Yvie sat in the cargo bay sulking. It should have been more fun, but they were just so... common. They barely put up a fight. She'd been hoping for a drawn out battle or moving from group to group. Sergeant Dorne's shock and humiliation had been thrilling but only to a point. No one had really suffered. Well, those female slavers, but that got boring fast. That and Sergeant Dorne begging her to save them. She almost threw the sergeant in with them, but people would have noticed. Three dozen slavers and about half as many droids. Not much of an operation. She wanted to test her new power, and she wanted to have fun with it.

The door chimed. Yvie sighed and went to it.

"Master Yvie," Tharan said and stopped.

"Problem?" she asked.

"Sorry," he said. "You're not naked."

"You really are a genius. Did you need something?"

"We've arrived at Alderaan," he told her. "Master Bakarn is on holo."

"Master Yvie," Bakarn said. "The Council is pleased to see you've arrived on Alderaan." Then he said some more stuff. "Shortly after seceding..." More stuff. "A usurper..." Still more stuff. "...a civil war."

"Who am I looking for?" Yvie asked.

"Master Sidonie Garen," Bakarn said. "One of the Jedi Order's finest strategists and diplomats, dropped out of..." Blah, blah, blah. "...could jeopardize the entire peace process."

"Where do I start?" Yvie asked.

"Master Sidonie was working with the head of House Organa's diplomatic corps, Hallam Organa."

"Sidonie, Hallam, diplomacy. Got it." She switched off the holo. "Let's go."

"Welcome, Jedi. I'm Hallam Organa." Why did he sound like an announcer in an advertisement? "Head of House Organa's diplomatic corps, and this..." Something, something, brother.

"Please, Hallam," Lew or somebody said. "You do.." Whatever.

Hallam said, "If I wasn't..." Something about being chubby. "Now, Jedi, how can I help you?"

"Yvisnussiish," she said.

"I beg your pardon?" announcer voice said.

"My name. Yvisnussiish Onoka."

"Onoka?" skinny whoever asked. "Like Master Agenord?"

"Yes," Yvie said. "My cousin. Who's he rescuing this time?"

"All of House Organa, I think," skinny said.

Of course he was. "I'm looking for Master Sidonie Garen."

"Ah, yes, Master Sidonie!" announcer said. "Truly a remarkable woman. You just missed her. She's at the peace summit. A peace summit on Alderaan! Imagine that!" Why couldn't I imagine that? "But I'll call her. The location of the summit is a secret for obvious reasons, but I'm sure she'd welcome your assistance." Actually, he sounded like that droid Cyr'rnin worked with.

"Hallam Organa," Sidonie said from the holo. "I'm sorry, but I'm very busy right now. The summit is just getting underway."

Yvie said, "The Jedi Council sent me to help with the peace process."

"You're Master Yuon's student, aren't you?" Sidonie said. "It's wonderful the Council sent you to assist me, but this is a very delicate process with no place for a Padawan."

"I passed my trials," Yvie said. "A while ago. And I think the Council knows what it's doing."

"Only official representatives of the houses may attend the summit," Sidonie said. "What would the other houses think if another Jedi from House Organa showed up?" That was a bullshit answer. "And I don't have time to debate. If you'll excuse me."

"Master Sidonie!" announcer said. "I'm sorry, Master... um... Jedi. That's really not like her."

"Is there any other way to get to the summit?" Yvie asked.

"Hal," skinny said. "House Teral- you know, with the beautiful daughter- couldn't our Jedi friend represent them?"

Announcer said, "My brother is a genius." No, your brother wants to get laid. "House Teral is desperate for a representative, but the usurper Ulgo destroyed their hopes. If you could help them defend themselves against their enemies and return them to glory, I'm sure they'd make you their delegate."

They sound pathetic. "I will see what I can do."

"It's true House Teral isn't much now," skinny said. "But their lineage is noble."

Wow, you've got it bad.

Announcer said, "You'll find Lord Teral in his house's last holdings, an enclave near Ulgo lands and Killik nests. I will let him know you're coming."

"And beware the Killiks," skinny said. "Those insect-men have terrible tempers."

Oh, you can't find anyone to get you past the bugs. Now it makes sense. "Thank you. I'll be fine."

They reached the enclave easily but had to fight through Killiks to read the main entrance. They were met by Captain Theress, a Twi'lek and head of enclave defense.

Captain Theress said, "You hear about Jedi on the battlefield, but to actually see it... Is it true that you're an Onoka?"

"Yes, I am," Yvie said.

"If half the stories about you are true...," he said.

"That's nice, but I need to see Lord Teral."

"Of course, Master Yvisnussiish," he said and stepped aside.

She found Lord Teral with his advisors, pouring over battle maps.

"Master Jedi!" he said.

"Yvisnussiish."

"A Twi'lek greeting?" he asked.

"My name. It means she-who-watches."

"Oh. Anyway, Organa told me you'd be coming, but well, this is, well, it's complicated. The whole house needs to approve a new delegate, and well, they say they won't approve a stranger."

"But, Father!" a woman said. "Did you tell them she's a Jedi?"

"Yes, of course," he replied. "But House Teral has fallen so hard, we don't even have the strength to hope. It will take more than my word to convince them."

I can see where this is going, Yvie thought.

"It wasn't always this way, Master... Jedi," Lord Teral continued. "But then our original delegate was killed, and Ulgo drove us back to this hole... House Teral needs a strong ally if we are to survive. We proposed a marriage-alliance to House Organa. My daughter Fasha would marry Lew Organa."

"But House Teral is weak," Fasha said. "and powers-"

"Why does that name sound familiar?" Yvie asked Tharan.

"Lew Organa?" Tharan said. Yvie nodded. "He was the genius brother that suggested House Teral."

"The one in love with Teral's beautiful daughter?" Yvie said.

"What?" Fasha asked.

"I guess you're her," Yvie said. "He was really obvious about it. Kind of pathetic, actually, but in a cute way. He probably wants Teral to get its reputation back so the marriage will be approved. He'd be here right now, if he could get past the Killiks."

"Whatever for?" Fasha asked.

"Wow," Yvie said. "You two are perfect for each other. It's called lust, honey. A lot of men suffer from it."

"Oh," Fasha said. "Of course."

Yvie said, "Lord Teral, you were saying something?"

"Yes," he said. "Our enemy, House Ulgo, seeks our destruction. Their army-"

"Skip to the end, please," Yvie said.

"Yes," Teral said. "Ulgo's commanding general- Astar Vox- is a mercenary with a loose definition of loyalty. If we can reach him, turn him-"

"Got it, turn the loose mercenary," Yvie said. "Where is he?"

"Captain Theress will direct you," Lord Teral said.

"Father," Fasha said. "Whatever shall I say to Lew Organa?"

"Send him a love letter," Yvie said.

"Yes!" Fasha said. "Of course."

"And add some nude scans," Yvie added. Fasha choked. "Trust me. He'll like them."

After they left, Fasha said, "That was a Jedi?"

"No," her father said. "That was a master negotiator."

Astar Vox said, "You must be pretty sure of yourself to walk into a room of highly trained commandos."

"This is a tent," Yvie pointed out.

"You know what I mean," Vox said. He didn't struggle to focus on her eyes. Great, he was gay. Plan besh, then. "I've come representing House Teral. They want you to give up this siege and join them."

"Well, isn't this a surprise," Vox replied. "The Jedi have decided to involve themselves in Alderaanian politics."

"You will do business with me," Yvie said.

"If it's an attempt to trick me, it won't work."

Shit. Plan cresh. "My word is good, as is House Teral's."

"The battlefield is the only true test of a person's worth," Vox said. "War, bloodshed- these are the fires and forges of greatness. I only negotiate with my equals." I'm a Jedi, you dipshit. "Besides, my men are itching for sport. Best a pack of my war hounds, and we'll talk."

You're shitting me, right? "Warhounds? Seriously? Why do I get the feeling your men want to see my tits jiggle?"

"The battlefield is no place for jiggling tits," he said like someone who'd never seen that.

"Fine," Yvie said. "Do you want them dead or knocked out?"

"Whatever you prefer, Jedi."

A mercenary released the warhounds, and they charged Yvie. She calmed them as they approached and touched each one between the eyes. They dropped to the ground snoring.

"What do you think, boys?" Vox said. "That was a little too easy, wasn't it?"

Yvie said, "If your men are bored, go fight some Killiks."

Vox ignored her. "Those dogs were old, weren't they, boys? You need to do better than defeat a pack of geriatric mutts!"

"You picked them," Yvie said.

"No," Vox said. "You need a real challenge. What'll it be, boys?"

The mercenaries chanted, "Droids! Droids! Droids!"

"Droids it is, then!" Vox said. "These are the best Ulgo has. Beat them, and we'll talk."

"You called for backup when you saw me," Yvie said. "You're trying to stall."

"Are you afraid of the droids?" he asked.

She reached out. A droid flew at her from its charging station, and she cut it in half. "This is your idea of 'highly trained commandos'? What do you really want? I'm not here for politics or games. Act like the soldier you claim to be."

He thought for a while. "I didn't think House Teral had the resources left to recruit someone like you. No hard feelings. If you knew how many fools come by offering me jobs."

"House Teral wants your loyalty, and they want your army to stand down," Yvie said. "Me, I don't care. I'm here on Jedi business. They have something I want. You have something they want. What's it going to be?"

"What are you getting?" he asked.

"Representative to the peace summit," she replied.

"That sounds like Jedi business," he said. "Tell Lord Teral to contact me. I will hear his offer, but his chances are good. It's been fun working for House Ulgo, but there's no glory in working for the biggest army on the planet."

"Whatever gets you there," she said.

"Master Jedi!" Lord Teral said. "Thank goodness you're back! There's good news and bad news. The good news is, everyone's heard how you impressed Astar Vox and broke the siege- including Organa. They've agreed to the marriage-alliance."

Tharan whispered in Yvie's ear, "Pathetic skinny guy and cliched princess." Yvie nodded.

"Now, the bad news," Teral continued. "Lew Organa has been kidnapped!"

"That's pathetic skinny guy," Tharan whispered.

"His marriage to my daughter Fasha was to be the linchpin of the whole alliance," Teral said. "This is clearly Ulgo's doing. The kidnappers were from their ally, House Rist. They must have ordered Rist to kidnap Lew Organa to stop the alliance."

"They're assassins!" cliched princess said.

"What's Organa doing about it?" Yvie asked.

Lord Teral said, "House Organa is planning to attack House Ulgo, and if they do, casualties will be great and peace impossible. The entire peace summit will collapse and with it, our hopes of an alliance." Just get to it. "But if you are able to rescue Lew Organa on House Teral's behalf, we can still prevent a battle and secure our alliance."

Why can't you people ever help yourselves? "Those assassins will be no match for a Jedi."

"Use caution, Jedi," Teral said. "Rist's assassins are uncanny, and you'll be going right into their nest."

"Please, Master Jedi," princess said. "I don't know what I'll do without him." Holy shit. You give cliches a bad name.

"Master Jedi!" Lew Organa said. "Oh thank goodness. I thought they were going to kill me. House Teral sent you, didn't- Um, did you kill all of them?"

"Only the ones in my way," Yvie said. "Let's go."

"Shouldn't we stay and try to find out who's behind this?" he asked. "I was going to meet with-"

"Don't care."

"Of course. I woke up here. But were they trying to prevent the alliance? Who would want to do that?"

"Lord Teral thinks House Ulgo did it," Yvie told him.

"Well, yes, but that's what's strange," Lew said. "They never mentioned Ulgo. As I lost consciousness, they were talking about Master Sidonie."

"Got it," Yvie said. "Sidonie did it. Now, let's go."

"I'm sure she's innocent," Lew said. "Master Sidonie's working for peace- argh! I'm sorry, my head, I still get these pains from the fall."

"You've probably got a concussion," Yvie told him. "More reason to go."

"I can't leave here until I know if Master Sidonie was involved."

Yvie whispered to Tharan, "Princess?"

"Fasha," he whispered back.

"Fasha is yearning for you," Yvie said.

"Yearning?" Lew asked.

"Begged me to save you. Didn't know what she'd do without you."

"She didn't?"

"Well, I told her how you felt."

"I... I don't know what you mean."

"She wanted to send you a love letter," Yvie said. "She even asked me if she should include... scans. Of herself. I'm sure, if you were in the hospital, she would rush to your side. Ready to comfort you."

"Well. If you really think I have a concussion. We should go."

Tharan and Qyzen rolled their eyes.

As they walked out of the Organa hospital, Fasha Teral saw them and rushed to Yvie.

"Master Jedi!" Fasha said. "Thank you. Thank you, ever so much." I'll be damned. "Father spoke with the rest of House Teral, and the decision was unanimous. You are our new delegate! Congratulations! I have the packet the last delegate was supposed to use, but I don't understand its contents- some coordinates and a data spike."

Yvie said, "I must get to the summit right away."

"Of course," Fasha said. "And Lew?"

"He's right in there. Yearning for you." Fasha blushed and ran into the hospital. "A few months as a Hutt slave would do her a world of good."

"Master Yvie," Tharan said. "Surely you're joking."

"What? Oh, yes, of course."

Qyzen looked past Yvie and said, "Master Agenord."

Yvie turned around and saw Agenord and Kira talking to a human Jedi.

"-still recovering from our last match," the human said as they approached.

"Match?" Yvie asked.

"Sparring match," Agenord said. "Master Organa sparred with me on Coruscant. Gave me a good fight."

Organa sighed. "Ten to four is not a good fight."

"It's better than most," Agenord said.

"What brings you to Alderaan?" Yvie asked.

"This is my cousin Yvisnussiish," Agenord said.

"I've been summoned by... a former acquaintance," Organa replied.

You mean girlfriend, Yvie thought. "Must be someone special."

"A lifetime ago," he said.

Oh. More than girlfriend.

"Will you have time for another match?" Organa asked Agenord.

"I won't," Agenord said. "Darth Angral is using a laser satellite to target people. I need to find the control and stop it."

An assassination satellite? Yvie thought. A fucking assassination satellite? That's not like fighting dogs in the fucking woods, is it? No. Darth fucking Angral and his fucking assassination satellite. Not a geriatric mutt to be found. Or holo novellas of Alderaan's most boring couple. All so she could tell a bunch of diplomats not to fight each other. That wasn't anything like a fucking assassination satellite.

"I have contacts here on Alderaan," Organa said. "I will try to help after my meeting."

"Any help would be appreciated," Agenord replied. "The laser is to be integrated into a world devastating weapon."

Are you shitting me? Yvie thought. Of course. He was saving an entire planet. She was struggling to be allowed to join a boring conversation with a bunch of clueless delegates, and he was saving an entire fucking world. That's just perfect.

"I will do everything I can," Organa said. "And, Master... um..."

"Yvisnussiish," she said.

"Yes. A pleasure." He left one way. Agenord and Kira left another.

"Tharan," Yvie said. "Check the shuttle."

"Of course, Master Yvie," he said, a bit confused.

After he left, Yvie said, "Qyzen, you showed a lot of... experience on Tatooine. Am I right about that?"

"I have abandoned that life, Herald."

"But, you know people."

"I did," he said.

She looked toward the hospital and smiled. "I'd like to... try something. Just to see what happens."

"How far do you want it to go?" he asked.

"Teach her a little bit. About the real world. But leave everything intact." She thought for a moment. "He needs to be able to find her. Buy her back. From an auction, if possible."

"I know someone," Qyzen said. "He will train her well. What if the boy does not buy her back?"

"She'll be naked and trained."

Qyzen nodded and took out his comm.

"Representatives only," the Nikto guard said. Other bodyguards milled about.

"Why is it in snow covered ruins?" Yvie asked.

"It encourages negotiation," one of the bodyguards said.

That actually makes sense, Yvie thought. The Nikto stepped aside for her.

"So here it is," Sidonie Garen said. "Laid bare before you, the irrefutable evidence. House Alde has been conspiring against House Organa for years, preying on their good trust. House Thul is the reason the Panteer heir was assassinated. And House Ulgo is merely a puppet of House Rist."

"Lies!" one of the delegates said. "All lies!"

"There are holographic recordings, documents! You can't argue with hard evidence!"

"We trusted you. How dare you? You will meet our armies on the field of battle!"

That's it? Yvie thought. Red conspiring with green against purple. Blue and brown backstabbing mauve. Seriously. It's not like some vengeful Imperial was destroying your whole planet.

Yvie said, "Master Sidonie, what have you done?"

"You wouldn't understand," Sidonie replied. "I do this for the good of the galaxy."

"What you're doing is wrong," Yvie told her.

"I am a strategist," Sidonie said. "First and foremost. I live by variables and outcomes. I have calculated the future, and for the galaxy to have peace, there must be war on Alderaan. Some pole-dancer would never understand."

"A what?" one of the delegates said.

"I was undercover," Yvie told him.

"Is that what you called it?" Sidonie said. "You invaded a slaver's base naked! I've heard the stories the sheriff's men have told. You and that trooper. Do you really-?"

Yvie pushed, and Sidonie flew across the room. Sidonie struggled to her feet and drew her lightsaber while Yvie rushed in. She defended as well as she could, but Yvie was faster.

"No!" Sidonie said. "I won't fail!" Yvie pushed her back. "Not again!" Yvie swept her lightsaber out of the way and cut the weapon in half. Sidonie dropped to her knees. "I'm so sorry, Parkanas. I failed you. I tried to keep the darkness from coming, but I failed." She waited for the end.

"Be calm," Yvie said. "I'm here to help you." She took Sidonie's head in her hands. Sidonie's eyes fluttered and closed.

"Master Sidonie?" her assistant said.

"What?" Sidonie asked, shivering. Why was she shivering?

"Master Sidonie," the young woman said. "Would you like a coat?"

Sidonie looked down, gasped, and covered herself. The Organa assistant gave her a coat.

"How long was I like that?" She pulled on the coat.

"The entire negotiation, I think," the assistant said. "Half an hour, I guess. I couldn't enter until the other delegates had departed. There will be no war on Alderaan for now."

"I was just standing there the whole time?"

The woman shrugged. "I think you danced a couple times. To warm up."

"That figures. Contact the spaceport. Have my ship made ready. I must return to Tython immediately."

"Of course, Master Sidonie."

"Tell me, how did Master Yvi- Yvees- How did the other Jedi appear to you? Did she seem... corrupted?"

"Not that I could tell."

"It doesn't matter," Sidonie said. She gathered the remains of her lightsaber. Most of the components were salvageable.

"The Cortess delegate and the Alde delegate asked me to give you their contact information."

"Excuse me?"

"Yes," the assistant said. "The Alde delegate was very insistent. She said she knew exactly how to warm you back up again."

Sidonie gave her a sour look. "I'll be going directly to the spaceport."

"Of course, Master Sidonie."

"We must-" Lew said. He tried to stand, became dizzy, and fell back onto the hospital bed.

"We have people looking," Lord Teral said. "Ah, Master Jedi! You must help us. Someone has taken Fasha! It must be House Rist."

"To what end?" Yvie said.

"She's right," Tharan said. "The alliance is already made."

"It wasn't Rist," another voice said from the doorway. Announcer voice entered the room.

"Who was it?" Lew asked.

"Since the war, Alderaan has been ripe for plucking," he said. "I've talked with Organa security. They think she was taken by slavers. Nobility is worth a hefty price."

"No!" Lew said then gasped in pain.

"You can do nothing," announcer said. "The slavers working in this area train the girls first. You have some time. We will rescue her, or, if needs be, buy her back. Ransoming is common. The sale is often a pretense. But you can't do anything until you can stand up straight."

"I will find her, and I will get her back," Lew said. "Jedi, is there anything you can do?"

"I've been ordered back to Tython," Yvie said. "I am simply returning the delegate materials to Lord Teral."

"Yes," Teral said. "And, with the authority I possess, I proclaim you a lord of Alderaan for your service to House Teral."

"I am most grateful."

After they left the hospital, Tharan said, "Should I ask?"

"Do you want to?" Yvie said.

"I do not," Tharan replied. "I look forward to seeing Tython."

"Not yet," Yvie said. "The Enclave here asked to speak with me."

"Jedi business," Tharan said. "I'll return to the ship."

After Tharan was gone, Yvie said, "How is she doing?"

"He says she takes well to the collar."

"Not a surprise," Yvie said.

"The Organa was right," he continued. "She's worth more as ransom. But my friend promised she'd be well trained. And sold naked. She'll be on the block in two months."

"That long?" she said.

Qyzen grinned. "The boy will be happy with the results."

But Yvie wasn't. Why not? Why wasn't this fun? Stopping slavers wasn't fun. Helping slavers wasn't fun. Sidonie dancing wasn't fun. Sergeant Dorne suffering wasn't fun. Why not? The Dark Side was supposed to be fun.

They reached the Enclave and were directed to a war room. The Jedi in charge looked up in surprise. "Oh. I asked for Master Agenord Onoka. Who are you?"

"I'm his cousin," Yvie said. "Yvisnussiish Onoka."

"Oh, that must have been the confusion. I am Master Nish Kalau, Strike Commander. We're about to attack House Thul."

"There's supposed to be peace," Yvie said.

"We're not after Thul itself," Kalau said. "We're after the Sith Lord that killed Master Nomar Organa."

"She didn't kill him," another Jedi said. "She caused the injury that led to his death."

"Whatever the case," Kalau said. "House Organa is outraged. We need all the help we can get. The head of House Thul, Elana Thul, has Sith bodyguards."

"I would be honored to help," Yvie said.

Qyzen said, "Scorekeeper will be pleased."

They fought their way into the Thul estate. Thul soldiers, Imperials, and Sith Lords fell before the Jedi strike force. Yvie killed three Sith Lords herself. It still wasn't fun. She raced ahead of the other Jedi, through guards and Sith apprentices to the seat of Elana Thul and her bodyguard. Worthy of her position, Elana Thul waited for her demise, no trace of emotion on her face. Her Sith guard, on the other hand, fought with rage. A tall, well made human with dark skin, he fought with skill. But not enough. The power Yvie had gained on Nar Shaddaa was still with her, and more than enough to defeat him. She beat him into a side chamber and disarmed him.

"Stay, my lady!" he called out when Elana approached. "Let her live," he said to Yvie.

"I don't want her," she replied. "I want you." He looked at her, confused. "Why isn't the Dark Side fun?"

"I thought I sensed it in you." He smiled. "You're trying to learn it on your own?" He shook his head. "Pleasure is not the path to the Dark Side. It is the reward once you get there. Rage, hate, fear, suffering. They are the path. Find the thing you hate the most."

All right. That made sense.

"Why have the others attacked?" he asked.

"They want the Sith Lord that caused Nomar Organa's death."

He laughed. "They'll never find her. She is the most brilliant woman I've met. Never at a loss. She commands any room and is a dozen steps ahead of any enemies. I don't think I've ever seen her unsure of herself. She could teach you the Dark Side."

"Huh," Yvie said. "She sounds like my cousin Kriranda."

"She does?" he said, anticipation in his eyes.

"I never liked Kriranda." She stabbed him through the heart. "You're right," she said as the life faded from him. "That does work."

She returned to the main chamber, and Elana Thul said, "Why? You'd won."

Yvie grabbed Elana with the Force and squeezed. The other woman gasped in pain and fear, but her eyes remained defiant.

"Just do it," Elana said.

Yvie smiled, took Elana by the neck, and kissed her. She could taste the fear and hatred on Elana's lips. Elana struggled and moaned and suffered through the kiss.

"Not bad," Yvie said. "I still prefer men, but not bad. Describe the brilliant Sith Lord to me."

"Twi'lek," Elana said. "About your color. A little shorter. Much thinner."

She really did sound like Kriranda. "Thank you." She caressed Elana's cheek. "I don't want you. You're nothing. Important on Alderaan. Not important where it matters." What was the Dark Side thing to do? Kill her? No, that didn't sound right. Don't kill her. See how that feels. She really was nothing. She released Elana, and the woman fell to the ground. "This is payback for Nomar Organa." She looked toward the door, sensing Qyzen and the Jedi strike team.

"Is that Elana Thul?" one of the Jedi asked.

"It is," Yvie said. "Leave her. She's not worth it. Where's Kulau?"

"He didn't make it," the Jedi said. "You have seniority. What are your orders?"

"The Sith Lord we want isn't here," Yvie said. "And we've done enough damage. We need to go before they can call reinforcements."

"Yes, Master... um..."

"Yvie."

"Master Yvie. You heard her, everyone. Let's go."

When they were back in their speeder, Yvie said, "Your friend, does he have other levels of training?"

"He does," Qyzen said.

"Contact him." She waited. "Ask him how long it would take to break Fasha completely."

Qyzen asked and listened. "Completely how?"

"To the point she wants the collar. How long until she's the most subservient bitch possible?"

Qyzen asked. "He needs to use special drugs. They are expensive."

"How much?"

He named a price.

"Lord Teral just gifted me with a tidy sum as part of making me a lord. It will more than cover the price of the drugs."

Qyzen told the slaver. "He says four or five months. Breaking this conditioning would take years."

Yvie nodded. "Will she have visible marks?"

"He uses kolto to erase the marks."

Sweet, idealistic, pathetic little princess. The galaxy is not perfect. The galaxy is pain and suffering and fear. "She is to be sold to Lew Organa. No one else. But let him think it's a real auction. Keep her healthy. She needs her beauty, but make her his pet."

Qyzen spoke to the slaver. "He will do this. He says, with this woman, it will not be difficult."

"Thank you, Qyzen." Yvie smiled. The Dark Side was finally fun.