“You call that a landing?!” The tall Cathar growled at the pale Zabrak as they stepped off the shuttle. “I could’ve done better with my eyes closed!”

The pilot wisely kept quiet as the brooding captain stepped away, despite having warned the group before they left Makeb’s orbital station that the atmosphere made for a rough trip planetside. Jaxzin Roark had a reputation for getting the job done despite the odds, but the Republic Privateer was rumored to be a grouch when conditions were less than ideal and he didn’t want to be on the receiving end of that temper. The Zabrak quietly moved away from the ramp and began looking over his shuttle as the others began to disembark from the small shuttle, no one very steady on his or feet, and made sure to stay out of Captain Roark’s line of sight.

“Never again am I getting in that can,” Jax muttered, visibly shaken and completely oblivious to the beautiful view from the mesa as he continued grumbling under his breath while he fished in his vest pocket for his cigarra case. He was about to pull a cigarra out of it when a beefy hand clapped his shoulder, causing him to drop it.

“Come on Jax, cut the guy some slack,” Zev told his buddy as Jax stooped down to retrieve the black leatheris case, trying hard not to laugh when he noticed the Cathar’s grey fur was puffed out. He had to bite his tongue when Jax’s littermate Syarra stepped off the shuttle, the state of her own fur even worse. Unfortunately the Republic officer completely lost the battle when his XO stepped off the shuttle looking like he just stuck his finger in a light socket.

“What the kriff are you laughing at?!” Jax glared at his friend, cuffing the broad, tan skinned Zabrak upside his bald horned head when he started laughing harder.

“I’m sorry…..but you guys…….look hilarious!” Zev finally croaked, stifling his snickers for a brief second only to lose it again when Ka’van stepped off the shuttle and started laughing openly at the three Cathar now trying to settle their raised fur.

“This has got to be the funniest thing I’ve seen in a long time,” Ka’van snickered, oblivious to the angry glares he and the Major were getting.

“And here I thought we were going to act like professionals,” Aric muttered, adding the words “instead of karking ******es,” under his breath as he dug in his pack for his water bottle, wishing he had something stronger after that flight. Deciding he needed to hear his Lifemate’s voice, he stepped away to call her.

“Geez…..no need to get your boxers in a bunch,” Zev snickered, his jade eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Or your fur twitching,” Ka’van couldn’t resist adding, causing Zev to start laughing again, “Oh wait, too late for that.”

“It’s not like we can help it…..jerks!” Syarra grumbled as both men started laughing again, her azure eyes flashing as she jabbed her amused lover in the chest with a claw tipped finger before stalking off. Then she paused, a wicked smirk curving her lips as she regarded the ginger haired Jedi over her shoulder, “And don’t think I didn’t notice your white knuckled grip on the chair when we were coming in for a landing.”

“Oh come on,” Ka’van called after her, “Don’t be like that.”

“Yeah,” Jax snorted, a smug look on his face as he smirked at his Jedi friend, “Good luck with that…..Syarra can hold a grudge.”

Jax watched as his Jedi friend hurried off to catch up to his littermate. Jax sighed as he pulled a cigarra from the black leatheris case, then extended a razor sharp claw and cut the end off. Azure eyes surveyed the scene, noting the absence of people in what he assumed would be a fairly busy area and not for the first time, the spacer wondered if he’d made the right decision when he volunteered for this mission.

After he and Syarra arrived on Coruscant, they met with several representatives from the Senate, military leaders, and the Jedi Council to discuss the recent findings he’d helped to uncover. Intel was still scarce, but what they did know was enough for the Republic to take action and Supreme Commander Jace Malcom was ready to send in his very best. Whatever the Hutts had planned for Makeb was enough of a threat that the Jedi Order felt the need to intervene as well and Grand Master Satele Shan sent along some strong backup for Havoc Squad. Then all eyes had turned to the leatheris clad Privateer captain as Supreme Chancellor Sareesh asked if he’d accompany their forces as well since he’d been the one to uncover the initial intel.

Despite wanting a break from front line action, Jax had agreed to go to Makeb to investigate the Cartel activity there and stop the Hutts operations. It wasn’t just his Privateer agreement driving the Underworld spacer, although he did still feel that pull from his military background despite what had happened to make him resign. The biggest reason was that once he started something, Jax was in it until the end…...a trait he got from both his parents. Also Jax felt he owed the deceased spacer who discovered what was happening on Makeb, as well as his niece Tamera.

A grin crossed his furred features as he spotted the dreadlocked Human approaching him, knowing full well Tamera was the reason Corso was here as well. His Mantellian crewmate and friend had fallen hard for the young medical student over the past few weeks and Jax was happy for the mercenary. The grin broadened when his gaze caught a glimpse of yellow fur and he shook his head as he watched his littermate for a moment, knowing full well just how long Syarra could hold a grudge. Sure enough, her tall frame was rigid as she glared at the ginger haired Jedi failing to keep the amusement out of his tone as he attempted to get back into her good graces.

His brow furrowed for a moment as he pondered once again how easy it had been to get Ka’van to come along for this mission. His friend hadn’t been too keen on official Republic missions nor on assisting the Order lately, but when Grand Master Shan asked Ka’van to be a part of the Makeb operation, he agreed without the slightest protest. Then again, the ginger had been dragging him into all sorts of trouble ever since their timely meeting on Taris a couple years ago, so maybe that’s why he agreed to go. Jax gave an involuntary shudder when memories of the Rakghoul Tunnels surfaced. He took a deep breath to calm his nerves as he attempted to light his cigarra.

“Hey…...what’s that smell?” Aric’s brow furrowed as he returned to the group, sniffing the air while still trying to smooth his tawny fur down.

“That would be our demolitions expert vomiting behind the shuttle,” Elara sighed as she started digging in her medikit for some anti-nausea injections for Vik.

“He’s not alone,” Kira snorted, pointing to the Mon Calamari doubled over a little ways away from the Weequay. Then she nodded at the Chagrian sitting on the ground holding a small white bag while Doc injected him with a stim. “Rusk is barely holding it in himself and honestly…...I’m feeling a little queasy myself after that ride.”

“How come you’re not looking green in the gills?” Corso asked Risha as they watched Guss duck behind the shuttle again.

“You must’ve never flown with Skavak before,” Risha snorted.

“That bad huh?”

“Made this landing look like a kiddie ride,” she replied as she looked around. “Beautiful view though.”

“That it is,” Kira agreed.

“Damn,” Aric growled.

“Problems? Other than your fur I mean,” Zev asked, grinning when Aric gave him the middle finger salute. “Sorry, couldn’t resist…..so what’s wrong?”

“No signal,” Aric answered holding up his comlink.

“They warned us that might happen,” Zev reminded his second in command.

“I know,” Aric sighed as their medic returned, “But I was really hoping it wouldn’t…...I hate not being able to reach Natasha.”

“She’s fine, Aric,” Elara assured her squadmate for what seemed like the hundredth time. “Her morning sickness has passed and her pregnancy is progressing as it should. Doctor Keely is completely capable of handling her routine checkups and since she’s not even half way through the pregnancy, we should easily be back on Coruscant before your younglings make their arrival.”

“Nothing we ever get assigned to ever ends up being easy,” Aric countered with a snort as he finally gave up on trying to get a com call out and put the device back in his pack.

“Sir,” Elara turned to her CO, “I’m afraid I’ve run out of anti-nausea injectors, do you have any in your medikit? Sergeant Vik could use another dose.”

“I should,” Zev replied, handing his kit over, “Take what you need…….it’ll cost you a kiss though.”

“Thank you, Sir,” Elara blushed, but obliged her husband by pausing to give him a quick kiss before walking back over to the sick duo behind the shuttle.

“Is it hard having to be your wife’s CO?” Jax asked as he watched the blonde officer tend to her patients.

“Nah,” Zev grinned, “The squad is used to us being together by now and other than the occasional teasing, it’s all good.”

“I’ll bet it’s nice having your wife with you on those long flights,” Jax chuckled, feeling a little calmer now.

“Speaking of flights and the squad…….I meant to ask earlier, but I noticed your crew is a little light,” Zev prodded.

“Yeah,” Jax sighed, taking a long drag off the fragrant cigarra. “I didn’t want to leave Port Nowhere with just Rogun there running the show and Bowie agreed to stay.”

“Don’t trust him?”

“In this biz you never completely trust anyone really,” Jax shrugged, “But Rogun is a pretty decent sort despite our past issues and I know he isn’t looking to take things over again. It’s more that I wanted someone around to keep eyes and ears open for stuff and Rogun wouldn’t be able to focus on that while running the Port.”

“Makes sense,” Zev nodded, “What about Akaavi?”

“Eh, she’s off on a hunt with some Mandalorian associates of hers,” Jax shrugged. “She doesn’t have any real loyalty for the Republic anyways so I had no problems with her not coming along on this mission.”

“Speaking of Mandalorians,” Zev recalled, “My cousin contacted me just before we left Coruscant.”

“He still enjoying time with his Mother’s clan?”

“He is,” Zev smiled, “I’m glad Dek was able to find some of Aunt Sylvie’s family even if they are distant cousins. A couple of them were close to her growing up.”

“That’s good,” Jax nodded, smiling as well at the fact his buddy was doing well. “Did you tell him what was going down?”

“I wasn’t going to say anything because he seems so happy to be spending time with Mako and getting to know Aunt Sylvie’s clan better, but he actually brought it up.”

“How did he find out?!” Jax frowned, wondering if they had a leak somewhere and hoping the Cartel wasn’t aware of the Republic’s plans.

“Relax,” Zev clapped the Cathar’s broad shoulder, knowing what the former military man was thinking. “Dek found out when he called to check in on Gault and Blizz. Apparently Gault and Vik had some deal cooking that I don’t even want to know about…...anyways, Vik had to cancel because Havoc was assigned to this mission and Gault mentioned Havoc’s deployment when Dek called him.”

“Gault didn’t know the details did he?” Jax asked, his brow furrowing with concern since the con man was too much of a wild card to be trusted with sensitive information.

“Nah, even Vik isn’t careless enough to give out classified intel when General Garza declares it as such,” Zev assured his friend. “All Gault knew was that Havoc was deployed…..and that’s all I told Dek, but he made me promise to contact him if we needed backup.”

“Let’s just hope we don’t,” Jax grumbled.

“I think we have it covered between Havoc Squad, and both yours and Syarra’s cre-”

“What the frak?!” Jax swore as the ground began to tremble underneath their feet, his eyes darting around to locate Risha. He felt a surge of relief when he spotted the curvy brunette crouched down, Corso leaning protectively over her as they both held onto a small tree. Then he felt an odd sensation that caused the fur on his neck to twitch and he noticed the air around him rippling a little. Having a good idea what that was after working with Ka’van so much over the years, he looked for the Jedi. He spotted that ginger head bowed as he knelt next to Syarra, both with eyes closed in concentration as they continued to shield the group.

“Elara!” Zev shouted over the sounds of rock hitting metal, his jade eyes wide as he looked toward the shuttle where his wife had been tending to the nauseated passengers with Doc.

“We’re fine, sir,” she called back and Zev saw her, Doc, and Guss huddled down under the large armored Weequay.

“Jorgan?”

“Over here, sir,” his second in command answered from behind and Zev looked over his shoulder to see the armored forms of Aric and Sergeant Rusk protecting Kira.

“I think it’s high time we go meet our contact,” Zev suggested, a grim look on his tan face when things finally stilled.

Jax nodded his agreement then called out to the others, “Hey you guys, we’re heading to Avesta’s place. I’m sure he’ll want to speak with me, Zev, and Syarra at least…..the rest of you are welcome to join,” his azure eyes settled on the Weequay and Mon Cal who both still looked a little ill and gave a weak chuckle as he amended his statement, “those of you who feel up to it anyways.

“See,” Jax whispered, “it was faster to slip down here.”

Ka'van rolled his eyes. “We still had to kill that ridiculously huge droid though.”

“Hey how was I supposed to know that it's power core was unstable and the thing was gonna blow?”

“It did not just ‘blow’ it cratered the upper deck throwing us down into the bowels of this floating trash heap.” Ka’van jabbed his hand at the mounds of sparking debris and exposed wiring surrounding him. The responding maintenance droids attempting to extinguish the sparks that were threatening to combust. “We need to leave before the real welcoming party gets here.”

Ka’van frowned as he searched the dimly lit room, the flickering overhead lights barely illuminating the dingy dust-filled space. “Where are we supposed to go from here?” he growled.

Beside him Jaxzin sighed. “It looks like there is only one way out of here.”

“No kidding,” Ka’van dryly drawled, “after we get out of this…” he gestured around him, “hole where are we supposed to go?”

“Well,” Jax frowned as his hand waved the dusty air out of his face, “we should be on the engineering deck and somewhat close to the secondary engine room, the power regulators and the coolant system might be there.”

“Should? Might? So promising,” Ka’van shook his head, dusting off his black robe, “Let’s go and find out exactly where we are.”

Hand grasping his saber hilt Ka’van carefully tread his way through the debris. Jax followed closely behind. The dust-filled room emptied out into a rather clean corridor. Pausing Ka’van reached out through the Force, up ahead there were pulses in the flow of the Force. His head canted to the side, bored pulses. Interesting. Apparently there had not been any alarms sounded, one would think after blowing up a droid of that size and putting a sizable crater into the deck that someone would have sounded an alarm…

A voice crackled through the ship's intercom system. “Attention, there are unidentified intruders onboard. I want this taken care of immediately.” The crackle abruptly ended.

At his words the once bored signatures morphed into agitated and interested signatures. Ka’van smiled well they would not be sneaking around anymore.

Looking behind him, Ka’van grinned at the huge grey-furred Cathar standing behind him. “Looks like we are might have some company.

His grin grew as Jax’s face bunched up in annoyance. “Might?” He questioned “what do you mean might?

“Well they might come this way, like we might be on the engineering deck.” Ka’van’s grin grew even larger.

“Stars Ka’van why do you have to be such a pain in the karking rear? I think I know where we are.” He sighed, hands grabbing his blasters, slipping them out of their holsters. “What might we expect?

“Oh the usual; some guards, maybe some technicians, possibly some combat droids, if we are lucky a few battle droids.” Ka’van grinned.

“If we are lucky,” Jax sighed, “we are not going to be able to talk our way out of any of this are we? I am stuck getting shot at again aren’t I?”

“If you wanted stealth and incognito you should not have blow a moon sized hole in the deck.”

“Not going to let me live that down are you.”

“Nope.” He shook his head, “I am not.” Ka’van winked at him before quickly moving down the spacious corridor.

His pace quickened as he neared the foreign Force signatures, he could hear the muffled voices drifting towards him. They were wondering if the intruders were anywhere near them and if they should leave their posts to go look.

Ka’van’s hand shot outward as he commanded the Force to wrap around a rather large and muscular man wearing a rather sharp looking uniform. The Hutts must be paying these mercs well, well were… the corner of Ka’van’s mouth curled up in a smile. He jerked his hand upward and the man followed floating in mid-air.

Two smaller men across the corridor turned, shouting as the ground began to shake beneath them. Blaster bolts shot past his shoulder, dropping the men in seconds. His attention shifted, an ever increasing clanging was charging towards them. Droids. His smile widened. The clanging grew louder as a trio of armed droids rounded the corner. The whir of charging blasters caught his ear as the hair at the nape of his neck stood on end. He glanced at the still floating Human and reached past him; there anchored against the wall was a large set of pipes. Looking behind him he spotted Jax, bringing his blaster barrels level with the largest of the droids.

“Duck,” Ka’van shouted as the tingling at the nape of his neck increased. He reached out with his left hand as he lowered his body to the ground, closing his long fingers into a loose fist he commanded the Force around the exposed pipes to contract. Flinging the pipes across the room he elicited a surprised squeak from Jax. The Cathar cursed next to him, growling as the pipes collided into the unsuspecting droids.

“Karking hell, give me more warning next time.” Jax groused.

“Thought it was enough time, you’re fast enough.” Ka’van looked at him out of the corner of his storm blue eye, “would you rather I wait until they start shooting next time?”

Jax growled a short, “No.”

“Good,” Ka’van reached over slapping him on the shoulder. “Don’t complain then. Let’s deal with him and get going.” He gestured to the floating Human.

The Human gave him a scowling frown. “What makes you think that we will want to deal?”

Ka’van canted his head to the side, “Oh no, you misunderstand. I don’t want to negotiate with you.” His long fingers gestured towards the mercenary’s head.

The man swallowed a scream as his hands flew to either side of his head.

Ka’van’s fingers curled inward as the Force constricted around the man’s head slowly crushing it.

A blue bolt shot past his shoulder landing neatly between the man’s eyes. Ka’van released his hold and the floating corpse crashed to the durasteel.

“Was that really necessary?” Jax muttered.

“Yes. Do you really plan on letting any of them live now? You want to give the Hutts’ a face to go with their opposition?”

“No,” Jax sighed. “I do not want to do that, but do you have to do that head crushing thing?” Jax shuddered, his visible fur rippling.

“No, my friend, I can refrain.”

“Good, now let’s get out of this before we make more friends.” Jax muttered as he moved past him.

Ka’van shrugged as he followed, ignoring the bodies littering the floor as they walked past. The hallway was rather expansive and apparently direct. It did not seem to branch off in either direction. “Apparently it is this way, I do not see any other way to go.”

Jax nodded, “Hopefully we will find the damn room and get off this karking ship before we run into anyone else.”

“We might,” Ka’van shrugged, “but I doubt it.”

“Why do you sense anyone else coming?”

“There were quite a few on the upper decks, Even if there is no one else in here, which I highly doubt, they will make their way down. The individual who made the announcement sounded very serious.”

“Can you check?” Jax peered down the corridor his head tilted back slightly. “I would like to avoid any more if we could.”

“Why? Are you getting sick of being shot at?” Ka’van chuckled.

“Yes, yes I am, and it is not funny.” Jax frowned.

“Relax, don’t get your panties in a twist I will look and we will get out of here soon.”

“I hope so I really do not like being in here.”

“Neither do I.” Ka’van closed his eyes, reaching out through the Force, down the corridor were more weak pulses in the Force. They were slowly approaching. Their hesitance was thick. Ka’van laid his left hand on Jax’s arm. The Cathar immediately stilled next to him.

“How many?” Jax whispered.

Ka’van’s eyes closed, as he searched. “Six living,” he murmured under his breath, “three… no four droids.”

“Great,” Jax muttered.

“Relax, we will be fine.”

“Yeah you say that now,” Jax snorted, “You are never the one getting shot!”

“Now that is not true,” Ka’van smiled, “I do get shot at.”

“That is not what I mean!” Jax snarled, “You manage to never get hit! It hurts you know, getting hit by a karking blaster bolt.”

“Hmm you do have a point there, it does look like it might hurt, a bit.”

“You know karking well that it hurts.” Jax sighed rubbing the back of his neck, “What do you suppose we do now. The less shooting the better.”

“Might have an idea.”

“Might? “Jax echoed.

“Yes.” Ka’van grinned as he walked past the frowning Cathar.

Ka’van hugged the corridor’s wall sticking to it’s shadows as he slowly approached the apprehensive guards. He paused hiding behind a durasteel column. The guards were roughly fifty meters ahead clustered around each other quietly conferring; the droids were standing nearby watching down the corridor in the other direction. Eyes scanning the ceiling he systematically searched the massive overhead light fixture. It was anchored by large bolts. He held his hand up gesturing to Jax to wait. He felt the massive Cathar slide up against the wall next to him. Reaching out, through the Force he easily located the bolts. Quietly working Ka’van loosened them; closing his eyes he concentrated. He needed to pull them at the exact same time. Silently the heavy nuts turned as he held the fixture firmly against the ceiling.

Beside him Jax shifted; Ka’van closed his eyes tighter blocking out the nervous energy radiating off his friend. A few more turns and the nuts were free hovering, centimeters under their respective bolts. Opening his eyes Ka’van looked behind his shoulder. “Are you ready?” He whispered.

Jax nodded.

Smiling, Ka’van released his hold; the nuts clattering to the ground, causing the gathered beings to look upward at the plummeting light fixture. Jax cringed at the sounds of breaking bones and smothered screams.

Across the room the droids rotated, blasters moving as they turned to look at the fallen light fixture. Ka’van grinned. Stupid droids. Reaching out through the Force he pulled on an exposed piece of plating in the ceiling. Quickly he propelled the jagged plating towards the unmoving droids. The durasteel cutting through the exposed wiring of their necks as another volley of blaster bolts flew past him, slamming into the falling droids bodies in a shower of sparks.

“Not a single shot fired,” Ka’van looked over at Jax, smiling. “Does that make you happy?”

“Yes it does,” Jax stared at the still smoldering chassis. “Now let’s get moving.”

“After you,” Ka’van gestured down the hall as he walked into the now silent section of hallway. “I do hope we find something that resembles a room soon.”

“No kidding,” Jax snorted. They picked up their pace. Ahead were the double doors for a lift. “Oh hey, we should be close.” His blue eyes looked further down the hall and back the way they came. “That has to be the lift we passed on the way down here. We have to be getting close.”

“That is good news. Where to?”

“This way,” the Cathar quickly strode down the corridor. “Here, he came to an abrupt stop. It is here.”

“Here?” Ka’van stared at the durasteel, “this does appear to be a wall. You you certain this is it?”

“I think it is…” Jax scratched the back of his head, “it is where it should be on the schematics.”

“Alright, let’s see what we have here.” Ka’van pulled out his datapad and slicing spike.

“What are you doing?”

“Going to slice in, see if it is some sort of door.”

“Slicing, let me do it…” Jax reached for the datapad.

“Umm. Nayc I have seen how well you slice, you will tell them exactly where we are.” Ka’van’s long fingers flew over his datapad’s screen, “Huh, well I will be, the schematics were correct,” Ka’van stepped closer his nimble fingers tracing a faint metal line along the midline of the door. Slipping the sliver spike into a nearly invisible door lock, he returned his attention to the datapad.

In the distance he heard the door of the lift open and close. “Hurry up,” Jax growled. “Think we are going to have company.” Ka’van nodded his head as his fingers worked.

Another crackle sounded over the ship’s intercom. A very angry voice began talking. “One million credits to whoever finds the intruders, ten million to whoever kills them.” The voice cut off sharply.

“I think they found the smashed regulators,” Jax harshly whispered.

“Perhaps. If they show up, entertain them please.” Fingers slid over his datapad’s surface, quickly establishing a connection with the doors’ internal computer. Quickly he circumvented its security controls, taking control of its programming. Activating the spike Ka’van began to systematically cycle through, looking for it’s locking mechanism. Smiling he found it, quickly pulling the spike out of the wall before it separated and vanished into the walls.

“Come on,” Ka’van stepped through the door. His eyes scanned the room, there against the back wall on an elevated platform was the computer. Ka’van’s stride ate the distance quickly ascending the stairs as he stopped at the large computer terminal. “I will get the power reactor if you want to work on shutting down the coolant system?”

“Yeah,” Jax nodded heading down to another terminal. “How are we going to get out of here by the way?”

“Should be able to grab the shuttle off the upper deck.”

“Hope you are right,” Jax called as he bent over another terminal.

“Usually am,” Ka’van muttered as he proceeded to terminate the power to the ship’s power regulators.

As the screen’s indicator lights dimmed, Jax called out as he came jogging up the ramp, “Got it, how are you doing?”

“Good, just deactivated the regulators.”

“Just need to blow this place then get out of here.”

“I don’t think so,” Ka’van muttered, “we have company.” He sighed as he turned to regard a handful of people being lead by a tall, blue and rather angry Chagrian.

“Hey,” Jax called out, “we are reasonable people, perhaps we could work something out. What are the Hutts’ paying you? My employers can be really generous people.”

The Chagrian snorted, he shook his head, “Not an option. In fact if I didn’t have to shoot you I would hire you two myself.”

Ka’van bit back a growl at working for the Hutt aligned mercenaries. “Does that mean there is no room for negotiation?” his voice dripping disdain.

“Sadly no,” the Chagrian shook his head. Blaster rifles snapped up leveling at their chests.

“Karking hell,” Jax grumbled. “I was this close.”

“Better luck next time,” Ka’van commented as he pulled his saber from his belt, it hummed to life as a golden blade erupted from the ancient hilt. Jax dropped to his knee as blaster bolts started flying towards them. With a smooth swing of his wrist Ka’van started deflecting the incoming bolts, sending most of them back towards the mercenaries who fired them.

Jax began to return fire, quickly dropping a pair of Humans. Ka’van reached out through the Force he trapped the azure skinned Chagrian’s arms against his body as he lifted him off the durasteel floor. Since he had been asked to no longer do ‘that head crushing thing’, Ka’van decided to simply crush his throat. With his lips quirking up in a small grin he quickly crushed the bones in his neck before dropping him to the floor.

Turning towards Jax he saw the Cathar unfolding from the cover he had taken beside the terminal. Panning his gaze across the room he only saw four unmoving bodies. His copper brow arched as he looked back at Jax. The Cathar shrugged. “When you picked their boss up bout four of them high-tailed it outta’ here.”

“As long as they do not come back with reinforcements…” Ka’van shook his head. “Let’s get off this flying garbage heap.” He returned to the computer terminal. Quickly he punched in a series of keystrokes, “That should overload the system and blow it.”

An alarm started its shrill pealing, causing them both to inadvertently jump.

“Kark what did you do now?” Jax demanded.

“Me? I didn’t do anything. There is no reason why the alarm went off.”

“Well you did something.”

“Maybe it was the ones who ran off who sounded the alarm.” Ka’van shook his head as his finger hit the activation key.

“You did remember to set the timer on that self destruct didn’t you?”

“Hrmm…. Opps.”

“Opps? Damn it Ka’van.”

“Hey, now would be a good time to move, instead of playing the blame game, maybe we should run.”

Ka’van took off at run; Jax close on his heels, dodging crumpled bodies, bolting down the hallway toward the lift. The doors flew open at their approach. Sliding into the open lift, Jax hit the button commanding it to take them to the higher level. The doors slid shut and opened to ensuing chaos.

Before them everyone was scrambling as a siren droned on. Shuttles were peeling off the deck as a large teeth-rattling explosion ripped through the aft of the ship. Launching himself out of the lift Ka’van ran towards the fore of the scuttled vessel. Under his feet its nose started to dip down towards the planet’s surface, thousands of meters below. “Karking hell!” Jax groused, “we are going to die.”

“No we are not, the shuttle is still there,” Ka’van pointed out as another blast ripped through the ship. The deck below their feet rocked, dropping. Stumbling Ka’van reached out through the Force using it to help regain his balance on the rapidly rotating ship. They needed to reach the shuttle before the vessel went completely vertical. Unsecured cargo started to slide down the decking, spilling off the sides. A large stacked pallets of crates tore free from their moorings and crashed into the shuttle in a spectacular display of sparks and twisted metal. “There goes our escape shuttle,” Ka’van sighed.

“Now we are really going to die,” Jax stood staring at the remnants of the shuttle. “We really are.”

“Nonsense,” Ka’van grinned.

“Damn it Ka’van if I die…” Jax growled

“...Then I die too so we will be one with the Force together,” a huge grin broke out on Ka’van’s face, “see, an aurodium lining.”

The deck rocked below them as another explosion tore through the bowels of the sinking ship. It lurched under their feet knocking them sideways. “That is not funny,” Jax scowled at the grinning Human.

Ka’van ignored his friend’s scowl, “It was a little funny. Stars, you’re so cranky today.”

“Cranky you have not begun to see cranky.”

The distinctive whine of an approaching ship caught his attention. Head turning Ka’van saw a shuttle quickly approaching the dying ship. As it neared the gangplank lowered to reveal the waving form of a woman. A woman not wearing a Regulator uniform. “See,” Ka’van gestured to the approaching shuttle, we are not going to die.” He stumbled as another explosion ran through the ship and the deck lurched under their feet as more crates broke free plummeting to the surface. “There is backup,” Ka’van shouted as he ran for the shuttle, jumping onto the lowered ramp.

Jax shook his head following closely behind. “I need a drink...” he grumbled as he jumped onto the hovering shuttle’s gangplank, following Ka’van into the shuttle as it accelerated leaving the doomed vessel behind.

This was written to go along with a photoset Alaurin took while we were playing through Makeb. Here is the link for the screenshots Enjoy

Make sure you read the captions on the screenshots.

A subdued group was waiting on the mesa when the shuttle landed, heavy black smoke billowing up from the wreckage of the Storm Carrier in the distance, waiting to see if the duo that had been assigned to the mission aboard the Regulator warship had made it off. The shuttle’s coms had gotten fried in the blast but it had still been far enough that nothing else was damaged. Unfortunately that meant no one had any idea if it held anyone besides the pilot and gunner, all of them hoping for the best but fearing the worst. The only sounds that could be heard was a quiet crackle of the flames still consuming the downed barge and the hiss of the shuttle’s airlock as the door opened and the ramp extended.

“Jaxzin!” Risha cried when she finally spotted him coming down the ramp, and seconds later the tall gray Cathar was holding the sobbing woman in his arms.

“Shhhhh, it’s alright Rish,” Jax murmured softly, kissing the top of her head, “I’m okay…….thanks to our brave and I’ll admit, skilled pilot,” he paused to nod at the pale Zabrak who’d originally piloted them to Makeb’s surface, “Ka’van and I made it off the barge before it crashed.”

“I love you, Jaxzin,” she whispered against his broad chest, her breath hitching as she continued to sob softly, “I thought I’d lost you and I never told you……never told you that I love you. When I saw that barge go down, my heart stopped……and it made me realize none of it matters. Dubrillion, my birthright…..I doesn’t mean nearly as much to me as you do.”

“I love you too, Risha,” Jax sighed, cupping that lovely face towards him so he could look into those warm brown eyes, “You’re my Lifemate......I’ve known for a long time, but I didn’t say anything because I didnt want to pressure you. I was happy to have you for as long as you’d allow, but it pained me to think of you leaving someday.”

“Never,” Risha shook her head, “I’m never leaving you, Jaxzin Roark…..you’re stuck with me now.”

“You sure? What about the throne?”

“I’m happy with my life the way it is……with you,” Risha told him, “I don’t want to be Queen anymore…..I think it was Father’s dream more than mine. I’ve been thinking of this a lot lately to be honest and what that life would mean…...people watching my every move, having to think, act, and speak like royalty instead of like myself…….being coerced into marriage because I need an heir,” she smiled weakly when she felt Jax tense at that, “Don’t worry, it’s not a life I want and I’m not sure I ever truly did. Count Rineld is a good man and would rule my people well so I’ve decided to turn the throne over to him when the time comes. Then I’ll just be Risha Drayen, ship’s engineer for the Lucky Fool instead of Queen Drayen.”

“You’ll always be my queen,” Jax smiled, just before dipping down to seal his promise with a kiss. Having forgotten they had an audience, the couple gave a start when cheers and guffaws erupted around them, but Jax simply gave a sheepish grin before claiming another kiss from his mate.

“Err…...I really hate to interrupt,” Zev spoke up quietly, rubbing the back of his neck. He hated to bring his buddy back to reality so soon after finally getting what he’d wanted for so long, but their mission on Makeb wasn’t over by any means yet. “Commander Malcom would like to meet with us to discuss our options now that we have the new intel.”

“Please Jaxzin,” Risha pleaded, still pale and shaken, “Don’t be on the front lines this time……can we just not do that right now?!”

Feeling torn, Jax simply held onto his mate as he looked over her head to meet the jade eyes of his best friend and former squadmate.

“I’m sure we’ll need good pilots to man the backup and evac shuttles,” Zev offered, having been quite shaken himself when he arrived from defending Avesta Plantation just in time to see the Storm Carrier explode. No one knew if their small strike team made it off and he’d feared that the Cathar, who’d been like a brother since they met at the military academy, would be lost to him forever.

“Well then,” Jax sighed in relief, still stroking Risha’s back to calm her nerves, “Let’s go see what Malcom has to say.”

An hour later, the conference room was filled and silent as the grim faces of Commander Jace Malcom and Grand Master Satele Shan informed them of a new threat. An incensed Cartel leader, Taborro the Hutt contacted Shalim Avesta less than an hour after the Storm Carrier went down and informed them he would make them pay for the loss of Vice Commandant Grevin and the destruction of his warship. Then Taborro reinforced his threat by offering them a demonstration and an image of a massive wardroid, the likes none of them had seen before, appeared in one of Makeb’s settlements followed by screams as it open fired on the villagers. Avesta had recognized the settlement of Tarlem and begged the leadership to save it.

They’d already began making plans made based on intel from captives Havoc took while defending Avesta plantation. The intel led to the discovery of a Hutt scientist, Dr. Oggurobb, who had designed both the Ark and these new Isotope wardroids. However, Commander Malcom decided to use Taborro’s strike against Tarlem to their advantage. Syarra’s team to hack into Regulator camp database in an outlying camp to find intel on the scientist’s location while Havoc and the rest of their forces liberate Tarlem.

“So we’re looking at a two separate mission objectives,” Syarra summed up after Commander Malcom and Master Shan finished outlining their strategy, “but both need to happen at the same time?”

“Exactly, Master Roark,” Commander Jace Malcom’s image confirmed. “Havoc Squad will lead the primary assault to liberate Tarlem. Most of the regulator forces will be busy scrambling to provide backup, leaving their outlying camps with just the minimum personnel.”

“Do you have a specific camp you’d like my team to hit?”

“From what we’ve been able to gather from the prisoners Major Varlok brought to our people,” Master Shan answered, “Only certain key locations have remote terminals that would suit our needs, but inserting the data spike at any one of those locations will give us access to all the regulator data terminals. Once the spike is in place and returned to our mainframe, we will be able to search all Regulator databases at will.”

“Aren’t they going to notice someone hacking into one of their mainframes?” Jax spoke up, not liking the danger his littermate was putting herself into.

“That’s a strong possibility, but it all depends on who they have at these camps, how competent they are with tech, and if they’re even going to be looking for a hacker,” Jonas Balkar’s image answered. “But my tech guy is one of the best out there and he’s going to walk Master Roark’s team through the finer points after this briefing in order to minimize that risk.”

“With her astromech unit able to directly plug in, we shouldn’t even need to use the data spike in the field,” Roland’s voice added and his image appeared next to Agent Balkar. “Which will make things go alot faster…...well slicing wise anyways.”

“Yeah,” Syarra snorted, “I’m sure it’ll take some time getting past all those mercs though.”

“We do have a couple different locations in mind for your strike team that you should be able to get to with minimal resistance, both of which I’ll talk with you about when this concludes,” Jace added, then continued to address the group. “Given the nature of these two missions, the fact they are taking place in two different locations, and the increased frequency of Makeb’s groundquakes, we will need several evac shuttles ready to fly in at a moment’s notice. Captain Roark, I would like you to be in charge of that.”

“That’s not a problem for me Commander,” Jax nodded, “but do we have everyone equipped with emergency flares in case coms go down again?”

“Every member of my squad carries them in their packs,” Zev replied, “But it would be best if everyone in Master Roark’s team and in the very least all officers and medics that are part of the Tarlem strike should have a set.”

“Our supplies are at your disposal Major,” Shalim nodded.

“I think we are set for now,” Commander Malcom concluded, “Master Roark, Agents Balkar and Zavala along with myself will meet with your team now. Captain Roark, Major Varlok, I’ll leave you to brief your teams when you’re ready. Rest up everyone, we’ll meet back here at oh-six hundred.”

“Where’s Master Ka’van?” Zev asked as he caught up with his friend. "Is he alright?"

“Not sure,” Jax shrugged, “We were on our way in here when his comlink went off. He said he needed to take it and told me to fill him in later. Said he preferred a backup role this time if possible.”

“No one blames either one of you for that,” Zev clapped the slightly taller Cathar on his shoulder. “I know my heart stopped for a moment when we saw that barge go down…...can only imagine how shaken the two of you must be.”

“Yeah, Ka’van isn’t the type to let on when something gets to him but despite him taking his usual cheap shots while we were running for our lives, I could tell he was every bit as scared as I was that we were going down with that sucker.”

“Can we please just not go there…...ever?!” Risha shuddered, the pretty engineer paling again.

Jax wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly until she stopped shaking, “Do me a favor Zev, tell the pilots I’ll meet them in a couple hours to go over our role in tomorrow’s assault. I could use a little downtime so I’m going to take Rish back to our suite at Avesta’s.”

“You got it,” Zev nodded, then smiled at the couple, “and congrats again.”

For anyone interested in refreshing their memory, Risha’s future intended was Count Merritt Rineld- info found here.

The tall robed figure carefully made his way along the small path, having ditched the borrowed speeder in a cluster of bushes when he finally sensed the presence of sentients in the distance. He didn’t feel the need to cloak himself since he fully intended to be seen by the mercenary forces in the area, but didn’t want to give them too much advance warning by making unnecessary noise. He reached out with the Force again, a little surprised by how many Regulators were at the camp he was making his way towards. I must’ve found their main camp in the area, he mused, pleased that he’d be able to complete his mission that much quicker.

Ka’van had been worried when he received the call from his mother yesterday, thinking she’d tell him it was finally time to come home for good. He wasn’t ready yet…..not sure how he’d ever really be now that he had reasons to stay, but he hated the thought of disappointing her again and he really did miss being home. Luckily it hadn’t come to that this time, but Ka’van knew at some point it would. Stormy blue eyes scanned his surroundings as he recalled their conversation.

“We need your help, son,” his mother had told him, “Marr and I need you to stall for time, keep the Republic distracted while we go after the Isotope Five.”

“How?”

“Simple. Just keep the fighting between the Republic and the Regulators going for as long as possible. If it looks like one side is becoming victorious, find a way to prevent it. Draw it out as long as you can. I’ll contact you when we have what we need.”

“I can handle that,” Ka’van sighed, relieved he wasn’t being asked to leave yet.

“I figured you could. Talk to you soon.”

After getting the call, Ka’van volunteered to assist the main strike by scouting around for them during the fighting to make sure there were no nasty surprises anywhere else. He dispatched his crew to assist with the main assault on Tarlem since it would be easier for him to move around unseen. At first he was in the thick of the fighting with them, but realized the Hutt’s mercs were being overcome too quickly. While everyone was busy fighting around him, Ka’van slipped away unnoticed. Luck was with him a few moments later when he found an abandoned speeder that he quickly boosted then set out for the outlying Regulator camps.

Jackpot, Ka’van grinned when he rounded the bend and saw a bunker in the distance. Deciding the element of surprise would be best with that many mercs, he cloaked himself and strode into the camp unseen. A moment later, he pulled the hood of his robes over his head and uncloaked as he entered the small bunker. These men were well trained and the Jedi found himself impressed with how quickly they managed to draw their weapons.

“You picked the wrong place to poke your head into,” one man spoke up as he pointed his rifle straight at Ka’van’s head, his lined face holding no fear of the Force user.

“I am not your enemy,” he assured the mercs, mixing in a Force compulsion with his words as the rest followed the example of what Ka’van assumed was their leader and trained their weapons on him, “I am here to help you. You must act now, call in reinforcements from other areas to assist you before it’s too late. I will see to it that the Republic won’t come this way so it’ll safe for their shuttles to land in this camp.”

“Yes, my Lord,” the leader bowed, his eyes slightly dazed as his radio operator complied and began calling for backup to their location, everyone in the bunker assuming the black robed Force user was Sith.

“This is Major Varlok, Havoc Squad has begun the assault, but intel was wrong about their numbers,” Zev’s voice came over the audio link, “We could use some backup ASAP. Over.”

“Copy that, Major,” the Knight replied, her azure eyes honing in on the little astromech as he approached the terminal across the now empty camp, “My team has our objective in sight and the enemy is down. I’ll send some of them your way now. Luckily our camp isn’t far from you so they should get to your location shortly. Over.”

“Much appreciated, Master Roark. Over.”

“The primary assault has begun, but Havoc needs backup,” Syarra relayed to her team, thankful they’d changed their target at the last minute so they’d be in backup range for the primary strike. “Kira, Scourge, Doc, you three head for their location and assist. Rusk and I will keep watch here while TeeSeven gets into the databanks. We’ll join you when we’re finished.”

“On our way,” Kira nodded, and the trio set off for the main assault.

Syarra and Rusk kept watch at the two main points while T7 got to work at the terminal. The little droid beeped at them a short time later that he’d uploaded the spike and was rebooting the system for it to take effect. Then without warning, a mortar shell came over the hill and hit the camp. With a crackling pop, the terminal T7 was connected to shorted out, zapping the astromech still connected to it in the process. Rusk and Syarra barely had time to react when a wave of mercs came at them from both points.

“Godsblood!” Syarra shouted, igniting her saber, “Where did they come from?!”

“Don’t know, Master Jedi,” Rusk bellowed, that deep voice competing with the roar of his assault cannon, “But there’s definitely more than we can handle ourselves. Mission failure is rou-”

“I don’t want to hear percentages right now Sergeant, just keep firing!” Syarra snapped, then touched her earbud as merc aimed a blaster at her, “This is Master Roark, our package was delivered but we were ambushed at the camp. Half of my team went on to assist Havoc Squad and TeeSeven is down. Over.”

Syarra deftly swung her lightsaber, deflecting the bolts easily, then quickly put up a Force shield and threw her saber at the Regulator bearing down on her, its golden blade felling her target before arcing back to her. Reaching out with the Force, she sensed many more enemies coming their way. Worry began to settle in her gut when no reply came over her audio feed.

“This is Master Roark, my team is in trouble,” Syarra growled, “I repeat……my team is in trouble. Our package has been delivered but we’re pinned down at the camp. Can anyone read me?”

“Looks like we’ve lost communications,” Syarra shouted over her shoulder as she deflected another round of blaster fire, “Retreat, Sergeant! Take TeeSeven and head towards the main assault for an evac, he must get back to base and link up to our mainframe! I’ll hold these mercs off as long as I can to buy you some time.”

“That’s suicide!” Rusk shot back, “I won’t leave you here alone Master Jedi!”

“Gods be damned, Sergeant,” Syarra snarled as she grabbed a string of grenades out of her pack and started tying them to the abandoned ion cannon, “You don’t have a choice! TeeSeven needs to get back to command or all of this is for nothing!”

“But…”

“No buts,” Syarra cut him off, his loyalty a quality she’d always appreciated, but they had a mission to complete and now wasn’t the time for that leave no man behind attitude. “Look Sergeant, I’m going to rig these cannons to blow and I swear I’ll be right behind you. Now move out!”

Rusk reluctantly complied, backing towards the terminal to grab their astromech as he continued firing. Throwing an incendiary grenade into the group, he set his cannon down next to T7 so he get the leatheris harness fastened to the little droid. He was just securing T7 on his back when a third group of mercs appeared over the rise and came bearing down on them. The Chagrian didn’t have enough time to pick his weapon back up and was hit by their opening round of fire.

Sensing the danger, Syarra looked up from her task just in time. Reaching out with the Force, she called the Light to her, harnessing it’s warm energy as she leapt several yards to land directly in front of the soldier. Her saber a blur as she focused her initial efforts to deflect the second volley that came at Rusk as he sank to the ground. She put a Force shield over him, but knew they were in serious trouble. She heard the cannons she’d rigged explode, and the screams that echoed through the air told her she’d scored a hit, but it wouldn’t be enough to get them all. It was only a matter of time before her and Rusk were completely surrounded, but she refused to go down without a fight. With a mighty roar, the Cathar opened herself up to the huntress within, letting bloodlust wash over her as she leapt at the mercs advancing. She poured all her focus into her landing and as soon as she hit the ground, a powerful wave of Force energy knocked the Regulators back.

Satisfied he’d prolonged the fighting, Ka’van decided to rejoin the main assault. He turned his audio feed back on to see how the Tarlem strike was going, but was met with silence. Then an explosion rent the air and he reached out with the Force to determine where the blast had come from. Immediately he was assaulted by a surge of several sensations all at once…...fear, pain, adrenaline, and rage so it didn’t take him long to hone in on the source of the explosion. He tuned his focus to those sensations and much to his surprise, Ka’van detected a strong and very familiar Force signature. It can’t be…...her team was assigned to the camps on Telemur.

Brow furrowed in confusion, he quickly headed there to investigate. He was shocked at the sight that met him when he came over the hill and his heart froze when he spotted the Jedi Knight. If the situation weren’t so dire, Ka’van would’ve enjoyed watching her in action, for he’d never seen her display her full power before. The Cathar was a sight to behold, azure eyes glowing as she wielded weapons both seen and unseen to fell enemy after enemy that dared get too close. Unfortunately they kept coming and looking around, he could see Syarra was surrounded by at least twenty Regulators, the ones he’d sent to prolong the battle. Even at a distance he could see she’d exerted herself to the point of exhaustion and horrified at what he’d inadvertently done, Ka’van rushed to her aid.

He ran as fast as he could, hurling random projectiles at the enemy as he closed the distance between them, gaining the attention several Regluators. He threw up a shield as he drew his saber, cutting down any mercs in his path. He was about halfway to Syarra when he saw her focus waver briefly. It proved to be a costly slip in stance for the tiring Knight and the merc she’d been engaged with pressed the advantage, bringing down his vibrosword hard enough to crack her saber hilt open. The golden blade faded, leaving Syarra with only her claws as weapons.

With her lightsaber gone, Syarra called on whatever energy she had left to knock her adversary back, but it was weak and the effort had her staggering, leaving her barely able to block the next attack when it came. A volley of shots finished off what was left of her shield, half of them burning into her brown armor as they landed their mark. She ripped her claws across the merc’s face, the man screaming in agony as one of those razor tips sliced through an eye, but another had come up from behind and Syarra roared as she felt white hot pain lance upwards from her lower back. Looking down at the blade coming through just below her heart, Syarra knew she was about to become one with the Force. Frustration and disappointment filled her heart that she’d not only failed her mission, but hadn’t been strong enough to protect the soldier who’d been so loyal to her since they first met on Hoth. Turning her head towards the tall blue figure laying a just a few yards away, she reached out with the Force one more time, but didn’t even have the strength to sense if Rusk was still alive.

“There is no death, only the Force,” she breathed, needing to feel the peace the Light always brought to her. Black spots began to cloud her vision and fading fast, Syarra felt her knees buckle under her then a second later she collapsed to the ground. Her eyes drifted shut, sorrow filling her when she thought of her friends and family…...and Ka’van. As if just thinking about him conjured his voice, Syarra swore she heard her lover call out to her. A smile curved her lips as memories of the time they’d spent together over these past months filled her mind, banishing the sadness and regret.

Ka’van was still fighting his way towards Syarra, his yellow saber slashing as he projected debris at those trying to heed his progress, when a blaster bolt whizzed past his head. He reinforced the Force shield, pivoting quickly to deal with those bastards shooting at his back. He’d just dispatched of the last one when the roar of pain echoed through the air, and Ka’van turned just in time to see Syarra go down.

“Syarra!” he cried, his heart feeling as if it was gripped in a vice. He saw her attacker smiling down at her prone form and felt the rage build inside him.

Ka’van kept himself in check long enough to scan the two prone figures of his allies, ensuring neither was conscious. Certain that neither was for the time being, he opened himself up fully to the smoky darkness swirling around him, embracing it’s familiarity like a long lost lover. He threw up a force shield and ignoring the blaster bolts coming at him, Ka’van advanced on the remaining mercs with deadly purpose. He spotted the man who’d run Syarra through about to put a blaster bolt in her head to finish the job. The Force aiding him, Ka’van was there in the blink of an eye and grabbed the man by the throat, eyes glowing with rage as he snapped the man’s neck in two and cast him aside before turning towards the rest. He sent out a shock wave to throw them away from Syarra and Rusk, then he raised his hands towards the sky as he let the lightning build. Once the violet static was rolling along his shoulders and down his arms, he unleashed it upon the small force struggling to get up. A cold smile crossed the Jedi’s handsome features as their dying screams filled the air.

Satisfied they’d been dispensed of as they’d deserved, Ka’van reigned the darkness back inside but his hands were still crackling with the residual energy. He knew time was of the essence, but couldn’t risk anyone discovering what he’d done. Spotting some ammo crates next to the smoking bodies, he sent out the remaining sparks towards them. The lightning ignited them immediately and they exploded, burning away any evidence of his Dark side Force use.

After glancing around to see that his tracks had indeed been covered, Ka’van turned his focus towards the weakening Force signature behind him. He knew both needed a med evac and strode over to the Chagrian first, kneeling down to search the soldier’s pack as he reached out with the Force to assess Rusk’s injuries. A moment later, he found what he was looking for and stood, raising the pistol in the air as he did. He fired three red flares into the air in rapid succession, the signal for a med evac, then knowing Syarra was more immediate need, he went over to the Jedi whose Force signature had grown dangerously weak.

“I’m so very sorry,” Ka’van whispered, feeling the sting of tears as he knelt in the grass beside the dying Jedi and began to carefully remove her thick leather armor. After she was bare from the waist up, save for a pink lacy bra he knew was her favorite, Ka’van finally saw the full extent of the damage. Blinking back tears, he leaned down, his fingers brushing aside an errant lock of her chestnut mane before lowering his mouth to hers for a gentle kiss he prayed wouldn’t be their last.

A glint of gold caught his eye and he spotted Syarra’s broken hilt on the ground a few feet away. A fresh wave of guilt surged through him again as he recognized the hilt she treasured, so he tucked it into his inner robe pocket, not wanting to leave it behind. Then Ka’van bowed his head and once again opened up fully to the Force, the smoky tendrils weaving around the kneeling Jedi as he gathered the darkness. Filled with it’s heady warmth, Ka’van put all his energy and focus on saving the woman he’d grown close to these past few months. His once blue eyes were now flecked with orange as he directed those purple tendrils into the wound to spread throughout her abdominal cavity.

The damage from the Regulator’s sword was life-threatening, having damaged multiple organs, but thankfully it missed her heart. The immediate threat was loss of blood and the damage to her liver so he concentrated on preventing any further loss while carefully repairing the punctured lobe, extracting any shards of metal and scraps of leatheris that entered her body when the merc ran her through as he came across them. There was nothing he could do to save her gall bladder, so he cut off blood flow to the tiny organ and isolated it for whatever medic would ultimately tend to her. Seeking the weapon’s entry point, Ka’van found her right kidney bleeding and worked quickly to repair the damaged tissue, allowing the warm darkness to burn away any fluids that had leaked out as it sealed the small rupture. Finally he repaired the tiny nik to the muscle tissue of her diaphragm, thankful the weapon didn’t fully penetrate through to her lung as it exited her body. After what felt like an eternity, he’d managed stabilize Syarra, but she’d need serious medical attention and a kolto tank as soon as possible.

Ka’van stayed connected to Syarra with the Force, determined to keep her alive as long as he possibly could. Between the battle and the healing, he’d exhausted himself and unable to remain upright, Ka’van lay down on the grass next to her, his hand still covering the angry wound on the lower part of her chest. He watched her lovely face, thankful for the shallow breaths he could hear passing through her parted lips. Her features grew fuzzy as his vision began to dim and Ka’van knew he was fading fast, but he could hear the shuttle in the distance and held on with everything he had, afraid to succumb before help arrived. Finally the shuttle appeared overhead and Ka’van allowed his eyes to drift shut, losing consciousness as it touched down.

“This is main control tower, we’ve got an evac, red flares…...anyone available? Over.”

“Copy that control, this is Captain Roark,” the gray Cathar answered, thankful the shuttles had a separate com system, “I have a medic on my shuttle and ready to move out. Over.”

“Copy that Captain Roark, sending you coordinates now. Over.”

“Coordinates in the navacomputer,” Risha confirmed a moment later, her eyes widening when she saw the map. “Jax…...isn’t that where Syarra’s team was before coms went out?”

“It is,” he nodded grimly, praying to the Gods his littermate was okay as flew the shuttle towards her location as fast as it would go. “ETA in nine minutes. Corso, be ready on those guns just in case.”

“You got it,” the dreadlocked Mantellian replied as he slid into the gunner seat.

“Not seeing any movement,” Risha observed as Jax touched down several minutes later. “I’ve got a bad feeling about this, Jaxzin.”

“So do I,” Jax agreed, thumbing on his blasters as he got up from the pilot’s seat, “Risha, I want you to stay here and keep this thing ready to take off. Guss, standby for my call. Corso, you’re with me.”

“No fighting as far as I can see,” Risha told the two men as Jax hit the switch to open the door and lower the ramp.

“Let’s hope it stays that way,” Jax sighed, then exchanged a look with Corso, “Weapons at the ready.”

“Ready when you are,” the other man replied, his rifle charged and ready to take out any threats.

“Good,” Jax nodded, “Then let’s go get our people.”

“Right behind you, Captain.”

The two men stepped off the shuttle, both taking in the carnage surrounding them. They’d landed a few feet away from the smoking remains of what was probably a group of cannons. Unnerved at the quiet that had settled over the area, Jax stepped away from the shuttle, scanning for any signs of life, fear settling cold in his gut when he saw no movement in any direction.

“Over here!” Corso’s voice called out from his left and Jax turned to see him jogging towards a prone figure near a smoking data terminal, “White plating, Republic insignia…..oh man, it’s Sergeant Rusk and he doesn’t look good.”

“Radio for Guss!” Jax ordered, frantic now as he ran towards his partner, azure eyes scanning for his littermate, at last spotting what he thought might be her a little ways away from where Corso was stooped over the prone Chagrian. Heart in his throat, he approached the figures lying on the ground. The scene before him could almost be mistaken for a lazy afternoon tryst if not for the violence surrounding the couple. The taller Human was turned towards the yellow Cathar with one arm rested protectively across her bare torso, their faces less than an inch apart.

“Oh Gods, Syarra! Ka’van!” Jax roared, fear clawing at him as he knelt down next his littermate. Long, pale fingers covered an angry wound on her abdomen, but by some miracle it wasn’t bleeding. Jax quickly felt for a pulse on her furred neck, relief surging through him when he felt one.

“Thank the Gods you’re alive,” Jax whispered, feeling the sting of tears when he realized how weak her pulse was, “Just hang in there…..both of you! I’ll get you guys out of here as fast as I can.”

Then Jax finally looked over at his friend laying next to her and was alarmed by his friend's pallor. He peeled a damp ginger lock away from Ka’van’s face, a stark contrast to the deathly pale skin.

“Ka’van!” Jax shouted, gently slapping his ashen cheek. “Dammit Ka’van, answer me!”

He looked Ka’van over and saw no blood other than what was on the hand covering Syarra. Thankful for that at least, Jax checked for a pulse and found one even weaker than Syarra’s, but it was steady as was the gentle rise and fall of his chest. Jax knew the couple was in dire straits though and looked over his shoulder to see his Mon Cal crewmate squatting next to Rusk.

“I need you over here Guss!”

“Whatcha got?” Guss replied as he hurried over.

“Syarra looks like she’s been run through and Ka’van…...it’s strange, he appears uninjured but he’s unresponsive.”

“Uh-oh, seen that before when I was still at the Temple,” the Mon Cal pointed at Ka’van. “Not quite that bad though. Overexerted himself with the Force more than I thought was possible…..very dangerous for a Jedi.”

“Explain dangerous?”

“When Force users drain themselves like that, it takes a long time to recover. Master Ka’van looks worse than any of the Jedi I’ve ever seen that have done that…...but judging from what I see with that wound your sister has, she’d have died if he hadn’t.”

“Is it safe to move them?”

“Rusk is stable and I told Corso to go grab a board. Help him get the Sergeant secured on the shuttle while I make sure these two are good to go.”

“Alright,” Jax nodded as he headed towards Syarra’s military crew member, intending to wait for Corso until noticed the little droid on the ground next to the Chagrian. “Damn, I have no idea if you completed your mission or not little guy,” Jax sighed as he looked at the nearby data terminal still smoking, “but it’s not going to happen here. Hopefully Yuun will be able to tell if you got that spike uploaded.” He noticed the harness on the astromech and figured Rusk was in the process of securing T7 to his back when the Regulators overcame him. Jax was working to untangle the straps when he heard booted feet coming towards him.

“Guss said Rusk’s injuries are worst on his chest….broken ribs, one that punctured a lung but Guss stabilized it,” Corso told his captain as he set the portable stretcher on the ground next to the Sergeant.

“We’ll go slow and easy then. Slide your hands under his back, I’ll take this side and we’ll shift the top half of him on first,” Jax suggested. “On three, one…..two……..three!”

A few minutes later, they had Rusk secured to the stretcher and T7 was strapped to Jax’s broad shoulders. He and Corso lifted opposite ends and Jax hollered out, “We’re taking Rusk to the shuttle now, watch your six!”

“Just hurry will ya, I don’t like the idea of being left out here alone,” the Mon Cal grumbled, then thought of something, “Oh and Captain…...see if you have enough fuel to get to the orbital station. I think all three of them are going to need more than our base at Avesta’s can provide.”

“We have easily have enough fuel to get to the orbital station and dock,” Jax confirmed when he and Corso returned a few minutes later, each with a portable stretcher.

“Good, the sooner we can get your sister in a tank, the better!”

“They all set to go?” Corso asked as he laid his stretcher next to Ka’van.

“Yes, but let’s take her first,” Guss suggested, “Syarra is stable for now, but try not to move her abdomen if you can avoid it.”

“Slow and easy, just like Rusk. I’ll lift at her hips, you lift at her shoulders,” Jax told Corso as he slid his hands under his littermate’s backside, one sliding up to keep her lower back steady, “On three, one…...two…...three!”

Guss stood when the duo lifted the laden stretcher a few minutes later, “I’m head back on this trip and work to get them secured in the shuttle while you guys come back for Ka’van.”

“How is he?”

“He had a few minor injuries, typical cuts and burns you’d expect in this situation, but I treated them already. Scans show nothing broken and no internal injuries so he’s fine to be moved,” Guss answered as they started towards the shuttle. “It’s the fact that he’s completely unresponsive that has me concerned.”

“You mentioned that before…...you think he’ll recover?”

“Hard to say, only saw this a couple times,” Guss shrugged, “Since I wasn’t exactly a model pupil and my time with the Order was short, I didn’t learn much other than a severe Force drain can be dangerous for a Jedi.”

“Any idea what to do for him?” Jax frowned, worry for his friend etched on his scarred face.

“Other than getting him hooked up to monitors in the orbital station’s med center, no,” Guss replied, “Probably need another Jedi to take a look at him, we can see if one is available after we get the other two situated.”

“I doubt there are any Jedi at the station,” Jax shook his head as he and Corso carefully stepped onto the shuttle’s ramp, “I’m pretty sure they were all sent planetside to assist with the main strike on Tarlem.”

“Then we should probably get one of them back to the station pronto,” Guss warned, “Because another Force user is his best bet to recover as drained as he is.”

“Then I’ll drag one back as soon as I can,” Jax grunted as he and Corso set the stretcher on one of the designated benches next to Rusk.

“Go ahead and get Ka’van,” Risha squeezed Jax’s shoulder, “Guss and I can get these two secured for the flight.”

“Thanks Rish,” Jax swallowed thickly, covering her hand with his for a moment before turning around and heading back out.

Less than five minutes later, Jax and Corso returned with the black robed Jedi, both men grunting with the larger burden of the unconscious Human’s dead weight. As soon as they set Ka’van down, Jax headed for the pilot’s seat and hit the radio’s call switch.

“Control Tower, this is Captain Roark. We’ve got three down at that evac location you sent me to, but two are pretty bad off. I’ve got enough fuel to get to the orbital station, can you contact them to let them know we’re on our way? Over.”

“Copy that, Captain Roark. There’s still a lot of static, but we’ll do our best to reach the station. Over.”

“Are the patients both secured?”

“They’re all set,” Guss confirmed.

“Good, now strap in everyone,” Jax ordered, “Given the lovely atmosphere and I fully intend to push this sucker to it’s limits......so probably won’t be my smoothest ride ever.”

the moment when he came across Syarra and went to such lengths to save her. I wondered if she and Rusk would even survive. Nicely done. I look forward to seeing if this has stirred anything deeper in Ka'van and what he'll do about that. Looking forward to the next.

Like Luna, I am waiting to see what this does to Ka'van.

As for any changes that might happen to Ka'van, sadly I'm afraid I can not answer that.

Groaning he licked patched lips, catching himself as he was about to open his eyes. He couldn't. Stilling his movements he carefully reached out through the Force, ignoring the incessant pounding rolling through his head. There were others nearby, they were quiet. The sleepy signature of the Zabrak Zev, near him in a sedated fog was Elara. Ka'van suppressed a frown, something must have happened to the medic. He reached out further, feeling the dull pulse of the Chagrian and the weak Force signature of Syarra.

Syarra.

He forced his body to remain still. His breathing controlled, as he slipped the plastic sleeve off his finger setting it beside him on the medical bed. Slowly he brought his hand up to his face, slipping back his black robe sleeve. Cracking open his eye he stared at the vibrant orange, red-laced gaze reflected back to him off his shining bracelet. Biting back a snarl he lowered his arm. He needed to get out of here. Now. Before anyone saw.

Taking a deep breath he listened, straining to hear if anyone was headed in his direction. The steady beeping of medical monitors and gentle perculating bubble of the kolto tanks slowly joined the throbbing inside his skull. Reaching out he gently nudged the Zabrak over the edge into slumber, soon his gentle snores competed with the quiet atmosphere within the medical bay.

Slowly Ka'van edged off the mattress, silently depositing his feet onto the floor, nearly falling when his body left the bed. Grunting, he bit back an aggravated snarl. Drawing deeper upon the smoky embrace of the Force that still clung to him, he righted his aching body. Clutching his robe to his chest he shuffled through the dimly lit room, moving without looking to the medically sedated, floating body of Syarra.

Clenching his eyes shut he stopped in front of her kolto tank, resting his hand on the cold unyielding transparisteel. Leaning against the tank's smooth surface he reached out touching her through the Force. Carefully he inspected her injuries. His previous ministrations had worked, the wounds were clean and healing. Her pulse was low but steady. Frowning he cracked open his eyes, avoiding his reflection. Looking to the medical screen, he skimmed the ever-scrolling readout. She had been recovered in a comatose state, brought on by severe exhaustion. There was a detailed summary of the injuries he had cleaned and started mending; including the life-threatening, nasty vibrosword wound that had run clear through her armor and emerged out of her chest.

Closing his eyes, he returned his attention to her floating form. Reaching out he enveloped her within the smoky embrace. Stumbling he fell against the side of the tank. Snarling he placed his hands upon the cool surface and continued funneling the Force around her comatose body, determined to further heal the damage he had caused.

The beeping of the monitor, increased. Its quiet droning chirp increasing in its frequency. Looking to the monitor he leaned against the side of the tank. Her pulse per minute had elevated, it was closer to thirty five, low but much better.

Leaning against the tank he managed to lift his arm, pulling his hood up, over his head. Touching his lips to the side of the tank, he gently pressed as he exhaled, his breath fogging the transparisteel. Fingers splayed he pushed his body away from the stability of the tank, staggering as he attempted to stand on his own. Head down he clenched his robe shut as he slowly pivoted away, staring through the dimly lit room towards the entrance.

His fingers slowly slid off the tank as he limped through the medical bay, limping as he moved past the slumbering forms of Zev and his blonde medic.

Staggering he moved through the eerily quiet orbital station, it was to quiet. Why was it so quiet? It wasn't quiet, it was in the middle of the sleep cycle, most were asleep. Asleep was good, asleep meant there was less of a chance of being seen. He could not be seen. Grunting he hit the wall. Clinging to it Ka'van stared ahead, willing the blurry corridor to solidify, the damn pulse pounding throbbing within his skull to fade.

Thankfully he made out the yellow glowing aurebesh lettering for his docked ship. The corridor swam before his fatigued eyes, blinking he clung to the wall. He could do this, it wasn't that far. It wasn't, he had survived far far worse. Gritting his teeth, he pulled sluggish aching feet towards the hanger and the sanctuary of his slumbering ship.

Slowly the hanger's side door loomed before him, tightening the grip on his robes he leaned against the doorframe. Gritting his teeth he reached out with his free hand, commanding his sluggish limb to obey him and open the door. Weakly it swung open, rolling against the frame Ka'van pushed his way over the threshold, his feet barely managing to scrape over the raised durasteel step.

Stumbling into the quiet hanger he caught his falling body as it collided against a row of neatly stacked crates. Snarling he gripped the grey crates; limping his way along the riveted durasteel length. When he neared the end of the crates he looked up squinting at his slumbering ship. The vessel swam before him. Closing his eyes he pulled upon the pain radiating through his aching body, his pounding head. With a warm surge the Force flowed to him. Breathing deeply through parted lips he pushed off the crates, staggering sideways through the hanger towards his ship. As the distance finally shrank, he lifted up shaking fingers. A quiet click echoed through the hanger, hissing the hydraulics released lowering the dormant ship's ramp.

Bringing his hand back to his chest, he limped, boots sc****** upon the hanger's floor. Nearing the ramp he clutched the hydraulic's pole. Closing corrupted eyes he reached out searching the ship. Thankfully it was empty. His karking crew was here somewhere... after maneuvering to be free of them, that damn meddling Council thought it would be best if they assisted. He had not even laid eyes on them, he had no idea where his crew was. Well he knew where Qyzen was... as for the rest, well he didn't care. Stumbling up the ramp he clutched the ship’s interior wall, leaning against it as he walked up the ramp and towards his personal quarters.

Limping he crossed the threshold into his room, his hand hitting the numlock. Behind him the door slid closed, the locking click echoing through his head. Clutching his robe he stumbled into his 'fresher. Leaning against the wall he opened the mirrored cabinet, aching fingers dragging along the neatly organized contests until they found what what he was looking for. Grabbing the small vials he turned shuffling towards his bed.

Perching on the edge of the red blankets, he braced his elbows against his knees as he slowly worked his robe sleeve backward. Bending forward he met his aching fingers halfway to his mouth, biting the lids off the stims in his hand. One at a time he depressed the vials into his arm. Eyes closed, Ka'van tilted his head backwards, waiting.

The electric surge of adrenals coursing through his veins hit him, liquid fire surging through sluggish duracrete thickened blood. Groaning he shifted backwards on the bed as the fiery warmth coursed through his body invigorating his aching limbs. Inhaling he pushed his body off the bed, staggering towards the table securely bolted across the room. Gripping the table's orderly work surface he eased himself down into the chair. Carefully Ka'van opened his robes interior pocket, gingerly removing the shattered saber hilt within.

Frowning he set the twisted mangled pieces on top of the table. Tired fingers hummed with borrowed energy as they gingerly traced the shards. His frown deepened, furrowing his pale brow as he removed the cracked yellow crystal. It was ruined. Cracked into three inoperable pieces. Setting it amongst its twisted brethren he reached for a dark green box, its dark metallic surface unassuming.

Gently he set the box beside the twisted hilt, opening the lid, guiding it backwards until it came to rest upon the smooth work surface. Reaching in he lifted up the dark tray within revealing a small neatly wrapped box covered in bright pink paper and sparkling silver ribbons.

With a heart heavy sigh he lifted out the box and carefully began to unwrap the small gift. Tenderly setting the glittering length of ribbon into the green box Ka'van lifted the brown lid. Inside lay a perfectly formed magenta toned crystal, its pink facets catching and reflecting the low lighting.

This was not the way he had wanted to gift it to her. Sighing he ran his fingers over the stone, before setting it off to the side. It wasn't what he wanted. She was still breathing though, able to receive it once she woke and was freed from that damn tank. Reaching to the dormant lamp perched on the edge of the desk he turned it on, fingers fumbling on the switch. Frowning he bit the cap off another adrenal, plunging it into his arm.

Picking up a mangled half of the saber hilt Ka'van studied it under the microscopic light. His frown deepened. The damage was extensive, it was repairable but it would take time. The tools he had on hand should be sufficient. Setting the hilt on the table his fingers moved to the box, searching, as he got to work.

A loud knock echoed through the air. Growling Ka'van looked up gently setting the newly reshaped hilt on his small beskar anvil; next to it he placed the small aurodium faced planishing hammer. The knocking continued, more insistent. Who in the fraking hell could that be? Ka'van frowned as he reached for another adrenal. Closing his eyes he depressed the liquid into his arm, setting the spent adrenal onto the tabletop next to its neatly lined up brothers he reached for the dark pink crystal.

The knocking returned. Reaching out he searched for the identity of the unwanted guest. His eyes flew open. What were they doing here? Stumbling against the desk he bolted to aching feet. Moving as quickly as his protesting body allowed he hurried to the door, pressing the numbad. The lock released sliding into the wall as he gripped the door frame.

“Took you long enough,” The woman before him muttered, her azure mottled brow arched over annoyed violet eyes. “It’s almost like you want people to see us out here.”

Ka'van stared at the much smaller Twi'lek standing before him, her hands firmly planted on her hips.

“Well you going to let us in or not?” she groused.

Nodding he backed away from the doorway allowing his guests entry into his room. She pushed her way past him still frowning, her lekku twitching as she was followed in by a taller lethan skinned man.

Vette and Jy'lith.

Ka'van looked out into the hallway expecting to see more, expecting to see his Mother. The empty hallway greeted him. Turning he leaned against the wall closing the door.

“Yeah, no. We had to talk her out of it though,” Vette tossed her hands into the air. “What is going on? Besides you going all Sithy, have you seen what you look like?” Vette took an angry step towards him. “Why didn't you answer your com? She has been trying to reach you for hours, hours! Your Mother is beside herself. Pierce has had his damn hands full trying to keep her and your damn brother contained. Thank the Stars that your Trando buddy was with us to talk some sense into your damn brother. All hell broke loose ever since she lost com contact with you and she and your brother felt 'a huge surge though the Force and then you fall.'” Vette's hands flew into the air, her lekku furiously twitching. Behind her Jy'lith stood arms crossed as his cool grey eyes stared right into Ka'van's bright orange ones. “She has been... Stars! A handful doesn't even begin to describe it!” Vette yelled.

“Have you ever tried to stop two damn full blown Sith from doing what they want? Have you!” Vette took another step towards him. “Damn it Ka'van say something. 'Cuase you know sneaking up onto this damn orbital station was so much fun. It was better than letting your mother and brother up here though, they would have demolished the place.”

“I am fine.” Ka'van muttered.

“Fine, fine!” Vette sputtered looking over her shoulder to the still silent Jy'lith. “He says he is fine. Fine my fat foot.” Jy'lith's right lekku twitched in response. “Arrg,” Vette's hands flew into the air, “if I could I would.”

“What in the Ninth Corellian Hell happened down there?” Vette crossed her arms. “What, what happened?”

“Nothing,” Ka'van muttered.

“Nothing... “ Vette growled, her violet eyes narrowing. “Maybe I should have let your mother come up here. It's not like they are trying to save this self-destructing, Hutt-gutted planet. That the damn minerals in its core can really help stabilize and turn things around for the Empire. Nope Kit and Kiernan and Pierce,” Vette's hands fluttered up past her shoulders, “the whole gang, they are here for some R&R!” Vette shook her head. “Have you forgotten why you are still here! You wanted to stay and help. This is not helping!”

Ka'van shook his head, “I know, Vette I know. I know my job here.”

“Good because I have been told it has now ended, you are too important to leave here. She wants you to come home.” Vette's hands moved as she spoke “'This infernal nonsense is over with, tell him Vette that it's done. Over with. I want him home!' She yelled that last part you know.”

Vette's hands dropped to her hips as Ka'van's eyes widened. He shook his head, “I can't leave not yet. I can't.”

“Then you had better start talking buddy. I can convince your mother of just about anything, Kit and I have been together forever. But you had better tell me what is going on.” Vette's hands perched again on her hips. “Well, start talking there Mr. Closet Sith.”

Ka'van leaned against the door. His legs were growing weak. He needed another adrenal before he passed out. He wanted to finish before he slept, get the hilt back to her before she woke. Now he really needed to get it finished if he was going to be forced to leave with Vette and Jy'lith. Clutching the wall he tried to ignore the tremor coursing through his legs. He could do this. Licking parched lips he took a breath as his body gave out.

“Bloody hell,” Vette muttered. Ka'van put his hands out trying to break his fall as he hit the durasteel floor. “Uuff,” Vette huffed as she wrapped her arms around his chest.

Ka'van willed his duracrete filled feet to move, to get under his body when he felt another pair of hands wrap around him. Jy'lith. Grunting the larger Twi'lek pulled as he and Vette tried to get him onto his feet. Ka'van leaned against the slight red-skinned Twi'lek as he pushed upward. The room spinning as he regained his footing.

“Come on,” Vette muttered. She steered him towards his bed.

Feet dragging, he moved sluggish limbs, willing his body to the waiting softness of his bed. As soon as his legs hit the neatly made edge he collapsed into the red bedding, his head hitting the burgundy and black pillows. Beside him he felt the mattress dip as Vette fell onto the bed next to him.

Ka'van stared at the ceiling as she righted herself on the bed, bringing her feet up onto the mattress. “Alright buddy, spill it.”

Ka'van licked his parched lips, trying to get moisture into his arid mouth. “I... I managed to divert the fighting, easy enough to compel the mercenaries. Typical weak-willed thugs the Hutts love to employ.” Ka'van jerkily moved his hand pushing his loose copper hair off his face. “I miscalculated. I sent the thugs to the wrong section of fighting. I...” Ka'van shuddered, “I sent them to the wrong place. She was overwhelmed.” He sniffed sucking in a hard breath, “I... she, I watched her be run through, she was dying when I reached her.” Warmth pooled in his eyes trickling down his cheeks, “She was dying.”

“Who was dying, Ka'van? Who got hurt?” Vette's fingers brushed away the tears on his cheeks. “Who got hurt?”

“Syarra. I never intended...” Ka'van hiccuped closing his eyes.

“Who is Syarra, Ka'van” Vette gently pressed.

“She is Jax's sister.”

“Jax, the Cathar spacer?”

“Yes,” Ka'van nodded, sniffling.

Vette's fingers brushed his hair off his forehead, “There is something you are not telling me isn't there? She's a bit more than your best friend's sister isn't she?”

Ka'van nodded, swallowing another hiccuping sob.

“Oh Stars,” Vette muttered, running her fingers over his cheeks. “Come on kiddo, we need to get you into this bed. Get those boots off of you, you get to sleep in those robes, no way I am going to try to get them off of you.”

“Can't,” Ka'van protested, “I can't, and I'm not a kid.”

Vette snorted, “Awfully testy for someone of the verge of collapse. You need sleep.”

“No,” Ka'van rolled his head against the pillows as he tried to push his body upward. “No, I need to finish, I have to finish before she wakes up.” His strength fled his deadening arms, the numbness of exhaustion creeping in now the liquid heat of the adrenals had cooled.

“Finish what?” Vette shook her head, frowning.

“Her saber, I watched this thug demolish her saber, shattering the crystal. I have to fix it. I managed to heal her, she lived. She lived. I need to fix it.”

Blurry eyes latched onto Vette's wavering azure form. He watched those lekku twitch as her head turned looking behind her. Her liquid outline snapped as her head swiveled back to look at him, “How many of those adrenals have you taken!”

Ka'van shrugged, “Fifteen I think... Doesn't matter I need to get it finished.”

“Doesn't matter! Are you trying to kill yourself? Damn it Ka'van it matters, you never use them in the first place.” Vette yelled.

“I need to finish.” Ka'van shook his head, lips drawing into a stubborn firm line. “I won’t sleep until it is finished and she has it.”

“Alright,” Vette shook her head, “I know that damn look. What do you have left to do with it?”

“The crystal, I need to put in the crystal. The hilt has been repaired and it’s fully operational.” Ka'van tried again to push his numb body upward.

Vette's hand firmly planted itself onto his chest. Pushing him back onto the bed. “Stay there, buddy. If the hilt is finished and it needs a crystal, it is completed isn't it? Don't you Force users have to do something special to the crystal anyway? It's done you need sleep.”

“I need to put the crystal inside so it's complete. It can't be activated until she meditates and attunes the crystal to her signature. She needs it.”

“I am not saying she doesn't, but you are on the verge of collapse and you can't give it to her like this. I tell you what I will send Jy'lith down to check on her, and her vitals. He knows his way around a medical bay. He will be able to tell us how she is doing when she is due to be brought out of the tank, she is in a tank isn't she?”

Ka'van nodded, “She is,” he whispered.

“I will send Jy'lith down. After you get some rest we will walk the hilt down to her together so you can check on her. Give it back to her. You can't let her see you like this though Ka'van, you look like death warmed over. You need to fix yourself, kiddo, your eyes are damn near red. Somehow I don't think she knows about that part of you does she?”

Ka'van shook his head croaking out a weak no.

“Good, then it is settled, Jy'lith will go down and check on her. Good night!” Vette chirped.

Ka'van looked at her confused as a sharp bite stung his exposed arm. Growling he looked at the depressed vial leaving his arm.

“Nighty night,” Vette grinned as her hand pulled away from his arm.

Ka'van opened up his mouth to protest when the words died upon his lips the blurry room growing dark, as he sank further into the soft pillows.

Groaning he blinked, pushing his body upward, he watched the blanket fall off his chest. How did he get into the bed? Vette! Oh kark Vette was here on the orbital station. Vette and Jy'lith were here, sent to retrieve him. Panicked he looked around the room. There sitting on the workbench was the rebuilt saber hilt. Resting along side it was the precious magenta crystal.

Kicking off the blanket he eased his body out of the bed. He was sore but no longer in constant pain. How long had he been asleep? Cautiously he brought his arms over his head stretching, trying to ease the tightness in his over abused body. Rolling his shoulders he moved across the room, stopping by the workbench. The saber hilt was completed. He didn't even remember doing it, the last thing he remembered with any great clarity was pulling out the broken pieces. That and the jolting adrenaline rush he received when he saw the Twi'leks on the other side of his bedroom door.

A quiet knock echoed through the room. “Hey,” Vette called. “Feeling better?”

Ka'van turned to look at the doorway, Vette stood there holding a platter of freshly brewed tea and a sandwich.

“Yes,” Ka'van nodded, “a bit better, still sore though.”

“Still Sithy-eyed too,” Vette frowned as she looked at his face. “The bench okay?” She held up the platter.

Ka'van nodded. “That's fine. I just woke up, I have not had a chance to meditate. I, I need to, I feel like I took on a stampeding herd of banthas.”

“I'd say an entire Huttball team but banthas work too.” Vette sat down in the chair. “Oh, so you know, your crew wandered on here while we were watching over you. A rather uptight Twi'lek, he was fun...” Vette's violet eyes rolled. “I managed to distract him, sent him off to find some detonite charges told him you and Jax would need some. He seemed the militant sort, figured that would work. Also got to deal with a rather interesting hologram and this scientist guy, they both wanted to know why you were here. There was also this really bubbly young girl, she was really worried about you. I told them you were under Jy'lith's medical care and resting on the ship since you were so exhausted. As soon as you woke up you would return to the medical bay. That seemed to make the three of them happy and they left. That was a few hours ago. Since then it has been rather quiet.”

“The crew came by?” Ka'van's orange eyes widened. “What... how, I mean what did you tell them?”

“Oh about us?” Vette shrugged, “Easy. That we were old acquaintances of yours, that the two of us were here on vacation when all hell broke loose. We were waiting on a shuttle to get us out of here when we recognized your unconscious body being hauled into the medical bay. When you woke up you were disoriented and we helped you to your ship. Don't worry,” Vette picked up a steaming cup handing it to him. “I already sliced the cam feed, there was interference that caused spotty filming, just enough to loose you walking down the hall by yourself.” She grinned as she leaned into the chair.

Wrapping his hands around the warm cup he took a tentative sip. The tea was warm and spicy, soothing as it went down. “Thank you Vette.”

“Anytime. Though Jy'lith and I really do need to get out of here.”

Ka'van stiffened. Biting his lip he looked up over the edge of the cup to the now serious face of the azure Twi'lek.

“I told your mother you were alright. That you over-exerted yourself. You need to call her once you are finished in the medical bay, or she will be the next one knocking on your door.” Vette stared at him, her mouth set in an uncharacteristic frown. “You need to tell her what is going on. She is going to be here tonight, this is the base of operations on that shaking planet.” Vette handed him his datapad, “Call her and then meet with her tonight. Come clean. She is reasonable just tell her. Something like this can't happen again.”

Ka'van mutely nodded, head staring at the coordinates on the screen.

“Now, do that meditate thingy you do. She is supposed to come out of the tank in about an hour. Jy'lith is down there now, sitting with her and her brother. I'm going to join him. Please fix your Sithy- eyes and get your butt down there.”

Ka'van nodded, taking another pull off his steaming cup. Tilting his head back he swallowed the remaining liquid. Wiping his hand across his mouth, he set the cup down on the tray.

Taking a couple steps backward he sank onto his knees, easing his sore body onto his legs, resting his rump on his feet. Taking a deep breath he closed his eyes. Reaching out he caressed the smoky cloud that clung to him. The Force surged under his command, eagerly waiting. Gradually he drew it into his body, with each measured exhale he released a small portion of it back into the living Force. He allowed his body to relax, to allow the collected Force that flowed through him to leave, dissipate, to diminish.

The fiery warmth of it faded. His head tilted forward, as he continued to channel and release the shrinking cloud of Dark Side energy that encompassed his kneeling form. As the remnants of if it faded he shivered, chilled. Instantly missing the smoky warmth.

His measured breaths continued, as he tilted his head further, chin touching his chest, opening his body up to the Force. Patiently he waited. Reaching out he felt the ever present flow of the Force. He felt the willing eager pull of the Dark Side, it whispered and caressed his mind. Carefully he reached past it, opening up his mind, waiting. Slowly the bright clear light of the Light Side approached him. Cautiously, slowly it built, its nearly white aura flooding the air around him. Ka'van stilled his mind encouraging it, coaxing it closer, one didn't command or control this aspect of the Force it came to you. It had to trust you; it was powerful and skittish, much like a wild nexu.

A gentle exhale through parted lips, he opened his mind even further, ready and willing to accept this lighter aspect. With a sudden rush it flooded into his very core, shuddering his head tilted backwards, he felt his hair move off his shoulders. It was warm and comforting. Soothing. Like a bright beacon, to guide one versus the fiery power you used to control others.

With a shudder he opened his eyes. He knew without looking that the corruption was gone, but he still had to follow the compulsion to look. Reflected back to him in the mirror-like surface of his bracelet were stormy blue eyes. Pushing off the floor, he pulled his black robe closer. Walking to the workbench he gently picked up the repaired saber hilt, slipping it into his inner robe. Fingers brushed against the waiting crystal. He grasped it with tired fingers placing it into an other interior pocket. Patting it he turned and started the long journey back to the station's medical bay.

The bay was a flurry of activity when he reached the door, inside he heard Vette's excited voice chattering away. Swallowing and sending a prayer up to the Force he stepped into the room. It was filled with people; Vette and Jy'lith were talking to Risha, all three were smiling. Zev and his medic were awake, Elara was sitting upright in the medical bed, talking to the Zabrak. Ka'van's eyes latched onto the now half empty tanks; they were out. His head jerked to the medical beds along the wall, there propped up by pillows was a slumbering Rusk and in the adjacent bed, partially obscured from view by the massive form of her brother was Syarra.

Syarra.

Ka'van limped to her bedside. He nudged Jax in the side so he could get closer. The massive Cathar, jumped. “Geeze Ka'van where did you come from? And why in the hell did you leave the medical bay! You were both brought in on stretchers. You all were!”

“It all worked out, we are all alive.” Ka'van was to tired to even try to grin. His eyes locked onto Syarra. Leaning against the bed he reached out grabbing her hand. “I am sorry. I am, I wasn't fast enough.”

“What are you talking about?” Syarra's striped brow creased, “Fast enough for what?”

“I saw you, I heard the cannon blow and I saw you. I ran as fast as I could but I couldn't stop them from hurting you.” His fingers interlaced with hers.

“You were there?” Her clawed fingertips rested on her bandaged torso.

Ka'van nodded, “Yes, I was, I killed him, the bastard who ran you through. I snapped his neck.” He reached into his robe pocket. “I managed to fix it.” He placed her saber hilt on her stomach.

“But,” she picked it up with her free hand. “I watched it fall to pieces. How did you manage?”

Ka'van smiled. “I know how important it is to you. The crystal is ruined though. It's in three pieces.”

“Oh,” Syarra frowned, “Well I can always get another one.”

“No need,” he reached into his other pocket, grabbing the crystal waiting inside. He pulled it out turning it over in his hand. “I had planned to put it inside, but I wanted to see you, I heard you were getting out of the tank soon.” He extended his hand showing her the sparkling magenta crystal in his palm.

“Wow,” Jax bent over looking at Ka'van's hand, “Where did you find a pink one?” The grey Cathar looked up at him.

“I made it, was a challenge too. It was supposed to be a present but things don't always work out like you plan.”

Syarra set the saber hilt down. Clawed fingertips tickled his palm as she gently picked up the stone. “It's beautiful.”

“I still can't believe you managed to fix my hilt and you healed us. I was told I was healed out there in the field, it's the only way I made it up here. If I hadn't been healed, the wound would have been fatal.” she looked up at Ka'van, “How did you do this?”

Ka'van bit his lip, looking down at her, “A lot of adrenals.”

“Ka'van!” she frowned trying to move in the bed.

“Easy there,” Jax laid a restraining hand on her shoulder, “you can kill him later, stars I might even help.” Jax looked over at Ka'van, “You need to be in bed, not fixing sabers, it could have waited. Do you have any idea how rough this past night has been, the two of you hurt, Syarra in a tank, you non-responsive. I can't take another scare like that.”

“In fact” Jax growled, “You need to get your butt back into a bed, you look like you care barely stand. Either pick one here or get back onto your ship, either way you are going back to sleep.”

Ka'van smirked, “Make me.”

Jax growled, “Ka'van...”

“Don't,” Syarra laid her hand on her brother's arm, “he will go back to bed, he's just teasing you. Stop taking the damn bait!” Her hand moved, resting on top of his hand that still grasped hers. The crystal cool on his bare skin. “Go get some sleep, I am fine. The crystal is gorgeous and I can't thank you enough for fixing my saber hilt. Go on sleep, I will find you when I am finally able to get up, I will even sneak you something to eat.”

“Deal,” Ka'van nodded, letting go of Syarra's hand. He patted Jax on the shoulder, “I will be on my ship. My friend.”

“Is that my gorgeous Jedi friend that I hear? Is she finally awake due to my wonderful medical know how?”

Ka'van stopped in his tracks, growling. Walking through the medical bay's door was the cursed Raven-haired Pest.

“She is! I am a miracle worker! Everyone can stop worrying good ol' Doc is here.” The Pest moved further into the room, advancing on Syarra's bed.

Ka'van growled, lips set in an angry line. Cracking his knuckles as his hands formed fists, he advanced on the smaller man. His hand shot out grabbing the idiot Human's shirt front. He moved faster than anyone could react; picking up the man and shoving him against the durasteel wall. The Pest's head made a very satisfying thump as it bounced off the hard metal.

“You,” Ka'van hissed through clenched teeth, “don't touch her, you don't look at her. I thought I made it very clear to you. I am her medic. Me. Not some pathetic, fame-hungering, con artist of a medical practitioner.” Ka'van brought his hand back, still clutching the squirming Human's shirt and slammed him against the wall again. “Get it through that thick skull of yours, or do I need to remind you again?” Ka'van snarled.

“Easy, let him go.” It was Jax, the Cathar's words penetrated his anger filled haze. “I don't like him either but I can't let you kill him.”

“Fine,” Ka'van growled. He opened his hand and the Pest plummeted onto the floor, with a heavy wordless thump.

Someone touched him, he looked down, seeing a pair of red-skinned hands on his arm. Jy'lith. He looked at the Twi'lek, “Come. Rest you need. See her later, she will be here.”

Ka'van nodded, allowing his body to be gently pulled out of the medical bay. He heard Vette say a hasty good-bye as hurried footsteps followed them down the hall.

“Come on, let's get you back into bed. Though I am impressed, you're still able to pick that guy up like that and throw him around.” She slipped her arm into his, “Neatest thing ever. I got to see my childhood friend, she is actually your spacer buddy's partner. Small galaxy huh. We are gonna meet up later, and catch up some more over dinner, she knows this great place on Coruscant. I haven't been to Coruscant in ages. I honestly can't wait.”

Ka'van nodded, trying to listen as Vette spoke. It was so hard, she was so excited she was talking faster than he could listen. Grunting he nodded his head, pretending to be following the conversation as they led him up the gangplank of his ship and up the ramp to his quarters.

Figured I would define a metalsmithing term.

Planishing hammer – hammer with a smooth face used to finish the surface of metal, it will also harden the metal.

Mando'a

Beskar- mandalorian iron, hard stuff!

When ever i write these guys i use lions as a baseline for medical stuff, according to the good ol' internet pulse at rest for a lion is 40 and breaths per minute for a cat are 35-40

“I can’t thank you enough for volunteering your ship and two of your crew to get our injured back to Coruscant,” Zev bowed at the ginger haired Human.

“Think nothing of it,” Ka’van waved him off, “Being the smallest starship, the Ember Fist was ideal and I plan to take advantage of The Lucky Fool’s extensive bar on the trip back.”

“Glad I stocked up,” the black leatheris clad Cathar grumbled as they stepped off their shuttle and got their first good look at the massive structure in the distance. He shook his head at the Jedi, those azure eyes narrowing at his friend, “I still think you should’ve gone with them.”

“Do we really need to have that discussion again?!” Ka’van raised a brow at his spacer buddy, unable to keep the annoyance from his tone. “Between you and your sister, I swear I’ve had enough lectures for at least a month.”

“Gods be damned, Ka’van!” Jax swore as he rounded on his friend, the stress of the past few days making the hot tempered Cathar’s fuse even shorter. He ran clawed fingertips through his black mane in frustration, “Do you have any idea what it did to me when we found the two of you?! My littermate was covered in blood from a wound that should’ve…..kark, I can’t even say it, but that visual will haunt me for the rest of my days!”

“But thanks to Ka’van, she made it,” Zev reminded him, a chill going down his spine at the close calls they all had that day.

“Yeah, and he nearly killed himself saving her,” Jax shot back. “So not only did I find my sister nearly dead, but one of my best friends was little better.”

“I wouldn’t go that far,” Ka’van sighed, easily picking up Jax’s still turbulent emotions and feeling a pang of guilt at his part in everything. “It was just exhaustion.”

“Exhaustion?!” Jax snorted, “You looked like a kriffing corpse! Eyes rolled back into your head…..completely unresponsive. Your skin was grey for kark’s sake, not to mention you were struggling to breathe by the time Corso and I hauled your a** onto the shuttle!”

“Easy Jax,” Risha soothed, knowing he’d gotten little sleep ever since that assault. “Syarra will recover and Ka’van is back to his normal irritating self, so let’s move on…..alright?”

“That’s a really good suggestion…...so can we all maybe focus on getting into that karking palace instead of arguing?!” Aric growled impatiently as he took aim nearby, him and Rusk trying to take out the Regulator snipers that were pinning the Republic forces down. His green eyes narrowed as he followed his target with the scope of his sniper rifle, his mouth curving in a triumphant grin as he fired another shot. “Got the bastard. As I was saying…...I’d like to get this op done, preferably before the planet blows to hell…...because I’d sorta like to be around when my kits are born.”

“That’s the last of their snipers,” Rusk’s voice called out over their coms.

“Okay people, we’re pressed for time here so let’s move out!” Zev ordered, giving his buddy a sympathetic pat on the back.

“Time to deal with that karking slug once and for all,” Jax muttered, thumbing his blasters back on as he fell in step beside the armor clad Zabrak.

“You know that’s not our mission Jax,” Zev sighed.

“And you know damned well that slimy piece of bantha dung isn’t going to just hand his stockpile over,” Jax shot back, pausing to empty his blasters into a group of mercs that was stupid enough to charge at them.

Zev refrained from comment, focusing on keeping his eyes peeled for any lingering opposition as the group continued on. He knew where Jax was coming from, and a big part of him wanted to let his hot headed friend simply do what they all wanted really, but his superiors wanted the Hutt brought in alive if possible so it was up to him to stop anyone from meting out vigilante justice.

Once things had calmed down and everyone had time to regroup after freeing Tarlem, the key members of the mission on Makeb met on the orbital station. The military was represented by Havoc Squad’s CO and XO, Jax represented the Underworld connections, Ka’van and Kira represented the Jedi Order with Syarra still recovering in the medical center. Shalim Avesta didn’t want to leave his people, but sent along his niece to represent the people of Makeb. Supreme Commander Malcom, Grand Master Shan, and Chancellor Sareesh joined via Holo along with SIS Agents Jonas Balkar and Natasha Roark, as well as their tech consultant Roland Zavala.

The meeting went on for hours, with more than one disagreement on what needed to be done, but they all did agree that they needed help from a Hutt scientist of all things. The intel that T7 got from the computers and the chatter Jonas and Natasha had been listening to had yielded results and Havoc Squad would be leading a snatch and grab operation to acquire the Arc’s designer, Dr. Oggurobb. They decided to adjourn after making settling on the team for the mission and would reconvene when the scientist was in Republic custody.

Zev, Jax, and Aric lingered with a handful of Republic officers for another hour, pouring over the data Shalim had sent on the mesa where Oggurobb was located. The trio deciding a small, stealthy group would be ideal…..especially if they could get at least one more sniper. Thanks to his years leading the Deadeyes, Aric was highly proficient at operating in the shadows and a still deadly sniper. Jax made inquiries and found enough stealth generators for the remaining sentient members of Havoc and three others. Despite the worry marring his intended’s beautiful face, Jax agreed to accompany Havoc since he had experience with a stealth generator from his time in spec forces. Sergeant Fideltin Rusk volunteered and after learning that Syarra’s crew member had extensive sniper training, Aric took the Chagrian aside so they could determine the best points to set up in order to cover the group best. Lieutenant Felix Iresso also volunteered, the quiet soldier’s experience making him an expert at navigating multiple types of terrain.

For once, lady luck was with them and the snatch and grab operation went off without a hitch.

Dr. Oggurobb managed to patch into their coms from his lab and told them how to safely get to him. The strike team was leery of trusting a Hutt, but his instructions seemed valid so they carefully heeded his advice. After dispatching the bunker guards and defence droids, they arrived at the lab to find Dr. Oggurobb alone and the Hutt scientist admitted that he was no longer a willing participant in Taborro’s operations. He also confirmed Lemda Avesta’s theory that Makeb was truly doomed, but while in the process of explaining, an angry Taborro cut in via holo and taunted them with the fact that only stockpile of isotope was with him and the Ark would never make it off the ground without it. It was an invitation to a trap and they all knew it, but they had no other choice. With the guards gone, the team plus Doctor Oggurobb left the mesa aboard his personal shuttle, Jax calling for a meeting en route to the Spire which was also serving as the Republic staging area.

A couple hours later, the key players were gathered and once again, Grand Master Shan, Supreme Commander Malcom, and Chancellor Sareesh joined via holo. Given Lemda’s theory and Dr. Oggurobb’s backing of her evidence, they all agreed to begin evacuation procedures for Makeb as well as Keylander Station after its orbit was deemed to be in the danger zone. The first priority were the injured, which included Syarra, Sergeant Rusk, and Elara, all of which would be taken to Coruscant. Ka’van had volunteered his ship as well as Tharan and Zenith to get the trio home. Knowing it would take several people, the ginger left the meeting shortly after that to assist his medic in getting the three patients secured. It had taken several hours due to the fact that Rusk was still in a kolto tank and needed to be transferred to the one on Ka’van’s ship, but as soon as the Chagrian soldier was settled along with Syarra and Elara in the Ember Fist’s medbay, Ka’van rejoined the meeting in time to help plan the final assault. With the evacuation procedures underway, the bulk of the Republic forces continued to assist with the Arc’s completion and defence, while the remainder of the troops followed Havoc Squad, Captain Roark, and Master Ka’van to retrieve the Isotope needed to fuel the massive escape vessel.

“I can’t argue with that, but we have to at least make an attempt,” Zev finally responded a moment later as they entered the immense structure, hoping Jax’s temper would cool off a little by the time the eventual confrontation came.

“I’ll make an effort,” Jax grumbled, feeling a little guilty for the position his buddy was in, “but I can’t promise things won’t end without that slug getting a blaster bolt planted into his to nasty head.”

“You two really need to wrap this debate up,” Ka’van interrupted, tapping his temple, “Because we have a lot of hostiles incoming.”

“Lock and load everyone,” Zev ordered as they heard booted footsteps approaching, “We’ve got company!”

A few minutes later, the group was back into the thick of battle, wave after wave of Taborro’s mercs coming to defend the palace. Soon anger, rage, death, and determination were everywhere, almost overwhelming for the Force sensitives. For a brief second, Ka’van was tempted to absorb all that dark energy and let loose on the remaining mercs coming at him. With a sigh, he reigned in the impulse and focused at directing projectiles at the enemy instead.

“I often wonder,” a quiet, Imperial accented voice murmured next to him, “how it is that someone so attuned to the Dark side of the Force manages to sit on the Jedi Council.”

Ka’van narrowed his gaze at the Pureblood, annoyed with himself for letting his focus waver in the Sith’s presence. “Just because a Jedi is tempted once in awhile doesn’t mean they are attuned.”

“Ah, but I know for a fact that you are,” Scourge countered, waving the much younger man off when he was about to protest. “Don’t bother to lie, I’ve suspected since the day you came aboard Master Roark’s ship several months ago. Still, I wasn’t absolutely certain until we returned from Tarlem. I was there in the medbay before you woke and it’s fortunate for you that I was the only conscious Force user present. Dark Force energy was pouring off of you, so much that I had to shield myself from absorbing it all in because the rush would’ve been more than I’d like to experience in Republic company.” The former Wrath’s gaze met Ka’van’s stormy blue ones head on, his crimson features smug as he continued, “I wonder what your lover would think if she were ever to find out about that part of your nature.”

“And just what do you intend to do with that information?” Ka’van bristled under the veiled threat.

“Spare yourself the embarrassment, young one. While you are indeed powerful, I have three hundred years of experience on you and have ended the existence of Sith with more power,” Scourge chuckled, easily sensing the Jedi was preparing for a fight.

“I’ll ask again, what do you have planned…...ancient one?” Ka’van shot back.

“Nothing…...for now. As amusing as it might be, I have come to respect Master Roark during our time together,” Scourge admitted, “But you can’t hide your true self forever…….Jedi.”

Ka’van bit back his retort when he heard a familiar growl of pain from across the room and turned in time to see the good Captain pull a vibroknife out of his arm then plunge it into the throat of his attacker. He made a mental note to check the Cathar’s injury as soon as there was a break in the action because despite the brooding spacer’s earlier grumblings irritating him, Jax had become like family to him and that was a rare thing for the Jedi.

“Kark me, that stings a bit,” Jax grumbled as Ka’van worked on the stab wound at the temporary medic station Zev had set up a little while later.

“Sorry my friend, but maybe do a better job keeping your marks at range,” Ka’van shot back, his mouth quirking in a smug grin.

“Jax was actually pretty good at watching his six back in the day,” Zev grinned, “Guess he’s gotten soft spending so much time in a cockpit.”

“I’d be willing to bet I get shot at more than you do….Major,” Jax snorted, his bicep twitching a little as the wound began to close.

“Yeah…...for reasons I probably don’t want to know about,” Zev shook his head as he clapped his hand on his buddy’s good shoulder before striding off to join Aric who was standing guard at the forward corridor, the Zabrak bowing respectfully at Syarra’s former student as they passed each other.

“Never thought I’d see the day when one of Doc’s stupid lines actually worked,” the red head snorted as she approached, concern on her face when she spotted Jax’s injury. She was relieved when she realized it was just a minor wound, having promised Syarra she’d keep an eye on her brother.

Jax followed Kira’s gaze to see the Doc treating a pretty young Republic trooper, who let out a giggle as she smiled up at him, shaking his head in disbelief, “She must be concussed.”

“How in the void did you manage to put the Pest all the way from Coruscant?!” Ka’van muttered with disdain, his eyes narrowed at the dark haired medic.

“Doc?” Jax asked, his lips curving in a fang baring smile when Ka’van nodded. “Eh…..we sorta came to an understanding.”

Risha gave a snort, “Understanding…...yeah, that’s putting it mildly.”

“Oh?” Ka’van prompted when he saw a wicked glint in Jax’s eyes.

“What?! I merely explained that we were together after he made a pass at you and he hasn’t done it since,” Jax tried to look sheepish when Risha rolled her eyes at him, but the wicked gleam in his azure eyes testified that it wasn’t quite so trivial.

“You explained that after you had him by the throat…...with your claws out I might add!” Risha elaborated.

“Okay, so I might have used a little physical persuasion,” Jax shrugged, not at all remorseful.

“Wish I could’ve seen that,” Ka’van grinned.

“Me too,” Kira laughed, “I would’ve paid for that show.”

“I’ll have to see if the Lucky Fool’s security cams got a shot of it when we finally get to ditch this planet,” Jax nodded, “I’ll send you both a copy…….just promise not to tell Syarra. She might not find it as amusing.”

“I wouldn't worry about that,” Kira assured the spacer, “She’s always complaining that he makes her fur twitch.”

“Captain,” Lieutenant Iresso called out at he approached, “Major Varlok wanted you to know that his tech guy has the door unlocked and we’re ready for the final assault on Taborro.”

“Good,” Jax nodded, “I’m more than ready to deal with him and get the void out of here.”

Jax and Ka’van joined Zev at the now unlocked doorway leading into Taborro’s chamber. The trio took point, backed up by their remaining crews. They were all prepared for a fight but despite Dr. Oggurobb’s warning that his former boss had access to his designs and had likely put some of them to use, none of them were prepared for the massive Isotope droid that Taborro set on their forces. Several were injured in the initial onslaught, but those remaining upright quickly adapted and took defensive measures. Havoc and the other Republic soldiers made use of shield generators and Ka’van used the Force to protect those who didn’t have the military equipment.

Several moments after the fighting began, the walls and floor were riddled with plasma scorches and most of the ornate furnishings were smoking ruins, but the droid lay in a crumpled heap not far from an angry Taborro’s throne and the fuel rods they sought.

“You think you have won,” the Hutt addressed them, a cruel look on his slimy tattooed face, “But I will take you and those pathetic citizens you’re trying to save with me. Under this room is a stockpile of Isotope-five….” he paused, his deep laugh echoing in the room as he held up a remote, “and if I can’t have it, than no one will!”

The group watched in silent horror as the Hutt depressed the red button, setting off a muffled explosion underneath their very feet. Before any of them could fully contemplate the ramifications of that sound and the floor itself beginning to vibrate, an angry roar filled the room, and in the blink of an eye, Taborro’s taunting laughter was silenced by two plasma bolts, one piercing his heart, the other dead center right between eyes.

“Dammit Jax,” Zev scowled at the Cathar who still had two smoking blasters trained on the dead Hutt.

Jax shrugged, his scarred face showing no remorse for dropping their target, “This way we know for sure he's dead.”

“With all due respect, sir,” Aric spoke up when his CO was about to respond, “What’s done is done and this place is about to collapse so we really need to get the void out of here ASAP.”

“Point made,” Zev sighed, then turned to the engineering team, “ETA for the evac is in roughly ten minutes. Salvage as many of those fuel rods as you can before that shuttle gets here!”

“You think that’ll be enough time to get out of here?” the Jedi raised a copper brow at the Zabrak.

“It had better be,” Jax replied grimly, “because Gods help us all if it isn’t.”

“Woah there,” Jax growled, hauling aside a finely dressed man who’d been shoving people in line aside so he could board the Ark. “Status doesn’t mean squat right now so you need to get in line just like everyone else…..trying to shove your way in is only going to slow things down.”

The haughty man gave the much larger Cathar a haughty look, but spotted the twin blasters strapped to the spacer’s belt and decided to resume his place in line without comment. Jax shook his head in disgust before returning to his post, well past annoyed with Makeb’s elite and their sense of entitlement. Avesta’s people had been boarding the Ark since dawn and it was still going full swing by the time the shuttles arrived at the Spire from Taborro’s Palace, but with that many to load it was taking a lot of time. Upon returning from Taborro’s, the engineering team immediately went to work getting the fuel rods in place on the Ark and the massive vessel was already initiating takeoff procedures despite the still ongoing boarding. Unfortunately, that had caused the crowd to rush what they knew was their salvation, worried it was going to take off without them.

The groundquakes weren’t helping matters either since people would start to panic each time one hit…..which was happening at an alarming rate now. Everyone knew Makeb’s time was coming to an end and it’s citizens were afraid they wouldn’t make it off in time. Jax couldn’t blame them, more than a little worried about that himself, but fear was making some of the citizens stupid and it was their job to make sure the lines were moving steadily. Jax had to respect Shalim Avesta at that moment, the man and his niece were both in the thick of the crowd, helping to keep everyone calm and orderly instead of considering their own safety.

“I think his presence is helping,” Zev nodded, seeing where his friend was looking. “Avesta might turn out to be a decent leader after all.”

“If he gets the chance,” Jax snorted as the ground began to shake under them. The frightened wail of a youngling reached his sensitive ears and those sharp eyes immediately began looking for the source as Zev hurried off to assist a man with his very pregnant wife.

Jax heard the cry again and honed in on it, finally spotting the teary eyed girl near the South boarding ramp a second later. He felt a surge of relief when he saw she was holding the hand of a tall and very familiar black robed Human. His eyes met Ka’van’s and Jax bit back a snicker when he saw the tot his buddy was holding in his other arm had decided to grasp a handful of those loose ginger locks. He saw Ka'van wince a little and felt pity for his friend, having had his mane pulled more than once by his curious nephews when they were little. Ka'van flashed him a strained smile, then turned back towards the line and Jax noticed a couple more younglings grasping Ka’van’s robes as they followed the Jedi up the ramp. Figuring his Jedi friend had the situation well in hand, Jax turned his attention back to the boarding line he was overseeing.

Despite the growing panic as the groundquakes increased in intensity and frequency, the weary leadership managed to get every citizen safely on board the Ark in record time. Zev urged Shalem and Lemda to board the Ark with the last line, assuring the Avestas he and Jax would do a final sweep before taking their shuttles to Keylander Station, where the Lucky Fool and Thunderclap were being kept prepped and ready to go.

“Hope that’s everyone,” Jax sighed as the Ark’s engines roared to life.

“I promised Shalem I’d be certain so let’s do a quick check in the bunkers just to be sure,” Zev suggested as they jogged away from the launch pad.

“Better make it fast,” Jax agreed, a worried frown on his furred features, “Because I don’t like how bad these gr-”

Jax’s warning was cut off as the Ark lifted off, the massive vessel heading for orbit faster than one would expect given its size. The duo, joined by the rest of their crews watching in slight awe until the ground shuddered with alarming violence under their feet. A second later, a crack rent the air and things took a dangerous turn as the mesa began it's collapse.

Aric gave a shout, the tawny Cathar grabbing a panic stricken Guss as he dove for cover when a boulder came crashing down where they’d been standing. Rock was sliding down all around and the tremors became so violent that walking was a challenge. Kira and Scourge used the Force to keep other boulders from hitting the shuttles since that was their only escape route.

“Get to the shuttles,” Jax ordered as he ran to one of the bunkers to double check that everyone had left, “and get them ready for takeoff now!”

Aric, Corso, and Zev fanned out to check the remaining areas where Makeb’s citizens had been waiting to board, the four men dodging and ducking as the whole planet seemed to be coming apart. Each one gave an all clear over their coms then immediately headed back to the waiting shuttles, Jax bringing up the rear since his bunker had a basement level.

“Jax,” Zev shouted, the tan skinned Zabrak looking worried as he and Ka’van’s padawan ran towards the spacer about to board his shuttle. “We have a problem…..”

“My Master isn’t on our shuttle,” Nadia finished, “and the Major said Master Ka’van wasn’t on his shuttle either!”

“He’s not on this shuttle,” Risha called out from the doorway, having heard the commotion.

“It’s alright,” Jax assured them, “I saw him helping a group of younglings board the shuttle during that final crush. He probably wasn’t able to make it back off before it left.”

“It would be hard for someone get off the Ark with so many still trying to get on,” Zev mused, relaxing a little.

“Are you sure?” Nadia frowned, reaching out with the Force again to see if she could detect her Master anywhere.

“Come on…..you know Ka’van,” Jax shrugged, “He always likes to show off…...probably doing Force tricks to distract those kids from being scared.”

“Well….I don’t feel him anywhere nearby, so….I guess that could be it,” Nadia finally relented, looking a little less worried than she did a moment ago.

“I know damn well he wouldn’t stick around here,” Jax snorted, “And neither should we.”

“You got a point,” Zev agreed, then double timed it back to his shuttle.

Jax watched the petite young woman hurry back to her shuttle as well, then unable to stop that nagging worry she’d put in place, his azure eyes scanned all around, looking for any signs of his Jedi friend. Satisfied that the doomed Spire was void of any life forms save the ones now taking off in the last of the shuttles, Jax finally boarded his and hit the switch to seal the door.

The trip through Makeb’s atmosphere was more intense than usual, something Jax attributed to the planet’s impending demise. Despite his years in the cockpit, the spacer found the flight challenging and missed the smooth ride of the Lucky Fool. He was relieved when they left the turbulent atmosphere and quickly maneuvered the shuttle into the orbital station’s docking bay. A few minutes later, he and his crew disembarked, the Cathar immediately giving the order for the skeleton crew to go ahead and evacuate since he could seal the bay doors once the other two shuttles made it from Makeb.

A worried frown marred his rugged features as he looked out at the starry blackness of space, empty of any traffic. He knew Zev had plenty of experience in the pilot seat, but hadn’t flown through Makeb’s atmosphere before. Still, his former CO had flown in some rough conditions both back when they were in Tempest and now as head of Havoc, most recently having piloted the Thunderclap off a doomed Imperial prison colony that was taking heavy fire from General Rakton’s forces. Jax figured Zev would be okay and was more concerned with the third shuttle, which Aric was piloting since he also had plenty of flying experience from his days as CO of the Deadeyes. Hoping the older Cathar’s skills weren’t too rusty, Jax kept a vigilant watch for the missing shuttles to appear.

“They’re gonna make it,” Corso’s voice assured him as the Mantellian joined him at the bay’s control pad.

“I hope you’re right,” Jax sighed, turning to the crew mate who was the proverbial eternal optimist. “That trip was difficult enough for me…..”

“And it probably is for them as well,” Corso acknowledged, “but these are pretty sturdy shuttles and both Zev and Aric have done their fair share of flyin’” Then the younger man nodded his dreadlocked head at the bay entrance where a small speck was now visible against the planet below, “See, they’re comin’ Captain. Just not as fast as you are I guess.”

His eternally optimistic friend was right and few minutes later, the second shuttle was secure across from Jax’s and a tall armored Zabrak led his group down the ramp. The shuttle had a few dings, but the slightly frazzled group seemed unharmed.

“Talk about a rough ride,” Zev shook his head, his tanned skin a little pale as Jax clapped his buddy on the shoulder. “I barely avoided being hit when part of the Spire came crashing down. Then we hit atmo and it was all I could do just to keep her on course.”

“It was a struggle for me even,” Jax admitted as his azure gaze returned to the starry sky beyond the bay doors that was once again void of any traffic.

“No word from Aric?” Zev asked, hoping his second in command hadn’t gotten caught by the collapsing Spire.

“Nothing,” Jax answered grimly, then his mouth twitched in a smirk, “but you know Jorgan is too stubborn to let something like a dying planet get the better of him.”

“Probably swore at the Spire as it fell and gave Makeb the middle finger on the way out,” Zev grinned, knowing Aric’s temper quite well.

“Oh I am definitely picturing that,” Vik agreed from behind them, the Weequay crossing his arms when he stopped to study the planet visible in the lower half of the bay’s entryway. Despite their clashing personalities, Tanno respected his strict and often grouchy superior. “Hell, he’s probably more afraid of his wife’s reaction when she finds out how bad the situation was than the actual danger…….not that I can blame him, she’s got a mean streak to her when riled.”

“You mean when her husband ends up in a kolto tank for a day because someone miscalculated a blast radius during one of our Ilum strikes?” Zev raised a brow at his demo expert.

“Hey, I told you guys I wasn’t feeling well that morning,” Vik shrugged.

“I warned you that we might have an early assignment,” Zev reminded him, “You should’ve hit the bunks instead of the cantina that night…...but you didn’t and instead of being sharp at dawn, you were hungover.”

“He was probably still buzzed,” Jax shot the Weequay a sly look.

“Yeah…..I mighta been,” Vik confessed, his craggy features showing no remorse. “So I suppose it was sorta my fault, but getting me blackballed from Club Paradise was a low blow, not to mention what she did to me and Gault after that little misunderstanding on Nar Shaddaa.”

“Misunderstanding,” Zev snorted, “She had actual footage of you suggesting that someone shave the image of a naked Nautolan onto her husband’s back and Gault actually doing it…...you’re both lucky that all she did was get you tattooed.”

“Gods help us all if he’s injured,” Jax chuckled, some of the tension leaving his shoulders as he recalled Dek’s real bachelor party. “My cousin will probably kick all our asses of Aric misses their kits’ birth.”

“I know I wouldn’t want to be on her bad side,” Zev agreed, having heard from Aric how she’d taken down Bradley’s hired mercs when they attacked the SIS safehouse she was holed up in with Roland and Wilks during the Senator’s trial.

“Well I don’t think we have to worry about that boss,” Tanno nodded, pointing at the black speck that just appeared.

“Something’s wrong,” Jax noted a moment later when his keep eye saw the shuttle’s erratic path. Then he spotted smoke trailing from the left wing. “He’s got damage…..everyone out of the landing area now!”

Jax and Zev stayed at the control panel while the rest of the group scrambled for safety as the unsteady shuttle approached, both men diving for cover when the vehicle skidded into the bay a few minutes later, the damaged shuttle colliding with the other two before finally coming to a stop. They cautiously approached the vehicle as it’s engines powered down, Jax grabbing a crowbar from the tool shelves they passed in case the doorway needed to be pried open.

“Gods be damned!” Jax cursed, exchanging a look with the equally shocked Zabrak when they both saw the broken booster on the rear of the shuttle. “It’s a wonder he made it!”

“You all okay?” Zev called out when the shuttle’s door finally opened.

“We are thanks to this guy,” Iresso answered, the dark skinned Human a little pale as he descended the ramp alongside the visibly shaken Cathar. He clapped a hand on Aric’s shoulder, “Man, that was one hellova trip and some damned good flying!”

“I think we owe the Force users some credit,” Aric swallowed, inclining his head towards the young woman exiting the shuttle and the tall Pureblood right behind her. “The damage would’ve been a lot worse if not for them.”

“Yeah, but you were the one who had to dodge the initial fall,” Nadia pointed out, her face showing the toll the trip took both mentally and physically. “Then you had to fly with a cracked wing and only two boosters!”

“There are not many who could have made that flight under those conditions,” Scourge admitted, the Cathar having earned his grudging respect.

“Karking hell Aric!” Jax grinned, relieved to see them all in one piece, “and here I was all worried you might be rusty in the cockpit when you could probably give me a run for my credits!”

“Maybe you can start flying the Thunderclap,” Zev chuckled as the six of them headed out of the bay, glad they were all safe as well.

“No thank you,” Aric snorted, an involuntary shudder going up his spine when he paused to look back over his shoulder and saw the extent of the damage. He shook his head when he caught up to his CO where the rest of the group had gathered, “I am perfectly fine staying out of the pilot seat for a good long while.”

“Speakin’ of pilot seats,” Corso spoke up, “We should probably get goin’ before Makeb blows and takes this station with her.”

“I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but Farm Boy has the right idea,” Risha agreed, a smirk curving her lips as she turned to her Captain. “SeeTwo has the Lucky Fool ready to takeoff and Yuun went on ahead to get your ship ready, Zev.”

“Good,” Jax nodded at his snarky intended, then turned to his buddy, “Syarra’s crew came with us so they’re set and I’ll take Nadia with us since she and Kira seem to get along pretty well.”

“Sounds good,” Zev replied, “and I’m sure Felix will be right at home on a military ship so he can join us.”

“Come to think of it, can you take Doc with you?” Jax asked, his azure eyes narrowing at his littermate’s medic walking ahead of them, “Because if he hits on Rish one more time……”

“No problem,” Zev snickered, a twinkle in his jade eyes as he jogged ahead to the dark haired Human and steered him towards the Thunderclap’s hangar.

Less than ten minutes later, Jax was seated in the Lucky Fool’s cockpit and ready to fly his freighter out of Keylander Station as soon as he got word from Zev that the Thunderclap was all clear. An uneasy feeling settled in his gut as he glanced out at Makeb, the planet barely visible from his vantage point. There was no reason for it since everyone made it off the doomed planet, but the same thought kept plaguing his mind ever since Nadia discovered the ginger was missing. Did Ka’van really make it off Makeb?

“He’s fine,” Risha answered his unspoken question, “You said it yourself, there’s no way Ka’van would risk his life by staying on Makeb and we all know how crazy it was during the final boarding. You saw Ka’van take those kids onto the Ark and I doubt he would’ve been able to get back off after getting them settled.”

“I know,” Jax sighed, “It’s silly I suppose, but I’ll feel better once I see him for myself.”

“I’m sure you’ll find him eager to get off the Ark once it docks at Carrick,” Risha snorted, “He does like his comforts and a packed transport is anything but.”

Jax’s comeback was interrupted by the ship’s Holo, the Cathar glad to see the Zabrak’s image when he flipped the switch, “You out?”

“All clear,” Zev confirmed, “and I saw the last station transport leave a couple minutes before I took off so they made it.”

“Glad to hear it,” Jax replied, “and we’re outta here as soon as I hang up.”

“See you in a couple days then,” Zev nodded, then his image faded out when the call disconnected.

“Good riddance Makeb,” Risha smiled as Jax eased the Lucky fool out of the hangar.

“You took the words right out of my mouth,” Jax muttered as he flipped the switch to send them into hyperspace.

“Welcome to Coruscant, Captain Roark, you are cleared to land in hangar see-nine.”

“Thank you, Control,” Jax acknowledged, wanting nothing more than to put the stress of the past couple weeks out of his mind and sleep uninterrupted for several hours, “Coming in for a landing now.”

“Stars I can’t wait to take a long, hot bath,” the brunette sitting in the co-pilot’s seat sighed as the Lucky Fool touched down a moment later.

“Want company?” Jax grinned at his mate, thoughts of sleep evaporating quickly as some rather intriguing ideas came to mind.

“Of course,” Risha answered, “You do such a good job washing my back.”

“That’s not the only thing I’m good at…..”

“I really didn’t need to hear that,” the dreadlocked Human grumbled as he entered the cockpit.

“Sorry Corso,” Jax chuckled at the blushing Mantellian as he eased his large frame out of the pilot’s seat. “Everyone ready to go?”

“Yup,” Corso nodded as his captain unlocked the freighter’s entrance and lowered the ramp with the press of a button.

Jax flipped the com switch next so he could make an announcement before the ship’s occupants scattered, “We’re all clear to disembark so you can all be on your way as soon as you’re ready. If anyone needs a place to crash for a night or two, just let me know and I’ll see if there’s room at my family’s flat.” Then he stood and turned to his two crewmates in the cockpit, “I’m going to make arrangements for a repair crew to look over the Lucky Fool while we’re here. Our Holofrequency booster still isn’t working properly and she’s flying a little slower than normal. I think it’s just minor damage from being so close to Makeb’s wonky atmosphere for so long, but I’d feel better if they run a full diagnostic.”

“You don’t need anyone to do that,” Risha shook her head, “I’m perfectly capable….”

“I’m well aware, hon,” Jax squeezed her hand, “But we’ve all been through a lot these past couple of weeks and I, for one, would love to have some down time…...and that bath is only a start.”

“Okay, I’m outta here,” Corso muttered as the Cathar leaned in to kiss their engineer.

“Give Tamara my best,” Jax tossed over his shoulder at the retreating Mantellian, snickering when he saw that blush spread to Corso’s neck. Then he turned back to his mate, gently brushing her mouth with his for a brief moment before pulling back. “Let’s go see about getting you that hot bath.”

The couple left the cockpit a few minutes later to see Nadia and Kira waiting for them, the latter informing him that Ka’van’s young Padawan needed a place to stay. Jax assured Nadia there would be plenty of room at his family’s flat. The robed young woman bowed, looking every bit as exhausted as he felt and Jax had a feeling she too was worried about the ginger. Then he turned towards the cheeky redhead that was his littermate’s former Padawan and now good friend.

“You need a place to stay as well?”

“Nope,” she shook her head, “Thanks for the offer though. I’m going to stay with the Jedi for now….Grand Master Satele should be here by now and I wanted to speak with her.”

“Well, if you change your mind, you’re always welcome with us,” Jax offered again.

“Thanks,” Kira replied, “I might take you up on that depending on how things go with the Grand Master and if she needs me for anything further. I’m actually going to pop in on Syarra before I head over to the Order.”

“Tell her I’ll visit as soon as we’re all settled at the flat,” Jax nodded at the redheaded Jedi as the four of them started down the ramp.

“Looks like that bath might have to wait,” Risha observed when she spotted the small crowd in hangar C-9’s waiting area.

“Unkey Jax, Unkey Jax,” a black furred kit cried out, his green eyes wide as he bounded towards his Uncle excitedly, his two brothers right behind him. “Unkey Jax, I heard your planet got blowed up! Is it true, is it true? Huh? Did you make a planet get blowed up?!”

“Marcus Mercier!” a cream colored Cathar growled, her yellow eyes flashing.

“Yeah stupid, it wasn’t Unkey Jax’s fault,” the brown furred kit insisted, yellow eyes narrowing as he stuck his tongue out at his littermate, “It was those mean, ugly slugs!”

“Mitchell!”

“Sorry Momma,” the brown furred kit bowed his head, elbowing his littermate when he started to laugh.

“Mommaaaaa, Mitchell hit Marcus!” the cream furred kit called out, a slight sing song tone to his voice.

“Yes Micah, I saw,” she sighed her exasperation as she approached.

“Tattletale!” Mitchell and Marcus growled at their third littermate, who wore a know it all smirk which Jax recognized all too well.

“Now that sounds familiar,” Jax grinned at his now frazzled littermate before enveloping her in a huge hug.

“Yeah, well someone had to keep you and Syarra out of trouble back then,” Sienna murmured, squeezing him tightly. “And apparently the two of you still need someone for that!”

“I’ll make sure to bring you next time,” Jax smirked, “You coulda put those diplomatic skills to use and maybe talk that damned slug down.”

“I told you it was the slug’s fault,” Mitchell crossed his arms, his cherubic furred face wearing a smug look as he regarded his littermates.

“Mitchell Mercier!” Sienna growled at her son, “How many times have I told you we do NOT refer to Hutts as slugs?!” Then she rounded on her own littermate who’d started to snicker and jabbed a clawed tipped finger into his broad chest, “And I wonder who he learned that from?!”

“Ow…..sorry sis,” Jax bowed his head, his azure eyes twinkling as he looked over at his nephews. Then he squatted down, “Come here you heathens!” He scooped them all up in a big bear hug, swinging the trio around before setting them back down, “Tell your Momma sorry and I’ll let you go explore the Lucky Fool for a few minutes.”

“You mean it?” Micah asked, hope shining in his orange eyes.

“I do,” Jax replied, patting the kit on the head, “But you can’t play around with anything.”

“Sorry Momma!” the three kits called out.

Jax hugged each of the kits again before they scampered up the ramp, “Remember, looking only…...don’t touch anything!”

“I’ll keep an eye on them,” Risha offered. “I can get that diagnostic started for the repair crew and make sure the boys don’t play with the cockpit controls.”

“Thanks Rish.”

“Good luck with that,” Sienna rolled her eyes as they headed towards the rest of the group still gathered in the waiting area, “I swear they’re just like you and Syarra…...well, maybe not Micah so much.”

“Oh, they’re just being boys,” the tall, willowy Cathar assured her daughter, her own yellow eyes twinkling as she regarded her son, “But I know exactly how you feel…...just because you’re all grown doesn’t mean I no longer worry about you.”

“Sorry Mom,” Jax murmured, hugging her tightly as the full impact of what they’d all been through hit him and he noted how tired his Mother looked when he pulled away. “Gods help me, I had no idea things on Makeb were going to get that bad.”

“I’m just glad you were able to save those people and that you all made it off the planet safely,” Sharon sighed.

“How’s Syarra doing?”

“She’s actually resting for once,” a deep voice answered and Jax looked over at his best friend as he went on, “Mako and I just came from visiting her and Elara. Your Dad stuck around to make sure she stays that way.”

“Good to hear,” Jax nodded and knowing how much Syarra hated being inactive, it wouldn’t surprise him if she was starting to rebel a little. Then his eyes narrowed at the towering Zabrak, “I thought you were still in the Outer Rim with your Mom’s family.”

“I cut it short when I finally heard what was really going down there,” Dek crossed his arms, his red rimmed jade eyes looking accusingly at the grey Cathar.

“Look, Zev and I didn’t feel the need to pull you away from your family for what was originally supposed to be a much easier op,” Jax defended his actions. “Had I known that crazy bastard was gonna destroy the planet with everyone on it, I might’ve reconsidered.”

“I know,” Dek sighed, feeling guilty he hadn’t ignored their assurances that he wasn’t needed.

“How did you find out about all that anyways?” Jax asked, “Coms weren’t exactly reliable with all the interference from Makeb’s atmosphere.”

“Nat contacted me when Syarra was injured,” Sharon answered, “I was actually here on Coruscant already with Sienna and the boys.”

“I’ve had some meetings with the Senate this week,” Sienna elaborated further, “Raul was busy with seminars so he couldn’t accompany me this time. Mom and Dad offered to come with me and since school is out, we brought the boys with us.”

“Speaking of our cousin, where is she?”

“Natasha is at the Military Complex with Roland and Agent Balkar going over the data from the download Syarra’s little astromech kicked off when they got ambushed,” Dek answered.

“Why?” Jax’s brow furrowed, the spacer a little puzzled. “We already dealt with that karking slug…….err Hutt,” Jax amended after his littermate flashed him a glare that could ice over Tattoine, “Makeb’s a wasteland at best…..if it's even still there. Isn't that a bit useless?”

“Apparently it wasn't just the Cartel and the Republic on Makeb,” Dek answered, holding his hand up when Jax went to pry further. Then he gestured to the Zabrak couple seated on the small sofa, “I contacted Roland after Aunt Grace called me.”

“We couldn’t reach Zev,” the tan skinned Zabrak explained as she stood, the smile on her face not not enough to banish the worry from her honey colored eyes as she hugged the Cathar who’d been like a brother to her son and nephew for the past several years. “ and after what Kenen had heard….”

“I still have a few military buddies that keep in touch regularly,” Kenen nodded, the former spec ops soldier shaking hands with Jax. “Good to see you in one piece. Anyway, as I was saying, one of my old buddies decided retirement wasn’t for him and is doing some consulting work with the SIS.”

“I’m guessing he heard something,” Jax surmised.

“He wasn’t directly involved in the op, but had overheard that Makeb was in serious trouble so he contacted me since he knew Zev was deployed there with Havoc.”

“We kept trying to com Zevryn,” Grace frowned, wringing her hands until her husband took them in his own. “But nothing was going through. Then we tried yours with the same result, so we decided to contact Dekkyn in hopes he knew something…..but he little more about it than we did.”

“Yeah, Makeb’s atmosphere was interfering with long range communications,” Jax told them. “Some messages and calls were going through, but as the groundquakes got worse, so did the atmospheric conditions. It was enough to damage the Lucky Fool’s com system after being exposed for so long, which is why we couldn’t be reached those last couple of days. I’m guessing Zev is having the same issues.”

“After Aunt Grace called me, I decided to try Roland,” Dek went on, “I figured he was either involved in the op or at the very least could do a little digging. He filled me in on everything he knew at that point, but no one knew for sure if you guys made it off until this morning when the Thunderclap pinged a Republic satellite in the Core worlds. We did know you’d be heading for Corescant though, so I set out after letting Aunt Grace and Uncle Kenen know what I’d found out. We arrived about an hour after Ka’van’s ship landed with Syarra and Elara.”

“And our transport got in late last night,” Grace continued. “We wanted to be here when Zev arrived and figured Elara would like some company while she’s recovering.”

“Hopefully Zev isn’t too far behind,” Jax nodded. “The Lucky Fool was running a little slower than normal but she was due for some routine maintenance so it could be just that, but it could also be minor damage from being too close to Makeb’s crazy atmo for so long.” He glanced over his shoulder at the freighter, “Rish should have some answers soon since she’s running a diagnostic for….”

The chime of a comlink interrupted Jax and Mako stepped away to answer it, calling out a moment later, “Hey guys, that was Nat. She just got word that the Thunderclap is in orbit and requested landing clearance.”

“I think I’ll head over to meet them,” Jax decided, turning to his Mom as Mako, Dek, and Zev’s parents left to find the hangar, “I offered Ka’van’s padawan, Nadia Grell, a place to stay….”

“No problem,” Sharon assured her son with a gentle smile as she turned towards the pale young woman, “You can ride back to the flat with us…..as soon as we can convince my grandkits to leave the Lucky Fool.” The smile wavered a little as worry creased her creamy furred brow, “I hope Havoc can get some leave after this…..Natasha needs her mate with her right now.”

“She doing okay?” Jax frowned as they strode towards the exit.

“For the most part,” Sharon nodded, “But she’s been worried about Aric these past few days and hasn’t been sleeping well. I finally convinced her to stay at the flat with us a couple days ago so Sienna and I could keep her company at least.”

“I doubt they’ll get deployed anytime soon,” Jax assured his Mom, “Unless something major is going on, Spec Forces usually gets plenty of down time between ops. They’ll likely get some leave, then be on standby here on Coruscant until a Spec Forces unit is needed elsewhere.”

“Good. Give Zev my best,” Sharon replied with a wave as her son turned towards the corridor leading to the military hangars.

“Aric!” Natasha cried out as she raced towards the tawny Cathar coming down the ramp and a moment later, she was in his arms, tears running down her tan furred cheeks as kissed him. “I was so afraid I’d never see you again…..”

“Shhhh, it’s okay…...I’m okay,” he assured her, feeling the sting of tears himself as she clung to him as much as her distended belly would allow. His bright green eyes met with Zev’s, the Zabrak nodding his understanding immediately, then Aric glanced over at Jax and he gave a slight shake of his head before turning his full attention back to his emotional mate.

Jax understood Aric’s unspoken request and gave a brief nod to the older Cathar, a silent agreement that his cousin need never know just how close of a call that last ride off of Makeb really was.

“Do you need me for anything, sir?” Aric called out to his CO, who was being hugged by his teary eyed mother.

“No Captain,” Zev replied, “You’re all dismissed for a three day leave, but keep your coms handy. Aric, I’ll need you to accompany me to the debriefing with command as soon as they let me know when it is.”

“No problem, sir,” Aric acknowledged, one arm still around his mate as he saluted, “I’m just taking Natasha back to our flat and we don’t plan on going anywhere for a while.”

“I’ll bet you don’t,” Jax snickered as his emotional cousin turned her attention away from her mate long enough to flip him off. Then his azure gaze locked onto his buddy, “Stars, what took you so long?!”

“Sorry Jax,” Zev grinned, “The Thunderclap doesn’t have engines like yours…...but then again, Republic military vessels aren’t regularly trying to outrun planetary authority.”

“Hey now, that’s only happened a couple times,” Jax snorted as he clapped his buddy on the shoulder, “But point made. Glad to see you guys made it back. I’m going to head over to the med center and check in on Syarra, but I’ll see you at the debriefing.”

“They set a time yet?”

“Not yet,” Jax shook his head, “Probably waiting until we both made it back.”

“I’ll contact Commander Malcom shortly and let you know,” Zev replied as he turned back towards his family. Then he thought of something and called out to the gray Cathar, “Hey Jax…..if you see Elara, let her know I’ll be by in an hour.”

“Hey,” Jax smiled at his littermate as he entered her room, “You’re looking a lot better than the last time I saw you. How’s recovery going?”

“Slow,” Syarra let out an irritated sigh, her thumb depressing the button to incline her bed and carefully sitting up, “That jerk really did a number on me.”

“Don’t I know it,” Jax shuddered, reaching out to pat her hand as his mind recalled the state she and Ka’van had been in when he found them.

“I’m sorry we scared you so badly,” Syarra squeezed his hand, easily picking up on her littermate’s emotions and hating that she scared him so badly.

“Not your fault,” Jax shook his head, “I’m just glad you both are okay. From the carnage I saw, that bastard got what was coming from Ka’van before he tended to you…...which is probably why he got so drained.”

“Speaking of,” Syarra bit her lip, hoping she wasn’t about to annoy her littermate, “Where is Ka’van? I figured he’d be here with you…...especially after how he was that morning I got out of the tank.”

“I’m sure he’ll be here as soon as he can,” Jax assured her, the familiar annoyance he typically felt when reminded of his sister’s relationship with his friend curiously absent. “He ended up leaving Makeb on the Ark…...from what I saw, he was stuck with a bunch of younglings.”

Syarra laughed at the image she caught out of Jax’s thoughts, clutching her abdomen when pain shot through her, “Owww…..hurts to laugh, but I can just imagine the temptation of all that hair for a curious tot.”

“Wonder if he’ll have any left?” Jax grinned. “I might have to take a holo of it!”

“You sticking around for a while?”

“I’m still waiting to hear when the debriefing is, although Zev thinks it’ll probably be tomorrow morning now that we’re both back. You know how the military is,” Jax shrugged, “Plus I’d like to see how Ka’van fared on that packed shuttle, so I’ll be here at least until the Ark docks on Carrick…...and Rish and I’d like to take Mom and Dad out to dinner to have a talk with them. After that, I’m planning to take Rish back to Cathar for a little vacation from everything.”

“Is there going to be a Lifemate Ceremony in your near future?” Syarra teased, thrilled to see her brother so happy.

“Looks that way,” Jax confirmed. “Rish and I discussed it during the flight from Makeb, and she was fine having it on Cathar since she doesn’t have any family.”

“Mind if I hitch a ride back home with you guys?”

“Sure…...but aren’t you going to be stuck in here for a while?”

“Well I have a long road ahead before I’m back to normal and I’m gonna need several weeks of therapy, but that doesn’t have to happen here,” Syarra explained. “And I really want to just be home with Mom and Dad for a little while.”

“I understand,” Jax nodded, having felt the same way when he was recovering from Operation Landslide. Unfortunately he was stuck in a military hospital for his entire recovery after that disaster and the sham of an inquiry that followed, one that left him shouldering a chunk of the blame despite the sole fault being from a stubborn Private who thought he was above following orders. He took a deep breath to cleanse his mind of those bad memories and smiled at his littermate, “I’m fine staying at the flat until you’re cleared for travel.”

“Thanks Jax.”

A little while later, an exhausted Jax finally headed to the family flat after popping in on Elara to see how she was doing and give her Zev’s message. The spacer sank into the cushy seat of the taxi, wanting nothing more than to climb into his bed with Risha and fall asleep…...after seeing to some other pressing needs if she was still wanting that bath. Although he was relieved that they were all safe, he couldn’t shake that nagging feeling that something was off, and despite his certainty that the ginger was stuck on the Ark with those kids, worry settled cold in his gut and the spacer knew it would remain there until he saw his friend in person.

“Well that didn’t go exactly as expected,” the tan skinned Zabrak sighed as his brooding companion settled onto the bench across from him, lowering his voice as the other two passengers came aboard. “The Supreme Chancellor was definitely pissed about Makeb…”

“I give zero f*cks how Sareesh feels,” Jax growled, his azure eyes flashing dangerously even as they flicked over to the older Jedi, who simply raised a dusky brown eyebrow at him. He shook his head as the pilot fired up the engines, his temper still fired up. “She of all people shouldn’t have an issue with refugees…...and it’s not exactly our fault Makeb was doomed before we even got there. She should be thankful that we stopped that crazy karking slug and managed to get key players in the Cartel to owe us big time!”

“Yeah, but I think she was really hoping for Makeb’s resources as well as the loyalty of its people….instead, she got the loyalty of hundreds of people who need a new home. Not to mention that we had orders to bring Taborro into custody and that didn’t exactly go as planned…..as you so eloquently spelled out for her.”

“Hey, I was just taking full responsibility for my actions and I can’t help that have no regrets about plugging his ass…..one less lunatic loose in the galaxy,” Jax growled, a feral smile crossing his furred face as he recalled the look on Sareesh’s face when he set her straight when she was looking at Zev to burn for the Hutt’s untimely demise. “The only reason I spoke up at all was because you were about to catch hell for it.”

“I can’t say I’m sorry he’s dead either, and I appreciate you not letting me take the flak for it, but you can’t blame her for being a little ticked,” Zev mused, looking thoughtful as he mentally reviewed the meeting they’d all just come from.

As he’d figured upon arriving on Corescant yesterday, Commander Malcom wanted to meet at 0800 this morning for debriefing. Grand Master Shan, General Garza, Jax, Aric, SIS Agents Jonas Balker, Natasha Jorgan, and Roland Zavala had also attended along with Supreme Chancellor Sareesh. Master Syarra Roark was brought in via Holocommunicator to answer a few questions as well, although her involvement was brief as the Jedi Knight was still recovering and needed her rest. The meeting started off fine, both Jax and Zev giving their reports of that final evacuation before Jonas presented the intel Roland had gotten from TeeSeven’s forage into the Regulator’s database as well as Natasha’s theories on what it all meant, then the agent assured the group that the SIS was already putting feelers out in Imperial space. It was after Agent Balkar’s presentation that the meeting took bad turn. Having been quiet up to that point, Chancellor Sareesh stood, the older Twi’lek’s rigid posture speaking volumes before she even uttered a word.

Knowing how short his Cathar buddy’s fuse was, Zev wasn’t surprised Jax had gone off on the Supreme Chancellor when she started playing the blame game after finding out her plan to bring Makeb into the Republic fold had failed. Then again, Jax had a valid point even if he didn’t exactly make it in the most respectful manner. Sareesh was slightly appeased when Jax suggested the Cartel foot the bill for what assisting the refugees was going to cost them, but she continued to shoot frosty looks at him for the rest of the meeting. Thankfully the tense debriefing had been cut short when word arrived that the Ark had been spotted and would be docking on Carrick within the hour.

“The Major has a point,” the scarred Human spoke up, his quiet voice breaking the momentary silence. “Still, the Supreme Chancellor wasn’t exactly on the front lines with the two of you and should’ve taken that into consideration before lashing out. However, my concern is more with the Imperial presence than anything, which is why I’d like to speak with Shalem Avesta in private…..before Chancellor Sareesh questions him.”

“Grills him more like,” Jax muttered, then sighed as he turned to the serene woman next to him. “Sorry…...my temper gets the better of me sometimes.”

“It’s alright Captain Roark,” Satele murmured, a golden glow covering her hand as she placed it on the Cathar’s broad shoulder. Her mouth twitched in a knowing smile as she felt the tension leave the Underworld spacer, “Your sister’s temperament is similar at times.”

“It’ll be interesting to see what the Imps were after now that we have some intel that they were on planet,” Zev swallowed a snicker as Jax looked a little sheepish.

“If they even made it off,” Jax shrugged, not really caring if they did. “Still, it’s a moot point now that the planet is toast and Sareesh needs to just move on. I swear, power has gone to her head. I remember her being ambitious on Taris, but at least her intentions were sound then…...now I’m not so sure.”

“Well, we’ve all had some rough experiences with politicians in the recent past,” Zev countered, “So that could be clouding your judgement a little.”

“Maybe,” Jax reluctantly conceded, “But still, she makes my fur twitch and I don’t completely trust her.”

The look on Commander Malcom’s face said he didn’t either, but the older man refrained from comment as their shuttle approached the hangar on the Republic orbital station. Then he turned towards the uniformed Zabrak, “Do you think your cousin would be willing to do a little digging?”

Zev sighed, figuring this would come up at some point. “Honestly, I don’t think so sir. Agent Jorgan asked me about that before the debriefing started this morning, and I know she plans on talking to Dek, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he turns her down.”

“Is he still loyal to the Republic?”

“To an extent,” Zev answered carefully, “I can assure you that Dek holds no love for the Empire but he’s more Mandalorian now so that’s where his loyalties lie for the most part and he’s not going to want to risk his ties with them now that he’s restored the honor of his mother’s clan.…..if that makes sense.”

“It does,” Jace nodded, “and I can understand the tough spot he would be in if he did start digging and the wrong people found out. We’ll find another way.”

“Thank you Commander,” Zev replied, relieved the other man wasn’t going to press the issue.

“I just got word from Control that the Ark is due to be docking in bay Besh-fourteen in roughly eight minutes,” the pilot’s voice came over the intercom as the shuttle touched down, “You’re all clear to disembark anytime and I’ll be waiting for further orders as commanded.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant,” Jace responded after pressing the button on the speaker next to him. “I will contact you with further instructions as soon as I’m able.”

“Gods be damned,” Jax growled a half an hour later, “How frakking hard is it to find a black robed, pale skinned ginger who is at least a head taller than most?! It’s not like he blends in….”

Zev cocked his horned head at his buddy, not missing the tension in the tall Cathar’s stance as those azure eyes scanned the expansive bay that was packed with people. “What’s eating you, Jax?”

Jax took a deep breath, letting it out slowly and rubbing the back of his neck as he tried to find the words to describe the feeling that had been gnawing at his gut ever since Nadia brought attention to the fact that Ka’van wasn’t with them.

“I wish I could say…..it’s weird, I just need to see him with my own eyes to know he made it off safely. I know,” Jax held up his hand when Zev was about to argue, “I saw him in the boarding line with those younglings there at the end and it would’ve been damned near impossible for him to get back off in that rush…..and yes, Ka’van isn’t exactly the sort to risk his pasty as$ dying just to give me a scare so logically it’s karking stupid that this is bothering me, but I can’t help it…..I need to see he made it off Makeb in one piece.”

“It’s not stupid,” Zev clapped his hand on the spacer’s broad shoulder, “You’d feel the same way if it were me or Dek. Have you tried his com?”

“I tried, but it’s hard to get anything through in this crowd…..thought I connected once, but no answer.”

“Let’s get away from this crowded bay and head over to the cantina for a little bit,” Zev suggested, “Carrick security has everything in hand here and Commander Malcom already found Shalem. Maybe it’ll be easier to get a call through…..and who knows, Ka’van might even be lounging there with a drink after that trip.”

“You make a good point,” Jax chuckled, following his buddy out of the crowded bay a moment later after trying his com again.

“That’s why the military pays me the big dollars,” Zev grinned.

“Now I know you’re full of sh*t on that,” Jax smirked, “The military doesn’t pay anyone big dollars…..hell, my Privateer gig would barely cover the cost of fuel most times.”

“The legal end of it at least,” Zev shot back, a sly look on his tan face.

“And that’s the only end you need to know about.”

“You get no arguments from me,” Zev shook his head as they approached the spralling cantina in the center of Carrick’s main hub, “Plausible deniability is a good thing!”

“That it is,” Jax chuckled, his smile falling as his com connected to Ka’van’s with no answer. “Kark! I swear he’s not answering it on purpose just to piss me off or…..”

“Here,” Zev interrupted, snatching an ale off of an astromech’s tray and handing it to Jax. He grabbed another one before dropping a couple credsticks in the pay slot. “Let’s just relax for a few minutes, then if you want we can have him paged over the station intercom.”

“Alright,” Jax nodded, taking a deep pull from the mug as they headed towards a nearby table, then choking on it a second later when a strong hand grabbed his shoulder.

“Gotcha!”

Zev startled a little, his hand shifting toward his holster as he turned to see who'd come up on them. Relieved to see the familiar jovial face, he turned his attention back to his companion and proceeded to slap the Cathar’s broad back, trying not to laugh when he noticed Jax's grey fur was all puffed out. The other man had no qualms about voicing his amusement however.

“Oh, I have to get a Holo of this,” Ka’van snickered at his sputtering friend.

“Karking…...Jedi…...mind…..f*cks….can’t…….even,” Jax tried to get out between coughs, glaring at both of his friends who were now openly laughing. "Swear if.....wasn't.....so relieved to see you in one piece...."

“Come on now,” Ka’van’s blue eyes twinkled at his friend, “You’d be laughing if it was one of us.”

“Oh, Jax pulled several pranks during our military days,” Zev agreed, “Dek would be happy to back me up on that!”

“I never scared the living sh*t out of him!”

“You do sort of smell a little…..”

“That would be the cheap beer I was in the process of drinking when you decided to have your fun!”

“Hey now, you just commented on my lack of decent salary a few minutes ago,” Zev reminded him, those jade eyes looking amused as he noticed Jax’s fur was still a little puffy. “So if you want the good stuff, the next round can come out of your generous wallet…..just maybe calm down a little before going up to the bar because you look like you were just electrocuted!”

“Not your best look my friend,” Ka’van agreed, grinning at his still scowling friend who was trying to smooth his fur down. “And since you’re going…...I certainly wouldn’t say no to a nice Alderaanian Ale.”

“Stars my friends are such as$oles sometimes,” Jax grumbled as he dug out his wallet and turned towards the bar.

“Shhh, yes you will all be fine. See you are on this great big ship. And big ships are safe ships right,” he nodded, loose copper hair swinging. The small faces intently watching him nodded in return. “So we will all be here safe and snug while everyone makes their way onboard.”

“Like my mommy,” a little girl questioned her large brown eyes looking hopeful.

“Yes dear like your mommy. In fact,” he leaned closer tucking his robe tighter around the two little girls on the booth’s seat, “like all of your mommies.” Smiling at the younger little girl he carefully positioned his robe across her chest. “There how does that feel? Good?”

“Yes,” the little faces nodded in unison. “Like a blankie.” The brown eyed girl added.

“Well good.”

“Arn’t you going to get cold?” A little voice asked as tiny red skinned fingers touched his bare arm.

He smiled, “No my child I will be fine, I have on a shirt, it just has no sleeves and my pants. See,” he looked at the small Twi’lek boy as he gestured towards his clothing.

“And your boots,” another little voice added. Ka’van turned to look at the last little boy, another Human, he had tucked in between the two little girls and the little Twi’lek.

“Yes and my boots.” Ka’van smiled pointed to his black boots.

“Now,” he leaned closer, their little eyes locked onto his movement. “I will be here with you the entire time,” his hand moved the subtle gesture mistaken for a small adjustment of the impromptu blanket.

Four little heads nodded, “You are here the entire time.”

“Yes I am,” Ka’van smiled, “I will go look for your parents when we land.” His hand move the other direction long fingers barely brushing against the black fabric.

Again little heads bobbed, “You will look for our parwents when we land.”

“You all look so sleepy,” he weighted his words, easily compelling the excited children to start yawning, “why don’t you take a nap?”

“Okay,” the little girl with the soft brown eyes yawned. She grabbed the robe and pulled it tighter. Her little bed partner rubbed her hazel eyes, little fists dropping to the seat cushion.

Their yawns were followed by the tired mumblings of the other momentarily lost children. “Now,” he whispered, “if you are thirsty there are water bottles in my bag.” He set a hastily grabbed bag next to the assembled children on the table. “It is right here. I also have some crackers and bantha biscuits, make sure you share.” He leaned over adjusting the blanket over the now slumbering little Twi’lek boy, gently moving his lethan lekku over his shoulder so it would not get pinched by the other little kids sharing his bed.

Standing he looked over the children, all their eyes were closed and their chests gently fell with Force induced slumber. They should be asleep for the majority of the hyperspace flight.

Pushing his loose locks off his shoulders he stood. Checking his waist Ka’van made sure he had everything of value out of his robe, his holocom and datapad on his belt, his saber on his hip. Giving the slumbering children one last look he closed his eyes. Taking a deep breath he reached out opening himself to the chaotic Living Force that swirled around the collapsing mesa. It was twisted and contorted as the planet shook, crumbling apart in it’s violent death throes. The apprehension, confusion and fear a heady mix; running through the cacophony was the bright streak of determined hope. Inhaling deeply through his nose he pulled on it, commanding it. He wrapped it around himself, letting his own signature become blurry, distorted, nearly nonexistent. Pulling, he completely ensconced his body in the chaotic swirling flow of the living Force. His skin tingled as the fine hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. The sensation grew as Ka’van continued to channel the living Force around him and through him, allowing his own presence in the Force to be fully disguised. As his body tingled he opened his eyes, glancing to his hands a crooked grin graced his lips, he could not see a single thing.

Effectively cloaked, physically and through the Force, he looked at the children. They were blissfully unaware and sound asleep.

Pale fingers gestured to the door, it silently slid open into the wall. Stepping into the busy hallway he paused just beyond the threshold, pressing his body up against the wall he again reached out unseen and the door closed behind him.

The busy throng of people bustled past him, completely oblivious to his presence. Grinning, he began weaving in and out of the utterly distracted people, slipping and dancing past the frantic refugees. He really did have every intention of helping those small children find their parents, their mothers. But first. He had to go find his very own.

Deftly weaving through the throng of terrified people barely clinging to order, their apprehension hummed through the Force, Ka’van hurried to leave the quickly filling vessel. He didn’t blame them, the planet continued to rock and crack beneath their feet. He was the only one in the group who truly knew why the ground tremors were growing in force and frequency. He shared their apprehension though for completely different reasons, reasons he could not give a voice to. Not to those currently around him anyway.

Finally he broke free of the frantic group as ground suddenly lurched beneath his feet, sending him careening off balance. Stumbling he righted his falling form before he went down on one knee. Arms out to the side, he waited for the planet’s painful contortion to cease. A menacing growl rumbled through the cracking soil as a nearby stone spire answered in a bone chilling howl. The red rock began to splinter as its hair raising protest grew louder, stone flakes raining down as the ground hummed.

Throwing his hand up over his head. He quickly summoned the Force, shielding his bent over body as the ground heaved and the spire answered in a thunderous roar as it collapsed around him, massive chunks of the once proud, sky reaching, spire was reduced to a disheveled pile of shattered rocks.

Cautiously he straightened. Looking at the devastated spire he bit his lower lip, taking a deep breath. That was entirely to close. Looking back over his shoulder he watched the distant throng of sentients behind him, they were all still focused on funneling onto the awaiting Ark.

He needed to get out of here before another ground quake struck.

Brushing the red dust off his black clothes Ka’van gave the group one last look, eyes searching for and finally locating a tall broad shouldered figure dressed in black. Satisfied as he watched the Cathar patiently direct people onboard. Jax would be fine, he was still there, he would get off planet.

Turning his back to the group Ka’van started running, calling upon the Force to amplify his speed. Lengthening his stride, he squinted, hair blowing across his face as his long legs devoured the distance to the smaller settlement he had seen as they mobilized the evacuation. He needed off this mesa.

Legs burning, he pushed harder, he could see the outline of secluded buildings in the distance. His face fell, it was nestled between towering stone spires. At the moment the red monuments were still standing, but the Force only knew for how much longer.

The ground rumbled beneath his feet as he closed the distance to the awaiting buildings. Thankfully there was no answering growl. Ka’van didn’t dare slow, maintaining his breath taking speed as he arrived at the still pristine taxi pad. Closing his eyes, he sent up a silent thanks to the Force. Hopefully it would continue to be on his side.

Slowing he slid his leg over the back of the closest speeder. Within seconds the bike was activated, repulsorliftors humming as he gunned the speeder, tearing off the taxi pad.

Pushing the speeder he flew over the shaking landscape, ignoring the vehicle’s protests. The damn thing was not going to last, it didn’t need to last though, it just had to get him there. It began to whine, Ka’van ignored it, the wind and his hair stinging his eyes as he bent his head down squinting. Finally the requisitioned sky hook loomed on the horizon. Gunning the speeder, he willed the machine to go faster.

It’s whine grew louder as the bike neared the base of the tall structure. Frowning he hammered the repulsorliftors, forcing the bike the accelerate on the vertical. Ka’van knew that the base was nearly deserted, it was the upper levels that held who he was looking for.

The smell of acrid smoke hit his nostrils, snorting he pushed the failing bike upward. Finally the upper deck appeared, the grey metal a welcome sight. Guiding the bike over the edge he jumped off abandoning it as it crashed into the durasteel. Landing on his black booted feet he ignored the shouts of the uniformed military personnel. Heading towards the awaiting doors. The protesting soldiers made the poor decision to stand in front of him, rifles pointed at his chest.

Glaring at the men that dared block his approach, he reached out through the Force, wrenching their weapons out of their hands. Immediately their hands flew upward warding off his next attack as their blaster rifles flew towards Ka’van. “The Wrath, where is she?” Ka’van snarled.

The two soldiers continued to silently block his way as a large broad shouldered Cathar stepped between him and the two soldiers. Ka’van looked to the tall man, he seemed slightly out of place in his Imperial Grey uniform. The Cathar’s pale yellow eyes locked onto his as the Cathar nodded his head, “I am terribly sorry, we have been given orders. Sensitive proceedings underway inside.” The Cathar gave him an apologetic shrug.

Ka’van’s head tilted to the side in surprise, that was not the usual response a lifelong Imperial would give, the man must have defected into the Empire. Interesting.

“I am aware of the sensitive nature of the work being done inside,” Ka’van’s mouth quirked, “the stabilization of the core. That is why I am here, I bring news.”

“Then my pardon, we were not informed of your arrival.” The Cathar answered, gesturing towards the doors.

Ka’van flashed him a quick smile, as he relinquished his grip on the rifles. As the weapons clattered to the ground, he passed the three men. Walking through the doors, he immediately veered to the left. She was in there, he could feel it.

The sky hook swayed under his feet, he stumbled catching his body against the wall. The building rocked before slowly settling, diminishing tremors rumbling up through the soles of his boots. His eyes snapped up, a series of voices drifted towards him. Allowing himself to smile he moved towards the voices.

Crossing into the room he started to move into the shadows to stand near the blue beskar’gam clad form of his Vod, when another grey uniformed Imperial moved to intercept him. Frowning he stared at the Human man as he stopped in front of him. Ka’van glared down at him, at his raven black hair, the dark shadow on his face, the distinct birthmark on his cheek. Ka’van’s hand unconsciously clenched in a fist as he stared down into storm blue eyes the mirror of his own.

“Narir va,” Kiernan’s voice whispered.

“Tion’jor?” Ka’van growled.

“Nakar’mir. Gar slanar at rejorhaa’ir?” Kiernan’s hand touched his shoulder as the Zabrak’s whisper touched his ear.

“Nayc,” Ka’van shook his head finally breaking eye contact with the smaller Imperial.

“Olaror, Buir parer.” Kiernan’s hand gently squeezed.

Ka’van looked at the older Human, he was standing stock still. Staring. Those storm blue eyes intently studying Ka’van. Kiernan’s armoured fingers brushed against his bare shoulder, gently pulling before slipping off. Ka’van stood a moment longer watching as unspoken calculations and speculations momentarily flashed across the older Imperials emotionally reserved face. Armored footfalls moved, ignored, across the room. His gaze remained on the uniformed man in front of him, long fingers unconsciously clenching and relaxing.

A soft hand on his arm, sent a jolt through him, causing him start. “Ner Ad, olarar.” Her voice was soft, yet commanding, Ka’van pulled his eyes off the Human to look into her emerald green ones. She looked tired, but was smiling. Nodding he looked over her black armored form, her beskar’gam was scratched and dinged, her inky black robe torn and stained. She appeared to be uninjured which brought a relieved sigh to his lips.

“Elek, Buir,” Ka’van nodded, finally moving turning away from the older Imperial.

“That will be all Captain,” she curtly spoke to the man, all softness in her voice gone in a heartbeat.

“Yes, yes my Lord.”

At his voice, Ka’van looked again over his shoulder, fingers clenching. He glared at the retreating Human as he moved off across the room. The older man stopped across the room, his back towards them as he bent over a flashing computer terminal. Storm blue eyes watched as the older Imperial tilted his head just so and the older Imperial continued to watch out of the corner of his eye.

The hand on his arm gently pulled again, “Olara.”

Ka’van nodded, finally dropping his gaze. He looked at his Buir, she was gesturing away from their current position towards a nearby holoterminal. It was located in the middle of the spacious room surrounded by people franticly working, yet coolly composed. He finally took in his surroundings, the entire room was a hive of activity, people worn, exhausted, yet focused.

Another tremor shot through the tower, he stumbled sideways as he grabbed onto his Mother’s smaller form. Her left hand shot out grabbing the massive holoterminal as the other beings grabbed the nearest solid object and continued to work bent over, fingers flying over datapads and computer terminals, speaking in quick clipped sentences. He realized the voices were not all Imperial, some sounded to be local.

“Tell me that was planned,” his Buir’s voice dripped annoyance as she stared at the three holograms being projected on the active terminal.

“Yes my Lord,” a Neimoidian nodded, head bent over a datapad, “it is expected.”

Ka’van stared at the man, yet there was no more forth coming information. He looked around, everyone had let go and was completely immersed in their respective jobs.

“The next one Nadrin?” His Buir asked, as she turned to speak to a young petite chestnut haired woman in an Imperial uniform.

“Should be along shortly,” the Neimoidian answered, “expecting a chain of them, last drill coming on... now.” The Neimoidian, Nadrin, touched his datapad, within a heartbeat the skyhook shook.

“Everyone, brace yourself,” his Buir calmly commanded as she grabbed onto the terminal with her right hand, her left reaching for him. “If the calculations are correct these should be the last.”

Ka’van managed to step closer, her felt her arm slip around his waist. He felt cool armor against his left arm, somehow Kiernan was there, his Vod’s left arm grabbing onto him as the Zabrak’s right gripped the holoterminal.

The durasteel vibrated under his feet, throwing him against the holoterminal. Ka’van’s brother huffed as he collided against him. Ka’van dropped his eyes, closing them, as he concentrated. Quickly he drew on the Force summoning a shield to protect the three of them. The vibration through his feet intensified as the durasteel groaned, complaining at the stresses forcefully wrenched upon it. As he concentrated, Ka’van realized the sky hook was swaying, it was subtle but steady, a slow paced pendulum.

Eyes clenched tighter, if the towering building swayed further than the durasteel could handle, it would shatter and crumble. Clutching his Buir and Vod tighter, he risked searching the room, he didn’t feel them, none of them. Cracking open his eye, he dared to visually search the room, seeking confirmation from what he felt through the Force, his step-father, Vette and Jy’lith were nowhere to be seen. The only family here, were the people in his arms. If this failed, and they died, the twins would be taken care of.

So be it, bloodlines as old as theirs did not last without pragmatism, and without this planet the Empire’s chances were dim. Closing his eyes, he redoubled his efforts to shield them. He had not yet heard the tell tale sounds of failing metal but Ka’van was not going to risk it.

Suddenly the upheaval through his feet stopped. The swaying began to slow. The arms at his waist disappeared as the two fellow Force users moved a small distance away.

Keeping the Force field activated, Ka’van looked up, the room seemed to be structurally sound, he didn’t see any cracks in the walls. His eyes moved looking at all of the personal. None of them seemed to be injured, shaken and tired but unharmed. Ka’van’s gaze drifted over the older Imperial. The older Human was staring at him, he looked as if he has seen a ghost. Perhaps he had. Ka’van hoped he had. If he wanted to see more Ka’van would be happy to help him join the Void and see all the ghosts he wanted.

“Not here Vod,” Kiernan’s whispered voice warned.

“Nayc, I won’t. Does not mean I do not want to.” Ka’van growled back.

“Tell me it worked,” his Bruir spoke to the Neimoidian’s image.

“Scans are still coming back, but initial reports look promising. There will be aftershocks for hours, but it appears that it was a success.”

“The core has been stabilized then?”

“Appears so my Lord.”

“Excellent, keep me abreast of any changes. I want a full report of the status of existing mesas, how many were destroyed during the stabilization. A timeline for the termination of the aftershocks.” She turned to the petite brunette Imperial who had materialized at her elbow, “As soon as I can get boots back on the ground, I want to know how many are left on the planet. Open a line to Pallus, confirm his location and status.” The woman nodded, briskly turning on her heel and moved to an adjacent terminal. His Buir’s attention shifted back to the large holocommunicator and reengaged the three holograms. “Mining needs to get underway as soon as possible, I need to know the atmospheric conditions of the mines, how many are now compromised by poison gasses and solutions to make them operable again.”

Ka’van hesitated a moment before he spoke. “Wrath, the majority, if not all, of the Republic presence has been removed.”

She turned to regard him, tired emerald eyes hopeful. “That is good news, how many estimated to be remaining?”

Ka’van shook his head, “By my estimation, very few if any at all. They were loaded onto a very large Hutt engineered Arc, it departed, nearly full, at the time the process to stabilize the core was initiated.”

“Excellent,” her attention moved back to the hologram. “That should make it easy to confirm the number of lingering civilians. You have your orders, I expect answers soon. Marr is not a patient man.”

“Yes my Lord,” blued holograms bowed as they blinked out of existence.

His Buir sighed, brushing dark auburn hair out of her face, “Now that we finally have a moment to breathe, let’s find someplace quiet.”

Ka’van nodded, giving her a tired smile. She turned, head quickly scanning the busy room before heading towards the door. Kiernan immediately turned to follow. Ka’van noticed a slight hitch in her walk and he frowned. Hurrying he fell instep beside her, “You’re injured,” he grumbled.

Her head shook, “It is nothing.”

“It does not look like nothing.” Ka’van sighed.

“It is. Actually better than it was. Had the displeasure of dealing with an overly obnoxious Hutt in a tin can. His crew was surprisingly willing to see the light and terminate their contracts with him.” She turned to look at him, “It is always so refreshing when individuals have the ability to see the bigger picture.”

Ka’van sighed, “I tried that myself, it didn’t end well,” he shook his head. “Though I guarantee now he wishes he could renegotiate, but the dead don’t get that choice.”

“Perhaps it was for the best,” a frown flashed across her lips before she returned her emerald gaze to the room before them, “they could have been problematic during the evacuation.”

Ka’van nodded, “It was challenging enough to get the cooperative individuals off planet.”

“So,” she reached up rubbing her forehead, “were you able secure any of the Isotope-5?”

“Nayc, I was not able to, our source was less than willing to share and initiated a self-destruct. A small supply was salvaged but there was no way I would acquire any without drawing attention to myself. I do have the location for the slug’s palace though.” Ka’van pulled out his datapad and handed it to his Buir, “Complete architectural layout, along with security measures. Should be close to deserted though. Never got to question the slug, he was killed before the location of additional Isotope could be ascertained.”

“He was killed?” Her gaze returned to him dark auburn brow arching, “Why?”

“My friend, he hates Hutts, when the damn Hut’uun was gloating he shot him.”

Kiernan snorted, “Can’t blame him, still …” He shook his head.

“What friend?” she asked. Ka’van inwardly flinched when he watched his Buir’s head turn to look at his Vod walking on her left side.

The Zabrak’s fire-ringed emerald eyes glanced at him momentarily before settling on their Buir, “Cathar spacer.”

Her brow quirked as she waited for more information. When his brother fell silent she glanced at Ka’van. Ka’van chewed on his lip, not offering any additional information. Frowning she again looked to Kiernan. “And? Do you know this Spacer Kiernan?”

“’lek Buir,” his ivory horned head nodded.

“Another lover?”

Kiernan snorted as Ka’van’s blue eyes widened. Ka’van bit the inside of his cheek as he fought to keep his face neutral.

“Nayc, Buir, not that one.” Kiernan barked a short laugh, “there are actually a couple out there he has not bedded.”

She stopped walking, turning to give Kiernan her complete attention. Ka’van stared at his brother, eyes wide, discretely shaking his head. Kiernan’s tattooed brow quirked and stopped next to their Buir, bowing his head towards her. “What do you know?” She asked her voice hushed.

Ka’van’s head shaking grew more frantic.

Kiernan ignored him, “Ex Republic military, demo expert. Thrown under the tram after an opp went south. Unsure about current feelings towards the pub military but not fond of the Empire. Has strong connections in the Underworld.”

“How strong?” she questioned.

“Port Nowhere.” Kiernan answered, “Is his.”

“Really that is interesting…” she trailed off. “Met him?”

“Worked with him once, when we took out Varad.”

“Ahh yes, I remember.” She nodded her head.

“Worked with him, dishonored Clan member and the Cathar Spacer’s Jetti sister.” Kiernan’s green eyes locked on Ka’van’s storm blue ones. Ka’van dropped his gaze to the grey durasteel.

“Jedi… he close to this Jedi too?” he heard his Buir ask.

Kiernan smirked, “Could say that.”

“Was this Jedi here? On planet? When Ka’van...”

“Elek Buir.” Kiernan answered.

Ka’van looked up into the green eyes of his mother. She stared at him waiting, the longer she stared the more annoyed she became, it became a slow steady current through the Force flowing around her. Her arms crossed and ruby painted lips frowned.

“She is a friend.” Ka’van answered.

“Friend?” his mother stared at him, eyes narrowing.

“’lek, a friend,” he chewed on his bottom lip, “she and her brother are friends.”

She continued to stare at him, eyes scrutinizing his face. Kark she didn’t believe him. Holding his breath Ka’van waited.

“You went through that for a … friend? Must be some friend. I trust this will not become an issue? Or, do I need to remind you not to form attachments that can not be easily broken. They are not pets and will not be coming home with you.”

“Nayc Buir, I remember.” He took a deep breath, keeping his face neutral. “It will not be an issue.”

“Good, do not need anymore complications.” She turned continuing her slow walk towards the Spire’s exit.

“Where is your medic?” Ka’van frowned, as he watched her walk.

“Back on Dromund Kaas, Jy’lith examined it.” She glanced up at him.

“And Pierce?”

She frowned, sighing, “He fought me, but he is there as well. Couldn’t risk it.”

Ka’van looked around the assembled people, already knowing the answer, but voicing the question all the same, “Where is Qyzen?”

“He insisted on accompanying them, said something about the ‘soft things’ needing his protection.” His Mother’s eyebrow arched, “Your Step-father did not take kindly to that remark.”

Ka’van chuckled, “He means no harm, he even views me as a soft thing.”

Kiernan grinned. “He does, I have heard it myself. Think he calls everyone who is not covered head to toe in scales, soft.”

Kiernan nudged Ka’van in the ribs, “Still think you should wear your beskar’gam, then you would not be so soft.

Ka’van shook his head, “It will not matter, trust me.”

Kiernan sighed, “Buir will be relieved to hear we were successful. Headed home soon. Will you be as well Vod?”

Ka’van’s shoulders dropped, mouth opening to answer when their Mother spoke.

“I don’t think he can, not yet. As much as I wish it, he should probably stay. We need to make sure the Republic believes the planet is unstable and collapsing. He was part of the evacuation.”

Kiernan sighed heavily, head shaking as he reached up to scratch an ivory horn. “With the recent activity, he absence would be questioned and investigated.”

“’lek,” their Buir nodded her head, her voice soft. “Last thing any of us want are those damn Republic dogs looking for him.” She momentarily paused, turning to look at Ka’van, “They are under the impression you are still with them?”

“Elek Buir,” Ka’van nodded, copper hair slipping over his shoulder. Reaching up he pushed it backwards, down his back. “I helped lost children onto the vessel. Once they were secure, I Compelled them into thinking I was with them.”

“Children,” his Buir whispered, “Are they safe?”

“Of course Buir, they are fine, tucked in and sleeping when I left them.”

“Good,” she smiled, “very clever of you. Well let us get out of here try to enjoy the abbreviated amount of time we do have.” She glanced up at him, “Ner Ad, after the recent incident, I expect your visits home to once again occur on a regular basis.”

“I will make it happen Buir.” Ka’van nodded, offering her a small smile. “Anything you want from the Core Worlds?”

Kiernan snorted beside him, “Whisky.”

“Wine, reds preferably. I have heard a few vineyards had a good year.”

“I shall inquire and bring back a case.” Ka’van grinned as he looked at the two of them, they looked so tired but they were smiling.

Ka’van’s smile immediately disappeared as the damn raven-haired Imperial stepped in front of them. His hand clenched in a fist as his teeth ground.

“My Lord, if I may have a moment of your time.”

“No,” Ka’van growled.

The Imperial stopped, taking a shortened step backwards. His storm blue eyes widened, staring at Ka’van. “But my Lord, I need to speak with you.”

Beside him his Buir crossed her arms, “What is it that you want Captain?”

The man visibly swallowed, his blue eyes bouncing between Ka’van and the Wrath. “I wanted to inquire, where I have met you before?”

Ka’van smirked, “Can’t place me?” His smile turned deadly.

“I, I...” The man stuttered.

“We have never met before… Captain.”

He continued to stare at Ka’van, “I thought...”

Ka’van popped the knuckles in his hand, “We have never met, but I am Balmorrian.” He pushed past the older Human. The look on the older Imperial’s face was highly entertaining. He stood there slack-jawed, staring. It was almost as satisfying as physically laying hands on him.

“You promised to be around more, ‘lek.” Kiernan looked up at him, fire-ringed emerald eyes studying his face.

“‘lek, I did, I will.”

“That Jetti?”

Ka’van frowned, “What about her?”

Kiernen snorted. “You know. What are you going to do?”

“Nothing has changed.”

“Nothing?” His brother’s tattooed brow arched over disbelieving eyes. “Almost died over nothing?”

“Nothing,” he sighed, “still just friends, her brother’s still against the entire thing. Thinks I am going to hurt her.”

Kiernan snorted, “After what happened? We felt it, she would have died.”

Ka’van shrugged, “Yes, still. He is overly protective, he knows me.”

Kiernan barked a short laugh, “He still think you bed everything that smiles at you?”

Ka’van nodded, taking a long pull off his mug, the nutra gal cool and sweet.

“Do you?” Kiernan questioned.

Ka’van shook his head, taking another drink. “No.”

“Really?” his brother’s voice dripped disbelief. “Since when?”

“Been awhile, months now.”

“Hrmm,” his brother hummed as he leaned back in his chair. “Explains a few things.”

“Like what?”

“That Twi’lek, rutian one who is fond of you. He has contacted me a couple times.”

“What did you tell him?”

Kiernan shrugged, “You were busy. That it was nothing personal.” He took another pull off his mug, green eyes watching him over the rim. “You know I do not get involved. I like him though, good informant. You make a liar of me?”

Ka’van shook his head no, “I haven’t, he has done nothing. Good guy, I will make a point to com him.”

“Good, don’t hurt anyone else if you can help it.” Kiernan’s feet returned to the floor as he stood.

“What?” Ka’van stared at him perplexed.

“You heard me, need to get yourself out of this mess. I hate messes.” Kiernan walked past him heading out of the room.

“So, how long?” Kiernan asked as his arms crossed.

“Before the end of the month,”

“Three, four weeks then?”

“’lek, sounds right,”

“Good. Will see you then.” He placed his blue helmet on his horned head. “Don’t disappoint her.”

“I won’t.”

“We will see,” Kiernan turned walking down the gangplank.

Ka’van sighed, falling instep behind him. As they cleared the ramp it hissed before closing.

“Better hurry, made good time. Will be a zoo, good time to sneak back.”

“lek it will be,” he moved out heading towards the wing of the space station that had been reserved for the newly docked Arc.

Ka’van sighed, now he was going to have to get his robe back. Thankfully he knew this station well; there were plenty of less traveled corridors, corridors he knew would be quiet and empty. The station workers would not let the frantic refugees loose on the station. They would be corralled to the wider easier to transverse main corridor, funneling them towards the cantina and small collection of shops. He briefly wondered what was going to happen to them all, no doubt the Republic was already looking for some place to put them all.

The refugees all seemed to think that their homeworld had been at worst, destroyed, collapsed in on itself, at best, an uninhabitable gas-filled ruin. Hopefully that perception would remain intact, at least for a few months, if the Force was with them for a few years. He was a bit curious how Sareesh would spin the incident. In her favor he knew, but how exactly she would manipulate it he was curious to see.

Ka’van sighed, the one good thing about his little side trip, he would not have to be present at any sort of debriefing. Thank the Force for that, he hated having to deal with those people. He paused behind a closed side door, he could feel the tangled apprehensive yet relieved snarl humming through the Force. His hand hovering above the numpad he canted his head, on the other side he could hear the murmured voices of people beyond. Taking a deep breath his finger depressed the button; the door slid into the wall and he was hit with the nearly palpable wave of emotion. The Force just ripe? with it.

Eyes skimming the mingling mass, he looked for any familiar beings; his friends, the small children he tucked away on the Ark. Not a single face was found in the milling throng. Ka’van sighed he was going to have to locate them within the Ark after all. Kiernan had picked up on the station’s chatter that the floating lifeboat had been routed and docked in Besh-fourteen, it would not be to hard to slip back onboard. Dark blue eyes skimming the crowd he spotted a nearly clear path through the refugees that should get him to his destination in a few moments.

Head down, trying to appear as small as possible he deftly wove through the crowd, sidestepping and ducking past the milling refugees. The corridor traffic seemed to lessen, the bodies thinned, Ka’van smiled, it seemed the Force was with him. He should be able to slip onboard and off quickly. If the Force continued to smile upon him, the children would still be asleep in the small lounge.

Melting into the shadows he walked past a pair of station workers who were busy talking to a huddled group of well dressed Humans, one worker was pointing down the corridor in the rough direction of the cantina. Ka’van pressed closer to the wall and slipped onboard the Arc.

Ducking his head he continued down the now deserted hall, the door leading to the small lounge still closed. Slowing his hurried gate he paused outside the door, reaching out through the Force. There was another, unknown, presence with the small children. He frowned, kark it, who could be in there?

He chewed on the inside of his cheek as he stared at the door. He still had to go in there, might as well get it over with. Subtly he waved his hand, standing on the threshold, as the door silently wooshed into the wall.

The lights were still down low, he saw the small little bodies still snuggled under his black robe. Squinting he scanned the darkness, searching for the unknown presence. Reclining back in a chair pulled up to the impromptu bed was a small figure. Canting his head to the side Ka’van silently moved into the room, carefully walking towards the unknown being.

A slow smile broke out on his face; there huddled under a white coat was a young lethan Twi’lek woman. She was sound asleep, her long tattooed lekku pushed back over her shoulders nearly touching the floor. He would bet she was the little Twi’lek boy’s mother. Her skin was a lovely crimson and the thin black lines that gracefully crisscrossed the length of her lekku just added to their beauty. When she shifted in the chair, the coat rose upward exposing her rather toned stomach and more inviting liquid lines that tempted one to follow them into her rather abbreviated shorts.

Tempting, incredibly tempting, but not tempting enough. There was a pair of shorts he wanted into, but not those and not until he had met back up with and placated a certain tall, grumpy, grey, brother first. He could just hear Jax if he actually sought out Syarra before finding him. Ka’van inwardly sighed, Jax would be easy enough to find. Knowing the Cathar, Ka’van would find him in a cantina, or at his parent’s flat planetside.

Footfalls quiet, he walked to her chair and gently touched her on her shoulder. The young woman started under his fingers. She blinked open golden eyes as she grabbed her falling coat.

Ka’van grinned as he removed his hand. “We have landed, how long have you been here?”

“Oh thank you,” she mumbled around a yawn. “I am not sure how long I have been in here. I got separated from Cal in the rush to evacuate, I was foolish and tried to grab a few of our belongings.” She sat up in the chair, holding her coat against her. “I left him in our rooms and when I came back to where I left him he was gone. When I rushed outside to find him, I was told by security that everyone in the building had already been evacuated.”

“I found the children with a small group outside near the fountain. I escorted them inside, settled them down for the flight.” Ka’van looked at the still slumbering children. At some point they must have awoken, they were no longer in the same order in the booth. His gaze moved to the bag on the table, four nearly empty bottles and an open bag of biscuits. They woke up, ate and went back to sleep.

“Oh I was looking all over,” she sighed standing. “Running through the building yelling his name, a security officer told me that she had seen Cal with a Jedi, was that you?”

Ka’van nodded, “That is me, yes.”

Those golden eyes moved over Ka’van’s tall form before settling on his face. “Not really what I would have expected for a Jedi.”

“I am not the typical Jedi,” Ka’van laughed. “So, were you there on vacation?”

“Me? Oh no, I worked here, a waitress at the resort. Got a really good deal on the rooms’ rent and Cal liked living there, a lot nicer than Nar Shaddaa.” She frowned as manicured nails played with the stitching on her coat, “Guess I need to find a new job now, huh?”

“We are docked above Coruscant, I know a couple nice restaurants. I could put in a word for you. You might like them, good food and higher end clientele, the uniform is not so,” Ka’van cleared his throat, “small.”

“Yeah,” she fidgeted with her coat, “I don’t really like it. I managed to grab a few changes of clothes but I haven’t changed.” She frowned as she looked down at the floor.

“Understandable.” Ka’van shook his head, “Somehow I really doubt people will be concerned with your state of dress right now. Though if it bothers you I know the cantina has a refresher you could change in.”

“That would be nice.” She smiled, slipping the coat on. “Should we wake them?”

“We should. They are allowing everyone off the Ark,” Ka’van moved away from the young woman. He reached out and began to gently disentangle his robe from the little fingers that clutched it. Little eyes opened, blinking as yawns filled the air. “Come on, time to wake up. We are going to go out and look for your parents.”

“We woke up.” The little girl with brown eyes stated as she yawned, pointed at the nearby table.

“I see that,” Ka’van grinned, “did you sleep okay?”

“Yep,” her head nodded, “we all did.”

“Well that is fantastic. Let’s get up and moving so we can find your mommies.” Ka’van gently picked up the black robe, brushing it off before slipping it on.

“Are you sure they are in here?” A frantic voice yelled, “Are you sure?”

Ka’van turned to see the well-dressed Humans he had passed earlier run into the room. They descended on the sleepy children, sweeping them up in their arms. Enthusiastic cries of Mommy and Daddy filled the air. The station workers were trying in quiet yet firm tones to talk to the parents, but they were completely ignored as they carried the newly claimed children out of the small lounge. Ka’van watched as the workers trailed behind, trying in vain to talk to them.

“That doesn’t surprise me,” the young Twi’lek woman sighed. “That is how they acted at the resort, to good to talk to us little people. I don’t understand it.” She shook her head, lekku twitching.

Ka’van inwardly sighed, he wished he could understand what she was saying, Dekk’lar often did the same thing in conversations and he was never able to figure it out.

“Try not to let it bother you.” Ka’van flashed her a smile, “There are jerks everywhere.”

“Suppose you are right,” she sighed shaking her head.

“Don’t let it bother you, it is wasted energy.” He reached down picking up the yawning little boy, Cal looked at him rubbing his eye. Ka’van turned to the young Twi’lek woman. “I will give you a good word at a really nice restaurant here. It’s called Revisse, a high end steakhouse, frequented by upper brass and senators.”

“That sounds nice,” she turned towards him arms outstretched to receive Cal.

Ka’van looked down at the little boy, before returning his attention to the young woman, “Do you have all of your belongings?”

“Kriffing…” she muttered as she bent over grabbing the bag stashed beneath her chair, “I swear I am not usually this disorganized.”

“It is okay, completely understandable. You did have to evacuate a planet.” Ka’van grinned, “In fact you still have not told me your name.”

“Oh for…” she sighed, “I’m so sorry, I didn’t even realize.” She smoothed the white material of her coat.

Ka’van noticed gold manicured nails quickly button up the coat, but not before he caught a very ample eyeful of her uniform, gold, sparkly and brief. It showcased those liquid lines on her abdomen and waist. He was really curious to see if they extended to her back and just how low they went. But not that curious. A few months ago he would have started a game of let’s compare ink and waited to see where it would have taken him.

“Is something the matter?” she asked.

“Hmm?” Ka’van pulled his gaze away, looking into her confused golden ones.

“I told you my name is Alla. You never answered me.” She grabbed the front of her coat backing up a half step, a steady wave of fear flowed off of her.

“Nayc, I mean no disrespect. I noticed the tattoo on your stomach, I was admiring it.”

“Sure you were.” Her eyes narrowed as she took another step backward, the fear surrounding her spiking.

Ka’van frowned as his heart sank, she was afraid of him. “I was, I assure you. I meant nothing untoward. I have my own, I looked to long I apologise.” Ka’van held his hand up in a placating manner. “My brother did mine.”

“Show me.” Alla’s gold eyes narrowed.

“I will.” Ka’van bent down, gently setting Cal down on the booth. Quickly he slipped his robe off and draped it over his arm. With his right he unbuttoned his shirt and slipped it off his arm. He turned around, shirt hanging. “I am not lying,” He looked back over his shoulder, she was intently looking at his back. “You can look closer if you want.”

“Oh, hey, that’s pretty,” Cal’s little voice sounded behind him. Ka’van felt a whispering touch on the back of his waist. “Come look at this Alla.”

Alla took a couple slow measured steps closer, the fear she exuded giving way to curiosity. Gold painted nails touched his spine, slowly running upward. Her hand moved to his right shoulder blade, fingers aligning with the pink slashes. Her brow quirked as fingers moved downward, tracing.

“The reason why I was simply admiring.” Ka’van’s storm blue eyes caught hers, “The woman who gave me those was injured in the fighting. Will be going to see her next.”

“Oh, I see, I thought… most make the assumption that because I work, worked, at the resort in that tiny uniform that I was for sale too.”

“I didn’t, I have never forced myself on anyone. I would definitely not start now.”

Her hand disappeared. “I am sorry.”

“I am not offended. I am at least twice your size and you don’t know me.” He slipped his arm back into his shirt, awkwardly tucking it into his black leatheris pants with one hand.

“I can help you with that, if you want.”

“Nayc, it is okay. I can manage.” Ka’van shook out his robe before slipping it on. He quickly buttoned his shirt. “Nice of you to offer, but she will smell you.”

“Oh...”

“It is okay, Alla, really it is.” He smoothed the front of his robe. “Come on let’s get on down to the cantina. You and Cal can get a bite to eat and I will call the restaurant, talk to the manager. It is a nice place.” He reached into his belt and pulled out a credit chit, pub denomination. Long fingers extended as he handed it to her.

She reached out taking it, eyes growing wide. “I can’t that that!”

“Sure you can, it will help you get established.” Ka’van leveled his gaze, catching hers. “Make sure you talk to the Arc workers, tell them you are a refugee, where you lived and worked. There is a good chance the will be some sort of aid given to the refugees. I pretty much guarantee it, I missed the debriefing but I would be shocked if there wasn’t something worked out.”

“I promise I will talk to them.” Alla stared at the credit chit. “I don’t think I have ever held a chit this large before. Thank you.”

Ka’van grinned, “You are welcome, come on. You have to be hungry, come with me to the cantina. I will contact the guy I know at the restaurant.”

“You are not mad at me?” Alla stood there holding the credit chit.

“Not at all, it has been stressful for everyone. Come on you and your little brother have to be hungry.”

“Wait, how do you know he is not my child?” Alla stared at him.

“He has never called you Mom and you look a lot a like.” Ka’van nodded towards the door, “Come on, I won’t tell anyone.” He turned on his heel, heading towards the door. He heard hurried footfalls behind him as she rushed to catch up. Glancing down at her, he smothered a grin she was nearly running next to him, bag slung over her shoulder and holding Cal on her hip. He made the conscious effort to slow down.

“The cantina is not far. Recommend the fried tubers, crunchy on the outside and fluffy in the middle. The nerf burgers are good too.” Ka’van gently steered them through the thickening crowd of people.

Entering the cantina, he moved off to the left, stopping by an empty secluded booth. “Sit tight here, the astromech will be along shortly. The droid will be able to deduct the credits off the chit, don’t give it to him. I will be back in a couple hours, grab a bite to eat.”

“Where are you going?” Alla asked, setting her back on the dark red booth seat.

“See that large grey Cathar over there?” Ka’van pointed across the cantina.

“I do, yeah.” Alla nodded leaning across the table to get a better look.

“That Cathar is a good friend, we got separated evacuating everyone off Makeb. I’m going to go say hi.” Ka’van looked at her grinning, his dark blue eyes shining.

Kiernan's ship is the Russaan it is Mando'a for reliable one (popular female name)

Mando’a

In order of appearance:

Narir va - act not

tion'jor - why

Nakar’mir. Gar slanar at rejorhaa’ir - be unaware. You go to tell?

Nayc - no

Olaror, Buir parer - Come, parent waiting.

Ner Ad, olarar - my son, come.

Elek, Buir - Yes parent

definitions:

Narir- act do put va- not

tion’jor -why

naka’mir – be unaware, not know

gar- you slanar- go at- to rejorhaa’ir-tell

olarar – come, arrive Buir- parent parer – waiting

ner – my, ad- son, olarar - come

buir- parent mother/father

ad- child son/daughter

The tall robed figure strode purposefully towards the group of buildings, weaving his way through the crowd of shoppers milling about the numerous stands near the Senate Tower. He paused for a moment, the smell of food distracting him momentarily and he realized he hadn’t eaten in awhile. Deciding a few minutes wait wouldn’t hurt, the Jedi detoured over to one of the food stalls. A couple minutes later, he continued on to the med center, tucking the paper bag into his belt before opening the small carton in his hand. He was so focused on getting to his destination and not making a mess as he deftly wound the noodles around the slender sticks, that he didn’t notice the couple walking towards him and startled when the tan skinned Zabrak called out to him.

“Master Ka’van!” the tall military officer grinned, “Wow, that must be some really good stuff…...took three times before you heard me!”

“Sorry about that,” Ka’van replied thickly, swallowing his mouthful of noodles before going on. “Didn’t eat that much on the trip to Carrick and didn’t want to fight the crowd after the Ark arrived so I got sucked in by those food venders by the Senate Tower.”

“I’ll bet,” Zev chuckled, “I can never resist that stuff myself…...even when I’ve already eaten! I swear they fan the smells out to the crowd because it never fails to get me everytime I’m heading back to the Military Complex. Good thing they still require officers to keep up with PT, otherwise I’d be in bad shape.”

“It does smell delightful,” Elara sighed wistfully, “Especially after the bland diet they serve to patients in the med center.”

“That’s why I snagged a couple sticky buns to smuggle in for Syarra,” Ka’van grinned, patting the paper sack.

“I’m surprised Jax isn’t with you,” Zev pondered, “I know he mentioned wanting to pop in on Syarra again before he called it a day.”

“I think he plans to later. He’s still at the spaceport, running another diagnostic on the Lucky Fool,” Ka’van answered, noting the other man’s arm hadn’t moved from it’s position around his wife’s waist. That’s when he saw the fatigue on pretty blonde’s face despite the broad smile there, “I take it you were just released then? Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m a little tired still, but after being cooped up for the past few days, I wanted some fresh air!”

“I can certainly understand that,” Ka’van nodded, closing his eyes as he rested a hand on her shoulder. He let the Force flow out, a small boost of energy for the medic who’d been injured the same day as Syarra. He saw a little color return to her face a moment later, “That should help you enjoy some time outside.”

“I can’t possibly thank you enough,” she beamed, “and not just for that. I appreciate you allowing your ship to be used to transport us here as well as letting your medic attend us. Tharan’s medical skills are quite good.”

“It was no trouble,” Ka’van shrugged as he scraped the last of the noodles out of the carton, “I was glad to help. Both you and Syarra were in no shape to remain on the station with the threat Makeb posed and I knew Tharan would be able to take good care of you both.”

“He did indeed,” Elara confirmed. “He even stayed with Syarra that first night in the med center and checked in on me several times before he left the planet.”

“And speaking of Syarra,” Zev smiled knowingly at the Jedi, “We won’t keep you from her any longer. Thanks again for everything you did and enjoy your visit…..I’m sure she will.”

Elara gave a snort, “Considering her HoloVid privileges were revoked earlier, she will definitely be thankful for the company.”

“Uh-oh?”

“Yeah, apparently she talked Mako into hacking the programming systems yesterday and got busted watching Game of Sith…...when she popped a stitch in her excitement the first five minutes in.”

“She wasn’t the only one who got busted,” Zev reminded his wife.

“I might have been a little noisy with my cheering,” Elara admitted without remorse, “But it was a very exciting season premier.”

“Speaking of noisy,” Zev patted his growling stomach as he caught a whiff of Ka’van’s noodles as the Jedi threw the carton in the trash bin he was standing near, “I think I may need to visit one of those food venders myself. Feel like having lunch in the park, hon?”

“I could do with a sticky bun,” Elara nodded, bowing at the Jedi, “Thanks again Master Ka’van.”

“You’re welcome,” Ka’van bowed back, the turned back towards the med center. Then deciding to be extra cautious after hearing Syarra had recently been reprimanded, he tucked the paper sack into the inner pocket of his robe.

Several minutes later, the Jedi’s frame was leaning against the doorway to a small room. Blue eyes gazing at the yellow furred Cathar asleep on the bed. A pang of guilt hit him when he got to the bandages that began just under her breasts and he hated that he’d been responsible for nearly getting her killed. Not wanting to disturb her rest, Ka'van turned to leave before his turbulent emotions could wake her, but was stopped when her sleepy voice called out.

“Hey…..where you goin’?”

“Didn’t mean to wake you,” he answered as he entered the room.

“It’s quite alright…..please stay,” she insisted, wincing at the pain that sliced through her when she tried to shift position.

“I hate that you were injured so badly,” Ka’van sighed as he helped her sit up.

“There’s nothing you could’ve done,” Syarra gently squeezed his arm, “The Regulators must’ve had a hidden bunker that wasn’t in the intel we were given. That’s the only explanation I can think of as to where all those mercs came from. I made certain we took out all the camps in the area before going for that database.”

“I should’ve been there,” he sighed, reaching out to finger a stray lock of her chestnut mane.

“You nearly died with Jax the day before,” Syarra reminded him, “You both deserved a break from the front line action and you were there when I needed you the most. If it hadn’t been for your timely arrival…..”

“Please,” he murmured, his heart racing at the memory, “Let’s not go there.”

“Okay,” she smiled, reaching out to caress his cheek. “You look tired. I’ll bet it wasn’t an easy trip being crammed on the Ark with all those people.”

“It was definitely a memorable journey,” he agreed, thankful she wasn’t strong enough to pick thoughts out of his mind. “And one that I can go the rest of my life without repeating.”

Syarra laughed, her hand clutching her stomach at the sting of pain, “I heard. Wish Jax would’ve gotten a Holo of you with those kids.”

“Speaking of Holos,” Ka’van raised a ginger brow at her, “I heard someone got into trouble with the HoloVid earlier.”

“How’d you find out about that?”

“I ran into Zev and Elara on the way in,” he grinned. “She said your HoloVid privileges got revoked after the two of you got caught watching Game of Sith.”

“Yeah,” Syarra looked sheepish as her hand drifted up to where the medic had to repair a stitch a few hours ago, “I guess they have a good reason why certain shows aren’t allowed for recovering patients. I couldn’t help it though, I was getting bored out of my skull in here…..so was Elara. Then Dek and Mako visited and I begged her to hack into the med center’s HoloVid programming…...and well, I’m sure you’ve heard the rest.”

“I did,” Ka’van nodded, then a wicked grin crossed his handsome face as he pulled the paper sack out of his pocket, “Which is why I’m not so sure about sharing the contraband I smuggled in. I’d hate to see you get into anymore trouble after all.”

Syarra sniffed the air, her stomach rumbling when she caught the familiar scent, “Oh no, that’s totally unfair teasing me with sticky buns.”

“Promise that you will behave and be a model patient from now on and you can have one.”

“Fine,” she rolled her eyes, but her smile was genuine when Ka’van pulled a bun out of the bag and handed it to her, a pleasured sigh escaping her when she took a bite. “I suppose I can manage to follow orders while I’m stuck here.”

“But you’re healing fast, so shouldn’t be stuck in here too much longer,” Ka’van pointed out thickly, having taken a bite of the second bun. “Of course you’ll likely have physical therapy sessions to get you back to fighting shape. I know Master Satele will want you ready for the front lines, although I don’t know of any conflict happening at the present.”

“Actually I’m making my escape of this place in a day or two,” Syarra announced with a shrug before turning her attention back to her sweet treat.

“This coming from the woman who insisted I follow all instructions after breaking my arm?!” Ka’van nearly choked on his bun. Finally he managed to swallow and his blue eyes narrowed as her tinkling laughter filled the room. “No way am I going to let you bust out and ditch your medics after that.”

“I’m not busting out, I swear!” she promised, then elaborated when his brow raised dubiously at her, “I’m going home to Cathar. Jax promised to stick around until the medics clear me for travel and I’ll finish my recovery there.”

“You do look a good deal better than the last time I saw you,” Ka’van admitted, “But promise me you won’t push yourself too hard.”

“I won’t,” she sighed, “Unlike some people.”

“I’m going to pretend I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Ka’van grinned. “Did you get a chance to finish your lightsaber?”

“Not yet, I’ve been admiring the crystal you made for me though and I can’t wait to see it’s light,” she replied, stifling a yawn as she popped the last bite in her mouth, “There’s a nice spot on the estate where I like to meditate. I’ll put the crystal into my saber there.”

“Probably best to wait until you’re at full strength anyways,” he agreed, smiling as he watched her licking her fingers.

“My thoughts exactly,” she nodded, “Plus I’ll probably be on Cathar for a little while, so plenty of time to recoup and get my saber working properly.”

Ka’van swallowed the last of his bun, his brow furrowing as her statement registered, “A while? Therapy shouldn’t take too long.”

“Well I can’t say for certain, but I get the feeling there’s going to be a Lifemate Ceremony in my littermate’s very near future.”

“Ah. Good for him…...he’s had it bad for Risha for a long time now,” Ka’van grinned, recalling some of the pretty engineer’s snarky rebuffs whenever Jax had flirted with her in his presence. “Glad to see them finally on the same page.”

“Me too,” Syarra sighed as she gave in a yawn, “Been worried about what would happen when she left him for Dubrillian. I wish it hadn’t taken Jax nearly getting killed for Risha to finally realize she wanted him more than the throne, but I’m happy for them both.”

“I should leave you to your rest,” Ka’van smiled at her when she yawned again, his hand cupping her fine furred cheek as he lowered his head to brush her lips with his. He fully intended to pull away after that gentle kiss, but Syarra’s hand clutched his collar and dragged him back down to her. With a groan, he complied with her unspoken demand, capturing that tempting mouth again.

A few minutes and several scorching kisses later, Ka’van finally left her room. He looked back over his shoulder, smiling when he saw those azure eyes drifting shut. “Sleep well my dear.”

*The idea of a HoloVid show 'Game of Sith' belongs to Lesaberisa (Lesabear on Tumblr), who graciously gave me permission to use it in this story. There are several of her stories that make reference to it in the SFC thread, all of which are definitely worth a read.