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.

7. Chapter 7

©2018

Tamrack's men had time to meet with the Clan leader of the Devaronian Clan, before returning to Mandalore. Over dinner she expressed Krillgan's concern about some of their women being kidnapped by bounty hunters, purely because they are related by blood to the wife of the Blue Ghost. Even though she was forced from her mother's clan, when she married the Blue Ghost. There is still a healthy bounty on her head, as well as the great prestige if they manage find the family. Tamrack's men knew that the property they now own on Mandalore, was originally owned by the Bounty Hunter lent to the Sith Empire to capture the family. That the Bounty Hunter is believed to have betrayed everyone, by making a secret deal with an unknown party, causing himself and the family to disappear from Manaan. Krillgan had implied that it is a waste of time and resources to pursue that investigation. They have also heard about the extreme lengths that other bounty hunters have gone to, to try and solve it. There is a rumor that one wing of a psychiatric hospital on Mandalore is full of would be bounty hunters, that have gone crazy with the obsession, to try to figure out what happened. Something that the Madalorian Government will officially deny. (The government will deny both the existence of a psychiatric hospital. Claiming that all their people have sound minds. They will especially deny that one wing of the hospital is just for bounty hunters.)

So Tamrack's men informed the Garrison Commander before leaving, that Death Hand still has a protection contract with the Devaronian Clan. No bounty hunter is allowed to interfere with them, in any way, without first obtaining permission from Death Hand. This gives the Garrison Commander the ability to interfere with a bounty hunter. Even detaining them, if they do anything to the Devaronian Clan. Tamrack's men let the Commander know that they will accept any challenges to Death Hand's authority, when Death Hand is not around to deal with it himself. This gives the Commander the freedom to help the Devaronian Clan any way he can. At the same time preventing bounty hunters from complaining to the Mandalorian Government. As this is clearly a dispute between bounty hunters.

When the Phoenix arrived in the Lianna System, they docked with the orbital spaceport, in the Mandalorian wing because they have a passenger from Mandalorian Space. They knew that she needed to enter Lianna in the normal manner, so that there will be no problems when it was time for her to leave.

Ludia and the children wanted to accompany Krillgan and Ellinda to the Togruta enclave. Not knowing that in doing so, they had created a minor problem. Since there was no pilot aboard the Phoenix, to move it to a section of the spaceport that required lower security to get to the ship. Elibet was not a pilot, nor were the Nautolan couple trained in piloting the ship. When they were trained as watch officers they would have to be trained in the basics of piloting the Phoenix, just in case an emergency called for it. But they had not reached that part of their training.

They had no problem going through security, as Ellinda had all the right identification. Both Krillgan and Ludia had a special designation when Lianna Security looked up their names on their computer system. Royal interest means you do not interfere with them unless ordered to by the Queen. So no one checked if they had the proper identification for the children, to accompany them down to the surface.

Krillgan introduced Ellinda to Shaak, and told her why she was there. Then he took Shaak aside and told her that she has to think of a new name for the self-defence technique that she is teaching. She has to be careful about using the name Andriel. It is starting to be used too often, and will soon be attracting unwanted attention. He reminded Shaak that it is not a common Devaronian name. Only a few would call their daughter princess, just like very few would call their son Krillgan. So she has to be careful. Shaak agreed.

Next, they all wanted to see Rasha and Tamrack's new son. Ta'Yanna wanted Richard to go find them, so that they know that they are there. Krillgan told her to be patient. She will see them when they come down to enjoy dinner with everyone. Rasha must have known that they were talking about her. She entered the Togruta common room, wearing a nursing dress, with Tamrack right behind her. When she saw who was there, she brought out little Timrune, to show him off to the family. Ta'Yanna asked her, why he was so small? Ludia told her that she was just as small when she was the same age. Ta'Yanna told her mother that she does not remember. Richard told her that he does. They would not let him hold her. But they did promise that they could play together when she became bigger. So he thinks that they will have to wait a little bit before they will be allowed to play with Timrune. Ta'Yanna accepted that, because Richard is really smart. She did see that mamma and papa were allowed to hold Timrune. But they were very careful. As soon as Timrune started fussing, they gave him back to Rasha.

During dinner, Krillgan told them that they are going to Yitabo next. He will be doing another job for the Voss, and will need to hire the Wookiee mercenaries to help him with it. Rasha told him that she was ready to return to the Phoenix. She will not be able to take over as First Officer, but she does not want to overdo her time there with the Togruta. She still wants to be able to come back and visit them, and not have them cringe when they see her. The Togruta had a good laugh, they told her that the only time they have cringed while they have been there, is when Shaak threw Tamrack, and he wasn't wearing a practice suit. They were surprised that he was able to get up after he got his wind back, and had no broken bones. But they could understand her wanting to return to the Phoenix, as that has been her home for most of her life. Rasha was glad they understood. She really loved the Togruta, and did not want to offend them. So it was agreed that they would leave the next day.

They had no trouble going up to the spaceport. Tamrack looked like a porter droid, with all the items he was carrying for his wife. He was not happy that they would have to go through the security checkpoint for the Mandalorian Wing of the spaceport, to get where the Phoenix was docked. He had two pieces of id on him. One was his Hutt id, which will label him as a former mercenary. Because he was not working for the Hutt. They could not protect him. If he showed that id, the Imperial Troopers would recruit him using their blaster rifles. His other piece of id, was from when he was still a teenager, and left the planet he was born on, looking for adventure. That planet is now part of the Sith Empire, and they have conscription.

Krillgan was the first to go through the checkpoint, and had no problem. The Imperial Trooper tried telling him to move along, so he doesn't hold up the line. The Lianna Security Officer had to remind the Imperial Trooper that he was only there as an observer. He wasn't supposed to talk to the passengers. The Security Officer had noticed the Royal interest designation on his computer, and did not want to get in trouble with his superiors. The Imperial Troopers did not like that they were reduced to observer status, and thought that they should be running this checkpoint. When Ludia went through, she only had Lydna listed as the accompanying child. She did not have birth certificates for Richard and Ta'Yanna, since they don't issue them on Dathomir. The Lianna Security Officer had to contact his superiors, notifying them of a possible embarrassing situation. Since Ludia's id also displayed that she was a person of Royal interest. The Security Officer working in Security's main control room, had to input the data into the computer, that Ludia was accompanied by Richard and Ta'Yanna. Then he told the Officer at the checkpoint to exit Ludia Djo's information then access it again. He is also to complain to the Imperial Trooper that the computer has not be working properly, ever since the Imperials had their hands on it. The Security Officer at the checkpoint did as he was told. He mentioned to Ludia that she needs to update her id, since they do have her children listed in their computer. Rasha had her id ready, but she had to look for where she put Timrune's birth certificate. The Security Officer ended up holding Timrune, while Rasha searched through her different bags looking for the birth certificate. The Imperial Trooper asked, what were the little rolled up bundles in the one bag? Rasha told him that they are Timrune's soiled diapers. He can have them if he was really interested in them. The Trooper did not comment, so Rasha ignored him. Finally she found the birth certificate. The Security Officer suggested that she also needs to update her id. He input it in their computer that she is being accompanied by her son Timrune. The Imperial Trooper did not object.

When it was Tamrack's turn, the Security Officer told him that his id has basically expired. He has never seen id that was this old. They need to check if his name is on his planet's list, as having registered for conscription? Tamrack told them that they will not find his name on the list, because he has not lived there since the id was issued. The Security Officer asked him what planet he currently lives on, and why does he not have id from that planet? Tamrack told him that he doesn't live on a planet. He lives with his wife on the Phoenix. They asked him, why he was going through this checkpoint, if he works on a ship? Krillgan interrupted them, and told them that they docked in this section of the spaceport, because they had returned to Lianna with a passenger from a Mandalore planet. He would have moved his ship, if he would have known that it was going to be this much trouble for them to get back to their ship.

The Imperial Trooper asked them, if they are all from the same ship? Krillgan said that they are. The Imperial Troopers all pointed their rifles at them. They told them that freighters were only allowed two crewmembers. They have the right to conscript the extra crewmembers. Krillgan told them that they have the right to travel with their families. There is no law allowing them to conscript family members. He is the Captain of the Phoenix, and Tamrack is his first Officer. They have room on their ship for their families, as well as for passengers. So they should put their rifles away before they find themselves in trouble. The Imperial Troopers were not sure what to do. The regulations did not say anything about travelling with their families. Then the Lianna Security Officer brought their attention to what was flashing on their computer screen. It was a warning that they are Togruta Trained. It was the new code the Security office uses, to warn the Imperial Troopers that they were about to wind up over their heads, in a lot of trouble. The Imperial Troopers just remembered that it was because of a Togruta female that they were reduced to observers. If another incident happens like that, they might be kicked completely of the spaceport. It is also rumoured that the Imperial Troopers that were in trouble over that incident, were transferred to a planet were they are fighting with the Republic. The Troopers also knew that with the warning, the Lianna Security was ready to point their blaster rifles at them, if they do not back down. They just told Tamrack that he needs to get some current id. Tamrack asked them, where he can go to get some new id issued, without having a blaster rifle pointed at him? Especially when he has no planet that he calls home. The Imperial Troopers could not give him an answer. They just told him to return to his ship. Both Security Officers and Imperial Troopers did talk about it when they had no passengers going through their checkpoint. Where can he go for new id, when he has no home planet?

Everyone knew when they boarded the Phoenix, that they just dodged a blaster bolt. They have to be more careful, when they need to go through Imperial checkpoints. They had gotten too used to getting off the ship in special areas, were they do not need to show their id's. Like when they are on Santhe's Spaceport, where all the Security Guards know who they are.

While on their way to Yitabo, everyone found out that Krillgan would then be flying to Kashyyyk. Only he will be flying in as a smuggler, so there will be no Imperial checkpoints to go through. Krillgan had originally talked everyone into going to the Radcliffe ranch house. But now that they know he was going to Kashyyyk, they all wanted to come along. Even Ludia told him that it would be good for the children, to see what life is like, living amongst the trees. Krillgan was hoping that Ludia would spend her time talking with Kenny about Richard, and his inheriting the ranch. Ludia told him that he needs to be there as well, so they both know what is going on. They are family, they need to decide what is going to happen as a family.

They landed next to the Wookiee settlement on Yitabo. Both Stoneman and Rudy were very upset that they would not be allowed to go hunting. Krillgan told them that they will only be there a short time, while he talks with the Wookiees. He did promise them that they can go hunting when they return. When Krillgan told the Wookiees about his mission, only an elder, and two bodyguards agreed to accompany him to Kashyyyk. Krillgan was disappointed, he was expecting more of them to want to go with him. The elder told him that they would only be introducing him to the people he needs to talk to on Kashyyyk. They are the ones who will decide who will go with him. Krillgan had no choice but to agree.

In the Kashyyyk System, they had to move carefully. They were told about the lizard-like Trandoshans that have allied themselves with the Sith Empire. They are the ones running patrols in the system. To try and catch any smugglers that would try and help the Wookiees. Krillgan piloted the Phoenix. Since he could reach out further with the force then Ludia. He could detect the patrols, and knew when to hug a rock, or land on a moon to avoid them. They finally landed on one of Kashyyyk's three moons, and observed the planet. The Wookiee elder pointed out the two Imperial satellites that orbit the planet. Passing through both magnetic poles, to try and detect any smugglers that try to land on Kashyyyk, or try to leave the planet. They noticed that the two satellites orbit at different speeds, so one needs to be very careful. Fortunately, the ships computer was able to determine the different speeds of the satellites, so could predict when they would be in a position to detect smugglers at the magnetic poles. When they were ready, they flew to one of the magnetic poles. As they started their decent to the surface, two ships were spotted flying up off the planet. The elder told them that their ship must have been detected by the surface sensors, so the ships knew it was safe to leave. A little further down, another ship was detected lifting up off of the planet's surface. When they started skimming over the tops of the wroshyr trees, the elder went to the engineer's station, and took over communications. The elder knew where Krillgan said that the Rakata lab was situated, so was trying to find a place for the Phoenix to land that was close to there. When they flew over an ocean, the elder suggested that Krillgan hug the waves, to make it harder for Imperial spies to detect them. They did see some nice resorts built at the water's edge as they flew back up to get back above the trees.

As they flew along, the elder pointed out a small gap between the trees, and asked Krillgan to fly down into the gap. They flew about a hundred meters down, when the elder pointed out a landing pad, with the branches above it acting like an umbrella. They had to fly horizontally to get to the landing pad. When they landed, they could not see up above the branches. This also meant that their ship could not be seen from above the trees.

There was a small delegation of Wookiees at the bottom of the ramp. Krillgan let the Wookiee elder and his two bodyguards go down the ramp first, to greet them. As the elder suggested, Krillgan and his family came down next, with the Wookiee elder making introductions to the Wookiee Chief for this area. Krillgan was introduced as both Krillgan Djo, and the Devaronian Krillgan. Ludia was introduced as Ludia Djo, the Warrior. Richard and Ta'Yanna were just introduced as their children.

Rasha and Tamrack, came down the ramp next. Everyone was surprised when Rasha brought little Timrune out of her nursing dress. Rasha was introduced as a Warrior, and Tamrack as a former mercenary.

It seems that another delegation showed up when Timrune was introduced. They are the wife of the Chief, and other ladies from the local village. They took Rasha away, and were delighted that she understood Wookiee. Rasha politely asked if her friend Ludia, and their children could come with them. So they left as well.

Elibet, Wu'la, and Ya'rrun, came down the ramp next. Elibet was introduced as a pirate killer. Wu'la and Ya'rrun were introduced as training to be pirate killers.

Finally, Stoneman and Rudy came down the ramp, when Krillgan called them. They were introduced as hunters. Krillgan explained that their purpose on the ship, is internal ship security. They never have any problems with nosey customs officers, and they have never had any freight stolen, since they have been on the ship. Stoneman was informed that he would be allowed to go hunting, but will probably need Ludia to accompany him. Because he would need to jump from branch to branch to get to his prey. Rudy was told that this was not a good place for him to go hunting, since Vornskrs do not have the ability to hunt in trees. So his place was to keep an eye on the children.

Rudy found that even that job was hard. Besides the natural ways of going from one level of the Wookiee habitation to another, by jumping from branch to branch, or climbing a vine. The artificial ways built by the Wookiees, were stairways, usually they hugged the truck of the wroshyr trees. The other ways were to climb cargo netting, or ropes placed in strategic places. Usually whenever anyone heard Rudy howling, it was because the children had climbed up or down to a different level, leaving poor Rudy behind, with no way for him to climb up or down. So an adult Wookiee was needed to pick him up and carry him.

Krillgan explained to the Wookiee Chief what the Voss asked him to do. The Chief asked what steps he was prepared to take. To first scout out the Rakata lab, and identify the wroshyr trees growing around it. Chances are that when the lab is destroyed, the trees next to it would be damaged. There is a very real possibility that they could become diseased and die. They need to identify the structures and pathways that use these trees, in case they need to undertake a rebuilding project. They will have to deal with katarns and webweavers in the areas where sunlight still penetrates. They have no name for the creatures that live in perpetual darkness, as the only thing visible is their phosphorescent glow. Few hunters will dare go down there, as it is too dangerous. With the phosphorescent glow often leading to a trap.

Krillgan took the Chief back to the Phoenix. Then he got his custom starfighter out of Cargo Bay 1. He then touched the starfighter with the force, so that it started glowing green. Krillgan told the Chief that he was planning on flying his starfighter down to the surface. While it was glowing, nothing could harm it. In the perpetual darkness, it will look like another type of prey animal. Once they found the lab, he could turn on his landing lights, so that they can capture visually, what everything looks like down there. Then they would only need to follow one tree trunk back up to habitable levels. So that they can mark it. From the video they have of the lab, they will be able to then mark all the other wroshyr trees that might be affected. The Chief became excited when he saw that there was enough room for him to sit comfortably in the back seat.

Krillgan knew that this was going to take all his piloting skills to fly down through the tangled maze of branches to get to the surface. The good thing was that the lower they went, the few leaves there would be to block their view of what was ahead. To be safe, Krillgan wore his special armour. He felt that his starfighter would be powerful enough to break through any webweaver's web. If not he would have to climb out of the cockpit to cut their way free. The Chief suggested that in the lowest levels, there might be webs that are even stronger than the webweavers can weave.

There was quite a send-off of Wookiees. They all wanted to see the starfighter that their Chief told them about. Krillgan activated the video recording right away, so that others could see what they had to fly through. What was interesting to Krillgan, was because he could see life force through the force, by concentrating he could see the wroshyr trees. Their trunks, their branches, and even their leaves. So even when there was a wall of leaves in front of him, he knew where to fly, so he did not run into the thick branch behind it. The Chief was delighted that he could do that, it made the trip that much more exciting in the upper levels. They saw a lot of the prey animals that they will probably be eating when they return. Krillgan did smack a katarn that leaped at a prey animal, with the leading edge of his one wing. He did not believe he killed it. But it would be badly bruised from that encounter. Lower down, a much larger katarn leaped at the starfighter, like it was expecting it to be a prey animal. Krillgan had anticipated that it would do that. He activated the force shielding, so that the katarn could not find purchase in the ship's outer layer of armour, with its claws. He also did a quick flip of the starfighter, so the one wing smacked it in the middle of its leap. Sending the katarn fling in a different direction. What was unexpected, was that the katarn landed in a webweaver's web, and was not strong enough to break free. The webweaver quickly came out, and bit the katarn to paralyze it. At the same time, wrapping the katarn in its silk. This way it could come back and feast on it later. The Wookiee Chief congratulated Krillgan on the nice redirection. Krillgan had to explain that it was not intentional. Though he knew the webweaver was there, he did not know that the web was there, because he did not detect it. He will have to be more careful when flying. Now that he knows what the webweaver's life force looks like. He did fly through a couple of webs, as they descended. But there was no webweavers nearby, so they had to be old webs.

Krillgan found that he was always checking his directional vectors, as they were always getting turned around. Since there was not a straight path through the branches to get where he needed to go. It was easier going once they entered the darkness. Krillgan left the landing lights off, so they could see the phosphorescence of the creatures at this level. Krillgan did point out to the Chief what he thought was a lure to lead an unsuspecting creature into a trap. He tried giving those creatures a wide birth. It was only when Krillgan believed that they were close to the surface that he turned the landing lights on. They suddenly saw the quick movement of creatures, to scramble out of the light. There was just enough light outside the bright cone of light, that they could see the eyes of the creatures that were hiding behind branches, while watching them pass through the area.

Finally they saw the Rakata lab. They did not actually see the whole building. As it was lying under a layer of dead wroshyr leaves that have fallen down over the more than twenty thousand years since the Rakata were on this planet. Back when a lot of the trees that they see, were probably no taller than a Wookiee. They saw the entrance way that the Imperial Troopers had dug out, to get down into the lab. They did not see any defensive positions outside of the lab. So the defences must be inside. Krillgan told the Chief that he can detect at least fifty human life forms inside. The Chief asked him if he has any scanners that can penetrate the leaves, to give them an idea of what the outside of the building looks like. If he has scanners that can penetrate the exterior walls, to give them an idea what the inside of the building looked like, it would be even better.

Krillgan did not know what the Cereans had installed for scanners. Since he always relied on the force. He knew that they had installed something, so that a pilot could fly through sandstorms and fog. He just hoped that it was connected to the video recording system, and activated it. They could now make out the outside of the building, but the scanners were not powerful enough to show the building's interior. The good thing for Krillgan, is that the landing lights had penetrated the entrance. The Imperial Troopers knew they were out there. He watched them as they took up their defensive positions. He was sure that he could show everyone where they are, relative to the exterior outline of the lab. Where he saw them in straight lines, would be where walls or barriers would exist. Where he saw them grouped, is where he expected to find defensive positions. They passed slowly over the lab, to make sure that they recorded everything. Krillgan then had the Chief pick one of the nearby tree trunks, which were all larger around at their base than the lab. He noted which direction the starfighter was pointing, and the relative positions of the other trunks around the lab. Then Krillgan started flying up to the level where the Wookiees live. He left the landing lights on, because it helped them to keep a visual confirmation that they still saw the same tree trunk. It also helped keep the prey and predators away. It was harder flying when they started see sunlight, and the trees started putting out leaves. Krillgan again relied on the force. Flying through a few more old webs, at the same time as being careful, whenever he detected a webweaver nearby.

When they finally reached the height that the Wookiee Chief said was the same as their habitations. Krillgan stopped ascending and held the starfighter in a hover. He had the nose of the Starfighter pointing at the tree trunk, along the same vector they had when positioned over the lab. He had to use his forced enhanced strength to open the canopy after it unsealed, because of the amount of web material that was still clinging to the outside of the starfighter. The Wookiee Chief stood up, pulled out a pistol, and fired it at the tree trunk. It turned out that he fired a paint ball, with a paint that fluoresces. The Chief explained that they included a weak radioactive element in the paint so that it would be easy to find. He then had Krillgan approach the tree trunks that surrounded the lab, so that he could fire a paint ball at each of them. Then Krillgan flew horizontal through the canopy to get to where they left the Phoenix. Krillgan found it was only two layers of branches above them. Krillgan had no trouble finding a way to get up to that level. The Wookie Chief asked Krillgan if he could lift him down using the force, because of the web material coating the outside of his ship. There was always the chance that he might become stuck, and need to have his fur cut away. Krillgan obliged the Chief. Then jumped down himself. He had to press the close button for the canopy, using the force, because of the web material covering it. Then he looked at the starfighter, wondering what to do. How was he going to get all the web material off of it? The Chief just told him to leave it. The woman will clean it up for him. Krillgan found out later, that the Chief was not being a chauvinist. It was rare for the Wookies to get a large sample of webweaver web. The webweavers did not like them harvesting it. The women did know how to make up a compound that could remove the stickiness of the web material. Without the stickiness, it was relatively easy to roll up the individual threads. This is what they use to make their strong ropes. But Krillgan had a large amount of the material on his starfighter. More than they have ever encountered in one place. The women were all very excited. The threads were all nice and long. They believed that they have enough to weave a fabric. Something that is difficult to do, and does not happen that often. Ludia, Rasha, and all the children, including the Wookiee children that Richard and Ta'Yanna played with, watched the women. Rudy just laid down and took a nap, it was hard keeping up to the children. Ta'Yanna asked her mother why the Wookiee women were washing papa's ship. Ludia had to ask one of the women why the solution coming off of the starfighter appears so dark? The Wookiee told her that a lot of dust has stuck to the old webs. So while they wash the sticky substance off of the silk, they are also washing off all of the dust that has stuck to it over the years. Ludia then went and told her daughter why it looked like they were washing the starfighter. They were actually washing the webweaver silk. It was interesting to then watch as the Wookies located the beginning of a strand of silk, and wrap it around a small twig. Then it looked like they crawled all over the Starfighter, until what they collected resembled a ball. One of the woman went and got what they normally collect so that everyone could see the difference. They could still see the twig, with the amount they normally collect, with the silk thread wound around it, around the thickness of one of Ta'Yanna's fingers. So everyone could see how much more they collected. They were also told that each ball is only one thread. They were hoping to have hundreds of balls by the time they finished.

The men prepared dinner that evening, because the women were busy collecting silk. It was still quite a feast, with many compliments from the women. After dinner, the Chief wanted everyone to see the trip they made down to the surface and back. Only he asked Krillgan to play it at twice the normal speed so that the children do not stay up too late. The next morning the children all told Richard and Ta'Yanna that their father is an exceptional pilot. He is the type of Captain that every Wookiee would want for their ship.

When the Chief went to round up his warriors, to sit down and talk strategy with the Krillgan. He found them on the Krillgan's starfighter, looking inside through the canopy. The Chief asked them what they are doing up there? They told the Chief that the women mentioned that it is not an ordinary starfighter. Even though it looks like the Mandalorian Davaab design, it is not. The Chief told them that he knows all this. He told them that the Krillgan said that it was custom built by a Cerean family. It even has a prototype astrometric droid, built by Givins, so that he can travel through hyperspace. He found it very convenient, because his ship is often knocked out of Hyperspace. The Wookiees wanted to dismantle the hyperspace drive, because they had never seen one like it before. Hyperspace drives are one of the areas were Wookiees excel in research. The Chief told them that they cannot. It is also a prototype. It is really owned by Santhe Corporation, and their Queen gave her approval to have it installed. He also reminded them that the Lianna Royal family has covertly helped the Wookiees in the past. They do not want to break the relationship they have with them, out of curiosity. The warriors reluctantly agreed, and followed the Chief to where they would be meeting with the Krillgan.

They started the meeting with Krillgan playing the video again. But starting where they first spotted the Rakata lab. When the exterior of the lab became visible, because of the ship's scanning equipment. Krillgan froze the image. He showed everyone where he first detected the life forms inside, then showed them where they moved to. Speculating where there is probably a barriers, and interior defensive positions, just from what he saw of the bodies, after they stopped moving. Krillgan told them that it is okay to use missiles inside the lab, because they were not trying to recover anything. All of the Rakata's research involved using the dark side of the force. So it would only be of interest to the Sith. The warriors confirmed that he counted fifty life forms. Krillgan told them that he would not have detected the Rakata ghost, unless he wanted him to. When it comes to fighting, he does not know if the Rakata ghost will participate, or observe. He believes that the ghost was originally a Rakata scientist, not a warrior. As far as creatures on the ground, he suspects that they will know better than him what is down there. The creature he detected the most, was similar to the katarn he found in the trees, yet it was somehow different? The Wookiee Chief told Krillgan that they are a subspecies of the katarn. They are bulkier, so cannot climb trees. They have two small forearms in front on their front legs, allowing some ability to manipulate their environment. One reason they cannot climb, is because their legs are thicker. This probably spreads there weight out better, so they do not sink very far into the layer of leaves on the ground. They also have large tusks, where most katarn have small ones.

The Wookiee Chief told Krillgan that there is a creature that he must watch out for. It is called a Terentateks. It resembles a Rancor, but at only ¼ the size. They have spines growing from their back, and what looks like tusks growing out of the edge of their mouth. They are attracted to force sensitive beings. Only they want to drink the blood, not eat the flesh. They are impervious to force attacks, and it is very difficult to cut through their skin, using a lightsaber. The last force user they know of, that fought this creature, was called Revan. Krillgan wanted to know of this was the guy who was a Jedi, then became a Sith, then became a Jedi again, but still dabbled in the dark side? The ones the Revanites are named after? But he didn't, because he thought it would distract them from what they were doing.

The Wookiee Chief told them that the target trees that surround the Rakata Lab, are a two hour hike from their village. It only took him and hour and a half to run there and back this morning. The good news is that there are no major structures attached to any of the trees surrounding the lab. Just some suspension bridges. So if a tree dies, because it was damaged, when blowing up the lab. They will have no trouble bypassing the tree.

What the Chief was proposing, was that they hike to one of the marked trees. Then descend down it's trunk to the lab. The Chief thinks that it should only take a day and a half to descend down to the shadowlands. But it may take them three, to five days, to climb back up. They will not be stopping to hunt on the way down, but they will need to, when returning. The Chief decided to take ten mercenary veterans. All trained in handling demolition explosives. They will each be accompanied by a newby. To give them experience, and training. The Chief will be taking a missile launcher with him, as will one of the veterans. He was giving the selected warriors the rest of the day, to gather all the supplies they think they need. Then they are to meet back at the main lodge to sleep together. They will be setting out at first light.

After they all left, the Chief told Krillgan that the price for the inexperienced mercenaries, will be reflected in the final price for this mission. Krillgan just nodded his head. He was going to spend the rest of the day with Ludia, and the children.

When the Wookiee warriors went to sleep in the lodge, they saw that the Krillgan was just wearing his leather outfit. When they woke up for breakfast, they found him in full, custom armour. The Newbies were hoping that this Krillgan does not slow them down. Because the armour must be heavy. They were surprised to find him as nimble as a katarn, when they started their descent. He also did not need to go down a rope, when they found the spacing between branches to be far enough that a Wookiee would break their legs if they jumped. He did make them take detours when he believed that a webweaver was below them. What the newbies understood was called a Wyyyschokk. But the Chief listened to him, even though it meant that it would take longer to reach the shadowlands.

When they stopped for the night, Krillgan went up to the Chief, and told him how many katarn he was able to warn away from them, as they descended. He could not connect with the webweavers. He also does not know if they will leave their web to hunt. The Chief was surprised about the katarn, but believed the Krillgan, because they did not encounter any that day. He told the Krillgan that the webweavers will hunt if they have nothing in their web, and they are hungry. He also believes that because all the webweavers that the Krillgan detected were single. They will not attempt to attack them, because they are a large group. It is only if they decide to come together as a group that they will need to worry. They still set a watch, because you cannot be too careful when there are predators around.

No predators attacked, while they were resting. After a quick breakfast, they moved on. The Wookiees were wearing special eyewear they developed. It is both an infrared emitter and receiver. Sunlight has not yet penetrated down to the level they are at. By the time it does, they will already be below the depth that sunlight will penetrate. The infrared does allow them to see creatures that give off heat signatures. But does not allow them to see the environment. By using an infrared emitter, they also get to see the signal that bounces off their environment. What they found interesting, is that they could now detect a honeycomb pattern in the Krillgan's armour. That they could not see under natural light. They were all curious as to what that means. This is definitely not your typical bounty hunter armour.

Krillgan let the Wookiee Chief lead the way. They were still at a place where his Chagrian vision still works. But he suspects that with what they have on their eyes, they can see better than him. After what the Chief told him about the Terentateks. He does not want to actively use the force until he has to. Which will be as soon as he enters the lab. He is still reaching out to detect the creatures around them. Just not reaching as far as he did before. If he had, he would have noticed that the webweavers above them are forming groups, and coming after them.

Krillgan found that he could actually see a little bit in the levels were no sunlight reaches. He believes that it was due to what the Wookiees are wearing over their eyes. He knew that what they are emitting is in the infrared range. But some of what is being reflected back must be just on the bottom edge of what he can see visually. It wasn't very much, but it was better to the pitch black he was expecting. What he did not like, is that the further they descended the more he could feel dark force energy. It was not very strong, because he could not feel it when he flew down there with his starfighter.

Krillgan did notice that a creature with a lure was a few levels below. He decided to go down and eliminate it, rather than detour everyone. The Chief had noticed the lure, since it was very bright in his eyewear. He had stopped descending to ask the Krillgan what to do, when the Krillgan jumped down past him. Krillgan knew where the body of the creature was, and came up behind it. As he drew closer he realized that it must be a type of webweaver. It had adapted to the darkness by placing a phosphorescent lure in front of its web. Krillgan drew his sword and smashed down at the abdomen, without activating the blade. The webweaver's outer shell must have been strengthened by the prolonged exposure to the minimal dark force energy present. Instead of cutting the shell open with the sword, he broke it open. Sending the phosphorescent goo in the abdomen, splashing everywhere. Fortunately the faceplate on his helmet closed by his reflective action. So he did not get any on his face. But he did have blotches on his helmet, the front of his armour, his arms, and his legs. There were also no leaves he could use to wipe it off, until they made it to the surface of the planet. The Wookiees all laughed quietly when he returned to where they were waiting, but did not say anything, as they continued their descent.

They had no more creature encounters before they reached the Rakata lab. It looked to Krillgan that the entrance way to the lab has been modified. Restricting access to one person at a time. Krillgan believes that the Imperial Troopers did this, to make it harder for a predator to get in. Krillgan did wonder, how were they resupplied? When everyone was ready, Krillgan pulled out his sword, activating both sword and armour. Also making the goo blotches on his armour to fluoresce. So what the Imperial Troopers saw enter the lab was not pretty. Krillgan walked right past the first pair of defensive bunkers. Right into the open space beyond. Then he challenged the Imperial Troopers. He told them that he had heard that they were trained to capture someone like him. Only they were not trained to capture him. He told them to give it their best shot. The Troopers in the defensive bunkers, and the ones behind the barricades open fire. While the Troopers on either side of him picked up their equipment. Wondering how they were to get it on someone wearing armour. They were expecting someone in Jedi robes.

Krillgan ignored the Troopers that were firing behind him. Letting his suit handle them. He concentrated on handling all the blaster fire in front of him. The Wookiee Chief and the other warrior with the missile launcher, snuck inside the building, then aimed at the defensive bunker on the opposite side of the building, because they could get a better shot at that bunker. First the Chief fired, than the other warrior fired right after. After the missiles exploded, eight Wookiees ran past them. Four per bunker. They used the new doorways to take out the Troopers inside with their bowcasters. After entering the defensive bunkers they open fire on any Imperial Trooper holding a blaster rifle. After they entered the bunkers, the rest of the Wookiee warriors entered the lab, going through the bunkers, and exiting out the real doors. Taking out the Imperial Troopers right in front of them, who were holding the Jedi restraints. Then finding positions of cover, so that they could start shooting at the rest of the Imperial Troopers.

This whole time that they were fighting, Krillgan kept his eye on the Rakata ghost he saw in the one lab. To make sure he did not intervene. While looking at the ghost, Krillgan saw similarities to the Deysum III Chagrian, and the Selkath, since the Rakata were also an amphibious-humanoid species. He wondered why they could be so cruel, to those who were similar to them. Unless they were afraid that in the end, they would be better than them.

When all the Imperial Troopers were dead. Krillgan asked the Chief if any of his men need a medic, while still watching the ghost. The Chief replied that the foolish Imperials only kept their eyes on him. Not once did they fire at a Wookiee. Krillgan then approached the ghost, asking it, why was it still there?

The ghost replied that it was fascinated in watching the world change, and the species they modified, change with it. They were the ones that removed the limit to growth from the wroshyr trees. Who knows if they will eventually reach outer space? They also took the wyyyschokk, from being an arachnid that could sit in the palm of your hand, to their current size. Unfortunately their venom did not increase in strength as they grew larger. It was only the quantity that increased with the size. The Rakata claimed that they made the Katarn from two distinct and extinct species. One a mammalian rodent, the other a reptilian predator that preyed on them. The Rodent was half the size of his forearm, and the reptile was twice its size. Now look at them. It was a thrill to see so many of them adapt to living in the trees. While the ones that remained on the surface, became more scavenger, than predator. He was so caught up in all his observations, that he did not notice when his own body died. He was then thrilled to see how the different creatures adapted to the perpetual darkness.

Krillgan asked him, why he aligned himself with the Emperor?

The Rakata told him that the Emperor is also a researcher that has done myriads of experiments. Including experiments on live humanoid subjects. The Emperor has promised to share his research with him.

Krillgan asked him, if the Emperor has ever shared the data on any of his experiments?

The Rakata said, "Yes…No!" He told Krillgan that the Emperor told him about the different experiments he has done. But has never shared the data or the results.

Krillgan told him that the Emperor is just using him.

That is when the Rakata Ghost noticed the Wookiees installing things around the building. He asked Krillgan, what are they doing? Krillgan told him that because of his alliance with the Emperor, he is there to serve him and eviction notice, and the Wookiees are helping him. The Rakata became very angry, and somehow his image changed. He told Krillgan that he can't do this! To Krillgan he now looked like the demons that he battled and killed in the two swords. To be safe, he put his sword away. He reached out through the entrance to the lab, and grabbed some dirt. He made an Earth shield and lance. Krillgan told him that he can and he will.

If he hadn't aligned himself with the Emperor, then no one would have known that he was there. But now that he has, he can join the other Rakata in the hell they currently inhabit, or he can go join the Emperor in the one he is in. But he cannot stay here and feed the Emperor energy, until he is consumed be the Emperor.

The Rakata returned to his previous form. He asked Krillgan, what will happen if he promises to break his connection with the Emperor? Krillgan told him that it is too late. The Emperor does not share knowledge, and he does not share power. If the Rakata stops cooperating with him willingly, then he will send his agents to take what he is not giving him. So the only choice he has is to leave this place, and go where the Emperor cannot reach him. The Rakata seemed to accept his fate. Everyone in the lab detected a wind, then it was gone. To Krillgan it felt like there was also a decrease in the presence of dark force energy in the lab.

Krillgan decided to use the potable water in the building to wash the goo off of his armour, while the Wookiees finish wiring the building to explode. When they were ready to leave, Krillgan reached out to touch the area around the lab to see what was out there. When he did he swore. There were surface katarn converging on the building from all directions. He did not know if it was the smell of blood, or did the Emperor do something to bring them to the lab. He also detected the webweavers in the trees coming down. He told the Wookies that they will have to fight their way up, until they are high enough to safely detonate the explosives. He will stay on the ground, but just on the other side of the tree trunk. Where the tree will protect him. If the katarn are coming for him. Most will have to run by the lab to get to him. Hopefully they will get caught in the explosion. He told them how much time they have to get out of the lab and start climbing. Before the katarn arrive and block the only way out.

Krillgan did have to kill some katarn, while he protected the Wookiees coming out of the building. They were also climbing and firing their bowcasters. The first ones out were firing at the webweavers above them, the last ones out were firing at the katarn converging on that place. Trying to blast a way for the Krillgan to get to a safe place to survive the explosion. When the last Wookiee was out, Krillgan used force push, to clear a way through the katarn, to get to the safe side of the tree trunk. Like he suspected, they were converging on him.

The Wookiees must have gotten to a safe place themselves. Because their Chief pressed the detonator. Krillgan saw katarn flying through the air, and rolling over the leaves on either side of him. Then a wave of leaves swirled around him. Visually, he could not see. But with the force he saw that there were still creatures running towards him. Only now there were not that many. It did not take that long for the leaves to settle. Now he had light from the burning lab. There was a creature approaching that was not a katarn, nor had any fear of them. Sometimes it ran like a canine, on all fours. If some katarn were in its way, it would run on two legs, and use its arms to toss them out of its way. When Krillgan first laid eyes on it, he thought that this is a creature that would make the Quarra look cute. Force push did not work on this creature. Which means that it must be the Terentateks that the Chief warned him about. At least it wasn't ¼ of the size of an upland Rancor. It was ¼ of the size of a swamp rancor. Krillgan braced his back against the tree trunk, so his armour and the tree would take the impact as it launched itself at Krillgan like a feline. Krillgan held his sword ready. He was hoping that because he was touching the sword with the force, and not the creature, that it would still work, and pierce this creature's skin. The armour held up, and did not take any damage from the creature's talons. The sword went cleanly through its skin, through its skull, through the brain, and down its neck. The creature was dead. Krillgan force pushed the remaining katarn away. Then he cut the creature's head off. He jumped up into the tree, so the remaining katarns could not reach him. He picked up the dead body of the Terentatek, using the force. Carried it around the tree trunk, and threw it into the lab to burn. Throwing some branches that were lying on the ground, on top of the body, to help it burn. Then he went back for the head, and threw it on top of the burning branches. The katarn, when they realized that Krillgan was out of their reach went and found dead bodies to feast on. Not carrying that they were from their own species.

Some of the Wookiees risked going to the ground, to cut the tusks out of the dead katarn around the burning lab, while other Wookies covered them with their bowcasters. When they had a pair for everyone, they climbed back up into the tree where the dead webweavers were. Pulling the legs off the arachnids, and putting them in their backpacks. Krillgan asked the Chief, why the warriors were taking the legs? The Chief asked him, if he remembered eating the white flakey meat? Krillgan remembered, it reminded him of the shellfish meat he ate on Manaan. Krillgan told him that he remembered. The Chief told him that this is where it comes from. When they stop to rest for the night. This is what they will be cooking for their dinner. Krillgan decided not to tell his children where the white meat comes from that they enjoy eating.

It was fascinating to watch then cooking the wemweaver's legs. Depending on the size of the Wookiee, one to two legs were enough to fill one Wookiee up. Krillgan found that one was enough for him. He found it interesting that when he broke off the shell from around a joint, the cooked meat would come out of that section in the form of a solid roll. He told the Chief that it tastes better with the sauce that they use. The Chief laughed and agreed with him.

They did not encounter any creatures, as they continued to climb, the next day. Any webbing they found, had no webweaver near it. By the time the stopped to rest. They were high enough that there were leaves on the trees. The next morning, Krillgan asked the Chief if he would mind if he climbed ahead. He told the Chief that he believes he is supposed to get to the village as soon as possible. The Chief told him to go ahead. They are approaching their hunting territory, so was not expecting any surprises that they could not handle. The warriors just stood there. They were amazed by how far the Krillgan can jump up. He was climbing without a rope. Much faster than any of them could. All this while wearing armour.

Krillgan arrived in the village by that afternoon. There was a messenger there, wanting to talk with him. He told Krillgan that the Imperials have put a blockade on the planet, to prevent smugglers from landing or taking off. They have the Trandoshan patrols sitting at both poles, and they have a Tjariik-Class Light Cruiser orbiting the planet at the equator. Ready to move to one of the poles, if they detect a smuggler trying to leave the planet. They know this, because one of their ships was sitting on one of their moons, waiting for the satellites to move out of the way. When the Tradoshan patrols showed up. He decided to run the blockade while the Light Cruiser was still orbiting the planet. He started broadcasting the ship in distress signal, so that any ships coming up from the surface would help him as he flew down, but not attempt to leave the planet.

Krillgan asked, if anyone was injured? The messenger told him that a couple of the crew were injured as the battled their way through the Trandoshan patrols. They were fortunate that other ships flew up to help them, so the Trandoshan starfighters broke off their pursuit. Krillgan told the messenger that he is a healer. He asked, if he could take him to them? The messenger told him that their healers are looking after them. What they don't have, but need, are kolto medi-pacs. Krillgan told the messenger that he could help with that.

The Messenger was surprised that they did not take the Fenelar Phoenix. But the Starfighter that was right next to it. He was even more surprised, by how much room he had in the back seat. Than started looking carefully around the inside of this starfighter. He believed that this starfighter was made for a Wookiee. Krillgan told him that he would probably be cramped sitting in the pilot's seat. When they arrived at the planetary coordinate Krillgan was given, the messenger had to direct him down to the trees to get to a landing pad. It was evident that a freighter was pretty badly damaged, and a number of Wookiees were working on it.

Krillgan told the Wookiee messenger to run, he will have no trouble keeping up with him. So the Wookiee ran for the medical clinic. There were three patients, a Wookiee, a Human, and a Devaronian. Besides some broken limbs, the human was also burnt. Krillgan could see that both the Wookiee and the Devaronian had singed fur, he could also smell it. All of them had broken limbs from their crash landing. Krillgan asked the healers, if all their bones have been properly set? The healers asked, who is he? He told them that he is the Devaronian Krillgan, and a healer. He also has kolto for the patients. They asked him to turn over the medi-pacs. They will look after the patients. Krillgan told them that he is the medi-pac. He also asked if someone could go to the local cantina and get him a New Ale, or a regular ale. It will help him with the healing. The Devaronian asked, if he could have an ale as well, to help him with his healing?

When the healers told Krillgan that all the bones have been properly set. Krillgan took the Human and the Devaronian by their hands. Krillgan told the healers that if the Wookiee can reach across and touch his hand, he will start receiving kolto as well.

The healers could see that the human was not in as much distress as he was before. The Devaronian asked him, why he was tingling? Krillgan told him that he was feeling the effects of the healing. When the tingling stops, he will be healed. Krillgan then decided to check the patients using the force. To make sure that their bones were set properly. One of the healers did send an assistant to the local cantina to get the Krillgan something to drink. While the others maneuvered the Wookiee's bed, so he could also touch the healer. When he did, he told the healers that he could also feel the tingling.

The healers wanted to know, how did he manage to get kolto inside of him? Krillgan told them that he cannot tell them. He has also been told that it cannot happen to anyone else. The Devaronian asked him if he really killed a witch in the middle of the courtroom. He also heard that he is immune to lightning. Krillgan told him that he killed the witch, as soon as he recognised what she was, and what she was doing. It just happened to be in the middle of a courtroom. He did not say anything about the lightning.

It was the middle of the night, before all three patients were healed. The assistant did make two more trips to the cantina for Krillgan. They brought him dinner, and when he found out they had the ingredients to mix up A Nice Surprise. He asked for two of them. After the healing, Krillgan laid down on an empty bed and fell asleep.

There were two other patients in the clinic. The healers suggested that they touch the Krillgan's hand while he was sleeping, to see if they will be healed as well. When the second patient touched Krillgan's hand. Without opening his eyes, he said that they owe him A Nice Surprise in the morning. In the morning, Krillgan confirmed that he can feel when the kolto flows out of his body. When pressed by the healers, about his gift. Krillgan told them that the one the Selkath call the Great Mother bestowed this special gift upon him. Again he would not tell them anymore, or allow them to examine him.

After breakfast, Krillgan flew back to where the Phoenix was parked. He climbed down to where the Chief and his warriors were still climbing, to get back to their village. Krillgan told the Chief about the blockade, and asked if he had any suggestions, to break it? The Chief agree to go back with Krillgan. Leaving a seasoned warrior in charge of the others. With Krillgan strengthening him, they were able to jump from branch to branch, making it to the village level in no time. The warriors they left behind staring at their Chief, as they disappeared through the leaves. Not knowing that their Chief was so strong.

A full meeting of the Phoenix's crew was called for in the main lodge. Krillgan told the Chief that he would have no problem engaging the starfighters piloted by the Trandoshans, in his custom starfighter. It is dealing with the Light Cruiser, that he was unsure of. The Chief displayed a holographic image of the Light Cruiser. He told them that despite their excellent in-system drives. They cannot outrun the Tjariik-Class Light Cruiser. The fastest capital ship in anyone's navy. He then described the compromises that the Sith designers had to make, in order to make it so fast. First it has less armour than a regular capital ship. Its armour was probably only twice as thick as is on the Phoenix, rather than being three to four times as thick as what is on the Phoenix. He also mentioned that the Sith armour was nowhere near as good as Fenelar armour. So though it was thinner, it was probably an even match for what is on the Light Cruiser. He told them the other thing they did is cut back on the armament. It only has 15 Turbolaser Cannon Batteries, 10 Ion Cannon Batteries, 15 Laser Cannon Batteries, and room for only one squad of Starfighters. Where most Sith Capital ships carry three squads. (12 starfighters to a squad, two patrols to a squad.) The Officers of the Phoenix were all thinking that they only have 4 Heavy Turbolaser Batteries, and 2 Ion Cannon Batteries. Why was Krillgan thinking that they need to fight it? Then they remembered that the Chief said they cannot outrun it.

Rasha asked the Chief if he knew why it looked like it had two bulbous eyes on the head of an insect? The Chief told her that the Sith designed all their capital ships to resemble insects. They probably thought that they looked more intimidating, to people used to seeing Republic ships. What she sees as bulbous eyes, are the Transpirasteel windows on the bridge. They are the strongest transparent material in the galaxy. Strength wise, they are on par with the Sith armour. Both Krillgan and Ludia thought that this is what they should have on the front of their luxury yacht, for the observation window.

The Chief went on to say that the normal crew compliment for this Light Cruiser is 900. The skeleton crew would be 312 people. The absolute bare minimum, with the assistance of droids, is 88 personnel. But because of conscription, and this is not a front line ship, they would be lucky to have between 150 to 200 people, with no droids helping them.

The Chief then pointed out this ship design's greatest weakness. He pointed out where its sensor array, and its targeting sensors are situated. If they can hit that area with two or three torpedoes, the ship will be basically blind. Instead of controlling their weapons from the bridge. The crews will have to man each weapon manually. Just like on a gun turret. But it is much harder to spin and shoot, because of the mass of the weapon involved. Their gun turrets have a better chance of taking out a weapons battery, before they can bring it around and aim it at the Phoenix.

The Chief told the Phoenix crew that the place they don't want to be, is in front of the Light Cruiser. It is designed to chase ships down. So all its weapons can be fired at a target in front of the ship. It is blind to any ship directly behind it, and can only bring 5 Turbolaser Cannon Batteries, 4 Ion Cannon Batteries, and 5 Laser Cannon Batteries, to bear on a ship beside it, so has a weak broadside.

Krillgan wanted to know, where does it generate its power?

The Chief showed them that the power for all its drive systems is located in the abdomen section, if it was an insect. The power for the weapons, is in its thorax section. Krillgan pointed out to the crew, using his hand, were the best place for the Phoenix to sit, while firing their missles. He showed which weapons batteries, the top gun turrets on the Phoenix could take out, and which ones could be destroyed by the bottom gun turrets.

The Chief asked, if they need some help making missiles? He knew that the original crew had ten missiles max., when they were flying the Phoenix. Ten missiles will not do very much damage to a Light Cruiser. Krillgan assured him that they have enough missiles to do the job. The Chief told him that they will need more than a hundred. Krillgan told him that the belly of the front of the Phoenix is full of missiles. Because they helped a friend, they talked a small parts manufacturer into retooling their factory. They have access to a warehouse full of missiles, and at a very reasonable cost.

The Chief was starting to think that this is actually a do-able mission, and not a suicide mission like he first thought. He asked, if they have a way to deliver torpedoes? Krillgan told him that both starfighters on the Phoenix were designed to carry and fire torpedoes. They have never needed to do it, and in their simulation program they were always battling other starfighters. So firing torpedoes was not something they practised. They Chief told them that the two pilots need to start practicing right away, and hope that two torpedoes is all they need, to destroy the two arrays.

Now the question was, who will pilot the two starfighters? One was owned by Krillgan, and the other by Ludia. Krillgan said that Ludia needs to pilot the Phoenix. If a weapon's battery on the Light Cruiser was going to fire on the Phoenix. She should be able to anticipate it, and maneuver it out of the way in time. Tamrack did not like it that the only other Starfighter pilot is Rasha. She has no real experience being in a firefight. All her battle experience is in a computer, battling Ludia. She would also be more vulnerable in Ludia's starfighter. Krillgan's starfighter has the special armour, so when he activates it, he will be invulnerable. Krillgan hated to admit it, but Tamrack was right. This means that Rasha will have to fly Krillgan's starfighter, and Krillgan will have to fly Ludia's. If they stay close enough together. Krillgan should be able to touch Rasha with the force, as well as touching his ship.

They also talked about the best strategy to initiate the attack, and when, and where they should attack. Krillgan had the Chief bring up an image of Kashyyyk, and show the magnetic gradients. So the magnetic poles are evident. He showed them the normal smugglers approach. Showing that they would land and takeoff in what could be considered the dead zone of the planet's magnetic field. Which is why the Sith satellites have to fly directly over each pole, before they can detect a ship, leaving the planet. Krillgan was wondering if they flew in a tight spiral within the compressed magnetic field lines, would they be shielded from detection by the Trandoshans starfighters, and the satellites. Only appearing in the dead zone, when they were ready to fight. The Chief liked his idea. He said that in theory it should work. But the enemy would also be blind to them. They need to do some calculations to see if any of their instruments will be affected by what he was proposing. If they were, how bad would they be affected? He was curious to know, why would Krillgan want to fly up that way?

Krillgan told him that there were two reasons. First, the starfighters at the magnetic pole, where the two satellites would be, would be the last ones expecting to be attacked. They will have a chance to eliminate a number of them before they know that they are being attacked. Second, they might as well get rid of the two satellites, while they are shooting at things.

Because Krillgan had the Phoenix's computer, make note of the orbits of the two satellites. They went aboard the Phoenix to find out when both satellites would appear over the same magnetic pole at close to the same time. The computer told them the next time it would happen, and at which pole. They had five days to prepare. The computer also told them that it will be close to two months before it happens again. Everyone agreed that two months was too long to wait.

Krillgan decide that the best way for Rasha to learn flying his starfighter, was to have her flying it between the trees, as well as going up and down between levels. If she can do that, without hitting a branch. She will have no trouble flying with enemy starfighters.

The Chief decided to do some strategizing of his own. He found out how many smuggler's ships were on the planet? How many of them were willing to break the blockade? What he talked to them about, was attacking the patrols at both poles at once. The Chief believes that once Krillgan and his people start engaging the patrols at one pole. The Light Cruiser, and the patrols at the other pole, will start moving to respond. If other ships suddenly show up at both poles, it will create more confusion, with better odds of shooting the enemy down, before reinforcements arrive from Transdosha. Even better if all the smugglers scatter after achieving their objectives. So neither the Sith or the Transdoshans can determine which systems the smugglers are coming from. All smugglers wanted to help the healer that helped their friends. The good news was that the damaged freighter will be fully repaired by then, and they were keen on getting a little revenge.

Rasha knew that this might be the only time that Krillgan will let her fly his starfighter, so she did her best to enjoy herself. Including different wing configurations, while flying through the trees. The first few times she did it, Krillgan had to remind her that they are flying in atmosphere, not space. So the different configurations would not give her the same results. When she persisted to experiment, he just sat back in the back seat and grumbled. He was there to activate the special armour, if it looked like she was going to clip a branch. He did not know that Rasha and Ludia would get together every evening, and laugh about how Krillgan reacted to some of the things she tried. Then think of new things to try the following day.

Because Grimm had his computer with him on Myrkr, Krillgan and Rasha had to use the Wookiee's systems as flight simulators. To practice their torpedo runs. It meant that they had a whole village of spectators watching, then analysing their performance. With everyone having suggestions in how to improve their performance. Even Richard and Ta'Yanna were listing to what the Wookiees said, and passing it along to their father. Krillgan was not pleased. Having undergone another white knuckled training session with Rasha, running torpedo runs on the simulator, than having his children telling him what he did wrong. Ludia on the other hand, loved that both her children could now understand the Wookiees.

Krillgan was looking forward to the breakout day, as they started calling it. Because when it was over, he gets his starfighter back.

Krillgan flew in the lead, with Rasha just behind him. Doing what he did. Not that far behind, Ludia was following them in the Phoenix. Tamrack was at the engineers consul, Richard was in the Captain's seat, with Ta'Yanna strapped in beside him. They were both told not to touch, but could yell if they saw something flashing. Elibet was in Rasha's gun turret, with Wu'la strapped into her gun turret. Ya'rrun was strapped in Kran's gun turret. Because the Phoenix was flying vertical, it was no harder in his position, then in any of the other turrets. He was warned that he would feel the effects of the planet's gravity, just before the battle, when the ship will rotate to a more horizontal position. Ludia was hoping that by then, the effects will be minuscule. Ya'rrun was hoping the same thing.

The rest of the smugglers were standing by on the surface. Waiting for the signal to charge up into space, and take on the Trandoshans in their Imperial Starfighters. Krillgan had arranged with the Wookiee Chief to have the better crews at the opposite magnetic pole then he would be at. The smugglers that would be following him, would be doing cleanup, because he was expecting the Phoenix to do quite a number on the Trandoshans.

When Krillgan thought he was at the right elevation, he stopped flying in a spiral, and flew straight. He was rewarded by spotting the two satellites, and took them out. Broadcasting that both satellites are dead, then started engaging the enemy.

The broadcast that both satellites are dead, is the signal that the smugglers were waiting for, and flew up on mass, just like at the start of a race.

The Light Cruiser just heard that the satellites were destroyed, and the Trandoshans were engaging enemy starfighters. The one Starfighter had a purple glow in the cockpit, but was very maneuverable. He took out a patrol just by himself. Behind that Starfighter was a green glowing gunship that also had no trouble destroying their starfighters. Then they heard that a black freighter had just joined the fight. The Trandoshans were screaming for the Light Cruiser to hurry, or they might all be dead before they get there.

The Captain of the Light Cruiser was cursing the Naval Officer that ordered his ship to leave Randon right away. To blockade the planet of Kashyyyk, one of their own planets. Those were his only orders. He was not allowed the time to recall half his crew, that were on the surface, on leave. So now he has everyone in charge of two stations, and some in charge of three. He himself was looking after the long range scans. To make things worse, a lot of his crew are new. Never having been on a large ship before. They were rushed through training, as they were expected to complete their training while the ship was out on patrol.

Then the Captain sees the battle taking place through the long range scanners. His heart jumps when he sees the black freighter. Could this be the Old Admiral's ship? The one that is supposed to be crewed by Jedi. He orders communication to send a message to Randon. "May have found the Old Admiral's ship. It is attempting to break a blockade of Kashyyyk. Am racing to intercept."

The Captain starts adjusting the scanners to see if he can capture a better image to send to the Admiralty. This could get him a promotion.

The Captain ignores the next communication, coming from the other magnetic pole. The Trandoshans there are complaining that they are also under attack by multiple smugglers. The helmsman slows down, and asks the Captain if they should change direction? The Captain starts yelling at the helmsman. Asking why he slowed down? Is he now the Captain if this ship? The helmsman turns red in the face and apologises. He goes back to full power, and continues along the original course.

Krillgan was surprised to see the Trandoshans flying so many different types of Sith starfighters. Apparently they are not a high enough priority to get the new Blade Class Starfighters being built on Lianna. They were flying old Sith Starfighters that were used during the Great Hyperspace war. They would have escorted the ships, when the Emperor led the Sith, into finding a new home world. They also had some Mk VI Interceptors, and the old Blade Class Starfighters that the new ones were supposed to replace. If Krillgan was to guess, the Trandoshans were sent the starfighters that were being replaced on other planets, as the new ones came on line. He thought that there were at least five patrols of starfighters, when he first started to engage them. He forgot that he had to hit them repeatedly with the two laser cannons on Ludia's ship. He was used to the quick burst from his Starfighter to quickly take out an enemy. Just like what Rasha was doing know.

When he noticed the Light Cruiser slow down, then pick up speed again, he told Rasha that it was time to disengage from the starfighters, they have work to do. They flew as if they were trying to avoid the Light Cruiser. Then as they were just past it, they turned to come up behind it. To attack them from where they are blind.

Krillgan let Rasha lead the way with her attack. Rather than have both torpedoes hit the same spot on the Cruiser to try and damage the two systems. Krillgan wanted Rasha's torpedo to impact closer to the scanner array. Were his torpedo would impact closer to the targeting array. If they had three torpedoes they would have attacked where the Chief suggested. If need be, they will do a third pass, and finish them off with their laser cannons.

The Captain of the Light Cruiser had the scanners adjusted the best he could, and was about to capture the image of the black freighter, when the ship shook, and the scanners went off line. The Captain asked, what just happened? Someone at a weapon's station, told him that they believe that the two Mandalorian Starfighters that looked like they were leaving the battle circled around, and hit them with a torpedo. The Captain asked them, why is no one returning fire? They told the Captain that no one was assigned those weapon stations. The Captain asked if it might be a good idea to have someone assigned right now. Before they come back, and do some more damage. A couple people jumped up, and ran to different stations. Going through the start-up procedures. Then another explosion shook the ship. An engineer informed the Captain that both the scanner array and the targeting array have been destroyed. Communications, is down, and the computer has detected that one of the transparisteel panes is cracked. Regulations say that everyone is to evacuate the bridge, and go to their auxiliary stations. The Captain ordered all weapon technicians to report to the gun turrets. They have some pesky Starfighters to deal with. The Captain asked for volunteers to continue to man the key positions on the bridge. Everyone else to report to their auxiliary stations. He told the helmsman to make for Transdosha. They need to make repairs, before they can try to go after smugglers.

Then the Captain could feel small explosions, in rapid succession impacting his ship. He ran to look out the trasparisteel viewport on that side of his ship. It was the black freighter, and it was firing missiles at them. That is when the transparisteel pane failed, and the computer sealed off the bridge, as it lost all its air, and everyone on the bridge perished. Because the ship was turning at the time. It continued to turn. At some point as it turned, it would enter Kashyyyk's atmosphere.

Ludia had no trouble keeping up with the Light Cruiser as it continued to turn. What she could not figure out, was why no one was manning the weapons batteries that could engage them. It seems like everyone was manning gun turrets. Trying to shoot Krillgan and Rasha down. Suddenly, Ludia knew that she had to go in reverse as fast as she could. Giving full power to the shields in front of the ship. She also watched as Krillgan and Rasha flew away as fast as they can. Then the Tjariik-Class Light Cruiser exploded.

Ludia took full advantage of the light of the explosion. By landing the Fenelar Phoenix on the closest of Kashyyyk's three moons. If you did not know. You would have thought that the Phoenix perished in the explosion.

Krillgan landed Ludia's Starfighter on top of the Phoenix. Then he climbed out, and proceeded to secure it in place. He did not want to risk having the Phoenix go into battlemode in this system. In case the Trandoshans see it, when they resume their patrols. Rasha landed Krillgan's starfighter right next to the Phoenix. She was dressed in Kran's bounty hunter suit. She wanted to get out of it as quickly as possible, because it was putting pressure on her hips. But she knew that she could not make any drastic movement, while going to the Phoenix. If she took too big of a step in this low gravity, she could launch herself right off of this moon. She also suspects that Timrune is crying, because mama is not there to feed him.

After Ludia's Starfighter was secure, Krillgan used the force to jump from the Phoenix, straight to the cockpit of his own starfighter. He did not need to boost his strength. What he did, is use the force to grab it, and pull himself to it, so he did not end up flying out to space.

After eliminating all the Transdosans patrols blockading Kashyyyk, the smugglers took off for all connecting systems. Some took the Randon Run to Uyter and Lantillies, on the Perlemian Trade Route. Some took the Great Kashyyyk Branch to Balamak and Charros. That gave them the option of going back to Uyter, or going on to Bimmisaari. From there they could go up to the Tion Cluster, or down to Hutt Space. Others took the Durkteel Loop, where they would eventually end up in the Yitabo System. From there they could had back to Randon, or go down the Pabol Sleheyron to Chalacta, then Hutt Space. Others took the Kashyyyk Branch to Torn Station, where there are multiple hideouts for smugglers, pirates and slavers. They could also continue coreward, and end up at Zeltros, and beyond. Others went down the Nigut Road, which would take them to Terr'skiar. The last option was to go down the Randon Run to Randon. Then from there going down the Trax Tube. So all the starfighters that took off from Transdosha, found themselves chasing smugglers all over the Kashyyyk System. But before they could catch them, they all jumped to hyperspace. So the Transdoshans had no way to predict where the smugglers are coming from, or where they are going.

Krillgan and the Phoenix sat on the Kashyyyk moon for a while. Watching the small fragments of the Light Cruiser burn up as they entered Kashyyyk's atmosphere. They hoped no Wookiees were injured, as the larger pieces reached the wroshyr canopy, and some landed in the oceans. The Wookiee elder told them not to worry. Reminding them how many levels down from the canopy the Wookiee settlements are. The only way someone would be injured, is if a large piece fell into an ocean, creating a tidal wave, which could damage a coastal city. But the elder did not see any pieces large enough.

They waited until it looked like the system settled down. Then Krillgan escorted the Fenelar Phoenix to where they jumped to the Tholatin System, along the Nigut Road. Krillgan himself jumped to the Rakhuuun System along the Randon Run. The idea being that it would look like they are different smugglers that got together on Kashyyyk. A Trandoshan patrol did spot them. But other that trying to convince them to land on Trandosha, they did not interfere.

The area Moff was shocked when he received the report that the Light Cruiser was in the Kashyyyk System. Helping with the blockade of Kashyyyk. The Light Cruiser was supposed to be under his direct control. As the sector Moff, he was the only one allowed to order a blockade of one of his own planets. He had his Personal Secretary contact the top Naval Officer to see if the military hijacked his Light Cruiser. They denied it, stating that they had no reason to interfere with trade in that system, legal or otherwise. The Moff had his whole office running around, trying to find out who ordered the Light Cruiser to the Kashyyyk System. It was only when someone contacted Randon spaceport, and had them playback all recorded transmissions in the system. That it was discovered that it was the Military Liaison Officer in the Moff's own office, who had done this. He was immediately arrested. When questioned, he told them that the dead Emperor appeared to him in a dream, and told him that there is a dangerous smuggler on Kashyyyk. One who could negatively affect the Sith Empire. He had to make sure that the smuggler was contained on Kashyyyk until he was captured. Or if he tried to escape, the ship he was in was to be destroyed. The Officer admitted that the Emperor did not tell him the name of the smuggler. Only that he is a special Devaronian, wearing custom bounty hunter armour, and uses an old black freighter.

The Moff was quite concerned when his Personal Secretary calmed him down enough to hear the rest of the message from the Light Cruiser. He knew that in the past the Fenelar Phoenix was mistaken for the Old Admiral's mysterious ship. It was only when the Old Admiral's ship was spotted in the Eriadu System, when the Phoenix was on Yitabo, that the Admiralty stop believing that the Phoenix was the Old Admiral's ship. He told his Personal Secretary that they have to contact the Tjariik Light Cruiser right away. They are not to attack any ships without his permission. He should also contact Kenny, to see if he knows where the Fenelar Phoenix is. Maybe the Light Cruiser was going to attack another smuggler's black ship. There are enough of them out there.

Both the Transdoshans and the Wookiees responded from the Kashyyyk System when the Moff's office tried contacting the Light Cruiser. They both mentioned that the Light Cruiser was destroyed. The Personal Secretary talked with the Transdoshans first. Asking if they knew what happened to the Light Cruiser? The Transdoshans said they were not sure. They know that the Light Cruiser was racing towards the one magnetic pole, where there was a battle taking place between their starfighters, and some smugglers ships trying to run the blockade the Moff's office instructed them to undertake. But the Light Cruiser did not make it. It was spotted slowing down, then speeding up again, then it started turning. That was the most information they obtained from their pilots, before they were killed by the smugglers. When their reinforcements showed up, all they could see from the Light Cruiser was its debris raining down on Kashyyyk. All the smugglers ships were at the edge of the system taking every hyperspace lane out of the system. There was no ship near it that could have done it.

The Wookiee was listening in on the Transdoshans description. He told the Personal Secretary that it sounded like the helmsman made the mistake of entering Kashyyyk's atmosphere, when trying to get to the space battle. Which would have drastically increased its drag, slowing it down. Since they would already have been at maximum output for the power generators dedicated to the Ion Drives. Engineering would have transferred power from its other power source, to help it get back up to speed. Only they may not have synchronised them properly. Sending a surge of power back to the main weapons power source. This would have manifest in an uneven power output from the Ion Drives, causing the ship to start turning. Without getting the power sources synchronised, this would have caused the main power generator to explode.

The Transdoshans told the Personal Secretary that the wreckage they spotted did look like the main power generator blew up. There were also no other capital ships in the system. None of the smugglers ships they saw could have done it. It probably would have taken all of them working together to take out the Light Cruiser. But none of them were near it. Then the Transdoshans asked when they could receive starfighters, to replace the ones they lost? When the Personal Secretary asked, they claimed that they lost fourteen patrols in total. The Personal Secretary told the Transdoshans representative that he will need to discuss it with the Moff.

Both the Moff and the Personal Secretary agreed that the Transdoshans lost less then fourteen patrols. Just like the Wookiees maintain good relationships with smugglers. The Transdoshans maintain good relationships with pirates. It is believed that at least 1/3 of the starfighters transferred to Transdosha, are sold to pirates. This can never be proven. When the Transdoshans are ever questioned about why they have less starfighters than were sent them? They would reply that they were forced to dismantle some of the starfighters for spare parts. Whatever they have in excess, they melt down and use it as part of the feedstock for their industries. Because they keep track of their inventory in their native language, no one from the Sith Government can read it. So there is no way to determine if they are telling the truth or not.

When Kenny finally contacted the Moff's office. He told them that the Phoenix is in the Deysum System. They are picking up the musician that will be playing at the next concert on Yitabo. From there they will jump to Randon, then on to Yitabo. Kenny invited the Moff to come for dinner, telling them what date would be best. Kenny reminded the Personal Secretary that they will be bringing some of the Singing Mountain Winery Fruit Wine that the Moff likes.

When Kenny contacted the Phoenix, they were in the Terr'Skiar System, getting ready to take the Terr'Skiar Pass to the Deysum System. Kenny was the one that suggested that they stop on Deysum III, to pick up a musician. He told them that the Moff's Personal Secretary called. Because they had received word from a Light Cruiser in the Kashyyyk System. It was going after a black freighter that had been previously identified as being controlled by Jedi. The Moff was concerned, because the Phoenix has been mistaken for this ship a number of times. By saying that they are going from the Deysum System to the Randon System. It would imply that they had just come up the Trax Tube. So they could not have been in the Kashyyyk System. Ludia told Kenny that he needs to contact Krillgan. They were supposed to rendezvous in the Randon System. It would be better if they did it in the Deysum System, so the musician does not see the Phoenix undergo a transformation. Kenny agreed, and left a signal for Krillgan to contact him, as soon as he enters the Randon System.

The Moff was quite happy to hear that the Phoenix was approaching the Randon System from the Deysum System. The opposite direction of the Kashyyyk System. He was also looking forward to dinner at the Radcliff Ranch House. He suspects that they won't mind him gossiping about the latest he has heard, regarding the Dark Council.

When the Moff's Military Liaison Officer, finally arrived in Dromund Kaas. The Dark Council was so upset with him, that they all unleashed force lightning on him. Asking him to give their greetings to the Emperor. Burning him completely to ash. Going into a long discussion, wondering how they can stop the dead Emperor from interfering with the Sith Empire, and its people. It seems like every time he interferes, he further weakens the Empire. They did ultimately approve that the Military send a new Liaison Officer to the Moff.

The Musician had never been on a freighter where there was so many people. Not to mention large animals. When he realized that the Co-Captain was none other than Ludia Djo, he was impressed. He told Ludia that every young man on Yitabo is in love with her. The warrior maiden that rode a Rancor, and only used bow and arrow to vanquish her enemies. He asked her permission, to write a ballad about her? Ludia asked him if he could mention Smasher Djo, and dedicate it to him. Because he did die in the battle. The musician originally thought that the Rancor on the ship is the one she rode. She told him that Stoneman was bought from the Hutts to replace Smasher. She suspects, that if there was an emergency, Stoneman would also let her ride him. Because Stoneman likes her. Krillgan quietly told the musician that the Moff does not know that Smasher was a Rancor. He believes that Smasher was a very strong member of the Djo family. The musician liked that. It could make for a more interesting ballad. Krillgan told him that if he made it sound like they are lovers, Ludia would kill him. Smasher was more like the Djo family's bodyguard. He loved them, and they loved him. The musician told Krillgan that that angle would work very well. He could see it being popular on many worlds, not just Yitabo.

They found out that Yitabo has a special place in this musician's heart. He told them about the contract he accepted as a young struggling musician. Only to find out that Mr. Radcliff was trying to use him to seduce a married man's wife. The couple turned the attempt on its head. Instead they arranged for him to give a concert to the whole community. It was just the personal boost his career needed. He was happy to find out later that Mr. Radcliff settled down and married a beautiful woman. He was also happy for Kenny, when he married the woman's daughter. He told them how often Kenny invited him back to Yitabo. Kenny has always been fair with him, and he always enjoys playing for the people. This is why he did not mind accepting this gig on such short notice.

Richard was fascinated by the musician's instrument. The musician manage to teach him a thing or two, which prompted Ludia to question him about how old a child should be, before they should start learning to play an instrument. The musician was careful in stating that there is no age that is better or worse. What is important that they try and keep it as something they enjoy doing. He told her about the different farmers and ranch hands that are musicians. She should let Richard become acquainted with each instrument. There might be one he enjoys more than the others. He also told her that children love maintaining a rhythm. He clapped his hands and patted his hands on his knees. Both Richard and Ta'Yanna quickly picked up what he did, and started repeating it. While they did that, he picked up his instrument and played a tune that fit into the rhythm that the children were repeating. It became Ta'Yanna's favorite song.

Before anyone knew it, they were getting ready to land on Yitabo. The musician had a room booked for him at the hotel. He was informed that the three Wookiees were going to be house guests for a short while at the ranch. Krillgan flew Rasha, Tamrack, and Timrune, to the Ranch House in his starfighter. The ranches own vehicle was sent to the spaceport a number of times, to pick up everyone else. What was surprising was the vehicle was waved through security each time, so they did not check who was inside. The Wookiees entered Yitabo without being noticed. So as soon as they arrived at the Ranch House, Krillgan flew them one at a time to their settlement, in his starfighter. The Wookiee elder reminded him that the Chief asked for medi-pacs instead of Credits for their services. Because medi-pacs are harder to come by, and Krillgan has all the ingredients he needs on Yitabo, with the most important one being his Kolto.

Kenny filled in Krillgan and Ludia about the educational system on Yitabo. They will need to already register Richard, for next year's school year. They also need to decide whether he is to attend as a townsite child, or as a farm child. Both Krillgan and Ludia wanted him to register as a farm child. Kenny also agreed with their choice. Much less Sith indoctrination. They also talked about hiring tutors. Which would actually be in house teachers. The creative arts is not something taught in Sith schools, but it does appear to be something Richard enjoys. Kenny also let them know that they will need to spend 2/3rds of the year on Yitabo, while Richard is in school. What they do with the rest of the time is up to them. Krillgan made it clear that he could not commit that time to being on Yitabo. That meant that it fell on Ludia to be there, when Richard is in school. She told Krillgan that she will need something larger than her starfighter, to fly the family around. Krillgan told her that when Lydna's school is finished with the yacht. They can redo it, so it will be more comfortable for her and the children. But it would mean that she would have to give up her starfighter. As there is not room for it on the yacht. They had to explain to Kenny, about the Luxury yacht that pirates had converted to a gunship. They are converting it back into a yacht, but with teeth. When Rasha found out about Ludia's starfighter, she let Ludia know that she will take good care of it.

What Ludia did not like, is that because of the Sith, her family is being torn apart. She believes that this is what Grimm foresaw, which is why he submitted his resignation. Her relationship with Krillgan has become weaker, since Emily's death. Now it is about to become even weaker.

The Moff spent more than dinner at the Ranch House. He was there for most of the day. First he asked them about the new scorch marks he noticed on the Fenelar Phoenix?

Ludia told him about the three pirate gunships they encountered, on their way to Mandalorian Space. They were fortunate that the crews were inexperienced. Never having a freighter fight back before. They had also placed their gunships too far apart in the system. So the Phoenix only had to take them on, one at a time. They then forced the pirates' freighter back to the system they just came from. The local authorities quickly attached the frieghter's captain to an interrogation droid, and obtained his full confession. They were surprised, that when they stopped at the planet the next time, they were given the credits for the sale of the freighter, and the sale of the pirate to the Hutts, for their gladiator arenas. Minus the planet's handling fees for the sales.

The Moff satisfied, then told them about the Queen of Lianna giving the Dark Council a hard time. Forcing them to deal with reality once again. Because of that, they are negotiating with Lianna to build new Starfighters. They cannot show themselves to be weak, and paying her more for the ones they currently make.

Both the Queen of Lianna, and the King of Berseg, have rejected the Dark Council's inheritance law, so it looks like the entire Tion Cluster will be exempt from the Law when it comes out. The Moff believes that the Dark Council is going to be very careful about the wording of the law when it comes out. So there will be a difference between what they saw in the draft, and what will be in the law. He is hoping that it will not be a big difference.

The Moff also talked to them about Richard's schooling, and his inheritance of the Radcliff Ranch. One thing the Moff mentioned is that Richard's family name be changed to Radcliff. He can rewrite the file on the ranch, so that Richard will look like a direct descendant of Commodore Radcliff, and they are his guardians. If something were to happen to Richard, the ranch would go back to them. It would mean that after Lydna and her school has been examined, no one in the Ministry, or the Empire, will look at Ta'Yanna and her schooling. Nor will they look at any other of their other children, if they have any more.

The Moff also talked to them about Richard not doing too well on any tests or exams. It is important that he not be seen by the Empire as being the bright child that he is. Otherwise they will try to recruit him into one of their Ministries. When they do that, they will take the ranch away from him. Supposedly to be its Guardian, until he retires. What the Moff suggests, is that most of Richard's training, including in the maths and sciences, be done privately. So the Sith teacher has no idea how intelligent he is. Both parents agreed that Richard's schooling will be a lot harder than what it was for them. Even more reason for one of them to always be present to keep an eye on him, and run interference if it is ever needed.

The musician liked that Kenny had arranged for him to entertain the patrons at the cantina, for a couple of nights. What he did not know, is that when the cantina owner paid him, half the Credits came from Kenny. It was nice to have standing room only crowds, with many being Ministry employees. Because he knew the Moff would be having dinner at the ranch one evening, he was prepared to give a private concert at the Ranch House. As usual, dinner was excellent. The musician was not expecting the Moff to be such a nice man. The Moff admitted to him that coming to the ranch was like him taking a holiday. In the middle of the concert, the musician announced that he was going to play Ta'Yanna's song. Ta'Yanna quickly started doing the rhythm, with Richard, and most of the adults joining her. The musician surprised them by singing a couple of funny little verses with the tune that he played. He closed the concert by singing the Ballad of Ludia and Smasher Djo. At Ludia's request, dedicated to Smasher Djo. He saw that most of the adults had tears in their eyes when he finished. He took that as a compliment on the song. Both Krillgan and Ludia Djo told him that Smasher would have liked it. After the musician left, Kenny told Krillgan and Ludia that he had the computer record the concert, in case they wanted a copy of some of the songs for themselves.

Tamrack accompanied the musician in the ride back to his hotel. The musician asked him, where the three Wookiees are? Tamrack told him that they are on the ship, as are the Nautolan couple. Because the Moff represents the Sith Empire, they thought it was best, so that there would not be any bad blood. Tamrach did promise that the Nautolans would be at his concert in town. He did not know if the Wookiees would be there, since they are so good at hiding. He told the musician about the one time that a Ministry Official was irritating the family, and they hired Wookiee mercenaries to guard the property. He was sure that when the ranch foreman asked the one Wookiee to stand. The closest Imperial Trooper must have peed in his armour. Since he was only about a meter from him, and the Imperial Trooper did not notice him, until he stood up.

At the musician's request, a local band warmed up the crowd. The musician did this, because he wanted Richard to see and hear the different instruments. He started his first segment by having Ta'Yanna and Richard come on stage, so that they could teach the other children the rhythm. The children liked that the adults laughed at some of the verses. The musician closed the night with the Ballad of Ludia and Smasher Djo. Dedicated to Smasher Djo. There was silence when the musician finished. Then the people got to their feet and started clapping. Afterward, people came up to him, and told him how they were moved by the ballad. This felt good for the musician, since some of the people were the farmers that were tearing down the stage. They felt it was more important to tell him how they felt, rather than hurrying to tear down the stage so they could head home. The only disappointing part of this whole trip for the musician, was not going home aboard the Fenelar Phoenix.

After the musician left, Krillgan and Ludia followed Kenny's advice, and took Richard to the Interior Ministry building, to register him for the next school year. Since Education is under the control of the Interior Ministry. They had to get directions to where they need to go. Ludia mentioned that it was easier to get around when all the doors were locked, and she just had to follow Kenny.

When they finally found where they were supposed to go. The lady told them that they should have registered Richard a month ago. Krillgan told her that they did not know, they were only told now that they need to have this done. Ludia asked the lady, why they need so much advance time to register someone for school? The lady replied, that they need as much advance time as possible, to order everything they need to support the child through the course of the curriculum. Ludia told her that what she just said does not make sense. Everything that is required is already in the Ministry's computer. If they need a hard copy, they just need to hit print. The lady did not like what Ludia just said. She told Ludia that she is just quoting Ministry rules. What the Ministry says needs to be done, needs to be done the way they say. Krillgan told Ludia that it makes no sense for them talking to a human. This is all information they could have obtained from a droid. The Lady just glared at Krillgan. Then she told Ludia that the reason there is a human interacting with them, is because she is the teacher. This is the first chance for the parents of the child to meet the teacher. Ludia told her that what she is really saying is that this is her first opportunity to evaluate the parents, to determine how much trouble the child is going to cause her. Ludia then reminded her to remember something very important. She may think that she only works for the Ministry, and must only follow their rules. They have the ear of the most Senior Ministry Official. It would only take one complaint in the Official's ear, for her to find herself on the next freighter, heading to a planet that would make Yitabo look like paradise. The lady was very upset with what Ludia mentioned to her. She left the counter, presumably to go complain to someone about the couple. The person whose office she entered peeked at who was at the counter. They could not hear what was actually said. They just heard the one person yelling at someone. They believe that it went something like this, "They are the Djo's. They can do just as they said, so go out there and be nice to them. Unless you want to work on a planet worse than Yitabo." The teacher came back out of the office. Her face was all red. She apologized to Ludia, and told her that she should not be too much longer. Then she asked Richard if he would like to see who else was registered for the same class as him. Richard said he would like that. The teacher called it up on another computer screen, and turned it, so he could see. Richard told his parents that they were all at Great Grandmother Emily's life celebration. Krillgan and Ludia could see which children would be farm schooled like Richard, and which ones would be in the town's classroom.

The teacher had been watching them out of the corner of her eye. She remembered hearing about the whole planet coming together for some old woman's funeral burning, right in the middle of harvest time. She must have been a special woman. This also means that they have connections with everyone on the planet. Like her boss said, they must be a very powerful family.

The teacher handed Ludia the information on when Richard's classes begin. She told her from what time to what time Richard must be connected through the home's communicator. No one else was to use it, no matter the reason. The Ministry will reduce a student's grades if there are too many interruptions. Ludia remembered that Father Chitrah connected the ranch's computer to the communicator, to transmit data to the Ministry's computer. Ludia told her that she can expect the connection to be broken repeatedly, each day. Because their computer is connected to the communicator. Its data transmission has the highest priority. The teacher realised that they must live in a ranch house. There are only four computers that transmit data on a regular basis to the Interior Ministry. All of them are in ranch houses. She quickly recalled the registration, and made a special note. She told Ludia that there will be no penalties for Richard being interrupted. They just ask that he be reconnected as soon as possible. So he misses as little as possible.

Ludia asked the teacher if they need to do anything to prepare him for school. Like teaching him to read basic. The teacher told her that it is the teacher's responsibility to teach, not the parents. They need to entrust the teaching of the children to those who have been trained to do so.

Ludia looked over the material that was to be taught in Richard's first year. She asked the teacher, if it was really necessary to teach the children about the life of the dead Sith Emperor? The teacher told her that it is very important. He was the founder of this Sith Empire. The things they have achieved so far, is because of his vision, when they abandoned Korriban. Ludia told her that she understands that. But he murdered his parents when he was around Richard's age. This is not something that should be taught to children. The teacher just responded that she is only allowed to teach the approved curriculum.

The teacher later became very much afraid of Madam Djo. She was the only one who voiced an objection about the life of the Emperor being taught to children. By the time the school year started, the Dark Council had ordered that all mention of the Emperor be stricken from the Empire's education system. They believe that part of the reason the Emperor has had such a strong influence over the Empire, is because of his god like status being taught in the schools. In his place, they were to teach the accomplishments of the current members of the Dark Council. They were later approached by a powerful minister in the Interior Ministry. They asked that all positive achievements of all members of the Dark Council be taught, so they have enough material to fill the void left from removing the Emperor from the approved curriculum. To the teacher, this lady complained, and the Dark Council responded.

As they were being driven back to the ranch, Ludia asked Krillgan if she noticed that the teacher refused to speak to him, the whole time they were in the Ministry office. Krillgan had not noticed, he just remembered the look she gave him, when he mentioned droids. Ludis told Krillgan that they have to keep a careful eye on her. She is an indoctrinated Sith. She considered him too much beneath her, to even talk to him. Krillgan just patted her hand. He told her that they made the right choice, when they decided that she will be in charge of Richard's education.

From Yitabo they headed to Lianna to purchase enough missiles to replace what they used up in destroying the Light Cruiser. Ludia did something this trip that Richard did not like. She started teaching him the Kwa symbols. He reminded his mother that the teacher told her to leave the teaching to those that have been trained for doing it. Ludia reminded him, that part of her Sister training, is to be able to teach the Sisters that will come after her. So she needs to practice on him, so she does not lose her ability. Richard complained to his father, hoping he would see things his way. Krillgan told him that it was because of his mother helping him to learn the Kwa symbols. That he was able to read them on Devaron, and is now recognised as the Devaronian Krillgan. Richard had no choice, but to start his schooling before he thought it would begin. It wasn't that bad. He liked that the symbols represented words. He realized that if the weavers included the symbols in their weaving, they could send messages to other people who understood. Others would see art, the important people would see art with meaning.

Princess Anthila, and Queen Krinta, were discussing one day, how to reward Shaak Chi, her two companions, and the Nautolan ladies, for what they did on the spaceport. Because of them, they have full control of their spaceport again. They are also negotiating some contracts with the Sith Empire, which could be quite lucrative. What the Empire does not know, is that the top negotiator on the Lianna delegation, was at one time the Moff of the Seswenna Sector, and is now posing as a Lianna Lord. The mustache and beard really look good on him. Because he was a Moff at one time. He knows all the tricks when it comes to negotiating with the Sith.

They both knew that to just give Credits to the Togruta, or their Nautolan friends, would be seen as a major insult. They both very much like the outfits that Shaak has created for Lady Brelmy. They liked the story associated with the first design. Where Shaak had drawn the design, but had put it aside, because she did not see the lady it was for, until she saw Lady Brelma. They both wondered if Shaak might have a design like that for them. They knew that if they were not careful, they could hurt the relationships they have with their own seamstresses. Women who have been faithful in the works of art that they create for them to wear. So they need to make sure that these ladies are okay with them approaching Shaak.

What made it easier, was Queen Krinta's seamstress knows Shaak. She knows that she was originally trained by Andriel. Then Shaak worked with her for one year, until the Ranroon Dressmakers Guild recognised Shaak Chi as a Master Seamstress and Dress Designer. Shaak really wanted that designation. It gave legitimacy to her own students, and in her mind it vindicated Andriel as being Lianna's first Master Seamstress and Dress Designer. The two women also have a good healthy, and professional, respect for one another. So she gave the Queen permission to ask Shaak to design a dress for her. But only one, and she wants to see the finished product.

It took a little more persuasion, for Princess Anthila to receive permission from her seamstress. As well as assuring her that she was still her seamstress. What she was asking was considered of national importance. So the seamstress finally gave in. Of course she wanted to see what this seamstress on Lianna came up with.

Lady Brelmy was given the honour of informing Shaak, about Princess Anthina, and Queen Krinta, wanting her to design some outfits for them. Shaak was given one cycle to prepare. She was also told how many people she could bring with her to the palace. She was told that there is a special room in the palace, where she can take the measurements of the Queen and Princess.

This was not a slow time for Shaak, as they were in the final stretch for the wedding preparations. But she agreed to what Lady Brelmy asked of her. She knew that her companions needed to come with her. She suspected that this had to do with what happened on the spaceport, so invited the two Nautolan ladies to come with her. She would have appropriate dresses for them. The third Nautolan lady was with Krillgan on his ship, so would not have a chance to join them. For the last person, Shaak chose her first student, to act as her assistant. During that week, Shaak had a lot of different designs pop into her head for Princess Anthila. She had a nice business suit that she drew out, that would look good when she was in her office at Santhe Corporation. She also had a stunning formal gown, for a function at the palace. But for Queen Krinta, she had nothing. Shaak started looking through her old designs, to see if she could draw inspirational from them to draw something for the Queen. Then she came across the drawing of the outfit she drew for Andriel, on the night she went with Chitrah to the palace. She considered Andriel a Queen, and was happy to hear from Krillgan that his special planet sees his mother as their Queen. But Shaak was never able to make this outfit for Andriel. Maybe it was time that she made it for another Queen. Shaak became really excited the more she thought about it. She was pretty sure that Andriel would approve. She will have to ask Krillgan, if his mother would give her, her blessing.

When the date arrived, Lady Brelmy was both pleased and surprised with who was waiting in the Elegant You, to be flown to the palace. She approved of the way all the women were dressed. She was also hoping that Shaak would let her see the designs she came up with, on the shuttle. Shaak did show her some of the designs for Princess Anthila to choose from. Lady Brelmy thought that all the designs were beautiful, and would look good on her boss. She was glad that she was not the one that had to choose. She did notice that Shaak did not show her any designs for the Queen.

In the palace, it was Lady Brelmy that had the honor of introducing all the Ladies to Princess Anthila and Queen Krinta. They sat down and had tea, while Shaak showed them the designs she came up with for Princess Anthila. Princess Anthila did ask Shaak, where the third Nautolan lady is? Shaak told the Princes, that her, and her husband, are aboard the Phoenix. Being trained to take Elibet and Kran's place. As they also announced that they will both retire. It was the Queen that told her aunt which outfits she thought would look the best on her. Shaak had brought some samples of different fabrics that she has, that she thought would look good for the outfits. She also let Princess Anthila know that if she had other fabrics in mind, she would be happy to use them in making her outfit.

Then it was time for the Queen's outfit. Shaak told her that this outfit was designed for a Queen, but she did not have the opportunity to make it for this Queen. So now she must seek this Queen's blessing, so that she could sew it for Queen Krinta.

Queen Krinta really wanted to hear the story behind this design. The Nautolans and the seamstress were asked to swear secrecy. Because what they were about to hear could endanger their lives. The three readily agreed, they were not about to leave the room and wait outside, while there was a nice story to be heard. Shaak told everyone about drawing this design for her mentor and friend, Andriel, when she and Chitrah were invited to the palace by then, Princess Krinta, for dinner. She knows that Andriel really liked the design, but she did not have the time to make it for her. While she was trying to come up with a design for Queen Krinta, she came across this design, and knew that it would be perfect for Queen Krinta, if Queen Andriel would give her blessing. Fortunately, she knows someone who knows how to get a hold of her, and ask. Shaak told Queen Krinta that she wanted to use a special spider silk for the dress. Other than the planet this silk comes from, there is only one other place in the galaxy where this silk can be found. It is in Dreamarra's Dress Shop on Deysum III. The silk is priceless. You cannot buy it. It is only if the proprietor of this Dress Shop agrees, that this is a worthy design, that this silk can be obtained.

Queen Krinta loved everything Shaak told her about this dress. If Andriel gives her blessing, than maybe it would translate into more than just her dress. But through her, the blessing would be on all her people. The idea of wearing a dress made from a silk that cannot be purchased, also has its appeal. She could imagine all the people guessing, what it was it really made out of, whenever she wore it. The Queen gave her blessing, for Shaak to do whatever is necessary for this dress to be made. She even offered her yacht, and the Royal Guards to accompany her to Deysum III, to procure the silk.

Shaak thanked her, and told her that when she was ready, she would take her up on her offer. She apologised to the Queen and Princess that this would not be her number one focus at the moment. Her number one focus was preparing for her daughter, and her companions daughters to be married. She did tell Princess Anthila that the wedding preparations would not stop her from starting her outfits. She asked if she had a preference, for which outfit she would like completed first? Princess Anthila told her that she would like the business suit first. They talked about the fabric for the suit, and for the blouse. Then Shaak took her measurements, with the seamstress helping her, and her companions recording everything. The seamstress told Shaak, that the last time she was this excited, was when Shaak first started training her. Which brought a smile to everyone's face.

One of the Nautolan women asked an indulgence of Princess Anthila and Queen Krinta. They have a cobbler in their clan, who has been taking some training from a retired Master Cobbler on Deysum III. The retired Master has told him that it was time for him to go to Deysum III, to complete his training, and challenge for the position of Master Cobbler. They told him that the cobbler is reluctant to travel to Deysum III. He is fearful of being conscripted by the Sith Empire, once he leaves Lianna. Both Nautolan women showed everyone the footwear they are wearing, as evidence of the quality of work their cobbler is capable of. Queen Krinta asked them, why he cannot challenge for Master Cobbler on Lianna? The lady told her that there are no Master Cobblers on Lianna. So the guild is not allowed to award him that position. She was hoping that when Shaak goes to Deysum III, to obtain the silk, their cobbler can travel there with her. The Queen had no objections to her proposal, and also saw it as a way to reward the Nautolans for helping with what happened on the spaceport. Princess Anthila, also asked that the cobbler make her a pair of shoes, to go with her business suit. She wants to see if they are as comfortable as they look. It was arranged that Shaak would notify the Nautolan clan, so the cobbler can make the preparations to travel with her. It was also arranged that the cobbler would travel to Santhe Corporation the following day, to obtain the measurements of Princess Anthila's feet, to make her some new shoes. The Queen was thinking that if her Aunt likes the shoes. She will arrange that the cobbler make her a pair as well.

When in the next few days, the Phoenix arrived in Lianna. Krillgan just wanted to load the crates of replacement missiles in Cargo Bay 2, and be on his way. No one on the Phoenix actually knew how to install them. Tamrack told him that all he did was take them out of the crate, one at a time, and hand them to Kran. Who was waiting in the crawl space, to take them to Grimm. He did not know what Kran and Grimm did to install them in the loading system.

Krillgan was told that he needs to talk with Shaak before he leaves. Princess Anthila would also like an explanation as to why they needed so many replacement missiles. They used even more missiles, then when they encountered the three gunships. Krillgan and Ludia both went to her office, and waited for her to seal her door, before telling her about being on Kashyyyk, and the Emperor arranging a blockade of the planet to try to trap them, until he could arrange for more of his people to get to the planet and try to capture them. How they had to destroy a Tjariik-Class Light Cruiser to get away. They also told her about the sector's Moff coming to dinner on Yitabo. Telling them how the Military Liaison Officer in his own office, took it upon himself to order the blockade. The ship was already way under staffed. But the orders he issued stranded more than half the crew on Randon, while they were on leave. So the ship was not even capable of doing what it was ordered. That the Empire believes that the ship was destroyed because of the inexperienced crew. It was reported that the ship entered the atmosphere as it was racing to a battle scene. They were not able to make the proper corrections to their power systems, so the ship tore itself apart. Now the Moff is very concerned that he will not get another Tjariik-Class Light Cruiser to replace it. It took him a lot of persuading to get it in the first place. Once it arrived, the number of recorded pirate attacks in his sector, dropped to zero. Since no pirate ship could outrun it.

Madam Santhe stared at Krillgan and Ludia. They both just admitted to destroying a Sith Light Cruiser. Yet no one suspected that they did it. She had also heard rumors of the dead Emperor's interference in the running of the Sith Empire. Now she has conclusive proof. She will have to let her Niece know, as well as their advisor on everything Sith. Krillgan would not tell her what they were doing on Kashyyyk to begin with. Just that he was running some missions for the Voss. The missions were to try and prevent the dead Emperor from coming back, in bodily form. To retake control of the Sith Empire. That possibility sent a shudder down Madam Santhe's back. She thanked Krillgan and Ludia for being candid with her.

Shaak had two favours to ask of Krillgan. She told him about the dress she designed for his mother, but never had a chance to make. She was surprised that his mother actually had a copy of it in her computer. She wants his mother's permission to make it for Queen Krinta instead. She told them that she wants to use the silk that they gave Dreamarra. She also wanted them to pick up the wedding party on Bill'dit's world. Since the Phoenix is the most comfortable freighter she has ever flown in. She told him her experience in coming back to Lianna, from Shili, for her own wedding. She was hoping that their daughter's in-laws, would have a nicer experience. All Krillgan could promise her, is that he will see what he can do. He has a lot of items on his plate. Shaak kissed him on his cheek, and told him that this was all they expected. He did find out that Shaak just received word, that they just left Shili. They will be staying with Bill'dit. Waiting to receive word, whether to continue on their own, or wait there for the Phoenix. Krillgan promised that he will send word to Bill'dit, whether or not he could make it.

When they arrived on Kindell's World they were surprised that the yacht was not there waiting for them. Elibet tried internal system communication. She was happy to get a hold of her husband. Kran told them that they are at the island. The Sisters have just finished setting up all the tents they will be living in. He apologized to his wife. He thought that they would be finished before they landed.

At least Aliyanna was there with some of the beastmasters. They were at the edge of the clearing, in the tree line. When Aliyanna saw Krillgan and his family come down the ramp. She called over and asked if it is safe to enter the clearing. Krillgan called back, telling her it was safe for her and the beastmasters, but not for the Rancor and their carts. They will have to cross the clearing quickly, because the other ship is on its way back. It was only Aliyanna that was brave enough to cross the clearing, and was rewarded with hugs from Krillgan and his family, and Elibet. Then she was introduced to the Nautolan couple. Wu'la and Ya'rrun. After that, they waited in the shadow of the Fenelar Phoenix. Until the yacht arrived.

When it landed, they walked around it. Taking it all in. Arriving at the back of the yacht, as the ramp was lowered. Both Richard and Ta'Yanna were delighted to see the finished paint job. It was just as they imagined it, when they drew it.

Amblin-Elu was the first one off the ship, and kneeled down and hugged her two grandchildren. Thanking them for designing a beautiful ship for her. Lynda was the next one off, getting a hug from her parents. She asked her father what the purpose of the four wooden statues are, and the four wooden bedposts? Krillgan asked her about the bedposts. Yma, who was standing on the ramp, told Krillgan that it was hear idea. After seeing the drawings for the statues, she knew what it was for. She knew that the four bedposts would complete the image. The Sisters waiting to get off the yacht, had to back up. Because Krillgan, and everyone else wanted to come aboard and see the statues and the bedposts. As well as the rest of the ship. At least they all got hugs from everyone coming aboard the ship.

Krillgan let Yma tell everyone what the statues and bedposts are for, as he examined their beautiful craftsmanship. Telling everyone that they are just as he imagined. Yma told everyone that the statues and bedposts, are to be the point of focus for the Sith, when she starts hallucinating. She will in fact think they are real, and the cause of why she is feeling the way she is. Krillgan had to explain to everyone that the statues are of the Morgukai. They have the ability, that when they surround a force user, that they can cut them off from connecting with the Force. He reminded them that he had to fight four of them. He was really excited when it happened, because it would show him if he actually learnt something practicing the martial arts, all those years, with father.

Grimshee quietly asked Lydna, if she knew what elder Yma and her father are talking about? Does she know who the Sith are, and why they would be hallucinating? Lydna whispered back that she doesn't know, but she will ask father, later. Amblin-Elu smiled when she heard that. Most of the Sisters did not know why they were working at the Rakata ruin. They just knew it was something very important. She will let Lydna find out from her father. Then let her share it with all the other Sisters that were chosen to be there, so they will all know how important this is.

Grimm stuck his head through the access hole to the bridge level. When he saw Krillgan, he told him that he just detected the pirate communication system go active, then it stopped. So there is a message for one of the ships. He just knows that it is not for the yacht. Krillgan made his way through all the people, and went over and checked the engineer's station on the Phoenix. No indication that there is a message for them. He went back to the yacht. He got Ludia, and Amblin-Elu. He told them that the message was sent to the pirate ship. He asked if they want to come with him, to hear it for themselves. The three of them ran to the old pirate ship. Sure enough, on the communications counsel, there was a flashing light, indicating that it had received a message.

"This message is for Amblin Elu's School for gifted children. A Sith Lord contacted them from Dromund Kaas. He was upset that he could not be put directly through to the school's headmaster. We told him that the headmaster is at an archeological site, with the students, and instructors. We told him that we did not know the location of the site. As that is sensitive information. We told him that they can only pass a message along to the headmaster. We also let him know the maximum amount of time, in which to expect a response. End of message."

Krillgan told Amblin-Elu, that it looks like the Dark Council has enacted the inheritance law. They talked about how much time they have before she needs to leave, to make the return call within the allotted time. Krillgan assured her that she still had about ten days before she had to leave. They had them mention the extra-long time. Since that would give the Sith an idea of the maximum distance the archeological site is, from the planet he just contacted. For an average ship, it would include all of the Sith Empire, and half of the Republic. It would also include just about every planet the Rakata were known to visit. Before she leaves to talk with the Sith, Krillgan wants to show her and the elders what an intact Rakata Laboratory building looked like before they destroyed it. This will give them an idea on how to rebuild the ruin, so it does not look like a Kwa temple. This would also give Amblin-Elu time to talk with Father Chitrah. They can go over the questions that they can expect the Sith Lord to ask, and the best response she can give to each. It was a good thing that Father Chitrah was patient. She can expect the Sith Lord to ask questions that have no relevance to Dathomir. But if she does not answer the question properly, it will trigger a warning in the mind of the Sith Lord. Chitrah found he needed to explain every question in a way that Amblin-Elu understood it. Then he had to explain every answer, as well as why she had to answer the way he said it needed to be done. They also talked about what she should wear. Her Clan Mother robes would be good. Earrings are okay. But her necklace is a no, no! If he sees it, he will want it. As it is the type of necklace a Queen would wear. So he would want to investigate more than the school.

Yma wanted all the Sisters that will be working on the project to be present, as well as all the elders. When Krillgan gave his presentation, concerning the Rakata Lab. Along with the images, recorded by his Starfighter. He also had the attack recorded by the Wookiee Chief. So the Sisters witnessed the whole battle.

It was decided that Ludia would pilot the yacht to the neutral planet. The planet's officials knew her by sight. She was also present when they set up the communications system with the company. So they will know that the person that Ludia says is Amblin-Elu, is the real person, and not an imposter. Kran and Elibet, will be her crew. If they are attacked by pirates, Kran will be responsible for handling the top gun turret. The two Sisters that will be accompanying their Clan Mother, will be responsible for manning the two side gun turrets, in case of a pirate attack. It will be Kran who will be piloting the yacht back to Kindell's World. After Amblin-Elu has finished with the Sith. The reason Ludia will not be piloting the yacht for the return trip. Is because Krillgan promised to pick her up on that planet, after he picks up the wedding party on Bill'dit's World. Shaak is expecting them to be present at her daughter's wedding.

The Fenelar Phoenix could not leave Kindell's World right away. Since Grimm had to load all the missiles in the missile loader. This will be the first time that Dranna will be able to observe the loading process. Tamrack also indicated that he also wanted to watch how to do it. Ya'rrun said that he needs to watch it as well, so that he can help Dranna load the missiles in the future. Grimm estimated that it would take around five days to load all the missiles they brought. Longer if they all watch. Krillgan ended up removing the missiles from their crate, and passing them down to Ya'rrun, who was at the sub-deck level. Tamrack was tucked in next to one of the escape pods, to keep out of the way, yet could still watch.

After the first day, Grimm let everyone else load the missiles, while he quietly checked over the Phoenix. Making sure that everything was still working properly while he was away. After that, he just walked around. He walked between where the ships were parked, and the main village. Then he walked around the main village. He believed that this will be the last time he will be able to take it all in. He was also remembering good things about all his past visits to this planet. What he did not know, was that Lydna and Grimshee were following him. They were tasked with protecting him, whenever he left the village. They had to warn predators away, when he was walking towards the village.

It turned out that the yacht and the Phoenix left Kindell's World, on the same day. The yacht left early in the morning. The Phoenix left midafternoon, with Grimm saying his final goodbyes to all the people he met. Especially, Father Chitrah. He was sad that Erin was not there to say goodbye to.

Krillgan piloted the Phoenix, with Rasha in the captain's seat holding her son. Richard was sitting on her right side, and Ta'Yanna was sitting on her left. Dranna was at the Engineer's station, with Tamrack watching over her shoulder. Wu'la and Ya'rrun were both strapped into the comfortable chairs in the Crew's Lounge. After they left the atmosphere, Krillgan went over piloting basics with Wu'la and Ya'rrun. So they understood what to do when it was their turn to stand watch.

One thing that was not expected, when they landed the yacht. Was that Planetary Defence insisted that Amblin-Elu, and the two women accompanying her, have proper id issued to them. Ludia had to calculate in her head, what their ages would be in standard years. They did not like to hear that they were so old. On their id, they were listed as residing on that planet, and employed by Amblin-Elu's School for gifted children. It turned out to be a good thing that this was done. After Amblin-Elu talked with the Sith Lord, he had his people hack into the planet's computer. They checked for anything they could find out about Amblin-Elu. Seeing that she was listed as a resident of that planet. They found out that there were others listed as being employed by the school, and they are all women. So the Sith Lord was satisfied with the information they gave him.

What the Sith Lord was not happy about, was Amblin-Elu refusing to let him come to the archeological site, to observe her and her students. Amblin-Elu told him that all her students are female. All their instructors are also all female. So to minimise the potential disruption to their schooling, she would only allow a female to come visit them. She assumed that they have female Sith Lords. The Sith Lord was embarrassed to say that they did not have any female Sith Lords at that time. But they do have quite a number of female Sith that have graduated their Academy. He agreed to send one of them in his place. He did ask about the archeological site? She told him that it appears to be a Rakata Laboratory. But slightly different from what has been discovered at other sites. There is also evidence that they are not the first one to find this sight. So if there had been any significant artifacts, they would be long gone. The Sith Lord asked her, what she expected to accomplish, if she knows that others have been there before her? She told him that it looks like this sight was not properly analysed. They are still expecting to find some artifacts. Enough that they can obtain some decent coin, when they sell them to the antique dealers on Nar Shaddaa. This helps to offset the costs associated with what they are doing. Including offering scholarships to some of their girls. The bonus would be if they could determine what the Rakata actually studied at this sight. But with important artifacts already removed, it is unlikely that they will be able to determine the type of research. Before breaking the call, the Sith Lord verified when and where one of their people can meet up with her, to be taken to their school's annex. He was surprised that they were willing to meet on the planet Mandalore. To the Sith Lord, this showed that this school has influence. But apart from this planet, there is no mention of them. None of their spies in Republic space, has heard of them. Giving more weight to their claim that they are not a Republic school.

The yacht was probably half way back to Kindell's World, by the time Krillgan in the Phoenix, picked up Ludia. She told him when they need to be on Mandalor to meet back up with her mother, and all the elders. Krillgan figured that they will have to enjoy the hospitality of the bounty hunter trio, for a few days, before the yacht arrives.

The Togruta families from Shili, were impressed that the Fenelar Phoenix had such good contacts, that they were able to land on Lianna's surface. They were grateful that they bypassed the rigorous screening, they would have encountered on the spacestation. Santhe Security still had to check them out. But because the crew of the Phoenix was with them, they all felt relaxed. They did not believe for one moment that they would be denied entry. Security did want to know, why all their ID's were so new? They did explain that they never had ID's before. It was not needed on Shili. Everyone there knew that they are Togruta. It seems that the rest of the galaxy is still learning, so they needed to get some ID. Security really liked their explanation, and let them proceed to the shuttle terminal.

There was quite the delegation of Togruta waiting for them to get off of the shuttle. They told them that they would have waited for them at Santhe Corporation's security gate. Until an elder explained to them that they would have needed to reserve an entire shuttle. Because of the number of people involved. They did stop at the Elegant You Dress Shop. So that the mothers of the grooms, could see the place where their daughters-in-law worked. After they were satisfied, the fathers and sons were allowed a quick peak, so that they could see the quality of the workmanship, which went into furnishing the dress shop.

From there they went on to the Togruta enclave. At the enclave, the parents of the grooms were presented with their own cloaks, to wear during the wedding ceremony. They had seen the cloaks that the brides' grandmothers wore on Shili. They also saw the cloaks that the brides' mothers, and their future brides wore while on Shili. They had admired the workmanship that went into creating such elegant pieces of clothing. So the grooms' mothers almost started crying when they were presented their own. They would have been too shy to ask for them. Coming from an insignificant village on Shili. They saw the emblem of their clan. They also noticed the emblem of their village. They wondered, where did they find that? What impressed them the most, was that every cloak was unique. It would be easy to spot which one is theirs.

They saw all the weaving looms in the Togruta's common room. They were surprised to see all the different species of women working on the looms. Not just Togruta women. They were told that there are women from every alien species on the planet represented in their Weaver's Guild. The majority of Guild Members are human, just like the population of the planet. They are now so large, that they have had to assign what days the individual Guild Members can come to the Togruta enclave. To make things easier for all members. They are going to purchase more looms, and set them up in the Nautolan's common room. The mothers were told that the material used in the brides wedding dresses were woven on their looms.

The dinner and dancing afterward was wonderful, befitting the welcome the wedding part felt since arriving. Ta'Yanna had a young Togruta female corral her. So that she did not approach any of the women that will be participating in the wedding ceremony. Ta'Yanna did not mind. She got to suck on her headtail, and also got to meet her daughter.

The next day everyone flew to the Nautolan Enclave, where they were well received, and the elders made the formal request for their people to be servers at the wedding banquet. Which the parents of the grooms readily agreed to. For Wu'la and Ya'rrun, this dinner was special. They got to introduce everyone from the Phoenix to their parents and siblings. Only disappointed that Kran and Elibet were not there, since they trained them.

The wedding did not happen right away. Shaak remembered how important it was, that her in-laws became comfortable with what the Togruta have on Lianna. So that they felt good about the lives their sons were going to have on this planet. They wanted their daughters' in-laws to feel the same way, before they surrendered their sons for the wedding. So it made for a nice buildup towards the wedding. It also gave the whole community a chance to get to know the young men, through the stories their parents shared about them every evening, and their lives growing up on Shili.

Krillgan told his family and crew, that he has no recollection of Shaak, Shaas, and Bandaa's wedding. Even though he was part of the wedding party. He was told by Shaak's father that no one knew where he was, until he was startled by the noise at the beginning of the feast, and started crying. Ta'Yanna wanted to know, where was he, that no one saw him? Krillgan told her that he was in the same place that Timrune is right now. Ta'Yanna, with big eyes, asked Rasha, if she was part of the wedding party? All the adults started to laugh. Rasha told her that she suspects that she was not born yet. She told Ta'Yanna, that she believes that her father was trying to tell her that he was in his mother's nursing dress. Krillgan agreed, telling them that he was only a few days old at the time.

When the wedding ceremony ended. Richard and Ta'Yanna wanted to know, why were they were not allowed to eat yet? Since everyone in the wedding party was eating. Krillgan told them to be patient. Though the ceremony is over, the wedding is not. They will be told when it is time for them to start celebrating. The children wanted to know what they were going to do, if the wedding is not over. Krillgan just patted their heads, and told them that it was something they will talk about when they are older. For now they just need to accept that the Togruta know what they are doing. This was not their first wedding in the enclave.

When the announcement was made, stating that the three couples are now husband and wife. The people cheered, and the music started. Timrune started crying, being startled by all the noise. Rasha had to bring him out of her dress and comfort him. Krillgan whispered to Ludia, that this was the noise that made him cry. Then he grabbed a big serving plate from off of the table, to start filling his plate. Richard and Ta'Yanna told him to remember to leave some room for his vegetables, and started laughing. Krillgan told Richard that the vegetables are in front of his plate. Maybe the Nautolans are trying to tell him something. Richard complained to his mother, that he can't eat it all. Ta'Yanna told him that she will help him. She likes her vegetables. Ludia told him to take some and pass it around. Just like his father is doing. But make sure it gets passed to his father, because he is running out of room on his plate.

When they were getting ready to leave the Togruta enclave, Shaak thanked Krillgan and Ludia for bringing their guests, and now taking them back. There is nothing they can do to thank them, except to keep inviting them back. This caused Krillgan to remember something very important. He told Shaak, that mother said yes. She also believes that it would look lovely on Queen Krinta. She was also supposed to let them know if Dreamarra does not have enough silk thread. She can arrange to get them some more. Shaak's initial reaction was to place her hands over her mouth. Then with tears in her eyes, she kissed him on both cheeks. Then she told Shaas and Bandaa, that they need to talk to the Nautolan cobbler, so that they will know when he will be ready to leave. Then they can let Madam Santhe know.

When they departed Lianna's atmosphere, and everyone was allowed to get out of their restraints, Grimm let everyone know that he will be getting off on Bill'dit's World, along with the passengers. He told Dranna that she was now the Phoenix's Engineer. He will only be her helper if she wants him. He told her that he will start packing his things up, and move out of her room. With tears in her eyes, she told him to stay where he is. They do not have the room to play musical cabins. Grimm then let everyone on the bridge know, to let Kran and Elibet know, that he will see them on Manaan. That is where they can say their goodbyes.

When they were approaching Mandalore, Krillgan and Ludia, let Richard and Ta'Yanna know, that they can sleep in their cabin, while they are away. They will meet back up with them on Kindell's World. They are to obey Aunt Rasha, and Uncle Tamrack, while on the ship. Then they need to obey Grandmother Andriel, and Grandfather Chitrah while waiting for them on the planet.

On Mandalore, Krillgan took Ludia's hand, as they walked to the bounty hunters hangar/warehouse. He told Ludia that it was something he should have been doing more often. Ludia agreed with him, but did not say anything. It felt good that he did it. The bounty hunters were delighted to see them, and introduced them to all their people. Letting the couple know, if they had any special skills, that they can take advantage of. They let all their people know, that they are the current owners of the Fenelar Phoenix, the pirate killer. They have done their part in maintaining that reputation. They told them how they embarrassed their current government, when they eliminated three Teroch Gunships. The Captain of the pirates' freighter admitted that they were all wannabe bounty hunters, but found pirating paid them more. The Government was forced to declare that no Mandalorian citizen is a pirate. Everyone knew that a large source of income for their government, was all the equipment they built for, and sold to pirates, and crime syndicates. So they all had a good laugh. They were happy to meet people that their bounty hunters respect.

After the introductions, they retreated to the bounty hunters office, to discuss what role they will be playing, when the female Sith lands on Mandalore. They were happy that Krillgan and Ludia were wearing their communication equipment. Time to tune it, so they are all on the same frequency.

Amblin-Elu was standing at the top of the yachts ramp. She had put two Morgukai statues at the base of the ramp, and was standing between the other two statues. She was wearing an outfit sewn for her by Mother Andriel. It was a copy of what Mother Andriel wore when she first came to Dathomir. In fact all the Sisters at the Rakata ruin were wearing something similar. Father Chitrah and the cobblers put many long hours in, to make sure that they all had the correct boot design to go with the outfits. The only unusual thing that Amblin-Elu was wearing, and she was not yet comfortable doing so, is Ludia's communication equipment. Something that was not noticeable, unless you were looking for it.

The bounty hunter and his two companions were standing on the pavement, waiting for the Sith's Fury to land. They had been warned by Mandalore traffic control she was descending, and assigned her the landing pad the bounty hunter designated.

The Singing Mountain Clan was attempting to do something extremely difficult. They were attempting to scan and connect with the Sith, without being line of sight. Yma and Krillgan were in one of the cabins, with the other elders all out of sight. Each awaiting their turn. Yma and Krillgan were connected with the Clan Mother, who would be directing their contact. As she was the only one who would see the Sith, and the only one to be seen by the Sith. When she first saw the Sith, she scanned her, herself. She used the communicator to warn Krillgan that she detected three foreign objects inside of her. But does not know what they are. Krillgan followed where she was guiding him using the force. He saw that the one object is in her stomach. Two identical objects were in her other two orifices. He contacted the Bounty Hunter, and told him about the three tracking beacons inside of her. He told the Bounty Hunter that one was in her stomach, the other two were in personal orifices. Krillgan was too embarrassed to say where. The three men smiled. They had a pretty good idea where they all are.

The Sith was surprised to see the Bounty Hunter and his companions, waiting to escort her to the armed yacht across the pavement. Where she saw a female archeologist, surrounded by what looked like four Morgukai. As she started walking down the ramp, the three suddenly pointed disrupters at her. They told her to remove all tracking beacons from her body. The Sith was surprised. She was told that the tracking beacons could only be spotted, when she went through a full body scanner. Something she was told to avoid. Apparently, the bounty hunter's equipment could detect it. She decided to test him and humour him. She used the force to bring up the one out of her stomach, and held it out to him.

"Are you satisfied?"

"We can strip you down right here, and remove them others ourselves, or you can go back into your ship and remove them yourself. I am sure that the people around the spaceport watching, would prefer that we employed the first option."

The Sith retreated into her ship. The first thing she did, is contact the Sith Lord in the ship that has been shadowing hers. She told him that they spotted the tracking beacons. She said that she did not go through a body scanner. She was still standing on her ramp, when the Bounty Hunter and his two assistants pointed disrupters at her. She also told the Sith Lord, that there are four Morgukai standing at the school's yacht. Two at the bottom of the ramp, and two at the top of the ramp. As soon as she steps between them, not only will she not be able to make contact with him using the force. She will lose the ability to connect with the force. The Sith Lord swore. This school's headmaster is more cunning than he thought. His only option is to follow their ship at a discrete distance. Something he promised that he would never do. He told her to go with them, and try and learn as much about them as possible. They may also have lied about not being the first ones at this Rakata ruin. If there are significant artifacts there, he wants them. What they find might shorten the war. It would also bring him one step closer to being on the Dark Council himself. He was already thinking about who was the weakest on the Dark Council. Who he would have to challenge to replace him.

The Sith removed the tracker beacons from her person, then straightened her clothing. She was told that the school did not object to her taking her lightsaber. She would have truly felt naked without it. When she stepped out of her ship, she asked the bounty hunter how strong is his scanning ability. He just told her that it was strong enough for his purposes. She asked him if he could tell, whether or not she was pregnant. He told her that if she behaved herself on this trip. He will tell her when she returns.

As the Sith walked towards the yacht, Yma and Krillgan were holding hands to share their force energy, and to better coordinate what they were doing. Yma touched the Sith's mind. Getting a stronger grip with each step that she took. So in the Sith's eyes, the statues were breathing. Krillgan touched her heart, and started slowing it down. Not very much, because it had started speeding up as she approached the ship. He wanted it slow enough, so she was no longer anxious. So she could convince herself that she was in control. They wanted her to peacefully enter a meditative state. By the time she reached the top of the ramp. She was completely under their control.

Amblin-Elu signalled the bounty hunters, so they brought the two statues aboard the ship. After they retreated, she raised the ramp. Ludia saw the indicator on her console that the ramp was rising. She started increasing power to the drives, at the same time as contacting Mandalorian traffic control, asking for clearance to depart. While she was doing that, Amblin-Elu picked up the Sith using the force. She turned her horizontal, and carried her like that to her cabin. There she gently laid her on her bed. Every time she turned her head, she would see one of the Morgukai bedposts. Believing that they kept her surrounded the whole trip. Amblin-Elu just watched her for a while, to make sure that everything was alright.

Krillgan let go of the Sith. Yma can hold her by herself for the next while. He would take over from her, before she showed signs of fatigue. Then one of the other elders would take over from him. For now, he will go around and let everyone know they were successful. The hard part was over.

Ludia kept the in-system drives at half their power, to make the Sith Lord believe that they were not a very fast ship. This will force him to put more distance between them. Or he might accidently knock them out of hyperspace. Then he would have the embarrassing predicament, of explaining what he was doing there. Ludia wanted to laugh. The Sith are just as predictable as the Nightsisters. The hard part will be losing him. From Mandalore they jumped to Phindar on the Salin Corridor. She was hoping that there would be enough traffic there so that they could lose him.

After the jump, Elibet was the first one to notice the large asteroid, and pointed it out to Ludia. Ludia used full power to get to it. A signature much more powerful than the Sith Lord would have detected from them in the Mandalore System. Hopefully the Sith Lord will believe that it came from another ship, and ignore it. While they were landing on the asteroid, Kran used his station to shut off all interior lights. With that observation window, any interior lights would give them away. Then the Sisters tried doing something they never tried before. They combined together to try and make their ship seem small. So even if the Sith Lord tried detecting them using the force, he would not be able to. So they all stood around and waited.

When the Sith Lord entered the system. He started flying around the system, like he was looking for something. Then he raced off to another section of the system, then jumped to hyperspace. It looked like he jumped towards Columex, on the Perlemian Trade route. So they jumped towards Botajef on the Hydian Way. Ludia landed on a couple of planets, just to make sure that no one was following them. Before making her way to Dathomir.

When they landed near the ruin, it was Yma and Krillgan that had to bring her out of her meditation. Amblin-Elu had positioned her at the top of the ramp. Then proceeded down the ramp. To the Sith, it was like she woke up out of a dream. She looked around, but did not see any Morgukai. The Sith walked down the ramp, and asked Amblin-Elu were the Morgukai went? Amblin-Elu told her that they don't hang around their site. They are not interested in the Rakata, since they were force users. They believe that it should all remain buried.

Amblin-Elu showed the Sith to her tent. She apologized, that they do not have any running water at their camp. Everything still needs to be carried in. She showed her where they store their water. Because it is all carried in, it is also rationed. Even for her as the headmaster. While they were talking, the Sith saw the yacht raise the ramp, and take off. Their goes her only means of taking a hot shower. The Sith asked Amblin-Elu why her ship left? Amblin-Elu reminded her, that she told her while they were on the ship, that it needs to go get some fresh fruits and vegetables. They are starting to run short.

The dining area was right next to where the water is stored. So they went inside. The Sith noticed a number of different ages amongst the all-female kitchen staff. Amblin-Elu told her that everyone here pitches in for meal preparation and clean up. Because she is a guest, they will not make her wash the dishes. But if she has any interesting recipes she would like to share, the instructors and students would not mind her help. The people in the kitchen waved, when they saw the two people in the dining area. The Sith had to confirm that there is no kitchen staff. The instructors and students cook the food. Amblin-Elu reminded her that they all take their turn, the rest of the instructors and students are in their classroom, inside the ruins themselves. Before heading to the ruins, Amblin-Elu pointed out where their latrine is. They had to study the area for a while, to determine which direction the prevailing winds blow. In order to set up their latrine. A good way to ruin dinner, is to have the wind shift, and blow the smell from the latrine, towards the dining area.

Amblin-Elu then led the Sith to the Rakata ruin. She pointed out that only the back half of the structure is still standing. But it seemed stable, so they felt it was safe to use. They converted the Rakata lab, into their classroom. Amblin-Elu took her to what they believed was the front of the structure. She pointed out the various pits in the floor. She told the Sith that it looks like the Rakata set some traps at the front of this building. Something that is unusual for their labs. When they actually start work on the building itself, the traps will be a high priority for them. The components of the Rakata traps bring good money from the antique dealers. Especially, if they have all the pieces. So that they can recreate a trap.

The Sith wanted to know why the traps were not their first priority? Amblin-Elu told her, that bringing running water to their camp is their number one priority. They may be here for a number of years. So they have to set their priorities accordingly. They found a natural spring in the hills. Amblin-Elu pointed in the direction of some small mountains. She told the Sith that they are going to design and build the aqueduct, that will bring a portion of the spring waters to them. This is all part of this year's school curriculum. As they approached the back of the building. They heard some young ladies giving reports on the ground along the aqueduct route, they were supposed to test. The first few said that their area is bedrock. There would be no problem bringing the aqueduct through their area. The one young lady said that the ground in her area is shale. It is unstable, so they will have to go around it. Then it sounded like someone drawing a dotted line on a chalkboard. An instructor stood up, and assigned some young ladies to check the ground in tentative bypass area, the following day. Then they heard the dinner bell. People started pouring out of the lab area. All the young ladies were all smiles, with some saying hello as they went by. After they left, Amblin-Elu took the Sith into the lab. They were using the one lab wall as a chalkboard, with chunks of soft limestone, as chalk. Amblin-Elu told the Sith, that they knew the Rakata did their research this way. It gives a sense of realism to their work. Rather than using tablets. The Sith saw two drawings on the wall. One looked like a sideways cut of the terrain, between the natural spring and the camp. With elevations marked at regular intervals. The bottom drawing looked like the birds eye view of the same terrain, with the proposed route of the aqueduct. They saw where bedrock was indicated, as well as where the shale was found, with the dotted line showing the need to bypass it.

Amblin-Elu suggested that they get to the dining area, if they do not want to fight over scraps.

They let the Sith walk around after dinner. They knew that there was not much daylight left. But she still managed to find the remains of the burnt out Whuffa Worm.

They played with the Siths mind, while she was in camp. What she thought was one night's rest. Was actually two or three days. While she was in this state, they had the statues in her tent surrounding her bed. So if she opened her eyes, she would think the Morgukai were there. So what she thought was a few days, was really a couple of cycles.

The Sith had noticed what looked like Jedi drawings on two doors. Amblin-Elu told her that they were just storage closets. The Sith snuck back after dinner with a crudely made torch. When she entered what the headmaster called a storage closet, she found all sorts of devices, for restraining Jedi. These were all pieces that she learnt about in the Sith Academy. She saw that they had the means to restrain from half a dozen, to a dozen Jedi. Amblin-Elu appeared in the doorway. She told the Sith that they teach their students to always be prepared. They have this in case some unwelcome Jedi show up. First they restrain them, to find out all they know. Then if necessary, they kill them. It is very important to protect the site from everyone. The Sith asked what was on the door? Amblin-Elu was surprised that she could not read it. She told her that they are the Kwa symbols for Ashla. The ones who serve the light, otherwise known as Jedi. The other door has the Kwa symbols for Bogan. The ones who serve the dark, otherwise known as the Sith. The Sith wanted to go see what was in there. They found the room empty, except that in the torch stand on the wall, was a stick. There was a string tied to the one end of the stick. Hanging from the string was a root vegetable. Amblin-Elu almost burst out laughing when she saw it. She knew that this was one of the methods used to train a Brackaset, to become a beast of burden. The Sith wanted to know why this room was empty? Amblin-Elu told her that all the instructors and students know that she is a Sith. They asked her permission to distribute the pieces throughout the camp. So that they can restrain her in case she becomes unruly. They have heard stories about how belligerent some Sith can get. For their peace of mind, she agreed with them. That is why the room is empty, except for the present one of the students left her.

The next time the Sith was awake, Amblin-Elu took her upon a sled that Grimm and Dranna built, while they were waiting for the yacht to be refurbished and painted. They found two damaged speeder bikes, and built a frame on them that people could stand on and control. It requires one pilot, and can easily carry four passengers, and only travels at a moderate speed.

The Sith did not know that it was Ludia that was piloting the sled. She took them to the place where they battled all the animals. They got off the sled and the Sith went to the bone pile. When she touched a bone, it crumpled into dust. Amblin-Elu pointed to a number of burnt out stumps. She pointed out to the Sith, some stumps that looked like the tree trunk had been sliced off, before it was burnt. She asked the Sith, what would make that type of cut? The Sith immediately replied, lightsaber. Amblin-Elu told her that they were thinking the same thing. Whoever was there before them, used lightsabers, then tried to hide that they had been there, by burning the island to the ground. The Sith under her breath, said Jedi. She then asked the headmaster how long ago this may have happened. Amblin-Elu pointed out that the grasses are well established. Some of the seeds are edible. That is what their morning's porridge was made out of. She then pointed out the seedlings that had started to grow along the stream. Amblin-Elu told her that if she was to guess, it would probably take around one hundred standard years, for the island to naturally reach this state. The Sith swore. That would be around the beginning of the Great War. They did not have their spy network in place yet. So they would have no record of Jedi discoveries from that time period. The only records from that time, would have been in the temple on Corusant, and the Sith burnt it to the ground to force the peace treaty. So now they may never know.

The next time she was awake, Amblin-Elu asked her, if she had seen enough? If she has, the yacht was ready to take her back to Mandalore. The yacht was just as she had seen it on Mandalore, with two Morgukai standing at the bottom of the ramp, and two standing at the top of the ramp. Again, Yma and Krillgan worked together to bring her to a meditative state. This time she was only half way up the ramp, when Yma had her completely under control. Amlin-Elu had to react quickly to keep her from falling over, and destroying her mental state. After laying the Sith on her bed, she went and retrieved the red statues, and put them in the storage closet. As soon as Ludia noticed the ramp was closing, she took off. No hassles with traffic control on this planet.

It was an uneventful trip back to Mandalore. Ludia made sure that they approached from the Phindar System, and kept the in-system drives at half power. It was not hard for Ludia to spot the Sith Lord's Fury, sitting on one of Mandalore's two moons. They parked the yacht, in the same place they did last time. The bounty hunters were waiting just beyond the ramp. To them it looked like the Sith suddenly woke up, and she had to hold onto the other lady, as they came down the ramp. To keep herself steady. She seemed okay as the escorted her to her ship. As she stopped to lower her ramp. The Bounty Hunter told her that she is pregnant, with twins. Then walked away. She stared at the bounty hunter. Stopping the ramp in the middle of opening.

When she regained her composure, she finished lowering the ramp. Then boarded the ship. She contacted the Sith Lord right away, and told him that the Bounty Hunter said she was pregnant, with twins. Not the response the Sith Lord was expecting. He asked her, if she knew where they had taken her? She told him that she suspects that it was either in the Si'klaata Cluster, or someplace nearby, because of the presence of the Morgukai. She reminded him that they are not mercenaries, and rarely leave Hutt Space. They were practicing their force magic on her, the whole time she was there. She also told the Sith Lord that it looks like the Jedi were there about a hundred years before the school was, and tried to hide their tracks, by burning down the island. She told him about the burnt out Whuffa Worm carcass she discovered. As well as the evidence of a great slaughter of animals. The only dark force energy she detected was in the Jedi restraints she found. The lack of dark force energy at a Rakata ruin, is another sign that the Jedi had been there. The Sith Lord told her that he was expecting a full, detailed report from her, when they return to Dromund Kaas.

After reading the report, the Sith Lord told the Dark Council that this school was friend to neither the Jedi or the Sith. It was safe to let Richard Djo inherit the Radcliff Ranch on Yitabo.

The Sith Government asked about the scanning capability that the Bounty Hunter hired by the school, had in his helmet. Since he claimed that the Sith was pregnant with twins, which their medical staff confirmed. The Mandalore Government told the Sith Government, that most bounty hunters are very protective of their equipment's capabilities. They did send a government representative to talk with the Bounty Hunter. He let the rep try on his helmet. So he could see for himself that he had no special scanner. The rep asked about the Sith's claim, that he knew that she was pregnant with twins. The Bounty Hunter told him, that she asked him, if he could tell whether or not she was pregnant? He told her that she would tell her when she returns. He watched her carefully, when she left, and when she returned. He decided to take a chance, and told her she was pregnant. Because she is a female Sith, and was probably forced to have sex with a number of male Sith. Odds are, that if she is pregnant, she was going to have twins. So that is what he told her. The government rep had a good laugh. He told the Bounty Hunter that he should try his observation powers, gambling in the Hutt casinos. The Bounty Hunter told him that his companions told him the same thing. He always assumed that they were trying to get rid of him, and take over. Which made the rep laugh again. When he returned to his office, he asked his boss, how do you tell the Sith, that his scanning ability, is just him being observant?

Ya'rrun liked the sled that Grimm and Dranna made for the Phoenix. It was just what was needed for the places where there are no porter droids. He also liked giving the children from the village, rides on the sled. Until the scary woman told him not to. It is not a toy. The children need to use their own feet. Then if a child asked her, she would pick them up, and throw them in the air, higher than any roof in the village. She seemed to be able to control their fall, so they landed safely in her hands, and placed them on the ground. Why does she get to have fun with the children, and he can't?

When Krillgan heard Ya'rrun saying this to Wu'la. He asked Ya'rrun where he was giving the children there rides. Ya'rrun told him that he took them outside the village. Krillgan asked him what protection he was using, against predators. Ya'rrun told him that he did not encounter any predators. Krillgan told him that he is very fortunate. You do not have to worry about predators when you are with Rancor. When you are not, and you do not have a Sister with you. It is only a matter of time, before a predator builds up the nerve to attack you. What the Clan Mother did, is use a subtle form of stopping a child from riding on an unprotected sled. So they do not get eaten. He is not a member of the clan. So if he wants to be eaten, the Clan Mother will not stop him.

Now Ya'rrun is afraid to take the sled off of the Phoenix on Kendill's world. Unless he was riding with a Rancor caravan.

It was time to leave Dathomir once again. It was important to get Richard to Yitabo, so he doesn't miss any school. Ludia wants to take the yacht, but Krillgan wants to get the Givin to upgrade it. He likes Dranna's idea of having all the gun turrets connected to VTS on the bridge. So no one has to run for a gun turret. It would allow the top gun turret to be positioned slightly further back, since it does not need internal access. It would be in a better position to protect the ship's drives. The side gun turrets would not need to be accessed from the cabins, so the cabins can be returned to their original use. She also suggested that some turbo lasers be mounted just under the bridge, but not visible from the observation window. So like on the Phoenix, the pilot would be able to shoot what is in front of him, with some movement of the gun turrets. They could also upgrade the hyperspace drive, to the fastest one available on the market. Since they no longer need the slow hyperspace drive, when it was being used by the school. Then there is the need to repaint the yacht, so it was not obvious as being the ship that was on Mandalore. After all that trouble, they should give it its own name. Richard thought that it should have the same colour pattern as the songbird that nests in the berry bushes on Yitabo. It has a dark green back, with black and yellow speckles. It has a bright orange chest, with the same black and yellow speckles. He drew what he thought the ship should look like. Ta'Yanna thought that if it looks like a songbird, it should be called "Songbird". Ludia liked that name.

It was decided that Ludia and the children would go to Yitabo aboard the Fenelar Phoenix. When they get off on Yitabo, Rasha and Timrune can have the Captain's Cabin. With Tamrack staying in the First Officer's cabin. Since it was starting to get crowded with the three of them on one bed. Kran and Elibet will fly the Songbird to Yag'Dhul, so that they can do all the upgrades that Dranna suggested, including upgrading the observatory windows to transpirasteel, with a light sensitive coating. So no one goes blind if a ship explodes in front of them.

Kran and Elibet agreed to retire to the yacht, since they would then be spending most of their time on Yitabo, where they can pretend to be Richard's bodyguards.

Krillgan agreed to escort them to Yag'Dhul. If they are attacked by pirates. Elibet would fly the yacht, Kran would climb into the top gun turret, to protect the drives, and Krillgan in his Starfighter would take care of the pirates. Once the upgrades are completed on the Songbird. Kran and Elibet should be able to fly by themselves to Yitabo. If they are attacked by pirates, they will be able to control all gun turrets from the bridge, so will not need anyone's help. Krillgan told Kran and Elibet, that he was sure that Hyperbolic would agree to fly them to Manaan, where Grimm was waiting for them. He would not be surprised, if Hyperbolic had his own people fly the Songbird to Manaan, when all the upgrades are finished. It would be a nice way for them to verify that all systems are working properly, before they turn it over. Kran and Elibet were hoping that that would be the case. Otherwise they will have a very boring wait on Yag'Dhul.