I'm still thinking about last time, when we were alone. I hunger to indulge my appetite once more. But first, I want to share a dream with you--so you, too, can share my anticipation.

In this dream, I'm a frail, helpless Padawan struggling to forge my first lightsaber. My foolish Jedi Master stands over me, unaware that a mighty Sith approaches.

You cut my Master down with your lightsaber. I turn, horrified but in awe of your incredible power. You command me to bow, and I obey.

You're the most incredible, powerful, awe-inspiring Sith I've ever known. Naturally, I thought there was no way I alone could satisfy you.

That is why I planted a tracking device on you, to confirm my suspicions that I was one of many women in your life.

But forgive me, my lord. I was wrong. You remained true. I will never lose faith in you again. Please accept this gift as my tribute to your superiority.

Oddly enough, I feel slightly disappointed. I was looking forward to hunting down your other female companions. Punishing them would have been such fun.

Being your wife is a thrill, my lord. But what good is marriage if I can't rub it in the faces of my enemies? I couldn't resist sending word of our union to House Organa. The Jedi Council, too.

House Organa was not pleased, but their reactions paled to the despair the news elicited from the Jedi Council. Imagine, their prized Padawan is now wife to the most powerful Sith in the galaxy. Pity Nomen Karr wasn't able to attend the ceremony.

If I'd remained a Jedi, none of these pleasures would be mine. Thank you, my lord, my husband.

Do you know what today is? Exactly one week ago you removed my shock collar. Or was it six months? I'm bad with dates.

Anyway, I got you something special. It's stupid, I know, but I couldn't stop myself. If you don't like it, you can tell me. I don't want to be "that" wife.

Speaking of wife, I just remembered I never told you my dress size. In case, I don't know, you ever want to pick something up for me. Not that you have to, or anything.

P.S. On our next anniversary, we can celebrate again! Say, next week?

This ship's cramped. I keep trying to make some alone time, just you and me, but every time I ask, Broonmark growls at me and Jaesa gets that look in her eye.

So I started thinking honeymoon. You know--vacation in paradise? I contacted a travel agent, found a few hot spots:

Star Cluster Suites, Nar Shaddaa (comped meals, generous casino credit) Cloudside Resorts, Makeb (remote, five stars, dramatic views) Whitecap Spa, Manaan (seafood, kolto peels, underwater suite)

Think about it. A little vacation would do wonders for that Sith complexion.

I know I'm getting ahead of myself with this baby thing, but hear me out.

Let's say we have a kid. Or we adopt, or whatever. Your ship's no place to raise anything short of a tuk'ata. Way too many sharp corners and Sithy things lying around.

Maybe we convert the medbay into a nursery. All it needs is a few lights, some decorations. Maybe Quinn could pull nanny duty. No kiddie leashes, though.

But seriously, no pressure or anything. I'm just planning for the future--now that you're stuck with me, we're in love, all that mushy stuff.

My lord, I have discovered an unexpected surprise. Per Imperial Ordinance 33-618, paragraph c, the Ministry of War issues incentives to married personnel in active service.

The reward just came through, along with a personal message from the Minister himself. He sends his respectful congratulations to my lord.

You are truly making waves within the Empire. I continue to count my luck at being your loyal captain and dutiful husband.

My lord,

Pierce just slipped me a study that's been circulating around the Imperial military. It includes some grim claims about Sith and non-Sith relationships. No doubt Pierce's feeble attempt to drive a wedge between us.

According to this data, Sith partners are 210% more likely to commit adultery than "normal people"--their term. Non-Force users, on the other hand, have a 32% increased mortality rate after marrying a Sith.

Military conjecture and fabricated reports will never shake my feelings for you. If I must die young, I'd rather do it by your side on the front lines of battle than behind a desk on Dromund Kaas.

My lord,

In light of our close relations, I thought it prudent to compile an infant contingency report.

Bearing a child will temporarily sap your strength, creating a need for increased defenses. Once born, the infant will require constant guard against your many enemies. I also recommend Broonmark and Pierce be kept at a distance.

With our connections, entry into the Empire's top military academies shouldn't be an issue. If Force sensitive, the child will continue your legacy at the Sith Academy.

Merely something to consider, my lord. Should the matter arise, I will gladly nurture our offspring-- without sacrificing work performance, of course.

I've been going through my daily meditations like always, but I can't seem to focus on the moment like I should.

I keep fixating on the past: looking back at our time together, at the patience you showed while I adapted to this life. I knew you were special then, but I don't think I realized how special.

The Force is trying to show me that this is where I'm meant to be, that I've found the person I'm meant to be with. I just know it.

I don't mean to make a big deal out of it or anything, but I got you something the last time you were out.

I'm so new to all of this -- I really didn't have a clue what to get. I had to get Andronikos to help me. He even let me fly the ship!

But anyway, I really hope you like it. Even if you don't, though, just know that I really love you, okay? But I think you'll like it.

This war just keeps going. All of the violence, all of the hatred, all of the misunderstanding. People just won't open their eyes.

I think we're going to have to fight together for a long time before things change. But I'm ready. With you, I know we'll bring the peace we've been hoping for.

I love you.

I try not to think about the past anymore. It's done, loose ends tied off. Probably better that way.

Then I realize how long I've been with this crew, and I start thinking anyway. Trying to figure how we ended up together. How I started sharing nights with a Sith Lord--and not just for kicks, either.

Scares me that I don't have a clue. Guess I'm lucky, but you can't trust luck.

What I can do is fight. You make me want to fight for you.

It's not like I never got something for a girl before. Necklaces, fancy dresses, ex-boyfriends in stun-cuffs.

With you, I feel like a hunting dog dragging prey to his master. Not sure if he's done right, or if he'll be laughed at.

You don't like the gift, you got a choice. You tell me to my face, and I tell you how I got it. You're not impressed, blasters and lightsabers come out. Sparks fly. We have a good time.

Or you don't tell me, but I figure it out because I know you better than you want to think. And I try again.

However you want it, Sith.

Don't know if we'll always be crewmates. I like it here, but things change.. I get restless, you get bored, who knows?

That ever happens, give it a few years. Doesn't matter how powerful you are, I'll be back with a whole fleet.

We're in each other's orbits until the stars go cold.

That's love, isn't it?

Did you know Czerka Corporation has wedding registries? Well, they do. It was kind of fun to set one up even though no one's going to get us anything on there. Well, almost no one. I saw the best set of shape-conforming blast armor on sale. I think it'll look good on you, so really it's a present for both of us.

Love you, big guy.

So, you know how we "made it official"? Well, I made it official official. I slipped our names into the Imperial and Republic marriage databases last night. Quit making that face, there's nothing that can be traced back to us and it makes me happy.

I may have also vandalized the ten highest traffic sites on the HoloNet. Hearts were involved. Kind of a lot of them. Don't judge.

I was thinking about it, and I'm really glad we didn't try to do some crazy ceremony. I'm not going to lie, I was checking out some 'zines at the time and I wanted to have my girly moment, but everyone I'd have wanted to be there... couldn't have been. You never talk about family either. It would have just been for us, and we had that. I'm a little sad I'll never get to see Blizz as a flower girl, though.

So anyway, I figure that since we saved all that money keeping things simple, we should make up the difference on a big honeymoon vacation. It'd do us some good to lay low for a little while anyway, right? Think about it.

Never been the nervous type. Never been scared about facing anything.

Day I asked about our future, had the shakes so bad I left a clean target on the range.

Guess I better not cross you, cyare.

Feel a little guilty, letting things get this far and still never introducing you to my friends. Was thinking next time I hear from Corridan, we go on a hunt. Think you'd like a Mandalorian vacation. Nothing takes your mind off things like ducking a stampeding boma.

Heard a Mirialan saying: "Love's the armor of the heart." Mandos are a bit more proactive. Never been much of a metal worker, but Corridan helped me work the beskar. It'll protect you when I can't.

so what's lousy about hyperspace? it's really freaking dull. you know how many times i cleaned my guns last trip?

before the next time we fly, i want the liquor cabinet restocked (with SOMETHING NEW this time), at least thirty new premium HoloNet feeds, unrestricted turret access and the right to bring three good-looking young people of my choice aboard.

if you argue in any way, i will shoot 2V-R8 or never again pay a late-night surprise visit to the captain's quarters. probably the first, but i'm betting you wont risk it.

you probably dont want to go into the engine room for a while. power surge was totally my fault. don't ask.

next time we're near the purse worlds, remind me that we need to go to koru neimoidia. obv not a big fan of neimoidians, but you've got too much money and we can blow through a few thousand credits on clubs and gambling somewhere new.

besides, we need a vacation. you and me, together. NO MOFFS OR DARTHS ALLOWED.

we can pack vector in a glass jar with air holes if you insist.

here are some things for you to work on.

1) find us bigger and badder things to kill.

you've been doing good on this for a while, but sometimes i think you're doing this for the empire and not just for me. for example, the banking clan has awesome security. wouldn't blowing vaults and getting rich be better than dying to save some imperial stockboy?

2) figure out where this war is going.

seriously, it's getting bad. if you really have to fight for them, make sure you know what you're doing. you shouldn't be taking orders from anyone anymore.

3) make doctor lokin stop practicing huttese.

it's getting on my nerves.

My new goal: Find someone who can hold a conversation about things other than a) war / politics, b) spycraft and c) fun crimes and how to celebrate them (just once, Kaliyo...)

I will find this amazing person by taking on a well-documented cover identity to make myself seem vaguely normal. If kidnapping is necessary, I will reluctantly act.

Lastly, we will invite this person to a dinner party. Vector and Doctor Lokin can come if they behave. But just once, we can all do something that doesn't end in a firefight.

Agreed? No?

Love you.

Last night, I had a dream where I looked in the mirror and my face was covered in red. When I tried to rub it off, it smeared into a Sith tattoo. I woke up, and I swear I was floating just a little.

This morning, all I could think about was my father. Dead because of me. I miss him.

We're living in a different Empire, these days. I want to think that in a hundred years, no one will have to go through things like this.

Promise me that'll work out, and I won't angst until then?

One hundred years. Ready? Go.

I didn't forget. You still haven't told me when it is, and the one time I asked around, Kaliyo was the only one who gave me an answer and she was clearly lying.

So I'm taking this as a challenge to break into your personal files. If I electrocute myself, then I'm a failure and the blame will go on you, my mentor.

I did buy you a book of Chiss poetry. A real book--bound sheets and everything. You may never see it.

Love you.

There are days when we realize how little we know you.

For every Joiner who has ever joined the nest, we remember her youth, her first spring and her birthdays and her intimate moments. We remember his dreams and his childhood fears.

We know the words you've spoken, your scent and your taste, your triumphs and your sacrifices. We know there's no other being whose song we'd rather hear as the days pass.

We do not know more than that. But it is enough, and we are glad.

While meditating in the cargo bay, we suddenly realized the nature of the vessel around us. It was as if the great metallic hull had been made of glass until that moment, when it turned opaque and became all we saw.

Every star system your vessel travels through changes it. Radiation from a hundred suns falls across the plating like rain, leaving microscopic craters in the metal sheets. Every bolt and missile aimed at us in rage or resignation alters the heartbeat of the engine.

The song of the Universe is with us.

We are pleased to make the vessel our home with you.

The others don't speak much to SCORPIO. Neither do we, frankly--she has little interest in emerging from the engine room or speaking to "lesser intellects." But we think we're starting to understand her.

We found her interfacing with the HoloNet recently, and she told us what she saw--a thousand people, a thousand stories and places all at once. We told her we experiance much the same thing when we commune with the nest.

She watched us for some time, and we thought we'd reached her. Then she told us, "But you are not the will of the nest" and turned away.

We have come to respect SCORPIO, but we wonder what she will become.

Just overheard the wildest rumor about Master Satele and had to share. Did you know some people think she had a kid? I am NOT making this up. There are people who actually believe the Grand Master of the entire Jedi Order completely broke the rules and "formed an attachment." There are all these wild conspiracy theories, too--it was a boy, he was raised in secret by one of her old teachers and now he's an SIS agent. Ridiculous, right?

On the other hand, if you and I ever get caught, maybe Master Satele will go easy on us.

--K

Some Master on Tython contacted me yesterday about moving back there to train Padawans. Apparently, that's something we're supposed to do after every few months spent fighting galactic wars. Who knew, right? I notice nobody's calling YOU about this stuff, so I suspect this has more to do with my past than any actual rules.

Anyway, I told the Master we were on a top secret mission and I wasn't available. But if he calls back and asks me again, I'll need to get more creative in my excuses. Sometimes I worry what'll happen to us when this war ends.

--K

Just came across an old security cam holo-image of us taken when we first teamed up on Coruscant. All I'm going to say is, Jedi robes are NOT flattering. My rear end looks like a Dantooinian sphere-fruit in that thing. You actually look pretty good, though. You always have.

I never told you, but I was already falling for you even then. Bad Jedi, I know. Never would've thought we had a chance, but that's me--Little Mistress Pessimist. Sometimes it's nice being wrong.

Looking forward to some alone time. Think there's any way we can convince the others to spend the night planetside for a change?

--K

I was just thinking how most of our time together involves combat zones and people shooting at us. I'm not saying that isn't fun, but Doc's a man who likes variety. I know some great restaurants on Ralltiir and Nar Shaddaa we could visit. There's also a great day spa on Ord Mantell, assuming it didn't get blown up during the Separatist War. I'm sure the Jedi Order can afford to give you a day off. It's not like they pay you.

Consider yourself reserved, beautiful.

Love,

Me

Just wanted you to know I deliberately left that piece of chasuka greens stuck in my teeth the other day. I realized when I was in the refresher later that I never told you about my stint practicing orthodontia on Rodia. Turns out one of the best ways to strengthen your teeth is by leaving a little bit of food in there. It stretches the gums and gives the teeth room to build enamel. Never forget Doc's taking care of himself.

Love,

Me

P.S. It only works for men, by the way. You should never try it.

I know a guy on Nar Shaddaa who refits used space station escape pods into tuhboats used for extra crew quarters on regular starships. They're detachable compartments, like hoverbike sidecars. I was thinking we should buy a couple and stick them to our hull. Don't you think Kira and the others would be a lot more comfortable not intruding on our love nest? Also, Rusk has this bad habit of sleepwalking. I caught him cleaning his blasters in the middle of the night with his eyes closed. That can't be healty.

Think about it.

Love,

Me

I've been meditating on something. If we marry and start a family--yes, I know things are hectic right now, and there's a lot of decisions to be made, but if we ever do--I wouldn't want to keep it a secret.

Almost everything I've studied about the "perils of love" seems to be written by Jedi who've never experienced it themselves. They talk about "uncontrolled passion" and the "fear of loss" like they're poison. But these Jedi never discuss devotion, patience and compassion. Love's taught me more about those than the rest of my training combined. Those Jedi just dismiss love as "obsession," when love's the opposite and they don't seem to know it.

If the Masters are going to claim that emotional attachment is flat-out wrong, I want to know that they've experienced it, and still think that way. Love can make a Jedi less selfish, more humble and more devoted. We're the proof. I wouldn't want to hide that from anyone.

My dreams are so much better. For so long, I kept dreaming about what happened to my father. And then it was about terrible things happening to you. But they've faded now. I think it's the training, and just knowing I have someone who cares for me.

Now I keep seeing strange worlds instead. Battlefields and powerful enemies. Sometimes I'm surrounded by strangers, but it's like I should know them from somewhere. These dreams don't scare me like the others, though. I can always feel your presence somewhere close by, and I know there's no reason to be afraid.

Maybe they're prophetic? It's hard to remember the details. But if they are, it means we'll be facing these things together. That's a comforting thought.

This is a little embarrassing (please don't tell the others). One of my cousins back home sent me some... well, the Sarkhai term means "gifts of bonding and happiness." They're usually given as wedding presents. I don't know how she found out about us, but I'm going to have some very searching questions for her later!

I suppose it was a nice thought. They're beautiful gifts, too. It's nice to see things that were created back home, and to know that my relatives are wishing me well. I've studied the Council's doctrine on attachment backwards and forwards since we've been together, but I still can't see anything wrong with being part of a family. Please share these with me; they're yours, too.

Except this bottle of thesum-bark syrup. It's my favorite, but I hear that if you're not from Sarkhai, it tastes a lot like medicine.

I got a call from Tython; not someone from the Council, a Master I didn't know. He asked me a bunch of questions, about us. About you. He was polite enough and friendly, and it didn't get too personal. It was just a strange experience overall. I knew the Jedi Council would be curious about us, but I've never actually been, you know, interrogated about someone I was involved with.

It wasn't all bad. Talking to him made me really look at myself and how I feel about you. And you know what? I love you. And I can explain exactly why because I had to answer a point-by-point questionnaire laying it out. Everything feels more true to me know: you and me, us, our future.

I just thought, maybe that's the point of asking stuff like this? The Jedi get their answers, I get to know this is real and not just a passing fling, all in one go. Very crafty. But I guess the Jedi Order's had thousands of years to get this right.

With love,

F.

This is going to sound strange, but there was a holovid I was hopoing to show you. I've been tracking down a copy for ages, and a Paaerduag on Coruscant traded me one along with some other bits and pieces. It's called "Squad 223: Mission Zero," and I'm pretty sure it's the dumbest vid ever made.

But when my family got turfed out in the war and we were sent to a refugee camp, it was the only thing they had for us kids to watch. And when you've just lost your home, a story about heroic soldiers kicking the teeth of the bad guys leaves an impression on you. It's a scary thought, but that stupid vid might actually be the reason I ended up in the army.

Anyway, once I've cleaned up the disc a bit, do you wan to take a look? It's no much, but it's one of the few childhood things I've got. I was hoping to share it with you.

I didn't really have much to say. I was just thinking of you, and I thought you might like this. I was going to say, think of me when you see it, but then it just goes in circles. (I'm kidding.)

Be safe, sweetheart.

F.

Dearest,

This lecture sounds fascinating--we should attend! I'll try to file for tickets through the extended education initiative.

From: Republic Medical Journal

Subject: Lecture Series - Doctor Tan Kirin

The Republic Medical Journal, in conjunction with the Coruscant Institute for Medical Sciences, is proud to host a lecture by the esteemed Doctor Tan Kirin of the Corellian Science Academy.

Kirin will present a summary of his latest publication, "Replication of T-5 Progenitor Cells Using Isolated Bacta-Kolto Induction," with a question-and-answer session to follow.

Refreshments will be provided courtesy of the Student Culinary Club.

Dearest,

I was just doing a bit of lab work, and I couldn't help but think (as I often do) about how lucky I am to be here with you.

I feel very fortunate that I have the chance to fight for the principles I believe in, and to be doing so alongside someone I truly love and respect.

Yours always,

Elara

Dearest,

While I was out restocking our medical supplies (the new stocking guidelines just came in), I decided to take a bit of extra time to find a gift for the Republic's most dashing commander.

I do hope you like it.

With love,

Elara

Latest Herald says a few nice restaurants are starting to open up in the old Galactic Market on Coruscant. They didn't come right out and say it, but I'd guess some of the locals there are trying to go legit.

Might be a nice place for dinner sometime, huh? A girl like you really deserves better than pre-packed rations in the briefing room every night.

If anything comes of it, I'll make us a reservation.

Saw this the last time I was out, couldn't resist. Hope you like it.

And don't go out and drop a bunch of credits just to get me something because I got you something.

Unless it's that uranium-barreled special from the new BlasTech catalog, of course.

Love you.

Been a while since I got my girl something nice -- thought you might like this.

You're really one of a kind. I never thought "happy" would be a word I'd use for myself, but you really make me happy.

Just do me a favor and don't tell anyone I've gone soft, all right?

Love you.

Couldn't sleep last night, so I spent a few hours working on the engines. Found some carbon scoring around the fuel injectors to the sublight drives. I knew we weren't getting maximum thrust out of those things, but they're purring like a happy nexu now.

I know there's no chance of us getting into a line of work where the ship doesn't come under turbolaser fire every ten minutes, but maybe we can invest in better shields? The engines will thank you -- and so will I (hint, hint).

Love,

Risha

Got a short note from Audila. She and Juran settled down on Byllura to run a little frontier mercantile exchange. Guess she finally forgave me for that kidnapping thing on Tatooine, although I notice she didn't invite us to come visit. My old friends rarely do these days -- unless it's to ask for favors.

The bigger you and this crew get in certain galactic circles, the more hangers-on we seem to attract. I'd be offended if I didn't see so many opportunities to take advantage. Who needs to rule a planet when the galaxy is this wide open to us?

--R

Update on Dubrillion's civil war. Really glad we're not there.

HOLONET NEWS UPDATE - DISASTER ON DUBRILLION

Reports indicate the current ruler of Dubrillion, King Actavarus the Third, has destroyed six major cities on his planet to crush a rebellion. Initial casualty numbers are in the millions.

TAG THIS MESSAGE FOR UPDATES

Not to sound insensitive, but I'm wondering if there'll be anything left of Dubrillion to take over. Maybe we're better off conning our way into the monarchy of a less crazy planet. I'll start researching opportunities.

You'll always be my king,

Risha

I was informed that some fool of a besom was loudly slandering you at the last spaceport we visited. I paid him a call and gave him a chance to correct himself. He refused. Now he takes his meals in liquid form.

No one disrespects you without consequences.

--Akaavi

I try to respect your position as captain of this vessel, but Guss is testing my patience. Three times now, I have caught him staring at my body in an inappropriate way. Yesterday I confronted him in private and made it clear that I know how to remove a Mon Calamari's eyes without killing their owner. I believe he took my point.

I apologize if I have overstepped my authority, but I felt it important to deal with this issue personally.

--Akaavi

P.S. The gift was a peace offering from Guss. I have no use for it.

I do not often allow myself to relax or feel at peace--what we call "udesiir." Lately, that has changed. There is a time every night after you fall asleep when the anger that has kept me alive fades, and I experience a moment of calm.

Do not be alarmed. I have already taken steps to correct this weakness. When we lower our guards, foes grow bold. Our enemies will never find me unprepared.

--Akaavi

Tried writing a poem, but I couldn't make all those short separate lines look right. So I just mashed them all together. Hope you still like it.

Your eyes are like a mountain sunset and your breath is the cool morning air. Your voice is a bird's call but you move like a wildcat through a jungle. When you fire a blaster it's a thunderclap I feel in my heart. Never stop shooting.

Love,

Corso

Just argued with some idiot on the HoloNet who was telling people plasma-based blaster have more stopping power than particle beam models. I'm betting this guy's never used his blaster on anything bigger than a gizka. Can you imagine surviving any of the things we have without particle beams?

That reminds me--I should give all our blasters a thorough cleaning. I saw a guy once who got his heter valve jammed up with dust. His face looked like one of those cheap Nar Shaddaa plasteel dolls of the Supreme Chancellor after it's been left out in the sun.

Love,

Corso

Just saw a Holonet real estate listing for this amazing homestead on Dantooine. It's over a thousand square kilometers! They've got a farm AND ranch lands (with ronto herds!), plus a big estate house to live in. Have you ever seen a sunrise on that planet? They're gorgeous.

I know you're not in any hurry to give up your ship, but someday it'd be nice to have a permanent home. I don't know about you, but I like lots of wide open spaces and privacy. This place would suit me.

Love,

Corso