[b][i]"Any failure to get the results I want is due to a lack of power on my part. That can change, in time. As a Sith, my mettle is tested far more than when I was a Padawan. I know this may sound strange, but only my compassion stands in my way now. Once that is gone, let the slavers beware."[/b][/i]
[i][b]"But if you lose your compassion... will you still care about those slaves?"[/b][/i]
[i]~ Yuthura Ban and Revan[/i]

For the first time since her meditation disaster weeks ago, Syrra had been able to sleep well, such that when she awoke to the gentle rapping at the hatch she was far less irritable than she normally was in the morning- though her maw felt particularly dry for some reason. Waking up had generally been easier for her ever since she'd started patrolling the planet as a Ranger- her head was clear and she was alert after only a few moments of stretching, tossing off the covers and kicking her legs of the side of her upper bunk, slipping down to the deck.

She regretted doing so, the floor positively freezing and it immediately reminded her that she had completely stripped off her robes the night before, momentarily forgetting where she had deposited them. Another round of rapping assaulted the door, this time a little louder.

She panicked, blue eyes darting around the room trying to find her robe. "A-ah, don't come in just yet!" She checked the opposite bunk, her paws already trying to hide her exposed breasts, nipples and fur-concealed slit as if Kajex were already in the room.

There was a pause. "... Okay? I promise I won't try to open the door that you have locked. It's set so that it only locks in on your side."

Syrra halted in her steps, sighing exasperatedly and spotting her robes at the same moment, bunched up on the lower bunk she'd been sleeping over. Of [i]course[/i] she had locked the hatch, she hadn't trusted the mercenary to not just waltz in while she was having a long personal moment. She winced, the events of the previous night coming to her, trying to keep her voice neutral. "Right, sorry about that." A pause, then a decision to tell half the truth. "I was a little warm last night is all, I locked it for privacy."

"Fair enough, I'll respect that. I put a ration bar on the platform in the galley if you need a bite to eat before we take off."

"So soon?"

"It's already 0540, kiddo. Might want to get a move on, your kin and Captain Lynch want to wish you well before we head out. Ramp's open and they're waiting for you outside."

Syrra frowned slightly- she'd have to get him to start using her name more often, rather than reminding her that he was slightly older as if it mattered. Nevertheless she hurried in donning her robes quickly, opting to ditch her boots for the moment before pushing her hair back and unlocking the hatch, striding out into the lounge. She glanced the cockpit hallway, seeing Kajex checking a nearby console. "Not coming to say farewell?"

Kajex shook his head, keeping his eyes on the monitor- Syrra couldn't help feeling that he seemed a bit distant. "I already spoke with them and said my toodle-oos, and I need to get the [i]Roulette[/i] warmed up first. It's [i]you[/i] they want to see off. I'll be waiting in the cockpit once you're done."


It only occurred to Syrra that she was leaving home again, probably not to return for days or even weeks, when the first thing Iaora did was step forward and embrace her tightly to her chest, her gentle voice longing and sad. "I wept for a night when you set for the stars, cub. We shall miss you deeply while you are gone."

Syrra stiffened, embracing her kin as a flood of different emotions tore through her. "I'll miss you all as well. Tell mother I'll keep safe and that I'll succeed in this- I promise."

Aarn smiled. "I expect you will, cub. Just be careful and respectful, and I'm certain you'll come back to us."

Iaora beckoned to one of the servants, who hurried forward and handed her a small, ornate box. "When you first left us for the Academy, I had intended to meet with you before your journey- but you were eager to leave so soon, and I had no opportunity to give you this." She lifted the lid, a glint of blue meeting Syrra's eyes as the sunrise shed a shaft of light on the gem, a small, perfectly-cut sapphire resting within the container. "I had hoped perhaps you would use it in the construction of your own lightsaber."

Syrra's breath left her. She knew the gem had been selected specifically because the stone signified her birth. She pushed the box back. "I can't. I already have--"

"--The lightsaber of a distant ancestor," Iaora finished. "An heirloom of one whose blood you do not share. You honor your lineage, and your mother, by wielding it. Yet I know you wish to honor our culture in some way. You can't take Ekibo, your birthplanet, with you- but perhaps you can carry a piece of it instead."

Syrra swallowed as Iaora pushed it back into her paws. She felt too weak to hand it back, a warmth at the corners of her eyes. She tried to be logical. "It's just... Jedi use crystals that call to them, that are significant to them and have a pull to them."

Iaora smiled. "Then you alone will be able to determine whether my gift to you holds a place in your heart, cub."

The flood of emotions ebbed away in Syrra's mind until only gratefulness and love remained, the Padawan stepping forward and embracing both her kin, unable to prevent a few tears from running down her face even as she smiled. "Thank you so much." She wiped her eyes, composing herself and looking around.

Her eyes fell on Lynch, who, in an effort to keep the family moment between themselves, had turned to look over the Corellian vessel with mild interest as it went through pre-flight warmups, before remember why he was there, hurriedly stepping forward- he looked much better, his missing arm doing nothing to dampen his disposition as he held his hand out to her. "Ya'll take care, kitten. Come back to the Academy alive, right? I'll make sure the Council gets wind of how you saved the both of us, believe me."

Syrra grinned and shook his hand warmly. "I'll do my best."

"Least you got a sweet ride to get you there- never thought I'd see an X S Stock Freighter in my life, but there you go- never know what the Force will throw at you, right? Mind Captain Surnahm, if he's been flying that thing 10 years and hasn't wrecked it yet, he can teach you just as well as I could."

"If he decides to tutor me, that is." She gave the injured pilot a friendly hug. "Be safe, Lynch."

"You too, kid- Force be with ya."


"There you are- right on schedule, too." The wolfish captain beckoned Syrra in, the Trianii chewing on a ration bar. "Got your breakfast, good- strap yourself in and we'll get going." He flipped a few overhead switches and the engines many meters behind them roared to life. He pointed out the cockpit at Syrra's kin and Lynch. "Smile and wave, kid, won't get another chance."

She had only a few brief seconds to do so before the entire ship was in motion, the vessel shooting up abruptly, rattling the Trianii- it wasn't as rocky as the [i]Truly Sorrier[/i], and was in fact far smoother, but this seemed to be going far too fast. She tried to ignore the swooping feeling in her stomach, choosing to focus on Kajex's paws and trying to get an idea of what he was doing, but the controls minus the steering yoke (which he curiously left untouched) seemed to be beyond anything she knew. He caught her looking, cocking his head to the side. "Something up?"

Syrra hesitated. "It's just... Lynch had offered to teach me the basics of starship piloting. After he was injured he suggested perhaps you could do it instead."

Kajex frowned. "Did he?"

Syrra swallowed- his expression was not inviting.

He returned his attention to the vessel. "I could, kid, but that's not exactly a part of my contract. I can feed you, shelter you, even attempt to keep you alive through this mission- and I'm fine with that. But when it comes to my ship?" His eyes narrowed. "Over my dead [i]body[/i]."

Syrra turned away, watching as they ascended through the sky, leaving the ground behind with remarkable speed. "Fair enough... I suppose you have your reasons. Just thought you might be able to help."

Kajex said nothing for a while, before letting out a short sigh. "It's nothing personal kid, I ju--"

"It's [i]Syrra[/i]," she cut him off firmly, fixing a chilly stare at him- his abrasiveness just now hadn't sat well with her. "I understand you're older than I am, but I have a name and I'd [i]appreciate[/i] if you start using it- it's already bad enough my own Master--" She stopped short, a plunging feeling that had nothing to do with flying running through her- she turned away, annoyed. "... Forget it." Somehow, the brief trade in barbs had settled her stomach enough that she returned to consuming her ration bar.

He glanced to the side, hesitating for a moment before speaking. "Alright, so... you apologized to me yesterday for your less-than-flattering comments about me. And I do accept your apology. I can be an adult too- I'm sorry if I seem like an asshole where it concerns the welfare of my ship, and for not using your name... Syrra." He grabbed the yoke and pulled it back, the ship gently guided upwards by his motions. "You're right about me having my reasons for being overprotective of my ship, and I'm not really comfortable sharing them with someone I only just met yesterday. And I just figured if your initial impression of me was [i]that[/i] bad, you probably weren't keen on me using your name. Add that you seem a bit stand-offish as is, I figured I'd give you a wide berth in that respect."

"You used it la--" She stopped short, starting over. "I accept your apology, Ca-- Kajex. I just inferred that your use of it last night meant your were going to stop referring to me as a 'kid' or 'kiddo'. I'm not a child, even if I'm only a little younger than you are."

Kajex snickered, hitting a switch and letting the yoke go- the ship seemed to function on its own, pitching to the side as if from some unbidden command. "You have no idea- but you're right, you aren't a child. I guess I'm just still a little sore that your Jedi Order sent a Padawan on this mission, is all."

Syrra frowned. "Let's not add to the pile of things we're each going to have to apologize for- or else this might end up being a [i]very[/i] long flight!" She drew in a breath, clutching the box Iaora had given her to her lap. "I can hardly help the Jedi council picking [i]me[/i] to come here and spend time in your wonderful, chauvinistic company while we work on getting a legitimate problem solved. If I'd known that in just the first 24 hours I'd be in a near fatal crash-landing and paired up with [i]you[/i]..." She trailed off in frustration, wondering if she was just making things worse.

Kajex didn't look unhappy with her- in fact, he seemed to be amused, a small grin on his face as he started, she assumed, setting coordinates for hyperspace. "That's just what us people out in the wide universe call 'adventure', Syrra. We get to meet all sorts of new and interesting people that we end up liking or hating, making weird sorts of friends and allies."

Syrra stared, confused. "You're not angry with my outburst?"

The wolf shook his head, still smiling. "Not really, not this time. Yesterday, you were taking shots at my intentions- I admit I didn't like that. I mean, I've risked my life to save people- a family once, even. Didn't regret it for a moment, even though it nearly got me killed. Being called a beast and being compared to the monsters I usually have to put down to make things right..."

Syrra flinched and nodded. "Again, I'm truly sorry. I hadn't even considered that point of view."

"Don't worry- I said I was over it and I am. I'm getting on your nerves for a reason, though- I'm hoping you'll chill out eventually. And sure, I can see why you think I'd be [i]crude[/i] to some degree, but I do have to protest that. If I were chauvinistic I'd undoubtedly be propositioning you, or at least peeking in on you while you sleep like some creepy asshole."

The Trianii Jedi blinked. "Why?"

He furrowed his brow in confusion. "What do you mean, 'why'? A chauvinistic male would more than likely be trying to pressure an attractive female like you into sex, that's all."

"... You consider me attractive?"

Kajex chuckled. "You either don't have much in the way of self-confidence, or you've never compared yourself to other women." He turned to the console. "Navigation's done, hittin' hyperspace."

Syrra watched, once again fascinated by the process of returning to the blue, rippling expanse of hyperspace. She stared at the soothing sight while Kajex returned to the conversation. "But yeah, to answer your question I'm pretty sure most non-Trianii would look your way and find you easy on the eyes, though I can't say if other Trianii would see the same thing. Don't get me wrong, though- if the last 18 hours were indication enough, you're probably not my type, and as a you're a Jedi I'm definitely not yours."

"Why? Just because I'm a Jedi, you think I can't be attached to anybody?"

Kajex raised an eyebrow. "Not sure why you'd argue the point. But you also just don't seem the type to have a significant other, either- no offense intended."

Syrra looked away, hoping her blush wasn't showing- she couldn't understand why she had that reaction. "Just trying to rectify the misconception."

"Which? You don't have an earring, which would otherwise show to others that you're in a relationship, if not mated, and in any case I was under the impression that Jedi [i]can't[/i] have attachment. Which probably sucks, not being able to have close friends or family- though I'm glad to hear that infant-kidnapping isn't being practiced anymore."

Syrra shook her head. "Master Skywalker doesn't forbid attachment, not really. He argues that severing attachment outright prevents Jedi from being accustomed to loss, when it inevitably happens- which can often lead to the Dark side as a result."

Kajex shrugged. "I'm not even going to pretend I know what that even means, but it sounds positive enough. This Grand Master of yours sounds like he's a decent guy." He barked out a laugh. "Gotta be- he's Luke Skywalker! You asked for his autograph yet?" He winked. "How many women do you think ask him to sign their breasts?"

Syrra stared at him, dumbstruck.

"... How many [i]guys[/i]?"

There was a moment of shocked silence. It ended when Syrra burst out laughing, Kajex grinning as she shook to maintain herself.

"O-okay... that was pretty funny, I admit it."

Kajex smiled warmly. "See, now you're loosening up a bit. You oughta do that more often, quit worrying overmuch- might be why you seem a bit sour."

Syrra chirped as she stifled a giggle, winding down. "Alright, I'll... I'll try to be less irritable while I'm onboard." She sobered a bit. "But you should remember, we're working together to help my kin, so you at least need to take that seriously."

Kajex nodded. "I'll be sure to. As for you being a Padawan, I promise I won't make a big deal about it anymore- I can't imagine it does much for your temper. I keep forgetting you have experience as a Trianii Ranger, so that'll come in handy during a fight."

Syrra nodded. "So, what's our first step when we get to Fibuli?"

"Your uncle mentioned his fleet uses a starport."

"And for some reason you mentioned stiff drinks- and sex, for some reason..."

"Right, so now it's time to elaborate on that. First thing almost any captain will do when he hits port is call up his old lady, fiancee or girlfriend and let him know he made it on-planet alright. If he's single, he skips ahead to step two- going to a strip club or a bar, or an establishment doubles as both."

"Married men going to a strip club?" she asked, confused.

"I'm not even going to try to defend it, but yeah, sometimes they'll do that. Then the spirits get passed around, everyone imbibes, the sober suddenly become Force-users able to wheedle out most information from the drunk, and the strippers end up with extra credit chips in their cleavage."

Syrra frowned, starting to catch on. "You want to go to a strip club and talk to drunks and strippers?"

"Not necessarily drunks- [i]maybe [/i]a couple of strippers. But bartenders tend to hear alot of things, and they'll do just as well, too."

"That sounds more reasonable." She stood and stretched, gazing out into hyperspace. "How long before we get there?"

Kajex checked his chronometer. "It's 0625 right now, 1300 Standard. It'll be about 3 hours before we reach Fibuli, so you may want to find something to do."

"I could use a shower. Where's your refresher? I don't think you told me last night."

"I don't think I did either. It's port-aft, just a few steps counter-clockwise from the crew quarters. Greywater showers, nothing fancy, but I change the filters on the spot once every month. Two private stalls, four shower units, but just a heads up, it's communal and the lock on the door is on the fritz. I got my own in my room though, so I won't pop in."

Syrra raised an eyebrow, the description reminding her of the vessel's size. "Like I said yesterday, this ship seems a bit too big for one person."

"And I can see why you'd say that. But it's useful when I have unexpected visitors; like a family that needs shelter, or a couple of kark-suckers that I need to take to the authorities. And if I ever decide to pick up smuggling, she's all prepped for it with extra cargo space and hidden floor compartments. Corellians have always catered to the needs of the underworld, even 4,000 years ago."

"Could always hire a co-pilot to make the place seem less empty," Syrra suggested.

"Ha!" The wolf's laugh was bark-like. "After my reaction just now, you think I'd let some stranger come in and touch [i]my[/i] ship? No thank you- I'd rather put my trust in [i]you[/i] first, and you don't have that yet. Besides, with my abysmal pay rate nobody would want to take it on." He paused. "Maybe a couple of my closer friends, but they have better jobs and even better relationships."

Syrra shook her head. "Well it's your ship, your rules, I guess. Will you be using the lounge?"

Kajex shook his head. "Wasn't planning on it, think I'll just do a bit of slicing exercises up here."

The Trianii nodded, heading out of the cockpit. "I think I'll do the same with my lightsaber before I wash up, then."

The wolf watched her leave, muttering. "And there's her sense of humor- well, [i]that's[/i] progress of a sort."


Fibuli's history was well known to the denizens of the Wild Space region. Prior to the rise of the Empire it had been the site of a major Trianii colony, one of the few ports in the Trian system that was capable of taking in a surge of off-world visitors looking to make trade deals with the feline race. Such deals had been gently rebuffed in favor of mildly lucrative alternatives that allowed the Trianii to maintain their self-reliance while still bringing in the credits.

This would not sit well with the expansionist manifesto of the CSA, whose violation of non-human sentient rights were well known even before they encroached on Trianii space. It wasn't long before border skirmishes turned into a quick hit to the jaw of the inhabitants of the system, by way of forceful annexation of Fibuli some 10 years before the Battle of Yavin. Used to most sentient races cowering to them, the CSA had not expected the Trianii Rangers to fight tooth and claw (sometimes literally) in order to preserve their worlds, and suffered heavy damage to their forces and economy. Within 3 years, much of Fibuli had been turned into a wasteland, partly due to the CSA's scorched earth tactics as they were pushed off-planet. The Trian system mourned for the damage and it was at this point they were receptive to an armistice with the CorpSec- though their hatred and distrust of the CSA was intensified all the same. Fibuli never fully recovered from her wounds, but now served as a rugged stop in the middle of the Trian system, and so had businesses, homes and cities on what little of its surface could still sustain them.

Things got worse for the CSA's grip following the Battle of Yavin and several public releases by offworld news outlets- the atrocities of the CSA prison facility Star's End; their financial connections with the Empire and several slave trading rings; the theft of artifacts from several cultures; and the cover-up of their discovery (and subsequent subjugation) of no fewer than 11 sentient species. Relations with the Rebel Alliance had been destroyed once they had discovered that Star's End held Rebel prisoners- when they finally organized into the New Republic, they ensured that political financial connections within Republic space to the CSA were suspended. Add to the numerous uprising of worlds under CSA control, and even with most of the Wild Space Region's credits in their pockets, CorpSec had at this point lost their expansionist momentum, slowly losing their grip on what they had.

"And yet... the scum still lurks around here," Syrra growled as she saw three CorpSec officers stagger drunkenly out of the adult club they were nearing. She gave them a threatening glare she was certain they couldn't see in their drunken stupor, jamming her paws into her borrowed bomber jacket- Kajex had insisted she wear it in order to conceal the fact she was a Jedi, which would likely draw attention. She was a little more grateful to him given that it kept her dry, a moderate rainfall slickening the streets of Knanan City, Fibuli's capital.

"Takes years for some vermin to die out," Kajex agreed, frowning as one of them decided to trip over his own feet and vomit at the same time. "Buck up, we're here now- we'll get inside, warm up, get a couple of drinks and mingle a bit."

She scowled at him, about to use Basic to speak to him, before deciding to shift to her native language. "<We're not here to socialize, we've got a job to do.>"

Kajex rolled his eyes, before reminding her of the plan a 5th time since they had left the [i]Roulette[/i] at the star port, responding smoothly in her tongue. "<We do- and we're not going to get that job done if we're the only two people at a strip joint that look like we have sticks up our tailholes, it'll look suspicious if it seems like we don't want to be here. If we're going to get information out of anyone, we're going to need to blend in.>" They had spent the last week at the starport, looking for signs and checking the docking stations and hangar bays that Aarn's vessels had been using, visiting nearby taverns and restaurants to get information. Nothing had turned up and it had been fraying on both their nerves, though they both had the sense not to antagonize each other.

She stared up at the sign, reading it in Basic. "'Jack's Off-World Menagerie...? Frakkin'... [i]really[/i]?" She shook her head in disgust.

Kajex sighed, smoothly transitioning from Basic to Trianii as he spoke. "Look, it's not clever, I'll give you that- <but try to at [i]least[/i] look like you wanted to come here for the drinks, if not the male performers.>"

She stepped inside, trying to maintain a neutral expression despite her discontent- the smell was a new kind of putrid that she'd never experienced in her life, and the bass-heavy music mixed in with the catcalls and whistles near the tables were already battering against her nerves. "They have male performers?" she asked as covertly as she could over the din, brushing her damp hair back.

"It's close to a star port, they have to consider catering to many races with different tastes, right?" He gestured to the bar before pushing his wet bangs out of his eyes. "This is the closest establishment to the starport that we've come across that's likely to see Trianii customers or clients that we haven't checked yet." He directed Syrra by the shoulders to an empty stool at the bar, seating himself beside her. "Now look- this time stop refusing my offer and actually order something to drink this time, right?" She chuffed irritably, and Kajex sighed. "Fine, I'll get you something."

She looked around uncertainly, eyes drifting on the barely-dressed and undressing male and female performers striding across the stage, taking places before swarms of whistling men ([i]and women[/i], noticed Syrra with mild surprise). A particularly large, heavily-muscled Cathar male in a ridiculously undersized loincloth had made an appearance to some loud, female cheering at the other side of the establishment, and Syrra stiffened as he watched him begin to flaunt his body.

Even from the other side of the facility, dim as the lights were, Syrra's exceptional feline eyesight did not miss the Cathar's gaze drift up to her, pause, then acknowledge her with a wink. Syrra spun in her seat, heart racing madly.

Kajex had been ordering a couple of drinks for them, but noticed his partner's cringing. "You alright? You look like you've seen a ghost." He handed her a full glass, looking mildly concerned. "Don't know your poison, figured I'd order you a standard of pilots- Corellian ale. Get some of that in you."

She sipped the drink experimentally, expecting a hard and caustic taste, only to regard the drink appreciatively as the sweet flavor spread through her muzzle. "Not what I was expecting, but it's not bad." She glanced at Kajex, leaning in to whisper. "<I just don't know that this will work- it didn't the last 2 bars.>"

"<It might not,>" Kajex acknowledged fairly, "<but until we can grab a lead out of thin air, this is the best idea I have.> Just try to relax a bit- even full-time employees like Jedi need to kick back once in a while." He pushed her upright, looking slightly chagrined. "<And don't act all covert, nobody is going to care what we say unless we look sneaky, like we're trying to hide something- speaking Trianii will be enough for these folks.>" He glanced up, letting out an appreciative whistle. Syrra followed his gaze to the stage, where an exotic, red-feathered female of some avian species she had never seen began to shed her scant clothing, revealing ample breasts and pert, bright-blue nipples to the cheering crowd- she favored them all with a wild, playful smile.

Kajex stared for a while, then cleared his throat. "Right... so I'm going to go have a look around- keep that drink flowing and your eyes open. You see anything, I'll be near the bird-lady." He grinned, stepping up to the crowd for a better seat.

Syrra watched him leave, resentment for him settling in. If it weren't for the fact that she believed him to be strapped for credits, she'd have accused him of making up this rotten plan just so he could see some bare breasts and grab some drinks- but the expenditures thus far in procuring a spot at the star port (which was not owned by Syrra's uncle and had generated mild outrage from the captain having to pay what he considered an unfair sum), grabbing meals while they investigated, and now some alcoholic beverages suggested he was going all in. It was either going to work, or he'd be wrong; either way, his pockets were lighter.

His advice the only thing to work on, she leaned against the counter and imbibed, as instructed. If nothing else, she had to admit it was considerate of him to give her something that seemed to be universally appealing. She tried to ignore the mind-numbing music and keep her eyes moving around. They drifted over to the Cathar, who had torn away his loincloth and was strutting side to side, completely bare. Yet again, he glanced up and grinned in her direction. She was almost certain that the hip thrusting, jerking his sheath and balls forward, had been meant for her. This time she didn't look away, though the cost of this was a flush of heat burning in her cheeks.

A sound to her right snapped her out of her fascination, a snarl from a male patron causing several customers to clear out. A female voice rang out. "Hey, I told you- hands off the servers! We ain't here to be touched, got it?!"

The male voice shot back. "Just a lil' touch, lady, I wasn't gon' do more 'n' that!" Syrra followed the voice to a glaring, muscular Besalisk, the 4-armed sentient staring down at a violet-skinned Twi'lek female waitress. "I ain't hurtin' nobody!"

The waitress glared back. "You keep all 4 of your hands off the servers and performers, mister, or you'll find yourself out in the rain!"

Syrra frowned watching the two argue back and forth, the tension beginning to rise- a few of the performers nearby had decided to move away from the scene to draw customer's attention, but a small knot of interested viewers stayed to watch the scene unfold. She felt like she should do something. Master Moarn's cool voice echoed in her head- "[i]Do not do anything to sully the honor of the Praxeum. You are not only a student offering your services, you are an emissary to our Order.[/i]"

She took a breath and left her seat, moving to the pair, feeling it was her duty to try to keep the peace.

There was enough open space for her to approach them both without trouble- once within earshot, she cleared her throat. "Is there a problem here, miss?"

The twi'lek turned to her, a bit baffled. "Er, nothin' sweetheart- just this gentleman seems to be unable to keep his hands to himself," she answered, glaring at the Besalisk. "And I keep telling him not to, club's strict on that- if he wants 'stimulation', he's got 4 hands to work with!"

The Besalisk growl. "Oh fuck her, little runt ain't even a part of this. You still ain't given my my drink yet!"

"And you're not getting it if you keep groping me!"

Syrra spoke loudly, trying to establish some manner of authority while hiding her nervousness- talking to young Trianii troublemakers back home seemed easier. "Sir, if you expect to be served with any respect here, you'll have to start showing some."

The Besalisk finally turned in her direction, stepping forward. "And who the fuck are [i]you[/i], anyway?! I bust my ass at the cargo docks all day, come for drinks and company and now some little runt wants to talk me down about [i]respect[/i]?! I see how some you karkers look at me, like I'm--"

"Sir," Syrra cut him off loudly, "calm down, nobody is saying anyth--"

But he'd had enough, swinging one massive arm in her direction with no warning. Syrra only barely managed to bring her arms up in a basic block, only to be lifted up from the floor and knocked back about 3 meters into another patron's arms.

Syrra reached for her weapon, but felt a larger, stronger yet soft paw grip her wrist, and a soft Trianii-language whisper in her ear. "<Don't. He isn't worth lighting it up for, Syrra.>" She jerked her head back- Kajex had caught her, and was now preventing her from drawing her energy blade. "What's goin' on here, friend? Why are you knocking around my co-pilot?"

The Besalisk bellowed. "This little bitch ain't mindin' her business, is why! Ain't nobody around here treats me with respect and I've had enough of it!"

Kajex whispered in her ear again. "<Apologize.>"

Syrra gaped, hissing back. "<What?! He attacked [i]me[/i]!>"

"<I know that, but apologize anyway- offer him a drink.>"

"What—"

"<Just do it, trust me.>"

He steadied Syrra, who looked skeptically at her partner before striding forward. "Look, sir? I'm sorry if I offended you, I'm just trying to have a nice evening, that's all." The Besalisk glared at her cautiously. "I... I'd like to make amends. Can I get you anything to drink? Straight from the bar, even, you won't have to put up with waitresses."

The massive alien frowned, but seemed to calm down. "You wanna buy me a drink?"

"Like you said, you came here for drinks and company, right?"

The Besalisk looked around- the few people who had stayed to watch the altercation seemed to cow away. "... Don't normally come here for either. Just started comin' here. But... 'long as yer buyin', alright." He plodded forward, past the Trianii and wolf, grunting. "Barkeep, this little lady here says she'll pay for my drink- gimme a Ruby Bliel."

The barkeep glanced to Syrra, who nodded. "Alright Markus, but you behave yourself. I'll let this whole thing slide this time.

Syrra regarded the Besalisk sourly. "<So why are we paying this drunk for his drink?>"

Kajex grinned. "<So you can talk to him- Besalisks get pretty chatty, and tend to be honest folk. Think about what you just heard and start from there. This could be our break.>" He nudged her in his direction, walking over to the far end of the bar and keeping his eyes on them.

Shaking her head in confusion, she took a seat next to the Besalisk. "So... Markus, is it? I'm Syrra."

"That right?" he grunted. "Your boss there, I ain't seen him before."

"No? Makes sense we just flew in from..." she paused a moment, "... Colomus. Core worlds and everything, just visiting home for a bit."

The barkeep slid the drink to Markus. "Much obliged, barkeep." He swallowed roughly half the drink in one go. "Don't see your kind leave the system much these days, you're a bold runt. Still, your kind are alright. Nice folk and all. You too, I guess, if you're generous enough to pay for my drink and all."

Syrra ignored the sleight on her size, keeping him talking. "You know many Trianii from working at the starport?"

Markus shrugged. "A few, yeah. Decent folk, they don't criticize what I look like, not like those CorpSec racists. Always willing to thank me for moving their stuff without complaining. Even nice enough to give me a salve when I pulled a muscle in my back."

She shot a glance at Kajex, who looked surprised and motioned her on. "Oh, they were healers?"

Markus nodded dully. "Yeah, I chatted them up a bit while they were around, they were helping poor folks get medicine. Rightly nice folks, they didn't even charge me for the Kolto applicator. 'Specially this one kitten on the ship, she seemed to... well, I dunno if she [i]liked[/i] me but... she treated me real nice."

Syrra nodded. "Sounds like it. I can't imagine many people in a spaceport would even bother giving you the time of day if you're a cargo-worker. I... can understand that as being pretty unfair."

Markus took another swig. "It's why I went to the bar at the spaceport, Strider's Pride- drinks there were just as good here, and those Trianii were always there. Never made trouble for nobody. Well... 'cept when there were a buncha CSA kark-suckers around, but then [i]everybody[/i] had somethin' bad to say to them. I don't blame your folk for not gettin' on well with them."

Syrra started to say something, but a look on the Besalisk's face had her change questions at the last moment- she could sense sadness and loss from him. "You talked about a Trianii woman who was kind to you. Was she... special to you?"

Markus didn't say anything, biting his lip as if deciding on how to answer- he still seemed drunk, but slurred and inarticulate as he seemed, his speech was sincere. "I don't think nobody could have a friend like her and not value her. I mean, it didn't start that way. But she was sweet and friendly... and beautiful- had pale green eyes like the glacial seas of Ojom, black fur, she was always smiling. And she was talking to [i]me[/i], some dumbass cargo-mover what was covered in oil stains, treating me like I wasn't no different from anyone else." He paused. "How could I not love that? And after a month of talkin', she told me she enjoyed being around me. Told me she had no mate. Had a drink with her one night after that, she danced while the music played and she was beautiful, and..." He stopped, looking in his drink.

Syrra frowned sadly. "She sounds amazing. I'm sure she must have liked you."

Markus nodded. "Yeah... 'liked'. You're a smart one, Syrra, I guess you figured it out."

"Did she... not see you again?"

Markus shook his head. "She didn't. Told me after... after our night with each other... she was heading out with her crew to deliver supplies, and she'd be back and we'd talk about where to go, what to do. Last I ever saw of her," he finished sadly.

"That's awful, I'm sorry," Syrra responded quietly. "And... you never heard word about what happened?"

He shook his head again. "Only thing I heard was that her ship and crew weren't the last to go missing. I asked the other crews if they'd seen her, they said no, were worried too. After a while... they didn't come back, either. Now their docks are empty- word is their business is being halted."

Syrra glanced at Kajex, who was listening intently, though his face was grave. "What was her name?"

Markus paused. "Calya."

"And you know what her name means, right?"

"She told me it meant '"Star Against Night'."

Syrra smiled at him. "Then she was in love with you, Markus. She would not have told a non-Trianii what her name meant unless she intended to spend her life with them- it's our way." She hesitated, then reached out to put a small paw on his gigantic shoulder.

Markus shifted, looking at her. "Really? You promise you're not-- no... you're not lying, are you." He looked simultaneously happy yet full of grief, as if this new knowledge had given him a sense of closure. "That's... good to know, I guess. That what happened was... real, you know?"

Syrra nodded. "Is that why you come here? To forget that pain?"

Markus shook his head emphatically. "I could never forget her, not for a moment- not even brainwashing could force me to, I'd rather die first. But I started coming here after the atmosphere at that old bar got worse once those cat-folk weren't around."

"How so?"

His expression darkened. "New scum started movin' in- or rather, old scum with a new interest in the bar. Buncha animals- the Pride never used to have barfights before them lowlifes sauntered in, then there were about 2 a day. About a week was all it took for things to get bad. Owner can't do much about it, he still gets enough customers and they haven't been caught doing anything illegal... yet," he growled.

Syrra looked back at Kajex, who flashed a thumbs-up- it seemed like a potential lead. "Do you suspect that they might have anything to do with Calya's disappearance?"

He shrugged. "Would love to pin blame on them but we Besalisks are honest folk... and I can't honestly say yes." He paused, frowning. "Only thing I do know is that each day they were there, they seemed to be looking for somethin', or someone. Always huddled in corners unless they had one guy near the door, trading datapads and weapons around and whispering. That alone makes me think they weren't up to no good- it's the kind of thing criminals do."

Syrra nodded, getting up out of her seat. "Thanks, Markus. That'll help."

He looked up. "'Help?' What do you mean?"

Syrra hesitated, then decided he deserved to know the truth of their discussion. "You never asked me why my boss and I were here. That woman you knew, and the other crewmates she was with- we're looking for them, the captain and I." She smiled back at Kajex. "We were hoping to find at least one kind person to be able to give us a lead- and you're that one person we needed."

Markus seemed surprised, but subdued. "Oh... I guess I'm glad I could help, Syrra." He looked at his empty glass. "So you were bein' nice to me because--"

The words seemed to come easily, surprising the Trianii. "You mentioned loading the docks, and... yes, I did want to see what you knew. But it's more than that, now. I have a stake in finding those people because they're my family's friends and kin." She jerked a head in Kajex's direction. "My boss has a stake in it because he truly believes in the good work they're doing. And then there's you."

Markus hiccuped. "What 'bout me?"

"You have a stake in it because someone you care about might be in danger. My boss and I are working this job on behalf of a business, but you reminded me of the fact that things like this affect even people we forget about- like cargo-movers with good hearts." She put a paw on his chest briefly, smiling.

Markus chuckled abruptly. "Ain't there, kid- more down near the gut. But I appreciate your kindness." He hesitated. "Can I ask you a favor, Syrra?"

"Sure?"

"You find them folks and help them if you can- and if you find Calya, tell her... tell her I love her, and I hope she comes to see me again."

Syrra nodded, holding her paw out. "I'll be sure to, you have my word."

He grinned and shook her paw with 3 hands. "And don't you be a stranger, either. Everybody should have a friend like you, I won't ever forget you."


Kajex had been waiting outside for Syrra, the storm having let up briefly. Things seemed to be looking up. He was mildly impressed with how his partner had handled the situation (with a little guidance and alcohol), but more impressed with how she conducted herself- compassionate, honest and receptive to discussion. It had gotten them results, which was good- but Kajex felt even better knowing it had eased a man's heartache. [i]Syrra ain't so bad after all,[/i] he decided to himself.

A few minutes later she walked out, glancing at Kajex with a troubled expression, chirping in Trianii. "<You got all that, right?>"

The wolf nodded. "<Had a surveillance bug underneath the bar to hear you guys out. You did great work.>"

"<Thanks... anything in particular that stood out to you?>"

Kajex nodded. "<The part about datapads.>"

Syrra sighed. "<I don't know a thing about slicing, but yeah- that's what I was thinking, too. Is that a lead we can follow, though?>"

Kajex motioned her to follow him- the plan had been in his head since Markus had brought it up. "<Yeah, one I can cover myself, though you can come with if you want. I'm wondering if these scumbags he mentioned might've tried slicing into the starport's computers, or at least each hangar's systems. Could be they were looking for ship manifests to pin-point what to take, departure times- might even explain why most of the ships were manufacturing vessels. We need to get back to the [i]Roulette[/i] and get my equipment to... Syrra?>"

She had stopped, was looking at the wet ground, shaking. Kajex frowned, walking back to her and switching back to Basic. "Hey... what's wrong?"

She didn't look up at him. "Markus."

"What about him? He'll be okay, you gave him some closure with what you said."

She shook her head, tears flung from her eyes. When she spoke, it was in her tongue again, whimpering. "<It's not that. I... I was ready to kill him when he knocked me away. A part of me wanted to activate my lightsaber and put him down.>"

Kajex felt a pang as he understood. "<You didn't know...>"

"<That doesn't matter!>" she mewled emphatically, anguish in her features. "<I... I almost attacked a man who was already hurting, just because he attacked me! If you hadn't... hadn't been there to stop me, I would've...>"

Kajex took her shoulders firmly, but his voice was soothing, a purring inflection he seldom used while speaking Trianii. "<Syrra... nobody expects you to be perfect, not after just 6 months training as a Jedi. You nearly made a mistake, I understand why that would upset you if the outcome could have been that bad- but it wouldn't have made you a monster. Would you have done it out of hatred, or aggression?>"

Syrra snuffled, looking away. "<I don't know what I felt...>"

Kajex smiled. "<Could you learn from this?>"

Syrra looked up. "<If it means making sure I don't hurt people like him in the future... I'm not going to forget it, no.>" She stared him in the eyes for a few moments then leaned into him, hugging him tightly.

Kajex had no words, stunned as he was by the action. "<Nor will I forget the fact that you saved both him and me. Thank you, Kajex.>" Despite how sad she seemed, the wolf was well-aware that she was purring, nuzzling into his chest. He returned the embrace, a confused but warm smile on his muzzle as he stroked her back comfortingly.

"<Anytime.>"


