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.

4. Chapter 4

©2018

When they landed on Dathomir, Krillgan and Ludia, both told Ludia's mother, that she needed to call a meeting of all Sisters. When the Sisters knew that Krillgan and Ludia were back, they all strived to be at the meeting. They knew that they were about to hear an interesting story.

The Rancor herd were a little jealous of their Sisters, since Smasher's death, they had no good story teller to tell them what Krillgan has been up to. Rudy was no story teller, and had a short memory, so only told them about what the children were doing. It was only when My Friend went out to visit Stoneman that she heard about the hunting they did in the forests of Devaron. But what surprised her the most, is his refusal to allow Krillgan on his back. Stoneman reminded My Friend that he is not part of her herd, but Krillgan is. His herd are the ones that are always on their flying den, and Rudy is a good friend to him. It is the beastmaster, and Ludia, of the men, that speak to him the most. So My Friend returned and told the herd what Stoneman shared with her. A number of herd members were angry with Stoneman, when they heard that he did not allow Krillgan on his back. The Herd Mother spoke up and reminded them that Stoneman was in the right. She also mentioned that she would not be surprised if he did allow Ludia on his back. Since both Ludia and My Friend have been good to him.

Krillgan started speaking to his Sisters. He reminded them of the dream that Mother Andriel's human mother shared before she passed away, and the advice that Mother Andriel's birth mother gave him, because of the dream. He told them that he found the information his grandmother directed him to. In the old Devaronian Laws, that were in their archives on Devaron. That when the ancient Devaronians encountered other space traveling species, they took the time to translate their laws into the Kwa symbols, so that the other species could also understand them. He told them that in the Republic, most species have forgotten the Kwa. So they call the symbols Jedi symbols, because the Jedi seem to be the only ones out there, who can read them. So it surprised the Devaronians that he could also read them. He did admit that he struggled at first, because Diennu and Ludia were always better at reading them. So he started by reading the sections of the Devaronian Law that the Jedi had already translated to written basic. He was fortunate that he first picked a section translated by a scholar, so he felt comfortable with his ability to read the Kwa symbols. He told them how shocked he felt, when he read how poorly some sections of the law were translated. He felt that the Jedi had wronged the Devaron people by giving a translation that would be difficult for their Judges to interpret and render fair judgements. When he sat in on a trial as a spectator, he sent a note to the Judges warning them that the one participant was correct in their actions, because the law when translated properly, supported them. The Judges showed their integrity by suspending the trial, and asking him to explain himself. So he explained to them the translation of the Kwa symbols into written basic, and the various ways he could translate it, and the translation that made the most sense to him. They compared his translation to the translation they had, and agreed that his translation made more sense. They asked him, if all their law was translated so poorly? He pointed out that some sections were translated by scholars, and other sections, like the one they were looking at, were translated by acolytes. Because of what he revealed, the Judges asked him to go over the translation of their law. To indicate which sections were translated properly, and which sections need to be redone. The Judges also had a Devaronian representative contact the Jedi Council. They reminded them that the Jedi Order are under contract to translate their law properly, as well as reminding them that there are still sections that they have not completed. If the Jedi Council had not heard of him before. They were now aware of him.

He told the Sisters that he really enjoyed reading the section of Devaronian Law dealing with Krillgans, after which he is named. He also understood why the Jedi had not translated it. According to Devaronian Law, one they recognise as being a Krillgan, actually has authority over Jedi. They are not allowed to interfere with him, but are required to help him, if he asks. Because Devaronian law is part of Republic Law. This means that anywhere the Jedi encounter him, they are not to interfere with what he is doing, but must stand ready to help him.

Krillgan told his Sisters about the Nightsister he encountered. That the Witch was using dark force energy to influence everyone in court, even the Judges. He felt he had no choice in confronting the Nightsister.

Ludia interrupted him at this point. Telling the Sisters that he jumped down into the middle of the court, from their observers' balcony. A feat that would have caused the average person to break both their legs. She interrupted him so that his Sisters understood that it was a very dramatic entry. Not the simple stroll into court that he was implying.

Krillgan's face darkened by embarrassment. He told his Sisters that it was not his intention to make a dramatic entrance. He was only interested in stopping the Witch. She did attack him immediately with dark force energy, which appeared as an inky substance in the air. It had no place to go, since he had filled himself with light force energy. So it just dissipated. He sensed that her next attack would be lightning. He could easily defend himself, but there were too many innocent people around him that could be burnt. So he forced his sword through his air shield, and stuck the tip into the stone floor. The lightning could not penetrate the shield, but did travel down the blade of the sword into the floor where it left a dark stain, as it dissipated. To keep her from attacking any further. He reached out and grabbed her with the force, pulling her towards him. Where she ended up with his sword through her heart. To be safe, he blasted her innards with force lightning, then cut off her head.

He told his Sisters that he started treating all the people in the courtroom, by passing light force energy through them, to purge the dark force energy. But what was fascinating, was the way the light force energy manifested in the palm of his hands as light. The force on Devaron is almost as strong as it is on Dathomir, and manifests in what appears as a physical way when you use it.

Krillgan said that he started treating the people in the courtroom that had the least exposure to dark force energy. Because he could heal a lot of the people faster. The Judges from other courtrooms had run to his courtroom, when they heard what happened. They challenged him, asking him, under what authority did he do what he did? He told them that he did it under his authority as a Krillgan. That is also when he heard a force call from a people he did not know, but knew he would need to respond. He jumped up to the balcony to retrieve all his notes, as well as his translation of the section dealing with Krillgans. He gave his notes to the Judges. He told them that when he returns, they can let him know if they agree that he is a Krillgan, or a murderer. He left instructions for the Jedi that are at their Temple on Devaron, to continue with the healings he started. Because there were a lot of innocent people that had been exposed to the dark force energy, used by the Witch.

A Sister interrupted Krillgan. Asking if he knew there was a Jedi Temple on Devaron, and if he knew what they used it for?

Krillgan told them that he did not know about it, until after he landed on the planet. He understands that they use it as a training center. He told them that it is built on what is called a Force Vergence. A place where the force is very powerful, and easy to access. He would not be surprised if even Rasha could be a force user there. Since she is already sensitive to the force. Then he let the Sisters talk amongst themselves for a few minutes. Like them, he did not know that such a place could exist in the force, since on Dathomir, the strength of the force seems to be the same everywhere.

When they seemed to quiet down, he told them about leaving Devaron, and approaching an interesting swirling in space. Something that no one else was allowed to do. As it appeared to be protected by a force field. He found out later that it is called an Infinite Gate, by its creators. That almost as fast as he entered it, he exited it, and found himself in a system called Voss. That two others came out of two other Infinite Gates, at the same time as he did. They landed on a small spaceport, built on the side of a mountain, next to a city that covered the mountain top, called Voss-Ka. The people who live in the city are called Voss. They are either force users, or the descendants of force users. Unlike the rest of the people who live on the planet. They are called Gomak. He described the colorful facial features, and that they have eyes similar to insects. You can distinguish whether they are male or female from the colour of their eyes. After having seen some Gomak from some of their tribes. He believes that the features the Voss have, are because they are a mixture of the natural markings of the different Gomak Clans. That at one time they were one people, but then the Gomak turned on their force users, and tried to kill them. Making war with them, to this day. But the Voss were warned by their mystics not to destroy the Gomak. Even though they have the power to do so. The Voss must believe that they will be one people again, someday.

Krillgan described the other two warriors that landed when he did. The one was a mixed breed Nikto, dressed in Morgukai armour. But had the wrong skin color to be a Morgukai. So at some point in his life he was challenged by a Morgukai, and killed him. Claiming his armour. The Nikto is called Kaijan. The other warrior was also a mixed breed. He was part Besalisk, but skinnier and taller. He could also not use his lower arms as well as a Besalisk. He was called Stretch.

The Voss asked the other warriors to surrender their lightsabers, and were given Force Swords. (Krillgan decided not to mention where their swords came from.) They were told that the reason they were called, is because they all have experience building things, and the Gomak worship Engineers. Once they pass the Gomak test for Engineers. The Gomak will not interfere with them, as they make their way to the Nightmare Lands. Where there are creatures that have been corrupted by dark force energy. The creatures will be attracted to them because of their use of the light force energy. They are the reason the other warriors were given Force Swords. Since their light sabers are ineffective against many of the creatures corrupted by the dark force energy. What they were asked to do is clear a way for those that will come after them, to destroy the creature made from dark force energy. That was corrupting the land.

Krillgan described his meeting with the Gomak. They were eager to test them. They really wanted to see if he had earned his title, as Son of the Builder. What was important, was that they not use force energy during the trial. Krillgan described each test, and how they overcame each one. The one that the Sisters found most amazing, was crossing a river of lava in a small metal boat, without it melting. That is, they became amazed, when they found out that lava is melted rocks.

A lot of the Warrior Sisters wanted to ask Mother, if she thought that the Earth element would work on lava? They could just imagine throwing lava javelins, until Mother pointed out, that they would burn their hands. It was easier, and safer, to just pick up a blob of lava using the force, than force pushing it at the enemy.

Krillgan told his Sisters about training the other warriors how to use their swords, while traveling to the Nightmare Lands. Since lightsabers are much lighter. They do not have to enhance their strength using the force, to handle them. The biggest mistake they made, was not taking enough containers of clean drinking water with them, when they entered the Nightmare Land. He told them about facing wave after wave of the creatures from the Nightmare Lands. Only moving deeper into the lands because of the bodies piling up around them. That it was not until the second day, that they could take turns sleeping, while the other two battled the creatures.

Even though they slept at regular intervals after that, by the time they reached the gate to the Dark Heart, they were hungry, they were thirsty, and they were tired, since the body did not have what it needed, to rejuvenate itself. Then Stretch started hallucinating. He and Kaijan believed that the creature in the Dark Heart touched his mind. If they had at least brought more drinking water, they all would have been stronger. Then Stretch would not have been killed. Instead the creature lured Stretch to the gate. When he opened the gate, it sliced him. Krillgan showed on his own body where the creature had sliced him. They made no attempt to recover the part of Stretch's body inside the gate. But they both felt it was not right to abandon his body in the nightmare lands, so they both took turns using the force, to carry his body with him.

Krillgan told them about the Gomak reception waiting for them. How they used Stretch's body, with a Force Sword in his hand, and a creature's head on top of the body, to scare the Gomak away. Then they feasted on all the food and drink they left behind. After they rested, they built a funeral pyre for Stretch's body, and unintentionally burnt down the Gomak camp. He told how the Gomak returned with a small army. The Commander believed that his men became drunk and accidently burnt down their own camp. Then they made up the story to cover up what they did. When Kaijan heard that, he was angry. So he made the same sound he did, while they were holding Stretch's body up, with the creature's head. The original group of Gomak warriors started running, and did not look back. The other warriors started running because the first group did. Finally, the Commander chased them, because he did not want to be left alone, with whatever made the noise. It felt good to have a good laugh, after what they had been through. When they returned to the mountain, the Voss mystic informed him that he needed to leave right away, because his wife and son need him.

Krillgan sat down at that point while Ludia stood up, and talked to her Sisters. She told them that grandmother Lydna appeared to her in a dream, and warned her that her milk was about to become poison for Ta'Yanna. She needed to find someone to look after her. Ludia knew that Rasha and Elibet could not look after Ta'yanna, since they did not have any milk of their own to give her. She decided to continue to Devaron, since they were already in the system. When they landed, they found out that Krillgan had left. So the strange swirling thing they saw in space, was for Krillgan. She decided that her top priority, was to find a safe place for Ta'Yanna. She went into the spaceport to withdraw coins from the special machine. Since she knew from talking with Mother Andriel, that Devaronian women expected to be compensated fairly, for anything they did for you. Either with work or Credits. So the Credit coins would have to do. She decided that it was better to withdraw too many coins then not enough, since she did not yet understand their value. She expected that whoever agreed to look after Ta'Yanna would be honest, and return any coins that she did not need.

She sought Grandmother's guidance, as she walked through the streets. Until she was led to a young mother who had just finished nursing her young baby. She asked the young mother if she had enough milk to feed her daughter as well. Then shared with her, her grandmother's warning. The young mother objected, stating that her daughter was drinking more each day. She countered that Ta'Yanna needed to be weaned, so should start drinking less each day. So the mother agreed, and when Ta'Yanna said she was hungry, she took her and nursed her. Ludia left the coins and instructions with the young mother. She also told her the name of Ta'Yanna's father, and if she does not return in a month's time, she needs to go to the ones who enforce their laws, to tell them about Ta'Yanna. So they can start looking for his father. The young mother told her that they are called Internal Devaron Security Officers, then explained where their closest office was located.

She took Richard with her and headed for that office. They knew Krillgan had left the planet, which was a comfort for her. Because they would know when he returned. They asked a lot of questions about her and Krillgan. She assumes to verify who she is. They told her where Krillgan was staying, and gave her directions as to how to get there. They told her that the lady is nice, and will probably let her stay in Krillgan's room, until he returns.

Richard has been holding her hand, since they landed on Devaron. What he wanted to do is run, and stretch his legs. He wanted to play with the local children. I asked him to be patient. When they reach where Krillgan has been staying, she was sure that she would know a good place where boy's his age can go play. But they did not make it.

"Richard spotted what looked like someone selling small furry creatures. He let go of my hand to run over and look. As soon as he let go, I knew that he was in danger. Two people stepped in front of me. Blocking my view of Richard. Another two came along side of me. With one making sure that I knew they were pointing a blaster pistol at me. I knew that the blaster bolt would not penetrate the Rancor leather I was wearing. Only from what Krillgan told me. It would hurt bad, and there would be bruising underneath."

"When I saw Richard again, I knew that a Sith was holding onto him. His skin dyed red, and the horns glued to his forehead, did not fool me. He let Richard see the blaster pistol pointed at me. Poor Richard did not know that it could not do what the Sith was telling him that it could. But as long as the Sith was holding onto Richard, I was afraid to do anything. It would be too easy for him to kill Richard. My only course of action was to wait, and not let them know that I was a force user. As long as they did not hurt Richard, I would refrain from killing them."

They took us to where a large vehicle was waiting. There they searched me and found the two Dathomirite daggers. Fortunately, not even the Sith knew what they are. They did not find my two Togruta knives. The Sith handed me a potion to drink. Keeping a hand on Richard. I knew that it was infused with dark force energy to enhance its affect. The foolish Sith did not notice that I infused it with light force energy. Driving the dark force energy out of it, and filling it with the light force energy, to enhance any good qualities that were in it. I was surprised that no one noticed that my hands were glowing. It was only after that, that I drank it. I then proceeded to tell everyone who my husband is. That he is a Krillgan. That he will be able to find us, no matter where they take us. That he will kill them all, to set us free. I told them about the previous failed attempt by the Sith. When the Ministry of Intelligence sent two teams of assassins to capture Krillgan. They tried using hostages then as well. Well the hostages were freed, all the assassins were killed. Not one of them laid a hand on Krillgan. I know my words had the desired effect. Every time we came close to a city. Someone else would return the money the Devaronian crew chief gave them for what they did, and got off. I heard them say that they did not want to be the target of a Krillgan. Apparently, Krillgan had done something that made all of them afraid. We found out later, that all Devaronian children are raised on stories of what the old Krillgans had done. That coupled with what Krillgan did do, terrified them. This was no longer an easy job for them."

"By the time we left the large vehicle for a smaller one, there were only three couples left, to follow their leader's orders. They took us to a place, where we would wait for Krillgan. They were waiting to hear that he was back, so they could negotiate his surrender. I was waiting for him to come bursting through the door to rescue us. They locked me in a room, so I could not see Richard. It wasn't a strong room. I could have torn it apart with my bare hands. But I did not want to endanger Richard. The next morning, a Devaronian female came into my room with more potion for me to drink. I grabbed her by the throat, and told her that I will not eat or drink anything, without first talking to my son. Then I relaxed my hand on her throat, so that she could call out, and have them bring my son to the door, so that I could talk with him. I found out that the fake Devaronian was always within arm's reach of Richard. So the Sith was dumb, just not stupid. Richard told me everything he did the previous day, including what he ate and drank. I wanted to make sure that they were not poisoning him as well. I told him to listen to the Devaronians. If he needed something, to let them know. He told me that he had some new toys to play with. I reminded him that Papa was coming, and that none of them, not even the fake Devaronian, could stand up to him. Then I told him that I love him. He told me that he loved me. I then took the potion, saturated it with light force energy, and drank it."

"When the female left my room, she complained to the Sith, that his potion was supposed to make me weak. She complained that it was not working! Their Devaronian leader told her that he read somewhere that there are mothers who become super strong, when they believe that they need to protect their children. When she knew her son was safe, the mother no longer needed that boast in energy, so became weak again. I did not hear any more. Because the potion was making me very tired. So I slept for most of the time, I was a captive."

"It was nice, that after that, before anyone came into my room, they brought Richard to my door first, so we could talk."

Ludia sat down. It was Krillgan's turn to continue. He told the Sisters about the beautiful forest that surrounded the city. He found out that he was allowed to hunt game animals, if he had a permit. So the lady where he was staying, helped him apply for one. Under the understanding that he was not allowed to pay less for his room and his meals, even though he was supplying the meat. He found out later, that the money he was paying her, was going into the clan's widow fund. It is the way that clans help widows, because their husbands can no longer send them credits, to help support them, and their children.

Krillgan told them that he liked going into the forest to workout, and explore. If he found any nice game animals at the time, it was a nice bonus. He was careful not to kill a lot of game animals. He kept track of how much meat they had, because it would not be right to have it spoil, because he hunted too much. One animal he was not allowed to hunt, is the Quarra. He told them that the Quarra was the top prey animal on Devaron. He told them that if they imagine Rudy, with scales instead of fur. That meant no fur ball at the end of his tail. Then give him a horn on his snout, add a lot more teeth. Then they have an idea of how the Quarra looked. One time when he was exploring. He came across a pack of Quarra that had cornered one of their own. The Quarra was injured, but putting up a valiant defence. He just had to intervene, because the situation did not seem fair. He found it harder to talk to them, than it was to talk to Rudy. But easier than talking to a Purbole. The pack told him not to interfere, all they want, are the eggs his mate has laid.

"I asked the single Quarra if I should interfere. He simply said yes. The Quarra pack did not like that I jumped down from the safety of the trees. It showed that I was not afraid of them. One of them did leap at me, but I hit him with enough of a force push, that he knocked over two other members of his pack. That was enough to convince the pack to move on. I told the injured Quarra, that if he lets me approach, and not bite me, I can heal him. The Quarra promised not to bite. I put a couple of drops of Kolto on his gashes, then held them shut. Because the Kolto will not flow through scales, I had to put the fingers of my other hand, just inside his mouth, in the soft tissue there. While I did this, his mate stuck her head out of her den. Both to watch, and to see if she could catch my scent. She would remember me as a friend. After he was healed, I told him the direction the pack went. I also told him the direction he could go to find game. I suspected that when they knew that a Quarra pack was nearby, they did not leave their den area. So they would both be hungry. I stuck around, until the male returned. He told me that he had no way to repay me. I told him that when I intervened, I was not expecting payment. He ripped some meat off the carcass, to give to his mate to eat in her den. When he returned to his kill, I was gone."

"When I returned to Devaron, after helping the Voss, I was met by a small delegation. Telling me that my wife and son were kidnapped. They told me what they knew. They had recognised one couple that were involved in the kidnapping, and tracked them down. The couple apologized for being involved. They thought they were kidnapping the wife and son of some wealthy alien. After paying the ransom, his family would be returned to him, and they would all split the big payout. But when his wife mentioned that her husband is Krillgan, they knew they were duped. They returned the credits they were given as a token of the payout, and left the group. Now they want to reform, and passed along their deepest apologies to the Krillgan. The delegation also told me that my daughter is safe, and being properly looked after. I asked them where my wife's starfighter is, then told them that I would meet them there. When they asked where I was going, I told them that I was going to enlist the help of a special tracker."

"I went to the Quarra couple I had helped before. Their eggs had all hatched, so their little ones were all safe from a pack of Quarra. I told the parents, about my mate, and my son being taken by bad people, and asked if they could help me? They readily agreed, and the male followed me. The good thing is, that when the people saw the Quarra, they gave us lots of room, so it did not take us long to get to the spaceport. I opened the canopy of Ludia's starfighter. Then picked up the Quarra so that he could get a good whiff of everyone who had been inside the starfighter. He told me that there was also a female little one. I told him that my daughter is safe. When I put him down, we went off running. He took me straight to the home where Ludia left Ta'Yanna, and confirmed that she was still there. From there we ran to the closest IDS office, than we ran on. He located where others had surrounded my mate and son. Than we ran to the edge of the city. He was even able to follow their scent as they were transported. It was a good thing they were still outside, instead of being sealed in an airtight container. We transitioned from running in a forest, to running in a jungle. We ran past a number of cities. By nightfall, we were outside the perimeter, of where they were keeping Ludia and Richard. I asked the Quarra to stand by the perimeter fence but not touch it, because it could kill him. I used him as bait, to locate all the sensors on that section of the property. So I could reach out with the force and crush them. Then I used my sword to disable a section of the fence. This was to warn them inside that I am coming. If they were wise, they would abandon the place and flee. It turns out that they were foolish."

"The Quarra was a more curious creature than I would have thought. He watched everything I did very carefully. Even though he had no means of reproducing anything I did. I guess he knew that everything I did was with purpose. So he was trying to figure out the purpose. He did not seem surprised, that I could push over a tree, and pin one couple, where they were waiting to ambush me. I was able to sneak up and cut their throats, before they realised that they were under attack. From their position, the two other couples were visible. I had made wooden javelins, and controlled them like arrows. First taking out one couple than the other. The Quarra had almost given us away, by jumping on top of the fallen tree, so he could see what I did with the javelins. Then we headed to the main door. I expected that it had its own security features that would need to be bypassed. But before I could figure out what they are, someone opened the door, to check out why the couples were not responding. What they did find was a Dathomirite dagger in their throat. So all I needed to do is step over the body, to get into the building. The shocked Sith stepped into the main room with a lightsaber near Richard's throat. I sent the Quarra around the room, on the Sith's lightsaber side. At the same time I blasted open the door to the room that Ludia was in with a force push. When the Quarra was where I wanted him. I told him to prepare to leap. I was hoping that the tightening of his muscles, would be enough for the force to warn the Sith, that he was about to be attacked by the creature. The Sith shifted his stance, at the same time moving the lightsaber away from Richard's throat. Far enough away that I could seize the hand with the force, and hold it immobile. At the same time, I grabbed Richard with the force, and pulled him towards me. The Sith reached up with his now free hand, to protect his throat. Ludia had thrown one of her stone knives at him. She had pushed it with the force, so the blade went through his hand, and into his neck. It was only the handle of the knife that was still in his hand. When the Sith collapsed, so did Ludia. I told Richard to turn his head, as I went over to cut the Sith's head off. Then we both ran to Ludia's room. Where I took her into my arms. Richard was really upset, because he said that the fake Devaronian promised him that Mama would not be hurt, if he did what he said. But he did hurt her. I told Richard that you can never believe anything a Sith says, because all they know how to do is lie. Richard thought I was rebuking him, and was about to start crying. I asked him, if he talked with Mama? He told me that they woke him up every morning to talk with her. Because they were afraid to go into her room, until after they talked. I asked him if he obeyed his Mama. He nodded his head yes. So I told him that he is a good son, because he obeyed his mother. Then I asked him to come closer, because he deserves a hug. Richard felt better after that."

"When Ludia revived because of the Kolto I was giving her, I scolded her for leaving one of her stone knives lying around. I told her that this time someone was injured. When she asked me how bad was the injury? I told her that they lost their head. Which made her smile. I then laid her on her mattress to rest. While I made arraignments for our trip back to the city. I made sure that I had all the ingredients that the Sith used in making his potion. So the doctors would know best how to purge it from her system. What I was doing, by administering the Kolto, was stopping the poisons from doing any more harm to her system."

Krillgan and Ludia then let their Sisters ask them questions. Where they found out that the woman who looked after Ta'Yanna, was counseled to start a business. They felt that because of the quantity of credits. Ludia was not just paying her, but investing in her and her clan. So Ludia can proudly tell her mother-in-law that she is invested in a new strong business on Devaron.

Krillgan then told them about the call from the Voss mystic. He even passed around Richard's drawing of her. The one he showed to Bill'dit. He told them what the mystic told him about the Rakata temple, and about how many tainted creatures are waiting to attack whoever sets foot on their island. That if he had the two warriors that helped him on Voss, they would quickly be overwhelmed. Krillgan told them that he believes that there needs to be at least six of them. He also told them about the caution. That all they can bring back with them, is what can survive fire. So he believes that something will happen, that will require them to be purified. Kreen was the first to volunteer. She gave two reasons. She wants to test her new sword, and she wants to see what Krillgan will look like without any fur. A laughing Ludia also volunteered. He will need her to shave him. For Krillgan this was not funny. He forgot about his fur. He knew about shaving off all his hair for purifying, but now it was sinking in that he would also have to lose his fur. He was starting to think about backing out, and letting Ludia or Kreen lead this mission. Ludia had to remind him that the Voss picked him for this mission. They are only to assist him. This little conflict helped remind the other Sister how serious this situation is. This was not the same as going up against Nightsisters. None of them relished the idea of losing their hair. In the end, Tannath-Elu, Bariatha, and Ferrannu, all volunteered. As they were all recipients of the swords Bill'dit made. Like Kreen, they knew that this would be a great test for their new swords. Dienu also volunteered. She felt that Rangers should also be represented. Kreen's cousin Shmi, who is also a Ranger, also volunteered. Krillgan believed that he had a good team. He arranged with them to meet the following day to talk strategy.

As everyone was getting ready to leave, Ludia asked that her mother and the elders stay behind. There is something else they need to discuss. Batushe, and Diennu asked, if they were also allowed to stay? Ludia told them that of course they could stay. They were as much part of her, as her own arms and legs.

When everyone was ready, Ludia told them about swimming with the Great Mother on Manaan, and what she said about Ludia being changed inside. She could not describe what the change was, she just assured Ludia that it did not threaten her life. She hoped that her Clan Mother and Elders could tell her. Yma immediately stood up and went up to Ludia. Amblin-Elu, and another elder with healing experience, also approached her. They used the force to scan her inside. To see if they could see what the Great Mother detected. None of them saw anything obvious, which just meant that they had to look harder. They carefully looked over everything inside of her. Again they saw nothing obvious, but Yma did say that the force seemed to impress her that it has to do with her glands that store her eggs.

Amblin-Elu asked Krillgan to describe the ingredients the Sith used in preparing his potion. Krillgan used his knowledge of foreign plants, along with the information the doctors shared with him, to come up with the Dathomir equivalents of the plants. Amblin-Elu turned white. She told the elders that this potion was similar to the potion she gave Father Chitrah, and Mother Andriel, shortly after they arrived on Dathomir. She asked the Elders if the force was still punishing her. Butashe had to get up and put an arm around her sister. She was taking this very hard. Yma told her to pull herself together, and tell them the ingredients she used, and how she prepared it. A couple of plants were different, but from the same family. She did use the dark force energy while mixing it. But then neutralized it with light force energy. Yma asked Ludia about her moon cycles. Ludia told her that the poison did disrupt her cycle. The doctors also forced her to bleed like a moon cycle, because some poison was stored in that blood, and they did not want her to reabsorb it. They did the same thing with her milk. But after they left Devaron, her body seemed to return back to normal, and she has been regular.

The Elders, and Amblin-Elu huddled together to discuss what possible changes may have occurred to Ludia, and how it could affect her. Krillgan went up to Ludia to hold her and share some force energy with her, because they were talking a long time, and it sounded like they were not in agreement.

When they stopped talking, Ludia asked them about her greatest fear. Can she get pregnant again, and if she does, will her baby be normal? Yma came right out and said that they did not know. The only thing they can be sure of, is that if she gets pregnant again, her baby will not be like her other children. So far, her three children have taken after her, and appear like normal human children. But her husband is not a normal human, but a mixture of two different species. There is a very big chance that this can be manifested in her next child. Because she was altered, but he was not. There is also the risk of the child being deformed in some way. This is a normal risk as a woman becomes older. But in her, because of what happened, this risk is magnified. Ludia was about to start crying, but Krillgan told her that this was not a time for tears. Yma agreed. She reminded Ludia that they do not know. All they told her is just speculation on their part. What she can tell her for sure, is that if she stops making love with her husband, then for sure she will not become pregnant. Ludia told her that that was definitely not going to happen. Krillgan kissed her, and told her that she had him worried for one second. This lightened everyone's mood, as they all left for where they will be spending the night. Yet everyone did wonder in the back of their minds. What will happen if Ludia does become pregnant?

The next day, all the volunteers boarded the Phoenix. Amblin-Elu and Butashe also came along. They found the large island with the ancient temple visible above the tree line of the jungle. Krillgan could sense all the life down there. So to get a better view, they lowered the ramp, and Kran flew the Phoenix as slow as he dared over it. Krillgan asked Rasha if she mixed enough of Bill'dit's compound, to light the entire island up in flames. Rasha told him that she and Bill'dit were expecting something bigger, so she has enough locked up in Cargo Bay 2.

They spotted a clearing that was probably a little further from the temple, than the distance from the main village, to the fourth farming village. It was also the largest clearing they saw, and it was teaming with wildlife. They saw at least three different fights in the clearing, with the losers being consumed by the creatures around them. One of the winners was also injured, so those around it turned on it as well, and it disappeared into their bellies. The team knew that this was going to be their battleground. The big question was, how to clear a space amongst the creatures, so that they can get down there and start fighting? Right now if they jump down, they will be landing on creature's backs. With the number of creatures Krillgan detected, this was going to be a long drawn out battle.

Krillgan also detected a very large creature near the temple. He asked Amblin-Elu if there is a chance the Rakata left a Whuffa Worm to guard this temple, just like the Kwa did. Amblin-Elu told him that she would not be surprised from the size of the creature he detected. The big question was, how did the dark force energy alter it? Since they need to defeat it before they can enter the temple. Something they need to do, it they want to free whatever is trapped inside.

Ludia sent the Phoenix to another planet to purchase electric shears, and shaving equipment, based on Father Chitrah's advice. His advice to all the Sisters, was to shave their bodies before they go on the mission. That way they will only need a quick shave of their bodies, if they do need to be purified.

Lydna was very proud of her grandfather. All Sisters were allowed to sit in on the strategy discussion for the upcoming mission. When Lydna, her friend Grimshee, and her instructor showed up. Her grandfather was sitting with the Sisters, and they were all listening to what he was saying. Taking his advice seriously. Her instructor told her that her father is considered one of the best strategists amongst the Sisters. But even he asks advice of her grandfather. She told her instructor that her grandfather has a game on his computer, called Hutt Wars. He uses it to teach her about strategy.

The day before the mission was called shave day. All participants went to the Fenelar Phoenix, since they need electricity for the electric shears. Father Chitrah sheared Krillgan's fur off of his body, under the watchful eye of Ludia. He was going to give his fur to Mother Andriel. The fur was too short to spin into thread, but it would be used as a stuffing, in a new cuddle doll for Ta'Yanna. After being sheared, Krillgan is going to be shaved. Ludia is watching Father Chitrah closely, because shaving Krillgan will be harder than shaving any of the other Sisters. When he was finished, they came out of the Captain's cabin together. Everyone said how much like Father Chitrah, Krillgan looks, only darker, and balder. After that, everyone used the Captain's cabin to be sheared and shaved. They all had their partner, when it came time to be purged. So that was the Sister they took into the cabin. Ludia of course, was sheared and shaved by Krillgan.

Ta'Yanna was the most confused person when she saw her parents. She was finally comfortable accepting Krillgan as her father, only he was purple, and this man is blue like her grandfather. The woman with him looked strange and familiar, at the same time. It was only when they spoke, that she recognised their voices. Ta'Yanna had to touch her mother's bald head, and asked where her hair is? Ludia told her daughter not to worry. Her hair will grow back. Then Ta'Yanna touched her father's skin, it was smooth. Krillgan told her that he hopes his fur will grow back, because he is cold. He doesn't like feeling cold. That night was hard for the team. They had trouble falling asleep, because everything that touched their body felt different. Even Krillgan and Ludia decided not to snuggle, as their partner felt different. What they really needed was to rest.

Because of Krillgan's experience on Voss, and Father Chitrah's advice, there will be twice as many Sisters in the Phoenix, as there will be on the ground fighting. Since this is expected to be a marathon battle. The Sisters on the ship will be there for support. They will be sending down little blobs of water for the Sisters to suck in, while they are fighting, to keep them from becoming dehydrated. The Sisters on the ship will be sharing their force energy with the Sisters on the ground, because once the fighting starts, it will not be over, until all the creatures are dead. The Sisters on the ground will have no time to rest, let alone sleep. For a battle that is expected to last a few days.

The one thing that all the Sisters on the ship were looking forward to, is when a Sister on the ground says that they are too hot. Then the Sister on the ship gets to bomb them with water to cool them off. They enjoyed practising on unsuspecting Sisters, to perfect their technique. You do not want to hit them in the head with a water shield. That could knock them unconscious, and get them killed. You did not want to get water in their eyes. The momentary blindness could get them injured. So the water had to come from above, and slightly behind. Preferably, as a light rain or drizzle, but a slight splash was still allowed. It was the sudden splash that the Sisters practised the most.

Rasha was in the pilot's seat, maintaining the Phoenix at a hover. The Sisters that were staying on the ship, started the battle. Throwing force fireball after fireball at the creatures in the clearing. Trying to drive them from the clearing, into the forest beyond. When there was a large enough gap. Krillgan, Kreen, and Bariatha, jumped into the gap. The Sisters on the ship continued to throw fireballs. While the Sisters on the ground put their left hand on the blade of their swords, and transferring force lightning into the blade, causing it to jump out of the tip of the blade, at the creatures nearby. It did not kill them. It just hurt them, and made them very angry. But it did force them to back away from the three. So there was room for the rest to jump down, and join them with the force lightning. Until they felt they had created a large enough gap, so they could swing their swords, and not strike their neighbour. The lightning through the blade of the sword was something Father Chitrah suggested that they try, and were surprised that it worked. Krillgan, Kreen, and Bariatha were the best at it. Which is why they were the first to jump off the ship.

When the lightning stopped, the creatures charged. The Sisters were only interested in killing them. The beheading could come later. Krillgan told the others, that when they kill a creature, force push it to the edge of the clearing. It will bowl over other creatures, so they do not advance that quickly. It also keeps a pile of bodies from stacking up next to them, that the creatures could take advantage of, by leaping down on top of them.

After a time, it became a habit. Stab with the sword hand, force push with the other. Now it wasn't a simple stab. These creatures had real tough hides, or scales, depending on the creature. None of which they had names for. Not knowing that they were living on the same planet. So when they stabbed, they had to use the force to jam it in. The force push was an easy way to get the creature off of the blade.

There were no waves of creatures attacking them, so that they could rest between waves. So the Sisters on the Phoenix were really crucial to replenishing the fighter's strength. As it became dark, Rasha had an idea. She had Kran take over piloting the Phoenix. She asked for a Sister's help to bring out one of the barrels, full of Bill'dit's flammable compound. She asked the Sister to sprinkle it at the edge of the clearing. On top of the pile of dead bodies. She sealed the barrel and had the Sister put it away. Before she asked a Sister to ignite what was on the ground. The Sister threw a fireball. The only thing that happened was that she made a creature angry that had climbed over the pile of bodies to join the attack. Rasha did not want to use one of her incendiary bombs to start the fire going, as she had so few. So she asked the Sisters if they had another way to ignite it. One of the Sisters suggested force lightning. Only they would have to get close. Possibly close enough for a creature to jump aboard. To prevent that, one of the Sisters volunteered to hang off the back of the ramp. Another Sister would have to hold her. While the others would have to keep the creatures off of her. It was dangerous, but it worked. A small section of the pile started burning. One of the Sisters suggested, that it was because the creatures were climbing over the pile, so the compound would have landed on them, instead of the pile, creating gaps. So Kran had to fly the Phoenix around the edge of the clearing, with a Sister hanging from the ramp, while she ignited sections of the pile. There were a few close calls, as the Sister hanging from the ramp had no Rancor armour on, so even a swipe from a claw could cause injury, and the chances of an infection was high. She blasted some creatures with force lightning, that looked like they were about to pounce. The other Sisters threw fireballs, and used force push, to keep other creatures away.

They ended up with a broken ring of fire. It gave enough light that the Sisters had no trouble seeing, and there were enough gaps that the creatures continued to pour through. It was interesting when the creatures that had the flammable compound on their backs, were pushed into the pile. If they were close enough to a fire, they burst into flame. The only drawback, was the stench of the burning bodies. But after a while, one became used to it.

It was hard to say if it was the fire or the Sisters keeping themselves full of light force energy. That kept attracting the creatures. But they did not let up all night. Half the Sisters on the Phoenix slept, while the other half kept watch. Strengthening their Sisters. When a Sister on the Phoenix felt spent, she went and woke another Sister up, to take her place. While she slept and rejuvenated.

The next day started with jungle fog, mixed with smoke. Hanging in the air. The sun did burn the fog away, but there was no breeze to move the smoke. Not that it slowed the creatures down. Only now they were trying to take advantage of the smoke, by leaping the last two meters in the air. There was more than one Sister that was happy to be wearing the stiff and heavy Rancor armour they wear, when defending against pirate and slaver attacks. The creature's claws would hit the armour, at the same time as the sword would be thrust to kill them.

It was nice to receive blobs of water to drink when thirsty. When they had to relieve themselves, they did it right in the suit of armour. Since the relentless attacks did not leave them time to do anything else.

When the sun went down, they did the same thing they did the previous evening. Only this time they did it faster, as they were practiced.

Around the middle of the night, all the Sisters believed that they heard a Rancor challenge. Only the Rancor sounded like it was still a fair distance away. They did not believe there were any Rancor on this island. If there are, Krillgan did not detect them, when they did the quick flyover. The Sisters will be in trouble, if it was a sizeable herd, because they have their own herd smell. They would have no choice but to fight them, if they came close, and considered this clearing as part of their territory. The Sisters on the ground did not think about it, as they were too busy fighting the creatures. It was the Sisters on the Phoenix that started worrying. When they asked Stoneman what he thought? He told them that they heard a challenge, but not a response. He doubted that there was an actual herd. The Sisters told him that for a male Rancor he seems pretty smart. Stoneman knew that they meant it as a compliment, and felt good about it.

Come morning, the attacks slowed down enough. That Krillgan assigned two Sisters to step back into the middle of the circle, and rest. Kreen and Bariatha, were told to take the first break. They were about to object, but thought better of it. They were tired, and as soon as they lay down, they were asleep. Krillgan told the other Sisters that he believes that they should just take four hours of rest, before the next group take their turn. He and Tannath-Elu would be the next group, followed by Ludia and Dienu. Then it would be Shmi and Ferrannu. Then they would start over again.

It was midmorning, when a Rancor showed up. Kreen and Bariatha were woken up right away. It looks like Krillgan and Tannath-Elu will have to delay their nap. Krillgan reached out with the force, but detected no other Rancor in the area. When it came closer, they all saw the foam coming out of its mouth. This Rancor is mad. Krillgan ordered the Phoenix to a much higher altitude, and ordered the ramp closed. He did not want his ship to become contaminated, and possibly contaminate the Singing Mountain Clan Herd.

Krillgan told the group that he was going to take out the mad Rancor. He asked Ludia to cover him, as he was leaving the safety of the circle. The other problem was, if the Rancor came any closer, there would be no more circle. They would all become more vulnerable.

Krillgan jumped up to land on the Rancor's arm. The Rancor was the size of a large Midland Rancor. Around the same size as Protector, Diennu's Rancor. When he landed on the Rancor's arm, another creature lunged up at him. Krillgan killed it with a swipe of his sword. Splitting its head in half. Ludia force pushed the dead creature towards the pile. At the same time clearing out all the creatures on that side of the Rancor.

Krillgan continued up the Rancor's arm, onto its back. He turned to face the group. Put both hands on the hilt of his sword, and thrust down with force strength. All he accomplished, was to jam the tip of his sword onto the Rancor's head. The Rancor barely noticed. He just swiped with a hand over its head, as if he was chasing away an annoying insect. Krillgan told the group that the dark force energy that has tainted the Rancor, has made his hide too tough for the sword to penetrate. He will have to force the Rancor to roar. They should all be prepared to be sprayed with spittle.

Krillgan went partway down the Rancor's other arm. Standing in the crook of its elbow. He stabbed the Rancor in the closest eye. At the same time placing an airshield around his head. While this happened Ludia had to use force push to keep another creature from jumping up on the Rancor, on Krillgan's side.

The Rancor did roar, spraying all the Sisters with slobber. While the Rancor roared, Krillgan stabbed his sword through the roof of the mouth, into the Rancor's brain. Blasting it with force lightning. The Rancor did shake, then fell face forward. With Krillgan jumping off, landing in the circle. The airshield worked, keeping the slobber off of Krillgans head. But the front of his armour was wet. There was no doubt that all the Sisters were contaminated, and would need to be purified, before going back aboard the Phoenix. They all called up to the Phoenix, wanting a bucket of water dumped on their heads, to wash the goo off.

Krillgan and Ludia forced pushed the Rancor towards the pile. Giving them a little more fighting room. Krillgan told Tannath-Elu, that it was time for their nap, and laid down. Through the rest of the morning and into the afternoon, the number of creatures coming to attack them, steadily decline. The group decide not to wake Krillgan and Tannath-Elu after their four hours. They could afford to let them rest another four. While another group started resting.

Ludia asked Dienu, if it was better for her as a Ranger, to do her work during the day or the night? After the creatures stop attacking, she and Shmi are to do a methodical check of the island. Killing any creature they encounter, including birds. So that the contamination of this island, does not spread to the rest of the planet. Diennu told her that it is easier to do her work, during daylight. Ludia told her that it would be better if Ferrannu rested now with her. So that she and Shmi, the two Rangers, can get some sleep when Krillgan and Tannath-Elu get up. Diennu also thought it would be better that way, and agreed.

Krillgan was surprised that the sun was setting, when he was woken up. The Sisters on the Phoenix, wanted to know if they should light some fires? Krillgan told them that it wasn't necessary. He could see well enough. He even gave permission for Kreen and Bariatha to also get some sleep. Only two creatures approached them that night. Krillgan warned Tannath-Elu about the one approaching from her side. There was enough moonlight, that she saw the creature just after Krillgan mentioned it. She raced out and killed it, before it came any closer. Then returned to stand watch. Krillgan did the same with the creature that approached from his side.

Krillgan and Tanath-Elu were able to take a nap, when Ludia and Ferrannu, awoke before sunrise. When the rest of the Sisters woke up after sunrise. The Sisters on the Phoenix lowered them soap and water, so they could quickly wash up. Then they lowered them food trays. The first food they had to eat in days. The Sisters knew that anything they lowered to the surface, from the Phoenix, would have to stay there.

After breakfast, the Rangers went off to check the island. They knew that they were not allowed to eat or drink anything they find along the way. Which was a major disappointment, when they found a grove of fruit trees with what looked like ripe fruit. They did spend a lot of time in that area, killing all the creatures that came to help themselves to the fruit.

Ludia and Ferrannu, started building a funeral pyre for the Rancor. While Kreen and Bariatha started going through all the dead creatures, beheading the ones that still had their heads connected to their bodies. Then placing those creatures on a new pile.

When Krillgan woke up, he had a meeting with all the warriors. He wanted to hear their opinion on when to conduct the purifying ceremony. He reminded them that they still have to face a Whuffa Worm, and he did not want to do it naked. They told him that he is the healer, what does he recommend? He told them that they know nothing about the pathogen that causes Rancor madness. The Dathomir soap they use to wash up, may be strong enough to neutralise it on their bodies. He recommends that they all bathe, and wash their armour inside and out. That for now it will be enough. To be safe they will all need to shave again, and go through the purifying ceremony, before going back aboard the Phoenix. None of them wants to be responsible for destroying their herd. They all agreed to what Krillgan suggested, and left it up to him to find a place where they can bathe.

Krillgan found a rock depression about the size of a bathtub. He hoped the rock was not porous. He filled the depression with seawater. Warmed it to a comfortable temperature, and took a bath. He then washed his Rancor armour inside and out. He left it drying as he emptied the depression. Dumping the dirty salt water in the nearby jungle. Then he filled it with fresh salt water for the next Sister to enjoy. He put his damp armour back on, and went to gather the warriors, to show them what he found, including where he left the soap. The Sisters decided on the traditional way to determine the order by which they will take their bath. They went from oldest to youngest. They all followed Krillgan's example, emptying the depression, then refilling it, while they let their armour dry. So it was only damp when they put it back on.

When the funeral pyre was ready for the Rancor, it took all the Sisters in the clearing to lift up the Rancor's body, and place it on top. Then they built up a pile of firewood that they will place their armour and swords on, while preparing for the purifying ceremony. When it came to laying down a bed of wood, to place the decapitated bodies on, for burning. The Sisters had to expand the clearing using their swords, to cut the trees down, since they had already used up all the dry firewood in the area.

Diennu and Shmi were delighted, when they found out that they could get out of their armour and take a bath, when they returned for the evening. They both said that the inside of the armour, was starting to irritate their skin. Because the depression was large enough, they both decided to bathe together. Ludia cleaned Diennu's armour while she bathed, and Kreen cleaned Shmi's armour. They did not have towels, so it was not a hardship putting their armour back on while it was somewhat wet.

With all the Sisters present, they lit the funeral pyre for the Rancor on fire. Though it was not a herd Rancor, they still felt a sense of respect. They did not know where it came from. Or the struggles it went to, to get to this island. But to finally arrive, and then become exposed to dark force energy. It was no wonder it went mad.

The nice benefit of the funeral pyre for Diennu and Shmi, is that the fire made their armour toasty warm. It probably dried the outside, but it was dark outside. So they did not notice. When they laid down to sleep, they were out right away. The Sisters did set watchs that night, with everyone watching in pairs. Diennu and Shmi were woken for the last watch.

The next morning, Diennu and Shmi found dens made by the creatures, with young inside. They had to bring each one out using the force, and kill it. Even the young had dark force energy inside of them. That afternoon, they found a cave were spiders nest. They felt that there were too many spiders for them to handle on their own, so they returned to the other Sisters for reinforcements. Kreen and Bariatha volunteered. Diennu did not think that they would need more than that. When they were ready, they all threw balls of forcefire into the cave. Igniting the spider silk on fire. Forcing all the angry adult spiders, about 2/3rds the size of Rudy, to the mouth of the cave. Where they started spitting venom at the Sisters. The Sisters were fast enough to avoid the spray of venom. But when they first struck the spiders, their swords did not cleave the hard outer body. What they found they could do, is attack joints and connections. So they first shortened legs. Then when they were close enough they sliced through where the head connected to the rest of the body. There were about ten or twelve adult spiders, so the Sisters kept hopping. They needed to avoid the spray of venom from one spider, while attacking another. After all the adult spiders were killed, they had to wait a few minutes, until the fire in the cave went out. They found that every mating pair of spiders had laid between twenty to fifty eggs. The eggs all looked like they survived the fire. They found that they could not slice an egg open with the sword. So what they found that did work, was to press the tip of the sword against the egg, and pass force lightning through the sword. Every time they did, it sounded like a steam kettle had reached the boiling point. They could not tell whether the noise was coming from the creature inside, or the escape of the vaporized fluid around the creature. The shell was malleable, so when they stopped with the force lightning, the egg looked like a dried fruit. It was nightfall by the time they finished destroying all the eggs, and returned to their Sisters for the night.

That night when they set a watch, they only had one Sister keep watch, at one time.

The next day, Diennu and Shmi found more dens, but no spiders.

When the Sisters were going through all the dead creatures to decapitate them. They knew that they would have to remember what they looked like, so that they could describe them to the elders. The elders would want to know, if they may be related to the creatures that they know. Some like Ludia, when she was back aboard the Phoenix, started drawing them from memory, to show the elders. There were a lot of feline creatures, and there are no known feline predators on Dathomir. Krillgan suggested that they may have originally been Nexu. That the Rakata brought them there to help guard the temple. He pointed out that the shape of their heads are similar. When they returned to the Phoenix, Krillgan had Grimm use his computer to do a search, then print a picture of what the Nexu looked like.

Later, when the elders were going through the descriptions, and drawings. They speculated that originally, half to 2/3rds of the creatures may originally have been game animals. But with continued exposure to dark force energy. They developed a taste for meat, and became omnivores. Preying on the predators, and each other.

That night when it was Krillgan's turn to stand watch, he detected a long creature approaching. It was not the Whuffa Worm, Krillgan detected during the flyover. Unless it was its baby. This creature was approaching cautiously. Like it was hunting. Krillgan quietly went around, waking all the Sisters. He was being cautious, because he had never encountered a creature like this before. None of the other Sisters could detect it, since it was still too far away for them to detect. But they all trusted Krillgan, though they would tease him about waking them, later. Krillgan quietly suggested to them that they all throw force fireballs at the creature, just after it enters the clearing. One by one, the Sisters detected the creature as it approached. With Dienu and Ludia being the first, because they grew up training with Krillgan, and tried real hard to see the things Krillgan could see.

When Krillgan gave the word, they all threw force fire. The creature they saw was not a pleasant sight to see. It was either a serpent with legs, or a lizard that crawls on its belly. It tucked it legs next to its belly, when it moved. But when it stopped, it put its legs out. Possibly to keep it steady. The force fire blinded it. Because they had seen the creature flick its forked tongue, before the fireballs impacted its body. The creature seemed more annoyed than injured by the fireballs. Krillgan used that moment to jump next to it, and slash at its body just behind its head, only to have his sword bounce off of it. The creature responded by trying to throw coils of its body around Krillgan, but missed. Krillgan had jumped just in front of its head. When it flicked its tongue to find Krillgan. Krillgan used that moment to shove his sword into the creature's mouth, then discharging a huge surge of force lightning. Causing the creature to writhe in pain, almost knotting itself into a ball. Krillgan forced his sword, blade side up, and thrust up and out. Piercing the scaly skin from the inside. He pulled his sword blade back towards him, splitting the top portion of the creature's head in half. Killing it.

Krillgan then walked back towards his Sisters, asking if someone could finish standing watch for him. Now he was really tired. The Sisters asked him if that was his plan all along for waking them. So that he could show-off in front of them, then sweet talk one of them into taking his shift. Krillgan was speechless, and his face darkened. Which made the Sisters laugh. Ludia did volunteer to stand watch. Since next to Krillgan, she could sense life force farther than any of them. For that reason, when her shift was up, she woke Dienu, instead of the Sister who was supposed to stand watch. Since Dienu could sense life almost as far as she can, and none of the Sisters wanted another creature like this one, sneaking up on them, while they slept.

Over breakfast the Sisters discussed why this creature did not attack them, along with all the others. Krillgan shared with them what his parents taught him about large serpents. He told them that their teeth are for grabbing, not ripping and chewing. So they swallow their prey whole. Then they find a safe place for themselves. So that they can sleep while digesting a meal. They can sleep like that for a couple of months, and even longer. So this creature must have been in its sleep cycle when they arrived. Now it has woken up hungry, and wondered where all its prey had gone. Probably not knowing that it had slithered past piles of dead bodies it could consume. Since none of them where giving off any heat.

This explanation satisfied all the Sisters. Diennu and Shmi were charged with following this creature's trail back to where it came from. In case there were more like it. The rest of the Sisters were going worm hunting. If things go well, they will be spending the next night around the temple. The Rangers knew that if they found more than one of the slithering serpents, they were to find their Sisters for help.

For Shmi this was an excellent training session. As Diennu helped her expand the range at which she could sense life forms. Just like Krillgan had helped Diennu when they were younger. Fortunately, all they found was a pile of eggs. They spent the rest of the day dealing with the serpent's eggs, the same way they dealt with the spider eggs. Some eggs did hatch while they were destroying them. The little snakes' bodies had not hardened yet. So it was easy for the two Sisters to chop them up with their swords.

When they approached the area where Krillgan had detected the Whuffa Worm, during the fly over. Krillgan spaced his Sisters out at around twenty-five to thirty meters between them. Three on one side, then two on his other side. He also had them forward of where he was, so they were like a cone, or funnel. With Krillgan standing at the point of the cone, the restriction in the funnel. All Sisters were instructed to use force lightning when the worm came close enough to them. At the same time they had to be ready to leap out of the worm's way, since the worm's favorite attack, is to simply run them over with its great mass.

Krillgan and his father had discussed how to kill the Whuffa Worm. They already knew that their swords could not penetrate the skin of a regular Whuffa Worm very well. So if it was tainted with dark force energy. They would not be able to attack it with their swords from its outside. The two men kept their discussions quiet from everyone else, including Ludia. All they knew was that if Krillgan failed to kill the worm, the Phoenix was the backup plan. They did not know how many blasts with its laser batteries would be required to pierce the worm's skin. They did not know if the Ion Cannons would affect it in any way, but the Phoenix was instructed to fire them anyway, once Ludia gave them the word. The hard thing for the Phoenix, was targeting a land creature that was supposed to be one of the fastest in the galaxy. To make things harder, it would burrow into the ground, when it felt threatened.

Tamrack was in the pilot's seat, when the Sisters moved out together in the morning. Rasha was notified by the computer, but allowed to keep sleeping. As Tamrack followed them from above. It was when they saw Krillgan spreading out the Sisters, that Rasha was called to the Captain's chair. She was the only one on the Phoenix who had the authority to give the order to go to the ship assault mode, to uncover all of their heavy weapons.

Krillgan's strategy was actually simple. The worm has a maw, called a mouth on most creatures. It uses its maw to ingest sand or dirt. Depending on where it lives. It is from the ingested sand and dirt that it extracts what it needs for life, including moisture. Because it will be ingesting boulders along with other things, it has to be able to break them down, until they are small enough to pass through its body. The Sisters had learnt from the Kwi what they could about the Whuffa Worm, from the times some of them went to live with them. They knew that when the worm opened its maw, it was circular. Man has a hinged jaw so that they can chew their foods. A Wuffa Worm actually has a series of circular jaws. They move back and forth at high speeds, giving the illusion that they are actually rotating in circles, if you have the misfortune of staring into the maw. The maw itself can be a few meters across at its outside opening. Depending on the size of the worm. Each jaw is just a little smaller in diameter then the jaw in front of it, so that it can grind down the outside of any object, until it reaches the opening to the throat. Which most times is just the size of a fist. The opening can expand to be large enough for a man to crawl into. But if he was crawling, his arms and legs would have been ground down to stumps before they reached the opening. The Kwi believe that lightning is one of the things that will cause the worm to open the throat large enough for a man to fit through. But it has never been proven. Krillgan's plan was to jump into the maw, and down its throat. Where he could use his sword to slash at things, until he can finally kill it. Both father and son speculated that he would have to slash his way through more than half of the length of its body, until he has done enough damage to kill it. The Kwi believe that the Whuffa Worm is similar to other worms, in that it has nerve bundles throughout its body, which collectively is its brain. The same with other internal organs, including the heart. So if a portion is damaged it can still live.

The reason the other Sisters, including Ludia, were not told the plan, is because it is all based on speculative knowledge about the Whuffa Worm. If they could not get the throat opening large enough. Krillgan was committing suicide.

The way to attract the Whuffa Worm was also controversial. They believe that the worm detects movement by the vibrations it feels in the sand or dirt. So when they were in position. Krillgan and the two sisters closest to him started jumping up and down. They were instructed to stop jumping once someone yelled they spotted the worm.

The Whuffa Worm did appear, and screamed when the first Sister blasted it with lightning. Giving Krillgan his first sight of its maw, and the small throat opening at its center. The worm did slow down. Not sure how to react to the lightening it could feel on both sides of its body. Yet still attracted to the thumping of someone jumping up and down. Krillgan hoped that it was not an optical illusion. That the throat opening was getting larger, every time it was blasted with force lightning. It was decision time. Jump in, or jump out of the way. Krillgan generated a large air shield then brought it in, just around his head. The same thing he would do when diving deep, like when he would visit the Great Mother. He dove at the maw, sword first. Hoping the throat opening was large enough. Because of his concentration, in using the force. His brain did not register the pain he felt around his two elbows, and both arms, or the flow of Kolto to that part of his body for healing. It was only when he later took his Rancor armour off, that Ludia found all the places where portions of armour were missing. Especially along the outside of the arms, and at the elbows. When Krillgan felt he was all the way inside, he discharged force lightning through the blade of the sword, then he started swinging it. Slashing everything he could slash.

The Sisters were too far forward, to see what Krillgan had done. All they knew was that the worm stopped moving forward, and was now rolling back and forth. Something that they had to watch carefully, to keep from being rolled over. A couple of Sisters had to jump up, then jump off the body of the worm. Landing a considerable distance away. They kept discharging force lightning at the body, whenever it was close enough. Only stopping when the body stopped rolling. That is when they noticed that they could not see Krillgan. Kreen who had been standing closest to Krillgan, ran to the front of the worm. She could not see Krillgan. But she did see shredded innards, seeping through what used to be the throat opening in the maw. She told Ludia, who reached out with the force, and told her Sisters that her insane husband is inside the worm. They all reached out, and followed Krillgan's progress through the worm, until he reached a natural opening at the back of the worm and crawled out. He both looked and smelt disgusting.

All the Sisters were furious with him, but none more than Ludia. He should have told them what he was planning on doing. Krillgan told them that he couldn't. They would have tried talking him out of it, which had a high chance of succeeding. Or one of them would have tried taking his place. Ferrannu was the only one amongst them with no children of her own. So from Sister Law, the most expendable. He believed, that the Voss have more missions for him, so they saw him surviving. Which is why only he could take the chance. Father Chitrah agreed with him, but did not like it. He almost caved in and told Ludia, but did not. Since he knew it would jeopardize the outcome. He apologized to Ludia who was fuming. She told him that she had a right to know. She is his wife, and a bad outcome would have affected their family. Krillgan just looked down at the ground. "You are right. You had a right to know, and I took that away from you. I even forced my father not to tell you or mother, which made him angry with me. Mother will probably be almost as angry with me as you are. All I can say is I am sorry. I could see no other way."

Ludia told him that for now she forgives him, but that this by no means is over. She told him that he needs to take a bath, before he kills his Sisters with the way he smells. She followed him back to the depression. She decided that she needs to wash out his armour, if they are to be back at the temple before nightfall. That is when she noticed all the areas of his armour that had been thinned down or chewed right through. She then examined his body after he bathed. He had a nice growth of fur starting to come back. It was even everywhere, except at his elbows, and the back of his upper arms. She told him that his elbows, and upper arms, have fresh skin, and no fur. She also showed him all the places his armour is damaged. Krillgan pointed out that if any Sister had tried doing what he did. They would have been killed. The widest portion of his body is at his shoulders. The armour is missing from his elbows down to his armpits. The area around his hips also looks shaven down. It looks like the throat constricted slightly as he went through it. All the Sisters have wider hips then he does. He would guess that some are as wide in their hips as he is in his shoulders. So none of them would have made it. He is the only one that can regenerate, and it looks like his body was forced to do just that. Ludia agreed with him, and they both shared their findings with the other Sisters, when they rejoined them.

Ludia also wanted to talk with her mother and elders about Krillgan. She was afraid that he was purposely putting himself in harm's way, especially after what the Great Mother shared with him. She thinks that he wants to die, before anyone else that he loves, dies. Only it would be a long time before she had the opportunity to discuss it with them.

The Sisters spent the night outside in front of the temple. Dienu and Shmi gave them a report on what they found that day. The Sisters told them about Krillgan's antics. When Krillgan and Ludia returned, Ludia showed them all the damage on Krillgan's armour. Krillgan then interpreted the damage to the armour, and how it would have effected anyone else that tried to do what he did. The conclusion was that only a Sister who has not yet gone through puberty, could do what he did, and survive.

Because of their proximity to the temple. They set watches in teams again that night.

The next morning, they entered the temple. They all sensed the trap triggers, and avoided them. Fortunately, none of them were in the least bit interested in finding out what the triggers actually did. They found storage rooms in the temple. They were not full. So the materials had obviously been used. They speculated that these are minerals and metals that the Rakata used in their forced powered equipment. Some of which may be connected to the trap triggers. What excited Krillgan, was that this may be the items that Bill'dit was looking for. Because of where they are. They would not have been exposed to the wanderings of a mad Rancor. So should be clean from pathogens. It should be safe to lift them up to the Phoenix, without passing lightning over them. The other thing was that they might react negatively to force lightning. Because of the quantity. If they are what Bill'dit is looking for, there was more than enough to build a suit of armour, and still have plenty left over for a number of other projects. Diennu and Shmi both indicated that they would like their own force swords. Diennu was using her mother's, and Shmi had borrowed hers from her great aunt. Ludia was also using her mother's sword. She told Krillgan that it might be a good idea to keep one aboard the Phoenix, for the times when her lightsaber is just not good enough. Krillgan thought that Bill'dit would agree to all of it, if this is what he is looking for.

They progressed through the temple to where the controls to the Infinite Gate would have been, had this been a Kwa temple, instead they found what appeared to be a stone altar. Then he appeared. The Sisters wondered what he was. It was only Krillgan who recognised him. He was a Gree, the enemy of the Kwa.

The Gree are a land-dwelling cephalopods, with a xenophobic mistrust of outsiders. At the same time that the Kwa developed the Infinite Gate, that allowed them to travel to other worlds. The Gree developed Hyperspace Gates. That did almost the same thing. The planets they controlled, were part of the Gree Enclave. With the current Gree Enclave a fraction of what it once was. Lost also was their technology.

The Gree asked the surprised Sisters if this means he is now free. Since they are definitely not Rakata, and he can feel the comfort of the light force energy seeping from them. The Sisters asked him how was he bound, and what kept him there? He admitted that he did not remember how he was bound. He just knew that the Rakata did it. What kept him here was all the dark force energy swirling around the temple. But if they came through it, then there must also must be a way out. Krillgan challenged him. He called him a Gree, and told him that he was taught that the Gree were at war with the Kwa. Much of the knowledge they have comes from the Kwa. Why should they help him?

This proclamation by Krillgan surprised the Sisters. They had never heard of the Gree. But the Kwa are held in great reverence by all the Clans. The root and foundation of all their knowledge. So they wanted to know the answer to what Krillgan asked, before they raised a finger to help him.

The phantom agreed that he is a Gree. Brarra by name. But as far as their being a war with the Kwa, he was misinformed. The worst that happened between them was a war of words, and that only happened when they took the time to understand what they were each saying. War only came after the servants of the Kwa, the Rakata, rebelled. There was no peace in the Infinite Empire.

Krillgan asked Brarra, if there was no war, than what was there? Brarra reminded Krillgan that the Kwa had Infinite Gates. They had Hyperspace Gates. A similar, yet totally incompatible technology. The words were about access and expanding. Once one gate was built on a planet, then another gate of either technology could not be built. So they effectively blocked each other from expanding. Before the Rakata, there were only a few worlds that did not have gates that they could go to, to negotiate.

"The Gree did not want to have powerful force users traipsing through their Enclave, to get to the other side. Then hedge them in on that side as well. The Kwa would not let us through, because we did not trust them, and would not let them through. It turns out we were right in one way, in that they created the Rakata. But if there had been some level of trust, they may have combined strengths and destroyed the Rakata. But the Kwa claimed they were their problem, until they fled and became everyone's problem."

Brarra then went on to say, that the Rakata seemed to understand their technology easier than they understood their masters' technology. Which helped them develop the force powered hyperspace drives for their great ships.

Krillgan asked him, how he fit in to this, and why should they help him?

Brarra told them that he was a custodian of a Hyperspace Gate in the Gree Enclave. When he saw the confused looks, he told them he was a gatekeeper. No one could come onto his planet, or leave his planet, without his permission. That is, except for the Rakata, who came on their great ships, with their war slaves under their command, and invaded their world, and captured him. They brought him to this planet, and ordered him to build them a Hyperspace Gate. It was not very long into its construction that he stopped, and told them that he cannot continue. There is already a gate on this planet. The Rakata told him that it should not matter, it is an Infinite Gate built by the Kwa. He told them that it does matter. The planet will not allow a second gate to be built. The Rakata were furious, and ordered him to build the gate. He told them that he can build a gate but it will not work. Then they told him that if he cannot build a gate, then he should at least know how to take control of the Infinite Gate. That is when he realized that they were looking for a back door way into the Infinite Gate. Once they found that. They could gain control of the Infinite Gate system. So they bound him to this temple until he figured it out, and left. It was only after he died, that he found out he was still bound. He just wants to go back to his people.

At this time, the two Bogan Jedi adepts that Krillgan had freed from Bill'dit's sword appeared as phantoms. They told Krillgan that they have come to repay him. They will escort the Gree to the place of his ancestors. They then started to describe to the Gree the beautiful place the ancestors had built for themselves. The Gree was definitely excited to go see it. The Sisters did not think it sounded much like paradise. But then they did not have eight limbs that could be both hands and feet, depended on what was needed. So all the Sisters said goodbye and wished them a safe journey.

Krillgan was feeing relieved, that it was all over. Except he had a nagging feeling. He looked at Ludia, and saw that something was bothering her as well. "It's not over, is it?"

"No!"

Then the two Ashla Jedi appeared. The Sisters sensed that others were with them, but did not manifest themselves. Krillgan introduced them to his Sisters. They told Kreen and Bathira that they recognize them from the cleansing ceremony. Then they asked where Brarra the Gree is? They have brought Gree with them from their Enclave, to take him back with them.

Krillgan told them that the Bogan adepts where just there to take him to his ancestors.

The Ashla Jedi told Krillgan that the two adepts are still drawn by the power of the dark side of the force. They have align themselves with the Emperor. That is who they are taking Brarra to. Brarra is still bound to this temple, and to the planet of Dathomir. The Emperor wants to take advantage of that bound to connect to the force power of this planet. Krillgan has to call Brarra back, or if it is too late, break the connection.

Krillgan asked them what happens to Brarra, if they are two late, and the Emporer gets him?

The Ashla Jedi told Krillgan that Brarra will not rest in peace. Unless he can break the Emperor's hold on him. So it is likely he will be the Emperor's slave for eternity. Whatever hell the Emperor ends up in, Brarra will be with him.

Krillgan asked them what they must do, and how do they break the bound?

The Ashla Jedi told him that he must go willingly to the altar, to be bound. His Sisters should support him through their chanting, so that they can be bonded to him. They cannot tell him any more in this realm. He will have to communicate with them through his bond with them, on how to free him.

Krillgan did not like that he had to get naked again. He saw the eight points on the altar were Brarra was manacled. Krillgan would have to have his limbs at four of them, before he can put pressure on the center of the altar. That means that he has to be lowered using the force. He chose Ludia and Diennu to do it.

The Sisters started chanting, and with Ludia and Diennu on either side of the altar. They picked Krillgan up, then turned him horizontal. They held him there, until they felt that his arms and legs were lined up with a manacle each. Then they lowered him. As soon as there was pressure on the center of the altar, all eight manacles came up to trap any limb placed above them. The Sisters saw that all four empty manacles have sharp pins inside. Designed to stick into the limb. That Krillgan is not bleeding from his wrists or ankles, shows how powerful of a healer he is.

Krillgan found himself standing naked before the two Ashla Jedi, he also saw the two Gree that accompanied them. He did not like that everyone was clothed, but him. He was standing on the altar with his feet in his body. He asked them what now? They told him to reach out and grab the black thread attached to the altar. It is attached to Brarra. When he did, they told him to call Brarra, then tug on the thread. He controls the altar. So if he hasn't reached the Emperor, then he must return to the altar, because he has been summoned. Krillgan did as he was told, then they waited. He had no sense of time. But then he saw Brarra returning with the two Bogan adepts. He kept telling them that he has to return, he has been summoned. When the Bogan adepts saw who was waiting, they both disappeared. Krillgan asked the Ashla Jedi, what will happen to them? The Jedi said that they did not know. The best thing for now, is for them to stay away from the Emperor. Eventually the Fates will find them and take them where they belong.

As Brarra drew closer, Krillgan saw that he was also naked. He was very upset that it was Krillgan that had summoned him back. He could see paradise in the distance. It was the Gree that replied for Krillgan. It was like Brarra suddenly saw them. They told him that he was being taken to a fool's paradise. They were not told that they would be escorting a fool. Brarra looked down, and asked forgivness of the two Gree, then he asked forgiveness of Krillgan. He told him that from the questions he asked before, he thought he was uncaring. But now he knows that he cares. He thanked the two priests for coming or him. He asked them when he will be clothed. They told him that when he is no longer connected to the altar, he will be clothed. They trust the Jedi to instruct the Krillgan on how he is to be free.

The Ashla Jedi told Krillgan to lay back down in his body. When he feels pain, he knows that he is partially connected to the physical world. He is to instruct his Sisters to have one stand on each of the four sides of the altar, and smash it with four force swords. It will destroy the altar, freeing him, and freeing Brarra.

The Sisters suddenly heard Krillgan whisper, "Four swords, four sides." He kept repeating it over and over again. Ludia told them that she believes Krillgan wants them to destroy the altar. One Sister to a side, and they must strike as one. Ludia and Dienu took the sides they took before. Kreen went to the head of the altar, by the way Krillgan was laying, Bariatha took the last side. They all took their swords and smashed the sides of the altar. The altar crumbled into little stones. But what was unexpected, was the sudden release of light force energy that burst from the altar, as an explosion. Knocking all four Sisters off of their feet. The other four Sisters, as they were still sitting, and chanting. Felt it as a wave that washed over them. They only felt a push on their upper bodies, but nothing to overpower them. The elders later told them that it was because they were still chanting, but the other four Sisters were not. So instead of overpowering them, the chant became part of the wave.

The one thing that everyone did notice, is that all the dark force energy associated with the temple was gone.

They left the temple, and indicated to the Phoenix to come closer, so they can communicate. Everyone on the Phoenix wanted to know what happened? They saw the energy wave come out of the temple and wash over the land. But none of it went vertical. They had to tell the people on the Phoenix, that story time will come later. Right now they have work to do. Rasha sent down all the high explosives, and reminded the Sisters of the best places to place them. Diennu told them what parts of the island they have already checked, they can safely pour out Bill'dit's compound over it. Every time they empty a barrel, they should bring it to the temple, they have stuff to put in it. Stuff that Bill'dit might find exciting. The Sisters wanted to cleanse the empty barrels by using force lightning on the residual on the inside. Rasha warned them not to. There might be enough compound dust left, that they will trigger an explosion. The best thing was to just rinse it out with sea water. Then fill it up.

While they started emptying the barrels, Krillgan went to prepare the Whuffa Worm, so that it could be burnt to ash like everything else. He forced wood into the worm from both ends, using the force. He jammed as much as he could into it. Then piled up as much firewood around it as was possible, before he was called back to the temple to help with the barrels. Because they still had to consider themselves contaminated. They could not touch the barrels, or what they put into them. They were allowed to place the barrels down, where they saw no footprints in the dust. They also made sure that they did not put more than one type of anything, in one barrel. If they finished with one mineral or metal, even if the barrel was not full, they carried it outside using the force, to be lifted up to the Phoenix. The Sisters on the Phoenix sealed the barrel. Then passed force lightning around the outside of the barrel, as a precaution. Before bringing it aboard, and stowing it away.

After emptying all the barrels, Rasha flew the Phoenix over the island. Every time she stopped, she instructed a Sister to lower an incendiary device to the island's surface. When it was time, the whole island would be purified with fire.

When it was time for the purifying ceremony. Grimm, Kran, and Tamrack, were sent to their rooms, and told not to come out, until they were told it was safe to come out. Tamrack complained, that Krillgan is a guy, yet he gets to see what is going on. Rasha reminded her husband that Ludia is with Krillgan. She will make sure that he sees as little as possible.

The first thing the Sisters did, is place their swords and armour on the pile that was prepared for them. Then they lit the pile on fire, so that all the swords will be purified, by the time that the last Sister boards the Phoenix. Then they filled the depression with water and heated it as hot as they could stand it. They were told that shaving is faster and easier if the skin is hot, and wet.

Krillgan was the first to be shaved. He was shaved by Ludia. When she finished, they lifted him up for the Sisters on the Phoenix to hold, and passed force lightning over his body. When they were satisfied, they brought him aboard and gave him the robe of a healer. He told them that he will be in his cabin, unless they need him. Later he could tell Tamrack that he was in his cabin, and did not come out, until Ludia told him that it was okay.

After Krillgan, they went by order of age. With Dienu and Shmi being the last two Sisters to come aboard. All the Sisters were given their robe, designating their place in the Clan. So there were five warriors, and two Rangers. All the Sisters except Krillgan and Ludia, used the crew's washroom to dress. Krillgan and Ludia used their own cabin. Krillgan was feeling frisky while he watched Ludia dress. She had to remind him, that they have lots of guests aboard their ship. He will have to restrain himself until they all leave, and they can be alone. She also reminded him about how strange they both felt, the first time they had shaved. He just kissed her, and told her that they have a date for later. She left their cabin with some paper, and Richard's coloring sticks. She wanted to start colouring the strange creatures she could still remember. Other Sisters saw what she was doing after they dressed, and also wanted to draw creatures. So Ludia showed them how to use the colouring sticks, since they only had experience with charcoal on leather. It was only in the artists' village in the Great Canyon Clan, that people drew pictures with colour.

When everyone was aboard, and all swords retrieved. Rasha closed the ramp, and headed out over the ocean. Then turned the Phoenix to face the island. She made sure that the computer was visually recording what was about to happen, so they can show it to all the Sisters later, since they will want to include it in their report. Rasha flicked the first switch, and the temple appeared to become larger, with a cloud of dust coming out of its major openings. They watched as the dust seemed to swallow the temple as it disappeared below the tree line. Never to be seen again. Then she hit the second switch. Flames suddenly shot up above the jungle canopy, at strategic locations throughout the island. The flames quickly spread. It was not long before the entire island was engulfed in flames. Rasha then flew over the specific locations that Krillgan was interested in. He will be happy to see that the Whuffa Worm is burning nicely. Then she overflew the clearing, where it was evident that all the bodies of the creatures were burning nicely, and looked like they will burn down to ash.

When Rasha was satisfied with everything she saw, she pointed the nose of the Phoenix towards the heavens. It was time to leave the planet. Elibet was sitting in the Captain's seat, she noticed that there was an indication of something with the Engineer's console, and mentioned it to Rasha. Rasha asked if there was a flashing red light associated with it. Elibet said no, so Rasha told her that they will let Grimm deal with it, when he returns to his position.

After all the Sisters were dressed, they were required to say hello to Stoneman. When Stoneman asked Krillgan about it later, Krillgan told him that they were using him as a test subject. If they were not properly purified. Then he should start showing signs of madness, before they return to Dathomir. If that happens, then they will not be allowed to return to Dathomir, until they have gone to another planet, and thoroughly cleansed the ship, and each other.

Stoneman did not like hearing what Krillgan just told him. Krillgan told him, that none of the Sisters want him to get sick. If he did get sick, than no matter what they did, they will all be afraid to return to their clan and their herd. Every Sister wants him to stay healthy, so that they can be confident approaching the member of the herd they are bonded to. He reminded Stoneman, that his mate, Ludia, is bonded to My Friend, and that My Friend has been a good friend to him. Stoneman said he understood. For everyone's sake, he hopes he stays healthy as well.

Grimm called Krillgan and Ludia to the bridge, when he returned to the Engineer's console. What Elibet noticed was that two messages have arrived for Krillgan. One was encoded. The only ones who know how to send an encoded message to the Phoenix, are the Cereans on Lianna. They listened to the non-encoded message first. It was from the Government on Devron. Krillgan has been asked to settle an inheritance dispute. It involves two clans, and a lot of nieces and nephews. Krillgan told Ludia that these are often the messiest kind. This means that there are no direct descendants. Krillgan noticed that the planet mentioned is in Republic space. It will allow them to go to Bill'dit's world first.

They all held their breaths, as the computer decode the message from Lianna. They hoped that it was not another kidnaping attempt. When the computer notified them that it was ready. They found out that it was from the Voss. They first wanted to congratulate everyone on a successful mission. They also appreciated Krillgan's friends coming to help him. They told Krillgan that the next mission will be on a barren planet that is void of life. So the mechanical things that will attack him have no life force energy he can detect. They believe that the Sith recovered some of Xim the Despot's war robots, and input a Rakata power source, that ran off of dark force energy. As far as they can tell, the robots still work. The good news is, that because these are not living creatures, their armour has not been strengthened by exposure to dark force energy. So they are susceptible to both lightsaber and force sword. They gave the coordinates he will need to enter into his hyperspace drive, after settling the dispute as Krillgan. But he is warned not to terry. He needs to arrive before the Emperor's people do, or things could become hectic.

Grimm checked the coordinates for the system. It is in the Outer Rim, off the end of a small hyperspace route that seems to end in the Tangrene System. It may be because no one has explored the route any further.

Krillgan asked Grimm if it is recorded when and where the Voss message was sent from. Grimm said that this is part of the message. He confirmed that it was sent from Lianna, and reminded Krillgan that Voss is also in the Tion Cluster, so it would have been a short trip to get to Lianna. The date it was sent was just after they picked up Rasha and Timrack from Bill'dit's world, along with all of the barrels.

Krillgan and Ludia went to their cabin to talk, they did not need to be on the bridge, as they approached Dathomir's sun, to make sure that the outside of the Phoenix is pathogen free. Ludia told Krillgan, that she is not staying on Dathomir. He has spent too much time away from the family. She was surprised when Krillgan agreed with her. She was disappointed when Krillgan said that he would be leaving the ship with his starfighter, right from Bill'dit's world. From there, he will be going to the Republic world with the two Devaronian clans. He would not be surprised if a Jedi is also there. They may have a friend in the Government of Devron that sent them a copy of the message sent to him. He does not want the Jedi to know that his wife is also a force user, because they may try and test her. So he may have to kill them. Ludia reluctantly agreed, she was not ready to meet a Jedi. Krillgan told her that he would be returning to Bill'dit's world to pick up his new suit of armour. From there he will be going to the world the Voss are sending him to. Then he is hoping to reconnect with the Fenelar Phoenix. Ludia promised that she will stay aboard the Phoenix with the children.

Because no one disturbed them. They did make love before going to sleep. They both admitted the next morning that it felt strange without Krillgan's fur. But they did it again, before getting up for breakfast. Then making preparations to land.

All the Sisters came to say goodbye to Stoneman, and thanking him, for them feeling safe about rejoining their herd.

When Ludia and Krillgan returned to Mother Andriel's home, a tearful Ta'Yanna ran up to her mother, and asked her to never leave her again. She is always afraid when Papa takes her away from her.

In Ta'Yanna's mind, it was Papa that took Mama and Richard away from her, because she knew that they were going to see Papa. Then when she was allowed to see Mama again, she was in that strange building, with tubes connected to her, and a lot of people watching her. To her this all happened because of Papa.

Ludia looked at Krillgan, this was not a good thing. But how do you fix it?

Andriel told them that Ta'Yanna often calls her Aunty Lindream, and has even asked her where her baby is? Chitrah has taken a scan of her head. Neither he nor Yma can see anything wrong with her brain. She just seems to combine memories in her head, as a way to deal with events that have traumatised her. Neither parent was happy to hear that about Ta'Yanna. They just thought that she was taking everything in stride. They did not realize that it was going deeper.

Ludia picked Ta'Yanna up and held her to herself. She reminded Ta'Yanna that what happened on Devron was not Papa's fault. Papa saved her and Richard from bad men. She would have been much worse, if Papa had not saved her. She told Ta'Yanna that where she had been with Papa the past few days, was to help him help someone else. She then took her outside, so she could see all the happy reunions. She told Ta'Yanna that all the bald women that are greeting their families with so much love, also went with them to help Papa. Because they believe in him, and trust him. When he says that he needs their help, to help someone else, they all willingly said yes to Papa. All Papa wants to do is help people. Because he has special gifts, a lot of people ask him for his help. Because he can do things that they cannot. To demonstrate that to Ta'Yanna, Ludia let Krillgan take Ta'Yanna using the force, and carry her the length of Mother Andriel's home, into his arms. He told her that every father in this world would love to do what he just did. But he is the only father on this world that can. Ta'Yanna replied that Mama can do what he just did. Krillgan told her that this is true. That Mama is also special. All the Women that are bald because of him, can also do it, along with a number of other mothers. But not all mothers can. Aunty Lindream cannot do it, even though she would love to. Grandmother Andriel cannot do it, nor can Aunty Rasha. Ta'Yanna asked if Richard can do it when he becomes a Papa. Krillgan told her that Richard will not be able to. Then she asked if she will be able to. Krillgan told her that they do not know yet if she will be able to. But her sister Lydna will be able to. That is why Lydna has to stay behind and live with grandmother and grandfather. She has to learn how to control what she has. Because if she tried to pick her up right now, she might squeeze her too hard and make her cry. Lydna loves her too much to want to make her cry. Ta'Yanna indicated like she understood. She asked if she can go back to Mama. Ludia indicated that she was ready, and gently grabbed Ta'Yanna and carried her to herself. Ta'Yanna put her arms around her mother's neck, and again asked that she not leave her again. There are lots of mother's here that can help Papa. Ludia told her daughter that sometimes they are in places where she is the only one who can help Papa. Besides it would be very selfish to not help someone when she can. Ta'Yanna had tears in her eyes when she told Mama that she wants her to stay with her. She does not know about helping other people. Ludia asked her if she remembers the world with lots of water, where she had so much fun playing with all the children. Ta'Yanna remembered. Ludia told her daughter that Papa, the crew of the Phoenix, even she helped a lot of the parents of the children. If they did not help them, then they would not have been there. She would not have had anyone to play with, if they did not help those people. Ta'Yanna had to think about that for a long time. She liked playing with all those children. She also saw their parents being happy to see her parents, and always treat them nice. Now she knows that her parents helped them when they needed help, and now they are happy. Ta'Yanna likes happy people. But she is sad when Mama leaves her. She told Mama that it is okay for her to help other people, but she cannot be away for a long time, because she wants Mama to make her feel happy as well. Ludia hugged her and kissed her, and told her that she wants to make her happy as well, and so does Papa.

When the blacksmiths were told that Krillgan would be leaving shortly, they worked on Krillgan's sword first. The blade on the swords where all good. It was the hilt, the grip they built on the sword. They need to replace what was burnt off. This will also let them know which clan forged Krillgan's sword. Which clan the Nightsisters stole the sword from. What they do for Dathomir swords, is have two carved pieces of wood, placed on the metal portion of the hilt. They then bind them in place, by wrapping them with cord. A couple of layers is usually good enough. But Krillgan has larger hands then the other Sisters, so they will give him one more layer, so that it feels more comfortable in his hand.

The other thing they all wanted to see, are these new swords made by the offworlders. Kreen said that they only came up to her navel, in height. But they were stronger than any clan blacksmith. They know that Kreen and Bariatha, were impressed with these blacksmiths. Now that they get to see what was hiding under the grip, they will see how good the quality of their swords really are.

They had a nice send off when they lifted off from the clearing. It did not take long for the Sisters to load all the kegs of ale and wine. The problem is Cargo Bay 2 is getting pretty full, with all those barrels for Bill'dit. They had unloaded the tea, salted fish, smoked fish, and frozen fish when they first arrived. So what is left to be unloaded is for the town's trading post.

When everyone was ready, Krillgan lifted off, and went around the southern tip of the continent, to go west to the town. Ludia was in the Captain's chair, and Ta'Yanna was in Mama's lap. Richard was sitting beside her. Krillgan flew most of the trip with the nose, 30° down angle, and flying sideways, so the children could see the land. They even saw Sisters on Rancour, accompanied by their patrols, stop and wave as they flew by. Everyone recognises the Fenelar Phoenix now, so they were not afraid of it being a pirate ship.

At the trading post, the man in charge knew that the fish that Krillgan handed over, was a bonus. He told Krillgan that the other merchant is still coming, so trade is good. He rolled out the kegs of blended ale, and wine, and watched Krillgan and Ludia pick them up like they did not weigh anything. Kran placed an "L" on the tops of the kegs that were going to the palace on Lianna. He marked the one keg of New Ale, with the letter "T". Krillgan had started to transport a keg of New Ale for the Togruta to enjoy during their celebrations. He did not charge them for it. They just needed to pay the cost of transportation from Santhe Corporation, to the Togruta Enclave. He told them that they feed him and his crew whenever they stop by for a visit. Shaak never charged them for any work she did for them. So the least thy can do, is to contribute to their celebrations.

They had to make special arraignments in the Captain's Cabin. The bed was not big enough for the family, and Krillgan did not want to sleep in an empty cabin. Ta'Yanna had only ever known, sleeping with Richard and Mama in that cabin. So for the short time Krillgan was going to be on the Phoenix, it was not worth the trauma to her, to get her used to sleeping in another cabin. So Krillgan took some of the workout mats stacked in Cargo Bay 2, and placed them on the deck in the Captain's Cabin. He made it a double layer, so it would be comfortable. Richard volunteered to sleep on the mats, as long as everyone promised not to step on him. Krillgan decided that there was room enough for the two of them. So Ta'Yanna and Mama slept on the bed, Richard and Papa slept on the mats.

After lifting off, Krillgan wanted to ask Tamrack, if Stoneman and Rudy had been fed. He wasn't worried about Rudy, since both children share their food with him. But he wanted to make sure that Stoneman was looked after. Because he could not find Tamrack, he decided to talk with Stoneman himself. When he walked into Cargo Bay 1, he almost had a heart attack. Stoneman was sitting there with foam around his mouth. Stoneman blew some foam at Krillgan, and it was a good thing he did. Krillgan smelt a sweet herbal smell to the foam. He became quite angry, and reached out with the force. He located Tamrack hiding in the Cargo Bay, with Rudy right beside him. Krillgan called out, that this is not funny. He then instructed Rudy, to give Tamrack a light tap with his tail on his ankle. When he heard Tamrack go ouch, he told him not to be upset with Rudy, he told him to do it. Krillgan asked Stoneman if he can climb up on him, and wipe the foam off. Before someone sees him, and thinks he is mad, and kills him. Stoneman told him, that Tamrack wanted to do it when they landed at the clearing near his herd, but he said no. Krillgan told him that this decision saved his life. The Sisters would have killed him, before they knew it was shaving foam. Krillgan used his shirt to clean off Stoneman's face since he could not find anything else. He told Krillgan that it has a nice smell, but tastes awful. Tamrack hobbled out of his hiding place, he asked Krillgan what was wrong with having a little fun? Krillgan told him that his fun almost had Stoneman killed. If Stoneman had not blown the foam at him, he would have run back to his cabin and grabbed his sword. The next time he saw him, he would be jumping through the air, to jab Stoneman in his head, to kill him. Tamrack would not have been fast enough to stop him.

Krillgan asked Stoneman, if he had been fed yet? Stoneman answered no. So Krillgan told Tamrack to make sure that Rudy and Stoneman are fed. Krillgan was too angry to say anything else, and left Cargo Bay 1. He found Ludia on the bridge. She was in the Pilot's chair. Rasha was sitting in the Captain's chair. He told Ludia what Tamrack had done, and how close he came to killing Stoneman. He was too upset to talk to Tamrack right now. Ludia told Rasha to take control of the Phoenix. Rasha told Ludia that she is coming with her, only to make sure she doesn't kill her husband. Other than that, she is there to support her. This meant that Krillgan had to pilot the ship.

Tamrack had given Strongman and Rudy what he had prepared for them, and had just hobbled back as far as the crew lounge, when Ludia confronted him. Neither he, nor the children, who were in the lounge playing, had ever seen her this angry.

Ludia told him that this was the most irresponsible thing any member of the Phoenix's crew has ever done, endangering a fellow crewman's life, just for the sake of a little prank. She thought he was mature, an experienced leader. But no leader she knows, except a Nightsister Witch, would ever do what he has done. Then like Krillgan, she did not know what else to say to him. So she turned and left. Rasha just said, "How could you?" Then she turned and followed Ludia. The rest of the crew, when they heard what Tamrack had done, told him that a harmless prank is one thing. What he did was cross the line. When he hobbled to the cabin he shared with Rasha, because he wanted to lay down. Rasha stepped out of the cabin, with all his clothes and threw it on the deck. She told him that he wasn't sleeping with her tonight. She also told him, that if they were not married, this ship would have stopped at the first habitable planet, and he would have been kicked off, never to be part of Phoenix's crew again. Then she returned to her cabin, crying.

Tamrack had no choice but to pick up his clothes, then figure out which cabin to take. Kran and Elibet reminded him that the main washroom is their washroom. That meant that the only washroom available to him was the one in the tale of the ship. So the best cabin for him is the tail cabin. A long walk to make, when your one leg is paralyzed. The whole way back, Tamrack kept asking himself, how do I get out of this one?

When Tamrack reached the cabin, he put his clothes on the top bunk. Then he hobbled all the way back up to the bridge. Krillgan was still in the pilot's chair. Ludia was in the Captain's chair. Rasha was in their cabin. He told Krillgan that he cannot undo what he has done. Obviously he wasn't thinking. All he can do is apologize. So he apologized to Krillgan. Then he apologized to Ludia. He hobbled to the door of Rasha's cabin, and told her that he was sorry for acting the fool, and embarrassing her in front of her family. Rasha asked through the door, if he has apologised to Stoneman yet? Tamrack told her that he can't. He cannot communicate with a paralyzed leg. It would be the same as him trying to talk with her, with half his mouth paralyzed. Tamrack then went to the crew lounge, and apologized for crossing the line, and endangering a crewmember. He then hobbled back to his new cabin and laid down. He will have to wait, before apologising to Stoneman and Rudy.

It was an uneasy crew that flew through hyperspace. Tamrack stayed in his cabin. Only to come out to feed Stoneman and Rudy, then pick up his own meals.

Krillgan and Ludia talked with Stoneman about Tamrack. Stoneman told them that there is a humorous side to this. Tamrack wanted to stir up a little trouble, only to have it all land on his own head. He knew that sometimes male Rancor behave the same way. Only he would not know what the Herd Mother would do about it. He just knows that they cannot kick him out of the ship's herd, because he is bonded to Rasha. He believes that Tamrack is truly sorry, so the herd should just accept him, and allow him to take his former place. He cannot think of anything else that they can do.

Krillgan and Ludia then had a crew meeting. They shared what Stoneman shared with them, and they believe that he is right. They need to forgive Tamrack, and move on. Or they cannot be a family again. They asked Rasha to let Tamrack know he is forgiven. They also told her that she only needs to tell him, when she was ready to forgive him, herself. Rasha thanked them for not pressuring her. She wished that she could have talked to Stoneman herself. She went back to her room, and thought about what Krillgan and Ludia shared. They were right, in that it was pointless to continue the way they are. She also thought about the traditions Mother Andriel had shared with her. Both she and father believed that you marry for life. So if something bad happens, you work through it. The bond may be weak, but if they are both committed, it can become strong again.

Rasha went to the tail of the Phoenix, and knocked on Tamrack's door. She asked if they can talk. Tamrack opened the door and let her in. He apologized to her again. Rasha told him that Krillgan and Ludia talked with Stoneman. He told them that he seemed sincere in being sorry. So the whole crew has agreed to forgive him.

"I believe that you have to do something to make it up to them. Because I don't want them to just forgive you, I want them to accept you once again."

Tamrack asked Rasha, if she forgives him? She said, "Yes!" Tamrack thanked her, and ask her permission to hug and kiss her. Which she gave him. After, he told her, that he was afraid that he had hurt everyone so bad, that he felt he had lost them forever. It really hurt him inside. He could not imagine living without her, and it hurt to know that he had caused this, and not her. All he can say and do, is show them through his actions, that he is committed to her, and to them. Rasha helped him carry his belongings back to their cabin.

When the Phoenix entered the system where Bill'dit's world was, Krillgan ushered the children out of the Captain's cabin. He told them that their parents need some alone time. Richard had been through this before, so it did not bother him, so he grabbed a stack of paper, and his color sticks. Ta'Yanna did not like it, she wanted to play with Mama. She did not object when Richard took her hand, and invited her to come colour with him. He told her while they were walking, that Papa said that parents need to be alone together from time to time. So that they can be better parents. He thinks that it is because he heard that Papa is leaving again when they reach the next planet. Mama is not happy when he leaves, so Papa must say his goodbyes to her. Ta'Yanna asked him, why they cannot say goodbye in front of them, and why did they take so long to say goodbye? Richard told her that he did not know. There are a lot of things that adults do that he doesn't understand.

They made themselves comfortable on the deck of the crew lounge. Richard told Ta'Yanna that he can draw Stoneman, or Rudy, or a Quarra for her. Then she can colour it. Ta'Yanna asked for a picture of a Quarra.

Rasha and Tamrack were in the crew lounge. They had been asked to keep an eye on the children, while the Co-Captains have their alone time. Rasha was impressed with the quick sketch that Richard made of a Quarra. It was much better than what she would have expected of a boy his age. She was also sure that no Quarra would ever show its face in a forest, in the colors that Ta'Yanna was using on her Quarra. Rasha quietly told Tamrack, that when they stop at a planet, they need to check it for more than its market locations. They also need to check if there are any interesting places or events that will stimulate young minds. Tamrack asked her, why she was telling him this? She is the First Officer. She told him that it is important that they remember the worlds that have interesting things for children. For when they have their own. This conversation was making Tamrack nervous. They had never really talked about having children. He asked Rasha, when were they planning on having children? Rasha told him that they may have it sooner than they planned.

"I think I'm pregnant."

"When will you know for sure?"

"When Krillgan tells me."

"Are you saying you need your Captain's permission to be pregnant?"

Rasha gave him a small shove, and told him to stop being silly. She reminded him that Krillgan is a healer, and can detect new life. He has often told women they are pregnant, before they even suspect that they are. He told Ludia she was pregnant with both Richard and Ta'Yanna, before Ludia knew that she was.

Tamrack asked her, when was she going to ask Krillgan? Rasha was embarrassed by this question. "I didn't think I had to ask." Tamrack told her that he will ask him for her, and pretended to get up. Rasha stopped him from getting up, and told him that he was not going to interrupt Krillgan and Ludia. Tamrack smiled and asked her who was now being silly? He told her that he would never do that to them. He knows how important this time is to them. He then proceeded to get up enough, so that he could give Rasha a kiss on her cheek.

The children ignored the two adults, and carried on with their time together. Ta'Yanna thought that Richard was very smart. She asked him, if he believed that it was true that Papa helped a Quarra? Then the Quarra helped them back, by finding them. Richard reminded her about the Quarra family they watched from the trees. He told her, that the largest of the two adults, was the Quarra that led Papa to where the bad people were hiding them. He said that Papa told him that he is the father of the little ones. When he found them the mother was in a den with the eggs she had laid. The father was outside trying to protect them from a pack of Quarra. For some reason, Quarra like to eat the eggs, but not the little ones. They will even kill the parents to get at the eggs. The father Quarra was injured, but standing his ground, keeping the pack at bay. Papa decided to help the injured Quarra, and jumped down to the ground, to show the pack that he wasn't afraid of them. One member of the pack did jump at him, but Papa used the force to push him into two other members of the pack, knocking them all over. That was enough for the pack to know he was too powerful for them, so they left. He then healed the father, and asked nothing in return. It was only when he found out about the bad men who had taken them that he went back to the Quarra for help. All the eggs had hatched, so it was safe for the father to leave his family, so he agreed to help Papa. He even led Papa to the home where Mama had left her. That is how he knew where to go to find her, after Mama was safe in the hospital.

"So Papa helps more than people?"

"Papa helped Stoneman!"

"Did Papa help Rudy?"

"No. But he helped Rudy's parents. That is why they brought Rudy to him, when Rudy was old enough to leave his pack."

Ta'Yanna felt much better knowing Papa helped lots of animals, as well as helping lots of people.

When Krillgan and Ludia came out of their cabin, they were holding hands. When Ta'Yanna saw them she got up off the deck and went to them. She asked Papa to pick her up. When he did, she put her arms around his neck to hug him, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. She said that it was because he helps more than people. He helps everyone. She then wanted to go into Mama's arms, and did the same. She told Mama that it was because she likes helping Papa help everyone one. She then asked to be put down, and went and got her picture of the Quarra. She told her parents that the Quarra do not look as scary, when they have all the nice colours. Maybe Papa could get them to change, so they do not scare people.

Krillgan's eyes were all watery from just receiving that hug and kiss from his daughter. He patted her on her head, and told her that he will see what he can do. He told her that he suspects it will be really hard, because he thinks the Quarra like the way they look now. He then decided to join his children on the deck, and start sketching some creatures he encountered, since leaving Dathomir. He started by drawing the Nexu, the feline with the wedged shaped head, and a forked tail. Rasha saw that Richard's talent for drawing came naturally, from both his parents.

Tamrack decided that now was the best time to ask Krillgan about his wife.

"Excuse me, Krillgan."

Krillgan did not look up. "Yes?"

"Is Rasha pregnant?"

This question caught Ludia by surprise, as she just sat down, to watch the three children drawing on the deck. Krillgan still did not look up.

"Yes."

Rasha asked Krillgan, how long has he known?

Krillgan with his head down told her that it was as they were approaching Dathomir, from Bill'dit's world. He always has a stronger feel for the force when approaching Dathomir, so it is always easier to sense new life.

Then Krillgan stopped drawing, and looked up. His face became really dark, since his fur was still growing back, and it had not thickened up. He knew all the adults in the lounge were looking at him.

"Rasha, I'm so, so sorry, that I did not tell you right away. I was so caught up in thinking about everything that we had to do. That I did to you what I did to Ta'Yanna right after she was born. I ignored you. If it is any consolation, I have been monitoring your pregnancy quite regularly. It's a habit of mine. I especially monitored you, when we had that incident with Tamrack. Because your body was full of high levels of hormones. But they seemed to cancel each other out, and the baby was unaffected, as far as I could tell."

This time it was Tamrack that went red in the face. When he realized that what he did, could also have hurt their baby.

Rasha did ask him, when he thinks she will be expecting? Krillgan had to think for a few minutes. Then gave her a date in standard time, as to when she could give birth. He also warned her that the first baby is usually late. They don't like all the attention, and would rather stay inside Mama's tummy. Which made the two ladies laugh.

Rasha asked Krillgan, if she should be doing anything special for the baby? Krillgan told her that what she needs to do, is keep nibbling on all the fresh fruits and vegetables that she keeps buying for everyone else. He also told her that it was okay to ask the expert. Nodding his head towards Ludia.

Richard told her that she can eat all of his vegetables. Krillgan told Richard that Rasha can't. He has first dibs, so if Rasha eats anyone's vegetables, she will be eating his. Then Krillgan grabbed Richard and started tickling him. Then Ta'Yanna told Mama that she wanted it too. So Ludia grabbed her and started tickling her. Elibet came out of her cabin, because she heard the children and adults laughing, and wondered what was going on? Rasha told her that everyone is happy, because they just found out that Elibet was going to be a Grandmother.

Before Elibet could do anything more than look surprised, they heard the computer say, "All crewmembers to your stations. All passengers to the crew lounge. Prepare to land. Krillgan, Ludia, and Rasha, all went to the bridge. Kran was in the Pilot's chair, so he stayed there. Krillgan took the Captain's chair, with Ludia and Rasha on either side of him. Grimm was already at his station handling communications with traffic control. Richard grabbed all the papers and colouring sticks, and threw them in the special basket that was there for toys and things, then sat down on one of the chairs and strapped himself in. Elibet helped Ta'Yanna into another chair, and strapped her in. Then she went to the chair where Rasha had been sitting, and strapped herself in. Tamrack had just strapped himself in, because he did not think that anyone needed his help.

After landing, Elibet burst onto the bridge, and told Kran that Rasha is pregnant. Rasha said she was going to be a grandmother. Kran asked, what does that make him? Krillgan told everyone that he does not think there is a proper term for grandboy. Which made everyone on the bridge laugh. Elibet patted Grimm's hand, and told him that he just stays an uncle.

Bill'dit was at first confused, when the porter droids showed up at his workshop, with all the barrels of compound, that Rasha had mixed, following his instructions. He wondered if there was a problem, and they could not use it. He really did not want to store it in his workshop. Krillgan told him that everything he prepared for them worked perfectly. They just found some interesting items, and the only way they could think of, to bring it all safely there, is to use his barrels. Bill'dit cautiously open a barrel and looked inside. Then he called Fik'set to come see what they brought them. Fik'set could see that the boss was happy about something, and came over and looked in the barrel. Between the two of them, they had all the barrels open in no time. Then they both went from barrel to barrel, checking what was inside. Acting like they were children that had received the best present ever. They even did their happy dance together.

Bill'dit assured Krillgan that with what he just brought, coupled with the supplies he has on hand, he could probably build enough armoured suits to equip a whole squadron. Krillgan told him that one suit will be enough. Then asked him when it would be ready? Bill'dit set a date in standard time, then warned Krillgan that it will probably be a different colour than green. Because some of the minerals are different than what they used before. But they are still all mentioned in the Jedi recipe as possible combinations. Krillgan thanked him, and told him that he has to leave. Krillgan told him that Ludia has a couple more projects for him. That she will look after all the details, including the cost. Then he left.

Ludia told Bill'dit about the three additional swords. But Krillgan's project has priority. Bill'dit told her that before he can charge her for anything, he first has to establish a price for everything they brought him, including a standard transportation fee. What he will charge her is the difference between him purchasing the material, and him selling them the finished goods.

What Bill'dit did not tell her, was that some of the items can only be purchased on the black market, than smuggled to him. He would not be surprised that the customs officials thought like he did, that they were just returning product.

In the end, after everything was weighed, and all the calculations made. Bill'dit approached Ludia, and handed her a bag of credits. He told her that it turns out that he still owed her money. He showed her his calculations, including the prices for everything she asked for. He told her that he is charging her a premium price for a premium product. He then told her when she could pick-up all three swords.

Ludia had copied down all the transportation costs Bill'dit said it would have cost him. She counted the credits Bill'dit had given her, then withdrew the balance from hers and Krillgan's account. She gave it all to Rasha and Elibet, letting them know, that this is the Phoenix's money, for transporting all the goods for Buildit. They in turn, recorded the amount in Grimm's computer, than deposited it into Phoenix's account. They decided that it would be time at the next stop, to pay everyone their wages.

While Krillgan was traveling down the Hydian Way, to where it intersected the Trellen Trade Route. The Phoenix travelled down the Hydian Way to their next stop. Getting the ale and wine from the Singing Mountain Clan Bottled. Rasha took Tamrack with her. After they received their share of the bottled product. They went back to the Phoenix. Rasha handed Elibet the 100 credits, then together, along with Ludia, they went to the banking kiosk. It was payday. Ludia and Krillgan received their share as Co-Captains and Owners. Their share for being Captains was smaller than normal, because on the last trading trip, Rasha was acting Captain, with Tamrack as her First Officer. So Rasha's portion reflected that. This money she deposited in the joint account she had with Tamrack. Elibet and Kran's portion remained relatively the same, except for the bonus they received as their share, for transporting the barrels for Bill'dit. Grimm's was also the same, plus the bonus. Which they transferred to his account.

With everyone in agreement it was time to move on to the next location, Richard's world. But before they reached their destination. They were rudely knocked out of hyperspace by pirates. The pirates had two Davaab-type Starfighters, one Mandalorian built Interceptor, which was also the main Starfighter used in the Hutt Fleets, and two Star Forge built Sith Starfighters. When the three Mandalorian built starfighters, recognised the ship they just knocked out of hyperspace. They immediately turned tail, and made straight for their support ship. It looked like it was a carrier of some type, but no one recognised it. Everyone did suspect it was Mandalorian built. Possibly being built specifically for pirates. The pilots of the Sith Starfighters hesitated enough, that the Phoenix's crew were able to take them out. Kran was awarded one kill, since it was clear he took out the one starfighter. Elibet and Rasha shared the other kill, since they both targeted the same starfighter. The pirate carrier was able to quickly leave the system, after picking up the three starfighters, before the Phoenix could target it. So the Phoenix continued on its way.

On Richard's world. Half the cases of bottled New Ale, Ale, and Fruit Wine was officially sold to Madam Cothia's Wedding Chapel. The new Madam ran both the chapel and the brothel now. The only way that Madam Cothia knew that the Phoenix had been on the planet, was when a new bottle of Fruit Wine arrived, for their small community to enjoy.

The new Madam kept the fruit wine, at the chapel, with the New Ale, and Ale going to the brothel. The availability of the prestigious Singing Mountain Winery Wine, for the wedding reception, was one reason why certain couples chose their chapel over that of their competitors. Usually they would ask that the chapel blend the expensive fruit wine, with a readily available, but good quality wine, as a means of bringing the cost of the reception down. Which was fine with the Madam, because their stock went farther. As it is, they always ran out before the Phoenix returned. Which was always a trying time for the Madam. Since she never knew when the Phoenix would arrive with the next shipment.

Rasha found a freighter that was heading to Manaan. It was one she recognised as being on Manaan before. So she had no trouble loading the remaining cases on their freighter, and paying them for the transport fee. They told the Captain that the product had already been prepaid, but they had other deliveries to make, that would take them in a different direction. The cases for the cantina in Ahao City was also clearly marked. With the balance addressed to Talmi. The Captain recognises the name of the Tal Nami that ran all the resort hotels, and casinos on Manaan. He knew that if he did not make this delivery. He could lose his right to deliver his freight to the planet. He had a very good contract delivering food items to Manaan, which he wasn't about to jeopardize, by sneeking a peak, at what type of bottles are in the cases.

From Richard's world, they went to a number of Republic planets, to pick up some items that are hard to get in Mandalorian Space. Since they need to go thru Mandalorian Space to get to Lianna. After picking up a good quantity, they went to a world that was deemed neutral, by the Mandalorian government. On this planet, they pay their custom's people to place their stamp, on the crates of items they purchased. That way the importer on the planet where they are taking the items has to pay much less in duties. Since the items are not considered as coming from a planet they are technically at war with.

After leaving the system, the Phoenix was once again knocked out of hyperspace by pirates. Only these pirates had no starfighters. They had three Teroch-Type Gunships, and a Barloz medium freighter. It seems that these pirates were used to stealing freight bound for Mandalorian Space. Ludia was not going to have any part of it. She had the Phoenix go straight to ship assault mode. Tamrack was piloting the Phoenix, so Ludia left him there, but took control of the main weapons. Rasha was in the gun turret over the crew lounge. Elibet and Kran were in their gun turrets, they knew that they had a fight on their hands. Ludia asked the computer, if she could fire the Ion Cannons separately? They computer told her that she could.

Ludia told Tamrack to head straight for the closest gunship. As soon as they were in range, all of the Phoenix's gun turrets opened fire. With the surprised gunship returning fire. They have never had a freighter turn to fight them before. They either try to get away, or they immediately surrender. When they came within range, Ludia told the computer that she was only firing the port-side Ion Cannon. This was another surprise for the gunship, as they lost control of all their electronics. Their ship was paralyzed. The last surprise was the stream of missiles coming at them from the belly of the freighter. It was not long before they blew up.

The other two gunships quickly moved to attack this freighter that had turned to fight them, but the pirate freighter kept their distance. The other gunships were just as surprised as their comrades, when the Ion Cannon fired, and then the missiles started flying. This is when they clued in that this was not an ordinary freighter. But an old military escort ship, that still had all its teeth. They had committed to the battle, even though during the Mandelorian War, they would swarm a ship like this, with at least five or six gunships.

When Tamrack had the next gunship lined up, Ludia fired the starboard-side Ion Cannon, then streamed the missiles, until they exploded. When Tamrack was lined up on the third gunship, Ludia fired her Heavy Laser Baterries, point blank. Causing that gunship to explode.

That is when the pirate freighter surrendered. It turns out that there was only one person on that ship (The Captain), and a number of porter droids, to remove the freight that they stole. They had no one aboard to man their gun turrets. The Captain agreed to fly to the neutral planet, with the Phoenix acting as its escort. The freighter jumped first, and was extremely disappointed that the Phoenix entered the system directly behind them. The Captain was hoping that he had enough of a head start that he could fly across the system, and jump into hyperspace again. Before the Phoenix could react to what he was doing. Now he really would have to land on the planet and surrender to the local authorities.

The authorities suspected that there were pirates operating near their system, because regular freighters suddenly stopped returning to their planet. Planetary Defense was not opposed to strapping the freighter Captain to an interrogation droid, and getting a confession out of him. He said that they started as a group of would be bounty hunters, that could not get any contracts. So they turned to pirating. They all had their own starfighters. When they hunted as a pack, they were very successful. They boarded any freighter that surrendered, and killed everyone aboard. His Barloz freighter was one of the first freighters they captured, and decided not to sell. The Mandalorian Government has an excess amount of Teroch-type Gunships, which they were willing to sell to anyone with enough credits. Since it is an excellent ship for bounty hunters who have proven themselves, to upgrade to. So they decided to purchase some, when they made enough credits. After they purchased the first one. They found that fewer freighters would try to make a run for it. By the time they purchased the third gunship. No one was running. With the profits they were expecting with this next freighter, they were ready to purchase another gunship. They never expected that there would be a freighter powerful enough, to take them on. He asked for the name of the ship. They only told him, that it is nicknamed the pirate killer. He did admit, that they continued to kill all crew and passengers. To keep anyone from finding out what they did.

The planet's government was at a quandary, as to what to do with him. They contacted the Mandalorian Government. They replied that none of their citizens are pirates, despite what the man says. The government decided that this man was worthy of death, but they had no means to execute him. So in keeping with neutrality, they sold the pirate Captain to the Hutts, to compete in one of their gladiatorial arenas. The proceeds of his sale, the sale of the freighter, and of the porter droids. Were set aside for the Fenelar Phoenix, the next time they return to the planet. Minus the processing fees, for handling everything for them.

Krillgan took the Hydian Way all the way to the Trellen System, then took the Trellen Trade Route to Humbarine. Because of the heavy traffic on the Hydian Way, including Republic Fleet movement. Krillgan found himself forced out of hyperspace, a number of times, without knowing the reason why. As his was the only ship forced out. The astrometric droid, proved invaluable, in getting Krillgan quickly back on his way. Krillgan found out that Humbarine is a one city planet, similar to Lianna, but with much taller buildings. They are known as a manufacturing and research planet. Due to their Science Institute. They are also a Commerce Hub. Which is why the Devaronians are there.

Humbarine did have a starfighter bay in their orbital spaceport. But did not have the facility to have an independent starfighter parked there for an extended period of time. They studied his astrometric droid for a long time, while pretending to decide what they were going to do with him. Every starfighter pilot on the space station, asking Krillgan everything they could about it, including cost. Krillgan had to remind them that his droid is a custom prototype. The major cost was not the droid, but the software package that the Givin were able to assemble. Something that has never been done before. He has also been asked to return every ten years. For the Givin to re-examine the software, to see if any upgrades need to be made. He was sure that a production model would be less than half the price of what he paid. He also mentioned how valuable the droid has been on this trip. All the pilots knew that the droid saved Krillgan from between a week to a month of travel time, every time he was knocked out of hyperspace.

Because they did not have the space, and the Jedi had vouched for him. Expecting him to show up in his special starfighter. Krillgan was given permission to take his starfighter down to the surface, and park it at the shuttle terminal closest to all the Devaronian communities. Krillgan's destination was an apartment complex. One own jointly, by five Devaronian Clans. The building had storefronts, on every pedestrian level. With restaurants and bars located inside the complex on the pedestrian levels. Above the storefronts were a number of levels dedicated to office space for a number of businesses. Including shared conference rooms that the businesses could book for meetings. There were a couple of levels dedicated to auditoriums for large conferences. Above them were the apartments for personal residence. All five clans lived there. There was also room for the clans to grow. With the apartments currently leased to people employed in businesses in the same building, as well as people who worked in businesses nearby.

Krillgan found it interesting that four Jedi were there to observe him. There was the Jedi Master who sat on the council, with his Padawan. There were also two Jedi that Krillgan found out were called Jedi Consulars. They were the ones that would normally be charged to render a decision in this type of situation. They were introduced to Krillgan, telling him that they were there to assist him, as was required by Devaronian Law. They promised to stay out of his way, unless he asks for them. They were being housed in a guest residence, provided by a clan that was not involved in this dispute.

The elders from the two clans involved in this dispute, as well as most of the nieces hoping to be awarded the inheritance, met with Krillgan right away. What was really at stake was the deceased matron's storefront, workshop, and office. Because of its location. Any business that setup in that space, was almost guaranteed to be very profitable, for the business owner. Something highly coveted, as the matron had owned the place outright, just as she did her apartment.

Krillgan did make an unusual request, right at the beginning. Instead of accepting a guest residence, as it could be interpreted, as a clan trying to influence him. He asked, if he could stay in the guest bedroom of the deceased matron? He did this for a number of reasons. First he wanted to know this Devaronian Lady, and who she interacted with on a regular basis. It could give an indication if one candidate stood out, as having the strongest claim to inherit everything. What touched Krillgan on a personal level, is knowing that the matron was a cobbler, and that there was no one that was trained to take over the business.

When Krillgan went through the workshop, he found her unfinished projects. Krillgan knew enough from what his father taught him, that he could finish the new shoes and slippers. He just did not know enough to do the repairs to the footwear sitting on her workbench. The equipment was not the newest, nor was it ancient. It was almost identical to what he saw in Grandfather Cabrera's workshop. Now run by his uncle and his nephew.

Krillgan found out from the elders, that the Clans did need their own cobbler shop. It was the only one to service all ten Devaronian Clans on the planet. Krillgan found out from the matron's neighbours, that none of the nieces or nephews came by to visit on a regular basis. Some did make an effort to visit her on her birthday. Usually if someone did visit, it was to ask for a loan, to help them with their own businesses.

Krillgan did not like that his fur was not growing back evenly. Like it did after the first shave. He believed that it had to do with being exposed to force lightning. Where some areas had come in nice and thick, other areas seemed sparse to him, leaving him looking motely. It made him look he was suffering with a fur disease. One child asked him, why he looked so strange? He told her that she would look strange as well, if she had to have all her fur shaved off, in order to go through a purifying ceremony. The Devaronian community was satisfied with this explanation. When the Jedi heard about this explanation, they wondered what type of purifying ceremony, would require the Krillgan to shave off all of his fur?

When Krillgan interviewed the nieces, they all admitted to being asked to take up the cobbler business. None of them had a satisfactory answer as to why they didn't. They all admitted that if they obtained the inheritance, they would move their business into their Aunt's shop, right away. As it is a much better location.

What was going to take time with this decision, was interviewing all the nephews. The first few were all the same. They only placed their names down for inheritance, because their mates insisted. They all felt that they had as good a chance as anyone else. To them it was a lottery. Only with fewer participants, and a decent reward. Even though Krillgan was pretty sure he knew what to do, after only a couple of weeks. He knew it was not right, or fair, to render a decision, until after he had interviewed everyone. Which meant that he had to wait until all the nephews came home on leave, and given them a couple of days to renew their relationships with their spouses. Knowing full well that their spouses will be coaching them to say what they think Krillgan wants to hear. Which was another reason Krillgan could not reveal his decision.

The planet the Phoenix stopped at in Mandalorian Space, was the one where they transported all the Devaronian refugees, fleeing conscription on Deysum III. When they entered the system, they had traffic control relay a message to the Devaronian Clan that their shipment order had arrived. So it looked like the clan was expecting them. The clan knew that there was no way to predict the Phoenix's arrival. But the message gave them time to prepare. There was always someone from the clan to meet them, and to escort the freight through customs. Which is when the clan found out what was purchased for them. So by the time they made it through customs, someone had calculated what the shipment was worth to them, in order to know what to pay the Phoenix. After they were through customs. The customs officials saw the clan hand over credits to a representative from the Phoenix. Ostensibly, to cover the cost of the next shipment. They were also handed what looked like an order. The reality was that they were paying for the current shipment, and the supposed order, was a wish list, for the next shipment. But by doing it this way, they found that it always made it easier going through customs, with the next shipment.

For the crew of the Phoenix, it did not matter. This was bonus pay, for a trip they were making anyway. Making the trip even more lucrative. The real payday was for what they were delivering for the Royal Palace on Lianna.

When they did land at Santhe Corporation Spaceport. Madam Santhe was really interested in hearing about the pirate attacks, and Krillgan's official recognition as a Devaronian Krillgan. What she wanted to know, is if this meant that Krillgan was less likely to make the trip to Lianna?

The crew also found that it took longer to reload the Phoenix with replacement missiles, than it did to fire them. So Rasha suggested to Ludia that they take the children to see a street performance. Like Rasha told Tamrack, she was faithful in searching the various planets they landed at, for children friendly activities. They found museums on some planets, one was interesting for the children, others were boring. There were art exhibits, but they were not sure if they were children friendly, so they did not go. Since they were told on one planet, that it was a very adult theme the artist chose to portray. On one planet they found a botanical garden, which everyone enjoyed. Ludia told them that if they come back with Papa, he could tell them what plants were good for healing. As it was, Richard and Ludia sketched some of the plants, to show Papa, and Ta'Yanna colored them. Only she took the liberty of colouring them, with the colors she wanted to see on them.

Rasha was surprised by Ludia's reaction. Where Ludia wanted to make sure that the street theatre was current, and not something from a previous generation. Rasha had to show Ludia that it is an old established theatre company that even had their own school, for anyone interested in acting. Santhe Security even told them that they will enjoy themselves, when they found out where they were going. Since they needed directions to get there. They did decide to break the norm, with Ludia and Rasha sitting with the children, rather than standing on the risers with the teenagers, and adults.

After the performance, an old actor came up to them. He told them that seeing them with the children brought back some fond memories. The blue man that helped them get to this planet, also enjoyed sitting with the children, and the children enjoyed him being there. Ludia surprised the old actor, and Rasha, by asking him if they still have their costumes sewn by the Elegant You Dress Shop. The actor admitted that this is still the case. The only payment is to perform once at both the Nautolan, and Togruta Enclaves. Something they all enjoy doing, as they are well fed, and get to enjoy their dancing afterward.

As they were taking the shuttle back to Santhe Corporation, Rasha asked Ludia about what she asked? Ludia told her that the blue man the actor was referring to, was Father Chitrah. That the theater group came to the Elegant You, while it was still a new business. She asked Rasha, if she remembered father and mother telling stories about a theatre group? Rasha had a look of surprise, as she remembered hearing something. Now she was even happier that they came and saw the performance.

They both agreed that they wanted to go to the Togruta Enclave the following evening, just to visit friends. This will be Ta'Yanna's first time to see their dances. The whole crew wanted to come, when they heard about where they were planning on going. Even the Cereans asked if the Togruta would accept them, as this is not a special occasion. Ludia explained that it was a special occasion. They do not come to Lianna every day, so the occasion was the renewing of friendship. The Cereans thought that this was a valid reason, and asked Ludia if the she thought the Togruta would mind if they also came along? Ludia just told them to contact them first. So the Togruta have time to prepare. The Cereans thought that was a logical request. So while one of the honour wives contacted the Togruta, the bond wife contacted Madam Santhe for permission to go. Madam Santhe smiled at their excuse for going, and had no trouble giving them permission, then gave Santhe Security a heads-up. Reminding them that they will be more obvious, as there will be fewer people going. The Head of Security suggested that their people remain in uniform. Or it will be harder to be undercover the next time. Madam Santhe agreed.

The wives noticed Santhe Security boarding the shuttle with them, and asked them about it. They told them that Madam Santhe thought it would be a treat for them. They were even meeting their families at the terminal. Since they know that children were allowed. They also let them know that the Togruta had been notified, and agreed to their being there. So the Cereans decided to wait at the terminal, until all the families were ready to go. It was the crew of the Phoenix that went ahead, because they were first going to the dress shop.

The families that lived close to the Togruta Enclave, also showed up, when they saw the crowd of people going there. They had not heard of a celebration, but any excuse where their children can freely play with other children, was a good enough excuse for them. Fortunately, the Togruta were up to the task, and everyone was fed.

Shaak complimented Ludia on how she looked with short hair. Which made Ludia blush, she had forgotten that it is still growing back after she had to shave it.

Shaak took Ta'Yanna on her lap during dinner, and Ta'Yanna immediately took one of her headtails in her mouth. Shaak looked at Ludia for an explanation, since she knew that this child has encountered a female Togruta before. Ludia told her about the Starpleasures Ambassadors that now work on Manaan. She told her what Krillgan had shared with her about the Chask's life growing up. How she had unconsciously accepted the two Twi'Leks as her companions. Now that the Twi'Leks know, they take that into account, when making a decision. Unfortunately, it has worked against them, when it has come to finding a mate. Everyone on the Phoenix really wants to help them, but do not know how. It seems to be an impossible task, to find a male Togruta, with two Twi'Lek males as his companions.

Shaak picked up Ta'Yanna, and went to talk to her father, about the Ambassadors. Ta'Yanna sensed who they were talking about, and told them about her special friends who live on a world that has lots of water. How everyone who meets them, loves them. But still they have a sadness deep inside. That most people cannot see. But Mama and Papa can.

The next morning, over breakfast, the crew talked about what they should do that day. Grimm was going back to finish loading all the missiles on the Phoenix, and asked Kran to help him. Rasha and Ludia talked about going to the Nautolan Enclave. They thought it would be a wonderful experience for them and the children. Shaak told them that she knew some Togruta families that would love to escort them. The women were happy for the offer, because they did not know how to get there. Elibet decided to join them. Tamrack thought he should return to the Phoenix and check how their internal ship's security were doing. So it was a big crowd of people that made their way together to the shuttle terminal.

When Shaak arrived at the dress shop that morning, she connected her design computer to the shop's communicator, and did a search on the Starpleasures Ambassadors, and found many private postings of people that had met them, posed with them, and danced with them. She made copies of some of what she saw. Then she went into the workshop to give her seamstresses their assignments for that day. They were going to make maternity clothes for Rasha, and a couple of nursing dresses. Shaak gave them all of Rasha's measurements, which she took that morning, and then told them their time limit to get everything done by.

Shaak returned to the Enclave, to share with the elders what she had copied. Then they discussed the best way to help them.

Krillgan did accept the offer to be taken on a tour of the planet, when he wasn't busy with his interviews. He also accepted dinner invitations from every elder of every Devaronian clan. They all wanted to know how he received official recognition as a Krillgan. He found that he would start the story over dinner, in one elder's home, then eventually finish it over dinner in another elder's home of the same clan. He also felt the need to get rid of some Kolto in his body. He quietly asked the elders, if there were any injured individuals in their clans, to bring them to him, without letting the Jedi know. For the most part, the clans were all healthy, there were the usual children, with scrapes and bruises, which were easy to attend to. The elders all needed some level of healing, because of their age. But that was still not enough for Krillgan. So they told Krillgan about two Devaronians in the local hospital. Both were male. The one male is elderly. He keeps reinjuring himself, because he has wanderlust and wants to leave. The hospital staff have threatened to restrain him, and sedate him, until all his injuries are healed. The other male had an accident, unloading his freighter. His freighter has already left. But if he was healed, the elders are sure that the freight company would see to it, that he was reunited with his crew.

They could not hide from the Jedi that they were taking Krillgan to a hospital. The Jedi knew about his healings on Devaron, and were hoping to observe him. To see whether or not, he used the force in his healings. The families of the injured men came along. If the men were really healed, they needed to make arraignments right away. Krillgan started with the younger man. Making everyone stay outside the room, until the young man was healed. That was, until he saw that one break was not aligned properly. As Krillgan suspected, something heavy had rolled over him. Breaking an arm and a leg, and severely injured his back. Only his arm was not set properly, and no one could give him a proper explanation, as to why? He approached the Jedi. Asking if one of them would re-break the arm, then hold it in its proper position, until it was healed. When asked why he cannot do it himself? He told them that as soon as he touches someone, the healing starts automatically. But if they were not up to it. He was sure that he could find someone to do it. The Jedi Master agreed, as long as the others could watch. Krillgan refused. Only one person was going back into the room with him. Krillgan quickly started touching the Devaronians that had come with him, to see if there was any amongst them, that he could strengthen. Not one. He happened to touch a nurse that felt his touch, and looked at him. He explained to her, what he wanted her to do. She told him that she has no training in that area. She does not know how to break bones or reset them. He told her that if she follows his instructions, she will not need any training. She wasn't sure, but followed him back into the room. When Krillgan explained to the man, what he wanted to do. The man started panicking. He asked if they can at least block the pain in his arm. Before they re-break it? Krillgan told him that he did not bring his herb pouch, and he saw no plants growing on this planet. The nurse told Krillgan that one of the doctors can administer something that will block the pain. Krillgan took the nurse to the Jedi, and had her tell them what they needed from a doctor. Then Krillgan reminded them that they are supposed to be helping him. If they cannot procure a doctor with the right medication. He will make sure that the Devaron Government will know that they were only interested in watching, but not helping. The embarrassed Jedi, ordered a doctor to help them.

The doctor administered the medication, then stayed to watch what would happen next. Krillgan apologized to the nurse, and told her that he needed to touch her on her neck, so that she can see what he sees. Then he asked her if she can see the bone. She was quite surprised that she could. She positioned her hands, were he said. Then snap! Just like that the bone was broken. She held the arm the way that Krillgan said. Leaving a small gap that the bone would have to grow into. Then she watched as new bone filled the gap. When the gapped was filled, Krillgan told her that she can let go of his arm. At the same time Krillgan stopped touching her, so there was nothing for her to see. Since he did not need her any more, she left.

The Jedi right away questioned her about what happened in the room. She told them about being able to see the bone. So knew exactly where to place her hands. She felt a surge of power in her body. Without realizing it, she had broken the guy's arm. Then she held his arm the way the healer said, and watched bone fill the gap. When the gap was filled, the healer did not need her anymore, so she has work to do, and left. The Jedi were really upset with themselves. He obviously used the force, and they were not in a position to determine how.

Meantime the doctor was still standing in the room watching the healer. He had heard the nurse saying that she was able to see the bone. He heard the distinct sound of a bone being broken, with only the nurse's bare hands. Then she held the arm under tension, until the healer told her that she can let go. The doctor did not know how long he had been standing there. But when he heard the healer say that he was completely healed, the doctor ordered a scanner be brought into the room. The healer had the patient go through a series of stretches, which should have been impossible from what the doctor saw of this patient's readout. When he saw the scans, he could not believe what he saw. Even the arm was now properly aligned. The doctor agreed to sign the patient's release documents. He then asked the healer, if he could discuss a patient he has, with him?

The doctor told him about a patient that has a lot of soft tissue damage. This patient is looking at a very long convalescence period. There is still a great risk that they might have to perform surgery, if it does not start healing properly. The healer told him, that he first needs to see another patient. After that he can look at what he has on this patient. To determine if they are a good candidate for his healing abilities.

When Krillgan went to the older man, he saw what has the staff so upset. Because of his impatience, he is never fully healed, when he tries to escape from the hospital, and is reinjured. He is very close to losing a limb. At least everything is lined up properly. As a distraction, while he was healing the man, he asked him to describe some of the wonders he has seen in his life. The distraction worked. While he was describing the different things he saw, he calmed right down. It was like he was there once again. Looking at something amazing. He wasn't feeling any wanderlust, because in his mind he had just gone to an amazing place. To help achieve that affect, Krillgan had been filling him with light force energy, while he was describing these places. By the time he was healed, the old man felt like he had just been on a wonderful trip, and was ready to spend time with his family.

The Jedi were further frustrated with this Krillgan. One of then sensed the Krillgan using the force, while healing the old man. When they asked the old man about his healing, he told them that he went on a wonderful trip. He saw some great marvels. When he returned, the healer told him that he was healed. It was time to go home to his family. This explanation did not help the Jedi at all.

Krillgan looked closely at all the information the doctor gave him concerning his patient. He knew that he would have no problem healing him. But he did not want to heal an obnoxious, self centered, individual. So was trying to see if he could glean anything concerning his personality. Then he went and talked to the nurses who worked in the area were this patient was resting. What they shared was neither encouraging, nor discouraging for Krillgan. Krillgan then went and talked to the patient. He told the patient that there is always a cost with any healing. The patient was afraid that this healer was going to hit him up for a hefty fee, which his family cannot afford. The healer went on to say that the price of his healing, was for him to help someone, whenever the opportunity presented itself. The patient was surprised, but readily agreed. He wondered, where did his doctor, find this strange healer?

The healing took more Kolto, and more time than the other healings. To help pass the time, Krillgan asked the room's computer to play some soothing music. The computer selected the sound of waves crashing on some rocks, and some birds singing in the background. It wasn't long before the patient relaxed, and fell asleep. The next thing he knew, was his doctor gently shaking him awake. The healer was no longer there, and the doctor wanted him scanned, then tested, before he would let him go home. When the Jedi questioned him, he told them that he felt a tingly feeling over most of his body. Like his body was excited to be touched by this healer. Then he fell asleep.

After Krillgan interviewed the last nephew, he told the elders that he was ready to render his judgement concerning the inheritance. He let them decide the when and where. He was glad that all his fur had grown in, and was an even thickness throughout his body. He looked like himself again.

They decided to use one of the auditoriums in the apartment complex, that day, after dinner. Elders from all the ten clans showed up, as well as all four Jedi. Everyone from the two clans involved were also there. For everyone, this would give them a good indication of what type of person the one who is Krillgan, is really like.

Krillgan started, by telling the audience, that all the elders from all the ten clans, agreed that having a cobbler shop was good for the health of the entire Devaronian Community. After interviewing all of the nieces and nephews, he found that each claim was a sound as the others. Yes the businesses they proposed, would do well at that location. But none of the businesses were for the betterment of their clan. In fact some businesses would actually hurt their fellow clan members, by taking customers away from existing businesses. Which means that they were putting their wellbeing, ahead of that of the clan. Which is how you weaken the clan.

"This was not the way of the matron who owned the cobbler shop. I found her to be a talented and caring individual. She could have applied her abilities to any business, and succeeded. But when offered an apprenticeship in the cobbler shop, she accepted it. Knowing that she would be ministering to the needs of the entire Devaronian Community. A community that in turn ministered to her in her waning years. She became the grandmother to all the children on her floor, she loved them, and they loved her. Her only regret, was not finding someone to take over her business. She shed many tears over that, which a number of her neighbours have testified to. There was a good reason this woman did not choose a family member to inherit what was hers when she died. She saw no one in her own family that was worthy."

Krillgan then addressed all the nieces. "Every one of you has admitted being approached by the matron, to apprentice under her. But not one of you gave a satisfactory reason why you turned her down. For this reason I rule, that you have cut yourselves off from this inheritance."

The Krillgan addressed the nephews. "When you were wed, the matron offered each one of you, to take your spouse under her wing. But in each situation, she was turned down. In doing so, you cut yourself off from her inheritance."

Krillgan then addressed the elders of the two clans. "This business has been in both your clans for most of its history, going back and forth, depending on who the new matron would be. For this reason, I award the business inheritance to be owned by the two clans jointly, but with a caveat. The residence will just be owned by the apartment complex. The caveat, is that the two clans must do a search, to see if they can entice a Devaronian cobbler to come to Humbarine, to take over the business. It they cannot find a cobbler, then they must find one who is willing to become an apprentice. While the successful candidate, is away training. The two clans may put the cobbler equipment into storage, and rent out the space to any business of their choosing. But when the cobbler has mastered her profession, then the cobbler shop must be turned over to her, with an agreement satisfactory to all three parties."

It took a minute for the ruling to sink in. Of course the nieces and nephews were all disappointed. But all the elders, and the other clan members approved. This is the type of decision they wanted to come from a Krillgan. Where the clans are put first. They will all be sending a letter of thanks to the Devaron Government, along with a recording of what the Krillgan said.

The Jedi were surprised and impressed with the ruling. They never thought of applying clan law. They would have divided the properties evenly amongst all the surviving relatives, and ordered everything be sold. What Krillgan did, made much more sense from the clan's perspective. This will make things harder for the Jedi Council. Knowing that they have to deal with an intelligent Krillgan.

Krillgan did approach the elders of the two clans. He told them, that with their permission, he would like to complete the assembly of the new footwear the Matron started before she died. He has a little knowledge in the cobbler craft. He just does not know enough to repair the footwear he saw sitting in the workshop. The elders were impressed, they gladly gave their approval.

When Krillgan finished, he took the Trellen Trade Route back to the Trellen System. Then he took the Hydian Way to Bill'dit's world.

The Twi'Lek Boss was surprised that the Togruta Elder and his daughter came to his Enclave, asking to speak with him. It has been many years. But because of their blue skinned friend, he was able to make the necessary changes to improve his organization, and make it hard for anyone to challenge him. Because he knew that they were not a threat, he gave permission for them and all their companions to enter. He was curious as to why they have come. He knew that there has been no conflict between them.

When they came in, the Twi'Lek's Boss asked the elder's daughter to tell his lieutenants the name of the creature, whose teeth are around her beautiful neck, and why she wears it. Shaak did as he asked. Identifying herself as an Akul Killer. The Boss told his lieutenants, that she is a woman that all Togruta automatically respect. Not just on this world, but on all the worlds were Togruta can be found.

He then gave the elder permission to speak. The elder told him that they have recently become aware of the plight of one of their own, and want to help her. He briefly mentioned her history, but the reason they have come, is because this Togruta has taken as her companions, two Twi'Lek ladies. It would be wrong for them to find a mate for the Togruta woman, and not make the effort to find mates for her companions. He then asked Shaak to step forward, and show the Twi'Lek Boss the recordings she made. When Shaak stepped forward, the Boss stopped her. He asked a lieutenant to step forward, and connect her computer to every monitor in the Enclave. When Shaak played what she recorded, everyone in the Enclave saw four beautiful women greeting people on an orbital spaceport. One Cathar, two Twi'Lek, and a Togruta. Posing, as well as taking candid images with them. Then they saw these woman being treated like royalty, while eating in a restaurant with some customers. Next they saw these women dancing in a nightclub. It was clear that they are professional dancers, yet paying customers were allowed on the dancefloor with them.

The Twi'Lek Boss asked, if he was understanding what the elder was saying? He wants help finding mates for these four beautiful women, who can have the pick of any man they meet? Heshaak assured the Twi'Lek he was serious about the three, the Cathar would have to make her own arrangements. He mentioned that the women are protected, and the men they meet are in awe of them. So it is difficult for them to establish any sort of relationship. Especially, being companions, they would all need to meet someone, and become engaged, at around the same time as their companions, or the relationship with the men can fall apart. So it would take special men to do it.

Heshaak told the Twi'Lek, that the women work on Manaan, and none of them are drug addicts. So their prospective mates cannot be ones as well. Because they are on Manaan, their mates cannot be drug dealers, or they will be executed according to Manaan Law.

The Twi'Lek Boss asked, how was that possible? He noticed the signs, of some of the customers as being addicts. Heshaak told him that on Manaan, the Selkath handle all the drugs that come to their world. They make their purchases directly from the Governments of the source worlds. So they are buying directly from Balosar and Ryloth, as well as other worlds. Shaak spoke up, and suggested that they do a search using their own computer on Manaan, and the agreement one must sign, before going there. The Boss had one lieutenant do as Shaak suggested. He also sent a lieutenant to use their special communications, to verify what the Togruta elder said, about the Selkath purchasing spice directly from Ryloth.

The Twi'Lek Boss was surprised about what was offered on Manaan, as a vacation getaway. His lieutenant found the contract that everyone must sign. It was clear that they were not stopping drug addicts from enjoying what they have to offer on their world. They just need to declare their level of addiction, as well as what they are addicted to. Then there was a fee structure that depended on their level of addiction, and the duration of their stay. The drugs were not cheap, but neither were they expensive. His purchase prices are cheaper, and his street prices more expensive. Out of curiosity, he asked the Togruta elder if he knew how they came up with their prices?

Heshaak told him that the Selkath have declared addicts on their staff, to look after the customers with the addiction. Because they do not want anyone to become an addict, while working for them. So what the customer is charged, also covers the cost of the employee's addiction.

The Twi'Lek boss was suddenly jealous. He realised that the Selkath must be paying less than he was, for their spice. He then asked the elder who the major backer was for this operation on Manaan. Was it the Hutt's, or The Exchange?

Heshaak told them that it was neither. The Selkath hired a Tal Nami to help them write their laws, so they can keep both of them out. Now Hutts have come to Manaan, on the pleasure cruises that originate in Hutt Space. They are treated very well, as is every customer that comes to Manaan. They even have special packages for them, including mud baths in the spa area of the resort. It is believed that senior members of The Exchange, have also vacationed there. But that is rumored speculation. Not something that is possible to verify.

The Twi'Lek boss finally asked the big question. What were they offering him for his help?

Heshaak told him that he was offering him the chance to change the perception that the entire galaxy has of Twi'Lek men. Most people believe, that every Twi'Lek male has no qualms forcing his own mother to work in the spice mines, and will not think twice about selling his sister to slavers. The Twi'Lek men that will be accepted by the companions, can be looked upon as being Ambassadors themselves. They must be kind hearted, not domineering. They must show the galaxy that they actually care about their mate. The must also know that these women, besides being protected by a top notch security detail, are also close friends of a force user. He would have no qualms hunting down and killing any man that hurt one of them.

The Twi'Lek Boss wanted to know more about this force user. He noticed that the elder did not say that he was a Jedi.

Heshaak told him that the force user is a Devaronian Krillgan. He has been encountered in Sith Space, Mandalorian Space, Hutt Space, as well as Republic Space. He also has associates that are mercenaries, and bounty hunters. All of them loyal to him.

The Twi'Lek Boss was impressed, and asked how one hires him?

Heshaak told him that he is not for hire. He just goes where he is needed. If he can find out anything about Krillgans in Devaronian lore, he will have a better understanding, of this Krillgan.

The Twi'Lek boss thanked the Togruta elder and his daughter for coming to his enclave. He told them that they have given him a lot to think about. He will send them a reply in a day's time, as to what he will do. The Boss had already decided to help, he has a nephew he has been protecting, since most Twi'Lek men consider him too soft to participate in this business. He has sent him off of Ryloth to get an education. Otherwise he keeps getting into trouble trying to help the Twi'Lek women on Ryloth. What the boss wants time for, is to have his people do the research he needs. Is there a way to exploit the situation? Or do they need to tread lightly, because of this Devaronian?

Elibet, Ludia, Rasha, and the children had a wonderful time with the Nautolans. The food was different, so Ta'Yanna did not try anything, until both Mama and Richard said it was okay. The dancing was great. The adults did notice the subtle Togruta influence. Which is to be expected since they are close friends. One elder did ask to speak privately with Ludia. He told her that he suspects that she may be able to pass a message along to a family that lived here long ago. The parents are called Andriel and Chitrah. Ludia was about to say something, but the elder put a finger over her mouth. He said it was not important for her to acknowledge or deny his suspicions. He just has something he wants to get off his chest.

"Tell Chitrah that the old cobbler has passed away, and left his shop and home to my son. The business is doing well, and the neighbours have accepted him as one of them. He knows that he still has a lot to learn, because of what he saw Chitrah able to do. He has sought out a Master, and communicates with him on a regular basis. The Master assigns him projects, which he then sends to the Master for evaluation. His son has not told him who this Master is. He only knows that he is a retired gentleman from Deysum III."

Ludia thanked him for sharing. She promised that if she ever runs into this Chitrah, she will let him know. With that, the elder hugged her, then let her go back to her friends.

They spent the night with the Nautolans, with the only complaint coming from Ta'Yanna. She said that the things coming out of these people's heads, is not like Mama's other friends. It does not taste good to suck on. She wants to go back to the other friends. Ludia told her that these people are still nice friends, even if their headtails do not taste good. Tomorrow, after they wake up, they will return to the Phoenix, and leave this planet. She does not know when they will have a chance to come back and visit everyone again. Richard asked her if she liked the food, and the dancing? Ta'Yanna said that it was nice but not the same, she wants to go to the other friends. Richard then whispered, that he believes that they would not like sucking on her hair either. They tried really hard to be nice, so it would be wrong not to thank them by spending the night. Ta'Yanna asked Richard, if he wanted to stay? Richard told her that the Nautolans were just as nice to him as the Togruta, so he wants to stay, to let them know that he likes his new friends. So Ta'Yanna agreed to stay as well.

As they were getting all the last minute stuff, loaded on the Phoenix. Including the case of fresh fruits and vegetables Rasha ordered the other day. Santhe Securuty told Ludia that there was a group of Togruta at the main gate, requesting access to the Phoenix. Ludia remembered that they were making clothes for Rasha at the dress shop, so gave them permission to come to the Phoenix. Shaak showed up carrying a chair with a bundle attached to it. Her companions were carrying some sort of box. Two of their daughters were carrying a table, with what looked like material, tied on top of it. The third was carrying, what could only be called small bags of luggage. Shaak asked Ludia, where they should put everything? Ludia asked, what is all this stuff? Shaak told her that this is her custom made chair, with Rasha's clothes bundled on top. Her companions are carrying Andriel's sewing machine. Two of their daughters are carrying her custom made sewing table. The third daughter is carrying all their luggage. When Ludia just stared at her with her mouth open. Shaak told her, that the elders gave them permission to go with them.