Selvi

Return of the Force 2.

Collab Intermission

Shadows Regret, Lena & Ko'Chul

Opening her eyes Lena looked around confused and then at guard, something woke her up and it took her a moment to realize it was the beeping noise of some equipment on her desk, approaching it she waved her hand and a small hologram appeared of the officer on duty on the bridge. The hologram bowed its head, "My lady. Apologies for the late hour but a priority call from home base, for your eyes only. Can I patch you through?"

Lena nodded slowly and a moment later the holographic image became blurry and was replaced by the image of a very familiar individual. She smiled as she saw the figure get on her knees and present herself towards Lena, even though she was lightyears away. "Ko'Chul, so good to see you. Rise, please. My congratulations to you and your team, your efforts on Thyferra have not gone unnoticed and you performed your task with excellence. My sympathies for the Noghri lost on the mission. They did their clans and me proud with their service."

Ko'Chul remained kneeling. "They served faithfully and with service, their sacrifice not forgotten."

"Indeed it will not... add their names to the scrolls and they will be honoured." Lena said solemnly, letting silence remain between the two of them for a moment before she continued. "You are wondering why I bid you contact me the moment you returned to Phindar Moon. I find it... difficult to send you on another mission, while your latest is still so fresh in your mind but I have need of you Ko'Chul, you and your talents." Ever since she saw Ko'Chul her mind had become fully awake and she recalled why she needed to see her Noghri friend and operative. "I received a report that apparently some members, or at least one particular member, of the Syndicat on Phindar do not wish to honour our business transaction that made the moon my property and they no longer have any stake or interest in anything that goes on the surface. My Kubaz agents as well as one of the brokers in my service has given me intelligence that apparently someone in the Syndicat Hierachy is plotting a series of schemes and operations to undermine and wrest control of holdings in my possession.

You are to go to the surface of Phindar, find out the identity of this Syndicat member and make sure that this scheme does not get carried out. Killing their members who refused to leave the moon and try to take back what was mine after they sold it to me should have been their warning. This behaviour indicates that at least one of the members of their ruling hierarchy has not understood the warning." She said coldly. "Make a example of this person to make sure the Syndicat stays on Phindar and leave me and my moon alone." She stretched, "The resources on Phindar Moon are at your disposal, I do not want to go to war over this however, so keep it small. Use the Shadow Commandos."

Ko'Chul looked up and nodded, "It will be done my lady, my apologies for waking you."

Smiling Lena shook her head, "No need to worry, noticing the time I would have been up shortly regardless. Hunt well Ko'Chul. We will speak soon." They both ended the link and Lena rubbed her eyes, lost in thought. She was satisfied that Ko'Chul would handle the matter close to home, no the matter away from home, at Korriban would be the more interesting thing to handle. According to her navigators they would be arriving at Korriban shortly. Knowing she would not be able to fall back to sleep she dressed and left her chambers, walking the corridors of her vessel to the training areas, she felt like getting into a sweat. She had been practicing with her force powers as of late and wished to see if her trials and experimentation's to crush objects with the force would finally pay off.

---

Dedicated Training Session,

Lena & Gra'tua

Slowly the melon lifted up from the floor and then stopped, hovering at eye-height. Lena stood a few meters away, tilting her head, studying it with keen interest and then focused the force and at the same time clenched her hand in a fist, the immediate result of the action being the melon going 'splat' mid-air as she crushed it to pulp with the force. Clenching and unclenching her hand she studied it curiously, hearing heavy footsteps behind. "I have always wondered... people like us, who can wield the power of the force. It is mostly done with our minds and yet, for most displays of power, like pushing or pulling a object, choking someone or flinging a hand out to send forth lightning or other destructive forces. It requires a gesture of some kind, I wonder why."

Gra'tua let out a snort, "I am not well versed with force powers, I always liked the more... martial lore and techniques of a sith warrior. But if I am to guess, while it is true we can concentrate and will the force in some kind of manifestation or another. The hand gesture is like a conduit, a means to channel and let loose the energies." He shrugged, "But I am no force scholar, that's merely how I always looked at it when I bothered to think about it."

Nodding she decided to experiment, she still had a number of melons left, willing to move one with her mind and keeping her arms and hands to her side, the melon wobbled and then moved. Doing it again but this time with a wave of her hand was much smoother, flexing her fingers she chuckled and stared at them. "So curious, to rely on gestures for proper control over our powers." She turned to regard Gra'tua noting he had brought his coterie of people with him and they were sparring elsewhere. "We will soon arrive at Korriban, know of what we can expect?"

He was tracing the outline of the blaster at his waist, he had disliked the weapon at first but gradually, over time with Gorans training it had become an all too familiar part of his outfit, he no longer needed to think deliberately of adding the holster, he did so naturally by custom now. "No clue, Azazel better be fine... if she isn't and Andrea just let something happen to her... then I will end her." He spat out, anger or worry pouring out of him in tangible waves.

"I see." Lena replied dryly, raising her eyebrows. "End her with just the people you brought with you while she would be at the center of her power. And no I would not assist you in such mad folly, I very much doubt Andrea would let anything happen to Azazel, not to mention that Azazel would let anything happen to herself."

"Oh I trust Azazel, but she is pregnant with my children Lena." He glared at the other sith, "And any children of my blood I will protect with whatever means I have at my disposal. Be it my sabers, power or ships and troops. I will defend them... and crush whoever tries to harm them."

Lena chuckled and ignited her blade, lazily swinging it around in a en garde position, motioning for Gra'tua to engage her. "Even if it is their mother?"

He frowned behind his mask but he had retrieved both his sabers and ignited them, saluting Lena before swiftly strike out towards her as he replied. "What do you mean."

She jumped back, narrowly missing the blades and parried a second stroke as she twisted her upper body out of the way of the other, striking low with her own blade. "What if the mother of your children seeks to harm your kin?"

He growled blocking her strike and tried to kick at her head, "I doubt Azazel would harm her own children... Andrea is a different matter... was a different matter." When his kick failed to connect he lunged, one strike at her head while the other would try to block her saber.

She jumped back, smiling as she twirled around and leaped back as she saw her sparring partners momentum carry him, trying to use that vulnerability. "Perhaps, perhaps not. Still I would loathe to see this alliance get ruined due to a matter of who has custody over a pair of children." She blinked when Gra'tua suddenly seemed to reverse his movements as if he was rewinding time, so fast did he move, blocking her saber with both of his, pushing her back. Straining against his strength she tried to push back, looking for a opening.

He growled again, menacingly. "If you are trying to make me angry Lena, it is working. I refuse to listen to this... even if this alliance... I assume you are speaking of our private arrangement between the two of us. If I were to be in danger you would come to my aid, wouldn't you?" He tried both to concentrate on beating her in this duel and listen to her answer, whatever she said next would determine the trust he would place in Lena.

Chuckling she suddenly pulled back, feeling Gra'tua put more strength into pushing against her blade, hoping he'd fall over and deliver a quick jab with her blade over his chest plate. "I am sith Gra'tua. I would come to the aid of the one who seems to be the more promising one that can give me power, any kind of power. That or I remain at the sidelines, watching, observing to see who comes out victorious." She was saying while moving and then froze, Gra'tua had dropped both his blades and had reached for his blaster and was aiming the barrel between her eyes, mere inches from her face. She remained calm however, her eyes looking at the eye-slit of his helmet.

He tightened the hold on his blaster, looking at her, studying her. Lowering the blaster and putting it back in its holster, "A honest answer, not something I am used to hear coming from the lips of a fellow sith." He summoned his fallen sabers to his hand and clipped them to his belt. "If it ensured your own survival or prestige you would let me die?"

She smiled, deactivating her own blade and locking it back in place to her cane, leaning upon it. "Only if you were unaware of my part in letting you die or if I was sure whoever sought to kill you would succeed. However as it stands, I feel allying myself with you is only beneficial to myself, to those under my command and my plans. And will defend you as I expect you will me if something sought to annihilate me, even if it is a fellow sith. Naturally if for some reason Azazel wants me dead for some reason I expect you to talk her away from it. I will not force you to fight your own.,.. I believe the Mandalorian term is 'riduur'?"

"That is the word, yes. Again my thanks for your honesty. And for the duel it was refreshing." He said the last bit louder, knowing eyes were watching them.

"Too bad you lost." Gra'tua blinked and growled about to hurl curses at whoever said that when he noticed it was Goran who stepped forwards.

"Excuse me? What do you mean, I won." He snarled, his hand resting on his saber hilt once more.

"Perhaps in practice but if it was a real fight you would have lost." He gestured to the blaster at the waist of his host warleader. "You forgot to put a fresh powerclip in it."

Letting out a snort he crossed his arms, "Oh really? What makes you say that? It would have had enough juice in it still."

Stifling a chuckle and suppressing a smirk Lena just watched back and forth, the past few days of travel she had become quite fond of watching Gra'tua interact with his blaster instructor, it was quite amusing to watch.

The Mandalorian warrior and sharpshooter was clearly smirking. "I have been counting how many times you have shot that thing during our training and at what power levels, you are running dry, right now if you tried to shoot me it would refuse to fire and I could easily take you out, if you didn;t had those fancy swords of yours, then again maybe even with those swords."

"Are you really expecting me to keep a count of how many shots I have fired to know when my blaster is about to run dry? Some of these models can last for indefinite time!" Gra'tua replied with scorn.

Goran shrugged, "Thinking like that is what gets you killed on the field of battle with a empty blaster. I always slot in a fresh power pack after a major battle. They last long ,it is true but that only is of use to the lazy and I thought you claimed to be a warrior and not a lazy individual, or was I wrong?" He clapped his hands together. "If both of you... sith, would excuse me, I need to borrow one of you to drill some practices outside of firing a blaster but how to properly maintain it so it won't fail you in times when you need to fire said weapon."

Smirking now Lena turned to Gra'tua, "You are excused, your master needs you, apprentice."

Gra'tua froze and glared, "Don't you start too... or encourage him."

She just kept smirking and bowed towards Goran, "He is all yours warrior, lets see if old dogs can learn new tricks."

"I can end you." He snarled.

"I have no doubt, but can you with a blaster? Better go with Goran to make sure that you can." She laughed now, shaking her head as she walked away after bowing to Gra'tua.

He watched her go and let out a snort, getting out his blaster, aiming at her back and pulled the trigger, all he got was a warning bleep that he needed a new powerpack. "Huh, guess you were right Goran."

Return of the Force 2.

Collab Intermission.

Kwenn System,
Nova Retreat.

"Are these reports accurate?" Neia asked, incredulous if the results mentioned in these reports were indeed true. Her two companions in her office, Jantor and Kiyla just smirked. Well Kiyla was smirking, Jantor's expression was unreadable behind those cybernetic implants of his.

Kiyla tapped the datapad with the reports, "It's for real boss, you seem to be the proud owner of some very resource rich asteroids. According to the boys they just need the funds to hire work crews, prospectors and miners to get the operation going." She winced, "Granted a lot of credits are required but it would be worth it and according to the books we can. You just need to sign the release of those funds. On... gah where did we leave it, you really need to clean up your desk more boss, here it is!" After rummaging through some of various datapads and other files on her desk she came with the releases and contracts that required Neia's signature.

Nodding her thanks she looked at what she was required to pay and widened her eyes, spluttering for a moment. "This... will cost us almost 10 million... to open up two mines?"

Kiyla winced again and nods. "Yeah... but it will be two very profitable mines, according to the survey reports. So well worth the investment. According to the projections at least."

She sighed, closing her eyes and rubbing her forehead, thinking and then just shrugged. "Ah what the hell, wouldn't be the first risky investment I made and we already went through a load of trouble to get access to the Sarka system." She signed the documents with her personal code and provided a thumbprint in addition. "Permission granted, let the Kahleesi Mining consortium make it's name known." She said with a smile... then her smile faltered and groaned, looking at the nervous Kiyla. This time she could tell Jantor was amused by something because he was chuckling and shaking his head. "Right I know that look... spit it out Kiyla, what do you want."

"Well... since you are in a mood to spend credits... there were some upgraded I have been meaning to have done to the Free Trade Gambit and I was hoping you would also allow those to be performed, now they are costly but not as expensive as the cost for the mines and..." She stopped talking, seeing the look on her employer's face. "Ah I suppose it can wait." She mumbled and looked down.

Neia looked at Jantor who just shrugged, sighing she grabbed the datapad Kiyla just put down, skimmed it, looking back at Kiyla with a questioning look but then just entered her personal code and a thumbprint. "Call it temporary insanity but your upgrades are improved, but I gather it will mean the Free Trade Gambit will be locked in place her for some time. Make the crew run through some exercies and rotate the troops aboard for some R&R on the station."

Kiyal blinked and then clapped her hands excitingly. "Thanks boss! You won't regret it! I'll go get Mochi and get right on those upgrades! You won't regret approving of this boss!" She jumped up, gathered some of the datapads and quickly scrambled out of the office, probably thinking to get the upgrades under way as fast as possible before Neia could reconsider her decision of allowing them to happen.

She shook her head watching her go and turned to Jantor, "Well, I just signed away millions of credits in a matter of minutes, let's hope it will be sound investments."

The Kel-Dor let out a amused snort, "The investment for the mines, certainly, the upgraded to the ship, time will tell. With that dealt with... Tohkran's lad, the Rodian Goddor wanted to see you." He gestured to the door. "Got him waiting outside, if you want to see him, unless you want to see another jedi more."

She blinked and smiled, "Huh... so does everyone on my staff know I am seeing Ba'al?"

"Pretty much, don't mind, she seems good for ya." Jantor replied with a chuckle, "Anyway want to see Goddor?"

She waved ahead, "Sure, sure, let him in. Are you needed elsewhere, I assume?" Jantor shook his head, indicating he would stick around as he went to the door and let their Rodian guest in. She stood up and walked around her desk, still smiling. "Goddor, good to see you, how are you? Enjoying your stay I hope?"

Goddor nervously nodded, "The accommodations are more than luxurious but I am not here to relax as you are aware. I was hoping you had news about Cyphor's arrival? Will he be here soon?" He blurted out, speaking quickly. His master had stayed on Antar IV and charged him with finding aid for the plight of the people there, of the entire system. It was taking too long for those he wished to talk about it however, though he suppose the force was with him that apparently Ba'al, Cyphor and Neia would all three be present on Neia's station anyway. Still the waiting was making restless so he had considered it at length and come to the conclusion to already talk to Neia about what master Tohkran was doing and why he needed the assistance.

Neia blinked and looked from Jantor back at Goddor, "I understand from Cha'alla he can arrive at any moment, today, tomorrow, the day after. Soon, is what you wanted to discuss urgent?" She had to admit she was curious, from the moment he arrived the Rodian jedi had wanted to talk to all of them about something, that Tohkran wasn't here to ask himself was the most surprising aspect of it all."

He took a deep breath, his master had entrusted him and he was a jedi knight now, granted he had not been given the status of knight for very long but he now had to act like it. "It could be a matter of life and death, and not just the life of my master, Tohkran. But of the entire population of a world and system." He paused, waiting to see what kind of reaction Neia might have for those words.

Her answer was silence, at least for a few moments as she realized her guest was serious, she turned around and walked to her desk, gesturing to one of the seats i nfront of it. "I have a feeling this is the type of conversation that benefits from us sitting down, so take a seat and begin at the start. What by the black stars has your master gotten himself into?"

Well he wasn't dismissed so that was something at least, he took the seat and pondered ,where to begin. "I... ah, well... I suppose I should start with how my master received word of a force user leading a resistance force on a world known as Antar IV..." He explained how they had entered the CIS occupied system to launch a craft to the surface in a attempt to identify and make contact with the resistance force. He told them they had succeeded, albeit a bit differently than they had hoped with the whole crashing bit and being captured by said resistance. Meeting a force user, if not jedi he then explained what they had learned of the abysmal living conditions the CIS were imposing on the population. "They are turning a beautiful world into a polluted wasteland, to strip-mine it to build machines and droids for warfare... enslaving the population to make their factories produce these objects of destruction. My master was asked to stay and he did... along with almost every soldier and vehicle we had on our ship. To help the resistance in their fight... but they need much more if they have a chance to... remove the CIS from the system." He finally took that moment to take a breath and look at Neia.

"Well..." She said after a moment. "So... if I get this right... you basically want to ask, on behalf of Tohkran, to have us all... organize a, in what is best described, invasion force to liberate that system from the CIS?" She let out a soft laugh, not to mock Goddor as she chuckled, "You don't ask for much, do ya?"

"I know what Tohkran asks of you.. of Ba'al and Cyphor... is a lot but... this is a cause worth fighting for and these people need it, I have the sensor and scan results, pictures of the slave labour they put these people through, here look." He produced the datapads with the sensor and scanning results the ship had made.

She glanced at the offered pads and instead leaned back in her chair, looking intently at Goddor. "Look... I am a businesswoman Goddor... I am not the one to fight for a cause or liberate worlds." She said with Jantor nodding slowly.

He sighed, "I suppose it was too much to ask of you... I do hope Cyphor and Ba'al will be able to help." He said, he had to admit convincing the non-jedi to help Tohkran would be difficult, perhaps during the meeting together with Cyphor and Ba'al also present she could still be convinced. "I suppose with no profit in it you are not interested." He managed to slip out before he realized what he said. "I, ah, I am sorry I did not mean to say that I am just... trying to help my master and the innocent lives."

Neia let out a snort, "I know what you were saying... and you ought to let me finish. Like I said I am not the one to fight for a cause... but as it happens I have a sour taste for slavers of any kind... which includes the CIS if the image you paint of what they are doing to civilians of a world they conquered. Look I don't know much about battles, but what resources I have... and I will look to my staff for volunteers." She looked at Jantor, "If any of them are willing to fight."

The Kel-Dor stepped forwards and nods, "I would volunteer, if what Goddor here says is true, and I doubt he would be lying about it, then it is something worth fighting for, even if it isn't the worth of credits in this case."

Chuckling Neia nodded with her erstwhile bodyguard and now right hand man. "Well said, Goddor, you and Tohkran can count on whatever support me and my own can give. Don't you worry, I think the other jedi will offer assistance as well. Your master won;t be alone for long I wager." She smiled, "But I still have a station to run, and you look like you could use some sleep, some real sleep, without worrying about anything, clear your mind or whatever it is you jedi do and focus on the here and now. Get some rest."

Goddor stood up went aroudn her desk and took one of her hands in his and bowed, "Thank you! Thank you, Tohkran values his friendship with you, Cyphor and Ba'al, with everyone and he knows it would be a lot to ask but it is good to see that his friends, or at least one of them so far, will help in this matter of need."

She chuckled, shaking his hand and then let go, "Don't you fret, only doing this so he owes me one." She smirks, letting Goddor decide on his own if she was joking or not. "Jantor please escort Goddor back to his quarters... and make sure he goes to sleep." With that they said their goodbyes leaving Neia to run her station and businesses once more... making her wonder if she would do the right thing, helping with a possible war effort... she decided that time would tell.

Return of the Force 2.

Intermission

Kwenn System,
Nova Retreat

"Soooo....." Came the voice from the doorway, making Neia look up and see her twin standing there, beginning to frown when she saw the amused smirk on her face. "You and... the angel jedi, huh? Weird, I thought she'd fall for a white haired and dark skinned dominatrix or something."

Neia sighed and leaned back in her chair, looking at Maia. "Is it a problem with who I see or not?"

Maia's first response was a chuckle and then ebgan to shake her head. "Oh not all sis, just making a observation. She's quite cute from what I saw, think she is interested in..." Maia faltered, seeing the look her twin was giving her and it made her shiver. "I... ah... nevermind... so that's the look you ended up with? Heard you were practicing."

Neia kept looking at Maia for a moment longer then smiled and nodded, "Well it seems to be working, you shut up at once, so did you came to be the annoying sister or was there more?"

"A shuttle came in, got a guy aboard, Rodian by the name of Goddor, says he is a friend of Tohkrans. was about to drop by sheer exhaustion from the looks of it so put him and the shuttle crew in some chambers to let them rest, he did say he wanted a meeting or summit with all the fancy jedi and you gathered in one room. Seemed important the way he kept prattling about it." She shrugged.

"Yes, Thrall had called ahead that Goddor would be coming, along with the request for that summit, all we need is Cyphor for that and I understand he will be arriving shortly as well." Neia replied, distracted. "Have the explorers arrived as well?"

"Huh now that you mention it, they did, they immediately went to the cantina, taking advantage of those free drinks you serve to off-duty employees of yours. Should I get them?"

"No, that isn't necessary, they can relax for a while." Neia said, still distracted and rummaged through some files before producing a datapad, handing it to Maia. "Can you deliver this to them however, their next task, now that the Sarka system is made secure I need them to prospect potential mining sites. Now that both the CIS and Republic have been made aware I have staked a mining claim on the asteroids there." She resumed working, frowned and looked up again, seeing Maia was still standing there. "What?"

Maia smirked again, "So how good is she-"

"Out!" Neia shouted, pointing at the door.

She laughed and turned around. "I'm going, I'm going."

Shaking her head she watched her twin go. "Why wasn't I born a only child..."

Return of the Force 2.

Mandalore System,
Darths Gra'tua and Lena.

Gra'tua gritted his teeth and ignored the groan that was about to escape his lips, he was finally released from the medical bay just as they reached the Mandalore system, he turned to his guest, Darth Lena. "So what we have discusses these past few days... with you taking advantage of my mental state because I was on sedatives, we are still going ahead with that?"

Lena nodded slowly, "I am still interested in it, assuming you are." She grinned, "Now that your head is clear from sedatives and painkillers."

He let out a snort and winced, glad for his mask hiding his facial features. "I just don't see what you get out of it, you tell me you wish to provide financial support for the acquisition of one, possibly 2 shipyards... and in return you only wish to have one or both of them be available to modify your vessels from time to time?"

She nodded again, slowly this time. "Indeed, that is all I ask, what use is a partnership or alliance if we don't help each other out? I know my strengths and weaknesses Gra'tua, I prefer to be in the shadows, you however, the way you are headed you will get into spotlights sooner or later, so by all means, let it be your name on the deeds of ownership, but help a trusted friend out once in a while, that is all I wish of you."

"Hmm, we have a deal, Kashiir, bring us into the Mandalore system... find out the current owners of any large shipyards in the system and forward the information to myself and Lena."

The Chiss commander nodded, "By your command, my lord."

After a while their options were presented to them and the both of them went over the list, MandalMotors, Mandal Hypernautics and Ani Aranov Construction. After a while Gra'tua gestured to one name, "Let's try our hand MandalMotors, I have trusted my life with their creations and designs for years and I trust their shipyards the most." Lena merely nodded and he turned to Kashiir, "See if we can contact a representative of theirs and ask for a appointment to see us."

A few minutes pass while one of the communications crewmen contacts MandalMotors Tower with the request, a little back and forth and some inspiring drum based hold music later the image of a secretary appears on the holoviewer before Gra'tua.

"Olarom, alor Gra'tua. MandalMotors is always pleased to see a return customer, I understand you wish to make a somewhat less usual purchase at this time?" The secretary said.

He bowed his head, "Olarom." He reached for Revan's mask and removed it, placing to the side so he could speak with his face and head bare. "Indeed I do, I intend to continue purchasing and using MandalMotors services, but for the future safeguards for my clan I wish to expand my already existing holdings of some small shipyards by adding one, possibly two large shipyards." He grinned, "No offense to your fine company but sometimes when my ship gets blown up somewhat in battle it might be best to have a shipyard of my own to immediately start repairs, since with this war I can imagine the orders for new ships you need to service are quite a lot."

"Understandable," The secretary replied. "Hold please." they then said as the holoimage changed to a rotating image of the MandalMotors logo while the secretary contacted their superior. After a few minutes the image of the secretary returned. "Thank you for waiting, I can schedule you an appointment to meet with one of the senior executives tomorrow morning around 10:00 Keldabe time."

Lena raised a brow, say what you want about Mandalorians, at least they did not tarry setting up meetings. She nodded slowly towards Gra'tua.

He smiled and bowed, "That would be most welcome, would it be fine if I bring along a associate of mine who is like a silent partner?"

"I believe that would be Acceptable." The secretary replied with a smile.

"My thanks for your assistance, ret'urcye mhi." Gra'tua said.

"Ret'urcye mhi, alor Gra'tua" The secretary said before the communication ceased.

Gra'tua turned to Lena and then with a groan stood up, "Well that's settled, we have a meeting tomorrow to go to, so before that, I will rest, Kashiir, make sure I will be awake if I am not able so by myself so we can make the appointment at 10:00 Keldabe time." He asked and then went to make his way to his quarters.

She chuckled, "Still recovering I see." She nodded to Kashiir, "I shall make my way back to my ship, but I will be back tomorrow in time for the appointment, would you be so kind to tell me what timezone we are in right now so I can return here before 10 o'clock Keldabe time?" She grinned.

Kashiir rose his eyebrows, "It will be done."

************************
The following day...

The time of the appointment grew near and Gra'tua and Lena made their way to the Capital aboard one of Gra'tua's Kom'rk Transports. They were cleared to land at the MandalMotors private landingstrip and once they emerged from the craft the same secretary they had spoken to previously was there to meet them and escort them to the executive who was presently overseeing design work in the research wing. After going through a brief security check at the entrance, mostly just looking for recording or hacking devices as weapons were ignored for the most part. Most of the viewing windows into the labs were darkened so as not to reveal their interiors but a few showed their contents, one with a stripped down Aka'jor shuttle being worked on by several engineers, another had a fighter that looked much like the M3-A Scyk being worked on. Eventually the were lead into an office overlooking a large hanger with a transport of some kind in it. the Executive stood at the far window watching the engineers below work on the transport.

Smiling he nodded his thanks to the secretary and then turned to the executive, his helmet with mask in the crook of his arm. "Olarom." He simply said in greeting.

Lena followed, looking around, it was fascinating to see how the Mandalorians operated on something like ship construction and maintenance. When the arrived at the office and Gra'tua said his greeting she tried her best to mimic the speech and say the same. "Olarom."

The Executive raised an eyebrow at Lena's clumsy attempt to mimic Gra'tua but said nothing about it. "Olarom, Gra'tua. I am Evast Silas, I understand you met with my clans alor recently."

Gra'tua blinked, "So I have, I am currently host even to Goran Silas, a fine marksman who is helping me become a better warrior. I thank you for meeting me and my silent partner." He glanced at Lena and then turned back to Evast Silas.

Lena bowed, "My apologies if I said that wrong I merely wished to extend my greetings."

"Not especially silent for a silent partner is she." Evast remarked with a smile.

She smiled, "I know where my weaknesses lie, for the most part of this discussion I will defer to alor Gra'tua here, I merely am here to help him and assist him financially."

He grinned, "Not that I am poor, but it is nice to have someone to split the costs with. I assume you have been made aware why we are here?"

"You wish to purchase some of our capital class drydocks, I was made aware." Evast replied as he gestured to a couple of seats across the desk from himself before sitting down as well. "those drydocks are of course highly valuable assets of MandalMotors, they would not come cheap."

Gra'tua took a seat with Lena taking the one next to him and he nodded slowly, "Indeed, I, we, are aware they would not come cheap." He grinned, "And for the record I was not made aware I would be meeting a representative of clan Silas, so I do not ask nor expect any friendly, or animosity in regards of this potential acquisition. But from the sound of it you have at least not send us away already because you are not interested in selling any of the drydocks."

"I was not aware of your dealings with my clan until after the meeting was arranged either." Evast replied. "But you are right, we may have a few drydocks that are slow on turnover at this time. the question becomes what are they worth to you?"

He grinned and rose his eyebrows, "Now that would depend on the value and current state of the drydocks, would it not? I am willing to pay a fair price for them, it will not be said of me that I pay someone for services or in this case drydocks less than they are worth."

"A couple of our facilities are running dated support systems and frankly this slows down their production, recently they were relegated to maintenance duties where their full systems are not critical." Evast said as he flicked a holoprojector on his desk to active and shifted through a few displays until an image one of the drydocks appeared. "Now we could spend a few million credits upgrading them to bring them up to speed, but we presently don't have the contracts to justify the expenditure."

He studied the image and nodded slowly, "Well then, how much would you be asking for those drydocks? If you do have a interest in selling them, I would also pay for the upgrades to be installed to bring them up to speed to current standards and regulations."

"If you were to purchase any what you did with them afterward would be of little concern." Evast aside as he waved away the holoimage. "Of course the war is intensifying from all reports, its possible the company will have more contracts to fill in the near future and upgrading an older dock is cheaper than building a new one." Evast said with a shrug. "Its a 'immediate profit' vs 'potential future gains' sort of situation."

He turned to Lena and briefly conferred with her before turning back to Evast Silad, "Assuming these drydocks have no extra facilities, we are willing to pay a minimum of 12 million credits, hoping that any upgrades needed are included in that price, otherwise we would be willing to pay extra for your company to upgrade the drydocks, naturally."

Evast thought about it for a few moments before he responded. "Would you care to see the facilities themselves?" He asked.

"We would be honoured to." Gra'tua said after receiving a slight nod from Lena.

Evast stood and lead the two over to a small side door that leads down a flight of stairs to the hanger the office overlooked. "This is a new line of transport we've been working on, nothing overly impressive about it, though it was designed by the same team the put the Aka'jor shuttle together, as such the design shares several characteristics such as easy mod-ability." He said as they approached the transport. "Still has a few kinks to work out but this prototype has passed all flight safety checks." he added as he nodded to the head technician and made a few quick hand gestures reminiscent of military code.

Gra'tua spoke for both of them, "I think we are most safe in your hands and whatever craft you have designed." Not as if he would fly into a vessel that was likely to blow up with himself in it after all.

"You give me too much credit, I had no hand in the design of this craft short of giving the approval to build the prototype. I have however come to like the design and its possibilities." Evast replied as he lead them up the wide boarding ramp in the side of the craft that could be equally useful for cargo or troop deployment. The interior was rather spartan but there were rows of back to back seating along the main holds centreline equipped with combat restraints and the cockpit had space for 4, pilot, co-pilot and two generic consoles that could be adapted to many uses. Evast took the pilots seat and fired up the engines as he prepped the ship for orbital decent.

Evast spoke about a few of the development points of the transport as they made the journey into orbit but eventually they cam in sight of the two drydock facilities Evast had mentioned. In the latice framework of one sat a Venator class Star Destroyer undergoing repairs while the second sat empty, it was the second one that Evast set their course for intending to give Gra'tua a close visual inspection of the docks exterior.

"They look well enough, what would it cost to upgrade them to current day standards?"

"Most of the work would be based in the facilities command centres and material storage bays. the computer systems in particular need an overhaul and some of the bays could do with extensive redesign to better make us of the space in them and their access points." Evast said as a maintenance tug drifted past them at a slow speed. "Estimated costs are around 420,000 credits."

Lena was observing quietly and spoke up now, "And how much for the drydocks themselves?"

"I would need to check with our accounts division for the final number but i believe we could part with them for as little as seven million credits." Evast replied confidently.

She blinked. "For both of them? Or 7 million each?"

"Each of course."

She nodded, "Merely making sure, forgive me if I what I say next is a insult but haggling has always been the cornerstone of good business where I am from." She smiled, "Seeing as they need upgrades, perhaps we could convince you to lower the price for your drydocks to 6.2 million credits each, with the 420 thousand credits on top for a total sum of 12.82 million credits?"

"There are processing fees involved with the sale of such assets as I'm sure you're aware, approvals required, taxes to be paid and a number of other small miscellaneous costs that have a tendency to add up fast, I may be able to come down to a total of thirteen million credits." Evast replied

Lena nodded slowly, "Well we would, if possible, while the legal documents are signed and transferred in the name of alor Gra'tua here, also have our ships be serviced and repaired for battle damages we have sustained while were travelling together, which would add another millions, so I, we are prepared, as I said, if that arrangement is possible, to offer 13.4 million credits."

"I'm afraid your repair costs will need to be factored through the regular channels." Evast said, "Including them as part of the sale of company assets would obviously cause no end of accountancy headaches you understand."

"Fourteen million credits it is." Gra'tua said slowly after hearing Lena and Evast talk back and forth. "Shall we return to set up the documents and sign?"

"Very well," Evast said as he set the transports course back to Mandalore, "Once we land I can contact our accountants and have them draw up the necessary paperwork to be signed." he added.

The return journey was uneventful and several hours later both sith had walked out of the corporate headquarters of Mandalmoters, the papers had been signed and the two drydocks now belonged to clan Gra'tua. As they boarded his craft and both sat down in their seats he finally spoke up, "Are you certain you want me to own both large shipyards?"

Lena shrugged and nodded, "It works better this way for me, trust me." She smiled, "So what is next?"

He frowned, "My ship will be stuck here for repairs but Azazel needs me, last she reported she went to Korriban, to Andrea apparently there was some threat. Something about a invasion of Korriban."

She rose up her eyebrows in surprise. "A invasion? Well that does sound serious. I assume you were thinking of taking one of your other ships, I do not know about their speed but my ship only requires repairs I can do myself at some point, if you need a ride then my Shadow's Regret can take us to Korriban whenever you are ready."

"Hmm, that might be better actually, your ship has hypercomm abilities to stay in touch with my people back here... and with Azazel and Andrea." He nodded, "Very well I accept your offer, let me get some of my inner circle and we'll leave for Korriban together."

Return of the Force 2.

Sarka System,
Asteroid Field Exploration Force

"All I am saying is, if the Coruscant Sharks had won their first game ike they should have then their season wouldn't have gone as disastriously as it did now." Kiyla was saying over the comms.

There was a burst of static and then Vette's voice came over. "You still aren't going to get your credits back, told you it was wrong to bet on that kind of end score."

"Hey at least I am a loyal fan." Kiyla said and huffed. She blinked as some of her crew reported to her and nods, "We are about to leave hyperspace I hear, better strap in, hope it doesn't come to combat but you never know." Vette acknowledge and Kiyla rested comfortably back in her command seat. "Let's see what happens..."

As the hyperspace tunnel collapsed and the starlines receded to plain pinpricks of light the Free Trade Gambits sensors registered alot of rock floating about in front of them, expected considering they were headed for an asteroid field. sensors however registered little beyond the rocks from their present location at the edge of the field.

As the sensors scans back Kiyla grinned, "Don't be fooled according to our information there should be a pirate base around these parts, keep scanning, like for energy signatures, anything that might indicate a presence of their base or that carrier of theirs."

Gaarwarr's voice came over the comms. <"That does not mean we should not be cautious.">

Kiyla chuckled, "Of course, we will remain cautious my friend. No need to worry, now then let's find some pirates."

As the vessels slowly move into the field the sensors still return nothing but asteroid signatures.

"Well guess that was to be expected, take us in and when you do see nthe pirate base, hail them, let's see if they are the talking kind or the marauding type." Kiyla said while tossing her lekku over her shoulder.

When the ships moved deeper into the field sensors on the Gambit finally registered the pirate base located just where the smuggler had said it would be, it appeared to be unguarded as the vessels approached, with the exception of a few laser and turbolaser batteries built into the structure. there was no response to the hails, other than the sensors registering the defense batteries acquiring target locks on the gambit. they did not fire however.

She tapped the communications officer on the shoulder and spoke directly into the receiver herself, "Hello there, look we know you are out there and we know you are pirates. We just want to talk, not looking for a fight, so please pick up the phone because I rather not resort to shooting y'all. This thing is working, right?" The communications officer shrugged and nodded.

A somewhat timid voice comes back over the comms from the asteroid base. "Ahhhh... the Boss isn't here right now... could you come back later..." The line goes quiet for a moment though the comms officer notes they are still receiving. a barely audible question from someone else filters through the comms before the first voice is heard again. "... shutup you idiot i don't want to die here...."

Kiyla stifled a chuckle and grinned, "Oh don't worry I can wait." She drums her fingers on the console. "Soooo.... good living out here?"

"We're on a rock in the middle of nowhere what do you think.... who are you anyway?" Another voice replied, this one far from timid.

"Kiyla Serai, captain of the Free Trade gambit, part of the Kahleesi corperation, came here with a offer for you boys actually."

"Offer... what offer... why would you offer us anything..." The not timid voice said

At that point the sensor officer apparently woke up to the beeping of his console and reported the starbolt class carrier they had been told about was approaching, preceded by twenty four Z-95 headhunter starfighters that were closing rapidly.

She turned to the sensor officer and nodded her thanks, "Well boys would love to say that, if you would be so kind to tell your returning boss we just want to parlay, but if we any hostile intent I will have to open fire, also launching fighters, just as a precaution, seeing as there are two squadrons of yours out there already, we will launch two as well." She turned and ordered two squadrons of interceptors to be launched.

The two Z-95 squadrons did a close flyby of the Gambits bridge tower each splitting off to a different side before they went right into the tower itself. With the gambit also launching fighters the defence batteries on the asteroid started fracking those at they launched and the Z-95's swung around and headed back towards their parent vessel which was still closing. That no one had opened fire yet was likely just shy of a miracle.

Instead the comms officer reported the base had cut transmission to them and was instead talking to the Starbolt.

Kiyla blinked, looking at the headhunters, "Huh, they can fly, give them that. If they are talking then let them talk, we can wait till we are contacted." She stretched, "Anyone have a deck of cards?"

After a few moments the comms officer reports that the starbolt is hailing and then puts it through without waiting to be told. the image of a rather tall man in his later years with a flamboyant wide brimmed black hat with a long black feather in it and long black locks of hair peeking out from under it. "Well you haven't started shooting my dimwitted lackies... much as Id like to myself from time to time... You've bought yourself my curiosity, miss Kilya was it?" the man said in a eloquent yet rough tone.

She bowed, "Kiyla but most people get that wrong, so don't worry about it." She smiled and gestured outside her viewport to the base and carrier. "Got yourself a nice operation here, have to admit that. I came here on behalf of my boss, Neia Kahleesi, who has brought a offer, would like to ask a question beforehand though, is a pirate's life a good thing for you out here? Gathered from some of your associates on the station, no names, that they might not like sitting on a rock in the middle of nowhere."

"Hardly the middle of nowhere missy, plenty of trade traffic in nearby systems to plunder, the feild makes it tricky to detect our little hidy hole." The man said as his hand strayed to the hilt of a vibroblade at his waist. "Which brings up the question of how you found this place and why you are here at all."

She noticed the way he reached for blade but showed no emotion at that gesture. "My boss has a lot of friends, take that as you will. She has received some information about this field, along with your presence here, from some of those friends." She spread her hands. "Cards on the table, my boss is made aware of potentially resource rich asteroid fields here and wishes to establish some mines, now she would not want to have them raided by pirates. So she wishes to make a simple offer, she would like to stake the mineral claim on this field and start surveys to look for potential mining sites and then, if you are interested, hire you into her organisation, which includes several nice perks, including of which a safe haven in the Kwenn System, the Nova Retreat." She paused, letting that sink in.

"Or, if you have a desire to remain independent, ignore her vessels and potential mines, I imagine if word gets out of 'gold' near this system a gold rush takes place and your earnings only increase from your trade." Again she paused, "Questions?"

"I certainly have no interest in being someone elses lacky." He said with a snear. "And a gold rush would mean more people poking around which would make this field far from a secure hiding place. So no I'm afraid I shall have to acquiesce to your request." He said with a grin and a small flourish "I have a counteroffer for you though. Your boss gives us 75% of the profits from these mines and we'll happily look the other way."

Kiyla frowned, "Ah, I see. Plan B it is." At those words the crew went into action and power went to weapon and shields, the hypermatter reactor flaring bright on any sensor, as well as the planetary ion cannon as the gambit was brought to aim the giant ion cannon straight at the pirate carrier. "All channels broadcast please." Kiyla asked and when she got the nod that was going on she looked directly at the pirate boss but her words were meant for all. "I have a planetary ion cannon mounted on this ship directly pointed at you, to those who said before they had no desire to die here, do not get involved and power down your weapons. Those that do wish to fight, well don't say I didn't warn you about the ion cannon." She hoped that the 'lackeys' aboard the station would stay out of this fight and if this boss could be neutralized something could be salvaged of her offer still.

Meanwhile all squadrons were being launched, not only from the Free Trade Gambit but from the Wroshyr's song. "Gunnery crews, fire any and all ion weapons when ready at the carrier."

The image of the pirate scowled as his similarly ordered his crew to open fire, not placing any restrictions on what weapons were fired however before he addressed Kiyla again. “You have made an enemy today.” then he promptly cut the transmission.

At that point eh sensor officer registered a barrage of four heavy ship to ship grade concussion missiles heading for the Free Trade Gambit from the aft right quarter. Their launch point appeared to be a missile frigate used by the trade federation, of the Lupus class.

The Gambit opened fire at roughly the same time as the pirate carrier did, most of its ion batteries apparently had slow reaction times and were not yet on target when the order to fire came down the line, as a result most of their shots, at least of the ones that fired missed their target. The re-purposed planetary model ion cannon on the other hand hit its mark, if barely. The bolt grazed the right side of the pirate carrier and sent a number of systems into disarray as the ionic energy played havoc with the power systems including those to the engines which send the ship into an impromptu clockwise spin as engines misfired. Few of its barrage of weapons fire penetrated the Gambits shields however which held steady under the suddenly half strength barrage. The four heavy concussion missiles launched from the Lupus on the other hand shot true, impacting on the aft sheilds of the Gambit and making a noticeable drain on that section of shielding.

She shrugged at where the hologram of the pirate boss was, "Well so that was diplomacy, huh ok."

Vette's dry voice came over the comms. "Perhaps the Republic and CIS should use you as a official negotiator and end the clone war."

"Nah they can't afford me, right keep firing with the ion cannons, boarding parties report to your ships, Gaarwarr, go and engage the enemy Lupus frigate. Vette, you and the interceptors engage the headhunters, unless they are standing down or fleeing. Has the pirate base opened fire? They haven't? Good, but keep a eye on them. All starfighters use your ion cannons for strafing runs on the cruiser, I want it completely disabled."

The vultures clashed with the Z-95's and while overwhelming numbers were on their side a few still took hits, their sturdy construction and armour plating taking the brunt of those hits while Vette in the passing shadow took a few hits on the initial pass as she lead the way 2 of the retractable lasers were hit and the retraction mechanism fried along with some damage to the S-foil systems.

The Eagle Starfighters swooped in the like the birds of prey they were named for and their ion cannons tore into the Starbolt carrier disabling more systems as they made their run, their armour and shields holding up to the scattered laser battery fire that raked the squadrons as they passed.

The Lupus and the Wroshyr Song on the other hand were locked in a tight engagement as each fought to damage the other. The Lupus however was having difficulties bringing its primary firepower to bare on the Wroshyr Song. Gaarwarr on the other hand had no such difficulties in bringing his ships ion weapons around to rain down on the lupus and in fairly short order the only functioning system on the lupus was the life support.

The Gambits ion fire was more organised now and the batteries fired on target bringing the majority of the carriers systems offline as well even as the planetary ion cannon failed to discharge as it took its time to recharge its coils.

Kiyla tapped her cheek, "So... all enemy targets disabled? The pirate base hasn't open fire still?" She recieved confirmation on that and nodded. "Ok, have ion cannons remain firing to keep enemy vessels disabled, launch the assault boats with the boarding parties and contact the asteroid base, I want to know where their loyalties lie."

Before the Communications officer could comply the small base opened fire with all guns... though not on the Gambit as might be expected, instead they fired on the Starbolt, their turbolaser and laser batteries while unlikely to harm the vessel under normal conditions ripped into the disabled vessel laying waste to vast swaths of its surface from the fore to the aft before a lucky shot hit the primary reactor, setting off secondary explosions that swiftly consumed the ship.

"Well... I guess I was not the only enemy he had in this system, contact the asteroid base still and ask them to kindly power down their vessels, what is the status of the Lupus frigate?"

The Lupus frigate she was told was under control and still disabled, "Very well, send the boarding parties to the Lupus frigate then, inform HK-51 he can only kill if they don't surrender, and if he somehow doubts they do, he is to refer to the organic boarding party members, if they say they surrender then he can't shoot them. I won't have that assassin droid act on its violent nature when combat can be avoided."

The base powered down its weapons at the 'request' from the Gambit, they'd taken the opportunity to rid themselves of their boss but they had no intention of trying to replace their boss. The sensors officer confirmed that the defence batteries were powered down and that the main hanger had been opened, though it was only large enough to house one or two shuttles.

"Well I think that is as good as it gets as a invitation to get aboard. Recall the squadrons and inform Vette to pick up some Twi'lek Courtesans and get aboard the station to investigate." Vette acknowledged, a little bit bummed her precious vessel, often home, had gotten damage but she complied.

A report came from a dissapointed HK-51 that the crew aboard the lupus frigate had quickly surrendered and seemed to have no objections to serve Neia Kahleesi when asked, Vette also had a interesting tale. Upon boarding the asteroid base they were welcomed by the only crew, the two pirates they had been talking to over the comms, apparently their pirate boss did not treat them so well and seeing a opportunity they decided to open fire to get rid off him. They were willing to join but not on this rock in the middle of nowhere so Kiyla arranged for them to travel back to the Nova retreat with them and they could be given some tasks of the general workings of Neia's homebase. Kiyla was grinning as she headed to the hypercomms station to inform Neia of the good news.

---

Nova Retreat.
Training Chambers.

Exhale, and squeeze. Those three words are what she still remembers to this day since Jantor helped her improve her use with a blaster and she still used them herself to calm down when under fire, now however it was mostly to relax and hope that if she hit that the blaster bolts would impact upon her targets legs. Because she was for a training round shooting at own of her own people, the Zygerrian Kalira. She fired three blasts and then watched anxiously. The shield flared to life and both Neia and Kalira let out a whoop, grinning Neia holstered her blaster. "I think you finally got it."

Kalira smirked, pleased with herself, "Yeah I admit I kinda guessed wrong before when the shield recharges between shots but now I got it, this should make me less prone to get dropped that easily by a lucky or stray blasterbolt."

Smiling Neia nodded, "Quite, want to practice your shooting on me as a moving target now? With my shield on of cou-" She blinked as a buzzing interrupted her and she looked at her comm bracelet and turned it on, the face of one of her people in the control center of the station replied, giving her a short mission summary from Kiyla who had contacted the station. "The pirates she decided to eliminate, their carrier was destroyed, more details on that upon her return, and a asteroid warehouse and lupus missile frigate were taken from the pirates. She has assigned Gaarwarr and the Worshyr Song to remain behind and guard the field."

Neia smiled and nodded to herself, "Contact her if you can and relay my thanks to her, I will be looking forward to talk to her more in-depth about what has transpired with those pirates." The operator confirmed she would and Neia grinned, telling Kalira what had just transpired.

Kalira just grinned, "Remind me that I ask that walking ball of fur that he should get a shower when he returns." Sharing a short laugh they continued their training.

Return of the Force 2.

_________________________
Kwenn System,
Nova Retreat.
_________________________

"Alarmed observation: Are you certain how to use that spanner!?" The voice of HK-51 seemed somewhat nervous, perhaps even afraid. As Neia walked into the repair bay and leaned against the door threshold, seeing HK-51 prepped up on a workbench with Mochi working on his leg while Maaike had hooked some cables to his chest, tapping away rapidly on her personal computer. "Querry: Maaike Hanu, what are you doing, I feel strange. Clarification: I feel as if my optical sensors are 23.67% better than before."

Maaike let out a snort, "That is because I am uploading a new targeting program for you, which should improve your abilities significantly, you will be able to shoot even better than before." She frowned and shook her head, "I seem unable to delete your assassin pro-"

HK-51 moved so fast that Neia almost didn't register it as the assassin droid kicked Mochi away and then suddenly had one of his robotic hands wrapped around Maaike's neck, glaring into her eyes with his glowing photo-receptors. "Undisguised threat: If you tamper with my assassin protocols in any way or attempt to delete them, I will be forced to end your pitiful meatbag existence."

Neia decided to announce herself, stepping into the room and coughed, her hand on her blaster. "HK, let Maaike go, she was only trying to help you." The droid did not move and she pulled her blaster out. "HK-51, I said let her go. Or I will shoot you, Maaike was only, understandably so, worried that your assassin protocols might cause us troubles if say, the Republic scan you and detect the programming. Assassin droids are illegal in Republic space as you may recall."

HK-51 slowly turned his head but did not let go. "Curious observation: We are not in Republic space, this station is located within Hutt borders. The meatbag slugs at least appreciate fine quality assassin droids."

Sighing Neia patted her blaster against her leg and then slowly, showing HK what she was doing put the blaster back in her holster. "Yes we are, but I am going to send you, along with some others, to the Sarka system, which is located in Republic space, Maaike knew about this and just wanted to make sure there would be no troubles in case of a surprise republic scan if they come in contact with you, that is all."

HK-51 did not move for a while and then finally, almost seeming reluctant to do it, though it was hard to tell with a droid, let go of Maaike's neck who cursed as she took in deep breaths and staggered away from the droid. Mochi meanwhile had gotten up and with trembling hands placed his spanner back in his tool kit. "Well, your leg was successfully re-attached, I guess." He mutters and tidies up the workbench. The assassin droid meanwhile remained silent and then marched out of the room past Neia without as much sparing her a glance.

Once she was certain he was gone she turned back to Maaike and looked at her questioningly. "Ok what was that about, because I was making that up. Maaike? Why were you trying to tamper with his assassin protocols."

The Zabrak slicer was rubbing her sore throat and shrugged looking anywhere but Neia, after a while she let out a groan and looked at the floor. "Just thought it might be smart to look at those protocols and see if I could figure out if they could be altered or removed entirely. How was I supposed to know that he would react that way!" She went through her things and came out with a bottle of water taking some much needed gulps.

Neia meanwhile looked in the direction HK-51 had gone. "I think he sees those protocols as part of his identity, how would you react if someone made a off-hand comment about wiping away part of who and what you are?" Neia kept looking at Maaike who instead of replying looked away, seemingly embarrassed by it all. Shaking her head Neia left the room, now she felt like she needed to watch Maaike and HK-51 so those two wouldn't be trying to kill each other or something.

As she went out the two Dwarf Vornskr reared up their head and got on their feet, padding after her as she walked through the corridors of her station, pausing occasionally to make a chat with some of her people performing the various tasks and duties around her station. Eventually she made her way to the conference, walking in she saw Kiyla leaning back in one of the chairs with her feet propped up on the table while Gaarwarr and Vette were talking quietly, upon her entry their attention turned to her. Bahn and Ginna stopped on each side of Neia and she briefly scratched both of them behind the ears. "Thank you for coming, sorry to get you into service so soon after you got yourself out of the medical bay but I thought you might be getting a little crazy sitting still for so long."

The Twi'lek operative shrugged and grinned. "Well if you do have a mission then you won't hear me complain." She went to one of the seats and like Kiyla propped her feet on the table, placing her hands behind her head and looking hopeful.

She walked to the table and accessed some controls, a hologram of the galaxy came alive, she gestured and they zoomed in, showing her station. "The Nova Retreat, located in the Kwenn System." She smiled and zoomed out and then made a connecting line to another system a few grids over and zoomed in. "The Sarka system, the defiler, Zann's man, gave me information of a potentially rich asteroid field with all kinds of resources, potentially the presence of precious Nova rubies. The problem is that pirates, reportedly a small number are operating in the field in question." She sighed next and pinched her nose, "I asked various assets and contacts of mine to find any information about them. My spies and explorers knew nothing... my contacts on the trade routes and various spacer cantinas in and around the region... well they couldn't report anything because either they are dead or in prison. My smugglers however, well one of them came forward with some interesting information."

She retrieved a data crystal and slotted it in placed on the table, the view changed from the Sarka system to a part of the asteroid field, a green circle around one specific asteroid. "He apparently delivered some goods to the pirates in question, he didn't say what and I didn't ask but he did provide us with the location of their asteroid base. As well as information of what the pirates have, a Starbolt-class Assault Carrier with a, at least at the time when he delivered the goods, a full fighter compliment." She let that sink in and then continued. "It might be considered to some as 'overkill' because I want to send the Free Trade Gambit, Wroshyr Song and you Vette, also HK-51 will be coming along. I prefer you to reach a deal or otherwise negotiate with these pirates but if that is not a option, then you are to take them out and stake a claim on the asteroid field for my business ventures."

Kiyla brushed her lekku over her shoulder, frowning. "I don't get to fire my big gun? Aww."

She couldn't help but chuckle, shaking her head. "Sorry, Vette will be in overall charge, at least at first, I am hoping that she and Gaarwarr can use diplomacy to settle the matter, if that leads nowhere however, then you are in command and are allowed to go aggressively, try to capture the base and ship if it leads to that. That is why HK-51 will be along, he is a assassin droid so he can hunt like no other."

The wookiee grumbled, <"I hope it does not come to that.">

She smiled ruefully. "Neither do I, but if there is no other option then those pirates need to be cleared out, one way or another. You have to agree we would be doing the surrounding space a favour by removing a pirate threat."

The Wookiee jedi leaned forward, staring directly at Neia, speaking slowly, <"Perhaps, but we are doing it so you can stake a claim to a potentially resource rich asteroid field, so for our own gain. Be careful of the path you undertake Neia.">

The Twi'leks had goen quiet and looked at each other with expressions that Neia found difficult to read, she herself was also a bit shocked and surprised and after a moment snapped out of it, frowning as she looked at jedi. "I am aware Gaarwarr, will this mean this assignment is a problem for you to undertake?" The wookiee shook his head still looking thoughtfully at Neia, a bit unnerved by the jedi's stare she looked away and hashed out the final details before concluding the meeting and dismissing them all, she herself heading out quickly to get away from, to her eyes, accusing look of the Wookiee jedi.

She went to the cantina for a drink, that is where two hours later her twin sister found her, elbows over the bar and raising her empty glass, speaking in slurred words for another drink. Her sister stepped forwards and placed her hand over the glass and shook her head at the bartender. "She's had enough."

"Heyyy.... I ssay when I, when I... have had enough, not yyou." Neia replied with a whine. "And I sayyy, yes I say, I want 'nother drink. Yess I do." She pouts and looks at her empty glass, sniffling.

Maia was looking worried as she took the seat next to her sister, wrapping a arm around her shoulders. "Ok, spill it, what is going on. You are definitely not yourself lately, you've been drinking a lot more than you usually do. People are starting to notice and are getting worried, including me."

Neia whined and buried her head in her arms on the bar, "Don wanna talk about it." She muttered. Her twin sister looked down her and with a sigh rolled her eyes before grabbing one of her sister's tentacles and gave it a quick yank. She let out a loud yelp of pain and reared her head back, looking angrily at her sister now, "Was that for!"

"Good, now that I have your attention." Her sister looked grim and serious, clearly not taking no for a answer. "You are going to tell me what's wrong or I will keep yanking your tentacles like when we were kids and this time you can't run to mom and dad, now start talking dammit, I am trying to be supportive and help you because you are clearly in a funk for some reason."

She whimpered and traced over her head, soothing the pain an d looked away, when she looked back Maia was still there, glaring at her. With a whine she rested her head back on her arms on the bar and sighed. "Fineee.... it's... I feel so judged lately..." She bit her lip and whimpered. "I had those people executed in cold blood... they wanted to blow up the station but I could have just let them go, instead I told my people to kill them. I am looking at myself in the mirror lately and I don't recognize me anymore... have I become cold? Heartless? Am I just another cruel business person in Hutt space not caring about who I hurt or drive out to earn a buck?" She whimpered and bit her lip.

Rolling her eyes Maia poked her sisters cheek. "You are not, ok you have had to make some tough decisions lately, anyone in your position has to make some of those eventually. But you did it to protect those in your employ, your friend, your family. That does not make you cruel or heartless. That makes you one of the few who got what it takes to make a tough decision for the greater whole to protect our little community. You are just only realizing that now I am guessing, so all I can say is. Tough, deal with it, the tough decisions won't go away and what will you do? Abandon it all or muddle through this and come back with your head held high because you will know that, despite making a difficult decision, you did what you had to do, to protect all of us."

Blinking she shook her head and looked at her sister oddly. "Since when did you become the reasonable one..." She muttered at which Maia just let out a snort of amusement. Neia smiled and nodded. "Yeah... ok, thanks Maia, you made things a whole lot clearer." She smiled at her sister, who smiled back and didn't break eye contact, after a while Neia's smile faltered and she sighed. "I'm still not allowed to get another drink, am I?"

Chuckling Maia got up and tugged at her sisters arm to also get up. "Nope, going to take you to your quarters so you can take a shower and then straight to bed and sleep it off, come on then." With a last whine Neia allowed herself to be hoisted off and dragged off to her chambers to sleep it off and see what the morning brings.

Return of the Force 2.

A loyal subject of Darth Lena,
Ko'Chul on the Night Owl, heading home.

Finishing placing in the hyperspace coordinates to return home Ko'Chul sagged back in her chair in silence as the consoles whirred and beeped for a moment as the coordiantes were acknowledged and laid in, there were no threats in the system so she could relax and let the autopilot do most of the work. She got up and moved out of the cockpit of her vessel deeper withing the folds of the ship. Her mind going over the details of what happened these past few days as she walked.

She and her team had left from the facilities on the Phindar moon, heading to Thyferra to foil a republic plot to sabotage the bacta shipments that were meant for some people in the CIS leadership who desperately needed them, possibly including the confidant Lena had in the CIS leadership inner circle. It had been a uneventful journey she and her team of Noghri had manged to reach the system without any trouble on the way and once making planetside quietly went to work trying to find out if the Republic strike team was already present or if they were not, when they were due to arrive and how to neutralize them without making a global spectacle of it noticed by everyone.

They were quick to discover that not only was the republic force already present but they found out where and went to confront them, hoping to ambush them with the element of surprise on their side. She broke her chain of thought as she went into the cargohold and looked over the only contents present. They were embalmed and secured for transport, the five Noghri Assassins who had gone in first had found out that the Republic were not as easy to surprise and had paid the price as the Republic strike team struck them hard in retaliation.

She bend down and removed the shroud from one of the corpses, revealing the upper body of one of the dead Noghri. Moving closer she sniffed him and let out a soft growl and then sighed, pulling the shroud back up. She had not much of a personal life in the service of lady Lena but she had been able to do so for brief periods when she was allowed to return home. During one of those periods she had found a mate and deliver offspring, seeing one of them dead like this... was disheartening but she took strength in that when several of their clan were killed she and those that remained took action. Tracking and hunting the Republic down with minimal exposure to the public or authorities, eliminating them all in retaliation.

Of course minimal exposure was not completely covert and the local authorities came to the scene, she had been given explicit orders by Lena to not engage them or flee the scene as if they were criminals. Instead they had faced them and told the truth, that they had been informed of a sabotage attempt of Bacta for the CIS and had come to stop it. According to the investigation that followed, especially from the building the strike team had been based where several plans and explosives had been found that proved their intent here was not to purchase bacta like most sentients. But there was no proof that they were from the republic, the local government and bacta merchants who would have been the target of the sabotage were grateful however and they had handed the deed of a working chemical plant on Thyferra, some fees had to be transferred, in fact most of the reward for foiling the plot had to be paid to official but there was still 150'000 credits left, along with the deed to a chemical plant.

She left the cargohold and went to the quarters and looked over the other commandos, they had some minor injuries but they were alive at least. They greeted her quietly and went about what they were doing, recovering, resting, two of them were sparring lightly. She returned to the cockpit and settled back in her chair, going over the controls, satisfied they were still on course. She looked out for a few more moments before she just leaned back and started to remember happier times, her mate... her offspring... he eldest son, so strong, so loyal to the clan and lady Lena... died in service to her, but still it hurt. Slowly at first but steadily she began to sing as the stars became stripes as they entered hyperspace.

Return of the Force 2.

Kwenn System,
Nova Retreat.

Neia Kahleesi was now fully realizing what it meant to be in control of a small business empire, she looked at the reports of incomes and wages for the various facilities she had, but right now she was looking sadly at a report about her public transport surfaces on the moon. Apparently a little girl had fallen on the tracks, she had survived but needed extensive surgeries to ever walk again. She of course paid the hospital bills required to do so and asked for engineers to review the safety measures and rules for the public transport network to prevent such tragedies of happening again.

"I feel like a bureaucrat now." She muttered to herself as she pinched the bridge of her nose with a soft sigh. She looked up as the door to her office opened and in came Jantor. "Is there a problem? Please tell me there is a problem I need a excuse to get away from these reports monthly production schedules and whatever these financial entries are called."

The Kel Dor let out a chuckle, "No can do Neia, my apologies, just came to report that the Defiler is due to arrive tomorrow."

She frowned and then remembered. "Ah, thank you. I will be glad when that container with its volatile contents is out of my hands. Is the vault still secure?" Jantor nodded and she let out a sigh of relief. "Keep your security measures in place please, I won't be able to rest easy until we hand what we have to the Defiler. Then things can get back to normal."

Jantor snorts, "As if things were ever normal to begin with." Chuckling he walked out, leaving Neia to the nightmares of administration.

---

Elsewhere on the Nova Retreat...
_________________________________

At several points of entrance to the station for the public, mostly these were used by visitors coming for either the casinos, the cantina or its repair facilities, but now a undisclosed number of groups infiltrated the station for their own nefarious purposes. They had been send here by their employer who had gone to great lengths to recover data from his destroyed security droids but had managed to obtain enough images of one Neia Kahleesi and find out about her whereabouts.

Now they were here and they had come with a specific task, but first they had to go through security and all were tense for a moment but relaxed as they were allowed through, the concealed weaponry and tools of their trade were not discovered.

They noticed a quite visible presence of security however, the groups had made contact with each other in the casino floor and now a plan of approach had been made. Some of the groups moved to exits that would lead them deeper inside the station but waited since security was present. But that is what one of the other groups was for.

They moved to some of the casino tables and started playing and then suddenly one slammed his fist down on the card table and pointed accusingly at the dealer. "This game is rigged! A bunch of cheating sleemos work this casino I want my credits back!" At that points the others of his group at the same table also began with accusations in the hopes of creating enough of a diversion and chaos for the other groups to get to work.

At first it seemed to work, they group acting the angry gamblers who believed they were cheated drew all eyes on them and Neia's security at the casino was moving towards the table to see what the commotion was all about since other people were also starting to interfere. The exits the other infiltrator groups were heading to were being vacated by security.

Seeing their opportunity they started heading for the exits, eager to get deeper inside the station, but then the great advantage, stealth, was spoiled by a Twi'lek courtesan who had been moving away but suddenly turned around and saw a group of people trying to head into a section that was off-limits to visitors and called out to them.

The reaction of the group detected was fast however, one of them suddenly pulling otu a holdout blaster from the folds of his clothes and snapped off a shot at the courtesan before she even realized what was going on. But she somehow was able to bring up her energy shield to deflect the blast just in time and shout out a alarm that there was trouble.

Neia looked in alarm down through the ceiling of her office overlooking the casino floor, something was going on and she was just about to ask a report when a voice came through over the com, Jantor's, "Neia! I have a Courtesan reporting a person or group with concealed weaponry, I'm putting the station on alert." Before she could reply the alarm was heard and a pre-recorded message started playing, informing all guests to remain calm and for their own safety sit or lie down on the ground while station security would apprehend any troublemakers running amok on the station.

The courtesan, and any others of the security facing any of the hostile intruders would attempt to neutralize them with weapons on stun or melee combat.

Station security was alerted but the infiltrators were still acting faster, though with not as much success, security was already gathered some at the casinofloor area were some had started a disturbance and as they drew weapons, Neia's forces did not hesitate and gunned 4 of the 5 individuals down on the casino floor. The fifth letting out a curse and reaching for a backpack.

The courtesan received assistance from other security forces and in the shootout that followed all five infiltrators were gunned down, as it happens by that same courtesan who casually looked at the approaching reinforcements with a look that said 'what took you so long?'

Security also spotted two other suspicious groups and more weapons fire was exchanged one group of Zabrak soldiers were pinned down, blastershots delivering glancing blows to their armour as the infiltrators made sure that they kept their heads down. Two of them firing while three others made to move to the exit to try and salvage something of this sudden turn of events.

The last group was forced to stay down but as they were not able to move they also did not allow security forces to get any closer either.

For supposedly elite trained commando forces these infiltrators were just bumbling about, the sole remaining infiltrator in the middle of the casino floor, took out a device from his backpack. "Now nobody move, or I will detonate thi-" He began but security decided to not give him a chance to continue speaking or detonate anything as he was hit by twelve stun blasts and sagged to the ground.

The other group of infiltrators did not far much better, the ones trying to provide cover fire suddenly realized their ammo packs had not been replaced and were now dry, without them providing cover fire, they and the three trying to slip away were gunned down without mercy.

That left only one group and they were still exchanging fire with local security forces.

At that point, Jantor had arrived on the scene, as well as reinforcements from other points, including the Twi'lek courtesan who had been quite effective earlier.

Seeing they were pinned with a curse one of the infiltrators started rummaging in his own backpack. This whole mission had gone completely fubar and now there was only one option left as he drew out the demolition charge and started priming it.

Jantor looked over the scene, saw that most of it was well in hand and hurried to the last scene were fighting was reported, deciding to take command of the security personal to take down the last of the enemy who had invaded the station.

The infiltrator who was trying to prime a explosive was shot, knocked out cold, the others managed to take down some of the Zabraks that were shooting at them and kill seven. One looked and saw what their team leader had been trying to do and turned to the others. "Mission has gone bust, do as much damage as you can." And reached for the explosives.

Jantor saw what was happening and frowned. "Time to end this, take them out, quickly, blasters and stun grenades if you have them!" He shouted.

They were flushed out of cover when grenades were thrown and without much trouble gunned by Neia's people. And with that, save for the whimpering and shouts of what was going on from the innocent bystanders the situation seemed contained, for the moment.

"I want a full sweep of the station, everyone check in, search these intruders, I want all their personal affects removed and made sure that nothing poses a threat to the station. As for the intruders, have them bound and prepared for transfer to the surface." There were no detention blocks on the Nova Retreat, perhaps that had to change. But there were some on the surface outpost at least.

A moment later Neia approached Jantor looking at the scorch marks of blaster fire and the bodies being dragged away.

"What has happened?" She asked, looking towards Jantor.

The Kel Dor frowned and turned to her. "I have no idea, but I suggest all visitors are to be send away, for their own safety. And that we stay on alert for the time being, at least until we have a chance to question these intruders."

"Agreed." She said, nodding. "Get to the bottom of this Jantor.

"Oh I will." He said, "I promise." With a salute to Neia he followed after the people who were carrying the prisoners on stretchers to the hangars to be taken to the surface.

Thirty minutes later Jantor was on the surface with his prisoners who had awakened and initial questioning had begun. But the prisoners proved to be most stubborn and were not interested in saying anything.

They wouldn't talk it seems, that was unfortunate but Jantor was determined, he questioned them at length, he wanted to know who they were, who send them and what they were send to do at the Nova Retreat.

It took another thirty minutes and one of the infiltrators surprisingly broke under the strain and told Jantor everything, he and the others were send by a black market dealer named Hanris Vaas. Their objectives had been to infiltrate the space station and create chaos, keeping the security on the station and around it off-guard and centered on a threat on the station, so that when the strike cruisers arrived the defenses in the system were not where they were supposed to so they could strike fast and hard.

Reluctantly he also parted with the knowledge that the cruisers were to arrive in about a hour.

Jantor wasted no time heading to a communications terminal to make contact with Neia and informed her of everything. "I think that black market dealer you stole from want his property back. And apparently we have a little less than a hour before his ships arrive."

She took it all in, "What do you suggest?"

Jantor snorted, "Launch all squadrons, gunships, everything we got. Have all ships get into a protective formation around our installations and inform the republic forces that are to secure the shipyard that we might have hostiles arriving and are requesting their assistance."

"It will be done, I let Kiyla and Deliah know and have them ready their ships and get the patrols in." She finished her call with Jantor and did instruct her captains to prepare for a imminent attack while also ordering all squadrons to be launched. She then took a deep breath and contacted the republic forces near her shipyard. "Commander Shayne, I am sorry to disturb you, but as you may have already heard or informed by some of my people, we had some commandos try and sneak aboard my station with some very high-grade explosives. Now we have learned that a fleet might arrive to attack my station and assets as well, I would humbly ask your assistance in this matter."

Commander Shayne appeared thoughtful for a moment, "Yes I heard, I also heard your people took care of them quite thoroughly. But if you require Republic assistance then my ships will be ready to assist, though I must say my chief concern are the ships being constructed in your shipyard."

"I understand commander, I actually hope that when these hostiles arrive and see a small fleet is waiting for them ready and prepared for battle they will back off. Or at least I hope they will."

Tee commander considers this for a moment. "Perhaps, but we shall see. Things hardly go the way one things or hopes it will go." With that she once again assured Neia that her ships would assist her and that she would get combat ready, this would already be good enough as a combat drill exercise for her people.

With a advance warning of what was to come Neia and her people prepared of what was to come, fighter squadrons were launched and her patrol and capital ships were ready for battle. The hour passed and sensors detected three contacts at the edge of the system, heading directly towards the Nova Retreat.

As tiem passed the sensor readings became more clear and the three vessels appeared to be three Munificent-class star frigates were fast approaching but it seemed as their sensors detected the activity of Neia's vessels facing them and a lot of squadrons launched and ready, not to mention a small force of Republic vessels they stopped just beyond the edge of optimum firing range.

And then they... just sat there.

Neia blinked as she got the report, she was in a conference call with her captains and commanders. "So they are just sitting there?"

Kiyla chuckled and nodded. "I think they are scared shitless, they probably expected to find us all scattered and not ready for them like we are. What do you want us to do?"

She thought for a moment and then made a decision. "Contact them, tell them that Neia Kahleesi, wishes to speak to Hanris Vaas or whoever his representative is on those ships." With that said she took a deep breath and waited.

A few moments passed after the message was send and then the hail was accepted and Neia came face to face with a holographic image of a human male in his fifties who looked very unhappy. "You stole from me, I want it back, now. Or I will take it by force."

Neia blinked and then frowned, "Do we know which ship he is broadcasting from?" She received a nod. "Good." She looked at Hanris Vaas and spoke, but not to him. "Kiyla, open fire with your ion cannon at one of his escorts. The big ion cannon."

The Twi'lek captain grinned and nodded. "Sure thing boss, boys. Fire the big gun! Remember to aim first ya dolts!"

Within moment the ship-based planetary ion cannon fired, it was not a true hit but it glanced one of the escorting Munificents and power fluctuations and outright power loss were quickly being reported all over the vessel. Hanris Vaas cursed and turned to Neia, "E chu ta! You are a filthy Emwhulb! I will have your hide for this!"

Neia took a deep breath and stood as tall as she could, staring the black market dealer down. "No you will not. This is what you are going to do, you are going to turn around and leave, go and find a hole to crawl under because you will not have to worry a thing about me. You will have to worry about the Syndicate since your protection is gone. Get out and you might survive, stay and you will die. You have seen one of my big guns, my ships are ready, my squadrons are launched, your commandos failed to destroy anything on my station and the Republic will even protect me. So tell me, do you really want to lose your life over this?"

Hanris growled and he looked quite enraged but let out a tired sigh. "Fine, you win, you Nautolan bitch. I will not forget this... I know where you life... and I know what you hide." With that ominous message he cut the link and a few moments later, once power was restored to the Munificent that had been barely hit by the planetary ion cannon, the three cruisers turned around and headed back to the hyperspace lane they had arrived from to jump away.

Neia let out the breath she was holding and shuddered, "Well... that could have both gone better... or worse. Kiyla, Deliah, send my thanks to Commander Shayne and inform her the situation has been handled and that I thank her for her support." She then turned to Jantor. "As for our guests on the moon... they can have enough credits to get a transport out of the system, we will keep their other belongings but otherwise they are free to go."

"Not sure I agree with that, they wanted to blow up the station, with people on it, they even killed some of our people." Jantor replied slowly.

Neia bit her lip, sighing. She was glad the two jedi were not in this call, Mirelle and Gaarwarr were elsewhere, protecting crucial airlocks against potential boarders. She turned to Jantor, "Understood... execute them, for murder and attempted murder of countless individuals." Jantor just nodded slowly and closed the link. She looked at the others still on the call, some looked shocked but Kiyla, Kalira and Maia looked like they agreed and nodded. "Resume patrols, all squadrons can dock again. We will welcome visitors as well, assuming the cleaning crews are done with the damages done to the casino floor. Oh and once you are all off duty... drinks are on me." This was welcomed with a small cheer and one by one the holograms of her command crew vanished.

Her twin sister Maia was last to go. "You did good sis, it was a hard decision to make but it had to be done." And with that her image flickered and died too, leaving Neia with her own thoughts, her own demons.

---

The next day...
_________________________________

She took a sip from her drink and sighed, stretching her arms while turning to look at some of her circle, at the far end Gaarwarr and Mirelle were seated talking to each other. Both of them had voiced their disagreement with how Neia had handled the prisoners and were taking a distance to her. Jantor however said to give them time, they would see the wisdom in the decision. She shrugged to herself and finished downing her drink.

"Another please." She signed to the Zeltron bartender.

"Heyyy!" Chuckling and laughing Maaike, Deliah and Maia approached her. "Why the sour face?" He sister asked.

She shrugged, "Just thinking, this... 'acquisition' might be more problematic than I thought, if Hanris Vaas decides to try again and get it back... well I don't know what'll happen."

Deliah grinned, "Not to worry boss, patrols are still in place, squadrons are out there, Jantor and Kalira have stepped up security around the station, nothing to worry about."

Neia smiled softly, "Perhaps, still I would prefer to rest my mind at ease when that defiler has finally arrived to take it off me."

Two drinks later she was about to call it a day when someone came running towards her, groaning for a moment she took a deep breath and took the effort to smile. "Yes, what is the problem?" This time. She added in her thoughts.

The station officer handed her a communicator, frowning she put it on and activated it at once Jantor's voice came over. "What have I told you about wearing your communicator at all times?"

She groaned. "That it was non-negotiable... I just wanted to relax for a little Jantor, what's going on."

"There's a man wanting to see you, according to the security team who came across him, between the common visitor areas and the private areas, he says he is here to deliver Tyber's regards in person to you. Apparently when asked to remove his helmet he threatened the security team that they would only be able to try that once and he would be out of here."

She had sobered up a little hearing this, "I see, escort him to my office and let him in, I'll be right there... get some coffee to my office too." She hurriedly said and started fast-walking to her offices.

The sight that greeted neia when she arrived at her office was likely much as she expected. The red armoured man was flanked by two of the courtesan security and looking decidedly out of place. He was apparently unarmed and had been since he had first approached the station security though he carried something of a menacing aura that likely had alot to do with the armour he wore.

She looked at the figure and then walked past him to her desk and grabbed the steaming cup of coffee and took a sip, wincing at the scalding hotness but it helped clear her head more. She turned back to the figure and crossed her arms, sitting on her desk. "I am Neia, Neia Kahleesi... how is Tyber doing? Still suffering from that cold?"

"I'm afraid I do not know of young Tyber's condition, Kahleesi. However, Tyber sends his regards." He was silent for a moment before looking from side to side at the two twi'leks. "If we might speak in private?"

She eyed the visitor for a moment and nodded, "You can go, thank you, report back to Jantor or squad commander." With a nod both courtesans left and she stood up and sat down on her chair, gesturing to the fre one on the other side of the desk. "Can I offer you refreshments...? Or do you, as you stated to my security team, prefer to keep your helmet on?"

The man waved away the offer of a seat, preferring to stand instead. He then took a small electronic transmitter from under the gauntlet on his left arm and pressed one of only two buttons on the device. The camera's in the room were immediately flooded with static and the door locked, the control systems for both randomly changing as they were scrambled by the transmitter. "I suggest you advise your security, who are no doubt panicking right now that you are perfectly safe and that this is simply a privacy measure." He then said calmly as he began removing his helmet. The face revealed was that of a human in their mid forties though he wore his age well and his eyes above all were sharp and clear, indicating age had robbed the man of little so far.

She blinked and frowned, getting flashbacks to Mr Aurek's visit to her station and quickly activated her communicator. "Jantor, this is Neia, apparently my cameras have a problem, but I assure you I am completely safe, my visitor however shares traits with a republic friend of ours."

She heard a grunt from the other side of the line and then Jantor spoke to her. "I see, understood."

"They are assured for the moment, now then. Let's talk business?"

"Business indeed," The defiler said, his voice surprisingly strong and clear even without the helmets modulator. "You have the information secure still? I heard talk of an ... incident before my arrival."

"The vault with the information was never breached and the incident you refer to was handled without any significant trouble or loss of materiel on my end. Hanris Vaas, the black market dealer, apparently wanted his property back but my security managed to get on the case when they made a mistake or two that pointed them out as threats. Then later when he arrived himself with three vessels he found my small fleet ready and waiting. He backed off after a warning shot." She couldn't help but smile a little.

"You did not pursue the dealer?" The Defiler asked with a raised eyebrow?

She nodded, "I did not. Mainly because I feared the loss of material and people under my command, he came with 3 munificent cruisers. Second I feared he might not wanted to be taken alive or die otherwise in a battle that might have followed if I pursued, and then this material, would be worthless for the most part. I believed, if he was blackmailing Syndicate people, that the Syndicate would like him to be alive to now control him since his edge is gone."

"I imagine without his 'edge' as you put it, Vaas will soon find himself the target of many in the Syndicate, perhaps I will pay him a visit myself. after i take the information to Antone." The defiler said almost absently. The 'absentness did not last long however as he then refocused his attention on Neia. "What did you have in mind as payment?"

She blinked and frowned. "What did I have in mind? Well credits are always welcome, I have some big plans as it happens and they need funding, or are you allowed to give me a alternative?"

"I have a certain level of discretion available to me." He replied.

She blinked and pondered for a moment. "Well, as I said, I have big plans, I wish to build a large shipyard in this system since there is not one present already, my current small shipyard is already earning me profits. It is a costly affair but if you could, somehow, assist me in convincing the companies that I would need to contract to build me one to give me a discount, I would be happy with that. The base cost is I believe is 8 million, but I was already considering having a extra slipyard to be build at the same time and such, so any discount would be helpful really."

"The Consortium has rackets with a few construction companies, it is possible some pressure or incentive could be applied. The quality or timely construction of the work could be effected by such methods of course." The Defiler replied after a few moments of silent thought. "A simple credit payment might see more benefits to you."

She frowned in distaste upon hearing that and shook her head after a moment. "Yes, I think that might be best if I get credits instead. Well then, shall we head to the vault first so you can inspect the goods?"

The defiler simple nodded before he replaced his helmet and took up the transmitter again, pressing the second button this time and deactivating the device. The camera's and door remain scrambled for a few brief moments more before their original control systems reasserted themselves.

Jantor came on the comms at once. "Cameras are back, are you alright Neia?"

She smiled at his concern and turned to one of the cameras giving it a nod. "I am fine. We are heading to the vault so my guest can look upon the... well merchandise we have gained." He confirmed and then the call was once again ended. "If you would follow me please?" She asked and left the office, seeing two concerned and wary faces of the courtesans stationed outside but she just nodded and told them it was fine.

A few moments later she and her guest had arrived at the vault and asking for a moment of privacy unlocked it for him and retrieved the cargo canister, carrying it outside and placed it on the ground. "It's all in here."

The defiler knelt down and took out a small hand held scanner which he proceeded to pass over the canister for several moments. the scanner started blinking green and chimed once. "Still unopened I see." he said before standing again. "Antone has had a chance to do some research into the kind of information likely to be contained within since you spoke with Fen, I am authorized to wire you two and three quarter million credits." he said addressing Neia directly.

She nodded, "That will suffice, as well as my reputation in good standing with the Syndicate of course." She said, offering a smile.

"You are in good standing with the Consortium, I cannot speak for the other major powers in the Syndicate." The Defiler replied tersely while he pulled a dataslate from his waist and authorized the credit transfer. "That in mind however, and considering your earlier request, I do have some information about a recent find in an asteroid field near the Sarka system. The field is rumoured to be rich in untapped minerals and some of the more outlandish tales tell of Nova rubies being found there as well. there is unfortunately a small pirate presence in the field that prevents most other from investigating the claims further. These pirates are not affiliated with the Syndicate." He said as he picked up the canister. "You need funds for your next venture, perhapse you might find what you need there. After all you chased off three munificents."

"I see." She said, getting out a pad and noted that information down. "That could be useful, thanks." The pirates she would worry about later, the munificents she only chased off with a combination of bluffing and being prepared for them, but the defiler did not need to know that, assuming he already wasn't aware. "That concludes our business I guess, give my regards to Antone Zann, or to Urai Fenn I suppose depending on who you report to."

"I shall pass it along, with the information here." He said being deliberately vague. "Perhaps we will meet again Kahleesi, though i would not count on it if I were you. Of course stranger things have happened." he added with a slight bow before he turned and started heading back to the docking bay his ship had landed in.

She watched him go and spoke into her comm. "Our guest is leaving Jantor, he is free to go of course... if it hasn't already happened somehow, erase all information of his arrival and departure, there shall be no trace of him in any databank." With that she shook her head and smiles and let out a sigh of relief. "At least that cargo is gone... wonder what the next adventures brings... probably pirates from the sound of it..."

---

Summary:
Dealt with the after-effects of Neia's theft of a black market dealer's warehouse
Traded in the canister filled with blackmail information on Syndicate people for 275 SP and information about a potential rich asteroid field near the Sarka system but with a pirate presence.

Return of the Force 2.

Kwenn System,
Nova Retreat.

She woke up with a headache, groaning as she lifted herself up from the ground. "Statement: Employer meatbag is conscious once more." Frowning she turned and saw HK-51 sitting against a nearby wall, trying to get up she felt another stab of pain in her head and groaned again then blinked. HK-51 had his leg in his hands, then it came back to her, the spider security droids, the warehouse... and then the ambush outside.

"Back among the living I see?" Came Mirelle's voice as she walked towards Neia and sat down. "Sorry you were actually over the stun blast a while ago but decided to let you, Maaike and Vette sleep, especially Vette. She's still hurt but she will make it, some weeks in bacta will set her right again." She gestured to the side where Vette was lying on a bunk, secured with straps so she wouldn't roll off.

Neia nodded, slowly and was relieved to not feel another stab of pain. "Are we still headed for the Nova Retreat?"

Mirelle smiled and shook her head. "No, we have actually just arrived when you came to."

"Right... let HK-51 be taken to Mochi for repairs, Maaike and Vette to the medical bay while you... well help me to my office and we see what we risked our lives for."

Once everything was settled and several people were assured that Neia was fine and that unfortunately the only loss was one of the courtesans Neia found herself in her office with Mirelle, Jantor and Gaarwarr. They had opened the container and found datapads, documents, datafiles... all on Syndicate people in high ranking positions. As soon as she gathered it was about the Syndicate and what kind of information she stopped reading and put it all back into the container. "So... that black market dealer was blackmailing the Syndicate and that is why they weren't bothering him."

Mirelle looked aghast, Jantor looked intrigued and what Gaarwarr was thinking... well wookiees were hard to read. "What are we going to do with it?"

Neia bit her lip. "Well... I think I should contact my... associate in the Syndicate, I think it is best this information is turned over back to them."

Gaarwarr spoke up, <"Perhaps, or perhaps it should be distributed to the Republic or the CIS, or both. These are criminals.">

She nodded and saw Mirelle was about to agree with her fellow jedi but she raised her hand. "True... but the Syndicate is a powerful player, right now the Republic and CIS don't know I have this, if I give it to them well the Syndicate would find out it came from me. And yes they are criminals, but others are doing things that might be considered for the greater god, smugglers delivering food and medical supplies to blockaded worlds. There are other examples, not to mention this station is in Hutt space, Syndicate space and I am offering it as a safe heaven to any Jedi that might come across it." She took a deep breath and looked each person in her office in the eye. "So I am going to contact my syndicate associate, perhaps even Zann himself if he will take my call."

After a shot bit of waiting the call is answered and a scaled face with distinctly avian features appeared on the holo. "Lorda Kahleesi, Gooddé da lodia." The being said in huttese with a slight bow of its head.

Neia nodded in greeting to the holographic image. "Gooddé da lodia, Urai Fen. I hope I am not disturbing anything but I have something for which I felt immediate contact with the Syndicate, with Antone Zann, was required. Is he, or you available for a moment to discuss something?"

"Antone is otherwise engaged at this time," Urai replied switching to galactic basic, "But I have time to discuss with you."

She nodded before gesturing and then lifting up the container. "Tell me, have you been informed about a black market dealer on Syvris who apparently keeps Syndicate influence away from him? Well in here." She placed the container back down in front of her. "I have... well several reasons that enabled him to do so. Blackmail information on several syndicate people of the region where he operates."

Urais brows rose slightly at the mention of Syvris, "I have heard tell of a nussence on Syvris that has frustrated Zann Consortium interests in the region." Urai's head turned slightly as he looked at something outside the field of the holoemmiter. "And how did you come across these, 'reasons'?" Urai then asked after a few moments

Neia shrugged, "Well I went to Syvris to pick up a shipment of Jabiim vegetables and when I found the container it somehow contained this information, now I really have no interest in keeping them, so I was hoping Antone Zann might be interested in getting them off me."

"I am certain Antone would gladly take such information off your hands." Uari replied "What do you propose?"

She smiled, "I can keep the information safe for the moment and I would be happy to hand it over to you or one of Zann's agents who might pass through the system to pick it up. I do imagine handing this in is worth quite a lot to Zann." What he did with the information was up to the Syndicate leader of course.

Urai was quiet for a moment, possibly in thought before he replied. "What it is worth to Antone, only Antone, can say. I can make arrangements for one of the Zann Consortiums Defilers to pay you a visit and retrieve the information within a few days and am authorizing a small advance payment for your troubles, five hundred thousand credits. Once Antone has a chance to determine the information worth perhaps more will be forthcoming."

She nodded and smiled, "That seems acceptable, I will accept whatever Zann is willing to pay his emissary or he himself has gone over the documents to determine their worth. If a password or identification code could be provided when that Defiler arrives, wouldn't want to hand this over to one of Zann's rivals or someone else entirely."

"A wise precaution, the Defiler will use the phrase 'Tyber sends his regards'. On that note, I advise you keep the container sealed, I Believe Antone would value the information more the less people knew about it." Urai replied with what appeared to be something of a grin on his repto-avian features before he signed off.

Neia leaned back in her chair and looked at her people, Gaarwarr and Mirelle didn't look too pleased but she hoped they saw that her reasons for doing this were valid and for the greater good to let these lesser evils be kept from the Republic and CIS. "Well then, best to prepare the arrival for 'Defiler' whatever or whoever that might be."

<"When something called a Defiler comes along I wonder what we should expect and worry."> The Wookiee replied in what everyone in the room had learned to understand was his 'dry' voice. <"I think I will meditate on this and hope that the right decision has indeed be made today, I accept your decision Neia, I do not necessarily agree with it but I accept your judgment in this."> With that he left, Mirelle following after him to meditate together.

That left Neia with Jantor and she sighed, pinching her nose and looked at the Kel-Dor. "Do you think I did the right thing?"

He was silent, seemingly thinking it over. "Time will tell, I know one thing, the sooner that container and its contents are off this station and off our hands the better. Question is, what are you going to do now?"

Neia stood up and sighed, "My body demands sleep... but my mind demands that I practice with a blaster... I was not of any real help in my own opinion... and one of the courtesans died on my watch and I feel I owe her to improve myself."

Jantor stopped her, "It wasn't your fault, people die and from what I heard those security droids were nasty pieces of work."

She smiled and stepped to the side and then walked past Jantor, speaking over her shoulder at him. "I know, thanks. I still owe it to her to improve myself and be better in the future."

Jantor shook his head and watched her go, the nturned to her desk to see the container, sealed again, still sitting on her desk, he activated his comms. "This is Jantor, I want security posted around the clock to every passage leading to Neia's office and some guards in front of her door at all times, not only when she's in it, at all times.... I want it so that not even a republic spook can enter without our knowing... again." He muttered the last part as he received confirmations of his orders.

---

Summary:
Neia and her crew have returned home.

Blackmail information found and promised to Syndicate, down payment of 50 SP received.

Return of the Force 2.

Neia Kahleesi
Syvris System

Piloting the Maiden Neia did the last systems check as she brought the vessel down on a berth on the surface of the moon, turning around she looked at Mirelle standing behind her while she and the other cockpit crew were working at the controls. "Can you tell the others we are about to touch down and prepare to disembark?" The jedi nodded, dressed a little less conspicuous than she would back on the station in the Kwenn system, her sabers hidden under her clothes but easily within reach.

She walked out of the cockpit and headed to the sections where the others were, Maaike was looking over her slicing tools and equipment while the Twi'lek courtesans and HK-51 were checking to make sure their weapons had a full charge pack in them. All of them, save the assassin droid, were looking up as Mirelle approached. "We are about to land according to Neia."

Maaike smiled ruefully and patted her tools before covering them up and placing them in her satchel, securing it to her waist. "Let's hope this will not turn out to be a disaster in the making."

Mirelle frowned when she heard her say that. "Bit of a pessimistic view, I hope you are confident in your skills, because if this warehouse has any security we probably need you to disable them."

Still smiling Maaike shrugged, "Oh I'll manage, one thing I'm wondering about is why you are going along with this? I mean... aren't jedi all... well, not into breaking and entering, theft, all that?"

She rubbed her cheek a bit embarrassed and then looked down on the ground. "Wellll.... from what I understand this man who the warehouse belongs to makes some shady deals on the black market and is on par with the Syndicate if not worse apparently? And it isn't as if the jedi have been paragons of justice lately, we all had to do what we had to do to survive. We aren't stealing from someone who funds charities or something similar and I promised to help out Neia for giving me a home, people I trust... a family. So no I don't have a problem, you?"

Maaike smirked and got up, stretching. "Oh no problem at all, will be like old times."

Meanwhile back at the cockpit Neia was talking to Vette who was following them in her vessel, Passing Shadow, "You found a place to land?"

Vette's holographic image nodded, "I have Neia, I will be joining you and the others shortly on the ground, think this won't be as easy as it looks?"

Neia shook her head, her eyes looking out of the front viewscreen as Syvris's shadowport came into view. "When has it ever been as easy as it looks? No I am expecting trouble of some kind." She smiled and spared a glance at Vette's holographic image. "I rather have my best friend there with me as back-up if things go rather sour."

The Twi'lek operative chuckled and smirked, "Also a bonus that your best friend is also a expert marksman. Anyway I'm cleared for landing, see you on the ground in twenty." With that she signed off, leaving Neia to pilot her ship to her assigned landing spot after which she and the others would meet up with Vette on the ground as promised before making their way to the warehouse.

Following the information given Neia and her people make their way through the streets of the shadowport to a warehouse section, meeting less and less people on the streets as they go. Soon enough the street is abandoned save for themselves and they stop in front of the warehouse belonging to the black market dealer. It appeared currently not occupied and in service. On the right was a large loading dock for ships and speeder transports to deliver and pick up goods, the loading dock doors were sealed naturally of course. On the left was a more common door, probably for the employees, it was locked as well but had a console panel to the side, which seemed to require a keycard of some kind to enter.

Neia looked at the warehouse, she felt some foreboding for some reason and turned to Vette and HK-51. "You two, please circle around the warehouse, look for any sign of occupancy or guards then report back." With a nod both Vette and HK-51 went into separate directions to circle around the warehouse, front to back looking for anything out of the ordinary.

After a number of minutes both report back, HK-51 seems certain no meatbags were inside the premises, Vette als agreed that it seemed the warehouse was empty, besides that her enhanced eyesight had spotted a back entrance to the warehouse, cleverly hidden at the side in a passageway between another warehouse. It also had a console panel but it had appeared older and less maintained than the one at the front.

"Thanks Vette, HK. Let's try that backdoor, from the sound of it that panel is easier to slice into, though I can't speak for that, not the slicing expert here." She turned to Maaike, "You ready to do your specialty?"

With a grin Maaike cracked her fingers. "Love to, give me a moment and I'll see if I can slice that door open or perhaps see what kind of security we can expect." She said, eagerly brandishing her slicing tools as she urged Vette to lead the way and once they had arrived at the backdoor motioned everyone to back off while she went to work with the panel.

While trying to get around the security protocols Maaike accidentally slips her hand and crosses a few wires she shouldn't, freezing in place but it seems, on the surface at least, no alarms were set off, though she had no idea if there were any silent alarms. She murmured that she could keep trying though. With a click the locks of the backdoor were disengaged but she did not open the door yet, turning to Neia. "I can open the door, but I do not know if there is a alarm attached to it, I can keep slicing and see if there is a alarm and shut it off, or just open the door and take our chances, your call."

She bit the bottom of her lip and sighed, "Try to see if there is a alarm system... just... don't set it off while searching for it please." She looked to the others and gestures for them to keep a lookout for anything.

After a while Maaike didn't find anything or she had already disables it and opened the door, closing her eyes and holding her breath, only to release it wit ha sigh and open her eyes when no sirens or anything of the sort were heard. "We have gained entry it seems Neia."

She nodded, hardly relieved, they seemed to be able to get in, but would they come out again. "Vette you take point, HK you are second, me and the commandos will follow up with you Maaike and you Mirelle taking the rear, let's go in and see what there is to see."

What there was to see was a rather dark, dimly lit warehouse, large stacks with crates of all sizes were stocked together, labels here and there of what was what. Searching for one container, a small one at that, would be a rather momentous task. Near some of the stacks were cranes and lifters obviously designed to reach the top shelves and get the crates from there down to the ground.

Vette looked up some of the stacks and the paths between them. "So... how do we find that one specific cargo crate?"

Smiling Neia reached for her datapad with the information that had been given to her by her contacts. "The crate is labelled Jabiim vegetables, spoiled. Probably a false listing to draw away suspicion as for where to find it. Well I imagine, or hope at least, that there might have been consoles near the stacks that contain information about the warehouse contents and with a simple search function can locate it. That or find the main office and look for warehouse manifests of the contents there." She pondered, "Don't want to spread out too far... Ok we split up in teams of five, each of us taking one of the courtesans with us." She nodded to the Twi'leks who had their blaster pistols out and at the ready. "We can cover more ground that way but I want us to keep in constant contact and as soon as a team finds a terminal or the head office, report in and guide us to your location so Maaike can work her slicing magic again."

Once divided they set out in search for a console or anything that might help them to look for the cargo crate.

The only sound were the soft footsteps of the burglars as they wandered around the stacks Mirelle and the courtesan with her almost getting lost in the stacks before they managed to find their way out and bump into Maaike and the courtesan with her. Eventually a sudden transmission burst came over the communicators and it was Vette's voice, announcing they had found the main office or at least what she thought was the main office and described how they got there. HK-51 was about to respond to the meatbag he understood and would make his way there when he suddenly leveled his blaster and aimed at the third row of a nearby stacks, the courtesan following suit. "What?" She asked.

HK-51 was silent for a moment and then came the sound of something scuttling over the crates, getting closer and closer, before it suddenly... stopped. After a pause the sound did not return and the courtesan relaxed a little. "Vermin?"

"Skeptical Remark: Perhaps. Eager Anticipation: Let's hope it is not vermin but something that means us harm so I can kill it." With that he lowered his blaster carbine, somehow ,despite his droid features, one could almost see he was dissapointed he didn't get to shoot anything.

Eventually all the teams were reunited at the main office which was a closed section and once again appeared to need a passkey of some kind to enter.

Without even asking or looking at Neia, Maaike already stepped forwards with a grin to unlock this next puzzle.

The next puzzle appeared to be of a newer generation than the security on the backdoor and Maaike activated a protocol she really shouldn't. The door remained shut, what was more a yellow light next to the door suddenly turned red and a tremor was felt by everyone. Maaike had bigger issues however she saw what was coming and quickly let go of her slicing tools and jumped back, putting distance between herself and the security console as a power surge went through it, ruining her slicing tools, but luckily for her did not shock or harm her in any way thanks to her reflexes.

It was clear however, this time a alarm of some kind was activated, the repercussions of it would soon become clear.

Maaike was cursing but Neia paid no regard to it. "Well there we have it now, no other way but to try and blast that door open I suppose." She gestured to the Twi'lek courtesans to come forward, they were trained in demolitions and grenade use they could probably find a explosive way into the office, without blowing it completely up. "Everyone stay alert, I think we will have company soon." Maaike was grumbling going over her ruined tools with a sigh, she had coem attached to those tools over the years.

No sooner had she said that or her words came true, HK-51 was the first to notice, hearing the same scuttling sound as before and sharply turned around to look at a far section of the stacks they had all come from, sure enough something came into view, making the noise. Vette turned a moment later, just in time to see the first emerge. A droid of some kind, scuttling on six legs though both the photo-receptors of HK-51 and Vette's eyes were drawn on the heavy repeating blaster attached to the underside of the robotic 'spider'. Upon seeing them it blurted out a series of clicks and whistles, which HK-51 could understand as it was a variant of a droid dialect. <"Identify yourself or die.">

Vette kept her eyes on the droid but spoke up, "Neia... company is here and it doesn't look friendly."

She turned away from the courtesans working with demolition charges and widened her eyes at the sight. "Security droid of some kind?" She asked out loud, hoping anyone could confirm that.

HK-51 let out a sound of wonder. "Amused Clarification: It seems to be a security droid, yet it should have fired when it should. It just asked us to identify ourselves or die. Foolish machine, the meatbag who programmed it to protect this place should have it open fire at once when it encounters intruders that are not recognized."

Vette hissed, "Let's not give it ideas."

"Agreed." Neia replied, "HK you could speak to it? Perhaps you can convince it should leave us be and that we are supposed to be here?"

There was no need for that, while the security droid could only speak a droid language it was well capable of understanding galactic basic and when it heard the assassin droid it knew these were intruders and opened fire with it's heavy repeating blaster. But the five blastershots were shot wide and did not hit anything, at the same time as it was shooting it let out a loud screeching sound. Which was answered by several similar sounding screeches all around the warehouse followed by rapidly approaching sounds of scuttling robotic spider legs. Meanwhile the courtesans told Neia it would take at least three minutes to set up the charges properly in the right proportions.

Neia cursed, "Shoot it! You, you and you, keep working on blasting that door open. Everyone else, defensive positions if you can and destroy that droid and any of its friends that are no doubt converging upon us! Activate your shield generators if you've got them!" She finished shouting, opening fire with her blaster along with the others at the first droid.

Neia and HK-51 were reacting faster than the others blasted the security droid apart, HK-51's precision shots doing most of the damage however while Maaike it turns out, discovered her blaster had a dry power pack and needed to replace it, quickly because other spider droids, all armed with repeating blaster cannons scuttled into view from the pathways between the stacks and some on top of the stacks. All in all, eight droids had arrived and were opening fire.

One fired at Neia the blasts impacting on her shield, thankfully being soaked up but seeing as it was a barrage of several blasts the entire shield was completely depleted after the barrage. Maaike managed to duck out of the way as the droid targeting her fired, its shots going wide while she put a new charge pack in her blaster. Two spider droids, who had witnessed HK-51 being the main target for his shots on their fellow security droid opened fire on him. He managed to evade the first barrage but the second hit him full on and actually managed to sever his leg with the blasts. Thankfully HK-51 was a droid and had no fear of bleeding out as he landed on the ground and managed to crawl upright and resume firing if he wished. He was just not as mobile as before and could probably not evade a second barrage.

Mirelle had her lightsabers out and ignited and this prompted two more droids to select her as a target. The first fired and the blasts were aimed perfect, Mirelle however decided to deflect them right back at the droid's power supply and as the blasts hit him there it suffered a rather severe case of being torn apart to pieces as a explosion wracked its spider-like body and it dropped off the stacks, forcing the other droid to quickly step out of the way, foiling it's aim at the jedi.

Another fired at Vette but she rolled out of the way, too nimble for now to allow herself to be hit like that. The last fired at the Twi'lek courtesans but their armour and shields soaked up the hits, for now.

Seeing HK go down Neia shouted to Mirelle, "Go to HK-51 and protect him! Now pick your targets and fire. Vette you and me fire at that one, HK and Maaike, the one over there in the stacks, guards, focus on the one shooting at you all!" Mirelle meanwhile obeyed Neia's command and went to HK, ready to deflect incoming blasterfire, she could use a ranged ability to perhaps inflict damage as well but instead decided to call on the force to instill her friends and comrades with courage and strength as she used the force power valor.

The spider droids quickly scuttled into cover behind cargo crates or stacks of the warehouse, only HK-51 somehow manages to shoot and destroy one. The two Twi'leks firing had somewhat worse luck as their weapons jammed somehow.

The spider droids seemed to have time needed to adjust their aiming as the next barrages all shot wide, the Twi'lek courtesans forced to duck for cover while trying to get their blasters to work again. The last spider droid scuttled over the stacks rapidly and turned its cannon in the direction of Vette and opened fire, emptying the charge pack of its weapon but to devastating effect. It burned through her personal shield and then impacted on her armour, penetrating it and hitting her square in the chest. Her eyes wide as she fell backwards, still alive and breathing but badly hurt.

Neia looked with wide eyes at Vette, holes appearing in her armour as her shield dissolved and she fell to the ground of the warehouse. "NO!" She exclaimed and squeezed the trigger of her blaster at the droid that had done this, the others firing too, if able. The Twi'lek courtesans quickly asking for their comrades to toss the mblasters that werent jammed so they could also return fire at once.

Seeing this and feeling her force valor being in effect she decided to become more aggressive as well. Tapping into the force to gather a bunch of loose objects, sicne this was a warehouse that ought to be easy and hurl them at any spider droids that were in close proximity of each other.

It was utter chaos as blastershots were fired all over the place but hit none of their intended targets, Mirelle's boxes hitting empty air as the spider droids quickly scuttled to cover, Neia herself suddenly felt the grip of her blaster become hot and only due to a sense of warning threw away her blaster just as it overheated and exploded, in fact not taking her hand with it which might have happened if she had been holding the blaster still.

Meanwhile the demolition charges the three Twi'leks had been planting were set and went off as soon as they backed away, the controlled charges doing their job unlike everyone else at the moment as the door was unable to withstand them and was blown open but more importantly allowed the three courtesans to rejoin the others in fighting off the security droids who were about to open fire again.

Perhaps too eager for the kill of intruders the droids fired again, most missing once more, the one firing at the Twi'leks managing to keep them in cover, another, who had its charge pack emptied firing at Vette attempted to charge at Neia but tripped over one of the crates hurled by Mirelle and needed to get its footing back. Mirelle meanwhile was rather hard pressed as two of the droids fired on her but her protective bubble managed to soak up the hits that came through her deflective parries, while one of the droids was screeching out 'error, error' as its own blastershots returned to him and destroyed him.

Seeing the one what had shot at Vette go down Neia gritted her teeth and retrieved her electrostaff, charging at the thing before it could get up again and see if she could destroy it with electric shocks from her melee weapon. The others kept firing while Mirelle put up a new protection bubble around herself before using her electric judgment force lightning on a target.

HK-51 and the Twi'leks managed destroy another spider droid each, HK on his own while the Twi'leks needed to combine their firepower to bring the other down. Mirelle's green lightning missed it's target while Maaike just missed, shouting out she was never good with shooting. Neia meanwhile had to halt her charge as the spider droid reared up and lashed out with one of it's legs like a spear. Neia was able to stop just in time and not impale herself on the droid appendage.

The droid facing Neia decided to lash out with its legs, trying to stab and tear into her. The one who had been shooting at her still saw it had a high chance of hitting it's fellow droid and went for a new target, firing with the other two who were still operational.

Neia managed to block the strike coming at her with her electrostaff, the others were not as lucky, Maaike's shield was hit by a full burst of one of the droids, while Mirella was also saved by her force protection. One of the Twi'leks was not as lucky as she became somewhat perforated by the droid's blasterfire riddling her through.

Neia was looking for whatever controlled this droid's actions, it's central processor or the like to make a strike at it and hopefully kill it swiftly while everyone else resumed firing. Mirelle leaving HK-51 to charge at one of the spider droids to get it within melee range of her sabers.

Noticing what might be the droids central processor Neia lashes out against it and scores a hit, electric surges coming through making the droid spasm and shudder before it collapses to the ground. Probably determined to avenge their fallen sister the remaining courtesans open fire with well-aimed, controlled bursts from their blasters. Destroying the remaining spider droids without effort. The last sound being a mighty crash as one of the spider droids crashes from the stacks to the ground below. No sound of other security droids are heard approaching.

Taking a deep breath Neia was shivering all over, leaning on her electrostaff as she took stock of the situation, HK-51 seemed only irritated at the loss of his leg, probably his saving grace that he was a droid. Her heart stopped however upon seeing Vette still lying on the ground and she rushed towards her, checking her pulse, feeling there was one still and that the Twi'lek operative was breathing still. "Mirelle! Get over here! Quickly!"

The jedi answered the call deactivating her lightsabers but instead of hiding them placed them at her belt. Kneeling beside Vette she reached out and placed her hands on the wound, concentrating on the living force to help heal the wounds Vette had suffered. They were all rewarded with Vette coughing and spluttering, blinking as she looked around. "Am I dead?"

Neia let out a sigh of relief and laughed letting the pent-up nerves and fears lift off her shoulders. "No, you are not, sorry if that is a disappointment."

"Oh no, I like living... besides, Boher still owes me thirty credits and I intend to collect those, but not over my own dead body thank you. I am okay Neia, just need to stay in a medical bay for a while I think." She said, wincing as she traced over the blaster holes in her armour. "Thankfully I didn't only invest in a personal shield but also some armour."

Making sure that Vette would stay alright she asked Mirelle to look after her while she went to the courtesans and looked down at the dead commando. "We will not let her remain here, make sure she is brought back to us so we can give her the burial she deserves back at the Nova Retreat." The other courtesans nodded, their faces neutral, one of them handing the blaster of their fallen sister to Neia because she had lost her own. "Thank you." She murmured, placing the blaster at her waist and then looked at the door of the office. "Time to get moving again." She said to herself as she went in to look for a manifest of any kind to look for the crate labelled Jabiim Vegetables.

It seemed that the owner of the warehouse clearly liked order because Neia needed barely any time to search the records for what she needed to know and found the exact location of the cargo crate in question, as well as the best route from the office to get there.

Surprised that she found it so quickly she gave the task of retrieving the crate to Mirelle and two of the courtesans while she, Maaike and the other courtesans would do their best to carry their dead and injured to the backdoor entrance to get out of this place.

Mirelle and the two courtesans didn't run into any more spider droid security droids and found the crate, it was a small cargo capsule, barely able to contain anything it seemed and yet Neia's contact had informed her the contents were quite valuable, it could be carried by a single person. One of the courtesans picked it up and carried it to the exit and within moments they had rejoined Neia and the others.

They left through the backdoor and headed back to the street, once they reached the street they were bathed in light from a speeder spotlight, revealing the silhouettes of four humans, blasters drawn and aimed at the group. "Hold it right there... drop your weapons. The boss would like to have a word with you all." Came a voice from the speeder.

Neia cursed silently, were these in the payroll of the black market dealer? Had they also activated a alarm that alerted him wherever he lived? Either way, she had wounded with her, even one of her people dead and had no desire to be captured and possibly tortured. Luckily most of her people had comlinks implanted under their skin so all she had to do was whisper to them. "I want grenades thrown towards those people and everyone else open fire with blasters. Knowing Maaike and the Courtesans would hear her, perhaps Mirelle too with her jedi senses. "Now!" She exclaimed and raised her blaster to fire.

Their waiting party was utterly surprised by this course of action and one of the leading humans was shot between the eyes by Neia, the grenades and other blaster shots meanwhile went wide as they were blinded no doubt by the light from the spotlight. This caused the men to open fire however in retaliation.

It was brutal, Neia, Maaike, HK-51, Vette were all hit by the blasts, all went down to the ground, not moving at all. Only the Twi'leks and Mirelle managing to evade the blasts. The nafter a moment HK-51 started to curse, that all meatbags were flawed and idiots. HE was still talking and yet had been hit by several blasts.

Mirelle had looked on in horror as almost every went down but hearing the assassin droid speak made her wonder, no hope that whatever these people shot with was not lethal. "Take them out!" She shouted hopign her force valor effect was still inspiring them all while she let out a blast of lightning.

The lightning from Mirelle hit two of the humans who dropped down, twitching. The same voice as before cursed loudly, "A forceling!? Poodoo! Shoot her, shoot her! That one is worth a million credits!" Then he cursed again as several blasts of the Twi'lek courtesans impacted the speeder chassis. However all they hit is empty air as they suddenly have rather bad luck after such a fortuitous starting salvo. Meanwhile HK-51 had crawled himself upright and managed to get his blaster carbine out ,eager to shoot at some meatbags.

Well apparently whoever they were wanted to turn her for a bounty, she had no intention of letting them. "Focus on the speeder! I will keep that last man on the ground busy!" She said to the courtesans before bursting out of cover, igniting her sabers, making herself a target and hopefully giving the courtesans the time they needed to neutralize that speeder.

A charging jedi is something the enforcer hardly ever saw so he was quite shocked to see a woman with two lightsabers charging directly towards him, she was upon him before he could squeeze the trigger of his blaster and two saber stabbed him through the chest. The people in the speeder meanwhiel were distracted as several stray shots of a crippled assassin droid flew over them, distracting long enough for one of the Twi'leks to get a lucky throw and land a frag grenade in the open speeder. "OH F-" Was all they heard before the speeder was engulfed in a ball of flame.

Mirelle blinked, looking at the devastation, she had actually hoped they would be able to use that speeder to quickly get away, but this was also a good outcome she figured, quickly deactivating her sabers to went to the Neia and the others. She let otu a sigh, "They are alright!" She shouted at the courtesans, the blasters must have been set to stun. It would mean however they would not wake up for a long while, she glanced at the warehouse, it had room for ships landing, hadn't? She turned to two of the courtesans. "You two, go to where we have the ships berthed and get them over here, we can't carry everyone with just the five of us that are able to walk properly."

The nearest courtesan nodded. "So get our ride off this world to here, got it." The two commandos went running off at once to carry out the command, promising to be there soon.

After a hour with the roar of engines came the Maiden touching down, the Passing Shadow followed, it's arrival silent thanks to its more stealthier configuration. Both ships descending their ramps with the courtesans quickly coming out, one of them reporting she saw several speeders heading towards the warehouse district.

"No time to lose then." Mirelle responded, "Get everyone aboard the Maiden. You flew Vette's ship here, you can fly it back Nova Retreat." The courtesan ndoded but helped first getting everyone aboard the Maiden before quickly running back to the Passing Shadow and get aboard, lifting off at the same time as the Maiden to make their escape off this world and get out of the system to return to the Nova Retreat as soon as possible.

As they lifted off a number of speeders stopped at the warehouse, several cannons on the speeders opened fire but proved ineffective as the ships sped off. One lone man stepped out of the leading speeder as the ships vanished from view and watched them leave. Balling his fists as he started to suspect what might be missing from his warehouse. "Recover my droids... and recover any usable images from their memory cores. I want the bastards found who stole from me..."

---

Summary:
HK-51 lost his leg, needs repairs
Vette, wounded (chest and stomach injury), needs 2 weeks of recovery
1 Twi'lek Courtesan dead

Neia, Maaike & Vette are also all unconscious due to stun blasts?

Obtained a cargo container, not opened yet.