A Posse Ad Esse

Planet Eden!
Two months earlier!
cca 2000 hours

Tyren fell to the floor with a thump. Holding his bleeding arm he was exhausted. Mayda stood by him trying to patch the wound on his hip.
"How bad...is it?" he asked with a sigh
"Bad! Sit still so I can patch it." she replied

"I hate this." he said coughing out drops of blood "This state angers me. I hate being...useless!" he said. She worked on.
He looked at his arm wound. Superficial but it stung like hell.

Tyren looked at the scared yet beautiful girl.
"Thank you for helping...." Mayda pressed on the wound "ARGH!! Hells pits woman that hurts."
"I told you to stand still."

She patched him up, covered the wound with a bandage and sat beside him.
Tyren had a feeling he'd have to explain his...transformation from before. No, he was sure. He just waited for the girl to ask.

And hope he'd find a good enough explanation.

Recovering after an exciting mission, May and Tyren sat on the floor of the cave (?? is that where we are?). After escaping the Rebel base area in his ship, they took a break before they would separately set out in their own starfighters. It was a good thing they wouldn't have to leave one of them behind. If he had been injured more, they might have. She found the medkit in his ship and suggested the now-empty cave for a few minutes for resting and healing before the trip back to Aerun.

His adrenaline rush was understandable, but he was more squirmy than she would have preferred, making it difficult for her to bandage him securely. At least he was sitting on the floor and so he couldn't move around as much.

"Thank you for helping...." he had said gently. But she was too busy working on him to answer.

Taking roughened hands to his hips, she secured it and pressed on it, trying not to worry about how much blood he might have lost. He seemed to be protesting alot, though his need to feel useful was noble. Maybe he was distracting himself from his pain.

Her concerned eyes looked up into his for a moment, in time to notice some blood droplets dripping from his mouth, trailing down to his chin. Using her sleeve, she gently dabbed it off of him, concentrating on his lips and chin. Then locking eyes with him for another moment, before turning away shyly, not used to being so close physically. Quickly, her attention back to the medkit, and a smaller bandage for his arm next.

They both were covered in dirt and sand all over their clothes and faces, from falling from the detonator blast, but they were well. That was all that mattered. Now that he was wrapped up, she looked him over for other cuts, and relaxed next to him.

With a sigh, she remembered to say, "You're welcome", not knowing if he meant ... for bandaging him or coming to his rescue and taking out dozens of Rebels. It didn't matter. Being this close to his body reminded her of the earlier time in the cave, when he went in some type of spell, his eyes orange and wild and she had sensed something...

After a few minutes, the silence was awkward. "Well, Mr. Atema, seems that we were successful in our mission."

"It seems so!" he replied.
They sat there for a few minutes in agonising silence then Tyren spoke.
"You're probably wondering..." he sighed "...about earlier."
She thought for a second
"Well...yes...but i know it must be difficult for you to say..."
More than you know. Tyren thought

"It...began here on this blasted planet...Eden." he started "For years I lived here in solitude and deceit. Back then I was Tyren Zin the ex-Jedi of the Old Jedi Order who turned to darkness and went insane. This was far from the truth, as you know I have a twin brother. And we were born long after the Clone Wars."

He sighed again under the pain. He felt the wounds getting better but the pain was still there and bare barrable.

"One day while scouring for food I hit my head and lost all memory of my true past but in reaction to this my mind created for me an illusion. This illusion is the madman that lived here."

She seemed a bit shocked but Tyren continued.

"Sometimes, even now, the madness takes over me. Voron Tess I named this unknown entity in my soul. When he takes over my transformation begins. I become a whole other person." he turned his whole body toward her and sighed "Mayda, it's poisoning me. I'm controlling it but to what end?" he said and took her hand.

"Every time he takes over I feel like I'm in a cage. I can see everything that's happening but I cannot control my actions. Only through the Force can I control him."

That was it. That was everything, and it was the truth. He had no other explanation but the truth so he just waited for a reaction.

She didn't know whether to be relieved or worried that he was telling her his story, but now they had bonded, in the dangers of battle and rescuing each other. Listening intently, she laid a hand gently on his knee.

Jedi? She perked up and blinked when he said he was an 'ex-Jedi', and also at 'insane'. But then, who among the Brotherhood does not have skeletons in their closet?, she surmised. It was a bit difficult to follow the story, as it was quite fantastical - but obviously true as she had seen with her own eyes. An illusion of the mind? A whole other person? Was it that a spirit posessed him? She didn't quite understand, nor did he seem to.

"Mayda, it's poisoning me. I'm controlling it but to what end?" he said and took her hand.

Her brows furrowed a bit, as she became worried for him, for the desperation in his voice.

"Every time he takes over I feel like I'm in a cage. I can see everything that's happening but I cannot control my actions. Only through the Force can I control him."

Though she didn't expect many answers, she felt that she had to ask, for her own safety. The questions poured out of her. "Is this a spirit that possesses you? So, when does he surface? Is it only in times of danger? Are you able to control him? Is there anything I should do when I see you like that? "

Mayda felt just awful for him, and didn't mind holding his hand, to comfort him, and to comfort her own worry.

"A spirit?" he asked " No. This is no spirit. This feels so...like me. Voron is me but my insane and utterly evil side. He surfaces only when I cannot control him, this is why I train in the Force so hard to be able to control these emotions." he said holding tighter on her hand.

"If this happens near you..." he stopped in dead silence. "I'll just have to train harder. What Voron is fully capable of when he takes control is too...savage for anyone, save me, to know. I would'nt want to but I have little choice but to do so."

He leaned forward and lay his head on her shoulder.
"I'll keep him away from you. While I'm here no harm will come to you. I promise." he whispered into her ear and waited for a reaction.

"If this happens near you..." he stopped in dead silence. "I'll just have to train harder. What Voron is fully capable of when he takes control is too...savage for anyone, save me, to know. I would'nt want to but I have little choice but to do so."

Mayda was quite perplexed, it was such a disturbing thing to hear, and yet, it kept him in the state he was in. She had mixed feelings. That moment of seeing Voron had scared her, and yet... times like now, Tyren made her feel very secure and safe. He spoke of guaranteeing her safety - something she was not used to, and it was quite alluring.

His hand held hers tight, his head on her shoulder. Normally, she would pull away. But after what they had just been through, what he had confided, what they both shared - it felt right. It was comforting to be so close to him.

"I'll keep him away from you. While I'm here no harm will come to you. I promise." he whispered into her ear and waited for a reaction.

Instinctively her head jerked to her right a bit, toward his head, as if to check if he really said those words. Mouthing the words, barely audible, she breathed, "you promise?". Confused, she didn't know why he would promise such a thing. She was sure he meant to protect her, but was such a promise one of intent or plausibility? And yet, her eyes looked pleadingly at him for assurance, security. Though in a way, she was more nervous and scared than ever.

Tyren felt strange. Never has he felt all the emotions he feels now. Never so close to a woman, never able to touch a woman without beeing rejected. Mayda was somehow special and he felt she had the same feelings. The same unknown emotions swept over her.
"You promise?" she asked.

"Yes!" he whispered and rose his head to face her. At that moment their lips touched accidentaly. Both pulled back, sitting in silence for a few moments.

"Khm...I think it's best we go. They'll be expecting us." he got up and walked away to his ship.



(hope its not too much...if it is i can edit)

What just happened?, May was left to wonder.

A tingle still lingered on her lips. Nervous fingers lifted to touch the sensitive spot on her lip, then fell to her side. Shaking it off, she grabbed the medkit and knelt, then stood, watching her new ... friend ... make his way to his ship. She started walking toward her own ship. Somewhat relieved to break the moment, somewhat wishing to continue, absolutely unsure if she should try to figure it out. He was on his own journey at this moment - fighting his inner demon. She was on her own path - wrangling her inner conflict. Two lost souls.

The man and woman had found something inexplicable on Eden. Their barriers unconsciously had dropped, allowing their figurative nakedness, and a new discovery.


***************

ONE Week Later
Aerun


Mayda stormed into Combat Center 4 of the Diadem Fortress. Keen eyes spotted her intended target, sparring with a Novice. She approached them, then stood firm with arms crossed in front of her, until he noticed and stopped. His hair was sweaty and tossled, strands dangling over his eyes. He looked pleasantly surprised to see her, but his wry smile fell once he saw her somber expression.

A slight anger to her voice, she addressed the Novice, yet kept her eyes on Tyren while she spoke, "Would you excuse Guardian Atema and I for a moment?" The Novice looked to Tyren for his approval, then scuttled off for a break. Once alone, her tone softened a bit, the frustration behind it clearly evident.

"What the hell is this I hear about you transferring out of the House?"


(ooc: nope, it was perfect. Just what I had envisioned for the moment.)

"Hmmm...I guess I do owe you an explenation don't I?" he said with a little smile.
"Lets sit down!" he showed to the bench and took a towel to brush away the sweat.

As they talked Tyren explained the situation with his master and the elders. Everything that was relevant in the matter.

"So you see May, I'm not the least motivated for work. I feel as if they're holding me back for some reason, I don't know why. But what I do know is I don't want to stay here any more."

He put his hand on her knee.

"This has nothing to do with you. I feel the same respect and..." he paused. He wanted to say "love" but didn't know how that would turn out nor did he know if he believed it was love he felt for this girl "...trust toward you."

"Where are you going?" she asked

"Naga Sadow. I'm joining ym brother, Ylith. Our reunino is overdue. This...situation, just speeded things up. I hope for a good future there."

He looked at her with a smile on his face.
"I wish you only the best May. Wish so for me. We will meet again, rest assured." he gave her a wink and a kiss on the hand before leaving the training room to his quarters.


*****

Present Day.
Ragnos Chatedral
Orian system

The door of the meditation room swung open, light from the coridor shone upon Tyrens face.

"I asked not to be disturbed." he said in a calm voice. A strange feeling crept over him, one he knew well, one he felt only when in the presence of one person.
His eyes swung open.

"Mayda!!!"
He was shocked to see her again, shocked and happy at the same time. He stood up and greeted her with kiss on the hand. The lights went on the same instant.

"What are you doing here?"

Though she was disappointed to hear that he was leaving, reason told her that perhaps it was for the best, for the time being. Under such strict supervision, any attempts to meet with him would be too distracting to her duties.

Her mood darkened, but she was understanding. "Ah, I can't blame you then, I understand. And especially if you have the chance to be with your brother again, after all this time, you definitely need to grab that opportunity. Its important to be with your family and be close to those who you care for.

I am very glad that you trust me enough to tell me. I trust you also, and I will definitely be cautious now of my own situation here on Aerun. Of course I wish you well. We have to do what is best for our careers. But please, keep in touch to let me know you are well. Til we meet again."

She smiled as he kissed her hand, and escorted him out.

********************

Present Day

"Mayda!!!" He stood up and greeted her with kiss on the hand. The lights went on the same instant. "What are you doing here?"

As soon as he released her hand, she gave him a light embrace, touching her cheek to his. She was pleased that he seemed excited to see her. Pulling back a step to talk face to face, she couldn't hide her smile.

"Didn't you get my message? Or have you been meditating all day?", she joked, though it was likely true. "I have some time off. I ... have left Clan Plagueis, and I have a few days until I transfer to another. So, I requested leave, and ... here I am. I hope this isn't a bad time for you. I offered to transport some artifact over here, and they wanted it right away. If it's at all inconvenient, I can return another time..."

"No, No! I'm glad you saw me. Actualy I was meditating all day. I'm in my Trials of Knighthood now so I must focus on that." they sat on a bench "Why are you leaving Plagueis?"

"Eh...It's..a long story." she said with a sigh and started telling it. When she was done Tyren stayed calm.

"Seems to me they've been doing a simmilar thing to you that they done to me. Well I'm glad you found your own path now." he said with a smile and she returned it. They talked about their endenvours in seperate Clans. How they both became Commanders, they gossiped and talked plainly for old times sake.

Soon they didn't find much to talk about, the situation seemed awkward a bit. Tyren felt he should say something and the...thing...that happeed with them a few months ago never got cleared up, it was still bothering him.

"May? We...never discussed our situation since Eden." he barely managed to say "What happeend out there that day? Please, I must know." he held his breath.

It was wonderful to be able to commiserate with him, telling her story to a friend who understood, and didn't judge her decisions, and in fact, agreed wholeheartedly. It seemed that he would have some time free today, at least. Though, Mayda hoped that would extend to the next few days. She had almost forgotten how gracefully he made her feel at ease.

Until... he brought up that moment between them. But, it was unclear exactly what he was talking about, and what he was trying to bring up, to find out.

"What happened out there? What do you mean?" A few possibilities raced through her mind, and she recalled them in order.

Did he mean with the fight against the Republic guards and the thermodetonator? Or with what she thought of seeing Voron appear, or his confessions about it? Or with the quiet moments and physical touches they shared? Or ... the kiss that almost happened, and why he ran from it.

Now that she thought of it, he would know more about why that happened than she did. She couldn't look at him while speaking, but instead just looked ahead, deep in thought.

"Oh. you mean after the action, when we sat in the cave? I figured myself far more uncertain about what happened than you were. As I see it... we said many things in confidence to each other, we got close, and I guess... we didn't know how to react, and ... then you got up suddenly." A slight blush on her face was apparent.

Now that she thought on it, she was relieved he asked and wanted to know. It had always been at the back of her mind as well.

"It...all of it...happened so suddenly. The..." he bit his tongue but managed to say it "...kiss. And then we pulled back, both of us. It seem right at the moment, but..." he paused and she looked at him a bit confused. He felt the same feelings as that night in the cave. The same tingle in his spine, his hands were shaking and he swore on his life, if he stood up he would tumble
"It's been haunting me for months now. I...I wanted it to continue, May. That moment when I got into my ship I started to regret leaving you there."

"And I..." he lowered his head "...still want it."

"It...all of it...happened so suddenly. The..."
She nodded in agreement.

"...kiss. And then we pulled back, both of us. It seem right at the moment, but..." '
was it... a kiss? It was difficult to tell, but at the time, it felt like it could have been. It was confusing.

"It's been haunting me for months now. I...I wanted it to continue, May. That moment when I got into my ship I started to regret leaving you there."
She was about to speak up in agreement. It was almost unbelievable to her how what he said was so similar to what she thought. It was such a relief to now find out he'd been feeling the same way, and wanted to find out more.

"And I..." he lowered his head "...still want it."
Now her eyes widened and her pulse quickened, taken aback by his honesty and assertion. Though clearly they were both nervous about it, again. But she was impressed that he was speaking up and not letting the moment slip away. The look in his droopy eyes was mesmerizing. Her heart raced as his head slowly got closer.

Spontaneously, she answered back, without too much thought or chance to chicken-out. "I did too... err... do too". But by the last word came out, his lips were upon hers, brushing very gently at first, as if making sure that they were welcome. Pressing back, she let him know that they were.

Their lips touched, the kiss was a sensational feeling, a feeling he had not felt since his life on Coruscant. Her lips were so soft and warm. For the first time in many years Tyren felt....loved?....accepted? Whatever it was he knew he didn't want it to pass.

Mayda spontaneously sat in his lap and Tyren hit the light switch.

Several hours were blissfully spent kissing before they were sated enough to take a pause, finally parting lips. Her arms tightened around his neck, a tight hug, their cheeks now together as they gathered their breath.

Ironic that they always had to be off of Aerun to have time alone together. Though, now that she was higher rank and with a new Master, she would have more leisure time or be traveling on missions. Perhaps be able to see him on her weekends off. These ideas were on her mind while lingering in his embrace.

Breaking the silence of the moment, "Tyren Atema ..." her words hummed in his ear, hopefully he'd find it intoxicating. "I've missed you." It was easier to confess this to him while facing the wall. At this moment, she now realized how she cared for him. Unlike any other, always there for her - her rock, her comfort, her joy. But it wasn't just how good her friend was toward her. Or that she reciprocated. Or that they had now been in contact. It was more...

In the darkness, enveloped by his arms, it still seemed like a dream, like it wasn't really happening. But if it was a dream, she didn't want the spell broken.



(ooc: after your post, when we are ready to leave the room, I planned to say...
Then, she teased him. "So ... am I spending all of my three days break in just this room?" With any luck, he'd have some time for her, not too busy with duties. ... unless he had a plan of what to say. )

When she whispered into his ear he hugged her even more tightly. He didn't want to say anything, he wanted to show her so he kissed her again.

What is so special about this girl? he thought looking into her beautiful emerald eyes.

What is it that drives me "mad" every time she's near? Isn't she like many others? he brushed her hair and slowly passed his fingers over her cheek.

Since the first time he saw her, In Orzon's office on Aerun, he felt strange in her presence. He felt a tingle up his spine, an uneasiness, nervousness...now?...It was all gone. He came to realize it was love he felt every time he saw her. He never knew the feeling nor how to notice it but now he was sure, as sure as the sun rises every day.

"I missed you too!" he said loking into her eyes.

Before long they were outside the door.

"I'm going to my quarters. Need to freshen up." he said looking at his sweaty clothes. "Wanna come with me?"

"I missed you too!" he said loking into her eyes.

She had not said it with expectation of a full return, but when he did - it warmed her on the inside. Or maybe she was just still giddy from being in his arms the last few hours. In the back of her mind had always been the feeling that he felt awkward around her, yet was happy to see her. She had figured it was a struggle for him, or perhaps because of their situation. But now it was evident that both of them had wanted this, longed for it, and now - it was finally coming to fruition.

"I'm going to my quarters. Need to freshen up." he said looking at his sweaty clothes. "Wanna come with me?"

"Of course I do. I've got nowhere else to go, and I'm here to be with you. And... you never specified what your schedule is the next few days, or where I can stay. I haven't exactly informed your Clan of my intention to stay a bit, as I thought I would talk to you first. I don't know how they treat visitors - keep a close eye on them. I suppose I'll need a formal Escort", she said with a wry smile, hoping he'd be able to oblige.

"I have nothing special scheduled. Only a small errand to greet a new member of the House. You can stay in my quarters for the time being, if need be I'll find you a suitable place." he replied

"How the House will react with your stay here for a few days I do not know. What i do know is I will support it, and probably Ylith too. There is no reason why you couldn't be here. After all you are basically Rogue." he gave her a smile "It'll be ok. Now that we are together no one can set us apart!" he gave her a wink and together they walked away.

Tyrens quarters weren't very big. Spartan even. One bed, a table, couple of chairs, a holo projector, a computer terminal and a bathroom in the back. A typical room for a member of the brotherhood.

Tyren tossed his dirty sweatshirt on the bed, took of his boots and headed for the bathroom.
"Make yourself comfortable, I wont be long."

Mayda smiled, happy to hear his reaction to defending her visit, and not trying to hide the fact she was there with him.

"It'll be ok. Now that we are together no one can set us apart!"

A huge smile beamed across her face, and she embraced him, "True, they can't." Now that they found this, neither would let anything get in the way.

In his room, she plopped down in one of the comfortable chairs, pulling out her datapad. While he showered, she did some research about House Marka Ragnos and the Cathedral and the planet Tarthos. Maybe he could give her a guided tour of his world. But as she read further, she realized how the Cathedral was the only structure on this cold planet.

The well-toned Adonis emerged from the shower and walked toward his closet, a towel wrapped around his waist. May had never seen him shirtless and was agog, but not shocked, at the dark dragon tattoo that covered his entire back and part of his arms. "That's not Sith markings, I take it", she inquired, hoping he'd want to tell her more about it. Though they had shared some personal stories about themselves with each other, there was still alot to learn.

Tyren paused a bit.
"No...they're not. This tattoo represents my transformation from the old, arrogant child into a self-controlled man. My old teacher, Ryuujin, made it. It has one other purpose. It is my "heart"" he said, turned around a took his Noroi "It binds me with my soul." he said.

The sword came out with a hiss. "This sword makes me complete. It is my soul. If I were to loose it I would be lost." he sheathed the katana and put it away.

"You see. The sword and the tattoo represent my soul and heart. They are as much my body as my limbs."

He got half-way dressed then paused again "But it must sound crazy to you. No one believes in old, dead religions anymore. My religion is as dead as this wall." his head dropped for a few seconds then he continued dressing.

"So, what do you have in mind for the next three days. I can make myself available. That's not a problem."

Walking over to him, she stood behind him and touched his shoulder gently. Tracing some of the lines with her fingers, she was mesmerized by his story. "It's beautiful, but its sad to think of the consequences if either is lost. I am thankful that I am not tied to anything material", she did not consider the amber amulet around her neck, though it was merely protection. "But if they are part of your body, then I will protect them also", she gave his shoulder a light kiss and hugged him from behind, to show her acceptance.

After he dressed, she faced him. "No it doesn't sound crazy at all. Though I admit I have trouble relating, as I have never believed in a religion. Well, not had the opportunity really."

"So, what do you have in mind for the next three days. I can make myself available. That's not a problem."

She sat on his bed, so that he could sit next to her. "Well, it seems there isn't much to do on Tarthos besides a tour of this Cathedral. But there are some interesting planets in this Orian System, if you can travel off-world. Aeotheran seems bustling if you want exciting casinos, clubs and shops in the city of Seng Karash. Sephros is a dark jungle world, with wild beasts to hunt, ruins to explore and the luxurious Palace of CNS. Or if you wanted a quiet but dangerous retreat, the wreck of the mining vessel orbiting the gas giant Amphor is rumored to have a hidden treasure of solid tritanium."

"The wreck isn't very hospitable..." he said "...and seeing how Lord Macron has his lab in it I'd not venture there." he finally dressed and went to gather his gear. First he put the Noroi to his side, the the punch dagger in his boot and finally two blasters on his back.

"Sephros isn't very attractive to me now. Had enough of jungles for one lifetime." he gave her a smile and a wink referring to their first mission together

"Seng Karash will do, for now. It's not a very friendly place but if we can't take care of trouble who can." he gave her another smile and put on his leather coat.

Walking up to her he gently touched her face.
"We have three days...that's like a lifetime in your hands." finally he kissed her. Tracing his fingers down her neck he found a necklace.
"And whats this?" he asked politely.

"Seng Karash will do, for now. It's not a very friendly place but if we can't take care of trouble who can." he gave her another smile and put on his leather coat.

May rose and adjusted the back of his coat, which would hide all his weaponry. "From what I've seen... you and trouble are like a moth to the flame", she joked. This assessment was derived from her seeing first-hand how he would just jump head-first into the middle of a swarm of the enemy.

Walking up to her he gently touched her face. "We have three days...that's like a lifetime in your hands." finally he kissed her.

His touch sent tingles down her spine, quickly replaced by a warmth flowing through her. Though it had only been half an hour since last their lips met last, she found she missed the sensation, and the return of feelings from him.

Tracing his fingers down her neck he found a necklace. "And whats this?" he asked politely.

The term 'curious little bugger' popped into her mind, but then she remembered that she had asked him about his tattoos, though she hadn't expected the full story. So it was only fair. Her heartbeat pulsed against his hand, as he held the amulet in his grasp, his fingers pressed against her skin. It would be difficult to find a way to explain this to him, as she didn't wish to lie and use the cover story she had thought of to tell others, being close to the truth: that she had taken it as a prize for winning a battle. But when it happened, she wasn't quite her usual self, due to the Krath spell of the force ghost.

Taking a deep breath, "It's an amber amulet... a protective talisman of sorts. I don't even know if it does anything, really. I received it as a gift from the kin of a friend of my ancestor, that I didn't know about." She realized how convoluded that sounded as soon as she said it.

He looked at her, seeing she was uneasy when talking about the subject. He dropped it and waited for a better time to ask again.

He pulled her closer to him. "It's alright." he passed his hand through her hair "Take your time!"

he moved away a bit grabbing the bag on the floor "Let's go!" he said and smiled at her

The time came to leave Ragnos Chatedral for their well earned vacation.

What a wonderful man, she thought as he spoke of his patience with knowing her past, her stories. The look in his eyes was so kind and understanding. Of course he had revealed far more to her, but Mayda still found it difficult to explain how a force ghost had possessed her for that mission. She didn't want to worry him. And its not like it had happened since. Although, Mayda was changed, and always felt like Tiamat was watching, hiding in the shadows, able to return at any moment. Tiamat was still inside of her head, her spirit.

"Let's go!" he said and smiled at her

"Yes, let's", she replied, anxious to have some alone time with him, away from the strict ways of the Brotherhood. They reached the Hangar Bay of the Cathedral, and ran toward the small Mankvim starfighter. Mayda held up her hand, "Gentlemen first", holding the ladder steady and watching him ascend. It would be a tight fit, but it was rare to come across a two-passenger ship that could be easily bought or stolen.

Setting the coordinates, it was a short trip to Aeotheran.

The ship landed on its designated landing pad and the two jumped out of the cockpit.
Tyren stretched his legs "By the Force! You got kinda heavy there."

She cocked an eyebrow and crossed her arms. "Ahem?"
"He, he!" understanding what he said he started feeling a tad bit uncomfortable

"Well...khm...let's go!" he ushered just to evade the situation.

As they exited the building, after registering their stay with the authorities, a crowd of people greeted them and soon they were lost in it.

"Where will we go?" she asked holding his hand
"I' thinking of a drink first." as he said that they stumbled across a bar, "The hunter's refuge" "This sounds like a good enough place." he said with a smile, somehow she didn't trust him.

As they entered they we're...surprised, to see that the "bar" was in truth a "men's bar". Women dancing on the tables, some Twi'lek, some human and other aliens.

"Yup, seems like a decent enough place, don't you think?" he gave her an evil smile.

The weather in Seng Karash was rather mild, so Mayda left her heavy cloak in the Mankvim on Landing Pad Seven, though her thigh garter held her dagger, covered by her long skirt, she added over the leggings she had on earlier to greet her special friend. In just a few months she had almost forgotten about his smart remarks, and how they could be both endearing and annoying. It was obvious that he relied on humor to break tension and to lighten up when the mood was too serious.

But now that they had each revealed their feelings, her mind gears churned, trying to figure out how he meant certain things that he said and reading his body language.

"Yup, seems like a decent enough place, don't you think?" he gave her an evil smile.

Was he joking? Was that in reference to the dancing girls, and he was trying to be a cad? Or was he serious in seeing that it wasn't as bad as he expected?

Eyes narrowed for a second, then relaxed as her brain sent the signal to play along. "Sure, looks like a ton of fun, rather warm in here though", she sweetly smiled back, as fingers rashly unbuttoned her overshirt, revealing the low-cut purple camisole underneath.

A few steps taken to the bar, she figured Tyren would follow. "Corellian Ale", she announced loud enough to get the attention of the barkeep and the various male species sitting nearby, as they turned their heads. She slapped down some creds on the bartop.

"Just gimme a whisky, any you got." Tyren said to the bartender, got his drink.
"Let's go!" he said to Mayda and walked toward one of the tables in the corner. The tables in the middle we're full of turned-on aliens, from Bothans, Rodians, Twi'Leks and other creatures. Twi'Lek, human, Mirialan even Bothan girls danced upon the small, one-man stages above the tables, swung around poles and aroused the men below. All an ingenious diversion to take their money.
Fools! Tyren thought.

They sat down and kept quite for a few minutes, enjoying their drinks, finally Mayda broke the silence.
"You really want to stay here?" she said with disbelief in her voice.
"Yes! But not too long. Not more than we have to."
"Now, stay here I will be back shortly. Have some business to take care of."
"Where are you..." she didn't finish, he was already gone.

*****

Tyren came to the other bar on the opposite side of the club and sat on the stool. The tender came shortly.
"What may I do for you this fine day, sir." he was a Chiss, a very slick Chiss.
"I want information." Tyren said sipping his drink.
"Don't we all." the Chiss said

Tyren dropped a few credits on the bar. The tender covered them with his rag and pulled them off.
"What do you want to know good sir?" he said with a grin
"Who runs this place, and every other place in this forsaken town for that matter?"
"A trandoshan named Guntor."
"Where can I find him?"
"I don't know!" he replied smiling. Suddenly the smile disappeared from his face and he stumbled back slightly grabbing his neck with one hand
"Where?" Tyren asked calmly drinking the last drops of the whiskey.
"B-behind...khhh....t-that...that...d-door!" he said pointing in the direction of a door guarded by the bulk of a trandoshan, probably a thug in Guntor's service.
"Thank you very much." Tyren said politely and the Chissan dropped on all fours gasping for air.

He walked back and as he did he saw a Twi'Lek sit near Mayda, his instinct drove him forward to break the alien's face but then he thought he might leave Mayda to it.
She's good enough for the job. he thought smiling and leaned on the nearest wall.

They sat down and kept quite for a few minutes, enjoying their drinks, finally Mayda broke the silence.

"You really want to stay here?" she said with disbelief in her voice. Scanning his eyes for any sign of enjoyment at the dancing girls, she would head back to her ship if there was. This place and these people were beneath her, and if he was even slightly impressed or complimentary of the oppressed and shallow eye-candy, then she would lose all respect for him. However, she wasn't one to stoop to having to ask trick questions to get an answer or play the insecure jealous type. Besides, she could sense his feelings through the force.

"Now, stay here I will be back shortly. Have some business to take care of."
"Where are you...?" she didn't finish, he was already gone. She sipped her ale.

Watching him She spoke to him through the force, "explain or I leave...". She had a feeling that he'd once again get in the middle of a fight that he'd need help getting out of, but this time she didn't even know his motivation or purpose.

But then, not surprisingly, seconds after he left, a Twi'lek man approached and sat, and made her a proposition. Sensing no danger and confident in her ability to beat him in a fight, she sat calmly and listened, never taking her eyes off of Tyren, until she saw him head toward a door. Turning her attention to the Twi'lek male now, she forced a smile, and stood, following him to the back.

As much as she was worried about needing to help him possibly if he got in trouble, he told her to stay seated. However, he was not familiar with the bar, and the Twi'lek male was, and Mayda was more likely to believe Hig's advice - not to sit alone in the place.

I'm off to see a friend of mine. Don't worry, all is well. I will return soon. If you wish to follow... he left it unfinished so she knew she had an option.

He walked toward the guard at the door.
"I'm here to see Guntor."
"He sees no one!" the guard replied.
"He'll see me!" Tyren said
The guard pushed the Dark Jedi away "He sees no one!" he said with a growl.

"Let him in." A voice came from the inside.

Tyren walked by as the guard growled in his face.

"No one can touch me with all these armed men around me..." at that moment Tyren entered, he was looking at a small and chubby human male. Typical gangster type with two nice looking girls at his sides and a horde of guards very close by. Tyren could take them all. As Tyren walked in the man continued and his eyes widened "..no one but a Dark Jedi!"

I'm off to see a friend of mine. Don't worry, all is well. I will return soon. If you wish to follow... he left it unfinished so she knew she had an option.

Figures, she shook her head at him. He was headed right for the Lion's Den. But being a subtle Krath, Mayda took a different approach. Of course she wanted to help him, but if she followed him in, they'd just have a straight-out fight. Tyren was much better in battle and melee than her, and could take on many at once. Being only a Journeyman, she didn't have strong force powers yet. Fortunately, she was inventive and had other talents.

Hig had warned her that if she was sitting there alone, it meant to the patrons that she was available to be ... rented. Not wanting to slit the throat of every patron that approached, she decided it best to leave the table. Luckily, Hig was one of the Managers there; she sensed no deception. Thinking that she should go undercover, she allowed him to think she was interested in his offer. In the back dressing room, she hid her disgust, and emerged newly-clad in a slave girl skirt and halter top, dark red.

A couple minutes later, Hig and "Addy" were requesting an audition with the Owner of the Club, waiting at the door.