http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUwuoEEY3NE)

Naboo System (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW_Pho5_v0s)

Two Jedi Starfighters zipped through the Sith Blockade surrounding the planet of Naboo, expertly dodging the expected blasterfire from the Sith Waships. Recently, the rumours of the newly elected King Markath being a sympathiser for the Galactic Resistance had been confirmed, as he had personally requested their aid in breaking the Sith's hold on the planet, and if Naboo could be freed, it could spark uprising throughout the Chommell sector.

Due to the Resistance's limited resources, they could not send their fleet immediately, and instead sent Jedi Knight Kalla Kaltas and Tonatius Iazoki to assess the situation to determine its viability, and aid the local populace in insurrection if it was deemed viable.

Noticing that the Sith Warships were sending fighters after them, Kalla called out to her boyfriend, "Time for some fancy flying; we've got company!"

Mos Eisley, Tatooine

"Are you sure about this contact of yours?" Komad asked Iyav. They had heard news of unusual activity by the Sith in the past few weeks, but they couldn't gather more information without drawing the Sith's attention or getting help from outside the Resistance.

"I've been dealing with information like this for over fifteen years, dear. We can trust this guy." Iyav reassured him.

"Even so, I have a bad feeling about this." Komad commented.

"Me too." Iyav conceded.

Naboo System

"Time for some fancy flying; we've got company!"

Tonatius didn't need to look at his scanner but he did. He confirmed that they were going to have a little bit of fun. He replied, "I'm game for a few crispy Sith. Should we play a little chicken?"

Ackbar

It was still early according to the ship's time but old habits died hard. Tavaryn finished putting on his uniform and took in the quiet darkness. He had hours before his combat class yet he wanted to get some time in alone at the ring. It would serve to clear his mind before having to go see the council again and he knew they were going to pester him about his 'neglect' of his Shinigami duties before he could play liason for the resistance. He glanced over at the bed at the sleeping form still there and gave a soft smile.

She had been tired lately so he would let her sleep. He walked quietly over and gave a gentle kiss to Alriana's cheek and muttered something in Avalonian before grabbing his gear and walking out of the quarters they shared. He sighed and headed towards the lifts.

**********

Jun-la didn't need to hear the noise. Rather she sensed her daughter's discomfort and got up to tend to her leaving Matton still asleep. She picked up the sobbing infant and held her trying to soothe her. After learning of the infiltration of the Sith, she took Belina up on her offer and moved her family to the Ackbar. It wasn't ideal but at least she knew they were safe until she could find one of the Avalonian colonies that was still a refuge. Glancing at the ship's clock, she saw how early it was and gave a slight chuckle.

Probably within two hours, her apprentice Andros Kaltas would come bursting in with a new idea to improve the resistance's ships. He had already come up with ideas for the fighters, two she knew currently were on their way to Naboo. She continued to smile as she tended to her daughter.

Ackbar

Alriana woke up to the sound of the door closing to her and Tavaryn's shared quarters and slowly sat up in the bed. She looked at the comn-panel on the wall as it began to beep softly.

As she got out of bed she grabbed her robe and put it on before answering. Just before she hit the button she checked to see where the transmission was coming from.

Medbay...it looks like I'll finally get some answers.

The face of the Ackbar's chief medical officer appeared on the screen. She nodded at the CMO. "Hello Doctor, I trust you were able to find out why I seem to be feeling under the weather?"

The CMO looked to her left and then smiled. "It appears that well...congratulations are in order Jedi Alriana. We just got the results in and it appears that your pregnant."

Alriana froze as rapid thoughts came to her mind. Th-that can't be right...what am I going to do?! What will Tavaryn think?!

"Jedi Alriana, are you alright?"

"Y-yes...I'm just a bit suprised. I wasn't really expecting this. Thank you for informing me."

The CMO nodded and the screen went dark. Alriana staggered to her feet and sat down on the bed. She was feeling mixed emotions.

Tavaryn had made it to the training rooms that had been declared his by order of Admiral Belina and had changed to be more comfortable for what he wanted to do. It had been a long time since he practiced this form since it was the last thing his mother had taught him before all that. She had told him that it was to be used in a calm state only since the risk of injury was extremely high.

At the moment, he felt anything to produce calm would be helpful. He pulled out his katana and walked to the center of the empty ring. He closed his eyes and took a breath and started in on the first position. He was soon lost in the moment until something gave a tingle at the back of his mind. He recognized it having felt it on numerous occassions the past few months. This time though it felt like a being shot in the shoulder and he nearly dropped his blade.

Luckily he stopped and put the blade at rest. He reached into his mind and called out, Are you all right moi chroi?

Ackbar

Are you all right moi chroi?

Alriana's mind was racing even as she thought of what to say to Tavaryn. She didn't know what to say to him about what she had just found out. She would try to tell him when he returned to their quarters.

I...I'm fine. I just recieved a message from medbay that had me a bit concerned. I'll tell you about it later.

Alriana hesitantly looked back at the comn panel and she tried to get ahold of her emotions. It was getting close to her duty shift and she had to report to the bridge."

She straightend out her robe and walked out the door and headed for the bridge.


Ackbar Bridge

Admiral Belina was angry.

She looked down at the console that was flickering on and off and slammed her hand down on it and this time it stayed on. She sighed as some of the anger faded away. Part of the reason she was angry was because she was being forced to work with her father, the Grand Admiral of the Imperial Fleet. And she was begining to think that he was trying to make her angry.

Admiral Garja walked onto the bridge and looked over at Belina and then at the massive Star Destroyer that was next to them. She still wasn't used to the idea of working with the New Empire.

"Admiral Belina." Garja said quietly. "I've just recieved word, the Katarn and it's battle group managed to destroy their target but they all took heavy damage. They are now on their way back to Tython."

Belina sighed heavily. "Get a repair team together and tell them to prepare for the Katarn and the other ships."

"Yes Admiral."

I...I'm fine. I just recieved a message from medbay that had me a bit concerned. I'll tell you about it later.

Even though Tavaryn could not see her, he still frowned in suspicion. He knew she controlled her emotions fairly well and he had been able to gauge her moods. This was different. He replied, Are you sure? You felt almost panicking. It... surprised me.

**********

Jun-la met Alriana in the lifts after tending to the needs of her daughter Kaillian. She took a look at the Jedi and asked, "Something troubling you? Did my uncle do something? I could set him straight." She gave a smirk to show that she was teasing of course even though she meant it that she could take out her uncle.

Ackbar

Are you sure? You felt almost panicking. It... surprised me.

Yes I'm fine. She sent back. And you were right, I did panic for a moment after I heard what the CMO had to say. Don't worry, I'll talk to you about it later.

As the lift headed for the bridge she was so deep in thought, she didn't even notice Jun-la as she walked onto the lift.

"Something troubling you? Did my uncle do something? I could set him straight."

Alriana had to smile at the way she had asked the question. "Your uncle did something alright." She said quietly as she looked down at her stomach.


Star Destroyer Death's Head.

Grand Admiral Velerc was busy studying the reports from the ships that had been fighting recently. He was deep in thought and didn't notice his second in command walking up to him.

"Admiral Velerc, we just recieved word from Admiral Belina. She says the Katarn and it's battle group are returning to tython but they have taken quite a bit of damage. Repair teams are standing by."

Velerc didn't look up. "And what of the information that was stored in the databanks? Did they manage to download it."

"Yes sir. It's being transmitted to the Ackbar as we speak."

And you were right, I did panic for a moment after I heard what the CMO had to say. Don't worry, I'll talk to you about it later.

Tavaryn was still frowning as he put his blade away. No use trying now. What did that viper do this time? Tell you she wanted to hack into my neck for my implant? He then calmed down and sent, I'm sorry. You know how I feel about her at times. I'll see you later. I love you.

Tavaryn sat down on a convenient bench and sighed. Normally he didn't explode like that when the CMO was mentioned though it was the source of entertainment with the troops considering he was known for giving her the run around. There were a lot of things he was learning about being in a relationship and one was the overprotectiveness should anyone do so much as make Alriana cry over nothing. Part of it was that he had been worried that she had been under the weather lately especially being tired.

"Sithspit," Tavaryn muttered. His morning now felt like it went to hell. He pulled out his comm and contacted Belina, "Onashi to the Bridge. Admiral, this is Lt. Onashi calling to confirm the meeting with the council."

**********

"Your uncle did something alright."

Jun-la smiled in sympathy. When she saw Alriana look down at her stomach, she had some suspicions. Still she wanted Alriana to tell her in her own words. She asked, "Do you want to talk about it?"

Naboo

"You got it. Just be careful, there's no cavalry waiting to come out of hyperspace for us." Kalla replied, quickly banking left and opening fire on the nearest fighter. "We just want to get them off our backs, so I hope you weren't planning on engaging the whole fleet."

Tatooine

"Long time no see, Iyav. I hear you're with the Resistance now." Iyav's contact, a somewhat portly human said as Iyav and Komad approached the Cantina's bar.

"I was with the Republic before that, Doran. Now, what can you tell me about the Sith's recent activity?" Iyav asked.

"They've lately been focusing their efforts on worlds with historical significance to them, or to the Jedi, but that's not all. They've also been doing considerable excavation on these planets after capturing them. Not sure why." Doran explained.

While Komad pondered that last point, Doran added, "One more thing, they've also posted a hefty bounty on Jedi, and your husband's quite the catch, but not how you think."

Ackbar

What did that viper do this time? Tell you she wanted to hack into my neck for my implant? I'm sorry. You know how I feel about her at times. I'll see you later. I love you.

No...she didn't do anything like that. She just told me something that caught me by suprise. I'll tell you about it later. And I love you too.


"Do you want to talk about it?"

A tear had appeared in Alriana's eye but she quickly wiped it away before looking back at Jun-la.

"I don't want anyone else to know for now and I think I can trust you not to tell...I think you've been told I've been feeling a bit under the weather lately and this morning I found out why. The CMO called me after Tavaryn left and I found out I'm pregnant."

"Don't get me wrong...now that some of the shock has worn off I'm excited but I'm a bit worried as to what Tavaryn will think."


"Onashi to the Bridge. Admiral, this is Lt. Onashi calling to confirm the meeting with the council."

Admiral Belina was looking over the data that the imperial ships had managed to aquire the data when Onashi called the bridge. Belina sighed heavily and opened up a comn channel back to him.

"I'm sorry Lt. Onashi, I forgot about the meeting. I think that the council is waiting for us both. The meeting is located on deck 2 section 32 meeting room 3. I'll meet you down there."

She waved Garja over and pointed at the data on the console. Make sure the data is stored so I can look over it later.

"Yes Admiral."

Belina headed for the lift and watched as her view of the bridge was closed off as the doors closed.

Ackbar

No...she didn't do anything like that. She just told me something that caught me by suprise. I'll tell you about it later. And I love you too.

Tavaryn couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong or at least troubling Alriana. Still he was not the pushy type and he would wait for her to tell him if anything was wrong.

"I'm sorry Lt. Onashi, I forgot about the meeting. I think that the council is waiting for us both. The meeting is located on deck 2 section 32 meeting room 3. I'll meet you down there."

"Roger that," Tavaryn replied as he finished putting things up. As far as he could see, he was in for a bad day. He left the training quarter and headed towards the lifts. He keyed in the deck and stood there pinching the bridge of his nose.

**********

"I don't want anyone else to know for now and I think I can trust you not to tell...I think you've been told I've been feeling a bit under the weather lately and this morning I found out why. The CMO called me after Tavaryn left and I found out I'm pregnant." "Don't get me wrong...now that some of the shock has worn off I'm excited but I'm a bit worried as to what Tavaryn will think."

Jun-la went over to the control panel and keyed the lift to come to a halt. She placed a hand on Alriana's shoulder and replied, "What exactly are you afraid of what he will say?" She knew her uncle well but even he had his moments. "Are you afraid that he will reject you?"

Naboo

"We just want to get them off our backs, so I hope you weren't planning on engaging the whole fleet."

Tonatius grinned as he banked to the right taking some of the fighters onto his six. He replied, "Now that would be stupid since swooping is bad. How do you want to do this?"

((Is there anyway I can include Varith into the Rp? I'm a bit stuck on how to bring him in.))

Ackbar

"What exactly are you afraid of what he will say?"

"No..." Alriana said quietly. "I'm afraid of what could happen. For all we know the sith could attack and something bad could happen. And to be honest I'm afraid I might screw up since I'm new to the whole motherhood thing."

"Are you afraid that he will reject you?"

"No...well...maybe." Alriana said in the same quiet tone of voice. "I'm afraid that he may think differently of me. I'm afraid that he may think that I'm weaker."



"Roger that,"

Belina waited until the lift arrived at the correct deck and began quickly walking towards the room. After a short walk she arrived and looked over the council.

"I just spoke with Tavaryn, he should be along shortly."

Ackbar

"No...well...maybe." Alriana said in the same quiet tone of voice. "I'm afraid that he may think differently of me. I'm afraid that he may think that I'm weaker.""I'm afraid of what could happen. For all we know the sith could attack and something bad could happen. And to be honest I'm afraid I might screw up since I'm new to the whole motherhood thing."

Jun-la listened to the Jedi's fears intently. She remembered similar emotions and feelings. She chose her words carefully, "You know if you were that concerned about him thinking you to be weak, think about it this way: If he thought you to be weak, he wouldn't have work so hard to follow you when you were unfrozen and convince you to stay true. Besides I don't think he would ever think that of you considering that he claims you're the one who, and I quote, saved his sorry arse from a fate worse that death.'"

Jun-la chuckled a little bit. She remembered that particular conversation when she came in on her father and uncle talking a few weeks ago and her father teased him about his love life. She gave a slight cough before continuing, "As for the motherhood thing, no one is born knowing how to do it. Most of it is trial and error and the balance between duty as a Jedi and duty as a mother. For me I hope that being good at the former makes me better at the latter. It also helps when you have someone who knows that and you can share the burden."

Ackbar

"You know if you were that concerned about him thinking you to be weak, think about it this way: If he thought you to be weak, he wouldn't have work so hard to follow you when you were unfrozen and convince you to stay true. Besides I don't think he would ever think that of you considering that he claims you're the one who, and I quote, saved his sorry arse from a fate worse that death.'"


Alriana looked over at Jun-la and a small smile appeared on her face. "Thank you. For reminding me that I'm usually the one that ends up saving him from going to the bacta tank and from the CMO."

"As for the motherhood thing, no one is born knowing how to do it. Most of it is trial and error and the balance between duty as a Jedi and duty as a mother. For me I hope that being good at the former makes me better at the latter. It also helps when you have someone who knows that and you can share the burden."

Alriana looked down at her stomach and then back at Jun-la. "I was wondering...since you already have a child do you have any tips or secrets I should know about? Something that could help Tavaryn and I when the baby is born?"

Ackbar

"Thank you. For reminding me that I'm usually the one that ends up saving him from going to the bacta tank and from the CMO."

Jun-la chuckled. "That's not what I was referring to but you make a valid point. Thing is he loves you with all his heart and I don't think that's about to change anytime soon."

"I was wondering...since you already have a child do you have any tips or secrets I should know about? Something that could help Tavaryn and I when the baby is born?"

Jun-la gave a slight smile before giving her answer. She then said, "There's no big secret to parenting Alriana. You love your child as much as you can, teach them right from wrong and be there for them when they have to learn to pick themselves up after they fall." She gave a reassuring pat on Alriana's shoulder. "Thing is it is always better when the parents are in on it together so I think you should find time to tell him, even if you have to drag him away from the Shinigami council. I don't doubt he'll be there for you."

Jun-la then turned the lift back on before turning around to say, "When your shift is over, I suggest you come down to mine and Matton's quarters. Meet Kaillian. She likes kind people and she hasn't met her uncle yet. How far along?"

*********

"I just spoke with Tavaryn, he should be along shortly."

Fen'Harel, head of the Shingami council looked at the Republic admiral with polite impassiveness. He then replied, "Good. We prefer to relay our requests through the Sentinel and we have questions about his time away from the Shinigami."

Tavaryn double timed his strides towards the meeting room. Outside the door he took a deep breath and slowly opened the door. He walked in saying, "Greetings Admiral, Councilman Fen'Harel. I believe we have come together to decided on our next move?"

Fen'Harel nearly scowled at the fact the boy didn't speak in his ancestral language to address them. He spoke in Avalonian, "Sentinel you know that Shinigami secrets are kept by all. However we need to know the resistance's strength if we are to supply the difference."

Tavaryn gritted his teeth and replied in Avalonian, "How can you know if we don't speak basic?"

"By all means, spill our secrets. That has been our means of survival, your survival as your mother wanted it."

"Don't bring my family into this. They served with distinction and I acknowledge that but don't hang it over my head. If we are to take back teh Republic, we need to cooperate and work together." Tavaryn then switched to Basic and addressed Belina, "Admiral, they wish to know the strength of the resistance."

((JP with the Doctor))

In a chair he'd grabbed from the common room, tipped back against the wall, Kavrik Zall stared lazily into one of the crew-quarters-turned-holding-cells of his ship, the Freedom. The ray shield was active, keeping his latest target contained. In retrospect, he thought it a shame she'd resisted him. After all, wasn't he trying to bring about a family reunion here? That he was getting paid to do it was only a minor bonus.

He snorted. Major bonus. Whoever this girl was, her grandparents were certainly far more well off than she was. Even well enough off to keep their granddaughter imprisoned against her will.

"Word has it," he said, "that you've been looking for your family history. Suddenly it falls in your lap and you don't want it?"

Nasrene glared at him, her arms folded across her chest, and sighed through her nose. "Sorry, I'm having trouble with the 'drag her at gunpoint into a force cage' bit. I'm no expert, but it doesn't seem very grand-parental to me."

Kavrik chuckled. "Be fair. You've got a bed and a chair, and your own private refresher..." He glanced into the corner of the room where yet another door had been removed and amended with a grin. "Well, it used to be private." He shrugged. "More amenities than most prison cells can offer though."

"Yeah, it's a real pleasure yacht, your ship here," she replied venomously. "I forgot to ask when I came in - when do they serve breakfast? I'm a real beast before my morning bagel."

"Ah, so that's the attitude problem," Kavrik said. "And here I was thinking it was because I shot you with a stun bolt and carried you here against your will."

Suddenly, the ship lurched, nearly throwing Kavrik off his chair. He scowled. "Lys, tell me that wasn't what I thought it was."

A feminine voice replied calmly, "Interdictor field, sir. Looks to be pirates."

Kavrik shook his head. "Stall them as long as you can, then prepare to take them out as they board." He laughed. "Fools don't know who they've caught..."

Nasrene had braced herself against the wall when the ship rocked, and was standing at the edge of the force field as her captor rose from his seat. "What's going on?" she demanded to know. "What does she mean, 'pirates'?"

Kavrik shot her a glare. "Pirates are pirates, darlin'." He frowned thoughtfully. "Well financed ones, it seems, if they're able to afford and maintain an interdictor."

"Kav," the woman's voice said urgently, "the hyperdrive was damaged by that interdictor field. I might be able to get it active in spurts, but the sooner we land somewhere for repairs, the better. Either way, it's looking like we'll have to fight them off this time."

"Understood," Kavrik growled. He grinned faintly at Nasrene. "I'd say stay put, but really, where you gonna go?"

She balled her fists and glared, but the forcefield prevented her from reacting exactly as she'd have liked.

Just as Kavrik turned to enter the common room, the woman he'd called Lys spoke again over the intercom, "The pirates have a boarding ship inbound, Kav. By its size, I'd say there'd be forty of them at best."

Kavrik rolled his eyes. "Maybe they do know who they're tackling. Thanks for the reassuring enemy count, Lys."

Nasrene's insides turned to ice, her anger momentarily forgotten. "Forty?" she asked quietly. "Did she say forty?" She moved right up against the force cage, close enough to feel the faint heat rising from its surface. "Let me out," she said suddenly. It wasn't an order, more a statement of fact. "You can't have a crew of any more than ten. If they're sending a boarding party that size, you'll need all the help you can get."

Kavrik hesitated just inside the common room, considering. Slowly, he turned back and glanced toward the cockpit. "Lys, options?"

"Wouldn't hurt to have an extra hand," Lys answered. "Besides that, you did tell me she was a challenge to catch."

Kavrik glared. "I said almost a challenge." He grinned to Nasrene, switched off the ray shield, and held out one of his blaster pistols to her. "No offense, darlin', but I'm used to taking down Force users."

"None taken," she said resentfully, snatching the blaster from his hand. She deftly checked the powerpack before meeting his eye again. "Lead the way, captain."

"Lys," Kavrik called, "where are they breaching?"

"Looks like cargo hold," Lys answered. "I'm projecting false life signs in most other places. That's their cleanest entry point."

"Alright," Kavrik said, entering the common room and flipping the table. He glanced at Nasrene. "We'll hold here. Most of 'em probably won't make it up here anyway..." He grinned and winked at Nasrene. “Trust me on that.”

"Trust you, right..." Nasrene muttered darkly. To him, she said "So the rest of your crew will hold them down below, yeah? How many people do you have, anyway?"

Kavrik's grin widened. "Depends on your definition of people."

"Kav, they've breached the cargo bay."

"Let 'em come in, Lys," Kavrik said. "Let 'em think they're making good headway. Then spring the first trap." To Nasrene, he continued, "If you're talking sentient, organic life, there's just me. But Lysandra more than makes up for any imaginable shortfalls of that."

"Hold on," she blurted. "What's Lysandra then? Are you telling me it's just you, me, and a computer against a crew of bloody pirates?"

From somewhere below them, the faint sound of blaster fire could be heard. After several long seconds, it ceased.

"Bit more than a computer, thanks," Lysandra's voice said. "Twenty-one down, seventeen of them dead. Half of the remainder have fled back to their boarding ship. The rest are either immobile from fear or pressing on. I count... eight coming your way."

Understood, Lys," Kavrik said. "Thanks." He glanced at Nasrene. "Feeling better yet?"

Nasrene looked around at the bulkheads apprehensively before replying: "About the pirates, maybe," she said. "Now it's your 'more than a computer' I'm worried about."

With a laugh, Kavrik shook his head. "Well, she did speak up in favor of letting you out of the cage, didn't she?"

At that moment, shouts were heard as the pirates moved through the deck, checking the aft storage compartments first. Kavrik motioned for Nasrene to drop out of sight behind the table and did so himself. The pirates moved into the common room and stopped.

“Clear here, too,” one of them said. “What the hell? What about the life readings?”

Panels in the walls slid open, revealing unmanned turrets, much as there had been in the cargo hold. Lysandra said coolly, “I lied.”

Kavrik motioned to Nasrene and jumped up from behind the table, firing his blaster at the man who had spoken as the turrets in the walls opened fire. Eight pirates soon turned into six, then five. A shot from Kavrik found another hiding behind the bar in the galley, two met their end by shots from Nasrene. The rest were dispatched efficiently by Lysandra, the ‘more than a computer’. Satisfied with the result, Kavrik turned to Nasrene and held out his hand.

"Good shooting," he said, "but I'll be having that blaster back now, thanks."

Nasrene keept a firm hold on the blaster's grip. "You really think I'm going to just hand back a weapon and let you put me behind a forcefield again?" She laughed mirthlessly. "Think again."

Kavrik shrugged. "Darn," he said carelessly, turning away. But he suddenly spun, closed the distance between them in a flash, and wrenched the blaster out of her hand. Holstering it with a flourish, he turned and headed for the bridge.

"Pick a weapon from the dead pirates," he said. "Then pick a room that's still got a door. The only one that won't let you in is mine, and you can set your own security code on the one you choose. When you’re done, come up to the bridge.”

Nasrene watched him walk away, a surprised and oddly suspicious look on her face. She gingerly bent down next to one of the dead pirates. She wasn't sure whether it had been her, the bounty hunter, or his ship that had killed him.
Inexplicable fear clawed at her chest as she leant over him towards his belt - now that the heat of battle had past, the full realisation of what had happened was washing over her. She undid his holster and belt quickly, fumbling with it a great deal in her effort to keep from touching the dead man himself.
She rose a few seconds later with his blaster and its holster in hand. She removed her jacket before wrapping the belt around her own waist. When she put her jacket back on, the holster was rather well hidden beneath the folds of leather. She threw an anxious look at the turrets in the wall before following Kavrik out of the room.

As Nasrene left the lift and found herself on the bridge, Lysandra was saying, “The boarding ship has pulled out. They’re heading back to the mothership.”

“You’re scrambling transmissions, I assume,” Kavrik said, bent over the pilot’s controls. “Any luck at canceling their interdiction field?”

“Just about,” Lysandra answered, “but there’s another problem. This ship being old as it is, getting yanked out of hyperspace like that was hard on the hyperdrive. We’ll need repairs. I can manage a short hop. Looks like our best bet will be Tatooine.”

Kavrik leaned back in his chair, wrinkled his nose and turned to Nasrene. “You ever been to Tatooine?” he asked. “I never did like the place. Back o’ beyond, and nothing but sand and hot.”

Nasrene shook her head, frowning. "Sorry, never had the pleasure." A small smirk spread slowly across her face. "But not to worry - I like it hot."

Kavrik grinned. "Promises, promises."

"Interdictor's out!" Lysandra shouted suddenly. "Nasrene, you might want to brace yourself."

Kavrik winked at Nasrene. "Never a dull moment with me."

"We'll see..." she muttered under her breath, bracing herself against the back of Zavrik's seat. As soon as she had, the ship moved into hyperspace, headed for Tatooine.

Tatooine

At that, Komad and Iyav drew their weapons, alerted to the trap they had found themselves in.

"Think carefully, Jedi. I own this cantina, and everyone here knows it. You could strike me down, but can you fight your way out? And even if you can, are you really willing to kill so many?" Doran asked. "I'll make you a deal, Iyav. Your husband stays with me, I hand him over to the Sith, and you take the intel I gave you back to the Resistance."

Komad chuckled, "You obviously know who I am. Do you honestly think I can't fight my way out without killing anyone?" He asked.

Naboo

"Focus on outrunning them, and pick off any that get too close." Kalla instructed. "R7, see if you can find us a secluded spot close to Theed where we can land." She then told the astromech droid connected to her fighter.

Ackbar

"When your shift is over, I suggest you come down to mine and Matton's quarters. Meet Kaillian. She likes kind people and she hasn't met her uncle yet. How far along?"

"Around a month and a half." she said with a smile on her face. "I wonder what Tavaryn will say when he meets Kaillian. And I wonder how he'll react when she calls him uncle."

She restarted the lift and stayed silent as it headed for the bridge. Just as they arrived she turned to Jun-la and smiled again. "I wonder how Admiral Belina will react when I tell her that I'm going to need maternity leave in a few months."


"Admiral, they wish to know the strength of the resistance."

Belina frowned at the council. She would have liked to know what they had said but they were speaking in some other language. "The resistance currently has around sixty ships but most are smaller ships. We do have around twenty capital ships but some of them are damaged either from encounters with sith ships or from lack of repairs. On occasion we run across a few ships that managed to escape the sith and we add them to the resistance."

"We have quite a few ground troops and other ground forces but we have no way of replacing the troops and other forces that we lose. We also have only a few combat instructors."

She looked over at Tavaryn. "If I missed anything feel free to add it."

Ackbar

"Around a month and a half. I wonder what Tavaryn will say when he meets Kaillian. And I wonder how he'll react when she calls him uncle."

Jun-la shared a smile with Alriana. She then said, "You want the truth? He's an old softie when it comes to children. You met Murasaki. While we are cousins, they are more like uncle and niece. He practically taught her how to use her fists. They are close. As for you, seeing Kaillian will be good practice for you."

"I wonder how Admiral Belina will react when I tell her that I'm going to need maternity leave in a few months."

Jun-la walked with Alriana. She replied, "Well she'll either be overjoyed at a baby or overly pissed she's losing her chief of security... or both. Either way, she'll take it out on Tavaryn since it is, to quote generally, his fault." She then laughed remembering a similar situation with Matton.

**********

"If I missed anything feel free to add it."

Tavaryn replied, "I've nothing to add Admiral." He then turned towards the council and said, "As you can see the resistance is limited. May I remind you that the Jedi are not exactly welcome and have been hunted. It is the duty of the Shinigami to watch and protect the Jedi."

"I am well aware of that Sentinel," Fen'Harel replied, "Funny that you mention duty to watching and protecting since you have not exactly been doing that."

"I beg to differ. Currently there are three Jedi on board and I have fulfilled my duty," Tavaryn replied. He then muttered in Avalonian, "Duty that has not been foresworn."

"Something to discuss later," Fen'Harel replied in Basic. He then said to Belina, "Seeing as these are desperate times Admiral, we are in the process of recalling all our shinigami that are scattered across known and unknown space. This should bolster forces significantly and I am sure that the Avalonian fleets are preparing as well. It is a known practice to withdraw from tyrant regimes. Avalon did when the Empire was born."

Tavaryn shifted on his feet. "This is true Admiral. Avalon may not be perfect but they always stand true to the ideals of democracy and freedom of choice."

Fen'Harel looked at the Admiral, "I hope that this resistance succeeds Admiral."

Naboo

"Focus on outrunning them, and pick off any that get too close."

Tonatius grinned and teased, "Always so bossy moi chroi. If we need to make a break for the surface, I suggest the swamps. We can hide our energy signatures much more easily and we do have friend in the swamps." He then banked to the right to mislead the fighters. He flipped over and got behind one and targeted it, sending it into oblivion.

Ackbar

"You want the truth? He's an old softie when it comes to children. You met Murasaki. While we are cousins, they are more like uncle and niece. He practically taught her how to use her fists. They are close. As for you, seeing Kaillian will be good practice for you."

Alriana was trying to contain the feelings of happiness but failed as a large smile appeared on her face. "I can't tell you how relieved I am to hear that. It's good to know that he likes children."


"Well she'll either be overjoyed at a baby or overly pissed she's losing her chief of security... or both. Either way, she'll take it out on Tavaryn since it is, to quote generally, his fault."

"Well... I hope that she ends up being happy." Alriana said. "I don't plan on putting this child up for adoption or anything. If she gets angry about the baby then she'll have to deal with it."



"I hope that this resistance succeeds Admiral."

Belina looked over the council and smiled at them. "I have a feeling once we are all united that we'll stand a decent chance of beating the sith back to where they came from. As we speak, I have a team going over data that that resistance managed to steal."

Ackbar

"I can't tell you how relieved I am to hear that. It's good to know that he likes children."

Jun-la smiled back before sobering slightly, "Like my father, he has never had what you would call a normal childhood but it is a blessing that he has retained the goodness in his heart. Besides I think you should know that sometimes children born to Shinigami parents are raised within the order so he has had plenty of practice."

"I don't plan on putting this child up for adoption or anything. If she gets angry about the baby then she'll have to deal with it."

Jun-la laughed at that, "Oh I think she'll be happy. It's the Admiral talking when she gets pissed. I think Tavaryn figured that out long ago which is why he likes to make her madder by laughing at her."

**********

"I have a feeling once we are all united that we'll stand a decent chance of beating the sith back to where they came from. As we speak, I have a team going over data that that resistance managed to steal."

Fen'Harel looked at the admiral with a modicum of respect. He nodded and said, "It surprises me how well your operatives work in the field. I've had interesting reports about your famous Alpha Team. If I am not mistaken, they have a most unusual talent of stealth, not unlike our own operatives." He gave a knowing smile towards Tavaryn who merely shrugged his shoulders.

((JP with Writer))

The mottled blue corridor of hyperspace gave way to streak-like stars on all sides that resolved to pinpricks as Kavrik's ship dropped out of hyperspace and darted for the planet before them. As Kav relayed instructions for landing to the ship's talking computer, Nasrene moved around his chair and took the copilot's seat.

Her insides turned to ice as she saw how quickly the planet's surface was rushing towards them - the starscape beyond it was now almost completely obscured by the planet itself. "What can I do to help?" she asked as the ship began to rock, and both Kav and the computer fell silent.

Through clenched teeth, Kav answered: "Get on the comm. Tell 'em down there that we're comin' in hot and we'll definitely need repairs."

"Right," she replied. She accessed the comm system, fumbling a little over the unfamiliar controls as the ship gave another heavy lurch. "This is the starship... erhm... the starship..."

"Freedom!" shouted Kav over the din.

"Right, sorry--this is the starship Freedom, calling any docking station on Tatooine. We're coming in to land, but we've taken damage. Our engines and stabilisers are offline. We request urgent assistance. Repeat: urgent assistance!"

There was no response. "Did they hear us? Isn't there a way to tell on most ships these days?"

A small green light came on to her right. "They heard you," Lysandra said sharply. "Kav, they've sent me a descent pattern. Giving it to you know."

Kavrik glanced to his left and grimaced. "It's gonna be rough, but I think I can hold that..."

His face set in determination, he guided the ship roughly along the suggested flight pattern, taking them over the city and out just beyond the normal landing pads. A sandy runway came into view and he made for it.

"Ooh, this is gonna hurt..." Lysandra whined as they fell toward it.

"Shut up," Kavrik snapped. The ship hit the runway at an angle, skidding forward and spinning to one side. Slowly, they slid to a stop and all but the ship's emergency power system failed.

"Told... you," Lysandra's voice whispered. Then she too fell silent. Grimly, Kavrik rolled his neck and shoulders and rose.

"C'mon," he said to Nasrene. "Let's see what we can find out about repairs."

Ackbar

Like my father, he has never had what you would call a normal childhood but it is a blessing that he has retained the goodness in his heart. Besides I think you should know that sometimes children born to Shinigami parents are raised within the order so he has had plenty of practice."

"That raises a large burden off my shoulders. It's good to know that he's had practice with children."


Oh I think she'll be happy. It's the Admiral talking when she gets pissed. I think Tavaryn figured that out long ago which is why he likes to make her madder by laughing at her."

Alriana sighed in relief. "That's good to know." A sudden thought came to her. "Just out of curiosity, has the Admiral ever asked to come down and visit your family during her off duty hours?"



"It surprises me how well your operatives work in the field. I've had interesting reports about your famous Alpha Team. If I am not mistaken, they have a most unusual talent of stealth, not unlike our own operatives."

"It was actually a join operation by our own republic forces and a famous Imperial stealth squad, but thanks for the compliment." Belina said. "As for Alpha team...they are the best squad in the resistance."

Belina was about to speak more when her comnlink went off. "Excuse me for just a moment." She said as she walked to a corner of the room and answered it.

"Belina here."

"Admiral, this is Garja, we just finished going through the data and we believe that we've found something important. When you have a moment I believe you should come to the bridge."

Ackbar

"That raises a large burden off my shoulders. It's good to know that he's had practice with children."

Jun-la smiled. She was by all means younger than the Jedi in front of her but she felt like an elder giving advice. "You both will be fine." They arrived at the bridge deck and started walking down the corridor.

"Just out of curiosity, has the Admiral ever asked to come down and visit your family during her off duty hours?"

"No harm in asking. To answer your question, the admiral has met both me and Matton but not Kaillian. I was thinking of asking her down for dinner along with you two. Don't worry I'm not trying anything but I think it might soften her up...just a smidge." Jun-la then gave a short laugh. They arrived at the bridge and she stood aside so Alriana could key in the bridge code.

They were joined by Andros who came running up waving his data pad. He was out of breath but excited. He said, "The modifications I made are taking some action in the Naboo system."

**********

"As for Alpha team...they are the best squad in the resistance."

Fen'Harel glanced again at Tavaryn who was doing his best to look innocent. "Indeed they would be if they had good trainer in those techniques."

Tavaryn said nothing and tried to look as if everything were normal. He reached into his bond with Alriana and sensed she was a lot calmer and that she was... relieved? He reached out, Feeling better, love?

Fen'Harel watched Tavaryn with the practiced eye of being observant without appearing to. He had known the boy since his mother came to them long ago and had watched out for him and trained him in everything he knew. Though the council before him would have disapproved of the boy leaving and joining the fleet, his council approved. Much had changed and the need to protect the Jedi as well as those loyal to the Republic was greater. As he watched the boy, he noticed a slight change occur and he realized that he was communicating with someone, someone important. He brought his attention back to the admiral and asked, "I surmise that you have information that would help the resistance. Am I correct Admiral?"

Ackbar

"No harm in asking. To answer your question, the admiral has met both me and Matton but not Kaillian. I was thinking of asking her down for dinner along with you two. Don't worry I'm not trying anything but I think it might soften her up...just a smidge."

"That's not a bad idea." Alriana said thoughtfully. "And to be honest, I think that it would soften her up more then just a smidge. The Admiral doesn't have any children herself as far as I know."

Alriana looked down at the floor and then looked back up at Jun-la. "I was actually hoping that you would allow me to make my big announcement in your cabin if the Admiral comes by."

Feeling better, love?

Alriana smiled as she heard Tavaryn's voice in her head. Much better, yes. She sent back. We may be joining Jun-la and Matton after my shift is done.




"I surmise that you have information that would help the resistance. Am I correct Admiral?"

Belina turned back towards the others and turned her comnlink off. "You are correct. In fact I just recieved a message that we may have found something important. If you want, I can have the contents of the data transmitted down here right now."

Ackbar

"I was actually hoping that you would allow me to make my big announcement in your cabin if the Admiral comes by."

Andros, not understanding the conversation asked, "What announcement?"

Jun-la replied, "Nothing you need to trouble yourself. I suggest you go inform Garja of the developments on your modifications."

Andros nodded, aware that he may have stumbled onto something that wasn't meant for him to hear and he hastily apologized, "Yes master." He then went over to Garja and said, "I have the first sensor reports from the fighters sent to Naboo. The modifcations are going well."

Jun-la waited until he was gone and said, "You did ask me to keep it a secret. I never go back on my word." She smiled, "As to your question, feel free to make any announcement you wish."

**********

We may be joining Jun-la and Matton after my shift is done.

Tavaryn supressed the smile that threatened. He had yet to meet his niece's daughter and he had never worked up the nerve to ask her. He sent back, Great. Saves me the trouble of asking. I heard Kaillian defies the definition of pretty. Though it couldn't compare to you.

"You are correct. In fact I just recieved a message that we may have found something important. If you want, I can have the contents of the data transmitted down here right now."

Fen'Harel nodded, "It will be good that we all hear this. Perhaps your representative for the Jedi should be present as well."

Tatooine

"Then it's a good thing that bounty's good whether you're dead or alive. Open fire! Kill the Jedi and the Smuggler!" Doran called out, and both guards and patrons alike drew their blasters at Komad and Iyav.

"You said you could trust him!" Komad shouted, deflecting a couple of shots with both lightsabers.

"I said his intel would be legit, I didn't say he wouldn't try to betray us." Iyav countered, managing a few shots as he made for the door.

"Fair point." Komad conceded, following Iyav out of the cantina.

"They're not going to just let us go, and a firefight like that would certainly attract the attention of the Sith." Iyav pointed out.

"I agree, we need to get to the Eagle as quickly as possible."

Naboo

"We're clear!" Kalla called out to Tonatius. She then sent him the coordinates for the swamp closest to Theed. All the while, a single thought pervaded in her mind. He needs to know, but if he did, he'd have tried to talk me out of this. When can I tell him?

Ackbar

"I have the first sensor reports from the fighters sent to Naboo. The modifcations are going well."

Garja turned from the console he was using to transmitt the data and nodded. "That's excellent news." He thought for a moment. "Unless you have any objection to it, The Admiral and I were wondering if perhaps you would like to oversee modifications to more of the Ackbar's fighters?"



"As to your question, feel free to make any announcement you wish."

Alriana smiled in relief. "Thank you." Her tone changed to a joking one as a sudden thought came to mind. "Do you think we may need a medteam standing by? Just in case Tavaryn faints when I break the news?"

Great. Saves me the trouble of asking. I heard Kaillian defies the definition of pretty. Though it couldn't compare to you.

Alriana smiled again as she heard Tavaryn's voice in her head. She turned to look at Jun-la. "It looks like Tavaryn is looking forward to seeing Kaillian"

I'll see you after my shift is done. She sent. Oh...Admiral Belina might be joining us as well.


"It will be good that we all hear this. Perhaps your representative for the Jedi should be present as well."

Admiral Belina nodded and turned on the comnlink. "Admiral Garja, could you please have the jedi represenative report to the meeting room?"




Deep space

Darth Corial could sense his prey through the force. He had fought the female known as Alriana once and that was all that he needed. He now could recognize her force signature and that was enough.

The former cathar jedi smiled darkly as he focused on her force signature. He could tell that there was something...different about the jedi...something that had not been there before.

He also knew that if he were to try and attack her now he would most likely be killed. He could sense an abundance of life around her. But he could wait.

Ackbar

"Unless you have any objection to it, The Admiral and I were wondering if perhaps you would like to oversee modifications to more of the Ackbar's fighters?"

Andros had to call upon all the calming exercises he knew in order to not jump and shout. He could barely contain his excitement but his voice came out calmly when he replied, "That would be my pleasure. Just as long as it doesn't interfere with my time with my master."

**********

"Do you think we may need a medteam standing by? Just in case Tavaryn faints when I break the news?"

Jun-la gave a great laugh that startled the other crew members on the bridge. She lowered her voice and replied, "Only if you want him to cause a scene."

I heard that moi chroi. Tavaryn's thoughts projected towards Alriana. He hadn't meant to eavesdrop on the conversation but he knew that his aversion to the CMO was a source of entertainment. He then sent, I will see you then, maybe sooner since Belina wants Jun-la in here. As to the admiral joining us... excellent. The last part took on a mischievous tone.

"It looks like Tavaryn is looking forward to seeing Kaillian"

Jun-la replied, "Of course. When does your shift end?"

Naboo

"We're clear!"

Tonatius heard the call and directed his fighter towards the planet. He entered the coordinates and replied, "Well I've always wanted to land in the middle of a swamp."

Ackbar

"That would be my pleasure. Just as long as it doesn't interfere with my time with my master."


Garja couldn't help but smile. "Excellent. I will inform Admiral Belina of your decision. Rest assured, the Admiral will not forget your help. Feel free to begin the modifications whenever you are ready."


"Only if you want him to cause a scene."

"I don't know...I can't help but think that if he did it would cause a few people to have a good laugh. Don't worry though, I don't think that he'd really faint."

I will see you then, maybe sooner since Belina wants Jun-la in here. As to the admiral joining us... excellent.

I'll let her know. Alriana sent. I'm sure that Admiral Belina will be looking forward to meeting Kaillian.

"Of course. When does your shift end?"

"It ends in around six hours. By the way, Admiral Belina wants you to report to the meeting room. I guess they want to talk to the jedi represenative."

Alriana smiled once at Jun-la and then walked over to the security console. She then looked over at Garja. "Anything important happen before my shift Admiral?"

"The team that was sent to the retrieve the data has returned. The Admiral had it transmitted to the meeting room. I think you may want to take a look at it."

Alriana nodded and began to look over the data.

Ackbar

"Excellent. I will inform Admiral Belina of your decision. Rest assured, the Admiral will not forget your help. Feel free to begin the modifications whenever you are ready."

Andros replied, "Heading there now." He nearly bolted past his master and Jedi Alriana as he headed down to where the fighters being kept, aware that his master was laughing.

Jun-la laughed as her pupil streaked past heading to the one thing that brought him more joy next to Jedi training. She turned towards Alriana and replied, "I have a feeling today will be more entertaining than most."

As Garja gave the report Jun-la said, "Surely Admiral is the chief of security is to be informed, shouldn't that officer also be present in the meeting room as well as you? Twould save the trouble of an extra debriefing."

**********

I'm sure that Admiral Belina will be looking forward to meeting Kaillian.

Tavaryn stifled a chuckle. He could tell Fen'Harel's eye was on him and he had to tread carefully. He didn't want Alriana caught up in his troubles with the whole council. Fen'Harel he didn't have a problem with since the man always looked after him, in private of course. He sent back, Oh... that's not what I meant moi chroi. It's been awhile since she's been 'angry' with me. In his mind he sent a chuckle.

Naboo

Once her fighter had touched down in the swamp, Kalla sent a quantum encrypted message back to the Ackbar informing them of their progress. If the Sith were able to intercept it, and that was a big if, the best they could get out of it would be random gibberish. In order to better fight the Sith, the Resistance had begun looking at previously unexplored venues of technological development, the likes of which the galaxy, and by extension, the Sith, had never seen before.

Climbing out of the ship, she said to Tonatius, "Before we continue, there's something I think we should talk about." She had her hands on her stomach, and she hoped he would understand what it meant.

Ackbar

"Heading there now."

Garja raised his eyebrow in confusion and watched as Andros bolted past Alriana and Jun-la. "It appears that your pupil is looking forward to working on those modifications. I wouldn't be suprised if he ends up designing new ships."



"Surely Admiral is the chief of security is to be informed, shouldn't that officer also be present in the meeting room as well as you? Twould save the trouble of an extra debriefing."

Garja thought for a moment and then nodded. "I'll ask if she can be included in the meeting." he said as he opened a comnlink to the meeting room.

"Admiral, this is Garja, Jun-la believes that Jedi Alriana should join the meeting and I do agree with her."

Belina's voice responded after a moment. "I agree. Have Jun-la and Alriana down here as quickly as possible. We need to continue this meeting."

Garja turned to the two of them. "I'd get down there as soon as possible if I were you."


Oh... that's not what I meant moi chroi. It's been awhile since she's been 'angry' with me.

Alriana sent a laugh through their link. I'm heading down to the meeting room right now. I'll see you in a bit.

Alriana turned to Jun-la. "Shall we get going?" She asked.

Naboo

"Before we continue, there's something I think we should talk about."

Tonatius landed his fighter in the swamp and made care look at the readings and made sure they were recorded. Andros had stressed that he needed accurate readings if he was going to continue his work so he might as well please him. When he was finished, he jumped out of his fighter with the grace that was gifted to his people. When he heard Kalla speak, he picked up something in her tone. He replied, "Uh-oh. Sounds serious. What's on your mind?"

Ackbar

"It appears that your pupil is looking forward to working on those modifications. I wouldn't be suprised if he ends up designing new ships."

Jun-la laughed, "Would it surprise you if I told you he actually built a working model? It's a passion of his, tinkering with anything with wires. I encourage it and I see it has proven useful."

She paused while she overheard Belina give the okay for them to head down to the meeting. This ought to be good.

"Shall we get going?"

Jun-la gave smiled and said, "Lead the way Chief of Security."

**********

I'm heading down to the meeting room right now. I'll see you in a bit.

Tavaryn felt pleasure at the prospect of seeing her so soon. Just the thing to ease him out of the bad mood the morning brought. Not a moment too soon moi chroi. I was just beginning to have droopy eyelids.

Fen'Harel took the pause in the wait to stand next to Tavaryn and he whispered, "Your manner is different from when you last stood before me. Could it be that something broke through that stern outlook in life?"

Tavaryn stood at ease and didn't look at Fen'Harel at all. "I have no idea what you are taking about."

Fen'Harel chuckled, "Don't pretend with me boy. I always could see through you. Don't worry. Whatever it is, it certainly has made you a great deal happier. I will inform the rest of the council that you are continuing your duties since there are two Jedi on board as well as a Force sensitive child."

"As you will it," Tavaryn replied as he cast a glance at Fen'Harel and gave a slight grin.

Naboo

Kalla took a deep breath before continuing. "I know this isn't the best time, and I should have said something before we left Tython, but I might as well tell you now. Tonatius, I'm pregnant."

Tatooine

Iyav and Komad made it into Docking Back 94, where the Silver Eagle was docked, only to find Doran and his thugs blocking their path.

"Just come quietly, Jedi. Noone else has to get hurt." Doran said to them.

"Do you think the Sith are going to be happy about you helping us?" Komad asked.

"The information I gave you is vague beyond usefulness. They won't care." Doran clarified.

"But you know more than you told us, don't you?" Iyav asked.

"Of course I do, but everything has its price. And in this case, the price is him." Doran pointed out.

"Then here's a bit of information, free of charge: Iyav has a tendency to tinker with ships, and so does my son. Now, Iyav!" Komad called out, and Iyav pressed a few buttons on his wrist communicator, causing the Silver Eagle's ventral lasers to fire on Doran and his thugs.

"Sorry, old friend." Iyav said to Doran's body, pulling a datapad off the corpse. Leafing over it, he said to Komad, "We've got a lead. Their next target is Dagobah."

"We'll transmit the data back to the Ackbar and to the Temple as soon as we're off this planet." Komad said, heading into the Eagle's main hold.

Ackbar

"Would it surprise you if I told you he actually built a working model? It's a passion of his, tinkering with anything with wires. I encourage it and I see it has proven useful."

"It did suprise me, yes." Garja said. "At times I simply can't believe what he's capable of. Thanks to him, the Ackbar's computers have been upgraded, most of of our fighters are in better working order then ever and the enviormental systems are finally working properly. At times I feel that the resistance would not be doing as well as we are without him."



"Lead the way Chief of Security."

Alriana smiled once and then opened the turbolift door and stepped in, she keyed in the deck that she wanted to go to and held the door open for Jun-la.



Not a moment too soon moi chroi. I was just beginning to have droopy eyelids

Alriana couldn't help but laugh. Stay awake, we wouldn't want the Admiral and the council made at you, she sent in a joking tone.

((I get hit with a double whammy in this RP lol))

Naboo

"I know this isn't the best time, and I should have said something before we left Tython, but I might as well tell you now. Tonatius, I'm pregnant."

Tonatius was giving his full attention to Kalla but when she gave him her news he wasn't sure if he heard correctly. He said, "Um...that was...unexpected." He had no idea of what to say.

Ackbar

Stay awake, we wouldn't want the Admiral and the council made at you

Tavaryn resisted the need to laugh. He replied, Oh it doesn't take much for Belina to be mad at me. He smirked and a slight chuckle came out while he was looking at the admiral. He chewed his lower lip at her expression, letting his eyes twinkle in merriment. He said, "Shameless thoughts Admiral. Mainly those regarding the epic battles on a certain deck along with certain orders."

**********

Jun-la grinned at Garja and replied, "I knew he would be a big help on board the Ackbar." She then followed Alriana towards the lifts. Once they were inside she said to the Jedi, "Alright, what did he tell you that has you want to burst into giggle fits? I could tell he was talking to you." She smiled knowingly.

Naboo

"I know we haven't talked about kids before, and I know we've been careful in the past, but one slip-up is enough." Kalla said. "I should be terrified, but I suppose becoming a mother is nothing compared to living in a galaxy enslaved by the Sith. It's still too early to know anything, and I haven't told anyone else yet. You're the father, so you should be the first to know."

Silver Eagle

"This is the Silver Eagle calling the RSS Ackbar. Please respond. We have information that is vital to stopping the Sith." Iyav sent out, hoping Belina would get it in time.

Ackbar

"Shameless thoughts Admiral. Mainly those regarding the epic battles on a certain deck along with certain orders."

Belina tried to keep a straight look on her face but failed as a slight smile appeared on her face. "I think I know what your talking about." She said as her comnlink began to beep. She sighed. "I'll be right back. Feel free to continue the meeting without me."

Belina moved off towards a corner and answered the comn. "Belina here."

"Admiral, we have an incoming transmission from the Silver Eagle."

"Put it through my comnlink."

"Yes Admiral."




"Alright, what did he tell you that has you want to burst into giggle fits? I could tell he was talking to you."

"He said and I quote: I was just beginning to have droopy eyelids." Alriana said as she struggled not to laugh again.

Silver Eagle

"Admiral Belina, the mission to Tatooine was a bit of a fiasco, but we managed to get what we were after. I'm sending you my report, plus a copy of the data we received now. Short version, lately the Sith have mainly been interested in worlds that are historically significant to them or the Jedi, and they've been developing around what they refer to as 'Focal Points'. We'd have to investigate one of the planets they've targeted to learn more." Iyav explained. "Master Kaltas is conferring with Master Skywalker about this as we speak. He'll contact you as soon as the Jedi Council has discussed it."

Naboo

"I should be terrified, but I suppose becoming a mother is nothing compared to living in a galaxy enslaved by the Sith. It's still too early to know anything, and I haven't told anyone else yet. You're the father, so you should be the first to know."

Tonatius was still reeling from this revelation and he wasn't surprised that it was slightly blunt since that was Kalla's way. He then said, "Well I guess knowing now is as good enough time though I have heard it being less dramatic when it's reveal in a place not crawling with Sith." He gave a slight grin, "I suppose you want to tell me that it's my fault and one I'd gladly accept."

Ackbar

"He said and I quote: I was just beginning to have droopy eyelids."

Jun-la laughed, "Oh yes, being the Sentinel for the Shinigami is exhausting." She led the way off the turbolift and down to the meeting room. They happened to be upon Belina listening on her comm. She asked the Admiral, "Troubling news?"

Ackbar

"Admiral Belina, the mission to Tatooine was a bit of a fiasco, but we managed to get what we were after. I'm sending you my report, plus a copy of the data we received now. Short version, lately the Sith have mainly been interested in worlds that are historically significant to them or the Jedi, and they've been developing around what they refer to as 'Focal Points'. We'd have to investigate one of the planets they've targeted to learn more."

Belina had to resist the urge to hit something. "I'll fully debrief you once you arrive on the Ackbar. Make sure that this information doesn't reach anyone else except those you feel you can trust."


"Master Kaltas is conferring with Master Skywalker about this as we speak. He'll contact you as soon as the Jedi Council has discussed it."

"Good work you two." Belina said. "Make sure you both make it home safetly. Let me know if any problems come up."




"Oh yes, being the Sentinel for the Shinigami is exhausting."

Alriana had to stifle a laugh as they reached the meeting room.

"Troubling news?"

Belina turned to look at the two of them. "There's a situation developing. As soon as the jedi council gets in contact with me we may need to leave. The sith seem to be up to something."

Naboo

Kalla smiled, and playfully asked, "Would you want it to be someone else's?" before adding, "We shouldn't keep Markath waiting longer than we have to. Let's go."

RSS Ackbar

The Silver Eagle touched down in the Ackbar's Starboard Hangar, and Iyav and Komad stepped out. Prior to the debriefing, Komad asked Belina, "Has my daughter sent any word from Naboo yet?"

Naboo

"Would you want it to be someone else's?"

"Then I'd seriously consider the code duello," Tonatius replied with a smirk before kissing her on the forehead. "Though I guess this means I have to endure the lecture from your father and brother."

"We shouldn't keep Markath waiting longer than we have to. Let's go."

Tonatius sighed. "Right." He went to the underside of his fighter and opened a panel. He pulled out two packs and handed one to Kalla. He then grinned and said, "Lead on my fearless leader."

Ackbar

"There's a situation developing. As soon as the jedi council gets in contact with me we may need to leave. The sith seem to be up to something."

Tavaryn had shamelessly overhead the conversation and chose the moment to speak, "And here I was thinking this was a great vacation. I was even considering creating a pleasure cruise out here."

Fen'Harel gave a look to Tavaryn. He had not remembered that Tavaryn could be so glib about things. Then again he never was before. It seemed that this was a new facet to his character or one he rarely let others see and it pained him to see that the boy was not so open with him. He then looked at one of the Jedi that entered.

She looked much like she did. It startled Fen'Harel that the family resemblance was there. He was not surprised however when she joined in the banter.

Jun-la was aware that she was being studied by the Shinigami councilmember. She knew that her family had done great things and it bothered Tavaryn to no great end since all they saw were his parents and not him. Glancing at Alriana though, she knew that was not the case between them. When Tavaryn spoke, she gave a chuckle and added, "As long as we throw in a couple of Sith warships and a plot to take over the galaxy, we'll be set. Don't you agree Alriana?"

Ackbar

"Has my daughter sent any word from Naboo yet?"

Belina answered over the comnlink. "Not that I know of. You might want to head to the bridge and ask Garja, he's been up there longer then I have...wait...I do recall an encrypted message coming in from Naboo. We haven't had time to crack the message yet as it came in quite recently."



"As long as we throw in a couple of Sith warships and a plot to take over the galaxy, we'll be set. Don't you agree Alriana?"

Alriana had to smile at that. "Of course I do. It sounds like fun."

Ackbar

"I know the quantum encryption technology takes a bit of getting used to, but even with the technology, the Sith won't be able to decipher any messages we send with it." Komad commented, admittedly knowing little of how the technology worked himself. "I'll have a look."

Despite the lack of understanding of the technology, decrypting the message was a simple matter of converting the quantum information back into its original audio form. While the message was just informing the fleet that they had made safely to the planet's surface, it was still a relief to know they were relatively safe. It was funny, though. He know both of them could handle themselves in combat, and there was enough dissent on Naboo to hide them from the Sith, and yet he still worried. Father's prerogative, I guess. He thought to himself.

Naboo

"I can't wait to hear what your brother says about this." Kalla commented, though she was thinking more about their journey to Theed. Getting to the city would be easy; getting in and around unnoticed would be hard.

Naboo

"I can't wait to hear what your brother says about this."

"More likely make lecherous comments," Tonatius muttered as he scouted forward. He scanned everything. "He has been since he first met you." They came to the edge of the swamps to the main plains. He looked at Kalla and asked, "So how are we to sneak in when we have wide open spaces between us?"

Ackbar

"Of course I do. It sounds like fun."

Jun-la replied with a slight chuckle, "My kind of girl. Don't let this one go Admiral. She's a keeper."

Fen'Harel chose this moment to speak, "I see humor has made it's way into the Jedi ranks. At the moment I don't know if it is a good thing or a bad thing." He then directed his attention to Alriana, "You look somewhat familiar Jedi. Might I have your name?"

Ackbar

"My kind of girl. Don't let this one go Admiral. She's a keeper."

Belina looked over at Jun-la and a small smile appeared on her face. "Don't worry, I intend to keep her as long as possible. It's not easy to find spare security officers, especally now that we're at war with the sith."

"You look somewhat familiar Jedi. Might I have your name?"

Alriana turned to Fen'Harel and stood at attention. "I am Jedi Alriana Haltra. I was once a Jedi of the Old Republic around a hundred years back before being put in deep freeze by dark jedi. I was found a few years back and I've been trying to help out as best I can since."

Ackbar

"Don't worry, I intend to keep her as long as possible. It's not easy to find spare security officers, especally now that we're at war with the sith."

Jun-la smiled, "I suppose that includes commanding officers of special groups as well." She gave a slight wink at that. She then said, "Since we are waiting for the others to join us, might I have a moment?"

"I am Jedi Alriana Haltra. I was once a Jedi of the Old Republic around a hundred years back before being put in deep freeze by dark jedi. I was found a few years back and I've been trying to help out as best I can since."

Fen'Harel examined the Jedi from head to toe and he noticed that Tavaryn stood rather uneasily and made a few personal observations. He then said, "I remember a Jedi Haltra. We had sent one of our more junior Shinigami to follow her but they both disappeared. We've heard no word and assumed that they were both lost. How fortunate you survived."

Naboo

"Good question. Like you said, wide open spaces, and it's easy to lose something or get lost in that. After that, it's just a matter of staying off the main road, and entering Theed from the least secure spot." Kalla suggested. Examining her GPS, she added, "Okay, so the least secure entry point is the cliffside. I guess the Sith just let the natural hazards deal with intruders. On the other hand, if we pull it off, we won't have to worry as much about reaching the King. If you don't like it, the second least secure path would be through the sewers."

"Mind you, I still don't know how two people can be enough to foment insurrection across the entire Chommell sector. Even a single squad of Guardsmen would have been a big help." She then commented.