Chapter 26: Friends and Family

"YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE, JEDI! LEAVE WHILE YOU STILL CAN!"

Shyra flashed the old one a toothy grin, showing her sharp fangs, while the fur on the back of her neck began to stand up.

She had not been sure what to expect when she came to this place. A place of stolen slaves…

…finding an aging Sith Pureblood blocking her entrance…

…this…was unexpected.

This was the fourth world they had checked, and the first one they had landed on. The others had been desolate, with no real settlements, or stations where criminal organizations processed their recently captured goods.

Of all of the places they had been…this one…seemed the most promising lead.

The Amanda Fallow had been given landing clearance less than an hour ago, and all thanks to Erbba's Hutt connections, and the promise of a credit transfer. According to him, this place was technically a Republic world, in what was considered the outskirts of their territory, though, any government presence had fizzled out years ago.

Which made this the perfect place for a pirate gang to set up shop, close enough to Hutt space to collect their prizes, and just far enough away to discourage reprisal.

Though, if her Hutt friend was to be believed, reprisal was unlikely. An arrangement had been reached by both parties, a profitable arrangement.

The one who ruled here, a Weequay, offered services for the Hutts against their enemies, and in exchange, every now and then, took Hutt slave transports as payment for his work.

He didn't resell the slaves he had taken, or so Erbba's contact had said, he instead let them live here, either as indentured laborers, or free beings, the Hutt's contact had not been so sure. Anyone with means was ransomed back to whoever might pay for their freedom on their home worlds.

An interesting arrangement, Shyra had to say, it might even have been preferrable for many taken by the Hutts.

She had reached out with the Force while they had been in orbit, she didn't sense the typical sense of hopeless, malice, and fear that one would expect from a pirate world.

If these people were still slaves to the pirates' they didn't seem to suffer much under their rule.

Curious.

Of course, how this world ran was none of her concern. They had a mission here, to find a certain former Bantoon soldier, and through him Bayla Istillo…

…hopefully.

Neven Roeks, the last of the Knights of Bantoon had been on a ship that might have been one of those raided by these brigands, and if so, he had likely been brought here.

If so, Shyra Viel needed to speak with him.

They had touched down shortly after sunset, the peak time according to the planet's landing control. The space port was a small one, for small ships like theirs. The big one was reserved for the larger raiding vessels, and their support ships. Ships that Shyra could see in the distance, likely being serviced by the pirates ground crew.

She was not sure what welcome they would receive, a representative from the local boss, she supposed…

…and so…she had planned accordingly.

Her crew stood behind her, their weapons in plain sight, but not raised. A show of strength, if nothing else. Dunc Joyce and Rix Hunt flanked her, with Erbba taking up the rear, all were armed, even the Hutt with a vibro-pike. Kort was behind, Erbba with a hand blaster.

Kort was not a frontline fighter, though he had been trained in self-defense. If any blasting did start, the Hutt would protect him while they fell back to their ship.

Erbba had joked about that, saying that Shyra wished him to be a sponge for blaster fire.

Yet, even he could not deny that he was the most resistant to such weapons, unless he was hit in the eye or in the mouth.

"I shall endeavor to keep my mouth shut," the Hutt promised.

Everything had been discussed, and it had seemed like a good plan, Shyra would go out into the main settlement, a town called Eulogy, and ask around about Roeks.

Of course, that was before they were met by their welcoming committee, a single aging Sith pure blood.

What he was doing here, she could not guess, this was not the empire after all, but he had sensed her, and so had come down to meet her.

She was curious what that might mean.

The Sith wore no armor, merely a set of dark grey robes, but he did have a lightsaber, and physically, he remained quite intimidating, despite his advanced age. Though grey haired, he still had an imposing physique, and his yellow eyes were cold and sharp.

The two force wielders stood, looking eye to eye, evaluating each other.

Whether this would lead to violence, she truly could not say.

Her crew had her back, she wasn't worried about that. Rix and Joyce were both skilled, but against a Sith, their skills would not help them. Both had served in the Republic military however, so they both knew the rule of thumb when engaging enemies like Sith combatants.

Keep back, let the Jedi handle the Force wielder, just keep any other common soldier out of the fight.

One on one, a Jedi could match most Sith in combat. Even an old and powerful one like this, and yes, he was powerful, she could sense it, but…

Her eyes narrowed.

He didn't have the typical darkness surrounding him that, most pure bloods were known for.

Again, curious.

"You are a long way from home, Sith," she called out.

"So are you, Jedi. I suspect you are here on behalf of the Republic. If so, I think it best that you should leave."

The Sith crossed his arms.

"The people here have enough to deal with, they don't need you bringing Republic problems down on their heads."

His words surprised her.

Was the old worried about the people here?

That didn't sound very Sith-like.

"Are you their defender then?"

The Sith shrugged.

"I am an outcast, like most of the people here. Only I chose to be an outcast. The people here, most of them were taken from their old lives, to be sold, only to wash up here, on this world of the lost, and cast aside."

The Sith's eyes narrowed.

"As I said, they are simply trying to build new lives here. They don't need Republic interference drawing pain and attention down upon them."

Again, Shyra considered what was being said. When she was younger, she might have thought this Sith a liar, and simply attacked him.

Maturity, and Master Vey, had taught her to be more patient, and be willing to consider more than simple combat.

Which was why she had tried to walk the consulars path this last decade. She still enjoyed a good fight, but it wasn't her default response to a difficult situation.

How best to handle this?

The Sith didn't want to fight, but he didn't wish her to complete her mission either, and what was that remark about being an outcast? If he was not here on behalf of the empire, or the alliance?

"Before I leave, may I have your name, Sith. So that I can know who I've had the honor of speaking with?"

A hint of a smile came to the old one's lips.

"You are brazen, little one. I give you that. You are addressed by Gnar of House Vokai, former General of the Sith Empire, and exile."

Shyra's eyes widened slightly.

The name was known to her, as were many tales about the man.

Anyone who had served on the Survivor Squad would know it.

Krys Capistan, Galadriel Locke, Roxy Tagge, they had all known the man, fought him, and fought at the side of his son!

It was amazing to find him here. They were very far from the worlds that the few Sith defectors had been placed on after the first war. The Republic had watched those worlds closely, but with the rise of the Eternal Throne, most of those safe guards had been abandoned, and now he was here.

Temmin Tagge's grandfather was here.

"I am Shyra Viel of the Jedi Order," she called back, "Agent of the Alliance, and once a member of Survivor Squad. I served with your grandson Temmin, if you remember his name, sir."

The old Sith tilted his head in thought. His expression guarded.

"Shyra Viel," he finally said, "Yes, I have heard this name. Temmin has spoken of you, and done so with both honor and respect."

The general nodded.

"What brings you here, Shyra Viel, agent of the alliance?"

"I seek a man, taken from a Hutt slave transport, he may have been brought here."

"What is your business with this man?"

"He may know the location of someone. Someone who may be of use in freeing the galaxy from the Zakuul, and other threats as well."

She made a point not to mention Avaryss, the man was still a Sith after all. If what the other Survivors said about him was true, it was unlikely he was working for her, but Shyra decided on caution.

Bayla Istillo's safety was still at stake.

Secrecy was still her best defense.

She took in the former general, surprised by his presence, but something else as well.

"I was unaware that Temmin was able to speak with you during his time with the Survivors, sir. We tried to keep our location, and our membership covert."

"As the Survivors did in the last war as well," he answered, "But it was not during his time with you that he spoke to me. We have only just reconnected, actually. He has grown into a fine man. You, and your fellow Survivors should be proud."

That got her attention.

"Temmin is alive?"

The old one nodded.

"He lives here, with his Wookie compatriot, they are members of the crew that runs this world."

Shyra's head spun.

Temmin was alive!

She smiled.

Roxi would be so happy!

What he was doing with a pirate band, she couldn't say, or how he had come to be with them in the first place for that matter.

One thing was for sure.

The Force had taken a hand in this meeting.

"May I speak with him?"

"He is away with Captain Buz right now, but will return shortly after midnight. In the meantime, if you and your people wish rest and refreshment, please…follow me. I would be happy to show you around."

Shyra grinned.

She sensed no lie in the old Sith, and despite the strangeness of all this, couldn't help but smile.

Temmin was alive.

She had thought their little group the only survivors of the destruction caused by Avaryss' treachery. To find Temmin alive gave her hope.

If he survived…

…maybe Fenn has as well.

It was something to hope for, at least.

After so much darkness…

…it was good to see a bit shining light.

IOI

Temm was tired as the speeder finally slid to a stop back inside the town of Eulogy. They had spent the bulk of the late evening negotiating with the various mining heads that served as the bosses of Death's mineral production.

The recent delivery to Hutt space had been finalized, but the bosses so a chance at a greater profit.

The companies were curious about what was going to happen with the rise of the alliance. Ore prices were already climbing again as ships and weapons would soon be in high demand.

Captain Buz had preached caution. He was still not sure that the alliance had a chance in hell of defeating the Eternal Fleet. They might have the numbers sure, but between the fleet and Arcann's legions of sky troopers, it was unlikely that alliance would be able to stand toe to toe with the Eternal Throne.

Unless, they had some secret strategy no one knew about, which was possible Temmin supposed.

The survivors had played the game of trying to sting the Zakuul only to be slapped down hard on Tatooine.

He wasn't sure what the alliance could do to avoid a similar fate, but who knew…

…anyone could be beaten, if the conditions were right.

Now, was not for such thoughts, the ships were in drydock, and wouldn't be heading out again for another week, and now that the caretaker work with the farms and mines were done, Tol Buz's crew was free for a time.

Temmin had hoped to share that time with Switch, hopefully with his Grandsire nowhere around.

He smiled slightly.

Not that he didn't mind having the old one here, after all, he had practically raised him, but he had a tendency to…hover.

That made having some quiet time with his girlfriend difficult.

Temmin was a grown man now, after all, he wanted, and needed, to have some time with Switch. They both wanted that.

He was trying to make the old pureblood understand.

And it wasn't like the general was going away, he held true to the idea that a threat was coming, and was determined to help Temm meet it, and the best way to do that was to remain.

So, for the time being Gnar had decided to stay in the colony. He had become a bit of a celebrity truth be told. A Sith war leader who had abandoned the empire based on his own honor and principles.

Such a thing was rarely seen.

Tol Buz had welcomed him, just as he had welcome Temm, even offered him a job of sorts, watching over the colony while the crew was out. The old man seemed to take pleasure in the position, having been out of any real action for so long.

He might not have been in the empire anymore, but he still respected order, and did what he could to enforce it…

…Good traits in a peacekeeper.

Yet, he also understood the free spirit of Eulogy, he lets things play out, and only got involved if things started to spiral completely out of hand. He had broken up several fights, and helped resolve some disputes over this or that in the settlement, and for the most part, the those involved accepted his judgment. His grandsire had said if anyone had a problem with his decision they could bring it to Captain Buz, but so far, no one had.

Thus, his grandsire had become a valuable member of the community. He kept a small apartment not far from the center of town, and emerged every evening like clockwork. He…

Temmin blinked.

He…he…

Oh!

At his side Rufo barked, the Wookie noticed the strange look on his face.

A smile came to his face.

He sensed something…someone…

…and he was grateful for it.

He entered the Last Breath to find his Grandsire sitting at one of the corner tables, a small party of outsiders surrounded him. Two he didn't recognize, a large muscular woman, and non-descript looking man. A small muscular Hutt was lounging nearby, helping himself to a tray of paddy frogs that the Twin Suns kept for high-ranking guests.

Next to his grandfather sat a familiar figure, she was not clad in the robes of a Jedi, but he would know her from anywhere, the fact that a certain young doctor was nearby made it certain it was her.

"Master Shyra!" he called out.

The beast woman turned and flashed him a toothy grin.

"Hey there, kid," she said, "Look at you, all grown up."

He gave her a humble smile. Feeling a bit like the padawan he had been when he had first started working with the Survivors.

"Your alive. I…I can't believe it!"

It was at that moment another familiar presence entered. Switch must have just started her lunch, she was still clad in her overall, with a small grease stain on her cheek.

"Miss Juno," his grandfather called out, "Come forth and meet some old allies of the son of my son."

Switch obeyed, but not before brushing up beside Temm, and planting a chaste kiss on his cheek.

Shyra took note of that and smiled.

"Miss Juno Carniss," she said to Switch, offering her hand, "I am Shyra Viel, a friend of Temmin's."

"Call me Switch, everyone does."

She took the Jedi's hand, but her eyes remained on the old one.

"I see no introductions are needed," she said looking at Gnar.

He shrugged.

"I was just bringing Temmin's old friends up to speed on our time here. They are apparently on a mission of some importance."

Temmin nodded.

He should have guessed.

Shyra Viel was not the type to make a social call.

"You will need to speak with the captain," he said, "This colony is under his protection, so…"

"I understand," Shyra said with a slight bow, and again her toothy smile blossomed.

"Your Mom is going to be so happy to see your alive, boy. She wouldn't admit it, but she has missed you every day."

Hearing that, hearing words that he had hoped for, prayed for, but thought he would never hear again.

"Mom…she is alive?'

Shyra nodded.

"She was hurt during the cave in, but she survived. She is with the alliance now, working with Colonel Locke. If you would like to speak with her, I have her comm frequency back on our ship."

Temmin's legs felt rubbery, he almost fell to his knees.

He hadn't realized how much he had needed to hear this news.

His mom was alive, but with that thought, came another.

What can I say to her?

How…how could I explain all this?

And Switch, how would he explain that to her?

His expression turned sheepish.

Would she understand all this?

Would she feel proud, or would she think he had shamed her.

"You two will have much to talk about, when you are reunited," Shyra said.

Temm could only nod.

Yes, he thought.

We will.

It was at that moment that Tol Buz arrived, flanked by two of his enforcers. He noticed the Hutt first, but his eyes fell on Gnar and his grandson.

Gnar, Temm, what is going on? We were not expecting guests?"

"A matter of friends and family, Captain," Temmin said.

"And also a matter of business, Captain Buz," Shyra said respectfully, slipping into her role as a consular.

"There maybe someone here that we need to speak with, it could be important."

"It always is for a Jedi," he said, gesturing to Shyra's lightsaber, hanging for all to see on her belt.

"Tell me," the captain continued, "Is this conversation you seek going to end badly for the one you have come to find."

"I hope not. I merely wish to know about someone he may have seen, after that, we will be on our way. We have no wish to cause you any trouble."

Buz considered that. After working for the old Weequay as long as he had, he understood that in the captain's eyes, the colony and profit came first, in that order.

He didn't usually like dealing with Jedi. He could send Shyra away empty handed.

He looked at Temmin, his war leader.

The young half blood nodded back, if anyone's word was good, it was Master Shyra's."

The captain accepted his opinion.

"Very well, Jedi," he said taking a seat at Gnar's table, sitting across for the Jedi Master.

"So, lets talk business."