"Are you sure about this, Dorne?" Cyr'rnin asked.

"I've been having the strangest dreams, ma'am," the sergeant replied.

"I'll ask," Cyr'rnin said. "But you might not like the answers."

"Do you really think your cousin has been corrupted?"

"Maybe," Cyr'rnin said. "She's been more 'Yvie' than usual."

"Yes, ma'am."

As they left Cyr'rnin's office, Jorgan told them, "Organa's ready for us, ma'am."

"Let's meet this prisoner," Cyr'rnin said.

"Captain Cormac, Organa Security," the large man said. "You must be Lieutenant Onoka. Honor to meet you, sir."

"I prefer 'ma'am'," Cyr'rnin told him.

"Oh! I'm sorry, ma'am, I didn't- I mean." He straightened himself. "Won't happen again, ma'am. But, I do need to see your identification. And the battle droid needs to wait outside." Cormac left to verify the ID.

Jorgan said, "You enjoy that, don't you, ma'am."

"Sometimes," she replied.

"It all checks, ma'am," the captain said, returning. "You'll be wanting to talk to our esteemed guest from House Thul, won't you? He's a tough one. We worked him over a dozen times, and he still won't talk."

"You did what?" Cyr'rnin asked.

"I... well, yeah, I mean, we kept him away from all the other prisoners," Cormac said. "But we... well, I mean, we wanted to be sure the man wasn't wasting your time with some made-up story."

Cyr'rnin scowled at him. "I'll have to report this."

Cormac nodded. "I apologize and take full responsibility, sir. Ma'am. I mean, ma'am. Man's name is Markus Thul. He did tell us that much. Our boys caught him sneaking into the castle with a dozen Imperial commandos."

"If you captured any Imperials, I'll need to speak with them as well."

"There aren't any, Lieutenant," Cormac said. "They all went down during the fight. Anyways, as soon as we got the shock-cuffs on him, Markus starts in on the Gearbox stuff. 'Critical intelligence, Republic Special Forces will want to know,' that sort of thing. That's when we called your people."

"Let's get to it," Cyr'rnin said.

"Yes, ma'am," Cormac said. "It'd be best if it's just you."

Cyr'rnin thought for a while. "Jorgan, wait here. Captain, this is Sergeant Dorne, my field medic. I'd like her to examine the prisoner."

"That'd be fine, ma'am. Markus is in holding cell five, Lieutenant. I've set the security door to grant the two of you access, whenever you're ready." Cormac led them to the isolation cell and left.

"So, visitors," Thul said. "Welcome. I am Markus Andarius Thul. Whom do you represent?"

"Lieutenant Cyr'rnin Onoka, Commander, Havoc Squad, Republic Special Forces. This is Sergeant Dorne, our field medic."

Elara stepped forward, opening her pack. "Shall I call you 'Mister Thul', 'Baron', 'Viceroy', perhaps?" She attached a sensor to his finger and examined his eyes.

"You sound Imperial," Thul told her.

"Sergeant Dorne defected from the Empire to the Republic," Cyr'rnin said.

"If you say so," he replied. "And 'Mister' will be fine. I don't have a title."

"Of course, sir," Dorne said. "I need you to remove your shirt, please. Have you gotten kolto?"

Markus shook his head. "The point was making me hurt."

"Yes, of course," Dorne said. "Deep breath."

Markus smiled. "So my offer of information has finally reached the correct persons. I can tell you all about Gearbox, the Empire and their activities. But before I help you, you must help me. I want protection for my wife and daughter."

"I can't help you until I know your intel is good," Cyr'rnin said.

"And I cannot help you until I know that my family is safe." He winced at Elara's proddings. "My wife and daughter are still at House Thul and amongst the Imperials. If I tell you what I know, they will suffer for that betrayal."

"I could leave and find Gearbox on my own," Cyr'rnin said.

"Maybe," Markus said. "Or he could finish his project and leave Alderaan before you got to him. I know how valuable he is. That's why I took this risk."

Cyr'rnin and Elara shared a look. His argument did make sense.

"I might lose him if I help you."

"Not if you're fast," Markus said. "Otherwise, it's a blind search versus a surgical strike. Perhaps a compromise: I tell you part of what I know, to prove the veracity of my claims. If you find that my intelligence is accurate, you help my family, after which I will tell you exactly how to locate Gearbox."

"I'll hear you out," Cyr'rnin said.

Markus said, "Among other projects, Gearbox has helped construct a hidden, highly sophisticated missile battery capable of eradicating any Organa force that approaches Thul territory."

"Is it operational?" Cyr'rnin asked.

"I don't believe so," Markus said.

Cyr'rnin thought for a moment and said, "Give me the coordinates. I will speak with House Organa. If the Organa military believes your claim, we will check the site. Will Gearbox be there?"

"No," Markus said. "He sends them instructions."

"Understood," Cyr'rnin said. "Proceed."

"I gotta say, Lieutenant, you're something else," Captain Cormac said. "Until you showed up, Markus had barely spouted twenty words at us."

"Other than 'ow' and 'stop'?" Dorne said.

Cyr'rnin said, "Sergeant."

"Apologies, ma'am," Dorne replied.

"We'll get him some kolto," Cormac said to Dorne.

A Nautolan in a Republic uniform stood next to Cormac. "Lieutenant Onoka?" he said. "Lieutenant Kuddoz, Republic liaison to House Organa. I should have been there when you interrogated the prisoner."

"General Garza's orders," Cyr'rnin replied.

Kuddoz sighed. "Lieutenant, Garza's secret mission is rubbing a lot of people the wrong way. I'm not the first to mention it."

"I understand," Cyr'rnin said. "But I have my orders."

"Very well, Lieutenant," Kuddoz replied. "What can you tell us?"

"Markus claims the Imperials installed an advanced missile battery at this location," Cyr'rnin said. "Havoc Squad is to destroy the battery and gather intel."

Kuddoz and Cormac checked the coordinates and looked at her in shock. "You're kidding," Kuddoz said. "You're not doing this alone, are you?"

"Problem?" Cyr'rnin said.

"This isn't an isolated outpost," Kuddoz told her. "It's House Baliss. You'd be overwhelmed. Even a minor house would have more troops than you could handle."

Forex said, "I assure you, the forces of evil stand no chance-"

"Not now, Forex," Cyr'rnin said.

"And you would escalate the conflict," Kuddoz continued.

"Not if it's House Teraan," Cormac said. "Baliss took the estate from them. Teraan forces would be an intrahouse conflict, not the civil war."

"He's right," Kuddoz said. "They could request units from another House, one that owes them. They found evidence of a lot of markers."

"At quite a price," Cormac said.

"Price?" Cyr'rnin asked.

Cormac said, "Rumor has it that Lady Cedonia sold her body to some smuggler in exchange for the information. No idea what he did to her."

Dorne's expression soured. "I've got a pretty good idea what he did to her."

"Ma'am?" Cormac said.

Cyr'rnin said, "Best to drop that, Captain. Would House Teraan agree to help?"

Kuddoz said, "If the Republic agrees to owe them a favor. They need as many as they can get."

"Very good," Cyr'rnin said. "Lieutenant Kuddoz, please set up a meeting."

"Lord Lenn Terann," the man said. "This is my sister Cedonia."

"Lieutenant Kuddoz, Republic liaison to Organa. Have you been briefed on our request?"

"We have," Cedonia said. Elara held back a sneer. "House Chottelli would suit the purposes quite well."

"We've already contacted them," Lenn said. "They are assembling a team."

"You have the gratitude of the Republic," Kuddoz told him.

"One marker for another," Cedonia said. "An excellent exchange." Elara's expression soured a little more. "Have I offended you?" she said to Elara.

"No, my lady, of course not," Elara replied in a strained voice.

"I've had quite enough of this," Cedonia said. "I did what I had to for House Teraan. I don't deserve judgment from the likes of you. I'll have you know, the demands made upon me were by no means horrifying."

"Enough, Cedonia," Lenn said.

She ignored him. "Who are you, anyway?"

"Sergeant Elara Dorne, Medical Specialist, Havoc Squad."

"Who is your commanding officer?" Cedonia continued.

"That would be me, ma'am," Cyr'rnin said. "Lieutenant Cyr'rnin Onoka."

Cedonia paused. "Onoka? Is that a common Twi'lek name?"

"No, ma'am, it is not," Cyr'rnin said. "Xaldiba is my older brother."

"He is?" Cedonia said. "I see." Then she looked at Elara. "Oh."

"Yes," Elara said.

"Well."

"Quite."

"He?"

"No."

"Right."

"You?"

"No."

"Right."

"Well."

"Yes."

"So?"

"I intend to," Elara said.

"I look forward to it," Cedonia replied.

"To be clear, ma'am," Cyr'rnin said. "Xaldiba is not representative of the rest of the family."

Lenn said, "Good to know."

"House Baliss?" Kuddoz asked.

"Yes," Lenn said. "You'll have your troops."

"We'll need a demolition team," Cyr'rnin said.

"I'll tell them," he replied.

"We need intel from the site before it's destroyed," she said. "Havoc Squad only." He nodded. "If that's all, I'd like to see some maps of this estate."

One day later, they were at the door to the building housing the missile battery. Baliss troops had them surrounded on three sides, but Chottelli managed to keep their escape route open.

"Forex," Cyr'rnin said. "Get the door."

"Yes, ma'am!" A plasma cutter sprouted from one arm, and he burned through the heavy bolts holding the door, blaster fire bouncing off of his shield the whole time. At last, he pulled the doors apart. "Lieutenant!"

"Forex, support Chottelli. Jorgan, Dorne, you're with me." The three moved into the building in a tight formation. They fought their way to the command center and found a paused recording of Gearbox on the holoemitter. Cyr'rnin copied the file, and they returned to the battle. When they reached the Chottelli troops, Cyr'rnin said, "Everyone, drop!", and she hit the ground. "Forex, suppression fire!" The droid raised his arms and spun, firing in all directions. The Baliss troops took cover, and Cyr'rnin called for a retreat. Fifty meters from the building, the demolition team detonated the explosives. The smoke and chaos gave them the extra cover they needed.

Back in Organa territory, the Chottelli commander saluted Cyr'rnin and said, "It's been an honor, ma'am. Havoc Squad is everything I've heard." His troops nodded in agreement.

Jorgan said, "The Republic's recruiting."

"We'll remember that," the commander said.

"Forward Battery, this is Primary," Gearbox said from the recording. "I've got some fresh ballistic data for the MR-3's you've got loaded down there."

"Well done, Lieutenant," Garza said. "Confirmation of Gearbox. I take it the MR-3's are the missiles. What was the other part?"

"Project B, ma'am," Cyr'rnin said. "Not yet identified."

"All this to rescue his wife and daughter?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Your opinion, Lieutenant?" Garza asked.

"Rescuing his family would be the right thing to do," Cyr'rnin said. "The intel on the missile battery and confirmation of Gearbox on Alderaan have earned him that much."

"House Organa?" Garza said.

"We're getting some pushback from one of the nobles," Cyr'rnin replied. "But I think the troops would respect us for this. If we didn't use any Organa troops."

"Well thought out," Garza told her. "How will you handle it?"

"Undercover," Cyr'rnin said. "With Sergeant Dorne as an Imperial officer. We're still figuring out the other roles."

"Are you okay with that, Sergeant?" Garza said.

"Yes, ma'am," Dorne said.

"If you're caught?"

"I shall be executed the moment my identity is confirmed, per Imperial regulations."

"Understood," the general said. "Good luck. Garza out."

"Have you considered my suggestion, ma'am?" Dorne asked after a moment.

Cyr'rnin scowled at her. "I'm not wearing the bikini."

"That's more of a Hutt preference, ma'am," Dorne replied.

"The scars won't draw attention?" Jorgan asked.

"Not on a slave," Dorne said.

"What's my job?" he said.

"Slave handler," Elara replied. "A common job for Cathar in the Empire."

"Are they going to believe me as a slave?" Cyr'rnin said.

"Former gladiator," Dorne said. "Rare, but not unknown."

"Fine," Cyr'rnin said. "Let's get ready."

After changing, Cyr'rnin examined the outfit in a mirror. The top exposed her neck and part of her shoulder. And the scars covering both. Female gladiator. She could manage that. Jorgan was in the common room of the ship, ready to go, his dour expression fit his role perfectly. But, no Dorne. She buzzed the sergeant's door, waited, buzzed it again, warned Elara, and entered. She found Dorne in the officer's uniform, leaning against a wall and staring at the fake slave collar she'd worn on Tatooine.

"Bad memories?" Cyr'rnin asked, but Elara didn't respond. "Dorne?" Still no response. Cyr'rnin took the collar from Elara, and the sergeant slowly turned her gaze toward her lieutenant.

"Ma'am?" Dorne said in a distracted tone. "I'm... I'm..." Suddenly, she gasped and covered herself as if she were naked. "Oh," she said. She stood up straight, and her eyes cleared. "My apologies, ma'am. I'm ready to go."

Cyr'rnin put a hand on Elara's shoulder. "I'd like to ask Master Agenord to... have a look. Would you be all right with that?"

"Yes, ma'am," Dorne said. "I believe I would."

Cyr'rnin attached the collar to her neck, and the two of them returned to the common room.

"Is this really going to work?" Jorgan asked.

"It is our best hope," Dorne replied. "She is owned by an individual of significance, escaped and recaptured on Balmorra. We needn't provide a name for the individual. We were ordered to bring her to Alderaan for a check-up. The 'second rate' doctors of Balmorra are not to be trusted."

"Good enough," Cyr'rnin said. "Let's move out."

"I wasn't told of this," the Thul soldier said.

"No reason to," Dorne replied. "It's a routine check-up."

"The doctors on Balmorra aren't good enough?"

"Not according to her owner," Elara said.

The soldier nodded. "The paperwork looks right. What's with her scars?"

"Former gladiator," Dorne told him.

"I've heard about that," the soldier said. "Don't they fight naked?"

"In some venues," Dorne said.

He examined Cyr'rnin. "If you look past the scars, she's not half bad." He reached toward her.

"I wouldn't," Dorne said. "The last time someone tried that, she broke his arm."

"Fair enough," he said. "Welcome to House Thul. Tell me, Lieutenant, do you ever date enlisted?"

"I do not," Dorne replied, politely. "I have someone's... attention."

"Of course," the soldier said and stepped aside.

They moved through the compound easily. Cyr'rnin's scars drew some attention, but Jorgan scowled them away. Markus Thul had given them a detailed map, and they reached his quarters quickly. A guard stopped them.

"We're here to see Altana Thul," Elara said. "This slave has a message for her."

"I didn't hear about this," the guard replied.

"Ask her yourself," Elara told him.

"Why does the slave have the message?" the guard asked.

"I wasn't told, and I don't ask."

The guard shrugged and contacted Altana. "Name, please?" he asked.

"Lieutenant Dorelle Tyrovan," Elara said.

The guard repeated it. "Yes, ma'am. You are? If you say so." He stepped out of the way. "Go on in."

They found Altana and her daughter nervous but hopeful. Their eyes went to Elara.

"Ma'am," Cyr'rnin said. "Lieutenant Cyr'rnin Onoka, Republic Special Forces. Your husband made a deal with the Republic military. Your safety is our part of the bargain."

"Put these on, ma'am," Jorgan said and handed them a couple of cloaks.

Cyr'rnin said, "We'll take you out the back to the extraction site."

"Well, I... I suppose," Altana said. "If we have no other choice."

"We'll keep you safe, ma'am," Cyr'rnin said. "You have my word."

"Altana, Valyn!" Markus said. "I'm sorry to have put you through all of this. Was your journey a safe one? Are you injured?"

"We are uninjured, husband," Altana replied. "This beast you sent for us was more savage than those we encountered along the way."

Jorgan said to Cyr'rnin, "Did she mean you or me?" Cyr'rnin shrugged.

Valyn said, "It really was the most exciting adventure of our lives, Father- thank you!"

"Markus," Cyr'rnin said. "Now it's your turn."

Markus nodded. "With Altana and Valyn safe, I can tell you everything you wish to know."

When they returned to the ship, Cyr'rnin said, "Gear up. We need to move before they increase security." Jorgan and Elara nodded. "Forex, full battle mode."

"Yes, ma'am!"

Dorne said, "I, for one, will be very happy to be out of this uniform." She returned to her quarters.

"One beast to another," Cyr'rnin said. "I'll be glad when this is done." She groaned and stripped to her bra while heading toward her cabin. Jorgan froze. "Problem, Sergeant?"

"No, ma'am," he said.

"Grew up in a warm climate," Cyr'rnin said. "Yvie prefers it, but the rest of us don't care too much."

"Yes, ma'am." He headed to his cabin.

"Well, hey there, kid!" Gearbox said from the holoemitter. "Been a while now, I barely even recognized you. Stole our war droid, did you? And is that... Jorman? Gorban? Something like that, right?"

"Jorgan," Cyr'rnin told him.

"And who's that nice young lady you've got with you, there?" Gearbox continued. "I don't think I've had the pleasure."

"Back off, Gearbox," Cyr'rnin said.

"I'm just curious," Gearbox said. "How did you find me, anyway?"

"That's classified," Cyr'rnin replied.

Gearbox snorted. "Figures. You sound like Garza. She'll ruin your career too, you know."

"Quit stalling," Cyr'rnin said. "Jek Kardan and Fuse already surrendered- now it's your turn."

He laughed. "You've got a sense of humor. I'll give you that. And I'll admit, I didn't think anybody could breach this place. Still, you aren't real Havoc Squad material. See, a real Havoc trooper would never have strolled right into a trap like this one." A massive door opened, revealing a walker of unfamiliar design. Hope you're ready to make history, because you're going to be this baby's first confirmed kill!"

Cyr'rnin said, "Havoc Squad, take cover!" Cyr'rnin, Jorgan, and Elara dove behind machinery, and Forex fired a chaff grenade.

"Lieutenant!" Forex said. "The walker is using my shield design." A missile struck the machinery in front of them, but it held up.

"Options?" Cyr'rnin said.

Forex said, "If I can match its frequency, I can pass through the shield and damage the walker's power core."

"What do you need from us?"

Another missile hit, and the machinery began to buckle.

"Concussion grenades to force the shield into a reset mode," the droid replied.

"Do it!" Cyr'rnin said and started firing grenades. Jorgan and Dorne followed suit. Forex fired two more chaff grenades and rolled toward his target. "Jorgan," Cyr'rnin said. "If you get a shot, take it."

"Yes, ma'am," the Cathar replied.

Forex hit the opposing shield followed by sparks and a deafening squeal as the frequencies aligned. He finally pushed through and fired at the walker's power core. The concussion grenades, contained within the shield, dented and warped the droid's limbs, but he continued firing until the walker's shield fell. Cyr'rnin and Dorne switched to incendiaries, and Jorgan readied his rifle. When the heat and smoke became too much, Gearbox opened the driver's hatch. His head appeared for a moment, and Jorgan finished the job.

"Excellent, Lieutenant," General Garza said. "Top-notch work. Regarding your secondary objective- assisting House Organa wherever possible. Pallos Organa tells me you conducted yourself with utmost courtesy and were an invaluable operative on his house's behalf."

Cyr'rnin said, "Pallos is just happy I let him keep his prisoner."

"Doing so was a wise move on your part, Lieutenant. How is Forex?"

"Being repaired, ma'am."

"Very good," Garza said. "With Gearbox eliminated, you have officially dealt with every Havoc traitor outpost we are aware of. Return to Special Forces Command on Coruscant. We have a lead on Tavus's position."

"With respect, ma'am, we've been invited to a party of sorts for House Teraan."

"Very well," the General said. "In the spirit of diplomacy, I will agree. Please conduct yourselves accordingly."

"Understood, ma'am," Cyr'rnin replied.

"Ma'am," Elara said. "Will your brother be there?"

"Lord Teraan told me he was invited," Cyr'rnin replied.

"Very good," Elara said. "Are we allowed civilian attire?"

Cyr'rnin watched her for a moment. "Are you going to embarrass Havoc Squad?"

"Perish the thought, ma'am," Dorne replied.

"Right," Cyr'rnin said.

"He said he invited her," Xal told Corso. Again.

"I know, Captain," Corso replied. He glanced at the door. Again. "Think she'll be in a dress?"

"I doubt it," Xal said. "Probably dress uniform."

"She'll still be pretty, I'm sure."

"I told you not to tell her that," Xal said.

"Don't tell her that?" Risha asked.

"I don't understand that either," Corso said.

"Trust me," Xal said. "Don't ever say that to her."

Corso said, "If you say-" He saw Cyr'rnin and Jorgan at the door, greeting Lenn and Cedonia.

"No Elara," Risha said.

Xal smiled and walked over to Cyr'rnin. "Baby sister."

"He really is your brother?" Lenn asked.

"Yes, sir, he is," Cyr'rnin replied.

"Miss Cyr'rnin, ma'am," Corso said. He looked at Xal cautiously and said, "I'm glad you could make it, ma'am."

"I don't see Sergeant Dorne," Cedonia said. Lady Teraan had dressed less formally and more seductively than one would expect from Alderaan nobility.

"She will be here in a moment," Cyr'rnin said.

"You invited Sergeant Dorne?" Xal asked Lenn.

"Cedonia insisted," Lenn said.

"Really?" Risha said. "Sergeant Dorne? Will be here? Any moment? I, for one, can't wait." Xal glared at her.

"I assume she's in her dress uniform," Lenn said.

Cyr'rnin said, "No. Sir. She is not."

A moment later, the main doors opened. A group of three entered followed by Elara Dorne, and a soft silence fell. Her dress, what there was of it, covered all that it needed to. Technically. The thin straps across the chest held in far more weight than they were designed to support. One wrong breath might lead to catastrophic failure.

"Captain Xaldiba," Elara said. "Wonderful seeing you again. Lord Lenn, Lady Cedonia, a pleasure. Mister Riggs, Miss Risha. Captain Xaldiba, Lady Cedonia was telling us, in a general way, about her payment to you. I found it fascinating."

"I thought that was mostly armor," Cedonia said and did her best to ignore Elara's chest.

"I hear that sometimes," Elara said. "The armor's actually a bit snug."

"I get that," Cedonia said. "Lenn, stop staring. You're the host."

"Of course, Cedonia," he replied.

"So," Elara said. "Captain. I was wondering about Lady Cedonia's payment."

"A gentleman doesn't tell," Xal said.

"I wasn't asking a gentleman," Elara replied.

Risha and Cyr'rnin shared a smile.

"If you must know," Cedonia said. She looked around, leaned over, and whispered in Elara's ear.

Elara narrowed her eyes at Xal. "Really? I wonder where he got that idea." She whispered something to Cedonia.

"Is that all?" Cedonia snorted. She whispered back.

Elara looked at her sharply. "You let him do that?"

"I'd already had it done," Cedonia said. "He found a new use for it."

"Not bad," Elara said.

Cyr'rnin said, "Xal, do you want to step in?"

Xal said, "Not if I want to get out of here alive."

Elara whispered to Cedonia.

"Really?" Cedonia said. "He told me he hadn't done that before." She considered carefully. "I didn't want to do this..." She whispered to Elara.

Elara stepped back. "You can't be serious!"

"Would you like to see the marks?" Cedonia asked.

"Fine," Elara said. "If that's your... level. Captain Xaldiba." She removed the fake slave collar from her bag and attached it to her neck. "If that is the sort of man you are."

"Technically," Xal said. "That was-" Cedonia glared him to silence.

Elara continued, "I have prepared three additional doses of the stim. If you think your heart can take it. But I shan't wear the collar twice. Tonight is your only chance. That is my offer."

"Captain," Cedonia said. "You already know my offer."

"Ladies," Cyr'rnin said. "He is not worth this."

Risha said, "Thank you!"

"Well," Xal said. "Lady Cedonia, Sergeant Dorne, I-"

"You!" Xin Baliss yelled from the door, pointing a shiny new cybernetic finger at Xal.

"Yes!" Xal said. "Me! That's exactly who you want. You want a duel, right? Let's go do that right now." He grabbed Baliss by the arm and dragged him from the room.

Cyr'rnin said, "I told you."

Elara scowled at the door. "To reiterate, ma'am, your brother is the worst person I've ever met."

Cedonia sighed. "Yes. He is."

"Did you really...?" Elara asked.

Cedonia said, "I have eclectic tastes. Are those real?"

"Through and through," Elara said.

"What was that about a stim?" Cedonia asked.

Elara said, "I'll send you the recipe."

"Ohacraao waahwa ah scahcc?" Bowdaar said, carrying a plate piled with food.

"I'll tell you later," Corso said. "But the Captain's dueling Xin Baliss again."

Bowdaar shrugged. "Aoacraao scahrracao rhwo rroooowa wwoorc ra anrahurrac." The two of them chased after Xal.

"Miss Risha," Cyr'rnin said. "I heard Master Agenord was on Alderaan. Did you run into him?"

"We did," Risha said. "He left. To save a couple of planets. From complete destruction. Apparently."

Cyr'rnin said, "Oh, you saw him fight."

Risha nodded.

"Ma'am," Elara said. "I shall return to the ship to put on something more winter friendly. I also have reports to fill out. Maybe that will cheer me up. Good evening."

"I am still co host to the party," Cedonia said and dragged Lenn back to his guests.

"How long has he been like this?" Risha asked.

Cyr'rnin said, "I've got stories."

Risha shrugged. "I've got time."

When Xal finally returned to his ship, he found Elara in his cabin wearing an off duty uniform. He watched and waited.

"Miss Risha let me onboard," she said.

That figures.

"Captain, at times, you are a coward and a cad. At other times, you are a man of exceptional... tenderness."

This ain't going well.

"I have decided that I cannot continue without exclusivity. After all that I have... done, I feel I deserve a response. At least."

"Can I think about it?" he asked.

"You can," she said. "Until you do, I will allow... nothing."

"How long do I have?"

"We have been ordered back to Coruscant," she told him. "For reasons that are classified. At the conclusion of the endeavor, we will doubtless have leave available."

He sighed and said, "That's fair. I'll give you an answer, one way or the other."

"Thank you. And, Master Yvisnussiish, do you believe she would have done... anything... to me?"

"I hope not."

"Yes," she said. "As do I. Good evening, Captain."

He watched her leave. A cad and a coward. He'd been called worse, but this was the first time he felt like he deserved it.