taken back to the hunting lodge. Since they do not know its coordinates. Once its coordinates are established, they will contact IDS headquarters in the closest city, to ask for their assistance. Krillgan was brought into headquarters to be debriefed. Krillgan asked if he could sit on a couch, so his son can rest his head in his lap and sleep.

The IDS Senior Officers were having trouble believing the things that Krillgan was telling them. But he is officially recognised as a Krillgan, so his word alone is enough. When they received the coordinates of the hunting lodge, it was hard to believe that he was able to run all that way in the time he did. But they know when he left, and they know when he returned. So believe it or not, the time factor says he is telling the truth. The reports from the lodge, confirm the sequence of events, the way he described them. The bonus is the gang leader's computer is still intact. They already found the names of everyone hired to help with the kidnapping. IDS Officers in all the different cities, are bringing them in for questioning. It will be interesting to see how many of them will also confess to their involvement, and ask that the Krillgan forgive them.

When they finished with Krillgan, they asked him, what are his plans? He told them that he needs to reacquaint himself with a daughter that might not know him. He also needs to support his wife. They asked him, what was he going to do after that? He told them that apparently, someone has already arranged some missions for him. It is hard to say no, when they say that the future of the galaxy is at stake. When pressed he told them that it is the Voss. He told them that they are the ones who generated what they call an Infinite Gate. It took him to Voss and back. To the Senior Officers, this was as outlandish as his description of rescuing his wife and son. So it must be true.

They told him the address of the home where his daughter is staying, and offered him the directions. He told them that he has already been there. That is the first place the Quarra took him, when they left the spaceport.

Richard was awake, and ready to stretch his legs. So they went to find Ta'Yanna. Krillgan knocked on Lindream's front door, and identified himself to the lady who answered. She asked him, if his daughter would be able to identify him? Krillgan told her that he did not think so, but she would recognise her brother, and he brought Richard around, who was hiding behind him.

They heard a shriek come from inside the home. Ta'Yanna had been peaking to see who was at the door. When she saw Richard, she knew Mama cannot be far away. So Lindream invited them into her home. Richard right away went up to his sister and hugged her. Then he pointed at Krillgan, and told her that this is Papa. He told his sister that Mama is not feeling well, but Papa can take them to go see her.

Krillgan was surprised that Drumanna was also in the home. He asked her, if his room was still available? She told him, that for him it is. So they sat down, and set up a tentative schedule. Since Ta'Yanna was not yet completely weaned, Lindream and her daughter would have to come with them, when they go to the hospital. Lindream told Krillgan about the small business they have set up, using the credits his wife gave her. Even introducing him to the two ladies in the kitchen helping her. Krillgan told her that his wife will be delighted to hear about it. So it will be her responsibility to tell her.

Krillgan had a droid limousine come and pick them up. Because of the number of people going to the hospital, and because of the two youngest children. Lindream had never been in a limousine before. It was a rich person's vehicle. She quietly asked Krillgan if it was true that he and his wife own the pirate killer. Then she was all embarrassed because she used its nickname. Krillgan laughed and told her that the Fenelar Phoenix is their ship. He told her that he even knew the original crew that earned it its nickname. He is actually the third Captain of the ship, and was proud to name his wife as its Co-Captain. With some help from some friends, they have been able to upgrade the ship, and now it is more dangerous than ever. Lindream told him that a lot of people on Devaron know about the ship, they will be even prouder to know that it is Captained by a Krillgan. Krillgan told her he understands. His mother also lost her father to pirates.

Ta'Yanna was delighted to see her mother. She just was not happy that she had something attached to one arm, so could not hug her properly. Lindream reported to her like she was reporting to the chief executive of a company. Ludia wanted to know the shelf life of her product, and if it was a product that could be traded to other worlds. Lindream told her that she did not know, since most of what they make is consumed within a couple days of when it was made. But they are both good questions, and she will look into it, as soon as possible. Ludia told Krillgan what the doctors told her, about how toxic her milk was. Ta'Yanna would not have survived, if her Grandmother had not warned her.

Drumanna told Krillgan that there are a lot of doctors standing outside Ludia's door, wanting to talk with him. Krillgan had an idea what this was about. He told the doctors that the healing he can do, is the equivalent of using a Kolto, or Bacta tank. Much of what he can do cannot be taught, it is specific to who he is. He doubted that he could teach them anything more than they already know. He did tell them that his only disappointment, in coming to Devaron, is how few medicinal plants there are. They told him about all the different plants they have preserved in green houses. Would he be able to determine if they have medicinal value? Krillgan told them that identifying plants, is part of his training. But what he would like to know, is why are they no longer growing in the wild? Plants growing in the wild tend to have a stronger potency, then those cultivated in greenhouses.

Others also wanted to talk with Krillgan. He told the Quarra expert that once a member of a pack leaves them to look for a mate. They are never welcome back, even if they do not find a mate right away.

Krillgan even took the time to visit the kidnappers that confessed and promised to reform. He snuck up on them, shocking them, and told them that he takes no pleasure in punishing those who hurt their neighbors. The community is stronger when people learn to live together, despite their differences. Then he disappeared. Were they ever glad they decided to fully cooperate with Internal Devaron Security. They also warned their associates, that this Krillgan is just as scary as the ones they heard about growing up.

Ludia was in the hospital a total of four days. Before the medical experts were willing to declare that she was poison free. They did not understand how Krillgan was helping her. But they always noticed an improvement after the family had been there.

When she left the hospital, she went to live with Drumanna, Krillgan, and Richard, so that she could go into the forest with Krillgan, to start working out. So she could get back into shape. Krillgan took her through stretching and strength exercises the first few days, before increasing the difficulty and duration of her workouts.

When Ta'Yanna was fully weaned, it became a family affair. Ludia carried her daughter to the clearing, and Krillgan carried Richard, along with all of Ta'Yanna's supplies. Like diapers, her mushed fruits and vegetables, some jams, the special children's porridge. Along with any containers they may need. After the workout, Ludia helped Richard climb some trees, while Krillgan spent time with his daughter. He was also responsible for diaper duty. Ta'Yanna would always clap when he disposed of the dirty diaper. Krillgan would hold it suspended in the air. Then he would create a small ball of force fire underneath. This was actually very difficult for one person to do, so he took it as a challenge. To strengthen his abilities in using the force. Ta'Yanna loved seeing the fire. It was a bonus that the stink and the diaper disappeared.

Krillgan did take his family to see the young Quarra family. They did not make contact with them. They just stayed high up in the trees to watch them. Ta'Yanna thought they are scary. Krillgan told her that the adults would eat her with only two bites. Richard told his sister not to worry. Papa will not let them eat her. Papa said that all he would tell them, is to chew slowly. (He said this because they were trying to teach Richard not to gobble his food down). He then told Ta'Yanna that Mama would make sure that she wasn't eaten. So Ta'Yanna gave her a kiss on the cheek, as a thank you.

One morning, as they were finishing their breakfast. Krillgan would be going to get Ta'Yanna from Lindream's home, as soon as they are finished. Duramma's home communicator went active. She told Krillgan that a strange alien wanted to talk with him. They all followed Krillgan to the communicator, because they all wanted to see this alien.

Krillgan recognised the Voss mystic, and greeted her by name. He then asked, if she was visiting Devaron? She told Krillgan that she was calling from Voss. When she saw the look of surprise, she told him that it was much easier on the acolytes, to generate a small infinity gate, to transmit the communicator's signal. Than it was for them to generate a large infinity gate, for his ship to fit through. Some of the acolytes they used, are still recovering from that ordeal.

The Voss Mystic said that she was calling like promised, to give him the location of the next target. She told him that when the Rakata controlled Kindell's world, they built a Star Temple on a small continent, or large island, depending on how you want to look at it. (Krillgan was happy that she did not mention Dathomir.) She told him that humans have never been to that continent. Neither had the Kwa, when they controlled the planet. The Rakata were still trying to figure out how an Infinite Gate worked. So they tried to build their own. Instead they trapped a being in the temple, in spirit form. It is important for this being to be reunited with it ancestors. Krillgan asked the mystic, as to what sort of opposition he can expect. The mystic told him that the Rakata used dark force energy in everything they did. All the creatures around the temple became tainted. Any creature that ate one of those creatures would also become tainted. Over the course of time, all creatures on the island have become tainted. As soon as he sets foot on any part of the island, he will be attacked. The mystic told him that the initial attack will be furious. If he only had Kaijan and Stretch with him, they would be overwhelmed. She suggested that Krillgan recruit some of the locals, to help him against the initial onslaught. She also suggested that none of them carry any personal possessions with them. Anything that can burn, will be destroyed. She then gave Krillgan the planetary coordinates for the temple. She suggested that he right it down, because the communicator is not recording this conversation. Drumanna quickly handed him what he needed to record the coordinates.

The mystic then went on to say, that he would need to obtain an astrometric computer for his starfighter. If he wanted to make it to the next location, and return. She suggested that he go talk with his Givin friend, before going to Kindell's world. That was the end of that conversation.

Drumanna asked Krillgan, if that alien really was a Voss? Krillgan told her that this is the Voss mystic that met him at Voss-Ka spaceport, after he flew through the Infinite Gate to get to the Voss System. Drumanna was really excited, she was hoping that her communicator at least captured her image when she called. When she examined her communicator, she was very disappointed. She told Krillgan that it is as if no call was made. Now no one will believe her that a Voss called her home. Krillgan told her that this is not true. She has three witnesses. Even Richard saw her, and can describe what she looked like.

Richard felt proud, that his father declared that he is a witness. It would be hard to forget such a colourful face.

Krillgan told Drumanna, that she can tell her friends in IDS. They will believe her. They in turn will tell some of the Judges. After that, it is really not that important that anyone else know.

While Krillgan went to get Ta'Yanna, so they can go for their outing. Richard sat down with his colouring sticks, and some paper. He drew the face of the Voss as he remembered. He had the most trouble getting her bright azure eyes just right. Ludia had to help him with the colour, and showed him how to adjust the brightness of the blue colouring stick. When Papa returned with his sister, he was done, and proudly handed it to Drumanna. Ludia reminded him to sign it and date it. Since in a way, it is his witness statement. Drumanna had to tell him how they write the date according to the local Devaronian calendar.

Even though it was obviously drawn by a child. Drumanna did not think she could have done any better. She took it with her, when she went to have tea with her friends. They made a copy for their files, and a copy for the Judges. The only thing they added was a title, "Voss Mystic". It became an official part of their files. After that day, if anyone called up an image of a Voss, it was Richard's picture that was displayed, with a subsection from Krillgan, explaining the difference between female, and male Voss that he observed. He also verified that the drawing of the eyes as accurate. That apparently they have compound eyes. So they would see the world differently than everyone else. This could also explain the unique way they look at the force.

Because so many of the women in the widow's clan, expressed to Ludia that they would like to meet the crew of the Fenelar Phoenix. She persuaded Krillgan to hold a banquet for the crew and clan, when they arrive. Drumanna knew of a large hall they could rent, and suggested a Devaronian Clan that specialised in catering special events. The woman from the widow's clan were told that Krillgan wants to celebrate his wife's first business deal, without him, at least that he knows of.

The woman of the clan, decided to market their fruit and vegetable mushes for children, under the name of Phoenix foods, instead of their clan name. Drumanna had convinced them that more women will be willing to buy it, if there is no clan name attached to it. They chose the name Phoenix, to honour the pirate killer, after receiving permission from Krillgan and Ludia. Sales went so well at their first market. That they have expanded to other markets in the city. Selling through an existing vendor. Rather than sending a member of their clan to each market. Because the business's chief investor, insisted upon them knowing the shelf life of their product, they have a member of the clan travelling to other cities, to see about shipping and distributing the product to new markets. Needless to say, Lindream has had to hire more members of the clan, in order to produce more product. They are already talking about moving out of Lindream's home, into an empty building. Setting it up as their manufacturing and distribution center. With room to expand, through the purchase of new equipment.

It wasn't until they landed at Montellian Serat City Spaceport, that the crew of the Phoenix realised, that they were parked in the diplomat section, right next to Krillgan's starfighter. They assumed that they were assigned there, because the spaceport was full. They had a right to land, because they were picking up people and equipment. Krillgan told them about the banquet they were going to. Both because of Ludia's business deal, and because the women of the clan want to meet the crew of the pirate killer. Since many of them lost their husbands to pirate, they celebrate any ship that has the reputation of striking fear into the hearts of pirates. After loading his starfighter, Ludia flew hers over and they loaded it. Then they went together to the banquet.

The crew was not sure about their celebrity status. They did like that Krillgan had set up information kiosks around the banqueting hall. Giving some information on all of Phoenix's crew members, both past and present. As well as a brief, modified history. They also liked that Krillgan kept a positive spin on everything. So that no one was cast in a poor light, not even Rasha's father.

They saw that the Fenelar Phoenix, started getting their reputation as pirate killers, because of a Shistavanen Crewman 1st Class, called Coris. Because of his excellent relaxes, he was a starfighter killing machine when in a gun turret. His total number of confirmed kills was mentioned. If a person wanted, they could also expand it to show the number of each type of starfighter he took out. Pula, his Gotal crewmate, also a Crewman 1st Class, was no slouch, also recorded an impressive amount of kills. Just not close to Coris. Captain Richard, and the Falleen First Officer, Fred, only had a handful of kills recorded in their names. Captain Richard was recorded as stating, that they rarely needed to climb up into a gun turret. Because his two crewmen could handle most anything the pirates threw at them.

They saw that the ship did not go to the Falleen First Officer, when Captain Richard retired. The Captain was looking for the right Captain and Crew to take over from him. When a Captain Crashan Warman, and his First Officer wife, Dreshelle, approached him, about taking over the Phoenix. Captain Richard thought this couple had promise, if they had the right crew backing them. So he told them what the normal crew compliment is. If they return with a crew that he believes will work, they can discuss a leasing arrangement. They returned with Grimm Grimm, an Ichtochi, as the Enginneer, and a Zabrak couple, Kran and Elibet, as the two Crewmen 1st Class.

Because of the Fenelar Phoenix's reputation, for the next few years, most pirates they encountered, as soon as they recognised the ship, preferred to leave the system rather than engage them. Then a group of pirates, with gunships, started hunting them down. They attacked the Phoenix in one system, doing some damage. But the Phoenix fought back, and jumped to another system, rather than land on the planet they were trying to force them to. In the next system, the pirates damaged the gun turret that First Officer Dreshelle was in. Before the Phoenix was able to enter the atmosphere, of a planet the computer said was safe for freighters, but not pirates. The First Officer had passed away.

One of the gunships followed the Phoenix to the surface, and there they met their demise. (Rasha liked that Krillgan implied that the crew of the Phoenix had eliminated them.) With some help from the locals, the crew was able to repair the Phoenix, and replaced their damaged gun turret, with a gun turret from the pirate's ship. Then they were able to leave the planet. They did manage to return about once a standard year, to renew friendships that they had established on their first visit to the planet, and because they found some good trade deals. During this time Captain Chrashan did not try and find a replacement for the First Officer's position. Instead, as his daughter Rasha became older, she was trained as a pilot. It was believed that the Captain wanted her taking over the position of First Officer.

It was a number of years, before the pirates tried attacking the Phoenix again. This time they were successful with an ambush. Killing Captain Crashan, and capturing the ship and crew. Rasha managed to avoid capture, and somehow found her friend Krillgan. Knowing he had unusual abilities, she enlisted his help, in freeing her comrades, and taking back the Phoenix from the pirates.

The pirates did not give up that easily, and tried boarding the Phoenix once again. Instead they found the crew of the Phoenix, with Krillgan at their lead, ready to board them. The crew of the Phoenix used the pirate ship to repair and replace every questionable component and piece of equipment. Adjustments, and fine tuning would have to come later. But the Phoenix was in good shape when they left the pirates. The pirate ship was not. Fearing that other pirate ships would board them, and make slaves out of them. The new female Captain of the pirate ship, blew it up.

As a reward for Krillgan's help during this time, the crew elected him as Captain, with Rasha confirmed as First Officer. It was shortly after this, that Krillgan married his fiancée, and made her Co-Captain, after she completed her Captain's training. Because of friends they have made on their journey. The Phoenix is faster, and more powerful than it has ever been.

The Devaronian women at the banquet, were surprised to see Rasha listed as having the most kills versus pirates. Ludia was second, followed by Kran, then Elibet. Krillgan hardly had any kills to his name. When they asked the crew if this was correct? The crew was also surprised, until Rasha figured out what Krillgan had done. She told the ladies, that often, when they encounter pirates. Krillgan is not on the ship, so his kills are not recorded. They wanted to know, why was Krillgan not on the ship? They know that he is not a coward. Rasha told them that the Phoenix is able to have a starfighter fly off the ship into space. Krillgan has been flying Ludia's starfighter against a number of pirates they encountered. Because he was not on the ship, his kills were not recorded. She told the women, that if they add up everyone else's kills, from all the crews, then they have an idea on how many he has eliminated.

During dinner, the crew found out that there were more than just the women from the one clan there. The CEO of the company, actually is a member of another clan. Which is an unusual situation for Devaron. They also assumed that the Senior Officers from IDS were there, because of the IDS Rookie Officers in the Clan. They found out later, that they are the guests of the CEO, and of Krillgan. As are the Judges.

During dinner, Rasha was invited to share what happened during their last encounter with pirates. She decided to be as diplomatic as Krillgan.

She told them that she was in the pilot's chair, with Krillgan in the captain's chair, when they were knocked out of hyperspace. She ran for the forward, upper gun turret, while Kran and Elibet ran for theirs. Krillgan took over piloting the ship from the captain's console, which is one of the things allowed on the Phoenix. But instead of making a run for it, he headed straight for their support ship. It was Squib Momship.

Tamrack heard the Devaron women gasp. They whispered back and forth that it is the most dangerous support ship the pirates use. Because it has five tractor beams to a side. When they grab a hold of your ship, there is nothing you can do, to shake free of them.

After giving the women a chance to settle down, and stop whispering. Rasha told the woman that Krillgan's tactic, startled the pirates more than it did his crew. The pirates in the starfighters were used to chasing freighters, not having to defend their support ship. That moment's hesitation, on the part of the starfighter pilots, cost them all their lives. The gunners on the Phoenix had no trouble eliminating all of the starfighters, as they flew through them. Then everyone was ordered to fire on the Squib Momship, as soon as it came within range. Like the starfighters, the supply ship did not know how to react, to being the target of an attack. So the Phoenix was able to destroy it.

The women cheered when they heard that. They all agreed that the galaxy will be a safer place for all freighters, once all the Squib Momships are destroyed.

Tamrack had to rethink what he would have done in that situation. He had thought Krillgan should have boarded it, and sold it at the first shipyard. He realises now, that it would have been another group of pirates that would have bought it. So it all would have happened all over again. But because Krillgan destroyed it, the galaxy is just a little bit safer.

Rasha also shared a little secret with the women. She told them that the Fenelar Phoenix has a missile launcher. But because the Fenelar missiles are an unusual design, it was hard to get more than ten missiles made for the launcher. When it has a capacity for more than a thousand. Because of some friends they were able to help. They were able to get a small business to retool. Now they are fully stocked when it comes to missiles. So even if pirates are using a small Cruiser or a Frigate. The Phoenix has the ability to eliminate it. That is just another reason pirates should fear them.

After Rasha finished sharing, the opportunity was opened up to anyone else from the crew that wanted to share something. The only one that decided to say something, was Tamrack. He is a bit of a showman, and he wanted to give Rasha time to relax and finisher her dinner. He told the crowd that he is one of the newest members of the crew. Because he has not yet recorded a kill against some pirates, his name was not included in the information kiosk. He was not invited to join the crew, but forced his way aboard, by proposing, then marrying Rasha. When neither of the Co-Captains are aboard, and Rasha is the acting Captain, then the crew will allow him to pretend to be acting First Officer. This comment had a number of women in the audience chuckling, as well as some crew members.

Tamrack told the audience that what he wanted to talk about, is the two crewmembers that are still on their ship, making sure that no one boards their ship, without permission. It seems that both Captain Richard, and Captain Cashan had a security weakness with the ship that they were not sure how to solve. The access ramp is too easy for anyone to activate. This has allowed sticky fingered thieves to sneak aboard and steal freight, when the ship is parked at a spaceport. It also makes it hard to stop custom officers, and noisy Imperial Troopers from coming aboard, without being invited. Captain Krillgan came up with a unique solution that works exceptionally well. He has recruited a Rancor and a Vornskr as his internal security team. It is amazing to witness a customs official going from insisting that it is their responsibility to go aboard the ship. To declaring that everything is fine. They are returning to their office in the spaceport. They have a big stack of paperwork to go through.

"The current Rancor is named Stoneman. He is not the first Rancor to hold this position. The first Rancor was called Smasher. He was very close to Krillgan, and considered a very good member of the Phoenix's family. He lost his life, when the crew was asked to help free some hostages from pirates. Some of these hostages were related to the Co-Captains. It was decided that Smasher would act like a diversion, and attack the pirates that were outside of the building, while the crew would infiltrate the building, and free all the hostages. The plan worked, except that no one anticipated that the pirates had set up an anti-tank weapon, and used it against Smasher, before the crew could make it outside and eliminate the remaining pirates.

The death of Smasher was an emotional time for the crew. When you first see a Rancor, love is not the first thing that comes to mind. It is usually your brain telling your feet to run. But the crew had fallen in love with Smasher. They knew that no matter what, he would protect their backside."

"Some associates of Captain Krillgan, who had come aboard to help with another mission, convinced Krillgan to take them to Sleheyron. They knew that Krillgan had purchased Smasher from the Hutts. So they thought it was time for Krillgan to buy a replacement to Smasher. Even though Krillgan and others mentioned that it would be difficult, if not impossible, for Krillgan to get as attached to another Rancor as he was to Smasher. But because they were good friends, he went along with them. They found out that a Rancor would be fighting in one of the gladiator arenas, and really wanted to see it. Krillgan put a damper on their enthusiasm, by pointing out that it would not be a real fight, but an execution. The Rancor was probably retired from their Rancor racing circuit, and this was how they retire them. His associates were horrified, and told Krillgan that he has to go rescue this Rancor. Krillgan told them that he will go, but will only intervene, if the Rancor wants to be rescued."

"You must remember that dealing with the Hutts is no simple thing. You must impress them enough, to want to deal with you, before you can start negotiating. So Krillgan dressed like he was some wealthy Diplomat, or even an Ambassador, that stopped by on Sleheyron, to be amused at their casinos. The two associates dressed as his personal bodyguards, and I was nominated by someone, to be his spokesperson. Since Krillgan was supposed to be too important to talk with anyone, face to face. They would both have to converse through me. Even though they could both hear and understand what the other person is saying."

"Upon entering the arena, Krillgan had me place a bet, which is what was expected of him. He had me bet that the Rancor would win. He was the only one that placed this bet. When we entered the arena, Krillgan spoke to the Rancor, the same way he can communicate with the Quarra. He told the Rancor that no one in the arena is his friend. That if he wants to live, he must fight for his life. Other than that, Krillgan did not interfere with the fight. It was now all up to the Rancor. Stoneman was at first confused. This was the first time he heard someone speak to him, and what he heard contradicted what the arena beastmasters were telling him through their gestures. Reality hit home, when he was injured with the vibro-blade on the end of a force-pike. Now he knew that the voice he heard spoke the truth, and retaliated, against those that wanted to do him harm. Krillgan later told them that the people in the arena attacking the Rancor were all criminals, with a death sentence placed on them by the ruling Hutts. From the different species in the arena, it was believed that it was the result of a drug deal that had gone bad. So no tears were shed over their death, at the hands off a Rancor."

"After the fight ended, the most frustrating thing for Krillgan was finding a way into the arena that would be acceptable for a person of his stature. That means that he could not simply leap over the side, into the arena. My job was to collect his winnings, then go find someone who could negotiate the sale of the Rancor on behalf of the Hutts. I found the senior arena official. He in turn had to contact the Hutts, to obtain permission to negotiate a sale. We then proceeded to the arena, to inform the arena staff to obey the diplomat, who was yelling at the arena staff to leave the Rancor alone, and concentrate on removing all the dead bodies. Krillgan was not really yelling. Because I was not there. He spoke quietly to one of his bodyguards, who yelled at the arena people on his behalf. It was actually quite comical to witness. When the Hutts gave permission, to start negotiating. Krillgan interrupted the negotiations. Stoneman had indicated to Krillgan that I am a beastmaster, and could communicate with him, through my body. I was more surprised than anyone, when Krillgan asked me to have Stoneman follow me around the arena, and have him sit down, then stand up. Because Stoneman recognises me as a beastmaster, it is my responsibility to communicate with him, when Krillgan is not around. Because I am in closer proximity to a Rancor and Vornskr, than anyone else on my crew. I feel obliged to make sure that there is plenty of meat aboard the Phoenix, to make sure that neither creature becomes hungry enough to chew on my arm or leg."

"Just so you know how shrewd of a business man Krillgan is. He purchased Stoneman with the money he won betting on him. You could say that he paid the Hutts with their own money. I also suspect that this banquet is also financed courtesy of the Hutts. So if anything, it should have been fancier."

Everyone had a good laugh while Tamrack sat down. It also caused Krillgan to stand up. He told everyone that his parents taught him to never divulge his sources of revenue. But concerning his investment strategy, he would rate this investment as a big success, because of all the smiles he can see. He knows that both his parents would approve.

After dinner, everyone had time to get up and socialize. They were more comfortable talking with the crew and each other. The Judges loved it. It was not as stuffy as some of their clan affairs. They had also heard of the IDS Senior Officers boasting about their new recruits from this clan, and the Rookie Officers that were there, are beaming with pride. The Judges know that this would be a good clan to recruit from, when positions opened up in the courthouses.

Getting ready to leave was the hardest for Ta'Yanna. She had gotten used to living with Aunt Lindream and her baby daughter. So she cried on Mama's shoulder when they left for the Phoenix.

Krillgan also arranged for the Phoenix to set down in a wilderness area, so that Stoneman can go hunting. The authorities told Krillgan, that they cannot issue Stoneman a hunting license. Since they have no provision to issue one to a Rancor, so they will consider Stoneman as hunting under his license.

Krillgan was at first thinking of excluding Rudy from the hunt. He told Rudy that his tail would have no effect on a Quarra, because of their scales. So it would be dangerous for him. Rudy knew that Krillgan had already told Stoneman that he was too big for even a Quarra pack to think of taking on. Rudy told Krillgan that he has a safe place if a Quarra pack does appear. Stoneman is his friend, so will let him run up his arm, and onto his back. The Quarra would not dare attack him up there. Krillgan told Rudy that he thought it would be his safe place. Stoneman spoke up on Rudy's behalf. He told Krillgan point blank, that he would prefer that he not be on his back, as they are not bonded. In a sense, he is bonded to Rudy, since he is his friend. So has no problem letting him climb up onto his back. Krillgan apologized to Stoneman. He told him that he forgot, and made an invalid assumption. He thanked Stoneman for reminding him that he needs permission before climbing on his back. It is the same with the herd, but no Rancor has said no to him before. He told Rudy that Stoneman's back is his place. He will supervise the hunt from the safety of the trees. With that understanding they set off. It was a good hunt. They found lots of game for their freezer, and had a fun time stretching their legs.

Before leaving the planet, Krillgan left all the hides with Drumanna. She in turn sold them to a local tannery, and split the proceeds between the widow's fund in her clan, and the widow's fund in Lindream's clan.

The Jedi Master that is part of the Council, was not told of Krillgan's return until after he left. He did not like to hear that Krillgan claimed to have travelled to Voss through an Infinite Gate they opened for him in space. He was also told about the kidnapping of Krillgan's wife and son, by a Sith. Something that happened while he was on his way to the Temple of Eedit. The Jedi Master did not like the implication of what they were saying. In other words, how in touch with the force is he? Since he was not aware of what was happening around him.

The Jedi Master was informed that Krillgan used a Quarra to help him track his family and their kidnappers. The Sith was a Rattataki, that used food colouring, to stain his pale skin, to match the Devaronian red colour. He used authentic Devaronian Male horns, which suggests that he killed a Devaronian Male to get his horns. There is no record of a hornless male Devaronian body being found on Devaron, so it is believed that the Sith acquired the horns before arriving on Devaron. They also told him that they suspect that the Sith arrived on Devaron, using his own ship. Which means that it is out there somewhere.

They also mentioned the communicator call from Voss, to the residence where Krillgan was staying. Which is what prompted the family to leave, once the Fenelar Phoenix arrived to pick them up.

The Jedi Master went to Drumanna's home, where he questioned her about the call. She told him about how disappointed she was that her communicator recorded nothing about the call. It was like it never happened. They only thing she has to remind her that the call actually happened, is the picture that Krillgan's son drew of the Mystic, and showed the Jedi Master the picture. The Jedi Master recognised the person right away, as being a female Voss. He even scanned a copy of the picture for his records, and sent a copy to the Jedi Ambassador at Voss-Ka. The Ambassador did report back that this Voss Mystic had asked to borrow his communicator. But there is no record of the call, which should be impossible. Since he is the only one with access to the functions that would have allowed it. He was not there when she used the communicator, because he was scheduled to debate with the Sith Ambassador. The Voss wanted them to debate the benefits of using an old Force Sword, as opposed to using a lightsaber. It wasn't much of a debate, as it was one of the few topics where they were both in agreement with each other.

The IDS Officer assigned as a liaison, to the Master Jedi. Informed him that the Judges have concluded that Krillgan Djo, had passed every test in the old law, to show he is a Krillgan. So they declared him a Krillgan, and the Devaron Government has already ratified it. They have already sent a message to their Senator, who should be presenting it shortly before the Republican Senate for their ratification. The Officer even gave the Jedi a copy of Krillgan's translation of the section of the old law dealing with Krillgans, as well as the notes he wrote, when a sentence could be translated more than one way, indicating why he chose the translation he did. Based on how it fit with what was translated before it and after it. The Jedi knew that his scholars had not reached this section yet. So the only translation they have to work with is Krillgan's work. The Jedi Master complained that it was not fair to declare a person a Krillgan, based on his own translation of the trials. The Officer told the Jedi that Krillgan had already passed the first trial, before he had started translating the section dealing with the trials, or signs, of a Krillgan. He was still working on a section that was supposed to have already been properly translated, but wasn't. He showed that he desired that the law be applied fairly, and warned the Judges trying a case, about the discrepancies in translating that section of the law. Something that no Jedi had ever warned them about, because they were not Krillgan. The Jedi complained that he knows how to block an attack from a Sith using dark force energy. The Officer asked the Jedi Master, if all Jedi can do this? The Jedi admitted that it is something that must be taught, and is difficult to master. One of the things that distinguishes a Master Jedi from other Jedi. The Officer told the Jedi that Krillgan did it in an open courtroom in front of many witnesses. He also diverted a lightning attack, using dark force energy. Witnesses said that it looked like he had surrounded himself with a force bubble, which the lightning could not penetrate. At the same time he used his sword like a lightning rod, diverting all the energy into the stone floor. The floor is still stained by that discharge to this day. The Jedi Master would have to admit, that he did not know a defence to force lightning. The only thing he knew to do, is to attack in kind, so the assailant is discouraged from attacking like that again. The Officer told the Jedi that a number of Judges were puzzling over how they could test the Krillgan, on whether he can communicate with Quarra. The three Judges that witnessed the battle with the Witch, told the other Judges not to worry. The proof will become evident, just like in the other trials. So they were not surprised, when Krillgan used a Quarra to help him track his family down. Which was the last bit of proof they needed to declare him a Krillgan. The Officer then asked the Jedi how the investigation went, when they were trying to determine whether the Witch was self-taught, or did she have someone instructing her. The Jedi Master told the Officer, that his people determined that she was self-taught, and had been experimenting with her abilities for years. Before she even became Clan Leader. So she wasn't planted there, to make Krillgan look good. As this was one of the first things a lot of Judges thought about. The embarrassed Jedi admitted, that his people were available to testify, that Krillgan Djo did the right thing in killing the Witch. It was not a setup to show Krillgan's abilities.

The Jedi Master, re-interviewed everyone that had a connection with Krillgan Djo, or anything he did. During this investigation, he found out about Krillgan's healing abilities. He interviewed the doctors that talked to him about his abilities, and confirmed how many people he healed in one night.

The Jedi Master knew that he failed in his mission. So he wanted as much detailed information he could find out about him, to present before the Jedi Council when he returns.

From Devron, the Fenelar Phoenix continued down the Corellian Trade Spine, the short distance to Yag'Dhul, the home world of the Givin. The crew left communicating with Traffic Control, to Grimm. Since they seemed to understand each other, and was able to communicate, that they wished to make contact with their friend, Hyperbolic. Instead of being directed to the spaceport on the surface. They were directed to one of the orbiting shipyards.

When they docked with the complex. It was Hyperbolic, along with other executives from his company, who were there to greet them, and invite them to dinner in one of their conference rooms. The children took Richard and Ta'Yanna away to where they play, if you call assembling a computer from scratch as play, and where they will be served their meals.

During dinner, Hyperbolic told his fellow Givins about how he was freed from slavery. That the deal almost collapsed, because the rescuers were not expecting to purchase a Givin. He told them about Rasha's failed attempt at lessening his price, by saying she wanted him as her pet. They had Rasha dress in her noblewoman's outfit, to show that she really could pull off the look, of looking down her nose at everyone. Which had everyone laughing. Tamrack told everyone that he always get that look, whenever he has done something wrong. Which made everyone laugh again, and Rasha's cheeks turn red. Hyperbolic told everyone that the deal was about to collapse, until a Nexu took that moment to attack. The quick thinking Tal Nami incorporated the value of the Nexu's carcass as part of closing the deal.

What Hyperbolic was trying to convey, was not lost on the other executives. They were thinking of sending a small delegation to Nal Hutta, to arrange a contract. Hyperbolic had insisted right from the beginning, that they needed to include a Tal Nami as part of their delegation, if they wanted a fair contract. They had at first resisted, since the Tal Nami are considered a Hutt slave race. He had already shared with them how the Tal Nami was able to negotiate with pirates, the purchase of the Fenelar Phoenix. But this was the first time he was comfortable sharing with them how his own freedom was purchased.

After dinner they got down to business. Krillgan told Hyperbolic the reason he came to him. He needs a mobile astrometric computer. If it could connect directly to the hyperspace drive control module, it would even be better. The problem is that he has no more room on his instrument panel. So the astrometric computer will have to be stored somewhere else, but out of the way.

Hyperbolic suggested that he bring his starfighter within the complex, so that they can see what they are dealing with. Krillgan asked, if they can shut their video system off, on the side of the complex where the Phoenix is docked? Hyperbolic agreed. He did ask, if it was okay for them to watch the transformation? Krillgan thought it was alright, so the executives ran off like a bunch of school children. Excited that they will be able to see something special.

The Phoenix had to disconnect from the complex, and move a short distance away, before it could change to battle mode. So that Krillgan could fly his starfighter out of the Phoenix, and into the complex.

After witnessing the transformation to battle mode, then the transformation back, the executives quickly made their way down to the starfighter maintenance bay.

The executives noticed right away that this was not a standard size Davaab Starfighter. Krillgan told them that it is a unique, custom built Starfighter. It was assembled by Cerean's. The only criteria given, was that it must be able to fit through the doors of the Phoenix's cargo bay. Krillgan chose the Davaab design. Because their first starfighter is the fighter/bomber version of the Davaab Starfighter. So none of the pilots would need to have special training to fly it. If some extreme, unimaginable situation arose, where Krillgan would not be able to fly it. The executives knew that it will be hard for a crew member, to get permission from Krillgan to fly it.

They stepped onto a repair lift, and had a good look at the cockpit of this starfighter. They immediately thought of making the astrometrics computer, as part of a droid. They could cut a hole in the body of the starfighter. Directly behind the cockpit itself. That way the droid could read the stars right away, as soon as they dropped out of hyperspace. To confirm their location.

Krillgan told them, that they do not have permission to cut holes into the body of the starfighter. The body of this starfighter is special. He then touched the starfighter with the force, and they saw the small grid pattern of glowing green thread. They asked him about it. He told them that he found an armourer that has a recipe for the ingredients used in the old Jedi swords. That were used before lightsabers came along. The armourer used the recipe to produce a spool of metallic thread. The Cereans applied it to the entire outside of the ship, in a one centimeter grid pattern. When the starfighter is glowing, it is immune from attack, from any weapon that starfighters currently use. If he is flying it correctly. He should be able to reflect the shot back at the starfighter that just shot at him. The executives were impressed. They were also grateful that Hyperbolic has friends with interesting toys. They told Krillgan that constructing a droid is child's play. (After talking with Richard about playing with the Givin's children. Krillgan suspected that the children would be constructing the droid.) They told Krillgan that the difficulty was incorporating the sensors in such a way, that the droid could read the stars. If it was in his back seat, it would not be a problem. But if it was behind the back seat. It would need to extend its optical sensors up to the canopy to get a star reading. They will install a plug in slot, in both the back seat, and the area behind it. So the droid will be able to plug in directly with the hyperspace drive control module. To input its data.

They admitted, that the most difficult part of the project, will be writing the software for the droid, and inputting all of the data it would need. After a discussion, they told Krillgan when it would be ready by. Krillgan knew that their estimate, would be accurate to within hours, not days. So he knew what day they had to be back by, and agreed.

From Yag'Dhul they went back down the Corellian Trade Spine to Duro, then cut across to get to Manaan. Krillgan and Ludia both thought that waiting on Manaan, would be more interesting for everyone, than waiting on Yag'Dhul. Unless they wanted to learn how to build a computer from scratch, and compute in their head, the astrometric coordinates required to make a space jump.

Ta'Yanna was delighted that brother Richard and her parents took her to the employee's daycare centre. She knew that Richard would be in a different section of the daycare. But soon forgot all about him, as she tried to interact with all the children around her age, and they were always changing, as someone was dropped off by a parent, while others were taken by parents who had just finished their shift.

The first thing that Krillgan and Ludia did, was to go visit the Great Mother. She was delighted that they came. She also told Krillgan that he needs to learn how to mourn, or over time he will become bitter and resentful. He has to remember, that because of the Kolto inside of him. He will age at a much slower rate than the people around him. He will outlive everyone in his generation, in his children's generation, and his grandchildren's generation, before he might start looking old. Though his wife is descended from women who live long lives, with the assistance of the force. He is also extending her lifespan, through their intimate touching. Still, his wife will not live as long as him.

The Great Mother told Krillgan that it was hardest for her, when her first generation of children died. They were her babies. She took solace in knowing that their children lived on, and she watched cycle after cycle of life. She saw the changes they made in their world, and the hurt that others did to them. First the Rakata, then the Sith. If her children asked council of her, she tried to give them the best council she could, based upon what she has seen. She envies that he has the ability to fight against the injustices he encounters. Even though at times it will seem like he is fighting an overwhelming flood. He can only do what he can do, and hope that others do their part.

But if he cannot learn to let go of those that pass away, even if he believes that he is at fault, then he will find himself unable to help anyone in the future.

To Ludia, she told her that her body has been altered because of her ordeal. She needs to talk to her mother and elders about it. Ludia wanted to know, how has she changed? The Great Mother told her that she does not know how to explain it. She just knows that there is change. She hopes that her mother and the elders can explain the change to her. She did assure Ludia, that this has not affected her longevity. But that is all she knows to tell her. She also told her that it was pointless to worry about it. She just needs to accept that what has been done, has been done. There will still be many things she will rejoice about in her life.

Ludia and Krillgan did not know how to take what the Great Mother shared with Ludia, and left her feeling a little stunned. It was only when Ludia complained about her air, that they realized that they had been with the Great Mother, a long time. They had to both share Krillgan's air, as they made their way to the surface.

When they went to pick up Ta'Yanna, they found one cranky little girl. Because there was always new children, she did not lay down for her nap, even though the woman in charge laid her down. She got up right away, because she wanted to play, and now she was cranky. What made it worse, was that the other children did not want to play with her anymore, because she was not nice. So they took a crying cranky little girl back to their suite.

First thy tried their best to feed her, even though she tried not to eat. Not because she was not hungry, but because she was cranky. Then Ludia tried taking a bath with her. Something she was not able to do before. But Ta'Yanna was not cooperative. She scream when they put her in the bath. Then she screamed when they took her out. She cried while they prepared her for bed. All Ludia could do is hold her, while she cried herself to sleep.

Richard could not understand why Ta'Yanna was crying. She seemed happy playing, when he snuck a peak at her during the day. Krillgan tried to explain to him that Ta'Yanna is too tired, so is crying about everything, because she doesn't know what she wants. After they ate, they went out onto the sundeck, and shared a chair, because of Ta'Yanna's crying inside. Krillgan told Richard, that when he was growing up, he could tell what time it was by looking at the stars in the night sky. But he does not know this sky. All he knows is that the sun is not shining. Richard fell asleep, sitting in the chair with his father. He had a busy day, now he found a safe place to rest.

Ta'Yanna was feeling better in the morning. She was also very hungry, and ate everything her mother gave her. Her parents went to the daycare with her, to keep an eye on her. When it was time to nap, they took her back to their suite, even though she did not like it. They told her that it was important for her to rest, so that she will have more fun playing afterwards. So that became their routine. Taking Ta'Yanna back to their suite, when it was time for her to take a nap.

The Jedi Council did not like the things they were hearing about Krillgan Djo. Their friends on the Republic's Senate, told them that there was nothing they could do to stop the Senate from acknowledging that Krillgan Djo is a Devaronian Krillgan. They were also told that it did not matter as far as the Jedi are concerned. Once the Devaron Government acknowledged him, the Jedi are bound by law to recognize him as well, and avoid any conflict with him. If he ever asks for their help, they are obliged to assist him.

The Jedi Council also heard how close they came to being dissolved. With the Jedi Order entering perpetual servitude to the Devaron Government. If that had been Krillgan's goal, he could have easily stopped the message from getting through to the Jedi Council. So their translation work remained undone, while the Devaronians translated their old laws from ancient Devaronian to written basic. Krillgan's own notes showed that he wanted others to confirm his work, in case he himself has made a mistake. But from what their scholars have completed so far, they have high praise for Krillgan Djo's translations.

They discussed the trial for declaring whether or not someone is a Krillgan. Even though it sounded simple, they did not believe any of them could have passed. The next step for the Council, is for one of them to talk with Krillgan. To determine what it is he is up to? If their sources are right. He also has some very damning evidence, about the Sith Empire deceiving their own people, and using some as test dummies in their experiments.

Because of the Voss communiqué, it was decided that one of them should go to Vag'Dhul, to intercept him when he picks up whatever they are supposed to make for him.

It was a couple of days, before Krillgan and Ludia felt comfortable enough to have dinner with Talmi and the Ambassadors. The rest of the crew were also happy to join them. The Ambassadors told them about their first meeting with Krillgan and Talmi. They thought they were boring. Not interested in any form of play. Even kicking them out of their comfortable cabin, when there was so much room to spare. But then Krillgan became homesick. He told them that he was used to hanging out with women, and wanted to take them out to dinner. They told Krillgan that all they had to wear were their dance outfits. The Twi'Leks also told him about their Togruta friend, and asked if she could join them? Krillgan and Talmi ended up taking them shopping for a nice dress, before they could go for dinner. Krillgan must have enjoyed their company, because he kept inviting them out. His only problem, was that he was too much of a gentleman.

Richard asked Mama, how Papa could be too much of a gentleman? So that he does not make the same mistake. He was surprised that all the adults started laughing. Mama told him that there was no such thing as being too much of a gentleman. The women were teasing Krillgan, because they could not get their way with him. So they said he was too much of a gentleman. But she knows that he was being the gentleman he was supposed to be, and kissed Krillgan on his cheek.

Ta'Yanna was not even trying to follow the conversation. She had found herself a comfortable spot, sitting on the Togruta's lap, sucking on the tip of one of her headtails. Every once and a while the nice lady would give her a spoonful of something nice to eat. She did ask the nice lady why she is red, but has no fur. Aunty Lindream is red like her, but has fur, just like Papa. The Togruta lady told Ta'Yanna that she was given horns and headtails instead of fur. Then she asked Ta'Yanna if that was okay with her? Ta'Yanna said that it was good, because she liked sucking on the tip of her headtail.

Elibet told the Ambassadors that Krillgan was not too much of a gentleman, when he arrived on Nal Hutta. They should ask Rasha how he charmed her out of her clothes. Rasha turned as red as the Togruta. Kran pinched his wife, and told her that his children are present. She should learn when to bite her tongue.

Ludia spoke up, and told the Ambassadors that the Fenelar Phoenix was captured by pirates. Their Captain, Rasha's father was killed, and the crew sold into slavery. Rasha was awaken when she heard the alarm. Slipping some clothes on, without first taking the time to put on undergarments. She escaped the pirates by hiding in a special compartment her father had made for her. After the Phoenix landed on Nal Hutta, Rasha sneaked off of the ship, and lived on the streets were Krillgan found her. He led her into an alleyway, where Rasha told Krillgan everything that happened. Krillgan had an idea on how to free the crew, get back the Phoenix. To do so, they needed to exchange clothing. Now Rasha has known Krillgan since she was a little girl, and trusted him. She explained her situation to him. So he turned his back to her, and she did the same. They both exchanged clothing like that, until they were both dressed. No one charmed anyone out of their clothes.

The Ambassadors teased Rasha, they told her that she had a golden opportunity, and missed it. Rasha answered back, that she did not miss anything. Ludia was also her friend from when she was little. She knew that she and Krillgan were engaged, and was not about to jeopardise that friendship with either of them.

The Ambassadors wanted to know, what was Krillgan's plan? Rasha told them that Krillgan decided that he wanted to ride a Rancor, and would feed them information about the Rancor races. The Ambassadors looked horrified. Talmy told them that he felt the same way when Rasha told him. But Rasha told him to stop being a woos, Krillgan has been riding Rancor from before she knew him, so he knew what he was doing. All they needed to do, was to spend Krillgan's money, gambling.

The Ambassadors told the group how much fun they had gambling the credits Krillgan loaned them, on the darts tournament he and Talmi had enrolled in. They stuck to the maximum bet Krillgan had set for them for the tournament, and were really sad when he lost. Then they found out that they were going to play one more game. To establish who came in third, and who came in fourth. So all of them agreed to put aside the money Krillgan gave them, and wager everything else on Krillgan and Talmi winning. If they lost, they would be no poorer than they were before the tournament. If they won, they did not know what they would do. They were so nervous, and at the same time they were so excited. Watching every dart that was thrown. They have never felt that way before or since, when they knew Krillgan and Talmi won. But then when the casino brought over all their winnings, their eyes almost popped out of their heads. They had never seen so many credits in one place before. They cannot remember if it was a Twi'Lek, or Togruta, that said they wanted to buy a real nice dress, so that the boys could take them to dinner, in the ship's most fancy restaurant. After that, that was what they all wanted to do. Then they told Ludia that Krillgan was a true gentleman, and they even enjoyed his company. Talmi asked them, what about him? Was he also a gentleman? The Ambassadors started talking amongst themselves, asking if they remembered Talmi even being there. Which made the rest of the people at the table laugh, and Talmi turn red with embarrassment.

Elibet, wanting to make up for what she said earlier, and told the Ambassadors that there is a Rancor race scheduled to be broadcast tomorrow afternoon. They still bet on the races, and they are welcome to come join them. Krillgan verified what time the race would be at. It would be after Ta'Yanna's nap, so they could also go. Krillgan told them that if they come, he will lend them some betting money. He was not good at picking who would win the race. But he was good at picking the winner of the fights, so has always won more than he lost. The Ambassadors looked at Talmi. They have never done this before. Talmi smiled and nodded his head yes. So they quickly agreed to be there.

Krillgan got up quickly and picked up Ta'Yamma, she had fallen asleep on Chask's lap. She told Krillgan that she wishes she had her own little one to look after.

Before leaving to where they would be dancing that evening. The Ambassadors each went up to Talmi and kissed him on the cheek. They told him that they remembered him being a gentleman.

After taking Ta'Yanna back to the daycare after her afternoon nap. Krillgan and Ludia met everyone else at the casino. Elibet, Ludia, and Rasha all wore summer dresses that were common in the resort. The guys were also dressed casually. Grimm was also allowed in, but only as an observer, because of the company he was with. The Ambassadors wore the dresses they purchased with their winnings, so that they could go to dinner with Krillgan and Talmi on the Star Pleasures. They were pleased that Ludia approved of what they wore. Elibet and Rasha had also brought some of the dresses they wore when gambling in Hutt Space, just so they did not standout. On Manaan, they did not care if they stood out. They were just there to have fun. Apparently, a lot of the tourists staying at the resort felt the same way. But some women did wear some swimwear that should only be seen, when they are in the water. According to Krillgan and Ludia.

The Ambassadors caused quite a stir when they first walked into the casino. This is the first time they have been seen so early in the day, except when they are up on the spaceport greeting the people coming off of the pleasure cruises. So a lot of customers stopped gambling, just so they could watch them. Which was fine for the dancers acting as servers, because they got to watch as well, without getting into trouble. Because of the Ambassadors, a lot more customers entered the Rancor Racing area, then were normally there. They knew that they had to gamble or leave, so a lot more gambling took place that day.

Krillgan had arranged for some droids to bring the Ambassadors the money they were going to use for gambling. They were each delivered One Thousand Credits each. The Ambassadors were afraid to touch the money, and asked Krillgan, why it was so much? He told them that the betting minimum is much higher than they are for darts. As there was only one race, and only a few fights were expected. The dancers that were picked to serve them, were excited to meet them in person, telling them how excited they always are when they pick a venue where they get to dance with them. They did not even wait for them to place their bets, before asking for their order. The Ambassadors told them that they will have whatever the other three ladies in the group are having, so they took the groups order and disappeared. Krillgan told everyone which team he was picking to win the race. The Ambassadors noticed that Ludia picked the other team, and put Two Hundred Credits on them, she then deposited Eight Hundred Credits, to be used when the riders started fighting. The Ambassadors all followed Ludia's lead, when they noticed that Rasha was doing the same.

Tamrack was keeping an eye on Elibet and Kran like he normally did, but gambling ten times the amount they did. If they agreed, he placed a bet, if they didn't, he held off.

The Ambassadors liked the Nice Surprise they had to drink, and the finger foods they chose to snack on. Krillgan had to order more of the potato wedges, with the blood red sauce, he ordered for himself, because all the women wanted to try one. By the time they all had one, there was nothing left for Krillgan.

The Ambassadors were drawn in by the announcer and commentator that came on before the race. So felt confident that they made the right bet before the race started. When the first two Rancors grabbed a hold of one another so that their riders could fight, they noticed a flurry of activity in the betting area. The Ambassador that was the closest, copied Ludia's betting strategy, and the other Ambassadors copied her. In the middle of that fight, another group started fighting. So the Ambassadors again copied Ludia. By the time they finished, the first fight was over. The Ambassadors were disappointed that they did not see how it ended, because they were busy placing their bets. As if they asked for it, the hit that unseated the loser was shown in slow motion. Then they wondered if they bet on the winner or loser. The betting droid had to tell them that the person they bet on won. Then the second fight was over. Just as quickly, the next fight started. So the Ambassadors were betting on the next fight, not knowing if their pick won the last one. They were excited watching the last fight, especially when they knew who they picked to win, and they won. The race was over, when two Rancor from the team they picked crossed the finish line, ahead of the Rancor from the other team, that was chasing them.

The Ambassadors told their hosts that everything happened a lot faster than they expected. It wasn't like a darts match, where the tension builds slowly. Here it was bam, bam, bam. Place your next bet while trying to figure out what happened with the last one. They did like it when the droids arrived with all their winnings. It turns out that they won with each bet that they placed. They only used Eight Hundred Credits of the Thousand Credits Krillgan loaned them for gambling. But their winnings totaled One Thousand Two Hundred Credits. They were delighted. Everyone was happy for them, even the customers that lost money, felt better, when they saw how happy the Ambassadors were for winning. Rasha asked them what strategy they used. The embarrassed Ambassadors, quietly told her that they just did what Ludia did. Rasha told them that Ludia is the least experienced of all of them, when it comes to gambling. Then she quietly told them that she did the same. Then she asked Ludia to explain her strategy. Ludia told them that when it comes to picking which team will win the race. Krillgan usually picks the losing team, so she always picks the other team. When it comes to the fights, she picks who Krillgan picks. So she usually wins more money than he does.

The Ambassadors payed back the Credits that Krillgan lent them. When asked if they were going to buy another dress with their winnings. They said they would, if Krillgan promised to take them to dinner. Krillgan told them that they need to leave first thing in the morning, so they are not late in picking up there next delivery. The Ambassadors were disappointed, but understood. Krillgan asked them, if they invest any of their wages, in the casino? They told Krillgan that Talmi has it set up, so they can invest a small portion in the casino. What they do not use, gets deposited in a bank account for them. Krillgan told them that he was sure that Talmi would allow them to deposit all of their winnings, since they are not wages. That is what the Ambassadors were hoping.

That evening Talmi contacted Krillgan and asked if everything is okay, because he had expected them to stay longer. Krillgan told him that they had placed a special order for Hyperbolic's company to fill. He timed how long it took them to arrive on Manaan, after leaving Vag'Dhul. He expected the return trip to take as long. He explained that the Givin's quote for how long they expected the project to take, included hours, as well as standard days. They don't mind him being a few hours late, but a few days is unacceptable from their point of view. Talmi understood, and asked Krillgan to pass along his greetings. He had also explained to Krillgan what fair compensation per hour would be, for the hours the Givin put into the project. Krillgan had asked him, because he was sure Hyperbolic would not ask for compensation.

Ta'Yanna and Richard were not happy that they were woken up early the next morning, and told they were leaving right after breakfast. They were hoping their parents would want to live there, since they have their own place to live. Ta'Yanna tried not to cry, as she buried her face in Mama's shoulder. Since Mama was carrying her. Richard wanted to cry as well. But because he did not hear Ta'Yanna crying, he held his tears back as well. He did feel better that Papa carried him. The parents told their children that it is okay for them to feel sad. They had a nice time playing, and no one knows when they will be back again. They have to remember that their parents and the crew, have commitments. There are other people relying on them. They did watch as the Selkath porters, and the porter droids, loaded everything that Rasha had ordered and paid for, the night before. When they smelt the smoked fish, they asked their parents if they could have some for lunch. So Krillgan walked over to the cantina, and ordered enough smoked fish dinners for the crew to go. The owner reminded Krillgan that he was out of Marley's Brew, if he could pick some up for him, the next time he was through. He still had some Clan Brew, so was not anticipating any riots. When Krillgan returned to the Phoenix, he told Rasha about the cantina's predicament. Rasha took note. Richard overheard them, and realized that the cantina owner was one of the people counting on this ship to bring them stuff. He liked the owner, and the juice blend he made him, whenever the crew stopped by for a burger.

It turns out their timing was very good when they arrived in the Vag'Dhul System. Hyperbolic told Grimm that they are just finishing the loading of the last data entries. The droid should be loaded in Krillgan's starfighter, by the time they finish docking with the complex. It should only take them a few minutes for them to test compatibility of the droid being able to communicate with the starfighter. Then they will be ready for their test run.

When Krillgan arrived in the Starfighter Bay, they were just completing their last tests. Hyperbolic introduced his daughter Logarithmic to Krillgan and told him that she will be coming for the test flight. They were only jumping to the Harrin System, which was the next system down the Corellian Trade Spine. So they will spend more time traveling in system, than in Hyperspace. When Krillgan indicated he was ready to make the jump. Logarithmic gave him the coordinates she had calculated in her head. Krillgan compared them to what the astrometric droid had input into the Hyperspace Drive Control Module. Because they were a match he engaged the Hyperspace Drive. It was the same for the trip back. While they were heading to rendezvous with the Phoenix. Krillgan asked Hyperbolic, what would happen if his daughter's values did not correspond with what the droid input into the module? Hyperbolic told him, that his daughter's figures would be accepted as correct, so he would have needed to input them manually. Then they would have to examine the droid's software, to see where the error in its calculations occurred. This statement made his daughter very happy, and boosted her confidence in her own abilities. Hyperbolic mentioned nothing about doing his own computations, to verify that they were both correct.

After stowing the starfighter in Cargo Bay 1, the Phoenix docked with the complex again, so that Father and daughter could leave. Krillgan had also handed Hyperbolic, what he expected the fee for the droid would be. Then he passed along the greetings from Talmi. Hyperbolic asked Krillgan, if Talmi helped him come up with a fee? Krillgan said that he did. So Hyperbolic did not bother counting it.

He did inquire about where he met Talmi? Krillgan told Hyperbolic that Talmi has been hired by the Selkath, to design and build resorts, hotels, and casinos. He has also been keeping the Hutts, and The Exchange from gaining controlling interest. So now Hypebolic knew where they went when they left Vug'Dhul. Hyperbolic asked if they also have conference rooms, where businesses can negotiate deals, and conferences can be held? Krillgan was pretty sure that Talmi showed them to him when he had the first tour. Krillgan told Hyperbolic that Talmi was very thorough with his designs. But he has never needed to use the facilities, so cannot remember. He told Hyperbolic how to contact the Selkath on Manaan to find out. He also told him about the suite he has at the resort, as being a founder. Since he helped acquire much of the building materials used in the construction of the first resort. He had never thought that a Givin would be interested in using it. But it makes sense when you look at it as a neutral place to help close business deals. He told Hyperbolic that he will add his name to the list of people that can use his apartment when he was not there.

Hyperbolic went straight to his board, after talking with Krillgan. He told them that he just found out that there is a Tal Nami that resides on Manaan. He helped Krillgan to establish the price to pay for the astrometric droid, called A-1, since it is the very first. Hyperbolic poured out the credits so they could all see. They all saw that it was a fair value. The Givin knew that they have trouble closing deals, because their exso-skeleton has them looking like they have a permanent frown. So clients have trouble believing that they are accepting of their deal. With a Tal Nami being this close to them, and if they have conference room facilities, this could help them close more deals, and help keep more people employed.

From Vug'Dhul, the Phoenix headed for Bill'dit's world. Krillgan also had work for him to do, and a possible project, that he is anticipating that he will need in the future.

Krillgan was surprised that Bill'dit wanted his advice on whether or not to accept a work contract. He and Fik'set believe that someone broke into their armour display room. But have no proof, and nothing is missing.

Krillgan asked him about the contract? Bill'dit told him that an alien with a bright colourful face, approached him about making replicas of four of the old style of Jedi swords. They also named him, asking that he make sure that they functioned properly.

Krillgan apologised and excused himself, telling Bill'dit that he will return shortly.

Krillgan returned to the Phoenix, and asked Richard if he could draw the picture of the Voss mystic again. Richard yelled, "Mama! Papa said I could play with the colouring sticks." Krillgan suggested that Richard get them himself, rather than expecting Mama to bring them. So Richard got up, and went to the door of the Captain's cabin. Knocking softly on the door. When he received no response, he opened the door, and quietly went in. He returned a couple of minutes later, and whispered to Papa that he forgot that Mama was taking a nap with Ta'Yanna. He went down on the floor, and proceeded to draw the face of the Voss mystic. Then he asked Papa if it was alright if he continued to color? Papa said it was all right. He also told Richard, that if he is running low of supplies, he should mention it to Aunty Rasha. So she can buy them for him, the next time she goes to a market.

Bill'dit was surprised that Krillgan returned with a picture of the alien who placed the order, in his hand. He was even more surprised, when Krillgan told him that he knows for a fact, someone borrowed two of his swords, then returned them. He had them follow him into the armour display room. He took a sword down off the wall, and showed them the fresh teeth marks on the handle. He told them that he had to use the force, to push the creature away from the warrior using the sword. So that he could recover enough to use the sword to chop the creatures head off. Krillgan told Bill'dit, that unless he wants them to keep coming back and borrowing his swords. He should make them four of their own, so at least they will pay him for them. Bill'dit confirmed that these are to be, functioning Force Swords.

Krillgan also mentioned that he needs enough explosives, to level a Kwa sized temple. As well as enough incendiary bombs, to torch a small continent, or large island. He can take his pick.

Bill'dit suggested that instead of making that many incendiaries. It would be better if they took barrels of the flammable compound portion, and spread that around. Then they would only need a few incendiary bombs, to ignite everything. He will show Rasha how to mix the compound up, from simple ingredients that can be purchased on most planets. Bill'dit then asked Krillgan about the new project he had in mind?

Krillgan told him that he could make him a new suit of armour. He then pointed to one on display. He told Bill'dit that he would like it to look like that one. Only he wanted it made out of the same material as the swords.

Bill'dit told him that he only had enough raw material on hand to build the four swords. What he needs is not easy to come by. He asked Krillgan to keep his eyes open, and to purchase, or steal, whatever he can find. He told him how to identify it, so he knows what he needs. He asked Krillgan, if there was something wrong with the Bounty Hunter's armour? He also wanted to know, if he wanted to wear the suit in space, or just on breathable planets?

Krillgan told Bill'dit that Kran has taken the Bounty Hunter's armour as his own. Krillgan also found the electronics in the helmet to be distracting. The only electronic he wants, is the ability to communicate with his team. He thinks that it would be best if he can wear it in space. He can see having to visit planets without a breathable atmosphere.

Bill'dit told Krillgan, how long he can expect to prepare the explosives he asked for, if he leaves Rasha behind.

Because Rasha stayed behind, Tamrack decided to stay with her, and help any way he can.

The Jedi Master arrived in Yag'Dhul, asking if they know a Givin that is a friend of Krillgan Djo. It did not take long for Hyperbolic to come down to the surface to talk with the Jedi Master. He told the Jedi that he is honoured to be called the friend of Krillgan Djo, and asked him how he may be of service? The Jedi Master told Hyperbolic that they heard that he would be constructing something to assist Krillgan Djo. He was wondering when Krillgan will be returning to pick it up? He was hoping to have a word with him. Hyperbolic told the Jedi Master that the project was completed a while ago, and Krillgan had arrived at the agreed to time. So that they could test its function. The product passed its test, and Krillgan and his people have long moved on.

Hyperbolic happened to bring a copy of Krillgan's droid, in case the Jedi Master wanted to see it. The droid was not fully functional, as they have only loaded about half the data it would need for its computations. Krillgan's model also has a maintenance manual for his starfighter, based on its Davaab design, and the Cerean improvements, while building it. It was basically to remind Krillgan when to get something on his starfighter looked at, so it could be maintained at its optimum performance.

When the Jedi Master asked him about the project he completed for Krillgan? Hyperbolic called the droid over and told the Jedi that they built a droid around an astrometric computer for his starfighter. Like many small ships, he has hyperspace capability. But no astrometric computing capability. Relying on spaceports to input the calculated data into his Hyperspace Drive Control Module. Which is fine, as long as pirates or a heavy passing ship does not knock them out of hyperspace. Then they have to guess how to engage it, to get to the next system. Which is even harder when they don't know where they are.

Hyperbolic told the Jedi, that once they were finished with making this current droid operational. They were planning to take it to Devaron, then Duro. Which is where most scout pilots are from. The astrometric droid has the capability of calculating the position of new systems, while the scouts use their talents to explore hyperspace lanes. So the return trip can be faster than the exploration trip. The sooner the scout can return with new data, the sooner he can expect to be paid for his services.

The Jedi Master asked, if he could take the droid? He was dubious about its capabilities. He also wanted to know if the droid could perform ulterior services for Krillgan that the Givin was not telling him about.

Hyperbolic told the Jedi how much Krillgan paid for his droid. They would expect to be compensated the same amount. He also told him how long it would take to complete its programing, and all the data installation.

The Jedi Master wanted to know, why was it so much?

Hyperbolic told the Jedi that this is a prototype model. It will not be until they have visited the target planets, that they can determine the size of a production run. In order to bring the price down.

The Jedi agreed. He also asked Hyperbolic, how he became Krillgan Djo's friend.

Hyperbolic sent the droid back to his ship, so that it could be transported up to the complex. Where it will be completed. He told the Jedi that he was on a freighter for a business trip, when it was captured by pirates. Fortunately the pirates did not know who he was, or would have demanded an exorbitant ransom be paid for his release. More than his company and government could afford to pay. Instead he was treated like any captured slave, and placed with the general slave population at a mine on Nal Hutta. There he met the members of the crew of the Fenelar Phoenix. He found their Engineer to be a man that he could converse with. The crew of the Phoenix had an ally in Krillgan Djo. Who happened to be on Nal Hutta, trying to find his own way in life. Instead he found his friend Rasha. The dead Captain's daughter. She had eluded capture, and was living on the streets. Using the self defense techniques Krillgan had taught her, to elude slavers and rapists. They combined resources, and were able to accumulate enough money that they could hire a Tal Nami Broker. In order to purchase their friends release. The Engineer almost caused the deal to collapse, because he wanted Rasha to secure his release as well. Fortunately a Nexu tried to attack at that moment, which Krillgan easily dispatched with a force pike. "In a matter of speaking, the Nexu body was exchanged for mine. That is how I became a friend."

The Jedi wanted to hear more. Because the Fenelar Phoenix is still flying in space. Hyperbolic suggested that they board the Jedi's ship, and fly up to his shipyard complex. This portion of their planet is about to be exposed to the vacuum of space. At that moment alarms started going off, warning all none Givins to seek an airtight shelter.

In the complex, Hyperbolic led the Jedi Master to a small conference room, where he put up the do not disturb sign. Someone on his staff, had thoughtfully left them a carafe of tea, and a plate of biscuits to nibble on.

Hyperbolic told the Jedi that the crew of the Phoenix decided to use the casinos on Nal Hutta and Nar Shaddaa, to generate the credits they needed. To purchase the Phoenix back from the pirates.

Krillgan had befriended the hotel's seamstress. By feeding her whenever she came to their room to do work. Rasha had also mentioned that Krillgan had healed her of something he had encountered before. So she was both ready and willing to help them with whatever costume they needed. Krillgan had the most difficult task, of coming up with inside information, that they could use when gambling. Hyperbolic refused to elaborate. He did mention that he found out that Givins were not allowed into the casino's, and came up with algorithms that gave them a predicted 75% success rate when gambling. Krillgan pointed out that if they were successful 100% of the time, the casinos would become suspicious, and start investigating them. What it did do, is lengthen the duration they spent on Nal Hutta.

Hyperbolic told the Jedi that they also had to make special preparations, for after they purchased the Phoenix. They knew that the pirates had swapped gun turrets, so the ones they installed, were next to useless. They also replaced the Hyperspace Drive with one that could barely work. The same with the in-system drives. It was also discovered that every module they could get away with replacing in the Phoenix's bridge was also exchanged with something that was questionable.

The good thing was, that the crew found the pirate base, of those that had captured the Phoenix. They also found that the Bounty Hunter that killed their Captain, was also there, and they wanted revenge. It was decided that Krillgan would execute the Bounty Hunter, after the crew had confronted him. As a reward, Krillgan claimed the Bounty Hunter's Davaab Starfighter.

Krillgan took the dead body of the Bounty Hunter with him to the pirate's base. Planning on disposing of it latter. The idea was that the Bounty Hunter was returning with someone he captured. Presumably, someone with a bounty on their head. Unwittingly, the naïve Krillgan insulted the pirates after walking on to the base. Triggering a firefight. All while trying to figure out how to get the starfighter's canopy open. After opening the canopy, and powering up the starfighter. Krillgan strafed the pirate base before taking off. All-in-all, he killed some pirates, injured others, and upset the lot of them. The other thing found at the pirate base, is the ship they used to board the Phoenix. The one the crew believed would try it again. The exterior of the pirate ship was thoroughly studied. All its drives looked to be compatible with the Phoenix. So the crew decided that with Krillgan's help, they would board the pirate ship that would try to board them. Salvaging from the pirate ship everything they could, to make the Phoenix operational again. The crew also decided that Krillgan should be the Phoenix's new Captain.

When all plans were finalised. The hotel's seamstress found out that Krillgan was going to stop at Chalacta, to see if he could find a PD Officer that had befriended his family. She pulled Krillgan aside, and revealed to him that she was an undercover Chalactan Officer, that was keeping an eye on a pirate ring that had kidnapped a number of women from Chalacta. Intending to sell them as slaves. She had lost contact with Chalacta. But the person Krillgan wanted to look for, is the husband of her commanding officer. She gave Krillgan a code of some sort. So they would know she is still alive, and has the information needed to rescue their women.

Hyperbolic told the Jedi Master that his role when the pirates tried boarding the Phoenix, was to exit the ship, and jump across to the pirate ship. He was to disengage their drives, and attach them to the Phoenix. So he does not know what Krillgan did to board them. All that he can say. Is that the crew of the Phoenix found a lot of personal items aboard the pirate ship. So none of them felt any pity for the pirates that were still alive. By the time they broke contact with the pirate ship. The Phoenix was starting to feel like their ship again.

Krillgan did make contact with his family's friend. Only to find out that he is the head of Chalactan PD. Appointed to that position, after his wife was killed in the line of duty. When he received the code from Krillgan, he mobilised a special squad, to rescue their women. Krillgan told his new friend, that he needs him and his crew to return with his people. First to break up an obvious, all Chalactan crew. Which could lead to strong retaliation from the Hutts when they found out. He also mentioned that they need him and his resources to buy out the contract of his operative. Something that Chalactan PD did not have the funds or resources to do.

His friend agreed, so a joint task force was sent to rescue the women. Only they accomplished more than rescue the women, and free the operative. They arrived on Rorak 4, at the pirate's slave base complex. The day before the slaves were supposed to be sold, and the pirates paid for a year's worth of work. They obliterated the pirates, freed all their slaves, and destroyed the complex, and all their ships that were not used in the rescue. They loaded everyone on the three largest of the pirate ships, along with the converted yacht that they were using for this mission. This convoy had just enough resources to make it to Chalacta. Making one big headache, for the head of Chalactan PD. A headache he was grateful for.

As a reward, the head of Chalactan PD allowed the crew of the Phoenix, to remove anything from the returning ships that could help them improve their ship. As well as anything in their warehouses, removed from pirate ships they had dismantled. They connected the best hyperspace drive they found, with the best in-system drives. Which when tuned, made the Phoenix almost as fast as a starfighter. They found three quad-turbolaser gun turrets that would fit the Phoenix. The head of the Chalactan PD apologised, that they could not be seen, helping them install them. Which was fine with the crew, because they knew of a place where they could.

Hyperbolic informed the Jedi Master, that when they reached Republic space, he parted company with the crew.

The Jedi Master asked Hyperbolic, what did he think of Krillgan as a person?

Hyperbolic told him that Krillgan is the type of person that every Jedi should strive to be. He knows that he is special. But does not consider himself superior. He has a healer's heart. Doing what he can to help people. To him, the force is a tool, like every other tool he has at his disposal.

The Jedi Master asked Hyperbolic, if he knew that Krillgan is not a Jedi?

Hyperbolic said that he knew. It is also evident that he is not a Sith. If he was asked to describe him, his only response, is to say that he is a Krillgan.

The Jedi Master asked Hyperbolic, if he knew what it meant to call someone a Krillgan?

Hyperbolic told him, that after meeting Krillgan Djo, he assumes that it is a compliment.

The Jedi Master returned to Typhon, with his new droid. Which he had analyzed, before making his presentation before the Jedi Council. Concerning the droid, the Council agreed to recommend that they be incorporated in all new Starfighter designs. This would allow Starfighters to run hit and run missions against Sith targets, without the need of a support ship.

Concerning Krillgan, the Council was undecided. The Jedi Master did not like that the Givin spoke of Krillgan, with the same reverence, as the Devaronians who encountered him. The Council was wondering if Krillgan was using an ancient form of mind control, to enhance his image in the eyes of the people he encountered. It was imperative, now more than ever, that they meet him, and try and assess his abilities. Only they have no clue where he is. Except that he appears to be running some sort of mission for the Voss.

A Council member suggested, that if they cannot go to him, then they should bring him to them. They have a difficult situation, where a Devaronian tradesperson has passed away, without leaving a direct descendent. Two clans on this planet have freely intermarried. So there are nieces and nephews in both clans that claim the right of inheritance. The clan elders have asked for a Jedi's intervention, before both clans are torn apart. They should inform the elders that there is now a Devaronian Krillgan. This would fall under his jurisdiction. They need to send a message to the Government on Devaron. To contact him on their behalf. They just need to wait for him to show up. His decision should reveal something of his character. They can question him after, if he doesn't run away.