It’s been a couple of days since she had discovered who her real father was and her mind was still spinning. Due to the obvious threat to her life, Tiosk barely let her out of his sight, much to her annoyance. Not only did it mean she couldn’t work at her assigned post, but it afforded her little privacy when she felt she really needed it so she would sort things out in her tangled web of a mind. Now she was going to be leaving with him on some quest to hopefully get her father back on flying status. Granted, she wanted her father to be back in his proper place on a ship, but what galled her was that the only reason she was being forced to come along was so he knew for certain she was safe.

So while they waited for their ride to arrive she decided to give him a piece of her mind.

“Father.” She said to get his attention. Since they were in a small waiting room with no one else in it she knew it was safe to call him that: Tiosk had made it clear not to refer him as ‘father’ out in public. Again, for her own safety. “Why must I come along? I would only get in the way….”

“I told you before Natira.” Tiosk said calmly. “It’s to ensure…”

“’That I am safe…’” Natira finished for him with a faint growl. “I’m sick of hearing that excuse father. For all we know this ‘Balik’ friend of yours could be the one behind the attacks on your line.”

“If that was the case, he would have easily been able to ‘off’ me many times over the years Natira.” Tiosk replied. “The Admiral doesn’t care much for me yes, but he respects me for my talents and my command abilities. He wouldn’t be so foolish to permanently ‘remove’ someone so important as me.”

“Then why did he ground you in the first place?” Natira pressed.

“The excuse at the time was that he was ‘concerned’ about my involvement with the Serendivus.” Tiosk explained. “Obviously he believes them to be rogue faction that is a danger to everyone and for a while, that nearly became so, but from what I heard things are starting to settle down, with a few loose ends to clean up first.”

“So you think Balik will lift the restriction now?”

“Not so sure.” Tiosk admitted with a sigh. “The manner he gave me the order was suspicious, he couldn’t look me in the eye when he did it. Rissonik and I believe he was forced to give the order by someone else.”

“But he’s the highest ranking official in the Fleet!” Natira protested. “Only the Elder Council would have that power….”

“And we are certain it wasn’t someone on the Council, as it would take the whole Council to agree on such a matter: Rissonik’s life mate is the current Speaker-Above-All, so we have the inside info on that. Still, either way it would be unlike the Council to involve itself directly in a military matter like this.”

“Then who….”

To that Tiosk simply shrugged and said. “That’s what we hope to find out.”

“Sir.” A dockworker said from the doorway. “Your ride is here.”

“Thank you. Let us go Natira, we can’t keep them waiting.”

Natira sighed and followed her father out of the room and toward a Lambda class shuttle that had recently docked. As they approached a tall, red scaled female descended the boarding ramp, at least she ‘thought’ it was a female. Indeed if it wasn’t for her feminine body shape she would have thought her a male, as her dress was decidedly unladylike. The pair of scars across her near bare chest didn’t help her image either.

“Ah Lady Varcanna.” She heard her father address the female. “I see Rissonik had decided to lift the no-flying punishment on you.”

“Yes Vice Admiral.” Varcanna replied with a faint smile. “He felt the reasons behind it were no longer an ‘issue’.”

“So you resolved your differences with Lady Asri then?”

Natira saw her visibly wince. “More or less.” Came the reply. “Please get on board; I need to check one of the landing gears: it didn’t sound right when it engaged, so I wanted to make sure everyone was ok. Rissonik and Trazu are waiting inside.”

“Of course, I’m sure every thing will be fine with you on the job.” Varcanna flashed him a smile before running off to inspect the landing strut.

“She’s a noble isn’t she?” Natira said as they started up the ramp. “Why isn’t she having a subordinate do the job instead?”

“Lady Varcanna is a very independent woman.” Tiosk said with a grin. “You couldn’t get her into a dress if you promised her the galaxy. Besides that…Social roles in our Clan are not as ‘defined’ as they are in other Clans. Oh and one more thing I should warn you about….” He leaned down and whispered into her ear. “Whatever you do, do not many any comments regarding Lord Trazu’s appearance. Unless you want to get Force slammed into the hull of course…”

“U..understood…” Natira replied, though she wondered just what was ‘wrong’ with Trazu that such a warning was needed.

She got her answer when they met up with the other passengers onboard. Rissonik looked to be a bit older then Tiosk, though that could have been due to his more scarred appearance. Sitting beside him, looked to be a child of about ten years at first glance, until she got a good look at his face. So….’that’s’ why… She thought, her gaze transfixed on the young male. For such a young looking body, his face and eyes betrayed the years of hardship he had endured in his life, a life that likely measured about as long as her own. A part of her wanted to laugh, but her sensible side kept her mouth shut, for it was plain that if this man was pushed the wrong way at the wrong time, he could kill her without remorse.

“Tiosk old friend.” Rissonik said, rising to his feet. “It’s been a while.”

“It’s always been too long to see you Riss.” Tiosk replied as the two clapped each other on the shoulders.

“Now, who is this young lady you brought with you?” Rissonik asked. “She reminds me a bit of…”

“Tiyranna?” Tiosk finished for him. “There’s a reason for that my friend…you see…she’s my daughter.”

Both Rissonik and Trazu looked taken back. “I didn’t know you had any other children with her Tiosk.” Rissonik said.

“Nor did I…until a couple days ago.” Tiosk said with a laugh. “This is Natira. Natira, this is Sha’tor Rissonik of the K’Satikur Clan and his son Lord Trazu.”

“A…a pleasure to meet you.” Natira said politely, if not a little nervously.

“How did you find her?” Rissonik asked curiously as they all took a seat.

“More like she found me…in a way.” Tiosk admitted. “She was hired to kill me by likely the same group that killed my sons.”

“She doesn’t look like she can kill a nuna….” Trazu commented.

This got her ire up. “I restrained myself from commenting about you so you best do me the same favor!” She snapped at him.

“Indeed son that was uncalled for.” Rissonik said scoldingly. “Forgive him, he’s irritable due to having been separated from his consort for a long period of time for the first time in a while.”

“Ahhh…” Tiosk said, a grin on his face. “Lady Asri I am guessing?” Trazu only blushed faintly and looked away.

“Ok folks, we are heading off.” They heard Varcanna say as she boarded the ship and entered the pilot’s cabin. The group remained silent as the engines started up and the ship took off from the docking bay.

“So what’s the plan?” Tiosk asked after they’ve been flying for a few minutes.

“Quite simply we are going to plead for your return to flying status.” Rissonik explained. “Granted Balik will likely be suspicious with so many coming.”

“I assume you brought her along for her protection.” Trazu asked and when Tiosk nodded to confirm that he said. “You should have left her behind.”

“Told you…” Natira grumbled.

Tiosk obviously ignored her. “Why? What risk is there to her on the Blackblade.” He asked.

“When I first looked at her, I got a vision of an attempt on her life.” Trazu explained. “Where on the Blackblade I am not certain, but on the Blackblade it was.”

“Well it’s too late to turn back and drop her off on the station.” Rissonik said with a sigh. “If we did, we would be raising flags with every ship in the area: the Tissuss station is supposed to be a secret.”

“Now see what you got me into father….” Natira groaned.

Again though, Tiosk seemed to ignore her: his seemingly lack of concern was starting to drive her as crazy has his over concern for her wellbeing. “You said it was an ‘attempt’, that suggests it wasn’t successful correct?”

“She escapes injury: that’s what was shown.” Trazu admitted. “However it can’t be taken as an absolute: visions only show ‘possible’ futures.”

If I live though this, I’m going to demand I get a house on a uninhabited planet, with the tightest security money can by until all this blows over…. Natira thought.

The task at hand wasn’t discussed any further, instead Tiosk and Rissonik started chatting about ‘old times’, including some of the stunts her father had pulled during the days of his youth. While Natira found the conversation interesting, her attention kept getting drawn to Trazu, whom was staying quiet and had a far away if not somewhat worried expression on his face. A glint of gold caught her eye and for the first time noticed the bracelet he wore, and recognized it’s significance. “You’re life bonded?” She asked, knowing her people only wear such jewelry if such bonds were permanent and even then many opt not to wear them for safety reasons.

He seemed a bit startled by the question and looked down at the bracelet on his wrist. An expression of sorrow filled his expression. “Was.” He replied softly. “I only continue to wear it because I would feel naked without something there and I often forget I even have it on.”

“Oh…so it’s not to Lady Asri then….” Natira probed curiously, hoping she wasn’t deviling into too deep into his personal business.

“No, though I hope to propose to her soon.” He said, a faint smile erasing some of the sorrow. “Perhaps after she gets back from her mission.”

“Mission?”

It was here Trazu took on a more cautious tone, like he was unsure he should be telling her this. “She’s a trained assassin.” He said simply. “On a rather dangerous mission….” His voice trailed off, as if realizing for the first time that he may lose the object of his affections. Again his expression was of worry. “Sometimes…I wonder if I give my heart too easily….” He said so softly Natira almost didn’t catch it.

Natira was really curious now: for him to say something like that must mean his first lifemate met a terrible end. However she knew she could be getting herself into real trouble if she asked at worse, ignored completely at best, so she bit her lip and kept her question to her self. Fortunately Varcanna announced then that they were about to dock at the Blackblade, so all thoughts went back to the mission at hand.

Once they had docked and were about to disembark, Tiosk turned toward Natira and said. “Natira, stay here. You’ll be safe enough with Varcanna.”

Natira immediately bristled. “Oh…so now my safety isn’t as important?” She growled.

“Natira….” Tiosk sighed. “What you said before on the station, while I considered it unlikely, is still possible: Balik could be the one behind all this. Considering the circumstances behind our ‘meeting’ the ones responsible no doubt know that I am still alive by now, however we can’t be sure if the same holds true with you. You coming in with us could spark a violent reaction, one that could cause that attempt Lord Trazu spoke of.”

“Yet…that may be what we need….” Trazu said, looking thoughtful.

“What do you mean? Tiosk demanded.

“You said yourself that by now they would know you are still alive Vice Admiral, so if Balik is the one behind all this, he would act normally: it’s difficult for me to read people that are calm and collected. However, if she shows her face it may invoke a response that is more damning.”

“I don’t like it…” Tiosk growled faintly. “But you have a point. Still, it’s Natira that needs to decide whether or not to go ahead with this.”

With three pairs of eyes looking at her Natira felt a bit uncomfortable. She didn’t like the idea of sticking her neck out like that, especially considering Lord Trazu’s ‘warning’ earlier, yet she didn’t like having been dragged along for essentially no reason at all. “You dragged me into this father, dragged me into what could be the viper’s nest, so might as well go along with this ‘idea’ to see if the viper strikes.” She said finally, folding her arms in stubborn defiance. Tiosk now had a look of obvious guilt and regret on his face, but simply nodded in acknowledgement.

“Alright…here’s what we’ll do.” Trazu said. “You and Varcanna wait outside the door while the rest of us go inside and talk with Balik.”

“I’d rather stay with my ship….” Varcanna protested.

“I know sis, but think Tiosk would feel better if someone stayed with Natira.”

“I would indeed…” Tiosk confirmed.

“Oh alright…but don’t blame me if I take extra long making sure the ship is good to go when this is over.” Varcanna grumbled.

“So how do I know when to make my ‘entrance’.” Natira asked.

“Depending on how the conversation goes I may use the ‘I want to introduce you to my previously unknown daughter’ route or the ‘by the way someone tried to kill me and here she is’ route.” Tiosk replied, though Natira thought she caught a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

“That’s fine and dandy…but how will I know father said that? I doubt I could hear you through the door….”

“I’ll knock on the door three times.” Tiosk replied. “It may end up being soon after we first go in, so do pay attention.”

They finally disembarked after they came to that agreement, Varcanna giving a stern warning to the dock personnel that no one was to touch her ship.

“Awfully protective of it isn’t she?” Natira muttered.

“The Hunter’s Way and her other ship, the Gory Teeth, she considers her children, as she is unable to have any of her own.” Rissonik explained. “Besides helping to take care of the grandkids that is.”

It was easy to figure out who was the parent of those kids were. “From his…deceased lifemate I take it…” She whispered to Tiosk, not wanting to draw Trazu’s ire. Her heart skipped a beat when he glanced back at her at that moment, but his expression remained unchanged.

“Aye, five little bundles of terror.” Tiosk chuckled. “Well ok, only one is actually a terror. Trissan’s exploits are near legendary status and he’s only four.”

“Sounds like some interesting stories to tell…” Natira commented.

“Aye, though it’s Naosha that would be best to tell some of them. Like the one about the rancor and the other about the mouse droid.”

Rancor? Natira blinked. Not so sure I want to hear these stories anymore…

Natira was trying her hardest to remain calm, but the thought that her assassin could be anywhere on this ship made her nervous. It did give her a small measure of comfort that Trazu was obviously keeping his senses tuned for signs of trouble, but she didn’t calm down any until they reached the hallway where the Admiral’s office was. Still, being alone outside of the office with someone she felt was a bit gender confused made her feel slightly uncomfortable. After a few minutes, she couldn’t take it any more and had to ask and prepared herself for a potential ass whooping.

“You’re not one of those ‘confused’ people are you?” She asked.

Varcanna looked confused for a moment, then insulted, and finally she just laughed. “I can see why you get that impression, but no, I am not ‘confused’ in the least.” She replied.

“Then why do you do a man’s job?” Natira persisted. “And basically ‘act’ like a man?”

“You must have lived a very sheltered life Natira.” Varcanna said. “Females all over Trandosha work beside men doing ‘manly’ jobs.”

“But those are commoners…not nobles.” Natira insisted.

“Natira…Natira….” Varcanna said with a sigh. “The only real difference between a noble and a commoner is the amount of credits they have. Everyone is an individual with their own interests and hobbies. If a noble wants to spend his or her life throwing his or her money around while living a life of luxury that’s their choice. However such individuals I do believe could stand to be ‘lowered’ a few pegs by forcing to work with their ‘employees’ directly, so they understand the hardships those without have to endure. That’s one of the unique things about our Clan, the Sha’tor trains and works beside everyone else as an equal and listens to the problems of his ‘lessers’. That’s how a true leader, a true noble, should be. Trazu, though he hates the idea of leading the Clan one day, will no doubt do the same. Mostly because for most of his life, he didn’t even know he was noble born and lived a commoners life, so he has insight to the lower class few other nobles have, or rather bother to get.”

It was certainly a point of view Natira never considered and it humbled her a bit. It also gave her more insight to why her father acted the way he did. Having grown up in that Clan, he would have ‘adopted’ the same outlook, hence why he seemed to get along with everyone so well, even the lowest ranking person on the ship. Tiosk had the knowledge and experience, from both his time in the Clan and his time as an orphan, to know what those under him had to endure. It gave her a new sense of respect for him. “If Trazu is going to take Rissonik’s place…” Natira asked curiously. “What does the future hold for you?”

“I will take my mother’s place as Elder Councilor.” Varcanna replied.

“But…” How to put the statement in such way so it wasn’t insulting escaped her for a moment. “Isn’t that position hereditary?”

“Aye.” Varcanna said sadly. “Unless I adopt, or perhaps assign one of Trazu’s children as a successor, our family’s connection to the Elder Council seat will likely end. Technically, we can’t have control of an Elder Council seat and a Clan with a normal Council seat at the same time, but certain….events….made it impractical to enforce that rule on us for the time being.”

“What sort of events?” Natira asked pressed.

Varcanna looked at her with a sad look on her face. “It’s a long tale Natira, one that deals with betrayal and a horrible crime. Now is not the time to retell it, but to give you a clue: though Trazu and I are siblings from the same clutch, I do not call Rissonik my father…though I wish I could….”

Natira blinked in surprise. That could only mean…. She starting to think but couldn’t bring herself to complete the thought: it was too horrible to do so. Fortunately just then they heard the three door knocks like they agreed upon.

“Good luck.” She heard Varcanna say as she steeled herself for whatever may happen the moment she entered.

“Thank you…” Natira said as she entered to face her fate.

***

Meanwhile….

“Bout time I got a hold of you.” Where the first words out of the Admiral’s mouth: Tiosk had been expecting that and simply smiled, no doubt irritating his superior officer even more. “I’ve been trying to contact you for weeks!”

“Well what do you expect sir?” Tiosk said innocently. “You ground myself and my crew, the ship being your main means of getting a hold of me, and you want to have regular contact with me? Sounds a bit contradictorily if you ask me.”

“I know you too well Tiosk, you no doubt got yourself into some kind of mischief and it had better had not been anything that violates my order.” Balik fumed.

“Sir you have my word as an officer that I wouldn’t do such a thing.” It was very hard for Tiosk to keep a serious face.

Balik growled and looked at Rissonik and Trazu. “What are you two doing here?” He demanded.

“To plead for his return to flying status.” Rissonik said simply. “Both Trazu and I have direct contact with the highest officials in the Seredivus.”

“Oh really?” Balik raised a suspicious brow. “So you are in cahoots with that rogue faction as well?”

“Rogue no more…at least soon will be.” Rissonik said. “The elements that where causing the group to be so unstable and…untrustworthy…have for the most part been eliminated.”

“’For the most part’?” Balik echoed.

“The last ‘loose strings’ are in the process of being cut.” Rissonik clarified. “Once that is complete, the Seren’s will be a valuable ally to our people.”

Balik feel silent, looking to be in deep thought. During this time Trazu whispered to Tiosk and Rissonik in the Clan Dialect. “Thoro is unethor prosonco in this reem.”

“Mast bo cleukod…us I den’t soo unyeno olso.” Rissonik whispered back in kind. “De yea knew whoro?”

“Werking en it….” Trazu said and after a pause he said. “Loft cernor ef tho reem.”

Tiosk and Rissonik gave the briefest of nods to acknowledge the info. They dared not look in the spot Trazu directed them, but now they knew that Balik had to be as much of a victim in this as Tiosk was.

“I heard…rumors that there was an attempt on your life.” Balik said suddenly.

Tiosk didn’t have to fake his surprise. “Really? I’m surprised you heard about it sir.” He said. “I was ‘trying’ to keep that under wraps. Moral reasons you know….”

“So there was an attempt.” Balik said with a sigh, though if it was out of disappointment or relief was impossible to tell. “Did you find the assassin?”

“Actually yes….” Tiosk flicked his gaze to both Rissonik and Trazu to catch their eye before stepping back and knocking on the door three times. “I thought I should bring the guilty party here….” He said softly as Natira walked in.

“That’s the assassin?” Balik said surprised. “She doesn’t look like she could…”

There was a suddenly blaster shot from the corner Trazu pointed out. Having expected it, Trazu had whipped out his lightsaber in time to deflect the shot, which struck and promptly shattered a vase on Balik’s desk, sending the startled Admiral to the floor. In the same instant, Tiosk had thrown one of his daggers at the invisible assailant in the corner, striking home. There was cry of pain and a male Trandoshan flickered into view just before he crumpled to the floor.

The whole thing proved to much for Natira, who had grabbed onto Tiosk like a frightened child once it had sunk in what had just happened. Tiosk was forced to turn his attention to her to comfort her. Trazu meanwhile walked over to the would be killer, whom was still alive, if only barely.

“Who do you work for?” Trazu demanded, pointing the still ignited saber at the man’s throat.

“I…will not answer…to a tainted.” The man growled weakly.

“Tainted? I am not tainted.” Trazu said, mildly surprised.

Here was a couple of chuckles, followed by a few more bad sounding coughs. “You only think so because you are blind.” The man said with a sneer. “It blinds all those like you….”

“The Force…you can’t mean the Force.” Trazu growled. “The Force isn’t a taint! It’s in everyone and everything!” The man didn’t respond this time, for he had joined the ancestors.

“So…he was a Force hunter….” Rissonik sighed.

“Force hunter?” Trazu asked.

“Yes, they are a group of radicals that believe the Force controls us through those that can use it.” Rissonik explained. “They were responsible for the great ‘purge’ of Force using Trandoshans countless generations ago according to legend. I had hoped it had been just a legend….”

“That doesn’t explain why he was after me and Natira.” Tiosk said. “As far as I know…I’m not Force sensitive….”

“Your incredible skills no doubt led them to believe that.” Trazu said. “What they fail to realize is that while the ability to use the Force can be passed on from generation to generation, it can appear any where for no apparent reason. Kind of like a genetic mutation….”

“What have you done….” They heard Balik whimper. Looking at him, he looked completely unhinged. “They’ll kill her for sure now…”

“Kill who?” Trazu asked.

“So…it was blackmail.” Tiosk said with a sigh. “You didn’t really believe the Seren’s were a threat. You just used it as an excuse to make me more vulnerable.”

“I…I had no choice.” Balik insisted. “They threatened to kill her and then reveal us….thus shaming me….”

Tiosk was piecing the pieces together. “It’s not a fellow T’Doshok you are involved with is it?” He asked.

“No…a….a wookie.”

Everyone took a step back in surprise, though it was only Natira that got a look of disgust on her face. “How in Scorekeepers name did that happen?” Tiosk asked.

“It…it was right after the Battle of Trandosha.” Balik explained, swallowing nervously. “I was heading back to my quarters when I collapsed: turned out I was more badly injured then I thought I was from that battle and from when the Soverenity blew up. She was the one that found me and took me to medical: turned out she was only still on my ship from helping earlier because she had insisted on staying to continue helping the injured since our own medical officer was incapacitated from the Soverenity event. She stayed with me during my recovery and we got to know each other well. After she returned to her own ship we started writing to each other. That was likely how those bastards found out about us….”

“I certainly hope you don’t intend to start getting…ugh…I can’t even bring myself to think it….” Natira groaned.

“Natira….that was uncalled for.” Tiosk scolded. “Interspecies relationships have happened in the past. Though this is the first T’Doshok and Wookiee one I’ve heard about.”

“We will keep your secret Balik.” Rissonik said, glaring at Tiosk in warning. Tiosk put up his hands in surrender, realizing that as tempting as it would be…it would be too cruel to start joking about this. “But we would like to know who and where she is so we can see if we can save her.”

Balik reluctantly nodded and gave them the information needed. “We’ll get in touch with Tzhali immediately as he would be in the best position to help get her to safety quickly.” Rissonik said.

“After that…we will track down these ‘Force hunters’ to ensure they don’t hurt anyone else.” Trazu growled.

“That’s right…Trazu…now it is even more important that you keep your Jedi status a secret.” Rissonik said.

“I know. If they were after Tiosk so hard for ‘suspected’ Force abilities…they would go bonkers over the real thing. If they had any contacts at that Council meeting the other day….”

“They are no doubt already trying to discover your identity. You may want to stop wearing that bracelet son…it’s a big clue to who you are.”

“Can’t do anything about your height though…” Tiosk sighed.

Trazu gave him a look, but simply nodded with agreement.

After a few more words, Balik basically assuring Tiosk would have his flying status back once they ensured his consorts safety, they took up the body and headed back to the Hunter’s Way.

“Varcanna, once we leave the Blackblade get on the horn and see if you can contact Tzhali’s ship.” Rissonik said. “Let me and Tiosk know when you get contact.”

“Yes Uncle.” Varcanna said.

A few moments later they were back into space. “So what are we to do now?” Natira asked after a couple moments.

“Obviously we need to track down these Force Hunters like we said.” Tiosk replied.

“No no…I mean what are we going to do.” Natira clarified, pointing at herself. “We know why someone what’s us dead and I know we need to take them out…but what am I to do during all this? I don’t particularly feel safe on the station right now.”

“Point. We don’t know how many more contacts they have on the station.” Tiosk grumbled.

“She could stay on the grounds for the time being.” Rissonik offered.

“How do we know they don’t have contacts there?” Natira asked, doubtful.

In answer Rissonik simply pointed at Trazu. “If they did, they would have known about Trazu a lot time ago.”

“Oh…that’s right.”

“The Clan is the safest place you can be, especially if these bastards don’t know where you disappeared to.” Tiosk said.

“Maybe…maybe not.” Trazu warned softly. “If they know your background Vice Admiral, they’ll know you’ll likely ask Rissonik to hide Natira in our Clan. Determined assassins ‘can’ find away into the Clan, as events, both past and present, have shown.”

“You are not helping make me feel any safer….” Natira muttered, folding her arms.

“I’m just being realistic here Natira.” Trazu said with a shrug. “No place is a hundred percent safe….”

“Vice Admiral, Uncle.” They heard Varcanna say from the cockpit. “I have Tzhali on the line.”

“We’ll be right back.” Tiosk said as he and Rissonik stood up and went into the cockpit to talk to Tzhali.

There was silence for a moment, Natira obviously lost in her own thoughts while Trazu seemed to be doing the same.

“Your step father…he was one of those ‘old fashioned’ types wasn’t he?” Trazu asked finally.

It took a second for Natira to realize she was being spoken too. “What? Oh…yes…why do you ask?” She replied.

“Well…that explains some things about your character…you were obviously rebellious against your father’s views for instance. Yet…confuses me at the same time.”

“How so?”

“For someone that seemed to want to ‘manly’ things yourself, you seemed to have issues with my sister doing ‘manly’ things.”

Natira blinked: she was sure no one over heard that conversation. “How did you….?”

“I was keeping an ‘eye’ on things outside of the room through Varcanna.” Trazu said.

“But shouldn’t you have been keeping an ‘eye’ on Balik?”

“Almost the moment I set my eyes on him, I knew the Admiral was as much of a victim in all this as you and Tiosk were.” Trazu explained. “Though I couldn’t tell ‘why’ right off, I knew he was no threat to you or Tiosk. I sensed that bastard…” He indicated the dead body on the floor. “Almost immediately as well, though it took me a moment to pin point his location. I admit though I was a bit distracted by your conversation.”

“I still don’t understand ‘how’.” Natira said. “I know about the Force thing but even with that….”

“Though we have different fathers….” Trazu said with a sigh. “We have a special bond between us. The closer we are together the more we are able to sense each other’s thoughts and feelings. I didn’t ‘overhear’ your conversation directly, but could piece it together from what my sister was thinking and feeling. It’s not ‘equal’ between us though, sis can only sense me when I’m particularly emotional, but I can control where and when I sense her, especially now that I’ve had formal training in the Force. I only used it then because I felt it was necessary to ensure you were safe.”

“I see…it’s…still a bit hard to grasp though.” Natira said softly.

“I understand, not so long ago I didn’t even believe the Force existed.” Trazu admitted with a faint smile. “But it took me to fall to the…..” He stopped short, the pupils of his eyes widening as a look of horror crossed his face.

“What’s wrong?” Natira asked.

“No…no…not again….” Natira watched in shock as the stern, disciplined Trandoshan before her suddenly became unhinged and started babbling almost incoherently as he stood up and shakily paced, his hands covering his head.

“What is it?” Natira demanded, getting up to her feet and grabbing the shorter Trandoshan by the arm. “Tell me!”

“Something’s happened to Asri!” Came the frightened response.

Tiosk, Rissonik and Varcanna had gotten involved in a conversation about old times when a message came in. When Varcanna played it they were a bit surprised: the wookiee Balik was involved with had been found and was being transported to safety.

“That was quick.” Tiosk remarked. “Balik will be very happy to hear about this.”

“Indeed, Varca, go ahead and send that message to the Blackblade, encrypted and marked for Balik’s eyes only.” Rissonik said.

“Yes Uncle.” Varcanna said, but before she could start to comply she got hit with a wave of emotion and distress. Taken completely off guard, she moaned and rubbed her head.

“What’s wrong?” Rissonik asked.

“Something has really upset Trazu…” Was all she had to say.

****

It took a moment for Natira to remember who Asri was and what she meant to this man and once she did she understood. Though she understood, it still annoyed her that this man, a Jedi for cripes sake, would break down so easily. “How can you be sure some things happened to her?” Natira asked.

“A…a feeling….” Trazu replied, whom had sat down again. “Through the Force I sensed it…but I don’t know how bad it is….I…I…don’t know if she’s even alive….goddess…please let her still be alive….”

“You’re a damn Jedi and you can’t tell if someone is alive or not!?” Natira growled.

Trazu looked up at her, his eyes already swollen from the tears he had shed: he looked pathetic. “The Force doesn’t always tell you everything you need to know…” He stated simply. “It is often cryptic and what it does show of the future isn’t always set in stone.”

“So as far as we know she could just have broken an arm or something, ziss maybe even just a stubbed toe. I think you’re overacting….”

“Overacting? Overacting!?” Trazu yelled rising to his feet. Fearful, Natira backed away, praying he didn’t lash out at her with the Force. “Have you any idea what it’s like to lose someone you love and can’t do shit about it!?” He yelled. “I have! My deceased wife was killed with poison, one that had no antidote, I was forced to watch her wither and die! I would have ended her suffering sooner…but that required her consent and she was beyond being able to give it.” His words came out much softer and quieter now. “Even if she could…I don’t think I would have been able to do it…I loved her so much…I couldn’t let her go….now…now the same thing may be happening with Asri…and I’m no where near her….kazuk I don’t even know here she is right now! I don’t want to lose her….I don’t want to lose her! I haven’t gotten up the chance to tell her how I really feel about her…I…I wanted to marry her….now I may not have that chance….”

“Listen to yourself!” Natira snapped. “You are acting as if she was already dead and buried when you said yourself that you’re not sure if she is dead or not! You are overacting!”

This time Trazu did use the Force and Natira found herself pinned against the wall by nothing: it was rather unnerving. “You bitch….how can you possibly know what it’s like!? You’ve lived a sheltered life most of your life, I can tell. There’s no way you could know my pain! No one can!”

There was a yellow ochre flash and next thing Natira knew she was released from the Force grip Trazu had on her. Instead, it was Trazu being held up against the wall, being held against it by the figure that was her father, whom looked furious: he must have come back in just in time to hear the last part of their ‘discussion’. This was the first time she had seen her father look so angry….

“Little shit….” Tiosk growled at the now suddenly calmed, if not frightened Trazu. His voice, though spoken at a normal volume, was frightening in its tone. “The damn galaxy does not revolve around you. There is not one person on this ship that hasn’t experienced some kind of tragedy of some level. My daughter lost her Aunt, the only one until now to show her any love and respect. Your own father was locked away in those ruin in case you have conveniently forgotten and nearly driven to insanity from the isolation. Myself….I lost the love of my life…twice. Once when she was forced to leave me due to her forced marriage to Nakoran…and the second time when she was killed in that terrorist attack. I found her body long after it had expired….so yes….boy….I do know your pain! Don’t’ ever say no one knows it again….especially in my presence! Do you understand?!”

Natira watched as Trazu could only nod, his body shaking. Tiosk dropped him and turned away, taking a couple of deep breaths to calm himself. “Are you alright Natira?” He asked finally, his voice a much more pleasant tone if not a little edgy.

“I…I’m fine.” Natira said sheepishly. “I was stupid…I shouldn’t have said anything to him…I forgot what he was capable of.”

“No…” Tiosk said shaking his head. “You said what anyone else would have, even knowing what he is capable of. Just remember that a mind overwhelmed by emotion is not oft a rational one.”

“Yes father.”

Meanwhile Rissonik was trying to comfort Trazu, whom had started openly weeping. “Calm down son.” He said, patting his shoulder. “You are both right…since the Force didn’t show you exactly what happened there’s a good chance she is still alive, so don’t start grieving for her yet. Asri is a strong lady and I doubt she can be taken out so easily: besides if she knew about how you were acting right now she’ll probably clobber you one.” That got a weak laugh out of Trazu. “Look, when we get back to the station we will have the guys there see if they can get in contact with Lavality and find out what is going on. Who knows…maybe word has already reached the station and we just need to get there and receive it. So keep your chin up…and save those tears for a confirmed tragedy.”

Trazu simply nodded in agreement.

They reached the station not long after and Trazu promptly made use of the comm room to send a message to Lavality, requesting info on Asri’s status. They were warned it may take some time for a response to come back to them and when a response didn’t come back within two hours Trazu started pacing. This quickly drove everyone crazy and Rissonik forced the anxious young man to go wait in a spare room. It was a good thing he did, for it was the next day when the response finally came in. When he got word it arrived he was alike a green blur as he ran to Tiosk’s office and snatched up the datapad without so much a thank you. Tiosk scowled a bit at this, his own feelings toward the man still a little sour after the tirade on the way back to the station, but didn’t say anything about his rudeness.

Good Day, Lord Trazu.

I wish I was sending a more pleasant report, but sadly that isn't the case. While Asri was very successful, it came with a cost. She developed an infection, an allergic reaction to the armor she was wearing. In the words of our doctor 'she was carrying her own death on her person' she's ok now though, as she is healing and getting better.

Once Asri's condition improves I'll make plans to head back to Trandosha, but until then the best I can assure you is that shes ok.

There's... something else I must inform you about, not about Asri, but something else... I will tell you, Sha'tor Rissonik and Counculor Naosha when I arrive.. hell.. perhaps everyone on the clan grounds should hear but I'll leave that up to the Sha'tor when I inform him.

Either way, once Asri's condition gets better, or perhaps she wakes up, I'll be on my way. Take care

-Grand Admiral Lavality Serendivus

When he finished reading he seemed to grow even shorter as all his worries and anxieties left him at once. “She’s going to be ok…” Was all he said as he returned the datapad and sank into a seat. “I bet she is mad though…considering how much she liked that armor. Strange though…that her body would react like that…considering….”

Rissonik took the datapad and gave it a quick scan. “Her sensitivity to that allergen was likely always there Trazu and ‘they’ were likely overwhelmed by her body’s natural overreaction to it.”

“’They’?” Tiosk echoed, a puzzled and curious look on his face: Natira had the same look.

Rissonik shook his head. “We are not privileged to say my friend.” He said apologetically. “Asri herself would have to explain.”

Tiosk snorted at that but dropped the subject. “Now that you have finally calmed down Lord Trazu, I suppose you are ready to discuss this Force Hunter issue with us?” He asked.

“Yes…I…apologize for delaying this over something like this….” Trazu said sheepishly. “So what are we to do first? We conveniently killed the one lead we had back on the Blackblade.”

“Not necessarily.” Tiosk said with a sly smile. “We have a contact of theirs in my hold here.”

“Ah yes…the one that gave me the info I needed to try to kill you father….” Natira said quietly.

“We don’t know how deep he is in this group, but he surely has information we can use.” Tiosk said, grinning. “I’ll have Konik bring him up….”

“You have a lot to answer for sir for having me locked up for no reason.” The man growled when he was brought into the office.

“More like you have a lot to answer for.” Tiosk replied calmly. “Natira, this is the man right?”

Natira looked him over. “Yes father. He is. I am certain.” She replied.

The shock on the man’s face was telling. “So you know now….” He growled. “They were fools to use you.”

“And who is ‘they’?” Tiosk asked.

“I know no names…not that I would give them to you if I did.” The man said definitely. “And only met with them in shadow.” Tiosk glanced over at Trazu, whom nodded: he was telling the truth.

“”So you have no information on your employers identities, a shame. Surely you have some good info for us before we space you.”

The man’s face hardened. “I ain’t saying nothing.”

With a sigh, Tiosk brought up his file. “You’re married aren’t you? With three children…two boys and a girl?” Rissonik and Trazu looked at him, surely he wasn’t about to….

“You can’t!” The man said suddenly “They had nothing to do with this!”

“How can we be sure?” Tiosk said. “They could be informants like you.”

“I swear on the Scorekeeper they aren’t!”

“Then what do you know that may help us?”

“I…I don’t know much….I was just a watcher…an informant.” The man looked defeated.

“Like maybe you remember where you got your jobs? Or maybe the motive as to why they were after my non-Force sensitive ass?”

“So you do know something about them….” The man breathed.

“The one we killed on the Blackblade was quite telling about the motive before he joined the ancestors.” Tiosk admitted. “Though why they ‘thought’ I was Force sensitive was beyond me.”

The man was quiet for a moment. “I don’t know the name….but they said you were the last surviving child of a Sha’tor whom headed a Clan they wiped out over 40 years ago. That Sha’tor was a confirmed Force Sensitive.”

Tiosk was speechless, so much so that Trazu had to take over. “So you just go and kill any relatives as well ‘just to be safe’ then, whether they are really Force Sensitive or not!” He growled. “All those innocents you killed…all over a damn superstition!”

“It’s not a superstition!” The man snapped back. “The original purge may have been but this one isn’t!”

“Explain.”

“We seen it happen with the other races, how the Force seemed to control every aspect of their lives….and eventfully they end up destroying themselves. The same with the old Jedi Order, they got so arrogant and comfortable with the Force, thinking it would warn them of everything…that they didn’t see the betrayal of one of their own from within until it was too late. We didn’t want to see that happen to us…we didn’t want Force Sensitive’s to start telling us our futures, start controlling our lives.”

“The Force doesn’t work like that.” Trazu sighed. “The vision, the future it shows us is only one of many possibilities. It’s not absolute and we can’t get it to tell us a fortune on any one person at our whim: to do that would damage the Force itself. What it does tell us is often cryptic and incomplete, leaving us to figure it out on our own. Hardly anything to ‘control’ our lives with.”

The man blinked at him in surprise. “You speak of the Force as if it was a living thing….” He said.

“Because from my own experience I’ve come to believe it essentially is a living entity of it’s own right.” Trazu said. “It’s not just an ‘energy’ force some of us can tap into, but an entity that is a part of every thing in the galaxy. Like any living being it can be damaged, but if damaged too much….I suppose it could disappear…’die’ if you will, but what would happen to the galaxy?” There was dead silence. “I don’t think there would be a galaxy any more if that happened….”

“We…we are not seeking to destroy the galaxy!” The man exclaimed. “We just want to remove the ones that can use the Force!”

“There were always be ones that can use the Force!” Trazu snapped back at him. “That ability is not restricted to being passed down family lines and can just suddenly ‘show up’ in a line that was completely mundane. The only way to keep T’Doshok from having any Force Sensitives at all is to make our whole race go extinct!”

The man looked completely defeated now. “They usually conduct their meetings in a office building in the merchant quarter of Hsskhok. It’s a tall one…but that’s all I remember about it, I’m sorry. They likely have secondary locations as well.”

“Do you know of any other operatives?” Rissonik asked.

“No, the only one I knew of was the one you have already killed. They likely have another on this station though, since it’s so big….”

“Any chance this guy could know more?”

“If he…or she….is just a watcher like me…likely not.”

“Alright.” Rissonik looked at Tiosk and realized the man was not capable of giving orders right now. “Konik, can you have this man back to his cell? We’ll have to decide his fate later.” Konik nodded and guided the man out. “You alright old friend?” Rissonik asked Tiosk.

“I…I’m a noble….?” Tiosk said quietly, sounding like he wasn’t quite believing it himself. “If…if I knew that before…I could have….I could have married you’re mother Natira with no complaints from her family.”

“If you knew you were a noble all those years ago father…you likely wouldn’t have met my mother.” Natira said sadly.

“Indeed…you would never have joined my Clan and become my lifelong friend.” Rissonik added. “Remember how you ‘met’ Tiryanna.”

“Ah yes…the rat loving merchant that complained about thieves…but was too blind to realize it was the rats stealing from him along….” Tiosk said with a smile.

“This sounds like a story I should hear….” Natira said with a grin. Before Tiosk could obligue however Konik came running back into the office.

“Sir!” Konik said. “We just got word that Lavality is on her way back and that she wanted to have a meeting with you and Sha’tor Rissonik.”

“Well…we are already here…so when she arrives tell her to come to my office.” Tiosk said.

“I hope she brought Asri back with her….” Trazu said quietly.

“I’m sure she did son…so you’ll be seeing her again shortly.” Rissonik said, patting his son on the back.