Chapter 29: The Rightful Heir

"That is all we have right now, Jas. Hopefully, it works out for you."

He rubbed his eyes, and groaned slightly. Grateful that he finally had something, and even more grateful that he could finally get up away from this console.

It had been hours, but finally he had something.

"Thanks, Tess," he said with a sheepish smile.

"I owe you one."

Tessa Calican smiled, or rather, her hologram did. He could only guess where the organization's comm officer was working from. He had been out of touch with them for too long now…

He rubbed his eyes again, even closed he could see the blue flicker of hyper-comm signals, he had been at this for well…it felt like an eternity.

...but finally…he had something that could prove useful.

"Be careful on this one, okay," Tessa said, "The lizards aren't going to like you poking around in their business."

"I just need a single piece of information from them," he assured her, "After that, I'm out of the business for good, and…on to something better."

He sighed.

"Provided that I haven't messed everything up."

Tess gave him a concerned look.

"Why? What happened?"

"Vess isn't happy. I understand her reasons, but…"

Jas shrugged; a fatalistic laugh escaped his lips.

"I've only been back in her life a few hours, and already we had a fight."

"A fight?" Tess sounded surprised.

"About what?"

"This actually," he replied, "Not that I blame her…"

He shook his head.

No, he didn't blame her at all.

IOI

"You can't ask this of me! YOU CAN'T!"

Jas looked down at the floor, not wishing to meet the girl's eyes. He understood, he did…but…

"This may be the way, Vess," he said in his most soothing voice.

"The ONLY way."

The girl shook her head, she paced angrily.

"It can't be," she murmured, "If this is what we have come to…how…how can you expect me to do this?"

She stopped and glared at him.

"What does it make me if I choose to go down this path."

"A queen," he answered.

She snorted and shook her head.

He took a deep breath, and tried to remain calm, to remember his training.

She had to see that they had no other choice.

This…was the only way.

They were back in the small office that Vess and Dorma had been in when they arrived. The matriarchs had retired to their quarters to dine, and prepare for an evening with the Alderaani ambassador. Dorma sat at her desk, while Val stood near the door, saying nothing. Simply awaiting her queen's orders.

Jas had hoped for the protector's support on this, she knew how the galaxy worked.

Surely, she could see the wisdom in trying this idea.

What else can we do, Jas had wondered.

It seemed like the only option.

IOI

They had spoken with the Matriarchs for almost three hours and had gotten nowhere. They had discussed every idea that they could think of, any plan that might lead Vessaria to her mother's throne.

The only question was, how to do it without tearing apart the world that Vess was born to lead.

They had found no real solution.

The matriarchs all agreed that the right of succession, and the rule of law, supported Vessaria's claim, the problem was proving that to the rest of the Matriarchy, and winning their support. Adira II and her husband High General Lyron had been in power for almost a decade now, and had worked tirelessly to remove any trace of the old guard that could oppose them. Past imposters, removed nobles, and the wealth of the mining guild combined to make a near impenetrable wall, blocking the return of the queen.

It had fallen to this small band of nobles, holy folk and the young queen to find a way through it.

Matriarch Toby, Vess's best friend in childhood, had suggested going into the palace's medical databanks, genetic samples of all nobles born on Bantoon were kept there, and could verify that Vessaria was who she said she was, proving that she had the right to order her aunt and uncle to stand down.

Baron Hudlo had shot down that plan easy enough.

He reminded them all that the High General had had access to those gene banks for the last decade, and seriously doubted that those samples had not been tampered with. Any attempt to use them would show that Vess was yet another imposter, only, this time, she would not be given a slap on the wrist, like her predecessors, no, this time…she would be executed, as an example to all others.

The matriarch withdrew her plan. She acknowledged that it wouldn't work.

Matriarch Honoria suggested that Vess call the banners of House Istillo. The ancient agreement that all the matriarchs had upheld since the reunification centuries ago. Even if only half of them supported Vess, it would be enough to make the government reconsider its stance.

Vess refused to do it. She believed that such a move would lead to civil war, and even if she and her forces were successful, Lyron's off world allies would request Republic aid, calling HER a usurper, possibly even bringing the Jedi into the fight on Adira's side.

She would not risk it.

Matriarch Bedoria, finance minister under both Vess' mother and grandmother, suggested the use of a work stoppage. She had many friends among the trading guilds, and thought such a protest might be enough to get the matriarchy to consider Vess' claim.

Baron Hudlo reminded her that most of the Republic's interests on Bantoon were confined to the mining operations on the moons. A work stoppage on the planet would do little to discourage Adira's allies, and could possibly push any matriarchs currently on the fence of Vessaria's claim into the Adira camp.

Again, the plan was withdrawn.

Matriarch Charys offered to seek to win the office of First Matriarch in the coming election, using Vessaria's endorsement, and the aid of Bedoria's allies, she thought it possible that she could win, and bring a formal vote of no confidence in Adira's leadership.

Both Bedoria and Honoria disagreed, the election was not for another year and a half, and, on top of that, Lyron had moved many supporters into places that could inversely affect any attempt to oust him by the matriarchy. Again, it could lead to civil war.

Charys promised to continue her political ambitions, but would not bring up Vessaria's name.

Any plan there…was put on hold, it would take too long, and it would give Adira and her husband more time to remove Vess from the board.

Which meant more assassination attempts, more bounty hunters coming for the girl. Jas didn't want that, there was always a chance one would get lucky. Then…he would lose Vess and Val both.

No, he saw no value in waiting.

Brother Oswell suggested a compromise, that Vessaria approach her aunt, and make a deal with her. That Vessaria would remain in exile, provided that her aunt name any female child of Vess as the future heir, as a means of correcting the course of succession, and stabilizing the monarchy.

None of the matriarchs liked the idea, and, once again, Baron Hudlo played Sith's advocate, saying that the only way that Adira would accept such a plan was if Vessaria turned over any female heir to her, thus the girl would not be an heir, but a hostage, a hostage that would die swiftly if Adira and Lyron had a daughter of their own.

"Such a move would devastate our queen," the Baron said, "but even if Adira was NOT able to give Lyron an heir, the chance of them turning any of Vessaria's children against her is equally a problem. Children in such circumstances would become mere puppets for the current regime, and that is something we should avoid, yes?"

Jas watched the baron very closely during the meeting. The merchant, though having no plans of his own, was proving to be a good sounding board, but seemed far too committed to the status quo.

Jas might have wondered why he was here, but experience had taught him enough, he could see the reason, even though it was left unsaid.

Hudlo represented the Sworn Protector program, he had made his wealth, statis, and fame on its success. He was here to protect THAT interest, should Vess succeed in winning back her throne.

The man was here to protect his position, nothing more, but that didn't mean that they could afford to alienate him.

Vess listened to each of these plans in turn, but still, Jas could feel her frustration growing. The hope she and Dorma had felt by arranging this meeting dwindling with each failed plan.

As for Jas himself, there was only one topic that the matriarchs sought to discuss with him. The chance of Jedi involvement. For months now, Adira had spoken many times in interviews, and addresses to the matriarchy, promising that the Jedi would intervene on the side of progress if any troublemakers decided to oppose her work at bringing the Republic and Bantoon closer.

Meanwhile, her husband Lyron courted the favor of those that distrusted outsiders, assuring them that Bantoon culture would be protected.

The queen and her husband proved quite cunning, playing both sides against the middle, maintaining their grip on power.

Jas, for his part, could not assure the matriarchs that the Jedi would not intervene against Vess. His brother remained involved in the Bantoon situation, or so rumors at the temple had suggested.

Had he convinced enough of the council to view Vessaria as a usurper? Would they choose politics over the rule of law?

He couldn't say for sure.

Jas looked over at Vess, he could see the tension in her back, the set of her jaw.

He wished he could take her in his arms, let her know she was not alone.

He almost pounded the desk in front of him in frustration.

It was crazy, Vess WAS the rightful heir! Yet, she was being blocked at every turn, any attempt to prove that she was the heir would be met with harsh resistance.

"My friends," Brother Oswell had said, "It seems that we will need to ask our gods for aid, a miracle alone may be the only thing that will help sway our people now."

It had been in that moment that Jas had gotten the idea.

If they could not appeal to the gods of Bantoon, maybe they could make a deal…with a demon?

They had been so focused on proving Vessaria's claim, that they had not realized that there was another way to come at this problem. Rather than try to prove Vessaria's validity, why didn't they go after Adira and Lyron's claim?

He had broached this topic to the matriarchs, but they seemed unconvinced. After almost eight years, the High General had all but erased any trace of wrong doings on his part during his wife's ascension. Several key nobles that had been involved had vanished in the years since those events, and it was likely that any evidence committed to paper or hologrammic format had been destroyed or erased.

No, they would find no evidence of wrong doing on Bantoon, nothing that they could bring before the Matriarchy.

"What about off world?" he had suggested.

That…had gotten the nobles' attention.

Jas requested a recess, he needed to speak with Vessaria and Val alone, what he had to suggest would have to be their decision, but it would not be…pleasant.

Lyron had used off-worlders to carry out his plan, the mining guild people were untouchable, but there was one final group that wasn't.

It would be to these that they would reach out.

Vessaria…would need convincing.

She…would not like this.

IOI

"The Red Eclipse?"

Jas nodded, but he could already tell what Vess thought of the idea, she didn't say the pirate group's name, she spat it out like with something diseased, a curse upon the galaxy.

The girl's eyes narrowed.

"You would have me go to the very people that murdered my mother, that killed my father?"

"The Eclipse made a deal with Lyron, or someone in his government. If we can prove that, it may be the first step in unseating him." Jas said.

He shook his head.

"It is not the best situation, I know, but it might win you the support you need.

A shudder ran down the girl's spine, she turned away from Jas, looking out the window. He could feel the anger radiating off her, the thought of going to those that had hurt her…it was repellant.

Jas, however, feared it was the only option. They needed evidence of the High General's wrong doing.

This…it may have been the only way to find some.

Lady Dorma had joined them, once again sitting at the small desk. The noble frowned as Jas offered up his plan.

She didn't seem convinced either.

"Would these pirates have kept such records, Ser Jas? From what I've heard of the Red Eclipse, they are not the type to leave a trail of their wrong doings."

"The individual crew that carried out the attack would not," he agreed, "But those that acted as a go-between, the ones that were approached about the deal would have, they would have been foolish not to have taken precautions."

Char Valenthyne nodded. She, having grown up on the fringe, knew what he was talking about.

"You're thinking a blackmail file, right, Not-a-Jedi?"

Jas nodded.

"I'm sure the Trandoshans don't call it that, but yeah. I doubt that Lyron and his allies paid them upfront. They would want some type of record should the one who hired them decide not to pay up after the job was done."

"Or in case the people that did the hiring tried to silence them after the fact," Val added, "They would have hidden such information, set it to come out had the Mining Guild or Lyron blamed them for what happened, and choose to simply off them as scapegoats."

The protector sighed.

"I…suppose it is possible. Having such a file would be good leverage, should Lyron, or anyone else choose to shift the blame totally on the pirates' heads."

"So, it is possible, is that not right, protector?" Dorma asked.

Val nodded again.

"Yeah, my lady, I…I think it is."

The protector sighed.

"The only real problem I see with this plan is if the High General had nothing to do with what happened to Annara, if he simply let his mining guild friends handle the matter, if that was the case, the evidence of the queen's death would not help us."

Jas was about to respond to that, but Dorma beat him to it.

The noble woman smiled.

"Actually, protector, that would be even better. Lyron and Adira have been playing the people against each other for years. She defends the off-worlders, while he plays to the traditionalists. If the traditionists in the matriarchy were to find out that the queen's off world allies had assassinated her sister. They might start to question Lyron's commitment to preserving the Bann way of life."

"Add into that the fact that he is pushing to name his son heir," Val added, "It might be enough to start things rolling. The matriarchs we have here could gain many allies, perhaps enough to move for a no-confidence vote in Adira."

Val smiled slyly. She turned to her queen, who was staring out the window.

"We could win you back your throne without firing a single blaster bolt."

Jas looked at Vess, she was so quiet, but around her the Force seethed like boiling water.

She doesn't want to do this; he didn't need his powers to tell that. He didn't blame her, the Red Eclipse had tried to kill them all, but if there was even a chance that this might help…

…wasn't taking that chance worth the risk?

"Could you do this, Ser Jas?" Dorma asked him, "Could you reach out to these creatures, see what they may know?"

Vess spun around her blue eyes radiating pain.

"I can't believe what I'm hearing," she said, looking back and forth between her foster mother and her protector.

"You both like this idea, don't you? You think it is the only way?"

"Starfish, please," Dorma said warmly, "You heard the matriarchs, there is no way to unseat your uncle, not without bloodshed. If Ser Jas can deliver proof about your mother's assassination…"

"The idea has merit, my queen," Val shrugged, "If we can prove the Trandoshans acted on your uncle's orders…"

Vess' eyes narrowed.

"No," she hissed.

"Vessaria," Dorma said.

"No," Vess repeated, shaking her head, "I will not look to my mother's killers for help. Laying down with such dogs…who knows what vermin would find their way onto my back. No…I…I can't do it."

"We should at least let, Ser Jas look," Dorma suggested, "If you still don't wish to do this…"

Jas stepped forward.

"If you don't want to do this, I won't. This has to be your choice, Vessaria, you are going to be the queen."

"Don't throw this away out of turn, Vess," Val advised, "For the first time, we may finally have something to hurt your uncle with. The Red Eclipse might be able to…"

"To do WHAT?!" the girl demanded.

"Vess," the protector said, "Please…"

"No," Vess repeated, "I will not go to these murderers like a common criminal. I won't be like…like…"

"Like me?"

Jas asked the question, and when he looked at Vess, he could sense her anger…anger directed at him.

She was enraged that he would suggest such a thing, and even more angry that he had the skills to make it work.

She was…angry at him.

His eyes narrowed.

He was…insulted.

Was…was that what she saw when she looked at him, when she REALLY looked at him?

A common criminal?

His own temper flared, he glared at the girl, and she glared right back.

She was being foolish, prideful and foolish.

He was about to tell her as much.

Vess looked away, her anger continued to seethe, but she held it in check.

It took all his Jedi training not to walk up to her, and turn her around, demand to know if that is how she saw him, a lowly criminal."

Vess hugged herself, she continued to face the window, not wanting to meet his eyes, any of their eyes. He felt both fear and anger. She was shocked to have spoken so to him, but her pride would not permit her to take it back.

Finally, she sighed.

"Do it," she hissed.

"Vessaria?" Dorma asked.

"Do it, Jas," she repeated, "Reach out to your contacts, I promise nothing, but…"

The girl didn't finish, perhaps she didn't trust herself to do so, not without starting a real argument with him.

He was tempted to tell her to forget it, to storm out, but he didn't.

His Jedi calm, and the promise he had made to the girl held him there.

"As you wish, your highness," he said with a slight bow.

He turned without another word, again, he didn't trust himself to not say something he would regret.

He was angry, furious, but…he was also…scared.

He swallowed hard.

Is it over already?

He found himself remembering Corellia, the look of anger and betrayal in Prynn's eyes.

He had lost one girl because she could not accept who he was…?

Had he just lost another?

Had he failed again?

He couldn't say.

He…he just didn't know?

IOI

He explained all this to Tess. He had just spent the last few hours checking with all their contacts, anyone who might have or had dealings with the Red Eclipse.

He had hoped to speak with Coop, ask his opinion, but his clan brother had not been able to talk, he was currently, in seclusion.

Randa was expected to go into labor any day now. Coop wanted to stay at her side, without interruption.

Hearing that made Jas again question his choice to leave the organization. Coop was about to become a father, he wondered if he should be there?

He wondered if he was being selfish by coming here, and if he had messed everything up, and all with a single angry word?

"Where is Vess, now?" Tessa asked.

"Out with Val and her Lady Dorma. The matriarchs are guests of the Alderaani delegation, they are holding a party in their honor."

Jas shook his head.

"So, tell me, Tessa, did I screw up my life again? Is this just like Corellia?"

His shipmate and friend pursed her lips, he could tell that she was thinking.

Jas winced.

He feared what she might say when she finally decided to answer.

He feared that Vess would ask him to leave when she got back tonight. That he would be alone again. Left to deal with the realization that he should never have come here.

"They didn't invite you, along?" Tessa asked.

"Val and I agreed it was best that I remain here, that way I could work in solitude, and Vess could have a chance to cool off."

He gave his friend a pained look.

"Please Tess," he repeated, "Tell me that I didn't ruin everything…again."

She gave him a sympathetic smile.

"You want my honest opinion?"

"Yes. Please."

The comm officer sighed.

"If I'm being perfectly honest, I'm thinking that you are making a battleship out of a tramp freighter."

Jas' eyes narrowed.

"You think that I'm over reacting? I told you what happened, what I felt…"

"She said some harsh words in anger. It happens from time to time, Jas."

Tessa rolled her eyes.

"Relationships are not easy, Jas. People don't just get along all the time, and they don't have the benefit of learning to control their emotions like a Jedi."

Again, his old friend smiled.

"I understand why you are worried. What happened on Corellia, it is understandable that you would be a little blaster shy about being in a relationship."

"But…I felt it, Tessa. Her anger…"

"It sounds like she was more angry at the idea than at you."

His friend shook her head.

"Jas, you are going to fight with your girlfriend from time to time. It happens. Sesca and I fight all the time, and we don't break up because of it."

We're not talking about you and your wife, we are talking about…

Jas blinked.

"Girlfriend," he said, "I don't know…"

Tessa gave him a knowing smile.

He stopped, and sighed.

There was no reason to deny it now, was there?"

He gave her a sheepish look.

"Who told you?"

"Vess, but you just confirmed it, thanks for that, by the way."

He blinked again.

"Vess told you?"

She nodded.

"During her stay with us, she pulled me aside, and we had a nice talk, woman to woman."

Jas almost whimpered.

"Should I be worried about what you talked about?"

"I don't think so," his friend replied, "We spoke about you, your likes and dislikes. She asked a few questions about Prynn, but that was just a young woman sizing up the competition, I think."

Tessa chuckled.

"She adores you; you know that right? She had a crush on you when she was a girl, but now that she is a woman, I think you are both free to make your choices. She certainly made her choice clear to me. All of her questions when we talked were how she could be more appealing to you. I think she is worried that she is unworthy of your attention."

That surprised him.

Vess…unworthy of me?

Tess gave him a sly look.

"I'm not sure what happened when you two were out looking for Val, but it is clear to anyone with eyes that our dear little Vess has staked her claim on you, and that she has fallen hard, harder than she may be willing to admit. I doubt she would just throw that away over a single argument."

Tess gave him a curious look.

"How does Val feel about this?"

"It was she that suggested that I get to know Vess as a woman," he answered, "I still care about Val, but her mission and programing make any relationship chance between us almost impossible."

Tess nodded, she didn't push him further on Val, which he was grateful for.

That was yet another sensitive subject.

He was not ready to explore it.

Not yet, anyway.

He gave his friend a sheepish smile.

"So, what do I do now?"

"That is between you, and Vess, I think," she answered, "Do you want things to continue between you two?'

Jas nodded.

He didn't want things to end, and not simply because he promised to help her.

He wanted to see if they had a chance.

If she found someone better, he would step aside, but he didn't want things to end like they had with Prynn.

He wasn't sure if he could handle that.

"Should I apologize to her?"

"I don't think you really did anything wrong, but if that what it takes, you should consider it. All I can say, is try to be sensitive, listen to her, and do what you feel is right."

He nodded, but could not entirely kill the sense of nervousness he felt.

What had happened with Prynn on Corellia still haunted him.

He didn't want to go through that again.

"Thanks, Tess," he said, "Tell that wife of yours I said hello, and give my regards to Randa and Coop, let them know that they are in my thoughts, as well as the little one."

His friend nodded.

"Good luck, Jas, both with your mission, and Vess."

She chuckled.

"Though…you don't believe in luck, do you? Well, in that case, I guess I should say: May the Force be with you."

He nodded.

"And with you."

The call ended, and his friend vanished from the hyper-comm.

Jas sighed, and sat back in his chair, thinking about what Tess had said, that and the information that she and his other contacts had offered.

It wasn't bad, truth be told, he could…

He paused, realizing suddenly he wasn't alone and hadn't been for a while.

He looked over his shoulder.

Char Valenthyne stood there, clad in her full armor.

She gave him a warm smile.

"Smart lady, that Tessa," she said, "Talk about the wisdom of the matriarchs."

"She is not a fool, that is for sure," he agreed, suddenly wondering how much she had heard.

She didn't seem sad or insulted.

That was…good, he supposed.

"Do you need something?" he asked.

"I was going to ask you the same question," the protector replied, "The droid in the hall said you have been in here since we left, that was five hours ago, and you haven't asked for any food or taken a break since."

"I had some leads to run down." He said dismissively.

"They pan out?" she asked.

"We will know more in a day or so."

The protector nodded.

She gestured for him to follow.

"Vess wants to speak with you, if you are willing."

He took a deep breath, and let it out slowly.

He didn't really want to, but he didn't see any option.

He didn't want things to end, not like this.

He rose and followed the protector.

She didn't say anything about Vess, and what she wanted.

Again, he felt that sense of nervousness.

He drew on his Jedi training, trying to remain calm.

He had faced cultists and Anzati.

He could face Vess.

He swallowed hard.

At least, he hoped he could.

IOI

"I need to go check in with the other protectors; make sure that everything is secure when the matriarchs come back."

Val gave them both a shy smile.

"I'll leave you two to alone, contact me if you need anything."

The protector left without another word. Both he and Vess watched her go.

Jas grimaced.

Again, he felt that sense of nervousness, the same feeling he had had since this afternoon.

Vess stood before him, he would be lying if he said he was not…intrigued by what he saw.

The shimmer silk dress left little to the imagination, it clung to her like a second skin. It was cut low in the back, wit a small window in front. The right leg slit just so to give the girl freedom of movement.

She didn't have her back to him, but she refused to meet his eyes. Again, he could sense her emotions.

Anger and regret were at war, though he could not say what was causing her more pain, the former or the latter. They stood there, the air thick with tension, both not trying to look at the other, both trying and failing.

Finally, it was Vess that broke through that tension.

She spoke.

"Were you able to find what you were looking for? Did…did you manage to contact the Trandoshans?"

"I made some calls," he informed her, "It should take a few days, by then…we will know more."

She nodded, still trying not to meet his gaze.

Her refusal made him extremely self-conscious, finally he couldn't take it anymore.

He tried to speak, they both did, at the same time. Twice they tried this, and twice they failed.

Despite what had passed between them, the failed attempt managed something positive, it broke through the barrier between them.

Both of them laughed nervously.

"You first," he offered, with a smile.

"I'm listening."

She nodded. She took a deep breath and gathered her wits, and her courage.

She gave him a sheepish smile.

"I…I wanted to apologize. What…what I said earlier, it…I…I didn't mean it. The thought of turning to my mother's killers, it…it was too much."

Jas nodded.

He understood, how could he not.

He could sense her pain, it was always there, and likely…always would be.

"Is that why you decided to leave the party early? I don't sense Lady Dorma or Lord Errol."

Vess nodded.

"They are still there, guests of honor. I wouldn't be surprised if they spend the whole night. So many of the people there were from the original mission that first visited my world, so many well-wishers that remember Aunt Dorma."

Vess sighed and looked away again.

"It didn't feel right, me being there. I kept thinking of my parents, what that visit cost me, my world, but mostly, I thought of you."

"Me?"

She nodded.

"You were here all by yourself, and…after what I said. I…I didn't want to leave it like that. I was worried that you might leave...that you might leave me."

Jas gave her a serious look.

"You are not getting rid of me that easily, gal," he promised.

Jas laughed lightly.

"We common criminals are a stubborn lot."

She was about to speak, apologize again, but then she saw the smirk on his face.

He had been kidding.

She managed a weak smile.

"I'm really sorry for that too. I…I don't think that is all you are."

Jas nodded, accepting her words, but knew he couldn't leave it at that.

"I think what hurt the most about that, was that you weren't wrong, not really."

He sighed.

"I've never apologized for what I am, and I never will. I serve my friends and the order, but…that doesn't mean…"

The words stuck in his throat, but he would not let them go unsaid.

Vess needed to hear them. He needed to say them.

"I've never questioned my choices, but…since you came back into my life. I've started asking myself, perhaps I should have taken a different path.

Now he did manage to meet her gaze, she needed to know, the words spilled from his mouth, he couldn't stop them, even if he wanted to.

"I want to be better, Vessaria. I want to be better for you.

He looked down at his feet.

"You…you make me want to be a better man."

She looked at him with wide eyes, and stepped closer, she approached him and didn't stop, he could have back up, but he didn't.

He found himself looking down into her blue eyes. She stood so close; their bodies were touching. He should have felt uncomfortable, having someone that close, but he didn't…

He…he was glad she was here. His heart raced, he could smell the perfume she was wearing, and smell the clean scent of her hair.

She reached out, and touched his cheek. He learned into that touch, enjoying it.

The girl smiled.

"You have nothing to change," she informed him, "You are my knight, my savior…"

She grinned then, his fears evaporating as he looked down upon her, seeing that warm gentle smile.

"You," she murmured, "Are the man I love."

He took a shuddering breath, trying to calm himself, but this time…it didn't work.

He couldn't be calm, not now.

She had said it, said the words again.

The man I love.

Were there any more beautiful words in the lexicon of human language?

He…didn't think so.

He found his arms around her, their lips met.

Vess wrapped her arms around his neck. Any fear, anger or doubt was gone, it was burned away. A heat suffused the Force itself.

Desire…

…need.

The girl whimpered as he kissed down her neck, and still it wasn't enough.

"No," Vess gasped she pulled him back, barely holding onto control.

"Not here," she growled. Her fingers moving quickly, expertly, unbuttoning his shirt.

He grinned.

"Where," he asked in a husky voice, barely able to contain himself.

"My room," she answered, taking him by the hand.

He let himself be led, it…it had been months.

Now, he knew.

Dantooine had not been a mistake, a one-time happening.

She wanted it.

She wanted him.

Perhaps he should have backed away, but he couldn't

Vess led him into her chambers her gown fell away, puddling at her feet. Again, she was in his arms.

He could have stopped, trusted in his Jedi calm, but he did not.

He knew what he wanted.

To protect her, to love her.

Vess giggled as he kissed his way down her neck, again.

He reached out with Force closing the door behind them.

He would discuss the plan with her later, for now…there was this.

She needed this, and that…

…is what she would have.