"Yes he was angry with you little pretty," Tyrannus replied. "He also hates Kaltas and anyone with him. A part of you is still with Kaltas." He played with the chobos as if it were a toy. It was rather a miracle he didn't slice off a finger or hand in the process. "Virul has an obsession. They are good to a degree since he succeeded in having you."

When Andirrul ended her little piece, Tyrannus gave a wry smile, "You forget one thing. The Jedi too seek power but they justify it by applying it to the greater good. In the end they are no different than you or me. Understand?"

At the sight of the watch's time, memories flashed through Kalla's mind, of her father besting Virul in combat, Andorra hacking Virul's body to pieces, Andorra becoming Andirrul, and of her mother's death. "I know exactly what you mean." She said to Tonatius.

"I agree. Do be careful." Komad replied, leaving to join Kurt and Alriana in the medbay. "Anything yet?" He asked Kurt, before noticing that she was waking up.

"Anything yet?"

Alriana kept staring at the celling even as she felt Master Komad walk into the room.

"It's funny isn't it? How nearly a hundred years can pass you by in the blink of an eye? Back in my time we fought Droids...then the clones...and then Storm Troopers..."

She turned to look at Komad with tears in her eyes.

"Please...tell me there's a way for me to go back...please tell me that there is a way for me to get back to my time."

Kurt turned around to face Komad as he walked into the room.

"Actually she did open her eyes."

He looked over at Alriana as she began to speak. He was never the best at the emotional stuff and should have been at least a little sad at the tale. Instead though Kurt just looked at her with a blank stare hiding under his helmet. Rather than say anything he decided to stay quiet. All he would do is make her feel worse.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Was all Komad could think to say. Truth be told, he couldn't possibly know what she had gone through, even before being frozen. Hell, no Jedi from this day and age could truly comprehend the horrors of Order 66.

Reyvan then checked the refresher for the dead body the bartender mentioned, there it was. It was definitely the work of someone who knew what they were doing, and not too long ago, either. Stepping back out into the main area of the cantina, he said to Kalla and Tonatius, "She couldn't have gotten far. We need to start searching now."

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

...I'm stuck here. For good. In some sort of warped future where the Sith came back after Palpatine was destroyed. I hate this...I hate this so much.

"I'm stuck here for good then? There have been no advances in the science of Temporal Mechanics?"

"I'm afraid so. This 'future' isn't all bad, though. Remember, both the Jedi and the Republic returned, changed but recognisable. And as long as you need me to be, I'll be here for you." Komad said to Alriana, trying to be both honest and comforting.

Kurt wished there was a way to send her back to her own time but that would be impossible.

"At least here you won't have to worry about your own troops turning on you. Everyone whose on the side of the Republic has joined up because they're fighting for what they believe in. They were made to fight they want to."

Kurt wished he could laugh at the irony in that response but laughing was for normal people. He was made to fight but at least he still had his spirit to do good in him.

"If you'd like I can leave so I don't make this situation uncomfortable. I'm not the best when it comes to emotions but we are alike Alriana. You're new to this place and missed out on your past life and I being a brain washed super soldier never got to experience a childhood. So I do know what its like to be isolated."

The owner of the Celebrity Planet Cantina returned, handing the Jedi a glowing holopad with a series of twelve numbers on it. "If you want the chronometer," he announced, his face blanched a sickly eggshell white, "then here's the account number for the one who brought it to me. He demands no less than 500,000 credits for it. If you want to set up a meeting in person, he...he said he'd be in the Huntau Station Atrium, collecting 'plant samples' for a military experiment in medicine. I...wish you good luck." He shook his head. His own fortune had gone down the drain, along with the afternoon's record profits. Jedi. How come they always had to come and spoil everything?

************************************

Andirrul nodded. "Certainly. The Jedi like to pretend that their seeking of power is entirely selfless, but what desire for power is? Do they not feel the rush of life, and the inpouring of the Force, when they learn a new stance or technique? As for me, I must--" Abruptly, she turned and fled, bolting for the refreshers and spewing up the meager allowance of caf she'd allotted herself.

Virul made her shake and shiver, kneeling down in front of the latrine. Why are you letting HIM advise you? You were supposed to KILL him, either through your own efforts or those of your assassins--namely that 'Terror-monster'! Why do you spare his life? Why do you pay him heed? I was right. You are weak. You are spineless, even as a Sith. Thus, you will pay!

She stuffed her fist in her mouth to keep from screaming as the Dark Lord sent a bolt of Force energy straight through her body. Help me, came her desperate cry. Help me! Virul's getting stronger, and I--can't--hold--

"I'm afraid so. This 'future' isn't all bad, though. Remember, both the Jedi and the Republic returned, changed but recognisable. And as long as you need me to be, I'll be here for you."

"No...The Jedi Order that I tried to protect is long since dead. The republic that I served is long dead...And I don't want either of you here for me right now. I just want you to leave me alone for now."

"At least here you won't have to worry about your own troops turning on you. Everyone whose on the side of the Republic has joined up because they're fighting for what they believe in. They were made to fight they want to."

"Is that supposed to be comforting? Because it isn't. The clones were simply carrying out their orders."

Alriana laid her head back on the pillow and sighed deeply as she let her mind drift through the force with no particular destination in mind. All she wanted to do now was simply drift.

Help me, Help me! Virul's getting stronger, and I--can't--hold--

What the...Who is this? Where are you?

"I'm sorry we had to do that. We couldn't let something that dangerous fall into just anyone's hands." Reyvan explained, passing the bartender a handful of credits. "20,000. It's not much for compensation, but it's better than nothing." The three of them then left the cantina, rushing to the Atrium. As they arrived, Kalla and Reyvan activated their lightsabers, holding them in a Niman and a Djem So stance, respectively.

"So, we meet again, Pahro." Reyvan said, seeing past the "soldier's" disguise.

Pahro Utonula licked her lips. "Jedi. I don't know whom you're addressing, but it's definitely not me. My name is Private Pitr Orkutt, and unless you wish for me to sic the security-guard kath hounds on you, I suggest you move out of my way. You can't prove anything, even if I was this 'Pahro' you want. I'm going to pretend this never happened and go on about my business. You would be wise to go on about yours. Otherwise, I'll have no choice but to see justice is served." She smiled. "Unless you want to pay for the chronometer."

***************************

Dark...ship...strength is gone... Andirrul promptly fell unconscious.

Trying to fight the influence of Lord Virul was like trying to fight--well--a virus. His infection of her soul was accelerating, and no matter how hard she as Andorra fought, he as Dark Lord of the Sith fought even more relentlessly. Andorra Evenstar may have had a logical mind, but what was logic in the face of blind faith and irretractable conviction? Andorra may have had a compassionate heart, but what was compassion in the face of ruthlessness? Andorra may have had a kind and loving soul, but what were kindness and love in the face of cruelty and hatred? It was useless, as she was learning.

Yet she would not yield. Not completely. Not yet. She still loved Kalla, despite the latter's betrayal, and as long as she loved Kalla, she would never completely fall to the Dark Side. She would never let Virul conquer utterly.

"Despite what my master said back in the cantina to protect a bunch of idiots with a few too many credits in their pockets, that chronometer is geniune. Want to know why? I was the one who gave it to Andorra, or Andirrul as she calls herself now. I seriously doubt a man like you could steal something from the Dark Lady of the Sith, but then again, with curves and a face like that, I doubt you really are a man. Maybe you got it another way. What, are you the woman she's 'replaced' me with?" Kalla asked, trying to bait Pahro into revealing herself.

Alriana looked over at Komad with a curious expression on her face.

"I heard someone. Through the force. It sounded like they were in trouble. They said that "Virul was getting stronger"."

Her gaze turned hard.

"Tell me everything I need to know about these new sith."

"That was Andorra you heard. That means there's still a chance to save her. Thank you." Komad said to Alriana before complying with her request. "These Sith returned about a year before I was born, we, the Jedi and the Republic, fought them, for twenty-five long years. Eventually we won, but some of the Sith, including Darth Virul, survived, and three years ago, they split the Republic in two, and that's how this conflict started. Fortunately, since last year, the Sith no longer control the New Empire, and they needed eachother. One more thing you should know, is that there is now Rule of Two anymore. The Sith could potentially equal the Jedi in number, but their numbers have been thinned to nearly nothing."

Pahro snorted derisively. "Hardly. I never even met her. I chanced to procure the Dark Lady's chronometer through a Sith minion, a mere pawn in her little scheme, who was more interested in credits than in ruling the galaxy. That minion sold the artifact to another minion, who sold it to another one, who sold it to me. I paid quite a hefty sum for it, and I intend--or at least I intended--to recover most of the credits I lost through having the bottom-feeders at the Celebrity Planet Cantina foot the bill. Is that a crime? Certainly not. The chronometer is real, not a fake, and for that some would pay any price. Imagine...a genuine relic of the Sith! Even for collectors, the chance to acquire anything belonging to a living Sith Lord is worth twice as much as the memorabilia belonging to a dead one. I jumped at the chance. So sue me."

She then dangled the "hook" a little further into the "waters" of the tense situation: "If you wish, for an even greater sum, I can get back in contact with the series of Sith pawns who sold me the chronometer. Through them, perhaps I can reach the Dark Lady herself, and you? You can kill her."

Her leer was absolutely menacing. "I despise Sith just a little more than Jedi."

"We'll think about it. One thing you can't deny, though, is that you're a woman disguised as a man, which doesn't make a lot of sense to me, considering the Republic's military doesn't discriminate based on sex." Reyvan commented, huddling in with Kalla and Tonatius, and out of earshot of Pahro. "This is the chance we need." Kalla said. "It could be a trap, it's too risky." Reyvan pointed out.

Wrath heard the cry of the Andorra side of Andirrul through the force.

Andorra? thought a voice inside Wrath's subconcious.

What is this nonsense? Have I grown weak in my time under Andirrul's rule?

He turned off the holopad and left the room. He didn't know what to do, check up on Andirrul or continue his buisness. To betray his Master Virul was unthinkable to him; he would rather die than betray. He knew that he wouldn't but still...this new master Andirrul has shown honor, kindness, and has praised Wrath for his deeds. The call could have been to any force user, it wasn't like it was a call to him directly. He decided to drop this mind arguement with himself for now and just return to his chambers.

--------------------------

A quiet Kurt stood next to Komad and listened in on the conversation. He had nothing to say about the sith since Komad had more experience fighting them. That really didn't matter now, if Alriana wasn't in danger than who was?

"Sir not to be off topic but isn't there still some kind of threat here on the station?"

"You're right. Let's go." Komad replied, leading Kurt out of the med bay. Upon their arrival at the Celebrity Planet Cantina, they were promptly directed to the Atrium, where they saw Kalla, Reyvan and Tonatius in a standoff with the Republic soldier they met before. Reyvan then explained the situation to them. "I don't think we can trust her. She might just take the credits and run, or lead us into a trap." Komad pointed. "I think it's worth the risk." Kalla retorted.

Pahro Utonula snuck toward the Atrium of Huntau Station, where she saw the Jedi congregating. Ah. They're debating whether or not to trust me. They mistake me for a common thief, who is only after the credits, at one moment and then happen upon my true intent the next. What will they do? If they decide not to take me up on the offer of the chronometer, I'll have to utilize more forceful methods to get them within reach of the Dark Lady's grasp. How can they resist such a chance? It's a good thing I have one gas grenade that causes an instant smokescreen. I might not be able to capture all three Jedi, but the one called Tonatius? I can tell my Mistress hates him. The trouble is, what does she want more: Tonatius dead, or Kalla alive?

*******************************

When Andorra came to consciousness, kneeling down in front of one of the latrines in the refreshers, she stood up. What was that? How did I succumb so quickly? After emerging in her full mind, she summoned Wrath.

"I have a bad feeling," she said, "that Virul is both strong and insane. He speaks in tongues of which none of us have any knowledge, and when he tries to make sense, he doesn't make any. He'd like to speak to you."

Momentarily losing control of her own mind, Andorra let her Master take over.

"Unau! Pri za dopah ty na! Kakuyu tono dee orgati flatz! Zu-da!"

Gazing sheepishly at Wrath, Andirrul came back to her senses. "See? I have only the vaguest idea that he wanted to insult you, call you a failure for not achieving victory at Bastion, but that's only my guess. I don't know what Virul plans for me, and that's half the dilemma I'm facing right now. If we're going to defeat the Jedi once and for all, we don't need a raving lunatic to do it! We need someone strong, and Virul is making me weaker. Kuzau!"

The Dark Lady's face turned pale. "I think I'm going to be sick, Wrath."

"Something strikes me odd about her. The fact that she lied about being a male soldier is a little weird. For that matter how can we be sure she's even a soldier on the Republic. I don't think she can be trusted either." Kurt replied.

-----------------------

Wrath stood by Andirrul's side as she explained what Virul was doing to her. He stood there puzzled as the Virul side yelled at him. Though after he was finished speaking he felt rage build up inside him.

My failure at Bastion?!?! I did all I could!...wait could it be a test? He knows I stay loyal, does he want me to betray him? Strike Andorra down so his soul will be free again, it must be it.

Wrath looked into her eyes when she became herself again. He could see that Virul was making her weaker but Wrath refused to strike her down.

"I think he's trying to make you weak so that I will follow sith law and strike you down. He must want a new body so that he will have full control again. You have respected me as a warrior and have shown kindness in the form of a sith. The cells in my body can take the form of anything. They could work as extra brain cells, maybe that will give you the edge you need."

"She's definitely not a Republic soldier. And her story's not that believable either." Reyvan commented. "You're right master. It's too risky." Kalla conceded. Reyvan then approached Pahro. "After discussing it, we've decided not to take your offer." He told her.

Alriana slowly rose to her feet and stared directly at one of the walls. That presence....it's the same as on Jaltra

The woman who had tried to kill her on Jaltra was on the station. Most likely here to try and kill her again.

Alriana got up out of the bed and walked out the door, following the presence like a Bounty hunter following a Bounty.

Garrick and Barek began walking down the corridor leading to the Docking Hangar where the Republic ship was coming in.

"So...Republic commander, what else have you found out, Barek?" Garrick asked.

"Well...she apparently has quite the reputation, getting high scores in Officer's School...the Highest...and she is the ONLY officer to fight Grand Admiral Velerc to a standstill in the Outer Rim engagements. Not a victory, but certainly not a defeat."

Garrick nodded, "Hmm...this is impressive indeed. We'll have to meet her in person, that could be in the best of the Clan's interest."

Barek smiled and nodded, walking quickly after the soon-to-be Mand'alor. They soon reached the Hangar, and requested a meeting with the Republic's Naval commander.



"Velerc is it possible to know exactly where Konig is on Amshrey? If he's in a prison I want to know which cell and which floor."

Velerc understood Wrath's concern, nodding and shifting his weight back and forth from the left and right.

"Wrath...we don't know any of this information....yet. We'll work as hard as we can to save Operative Konig...he is probably one of our finest Death Gaurds...losing him is a great shame."

Belina nodded at the Mandalorian on the screen.

"I'd be glad to meet with your commander. I'll be over in a few minutes as soon as I take care of things over here."

She turned toward the tactical station as the screen flickered off. "I want Shields and Weapons to be a repair priority. Engines and Hyperdrive as well. Who knows when a Sith Battle fleet could drop by?"

The first officer nodded and saluted.

"It shall be done Admiral."

Beline nodded and headed for the airlock that would take her to the Mandalorian Flagship's hanger.

Time to meet the neighbors.

"I'd be glad to meet with your commander. I'll be over in a few minutes as soon as I take care of things over here."

Barek looked over at Garrick, giving him a confirming nod.

"We should be on our way, they will be down soon enough."

Garrick nodded and walked through the door that led to the Republic ship, Barek close behind. They walked a ways until reaching a small audience chamber, and awaited the appearance of the Admiral.

Belina walked through the airlock until finally arriving in the hanger bay of the Mandalorian ship.

Well...I was right. This is a big ship.

Belina looked over and saw two Mandalorians talking quietly amongst themselves.

Belina nodded at them and then saluted.

"Permission to come aboard?"

Garrick looked over at the Republic Admiral.

"Permission to come aboard?"

He smiled and looked at Barek, "You are supreme in the fleet, brother..."

He motioned to Admiral Belina, giving him the honors of giving permission.

Barek nodded, "Permission to come aboard, Admiral. My Brother and I are quite pleased to meet you at last, such a skilled tactician as we've heard. Is it true that your forces fought the Empire's Admiral Velerc to a stand still in the Outer Rim?"

"Permission to come aboard, Admiral. My Brother and I are quite pleased to meet you at last, such a skilled tactician as we've heard. Is it true that your forces fought the Empire's Admiral Velerc to a stand still in the Outer Rim?"

Belina grinned and nodded her head.

"Indeed it is. I fought Second in Command Admiral Garja and Admiral Velerc within a weeks time of each other. Destroyed Garja's fleet from under him but he still got away...Admiral Velerc though...that's a different story."

"The battle against Velerc was a difficult one. Two strategists each rapidly thinking up new strategies to use against one another. Eventually his ship was too badly damaged to continue fighting, Mine was in better shape but all my Turbolasers had been knocked out. So we were both forced to head back to our repair bases."

Belina grinned again.

"I bet that old man still curses my name when he goes to bed. I did manage to blow off one of his shield generaters and a small amount of his command bridge before we were forced to leave for repairs."

Tavaryn had spent enough time debating and went in the direction of Reyvan, Kalla and Tonatius. He knew the boy would be of particular ire and source of punishment. Family always was if the the evil ones had their way. He kept to the shadows until he came upon a standoff. He came up fairly close behind and said to Pahro, "You never do give up do you Pahro? And to to think that you would have given up."

Tavaryn made no move to hide himself in shaows but stood in a firm stance. The hat that usually hung down his back was on his head and his hands looked rather large in his gauntlets. He watched and waited for Pahro to make her move.

*********

Tonatius had stayed and gave a slight nod to Kalla. Despite his true feelings, he had to keep an shield around them if they were to succeed. When they cornered Pahro, he withdrew his blade knowing that he looked out of place wielding it in the manner of a Jedi when two Jedi had lightsabers.

He spoke with a side glance to Kalla, "Perhaps this mercenary seeks us both but has no clue which is the greater prize." It was then that he noticed Tavaryn making his way closer. He then said, "Or perhaps personal vendettas may give us an advantage don't you think?"

*********

Jun-la let her apprentice go to look for the ion trails as he did before but preferred to remain with Komad and the unconcious Jedi. When the infamous Order 66 was mentioned, she gave a slight intake of air. Her father had mentioned that in stories about his mother and father. She would have said somethign but decided against it. Rather she watched as Alriana got up and started walking like someone possessed.

Jun-la trotted and caught up with her, grabbing hold of Alriana's arm. She said, "We know someone is on board which is why we are here with you. You are not the only one this assassin seeks but you are of some importance. Let Master Komad and I help you."

*********

Tyrannus watched with bland amusement as the girl ran ready to retch her guts. He took teh chobos and gave a good swing to send it flying. It bounced off the walls and when it came back, he grabbed it with precision. He put the chobos on his belt and listened to the darkness. He could feel Virul tormenting the girl and his suspicions were confirmed that it was Virul that wanted him out of the way.

Fool, Tyrannus echoed through the Force, Break the Triumvirate and you have nothing. Your lust will be our end Fool. Out loud, he called, "My Pretty, does our talk give you stomach pains?"

"I never give up," snarled Pahro Utonula, "no matter whom I'm chasing. And you? You're not the one I want." Making a lightning-quick flick of the wrist, she pushed a button on her own chronometer, making a needle pop out of the band. She jabbed it into Tavaryn's arm, disengaging from him quickly and activating the most powerful Stealth Generator belt that money could buy.

That needle, and the band, were full of a poison gel that was based off of a hematophagic bacterium. It ate blood, and luckily, within time, there would be more bacteria than blood cells in Tavaryn's system. Pahro hoped so...

As soon as she was done vomiting, Andirrul rinsed out her mouth and went to go see Tyrannus once more. "Virul's giving me stomach pains," she hissed coldly. "I can be a strong Sith Lord on my own. I don't need his rambling insanity, his vengeance, or his plans that make no sense at all. Can you show me how to exorcise him from the confines of my soul? He torments me with words that mean nothing to me, and I find it harder and harder to fight the irrational urges with which he tries to imbue me. What say you?"

"We know someone is on board which is why we are here with you. You are not the only one this assassin seeks but you are of some importance. Let Master Komad and I help you."

"No...she is here. The one who attempted to kill me on Jaltra. The one who stole the holocron."

Alriana pulled her arm away from the girl and ran down the corridors after the force signiture.

You can run...but you can never hide from me! Her voice echoed through the force as she felt for her lightsaber and found it on her belt.

She rounded another corner, the presence was tantalizingly close now. Almost close enough to reach...

She spoke through the force again.

I studied those Holocrons for ten years...I can teach you many things...Forbidden things. but only if you are willing to listen, and to submit to my teachings only. I know you have a goal. Someone you wish to kill. I can feel it in you.

"I bet that old man still curses my name when he goes to bed. I did manage to blow off one of his shield generaters and a small amount of his command bridge before we were forced to leave for repairs."

Garrick smiled and nodded, "I imagine his personal pride was quite damaged...that works excellently against an arrogant man like Velerc. He's indeed a genius, but not above thrashing...as you did."

Barek nodded, "So Admiral, where'd your ship just come from? Any news from the other fronts?"

"So Admiral, where'd your ship just come from? Any news from the other fronts?"

"We actually just came in from near a planet named Jaltra. The sith were gathering up a force there and my Task force decided to pay a visit to "welcome" them to the neighborhood.

She grinned a wolfish grin that would have scared a Hutt.

"We managed to destroy Three Sith Star Destroyers when we hyperspaced in right on top of them and then destroyed the rest of the fleet. Around twelve ships I believe."

She grinned again.

"One sith Battle division at Vegasso and then two more destroyers at Tatooine. I'd love to see the look on that old man's face when he hears the news of what I did to his fleet."

"One sith Battle division at Vegasso and then Two more destroyers at Tatooine. I'd love to see the look on that old man's face when he hears the news of what I did to his fleet."

Garrick nodded and smiled, "Impressive. Velerc wouldn't like to hear that one bit.....I'd be careful though, Velerc has been known to make personal targets, and everyone knows he never gives up...so, just be careful. He's big on revenge...my Brother knows that better then anyone."

Barek sighed and nodded, "He was my former teacher."

((Hey CQ, could you do a post with the Admiral finding out about the task force she destroyed along with the other ships?))

"Impressive. Velerc wouldn't like to hear that one bit.....I'd be careful though, Velerc has been known to make personal targets, and everyone knows he never gives up...so, just be careful. He's big on revenge...my Brother knows that better then anyone."

"Really? I always took him for the calm, loving sort who loves to take walks on the beachs of Telos. Of course I know how big he is on revenge. Why do you think I personally select new crewmembers?"

"I've dealt with sith infiltrators in my crew before and rest assured, I got them before they could cause any damamage to the ship or myself."

"He was my former teacher."

Belina blinked in confusion.

"Really? When was this?"

"He needs medical attention right now!" Komad called out, supporting Taravyn at his side. "We're not out of this yet. She may have failed this attempt, but she'll think of something else to get who she's after." Reyvan pointed out. "Master, I think I'm the one she was after." Kalla suggested. "Think about. If Andorra's mind is still dominant, then I'm the one Andirrul's most likely to be interested in." She then explained. "But, if Darth Virul's mind is now in complete control, then it's me he, or she, is after." Komad pointed out. "That doesn't seem likely. Knowing what Virul was like, there would have been a confrontation sooner." Reyvan replied.

"Really? When was this?"

Barek chuckled...but only slightly.

"It...it was a ways back. Mandalorians are not as restricted as the Republic is wen one is trying to become a tactician....we were neutral, trying to rebuild the Clans, and Velerc didn't mind taking me under his wing for several years..."

Barek didn't like talking about it. Not even Garrick knew much of what had happened that Barek should leave such an accomplished leader. He could do nothing but guess.

Garrick, seeing the pause in coversation, stepped up.

"Aw...well, Admiral, would you like to follow us to the Promenade Deck? We can get some refreshments and discuss tactics while our engineers and technicians work on your ship."

"Aw...well, Admiral, would you like to follow us to the Promenade Deck? We can get some refreshments and discuss tactics while our engineers and technicians work on your ship."

"That sounds good. I haven't eaten for nearly two days and I could go for something."

Belina chuckeld as a thought hit her.

"I'll tell you one strategy that I've never seen fail. You can really intimidate your opponet if you try to ram him and miss by only ten meters."

Kurt couldn't see where this woman and went but she was on his HUD. He fired in the direction the dot was blinking in. He back up and helped Komad with Tavaryn. He now had one arm holding Tavaryn and his other holding the rifle.

"Let's go, I can cover us incase she tries to come back."

Pahro sensed an undercurrent in the Force, specifically of one who wanted to speak to her. To teach her things--perhaps dark things. All the better, but it was still a risk. She decided to take it. Maybe this person was being honest, or maybe he or she wasn't, but Pahro wasn't one who'd easily fall for traps.

There is someone I want dead. He is the one who replaced my Lady's former lover. She does not love me, but I want her to. If I kill him, maybe she might. I've never really had a mentor or tutor in the Force, so if you'd teach me...I'd listen. As long as that sniveling fool of a Jedi is a corpse at my feet.

There is someone I want dead. He is the one who replaced my Lady's former lover. She does not love me, but I want her to. If I kill him, maybe she might. I've never really had a mentor or tutor in the Force, so if you'd teach me...I'd listen. As long as that sniveling fool of a Jedi is a corpse at my feet.

This will keep her away from the others. I'll take her on a deep space transport and begin her training. Maybe I'll be able to bring her to the light.

Alriana slowly stepped out from behind a small pillar like object and looked at a slight shimmer in the air.

"Your training begins now...Apprentice. First we must find a ship and leave the station. We need to find a place free of distractions of the body and of the mind. A quiet place."

"Ships, eh?" Pahro licked her lips. "I know just where to find one. I'm masquerading as a male Republic soldier by the name of Pitr Orkutt, and to complete my disguise, I've had to service some Republic freighters and courier vessels. Nothing major, because I'm only a private first class, but washing and refueling them has taught me more about their workings."

She stepped toward Alriana. "Jedi are weak, but fallen Jedi? They are strong. I like your attitude. You are strong in the Force, and I am strong in battle. Not like the limelight-craving, selfish diva that I was before. I've changed."

Pointing toward a glowing sign that said HANGARS, she meandered in the direction that the arrow pointed. "It shouldn't be too hard to climb aboard the ship that my superiors and I arrived in on. It should be empty."

"Jedi are weak, but fallen Jedi? They are strong. I like your attitude. You are strong in the Force, and I am strong in battle. Not like the limelight-craving, selfish diva that I was before. I've changed."

"No." Alriana said slowly. "The jedi are not weak. Everytime the darkside has come close to ruling, the Jedi have always thrown it back. Sith Lords like Malak, Exar Kun, Palpatine, they've all been killed by Jedi because they underestimated their opponets."

She began to walk toward the hanger with her new apprentice at her side. "That is your first lesson, Never, ever underestimate your opponet, despite his or her size or looks."

Alriana stopped and looked around the hanger.

"We need a transport. Something big enough that you will have plenty of room for training."

Tavaryn felt the prick and instantly felt the effects of one of her poisons. He called out, "Oh I am not the one you want Pahro? You have chased and hounded me since before this. We will meet again."

Tavaryn nearly shoved Komad away to steady himself. He said, " I'm fine. Bacterial infection, a trick of Pahro's. Just need a bit of wolfsilan." He then began to make his way to the medical wing.

Tonatius disagreed quietly with Kalla, "True this Pahro may seek you but I am as well as others are equally culpable. You and I because of affection for her."

"That is true," Jun-la conceded quietly. "Betrayal I think is the key. Betrayal implies an action and usually involves parties that are close. If Virul has mastered a majority control, he would instrument this to tear apart alliances created out of more recent events." Jun-la gave a side glance at Kalla and Tonatius with a smile pulling at the corner of her mouth. She then turned her head as if she heard something, "Alriana has met Pahro."

*********

Tyrannus grinned, "Well Virul is like that though usually it is my arse that is sore." It was a cruel joke but Tyrannus didn't care. He continued, "So are what other gifts have you besides the Force?"

Admiral Garja was bored out of his mind.

He and his remaining troopers had grabbed something to eat in the mess hall nearly two hours ago and had spent the following hours wandering around the ship, looking for differences between the Grand Admiral's ship and Garja's old ship.

There were very few differences.

Garja's thoughts kept returning to that of his battle with the Grand Admiral of the republic fleet, her voice kept eching in his head.

"Your good at this Admiral. You'd probably have more of a future if you joined up with the Republic. You would make a great addition to the Fleet."

At first he had immediatly dismissed her words and continued fighting her until his ship was on emergency power but now her words...made a bit more sense.

I wouldn't have to fear mutiny...And I would be able to fight for a noble cause instead of fighting due to being drafted. But the Sith fleet has always been home for me...And I would never be able to capture my second in command.

Garja continued to ponder this as he walked around the large ship.

"She knows what she's doing. She'll be alright." Komad commented after hearing Jun-la mention Alriana. "If Pahro is distracted, we can focus on tracking down Andirrul as soon as Taravyn recovers."

"On that topic, I think I heard mention of Commander Belina arriving here on the station. It might be a good idea to speak with her, if we're going after the Triumvirate." Kalla suggested.

"She's right. All Andirrul needs to do to outgun is reestablish contact with the New Empire, and we'll need all the ships we can spare." Reyvan commented.

"That may be the case," Jun-la conceded. She looked in the direction of Alriana as if she wanted to follow but chose not to. Rather she was looking as if to wish her luck. "Alriana may know what she is doing. I only hope that her inquiry will lead to wholesome answers rather than torments."

Tonatius gave a slight nod to Jun-la. Avalonian belief dictated that answers must be sought. If they were given then there was no value to them. Searching only strengthened character. He then said, "The Commander will have information but let us not forget Andros. He's better at tracking ion trails and will probably have more information to supplement the Commander's."

"I'm not asking her for information. What we need if we're going after the Triumvirate is resources." Komad explained. "I think he should come as well, to explain his findings." He then left, to find Andros, and then speak with the Supreme Commander. Arriving at the surveillance station, he asked his son, "Do you think you can explain what you've found so far to the Republic Fleet's Supreme Commander. She could certainly use the information."

"Here." Pahro and Alriana found a very large, very nondescript vessel that appeared to be some sort of freighter. It was ugly, but not so ugly as to be noticeable. It was big, but not big enough to be suspected as a fighter. It was boxy, but streamlined enough to travel at great speeds.

"This should do. Never underestimate a ship, either," Pahro said slyly.