"Tharan," Holiday moaned, "You're giving the busty Jedi all of your attention."

"She needs my help, Holiday, my sweet."

"Fine," Holiday pouted. "But I want ginormous boobies too."

"They wouldn't suit you," Tharan told her. "You're a slender reed; the Jedi is more of a-"

"Curvaceous slut?" Yvie said, entering the room.

"I would never say 'slut'," he told Yvie.

"Well," Yvie said. "Do I look the part?" She indicated her Sith robes.

"They'll never suspect," Tharan said, admiring the revealing outfit. "Or care, for that matter. Now, here is the overseer's ID. Your name is 'Lord Djellos'. You have the authority to view any part of the factory."

"Perfect," Yvie said, tucking the ID into a pocket.

"Did you really make that delightful outfit yourself?" Holiday asked.

"I designed it," Yvie said. "My automated system assembled it."

"And the lightsaber?" Tharan asked.

"A memento," Yvie said. "Of the assault on the Jedi Temple."

"Trophy of the kill," Qyzen said with what passed for a smile among Trandoshans.

"Tharan," Holiday moaned. "I want plunging cleavage too."

Tharan said, "I'm considering it, Holiday, my sweet."

They went over the details of the infiltration one more time, and Qyzen hissed his disappointment.

"No score is earned from this," he said.

Yvie sighed. "I can't risk the mission. Klage will know if the factory has been damaged."

"I could set off the defenses in sequence," Tharan said. "It's less believable, and less efficient, but most of the factory workers would make it out."

"Do you have the time to make the changes?" Yvie asked.

"For you," Tharan said. "I will make the time."

Holiday said, "Tharan, you're supposed to be flirting with me."

Tharan finished the adjustments, and Yvie and Qyzen left for the spice factory.

Yvie wondered about the Sith lightsaber. She took it on a whim from the first Sith Lord she killed. He was probably just an apprentice, but his lightsaber had a nice design. She passed his body on after leaving the Noetikon chamber. She stopped, remembering the fight, then took the saber. Qyzen was pleased, a trophy for the Herald. She adjusted her belt, touching the saber briefly, and smiled. Kriranda would be very displeased.

"Stop right there," the Imperial Captain said. "This is an Imperial control station. I'm authorized to use deadly force protecting Cartel-Imperial interests. State your business or get out."

"Do I look like a tourist, Captain?" Yvie replied and showed him the ID.

"An inspection? I'm- please forgive me, my Lord," the Captain said. "I meant no disrespect! P-productivity is down but- we'll drive the workers harder! We'll-"

"Yes, yes, yes," Yvie said, flicking her hand at him. "I'm not here to kill anyone. Probably. Productivity can be affected by many factors. I'm here to evaluate them."

"Of course, my Lord," the Captain said. "But a simple inspection from a Sith Lord-"

"I never said the inspection was simple, Captain," Yvie said. "Well. Show me around."

He showed her through the control area, showed the production area on monitors, talked about difficulties with the Hutts, production delays. Yvie nodded politely and ignored the soldiers catching a look at her chest. When they reached the proper control panel, she distracted the soldiers with Mind Trick and more cleavage, and inserted Tharan's card.

"Good work, Master Jedi," Tharan said in her earpiece. "The primary control node is active. The program will soon corrupt the protocols and set the defenses off. If I know the Hutts, they'll attack as soon as their interests are threatened, but I doubt it's anything you couldn't handle."

"How closely do the Hutts monitor production?" Yvie asked the Captain.

"More than they should," the Captain replied. "But, their knowledge of spice production is-"

An alarm sounded from the factory floor.

"What the devil?" the Captain said. "Lieutenant Berdu, report!"

"Factory defenses have been activated," the Lieutenant replied.

"That'll cripple production," the Captain said. "What are the workers doing?"

"Fleeing, sir," the Lieutenant said. "They'll die if they don't."

The Captain turned to Yvie. "Your thoughts, my Lord?"

"Let them flee," Yvie told him. "You'll need them to rebuild later."

"Of course," he said. "I've no idea how this happened."

"You have a sabbatour," Yvie said. "It's why I'm here. They must have realized I would discover them and set off the defenses to cover their escape. And further damage the spice production."

"Of course," the Captain said. "We'll find them, my Lord, however long it takes."

"Sir!" another lieutenant said. "Hutt security droids!"

"You can see the extent of the Hutts' faith in us," he said to Yvie.

"You have me," Yvie said. "This won't take long."

Three Imperial soldiers were killed in the assault, and eight more were wounded before the Hutts called off the attack. Yvie was vaguely disappointed. She'd destroyed a third of the droids herself and enjoyed the workout.

"We're supposed to have a direct line to them," the Captain said. "We shouldn't need to defend ourselves from our own allies."

"The Hutts are no one's allies, Captain," Yvie told.

"Of course, my Lord," he said. He looked over the damage to the factory. "Repair will take weeks. I... I am fully prepared for my punishment, my Lord." He closed his eyes, expecting the sweep of a saber.

"Not my job," Yvie said. "I was only here to verify the presence of a sabbatour. Punishments will depend on evaluation. You may expect the arrival of an investigator in a few days."

"Thank you, my Lord," the Captain said. "If there's anything we can do for you, anything at all, that might improve your report."

Yvie looked around at the eager, frightened men. "I doubt it, Captain. I have very... high... standards."

"Lieutenant Berdu," the Captain said. "Have you... evaluated the men?"

"Sergeant Duxu!" Berdu called out.

"Sir!" a Zabrak soldier replied from the back of the crowd. He was average height but stocky, with the potential for controlled roughness.

The Captain said, "Sergeant, Lord Djellos would like to know if you meet her standards."

"Yes, sir," the Sergeant said. He looked around at the other soldiers, then whispered a number in Yvie's ear.

"Well," Yvie said. "I could hardly refuse." She looked him up and down. "I expect three orgasms, at the minimum. And I'm not made of porcelain. You shall use all of your muscles. You're allowed to bruise but not scar. Captain, you have work to do. Sergeant,... uh," She shrugged. "Let's go."

Once they were gone, the Captain asked Qyzen, "Do you think we're safe?"

"If she gets all three," Qyzen said.

"Right. Back to business. Lieutenant Berdu, shutdown the power to the factory defenses, and we'll start assessing the damage."

"You take too many risks," Qyzen said, once they were gone from the factory.

"They thought they were bribing me, and it maintained my cover," Yvie told him. "Besides, he was successful."

Qyzen said, "This is not hunting."

She was about to respond when her comm beeped. She activated the comm, and Klage appeared.

"Master Jedi?," he said. "I've been monitoring the Hutt Cartel's defense network. Protocols are down. Those factories are ripping themselves apart. Great work, but why set them off sequentially?"

"To give the workers time to get out," Yvie replied.

"Right. I guess that's a Jedi thing. Anyway, the Master has heard about you. He wants you to be presented to him. In person."

"'Presented'?" Yvie said.

"The Master is waiting at our headquarters in the Red Light Sector," Klage continued. "I'll upload the location to your map. Don't be long. Our fight against the Hutt Cartel is heating up, and the Master doesn't like delays."

"Come, Jedi," Duras Fain said from the holoemitter. "Don't keep me waiting."

At the sight of Yvie and Qyzen, the Morgukai warriors around the emitter shifted to a predatory stance.

"I've been looking forward to this, ever since Klage mentioned his new star. Poor Klage. Good slicer but he really should get out more. He's almost as out of touch as the Jedi Council." Fain paused. "Dressed like a Sith?"

"To infiltrate the factory," Yvie replied.

"Of course," Fain said.

"Master Fain, you need my help," Yvie told him. "You're ill. A plague is consuming you. Tell me where you are, and I can cure you."

"Tell me, has Syo Bakarn lightened up? Or is he still the same old stuffed robe?"

"You're dooming yourself," Yvie told him. "These actions only bring you closer to the dark side."

"How very rote of you," Fain said. "Bit like the order itself, yes? Even in these times, it's so... rigid. This 'plague' has enlightened me. Those Jedi rules... I rarely bothered with them before, but now I see them for what they are! But... I don't have the patience to explain. In fact, you've become a nuisance I need to eliminate. I'd love to duel you myself, but the darkness is coming, and it demands my full attention. Kill her," he said to the Morgukai. "Bring me her head when it's over." The transmission ended, and the Morgukai attacked.

To their credit, the warriors fought well, but they had no chance. Yvie wasn't sure why Fain had believed they could kill her. She would have to ask him later. And, to make him happy, she decapitated the three bodies so he would have heads to mount.

Her holocomm beeped, and Tharan appeared. "Jedi! Can you hear me? Are you all right?"

"Yvisnusiish," she told him.

"Yes, of course," he replied. "You sound well."

"You thought a few alien thugs could harm me?" Yvie asked.

"Actually, I thought they could eviscerate you," Tharan said. "I'm so glad to be wrong."

Qyzen said, "The Morgukai fought well."

"I believe you," Tharan said. "And Fain made a mistake trusting their skills. If we connect Holiday to the holotransmitter, she can trace his location. She'll have it by the time you get back."

Back at Tharan's offices, she heard him speaking to someone as she entered, the agitation clear in Tharan's voice.

"Please," Tharan said. "I have nothing but respect for the Hutt Cartel."

"They say a Jedi's behind this Guiding Hand," a Hutt Enforcer replied. "We've seen a Jedi coming out of these offices. Start talking, Cedrax."

"Try asking me instead," Yvie said.

"I'm with the Hutt Cartel," the Enforcer said, turning. "Investigating rumors that the- A Sith Lord?"

"Jedi," Yvie corrected. "I'm just trying on a new outfit. What do you think?"

His eyes moved to her breasts, her body, her breasts again, and back to her face. "It... looks good on you. As I was saying, I'm investigating rumors that the Jedi run the Guiding Hand."

"Do you mind if I change?" Yvie asked, walking to the table where she'd put her normal robes.

"Could it wait?" the Enforcer said.

Yvie shrugged. "I don't see why." She removed her belt and her thigh high boots.

"Should I turn around?" the Enforcer asked.

"Do you find the wall interesting?" Yvie asked and undid the ties on her bodysuit.

"Not especially," the Enforcer said. "Anyway..."

Yvie pushed the suit down and stepped out of it. "Yes?"

"Are you sure you're a Jedi?" the Enforcer asked.

"I could Mind Trick you," she said. "But you'll forget everything."

"That's... quite all right," the Enforcer said. "Anyway, Cedrax was working with the Guiding Hand-"

"Exactly why I enlisted his help," Yvie said. She pushed her hands over her head and stretched. "I'm investigating a rogue Jedi. We have them, you know. The Council wants the Guiding Hand shut down as much as you do."

"If you had come to us-" the Enforcer began.

"How would that have gone?" Yvie said, bouncing into her pants.

"I... uh,... I understand," the Enforcer said, beginning to sweat.

"You could tell the Hutts everything is okay, couldn't you?" Yvie asked, smiling at him.

"I could try," the Enforcer said.

"Thank you ever so much," Yvie said and wiggled into her top.

The Enforcer nodded, and departed.

Yvie rolled her eyes. "That would never work on Coruscant security." She pulled on her boots. "What did Holiday find out?" She looked up. "Tharan?"

Holiday said, "I want ginormous boobies too."

"I'm considering it," Tharan said.

"What did she find?" Yvie asked.

Holiday said, "Fain is hiding in Shadow Town."

"It's an Imperial prison for the most dangerous prisoners in the galaxy," Tharan told Yvie. "Well-nigh impenetrable. The security there is the best on Nar Shaddaa. Shadow Town houses anyone the Empire needs to watch but can't control. Assassins, insane scientists, experimental specimens..."

"Interesting," Yvie said.

"Very," Tharan said. "Shadow Town has such exceptional security because the builders had it designed by the best minds. Including myself."

"You can get me in?" Yvie asked. "More Sith disguise?"

"Sadly no," Tharan told her. "That ID could never fool Shadow Town security. I am loath to say it, but I must accompany you myself."

"Seeing this one in combat will be amusing," Qyzen said.

Tharan shook his head. "You won't be able to go. I've built an exo-tech device that should prevent Fain from brainwashing us, but it's not calibrated for Trandoshans. I'm not completely sure it will work for Twi'lek."

"The shielding technique will protect me," Yvie said.

"Very good," Tharan replied. "I'll be ready in a moment."

"And I'll contact the Republic," Yvie said. "I'm sure they're watching this Shadow Town. They might provide intelligence data." Tharan nodded and left to change.

Tharan was mostly quiet in the speeder, lost in thought and occasionally glancing at her body. At last, he said, "I must admit, Master Jedi-"

"Y-vis-nu-si-ish."

"It will take some time," he told her. "I wasn't aware that Jedi were so... comfortable. With their bodies, that is."

"They're not," Yvie said. "I grew up in a warm climate and didn't really care. And, sometimes, it's more effective than Mind Trick."

"Yes," Tharan said, glancing at her body again. "I believe that." He paused, considering his words. "I wouldn't do that too often on Nar Shaddaa. Especially if you're... You know."

"Yes, Tharan, I know."

They were met at the shuttleport by an SIS operative who led them discreetly to a small base. The operative directed them to an orange Twi'lek.

"Zan Loren, Republic intelligence," the Twi'lek said. "Keep your voice low. These buildings are abandoned, but Imperial probe droids do sweeps periodically. Now then, I'm told you want into Shadow Town."

"We must go to Shadow Town," Yvie corrected. "Jedi business."

"Of course," Zan said. "Strange. I'd heard the current Onoka Jedi was male."

"Yes," Yvie said with a suppressed sneer. "You must mean my cousin Agenord. He gets a lot of attention."

"Did he really clear Imperials from the Jedi Temple?" Zan asked.

"We both did," Yvie told him. "We were both at the Temple. And I killed plenty of Imperials. Just so you know. Why are you asking, anyway?"

"We have a difficult mission in Shadow Town," Zan said. "Agent Galen told me your cousin was the best available."

"Right," Yvie said. "Agent Galen. Of course. I am still a Jedi, you know. I guess he forgot that."

"I understand, Master Jedi-"

"Yvisnusiish."

"I understand, Master Yvisnusiish," Zan said. "But this is Camp 27, the worst part of Shadow Town."

Tharan said, "I've heard that about it."

"What's the mission?" Yvie asked.

Zan said, "They're holding Ako Domi, one of the Jedi heroes of the Battle of Sullust, and we want him back."

Yvie said, "I would not wish any Jedi's spirit exposed to such a place. What are the odds?"

"In a word? Bad," Zan said. "The security in Camp 27 is tighter than anything I've ever seen. You're not the first Jedi to come through here, but none of them thought they were strong enough. Agent Galen said your cousin was the only one who could do it."

Yvie held back a sour look. "Agent Galen was wrong. I don't know what those other Jedi were afraid of, but Tharan and I can handle a few prison guards."

"If you're certain," Zan said.

"Tharan," Yvie said. "Can you get us past the security in Camp 27?"

"I believe I can," Tharan replied.

"That's enough for me," Yvie said.

"All right," Zan said. "I'll go over the details of Camp 27 and the other area you need to reach."

"Master Jedi?" Tharan said, cautiously.

Yvie stood over the remains of three security droids. "Yes? Tharan?" She put away her saber.

"Never mind," Tharan said.

They had snuck past most security, Tharan slicing the systems and Yvie Mind Tricking the guards, but Jedi derived a great pleasure from ripping apart the droids. She'd destroyed nearly twenty, and Tharan was afraid the remains would be noticed. Yvie hid the droids in a side tunnel, and they continued on.

They approached a group of guards, Yvie seemingly oblivious, when an alarm went off in the next cell block over. The guards ran toward the disturbance, and Yvie walked past where they had been as if she expected it. As they neared Camp 27, she suddenly pulled him into an alcove and shoved him into a wall.

"Tell me, Tharan," she whispered. "What did you think of my body?"

Now? Really? Right now? "You have the best body I've ever seen on a Jedi," he told her. "One of the best bodies I've seen on any woman. Not upgraded on a holo, that is."

"That's right," she said. "Best in the order." She smiled at him in a feral way. "Have you ever gone down on a Jedi?"

He looked around. "Here?"

"No, not here. Just tell me."

"Jedi aren't supposed to have sex," he said.

"We're not supposed to form emotional connections. That's not what I want." She waited. "Well?"

"I would be most honored-"

She rolled her eyes. "I'm not an idiot, Tharan. Yes or no?"

"Yes," he said. "Of course."

She looked him up and down. "After we get Fain. And if you can get my name right. Just once." She checked the area. "Let's go."

Tharan held back a moment and whispered into his comm, "Holiday, I have a job for you..."

Agent Loren had not been wrong. The security in Camp 27 was exceptional. Slicing the system took all of Tharan's best tricks, and the guards were trained to resist Mind Trick. Yvie had to subdue, or kill, most of them. Still, her bizarre luck followed them, and they reached the Imperial Interrogation room. An interrogator was in the room with his back to them. Yvie pulled his gun from his holster and knocked to the floor with the Force. She had her lightsaber at his throat before he could get up.

"I- I can help you," he said. "Whatever you're looking for, I can find it."

"Where is Ako Domi?" Yvie asked.

"Ako Domi?" the interrogator replied. "Are you really asking to- Uh, never mind. That's who you want, I can summon him. No problem."

"How?" Tharan asked.

The interrogator nodded toward a console and said, "Cell 8."

"I don't sense a lie," Yvie said, and Tharan tapped a button.

The interrogator said, "Now I'm, um, just going to-"

Yvie knocked him out.

A large, pale Sith Lord entered the room. He ignored Tharan and said to Yvie, "Who comes before me?"

"I'm here to find Ako Domi," Yvie told him.

"I am Ako Domi," the Sith Lord said. "The lord of Camp 27. No one seeks me out. Soldiers beg to perish rather than look upon my face."

"The dark side is strong with you," Yvie said. "I can sense no light remaining in your heart."

"And in yours, I sense nothing at all," Ako Domi said. "They call it 'light,' sister, but it's only emptiness. I've been here six years. I've seen Republic heroes turn on each other like dogs for a scrap of meat. I've seen human nature at its core, and there is no light there."

"Don't judge everyone by your weakness," Yvie said.

Ako Domi snorted. "There has never been a captive here so noble he did not eventually succumb."

"I can help you," Yvie said.

He laughed. "How tiresome. Will you offer me mercy now? Healing? A chance to turn back to the light? It's a lie. Everything the Jedi teach." He looked her up and down. "It will be a pleasure to see that naivete melt away beneath the torturer's lash." He threw Tharan into a wall with a wave of his hand and attacked Yvie.

He had size and strength, but speed mattered more with a lightsaber. He also had skill and experience. He blocked her best attacks and tried to twist her saber from her hand. She held on to the saber, but he was wearing her down and seemed to know how to counter her luck.

No, she thought. This was wrong. She was better than this. She was better than this!

But she wasn't. He was winning. He was beating her back like she was nothing. He wasn't even trying to win. He was trying to capture her. He handicapped himself, and he was still winning. Agent Galen had been right. Agenord would have won already. Ako Domi was nothing compared to her cousin, and Yvie still couldn't keep up. She'd struggled with single Sith Lords at the Temple while Agenord cut down three at once. No. No. No! She was better than this!

Ako Domi chuckled at her. "I sense fear and anger in you, young Jedi, but you won't use them."

Ever since she was a Padawan, suppress, hide, contain, control. Look at what happened to Mau'te. Be like Kriranda and the barn. Be like Agenord, the perfect fucking Jedi. Her instructors, Master Yuon, the fucking Noetikons. They all said it. Passion is the path to the Dark Side. Control is the Way of the Jedi. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to-

WHO FUCKING CARES?! She was losing!

"Yes!" Ako Domi said. "Release your anger. Only then can you defeat me."

"Like this?!" she screamed, and the anger cracked open and tore into every part of her. The intensity struck her like a climax. She felt the Force, truly felt every part of the living Force, in a way she never had. The Force became her, became her body, became her arms, became her knowledge, became her skill and her training. She was everything, and everything was her, and, at the center, the bright, glorious rage.

Ako Domi's movements were like syrup now, his attacks predictable, his defenses empty. She stabbed around his saber easily, like fangs into an unsuspecting prey. She startled him then pushed him back, wore him down. She called on that hideous, beautiful rage to overwhelm his pitiful attacks.

And he laughed.

The harder she fought, the angrier she became, the more she won, the more he laughed. His laughter fueled the rage, brought his defeat closer, and still he laughed. She was winning. She was winning! Why was he laughing?!

She forced him against a wall. She didn't care about healing him anymore. She didn't care about bringing him back. She wanted to end the laughter. She wanted to end him. She wanted to destroy him for thinking he was better than her.

She wanted him dead.

She wanted, needed, to feel his life empty from his body. She wanted the absolute power of execution. She twisted his saber out of her way and stabbed him through the heart.

And still he laughed. With his last breath, he said, "I have given you to the Sith."

She pulled her saber from his corpse and said, "I'm a Jedi."

To her right, she heard two lightsabers ignite. She turned and saw Ako Domi's apprentices, late to the party. She rushed toward them, shoving one into a wall hard enough to crush his skull. She blocked the pathetic attacks of the second and decapitated him.

"I'm a Jedi," she repeated.

Tharan was still unconscious. Fortunately, the interrogation room had plenty of medical supplies. She gave him a kolto and stimulant injection, and he struggled awake.

"What happened to them?" he asked.

"They lost," Yvie told him. "Ako Domi was too far gone to save, and his apprentices were corrupted by his teachings. Too bad, really."

They departed Camp 27 and headed toward Duras Fain's hideout. Agent Loren had told them the area was supposed to be unused. The special nature of the Shadow Town inmates required a more contained prison. Expansion had been delayed indefinitely. They reached a dead zone between the prison proper and Fain's hideout, empty of everything except repair droids. The droids had no security programming, and ignored anyone they encountered unless ordered. Fain, or one of his people, must have discovered oversight and exploited it.

They passed a line of cells, and Yvie reached out, finding nothing alive within sight or sound distance. She pulled Tharan into one of the cells and pushed him against a wall.

"Say my name," she ordered.

He stared at her in shock.

"Say my name," she repeated.

"I-viz-nu-ssish," he managed.

"Close enough," Yvie said and pushed him onto the bed.

"Not bad," Yvie said. She moaned and stretched and grabbed her clothes. She climbed out of the bed and began to dress.

"The reason for that?" Tharan asked, pulling on his pants.

Yvie shrugged. "I was a little wired after the fight. You know how it is." She leaned down and kissed him. "You were good, Tharan," she said softly. "Thorough and a little rough, just how I like it."

"And, you won't tell Holiday?"

Yvie rolled her eyes. "No, the hologram doesn't need to know."

"You're not falling for me, are you?" Tharan asked.

Yvie held in a laugh. "No. I just needed to relax."

The entrance to Fain's hideout was sparsely guarded, and the men were easy to Mind Trick. Yvie and Tharan were almost within striking distance before anyone noticed. The better bodyguards turned on the pair, but Fain waved them off.

"Very good, Jedi!" Fain said. "You survived both my Morgukai and this dank little town. Yuon Par taught you well."

"Yes, she did," Yvie replied. "Now, tell your followers to stand down."

"Now now, not so fast," Fain said. "We were talking about Yuon. Has dear Yuon ever told you about Malachor Three? The truth, I mean? During our mission, we had quite the affair. She was something in her day, and her advances became... irresistible."

Yvie said, "That... explains a few conversations, but I don't see your point."

"Our passion," Fain said. "It paved the way for darkness to enthrall the others. And destroy our friend, Parkanas Tark. That memory tormented me for years. But now, I'm free. Free of guilt; free of fear."

"Free of free will," Yvie said. "Just another puppet."

"Fain," Tharan said. "If the Hutt Cartel finds out about you, the Republic's finished out here. This has to stop."

Fain smiled. "My my. You got Tharan Cedrax to care about something, Jedi. That's a gift I want on my side. Now, serve me, both of you."

Nothing happened.

"What... what is this?" Fain asked.

"The shielding technique protects me," Yvie told him.

"And I have my own defense," Tharan said. "A little trifle of exo-tech to guarantee you won't influence me."

"I should have known you'd bring one of your damned toys!" Fain said. "Fine. We do it the hard way."

Fain and his men attacked, but they had no chance. Yvie had been right. Fain was a puppet. He may have been a strong Jedi, but the darkness couldn't use his full skill or power. The man he'd been was still in him, holding his body back. His men were loyal, but they were street thugs, not trained soldiers. Tharan had brought half a dozen stun grenades, and they were more than enough. Yvie injured or knocked back any strays then forced Fain into a corner. She cut his lightsaber in half and pounded on him with the Force until he surrendered.

"Enough! I yield!" Fain said. "But kill me, kill a thousand, it doesn't matter. Lord Vivicar will never stop. He stalks my dreams. Stands at my shoulder whenever I touch someone's mind. His-his darkness drives me."

Yvie said, "Is he the asshole doing all of this?"

"He is darkness personified!" Fain declared.

"So's my cousin Mau'te," Yvie said.

"Vivicar is everywhere!" Fain said. "In everything!"

"Whatever," Yvie said. She took Fain's head in her hands, searched for the thread of darkness, severed it, and drew the remains of corruption from his mind. Then she staggered against the wall. Fain fell to the ground and groaned in pain while his mind cleared.

While they waited for Fain to recover, the Hutt Enforcer from Tharan's office appeared with another Enforcer and two battle droids.

"Good," the second Enforcer said. "Fain's already down. That saves us some trouble." He looked at Yvie. "Is that her?"

"That's her," the first Enforcer said.

He looked over Yvie. "Completely?" he asked.

The first Enforcer nodded.

"All right," the second Enforcer said. "I'll tell them it was justified."

"How did you get in here?" Yvie asked.

"I'm an official representative of the Hutt Cartel," he said as if that explained it. "That man belongs to us. The Guiding Hand has gone too far. Jedi don't get to interfere with our business. Not without consequences. Hand Fain over or the Republic sees what unhappy Hutts can do."

"Fain belongs to the Jedi," Yvie told him.

"If the Hutts don't get him, every Republic agent on Nar Shaddaa will find their lives suddenly... complicated."

"As will every Hutt agent on Coruscant," Yvie said. "Let's not play that game. What would make the Hutts happy?"

"It can take a lot to make a Hutt happy, but..." He looked her over again. "A Jedi willing to dance- for a select audience- is a good place to start."

"I don't have the time," Yvie said. "The order is powerful, and we don't forget our friends. Compassion would be rewarded."

"Would it be rewarded with a dance?" he asked. She gave him a sour look. "Guess not." He surveyed the injured and unconscious bodyguards. "Still, a favor from the Jedi is a valuable commodity. We can negotiate with your Council over the details. Okay. Fain's yours. But we will collect, Jedi."

"Glad we could negotiate," Yvie told him.

"My people," Fain said, struggling to stand. "What will happen to them?"

"Save yourself, Master Fain," a woman said.

"If they disavow the Guiding Hand," the Enforcer said. "The Hutts could be lenient. The less dangerous might be missed completely."

"I was to blame for them," Fain said. "I controlled them. They've done nothing-"

"They've done a great deal," the Enforcer told him.

"Nothing but follow my orders," Fain said.

"I might be persuaded...," he said, looking at Yvie.

The followers were pathetic, Yvie thought, but most of them were innocent, as much victims of Vivicar as Fain. They were just sad and desperate. They didn't deserve what the Hutts would do. And the Republic would certainly suffer. She couldn't afford that. But this was Nar Shaddaa, and deals could be made. "I'm not dancing for Hutts," Yvie said.

"That's a pity," the Enforcer replied. "The Hutts would enjoy-"

"The Hutts aren't here," Yvie said. "You are. I don't need to pay the Hutts for you to let the followers go."

"I'm listening," he said.

Yvie smiled at him. He was kind of cute. Enough for what she had planned, anyway. "Come over here." The Enforcer walked to her cautiously. "All right, Enforcer-"

"Vorlo Stragen," he said.

"Don't care," Yvie told him. "You get twenty seconds with them. Tharan will time it."

"Twenty seconds for what?" he asked.

"Fondling them, obviously," she told him.

Vorlo's eyes snapped open.

Fain stepped forward like a protective father. "You don't need to degrade yourself this way. We can find another answer."

'Degrade myself'? Yvie thought. She owned every man in this room. "This from a man whose passion corrupted four other Jedi. The Hutts created this environment; I'm just exploiting it. Unless you want me to kill them."

"No," Fain replied. "They don't deserve that."

"Exactly," Yvie said. "It's a peaceful resolution to the problem." She turned back to the Enforcer. "Well?"

"Thirty seconds," he said.

Amateur, Yvie thought. If he'd asked for a minute, they could have haggled to forty. "Thirty seconds. No bruising, no pinching, no slobbering. And all of his followers go free. Agreed?"

"Yes," he said. "That's... I'm fine with it."

He must have realized his mistake, Yvie thought. But he moved on fast. He gets points for that.

"Ready, Tharan?" Yvie said.

He moved to get a better view and set an alarm on his chronometer. "Ready."

"Wait," Vorlo said. "This is just for the followers, right? The Hutts will still want their favor. I don't have the authority to forgive Fain completely."

"Yes," Yvie said. "It's just for the followers."

"Just checking," he told her. He surveyed her cleavage and took a breath. "You said no slobbering, but does that mean-"

"Yes, you can suck on them," Yvie said. "Just don't be messy about it."

"Right," he said. "And, could you stand on that crate?"

A fair request. She waved her hand, and the crate floated to her. She stepped onto it, bringing her chest even with his mouth.

"If that's all?" she said, grabbing the top of her corset. "Tharan, three, two, one, go." She pulled down her top and arched her back, pushing her breasts toward him. The Enforcer stared for a moment then grabbed both breasts. He squeezed them, firmly but not painfully, massaged them, kissed them, and sucked on Yvie's nipples. He was better than she expected, and she moaned as he worked. His hands were softer than she would have liked. Deep callouses added a pleasant texture, but his skill with his mouth made up for it. The men around her, the men she'd just beaten up, watched her with shock and lust and fear. Their emotions, as loud as screams and as naked as her breasts, were proof of her control over them. When the alarm went off, he stepped back on his own without her pushing him. What a respectable pervert, she thought. "Not bad," she said. She pulled her top back up and stepped down from the crate. "Are we done?"

Vorlo let out a deep breath and said, "Yes."

"What will you tell the Hutts?" she asked.

Tharan, Fain, and both Enforcers laughed.

The first Enforcer said, "It won't be the first time something like this has turned up in a report."

Nar Shaddaa, Yvie thought.

"Have you been assigned to Nar Shaddaa?" he asked.

"Just here for Master Fain," she replied.

"Oh," he said. "Okay."

"I guess we're done here," Vorlo said. "The Hutts will be in contact with your Council. Fain's followers should relocate to a new sector, at least. A new zone would be better." He looked Yvie over once more, and the two Enforcer's left.

One of the female followers approached Yvie and said, "We're sorry you had to do that for us." The other female followers nodded.

"Please," Yvie said. "I use them almost as much as my lightsaber. Never underestimate the stupidity of a horny man."

Tharan said, "Well, that's fair."

Yvie said, "Master Fain, I need your lightsaber. Tharan, please handcuff him."

Fain gave her his weapon and held out his hands. "Shommi," he said to the female follower. "Take care of them. Don't waste this opportunity. The Guiding Hand might be gone, but the family we made isn't."

"We still believe in you, Master Fain," she said.

"Don't," he told her as Tharan locked the cuffs. "That was the darkness talking."

"Was all of it 'the darkness'?" she asked.

He stroked her cheek. "Not all of it."

She leaned into his hand while it lasted then said to the followers, "You heard him, everyone. Let's get packed."

"Master Fain," Yvie said. "I assume you have a back way out."

"We have several," he replied.

He led them to a stairwell that had been abandoned mid-construction, the safety rail still not installed. They began the long climb to the surface.

Yvie said, "Anything you can tell me about Lord Vivicar would help."

"Vivicar?" Fain said. "He... it's all slipping away. I'm sorry."

"The healers on Tython might be able to help," Yvie told him.

"I'll need more than healers," he said. "A true Jedi would have fought the darkness instead of reveling in it, but I've never been a true Jedi."

"And I've never met a perfect Jedi," Yvie said. "Not even Master Satele."

Fain shrugged. "We did some good, though. Fighting the Hutt Cartel wasn't wrong. Jedi should battle evil, not appease it." He stopped. "I'm very sorry."

"Don't be," she told him. "They work for Hutts, and I'm a Twi'lek. I used it against them. And I've never been ashamed of my body. Thirty seconds of groping versus however many lives it saved. It was a fair exchange."

"I must admit," Fain said. "It will be good-"

Yvie's world turned gray then black then began to spin. When she opened her eyes, she was sitting on the stairs. Tharan held her from behind, his arms wrapped around her waist like a lover.

"Are you all right?" Fain asked. He knelt in front of her, examining her face. "You look pale."

"The shielding technique drained me," she said. "And the climb made it worse. I just need some rest."

"You didn't cut the connection, did you?" Fain said. "You're holding it back."

"I did what I had to," she told him and closed her eyes.

Tharan said, "You've done too much, Master I-viz-nu-"

"Call me 'Yvie'," she said.

He exhaled sharply. "Now you tell me."

She smiled and sighed against him.

Fain said, "Are you two-?"

"Fuck buddies," Yvie said. "But just once. He's still in love with the hologram."

"I appreciate the beauty and complexity of Holiday's intellect," Tharan corrected.

"Still afraid of losing everything in a divorce, huh, Tharan?" Fain said.

Yvie laughed. "That explains a lot."

Tharan kissed her neck and whispered, "I also appreciate your beauty, Yvie."

"Later, Tharan," she whispered back. She stretched and held out a hand so Fain could help her to her feet.

"It will get worse with each subject," he told her.

"I know," Yvie replied. They resumed the climb.

The entrance to the stairwell had been sealed, but the Guiding Hand had cut an opening difficult to find unless you were on top of it. Tharan released a small probe and searched the area. They were in sight of the exit, but two dozen Imperials were between them and it.

"It's not usually this busy," Fain said.

Tharan said, "They must have found Camp 27."

"What did you do in Camp 27?" Fain asked.

"Had a conversation with Ako Domi," Yvie told him. "But it didn't go well."

"No," he said. "They usually don't. So, what's the plan?"

Yvie calmed herself, reached out with the Force, searched for the best possible outcome, and let it happen. They heard a series of explosions followed by shouts and blaster fire. The Imperial troops ran toward the prison, clearing their way. They ran for the exit with Yvie deflecting any blaster fire and reached a safe area near the SIS base. Yvie leaned against a wall, gasping for breath.

"You should hold back on that shielding technique," Tharan said.

"This isn't the shielding technique," Yvie replied.

"Force Luck?" Fain asked.

Yvie nodded. "I've never pushed it that hard before."

"Force Luck?" Tharan said.

"A subconscious manipulation of the Force to make yourself very lucky," Fain replied. "It's a little like a program. You set the goal, and the Force does the rest."

"Never heard of it," Tharan said.

Fain said, "It's very rare. You have it; you don't learn it."

"But you can learn to control it," Yvie said.

Tharan put one hand on her waist, to steady her, and the other on her cheek. "How are you doing?"

She almost laughed. Did he forget she was a Jedi? She could feel the difference between compassion and lust, doubly so if he was touching her. Still, he was good with his tongue. She thanked him and let him help her up.

They reached the SIS base, and Yvie dropped into the nearest chair. She sensed Agent Loren approach, a familiar presence with him. Oh, shit.

"Yvie?" Agenord said. "What happened?"

"I'm using a shielding technique to heal and protect Jedi masters," Yvie said. "It puts a strain on me. And I had to use my luck too much. But, I saved Master Fain."

"Duras Fain," he said to Agenord. "Jedi failure."

Agenord said, "I've seen worse failures."

"Ako Domi was one of them," Yvie said.

"Agent Galen mentioned him," Agenord said. "He wanted me to look into it."

"He'd fallen to the Dark Side," Yvie said. "I'm sorry, Agent Loren, I had to kill him."

"I understand," Zan said. "Now no one needs to learn about his fall. He can be remembered as we wish he had been. And, thank you, for shutting down that factory of horrors."

"Master Yvie," Kira said, walking over to them. She looked around. "Where's Qyzen?"

"Had to leave him behind on this mission," she replied.

"I hope you feel better," Kira said.

"She can't," Fain said. "She's holding the darkness back, not cutting it off."

"It's the price I have to pay," Yvie said. "I'm saving the whole Jedi Order."

"Oh," Agenord said. "Me too."

Of course, he was. It couldn't be one of us saving the whole Jedi Order. No, it had to be both of us saving the whole fucking Jedi Order. He was probably fighting the whole Imperial Army too, not some creepy guy in the shadows. He's fighting Darths, and I'm fighting somebody's weird uncle.

Agenord said, "Why can't some other Jedi learn the technique? They could take some of the weight off of you."

"The Noetikons are broken," Yvie said.

"So what?" Agenord said. "You know the technique. Teach other Jedi over holo."

Well, fuck, Yvie thought. Why didn't anyone else think of that? "I'll contact the Council. Thank you for the suggestion."

"Master Fain," Zan said. "The Council wants you on Tython for observation. And charges, I'm afraid."

"I understand," Fain said. "Master Yvie, thank you for healing me, but, please, don't do that other thing again. I'm a father, and that was painful to watch."

Yvie shrugged. Master Fain left with Agent Loren.

Agenord sighed. "What did you take off this time?"

"Just my top. And I saved a lot of lives. Ask Tharan. Go ahead."

"Yeah. Kira, Teeseven, we need to go."

"We should go too," Tharan said. "When you're ready."

She stood up and stretched. "Do you know where we could get a good meal?"

"Of course."

"And a comfortable bed? With no questions asked?"

"It's Nar Shaddaa, Master Yvie."

"Yes, it is," she said. "I need more healing. And you might need stims."

"I know where to get those too."

"Perfect."

"Oh," Master Bakarn said from the holo. "That is a good idea. I don't know why no one thought of it. Thank Master Agenord for us."

"Of course," Yvie replied.

"I'll ask for volunteers and set up a schedule. Your handling of the Cartel was extremely impressive. Diplomatic skill under pressure is a rare gift, but your report is a little vague on the details."

Yvie said, "I offered the Enforcer a bribe, and he took it."

"I hope you didn't violate your vows," Master Bakarn said.

"Of course not," Yvie said.

"Very good. Now perhaps Duras Fain can be rehabilitated."

Yvie said, "Fain's unconventional but gifted."

Master Bakarn nodded. "I suppose great talent often comes with great flaws."

"I suppose it does."

"Too bad about Ako Domi," Bakarn said. "I knew him. He was a good man once. I'm still a little surprised you beat him."

Yvie said, "I'm also unconventional but gifted."

"You are indeed," Bakarn said. "I will contact you when I have some volunteers. Bakarn out."

Qyzen entered the room and said, "The engineer is here with his pet."

Yvie shrugged and exited her ship. She found Tharan and Holiday at the end of the gangplank.

Holiday said, "Tharan, look over there."

Tharan turned and said, "Ah! Here she is, our fair Yvie." When she reached him, he kissed both of her hands. "After our thrilling sojourn in Shadow Town, I came back to all the contracts piled up on my desk. Humdrum. Tedious. Boring. And I realized- Nar Shaddaa's charms have staled-"

"The Hutts are after you," Yvie said.

He frowned. "I prepared a wonderful speech, you know."

"I'll read it later," Yvie told him. "Do you want a ride somewhere?"

"Even better!" he declared. "In exchange for a single billet on your ship, you can have the tech expertise of Doctor Tharan Cedrax exclusively at your disposal. What do you think?"

"I think I don't need to read the speech," Yvie said. "Keep the bravado to a respectable minimum, and keep Holiday out of the ship's systems. Republic Security would not be pleased with her playing around." Holiday frowned and turned away. "And don't tease Qyzen. That's for your own safety. We'll work out the rest later."

"Was that a 'yes'?" Tharan asked.

"That was a 'yes'. Welcome aboard."

"And, Tharan," Holiday said. "The correct pronunciation is y-VIS-nu-SI-ish." The phonetic spelling hovered before him.

"Thank you, Holiday," he replied and followed Yvie onto the ship.

After he had settled in, Tharan heard Yvie in the training room and asked to see her. She called him in, and he found her surrounded by eight remotes, naked and dripping with sweat. He stopped and stared.

"Something wrong, Tharan?" Her every curve and muscle glistened.

"Are you, by chance, an exhibitionist?"

She rolled her eyes. "You sound like my mother. 'What's wrong with you, Yvie? Put your clothes on, Yvie. You can't go to school like that, Yvie.' Sheesh."

"Of course," Tharan said and tried to focus. "I believe Holiday has begun to suspect something-"

"The computer program doesn't want us fucking?"

"She doesn't," Tharan said. "You know how girlfriends are."

"Too bad," Yvie said. "You're good with your tongue."

Tharan said, "You're not falling for me, are you?" She gave him a look. "Just checking." He looked at her body again. "Will this be a regular thing?"

"Yes," Qyzen said, walking past.

"Right," Tharan said. "I will try to convince Holiday that this is perfectly acceptable. Although, I might need to give her ginormous boobies."

"Do you need to scan them?" Yvie asked.

"No," he replied. "You have very different body types. I need to find something appropriate for her. But, thank you for the offer."

"Of course, Tharan," she said. She moved dangerously close to him and whispered, "If you and your tongue ever have some free time, you know where to find me." She sensed his heart racing and smiled at him. "Anything else?"

He swallowed hard. "That's it," he said. "I really should return to my quarters. Good day." He closed the door as he left.

Yvie sighed. She would grow bored of that soon. He was far too easy to torture. She turned back to the remotes, and calmed herself. Then, she found the fear and pain she'd sensed from the men in the Guiding Hand, she found the lust she'd felt through the fingers of that Enforcer, she found Ako Domi's hatred, she found the rage she'd used against him, and she found the power and satisfaction she felt when she killed him. She brought the emotions to a low boil until they saturated her, then she ignited her saber, activated the remotes, and began to train.