Tavaryn looked at Varith as he saluted him with his blade. He could see that some of his strikes had made it through the defenses of Varith and had cut him. The look on his face was impassive as he eyed Varith. He held his blades ready to strike if necessary, the blue bladed lightsaber glowed with power and his sword rang with its bite of burning coldness.

"You...I hate to admit this but you are a worthy opponet. One who deserves respect."


"Superiority through fighting. Such a cliched plot," Tavaryn replied impassively.

As the objects came flying, it looked as if Tavaryn were not going to move. To anyone watching it would have looked like he was waiting for them to hit him. It was almost slow motion as they came hurtling closer. When it looked like they were on top of him, he moved, disappearing again from view. The only indication that anythign was going on were objects being destroyed and one could make out Tavaryn's shape as he moved.

He reappeared again disturbingly close to Varith, sitting on a pile of crates. He then said, "I would say keep up but you would know how to do that." He was sporting a cut near his hairline and it was bleeding and had a few new bruises from objects he had missed. He sat there on the crates and watched Varith, ready to spring again.

"This is the Silver Eagle, we read you loud and clear. We've been unable to make contact with Amshrey so far. Planetwide blackout is suspected. We're going in for a landing in order to confirm our suspicions. Komad out." Komad sent out.

"I still think our skills would be put to better use defending the planet from these attackers." Kalla commented.

Tonatius gave Kalla an indulgent smile, "I think so to but if we are to be able to do anything, the Lord of the Tribes must be informed so he can decide what to do. The warriors will guard as you and I are needed to present our case."

**********

Jun-la listened to the message and replied, "Either that or the rest of the clans there are practicing maneuvers. Use caution when landed and identify yourself as Jedi. Both of you."

**********

Selene wasted no time in mobilizing her clansmen while Lord Governor Gisan ordered the Belosian warriors to battle. she spoke to her men gathered, "Warriors, our lands have been threatened and our brothers call us for help. Upon our honor as Mandalorians and Avalonians, we fight."

The cheer was one of thunderous applause as the men and women cheered and raced towards the waiting ships. Selene looked at the sight as she climbed into the lead ship and beckoned her pilot to take off.

"I would say keep up but you would know how to do that."

Varith smiled. Despite the fact that he was slightly injured he had to admit that this was the most fun that he'd had in awhile. He knew that this opponet would kill him if he got the chance but still...he was getting quite a workout.

"Funny. An opponet with a sense of humor." Varith said as Tavaryn sat down on a crate. He knew that his opponet would jump at him if he made any hostile moves.

"Tell me...what are you? You are obviously not a jedi...you are something else."




The bridge of the Ackbar echoed with alarms as laser strikes hit the hull. The third officer was dead, he had been killed by an exploding console. But before he had died he had sent out a distress call that hopefully someone was picking up.

Tavaryn eyed his opponent warily as he sat on the crate. He was growing tired and it didn't help that his injuries were agitating the problem. "I have my moments," he replied.

"Tell me...what are you? You are obviously not a jedi...you are something else."

"I am what I am," Tavaryn replied, giving the same answer he would give normally to anyone who asked. That was how he saw himself. He rarely if ever referred to himself as a Shinigami, a habit borne from the years he spent in hiding. "A shadow."

**********

"Lady Ordo, picking up a distress call. Republic ship."

"That's it. Head for it," Selene replied.

Silver Eagle

"If that were the case, we'd still have received a response from someone, and you realise that I'm not even remotely Force-sensitive, don't you?" Iyav commented. He then took the Eagle in for a landing at Mando'a.

Ackbar

"Jedi Haltra, I'm picking another two ships coming out of hyperspace, in opposite directions." One of the bridge officers pointed out. "Getting an IDC from the closer one now; it's the Enterprise. Can't confirm anything with the other one, but these readings would suggest another enemy ship of the same class."

Avalon

"Then let's get to it." Kalla replied. She then approached Caelos and asked, "How soon can we speak with the Lord of the Tribes?"

"A shadow."

Varith moved away from Tavaryn, leaving his back open to attack. If my opponet is a jedi I doubt he will attack me...but just in case...

Varith gathered the force around him and prepared to fire a barrage of force lightning at him should he attack.

"Tell me...if I were to leave this ship and hunt the force sensatives aboard the enemy ship...would you let me go? I doubt you and I will be able to finish our battle with the damage this ship is taking. So tell me...Would you pursue me?"



"Jedi Haltra, I'm picking another two ships coming out of hyperspace, in opposite directions. Getting an IDC from the closer one now; it's the Enterprise. Can't confirm anything with the other one, but these readings would suggest another enemy ship of the same class."

Alriana listened over the comnlink and shook her head. The Ackbar was one of the strongest ships in the fleet and it was still taking quite a bit of damage, she doubted the Enterprise would stand a chance against two of the enemy ships. She didn't have any idea of what shape the enemy ship was in.

It looks like it's time. Admiral Belina said to use this comn channel only in the event of an emergency. If this doesn't count as an emergency I don't know what does.

She keyed her comnlink to a different frequency and spoke the words that Admiral Belina had taught her. "This is the Ackbar. Emergency code 9-4-7 Red."

A man's voice responded. "Katarn acknowledges. Emergency code 9-4-7 Red has been recieved. Stand by."

"He will see you now," Caelos replied after he had sought audience with the aide to the leader. "Follow me."

He led them through the village ignoring the curious stares that the people were giving. He believed that few ever saw offworlders like his companions before and they were even more curious as to why a water lord and a Bushida warrior were traveling with them. He led them to a hut and instructed them, "Bow and never look him in the face."

"Welcome Jedi. I assume that trouble has occurred on our beloved world?"

**********

Tavaryn watched the enemy back away slowly. He could sense doubt. Common reaction when warriors were confronted by Shinigami for those that knew what they did. It could work to his advantage but he knew that he must stop this enemy on all accounts.

"Tell me...if I were to leave this ship and hunt the force sensatives aboard the enemy ship...would you let me go? I doubt you and I will be able to finish our battle with the damage this ship is taking. So tell me...Would you pursue me?"


Tavaryn had sensed the lightning being gathered and had moved to reappear behind Varith. He replied, "I repeat, I will not let you kill anymore." He then gave a powerful strike with the butt end of his sword hand to knock Varith askew a bit.

**********

Selene opened a channel to her ships that followed her in, "Launch fighters and engage the enemy vessel. Protect teh Ackbar."

She then opened a channel to the Ackbar and said, "Ackbar, this is Selene Ordo, Leader of the Clans. We are here to help. Status report."

"I repeat, I will not let you kill anymore."

Varith's force lightning vanished as the sword slammed into him. He was sent back a few steps before turning to Tavaryn and smiling brightly.

"A shame. I have no desire to kill an opponet such as you. A foe like you comes along once in a lifetime but it appears you leave me no choice."

Varith opened himself to the force and let it empower him. "I turned from the jedi when they refused to allow me to return home. As a result of their action, I lost the love of my life. I vowed on the day that I walked through the charred remains of our home that any and all Jedi would pay."

Varith ran at Tavaryn at incredible speed and then jumped into the air before bringing his lightsaber down on Tavaryn's sword, he then unleashed another barrage of force lightning at him.




"Ackbar, this is Selene Ordo, Leader of the Clans. We are here to help. Status report."

One of the remaining bridge officers on the bridge answered the call. "This is science officer Koral. The shields are down to seven percent, most of our weapons are still online but the targeting sensors are heavily damaged and are not giving accurate readings. Hull integrity is down to twenty seven percent. Jedi Haltra was in command but she had left to deal with a situation on the med deck."

Andorra bowed as she had been instructed, being almost too careful to keep her eyes toward the ground. "Avalon is being attacked," she said gravely. "I don't know why, or by whom. I assume it's the Sith, who have hounded us relentlessly ever since..." She shook her head, her golden hair dangling low and almost touching the earth below. "If it's not the Sith, I can't imagine who else would be foolish or insane enough to strike an entire planet. We need your help...great one...and the more time we lose, the more desperately we're going to require it." She rose up and almost looked him in the eye--

--but then remembered her place, and almost fell flat on her face!

Lord Tristan had to suppress a laugh at the girl's sudden correction. His grand niece had said she was an intelligent girl and willing to do the right thing. He stood up from his seat and slid his fingers under Andorra's chin and beckoned her to look at him. He guided her to her feet and replied, "Your mother has taught you well." He then smiled and released her.

"Rise," he said to the others, " I know this is not the first time our world has been attacked by the Sith. We have called them Rashikians. We will help but first I need information about Republic forces. Perhaps you would know," he addressed Kalla but was including the others.

**********

Selene nodded and replied, "Koral, I am sending ships and fighters to your position. Is there a place where I can board? I assume that the enemy has boarded?"

The signal was sent and the fighters of Belos were already moving into position, firing upon the enemy vessel.

**********

((Just adding this in to help Alkonium out))

Tiye was holding maneuvers with the clans on Amshrey when an aide came through and said, "Milady we are receiving a comm signal from a small vessel. Republic."

Tiye nodded and pressed a button on her wrist gauntlet to signal the end of the exercise. She went up to the console and called, "Unidentified Republic vessel, state your business."

**********

"I turned from the jedi when they refused to allow me to return home. As a result of their action, I lost the love of my life. I vowed on the day that I walked through the charred remains of our home that any and all Jedi would pay."

"So you blame the Jedi. Such a pity you don't hold your own actions responsible," Tavaryn replied.

He was unprepared however for the sudden burst of speed that Varith gave and it left his defenses open for the lightning to get through. He felt his body flying through the air as it hit a bulkhead hard enough for him to hear the sickening crack of his ribs. It was nothing compared to the burning sensation that was coursing throughout his body. For a brief moment, he wished that he could see her again.

I wish you were here Alriana. His thoughts echoed through the Force.

He grimaced in pain on the ground and tried to right himself so he would be able to stand. He could not let this dark one continue his campaign against the Jedi. A Shinigami protected the Jedi and he would protect her even though she was far away.

"Koral, I am sending ships and fighters to your position. Is there a place where I can board? I assume that the enemy has boarded?"

Koral nodded even though Ordo couldn't see him. "We do have enemy troops aboard, we do have them contained but they're stepping up their efforts to break through. As for where you may land...the port fighter bay has been destroyed but the starboard one is still intact."

A message came in over the console and Koral's eyes widened in fear. "It seems we also have a dark jedi aboard. A powerful one if Jedi Haltra is correct."





"So you blame the Jedi. Such a pity you don't hold your own actions responsible,"

Varith shook his head. "I blamed myself for a long time after she died...in fact I still do...but the jedi were the ones who kept from heading back home. If I had gone back home I could have gotten rid of those pirates sooner."

He looked down at Tavaryn and smiled grimly. "I will not kill you. A worthy foe like you comes along once in a great while."



I wish you were here Alriana.

Alriana paused for a moment in horror as she felt Tavaryn's pain through the force. No...I lost everyone from my era...I won't lose Tavaryn!

She continued running and arrived just in time to see Tavaryn slammed into the wall by a barrage of force lightning.

"Leave him alone!" She shouted as she force jumped through the air and brought her lightsaber down against Varith. Varith turned around in suprise and barely managed to bring his lightsaber around to block her strike. He mentally cursed himself, he had been too busy dealing with Tavaryn and had lost track of Alriana.

"I will not allow you to harm Tavaryn!" She shouted as she force jumped backward and unleashed a massive force push against Varith that sent him flying against the wall. Varith tried to move...but he was pinned against the wall by Alriana's force push. He mentally cursed himself again. He hadn't been ready for the enraged jedi.

"Tavaryn...Are you alright?" She asked quietly as she continued holding Varith against the wall. Varith was getting hard to hold as she continued struggling against her force push. Sweat was pouring down her forhead.

Mando'a, Amshrey

"This is Jedi Master Komad Kaltas on the Republic freighter Silver Eagle. We request urgent assistance. Avalon is under attack. Two unidentified warships have come out of hyperspace and attacked the capital. The Ackbar and the Enterprise have engaged them, but their chances don't look good so far." Komad explained.

Avalon

"There are currently no Republic Guardsmen stationed on Avalon, but there are an unknown number Echelon 5 operatives here. There may be Republic ships in orbit, but there's no way to tell from here." Kalla explained.

RSS Enterprise

"Concentrate your fire on the first of those ships. It has to have sustained a considerable amount of damage by now." Captain Varon instructed.

"Sir, the second ship is targeting us with its beam weapon." Lieutenant Arnas pointed out.

"All auxiliary power to the forward shields!" Varon added.

Even at maximum power, the Enterprise's shields were barely able to withstand the attack.

"I think I've got something, sir." One of the science officers added. "According these readings, their shields took a massive drain when they fired the weapon. They're back at full now, but we should be able to exploit it the next time they fire."

"Very good. Launch all fighters, and transmit that data to the Ackbar." Varon replied.

"Understood. Transmitting now."

"Meh Jedi," Selene muttered aware that she could be heard over the comm. "Roger that. We will board there."

To the pilot she directed, "Head to the starboard side. We have a battle to fight."

**********

"I blamed myself for a long time after she died...in fact I still do...but the jedi were the ones who kept from heading back home. If I had gone back home I could have gotten rid of those pirates sooner."

"Yet you are still blaming the Jedi," Tavaryn pointed out. "You say they prevented you from returning. How could staying at the Temple be prevention?"

Tavaryn grimaced a bit as he pushed himself up. He continued, "You call me a worthy foe and yet not kill me. That tells me you still have some humanity within you." He stared, his eyes full of pain but with a serene gaze of one who accepted his fate.

He was completely surprised to see a flash of green and a blur hurl through the air towards Varith. His eyes opened in shock as he recognized who it was. He whispered, "Alriana."

He watched as she force pushed Varith into the wall and began to hold him there. He could sense her rage and fear even though she asked quietly if he was alright. He replied equally soft, "I am fine," and stood up leaning against the wall. After everything, he still had managed to hold onto his weapons. He put his lightsaber back on his belt and held his blade in his good hand.

Do not be angry Alriana. If you or I kill him in anger, we would be no better than he is. He appealed to her through that connection they made back on Geonosis. It hadn't gone away even though he never attempted to contact her that way and he was glad. He had a hard time putting into words the emotions he felt seeing her again.

**********

Tiye recognized the name of the Jedi Master and replied, "We will respond. If you had someone reach Selene Ordo on Belos, they would have launched by now. Call your Republic forces and have them land on Avalon. They will need ground troops."

**********

"Republic Guardsmen would have no business here except at the embassy in Tyan-yu," Lord Tristan replied, "However this Echleon 5 I am not familiar with. Perhaps they have an existence similar to the shadow forces of my people?"

To save confusion, Tonatius replied, "Yes milord."

Lord Tristan thought a moment and then said to someone off in the shadows, "Sound the call. We will meet this enemy on the Plains of Jasilyn. They will have to come through there to get to the Academy hidden in the mountains." To the group he said, "You are welcome to stay here. The Starlighter family and their friends are always welcome." To Andorra he said, "See Ziva for some clothes, otherwise your mother will have my head later." He gave her a gentle smile.

Do not be angry Alriana. If you or I kill him in anger, we would be no better than he is.

Alriana looked back at Tavaryn and then back at Varith who was trying as hard as he could to break Alriana's force push. He began to gather the force around him and then released it in a massive force wave that sent Alriana and Tavaryn flying against the wall.

He dropped down to his knees on the floor and quickly got back to his feet. "I salute you. You are among the first to pose a threat to me. The next time we meet...you will not survive."

Varith began to use his force-run and quickly ran down the corridor towards the starboard hanger bay where his ship was docked. He paused and looked back and for a moment, remembered his days as a jedi. he then shook his head. Those days were long gone.


Alriana slowly got to her feet and limped over to Tavaryn. "Are you alright Tavaryn?"



Ackbar

"Roger that. We will board there."

Koral's attention was redirected as information came in on the science station. The worried expression on his face vanished as data came in from the Enterprise.

Finally! A weakness!

He turned to the surviving members of the bridge crew and turned toward the chiss officer who had taken over Alriana's station.

"Turn the Ackbar's bow so we're facing the first ship. It should have sustained more damage. Fire forward turbolasers!""

Four turbolaser blats shot out from the Ackbar and impacted against the shields of the enemy ship.

"Yes, milord," Andorra replied humbly, trying not to let Lord Tristan see the blush that was starting to form on her cheeks. It was embarrassing enough that she had almost forgotten decorum and looked at him directly, but that he also noticed she was still in her underclothes--! The chagrin was almost too much for her to bear. Nevertheless, the Avalonian noblewoman gathered up whatever dignity she had left and followed Ziva into more private quarters.

"I'm deeply sorry if I offended anyone," she told Ziva, who offered her a plain yet-not-unbecoming pantsuit. It would be good battle attire. "I'm just--overwhelmed right now. I never expected to be caught in the middle of a siege on my wedding day." She tried not to let a tear fall from her eye.

Ziva smiled at the young woman and replied, "No embarassment. If you had listened, Lord Tristan had pride in you. Your mother is his niece and she shared much about you."

Ziva handed over the pants and tunic and then reached for a pair of boots, the kind the warriors wore as well as a belt. She added, "Lord Tristan finds that you bring honor to your family. As for what has happened, terrible. A day of happiness marred by battle. Such was it for the Guardian." She then snapped out of her reverie and asked, "Do these suit you?"

**********

"I salute you. You are among the first to pose a threat to me. The next time we meet...you will not survive."

Tavaryn managed to reply through gritted teeth, "The next time, you and I will end this. You will know that a shadow can bite."

He watched as Varith made a hasty exit before letting out a tired sigh and began assessing his injuries. He looked at his left shoulder where it was still bleeding but it had slowed. He touched a hand to his head and felt the stickiness of blood. I am a mess alright. He stood up slowly wincing from the numerous bruises that were probably all over his body and the cracked ribs. He could still feel the burning from the lightning and briefly wondered if Doc was going to knock him out and stick him in a bacta tank.

"Are you alright Tavaryn?"

He heard her voice and looked up from his injuries to see her. She had hardly changed since they separated. He looked at her, afraid to say anything out of a childish fear that she would disappear forever. Still he knew better than to keep her waiting so he slowly and gently said the first thing that came to mind, "Is it really you Alriana?"

RSS Enterprise

"Captain, the first ship is about to fire its beam weapon at us." Lt. Arnas pointed out.

"Separate your fire into two points: that beam weapon, and the shield generator." Captain Varon instructed.

The gambit was risky, but they had little choice.

"The enemy ship has sustained heavy damage, and our combined firepower has taken out their shields." Lt. Arnas explained.

"Excellent work." Varon replied, but they had little time to celebrate.

"Oh no. Our shields have failed, and that beam will rip through us in a matter of seconds. There's nothing we can do." Lt. Arnas pointed out.

The beam then cut straight through the command tower, followed by engine room, detonating the ship's fuel, and triggering a catastrophic rupture in the hyperdrive.

Avalon

"It's hardly what I expected my wedding to be like either." Lenatha commented. "I'm Andorra's wife, Lenatha, and while my dress made it here mostly unscathed, it's hardly appropriate for battle."

Andorra smiled at her new bride, giggling a little. "Indeed," she said. "The Sith are going to tear right through that silk sheath of yours if you're not careful." To Ziva she bowed and said, "These will do more than well when I'm fighting. Lightweight, comfortable, and most importantly, allowing for complete freedom of movement--unlike my corset earlier." She snorted ruefully. "Why did I even wear that thing, anyway? The only one that I wanted to impress with my carefully-confined hourglass figure was you, Lena." With a sniffle, Andorra straightened herself up. "Well! I guess all the impressions will have to be made on the battlefield now." A convulsive chill ran down her spine.

"Lena...do you think it's possible to be reborn, and die, on the same day?"

"Is it really you Alriana?"

Alriana smiled at Tavaryn as she extended her hand to him so that he could get back up on his feet. "It's me. I've been working on the Ackbar's bridge for quite a while. Admiral Belina has me working as a security/tactical officer."



Bridge of the Ackbar

Science officer Koral cursed angerly as the beam ripped through the Enterprise's bridge and continued on through until the ship's fuel detonated. "We've lost the Enterprise and I doubt we can take on two of these ships on our own."

A proximity alarm sounded and Koral slapped his head. Knowing his luck it would be another enemy ship. He closed his eyes and waited for the end.

And waited.

He slowly opened his eyes just in time to see a massive ship place itself between the incoming weapons fire and the Ackbar.

What the...? It's the Katarn!

Koral heard shouts and he sighed in relief as a message came in over all frequencies so he supposed the enemy ships would hear the message as well.

"This is Captain Viren of the Republic star crusier Katarn. Unknown vessels: You will cease your attacks and leave the system or you will be destroyed. Rest assured, we do have the capability to destroy you."

The Katarn targeted the first damaged ship and began firing all of it's weapons at the enemy ship even as it launched all of it's fighters which targeted the second enemy ship.

Sith Warship

"My lord, the Republic ship is sending us a message." One of the bridge officers commented.

"Ignore it, and open a channel to the Oblivion." Darth Pestilus instructed.

"Yes, my lord." The communications officer replied.

"This is Darth Inferna, commanding the Oblivion. What is your command, Lord Pestilus?" Lady Inferna asked.

"Cloak your ship, and jump to hyperspace. Our warriors on the ground will finish the job here." Darth Pestilus explained.

"Yes, master." Darth Inferna replied.

As far as the Republic forces could tell, the two attacking ships simply vanished without a trace, without so much as a hyperspace trail to follow.

Avalon

"You don't need to wear some archaic death-trap to impress me, and let's try not to find out." Lenatha replied, getting to changing out of her wedding dress and into something more practical.


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

"If we're going to figure out for sure who's behind this attack, we'll need to take some of them alive." Jareth pointed out.

"I wasn't expecting mercy from you." Kalla commented.

"Hardly. They deserve none, and I'll show no more than necessary. Once we've made them talk, we won't need them." Jareth clarified.

"More and more I see why Iyav left you." Kalla then muttered under her breath, and that was apparently enough to Jareth over the edge. He then grabbed her by the shoulder of her robe, and pointed his blaster right at her head.

"He's no saint either, but enough about my ex-husband, unless he decides to show his face here, got that?" He asked, looking like he was ready to pull the trigger.

"Got it. And if you ever threaten me again, it won't end well for you either." Kalla answered, making it clear that she had her lightsaber aimed right at his gut. After that, the two of them withdrew their respective weapons, and at least tried to act civil.

Ziva smiled as she retrieved another set of warrior clothing for Lenatha. She answered Andorra, "It is possible. The Guardian died and was born on the same day."

**********

It was bad enough that Avalon was going to be chaos for awhile. It was worse being around this Echleon 5 member and it annoyed Tonatius to no end. He glanced at his brother who was lounging around and looking bored while the warriors were preparing for battle. He looked back at Kalla who was talking with Jareth. When he saw Jareth pull his blaster on Kalla, he was over there in less than a blink of an eye.

It was pure instinct and training as Tonatius positioned his body to deliver a deadly strike. His open palm was upturned and near Jareth's neck, his nail applying pressure. He knew Kalla could defend herself but he didn't take kindly to anyone trying to harm her. He kept a hard glance at Jareth until they both released their weapons. He then lowered his hand, glaring at Jareth. He muttered something in Avalonian and turned to Kalla. He whispered, "Must we tolerate his presence longer?"

**********

Haruka gazed out of the window next to the captain. He had been the security officer on board the Katarn for some time now. It wasn't like his old job but he did admit he liked it. Plus it put him in regular contact with Tavaryn, who recommended him for the job. He checked his console since he was scanning the vessel. Out loud he said, "Captain direct hit on damaged enemy vessel. Reading hull fluctuations in integrity."

**********

Selene noticed a ship leaving the starboard docking bay on the Ackbar. She commed to her second in command, "Chaser, target that vessel."

"Roger that."

She focused on her pilot docking with the Ackbar. Once the ship was set down, she said, "Alright men, move out. Shoot anything that is the enemy. Watch crossfire." She then hefted her heavy blaster rifle and charged down the ramp.

**********

Tavaryn was still reeling form actually seeing Alriana in front of him that he hardly heard that she had been serving Belina for the last two years. He accepted her hand up to steady himself. After releasing her hand he stared at her intently, his eyes softening. Slowly he reached with his hand to tentaively touch her, almost pulling back in fear. He managed to gently rake his fingers through her hair, feeling the tendrils. He gave a small smile and said, "Two years and we were both on the same ship. It is good to see you again moi chroi."

"Two years and we were both on the same ship. It is good to see you again moi chroi."

Alriana chuckled slightly. "Two years indeed. You think that we would have seen each other somewhere on this ship before now." She looked down the corridor that led to the hanger that Varith had fled down.

"I think that we get you to the bridge. the Ackbar has been heavily damaged and we could use some more help since most of the bridge crew is injured from what I heard."



Varith's ship managed to blast through the starboard hanger and was immediatly attacked by republic fighters. His ship was attempting to head for an open area so that he could calculate a hyperspace jump and then try and find the enemy ships that had been attacking the planet earlier.

Tavaryn was still staring at her, afraid that if he looked away, she would be gone. He knew that fear was something to guard against as far as the Jedi were concerned. He continued to play with her hair until he ran his finger down a lock and released it. He sighed. Duty came first.

He slowly bent over to pick up his sword and sheathed it, feeling suddenly tired for no reason. he led his sword in his left hand even though it pained him to do so and reached out to touch Alriana's face but in mid air, changed direction and gingerly kneeled down to where her sore ankle was a gently touched it. He muttered something in Avalonian and a healing calm came over the injured ankle, relieving the pain and repairing the injury. The breeze played with his locks as he finished healing. He then stood up trying not to grimace and said, "I think you can walk now moi chroi. Shall we?" He held out a hand to her.

"I think you can walk now moi chroi. Shall we?"

Alriana took his offered hand and smiled at him. "It's good to see you again Tavaryn." She said as they began walking toward the corridor that would take them to the bridge. "I guess that we can thank Admiral Belina for stationing us on the same ship."

A sudden blaster shot echoed through the corridors and Alriana heard the sound of men shouting and the sound of more blaster fire.

"I think before we do anything we should get rid of the last of the enemy troops on this level."



Ackbar bridge.

Science officer Koral sighed in relief as the two enemy ships vanished. Normally, he would like to finish the fight to the end but these ships were dangerous. The next time he faced them he would rather have a few of the republic's best ships with him."

"Send a message down to the planet as ask if they need help. And while your doing that find out what happened to Admiral Belina and Admiral Garja. We need to find out what happened to them.

"I guess that we can thank Admiral Belina for stationing us on the same ship."

Tavaryn smiled a crooked smile and replied, "I gues your Jedi Force works in mysterious ways. Belina asked me to be a training instructor. I had no idea it would be on the same ship as you." He paused for a moment, not sure if he should put his feelings completely at her mercy. He then continued, "Though I am glad of it. I oftened wondered if you were happy."

At the sound of blaster fire, he jerked his head up. He listened to the men shouting and thought he heard a familiar voice. A mild explosion sounded and debris flew across the junction in front of them and two Sith flew through the air and landed, dead as a post. They were followed by a woman with shoulder length iron grey hair and eyes to match wearing armour and toting a rifle that looked too big for her. She spat at the fallen Sith, "Hah. Take that Sith scum. You'll never beat a Mandalorian!"

Tavaryn relaxed and began to laugh. The woman looked in his direction and grinned. "Glad to see that you're enjoying the show Shinigami."

"Selene Ordo, I never thought I'd see you on the battlefield again." Tavaryn gently released Alriana's hand and held his own to have it gripped in a strong warrior grasp that nearly jerked him off his feet.

"I could say the same to you. I see you've started in on the fun without me." Selene grinned as she released him. She looked at the Jedi next to him and extended her own, "Selene Ordo, Leader of the Clans."

"Though I am glad of it. I oftened wondered if you were happy."

Alriana grinned at him. "Actually, I was happy. Being a bridge officer had it's perks like my own cabin and I was allowed to boss some of the junior officers around."

She turned at the sound of an explosion and watched as two dead sith were sent flying into the room followed by a woman wearing armour. Alriana had to admit, the woman knew how to make an entrance.

"Selene Ordo, Leader of the Clans."

Alriana extended her hand. "Alriana Haltra, Jedi Knight of the old republic and security officer of the Ackbar." Alriana smiled at Ordo. "I met a few mandalorians during Palpatine's purge of the jedi. It's good to see that the mandalorians survived."

Avalon

"Hopefully not." Kalla replied.

"I'm not exactly fond of working with Jedi either." Jareth commented.

"And the sooner we're ready to fight, the sooner we can break off this uneasy alliance." Kalla added. "We have work to do."

"You can say that again," Taryn decided to make his entrance. He had watched his twin move and was pleased that his brother still had a temper despite the gentlemanly conduct he insisted upon wearing. He was also impressed that his brother had mastered shunpo.

After that little brush off with Jareth, he decided to intervene. He then said, "Well brother I guess we should practice our technique. Maybe teach Cousin a thing or two. You're welcome to watch Kaltas." He then dragged his brother out by the arm without ceremony, stopped by by Andorra and Lenatha and dragged his cousin with his free hand and dragged them out to the Chinooka river.

Tonatius managed to shake off his brother roughly, "What gives?"

"Listen big brother, I know that you were pissed that someone threatened your girl and hell you were ready to jump ship and pummel the guy."

"Yeah well if you had someone you cared about in trouble, you'd do anything too." Tonatius crossed his arms across his chest as if trying to restrainhimself from attacking his twin.

"Look save it for the enemy. Right now we need to teach cousin here the basics of water bending. You have more patience than I," Taryn pointed out.

Tonatius looked at Andorra who looked shocked at what just happened and said, "Alright. Sorry about that cousin. Now if you are okay with it, Taryn and I can teach you what almost every member of the family knows. That okay?"

**********

Tiye had managed to get the other clansmen as well as the Belosian warriors together and onto a major vessel. It was equiped with dropships that would unload them on the planet's surface. She commed, "Jedi Kaltas, we are prepared for take off. Inform the Lady Governor we are on our way."

**********

The ship the Chaser was pursuing the enemy vessel with a vengeance. It was trying to disarm the ship for tow in and kept missing. The pilot thought This guy ios good. The men in the laser turrets were having trouble leading the target until one managed to lock on and fired in a rapid succession.

**********

"Clan Ordo will always live on," Selene replied with a grin. She looked at Tavaryn and said, "Pretty smart Jedi, Shinigami. Just your type." She then gave him a hard elbow that sent a shock of pain through his ribs.

Tavaryn hoped that the blushing was covered up by his grunt as Selene elbowed him. She was always a blunt one and could see through things oftentimes better than a Jedi. He replied, "I see you haven't lost your touch," and rubbed where she hit him trying to ease the pain.

"We train and live for battle. Besides we couldn't just sit around and let our sovereign system be attacked. Now you two run along. My men and I will mop up the rest." Selene hefted her blaster rifle and gave a curt nod. Then she shouted, "Come on men! We still have a battle to win!"

She then took off down the corridors followed closely by her men. They disappeared around a corner and more blaster fire sounded. Tavaryn was still rubbing his chest and shaking his head in an amused fashion. "Some things never change." He then looked at Alriana and said, "Glad that you had a chance to boss some junior officers around. I was more or less a bully and that's in part to Selene." He then took Alriana's hand and tugged it gently to beckon her to follow. They might as well get to the bridge if nothing else.

"Glad that you had a chance to boss some junior officers around. I was more or less a bully and that's in part to Selene."

Alriana turned to look at the last of the Mandalorians as they ran around the corner and she shook her head. Mandalorians loved battle, somethings never changed.

She then looked at Tavaryn as he took her hand and she blushed slightly. "I suggest we get to the bridge. If the bridge is to badly damaged then Admiral Belina will have my hide."



Varith's fighter rocked as a series of laser bolts managed to punch through his shields and hit the ship directly just as Varith managed to punch in a series of coordiantes that would hopefully get him out of the battle area.

The hyperdrive computer went dead just as he was about to hit the controls that would get him out of here.

It appears I have no choice. I only hope I don't end up dead.

Varith brought his hand down on the control and his ship instantly came about and flew over the pursuing ship while firing three proton torpedoes at it's hull, enough to totally destroy it if they hit it.

I just need time to point the ship and then I can make a blind hyperspace micro-jump.

"No she wouldn't," Tavaryn countered, trying to ignore the blush for Alriana's sake. "Belina is fair and knows war. She trusted you to be in command in her absence. She knows that you would make the best possible choice."

They had reached the turbolift and Tavaryn opened it. Giving the lift it's directions, he let out the breath he was holding and leaned against the wall of the lift. Taking deep breaths hurt a little too much with what he was sure was cracked and nearly fried insides. He smiled to alleviate any concern Alriana would have and said, "I guess I'll be hiding from the CMO for the rest of this trip," making light of the fact that he would do anything to stay away from a bacta tank.

**********

The Chaser rocked as it took one of three hits. The captain of the vessel asked for the report. The pilot said, "Three proton torpedoes, one direct hit. Shields down to 60% and structural integrity is holding. Minor fluctuations in the power grid."

"Weapons?"

"Still functional sir," came over the comm.

The captain then said, "Tactical, prepare to fire. Take the shots you can. Helm you will execute the Omega maneuver."

The pilot looked at the captain and grinned, "Yes sir."

Today may be a good day to die.

The Chaser did and about face and headed straight towards the vessel at a manaical speed. The turbolasers locked on and were firing. The ship was not going to stop from the looks of it.

(Who exactly is the Chaser pursuing?)

Silver Eagle

"Understood. Kaltas out." Komad replied, opening a channel with Avalon, assuming communications hadn't been compromised in the attack. "This is Jedi Master Komad Kaltas. I've just received word from Amshrey. Reinforcements are en route."

Avalon

As soon as she was dressed again, Lenatha joined the group outside, having always wondered what "Water Bending" entailed, especially if didn't require strength in the Force, something they all knew Andorra lacked.

((The chaser is pursuing Varith))

Lady Governor Padme Lilah Starlighter listened to the signal that somehow managed to get through all the interference. She had sent her daughter with her niece to the Takeshi Forest to appeal to Lord Tristan. They would be able to beat this. She informed Belina, "Admiral, we are getting reinforcements. We should fall back to the keep at Stone Bend."

The Avalonian warriors who had not been killed in the bombardment were fighting the Sith enemy with as much ferocity as a Mandalorian.

**********

Tiye directed her ships to move out. She could only hope that they were not too late. Then again, the tribesman would give the enemy hell.

"Please do," Andorra said quickly. "The heat of battle might not be the best time to conduct training, but I know I need it. Also, as much as I hate to admit this, I still remember some of the moves from the skorost' fighting technique that I employed as Andirrul. If I use that, the Sith won't know what hit them, but I'd rather do so as a last resort than as a first choice."

"In case you haven't noticed cousin, we are not exactly in battle. Lord Tristan knows when best to strike," Taryn replied as he pulled off his boots and jumped calf deep into the freezing water.

He was drenched however by a wave of water that crashed on top of him. He turned to glare at his older twin who was smirking at him. "Very mature Big Brother," he growled.

"Consider it payback lil brother," Tonatius replied still grinning. He turned to Andorra and noticed the expression on her face. He said, "Don't worry Cousin. It takes years of practice to utilize that move with minimal movement. What you are going to learn is the basics and you'll find that you may know more than you think. All it really entails is being able to chanel your sentou within. You with me so far?

"I think so," Andorra said, "but sometimes it's hard for me to concentrate. Especially when I don't know if the Sith are going to spring some sort of pre-emptive attack on us." Her eyes were still moist, and her hair disheveled. "I'm going to try my best to learn whatever you have to teach me. Let's begin..."

Tonatius nodded. "Don't think about the attack. Right now it is only us." He noticed Lenatha approaching and motioned her to have a seat on the bank. He took his own boots off and waded into the river to his calves. He shook his head in an amused way as he watched his brother playing with the water, bending it like a ribbon flying in the wind. He said to Andorra, "Take your boots off and wade into the river until you are waist deep. The only reason Taryn and I are not in as deep is because this lesson is to help you understand the movement of water."

"That and beginners need all the help they can get. So the deeper the better," Taryn drawled as he continued to bend the water, moving his hands and body as if he were in a complicated dance.

"I guess I'll be hiding from the CMO for the rest of this trip,"

"I don't blame you. I've had a few encounters with the bacta-tank on the Ackbarsince I've come onboard and to be honest it smells a bit off...even for a bacta tank." Alriana replied as the turbolift took them closer to the bridge.

"I hope the bridge crew is alright." Alriana said quietly. "That ship we were fighting had weapons I've never seen before and they were targeting the bridge."



Varith sighed and watched as the enemy fighter came closer and closer at high speeds while firing it's turbolasers. For the first time in a long time he was uncertain as to what to do about the ship racing towards him.

With only a few seconds left he did the only thing he could think of. He targeted the area in front of the ship and hit the area it would be traveling through with everything he could fire.

Tavaryn chuckled. "The last time we talked about bacta, I was in a similar situation," he glanced at his left shoulder, "Except in this case I ended up with a hole from a sniper rifle and deep fried insides." He gave a short laugh as he rested against the wall. He found out in the past two years that humor was a good stress reliever.

"I hope the bridge crew is alright." Alriana said quietly. "That ship we were fighting had weapons I've never seen before and they were targeting the bridge."

Tavaryn thought a moment and said, "Well take out the bridge and you can take out the ship." He then had a moment of panic as he realized that if Alriana had been on the bridge and it were destroyed, then she would have died too. The thought of it sent a spasm across his chest. At the moment, he was glad that leaning against the wall hid it or he could attribute it to his injuries. It seemed forever until they reached the bridge level.

When the door opened, Tavaryn stepped out first. He had strapped his sword to his belt and was carrying his lightsaber in his hand. He looked around to make sure that there were no enemies about before motioning that it was okay to come out. He cleared the way to the bridge door and tapped on it. He said, "Looks like it's been sealed. I suppose you have the codes to bypass lockdown?"

**********

The Chaser continued on its course even though the barrage of firepower was coming at them. The captain stood on his bridge looking and said, "Release the torpedo."

The order was given and the tactical officer pressed a button. If anything, it would give the enemy considerable damage and it was locked on. Nothing would deter it.

The Chaser hurtled toward the enemy fire as it released its final weapon. The sun would set upon the Chaser but it will give one helluva last stand.

"Looks like it's been sealed. I suppose you have the codes to bypass lockdown?"

Alriana moved past Tavaryn and nodded. "Since I've been on board the Admiral has changed the code twice at my request." She entered the code and the bridge doors slid open and Alriana quickly rushed in.

The bridge was a mess, but at least it was still there.

"Hello? Is anyone still alive up here?"

A half dozen heads popped up and then science officer Koral and the others sighed in relief. "Jedi Haltra! We assumed that you were dead! I'm glad to see I was mistaken."

He then looked over at Tavaryn and then looked back at Alriana. "Excuse me Jedi Haltra, but may I ask who your friend is? I don't think I've seen him before."




Varith's tactical computer started beeping showing that the enemy ship had gotten a lock on him. He knew that he would most likely have to draw on the force to help him out of this because whoever this pilot was, he was good.

Releasing spare parts...now!

Varith's fighter shot upward just as the torpedo soared toward him and it left a trail of spare parts in it's wake. hopefully it would be enough to confuse the torpedo and allow him to get away.

Andorra waded into the cool, flowing water, only caring a fraction of a bit that her new battle clothes were getting soaked. I'm a warrior, she reminded herself, and not just some pampered princess that faints all the time. That was then, but this is now, and I only fainted because of that stupid corset! She steeled herself against the current and tilted her head towards Taryn and Tonatius. "All right--what's the first thing I need to know?" Out of the corner of her eye, she saw distant figures moving up ahead...

Tavaryn raised a brow. He was not surprised that he wasn't that well known. It was a big ship after all and he suspected that Belina may have hand picked which men she wanted trained under him. He answered, "Tavaryn Onashi, hand to hand combat and weaponsmaster. My understanding is that it is about the equivalent of a lieutenant." Then as if to reassure the officer he said, "Don't worry. I think few know I actually exist on board outside those who trained under me."

Just then Selene burst onto the bridge brandishing her weapon accompanied by a couple of Tavaryn's men and one other Mandalorian soldier. She looked around ready to shoot. Tavaryn had to make a leap to prevent the bridge crew from firing at them. "Whoa there! It's okay. Friendlies."

"Damn straight," Selene remarked as she removed her helmet. "Whew taking out Sith is my idea of fun."

Tavaryn gave a slight eye roll. He muttered to her under gritted teeth, "Couldn't you have been a little less enthusiastic?"

Selene looked at him and said loudy while giving him a pat that sent a pain spasm across his ribs, "This is battle mate. Besides, this was our last stop. The ship is all cleared of Sith. Just reporting in to your pretty Jedi friend. All clear Jedi Alriana, need any further assistance? Repair crew?"

**********

Tonatius noticed the figures and said, "Relax. Tribesmen warming up. Ignore it and listen to my voice."

Taryn had moved so that he was in a good view in front of Andorra. She would have to watch him once she figured it out. Proper movement was important.

Tonatius nodded and continued, "Close your eyes. Free your mind. Listen to the water. Feel it splash over your skin. Let it speak to you, to your soul." He then became silent. This was something that she had to do with minimal distraction.

Despite herself, Andorra began to laugh. "I--I'm so sorry, Cousin! All that the water seems to be telling me right now is that I'm cold and wet, and shivering like it was the middle of winter! My underclothes are clinging to--!"

Then it hit her. Vortex was the first word that came to her mind, and then swirling. Pool. Current. She closed her eyes in the midst of the silence, and then another thought came. Andorra decided to voice it aloud:

"The current's too strong. How am I supposed to control the water with my mind? I don't have the ability to use the Force anymore. It got lost when I began to let go of Darth Virul and his possession. That was the exchange I had to make--my power for my life, and my humanity. The water speaks to me, but as a guide, not as something to be manipulated. What to do now?"

"Please Cousin, don't you remember lesson one about the Force? The Force is in all of us, though for some a barely measurable whisper," Taryn replied annoyed.

Tonatius held up his hand to forestall anything else Taryn might say. He said in the same gentle tones that sounded like water running down a brook, almost as if he were the water speaking to her, "It is not the Force that bends us youngling. Bending comes from within, deep in you soul. We are not manipulated, we are bended. Touch us and feel the current through your fingers move with it."

Taryn listened to the conversation with interest. He could hear water and converse with it in his mind but never was able to speak for it. He briefly wondered what it was like to speak for water but it was telling him to listen right now.

Tonatius continued to speak for water, trying to reach Andorra, "Water is powerful. It can wash away earth, put out fire, and even destroy iron. It is life and it is death."

"This is battle mate. Besides, this was our last stop. The ship is all cleared of Sith. Just reporting in to your pretty Jedi friend. All clear Jedi Alriana, need any further assistance? Repair crew?"

"I think we could use a repair crew to work on the hyperdrive and the weapons. After that the Ackbar is most likely going to be stuck in drydock for awhile while we repair the damage to the hull."

She turned toward the bridge crew and began to issue orders. "Now that those enemy ships are gone we can begin sending troops down to the planet to show the sith that we mean business." She activated the ship wide communications system and began speaking.

"Attention all troops! This is jedi Haltra. As of now Sith forces have landed on Avalon and are attempting to take the planet. All troops are to report to the landing craft and drive the sith forces away once you land. Once you are on the surface you are also ordered to locate Admirals Belina and Garja. That is all."




"Admiral, we are getting reinforcements. We should fall back to the keep at Stone Bend."

Belina motioned Garja over and then nodded. "By now, the Ackbar should be dispatching troops. As soon as I find my comnlink I'll instruct them to land at Stone Bend with your permission."

Governor Starlighter, nodded and tossed over a comlink to Belina. "You can use this." She then brandished her short sword and scanned the terrain. "There are more troops at the keep and I believe we will have help from Lord Tristan."

**********

Caleos had watched the exchange between the two warriors and could tell that the Bushida warrior was clearly agitated that someone threatened his mate and would have probaly engaged in a fight to the death. He watched as the nobleman dragged out his family and thought it for the best since it was obvious that there would be a war within the ranks as well as with the enemy. He spoke up to Kalla, "Jedi Kaltas, we need to organize the check in point. The various commanders will come and let us know when they are ready. I could use your help."

***********

"No problem," Selene replied as she keyed her comm. She barked something that was a mixture of Avalonian and Mandalorian. "Davin is the best we've got. He'll rigg up enough power to reach dry dock."

"Glad to hear of it," Tavaryn muttered as he sat on a console, trying to hide his bout with pain. Selene had a way of agitating things and he wondered often if she did it on purpose, as if she was making it her personal mission to make him tough.

"Sir, do you wish us to head down to the surface as well?" One of his men looked at him expectantly.

"How many are left Tariq?"

"Lost a few with the grenade on med deck. Some injuries, easily taken care of. We're ready to go on your say so sir," Tariq replied.

Tavaryn nodded, "Round everyone up including the juniors and meet me in the hangar bay...in about 30 minutes."

"Yes sir," Tariq replied with a salute and turned on his heel to leave in a rapid retreat.

Selene watched him leave and commented, "Either they are afraid of me or they are afraid of you Shinigami. Well I'm heading back to my ship and we'll drop onto the surface. Later."

Tavaryn gave a nod and breathed a sigh of relief. He gently rotated his sore arm trying to get the muscles working despite the shoulder wound. He said to Alriana, "No rest for the weary I guess." He gave a grin but his mind spoke volumes, Barely five minutes of conversation and off to battle again. The life of a warrior I guess.

Silver Eagle

"Governor Starlighter, we're en route to Avalon now. We should be rendezvousing with you in a few minutes." Iyav sent to the governor's office, which despite the damage sustained during the bombardment, still managed to maintain communications.

Avalon

Kalla watched with great interest as her boyfriend and his brother instructed Andorra in the ways of Water Bending. In the five years she'd known him, including two as his girlfriend, Tonatius had never explained much of it to her. She sat next to Lenatha, and said, "This should be interesting, I don't know much about it myself."

"Tonatius never explained it to you?" Lenatha asked.

"No. It must be a closely guarded family secret or something." Kalla replied.

Changing the subject, Lenatha asked, "I know you and Andorra were girlfriends before ... Virul. Do you ever wonder what would have been happened if things were different?"

"Sometimes, but then I remember that if I hadn't lost Andorra, Tonatius and I would still just be friends, and you wouldn't be the one who married her in the end." Kalla explained.

As Caelos approached, Kalla stated, "I'll see what I can do." She then followed Caelos back to the warroom. As leader of the "group", she figured she should be there.

(I'm surprised I managed to write all this while drunk!)

"There are more troops at the keep and I believe we will have help from Lord Tristan."

Belina was about to respond when her comnlink suddenly began to beep, letting her know that someone was trying to get ahold of her. She pulled the comnlink and answered it.

"Belina here."

"Admiral, this is Security officer Alriana aboard the Ackbar. I called to inform you of the situation up here. The Ackbar was attacked by sith warships and was boarded. With help from the Mandalorians we were able to clear the ship of them but the ship is badly damaged. I'm going say that the Ackbar will need to spend sometime at a shipyard to undergo repairs. I feel that I should also inform you that the Enterprise arrived and was able to figure out a weakness on the ships before being destroyed. Landing craft filled with troops are leaving the ship as we speak."

Belina cursed. She had toured the Enterprise once and had thought she had a great crew. One more tragedy that the Sith would pay for.

"Keep me updated and if those ships show up again destroy them at all costs."

"Understood Admiral."





"No rest for the weary I guess."

Alriana patted him on the back as soon as she finished speaking with Belina. "Don't worry, as soon as this battle is done I think the Admiral will let us have a bit of a break while the Ackbar is in drydock. At least thats what I've heard from some of the crew. They say that she knows when the crew needs a break."

Tavaryn knew she was being friendly but he knew he couldn't take much more back patting. He deftly caught her hand in a gentle grip and said in a teasing voice, "Hey easy on the slugging. I don't need any more bruises than necessary." He smiled to ease any sense of guilt she may have.

"Belina always had a fair sense of play. It's why I decided to serve on the Ackbar," he added. He hadn't let go of her hand and just held it. "If I didn't know any better I would have said that Belina's assigning both of us here was done on purpose."

**********

((Did the Katarn arrive too?))

The space battle reminded Haruka of Geonosis even though that was a ground battle. Battle was battle he guessed. They were similar in that their forces were outnumbered yet their side had the will to finish what they started and succeed. He reported, "Captain enemy ships are heavily damaged. Should we send boarding parties to obtaiin surrender?"

***********

Caelos directed Kalla briefly in what to do as each of the commanders reported in. They had been working silently for at least twenty minutes. Silence was rewarding but in this case it felt stifling with the tension that was going on. He decided to get to the root of it before it affected battle. "The one who rushed to defend you has a promise mark. Is it for you?"

Meanwhile Lord Tristan had assumed his battle gear and was supervising the katarn caravans for the artillery. He spotted the Echleon 5 trooper and beckoned him over. He asked, "So you are created for the Republic yet you don't take orders from them?"

Andorra let the water course through the spaces in the fingers of her right hand, feeling the current tug at them. Slowly, she reached down deeper into the flowing eddies and felt something...happen. The water, instead of making its way around and through her hand, began to bend around it until there was a crater-shaped hole around the tips of her fingers. She was amazed...

"Cousin!" she cried. "Look! I don't know what's happening, but something is--!"