The Fett Dynasty, Episode 2

The Siege of Orri Prime

Chapter One

Something Wicked This Way Comes

He was startled awake by the sound of the door. His hand instinctively went to the weapon at the side of his bed, but he stopped when he heard the familiar voice.

"Please don't. It's me."

He sat up. "What…what are you doing here?"

The anguish in the young voice was unmistakable, the terror in it. "Please, don't send me away."

He could hear her move closer to the bed in the dark, and he fought to restrain the surge of want through his veins. His tone remained guarded. "You…must go. You can't be here. By the gods, how did you get here…?"

Suddenly she collapsed to her knees beside the bed and laid her head in his lap as she sobbed. He wanted to touch that beautiful flowing hair…

"I'm begging you, let me stay…I'm so frightened…. everyday it gets worse."

He thought his heart would stop right there from rage. "Has he hurt you?" She didn't answer, but her hands clenched the bed sheets at the question. He gripped her arms, pulling her up more roughly than he intended. He repeated, "Has he hurt you?"

Again, no answer. Rather, she reached up and touched his face, his lips…

He flinched, in spite of himself. The smell of her hair and the depth of her eyes again, as always, flooded him with desire, intoxicated him…

"This can't happen…please, go."

"You don't want me to go." She reached with both hands, cradling his face. "It should have been you. Why, why wasn't it you? You wanted me, I know you did…"

His head began to swim. He felt his control waning, replaced by nothing more than raw need. He gripped her wrists with the intention of pushing her away, but instead, he found himself pulling her up onto the bed. Her face was mere centimeters from his own, and her breath was clean, sweet, warm…

Her voice was a soft, liquid lullaby. "All those years ago, when we first met…we were both so young, so misguided…what were we fighting for?" Her hand slid from his face to his bare chest. He shuddered from her touch, as he had craved it for so long. "We should have fought for us, fought to be together."

"Please," he whispered, "I can't do this…please don't do this…it's not right…" But he felt so weak suddenly…

Her lips were almost touching his now, her voice low and hypnotic. "Let me stay tonight, just tonight. I can't go back. Please, hold me…please, I'm begging you…"

Before he could stop himself, he crushed her against himself, taking her sweet lips in a starved kiss. He tangled his hand into her plush hair. She returned the kiss, running her hands across his bare chest and shoulders. Pressing herself into him, she laid him back on the mattress, then shifted her legs to straddle him as she began undoing the delicate lace of her bodice.

His eyes were closed and his breathing ragged and coarse as he whispered, "Padme…"

She lifted her head just enough to catch the moonlight on her pale face, her dark hair, her eyes… her expression twisted into a snarl of animal lust…her eyes of deepest brown that suddenly swirled and morphed into hot, gleaming points of fire red and wan yellow… and she hoarsely whispered…

"Obi-wan…"

Leia was soaked in sweat as she bolted up in her bed with a hard gasp. She jumped again when she felt a palm on her back—

"Sweetheart," Han whispered, his voice gravelly from sleep, "what's the matter?"

She exhaled sharply, suddenly aware that she was awake. "Oh, Han…I'm sorry, I woke you."

He lightly caressed her naked back, but wore a look of concern. "It's OK, honey. What's wrong?"

"I…I just had a dream, that's all."

"A nightmare?"

She sighed. "Well, not exactly…"

Han inched closer to Leia, wrapping his hand around her waist. "One of those dreams, hmm?" His grin became mischievous as he pressed himself up to kiss her neck…

Only to have her jerk away from him. "Han, stop it!"

He pulled back, a little hurt. "It was bad, wasn't it?"

"Yes… it was," she murmured as she hugged her knees.

Han gingerly stroked her loose chestnut hair as he tried to ease her. "Sweetheart, tell me."

"It…" she trailed off for a moment as she stared straight ahead at the bedchamber wall, listening to the muffled sounds of airspeeders traveling through the Coruscant night.

Han waited for a moment. "Yes?"

"It was about…my mother..."

* * *

"DISCHARGED??" Burl bellowed, his booming voice ricocheting off the walls of I'Lai's sun drenched office.

Despite her best intentions to remain calm and collected, I'Lai could feel her knuckles whitening under the tension of her folded hands on her desk. She glanced sideways to Lando Calrissian, who met her eyes with equal unease.

"You showed up to your post drunk, Burl," I'Lai replied quietly and simply. "We just can't have that, and we can't take the chance of it happening again. I'm sorry."

"Doesn't even matter that he beat me up, huh?"

"You provoked and threatened an unarmed man with a weapon," Lando retorted. "You seem to forget that Boba Fett is not technically a prisoner here. If it had been me, I would have defended myself as well."

"He took the gun, you know!"

Lando nodded. "Yes, we know all that. That has been dealt with."

Burl's jowls slumped into a pout as he muttered, "He stepped on my face…"

I'Lai raised her hand to her mouth as she stifled her laugh through her nose.

"So," Burl muttered, "what am I supposed to do now?"

"Your position is still available in the mines, if you wish to take it back," I'Lai offered.

Burl's fleshy face turned a dark red. "The mines? I don't wanna go back there!"

"You can do whatever you wish, Burl," said Lando. "You don't have to go back to mining, but as of now, you are no longer a recruit in the Orri Prime militia. I'm sorry. You are dismissed."

Burl stood for a moment, looking quite broken. He heaved his bulk toward the door when he stopped and turned back to I'Lai. There was a mix of great disappointment and bitter anger in his eyes. "You were our angel, Lady I'Lai. We all loved you on this planet. What's happened to you?"

I'Lai shifted slightly in her seat, and Lando could see that Burl's remark cut her deeply. Angrily, he growled, "She cut you a break and you betrayed her trust, that's what happened. DISMISSED."

Grimacing, Burl stomped out the door.

Lando turned to I'Lai, who simply stared down at her desk. "Don't listen to him, I'Lai. He's a drunk."

"He's a good man, Lando. He's just angry, that's all."

Lando stepped over to her desk, folding his arms and sitting lightly on the edge. "I'Lai, I think sometimes you see more good in people than is wise."

I'Lai caught the double entendre in that statement as well as the look in his eye. "Meaning what, exactly?" She sighed. "You don't think I should let him leave, do you?" He didn't answer. "He gave me his word, Lando—"

"The word of Boba Fett?" he snorted. "I'd just as soon take the word of a Jawa selling me a half-chopped droid."

I'Lai stiffened in her seat. Although she didn't understand the reference completely, she knew it was meant to be derogatory. "That's not fair, Lando. He's done nothing but cooperate since his internment here began."

"Until he pulled this little stunt with Burl."

"Yes, well…" She realized she stammered a little as she fondly recalled how that strange evening ended. She cleared her throat as she continued, "You and I both understand why he did that. He just…needed to blow off some steam."

"Well, he should have gone through the proper channels if he wanted to target practice."

Huffing, I'Lai folded her own arms across her chest. "I don't know about you, but I am growing a little tired of treating the most infamous bounty hunter in the galaxy like a sheltered schoolgirl. Especially when he is my lover and the father of my son."

"Yes, I'm aware of the facts, I'Lai." Lando muttered coldly.

Although she had purposely blocked the Force from her essence throughout the entire meeting, I'Lai couldn't help but feel the intensity of emotions coming from Lando, especially that of envy. "Lando…" she said softly with just a trace of warning laced around her tone.

Lando ran his hand through his hair before springing up from the desk. "I'Lai, I'm sorry, but…I just don't trust him. You haven't seen what he is capable of. I have." He turned and leaned on the desk, facing her. "I can't help thinking he's just using you to get off this planet—"

The old-fashioned glass garden doors suddenly flew open. Before either in the room realized it, Boba Fett had stormed into the office. He grabbed Lando by the collar with both fists and planted him with a resounding THUD against the wall. "How about this, Calrissian?" Fett spat into his face, "How about I use you for target practice?"

"Boba!" I'Lai cried out, springing from her chair.

Lando struggled under Fett's grip. "Is eavesdropping just another of your many talents, Fett?"

Fett snickered bitterly as he tightened his grip. "You wouldn't live an hour through my many talents, Calrissian."

"Boba, stop it!" I'Lai demanded as she tried to pull him off her security chief.

Fett snapped his head toward his lover and snarled, "Stay out of this, I'Lai!"

"You're just begging for a holding cell, aren't you, Fett!" Lando spat back. He reached for his blaster...

"Lando, no!"

"You'd like that, wouldn't you, Calrissian? Lock me away so you can get your greasy claws on her?" He pushed Lando up even further on the wall, blocking his air. "You think I haven't seen the way you look at her—"

"You don't deserve someone like her, Fett!" Lando choked out. Despite his lack of air, Lando drew his blaster. "Get your grubby hands off me or I'll—"

"You'll what? Kill me? Try it, you gutless prick! I'll snap your neck like a —"

"Both of you! STOP IT! STOP IT!"

Fett felt as though a Wookiee had just grabbed his hands and flung them to the sides while kicking him in the gut. Lando's blaster flew out of his hand and skidded across the marble floor. He slid down the wall, barely catching his feet and fighting to catch his breath. Fett stumbled back, hitting the desk's edge. He shifted his glare to I'Lai, who held her fists at her sides, shaking. She held his glare in her own blazing eyes, never flinching. She heard Fett's unspoken words loud and clear through her mind…

Never do that to me again, I'Lai.

I'Lai ignored the warning as she growled, "Enough! You are both acting like vicious children! I will not tolerate this, from either of you!" She shot her glare toward Lando. "Please remember that I am governor of this system. Boba Fett is in my custody, and I hold final say in the release of any detainee here." She then shot her glare back to Fett. "And you are not helping your case by this outburst of violence! Refrain yourself!"

Fett still held Lando in his murderous glare and donned a dangerous smile as he hissed, "As you wish, my Lady."

Lando let out a low and bitter laugh as he rubbed his throat. "And you want to unleash THAT back out into the galaxy, I'Lai?"

"Lando, let me handle this!" I'Lai snapped. "It is more than apparent that this arrangement is no longer viable, and it is time to end it!" She walked back to her desk and sat down. After switching on the hologram recorder, she folded her hands as she turned to Fett, her tone again serene yet firm. "Boba Fett, will you give me your parole in front of this witness, swearing your solemn oath that you bear no threat whatsoever to General Han Solo, Princess Leia Organa, Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker, or Baron Lando Calrissian?"

Fett turned and looked directly into the recorder lens, his expression cold and unfeeling. "I swear it, Lady."

"Baron Calrissian, as witness, do you acknowledge the oath presented here by Boba Fett?"

Lando straightened his uniform, holding his glare on Fett, as he stated, "I acknowledge the oath of parole presented."

"Very good. Therefore, as acting governor of the Dia-Orri system, I declare that Boba Fett is a free citizen unless he breaks his oath of parole, to which he will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of New Republic law." She switched off the recorder and turned to Fett. "You may go now, Master Fett."

Before he left, Fett shot once last vicious look at Calrissian. Then he was gone.

I'Lai watched him walk out, and remained quiet for a few moments before saying, "There. It is done." She removed the tiny disk from the recorder and handed it toward Lando. "You may send this copy to Leia Organa on Coruscant."

Lando breathed a sigh through his nose as he accepted the disk. "Are you prepared for the response from Coruscant?"

"I am prepared for the reproach, if that's what you mean."

"I'Lai…" Lando said softly, then let his voice trail. I'Lai allowed him a moment to continue. Pursing his lips, he blurted softly, "I just hope you know what you're doing. So far, you have proven yourself a wise, just, and efficient leader. I advise you strongly that you don't let your personal feelings cloud your judgment."

I'Lai never averted her glare when she said lowly, "You're telling me not to get personal?"

The tension was thick between the two friends, hanging in the room like a mild stench. Finally, I'Lai rose from her seat and broke the silence. "I must attend to my son now, Lando. I think you know the way out." With that, she strode out the door into the corridor, leaving Lando alone in her office. He sauntered to the blaster on the floor, re-holstered it, and leaned against the wall and let out a heavy sigh.

She rubbed her temples as she walked, as they had grown tight from strain over the entire incident. This was becoming stressful to the point of mildly maddening. Would her comrades and her lover ever get over the wounds of their past encounters? Would they ever find common ground, a common cause…?

She had walked only a few paces toward Kai's nursery when a lightening-quick hand shot forth from a recessed doorway and yanked her in. She was about to shriek when another hand clamped on her mouth. As her eyes focused on the face in front of her, her instant fear switched to irritation. The hand lowered from her mouth.

"Boba", she tightly whispered, "don't do that."

Fett glowered into her eyes. "Now you know what if feels like."

She huffed a sigh. "I'm sorry I did that to you. I swear I'll never do it again."

"You better not. I have accepted your power, I'Lai. But I have also made it clear that you will never use that sorcery on me."

"If you controlled your temper, I wouldn't have to!" she admonished in an edgy whisper. Fett glared, and she immediately gave ground. "I didn't know what else to do. The situation was becoming dangerous. I can't have you and Lando coming to blows over…over me."

"He accused me of using you. He dishonored us both with that remark." He looked down and gazed at the subtle pulse-point at her throat. "I don't trust him."

She tilted her head slightly. "The feeling is mutual." She touched the short scar on his chin. "But you're free now, Boba."

"Yes." He paused, then swallowed hard. Taking a deep breath, he met I'Lai's gaze and murmured quietly, "Thank you."

I'Lai's eyes widened in quiet surprise. "You are welcome." She smiled softly. "First you apologize to me, and now you thank me…?"

Fett furrowed his brow for a second, but then let his mouth curve into a slight smirk. "Tell no one. I have a reputation to uphold." He reached for her face at first, then slid his hand downwards to her breast as he pressed her against the small wall of the doorway…

She flinched a bit and giggled. "Boba, not here…"

"Why not?"

She looked at him with huge eyes. "Someone could see us."

"Yes, someone could," he breathed into her ear.

Her gape only became broader. "You, Master Fett, are insatiable."

Fett cocked his head and smirked again. "And you, Lady I'Lai, are a bit of a prude."

"I am not!" she giggled. Her giggle turned into a soft groan as Fett fondled her long neck with his lips, his hand cupping her full breast.

"Prove it."

She shot a nervous glance toward the corridor, listening for footsteps, before taking up his challenge. "Midday meal in my chambers?"

Fett's response was nothing more than the subtle curl of a greedy smile.

* * *

Nikoa approached I'Lai's chamber doors with Kai in her arms, as scheduled. She was about ring the chimes when she heard the unmistakable wail of sensual pleasure resound from the other side. It had obviously come from I'Lai.

Patting baby Kai on the back, the old woman murmured, "Well…we'll give them five more minutes then, won't we, Kai?" Kai gurgled his acknowledgement, and Nikoa's expression creased into a darkly satisfied smile as she padded once again down the hall.

* * *

It danced, this figure. Silhouetted against air and scarlet light, moving and weaving within the maw of a cavern. Undistracted by raging winds that bombarded with millions of infinitesimal spearheads of black sand, the form continued to perform its dance, though no music could be heard. Was there some dark hymn to be heard within the sandblasted tempest? Or did it dance to a song within the heart, the soul of the being, silent to any ears that may exist to hear it?

The darkened form before the red light seemed humanoid, naked, and quite male. It appeared upon first glance that his hair was short, structured into symmetrical spikes. His body was sleek, honed, an instrument itself of muscle, flesh, and bone in which he played to perfection the song of his dance. Sinews stretched, muscles pumped, joints flexed to extremes no mere human could possibly tolerate.

A leap, a squat, a flip effortlessly back to balance on nimble toes. A strike, a pose, a release…the observer gasped, realizing this was no dance. It was rather a kata, a melee ritual unmistakably familiar, and yet grossly disturbing…

A leap and twirl high, high upon the precipice of the maw, and upon descent, the figure held something in his hand…it too appeared familiar, all to familiar, until…

He ignited it. Not one, but two shafts of energy sliced the sand-drenched air from each end of the saber like red fangs of light. The saber's recognized hum now doubled as the figure performed the kata of the weapon; a beautiful, ancient weapon, not used for several millennia, for it was far too difficult and dangerous to wield with any expertise…by anyone who was not of the Sith…

Yes, this was the weapon of the Sith. The ancient Sith, the Sith of thousands of years before any Empire, any Republic, before any union of worlds at all. In a time when there were no politics, no governments, when there were only two factions who warred—the Light and the Dark. The Jedi and the Sith.

And the being performed the ancient kata of the weapon as though it spoke a language, a language of rage, of sorrow, of pain, of power. Of rivers of blood. Of worlds on fire.

He twirled the saber, so quickly at times he seemed encased in a sphere of red light. He moved it, almost impossibly, between leg and limb, over his head, around his fluidly muscled body, never once touching his own flesh with the deadly blades. At one point, he stepped out from the shadows into the red fire light outside the maw's lip, and the observer first glanced his features. And recoiled.

Completely covered he was, from foot to scalp, in scarlet and black jagged stripes, obviously laid there during hundreds of days by thousands of needles. In the light, it was revealed that he had no hair at all; the "spikes" on his head were actually small horns. The soles of his feet, his palms, nor his privates had been spared the tattoo, not even his face or the tips of his horns. He threw back his head and smiled at the wind, his constant companion, revealing sharpened fangs of purest ivory. He was repulsive. He was beautiful.

His kata was complete. He raised his weapon with both hands above his head, stretching his taut self even further, rippling his muscles to the point they seemed they would burst from the terrifying tapestry of his skin. It was at this moment he finally acknowledged the observer in a voice so smooth, so silken it belied his monstrous visage…

"Vader-spawn…"

When the blood-chilling screech of a woman pierced the observer's ears and filled the cavern from top to bottomless eternity, the Zabrak laughed…

Luke's eyes snapped open so violently they bulged from his skull. He stared blindly at the ceiling his bedchamber until he finally remembered to take a breath.

He sat up slowly. He sniffed. His sinuses convulsed at the assault of sulfur.

He rubbed his chest. It was tight. He suddenly felt a gritty slickness on his skin. He felt his arms, his shoulders…he seemed completely covered in the oily, putrid substance and its reek.

Luke rose from his bed and headed to the fresher, never even bothering to don his robe, all the while trying to fight the nausea rising up his gullet. He stepped into the stall. "Hot—very hot." The console obeyed, drenching him in steaming water. He leaned against the fresher wall, head on his arm.

The feeling was now stronger than ever. He had felt it for months since the Alliance victory at Endor. At first it was no more significant than a mild tension headache may seem, and he attributed the feeling to aftershocks within the Force, as the life-energies of two powerful Sith Lords dissipated back into the universal realm. But instead of weakening, it had been growing stronger…and now it pulsed through his spirit, sickening him, unnerving him…now it was invading his dreams…

There was no denying the presence that was still somewhere, somehow, out there…

* * *

Hang on, Hunter…not yet…think of…new armor plating…for the ship…damn…

And thus Fett tortured himself and held his release down as he watched his lover twist and cry through her own sensual release for the seventh time that hour.

He held I'Lai by the small of her back as she arced ferociously in his lap, her legs wrapped around his torso, her face clenched in agonized ecstasy. Too entrenched in her own passions to notice, she dug her nails in and down Fett's already-scarred bare chest. He winced slightly from the action, but was not exactly upset by it…

He narrowed his black eyes as he watched her. He was pleased--very pleased. Over the last few days, since they had mated for the first time since Kai's conception, his and I'Lai's lovemaking had become…more rounded, to say the least.

In a quiet conversation days earlier, I'Lai admitted that although she had been raised and trained in the Imperial Courtesan Discipline, she had been part of the Emperor's Gift Trove. Meaning, that she had been cultivated only to be bestowed upon a particularly well-deserving member of the Court. Thus, she had slept with only one other man her entire life and that had been Grand Moff Reynau Denivrian, the former governor and owner of Orri Prime, a man literally old enough to be her grandfather. She had explained to Fett that she had arrived at his palace at the age of sixteen--and a virgin intact…

Knowing this, Fett attempted to remain gentle with her at first, not wishing to rattle her aristocratic sensibilities or alarm her with his own immodest and worldly sexual tastes. But as the days progressed, I'Lai herself became more…aggressive as she grew more confident of his affection for her and less insecure of her own physical desires, with little to no coaching from him.

And he was reaping the rewards of his patience as they now feverishly enjoyed each other right there in his chair at the dining table, their clothing only half-removed, and the midday meal still waiting on the food cart…and as I'Lai began her descent from her ecstasy, Fett could no longer hold his own and released.

Panting heavily, her shoulders and bare breasts glistening with sweat, I'Lai managed to utter through ragged breaths, "Boba…stop…I have to stop…please…"

Fett smiled—an action that was becoming more familiar to him as the days went on in I'Lai's company. He pulled her gently into a more comfortable sitting position on him, resting her head on his shoulder, nuzzling her neck, enjoying the warmth of her naked breasts against his chest.

As she fought to catch her breath, I'Lai whispered, "Our food is getting cold."

"There's food?"

I'Lai laughed into his shoulder. "Maybe your leaving isn't so bad. Any more of this and you'll damage me."

"I think," he rumbled into her neck as he stroked her loose curls, "you need a little damaging, my fair courtesan."

She moaned at the touch of his voice and the erotic play of his words against her neck. She slid her hands under his half-opened shirt, down his back, feeling the heat of his skin…the heat…he was so warm…

She delighted in the play of muscle under his taut skin, and she could swear she actually felt them grow harder and larger under her hands. His skin grew hotter, almost searing her tender flesh…she ran her fingers up his neck, to the base of his skull and realized she felt no hair as her head began to swim…something was wrong, but she couldn't tell…

Her fingers traveled over his scalp—his hair was gone, replaced by the hard nubs of small horns…

Slowly, very slowly, she lifted her head, and froze in horror. She found herself gaping into a face mutilated by slashes of red and black with two eyes of scarlet and gold. The face snarled, showing his fangs. His voice was rich and hot as molten lava, and he smiled as he growled quietly, savagely…

"Beloved…"

I'Lai's humanness wanted to scream, to fight her way off him—but she couldn't tear her eyes away, couldn't move her head, couldn't scream, couldn't breathe… she felt nails—no, claws—scrape down her back, shredding her skin…the light in the room turned from cool blue to fire red… minuscule missiles of searing sand accosted her body…and the Force, her calming and constant companion, now screamed around her like the howls of fallen seraphim—

"I'Lai?"

Fett's voice snapped her back. She jerked. The chamber was again cool blue from the afternoon sun. Her lover was still beneath her, holding her, his face again familiar and human, his skin again cool and soothing…

Fett cupped her face in both his hands, his eyes heavy with worry. "I'Lai…" he whispered hoarsely, "Where are you?"

She blinked a few times, trying to refocus. "What?"

"What happened just now? You were in a trance."

He felt her tremble as she whispered, "It was nothing, Boba…"

She wasn't being truthful. His eyes narrowed into black slits. "It's that sorcery, isn't it?"

"If you mean the Force…then yes, I think I just experienced…a ripple." She smiled a soft, reassuring smile. "I'm beginning to understand why the Jedi refrained from…sexual over-stimulation. Luke told me it could tend to…" a breath, "scatter one's focus in the Force if not properly controlled." His face darkened at the mention of the Jedi. I'Lai felt her frustration peak again. "Boba…please…I just lost focus for a moment, that's all." She moved off him and readjusted her gown around herself.

He continued to stare at her as he refastened his own clothing. Despite her protests to the contrary, he could see that she was shaken and unnerved…

The door chimed. Taking a quick scan insuring she and Fett were properly dressed, she called out, "Come in."

The doors slid open, allowing Nikoa to enter, baby Kai in her arms. She beamed brightly at the two as she said, "I don't think the little man here can wait any longer for his lunch. He's getting awfully grumpy."

I'Lai smiled and blushed as she reached for Kai—only to have Fett intercept Nikoa's pass. "There's my boy!" He grabbed the baby under the arms and tossed him lightly over his head several times. Kai giggled and squealed, kicking wildly.

I'Lai clutched her chest. "Boba, be careful!" Fett lowered him to his chest, and I'Lai saw a grin on his face broader than any she had seen thus far. It warmed her to her soul.

"He can handle it," Fett replied. "See." After a bit of readjusting, Fett had Kai hanging on to each of his index fingers, swinging him to and fro. Kai squealed again in great fun.

She massaged her chest, wearing an expression mixed of extreme pride and great motherly concern. "Is it…normal for a fourth-month old child to be that strong?"

Fett looked up at her, curving his lip in a knowing smile. "It is if he's a Fett." He carried Kai over to I'Lai by the fingers, gingerly handing him over.

"I'Lai," Nikoa timidly interrupted, "Will you need me to remain? I have some things to take care of."

She smiled to her lady's maid. "No, Nikoa, thank you. Go on." Nikoa bowed slightly and departed. She unbuttoned her gown a bit to expose her breast. Kai wriggled to it, clamping on the nipple, enjoying his lunch.

Fett sat in the far chair at the table and watched in silence. I'Lai looked up to see to his eyes dark and his expression pensive, but she couldn't read his thoughts. He had thrown up the barrier.

Taking a deep breath while stroking Kai's head, she murmured, "Tomorrow, then?"

He nodded. "Yes."

A pause. "For how long?"

"We've discussed this, I'Lai." She closed her eyes and lowered her head. He sighed. "I will keep in contact. Just remember, you must use the code I gave you when you respond."

"I will," she replied, her voice laced with a tinge of sadness.

He rose and moved toward her and Kai, kneeling beside them. He touched her face, his tone reassuring. "Not long, I'Lai." He laid his palm on Kai's head, repeating, "Not long."

She leaned into his hand and a hint of a smile curved her mouth. "Can you give me any indication where you're going?"

He allowed that question to slide. He mimicked her smile. "Shopping."

* * *

Burl threw the last of his clothes into the traveling sack with a grunt of disgust. Back to the mines, back to the filth and the grime, back to the dank little sleeping room at his brother's house, and back to the bitching of his brother's fat wife. Dammit…

There was a knock on his door. Burl raised his head only slightly as he bellowed, "I'm going already! Gimme a minute—"

"Burl, it's Lady I'Lai's maid," came the voice from the other side. Burl straightened up and furrowed his brow. The voice continued, "I've brought you something to drink, if you like."

He lumbered toward the door of his small quarters and opened it. There stood Nikoa, wearing a soft maternal smile, holding a small steaming mug in her hand. Her smile broadened as she said, "I thought maybe you could use a little cheering up."

He heaved a sigh and ran his big hand through his hair. "Uh, thanks. Thanks a lot. I sure could use a belt right now."

"It's tea, Burl."

"Oh," he muttered, his face falling in disappointment.

Handing him the cup, she patted his arm. "Well, try it anyway. You may actually like it." She padded through the door, taking in the small space. "Well, this is…nice here, isn't it?"

"Yeah. Nicest place I ever lived. Look, there's even a window. Got to see some pretty sunsets here." His expression turned into a pout. "Well, won't get to see those no more." He took a big swig of the tea.

Nikoa looked at him with sympathetic eyes. "Oh, Burl, of course you will, silly. The sun won't stop setting just because you're not in the palace anymore."

"No, I'll be working in the mines second shift again. Didn't get to see a sunset for fifteen years. And now I won't again." He shook his head a little and raised his eyebrows. "Hey, this stuff ain't bad, huh? Got a little kick to it!"

"Well, it's my own blend." Nikoa reached up and chucked the brawny man's chin. She sighed. "Life can be so unfair, can't it, Burl? A person makes one little mistake, and gets tossed aside like so much refuse…"

Burl looked at Nikoa with glazed eyes. "Yeah…I didn't drink that much. Just a little taste of the hooch that Corellian gave me. Course, he did say it was strong stuff, but…I ain't never come across hooch I couldn't handle before. He was a nice guy—said it was a consolation gift for having to guard that son of a bitch bounty hunter." He laughed a little, but then swooned off his balance…

"Oh, Burl! Here, let me help you…" Nikoa gently took his arm and led him to the cot. Burl sat, confused and woozy. The cup fell from his hand to the floor, spilling the brew. Burl just stared glassy-eyed toward the floor.

Nikoa sat next to him, still smiling softly. After a moment, she murmured, "Burl, can you hear me?" Burl grunted. "Good. Now, you really don't want to go back to the mines, do you?"

"No…" he muttered as he swayed back and forth.

"Wouldn't you rather get off this world, see the galaxy a bit, and be a part of a new galactic order?" Nikoa's voice was as smooth and sultry as aged Alderaani wine.

"Yeah…yeah…that sounds…good…"

"Then listen to me carefully. You will take your things to the Atimbora Township Space Port tonight. There will be a supply freighter leaving for the Tennhausen Gate—your passage has already been booked. From there you will book passage, in any way you can, to Ord Mantell. Do you comprehend, Burl?"

"Yah…"

"Excellent. Once there, you will be more than willing to share the information you know regarding Boba Fett and this planet. But you will only talk to those involved with…" She leaned close into his ear, "Black Sun. Remember that, Burl."

Burl nodded, mouth open, eyes staring straight ahead. "Black Sun…yah…"

She lightly stroked his ear, the motherly smile still apparent in her voice. "You may have been too dim-witted for this kind of work, Burl…but my Master needs such puny-minded reprobates such as yourself to be his foot soldiers. Upon your backs will he build the foundation of his long-awaited glory."

She rose. "In a few minutes, you won't even remember I was here. But you will remember everything I told you, won't you? You moronic waste of carbon?" He nodded sluggishly. With that, Nikoa smiled, gingerly picked up the fallen cup, and murmured, "Fair travels." She softly padded out the door.

* * *