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Unforeseen Complications


Kitar

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A few of you might recognize me from Short Fic Weekly Challenge Thread, or the Alternate Universe Weekly Challenge Thread. Through pm's about the stories I had posted on the AU Thread I struck up a friendship with another SFWC author Alaurin. As time progressed we ended up leveling together and stories were created.

Things have now progressed to the point where the stories can be shared. Since it is a group collaboration here is Alaurin's introduction.

 

 

Kitar and I began this project a few months ago and are excited to finally share it here. This story picks up where Deception in the Ranks left off and while it’s not necessary to have read that story thread, there will be mention of the events of that storyline from time to time and most of the characters there will make an appearance here at some point.

 

In general, you can expect references to all class storylines except IA as well as spoilers for Makeb, SOR, and KOTFE as this thread progresses. We will try to tag specific spoilers in each part as well as any trigger warnings. Content wise, you can expect sexual innuendo and/or situations, and violence. Neither Kitar nor I tend to be very graphic, especially when it comes to violence, but we will post specific triggers on each part if they are warranted.

 

With all that said, we hope you enjoy our collaboration project!

 

AN

 

Since I am so very used to using prompts when I write, if I have used a prompt I will include it in my intro, not every chapter will have a prompt.

 

 

Chapter 1

 

Spoilers: None I can think of

Prompt: LF1M

 

 

NAR SHADDAA

 

He glanced at his reflection in the darkened shopfront’s window, smiling at the view. Black leatheris jacket, well worn in all the right places; it ended just at his waist. Matching black leatheris pants, that left little to the imagination. His dark blue shirt, top couple buttons unbuttoned, brought out the blue of his eyes. Long glove-free fingers brushed his loose copper locks off his shoulder. Yes he looked good, really good. The best part wasn't how the pants showcased his backside; it was the fact he looked nothing like a Jedi. It should be a good evening.

 

Smiling, he moved towards his destination, the Slippery Slopes. He needed a break and what better way to take one, than in the arms of a stranger? A nice uncomplicated evening enjoying their company. Upfront as always that is was just the evening, maybe early morning to late morning, he chuckled, one never knew at the start of the night. Most assumed he was some spacer or a pilot, he was happy to let them think what they wanted.

 

The low murmuring hit him as he descended the ramp. His grin widened. Briefly closing his eyes he let the energy of the room caress him. The collected emotions were intoxicating; the collected charge of so many different intermingled species, flush with undercurrents of anticipation, lust, the slight spiking of anger and a small peppering of anguish. How he loved cantinas. A sharp growing sense of anger-lanced annoyance caught his attention. That was unusual.

 

The sensation grew, sending ripples through the Force. Very unusual. Force users didn’t usually frequent cantinas. Well Jedi didn’t. Sith did on occasion. He reached out gently probing, it didn’t feel like a Sith; which was a pity, that would have been a fun evening.

 

The spike surged again; well whoever this person was they were definitely annoyed. The night was young and he was curious. Time to go investigate.

 

Opening his eyes he moved down the hall, stepping into the bustling interior. Slowly he made his way to the bar. Sitting down he raised a finger gesturing to the Twi'lek behind the bar. The tall lanky man acknowledged him with a dip of his head, red lekku swaying. He moved to his side, setting a rocks glass down in front of him; the dark amber liquid gently rolling.

 

“Thank you Jy'lith,” he murmured.

 

The Twi'lek smiled, “Of course, will you be staying in the apartment this evening?”

 

“Perhaps,” Ka'van smiled, “the night is still young.”

 

Jy'lith shook his head, smile still upon his lips. “Apartment, empty this week, have not gotten word. Enjoy your stay.” Jy'lith wiped up a non-existent stain, “If you require anything call.”

 

“Of course Jy'lith,” Ka'van raised the rocks glass to his lips watching the lanky Twi'lek shake his head as he moved down the bar. The annoyed surge returned as he leaned against the thick wooden top, resting his elbow against the burled surface. Blue eyes scanned the crowded room, giving it a casual once over before he let his gaze settle on the source of the disturbance.

 

Across the room seated at another bar, tended by a petite Human woman, was a raven-haired Human man trying to hard to talk to a rather tall Cathar woman. She was the source of the annoyance; she radiated it, her fine-featured face screwed up as if she ate something bitter. Her blue eyes rolled as she rubbed her forehead before tucking a long chestnut lock behind her fine pointed ear. He grinned as he watched the sandy furred beauty shift away from the oblivious Human; she was cute when she was upset, her nose screwed up in exasperation. His eyes slid down her muscular form; the woman was definitely a Force user, but she was not dressed like one. She was dressed for an entertaining evening out, unless there had been a change in fashion trends on Tython, which he highly doubted. The rich violet material shined against her fur, the dr@ping neckline showing just enough décolleté to be intriguing. She moved, turning away from that black-haired Human; her back was beautifully displayed the low-cut dress showcasing the muscles rippling under that sandy fur. Oh yeah she was definitely dressed for a night out. She should have one.

 

Another massive surge of annoyance rolled through the Force. Ka’van tilted his head to the side watching the Cathar and her pest. The Pest had leaned in, talking as the Cathar sighed rolling her eyes. The surge was suddenly gone, repressed or dismissed he could not tell. In its place was a nearly overwhelming sure of pure unadulterated lust, that vanished moments later. Interesting. Ka’van leaned back against the bar propping his left arm on the burled wood. Taking a drink he studied the Cathar, she was definitely on the prowl. Judging from her body language the man with her was not about to receive her attentions. The Human man seemed completely oblivious to her discomfort.

 

The Human ran his hand down her arm, his finger playing with the slit in the flowing nearly transparent sleeve. The woman's fur flinched rolling down her back. Wow, Ka'van thought, this man was completely clueless. Shaking his head he lifted his finger. Jy'lith appeared at his elbow. Ka'van leaned over subtly gesturing with his rocks glass. “Send her three-fingers of the Reserve. She needs it. I do believe she is in possession of a raven-haired headache.”

 

Jy'lith nodded briskly, chuckling under his breath as he moved down the bar.

 

Ka'van watched moments later as Jy'lith crossed the room carrying the glass on a small silver tray. The Twi'lek managed to gracefully insert himself between the Cathar and the Human. She looked up at the red-skinned Twi'lek perplexed. Jy'lith pointed subtly over his shoulder towards Ka'van. Her blue eyes locked onto him, a smile playing in the corner of that adorable mouth. He raised his rocks glass; she mouthed a 'Thank you' as she took the glass. Jy'lith moved heading back towards the bar momentarily blocking Ka'van's view.

 

When Jy'lith turned to slip back behind the bar, Ka'van's brow arched. The raven-haired Pest was holding the glass walking rapidly towards him, his mouth set in a firm line, a cloud of anger hanging thick over him. Ka'van studied the man as he advanced; he was smaller, did not appear to be overly athletic, sporting an absolutely ridiculous mustache and a strip of hair on his chin. The man's dark brown eyes smoldered as he stopped before Ka'van thrusting the glass towards him. “I believe this is yours!” he frowned, his lips almost visible. “We don’t want it.”

 

Ka'van glanced beyond the idiot Human, locking eyes with the Cathar woman. Her face was buried in her hands, her right fingers splayed open as a bright blue eye watched.

 

“We, huh? Funny it was not for you.” Ka'van reached out grabbing the glass of precious whisky. “It is for her.”

 

“Well she is not interested.” the raven-haired Human snapped.

 

“She isn't huh, somehow I doubt that.” Ka'van slowly stood. The Human blanched as he backed up. Ka'van chuckled, judging by the expression on his face, the Pest never took into consideration the extra height provided to him by sitting on a cantina stool. Ka'van rolled his neck, popping it as he stared down his nose at the man. He towered over the smaller Human. “Are you going to move, or do I get to pick you up by that ridiculous excuse for facial hair and move you?”

 

“What...” he sputtered.

 

“Move.” Ka'van stepped closer to him, apparently he was not as stupid as he looked, the raven-haired man actually moved. Ka'van walked past him, as he began to sputter, something, Ka'van just ignored him. Tuning out the nonsense spilling past his lips.

 

Ka'van easily maneuvered through the packed room. “Here,” he smiled at the mortified Cathar. “This is for you. You look like you need it.” He handed it to her when the pest began sputtering again.

 

“Hey she is with me!” The Human protested.

 

“Is she now?” Ka'van shook his head. “Then I suggest learning how to treat her better, apparently you have been falling short.”

 

She snorted, “That will never happen, he is too oblivious.”

 

“I have noticed your apparent disdain with his presence.” Ka'van's grin widened as he extended his arm.

 

“I am not oblivious!” the Pest sputtered.

 

Ka'van chuckled as he watched those blue eyes roll. “Oh yes,” she muttered, “not at all oblivious.”

 

Ka'van laughed as the man looked at them, brown eyes bouncing from one to the other. She reached out taking the glass. Her blue eyes gave him a slow once over. Ka'van's brow arched as her fangs flashed in an appreciative smirk; a spiking of lust rolled through the Force. She brought the glass to her lips, taking a deep drink. Ka'van waited for her reaction, quietly impressed when she didn’t cough. Oh what a pity she was a Force user, based on her demeanor she was no Sith. Which meant she was off limits. Which was a pity she did look like she would be fun. “I do hope your evening improves,” he held up his glass and took a sip.

 

Turning he nodded good-bye as he headed back to his seat.

 

“I thought he would never leave,” he heard the raven-haired Human grouse. Ka'van slowed slightly so he could listen. She sighed, “And you say you are not oblivious. I didn’t want company this evening.”

 

“But gorgeous you should have an escort. I did not like how that spacer was looking at you.”

 

“So damn oblivious,” she muttered. “Stop calling me that! And I liked how he was looking at me. He probably knows what he is doing,” she snapped.

 

“What how can you say that? I have never had any complaints.”

 

“That is because you don’t listen! Doc get it through your head, I am not that desperate!”

 

Ka'van heard the dull scrape of a shoe pushing off the floor. Shaking his head he continued to the bar and his awaiting seat. Hopefully her night would improve, lovely thing should not have to deal with someone like that.

 

He settled, back against the bar, finishing off his drink. Setting it on the wooden top he gestured to Jy'lith for another. His eyes skimmed over the crowd, noticing the Cathar and her pest were gone. Perhaps she had found a way to extract herself from his clingy presence.

 

Oh what was he in the mood for this evening? He had never actually been with a Cathar before and she had definitely piqued his interest. Perhaps he could get lucky and find one who wanted company for the night.

 

His eyes skimmed the crowd, in the corner sat a pair of Twi'leks, they were blatantly staring at him, twin eyes of grey watching. The women were cute, a pale green, one had tattooed her lekku, the other's were decorated in pale pink ribbons. The pair looked tiny enough he could pick them both up, one in each arm, and carry them off. He just was not in the mood for two tonight. Ka'van flashed them a warm smile, not encouraging only friendly. He did frequent here often and wanted to keep his options open.

 

He let his gaze drift looking at the patrons as he carefully felt their signatures. There was a rather curvy Mirialan sitting in a booth. Her black hair pulled back in an elaborate braid, her emerald face wrinkled as she laughed, her tattoos crinkling. He watched her as she reached out touching the woman to her left. She was surrounded by friends; perhaps if she was alone at some point he would introduce himself.

 

A flash of white caught his eye. Ka'van picked up the now refreshed rocks glass. He took a longer look at the white flash. It was another Cathar, creamy white fur covered well muscled arms, his dark brown vest showing off ample amounts of hide. Bright amber eyes watched him from under a spotless brow. The Cathar's head canted to the side as he ran clawed fingertips through a shaggy chestnut mane.

 

Well that is promising, Ka'van mused, as he slowly looked the smaller man over. He could definitely enjoy him for the night. From what Ka'van was detecting through the Force the Cathar was in agreement. Though he would have preferred a woman the first time he bedded a new species, he was not one discriminate.

 

“Now, really should you be thinking that?”

 

Ka'van jumped looking at the speaker. Standing next to him was the violet clad Cathar woman.

“Not very nice to eavesdrop my dear. I am simply looking for company. I don't believe I was thinking anything inappropriate.”

 

“Company, hmm,” she purred, “Whom were you considering?”

 

“Well if you wish to know, I was considering him.” Ka'van made a small gesture with his rocks glass motioning to the seated Cathar.

 

“Him, oh,” she dropped her gaze, biting her lower lip, those white pointed fangs dimpling that adorable mouth.

 

“Is there something wrong with that?” Ka'van asked masking his amusement with her embarrassment.

 

“Oh, no, no, not at all, I must have misread... I thought you might have been interested.”

 

“I am,” Ka'van grinned, “I am just not one to discriminate.”

 

“Wait,” she looked up at him, “you like both?” She glanced over her shoulder looking at the white furred Cathar.

 

Ka'van took a sip off his glass. “I do.”

 

“Oh, well, um I am sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you.” Again those fangs dimpled her lower lip.

 

“You are not disturbing me. Have a seat if you wish.” Ka'van gestured to an empty bar stool.

 

“Won’t it ruin your plans if I do? I mean weren’t you planning on... well,” she nodded across the room.

 

“Not at all. What are your plans for this evening? I see that... man is gone.”

 

“Yeah,” she rolled her eyes. “I Persuaded him to go back to the ship.”

 

“That is not very nice my dear,” he chuckled. “Though it is understandable. I take it your evening has opened up?” Ka'van smiled at her, white teeth flashing as he drank her in. She really was lovely. “What did you have in mind?”

 

“Well I had thought perhaps, since you were interested, we could get out of here but,” she glanced back at the white furred Cathar, he had settled backwards sinking into the booth, arm draped over the back intently watching the two of them.

 

“Well,” Ka'van shrugged, “If you wish, I can talk to him, see if he is interested. Though I was wanting only one person to focus my attentions upon this evening.”

 

“What?” her eyes shot back to Ka'van, “I...”

 

Ka'van grinned when a wave of embarrassment rolled off of her. “Well,” he bent forward whispering; “perhaps we should save that for the second night. Give us something to look forward too.”

 

“What...” she whispered, staring at him eyes wide, “you are serious.”

 

Ka'van shrugged, winking at her, “Guess you would have to seek out a second night with me to find out. That is of course assuming you still wish a first one?”

 

She nodded, “I do.”

 

Ka'van tilted his head back killing his whisky. Gently setting the glass down he extended his arm to her. “My dear, why don't we get out of here? Grab a bite to eat. You look stunning and I would be happy to escort you this evening. Let us see where the night takes us, if nothing else we shall have a lovely dinner but we could have some interesting conversations and then,” he grinned, “we can really get to know each other. Though no names,” he smirked, “names can lead to attachment. Let's save that for the third night,” he murmured with a wink.

 

“So you are, I was wondering.” she smiled, her composure quickly returning. “I had thought you were but how you were dressed I wasn’t certain.”

 

Ka'van shrugged, “You know how well this sort of endeavor ends when people figure it out. Usually with you taking a cold shower and alone in the bed.”

 

“No kidding,” she snorted. “So,” she looked him over, “where is yours?”

 

“Small of my back, along my belt. Yours?”

 

She moved her leg, her shapely sandy furred thigh peaked through the generous slit up her dress, her saber hilt only briefly visible. She placed her hand on his arm, fangs flashing. “Let’s go, I am starving.”

 

 

Edited by Kitar
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Oh Ka'van, I do enjoy him very much and am looking forward to seeing more of his adventures and misadventures. I imagine he'll be getting into much mischief about the galaxy. Looking forward to hearing more about the lovely ginger. :p
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@MortuumAmens: Thank you and we both hope you continue to enjoy our story!

 

@Lunafox: I'll admit, it's difficult not to love the ginger! You'll definitely be seeing more of him as well as some others that are near and dear to both me and Kitar. I just hope I can do him justice!

 

Now for this next chapter, there are two versions......this is the heavily edited one. There is a more risque version.....let's call it NC-17 that I am posting on my Tumblr. For those brave souls who care to find out just how naughty of a boy the ginger is, you can feel free to read the original version.

 

Chapter 2

 

Spoiler Alert: Spoilers for the Smuggler storyline through Act 3.

Warning: sexual innuendo/situations and some crude language below, nothing too descriptive though.

 

“I can’t wait to get home for a little peace and quiet……well quiet until I get you to the bedroom that is,” the grey Cathar whispered, his voice a low husky growl as he nipped his companion’s ear. The bright neon lights of Nar Shaddaa glinting in his azure eyes as they raked hotly over the brunette.

 

“Easy there, lover boy,” she protested weakly even as she leaned her head to the side to give him better access, “I want a very long soak in the tub first.”

 

“Well now, that sounds like an interesting place to start out,” Jax murmured against her neck, his fangs teasing the smooth tan skin, “I’ll even help you wash afterwards and not to worry……I’ll be very thorough.”

 

“I’m counting on it,” Risha flashed him a knowing smile, desire flashing in her brown eyes when she turned her face towards his so he could kiss her properly while their taxi navigated the notoriously hectic traffic lanes of the popular Hutt moon.

 

Normally the spacer would land the Lucky Fool on the huge landing pad that was part of the sky palace he recently acquired with his buddy Dekkyn, but the freighter needed some maintenance, so it was in one of the hangers at Dulcen spaceport. Corso had volunteered to oversee the minor repairs while Jax and Risha continued home to finally enjoy some much needed alone time.

 

They’d made the first of what would be their bi-monthly supply runs for his Privateering gig, ending in a four day stint at Port Nowhere to discuss business with his new partner, Rogun. Improvements had already been made and more were being set in motion for the small Underworld hub that would eventually make it a key stopover for spacers. Jax also had his first quarterly meeting with the leaders of their other slightly less than legal business operations, including Scratch who was still working with Gormak Zak, Alelia, who’d blossomed into a savvy leader of the contingent of the White Maw that Jax dealt with on Hoth, and the three he’d recruited from the Voidwolf. The whole trip kept them busy for three weeks, much of that time spent aboard the ship, but now they had four weeks off before it would start all over again. Akaavi, Bowdaar, and Guss opted to stay behind at the port, while Corso returned to Nar Shaddaa with Jax and Risha. The Mantellian planned to take a shuttle back to Ord so he could catch up with some old friends there once the repairs to Jax’s freighter were completed, then despite Jax’s advice against it, Corso was going to return to Coruscant to try and talk some sense into his cousin Rona. Jax could understand what was driving the younger man since Rona was the last living relative he had left in the galaxy, but he worried about Corso and didn’t trust his Black Sun cousin not to take advantage of his naivete again.

 

Eager to spend time alone with his mate, Jax shoved thoughts of his mercenary friend aside to focus on the beautiful woman in his arms and by the time the taxi landed, he was already loosening the buttons on Risha’s jacket. The tall spacer practically leapt from the vehicle, giving the driver a roguish wink as he handed the man more twice the fare before helping Risha out of the taxi. He grasped her hand as the taxi and it’s happy driver sped away, more than ready to help her get out of her clothes and into their oversized bathtub. He pulled her back to him for another kiss when a glint of pink and silver caught his eye.

 

“It looks like we’re not alone after all, hon,” Jax nodded at the familiar speeder, “That’s Syarra’s.”

 

“Go spend some time with her,” Risha insisted, knowing her lover hadn’t spent much time with his sister in a couple of months, “I’ll get the bath going and wait for you there.”

 

“Thanks, Rish….I won’t be long, I promise. I just want to say hi and see how much longer she’s going to be around,” Jax gave her hand a squeeze, then headed towards the room he’d set aside for his littermate, a smile forming when he spotted her light on.

 

“Hey, Syarra,” he called out as he opened the door, “When did you get……..oh, damn, sorry about that. I didn’t realize you had a friend with you.”

 

“Dammit, Jax,” Syarra growled, “Ever hear of knocking?!”

 

“Hey now, this is my place and you could’ve locked the…..” Jax’s voice trailed off as he got more of an eyeful than he ever wanted but before he could shut his eyes, he caught a good look at the man’s back and a sinking feeling settled in his gut. The very tall Human had pale skin which made the markings that started across his muscled shoulders and tapered down to his waist stand out in sharply. The long ginger colored hair covered the topmost portion, but Jax could see enough to identify his sister’s newest lover.

 

“Wait a minute…..I know that tattoo! Ka’van?” Jax could barely get the name out as the teasing smirk died on his lips, “Is that you…..with my sister?!

 

“You two know each other?” Syarra demanded, untangling her long limbs from her bed partner before gracefully sliding her tall frame out of the bed. She didn’t bother covering herself, just crossed her arms over her chest as her azure eyes met the identical ones of her littermate.

 

“We do,” Ka’van sighed, wrapping a sheet around his waist as he turned to face the now angry Cathar who was his friend, “and I had no idea you were related to Jax until just now.”

 

“I know,” Syarra relented with a sigh, “Part of our fun with anonymity.”

 

“I….I…..I can’t do this right now,” Jax shook his head, his eyes shutting briefly as he rubbed his temples to try and calm his racing mind, “It’s been a long few weeks….and I just don’t want……f*cking hell, Syarra, another one of my friends?! You know what…..never mind…...I can’t do this right now. I’m outta here.”

 

Both Syarra and Ka’van watched Jax turn on his heel and stalk out the door, muttering, “That’s twice now I’ve had to see his pasty naked a$s……”

 

“It’s a nice a$s though,” Syarra grinned, crooking her finger at the tall Human as she leaned back on the window seat, “Now bring it over here.”

 

“What about your brother?”

 

“He’s just gonna have to stew for a little bit. Not my fault he barged into something he didn’t want to see,” Syarra shrugged as Ka’van complied, letting the sheet fall to the floor, “We’ll have it out later and I’ll remind him that I’m a grown woman who can make her own choices about who she has sex with and that I refuse to ask every man I come across if he’s my brother’s friend.” She let her bold gaze rake over Ka’van’s naked body before wrapping her arms around his neck to draw his mouth down to hers. “Now, where were we?”

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

A little while later, a thoroughly spent Syarra padded off to the shower as her exhausted lover drifted off to sleep, the intense lovemaking having tested even his endurance. With a pang of regret, Syarra washed thoroughly, wanting to remove Ka’van’s scent away before confronting her brother. She smiled, savoring the soreness of her well pleasured body. She hadn’t enjoyed a lover that much since she gave Zevryn up after her Zabrak friend had fallen head over heels for the pretty medic who joined Havoc back on Taris. Despite her littermate’s worries, Syarra had no trouble ending things and even wished her friend the best of luck with Elara.

 

When her next cycle hit after that, she’d briefly considered pursuing Zev’s XO, Aric Jorgan, since he’d seemed very interested when they first met on Carrick Station, but then she remembered his reaction when Jax had found them and let it slip that she was not only his littermate, but a Jedi as well. Syarra decided that despite being a male of her species who would be more than capable of satisfying the demands of her cycle, Aric Jorgan probably wouldn’t be the best choice after all. She ended up settling for a random spacer she met at the Dealer’s Den on Coruscant who hadn’t measured up as well as she would’ve liked, but was at least able to take the edge off of her cycle. Unfortunately she hadn’t been able to find anyone who compared Zev in the bedroom until Ka’van came along last night…...her own medic being the very worst mistake she made out of sheer desperation when they got stranded out in a blizzard on Hoth while she was mid cycle. It was too bad that she had the misfortune to unknowingly hook up with another one of Jax’s friends because lovers of Zev’s or Ka’van’s caliber didn’t exactly come along everyday.

 

“It’s not my fault,” she grumbled as she stepped out of the shower.

 

Frowning at the impending conversation with Jax, she reluctantly finished up in the fresher so she could get it over with. He hadn’t liked her arrangement with Zev, but eventually got over it……to a degree. Syarra hoped her brother could do the same with Ka’van, because she’d definitely like to hook up with him again. Not that it mattered of course, she’d do it with or without Jax’s so called approval, but she’d rather not have to deal with his pouting about it. Resigned to the inevitable unpleasantness to come, Syarra toweled herself off until her fur was just slightly damp, then pulled on a pair of pink sleep shorts and a tank top, brushing her long, thick mane into a ponytail before leaving the fresher that adjoined her bedroom.

 

She paused as she approached the bed, unable to contain the smile that curved her mouth as she regarded the large sleeping figure in it, knowing most Humans weren’t used to the physical intensity of Cathar mating. In fact, many species had difficulties keeping up which is why she typically sought out military types since their training made for better endurance, but Ka’van had kept up well though and she was definitely impressed with his well sculpted physique. Her gaze traveled over his sleeping form, appreciating the leanly muscled frame that was tangled in the plum satin of her bedding, Syarra always had a thing for tall men and Ka’van was slightly taller than Zevryn, but not as broad as the Zabrak. She noted that his pale skin was smooth and unmarked other than the beautiful artwork tattooed on his back that she recognized as Mandalorian symbolism, but Syarra had no idea of its meaning. The Jedi looked peaceful in sleep, his long ginger locks a stark contrast against the black pillow they spilled across, and Syarra left him that way since her cycle’s drive was cooled for the time being.

 

She’d been disappointed at the bar when she realized he was a fellow Jedi, knowing how uptight most of their Order was in regards to physical and emotional intimacy. While she had no interest in the latter, the simple nature of her biology made the former a top priority every three months. However, she was pleased to find her new lover quite unlike most members of their Order and hoped he was serious when he mentioned a next time……but before she could even contemplate that, she needed to clear the air with her littermate.

 

As she approached her brother’s bedroom, Syarra reached out with the Force and a moment later, she knew he was wide awake and spending some quality time with his mate. Let’s see how he likes it, she decided, a wicked grin crossing her lovely face as she threw open the door without knocking.

 

“Dammit Syarra!” Jax growled as Risha snatched a blanket around herself.

 

“Oh, I’m so sorry brother dearest,” Syarra smirked, her eyes twinkling as she met her brother’s glare head on, “is this a bad time to talk about what happened earlier?”

 

“You might say that,” Jax snorted, trying to block out the image of his sister tangled in the sheets with his friend those words just forced back into his mind, “Now would you mind leaving? I was sorta in the middle of something…..”

 

“Kinda like I was earlier?!” Syarra shot back, “Sucks when someone barges in on you, doesn’t it?! You know that sexually frustrated feeling plaguing you right now……well multiply it by about a hundred and you’ll have an idea of what it’s like when our females are on a cycle. When I’m at that point, my bullheaded brother, I most certainly do not stop to ask a promising prospect if he’s friends with my littermate, so suck it up and deal with it!”

 

“Fine……whatever……..just get! We can talk later…….and I’ll work on……oh stars, Rish,” Jax groaned as his mate’s nimble little fingers found a sensitive spot under that sheet, “Look, I promise to knock from now on, I swear, but can you……oh Gods…….leave right f*cking now!”

 

“I’ll be in the kitchen when you’re in a better state to talk,” Syarra called out, her teasing laughter following her out the door.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

A little while later, Jax reluctantly left a sated Risha sleeping in their bed and strode out of their lavish bedroom suite to seek out his littermate. He ran his fingers through his neatly trimmed black mane as he headed down the stairs to the main level of the sky palace, a fidget that calmed him sometimes and he needed that before talking with Syarra. Jax knew he’d been wrong to blow up at her, but he couldn’t help it. He supposed it was a brother-sister thing. No guy wanted to think of his friend banging his sister, but Jax had to admit it was stupid to expect Syarra to discard a potential lover on the very long shot that the guy might be one of his friends.

 

He’d managed to deal with her sleeping with Zev regularly until a year and a half ago when Elara Dorne had entered his friend’s life. Jax had been worried Syarra was going to be hurt over that, but she wasn’t. Just as she’d kept insisting all along, Zev was simply a friend she occasionally slept with, nothing more, and she’d wished him well when they ended their physical relationship, moving on to the next lover without batting an eyelash. Jax hoped it would be the same with Ka’van, because he’d hate for her to get attached to his philandering friend. At least with Zev, Jax knew his friend was more selective and discrete, whereas Ka’van would jump in the sack with just about anyone he found remotely attractive. Plus, Zev was wise enough not to ever bring the sensitive subject up. Ka’van, on the other hand, enjoyed annoying the kark out of him just to get a reaction and Jax feared his Jedi friend was going to have a field day with this latest predicament.

 

That was enough to make him pause at the doorway and the tired Cathar could already feel his temper rising at the very thought. Gods…..of all the men out there, she just had to meet him, he mused, shaking his head at the rotten luck. Jax gave a heavy sigh as he walked into the kitchen and was surprised to find the ginger haired Human waiting there instead of his littermate, but before he could speak up, the Jedi did.

 

“Your sister had a holocall to answer, so I decided to wait here for you,” Ka’van informed his moody friend when he saw the confusion on Jax’s rugged features, “but before she returns, I’d like to assure you that I had no idea she was your sister when we met.”

 

“Let me guess…..you were out hitting the cantinas and Syarra was your flavor of the night,” Jax growled, his temper getting the better of him, “I know how you operate but dammit Ka’van, she’s my sister!”

 

“And she’s also a consenting adult, my friend,” Ka’van countered, having sensed from both Syarra and Jax that this wasn’t the first time the siblings had been in this type of situation.

 

“Yes she is, but that doesn’t change the fact that she’s my sister,” Jax snapped, “and I don’t want to see her hurt.”

 

“But your friend getting hurt is alright?”

 

“No it’s not,” Jax sighed, feeling his temper cool a little, “and either way I’m caught in the middle…...which is why I hate when she puts us in this situation.”

 

“Me?!” Syarra hissed from the doorway, “Have you forgotten about Mayra? You do remember her, don’t you, Jax? You know, my best friend in secondary school…..or at least she was until you hooked up with her then dumped her for her littermate a week later. That was well before Zev and I had our little fling!”

 

“Owww…..okay, okay, point made,” Jax looked sheepish as Syarra cuffed him, “Technically it was her sister who went after me……I just didn’t put up a fight. Ouch dammit, that one hurt…...whatever happened to that ‘there is no emotion’ stuff they drill into you Jedi?” Jax ducked when she went to cuff him a third time, “Come on…..it was a joke!”

 

“Does it look like I’m laughing?!” Syarra snarled, her eyes shooting daggers at her brother.

 

“Well this isn’t funny for me either,” Jax crossed his arms as he gestured at Ka’van. “At least with Zev I didn’t have any images in my head…...but now every time I sit across from this jacka$s at the sabacc table, I’m going to remember seeing him doing my sister. You could’ve at least locked the damned door!”

 

“Sorry about that….I tried, but the lock is broken,” Syarra defended herself as her own anger deflated and she had to bite back a smile at how uncomfortable her brother looked. “Besides, according to what you told me when I first asked you if I could stay here for a few days, you weren’t going to be back until tomorrow…..how was I supposed to know you’d be a day early?”

 

“How was I supposed to know my sister would be screwing one of my friends when I got to my home?!”

 

“How was I supposed to know she was your sister and that this was your place?” Ka’van pointed out, raising a ginger brow at a scowling Jax. Despite the urge to take a dig at his friend for the jacka$s comment, Ka’van refrained for once and knowing the siblings needed to work through things, he decided it was probably best if he left them to it. “Jaxzin, we can deal with this later.”

 

“We can deal-”

 

Ka’van waved off his friends retort, then clasped Syarra’s hand with his own, “You two need to talk, so I’m going to head out. However, I would like to see you again if you’re willing.” He smiled when she nodded her ascent and then ignoring Jax’s scowl, he gently kissed her and left.

 

 

Author's Note:

 

The Cathar mating cycle is something I made up and introduced in this story.

 

Edited by alaurin
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Hee! I knew it was Syarra! I understand Jax's position, but Syarra's right. He'll just have to deal with it. I'm sure they'll work it out because Jax doesn't want to risk his relationships with either of them. At least, he'd better not. ;)
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@MortuumAmens: Hopefully you will continue to enjoy our story.

 

@Lunafox: How can you not love the ginger? :D

 

@Jestana: Good guess! As to how dear old Jax deals with things well you will just have to wait and see.

 

CHAPTER 3

 

Prompt: Exploration with a little Fame

Spoilers: References JK companion quest usually learned around Act 1, References Imperial Planetary Quest Erasing Evidence, and an Agent NPC, not very spoilery though, kind of a blink and you will miss it moment.

I do apologuise I tend to get a little long, this one weighs in at 8k words.

 

 

VOSS

 

Smiling he closed his eyes, tilting his face backwards enjoying the sun as it beat down upon his uncovered head. This planet had such an interesting feel, divided yet whole. Exhaling he open his eyes, blinking as they adjusted to the shining sun. Nodding to a nearby vendor, a Human offworlder, he proceeded over the bridge into the Republic section of the city, He smiled again, everything neat tidy and separated. It was probably the wisest thing the Voss ever did, and he knew it was inadvertent.

 

Patting the boxes of tea secured within his inner robe pocket, he walked along the neatly manicured path. It had been a pleasant visit to Phi-tons' Tea House, one filled with good food and conversation and ended with a promise to pass along the gifts of tea. One of these days he would inquire about his Mother's relationship with the Voss, but not today. He was here to relax.

 

The warm wind blew, moving his loose hair off his face. As he walked his gaze caught something out of the corner of his eye. Canting his head he studied it without actually turning his attention to the sandy blur. He was curious but didn't want to draw any attention to himself, he was not going to get mired into anyone else's business, not today.

 

The sandy blurr shifted, he caught the rich shine of chestnut and a pale glimmer of tan leatheris. Gently reaching out he sought the identity of the blur. His lips quirked in a smile as he briefly touched upon the recently acquired signature. The good Captain's sister. Slowly he slid his gaze to the left, she stood there talking to a red-skinned Voss woman, she looked quite intent on the conversation and she was alone. Ka'van wondered where her raven-haired pest might be today. Hopefully somewhere far away.

 

Shifting his attention, he walked to the awaiting droid. The taxi pad blessedly free from traffic. Smiling he gave his inner robe pocket one last pat as an excited voice cut through the silence. Pausing he pivoted on his foot, looking to the source of the yell. Moving towards him at an accelerated pace was a young woman in beige robes, her red hair bouncing in the sun. Copper brow sharply arching over annoyed blue eyes, he sighed, apparently other people's business was determined to catch up with him. Forcing his brow to smooth he waited for the enthusiastic young woman to reach him.

 

She very nearly skidded to a stop in front of him, her blue eyes brimming with excitement. “It is you!”

 

“Is it?” Ka'van answered, his brow again quirking as he studied the pale redhead standing before him. The young Human just oozed copious amounts of energy; he did not know if he was up dealing with anyone quite so... boisterous.

 

“Yes!” she exclaimed her smile reaching her eyes. “I thought it was you, well I knew it had to be. There really are not to many who look like you.”

 

“Ahh,” Ka'van nodded. “So now that you have found me, what are you going to do?” He studied her, he hadn't any idea who she was, and he wanted to be left alone, the less information he volunteered the better.

 

“Do?” she snorted. “I am not going to do anything, I just can't believe I have run into you here of all places!”

 

“Do you not like this fair planet?”

 

“No, not at all, it's nice.”

 

“Kira...” a low voice hissed. “What are you doing? I turn around and you are gone.”

 

Ka'van suppressed a grin as he looked over to see a rather frazzled sandy furred Cathar come to stand next the boisterous Human girl.

 

“You can't keep doing that to me, we need to watch ourselves. Last thing we need is to get on the Voss' bad side.”

 

“Look,” the Human girl beamed, “look who I ran into! I can't believe it. Especially since I thought I would have seen him on Tython and not some random planet.”

 

“Ran into who...” Syarra trailed off as she finally looked over at Ka'van, her azure eyes widening.

 

“The Barsen'thor!” The newly named Kira proclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.

 

Ka'van shrugged, smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he looked at Syarra. “You found me.”

 

“You... are the Barsen'thor?” Syarra's eyes grew even larger, something he didn't think was possible. “I spent the night with the Order's damn Barsen'thor!” Her hands flew to her mouth, tightly clamping over her slightly agape jaw.

 

“What!” Kira turned, her robes fluttering in her self-created breeze. “You spent your cycle with him, Stars, Syarra! Why didn't you tell me?” Kira stepped closer to Syarra, “Doc was going on about some damned spacer,” her hand shot out pointing towards Ka'van, “He is not some spacer, he, he, he's the Guardian of the Order Syarra!”

 

“I didn't know!” Syarra squeaked. “We agreed, no names!”

 

“Really?” Kira crossed her arms across her chest, “I am supposed to believe that you never bothered to ask the name of the guy you took to bed?” Kira snorted, “Please Master, I don't believe you.”

 

“It is true,” Ka'van spoke, his voice quiet. “We had agreed on unanimity, no names.”

 

“No names,” she rolled her eyes, “I find that hard to believe.”

 

“It is true.” He shrugged. Looking at Syarra's slightly mortified blue eyes. “We had not planned on exchanging names unless we desired each others company again. We decided it was the safest course of action after we discovered both of us were Jedi.”

 

Kira's arms dropped to her sides, as her blue eyes sparkled, “So you really were out dressed up like some spacer?”

 

Ka'van nodded, “I was.

 

“So you really did threaten to pic up Doc by his facial hair?”

 

Ka'van grinned, “I most definitely did.”

 

“Ha!” Kira snorted, “Priceless!” She started laughing, “That was great, he complained about that for weeks!”

 

“Speaking of that Pest, where is he? I don't have to look forward to the displeasure of his company again do I?” Ka'van sighed looked past the women standing before him, eyes scanning the crowd, sending a silent prayer to the Force, that speaking about him, would not summon the annoying raven-haired Pest.

 

“Naw,” Kira nudged him, “He is still back in the City, was looking at some speeders.” She looked up at Syarra, “I will let the two of you catch up.”

 

“We don't need to catch up!” Syarra sputtered.

 

“Sure you do, anyone who gets under Doc's skin like that. He’s a keeper, so go on,” Kira winked, “Work on keeping him.”

 

With that the redhead moved towards the bridge, a mischievous grin on her lips.

 

“Your apprentice I take it?” Ka'van looked at her copper brow arched.

 

Syarra stared at her Padawan's retreating form, “I swear I don't know what brought that on. I haven't, I mean I hadn't planned on... Well I would have liked to but I was going to holo you later when my cycle was... oh Kark...” Syarra trailed off as her shoulders sank.

 

Ka'van chuckled. “She is quite enthusiastic. Frankly it's a pleasant surprise to receive such an eager endorsement.” He shifted closer to her, “Speaking of endorsements your brother is still not angry with me is he? I have thought it wise not to broach the subject.”

 

Syarra's lips down-turned. “He is still not to happy about it. I reminded him that I am a grown woman and I can make big girl decisions, one of those being who I can take into my bed.”

 

“Don't be mad at him, I can understand why he could be upset. I don't have the most sterling reputation. He is afraid you are going to get hurt.” He held his hand up, stopping her unvoiced protest he could see forming in frowning lips. “I would be the same way. It is why I have not mentioned to him that we had planned to see each other in about eight weeks.” Ka'van grinned.

 

Eyes scanning the bridge he quickly searched for the Pest, considering the turn the day had taken he would not be surprised if the Pest decided to show. Ka'van looked over at Syarra, “I should have probably told you the small bit about being the Barsen'thor.”

 

Syarra rolled her eyes, “You think! That would have been helpful to know.”

 

“I didn't think it would change anything,” He leveled his blue gaze against hers, “Though I do have to question the sanity of taking on a Child as your apprentice.” His lips quirked as he repressed a smile when her eyes narrowed. “Especially considering the fate of so many of them.”

 

“How can you say that? She's a good kid!” Syarra squared up her shoulders.

 

Ka'van let the corners of his mouth twitch, waiting, deciding if he should comment further.

 

“Wait, a second... you are teasing me!”

 

“I am, she appears to be a good kid. The Force knows the Order needs more lively people within its ranks.” He gave the bridge another critical scan. “What are you doing here today? Aside from your orders to 'keep me?'” Ka'van looked down at her grinning. If she wasn't covered in fur he knew she would be blushing, furiously.

 

“Well I...”

 

“Would you like to accompany me? There are ruins at the base of Voss-Ka that I do like to explore when I am here.”

 

“Do you come here often?”

 

“I do, I enjoy this planet, I come here when I need to relax.” Ka'van pulled his black hood up over his head. “They are at the base of the mountain, I can explore the ones farther away another time.”

 

“Think I can't handle myself?”

 

“Not at all, some find the exploration of dusty ruins dull and boring. I was wanting to spare you an overly academic evening.”

 

Syarra grinned fangs flashing. “I can handle some dusty ruins. Lead on.”

 

 

~*~

 

“So, what are you looking for exactly?” Syarra brought her hand to her nose, stifling a sneeze as they moved through the disturbed dust. The kicked up particles floating through the air around them.

 

Ka'van looked back at her over his shoulder. “There are carvings here that I would like to get a copy of.”

 

“Oh, what kind of carvings?” She lost the fight and a high pitched sneeze escaped. “Geeze,” she muttered, “this dust is ridiculous.”

 

“Here,” Ka'van reached into his robe pocket, pulling out a black bit of cloth. He handed it to her, lips upturned in a repressed smile. “You can keep it I have others.”

 

“Thanks,” she reached out grabbing the cloth. It was surprisingly soft. Opening it up, she noticed an ornately monogrammed Dorn symbol. She ran her thumb claw over the rich burgundy thread. “Dorn?” she questioned.

 

His head nodded, as he stepped under a broken piece of masonry. “Darksun, family surname.” He paused to study a broken carving on the wall, long fingers tracing the ancient carving. “I think it's over this way.”

 

“Family name,” Syarra muttered, “Jax had mentioned you were a foundling.”

 

Ka'van chuckled, “I am, and I was given the name of the family that found me.” He looked over his shoulder, “I still talk to them. I am very proud to have been given their name.”

 

“Oh,” Syarra looked at the black monogrammed handkerchief in her hand. “Do you want this back?”

 

No,” Ka'van shook his head. “You can keep it, I do have others. Besides,” he grinned, “you need it more than I do in here.”

 

Syarra shook her head getting ready to protest when her shoulders dipped, her head flying forward as another sneeze echoed through the still calm of the ancient ruin.

 

Ka'van laughed, shaking his head as he turned walking deeper into the subterranean room.

 

“It is not funny,” Syarra muttered, bringing the satiny cloth to her nose.

 

“Oh, no of course not.” Ka'van's grin grew wider. “We should be close now.”

 

“You know where you are going in here?” She looked around at the dusty chamber, its green crystals hanging from ancient chains, casting a verde tinted glow.

 

“I do, kind of. I was told the location of what I am looking for.”

 

“What are you looking for exactly in here?” Syarra dropped her hand as she followed behind.

 

“Ahh, this.” Ka'van stopped in front of a large hand carved table mounted on the wall, a thin layer of dust covered it. He glanced back over his shoulder, grinning. “Might want to use that,” he gestured towards her.

 

Syarra moved her hand to her nose, barely getting the black material to her nose before Ka'van blew, sending a massive thick cloud into the stagnant air. Bringing her hand up to her face, she closed her azure eyes as she ducked her head. Waving her hand she straightened, mouth firmly shut. Creeping closer she stood at Ka'van's shoulder. His long fingers reached out, gently brushing away the stubborn remnants of years of collected dust. She looked at the foreign characters, the entire tablet was covered in them in neat orderly rows running from right to left, or maybe left to right. “What is that?” she asked and instantly regretted it when dust coated her mouth.

 

“Do you know much about this planet?” Ka'van asked as he bent forward, gently blowing as his blue eyes closed. Another puff of dust blew into the air.

 

Syarra shook her head, “Not a lot, just that it is painfully neutral. There are the two warring species and that lovely place called the Nightmare Lands.”

 

Ka'van opened his eyes, turning to face her. “Tread carefully if you have to head there, it's not a place to be taken lightly.”

 

She nodded, “I will.”

 

His dark blue eyes focused on her, intently watching her. “I am quite serious, it is dangerous.”

 

Syarra nodded again, “I will be careful, I promise.” She flashed him a toothy smile. “So what exactly am I looking at here?”

 

“Well,” Ka'van reached out, fingers tracing a carving. “This is part of their history that they were recently reminded of. They did not take to kindly to it. I want to expand on the information that we currently have, not to further aggravate our hosts but for personal use.”

 

“What did they not like?” she stepped closer, handkerchief firmly planted over her nose and mouth.

 

“Being reminded of the fact that they and the Gormak were once one and the same.”

 

“Really. How is that possible?”

 

“Years ago, how many thousand I am not sure. There were Sith that landed here. I know that the Jedi soon followed, the Jedi tried to use the native species against the Sith and something happened. The indigenous people were somehow split into the two races we see today.”

 

“How do you know that?”

 

“Tablet much like this one.” Ka'van stood extending his arms over his head. “Might want to back up a bit, it's going to get a bit dusty.”

 

Syarra nodded backing up as a cloud of dust blew away from the huge wall carving. Stifling a sneeze she watched as the air shifted around them, carrying the small contained cloud away from them. Before them the wall was nearly cleaned off, a few carvings still harboring stubborn pockets of dirt. Waving her hand before her, she studied the newly cleared off wall. “You missed a few spots.”

 

“Eh,” Ka'van shrugged, fingers dipping into a carving gently removing the dust. “Was trying to be considerate. If you want more dust in the air I would be happy to oblige.”

 

“No, that is quite alright. So what does it say?”

 

“Not really sure. I am going to scan it, get a copy. Take a few stills, too. I do have a translator on my datapad. After I get back to Voss-Ka I was going to let it run, relax and see what I found.” Ka'van reached into his robe pocket pulling out his datapad. A quiet beep floated through the air as a red beam of light flowed over the massive wall carving. It scanned from right to left and then from the bottom to the top.

 

“What exactly are you looking for here?” Syarra stepped backwards, trying to get into a space that didn't have the stubborn fine particles floating in the air.

 

“I am trying to find out why this city was abandoned. It is ancient and seems to have been abandoned for no determinable reason.” Ka'van depressed a button and a click echoed. Stepping backwards he picked the device up higher a couple more clicks followed as he moved the datapad before the carved wall. “I want to find out why, they seemed to leave behind pieces of their history in the ancient buildings and since they have effectively been left alone, the tablets are still here, pretty much undisturbed.”

 

Dust dislodged from the carved ceiling beam, filtering down onto Syarra's head followed by small pieces of chipped masonry. Frowning she looked up at the ceiling. “Not very nice.” She waved at the newly disturbed dust, as she stepped away from the trickling debris.

 

“I didn't do that.” Ka'van looked up at the ceiling.

 

More tiny shards of broken rock dropped down, bouncing along the floor, leaving small skipping trails through the disturbed dust covering the large tiles. “If you didn't do that then what did?”

 

“Good question,” Ka'van squinted as his blue eyes scanned the ceiling. A large grating groan rolled through the air, sending another shower of rocks to the floor. “There hasn't been any fighting around here that involved heavy munitions, what is causing...”

 

A shuddering roar sounded, a thick rain of dirt and masonry choked debris fell darkening the air around her. A surprised yowl left her lips when a large piece of masonry hit her shoulder and fell dragging itself down her chest and then she was moving. She felt her body being pulled towards Ka'van. He grabbed her with one arm as the other shot out above him. She was barely able to make out the glimmer of a quickly forming Force field around them as the debris cloud grew. Looking above her Syarra saw the main support beam crack and shift, freeing itself as it tumbled towards them. “Oh frack... Ka'van...”

 

“On it,” he grunted as his other hand left her waist and shot upward.

 

The beam slowly shifted twisting upwards as rocks continued to fall. The freed rocks bouncing off the flickering shield, skittering across the shifting surface. Another groan rolled through the air; followed by the teeth rattling crash of rock slamming into the floor. Amazed she watched the displaced rocks lift off the cracked tiles; floating, hovering as they slowly lifted upward. Looking up at Ka'van she watched eyes wide; the only evidence of the strain he was under was a dotting of sweat on his brow.

 

Hesitating she sank to her knees. Watching Ka'van she wasn't sure how to help and didn't want to risk disturbing his concentration. She watched his blue eyes close as the cracked beam slowly rotated, sliding back into the ceiling with a fur-raising scr@ping. As it settled back into position the other floating chunks of masonry drifted upward, slowly rotating as they moved back into place. Piece by fractured piece the beam was painstakingly repaired. A deep groan pulled her attention away from the work Ka'van was doing to the overhead beam.

 

Across the room a broken ceiling beam was lifting off the floor, years of accumulated dust and litter dropping off onto the floor as it moved through the air towards them. The beam rotated, as it became vertical its broken leading edge was pushed under the newly patched together ceiling beam. Ka'van's hand moved and the bottom of the beam scraped, groaning as it was pushed into the cracked flooring tiles. His hand moved, brow furrowing as the beam continued to grind into the shattered flooring, complaining as it was forced upright completely upright, perfectly perpendicular.

 

“Is it safe?”

 

Ka'van's eyes opened. He looked down at her, nodding. “Should be.”

 

Syarra snorted, “Well that's rather comforting, should be.” Standing she dusted her armor off, wincing when she hit her chest.

 

“Wasn't trying to be comforting. The ceiling should hold now, the break is repaired and the beam is bracing the weight.” Ka'van turned towards her, “Not sure what caused it, though it seems to be the common way the beams here fail,” he gestured to the far side of the room, the broken ceiling beams barely visible in the shadowed alcove.

 

“Well if you are done digging around in this dust hole I would like to leave.” Syarra frowned.

Ka'van nodded, wiping his dust covered brow on his robe sleeve. “After you, I think I have what I need. If I don't I can return another day.”

 

“Good, I think I have gotten my fill of ruins for the day.”

 

“We are not that far in, come.” Ka'van stepped past her, eyebrow quirked when she hadn't followed him. Swallowing back an aggravated growl she stepped in front of him, ignoring the pain in her right side and shoulder. Quickly she moved through the large inner room, retracing their dusty foot prints. As she ascended the ancient stairs she stopped swallowing a curse. Before her was another blasted ceiling beam. It was covered in large rocks. A dull green glow escaping from the rubble pile, illuminating how thoroughly blocked the way was.

 

“Well that is most inconvenient,” Ka'van muttered.

 

“No kidding,” Syarra's azure eyes rolled. Her hand drifted to her saber.

 

“Don't,” Ka'van's hand rested on her shoulder, “don't, I have a feeling you are more a hands on, fight things head on, kind of girl. You try to smash your way through those rocks you will bring them down on our heads. I don't think either of us will be getting out of here then.”

 

“So we are trapped?” her fur flicking in aggravation. “What are we supposed to do just sit here and wait. With my luck I won’t even be able to get a signal out of here.”

 

Ka'van shook his head, “Not trapped, just merely delayed.” His eyes scanned the rubble blocking the staircase. “I will be able to clear it, I just need a few moments.”

 

“Alright,” she sat down on a cracked step, growling when she hit her side.

 

“What happened to you?” Ka'van knelt before her.

 

“Oh I got hit by some of the falling ceiling. I am fine.”

 

“You don't look like you are fine,” Ka'van's eyes closed briefly before reopening, a frown forming on his lips. “You are hurt.”

 

“I'm fine really.” Syarra leaned away from him. “Really I am fine. I will look at it when we get back to the city.”

 

Ka'van's brow furrowed, “You are not fine, you are hurt, you are in pain.”

 

“Fine, I am, what can you do about it?”

 

“I can tend to your wounds.”

 

Syarra's eyes narrowed as she stared at the kneeling Human. He did look genuinely concerned, but she had gotten rather good at patching up run-of-the-mill scrapes and bruises by herself. Plus she really wanted out of this damn dusty dungeon and wasn't in the mood to deal with any advances.

 

“Here,” Ka'van's fingers unlaced his shirt, before he slid his robe off his arms, the black material pooling behind him on the staircase. Quickly he removed his shirt handing it to her. “I will give you a moment to change. If you need help with your armour I will help you.” Ka'van stood, picking up his robe as he turned and descended down the staircase, his pale skin out of place in the darkened ruin.

 

As Ka'van's footfalls faded Syarra reached over, gritting her teeth as she began to unbuckle her leatheris chestpiece. Inspecting its scuffed surface she frowned, the shoulder was ripped, the edges bloody. A trailing series of scuffed marks dropped down the right side ending above her hip. Gingerly she touched her hip, a sharp pain shot through her. “Damn it,” she growled. She was injured worse than she thought. Shrugging on the oversized cream coloured shirt she shook her head. “Might as well get this over with,” she muttered.

 

She moved down the stairs looking for her fellow Jedi, he was sitting a respectable distance away, elbows on his knees, head bent forward, his ginger hair hanging. Syarra moved to stand next to him clutching her shed armour. Ka'van looked up at her, through his loose hair.

 

“Have a seat,” he gestured to the stone slab he was sitting on.

 

Frowning she sat down next to him, setting her leatheris armour at her feet.

 

“Are you alright?” Ka'van looked at her his hand hovering over his lap.

 

“Yeah, just fine.” Syarra bit.

 

“Hmm,” he hummed under his breath. “Well I am going to take a look now.” His fingers reached out brushing over her right shoulder, causing her to suck in a sharp intake of breath. His hand moved slowly down her side, barely touching her. When his hand came to a hovering stop over her hip he leaned closer. “Can I take a closer look? Move the shirt?”

 

“Fine,” she snarled.

 

Ka'van jerked, his eyes leaving her side as they jumped to her face. Puzzled he looked at her, his ginger brows bunching as he studied her face. Slowly his attention returned to her side. Picking up the edge of the shirt his fingers touched her bruised hip, eliciting a sharp hiss. Slowly he pushed the shirt upward, fingers gently parting the yellow fur along her side. Pausing whenever he caused her to flinch or hiss.

 

“Could you take your arm out of the shirt, I would like to look at that shoulder. It is bleeding.” Ka'van asked, his voice soft.

 

Nodding her head she slipped it out of the borrowed shirt, surprised at the red blooming stain that was spreading down the sleeve. Holding the shirt against her chest she held her arm up.

 

“Thank you,” Ka'van murmured as his head bent closer. Careful fingers probed the bleeding injury. A hand disappeared, going to his belt. “This won’t take but a moment.” Ka'van's eyes closed as he gently laid his hand upon her shoulder. Syarra closed her eyes when she was hit with a cool building warmth, her skin itched as it was slowly knitted back together. The sensation trickled down her side, the itching followed closely behind ending at her hip. Then the warmth faded, disappearing.

 

Opening her eyes she noticed that Ka'van had moved further away. His elbows had returned to his knees as those dark blue eyes studied her.

 

“You are not that mad at me are you? I did not cause the cave-in.”

 

“I know you didn't.” Syarra frowned as she returned her arm to the bloody shirt sleeve. “It's not that...”

 

“Then what? Such hostility is unexpected, it was a genuine offer to help. Or are you always so against assistance?”

 

“No,” Syarra sighed, the explosive burst of air blowing through her parted lips. “No, suppose I am just conditioned. I just really don't like my medic. I tend to forget they are not all like him and since we have slept together...”

 

“What?” Ka'van's face down-turned in a disgusted frown. “Did you think was some ploy to sleep with you? That is ridiculous, I would never do that. Besides you are not even interested in that right now. *Why would I even try to force myself on you?” He shifted next to her, twisting to face her. “Does your medic pull that karking nonsense?”

 

Syarra nodded, “All the time.”

 

“Who is your medic?”

 

“Your favorite Pest,” she frowned.

 

“I should have picked him up by his facial hair,” Ka'van muttered. “Not supposed to abuse your position like that, how is he still able to practice?”

 

Syarra shrugged, “There is a war going on. He does know what he is doing, I just can't stand his thick-skulled stupidity.”

 

“Yeah,” Ka'van muttered. “Well no one should put up with that, I can be your medic if you want. I have been tending to your brother's injuries for quite sometime.”

 

“Maybe, I will consider it.” She rolled her shoulder. “It was refreshing though.”

 

“Hmm, what is that?”

 

“The fact that you didn't make a pass at me, call me pet names or encourage me to take off more clothing.”

 

A low growl filled the still air as Ka'van's hand clenched, his knuckles popping. “It might be a good idea to keep him away from me for a while.”

 

“Oh I don't think that will be a problem, I do have Kira running interference. Well I do once we finally get out of here.” She looked up at the blocked staircase.

 

“Oh yes, you are supposed to be working on keeping me. Did you cause the cave-in, hmmm?” Ka'van's eyebrow quirked as a smile ghosted across his lips.

 

“No,” Syarra snorted. “I definitely didn't cause this mess. I would rather not be trapped in here right now.”

 

“Well it would have been a rather clever ruse.” Ka'van leaned over picking up his robe. Slowly he stood, patting an unseen pocket before shaking out the black material. He stumbled to the side, catching himself with a growling head shake.

 

Syarra bolted to her feet, grabbing the listing Jedi, Ka'van leaned against her. “Sorry,” he muttered. He straightened, “I am getting cold. Sorry.” Ka'van slipped his left arm into his robe as he slumped against Syarra again. She reached over bringing the robe across his back holding it up so he could slip his right arm into the sleeve.

 

“It's alright, you should probably sit back down.” She gently grabbed him by his shoulders steering him back to the rock slab. Leaning heavily against her he lowered his body down to the slab, his unfastened robe hanging open. Syarra diverted her eyes, forcing herself to not look at the pale chiseled skin on display. “Take it easy for a while.”

 

Nodding Ka'van closed his eyes. With a grunt he pushed his body off the stone slab, landing with a huff onto the floor. “I just need a moment, then I can work on clearing the staircase.”

 

“A moment?” Syarra snorted. “Ka'van you are exhausted, you don't need the Force to see that. You need some sleep.” She shifted on the slab, eyes scanning the ceiling. “If it is going to hold, why don't you try to get a nap, I will watch over you.”

 

“Will you?” Ka'van looked up at her, “You are not going to try to clear that mess are you?”

 

Syarra bit her lip as she looked at the floor. “Umm no...”

 

Ka'van chuckled, “That is what I thought. Please don't touch it, you can bring down more of the ceiling if you are not careful.”

 

“Alright,” Syarra sighed, “I won’t mess with it.”

 

Ka'van closed his eyes leaning back against the rock slab. “So are you really going to try to keep me? Or is your rather enthusiastic apprentice equally optimistic? I had thought it was a casual evening, with the potential of another?”

 

“It was,” Syarra slid off the slab resting beside him on the dusty floor. “I hadn't really thought about it. I do have your holofrequency though.”

 

“Do you?” Ka'van clutched his robe shut as he set his head on top of the stone. “So when will I be expecting the pleasure of your call?”

 

“About a month and a half or so, that is still okay isn't it?”

 

“It is. It was what we discussed. Though since we have already exchanged names, I am not sure what we are going to do if you call me for another rendezvous.” Ka'van rolled his head, cracking open his eye. “Which is truly a pity, I was going to call you out on being the Hero during our third meeting.”

 

“You knew!”

 

Ka'van chuckled, “Of course I knew.”

 

Her brow arched, as her eyes narrowed.

 

Laughter rolled out of his throat, “I didn't, I figured it out a few weeks later.” He shrugged, “I will admit I was curious and there are so few Cathar in the Order so I decided to look.”

 

“You looked me up huh?”

 

He nodded, his head rolling against the stone,“I did. Hope that did not anger you. It's not like your brother was very forthcoming in details about you. He mentioned once, months ago, that he had a sibling in the Order. In all honesty I wasn't even aware it was a sister, well maybe I was.” He shifted his back against the stone slab. “We had been drinking during a sabaac game, when we started talking about our families. I will admit there are quite a few things I forgot that evening and he never really did broach the subject again. I guess that is my fault though, I don't like to talk about my family.” He closed his eyes sighing, “I never thought to bring it up again, I guessed if he had wanted to tell me more he could, when he wanted too. I don't really blame him for not reminding me he had a sister. Considering my reputation, I'm sure he did it to try and protect you.”

 

“Is your reputation really that bad? I mean I haven't really heard anyone talk bad about you on Tython.”

 

“Yes it is actually, I don't exactly see eye to eye with many of the Masters on the Council. That is why I am rarely on that planet. I prefer to spend my downtime away from them, I only return when Council business demands that I be in attendance. Throw in my casual attitude about sexual relations; which has caused me countless headaches due to the lectures I have been given.” Ka'van cracked open his eye looking at her. “You can see how well I have listened.” He shook his head, “I do doubt that I would be considered a keeper by any member of the Order. I don't think I would want to be kept guy, I do like how my life is.”

 

“That doesn't bother me, that casual attitude. Plus, I have also had my fair share of lectures about emotional attachment, especially to my family. As you can see I don't listen very well.” Syarra sighed, shaking her head.

 

“I have seen that, I do approve. Family is important.”

 

“Good, glad we have gotten that out of the way.” Syarra smiled. “Once we get the stairs cleared off we can get out of here and I won't have to worry about you hitting on me.” She winked nudging him gently in the side, “The last thing I want right now is anything that resembles a relationship.”

 

A quiet smile graced his lips, “Good, I am definitely not looking for a relationship either. Though I do believe it is your turn to hit on me.” She watched his tired blue eyes flutter closed. “I am looking forward to it, your companionship is very enjoyable. When will I get to expect your call?”

 

“About eight weeks or so.” Syarra's grin widened as she watched his head roll backwards. “I will holo when I feel my cycle coming on.”

 

“Oh,” he murmured, “I would like that. Very much. A nice meeting, without the fear of a pesky relationship forming.” A quiet sigh blew past his lips, “Sounds like a very lovely arrangement. I just don't want to aggravate your brother.”

 

“Don't worry about my brother I will deal with him.” Syarra smiled at Ka'van as a quiet snore filled the air. Reaching out she brushed his loose ginger locks off his face. Quietly she stood, her fingers lightly encircling her saber hilt as she moved to inspect the space around them, a protective sentry as her fellow Jedi slept.

 

~*~

 

“Are you sure you are alright?” Syarra rested her hand on his shoulder.

 

Ka'van nodded, promptly stifling a yawn. “I am.”

 

“Are you sure? Now that the stairs are cleared I don't feel so trapped. We can wait here again.” She looked down the darkened stairwell.

 

“Now that is tempting, sleeping on dust-covered, rubble-strewn flagstones is so comfortable.” Ka'van looked down the stairs.

 

Syarra elbowed him sharply in the ribs.

 

“Oh I'm quite serious.” The corners of Ka'van's mouth twitched upward in a nearly repressed smile. *“I don't know about you but I love getting centuries old dust out of my clothing and hair.

 

Her elbow returned as her azure eyes rolled.

 

The smile won and flashed as laughter erupted out of Ka'van's throat. He pulled his unfastened robe tighter across his body. “As enjoyable as this little trip has been I would like to get back to the city and sleep in a proper bed. I have a room above the cantina and I am looking forward to a hot shower and a warm dinner.” Straightening he rolled his shoulders extending his arms over his head, reopening his robe. “Besides if we stay here to long people will start to panic and start looking for us. I have never understood why,” Ka'van shook his head, “Jedi can take care of themselves.”

 

As if speaking of other sentient beings summoned them, his holocom began vibrating in his pocket.

 

“Too late huh?” Syarra asked, frowning.

 

“Apparently, I am sure you will be next.” Ka'van sighed. “Come on let's go. Hopefully my ability to hide the speeder was adequate and it is still there waiting for us. I really don't know if I am up to walking back to Voss-Ka.”

 

“You do look pretty tired.” Syarra glanced up the stairs, “It looks like it is still light out. Let’s hurry, I'm sure the speeder is still here.” She shot him a toothy grin as she stepped upon the newly cleared step.

 

Ka'van stifled another yawn. “Lead on.”

 

She moved quietly ascending the stairs on the balls of her feet, her hand loosely gripping her saber hilt. As they passed through the archaic doorway, they were greeted with bright sunlight filtering through the ruins.

 

Ka'van shielded his eyes looking to the late afternoon sky. The sun was quickly approaching the horizon; the evening sky blushing with the beginnings of sunset. “How long did you let me sleep?”

 

Syarra shrugged, “A while, you were tired. I didn't see any reason to wake you up. Figured as long as the ceiling didn't decide to fall on us again, we were safe.”

 

Ka'van nodded and then brought his hand up to stifle yet another yawn.

 

“Apparently I didn't let you sleep long enough.”

 

Ka'van shook his head, “No, you did, I was able move the debris off the staircase. Let’s get back.” He moved off to the thick underbrush near the ancient building's entrance. There sat his speeder untouched. “Oh good,” he muttered, “the Voss do get a bit cranky when their rental speeders disappear.” Ka'van reached out picking up a heavy branch. With a grunt he tossed it back into the underbrush. Bending over he brushed off the accumulated leaf litter before opening the leatheris saddle bag; reaching behind him he silently asked for her damaged armour. Handing it to him she stepped closer, patiently waiting. Once it was secure he swung his leg over the speeder and patted the seat behind him.

 

Syarra slid onto the seat behind him, her hands wrapping around his waist. Ka'van sucked in a sharp breath as those velvety soft fingers slipped along his sides. Holding his breath he tried to repress a shiver.

 

“What’s the matter?” Syarra asked as she leaned forward, her hands again ghosted along his sides.

 

Ka'van snorted as he curled his back forward, trying to lessen her grip on his sides. “That tickles.”

 

“What does? This?” Syarra ran her fingertips up along his bare skin, the soft pads of her fingers barely touching as they ghosted up his sides.

 

“Yes,” he jerked curling his body up over the speeder’s handle bars. “Please stop.”

 

“You're ticklish?” She leaned forward her fingers following him as they continued to roam his sides barely touching his skin.

 

“Yes, please Syarra stop.” Ka'van shifted on the speeder, his left foot touching the ground.

 

Her grip tightened, those soft fingers creating a closer contact with his skin and Ka'van sighed relaxing. The ghosting sensation gone. “I am sorry I didn't realize.” He heard the hint of a smile in her voice, Ka'van looked back over his shoulder she was sitting upright smiling, her eyes sparkling.

 

He bit his lip as he watched her, he didn't like how that smile sat upon her lips. “You are not going to do that again while I am driving are you?”

 

“Oh no,” She shook her head, her smiling widening. “Not while you are driving.”

 

“Wonderful,” Ka'van muttered, shaking his head. “Just wonderful.” He sighed. “Let me guess gives me something to look forward to huh?” he dryly sighed.

 

Her only answer was a giggle.

 

Ka'van shook his head as he straightened. Her hands tightened their grip, her claw tips dimpling his sides. Activating the speeder Ka'van slowly pulled it out of the protective but thick brush, when the bike was clear he accelerated. The autumnal landscape became a became a golden blur as the wind whipped across his face, behind him he felt Syarra shift closer. Glancing over his shoulder he saw the top of her chestnut maned head tucked up against his back. Returning his attention to the path he gunned the accelerator, ignoring the wind blowing against his bare chest.

 

He smiled as the lofty city of Voss-Ka appeared, punching the accelerator and engaging the repulsorlifters as he urged the speeder up the rocky trail. As they neared the awaiting taxi pad he finally decelerated, coming to a stop next to the waiting droid.

 

“Showing off a bit were you?” Syarra grinned as she slid off the back of the speeder.

 

“Maybe a little,” Ka'van smiled as he stood swinging his leg over. He pulled his robe shut, only to frown when it fluttered back open. Shaking his head he turned to look at Syarra, she was rolling her shoulders. “How's your shoulder feeling?”

 

“Feels great actually. Thanks.” Syarra stepped closer her hands reaching up grabbing his open robe. “I don't think it is going to stay closed.”

 

“Probably not, doesn't matter though, we are back. I will be headed to my room shortly.” Ka'van scanned the taxi pad, noting the lack of activity. “It is rather quiet, we might be able to get back without anyone bothering us.”

 

“There they are!” A loud voice exclaimed a voice that was attached to a rather relieved redheaded apprentice. Ka'van frowned, following the young woman was the Raven-haired Pest.

 

“Apparently not,” Ka'van muttered.

 

“Oh it's not that bad, they were worried.” Syarra quietly admonished. She let go of the front of his robe, cracking a toothy grin when it fluttered back open.

 

“What happened to you two?” Kira ran up to them. “I never expected you to be gone longer than the afternoon.”

 

“We have been gone longer than the afternoon?” Ka'van looked to Syarra his blue eyes questioning.

 

“Umm yeah, I decided you needed sleep.” Syarra shrugged. “You were tired.”

 

“We spent the night in there?”

 

“Yeah, we did. Like I said, you were tired.”

 

“Tired?” Kira eyeballed the two of them, her critical blue gaze jumping and forth between the Jedi. “What were the two of you doing in there?”

 

Syarra snorted, rolling her eyes. “Take it easy we were caught by a cave-in, twice.”

 

“A cave-in?” Kira's eyes moved to Syarra, they widened as her hands reached out, touching the angry dark red dried blood on her borrowed shirt. “You're hurt!”

 

“You're hurt?” The Pest took that moment to actually join the conversation. “Let me see, good ol' Doc will patch you up.” He took a step closer to Syarra, his hands reaching for her shoulder.

 

“That really won’t be necessary.” Syarra scowled backing up a half step.

 

The Human's black brows furrowed as he looked at the shirt, “Who's shirt is this, what happened?”

 

Ka'van watched her fur flinch and roll as the Human's hands grew closer; her disdain in the Force palpable. “Honestly, Doc I don't need you to look at anything.” Syarra growled.

 

Ka'van stepped between the two of them, putting his tall frame in the way. “It is mine and you are not touching her.”

 

“Yours... and what do you mean I'm not touching her, I am her medic. I take good care of my Jedi.”

 

“You do seem to be hard of hearing, I believe this is the second time I have informed you that you are inadequate, that you are not able to take care of her needs.” Ka'van shifted before him, narrowing his eyes as he stared at the medic.

 

“What! How can you say that?” The Pest sputtered. “How dare you... who do you think you are?” He finally looked up, actually seeing Ka'van's face. “You... you are that damn spacer. What are you even doing here? How dare you tell me that, how dare you!”

 

“How dare I?” Ka'van smiled, “It is rather easy actually. You are not going to be touching Syarra, her wounds have been tended too.”

 

“Tended to. I doubt that!” The Pest snorted, “How can some spacer have a better medical knowledge than I do. Come on gorgeous, let’s get you back to the ship so I can patch you up.”

 

Ka'van shook his head, “Hard of hearing. You really should get it checked, if you are such a good medic I recommend you running some tests. Here let me explain things to you. I healed Syarra. I am not a spacer, not unless spacers have started carrying and using lightsabers. I am a Master of the Order and you will no longer be responsible for Syarra's medical treatment.” Ka'van took another step closer to him, causing the Pest to unconsciously back step.

 

“You're a Jedi... but you...” he looked from Syarra to Ka'van. “A Jedi, but how...”

 

“Quite easy see, when you possess the ability to manipulate the Force you normally receive training.” Ka'van smiled. “Take my advice listen to me, don't try to touch her again.” Ka'van took another step forward. “She is my patient now.”

 

“You're another Jedi...” the Pest trailed off. “But she is wearing your clothes, what were the two of you doing?”

 

“Does it matter?” Ka'van turned walking to the speeder, he opened the leatheris bag and removed Syarra's chestpiece. “Here my dear, a good leatheris worker should be able to get the blood stains out.” He walked back to Syarra, ignoring her apprentice whose hands were currently clamped firmly over her mouth to stifle the laughter he felt her radiating through the Force. He winked at Kira which caused her eyes to widen. Handing it over to the Cathar he smiled. “I'm tired I am headed to bed.”

 

“Thank you.” Syarra tucked the chestpiece under her arm.

 

“You are most welcome. Be careful during your stay here. Maybe I will see you again before you depart the planet.” Ka'van gave her a huge genuine smile, his white teeth flashing.

 

“Ka'van wait.” Syarra reached out, grabbing his hand.

 

“Hmm?” he questioned his copper brow arching.

 

She stepped closer as her hand went to his lightly stubbled cheek. Leaning forward she quickly kissed his cheek. “Thank you,” she smiled as her hand returned to her side.

 

“Anytime my dear.” He turned walking towards the cantina and his bed; stifling a grin when he heard the confused Pest continue to mutter, the spacer is a Jedi?

 

 

 

AN

 

I use the 5 day week with 7 weeks in a month that is found in the SW universe.

 

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@Jestina: LOL, I wondered if anyone would suspect who the mystery woman was in the first piece. Good for you! As for Jax, he's in a tough spot.....he loves his sister, but doesn't want to lose his friend either. Not an easy situation, but he'll do his best to get through it......with a lot of grumbling I'm sure. ;)

 

@Lunafox: Oh you are a brave soul for reading the Tumblr version!! I certainly liked it, but I'm still feeling the shame for posting that sucker! :o Naughty Ka'van indeed and nope, I didn't lie when I said you'd be seeing more of him. :D

 

 

Chapter 4

 

Spoiler Alert: Spoilers for the ending of JK Act 3.

 

“Thank you, sir,” the old Nautolan beamed, accepting the credit chit from the young Human he assumed was a spacer. “I’ll contact you as soon as the boots are ready…..should be in just a couple of days.”

 

“Good. I should still be on planet then.”

 

The tall figure strode from the shop, giving an wave at the proprietor on his way out. He stopped just outside the doorway, tucking back an errant lock of ginger hair that the light breeze blew in his face as he marveled at how different the Old Galactic Market was from when he’d been tasked with a mission there. Gone were the sounds of blaster fire, gone were the vagrants sleeping in the alley, and the only CorSec officer he could see was near the Dealer’s Den…..a likely necessity due to the clientele that typically favored the cantina. His blue eyes closed as he took a moment to savor the smells of rich new leatheris. They popped open again when he felt a newly acquired yet familiar Force signature. Ducking into the shadows, he looked around again, this time focusing on the many people milling around. Tinkling laughter caught his attention and a second later, he spotted three young women chatting as they made their way along the main sidewalk, one of which was the yellow furred beauty he’d spent a very pleasurable couple of nights with a few months ago, much to the annoyance of his best friend who also happened to be her brother.

 

The Jedi Knight was with her energetic redheaded pupil and another Cathar he didn’t know. His blue eyes raked over her striking figure, pleased to see Syarra Roark was dressed casually instead of being decked out in the usual Jedi attire most members of their Order felt naked without. In fact, the only clue to her membership the Order was the lightsaber hilt clipped to the side of her boot, but that’s not what had his attention. A smile crossed his handsome features as his gaze traveled upwards, appreciating the soft brown leatheris pants molded to her long legs as well as the matching jacket that was open enough to see the low cut, figure hugging top underneath that left little to the imagination. However he didn’t need to use his imagination at all to know exactly what that statuesque Cathar looked like without a stitch on and he mentally counted out the weeks since he’d spent the afternoon with her on Voss. If memory serves, I should be hearing from the Captain’s lovely sister any day now, he realized and curious as to what she was up to, he stayed in the shadows, straining his ears to listen as they slowly got closer to him.

 

“Just think, in a couple of days, you’ll be on Nar Shaddaa getting your first assignment.” Syarra flashed her long lost ‘cousin’ a knowing grin, then lowered her voice as her former Padawan paused to look at a window display, a wistful look on her pale face. “You excited to be back to work for the SIS?”

 

“Yeah, I’ve missed it a lot actually,” the brown furred Cathar replied softly after checking to see if the third member of their party was listening. Satisfied the redhead was out of earshot and that her attention would be occupied for a few minutes, “But since Natasha Roark is a new agent in the field, it’s a pretty basic assignment…..nothing undercover. There’s been some rumors going around concerning the Hutt Cartel that Jonas wants to further investigate and I’ll be backing him up.”

 

“Anything the Order should be worried about?”

 

“Not sure…...Jonas didn’t want to go into detail over the com. Just told me to meet him on Nar Shaddaa as soon as I could get there. I booked my shuttle after he called yesterday and I’m still waiting to hear back from him.”

 

“Well you’re family now…..and I don’t mean just because of your new DNA. Just promise me you’ll be careful okay,” Syarra nodded, having gotten close to the agent who was once Human over the past month.

 

“I will,” Natasha promised, “What about you? The Order have any plans for you and your crew anytime soon?”

 

“Nope,” Syarra shook her head, her brow furrowing a little, “and I’m a bit surprised actually. I thought with the fighting still going on Ilum that we’d be sent there for sure.”

 

“Maybe the Council thought you needed a break after the assault on the Dark Temple,” Natasha shrugged, “I mean taking down the Emperor was no easy thing…...you guys deserve some serious down time after that, especially considering two of your crew spent time in kolto tanks after the attack.”

 

“That’s what I figured as well and I’m not complaining really…...just don’t like being idle too long.”

 

“Me either…...I swear I was going frakking crazy in that safehouse while the trial was going on and that was only for a week!” Natasha snorted. “Is everyone back in shape?”

 

“Kira’s doing alright, her injuries healed quickly and we’ve been sparring a few times a week to keep our skills up. Sergeant Rusk is still going through physical therapy at the military complex and his new arm is taking some getting used to, but he swears he’s back at one hundred percent. Doc says he should be cleared for duty by the end of the week.”

 

Natasha rolled her azure eyes at the mention of Syarra’s medic, “How’d you manage to get him to stop coming by the apartment anyways? You do a mind trick on him? Not that I’m upset he hasn’t been around…...one more cheesy pick up line and I was going to plant my knee in his nuts.”

 

Syarra laughed as that visual entered her mind, “Oh stars, you should have! I swear that man just doesn’t have any clue whatsoever. But no, I didn’t do any mind tricks on him. He’s actually been volunteering at one of the refugee shelters. They always need good medics and despite his shortcomings, Doc is very good at what he does.”

 

“That’s one point in his favor then,” Natasha admitted reluctantly, “but he’s still lucky Aric wasn’t around that day I met him.”

 

“Now that would’ve been entertaining to see,” Syarra giggled, then her grin broadened as she thought of something, “So…..any chance a certain Spec Forces Captain is going to be on Nar Shaddaa while you’re there?”

 

“Aric will get there the day after I arrive,” Natasha confirmed, unable to keep from smiling at the thought, “Unfortunately he’ll only be on planet for a couple of days. It’s all Zevryn could swing right now and even that was a stretch until he reminded General Garza that they’d been on Ilum for nearly two months straight and that his picky demo guy prefers to get ordinance from outside sources on Nar Shaddaa.”

 

“That stinks Natasha,” Syarra’s smile turned pitying, but then a mischievous glint shone in her eye as she went on, “You’ll just have to skip the formalities and head for the bedroom at Jax’s place right away.”

 

“We’d planned on it since technically we’re not even dating yet. We’ll just skip the HoloVid though,” Natasha smirked, “And speaking of quality time in the bedroom…….I noticed your scent’s a little stronger. Your cycle coming?”

 

“Yep, should be here tomorrow.”

 

“Well then, you’d better give a certain Jedi Master a call.”

 

“I dunno,” she shrugged nonchalantly, her smile wavering a little as her friend caught back up to them.

 

“It’s not like you to be so hesitant Syarra,” Kira observed, having heard that last exchange, “and not to be blunt, but your clock is ticking so to speak.”

 

“Kira’s got a point,” Natasha agreed, giving her cousin an encouraging smile, “I thought you’d already made arrangements the last time you saw him.”

 

“Sorta…….but what if he was just being polite?” Syarra bit her lip, a sharp fang denting the bottom one, “Or maybe he’s forgotten and has plans with someone else?”

 

“You’ll never know if you don’t call,” Natasha pointed out, “Unless you are having second thoughts. Is that it?”

 

“Not really……it’s just……well Ka’van’s different from most of my little flings. He’s Jax’s friend and I don’t want to do anything that might cause trouble between them. Jax had a fit that first time!”

 

“Jax needs to get over it,” Natasha snorted, her sky blue eyes rolling. “You’re both consenting adults and males of our species have no idea what it’s like for us on our cycle.”

 

“I think Aric has a pretty good idea now though,” Syarra teased.

 

“Yes he does,” Natasha gave a dreamy sigh as the other two women giggled.

 

“Wait, what about the Major……Zevryn right?” Kira raised a slender red brow at her mentor and friend, “He’s Jax’s friend too and you had a thing going on with him during your military days if I recall right.”

 

“Yeah, but Zev was different,” Syarra shook her head, “We were in the academy together so he was always around. There wasn't really any asking involved with him.....it just kinda happened every time we were on leave together without Dek and Jax. With Ka’van……”

 

“With Ka’van, you have to actually call,” Natasha finished, understanding all too well at how difficult that could be for some. She’d nursed a crush on Aric for months during her time on Ord Mantell without ever being able to work up the courage to do something about it.

 

“It’s not like I have romantic feelings for him or anything outside of a budding friendship maybe,” Syarra sighed, having a hard time finding the right words. “I just really enjoyed that last cycle with him…….and I’d like to spend another one with him.”

 

“Then call him already!” both Kira and Natasha insisted, the latter starting when her own comlink went off.

 

“Oh, I have to take this……it’s Agent Balkar,” she told them, leaving the two women standing outside the lingerie shop. Natasha looked back over her shoulder, her azure eyes meeting Syarra’s as she mouthed the words ‘call him’ just before she ducked into the alley for privacy.

 

“Oooo look, a StarCaf!” Kira pointed excitedly at a large stand up ahead as Syarra dug out her comlink, “I’m going to go grab us some caffas while you make your call.”

 

Syarra watched her friend eagerly bound over to the popular caffa company’s stand, then frowned at the device in her hand, nervous excitement filling her belly as she tried to psych herself up to make the call. She’d been telling the truth when she said she’d really enjoyed spending that last cycle with Ka’van. She truly hadn’t had a lover that thorough since Zevryn, and thoughts of what they did that first evening alone was enough to heat her blood…...not to mention the following evening when he made good on his promise to call her. The second evening had been even better than the first and a smile curved her lips when she recalled his unconventional use of the Force that night. I’ll bet he didn’t learn that technique on Tython, she mused as she started to feel really warm.

 

The only fly in ointment had been her littermate. With both of them being members of the Order, Ka’van and Syarra had opted to keep names out of the equation that night they first met. That way they would be just two strangers hooking up for an evening with no danger of attachment. Not that either of them truly agreed with the Order’s policy regarding relationships and attachments, but without knowing that about each other, they felt it was the safest route to go. So Syarra brought Ka’van back with her to the sky palace her littermate had bought with his old military buddy Dekkyn, completely unaware that her lover for the evening was good friends with Jax.

 

Before leaving Nar Shaddaa for Voss, Syarra and Jax had a long talk over lunch to clear the air. Jax wasn’t thrilled about her having a physical relationship with another one of his friends and Syarra understood why it was awkward for him, but they were able to work through things and although Syarra had every intention of spending her next cycle with Ka’van, she decided it would be best not to rub her brother’s face in it. Which was why she opted to spend this cycle on Coruscant instead of Nar Shaddaa at Jax’s place.

 

Syarra felt her cheeks heat up when she recalled running into Ka’van on Voss a couple weeks after they’d hooked up. Being her best friend, Kira knew exactly what her former master was doing on Nar Shaddaa and expected plenty of details. They’d put a movie on the HoloVid Syarra bought for the ship, and had some girl talk on the way to Voss. Syarra decided to omit the fact that the guy she hooked up with was a fellow member of the Order after Kira told her about Doc complaining about ‘some stupid spacer.’ She regretted it a few days later when she was haggling over the cost of renting speeders in Voss-Ka’s merchant district. Kira had taken off suddenly and Syarra found her gushing over Ka’van a few minutes later, then got the shock of her young life when she discovered she’d spent her last cycle having steamy sex with the Jedi Order’s Barsen’thor of all people! There were no words for how embarrassed she felt at that moment, especially after letting it slip in front of Kira. Her friend’s eyes had been as big as saucers after hearing that particular bombshell, but she recovered fast and even insisted that anyone who could get Doc all worked up like that was definitely a keeper. Thoroughly humiliated, Syarra was going to make her excuses to Ka’van and go find a hole to crawl in, but then he suggested she accompany him on his little expedition if she had the time.

 

Since her source on Voss didn’t have any definitive intel yet for her, she agreed and spending time with Ka’van had turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Sure exploring dusty ruins wasn’t exactly her thing……well she liked to explore, but generally preferred to be outdoors as opposed to trapped inside and she could’ve done without the cave in. Still, it hadn’t been that bad really and Ka’van proved to be a nice guy and a very considerate healer, which was a refreshing change from her overeager and somewhat clueless medic. Despite being stranded overnight in the partially collapsed rubble, Syarra had enjoyed his company…..at least while he was awake. She felt a pang of guilt at how he’d exhausted himself healing her wound after she’d been so tense about it. She’d gone on to admit why she’d been reluctant and Ka’van was outraged that her medic couldn’t separate his personal and professional lives. They’d talked for a while before Ka’van succumbed to fatigue and Syarra spent the night keeping watch while resisting the urge to dig them out after the other Jedi warned her not to.

 

“You’re being silly Syarra,” she muttered to herself as she keyed Ka’van’s frequency into her comlink, “He said he was still interested that afternoon so he’s expecting your call…..” Then before she could chicken out, she hit the button to put the call through.

 

“He’s not answering,” Syarra frowned as her shopping companions returned a few minutes later, disconnecting the call without leaving a message. “And I tried twice! See…..he probably forgot, or maybe he changed his mind.”

 

“Maybe he’s in the middle of something and can’t answer right now. I mean he is the Barsen’thor after all,” Kira pointed out, trying to keep optimistic since she thought Master Ka’van was good for Syarra.

 

“Or maybe he’s in hyperspace,” Natasha suggested, “Unless you have sophisticated tech, most calls won’t go through. You should try his ship’s Holo.”

 

“I don’t have it.”

 

“The Order doesn’t exactly provide top of the line equipment on our ships,” Kira snorted. “So she probably wouldn’t be able to get through even if she did know it. But your cousin’s right, Syarra, there’s a dozen perfectly good reasons he might not be able to answer his comlink. He could be in the middle of a mission. He could be exploring some old ruins out in the middle of nowhere again. He could be sleeping. He could be in the shower.”

 

“Or he could be standing right behind you and didn’t want to give himself away!” a masculine voice chuckled, causing all three women to jump and the unknown woman let out a shriek as she reached for the blaster at her hip. His laughter grew when the two Cathar turned around to glare at him, their fur puffed out a little.

 

“Gods you scared the kriff out of us! What are you doing here?!” Syarra finally managed to get out, her heart racing and not just out of fear once those azure eyes got a good look at the man who they’d just been discussing. Ka’van was dressed in black leatheris pants that hugged his muscular thighs and a derrière that she couldn’t help but admire. Like hers, his jacket was opened and the top couple of buttons on his shirt were undone, giving her a nice view of a chest she was dying to feel under her fingertips again. He must’ve caught her thoughts because all traces of amusement were gone from those ocean blue eyes as met hers, desire burning brightly instead.

 

“I had some business on planet and heard they reopened the shopping area in the Old Galactic Market,” Ka’van replied. “I decided to check it out. I’d just left the leatheris shop over there and was thinking of grabbing a bite at the little café when I spotted you three.”

 

“And figured you’d sneak up on us,” Kira smirked, her eyes twinkling, “So exactly how long have you been standing there?”

 

“Not long at all,” Ka’van shrugged, then his mouth curved in a wicked smile as he nodded at the leatheris shop a couple doors down, “But I might’ve been lurking in that doorway for several minutes before deciding to make my presence known.”

 

“Sneaky,” Natasha grinned, holstering her blaster as she held out her hand, “Forgive me, we’ve never met but I’ve heard a lot about you.”

 

“Oh?”

 

“I’m sorry, Ka’van,” Syarra looked sheepish as she gestured to the brown furred Cathar, “This is my cousin Natasha Roark, one of the SIS’s newest agents.”

 

“Ah, Jax mentioned something about a long lost cousin,” Ka’van nodded, shaking Natasha’s hand as he studied her face, noting she shared Jax and Syarra’s eye color and her face bore similar markings. “I can see the family resemblance. It’s nice to meet you and congratulations on becoming an agent.”

 

“Thank you and likewise a pleasure,” Natasha replied, then gave Kira a nudge as she went on. “You know, I’m all shopped out and I still need to pack. I think I’m going to just head home if you don’t mind, Syarra.”

 

“But….”

 

Kira picked up on Natasha’s hint and glanced at her wrist chrono, “Oh and I just remembered…..I’m supposed to meet with Master Kiwiiks in a little while. I’d better get going before I’m late……you know how she hates that. I’ll talk to you later Syarra. Nice seeing you again Barsen’thor!”

 

“But we….”

 

“We’ll talk later cuz……nice to finally meet you Ka’van,” Natasha called out with a wave as both her and Kira walked away.

 

“But we never even went into any stores,” Syarra murmured as the two women turned the corner and disappeared from sight.

 

“I’d be happy to accompany you shopping and I’ll even help you pick something out if you’d like,” Ka’van offered, grinning as he nodded at the lingerie boutique, “Especially if you’re going in there.”

 

“I-I-I was,” Syarra stammered, feeling a little shy all the sudden. “I wanted to get something new because….I’m….uh….I’m about to start my cycle…..”

 

“I heard,” Ka’van murmured as he angled his head towards her, unable to resist the temptation of that lush mouth. He smiled as her eyes drifted shut and lips parted in anticipation, “and trust me, I didn’t forget.”

 

Syarra’s response was lost as his mouth captured hers in a kiss that instantly heated her blood and left no doubts that he fully intended to see to her body’s needs. She leaned into him, her already sensitive body craving the contact as her cycle awakened fully and sent desire shooting straight to her core. All her earlier doubts melted away and a pleasured sigh escaped her as Ka’van’s arm wrapped around her trim waist to pull her even closer, the fingers of his other hand threading through her thick chestnut mane while his tongue slipped past her fangs to tease hers as he deepened the kiss.

 

Edited by alaurin
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@Lunafox: Oh you are a brave soul for reading the Tumblr version!! I certainly liked it, but I'm still feeling the shame for posting that sucker! :o Naughty Ka'van indeed and nope, I didn't lie when I said you'd be seeing more of him. :D

 

 

What can I say, Tumblr isn't for the faint of heart lol. Seriously though, I enjoyed it, nothing to be embarrassed about, everyone enjoys a good romp. Hopefully more will follow. It seems Ka'van is a keeper...a man willing to shop with his lady, wow, yeah, hang on to that one lol.

 

Enjoyed the chapter very much and am looking forward to more from you and Kitar both. :)

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It seems Ka'van is a keeper...a man willing to shop with his lady, wow, yeah, hang on to that one lol.

 

Enjoyed the chapter very much and am looking forward to more from you and Kitar both. :)

 

Ka'van considered a keeper, that idea amuses me so much. :D

Thanks for the kind words, and you are in luck, today you get more!

 

Oh, a lot of old acquaintances. I am looking forward to find out where their adventures will take them this time.

Thanks for reading and I do hope you enjoy the story. The two of us have been having fun writing it.

 

CHAPTER 5

 

Prompt: Religion with a bit of Discovery

Timeline: A month or so after the previous prompt

Spoilers: Mild referencing to JC ACT I I believe as well one of Qyzen's personal quests.

 

 

 

LETTOW

 

“You should like this planet, uninhabited for thousands of years. At least as far as I know. The hunting here should be great.” Ka'van smiled as he guided the ship through the atmosphere. Scanning the horizon he searched, feeling. Below him he felt what he was looking for; his grin widening he decelerated swinging around a large rock outcropping. Long fingers flipped the repulsorliftors to life as he lowered the landing gear. With a gentle rocking the ship came to rest on the exposed rock.

 

Standing he turned to his Trandoshan friend. “Let’s go.”

 

Qyzen stood staring out the large transpristeel window, arms crossed. Ka'van stopped walking and turned to watch him. He stood, unmoving, arms crossed scanning the foreign landscape.

 

“Something the matter?” Ka'van questioned.

 

“Is good to hunt. Honors Scorekeeper. Have never seen you so eager.” Qyzen's yellow scaled head swung to regard him. “Why?”

 

Ka'van's grin grew, he should have known nothing would have gotten past his friend. “I want you to meet someone, they share your enthusiasm for hunting.”

 

“Who?” Qyzen's arms dropped.

 

“That is a surprise,” Ka'van chuckled. Reaching out he patted Qyzen on the shoulder, “Come, I don't want to keep them waiting.” Walking past his friend he jumped the railing landing before the door. With a wave of his hand the door slid open and the ramp began to lower, a low hiss filling the air.

 

Stepping out into the warm air Ka'van inhaled; his soft soled boots crunching on the dry rocks. He scanned the arid landscape noting the abundant blooming shrubs and the green twisted tree that stubbornly grew near the impromptu landing pad. The valley before him sported patches of green grasses interspersed with additional flowering shrubs and the occasional twisted tree. A warm breeze kicked up blowing his hair across his face, turning into the breeze he waited for Qyzen to disembark the ship.

 

The Trandoshan moved to stand next to him, quietly waiting. “This way my friend,” Ka'van started down the rocky hill, moving towards an unassuming rock formation whose red surface reached upwards arching into the crystal clear blue sky.

 

When they neared the formation Ka'van stopped, waiting. He didn't wait long.

 

“Took you long enough, Vod.” A voice rumbled.

 

“Were you in a hurry?” Ka'van turned toward the speaker.

 

“Don't like waiting,” the voice groused as the speaker moved into view.

 

“Who does?” Ka'van walked to the tall, blue beskar clad speaker, grasping his offered hand as he slapped his back. Dropping his hand, he took a step back and waited.

 

The speaker removed his helmet, clipping it onto his belt next to a saber hilt. Armored fingertips scratched his head, moving the black hair around the ivory horns that crowned his head. Green eyes ringed in red, looked him over before moving to the Trandoshan who stood next to him. His head jerked upwards in greeting.

 

Ka'van gestured to the Zabrak standing before him. “Qyzen, this is the person I wanted you to meet. Ner Vod, Kiernan.”

 

Qyzen shifted, the rocks crunching under his barefeet. “Mandalorian?”

 

“'lek, Clan Lok,” Kiernan canted his head, his body relaxed but his eyes were scrutinizing the Trandoshan's every move.

 

Qyzen looked Kiernan over as Ka'van held his breath. “Good hunting with Mandalorians.” Qyzen extended his hand towards Kiernan. The Zabrak grasped the offered hand with a grunt. “You are Herald's brother?” Qyzen looked over at Ka'van his confusion evident.

 

“Yes he is Qyzen,” Ka'van nodded. “I thought the two of you should meet. His enthusiasm for hunting equals your own.”

 

Qyzen's scaled brow furrowed, “Secrets you are keeping Herald.”

 

Panic began to surge through Ka'van's gut. Was this really a mistake? Had he misread now close he and the Trandoshan really were?

 

“Why are you sharing now?” Qyzen continued to stare at Ka'van as he firmly held Kiernan's hand.

 

“I, I wanted to...” Ka'van trailed off his mouth growing dry. Was Qyzen going to tell, was he going to report to the Council? “I …”

 

“Secret becoming to heavy?”

 

“I... um, yes.” Ka'van looked away, he had made a grave error he should not have said a word.

 

“I understand, I have known for many years.”

 

“You have?” Ka'van head snapped back towards Qyzen, he felt a surge of confusion roll off his brother.

 

“I worried, long absences unaccounted for. Followed you one time, into the Empire's Heart. I saw great house surrounded by jungle. Hunted gundarks and sleen. Ate with the guards, all were proud to work there, proud of the family they served.” Qyzen turned his head to regard the Zabrak whose hand he still grasped. “Proud to serve the Sith there.” Qyzen's head dropped, Ka'van just knew he was staring at the saber on his brother's belt. “These were not slaves, these guards, fellow Trandoshans, Zabraks, Humans and a Twi'lek. Was good thing.”

 

“I watched the house, I saw you, I saw the Herald, I saw the Master of the House. I saw strength and kindness, was good thing.” Qyzen dropped Kiernan's hand. “I left, left to think on these things.”

 

“What... what did you decide?” Ka'van whispered.

 

“Decided Scorekeeper knew all, made her Herald one who understood many. Herald must understand, he was welcomed by the people in the large house. Herald walked among Jedi yet was not one of them. Herald understanding of Scorekeeper and her ways.” Qyzen's gold eyes moved to Ka'van, “Was worried, in beginning, Herald would hurt Youn. Was loyal to Youn, tried to save her. I also thought the Sith was lying. Together we mourned her.”

 

“You have always been understanding, helped me honor my Father, accompanied me to the great Dune Sea. Gave strong words of support during Shko-yagu.” Qyzen reached out clasping Ka'van's shoulder, “Glad you finally told.”

 

“You, you are not going to tell are you?” Ka'van whispered, fear building. He felt his brother tense.

 

“Tell who? Youn was only Jedi to welcome me, others would turn me away if she were absent. I care not for what they think. There is no one I would tell.”

 

“No?” Ka'van sighed. The fear in his gut uncoiled, he let loose a heavy breath.

 

“No,” Qyzen echoed. “I have known, I follow the Scorekeeper's Herald. Never given me reason to doubt. You are great hunter, have many points.” Qyzen grinned his long pointed fangs flashing. “Time to go earn more. Where is this ruin you seek, needs to be cleaned out before you can search, catalog. Time to honor the Goddess.”

 

 

AN

 

 

For those of you who are interested he has gone to Lettow to go poking around more dusty ruins.

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Legionnaire_academy

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Lettow on the edge of the core worlds – western inner edge.

created by Xendor to study the Bogan, on Lettow. Lead to the First Great Schsim

It is a codex entry http://www.swtor-spy.com/codex/galactic-history-13-the-first-great-schism/1498/

 

Shko-yagu – qyzen's midlife transition

 

Mando'a translations

Vod- sibling/brother/sister

'lek- yeah shorten version of Elek

 

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@Kitar:

 

Of course I do enjoy the story! :D

 

I can see Qyzen enjoying the company of Mandalorians much more than that of Jedi. Most Jedi were not very happy about Juon's friendship with Qyzen iirc.

 

With your remark about Ka'van not being a keeper, you got me wondering. Regardless of him being a Jedi, I always imagined him as one of those people whom you look into the eyes once, see that certain sparkle, and realize that they're not made to be faithful. He also doesn't strike me as someone who'd try to deceive his lovers in this respect. Have there been people who tried to keep him anyway?

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@ Frauzet

As far as i can recall you are correct, the other Jedi did not take kindly to Qyzen.

You are right about Ka'van being rather upfront with bed partners and no one has tried to wrangle him down.

 

@Luna

Thank you! I really like Qyzen he is one of my favorite companions.

 

Now for the next bit, hope you enjoy.

 

CHAPTER 6

 

Prompt meh Health

Spoilers None aside from the ones, previously warned about.

 

 

 

TYTHON

 

 

“Damn it Qyzen I told you I am fine!” Kav'an gritted through clenched teeth.

 

“Herald is not fine.” The Trandoshan shook his yellow scaled head. “Stop protesting, medic is close.”

 

“I told you to take us to Nar Shaddaa, I would rather let Theran patch us up. You know how much I hate this place,” Ka'van hissed balking against disembarking the shuttle. “We should go back to the ship we can be there in a day.”

 

“No,” Qyzen shook his head, “to stubborn.” He hissed as he hefted Ka'van's weight against his shoulders.

 

“Stop it, that is an order. You want to visit the damn medic here you go on ahead. I am headed back up to my damn ship.” Ka'van tried to pull away from the aged Trandoshan. “This is ridiculous.”

 

Qyzen's head swiveled to look at him, his long teeth snapping, “Herald acts like spoiled hatchling. Will pick you up. That would be a much greater embarrassment. Now go...” he growled pushing on Ka'van's back.

 

“I am not embarrassed, I don't like being here.”

 

“I am also haunted by ghosts here. Understand I do Herald, but your arm is broken. Many points were earned, but must take care of your body to continue to honor Scorekeeper.”

 

Ka'van sighed rolling his eyes. His friend didn't understand. Ka'van didn't want the medics here to look at him. He would rather heal on his own or be in pain for hours to let someone, anyone, else treat his injuries. He had not had anyone on this damn planet look at him since he had attained the rank of Knight, it was a measure of pride with him. He took care of himself. Ka'van also didn't want any of the damn judgmental Jedi here to look at his back. He could already hear the lecture about the vanity of adorning his body in such a manner, never mind the fact that there were multiple species within the Order that tattooed their bodies for cultural reasons.

 

Hissing in a sharp intake of breath he allowed Qyzen to guide him down the lowered ramp, begrudgingly leaning across the strong sturdy shoulders of his oldest friend.

 

“It is not far. Called ahead.” Qyzen hissed as they moved through the congested building, people scattering at their approach. Wide eyed padawans skittered out of their way to stare at them as they progressed down the curving ramp to the lower level.

 

Ka'van grunted this was ridiculous, he didn't need to see a damn medic on this planet. As if he had heard his silent complaint Qyzen growled beside him. “Stubborn, medic you know. Attros is meeting us here. He is on planet, and no stranger.”

 

Ka'van sighed through gritted teeth, “You are not going to give up are you?”

 

Qyzen shook his yellow scaled head, “Never give up, keep walking, almost there.”

 

Ka'van sighed, clutching his throbbing arm closer. Gritting his teeth he staggered against the taller Trandoshan. The pain shooting through his arm brought tears to his eyes. Swallowing a growl of frustration he sucked in a shaking breath, aching to reach out, embrace the darkness he felt flowing around him. Instead he exhaled sharply through his nose, he could resist he had to. Qyzen had drug him to Tython. To use something like that here would cause him more problems than it was worth.

 

Shaking he slowly walked beside Qyzen, his feet moving through a hall he hadn't tread in months. The Trandoshan's hand a steady, firm guide as he begrudgingly stepped into the glaringly bright medical room.

 

There standing by, prepping a tank was the olive green skinned Mirialan. He flashed them a smile as Ka'van stumbled into the room. “I was told you have been injured, that you broke your left arm.”

 

Ka'van hissed as another tremor of pain shot through his body, gritting his teeth as the wasted emotion slipped out of his reach.

 

“Yes, Herald broke his arm, fighting a sand dragon, it was his kill many points.” Qyzen smiled, fangs flashing.

 

“Ahh yes, I see... many points...” the Mirialan stepped away from Qyzen picking up a scanner off a medical table. “So,” he turned to Ka'van, “you were fighting a sand dragon?”

 

Ka'van nodded, “I was.”

 

Attros's tattooed brow wrinkled as his eyebrow arched momentarily, “Why were you fighting? Where exactly were you?”

 

“Umm,” Ka'van looked at Qyzen out of the corner of his eye, “We were on Lettow, Qyzen accompanied me, like he often does when I go on an archaeological search.”

 

“Does he?” Attros' head canted to the side as he stared at Ka'van, “I don't recall there being anything worth studying on Lettow.”

 

Ka'van shivered as another wave a pain radiated through his arm, licking parched lips he debated how to answer. Attros didn't really need to know the reasons behind why they had been on that planet.

 

A familiar laugh echoed through the hallway. Ka'van's head swiveled towards the sound. Oh perhaps the Force was smiling on him today. If the owner of that laugh was headed in here, he would not have to actually have to answer the Mirialan's question.

 

The laughter grew louder as another teeth-clenching spasm shot through his arm. Reaching out he touched upon the mirthful feeling floating down the hallway, it was growing nearer. Unconsciously he prayed that she was actually heading here. His prayers were rewarded moments later as her booted footfall neared and then entered the medical bay. Walking alongside the statuesque, sandy furred Cathar was her brown and beige robed, red headed, apprentice.

 

He smothered a grin. What a nice unexpected surprise, her company was always very enjoyable and she was better at taking a joke than her brother.

 

Another laugh bubbled out of the pair. “I have never actually seen a training droid try to run away.” Kira giggled. “Might have to talk to Master Dentiri about that.”

 

“You think?” Syarra snorted. “That is definitely not part of the training program. I wasn't even attacking it that hard!”

 

“Oh please,” Kira's blue eyes rolled. “Yes you were, it was missing an arm, and half the other one!”

 

Syarra shook her head grinning, “Not my fault, they are not built very sturdy.” She rotated her right shoulder, “Though it did manage to land a blow, my shoulder could use some attention.” The Cathar stopped moving when she saw Ka'van leaning up against Qyzen.

 

“What happened to you!” Syarra stepped closer to him, her hands reaching out to grab him.

 

“He broke his arm while fighting some beast on Lettow.” Attros walked closer to Ka'van holding up the medical scanner, a green light blinked into life and slowly ran over Ka'van's body. The Mirialan pausing the scan as the device beeped and protested.

 

Attros looked expectantly at Ka'van, “Are you going to sit down please?” He gestured to a waiting medical bed. “You need to sit down so I can tend to your arm. I swear I remember you being more agreeable back on Coruscant.”

 

Ka'van bit back a nasty retort as he pivoted on his foot, shuffling to the nearest bed. Another pair of hands settled on his shoulders, tentatively guiding him as he moved to the bed. Grasping the thin mattress in his right hand he leaned against the bed.

 

“Make sure you take off that robe. And your shirt, can't have either on in the tank and I need to tend to that arm.” Attros muttered as he studied the scanner.

 

Ka'van growled, leaning against the bed. “I don't see the point of taking off my robes, I don't need the tank.”

 

Attros frowned, “You have broken the left Radius and sustained fractures to the left Ulna.”

 

“I know,” Ka'van bit, “the Radius is a clean break. The Ulna is fractured in five places, I know how to diagnose.”

 

Attros' brow bunched, “Awfully testy, just trying to do my job. What were you going to set your own arm?”

 

“That was the plan,” Ka'van snarled.

 

“You can't do that!” Syarra exclaimed, “And you call Jax stubborn!”

 

“Well he is,” Ka'van growled.

 

Syarra slammed her hands onto her hips, as an explosive burst of air blew past her lips. “Stars why do I seem doomed to attract the stubborn ones?”

 

Beside her Kira's eyes momentarily widened as a smothered laugh escaped her lips.

 

“I was going to take care of this myself.” Ka'van muttered.

 

“You were huh? Set your own broken arm?” Syarra shook her head, “Why would you even attempt to do that?”

 

“I don't want to get into the tank, I don't like them.” Ka'van frowned.

 

“Well no one likes the tank, I think it's written in stone somewhere. But you need to go, it will heal faster in the tank.” Syarra sighed.

 

“I. Don't. Want. To. Go. Into. The. Tank.” Ka'van bit, gnawing on the sentence.

 

Syarra turned before him, quickly looking across the room before she returned her attention to him. Puzzled Ka'van looked at what had caught her attention, it was Attros holding up a section of durasteel rod. He looked back to the Cathar, shaking his head. Why had that gotten her attention?

 

Syarra leaned in closer, her lips brushing against his earlobe. “You really should go into the tank, would hate it if you were not able to keep up, next time,” she whispered into his ear.

 

His eyes widened as they shot across the room looking at the Jedi medic, he didn't care what others heard him say, most were probably used to it, but such words out of Syarra's mouth would cause problems. He turned his head to look at her when her lips brushed against his. Groaning, his eyes closed, as he leaned forward clawed fingertips ran over his cheek.

 

The warmth of her lips left and he cracked open his eyes. “You shouldn't do that here.” Ka'van shook his head, his eyes darting past her face to where Attros stood looking at a medical readout.

 

“Then you should get into that tank. I would hate for us to get caught.” She purred.

 

Ka'van returned his gaze to her, “What? I don't...”

 

She leaned into him again, her other hand caressing his neck, her lips pressed up against his. Gently she nipped, her fang catching his lower lip. Swallowing a groan he opened his mouth leaning into her. His eyes closed as she deepened the kiss, her rough tongue sliding over his. And then she was gone, the warmth of her hands disappeared. A puff of warm breath on his ear as she whispered, “Be a good boy and get into the tank, I'll be here waiting when you get out.”

 

“What...” he cracked open his blue eyes, confused. “It's months away from when we would be meeting... I,” Ka'van's eyes jumped from her sparkling azure eyes to the robe-clad back of the Jedi across the room. “I don't understand.”

 

Syarra brought her hand to her mouth, clawed fingertips stifling a laugh. “You will when you get out of the tank. I am allowed to have partners in my bed when it is not my cycle. Unless you don't want to spend quality time with me?”

 

Ka'van ripped his eyes away from Attros, they landed on Syarra's smiling face, her lips upturned in a crooked smirk. “No, no I would love to, I mean, I would like to. It is just very unexpected.”

 

“Is it?”

 

He nodded, “It is.”

 

“Are you going to get into the tank?”

 

Ka'van nodded, biting his lip.

 

“So what happened? It is most unusual to have you here planetside. I was told you are injured?” The feminine voice cut through the air jolting Ka'van.

 

He pulled his eyes away from Syarra looking to the speaker and swallowed.

 

“Oh he is definitely injured, he was apparently out hunting with the Trandoshan and broke his arm.” Attros muttered turning to face the woman.

 

“I see, how badly is it broken?” The dark haired brunette stood next to Attros reading the scanner.

 

Ka'van stared at her tan leatheris clad back. Kark, he frowned, the last person he wanted to see. Leaning against the medical bed, clutching it tightly in his right hand, Ka'van watched her. Syarra turned smiling at the woman's back. Her apprentice nearly mirroring her actions as she stepped closer to her Master. Licking dry lips he repressed another shudder as a wave of pain radiated through his arm, causing his knees to buckle. As he struggled to ignore the pain the woman turned around. Her almond shaped light blue eyes meeting his dark blue ones. “Barsen'thor.” She gave him a curt nod of her head.

 

“Grand Master Shan,” Ka'van growled as another spasm traveled through his arm.

 

She walked closer, “What exactly were you hunting?”

 

“A sand dragon.” Ka'van answered.

 

“A sand dragon?”

 

Ka'van nodded.

 

“Why were you fighting a sand dragon?” She questioned.

 

“Herald was looking at ruined buildings, beast surprised us. Herald killed it, earning many points. Scorekeeper was very pleased.” Qyzen boasted fangs clacking as he smiled.

 

“I see,” Shan murmured, “Still hunting with Qyzen, I never realized Yuon's fondness had rubbed off on you.”

 

“Qyzen is invaluable, it is not a fondness it is friendship.”

 

Shan nodded, her eyes jumped from Ka'van to Qyzen and back again. Ka'van braced himself for the incoming lecture about attachment. Surprisingly Shan instead moved closer. “Is everything else going well? I had not expected you to be on Tython until the next Council Meeting.”

 

“I am here due to Qyzen, he insisted that we come here.”

 

Shan smiled, gently laying her hand on Qyzen's shoulder. “Thank you, he needs to come back here more often.” Her attention moved to Syarra, “What brings you here Master Roark, Knight Carson?”

 

Syarra grinned, “Oh I was threatening to box someone’s ears, they didn't want to get into the tank.”

 

“That is not surprising,” Shan shook her head, “he has always tried to insist on healing all his own wounds.” Shan looked back at Ka'van, “Are you going to get into the tank?”

 

“Yeap,” Kira smiled, “he was properly convinced it was in his best interest to get in there.”

 

“That is good.” The Grand Master nodded. A rapid knock echoed on the door frame. “Yes?” she turned looking at the doorway standing there was Master Kiwiiks.

 

“If you have a free moment I would like to speak with you.”

 

“Of course,” Shan looked back at Ka'van, “I will check in on you later.”

 

Ka'van nodded, “Of course Grand Master.” He looked past her focusing on the chrono hanging on the far wall. He stared at the wall, listening to her footfalls as they crossed the room. He continued to stare forward, eyes locked onto the steady green display. He felt her lingering on the threshold, he knew she had looked back at him, he refused to look away from the chrono. Then her signature started to diminish as she started down the hall with Togruta Master.

 

“Wow, must be pretty special to get the Grand Master to come check on you.” Kira exclaimed.

 

“Yeah, right, special,” Ka'van muttered.

 

“Hey,” Syarra moved closer, her hand gripping his shoulder.

 

Ka'van looked to her, Syarra was looking at him brow furrowed, the stripes across her sandy fur wrinkled and distorted. A ghost of a smile coasted across his lips, that was so cute, he couldn't help but grin. “Yeah?”

 

“Why don't I help you get your robe and shirt off so you can get your arm tended to.”

 

Ka'van sighed nodding, “I did give my word. Guess I have to go into the blasted tank.”

 

“Oh it won't be that bad I will be here when you get out.” Syarra winked at him, her azure eyes sparkling.

 

Kira snorted, “Oh yeah you will.”

 

Syarra rolled her eyes as she began unlacing his shirt. Ka'van watched a clawed fingertip carefully open his shirt. Her hands moved to his shoulders gently removing his black robe from his right shoulder, sliding it down his arm. Slowly she moved to his left shoulder. Biting her lip she looked up at him, “Are you ready for this?”

 

Ka'van nodded biting his lower lip, closing his eyes he waited.

 

Her hand slowly moved down his arm; Ka'van swallowed a snarl as the fabric moved over his broken left forearm. And then his arm was naked. He was completely unclothed from the waist up.

 

“Are you alright?” Syarra whispered.

 

Ka'van nodded, “I am, just hurts.”

 

“It won't for much longer, Attros will set your arm, then the tank and when you wake up you will feel better.”

 

Ka'van frowned. “I know.”

 

“Good,” Attros' voice intruded, “glad to see you are going to listen. Now hold still please.”

 

Ka'van frowned but listened. Syarra moved to his right standing beside him. “When Attros is finished I will help you get into the tank too.” Her hand rested on his shoulder.

 

He jumped when a biting sting plunged into his left bicep. Snarling his attention jumped to the Mirialan tending his arm. A dulling sensation trickled down his arm, numbing it. His eyes started to water as the Jedi medic picked up a white metallic gauze. Attros narrated as he worked. “This will help stabilize your arm and still allow the kolto access. There is a plastic coating so it will not irritate your skin. Pretty neat stuff actually.” Ka'van watched with blurry eyes as the white was slowly wrapped around his forearm. “Alright all finished. Just need to get those pants and boots off, and get you into the tank.”

 

Syarra gently pushed against him, “Lay down. You don't mind me removing the rest of your clothing do you?”

 

Ka'van wished he could come up with some retort, he knew there was an opening there, but things were getting so fuzzy. Instead he nodded, as he slumped backwards onto the thin unyielding mattress. Staring at the ceiling he felt fingers on his belt. Then he was being asked to lift his rump. Again he knew he was missing a chance to make a comment, he just wished his mind would work faster. There was gentle tugging on his legs, a huff and then his feet were cold.

 

“Alright, I'm going to need you to stand up.” It sounded like Attros.

 

Ka'van nodded. Pushing his body upright as he tried to swing his legs over the bed.

 

“I got you,” Syarra, it sounded like Syarra, Ka'van moved his head, blinking his eyes as he tried to latch onto the sound. “Come on, stand up I have you. Qyzen and I are going to get you into the tank.” Scaled hands joined the soft velvety ones. Slowly he made his way across the room, to the waiting tank. The tank had steps, he hesitated. “It's alright, you can do it, only a few of them then the nice warm tank.” Ka'van nodded taking a slow step forward. The scaly hands disappeared as he started up the steps. The soft ones remained as he neared the top of the portable stairs. He stood at the top looking down into the bubbling liquid below. “I am right here, go ahead, I have you.”

 

Ka'van nodded, moving a sluggish foot over the edge, the liquid warm between his toes. Reaching out he grabbed the tank's edge with his right hand, watching those swirling bubbles. Those velvety soft hands were touching his back, as his other foot entered the tank. “Good job, now relax and it will finish filling up in a few moments.”

 

He nodded looking back at the soft whispering voice, the velvety hands moved from his back to his face, they ran along his cheek as he looked into her bright blue eyes. He swallowed, blinking, trying to get his blurry world to solidify. Ka'van reached out running his fingers over the pale fine fur of her cheeks. She leaned over the edge of the tank, Ka'van closed his eyes as she kissed him, her soft lips brushing against his. Groaning he leaned into her caresses. Velvet ran over his cheeks and down his neck.

 

A startled gasp echoed. Ka'van opened his eyes as he frowned, her hands had disappeared. She was kneeling at the top of the stairs, looking across the room. Ka'van followed her gaze. The surprised person was not Attros, the Miralian was standing by Qyzen, behind Syarra, on the stair holding a rebreather mask. The gasp came from a pale blue Nautolan.

 

Ka'van stared at the unknown man, as the mask slipped over his head, placed over his mouth. He sputtered inside the mask as the chemical taste of canister contained air filled his nose. A spiking of anger rolled off the man as those velvety fingers returned, running through his hair. Blinking Ka'van tried to focus on the man, he tried but his blurry eyes closed as those fingers continued to move his hair. The soft sensation of those fingers grabbed his attention as his body relaxed finally falling asleep.

 

 

Edited by Kitar
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Talk about your difficult patients lol. It's a good thing Syarra was able to do some convincing. You really do have Qyzen's voice down, it was good seeing him again. Can't wait to see what mischief they get into once Ka'van is good to go and sprung from the tank lol. :D
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Sorry this is a bit late, here is the next bit :)

 

CHAPTER SEVEN

 

 

Spoilers: None I can think of *edit: actually references a conversation from JC Act 1 I believe.

 

 

 

TYTHON KALETH RUINS

 

Tilting his head back he moved deeper into the ruins. The cool breeze blew his hair off his shoulders as he grasped a broken section of masonry. The ancient flooring had fallen countless years ago, it now sat slanting from the unseen second floor to the rubble strew grass at his feet. Squinting he peered through the shadowed recess above. He doubted the layout had changed much but it had been years since he had been up there, he didn't want any surprises.

 

Glancing over his shoulder, through his wind blown hair, he made sure he had not been followed. A quick searching through the Force confirmed what his eyes had told him, he was alone, no one was tailing him.

 

Returning his attention to the ancient slab he proceeded to climb his way up to the second floor. As he eased himself onto the old stone he cautiously moved his body off the slab, he was significantly bigger now. Last thing he wanted was to fall through, with his luck they would stick him back into one of those damn tanks. Shaking his head he moved off into the shadowed interior.

 

Soft soled boots barely disturbed the thick layer of dust as he moved through the accumulated leaf litter and fallen masonry. He continued through the long forgotten rooms to the back of the ancient building, careful to leave little evidence of his passage, though he doubted anyone knew of this place. Most Jedi were afraid to enter these ruins, he never did understand why. It was as if merely venturing here would cause them to fall. He snorted, shaking his head.

 

The hallway terminated, before him was a large window, its covering, if it had one, had long ago disappeared. Grasping the edge of the ledge he jumped, carefully balancing on the thin window casing. Looking upward he spotted the remnants of a crumbled wall, slowly being consumed by a thick twisting tree that reached for the heavens. Pulling the Force to him, he jumped propelling his body up and into the tree. Arms outreached he grabbed a thick twisted branch, bringing his knees up to his chest as he slowed his rapid ascent.

 

Twisting his body he uncurled his legs, feet dropping onto a nearby branch. A quiet smile replaced his scowl. It would seem there was one advantage to doing this now that he was grown. The distances were considerably smaller.

 

Looking behind him, his smile grew. The view had always amazed him and he wasn't even to his favorite spot yet. Holding onto the branch with one hand he looked up above him, through the trees thick canopy. It didn't look like it would give him to much trouble, he only had to go roughly ten meters before he could get out of the tree.

 

Grasping the branch over his head he pulled, testing it. It didn't so much as budge. Pulling he hauled his body upwards, quickly picking a path through the branches. As he climbed the branches started to get thinner, he didn't remember them being this small. Looking through the canopy he spotted the craggy cliff face. Slipping his hands along the rough bark he walked towards the thick trunk. Ducking he scooted around the trunk and onto another branch that led towards the cliff.

 

Nearing the cliff he glanced down at the branch beneath his feet, it was uncomfortably thin. Squinting he studied the craggy rock, taking a deep breath he pushed off, fingers reaching as he closed the distance. With a grunt he hit the wall, fingers grabbing, easily finding purchase. His feet slid into crevasses; exhaling he looked above him. Almost there.

 

Pushing upward with his legs he reached over his head, grabbing handholds. Quickly he ate through the distance to the top. His fingers hit warm earth and scratchy grass. Hauling his body over the edge he dug his knee into the sun warmed soil. Standing he brushed his slacks off, hands on his hips he looked down into the valley below. The ruins filled the land, nestled within the rocky embrace of mountain walls.

 

Walking away from the cliff's edge he knelt at the base of a much smaller tree, one that hadn't been here years before. Rolling his shoulders he stretched his arms over his head. Closing his blue eyes he lowered his chin, relaxing. Reaching out he touched the dark tinged Force that swirled through the ruins below. Inhaling, he pulled on it, immersing himself in its smoky flow. Exhaling he sank deeper, surrendering fully to the Force, letting the smoky warmth fill him as he began his meditation.

 

Carefully he examined his arm, scrutinizing the healing break, before he continued what had been started in the tank, three days before. The break was clean, his left radius bone had not shifted. It was why he was so aggravated with being put into the tank, it wasn't needed, he could have healed it. He felt the Force around him spike; he forced himself to relax, reminding himself he was still on Tython.

 

Carefully, meticulously, he channeled the Force into the injury, accelerating the process. He focused on the smoky warmth as it entered his being, directing it to the knitting bone. As he worked he became aware of another presence; it was bright, shining, yet touched by subtle shadows. Ignoring it he continued to work, it must be someone wandering through the ruins below. Returning his attention to his arm, he blocked the presence out.

 

He concentrated, trying to ignore the presence, trying to re-immerse himself in the flow of the Force. But he couldn't, it kept tickling the back of his mind, interrupting his attempts at blocking its unwanted presence out. Who could that possibly be? With an internal sigh he cracked open a blue eye glancing towards the shining presence.

 

His other eye opened as he stared into the bright azure eyes that were barely a hands breadth away from his face. He felt the laughter roll through the Force as those eyes backed away and he caught a white fang flashing grin.

 

“So,” she purred, “what are you doing up here?” Syarra wrapped her arms across her knees watching him intently.

 

He stared at her for a moment before answering. “I wanted some peace and quiet.”

 

“Here?” her striped brow rose as she gestured to the ruins below. “Funny place to find peace and quiet.”

 

“It is not so bad, the old droids are easy to avoid. I do believe you are the first person to ever follow me up here.”

 

“Ahh yes, was interesting trying to find you up here.” Her azure eyes continued to scan the ancient buildings below. “Was a bit of a challenge.” He watched her fangs flash again as another grin graced her lips. “I had actually gone to the medical bay to see how you were doing, since I knew you had been taken out of the tank. I don't think people were too happy that you, uhhh, checked yourself out.”

 

Ka'van shrugged, shifting his weight backwards off his feet as he planted his hands on the ground. Sitting on the grass next to her he rested his arms on his knees.

 

“You don't really care do you?”

 

Ka'van shook his head, “How could you tell?”

 

Azure eyes rolled, “Oh call it a really good guess.” She looked over at him, “Attros wants you to take it easy, no dueling,” she shook her head. “He also said no climbing. He had wanted to keep you on bed rest for a day and limited activity for a week. He sounded rather defeated when he told me. Apparently you have a history for being a difficult patient.”

 

Ka'van frowned looking away from her, keeping his eyes on the ruins below.

 

“Hey,” she reached over elbowing his knee. “I don't really like being in medical bays either, I wasn't very fond of medics either. I understand why you would not want to be in there, but you really should listen to them.”

 

Ka'van shrugged, “Is that why you came all the way up here? How did you even know I was here?”

 

“Well no, I did not come up here to tell you to be nicer to your medics. I came up here to bring you this,” she placed a small package on the ground next to him.

 

He glanced at it out of the corner of his eye. “What is it?”

 

“Stuff Attros wanted you to have, some painkillers, some nano pill things to help with the mending, so you don't completely drain yourself trying to heal the break. Attros really was concerned about you over doing it. He muttered something about how you have done it in the past.” Her hand returned to her knee. “As for knowing you were here, I didn't, not right away.”

 

“Then how did you find me?”

 

“I tracked you, and I did it without Qyzen's help.”

 

Ka'van glanced at her, a large satisfied smile was on her lips.

 

“Yea Qyzen is out clearing out Flesh raiders. He will do that.”

 

“Why?”

 

Ka'van looked at her, “He is not welcome on the Temple grounds. Some of the Masters do not like him. It was the same way when Youn was still alive. He will only go to the Temple when I am there, he has actually been asked in the past to leave the grounds. Since I was in the tank he left to go hunt. He should return tomorrow.”

 

“Really?” Syarra breathed. Her surprise evident.

 

Ka'van nodded, “So how did you manage to track me?”

 

“Well... I know how much you like dusty collapsing ruins, so I thought I would check here. I managed to get around the droids, they are not very bright. A few tossed rocks in the opposite direction and they move away. I was checking the ruins when I thought I felt you, but you were not close by. So I started searching, I caught a whiff of you, a very slight scent trail and I started following it.”

 

“You did stump me for a few moments when I got into the second floor of that building with the tree. I realized the footsteps only went one direction and since I am pretty sure you can't fly, I figured you went into the tree. From there it was pretty easy, as I climbed your scent grew stronger.” Syarra turned to look at him, “Somehow I don't think climbing that cliff would make Attros very happy.”

 

“Did you climb all the way up here to reprimand me?” Ka'van grumbled.

 

“Um, no.” Syarra sighed. “Why are you so mad? I know tanks are crummy and you are upset that Qyzen brought you here, but why are you so mad?”

 

Ka'van's brow wrinkled as he looked away, “I am not mad.”

 

Syarra snorted. “Yes you are. You're pissed, why are you so mad?”

 

“I don't...” he sighed. “I like taking care of myself.”

 

“So you are going to hide up here because you had to let someone help you?”

 

“I am not hiding, I like it up here. Used to come up here all the time when I was younger.”

 

“Did you? We were always told to not come here, how did you get up here when you were a small kit?'

 

“I snuck out.” Ka'van glanced at her, offering her a small smile.

 

“What happened when you got caught? They were pretty adamant that padawans needed to stay away from this place. We were supposed to stay on the grounds, unless sent out by an elder.”

 

“Oh, normally I was never caught. The few times I was I restricted to my quarters.”

 

“Did that actually work?” Syarra questioned, “Did that stop you?”

 

“For a small while, I would wait until the restriction was lifted and then a couple weeks later I would do as I pleased.”

 

“Hmmm,” she chewed on her bottom lip, “are you going to actually use the things Attros sent?”

 

Ka'van shrugged, frowning.

 

“If I asked you to, would you?” Syarra reached beside her pulling a long thin blade of grass.

 

Ka'van looked at her, “Do you really want me to? It is not necessary, I can heal...”

 

“Yes I know you can heal it yourself, but if I asked you to follow his advice and take the medications in that bag, would you?” She pulled another long blade from the earth, claw cutting off the soil laden roots.

 

“Well, I, suppose I could.”

 

“Is that a yes?” She turned her head away from him, searching the grasses.

 

He frowned but nodded.

 

“Will you follow his recommendation to stay in bed for a day and limit your activities?”

 

Ka'van's blue eyes rolled, “It is really not necessary.”

 

“Don't care, are you going to do it?” Syarra pressed as she pulled another long blade of grass.

 

A heavy sigh blew past his lips, “Fine.”

 

“You know it is not a hard word to say. Yes. Quite a small tiny word, you know little kits can even say it.” Her fingers began twisting the green blades.

 

He frowned. “Yes,” he bit.

 

“Good. Now are you going to keep sulking up here?”

 

“I am not sulking,” he frowned, returning his attention to the buildings below them. The sun was glinting off a distant droid. He watched waiting to see if it moved.

 

“Well, what would you call it? You are still rather, well, mad. You are not angry with me are you?”

 

He pulled his attention away from the metallic unmoving sentry, he looked at Syarra confused. “Why would I be mad at you?”

 

“For what I said, I thought maybe you were mad at me. Thought I told you that to trick you into getting into the tank.”

 

“Wait,” his blue eyes widened, “that really happened? I thought I dreamed that.”

 

“Been dreaming about me hmmm?” She grinned fangs flashing.

 

“Well, I umm,” he stammered, he felt heat building in his cheeks. He ducked his head, trying to curl up smaller. “I haven't really been, it's just that....” he trailed off sighing.

 

Her laughter filled the air, he felt the heat in his cheeks grow. Her elbow again hit his knee. He looked up at her through his hair, her grin threatened to split her face it was so large. He frowned, lowering his head, it wasn't funny. “You do seem to enjoy torturing me, maybe that is why you followed me up here. To torment me.”

 

“Now,” she giggled, “that sounds like a very enjoyable time. Though I did promise Attros that I would get you to agree to bed rest. Torturing you does not exactly qualify as resting.”

 

“You're completely serious.” he picked his head up looking at her.

 

“Oh completely, I mean what I said. Do you remember?” Syarra's grin widened, her azure eyes sparkling.

 

“You had mentioned wanting to see each other outside of your cycle. I remember you kissing me, a few times, in the medical bay.”

 

“You haven't changed your mind have you?” Syarra asked her hands stilling.

 

“No, I um, I haven't though I did think I dreamed the entire exchange.” He glanced at her hands, she was working the grasses she had plucked into a tight plait. “I am not against seeing you more often, I just thought that there was a mutual agreement. No attachments.” He looked up at her face she was still smiling.

 

“Oh, I am still definitely not looking for anything serious. I just thought we could enjoy each others company more often. I know you are not exactly celibate and waiting for my holo.”

 

His mouth quirked in a repressed smile. “No,” he agreed, “I do enjoy companionship.”

 

“Is that why you are so cranky about having to stay here for a week? It is only five days.”

 

“Maybe.”

 

“Where are you going?” Her fingers resumed their work. He watched as she added a stem of pink flowers.

 

“I was headed to Nar Shaddaa.”

 

“Did you have a date or something?” She pierced the end of the plait with her index claw, bending over slightly to focus on the blades in her hand.

 

“You could say that.” he admitted, inwardly cringing.

 

“Not anymore.”

 

“What?” He shook his head, “Why do you say that?”

 

“Well, you are being put on bed rest, Master Jedi. Since you are on restricted activity, I am going to have to insist that you rest onboard my ship, in my bed. Attros never said where he wanted you to rest. As for the restricted activity, well I can think of a few where you won’t have to move.” She winked at him as she leaned closer. Her lips brushed up against his as he reached up touching her mane. It was pulled back away from her face in a thick braid. She leaned into him, his other hand slid down her leatheris clad side.

 

He broke the kiss, he murmured against her mouth his quiet protest. “I really shouldn't, if anyone found out they would not approve.”

 

“Oh, now you care what people think.” She moved closer, her rough tongue teased his.

 

“I am worried about your reputation, not mine.”

 

She chuckled, “You don't have to worry about that. I am a big girl, I can take care of myself.” She kissed his bottom lip as she pulled away. He felt something settle ontop of his hair.

 

Syarra stood, smiling down at him. “Come down when you are ready. I am docked in bay six.” Syarra kissed him again, her fang catching his lower lip. Her thick plaited mane ran through his fingers as she pulled away. With a frown he watched her stand and walk to the cliff’s edge. She looked back over her shoulder at him, winking, before she jumped downward. He heard the tree limb protest as the leaves rustled.

 

He reached up removing the hand plaited crown off his head, he ran his finger over the delicate pink flowers. Smiling he looked at the spot she had occupied moments before. Bringing the crown to his nose he inhaled, their fragrance was slight and sweet. Tilting his head back he closed his eyes; reaching out he felt her, moving her way through the ruined buildings, beginning her walk out of the ruins.

 

It was rather unexpected, the development he found himself in. It was nice though, he did enjoy her company. Unexpected but nice.

 

 

Edited by Kitar
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Evening :)

I had intended to post this yesterday but life being what it is I didn't get a chance to. After another rather eventful day I finally have a chance to get this looked at and posted. I do think I caught all the typos, I hope I did anyway. Hope you enjoy and Alaurin will be posting the next installment.

 

Spoliers: References JC Act 1 i think

Also it might not need it but I'm going to put out there the warning for adult/sexual situation. Nothing overly graphic just trying to cover my bases.

 

CHAPTER EIGHT

 

 

 

TYTHON

 

The warm air blew, moving his loose hair across his face. He sighed opening his eyes, blinking through his loose copper locks as the warmth of the Force he had collected around him slowly began to dissipate and disappear returning to the Living Force. Pushing his loose locks off his face he looked out over the valley.

 

The sun had continued its advance across the sky, midday was quickly approaching. Deep blue eyes glanced at the small bag sitting beside him on the ground, encircled by the hand plated flower crown. Chewing on the inside of his cheek his attention shifted to his left arm; true to his word he hadn't worked to continue healing the break. He contemplated how angry she would be if he collected Qyzen and left, he did have plans on Nar Shaddaa, plans he was actually looking forward too.

 

It would be easy enough to set the navicomputer to Nar Shaddaa, enter a healing trance and be done with this nonsense before they even got out of hyperspace. It was really tempting to go, bedrest wasn't really necessary.

 

Syarra was a rather feisty person though, and would probably be quite pissed at him. Then her brother would hear about it. The Force only knows how Jax would react, Ka'van doubted he would be pleased that his bedrest was going to be onboard his sister's ship, then if he skipped out on it… an explosive sigh blew past his lips. He would rather not hear Jax's tirade, the Cathar wouldn't let him forget it. She probably wouldn't let him forget it, either. Ka'van frowned. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out his com.

 

Queuing it up he punched in a familiar com frequency. Moments later the blued form of a Twi'lek flickered into view. “Dekk'lar,” Ka'van grinned as he answered.

 

“Hey Master Jedi!” The Twi'lek's face broke out into a huge smile. “Are you finally planetside? Been looking forward to that match.”

 

“Unfortunately not my friend.” Ka'van frowned shaking his head. “I am afraid I am the bearer of bad news.”

 

“Oh?” Dekk'lar leaned forward the light blue skin on his forehead furrowing, “what happened?”

 

Ka'van held his left arm up, “I broke my arm while out on Lettow, tangled with a sand dragon. I won of course, I got out of the tank this morning.”

 

“You let someone put you into a tank?” Dekk'lar blue eyes widened as a lekku twitched. “That must have been some fight.”

 

“It was a rather intense fight yes, I don't really recommend it.”

 

“How did you end up in a tank?”

 

“Let's just say I was convinced to get in.” Ka'van groused.

 

“Well you look pretty able bodied to me,” the Twi'lek smirked, “when are you going to get here? Game is still a few days away.”

 

“I won't be able to come, I am afraid. They have put me on bedrest. For the rest of the week.” Ka'van pushed his hair out of his face.

 

Dekk'lar snorted, “You are actually going to listen? You never listen. Did you hurt something else and are not telling me?”

 

Ka'van shook his head. “Promised I would actually follow the medical advice this time. You are free to take the tickets. They are in the apartment above the Slippery Slopes. Do you still have the entry code?”

 

The Twi'lek frowned as his blued form shifted. “I do, would rather go to the match with you. Doubt it will be as entertaining.”

 

“Hey,” Ka'van murmured as he focused on the Twi'lek's downcast face. Reaching out through the Force he easily located Dekk'lar's physical location, on Nar Shaddaa, in his living room. Subtly Ka'van moved his left hand and caressed the base of his left lekku, gently trailing his incorporeal touch downward. Dekk'lar's blued form shuddered as his eyes closed.

 

“It is not nice to tease,” the Twi'lek whispered.

 

“I am not teasing, just giving you something to look forward to next time I am in town.” Ka'van's lips quirked upward in a smile as Dekk'lar continued to lean into his caress.

 

“When might that be?” he murmured.

 

“I hope to return in roughly four weeks.”

 

“Four weeks,” he sighed, “I should be here. You owe me for canceling though.”

 

“Of course, I will make it up to you.”

 

Dekk'lar nodded before he broke the connection. Ka'van smirked closing his eyes, he still had the connection to the Twi'lek. His grin grew as he started to caress Dekk'lar's right lekku. The Twi'lek seemed to melt under his touch, as he barely touched his sensitive head tails only applying the slightest pressure. When Ka'van was convinced he was thoroughly… frustrated he broke the connection. He stood replacing his com in his pocket and he picked up the bag and crown. Ka'van knew Dekk'lar would not bother to call back, but he would be chastised for what he just did, when he saw Dekk'lar in the flesh again. Ka'van knew the Twi'lek was going to find a way to repay him, what exactly was going to happen, well that would be something to look forward too.

 

Ka'van rolled his shoulders, “Well time to go see what bedrest really entails.”

 

Walking to the end of the cliff-face he jumped to the tree, grabbing it with one arm as he began his rapid descent, jumping from one branch to the other.

 

~*~*~

 

 

Idly playing with the plated flower crown that was tucked within his robe pocket he disembarked the shuttle. He was rather close to bay six. He looked down the hall, the opposite direction towards his own slumbering ship. It really would not be that difficult to walk down there and head on to Nar Shaddaa… but he had said he would and he had already canceled his plans.

 

Walking down the hall he entered the massive bay, the ship lay dormant, its ramp lowered and waiting. Maybe it wouldn't be that bad, hopefully her crew would be elsewhere. Maybe. Walking up the ramp Ka'van took a deep breath resisting the urge to scan and search the ship, there shouldn't be any surprises in there.

 

Cautiously he stepped into the ship, glancing around he moved up the stairs into the ships common area and directly into the path of a certain raven haired Pest. “Great,” he muttered under his breath.

 

The aggravating pest stopped mid stride to stare at him. “What are you doing here?” The man demanded.

 

Well, as much as he didn't want to deal with the pest at the moment, he had been invited to be here. It was Syarra's ship. Mustering a smirk, he stared down at the smaller man. “I was commanded to come here.”

 

“What?” the Pest blanched, “by who?”

 

“Syarra,” Ka'van let the word roll off of his tongue.

 

“Why did she tell you to come here?”

 

“I have been mandated to bedrest.” Ka'van made no effort to hide his grin. A grin which grew at the Pest's obvious discomfort.

 

“For bedrest?

 

“Yes,” Ka'van nodded.

 

“You were told to come here for bedrest?” The Pest stared at him.

 

“I was told to yes, do I need to explain what bedrest is? Surely you know since you claim to be a medical practitioner.”

 

“What? No, I know what it is, why do you need to do it here?” The Human's arms violently crossed.

 

“She invited me, who am I to refuse.” Ka'van smiled at the poorly repressed anger and annoyance rolling off the smaller man. Moments later a chill ran down his spine, reaching out through the Force he searched for the source of the disturbance. It was slowly approaching from the aft of the ship. Dropping his hand to his side he reached out, slowly searching through the room.

 

The presence was dark and controlled. And strong. And non-disclosed. He stifled his annoyance smothering it; the presence didn't feel familiar but it was unmistakable, it was Sith.

 

Nonchalantly Ka'van looked in the presence's direction, it was slowly making its way up from the lower level of the ship, no doubt drawing out its reveal. It was a shame he didn't recognize the Force signature, but there was a small possibility he knew the individual.

 

Or perhaps not. A large broad shouldered figure slowly strode into the room. A red-skinned Pureblood. He really should pay better attention at the Council meetings, he honestly never recalled hearing anything about a large Sith wandering around the planet. Ka'van made a silent promise to the Force to not sleep through the next meeting.

 

“Oh good you are here,” The Pest exclaimed gesturing towards the Pureblood. The Pureblood just stared at the Pest.

 

Ka'van grinned the Sith didn't like the annoying Human either.

 

The Pureblood shifted his stance as he crossed his arms. Brow ridge twitched as he looked between the two of them.

 

“Please tell him to leave, he might listen to you. He should not be here.” The Pest demanded as his hand flung outward in Ka'van's direction.

 

Ka'van watched the Sith; he continued to stand unmoving watching the two of them. The Pureblood didn't look as if he was going to make a move against him. Not one to take a chance, Ka'van reached out through the Force silently searching through the room. Moments later he felt what he needed; there across the room, the bolts anchoring the couch to the floor were loose. It would only take a moment to free the furniture from it's mooring.

 

Finally the Pureblood spoke. “Why are you here?”

 

“I was invited here by Syarra.” Ka'van's mouth twitched as the Pest's annoyance grew.

 

Those red eyes bore into the Pest, “You want me to remove this individual that was invited onto the ship by Master Roark?”

 

“Well yes, he shouldn't be here.”

 

“Why? Because it causes you discomfort? And her anger when she finds out he was removed?” His eyes moved towards Ka'van. “Who are you?”

 

“I am the Barsen'thor, Master Ka'van Darksun.” Ka'van smiled when the Pureblood's eyes narrowed.

 

“I do not think that we have met before.” He loosely crossed his arms, his hand mere centimeters from his saber hilt. “I am quite curious as to why you are here. Though... Syarra does seem to be in the habit of collecting Sith; a former Child and you.” Ka'van's grin grew larger as the Pureblood's withering gaze stared through him. “Are there anymore lying about? In the cargo hold perhaps?” His glare intensified; Ka'van resisted the urge to laugh, waiting to see if the Sith would actually answer. The Pureblood's only response was silence.

 

“Oh, I shall take that as a no then, since you know who I am, who are you?”

 

The Pureblood continued to stare in stoney silence before he finally answered. “I am Lord Scourge.”

 

“Yes, the former Emperor's Wrath.” Syarra's voice filled the air. Ka'van looked behind him to see the statuesque Cathar ascending the stairs. He flashed her a fast smile before he returned his attention to the Sith.

 

“The Emperor's Wrath, I have heard of your successor.”

 

The Pureblood's eyes narrowed, his mouth opened to respond when a clawed hand gently grabbed his arm. “I actually had a bet running with Kira that you would not actually show.” Syarra moved next to him inserting herself between his and the Pureblood's.

 

“Oh did you?” Ka'van allowed his body to be moved away from the two men. “What was the bet?”

 

“Fifty credits that you would skip out, I had a feeling you wouldn't so she owes me.” She steered him to the right and towards the Captain's quarters. “So do you actually have the bag?”

 

Ka'van nodded, chuckling, “Let me guess arider on the bet I would lose the bag?”

 

“Yeap.”

 

“How much was that one?”

 

“Oh another fifty credits.”

 

“Well, you are a lucky woman, I have it.” He pulled the bag out as they crossed over the rooms threshold.

 

“Oh good.” She walked towards the bed, covered in mounds of pink and pillows of various shapes and sizes.

 

He stopped in front of the mattress staring, “You know I don't think you have quite enough pillows on that bed. Where do you sleep?” He muttered as he slipped his robe off, folding it in half and setting it on the bed.

 

“It is not that bad.”

 

“I do think they are breeding in here, you might have a problem.” Ka'van sat down on the edge of the bed carefully positioning his body around the pillows.

 

“Ha ha. Here gimmie the bag.” She stood hand outstretched.

 

Ka'van handed the bag to Syarra.

 

“You can lay back and get comfortable you know, they will not bite.”

 

“I am not so sure about that,” he frowned looking around. Slowly he pushed his body backwards onto the bed sinking into the pillows as he neared the headboard.

 

The clinking sound of pills rolling around caught his attention. “Oh these things are going to make you tired.”

 

“I am going to be completely out of it, it is why I hate taking them and prefer to heal everything myself. I probably won't be much fun.”

 

“That is alright. There are some decent Holovids on this ship. Do you like Kanha on Coruscant?

 

“Yeah I do.”

 

“Really?”

 

“Yeap.”

 

“You are not just saying that to make me happy are you?”

 

“Nope, I would tell you if I didn't like it. I like Mantha the best.”

 

“Oh,” she smiled, fangs flashing. “Why am I not surprised.”

 

“Here, you have to take these and then you get more in ohh…” the sound returned as the bottle was rolled. “It looks like six hours.” She reached out holding the pills in her hand.

 

Sighing Ka'van reached up and she placed them into his palm. Quickly he dropped them on his tongue. Looking around for a drink he was about to ask when she handed him a glass of water. He smiled taking a drink, swallowing the pills. Handing the glass back he reclined back into the mountain of pillows.

 

“Care if I sit on the bed too?”

 

“Nayc,” he shook his head, “go ahead, I will probably be asleep in a few minutes anyway.”

 

Syarra climbed into the bed next to him settling into the pillows. “Are you comfortable?”

 

He nodded, “I am. With all these pillows how could I not be?”

 

She shook her head as she gently elbowed him, “Are you ready for the movie?”

 

“'lek I am, are you going to close the door?”

 

Syarra chuckled, “It is already closed. None of their business what I do in here anyway. So,” she picked up the holoscreen remote, the screen flickered to life. “If you fall asleep how long should I let you sleep.” She pushed a button and the holo started.

 

“I really do want to watch this, you can talk to me to keep me awake.”

 

“You do huh?”

 

'lek, I do, Ka'van yawned. Frowning he pushed his body upwards trying to prop another pillow under his head. “I hate how fast these things start kicking in.” Bringing his hand up to his mouth he tried to stifle a yawn.

 

“Are you sure you are going to make it?”

 

“Nayc,” he grinned, “not sure at all.” He stifled another yawn as he brought his right hand up behind his head. “I am going to try though.”

 

 

 

AN

 

 

Kanha on Coruscant I made up after conferring with Syarra's creator about shows. It would be the SW equivalent to Sex in the City, Kanha is Ryl for sex according to myrpg.coruscant translator.

 

The Mando'a

Nayc = no 'lek = yeah

 

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I'm glad people are enjoying this story so far and hopefully will continue to do so!! Up next, some holiday fun that was originally posted as two separate stories on my Tumblr on December 13 &15, 2015. For those that read them, I have edited/polished the pieces a little since I had to keep Syarra's date vague at that point. So here we go with the Roark's Lifeday ball.....revised edition.

 

 

Chapter 9

 

Contains no spoilers that I can think of, just some warm fuzzies! :D

 

 

Roark Estate, Cathar

 

 

“Relax man,” the tan skinned Zabrak clapped his XO on the shoulder after catching the tawny Cathar fidgeting with his shirt collar again.

 

“I’m trying,” Aric muttered as he stooped down to look in the small mirror to check that the knot of his tie was correct. “Parties like this aren’t really my thing…..not to mention it’s the first time Natasha and I will be seen together in public.”

 

“I’ve never cared much for fancy parties either,” the scarlet skinned Zabrak agreed, fighting the urge to fidget with his own collar.

 

“Yeah because people might actually expect you to talk,” the tall grey Cathar snickered as he patted the pocket of his dress jacket to make sure his cigarra case was there.

 

“Damn right,” the towering Mandalorian muttered, looking a little sheepish. “But Mako’s really excited about the ball and seeing her happy is worth having to make conversation with strangers.”

 

“I’m pretty sure Mom put you guys all at the same table, so you’ll be fine Dek,” Jax assured his shy friend before looking apologetically at the other Cathar. “Sorry Aric, but I know a lot of my relatives and friends of my parents are really curious about my long lost cousin so I’m afraid you’ll likely be in the spotlight a little.”

 

“Fantastic,” Aric sighed, sinking down on the little couch when he felt his gut clench at the reminder.

 

“It’ll be alright,” Sienna spoke up as she entered the foyer with her mate and Syarra, giving Aric a pitying glance, “Most already know by now about how we found our cousin a few months back and Mom has quietly spread the word about how you met Natasha while getting private grief counseling sessions from my mate while we were on Coruscant. All you need to do is just smile and nod…..just like Jax and Syarra always do.”

 

“Damned right I do…...anymore than risks the matchmakers coming out! You know Dek, that really was a fantastic idea you had,” Syarra grinned as she nodded at Aric, her azure eyes twinkling with her excitement, “Simple and very easy to prove. All that’s left is to enjoy the evening……which I fully intend to do!”

 

“Speaking of enjoying your evening,” Jax frowned, “Where’s your date?”

 

“Don’t worry, he’ll be here…….got held up and is coming right from the spaceport,” Syarra tossed back with a shrug, then smirked at her littermate, knowing he was less than thrilled about who she’d invited. “In fact, I’m pretty sure Mom put the three of us and our dates all at the same table.”

 

“Oh that’ll be fun,” Sienna gave an uncharacteristically undignified snort as she grasped her mate’s arm, “Come on Raul, I need a drink if I’m going to be playing referee between my littermates through dinner.”

 

Jax was about to mutter a retort when a sapphire sparkle caught his eye and a broad smile curved his mouth as he watched Risha descend the rounded staircase. Ignoring Syarra’s teasing snicker, he went over to the beautiful brunette he was head over heels for and held out his arm to escort her into the ballroom, “We’ll see you guys inside.”

 

“Hey Big Guy,” Mako called out as she and Elara came down a moment later, “You ready for this?”

 

“I’m ready for anything as long as you’re with me,” Dek nodded as he offered her his arm, those red rimmed jade eyes smoldering as they took in the black sequin gown molded to her lithe body.

 

Zev followed his cousin’s lead, admiring the green satin sheath his medic and fiancée had chosen before guiding her towards the door. He paused, wondering if he should wait with Aric when Elara spoke up.

 

“Natasha will be down in just a moment Aric,” Elara smiled at her squad mate, “and if it’s any conciliation, she’s just as nervous as you look.”

 

Zev and Elara had barely entered the ballroom when Aric heard soft footfalls on the stairs. Eager to see his date, he stood and his jaw dropped when he caught the first glimpse of Natasha. The off the shoulder burgundy gown of crushed velvet that she wore hugged her body well enough to heat his blood and Aric wondered how he was going to keep within the bounds of propriety for the evening’s festivities.

 

A sparkle caught his eye as he offered her his arm and his gaze was drawn to the deep ruby jewel dangling from a delicate golden chain at her throat. A smile crossed his features as he looked into those sky blue eyes, “You like it?”

 

“It was perfect and I love it……thank you,” she replied, then stood on tiptoe to thank him more thoroughly.

 

Aric groaned in pleasure as those soft lips found his, always eager to explore that delicious mouth. His mate obviously felt the same since she made no move to stop him as his tongue slipped past her fangs to meet hers. All thoughts of the Roark’s Lifeday Ball were put aside as the couple enjoyed their own private celebration until a throat clearing and a knowing snicker intervened.

 

“I told you they’d be out here making out,” the statuesque yellow Cathar smirked at her littermate. “That’s fifty credits you owe me.”

 

“I honestly thought they’d be too nervous,” Jax muttered as he dug in his pocket and placed a credit chit in Syarra’s outstretched hand.

 

“Puh-lease,” Syarra rolled her eyes as she dragged her brother back into the ballroom, “In that dress?! Not to mention Aric cleans up very nicely……nope, you shoulda listened to me.”

 

“Guess we’d better go in,” Aric suggested, offering Natasha his arm again.

 

“Probably……but only if you promise we can pick up where we left off later.”

 

“I’ll think of nothing else all evening,” Aric replied, his bright green gaze raking hotly over her, “Well maybe not just that.”

 

“Oh?”

 

“I’ll probably be thinking of just how I will get my stunning mate out of her gorgeous dress.”

 

“Does it help to know I’m not wearing anything under it?”

 

Aric groaned as Natasha gave a sultry chuckle before kissing him chastely on the cheek, “Happy Lifeday my love.”

 

“Happy Lifeday my mate,” Aric murmured as they entered the ballroom, “I love you.”

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

A lone figure strolled along the stone walkway, enjoying a brief respite from the Lifeday festivities. The tall yellow furred woman smiled at all the love found in the ballroom, glad that her family and friends were so happy. Unfortunately her well-meaning mother wanted her to find a special someone as well and Sharon Roark wasn’t buying her daughter’s lie about not wishing to go against the Jedi code anymore, which meant she was determined to steer any available men in her direction. She’d spent the past hour dancing nonstop with a different partner each time and while normally Syarra didn’t object to that, she needed a break…..and to get away from the Krasul’s very eligible son. It wasn’t that there was anything wrong with Riv, he was handsome, intelligent, and kind, but he was far too serious for her tastes.

 

That was the biggest reason she’d arranged to have a date for the ball in the first place, figuring her mother and the Krasuls would get the picture at last……when he finally showed up that is. She sighed, wondering if she’d made a mistake inviting Ka’van to such a big family function, and not just because it got Jax’s shorts in a bunch…..that was something her stubborn littermate was just going to have to get over. No, Syarra’s biggest concern was that her and Ka’van weren’t exactly in any sort of committed relationship, just lovers with an ongoing agreement that it would be nothing more than that and the friendship that was developing between them. She’d been nervous about asking him to be her date because she worried he’d think she was trying to change their arrangement. Fortunately her concerns had been unfounded, Ka’van understood she wasn’t trying to make them into something more than they’d agreed upon and was eager to meet the rest of her family.

 

Syarra shivered a little as she neared the pond, wondering if she should’ve grabbed her wrap before coming outside. There was a slight chill in the night air and she wondered if they’d end up with a frost. She always did enjoy looking out to see the grounds kissed with the sparkling sign of winter and while snow was rare in their area, her mother always made sure the gardens were prepared for it. All of her favorite flowering bushes were protected from the elements, but it was still beautiful with the trees all lit up for the holidays. Still, her backless, floor length ball gown with its thigh high slits wasn’t exactly suited for colder weather and the last thing she needed was to come down with a cold. Not quite ready to go inside yet despite the cool night air, she leaned against the tall tree, smiling as she fingered the ice blue sequins, a deviation from her usual pink, but she had to admit the color was growing on her.

 

He found her easily, her force signature a beacon he could easily follow. The tall figure kept his footsteps quiet as he approached the statuesque Cathar leaning against a tree as she stared out at the pond, the sequins of her gown catching the moonlight and giving her an almost magical quality. Ka’van paused for a moment, a half-smile curving his lips as his gaze traveled down her bare back to where the dress met yellow fur right at the curve of her shapely derrière. The figure hugging gown was just shy of being scandalous and it thrilled him to no end. He knew she wouldn’t be distracted for very long so before she could detect him, he closed the distance and leaned down to nuzzle her neck as his hands ran down her sides to rest at her hip.

 

“Sorry I’m late,” he murmured against her neck before letting his mouth travel upwards as she turned to him.

 

Syarra turned to face him completely, her azure eyes drinking in the sight of her tall, handsome lover. She smiled, leaning up slightly until their lips met. “It’s alright,” she nipped his lip playfully, “I forgive you.”

 

“Not nice to tease my dear,” Ka’van warned with a sexy chuckle as he cupped her backside and dragged her against him where she could easily tell just how well he liked her gown, “Otherwise we won’t be putting in an appearance to the Lifeday ball anytime soon and I’d really hate to be any later than I already am.”

 

Her witty retort was lost as he captured her mouth with a kiss that warmed them both and the couple decided being a little later wouldn’t hurt after all.

 

Edited by alaurin
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I always enjoy a good party! Loved the descriptions of everything, especially the gowns...wow, so pretty. Burgundy velvet, is one of my favs.

 

You and Kitar are doing a fantastic job, and I'm really enjoying the story that's taking shape. More please! :)

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@Luna, Happy you are still enjoying it. :)

 

I hope everyone else is too.

Here is the next installment. I have split it for a couple reasons one is due to its length. It is a bit long and weighs in over 8k words, the other reason, it would really help my co-author out. So since I am nice, most of the time, here is the first part.

 

Spoilers: Mention of the Flashpoint Mandalorian Raiders.

Note: I realize not everyone is a fan of Mando'a the translation follows the story in the first AN

 

CHAPTER TEN

 

 

 

 

PORT NOWHERE

 

Jax leaned backward, exhaling a thick cloud of smoke though his mouth. Keeping his expression neutral, he pulled off the thick cigarra lightly gripped between his index and ring fingers on his left hand. In his right he clutched his cards tightly keeping them pressed against his jacket. Blue eyes studied the quiet figures sitting around the table, all of them shared the same impassive expression. Well all of them but Ka'van he was sitting back grinning. That was never a good sign, he had promised not to cheat but that smile made one nervous.

 

The Jedi leaned back in his chair, grinning as plumes of smoke drifted out of his nose. He watched his ginger haired friend pick up his rocks glass, taking a sip as he winked at him. Jax shook his head, definitely not a good sign.

 

Swallowing a sigh, he shifted his gaze to the Zabraks sitting across from him, flanking Gault. The Devarovian was watching him, looking slightly bored. Jax's nose twitched, not a good sign. Gault looking bored tended to indicate he had a great hand, or it was horrible and he wanted you to think he had a great hand.

 

If he lost another hand he was going to fold for the evening, it was probably going to be a staring match between Ka'van and Gault. Possibly, if Gault was smart he would not try to cheat again tonight. Ka'van had threatened to break off his other horn if he did. Jax knew the Jedi wasn't joking.

 

Jax shifted in his seat, resisting the urge to scratch the back of his head. He didn't like this, the way that damned ginger was grinning, Jax just knew he had a winning hand. Across from him Dek frowned, apparently he felt the same way. The Zabrak put his cards face down on the table and leaned back. Zev let out a sigh as his cards joined his cousins.

 

Wonderful just what he feared. Jax wondered if he should fold too, let Gault and Ka'van duke it out; but there was a bottle of Corellian Reserve, aged thirty years and a box of Black Label Corellian cigarras in the pot.

 

A muffled chiming erupted, shattering the quiet. Dek muttered as he grabbed the holocom. The blued form of a petite Human woman flickered into view.

 

“Hey big guy,” Mako's voice seemed to echo.

 

Was she louder than usual? Jax shook his head, now he was just being paranoid, the game had gotten too serious the minute that bottle had been put into the pot.

 

“Hey hon? What's up?”

 

“I have some great news, I have a lead on your buddies in Clan Varad.” Mako grinned. “I know I am interrupting, but this was to good to not tell you. Hope you don't mind.”

 

“Not at all what do you have?” Dek answered leaning in towards his holocom, intently watching her.

 

“Forwarding it to you now.” Her miniaturized blued formed shifted forward, her hands moving. “There you go,” she beamed. “That should improve your night. You will never guess what I stumbled across, a buried military file, badly corroded but I did learn that they have a new ship called Allusis that was stolen from the Republic military. Now we can finally pay them a visit.”

 

Dek's eyes widened as he nodded. “Really that is.. that's great. Thanks hon.”

 

“Anytime big guy,” Mako's smile widened. “I'll let you get back to the game.”

 

Her blue-ed form blinked out as Dek reclined back into his chair, exhaling heavily.

 

Beside him Ka'van frowned, he brought the cigarra to his lips pulling deeply as his blue eyes bored into Dek's green ones. “Aliit Vard? Gar be'etr ti ibac aruetii?” The frost in Ka'van's voice plummeted the room’s temperature, instantly killing the subdued but relaxed mood of the game, as a thick cloud of smoke filled the air.

 

Jax heard Gault inhale sharply as the Devaronian leaned back in his chair, shifting away from the two men. Jax stared at the ginger haired Jedi. Ka'van's eyes narrowed and his back stiffened.

 

“Pirusti?” Ka'van growled.

 

Dek stared at him jaw slightly agape. “Uhh. Uhhh. Nayc, umm be'etr, cuyir... cuyir par tarja kaysh.” Dek stammered.

 

“Tion'jor cuyir hra'ne oya'karir srumayata'yr tarja kaysh?” Ka'van's jaw set in a firm line as his head canted slightly to the left as he glared at Dek.

 

Dek's jaw opened and closed slightly as he returned the Jedi's stare, his tattooed brow furrowed in confusion. He looked to Zev, shaking his head as he looked at his cousin. Zev looked at him, green eyes wide as he shrugged.

 

Dek looked at Ka'van. “Uhhh,” he swallowed rubbing the back of his horned head as he looked at the expression on the Jedi's face. “At, at cinyc aliit ijaa.”

 

“Aliit Varad?” Ka'van spat, “Di'kutla, tion'jor? Gar alitt Varad?” Ka'van's scowl deepened, as the air temperature continued to drop.

 

“Nayc, umm ner Buir. La cuyir aliit Varad.” Dek shook his head sighing.

 

“Gar Buir, me'bana?” Ka'van's face softened.

 

Dek frowned, dropping his eyes to the table. When he looked back up he only shook his head.

 

“Taab'echaaj'la?” the Jedi whispered.

 

Dek nodded.

 

Ka'van brought the rocks glass to his lips, tilting his head backwards he swallowed the amber contents. Nodding he stood setting the glass down as he set his cards on the table. “Ner rejorhaa'ir ner aliit, allit Lok gaa'taylir.”

 

Dek stared at Ka'van, shocked.

 

Jax watched, brow creased, as Ka'van reached out neatly scooping up the loose credit sticks. What did he think he was doing? What was going on? What in the ninth Corellian Hell did he say to Dek? Ka'van's hands stilled as his head jerked up. The remnants of the freezing frown gone as a smile appeared. The Jedi stood as a familiar scent filled the air. Jax grinned as the tall silhouette of his littermate sauntered into view.

 

As Syarra approached the table she waved her hand before her, stifling a small cough. “I was told you were all in here doing manly things and not to interrupt you.”

 

“So you interrupted us?” Ka'van grinned his attention completely locked onto the tall Cathar.

 

Jax's frowned deepened as Syarra's grin grew; she glided towards the ginger haired Jedi.

 

“Something like that.” Syarra smiled, fangs flashing. “So what are you boys up to that is so secretive.” she brought up her hands wiggling her fingers.

 

Ka'van winked at her. Jax swallowed an annoyed growl, sighing instead.

 

“Well, it has been an… interesting night of Sabacc,” Gault muttered, as he eyed Ka'van neatly stacking the loose credit chips.

 

Jax watched Ka'van, the Human's hands moved the sticks but his eyes were locked onto his littermate. He frowned, knowing what was going to happen. Knowing, and as much as he really didn't like it, there was nothing he could do about it. They would look completely innocent and leave, a few minutes apart. They never spoke of it, he never asked but he knew. He could smell Ka'van in her room at his apartment. It was a constant underlying current of Human musk that permeated the air.

 

“Actually I have to make a holocall, I was going to excuse myself from the game,” Ka'van's husky voice lower than normal.

 

Jax's frown deepened, turning into a scowl as the Jedi's hand grabbed the bottle of whisky after placing the box of cigarras under his arm. Wait a minute, they hadn't finished the round.

 

“Oh,” Syarra purred, “who are you calling?”

 

Ka'van winked at her, “Someone who will give us a ride.” The Jedi put his lit cigarra to his lips as he moved slowly past Syarra his hand barely brushing against her wrist, his blue eyes scanning her leatheris clad form.

 

Jax's brow quirked as he stifled a growl.

 

“Oh,” Syarra turned watching him leave, “where are we headed?”

 

Ka'van chuckled as a cloud of smoke drifted behind his tall black clad form, “I am not sure yet, ask Dek.”

 

Syarra watched Ka'van walk out of the dimly lit, smoke filled room.

 

Jax tried to ignore the exchange and the noticeable scent of his littermate's aroused interest in the departing Human.

 

Syarra turned to look at Dek, “So?”

 

Dek looked up at Syarra, shaking his head.

 

“Oh,” Syarra frowned slightly, her fang dimpling her bottom lip, “It must be interesting, the place was as quiet as a crypt when I walked in.” She glanced at the table, “Sorry to interrupt your game.” She flashed Jax a smile. “I just wanted to see what you guys were up to. I am a bit tired I think I will be heading to bed.” She turned walking away, “Oh who won?”

 

“I think Ka'van did,” Gault answered.

 

“Did he?” Syarra chuckled as she left the room.

 

Jax's foot flew, his leatheris boot connecting with the Devaronian's shin, hard.

 

“Hey,” Gault yelped. “I was serious I wasn't talking about that, but now that you brought it up. I think he won there too.”

 

“Why do you say the Jedi won?” Zev questioned.

 

“Well, look at his cards,” he gestured to the hand Ka'van had been playing and a communal groan filled the air. There displayed on the table was the Idiot, two of sabers and three of sabers.

 

Zev sighed, “Well it is a good thing I folded when I did.”

 

Gault sighed, “I knew he had a good hand,” he laid his cards on the table, “never thought he would have been able to trump my hand. I had a positive twenty-three.”

 

“So why did Jax kick you under the table?” Zev asked leaning forward as he began picking up cards.

 

“Because he is unhappy and can't take it out on them.”

 

“Them?”

 

“Yes the tall Force-wielding lovebirds.”

 

“Really?” Zev looked at the distant door. “Those two?”

 

“Yeap, been at it a while, actually. Been pretty quiet about it, took us a while to catch on.”

 

“Yeah it is just fan-fracking-tastic,” Jax muttered as he handed his cards to Zev.

 

“Oh it is not that bad, Ka'van is a good guy.”

 

Jax snorted, staring at Gault.

 

“Okay, okay, not really all that good,” the Devaronian held up his hand, “but he is your friend. Really what is the problem?”

 

“The problem?” Jax growled, “The problem? You know him, you were there when he left with twins, I didn't hear from him for two days. He was with them the entire time!”

 

“That is pretty impressive actually,” Gault mused, “I really should ask him sometime how he managed...” he trailed off as he caught Jax's glare.

 

“That is exactly what the problem is, and now he is with my sister!” Jax growled.

 

“It can't be that bad, I saw her for a while, for you know, her...” Zev waved his fingers. “Maybe he is not like that anymore?”

 

“That was different, that was just for her cycle. He sees her outside of it, often. He has karking clothes stored in her room.” Jax fumed. “They slink around behind my back, neither of them tell me anything.”

 

“Well I can't imagine why,” Zev's green eyes rolled, “do you always act like this when it is brought up?”

 

“I don't want her getting hurt, he is going to hurt her. He can't be faithful to the same woman for a couple of days, and now,” Jax violently jerked his hand at the closed door. “I am going to say something to them. I know him too well.”

 

Jax put his hands on the table, standing up, when he felt something on his hand. He looked down seeing Dek's hand on top of his. “Don't,” Dek croaked.

 

“What? Why not?” Jax growled.

 

Dek shook his head, “Don't.”

 

Jax studied his friend, realizing it was the first time he had spoken since his exchange with Ka'van. “What is wrong Dek?”

 

Dek took a deep breath, “She is a grown woman, she is not blind, we all know how he is.” Dek turned his head towards Jax, but his friend was not looking at him, he seemed to be looking through him.

 

“Dek, what did he say to you?” Jax looked at Dek, the Zabrak was still staring. “It was Mando'a wasn't it?”

 

“Yes,” Zev answered, “but I don't know what they said. I only paid attention to the cuss words when I was little, only learned a handful of words. Your Jedi friend, he sounded pretty fluent in it though.”

 

“He once told me he knew it, I had never heard him speak it before. I thought he was pulling my leg, I have no idea where he learned it.” Jax shook his head. Leaning forward he stared at his friend's red-skinned face. “Dek,” Jax prodded, snapping his fingers in front of the Zabrak's face. “Dek what did he say to you?”

 

Dek blinked, his gaze snapping to Jax's face. “He, he is going to help.”

 

“Help do what?” Jax questioned.

 

“Help me clear my Mother's name.”

 

“That is what Mako's holocall was about, she found the clan didn't she?”

 

“Yes,” Dek nodded, “and he is going to help.”

 

 

 

~*~*~*~*~

 

 

“So when I receive the location I will forward it to you.” Ka'van grinned at the blued projected form. “Are we telling Mandalore?”

 

“Nayc, be a surprise.” The horned blue-tinged head shook.

 

“Fair enough, he should be pleased.” Ka'van's grin grew as Kiernan's blued form snorted.

 

“That is an understatement.”

 

“How many? They need to be... discreet.”

 

The Zabrak's horned head shook, '”'lek, 'lek I know, will all be Clan. Have a spacer who will give us a lift. Cost more, hazard pay.” He snorted, shaking his head, “Hut'uun.”

 

Ka'van grinned. Typical. Kiernan thought anyone who wasn't willing to get into a firefight at a moments notice was a coward. Ka'van knew quite a few spacers who would disagree with him. They would rather talk their way out or grease a few palms, to get out of a *****ly situation. That didn't mean they were cowards. No those were the ones that disappeared when things began to get sticky.

 

He had tried, on more than one occasion, to tell Kiernan that. The Zabrak just rolled his eyes, grunting into his ne'tra gal.

 

“I will holo when I have confirmation on the location.”

 

Kiernan's blued form nodded, his long hair swinging. “I will be waiting.”

 

“Who will be waiting?” A low voice purred.

 

He turned towards the now open doorway, watching as the tall, leatheris clad, sandy furred form of his friend's sister sauntered into the room.

 

“You will be I am afraid.” Ka'van swallowed the smile that threatened to break free; instead he forced a pain expression. Bringing his hand to his forehead, as his hand slipped his holocom into his pocket.

 

“I will?” she purred as she sauntered closer, hips swaying.

 

“Yes,” he nodded, rubbing his forehead.

 

“Oh? Why?”

 

“I have a headache and I am tired.”

 

“You poor thing,” she stopped in front of him, her brow lifted as those azure eyes sparkled. Her hands slowly ran up the front of his shirt, clawed fingertips skimming along the black material. “All tuckered out are you?”

 

He nodded, “I am, winning at Sabacc is hard work.”

 

“Oh you poor thing.” Her hands slipped to his neck, “I do know what will make your headache better. But,” she pulled her hands away, “if you are too tired perhaps I should go back to the game.”

 

“It might be for the best,” Ka'van nodded frowning.

 

“Are you sure? It really is a great way to get rid of a headache.”

 

“Well,” he pulled his hand away from his forehead, “I might be persuaded, what do you have in mind?”

 

“Oh,” she stepped closer, her clawed fingertips running gently over his cheeks. “Something,” she leaned in her breath warm. He tilted his head forward, eyes closing in anticipation. “Like,” she brushed her lips against his, “this.”

 

He groaned as she nipped his lower lip, Ka'van ran his hands along her sides, fingers skimming the tan leatheris. Syarra's hands slipped around his waist coming to rest on his backside. “Hmmmm,” he murmured against her lips, “I do like that.”

 

“Do you?” she whispered as she kissed him again, her hands traveling up his back.

 

“Un huh,” he agreed as he wrapped his arms around her.

 

“Thought you would,” she giggled against his mouth before nipping his lower lip. “How are you feeling? All better?”

 

He slipped his arms down under her rump, picking her up in one quick fluid motion. She laughed as she wrapped her hands around his neck. Ka'van walked towards the large couch across the room. Reaching out through the Force he locked the door behind them.

 

He nodded as he bent his head to kiss her, gently biting the sandy furred column of her neck.

 

“I will take that as a yes,” Syarra grinned as he gently deposited her onto the couch as he straddled her waist. Ka'van winked, his dark blue eyes shining as he bent over her, continuing to nip and kiss his way along her collarbone.

 

“So how much time do we have this time?” She breathed, her hands pulling his black shirt free from his black leatheris pants.

 

“Oh,” he paused to look at her, “we have until morning.” He watched her azure eyes spark before returning his attention to her neck.

 

“Really that much time?” Her hands paused, her fingers stopped along their voyage of unbuttoning his shirt.

 

He nodded as his hands moved to the buckles on her chestpiece. “We have all night my dear, though we will have to get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be an exciting day.”

 

“Is it?” Syarra questioned.

 

“It is.”

 

“What are we doing?”

 

Ka'van shook his head as he removed the leatheris, “That my dear is a surprise, but it will be an interesting day.”

 

“You are not going to tell me are you?” Syarra pouted.

 

Ka'van chuckled low in his throat, “What do you want more, to know what is going to happen … or me?” His fingers slid through her exposed chest-fur. Her body arched into his fingers as she growled.

 

“You are unfair you know that?”

 

He grinned, “Of course I do.”

 

Her fingers gripped his loose copper locks as she pulled his head closer. She growled before kissing him.

 

Ka'van laughed, “That is what I thought,” he murmured against her lips before gently pushing her backwards onto the couch.

 

 

 

AN Mando'a

 

 

Mando'a in order of appearance

 

“aliit Varad.” - Clan Varad

“Gar be'etr ti ibac aruetii?” - You associate with that traitor?

“Pirusti” - well

“Cuyir par tarja kaysh.” - been looking for him

“Tion'jor cuyir hra'ne oya'karir srumayata'yr tarja kaysh” - Why is the great hunt champion looking for him

“at cinyc aliit ijaa” - to clean the clan honor

“Aliit Varad?” - Clan Varad?

“Di'kutla, tion'jor?" - Useless why?

"Gar alitt Varad?” - You Clan Varad?

“Nayc, umm ner Buir. La cuyir aliit Varad.” - No, my parent. She was Clan Varad.

“Gar Buir me'bana," - your mom what happened?” “Taab'echaaj'la” - deceased marched far away

“Ner rejorhaa'ir ner aliit, allit Lok gaa'taylir” - I tell my clan, clan Lok will help.

“Hut'uun.”- Coward.

'lek - yes, nayc - no

 

 

 

AN

 

 

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Sabacc

I believe in Sabacc 23 positive or negative is the number you want, much like 21 in Black Jack.

A winning hand that trumps a positive or negative 23 is an Idiot's Array, which Ka'van had, the Idiot 2 sabers 3 sabers.

 

If anyone is interested, here is the story where Jax is told Ka'van knows Mando'a. It is from the short fic weekly thread, so it might be a repeat for a few of you.

 

 

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I'm not sure which amuses me more, Gault saying that Ka'van is a good guy and then recanting it, or seeing what a woman can do to a pack of men who are doing 'manly things'. :D

 

I feel for Jax, poor guy, he really is trying to be a good brother, I can see how he worries about Syarra. I hope she appreciates him.

 

Also enjoyed the Man'doa it gave it a nice touch of authenticity. Keep it up! I'll be watching for the next part. :D

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@ Lunafox I suppose in some circles Ka'van is a great guy :D I feel for Jaxzin too, poor guy I do think he is going to have his hands full.

 

@ Frauzet It makes my day to hear you are enjoying the story.

 

And now get ready for the second half of the current chapter.

The same spoilers still apply for Mandalorian Raiders

 

CHAPTER 10 - Part 2

 

 

Ka'van stood, patiently waiting for the now docking ship to land. Suppressing the grin that threatened to break out. Behind him he could feel the nervous energy flooding off the pacing red-skinned Zabrak. Dek should not be worried, this should be a fast in and out type of operation.

 

Ka'van watched as the hired freighter slipped through the weakened force field, slowly entering the landing bay. Gracefully it turned and rotated before him, landing with a muffled thud inside the bay. The green tinged force field flickered to full force and the landing gear of the ship hissed, venting steam as the ramp slowly lowered. Before him beskar'gam clad legs appeared, the leader sporting beskar a pale blue in colour, a pair of well maintained blasters his hips and an apparent trophy saber hilt dangling off the back of his belt by a short chain.

 

The corner of his mouth twitched, this was going to be a good day. As long as Keirnan played nice and their fellow clansmen and women remained… discrete.

 

The small group of hunters stopped before him, a subtle wave of helmeted heads greeted him. He returned their greeting with a small nod. Looking over his shoulder he waved Dekkyn closer. The Zabrak made his way over, standing next to Ka'van. The nervous energy rolling off the huge man was almost humorous, he had no reason to be nervous. The Clan was here to help. They wanted those traitors caught, Kiernan had jumped at the chance.

 

Kiernan stepped forward, his hand out. “You have aruetii location?”

 

Dek nodded, the relief flooding off of him, palpable. He handed over his datapad. “My slicer found their location last night. They are on a stolen Republic ship.”

 

Muffled laughter sounded from a few of the helmeted heads, Ka'van managed to hide the smirk on his lips.

 

Dek's tattooed brow furrowed as he looked at the Mandalorians standing before him. “They are supposed to be there for the next few days. I don't know who else has this information, but the window is small to get to them.”

 

Kiernan's helmeted head nodded in agreement. He handed the datapad to the woman in dark green beskar at his elbow. Ka'van knew from her stance and her height that it was his grandmother, which meant the tall form behind them in dark blue and silver trimmed beskar was his grandfather. Ka'van breathed a silent sigh of relief. Three of the five before them were related to him, the other two, broad shouldered and average height men in sand coloured beskar'gam were the Bycer brothers, twins who were cousins to the Mandalore and close friends of Kiernan.

 

The day should go off without a hitch.

 

Ka'van looked behind him to the awaiting motley crew. Jax had insisted on coming, Torian had as well. He had extended the invitation to Akavvi to come along, knowing the honor today's success would bring her. He offered the scarlet-skinned Zabrak a small smile, one she returned with a small nod of her head. Zev stood next to her, arms crossed, in a borrowed set of armor. Ka'van had managed to talk him out of wearing his Republic issued spec forced durasteel. It would have created a problem had his Clansmen known the pale-skinned Zabrak's loyalties. Syarra was leaning up against a stack of crates, talking to Qyzen.

 

The others had wanted to come. Ka'van had managed to convince them, with some small measure of Compulsion laced words, that it would be in their best interest, for the success of the mission of course, to only take a small group, composed of hunters and Dek's closest friends. That way if something went wrong it could not be traced back to them or to the Republic. It would be viewed as a dispute between Mandalorian Clans and nothing more. Mostly a bald-faced lie, but he needed to remain in control of this little excursion today. The less people he had to keep an eye on the better.

 

Ka'van returned his attention to the Mandalorians standing before him. Kiernan turned to look at him, he could feel the excitement radiating off his vod, his blue clad arm pointed to the lowered ramp. Ka'van grinned as he looked back over his shoulder, “Alright let's move out, our ride is here.”

 

“Is that it?” Dek whispered looking at him, confused.

 

“That is it, all we need to do now is go and collect them.” Ka'van walked past the confused Zabrak and headed up the ship's gangplank.

 

~*~*~*~*~

 

“We are getting close. When we land we are immediately splitting into the groups as we discussed. Move quietly, get to the bridge and seize control of the ship. Dek, you are taking Zev, Jax, Akavvi, Torian, Syarra and Qyzen.” Ka'van gestured to the waiting group standing by the exit. Syarra frowned glaring at him.

 

“It will be best to have one Force user per group. You will have other opportunities, my dear, to fight along side me.”

 

Syarra harrumphed as she crossed her arms. “Oh, yes, I am just dying to fight alongside you.” Her azure eyes rolled as her littermate snorted, shaking his head.

 

Ka'van's brow arched as he heard a muffled chuckle escape from Qyzen's closed mouth.

 

Qyzen shook his head, “Understand your frustration, soft thing, Herald scores many points, is shame not to fight with him. Will miss many points today.”

 

Syarra sighed, “Of course I am a soft thing, I am covered in fur,” she growled as she frowned. She shook her head, “Why are we stuck going to the bridge? Shouldn't Dek be going with you guys?”

 

“Taking the bridge is just as important, we will not have any fun without him. I promise.” Ka'van looked to where Dek stood, waiting next to Jax. “Trust me, it would be for the best if I bear the brunt of that slippery manka escaping than Dek. Not that it is going to happen, of course.”

 

The ship slowed, Ka'van could feel it rotating before it set down. Hissing filled the air as the ramp began to lower. Ka'van moved past them, his Clansmen close behind. “We will go after Varad, stay in contact. When you have secured the bridge holo us. When we have Varad, I will send word.”

 

As the ramp lowered Ka'van walked to the end waiting for it to open. Before it even touched the ground he lept off the ramp and into the shadows. Quickly Ka'van moved through the shadows, running to the wall of the landing bay, hugging dark and dormant ships. Behind him he heard the near silent beskar clad footfalls.

 

Hand resting on the saber on his belt Ka'van looked to his right, Kiernan stood at his shoulder saber hilt in hand. His helmeted head nodded towards the nearest hallway and Ka'van nodded, turning and ducking in heading deeper into the stolen vessel.

 

The resistance had been minimal, bodies easily moved into unused rooms and darkened corners. As they moved through the ship, he felt a jarring impact as the vessel jerked under his feet. Growling he looked down the hall, there the flashing emergency lights had been activated, casting a strobe-ing red light. A large section of the exterior wall had been compromised, the smoking wreckage of hull breaching pods littered the floor. Walking out of the smoke-filled, tangled mess, Ka'van could make the obscured outlines of four people.

 

Beside him Kiernan growled. Ka'van shook his head, the idiots.

 

A siren erupted as the fools' poorly thought out entrance alerted the entire ship to their presence. Inept people should not attempt to collect bounties. When he saw, through the acrid billowing smoke, a Republic emblem, he had to bite his tongue. Behind him various Mandalorian curses filled the air. Now they had to fight off these fools and get out of here before the ship's security showed up. It was of the utmost importance they manage to capture the damned aruetii. The faster they secured him the better.

 

Ka'van looked at Kiernan, he pointed at the interlopers before them. “Pick the one you want.” Ka'van gestured the quartet that was emerging from the smoke. “Feels like two Force users. Wonder which of my dimwitted brethren thought it would be a good idea to play bounty hunter.” As they solidified, Ka'van shook his head.

 

“Know them?” Kiernan asked.

 

Ka'van sighed shaking his head, “'lek the armored one, Ezeraline is rather energetic. Seems to think the more you leap about, the better duelist you are.”

 

Kiernan nodded, then gestured towards the group. They had stopped moving and stood staring at Ka'van. “The other one?”

 

Ka'van shrugged. “Seen him around.”

 

“Annoying, throws things at your head?” Kiernan whispered, “Like you?”

 

Ka'van frowned canting his head to the side, staring at his brother, he could see the smile that was masked by that helm. His brother's amusement just flowed through the Force.

 

“How about the other two?” Kiernan's head jerked towards the group, an armored figure and a Twi'lek materialized out of the debris filled smoke.

 

Ka'van shook his head, “No idea.”

 

Kiernan chuckled as violet lightning streaked from his armored fingertips, slamming into Ezeraline. “I'll take the jumper, I like a moving target.” Behind them, a battle cry erupted as their clansmen charged past them. The brothers laying down suppression fire as Kiernan's grandparents rushed in, techstaves humming.

 

Ka'van tilted his head to the side as his hand shot out, he lifted a huge piece of melted durasteel and threw it at the blue-skinned Twi'lek. The man didn't even make a sound as he was crushed, “Guess he didn't see it coming,” he muttered. Ka'van felt the hair at the base of his neck flinch, he looked up, ducking as his hand shot out, stopping a large hunk of debris midflight. Rotating it he pushed it back towards the silver-trimmed, dark grey robed, person standing at the bottom of the ramp.

 

The hunk of debris was pushed off course slamming into the wall. The Jedi before him stared. “What are you doing here?”

 

“Well,” Ka'van slowly raised his arms, “I was here on a little retrieval mission, a family affair really. What in the Nine Hells do you think you are doing here?”

 

“We discovered the location of wanted war criminals.”

 

“So you decided that you needed to come crash their party huh, was this little act actually sanctioned by the Council?” Ka'van growled, his hands rose even higher.

 

“Well… yes. What does that have to do with anything?” The Jedi, Magnus, Ka'van thought his name might be Magnus, shook his head in confusion.

 

“Everything for you I am afraid. Though it is amazing I sit upon it and I never heard a sound about a couple of Jedi being sent to meddle in Mandalorian affairs.”

 

“We are not meddling, they are war criminals.” The man before him stared, finger hovering above his lightsaber hilt, “I don't understand, why are you here?”

 

“Life is full of disappointments, I'm afraid. You will never understand.” Ka'van's fingers flexed and violet lightning shot out enveloping the unsuspecting Jedi. Smiling he advanced upon Magnus' jerking form. Pulling on the outpouring surge of fear and pain that radiated off the Human; drinking it in as violet lightning poured over the Jedi. Ka'van closed the distance, the violet barrage stopped as he pulled his saber hilt free, igniting the golden blade, Ka'van plunged it into the Human's twitching body. With a shaking gasp the Jedi joined the Force.

 

“Took you long enough. Shouldn't talk to them.” Kiernan scolded from beside him, his crimson blade humming.

 

Ka'van shrugged. “Was necessary, I needed to make sure my trail was covered. Everyone taken care of?”

 

Kiernan nodded, “All dead, need to get moving.” Kiernan's head jerked up looking past him. “Eyes Vod, eyes. Don't want to ruin your precious cover.”

 

Ka'van nodded, closing his eyes. Releasing his grasp on the Dark Side energy that was swirling around him, he returned it to the living Force with a slow steady exhale. Beside him he heard Kiernan's saber deactivate. Ka'van thumbed the activation switch on his hilt. Opening his eyes he looked past the smoking bodies that littered the floor. “We should be moving, don't want anymore friends.”

 

He turned and quickly picked his way down the emergency lit, still sparking hall. They had to be getting close to the damn traitor. They needed to stay ahead of any security that was headed to the hull breach.

 

He moved faster breaking into a run, behind him he heard the rapid footfall of armored feet. They had a rough idea where damn Varad was, buried deep in the hull of his stolen ship. Hiding like the hut'uun he was.

 

They rounded a corner when Ka'van felt something, an excited flash flow through the Force. He held up his hand, coming to a complete stop. Before them was a tram track, canting his head to the side, he stared down the dimly expanse of tunnel.

 

The sense of excitement grew, becoming almost palatable. Ka'van tightened his grip on his saber, waiting. Several tense moments later a hovercar appeared, flying down the track. Ka'van sighed frowning as the occupants of the car came into view. He made out the rapidly approaching silhouette of three figures. Shaking his head he waited, sighing, as the car came to a stop before them. Standing on the car was the very familiar forms of Qyzen, Syarra and Dek.

 

“I told you I was going to holo you when we got there,” Ka'van sighed. “What are you doing here?” He bit back his aggravation, working to suppress it through the Force. “Let me guess you just could not resist the chance to fight along side me?” He flashed her a grin. Clicking his hilt to his belt he walked to the hovering car and held out his hand to the occupants.

 

“Oh, you know it.” Syarra's eyes rolled as she suppressed a smile.

 

“Then tell me, why we are graced with your presence?”

 

“Well,” Syarra reached out, grasping his offered hand. “The bridge rolled over rather easily, the boys are busy securing it.”

 

Ka'van shook his head, “And they have no idea you are here do they?”

 

Syarra shrugged. “Nope, it was boring waiting around and figured it would be more fun to come and find you.” She winked at him, azure eyes sparkling as she gracefully jumped to the ground.

 

“Saw her sneaking off, knew Herald would be upset if she left alone.” Qyzen hissed as he jumped down off the car walking up to Ka'van. “Tried to talk her out of it, soft thing, very persistent.”

 

“That she is,” Ka'van muttered. He looked up to Dek, “And you?”

 

The Zabrak jumped, shrugging his shoulders as he stood. “I know her, knew where she was headed. I want to make sure I am there when we get him.”

 

“Get him?” Ka'van questioned, staring at Dek. “Do you intend to let him live?”

 

“No. I intend to kill him.” Dek answered, staring at Ka'van. “I wanted to make sure I was there when you got to him.”

 

Behind him, Ka'van heard several murmurs of agreement. “I promised you, nothing would happen without you.” Ka'van looked at Dek, the huge Zabrak was standing before him arms crossed. Ka'van nodded, “Well enough standing around, let's get out of here. We should be close.”

 

“Oh we are,” Syarra grinned. “While I was waiting I got bored. Managed to find the blueprints in the ships databanks. We are really close.”

 

“Oh? How close,” Kiernan asked moving closer. He stood between Ka'van and Syarra, his helmeted head turning to look at the two of them.

 

“Very,” Syarra beamed, white teeth flashing. “Follow this hallway, go down a lift and we are pretty much there. And,” she stepped closer to Ka'van, her grin widening. “I noticed he had some pretty heavy hardwear in there. So I decided to go ahead and disable it. Don't want him going ahead and making things more difficult.” Her hand rested on his shoulder, clawed fingertips running through his loose copper locks, before touching his neck.

 

“Well that is most convenient, good thinking.” Ka'van grinned, catching his hand as it moved towards her. With a slight twinge of his wrist he dropped his arm at his side. Beside him his brother muttered something under his breath. Ka'van took a step backwards. “Let's get going shall we?”

 

“'lek,” Kiernan muttered shaking his head as he moved away from them, walking back to their waiting Clansmen, while shaking his head.

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

“So you are sure he is in here?” Ka'van looked back at Syarra.

 

She nodded, gesturing towards the closed door.

 

“Then let's go get him.” Ka'van grinned as he opened the door.

 

The room was large, obnoxiously so. It seemed entirely to large, to many places to hide. Why did he need so much space? Slowly, quietly, the group advanced into the room. Ka'van's grin vanished as he surveyed the room. This was potentially bad. On either side of the room, suspended overlarge open bays were huge missiles. There was a maintenance walkway that ran the entire length of the room. Mavrix was nowhere in sight.

 

 

Ka'van frowned looking at his brother. He glanced behind him and Kiernan's grandparents peeled off the group. Their beskar'gam clad forms flanking the door, techstaves at the ready.

 

The group silently advanced, Ka'van slipped to the right moving past a dormant bank of computers. He slowed, tapping with his foot the closed floor-mounted doors of a turret. Kiernan grunted his displeasure. Placing his finger over his down-turned lips Ka'van tapped them before quietly gestured down the expansive room.

 

Kiernan's helmeted head swiveled looking across the room, Kavan followed his gaze. He shook his head, across the room was another dormant computer flanked by floor mounted turrets, their grey durasteel doors barely visible. Ka'van looked over to Kiernan, gently nudging him through the Force. The light blue helmet turned to meet his gaze. He gestured with two fingers towards the group then towards the computer. Kiernan nodded before turning to gesture to the group behind them. The Bycer brothers moved behind Kiernan. The trio started move away when Ka'van's hand shot out grabbing Kiernan's arm. He stopped short, head snapping towards Ka'van.

 

Ka'van pointed behind them towards Dek, then gestured towards Kiernan and the golden forms of Bycer brothers. Kiernan's head nodded in agreement. He reached out a light blue armored arm and silently beckoned the huge Zabrak over.

 

Ka'van smiled then waved them off. Looking over his shoulder he motioned for Qyzen and Syarra to follow him.

 

Moving towards the wall they hugged it eyes scanning looking for Varad. Fingers tapped his back. Pausing he looked behind him, Syarra was beside him, her back against the wall. His blue eyes narrowed as he followed her outstretched finger, there before them was Varad.

 

The aruetii's back was to them as he bent over a terminal looking at something. Muttered cussing drifted back to him, causing his lips to quirk upward. Syarra stifled a snicker, he felt the amusement rolling off of her.

 

Varad's fist slammed the keyboard as he hurled a rather long string of half heard insults. Ka'van looked back to Syarra, she shook her head, fangs flashing as she grinned. “He is pissed,” she silently mouthed. Ka'van's smile grew. “Good,” he mouthed back. Ka'van shook his head, feigning concern, “pity his day is not going to get any better,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

 

Syarra's grin grew.

 

Ka'van winked as he gestured for her to follow. Carefully he picked his way along the wall, closing the distance to the bent over, cussing man in front of them. As they neared Ka'van's screwed up, his expression bitter, how could someone so… robust inspire anyone to follow him anywhere, much less turn their backs and rebel against Mandalore? He held up his hand as he slowed to a stop. Behind him his friends stopped.

 

Syarra stepped to his shoulder, her hand on her hilt as she intently watched Mavrix. Qyzen moved near his back his solid presence, comforting.

 

Ka'van's eyes scanned the room, looking for his brother's exact location.

 

Kiernan emerged out of the shadows near Mavrix, Dekkyn stood by his shoulder. Ka'van gripped his saber hilt waiting for the possible fight. Though Ka'van had a feeling once Mavrix saw how many were there to collect him, he would try to weasel his way out of it. He doubted the man would actually put up much of a fight, once he realized his little toys were disabled and he was cut off from all back-up. He didn't look a man who did much fighting, more like a coward who let others do the fighting for him.

 

Kiernan walked up behind the still cursing man, waiting patiently as Varad slammed his fist onto the counsel. “Problem?” his brother asked, his accent thick.

 

“Yes,” Varad snarled, “I can't raise the damn bridge, the alarms were going off and then all communications were cut off.” Varad began to rotate towards Kiernan, “I have been trying to get through, this is unacceptable...” his voice trailed off as his rotation finished and he came face to light blue beskar'gam helmeted face with Kiernan.

 

“What? Who are you?” His eyes rapidly scanned Kiernan's unmoving form. His eyes darted around the room, his face paled as he saw the armored group waiting behind Kiernan. His panic was becoming palatable through the Force. The aruetii turned to look towards Ka'van; the rest of the blood draining from his face.

 

Varad turned back around his fist slamming down on a keypad. His face fell, dripping with disbelief. The fist returned repeatably striking the numpad. Syarra stepped closer. “Don't think that is going to work. I turned off your little toys.”

 

Mavrix flew back around, his eyes taking on a wild, caged animal, edge. He looked from one group to the other. “Who are you?”

 

Dekkyn moved away from Kiernan, slowly, deliberately closing the distance. He stood before Mavrix. Reaching up he unlocked his helmet, drawing out the action of hooking it to his belt. “I am Dekkyn Varlok, son of Sylvie Varad.”

 

“Varad,” Mavrix muttered as he stared at him.

 

“Yes, Varad.” Dek reached down to his hip, resting his hand on his blaster. “I promised her that I would cleanse the stain on the family's honor.” His fingers wrapped around the grip. “I promised her, I promised her when I heard she had died fighting the traitorous scum that was foolish enough to follow you. Some high ranking aruetii lurking in the lower slums of Corusant. Do you even remember losing him?”

 

“What?” Mavrix whispered, the cold realization sinking in why the two groups were staring at him, unmoving. He shook his head no. Suddenly the overly robust man bolted, trying to shove his way past Ka'van and Syarra, his fist impacting with Ka'van's chest. Pain exploded in his chest as the man scrambled away heading for the suspended maintenance bridge.

 

Ka'van growled. His hand shot out as he wrapped the Force around the fleeing aruetii. Lips set in a firm line he picked him up, canting his head to the side he stared at the floating man struggling against the unseen restraints. Looking at Dekkyn out of the corner of his eye he muttered, “I would like to say I am surprised.”

 

Dek nodded, “Yeah he is a runner, knew the moment we saw all the toys he hides behind.” The massive Zabrak pulled his blaster free as he advanced on his floating form. When he neared, Ka'van released his hold on the worm. The struggling man landed in a loud breath-stealing thump.

 

Mavrix coughed, rolling onto his hands and knees. He looked up to Dekkyn, “Whatever they are paying you I can double it. What are they paying you? What is that damn imposter paying you?”

 

Kiernan growled as the Bycer brothers uttered barely heard curses. Ka'van's frown deepened; Mandalore was not an imposter.

 

“What are they paying me?” Dek shook his head, “The Mandalore is not paying me a thing.”

 

“He's not?” Mavrix pushed his upper body up off the floor, he stared up at Dekkyn while still on his knees. “I can pay you, help me. We are Clan, you are part of Clan Varad. Help me, kill off these people, they owe us nothing. They are not of our Clan. I will give you anything you want.”

 

Ka'van bristled at his words, as his fellow Clansmen tensed. The slug was worse than a Hutt could not even die with dignity, trying to convince Dek to kill them. Pathetic.

 

“Anything I want?” Dekkyn canted his head to the side as he studied the groveling man before him. “Anything I want?”

 

“Yes, anything. Help me and kill them!” Mavrix's voice was starting to rise, taking on a panicked edge.

 

“Alright then,” Dekkyn pulled out his blaster, “I will, if you can do one thing for me.”

 

Beside him Kiernan snarled, his hands slamming onto his blaster hilts. Ka'van's hand shot out, grabbing his brother's arm. Ka'van shook his head, before returning his attention to Dekkyn.

 

“Good, good, just help, help me.” Marvix was slowly starting to stand, one foot flat on the floor.

 

“Bring them back, bring them all back, all of my Clansmen that fought you and your insanity. The ones who died contesting your bloodthirsty, power driven rampage. Bring back my Buir, you no good son of a Hutt.” Dek quickly unholstered, raised and fired his blaster, an orange bolt flying into Marvix's head. The man dropped into a lifeless lump onto the ground. Dek slipped his still smoking blaster back into his holster.

 

“No,” Dekkyn shook his head. “You are not a Clan member of mine.”

 

Ka'van nudged his brother, Kiernan's head turned towards him. “Holo Mandalore, give him the good news.”

 

Kiernan nodded, pulling out his holocom queuing in a frequency as he walked to where Dekkyn still stood over Marvix's body. A blued formed blinked into view, barking a greeting. Kiernan gave a curt nod of his head. “Have news Artus. Good news.” Kiernan turned the holocom so Artus had a clear view of Dekkyn. “Your Champion, found the aruetii, Varad.”

 

The miniature blued Mandalore gestured. Dekkyn's head nodded, “Yes Mandalore and he is dead.”

 

Artus' shout was so loud Ka'van could hear it. Ka'van smiled as he looked over at Syarra and Qyzen.

 

“'lek Artus, we have it. Holding it until you get here.” Kiernan deactivated the holocom. “He is on his way, staying?”

 

“I see no reason for us to stay. Might be best if we are gone before they get here.”

 

Syarra grabbed his arm, “They have a Republic warship. We can't let them take it.”

 

“Now is not the time my dear. They do out number us. We can always negotiate for its return after the Mandalorians get what they need.” Ka'van patted her hand. “Don't worry about such details now. We will have time to sort it out later.”

 

Syarra frowned as she opened and closed her mouth. She begrudgingly nodded her head “Alright. So now what?”

 

“Well now we start heading out of here, I am leaving my Mandalorian associates here. They will head to the bridge and keep it secure while they wait.”

 

“How though, Jax and Zev are up there.”

 

Ka'van nodded goodbye to the Bycer brothers. He stopped by Dekkyn, carefully avoiding the corpse on the floor.

 

His green eyes left the body before him and latched onto Ka'van's face. “Thank you,” the huge Zabrak whispered.

 

Ka'van reached out, grasping his shoulder. Gently squeezing it he gave Dek a warm, heart-felt smile. Dek's eyes returned to the lifeless lump on the durasteel. Ka'van patted his shoulder before he withdrew his hand. “We are going to get out of here before Mandalore arrives. Will you be staying?”

 

Dekkyn nodded, “Yes, I am staying.”

 

“Akavvi and Torian are on the bridge, I am sure they are going to want to remain as well. Kiernan will see you back to Nar Shaddaa.”

 

Dek looked up at him. “I will holo Jax, tell him and Zev to meet you in the hanger. Mandalore will be here in a couple hours.”

 

“Are you going to be okay?” Syarra stepped next to her massive friend.

 

“Yes, I will be fine. Just relieved it is finished. It is finally finished.”

 

 

 

AN

 

 

I really do want to thank Alaurin again for letting me play so deeply in her sandbox in this one. I had a good time writing it, I hope everyone enjoyed reading it.

 

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@Lunafox: Jax and Syarra are very close and while this relationship between his friend and sister will test that bond, he ultimately wants her to be happy no matter who that may be with. He eventually got over her hooking up with Zev, so chances are he'll get past this as well........maybe ;).

 

@frauzet: Glad you're enjoying our story!!

 

 

Now it's time for some more fun! The original version of this next story was posted on the SFC thread on 7/2/2015 for the Crossovers and Mashups prompt. It's been edited/polished/added to a bit to make it flow better in this thread, so even if you've read it there, it might be worth reading again....

 

Chapter 11- The Hangover.......SWTOR style, pt. 1

 

 

The picturesque park was quiet in the early morning light, pale pink satin swayed in the gentle breeze, dr@ping from the gazebo in the center. Flowers opened their soft petals as they were kissed by the sun rising over the sprawling estate. Inside, several figures were bustling about, making last minute preparations as a comlink chimed from one of the many rooms. A petite Human clad in a satin robe snatched the unit, a roller slipping out of place in her haste to answer.

 

“Jax!” she cried, easily recognizing the grey Cathar’s image, “Where are you guys?! I’m freaking out!”

 

“Yeah listen, Mako,” Jax sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he tried to find the words, “Uh…..we f*cked up….”

 

“What are you talking about?!”

 

“The bachelor party…..the whole weekend,” Jax stammered, head bowed, “Things got outta control and uh……we lost Dek.”

 

“What?!”

 

“We can’t find Dek,” Jax sighed, bracing himself for the explosion.

 

“What are you saying, Jax? We’re getting married tomorrow! You guys have to leave Nar Shaddaa in less than an hour to make it on time!”

 

“Yeah……that’s not gonna happen.”

 

 

*~*~*~*Roughly 48 galactic standard hours earlier*~*~*~*

 

 

The soft swoosh of a door closing registered in Zabrak’s mind, slowly bringing him back to consciousness. The first thing he felt was the cold, hard marble floor against his back. His head was swimming, but he pushed past that and forced an eye open a tiny crack. The blurred image of the door closing came into view and he struggled to remember where exactly he was. With a groan, he turned his horned head face up towards the ceiling, rubbing his eyes to clear his blurred vision. The ornately decorated vaulted ceiling looked familiar and he remembered where he was. He slowly sat up and got a good look at the suite, shocked at the mess. He blinked twice when he saw an Endorian chicken walking across the demolished room, pausing for a brief second before stepping around the tawny Cathar passed out in front of the sofa.

 

“Aric,” he called out, a dry throat making his voice hoarse.

 

His XO kept snoring so Zev finally gathered the strength to stand, staggering over to the bar to grab a bottle of water out of the conservator. The room spun and he practically fell into the nearest chair, waiting for the nausea to pass before opening the bottle and taking a drink. He was about to call out to Jorgan again when movement from behind the bar caught his eye. The tall, pale Human’s careful movements speaking volumes as he murmured a greeting as he brushed the long tangle of ginger colored locks from his face. Zev shook his head as the nude Jedi trudged towards the refresher, stumbling over the prone figure of a massive grey Cathar sprawled in front of it on his way in.

 

“Watshwhereyugoin,” a soft growl emitted from the spacer as he slipped back into sleep.

 

“Aric……you alive over there?” Zev croaked, afraid to move from his spot enough to check.

 

The snoring stopped and a second later, a muffled ‘not sure,’ came from the man in question. Zev was about to respond when the Jedi burst out of the fresher, tripping over Jax again in his haste, his blue eyes wide with shock.

 

“There’s a nexu in the fresher!”

 

“No there isn’t,” Zev shook his head, regretting it instantly as the pounding resumed.

 

“Dammit, Ka’van,” Jax growled, raising himself up on his hands and knees before gingerly standing, “I told you to watch where you’re going and put some clothes on for kark’s sake, will ya?!”

 

“Didn’t you hear me?” Ka’van gasped, grabbing a blanket off the floor to wrap around himself, “There’s a nexu in the fresher!”

 

“Yeah, right…..I’m not falling for that,” Jax snorted, figuring Ka’van was just messing with him again. “Probably have a booby trap waiting just inside the door.”

 

“I’m serious!”

 

“Kark it all,” Jax swore, his eyes narrowing as he looked at his pale friend. With a sigh, he figured he’d better go investigate, “I swear if you’re f*cking with me, I’m going to kick your *** once I get rid of this kriffing hangover.”

 

Zev and Aric exchanged a look as Jax trudged into the fresher to see what had spooked his Jedi friend, then the Cathar eased himself into a sitting position against the couch he’d passed out next to, looking around for his shirt.

 

“Oh, sh*t!” Jax cursed as he ran out of the fresher a second later, his heart racing as a cold sweat broke out on his body. “He’s not kidding, there’s a karking nexu cub in the fresher!”

 

“What the void did we do last night?!” Aric whispered as he finally stood up, having spotted his shirt hanging off a nearby lamp.

 

“Holy frakking hell, Aric!” Zev exclaimed, drawing the others’ attention, “Your back!”

 

“What’s wrong with my back?!”

 

“Oh, man,” Jax snickered, “Who did that?!”

 

“Did what?!” Aric demanded as Zev and Ka’van busted out laughing. He went over to the mirror behind the bar when no one answered and carefully turned, “Oh that’s it, I’m killing him this time!”

 

“You know I can’t let you do that,” Zev finally choked out, wiping tears from his eyes.

 

“It’s not funny dammit!”

 

“Oh, quit being so sensitive,” Ka’van snorted, “Your fur will grow back.”

 

“Yes it will, but I really don’t want to go around with that shaved into my back until it does,” Aric snapped, “and I don’t think my mate will appreciate it as much as you *******es do. I mean it this time…..that karking Weequay’s going to get the business end of my assault cannon.”

 

“Speaking of Vik, where is everyone?”

 

Their answer came a moment later when one of the bedroom doors opened and a tall, lanky Devaronian came out, rubbing his head, “Geeez…….what’s all the yelling about?!”

 

“There’s a nexu in the fresher,” Ka’van answered, “and Aric has a naked Nautolan shaved into his back.”

 

“You know I hate to admit it,” Gault observed a moment later, looking a little sheepish as he studied Aric’s back, “but that sorta looks like my work. Of course, I usually draw my artwork and have never, to my knowledge, shaved anything into anyone’s back……but then again, I honestly don’t remember very many details about last night at all.”

 

“Did I hear someone say there’s a nexu in the fresher?” Tanno’s gravelly voice drawled from the doorway behind Gault.

 

“Hey guys,” Corso called out hoarsely as the other bedroom door opened, “There’s a baby in here!”

 

“No there isn’t,” Zev shook his head, closing his eyes as he willed this to all be a dream he was about to wake up from.

 

The sound of a baby crying denied him that reality and they all stared in shock as the blond Mandalorian came out carrying a pale green Twi’lek infant.

 

“The kriff is that?!” Aric blanched, a claw tipped finger pointing at the infant, now cooing as Torian tickled its cheek.

 

“Duh,” Ka’van rolled his eyes, “It’s obviously a baby.”

 

“Well no sh*t, Master Jedi,” Aric growled his annoyance, then his nose wrinkled as Ka’van’s blanket slipped, “and didn’t Jax ask you to put some clothes on?!”

 

“I think we got more things to worry about than my state of undress,” Ka’van retorted.

 

“Hey Jorgan,” Tanno chuckled, “Nice Nautolan!”

 

“Kiss my ***, Vik!” Aric growled, “and I swear if I find out you were behind it…..”

 

“Again, I think there’s more important things to worry about,” Ka’van reiterated.

 

“Like what?” Aric shot back.

 

“Like the fact that we have a baby in our room and there’s f*cking nexu in the fresher,” Jax retorted, anxiously eyeing the fresher door.

 

“Hang on…...someone’s missing,” Zev called out as he looked around, “Where’s Dek?”

 

“He wasn’t in our room,” Corso answered as he attempted to bind his dreadlocks back.

 

“Not in ours either,” Tanno told them.

 

“Try his com,” Aric suggested, “Maybe he went out to get stuff for breakfast.”

 

Zev dug his comlink out of his pocket and scrolled through to his cousin’s frequency. A few seconds later, the chime of another com came from the bar. Ka’van followed the sound and found the unit on the shelf next to a half empty bottle of Alderaanian brandy. He pushed the button to answer it, and Zev’s image appeared, confirming that the comlink belonged to his cousin.

 

A pale Corso swallowed hard, pointing a trembling finger to the fresher door as he whispered, “You don’t think…..”

 

“I didn’t see any gore in there,” Ka’van answered, “but then again, I was half awake until I spotted the cub, then I just bolted out of there before it could react.”

 

“I didn’t see or smell anything except the nexu,” Jax shook his head, “Dek wasn’t in there.”

 

“Where the hell is he?” Zev asked the group, “and do any of you remember a damn thing from last night?”

 

“I remember heading out for dinner,” Corso answered.

 

Aric scrubbed his hands over his face, catching a familiar smoky scent as he did, “Cigarras…….I remember someone handing out cigarras after dinner. We were walking to the taxi station after dinner.”

 

“That’s right,” Jax confirmed, turning towards the ginger haired Jedi now pulling on the pants he finally found, “Ka’van had a box of cigarras and we smoked them on the way to the casino……Dek was definitely with us then because he was smoking one. In fact, I’m pretty sure we all had one…..even you, Corso.”

 

“Guys, I don’t even remember the casino at all,” Zev told them as he sank back onto the sofa.

 

“Me either,” Gault admitted, the rest chiming in their agreement.

 

“Why can’t we remember anything?” Jax murmured, completely stumped, “I mean I’ve had my fair share of drunken nights, but……”

 

“Nothing,” Aric went on, “absolutely nothing. I have no idea where we were, how we got home, where the baby came from, how the nexu got in our fresher…….”

 

“How your back got shaved,” Tanno chuckled, ignoring the death glare those bright green eyes shot him.

 

“Or more importantly, where my cousin is,” Zev finished.

 

“What the f*ck did we do last night?!” Jax frowned, raking clawed fingertips through his mane.

 

“What’s that on your arm, Captain?” Corso’s brown eyes narrowed as he pointed at band on Jax’s wrist.

 

“Kark me!” Jax cursed, “It’s a patient bracelet!”

 

“Holy nerf****, Jax,” Zev choked, “You were at a med center last night?!”

 

“Apparently I was,” Jax shrugged as he studied the white plastoid band, “I don’t remember a thing about it though……oh hey, I’ve got stitches on my arm!”

 

“Let me see,” Zev grabbed his buddy’s furred hand, frowning when he saw the uneven stitches going several inches up Jax’s inner arm from his wrist. Thanks to Cathar metabolism, the wound was half healed already, but having some basic medic training, the Zabrak didn’t like what he saw. “That’s pretty sloppy work for a med center.”

 

“Who cares,” Ka’van waved him off, “The important thing is that we have a clue.”

 

“He’s got a point,” Aric agreed. “We should go check the place out.”

 

 

Author's Note:

 

I deeply apologize for butchering the Hangover. I love that movie and apologize profusely for taking so many liberties with it.

 

Edited by alaurin
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