... Fragmented Future

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: The Rocinante entered hyperspace, the course set for Corellia. Soolin for her part, was against going, but there was more at stake here than she imagined. From the information Baize had given them, she couldn't turn her back to it either ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

Vishan was sitting on top of his cot inside the small crew quarters cleaning his blaster pistol with pristine care. It was the same blaster that Reine gave him as a gift when he graduated from the Imperial Academy on Corellia.

He figured shooting Zay with it was a fitting way for him to die.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Soolin turned things over to the nav droids and went to the crew quarters. She could feel the emotions churning in him and it was upsetting to Grimya as well. She hit the com on the wall ::

"We need to talk."

[Vishan Korogoth]

The microfilter paused cleaning the barrel and Vishan glowered at the door.

"Not in th' mood Soolin," he replied crisply and went back to work.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

"Your mood is what concerns me." she replied calmly.

[Vishan Korogoth]

He looked up and threw his hands down in frustration, "Then talk ta me later! Ah'm busy."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: She hit the com again ::

"No. We're going to talk about this Zay Tavon."

[Vishan Korogoth]

He took a nice long deep breath through his nose and exhaled, knowing that Soolin wasn't going to go away. She'll be persistent to the point of driving him insane until he opened the door.

Carefully he placed the weapon parts on the towel before standing up and opening the door. He blocked her way in as he looked her straight in the eye, "There's nothin ta talk about Soolin. You read everythin' in th' files jus' like me."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

"I want to know what you know about him."

[Vishan Korogoth]

His eyes narrowed and his baby blues took on a hard edge to them. "Why?"

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: She met his gaze directly with cool blue-grey eyes ::

"Because you swore an oath, and you are a Jedi now."

[Vishan Korogoth]

He looked away, leaning against the doorframe and sighed, shaking his head. She got him. If his word meant anything he would do as was asked.

"He was my Flight Commander back on Corellia an' best friend from th' Academy," he said as he turned around and returned to the cot. Vishan snapped the barrel back into place with a sharp click. "He was also th' best man at my weddin'."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

"I know what you're planning to do. I can't let you do it."

[Vishan Korogoth]

"Doesn't take much ta figure it out Soolin." He assembled the handle and slid in a fresh power cell. "He needs ta pay for wha' he did ta Reine and Lannah. He needs ta pay for ruinin' my life."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

"He needs to pay for what he's done, but not the way you're seeking for it."

:: She touched his arm gently ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

Vishan's arm twitched from her touch but he didn't remove it. "Ah've every right ta end his life."

His eyes were deadly serious and it would be hard to sway him otherwise. Soolin could sense this. "Ah won't let you stop me either."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

"You don't want justice, you want revenge." she accused.

"I will not lose you to the darkside, Vishan Korogoth."

[Vishan Korogoth]

He opened his mouth to say something but ended up looking away, staring at the floor. His mind was struggling to find acceptance to what Soolin wanted of him.

Vishan wanted to end Zay's life himself but he would end up on the path towards the Dark Side of the Force. A path that would control his destiny. A path that would lead inevitably to the Empire. He'd be giving them what they wanted.

It wasn't fair! It was his right to avenge his family!

He stood up quickly and turned towards the wall, pounding both fists against it in grievance while trying to fend back tears of pain that he had thought had ran dry so many years ago.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: She backed off a bit, allowing him to work through his emotions ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

He fingers spread out against the cool durasteel wall, his head lowering in anguish.

"It's not fair ..." Was all he could choke out.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

"There are others being hunted. We have to find them, and warn them."

[Vishan Korogoth]

He sighed. More was at stake here then just his family's murder. Possibly thousands of more lives could be lost if the Empire was allowed to proceed with their horrific plan, "Ah know. Bu' we 'ave ta do this first."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Soolin knelt down beside him and leaned with her back to the wall ::

"We'll be there in two hours."

:: She unconciously caught and held his hand ::

"He will not go unpunished."

[Vishan Korogoth]

He held Soolin's hand tightly, thankful for the touch. It reminded Vishan that he wasn't alone to face his demons. He inhaled a shaky breath and sat down on the floor, never letting go of his Master's hand.

For several moments, Vishan was quiet and deep within his own thoughts, stroking Soolin's hand with his thumb to calm himself further. When he was able to muster the nerve, he looked up towards her and smiled gently. His baby blues were softer now and filled with apologies. "Ah'm sorry for wha' Ah said before. About Zay ruinin' my life cuz ... Well, tha' ain’t entirely true now."

He squeezed her hand. "Ah got you now."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: She blushed a bit. The way he held her hand, and the soft look in his eyes. It brought a strange feeling over her, but she didn't bolt ::

"Aye. You will never be alone again."

[Vishan Korogoth]

Vishan caught a hint of embarrassment in Soolin’s eyes that was uncharacteristic, which was only confusing the Padawan further when he saw a tint of red flush over her cheeks.

He thought about Agamar, when he was caught looking at Soolin in a way that went far beyond the respect and friendship they had together. It wasn’t the first time he had thought of her that way but she always showed ignorance. Vishan always assumed that Soolin never felt similarly, especially because she heavily guarded her feelings. So it was a difficult call to make.

Slowly he leaned forward and his thoughts tried to stop him. What if you’re wrong? Maybe she’ll run! What if she punches you in the face? … Or worse?! Then of course there was Reine. Though his wife wouldn’t have kick the dren out of him for actually trying to be happy. No. She would do it because he was acting like a frelling idiot and not wanting to take a chance. Reine was the one that taught him that taking chances is what made life worth living. Two years ago when Soolin found him on Corellia, Vishan was stoned out drunkard that wanted to die. Her strength and willingness to show him that life was worth living again as a Jedi gave him renewed strength and fight for the family he loved so dearly.

And still does. He would never forget them … But that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to get punched in the face as the distance closed between him and Soolin. He carefully brought out his hand to cup her cheek, and there was still enough room for Soolin to make a break for it incase he was going completely insane and was reading her wrong …

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Soolin's eyes widened as he pressed his mouth to hers. She had never kissed a man before. It was a strange, but pleasant sensation ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

When Soolin didn't pull away, he relaxed and continued to kiss her softly before pulling away with a smile. A smile that only grew wider as he stroked her cheek tenderly. "Ya didn't punch me."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Soolin stood up, her cheeks burning brightly as she touched her mouth. It still tingled from Vishan's kiss. ::

"I ... am going to go check on the froonium drive."

:: She turned awkwardly and hurried out of the room ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

He didn't stop her. Whatever it was that Soolin was, or wasn't feeling, had to be worked out by herself. Maybe he shouldn't have kissed her but it felt ... right.

"Bah," he sighed and leaned backwards and laid against the floor. Eventually he heard claws against durasteel padding closer. Grimya's head stared upside down at him expectantly. Vishan cocked his head to the side, "Wha'?

The she-wolf yipped and nuzzled his head with a nose. Vishan rolled onto his stomach. Grimya licked his face, "You're not bein' very helpful 'ere."

[Grimya]

:: It was then he felt the she-wolf touch his mind ::

You love Soolin?

[Vishan Korogoth]

Vishan pressed his face closer to Grimya, looking side to side at the wolf as if he was loosing his mind. A look of confusion passed over him as he pointed at her, "Did you jus' talk ta me?!"

[Grimya]

:: She looked back at him with a human intelligence in her eyes ::

Not talk

:: She made a soft yowrrrl sound in her throat ::

I feel

[Vishan Korogoth]

He clenched his eyes shut with a touch of frustration, "Ya know wha' Ah meant."

Vishan pulled himself into a more comfortable position and sat cross-legged, still scratching his head at the thought of Grimya telepathically talking to him. He guessed it made sense. The wolf was Force sensitive and very empathic. "Pick ah helluva time ta talk ta me."

[Grimya]

Soolin feels love. Not feel love before.

[Vishan Korogoth]

"She does?" His eyes widened and Vishan looked towards the hallway where Soolin disappeared. He was relieved to hear that Soolin returned his feelings but the last part of what Grimya said worried him. Vishan wasn't sure why that bothered him.

"Ah won't hurt her bu' Ah'm not gonna push her either," he said with sincerity towards the wolf. "Ah love her too. Jus' never thought in ah million years she'd feel th' same."

[Grimya]

:: Grimya made another yowrrl sound before padding to the corner to lay down. She looked at Vishan once more before curling up to sleep. A feeling of warmth and peace came from the wolf. She accepted him ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

He let out a soft breath of relief. This encounter was quite similar to the first time he met Grimya, minus the telepathic part of course. When he sobered up on Soolin's ship, the wolf came to his quarters and studied him intently. Soolin had told him that she was reading his aura and making sure he wasn't a danger. When Grimya was satisfied, she padded around him and relaxed in the corner to take a nap.

Least it was a good sign.

He quietly left his quarters and made his way up to the cockpit for a change of scenary, leaving Soolin alone as promised. He didn't want to force any type of confrontation which made the current situation completely uncomfortable since there she was, sitting in the pilot's chair.

The Padawan winced and tried to sneakily turn around to head back the other way.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: She peeked over her shoulder, taking a deep breath before speaking ::

"Vishan."

[Vishan Korogoth]

He mouthed 'Damnit' before turning around with stiff smile, "Soolin."

Then he laughed, "Ya need ah bigger ship."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: She looked utterly confused by the joke ::

"Why?"

[Vishan Korogoth]

He pinched the bridge of his nose and chuckled. "Ah wasn't meanin' ta run inta ya bu' there's not many places ta go on th' ship. An' ..."

Vishan let his arm down and grabbed the side of the hatch, " ... because o' tha' an' the' fact we t'ink alike, Ah endin' up bumpin' inta ya anyway."

He groaned because that sounded so terribly idiotic. He wished there was a rewind button.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: She looked distressed then ::

"I ... I have never done that before."

:: She felt her cheeks burning again and stared at her knees ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

"Huh?" He was taken aback by her admission. Grimya had mentioned that Soolin had never felt love before but never being kissed? That brought a new twist to things.

"Oh ..." He coughed and sat down in the co-pilot's chair, wondering about that rewind button again, but how was he to know she'd never kissed anyone before? Which meant Soolin hadn't done a lot of things before ...

Vishan glanced over at her and sighed. There weren't too many times he was at a lost for words but twice in one day was a new record. First Zay, now Soolin. Anything that came to mind sounded awkward or too dramatic ...

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: She looked at him a bit shyly ::

"Did I do it right?"

[Vishan Korogoth]

"Huh? Wha'?" Vishan cursed his lack of articulation because this was really new to Soolin and here he was, bumbling all over her emotions.

He turned the chair around and hunched over, leaning over his legs, "There's really no right o' wrong way, Soolin. It's ... It's jus' ... you do wha' feels right."

That probably just made her feel worse. Hell, it almost sounded just as bad as trying to break up with someone gently. Ugh.

"An' wha' Ah'm tryin' ta say is, yeah," he tilted his head down just enough to see her face and smiled, "it was great."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: She met his gaze and gave a bit of a laugh, then she leaned in to kiss him ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

As he pressed his lips against her softly, Vishan was relieved that things turned out all right with Soolin and that she wasn't as upset as he’d originally thought. She just needed a little bit of consoling and a confidence boost because everything that happened between would be a new experience for her, and not just the physical sense. He would just have to take things slow with Soolin and he had no problem with that. He needed that pace too.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: She pulled back and touched his cheek, lost in his eyes for several minutes ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

Vishan smiled and took the hand touching his cheek within his own and kissed the tops of Soolin's fingers. "You okay?"

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: She grinned big ::

"Yes."

[Vishan Korogoth]

"Good!" He laughed, though albeit seriously, "Cuz Ah've ah feelin' Grimya will bite me otherwise."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

"Oh? What makes you say that?"

[Vishan Korogoth]

"Well," His face scrunched together because he honestly still didn't believe it happened. "Grimya ... talked ta me. In my head. Bite me wasn't a quote bu' Ah know she was grillin' me."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Soolin laughed at the look on his face ::

"It seems she approves of you then."

[Vishan Korogoth]

"Twice now!" He exclaimed proudly and sat back in the chair. "She's sleepin' in my quarters."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

CORELLIA

:: The Rocinante docked in the capital city of Coronet. Soolin left her lightsabre behind, advising Vishan to do the same. Sliding a blaster onto her side, she walked down the ramp into the docking bay. As far as anyone knew, Soolin Anjhurin was a bounty hunter. It had been her cover since the fall of her order ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

Vishan followed suit and after the Customs Officer returned Soolin's identicard, he produced his. His information scrolled up the screen:

Name - Joler Darkell
Homeworld - Mrlsst
Height - 1.85m
Occupation - Mechanic

The Officer looked from the ID to Vishan, who simply smiled. "Mrlsst, huh? How come you didn't go to the Academy there?"

He shrugged and spoke without a hint of accent, "Not for me. I enjoy taking things a part and putting them back together again." Vishan leaned a bit closer so he could whisper while pointing at Soolin with his thumb, "Gets the boss a bit miffed at times but the ship runs smooth as Falleen silk."

"Hmm. Too bad. Could always use more men to fight the Rebellion," he said and held out the ID back. "Enjoy your stay on Corellia."

"Thank you." He took the ID back and slipped it into his vest pocket, breathing a sigh of relief. When they were out of ear shot, he was more himself. "Jus' as Ah figured. They aren't lookin' for me here, otherwise my mug woulda set off alarms. They're trying to keep my capture low key because o'their plans."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: They headed directly for a transport speeder, and Soolin sat shotgun ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

He slid on his sunglasses and revved up the speeder. "Wanna go th' scenic route?"

Rugro was about a two hour ride outside of Coronet. Going the way that he wanted would take them away from the city rather quickly but would add another half hour to their trip.

His hometown was small compared to the millions of people that lived in the capitol city. Only about five hundred lived there in relative peace. What was nice is that the Imperial presence was barely existent unless there was a recruiting drive going on, which was not bad for living just outside of one of the biggest Academy's in the galaxy.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Soolin did likewise, with a pair of mirrorshades she carried, and took in the sights as they traveled the streets ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

Vishan knew this city like the back of his hands. It was his old stomping grounds during his time at the Academy and he was fortunate to be stationed here after graduating towards the top of his class. Using side streets to avoid most of the congested areas, they were out of the city limits within twenty minutes. After another thirty, Coronet was left far behind and the concrete laneway eventually turned to grass as they entered the forested area of Corellia.

The sky was as blue as his eyes and the air turned cooler as the area slowly became filled with trees. This land wasn't built up like the other route they could have taken. Not many were brave to take this path because you could easily get lost since the land looked much the same for kilometers around. For Vishan, the memories were flooding back to him and he smiled sadly.

The canopy opened up to a large grassy knoll and Vishan perked up. "Hey," he tapped Soolin on the arm and pointed towards the east. A herd of Gulginaw were bathing in the river. "Check it out."

Gulginaw traveled in packs and were harmless critters that ranged a wingspan of a human female. Sometimes the foolish would try and bother one of them to find out how quickly they were wrong. Getting pecked and clawed by one of those can leave nice scars that bacta can't always heal.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Soolin slid her shades down to get a better look. She had never seen them before ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

Gulginaw came in two breeds: Brown with small bumps on their head, or more colorful with a more rounded head. They were fortunate to see the later.

"Only bad t'ing means that' there might be some slice hounds around." He waved the notion dismissively, "Bu' we'll be fine in th' speeder."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Soolin took in all the sights as Vishan pointed them out, but she found herself more entertained by him than the surroundings ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

He noted the carefree expression on Soolin's face. It was nice to see her smile, something that she should do more often.

It was just turning noon by the time they reached the small village of Rugro. The size of his hometown was no more then 4.8 square kilometers with about 180 families scattered in between. Farmland was 3 kilometers out. Rugro was part of a dozen villages of Coronet that made up the breadbasket of Corellia. The cemetery was a kilometer out.

Vishan drove the speeder on the outskirts of the city, not wanting to temp fate. There were still plenty that remembered him here and would recognize his face. Still, it was good to see home. Nothing had really changed either. There were only a few newer homes that Vishan noticed, and when he saw some children playing with their tamed slicer hounds he smiled sadly. Lannah used to have one named Pouncer.

But then his mood lifted as he caught a waif of old Altie's baking. His nose picked up some ludriel pie cooking in the oven. "Man. Ya smell tha'?" His head leaned backwards as he laughed, "Ah used ta steal her treats all th' time while they were coolin' off on her window sill."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

"Perhaps we can buy one?"

[Vishan Korogoth]

His face grew serious, "Ah wish, bu't it's best we don't go inta town."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Soolin nodded. She didn't quite know what to say ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

It only took ten minutes to pass through around Rugro and another fifteen before they made it up to the cemetery. A cursory glance revealed only a few birds picking at the grounds.

He put the speeder into park and hopped out. As with farming, Rugro shared the land to honor their dead. Reine was actually from Coronet but when they two of them wed, she had become such a part of the Korogoth's family that she wanted to be buried here with Vishan when it was their time to go.

His hand balled into fist. She was taken too soon. They both were.

"You can stay 'ere if you want. Ah'd understand." Soolin had agreed to come for the journey but he didn't expect her to go any further.

He approached the steel gateway, which was attached to a sturdy stonewall, which encircled the area to protect the graves from beasts and scavengers. The only avians in this area were herbivores.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Soolin followed him to the gate, but no further. She gave his shoulder a squeeze and bowed her head in respect ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

He smiled appreciably and patted her hand before entering. The place had a haunting effect on Vishan's memories, full of sleepless nights and drunken brawls in the wake of his family's death. He just wanted to ball himself up on his father's cottage and never come back out. Finally the Empire came marching into to town and dragged his carcass back to Coronet. Mourning leave was over. Back to work. Eventually they honorably discharged him and gave him a pension big enough to live off of for the rest of his life. It was used for booze, spice and the girl of the day. Who would have thought he was playing right into their hands...

Vishan had only been here twice but knew the way. The route was burned into his memory. Eventually he stopped before two graves and looked at the headstones with a sullen gaze. His head fell forward, bowing out of respect and forgiveness before dropping to his knees.

“Ah’m sorry.” Carefully he pulled two white Corellian roses from his vest. “Ah shoulda been stronger bu’ it was for th’ best. Ah’m still the man you knew.”

He placed a kiss on the roses and set them down on by the four-inch tall headstones. “An’ Ah promise you that’ your deaths will be avenged.”

The Padawan stood up and started to leave before snapping his fingers, forgetting something, “An’ Ah promise ta come visit more often. Sorry it took so long for me ta come back.”

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Soolin waited outside the grounds, giving Vishan as long as he needed to visit the graves of his family ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

Roughly fifteen minutes later, Vishan returned. The tormented aura around him had been lifted but the determination to avenge his family had not been quelled.

"Sorry Ah keptcha waitin'." He touched her shoulder. "T'ank you tho."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: She gave his hand a squeeze and walked back to the speeder ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

The first hour of the drive back was relatively quiet. Soolin respected Vishan's privacy but being back home wasn't what was weighed heavily on the Padawan's mind.

He didn't know how to say it and sat there, chewing on his inside lip to find a way to put it gently. Eventually, he gave up. "Ah'm gonna turn myself in. It's really th' only way ta git in there."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Soolin went pale ::

"That's your plan???"

[Vishan Korogoth]

"Soolin, it's th' only way." Vishan knew how tight the base was and it would have only gotten tighter with the research going on in there. The Rebel Intel indicated that Zay's team was going to covertly test the device at Corellian Health Center, one of the biggest hospitals on the planet. They had to disrupt the field test at all costs.

"If Ah go in an' feed them ah line o'dren about wantin' revenge on th' Rebels after all these years, they'll believe it." After a nice long interrogation... But he didn't mention that part. "It's wha' he wants so why not give it ta him. Once Ah git his trust, Ah kin find the bunker tha's got th' testin' equipment."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: She chewed her lip as she took it in ::

"and???"

[Vishan Korogoth]

He sighed and waved his hand like it should have been common sense, "Aaaaand then when Ah find it, Ah sneak ya in an' we blow it up."

Vishan smirked, "Ah know th' location o' weapons storage couldn't 'ave changed."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: The Knight gave him a dubious look, and nodded reluctantly ::

"Ok, you're the maestro."

[Vishan Korogoth]

He gave her a sideways glance, not buying her ease of acceptance. "Hey, Ah'm willin' ta hear other options."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: She pulled her hair back into a ponytail and frowned. She didn't have any ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

"Trust me, everything'll be fine." He flashed her a confident smile and really hoped that was true. There were some factors on his side to make this work. The Empire didn't know about Soolin. Also they were looking for him and if he came quietly, they would be more inclined to believe his sincerity. They were also in the dark that he knew about their plans. Odds were in his favor.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: One look at his face tugged at the corners of her mouth. She tried to fight back a smile and lost ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

He laughed, "That's better."

The rest of the ride back to Coronet was uneventful and their first stop was the safe house that Baize had given them access too. They loaded up on food rations, equipment that they needed to replace and extra cells for their weapons but the metal crate in the corner caught Vishan's eye

He knelt down and popped it opened, letting out an appreciative whistle, "Ya t'ink th' Rebels mind us takin' this?"

It was a missile launcher.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: She glanced over her shoulder as she picked up a light repeating blaster. Given the circumstances they were in, she gave a nod of approval ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

"Heh," Vishan had a wide smirk of appreciation seeing Soolin holding that gun. It was definitely her kind of weapon. "Gonna load these up in th' speeder while you grab anyt'in else we need."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: She looked about, but decided to leave the rest alone. She joined Vishan out by the speeder ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

He loaded up the speeder in the garage, securing the heavy stuff in the back. Afterwards, Vishan leaned against it and wondered if he was doing the right thing. He didn't want to leave Soolin alone but what other choice was there? Keeping her identity a secret was imperative.

When she came inside the garage, they got into the speeder and headed back to the Rocinante, much to Grimya's pleasure. Vishan unloaded the speeder in silence as the she-wolf and Soolin greeted one another.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Soolin looked up at Vishan as he walked back up the ramp again ::

"So, how long are we to wait if something goes wrong?"

[Vishan Korogoth]

"Well," he chuckled, "Depends on how long ya can stand havin' me away."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: She held him in her gaze, waiting for the answer ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

He looked down at Grimya, "Tough crowd eh?"

With a serious expression, Vishan returned his gaze towards Soolin, "Give me twenty-four hours. We can use th' Rebel comm links we found. They piggy pack through ah relay station they set up so we can't be traced."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Soolin gave him a kiss on the cheek, then turned away. She didn't want to watch him go ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

His hand rose, wanting to catch Soolin's arm and turn her around, letting her know that everything would be all right. But that might not be true. If his plan went to hell, he could easily wind up dead. A part of him wanted to call it off and take her far away from all of this mess. Give them the chance to actually talk about what was happening between them, but there were too many lives at stake and the Empire was gunning for him. They wouldn't be able to have a moment's peace.

Vishan let his hand fall against Grimya's head instead, scratching the she-wolf's ear playfully. "You'll hear from me soon."

The Padawan left it at that. Soolin didn't like him leaving and a big production of it would only make things worse. He got into the speeder and turned it around, allowing one last glance behind him. Grimya yarled, wagging her tail but Soolin continued to look away.

"Okay then." He sped off and entered traffic. The base was about a two kilometers away from the spaceport. Fifteen minutes later, he pulled up at the gate. Two M.P's were on guard duty and a Sergeant was manning the gate. He didn't recognize any of them.

One of the guards stepped around the speeder and already had the usual annoyed look on his face when a civvie pulled up. He scrutinized Vishan, who was happily tapping the dashboard, waiting for the officer to say something.

"State your business," came the droned out voice.

"Ah'm 'ere ta see Zay Tavlon."

"The General's not expecting anyone." And after a moment of thinking it over, he added, "Let me see your ID. And take off those glasses."

Vishan chortled and removed his glasses with a roll of his eyes, placing them inside his vest pocket. "Trust me. Jus' tell 'em Vishan is 'ere ta see 'em." He leaned against the door and flipped his ID out. The real one. "Ah know he'll be glad ta know Ah'm 'ere."

The MP grabbed the ID and went to call it in.

[Zay Tavon]

[ZAY'S PRIVATE QUARTERS]

:: The General was enjoying the evening with his favorite companion, a Corellian woman named Varla. She was exquisite. Enchanting. Now she stood before him naked, her dark hair in loose curls about her shoulders. He took her hips in his hands and squeezed her. She tossed her head back and purred as he kissed her neck. The curves of her body, the taste of her .... He had waited a long time for this.

Then the moment was shattered ::

... General Tavon ...

:: Zay's back tensed at the interuption, and he swore under his breath. Walking angrily to the com ::

"I Told You I Was Not To Be Disturbed!!!"

:: The voice on the com stammered back nervously ::

Um ... sorry sir , I ... there's a man who wants to see you, Sir."

:: Tavon rasped back at the com ::

"Shoot Him, You Idiot!!!"

Sir???"

"I Said Shoot Him!!! Then Shoot Yourself!!!"

It's Vishan Korogoth, sir.

:: Zay fell into silence, then awnsered ::

"Do not let him leave."

Yes sir.

:: He glanced longingly at Varla as she lay in his bed, but he tore himself away and made himself presentable before leaving his quarters ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

The MP came back to the speeder and popped the door open. "All right, Captain. General's expecting you." The forced show of respect sat all right with Vishan. He was honorably discharged after all.

Vishan happily got out and snatched his ID card back, "Ah bet he chewed ya out too. Didn't he?"

He just glowered at the Jedi.

"Haha." His face grew into a big obnoxious grin. "Ah knew it."

The officer threw a look towards the guard and the gates started to open. "We're going to escort you to a more suitable place." He extended his gloved hand towards the base. "If you'd please, Captain."

"Ah know my way 'round."

"Of course." But the two MP's didn't budge.

He threw up his hands and sighed, walking backwards while lecturing the Imps. "Ya know. Ya guys can be ah little nicer ta ah returnin' hometown hero. Your CO an' Ah got th' Bloodstripe together for savin' our shipyards before they were moved ta Carida. C'mon! Ya gotta remember when th' Rebels tried ta blow it up over Corellia?"

Just the same disinterested faces stared back at him and Vishan turned, wincing at the lack of sign of intelligence from the two officers. "Tough crowd."

And then with a small mutter under his breath so the two Imperials wouldn't hear, "Even worse then Soolin ..."

[Zay Tavon]

:: Zay paced restlessly as he waited for Vishan in his office. Then the com beeped and he sat down behind his desk before admitting the men ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

Vishan perked up now and again when he noticed something he remembered.

"Heeey! Ya still 'ave tha' old starfighter from th' clone wars in th' courtyard."

"Ah see th' troops are still up at par 'ere." His comment was on the crisp formation line of one of the battalions stationed on base.

"Heh. Ah got inta my first fistfight right there by th' flag poles. Sergeant Kinaerd didn't like th' way Ah did pushups."

"Hah!" He pointed at one of the hoverjeeps that were patrolling near the ammunition bunker. "Tha's were me an' Jeni ... Well, maybe Ah won't git inta tha'."

The small talk was merely a diversion while he scouted the base like a little boy, reminiscing on old times. There was a new building that wasn't on the base three years ago. It's possible that was the target, or it could simply be another new construction since the base was expanding.

A small shred of relief was visible on the MP's when they made it to Tavon's office. They pressed the console comm to alert the General that they had arrived. The door opened and Vishan entered first with arms wide opened, "Zay! So good ta see ya man!"

The MP's saluted and waited on either side of the former Captain, who then had a knowing smirk on his face. “Catcha atta bad time?”

[Zay Tavon]

:: Zay dismissed the MP's, then stood up to greet his old friend ::

"Good to see you again, Captain Korogoth."

[Vishan Korogoth]

Somethings hadn't chaged. Zay still was all business. After the MP's left, Vishan gave his former friend a hug. "Well, technically it's jus' Vishan Korogoth."

Zay couldn't see the frown of disgust that was on the Jedi's face while they embraced, but Vishan was full of good cheer when they parted. "How ya been, General?"

He laughed, "Ah knew ya git those ribbons eventually, Zay."

[Zay Tavon]

:: Zay walked back around to his desk again ::

"What can I do for you, Captain?"

[Vishan Korogoth]

"Well," he said, his voice showing regret of years past while he sat down, "Ah kinda wanted ta say sorry. For runnin' out on ya two years ago. Ah know you were tryin' ta help, bu' Ah really needed ta git away."

[Zay Tavon]

"I understand. Losing your family to that rebel scum ..."

:: He gave a tight smile ::

"But you look like you are in good health. Men like you and I must overcome tragedy."

[Vishan Korogoth]

"Yeah." He didn't have to force an honest smile. "Last year's been good ta me. Ah got ta see some more o'th' galaxy Ah wouldn't 'ave normally. Leavin' Corellia was th' best t'ing for me at th' time bu' Ah sure did miss her. Why Ah'm back."

[Zay Tavon]

:: Zay looked curious ::

"Will you be staying?"

[Vishan Korogoth]

"Yeah." Vishan smiled nervously, hemming and hawing as if he wasn't sure how to ask what was on his mind. "Look. Ah'll admit it. Ah frelled up. Ah'm lucky th' Empire didn't shoot me for actin' like th' drenhead Ah was, an' Ah know it's been ah few years. Tha's a lot o'distance between you an' me but ..."

The Jedi thought about the good times he had as a Captain for the Empire. The drunken bar fights, piloting and working on his ship, and the friends that he made during his time in the service. He focused on their faces to bring back that old fire in his eyes that Zay remembered. "... Ah want ah second chance ta prove ta the Empire Ah'm not ah frell up. Ah want ta do Lannah an' Reine proud an' make their deaths mean somethin'."

He sighed and lowered his head, talking as if his old friend's mind was already made up, "Ah'll understand if ya say no tho. My career was colorful ta begin with."

[Zay Tavon]

"The Empire needs men like you, now more than ever. Captain Korogoth."

[Vishan Korogoth]

His face scrunched together as if he hadn't heard that right. "Wait .."

Slowly Vishan raised his head, the confused expression still plastered over his face, " ... Ya ... Ya mean you're takin' me back? Jus' like tha'?"

[Zay Tavon]

"There will be standard procedure of course."

:: Zay handed Vishan a datapad ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

He blinked and grabbed the datapad with a grin, "T'anks, Zay. Ah owe ya one."

The datapad was asking for an update on his current information. He punched it in gladly. "Anyt'ing else ya need from me now?"

He coughed, "Ah mean. Anyt'ing else ya need from me now, General?"

[Zay Tavon]

"That is all for now, Captain."

:: Zay tapped a button on the desk console ::

"I'll arrange to have suitable quarters prepared for you."

[Vishan Korogoth]

As Zay rose to stand, so did Vishan. "Ah definately needed ah place ta crash since Ah've hadn't th' chance ta find one yet."

He saluted as was proper when addressing his superior, "T'ank you, General."

[Zay Tavon]

"Report in tomorrow morning, 0800 hours. Welcome back, Captain."

[Vishan Korogoth]

"Yessir." The two shared a cheerful smirk, happy that Vishan was back. "Jus' lemme know when my quarters are ready. Ah'll be on base gettin' reacquainted. If ya don't mind tha' is."

[Zay Tavon]

:: Zay nodded as they walked out of his office. Then the two men parted ways ::