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.

8. Chapter 8

©2018

Krillgan felt disorientated, and was trying to remember why they entered this system? Then he remembered. They picked up a distress beacon's signal, with an embedded force signal. That could only mean it is a Jedi distress signal. They are close to Sith Space, so they can expect unwanted company. He instructed the Phoenix to stay put at the edge of the system, until he determines what triggered the signal. What he could not understand is why the crew were all on the bridge watching, like it was a festive occasion. Elibet, Kran, and Rasha were even dressed as if they are going gambling in a casino. At least Grimm is acting his normal self, at least until Krillgan saw him wave. Krillgan was hoping that they don't have a gas leak aboard ship. Since that could account for the strange way he felt, and the crew acting off. He sure hopes that a Sith Fury does not show up. He does not believe he could take them on, with the single laser cannon he has on his stub wing of his Davaab Starfighter. As he approaches the planet where the signal is coming from, he spots the Jedi's Defender Class Corvette, but the signal is not coming from it. It appears to be coming from that old Jedi Temple.

He parks his starfighter next to the Jedi Defender, and scans it out of habit, for life force. Nothing! He starts climbing up the side of the temple, since he was told that you only enter them from the top. Presumably to prevent non-force users from entering. He wonders if their might be some stairs around that the Jedi use. He doesn't know, because he has never been in a Jedi Temple before.

It least there is a hole in the top, and some stairs leading down into the temple. Krillgan is surprised and disappointed with how barren it looks inside. He was hoping that there would have been painted murals depicting Jedi Knights at their moment of victory in a battle. Or peaceful landscapes that you could look at and meditate. It was not even that well lit. He could barely see the two men standing on the floor of the temple. He also had trouble detecting them in the force. It was almost like they were half way to death. But they are standing there looking at him. Not lying unconscious on the floor. The two men bow to him, and thank him for coming. They tell him that he is safe now. There is no reason for him to continue to wear his armour. When they reach towards him, as if to help him out of his armour, it suddenly starts glowing purple. Krillgan could not remember his bounty hunter armour doing that before.

Krillgan asks, "If it is safe here, why did you activate the distress beacon?"

The two men look at each other, then look at Krillgan. Then one of them speaks. "We were responding to a call, about a man being in distress. He claimed that someone was after him, wishing to do him great harm. Only he did not know who would want to do this to him. He begged for our protection. We told him, that the only way we could protect him, was to place him in one of our cells on our ship. When we activated the cells electromagnetic cage, a phantom appeared in the cell. He was in the man, while at the same time larger than the man. The man was obviously possessed. The phantom demanded that he be let free. Then he proceed to shake our entire ship. We tried talking to the phantom, while at the same time flying here. Since we had no experience handling this type of situation. The phantom would not communicate what he wanted. Then proceed to attack us, even though it was trapped in the cell. So we abandoned the ship, and entered the temple. That is when we activated the distress beacon."

"You claimed that we are safe in here. Why do you believe that?"

"Can't you feel the force energy emanating from the walls of this temple?"

That was the problem. Krillgan could not feel any force energy, except in the armor he is wearing. Just like he could not feel any life energy in their ship. So if there is a possessed man aboard, he is dead. The two men in front of him also have weak life force energy. Where the Jedi he has met, have all had very strong life force energy. So he does not believe these two men are Jedi.

Krillgan decided that he need to go consult with the Voss. To see if he should even get involved with this situation. He told the two men, that he was leaving to go talk with some friends. Maybe they know how to help them. The two men pleaded that he not go. It was dangerous outside the temple. When they saw that they could not dissuade him, they changed their tactics. They asked him to share one meal with them, before he leaves. They reached for his helmet, to help him take it off, but again his bounty hunter armour glowed purple. Krillgan declined the offer, and started exiting the temple. Only to suddenly find himself outside.

It was strange that he did not notice that he was now parked beside a Sith Fury, rather than a Jedi Defender. He still instinctively reached in with the force, but could not detect any life force within.

It seems that he fell asleep before jumping to hyperspace. The next thing he knows, he is landing at the Voss-Ka spaceport, without his usual greetings from the Voss traffic controller, or the Gomack traffic controller. He wonders why the Voss Mystic is not there to greet him. As he walks across the spaceport, he suddenly sees half a dozen Voss acolytes charging towards him, with their lightsabers drawn. Only he suspects they are not Voss. He has never seen a Voss with a lightsaber. Their eyes are also wrong. They all have human eyes. Krillgan is also now aware that he is not wearing his bounty hunter armour. But the custom armour Bill'dit made for him. He activated his armour, and warned the pretenders, that their lightsabers are ineffective against what he has on. If they do not disperse, he will be forced to pull out his blaster pistol, and start shooting. He chuckled inside when he said that. Knowing that blaster pistols are useless against lightsabers. Because they just stood there, he did pull out his blaster pistol and shot one of them. He did not know who was more surprised, when the pretend Voss fell over, with a burn mark on his chest. The other pretend Voss gathered around him, and bent down to minister to him. One of them turned to him, and told him to leave. He was no longer welcome there. So Krillgan put his pistol back in his holster, and walked back to his Mantas-5.

After taking off, he saw an Infinite Gate open in the system. Only it was not what he was used to seeing. It looked more like the one Ta'Yanna had drawn for him. He approached it, then suddenly it disappeared. He was also now flying the custom starfighter the Cereans built for him. The one that would be classified as a gunship, because of how powerful it is.

Krillgan returned to the planet to land on it. Only it was not Voss. It was the planet he had landed on, when he first started feeling strange. He landed where he had before. Only there was no Jedi Defender, or Sith Fury. There were other ships. Some would be classified as single pilot gunships, like Plug-6's. Others were starfighters, with hyperspace drives. There was also no Jedi Temple. There were ruins of buildings built for giants. He also detected multiple weak life forces. He pulled his blaster pistol, and cautiously made his way through the ruins.

Krillgan saw the humanoid beings kneeling around one of their own. The only thing that differentiated them from humans, was the tendril that came out at each cheek bone. It seems that everyone took turns sticking their tendrils up the nose of the one lying in their midst. Probably the one he shot when he thought he was on Voss. At least he now knows that none of them are force users. Even though they all seem to wear the brown cloak, and it appears that they all have lightsabers.

Krillgan confronted them, asking what was going on. He certainly caught them by surprise. It was when they turned to look at him, that he saw that some were female. Most drew blaster pistols and fired at him. At least one had a disruptor. The force warned Krillgan to duck behind the ferroconcrete wall. It was a good thing he did. Because the disruptor blew a hole in the wall about a meter in diameter, and more than a third of a meter deep, at its deepest point. They had all scattered. Leaving their dead companion. Krillgan chased after them, as they were all heading in the direction of the starfighters. When Krillgan had a clean shot he took it. Taking out three more before they reached their ships. As soon as Krillgan saw his starfighter he touched it with the force. He did this because as soon as each person lifted off, they turned their ship, and started shooting at his. Until they noticed that their laser blasts were just bouncing off. He suspects that some of them may have damaged their comrades' ships in the process. Krillgan thought he counted six ships taking off. He was glad he only had his Starfighter go to standby, and not power down. So as soon as he jumped into his cockpit he was off, with the cockpit still closing. It looked like four gunships and two starfighters were ahead of him. Three starfighters and one gunship remained on the surface. Krillgan went after the largest group of ships first. They were fast, but he was faster. Krillgan also duplicated his ship, so he had two wingman. If he could help it, he wasn't letting any of them get away. It looks like none of them were interested in fighting him. Knowing their laser shots would just bounce off his ship. He fired every time a ship came within range of his lasers. He took out the three gunships and one starfighter in the group he was chasing. Then turned around and went after the second group. He fired as the gunship was jumping to hyperspace. So he does not know if he got it or not.

Krillgan relaxed, and let his duplicates disappear. He knows that the aliens used some sort of mind control on him. So he wanted to reach for the last real memories. To help him, he asked the astrometric droid, what system they are in? The astrometric droid told him that this is the Boz Pity System. He confirmed that the planet he landed on is also called Boz Pity. That he had landed next to one of their dead cities. Krillgan then asked if he had asked it to jump to this system by name. The astrometric droid told him that he did not name this system. When they reached the Yitabo system, he said he felt something, and asked that they jump to the next system. So they jump to Chalacta. He still felt something, so they jumped to Ilos, then Ilos Minor. In the Ilos Minor System, he had them change direction, then jump to Tal Nami. From there they jumped to Alee, then Boz Pity.

Krillgan told the droid, that he wanted to return to Yitabo. The droid told him that he will enter the figures for them to jump to Ilos Minor. Than from that system, they can jump to Yitabo. Krillgan told it to do it, because he was suddenly very tired and needed to sleep.

When Krillgan woke up, he did wonder why he saw the original crew of the Fenelar Phoenix, when the aliens where trying to control his mind.

When approaching Yitabo, he was surprised that traffic control denied his request to land next to the Radcliff ranch house. The traffic controller told him that Kenny was sending the droid limo to pick him up. He will understand why, when he reaches the ranch house.

Krillgan saw that there is construction going on, all around the ranch house. He found out that Kenny wants the Songbird parked next to the ranch house. So he is building a landing pad. The landing pad will be the same color pattern as the top of the Songbird. So it will be hard for the spy satellite to tell whether the Songbird is there or not. Kenny is also planning to plant berry bushes around the landing pad. He wants more than one variety, but has not yet decided on which ones. The children were excited to hear about the berry bushes, and were both secretly hoping that this would encourage their father to be with them during berry season. The other thing Kenny was thinking of doing, was placing a netting over the landing pad. Making it almost impossible for the spy satellite to tell whether the Songbird was there or not. Richard exercised his authority as the ranch's inheritor. Telling Kenny that he can only use a netting that the songbirds nesting in the berry bushes, would not become tangled in it.

The other construction is Ludia's idea. She wants a room where they can practice martial arts. They had started to do it outside, until Kenny mentioned the spy satellite. She also wants a conservatory, where Richard can practice playing the musical instrument, he decides upon. Kenny was hoping that it will also be where Ta'Yanna can listen to her favorite song. When she discovered that the computer recorded the concert, she keeps asking the computer to play her song over and over again, all day long. Ludia promised Kenny, that they will put more music in the computer's memory. So he can play music he likes. Then they will tell Ta'Yanna that the adults get the first choice of music in the area of the ranch house where they are. So Ta'Yanna will get used to playing her music, only when no adults are around. Kenny asked if hours of silence qualifies as the music he listens to. Ludia thought it would be a good idea. It might be something she will want to listen to herself. The other things they were including in the addition, was more bedrooms, for Richard's tutors. That way they can have a music instructor, and a science teacher at the ranch house at the same time. Maybe even an art instructor. But no nude models. Since the music conservatory, would also double as an art studio.

Krillgan was also reassured, that once all the construction was finished, he could park his starfighter next to the house. He just cannot park it in the garden. Ludia also wants an expanded garden. Ludia was hoping to bring some of the foods they grow on Dathomir to Yitabo. Since she will be spending a lot of time on the planet. She was also hoping to grow some of Killgan's healing plants. So he always has fresh plants to make up his ointment.

When Krillgan started describing what happened to him, Kenny went into Rudy's office, which is now Ludia's office, and will be Richard's classroom. He called up a picture of an Anzat, and asked him if this is the alien species he encountered? Krillgan said it was, and glanced at the species description.

The Anzat are the deadliest, and least understood species in the galaxy. They are human in appearance, standing on average 1.7 meters. Their skin has a greyish hue, and they have bulbous noses. So they were first thought to be heavy drinkers. They have no natural biorhythm. So day or night, has no meaning to them. They also have no pulse. So medical science does not know how their circulation system works. (Krillgan believes that this is why they have a weak life force.) They are natural predators, with their prey being other sentient species. They possess two prehensile proboscises, which they keep coiled in their cheek pockets, only extending them for feeding on their prey. (Krillgan believes that these are the tendrils he saw. If they can keep them hidden in their cheeks, than they will be a much harder predator to detect.) The Jedi believe that the Anzat mind control, is a manipulation of the Force. (Krillgan is not sure he agrees with them. He did not detect them using the force, while they were using their mind control on him. He does agree that their mind control is stronger the closer they are to the victim.) Once a victim is in the Anzat's power, they uncoil their proboscises, and insert them in their victim's nostrils, to suck out brain matter. They call this meal "soup, luck", or the "Sea of Memory". It is believed that once they start feeding this way, they become addicted to it. An experienced Anzat can keep their victim alive for multiple feedings. Feasting on the fear and terror the victim feels, each time they feed. The Anzat live long lives, with their youth only reaching puberty at approximately one hundred standard years. They often act as patrons of the arts, with a few contributing their own works. What they are, are the galaxy's deadliest assassins.

From what Krillgan shared, Kenny believes that Krillgan stumbled upon an Anzat Assasins Guild. Where they train there assassins. Because Anzat are loners. They do not like coming together, except to mate and train. Fortunately, Krillgan kept his helmet on, so they could not feed on him. He was probably much stronger in the mind then they could have imagined. Already have so many interesting memories in one who is still quite young. So they were never able to gain complete control over him, and induced contradictory images because of that.

Krillgan told Ludia, that when it is time to hire an art instructor, make sure that they have a strong life force. So that she does not hire an Anzat by mistake.

Richard did take advantage of his parents' presence, in a way they were not expecting. He had them brush all the Nerfs. The Nerfs will not let children approach, so Richard and Ta'Yanna had to watch them from a distance. Which was fine, because they did not stink, just the parents. The seamstress in town let Kenny and Krillgan take all the equipment that Emily used, for processing the nerf wool. She also had the recipe Emily used for cleaning the wool. The Weavers Guild took over cleaning and processing all the Nerf wool that Krillgan and Ludia collected. All Guild members had nerf wool towels in their homes, as well as comfortable house coats for every member of their family. They also made sure that everyone in the Radcliff ranch house, also had towels and housecoats. Ludia was also able to give a set to her mother. Warning her not to wear it outside when it rains.

Krillgan was still on Yitabo when Kran and Elibet arrived with Songbird. They had to use a farm skiff, as well as the limousine, to take everyone to the spaceport to see it. Kenny liked that it did look like a giant songbird. He also liked that it was much more deadly than it looked. He did suggest, that the next time they take it in for an upgrade, they install a missile launcher in its belly. He liked that all the gun turrets were controlled from the bridge. That when they were in rest mode, it looked like the barrels were resting against the hull of the ship, so you did not notice it. He also asked that the next time they fly it to the Wookiee settlement, he be allowed to come along. He expected that the view through their observatory will be spectacular. He also complemented Ludia and Elibet, with how lovely all the cabins looked inside. This was a ship fully capable of transporting royalty. He also wondered where they purchased their liqueurs. The one tasted like it was distilled Singing Mountain Fruit Wine. Very nice to have when relaxing after a meal.

When everyone returned to the ranch house, Kran and Elibet announced that all the Ambassadors on Manaan are now married. It turns out that their Shaak is a gifted matchmaker. They described how Shaak lifted the male Togruta out of a deep depression, by convincing him that not only could he avenge his companions, by killing the akul that killed his companions. He could also have a life, after it was dead. Telling him about a beautiful Togruta female on Manaan, who had taken two Twi'Lek females, as her companions. The male Togruta, Hm'Basha, trained diligently, and did everything that Shaak told him. When he arrived on Manaan, after killing the akul. He found the Togruta female to be exactly as Shaak described her. He was very surprised to find out that his Chask had never met Shaak. Their friend Talmi told them that it must have been the crew of the pirate killer that described her to Shaak, because Shaak is listed as one of their friends, who is allowed access to their suite.

It seems like Shaak had other connections. Like the Twi'Lek Chief on Lianna. A man respected on Ryloth. Since a lot of Twi'Lek Chiefs on Sith Empire planets, have tried to copy what he has achieved with his organisation. He contacted Ryloth. So they sent some nice Twi'Lek men to Manaan, as possible suitors for the two Twi'Lek Ambassadors. Some not so nice Twi'Lek men also accompanied them. Also hoping to be suitors. The Selkith did not like it, and put their foot down. Telling the Ambassadors that only two of the suitors can stay. The others were a security risk. The two Twi'Lek Ambassadors were forced to choose. Chask also had to get involved. Telling her two companions to choose the nice ones. Otherwise, she might kill them. Placing a strain on their relationship. They took her advice, and it looks like they chose the right men.

When Mowa saw that her friends all had boyfriends. She asked Talmi if she could go to Cathar, to see if she could also find a potential mate. It looks like she found one, because all four Ambassadors were married in the same ceremony, with the Selkith Ambassador that they are friends with, conducting the ceremony.

Kran showed them that he had a memory stick, which the elder gave him. It is a recording of the wedding ceremony. Everyone found a comfortable place to sit, with Ta'Yanna sitting on Papa's lap, and Mama sitting right beside them. Kenny plugged the memory stick in the house computer, and asked it to play the wedding.

Ta'Yanna noticed that Mama had tears in her eyes, and was wiping them a lot. Ta'Yanna quietly asked Papa, "Why is Mama crying?"

"Mama is crying because she is happy."

"Do you also cry when you are happy?"

"Sometimes! In fact, you brought tears to my eyes, onetime."

"When did I do that?"

"The first time you gave me a hug. Because your hugs are special."

Ta'Yanna hugged Papa, and told him that she loves him. She then leaned over and hugged Mama. She told Mama that she loves her. Both her parents hugged her back, telling her that they love her. They also kissed her when they hugged her. Ta'Yanna was happy to see a tear in Papa's eye, as they continued watching the wedding.

Ludia now believes that Krillgan also has the Devaronian wanderlust. Only it is not as strong in him, as it is in Erin. The day after they saw the wedding, Krillgan announced that it was time for him to pay a visit to the wannabe Sith Lord. So he needs to hook up with the Phoenix, and hire some mercenaries. He had Kenny send them a message, to contact the ranch house, and mark that it is not urgent. So they do not panic when they get it.

When they did call back. He found out where they were in their trade route, so he knew where best to intercept them. In was decided that it would be best if they hooked up in the Lianna System. That way they only have to ask permission for only one ship to land. Krillgan did ask Kenny if the house computer made a copy of the memory stick, in case Elibet and Ludia want to watch it again. He wants to take the memory stick to Lianna, so that they can watch it at the Togruta enclave. Ludia reminded him, that they do not have a computer at the Togruta Enclave. She also believes, that Shaak's computer could not make an image large enough, for everyone to see. Krillgan thanked her for reminding him. He was sure that the Togruta knew someone that has the computer they need. When she asked who? Krillgan told her, "The Twi'Lek Chief!" Ludia smiled, she was sure that the Chief would want to see it as well.

After putting his starfighter in Cargo Bay 1, Krillgan accepted a hug from everyone. He whispered into Rasha's ear that she is pregnant again. Rasha asked him, how far along was she? He told her, that he suspected that it was less than 14 days. He reminded her that it is early, so she needs to be careful. She needs to do everything that Ludia told her to do. She kissed Krillgan on the cheek, then she jumped over to Tamrack, and hugged and kissed him. She told him that Krillgan just told her that she is pregnant. Tamarack just looked at Krillgan. Krillgan looked at Rasha. He told her, that he was sure that Ludia told her, No bouncing around, or jumping. No Martial Arts either. Only modified exercises for her. He reminded Rasha that most women will not tell anyone, until after the first month. Since there is a high probability that something could happen, and she could lose the child. Rasha told Krillgan that nothing will happen to her, she has him to look after her.

After landing on Lianna, Krillgan contacted the dress shop. He asked the young lady that answered it, if he could talk to Shaak. The young lady recognised him, and told him that it would only be one moment. When Shaak came on, Krillgan told her that she might want to contact the Twi'Lek Chief, to see if he has the equipment to show this in the Togruta common room. Holding up the memory stick. He suggested that the Chief might also be interested in watching it. Shaak asked him, what is on it? Krillgan told her that it is a wedding on Manaan. Shaak told Krillgan that she will contact her father, and meet up with him in front of the Twi'Lek enclave. She asked Krillgan, when will they be coming? He told her that they will be on their way, as soon as they finish unloading everything.

One of the Cerean researchers approached Krillgan, as soon as he got off the communicator, at the spaceport. She asked him, if they were going to visit the Togruta? Krillgan told her that they were leaving shortly. But it would not be the usual celebration. He also suspected that there would be at least one male Twi'Lek there. She asked Krillgan, what would the other difference be? Krillgan told her that they would be watching this, holding up the memory stick. He then told her that it is a wedding on Manaan. Shaak knows some of the people involved. The honor wife told Krillgan, that all the wives would be interested in seeing it. She is not sure if their husband would be interested. So she will go ask him right now.

It turned out that he was not that interested in watching a wedding. He was interested in how this evening would be different than the others. So he agreed to go. He also suspected that this will be the closest that he will ever be to a male Twi'Lek. He also believed that it will be a non-confrontational environment. A safe place to study the Twi'Lek.

The Togruta in the Enclave were surprised when their elder, Shaak's father, returned from the Twi'Lek Enclave, with a number of Twi'Lek, and two human females in tow. The came carrying equipment, and set it up in the common room. Even all the weavers stopped to watch what was going on. Asking their Togruta friends, if they know what was happening? Krillgan, and the crew from the Fenelar Phoenix showed up at this time. With the Cerean family behind them. The Togruta asked Krillgan, if he knew what was going on? Rather than disturb the elder, who was standing next to the Twi'Lek Chief. Someone they had not seen, since Andriel and Chitrah lived next to the enclave. Krillgan told them that they were going to watch a wedding. When the weavers heard that, most of them wanted to watch it as well, and asked the Togruta if they would also be allowed. When they heard that they have permission. They went outside and lined up at the Togruta's communicator to call their homes, to let their families know that they will be late. Not to worry!

After his lieutenants set up the broadcasting equipment, the Twi'Lek Chief dismissed them. Unless they would patiently sit with one of the Twi'Lek females. Because he knew that the females would patiently sit through watching a wedding. He also reminded them that the Togruta said that they would be responsible for his security, and the security of all the women. The lieutenants all agreed to wait at their enclave for their return. The two human computer technicians were perfectly capable of packing everything up when they were finished.

What the Chief had done, is invite every female in the enclave to come watch the wedding with him. The kitchen workers, who prepare all their meals, the maids, who clean the enclave, as well as look after the needs of all the men. The two computer technicians, who were recruited because of the Deysum III Chagrian, called Chitrah. Over the years, the Chief has found them to be valuable advisors. Because they see things differently than he does. This is the first time that the Chief has been able to treat all the females, during all the time that he has been Chief.

The elders thought that all the food should be distributed, so that everyone could start eating. Shaak would be sharing with everyone all the information she found out about the Starpleasures Ambassadors, and how the Togruta became one of them. But once the wedding starts, they do not want anyone to get up and move around. Shaak gave everyone the same introduction she gave the Twi'Lek Chief. She also reminded them about sending the Akul Killer to Manaan. To see if this Togruta female could be a good choice for a mate for him. She told everyone about approaching the Twi'Lek Chief, to see if he knew of any Twi'Lek males, who would not annoy a Togruta male. Or there never would have been hope for a wedding.

With that introduction, she sat down and started to eat from the plate her husband prepared for her. The one computer technician then activated the memory stick, and it started playing the wedding.

It was a good thing that the elders insisted that extra napkins be put out, because many of the women in the room were dabbing their eyes. After the wedding was over, all the weavers got up and thanked their Togruta friends. It was time to go. The Togruta started putting away what was left of dinner. They also started putting the tables away, because they wanted to dance. They wanted to celebrate the wedding of these four couples. The ones that their Shaak was able to bring together, even though she had not met most of them. The Twi'Lek Chief told all the women that came with him, that they were staying to watch the Togruta dance. When they returned to their enclave. The Twi'Lek women danced for their men in celebration. The men knew from the way the women danced, that they enjoyed themselves. They thought that the inconvenience of not having them in the enclave for a few hours was worth it. Because this was the happiest they had seen them, and greatly enjoyed their company that evening.

After the dancing, while the Togruta men escorted the Twi'Leks back to their enclave. Shaak asked Krillgan to tell everyone how he first met the women, who would later become the Ambassadors. An embarrassed Krillgan knew that Rasha knew too many details. So he could not miss anything, or she would speak up. So he told them the whole story. The men were careful not to interrupt him when they returned. Knowing that someone would tell them what they missed. After the story, it was time for everyone to go to bed. The Cerean male was happy he came. There were enough things happening, that he was well entertained. He actually enjoyed watching the wedding more than he first thought, because of Shaak's introduction.

The next morning, Shaak told Krillgan about going to Deysum III, to visit his grandmother. To see if she still has the material to sew Queen Krinta's dress. Krillgan warned her about the conditions she will find there. With checkpoints being everywhere. There is a very real chance that she and her companions will be injured and imprisoned. Because an Imperial Trooper touched her inappropriately, and she retaliated. The Troopers have orders to shot anyone who resists them. Shaak told him that this is why they are going in the Queen's new yacht, with a full escort of palace guards. The Queen is ready to go to war with another Sith planet, if her people are not treated properly. If the Dark Council is not able to maintain proper control over their military, then she will not hesitate to leave the Sith Empire. Right now the Empire needs them, more, than they need the Empire.

Shaak then quietly told him, that the Queen, along with her Aunt, and her Aunt's Lady in Waiting, have secretly been smuggling some families off of Lorran, and taken them to Livien. To start up a secret manufacturing facility. They want to manufacture a fleet of ships, based on her royal yacht. They will be smaller, but almost as powerful. She believes that with this fleet, Lianna's planetary guns, and the starfighters they always hold back in reserve. They will be able to defeat any Invasion Fleet, the Sith or anyone else might throw at them. This way they can avoid building capitol ships, and the ground facilities for maintaining them. Like training academies. Something they are not allowed to do, because of an old treaty with Barseg. They can also maintain the façade of being a non-military planet. Even though their planet's economy is based upon manufacturing instruments of war. Krillgan asked her, how they were planning to look after this fleet? They are no good to Lianna, if an invasion fleet suddenly shows up in there system, and all these ships, are in the Livien System. Shaak told him, that they are planning on building special hangers at all of the shuttle terminals. They will look like high-rise warehouses. To further disguise them, they will be surrounded by legitimate high-rise warehouses. They will bring over a few at a time, disguised as freighters. They are only a defensive element, so would never be flown in the Lianna System for practice or maneuvers. All crew training would take place on Livien. Flight training would take place in systems were they suspect there are pirate bases. So their ships will go unnoticed. Especially, if they also eliminate the pirate bases. Krillgan told her that the Queen's plans just might work. What she is planning to do is very dangerous, especially if the Sith Empire finds out. Imperial Intelligence was able to figure out that he is the son of the Blue Ghost. Even though they were able to convince everyone else he is not. So if they get wind of this, this just might be what they need to restore their reputation in the eyes of the Dark Council. Shaak said that the Queen agrees. This is why it is not being done under Santhe Corporation. They are starting a new company. Shaak admitted that this is all the Queen shared with her. She also had permission to share it with him.

Krillgan went to the closest market and bought some glass vials. He returned to the Togruta enclave and handed two to Shaak to give to his grandmother Dreamarra. He told her that Grandmother Dreamarra will make sure that one gets to Grandfather Chabrera. Shaak asked Krillgan, if Grandfather Chabrera is Chitrah's father? Krillgan told her that it is. Then asked her, why? Shaak told him about the Nautolan cobbler, who has been receiving instruction from a retired Master Cobbler on Deysum III, who goes by the name Chabrera. He also happens to be Chagrian. The Nautolan is going with them to Deysum III, to complete his instruction, and challenge for the title of Master Cobbler. Krillgan told Shaak to let the Nautolan know to be careful what he says to his Grandfather, and where. Though the surveillance droid is dead, there are still a lot of people on Deysum III with big ears. Krillgan then handed the last vial to Shaak. He told her that it contains Kolto, a healing oil. If she takes the vial to an apothecary, they can convert it into medi-pacs for medi-kits. Shaak thanked him and asked him where he obtained it? He told her that he has his own source, and can get it for next to nothing.

After returning to Santhe Corporation, Krillgan asked Security if he could have an audience with Madam Santhe. Madam Santhe was expecting this request, knowing that Krillgan had just returned from the Togruta Enclave. So must have been talking with Shaak. When he showed up, she asked him, whose wedding did he show at the enclave? The last words the office heard, before she sealed her door. She already knew whose wedding it was, because of the Cerean's report. Krillgan told her that he left the memory stick with Shaak. So if she has her office contact the enclave. He was sure that the Togruta would deliver it to her. Then Krillgan asked her how confident is she, that this new company will be able to keep secrets from the Ministry of Intelligence. Madam Santhe told him that the people are well practiced, they have been doing it for years. Madam Santhe then went on to say that it is actually an old established Lianna corporation, called Sienar Technologies. They specialise in small ship designs, like starfighters. The laser cannons on the Starfighter that the Cerean family built for him, were designed and built by Sienar Technologies. She told him that for years the company was run by Lady Sienar, but she has recently given birth to a son. She feels that she may not be able to have any more children, so has turned the company over to her husband, Lord Sienar. So she can spend her time raising her son. She told Krillgan that he knows her husband. Since he rescued him from Eriadu. Through Santhe Corporation, he was able to find all the people who were part of his personal staff. Including his personal secretary, his personal guards, and his personal chauffeur. His personal guards are the backbone of his company's security.

Krillgan asked her, if she knows that all of them are Revanites? She says that she knows. They also have a good example of what they believe. Where a force user, skilled in handling both the light and dark sides of the force, is bettering lives for many people. Krillgan told her that this person sounds like an interesting person. Is he real, or is he too good to be true? Madam Santhe assured him that this person is real. The Revanites know him as the Devaronian Krillgan. She is still trying to determine if he is too good to be true. Krillgan blushed. He told her that he hopes they are not worshipping him. She told them that it is just healthy respect. They see in him, the good things that Revan taught them. She also warned him that they are only one cell. Other Revanites might not see him the way they do. They might consider him an imposter, or a usurper. It was hard on them when they heard about Revan's death. Many cells became cynical. Which is why some of them became violent, and committed suicide attacks. Lord Sienar believes that over time, when word spreads through the galaxy, of some of the things he has done. Most Revanite cells that remain, will accept him as the embodiment of Revan's teachings. He is concerned that some of the more fanatical cells, will believe that he is Revan incarnate. Because of their fanatical beliefs, they may even try and harm him, if he denies it. Krillgan just shook his head. With some people he cannot win, no matter what he does.

Madam Santhe asked Krillgan, if he had any more questions? Krillgan replied that the answers she has just given him are too long. She laughed as she unsecured her door, so that Krillgan can leave. She then came out and asked her personal secretary to call the Togruta Enclave, and ask if someone can deliver the memory stick to them? Her secretary asked, if it really is a recording of the wedding of the Starpleasures Ambassadors? Madam Santhe said yes. Then she asked if it is different from the one she saw on the holonet? She has only watched it about ten times. Madam Santhe told her that when it comes, they will know. She suspects that if it is the same, the image should be both sharper and clearer. The secretary was really excited, because she knew that her boss would let her see it.

Rasha asked Krillgan, if he wants his cabin back? Krillgan told her that he will use the crew cabin, known as Chitrah's cabin. Then he remembered that Grimm was no longer on this ship, so he could not use that washroom. He asked Tamrack, if he could use the washroom in the First Officer's cabin? Because he was too lazy to walk all the way to the tail section, to use the one that is there.

From the Lianna system they flew to Richard's world to hire mercenaries. Krillgan hired a crew of eight. To accommodate them, Krillgan moved his gear back to his starship. Then he slept on the mats in Cargo Bay two. He did not want to intrude on Stoneman and Rudy's den. Since he was not bonded to Stoneman. The Nautolan couple also retreated to the tail of the ship, so that the mercenaries were together, and could use the crew's washroom. The only thing the mercenaries did not like about their accommodations, was that Timrune figured out how to operate the water valves on the double washing sink. What he really discovered, which embarrassed Rasha, is that if he activates the hot water, from time to time, he will hear someone scream. So he would try it at random times during the day, just to hear if someone would scream. The mercenaries quickly figured out, that the best time to take a shower, is when the little boy is put down for his nap.

There were not that many free cabins on the Royal Yacht. The Queen gave permission for Shaak and her companions, to have her cabin. This time their husbands wanted to come along. They were surprised that there was room for all of them in her cabin. Shaak did not believe that there would be room for the top Togruta weavers, since everyone coming wanted to bring their spouse. Instead she invited the one Nautolan lady that had been with her on the spaceport, to come. She also happened to be an accomplished weaver. There was also an accomplished weaver that worked in the Royal Palace. She was also invited to come, with the blessing of the Queen. Her husband happen to work in a government building (Lianna government, not the Ministry of the Interior). He had no trouble arranging a leave of absence, so that he could accompany her. Then there was the cobbler and his wife.

They stopped at Randon on the way to Deysum III, so that one of the Queen's Heralds could speak with the sector's Moff. The Moff decided to send his Personal Secretary to Deysum III on his personal ship. Just to make sure that the people from Lianna had no conflict with the Military Authority on the planet. The Queen's yacht was given clearance to land at Dragnoor's shuttle terminal. Something only granted to military vehicles, not civilian. The Military was also ordered to let anyone escorted by the Lianna Palace Guard, to bypass the security stops. No Imperial Trooper was allowed to talk to them. Definitely not allowed to touch them.

Dreamarra was not home, when Shaak and her entourage arrived at her alley door. A kind neighbour allowed Shaak to use her communicator to call her daughter Lindream's dress shop. Lindream was surprised that it was a Togruta that had called her. She politely told the lady that her mother was out buying foodstuffs for one of her neighbours. Because Shaak asked, Lindream told her what direction she would be approaching the neighborhood from, when she returns. The neighbor told Shaak that her soldiers have very nice uniforms. Did she want Dreamarra to sew a dress for her? Shaak told the neighbour that she would be sewing a dress for her Queen. She just wanted to consult about the design with Dreamarra. Shaak was pretty sure that as soon as she left the house, this neighbour would be on her communicator telling everyone about the fancy people looking for Dreamarra. Shaak had her group head back towards the transit terminal, because that is where Lindream said she would be getting off. Shaak had no trouble recognising the mother of the woman she cared so deeply about. She approached her, and asked the good mother to let her carry her parcels. They would both be going to the same place. Dreamarra asked, if she knew her? She was sure that she would have remembered a Togruta if she had met one before. Shaak gently took the parcels from her. She told her that they have never met, but she is hoping that they can be good friends. She only surrendered the parcels back to Dreamarra, when she mentioned that they were at the home she was delivering them to. Shaak asked her if she was finished with that day's deliveries, because she was hoping Dreamarra would invite them in for tea, so that she could introduce everyone to her. Dreamarra was supposed to go make one more purchase, but she decided it could wait until the next day. She really wanted to know why all these people wanted to invite themselves over to her place.

When Shaak mentioned that she was the owner of the Elegant You, on Lianna. Dreamarra went into her workshop, and came back with a dress design. It was one that Shaak shared with Ulianna on Eriadu. When Shaak verified it as her design, Dreamarra put her arms around her and started crying. They stood like that, until Dreamarra was able to get control of herself. Then she took Shaak's hand, and led her to her communicator. She contacted her daughter's dress shop. Lindream saw that her mother had been crying, and the Togruta lady was right behind her. Dreamarra told her that this is Ulianna's friend. The one who owns the Elegant You, on Lianna. Now Lindream understood her tears. She told her mother that she will come by tomorrow, right after dinner. She was expecting to hear a nice story.

Now that Dreamarra knew who was talking with her, she allowed her to introduce everyone, and tell her why they have come to her dress shop. She wasn't sure what hunting companions meant, since she knew that Lianna was one big city. But she understood that two of the women were weavers from the Weaver's Guild on Lianna. Shaak then showed Dreamarra the dress that she wants to sew for her Queen. But she wants to use a special silk. Her best friend told her that she could find it in Dreamarra's dress shop. Dreamarra had to think about what she meant by special silk. Then she remembered the silk fabric and thread, that Krillgan and Ludia brought her, the first time they met her. She told Shaak that she used up all the fabric sewing outfits for babies. But she is pretty sure that she still has the spools of thread. Shaak asked her, if it would be enough to make the fabric for the dress? Dreamarra thought that there should be enough. She just needs to find it all, just to make sure. She had to think really hard, to remember where she put it. Then she got up and went to her workshop. When she returned to the living room upstairs, (that was the only room where she had room for everyone to sit down, if they also raided the dining room for its chairs), she showed them what she has. They all agreed that there was more than enough silk, to make all the fabric that Shaak wanted. They agreed that the weavers would spend the night at Dreamarra's home, so that they could start weaving first thing in the morning. Shaak told Dreamarra that she knows that her bedroom has exceptional soundproofing. She was hoping that she and her companions could talk with her in there. Dreamarra really wanted to talk with them, and thought it was very smart of Shaak to mention her bedroom.

Dreamarra noticed that the three companions intertwined their headtails, while Shaak held her hands, and told her everything that she knew about Andriel. How Andriel found their enclave, while looking for a dress shop, or anything, where she could express her creativity. How she felt comfortable with them in their enclave so stayed with them for a short time. While there she found in Shaak a kindred spirit. Someone who also wanted to express herself. So she visited often, and also took her to visit the Nautolans. Something that was both frightening and exciting for her. Having never left her enclave before. Andriel did not know it at the time, but she liberated two groups of people. Who because of Andriel, became very good friends. She told Dreamarra how she was at first confused by Andriel and Chitrah's relationship. It was obvious that Chitrah loved Andriel. She could see that Andriel drew strength from Chitrah. But Andriel gave more to her, then she gave to her husband. She witnessed her friend change, until there was equal sharing between Andriel and Chitrah, and they were both in love. Andriel told her about her dream to buy a good sewing machine, so that she could start sewing again. She even promised to teach her when she found her machine. So she was just as excited as Andriel, when she finally found it.

She told Dreamarra how Andriel had to let go of her sewing machine, shortly after she found it. Because she was going away, and wanted her to keep practicing. How after one thing led to another, and they ended up with the Elegant You Dress Shop.

They lost track of time, until the Nautolan lady knocked on the door, asking if she could make them all some tea. When Dreamarra realized what time it was, she told them that they all need to get some sleep. If they want to start weaving in the morning. Shaak told her that they were returning to their ship, but would be back in the morning. They still have so much more to talk about.

Dreamarra noticed that two of the Palace Guards remained stationed outside her door, and asked the two couples about them. They told them that the Guards are there, because they are in her home. They told her not to worry, they will relieve each other at regular intervals. If she looks at them real closely in the morning, she will see that it is a different pair than is out there tonight.

The Nautolan cobbler and his wife had a less dramatic reception, when they showed up at the shoe shop. They entered from the street, and introduced themselves to the person who came out to the storefront. He told him that he was there to meet Chabrera, so that he could complete his instruction. The man who came out front told them that his name is Achram, Chabrera is his father. He told them that this is now his workshop, but his father still has his own bench in the workshop. He has seen some of the work he sent his father. It saddened him to see his father tear some of it apart, because he was analysing the detail of the workmanship, and that was the only way to do it, since he wasn't there when he made it. He invited the couple into the workshop to wait. Then he noticed the two Palace Guards standing out front, like they were guarding the storefront. Achram asked them, if they know what they are doing there? The Nautolan apologised, he told Achram that he came to Deysum III, on their Queen's yacht. As long as the Palace Guards are with them, they can pass through any checkpoint without being stopped. So the Guards believe they must protect them, because they represent Lianna. Achram was concerned that they might scare customers away. So he went outside to talk to them. After explaining that the family's main door, was the door to the back alley, and that is the door the Nautolans will be using while they are there. The Guards agreed to move to the back door. Achram escorted them through the house, so that they did not have to walk all the way around, and possibly lose track of their charges. When they were at their new location, the two guards notified the ship, so that their replacements knew where to go.

Chabrera was happy to see his new student in the workshop, sitting at his bench, with his wife beside him. He brought out a box, with all the items Chabrera tore apart, to examine them. His first task is to repair them, so that they do not look like they were damaged. Achram asked if his instruction can wait until the morning. It is approaching dinner time, and today they are guests. He then told them about the two Guards in their back alley.

They ate dinner in the dining room, since there was more room than in the kitchen. After dinner they retired to the living room, for tea and conversation. They asked the Nautolan why he came to Deysum III, to become a Master Cobbler. He told them that there is no Master Cobbler on Lianna. He told them that all the Cobblers in their guild are good, but none of them are of the caliber of a Master. On Lianna, he had only seen one man work at that level, but he was not there to train him, when the cobbler training him passed away, and left him the shop. The family wanted to know about this man who sounded like a Master Cobbler. The Nautolan told them that he was instructed to be careful what he said. Because there are people about with big ears. So they all brought their chairs closer to his, so that he could talk quietly, and they could hear.

He told them about a Chagrian man named Chitrah, who came to their shop with his wife, when he had just started apprenticing. Chabrera asked him about his wife? He told Chabrera that she was a beautiful Devaronian female. The only one he had ever seen on Lianna. He did not notice that Chabrera had taken his wife by the hand. He proceeded to tell them about Chitrah asking for work as a cobbler, and the test that the owner gave him. What he asked was not that hard. But Chitrah did it effortlessly, and was rewarded with a kiss from his wife. The owner and Chitrah went into the kitchen to talk, and they came to an agreement. Chitrah could only work one day in a cycle. But there was always work for him to do. The repairs that no other cobbler could do, were left for Chitrah. He told them about the Sith trying to get their hands on Chitrah. But he always managed to fool them. He told how one time he had to leave his equipment on the Spaceport, or he would have been recognised, and arrested. The old Cobbler had to go up and get it. Someone who had never used a computer. Chitrah had to teach him on the very basics, and how to access a special program he left on the computer for him. When he activated the program, because the PD Officers wanted to see if he knew how to operate the equipment. A little holographic image of Chitrah appeared, pleading with the Officers not to anger his Master, or they will become trapped in this machine like he was. The old Cobbler had trouble keeping a straight face, when he saw what Chitrah left him. He only had a chance to laugh, while flying back to the surface. He had fun that morning going into the neighbouring businesses, to show them what he could do. So he wasn't the old relic everyone thought. It was a sad day for everyone on the planet, when the Sith hired a Mandalorian Bounty Hunter to find him. So Chitrah and his family had to leave.

He admitted, that because he saw Chitrah doing things no one else could do. He wanted to become a Master Cobbler, just like him. Chabrera was happy now that Challana talked him into taking this Nautolan as an apprentice, even though he was retired. They just learnt things about Chitrah, that they never knew before.

The next morning, Shaak sent their husbands to the shoe shop, and gave them the vile of kolto, to give to Grandfather Chabrera. When he was given the present from Krillgan, the Nautolan cobbler suddenly realised who he is. He hugged him and started crying. He told him that he did not know until know how special he is to him personally, and his people on Lianna. He will strive extra hard, so that he would be as proud of him, as he is of his own son.

Because Chabrera would be keeping an eye on his new apprentice, while he completes his current assignment. He would not have time to shop for the neighborhood families. His wife Challana went instead, accompanied by the Nautolan's wife, backed up by the Togruta husbands, and the two Palace Guards that came with them. Because the Togruta men were there, they were able to purchase in one trip, what would normally take Chabrera all day. With the Togruta carrying everything. Chabrera thought it would be good to take advantage of the situation, and set them back out to start stockpiling non-perishable items. Not just for his neighborhood, but for his whole clan. Then they helped stockpile items for the small Nautolan clan on Deysum III.

Shaak and her companions arrived while Dreamarra was helping the weavers set up her loom. Then they went with Dreamarra to purchase the food items for her people. Because they are so strong, they were purchasing in one trip what would have taken Dreamarra all day. So after that first trip, they also started purchasing non-perishable items to stockpile. During these shopping trips, Dreamarra and Shaak would talk about the dress design. Dreamarra assured Shaak, that the silk dyes well as a fabric. She could even dye the individual pieces after cutting them out of the raw silk, allowing her to use more than one colour. They talked about what stitch patterns would be best in which seams. How to give the dress design give, when the silk itself will not. Making the dress more comfortable for the wearer. Shaak did let Dreamarra know that the dress design was not originally for the Queen, but for someone else. She promised to tell her the story when they returned to her place.

Lindream was surprised to see all the people in her mother's home, when she dropped by after dinner like she promised. Dreamarra introduced her to all the people. She showed her the quality of the work the weavers are doing. The two weavers were working in shifts, so that they did not stop weaving until Dreamarra insisted that they stop for dinner. Then they went right back to weaving. On the way to the master bedroom, so Shaak could continue with the story telling. Dreamarra showed her daughter the bottle of kolto that Krillgan had sent them with the guests. If Krillgan trusts them, then they should as well. Dreamarra asked Shaak to tell Lindream about how Elegant You came to be. She did not mind listening again.

Lindream ended up calling her oldest daughter. Telling her that she would be staying at grandmother's for a few days. She wanted to hear everything Shaak shared with them about Andriel. Then after that they shared what they knew about Krillgan, Ludia, and the Phoenix. Dreamarra also shared with them, what they did on Deysum III, which they were aware of.

After that Lindream took the Togruta shopping each day, with Dreamarra coming along, only when she felt she needed the exercise.

The military complained to the Moff's Personal Secretary, about the multiple trips the people from Lianna were taking in their city. The Personal Secretary told them that they were just sightseeing, and their hosts were making sure, that they got to see the whole city.

The weavers were finished before the Nautolan was ready to challenge for the recognition as Master Cobbler. The Cobblers Guild was making sure that it would be a difficult challenge, because their reputation would be at stake. So they were preparing a three day practical exam. The military was surprised when the Guild approached them, and asked them if they could have the apprentice make some custom boots for a squad of their Imperial Troopers. So the senior officers all donned the uniform of the common Trooper, making up a special squad. Just so that they could each get a custom made pair of boots. At the end of the exam, the Cobblers Guild was proud to announce that they were adding a new name to their ranks as Master Cobbler. Dreamarra also ended up with a new pair of shoes. Ones that were comfortable to wear all day long, and would wear well. So she would not need a new pair, for quite a while.

It was a sad day on Deysum III, when the Lianna Royal Yacht, departed their planet for home.

The Fennelar Phoenix travelled down the Perlemian Trade route to Columex, that back along the Salin Corridor, to get to Vjun. Vjun is a barren planet, similar to Korriban. But was considered no more than an outpost by the Sith Empire. A planet that neither the Republic or the Sith considered worth fighting over. It was colonised by Sith refugees, looking for a place to hide. After the Republic defeated the first Sith Empire, founded by the Dark Jedi. When the Sith Empire returned under the Emperor, they sent a delegation to Drommund Kass, to declare themselves as part of the Sith Empire. They contributed nothing, and took nothing, so they were pretty much ignored by the Empire. The only ones disappointed in that proclamation, were the Mandalorians. As they considered Vjun to be within their space.

Krillgan was not expecting any interference from the local Sith garrison. As they have enough firepower on the Phoenix to invade the planet. The Voss assured them that the local garrison does not know about the Imperial Troopers in the Wannabe's tomb. So even if they call for help, the garrison will not respond right away. Instead, they will send a scout to investigate. They will just report that the Wannabe's tomb was destroyed by mercenaries. So if they return to their ship, nothing will be done. The plan was to walk all day, and into the night. Spend the night under the stars. Then attack the tomb, with Krillgan leading the way, being the focus of the Imperial Troopers. He was also responsible for dealing with the ghost, if he decided to join the fight.

Krillgan warned Rasha not to come with them. They had enough people, and she could injure her baby. He did not know how much dark force energy there will be in the tomb, and the actions of the ghost are unpredictable. Rasha promised not to partake in the fighting, she will hold back, with her backpack of explosives. She can still squeeze into the bounty hunter's armour. It was only tight in the hip region. Tamrack knew that he would have to readjust the bounty hunter's armour, once Rasha gave it back to him. Tamrack was looking forward to some action. So he did not have the heart to tell Rasha not to come. He just told her that he agreed with Krillgan. She needs to sit this one out. Like Krillgan he caved when Rasha said that she would not fight. She did not tell him that she was planning on watching.

Krillgan did enter the tomb, and challenged the Imperial Troopers to try and capture him. Half the Troopers did pickup their equipment, to try to capture him. Putting themselves smack in the line of fire, with the mercenaries quickly taking them out. The rest of the Troopers jumped for cover. As soon as the fighting started, the ghost in phantom form made straight for Rasha, who was standing at the entrance to the tomb, peeking in. Krillgan does not know whether the ghost saw Rasha, or sensed the baby. Because he materialised in front of Rasha, and blasted her in the abdomen with dark force energy. Krillgan sensed where the ghost was going, and jumped to the entrance of the tomb. But was too late to prevent the ghost from killing Rasha's baby. Krillgan was in time to chop off his head with his sword. Preventing Rasha from taking a full blast of dark force energy to the stomach. Krillgan was so mad at what the Sith had done, that he put away the sword, and pulled out his two daggers. He used the force to enhance his speed, and in no time, slit the throat of every Imperial Trooper that was still fighting. Tamrack had never seen Krillgan move so fast. Krillgan returned to Rasha. He told her to drop the backpack, and run for the Phoenix. She lost her baby, and should start cramping up. He told her that he would follow her, and strengthen her. He then threw the physical body of the ghost into the tomb. He handed Tamrack the explosives. He told him that it was okay to put the decapitated body near some explosives. He doesn't want it pulverised, he wants it to remain in big chunks. To the ghost, it will be more painful. Then he grabbed the head by the hair, and ran after Rasha. Picking her up, when he approached her, to carry her to the Phoenix.

Krillgan threw the head down on the ground near the base of the ramp. Ignoring the cry of pain as it hit a large rock were it landed. He told Rudy to guard the head but not bite it. It will make him sick. He took Rasha to Dranna and Wa'lu to undress her. He told them that there was more room in the crew's washroom. For both of them to help her. He told them that she lost the baby, and now her body will want to purge it out of her. He told Dranna not to let the dead baby enter the waste management system. They need to have a small funeral pyre. He will come back and pick the dead baby up, using the force. Then setting it on the funeral pyre. He gave Dranna some leaves to make a tea for Rasha. So that she could sleep, after she was finished. He then went and started taking his starfighter out of the Phoenix.

Rudy saw that two canines were attracted to the head lying on the ground. He growled at them, warning them away. To make sure they did not come back. He urinated on it, getting most of it on the face, which the ghost did not like. But now it was marked as Rudy's territory.

Krillgan was not pleased that the head was now wet. But did not scold Rudy, because he did what he thought was right. He had to find something to put in the back seat of his starfighter. So it would not be soiled by the wet head. After taking off, the head asked Krillgan, where he was taking it? Krillgan told the head that he just hurt a very close friend of his, so he was taking it to where it will suffer for a long time. The head assured him that he will not suffer. The Emperor will rescue him, then he will complete his training, so he can really be a Sith Lord. Krillgan told him that he was a fool many times over. He was a fool for wanting to be a Sith. He was a bigger fool for believing another Sith, especially, the Emperor. He will have a lot of time to think about it, where he is going. At least he won't have to worry about tears when he is crying, because he is dead. The head told him that he thought Jedi did not resort to revenge, or hate. Krillgan just told him that he is not Jedi.

Krillgan flew to a planet in the system where there is a lot of Tectonic activity, and no oxygen. He hovered near a river of lava, hoping that it will flow for a few more hundred years. He left the head on a ledge, where it would not easily roll off, because of tremors. But was exposed to stifling heat. So he would cook, but not burn.

When Krillgan returned to the Phoenix, he did not load the starfighter back in the Cargo Bay. He was not planning on returning with them. He considered it his fault, for letting Rasha come so close to the tomb. He was indulging her, because she is a good friend, and he loves her. If he was a better friend, he would have kept her away. Even restraining her. So he would not feel comfortable flying with them.

Dranna took Krillgan to the toilet in the crew's washroom, which she disabled, so he could retrieve the body of the little baby. She did not know what babies that small are supposed to look like, since it was small enough to fit in the palm of her hand. She knew now that her Captain is a force user, as she watched him carry the little thing, and place it on the pile they prepared for it. Such a large pile for such a small body. Dranna told Krillgan that Rasha said that she wants to be woken up, when he lights it. She wants to say goodbye. Then Dranna went back into the ship to reactivate the toilet, and set it through a sanitization cycle.

Krillgan reached out with the force, to see how far away Tamrack and the mercenaries are. Wondering if he should light it now, or wait for them to return. Dranna returned, Wu'la and Ya'rrun were with her. He asked them, if they should wait, or light it now? They asked him, how far away are they? Krillgan told them he wasn't sure. He just knows where they are right now. He thinks they are two to five hours away, depending on how hard they want to push themselves. Wu'la asked, if he thought they would push themselves harder, if they have a fire showing where they are? Krillgan asked, if she was suggesting using another pile of combustibles? Wu'la told him that Ya'rrun found a pile of wreaked packing crates, by the side of the spaceport. There was plenty of material, to build another fire. So Krillgan told them to do it. After the fire was going, Krillgan sensed an Imperial Trooper ride up to the spaceport on a speed bike. He watched them for a few minutes, keeping out of the light. Then he raced back to the approaching mercenaries, to continue to watch them.

While the second pile of combustibles started to go out, Krillgan thought it was time to light the funeral pyre. He guessed that the mercenaries are ten to fifteen minutes away. He sent Wu'la to wake Rasha. Wu'la asked that he come with her. He reluctantly agreed. When Rasha saw him, she told him that she was sorry. Krillgan told her that he was sorry as well. Rasha took his hand, and Krillgan felt the flow of kolto, but it wasn't very long.

Krillgan suggested that Rasha light the funeral pyre. Using one of the pieces still burning from the first fire. When it started going, Krillgan told Rasha that her daughter saved her. Rasha wanted to know, how she saved her, and how did he know it was a daughter? Krillgan told her before that he could not tell the sex of the baby. Krillgan told her that Timrune is showing signs of becoming a beastmaster, just like his father. Her baby absorbed all the dark force energy the Sith forced into her. Just like she can absorb force energy when he touches her. That is why he believes that the baby was a daughter. Rasha started bawling, then she collapsed. Krillgan just barely had enough time to grab her using the force. He told Ya'rrun to grab her, then ran off towards the mercenaries. Krillgan told Tamrack to grab his hand and run with him. Krillgan tried what he did with Tamrack on Deysum III, making him light. By pulling him with his hand, it gave the illusion that he was empowering him, like he does with Rasha. All Tamrack has to do, is keep his feet underneath him. So he had an awkward gait, as Krillgan pulled him along. The mercenaries assumed that this was because Tamrack was not yet used to working with a force user.

Ya'rrun handed Rasha off to Tamrack. She was saying over and over again, that she is sorry. She didn't listen to them, and it cost them the life of their daughter. Tamrack looked at Krillgan, seeking an explanation. Krillgan told him what he told Rasha. Tamrack started crying in Rasha's hair. They had both admitted that they wanted a little girl. Now they know they had her, and now she is dead. Timrune came to the top of the ramp, rubbing his eyes, having just woken up. Wu'la went up and picked him up. Timrune asked her, why his parents are crying? Wu'la looked at Krillgan. Timrune had been told that Rasha has a baby growing in her tummy. Krillgan told Timrune, that a very bad man, killed the baby that was growing in mommy's tummy. That is why they are crying. Timrune put his head down on Wu'la shoulder, and started crying. He was told that when the baby was old enough, he would be able to play with the baby. He really wanted someone close to his age to play with on the ship. Tamrack wanted to comfort his son, and let go of Rasha, so that he could take Timrune from Wu'la. Rasha was not yet strong enough to stand on her own. So when Tamrack let go of her she started to collapse again. She also did not think she could comfort Timrune, since she was feeling so guilty, about causing her daughter's death. Krillgan and Ya'rrun had to grab Rasha again. Tamrack took Timrune from Wu'la, and went back to Rasha. Timrune stroke his Mother's cheek, and told her not to cry. Uncle Krillgan said that a bad man killed the baby. Rasha blurted out that if she had not been there, than the bad man could not have hurt the baby. Uncle Krillgan tried telling her. Papa tried telling her. But she would not listen, so because of her, the baby is dead. Timrune did not know what to say to his mother. He thought of the times he was bad, and mamma was nice to him. He told his mother that he was sorry too, but he still loves her, and kissed her on the cheek. Tamrack followed his son's lead, and kissed her on the cheek, telling her that he is sorry too, but he still loves her. He hugged his son and wife, and let the tears flow. Rasha thanked her two good men, but continued crying because it hurt so much inside. Timrune just hugged his father around the neck, being all sad inside. Wu'la and Ya'rrun, because they are Nautolan, keenly felt this family's pain. So they put their hands around them and cried with them. Dranna just watched what was going on. Also keeping an eye on Krillgan, because this was hurting him too, even though he tried not to show it.

Krillgan asked Dranna, if there was enough in the ship's account to cover the mercenaries' contract. He told them how much he hired them for, and how much he paid them as a deposit. Dranna said they can cover it. Krillgan told her that the next time he was close to a banking kiosk, he will transfer the credits to the ship's account. He suggested that after they drop the mercenaries of, they head over to Kindell's World. There are people there who are close enough to Rasha, to help her heal inside. Tamrack is close enough to many of them, that they will help him as well. Timrune will feel better, with children around him close to his age. Let them know, that if they want to spend time on Manaan as a family. They should do it, the ship's owners have no problem with that. Krillgan then started heading to his starfighter. Dranna asked him, if he was running away? Krillgan stopped, looked at the ground. He turned his head slightly towards her, and said "yes". Then he continued on to his starfighter.

The mercenaries showed up just after Krillgan took off. They asked Dranna, how much longer they need to wait, for Krillgan to come back? Dranna told them that she does not know when they will see Krillgan again. She told them not to worry, they know how much to pay them. One of the mercenaries told her that they were hoping for the same bonus, that Krillgan has given other mercenaries. Apparently Krillgan knows how to get a hold of medi-packs. Dranna told them that Krillgan never mentioned anything about a bonus. Maybe he is having trouble getting a hold of them as well. They just shrugged their shoulders, and boarded the Phoenix. Their way of letting the crew know that they were ready to leave.

Tamrack suggested to Rasha, that she go to her cabin with Timrune. He will pilot the ship. When he has a chance, he will come to her cabin. It will be a tight fit. But he believes that they should rest as a family. Rasha told him that she would like that. Rasha told Timrune that after they take off, she will get out some paper, and Richard's colouring sticks, then they can colour together. Timrune said he would like that. He took her hand and walked back to the Captain's cabin together.

Tamrack had Ya'rrun sit in the Captain's chair. With Wu'la strapped in beside him. He told them that this will be like standing watch. If they see any red lights, they need to tell them. Tamrack was not as smooth in his takeoff, as Krillgan and Rasha. It was a little shaky, but at least no bodies went flying around. After leaving the atmosphere, he had Wu'la take the pilot's seat. He told them he would be resting in the Captain's cabin. It was okay to have the computer wake them up, as they approached the jump-off point, to enter hyperspace.

Krillgan did not go very far. He flew to Mandun, which according to the hyperspace map, was in the middle of nowhere. It is a savannah world, which looked like it was in the middle of a drought. He found a small settlement, next to what looks like a safe place to land a ship. There were freighters already parked in the area. So it was probably a watering hole for smugglers. Near where the ships were parked was a cantina, which also served as a general store. Krillgan kept some emergency money in his starfighter. It looks like he will need it, since he could not see a banking kiosk anywhere. Another sign that this is a frontier world. Krillgan went to the cantina and found a place to sit down. He did not know what he wanted to do. He just knew that he did not want to put another friend into harm's way. A waitress came up to him with a menu. He did not look at it, instead he asked her, what she recommended? She asked him, how hungry was he? He told her that he did not know. He just knew that he did not want something that would burn a hole in his gut. Nor did he want to eat something that would cause him to run outside and upchuck what he just ate. She recommended that he order a smuggler's special, and a bottle of ale. Krillgan agreed to try it. She went to the order window, and yelled out, "Another plate of burger and fries. Heavy on the red sauce."

While Krillgan waited for his food, another couple of freighters landed. For an out of the way watering hole. It seems quite busy. The first crew that entered the cantina was a human and Devaronian. The Devaronian issued a challenge as soon as he entered. Daring anyone who felt up to it, to a drinking contest. Krillgan called out, that he thought everyone knew that only a fool would challenge a man with two livers. The Devaronian seemed put out that someone would point out his advantage. Krillgan waved him over to his table. He told them that the first round was on him, after that, they were on their own. When the next crew came in, Krillgan noticed that the man he thought was the owner of this establishment, went into a room with communication equipment. Then after being there long enough to pass on a message, he came out.

Krillgan introduced himself to his two guests, only giving his first name. The Devaronian told him that he remembered hearing that name recently, but could not place it. They both introduced themselves. When the waitress came over, they both asked for the smuggler's special, and told her that their purple friend was paying for it. Krillgan laughed, but agreed. They asked Krillgan which ship he came on? None of the freighters parked outside, took a solo crew. Krillgan told them that he did not come there on a freighter. He pointed out the only starfighter, telling them that it is his ship. The human whistled. He said that from what he saw, it looked like an interesting gunship. It also has more room than a Plug-6. He bets that Krillgan could smuggle all sorts of stuff in it. Krillgan told them that he has not smuggled anything in it, yet. Anytime he has needed to move stuff, he has always been on a larger ship. The freighter crew challenged him to name this ship he was on, that was a successful smuggler. Krillgan told them that he worked on the pirate killer. The crew of the freighter smiled knowingly. That is what they would say, when trying to impress a young lady. Krillgan told them he really was. He asked them, if they had heard of Clan Ale, and Singing Mountain Fruit Wine? "You mean the rich man's drink?" Krillgan told them that that is the one. His Captain knew a source, where he could get the same quality of product, but in casks, not bottles. He would regularly pick up the product, and fly it to a Sith controlled world, but where they still have Royals. The Captain would give the right code, asking to land on the planet's surface. They landed in an area controlled by the Royal's. So when they touched down there was not a customs official in sight. The Royal's got the casks they wanted, and the Captain was handsomely paid. The Captain was not a hoarder. He shared the profits with everyone. Which is how he could afford his starfighter. There is not another one like it in the galaxy. They asked him, how he ended up on that planet? Did someone feed him the wrong coordinates? He told them that he has a droid that inputs the correct figures into his hyperspace drive control module. Both crew members scoffed, they never heard of such a thing. He told them that it is true. A friend with the right connections made it for him. It cost a lot of credits, but it is worth it. Considering almost any passing ship knocks him out of hyperspace. The Devaronian said, that if he came to this place on purpose, then he must be running away from someone. Probably a female. The human smiled, and agreed with his crewmate. Krillgan thought about Ludia. He wondered, if he was running away from her? He was definitely running away from Rasha. He was also running away from a baby girl, because he did not do what he should have, to save her life. He looked down, and told them that he was running from more than one. The Devaronian told his buddy he knew it. They stopped talking about it, when they saw the look of sadness on Krillgan's face.

They were quite, when their waitress brought their food orders over. She wondered if something is wrong, she saw them laughing not that long ago. After she left, the Devaronian asked Krillgan about his droid? He figured it was a safe subject. Krillgan told them how it must extend special sensors towards the top of the canopy, so it can confirm which system they are in, by the positions of the stars. Right now it only does astrometric calculations, but it has a lot of memory capacity. So there is potential for it to do a lot more. It also has the capacity to map new systems, if he decides to go right off the map, and act like a scout ship. There is supposed to be good money in finding, and mapping, new hyperspace routes through space. If he finds them, the droid can map them.

After dinner, the human ordered a round of ale so that they could keep talking. It was too early to retire back to their ships. Krillgan told the Devaronian, that he is lucky that he did not accept his challenge. He also has two livers. He let them touch the Devaronian fur on his arm. He told them that he also knows a few things about healing. So while his livers will become more and more toxic with each drink. Krillgan can reduce the level of toxins in his liver, between each glass. The Devaronian was all for challenging Krillgan. Krillgan told him that it would not be a fair contest. It would be the same as his human buddy challenging him. Everyone knows what that outcome would be, before they even had one glass. Besides as a healer, he always need to keep alert. He never knows when someone is going to need him.

The Devaronian looked at Krillgan, and thought about what he said. Then he told Krillgan that now he knows where he heard his name. His grandmother told him to be careful out there. There is a new Devaronian Krillgan recognised by Devaron. Only he is of mixed species. Unlike the Krillgans of old, this one also is a healer.

"Grandmother told me to never cross you, because Krillgans have the reputation of hunting down and killing someone who has wronged them, or someone they care about. Grandmother said that if I ever meet you, I am to do whatever you tell me."

Krillgan smiled, he told the Devaronian that it sounds like he has a wonderful grandmother. This made the Devaronian smile.

Just then a number of Troop Transports land in the parking area for ships. A rag tag collection of armed men, scramble out of the ships, and set up defensive positions in front of the cantina. One of them yells out and tells everyone in the cantina to come out with their hands up. "The Sith Empire pays money for new recruits, and you are being recruited."

Everyone in the cantina got down, and crouched on the floor, in case someone starts shooting. One of the waitresses said that the slavers are back. They are pirate/slavers that have raided settlements on other planets in the area. This is the third time that they have come to the cantina. Somehow they know when the cantina is full. Apparently, the Sith pays them more for new recruits, than they can get on Rorak 4 for slaves. They are even more valuable if they are spacers. For some reason, they never take anyone that works in the cantina.

The Devaronian looks at Krillgan, and tells him to do something, he is the Krillgan. Then he calls over to the other freighter crews and tells them to come over. Their new friend will get them out of this. They just need to do whatever he tells them. The cantina owner starts crawling towards them, like the freighter crews. Krillgan tells the human, not him. So the human pulls out his pistol, and points it at the owner, telling him to get back. The owner starts backing up. He pleads with them to give themselves up. Windows are expensive to replace, and divots in the walls, caused by blaster bolt fire, are expensive to repair. Besides, he, or one of his people can be accidently killed, once the shooting starts.

Krillgan asked the waitress if there is back way out? She just shook her head no. Krillgan was wearing leather pants and jacket. Neither of which have any padding. His shirt is just a plain shirt. His armour and sword are in his starfighter. Because he intimidates people when he wears them. His only weapons, on his person, is his shielded heavy blaster pistol, and the two Dathomirite daggers in his boots. First he needs to see if he has any other weapons. He starts touching all the people around him using the force. Only the male Balosar responded, and asked Krillgan what he just did, when he looked at him? He felt kind of funny. So Krillgan told his new friend, that he was going to be an important part of the strategy, to get out of this place.

Krillgan used his dagger, to scratch into the ferro-concrete floor, the layout of the buildings around the cantina, as well as anything that could be used to provide cover, including the barriers the slavers are hiding behind. He asked for three volunteers, who think that they are fast. The human, and two others volunteered. Krillgan told them that he was going to jump through the only window at the front of the cantina. He will position himself behind the one pillar holding up the roof over the veranda, and draw the slavers fire. He told the Balosar to exit out the door, and get around to the side of the cantina. From there he is to jump to the cantina's roof, and be their sniper. The Balosar told Krillgan that he cannot do that. Krillgan asked him, if he remembered how strong he felt, when he touched him with the force? The Balosar nodded his head. Krillgan told him that his touching him with the force, will give him the strength he needs to jump to the roof. It will also enable him to be more accurate with his shooting, so he needs to select his targets, by what he considers the biggest threat to them, and eliminate them one at a time. Krillgan will use the force to convince the slavers to focus on him, so he needs all their help. He instructed the volunteers to exit the door, after the Balosar. But not all at once. The slavers will think they are running away. But because they are between them and their ship, they will have to come back. Or die of exposure, or starvation, or be eaten by whatever is out there. He showed them how he wants them to use the buildings to get around to the side. When the three are ready, they should have an unobstructed view of the slavers, and should start shooting. The rest of them just need to squat along the bottom of the window, and fire at the slavers, so they keep their heads down. He does not want the slavers thinking that they cannot be shot. One of the smugglers asked him, where his lightsaber is? He thought all Jedi have them. Krillgan told them that he is not a Jedi, and he left his force sword aboard his ship. Because some people are skittish when he wears it. The Devaronian told them that he is Krillgan. Which means he is better than a Jedi. Most smugglers were not yet convinced.

When Krillgan saw everyone was in place, he hit the glass of the window with a force push, so all the glass would land outside, and no one would accidently be cut. At the same time he leaped into the air, to pass through the window. From the outside it would look like he jumped through the glass. He felt the Balosar jump through the doorway and run around the building. Krillgan waited until he was at the side of the building before touching him with the force. Because he does not yet know how to use it, or control it. The pillar that Krillgan was standing behind was made out of ferro-concrete, with some local material plastered on top. The plaster was flying off the pillar, as Krillgan made himself appear bigger, to focus the slavers attention on him. He only reflected the occasional shot back, to make it look like he was returning fire. The slavers had not clued in, that he had actually not fired a shot. It helped a lot when the smugglers at the window started returning fire. Then their numbers started dwindling when the Balosar started taking them out, one at a time.

Right in the middle of the firefight, a Jedi Defender lands on the other side of the Troop Transports. Two Jedi come running out of their ship, and run up to the slavers, asking them what is going on. The slavers tell them that they have trapped the pirates that have attacked the settlements, in the cantina. Only now they are starting to take casualties. The two Jedi jump over the slaver's barrier, and draw their lightsabers, to start reflecting the blaster bolts back at the Smugglers. This forces Krillgan to jump in front of the window to protect the smugglers with his shielded blaster pistol and a dagger. This surprises the Jedi enough, that he is able to hit them both with force push. Sending them flying out of the line of fire. Then Krillgan tried something he had never tried before. He used dark force energy to create the defense for the fire element, which is wind. He was able to envelope the Jedi in a whirlwind. They were trapped in the whirlwind, unless they tried going through the dark force energy barrier. They were also very confused. Except for the force push, they were not being attacked directly. They decided to conserve their energy, and wait. The unknown force user will eventually weaken, and the whirlwind will dissipate. Then they will take out their opponent.

One of the slavers had returned from his transport, with a shoulder mounted rocket launcher. His plan was to take out the pillar that the one smuggler was hiding behind. But now that he is in the open, he fired the rocket right at him. The Balosar spotted him, and shot him, at the same time the slaver fired the rocket. Krillgan had to let go of the Balosar to deal with the rocket. It was not quite the same as throwing back something, someone just threw at you, using the Force. Because of the propulsion in the rocket. First he directed it up, then he turned it and brought it down, so it landed on top of the slaver's barrier, closest to the Jedi. He wanted to destroy the barrier, making it easier for the smugglers at the window to take them out. The bonus was, that he killed the slavers closest to the center of the blast. The rest behind that barrier were blown off their feet. When they stood up, the smugglers nailed them. Then the three smugglers Krillgan sent to flank them started firing. They decimated the remaining slavers, and soon it was all over.

Krillgan stopped the whirlwind, and boy was he angry with the two Jedi. He asked them how stupid they were for walking up to slavers, and believing what they said. He thought that Jedi were trained better than that. They will also need to explain to the Jedi Council, why they attacked the Devaronian Krillgan.

The Jedi claimed that they had never heard of the Devaronian Krillgan, they also said, that the people they killed, said that they were the pirates that had been raiding the settlements.

Krillgan told them that it still did not explain why they believed them. If they could not tell they are lying, then the next course of action was to come between the two warring factions, and force both of them to lay down their arms. Not to attack the one side. The two Jedi were clearly embarrassed. They sheepishly told Krillgan that they have been chasing this group for a long time. When they landed in the middle of the firefight, they were all pumped up for action. They thought that the locals trapped the pirates in the cantina.

"With the locals having blaster rifles, and the pirates that have been terrorising this sector of space, only having blaster pistols. Then next thing you will tell me is that you believed that the pirates stopped by for a cup of tea."

The two Jedi looked down at the ground. Then one of them looked up, and activated his lightsaber.

"You attacked us with dark force energy. Only the Sith do that. That means everything you said is a lie."

The Devaronian could not believe what was happening. "You idiots! He told you that he is the Devaronian Krillgan. That means that he uses both the light side, and the dark side of the force. This Krillgan is also a healer. Do you know any Sith that are also healers?"

"Like we said, we do not know anything about a Devaronian Krillgan!"

Krillgan asked them, if they receive any communiqué from the Jedi Council? The one Jedi snorted, that of course they do. Only they don't read them, because none of them apply to them, because they have been on a mission. They were going to go over them, after they had captured the pirates. Krillgan told them that they need to go read them know, because they have a lot to do. They have a cantina owner that can communicate with the slavers. So they must have a base in this system. But it would not be their main base. Their main base is where all the people captured would be taken, until they were able to sell them to the Sith.

The Jedi asked him how he knew that the slaves were being sold to the Sith? The smugglers replied, that the slavers told them that they had just been recruited for the Sith Military. Then the told them to do as the Krillgan says, or they will all be sending grievances to the Jedi Council.

Krillgan had started moving towards the cantina, because he sensed the owner moving towards the communications room. When the Balosar male saw him turn, he yelled out, "How do I get down from here?" Krillgan told him to jump. So he did. Krillgan caught him with the force and brought him down safely. He also grabbed the cantina owner using the force, just after he unlocked and opened the door to his communications room. Krillgan held him immobilised, until he could put a hand on him and pull him away from the door. He asked the waitresses, if they had anything to bind him with? One of them went into a storeroom and returned with some strands of rope, which Krillgan used to tie up the owner. Krillgan asked them if they knew anything about the communications room. They told him that none of them were allowed in it. They all assumed that he used it for ordering their supplies. As he has the only way to communicate off planet.

All the smugglers came into the cantina, and asked Krillgan if he still needed them? He told them that he thinks he can handle the Jedi. He thanked them for their help, and told them they were free to go. They all wanted to shake his hand, and thank him for saving them from the slavers. The Devaronian told Krillgan that he will be happy to tell his grandmother that he met the Devaronian Krillgan, and he wasn't arrested. He did everything that she told him to do, so he was allowed to walk away. That brought a laugh from the other smugglers and some waitresses. Another crew told him that this was their second time to work with him. But the first time to see him face to face. They just said that they were on Kashyyyk, and smiled.

After they all left, Krillgan asked if they sell tea. The Jedi are taking an awful long time. He was thinking, for their sake, he should drink something weaker than ale. A waitress brought him a cup, and told him that it was on the house. Then she asked him, what was going to happen to the owner? Krillgan told her that he will turn him over to the Jedi to deal with. What happens to him will be up to them. But he doubts that he will be coming back. He believes that they should have shared ownership of the cantina, and the store. He also suggested that they cut a back door into the cantina. At the least, it will bring down the temperature in the kitchen.

Finally, the two Jedi walked into the cantina. They told him that they read what the Jedi Council instructed them, concerning him. They were ready to help him, anyway they can. Krillgan handed the owner over to them, and told them to lock him up. If not he will execute him, as he has authority to do. Since he endangered the lives, of members of the Devaronian community. Then he needs there help going over everything in the communications room. The last communication he made was to the slavers. They had to be in the system, since they responded so quickly. He suggested that all of the bodies need to be examined, in case they have clues on them, indicated their bases of operation. Then the bodies need to be disposed of, before they start attracting scavengers. Which could endanger the lives of the people living in this small settlement. It was only after that, that they can start examining the slavers' troop transports.

When they searched the communications room, they found that it was also the owner's bedroom. They found the codes and frequencies that the owner used, to communicate with different bases. But nothing indicating where they are. It was when they examined the one troop transport, they discovered where the base was in that system. It was hidden in the asteroid belt.

By this time Krillgan was tired. He was not interested in sleeping in his starfighter. So he decided to sleep in the communications room. At least the owner kept his bed clean. Krillgan was awaken by a communication coming in from the main base. 'Because they could not reach anyone in their base in the Mandun System. They assume that they are on their way to the Phindar System. As soon as they signal that they have arrived, they will be contacting the Sith, to arrange a rendezvous. Once they have turned over all the recruits, and are paid by the Sith, they will send him his share of the credits.'

Krillgan thought it was best to go wake the Jedi. They know which system the main base is in. They just do not have the planetary coordinates for the planet they are on. Because Krillgan did not know the code to enter the Defender. Krillgan decided to use the force to rock the ship. He strengthened himself, and started pushing, then letting go, until someone dropped the access ramp. The groggy Jedi wanted to know, how did he do that? He told them that it was not important. He told them that a message came in that they need to hear.

After they listened to the message, they all agreed that they need to go to the base in the asteroid field. There is only one planet in the Phindar System with a breathable atmosphere. It is a jungle world. Without the planetary coordinates, they could be right over it, and not see it. Hopefully they will find the planetary coordinates in the asteroid base.

Krillgan but on his armour, and started loading his starfighter on the one troop transport. The Jedi wanted to know, what was he doing? Krillgan told them that they need the troop transports to enter the slavers' base. His armour is also a spacesuit. He was also not expecting to come back to Mundan, so he would need his starfighter in order to leave, after assaulting the main base in the Phindar System. It was decided that the one Jedi would fly the other troop transport. The Defender would have to dock with it, before they enter the asteroid field. Because they doubted that it would be allowed to enter the base.

When they transmitted the right codes, the base lit up. It was actually carved into the asteroid. They never would have found it on their own. Then the hanger doors opened, and the tractor beams pulled them both in. It was a simple base. No place to keep anyone they captured. When examining the base's computer, they found planetary coordinates for bases on a number of planets. Only there was no mention of the systems they were in. They were hoping that one of the sets of coordinates was for the main base. Krillgan told them that if the coordinates are correct, and they still cannot see the base, he will be able to confirm whether there are people there or not. They asked him, how he knew that? He told them that because he is a healer, he can feel people's life energy through the Force. It seems that non healers can only do it if they practise. The area that they can feel, is also restricted.

The Jedi agreed that they would have to come back to examine this base, when they have more time. To see if they can learn anything else. Krillgan asked them if they can expect more help, in assaulting the base. Since they did not know what they were up against. The Jedi said that it will only be the three of them, as there is no one else in this sector of space, to help them.

When they entered the Phindar System, the communications system on both troop transport went active, and transmitted a code, then shut down. The slavers now know that their ships have arrived in the system. They received a short communication, asking how many? Krillgan quickly added up the number of smugglers that were in the cantina with him, when the slavers transport landed, and responded with that number, only. No further attempts were made in trying to communicate. No point now in proceeding to the planet slowly. They need to check as many planetary coordinates as possible, before the slavers realize that the people piloting the troop transports do not know where they are.

When they approached the first set of coordinates. Their communications system must have been activated by another beacon on the planet, and became active again, transmitting another code. The Jedi flying the Defender kept his ship as close as possible to the troop transports, so as to not trigger any defensive platforms. Both Krillgan and the Jedi piloting the other troop transport noticed the swath of trees having been cut back, and the gaping mouth of a hanger open at the end of the swath. This hanger was much larger than the one built into the asteroid in the Mandun System. It looked big enough that an entire invasion fleet could fly into it. When they entered the hanger, they saw other troop transports, different types of freighters, gunships, and starfighters, all parked where the pilot felt he had enough room. Someone contacted them, asking them how many freighters were left on Mandun. Krillgan gave them a number. They saw some people leave the back of the hanger, and walk towards a troop transport. Krillgan decided that that was where he was going to land. Forcing the people to stop before crossing the open space. Both Jedi also sought open spaces nearby, where they could put down their ships.

When Krillgan exited the troop transport, the Slavers saw that he wasn't dressed for a social visit, and drew their blaster pistols, and fired. Krillgan easily took them all out, using his sword to reflect the blaster bolts right back at them. This caused alarms to go off inside the hanger. Krillgan did not see any defensive, anti-personnel turrets, and ran for the door at the back of the hanger. It was closed, but not locked. So Krillgan just used his force enhanced strength to pry the two doors apart. Apparently, only the power was shut off to the automatic doors when the alarms sounded. The two Jedi caught up to him, by the time he pried the doors open. Krillgan told them where he sensed the greatest concentration of life energy. There were two places. He assumed that the smaller group was the control center. The larger group could be the pilots lounge or locker room. The two Jedi decided on the locker room.

Krillgan ran for the control room. With his sword on his back, and his heavy blaster pistol in his hand. When he entered, someone was talking with someone else. He was the first person Krillgan shot. The other slavers stopped what they were doing, and drew their pistols to return fire. Krillgan shot two more before they could fire. He killed the last two, by reflecting their blaster bolt discharges back at them. He then ran over, and started scanning the different control panels, to see what they controlled. After flipping a few switches, and resetting some buttons. The alarms shut off, and it looked like the power was restored to basic automatic systems. From the control room, Krillgan could see that the main base was separate from the hanger. The hanger was built on a hill to take advantage of the terrain. To minimize the amount of jungle they would have to cut back every day. The main base was built in a valley, on the jungle floor. With a wide path leading from the hanger to the main base. The path had the same type of forcefield fencing, which was used on Devaron, to surround the kidnapper's compound. Used to keep the jungle at bay. Krillgan knew that the Jedi would be coming to the control room, as theirs were the only life force he detected in the hanger.

When the Jedi showed up, Krillgan pointed out the only route that the slavers used to access the main base. He reminded them that they are waiting for them. They probably suspect that it is a Jedi attack, so will be armed with disrupters. He asked, if they have any defence against disruptors? They told him, that they were only taught, not to get close. As they have limited range. Krillgan suggested, that it might be wise not to use the front door. As they would be hemmed in, and become exposed to disruptors. The Jedi told him, that it does not look like there is another way in. Krillgan told them that they will have to cut their own way in. He knows his sword can do it. They asked him how they were going to get where they need to go. Krillgan told them that they need to jump up into the jungle canopy, and go from tree to tree. He believes that they could take a shortcut, running on the roof of the main base. But there is the danger that they might somehow detect that they are up there. So the element of surprise would be way down. If they can stick to the trees, until they are around. They have a better chance of catching them by surprise. Krillgan did say that it would be better if one of them stayed to guard the path. Once the slavers realise that they are in the building. They might decide to try and escape by getting to the ships.

One of the Jedi volunteered to stay behind, and smiled at his companion. He felt that staying in the comfort of the control room, gave him a better view of the path through the jungle, than he would have, if he just stood in the path. Krillgan and the other Jedi left the hanger. They were now standing on the path. Krillgan told him that they just need to jump up to the low hanging branches, and they can proceed from there. Krillgan went first, and landed on top of the one branch. To the Jedi, it looked easy. He went next, and ended up grabbing the branch with his two arms. It looked like he did not jump strong enough. He then had to figure out how to get on top of the branch, and just lay there. Not sure if he wanted to stand up. Krillgan had to refrain himself from laughing. He looked like a child, just becoming aware of his force abilities. Triggering fond memories of Ludia and Diennu, as they first struggled to get up into their first tree. The one consolation the Jedi had, was that they were not yet in an area that was visible from the control room.

Krillgan decided to give this Jedi some advice, on travelling through the tree tops. He told the Jedi, that he should always assume that what looks like vines lying on top of a branch, are serpents. He should not step on them, as they will get angry and attack. He told the Jedi, that the fat ones, "like this one", he then tapped the side of what looked like a fat vine, and it slithered away. They are usually constrictors, and will wrap their body around you. If you hold your arms in front of you, protecting your ribcage. While reinforcing your body with force strength. The serpent will probably assume that it wrapped itself around a portion of the tree, and relax and move on. If he steps on a long skinny serpent, he should assume it is poisonous. If he is quick and accurate, he should catch it just behind its head, so it doesn't bite him. Then he should toss it onto a branch on the next tree. Krillgan told the Jedi that poisonous serpents like to bite a fleshy part of the body. A hand, the chin or nose, the big muscle he likes to sit on. They will also try to bite above the ankle. Krillgan told him that he is completely protected in his armour, so a serpent will not try to bite him. As if to make his point, Krillgan took his sword in his hand, but did not activate the blade. Instead he tapped what the Jedi thought was a handy vine, with a loop hanging down from the branch above the Krillgan's head. Just at the right height for a person like him to hang onto, to help keep himself steady on his feet. Except when the Krillgan tapped it, it suddenly disappeared. The Jedi asked him, how he knew it was a serpent? Krillgan told him that he could feel its life energy with the Force. He told the Jedi that reptiles are usually not as strong as mammals. But he was close enough that he should have felt it. He needs to reach out with the Force, and feel the life all around him. At first it will be hard to determine what creature is associated with the life energy he feels, but with experience, he will recognize the different creatures. Krillgan also thought that he had hugged the branch long enough. So he reached out with his hand, to help him get to his feet.

The Jedi in the control room watched the two men going through the jungle canopy. The Krillgan moves like he was born in the trees. His friend is very careful about where he places every step. When he has to jump from branch to branch, he carefully judges the distance in his mind. He often forces the Krillgan to wait. When he looks like he is about to lose his balance, the Krillgan must have reached out and grabbed him, to steady him on the branch. He was glad that he was in the control room. He hopes that they do not set up obstacle courses at the temple, to mimic this environment, and force all the Jedi to master it.

Krillgan was glad that the Jedi started getting the hang of it, and was picking up the pace. When they made it to the back of the base. Krillgan quickly descended by jumping down from branch to branch, until he was standing on the jungle floor. He waited until the Jedi landed beside him before drawing his sword. Krillgan told the Jedi not to cut straight into the wall. He should cut it at an angle, so that the hole on the outside of the building is larger than on the inside. The Jedi asked him why? Krillgan reminded him that there are lots of predators in the jungle. If they do not place the piece they cut out, back in the wall, then the predators will follow them into the base, and attack people indiscriminately. If the sides of the opening are beveled, the predators will push on it, and it will not budge. The Jedi told Krillgan that there cannot be many predators around, because they have not encountered any. Krillgan told him that they have not encountered any, because he has been using the Force to frighten them away. He then instructed the Jedi to reach out and touch the life in the jungle. The Jedi was shocked to feel the strong life energy of some creatures nearby. He told the Krillgan that he thought he frightened them away. Krillgan told the Jedi that there are two ways to frighten the predators. If he used the dark side of the Force, which is the easier way to do it, he will fill them with dread, and they will run away. If he uses the light side of the Force, it is more like a caution or warning. He has let them know that a powerful creature is nearby. Unfortunately, the predators in this jungle, are very curious, so they are watching to see if they are as powerful as the warning. The predators already know that we do not fear them, because we have knowingly trespassed on their territory. The Jedi asked the Krillgan, how they demonstrate how powerful they are? Krillgan told him that they are already doing it. The predators equate their sword and lightsaber as being their claw. They are cutting with their claw what the predator cannot. So they know that the claw can easily cut them. Something they will not risk testing.

Krillgan was able to cut the one side, the top, and the bottom of the doorway. He cut the bottom at the reverse angle that he did the side, and top. So when he puts it back after they enter. Its own weight will keep it in place. The Jedi was surprised that the Krillgan did not need his help. He saw some people just inside, and hesitated to go in. Krillgan told him to hurry, this hole is brighter than the inside, so will attract the wrong type of attention. The Jedi quickly entered at that prompting, with the Krillgan right behind him, quickly sealing the hole.

They found themselves in a cell. Three sides were ferro-concrete, the fourth side was just barred. The occupants, wanted to know why they could not leave through the hole? Krillgan told them that they would be eaten as soon as they stepped outside. The Jedi just wanted to cut the lock off of the door. Krillgan pointed that the door is alarmed. What he suggested would trigger the alarm. If they cut the bars where they are embedded in the concrete, they will also cut the wires to the alarm, so it will not be triggered. Krillgan warned the occupants of the cell not to leave the cell right away. They were in a section, or wing. With cells on three sides. At the end was a control room, where a couple of guards controlled everything in this section. Krillgan saw the anti-personnel blasters in the wall by the door out of this section. The control room has raised with the bottom of the viewing glass was at Krillgan's eyesight. He also saw nozzles below the viewing glass. So the guards could gas this whole section. Krillgan did not want to find out if it knocked everyone out, or killed them. The good thing was, the guards were not looking into their section. They were looking at a monitor. Krillgan believes that they were looking at the main entrance to the base. Krillgan told the Jedi to follow right behind him. Krillgan ran than leaped with his sword in his hand. His sword and armour were glowing. He hit the glass with the tip of his sword, weakening it as it cut through. When his force activated armour hit the glass, it was like it was smashed with a huge mallet. The Jedi saw from the thickness that this is special optical glass. Just like on gun turrets. He was glad that he did not go first. Krillgan killed the one guard, before he could react. The Jedi killed the other. Krillgan started hitting switches, opening the cell doors. The Jedi started going through the computer, to see if he could find a schematic of the base, so that they can decide what their next move will be.

Krillgan told the Jedi that he wanted to neutralize the guards in every section. So they do not start gassing their prisoners, once they realise that they are inside the main base. The Jedi agreed. Assaulting the slavers waiting at the main entrance, was not a high priority. The people were out of their cells, hugging acquaintances. They called up to the control center, asking, when they will be reunited with their families? They found out later that the prisoners had been divided up. You had the ones that were being sold to the Sith, for their military. Then the rest would be taken to Rorak 4, for the slave auctions. Krillgan and the Jedi told them to be patient, they were still working on how to free everyone, without losing anyone.

Krillgan and the Jedi worked together to take out the two guards in the control room for each section, without raising any alarms. They freed the people in each section, but did not let them leave a section, until everyone was free. They were afraid, that if they opened a section, the men might take it upon themselves to try and find their wives and children, to free them. Triggering all sorts of alarms.

Before attacking the bulk of the slavers, Krillgan and the Jedi paid a visit to the armory. What they decided to do as the quick and easy way. Was just to toss a whole bunch of grenades, where the slavers are. The slavers will be eliminated, and they won't have to worry about disrupters. It will just mean that the people they rescued, will have to walk through a big mess, before they can get them out to the hangar.

They went to the main door to the prison section. Opened it, threw the grenades, trying their best to scatter them. Then the sealed the door, and waited. They heard multiple explosions. Krillgan had the Jedi wait. He was using the force to reach out, and feel all the life energy diminish, then go out. No point in rushing in, while the slavers could still retaliate. After a while, Krillgan told the Jedi where there were slavers, still clinging to life. Now they have the grisly task of being exterminators.

With that job complete, they went back and opened all the sections. Allowing families and community groups to reunite. Krillgan and the Jedi told all the people that there are still a number of bases that the pirate/slavers used. They still do not know where they all are. Some of those bases were used as the staging point to attack them. So it was not yet safe for the people living in settlements to go home. Those bases need to be cleaned out, before it would be safe for them to leave. They will have access to both the hangar, and the main base, if they want to make themselves comfortable.

Krillgan and the Jedi went back to the hangar, to the control room. When they arrived, the other Jedi was excited. He told them when the Sith would be arriving. They sent a message, while they were assaulting the main base. He then played it back for them. Krillgan suggested that they take their Defender, and send a message to the Jedi Council. Maybe they could send a Republic Fleet, to intercept them. The Jedi agreed, and went running. The smugglers that had been previously capture, entered the control room. They wanted permission to check the freighters. Some of them might be theirs. Krillgan told them that they can check them, but they cannot leave yet. There is a Sith Fleet on its way to the system. The Jedi have gone to see if the Republic will arrange a welcoming committee. If they can't, then they might have to discourage the Imperials, from landing on the planet. He asked that after they checked the freighters, they check the gunships and starfighters. There is a chance they might need them. If any of them want to volunteer, they should let him know.

While they did that, Krillgan started going through the control room. He wanted to see if there was any indication of where the other bases are situated. He believes that every set of planetary coordinates, corresponds to one base. After searching the control room, he decided to check the main base, to see what they have, but he decided to wait until the Jedi return before doing that.

It was a good thing Krillgan waited. The outer beacon triggered the alarms. A ship was approaching, without the proper security codes being transmitted. Krillgan had to override the alarms, so the bases defense did not start shooting at the Defender. After landing, the Jedi told Krillgan that they got through to the Jedi Council. They told them that a fleet is on the way, but they sense that the Sith Fleet will arrive first. So they have to delay it, or it will be able to flee, as soon as the Republic Fleet arrives. They mentioned that in the past, the Sith have sent a Heavy Cruiser, fully staffed, with four destroyers accompanying it. What the Jedi Council did not tell the two Jedi, was that the makeup of the Sith Fleet was given to them by SIS, the Republic's Intelligence Agency.

Krillgan had the Jedi tell the smugglers about what was coming. They did not know the type of Heavy Cruiser, but from the files on the Defender, they saw that they all had the same type of Hyperspace Drive, in about the same position on the ship. Three torpedoes should be enough to damage them sufficiently that they can no longer function. Their communications and sensor arrays were also in the same relative position. Two torpedoes will damage them. Three will take them out. They are also in a position heavily defended from bomber attacks. They can also expect a minimum of three Sith Starfighter Squadrons on the Heavy Cruiser to help defend it.

The smugglers told them that of all the gunships, they believe that they can get only three of them fully functional. It seems that the slavers were not good on maintaining their ships. They were going to concentrate on getting the Teroch Gunships fully functional. They found six fighter/bombers, which they can make fully functional, including the torpedoes. Three A-Wings, and three IL-5 Skybolts. They are also pretty sure that they can get 6 starfighters fully operational. Two old Liberator-class Starfighters, two old Mk VI Liberator Starfighters, and two Plug-6 Heavy Starfighters.

They talked about a battle plan. Krillgan decided to fly one of the Skybolts. They were called Ocula's in his father's simulator program. He decided not to use his own starfighter, a decision he later regretted. The starfighters and gunships would fly escort to the fighter/bombers. The Defender would also fly escort, by engaging any destroyers that went after the fighters. The bombers were divided into two groups, two A-Wings and a Skybolt, to take out the Heavy Cruiser's Hyperspace Drives. The two remaining Skybolts, and A-Wing would take out the communications and targeting sensor arrays. Since the A-Wings carried 6 torpedoes each, and fired two at a time. They also had permission to fire their torpedoes at the Destroyers, once they flew their one run against the Heavy Cruiser. After the one run, they were returning to the planet. Which is where the Defender was so important, in covering their retreat. They all believed that the Destroyers would not venture to far from the Heavy Cruiser, once it was damaged.

It was the slavers beacon at the edge of the system, that notified them, when the Sith fleet arrived. Krillgan was feeling frustrated that he could not find the information that would lead to the identification of where all the other slaver bases are. So the notification seemed like another interruption. He knew the others were all expecting him to lead them. So he had to force himself to have the correct focus and attitude, to get this job done. He dressed in full armour, since he was told that his Skybolt might not seal properly. It could leak the air out of the cockpit, while maneuvering. He was assured that his ship was the only one they were uncertain of.

They took off in a loose formation, as none of them had any military training, except the Jedi. They were not flying straight out to intercept the fleet. They were going to take advantage of every rock in the system, as good smugglers are good at. To try and sneak up behind them, to launch their attack. The tactic seemed to work, as Sith Starfighters were just pouring out of the Heavy Cruiser, when Krillgan launched his torpedo. The anti-starfighter defence was very strong when Krillgan did his run, so he had to do a lot of bobbing and weaving to avoid it, before he fired. After he fired, he did something that he ordered all the fighter/bombers not to do. He engaged the Sith starfighters that were starting to harass the other fighter/bombers. Everything went well, until the last Skybolt made its run on the communications array. Krillgan thought of calling it off, because he believed that the A-Wing had done enough damage with its two torpedoes. So they accomplished what they had set out to do. But before he did, someone got him. They must have hit the torpedo, because it was a spectacular explosion. But what bothered Krillgan, was that it was someone under his command, who had just died. For that reason, he followed the four torpedoes that two A-Wings had launched at the same destroyer. Using the force, to make sure that they all impacted on different points of the Destroyer. Yet close enough that their destructive blast radii overlapped. Resulting in the Destroyer breaking up. Then he flew cover with the Defender. Helping to keep the enemy starfighters, off of his comrades' backs. What helped, was the sudden appearance of the Republic fleet. So his people were able to make it back to base unhindered after that.

They were celebrating in the hanger when they returned. Everyone but Krillgan thought it was a successful mission. Instead of celebrating, Krillgan went to the troop transport, were he left his starfighter, and unloaded it. A couple of smugglers noticed, and asked him, what was he doing? It was time to celebrate! Krillgan told them that he can't celebrate, when someone who was depending on him, died. He has done all he could for them. They have specialists in the Fleet, who can do what he can't. They will make sure that the systems are safe, so that the people can return to their settlements. It was time for him to move on, to do those things he can. He asked them to say goodbye to everyone for him. With that, he jumped up into the cockpit and left. That was when most of the people, stopped celebrating. They saw the unusual starfighter lift up off the hangar deck, then turned to leave. They asked the smugglers, standing there it disbelief, who left? They just replied, "Krillgan!"

The Fleet Admiral realised that they had just been handed a present. He ordered the escorts be destroyed. He wanted that Heavy Cruiser. He ordered all his boarding parties aboard the ship. The fleet was so focused on what they were doing, that only one junior officer noticed a small ship leave the system. When he tried to bring it up. Everyone asked him where it came from, in the next breath, they told him it was not important.

All the SIS agents assigned to the fleet, were all eager to start going over the Heavy Cruiser, to see what nuggets of information they could find. So when two were assigned to go down to the planet's surface, and find what they can, down there. They were initially, very disappointed. Then they started hearing stories of a Jedi called Krillgan. Except the Jedi told him that he was not a Jedi, but he was a force user. The communiqué from the Jedi Council, called him "the Krillgan". That there was also something to do with Devaron. The Jedi told them about his obsession, with finding the remaining bases controlled by the slaver, so that the people could go home, and not live in fear. The two SIS agents, realized that they were dealing with something more important than the Heavy Cruiser. There were a lot of credits sunk into building this base. They were told about the base in the Mandun System, carved into an asteroid. From the information gleaned from the Cantina on Mandun, there must be at least five more bases. There was also the Krillgan enigma. They sent a communiqué to SIS Headquarters, about what they had found so far. Asking for additional resources.

While one went through what appeared the main office at the main base. The other started interviewing everyone. Trying to get as much information as they could about the Krillgan from all the people.

SIS Headquarters contacted the Jedi Council, asking for more information about the Krillgan. They also asked that before their people take any action against the slaver bases, they contact them. They have an operative in one of their bases. It was because of the information from this operative, that they first warned them about the pirate/slavers attacking both ships and settlements, in that region of space. They want to contact their operative, to see if they can extract them. Before they launch any attacks.

The Jedi Council told SIS Headquarters, that "the Krillgan" is an agent of the Devaronian Government. If they want to learn anything relevant, they need to contact them.

In reply to the attacks on the slavers base, the Jedi Council told SIS Headquarters, that the SIS agents on Phindar, have already turned over the information on the slavers bases. The Jedi in charge, along with the cooperation of the Republic Fleet in the Phindar System, have already launched operation "Clean Sweep", to destroy all the bases. It is too late to recall any of the ships involved.

After sending the communiqué to Headquarters, the one SIS agent found the secret safe, with all the information about the remaining slavers bases. Including approach codes, to keep the bases defenses from going active. They also listed the ships, and number of personnel at each base. All the information they needed to attack and destroy them. He was happy to turn over to the Jedi, all the information that the Krillgan was looking for.

The other agent found out from the women, that the Krillgan was easy to talk to. He was also a healer. Somehow he knew that some of the women were pregnant. They told him, that it was because they were raped by the slavers. When Krillgan heard that, he went off by himself into the jungle. He came back to the hangar and started preparing potions. He gave them to every lady that claimed that she was pregnant because she was raped, and did not want to keep the baby. By the end of the day, everyone that drank the potion, miscarried. After they miscarried, he sat with each one, and held their hand. They all felt a tingling in their body. He told them that he was healing them physically, but for their emotional healing they need their husbands. They need to let their husbands know that they were raped, or this will divide and destroy their marriage. He did warn them, that some men, cannot handle that knowledge. This may cause them to distance themselves from them. It is very important for them to try and bring them back, and be a family once again.

The agent found out that most wives did not tell their husbands, because only one wife had a husband that could help her, the other husbands have grown distant. Just like Krillgan said.

Phycology is a field of medicine that every agent must study. Since much of what they analyse comes from the interaction of people. After the Jedi and there attack force left. The agent called a meeting of all the people. He came right out and told everyone that all the women have been raped by the slavers, even the women that are pregnant. He told them that he suspects that many of the children have been raped as well. Both boys and girls. He told the men that many of them now feel impotent, because they could do nothing to prevent it. He warned the men, that this is when they need to be the strongest in their lives. If they turn away from their spouses and children right now, then yes they are impotent. They only thing they are good for, is to go out into the jungle, and feed the predators. But he does not believe that men who choose to live in a settlement are weak. It takes men of strong minds, and a stronger backbone to do what they have done. Now they need to acknowledge that they were too weak, to prevent the attack by the slavers. They were too weak to prevent the ones they love from being molested. But they are not too weak to be the man their family needs. They are not too weak to bring healing to the ones they love. They are not too weak to rebuild what they have lost, and to make it stronger than ever before. They are not too weak, from doing whatever is necessary, to prevent this from ever happening again.

The shock of what they just heard, took a while to settle in, in everyone's mind. The men that had been told by their wives about being raped, did feel a small sense of relief, that they were not the only ones. They were also angry at the animals that could do such things. They did have to dig deep inside, and go to their wives, and apologise. She needed him, and he ran away. He was thinking only of himself, when he should have been thinking of the family. This also enabled the parents, to do what they feared, and talk to each of their children. The children now knew that they can talk to their parents about how they were hurt, and that what was done to them, was wrong. Only a bad person would do that to someone else. More important, it gave them a chance to cry together. An opportunity to show that they are still loved, and that those who love them, do care.

Krillgan knew that he was running away again, but did not know what else to do. What he had decided to do, was go to Tatooine, and confront the ghosts, because that was something he could do. He stopped on a number of planets along the way, and purchased supplies. The first banking kiosk he came across, he remembered promising Dranna that he would transfer credits into the ship's account, and did. He did stop in Manaan, and had a long talk with the owner of the Smuggler's Cantina. He had a lot of interesting ideas that Krillgan wanted to try, and promised to share with him the results. He also bought a lot of the chilled fruit flavoured teas he likes to drink while on Manaan. Krillgan thought that going to Tatooine, does not mean that he has to suffer while there.

When he arrived in the system, there was a battle going on. Because he did not know either side, and there was a good chance that both groups are pirates. He just parked his starfighter on an asteroid, and watched the show. The fighting was close enough to Tatooine, that there should be fresh space junk raining down onto the planet's surface. After all the fighting stopped, and the survivors left the system, Krillgan made his way down to the surface. Parking his starfighter on the sand. Right near were the transport carrying the bodies of what are now ghosts, crashed. All that was visible off the wreck, was a little bit of the back, just protruding from the sand. Chances are, that the next sand storm will cover it completely. The first thing Krillgan did after landing, is to erect a forcefield fence around the area that he was going to claim as his camp. The fence will not do anything against the sand, or the Super Krayt Dragons, that burrow through the sand. Nor will it keep the ghosts out. But it should keep everything else at bay. He suspected that the Jawas were up on a rock ridge, watching him. The Jawas and their Ronto mounts are safe up there, off of the sand, and from what the Voss told him, will not approach this place, because they are afraid of the ghosts. The Tusken Raiders, or Sand People, are not afraid of approaching this ship. They demonstrated that, by killing all the Imperial Troopers, the Emperor has sent to secure this ship. But what the Tusken Raiders are afraid of, are the Super Krayt Dragons, and this is their territory.

After setting up the fence, Krillgan set up his tent. He did this by moving a large portion of the surface sand. So the bottom of the tent was resting on sand that has never been touched by sunlight for decades. Then he piled most of the surface sand, around the tent. So most of it was buried, except the entrance way. Which was positioned on the shade side of the tent. Accessed through a trench he made in the sand. That is where he will be spending most of his time. Not just sleeping, but napping during the heat of the day. After that he set up a lounging chair, with a small table right beside it, for his drink. Not that far from the tent. A place where he can relax, in the cool of the morning and evening, of the day. Then he set up what could only look like a rectangular frame, for some sort of box. On top of this frame, he set up a grill. The owner of the cantina told him that he does not need to place any sort of fire under the grill. The heat from the two suns, will cook whatever is on the grill, both sides at once. As you also have the heat bouncing up off of the sand. This is what he and the owner of the cantina talked about. Krillgan brought fish, Nerf and Reek steaks. The cantina owner also gave him raw burgers. He also brought some vegetables that are supposed to taste good when grilled. He is skeptical, but he did agree to try it. If it doesn't work out, he still has frozen food trays in his starfighter. The cantina owner told him that he can cook even them on his grill, without having to power up his starfighter, to cook them inside.

When Krillgan was finished he sat on his chair, and sipped some chilled tea, while warning his first potential guest away. Krillgan could not tell whether it was simply the touch, or the warning, that caused the Super Krayt Dragon to change direction. When it started getting hot, Krillgan cooked his first meal on the grill. Then he took the finished product into his tent, to see how it tastes. While in there, Krillgan heard a commotion outside. His chair and table were flipped over, and there wasn't any wind. Krillgan ignored it. They meat turned out just right. The potato could be cooked longer, so he put it aside. The some of the other vegetables could also have been cooked longer, but they were not that bad. Now he knows to start cooking certain vegetables before cooking the meat. For the first attempt, he considered the cooking experiment a success. Now it was time for a nap.

Krillgan did like that his tent kept cool, by burying most of it, under the sand. If a person knew what they were doing, they could actually live there. While it was still relatively hot, Krillgan cooked his next meal. Keeping in mind the things he learnt that morning. He also finished cooking the potato he started with his first meal. This meal turned out even better. After eating in his tent again. He decided that it was cool enough that he could go back outside and sit down. He but the lounge chair and his table back where he wanted them, and sat down. While he was meditating on his shortcomings, he saw a phantom appear. The phantom just stood there, and studied him. Maybe it sensed the sadness he felt because Krillgan had trouble grieving. Or maybe it was curious to see the foolish person that had invaded their territory. Krillgan did not try and guess which species the phantom was from originally. The fact it had been physically altered was very evident. Because the phantom did not try to communicate with him, he ignored it, and continued with his meditations.

It was after both suns set, that Krillgan became active. He first stretched, then did the modified exercises his father taught him. After that, he practiced some basic martial arts moves. Then he tried doing his old dance routine, something he had not done in years, and felt very rusty. After that he stretched again, then retired to his tent. Not once did he light a fire or a lamp. He was happy that his Chagrian vision worked quite well. He hoped that the ghosts enjoyed watching the dance routine he performed for them. Krillgan only went into a shallow sleep. So that he could monitor the life energy around him. In case he had to react.

In the morning, he found his furniture overturned again, and his grill assembly was trashed. Krillgan used the Force to straighten it out. While he did, he saw more phantoms watching him. After the grill was back how he wanted it, he but a kettle of water on it to boil. When the water boiled, it was hot enough to cook breakfast.

The day started out to be close to a repeat of the previous day. While cooking breakfast, he had to warn another Super Krayt Dragon away. While eating breakfast in his tent. Someone started throwing his furniture around. After his nap, when it had cooled down enough that he could go back outside. A phantom appeared in physical form. Only it looked more like a creature, than a humanoid. It charged at him, so Krillgan defended himself with light force lightning. Another phantom appeared, and asked him to stop, because he was hurting him. Krillgan stopped, and the creature disappeared. Krillgan told the phantom that he knows he hurt the creature, he also knows that he was also helping the creature, because he had neutralised some of the dark force energy inside of it. The phantom asked if lightning was the only way to drive the dark force energy out. Krillgan told him that he can use pure light force energy. He does not know if it will hurt him. But when he had dark force energy in him, it felt good that someone bathed him in light force energy.

After Krillgan finished speaking, the phantom disappeared. Krillgan went back to straightening everything out. Then he cooked his dinner.

While the suns were setting, Krillgan detected some Tusken Raiders on Rontos approaching. Since they were riding Rontos, Krillgan believed that this was an attack. So he used dark force energy with the fire shield element, to create a whirlwind in their path. What was unexpected, was that a Super Krayt Dragon was attracted to the dark force generated whirlwind. So Krillgan stopped generating it. The Super Krayt Dragon did not stop approaching the Tusken Raiders. It came up out of the sand in front of them. Grabbing a Tusken Raider on his Rontos mount, in its mouth. Then disappearing back down into the sand. The other Rontos mounts all called out, and tried bucking their Tusken Raiders off of their backs, as they all scattered. It is only because Tusken Raiders are stronger than Jawas, they were finally able to bring their Rontos under control, and head back the way they came.

A phantom appeared. "You used dark force energy. You are not Ashla. What are you?"

"Why do you communicate with the Emperor? When you know that in the end he will harm you!"

"We toy with the Emperor to hurt him. That is all we know how to do. What we really want, is to be rid of this dark force energy, and to be rid of this place."

"Let me help you! I can help you be free of the dark force energy."

"But you are not Ashla!"

"No, I am not. What I am, is the Devaronian Krillgan. I am a righter of wrongs. The Sith have wronged you. Let me do what I can, to help make it right."

"I will let you try on me. Put I warn you, if you were sent by the Emperor to trick us, and enslave us. We will all attack you, and kill you, and send you back to your dead Emperor."

Krillgan agreed, that if he was trying to trick them, this is what they should do. But he really is a Krillgan. With that he filled himself with light force energy. The phantom became excited and materialised before him. A true servant of the Emperor would never, purposely, fill themselves with light force energy. Krillgan then started to bathe the person in light force energy. It was not a simple quick wash, and they are done. He kept it flowing continuously, for a few hours. This is where having people around him doing the unity chant would have helped, immensely. Finally Krillgan told them that he needs to stop and rest, after all he is still mortal. When he did stop, the person looked much better than before. He was starting to look like a species he recognised. A lot of the physical distortions were starting to disappear. They told Krillgan to go rest, none of them will bother him.

When Krillgan got up in the morning. The person was still standing there, waiting for him. Krillgan put the kettle of water on the grill, to boil. Then he filled himself with light force energy, and started bathing the person again. After about half an hour, the person told him he could stop, he is free. Krillgan now saw that he was looking at a Duros. He never would have guessed it from the way he looked before. The water started boiling, so Krillgan removed it from the grill and cooked his breakfast. After eating his breakfast, another phantom materialised in his camping area. Krillgan had him stand in the doorway to his tent, so he wasn't standing in direct sunlight. Krillgan felt like he bathed him in light force energy, for more than an hour, before he felt he had to stop and take a nap. The person told him it was alright, they will wait.

Krillgan ministered to this person, through most of the day. It was around the time of the setting sun, that the person said that they were free. That is when Krillgan realized that this person was not a he, but a she. She was a female, a female Caamasi. Krillgan's eyes filled up with tears. The Caamasi asked him, why the tears? He told her that when he was quite young, a Caamasi helped his family at an important time. She also explained what she did, so that her parents could later copy what she did. He was also remembering what she looked like before he started bathing her with light force energy. He could not imagine how much she suffered. How much they all suffered, because of the crazed minds of the Sith. She told him that he has a good heart. So it is important that he protect his heart from filling with bitterness. He has to learn how to mourn for the dead. He needs to be able to release his dead, just like he is releasing the former prisoners from their suffering.

Krillgan continued to minister to the former prisoners. He found that they all represented the first spacefaring races in the galaxy. Both male and female. When he restored the Devaronian, the Devaronian told him that all the others turned to him to understand what a Devaronian Krillgan is. He did not know how to describe him, so he told them the stories he heard as a child growing up on Devron. It did not help. Krillgans are very scary people. Krillgan told him that he is also scary. He told him about killing the dark force witch, right in the middle of a court room. It was a fast way to get all the people who were just observers, to leave very quickly. It felt good to hear them all laugh, even the ones he had not ministered to, yet.

The Tusken Raiders did try to attack him one more time. The one he thought more creature than person, was dispatched to deal with them. They did not what Krillgan to stop what he was doing. The creature suddenly materialised in front of them. Which for the skittish Rontos was extremely frightening. There was much fresh Rontos droppings in that place. The Rontos bucked and scattered trying to get away from that place as quickly as they could. The good news was that a Super Krayt Dragon did not eat any of them. Even though one was in that area. It was too slow to react, to chase after them.

It took two days for Krillgan to minister to the one he called a creature. When he was done, he was looking at a pure blood Sith. The Sith told them that not all the Sith were crazed by the lure of power, in following the dark side of the force. The ones like him, who didn't, were persecuted by the ones that did, because they were afraid of them.

They asked for Krillgan's help in one more matter. They also wanted their physical bodies to be free. So Krillgan used the force to lift up the transport up out of the sand. He also retrieved his sword from his starfighter. As he felt it would present the wrong image if he always wore it. He used the sword to cut the back right off of the transport. As the Sith had permanently sealed it shut. He went inside, and found all the cages they had died in. Instead of bodies, all he found was ash. Even the bones had calcified because of the extreme heat in the transport, when the two suns were shining on it. He then cut his way to the cockpit in front, which had smashed open when the transport crashed. He then went back to the tent, and wrapped a towel around his face, so that he would still be able to breathe when the ash was stirred up. Krillgan stood behind the back of the transport, and used the shield part of the fire element. Only this time he used light force energy. Sending wave after wave of wind, passing through the transport. With quite the cloud of ash billowing out the front. One of the ghosts materialised beside him, and touched him. He pointed to wave of sand heading there way. He told Krillgan that the planet will finish what he started. They were all satisfied.

What was a help for Krillgan, was that they all materialised, and helped him dismantle his camp before the sandstorm reached him. They did not pack everything up neatly. They more or less threw everything into his torpedo bay. Commenting on how interesting his ship is. Krillgan had to use the force to squeeze everything into his starfighter. He was sure the frame for his grill was all bent up again. He also expects that his lounge chair will break when he tries opening it up again. But he did jump up into the cockpit, and seal it just before the storm hit. He activated the special shielding, and used the force to point its nose into the wind, and keep it stable despite all the turbulence he felt around him. The Duros and Devaronian materialised in his back seat, and told him how roomy and comfortable his starfighter is. They wish their scout ships were this comfortable, while searching for hyperspace lanes through space. Krillgan told them that they would have also wanted his astrometric droid. He then described what it was capable of doing, which would have been a big help for scout ship pilots. The two of them had to turn around in his back seat, and lift the tent flap off of the droid to see it. They sheepishly admitted to Krillgan that they had entered his ship, to see how he powers it up, and uses his controls. Because cockpit designs have radically changed since their time. They were not expecting to be trapped in his Starfighter, because of his force activated shielding. They asked him, if this was also common for starfighters? Krillgan told them that it is unique to his ship, as his ship is a custom design. It was built by some Cereans, who felt that his family had blessed their family. Krillgan heard the voice of the female Cerean coming from the torpedo bay. Fortunately, she did not materialise. She wanted to know, how was their family blessed? Krillgan told her about the Selkath helping his family. The Selkath wanted to know about his mother's history. A Cerean Bounty Hunter, who had recently married and turned researcher. Found out the information that the Selkath were interested in. They rewarded her by giving her a small bottle of Kolto, and assured her that they would refill it at a very reasonable price, since they now consider her their friend. The Cerean gasped, and called it the elixir of life. She explained to the others how it will extend the life of the husband, by almost doubling his life span, if applied properly. Krillgan found the time in the sandstorm passed very quickly because of the company and conversation. He did not ask how many others fit into his small starfighter.

Because he used the force, Krillgan kept his starfighter up out of the sand. The transport was not as fortunate, and was partially buried again. He heard a lot of byes, as stopped touching the ship with the force. But he was sure that no one actually left until they watched him power up his starfighter, and lift up off of the planet's surface.

Krillgan was given clearance, right away, to land on Ahto City's freighter spaceport, when he contacted Manaan Traffic Control. Instead of landing on the landing pad he was assigned. Krillgan put his wings vertical, and landed in the freight overflow section assigned to the landing pad. It is the place the Selkath workers will but freight, when they don't know where it is supposed to go. Krillgan wanted to use the landing pad to sort out everything tossed into his starfighter, in the rush to get everything packed away. After opening the torpedo bay doors, Krillgan had to give the contents a slight push with the force, before they plopped down on the deck. The Selkath workers always gave Krillgan a quick bow when they saw him, just to show respect. They knew that he preferred that they stop doing it. But they could not help themselves. They knew not to linger in the bow, as they went and started spreading out everything that fell out of the ship. While they were doing that, Krillgan climbed back up to the cockpit, and proceeded to empty the area behind the second seat. Almost taking his droid out with him, until it got his attention.

While they were doing that, a spaceport worker ran over to the elder's home. To inform him that Krillgan is back. At the same time a freighter crew entered the Smuggler's Cantina, and told the owner about the strange looking starfighter, that landed in the freighter overflow section, instead of his assigned landing pad. They thought at first he was a smuggler, because his little ship holds more than a Plug-6. But if he was smuggling something, why would he spread it all out on the landing pad? The owner apologised to them, and told them that he needs to leave. He told them that his Nautolan assistant, will look after them. His assistant came up to them, and told them that today's specialty, is fried fish, with fried potato wedges. One of them pointed out that the sign says fried burger, with fried potato wedges. The Nautolan erased the special on the sign, he told them that that was the owner's special. His special was the fried fish. They told him that they are hungry, and will eat anything, as long as it tastes good.

The cantina owner almost started laughing, as he saw Krillgan recreating his camp, to see if he left anything behind. When Krillgan saw him, he brought his grill and stand over to him, and told him that it worked fine. All the recipes were excellent, once he figured out how long to cook the different vegetables. The owner asked about the different kinks in the metal stand? Krillgan turned red, and told him that he wasn't well received at first. It took a few days for them to warm up to him. The owner asked him about the coolers he lent him? Krillgan told him that there is no more ice. The cooler units were not strong enough for the heat encountered. There is still some meat in the one cooler, and there is bottles of the chilled fruit flavoured tea in the other. He doesn't know if the meat is still good, but he did use up all the burger patties he made him. The owner told Krillgan that he will check the meat in the cantina, for the chilled tea cooler, they will just empty out all the water and add fresh ice. They will add more chilled tea, and have it tomorrow at the barbeque, now that he has the grill back. He told Krillgan that he should come with them. They paddle out to a small sand island, with a nice shallow lagoon on one side. It is only during the heat of the day, that they can cook meat on the grill. But while it's cooking, they get to go for a nice swim. Then he told Krillgan to bring his wife and children along. He expects that they will enjoy it as well. He told Krillgan to come to Ahto City, as soon as they finish breakfast. It takes a few hours to get where they are going, but it is worth it.

Krillgan asked the owner, when his wife and children arrived? The owner told him that they only arrived the other day. He told Krillgan that their ship, the Songbird, is aptly named. He pointed it out on the other side of the spaceport. He told Krillgan that it is the prettiest one eyed songbird he ever saw. Whoever came up with the design, did an excellent job. Krillgan told him that he can tell them himself, when they come for the barbeque.

Krillgan hurried to make sure that everything goes back where he borrowed them from. The fence will have to go into storage, until he can figure out another use for it. Krillgan would have preferred flying over to the resort. But they do not have a place to park ships. They just have the one landing pad for shuttles, and it is always being used. At least a launch was waiting for him, to take him to the resort.

Ludia had just finished collecting the children from the employee daycare, when Krillgan showed up. Ta'Yanna squealed, and jumped into his arms, for a hug. Richard also wanted a hug. Ludia wanted more than a hug, and also got a nice kiss. Ludia told him that they were just trying to decide where to go for dinner. Krillgan suggested the Smuggler's Cantina. That way, the owner can tell them all about the barbeque. He also knew that the launch was waiting to take them. They all agreed to go, they decided that none of them needed to change. Ludia and the children, told Krillgan, that he seems to look more purple, than the last time they saw him. Krillgan pushed some fur aside on his arm. He skin does seem to look a deeper blue. He wondered if this was how his body adjusts to being exposed to two suns at once.

At the cantina, the owner told them about the barbeque. He mentioned that they use two grills, for the solar cooking. One for the meat, and the other for vegetables. Only this time, they will have someone who is now an expert, when it comes to cooking vegetables. So the meals should be astounding. He told them that word is spreading amongst the locals. So he is expecting quite a crowd. Ludia asked the owner, if she knows this vegetable cooking expert? The owner told her that Krillgan is now their expert. He gained a lot experience cooking his own meals on Tatooine.

During dinner, Krillgan told his family about his frosty reception by the ghosts, and how they knocked things over in the camp, while he was in the tent. How the one ghost materialized. He thought it was more creature than person. He had to hit it with light force lightning, to keep it from attacking him. He told them about the Super Krayt Dragon, which was almost as long as a Whuffa Worm. How it came up out of the sand, right in front of the Tusken Raiders on their Rontos mounts, and took a pair in its mouth. Causing the remaining Rontos to try and buck their riders off, and run away from where one of them just disappeared.

Richard asked him, if he was able to help the ghosts? Krillgan told them that they just wanted to be finally rid of the dark force energy that was clinging to them. They also wanted their ashes scattered, so that they were no longer in the place they died. To them, it symbolised that they are now free. He was always amazed, that after they were cleansed of dark force energy, they no longer looked distorted. He actually recognised which species they were originally. It was really sad to think about all the suffering they endured. Just because some crazy people, wanted to do experiments, with dark force energy.

When they returned to their suite, Kran and Elibet, were surprised to see Krillgan with the family. They told them that they had dinner with Grimm, after spending the day at the casino. Krillgan told them about the barbeque, letting them know, that they were welcome to come. Kran and Elibet were not keen on going swimming. Having a nice soak in a bathtub, was enough water for them. Besides they were broadcasting Rancor races tomorrow. So they turned them down.

There was quite the crowd of people wanting to go to the barbeque. It was not just the Selkath. The Nautolan, and Nosaurian, that lived in Ahto City, also wanted to come. The cantina's owner left his assistant in charge of the cantina. So that day's special was fried fish, with fried potato wedges.

The group commandeered two resort launches, as well as a flotilla of fishing boats. Some people commented to the cantina owner, how banged up the one grill stand looked. The cantina owner told them, that this is what happens, when you lend your stuff out to people. Which made Krillgan's face go really dark. The one side dish they were cooking, that Krillgan did not have on Tatooine, was the boiled white grain. He filled a pot with sea water, up to the mark the cantina owner indicated. As it already has the right amount of salt in it. Then the cantina owner poured in the premeasured amount of grain. They then put the pot on the vegetable grill. Krillgan was told that the grain will fill the pot as it cooks. Krillgan then put out the vegetables that need to cook longer. While they were preparing the grills, the Selkath and Nautolan went fishing. It did not take them long. Ta'Yanna and Richard were happy to see that the Nautolans had gathered some crustaceans, as this was the seafood that they enjoyed the most. The Nautolans helped the cantina owner clean the fish, and place them on the grill to cook. Now it was time to go play in the lagoon.

There was a lot of splashing, and a lot of laughter. Occasionally, Krillgan would leave the water to put vegetables on the grill, which do not need to be cooked as long as the others. Krillgan and Ludia started throwing Ta'Yanna between them in the water. The way that Andriel and Chitrah did to Krillgan when they were first on Manaan. Richard wanted them to do that with him. Because Ta'Yanna was having a lot of fun, splashing her parents. A Nautolan couple playing nearby, offered to play with Ta'Yanna, while they play with Richard. So they had a good time, until the cantina's owner called out and said that everything is ready. It was time to eat.

Ta'Yanna found herself sitting next to a Selkath, while she was eating. He offered her some of his raw fish, but she turned her nose up at it, and shook her head no. But she did take some of the sea weed. She was polite enough to offer him some of the cooked meat she was eating. He turned his face up and shook his head no. Then they both laughed. He did try some of her boil grain. He told her that it did go well with the sea weed and fish, and got up to get some of his own.

While Krillgan was handing out the grilled vegetables, he was surprised to see Grimm come up with his plate. Krillgan asked him, when he arrived? Grimm told him that he was on the other launch. He did not approach him earlier, because this is his time with his family. He will talk with him after his family leaves. That will be their time. Krillgan asked him, where he was staying? He did not see him in their suite. Grimm told him that he has been staying with the elders. They keep passing him from elder to elder, so he is starting to think that he might have bad breath, or maybe his feet stink. There were a couple of elders standing behind Grimm, waiting their turn to try some grilled vegetables. They started laughing, and told Krillgan that they enjoy the time they have had talking with Grimm. They were feeling selfish that they got to enjoy his presence, and other elders were not. So they decided to share him. Besides they are too polite to say anything about his feet. Which allowed Grimm and Krillgan to laugh.

Krillgan was very happy, he came to this barbeque, with his family. They all had a good time. He sat beside Ludia, holding her hand. While they travelled back to Ahto City in the one launch. Ta'Yanna and Richard were next to them napping. They had a fun time, and were well fed. This is the way that Krillgan wished that every day would be.

The family was surprised that Kran and Elibet were waiting at the dock, when their launch arrived back at their resort. The couple told them that they were meeting Grimm for dinner at the cantina. They did not say the Grimm called them to tell them to let the family be alone tonight. The family liked that they did not have to go out for dinner tonight. They decided to order room service for dinner, and let the children decide what type of food they wanted to eat. Then they decided as a family how they wanted it prepared. Over dinner Krillgan told him about his parents tossing him in the water, like they did today. Only they were not wearing nice swimwear, like they did today. He told them to imagine a pillowcase with one hole cut into for his head, and two holes for his arms. He ended up telling them the whole story about how the little creatures that produce kolto live inside him, which is how he can heal others. Then he told them that what he just shared is a secret. The Selkath elders do not want him telling anyone. But they are not anyone, they are his family. Then Krillgan and Ludia had to explain to Ta'Yanna what a secret is. That it was also very important that she not keep any secrets from her parents, despite what someone else says to them. Then Ta'Yanna complained that she cannot share the only secret she knows with them, because they already know. That is when they knew that it was her bedtime. Ludia decided to lay down beside her, until she fell asleep. This allowed Richard to have some alone time with his father. He told his father about school, and his tutors. They teach him a lot. Then they teach him how not to let his teacher know. That it was okay for him to do bad on some of his tests at school, as long as he did well on the tests they had him write at home. His music tutor has invited a lot of the farmers to their house, so that he can hear them play their instrument, than show him the basics, on how to play it. Richard asked him, what instrument did he play when he was little? Krillgan told him that he did not have a chance to learn an instrument. Even though he really likes music, and admires the people who can play. That is something special, that they will have all of their lives. Richard was kind of excited, when he realised that he gets a chance to do something his father can't. Up until now, he thought his father can do anything, and everything.

Then it was Richards turn to go to bed. When they were alone, Ludia told him about their time on Dathomir, before coming to Manaan for a short break, before heading to Yitabo. She told him how the elders and healers convinced Rasha and Tamrack, to name their baby girl. They believed that it would help with their healing. So the two of them named her Joy. From the moment he told Rasha she was pregnant, until the moment she was taken from them. They only experienced joy because of her. Krillgan had tears in his eyes, he thought that Joy was a very good name. He told Ludia how he was so amazed that Joy absorbed all the dark force energy. It was like she knew she was going to die, so she purposed to protect her mother, as she died. Then he showed Ludia how small Joy was when she died.

Ludia pressured Krillgan into telling him where he went, and what happened. Because he refused to tell anyone, when he stopped at Manaan to pick up all the supplies he wanted. That was how she found out about the smuggler who died. How Krillgan did not warn him to not make his run. They had already damaged that big ship enough. Krillgan lamented, that if he had called him off, or if he had flown his own starfighter, so that he could protect him, the smuggler would still be alive. Instead he threw away his life. Ludia told him that she was sure that no one else on that planet thought that way. Everyone who volunteered to fly with him, knew that they were risking their lives. They also believed that the mission was important enough for them to do it. She was also sure that everyone that was waiting on the planet's surface believed that he died a hero. He died protecting them. Because that Sith ship was damaged, there was no way that they would attempt to approach the planet, and seize the slavers' base away from whoever controlled it. Krillgan told her that he knows they were thinking that. The people were all celebrating when they returned. He just could not join the celebration, knowing what he did. That guy trusted him, and he led him to his death. Nothing Ludia could say, would change his mind.

The next day the children wanted to go and play with their friends in the employee daycare. They wanted to tell them all about the barbeque, and the special time that they had. Ta'Yanna also wanted to tell her friends that she now knows a secret. Ta'Yanna first had to tell them what a secret it, and the rules about secrets. Especially, that they are never to keep secrets from their parents. After she explained everything, the children wanted to know her secret. She told them that she can't tell them. That is why it was a secret. The children were not happy with Ta'Yanna, because they all wanted to have a secret too. She tried to tell them, if she told them the secret, than it would no longer be a secret.

The caregiver ended up calling Krillgan and Ludia, telling them that a sad little girl, would like them to come and get her. Ta'Yanna told her parents about what she had done, and that the children no longer wanted to play with her, because she would not tell them her secret. She did not understand why they could not see that she had to keep her secret. Ludia decided to go by a treat that she knows Ta'Yanna likes. That they would usually share it together. She told Krillgan what she was going to buy, but she did not tell Ta'Yanna. Even though she knew she heard her. When she returned, she used her body, to keep it hidden from Ta'Yanna, but she would let Krillgan have some. Ta'Yanna started getting upset with her mother, because she was not sharing with her. Finally, she stood there with a pout on her face, and her arms crossed. She demanded to know, why was she not sharing? Ludia told her that it is a secret. Ta'Yanna was confused. She wanted to know, what was a secret? Ludia told her that what she thinks she has, is a secret. Ta'Yanna told her that she knows what she has. So why won't she share? Ludia told her that it is a secret, just like the secret she did not tell the children. Ta'Yanna was confused again. She asked her parents if she was supposed to tell them the secret. Ludia told her that she was right in not telling the secret. She was wrong in telling them that she has a secret, than not share. It was just like telling them she has a treat, but then not sharing. Ta'Yanna thought about what her mother told her. Then she told her mother that she was sorry. Ludia told her that she has to apologize to all the children, because she hurt them. Then they found a place to sit down and share the treat. They also tried thinking of a secret that Ta'Yanna can share with the other children.

That night, Talmi had scheduled Ludia and the children to have dinner with the Ambassadors, and their husbands. It was a bonus that Krillgan was also on Manaan. The Ambassadors were all very excited that Krillgan was there. Then they started telling their husbands how special he is. Then they became embarrassed, and told Ludia that she and the children, are also special. Ta'Yanna went and sat on her favorite place, on Chask's lap, so that she could suck on one off her headtails. She asked Chask, why her tummy looks bigger? Chask told her that she is going to have a baby. Krillgan told everyone at the table, that Chask is not the only one. Everyone wanted to know, who else was pregnant, and how he knew? Ta'Yanna told them that her papa knows a lot of things. He told Rasha when she was pregnant. Richard told Ta'Yanna that papa told mamma when she was pregnant with her. Richard said that he knows this because he is a healer.

Now that they knew how he knew, they wanted to know, who else was pregnant? Krillgan asked Ju'ma, how she felt in the morning? Ju'ma asked Krillgan, if she was pregnant? Because she did not feel well in the morning. Instead of answering her, he asked Be'shu, how she felt in the morning? Be'she said she felt nauseous. Does that mean she is pregnant? Krillgan then asked Mowa how she felt in the morning. Mowa said that she felt fine. Mwema, her husband told her that he would not feel fine, if he ate the same things she does in the morning. Mowa told her husband that sometimes she likes to try different things. Then her eyes became large. She asked Krillgan, if she was pregnant. Krillgan told Talmi, he should probably cancel dancing with the Ambassadors. It would not be good for any of them to do any dance moves where they bounce. Now Talmi's eyes became wide. Are they all pregnant? Krillgan nodded his head yes. Then he proceeded to tell each of them how far along in their pregnancy they are. Ludia had an idea, and asked a special favour of the Ambassadors. She told them how Ta'Yanna had teased the other children, without realising what she was doing. Telling them that she knew a secret. Then explaining what a secret is, and the rules about secrets. When they asked her to share, she told them that she can't, because it is a secret. She now needs to go back to the children and apologise. But it would be nicer if she shared a secret with them. The secret she would share, is that all the Ambassadors are pregnant. Ludia knew that it was early for two of them to share. Talmi pointed out that everyone would find out anyways, if they cancel all dancing with the Ambassadors. Then he asked Krillgan if there is any form of dancing that they can do? Since dancing with the Ambassadors, is very popular. The Ambassadors told Ta'Yanna that, she can share their secret with the children. Ludia told Talmi and the Ambassadors, about the type of dancing the Royals on Lianna do, in their parties in the palace. This dancing involves dancing as couples, and there is twirling. No bouncing. Talmi sent one of the bodyguards, to do a search on the holonet. To see if there is any videos of the type of dancing, Ludia was describing. The bodyguard found something, and had the restaurant's computer project what he found into the restaurant. The computer ended up projecting an image that everyone in the restaurant could see, and hear. The image was from the Royal Palace on Alderone, before the civil war broke out. The Ambassadors liked what they saw, asking Talmi if they could wear the same type of dresses. The husbands were not pleased that they would be required to wear something similar to what the men were wearing. Talmi was sure that they could adapt one of their nightclubs, to accommodate this type of dancing. He would call it "Dancing Like the Royals", featuring the Ambassadors, and their husbands. He could see with some people, it could become very popular. The Ambassadors all wanted to try it, which means that Talmi needed to find them an instructor. At least they have some nice seamstresses in Ahto City that could sew the outfits for the Ambassadors. The Ambassadors promised Krillgan that for tonight's dance after dinner. They will do the modified moves Chask has been doing, since they already committed to tonight.

Ta'Yanna did apologize to the other children, and shared the secret she learnt about the Ambassadors. She also had to explain that being pregnant means that they are going to have babies. The children were now excited that they also have a secret, and they get to share it with their parents.

What was a surprise, was the Royal Yacht from Lianna, asking for permission to land on the Ahto City spaceport, after they were told that their ship was too big to land at any of their resorts. It was Princess Anthila, her husband, her Lady in waiting, with her husband, and a small contingent of Santhe Security Officers, dressed as Palace Guards. Talmi asked traffic control to buy them a little time. Traffic control informed the yacht that they were in line for the next available landing pad. They will notify them when it becomes available.

Talmi called Krillgan and Ludia. He told them about the Royal Yacht, and who they said was aboard. They have not made any reservations, so must be assuming they will be getting the Phoenix's crew suite. The number of people they indicated, will fill it to the maximum. But that is where they are currently staying. Krillgan told him to contact Kran and Elibet. He was sure that Rasha would not mind them moving into their suite. It is large enough to accommodate them. They just need to go pick up Ta'Yanna and Richards toys. Talmi told them not to bother. The cleaning staff will make sure that everything is transferred to Rasha's suite. Krillgan told Talmi that he and Ludia first need to change. They are planning on going over to Ahto City to greet them. Talmi told them that he is sending the Ambassadors with them. This will be their first time receiving Royals.

Kran and Elibet were surprised when their server in the casino, asked that they follow her to a communication both. A casino security guard accompanied their server. He told them that he was instructed to guard their position until they return. When they saw it was Talmi that wanted to talk with them, they were somewhat relieved. They asked him, what was up? He told them about the Royal Yacht from Lianna, and what Krillgan suggested as alternative accommodations for them. Kran and Elibet were in agreement. They preferred being with the children, and had never been in Rasha and Tamrack's suite before. Talmi told them that their wardrobe was being transferred even as they speak. He also suggested that they not go with Krillgan and Ludia on the launch to Ahto City. As it would then be over capacity on the return trip. He told them that he will notify them when it leaves Ahto City, so that they have time to get down to the docks, and stand with him, when they reach the resort. Kran and Elibet went back to their place in the casino. They made it, just before that days Rancor race started, so they did not miss any of the fights.

As the Royal Yacht descended, Krillgan pointed out to Ludia that this is the old yacht. Not the new Queen's Yacht, which is bigger, and better armoured. It was only after it landed that they saw that it had brand new drives. So they knew it could easily outrun a Hutt invasion fleet. Even Starfighters would have trouble catching it, making it easier to pick them off.

After it landed a four man squad of Santhe Corparation Security Officers, dressed in the garb of Palace Guards, came down the ramp, and stood two to a side. After they were in position, Princess Anthila and her husband, came down the ramp, arm in arm. Behind them came her Lady-in-Waiting, arm in arm with her husband. This was Krillgan and Ludia's first glimpse of the man who won her heart. They felt that it was safe enough to approach the Royal Couple, with the four Ambassadors right behind them.

Princess Anthila was surprised to see both Krillgan and Ludia on Manaan. They were hoping to find Krillgan there, but to find both of them was a treat. After greeting each other with a pretend kiss on each cheek. Madame Santhe introduced her Lady-in-Waiting and her husband, Lord Sangee, to Krillgan and Ludia. Who they also greeted with pretend kisses. Krillgan than introduced each Ambassador, who curtsied when their name was mentioned. Krillgan explained that they had to leave their husbands on the resort. To make sure that there was room for every on the launch, that would take them to the resort. Madam Santhe told the Ambassadors, that they are looking forward to seeing them dance in their casinos. Chask spoke for the group, she told Madam Santhe that they have had to modify their dance routine, healer's orders. Ludia mentioned that the dancing done in the Palace, is better suited to their current physical condition. They were hoping that she could give them some pointers, until a proper instructor is located for them. Madam Santhe could see that Chask was pregnant. Because she refered to all of them, and it being healer's orders. It must mean that they all must be pregnant. Madam Santhe told the Ambassadors that the two couples are practised enough, so that they could start with their instruction. But thy will need a proper instructor. She will see if one can be arranged for them.

Madam Santhe asked Krillgan and Ludia if they were pushing them out of their room. Krillgan told her that they found a room for them in the belly of the floating base. It was fine once you get used to the sound of dripping water. It was the noise of the sump pumps kicking in, which startles you every time. Ludia apologized for her husband's comments, telling the Royal Couple that housekeeping simply moved them into Rasha and Tamrack's suite, right next door to them. The only dripping water, is if Krillgan does not wipe himself down with a towel, after taking a shower. The only noise is Krillgan's snoring, which she is used to by now. There is adequate soundproofing between suites, that they should not hear him. The Ambassadors did not know how to take this exchange. They just stood there and smiled. They must be very comfortable in their relationship, if Krillgan was willing to joke like that.

Krillgan did ask if they would like a tour of the Songbird, the yacht that the Givin refurbished for them. Before heading to the launch. (They were asked by Talmi, if they could delay them slightly. Just to make sure that everyone had time to finish making all the preparations for the Royal Couple.)

The Royal Yacht was conveniently parked beside the Songbird, after Manaan traffic control ordered a freighter to move to a new landing pad, while they were right in the middle of unloading their cargo.

When Madam Santhe noticed which ship Krillgan was pointing to. She told him that it was very aptly named. She was interested in seeing how it looked inside, now that she has seen how beautiful it looks on the outside. A Security Officer suggested that they enter the ship first, just to be safe. Madam Santhe reminded them that Krillgan and Ludia are Togruta trained. The code for them having the clearance to act as her bodyguards.

Ludia entered the code to unlock the ship. She was also the first one up the ramp, followed by Krillgan. Madam Santhe and her husband was next, followed by Lady Belmy, and Lord Sangee. They were followed by the Ambassadors, because they hoped that they were also invited. Santhe Security, guarded the bottom of the Ramp, just like they guarded the Royal Yacht.

Ludia conducted the tour. She explained that the first four cabins were intended for servants, or in her case, Palace Guards. She pointed out the ladder, giving the only access to the bridge deck. The meal storage and prep area. Then the four luxury cabins, she hopes, fit for a Queen, or Princess. Madam Santhe certainly thought they were. Then there was the liquor cabinet island, separating the cabins from the lounge. Madam Santhe sat down, and made herself comfortable. She loved the lounge, and the huge observation window. It looked like a wonderful place to relax, or play with ones toys, as she saw evidence of that. The top part of the liquor cabinet did have some liqueur bottles she had never seen before. The bottom section was a toy cabinet. With Ta'Yanna's cuddle doll, on top of the other toys. When she asked Ludia, about the unlabeled bottles? Ludia poured her a small amount from the one bottle to taste. Madame Santhe immediately identified it as being a distilled version of the Singing Mountain Fruit Wine. She liked it, and wanted it. She asked how she can obtain a supply. Everyone else on the tour wanted to taste it, after Madam Santhe's reaction. But Krillgan told the Ambassadors, no alcohol consumption, while pregnant. Ludia told Madam Santhe that this product was not commercially available. It was created for personal consumption, and as gifts for those who are close friends. They fall into the category of being close friends. Ludia told Madam Santhe that she can have this bottle. She handed it to Lady Belmy, who went outside, and gave it to one of the Officers, to put it on the Royal Yacht, along with the other collection of liqueurs. Madame Santhe assumed that the other unlabeled bottle, was the distilled version of Clan Ale, and asked if she could have a sample of it? She told Ludia it is good. But she prefers the Brandy. Her husband said that he actually preferred this liqueur, since it was not as sweet. He could see it being used as part of a marinade for meats. Everyone had to have a sample of that liqueur as well, except the sad Ambassadors. Ludia handed that bottle to Lady Belmy as well.

Madam Santhe asked Ludia, what was on the bridge level? Ludia told her that the ladder exits in the crew lounge. There are two cabins on the bridge level, at the back of the crew lounge, since this yacht was originally designed to be handled by a two man crew. The Pilot, and the Engineer. Either one could be the Captain, with the other being the First Officer. Because this yacht is now armed, there are two more positions on the bridge using VTS. Madame Santhe asked, where are the gun turrets, since she did not notice them on the outside of the ship? Ludia asked her to come stand beside her, at the front of the lounge. She pointed out the tips of the twin heavy laser cannons. She told her that they have a swing of 22 ½° from centre, controlled by the pilot. The quad turbo-laser cannons, over the crew cabins is controlled by VTS, from the engineer's station. The quad turbo-laser cannons on either side of the ship can be controlled by the VTS station, on the corresponding side of the bridge, or both gun turrets can be controlled by only one VTS station, if they do not have the crew to man both of them. She also told Madam Santhe, that when both stations are powered off, the gun turrets automatically rest against the hull of the ship, so that they are harder to spot. Madam Santhe wanted to get up on the bridge level, to see what the Givin actually accomplished. Since her Research Department will be expecting her to give them an accurate description, so that they can picture it in their minds, and maybe incorporate it into some of their designs.

Madam Santhe asked Ludia to lead the way. Ludia suggested that it would be better if all the men went first, as all the women are wearing dresses. So Krillgan led the way, by showing off, and leaping up to the bridge level, without having his feet touch the ladder. Then the other two men followed. They had to climb up. Ludia asked Madam Santhe, if she would like her to use the force, and lift her up? Madam Santhe said that she will climb up, but it might be an interesting way to go down. What Ludia did do, is lift them all slightly using the force. So it was not a strenuous activity to climb the ladder.

Even though the ceiling height was much lower on the bridge level, it was surprisingly comfortable considering it was originally intended for a crew of two. Ludia was happy that Kran and Elibet had cleaned their cabins, and done up their beds. Because everyone wanted to see how comfortable these cabins are, compared to what is on the deck level. They found them to be on par with what was considered the servants cabins. They liked the way that the bridge was laid out. With the addition of the two VTS stations, it still was not cramped. Just cozy. The Security Officers standing guard outside, almost jumped out of their pants, when the VTS stations were activated, and the gun turrets suddenly stuck out from the hull of the Songbird. Krillgan and Ludia made sure that all stations were in maintenance mode, so that none of the lasers were actually discharged. Madame Santhe wanted to feel how well the controls handled, in case there was some drag, which could translate into fatigue in a long battle. She moved the turrets around, until she saw the looks of concern on the faces of her Officers, when moving the one side turret around. So she suggested that the VTS stations be powered down. She asked Ludia, how accurate are they? Ludia told her, that they have not had any trouble taking out target droids they have purchased. Even Richard, can command a station, and has eliminated target droids.

This time Ludia went down first, and all the ladies jumped down, with Ludia controlling their decent. Madam Santhe very much enjoyed that tour, but now it was time to go to the resort.

It was Palace policy, to have two guards standing guard over a Royal Yacht at all times. Four guards acted as the escort, and the remainder were responsible for all the luggage. They did use up all the room on the launch. Madam Santhe, and her husband followed Krillgan and Ludia to the bridge of the launch. Krillgan introduced them to the Selkath Captain. Calling her Madame Santhe of the Royal house of Santhe, on Lianna, and her husband, Lord Graceman, of the Royal house of Graceman, on Lianna. The Captain knew they had to be special people, or Krillgan would not have brought them on his bridge. He got to boast about his ship, and the features that protected the creatures that live in the water. Madam Santhe mentioned how smooth and quiet it was, gliding across the water. Almost like being inside a dream. She liked that it was powered off of the sunlight. With little risk of it harming the environment in any way. The Captain told her that it fits right in with how the Selkath see themselves fit into their environment. So were very happy when Talmi found someone to build them the way they wanted them. The Captain then had to explain that Talmi is a Tal Nami. He is the architect and builder of all the resorts, and is now in charge of their day to day operations. He was surprised that Krillgan and Ludia had not mentioned him, as he is a personal friend of theirs. Krillgan's face darkened, he told the Captain that he did not have the opportunity to mention Talmi. But he is waiting for the at the resort's dock.

There was quite a crowd of people waiting for them at the dock. Krillgan was given the responsibility of introducing everyone, beginning with Talmi. Madam Santhe told him that she just heard some wonderful things about him, from their Selkath Captain. Which speaks well of him, as the Selkath are not known to boast or exaggerate. The most important thing he said, was that he is a friend of Krillgan and Ludia, and she was looking forward to hearing the story. Elibet and Kran she knew, and greeted them like friends. The husbands of the Ambassadors were next. Krillgan was proud that he mentioned the right Twi'Lek husband for the Twi'Lek Ambassador. The rest of the people were the employees and their children that were on their own time, and wanted to welcome the Royal families to their resort. Madam Santhe liked that they took personal pride in this place, and was looking forward to her time there. When they came to the suite, Krillgan told them that this was all Talmi's design. A gift to some friends. From the crew of the Phoenix she knew, she saw how this would be a very relaxing place for them. She loved it right away. They all did. Krillgan told them how long they had to unpack, then dress, before he came to take them for dinner with the Ambassadors.

They kept the Royals busy over the next few days. But not at an overwhelming pace. The idea was for them to enjoy the things they showed them. They were taken into the employees section. So they could see all the things that the employees have available to them. Ta'Yanna took it upon herself to introduce Madam Santhe to all the children at the daycare. She told all the children that she is a very important lady, because she has her own office. She was the first one to offer her juice to drink. So they can know from that, that she is a nice lady. Madam Santhe thanked Ta'Yanna for such a nice introduction.

They took some time each day, to teach the Ambassadors and their husbands the basics for palace dances. When their outfits were ready, Talmi decided on a spectacular way to introduce the people to "Dancing like Royals", with the Royal Couples permission. In the casino, it was not the usual dance music that started. Then the center of the stage was light up, and everyone could see two couples dancing and twirling to the music. For most people in the casino, it was very hypnotic, having never seen this type of dancing before. Talmi introduced the couples using their real titles, telling everyone that they have been gracious enough to teach the resorts' Ambassadors in this style of dance. Then the entire stage was lit up, and the Ambassadors, with their husbands, started dancing around the Royal Couples. Talmi announced that they would soon be converting that casino, for this type of dancing. It will be called "Dancing like the Royals".

When the music stopped, the stage went black. The platforms for the regular resort dancers were lit up, and the type of music the patrons were used to hearing in a casino started. Then the regular dancefloor was gradually lit up, with the stage area staying in the dark. The feedback that Talmi later received, was that the people were interested in dancing like royals.

Madam Santhe also kept her promise to the Ambassadors. With Talmi present, she contacted a Lady on Lianna that she considers the best dancer, and a great instructor. She told her that she was calling from Manaan. She told her that they were interested in sharing the palace dancing experience with everyone. The Ambassadors are all professional dancers, but because they are pregnant, they cannot dance in their normal fashion, so it was suggested that they try palace dancing. She told the Lady that the position is originally for one year, but can be extended, if they see that there is enough interest. She told her about the resort she is currently on. That so far it is the best vacation she has ever had, and it is just starting. She then introduced her to Talmi, the one who runs all the resorts. She left them alone, to hash out an acceptable contract.

An interesting side effect of this situation, was that Royal families on many planets found out about the dancing school. The last dance all the families participated in, was on Alderan, before the Great War. Since then, they have all felt isolated. Because Manaan is a neutral planet, the Royal families from all over the galaxy started sending their children to dancing school on Manaan, to receive proper instruction, and to reconnect with Royal families on other planets. Families with whom they have marriage bonds.

Madam Santhe mentioned to Krillgan, that she would like to experience a beach, and going swimming in some nice warm water. Only she did not think it would be right for her to use the resort's beach. As it would give her Security Officers nightmares. It would also be not right, to shut down the beach, just for them. She asked if there was a private beach that they could use, so she and her people could feel comfortable. Krillgan thought of the sand island, and the lagoon where they had their barbeque. He went to Ahto City to talk with the elder, and the cantina's owner. They talked about what to use, and who would be allowed to go. After returning to the resort, he told Madam Santhe that he had arranged for them to have access to a private beach, for the entire day. He mentioned who would be allowed to go, and if her security detail was in agreement. They said they were, so it was agreed to meet at the docks, after breakfast the following day. The Ambassadors, and husbands were told that they were invited to come, at dinner that evening. Ta'Yanna and Richard also indicated that they wanted to come along.

They only needed two launches and no flotilla for this outing. Everyone from the resort, except Krillgan, was wearing swimming outfits that the resort computer recommended for them. Krillgan stuck to what his mother made him. Along with the two grills, they also put up Krillgan's tent. The one he used on Tatooine. In case someone felt it was important to get out of the sun.

Ludia shared with Madam Santhe and Lady Brelmy, the ointment she puts on her children, when they will be outside in the sun, and going swimming. She also shared the ointment she puts on them, after swimming, so their skin does not burn. The Security Officers that were standing guard, in their matching bathing outfits, put the second ointment on any exposed skin right away. Remembering to thank Madam Djo.

The cantina owner was introduced to Madam Santhe, as the one responsible for providing the meals for her people guarding her yacht. The Nautolan couple were introduced as the owners of the smoked fish business. An item she has been enjoying when accompanying Elibet and Kran, at the casino.

The Nautolans were there to harvest the multiple types of crustaceans. The little ones that swam in schools, they removed their shells, and skewered them onto sticks, to cook that way. The big ones that scurried along the ocean bottom, they left in their shell while they cooked, then broke their shells open, so everyone could get at the succulent meat inside. The ones that anchored themselves to rocks and coral, where deshelled, and their flesh placed on the grill. Some of the fish that was caught, was placed on the grill, with the balance left and served raw with some seaweed. Mainly for the Selkath.

Because they were boiling the grain, Krillgan thought that grilled potatoes would not suit this barbeque, so left it off of the menu. He did grill up some vegetables, which he used to eat raw growing up. Preferring the grilled versions for some of them. They even had some fruit, that was sliced into pieces, and but on the grill, for dessert.

Krillgan took Richard out into the deeper water, to teach him some different ways to swim, both on the water's surface, as well as under the surface of the water. Ta'Yanna stayed in the shallow water with mother, and splashed up a storm. She accidentally splashed Madam Santhe, and thought that she was in trouble, until Madam Santhe splashed her back, and started the splashing wars.

Everyone had fun, and Madam Santhe told the cantina owner that she ate the feast of a Queen. So when it was time to leave, it was nice for everyone to find lounge chairs on the launches, to rest. Except for the poor Security Officers who had to remain standing, as they were on guard duty.

Because they had so much fun, Madam Santhe asked Krillgan if they could do it one more time, before Ludia and the children left. She heard the cantina owner tell about his life on Manaan, and his first encounter with Captain Richard, and the original crew of the Fenelar Phoenix. A story that Captain Richard never told Krillgan and his parents when they were on the Phoenix. The cantina owner told them that he worked for a small accounting firm in Ahto City, when the Sith Empire came to Manaan to bomb the planet. Because the Selkath cut them off from their Kolto. When they discovered that they tried rigging the elections on Manaan. The smugglers that were used to trading with the Selkath, ran the Sith blockade of the planet to try and save as many lives as possible. Some ships were hit by a direct blast from a bomb, obliterating it. Some were shot down by the Sith Fleets in orbit. Captain Richard landed the Phoenix in a bomb crater, of what had previously been a financial building, where loans and investments had regularly been made, that affected a large number of planets. The people that were nearby, and could move, rushed the Phoenix as soon as it lowered its ramp. With the first class crewman in the top gun turrets, destroying the Sith fighters that tried strafing the people running for the safety of the Phoenix. The ship was stuffed, way beyond its capacity. With body pressed against body. But no one complained. Most were like him. Their clothing in tatters, everything they owned, being destroyed by the Sith, with not one credit in anyone's pocket. The Phoenix fought their way to space and beyond. He remembers the Shistavinen crew man, being passed by the people over their heads to the tail of the ship, so that he could get into the lower gun turret, when they left the atmosphere. He can't remember if it was a crewman or a volunteer that took his place in the upper gun turret. But everyone cheered when someone said they got one. The only thing they had to cheer about all day.

Captain Richards took the Phoenix to Fadden. The closest habitable system to Manaan. Dropped everyone off, then headed back, to see if they could save anyone else. Captain Richard told him that when he returned, the Sith Fleets were preparing to exit the system, and left him alone. He went down, and flew over floating platform after floating platform. Watching as some of them slowly sank into the oceans. If there were any living survivors down there, he did not see them. He never did describe what he actually did see. He returned to Fadden, to see if he could transport the refugees to other planets, at no charge. People who had family, or business associates, on other planets, took up his offer. Some had already left on previous ships, promising to pay for their passage, once they arrived at their destination. The cantina owner went back aboard the Phoenix, because he felt safe there. He had no money, he had no family, or business associates, that might take him in. He only had a friendly Captain and crew, who showed that they cared. After dropping everyone off where they asked. Captain Richard bought some supplies, and returned to Manaan. He suspected that the Selkath did survive, and would need some help rebuilding. The Selkath had crawled back out of the water, and were surveying the damage to their platforms. They did push the debris off of one of the landing pads, hoping that a ship would return, and were happy to see the Fenelar Phoenix. Captain Richard had a nice long talk, with the Selkath. Then they came and talked with him. They knew that having a cantina, would encourage other ships to return to their world, and bring supplies with them. The Selkath were the ones who built the cantina, then they built him a home under the rubble. He used to kid them, about his home being an experiment, where they learnt what they could and could not do, when it came to building their own homes. Then he would laugh when they agreed. They had credit reserves, which they had stashed in caverns on the bottom of the oceans. They also had Kolto, and judiciously guarded there supply. Using it to pay for the more expensive supplies. There was still a large demand, since there was still a war on, and not enough Bacta was yet available. He did not know how many of his clients experienced food poisoning, when he first started. As he never cooked before in his life. But he actually started to enjoy it, and became better at it with experience, and feedback from Captain Richard and his crew. The best part was hearing all the stories from people that were willing to risk their lives for others. He found out that money was not the number one factor. Credits helped, but it was always something else that was more important. Another common factor, was that they hated the Sith. So if what they did would make them a pain in their side, they would do it.

The children at the daycare were jealous of Richard and Ta'Yanna. They got to go to that special barbeque, and go swimming. Some had seen Ta'Yanna holding the nice lady's hand as they walked to have dinner with the Ambassadors. None of them got to have dinner with the Ambassadors, even though they said hello to all the children who lived near them. When Ta'Yanna returned from the latest barbeque, they were expecting her to be all excited, wanting to tell them all about it. Instead she looked sad. They asked her, if something bad happened at the barbeque? She told them that nothing bad happened. She had just as much fun as last time. She was told this morning that they will be leaving the coming day, because Richard has to go back to school. They wanted to know why Richard could not go to school in the resort, just like the older children. Ta'Yanna did not know. She just knew that they have a home on another planet, and Richard has to go to school there. They asked her, if the children there are fun to play with? She told them that they live far away from all the other families. She only gets to see them once a month, at a market. She does not get to play with many of them, because they have to stay with their families. All she has is Richard and Blackie their canine. There are lots of shaggy Nerfs, but they will spit at her and Blackie if they get to close. Because Richard has people in the house teaching him, she does not have that much time to play with him. The children started to understand that Ta'Yanna's time with them, was just as special to her, as her time at the barbeque. They felt sorry for her, because they get to play with each other every day. But she has to leave. She is a nice girl to play with, so they all tried doing something nice with her that day, so that she would remember them.

Madam Santhe insisted that she see Ludia and the children off. She told Krillgan to not leave right away, but wait for the Phoenix. Her inquiries with the Cerean Government on behalf of Dranna's family paid off. The bond wife is the official guardian of the family's finances, on behalf of the children. But when the children moved out, along with all the honour wives. She automatically lost that right. In fact by Cerean law, she was required to vacate the premises, because it belonged to the children. She was also required to turn over guardianship to one of the birth mothers. Which she never did. According to Cerean law, she is officially a Witch.

The Cerean Government is very respectful of Devaronian Krillgans, as the last Krillgan visited their planet during a difficult time, and straightened out a big mess. They want him to come to Cerea, to see whether or not their Witch, is a Dark Force Witch. If she is, he will be given authority to deal with her on their behalf. If she is not, then they will deal with her according to their own laws. But nothing official can happen, until Dranna returns to Cerea, and lodges an official complaint.

Part of the reason she came at this time, was because she was hoping to find him on Manaan, to tell him to wait for the Phoenix. Since she knew that the Phoenix had a number of stops to make, before it reaches Manaan. Krillgan asked Madam Santhe, if Dranna would be leaving the Phoenix, once her family was restored to their property, and their finances restored? Madam Santhe told him that she did not know. She believes that Grimm had good reason to give her the position of ship's Engineer. Expecting her to hold the position for a very long time. Otherwise, he would have kept her as his assistant, until a proper replacement could be found. Krillgan had to agree with her, and hoped in his heart it was true. He was there to seem them off, when a few days later, it was their turn to leave Manaan, and return to Lianna. Madam Santhe did tell the Selkath elder, that she will try and to persuade her niece to come to their planet for a vacation. In her eyes, it was well worth the trip.