Mallay and Jorgan arrived at the spaceport and as they headed towards the main counter, Mallay spotted Bella and Corso.

“Bella!” Mallay called out, happy to see her sister.

Bella turned around and smiled, “Hey sis, I wasn’t sure if I would get the chance to see you before I left.” She nodded at Jorgan, “Nice to see you again, Lieutenant Jorgan. This is Corso Riggs.”

“Actually, its Sergeant Jorgan now.” He explained, unable to keep the bitterness from his voice as he shook hands with Corso.

“Oh, damn, did they make you take the fall for Mallay’s squad turning traitor?!” Bella asked, shocked. When she saw Jorgan nod, she rolled her eyes in disgust, “Now that’s just stupid! I’m really sorry to hear that. I realize we aren’t supposed to know about what went down in that volcano, but Mallay literally ran into us just after she was ambushed. She looked like hell and naturally, I wanted to know what happened to her.”

“Hi Corso, nice running into you again and this time it isn’t literal!” Mallay giggled, then turned to her sister, “Bella, what did you mean by seeing Jorgan again?”

“I went over to HQ earlier today to thank Jorgan for the clothes and stuff he sent over for me.” Bella explained, “and I have to admit, that Needles guy was creepy. I don’t think he ever even looked at my face. I'm glad you aren’t with him anymore, although I wish it hadn’t come about the way it did.”

Mallay snorted, pointing at Bella's shirt, “Well, sis, that shirt is a little snug, so the girls are showing off well. I can’t really blame the guy for staring, even if I despise him and knowing you, you probably flirted your way through HQ!”

Jorgan grinned, “She rendered poor Private Farn incoherent and had Fuse blushing.”

Mallay sighed and turned to Corso, who was blushing a little, “Good luck with that one! I hope you are immune to her charms.”

“So, anyways,” Bella rolled her eyes, “Corso and I are headed to Coruscant. I had a little chat with Syreena and she let us know that Skavak was headed there in my ship.”

“Did she survive the encounter?” Mallay asked, willing to bet she didn’t.

“Nope, after finding that she offed Viidu and knowing she was in cahoots with Skavak, she had to go. I couldn’t trust her and I don’t take kindly to people that betray me.” Bella admitted, not troubled at all by Syreena’s death. “Now what about you two?”

“Well, I’m in command of Havoc now and Jorgan has been assigned to serve with me. We’re headed to Coruscant, too.” Mallay replied.

“Ouch, talk about your role reversals,” then Bella grinned at Jorgan, eyes twinkling with amusement, “Looks like she’s going to be bustin’ your balls now!”

“Hell, she already held a knife to them!” Jorgan laughed.

“What’s with you girls and that part of a guy’s anatomy?!” Corso spoke up, shaking his head, “I’ve seen Bella kick a few men there and now Sergeant Lauren is threatening that area with knives. Remind me to never upset either of you!”

“Hey, we can’t help it that men have a weakness that’s easily exploited!” Bella smirked.

“Actually, its Lieutenant Lauren now, but please call me Mallay. After all, I plowed into you earlier then nearly puked on you!” She told him, then she laughed, “And don’t worry, your manhood is safe from me, I was just making a point to Sergeant Jorgan earlier.”

“Oh, she made a point alright….” Jorgan snickered.

Mallay rolled her eyes and went to the counter to get their tickets. They would be traveling on the same shuttle to Carrick as Bella and Corso. The four of them were walking to the shuttle pad when they passed an empty room with a public holo terminal. Since they had time to kill, Bella and Mallay decided to call their mother. Their younger sister, Kit answered.

“Hey Bella, hey Mallay! What are you doing together?” Kitannya asked, excited to see her older sisters, then she noticed Corso and Jorgan. “Oh, stars, you have boyfriends too!!! Let me go get Mom.” Kit ran off before Bella or Mallay could correct her.

Mallay turned to Jorgan, blushing a little, “Sorry about that, you can go on ahead if you want. I assure you, I’ll clear up the whole boyfriend thing.”

“Oh, honey, are you dumping me already?! Jorgan asked, looking amused. ”Was it something I said?”

“Yes, I’m afraid your charming personality is proving too much for me to handle.” Mallay retorted.

Jorgan grinned at her, a wicked gleam in his eyes, “You know, I think I might stick around, this could prove to be very entertaining.”

“You don’t mind if I stay do you, Captain?” Corso asked Bella.

“Doesn’t bother me.” Bella told him, “Mallay is the one who gets easily embarrassed, which is something I’m sure Sergeant Jorgan is going to have a lot of fun with.”

“Oh, thanks a lot Bella!” Mallay glared at her sister, who was laughing at her.

“Bella! Mallay!” Bella and Mallay turned to see their twin sisters, Allissya and Roslynd at the holo.

“Lissa, Ros!” Mallay called out, “What are you two doing at home?”

“We get to spend the next two months at home with the family before heading to Tython,” Ros explained.

“We surprised Mom with it. We just got here yesterday.” Lissa smiled.

Ros snorted, “and boy was she surprised….I think we should’ve let her know that we were coming!”

“Uh-oh, what happened?” Bella asked, a slender eyebrow raised.

“Let’s just say that it’s a good thing Lissa is such a strong empath, otherwise Mom would've been really embarrassed.” Ros giggled. “Judging from the flush that came over Lissa as we approached the house early yesterday morning, I think Derek was really rocking Mom’s world!”

“Roslynd Lauren!!!” They heard their mother shout, “Don’t tell your sisters that!”

“Seriously Ros, I don’t need that reminder,” Lissa told her twin, “I’m still having trouble blocking them out. I swear, Mom is almost as bad as Bella. At least with Bella, I’ve had practice!” then she turned back to her older sisters, “What about you two? What are you doing together?”

“And what was this about boyfriends?” Ros chimed in, “Kit was yelling through the house for Mom saying you two were on the holo with your boyfriends!” She looked at Corso and Jorgan, “Oh, they’re hot! Nicely done!”

“They’re not our….” Mallay started, her face turning redder.

“It’s a long story,” Bella started, interrupting her sister, “The short version, I took a quick job dropping weapons off here on Ord Mantell. Unfortunately, the scumbag I was delivering the weapons to made off with my ship while I was fighting the Separatists that were attacking. I found Mallay at the Fort hooking up with her new squad and we’ve been touring this lovely planet for the past two days. Now we’re headed to Coruscant.”

“Oh Bella, are you alright?” Their mother asked with concern, having heard the whole story.

“Yeah Mom, not to worry, I’ll find that scumbag.” Bella assured her mother, “Soon he’ll be a dead man and I’ll have my ship back.”

“You be careful Bella, and try to stay out of trouble.” Sidra told her oldest daughter, then looked over at Corso and Jorgan, “So are these the boyfriends Kit was shouting about?”

“They’re not our boyfriends!” Mallay insisted, “and Kit really needs to stop being so nosy!”

“Stars, Mallay, you're so uptight these days!” Bella shook her head, giggling, “You need to find a man who knows what he’s doing in the bedroom. Maybe then you'll lighten up a bit.”

“Shut up, Bella!” Mallay hissed, elbowing her sister.

“She’s right you know,” Ros agreed, “Mom was practically glowing after her adventures with Derek!”

“Roslynd!” Sidra snapped, looking a little embarrassed herself, “I swear if you mention that one more time, I'm going to make you do the laundry for the next month! You’re lucky, Kit and Jonah are still outside. I haven’t told them yet.” then she turned to Corso and smiled, “Now who are you, young man?”

“Corso Riggs, ma’am. I’m helping your daughter track down Skavak and her ship. I promise I’ll do my best to keep her safe.” Corso assured her.

“Oh Bella, I like this one!” Their mother nodded, “You know it wouldn’t kill you to settle down one of these days.”

Bella snorted, “It might….you never know.”

Sidra sighed and turned to Jorgan. “What about you?”

“Sergeant Aric Jorgan, ma’am. I’m in your daughter’s squad.”

“Oh, good, please keep an eye on her, she tends to be a bit too driven sometimes and that worries me. Oh, and she has a bit of a quick temper, which is likely going to get her into trouble these days.” Sidra explained as Mallay just stared, incredulous, “She’s also painfully shy, but since she has you here with her, you must have gotten through that.”

“Mom!” Mallay finally cried, “Please stop, you’re embarrassing me! I can take care of myself!”

“Mallayse Lauren, I’m still your mother and no matter how old you get, that will never change!” Sidra told her daughter sternly, then smiled a little sadly, “I’m sorry Mallay, but I almost lost you once and I worry about all of you girls.”

“I know, I’m sorry Mom, I shouldn’t have snapped at you.” Mallay admitted, then smirked, “So, where’s Derek.”

Ros giggled, “Probably catching up on his sleep!”

“Hey Mallay, Bella, thanks for the cred sticks for my birthday!!! Ros and Lissa are taking me shopping tomorrow for new under…….” Kit chimed in, excitedly, having finally come back in with Jonah.

“I am not sure you are ready to go shopping for that stuff yet, Kit,” Sidra interrupted.

“Nonsense Mom,” Ros insisted, “She’s got bigger breasts at thirteen than Mallay and Lissa have now...” She was interrupted when she was suddenly lifted into the air. “Oh, Lissa, I am sooooo telling Master Ny’laan on you!” She laughed while dangling in the air.

“Yeah Lissa, there's no emotion, only peace right?” Bella smirked at their usually calm, even tempered sister and turned to Mallay, who was a brilliant shade of red and trying to hide her face in her hands. “You going to be alright there, Mallay?”

“No,” came Mallay’s muffled reply. She could hear Jorgan snickering behind her.

“Bella, Mallay!! When you comin’ home?” came a cry from the Holo. Their little brother, Jonah, had shown his face.

“I don’t know Jonah, but when I do, I’m going to seriously hurt Ros!” Mallay told him, looking up.

Suddenly Jonah’s eyes grew huge, “Oh wow!” he cried, “Can I have one of those, Mom?” He was pointing at Jorgan.

Mallay looked over at a confused Jorgan and asked “one of what Jonah?”

“His gun….its huge!!! I have never seen one of those before! Can I see it? What is it?” Jonah asked excitedly, eyes as big as saucers.

Jorgan unstrapped his cannon and held it up, “This is an assault cannon,” he told Jonah. Corso came in closer to take a look as well.

“That’s very nice, Sergeant Jorgan,” Corso commented. “I’ve thought about looking into one of those, but never really had the need while working for Viidu. Mind of I take a look?” Jorgan passed it over to Corso who eagerly began to look it over.

“It’s actually an older model.” Jorgan explained, “I really need to get a newer one, but I wasn’t out in the field much these past couple of years so I didn’t need it.”

Corso nodded, “I hear BlasTech is going to release some new models for their rifles and cannons next month. That would be a great time to upgrade.”

“I hope so,” Jorgan sighed, “Their last few releases have been limited to blasters, but I suppose there is more demand for those.”

“Jonah, that cannon is bigger than you are, sweetie,” Bella told him as she watched Corso pass it back to Jorgan. “You might have to wait for a couple of years. I still can’t figure out how Mallay is able to use one of those things.”

“Well, mine is a bit smaller than his.” Mallay smirked at him, “Maybe Sergeant Jorgan is compensating for something.”

“Would you like me to prove I’m not,” he retorted, making his new CO blush even more.

“Oh Mallay, I think Jorgan is going to have a lot of fun with you!” Bella laughed her blushing sister, then winked at Jorgan, “Well played Sergeant!”

“Thanks,” Jorgan grinned at her, “and you guys can call me Aric.”

Just then, they heard a boarding call for their shuttle. “That’s us Mom, we have to go. I’ll keep in touch whenever I can. Love you all!” Mallay told her family.

“I’ll do the same, Mom. I’m glad we got to talk with all of you! Love you and take care!” Bella chimed in. “Oh, and Mom, it’s about time you and Derek got together. He’s had it bad for you these past few years!” Mallay nodded in agreement.

“It was nice meeting you all.” Corso said.

“Yes it was,” Jorgan started. “I think I have learned a lot about my new squad mate…..thanks!” he grinned.

“Probably too much, judging from the look on Mallay’s face.” Lissa smiled, “Hopefully we will get to see you before we leave for Tython.”

"and bring your boyfriends!" Ros told them, giggling at the rude gesture Mallay flashed at her.

“You girls stay safe!” Sidra told her daughters, then nodded at Corso and Jorgan, “and I enjoyed meeting both of you as well. I have a feeling you are both going to end up being good for my daughters.”

Bella and Mallay signed off and the group headed for their shuttle.

“You girls are lucky to have such a close family,” Corso said, a little sadly, missing his family, “They all seem really nice.”

“Thanks Corso. We’ve been through a lot together and it hasn’t all been pleasant, but we’ve always tried to stay as close as we can.” Bella told him. “I know I felt sick at having my ship stolen, but having Mallay turn up here made it easier to deal with.”

“Yeah, I miss being around everyone all of the time and I was glad to see you too, Bella,” Mallay admitted, “I could do without you all embarrassing me though!”

“Ah, but it is so entertaining to witness, sir!” Jorgan laughed. “I know I am in a much better mood now and you really do have a nice family.”

“I am glad someone is,” Mallay grumbled, “and you might as well call me Mallay when we are not on duty or in private, unless you prefer calling me ‘sir.’” Jorgan nodded and told her to call him Aric.

“See Mallay, it isn’t so bad now is it?” Bella hugged her, “Come on, let’s board this shuttle and I’ll buy us all a round of drinks. I made a pile of credits betting on some obstacle course earlier.”

Bella, Mallay, Corso, and Aric managed to get their own compartment on the shuttle. It was the last one out of Ord Mantell for the day and it was full. They had a ten hour flight to Carrick Station. They stowed their gear and got comfortable. Bella kept her promise and bought the first round of drinks. For the first couple of hours, they had their drinks, played cards, and chatted, the guys quickly bonding over the subjects of Huttball, Pod Racing, and the newest BlasTech catalogue.

Soon, the long, eventful day had caught up to them all and Mallay fell asleep leaning on Aric. Bella and Corso went to get them some water and snacks. Aric felt himself nodding out a little and pushed the button to extend the bench. He carefully moved to lay them both across the bench, trying not to wake his CO, without success. However, Mallay simply snuggled up to him, half on him, murmured something about him being warm and smelling nice, and fell back to sleep. Aric thought about moving over to the other bench, figuring Bella could take this one with her sister, but that would leave either him or Corso without a place to sleep. He decided to just stay where he was, Mallay’s slight weight was hardly a burden and there was a measure of comfort in the trust she placed in him in order to sleep so soundly on him. Aric grinned as he imagined her reaction when she woke to find herself in this position. He looked at her and thinking she would be more comfortable with her hair out of its coil, proceeded to carefully remove the hairpins holding it in place. He was shocked to discover just how long her hair was, something he’d always found pleasing on a woman, its thickness reaching her waist. Oh hell, she just had to have long hair! Then he made the mistake of looking at her face, noticing her long eyelashes that brushed her scarred cheek and full lips that seemed to be in a natural pout. His heart stopped as he realized he found his new CO to be a very attractive young woman. Relax, Jorgan, you can handle this, he reassured himself, so she is good looking….you’ve worked with good looking women before. He finally succumbed to his exhaustion and his last unbidden thought as he drifted off to sleep was, I wonder if she finds me attractive.

Corso and Bella returned with water and snacks to find a sleeping Mallay sprawled on top of Aric, who was also asleep with his arm around her.

“Looks like they crashed hard,” Bella whispered, smiling, “This is going to be interesting when she wakes up!”

“What makes you say that?” Corso whispered back.

“Well, they’ve spent the past two days practically hating each other,” Bella started, softly, “and they went from her being a lowly rookie taking orders from him to her being promoted, him being demoted and put in Havoc under her command!”

“It may take him a bit to adjust to the role reversal, but he seems to have a decent sense of humor.” Corso quietly assured her, “I think they’ll do alright.”

Bella giggled, “He certainly wasn’t shy about giving it right back to Mallay when she got a little snarky with him. That’s good though, she needs someone who will challenge her.”

“It looks like they’re getting along alright now,” Corso smiled.

“Yeah, but I wonder if they will remember that when they wake up,” Bella smirked, as she took a holo pic, “One thing for certain, Mallay is going to be embarrassed to find herself sprawled across Aric like that when she wakes. She’s usually very shy around attractive men, and her new squad mate is certainly a looker.”

Corso noticed Bella looked tired as well, “Go ahead, and take the bench, I can sleep on the floor.” He told her as he unbound his dreadlocks and shook them loose.

“Nonsense, there’s plenty of room for both of us on the bench when it’s extended,” Bella protested as she pushed the button to extend the bench and dimmed the cabin lights.

Corso blushed, “I know, but it’s not proper…..”

“Hey, if Mallay can sleep next to…umm…on top of Aric and they are barely getting along, you and I can certainly manage it,” Bella interrupted, grinning, “Don’t worry, Farm Boy, I promise not to take advantage of you while you’re sleeping!” Corso blushed, but finally agreed and the two of them got comfortable and quickly fell asleep.

About six hours later, Bella awoke all warm and cozy next to a still sleeping Corso. Bella was struck by how attractive she found him, and not just his looks, although that nice body and bronze skin was definitely a bonus. He was really a nice guy and that made her nervous because she could see herself falling easily for him, something she hadn’t allowed to happen since Jackson. Maybe seducing Corso isn’t such a good idea after all, she thought, worried that it might end up meaning more than just a fling. She looked over at the other bench when she heard stirring. She smiled at what she saw there, Mallay must be getting a little cold, she mused. Sure enough, her sister was snuggling even closer to the warm, sleeping Cathar, burrowing her face into his neck. Judging from the low growl coming from Aric, and the smile on his face, Bella figured he didn’t mind her sister’s movements at all. Bella closed her eyes and was starting to drift off to sleep again, when an announcement came over the speakers that they would be arriving in Carrick Station in one hour.

The announcement woke Aric, who was a little confused at the weight on his chest. Then he felt Mallay nuzzling her face in his neck again, soft, throaty noises coming from her, and he recalled where he was and who he was with. He was also shocked and embarrassed to realize he was aroused. Damn, this isn’t good! He thought, Stars, she smells nice….stop it….ok Jorgan calm yourself… just think about Huttball… yeah, that’s it, Huttball. He took several deep breaths and was starting to relax when Mallay decided to move again. His CO may have had a petite build, but her lithe little body was still curvy in all the right places that he could easily feel as she stirred on top of him. Ok, she really has to stop doing that! Then he heard giggling and looked over to see Bella grinning at him.

“Got a little situation there, Sergeant?!” she drawled, laughing harder when he glared at her. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell.”

“This isn’t funny, you know.” Aric muttered, trying to calm his body again, “and there’s nothing little about it.”

“You shouldn’t pick on a guy for that, Captain,” Corso mumbled, quickly shifting away from her before she could notice he was having similar difficulties, “it’s not like we can help it.”

Bella laughed, “Are you telling me….”

“Not going there,” Corso interrupted, sitting up and grabbing a water bottle.

Aric was gently trying to wake his CO before she got him worked up again, “Come on, Mallay, time to get up,” he whispered, nudging her a little.

“Yeah, that’s not going to work, Aric,” Bella grinned as she stood up and went over to their bench. “When Mallay is out like that, you can’t be gentle about waking her!” Then she slapped Mallay on her backside, very effectively waking her sister.

Mallay jerked awake, startled to find herself sprawled across Jorgan, looking into his very amused eyes. She felt a blush creep across her cheeks as she realized she’d been sleeping on him, then she recalled what woke her and she glared at her new squad mate.

“Easy there, sir.” Jorgan snickered as those deep blue eyes narrowed at him, “As much as I have been tempted to spank you over these past couple of days, it wasn’t me. You can thank your sister for that wake up call.”

“Dammit, Bella,” Mallay yawned, still blushing, as she got up off of Aric, “You scared the crap out of me!”

“Oh, Mallay, the look on your face was priceless!” Bella laughed, “Stars, I should’ve had Corso get a holo of it!” then she looked thoughtful for a moment and grinned, “Hey, sis, you were making some cute noises there and moving around a bit….just what were you dreaming of?!”

“That, sister dear, is none of your business!” Mallay snapped, grouchy at having been woke up so harshly and embarrassed at what she’d been dreaming about.

They ate the snacks Bella and Corso had brought back earlier and had just enough time to freshen up and gather their belongings when the shuttle landed on Carrick Station.

Carrick Station was a bustling place of activity. It was a major hub for travelers and had a multitude of shops, venders, and all types of different people everywhere. There were cafes, restaurants, clothing shops, weapon shops, vendors offering everything from starship upgrades to exotic pets, there was even a salon where you could get a completely new look for yourself. You could also find military recruiters, experts in various fields offering training, and a Galactic Trade Market where you could buy and sell goods to others over a terminal. In the center of everything was a huge cantina. There were several hangers for ships to dock, and shuttles to several planets, including Ord Mantell, Tython, and Coruscant.

After checking the shuttle schedules, they booked their passage and had three hours before they could board the next available one bound for Coruscant. They decided to walk around to kill some time. Bella and Mallay both needed to get some clothes since Bella’s were on her stolen ship and Mallay’s trunk, with her clothes and assault cannon in it, was destroyed when the walker that picked her up when she’d arrived on Ord was hit with a Separatist rocket launcher. They’d only been walking for a few minutes when Mallay smelled food.

“I’m starving!” Mallay exaggerated, “Let’s go eat!”

“When aren’t you hungry, sis?” Bella snorted, following her sister to a burger place.

“When I’m sleeping!” Mallay retorted, grinning as she went up to the counter. “Ummm, I’ll take the giant nerf burger, everything on it, a large bucket of chili cheese fries, and the extra-large cola. Oh, and can I get a package of chocolate chip cookies too?!”

“Is she really going to eat all of that,” Corso asked Bella as they waited in line, seeing the amount of food Mallay ordered.

“Hell, she might come back for more!” Bella snorted, “I swear, she is a bottomless pit when it comes to food!”

Aric, Bella, and Corso ordered and the four of them carried their food to a table nearby. Corso and Aric were in awe of the amount of food on Mallay’s tray and Bella simply shook her head.

“No way are you going to eat all of that!” Aric challenged.

“Wanna bet?” Mallay replied with a wicked grin.

“Sure,” Aric agreed, “If you can’t finish all of that, you owe me drinks the next time we are in the cantina…..and you have to tell me how awesome I am every time you buy a round. You want in on this, Corso?”

“Sure,” Corso nodded, “Sorry Mallay, but I just can’t picture someone as small as you eating that much!”

“Fine, and if I finish everything, you both have to carry mine and Bella’s stuff while we go clothes shopping,” Mallay agreed, “and you have to go into the stores with us!”

“You’re on!” Aric told her and Corso nodded his acceptance. They shook on it and started eating.

Half an hour later, they were headed for the clothing shops. The girls were leading the way, laughing while Corso and Aric followed, carrying all of their stuff.

“I just can’t figure out where it all goes?!” Corso wondered, “I mean, look at how tiny she is and I think she just ate enough for a Huttball team!”

“I don’t know, man, I honestly didn’t expect her to be able to even eat half of that!” Aric shook his head.

“Come on guys,” Bella giggled, “Remember, you have to come in with us!”

“I can’t go in there!” Corso protested, blushing, as the girls headed into a lingerie shop, “That’s not fair at all.”

“Hey, we need this stuff too and part of the bet you lost was that you had to come in the shops with us!” Mallay smirked.

“You’re going in this one on purpose though,” Aric accused, arms crossed in front of him.

“Well, yeah, we’re going in here on purpose,” Bella rolled her eyes, “I’ve been wearing this bra for three days now and it needs to be washed! In order to do that, I need another one to put on because I really shouldn’t walk around with my girls free in public!”

Corso blushed even more, “Do we really have to go in this store?!”

“YES!” Bella and Mallay insisted, laughing harder.

“Come on, man, I got this,” Aric assured an embarrassed Corso as they went in, “Mallay’s the weak link here. She gets easily embarrassed so if we embarrass her enough, she’ll make us leave.”

Bella and Mallay found their preferred styles and were picking out colors and patterns when the guys caught up with them. Bella winked at Mallay and they each held up a couple of bras.

“Hey guys, we are having a hard time deciding on which we like best, can you help us?” Bella asked, not so innocently.

“Uh….I….uh….well….you…” Corso stammered, blushing as he looked down.

A broad smile crossed Aric’s face as he considered their options, “Well, Captain, I would go with the red one for sure. You seem like the flirty type and most men love red on a woman.” Then he turned so his shocked CO, didn’t plan for that did you, rookie?!, he thought as he looked at her choices, “As for you, sir, I think lace would look very appealing on you no matter what color you chose, but with your skin tone, I think darker colors would look better. I do like the pink one though.” Then a wicked gleam sparked in his eyes, as he purposely looked her over, “However, you might want to get one that is lined a little because lace is thin and when you get cold, it really shows.”

“Oh, sis, he got you good!” Bella couldn’t stop laughing at Mallay who looked like she wished the floor would open up and swallow her. “I guess our plan backfired. Well played, Aric, well played indeed!”

A red faced Mallay finally recovered enough to mutter, “You guys can wait for us at the weapons shop, but you still have to carry our stuff.”

“You got it,” Aric snickered, “Oh and sir, I like the purple one too.”

“How did you do that?” Corso asked as they left the shop.

Aric shrugged, “After you have been in the military for a few years, serving with women alongside you, you’ve seen enough of that kind of stuff that it doesn’t embarrass you anymore.”

“Well, I am grateful at any rate,” Corso thanked him, “now let’s get to that weapon shop!”

“Now that sounds like a great idea,” Aric eagerly agreed.

The guys quickly found the weapons shop and were slowly made their way around, admiring all of the different blasters, rifles, cannons, blades, and explosives that were available. They were like kids in a toy store in awe of the shiny new offerings. After a while, the girls caught up to them, each carrying a large bag of clothing.

“Did you find everything you needed?” Corso asked, noticing their bags.

“Hopefully enough to get me by until I can get my ship back from that bastard Skavak!” Bella replied.

“All I need now is to replace my cannon that got destroyed in that walker,” Mallay told them. “I really liked that one though, so I hope they have something similar here.”

“What features did it have?” Aric asked her, “and what did you like best about it?”

Mallay described it to them, recalling all of her favorite features and ones that didn’t matter as much to her. She explained that it needed to be smaller and lightweight, but still have enough firepower to suit her needs. Aric and Corso quickly found one that met her demands and Mallay liked it. She made her purchase and they left the shop.

They still had an hour to kill so they went to the cantina for a drink , the guys watching the Huttball match that was on the holovid, and the girls putting their new clothes in their duffle bags. Mallay was familiarizing herself with her new cannon, thanking the guys for their help in picking it out, when a smell caught her attention. Bella noticed the look on her sister’s face and giggled.

“Oh, I know that look,” she grinned, “What is it this time.”

Mallay was looking around and finally spotted the bakery nearby, “Donuts! I’ll be right back.” Aric, Bella, and Corso watched Mallay scamper off to the bakery, shaking their heads.

“Is she seriously going to eat more?!” Corso asked, disbelief on his handsome face.

Bella nodded, “I told you, Mallay is a bottomless pit when it comes to food and sweet bakery goods rank among her favorites.”

A few minutes later, a blissful looking Mallay returned with a bag of donuts, eating one already. “Stars, I love chocolate covered custard donuts!” She held out the bag, “want some? I got different kinds.”

The guys each took one, but Bella declined, “Are you kidding, no way can I eat like you….I wouldn’t be able to fit through the door.”

“I got a nutty one….just for you, sis. You know you want it!” Mallay smirked, then held up the donut and waved it in front of her sister, “Oh, Bella, I am so yummy….you want to eat me, I know you do.”

“Stars, Mallay, you are such a dork sometimes,” Bella rolled her eyes as she snatched the donut from her sister and took a bite, “I swear, if I can’t fit into my clothes later, I am totally kicking your butt!”

“Good luck with that, sister dearest,” Mallay smirked as they got up and made their way to the shuttle pad. “Hmmm, I think I will have another,” she muttered as she dug into the bag and found another custard filled donut.

“I really hate you sometimes, sis!” Bella shook her head.

“No you don’t, you’re just jealous.” Mallay laughed, taking a large bite.

“Of your ability to eat your way through life and not gain any weight, yes,” Bella shot back, a wicked smile on her face, “Of your small breasts, absolutely not!”

“That was a low blow, sis,” Mallay pouted, blushing as the rest of them laughed.

They boarded the shuttle for Coruscant, and once again, found an empty compartment, this one with a HoloVid screen on the wall. They claimed it, Aric and Corso getting drinks this time and Bella and Mallay stowed their gear and got the cards out. They enjoyed the short, four hour trip to Coruscant, playing cards, talking, and watching movies on the HoloVid, knowing it was probably going to be the last time they could relax for a while.

Because we all have that friend that can eat like a linebacker and never gain a thing!!! Also, I hope the shuttle travel times are realistic enough and in my head, the compartments are similar to what you would find on a train.

Bella, Mallay, Corso, and Aric arrived on Coruscant and made their way over to the security terminal to check in. Mallay and Aric easily get through, having military clearance, Corso made it through with little trouble as well. Bella had a little issue, apparently there was a discrepancy in her delivery records, I’ll bet Skavak had something to do with that, but a simple distraction from Corso and some hacking on her part helped her resolve the matter.

“We should see about finding a place to stay before we go too far, Captain.” Corso suggested. “That way we won’t have to carry all of our stuff around with us.”

“Good call, Corso.” Bella nodded, “I usually didn’t stay on a planet for any length of time and if I did, I stayed on my ship. Any idea where we can find a place?”

“Sorry, Captain, I haven’t been to Coruscant before.” Corso admitted, then looked at Aric and Mallay, “What about you guys?”

“I did my officer training here,” Aric replied, “but that was a few years ago and I stayed in the military complex.”

“I’ve only stayed in the military complex here as well.” Mallay told them, then thought for a moment, “Why don’t you come with us, sis, and I’ll ask someone when we check in with General Garza.”

“Thanks, Mallay.” Bella sighed as they left the spaceport, “I swear, when I catch up to that slimy bastard Skavak, I am going to kill him slowly.”

The group walked to the Senate Tower, where the Republic Military Headquarters was located. Corso was in awe of the large, towering buildings everywhere and despite having been there before, the others were as well. There were gardens with benches surrounding the beautiful Senate Tower and an entrance to an underground shopping area.

Bella and Corso felt a little underdressed when they went into the grandiose tower, but there was nothing they could do about it. Mallay and Aric were in their non-plated military gear, and drew little attention as they made their way to General Garza’s office.

“You’ll have to wait out here,” Mallay told Bella and Corso when they got to Garza’s office, “Hopefully we won’t be too long.”

Bella nodded, “Good luck, sis!”

Mallay and Aric went in and found an older, grey haired woman speaking to a Senator on the holo.

“I can assure you, Senator, I know nothing of a Spec Forces squad defecting to the Empire,” she insisted.

“I need more than that, General…” the senator replied.

“Well, my assurances are all you are going to get,” General Garza told him in a voice that left little doubt that she meant it, “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I seem to have visitors.” With that, the general disconnected and addressed a saluting Mallay and Aric, “At ease. Impeccable timing, Lieutenant Lauren. I am General Garza and I would like to congratulate you on your remarkable skill and courage in surviving the ambush on Ord Mantell.”

“Thank you, General,” Mallay replied, “I was only doing my duty, nothing more.”

“Regardless, most wouldn’t have been able to accomplish what you did under the circumstances.” General Garza insisted, “Sergeant Jorgan, I am happy to see you as well. General Vander holds you in very high regard.”

“Thank you, sir, but General Vander had a funny way of showing his regard,” Aric growled, the bitterness still there.

“General Vander did the best he could for you, Sergeant,” Garza told him sternly, “and I’d say that a place on Spec Forces' most highly decorated squad is doing very well indeed.” Aric nodded and she went on, “It’s regrettable about Tavus and the others. I knew they were unhappy, but I never suspected they’d do anything so stupid as to defect. No matter, they know the inner workings of the Republic Military well and are dangerous enemies now and must be dealt with accordingly.”

“I’m going to make those traitors pay for what they’ve done,” Mallay swore, a dark, dangerous look coming over her face.

Garza smiled, “Good. I’m glad I can count on you to do what’s necessary.”

“So, let’s mount up a strike team and hunt those traitors down like the scum they are!” Aric insisted.

“Oh, I would very much like to give that order, Sergeant,” Garza admitted, “However, more has happened since you left Ord Mantell. Several other Spec Forces squads have followed Tavus’ lead and defected as well. This is no small problem and changes things.”

“How do we proceed, sir?” Mallay asked, shocked at the thought.

“Well, one huge asset we have in our favor is you, Lieutenant. Tavus thinks you were killed in that hanger on Ord Mantell and that Havoc’s defection is still a secret. He won’t be expecting any problems yet. Right now, Tavus will be securing armaments and supplies, something they usually get through underground sources here on Coruscant. We need to cut those supply lines while we still have the element of surprise.”

“Sounds like a plan, sir.” Mallay nodded, “Where do we come in?”

“I already have units working to cut them off, but two groups are giving us trouble, The Black Sun and The Migrant Merchants Guild.” Garza replied, “I need you to take care of those two. You’ll start with the Migrant Merchants Guild in the Old Galactic Market sector. Meet with Corporal Garrum in the small headquarters across from The Dealer’s Den cantina. He will debrief you on the Migrant Merchant’s Guild and give you the details of your mission. I can’t stress enough the importance of these missions, Lieutenant. Our success in capturing the Havoc traitors is going to depend on getting those supply lines cut off.”

“Acknowledged, sir,” Mallay assured her, “I won’t fail!”

“I’ve seen footage of you in action, Lieutenant,” Garza told her, “I’m confident that you will succeed.”

“Sir, I do have a question,” Mallay started, “Two actually. Where are we staying and do you know where my sister can find a place to stay?”

“Spec Forces squads have suites in the military complex, and I will have my assistant show you to yours so you can unload your belongings and get proper gear on. As for Captain Lauren and Corso Riggs,” General Garza smiled at the surprised look on Mallay’s face, “yes, Lieutenant, I’m aware they know what happened with your former squad and I’m aware of your sister’s situation. Everything that happened on Ord that was seen on your armor cam was recorded and sent to me as well as the footage we were able to get from your cybernetic feed.”

Mallay could feel her face heating up at the thought of some of the conversations she had with Bella and for the second time that day, she wished the floor would open up and swallow her. She heard a suspicious cough next to her and glared at Jorgan who was trying very hard not to laugh. Then she heard her sister laughing out in the hall.

General Garza heard Bella laughing as well, “Captain Lauren, you and Mister Riggs might as well come in.”

Bella and Corso walked in, Corso looking a little embarrassed at being caught listening, and Bella still giggling at her sister, who by that time, had her face buried in her hands. “Sorry General Garza, but the door was open a little and I couldn’t help but overhear….”

“Yes, Captain, I’m sure you couldn’t.” General Garza interrupted, her blue eyes twinkling, “As I was saying, I overheard your conversations with your sister on Ord Mantell and am well aware of your situation and what you know. I’m also very thankful that I never had girls!”

“Eh, we’re not so bad,” Bella assured her, then sobered, “and I can promise that I won’t say anything about what I know.”

“I won’t say anything either, ma’am.” Corso promised, “I felt bad about finding out after the fact, I wish we could’ve helped Mallay…uh…Lieutenant Lauren.”

“I feel bad for sending her in alone,” Aric admitted for the first time, not able to look at Mallay.

“Captain Lauren and Mister Riggs, thank you for your assurances. Sergeant Jorgan, you did what you needed to do and it was the right thing. Hind sight is always twenty-twenty and you had no way of knowing what would happen.” General Garza told them, then called for her assistant, “As for a place for Captain Lauren and Mister Riggs to stay, they can stay with you in your suite, Lieutenant. However, when you leave Coruscant, they’ll have to find another place if they’re still here.”

“Thank you, General,” Bella smiled gratefully, “I can never repay you for this, but if there is ever anything I can do, just name it.”

“Let’s just say if I ever have need of discreet transport, I’ll know who to call,” Garza replied and Bella nodded as her assistant came in. “Private Farva, please escort these four to one of the Spec Forces suits in the military complex. Lieutenant, Sargent, you’re dismissed. Good luck to you all.”

Private Farva was staring at the beautiful, voluptuous Bella when General Garza cleared her throat, “Uh, sorry, general, consider it done!” He saluted, embarrassed at having been caught staring at the lovely Captain and nervous at the murderous look Corso was giving him, “Please, follow me and I will show you to your suite.”

“Captain Lauren, you might want to change that shirt before going anywhere else.” General Garza told Bella, “It’s a little snug, dear, and I would hate for Mister Riggs to end up getting into a fight with anyone getting the wrong idea about you.”

“Hey, it’s not my fault that Sergeant Jorgan can’t pick out the right sizes!” Bella smirked, “I wasn’t going to complain though, it was a very thoughtful gesture and beggars can’t be choosers. Not to worry, I’d planned on changing when we got settled.”

Private Farva led them the short distance to the military complex and checked them in. Mallay thanked and dismissed him and they took the elevator up to their floor and found their suite. It was surprisingly nice and roomy. There was a living area, small kitchen, bathroom, and three bedrooms. They were on the outside, so they had a spectacular view as well.

“This is a lot nicer than where I stayed for my training,” Aric told them, looking around, “I think I could get used to the perks of being in Havoc.”

“Same here,” Mallay agreed, “Last time I stayed in the complex, I think my entire room was about as big as one of these bedrooms.”

Corso was fascinated by the view and relieved that they had a safe place to stay, “I never expected to be staying in a place like this.”

“Me either,” Bella admitted, “I really owe General Garza big time for letting us stay with you, sis.”

“So, what are the sleeping arrangements?” Aric asked

“Well, Bella and I can stay together,” Mallay suggested, “We grew up sharing a room, so we’re used to it. You guys can take the other two rooms.”

“I am fine with that, sis.” Bella smiled, “I’ve missed having you around these past few years.”

“Me too,” Mallay told her as they grabbed their bags and claimed a room.

Aric and Corso flipped for the large bed, Aric winning and they took their things to unpack. A short time later, Bella had changed into the new leathers she’d bought at one of the clothing shops on Carrick and Mallay and Aric were in their under armor, putting their plating on.

“Captain,” Corso started as he came out of his room armored in his old mercenary gear, “I’ve been thinking and if we are going to track down Skavak, we’re going to need some local help.”

“I don’t know any locals,” Bella told him, “Do you have someone in mind?”

“I do,” Corso nodded, “A gambler by the name of Darmas Polleran, who operates out of Coruscant. He was one of Viidu’s old connections and a friend. Viidu said he was an information broker and a very good one with connections all over Coruscant and the Underworld. If anyone can help us track down Skavak, its Darmas.”

“Do you know where to find this Darmas Polleran?” Bella asked, glad that Corso knew someone.

“Well, Viidu always said if you look for a Sabacc table surrounded by beautiful women, you’d find Darmas, but I can do better than that.” Corso grinned, “I copied over Viidu’s old contacts onto my Holo before we left Ord and I have Darmas’ frequency right here.”

“Go ahead and call, Corso.” Bella told him, “It’s fairly early in the day still, maybe he’ll be able to meet with us.” Corso nodded and a moment later, Darmas’ image appeared.

“Corso Riggs, is that you?!” Darmas asked in a smooth, jovial voice. “It’s been a while, how’ve you been?”

“That’s why I called, Darmas,” Corso explained as Bella came over to stand next to him, “A friend and I are in a real bind here on Coruscant. We could use your help.”

“Sure thing, Corso,” Darmas assured them, “Why don’t the two of you come to my private room at the Dealer’s Den. It’s a cantina in the Old Galactic Market sector. It can be a rough area so I hope you don’t mind the occasional blaster fire.”

“We just came from a war zone on Ord Mantell,” Bella grinned, “Occasional blaster fire would be an improvement.”

“Well then, I’ll see you soon,” Darmas smiled at the lovely Captain, “Now, if you’ll excuse me, the table calls.”

“Keep your channel open,” Corso told him, “I have some bad news about Viidu.” Darmas nodded and signed off.

“Well, we have a contact at least,” Bella sighed, “Hopefully he will be able to put us on Skavak’s trail. You really came through, thanks Corso!”

“I’m just glad I thought to copy Viidu’s contacts before we left,” Corso admitted, “I’ll fill Darmas in about what went down on Ord on our way to The Dealer’s Den.”

“Just be discreet,” Bella warned, wary of trusting strangers, especially in the Underworld. She turned to see her sister in full armor, relaxing on the couch. “Hey sis, looks like we’re headed out.”

“I heard, we are as well. I just was waiting until you guys were finished talking to Corso’s contact.” Mallay stood and handed her sister a swipe card, “This is the room key, don’t lose it. I was only given two and I have the other. I also sent Mom a message letting her know we made it to Coruscant and that we are staying together in the military complex.”

“Thanks, sis,” Bella smiled as she strapped her blasters to her belt, knowing how much their mother worried about them still.

“You ready to head out, sir?” Aric asked, securing his cannon on his back.

Mallay nodded, securing her own cannon and the four of them left the suite and made their way to the taxi hub. The girls chatted ahead and the guys followed. Aric was deep in thought, hoping his new CO was up to the task of leadership, wondering how well they would work together, and a little nervous about how long it had been since he was in the field. Corso was watching Bella, hoping he could make good on his promise to her mother to keep her safe. He couldn’t help but notice how nicely Bella’s leather pants and vest hugged her voluptuous curves and how her thick, dark auburn hair came to the middle of her back. Like Aric, Corso appreciated long hair on a woman and he realized that he was rapidly losing his heart to the beautiful, charming Captain that he’d just met a few days ago.

Bella, Mallay, Corso, and Aric took a taxi to the Old Galactic Market. The Dealer’s Den cantina wasn’t far from the taxi and a few minutes later, Bella and Mallay were parting ways.

“Be careful, sis,” Bella hugged her younger sister, “I know you are all awesome military and all, but I get the feeling this isn’t going to be like Ord and you and Aric haven’t been in combat together before.”

Mallay returned Bella’s hug, “I’m sure we’ll be fine, Bella. I’m more worried about you and Corso. You have a tendency to attract your fair share of trouble and Corso definitely seems to be the type that’s going to do his damnedest to protect you.”

Bella sighed, “He is, but we’ve had some practice working together. All the same, I’ll be careful. After all, I want to live long enough to kill Skavak.”

“Let me know what you find out!” Mallay called out as Bella and Corso went into the Dealer’s Den and she and Aric went into the small HQ.

“I will….love you, sis!” Bella replied and she and Corso went into the cantina to find Darmas.

They found the older, yet still handsome, Darmas Pollaran in a small, private room in back of the cantina. He was sitting at a Sabacc table. After a little while, he finally stood, looking rather pleased as his Rodian opponent finally gave up. He spotted Corso and Bella and motioned them over to a nearby lounge area.

“Forgive me for being so forward, Captain,” Darmas told Bella smoothly as he looked her over, “but you’re more radiant than a Tattooine sunset. Darmas Pollaran, at your service.” Darmas continued watch Bella, taking in her voluptuous figure, her thick, wavy auburn hair that hung to the middle of her back. Her face was captivating with those dark green eyes, creamy skin, and full lips, and Darmas appreciated a beautiful woman.

Oh, brother, Bella thought, is that really the best he could do?! Darmas wasn’t really her type, but she decided to flirt back anyways. In her experience, men were a lot more helpful when she flirted and she’d honed that skill to perfection, “Well, Darmas, you’re even better looking in person!” she told him, giving him the once over as he’d done with her. “Please, call me Bella.”

“Come on, Captain, he’s twice your age!” Corso retorted before he could stop himself. He blushed as soon as he realized what a jealous idiot he sounded like.

“Don’t listen to the boy, Bella!” Darmas chuckled, “You can feel free to compliment me anytime. Ah, Bella, a beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”

Bella smiled at Darmas, “Thank you, Darmas, a woman always likes to hear how nice she looks from such a handsome man.”

“Nicely done, Bella, you’re going to go far!” Darmas winked, then he sobered. “I was sorry to hear about Viidu. He was a man of refined tastes and a terrible card player. I’ll truly miss him! Now I understand that this isn’t a social call. Corso briefly told me what was going on and I’m prepared to help. What can I do for you?”

Bella’s lovely face turned hard, “I’m hunting Skavak,” she told Darmas, “He stole my starship with a shipment of blasters meant for Rogun the Butcher in it. I want payback….badly!”

“Oh, I can understand wanting to get Skavak,” Darmas nodded, “I’ve met him once, and didn’t like him from the start. He’s well known in the Galactic Underworld and has earned death sentences across the galaxy for everything from armed robbery to kidnapping. There are even rumors that he’s been working for the Sith Empire. He also cheats at cards!”

“How’s he managed to stay alive with all of this hanging over him?” Bella wondered.

“He’s a slippery one and has enough connections to keep himself from getting caught. He’s a good con artist and is known to charm the ladies.” Darmas admitted.

“Those ladies must not have too much upstairs,” Bella muttered, “I had a bad feeling about him from the moment we met.”

“As soon as Corso filled me in, I put out searches and already got a hit.” Darmas told her, “He recently used the services of a data slicer named Kixi. Kixi can be found holed up in a computer lab, deep into Migrant Merchant’s Guild territory.”

“Data slicer, huh?” Bella looked thoughtful, “Wonder what that’s all about? Let’s just hope she isn’t another one of Skavak’s girlfriends.”

“Kixi is a Mirialan, so definitely not one of Skavak’s girls.” Darmas assured her, “Skavak won’t cavort with aliens, thinks it’s beneath him. Kixi might be able to help put you on Skavak’s track, but be careful. The Migrant Merchant’s Guild doesn’t take kindly to outsiders in their territory!”

“We’ll be careful,” Bella nodded, “How much do you want for your information, Darmas?”

“Nothing, my dear,” he replied, smiling at her, “I’d never dream of taking credits from a lovely lady in distress!”

Bella thanked him and she and a brooding Corso left the Dealer’s Den in search for Kixi. They walked in silence for a few minutes and could hear blaster fire in the distance. Finally, Bella couldn’t stand it anymore.

“Something on your mind, Farm Boy?” she drawled, “You’ve been unusually quiet since talking with Darmas.”

“No, Captain,” Corso lied, then he decided to tell the truth, “Actually, yes there is. It’s just that I don’t know Darmas that well, but he likes women….lots of women and he’s a lot older than you. I guess I got a little worried when you were flirting with him. I know it’s not my place though and I’m sorry I snapped at you earlier.” Then he looked down and mumbled, “I guess I was a bit jealous too.”

He really is a good man, Bella thought, surprised that he’d been honest about his feelings. She figured he was a little jealous when he’d snapped earlier, but she never thought he would admit it. Bella saw how sad and embarrassed he looked and decided to ease his mind.

“Relax, Corso, there’s no need to worry,” she told him gently as she stroked his cheek, causing those sad brown eyes to look into her own. “Darmas isn’t my type at all, flirting is just another tool for me…..most times.” She smiled at him then, “Besides, a woman always likes when she can make a good looking man like you jealous.”

Does she mean it when she flirts with me? Corso wondered, hoping she did. “Thanks, Captain,” he sighed, trying to focus after her touch had distracted him. “I guess I’m also getting a little anxious about getting to Kixi,” he admitted, nodding in the direction of the blaster fire that was getting louder as they approached. “I get the feeling that this is going to be a lot different from Ord…..and not for the better.”

“I agree….” Bella started as they went through the doorway into a dock area, “Stars, Corso, it’s a war zone!” she gasped, taking in the police barricades, blaster fire, and open fighting in the streets. Bella expected some gang activity and turf protecting, but not an all-out battle between gang members and police. She felt Corso tense up beside her and knew he was thinking along the same lines as she was…..How in the void are we going to get through all of that?!

How am I going to keep her safe? Corso worried, seeing a Coruscant security guard go down. “How far in do we have to go?” he asked, hoping it Kixi wasn’t too deep into Migrant Merchant’s Guild territory. He wasn’t a coward by any means, but he didn’t want Bella to get hurt.

“Kixi is in the Guild’s computer lab,” Bella replied a moment later, looking at her datapad. “We have to get through the docks here, a warehouse on the other side, then we should be close to the lab where Kixi is.” She put her datapad away and charged up her blasters, cold, deadly determination on her beautiful face. “Come on, Corso, I want my ship back and that bastard Skavak dead. These men aren’t going to stop me from that!”

“Then let’s go!” Corso smiled, readying his rifle and powering on his shield generator, “Let me go in first, Captain, like we did on Ord. We’ll pick ‘em off one group at a time.” He shrugged, “Who knows, maybe they won’t bother us….I mean, we aren’t police or military, so maybe they will just let us by.”

“I admire your optimism, Farm Boy,” Bella chuckled as they passed the barricade, “but somehow, I don’t think they are going to just let us wander into their territory without a fight.”

Within minutes, Bella was proven right. She picked off the last gang member in the current group of guild members they were fighting, then went over to a bleeding Corso. He had a nasty gash on his arm that Bella helped him patch up. They continued on, running up the ramp to the next level of the docks. Corso spotted a large entryway in the distance and they began to fight their way to it. His shield generator was holding up alright and he was thankful he’d thought to get one at the weapons shop on Carrick. Bella had bought an extensive supply of flash bombs and frag grenades which helped when they were fighting groups. Corso would wait until she chucked a grenade into the group before charging in. They fell into a comfortable routine, just as they had back on Ord and it worked well for them. However, if they wanted to keep it up, Corso would need better gear. The mercenary plating he had from his job with Viidu wasn’t going to cut it for long in the heavy fighting they were seeing now. They finally made it to the doorway and had to fight a small group in the corridor. Bella spotted a small abandoned med center across from the entrance to the warehouse and they ducked inside to let their weapons cool for a few minutes.

“Looks like someone was here recently,” Corso told her, pointing at the table. There was fresh blood smeared on it and a small puddle on the floor.

“I guess we aren’t the only ones fighting around here.” Bella sighed, noticing an empty kolto pack and a couple of used stim injectors in the trash can next to the table. “I guess whoever it was made it out alright. How’s that arm?”

“It’ll be fine, Captain, I’ve had worse.” Corso assured her as he checked his plating over.

“All the same, I think I will have Mallay look at it back at the suite.” Bella insisted, “Derek taught us all how to patch up simple injuries, but Mallay has taken a few medic courses.”

“I’ll be happy if this cut is all I have,” Corso admitted, “What about you?”

“Not a scratch on me thanks to you!” Bella grinned, then gave him a kiss on the cheek, “You really are brave, heroic man, but I’d feel better if we can get some heavier armor for you.”

“Uh….thanks, Captain….Bella.” Corso stammered, blushing. Her chaste kiss was enough to set his heart racing and muddle his thought process. He took a deep breath to calm himself, “It was nothing, really. I’d do anything to keep you safe,” he admitted, “although, I think I’d feel better with heavier armor, too!”

Bella giggled, “I’ll see to it after we take care of things here. We should be near the computer lab after we get through this warehouse.” She saw that her blasters were cooled and charged them up. “Break time’s over, Farm Boy!”

“No rest for the wicked,” he grinned as he powered his shield generator back on and grabbed his rifle.

They left the med center and entered the warehouse. Looking around, they noticed fewer gang members. Bella consulted her datapad and pointed at a nearby doorway to their left.

“All we need to do is get to that doorway, go down the corridor, and we should see the entrance to the lab.” Bella whispered.

Corso nodded and charged into the next hostile group. They dispatched three groups before getting to the empty corridor. They quietly made their way to the end where Bella spotted the entrance to the HQ in an open area. Unfortunately, there were several guild members around. They would need to take them all out in order to get into HQ. Bella chucked a flash bomb into the biggest crowd, blinding them, then she chucked a couple of frag grenades at another group and Corso charged in.

A little while later, Bella and Corso were the only ones alive in the area. Bella was trying to get into the lab, but the security panel required a clearance pass.

“Well, this sucks!” Bella muttered.

Corso looked around at all of the bodies, “There might be a pass on one of these bodies, Captain. I don’t like the thought of….”

“I don’t like it either, but you’re probably right,” Bella admitted, a shiver running down her spine at the thought of searching dead bodies.

“This guy looks like a guard of some sort,” Corso went over to a corpse that was more heavily armed and bigger than the rest. He reached into the dead man’s pocket and found a wallet. Luck was with them, there was a yellow clearance pass inside and Corso handed it to Bella.

“This should do it,” Bella murmered as she keyed in a code and swiped the pass. They heard a click and the door opened. “Thank the force you thought to check the guard first, Corso. I really didn’t want to search all of these bodies.”

They went inside the lab, empty except for a few droids that were easily dispatched. Then they found a large room off to the side. Bella swiped the pass again, successfully opening the door. It was a huge room, monitors lining the front wall. In the middle of the room was a large circular computer terminal surrounded by surveillance cameras. A petite, young Mirialan stood at the terminal.

“I saw you approaching,” she told them, nodding at the monitors.

“Are you Kixi?” Bella asked.

“Captain, why does this seem like a prison?” Corso wondered, noticing the surveillance cameras trained on Kixi and recalling the locked doors and guards.

“That’s because it is a prison, thanks for noticing!” Kixi retorted, shaking her head, “and yes, I’m Kixi. The Migrant Merchant’s Guild kidnapped me a few months ago and brought me here. They’ve been forcing me to work for them ever since.” She sighed, “Look, I’m sorry for snapping at you, but I’m really ready to get out of this place. Is there any chance you might be here to free me?”

“We’ll get you out of here, but can you help us first?” Bella assured her.

“I can try….what do you need?”

“You recently were asked to help a man named Skavak….”

“Oh, yeah, I remember that. The guild made me slice into his records and fix his identity so he could move around easier.”

Bella snorted, “Knowing Skavak, you spend a lot of time deleting stuff.”

Kixi rolled her eyes, “It took forever to clean his records! I swear, it’s like he is trying to be the galaxy’s biggest criminal.”

“Well, he stole my starship and I am trying to track him down. Is there any way you can help with that?”

“Sorry, I have no idea where he went after he left here,” Kixi sighed, then she thought for a moment, “Wait, I may not know where he is, but there is a way he can be found.”

“Let’s hear it!”

“I made a file of everything I deleted off Skavak’s record,” she explained, “I can simply upload it back into his records. Take away his spotless identity and he’ll get stopped the next time he has to pass a security checkpoint.” Kixi was silent for the next few minutes as she uploaded the data. “There, that should do it.”

Bella was impressed, “Hey, what else can you do to Skavak?”

“It depends….what are you shooting for?”

Bella thought for a moment, then an idea popped into her head. She’d follow General Garza’s example and cut Skavak off from his Underworld contacts and resources. “I want to cut him off from the Underworld. Is there a way you can do that?”

“Interesting idea, Captain,” Corso smiled, “I like it!”

“I can’t take all of the credit, it was Garza’s idea.” Bella admitted.

“Oh, I got it,” Kixi grinned, “I can slice into the main database for the Underworld and register Skavak as an undercover SIS Agent!” She was laughing as she worked quickly, “There, now no one in the Underworld will want to deal with him after seeing that!!”

“You are fantastic, Kixi!” Bella told her, excited at the prospect of finally catching up to Skavak. “Now, what can we do to get you out of here safely?”

“I have my sister and a friend that both work at the nearby cantina.” Kixi told them as they left the computer room. “They're dancers and at least one of them should be there now. If you can get me there, they can disguise me as a dancer and I’ll be able to leave with one of them when their shift ends.”

“Sure thing, just tell us where to go and stay by me.” Bella replied.

They left the lab and no one had come to replace the dead guards yet. Kixi gave them directions and a short time later, they were going into the cantina. Kixi found her friend, a Nautolan named Ria, who told them that her sister, Vixi, was in back on her break. Ria assured Bella and Corso they’d be able to get Kixi out of there safely when their shifts ended. Kixi hugged Bella and Corso, thanking them for freeing her and they left.

The way back to The Dealer’s Den was easier. They'd killed a lot of guild members on the way to Kixi and there was definitely others fighting them, indicated by the number of recently killed corpses Bella and Corso came across. They were surprised that night had fallen when they got their first glance at the open sky on the docks. It had taken the better part of the day getting to Kixi, but Bella was happy with the progress they’d made. They were both exhausted by the time they entered The Dealer’s Den, and Corso was sore.

They found Darmas lounging in his private room and he looked relieved when he saw Bella and Corso. They filled him in on everything Kixi had done. He marveled at the genius of Bella and Kixi’s plan to cut Skavak off from the Underworld and promised to contact them in the morning if he had any news. Bella thanked him and she and Corso left the cantina and hurried to the taxi pad.

They took a taxi to the Senate Plaza and walked to the military complex. Bella wanted Mallay to look Corso over and she couldn’t decide if she wanted a hot bath or to simply fall into bed. They rode the elevator up to their floor, Bella unlocked the door, flipped on the lights, and the two of them were a bit shocked at the sight before them. Aric, clad in boxers and a t-shirt, a muscular thigh bandaged, had a grinning Mallay, who was in short pajama shorts and a tank top with her wild hair tumbling down her back, pinned up against the wall.

“Well, sister dearest, I had no idea you liked it rough,” Bella smirked, “You want us to leave?”

Mallay waved at Bella and her and Aric entered the small Republic Headquarters in the Old Galactic Market concourse to find a large man waiting for them.

“Corporal Garrum, sir,” he saluted, “I’ve been expecting you.”

“At ease, Corporal,” Mallay saluted, “General Garza said you’d have our mission details.”

“Yes, sir,” he replied, “You’ll be going into Migrant Merchant’s Guild territory. The Migrant Merchant’s Guild is made up of mostly Non-Humans who banded together after the Sacking. Lately, they’ve become more hostile to outsiders and are defending their territory well. Your target is a Cyborg named Krel.” Corporal Garrum brought up Krel’s image on the wall screen. “Krel has enhanced strength and speed, three times the normal for a human, with genus level intelligence. He has developed a platoon of advanced war droids for Tavus. It’s your mission to destroy those droids and eliminate Krel.”

“A whole platoon of war droids, that’s a lot of firepower to lose,” Aric growled excitedly, grinning, “Tavus is really going to feel this one!”

“Do we have a fix on Krel’s location?” Mallay asked, smiling at Jorgan’s enthusiasm.

“Krel has a cybernetics laboratory located deep inside Migrant Merchant’s Guild territory,” Corporal Garrum nodded, “Some of his war droids have been packed up into shipping containers already. Our sources were able to get an image of the crates.” He brought up the image on the screen, “destroy any of those containers you find en route to Krel. Once inside his lab, neutralize any remaining droids and eliminate the man himself.”

“Destroy any droid containers I find, neutralize any active droids, and eliminate Krel. Understood,” Mallay summed up.

“I’ve forwarded a summary file along with the coordinates of Krel’s lab to your datapad. Watch yourself out there, Lieutenant Lauren,” Garrum told her, “The Migrant Merchant’s Guild is attacking anyone entering their territory and Krel won’t be an easy target to get to or eliminate.”

“We’ll be alert, Corporal,” Mallay assured him, “Thanks for the heads up!”

“No problem, sir,” he replied, saluting, “That concludes my briefing. Good luck to you both!”

Mallay and Aric saluted and left HQ. They were stopped at the end of the Old Marketplace Concourse by a security guard arguing with a Nautolan male. The Nautolan introduced himself as Nik and implored Mallay to find his kidnapped mate, Ria. He said the Migrant Merchant’s Guild took her and was forcing her to be a dancer in one of the cantina’s in their territory. Mallay assured him that she would stop in the cantina and see if she could find his mate.

Aric was giving Mallay random bits of leadership advice as they made their way to the dock area. Mallay listened carefully until the sound of blaster fire in the distance cut him off. They looked at one another and were in for a shock when they went through the doorway to the docks. They saw police barricades and open fighting as far as they could see into the distance.

“This looks more like Ord Mantell than the capital of the Republic!” Aric growled. “I certainly didn’t expect this!”

“This looks like more than just a turf war,” Mallay agreed. “No matter, we have our orders and we’re going in.”

“Ready when you are, sir.” Aric nodded, charging up his cannon.

Mallay charged up her cannon, “Let’s move out, Sergeant!”

Moments later, they were in the thick of the fighting. Mallay’s sleek assault cannon doing massive damage to the groups of guild members they came across. To her, this was just like Ord….same fighting, different scenery. Her skills and instincts were in top form and she was taking minimal damage. Jorgan on the other hand was a different story.

Aric felt awful. He was having a rough time adjusting to a combat role after so many years and feeling guilty that he hadn’t talked to Mallay about it. He needed time for his senses and reflexes become combat ready. Unfortunately, time was something they didn’t have. He knew he had to talk to his CO as soon as they could find a safe place. She was under the assumption that it had only been four years since he’d been in the thick of fighting when in reality it had been longer.

Stars, this isn’t going well, Mallay thought as they dispatched another group of hostile Migrant Merchant’s Guild members, did Jorgan forget how to be a soldier?!

They fought their way through the lower docks and were on the upper level, well into the thick of the fighting. Krel and the droids they needed to take out were deep into Migrant Merchant’s Guild territory and Mallay was starting to wonder if they would make it that far. Her Sergeant, with all of his years of experience on her, was struggling. He was barely able to keep up with her and she’d had to slow down a little in order for that to happen. He knew how to use that large cannon of his, quite well in fact, however, his reflexes were slow, most likely due to how long it had been since he’d been in combat. She really hoped that was all it was and that time would hone his skills back to what they were. As soon as she got the chance, she needed to have a chat with her squad mate to find out.

They were almost to an entrance to the dock warehouse when she heard Aric growl in pain behind her. She turned to see him clutching his bleeding leg and there were two gang members bearing down on him from behind. There’s no way he’s going to get that cannon around in time! Mallay reacted quickly. She palmed one of her hidden blades and whipped it at the man about to strike Jorgan. Then she dropped her cannon and ran full speed at the other attacker, who was too focused on getting a shot on Jorgan to notice her.

Unfortunately, Aric had been too deep in thought and didn’t hear his attackers until a blaster bolt had hit him in the leg. Now who’s the rookie, Jorgan?! He braced himself for the impact of a strike, knowing he was in trouble, but it never came. He turned to see one of the men dead on the ground with a knife hilt buried in his forehead. He turned to see where the other man was just in time to see his CO run full speed into him. The impact knocked them both over and they rolled. However, they rolled one time too many and the enemy was on top of Mallay. Jorgan charged his cannon, hoping to be quick enough to save his courageous CO. The gang member had grabbed his blaster and was going to shoot Mallay before Jorgan could get a shot when suddenly he cried out and fell on top of her, no longer moving. Mallay shoved him off and Jorgan saw another knife buried in the man’s side. Damn, she’s a vicious little thing, Jorgan thought, impressed, as he saw her stand, covered in blood. Then she glared at him, I really hope I’m not next.

Mallay pulled the knife out of the corpse’s side, walked over to where she dropped her cannon, picked it up and secured it on her back. Then she went over to Jorgan and supported him as they went into the corridor. There were no gang members in sight, just a few frightened citizens. Mallay spotted an abandoned clinic across from the warehouse entrance and activated her heat vision to see if anyone was inside. She detected no heat signatures so she led Jorgan in and set him down on a table. She deactivated her vision enhancement and turned to Jorgan. Here it comes, he thought miserably, and I deserve it.

“Dammit, Sergeant, what the hell is going on with you?!!” Mallay fired out as she paced in front of him, “I don’t know if you've noticed, but despite your vast experience, this lowly rookie has had to save your carcass more than once! Hell, I'm actually concerned that we won't even make it to Krel's location let alone wipe out his droids and defeat him!!"

Jorgan kept quiet, knowing she was right and feeling sick about it. He should have been up front with her before they set out. He just didn’t think it would be this bad.

Mallay’s tirade went on, “You haven’t been out of combat that long! I reviewed your records General Vander sent. You’d been on Ord for the past four years, but before that, you were a frakking squad leader! Was four years really enough time for you to forget how to be a soldier?! Did being an officer make you soft? I mean seriously, you couldn’t have been this bad and still get a promotion.....right?!” She finally stopped pacing and looked at Jorgan.

The sad, guilt-ridden, miserable look on his face was enough to deflate her anger. Stars, I am treating him no better than he treated me on Ord! She realized, a little ashamed, and I'd promised him I’d work on my temper…..some leader I’m shaping up to be. Mallay took a deep breath, went over to him, unstrapped her cannon, and set it down. She took off her back pack and started digging supplies out of it as Aric quietly watched her.

"I'm sorry, sir." He sighed, sadly as she dragged a stool over and sat in front of him, "I should’ve been more up front with you."

"Well, you can rectify that right now," she told him gently as she unstrapped the leg plates on his injured leg. "Talk to me, Jorgan, because we can't keep going like this."

"I know," he admitted. "What you read in my file was true, however, my old squad, The Deadeyes, was a sniper squad. We didn't exactly see a lot of front line, direct combat. We mainly were used to take out important leaders to leave the enemy in disorder. Sometimes we would be focused on taking out a target for weeks. We dealt from the distance and in shadows, sneaking in behind enemy lines. Our tools were sniper rifles and stealth generators. So it’s been longer than four years since I've seen combat like this."

"How long?" Mallay asked, not entirely sure she wanted to hear this. She had finished getting his leg plates off and was cutting back his under armor so she could get to the wound on his thigh.

"Well, I was your age when I was assigned to the Deadeyes," he started, bracing himself for her reaction, "so about seven years."

Seven years!! Mallay didn't know what to think. I'm supposed to hunt down and neutralize Tavus and the others, all highly trained, very talented soldiers, with a squad mate that hasn't been in a combat role for seven years?! What in the void were they thinking?!

Jorgan watched as Mallay's small hand stilled on his thigh. He could tell that she was upset at his revelation, and she has every right to be. She took several deep breaths and silently went back to treating the large gash on his thigh, not quite trusting herself to speak.

She heard his sharp intake of breath as she began cleaning the area around the gash and that startled her out of her thoughts. "I'm sorry, Sergeant, I wasn't being very gentle. I’m just trying to work quickly."

"Nothing to apologize for, sir." He gritted as she finished cleaning out the wound and injected a numbing agent in it, "I'm glad you have some medic training."

"Derek always advised me to get some medic training if I could fit it in." She smiled as she began stitching the gash closed. When she finished, she put some kolto over it, gave him an injection to moderate the pain, and started wrapping a bandage around his thigh. "I actually took a few courses and enjoyed them, but preferred an assault role to a medic one. Otherwise, I would have taken more."

Mallay finished bandaging his leg, then helped him strap his leg plates back on. "I'll take another look at it and repair your under armor when we get back to the suite."

Mallay tossed the empty kolto package and injectors into the trash and dug some water out of her pack, handed a bottle to Jorgan and opened the other for herself. "Now, as for our situation," she began calmly, "I need you to be strait with me from now on. If you are struggling, I need to know. None of this I'm a man you are a woman....I'm older with more experience macho bull****. That isn't going to fly with me because your leadership experience won't help me any if you're dead!"

"Hey, I haven't played the man card yet," he protested, "and as for experience, I can admit that you have me beat in the field and I respect that. I’m not completely useless though."

"Nope, you can definitely use that big gun of yours." Mallay grinned at him, “I'd just like you to be a little faster with it, Sergeant."

"Some women like a man to use it slow, sir." He retorted, giving her a wicked smile as she began to blush.

Mallay rolled her eyes, "I'm ever so glad your charm and whit are intact. You had me worried there for a bit." she shot back, her tone oozing sarcasm. "Anyways, here’s what we’re going to do until you get used to being in a combat role again. I’ll draw enemy attention and you use that massive cannon of yours to take them down. I prefer ranged fighting since my size is a disadvantage when confronting groups, but I’m capable of fighting up close. I’d rather have my rifle for that style of fighting, but I’m not ditching my new cannon. We’ll just have to take things a little slower."

"You shouldn't have to change the way you fight, sir." Jorgan insisted.

"No, but we have little choice." Mallay snapped. "Sorry, it’s not your fault. This whole situation hit you just as fast as it did me. Hopefully your combat skills will come back to you quickly and I can go back to what I’m more comfortable with. Just don't expect me to coddle your a** though....your advice if I recall."

"I meant it." He assured her, "and I was starting to get my bearings a little when I took that shot to the leg."

"Good because I'd hate to dull all of my knives the first time out!" She smirked, “Now let's go destroy those droids and take out Krel!"

"Right behind you, sir." Jorgan called out as they left the clinic, "and you really are a mean little thing with those knives."

They entered the warehouse, Mallay looking at her datapad. She spotted a doorway to the left, and decided to take that one. It was a longer route and they would have to cover more ground that way, but the cantina where Nik’s mate was being forced to dance was on the way. They could stop there to rest if needed and Mallay could try to speak with Ria. Also, they needed to find and destroy all of Krel’s droid crates, which meant they would need to eventually pass through that area anyways. She whispered the plan to Jorgan, palmed a knife, grabbed a sticky grenade and nodded to the group just inside the doorway. Jorgan charged his cannon and Mallay ran in, whipping the knife at one of the guild members and tossing the grenade on another. The group was focused on the petite young woman and failed to realize she wasn’t alone until it was too late. Jorgan’s cannon cut them down before they had the chance to touch his CO. She glanced back at him, giving him a feral smile as she signaled that the group on their left flank was their next target. This might turn out alright after all, Jorgan thought as he watched Mallay, who was clearly in her element in the heat of battle, she definitely knows her stuff.

They made their way down the left, empty corridor, stopping when they got to the end of it. Mallay brought up the image of the droid crates up on her datapad and her and Jorgan studied it for a moment. Then she brought up the map and saw that the cantina they needed to stop in was just up the ramp. There were a couple of groups of guild members guarding a locked door. Once again, Mallay went in, whipping a knife at one target, a grenade at the other and Jorgan cut them down as they focused on her. It really bothered him as a man to have a woman making herself a target and he vowed to do whatever he could to hone his reflexes and instincts quickly so she wouldn’t have to put herself in direct line of fire anymore. He’d seen how well she used her sleek cannon and wanted her to get back to using it. She was very good with grenades and knives, but she was fantastic with that cannon. It didn’t take them long to clear the room and they both looked around carefully for any droid crates. After finding none, they went up the ramp and into the cantina.

Mallay knew they were in the right place when she noticed she was the only female that wasn’t in a dancer’s costume and said as much to Jorgan.

“You are a little overdressed, sir.” He snickered, sitting down so he could rest his throbbing leg. “Maybe you can borrow a costume so you can fit in better.”

Mallay was blushing at that thought when a blue skinned Twi’lek dancer approached them, her voluptuous figure swaying provocatively as she smiled at Jorgan.

“Welcome to Hanera’s Dance Troupe!” she purred, “Can I be of service to you?”

“Yes,” Mallay snapped, setting her cannon down next to Jorgan, irritated at the woman’s obvious attempt to seduce her squad mate, “I’m looking for a dancer named Ria Deleru. Is she working right now?”

“She just came in, she probably isn’t even dressed yet.” The dancer replied, not even looking at Mallay. “You can head back to the dressing room and speak with her if you want. If anyone asks, just tell them you’re new here and are picking up your costume.” She told Mallay as she started dancing for Jorgan.

Jorgan grinned as he watched his CO stomp off to the dressing room after shooting a hostile glare at them. Is she jealous?! he wondered, a part of him hoping she was.

Mallay went inside the dressing room to find various species of women in different states of undress. It must be a shift change, she thought, that might make it easier to get Ria out of here. She spotted a green skinned Nautolan putting a silver and blue dancer costume on at the other end of the room.

“Ria?” Mallay whispered.

“Yes, can I help you?”

“Your mate sent me,” Mallay explained, “Nik asked me to get you out of here.”

“Blast!” she muttered, “I knew I should’ve just told him.”

Mallay was confused, “What do you…”

“What’s going on back here?” a large Houk bellowed.

“Nothing,” Ria assured him, “This is…uh..”

“Mallay.”

“Uh, Mallay and she’s new here. I was going to help her get a costume together for her shift later as soon as I finished dressing.” The Houk nodded approvingly and left. “That’s one of Hanera’s bouncers, he also makes sure we are safe. Here, you’d better look like you’re really starting a job as a dancer or we could all get in trouble.” She handed Mallay a tiny gold and violet dancer’s costume. “The boss is a really good guy, but there’s been a lot of kidnappings lately. One of the Mirialan dancers’ twin sister was taken a few months ago on her way here. Hanera’s been worried for our safety since, so he’s wary of outsiders and a woman in a military uniform is going to draw his attention. Just put the costume on, and wiggle on a bar a little if he comes in. Otherwise, you can just wear the costume out, we have lots.”

Mallay reluctantly stripped her armor off and put the costume on as Ria explained her situation. “I wasn’t kidnapped at all,” she insisted, “I asked for a job here. Things with Nik were bad and he wasn’t doing anything to make them better, he’d just blow what little money we had gambling. I was tired of his complaining and jealousy and being broke all of the time, so I left. A friend of mine, Vixi, works here, it was her twin that got kidnapped, and told me I could get a job if I wanted. The pay is good, we have a nice, clean, safe place to live and Hanera treats us well.”

“You are happy here then?” Mallay asked as she looked in the mirror…..she was practically naked! Stars, I can’t go out in public looking like this!

“Let your hair down and shake it out,” Ria told her and Mallay complied, her thick mane of hair making her look seductive as she looked in the mirror again. Her long wavy hair concealed her scars and cybernetic for the most part and while she was small, the costume accentuated her curves nicely. Ria dabbed some gloss on Mallay’s lips and told her to sway to the music a little. “Not bad at all, if that military gig falls through, you could easily work here.”

“I love to dance and took lessons when I was little….not like this though.” Mallay grinned, starting to like the spirited Ria, “So what do you want to do about Nik?”

“I’m very happy here and I won’t go back to him,” Ria insisted, “Is there any way you could get a message to him? I really should’ve told him that I was leaving, but I was afraid he’d try and stop me. I loved him once, but not for a very long time.”

“I’ll take a message to him,” Mallay assured her, “I’m glad you’re happy and made a life for yourself. A lot of people wouldn’t have the courage to do that.”

“Thanks, now we should probably get out there before the boss comes in wondering where I am.” Ria told her, “My shift started a few minutes ago.”

“My partner is outside, probably enjoying himself,” Mallay muttered, as she stuffed her under armor, pistol, bra, panties, and boots into her back pack and strapped her plates to the sides. I can’t believe I’m actually going to go out there like this! “He'll keep me safe until I can get my gear back on.”

“Here, take this to drape over your bag so your plating won’t show,” Ria tossed an old, long overcoat to her. “Someone left it behind a while ago. You can put it on over your costume when you leave. If anyone asks, I’ll just say that your brother found you and took you back to your family. It happens sometimes.”

“Ria,” a man called out, “There you are, I was just about to come and get you. Is this the new girl?” The dark skinned Zabrak looked Mallay over, “Hmm, I don’t recall hiring anyone, but I was pretty drunk yesterday evening.”

“Oh, Hanera,” Ria giggled, “This is Mallay and you did hire her late yesterday evening. Her shift doesn’t start until later, so I was just helping her get her costume and showing her around.”

“Thanks, Ria,” Hanera smiled, “and she can start now. Leyla just quit, Della and Kat are entertaining a couple of Rodians in one of the private rooms, and Ursula is entertaining that Cathar over there. Ursula’s well past due for a break, so you two can go relieve her. He’s military, so let’s keep him happy, eh. Vixi should be here in about ten minutes. I have to duck out after I finish this drink to deal with an issue at the apartment complex, but I’ll be back later for evening rush.”

“I can’t dance for him,” Mallay hissed, as Hanera went back to the bar to finish his drink, “He’s my partner!”

“Relax, its only for a little bit, until Hanera leaves. Just pretend he is some hot, mysterious stranger that you’ll never see again,” Ria advised her as they watched Ursula finish her dance for Jorgan, “That’s our cue, come on.”

Mallay sighed as she followed Ria, Please let this be over soon….this is much worse than fighting the Migrant Merchant’s Guild!

Aric was getting antsy as he watched the Twi’lek, Ursula, she’d told him her name was, dance for him. What's taking so long? He saw the Houk bouncer go into the dressing room and come back out, but didn’t hear anything to be alarmed about so he assumed everything was ok. He noticed Ursula had finished her dance and tipped her before she left. Then he saw a Nautolan woman approach and hop up on the table.

“Hello, handsome, I’m Ria. I’m taking over for Ursula while she goes on break.” She gestured to another girl behind her, “and this is my partner, I think you’ll recognize her.” The second girl hopped gracefully up on the table and Aric’s heart nearly stopped as he indeed recognized the beautiful, petite dancer.

“Sir?!” he choaked out, shocked by the sight of his CO, who blushes at any innuendo, in a dancer’s costume that left very little to the imagination.

“Shhh,” Mallay hissed as she anxiously began to dance, “it’s just for a few minutes until that Zabrak leaves. Then we’re outta here!!” Focus, Mallay, just relax and let the music take you. Within a couple of minutes, the catchy provocative beat guided Mallay and soon she was easily keeping up with Ria.

Aric watched as his CO and Ria danced for him, painfully aware of the profound effect Mallay’s sensual, provocative movements were having on him. I’m probably the only male in history that’s trying not to get aroused by a woman dancing for him, he thought, Damn, she’s way too good at this! He didn’t think a bucket of ice would be enough to cool him off and hoped that Zabrak left quickly…..before he did something insanely stupid like give in to the sudden, powerful urge he had to take Mallay to a private room, rip off that costume, and show her just how good slow could be!

After a few minutes, a Mirialan came in, waved at Ria, and went into the dressing room. Then Hanera finished his drink and left, waving to the girls as he passed them, please at having hired such a skilled human dancer, despite having no recollection of it. Mallay and Ria looked around to see if the bouncer was there and after seeing he wasn’t, Mallay quickly hopped down, put on the overcoat, and grabbed her bag. Aric tipped Ria generously, grabbed their cannons, and they dashed out of the cantina.

Mallay quickly explained Ria’s situation as she grabbed a string of grenades out of her bag and hung them around her neck. She dug a couple of knives out as well and hooked them into her costume. Aric handed Mallay her cannon, charging his own up as they came upon a group of gang members.

“You are not rushing in like that,” he barked, charging in himself.

“No s**t, stupid!” Mallay retorted as she whipped a knife at one of the gang members and started firing her cannon at the others. Well, at least he's finally moving a little faster!

Their fighting drew the attention of three more guild members and they were headed for Mallay. In a move that would have made Bella proud, Mallay dropped her cannon, shrugged off the coat and backpack, struck a pose, and drawled, “Well, hello there, fellas! Which one of you handsome men wants to help a girl out?”

The three men lowered their weapons and took in the scantily clad beauty before them. Then they started fighting about who would help her, never noticing Jorgan approach them from behind. It was a fatal mistake and Mallay simply shook her head at their corpses. “I really can’t believe that worked!”

“I can,” Aric muttered, as Mallay put the coat back on. He was certain the image of her with that glorious hair down, firing that sleek cannon in a dancers costume with a long coat billowing behind her, was going to be permanently burned into his memory. Calm yourself, Jorgan, thoughts of having sex with your boss the first day on the job isn’t exactly appropriate….even if she’s currently dressed like every man’s fantasy! Then a crate caught his attention, it was one of the droid crates. He grabbed one of the thermal charges out of his pack and blew it up. Mallay spotted another and took that one out.

They made their way down the next corridor to the Skyline Mall area, where they found several guild members and a lot of crates. Mallay spotted an empty shop to their right and ducked in to change back into her gear. A few minutes later, she came back out, hair coiled in its bun, fully armored once again.

“Stars, I never thought I would be so happy to put my armor on!” Mallay admitted, as she zipped up her backpack, but not before Aric saw the dancer costume in it. “I felt naked in that costume.”

“How did they even talk you into getting in that costume in the first place?!” Aric asked, puzzled at that, but happy they did and that she'd kept it, “and how did you manage to dance in that thing without blushing?!”

“I just focused on playing the part so Ria and the others wouldn’t get into trouble. I guess their boss has been worried about them since there have been a string of kidnappings lately, including Vixi’s, the Mirialan who came in just before we left, twin. I stuck out too much in my military gear, so Ria decided to disguise me, but her boss spotted me and told me to start my shift early. I didn’t want to back out at that point, so I went along with it.” Mallay explained as they fought another group, “Besides, I was only dancing for you and it’s not like you, or any man for that matter, thinks of me….you know….that way.”

As they steadily fought their way to Krel’s cybernetics lab at the end of the Lower Skyline Mall, Jorgan’s reflexes became faster and Mallay was able to go back to ranged fighting. They became familiar with each other’s fighting methods and by the time they had eliminated the hostiles in the area and destroyed all of the droid crates, they’d fallen into a comfortable, effective routine. Mallay was confident that they’d be able to neutralize the active war droids and eliminate Krel and they entered his lab, ready to do just that.

Krel’s lab was large, with several rooms. They quickly took out all of the active droids inside each room and found and deactivated the security field generator. They found Krel in the back of the room with four remaining war droids guarding him. He was a large man and Mallay knew they were in for a rough fight with him.

“How dare you come in here and destroy my droids,” he sneered, “You’re going to die here today!”

“Yeah, I don’t think that’s going to happen,” Mallay shot back, unfazed by Krel’s threats. “Do you have any idea how many people have tried to kill me today and yet, I’m still here.”

“You’re a brave one, but it’ll get you nowhere,” Krel insisted, “and besides, you’re too late. Soon I will unleash my greatest creations…..my masterpieces and the people of this world will be brought to their knees.”

Can you say nutjob?! Mallay thought, “You really want to waste your last words with insane rantings?”

“Silly girl,” Krel laughed, “This is no idle threat. I’ve taken ordinary citizens off the streets and implanted several them with advanced cybernetic enhancements. Their abilities now rival even my own!” Mallay felt her temper rising in outrage as he continued, “The cybernetics are internal and undectable. The subjects themselves have no idea who among them are augmented and neither will anyone else until it’s much too late!”

“You are going to pay for what you’ve done to those people, Krel!” Mallay snapped, a dangerous edge to her voice.

“You’re foolish if you think this will end in any other way but your death.” Krel retorted, “Once I’ve dealt with you, I’ll release my creations back to their normal lives where they will wait, dormant, until my hidden programming activates.”

“This guy’s full of it,” Jorgan finally spoke up, “I don’t buy any of this!”

Krel sounded like a complete whackjob to Mallay, but part of her wondered if it was possible. Her own small cybernetic was powerful, having been SIS technology, and that was more than eight years ago. There have been a lot of advancements in cybernetic technology since then.

“Believe what you like,” Krel told them as he activated his remaining droids, “By the time I unleash my creations, you’ll both be long gone!”

Mallay and Jorgan both charged up their cannons as the droids struck. Jorgan went after Krel while Mallay quickly took out his droids one by one. They were weaker than Mallay had figured they would be, their firepower barely making a scratch on her plating. She could hear the intense fighting behind her and knew Jorgan would need help. After the last droid was out of commission, she turned to assist Jorgan with Krel, and was alarmed at what she saw.

Aric had went after Krel, figuring he could keep him busy from a distance while Mallay took out his droids. He knew it would take both of them to eliminate the powerful Cyborg. However, Krel was barely fazed by Aric's cannon fire and advanced on him quickly. It didn't matter that his reflexes had improved, Jorgan was no match for Krel’s advanced strength and speed. Krel laughed as he said as much to the struggling Cathar he was choking.

Mallay reacted quickly after seeing Krel choking the life out of Jorgan. She secured her cannon, grabbed her sharpest blade and silently approached Krel from behind. Krel, in his sick pleasure at watching the Cathar's struggles grow weaker as the lack of air took his toll, had forgotten about the small woman. He was about to go for the kill when he felt a sharp pain in his back that stole his very breath. The last thing Aric saw before the blackness came was blood oozing from Krel’s open mouth. Krel dropped Jorgan and turned to face Mallay, who had her cannon trained on him, ready to fire. He tried to approach her but didn’t get far.

“No…” he gurgled as he felt blood fill his mouth and he dropped to the ground, dead, a knife sticking out of his back.

Mallay dropped her cannon and rushed over to a deathly still Jorgan, “Come on, Sergeant,” she whispered frantically, tears filling her eyes, “you can’t quit on me now!” He wasn’t breathing and Mallay quickly unbuckled his chest plate, the metal clank echoing in the room as she tossed it aside. She put her ear to his chest, heard a faint heartbeat, and began chest compressions. She gently tipped his head back, opened his mouth, and lowered hers to his. She breathed in for him, and then started chest compressions again. Please, force be with me and save him!

“Dammit Jorgan, I was just starting to actually like you…..and you promised to help me, remember?!” she told him, tears spilling down her face as she breathed for him again and went back to chest compressions. “Please, Aric, come back to me. I can’t do this alone!” she pleaded as she lowered her mouth to his a third time.

Awareness slowly returned to Aric as he heard Mallay’s voice pleading with him to come back to her. He felt the sweet gentle pressure of her mouth on his as she breathed for him and he finally opened his eyes to see her lovely face smile down at him, tears in those deep blue eyes.

“Breathe Jorgan,”she whispered and was relieved when he did. “Welcome back….you gave me quite a scare, Sergeant.”

Aric sat up, still gasping for air, and looked around. He saw Krel’s body a few feet away from him, a knife hilt sticking out of his back. He still felt lightheaded and Mallay helped him lie back down, scanning him for injuries.

“Take it easy, Jorgan,” Mallay ordered softly, “Just focus on steadying your breathing…..it’s still a little too rapid and…”

Mallay was interrupted by her Holo going off, she quickly answered seeing that it was General Garza.

“Lieutenant, you need to act quickly.” She instructed, “I need you to neutralize Krel’s cyborgs.”

“Krel could’ve been lying, sir!” Mallay cried, a sick feeling in her stomach at what she knew was coming.

“There’s no way for us to know that for certain, Lieutenant,” Garza calmly explained, as if discussing something as mundane as whether it was going to rain later, “I’m giving you the kill order. I’ll take full responsibility for any repercussions that may result.”

“But they haven’t done anything, sir!” Mallay argued.

“It’s not what they’ve done that I’m concerned about. It’s what they could do that worries me,” Garza shot back, “I know these things are never easy, but you have your orders and I want you to see it done immediately! Garza out.”

Mallay heard Jorgan trying to get up and went over to him. “Just relax here for a little longer, Jorgan.” She dug a bottle of water out of her backpack and gave it to him. “Drink this and rest. Swallowing is probably going to hurt like hell at first, so take small sips.”

“I heard Garza,” he growled hoarsely, “and this is ridiculous. We shouldn’t be gunning down innocent people because some madman says they’re dangerous.” He sat up with help from Mallay and took a drink, wincing when he swallowed.

“I know,” Mallay agreed, “and I’m not going to murder those people, no matter what Garza says.”

“Whatever you’re going to do, just do it fast, sir” Jorgan grunted. “It’s getting late and I don’t think we want to be here at night.”

Mallay found Krel’s ‘subjects’ barricaded in a room. They heard her conversation with Krel and Garza and refused to come out. Mallay assured them that she wasn’t going to kill anyone. Finally, after much arguing, they agreed to come out and give their identities to Mallay. They would be monitored closely, but at least they’d be alive. After the three captives had given Mallay their information, she allowed them to go. She’d just sat back down next to Jorgan, who was finally able to sit up unsupported, when her Holo went off again.

Mallay sighed, “I’ll just bet its Garza and she probably isn’t too happy with me.”

“Probably not,” Jorgan agreed, his voice raspy, “but if it’s any consolation, you did the right thing and I’m behind you one hundred percent.”

Mallay answered her Holo and it was a very unhappy General Garza.

“Lieutenant, I thought my orders were very clear,” the general snapped.

“I just couldn’t, sir….” Mallay admitted, sadly.

“My orders are not merely suggestions,” Garza retorted, “you had your orders, your weapon, and your target….that is all you needed.”

“Gunning down innocent civilians isn’t right, and you know it, sir!” Mallay defended herself.

“Lieutenant Lauren, there is little room for sentiment in our line of work,” Garza sighed, “When you’re out in the field, you listen to my orders, then your brain, then your heart….in that order!”

“If we’re so heatless, what makes us different from the Empire?!” Mallay shot back.

“We’re heartless so the people of the Republic don’t have to be. We’re heartless so the Republic doesn’t become the Empire.” Garza told her gently, “Always remember that!”

“Understood, sir.” Mallay sighed, hating the truth that was in the older woman’s words.

“Now, you and Sergeant Jorgan should get out of there as soon as he’s recovered. Rest up and report to me first thing in the morning. Garza out.”

After a few minutes, Aric was able to stand without feeling dizzy so they left Krel’s lab. Mallay showed him the map and since they had come the long way around to get to Krel, they could take the short route back to the docks. They just needed to keep an eye out for any remaining droid crates. Luckily, they didn’t encounter very many guild members along the short route, Mallay easily dispatching the ones they did. Aric was a little shaky at first, but was able to keep up. By the time they reached the docks, he was able to fight with her when they came across guild members. All the same, they were both relieved when they passed the police barriers and entered the concourse area. Mallay found Nik and explained that his wife hadn’t been kidnapped, but was leaving him. She gave him Ria’s message, assured him that she was safe and happy, and left him to deal with it.

Her and Aric took a taxi to the Senate Tower and walked to the military complex as nightfall settled over Coruscant. When they got to the suite, Mallay had Aric shower first so she could treat his leg wound before she took hers. While she waited for him to finish, she unpacked her backpack, putting the dancer costume in with her personal belongings. She still didn’t fully understand what made her keep it, but part of her felt beautiful and desirable while she was wearing it and Mallay didn’t feel that way about herself very often. She restocked her grenades, knives, and medical supplies and set the bag next to her bed. She removed her plating and took out some pajama shorts, underwear, and a tank top to put on after she showered. She heard Jorgan go into his room, so she took her turn in the shower.

Aric heard his CO go in the shower as he dressed himself in boxers and a t-shirt. He felt bad for taking such a long shower, but he needed the time to sort out everything he’d been through that day. His attraction to Mallay was a little troubling since it’d been a long time since a woman had affected him so strongly and quickly. Maybe that’s why….I haven’t been with a woman in a while. I’m sure it’ll eventually pass. Besides, she’s seven years younger and definitely not the aggressive, flirty type so I’m sure she isn’t thinking the same things about me as I am her. He smiled when he recalled seeing the dancer costume in her bag, she did keep that costume though….

Mallay came out of the refresher to see Aric watching Pod Racing on the HoloVid. She grabbed her medic kit and knelt down in front of him. After carefully examining the wound on his thigh, marveling at how quickly it was healing, she bandaged it and ran the scanner over the rest of him, wanting to be certain that there was no lasting damage from the fight with Krel. Other than his leg wound and a sore throat, he was fine. Mallay had a few bruises and was a little sore, but considering the day they’d had, that was quite a remarkable accomplishment.

She packed her medic kit up, put it back in her room, and got a cold drink before returning to watch the HoloVid with Aric. She was a little worried about Bella and didn’t want to go to bed until she heard from her sister. She saw Aric sleeping and studied him for a moment, a blush creeping across her face as she recalled what that muscular thigh felt like under her fingers. Down girl, inappropriate! Then her body felt warm when she thought about the way his mouth felt under hers when she was giving him CPR, bad Mallay, he had injuries and is under your command, yet here you are daydreaming about tearing his clothes off, running your hands over that nice body of his, and kissing him…..that is a big no-no! She shook her head and took a drink of her ice cold water, then a wicked idea formed in her head. Time to test Jorgan’s reflexes, she thought, grinning as she turned out the lights. She grabbed a few ice cubes out of her glass and put them down Aric’s shirt. She giggled as he jumped up, fully awake and she activated her heat vision.

“I’m going to get you for that one!” Aric growled, his voice still not back to normal.

“Ah, but you have to catch me first,” Mallay tossed back, “Let’s see just how much those reflexes and instincts have improved.” She chucked another ice cube at him and snuck over to the other side of the room, easily seeing him with her heat vision.

She toyed with him for a few minutes, impressed at how quick he was finding her. She had the advantage of heat vision and her lithe little body was good for quick, quiet movements. However, she hadn’t counted on the fact that Aric, being a Cathar, had good night vision and an excellent sense of smell. After having her dance and breath for him, both things having brought her in close proximity, he knew her scent well. A noise in the hallway was all it took, Mallay was distracted for a second and Aric pinned her up against the wall as the door opened and the lights came on.

“Well, sister dearest, I had no idea you liked it rough,” Bella smirked, “You want us to leave?”

“That’s not necessary, Bella,” Mallay retorted, blushing as she realized what it looked like, “and we weren’t doing…..that! I was just testing Aric’s reflexes.”

“Sure, sis, you can call it ‘testing reflexes’ all you want, most people call it foreplay!” Bella giggled, then ducked as Mallay started chucking ice cubes at her. “Anyways, I’m glad to see you’re both relatively unharmed….Coruscant’s rougher that I thought it would be!”

“Tell me about it,” Mallay agreed, having run out of ice cubes in her glass, “after the day we had, I am glad that we escaped relatively unscathed.”

“Corso took a few bad hits and has a nasty gash on his arm. Do you mind looking him over?” Bella asked, concern evident on her face.

“Sure, why don’t you shower first, Corso, then I’ll look you over and run a scan.” Mallay told him and he went into the refresher. “What about you, sis?”

“I’m alright, Corso drew most of the fire while I picked guild members off.” Bella explained, “We need to get him some better armor though, this is nothing like Ord. We have to meet Darmas in the morning, so we can shop for better gear on the way.”

“How did it go today?” Mallay asked, “Did you find Skavak?”

“No, but we should be able to corner him soon!” Bella replied and went on to explain about Darmas’ lead on a data slicer, Kixi, finding Kixi being held prisoner by the Migrant Merchant’s Guild, having her return Skavak’s data file back to what it was and cutting him off from the Underworld, freeing her and reuniting her with her sister, a dancer named Vixi and her friend, Ria in a nearby cantina.

By that time, Corso was out of the shower, dressed in boxers and a t-shirt, and Mallay was getting ready to stitch up the gash on his arm. Mallay and Aric gave each other a look when Bella mentioned Vixi and Ria.

“We met Vixi and Ria,” Mallay giggled, and went on to explain about being stopped by Ria’s mate on the way to their target, her agreeing to find Ria, the fight through Migrant Merchant’s Guild territory, Aric getting shot, finding Ria, who wasn’t kidnapped at all, in the cantina, Mallay having to disguise herself in a dancer costume and dance with Ria for Aric, their escape, finding their target, Aric nearly being killed, and Mallay saving him.

“Oh stars, Mallay, I wish I could have seen you in that dancer’s costume!!” Bella laughed, tears running down her eyes, “How did you manage to wear that and dance without blushing?!”

“That’s what I asked,” Aric snickered, “she wore it out of the cantina though and later on, she flashed a group of guild members that were going to attack her!” Bella laughed even harder.

“Stars, I’d have paid to see that!” Bella giggled, wiping her eyes, “Did you at least tip her well?”

“No,” Mallay snapped, “He tipped Ursula well enough though!”

“You’re jealous!” Aric accused, grinning.

“I’m NOT jealous!” Mallay shrieked, feeling another blush creep up her cheeks, not quite making eye contact.

“Oh, Mallay, you are such a horrible liar!” Bella laughed.

“Shut up, Bella!” Mallay hissed, but her sister and Aric just kept laughing.

“Hey, I tipped Ria, too and I gave her enough for the two of you.” Aric finally admitted, “I figured she needed the credits more than you did. However, if it’ll make you feel better, I'd be happy to give you a few credits. You were really good, you know!” Bella burst into another fit of giggling, clutching her stomach. Her laughter was contagious and pretty soon both Aric and Corso joined in, the stress of the day dissolving with their laughter.

“Stars, I really hate you guys,” Mallay muttered, biting back a smile as she listened to the laughter and bandaged Corso’s arm. “You have a few bruises, but nothing’s broken, Corso. Just keep the stitches on your arm covered for a couple of days and it’ll be fine. I’m going to give you a painkiller though. The bruising on your rib cage is extensive and it’ll help you rest easier.”

“Thanks Mallay,”Corso mumbled, still smiling. He was already beginning to feel sleepy from the painkillers Mallay injected him with and decided to go to bed. “I feel a little better already, but I think I need to go to bed. ‘Night guys.”

Aric, Bella, and Mallay bade him goodnight and followed his lead. As the girls settled into bed and Bella turned out the light, she whispered, “It’s amazing how much can happen in a day! I’m so relieved you guys made it through the day alright.”

“I’m glad you and Corso are safe too, I was really worried after I saw what we were up against.” Mallay replied.

“Night, sis….love you!” Bella whispered.

“Love you too, Bella….’night!” Mallay yawned, feeling very sleepy. Moments later, the exhausting day finally caught up to them and they were both fast asleep.

Bahahaha! Shenanigans indeed!

 

 

BUSTED! I'll bet you had your in-game Mallay dressed that way, at least for a little bit, didn't you?

Hehe, I did try to put together an outfit, however, Mallay is a Cyborg, so no long flowing hair for her in game....

Mallay’s alarm went off early the next morning and a very reluctant Bella woke with her way too energetic sister.

“Stars, Mallay,” Bella grumbled, “How in the void can you wake up and be all chipper like someone shoved a bottle of sunshine up your butt?!”

“Sorry, sis, but Aric and I have to report to Garza first thing this morning…..and I wouldn’t say I was chipper, I’m just not a crank like you!” Mallay giggled at the sight of her wild haired, sleepy sister. Bella was definitely not the rise and shine type.

“It’s alright,” Bella yawned as she rubbed her eyes and fought her way out of bed. “I wanted to check in early with Darmas.” Then she recalled hearing her sister talking in her sleep last night, “Oh, I know why you are in such a good mood……someone was having naughty dreams last night!”

“Oh, damn, was I talking in my sleep again?!” Mallay blushed, recalling some of those dreams as she tried to tame her own wild hair, its length reaching her waist.

“Eh, no big deal,” Bella told her, taking pity on her sister’s embarrassment for once, “we’ve all had those dreams…..I think I do at least once a week. Anyways, I need to shower still.”

“Well, the rest of us showered last night, so it’s all yours!”

“Good, I’ll head in there shortly,” Bella yawned, “I think I need some caffa first though. Oh, and I was going to put my bras and panties in the ‘fresher sink to soak before I leave, you want me to put yours in too?”

“Yeah, thanks, sis,” Mallay smiled, “I’d planned on requesting laundry service before I left, so just make sure anything you want washed is in the hamper. I’ll let the guys know as well.”

The girls went into the small kitchen and Bella started the caffa while Mallay sent in a request for their laundry to be washed. They were sitting at the table, drinking caffa and chatting when, a sleepy Aric limped into the kitchen and grabbed a mug.

“Morning, Mallay, Bella,” he greeted them, his voice still raspy, as he joined them at the table, “Thanks for making caffa.”

“No problem,” Bella giggled, noticing he looked a little shaggy, “You’ve got quite the look there….rough night?”

“Not too bad, just took a while to get comfortable,” he admitted, hoarsely, then after hearing his CO giggling as well, “and you can hardly talk, your hair is a tangled mess and I can easily tell that Mallay is cold.”

“I forgot to buy a robe,” a blushing Mallay muttered as she crossed her arms over her chest and glared at Aric and her laughing sister, “and why is it that I end up being the source of humor for you guys?!”

“Because you make it way too easy, sis!” Bella grinned as Corso walked in and grabbed a mug of caffa. His slow movements and groan as he sat at the table indicating he was still very sore.

Mallay got her medic case from the bedroom and ran the scanner over him. “Everything is healing, Corso, but I want to change your bandage.” After taking the bandage off his arm and seeing the gash mending well, she put some kolto on it and wrapped it back up, “I’m going to give you something to take away the soreness a little. It won’t make you sleepy like the one I gave you last night, but it isn’t as powerful either.” She told him as she gave him an injection. “And you really should get more protective gear. If I had any extra to spare, I’d give it to you, but unfortunately, I don’t.”

“I don’t either, sorry man.” Aric rasped as Mallay turned her medical attention to him and began removing the bandage on his thigh.

“It’s alright, guys.” Corso assured them, “I appreciate Mallay patching me up and we planned to stop by the underground shops at the Senate Plaza on our way to the taxi to look for something better for me.”

“You know,” Aric recalled, “I think there is a Galactic Trade Network hub in that shopping area. It probably isn’t as big as the one on Carrick, but there’s bound to be something there you can use, Corso.”

“Stars, Aric, that’s a great idea!” Bella smiled, “I hadn’t thought of that.”

“This hurt at all, Aric?” Mallay asked as she gently pressed on the nearly healed gash on his thigh.

“Not really, it’s more soreness than pain, really.” he told her, “My throat’s bugging me more than my leg is.”

“Yeah, you still have a lot of bruising, so that’ll probably bother you for the next day or two.” She ran the scanner along his neck, the bruises from Krel choking him extensive enough to be seen through his fur. “Luckily, there isn’t any other damage. Your voice should slowly return to normal as the day progresses. As for your leg, the gash on your thigh is nearly healed, so you might feel a little itching as the stitches fall out.”

I’m going to take my shower real quick,” Bella told them, getting up and heading for the refresher.

“I’m going to go get dressed.” Mallay told Aric and Corso as she went to follow her sister, “Hey guys, I requested laundry service, so make sure anything you want washed is in the hamper. Aric, if you bring me your under armor bottoms, I can repair them real quick.”

“No need, I took care of it already.” Aric replied, “You did enough for me yesterday and I have some knowledge of sewing. It may not be pretty, but it’s fixed.”

Mallay giggled, “I’m not that great at sewing either, I only offered because I had to tear it to get to your wound yesterday.”

“You tell us that after I let you stitch me up?!” Corso snorted, grinning.

“Hey, stitching up a wound is completely different from sewing,” Mallay called out as she went into her room, “I haven’t messed that up…..yet.”

The guys finished their caffa and went in their rooms to get dressed. A little while later, Aric and Mallay were getting ready to head out for Garza’s office. Mallay found Bella in their room, about to use the hair dryer.

“Hey, sis, I left my delicates on the bed here,” she pointed to the small pile of bras and panties, “Aric and I are getting ready to head out. Don’t forget to put anything you want washed in the hamper, the rest of us already have, and don’t forget your keycard when you leave.”

“I already have it in my pack,” Bella assured her, “and I’ll stop and get us some groceries on the way back. That way we can actually have breakfast tomorrow morning.”

“Yeah, sorry about no food this morning, I just wanted to get Aric back here after we eliminated our target so I could look him over,” Mallay admitted, “Otherwise, I’d have stopped on my way back last night.”

“I understand, sis,” Bella nodded, “I noticed the bruising on his neck this morning and his voice sounds quite rough still. It must have been pretty bad.”

“He wasn’t breathing, Bella,” Mallay told her sister, the memory making tears threaten, “I thought I was going to lose him. I know we didn’t get along back on Ord, but he’s a good man who got a raw deal. I’m so glad Derek taught us basic CPR and urged me to take medic courses, otherwise….”

“Hey, none of that,” Bella hugged her, “He’s fine, thanks to you and I understand how you feel. I may not know Corso that well, but he is one of the most genuinely nicest guys I’ve met and I hated watching him put himself in the line of fire to protect me yesterday….especially since he isn’t properly geared for it.”

“I wish I could help with that, but I think Aric had the right idea about going to the Galactic Trade Network.” Mallay admitted, “Anyways, we need to get going. I’m sure Garza is waiting and I want to grab some breakfast on the way. You guys be careful out there today!”

“You too, sis.” Bella replied as Mallay left their room. Then a huge, wicked grin spread across her face and she dashed out into the hallway as Mallay was opening the door to their suite, “Hey, speaking of General Garza, ask her if I can have a copy of that footage of you in the dancer costume…..I totally have to see you trying to fight in that sucker!” She giggled as her sister flashed a rude hand gesture at her and shoved a laughing Aric out the door.

A little while later, Bella was ready to go. Hers and Mallay’s underthings were soaking in the sink and she’d put the rest of her dirty clothes in the hamper. She checked her reflection one last time in the mirror, pleased with what she saw. Her thick, wavy auburn hair was down, reaching the middle of her back and she was happy with the makeup she’d bought on Carrick, the eye shadow accentuating her dark green eyes and her lip gloss giving her a nice hint of color. While Bella loved fashion and buying clothes, when shopping on Carrick, she had to opt for function over fashion. However, she liked her choices and they showed off her figure to its advantage. Bella considered her appearance as another tool in her arsenal, along with her charm, whit, flirtatiousness, and her blasters. If she couldn’t flirt or charm her way out of a situation, she would resort to her blasters, using her looks as a distraction.

Corso was sitting on the couch, ready to leave, when Bella came out of her room. Once again, he was shaken by how attracted to her he was. Her leather pants and vest hugged her body, showing off a slender waist and voluptuous curves, the dark reddish brown complimenting her coloring. Her light green shirt was form fitting, unbuttoned enough to catch a man’s interest, making him want to see more and Corso was no exception.

“Hey, Corso, feeling any better since Mallay gave you that injection?” she asked, amusement in her tone, startling him out of his thoughts.

“I’m still sore, but not as much.” He admitted, blushing as he realized she’d caught him staring. Getting you back here unharmed was worth the pain, he thought, barely stopping himself from saying those words out loud.

“Well, let’s go get some breakfast and find you better protective gear,” she smiled, “I’ve got a feeling that today isn’t going to be any easier than yesterday was.”

“Maybe we’ll get lucky and Darmas will know where Skavak is by now.” Corso replied, his voice hopeful.

“I sure hope so,” Bella admitted, “I’m going to contact him on the way to the Senate Tower shopping area.”

Corso grabbed his backpack and rifle while Bella strapped her blasters on. She double checked that she had her keycard, grabbed her backpack and they left. They walked to the Senate Tower and went into the underground shopping area. They found a café and ordered a quick breakfast. Bella contacted Darmas who had information for them and asked them to meet him in his private room at the Dealer’s Den in an hour. Half an hour later, they were at the Galactic Trade Network’s warehouse. They managed to find a small selection of armor that met Corso’s needs. It wasn’t the best looking equipment, but it would protect him a lot better than what he was currently wearing. After a little while, they’d found him a belt, gloves, boots, and a chest plate. Corso protested when Bella went to pay for everything.

“No arguments, Farm Boy,” Bella insisted, “You put yourself in the line of fire for me all day yesterday. Thanks to you, I made it out of the Old Galactic Market sector without a scratch on me.”

“I promised to keep you safe and I meant it, Captain.” he told her.

“I know you did,” Bella smiled, “but I hated seeing you get hurt and if you’re going to keep that up, the least I can do is make you are better protected.”

“You don’t owe me anything for that, Captain,” Corso argued.

“Well, I may not have my ship, but I consider you a part of my crew, Corso,” Bella explained, “That is a paid position so you can consider this as your pay if that makes you feel better. Regardless, I’m buying this stuff for you and I won’t take no for an answer.”

Corso didn’t like it, but finally relented and they left the warehouse. They were heading back to their suite so Corso could change when they were stopped by a young woman calling them over.

“Hey there, you two look like you might be able to help me,” she whispered, “My name is Spirakris Zarem. I practically grew up in that tower, my father was a senator, my mother a diplomat. They both died in the bombardment.”

“I’m sorry for your loss,” Bella told her sadly, “I know what it’s like to lose family to violence. What can I help you with?”

Spirakris went on to explain that there was a crooked senator that was trying to make ties with the Sith Empire. He wanted to break ties with the Jedi and make a deal with the Sith in order to have peace. She represented a group of people trying to stop him and they were trying to get ahold of a parcel that contained evidence of the senator’s dealings. Spirakris couldn’t go in to get it because she was too recognizable, but Bella could. She only needed to short circuit the courier droid and it would give her the package. It sounded simple enough to Bella, she certainly didn’t want the Republic to make ties with the Empire, and she agreed to help.

Corso headed back to suite to change after Bella assured him she could easily handle getting the parcel for Spirakris on her own. Bella went inside the Senate Tower and found the droid in a hallway off to the right. She short circuited the droid and was taking the package when a Senate Page caught her. Bella tried charming the young man, but he wasn’t buying it. Finally, she told him that she was going to expose his boss and he’d better just walk away if he valued his body parts. The page stomped off and Bella secured the parcel in her backpack. Then she heard a frustrated groan from the room across the droid. Curious, she peeked in. A young Senator was trying to communicate, unsuccessfully, with a droid and after a minute, Bella could understand her frustration. What the void is that droid trying to say?! The Senator saw Bella in the doorway and begged her to come in.

“Hello there, I’m Senator Oranda and this is Pat-aK. Please, do you understand any of what this ambassador droid is trying to say?” she pleaded.

“Not really, I’m afraid,” Bella admitted, “Ambassador droid?”

“Yes, Pat-aK and these other droids were sent here from the Gree Enclave to assist with repairs to different city structures.” Senator Oranda explained. “Unfortunately, they speak in Gree patterns and I haven’t been able to figure out what is going on. None of the repairs have been made!”

“So, what gives?” Bella asked the droid, “what are you trying to fix and what is stopping you.”

After a few minutes and a lot of requests to repeat himself, Pat-aK finally got through to Bella. They were trying to fix systems that had been damaged during the Sacking. Over the years, the damage grew worse and a few systems were now broken, including water, waste, and power. The droids wanted to do their jobs, but were having problems. If Bella was willing to help, she could talk to Nam-aK and would be greatly compensated.

“You had me at compensation,” Bella smirked, “I’ll see what I can do.”

Bella found Nam-aK on the other side of the room. Again, it took a few minutes and some repeating, but Bella eventually figured out that there were people attacking the droids trying to fix the broken Hydrosupply in Black Sun Territory. Bella agreed to take the ‘crafted solution’ to the broken hydrosupply and ‘perform the fixing function’ for the droid. Nam-aK implored her to shut off the flow valves first or ‘pressure-explosion death would result.’

Bella finally left the Senate Tower to find Corso waiting with Spirakris. Bella handed over the parcel, telling her that a senate page caught her, but he shouldn’t be an issue. Spirakris thanked and paid her and they headed for the taxi. Bella filled Corso in on meeting Senator Oranda and the Gree droids, and her promise to fix the hydrosupply. A little while later, they were sitting in the lounge area of Darmas’ private room with the man himself.

“We’ve got a hit, Captain,” Darmas told her, “My sources tell me that Skavak is doing business with the Black Sun Gang….a dangerous friendship for all sorts of reasons.”

“Do we know what he is doing with them?” Bella wondered, thinking back to Ord and all Skavak did just to get his hands on an old droid. What’s he up to?

“Not yet, but Black Sun is notorious for keeping Holorecordings of all their meetings.” Darmas explained, “No doubt they’ve preserved the highlights of Skavak’s visit.”

“I doubt I’m going to be able to just walk up to a gang member and ask to look at their Holos,” Bella snorted, “so I’m guessing that I’ll be in for some more fun today!”

Darmas smiled, “It definitely isn’t going to be easy. Black Sun fragments their Holos over several computers to ensure there’s no unauthorized viewing. You’ll have to access each computer and assemble the relevant footage.”

“Oh, this ought to be an interesting day!” Bella sighed, “Good thing we upgraded your armor, Corso. You ready for this?”

“Absolutely, Captain.” Corso nodded, “Lead the way.”

“Just be careful, you two,” Darmas warned as Bella and Corso started to leave, “Black Sun is made up of some of the worst thugs and they control an entire sector. They’re very dangerous.”

“Thanks, Darmas, we’ll be careful.” Bella smiled and they left the Dealer’s Den.

They took a taxi to the lower levels, where Black Sun Territory was and heard the blaster fire as they landed. They got out and took their first look around at what they would be heading into. As they made their way to the lift that would take them to the ground level, they passed a couple of street vendors.

“Wow, Captain, something smells good.” Corso sniffed, “Do we have time to grab a bite?”

“You’re almost as bad as my sister,” Bella giggled, “and you don’t want to eat that stuff. One thing I’ve learned from traveling so much is that you avoid eating anything from street vendors….too many cases of food poisoning!”

“Never mind then!” Corso snorted as they got on the lift, “I’ve had food poisoning once and that was enough.”

They stepped off the lift and almost immediately were in combat. They fell back into their routine, Bella lobbing a frag grenade into a group, Corso charging in and drawing enemy fire while Bella picked them off with her deadly blasters. Corso taking much less damage thanks to his new armor and despite encountering more enemies than they did the day before, they made it to the Hydrosupply Station quickly. It appeared that Black Sun took over the station along with the rest of the sector and they encountered several thugs and stolen droids at they searched for the flow valves Bella needed to shut off. They cleared out the first room and found a valve.

“Be careful, Captain,” Corso told her as he kept a lookout, “That looks pretty rusted so you want to turn it slowly otherwise it could bre-”

He was interrupted by a torrent of water that shot out as the wheel came off. Bella was hit first and thrown into Corso, knocking them both over, Corso landing on top of her. His reaction to feeling her soft curves underneath him was immediate. They were both drenched and Corso felt his body heat up even more when he looked at Bella. He could easily see that she took Jorgan’s advice and bought the red bra back on Carrick. I think red is my new favorite color!

Bella was giggling, “Stars, this kind of stuff usually happens to Mallay!” Then she felt the effect she was having on Corso and desire shot through her. She grinned wickedly at him, "Hey, is that a blaster in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?!"

“I…uh….you….Captain….I’m….umm….” Corso stammered, blushing. He was having a difficult time thinking when he was so focused on fighting the strong urge he had to kiss her right then. I really wish we could’ve found some plated pants, he thought as he stood up, trying to calm himself.

“Relax, Corso,” Bella assured him as he helped her up, “I’d probably be offended if you weren’t….uh, affected.”

“That doesn’t mean I should…..I mean I shouldn’t be…..you deserve,” Corso sighed, can you possibly sound anymore like the simple farm boy she thinks you are?! “What I mean is that you are a beautiful woman, Bella, but that doesn’t excuse my reaction. I’m….uh, really starting to like y-”

“Well, thanks, Corso, I think you’re cute too,” Bella interrupted, forcing a smile on her face. She was pretty certain he was about to tell her he liked her. Bella was shaken by that and the unbidden feelings she was starting to have for him. Damn you, Jackson, damn you to the nether for making me afraid of my feelings! “And there’s nothing to worry about. Now, we should probably finish up here and get moving on to Black Sun Headquarters.”

They fixed the wheel and got that first valve turned off, then headed into the next room. After they finished turning off the rest of the valves, fighting more Black Sun thugs along the way, they went back to that first room to repair the terminal. Bella was just about to apply the ‘crafted solution’ when they were stopped by two children.

“Hey, leave that alone,” the boy cried out, “We need that to stay broken.”

“Who are you,” Bella asked gently, “and where are your parents?”

“I’m Waarin and this is my sister, Tarin,” he replied, “Our parents are dead, they died a few months ago. We have no money and nowhere to go. We use the water to trade for stuff.”

Bella thought for a moment. She didn’t feel right leaving these kids on their own, even if they’d been surviving these past few months. Then she had an idea.

“Is there any reason you need to stay on Coruscant?” she asked, “Would you be ok leaving the planet if I had somewhere for you to go?”

“We have no family here, so yeah.”

Bella nodded, “Give me a few minutes, I need to contact someone.” Bella got out her Holo and contacted her mother. “Hey mom,” Bella smiled when Sidra answered, Derek behind her, “Hi Derek! I don’t have much time, do you know if Mallay’s friend from school, Krista, is still running that Orphanage?”

“She is,” Sidra nodded, “In fact, we just sent over some meat from Derek’s ranch with some stuff from our farm and Mallay’s orchard.”

“Do you happen to know if she has room for two more children?” Bella asked and explained Waarin and Tarin’s situation.

“I’m pretty sure she does,” Sidra told Bella, “Here, I’m sending you her Holo.”

“Thanks Mom, love you!”

“Love you too, stay safe!”

Bella got the message from her datapad and contacted Krista. Bella explained the situation. Krista assured her there was plenty of room and she would be happy to take them in. Bella thanked her, promising to contact her as soon as she could arrange passage to Dantooine for them.

The kids, having heard the conversation were smiling and hugging Bella as soon as she signed off. Corso was smiling at her too and she was relieved that the kids would soon have a safe place to live with people who cared.

“Can you kids make it to the spaceport alright?” Bella asked them and they nodded, “Head there as soon as you can and we’ll meet you. I don’t know how long we will be, but I promise we’ll come as soon as we can. I’ll book your passage to Dantooine and see you off.”

Corso had gone over to one of the corpses and found a working Holo. He wiped the memory and put in his and Bella’s frequencies. “Here, you kids take this,” he told them as he handed the Holo over to Waarin, “Contact us if you need to.”

The kids left, going to gather their few belongings before going to the spaceport. Bella finished repairing the Hydrosupply terminal and she and Corso left the station and fought their way further into Black Sun territory. About an hour later, a very tired and still damp Bella and Corso were entering Black Sun Headquarters. They found computer terminals in most of the rooms, stopping at each one to download any data regarding Skavak to Bella’s datapad. Then they headed for Black Sun’s secure Holovault to assemble the data and play the footage. They saw a gang leader, a huge Cathar named Urbax, talking to Skavak. Skavak was in trouble and needed Urbax to take out a lawman that was following him. The lawman was at the spaceport, waiting in ambush for Skavak. He promised to pay Urbax well to take care of the problem.

“Maybe we should try to get to the spaceport and help this lawman out,” Corso suggested.

“It’s worth a shot,” Bella admitted, “Maybe this lawman has more information for us. We could try to convince this Urbax guy talk as well.”

Their trip back through Black Sun territory was much faster since the gang’s numbers seemed to be dwindling and Bella wondered if any of that was her sister’s work. Less than an hour later, they were in a taxi, headed for the Spaceport. Waarin and Tarin were waiting for them at the entrance. Bella told them to wait where they were and she would be back shortly. Her and Corso took an elevator and ran into the hanger where the lawman was supposed to be. Urbax had his thugs looking out, but Bella and Corso had no trouble dispatching them. They approached Urbax who had a small Sullustan trapped. The Sullustan spotted Bella and Corso and implored them to help. Seeing his uniform, Bella assumed he was the lawman and nodded to Corso, who readied his rifle.

“Hey there,” Bella drawled, her blasters charged and ready, “How about you leave the Sullustan alone and we can have a chat about your buddy, Skavak.”

“You better watch yourself there, girlie,” the Cathar laughed, “You might break a nail.”

“Oh, I’m gonna break something alright,” Bella shot back, and started firing. Corso charged Urbax and Bella took out his remaining thugs, the Sullustan helping. Then they rushed over to where Urbax and Corso were in an intense struggle. Bella saw Corso bleeding from his leg and she marched right up to the huge Cathar, kicking him in a highly sensitive area.

“I told you I was going to break something,” she smiled coldly as she charged up her blaster and emptied it into Urbax’s head.

“You know, it’s painful to watch you do that,” Corso groaned, limping to a nearby bench.

“Trust me, Farm Boy, you’ve got nothing to worry about there.” Bella assured him as she got a kolto patch for his injury, “It looks like we’ll have to check the Trade Network again tomorrow to see if we can find you some legplates.”

The Sullustan introduced himself as Miel Muwn, and explained that he was an officer with the Sullustan Constable Brigade. He was hunting Skavak, who had stolen the Murustavan Ruby, a priceless, unique gem from his homeworld. Bella explained that they were also hunting Skavak and that he’d stolen her starship. Miel thanked Bella for helping him and they agreed to make contact if they caught up to their target. They traded information and Corso suggested that they leave before security showed up.

They went back to the entrance to find Waarin and Tarin still waiting. The sun was setting when they took the kids into the Spaceport. Bella went to the ticket counter and booked nonstop passage to Dantooine for the kids on a passenger starship. Unfortunately, the ship wouldn’t be leaving until morning. Bella decided to take the kids with them back to the suite, hoping Aric wouldn’t mind sharing a room with Corso for one night. They stopped for some groceries on the way to the military complex and by the time they reached the suite, night had fallen.

Bella cooked dinner for the four of them, after she contacted Darmas to fill him in on the events of the day. They ate and the kids were watching the HoloVid while Corso showered. Bella was on the Holo with Krista, letting her know the kids would be leaving Coruscant in the morning. After she gave Krista the flight information, she sighed off. Stars, where is Mallay? Bella was starting to worry about her sister and hoped she was alright. Then she heard someone in the hallway just as Corso called out to her.

“Hey…uh…Captain,” Corso stammered, blushing as he stepped out of the refresher, “What should I do with this?”

Just then, Aric came in the door, carrying an unconscious Mallay. He took one look at the pink, lacy bra in the blushing, younger man’s hand and a broad grin spread across his face.

“Wow, Corso,” he snickered, “That would look fabulous with your bronze skin!”

Bella dissolved into a fit of laughter as poor Corso blushed even harder. She was beginning to like her sister’s squad mate. She finally took pity Corso and grabbed the bra from him.

“I’ll take that, it’s Mallay’s and I must have missed it when I got our delicates out of the sink.” Bella smiled, “and speaking of my sister,” she nodded at Aric who was carrying Mallay to her bed, “what in the void happened to her?!”

“I never did thank you for all you did yesterday,” Aric told Mallay as they were having breakfast at a small café on the way to the Senate Tower.

“You don’t need to thank me, Jorgan,” Mallay told him, “I’m just thankful I had the training. You didn’t ask for this to happen, the least I can do is take care of you when you’re injured. After all, we’re partners, right?”

“You did more than take care of my injuries, sir,” he replied, “you saved my life. I would’ve died in that lab if you hadn’t….”

“Let’s not think about that,” Mallay interrupted, visibly shaken.

Aric noticed that Mallay looked troubled, then he recalled her tears and pleading as he regained consciousness in Krel’s lab, and realized he would have felt the same way if the roles had been reversed. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“It’s not that…..I….I was scared,” Mallay whispered, “In Krel’s lab, I was afraid I was going to lose you….and you didn’t deserve any of this. I also felt guilty for the way I’d treated you when you were struggling.”

“No, sir,” he assured her, “You acted like a leader should when one of their subordinates isn’t performing as they should. There’s no reason to feel guilty. I should’ve told you how long it had been since I’d seen combat right away.”

“I still don’t like to treat people the way I treated you.” She sighed, “I could’ve been nicer about it, but once again, I let my temper get the better of me.”

“Well, no one likes to get chewed out,” Aric grinned, “but you actually apologized and treated my leg. Then you took the time to talk things out with me, which is more than a lot of people would do in that situation. I think you’re going to do just fine as a leader…..and as for losing me, not to worry, I don’t plan on going anywhere.”

“I’m glad,” she smiled, blushing a little, “You’re starting to grow on me a little, Jorgan, and I’d hate to have to break someone else in when you are finally doing alright.”

“I’m doing more than alright,” he retorted, a wicked gleam in those laser green eyes, “and for a rookie, you’re starting to grow on me too.” Then he ducked as she chucked a piece of toast at him.

They finished their breakfast and went to their meeting with General Garza. The general was waiting for them in her office almost smiling, “Good morning, Lieutenant Lauren, Sergeant Jorgan. Lieutenant, I trust we don’t have to discuss you disobeying orders any further. Suffice to say, you can tell that sister of yours that I do have footage of you in that dancer costume and I’ll send it to her along with a suggestion to sell it to BlasTech Corporation for their pinup calendar if you decide to disobey my orders again!”

Aric was shaking with the effort of trying not to laugh and Mallay shot him a nasty glare, then turned her attention back to General Garza, “You wouldn’t really do that, would you, sir?”

“I wouldn’t test it if I were you,” she replied, “Sergeant Jorgan, I’m glad you are doing well enough to see the humor in your CO’s situation. You should be careful though, a woman that proficient with knives isn’t someone to mess with.”

Mallay shot Jorgan a wicked smirk, and turned her attention to General Garza who was pacing. “Now, as for your next assignment, you’ll be heading into Black Sun Territory. The Black Sun gang took hold after the Sacking in the lower levels of Coruscant. They now control an entire sector and are not to be taken lightly.”

“Understood, sir.” Mallay nodded.

“Your objective is to neutralize a deadly nerve gas that Black Sun has been producing for Tavus. We can’t allow Tavus and the others to get their hands on it, Lieutenant.” General Garza told them, “When you get to the lower levels, you will need to rendezvous with Sergeant Jaxo, a SpecForces trooper working undercover, at her apartment in Black Sun Territory. She’ll have further details for you.”

“We’ll set out immediately, sir.” Mallay saluted and they left the general’s office.

On their way out of the corridor, they passed an Ugnaught Senator talking to a Nemoidian Senator. The Ugnaught gestured for Mallay to come over. She looked at Jorgan, who just shrugged and they went over to see what the Senator wanted. After getting rid of the Nemoidian he’d been talking to, the Ugnaught, Senator Nalrin Daheel, explained to them that that Nemoidian, Senator Gunaray Dod, was crooked, dealing with Black Sun. He asked them if they could help him get evidence of Dod’s involvement with Black Sun. He told Mallay that if she could find some Kavin bills on any Black Sun gang members she came across, that is all he would need as proof of involvement. Kavin bills are an ancient currency, exclusive to the Dod’s home world, never found anywhere else. Since they were headed to Black Sun territory and Mallay was certain they would have to fight their way through, she agreed to check any casualties for Kavin bills and bring them back with her. Then they left the Senate tower and made their way to the taxi station.

A little while later, their taxi arrived in Black Sun territory and the first thing they could hear was a barrage of blaster fire. Stars, this is already shaping up to be worse than yesterday! Mallay thought as they started walking to the lift that would take them to the lower level. Suddenly, she stopped, a blissful smile on her face.

“Oh, what’s that wonderful smell?!” Mallay sighed, her stomach rumbling. Then she spotted a food vendor, “Hold up a sec, Jorgan.”

“I don’t think that is a good idea, sir.” Aric warned.

“Why not…..it smells so good!” Mallay asked.

“Do you really want to eat something that is sold on the streets?!” he asked, arms crossed, giving her that, smug, patronizing, ‘I know more than you do’ look.

“Yes,” Mallay smirked as she ordered a spicy Rodian noodle dish from the vendor.

“I’m telling you, you really shouldn’t eat that, sir!” Aric insisted, “People get sick from that stuff, you know. Besides, you just ate breakfast not that long ago.”

“Oh, you’re just being paranoid,” Mallay snorted, “I’m sure it’s fine and yes, I did eat breakfast, but I’m still hungry and this stuff smells divine!!”

“Well, don’t complain to me if you get sick later, sir,” Aric snapped, irritated that she wouldn’t listen to him.

Mallay rolled her eyes, “I swear, if I get so much as the teeniest amount of heartburn, you have my permission to say ‘I told you so,’……happy?!” The vendor handed Mallay a carton and took her payment. She took a huge bite as they continued to the lift. “Oh, stars, this is soooo good!”

“You might not think that later, sir,” Aric retorted as they got on the lift.

“Awww, come on, Sergeant,” Mallay grinned, her blue eyes sparkling with amusement as she waved the carton in front of him, “you want some? I’m willing to share.”

“No thanks, sir,” Aric smirked, “I happen to possess basic intelligence and a survival instinct that is just screaming what a bad idea it would be to eat anything from a street vendor…..especially in the lower levels!”

“Have it your way,” Mallay shrugged, unfazed by Jorgan’s comments, and finished off the carton as they stepped off the lift.

Mallay tossed the carton in a trash can and her and Jorgan looked around them. There was fighting everywhere and they would be in the thick of it. They charged their cannons and headed into Black Sun territory. Aric’s reflexes were improving and they soon fell into a comfortable fighting routine. Their ranged fighting styles allowing few enemies to get too close and the unfortunate ones that did were taken care of by Mallay’s knives. Mallay checked the pockets of the Black Sun members they’d killed for Kavin bills to take back to Senator Daheel, her medic training making her indifferent to looting corpses. By the time they reached Sergeant Jaxo’s apartment, she had a handful of Kavin bills in her backpack.

“Welcome, Lieutenant Lauren, Sergeant Jorgan, I’m Sergeant Ava Jaxo,” the young, dark haired woman greeted them as they came in.

“Nice to meet you, Sergeant,” Mallay replied, “General Garza told us you’d have mission details for us.”

“I do, Lieutenant,” Jaxo replied, “You’ll need to make your way to Black Sun Headquarters to neutralize the cache of Trivoris canisters that is to be shipped to Tavus. Trivoris is nasty stuff, Lieutenant,” Jaxo warned, “one canister can cover a square kilometer with one hundred percent fatality rates inside of ten minutes.”

“Whoa, I can’t say I’m looking forward to going near this stuff,” Mallay grimaced.

“No kidding,” Jaxo agreed, “Luckily, it’s pretty easy to neutralize Trivoris while it’s still in the canisters. The compound in this bottle renders it completely inert. All you need to do is plug it into the canisters inside Black Sun’s base and the whole batch is history.”

“Well, that doesn’t sound too bad,” Mallay shrugged.

“Yeah, but you’ll have to fight your way past some of Black Sun’s toughest enforcers to get to the canisters.” Jaxo warned, “Also, there’s more. A few hours ago, a bright red case was moved into Black Sun’s base under heavy guard. If what’s in that case is valuable to Black Sun, it isn’t good for us. You’ll need to find that case and bring back the contents.”

“If that box is still there, we’ll find it,” Mallay assured her, turning to leave.

“One more thing,” Jaxo stopped her, “Black Sun has signal jammers throughout their base, so General Garza won’t know to send help if you’re in trouble.”

“We’ll stay alert, Sergeant,” Mallay nodded, “Thanks for the heads up.”

“Look on the bright side, sir,” Jorgan snickered, “At least if you say or do anything embarrassing, it won’t be caught on camera this time.”

“Well, that’s a silver lining at least,” Mallay shot back, sarcastically, blushing a little at the memory of embarrassing things that had already been caught.

“Stay safe you two and I’ll see you soon!” Jaxo called out as they left.

Mallay and Jorgan fought their way deeper into Black Sun territory, somewhat appalled at the conditions deeper into the lower levels. No one would ever expect things were this bad when on the surface, everything is so well kept and ornate. They finally came to Black Sun’s base and went in cautiously, recalling Jaxo’s warning and trying not to draw too much attention. They did have to fight some tough enforcers in the first room they entered, but were able to eliminate them without attracting any unwanted attention. Mallay found a Trivoris canister, dug one of the compound vials out of her pack, and plugged it into the canister. After seeing no other canisters in that room, they left it and continued on through the base. They found the red case in the second room they went in. It was locked and too heavy to carry out, so Mallay decided to try and slice the lock, hoping her basic skills were enough. After a few minutes, she was successful and the case opened. Her and Jorgan both looked inside and were a little intrigued by what they found.

“This is pretty advanced weaponry for a gang,” Aric told Mallay as he looked one of the blasters over.

“It kinda looks like military grade tech,” Mallay replied as she grabbed another blaster from the case, “You thinking what I’m thinking?”

Aric nodded, “Definitely military grade, and if I had to guess, I’d say Imperial.”

“Let’s take these back to Jaxo,” Mallay said as she started packing the blasters in her backpack. All of the sudden she heard the whine of a blaster charging, then Jorgan grabbed the back of her head and shoved her down. The next thing she knew, he was leaning over her, firing the blaster he’d been looking at. As soon as she felt Jorgan’s hand leave her head, Mallay looked behind her to see a dead Black Sun scout with a stealth generator in one hand and a vibro knife in the other. Then she looked at her Sergeant, who looked a bit shaken.

“Sorry if I hurt you, sir,” he told her, “I saw the ripple in the air and reacted.”

“Stars, Jorgan, you just saved my life….I can’t thank you enough!” Mallay shook her head, heart racing at the close call, “You certainly have nothing to apologize for…..unless you’re sorry you did.”

“You don’t need to thank me…..you saved my life more than once yesterday! Besides, like I said earlier, you’re starting to grow on me…..even if you are a rookie.” He grinned, relaxing a little now that the danger to his CO had passed.

“Oh, Sergeant Jorgan,” Mallay declared in her best damsel in distress imitation, batting her eyelashes at him, “You’re my hero! I’m ever so lucky to have such a big, strong man with me!”

“You really are a disrespectful brat sometimes,” He told her, unable to hold back a smile, “I’m pretty wonderful though, aren’t I?!”

“However do you fit that head through the door, Sergeant?” Mallay retorted, giggling as they finished packing the blasters from the case into their backpacks.

When they stood to leave, Mallay decided she’d better activate her heat vision enhancement in case there were more stealth enemies in the base. She leaned on Jorgan when the disorientation hit and after a moment, it subsided. They continued through the HQ, neutralizing the canisters they came across. They encountered a few more enforcers and stealth fighters, but with Mallay’s heat vision, she was able to see and eliminate them. When they’d taken care of all the Trivoris canisters, they left and fought their way back to Jaxo’s apartment.

“Welcome back!” Jaxo called out as they entered her apartment a little while later. “Trivoris neutralized?”

“Affirmative, Sergeant.” Mallay assured her, unstrapping her backpack.

“What about the red case?” she asked, “Were you able to find it?”

“We did,” Mallay told her as she started pulling the blasters out of her backpack, Jorgan doing the same. “It was full of these blasters and they are pretty advanced weapons for a gang……possibly military tech.”

“We’ll have our specialists analyze them to see if we can figure out where they came from and how Black Sun got a hold of them.” Jaxo nodded, examining one of the blasters. “At any rate, Garza is going to be happy that nerve gas is neutralized and you found these weapons. I’m sure she…”

Jaxo was interrupted by Mallay’s Holo going off. It was General Garza and Mallay answered.

“Lieutenant, we have a problem and I need your assistance,” Garza started, “It seems that despite our best efforts to keep the defections secret, three members of the Senate Defense Committee have found out. They’re starting an informal inquiry, and you can bet it won’t stop there. I hate politics!”

“What can I do, sir?” Mallay asked, having a nagging feeling of what was coming next.

“The Senators have asked that you appear in their office to testify.” Garza told her.

Mallay and Aric looked at each other anxiously, “Is this really necessary, sir?” Mallay finally spoke up.

“My hands are tied,” Garza replied, looking furious, “I’m left with no choice but to order you to the Senate Tower to testify at the Inquiry.”

“Understood, sir,” Mallay nodded, “I’ll head there immediately.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant,” Garza sighed, “and while I’m not allowed to influence your testimony in any way, I’d like to remind you that more information that becomes public, the harder our job becomes.”

“I understand, sir.” Mallay told her.

“Good,” Garza nodded, “The Senators are waiting, Lieutenant. I suggest you get this over with quickly. Garza out.”

Mallay sighed off and looked at Aric, a cold feeling settling in her stomach, “I don’t know if I can do this.”

“I can’t say that I’m thrilled about it, but we have little choice.” Aric shrugged, then noticed his CO looked a little pale, “Hey, I’m sure you’ll do just fine. Just think of it as another mission to get through.”

“Yeah, but I would much rather be fighting than talking to politicians…..they make me nervous.” She admitted.

“I can’t argue with you on that,” he nodded.

“I’m just not sure what to do.” Mallay sighed, “I know what I want to do and what I should do. Unfortunately, those two things are in conflict.” She looked at her Sergeant, who she was beginning to think of as a friend, “What would you do?”

“Well, Garza has a point, the more people that know, the harder it is going to be for us to track them,” Aric replied, “If the senate knows, they could get in the way and possibly ruin the element of surprise we have.”

“I agree and I should keep them in the dark about what happened on Ord, but I really hate keeping the truth from people and I’m a terrible liar!” Mallay told him, “It’s too bad Bella can’t go in, she’s a great liar!”

“Then try to avoid outright lying. The best lie has truth to it. Stick to the facts as best as you can and only lie if you have to. Just keep your answers short and simple,” Aric advised her, then smiled. “Think about Bella and how she would answer. At any rate, we should probably get going.”

“Bella would probably flirt with most of them,” Mallay snorted as they left Jaxo’s apartment.

“Stars, Jorgan, I’m not feeling so good,” Mallay gritted as they entered the Senate tower.

“You sure it isn’t just nerves, sir?” Aric asked her, knowing his CO wasn’t looking forward to the inquiry they were headed to.

They had just finished neutralizing the shipment of nerve gas in Black Sun territory that was destined for Tavus. Shortly after they’d reported back to Sergeant Jaxo, General Garza contacted them. Three members of the senate had found out about Tavus and the others defecting and they had questions for Mallay. Garza had no choice but to order Mallay to report to the Senators. She reminded Mallay that the less the senate knew, the better their chances of getting Tavus quickly would be. Garza never outright told Mallay to lie about what happened on Ord, but it was heavily insinuated.

“I don’t think so,” Mallay muttered as she felt her stomach lurch.

Aric heard her stomach gurgle, noticed Mallay’s pale pallor, and shook his head, “I told you not to eat that stuff, sir!”

“Now’s not the time for ‘I told you so,’ Jorgan,” Mallay shot back, clutching her uneasy stomach as they walked up the stairs, “Ugh, you might have been right though….”

“You going to make it, sir?” Aric snickered as he heard more noises coming from Mallay’s abdominal region.

“I’m so glad this amuses you, Sergeant, and yes, I’m going to make it.” Mallay snapped, not at her best when feeling unwell.

“Well, just remember this the next time you think about ignoring my advice against eating Rodian food from a street vendor on the lower levels.” Aric retorted, shrugging off the murderous glare his CO was giving him.

“It smelled so good though,” Mallay whined, clutching her stomach as it lurched again. They stopped at the door of the Inquiry chambers. “Stars, I really don’t want to deal with this right now.”

“Just try not to throw up on anyone, sir,” Aric advised, a wicked gleam in his eyes, “I don’t think it will help senate and military relations very much.”

“I really hate you sometimes!” Mallay hissed as they entered the room.

Three Senators were standing in front of the chambers. One of them, the same man they saw on the Holo in General Garza’s office when they first arrived on Coruscant, introduced himself as Senator Arnus.

“Welcome, Lieutenant Lauren, please make yourself comfortable,” he told Mallay, gesturing to the row of chairs in front of him. “On behalf of the Galactic Senate, I would like to thank you for appearing on such short notice.”

Ugh, I don’t think comfortable is gonna happen, Mallay thought as she felt more unpleasant movement in her stomach, Stars, I think something is alive in there! She looked over at Jorgan and they both took a seat, Mallay taking one on the outside in case she needed to make a quick exit.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Senators,” Mallay replied, remembering her manners.

“We will try not to keep you from your duties very long, Lieutenant.” Senator Arnus assured her, then introduced the female Mirialan as Senator Voralla and the male Cathar as Senator Krasul. “We have a few questions for you regarding your recent assignment on Ord Mantell.” Mallay nodded and he continued, “Now as we understand, you were assigned to Havoc Squad when you arrived on Ord Mantell, is that correct?”

“That's correct, Senator.” Mallay replied weakly as she felt more intense movement from her stomach. I have a bad feeling about this….

“While serving on Ord Mantell, all of the members of Havoc Squad, excluding yourself, defected to the Sith Empire. Is that correct?”

“I’m unaware of any defections, Senator.” Mallay replied quickly, hating to lie, but understanding the necessity of it. However, the shifting contents of her stomach were a bigger concern and she really wanted to get out of there. Dammit, why did Jorgan have to be right about that karking food?! She thought anxiously, I swear, something is definitely alive in there and it’s putting up one hell of a fight!

“Lieutenant Lauren,” Senator Voralla spoke up gently, “I would like to remind you that if we don’t get satisfactory answers from you now, then we will have no choice but to open up a formal investigation.”

Oh, damn, I can’t let that happen, Mallay panicked, I’ll have to figure out a way to appease them, or at least distract them…..uh-oh, I think something is trying to fight its way out!! Mallay clutched her stomach harder as it started churning alarmingly. She noticed Jorgan looking at her out of the corner of her eye, trying not to smile, Jerk!

“Lieutenant, are you alright?” Senator Voralla asked her, genuine concern on her face.

“I’m fine, Senator,” Mallay assured her, I hope!

“Now, did Commander Tavus or any of the other members of Havoc Squad show signs of, say… instability, anger, or frustration?” Senator Arnus continued.

“I’m afraid I don’t know those people very well, Senator,” Mallay admitted truthfully, “I only met them a few days ago.” Oh no, here comes the saliva….not good, Mallay, not good at all!!

“Lieutenant Lauren, let us speak hypothetically.” Senator Arnus smiled at her, “Do you believe that anyone serving on Ord Mantell should have seen this situation coming?”

Mallay swallowed hard, desperately trying to keep the contents of her stomach from erupting, “I’m afraid I don’t understand what situation you are referring to, Senator.” She replied, starting to feel warm.

“He’s referring to the situation where your former squad mates defected to the Sith Empire and you refused to cooperate in the Senate Investigation, Lieutanant!” Senator Krasul barked at her, then his eyes narrowed as a loud gurgle came from the young woman in front of him. “Was that your stomach, Lieutenant?!”

Oh please, force be with me and keep me from throwing up on the senators! Mallay thought desperately as another loud gurgle escaped from her abdominal area.

“Lieutenant!” Senator Voralla blanched, “You look awful, are you sure you’re alright?!”

Mallay nodded, afraid to open her mouth at the moment and Senator Arnus, having also noticed Mallay’s intestinal discomfort, and the panicked look on her face, spoke quickly, “Just one more thing, Lieutenant, did Tavus or any of the others mention Ando Prime at all?”

Unfortunately, by the time the Senator finished his question, Mallay had lost the battle with the Rodian food in her stomach. She had just enough time to bolt out of her chair, grab the small trash container next to the door, and get into the hallway before getting violently sick.

The three senators were staring at the doorway and Aric simply shook his head and muttered, “I told her not to eat that stuff.”

“What did she eat?” Senator Voralla wondered, feeling sorry for the young woman who looked terrible as she ran out.

“Rodian food from a street vendor on the lower levels.” Aric replied.

“She actually ate from one of those vendors?!” Senator Krasul snorted, disbelief all over his face. “Is she crazy?!”

“I tried to warn her,” Aric insisted, “She just told me that I was being paranoid.”

“I thought everyone knew to avoid eating anything from the street vendors on the lower levels,” Senator Arnus admitted, “too many cases of food poisoning.”

A few minutes later, they watched an ashen faced Mallay return to the room, looking a little shaky. “I’m so very sorry about that, Senators,” she croaked, looking near tears.

“Think nothing of it, Lieutenant,” Senator Arnus reassured her, “I think we were finished here anyways.”

“You really should report to a med center, Lieutenant.” Senator Voralla told her, “The food poisoning from the lower levels can be serious.”

“Oh, and Lieutenant,” Senator Krazul chuckled, “In the future, you might want to avoid eating or drinking anything from the street vendors on the lower levels.”

Mallay nodded, thanked them for their understanding, and her and Jorgan left.

“Well, that was one way to get through the inquiry, sir,” Aric admitted, smiling, “I’m not sure I would recommend it, but it was effective.”

“Stuff it, Jorgan!” Mallay retorted, then her stomach lurched again and she ran to the refresher.

A little while later, Aric was wondering if he should go in and get his CO from the ladies’ room when Senator Voralla entered the hallway.

“Sergeant Jorgan,” She smiled, surprised to see him still around. Then she noticed where he was standing, “Is Lieutenant Lauren in there?”

“Yes, Senator and she’s been in there a while,” Aric admitted, hoping she would go in and see how Mallay was doing. He really wasn’t comfortable with the idea of going into the ladies’ room himself.

The senator patted his shoulder, “Don’t worry, Sergeant, I’ll go in and get her.” A few minutes later, the senator came back out, supporting a very pale, half conscious Mallay and dragging her cannon. “I don’t think she is going to be able to walk to the med center.”

“Stars, what was I thinking eating that crap?!” Mallay groaned, swaying a little as Aric took her cannon from Senator Voralla and secured it on his back next to his own. “I think it’s all out now, though….at least I hope it is!”

“I’m sure your stomach was doing the thinking, sir.” Aric told her, gently, “Let’s just hope it doesn’t do the thinking anymore.”

“Are you two going to make it alright? I can call someone if you need me to.” Senator Voralla offered.

Aric and Mallay declined, thanked her, and made their way slowly down the stairs to the med center, Aric supporting his CO. Aric could feel Mallay weakening and as soon as they got to the bottom of the stairs, he picked her up and carried her.

“You owe me, you know,” Aric insisted, “Just once, I want to hear you say that you were wrong and that you should’ve listened to me.”

“Really?! Fine, Sergeant Jorgan,” she told him hoarsely, unable to achieve her usual snarky tone, “I was wrong not to listen to your superior wisdom when you told me I shouldn't eat the food from that street vendor. I assure you, it won’t happen again.”

“See, that wasn’t so hard now was it, sir?!”

“Ugh, you make me sick!”

“No, street vendor Rodian food makes you sick, I just annoy you.”

“You definitely annoy me.”

“Yeah, but you think I have a good build and gorgeous green eyes,”

“Dammit, just how much did you hear in that cantina on Ord?”

“Quite a bit!”

“Well, I take it back!”

“What about me being warm and smelling nice?”

“When did I say that?!”

“On the shuttle from Ord….when you were snuggling up to me in your sleep.”

“Oh, that doesn’t count!”

“Oh, it definitely counts!”

“Stars, you’re such a turd sometimes!”

“But I’m a nice smelling turd.”

“Ok, I’ll give you that,” Mallay conceded weakly as Aric carried her into the med center, “You do smell nice.”

I have no idea if Rodian food is an actual thing that would be sold by a street vendor on Coruscant, but it sounded somewhat reasonable and exotic…..definitely something that could give you food poisoning if not purchased from a trusted source. Kinda like that commercial about buying sushi at a gas station….definitely not a good idea!!

I hated that Inquiry.....you were screwed no matter what you did, so I decided to have some fun instead!

Aric carried Mallay to the med center inside the Senate Tower. One of the medics introduced himself as Sergeant Foster and directed Aric to a cot where he could put Mallay down. Foster ran a scan on Mallay which immediately showed elevated levels of the clostridium perfringens bacteria in her system along with a high body temperature. That bacteria was commonly found in foods that are setting out too long without being kept at a proper temperature.

“Ma’am, you’re showing all of the symptoms of food poisoning,” the medic told Mallay, showing her the scanner, “did you eat anything today that might not have been cooked or handled properly?”

Aric snorted, “I’ll say she did…”

“Stars I really hate you, Jorgan!” Mallay interrupted as she grabbed for the trash basket next to the bed, barely missing that annoying Cathar as she got sick once more.

“No, you just hate that I’m right,” he retorted.

Mallay looked up to see that sure enough, he wore that smug, know it all look on his reddish tawny face. She was too weak to clobber him like she really wanted to, so she just settled for her nastiest glare she could muster, which wasn’t as threatening when she had to throw up again seconds later.

“So, what did she eat?” Foster asked Aric, figuring he obviously knew.

“Well, despite my advice against it,” Aric replied with a smirk at his vomiting CO, “Lieutenant Lauren here decided to eat some Rodian food from one of the street vendors on the lower levels.”

“Ouch,” the medic grimaced as he handed Mallay a cold cloth for her head as she lay back down, “I thought everyone just knew not to eat anything from street vendors….we’ve had way too many cases of severe food poisoning!”

“Really?! Frakking really?!!” Mallay screeched glaring at both Foster and Jorgan, “because you know I needed someone else to tell me ‘I told you so’ today!”

“Ah, the sad bitter tones of regret…” Aric shot back, a wicked grin on his face.

“Jerk!”

“You might want to be careful,” Aric told the medic, “She’s a bit cranky right now….being wrong tends to do that to her!”

“Stars, you really are an annoying a**hole sometimes!” Mallay groaned as she reached for the trash can once again.

“Not to worry, Lieutenant,” Foster assured her, “Luckily, we can treat food poisoning quickly. I’m going to give you an antibiotic injection to help your body fight off the bacteria and let you rest for a little while. As soon as scans show your temperature and the bacteria levels going down, I’ll give you an anti-nausea injection and you can go.” He injected Mallay and left her to rest.

“If you want, I can contact General Garza and let her know what is going on.” Aric suggested.

Mallay nodded, figuring the general was probably expecting them in her office by then, and Aric left. She grabbed the cool cloth, put it over her face, closed her eyes, and fell asleep. She woke about an hour later when Foster was running a scan on her. Someone had covered her with a blanket and Jorgan was sitting in a nearby chair reading something on his datapad.

“Well, Lieutenant,” Foster smiled, “Your temperature is going down and so are the levels of that bacteria in your system. If you feel up to it, I can give you an anti-nausea injection now and you can go.”

“Thank you, Sergeant Foster,” Mallay replied, “I would like to go….and I’m sorry for snapping at you earlier.”

“It’s alright, Lieutenant,” he assured her, as he gave her the injection, “I’ve had worse shouted at me and I learned long ago not to take it personal. Not many apologize after though, so I do appreciate that.”

Aric had put his datapad away and came over, “She good to go?”

“Yes,” Foster replied, “She shouldn’t get sick anymore, but the anti-nausea injection will start to kick in fast, making her feel a little…..uh….drugged and it’ll knock her out when it fully kicks in. I’m assuming you are staying at the military complex, so you should be able to get her home before she’s out.”

Aric thanked him, strapped both of their cannons to his back, then helped his CO up and they left. He told her that he was able to reach the general and she understood, telling them to report to her first thing in the morning. They were out of the Senate Tower, walking towards the military complex when he felt Mallay sway a little.

“Your sister is going to have a field day with this, you know,” Aric snickered as his CO grabbed his arm to steady herself.

“Ugh, tell me something I don’t know…..she’s always making fun of me for something,” Mallay snorted, feeling a bit lightheaded, “Stars, I do feel drugged!”

This is going to be interesting, Aric thought, “Well, it’s pretty easy to get a reaction out of you,” he told her, “and you give it right back to her from what I’ve witnessed.”

“It gets annoying though….she teases me about the stupidest crap….like getting embarrassed as if I’m some prude or innocent virgin or something like that,” Mallay admitted, “I can’t help that I blush easily sometimes…..and I’m not, you know.”

“Not what,” Aric prompted, enjoying this way too much.

“A virgin, duh,” Mallay rolled her eyes, slapping his arm, “aren’t you paying attention?!”

“I’m paying attention, you said three things.”

“Oh, yeah,” she giggled, shaking her head a little, “Whoa, those meds are strong…..I feel kinda floaty! Anyways, I don’t know what the big deal about sex is anyways. It’s been a disaster in my experience.”

“Are you serious?!” Aric choked, really trying not to laugh, “I don’t think I’ve ever heard that before!”

“Yes, I’m serious,” Mallay sighed, “for example, the last guy I slept with got all freaked out by my scars and wanted the lights turned off. He barely touched me and I think I ended up mentally inventorying my footlocker while….you know. We’d been friends before that, but that little experience totally killed that friendship.”

I’d like to kill that man….slowly and painfully! Aric thought as he tried to steady his drugged CO.

Mallay continued, blushing a little, “then the guy before that had been promising. I was in the academy here on Coruscant and he was some smarmy, hotshot doctor…a bit stuck on himself, but pretty cute….well, except for that stupid mustache, and I’d been drinking. I wasn’t drunk, but my judgment was definitely impaired.” She grinned, “Anyways, things were going alright until we got into the bedroom.” she whispered, “needless to say, he was all talk about his prowess and it wasn’t the most thrilling experience I’ve had. I bolted outta there as soon as I was certain he was asleep.”

“Did you ever see him again?” Aric chuckled.

“No, thank the force….that would have been awkward!” she giggled, “oh, and the time before that was my first time and it really sucked! It hurt like hell, but luckily it was his first time too so it was over like that.” Mallay giggled as she tried, unsuccessfully to snap her fingers.

“Well, I’m sure there are plenty of men out there that can show you that sex isn’t a disaster.” Aric insisted, I know I’d be more than happy to....stop thinking about that! “After all, you’ve only been with three men.”

“Nah, I think I’m broken or something,” she admitted, “maybe I’m just horribly bad at it or just too ugly.” She sighed, swaying a little, “I wish I were pretty like Bella. Maybe then it would be different…..she certainly doesn’t have any issues having great sex. Ugh, I’ve even caught her at it,” she giggled again, “Ty was pretty hot though, I’ll give her that!”

“You’re not broken and you’re definitely not ugly,” Aric assured her, in fact, I can’t get that image of you in the dancer costume out of my head!

“Thanks…..you know, you’re not so bad, Jorgan. Sure, you can be a bit of an a** sometimes, but you can be nice too. I’m glad you’re with me in Havoc, even if you do annoy the hell out of me at times.” she smiled, then stumbled, “boy, that medic was right, I really am starting to feel pretty out of it.”

Aric caught her as she stumbled into him, bringing her face very close to his. Her arms were wrapped around his neck and his hands were at her hips. It would be such a simple thing to just lean down a little and the thought of kissing her was riding him hard as he recalled what that mouth felt like on his when he came to in Krel’s lab. Dammit Jorgan, she’s your CO, you’re seven years older than she is, and she’s drugged, you shouldn’t be thinking of kissing her…..Huttball…….think of Huttball! Those deep blue eyes looked into his and he could swear he saw his desire mirrored in them.

She smiled up at him, “You have such beautiful green eyes,” she whispered, “and you smell so nice.” Those lovely eyes of hers drifted shut and he felt her go limp as the meds fully kicked in. He couldn’t be certain, but he thought he heard her murmur as he gathered her up in his arms, “I’ll bet you’d be great at it.”

Aric carried her to the military complex, and by the time he was to their room, his inappropriate thoughts were finally under control. He opened the door and couldn’t control the grin that came over his face at what he saw. Corso was stepping out of the refresher holding up a hot pink lace bra, the very same one he teased Mallay about on Carrick.

“Wow, Corso,” he snickered, “That would look fabulous with your bronze skin!”

Bella dissolved into a fit of laughter from where she was sitting next to a couple of kids on the couch as poor Corso blushed even harder. She finally took pity him and grabbed the bra from his hand as Aric started making his way to the girls’ bedroom to put his CO to bed.

“I’ll take that, it’s Mallay’s and I must have missed it when I got our delicates out of the sink.” Bella smiled, “and speaking of my sister,” she nodded at Aric, “what in the void happened to her?!”

“It’s a long story, and I’ll be happy to tell it as soon as I put her down and take a much needed shower.” Aric promised, “Suffice to say, your sister successfully fought her way through Black Sun Territory only to have her gastro-intestinal system be defeated by Rodian food from a street vendor.”

Bella followed him into the bedroom, figuring she would get Mallay into her pajamas, and shook her head, “Oh, tell me she didn’t….”

“She did…”

“I swear that girl needs to quit letting her stomach do the thinking!”

“I tried to warn her,” Aric told Bella as he put Mallay on her bed.

“Oh, I know my sister well and I’m sure you did your best, but she can be awfully stubborn,” Bella smiled, “Go ahead and take your shower, I’ll get her dressed for bed.”

A little later, Aric came out of the shower to find Bella and Corso watching Pod racing on the HoloVid with the kids he noticed when he came in. Curious, he sat down with them and asked who they were.

“This is Waarin and Tarin,” Bella explained, “They lost their parents a few months ago and have been living on the streets in Black Sun Territory. Corso and I came across them while we were there today and I’ve made arrangements for them to go to an orphanage on Dantooine. One of Mallay’s friends from school runs it. The passenger ship to Dantooine doesn’t leave until tomorrow morning so they are going to stay with us tonight. I really hope you don’t mind bunking with Corso for a night.”

“Not a problem,” Aric assured them, smiling at the sleepy kids, “I’m glad you found a place for them to go.”

“Thanks, Aric,” Bella replied, getting up, “Alright you munchkins, it’s time for bed.” She showed the kids where they would be sleeping, Waarin wearing one of Corso’s shirts and Tarin wearing one of Mallay’s, and tucked them in.

“So, is Mallay going to be alright?” Corso was asking Aric when Bella came back, “Bella told me she got food poisoning.”

“Yeah, she’ll be fine in the morning,” Aric told them, “I got her to a med center after she started throwing up during a Senate Inquiry about her former squadmates.”

“Oh, stars, did she throw up on any Senators?” Bella giggled, “Please tell me there’s footage if she did!”

“Nah, she made it into the hallway before throwing up,” Aric snickered, “it definitely helped out situation though! The senators got little information and actually felt sorry for her by the time we left.”

“That food smelled good,” Corso admitted, grinning sheepishly, “I actually wanted some, but Bella warned me about it.”

“At least someone listened today,” Aric snorted, “I tried to tell her….several times in fact, not to eat that stuff, but she just told me I was being paranoid.”

“That’s my stubborn sister alright,” Bella sighed, “So, what did they give her at the med center? She’s really out!”

“They gave her an antibiotic injection and when her bacteria count and temperature came down a little, they gave her an anti-nausea injection and discharged her.” Aric grinned, slyly, “and let me tell you, that is some powerful stuff. It was a very interesting walk home!”

“Oh, damn, I can only imagine!” Bella laughed, “I know Mallay can get quite chatty when she drinks, let alone when she’s drugged.”

“She was definitely quite talkative,” Aric snickered, “let’s just say I now am completely aware of how awful her taste in men has been in the past.”

“Uh-oh,” Bella grinned, “She’s not going to be too happy when she remembers that in the morning!”

“I think I’ll just keep my mouth shut about this one,” Aric decided, recalling the feelings that surfaced on that walk from the med center.

“Probably a good idea,” Bella agreed as she got up, “At any rate, I’m going to bed. The kids’ flight to Dantooine leaves first thing in the morning. Night guys!”

“Night Bella,” the guys both called out, Aric noticing Corso watching the pretty Captain as she went to her room. I guess I’m not the only one having feelings for the woman he’s working with.

A little while and a couple of beers later, the Pod race was over, and the guys turned in, each of them preoccupied with thoughts of confusion on what to do about their feelings for the women they were working for.

Mallay woke up the next morning in her bed, with her pajamas on. How did I end up here, she wondered, the last thing I remember is….

“Kark!” she cried as the events of the previous day came hurling back at her, “Kark, kark, kark!”

“Something wrong, sis,” her sleepy sister drawled, a huge grin on her face.

“Yes!” Mallay groaned, “I am such an idiot!”

“Oh, do tell,” Bella giggled, knowing exactly what was bothering her sister.

“I got food poisoning yesterday and Aric had to take me to a med center…..after I threw up during a Senate Inquiry,” Mallay started, mortified at the memory.

“Yeah, he told us about that after he carried you in and put you to bed.”

“Please tell me that you put my pajamas on!” Mallay pleaded.

Bella decided to have some fun, “You mean you don’t remember? Poor Aric…..he looked like he had a good time, too…..and the sounds that were coming from this bedroom…..”

“WHAT?!!” Mallay shouted, a blush creeping across her face.

“Oh, sis, relax,” Bella grinned, “I’m just messing with you! Aric carried you in here and put you on the bed. I took care of the rest.”

“That wasn’t funny, Bella!”

“Actually,” Bella retorted, dodging the pillow Mallay threw at her, “it was really funny! The look on your face was priceless!”

“So he told you about the food poisoning and what happened at the Senate then.”

“Yeah,” Bella smirked, “and really, sis, street vendor food…..not the most brilliant thing you could have eaten.”

“Yeah, because I didn’t hear ‘I told you so’ enough yesterday,” Mallay rolled her eyes, “Anyways, did he happen to mention anything about the walk home?”

“You mean the part when you were chatting like a loose lipped drunk chick?”

“Oh, Bella,” Mallay moaned, a horrified look on her face, “I’m so completely embarrassed! I told him about my awful sex life!”

“From what I know, there isn’t much to tell,” Bella snickered as she got out of bed.

“Oh, HAHA!” Mallay shot back, “I’m so glad this amuses you. How am I going to face him now?!!”

“Oh, take it easy will you?!” Bella shook her head, “I don’t think he’s gonna give you crap about it.”

“Right,” Mallay snorted, getting out of bed herself, “He’s almost as bad as you are.”

“Look, what’s done is done,” Bella hugged her sister, “He knows you weren’t yourself and under that grouchy Cathar is a decent guy….with a really good sense of humor!”

Mallay sighed, “I know, and I probably should have listened to him about that food….but it really smelled so good!” Then she heard the HoloVid playing, “Uh….I think one of the guys is watching cartoons out there!”

“Eh, it’s probably the kids,” Bella told her sister as they left their room.

“Kids?”

“I’ll explain while we fix breakfast….you feel up to being around food?” Bella asked as they went into the living room.

“I think so,” Mallay nodded, “I’m not sure I want to eat though.”

“Morning kids!” Bella called out, “I’ll get breakfast started.”

“Morning Bella,” Waarin and Tarin called out, then they noticed Mallay.

“Hey, you’re the one that Cathar carried in last night!” Waarin grinned.

Tarin sighed, a dreamy look on her cute little face, “It was soooo romantic!”

“I heard him say you got sick from eating street vendor food…..you know you’re not supposed to eat that stuff, right?!” Waarin told her, shocked that someone would do that.

Bella couldn’t stop laughing as her sister just buried her face in her hands. They heard Corso and Aric laughing behind them as well and Mallay felt her face heating up.

“You can cook by yourself now, sis,” a blushing Mallay muttered, not wanting to face Aric yet after her sordid conversation with him last night, “I’m taking a shower.”

Aric watched his CO go into the refresher without so much as a glance at him and grinned at Bella, “I take it she remembers?”

“She does,” Bella replied, amusement dancing in her eyes as she began getting breakfast together, “and I’ll admit, I had a bit of fun with her when she asked how she got into bed last night.”

Corso helped Bella cook breakfast while Aric set the table. By the time Mallay finished showering and getting ready, everyone else had eaten and were packing up for the day.

“You feel like eating yet, sis?” Bella asked, genuine concern in her voice as she noticed her sister, who normally ate enough for a Huttball team, avoiding breakfast.

“Not really,” Mallay sighed, “I packed some ration bars in my bag in case I get hungry later though.”

“No more street vendor food?” Bella asked with a grin, green eyes twinkling, as she put away the leftover food.

“No more street vendor food!” Mallay insisted, looking sheepish as she wound her long hair into its coil and began securing it with pins.

Bella had just finished explaining about Waarin and Tarin when Aric and Corso came out into the living room with their weapons and packs ready. The kids had their scarce belongings in a small pack by the door. Bella had given them enough credits to get food on the ship and Krista would be meeting them at the Dantooine spaceport. Bella and Mallay secured their backpacks and weapons, Bella getting her usual last minute look in the mirror, and the six of them left for the spaceport. Aric and Mallay decided to go to the spaceport as well since Mallay wasn’t yet ready to face General Garza after the Senate fiasco.

When they arrived, Bella found the hanger where the passenger ship to Dantooine was to begin boarding in a little while. The girls were surprised to see a very familiar face in the hanger when they got there.

“Belladonya and Mallayse,” a very familiar, blue skinned Twi’lek in brown Jedi robes called out, a warm smile on his face, “What a pleasant surprise seeing you here!”

“Master Ny’laan!” Mallay grinned, hugging the Jedi who’d become like family over the years, “What brings you here?”

“An old friend of mine here on Coruscant recently became one with the Force,” Master Ny’laan explained, “and I came to pay my respects.”

“I’m so sorry for your loss,” Bella hugged him, “but it’s good to see you!”

“So, what brings the two of you here?”

“I’m on assignment here with Sergeant Jorgan,” Mallay replied, nodding at the Cathar next to her.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Sergeant Jorgan,” Master Ny’laan told Aric, bowing.

“It’s a long story and we don’t have enough time to do it justice,” Bella smiled, “but I’m here on business with my new friend, Corso Riggs here.”

“Ah, it’s very nice to meet you as well, Mister Riggs,” the Jedi replied, his violet eyes twinkling as bowed at Corso, “you have your work cut out with this one!”

“Hey!” Bella giggled, “that’s not fair!”

“It is so fair,” Mallay smirked, “it’s about time someone else gets picked on!”

“So what brings you to the spaceport,” Master Ny’laan asked, “and who are these fine looking younglings?”

“This is Waarin and Tarin,” Bella explained, “Corso and I found them in Black Sun Territory yeaterday. They lost their parents and have no one here to take care of them. They were doing as best as they could on their own, but I contacted Mallay’s old high school friend back on Dantooine and she’s going to take them in her Orphanage.”

“Well then, the Force has brought us together for a reason,” Master Ny’laan bowed to the children, “I’m returning to Dantooine on that same ship and would be happy to accompany them. If that’s alright with them.”

“A real Jedi?!” Waarin spoke up, awe on his little face, “That is so cool!”

“I’m thinking they are ok with it, Master Ny’laan,” Mallay smiled.

The kids, the girls, and Master Ny’laan waited together for the ship to begin boarding while Corso and Aric stepped out to check the Galactic Trade Network. Bella and Mallay filled Master Ny’laan in on their mother and Derek while they waited. The Jedi was happy to hear it, having suspected their mother and Derek’s feelings for a while. He had planned to stop in for a short visit on his way back to the Temple on Dantooine.

By the time the guys returned, Corso wearing new, plated pants, the call went out to begin boarding. Bella and Mallay hugged Master Ny’laan and the kids, then the Jedi escorted the kids on to the ship. When they could no longer see the kids, Bella and Mallay contacted Krista to let her know the kids were on the ship and when it was due to arrive. Then the four of them left the spaceport. Bella and Corso split off at the taxi pad, heading for The Dealer’s Den to meet with Darmas.

A little while later, Bella and Corso had a surprise waiting for them as they entered the corridor leading to Darmas’ private room. There were three young Bounty Hunters waiting for them. Oh, brother, they barely look old enough to be out of school, Bella thought as they spotted her and began whispering, I just hope I can get them to back off without having to seriously injure any of them.

“Hold it right there, Captain!” the blond, shaggy haired boy ordered.

“Is that a hairstyle or did a womp rat die on your head?” Bella retorted, a giggle escaping before she could help it.

“Did you just….what….who do…..shut up!” the blond stuttered, blushing a little, “Come on you two, lets cremate this fool and get rich!”

Yup, idiot kids…..over their heads…..probably their first big kill, Bella thought, shaking her head. She glanced at Corso who also seemed reluctant to fight these kids. Bella knew he would defend her needed and wanted to avoid that if at all possible.

“Look, why don’t you kids run along home to your mommas before I spank ya,” Bella drawled, a deadly glint in those green eyes.

“Oooo, tough talk from a scum on the run,” the blond retorted, “I’m not afraid of you, I’ve got a flamethrower! Come on, let’s roast this stupid nerf-herder!”

The dark haired older looking boy was watching Bella and Corso carefully, “Hold on Scortch,” he finally spoke up, “There’s something about this Captain…..she might be more trouble than she’s worth.”

“Not man enough for a real challenge,” Scorch shot back, “I don’t know what you see in this guy, Egara!”

“More than you could ever show me!” Egara retorted, “Riloh, this bounty’s worth more than we could earn in a month!”

“Alright lover, but stay behind me,” Riloh warned, “I don’t want you getting hurt over a lousy stack of credits.”

“Look, if you want credits,” Bella told them, “I know of a better way to earn them.”

“We’re bounty hunters, stupid,” Scorch snorted, “This is what we do for a living.”

“You probably shouldn’t have said that,” Corso warned, seeing Bella tense, shaking his head, “The Captain and I are being more than fair here.”

“I’m not afraid of some girl!” Scorch laughed.

“Now you did it…” Corso muttered, wincing as Bella walked up to Scorch and kicked him in her favorite sensitive area.

Before the others could react, Bella had the barrel of one of her blasters on the doubled over Scorch’s head. “Now, as you can clearly see,” Bella hissed over the whine of her charged blaster, “I’m not someone you should take lightly. Appearances can be deceiving…..something you should always remember, especially since most people aren’t going to be as nice as I am.”

Scorch was starting to gag, so Bella stepped back a little, keeping her blaster on him. “Stars,” she muttered, “I didn’t even kick you that hard!”

“You know that doesn’t matter, right Captain,” Corso told her, and a pale faced Riloh, who was covering his own private area, nodded.

“Wow,” Egara asked, eyes wide, in awe of the Captain, “does that always work?!”

“Yeah,” Bella grinned, “but you gotta watch it,” she warned as she stepped aside to avoid a puking Scorch, “because sometimes they throw up.”

“So now what?” Riloh asked, nervously glancing at Bella, still covering himself.

“Well, you have two choices at this point,” Bella replied, her blaster still charged and pointing at Scorch’s head, “You can attempt to take me for the bounty, but I’ll warn you that I’m done playing nice.” Riloh nodded and Bella went on, “Your other option, you can walk outta here, get a drink, and rethink your career choice. If you wish to pursue bounty hunting here, I know for a fact that Coruscant Security is paying well for people to help take out some Migrant Merchant Guild leaders as well as illegal cosmetic surgery clinics in Black Sun territory.”

Riloh studied the pretty starship Captain, noticing the well-worn leather gloves she wore and the casual ease with which she held her blaster to Scorch’s head, both indicators that she was no stranger to fighting. He noticed her other hand hovered near the blaster holstered on her belt and knew that one wrong move would see him, Scorch, and Egara all dead. He also noticed her mercenary companion and how he was carefully watching them, ready to protect his captain, his stance and appearance showing that he was ready to fight to the death to keep her safe. Riloh realized their mistake and knew they were lucky that the Captain and her friend were kind natured.

“What do we do, Riloh,” Egara asked, looking at Bella and Scorch, who had finally been able to stand only to see a blaster barrel pointed at his face.

“I think we thank the Captain for her kindness in sparing our lives and take her advice,” Riloh sighed.

“Well, then,” Bella drawled, “there’s hope for you yet.” Then she looked at the shaking kid in front of her and cried, “Boo!” She giggled as he ducked and covered his head.

“Aw, come on Captain,” Corso smiled at her, “I think you’ve had enough fun with him.”

“Fine,” Bella rolled her amused green eyes and holstered her blaster, “It’s safe for you to stand up….I’m not gonna hurt you.” Then she sobered and looked at Riloh and Egara, “I meant what I said about Coruscant Security, but you should really sit and talk it out first.”

We will,” Riloh nodded, “Thanks for letting us leave alive.”

“Just remember what I said, appearances can be deceiving and not everyone is going to be a nice as I am,” Bella advised, tossing him a cred stick, “Have a drink on me and if you happen to come across a con man named Skavak, I’ll pay well for that information. However, if you decide to come after me again, I won’t hold back.”

Corso watched Riloh the three of them leave to go sit at the bar, Scorch not quite walking normally yet, “You know it actually pains me to see you kick a guy there, Bella.”

“Would you rather I killed them?” Bella retorted as they walked into Darmas’ private room.

Darmas was sitting on a lounge when they walked in. “Having trouble with bounty hunters, Captain?”

“I can’t help it if I’m popular with all the wrong people,” Bella shrugged, winking.

“Nonsense,” Darmas smiled at her, “All the right people find you fascinatingly charming too!” Then he motioned for them to sit, “Now, I have some good news for you. A couple of my informants, a brother and sister, Jiik and Juul, spotted Skavak fighting someone and fleeing into Justicar territory.”

“Wonder if that was Miel?” Bella wondered, “Miel is a Sullustan lawman who’s after Skavak as well.”

“They said it was an alien fighting him,” Darmas told her, “so it could’ve been him. The Justicars don’t take kindly to outsiders so Skavak must’ve been desperate to go there.”

“He’s a scared little man running out of options,” Bella grinned wickedly, “Hopefully we have him now!”

“Go meet up with Jiik and Juul,” Darmas nodded, “but play your cards carefully in the Justicar sector. My instincts tell me that Skavak has more tricks up his sleeve and the Justicars are not to be trifled with. They’re a bunch of heavily armed, ex-military vigilante types. So it’s no exaggeration calling them an army.”

“Thanks Darmas,” Bella smiled, “You’ve been a real prince and I don’t know what I would’ve done without your help!”

“Anything for such a beautiful young woman,” Darmas flirted, “and I hope this isn’t the last I see of you.”

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll see me again,” Bella assured him, grateful for his help and wanting to keep him as a contact even if she wasn’t attracted to him. One could never have too many allies!

“Good,” Darmas told her, “I wish you the best of luck with getting Skavak and your ship back!”

Bella and Corso left the Dealer’s Den and took a taxi to the Justicar sector where they immediately noticed the lack of blaster fire, but the faces they came across were far from friendly. They both had the feeling that one wrong step and the Justicar militia men would be all over them. They tried to inconspicuously make their way to Jiik and Juul’s place, but a beautiful woman stood out in those parts. Especially one wearing form fitting leathers with two blasters strapped to her belt. For once, Bella attempted to ignore the whistles and catcalls coming at her as they approached a residential looking area. However, despite her best efforts not to attract anyone, two burly, well armored men stopped her.

“Hey beautiful,” one drawled, “How would you like to come over to my place? I see you like guns…..I have a really nice one.”

By the stars, Bella thought, that has to be one of the worst lines I’ve ever heard! “Oh, I don’t know handsome,” she winked, giving him her most radiant smile, “Your gun might just be too much for me to handle.”

“See, idiot,” the other man smirked, “I told you that dumb line wouldn’t work.” Then he turned to Bella, “You’ll have to forgive my stupid friend here, he doesn’t know how to talk to a lovely lady like yourself.”

Smooth, Bella thought, he’s smart…..I better be careful. She noticed Corso looking a little tense out of the corner of her eye and knew she had to figure something out quickly before he reacted. The last thing they needed was to draw unnecessary attention before they could meet their contacts and she noticed both men were well armed and had the Justicar symbol on their chest plates. Then Bella smiled as a wicked plan formed in her devious mind.

“Well, since such a strong, handsome man like yourself asked me so nicely,” Bella grinned at the second man, purposely eyeing him over, “I suppose I could forgive him.”

“Hey, no fair, Mac,” the first guy argued, “I saw her first!”

“Yes you did, Rod,” Mac shot back, “Too bad you blew it with your stupidity. I saw the look on her face, that line was lame!”

“Who are you calling lame?!” Rod hollered, shoving Mac, “You’re too ugly for a beautiful woman like her!”

“I’m callin’ you lame!” Mac retorted, shoving back, “and I may not be a pretty boy like you, but I know how to treat a fine woman!”

“I’m no boy!” Rod yelled, punching Mac. Bella was forgotten as the two men started an all-out brawl with each other.

While Rod and Mac were fighting, Bella and Corso slipped away, unnoticed and went into the housing complex where Jiik and Juul lived.

“Boy, that was close!” Bella grinned, “You ok Corso?”

“Yeah, I was just a little nervous at the attention they were giving you.” Corso admitted, “I don’t like when men treat a woman like she’s some object to be used.”

“You really are a good guy, Corso.” Bella smiled at him as they went into Jiik and Juul’s apartment, “a little old fashioned sometimes, but in a nice way.”

They saw a young woman who didn’t look too happy to see them. “You must be the starship captain Darmas called about.” She spoke up, “took you long enough to get here!”

“Uh, sorry,” Bella retorted, “we came as soon as Darmas gave us the info.”

“Well, thanks to you the Justicars snagged my brother, Jiik!” Juul shot back, “Never should’ve gotten ourselves tangled up in your Cloudhead business!”

“Well, aren’t you just Little Miss Sunshine!” Bella fired back, her temper rising, “Mind explaining what’s going on?”

“Typical Cloudhead,” Juul shook her head, “Don’t know which way is up unless a Turfer explains it! Listen hard and wise up…”

Corso saw Bella tensing up and put a hand on her shoulder, giving her a gentle squeeze to try to calm her a little. Please force, he prayed, getting the feeling his usually easygoing Captain was quickly reaching her limit, let her keep her cool for a little while longer!

Juul went on, oblivious to the danger she could be in, “I’m Juul. My brother Jiik and I were watching Skavak for you. Big mistake….nothing but trouble! Things always go bad for Turfers when Cloudheads come down here….never should’ve took this job!”

“Well, you did take it,” Bella snapped, the events of the morning already taking their toll, “and I’m sure you’re getting paid well, so you gonna tell me where Skavak is?!” Before I smack the crap outta you! she thought, trying to reign in her temper.

“Oh, you mean the usual you get yours and us Turfers take care of ourselves….right?!” Juul spat, not at all intimidated by the angry Captain, “Wrong! Now you get to work like us!”

Count to ten, Bella, she took a deep breath as she felt Corso gently rubbing her back, One…..two…..three……oh, Farm Boy is a good distraction….that feels nice!

Juul noticed the Captain trying to control her temper and figured she’d better not push it. “Look,” she went on, “Jiik and I were tailing Skavak when the Justicars came after us. Jiik stuck to Skavak while I drew the Justicars. I lost those helmet brains easy, but they snagged Jiik and hauled him off to their detention center.”

“Why did the Justicars arrest your brother?” Corso asked.

“I don’t know,” Juul shrugged, “Those lock-steppers make up the rules as they go. Jiik knows where Skavak went, but wasn’t able to spill it to me before he got snatched.”

I know where this is going, Bella thought, nodding at Juul.

“So, if you want Skavak,” Juul confirmed, “You’re gonna have to prowl into the Justicar’s detention center and free my brother.”

“I suppose I can do that much,” Bella agreed, feeling a little calmer.

“Good,” Juul actually smiled, “Now, once you get into the detention center, you have to smash all of the Justicar droid-eyes…..their cameras. That’s how they track intruders. If those droid-eyes aren’t rubble, the Justicars will know your face and you don’t want that!”

“For once, I agree with you,” Bella admitted, “I’ll trash the cameras and get your brother out.”

“Please hurry, who knows what they are doing to him! Here,” Juul handed Bella a Holocommunicator, “Take this Holo, as soon as you spring Jiik, I want to talk to him.”

Bella took the Holo and her and Corso left the apartment. They saw no signs of Mac and Rod and they carefully made their way down a large corridor that led to the docks. They had to travel a ways into Justicar territory to get to the detention center and Bella was again trying to avoid attention as much as possible. They believed Darmas when he said the Justicars were an army and Bella didn’t want that army after her and Corso. She already had enough problems. Her and Corso drew a few looks from a couple of groups, but they were left alone. They both knew their chances of that luck lasting were low and as they entered the dock area, they heard gunfire. Bella looked towards the sound and her heart nearly stopped at the sight she saw. Her sister and Aric were surrounded, way outnumbered, but fighting hard despite that. Knowing neither was the type to back down, Bella rushed towards a nearby stack of crates, Corso following her having noticed his new friends were in trouble.

Bella charged her blasters and yelled, “Mallay, Aric…..hit the floor!”

After Bella and Corso got on their taxi, Mallay and Aric continued on to the Senate Tower in silence. Mallay was still feeling a little awkward around Jorgan after spilling her guts about her awful sex life the night before. Aric wasn’t sure if his CO was just embarrassed, not feeling well, or both, and was trying to figure out how to ease her mind as they walked to the Senate Tower.

Finally, Mallay couldn’t take it anymore, “Ok, just get it over with,” she pleaded, stopping and finally looking at him, “I know you are just dying to tease me about last night, so….”

“The anticipation’s killing you, isn’t it?!” Aric grinned, “I wasn’t even going to say anything about our little conversation last night.”

“Right,” Mallay rolled her eyes, “Sure you weren’t……and I’m the next Miss Galaxy!”

“Hey,” Aric admitted, “I meant it. I know I’ve said some pretty embarrassing stuff when I’ve had a little too much to drink. I think everyone has and it wasn’t your fault the medication made you a little loopy.”

“Ok,” Mallay eyed him suspiciously, “Who are you and what did you do with Sergeant Aric Jorgan?!”

“What?! Oh, that really hurts!” Aric teased, “I can be nice!”

“You can?!” Mallay retorted, “Since when?”

“Hey now,” he defended himself, “Who was it that carried you to the med center along with your cannon? Who was it that carried you and our two cannons to the suite when you passed out from the drugs? I thought that was pretty nice!”

“Ok, I suppose that was nice,” Mallay admitted, “However, repeatedly rubbing it in that I made a stupid choice in food yesterday kinda takes away from that a bit!”

“You gave me permission to say ‘I told you so’ if you got so much as a little heartburn,” he reminded her, “and that was way more than a little heartburn.”

Stars, I hate when he’s right! Mallay thought as they entered the Senate Tower.

“No snarky come back?” Aric snickered, “It must be just killing you that you were wrong about something!”

“I really hate you sometimes!”

“No you don’t, you just hate being wrong!”

“You’re such a turd!”

“I thought we covered this yesterday,” he smirked.

Mallay rolled her eyes, letting out an exasperated sigh as she fought back the smile that threatened to cross her face. Aric noticed her smile before she turned away from him to go down the hallway to Senator Daheel’s office and found himself wanting to make her smile again. He was starting to think of her as more than just his CO….she was a friend, along with her sister and Corso, and deep down he was beginning to wonder if he was starting to feel a little more than that for Mallay, but he wasn’t ready to explore that yet.

They handed a stack of Kavin bills to a very happy Senator Daheel who assured them he would begin taking measures to bring Senator Dod’s activities immediately. He thanked them several times and they left for Garza’s office. Mallay was not looking forward to seeing the general after the disastrous Senate Inquiry yesterday. She paused at the door to Garza’s office and looked at Jorgan.

“How pissed do you think she is?” Mallay asked, a little anxious.

“I don’t know why she would be upset,” Aric assured her, “You managed to get through the Inquiry without divulging anything.”

“I nearly threw up on the Senators though!” Mallay cried, “I’m sure they told Garza about that and I doubt they were happy about it.”

“Well, you didn’t throw up on anyone,” Aric told her, amusement showing on his face, “and somehow, I get the feeling that General Garza wouldn’t have cared if you did.”

Mallay sighed and they went in. Private Farva was at his desk and as soon as he saw Mallay, he looked around as if waiting for someone else. What’s that all about? Mallay wondered, then General Garza called out for them to come into her office.

“Close the door, Lieutenant,” Garza instructed, her back to them.

Oh, damn, I’m in for it now! Mallay thought as she complied. She prepared herself for the worst when she noticed the general shaking a little. Jorgan tried to give her an encouraging smile, but neither of them knew what to expect with General Garza. They certainly weren’t prepared when she finally turned around, laughing so hard there were tears in her eyes.

“Lieutenant Lauren,” she finally managed to get out, “That has to be one of the most creative ways to get through an Inquiry without telling them a thing! Part of me was a little disappointed that you didn’t at least get sick on one of them though.”

“That’s not funny, sir!” Mallay cried, “I was mortified and they probably hate me!”

“It is a bit funny, Lieutenant, and it’s your own fault for being stupid enough to eat street vendor food despite Sergeant Jorgan’s numerous warnings against it!” Garza retorted, “As for the Senators, they don’t hate you. In fact, they felt really bad for you and are backing off. So, job well done!”

“Uh….thank you, sir,” Mallay replied, annoyed at another ‘I told you so’ and relieved that she wasn’t in trouble.

“I trust that the medications helped you recover quickly,” Garza nodded, then smiled a little, “Hopefully they were worth the side effects.”

Mallay felt her face heat up and stammered, “You….uh…..heard….”

“I did, Lieutenant,” Garza smiled, “and you really have awful taste in men! Sergeant Jorgan, thank you for taking care of her…..although I’m sure you found it entertaining.”

“That I did, sir!” he admitted, grinning as Mallay glared at him.

“Now, on to more pressing matters,” Garza told them, “We have some new information, Tavus’ predecessor and mentor, Jek Kardan, has been spotted on the lower levels. Kardan was the CO of Havoc during the Ando Prime incident, resigning soon after.”

“Tavus mentioned that Ando Prime was the reason for their defection,” Mallay told her, “What exactly happened on that planet?”

“We sent Havoc Squad to Ando Prime to cut off an Imperial offensive, but the enemy numbers were much bigger than intel had led us to believe.” Garza sighed, bowing her head slightly, “When we tried to dispatch an extraction team, the Senate shut down the entire operation. We were causing an incident and breaching the peace……damn bureaucrats!” she muttered angrily.

Mallay and Aric looked at one another, then back at the general as she continued, “Havoc was left with no support and no way home. However, in spite of insurmountable odds, Kardan led Havoc out of there alive.”

“So, Tavus wasn’t lying,” Mallay accused, “Havoc squad really was betrayed by the Senate!” There’s no way I’m letting that happen to us!

“They were put in a terrible situation, Lieutenant,” Garza admitted, “but that doesn’t excuse their actions.”

“No it doesn’t, sir,” Mallay replied, “but it does help understand why they did what they did. They had every reason to be bitter.”

“I agree….to some extent,” Garza told her, “Kardan resigned from Havoc as soon as he found out the truth and Tavus took over as CO of Havoc, but they were never quite the same after that. At any rate, what’s important now is that we’ve discovered Jek Kardan’s location. He’s currently working with a militia group on the lower levels, the Justicars Brigade. I want you to bring him in at all costs.”

“Yes, sir,” Mallay nodded.

“The Justicars control a large section of the lower levels and are openly hostile to all outsiders.” Garza explained, “Most of them are ex-military, and they’re very popular on the lower levels, keeping the peace where the Republic won’t. Make no mistake, however, these vigilantes are no friends to us.”

“Acknowledged, sir.”

“Our surveillance tells us that Kardan spends most of his time in the Justicar’s main base. You will attempt to capture him there.” Garza ordered, “Kardan is a crucial link to Tavus and the others , Lieutenant. Bring him in no matter what it takes!”

“It will be done, sir.”

“I’m counting on it, Lieutenant. Dismissed.” Garza nodded as Mallay and Aric saluted.

They were leaving Garza’s office when Mallay noticed Private Farva looking out into the hallway. She thought it looked a little suspicious so she turned back to the general, “Sir, are you expecting someone else? Your assistant keeps looking around.”

Garza sighed, shaking her head, “No, but I think young Private Farva was hoping your sister was with you. It seems she made a lasting impression.”

“Sorry, sir.” Mallay nodded, “He’s not the first that has fallen hard and fast for Bella and I’m sure he won’t be the last.”

As her and Jorgan passed the hopeful Farva, Mallay took pity, “Private,” she said gently, “Bella is a notorious flirt. She’s my sister and I love her dearly, but she’s not the relationship type. So trust me when I tell you this…..you have absolutely no chance whatsoever with her.” She patted him on the shoulder and left.

“I think you just crushed his dreams, sir!” Jorgan snickered.

Mallay shrugged, “Better to get it over with now before his feelings got any more intense.”

“Probably for the best,” Aric agreed, “Especially since I get the feeling Corso might be a little taken with her.”

Mallay, who’d been thinking the same, nodded her agreement. As they left the Senate Tower, she become a little distracted, thinking more and more about the Havoc traitors and what she learned about the Ando Prime incident. As they made their way to the taxi pad, she began making plans on how she could keep her squad safe from something like that happening to them. They needed backup evidence in case they were ever betrayed and Mallay had an idea how to collect it.

“Sir?” Jorgan interrupted her thoughts as they got into the taxi.

“Sorry, Jorgan,” Mallay apologized, “Just thinking about stuff.”

“Anything you want to share?” he asked, having noticed the serious expression on her face.

“Yes,” she admitted, “but not now. There’s something I need to talk to you about, but in private.”

Uh-oh, he thought, does she realize how close I came to kissing her last night? No, he realized when he noticed she wasn’t blushing, that can’t be it…..must be something serious though. They rode the taxi to the Justicar sector in silence, both lost in thought. They got out of the taxi and readied themselves to go into what was likely to be hostile territory.

“Ugh, hold up a sec, Jorgan,” Mallay sighed, removing her backpack and digging into it when she felt her stomach rumbling, “I think my appetite is back…..guess I’d better grab one of those nasty ration bars to tide me over for a bit.”

“No need for that,” Aric told her as he dug into his own backpack, digging out a white paper sack and handing it to her, “I figured you’d be hungry at some point.”

Mallay gasped, delighted when she opened the sack….there were at least a dozen cinnamon-sugar donut holes inside! She popped one in her mouth, letting out a pleasured sigh, savoring what was one of her favorite treats. Without thinking, she hugged Jorgan, giving him a sugary peck on his lightly furred cheek. Then she blushed when she realized what she’d done.

“Uh….sorry….that was probably inappropriate,” Mallay stammered, “I’m not used to being the one in charge yet I guess.” Then she blushed more, smiling a little, “I got sugar on your cheek.”

“Nothing to be sorry about, sir,” Jorgan grinned, “No man in his right mind is going to be upset when a cute girl thanks him like that!”

Mallay blushed even more, unable to help feeling a little giddy that he thought she was cute. She smiled at him, “Thank you for these….donuts are my favorite.” She offered him one and he took it, “You know…..I take back that part about hating you earlier.”

“What about hating me yesterday?” Aric teased as they started walking toward Justicar territory.

“That’s going to take a lot more donuts!” Mallay grinned, offering him the bag again.

They finished off the bag and entered Justicar territory. They kept their cannons secured on their backs, but had their side arms ready, both of them hoping not to draw any hostile attention. Things were fine at first, they’d gotten a few unfriendly glances, but no one stopped them. They were approaching the dock area when a man stopped them. He was a journalist named Paus who was trying to get evidence that the Justicars unjustly tried and executed a young man, Rikael Lysannis. He wanted to use the evidence to prove to the Senate that they need to crack down on the Justicars. Mallay and Aric agreed to help him by going to the Justicar detention center to retrieve a memory core from one of their interrogation droids.

Unfortunately, when they arrived at the Justicar docks, they found a lot more Justicars and this time, they weren’t being ignored. Mallay and Jorgan quickly were fired upon by two men, but were able to dispatch them quickly. However, the blaster and cannon fire was enough to draw the attention of nearby Justicars and within a few minutes, Mallay and Jorgan were surrounded. They refused to give up the fight no matter what, but after a while, their cannons were overheating, Mallay’s generator that she used occasionally to shield herself was dead, and they were beginning to tire. For the first time since working on Coruscant, Mallay was worried that they were in serious trouble. Then she heard their saving grace.

“Mallay, Aric…….hit the floor!”

They both recognized Bella’s voice and instantly complied. Seconds later, they heard a spray of deadly blaster fire, scattering the Justicars. Mallay knew they were still in trouble, but quickly thought of an idea. Bella was the type that preferred to use distraction in a fight and always carried both smoke and flash bombs on her.

“Get over to Bella and Corso,” Mallay ordered Jorgan, “and tell her to chuck a flash and a smoke bomb and at me.”

“Are you crazy, sir?” Jorgan shouted over the blaster fire, “I’m not leaving you here!”

“Just trust me and do it, Sergeant!” Mallay shot back.

Jorgan reluctantly complied, crawling under the blaster fire to the crate where Corso and Bella were behind.

“She wants you to throw a smoke and a flash bomb at her,” Aric told Bella as they watched Mallay stand up.

“Bring it on losers!” Mallay taunted, catching Bella’s eye as her sister nodded.

“What the hell is she doing?!” Jorgan growled, afraid she was about to get herself killed as he watched his CO become surrounded by the enemy. He was about to go in after her when Bella grabbed his arm, stopping him.

Corso, who was ready to follow Aric, saw Bella stop the Cathar. He looked at Bella who was calmly digging the bombs out of her pack, “Why does she want you to throw bombs at her? What’s she up to, Captain?”

“It means my little sister is about to go on a killing spree,” Bella told them, “shut your eyes when I throw and kill anyone who comes out of the smoke. Mallay will let us know if it’s her.” Then she hit the switches, “Its go time Mallay,” she shouted, throwing the bombs at her sister.

When she caught her sister’s eye, Mallay activated her cybernetic and shut her eyes at Bella’s shout. She heard the distinct pop of the flash bomb go off and gave herself a three second count then opened her eyes. The air was thick with smoke and she could hear the Justicars that’d surrounded her coughing and yelling. She grinned as she saw their heat signatures and just as she’d done on Ord, she palmed her knives and snuck behind the nearest Justicar, quietly slitting his throat. She quickly made her way through the rest of the group in the same manner, unseen through the smoke until it was too late. She left no survivors.

Bella, Aric, and Corso quietly watched as the smoke swallowed Mallay and the group of Justicars. For the next few moments, the only sounds they heard were those of bodies hitting the ground and male voices trying to find the young woman they had surrounded. Occasionally, a Justicar would make it out of the smoke only to be cut down by Aric, Bella, or Corso. When the smoked finally cleared, they saw a bloody Mallay surrounded by a dozen dead Justicars.

“Any of that blood yours?” Bella asked as Mallay approached them.

“Nope,” Mallay replied with a deadly smile, then deactivated her heat vision. “Thanks for saving us, Bella.” She gritted as the disorientation hit, “I owe you one!”

They waited a few minutes while Mallay recovered and their weapons cooled down. Aric and Corso took in their surroundings, both of them shocked and alarmed at the size of the docks the Justicars controlled.

“Darmas wasn’t exaggerating,” Corso admitted, “They really are like an army!”

“An army that is bringing in a lot of supplies,” Aric agreed, “and not a friendly one either.”

“Well, I think Mallay just took out enough for us to get to that doorway over there,” Bella pointed, “We should move now though before they bring in reinforcements.”

“Agreed,” Aric replied, looking over at his CO. Mallay looked a little tired and pale, but appeared uninjured, “Are you ok to move, sir?”

“I’m still a little lightheaded, but I’ll be alright,” she answered, getting up from the crate she was sitting on.

“Hey, Aric,” Bella studied the Cathar’s face as he walked past her, “Is that sugar on your cheek?”

Aric grinned, watching Mallay blush as he brushed it off, “I guess I forgot about that. We had some donuts just before coming in here.”

I guess Mallay thanks a guy the same way her sister does, Corso thought, pretty sure he knew where that sugar came from, having been with Aric when he bought the donuts for her.

“Well, I’m glad Mallay ate something at least,” Bella nodded as they got moving, not noticing the knowing look Corso gave Aric.

They quickly made their way to the doorway and into the corridor without being noticed, hearing shouts behind them as the dead Justicars were found. Luckily, no one pursued them and they stopped to rest for a few minutes near a medical droid.

“How you holding up, sis?” Bella asked, knowing that Mallay usually got a little disorientated from using her vision enhancements.

“I’m fine now,” she assured Bella, “It was just a lot of movement after activating and deactivating my enhancement. It’s not something I like to do very often. So, where you headed?”

“The Justicar detention center,” Bella answered, “They snatched a kid that was working for Darmas, tailing Skavak. I need to spring him and get his info.”

“Isn’t that where we need to go for that reporter, Paus?” Aric asked Mallay who nodded. “It might be faster and easier if we go as a group.” He suggested.

“I think that’s a good idea,” Corso agreed, “Especially after seeing you surrounded earlier……Bella isn’t geared for that kind of fighting.”

“No she isn’t and those men had us surrounded fast,” Mallay admitted, “We’d just entered the dock area when two men fired on us and we barely gotten rid of them when more showed up. They just kept coming.”

“I see no reason why we can’t stick together,” Bella nodded, “What about you, where were you headed?”

“We need to get to their main operations base,” Mallay told her, showing her the map.

“Well, let’s spring Jiik and get his info, get your data for that reporter, then Corso and I can follow you to the base. We can keep watch outside while you two go in.” Bella suggested, “I’m sure General Garza won’t mind.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Mallay agreed so the four of them readied themselves and began making their way to the detention center.

The massive amount of territory the Justicars controlled was vastly different from the Black Sun and Migrant Merchant’s Guild territories. Justicar territory was pristinely clean and very orderly. There were posters and billboards geared toward militia/military types prominent everywhere.

“This would be actually be a nice part of the city if the Justicars weren’t around.” Aric admitted and the rest agreed.

They were stopped a few times on their way to the detention center, but the four of them were able to quickly take them out and move on before reinforcements arrived. When they got to the detention center, Bella told Mallay and Aric to take out any cameras they saw so their faces wouldn’t be recorded and put into the Justicar data banks.

“Seriously?!” Mallay snorted, “I think they’ve already gotten that info at this point.”

“Hey, that’s what Juul wanted me to do and I promised her I would,” Bella replied, smirking, “That girl’s even more high strung than you are, sister dearest!”

Mallay shot Bella a rude gesture, but took out her sidearm and shot the camera she spotted over the doorway. They took out the Justicars and droids they came across, Mallay grabbing the memory cores for Paus, and as soon as they destroyed all of the cameras, Bella sliced the lock to the cells. The four of them went in and Bella immediately spotted Miel in the first cell. She quickly freed him and he explained that he’d been chasing Skavak when the Justicars stopped him. He thought they were Republic military so he complied without question. They took his Holo and locked him up, leaving Skavak to get away. He assured Bella that he was alright and intended to continue his hunt for Skavak, promising to contact her if he found him.

After Miel left, Bella found Jiik at the end of the corridor. The young man didn’t look very good and as soon as Bella sliced the lock, Mallay went in to help while her sister contacted Juul.

“It’s alright,” Mallay assured an anxious looking Jiik, “I’m Republic military and I have medical training. Sit here and let me see what I can do for you.” She told him as she dug her medical kit out of her backpack.

Bella came in with Juul on her Holo and handed it to Jiik, “Your sister wanted to talk to you, Jiik.”

“Hey, who’s the helmet brain?” Juul cried, spotting Mallay, “and what’s she doing to my brother?!”

“Well, little Miss Priss, I happen to be Bella’s sister,” Mallay shot back as she ran the scanner over Jiik, “and I’m treating your brother’s injuries. Call me helmet brain again and I’ll come and knock the snot out of you later.” Then she turned to Jiik when the scanner beeped, “You have some broken ribs, nothing’s punctured, but you need to take it easy for a few days. I have enough supplies to wrap you up tightly so you can get out of here, but you really need to get to a med center as soon as you can. You also have some nasty cuts, as I’m sure you can feel, on your face. I’ll treat those, and they should be fine.”

Jiik nodded and held still while Mallay wrapped him. Bella held the Holo so he could talk to his sister while Mallay treated his injuries.

“So, why did the Justicars snag you?” Juul asked her brother.

“Well, I was tailing Skavak and when I caught up to him, I saw something I wasn’t supposed to.” Jiik gritted, wincing as Mallay started cleaning out the cuts on his face. “The Justicars took me because I saw them trading supplies with Imperials. They were working together and when they spotted me, the Justicars grabbed me and brought me here.”

“Are you certain those were Imperials you saw?” Aric asked, him and Corso having been listening.

Jiik nodded, “positive.”

“Some Turfers think a few Imperials stayed behind after the Sacking on the lower levels,” Juul sighed, “but I always thought they were just stories made up to scare kids.”

“Skavak and the Imperials were laughing about something,” Jiik told them, “not sure what, but the Imperials went with Skavak into the Works.”

“Well, if that’s where that bastard went,” Bella nodded, “then that’s where I’m going.”

“Are you crazy Cloudhead?! If Skavak dropped to the Works, you might as well forget about him, Captain,” Juul warned, “nothing survives down there. That place is like instant death! The Works is an Industrial area…nothing but toxic ruins and berserk droids. People who go down there don’t come back!”

“If Skavak and the Imperials can survive down there, so can I!” Bella insisted.

“You’re a lot braver than I thought, Captain,” Juul admitted, “or dumber.”

Bella shot her sister a nasty look when she heard Mallay laughing as she finished up with Jiik.

“Garza just messaged me, sir.” Aric told Mallay, “She heard what Jiik said about Imperials and wants to talk to him in her office. We’re to escort him to the security checkpoint where she’ll have an officer waiting to bring him to her. She promised to personally take him to the military med center after so his injuries can be completely taken care of.”

“I know where that is,” Juul told them, “it’s right by our apartment complex so I’ll meet you there. You helmet brains better keep him safe!”

“He’ll be safe,” Mallay retorted, “You just worry about yourself when I get there you little brat!”

Bella signed off the Holo and they got ready to leave the detention area to head to the main Headquarters. Mallay and Corso led the group, Bella stayed next to Jiik, and Aric covered their rear. Surprisingly, they made their way back to the main headquarters without drawing much attention. The groups of Justicars were spread out more the further they went and at a distant glance, Mallay and Aric could be mistaken for militia escorting prisoners. They hit a snag when there was a huge soldier guarding the entrance to the headquarters. They didn’t want to engage him unless they needed to since they were certain he would be able to get back up there instantly and they had Jiik to worry about.

“Oh, I got this,” Bella grinned, “Mallay do you have something in your med kit that can knock him out?”

“Yeah,” she replied, digging into her backpack, “but you’ll have to be close enough to inject him.”

“Not a problem,” Bella giggled as she unbuttoned her shirt enough to show an ample amount of cleavage, and touched up her makeup, “watch and learn, sister dear!”

Bella took the stim from her sister, pocketed it, and went over to the guard. “Hey there handsome,” she purred, “I’m a bit lost…..think you can help a girl out? I’d be ever so grateful!”

A slow grin spread across the guard’s face as he carefully looked Bella over, “I’m always willing to help out a beautiful woman such as yourself. What can I do for you or better yet….to you?”

“Well, darlin’,” Bella eyed him over, “Such a big, strong, handsome man can do a lot to me if you have time to spare and a quiet place to go.”

“Sure thing, gorgeous,” the guard grinned, “Just let me call my buddy to cover for me.”

“Oh,” Bella replied as she kicked him in a sensitive spot, “I’m afraid I can’t let you do that.” Then she pulled out the stim and injected it into his neck.

Mallay, Corso, Aric, and Jiik watched as Bella flirted with the large man.

“I mean seriously……it’s like men lose their brains when she flirts with them.” Mallay shook her head, wondering if she should cover Jiik’s eyes.

“Hey, don’t lump us all in with that idiot,” Aric retorted, then laughed when he saw Corso staring at Bella, completely taken in. Then both men cringed when they saw Bella kick the guard in her favorite spot and inject the stim into his neck.

“Stars, I hate when she does that!” Corso muttered.

“You know, Bella,” Aric told her as she returned to the group, “That’s really painful for a man to see.”

“Then don’t watch, helmet brain!” she retorted, a smirk on her face.

“I gotta hand it to you, that was nicely done, sis,” Mallay admitted, earning a glare from the guys, “Come on, Jorgan, let’s go get Kardan.”

Bella, Jiik, and Corso stood watch at the door while Mallay and Aric went in. They found Kardan arguing with an Imperial officer. Kardan spotted them first and alerted the Imperials. Mallay and Jorgan drew their side arms as Kardan and the Imperials did the same.

“In the name of the Republic, I order you to surrender!” Mallay called out.

“It’s over, Kardan,” Aric growled, “You, the Imps, Tavus….you’re all going down!”

“Not going to happen, soldier,” Kardan sneered, “Now drop that weapon before I…..wait, is that a Havoc badge? Is this some kind of joke?”

“No joke,” Mallay retorted.

“You must be that new recruit Tavus told me about,” Kardan realized, “So you survived the Imperials on Ord after all……impressive. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, Havoc always did recruit the best.”

“Just surrender, Kardan,” Mallay told him, “and this will all go much easier.”

“You are a persistent one,” Kardan replied, “I’m impressed….I didn’t think the old lady would send someone after me so quickly. Even after all these years, Garza still hasn’t lost her edge.”

“Come on, Kardan,” the Imperial officer barked, “What are you waiting for…..kill this whelp! Or do you lack the true resolve to fight for the Empire?”

“My loyalty is to Tavus,” Kardan shot back, “not to you, your Empire, or anyone else. You want the trooper dead, you take care of it. I don’t kill good soldiers. Now, I’m heading down to the Works to make sure everything is prepped.”

Kardan walked toward the door as the Imperials opened fire on Mallay and Aric. “Do yourself a favor and die now, soldier,” Kardan called out as he left, “before you get in any deeper over your head.”

Mallay decided to test out one of her new toys and chucked a cryo grenade at the officer, freezing him instantly.

“Oh, I have to get more of those,” Mallay grinned as they took care of the other Imperial commandos.

The frozen officer came to while Jorgan and Mallay were fighing the last commando and raised his rifle at Mallay’s head. Unfortunately for that officer, Jorgan spotted him and the last thing he saw before dying was an angry Cathar firing a massive, fully charged cannon at him.

“Thanks, Jorgan,” Mallay nodded at the dead officer, “I guess I’ll have to look for stronger ones next time.” Then, like clockwork, her Holo went off and she answered, figuring it was Garza.

“Come in Lieutenant,” Garza began, “I guess that young man was right about the Imperials. I still want to speak with him and his sister though. I want to know everything he saw and these stories they’ve heard. I still can’t believe that there are Imperial soldiers, in uniform, operating on the lower levels of Coruscant and Republic security knows nothing about it!”

“Kardan was headed for the Works, sir,” Mallay told her.

“Copy that, Lieutenant,” Garza nodded, “and you’ll probably be headed there next. However, before you leave Justicar territory, I want you to get more information on their connections with the Imperials.”

“Understood, sir,” Mallay replied, “any suggestions of where to start looking?”

“Surveillance shows that the Justicars have their primary computer terminal nearby,” Garza informed them, “I’m sending you the coordinates now. Find an access card and activate that terminal. My techs can then slice in and uncover everything Kardan, the Justicars, and the Imperials have been up to.”

“I’ll head there immediately.” Mallay assured her as she found the coordinates on her datapad. She signed off and her and Jorgan left the headquarters.

They immediately found Corso, Bella, and Jiik under fire. Jiik had Corso’s shield generator protecting him, and several Justicars were dead, but there were still at least a dozen more fighting.

“Bella, you got any flash and smoke grenades left?” Mallay asked her sister, noticing her fatigue, as they joined in the fighting.

“Yeah,” Bella replied, digging into her bag, “you up for that again?”

“I’ll make it,” Mallay muttered, wincing a little as she activated her vision enhancement again. “Just take out anyone who comes through that smoke. I’ll holler if it’s me.”

“Get ready guys,” Bella told the group, “Mallay’s going on another killing spree. Close your eyes when I throw.”

Mallay readied her knives, leaving her cannon with the group and Bella threw the bombs at the group of Justicars coming in the corridor. A few seconds later, Mallay disappeared into the smoke, silently killing everyone she came across. The smoke cleared once again to reveal the carnage Mallay had wrought and an exhausted, bloody Mallay swaying in the middle of it. She cried out when she deactivated her enhancement. Aric rushed in to grab his CO before she fell and carried her back to the group.

“We should get out of here,” Corso insisted, picking up Mallay’s cannon. Aric nodded, still carrying his unconscious CO, and the two men led the way, hoping it would be clear at least until Mallay had time to recover.

Jiik saw what the petite soldier had done to those Justicars as they walked past and worried for his sister who’d pissed her off earlier, “Please, Captain, don’t let your sister hurt Juul!”

“Relax, Jiik,” Bella smiled, “Mallay has a short fuse, but she won’t hurt your sister…..much.”

Aric explained that they were headed to the computer lab and Bella brought up the location on Mallay’s datapad. Luck was with them and they weren’t stopped by anyone as they made their way to the lab’s location. Mallay came to just as they got there.

“Sorry about that,” she muttered as Jorgan set her down, keeping an arm around her in case she wasn’t steady, “repeatedly activating that damn thing takes its toll on me and I haven’t eaten enough today.” She dug through her backpack and found water and the ration bars.

“That looks like cardboard,” Jiik observed as she unwrapped a ration bar.

“Tastes like it too!” Mallay snorted, “but it’ll help me feel a little better…..especially since were going to be heading into the Works as well.”

“Well, at least it won’t make you sick like the street vendor food did,” Bella giggled.

“Oh, street vender food……you know you’re not supposed to eat that stuff, right?!” Jiik told Mallay.

“I do now!” Mallay snapped, washing down that horrible snack with her water, “and I swear, I’m going to kill the next person who gives me crap about that!”

They were trying to figure out how to go about entering the lab and accessing the terminal without drawing too much unwanted attention when Mallay spotted a young Justicar technician leaving the computer lab. She charged up her side arm, and went over to him.

“Hi there,” she said coldly as she pressed the blaster barrel to his head, “I’m hoping you can help me. I’d like to find and activate your primary computer terminal in there. If you can help me with that, I’ll let you live, if not, then I fry you and move on to the next person I come across.”

“You know, sister dear, there are nicer ways to get guys to do what you want.” Bella grinned.

“Well, I’ve had a rough day and I’m not in the mood for flirting! Also, the last guy you flirted with ended up with his balls in his throat.” Mallay retorted, “I want this one coherent.”

“I….uh….don’t know anything about the computers,” the tech stuttered.

“I suggest you look very carefully at the blood on her armor,” Aric advised the tech, “None of that blood is hers……something to think about.”

“Ok, ok, I’ll take you in…..just please don’t hurt me!” the tech cried after getting a good look at the young woman holding a blaster to his head, “It’s actually pretty empty in there…..its break time and I was alone. I’m not supposed to leave, but I always come out to see my girl for a few minutes on her way to work. If we hurry, you can get in and out before anyone comes back.”

“See, that wasn’t so hard now, was it?” Mallay told him, “Let’s go.”

“You guys are mean!” Bella shook her head, “That poor guy is going to piss his pants.”

“Yeah, but at least his nuts will be intact,” Aric retorted.

Corso nodded his agreement, “Aric’s got a point, Captain.”

The tech took them inside and activated the main computer terminal. Mallay contacted General Garza as soon as the terminal was activated.

“Good work, Lieutenant,” Garza told her, glancing down at her datapad, “My techs are in…….and we have patrol schedules, supply manifests, prisoner records…..ah, here we go. Oh, Kardan you…..I think we’ve got what we’re looking for, Lieutenant. You’ve got a new target.”

“Just tell me who and where, sir,” Mallay replied.

“Kardan’s been having the Justicars work with the Imperials to hijack and rebuild an abandoned Republic communications relay down in the Works. Tavus and the others are using this relay to route all of their interplanetary communications. If we destroy it, the traitors will be completely cut off from one another.”

“Oh, I like the sound of that,” Jorgan grinned.

“Me too!” Mallay agreed.

“I’m sending Sargent Mathin to the security checkpoint where you’ll be taking young Jiik. He’ll have the explosives you’ll need to destroy that relay. Get there ASAP!”

“Understood, sir!” Mallay saluted.

“One more thing,” Garza told her, “Kardan didn’t seem to mesh well with the Imperials. I don’t think he’s as convinced of their supremacy as his protoges are. I’m sure he’s going to be guarding that relay. Kill him if you have to, but try to persuade him to surrender peacefully first.”

“I’ll do my best, sir,” Mallay promised, “but I don’t know if he’ll go for it.”

“Please do, Lieutenant,” Garza insisted, “Kardan’s only concern seemed to be the safety of the former Havoc members. He isn’t loyal to us, but he isn’t loyal to the Empire either. Use that to convince him to come peacefully. He could be a big help in convincing Tavus and the others to surrender without further bloodshed. Otherwise, we’re just going to end up killing them all.”

“I promise, I’ll do everything I can to bring him in alive,” Mallay assured her.

“Good, now hurry up and get this young man to the security checkpoint.” Garza nodded at Jiik, “Good luck, Lieutenant. Garza out.”

Mallay signed off and turned to the anxious tech, “I gave you my word and I’ll keep it,” Mallay told him, “but I need to make sure you don’t call in any friends.” She dug a stim out of her backpack and injected the tech with it, “I promise you’ll be fine, this is just going to knock you out for a couple of hours. I’m afraid you’re going to miss your girl this time.”

They left the unconscious tech in his chair at his desk, Mallay dropping the empty injector next to him so his superiors would know he didn’t fall asleep on the job. He was a nice guy and she didn’t want him to get into too much trouble. The group made their way back to the residential area quickly, only coming under fire at the docks, but there were less Justicars patrolling this time and they were able to get through without having to fight too much.

They got to the security checkpoint, after stopping to give Paus the Justicar droid memory cores. When they entered the checkpoint, they found a surprise waiting for them. General Garza had sent Private Farva with a huge sack full of roasted nerf sandwiches and chips along with Sargent Mathin. Juul was there and ran to them as soon as she saw her brother.

“General Garza said you needed to be fed, sir,” Private Farva told them, saluting Mallay and smiling shyly at Bella, “and she wanted me to assure you that this stuff came from the small deli in the shopping center under the Senate Tower, so it’s a lot safer than the street vendor food you ate yesterday.”

“Seriously?!” Juul laughed, ignoring the murderous look on Mallay’s face, “You ate food from a street vendor?! I thought you helmet brains needed basic intelligence to get to be in the military…..guess not! Everyone knows not to eat food from the street vendors!”

“Oh, no you don’t, sir,” Jorgan chuckled, grabbing his CO as she headed for Juul, “no killing civs!”

“I wasn’t going to kill her,” Mallay pouted, still trying to get to Juul, “I was only going to hurt her really bad!”

“Please don’t hurt my sister,” Jiik pleaded, covering Juul’s mouth before she could piss Mallay off further, “She didn’t mean it.”

“Hey Mallay,” Bella called out, digging food out of the bag and handing it out, “There’s a little white sack in here with your name on it……it looks like a bakery bag!” she waved it at her sister, “Ignore Little Miss Sunshine over there and come eat.”

Mallay sighed, glaring at Juul, “Fine!” she snapped, “but if she opens her trap one more time, I’m beating the crap out of her!” Jorgan let go of Mallay and she grabbed the bag from her sister. Sure enough, there were a dozen cinnamon-sugar donut holes inside. Mollified slightly, Mallay sat and enjoyed her treat.

“You better thank the stars that General Garza sent that bag. You may not think much of me, but my sister isn’t one to piss off,” Bella told Juul, “if you doubt that, just ask your brother where that blood on her armor came from.” Then she looked thoughtful for a moment, “I wonder how Garza knew that Mallay loves donuts….”

Corso and Aric exchanged a look and he was beginning to wonder if Aric was starting to think of Mallay the same way he thought of Bella.

After the group rested a little and ate, they began getting ready to head into the Works. Sargent Mathis briefed Mallay and Aric on their target, what they would find in the Works, and the explosives they’d be using. General Garza had also found an approximate location for Skavak when her techs had sliced into the Justicar’s computer and had sent the coordinates to Bella. Sargent Mathis and Private Farva were getting ready to escort Jiik and Juul to General Garza’s office when Bella thought of something.

“Whatever you do, Juul,” Bella snickered, amusement dancing in her green eyes, as they all left the security checkpoint, “Just don’t call General Garza a helmet brain…..she won’t be as nice about it as Mallay was.”

Bella, Corso, Mallay, and Aric walked over to the elevators that would take them down into the Works. An elevator opened and the four of them entered, wondering what they would be facing when those doors opened next. The door closed and the elevator began its descent into the Works.

This part gave me fits writing it. It was being stubborn and I think I read it over at least 20 times before I finally got through it without changing anything!! I'm not completely convinced it is exactly the way I wanted it, but I can't think of anything I wanted to change.....

I changed a bit of the smuggler and trooper class missions a little.....hope you all don't mind. I figured Jiik deserved some medical attention and a safe escort out of there. Also, I figured Garza would want any information she could get about Imperials on Coruscant and Jiik was an eye witness.

“This is so creepy,” Bella shuddered as they’d finished dispatching another group of hostile droids, “We’re the only ones actually alive in this place!” It had been nearly an hour since they’d gotten off the elevator to the Works and saw their last sentient.

“I’m sure this is very difficult for you, Captain,” Aric teased, his fatigue evident in his voice, “You can’t flirt with droids and they have no balls for you to kick!”

“You’re dammed right, Sergeant,” Bella shot back, a smirk on her pretty face. She wasn’t at all ashamed of the way she dealt with the opposite sex in a fight, “its torture…..I may need a hug later!”

Mallay rolled her eyes and Corso just shook his head as they engaged the next group of enemy droids. They were finally nearing their destinations, but it had been a constant battle to get there.

“You alright, Sergeant?” Mallay asked, noticing he sounded tired. Jorgan had the huge explosives pack strapped to his back, leaving no room for his cannon, so he was forced to hold it as they made their way through the works. Corso volunteered to carry Jorgan’s backpack until they parted ways so Mallay didn’t have to be overloaded as well.

“I’ll make it, sir,” he grunted, “after all, I managed to carry you with two cannons strapped to my back yesterday…..although, I think you weigh less than my cannon.”

“You’re probably right about that!” Bella giggled.

“Jealous much, sis?!” Mallay shot back, grinning at Bella.

“Of the fact that you can eat like a bantha and look like a pixie……yes,” Bella retorted, “Of your bra size….definitely not!”

“Oh, HA HA, I haven’t heard that one before,” Mallay snorted as she made a rude gesture at her sister. Then she turned to Jorgan, “Regardless of my weight, you weren’t fighting under those conditions yesterday. Do we need to stop for a few minutes?”

“I’d rather just keep going, sir,” Aric told her, “The sooner we get there, the better.”

Mallay nodded and the group continued on and a little while later, they came across Imperial soldiers among the droids.

“This can’t be good!” Jorgan growled as he gunned down an Imperial with his assault cannon.

“Well, at least Garza will be seeing the footage,” Mallay shouted over her own cannon fire, “You know she’ll make sure the right people are aware of it.”

“Mallay…..behind you,” Bella shouted as Corso charged the Imperial that came out of stealth behind her sister.

“Thanks Corso,” Mallay told him, a little shaken.

“Anytime!” he grinned.

“It looks like we’re going in there,” Bella pointed to a large corridor that was down the ramp, “The coordinates Garza sent are pointing there.”

“I’ll take Jorgan’s backpack, Corso,” Mallay nodded, “You guys be careful and contact me when you can.”

“Stay safe, sis,” Bella hugged her sister, “you too Aric.”

“Good luck, Captain,” Aric replied, “Make that scum pay!”

“Oh, I will,” Bella smiled coldly, “No one steals from me and gets away with it!”

Corso and Bella entered the corridor and immediately heard voices, one of them painfully familiar.

“The Murustavan Ruby,” an Imperial said, reverence in his tone, “It’s even more exquisite than I imagined. This will be a perfect gift to the Grand Moff.”

“I’m sure it’ll earn you a nice, fat promotion, Commander,” Skavak replied, “Maybe he’ll finally let you go home to Dromund Kaas…”

“Watch your tone, Skavak,” the Commander told him, “Now, my agent is standing by at the spaceport, ready to deliver the item. Is there someone there to receive it?”

“There’s a starship merchant named Fabizan at my ship in docking bay 87,” Skavak answered, “He can take the delivery.”

“Lieutenant, message the agent,” the Commander ordered, “I don’t know what you want with that grotesque trophy, Skavak, but it’s all yours now.”

“Grotesque huh?” Bella interrupted as her and Corso approached, weapons ready, “It probably still looks better than you, Skavak.”

“Oh, Captain,” Skavak retorted, “You wound me…..honestly! Also, did you really have to cut me off from the Underworld? I mean, that’s pretty low.”

“And so is stealing my starship,” Bella shot back, “as for wounding you, don’t worry, you’ll be dead soon.”

“Skavak,” the Imperial Commander barked as he and his squad readied their weapons, “What’s the meaning of this? Is this another one of your girlfriends?”

“Not a chance,” Bella smirked, “I have brains and good taste.”

“You’re creative, I’ll give you that, Captain,” Skavak sneered, “did you really have to frame me with the crime syndicates by registering me as an undercover SIS agent? Do you have any idea how difficult it is go get out of trouble with them? Oh, that’s right, you do! I hear Rogun the Butcher just raised the price on your head…..congratulations!”

“Just one more reason for you to die,” Corso warned, raising his rifle, “not to mention stealing Torchy, that was dirty. You’re gonna be a floor stain when I’m done with you, Skavak!”

“Oh, Corso,” Skavak chuckled, “You shouldn’t let yourself get so attached. It’s good to see you’re employed again and even I have to admit, Captain Lauren’s much better looking than Viidu was….hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy that!”

“Don’t you dare talk about her that way!” Corso snapped.

“Enough!” the Imperial Commander shouted, “The captain and her mercenary friend are your problem, Skavak. Deal with it!”

“Commander, do you mind vaporizing them for me? I’ve got places to be…..” Skavak replied, tossing a flash grenade at Bella and Corso, who immediately recognized it and shut their eyes, as he ran out of the corridor.

“Blasted Skavak,” the Imperial Commander spat, “Always leaving me to clean up his messes….”

“Then don’t,” Bella retorted, hoping to get out of there quickly, “I’d be more than happy to go after him.”

“No, I’m afraid you’ll have to die here, Captain,” the he sighed.

Just then, Miel ran in, blaster raised, “Imperial lawbreakers, you are in violation of Statute 1983 of the Sullustan Criminal Code,” he decreed, “Drop your weapons and surrender the gem.”

“I don’t think so alien scum,” the Imperial sneered, “You can die with the Captain and her associate here……open fire men!”

Bella dove for cover, firing her blasters as soon as she got up, while Corso charged in. Unfortunately, Miel was too slow to move and was the first to go down. He managed to crawl to the crate Bella was behind and provide fire, but Bella could see that he was badly wounded. Bella shouted at Corso to get down then let off a spray of blaster fire, taking out a couple of Imperials. By the time the rest recovered, Bella had kicked one and shot him in the head, leaving only Corso and the commander. He quickly fell to Bella’s blasters and Bella rushed over to Miel.

“Thank you for bringing them to justice, Captain,” Miel smiled weakly, “I don’t think I will live to file a report on your heroism.”

“Easy there, Miel,” Bella told him gently, “We’ll get you to a med center. A few days in a kolto tank and you’ll be filing reports in no time.”

“I don’t think I’ll make it that long,” Miel grunted, his voice fading.

“Corso, the last I checked, there’s an old taxi station nearby,” Bella said as she started digging kolto patches out of her bag and applying them to Miel, not knowing what else to do, “Think you can help him there?”

“I can, but we should hurry before more Imperials show up,” Corso warned, not sure they were going to make it in time to save the Sullustan, “I’m hoping your sister and Jorgan cleared the way for us.”

“Knowing Mallay, I’m sure we’ll have a clear path,” Bella smiled as she and Corso helped Miel to his feet, “probably a messy path, but a clear one.”

They managed to get to the taxi without encountering any resistance. There were a few Cthons in the shadows, but the creatures kept away. They got Miel into the taxi and set course for the Senate Tower/Spaceport taxi station. While on route, Bella tried her best to stop Miel’s bleeding.

“Hang in there, Miel,” Bella told him, unable to stop the tears from forming as she packed more kolto into his wounds. Her new friend was in bad shape.

“You’re wrong…..you are an upstanding citizen,” Miel whispered, “Thank you for trying to save me, but it’s my time now……take this card…..it will get you into that hanger where your ship is….I took it off one of the guards after I saw Skavak leave….bring him to justice…” The Sullustan handed Bella a key card, closed his eyes and took his last breath as the taxi approached the station.

“I’ll make him pay,” Bella promised.

“You did your best, Bella,” Corso told her sadly as the taxi stopped, “I don’t think anyone could’ve saved him. I’m glad we got him out of there though, he deserved better than to die in the Works.”

“We’ll take him to the security checkpoint at the Spaceport,” Bella nodded as he gathered Miel up, “I’ll make arrangements for his remains to be taken back to Sullust.”

“I know his family and friends would appreciate it,” Corso assured her.

After they took Miel’s body to the security checkpoint, gave an account for what happened, and Bella made the necessary arrangements for him to be taken to Sullust, they made their way to docking bay 87. Bella used the card Miel gave her to unlock the entrance and the distance, they could see two Humans and a Bith guarding the closed door to the hanger. Bella charged her blasters and Corso readied his rifle as they approached the men.

“Excuse me,” the Bith spoke up, “In case it wasn’t obvious from the locked door, this is a private docking bay.”

“Three words, pal,” Bella replied, her voice deadly calm, “Where’s…..my…..ship?!”

“I don’t know you,” the Bith told Bella, “and I don’t have your ship. Now Skavak warned me that there might be a couple of troublemakers dropping in so he paid extra for security to take care of it.”

“I’m only going to explain this once,” Bella snapped, raising her blasters, “That is MY starship in that hanger, NOT Skavak’s…..he stole it from me on Ord Mantell and I’m taking it back. If you want to die in that process, that’s your choice.....I could really care less.”

“You know what to do boys,” The Bith told the guards as he fired his blaster at Bella.

Corso charged the Bith while Bella took out the guards. In no time, the guards were dead and Bella was holding a charged blaster barrel on the Bith’s head.

“For the last time,” Bella warned, her patience at its limit, “where’s my starship?”

“Please,” the Bith begged, “I’m Fabizan…..I’m just a salesman. I was helping take care of Skavak’s…..I mean your ship. It’s a nice ship and is in great shape. Nothing’s been taken off of it since I got here, I swear…..no harm done right?”

“I don’t know,” Corso told him, “she’s pretty upset and I’ve seen what she does when she’s upset…..it’s not pretty and you did shoot at her after she gave you plenty of chances to back off.”

“I could give you some nice upgrades and charge them to Skavak’s account,” Fabizan promised, “How’s that sound?”

“Hmmm,” Bella thought, “I suppose…..but work fast and I’m going to be watching. I see you make one Holocall and I fry you…..got it?!”

“I’ll be done in no time,” Fabizan assured them as he opened the bay doors.

Bella and Corso followed the Bith into the docking area and Bella finally got her first glimpse of her starship since seeing it take off on Ord Mantell.

“Oh, my sweet Serendipity…….Momma missed you soooo much!!!” a teary eyed Bella cried.

“Uh, Captain,” Corso chuckled, “you know it’s a ship and not a pet, right?”

“Oh, this from the guy who has a name for every one of his weapons?!” Bella retorted.

Corso looked sheepish, “I suppose you got me there.”

“Now that I have my ship back, I plan to hunt Skavak down…..I owe him for stealing my ship and getting me into trouble with Rogun,” Bella began, “Are you certain that you want to stick with me? That bounty on my head isn’t going to just disappear and who knows what’s in store for us out there.”

“I’m not afraid of a little trouble, Captain,” Corso assured her. “I’m in this until the end, I gave you my word and I intend to keep it.” You’re more than worth the danger, he thought, and I’d do anything to keep you safe.

“Well, I get the feeling that it’ll be more than a little trouble,” Bella grinned, “but I’d be happy to have the company and I’ve come to value your help and friendship, Corso.”

“Thank you, Captain,” Corso smiled, blushing a little.

Fabizan indeed worked quickly and Bella allowed him to leave with his life. She warned him that if he tipped off Skavak, she would hunt him down and fry him slowly. Fabizan assured her that he wouldn’t say a thing and left.

“Come on, Farm Boy,” Bella grinned, tugging his arm, “Let me introduce you to my Serendipity. She’s been a big part of my life for a little over eight years now.”

Corso eagerly followed his Captain up the ramp and they boarded her ship where a very happy C2 greeted his mistress.

“Oh, thank the maker you’re back, Mistress Bella!” the protocol droid stated. “I tried to transmit our coordinates to you as soon as we landed on Coruscant, but I was caught and that horrible man put a restraining bolt on me!”

“Thanks, SeeTwo!” Bella patted the droid, “That was a very brave thing to do and you’re lucky he didn’t scrap you for your efforts. I appreciate it very much and I’ll get that bolt off you as soon as I look everything over here. This is Corso Riggs, he’s a friend and he’s travelling with me.”

“I’m afraid there’s someone else on board, Mistress Bella,” C2 told her, “She’s currently in the hold with the special cargo.”

“Special cargo?” Bella asked, “any idea what that’s about?”

“I’m afraid not, Mistress,” C2 admitted, “Even with the restraining bolt, they still didn’t talk around me much.”

“It’s alright, SeeTwo,” Bella assured the droid, “I’m sure you did your best and I’m thankful you’re still in one piece. I’ll go see this mystery woman right now.”

“I’m coming with you, Captain,” Corso insisted.

“Thank’s Corso,” Bella nodded, “SeeTwo, keep watch at the door. If you see anyone approach, holler for me and seal the door.”

“You have my word!” C2 promised, happy to see his mistress back.

Bella charged her blasters and her and Corso headed to the ship’s cargo hold. The first thing they noticed was the unfamiliar and very strange cargo, the absence of Rogun’s blaster shipment, and a woman roughly Bella’s size standing at the terminal in the back.

“Oh, that’s disgusting,” Corso grimaced as he spotted a very ugly head floating in an ornate jar of fluid. The woman heard that, turned around, and looked them over, noting Bella’s charged and raised blasters.

“I’d ask you if you were one of Skavak’s girlfriends,” the woman started, “but if you chose that slime ball over that gorgeous bronze specimen of a man behind you, I’d have to assume you were too brain dead for basic speech.”

Bella giggled as she saw Corso blush, “You know…..I think I like you already!”

“Hopefully that’s a good thing,” the young woman smiled, “I’m Risha. Skavak and I had a business arrangement.”

“Boy did you pick a bad partner,” Bella muttered as she holstered her blasters, seeing that Risha appeared unarmed, "I'm Captain Belladonya Lauren and this is my starship."

“Tell me about it,” Risha snorted, “I told that idiot not to steal your starship, but he just laughed and said ‘why buy what you can steal?’ I tried to warn him that he was going to catch hell for crossing the wrong person one of these days and it looks like that day finally arrived…..thank the force.”

“Why didn’t you end the partnership then?” Bella asked.

“We’d already started making the arrangements and it would have been a huge hassle to cancel everything at that point,” Risha sighed, “I’ve spent a lot of time researching and putting together these deals and I didn’t want to risk having to start over.”

“So, spill,” Bella replied, curious about what they were up to.

“Ever hear of Nok Drayen?” Risha asked.

“Rumors here and there,” Bella admitted.

“Same here,” Corso nodded.

“He was a legend in his time…..a high ranking, influential crime lord, and a wealthy one in the end. Before he died, he hid his fortune out of spite. Fortune hunting spacers have been looking for it ever since,” Risha began, “The lost treasure of Nok Drayen isn’t a rumor, its real and I know how to get it. That’s what Skavak were working on.”

“How do you know this?” Bella asked, disbelief on her face.

“Let’s just say my source was very close to Nok himself in the years before he died.” Risha told them, “Now, I’m willing to share this information with you, but I won’t tell you everything at once. I can see you don’t trust me…..you’re smart and I can respect that. However, if we are going to be partners, you’re going to have to trust me as much as I have to trust you not to ditch me when everything’s done.”

“That sounds reasonable,” Bella admitted, “I can’t believe you trusted Skavak though!”

“I didn’t really,” Risha smirked, “I was always ready for that sleeze to betray me. So….do we have a deal?”

“You know there’s a price on my head, right?” Bella warned, “I’m in, but I thought you should be aware.”

“I’m aware,” Risha sighed, “Skavak was very pleased with himself about that. Who knows, maybe we can figure out a way to get you out of that mess.”

“We have a deal then,” Bella held out her hand.

Risha took it and they shook, “Well then, our first stop is Taris. I’ll fill you in on the details when we arrive.”

“We should be able to leave Coruscant shortly,” Bella told her, “I just have to contact my sister and make arrangements to get our stuff from the suite we were staying in at the Military Complex.”

“A spacer staying in the Military Complex?” Risha smirked, “Oh, this I gotta hear.”

“My sister’s in Spec Forces and Corso and I stayed with her….there’s more to it, but no time to tell it right now. I want to get out of here before any more trouble finds me.”

“You are intelligent…..that’s quite refreshing, Captain.” Risha smiled, “I had a feeling we’d get along well...especially after I got a look in your wardrobe. Don’t worry, Captain, I didn’t take anything!” Risha giggled at the look on Bella’s face, “but you have very good fashion sense and don’t be surprised if I ask to borrow stuff…..and you can borrow from me since we’re the same size.”

“Yup, I definitely like you….and you can call me Bella,” she grinned, “and this is Corso Riggs. He’s been traveling with me since Ord Mantell and is part of the crew…..and a friend.”

“A very nice looking friend,” Risha admitted, a broad smile on her pretty face as her dark brown eyes blatantly looked Corso over.

“Tell me about it,” Bella giggled.

“I’m standing right here you know,” Corso muttered, blushing.

“Trust me, I noticed,” Bella winked and left to go contact Mallay. Her sister answered immediately.

“Thank the stars you called,” Mallay smiled, “Hey…..you got your ship back! That’s great! You heading home?”

Corso and Risha had come out and they heard Aric yell out in the background, “Tell your sister I hope she fried that scumbag!”

Mallay laughed, “I think you heard that…..so spill, but make it quick, we’re on our way to the spaceport. I can’t give you the details, but we are leaving shortly.”

“Well, I got my ship back, but unfortunately Skavak escaped and those blasters I was supposed to deliver are gone. As a result, there is a higher bounty on my head and I really don’t want to spend any length of time at home until that danger has passed.” Bella told her, “I’m going to hunt Skavak down though and maybe that will be enough to get rid of the price on my head. I’m working with a new partner now and I’ll explain more when we have time to sit and talk, but I’m leaving shortly too. I’m heading to Carrick to get some supplies, then I have some business on Taris.”

“Well, we packed your and Corso’s things and left them with General Garza,” Mallay explained, “Either she or her assistant will be there waiting for you. You can give them the key when you pick up your stuff……oh, and Bella, don’t flirt with that poor guy anymore…....he thinks you’re serious and has been asking Garza for your information.” They heard Aric laughing in the background, “It’s not funny, Jorgan!” Mallay shouted behind her, “Anyways, let him down easy….will ya?!”

“I will, sis,” Bella giggled, “Hey, take care and play nice with Aric. Contact me as soon as you can. I don’t know how long I’ll be on Taris, but I want to hear about what went down after we split up in the Works.”

“I’ll contact you as soon as I take care of this little emergency,” Mallay promised, “Now I really gotta go…..love you, sis. Corso, keep her safe!”

“You have my word!” Corso nodded and the girls signed off.

Bella wasn’t about to leave her ship after just getting her back, so she sent Corso with C2 to get their things from General Garza and a little while later, they were ready to take off. Risha was in the cargo hold removing the restraining bolt from C2, having explained that the bolt was her idea. Skavak wanted to scrap the droid, but she could tell by the fierce loyalty the droid showed to his absent mistress, he was part of the family. Corso joined Bella in the cockpit as she prepared for takeoff.

“I’ve really missed her,” she admitted, “It feels really good to be at the helm again.”

“I’m glad I was able to help you, Bella,” Corso smiled and felt a small jolt of awareness when she returned his smile, squeezing his hand. You’ve got it bad Riggs, he admitted to himself.

“I’m glad too,” Bella told him as she steered the Freighter out of the hanger and took off for Carrick. Serendipity was once again in the hands of her mistress.

Mallay and Aric continued on after Bella and Corso entered the corridor off to the side. They had to take out a couple of groups of Imperials before arriving at the corridor leading to Kardan’s communications relay. They carefully made their way through the corridor, taking out another couple of groups of Imperials before rounding the corner to see Kardan with a group of Imperials. Kardan spotted them quickly.

“Still alive, huh? You really should’ve gotten out of this while you were still able,” he shook his head, “Now you’re a risk to Tavus and the others so, Havoc Squad or not, I’m going to have to kill you.”

“You don’t have to do anything,” Mallay told him, “You have a choice, sir.”

“I’ve made my choice….Tavus, Wraith, Needles, Fuse, Gearbox…..they’re my family and I abandoned them. I resigned and left them on their own just to make a point.” Kardan replied, “I won’t abandon them this time. They need my help more than ever.”

“If you want to help your people, you’ll help me bring them in alive!” Mallay insisted, admiring his loyalty and appealing to it.

“Yeah, so Garza can have all of their heads at once? I don’t think so,” Kardan shot back, “I know you’re trying to get into my head, soldier, and it’s not going to work. I’m trying to keep my people alive and it’s your job to kill them.”

“General Garza sent me to get your help,” Mallay explained, “She wants to bring Tavus and the others in alive.”

“I’m not sure if I buy that,” Kardan replied, looking thoughtful, “but then again, if she sent you to kill me, we wouldn’t be still talking and you’ve already compromised the relay. So even if we take you out, it’s only a matter of time before Garza has this place slagged for a click in every direction. By this time, she probably knows where the defector bases are as well and is making plans to go after them….”

Kardan began pacing and one of the Imperials interrupted, “Excuse me sir, but shouldn’t we….”

“The Imps may offer help, but it won’t be much,” Kardan went on, ignoring the Imperial.

“They’re just all going to end up getting killed if you don’t help me,” Mallay nodded, hoping he was finally getting the bigger picture.

“Damn!” Kardan swore, “Fine, soldier, I’ll go along with this, but if you harm a single one of my people, you’ll be dead within the day!”

“That’s up to them, Kardan,” Mallay replied, “If they won’t come along peacefully, I’ll have to deal with them.”

“I understand, but I meant what I said.” Kardan shot back, “Now, let’s get on with this, soldier.”

The Imperial soldier readied his weapon and pointed it at Kardan, “I can’t allow you to go into enemy custody alive, Kardan.”

“Are you still here?!” Kardan snorted, “The op’s over people….finished….mission failed! If you were smart, you’d get out of here while you still can!”

“You leave me no choice, sir,” the Imperial warned as he charged his rifle, “Open fire men!”

Kardan brought his own rifle around, hitting the imperial in the head with the stock. Mallay and Jorgan each took on an Imperial and after mere moments, Mallay, Jorgan, and Kardan were the only ones alive.

“Reminds me of old times,” Kardan smiled, “You’re not too bad for such a little pixie! Anyways, here’s my weapon….consider me surrendered.”

Mallay rolled her eyes as she accepted Kardan’s weapon as a relieved Jorgan went over to the relay and strapped the explosives to it, “It’s all ready to go, sir,” he announced as he attached the detonator and returned to where Mallay was waiting with Kardan.

“You ready for the trip, old man?” Mallay smirked at Kardan.

“Ah, kids these days…..I’m going, I’m going.” He sighed, looking back at the relay, “All that work for nothing. Anyways, I suppose you want me in front of you. Try to keep up rookie!”

“Not a word, Sergeant,” Mallay glared at a snickering Jorgan.

“Oh, come on, sir” Aric chuckled, “I think I’ve earned one cheap shot after hauling that damned thing through the works.”

“I tell you what,” she replied, tossing him the remote, “You can push the shiny red button!”

“Works for me,” he grinned, “Time to give Kardan’s little babies something to think about!”

“I heard that,” Kardan snorted, shaking his head just before the communications relay exploded.

The three of them made their way to an old taxi station shown on the map that was nearby. It was an older one, abandoned after the sacking, but Mallay hoped there was still a working taxi there they could pilot back to the Senate Tower station since none of them really felt like fighting their way back through the Works. Luck was with them and after a little slicing, Mallay managed to get one of the old taxis working and the three of them left for the Senate Tower.

“I wonder if Garza has anything yet,” Mallay said as they left the Works.

“I’m sure she’s working on it,” Jorgan nodded, then a wicked glint appeared in his eyes, “I wonder how the meeting with Jiik and Juul went.”

“You know I’m still pissed at you for holding me back, Jorgan!” Mallay snorted, “That little brat needed a good smacking.”

“I just hated to see you get into trouble for killing a civ, sir,” Jorgan grinned, “After all, you have that footage from the Migrant Merchants’ Guild territory hanging over your head.”

“Thanks for reminding me,” Mallay blushed as she narrowed her eyes at the amused Cathar.

“Oh, this I have to hear,” Kardan insisted, “Especially after the ‘old man’ comments I had to put up with earlier.”

“I do believe you referred to me as a ‘pixie’ first, then a ‘rookie,’” Mallay retorted, smiling at the old Havoc CO she was starting to have a grudging respect for.

“You really shouldn’t be so sensitive,” Kardan shook his head, “So, what’d she do in Migrant Merchants’ Guild territory that she doesn’t want seen?”

“General Garza happens to have footage of Lieutenant Lauren fighting guild members in a dancer’s costume,” Jorgan told Kardan, ignoring the death glare Mallay was giving him.

“You mean one of those skimpy little things that barely covers…..and with that cannon?” Kardan asked as Mallay turned very red.

“Oh, that’s not even the best part,” Jorgan grinned, “Her hair was down and she had a string of grenades around her neck and two knives tucked in the bottom half of the costume.”

“Nice!” Kardan chuckled, “I’d pay to see that footage.”

“Well, Garza already threatened to send the footage to the Lieutenant’s sister with a suggestion to sell it to BlasTech for their pinup calendar,” Jorgan chuckled, “but she may take other offers.”

“You know, I’m pretty sure that’s considered blackmail,” Mallay muttered.

“HA,” Kardan snickered as Mallay landed the taxi on the Senate Tower station, “You really don’t know the old woman that well if you think she won’t find a way around that!”

A little while later, Mallay and Aric were escorting Jek Kardan into General Garza’s office.

“Ah, Kardan,” Garza nodded, “So nice to see you again. Have a seat….all of you.” She gestured at the conference table, “I must say, I was a little disappointed that you went along with Tavus’ plans, however, what’s done is done. I assume Lieutenant Lauren told you that I wanted your assistance in bringing in Tavus and the others alive?”

“She did,” Kardan admitted, “Although, I’m not sure how much their going to listen to me at this point. They know I had no loyalty to the Empire, but wished to help them. As soon as they find out that’s changed, they are going to think I abandoned them as well.”

“Well, it doesn’t hurt to try,” Garza replied, “Otherwise, they’ll just get themselves killed.” Then she turned to Mallay and Aric, “I’d like to congratulate you on your successes in the Justicar Sector and the Works. I also appreciate you not killing young Juul, Lieutenant.”

“You should thank Sergeant Jorgan for that, he’s the one who held me back,” Mallay muttered, “I hope she at least had the brains to watch her tongue when she and her brother met with you, sir.”

“Oh, we came to an understanding,” Garza replied, an amused glint in her eyes, “I found that she was much nicer after I threatened to ship her off to the Military Academy for refusing to cooperate with an official Republic investigation. Both she and her brother provided some very useful intel regarding Imperial movement in the Lower levels. Jiik is on his way to a speedy recovery.”

“Glad to hear it, sir!” Mallay nodded, “Has there been any word on Tavus and the others since blowing the relay?”

“My techs are still working through the data, but so far we’ve found that the messages were relayed between four locations. They’re working on pinpointing them now. We do have Wraith’s location though,” Garza told them, “Do you remember Senator Krasul from your meeting yesterday?”

“Oh, trust me, sir,” Mallay muttered, “It’s going to be a long time before I forget that disaster.”

“Yes, Lieutenant, I’m sure you made a lasting impression as well,” Garza replied, “I don’t think the Senators usually have people throw up during their meetings.”

“I tried to hold it back, sir!” Mallay insisted, feeling her face heat up with the memory.

“I’m sure you did your best,” Garza smiled, “and I really hope you learned your lesson about street vendor food.”

“You actually ate food from a street vendor?!” Kardan stared at the petite young woman in shock, “You know you’re not supposed to eat that stuff, right?”

Mallay simply buried her face in her hands as the others laughed.

“It’s alright, Lieutenant,” Garza assured Mallay, taking pity on her, “We’re laughing with you, not at you.”

“With all due respect, general,” Jorgan snickered, “I’m pretty sure I’m laughing at her!”

“Anyways…..you were saying about Senator Krazul, sir,” Mallay prompted, shooting Jorgan a dirty look.

“Ah, yes,” Garza nodded, “shortly after your meeting, Wraith kidnapped Senator Krazul from his home. We’ve tracked them to a remote space station, Port Raga.”

“Do we know what this is about?” Mallay asked, “Has Wraith made any demands?”

“Intelligence is thin at the moment and she hasn’t made any demands yet,” Garza replied, “I’ve already dispatched a team to Port Raga. They’ll investigate the situation and give you a report when you arrive.” Garza turned to Kardan who looked puzzled, “Do you have any information about this?”

“I’m afraid I’m in the dark about this one,” Kardan admitted, “Tavus never mentioned anything about kidnapping a Senator. This must’ve been a more recent plan of theirs.”

“Lieutenant, Havoc Squad required its own starship for operational flexibility.” Garza told Mallay, “A ship has already been transferred to your command and it’s being stocked and fueled at the spaceport right now. Pack your things, and you can leave your sister and Mister Riggs’ things in my office. They can turn in their key when they collect them. Then get to your ship and head leave for Port Raga immediately.”

“Yes, sir,” Mallay saluted.

“Oh, and can you please talk to your sister about Private Farva? He keeps asking me if I have her contact information,” the General shook her head, “Now get going. Fly to Port Raga, rescue Senator Krazul, and capture or eliminate Wraith at all costs.” Garza repeated, “Good luck both of you, dismissed.”

Mallay and Aric walked back to the suite and packed their stuff as quickly as they could, Aric packing Corso’s things and Mallay packed Bella’s. Mallay packed the leftover food and called for a droid to pick up Bella and Corso’s things and deliver them to Garza’s office. As soon as the droid left, Mallay and Aric did a quick walkthrough and left the suite, turning in the key at the front office. She was just getting ready to contact her sister as they walked toward the spaceport when her Holo went off.

“Thank the stars you called,” Mallay sighed as soon as she saw her sister’s image then noticed the background, “Hey…….you got your ship back! That’s great! You heading home?”

“Hey, tell your sister I hope she fried that scumbag!” Aric called out, hearing the news.

Mallay laughed and noticed Corso and another young woman had joined her sister at the Holo, “I think you heard that…..so spill, but make it quick, we’re on our way to the spaceport. I can’t give you the details, but we are leaving shortly.”

“Well, I got my ship back, but unfortunately Skavak escaped and those blasters I was supposed to deliver are gone. As a result, there is a higher bounty on my head and I really don’t want to spend any length of time at home until that danger has passed.” Bella told her, “I’m going to hunt Skavak down though and maybe that will be enough to get rid of the price on my head. I’m working with a new partner now and I’ll explain more when we have time to sit and talk, but I’m leaving shortly too. I’m heading to Carrick to get some supplies, then I have some business on Taris.”

“Well, we packed your and Corso’s things and left them with General Garza,” Mallay explained, “Either she or her assistant will be there waiting for you. You can give them the key when you pick up your stuff……oh, and Bella, don’t flirt with that poor guy anymore…....he thinks you’re serious and has been asking Garza for your information.”

She paused when she heard Aric laughing next to her, “It’s not funny, Jorgan!” Mallay shot at him, then turned to her sister, “Anyways, let him down easy….will ya?!”

“I will, sis,” Bella giggled, “Hey, take care and play nice with Aric. Contact me as soon as you can. I don’t know how long I’ll be on Taris, but I want to hear about what went down after we split up in the Works.”

“I’ll contact you as soon as I take care of this little emergency,” Mallay promised, “Now I really gotta go…..love you, sis. Corso, keep her safe!”

“You have my word!” Corso nodded and Mallay signed off and tucked her Holo into her backpack as they went into the spaceport.

A few minutes later, they were entering the hanger where General Garza had their ship waiting. Mallay and Aric paused for a moment, taking in the large BT-7 Thunderclap that was now theirs.

“You do know how to fly…..I hope!” Aric teased, a wicked grin on his face, “On second thought…..you know what they say about women drivers…..” He laughed as he started running from his CO.

“Oh, you are so gonna pay for that one, Jorgan!” Mallay giggled as she chased him onto the ship.

The ship’s protocol droid was waiting for them and gave them a tour. Mallay was used to Bella’s C2 unit, who’d become like one of the family over the years since Bella had killed Jackson and took his ship. He was a very loyal, genuinely cheerful protocol droid and looked very similar to this one. This C2 unit seemed very eager to please so Mallay thanked him for the tour and told him they’d be taking off shortly.

After storing her assault cannon in the impressively large weapon’s closet, putting her backpack and duffle in her quarters, and putting the leftover food in the galley, Mallay headed for the cockpit. Aric joined her a moment later and she readied the ship for takeoff.

“You sure you know how to fly this thing,” he grinned, “because I can, you know.”

Mallay rolled her eyes at him, “Yes, I can fly. Bella taught me, smarta**!”

“Okay,” he teased, “because it would be really embarrassing for you to hit something on the way out, sir.”

“Stars, you’re such a turd sometimes,” she muttered as she steered the ship out of the hanger and took off.

I actually liked Kardan and understood why he did what he did. However, I always thought it odd that the Trooper simply takes Kardan’s weapon and lets him go to turn himself in on his own. I would expect the Trooper to escort him to Garza, which is why Mallay did just that. Also, I couldn’t resist getting in one more ‘I told you so,’ about eating street vendor food.

*I dedicate the end of this installment to my wonderful Mother, who found it difficult to back out of the garage without catching and breaking off one of the door mirrors!

Despite Jorgan’s teasing, Mallay made it out of the spaceport and into hyperspace with little trouble. Bella had taught her to fly before she went off to the military, and while she wasn’t the pilot her sister was, Mallay was comfortable in the pilot’s seat. After getting the ship into hyperspace, Mallay decided she needed a little pampering so she took a long, hot shower. She was wearing a pair of shorts and tee shirt as she sat on her bed, one foot pulled in close when Jorgan came in.

“What in the void is that smell?” Aric asked as he stood in the doorway. He stared at the image of his CO, the very same one who was so deadly with knives and that cannon, sitting on the middle of her bed, that glorious hair tumbling down her back, in hot pink shorts and a white t-shirt, painting her toenails.

“Sorry,” she muttered, concentrating on getting the plum colored lacquer applied evenly, “I figured if I did it in here, it wouldn’t be so bad.”

“No big deal,” he assured her, “Cathar have an enhanced sense of smell, so I would’ve smelled it no matter where you were. So, purple….huh.”

“It’s my favorite color,” Mallay told him.

“Kinda girly isn’t it?” he grinned.

“Well duh, I’m a girl so….uh….yeah,” Mallay retorted in her snarkiest tone as she finished with that foot, stretching that leg out in front of her and pulling the other foot in.

“Oh, really?” Jorgan fired back, “I hadn’t noticed……”

“Turd,” she muttered, her mouth twitching with the hint of a smile, as he kept watching her, “You gonna watch?”

“Only if it bothers you,” he retorted, a wicked smirk on his face.

“It doesn’t really,” she lied, hating the feeling of someone watching her, “stay as long as you like.”

“You really are a bad liar,” he snickered as he headed to the refresher. He found it refreshing that his CO wasn’t like most of the female soldiers he’d worked with. He couldn’t recall ever seeing any of them with painted finger and toenails. Most of them wouldn’t be in hot pink shorts either, I know I’ve never seen any of them in a dancer costume, he thought with a broad smile as he got into the shower.

An hour later, Mallay was lying on her bead reading one of her favorite romance novels on her datapad when she couldn’t take her scars irritating her anymore. In the morning rush, she’d forgotten to ask Bella to put her lotion on her back scars and it had been at least three days since the last time Bella put it on her. Well, it’s either suffer with the itching and irritation or suck it up and ask Aric to help you, she told herself with a sigh as she took the jar of lotion off her nightstand. Part of her hesitation was the task of asking an attractive man to help her with such an intimate task…..Bella was the family flirt, followed closely by Ros, not her. Also, having Aric put the lotion would mean that he would see her full, naked back, up close and personal. That was the biggest reason she was so hesitant, Mallay simply hated people seeing her scars up close. However, she couldn’t do a very good job on her own and it had been too long since her scars had been treated. Suck it up, Mallay, she told herself as she got up and left her quarters, if you’re too chicken to ask him as a friend, then ask him as his CO……yeah, that’s it!

She found Aric, fur still a little damp, in the rec area watching Huttball highlights on the HoloVid. Just do it….fast!

“Sergeant,” Mallay began, then nerves took over making her stutter a little, “I….uh…I need…ummm, a favor….”

“Sergeant, eh,” Aric studied her, watching a faint blush creep across her cheeks, “Somehow, I get the feeling this is going to be good…..sir.” A wicked smirk slowly spread across his face as he looked at his stuttering CO.

Mallay took a deep breath, “This isn’t exactly easy for me, but I need you to help me with something....a little….uh….personal.”

“I kinda figured that much,” he nodded, amusement shining in those laser green eyes, “So, out with it.”

“It’s my scars,” she explained, “a good portion of the left side of my back and shoulder is scarred like my face. I have to put lotion on them regularly or they get dry and irritated. I meant to have Bella do it this morning, but we were a bit rushed. I normally ask a medic or another woman to do it, but….”

“But I’m all you got available,” Aric finished, as he recalled seeing a little of her scars when she wore a tank top the other night, “Relax, I’ll help you. Just tell me what I need to do.”

“Thanks,” she sighed in relief as she handed him the jar, “You just have to put it on and rub it in. The scent is pleasant enough, so hopefully it won’t bother you.”

“I assume I’m not doing this through your shirt,” he nodded as she brought stool over from the galley.

“Uh, no….” Mallay blushed as she sat on the stool with her back facing him. “My scars are kinda bad though,” she warned, glancing back at him, anxiety showing on her face, as she took her shirt off and unhooked her bra.

“Mallay, your scars won’t bother me,” he assured her gently, then couldn’t resist teasing her a little to lighten the mood, “I see your bra matches your nail polish.”

“I like things to match,” Mallay murmured, feeling her face heat up as she gathered her hair up into a quick ponytail.

Aric scooted closer to Mallay, opened the jar, and finally looked at her exposed back. The first thing he noticed was a very elaborate, beautiful tattoo that covered her whole back. He could tell it was designed to conceal her scarring. Nothing could completely hide the damage though and he was shocked to think of what happened to her to cause scarring like that. They didn’t look recent, but he assumed they happened while she was in the military. He scooped some of the lightly sweet citrus and spice smelling lotion out of the jar, a pleasant scent he’d noticed on her before, and began gently rubbing it into her back. He noticed that it absorbed quickly and put more on.

“Stars,” she sighed, “That feels so much better already!”

“How often do you have to do this?”

“I should do it every other day at least,” she explained, “but it’s been three days…..we’ve been busy. It didn’t really bother me that much until after I showered.”

“Well, next time, don’t wait so long,” he told her as he applied a little more to her shoulder, “If your sister isn’t around, I’ll help….just ask.”

“Thanks, Aric.”

“Well, I’m back to ‘Aric,’ so I must be doing a good job,” he teased, then his tone was serious as he went on, “Mallay, what happened to you? Where did you get these scars?”

“I had an accident,” she answered, her tone clearly indicating it wasn’t something she wished to discuss.

Aric felt her tense as soon as he asked and heard the change in her tone. He didn’t want to jeopardize their budding friendship so he decided not to pursue, “Well, I’m sorry you went through whatever gave you those scars.”

“Thanks, Aric….I’m sorry…..it’s just something I don’t like to talk about. As for the ‘Sergeant,’ business earlier….I was a little nervous about asking for such a personal favor,” she explained, blushing a little, “I figured if I asked as your CO, it wouldn’t embarrass me as much.”

“You….embarrassed,” he chuckled as he finished and put the lid back on the jar, “I couldn’t tell.”

Mallay turned and stuck her tongue out at him as she put her shirt back on, “You know you can be really annoying sometimes, right?”

“It’s a good thing that I have a good build, gorgeous green eyes, am warm, and smell nice then,” Aric replied, handing her the jar, “Otherwise I might be in trouble.”

Mallay rolled her eyes at him, “Yes, well I’m afraid your awesome presence is about to make me swoon so I better go get some sleep before we get to Port Raga.”

“That’s not a bad idea,” he agreed, “I’m feeling a little tired as well. How much time do we have before arriving?”

“Last time I checked we had about seven hours, but that was over an hour ago,” she told him, “I’m going to set an alarm to get me up in five hours, I can wake you if you want.”

“Thanks,” he nodded, turning off the HoloVid and getting up.

Roughly five and a half hours later, Mallay dressed in her under armor, packed her backpack, and was in the crew quarters, leaning over her sleeping Sergeant. She had a very nice view of his backside since he was sleeping on his stomach with no covers on, Bella’s right, he does have a fantastic butt!

“Aric,” she whispered, gently squeezing his shoulder, “time to get up.”

“We there?” he grunted.

“Almost,” she told him, “we’ll be dropping out of hyperspace in about fifteen minutes. We have to contact Garza before approaching Port Raga.”

“Alright, I’m getting up,” he muttered, rolling over onto his back and rubbing his eyes, “please tell me there’s caffa.”

“It should be finished brewing by now,” she grinned, “I didn’t know how much you normally drink, but I made a full pot.”

Mallay figured he was awake enough to stay that way and went into the galley to grab a mug of caffa before heading to the cockpit. She was sitting at the helm, buckling the last of her plating when Aric joined her. He set down his caffa and began putting his plating on as Mallay took them out of hyperspace. They could see Port Raga in the far distance and they both went down to the ship’s Holo to contact General Garza.

“Lieutenant,” Garza answered immediately, “I was expecting you to be arriving around this time.”

“We just dropped out of hyperspace, sir,” Mallay informed the general, “Port Raga is in the far distance.”

“Good,” Garza nodded, “Sergeant Jaxo is heading up the team that went out ahead of you. I’m sending her a message now. Her team will be doing their best to keep your arrival a secret…..” they heard a beep and Garza glanced down and nodded, “they’re ready, Lieutenant. Go ahead and dock at one of the side airlocks, then rendezvous with Sergeant Jaxo inside. She’ll brief you on the situation. Good luck to you both. Garza out.”

Aric had finished putting his plating on as he listened to the conversation and as soon as Mallay signed off, they both went back up to the cockpit. Mallay carefully approached Port Raga and docked at one of the small airlocks. They went to the weapon’s closet, grabbed their assault cannons and backpacks, Aric having packed his before going to bed, and exited the ship.

They found Sergeant Jaxo and a couple other members of her team just inside the docking bay.

“Lieutenant Lauren, Sergeant Jorgan,” she greeted them, “Nice to see you both again.”

“You too, Sergeant,” Mallay smiled, “so, what’s the scoop?”

“Oh, we have a good time in the making for you, sir,” Jaxo replied, “We’ve managed to keep your arrival a secret, but were pretty sure Wraith has an eye out and this place isn’t exactly hopping with people. That means you’re bound to be noticed when you leave this corridor. My team is spread around the station, and one has hijacked the security monitors. They’ll contact me if Wraith’s spotted anywhere.”

Mallay nodded, “and the Senator?”

“That’s where the fun begins,” Jaxo sighed, “Wraith has him held up in one of the cargo holds with explosives. We haven’t seen them up close, but we do know that while there isn’t enough there to blow the whole station, anyone inside that hold will be history.”

“Has she contacted anyone or made any demands yet?” Mallay asked.

“Not a peep so far as we know,” Jaxo admitted, “sorry.”

“Well, I guess we’ll find out soon enough,” Mallay sighed, “Thanks, Jaxo.”

“No problem, Lieutenant,” she replied, “You guys stay safe.”

Mallay turned to Jorgan and a deadly look crossed her face, “You ready to bag our first traitor and rescue the Senator?”

“Absolutely,” Aric assured her, “Are you going to keep your word to Kardan and bring her in alive, sir?”

“Let’s just say that I’ll give her the opportunity to come in peacefully, but my heart won’t be in it,” Mallay replied, “and I really, really hope she refuses.”

“If anyone asks,” Aric grinned as an almost feral look came over his face, “I’ll say you gave it your best shot.”

“Thank you, Sergeant,” Mallay told him, relieved that he seemed to want them dead as much as she did, “I’m glad to have your support.”

The corridor led to the main hanger, which they quickly discovered was full of Imperials and Republic traitors. They were immediately spotted and the fight was on. Mallay knew Wraith was bound to be tipped off to their presence and hoped she wouldn’t flee with the senator, or worse, detonate the explosives. She and Jorgan worked as quickly as they possibly could, having gotten a very effective routine down, without melting their weapons, wanting to get to that cargo hold fast.

They left no survivors in the hanger and ran down the corridor leading to the cargo hold. Mallay was relieved to see that the hold was still intact, but they had to fight several more Imperials and Republic traitors inside. They got their first glance at Senator Krazul and were horrified to see him sitting in a chair, barely visible under the explosives that were strapped to it. Mallay and Aric very carefully dispatched the enemies inside the hold and as soon as they were finished, they went over to the senator.

“Well, it’s about time someone got here,” the large Cathar growled as soon as Mallay removed the gag from him.

“Hello to you, too, Senator Krazul,” Mallay retorted as she anxiously studied the explosives, “and you’re welcome, by the way.”

“I’ll thank you when we’re out of here,” he growled.

“Where’s Wraith?” Mallay asked, “and what did she want? What was her plan with all of this?”

“That traitorous little rat scurried off like the vermin she is as soon as she heard you fighting her minions in the hanger,” Krazul told her, “she wanted me to go on record admitting what really happened on Ando Prime. She kept going on about how the Senate abandoned Havoc and demanding to know why we did it.”

“I wouldn’t mind knowing the answer to that question myself,” Mallay narrowed her gaze at him.

“We didn’t abandon Havoc,” he sputtered, “Havoc abandoned us! They were jeopardizing the peace treaty and causing the Empire to take notice. We couldn’t allow anyone to go in after them….that would’ve given the Imperials all the reason they needed to say we broke the treaty. It could’ve started the war back up!”

“So basically, you left the Republic’s best Spec Forces squad to die in order to cover your own asses?!” Mallay shot back, “You know, I chose this career, and am honored to serve the Republic. I never expect a thank you for following orders or doing my duty…...but to be so callously discarded, like a piece of garbage, well that’s a lot for even the most loyal soldier to take. I’m so tempted to just leave you here to die like you left them!”

“Sir,” Jorgan growled, knowing his CO was right in a way, but couldn’t allow her to sacrifice a public figure to settle a personal grievance.

“Don’t worry, Sergeant,” Mallay snapped, “I’m not going to leave him here, as much as I’d like to right now……I’m not that heartless, just really pissed off. Besides, letting him die might get me into trouble and he’s definitely not worth that.”

“I figured you’d see reason,” Krazul told her, that same annoying, know it all look on his face that Jorgan regularly wore back on Ord, “Now, I really hope you know how to diffuse this thing!”

Stars, that must be a Cathar thing….or maybe just an annoying a**hole thing, Mallay thought as she turned to Jorgan, “My knowledge of bomb diffusing is pretty limited, Sergeant. What about you?”

“It’s been a while,” he admitted, studying the explosives, “but I did take a few courses in the academy and learned a few things from Fuse back on Ord.”

“Well, I defer to you then,” Mallay nodded, “I took medic courses whenever I had extra time slots available and this is way more advanced than anything I’ve encountered in the field.”

Aric carefully studied Wraith’s handiwork, noticing that everything had a switch that would signal a remote. He figured Wraith had that remote wherever she was and that she’d detonate the bomb if any signal went off. There was also the obvious pressure plate, which would detonate the bomb if the Senator tried to get up. He finally noticed something that might work, “There’s a pressure plate we might be able to trick, but that would mean sealing the hold and shutting down the atmospheric controls to create a vacuum. There’s a risk though….the pressure plate’s also on a timer, I can see it on the back of the chair, so if it fails, the timer will detonate the bomb. I remember Fuse talking about something like this. It’s a failsafe timer, usually about thirty seconds. I don’t know if we’ll get far enough away in that amount of time.”

Mallay began pacing, not paying attention to where she was going, and tripped over an Imperial corpse. She shot a glare at the snickering Senator and her laughing Sergeant as she got up, but then she had an idea, “Hey, what if we only needed a few seconds?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, we seal the room, shut down the controls, swap one of these bodies for the senator, then turn the controls back on,” Mallay explained, “We can drag a body over to the senator, you hold it up and get ready, I seal the room and shut off the controls. As soon as you see that timer ticking, Krazul can get up, you set the body on the chair, and I’ll turn the controls back on.”

“That might work…..nice thinking, sir,” Aric grinned at his CO, “hope you’re not squeamish, Senator.”

“I can handle it,” he assured them, “I just want to get out of here.”

“Let’s do it then,” Mallay nodded, “Just to be on the safe side, let’s use one of these bigger guys…..I don’t know if the pressure plate is weight sensitive or not.”

“Good call,” Aric nodded, “that guy you tripped over looks similar size to the Senator.”

Aric hoisted the body over his shoulder while Mallay went over and sealed the hold doors. Then she went over to the controls and Aric got into position right next to the Senator where he could easily see the timer.

“We need to move quickly, you ready Senator?” Aric asked Krazul.

“I’m ready,” he answered.

“Shut it down, sir.” Aric called out, watching the timer and Mallay complied. As soon as he saw the timer light up and begin counting down he told Krazul to get up. Krazul got up quickly and Aric set the body down on the chair, “Okay, turn it back on.”

Mallay hit the switch and a few seconds later, the timer stopped counting down, “It worked,” Aric grinned, “we’re good!”

“Thank the stars,” Mallay sighed, “He might be an annoying git, but I really didn’t want him to die.”

“Well, at least I have the common sense to know not to eat food from street vendors,” Krazul snorted.

“Really?!” Mallay retorted, “You sure you want to go there right now? Because we still have to get out of here, you know.”

“I’m willing to bet we’ll probably have company,” Aric told them.

“My thoughts as well,” Mallay nodded grabbing a rifle from one of the corpses, “Can you shoot, Senator?”

“It’s been a while,” he admitted, “but I had some military training.”

“Just stay close,” Mallay instructed, tossing the rifle to him, “Hopefully we won’t encounter anyone, but I get the feeling that’s wishful thinking.”

Mallay opened the hold doors and there were enemy troops entering the corridor. Mallay charged in, tossing out one of her new toys, a plasma grenade at one of the soldiers in the middle of the group. It exploded on contact, igniting the soldiers around him as well.

“Oh, sir,” Aric grinned, appreciation in his tone as he spread cannon fire across the corridor, “Please tell me you have more of those!”

“Oh, I got a lot more!” Mallay laughed, “I think I just found my new favorite thing!”

Thanks to Mallay’s fine taste in ordinance, they made their way back to the main hanger without taking any damage. Sergeant Jaxo and her team were waiting for them.

“I see you rescued our friend,” she called out as they approached, “The hanger’s secure and my pilot is moving our ship in here.”

“Who are these people?!” Krazul nodded at Jaxo and her team.

“It’s alright, they’re Spec Forces,” Mallay assured him, rolling her eyes, “This is Sergeant Jaxo. She and her team followed you here, gathered intel, and helped us make preparations to extract you.”

“Great, more of Garza’s people,” he muttered, “I guess I’m going to owe her one for this.”

“Any signs of Wraith?” Mallay asked Jaxo, “Senator Krazul said she left when she heard Jorgan and I fighting her troops in the hanger.”

“She’s gone,” Jaxo sighed, “and she’s a slippery one. No one spotted her until her ship took off, and we had eyes everywhere!”

“I’ll catch up to her eventually,” Mallay promised, “and she’ll go down like the rest of those traitors.”

“I have no doubt of that, sir,” Jaxo grinned, “General Garza wants you to contact her as soon as you take off. She has another assignment for you so I get the pleasure of taking our charming friend home to the loving arms of his wife and family.”

“Someone married him?!” Mallay giggled, “What was she thinking?”

“No clue,” Jaxo grinned, “They say love is blind…..must be deaf too!”

“That wasn’t nice, sir,” Jorgan scolded.

“Nope,” Mallay agreed, “but General Garza never told me I needed to be nice.”

“I don’t recall her telling me I needed to be nice either,” Jaxo nodded, “Anyways, you guys stay safe, maybe we’ll get to work together again sometime!”

“I’d be happy to have your assistance again, Sergeant,” Mallay replied, “You stay safe out there too…..and good luck with the Senator.”

“You didn’t have to be so snotty with the Senator, sir,” Jorgan told her as they headed back to their ship.

“Look, I’m working on the whole temper and making nice thing,” Mallay began, “but he sat there and admitted, without remorse mind you, that they left Havoc to die just to cover their asses. You may be able to ignore that, but I can’t.”

“I know, sir, and that troubles me too,” Aric admitted, “but we still need good relations with the Senate and even Garza will tell you that.”

“I know and you’re right,” Mallay sighed, “I’ll try harder to play nice with the Senators.”

“Wait…..what was that?”

“What?”

“That thing you just said?”

“I’ll try harder to play nice with the Senators.”

“No, the part before that…..I could’ve sworn you just told me I was right. Can you repeat that part?”

“Stars, I hate you sometimes!”

“but I was right…..”

“Yes, you were right…..happy now?”

“Yes, I’m very pleased in fact….”

“Smug bastard…..”

“Pouty princess….”

“Jerk….”

“Baby…”

I hope people don't mind that I had Jorgan be the one to work on the bomb.....I figure he needed more of a role in things than he was given and Mallay can't know everything!

“Captain,” Risha called out as Bella was heading to the cockpit, “I have a call coming in from our favorite scumbag.”

They’d been docked at Carrick Station for the past twelve hours, stocking up on supplies. Corso found some better gear and picked up some clothes. Risha finished making arrangements for their job on Taris, and Bella restocked the galley and picked up some medical supplies.

“Oh, by all means,” Bella smirked, “put it through to the ship’s holo.”

“This should be fun….. I’m kinda surprised it took him this long to contact me,” Risha grinned as Skavak’s image appeared on the Holo, “Hiya Skavak, what’s up? I take it you know the Captain here?”

“You’re not going to be so amused when I catch up to you,” Skavak retorted.

“Blah, blah, blah…..” Bella drawled, sounding a little bored, “Since you’re too lazy to actually do anything for yourself, I’m not too worried.”

“You should be worried, Captain,” Skavak told her, “You know those blasters you had in your hold for Rogun? I sold them, so he isn’t going to be too happy with you. Good luck with that!”

“Eh,” Bella shrugged, “I’ll deal with that when the time comes. For now, it seems my time is going to be very well occupied with a treasure hunt.”

“Yeah, Skavak,” Risha smirked, “The Captain and I decided to go into business together. So we’ll be busy getting rich while you’re stuck…..well….being you.”

“Oh, that was a good one!” Bella giggled.

“I thought so,” Risha grinned.

“Don’t you even think about cutting me out of this deal….” Skavak threatened.

Bella rolled her eyes and made a chomping motion with her hand, “Blah, blah, blah……does he ever shut up?”

“Nope,” Risha shook her head, “but we can shut him up.”

“Good idea,” Bella agreed as she shut off the Holo, cutting the call off, “You all set to leave? I was just on my way to the cockpit.”

“I’m ready,” Risha told her, “Well as ready as someone can get for Taris.”

“Yeah, I looked into that planet,” Bella nodded, “Doesn’t exactly scream vacation destination…….hope this deal goes quickly so we……stars, we’re popular right now,” she rolled her green eyes as her Holo went off.

Bella plugged it into the ship’s Holo and her sister immediately appeared, “Hey, Mallay, what’s up?”

“Hey sis,” Mallay smiled, “You on Taris?”

“Not yet, just about to head there,” Bella answered, “I needed to grab some supplies from Carrick first. That thieving bastard, Skavak went through a good portion of my food and I wanted to install a new security system before going to Taris.”

“We’re headed to Taris as well,” Mallay told her, “Can we meet on your ship when we get there?”

“Sure, sis,” Bella replied, looking concerned, “Something wrong?”

“Not really,” Mallay sighed, “Just something I’d like to discuss with you in person where we’re not likely to be watched.”

“Just call when you land,” Bella nodded.

“Thanks, Bella,” Mallay grinned, “Love you!”

“Love you too!” Bella called out, then disconnected and headed to the cockpit, wondering what that was all about, I guess I’ll find out soon enough.

Nine hours later, Bella was back in the cockpit with a mug of caffa taking the ship out of hyperspace. Corso joined her a few minutes later and they got their first look at Taris in the distance.

“You ready to rough it?” Bella asked, watching and appreciating the way those bronze muscled arms looked in his t-shirt as he bound his still damp dreadlocks, Stars, I'd like to see him without that shirt!.

“That’s not an issue with me, Captain,” Corso grinned, “I always liked camping as a kid and living on a farm isn’t exactly easy living. I’m more worried about those rakghouls I read about.”

“I hear you on that,” Bella nodded, bringing the ship in for a landing as soon as they were cleared, “Hopefully we won’t come across very many of those things.”

As soon as they landed, Bella and Corso went to get the details from Risha who was waiting for them in the cargo hold.

Corso visibly shivered when he walked past the head in the jar, “Please tell me we can get rid of that thing soon……it’s creepy!”

“Sorry, Farm Boy,” Risha smirked, “I don’t think we’ll be ditching that thing anytime soon. As for Taris, your contact is an old acquaintance of mine, Beryl Thorne.”

“You coming with us then?” Bella asked.

“Not this time,” Risha sighed, “One of the contingencies of this deal was that Beryl doesn’t have to see me.”

“I sense a bad history there,” Bella raised an eyebrow.

“Let’s just say that we used to work together and a deal went sour,” Risha admitted, “I got away but she got caught and has been pissed at me since. I swear, there was nothing I could do and I won’t apologize for saving my own skin.”

“Fair enough,” Bella nodded, “but remember this, I’m no different from you, Risha. I’m going to cover my own a** before I worry about yours……got it.”

“Loud and clear, Captain,” Risha replied, “and I can respect that. Anyways, Beryl has been working on locating a vault for me. This vault contains astrogation charts that were sealed inside before the bombing of Taris. We need those charts to find Nok’s treasure.”

“How do you know the vault survived intact?” Bella narrowed her eyes at the other woman and Corso nodded his agreement, “I don’t want to be traipsing all over the ruins of Taris only to find out this vault was destroyed.”

“That vault was designed to withstand everything short of a planetary meltdown,” Risha assured them, “It’ll be intact……the biggest issue is locating it, getting to it, and getting it open. Also, Skavak knows about the vault, so we have to do this quickly.”

“It won’t bother me if we run into that scumbag,” Bella snorted, “I’m looking forward to killing him.”

“I understand that,” Risha replied, “but you know that coward isn’t likely to actually come here himself or make himself known if he does.”

“She’s got a point, Captain,” Corso sighed.

“Well, first thing’s first,” Bella told them, “Corso and I will go meet with Beryl and find out what’s what. Then we’ll come back here and get ourselves ready for whatever we need to do. Hopefully Mallay will have called by then and I can meet with her real quick before we head out for this vault.”

“I’m ready whenever you are, Captain.”

“I’m ready now,” Bella told him, then turned to Risha, “By the way, I installed a new security system last night. You seem like someone I can get along with, but you were Skavak’s partner. I know you don’t like him, but you have to understand that there’s going to be trust issues as a result. I don’t ever want to see my ship taking off without me on it again, so if anyone tries to launch this ship without putting in my codes first, it’ll completely shut down for twelve hours.”

“Fair enough,” Risha nodded, “see you soon.”

As soon as Corso and Bella exited her ship, they were stopped by an officer with a couple of soldiers.

“I’m Agent Soganti with the Republic Customs office,” the officer introduced himself, “What brings you to my planet, Captain?”

I hope none of that stuff Risha has in the hold is illegal, Bella thought, kicking herself for not asking her new partner about that, “Your planet…….I thought Taris was Republic territory.”

“When you have as many responsibilities ad I do, you develop a sense of ownership about a planet,” Officer Soganti explained, “The Republic Customs Office monitors all starship traffic and ensures no illegal goods are transported on or off this planet. There’s a lot of contraband making its way around Taris. If you see anything suspicious, I suggest you report it immediately.”

“Oh, I’d never even consider being around contraband, officer,” Bella drawled him, giving him her most radiant smile.

“Yeah, you have solid citizen written all over you,” Soganti snorted, I take a special interest in every new arrival to my planet, Captain. Keep your nose clean and we won’t have any trouble……clear?”

“Do you give this speech to everyone?” Bella retorted, miffed that her charms seemed to have no effect on the officer......a rare occurrence indeed!

“Just the ones I think need to hear it,” Soganti fired back, as he turned to leave the hanger, “Enjoy your visit to Taris, Captain.”

“This is going to be fun,” Bella sighed after Soganti left, “I can already tell……remind me to ask Risha about our cargo when we get back.”

“Good thinking,” Corso replied, happy that the officer didn’t want to check the hold this time.

They made their way out of the spaceport and were assaulted by a strong smell as they got their first glimpse of Taris.

“Smells worse than a locker room after a Huttball match!” Corso choked, covering his nose.

“Definitely not the most pleasant smell I’ve ever come across,” Bella agreed, “and somehow I don’t think it’s going to improve as we go along.”

They found Beryl’s warehouse and went in, finding the young woman in the small office upstairs with a protocol droid that had seen better days.

“Beryl Thorne?” Bella called out.

“You must be Risha’s new partner,” Beryl nodded, “I recognize you from the Holo she sent.”

“She said you can help us locate a vault,” Bella prompted, hoping this would go quickly, a little anxious to get back and warn Risha about that customs agent.

“I can,” Beryl replied, “However, let’s get one thing straight, the only reason I agreed to help is because my contract supplying the Taris reclamation project is at risk. It looked like easy credits, but as it turns out, Taris is anything but easy and there are lots of interesting ways to die.”

“Yup, this sounds like a fun planet alright,” Bella rolled her eyes.

“Fun isn’t the word I’d use,” Beryl sighed, “If I don’t finish my contract, I don’t get paid. My partner, Tyrodall, died on a supply run and that put me in a real bind. I can find your vault, but I have to finish my contract to do it. So here’s how it goes…….you work for me and I’ll work for you. Deal?”

“Do I have a choice?” Bella retorted, her irritation plainly apparent. The last thing she wanted to do was extra errands……time was of the essence.

“You can always wander around and hope to bump in the vault by accident,” Beryl shrugged, “I only have two deliveries left. As soon as you handle them, we’ll find your vault.”

“Alright,” Bella sighed, accepting that she was likely going to see more of Taris than she really wanted to, “give me the details.”

“The first job’s for a Republic scientist, Dr. Vernan,” Beryl explained, “He’s got a research camp in rakghoul territory.”

“Are you nuts?!” Bella cried, “You’ve got to be kidding, right…..tell me that was a joke!”

“I wish it were,” Beryl replied, “I have no idea what man’s thinking living with those man eaters around……I get the shivers just thinking about it. I’ll get started locating that vault while you make the delivery……isn’t cooperation fun?!”

“Oh, it’s just karking fantastic!” Bella snorted, “Come on, Corso, let’s go back to the ship and put on gear that’s a little more bite resistant……maybe see if someone’s invented rakghoul repellant.”

“Right behind you, Captain,” Corso assured her, nearly bumping into her when she stopped suddenly.

“Hello again, Captain,” Agent Soganti called out, “I didn’t know you and Thorne here were acquainted.”

“Agent Soganti, what a lovely surprise,” Beryl rolled her eyes, “It’s only been a day since your last inquisition…..I mean inspection. Don’t you Republic customs boys have better things to do than turn my warehouse upside-down…..again?!”

“I can inspect this warehouse whenever I want…..it’s the law.”

“Take Dr. Vernan’s delivery, Captain, there’s no reason for you to stick around,” Beryl assured her when she saw the concerned look on Bella’s face, “Don’t worry, just between you and me…….Soganit’s a very lonely man.”

Corso and Bella left the warehouse and on the way back to the spaceport, Bella’s Holo went off.

“Heya sis,” Bella smiled, “I was hoping I’d hear from you soon.”

“Yeah, we’ll be landing on Taris in a few minutes. Do you have time to meet with me?” Mallay asked, “I promise, it’ll only take a few minutes.”

“Sure thing, Mallay. Just come on over when you’re ready,” Bella replied, “Corso and I are just getting ready to head out into the lovely wilds of Taris.”

“Thanks, sis,” Mallay nodded, “We’ll be there shortly.”

“What do you think that’s about?” Corso asked after Bella disconnected.

“I’m not sure,” Bella admitted, “but something’s troubling her, I can tell.”

As soon as Mallay and Aric boarded their ship, Mallay contacted General Garza and debriefed her on what went down on Port Raga. Garza was pleased that they were able to rescue Senator Krazul, but dismayed that Wraith escaped. The stern general wasn’t surprised that the cunning traitor got away undetected, however and assured Mallay that she’d made the right choice. Mallay promised that Wraith would not escape her for long. Garza had news for them, her team had managed to pinpoint the first location and ordered Mallay and Aric to Taris. As soon as Mallay signed off, Aric headed into the refresher to shower while Mallay set course for Taris.

With Senator Krazul’s words and the traitors on her mind, Mallay decided to contact Bella before making the jump to hyperspace. She’d come up with an idea, a contingency plan of sorts, of how to cover themselves in case something like Ando Prime happened to her, Jorgan, and the future members of Havoc Squad.

“Hey, Mallay, what’s up?” Bella’s image grinned at her.

“Hey sis,” Mallay smiled, “You on Taris?”

“Not yet, just about to head there,” Bella answered, “I needed to grab some supplies from Carrick first. That thieving bastard, Skavak went through a good portion of my food and I wanted to install a new security system before going to Taris.”

“We’re headed to Taris as well,” Mallay told her, “Can we meet on your ship when we get there?”

“Sure, sis,” Bella replied, looking concerned, “Something wrong?”

“Not really,” Mallay sighed, “Just something I’d like to discuss with you in person where we’re not likely to be watched.”

“Just call when you land,” Bella nodded.

“Thanks, Bella,” Mallay grinned, “Love you!”

“Love you too!” Bella called out and Mallay disconnected.

Mallay just turned to go back up to the cockpit to make the jump to hyperspace when a call came in on the Holo. Wondering who’d be calling, Mallay quickly answered.

“Heya sis!” Ros grinned, her amused silver eyes looking around, “Where’s your boyfriend?”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” Mallay retorted, “I was about to hit hyperspace, what’s up?”

“We just tried to call Bella,” Lissa explained, “but she’s not answering.”

“She’s probably in hyperspace then,” Mallay nodded, “I just talked to her a few minutes ago and she was getting ready to make the jump. I was about to do the same……is something wrong?”

“Nah,” Ros assured her, “We just wanted to let her know that Waarin and Tarin made it here safely and are settled in. Master Ny’laan stayed the night and mentioned he’d gotten to see you and Bella on Coruscant.”

“Hey, you guys talking to Bella and Mallay,” Kit called out, her cute face appearing a second later, “Hey Mallay……where’s your boyfriend?”

“Will you shut up about that?!” Mallay hissed looking around, hoping her lone squad mate was still in the shower, “For the hundredth time, Aric……”

“Oh, she called him Aric,” Ros sighed dramatically, making kissing noises as she leaned her head on her twin’s shoulder, “she's in loooooove….”

“Definitely,” Kit giggled, joining her older sister making kissing noises as Lissa rolled her eyes at her twin, shoving her away.

“I AM NOT IN LOVE!” Mallay shouted, blushing furiously, “HE’S NOT MY BOYFRIEND!”

“Oh, honey,” Aric whispered in her ear, having snuck up behind her, “Did I do something wrong?”

Aric, Ros, Lissa, and Kit all laughed when Mallay screamed, “That’s not funny!” she snapped, shoving him away from her, “You scared the crap out of me……jerk!”

“As for the rest of you,” she rounded on her laughing sisters, “Is there anything else or can I hang up on you brats now?”

“Nope,” Ros giggled, completely unfazed by her older sister, “That was it. Love you, sis!”

“You know, Mallay,” Lissa sighed, her silver eyes twinkling, “They only pick on you because you react so favorably. Maybe you should just try to ignore their teasing.”

“Easy for you to say,” Mallay retorted, “You’re not the one getting picked on most of the time……and I do seem to recall you force lifting Ros when she teased us about our lack of……assets.”

“Eh,” Lissa shrugged, “No one’s perfect……even Jedi react sometimes. You stay safe out there, Mallay. Love you!”

“Love you, too Lissa……and you Kit,” Mallay smiled, “Hopefully I’ll see you soon!” Mallay signed off, turning to glare at her still amused Sergeant before heading to the cockpit, “You know, I could stick you with the cooking for being disrespectful, buster.”

“You could, I suppose,” Aric mused, a wicked glint in his eyes, “but I can guarantee you probably wouldn’t want to eat it. You’re looking at a guy who’s lived off military rations for the past ten years because he can’t cook.”

“Gross, really?!” Mallay blanched, “No wonder you’re so cranky!”

Mallay giggled at the rude gesture Aric flashed her as she bounded up the stairs to the cockpit. She plotted course for Taris and put the ship into hyperdrive. Then a wicked idea entered her mind and with a smile on her face, Mallay went into the galley.

A couple of hours later, Aric couldn’t stand it anymore. The wonderful smells coming from the galley were distracting him from the game. He switched off the HoloVid and decided to go heat up a dinner ration, knowing that devious little CO of his was paying him back for his teasing earlier. He entered the galley just in time to see Mallay spooning some noodles on a plate. Refusing to give her the satisfaction of knowing her awful plan was working, Aric ignored her and pulled a dinner ration out of the freezer. He turned to go to the microwave and couldn’t help but see her slowly spooning a thick ronto stew over the noodles on her plate. The divine aroma was enough to make his mouth water and his stomach growl. Aric looked up to see Mallay grinning with a slender brow raised at him.

Mallay peeked over at the frozen dinner in his hands, “Stars, that looks revolting!” Then an impish grin crossed her face as she looked him in the eye and put a forkful of her dinner in her mouth, “Mmmmmm,” she murmured thickly, swallowing, “I’m so glad I can cook…….I’d hate to be stuck eating frozen military rations.”

“Oh, come on!” Aric called out as she went over to the table, “That’s just mean!”

“That’s not mean,” Mallay smirked, “Mean would be if I told you there’s a pie in the oven that I’m going to eat for desert……oh wait, there is. I guess I’m mean then.”

“I take it back,” Aric growled, “You’re not mean…….you’re downright evil!”

Mallay finally took pity on her Sergeant after seeing the sad, pitiful, defeated look on his face as he took his dinner over to the microwave. “Put that nasty thing back in the freezer, Aric,” she giggled, “I made enough for both of us.”

“You serious?” Aric asked, looking hopeful and Mallay was suddenly hit with the realization that she found the Cathar’s face appealing, especially when he smiled at her.

“Yes,” Mallay nodded, trying to squelch the warm feeling in her tummy, “Your pathetic face won me over…..this time.”

“You mean you’re not always going to cook?”

“Tell you what,” Mallay proposed, “I’ll do the cooking……when I have the time, and you take care of seeing to our weapons and armor and help out with the occasional paperwork…….I’m not used to filling that stuff out.”

“Oh, you got a deal!” Aric grinned as he sat across from her and took a huge bite, “Wow, this is fantastic!”

“There’s one more thing…….remember back on Coruscant when we were in the taxi headed for the Justicar Sector and I was deep in thought…..” Mallay sighed, that warm feeling sneaking back with his smile.

“and I asked you if there was anything you wanted to share,” Aric finished, “You told me you wanted to talk to me in private.”

“Yeah, but not here,” Mallay told him, “When we get to Taris, I want you to dress in civilian clothes, nothing military and come with me to Bella’s ship. I know it sounds confusing, but I need you to trust me……can you do that?”

Aric regarded her for a moment, and nodded, “I trust you, Mallay.”

Ten hours later, a freshly showered Mallay, dressed in civilian clothes was in the cockpit taking the ship out of hyperspace. She could see Taris in the distance and went downstairs to contact General Garza.

“We’re ready to land on Taris, General,” Mallay said as soon as Garza answered.

“Excellent, Lieutenant,” Garza nodded, “I sent you some information on Taris when you left Port Raga, did you get it?”

“I did, sir,” Mallay nodded, “and both Sergeant Jorgan and I read it over.”

“Good. Your contact on Taris is Colonel Gaff,” Garza explained, “He will be expecting your arrival and is aware that you are with Spec Forces on a classified, special assignment for me. He does not need any further information, is that clear, Lieutenant?”

“Understood, sir,” Mallay nodded.

“I’m afraid we have little information to work with at this time, Lieutenant,” Garza sighed, “If I find out anything more, I’ll contact you immediately, otherwise, follow any leads on unusual activity that you can find. Hopefully there will be something to lead us to one of the traitors……Garza out.”

“Not much to go on is there?” Aric shook his head after Mallay sighed off.

“No,” Mallay sighed as she put in her sister’s frequency, “and that’s what bothers me. The only thing we know is that Taris is in ruins and a very dangerous place overrun with Pirates, Rakghouls, and swamps.”

“Heya sis,” Bella’s image smiled, “I was hoping I’d hear from you soon.”

“Yeah, we’ll be landing on Taris in a few minutes. Do you have time to meet with me?” Mallay asked, “I promise, it’ll only take a few minutes.”

“Sure thing, Mallay. Just come on over when you’re ready,” Bella replied, “Corso and I are just getting ready to head out into the lovely wilds of Taris.”

“Thanks, sis,” Mallay nodded, “We’ll be there shortly.”

A little while later, Mallay and Aric, both dressed in civilian clothing were boarding Bella’s ship. Corso and Aric followed the girls to the rec room. Mallay pulled out a datapad and handed it to her sister when they all sat.

“I want you to keep this in a safe place, Bella,” Mallay explained, “Aric, this is my way of protecting our Squad from things like what happened on Ando Prime. From now on, anytime Havoc is ordered into enemy territory, or sent out on a questionable mission, I will activate my cybernetic to record those orders and the data will be automatically sent to that datapad. Bella, if something ever happens to me and my squad, that datapad might come in handy. I am NOT afraid to serve and die for the Republic, but I refuse to have my squad made into a scapegoat or simply thrown away to save some politician’s a*s.”

“Good for you, Mallay,” Bella nodded, “and I promise, I’ll keep it safe and if something ever happens to you and your squad, those karking Politicians and General Garza will have to deal with me.”

“Thanks, Bella,” Mallay hugged her sister, “Now, we have to get going and meet our contact. Stay safe out there, sis, and call me when you’re back for the night.”

“I will,” Bella replied as they walked to the door, “You be safe out there as well!”

“So…..what do you think?” Mallay asked Aric as they returned to their ship.

“I think it’s a good idea actually,” Aric nodded, “Tavus and the others may be traitors to the Republic, but what happened to them was wrong and I’m glad you’re trying to protect us from that. You’re shaping up to be a good leader after all.”

“Wait……did I just hear that right? Can you repeat that last part?”

“I think you heard it the first time,” Aric smirked at her, “Just try not to let it go to your head, alright.”

“Not at all, Sergeant,” Mallay winked, then began singing, “You really like me…..you think I’m awesome…..cause I’m so smart……”

“Now who’s annoying?!” Aric rolled his eyes and gave her a little nudge.

“You!” Mallay retorted as she shoved him back and bolted for their ship.

Half an hour later, Mallay and Aric were in their armor and walking into the Republic Military Headquarters. An older, balding man, his stripes indicating he was the Colonel, was standing with a couple of other men when Mallay and Aric entered the room. He spotted them and a dark look came over his face.

“Lieutenant Lauren and Sergeant Jorgan reporting in on behalf of General Garza,” Mallay saluted.

“Well, well, General Garza graces us with her finest,” he sneered, earning a chuckle from his cronies. “At ease,” he nodded when Mallay saluted, “I’m Colonel Gaff and these are my senior officers. Your CO sent orders to do whatever is necessary to support your mission. Of course she didn’t see fit to give me any details of said mission. Care to enlighten me, Lieutenant?”

“I’m afraid that’s classified, sir,” Mallay insisted, fighting to keep her temper in check, pompous a*s!

“How typical,” Gaff replied snidely, “Forget the reconstruction of Taris…..I’ve got to shift everything around and help with some ‘Top Secret Mission’ nonsense.

Out of the corner of her eye, Mallay spotted another officer at a small terminal watching Gaff closely, her green eyed gaze narrowed at the senior officer, she knows something.

“Well, whatever Garza has you looking for, you won’t find it on Taris, Lieutenant,” Gaff insisted, clearly not wanting to be bothered, “There hasn’t been any unusual activity here since I took command, Lieutenant.”

The young woman stepped forward at that, “Patrol teams three, five, and eight………all lost, all without explanation,” she called out.

Imperial! Mallay tensed at the sound of her voice, but shoved her unease and the rapidly surfacing memories aside as her words sunk in.

“Sergeant Dorne,” Gaff snapped, “I don’t recall giving you permission to speak!”

“Forgive me, sir,” Dorne replied, “but I wasn’t speaking to you, I was speaking to the Lieutenant as per General Garza’s instructions. Are you ordering me to violate Code seventy-three bee and ignore the General’s directive, Colonel?”

“Always got a regulation to quote, don’t you Sergeant Dorne,” Gaff bristled, his cronies once again snickering as they shot dirty looks at the young blond woman.

Her accent may be Imperial, but I kinda like her! Mallay turned to Gaff, narrowing her eyes, “I don’t like being lied to……..Colonel.”

“Watch your tone……Lieutenant,” Gaff snapped as he leaned in closer, lowering his voice, “I don’t take kindly to young little upstarts and Taris is a dangerous place. No matter what Dorne says, people disappear all the time, civs, patrol teams……Spec Forces officers that don’t know their proper place…..”

Mallay could almost feel Aric tense up behind her and there was no mistaking the dangerous growl that came from him. Colonel Gaff definitely noticed and took a step back, “Now if you’ll excuse me, Lieutenant, I’ve got a planet to run. Carry on with your ‘Secret Mission’ and poke around all you want, but try not to muck up anything important.”

“Apologies, sir,” Sergeant Dorne broke the tense silence once Gaff and his cronies left, “I’m Elara Dorne, Sergeant first class, commander of Search and Rescue Squad Two-Oh-Four. Colonel Gaff isn’t the easiest person to deal with and he’s wrong. We have three patrol teams and all of them are MIA.”

“Do you have any theories on what might have happened?” Mallay asked.

“I’m afraid not, sir,” Dorne answered, “We haven’t been able to put together a team to investigate properly. Taris is a dangerous place, and disappearances on swamp patrols are not uncommon. Rakghouls account for approximately eighty-seven percent of casualties, but those patrol teams I mentioned were different. There were no signs of Rakghouls in the areas where they disappeared……someone else attacked those teams. If you’re looking for unusual activity, this is it.”

“I appreciate your help, and we’ll investigate, Sergeant,” Mallay nodded, turning to Aric with a smirk, “Ready to explore the wonders of Taris, Jorgan?”

“Well, sir,” Aric snorted, “It will be interesting to see if we can figure out what’s responsible for that lovely smell….”

“I’ll send you the files on the missing patrols and upload their last known coordinates to your datapad,” Dorne told Mallay, “Taris falls under unexplored/unsecured territory protocols and all armor cams transmit to SAR Command so I’ll be monitoring you while you’re out and will contact you with any developments.”

“Sounds good, Sergeant,” Mallay agreed, “Thank you again for your help.”

“Glad to be of service, sir,” Dorne saluted, then left the room to access the files.

“You alright, sir?” Aric asked Mallay after Dorne was out of the room, noticing she looked a little shaken earlier.

“I’m fine, Sergeant,” Mallay sighed, pushing her memories back down, “I just wasn’t expecting to hear an Imperial accent helping us, that’s all.”

“It threw me off a little,” Aric admitted, “but she seems to know her stuff and is willing to assist. She’s a bit, uh……rigid though.”

“You calling someone rigid?!” Mallay retorted dryly, “Not that I disagree with you, but just a little shocked that someone as uptight as you were on Ord would see someone else as rigid!”

“Disrespectful brat,” Aric muttered as they left HQ.

“Awwww, I guess you don’t want me to cook this evening….”

“Sorry, sir.”

“That’s better, Sergeant,” Mallay nodded, “I’m glad Sergeant Dorne was willing to step up after Gaff’s obvious unwillingness.”

“Arrogant little bastard,” Aric growled, “I have half a mind to report him for that veiled threat, but I’m sure he’ll doctor any recordings.”

“That’s alright, Jorgan,” Mallay grinned, her blue eyes sparkling as she touched her cybernetic, “It just so happens that I decided to test my little plan we talked about on Bella’s ship earlier.”

A wicked smile crossed Aric’s face, “Well played, sir.”

“This place stinks…….literally!” Bella grumbled as she and Corso trudged through the seemingly never-ending swamps in the Republic Resettlement Zone. Shortly after Mallay and Aric left Bella’s ship, her and Corso headed out to make their first delivery for Beryl, some bio-sensor alarms for a research scientist, Dr. Vernan.

“I can’t disagree with you on that,” Corso nodded, then froze when they heard the sudden telltale chittering that told them they’d stumbled across more rakghouls, “Watch it, Captain!” Corso shouted when he finally spotted the group and immediately threw a couple of grenades at them.

Bella quickly found cover and started firing with both blasters, Corso staying right next to her instead of charging in like he normally did. Having read up on the Taris wildlife and after hearing a few horror stories, including a conversation on their way out where a Twi’lek doctor was telling a soldier that he just had to put his comrade down, they were taking no chances of letting any of those diseased creatures close enough to do any damage. A single bite or scratch could infect a person, meaning certain death one way or another. Even if the virus didn’t kill the infected person, they were in danger of turning into one of those very creatures and most people wouldn’t let that happen. Bella and Corso kept firing until the last rakghoul dropped dead, carefully moving around the corpses as they continued on to Dr. Vernan’s camp.

“Nasty smells, not so friendly wildlife, never ending swamps and ruins…..” Bella sighed, smirking at Corso, “Sorta makes me miss Ord Mantell!”

“At least there you didn’t have to worry about turning into a rakghoul,” Corso agreed, smiling back at the snarky beauty leading the way, trying desperately not to notice how nicely her leather pants showed off her backside.

“Nope,” Bella quipped, “Just scumbags and thieves……speaking of which, maybe we’ll get lucky and Skavak is here too. I’d like to see him get bitten by a rakghoul!”

“As long as I get Torchy back, I don’t care how he dies,” Corso shrugged, “but I don’t think we’ll get that lucky though.”

“Yeah, I have to agree with Risha. He doesn’t seem the type to endanger himself more than he has to…….the coward,” Bella muttered, checking her datapad once again. The swampy Taris terrain was riddled with ruins which made it difficult to navigate. Bella was always good with direction, but found herself having to consult the map several times en route to the scientist. “Dr. Vernan’s camp should be up ahead.”

They arrived at what passed for a camp a little while later. The camp consisted of a small tent with bunks set up, a large computer station, and some research equipment. The balding scientist was at the computer, casually narrating a condolences letter when Bella and Corso walked in.

A moment and a loud cough later, the scientist turned to his company, “Apologies…..you must be the freighter Captain Ms. Thorne called me about,” he greeted them warmly, “I was just finishing up a letter of condolence to Dr. Meekt’s wife…..he was one of my researchers who was recently killed in the field. I’m no good at that sort of thing…..was it alright?”

“Well, uh…..the ‘dear Adale’ part was good,” she gave him what hoped was an encouraging smile, “maybe consider going into less detail with exactly how he died…..”

“Ah, yes, I forget sometimes that not everyone is used to some of the gruesome things we deal with in the field here on Taris,” Dr. Vernan nodded, “I appreciate your candor, Captain.”

“Anytime,” Bella grinned, “So, where do you want these alarms?” she asked, gesturing at the devices Corso was taking out of his pack.”

“You can just set them down,” Dr. Vernan instruced, “I have to find someone to install them. Dr. Meekt’s team was supposed to do it, but as you just heard…..”

“They’re not able to now,” Bella finished.

“Precisely,” Dr. Vernan replied.

“So it’s just you out here?” Corso asked, seeing how defenseless the small camp was and unsure if it was the safest place to be conducting research.

“Unfortunately it is now,” Dr. Vernan sighed, seeing the concern on the younger man's face, “The rakghouls weren’t a problem before, usually hibernating during the day. We’d work in the field while the sun was up and then head back to the military base before dusk. However, that changed about a month ago when more contractors arrived. Governer Saresh is going all out with this reconstruction project, but the activity and demolitions have stirred up the rakghouls. Our survey stations would tell us if there was anything stirring nearby as well as collect data so we were still safe for the most part. Unfortunately, there’s been a lot of pirate and scavenger activity in the area lately and last week, they stole some of our equipment and damaged bio-alarms on the stations. Dr. Meekt’s team was out in the field trying to repair some of the damage while we waited for the parts when they were attacked.”

“Should you be out here alone?” Bella asked, having the feeling that the kindly scientist, while probably brilliant with research, was no good in a fight.

“Probably not,” he shook his head sadly, “but I just hate the thought of giving up. One of my colleagues at Aurek base in the next sector, Dr. Cel, is working on a vaccine for the rakghoul virus. She needs some of the data I’m collecting. The data is also helping us determine patterns of activity and behavior, which will in turn help us decide how to safely proceed with the reconstruction and what we need to do about the wildlife.”

“That’s too bad,” Bella replied sincerely, “but it isn’t going to help any if you get killed.”

“I’ll be fine once those bio-alarms are back on the survey stations,” he sighed, “A new team has already been put together and should be leaving Coruscant in a couple of days. Hopefully we can get the alarms installed by then, but we’ll still lose a week.”

Corso looked thoughtful while the scientist spoke, “I’ve worked with slicing kits and perimeter sensors before……are these much different?”

“Not really,” Dr. Vernan answered, looking hopeful, “I could show you what to do if you’d be willing to install them. I have lots of grant money, so I can pay you for your time.”

“I suppose we could give it a shot,” Bella grudgingly agreed, not really wanting to go out into the field where a whole team had been killed, but felt bad for the good doctor who was trying to help the people of Taris. She looked up at the sky and figured they had a few hours left before the sun set, “Let’s work fast though……I want to be back at Olaris before the sun sets.”

A very thankful Dr. Vernan quickly demonstrated what was needed to install the bio-alarms on the survey stations and a little while later, with the tools and devices in their packs, Bella and Corso were setting out for the survey stations. They walked in companionable silence for a little pit, easily following the well-worn path. Corso looked around at the ruins, thinking back to his Peace Brigade days, happy that they were helping the reconstruction effort by assisting Dr. Vernan with his important research.

“I’ve seen some worlds in rough shape before,” Corso broke the silence, “But this is worse than anything I saw in the Peace Brigade.”

“What’s that?”

“A non-profit organization that traveled to war torn worlds to help them recover,” Corso explained, “Kinda like what the Republic is doing here, but on a smaller scale. I joined up with them after my parents were killed. I mostly saw places that the Imperials had decimated in an attempt to take over. Whole communities reduced to ash and rubble, orphans with nowhere to go.”

“That explains why you didn’t hesitate when we found Waarin and Tarin back on Coruscant,” Bella surmised as they approached the first sensor station, “You’ve had experience helping orphans before.”

“That and I know what it’s like,” Corso told her, his voice catching a little as he looked away.

Bella studied his handsome face for a moment, troubled that looked so sad, then turned her attention to her backpack, digging out the tools they needed. She knew what it was like to lose family to violence, but like Mallay, she hated to talk about it…….especially to strangers. However, Corso didn’t feel like a stranger anymore……he was quickly becoming a friend and a very kind, caring one at that. Maybe he doesn’t have the trust issues I have……maybe he needs to open up about it.

“I know you lost your parents to the Seps,” Bella finally spoke up, handing the tools to Corso, who immediately got to work installing the bio-alarm, “Imps killed my Dad when I was sixteen, so I know what that feels like. I’m so sorry you had to go through something like that, Corso, and I’m pretty good at listening if you want to talk about it. I’ll understand if you don’t though…..I hate talking about my Dad.”

“I don’t talk about it much,” Corso admitted after he finished with the alarm, his voice sounding sad and far away, “but it’s been on my mind a lot lately. Seeing you interacting with your family on the Holo back at the spaceport in Fort Garnik, then seeing you with your sister this whole time…..well, I guess it made me miss my family.”

“I’m sorry,” Bella replied as she put the tools back in her pack, “I’m sure it hasn’t been easy on you at all. I’m lucky…..I only lost my Dad and while that was horrible, I still have my Mom, sisters, and baby brother. You lost your whole family.”

“It was about seven years ago......I was just shy of my eighteenth birthday,” Corso sighed as they moved onto the next station, “I’d been at one of the neighboring villages for the past week, helping out my fiancée’s family with Harvest…..”

“Wait….” Bella stopped him as a chill washed over her, wanting to make certain she heard correctly, “Did you just say your fiancée?!”

“I did,” Corso confirmed as he dug one of the alarms out of his backpack, not catching the frostiness in her tone and missing the hard look that crossed her face.

“And you never thought to mention that,” Bella’s dark green eyes narrowed at him, anger welling up inside, “What…..do you keep her hidden away somewhere while you go traipsing across the galaxy with another woman?!” She snatched the alarm from his hand and turned away from him. She stalked angrily over to the next station, fuming that she’d been so wrong about him. Here I am thinking he’s this wonderful man who’s starting to like me, wanting to like him back, afraid to let myself after Jackson……and all this time, he has a karking fiancée! Her hands were shaking as she worked to get the alarm installed. She was further embarrassed when everything started to blur as tears filled her eyes.

Her outburst caught Corso off guard and he was stunned for a moment, simply standing there, watching her work. Then he saw her wipe at her face, leaving dirt on her cheek, and thought he heard a sniff. She’s crying…..is she jealous? he wondered, part of him hoping she was and that made him feel little guilty. Then he realized he’d never gotten to finish explaining…..stars, you’re such an idiot!

“Bella,” he called out, walking over to her as she finished, “It’s not like that…….it was an arrangement between our parents. That week was the first time I met her in fact and…..”

“Well, isn’t that just lovely,” Bella retorted, her tone making it obvious that she felt it was anything but as her anger bubbled over, “I’m sure it was all very quaint. Hey, I know……maybe you should send her a postcard.” She pulled out her datapad and a mockingly sweet expression crossed her beautiful face. She pretended to write as she spoke, her tone mimicking and sarcastic, “Hi honey, hope all is well with you. Well, I’m off on a treasure hunt with this busty redhead. Taris is so lovely this time of year……wish you were here! Kisses…..Love, Corso.”

“I don’t love her!” Corso snapped, his own tumultuous emotions boiling over, “I never did…..I barely knew her and I called the whole thing off after I went home to find our whole village had been decimated and my parents…..hell, my whole family was slaughtered!”

Bella froze, her heart lurched and stilled with his words. She swallowed hard as shame flooded her. She slowly turned around to face him, a sick feeling settling deep in her belly at the things she’d said without even thinking, of course he doesn’t have a fiancée, stupid. Does he really seem like the type that would do that to a woman? The same guy that was going to let Syreena go and she nearly got us killed! She finally looked up at his face, guilt stabbing through her at the hurt she saw there, knowing she was responsible.

“I’m so sorry, Corso,” Bella finally whispered, “I didn’t think before blurting that out…….it was hurtful and mean.”

“I’d never treat a woman so carelessly,” Corso told her, still nettled she’d thought he was capable of that, “Arranged marriages were common in our community at the time and like a good son, I went along with it. She was actually relieved when I called it off and after that, I swore that if I ever married a woman, it would be my choice and there’s no way I’d ever think of leaving her behind.”

“I know that, Corso…..”

“Do you?!” he interrupted, those usually warm brown eyes giving her a pointed look, “because it didn’t sound like it a minute ago.”

“No, it didn’t,” Bella sighed, going over to the third station, “That’s because I didn’t think, just reacted……and come on, can you blame me? That was quite the bombshell you dropped……I should’ve waited and let you finish, but I was shocked I guess.”

“So you heard me say I had a fiancée and your first thought was that I’d left her behind, waiting while I went off alone with a beautiful young woman to chase after Skavak and hunt down a treasure?!” Corso snorted, unable to keep the hurt out of his voice as he handed her the alarm, still bristling over the fact that after the things they’d been through, she thought so little of him, “Guess you think pretty highly of me, huh?!”

“I didn’t mean it like that!” Bella cried, feeling guilty tears threaten as she quickly installed the alarm.

“Well, what did you mean then?”

“I don’t know,” Bella sniffed as the tears started spilling over.

Corso saw a tear run down her beautiful, dirt smudged face and some of his anger deflated. “Look, let’s just forget it and finish up here,” he muttered, taking the tools from her shaking hand, still feeling hurt, “I don’t want talk about it anymore.”

Bella watched as he walked over to the last survey station, quickly installing it. As soon as he was finished, he headed back toward the main path that led back to the research camp without looking at her. She picked up her bag and quietly followed, feeling like the galaxy’s biggest jerk when she saw the slump of his shoulders as he walked a little ways ahead of her. Way to go, Bella, her conscious snapped, the nicest man in the galaxy likes you and you just hurt him badly. Deep in thought and not paying attention, Bella wandered off the path a little and right into a throng of rakghouls.

Corso heard the frantic chittering behind him and turned around, alarmed to see that a pale faced, petrified Bella had veered off the main path and stumbled across a large group of raks. His hurt and irritation took a back burner to horror, fright, and the all-consuming instinct to get her out of there. Adrenaline spiked through him and he ran to her, hooking an arm around her waist, and pulled her back to the main path, sending a quick prayer to the force to get them out of there unharmed as he practically dragged her along. Bella finally snapped out of her initial fright and dug a couple of flash bombs out of her pack, lobbing them at the rakghouls. They shut their eyes just before the bombs landed and a few seconds after the telltale pop, they opened their eyes, Corso grabbed Bella’s arm and they bolted down the path as fast as they could.

However, it wasn’t enough and they’d caught the attention of another group. With two groups of the angry, hungry, disease ridden creatures gaining on them, Corso was certain they were about to become a rakghoul feast. Running out of options after Bella threw the last of her flash bombs at the still coming crowd, a dangerous idea came to Corso. If I charge in, they’ll be busy with me, hopefully giving Bella enough time to get away. Driven by the need to keep his Captain safe, Corso shoved her away from him, activated his jet pack, and turned to face the beasts.

“Ah, the beauty of Taris,” Mallay sighed in her snarkiest tone, “So many lovely sights and smells…..not to mention the friendly wildlife….”

“Don’t even get me started on the smell,” the large Cathar next to her grimaced.

Mallay gave her Sergeant a pitying smile, “Sorry, Jorgan…..I forgot. I’ll see what I can do about getting us some better helmets, ones that fully cover the head. Maybe that’ll block out some of it.”

“Thanks, sir,” Aric nodded, “Anything to ease the stench currently burning into my nasal cavity would be greatly appreciated. It’s making it hard to focus.”

Mallay stopped as she thought of something and began digging into her backpack, “I might have something to help you for now…….ah, yes, here it is.”

Aric shot her a questioning look as she grinned triumphantly, holding up a small tube, “What’s that?”

“It’s my lotion…...you know,” Mallay felt her face heat up a little, “the stuff you put on my scars the other night. I usually keep a small tube of it in my backpack for my face in case I’m in the sun for a long time. It has sunscreen in it to protect my scars.”

“I’m glad you have it, but I don’t see how that helps me.”

“That’s because I’m brilliant and you’re not,” Mallay teased.

“Remind me again which one of us ate bad Rodian food from a street vendor and nearly barfed on three Senators?”

“Suck it, Jorgan!”

“Now that has some possibilities,” Aric grinned, wondering how fast he could get that attractive blush to spread across her cheeks again, “You know, I think I’ll keep it simple this time…….suck what, sir?”

“My a*s!”

“Bare it!”

“What?!” Mallay choked, feeling her cheeks burning as a feral grin spread across Aric’s face.

“You heard me! You asked for me to suck your a*s and I told you to bare it…..sir,” Aric replied, a wicked glint in his eyes as he watched his efforts get rewarded with the usual blush that began to creep across her face, “How else am I going to fulfill your request?!”

Mallay opened her mouth, but was at a loss for words as the image of him touching her naked backside crossed her mind. By then her ears felt like they were burning as well and she just stared, mouth gaping like a dead fish.

“Well?” Aric raised a brow, knowing he got the better of her but unable to help from pushing a little further, “No witty retort, no snide insult……or are you thinking about actually doing it.”

“I hate you,” she muttered, vexed at how easily he rattled her and really wanting to slap that smug look off his face. She settled for throwing the tube of lotion at him before turning and stalking off.

“Come on, sir,” Aric called out, catching the tube and going after her, “You don’t hate me, you just hate losing…..admit it!”

“I just don’t want to sink to your level,” Mallay lied, refusing to look him in the eye, “That’s all.”

“Sure it is,” Aric chuckled, “That’s why you’re redder than a Sith right now.”

“I am not!”

“Yes you are, sir,” Aric replied, holding up the lotion, “So, what am I supposed to do with this anyways?”

“Shove it up your furry a…….”

“You sure you want to go there?”

“Ugh, you can be such a turd, you know that?!”

“I know and yet you still think I smell good, have a nice body, gorgeous eyes…….”

“Are you ever going to forget I said those things…….and one of them was while I was asleep so that doesn’t count!”

“It definitely counts if you’re thinking about me in your sleep!”

“Oh…..you…..I don’t……it’s not…..I….”

“Not quite catching that, sir.”

“I really hate you with a passion sometimes!”

“I know, sir.”

Mallay took several deep breaths, finally admitting defeat, then calmly spoke, “Sergeant Jorgan, the lotion in that tube is highly concentrated. If you rub a little under your nose, it should last a few hours, hopefully giving you something better to smell than the lovely Taris air.”

“Hey, thanks,” Aric told her, his tone sincere. He had to admit, she was very quick thinking. He opened the tube and sniffed. The scent was appealing, instantly making him think of her and the way her bare back felt under his hands. He was shocked at how quickly his body heated up with that thought and realized that while he may have won their latest verbal sparring match, she was definitely getting in his head. Aric put the cap back on the tube without using any, deciding that pleasant scent, her scent, would be more distracting than the horrible smells of Taris. Besides, if he did use her lotion, he wouldn’t be able to smell any predators approaching. He slipped the tube in his backpack and caught up to his CO.

A little while later had them standing among the wreckage that was once three speeders. More specifically Republic military models that belonged to Patrol team three. Aric squatted down to inspect what might have caused the crash while Mallay slowly circled the perimeter, taking in all the details and making sure her armor cam got everything. She paused next to him, looking at some crates that didn’t seem to belong. Aric noticed she’d stopped and looked up at her to see what she was up to. He saw her, brow furrowed over her deep blue gaze that was currently focused on the contents of the nearby crates. She was deep in thought and desire hit him like a fist when she started absently chewing on her full bottom lip, making him want to see what that mouth of hers tasted like, oh, she is definitely in your head, Jorgan.

“You see something?” Aric asked, needing her to stop before she drove him crazy.

“I’m not sure,” Mallay answered, pointing at the crates, “Those don’t look like military supp…..”

Mallay was cut off by her Holo going off and a moment later, Sergeant Dorne’s image appeared, “Sir…..I’m seeing your feed clearly.”

“Do you know what that is in those crates, Sergeant?”

“From what I saw, it looked like power converters,” Dorne answered, “and old ones at that. Do you have any thoughts on how those got there, Lieutenant?”

“No,” Mallay sighed, “I was hoping you did.”

“Well, these speeders were definitely shot down,” Aric spoke up, “There’s plasma scorch marks on all three…..near the engines, so probably hit from relatively close range as they passed by a hidden shooter. This definitely wasn’t rakghouls or wildlife.”

“So probably pirates or scavengers, then,” Mallay deduced, “but what happened to the soldiers?”

“There’s a little bit of blood on one of the speeders,” Aric replied, “but not enough to indicate a kill shot so probably from the crash.”

“I didn’t see any tracks or signs of corpses, so either they’re still alive out there somewhere or they died elsewhere,” Mallay concluded.

“It’s not like either of those groups to take prisoners, sir,” Elara told them, “but I can’t think of any other explanation. If they survived and got away, they would’ve contacted the base. If they were dead, you’d see evidence of it even if rakghouls got to them.”

“I’m not seeing any tracks leading from the site, but this area is really swampy, so it’s difficult to tell,” Mallay admitted, “Do those crates tell us anything, Sergeant Dorne?”

“It looks like those converters come from ignition systems, engine parts,” Dorne held up a data pad, “It would take too much work to remove them, so they were dropped there, either by the patrols or their attackers and we have no way of knowing if all three were attacked by the same thing. We need more information.”

“Sergeant Jorgan and I will continue on to the next site, then,” Mallay decided.

“And I’ll look over the footage some more,” Dorne saluted, “Be careful out there, Lieutenant. Those other two sites are deeper into the swamps and you’re more likely to run into rakghouls.”

“Thanks for the warning, Sergeant,” Mallay replied, “We’ll be careful.”

Mallay signed off and turned to Jorgan who began moving, “Hold up a sec……I want to activate my vision enhancement,” she called out, “That way I should be able to spot most life forms from a distance. I’m not taking any chances with rakghouls getting too close.”

“Good thinking, sir,” Aric nodded, letting her lean on him when the disorientation hit, “and since I decided not to use your lotion, I should be able to smell them if they’re nearby.”

“Why didn’t you use it?” Mallay gritted as the disorientation made her a little nauseous. Once it passed, she felt a little better and started digging into her backpack, taking out grenades and sticky bombs. She started attaching them to her belt for quick access.

“I figured I just needed to suck it up and get used to it,” Aric answered, following her example and loading up his own belt, not wanting to tell her the real reason, “I appreciate the thought though and it’s in my bag in case I change my mind.”

Mallay nodded and once they were both loaded up, ready for long range combat, they set out towards the next site, continuing deeper into the Taris swamps. They were about half way to the next site when Mallay spotted a group of rakghouls with her vision enhancement. She held up a fist to silently tell Jorgan to stop, grabbed a plasma grenade from her belt, and lobbed it into the middle of the group. The grenade exploded as soon as it hit, igniting anything within a five meter radius of the contact point. Aric saw her palm the grenade and had his cannon charged by the time it ignited, cutting down anything that came towards them.

“I think we got them all,” Mallay said after a few minutes, “Let’s keep going…..watch your step though. That smell is bad enough out in the open. I certainly don’t want it on the ship.”

“You got that right,” Aric coughed, covering his nose against the sickening stench as they carefully moved past the carnage.

They continued on without incident, arriving at the remains of patrol team five a short time later. They found the site similar to the last one…..wrecked speeders, undamaged crates, and no signs of the soldiers themselves. Once again, Mallay slowly circled the perimeter to get it all captured with her armor cam while Aric inspected the speeders. After a few minutes, Sergeant Dorne called.

“More power converters,” she confirmed, “This team was covering an entirely different route, so either both patrols recovered the same engine parts from different locations or they were left there by their attackers. It’s hard to tell without more information, sir.”

“These speeders were taken out the same way as the others,” Aric told them, “Direct hit to the engine…..not enough to blow the speeder, but to take it down.”

“For some reason, the attackers didn’t want to kill the soldiers,” Mallay assumed.

“That would make sense,” Aric agreed, “There’s no blood here and the blood at the last sight was minimal.”

“And no signs of corpses,” Dorne added, “It fits, but we still don’t know who attacked and where the soldiers were taken.”

“We still have one more site,” Mallay replied, “Maybe we’ll find more to go on there.”

“Be careful, Lieutenant,” Dorne warned, “You’ll have to go through a lot of ruins to get to that site and rakghouls like to hibernate among them. I’ll have our specialist MO-7 science officer take a look at those converters. He might be able to determine where they came from. ”

“We’ll stay alert, Sergeant,” Mallay assured her, “Thanks for the heads up.”

“You thinking what I’m thinking?” Aric asked as soon as Mallay signed off.

“If you’re thinking Republic soldiers being taken prisoner smacks of one of the traitors we’re hunting, then yes,” Mallay admitted.

“Which one and why though,” Aric mused, “I can’t figure that out.”

“Me either,” Mallay agreed, “Maybe we’ll find something at that last sight to clue us in to those things.”

“I hope so, sir,” Aric growled, ready to take out one of those bastards that ruined his career as well as get the void off this stink hole of a planet, “I agree with Sergeant Dorne, we should continue on with caution.”

“Agreed,” Mallay sighed, “If the raks are hibernating, I may not be able to detect them. My enhancements go off of heat signatures and a body at rest won’t be as sensitive.”

“I’m sure they’ll still smell bad,” Aric snorted, “So I should be able to detect them, sir.”

They continued on to the last site, going slowly, Mallay looking for heat signatures, Aric sniffing the air, both listening for the telltale chittering of rakghouls. The swamps gave way to steeper, grassy terrain, riddled with debris and ruins, remnants of skyscrapers that once made up a bustling area. They heard distant chittering, but couldn’t detect anything nearby so they cautiously continued on until Mallay spotted a pathway up ahead.

She turned to her Sergeant who was standing a little ways behind her with a puzzled look on his face as he sniffed the air, “Hey, Jorgan, I think there’s a pathway up ahead. Let’s head for………….”

The petite officer was interrupted by the ground shaking under her as her and Aric both heard a distant explosion. The next thing Mallay knew, a group of angry rakghouls were bursting through the ground all around her. She covered her head as the beasts converged on her, knocking off her pitiful excuse for a helmet. She reached frantically for her generator as she fell under their weight.

Aric snapped to attention when Mallay’s voice was cut off by the explosion and was about to close the distance between them when much to his horror, a group of raks burst through the ground and quickly covered her. He charged up his cannon afraid to shoot because he might hit her, afraid not to shoot, desperately wanting to get those disease riddled creatures off her. He was about to fire off a round, hoping her armor could take anything that passed through those hideous beasts when he heard her generator discharge. The creatures went flying off Mallay and he bolted to her, quickly securing his cannon on his back. He stooped down, scooped her up, and hoisted her over his shoulder, running as fast as he could towards the path. Mallay grabbed grenades off her belt, lobbing them at the recovering rakghouls from her position on Aric’s shoulder. Once they’d reached high ground, Aric set Mallay down, still keeping an arm around her waist as he reached for his sidearm to pick off any of the remaining beasts.

“I think they’re all dead,” Mallay whispered hoarsely, sinking to the ground, shaking violently at the memory of those beasts crawling all over her. She could still feel their hot breath on her neck and hear those angry growls as they tried to claw at her.

Aric sank to his knees next to her, carefully examining her for bites or scratches. His own hands shook as he ran them over her face, brushing away the tears that were falling, “It’s okay, Mallay, they’re dead and it doesn’t look like they got you anywhere.”

Both of them shuddered at that thought and Mallay started sobbing her relief. Without hesitation, Aric wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as she clung to him, burrowing her face into his chest.

“I was so scared, Aric,” she quietly admitted after a moment, her voice muffled, “Not of dying, but……getting bitten and becoming…..” she swallowed hard, unable to finish that statement, “I’m sorry…..you probably expected better from your leader.”

“You have nothing to be sorry about, Mallay,” Aric told her, still thoroughly shaken by the sight of her covered by those creatures, “I was terrified when I saw those things crawling over you. I didn’t know if I should shoot and risk hitting you or…….I was relieved that you thought to discharge your generator.”

“And I was relieved that you were quick to get me after,” she replied, the hint of a smile crossing her face as she looked up at him, “Thanks for that…..for saving me. I take back what I said about hating you.”

“Wow,” Aric grinned back at her, “I’ll have to throw you over my shoulder more often.”

They both laughed at that, relief washing over them as they stood. A few minutes later, they continued along the path. They found themselves on higher ground as they approached the last site, the last known location for patrol team eight. Even at a distance, they saw more to this site than the others and Mallay readied her cannon, Aric following her lead, as they carefully approached. They spotted small generators, supplies, and blockades scattered throughout what looked like a small camp. Then Mallay saw heat signatures.

“Ambush,” she yelled, firing her cannon at the closest one. Six figures came out of stealth, but having lost the element of surprise, quickly fell to Mallay and Aric’s cannon fire. They looked around at the scene after the fight was over, Mallay going over to a fatally wounded Human male who was groaning in agony.

Her Holo went off before she could question him, Dorne appearing when she answered it.

“Those are scavengers, Lieutenant!” she gasped, “Threat assessment reports classify them as a non-combatant. That classification is clearly inaccurate. I’ll notify Command and update the records.”

“Any ideas why they’d want to attack Republic soldiers, Sergeant?”

“None I’m afraid,” Dorne replied, “Our numbers and training are vastly superior to theirs. I have no idea why they’d want to risk bringing down our forces on them by attacking.”

“Maybe they’re working for someone,” Aric spoke up, giving Mallay a pointed look.

Mallay nodded her understanding and turned back to Dorne, “Sergeant, can you look through the database and see what you can find on these scavengers? I’ll need locations, camps, numbers, pretty much anything you can find that might help us. We have a fatally wounded man here that Sergeant Jorgan and I are going to question before returning to base.”

“I’ll take care of it, sir,” Dorne saluted before signing off.

Mallay put away her Holo and knelt down next to the wounded man, “Stars, that looks like it really hurts,” she told him, “I’d be happy to put you out of your misery if you feel like talking first.”

“Go to hell, b*tch,” he spat at her, earning a threatening growl from Aric.

Mallay held a hand up at the angry Cathar before he could intervene and turned back to the scavenger, “Oh, I’m sure I’ll end up there one day……not as soon as you though. I’ll be honest, your wounds are fatal, so you’re going to die here, but it won’t be easy or quick. I could change that if you’d care to tell me where our soldiers were taken.”

“I’d rather wallow here and die knowing you’ll never find them in time,” he gritted.

“That’s certainly your choice,” Mallay shrugged, then leaned in closer, letting him get a good look at her scarred face before going on in a voice full of cold, deadly promise, “However, let me tell you about pain. You see, I know a lot about gut wrenching agony, having been intimately acquainted with it years ago when I got these lovely scars. I’ve got plenty more on my back to match. Sure, you may think your pain is tolerable now, but that’s because your body is still pumping adrenaline. Once that wears off, the real pain starts. I’m talking agonizing, excruciating pain……the kind that makes you vomit, makes you scream, makes you piss and sh*t your pants, and finally gets to the level that makes you beg for someone, anyone to just end it all for good! Can you handle that?”

After a silent stare off for a moment, Mallay sighed, “Well, don’t say I didn’t give you an option.” She stood back up and addressed Aric, “Sergeant, let’s look through these supplies and take anything useful back to Dorne. I’m going to sweep the perimeter so she has a video of everything here and we can get going.”

“What about this guy?” Aric asked, pointing at the now shaking man still alive.

“What about him?” Mallay replied, “He’s going to die…..he made his choice and there’s nothing I can do for him. Either he’s going to die in screaming agony after a couple of hours or raks are going to get him. I really don’t care to wait around for that.”

Aric was a little surprised by his CO’s calm cold demeanor toward the wounded man. He’d used scare tactics to get an enemy to talk before, even done things he wasn’t proud of later on, but he didn’t feel good about leaving the man to suffer out there alone. It’d be one thing if it was an Imperial or one of the traitors. Hell, he’d grab a drink and watch that show, but this was just a lowly nobody. Probably unaware of what was going on, just simply doing what he was told by whoever was in charge. However, he wasn’t going to go against Mallay’s orders…..yet.

He just hoped this was all part of a plan because after hearing her talk about pain, he didn’t know how she could just be so heartless as to leave someone to suffer like she apparently did. Aric knew she wasn’t lying in an attempt to scare the man. He’d seen her scars up close and the look on his CO’s face as she described what real pain was like…..it was obvious she’d been at that point. Letting that scavenger suffer the pain she once did was something that Aric was certain would haunt her afterwards and he didn’t want that to happen. No, if it came down to it, he’d risk pissing her off and disobey orders. He quietly started going through the supplies, packing some medical stuff in his backpack, ignoring the painful grunts from the man a few meters away, while Mallay circled the perimeter, getting everything she could through her armor cam feed so they could analyze it later.

As soon as she covered the camp and Aric had packed up any useful supplies, Mallay glanced one last time at the wounded man, now openly crying in agony. She raised a slim brow at him, giving him one last chance to have it all end now. The man silently glared at her so she shrugged and nodded at Aric.

“Sir?” he whispered, not moving, eyes darting back at the violently shaking man behind them, “Are you really going to…..”

“Please trust me, Sergeant,” she pleaded softly, cutting him off while praying to the force to make that man come to his senses. She wasn’t going to leave him like that, but needed him to think so for a moment longer. Her prayer was answered a few seconds later when the man called out to them.

“W-w-w-wait,” he pleaded, “I’ll talk.”

Mallay grabbed the sidearm out of its holster and walked over to the dying man, “Give me something and your pain ends now.”

“I don’t know much,” he gritted, “Just that the prisoners……taken to Fallenspire. Being held for someone…….I don’t know who. Only leaders know who we’re working for…I’m just a grunt and nosy grunts don’t live long.”

“Do you know why they were taken or if more will be?”

“This was to be last trap…..getting too risky,” he coughed, “Don’t know why…….please……end it. I swear…..I’ve told you all I know.”

“Fair enough,” Mallay nodded, charging up the blaster, “Thank you……and I’m sorry.” Then she emptied the blaster into the man’s skull, getting up as the last breath left his body. She quietly holstered her blaster, sick at the fact she’d let him suffer as long as he did, but knowing they needed information. Painful memories surfaced, memories of floating in a kolto tank, unable to speak, unable to scream her agony, unable to beg for someone to kill her. A quiet sob escaped before she could contain it and she glanced at Aric, the sad, pitying look on his face telling her he’d heard it. She swallowed hard and walked past him.

“I’m sorry, sir,” he told her, realizing it was a lot more difficult for her to let that man suffer than she’d let on.

“Me too, Sergeant,” she whispered, turning to face him, “I wasn’t going to leave him here……I couldn’t. I was going to go back and kill him if he hadn’t called out when he did.”

“I realize that now,” he nodded, seeing the guilt on her face, “I apologize for thinking otherwise.”

“Thanks, Sergeant…….I hated doing that, for several reasons.”

“The pain from years ago…….your scars?”

“Yes.”

“Mallay, what happened to you?”

“Not now, Aric…….maybe someday, but……I just……I can’t right now.”

“I understand.”

“Thanks……now, let’s get back to base,” Mallay replied as she looked at the sun overhead, sighing in relief that Aric wasn’t going to press the issue, “I’d rather not be out in the open when dusk hits.”

“Nothing would make me happier, sir,” Aric grinned trying to lighten the mood, “I think I’m going to spend an hour scrubbing this stench out of my fur.”

“I hear you there,” she sighed, the hint of a smile curving her lips, “I wish we had a bathtub. A long, hot, bubble bath sounds divine right now!”

Aric felt a jolt surge through his body at the image those words conjured up and suddenly he too wished they had a bathtub. They walked in silence, taking a different route back to base in an attempt to stick to the main, and hopefully safer, pathways. The path they were on just started slanting down when they heard the chittering of rakghouls and a familiar voice shout. They both looked down in horror at the scene unfolding below them. Two huge groups of rakghouls were closing in on Bella and Corso, the latter practically dragging the former. Mallay dropped her backpack, ripped it open, and started pulling out plasma grenades. She quickly handed two to Aric just as Corso shoved Bella away from him down below. They saw the Mantiellian turn to face the angry mob of disease ridden creatures and Mallay yelled as she and Aric threw the grenades at the rakghouls.

Just as he was about to charge in, Corso heard a shout and saw four grenades sail overhead, landing in the huge throng of rakghouls. The devices exploded on contact, igniting at least half of the mob immediately. The creatures screamed as they were consumed by flames and Corso brought up his rifle, picking off any that came through the fire. He heard two more grenades hit further away, then his rifle fire was joined by the roar of two assault cannons. He finally braved a glance upwards to see Mallay and Aric firing on what was left of the rakghouls. Bella joined in with her blasters and a few minutes later, the entire mob was dead.

“Thank the stars you arrived when you did!” Bella hugged her sister as soon as she and Aric joined them.

“That was a brave thing you were about to do,” Aric told Corso, “A little crazy, but courageous.”

“I knew we couldn’t outrun them much longer and I figured she could get away while they were busy with me,” he shrugged, still quite shaken and a little embarrassed, “I really didn’t think much beyond that. What about you guys? What are you doing here?” Corso asked, wanting to change the subject.

“We were just following up on some leads,” Mallay answered, “We were on our way back to base when we saw you.”

“We need to check in with Dr. Vernan, then we’ll be heading back as well,” Bella told her sister, then glanced back at the burnt corpses with a shudder, “You know, I never thought I’d say it, but this planet sucks worse than Ord.”

“You got that right! Hey, why don’t we come with you?” Mallay offered, “Maybe with four of us, it’ll be easier to get past the friendly wildlife.”

“Had your own encounter, sister dear?” Bella smirked as the group started walking.

“You could say that,” Mallay rolled her eyes, giving an involuntary little shiver as she recalled those things crawling on her.

Aric gave a shudder of his own at the memory, “Let’s just say that we discovered rakghouls like to burrow underground. We found that out after a group of them burst up and attacked Mallay.”

“Oh, I’ll bet that was fun,” Bella snorted, hugging her sister, “You alright?”

“Yeah, lost my helmet, but it was a piece of crap anyways,” she replied, her voice wavering a little as they veered off onto a narrow path that led to a small camp ahead, “I discharged my generator and Aric got me out of there fast. We killed them off after we were far enough away.”

“Did they get you?”

“No, my armor held up and Aric checked me over once they were all dead,” Mallay answered, “What about you two? That was quite the mob after you guys. Did either of you get scratched or bitten?”

“No, Corso got me out of there before they got close enough,” Bella sighed, looking at the quiet man waiting at the entrance to the camp up ahead, “and you guys got there before he charged in.”

Mallay and Aric waited outside the tent while Bella and Corso went in to talk to Dr. Vernan. The scientist assured them the sensors were up and running perfectly. They offered to take him back to base with them, but he declined, insisting on getting some data before heading to the nearby Republic outpost for the night. He thanked them once again, relieved that they made it back unscathed and they left him to his work.

The group walked out of the camp, and took the main path to the base. It was a large, well-traveled route which seemed relatively free from any wildlife. A quiet, still troubled Corso walked ahead, a short distance from the rest. He was still shaken by Bella’s close call, as well as his own, and by their argument earlier. He liked her……really, really liked her and it hurt that she’d thought so little of him. She apologized, but the fact remained that she still initially thought he was capable of treating a woman so callously. He was just tired of thinking about it and wanted a long hot shower followed by a strong drink and sleep.

“Hey, what’s eating him?” Aric asked Bella, nodding his head at the Mantellian in front of them.

“Besides your close call,” Mallay added, raising a slender eyebrow, “Did something else happen?”

“Shut up,” Bella hissed, elbowing her sister, “I kinda said something bad that pissed him off.”

Aric studied Bella for a moment, then decided to pick up the pace a little and give the sisters some privacy. He caught up to Corso a minute later, “You alright, man?”

“Yeah, just a little shaken, that’s all,” Corso muttered, not in the mood to open up despite the fact he considered the Cathar a friend.

“I know,” Aric nodded, sensing there was more to it, especially after Bella’s comment, but figuring the younger man would talk about it if and when he was ready, “My heart still stops when I recall seeing those raks crawling all over Mallay.”

“She’s alright though?”

“She’s fine, but we were both really shaken by it.”

“Yeah, I turned around to see Bella had stepped off the path, right into a group of those things and my blood ran cold. My hurt feelings instantly left and I just did what I could to get her out of there. I was sure we were goners when that second group joined in. That’s when I shoved her away and was going to charge in….” Corso trailed off, bowing his head against the tide of emotions that filled him.

“That took serious guts,” Aric told him, then narrowed his gaze at the Human, “hurt feelings?”

Corso sighed, annoyed at his slip, “We got to talking about family and Bella asked me what happened to mine,” he glanced at Aric, “I just started telling her about when my family was killed and without thinking…..well, I sort of dropped a bombshell on her,” he ran his hands through the dreads that had come loose in their earlier flight, “You see, I had a fiancée a few years ago….an arrangement between my parents and a family one village over. I was helping them with harvest, it was actually the first time I met her, when my parents’ village was attacked by separatists. Anyways, Bella wasn’t too happy to find out that I had a fiancée and didn’t react well at all.”

“If she’s jealous, then she must like you…..”

“Yeah, I don’t think so,” Corso snorted, the hurt coming through in his bitter tone, “She went off on me, angry that I’d run off with her while leaving my fiancée behind to wait for me. She didn’t even give me a chance to explain, just assumed I was that kind of guy…..”

“You are definitely not that kind of guy…..anyone can easily tell that within a few minutes of meeting you, Corso. I’m guessing something happened to end the relationship,” Aric prodded, hoping she hadn’t been killed like the rest of his family.

“After my parents were killed, I called it off and ended up leaving the planet for the Peace Brigade,” Corso sighed, “I barely knew her and I had no idea if or when I’d return to Ord. I just needed to get away……you know…”

“I’m sorry, man,” Aric clapped his shoulder, “Losing family is never easy…..I can’t imagine losing all of them at once the way you did. I don’t blame you for wanting to get away from Ord and the Seps.”

“Thanks,” Corso nodded, “I guess I still feel guilty for not being there when those Seps attacked.”

“I think that’s pretty natural,” Aric told him, “but you can’t blame yourself……there’s no way you could’ve known. I’ve seen plenty of those bastards in action and once they decide on something, it’s done. In the meantime, there’s so much corruption in the military ranks on Ord that it’s impossible to make any headway on getting rid of that scum. Come to think of it, as angry as I am over what went down with the former Havoc members, I’m glad to be off that frakking planet.”

“Yeah, I don’t know how you put up with it,” Corso replied, “I don’t think I would’ve made it long in the military. Working with Viidu at least gave me a chance to stick it to the Seps without having to deal with red tape.”

“I envy you that,” Aric sighed, “As for Bella, I’m sure she’ll come to her senses. She should’ve let you explain, but I get the feeling that something really bad happened to their family when they were younger…….that might have something to do with her reaction.”

“Maybe,” Corso agreed, “I just really want to forget about it to be honest. It bothers me more than I should let it that she’d think so little of me.”

“Just give it time,” Aric advised, recalling Mallay’s words earlier, “Maybe she’ll open up.”

“Stars, Bella….what did you do?” Mallay accused as soon as Aric was out of earshot, knowing how her sister brushed men off when they started getting too attached. Mallay had the feeling Corso was starting to have serious feelings for her sister and was worried something like this would happen. She felt sorry for the handsome mercenary who seemed like such a kind, genuine man……something Bella needed whether she realized it or not.

“I didn’t do it on purpose,” Bella shot back, mad at her sister for assuming it was all her fault, mad at herself because most of it was, mad at Aric for noticing and pointing out that Corso was upset, but most of all, she was mad because she didn’t know how to fix it, “and you’re one to talk! How many times has shooting off that mouth of yours gotten you in trouble?”

“More than I care to remember, but we’re talking about you right now,” Mallay retorted, then saw the guilt ridden look on her older sister’s face and the glitter of tears. “I’m sorry,” she sighed, hugging her sister, “So, what happened?”

They continued walking, the guys a little ways ahead, just stepping onto the bridge leading to the base, Bella finally telling Mallay about Corso having a fiancée and her childish reaction to that news.

“Oh, Bella,” Mallay gently chided after her sister finished explaining, “How could you think that man would have a fiancée stashed away somewhere while he’s travelling with you?”

“I know and trust me, I feel awful about it,” Bella sighed, clutching her stomach which was currently in knots, “I just reacted without thinking……I don’t know what came over me.”

“I do,” Mallay smiled her understanding, “you were jealous…..”

“I was not,” Bella insisted, glaring at her sister.

“You can lie to yourself all you want,” Mallay glared back, a smug look on her face, “but you like that man.” Then her face softened as she reached out and squeezed her sister’s hand, “You don’t want to, and I’m one of the few people who knows the reason, so whenever you’re ready to admit it and want to talk, I’m here.”

“I just hope I can make it up to him.”

“Corso doesn’t seem like the type to stay down for long,” Mallay assured Bella, “or hold a grudge. Just apologize.....that’s all you can do really, unless you’re ready to open up about Jackson.”

The hard look that came over Bella’s face told Mallay that her sister definitely wasn’t ready to delve into her past, something she could easily identify with and the sisters continued on into the base in thoughtful silence. They caught up to the guys and parted ways as the sun set. Bella and Corso went into Beryl’s warehouse while Mallay and Aric continued past, heading for the military HQ, all four of them happy to have survived their first day on Taris.

Bella woke early the next morning, feeling the effects of a sleepless night. Instead of resting her weary mind and body, she tossed and turned as she was plagued with nightmares of Jackson, her own guilt over the way she’d treated Corso, and anxiety over the feelings she was starting to have for the kind, handsome man. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to let herself fall in love again, she was afraid to. Love had blinded her as to who Jackson really was and fear of repeating that mistake kept her from even considering a walk down that path again, until now. Until him.

She got up and knowing she was going to need a lot of caffeine to get through the day, she headed straight for the galley to start a pot of caffa. Once she had it brewing, she went to the refresher to shower and get ready for another lovely day on Taris. She blanched at the sight of her reflection, not used to seeing bags under puffy eyes that were red from crying, and hurried into the shower. Bella sighed as she let the hot water run over her, wondering how many showers she’d need before finally feeling like the stench of Taris was off of her….and they’d only been out one day. One rotten day, Bella mused as she shampooed her thick auburn hair, and you didn’t help things by acting like a jealous shrew.

Bella knew she had to clear the air with Corso and while she wasn’t ready to delve into her past, she could at least apologize for the way she acted yesterday. Mallay was right, that’s all she could do really and with luck, both of them would feel better after. She finished getting ready, anxious to speak with Corso before they ventured out. She found him in the rec area, strapping on his leg plates. He hadn’t spotted her yet, his concentration on getting ready for the day, and once again, Bella was struck by how attracted to him she was. It wasn’t just his looks, although she’d be lying if she said that bronze skinned, well-toned body hadn’t invaded her dreams, it was the whole package. Getting ready for him meant being clean, binding his dreads up away from his face, and dressing in protective gear. Unlike her, he didn’t care about his appearance and how it affected others around him, he didn’t double check in the mirror to see if he looked his best. He simply made sure he had everything he needed to get the job done and bring them both back safely. Corso must’ve sensed her watching as he strapped the last plate on his thigh and Bella found herself looking into those warm brown eyes that still contained a hint of sadness.

“Corso, can we talk before we leave?” Bella asked tentatively, being nervous around a man was uncharted territory for the normally confident young woman.

“Sure, Captain,” Corso answered, a little warily. He really didn’t want to talk about yesterday since it still bothered him a little, but he couldn’t say no to her. So he followed her into the galley where she handed him a mug of caffa, grabbing one for herself before sitting on one of the bar stools. He accepted her offering and sat across from her.

“About yesterday…..”

“Captain,” Corso sighed, “I just want to forget about it……can we do that?”

“No, Corso,” Bella shook her head sadly, “I can’t……I hurt you with my careless ranting and that troubles me more than you know. I acted like a jealous spoiled brat and while I have a temper sometimes, that isn’t like me. I feel sick every time I think about it, especially considering what you did when I stupidly stepped into a group of rakghouls!”

“I didn’t do anything special, Captain,” Corso protested, “I promised to keep you safe and I never go back on my word.”

“Corso Riggs, you were about to charge into an angry mob of rakghouls!” Bella argued, tears threatening again, “You were willing to die so I could get away! After I was a complete and total b*tch to you I might add! That’s way more than special and well above a promise to keep me safe. You could’ve been killed!”

“It’s alright, Captain,” Corso assured her, hating to see her cry, “I’m fine thanks to your sister and Aric…..”

“No it’s not alright,” Bella interrupted, “I’m so sorry about the way I reacted when you mentioned your former fiancée. I told you I was a good listener and then blew it when you opened up about a painful experience in your life.” She sighed, still mad at herself, and went on, “My track record with men is not good at all and after a particularly bad relationship, I have trust issues. So when I heard you say you had a fiancée, I reacted without thinking……it’s no excuse, I know, but I wanted you to understand why. It’s nothing you did, it’s all my fault. I know you’re a good man…..a wonderful, kind, sweet, and very handsome man. I don’t deserve having someone like you around and certainly don’t deserve your protection.”

The last remnants of his hurt faded and Corso smiled at her, “It’s alright, Bella. I’m sorry someone broke your trust and hurt you,” he replied, wanting to find the man responsible and make him pay, “Thank you for telling me……I understand and can’t blame you for reacting the way you did. I’m awful with words and didn’t think before blurting out about my former fiancée. I guess I don’t really think about it or her much…..that part of my life has been over for years.”

“Well, I should’ve realized someone as genuine as you would never treat a woman so carelessly,” Bella wiped her eyes, then looked anxiously at him, “Can you ever forgive me for acting like a moron and doubting you?”

“There’s nothing to forgive,” Corso told her, feeling a lot better, “As for having me around to protect and keep you safe, there’s no place I’d rather be.”

Bella’s heart leapt at his words, only to sink seconds later as fear gripped her. She was positive he had feelings for her and terrified she wouldn’t be able to hold back her own much longer. In that moment, she hated Jackson more than she ever had. She managed a smile as she got up, not wanting Corso to notice her melancholy.

“As much as I hate to venture back out into this lovely planet, we should probably get going,” she told him, deciding to change the subject now that they cleared the air, “No more crazy ideas about charging into a throng of rakghouls to try and save me……I couldn’t bear the thought of something happening to you.”

Corso had noted her momentary silence and wondered what happened to her to make her so unwilling to accept and return his feelings, she’s a smart woman…..she’s had to have picked up on it by now. He was perceptive enough to know not to push, however, and tried to lighten the mood a little, “I’ll consider it if you promise not to go wandering into anymore rakghoul nests.”

“You got yourself a deal buster!” she laughed, her green eyes once again sparkling with amusement as they left the ship.

An hour later, Bella and Corso were headed to the Sinking City, the next sector over from the Republic Resettlement Zone. A patrol had found the supplies Beryl’s late partner, Tyrodall, had been carrying when he was killed and had taken them to Sergeant Klewer, the Republic Quartermaster at Waypoint Station Aurek. Beryl needed Bella to pick those supplies up and deliver them to a Zabrak named Ovold in the next sector over. Bella gave a silent prayer to the force that this would be a simple pick-up and delivery so they could get on with their real purpose on this deathtrap of a planet.

They stayed on the main roadway, but could still hear the occasional chittering of rakghouls, which was enough to push Bella’s already frayed nerves. Every time they heard those creatures, Bella would move in closer to Corso. They were about a kilck away from Aurek when a small cluster of rakghouls spotted them and started approaching. Taking no chances, Corso lobbed a grenade at them and he and Bella managed to pick them off before the beasts got too close.

“I can’t wait to get off this karking planet,” Bella snapped, unable to shop shaking as she recalled their close call from yesterday, “Honestly, I’d rather be back on Ord Mantell! At least there you didn’t have to worry about turning into one of those things!”

Corso noticed her anxiety and put an arm around her, squeezing her shoulder, “I swear, I won’t let any raks get near you.”

Bella turned slightly, leaning in to rest her head on his chest, needing the momentary comfort even though her feelings were still in turmoil over him, “I don’t want any of them near you either.” Stars this feels wonderful and he smells so nice…..I wish I could just stay in his arms forever. That thought was enough to bring her haunting fears back to the surface and she stepped away, breaking contact as she brought up the map on her datapad, “Sorry…..I’m not usually that clingy. Anyways, the waypoint station is just up ahead.”

Corso had so many emotions running through his mind as they continued on in silence. He’d felt so complete in that moment she was in his arms and bereft when she stepped away a moment later. Corso suddenly realized this was much more than a crush or simple attraction……he loved her. He was both ecstatic and troubled at the same time with that realization. He was sure she was attracted to him, and even thought at times like this that she returned his feelings. However, she was either fighting it or refusing to acknowledge them, no doubt a result from the previous relationship she'd mentioned earlier. He understood that she’d been hurt by a man in the past, and her skittishness reminded him of wounded animals he'd dealt with growing up on the family farm. You had to be patient and earn their trust before approaching. Bella was no different in that instance, and Corso knew he couldn't pressure her, otherwise she'd bolt. No, he needed to build trust with her first.......he just wished he knew how to do to that.

They found Sergeant Klewer a short time later standing in front of a large storage tent off to the side of the small base. The Nemoidian was expecting them and as soon as they approached, he was quick to assure Bella that the supplies Beryl wanted her to deliver were safe and intact. He had a proposition for her in exchange for watching over her cargo however.

“Why am I not surprised there’s a string attached,” Bella muttered, resenting that this hunt for astrogation charts was becoming more and more complicated. Unfortunately, she needed to play nice since Beryl was the key into finding the location of that vault and Bella definitely did not want to go traipsing all over Taris hoping to find it without any direction.

“I can assure you that you will greatly benefit,” Klewer insisted, “If you help me out with a little problem I’m having, then I have the authority to give you diplomatic immunity as far as your cargo is concerned. Customs wouldn’t be able to search your hold.”

“Well,” Bella perked up, “That would be nice…..but what sort of help do you need? I don’t have to hunt down rakghouls do I?”

“Not rakghouls,” Sergeant Klewer replied, not blaming the pretty spacer for her hesitation, “Pirates and scavengers. They keep attacking our men, causing trouble for our supply lines.”

“What do you need me to do?”

“If you could make life unpleasant for them,” the Nemoidian proposed, “Destroy some of their weapons and supplies, maybe convince them to relocate…..then I can make sure that your troubles are over as far as Agent Soganti is concerned.”

“That would be one less thing to worry about, Captain,” Corso spoke up, a chill running down his spine at the thought of uptight customs agent finding the head in a jar on Bella’s ship.

“Alright, Sergeant, you’ve got a deal,” Bella agreed, figuring pirates and scavengers were much better than rakghouls, “So….where am I going?”

“They have a camp of sorts….here’s the coordinates,” Klewer answered, “It’s not too far of a trip and if you stay on the main pathways, you should avoid the raks. I’ll keep an eye on your supplies until you get back.”

Bella brought up the map on her datapad and as soon as Klewer put in the coordinates for the camps, she and Corso left the supply officer. They walked through the base, which was built inside the ruins of what must’ve been a skyscraper at one time, towards the main route out to the camps and were just exiting the base when someone called out to them.

“Hey, you…..freelancer, got a sec?”

“Depends on who’s asking and what’s being offered,” Bella raised a curious eyebrow as she turned towards the woman.

“I’m Dr. Ianna Cel and I’m a scientist working on a vaccine for the rakghoul virus,” she answered as they approached, “and I could use some help.”

“That’s something I could get behind,” Bella nodded, “Go on…..I’m listening.”

“Rumor has it that just before the bombardment, a scientist had just finished developing a vaccine, but everything was destroyed before he got any samples or his data off the planet.”

“You think something survived?”

“I do,” Dr. Cel replied, “There’s been talk that scavengers looted the ruins of Dynamet General, a medical facility where some of the research had been conducted. However, the Republic troops have enough to handle keeping the Resettlement Zone secure and trying to salvage data from the Endire Spire. Since this is uncharted territory, they’re won’t go after the pirates and scavengers unless they attack us first and my team is made up of scientists and lab workers……we’re not exactly suited to combat.”

“Let me guess, you want me to pay these scavengers a visit,” Bella concluded.

“Yes,” Dr. Cel confirmed, “If you could somehow get the data or better yet, some serum samples, it would make a huge difference.”

“We’re already going to be paying them a visit, Captain,” Corso told Bella, “We might as well see if we can find anything.”

“I don’t have a problem with that,” Bella agreed, “We’ll see what we can dig up for you, Dr. Cel.”

“You have no idea how much I appreciate your help…..both of you!”

Bella and Corso left the thankful scientist and finally left the base, following the main pathway towards the pirate and scavenger camps Sergeant Klewer gave them coordinates for. She and Corso agreed to bust up any weapon crates and loot any medical supplies they found. Losing those supplies would be costly for people trying to camp out in the wilds of Taris and would force them to relocate to another sector or leave the planet altogether.

Half an hour and several dead pirates later, thanks to Bella’s talent with blasters, Corso’s mercenary skills, and a handful of grenades, they’d destroyed the whole camp’s stash of weapons and armaments. Those scavengers wouldn’t be able disrupt the supply lines for a long time. Bella also had a satchel full of kolto packs, stims, and bandages, but so far there were no signs of the rakghoul serum or any data pertaining to it. She and Corso were trying to figure out where they should look next when a young scavenger cautiously approached. Bella immediately raised a blaster and Corso was behind the kid in an instant, rifle at the ready.

“Wait! Don’t shoot….please!” the young man pleaded, “My name's Ryan......I can help you.”

“Yeah,” Bella prodded, “How do you figure that?”

“I overheard you guys talking about some medicine for the rakghoul disease……I think I know where you might find some.”

“Keep going,” Bella told him, holstering her blasters, trusting that Corso still had his rifle trained on young Ryan, who looked no older than Lissa and Ros.

“We’ve got a medical facility of sorts inside the Fallenspire stronghold. There’s this Twi’lek medic there….not sure if he’s a real doctor or not, but he’s been using some serum we found a couple of weeks ago to treat people who’ve been bitten by rakghouls. Any of the serum we come across goes to that facility.”

Bella exchanged a look with Corso, who nodded, then turned back to the kid, “Guess we’ll go pay this little clinic a visit then. What about you? Why help us?”

“Look, I’m not like these guys…..I just got mixed up in gang stuff back on Coruscant and ended up here. I want out……maybe see if I can get off planet or go into the military.”

“Tell you what, Ryan,” Bella offered, “Take this satchel of med supplies back to a Nemoidian, Sergeant Klewer. Tell him you’re with me and that I want you to wait there with my cargo. My sister is on Taris and she’s Republic Spec Forces. If you’re interested in getting off planet to go into the military, she could probably help make that happen.”

“Seriously? Thanks! Thanks so much, I’ll head there immediately!”

“We headed for Fallenspire then, Captain?” Corso asked after the kid took off for Aurek with the supplies.

“After what we went through yesterday and the thought of those things crawling all over Mallay,” Bella shuddered, as she finished sending Sergeant Klewer a message explaining things, “Yes….I’ll do anything to see a vaccine made for that disease.”

“I’m all for that,” Corso agreed, still shaken from yesterday’s events himself, “I’m glad you helped that kid.”

“After spending time on the lower levels of Coruscant, I can see how that could happen to someone,” Bella replied as they headed for Fallenspire, “I’m just glad we got Waarin and Tarin out of there before they were forced to turn to the gangs.”

“Me too.”

They found the Fallenspire stronghold quickly and were surprised that they encountered no opposition. Then they saw the carnage of what must’ve been a dozen scavengers and pirates. They shrugged, a little leery until Corso spotted a Republic shuttle and pointed it out to Bella.

“Think it’s your sister and Aric?”

“It’s possible…..let’s head in.”

“Oh, that has to be them,” Corso grinned, pointing at some nearby damage by the entrance, “That was definitely done by an assault cannon.”

“Wonder if they’re still here,” Bella mused as they entered the base. They didn’t have to wonder for very long, spotting two familiar figures in plated armor, both sporting a Republic Spec Forces insignia, just inside.

I hope everyone is okay with me fudging with the Pirate Medicine planetary mission and the Smuggler NPC's a little.

“…you may think your pain is tolerable now, but that’s because your body is still pumping adrenaline. Once that wears off, the real pain starts. I’m talking agonizing, excruciating pain……the kind that makes you vomit, makes you scream, makes you piss and sh*t your pants, and finally gets to the level that makes you beg for someone, anyone to just end it all for good!......”

The words she said to that fatally wounded scavenger echoed through her mind as she felt herself floating in thick sticky fluid. A kolto tank…..she was back in the kolto tank on the freighter Bella took from Jackson. There was pain…..so much pain, agony. She was burning, her back, her face……something was stabbing her in the temple. She wanted to scream, but her mouth was covered and it wouldn’t matter because no one would hear her. Oh, how she just wanted it all to end……the sickening agony was more than she could bear. She heard her mother’s voice tell her they were out of sedatives and painkillers, then heard the tears as she softly sang soothing lullabies. Mallay tried to still herself, knowing it was killing her mother to see one of her children in agony. She fought the pain……so bad that it made her lose control of her bladder and a small part of her began to wish she would die. Soon it began to be a litany in her head, over and over, a plea…..just let me die, please I can’t take it anymore, let me die!

“No Mallay,” a small voice whispered, “Please don’t wish to die…..you’re so brave and we love you so much!”

“Lissa?”

“Yeah.”

“How are you talking to me……in my head?”

“It’s the Force……I heard you in my head,” Lissa said, “So I answered. I wish I could do more, Mallay, but I don’t know how or what to do…..I’m sorry. I just don’t want you to die.”

“Oh, Lissa, don’t be sorry,” Mallay assured her young sister, “You’re ten years old…..its amazing you can do the things you are able with the Force at this age. Ros too……can she hear us?”

“I don’t think so,” Lissa answered, “I think we’ll be at Coruscant soon…….please Mallay, hold out just a little bit longer.”

“I’ll try…..please, stay with me……and don’t tell anyone I wanted to die,” Mallay pleaded, “I don’t think Mom and Bella would take that very well.”

“I won’t tell,” Lissa promised, her soft voice a comforting presence as the pain continued to intensify. Mallay couldn’t stop her body from thrashing around as her mother continued to sing the lulibys she sang to them as babies. She felt a warm, calming sensation come over her as Lissa’s presence became stronger, gently telling her she would be okay……suddenly her voice was different…..deeper, masculine and Aric’s image crossed her mind as she heard pounding, “Mallay, are you alright?”

Mallay jolted up in bed, heart pounding, her body damp with sweat. She brushed the wet, clingy locks of hair off her face and tried to steady her breathing.

“Mallay, are you alright? I’m coming in,” Aric called out as the door to her quarters opened. He spotted her sitting on the bed, face pale and visibly shaken, “Mallay?”

“I’m okay,” she assured him, her voice a little hoarse, “Just a bad dream…..that’s all.”

Aric was certain there was more to it than that, especially since those deep blue eyes didn’t quite meet his when she said that. He was about to call her on it as she got out of bed, but then the sight of her in those hot pink sleep shorts and tank top distracted him. His body tightened with a sudden jolt when he noticed how well that damp tank top she slept in clung to her, the thin, pale pink material leaving very little to the imagination. Thoughts of peeling that top off her and tasting her sweat dampened skin entered his mind and suddenly, his throat felt dry. He felt like a real cad for those inappropriate thoughts and turned away slightly before she could see the physical reaction his t-shirt and shorts couldn’t hide.

“It’s no wonder after what happened to you yesterday,” Aric finally managed to answer, assuming her nightmare was about the rakghouls, “I didn’t sleep that great either,” he admitted, having had his own nightmares about the diseased creatures that infested Taris, “Anyways, I was heading into the galley to make caffa when I heard you crying out…..I’ll go do that if you’re alright now.”

“I am,” Mallay gave him a weak smile, too shaken to notice he looked a little uncomfortable, “Thank you…..I think I’ll go wash up.”

Mallay stood in the shower, letting the warm water sooth away the remnants of her dream. She wasn’t surprised that the memory surfaced after dealing with that dying scavenger yesterday. Anytime she saw someone in great pain, it always brought her own painful memories to the surface. She’d even considered taking a sedative last night, but hated how groggy they made her feel in the morning. Part of her felt bad for not telling Aric the truth, letting him believe she was having nightmares about the rakghoul attack yesterday. He was becoming a friend and seemed genuinely concerned about her…..I just hate talking about that day.

She dressed in her mesh weave bottoms and a clean tank top, wincing as the fabric came in contact with her scars. It had been a few days since Aric had treated the scars on her back and the highly sensitive skin was getting very dry again. Mallay wound her long, thick auburn tresses into the usual coil on her head, secured it with a simple hair stick, then grabbed the jar of lotion before heading into the galley. She found Aric watching the Galactic News feed on the HoloVid while having his caffa.

“Hey,” she murmured, still feeling a little embarrassed about asking him to put lotion on her back scars despite him having done so once already, “I….uh…..need your help.”

He turned toward her and seeing the jar in her hands, nodded, “Sure.”

Mallay handed him the jar, then turned and knelt in front of him, removing her tank top and unhooking her bra, sighing in relief as he started rubbing the lotion into her dry, irritated scars. She’d meant to have her sister tend to her back last night, but Bella had been so upset over what happened with Corso that Mallay didn’t want to bother her.

Aric had his jaw clamped tightly as he fought to control himself. He’d barely calmed his body and purged those wayward thoughts after seeing her earlier. One glimpse of that lacy scrap of a bra and he found himself with a new appreciation for the color pink. He felt like a complete a*s for getting so easily aroused by his CO, a woman seven years his junior, who’d trusted him enough to ask for his help with something that was obviously very personal and private to her. Come on Jorgan, he berated himself, you’re reacting like some inexperienced kid…..this isn’t the first beautiful woman you’ve come across. You need to remember who she is and get her out of your head! Unfortunately for him, his species tended to be a very passionate people, so that was much easier said than done and by the time he was finished, he was more than ready for a cold shower.

“Thanks, Aric……I feel bad asking you to do this again,” Mallay turned to glance at him as she hooked her bra. She gave him a shy smile before pulling her tank top back on and Aric felt his claws coming out as she stood, the urge to pull her into his lap nearly overwhelming.

“It’s not a problem…..I told you that the first time,” Aric told her, glancing at the chrono, “I’d better get a shower since we need to meet with Sergeant Dorne in an hour.” He hurried out, hoping she didn’t notice the condition he was in, setting the jar of lotion on the counter as he left.

A couple of hours later, they were leaving Olaris base for waypoint station Aurek in the Sinking City sector. After reviewing everything Sergeant Dorne managed to dig up on the Scavengers, the three made a reasonable assault plan. Gaff was being less than cooperative, still insisting that those men were dead somewhere and refused to order any troops to assist Havoc. However, Dorne had gotten word out about what they found and had several men volunteer to help rescue their comrades. She managed to put together a squad to back them up and would fly them in by shuttle once Mallay and Aric got a landing zone clear. Mallay found herself respecting the young Sergeant, who was actually the same age as Bella, despite her Imperial accent. Mallay had also been impressed with Dorne’s service record, having looked it up after her and Aric returned to the ship last night. Mallay no longer felt the chill run down her spine hearing Dorne speak and was thrilled that the very efficient, if a little uptight, soldier was on their side.

Before they’d left, Sergeant Dorne surprised them with new helmets, ones that fully covered their heads and filtered the air a little. Aric couldn’t contain the grin that crossed his face as he tried his on, relieved that he wouldn’t have the oppressing stench of Taris assaulting him all day. Mallay was excited as well and nearly hugged Dorne before she realized that would be in appropriate for a squad leader, settling for a heartfelt thanks instead.

Deciding to play it safe, Mallay activated her vision enhancement, not wanting to get surprised by another group of raks today. She was starting to get used to the damn thing and as long as she didn’t repeatedly activate and deactivate it in a short span of time, she didn’t suffer any headaches or disorientation from prolonged use.

As they passed through Aurek, Aric and Mallay were stopped by a rather corpulent officer who introduced himself as Captain Childress. Childress had recognized the Spec Forces insignias on their armor and hoped they’d be able to help him. A small squad of his men had been dispatched into the Endire Spire with a research team to gather data from the remains of the great warship that had been shot down before the Bombardment. Since the Endire Spire was on the way to Fallenspire hold, Mallay agreed to search for the missing soldiers, not liking the idea of comrades in arms being left alone out there and willing to risk getting a little behind schedule to ensure the team was safe.

“I hope you’re okay with checking out the Endire Spire before heading into Fallenspire, Sergeant,” Mallay said as they headed out of Aurek, “I hate not helping our own out……especially on this planet.”

“No, I’m all for it, sir,” Aric replied, “We have to pass right by it and I’m not one to leave our troops high and dry somewhere out there. We’d better double-time it though so our plans with Dorne aren’t thrown off too much.”

“Not a problem for me, Sergeant,” Mallay smirked at him before jamming her helm back on, both of them having removed their new helmets while talking with Captain Childress. “Think you can handle a jog after all those years being a desk jockey?”

Aric growled as he put his helm on, then got in a dig of his own, “I can handle a jog just as easily as I can handle carrying two assault cannons and your dead weight after you succumbed to food poisoning……sir.”

“Really? Still with that?!”

“Absolutely,” Aric snickered, easily keeping up with her, “As for me keeping up…..I ran quite regularly back on Ord. Can you keep up with me?” He ran a little faster, passing her.

“Easily, Sergeant,” Mallay snorted as she picked up the pace, putting herself back in the lead, “I’m in fantastic shape.”

“Trust me, sir, I’ve noticed,” Aric shot back, wishing he could see her face as he went on, “The shape your body’s in was very apparent with your choice in sleepwear……not to mention that nice little dancer costume you disguised yourself in back on Coruscant.” Her silence spoke volumes and he was certain if he removed her helm right then, he’d find that irresistible blush staining her cheeks.

While this sector of Taris seemed to have fewer rakghouls, there were plenty of pirates and scavengars around to pose a threat. Mallay and Aric fought their way through, entering the Endire Spire a little while later. They found the team just inside, head up by an officer, Lieutenant Karlsu. Karlsu explained that they were all that was left after being ambushed by Scavengers. Mallay and Jorgan took point and escorted the team through the downed warship, stopping to restore power at the grids along the way. They had to fight off a few scavengers, but they were little trouble after everything they’d been through recently. Their biggest challenge was a three wave assault after the computers were powered on, but with the help of Lieutenant Karlsu, the scavengers found themselves being cut down by three powerful assault cannons, not to mention Mallay’s fine taste in incendiaries. The team managed to retrieve some preliminary data while Mallay patched everyone up and she promised to take that data back to Commander Viqui while they worked on getting the encrypted stuff. Mallay left some supplies with the team and told them to call her if they ran into more trouble before they were able to finish.

After leaving the team, Mallay and Aric fought their way along the small path towards Fallenspire and Mallay spotted a clearing where Sergeant Dorne could land. She called in the information then her and Aric began clearing out the area, both having packed several extra rounds and as many grenades as they could carry. Pretty soon, the clearing was a mess of dead scavengers, smoke, and charred ground, but it was clear of enemies. Mallay and Aric set down a ring of flares and a few minutes later, they saw the shuttle approach and land. Knowing the shuttle itself was heavily armed, they headed in to begin the assault on the scavenger base.

Having a unit to back them up was a huge boon and they easily cut down the scavengers and pirates en route to the holding facility. Mallay instructed Sergeant Dorne and her team to hold the area while she and Aric took the lift down to the lower level. Once the lift stopped, Aric and Mallay quietly stepped off and Mallay carefully peeked around the corner. There were fewer scavengers patrolling the corridor than she anticipated, but thanks to her vision enhancements, she spotted stealth guards lying in wait. She relayed the information to Aric through the coms in their helmets and she lobbed a plasma grenade at one of the stealth guards as a patrol team walked by him. The three of them lit up like a campfire and their shouts brought the rest running as Mallay lobbed a second plasma grenade and Aric’s cannon roared off a volley of fire. Mallay thought they were in the clear and they carefully made their way down the corridor until they got to the end where it opened up into a holding cell area. They made quick work of the few remaining guards and were about to open the cells when the very ground shook as a roar echoed through the chamber. Mallay and Aric both turned to see a huge, angry Kintan Strider behind them, ready to attack….which it did a second later.

“Get behind me, Sergeant,” Mallay shouted as she stepped forward, overloading her generator and as soon as Aric was behind her, she discharged it, the pulse strong enough to knock the creature back across the room. Aric immediately stepped up and started shooting at its legs, slowing it’s advance. “When it gets too close, you’ll have to burn your generator, mine’s dead now,” Mallay instructed.

“You got it, sir,” Aric shouted over the roar of their combined cannon fire. They tried to immobilize it’s legs, but the huge beast kept coming so Mallay stepped behind Aric as he overloaded his generator and knocked the kintan back across the room, “We better kill it this time, my generator’s dead now too.”

They focused their fire at its remaining good leg and the creature had closed half the distance when it crumbled to the ground, its damaged legs now useless. Mallay lobbed a sticky grenade towards the beast’s head where it stuck and they focused their fire, finally penetrating its thick skull. The kintan’s last breath left it in a huge roar, then it was silent.

After removing their helmets and catching their breath, Mallay called out to Sergeant Dorne over their coms that they were all clear to come down while Aric went over to the control center and opened the cells. A young, blond soldier stepped forward, his face extensively bruised.

“I’m Private Tane,” he introduced himself, shaking as he stood at attention and saluted, “We’re all from Olaris base, ambushed by those scavengers while out on patrols.”

“At ease, Private,” Mallay told him, digging a scanner out of her pack, “I’m Lieutenant Lauren and this is Sergeant Jorgan…..we’re from Havoc Squad. There’s a unit on the way to get you all out of here.”

“Havoc Squad!” Tane’s eyes widened as Mallay started checking his injuries, “Someone at the base must really like us!”

“Do you have any idea why you were taken?” Mallay asked, dabbing some kolto on Tane’s face.

“The scavengers were keeping us here for some guy called Needles…..”

“Needles? As in Ryler Dorant the former Havoc medic?” Aric interrupted, catching Mallay’s eye.

“I only heard him mentioned as Needles, sir.”

“Are you certain you heard Needles?” Mallay asked carefully.

“Positive,” Tane insisted, “Do you know him?”

“He’s the reason we’re here,” Mallay answered as she heard the lift in the distance.

“Well, I never saw the guy, but I overheard the Scavengers talking about some experiments he was doing for the Imperials and……”

Tane was interrupted by Sergeant Dorne calling out orders to the rest of the unit to begin taking the kidnapped soldiers to the shuttle. She then approached them, “Private Tane, report!”

“Yes, sir,” Tane saluted, his tone slightly condescending, “As I was just telling the Lieutenant here, we were being held by the Scavengers for this Needles guy…..and get this, he’s operating with the Imperials at some bunker in the Brell Settlement.”

“Private Linden,” Sergeant Dorne ordered, “Download all the files from the database over there and take it to the shuttle. Hopefully there’s some coordinates in those files.” The private saluted and hurried to begin her task.

“I’ll begin analyzing the data as soon as we get back to base, Lieutenant,” Dorne told Mallay, “There should be something to give us a specific location of that bunker.”

“Anxious to see your old buddies again, Sergeant Dorne?” Tane sneered, then nearly jumped out of his skin when Mallay rounded on him.

“You will show your superiors respect, Private,” Mallay snapped, her tone frosty, “If it wasn’t for Sergeant Dorne, you’d still be locked up in this place.”

“You’ll have to excuse the Private, Lieutenant,” Sergeant Dorne sighed, “Many of the men here feel my demeanor and strict adherence to regulations and protocol comes from my upbringing. I was born Imperial, sir.”

“I’m aware, Sergeant,” Mallay nodded, “I’ve read your records and am more than happy to have someone of your caliber on our side…..regardless of where you were born.”

“Thank you, sir,” Dorne replied, the hint of a smile softening her face for a brief second, “Not many think that way. However, non-mission details can be discussed later. I need to get these men back to base.”

“Sergeant Jorgan and I will help as soon as we search the place for any further information,” Mallay told her.

Half an hour later, her and Aric had combed the area for any leads on Needles’ location or this project he was working on for the Imperials. Coming up empty, they hoped Sergeant Dorne would be able to find something in the files and helped the last of the prisoners to the lift. A moment after stepping off the lift, Mallay heard a familiar voice calling out her name.

“Hey, Mallay!” Bella grinned, Corso behind her, “Fancy meeting you here…..you guys responsible for all that damage out there?”

“Most of it,” Mallay smirked, “What are you doing here? I thought you were picking up some cargo at the quartermaster.”

“Eh, took care of that already,” Bella shrugged, “I ended up taking a side job. Apparently there’s a vaccine for the Rakghoul virus that was made before the bombardment. Corso and I agreed to procure a sample from the local pirates.”

“You know it’s in here?”

“I do,” Bella confirmed, and went on to explain about meeting Ryan earlier, “He said the pirates have a clinic of sorts in here and this Twi’lek doctor has been using the serum they found…..feel like tagging along? Your medical knowledge might be helpful.”

“Sure, why not?” Mallay shrugged and turned to Aric, “You want to come as well or head back with Sergeant Dorne?”

“I’ll come with you guys,” Aric replied, recalling his own nightmares last night in which he didn’t get Mallay away from the raks in time, “Seems like a good cause……void knows we could certainly use a vaccine for that disease.”

“Lieutenant,” Sergeant Dorne called out, approaching, “We’re ready to head back to base, sir.”

“Sergeant Dorne, this is my sister, Belladonya Lauren, and her friend, Corso Riggs,” Mallay told her, “Sergeant Jorgan and I are going to help her with something.”

“I saw them on your armor cam yesterday,” Dorne acknowledged, turning to Corso, “That was a very brave thing you did, Mister Riggs.”

“It was nothing,” Corso muttered sheepishly, blushing as he looked down, “and you can just call me Corso, ma’am.”

“It was something,” Bella argued, shaking her head before turning to Dorne, “Mister Modesty here doesn’t like to make a fuss but I, for one, am grateful for that bit of ‘nothing.’" Bella shook Dorne's offered hand, "It’s nice to meet you, Sergeant Dorne and you can call me Bella. Mallay offered to help me with something in here, but I can make do without her if she’s needed elsewhere.”

“It’s quite alright,” Dorne assured them, “It’s going to take a while to treat these men, get their statements, and go through the data to find what we need to continue.”

“Contact me if you find anything, Sergeant,” Mallay instructed as Dorne saluted then left.

“That’s an accent I didn’t expect to hear in a Republic uniform,” Bella raised a brow at her sister once Sergeant Dorne was out of earshot.

“It threw me off when I first heard it too,” Mallay admitted as the group headed for the other end of the base, “but she was the only one willing to help me at HQ……apparently the good Colonel doesn’t like Havoc encroaching on his turf.”

“Let me guess, he’s one of those territorial types,” Bella snorted.

“That’s putting it mildly,” Mallay rolled her eyes, “I wouldn’t be surprised to see him pissing on nearby trees to mark his spot.”

“That bad, huh,” Bella snickered, “Well, I’m glad Sergeant Dorne is helping you. She seems a little rigid though.”

“Now that’s putting it mildly,” Aric chuckled as they turned the corner.

“She is, but her service record is flawless and she seems to know her stuff,” Mallay added, shooting Aric a look, “but I get the feeling she isn’t very popular.”

“I can see that,” Bella nodded, “It’s a shame though…..she can’t help where she was born and doesn’t deserved to be judged solely on that.”

“Yeah, I feel bad for her,” Mallay sighed, feeling a little guilty at her own initial reaction to hearing that accent. She’d kept it to herself for the most part, but an involuntary shiver ran down her spine the first time Dorne spoke.

They spotted a group of pirates in the distance and ended up fighting their way to the med center. With the four of them, the pirates were of little consequence and just a short time later, they were entering what passed for a clinic. It appeared empty save for a few patients in various states of consciousness on cots. They headed for the back where the office area was, Aric and Mallay removing their helms, all of them keeping an eye out for the doctor.

“Hey, what’s going on here……this is a medical facility,” a blue skinned Twi’lek called out behind them, anxiously eying the weapons that were quickly drawn at him.

“Are you the doctor here?” Bella replied.

“That’s right, Dr. Ryamn,” he answered carefully, noticing the Republic armor on both the Human cyborg female and the Cathar male, “What are you doing here?”

“We heard you have a serum for the Rakghoul virus,” Bella nodded, her and Mallay holstering their weapons, “There’s a doctor back at Aurek that is working on a vaccine. We need a sample the serum to take back to her.”

“Oh, no…..you can’t,” the doctor shook his head, “I barely have enough to treat these poor sops…..if you take it, they’re all gonna turn into those things and I’ll be their dinner!”

“So it works then?” Mallay asked.

“Sorta……if I treat the victims fast enough after being bitten, it stops them from turning, but doesn’t stop the disease itself.”

“So they still get sick,” Mallay concluded, “Are they able to survive?”

“Most do if we get to them fast enough…..it all depends on regular medicine at that point, but they’re still contagious until the fever breaks so I have to stay here and watch over them at all times.”

“You can’t spare any or synthesize some more?” Mallay arched a slender brow in question at the medic.

“Does this look like a high tech operation here?” Dr. Ryamn retorted, “We use what we find and we don’t find much…..please don’t take what I have left!”

“Any idea where we might find more?” Aric asked, not liking the idea of taking the last of the doctor’s medical supplies..…even if they were for pirates.

“Well, one of the guys said he found a storage cooler full of the stuff in the underground level of Dynamet General, but wasn’t able to get into it before he was attacked by raks. He ended up dying here from the disease a few days later.”

“You got coordinates for that place?” Corso spoke up.

“Yeah, but I’m warning you, that place is rakghoul central!” Dr. Ryamn nodded, “but if you’re looking for samples to work with, that’s the only place you’re going to find any as far as I know.”

“You’re certain of this?” Mallay narrowed her gaze at the Twi’lek.

“I swear on my medical license……the real one,” Dr. Ryamn insisted, “that’s the only place there’s any left.”

“We’ll look there then,” Bella agreed, not wanting to risk the sick pirates writhing on the cots turning, “Before I go, you mind giving me your contact info? Dr. Cel might have questions for you about the serum.”

“I suppose I can do that much,” Dr. Ryamn conceded, “You guys be careful going into Dynamet…..I meant what I said, that place is crawling with those things.”

The four head out of Fallenspire for the ruins of Dynamet General, encountering very few pirates and scavengers along the way. A little while later, they spotted the ruins of the old hospital in the distance and began searching for the path that led to the underground level. They found the path and several rakghouls. All of them had headed Dr. Ryamn’s warning and had several grenades ready. Their assault plan was all about keeping those creatures from getting too close and they were successful. Mallay and Aric took point, the only two that were fully covered by armor. Corso had yet to replace his helmet, but his plating was better than Bella’s leathers, so he was close behind the two soldiers, the three of them wanting Bella at the furthest distance. That was fine with the gunslinger who was deadliest at range and they quickly found themselves entering the underground level of Dynamet General. They found the storage cooler in one of the side rooms and with a little work, Bella managed to slice open the lock. They weren’t able to take the entire cooler back with them, but they each grabbed several samples, carefully packing them in their backpacks. Bella closed and relocked the door, then they headed back to Aurek station.

As soon as they got to Aurek, Mallay and Aric went to the upper level to give Commander Viqui the data from the Endire Spire. She thanked them profusely for their assistance and assured them she’d heard from the team. They were still gathering the data, but had no further trouble with hostiles in the area.

Bella and Corso went to check on the cargo and collected the document granting them immunity from Sergeant Klewer. Ryan was eagerly waiting with the Nemoidian quartermaster, who’d found and given the young man the necessary forms he needed to fill out in order to enlist in the Republic military. Bella thanked him, letting Klewer know she’d be back for the cargo in a little while, then her and Corso had Ryan accompany them to Dr. Cel so he could meet Mallay.

Bella introduced Ryan to Mallay and explained that he was interested in joining the Republic military. Her and Aric looked over the forms he filled out, “Everything looks to be in order,” she told him as she signed her approval, “Give me a moment to contact Sergeant Dorne at the base to see when the next military transport is departing.” Mallay stepped away from the group and did just that, returning a few minutes later, “The next transport is departing tomorrow morning. Sergeant Dorne is arranging a spot for you on it and has a place for you to stay the night at the barracks. She’s expecting you, so grab a speeder and head for Olaris,” she smiled, “Welcome to the Republic military.”

“Thank you, ma’am!”

“Better get used to saying ‘sir,’” Aric advised as Ryan turned towards the droid renting speeders, “You won’t like the reaction most female officers have to being called ‘ma’am.’”

“Personal experience talking?” Bella teased after Ryan left.

“You bet,” Aric chuckled as they walked over to where Dr. Cel was working, “I made that mistake at the academy my third day in and after a very public dressing down and a hundred push-ups, I never thought to use ma’am again.”

Dr. Cel spotted them, recognizing Bella and Corso as they approached, “Did you find any serum?”

“We did,” Bella beamed as the four of them began taking the samples out of their packs.

“Oh, my,” Dr. Cel smiled, unable to contain her excitement, “You found more than I’d hoped for!”

“There’s even more, but this was all we could carry,” Corso told her.

“Where did you find this?”

Bella explained about the pirates, and Ryan sending them into Fallenspire to find Dr. Ryam. Mallay took over, explaining Dr. Ryamn’s findings and that it wasn’t a complete vaccine. Dr. Cel ran scans on the serum and compared it with samples of the current virus.

“It looks like the virus has mutated some since this was created,” she sighed, “That’s why it won’t stop or prevent the disease itself, just keep the victim from changing……still, it’s a start. We just have a long ways to go.”

“Is there a way to speed up the process at all?” Mallay asked.

Dr. Cel looked thoughtful for a moment, “Well, from what you told me about Dr. Ryamn’s findings, there might be a way to use this serum as a link to boost the process and create a modern rakghoul vaccine.”

“How?” Aric prodded.

“That’s the hard part……we’d need a couple of volunteers,” she answered.

“For what?” Bella narrowed those green eyes at the scientist.

Dr. Ciel explained that if someone would be willing to take the outdated vaccine and go get infected, their body would work with the antibodies in the serum to develop a resistance and overcome it. The new antibodies would be at ideal levels when the fever breaks. A blood sample would need to be taken at that point and it could be used to develop a vaccine for the current strain. Two individuals would be preferable in case of any complications.

After a few moments of quiet, all of them thinking about this new solution, Mallay spoke up, “I’ll do it.”

“Are you frakking crazy?!” Aric growled before he could stop himself, “No!”

“I’m sorry, last time I checked, I was your superior!” Mallay shot back, “You don’t get to order me around anymore, Sergeant.”

“Mallay,” Bella chided, “He’s just worried…..it’s a huge risk. I don’t want you doing it either.”

“Think about it…..with a vaccine, people wouldn’t get infected anymore. The disease would stop spreading and we could eventually contain and eliminate the rak threat,” Mallay sighed, feeling a little guilty for her reaction, “What Dr. Cel’s proposing makes sense scientifically and we know I won’t turn into one of those things based on Dr. Ryamn’s findings.”

“You could still die!” Aric snapped, glaring at her.

“I’m not afraid to risk that to save so many lives……it’s what we do as soldiers…..no different from any mission we’ve done so far,” Mallay countered, glaring right back, “Please don’t fight me on this.”

“I can’t stop you,” Aric shook his head, but I can take the serum instead, he thought, a plan forming as he spoke out loud, “but don’t ask me to be happy about this.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Mallay smirked.

“I’ll do it too,” Bella volunteered, “I’ll take the serum.”

“Captain…..”

“Don’t you start in,” Bella interrupted, “I’m not letting my sister do this alone. You heard Dr. Cel, a second test subject would be good.

Corso knew better then to argue, but there was no way he was going to let Bella take that serum. He’d take it instead. Once that happened, she'd have no choice but to allow him to be bitten and he was more than willing to deal with the explosive reaction from the beautiful redhead. He caught Aric’s eye and was certain the Cathar was planning something similar.

Dr. Cel prepared the injections and turned to Bella and Mallay, “If possible, you should try to split up and get bitten by different groups. Once you get bitten, head to waypoint station Draay. There’s a field clinic set up and my assistants will be there to take care of you. I'll contact them as soon as you leave to brief them about what we're doing.”

“Understood,” Mallay replied and seeing Aric moving towards her, called out, “Sergeant Jorgan, please keep your distance…..that’s an order!” He growled an expletive at her, but complied, crossing his arms and Mallay could feel those laser green eyes boring into her back as Dr. Cel injected her. She got the coordinates for Draay from Dr. Cel, then she headed out, followed by an angry Jorgan.

“Good luck, sis,” Bella called out and since shots made her squeamish, she closed her eyes as Dr. Cel prepared to inject her, “See you in a bit!”

“Hey!” Dr. Cel shouted and Bella opened her eyes to see Corso injecting himself with the serum.

“What the hell, Corso?” Bella cried, “Why did you do that?!”

“I can’t let you risk your life, Captain,” he defended his actions without remorse, “I don’t have any family that would miss me if things went wrong…..you do. Aric was going to do the same thing, but Mallay ordered him back. I’m not in the military and don’t have that restriction. Now, let’s get going......arguing isn’t going to do any good.” Corso turned, and started walking the opposite direction that Mallay and Aric went, a seething and very worried Bella following after getting Draay’s coordinates from Dr. Cel.

“Is it dead?” a pale faced Mallay asked nervously, her smoking cannon at the ready.

Sergeant Jorgan looked down at the small, blackened patch of ground in front of him and snickered, “I think you disintegrated it, sir!”

“Are you sure?!”

Aric looked at the charred ground and called back in his usual acerbic tone, "Everything in a two foot radius has been obliterated, sir."

“Thank the stars!” she sighed in relief and secured her cannon on her back.

“Yes, Taris is now safe from that vicious, man-eater,” Aric snorted, shaking his head.

Mallay’s blue eyes narrowed, “You know, I could decide to abuse my authority over you and make you scrub the toilet with a tooth brush every day for the next month if you keep it up, buster.”

“It might be worth it, sir,” Aric retorted, a wicked gleam in his eye as he suddenly pointed, “Oh, is that another one?!”

Mallay let out a shriek as she scrabbled up onto Aric’s back, frantically looking around.

“Oh, my mistake….” Aric chuckled as Mallay got off of his back.

“Really not funny, Jorgan!”

“Oh, it really is!” Aric told her, “You charge into a throng of rakgouls, purposely trying to get bitten, yet a little…”

“It wasn’t that little,” Mallay muttered, embarrassed at having one of her fears exposed. “Speaking of being bitten, let’s get going a little faster, huh. I'm starting to feel kinda warm so I need to get to that medic station and have them start running their tests. Who knows what I'm going to feel like in the next hour or so.”

“Hey, I'm not the one who freaked out and had to stop to annihilate that poor little…”

“Come on, it wasn’t that little, was it?” Mallay asked, getting more embarrassed when she recalled her reaction. “I guess I didn’t get that good of a look….just wanted it dead before it got too close,” she admitted sheepishly.

“Mission accomplished, it never had a chance, sir!” Aric teased, shaking with laughter as Waypoint Station Draay finally came in their distant sight.

“Stars, I hate you!”

“No you don’t.”

“Yes I do,”

“Baby!”

“Turd!”

“sssssssssss,” Aric hissed quietly.

Mallay let out another squeal and climbed back up on Aric’s back before she realized it was him.

“Yup, totally hate you!” she muttered, a shiver running down her spine.

Mallay was terrified of all snakes, no matter what size they were, and didn't react well when encountering one as her squad mate now knew. She ignored his teasing laughter as he continued on to the outpost with her on his back. Since she was feeling quite tired and feverishly warm at that point, she decided to stay on where she was.

“Now you have to carry me to that droid, consider it your punishment for being a jerk,” she mumbled, resting her head on his shoulder, and in less than a minute, she was fast asleep.

“I think we’re lost, Captain,” Corso told Bella as he looked around, earning him a glare from her dark green eyes.

“We are NOT lost!” she retorted, still annoyed at her dead datapad which had her navigator on it and at Corso, who wasn’t looking too good. Bella was normally good with direction, but Taris was a mess of ruins, swamps, and wilderness which made it difficult for her to get her bearings

“Do you know where we're at?”

“Sure....uh....we're headed to the Draay outpost, silly” Bella stalled. Stupid datapad!

Corso stumbled a little, “Yes, Captain, but do you know where Draay is?”

Bella flashed what she hoped was a reassuring smile, trying to look confident, “Of course I do!”

“Really?” Corso asked, unable to keep the doubt from his voice. He stumbled again, feeling warmer every minute. He was also starting to get a little lightheaded.

“Trust me, I got a good look at the map before my datapad died. We're headed in the right direction,” she assured him, then muttered, “I think.”

“Ok, Captain, but I'm pretty sure I've seen this group of trees clumped by these ruins at least once already.”

Bella sighed, knowing he was right. She was also getting worried about him, his normally tanned skin was getting pale and he was definitely tiring.

She, along with her sister, Mallay, Corso, and Aric had helped acquire a vaccine from the ruins of Dynamet General that had been produced just before the bombardment of Taris for Dr. Del. However, Dr. Del discovered that the vaccine wouldn't prevent the current strain but figured out a way to update it. She would need help though. Bella and Mallay agreed to take the outdated rakghoul virus vaccine, then go out and get bitten by one of those nasty creatures. The vaccine wouldn’t prevent them from getting infected, but would help their bodies fight off the virus while producing antibodies to fight off the current strain. Then a more current vaccine could be made by taking blood samples from the girls while their bodies were fighting off the virus. They needed to report to the Draay outpost after being bitten where there was a medical station setup that could analyze their blood. Mallay had gotten injected, despite protests from Sergeant Jorgan, and they went in one direction to search out rakghouls. Bella was about to get injected when Corso stepped in and took it instead. He apologized and insisted he couldn’t stand the thought of her putting herself in danger like that. Especially since she had such a loving family that would miss her greatly if something happened to her. Why does he have to be such a nice guy?!, Bella asked herself, angry that he put himself in danger for her and desperately hoping he would be alright.

“Ok, Corso, let’s rest for a moment and see if I can get this thing powered up enough to see where we are and what direction we should be going in.” After a few moments, Bella got the navigation running long enough to see that they weren’t that far from Draay outpost, just a little too far north. She looked over at Corso, fear jolting down her spine when she saw he'd passed out. She pulled some water out of her pack and lightly slapped his face a little, trying to wake him. He finally opened his eyes and Bella got him sitting up giving him the water.

“Drink, Corso,” she pleaded, “only a little further south and we can get you some help.” Bella hoped that Dr. Cel's assistants were ready for them. She watched Corso’s brown eyes start to droop shut again and quickly got up, pulling him to his feet.

“Come on Farm Boy, time to get moving!” Bella ordered, helping him walk. He really wasn’t looking too good and Bella wanted to get him to that droid ASAP!

“We not lost anymore?” he asked weakly.

“We were never really lost.....just taking the scenic route.” Bella smirked, trying to take their minds off the danger Corso could be in.

That got a weak smile from Corso, “does Taris have scenery that anyone would really want to see?”

“Sure.....there's all kinds of...uh...nature here!” Bella giggled, her amusement not reaching her eyes. She wanted to keep him talking. If he was talking, he wouldn't pass out again, she hoped.

By the time Draay came into sight, nightfall was approaching and Bella was struggling to hold Corso up....practically dragging him along. She could feel heat radiating off of him through her clothes and knew his temperature must be really high. She hoped that was a good sign that his body was producing the necessary antibodies to fight off the virus. They made their way into the north entrance to Draay and Bella saw Sergeant Jorgan coming in the other entrance carrying an unconscious Mallay, who looked about as good as Corso did.

They found a droid waiting, who directed them into a large tent where Dr. Cel had sent two assistants ahead. There were two cots set up and Aric lay Mallay on one of them then helped Bella get Corso into the other. The medical assistants immediately went to work while Bella and Aric sat, both wearing worried looks on their faces. The waiting game had begun.

“Subject one is a twenty-three year old human female with a cybernetic enhancement, approximately five feet four inches, one hundred fifteen pounds, excellent physical condition, bitten several times by rakghouls about two hours ago. Subject was unconscious upon arrival and has fever with chills. She was given an outdated vaccine and scans show that her body is producing antibodies.”

“Subject two is a twenty-five year old human male, approximately six feet, one hundred ninety-five pounds, excellent physical condition, bitten several times by rakghouls about two and a half hours ago. Subject lost consciousness after arriving and has fever with chills. He was given an outdated vaccine and scans show his body is producing antibodies.”

Bella and Aric just sat, listening to the assistants assess Corso and Mallay as they hooked them to monitors, unable to do anything else at that point. They had helped the assistants remove their armor plating, leaving Mallay in just a tank top and her mesh bottoms and Corso just his mesh bottoms. Both were still unconscious, the assistants hoping they would stay that way since neither could be sedated until their fevers broke.

Aric spoke up finally, “When we left, you were about to get your injection. What happened?”

Bella sighed, concerned when Corso started tossing and turning in his cot, “Corso decided that he didn’t want me endangering myself, so he snatched the serum from Dr. Cel and injected himself with it before I could stop him.” She shook her head, “Why did he have to do that?! I'm the one who agreed to help Dr. Cel. I knew the danger and was willing to take the risk to help so many people.”

“So did he,” Aric replied, worry showing on his face, “I may not know him that well, but he's a good guy, Bella, and there's no way he was going to let you put yourself in danger like that if he could prevent it.” He smirked at the look on her face, “Now, don’t get all pissy, it’s a man thing. Most of us don’t like women putting themselves in any kind of danger.”

“Well, I didn’t see you taking Mallay’s injection. You are a man and didn’t feel the need to protect the ‘little woman’ from danger.” Bella retorted.

Aric looked over at the cot where his CO was starting to toss and turn. “Being in the military with woman taking risks alongside you cools that drive a little. There's been more than one time that a woman has given me a dressing down for trying to protect her. I still feel that protective urge, but I try to think before automatically reacting.” he explained, “However, if Mallay hadn’t ordered me back, I would have done the same as Corso.....I almost did anyways, but she took it before I could disobey her orders.”

Bella smiled at that, “She probably knew you'd do that and if you had succeeded, she would have likely beat the crap out of you as soon as you were healthy again.”

“She may have tried,” Aric snorted, “but I'm much bigger than she is. Also, I could have just found a snake to scare her with.”

Bella laughed, “Let me guess, Mallay ran into a snake earlier.”

Aric nodded, grinning, “I don’t think I've ever seen anyone take out a little snake with an assault cannon before! She didn't find it as funny as I did though.”

“Yeah, she's terrified of snakes so watch out, because if she ever finds out what you're afraid of, you'll be in for some payback.”

“Who says I'm afraid of anything?!” he snickered, then he sobered, “It would've been worth being punished though,” he admitted, nodding towards Mallay. “I hate seeing her take the risks she does, soldier or not.”

Bella studied him for a moment, “You know.....I'm glad you are in Havoc with her and that you've become friends. She was worried that you would continue hating her and treating her like she was a stupid rookie that got lucky. Instead, you've treated her with respect and taught her a lot. She really values your friendship you know.” she admitted.

“I still feel a little guilty for the way I treated her on Ord," he sighed, "but I've had so many bad experiences with hot shot rookies that I'd started judging them harshly from the start. Mallay made me realize how wrong I was to do that. She's a very talented, intelligent, young woman and I have never met anyone quite like her.”

"Mallay is her own person alright, fearless except when it comes to a hot guy or a snake,” Bella giggled, then went on, “but one thing about Mallay.....she can take care of herself.”

“Yeah, I've seen that first hand,” then he asked something he had been wondering for a while. “Bella, how did Mallay get scarred?”

“Have you asked her that?”

“Once,” he nodded, smiling at the memory, “A few days ago actually....she needed lotion on her back scars, and after turning very red, stuttering a bit, and referring to me as 'Sergeant' in that bossy, business like tone, she asked me if I could help her. While I was putting it on, I asked her about her scars. She told me she was in a horrible accident and didn’t like to talk about it. She looked upset and we'd just started becoming friends, so I didn’t want to push.”

Bella sighed, “Well, she should be the one to tell you, not me. Neither of us likes to talk about it, however, I can tell you this much....our father died the day Mallay got her scars. She was only fifteen and it was no accident.”

Aric nodded, suspecting there had been more to the story, but surprised at how young she was. He had assumed it happened when she was in training. “What happened to those responsible?” he asked, somehow knowing the answer already.

A cold, deadly look came over Bella’s beautiful face, that same look that he had seen on Mallay whenever she spoke of dealing with the Havoc traitors, “They’re dead.”

They heard one of the assistants shout then and monitors were going off. Corso was thrashing on his cot, mumbling incoherently, and they were trying to keep him down. Bella got up and went over to him, tears in her eyes when she saw how awful he looked. He was very damp and pale, and his body was shaking with chills.

“Subject two is delirious, body temp is at one hundred four, fever should be breaking soon, but may need to be restrained for his own safety if he continues to thrash around,” one of the assistants noted on his datapad.

Bella rounded on the med tech and snapped, “He has a name and it isn’t subject two! Its Corso, and if I hear you call him subject two again, I'm going to shoot you where you stand!" She nodded at her sister, "and that's my sister. Her name is Mallay, not subject one!"

Aric had gone over to Mallay’s cot, where she was starting to cry out, her small body straining as she fought the assistant who was trying to hold her down and reattach the monitors she'd knocked loose.

"Stupid girl," he muttered, "stop fighting me and hold still!" He barely had time to register the harsh growl before he was being hauled up by six feet of very angry Cathar. He shuddered as those laser green eyes bored him.

"This extraordinary woman just ran into a throng of rakghouls, purposely getting bitten, so a vaccine, which will save thousands of lives, could be made." Aric growled in a voice that made the assistant shudder again, "She and Corso deserve your respect and if I hear you treat her otherwise one more time, I'll rip out your throat with my claws!"

"Easy there, Aric, he's about to wet himself." Bella snickered. "At least wait until Mallay and Corso are okay. After that, I don't care what you do to him."

"I might be mistaken, but I'm fairly certain I just heard you tell that other assistant you were going to shoot him where he stands." Aric retorted.

Bella looked sheepish, "ah, you got me there. I wasn't going to kill him though..... I swear."

"Bella," Corso murmured hoarsely. Bella sat next to him, moved his unbound dreds off his face, and ran a cold cloth over it. The assistant came over hesitantly, glancing at Bella’s blasters.

“I'm not going to shoot you....sorry I said that.” She assured him. “I'm not always at my best when people I care about are in danger.”

The assistant scanned Corso, “His fever is breaking, I'm going to take one more blood sample, then we can sedate him. He's a remarkable person, Captain, your sister is as well. There are not many that would take the risk that they just did. I meant no disrespect earlier. Sometimes we get in analytical mode and forget how to talk to the people who care about our patients.” His partner, who had come over, nodded in agreement, nervously eyeing the large Cathar next to the young woman.

Aric was cooling Mallay off with a cloth, trying really hard not to notice how well her damp tank top clung to her. He could see her vivid pink lace bra through white fabric and felt his body heat up. Easy there, Jorgan, he thought, embarrassed at his body’s reaction. He was running the cool cloth over her face when she smiled.

“Aric, is that you?” she whispered, opening her deep blue eyes.

He nodded, smiling back at her, relief showing on his face. “Welcome back!”

Mallay closed her eyes and murmured a thanks. The assistant Aric had threatened a few minutes ago came over to scan her. Aric followed Bella’s example and apologized.

“I understand, Sergeant. I was out of line when I snapped at her. I think this place and these raks get to us all after a while. That's no excuse though and I'm sorry. It is obvious that you care about her and I should've thought about that instead of just treating her like a test subject.” He scanned her and smiled, “Her fever is broken as well. I'm going to take one last blood sample, then sedate her.”

Bella watched the exchange with interest. Oh, sister dearest, I think you've finally met your match, she thought with a smile, This is going to be fun to watch progress!

The assistants directed Bella and Aric to the tent next door where there were cots set up for them to sleep on. Corso and Mallay would be monitored and should sleep through the night. They would be checked over thoroughly in the morning, but the assistants were expecting no complications given that they were both recovering rapidly.