Medbay

"How is he?" Demanded Vau, eyes roaming over the pale, unconscious figure of his former trainee.

"He's good." Mij replied, not looking up from the specimen he was examining. Vau couldn't quite see what it was, "as stubborn as ever. We're keeping him sedated so he doesn't disturb my handiwork." Mij added before he finally looked up and studied his patient's training sergeant. They had buried the beskad, so to speak.

"Where are you going?"

"Who says I'm going anywhere!"

"You have that look, as if you're going on a mission."

"What I'm doing is none of your business."

"Agreed— unless it affects my patient." Mij studied his counterpart again.

Vau stared at Sev, still unconscious, and ignored the doctor.

"Sev will have questions when he wakes—which will be soon. Who should I refer him to— her." Mij hissed towards the girl sitting in the corner. Once he had let her in, she hadn't moved and watched everyone, especially Sev closely. Scout had taken to bringing her food and drink in. Occasionally she left for a few minutes to shower. Mij hoped.

"I've left him a message." Vau handed over the datapad. "It explains some things for him."

Mij stared at him for several seconds, "So where are you going?"

Vau fixed him with a stare back, "Family business!"

"Thought you dealt with all that on Mygeeto?"

"This concerns present family."

"You know where they are?" Mij had realised who he was talking about now after finding Sev.

"Not exactly, but I know a man who may."

Mij arched an eyebrow in question.

"Kal know about this?"

"No. He'd try and stop me, and then there would be trouble. And we can't afford that can we?"

Mij was used to them disagreeing and even coming to blows; he'd patched both of them up enough times but he agreed now was not the time for dissent.

"You going alone?"

"Of course."

"What medical supplies do you need? I can let you have some."

"I'm fully supplied now."

"I thought we were running low on some things." He muttered, "If you see…"

"Give me a list and thank you—for Sev." Vau held out his hand and Mij accepted the Mandalorian shake, surprised at the thanks.

"Will you keep an eye on Neryssa?"

Mij raised an eyebrow.

She's looking after Mird and the Null helped me."

"Of course." Mij did wonder why the sudden interest in the Null's wife, "Is there anything else I should know?"

"Not at the moment."

Mij didn't believe him for one minute but Vau always kept things close to his chest, whether he had a good reason to or not.

.

Coruscant

Imperial Detention Centre (formerly The Republic Central Judiciary Detention Centre)

The shackled prisoners shuffled out into the recreation area for their daily couple of hours outside their cells, while they were thoroughly searched. They all stood watching each other warily and waiting for the foot binders to deactivate. They knew the process now and watched for the light to extinguish. The hiss of hundreds of deactivated foot binders reverberated throughout the compound and the inmates retreated to the tables and areas they had claimed as their own.

The Ex- Imperial disgraced Admiral Rampart noticed a few absentees, so that had been what all the noise was in the night but they were of no concern to him.

The first few days, weeks even, had been difficult, as it should be but he had survived. He was nothing if not a survivor—so far.

The prisoners knew not to attack him any more. He had surprised those that had tried to take him down; but he had joined no factions and kept himself apart. He was a more prominent prisoner than most and he still had contacts within the Empire. Even though he had been used by the Emperor as a scapegoat.

That still rankled.

He sat at the table and put his hands flat on it, carefully watching all the other prisoners, spending only a few seconds on each face. Noting their reactions, if they had any injuries. He recognised a few well known bounty hunters and assassins but no one he would trust with his back.

"Prisoner Esk157936. Stand up keeping your hands on the table."

Rampart looked up at the clone. It was a clone, he recognised the accent, the manner, even though he was still dressed in riot gear after the previous night's disturbance.

The guard had his stun stick ready to use and looked as if he was itching to use it but Rampart knew better than to antagonise him. He was certain after what he had done, after he had obeyed his orders, after he was decommissioning them, that the clone would take great pleasure in taking him down for any tiny misdemeanour. He rose carefully keeping his hands in sight on the table.

"You have a visitor. Legs together."

Rampart complied and felt the binders reattach.

"Walk!"

He shuffled towards the door with as much dignity as he could muster, as the clone followed behind him.

.

Farfalle Building

Anyone flying by the Farfalle building would see an imposing figure, a Mandalorian dressed in black armour stood on the landing platform and looked upwards. The Prince had agreed to see Vau based on their previous meeting and what A'den had accomplished; he was here to ask a favour, although thinking on it he was probably going to be in debt to the Falleen for a long time.

He was surprised the Prince was still here; it was a little too close to the Imperial Palace as it was going to be called, for his liking. He could see the construction lights and hear the construction droids working on it despite the designated night time. Someone was in a hurry.

People said that Coruscant had not changed since the Empire had emerged but Vau felt it had. The sky lanes were less crowded, especially at night. He had seen the notices everywhere urging people to report on their neighbours, especially if they were non human.

And you didn't see many of them around now.

He felt —watched.

It reminded him of his birthplace, unfortunately.

He strode up to the door, as expected the muscle stepped in front of him. The Prince had upgraded his security; the impressive reception area was patrolled by a droid, manned by a Zeltron and several Niktos stood in the Reception area looking totally out of place, but he noticed their hands were never very far from the bulges in their clothes where their blasters were holstered.

"I'm here to see the Prince."

The Zeltron nodded then her head moved slightly, obviously taking instructions from her master.

"Penthouse."

"I know."

The muscle watched him as he walked unhurriedly towards the lift.

He stood in the lift as it rose quickly to the top of the building, undisturbed by any other occupants; he doubted there were any others in the building.

It finally opened and he walked in

The Prince stood in front of the floor to ceiling transparisteel windows looking out, watching the construction droids hard at work; a long black ponytail hung from the back of his head.

"Prince." The Mandalorian spoke, with an element of deference in his voice.

"It's been a while, Walon Vau."

He walked up to stand next to the Prince and looked out of the huge windows.

"The view has changed much since I was last here. I didn't particularly like the previous one and this one is not to my liking."

"We have yet to see." Answered the Prince, "business seems to be going much the same, if not better for some people."

"That's as maybe, for now."

The Prince turned to him.

"So what can I do for you, Walon Vau, disowned Count of Gesl."

Vau removed his helmet, as a mark of respect, "So you know who I am."

"You're a wanted man, with an impressive bounty on your head and that's just from the Empire. You appear to have the capacity to…..upset people."

"Is that why you agreed to see me—the Bounty?"

"I don't need those credits. I have enough. You and your associate did me a favour once. It would be churlish not to see you."

"I hope your employees don't try anything. I would not like to make a mess on your carpets."

"They are loyal to me. You wanted this meet."

"I do. I need to get into the Imperial Detention Centre. And I heard that you are the person to help me."

"Most people want to get out of there."

"I may need to get someone out."

The Prince turned back to the window, "I said business was much the same but it is not exactly the same. Some of the departments are rather zealous"

"I suspect the Empire is run on much the same grounds as the Republic — credits." Walon continued

"Like I said. I have enough credits." Prince Xizor continued to stare out into the night. Vau heard the door shuck open and someone entered.

"Yes but you also have the contacts that I need."

"The only way you get in is, as an Imperial or prisoner."

"I want to be an Imperial. ISB. It's what I know."

"I can imagine."

"So can you make it happen?"

"You'll need the uniform and a chain code plus security code cylinders."

"And you can get them?"

The Falleen smiled, of course he could get, he was Prince Xixor, "I'll need to make a call."

"Understood."

"What can you offer in return?"

"A simple exchange— my services when you need them.

"Very tempting— let me make the call."

He typed in a message and waited.

"Why is this so important?"

"It's family."

"That I understand. That and money."

He received a reply, "Where's your com?"

Vau held his wrist com forward, "All you need is with her. Any problems let me know."

Vau watched the transfer of information go through.

"The young man who unknowingly took revenge for me. Is he still well? And the young woman?"

Vau narrowed his eyes.

"They are."

"And they are family?"

"Not mine." Replied Vau, thinking he was getting too intrusive.

"If he's ever looking for work, I pay well."

"I'll let him know."

Vau turned to go.

"You are welcome to stay here."

"Thank you but I have made my own arrangements." He replied before striding away towards his speeder.

.

Kyrimorut

A'den lay with her in his arms, his hand gently rubbing circles on her lower stomach. He remembered her body from the last pregnancy, even now he could feel a slight hard bump in her stomach, although she wasn't showing as yet. Despite how he himself was conceived there was still something amazing the way a whole new being could grow within its mother's body.

"Just there!" He said, holding his wife's hand and directing it to the exact spot and steadying it there. He watched as her eyes widened, then she frowned.

"That's my stomach muscles."

"No! They are here." He dragged his fingers underneath it, barely touching the mound below. He didn't miss her sharp intake of breath and dragged his lips across her neck in response.

"And I thought you were the Doctor." He grinned, nipping at her neck; they were working their way through this in a way they both knew.

"Not my specialty." She closed her eyes, revelling in his touch

"I remember exactly how your body felt the last time."

"Nothing is going to go wrong this time." She replied, "If I have to stay in bed from now until I have him."

"That could be arranged." He confirmed,

He dragged his hand up her body, resting it for a moment on one breast, to squeeze gently. He liked this change, he also registered a change in her breathing when he did that and his hand came to rest lightly on her neck, before he tilted her head back and kissed her, as she twisted around to face him, her leg resting on him.

He pulled away from the kiss, "Just watch where you're putting that knee."

"Why? I thought you liked that?" She moved her knee along him.

He snorted, "I remember enjoying this part of the pregnancy but you may have to wait a little while. I'm not as young as I was."

"Are you sure?" She climbed over him and ground against him, feeling him stiffen in response.

They heard a whimper from outside the door; A'den sniffed.

"I thought he was out hunting."

"He was, otherwise I wouldn't be able to move and I'm fed up with cleaning up after him. You would think as an animal with six legs, he could manage to carry a cloth to mop up his own dribble. He's clever enough."

The Strill whimpered again.

"We are not letting him in." Declared A'den.

There was another louder whimper.

"He'll wake the whole house, I thought Vau normally took him with him on his…..journeys."

"He does. He probably has a present for you." He smiled at the thought.

"Vau?"

"Mird!"

The Strill whimpered again then there was talking outside and a knock at the door.

A'den rose from the bed to answer, as Ryssa pulled on a top.

Jaing stood on the other side holding a rag, with Casey standing next to him.

"You have a visitor!"

There was a scraping on the wooden floor as Mird scrabbled to get in with a bloody mess in his mouth. He dropped it at Ryssa's feet.

"Telling him to go hunt, will not get rid of him. For some reason Vau has told him to guard you, so he will."

"Thank you Mird. Good boy!" Ryssa scratched the top of his head, he yawned and closed his eyes. "Now can you guard me from outside the door?"

He rumbled in reply, eyed A'den for a few seconds then backed away leaving the remains of what he had caught on the floor.

Jaing grinned, "I think he's warning you, ner vod."

"Hmm!"

Mird finally turned and dropped to his stomach just outside the door; his head rested on his front set of paws, eyes alert. Jaing picked up Casey and stepped over the Strill, as he was not going to move now. He had been given his orders.

A'den closed the door and removed the bloody mess to the bathroom.

"Now, where were we?" he asked, as he pulled Ryssa back on top of him.

"I'm not sure, you show me."

His hands slid up to her breasts and squeezed, she let out a half yelp half gasp.

"They've grown." He observed, "I like this side effect."

"They're tender."

"Sorry. I know what will make them better." He held her steady then took one in his mouth and sucked gently his eyes watching her every reaction.

She leaned back on her hands, her eyes closed and her head dropped back.

.

"L'leth?" Ryssa poked her head around the door, "Do you feel up to seeing me?"

Jaing had said she was gradually getting better, although from what Ryssa could see she still looked painfully thin and tired. Tann had made the diagnosis and they had started the treatments but it looked as if there was a long way to go. Ryssa had read up on the reports and asked Jaing about the incident.

"Ryssa. Of course. Come in."

Even her voice sounded weak.

"Just a minute." She turned around, "Mird—stay."

He dropped to his stomach. She was still amazed he actually obeyed her orders.

Ryssa parked herself in a chair next to L'leth, who was reclining on a couch with a blanket draped across her.

"I'm sorry I've not been before. Do you need anything?"

"Just some company. Scout has done my exercises today. Tann has been in and checked me over and then Jaing. Casey comes for an hour but gets bored so Jaing has taken him out to help him. I think he's looking at your droid again."

"So you and Jaing? About time! You've danced around each other enough times."

"I know. We just wanted to make sure."

"I am so happy for you."

L'leth sighed and blinked.

"Are you sure you're okay? I can come back another time, if you want to sleep?"

"I have done nothing but sleep recently. It will pass."

"Good!" Ryssa shuffled closer, "So is there any gossip? Den's being tight lipped about a lot of stuff."

"I'm not sure, you probably know more than me."

"I don't think so. I seem to forget a lot of things now."

"That's called getting old."

"Ha. Good one. One day you'll catch me up."

Ryssa poured some juice for her.

"No, what I mean is when did Jilka and Corr become so close? I thought Kom'rk and Mereel had done his training in the outer rim."

"Not sure but it was quick. Before you came back. But there isn't much choice around here is there?"

"Now that's the L'leth I remember. You don't like her."

"There's something about her that I don't trust and I can't put my finger on it."

"That sounds like me."

"She was after your Den for a while."

Ryssa's eyebrows went up a notch, "That's news to me."

"He made it clear he wasn't interested, so she went back to Corr."

L'leth drank some of her juice and leaned back again.

"Are you sure I'm not tiring you?"

"Yes. I need to tell you something else." She looked around, as if wary that someone could be listening, "Jilka never bothered with me until I was shot. Then suddenly she's my best friend coming to see me every day. Luckily Jaing was here most of the time but there was one time when I woke up and she was fiddling with my meds line. She said it had twisted."

"But you didn't believe her." Ryssa was getting worried, as far as she knew the woman had not had any medical training.

"No. And I asked Scout to check when she came to see me but it was okay. So…."

"You're not sure now if you're misjudging her."

L'leth shrugged, "Yes—No! There's something else but I just can't put my finger on it."

"Trust your instincts. You've survived this long. There must be something there that you've seen and not realised how important it is."

"Yes. You're right." She tried to stifle a yawn but it still came out.

"Now, I've definitely been here too long. You need your rest. I'll come back tomorrow."

L'leth nodded, her eyelids drooping.

Ryssa let herself out of the room, worrying about her friend and resolving to watch this Jilka person more. And she needed to talk to Den.

"Come Mird!"

He let out a short whine, stretched and stood ready. She wiped up the wet patch on the floor.

.

Coruscant

Imperial Detention Centre (formerly The Republic Central Judiciary Detention Centre)

The clone looked up as the ISB Major tapped impatiently on the desk with his swagger stick, it had been a good few years since he had seen one of those. The last time was on Kamino, with one of the Mandalorian trainers that they only saw in passing.

"I'm sorry sir but your Appointment details for the prisoner have not yet come through. There must be…"

The ISB Major interrupted him,"Do you know who I am?" He demanded imperiously of the guard.

"Yes sir." He looked back down at the sheet, willing the Appointment to come through; the man seemed familiar but he didn't think he had seen him here before.

The swagger stick hit the desk with a resounding crack.

"I don't think you do, clone, because I am the man who is going to get you decommissioned, unless you let me in—NOW!"

Vau rarely raised his voice when he did, it was for effect, such as now. Heads turned at the noise and another clone came to join his brother. They discussed it, pointed at the screen then pressed the door lock.

"It's come through. We'll get the prisoner ready for you."

They watched as the ISB Major walked into the high security wing, his swagger stick stuck under his arm.