Just when things were going Good (Kazaar)

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

The man was reluctant to comply and Adelaide's glare made it clear that her patience was being tried.

"An address, a number. I know you know it" she said, her voice sharp.

It was only that he felt a certain sense of guilt towards the woman standing in front of him that he even contemplated obliging her. She held herself so stiffly, a mannerism he remembered that typified her aversion to any form of approachablility or, god forbid, personal closeness. Still, he hesitated to speak.

"He wont know it was you who told me" she assured him.

"He'll know" came the certain reply.

Adelaide paused, deciding whether to cajole or to bully was her best approach at getting the tight-lipped little squirt to talk.

"You owe me atleast a number" She went for the guilt-trip instead.

The man's shoulders sagged slightly. He owed her at least a number.

"Imperial Center - 0944298.65.1" he said as if uttering his own death sentence. Kazaar would know it was him who told her. Who else could she have asked?

Adelaide turned and left without another word.

And Mirko dabbed at his clammy forehead with a handkercheif as he watched her disappear out the door.

And just when his life was going so good.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Coruscant- One Day Later- The Flying Dutchman's hangar

Kazaar swore. What th'frack had th'damn Lizardheads done to his ship? Bad 'nough they'd stolen (http://sw-fans.net/forum/showthread.php?t=17108) it inna botched plot t'take out both he and 'The Kid'. But they'd done a number on The Dutchman's paralight system (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Paralight_system) (prolly reprogramming it so it only took Dosh, frackin' Trannies) so the Rebel spy was forced t'have it completely replaced. And, since it was on short order, Kazaar thought he might hafta go through Gorgja t'get it. Or 'least have someone order it for 'im. Turns out, Jason 'The Younger' Russard wanted t'test out a new paralight system his techies been workin' on. So he asked his daughter's 'bodyguard' if he'd be interested innit.

"It may have a glitch or two when you first install it," Russard stated when it'd been delivered, "But, for the most part, it's perfect."

'Cept for the design. The damn thing wouldn't fit in the old housing. And the Brentaal-raised Alderaanian wasn't in th'mood for taking the housing out and installing a new one. He sighed, cursed again, and re-lit his dark cigar. Guess he'd have no choice but t're-install the whole damn thing. Frackin' tech-heads, why couldn't they just pick something that was good and stick with it. 'Least with blasters and vibroblades ya knew what you were getting.

A *twirtle* from 'Trey', Kazaar's R7 droid, caused him t'stick his head outta the engine room. "Spenny's on th'horn? What the hell for?" Sure wasn't t'ask if Kazaar wanted a new sweater. He'd all ready told the info broker, 'Hell no!' on that one.

The noise Trey made sounded like he had no idea. Kazaar exited the engine room, grabbing an oil-soaked rag t'wipe his hands off, and pressed the button on the comm.

"Spenny. Whatta ya want? I'm busy 'ere"

"There's big trouble Aurelias! Big--"

"Yeh yeh, tell m'something I don't know. I gotta ship that ain't gonna reach hyperspace if I don't speak Dosh and that's one of a couple I don't speak."

Spenny made a face like he had something important t'say but couldn't, N-no Aurelias. You don't un-understand. There's someone coming. She's coming!"

Kazaar rolled his black eyes, "Spit it out Spenny. I ain't got all day. Hang on a second, someone at th'entrance to th'hangar." The former bounty hunter sauntered towards the hangar door, his Bryar blaster ready for 'bout anything.

Kazaar'd left the transmission open forra couple reasons. If this were another trap, Spenny could let 'The Kid' know she needed t'get to her ship and let the Rebels know she needed a new partner. Spenny might be a nervous titch but 'least he got th'job done. Plus, if it was this mysterious 'she' the info broker was talking 'bout, Kazaar might be able t'get an explanation as to why the frack Spenny told 'er 'bout this place.

Win win. Right?

[Mirko Spendrim]

Mirko had twitched and twittered to himself for half a day trying to make up his mind whether to make the call to Kazaar, or not. Twice Mu Satach, his boss from Cloud 9, had told him to stop his fidgeting and chippering out loud and go find something useful to do to get him out from under her feet.

But it was hard to focus. He'd made a call behind Adelaide's back to warn Aurelias once before, a long time ago to be sure....and the result of that had been disasterous.

It was difficult to determine just what was loyalty and what was stickin' his nose in where it wasn't wanted. Mirko's natural indecision-ism made it hard for him to differentiate - he wasnt good in cloudy waters, never had been. And he often forgot that he did not always have all the facts.

How was he to know (he reasoned to himself out loud, which earned him a longsuffering sigh from Mu) that he'd been wrong about the affair? She'd never really had a thing. But Adelaide had never denied it, even when the truth all came out - something which Mirko never could understand. He guessed since Kazaar had already beat the bejeeshu out of the young soldier-boy she'd been hanging around with - there had been no point. Recrimination, and all that rubbish. The damage had been done.

Mirko did not want a repeat performance of, in Kazaar's words, things being royally screwed up.

"Whatever it is, make a decision, man!" Mu's exasperated cry cut into Mirko's thoughts.

Yeah, make a decision. Thats what he had to do.

And so he'd made the call.

"Adelaide's in town" he said at last, and waited for it to hit the fan.
</I>

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"You gotta be frackin' kidding me..." Kazaar almost dropped his cigar from his mouth. In fact, it did slide from his lips and he caught it with his right hand. Burning ash fell across his hand and the Rebel spy swore again.

What th'frack was she doing here? What in the blue frack was she doin' here? The split was pretty clear, "Stay th'hell away from me!" they'd both said it t'each other, after Adelaide walked outta The Dutchman. So why th'hell was she back?

"Let's get this damn thing over with," Kazaar muttered, Spenny forgotten f'the moment and strode t'the door to his hangar, smoke billowin' from his mouth. He yanked it open and spied the woman.

"Why. Are. You. Here."

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

He looked older, she thought, and a little more weather-worn. But she'd always liked that about him. The toughness, the rough edge. It had thrilled her, back in the day, to see his black eyes soften whenever he'd looked her way. The harshness in them would fade and a hint of tenderness would shadow through for a split second. There were no tender shadows now, however, just open hostility.

She had expected no less.

He appeared more composed than she'd anticipated, though. Mirko must have called - the interfering little gnome was still Kazaar's most steadfast fan, it would seem. Some love-affair those two had going.

"Hello Aurelias" she said, levelley. "I see you are as gracious as ever"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar crossed his arms, fire still in his eyes. "Wasn't it you the one who said, 'don't talk t'me again'."

Smoke billowed from his mouth, "So don't come t'me asking t'be civil, Del. Ya never were t'begin with.

"Now answer m'damn question. Why. Are. You. Here."

[Estelle Russard]

"Why who's here?"

He had not seen Estelle walk up, but she'd come from behind Adelaide, a big goofy smile on her face as she joined the pair.

She stood beside the new comer and gave a short wave of her hand in welcome, "Hi"

Then, half-turning to look at her partner, she couldn't be sure, but did Kazaar just groan?

[Mirko Spendrim]

Mirko leaned toward the vacant holovid,

"Kazaar, you still there? Hello?"

He tapped the screen gingerly, it looked to him like it was still working.

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

Who's this? Adelaide couldn't put the girl with Kazaar, that would just be weird.

"Hi, Im Adelaide, Kazaar's wife" she said, extending a hand toward Estelle.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"Kad Ha'rangir (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Kad_Ha%27rangir) take me," Kazaar cursed again. He'd forgotten the Kid was on 'er way over. They'd just gotten 'nother message from 'The Black Man'. Something 'bout a big meeting inna week or so.

"Ex-wife, Kid." he corrected Del pretty quickly, "She's m'ex-frackin'-wife."

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

"Actually...not exactly Ex" Adelaide began, skipping a quick, nervous look to Aurelias then back to the girl beside her.

She looked quite sweet, and Adelaide was puzzled as to the connection between she and Kazaar, but considered it was fortunate the girl was here. Kazaar was not likely to take the news of their marriage not having been disolved eight years ago, too well.

"I didn't catch your name...?"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"Hold everything, Del. Whatta ya frackin' mean we're still--aw hell, get in 'ere," Kazaar hissed as he opened the hangar door all th'way then motioned for th'two women t'enter. When they had, the apparently still married, Kazaar shut it with a *SLAM*.

"Whatta ya mean we're still married? Ya sent me th'divorce documents and I signed and sent 'em back." he glowered at Del, "Don't tell me ya didn't frackin' file 'em!"

"Umm...Kazaar..."

"Shaddup, Spenny! I ain't done with ya," more smoke came from Kazaar's lips, "So what'd ya f'get t'file 'em? Or did ya decide t'make my life another livin' hell?"

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

"Calm down, Aurelias"

Of course, that was the worse thing to say - it always made him madder when she said that, but it popped out. Talk about waving the red flag..

"And no, I didn't file them" she said defensively to pre-empt his ballistic response - as if that should explain everything.

"And is that Mirko on the line?" she made to cross over and give the wretched troll a peice of her own mind, but Kazaar stepped in front of her to block her way.

His hands were balled into fists, she noticed, and he was wound as tight as a coiled spring.

"I--I moved, and packed them away some where" she said, adjusting to his intimidation. "It just never got done"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"Uh-huh" Kazaar's face remained in its scowl, "Why do I have a tough time believin' that."

Adelaide shrugged as if t'say, 'why would you think that?'

"Del, let's cut th'crap. Why're ya here? It ain't t'reminisce that's f'sure." he then muttered under his breath, "That was th'case, ya woulda done this after I had that 'talk' with ya boytoy."

[Estelle Russard]

Boy-what? This was getting waay too personal and was Estelle's cue to bug out.

"I'm just gonna (she arrowed with her finger towards the exit and gave Kazaar a squirrly look).." This was one mess he was on his own with.

"I'll, um, see you later..."

It was more a question than anything and she really doubted Kazaar even heard her, he was so steamed.

"Ok then" she bowed gracefully and backed out, sliding the door with as little noise as was possible, but the dang thing hadnt been greased in ages and squealed the whole way.

A last look at the angry pair and Estelle realised there were a thousand questions running through her head.

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

Kazaar's mention of Loran took her aback. So, that wound still cut him deep even after all this time.

Adelaide was sorry for that.

"Im not here to reminisce" she said, leaning around Aurelias and pressing the End Transmission button, deleting Mirko's image from sight.

"I need help" she said, getting straight to the point,now that they were alone. "Money specifically, and a place to stay"

She held his eyes, a certain defiance in her appeal. This was not an easy thing for her to ask.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"Did I say I was done talkin' with Spenny?" Kazaar *grarummphed* in Adelaide's face. She had this annoyin' thing 'bout being headstrong. Kinda like Ash and 'The Kid'. 'Course neither of them'd stabbed him in th'back.

"And somehow I ain't surprised ya need creds. What'd ya fracking do this time? Try t'swindle a Hutt outta his credits?" a snort, "Gorgja might be a bastard of th'highest order, but he always said, 'Once a thief always a thief'."

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

"Dont quote your slimey friends to me, Kazaar" she spat back at him. Who the heck was he to lecture her?

"You always did hold too much store in those looser types"

She squared her shoulders and took a breath before continuing. "Im just in some trouble right now and I wouldn't come to you if there was anyone else, you know that.

I need somewhere, just for a little while."

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar wanted Del gone. Wanted 'er gone now, "I know a couple guys who'll put ya up, but it sure as hell won't be me. We've gone down that path before, babe. And I ain't in th'mood t'have sloppy seconds.

"Or thirds f'that matter."

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

"You always were an idiot" she said, making no attempt to hide her exasperation.

"I dont want to set up house as husband and wife - nothing could be further from my mind. I just need some where safe. You <i>do </i> still have your bad reputation, dont you?"

Kazaar squinted blankly at her through his cigar smoke.

"I thought so. Two days, tops. Give me two days and you wont ever see or hear from me again, I promise."

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar snorted, "Didn't even want t'hear from ya now, Del."

"So two days won't matter." his, hopefully soon t'be, ex-wife glared at him.

"Ain't interested. Go find yaself a good hotel. There's one called The Flying Finns. That oughta suit ya style."

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

She matched him glare for stare for some moments and when the quiet had reached its most uncomfortable peak, and the white elephant of their past loomed so large as to near-on smother them both, Adelaide nodded in resignation.

She zipped up her coat, her cue that she was leaving.

"You need to grow up, Kazaar" she said, summing up the train-wreck of their relationship in her next words, "People fail each other. They always have, they always will. Get over it"

And she pulled back the same squealing door to leave as Estelle had done a short while before her.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

A *beeping* caused Kazaar t'turn 'round. Someone was calling him on his comm system.

"WHAT!?!"

It was Spenny.

"I-I-I'm sorry Aurelias. I didn't mean t'-"

"Shaddup Spenny, I know ya didn't," the former bounty hunter took a moment t'relight his cigar. Fighting with Del always took a lot outta him. She'd done him a favor, getting him outta a dark place after Ashley's murder. But he didn't take betrayal well at all. And he sure as hell wasn't happy t'have people walk back into his life who kicked 'im out. 'Least Gorgja had th'decency t're-negotiate their own arrangement.

But that Hutt was a 'businessman' and Del wasn't. Both were schuttascum sure, but Kazaar knew what t'expect from a Hutt. With dames...ya never knew.

"Dammit," he cursed, "Why th'frack did it hafta be her."

"Can I do anything else for you, Aurelias? Kni--"

"I ain't interested inna 'nother damn sweater Spenny! Orra blanket. Ain't cold 'nough here for 'em anyway. Not that I don't appreciate 'em. Just don't need one." Kazaar turned back towards the viewscreen. "Wanna tell me why Del gotta hold of ya."

It wasn't a question.

[Mirko Spendrim]

Mirko shrugged in the useless fashion he was so good at.

"Beats me"

He lowered his voice, as if sharing some guarded secret, "Weird for her to just show up like that, though, dont ya reckon? Wait..."
Mirko looked around for Adelaide and his brow suddenly crinkled with concern, "You--er, you didn't shoot her, did you Kazaar...?"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"I don't hurt girls, Spenny," Kazaar snapped. "Much as she might deserve it, I won't hurt 'er. Never was that type, never will be."

It was kinda odd f'her t'just 'show up' like she did. Del was pretty methodical 'bout certain things and planning trips was one of 'em. Most of th'time 'least. So, yeh, something smelled rotten.

"Find out what she's been up to. What sh'might be running from too. Then find a list o'hunters 'n mercs who might help 'er. Ones who'd do a better job than the 'average idiot with a blaster'. Got it?

"I gotta damn paralight system to install."

As if this day hadn't been peaches 'n frackin' creme 'nough.

[Mirko Spendrim]

"You got it, boss. It might take some time, tho--"

Mirko didn't get to finish as Kazaar ended the transmission, the parting glimpse of the bounty hunter's scowling face framed by cigar smoke shrank to a pinprick of light, then vanished completely.

Why was she back? It could only be bad news. Dames were bad news - he'd heard Kazaar say that a million times.

Mirko was starting to belive him, but the disquieting thought was interupted by Mu Satach calling for him to bring up more Corellian Sour from the basement.

"Yes boss!" he said, happy to turn his mind, for the time being, to other things.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

It took Kazaar another hour t'get the paralight system installed and running. There were some times he really frackin' hated technology, but he still thanked Jason the Younger f'giving it to him for free. He couldn't reach 'The Kid' f'some reason, apparently she and the 'Wannabes' (Zadge and Dayboy) were out working on some project.

So Kazaar was left t'his own devices and that included Del. Why th'frack had she shown up? And why the frack was she buggin' him? Something was up, but the former bounty hunter didn't have all th'puzzle pieces...and 'course the only way t'get those...aw hell.

"This is The Flying Finn, Associate Marcolopez speaking." the 'associate' was a human prissily dressed with a maroon shirt and black vest. Kazaar spied cufflinks on th'guy's sleeves and had a feelin' the guy actually thought his name was 'Marcolopez' not 'Marco Lopez'

"Yeah, Marco," Kazaar raised his voice an octave and did his best Coruscanti accent. "This is Marty Luongo over at the Arlington Highspot. We had a woman come in here about an hour or so ago looking for a place to stay. We didn't have everything she wanted so I told her to head over to you chaps."

"Well how nice of you to do that. Is there a problem?"

Kazaar shrugged, "She left a necklace here by accident, I think it dropped from her pocket. I tried to get her attention but she all ready grabbed a cab before I could. Has anyone come by there recently?" Kazaar gave Adelaide's description.

Marcolopez's face almost beemed, "Why yes I do remember her. Very nice woman. She said her name was...Ashley Sedin."

Son of a bitch, Kazaar tried not t'roll his eyes.

"Would you like me to patch me into her room? She's in 226."

A quick shake of his head, "That's quite all right. I'm off duty in a few minutes and thought I might bring it over there for her."

"Ah of course," the associate gave an understanding nod. "Very well. Thank you for letting us know about it. I will warn you though, she doesn't look too well. Her eyes were quite red when she arrived."

Kazaar cut th'connection and swore again. Whatever trouble Del was in she wasn't usin' her name but making it so frackin' obvious who she was. 'Least to Kazaar she was. The former bounty hunter strode outta his hanger, leaving explicit orders to 'Trey', that it didn't matter who came by but only 'The Kid' or himself could take The Dutchman out.

The Flying Finns

Kazaar paused in front of room 226 and rapped on th'door. The viewscreen next to the door *shimmered* and Del's face appeared.

"All right. Whatta ya want."

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

Adelaide had contemplated standing outside the hangar bay and waiting until Kazaar came out from completeing the repairs on The Dutchman. In the old days, thay may have worked. By the time he showed, he'd have cooled off some and been able at least to make an attempt at being reasonable. But that was in the old days. Now, she had no such confidence. It was obvious there was no measure of her charm left to soften his gruff exterior.

And so it was a surprised ex-ex-wife that looked back at Aurelias through the viewscreen of door 226.

She took a steadying breath. Thank goodness. The trip to the Flying Finns for her had been completed in a stange stupor borne of an overly preoccupied and extremely worried mind. She had not known what her next step was going to be, but whatever it was, it would have been a desperate one - She had too much to loose.

But here Kazaar was. And he had shed a layer of his hostility enough to atleast speak to her civilly.

She opened the door as she answered, "I want you to help me. Just for a short time, thats all. Do you think you could do that?"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar didn't trust 'er, but his 'protecting people when they needed it' side was startin' t'show. It'd always been a part of him, ever since he was a kid. Defending those who needed it. Make 'em stronger by showing 'em how to defend themselves. Got him in a helluva lotta trouble, but it was all worth it.

"What's th'job?"

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

"Ugh, there is no job" she walked from the door and further into the room, leaving the door open for Kazaar to come in, or not, as he pleased.

"This isn't something you can shoot, or beat bloody, or rail bomb right" She did little to hide her exasperation. "I just need some place safe to lie low till things all blow over. And a little bit of money to make some changes. It doesn't involve violence of any sort"

Adelaide wasn't much of an actress, but she hoped her story was selling. Her situation was a desperate one, but she had to keep the details from Aurelias. That was imperitive.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"Uh huh," Kazaar was havin' a tough time believin' it didn't involved kicking someone's teeth in. First time he'd met Del, she'd been posing as a dancer on Ylesia (pretty odd job considerin' she wasn't a big fan of Hutts). She'd gotten into a fracas with a Rodian named, Ratalan, and Kazaar (in his infinite frackin' wisdsom) stepped in and saved her. He was pretty drunk at th'time and got beaten badly (although th'Rodian hadn't made it out). It wasn't th'best way t'meet people, but this was Kazaar's life after all. One roller coaster after 'nother.

"Fine," he sighed after a moment, "Place t'lie low. Grab ya things and come on. Ya can have th'bed. But ya gotta tell me what's goin' on. Why I'm stickin' my neck out for you, I have no frackin' clue."

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

"If I was willing to answer a million questions, I'd have gone to the ICPD for help." She grabbed her purse and slung it over her shoulder. "As it is, the only person who really understands how it is not to trust anyone, is you. And so here I am."

She stood where she was and waited for him to accept her terms.

"Does the offer stand, or not?"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"I ain't gonna stand here all night, Del," Kazaar shook his head. Dames. "Let's go."

The two went back through th'corridor where Kazaar told 'Marcolopez' (turns out that actually was his name), "Miss Sedin found a friend who'd put her up for th'night," then politely paid for 'er room.

"That comes outta ya 'cut'," the ex-ex-husband growled as they made their exit. Kazaar unlocked his speeder and got in. He wasn't trying t'be mean, Kazaar just wasn't in th'mood t'deal with Del. Th'fact he had to made it even more annoying.

"So ya comin' or not? This offer ain't gonna stay all night."

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

Adelaide got into the speeder along side Kazaar and the instant she sunk into the seat an image from the past rushed into her mind with dazzling clarity....

It was night time, just as it was at present, but instead of the sombre and introspective mood the two now shared, they had both been laughing uproariously.

Kazaar's eyes were crinkled in merriment as he looked at her and Adelaide had her head thrown back, abandoning herself to the laughter.

They had just come from dinner at one of their favorite restaurants and the server droid who'd attended them had some failing circuitry, making the very serious C3-unit lisp when he spoke to them. Aurelias had insisted, under threat of violence, that the server address him as Mr. and Mrs. Aurelias Kasperian-Kazaar at every turn, and the consternation displayed by the jittering body-language of the C3-unit was even more amusing than the actual mis-annunciation itself. </i>

It wasn't even that funny really, looking back now, but somehow it had tickled them both in the same spot and they had found it impossible to recover.

It was a good memory. A happy memory and one Adelaide had thought forgotten.

But there were no smiling eyes or uncontrollable mirth now as Kazaar steered the speeder into the busy spacelanes. Adelaide allowed herself a guarded glance back.

From the corner of the Flying Finns a rodian rolled himself along the durasteel wall and turned to walk off in the other direction.

Speaking into a small hand-com, the green alien said softly to someone waiting impatiently on the other end, "She's in"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

The trip itself was silent, Kazaar not even botherin' t'give Del a second glance, though he had t'admit she had taken care of herself. His black eyes scanned th'spacelanes, noticing th'Rodian peeling away from th'building but not bothering t'mention it. Who gave a crap what those green buggers did?

"So ya say ya wanted someone who didn't trust anyone. It ain't that I don't trust anyone, I jist don't trust those who stab me in th'back. Well that and Imperials, but I gotta damn good reason f'both of those." He gave an ugly sneer.

"How'd ya find Spenny? I know he ain't listed anywhere. Only Haman is but I doubt it's...just f'that.

"If ya know what I mean."

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

She knew what he meant, and chose to ignore the inference, instead answering his first question.

"Mirko has a big mouth - he talks to a lot of people, and a lot of people talk to him. He's not a hard person to find."

Then she hardened her tone slightly.

"I know I hurt you in the past, Kazaar. <i>Kad </i> knows you wont ever let me forget it, and I guess you're owed your pound or more of flesh from me, but do you think you could give me a break on the knife in the back comments for a while?"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"Just makin' sure ya know where I'm coming from, Del," Kazaar pulled th'speeder over, then turned t'face her. The look in his eyes said volumes. "I won't trust ya ever again. Ya need my help. Fine what th'hell, I'll give it.

"Ya want me t'stop hammering in th'fact ya betrayed me. Can't do it, babe. I'll always remember that," the speeder started t'pull away from the curb again, "But ya want me t'shut up 'bout it...maybe."

Silence reigned in th'speeder again as Kazaar took 'em back to his place. He exited the speeder, then walked towards the door.

"Like I said. Ya get the bed, I get th'couch. Deal?"

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

The deal suited her just fine.

"Sounds good to me"

Adelaide had bigger problems than where Kazaar slept right now. Much bigger.

The aroma of the room swept over her as she moved inside - old cigar smoke, bourbon, familiar smells, Kazaar smells, which made her feel at home. God, she'd missed it.

The apartment was pretty untidy and there was something weird in the sink, but otherwise it looked comfortable enough. There was no female living here to complicate things, Adelaide noted, that was obvious. Which reminded her..

"Who was that girl before, the one at the hangar?"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"Someone's who's a helluva lot more trustworthy than you." It was a cheap shot but Kazaar didn't care. And the look Del gave him made him feel good and gave him a bit of pain too. If he was willing t'admit it hurt 'im.

"All right that was cheap." he finally admitted, before giving a shrug, "Just some work I do. Pays th'bills. Keeps The Dutchman goin'. Bit safer than huntin', that's f'sure."

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

"That's nice"

Her desire for conversation evaporated at Kazaar's latest jibe. This was every bit as hard as she thought it was going to be. She just thought she'd take it better.

"Im going to bed, is it this way?" she headed to one of two closed doors which led off from the main room.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"Yeah. Refresher's next to it. Got some clothes in there too if ya wanna change." Kazaar gave another shrug, "I figure it beats walking 'round in th'same clothes every day."

He plopped down on th'couch, sticking his feet up on the glass table. Why th'frack did she have t'come back?

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

Adelaide took the opportunity to use the refresher and put on the pyjama's she'd found rolled up in one of his drawers. They were huge on her and stripes never where her style, but she rolled up the sleeves and legs to keep from tripping herself up in them and made do.

Standing in the doorway, she watched her estranged husband as he slumped on the couch, glass of amber liquid now held resting on his lap.

"Thankyou, Aurelias. I know my showing up is not something you've ever wanted. But I had no choice"

Something in her voice made him turn his head and look at her. A subtle inflection, a regret maybe? He turned away again, who cares?

"Dont use t'bedside lamp, th'wiring's shot. You'll get a zap if ya do"

"Goodnight" she said, drifting back into the interior of the room and closing the door behind her.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar drained his glass of bourbon and continued his posture on th'couch. Few minutes later he rummaged through his humidor, noting he needed t'grab another box of Balmorran perfectos (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Cigarshapes1.png) th'next time he hit th'shops. 'Course he had t'give 'The Kid' her birthday gift too, but that'd take another day or so for it t'ship in.

He lit another cigar and sat in silence, his mind trying t'wrap around the events of th'day. It really made no sense...Del not signing th'divorce papers, then her all of a sudden showing up outta th'frackin' blue. He was missing a buncha pieces to this puzzle and it was pissin' him off. Force-damned woman. They all made no frackin' sense.

He was halfway tempted t'just call 'The Kid' and see if he could sack out at her place, but closed his eyes instead. If something was gonna happen, he'd rather be in the middle of it than on th'frelling sidelines. That pissed him off even more.

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

It was some time before the muffled sounds of Kazaar moving about in the other room dwindled away to stillness. He always was a night owl and if he was feeling the same emotional turmoil as Adelaide was to any degree at all, sleep would be hard to find.

It was atleast 3am thought Adelaide, squinting at her wrist chrono in the dark - 02:58 - close enough. Strange was the feeling of lying in Kazaar's bed, his scent all around her, and him as good as a million light years away. The rift between them was wide and some hurts dont heal, no matter how one might lick the wound. What she wouldn't give to go out there and tell him everything, unburden herself of all the painful past and, like she used to, wrap herself in his arms to feel protected. To know he'd stop all the bad that, sure as Sunday, was careening their way.

But such indulgent thoughts served her ill, and only added to the weight of circumstances already threatening to crush her. She must think of him and remember why she was here. It was ironic, she thought, that he should be the reason of their separation eight years ago as well as the reason that brought them back together now. Somehow, though, she felt certain the irony of that would be rather lost on Aurelias.

Her chrono beeped, as if her thoughts had subliminally triggered a communication. Ducking under cover of her quilts, she pressed the dial to connect:

That horrible voice came through, unforgiving and demanding,
" -- What news --"

Adelaide whispered her reply, nervous persperation beads springing immediately to her forehead, "The girl is his charge, thats all. He drives her to school"

" -- No. There's more. He risked alot to take her from Timandar. And he had help. Find out who. I dont have to remind you how important it is that you do your job, Mrs Kazaar -- "

"How is--" The connection ended with an abrasive scrapping, then silence. Adelaide knew she would not have gotten a satisfactory answer even if she had been able finish her question.

Hot tears ran down her cheeks, seeping at last from eyes that had tried so long to keep them in. The sound on the other end of the chrono-comm turned her stomach - as it did every time they spoke.

No wonder Kazaar hated her. She hated herself.

[Estelle Russard]

Estelle had spent the evening painting her toenails. And then her fingernails. She'd vacuumed the rug and watered the plants. She'd even considered cleaning out the refrigerator, but that was going to far.

It was all an effort to keep her fingers busy and from not dialing Kazaar to bombard him with questions, and the cheap shot or two, generated by the surprising arrival of his wife. His WIFE. Gungan's green slippers! When did he get married? Who the heck would brave such a thing with him?

At the hanger that day, it was obvious there was a whoooole lotta history between the pair. But Estelle found it hard to fathom that Aurelias had not let one thing slip regarding Adelaide. Not a whisper.

The man was more complicated that even Estelle had originally thought.

No, (she dusted the bookshelf) calling him would be inappropriate. She should give the man some space.

She'd wait till the morning when he picked her up to pepper him for information. All night was space enough.

Climbing at last into bed, Estelle was still incredulous and a small dubious smile tugged at her lips. Married.

How the heck had he managed THAT?

[Aurelias Kazaar]

How th'frack had he managed t'stay married a month? Kazaar was wonderin' the exact same thing at the exact same time as 'The Kid'. With Ash it'd been pretty simple, "We do our job. If anything else happens, that's fine. Just don't go all smothery on me Aurelias."

With Del it'd been different. She'd loved spending time with 'im, making sure he wasn't drinking too much, wasn't hurtin' himself too much. The dark place Del got him outta was a helluva lot darker than the one Ash had. With th'latter, Kazaar had a target (the Empire). With th'former...Kazaar never had found out who killed Ashley, who took 'er life away from him. But Del turned it 'round, got 'im hunting again, helping people who needed it.

Truth was he loved 'em both, prolly always would...sorta. He tried not t'think 'bout Del too much since their split. Who gave a frack what the was doin'? Ya didn't cheat on ya wife or husband. Damndest thing was, ya didn't always get th'chance to forget. Booze helped. So did killin' Imps and murderers. But ya never truly forget. No matter how hard ya try.

Kazaar finished his cigar and drink then closed his eyes again.

***************************************
[I]The Next Morning

Kazaar didn't bother checkin' on Del when he woke up, but he did make sure his computer (which he rarely used anyway) was locked down. He changed into his usual attire: black jacket, white shirt, black pants, boots, three cigars (one all ready in his mouth), two vibroblades, and 'The Twins' before getting into the dark XJ-6 (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/XJ-6_airspeeder) speeder he used t'pick up Estelle.

She was all ready waitin' for him when he arrived t'pick 'er up. By her look on 'er face, Kazaar knew she'd spent most th'night thinkin'. "Lemme guess..." he started before 'The Kid' even opened 'er mouth, "Ya got questions. All right, Kid. Whatta ya wanna know?"

[Estelle Russard]

He looked like a man who'd been runnin' from the law - there was an element in his expression Estelle didn't think she'd ever seen before and wasn't quite sure what it was.

Kazaar was a man who could handle anything thrown at him, and had, if half of his stories were true. But the arrival of Adelaide had put some strange mojo on him and all the one-liners she'd been planning to open on him with didn't seem quite so funny any more.

He'd thrown it right out there though, blunt and to the point as was his style and oddly enough, this managed to bring Estelle's thoughts and questions down to the one that, in her mind, really mattered.

"Is it good to see her again?" she asked, searching his face so that he couldn't give her some glib, nonchalant reply. They both knew such a response would be as good as a lie.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"Two words, Kid: hell no." Kazaar took a puff offa his cigar as Estelle slid next to 'im. He hadn't lied t'er either. Probably. "How would you like it if I betrayed ya, then eight years later came back and said 'Oh it was a mistake. I need help and creds.' How th'frack would ya feel? Not good I bet.

"And you're a helluva lot more forgivin' than I am."

[Estelle Russard]

Estelle shrugged in reply, not because she didnt care, but because she had never felt such personal betrayal and could not answer honestly.

"I think its sad when two people get so far apart. I cant see how it can happen, that those feelings that make you want to marry someone, (and dont think that concept of you isnt making my head explode)..how that can all completely disappear. I know it does - it happens every day to all kinds of people - but...I think its sad, is all"

They didn't say much more on the trip in, just to confirm their meeting with Othniel in five days time aboard the "The Defiant" and some reports which Estelle was typing up for Kazaar because his er--terminal is on th'frellin' blink -- whatever.

"So she's just here for a day or so?"

Kazaar nodded, cigar smoke curling up causing him to squint, "Day or so too long, f'ya ask me"

"I'll see you at 4 - I got some work to finish in the library, so come around the back" she instructed as he pulled up to the curb.

"Good luck" she smiled and ran into the East Tower, hearing the XJ-6 rev up and speed away.

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

Adelaide wasted no time once Aurelias had left. She had waited until the bang of the door told her he had gone, then waited some minutes more to make sure he would not come back, having forgotten something.

She did not expect to find anything noteworthy in the living room, but looked anyway. Kazaar would not be sloppy when it came to any secrets he may wish kept safe, explaining why his computer was no longer where it had been the night before. And so, moving efficiently from anwar to book shelf to any drawers or cupboards in between, Adelaide confirmed that there was nothing to be found. Careful to put items back in the exact position she found them, even (and especially) if they were a little crooked or perched oddly on an edge. Aurelias would notice the shift and, in all likelihood, had deliberately set them that way to expose any change.

With the main area searched and dismissed, Adelaide returned to the bedroom and closed the door behind her. She should hear him return, but she was hoping it wouldnt matter as she planned on being done long before that time.

Flicking through the shirts and trousers hanging in his wardrobe, she smiled to see his sense of what was fashionable had not changed much. He still was fond of paisley and loud patterns, she noticed, and had become quite comfortable with quality Carran silk, apparently. There was still a lot of blacks and whites, and it was reassuring somehow to know this remained the same. She ran her hand over the backing of the wardrobe feeling for any bumps or hidden panels. Nothing.

She moved next to the side tables, searching in the same manner. Then under the bed, behind the drapes and was contemplating what might be under the rug on the floor, when her wrist-chrono beeped again. No...not now. She balked at answering, but there was no use putting off the inevitable. The same, saccarrine voice filtered through to her in the quiet of the bedroom.

"-- Well? --" it asked, expectantly.

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

Kazaar had dropped off Estelle at the University and had headed straight back to his apartment. He had debated within himself to stop for caffe and one of those fat, sticky raisin buns to fortify himself for a morning in the company of his newly-returned ex-whatever-the-heck she now was, but had decided against it. The sweetness always gave him indigestion and he didnt need that on top of everything else just now.

When he entered his apartment, he figured Adelaide must still be sleeping. Her door was still shut and she hadnt touched the coffee that had auto-brewed, just as it did every morning at 7am.

But as he took off his jacket, his instincts told him his first evaluation had been wrong. He could just feel she was up and suddenly the door being closed set off alarm bells inside his head. It was right at that moment that his vidscreen began flashing -- there was an incoming call. Kazaar stepped silently to the unit and answered it, holding up a hand to silence the person on the other end. It was Mirko, and Aurelias whispered, "Wait"


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

"You told me I had two days. I cant do this with you hounding me all the time" Adelaide said, that same leaden anxiety returning to make her feel slightly ill.

"-- It's been two days -- " the voice was harsh. "-- And you have found out nothing --"

"Im not sure there is anything to find out.."

The voice on the other end took on a very threatening tone, impatient and malevolent, "-- He is working for the Alliance, or the Imperials, I know it. Or perhaps for both, I wouldn't put it past Aurelias - he always knew how to work every angle. You are to get me the proof. I want it by sunset tonight, or else you can pick your boy's body up off the Refuse barge in South CoCo.--"

Again, the connection was broken abruptly, giving Adelaide no chance to respond. Behind her, she heard a floorboard creak and the pit of her stomach lurched as she spun around to see Aurelias glaring murderously at her form the doorway.

"No, Aurelias. Wait!"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

In one smooth motion, one of 'The Twins', the one Kazaar lovingly called 'Ashley', was in his gloved hand and pointed straight at Del's face. His voice, normally gruff 'n guttural, was now low and clear. And his black eyes...Del hoped she never saw that look again. 'Specially when it was directed towards her.

"Talk. Now. You lie, you don't leave."

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

Adelaide moved really slowly as she came to her feet, her eyes flinching from the barrell of the blaster to hold fearfully to Kazaar's stare.

"Just...let....me...explain"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar's blood ran white-hot and his stomach rolled.

Kimiiki Crei. The Velvet Crimelord.

An albino bastard who had his hands in so many dirty pies it was amazin' why he hadn't been shot by someone: the Hutts or the Empire or the Rebels. 'Course th'fact he might have some pretty powerful contacts in th'first two categories probably kept him alive.

And Del was workin' for him. That said a helluva lot.

"Why the hell should I listen." his voice kept itscalm tone. And that's what scared Adelaide the most. "Ya know, you gotta lot of nerve coming here, actin' like ya were in trouble. All th'while you were the Albino's bitch. Just because he was all pissed off 'bout not being able to 'rescue' a girl he was probably in on the original kidnapping plot (http://www.sw-fans.net/forum/showthread.php?t=15524) t'begin with.

A sneer, "But you couldn't find what you were looking for. So now you want me t'go save that prissy little boytoy, who couldn't protect himself from a blind, deaf, and retarded gizka?"

Kazaar gave an ugly snort and the blaster didn't move, "Get outta my sight."

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

"Boytoy?" Adelaide said with a pained expression, forgetting momentarily that giving Kazaar attitude right at this select moment was not in her best interest. "What are you talking about? Who, you mean Loran?"

She couldn't believe that was where his mind had immediately jumped to.

"Its not him, Aurelias. This is nothing to do with him" she assured him.

Her voice tremorred with emotion and raised her wrist, pointing the face of her chrono his way. She touched the screen with her index finger and the image of a child, a boy who appeared around six or seven years of age was displayed.

"Its about him, Aurelias. My son. Its about Bren"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

A son? Kazaar wasn't sure whether to believe her or not (how many lies had she told all ready) and wasn't 'bout t'give her the benefit of the doubt.

The blaster remained level, "How did Crei get him?"

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

"He's sick" she stated as detachedly as she could, but didn't manage to do so very well. "He's been sick all his life. Failure to thrive the doctors call it" She smiled sadly, dropping her wrist back to hang at her side. "What the frell is such a thing as failure to thrive?" She shook her head, still unable to reconcile the death sentence wrapped up in that one clinical term.

"He was always a frail little guy. Caught colds all the time, bruised easily. He was always thinner than the other kids, though it looks like he would eventually be tall. He's almost eight years old" She looked at Kazaar squarely, "But he wont see his next birthday."

Kazaar was wiping the handle of his gun, affecting his lack of interest. "You intend on comin' to a point somewhere in this lifetime?"

"A few years back" Adelaide continued, ignoring his remark, "Bren needed some expensive treatment and ever increasing care. As you know, my parents aren't well off, but they had a friend that offered his help. I had no idea Crei was behind the offer, you have to believe me Aurelias. Bren was so sick, I..guess I didn't look the gift horse to closely in the mouth."

She waited for some reaction, but Kazaar gave her nothing, he just kept shining his blaster in slow even strokes.

"Kimiki was keeping an ace in the hole against you Aurelias. For years he's just been sitting on the fact that he, at any time, could pull his assistance and put out a marker, using me, against you."

Was he getting all this? Adelaide was starting to bristle at Kazaar's complacency to her words.

"Dont you get it? Crei will see Bren die without proper care, without his mother close to comfort him, in some dank little hole just to get something on you." She stepped right up close to Kazaar, her eyes spitting angry now and lifted her wrist again. She shoved the boy's image right into his sight. The shock of thick black hair, the dark thoughtful eyes, it didnt need a rocket scientist to figure out the math, "Look Aurelias, look at him. Crei wants your son to die afraid and alone and he wants you to know it."

[Aurelias Kazaar]

For a moment, Kazaar didn't move. He sure as hell tried not t'let the knowledge of the fact someone'd been willing t'bear him a son get out. Then he lowered his blaster and stuffed it back in its holster. Del released the breath she didn't know she'd been holding, as Kazaar remained quiet.

Silence reigned before a voice came from the adjoining room. "I-I tried to tell you Aurelias, but I only just found out." It was Spenny, "I'm...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have listened."

The connection was cut quickly and the two ex-ex-spouses were left alone.

Finally, Kazaar sighed and pressed a keypad next to his bed. A large cache of weapons opened up: an Imperial heavy repeater rifle, a concussion rifle, rocket launcher, and one weapon (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Bluebolt_blaster) Del hadn't seen before. The former bounty hunter (and now father) grabbed it and the repeater rifle and slung them over his shoulder, before heading towards the door.

"I'm gonna go have a 'talk' with Crei." Kazaar growled over his shoulder, "I'll be back inna bit."

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

Though Kazaar's reaction was typical, Adelaide had expected something more. She didnt know what exactly, but this was not just some poor joker in a tight bind. It was his own flesh and blood. She'd expected something to show he atleast comprehended that fact.

She followed close at his heels, and when it was clear he wasn't slowing down, Adelaide pulled brusquely on the back of his shirt, unwilling for him to just railroad over the dynamic of the situation.

"Aren't you even curious about Bren? Dont you want to -- oh, I dunno -- ask me something about him?"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar raised his hand for silence before pulling out his comlink. He pressed a button and waiting. Two minutes later, the voice of the woman Adelaide had seen the day before came over the speaker.

"I'm in the middle of an exam, Aurelias. I had to tell my professor it was my father."

"Finish it quick, Kid. We gotta job. Involves our albino 'friend'."

"I'll be behind the library."

"Let's go, Del." Kazaar started walking towards the door.

"But what abou--" The look in Kazaar's eyes made Del shut her mouth quickly. The ex-ex-couple hurried quickly to Kazaar's speeder where they entered and sped off.

When Kazaar was sure no one was following him, he finally spoke, his voice still oddly muted, "Tell me 'bout Bren. And why ya decided to take off eight years ago."

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

Adelaide gave him a sideways look. Was he messin' with her? He didn't really expect her to explain two of the biggest events in their history in a fifteen minute drive to the University did he..?

"Its gonna take longer than this drive to do justice to either of those topics, Aurelias" she said seriously, "But I can tell you this -Bren likes his eggs smilin' at him and his bacon to make a clang when it lands on his plate."

Kazaar was sunny-side and burnt bacon all the way.

It was an odd shared moment because they both knew it to be true.

"Why are we getting the girl?" Adelaide asked, breaking the slender connection.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"Couple reasons," Kazaar stated, placing a cigar in his mouth. A moment later th'speeder cabin was filled with cigar smoke, "When 'er dad hired me t'take care of 'er, he told me t'make sure she could defend herself. She's a helluva shot now and is pretty tough."

He threw a glance towards Adelaide, "They ain't gonna let ya walk in wherever Bren is stored t'get him. 'The Kid' can. And I trust 'er with my life." Del was quiet a moment and Kazaar knew why. He'd taken 'nough shots are their own fracked up and estranged relationship that any kinda of comment he'd make on his relationship with Estelle was gonna hurt. "Wasn't a shot, Del. Just statin' a fact. 'The Kid's' good...knows her stuff.

"Now," the former bounty hunter took a puff offa his cigar, "Ya wanna tell me why ya just now decided t'spring on me I gotta kid? 'Specially since ya didn't want me 'round eight years ago. That have something t'do with it?"

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

"You weren't ever supposed to know" she said unapologetically.

"My parents never supported my decision to keep Bren from you, my Dad especially. After some time though, he finally stopped saying so." A soft smile came into her eyes, "They both always liked you, Aurelias. Remember the way you used to grab up my mom in those bear hugs and lift her off her feet..?"

Yeah, he remembered. He puffed heavily on the perfocto.

"That schtik never got old for her" she even laughed a little.

"But you were too dangerous" she said after a pause. "You -- and the associations you had, even just the ones I knew about.

You and I could take such risks, but I wasn't going to place a child into them"

It was a phenomonal thing being responsible for a childs life. That's the only way to describe it really -- phenomonal. A person can never be prepared for that revelation until it happens to them. Adelaide sure hadn't been, and only those who've experienced such a sacred trust can know how it takes precedence over every and all decisions a person makes from then on.

It was the end of her life with Aurelias from the moment she confirmed the news.

"The blame falls squarely on me, and I dont expect anything I say to make it any of it all right for you. I made a choice, hard as it was. And for eight years, I believe I made the right one"

A hard choice. Looking at Kazaar now, all the old feelings stirring within her, she wondered how she'd ever been able to leave. No wonder Loran was necessary.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar was silent for a few minutes, his mind goin' over everything Del'd said. There was probably more to it, but most've it made sense. Part of 'im agreed with her. Disappearing was probably th'best thing t'do.

"Ya know, Del." He twisted his head towards Del for a moment before turning it back towards th'rest of traffic. There was a difference in his tone this time. It was like he was simply stating facts instead of tryin' t'hurt her. Even if th'memories Kazaar'd expunged from his mind with all types of booze were comin' back. "Gorgja'n me were on th'outs back then. Could've easily disappeared with ya. Hell, I quit right after ya left. Couldn't find ya, but I looked."

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

She couldnt decide what was more surprising - the admission that Kazaar and the Hutt were parting ways, or that he'd come looking for her after believing she'd betrayed him. Or, the fact that he was actually telling her all this in the first place.

But none of it really mattered. Not now.

"You wouldn't have left the life, Aurelias. Not for good. It's in your blood, and even if you had - do you really think your old friends would have allowed it? Just look at the lenghts Kimiki Crei has gone to" She shook her head. "No, it was the only way." The horrible, hurtful lie had been the only way to make him hate her enough to leave her, and Bren, well and truly alone. But even such drastic measures had, eventually, not been enough.

"Yeah, what about him?" Kazaar quizzed, wanting more information.

"He thinks there is alot more to this thing with the girl on Mastala" Adelaide replied. "He thinks someone big helped you and he wants to know who. And why. He thinks you work for the Imperials, or the Alliance. And he is not to be easily disuaded"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar started laughing, "That frackin' moron. He's been sniffin' his velvet too much.

"You think any of those damn groups want me as a member? I'd get kicked out f'doing my job too well. "

It was a lie, of course, but not completely. His short tenure in the Rebel Army had been disrupted by his torture of an Imperial Officier. Hell, his tenure with Rebel Intelligence had been interupted by the exact same thing (http://www.sw-fans.net/forum/showthread.php?t=15590). He'd always been called a 'loose cannon' and pretty much kept onna tight leash for most of his tenure. He was pretty sure if 'The Kid' hadn't 'balanced him out' a bit, he'd be back workin' full-time with Gorgja. But lives changed.

"Remember how much poodoo Gorgja would give me 'bout bounties? 'Oh, Kazaar, you were too rough on the subject (even if th'guy was a frackin' rapist of little boys? Orra murderer). Triple that with all th'fracking bureaucracy those political groups have." He threw another glance towards Adelaide, "'Sides...I've done m'time in prisons on both sides of th'aisle. Neither group's gotta big thing for me."

'Least it was only a half-lie that time.

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

"Well maybe you can convince him of all that when you see him." She gave him a candid look, "Id use that big mother you took out of that weapons drawer....what is that thing, anyway?"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar's smile was flippant, "Called a blue blaster, really just a proto-type, won't be in production for 'nother year or two. Ya can thank 'The Kid' f'getting it for me. Got one for herself too." The bodyguard's face turned serious, "Trust me, I know exactly where I'm gonna shoot th'bastard. He ain't gonna be one t'churn out babies any time soon.

"He holed up at his main rathole? Or would blowin' that up be a bad idea?"

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

The Kid was sounding less and less like some helpless rich socialite with each passing minute. Handling guns, obtaining obscure weaponry. Adelaide had thought she was an Art student..

"Crei has a house in Trennan Mews in the 500 Republica. Its where he'd bring me to discuss our..agreement"

And by house, Kazaar could safely assume a gated mansion with all the state-of-the-art security the Velvet Crimelord could afford. The Mews was a well-to-do community where everyone who lived there knew better than to get too close to one's neighbours business. Mouths were kept closed and questions weren't ever asked. They all liked it that way.

"But Bren is on the otherside of town at the Serenity Santatorium." she added. "It would be a good idea if we arrived each place at the same time, so no warning can be given in either place. As far as Crei knows, Im still searching your apartment"

That fact would not remain true for long, however. Following Kazaar's speeder, four vehicles behind, was the same rodian who had been loitering outside the Flying Finns the night before.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar suddenly turned into an airspeeder garage, shooting down th'rows of cars while patrons yelled curses at 'im. He hadn't seen th'Rodian trailing 'em, but Kazaar hadn't planned t'use this speeder anyway. Too small f'what he had planned and too noticeable. "I thought we were meeting Estelle?" Del asked from her seat as she looked 'round at the rows of speeder.

"We are, babe. But I ain't 'bout t'risk us being spotted." His head rolled to th'side again and he gave that smirk-smile o'his he'd given his ex-ex-wife plenty of times in their relationship. "Plus, this speeder's prolly been eye-balled by Crei. I got one he hadn't seen."

The speeder in question was a refurbished V-35 courier landspeeder (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/V-35_Courier), Kazaar'd taken some time to work on himself, but most of his 'work'
consisted of repainting th'damn thing, tinting th'windows, and doing a small bit of work on th'engines. Wasn't much, but it got a little bit more pickup than it used to. And that was pretty key when ya were trying t'escape whatever problem ya ran into.

Without a word, Kazaar exited the XJ-6 speeder and strode towards the V-35. Del followed and they both entered silently. As the speeder headed towards the entrance, Kazaar spied a Rodian-filled speeder heading through th'garage.

He smirked, "Okay. Let's get 'the Kid'. If ya want, we can grab the speeder again before headin' t'Crei and Bren. Why'd ya name him that anyway?"

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

"It's short for Brentaal"

The planet where they'd married. A place Kazaar loved and would always have a place of prominence in his heart, though why exactly, Adelaide could only guess at. His relationship with Ashley perhaps? His second home? Whatever it was, Bren's name was something she hoped he would associate with some of the happy times in his life.

"But we always call him Bren, it suits him" she said simply.

[Estelle Russard]

When Kazaar pulled up beside he library, Estelle had been standing there waiting. She was concerned at the urgency of the summons, but hid it well.

Clambering into the back of the speeder she automatically looked behind them.

"Why this speeder? Whats going on?"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"Good t'see ya too, Kid," Kazaar dabbed his cigar out in th'ashtray and lit another one. One reason he smoked so much, it helped 'im think. Helped keep his senses goin', even if he was filtering everything through tobacco. Just made ever'thing a helluva lot better.

"We gotta bigger problem than we originally thought. 'Parently, I ain't just a husband. I gotta kid too." He gave one of his shrugs. "Go fig, eh?"

[Estelle Russard]

Estelle looked from one Kazaar to the other, expecting at any moment Aurelias or Adelaide would break a grin and let her in on the joke.

But no grin came.

And Estelle felt her mouth gape open, but was helpless to pull it closed again.

A kid...? This was huge.

The dual Kazaars twisted back to look at her, clearly expecting some comment to be framed.

"Um...people have kids every day, Aurelias" she offered lamely, not comprehending the real situation at all.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar gave a *snort* and Adelaide looked pained, "It's also my son, you insipid little girl!" she shot at Estelle.

"Cool it, Del." Kazaar's voice had an edge t'it, "Yeh. Turns out Crei's got th'boy at, what was it called, th'Serenity Santatorium'?" Adelaide nodded and Kazaar continued. "He's got 'em there. 'Parently he wants t'use it as a way t'get t'me.

"So we're going after him." The Kid nodded, still trying to understand how Aurelias could be a dad and not tell 'er about it.

"Two of you're goin' after the boy," Kazaar smirked, "I'm gonna pay Crei a visit." His smirk turned deadly as he pulled th'speeder away from th'university, "Have a nice chat with 'im.

"Ya get'cha test done?"

[Estelle Russard]

Forget about the test, Estelle thought. She was as close to being expelled from the Institute due to her frequent absences as it was, despite her father's good reputaion. And by reputation, she meant money and influence. The incompletion of her exam today would probably seal the deal.

"The Serenity Sanitorium" Estelle repeated the name slowly. "Thats a hospice-type setup, I think" She paused, watching the pair in the front seat closely for some sort of clue that she was grasping things correctly.

"Aurelias, only the very ill are admitted there" she said, unsure if he was aware what a sojorn at such a facility meant. "Even Crei would have a difficult time setting something like that up. A person would have to be terribly sick.."

Adelaide turned to look determinedly out the passenger window, and Kazaar made no response.

Estelle felt extremely uncomfortable, like an intruder into something very personal. But they had come for her to help, and she would do anything she could.

"Will he be alright to move?" she asked Adelaide gently.

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

"He is in the best of care, Crei gave me his word on that" Adelaide said, regretful for snapping at the girl. "The threat was that he would change that immediately should I not come up with the information on Aurelias that he wanted."

She looked back at Estelle and over to Kazaar. "That's why we have to move so fast. I take it we are all aware how swiftly Crei can act when necessary?"

Yes...there was definitely a deeper connection between the girl and her husband than just charge and protecter. They both nodded in that 'inner circle' way that only people who have shared like experiences together did. Adelaide used to share a part in that small intimate <i>knowing</i> with Aurelias and she stifled a pang of envy toward Estelle that threatened to rise.

"We can expect there will be a guard or two with Bren at the facility, but nothing on the scale that Aurelias will meet up with. Until now, I have not given the Albino any reason to suspect anything but complete obedience from me"

[Estelle Russard]

"Then that will work in our favor" Estelle said, taking charge of the situation.

"I'll need a weapon Kazaar. And your speeder. When we retrieve your boy - Bren is it?" Adelaide nodded, "When we get Bren, we will take him back to my father's place. I will call ahead to Lissel to be prepared for him. We can use the comms to co-ordinate our incursion...er, um our getting in and out"

Estelle realised she was assuming a rather military posture for an Art major and eyeballed an apology for the lapse to Kazaar who was staring at her through the rear-view mirror with a weird stricken 'ya think ya could tone it back a notch, kid?' look in his eyes.

"Dont worry Adelaide," she said with a sincerity that surprised the other woman, "you and Bren will be safe at Russard Estate. My grandfather's nurse will take good care of your son."

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"Got something for ya in the trunk," Kazaar stated turnin' back into the parking garage he'd left the Rodian. Sure 'nough, the black speeder was still circling th'premises looking for the Kazaars. The male Kazaar gave a smirk. "Plenty o'spaces around. Looks like we got some company."

He pulled up next to the XJ-6 speeder he'd used earlier and got out. Motioning the females t'stay put, the bodyguard/Rebel spy walked into th'middle of the garage's roadway and waved his arms in th'classic sign of 'Help'. Crei's Rodian henchman came to a stop in front of 'im and rolled down th'window. "Hey, pal. Can ya give a guy a hand." Kazaar put on th'air of a stranded motorist, "I gotta busted turbine engine. Just need a quick jump and I oughta be able t'get outta here."

The Rodian made a face and blinked his silvery eyes. "Vewwy well," his Basic was passable, although the 'L's' sounded a helluva lot more like 'W's'. "Wwet me gwet my jumpwer cabwels." Crei's henchman pressed a button then rose from th'seat of his speeder (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Coruscant_speeder). A few seconds later he was backing towards the trunk, keeping his eyes on the 'helpless' human. The Rodian lowered his eyes t'look through the trunk and Kazaar used this opportunity t'wander towards Crei's henchman.

"Which one is your car?"

"Th'one you're drivin', Rodi." Kazaar's fist shot out 'n connected with th'Rodian's leathery neck. The henchman lurched forward and the former bounty hunter grabbed th'cables and wrapped 'em 'round the smaller Rodian's neck. After a minute of struggle, th'Rodian lay dead on th'garage's floor.

The females emerged from the other speeder just as Kazaar was takin' care of the thug's body. "That takes care o'one problem." The look in Kazaar's black eyes was deadly but quickly disappeared.

He'd always dealt with anger this way. When he needed it, he'd release like some kinda monster of death upon those he targeted and wouldn't disappear 'til Kazaar allowed it. It was why he'd been so calm since Del'd told 'im 'bout their son and Kimiiki Crei's involvement in this entire mess. Kazaar was waitin' for th'right time, when a certain albino would learn what it meant t'truly frack with him. Kazaar wasn't 'bout t'let this bastard get away with what he'd done. The Albino was toast. The question was just how much of his body would be left for th'Imps t'identify.

But it wasn't th'time f'that now. Kid needed a blaster. Kazaar returned to th'XJ-6 where he opened th'trunk. He did his own rummagin' before pullin' out a KYD-21 (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/KYD-21_blaster_pistol) blaster pistol. He tossed it towards his partner and Estelle caught it with one hand.

"Meant t'give it to ya for ya birthday." He gave a little smirk-smile, "Guess I'm either early'r late. Your choice."

[Estelle Russard]

Estelle looked the blaster over, more than pleased with it, and rather delighted at Kazaar's thoughfulness in remembering her birthday.

Adelaide stood off to the side watching the exchange and Estelle, for the second time in quick succession, felt awkward and very much a third wheel.

Ok, this was gonna get old real fast Estelle thought inwardly. What a scenario from out of left field. And if she was feeling the strain of it, she couldn't imagine how Aurelias was keeping his cool. A thorough discussion was on the agenda in the near future, but for now, all that must wait.

"Its great, Kazaar" she said, reigning in her enthusiasm for his wife's sake. "Thankyou"

She shuffled around to look at the deceased rodian. "Crei's guy?"

"F'sure. No question" Kazaar replied.

"Then we dont have a lot of time" Estelle said, including Adelaide in her look. "They would probably have had set check-in times and it will only take one missed to make Crei wise that something's up"

"I'll need Crei's address" Kazaar said curtly to Adelaide, and as she obliged he turned back to Estelle. "Call me once ya arrive at t'Sanitorium" And he moved off to the other speeder.

"Dont worry" she said to Adelaide as Kazaar pulled away without looking back. "You did the right thing in telling him"

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

"I had no other choice" Adelaide replied, clearly whishing that had not been the case.

"Let's go get Bren" she added, her mind already moving to having her little boy safely in her arms again.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar drove in silence forra while, lettin' the *whine* of th'speeder's engines fill his ears as cigar smoke filtered through the cockpit. Wasn't easy admittin' to Del he'd looked for her after she left 'im. After she told 'im to, "Stay the hell away from me!" Might've been a lie, but it sure as hell hurt as much now as it did eight years ago. 'Specially since it was a lie.

It was Spenny who he'd turned to, given the guy more than his fair share of creds, and told 'im t'poke around a bit. The info broker was only startin' out back then, slowly building his reputation as a reliable source, and was more than thrilled t'get the job. Kazaar gave a small smile as he remembered th'massive rug he'd gotten from Spendrim as a gift for asking him t'look 'round for Del. 'Course the rug hardly ever saw th'light of day, but the gesture was appreciated in th'only way Kazaar could...continue t'use th'odd little bugger f'info jobs. Sure as hell beat others out there.

By the time Spenny'd come back with his report, "I have nothing Aurelias. P-please d-don't kill me," the ex-ex-husband hadn't care anymore. He'd gone back into that dark, comfortable hole've alcohol. Plus he believed everything Adelaide (and Loran) told 'im. Kazaar gave a snort as he remembered the entire incident. Th'fact Loran (that prissy soldierboy wanna be) was able t'stick with the story while dealin' with more than just a few broken teeth and limbs, had t'say something right? Maybe th'fracker was tougher than he looked. Wouldn't that be hitch?

Back in th'present, Kazaar turned a corner and headed into th'high rent district where the Alibino, Kimiiki Crei, lived. Wouldn't be much longer now, the Rebel spy thought, as he tossed his cigar out th'window.

"Hey Kid." he spoke in his comlink, "You two ready?"

[Estelle Russard]

"Affirm--er, yes, we are outside Serenity." Estelle confirmed, looking at Adelaide, who was careful to hide her thoughts behind a blank stare.

"There are no outside lookouts. Or any sign that trouble is expected, for that matter" she added, taking another candid survey of the building's facade.

"We are good to go on your say so"

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

Art student, my eye.

Whatever this girl and Aurelias were tryin' to sell her, Adelaide wasn't buyin' it.

"Last I knew, Bren was on the second floor - they may have moved him since then though" she offered Estelle by way of information. "We'll have to stop at the front desk to find out"

Russard nodded as if she had already thought of this.

The girl was quietly confident, whatever the real story on her may be, and Adelaide was thankful for it. They could keep their secret, her and Aurelias - she just wanted her son. Besides, she didn't care what Kazaar was doing anyway. She didn't. And she'd just darn-well tell him so next time she saw him.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"All right, here's th'plan," Kazaar stared through th'speeder's windshield towards Crei's compound, "Head on in th'hospital. When ya get on Bren's level, gimme a call. Don't say anythin' thing 'less something's wrong. I'll hit here next. Once they call f'reinforcements, hit 'em hard."

The ex-ex-husband took a second t'check the charge on his blasters, "Del...Kid. Be careful." He then gave a smirk. "Don't do anythin' I wouldn't do. Got it?"

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

Kazaar sounded as if he could be in the speeder next to them. He also sounded like he was enjoying himself, which would not be surprising. Aurelias loved nothing better than a good scrap and the Albino had got his blood gowing.

"We're on the move" Estelle advised him and put the comm away, getting out of the speeder.

Adelaide followed her lead and as they walked up the path and into the front doors, she remembered something troubling and just before they got to the front desk, she whispered to Estelle,"...Probably should have told him about the dogs.."

[Estelle Russard]

As the two women approached the desk, the nurse lifted her head, glad for a break in the tedious scheduling, a task that had fallen to her since the head RN had recently 'micromanaged' it onto her duties. There were never enough hours in a day..

"Yes" she asked, lifting an imperious eyebrow in inquiry.

"Bren Kasperian-Kazaar" Estelle began

"Brentaal" Adelaide injected helpfully, "His full name is Brentaal"

Estelle continued, "What room?"

"That patient is not allowed visitors unless directed by a third party" The nurse was practiced at shutting people down.

But so was Estelle. She lifted the blue-bolt, lining the barrell up at the nurse at around chest-height.

"What room?" she asked again.

The nurse clamped her lips tight together, at once afraid to answer and afraid to not.

Estelle decided some prompting was in order. "You have heard of the Inquisitoriate, I trust?" The rounding of the woman's eyes told her that she had. Good, thought Estelle, the mere suggestion of the INQ should be enough to rattle the information loose. "This patient is being held against his will at this facility." Estelle continued, "That is tantamount to kidnapping and your refusal to assist me is complicit with that crime. I needn't tell you that the best you could hope for should this be made known to certain people is that you would loose your license." She paused a moment, letting the impact of this threat take hold and then added, "Do I need to say more?"

"Room 316"

"Room 316" Estelle repeated. "Dont move from this station" she directed. "Dont call anybody, dont warn the men in his room, dont. do. anything." Russard's cold tone chilled the other woman and reinforced her assumption that the visitors were indeed Inquisitoriate. "If you disobey me, I will kill you." The nurse didn't doubt the promise.

Estelle and Adelaide turned from the desk and moved briskly to the stairs, the rebel spy taking point.

Taking two steps at a time, Estelle remarked with a dry smile, "It's too late about the dogs"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

They weren't just dogs...they were frackin' howlrunners (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Howlrunner). How in th'blue nerf Crei'd been able t'get one, let alone, four boggled Kazaar's mind t'no end. Sure th'damn things could be domesticated but with that human-like skull face of theirs they were frackin' ugly. The thought of runnin' into those things made Kazaar shiver under 'is jacket.

"'Course m'fight ain't with you guys," Crei's would-be killer breathed as he pressed his body even closer against th'stone wall circumferencing The Velvet Crimelord's little domestic hideaway. It was 'bout 15 feet high with spikes stickin' outta the top. Didn't look electrified but Kazaar was pretty sure he saw a couple motion sensors near th'top. So stealth was outta th'question but in this situation, Kazaar wasn't real sure he wanted t'be stealthy. Something 'bout Crei knowing death was comin' gave Kazaar a dark pleasure.

The bastard who humiliated Kazaar's family (no matter how fracked up it was) would get what was comin' to 'im. And get it good. Kazaar strode back t'his commandeered speeder, lit a new cigar, 'n starteed th'engines.

Now came th'hard part. Waitin'.

[Estelle Russard]

The pair came to the third floor landing and Estelle motioned Adelaide to quiet.

"You go out first," she said softly, "draw the guards out if you can. Dont worry, Ill be right behind you"

Russard lifted the comm and advised Kazaar of their intent to go in.

"I make four minutes to retrieve Bren and get back to the speeder, Kazaar. Will advise when we're clear"

She put the comm away and gave a go-ahead nod to Adelaide.

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

Taking her cue, Adelaide slipped out of the stair well and began the walk down the gleaming corridor toward Bren's room. It was easy to tell which one it was due to the man in the sloppy suit slouching boredly against the door jamb. He just reeked of the Albino thug type.

He straightened up, however, when he saw Adelaide coming his way.
"No you dont" he held up his hand in the universal 'halt' signal, palm outward. "We aint heard from Crei 'bout you comin.' No visits, less Crei says so"

The guard's remarks drew the attention of a secondary man who had been seated at Bren's bedside reading investment magazines, a subject he liked to think he knew something about, but didnt. He tossed the mag carelessly on the end of Bren's bed and unholstered his blaster, intending to join his partner in the hallway.

"My friend has a different idea about that" Adelaide said unsmiling to the slovenly guard.

Estelle came around the corner, blaster levelled and he fumbled for his weapon, not having yet drawn it as he did not feel Adelaide posed him any kind of threat. He had her kid, what the heck could she do?

[Estelle Russard]

Two consecutive bolts burried themselves in the first guard's chest and he stumbled back into the doorjamb, then slid down dead. His partner darted forward spurred to action, gun ready, but Estelle was closer than he anticipated and her sudden appearance infront of the door startled him. But not so much as did the laser bolts she fired into him. They surprised him more and the look on his face would have been comical if it wasn't the last expression he was ever to make.

Having quickly dispatched Bren's attendants, Estelle waved Adelaide up to the room.

"Grab him and lets go"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar took another puff from his cigar and started goin' over what he'd, albeit briefly, seen of Crei's compound. Th'mansion was three stories tall and made of ancient stones mixed with duracrete and something else Kazaar didn't recognize. Strangest thing 'bout th'mansion were all the windows. Kazaar counted 'least 20 of 'em and that was on th'front of the house alone. Frackin' Crei was always a vain one. The doors were recessed from th'exterior, guarded by two large stone columns with two large Gamorrean guards standing in from of th'columns. And their vibro-axes sure as hell weren't f'show.

He removed th'cigar from his mouth and ashed it out th'window. Crei's lawn was pretty big too, 'course it'd need t'be with those howlrunners roamin' 'bout. Had t'be 300 yards long, which meant Kazaar'd need t'get a lotta speed for what he had planned. If he could get th'airspeeder to the front door he'd have more than just 'a chance' at gettin' the albino.

There was also th'problem of all th'guards Crei employed. Kazaar'd all ready seen the howlrunners and Gamorreans, but he also spied 'least four 'floating lights'. Which meant the so-called 'Velvet Crimelord' had a few 'velvet minions' running 'round the place. Kazaar gave a dark smirk, as he let all th'rage start t'come outta its cage. Crei was gonna pay. And pay in buckets.

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

Adelaide moved quickly to her son, and the boy's eyes lit up at the sight of her. He looked so small and frail awash in the sea sheets, his pale lips parting in a weak, but beautiful smile.

"Hello, Ace" she said gently, "Ive missed you"

Raw emotion flooded over her as she collected her son softly into her arms, taking a moment to rock him against her chest. She would hold him like this forever if she could, and she pressed her lips against his silky dark hair.

Nothing had ever been more precious in all of her life than this child and it felt so good to hold him close once again. She would be forever indebted to Estelle and Kazaar for their help. She wouldn't ever forget this moment they had given her.

[Estelle Russard]

Estelle was busy moving about the room, tearing out pages from the boy's chart which hung from a clip on the wall, emptying into a pillowcase the drawer of his medications, all to take back with them to the Russard Estate. "We haven't much time" Russard said, unhooking the IV bag of saline from where it was suspended on a pole and pushing it into Adelaide's hand. She halted there a moment, the expression on the other woman's face holding her fast in place.

There was an uncommon heartache in Adelaide's eyes, and Estelle realised she had seen that expression before - she'd seen it in another pair of eyes.

Her father had looked at her that way when she awoke from her ordeal on Mastala. It spoke of the helpless anguish one holds as they watch something a loved one must endure and are powerless to save them from it. Estelle knew that if her father could, he would gladly have taken her place being brutalized by Timandar's thugs. He would gladly, willingly have spared her at no thought for himself.

Adelaide felt the same.

Estelle could not imagine the sorrow such inability to spare someone she loved the pain it was so obvious they were experiencing, but the look in Adelaide's eyes revealed what a crushing load to bear such a reality was.

She rested a hand lightly, compassionately on Adelaide's shoulder.

"Let's take him somewhere safe Adel. Let's get you both somewhere safe"

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

Speeding out of Serenity's front gates, Estelle first gave the all clear to Kazaar, wondering inwardly how he was going to react to seeing his son. It was one thing to know of his existance, quite another to look into Bren's face - the image of Kazaar completely, minus the scowl of course.

Then, she contacted the Russard Estate and spoke to her grandfather's nurse, Lissel.

"Have Dr Ranyer come over immediately, and have a bed set up for a sick little boy. His mother is coming too. And Lissel," Estelle warned, "Ensure Dr Ranyer's complete discretion. Oh, and advise my father of what's happening, that I'll explain more fully in person."

Lissel gave her assurance that all would be done as Estelle asked.

The rest of the drive to the Estate left Estelle to her own thoughts as, in the back seat, Adelaide sang softly to Bren.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Finally, Kazaar thought as his comlink *chirped* then shut off. The Kid and Del'd grabbed th'boy and were on their way out. Time t'make sure they got out.

He mashed down on th'accelerator, lurchin' th'speeder forward towards the mansion's large gate. As th'large wall got closer and closer, Kazaar pressed down on th'speeder's repulsorlifts, sending the craft airborne. The speeder barely cleared th'wall, hurtling itself up towards the top floor of Crei's mansion. Halfway across th'lawn, the hunter cut the engines and let gravity take over. "C'mon." He muttured as th'speeder reached th'apex of ascent before beginning th'fast fall towards the first floor. Kazaar did a 15 count, threw open th'hatch, and from th'speeder.

The speeder crash was spectacular t'watch as it slammed into the garden 'bout 20 feet in front of th'house wall. It spun up in th'air, pinwheeled towards th'facade, and crashed between the first and second floor. Th'sounds of bricks, duracrete, glass, and durasteel all came together inna loud *crinkle* and Kazaar spied Crei's henchmen scrambling t'meet him as he hurtled towards th'pristine lawn. Tucking his body into a ball, Kazaar rolled when he hit th'ground and slammed into th'knees of a Rodian who'd gotten just close 'nough. A loud *crack* filled Kazaar ears as the Rodian's knees buckled. Rising to his feet quickly, he pulled th'bluebolt blaster from its holster and shot down a large tusked whipid, who'd come t'his buddy's aid.

"CREI!" The killer bellowed, as he pulled his heavy repeater rifle out and fired several bursts in th'direction of the Velvet Crimelord's henchmen, "I'M COMIN' FOR YA, YA ALBINO BASTARD!"

One lizardhead got too close and Kazaar shot 'is leg out from under him. Another Tranny took three bolts t'the chest, while a Gran had two of his three eyes shot off. They lay still on the now blood-soaked lawn as they awaited their fates.

"CREI!" Kazaar let his rage pour 'round him. It felt good t'let it all out.

"AWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" th'horrible sound pierced the former bounty hunter's ears, causing him t'grimace. It was followed by three more and Kazaar spied four sets of eyes peering at him from th'blackness of the lawn.

Aw frack. Howlrunners. Kazaar reloaded his weapon and steeled himself as th'padding of paws came closer 'n closer 'n closer. Off t'his right! There! Th'predator struck with another loud *AWOOOOOOOO!* as its horrid human-like skull came into view. The Brentaal-raised Alderaanian swung th'butt of his heavy Imperial repeater towards th'skull and heard a sickening *crack* as stock 'n skull collided. The stunned animal's claws still caught Kazaar's arm causin' it t'bleed. He wasted no time with th'second as it suddenly came into view. Kazaar shot out one of his booted feet towards th'predator, catching it right in th'gullet. The howlrunner moaned and lay still.

There were still two more of th'creatures out there, and Kazaar had a feelin' they were waiting fer th'right moment t'strike. He moved cautiously across th'dark lawn, his blaster rifle up 'n ready f'anything. "P-please," a weak voice came from the ground as the injured Rodian grasped at Kazaar leg, "Y-you g-gotta help me. Th-those things...can s-sense p-pain."

A dark smirk came t'Kazaar's face and he grabbed a fallen glowstick from th'ground. "Here." He placed th'thing where he was sure th'howlrunners could see it. "Try t'crawl away. It's what ya get...workin' f'Crei."

As he was striding towards th'house, Kazaar heard another terrible howl, then a scream. It was 'nough t'cause him t'throw a glance over his shoulder towards th'carnage behind. And almost 'nough t'miss the Gamorrean guard's vibro-axe comin' towards his head.

[Jason Russard]

"He went to Crei's on his own?"

Jason was justified in questioning the wisdom of such an impetuous approach, as Estelle brought him up to speed. One man against..who knew how many? Aurelias was a resourceful fellow, true enough, but Jason could have sent help if he'd been advised.

The boy and Kazaar's wife...now there was a conversation stopper..were in an upstairs guest room, with Dr. Ranyer and Lissel in attendance.

In the study, the three generation Russards exchanged looks with one another, both the men looking in turn back to Estelle expectantly.

"Have you heard from him? Shall I send some of our fellows over?" Jason, The Younger offered.

They'd probably just be in the way, thought Estelle, but she opted to put it less bluntly to her father.

"I will see if I can raise him, Im sure I would have heard something if he was in trouble"

The truth was, Estelle was afraid of what her father's men might witness. Their exposure risk was already so high with this series of events, first-hand accounts of Kazaar in action would probably be better avoided. Less questions would be asked.

Old man Russard, Estelle's grandfather, kept his thoughts to himself for the moment, so Jason continued, knowing his father and the Albino had dealings in the past. "Find out for certain" he instructed, "Crei has a very deadly reputation"

Estelle nodded.

"The boy is very sick, Elle" Jason started on the next pressing development, "We will do everything we can"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar ducked, feeling th'vibro-axe *whoosh* over his head, taking off 'least a few hairs on his head. He went into a crouch then drove his fist right into th'Gamorrean's fur-covered chest.

"Dammit!" he swore as pain shot up his right arm. That was real frackin' smart. T'his credit, the pig-faced guard only took a step back, then swung the axe towards the grassy lawn and Kazaar's head. The former bounty hunter lurged t'his left and the humming axe slammed into th'soft grass. Kazaar shot his foot out and connected with th'Gamorrean's solid arm, knocking him off balance.

From his prone position on the grass, the Brentaal-raised Alderaanian pulled one of his pearl-handled Bryar blasters from its holster and let loose eight blaster bolts. They all struck th'Gamorrean in his snout and th'thug fell to th'ground, briefly stunned. Kazaar staggared t'his feet in time, t'take the second Gamorrean's thogk (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Thogk) blow right to his left shoulder.

Blood poured from th'wound and Kazaar twisted towards th'vibro-axe, his blaster lost. Grasping it in his right hand, Kazaar brought it up 'n blocked the next blow from th'club weapon, although th'force shook his body. Th'enraged human knocked th'porcupine humanoid off balance, then swung th'vibro-axe with all his strength.

*THWACK*

Head separated from body and th'Gamorrean fell to th'ground. Kazaar held his axe ready as th'first Gamorrean rose t'his feet and pulled a deadly-lookin' arg'garok (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Arg%27garok) from its leather binding on th'guard's back. "V'lch. Oink." the Gamorrean growled in it's own language and Kazaar smirked.

"Frack you gihaal," Kazaar's axe was ready f'anything...just not th'howlrunners pouncin' on th'Gamorrean. One of th'yellow-eyed predators was almost shorn in two by a swing of th'strong arg'garok but th'other beast latched itself onto th'Gamorrean's neck. A moment's struggle later and the fight was over. Th'howlrunner *churffed* at the other predator then padded off in th'opposite direction. A second later, it was gone and only th'carnage 'round showed its presence.

Boy, that wasn't slightly creepy, Kazaar thought as he dropped th'vibro-axe and retrieved his fallen blaster. He slipped it back into its holster, staunched his shoulder wound with strips of cloth from one of the Gamorreans' bodies, then headed up towards Crei's estate. Kazaar paused by th'open doorway, then slipped into th'house, heavy repeater blaster in hand.

[Estelle Russard]

"She knows that" Estelle replied sadly to her father. As far as she understood things, Bren had been ill all his life and it had been something he and his mother had both learned to carry together. Being separated from her son, seemed to be an almost impossible burden for Adelaide. Atleast now, that would not be an issue any longer.

"I dont think Kazaar fully grasps what that really means, just yet" she added.

Her father appeared to understand. "Has he seen the boy?"

Estelle shook her head, no.

And what ever Jason was going to say remained stilled behind his compressed lips. He would not judge Aurelias, she knew. Jason, if anything, was a man who knew it was impossible to walk in another man's shoes.

"He is doing what is in his power to fix, right now. The rest will come later" Estelle explained, unsure why she felt the need to even do so.

[Old Man Russard]

God, what a bomb to drop on a man..

Old man Russard felt for the poor guy. Kazaar probably never saw this comin' - a wife drops in from the sky, dying kid in tow. Old enemies stepping out of the shadows to twist a knife in your gut when you didn't even know you were vunerable. No wonder Kazaar was off breaking skulls and takin' names. What the frell else was he gonna do? The guy had sputczna, he'd give him that.

"Send him some help, Jason, dont bother waiting for him to ask" the old man's voice rasped authoritively to his son. "Even if its just a clean-up crew for after the fact. The man shouldn't have to do this on his own."

"Right" Jason the Younger agreed, glad to have his father and himself on the same page. It happened less and less these days.

"You can bet that greasy Albino was prepared for something like this to happen" Jason the Elder continued, looking candidly at Estelle, "If I remember one thing about the Velvet Crimelord (pretentious egomaniac) was that he always planned for a quick exit"

"Jason" the old man added, meaningfully, "Send only Company men"

[Jason Russard]

The increasing distrust his father had for his Imperial friends was beginning to concern Jason.

True enough, Russard Industries and the Empire were growing ever stronger in terms of their business association, and a polite friendship (if one may call it that) between himself and the Grand Inquisitor, Karl Valten, was forming in (what Jason liked to think of) as a growing mutual respect. The Old Man, however, had a much different take in it. In fact, his father had out-right called him a fool over it.

'Too close' he kept warning Jason. 'You are courting them much too close'

Valten had proven a loyal and staunch help during Estelle's abduction and even now was still actively seeking out further information regarding that whole episode. His father, however, did not trust the Grand Inquisitor's motives. And while Jason would not blindly trust anyone, it did benefit to have such a powerful friend.

However, this was not anything the Imperials need be concerned with. It was best handled within the family.

"Just Company men, of course"

Jason made the necessary call.

[Estelle Russard]

With that decided, Estelle excused herself under the pretense of checking in on Adelaide and the Doctor.

On the way from the study to the guest room, Estelle sent a brief message to Aurelias to expect company. And for him to be careful not to shoot any of her Dad's men.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Crei's Estate- Second Floor- 18th Room

Kazaar ducked behind a rather plush lookin' couch, as blaster bolts chewed up th'room 'round him. His path through th'mansion'd been pretty much th'same. Buncha goons. Buncha blaster fire. Buncha bodies. Helluva lotta death. Part o'life. Specially Kazaar's.

He stuck his head outta cover, then quickly ducked back as the Albino's Velvet Henchmen fired upon 'im. There were four of 'em: two humans, a gran, and a leathery weequay. The henchmen were using their boss's furniture as cover, and given Crei's procivility for 'the nicer things in life', they had plenty of it. Kazaar rose'n fired two blaster bolts towards th'weequay's position, hearing a pained grunt, then a steady burst of blaster fire.

*Tink* *Tink *Tink*

The vengeful bounty hunter's ears perked up at th'noise and his black eyes spied a thermal frackin' detonator rolling on th'wooden floor next t'him. He grabbed it quickly and tossed back towards th'thrower, then braced himself 'gainst th'sofa.

BAH-WHOOM!

The explosion sent chunks of wood flyin' as smoke curdled through th'air. Kazaar rose from his cover. Nothin' moved in th'room and he waited another tick. Still nothin'. 'Cept forra few stains on th'wall where the henchmen'd been. Three stains t'be exact. Three stains f'four henchmen. One of 'em was still out there.

The Brentaal-raised Alderaanian raised his weapon, as th'vibro-blade armed human henchman leaped at 'im from the smoke. Kazaar let' the henchman's momentum take him past his target, then slammed th'stock of his weapon into th'human's neck. The man dropped like a sack 'n lay still. "Get up," Kazaar snarled as he grabbed th'henchman by his right arm, "Where's ya boss?" The henchman tried t'stretch his sore neck and Kazaar pulled his right arm even tighter. "Uh Uh. Talk first. Then I let'cha go."

The henchman's nervous eyes glanced at the bounty hunter, "Uh-uh-up....stairs. F-fourth floor. P-Please d-don't kill me." Kazaar answered by tossin' th'guy through th'detonator-created hole in the floor. The henchman crashed through a chewed up table and lay still. Kazaar gave a smirk and exited th'damaged room. He took a moment t'stare at the damage his speeder crash'd done to the room next to it and almost smiled. Most damage he'd done to a room inna while.

His comlink *chirped*.

"Aurelias," the recorded message spoke, "Dad's sent a couple company men to do some clean up work. Try not to shoot them"

Kazaar shook his head. Russard was tryin' t'watch after his investment but Kazaar could take care o'himself. Ain't like he hadn't stormed an estate filled o'guy who wanted his skin up onna wall all by 'imself before. He pulled his bluebolt blaster out and strode up th'stairs towards the third floor.

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

Adelaide held Bren's hand in hers as she sat beside his bed. He was sleeping now. The doctor had settled him with a strong sedative and had left them with a promise to return with all the medications listed in his chart, with perhaps another one or two that might make him even more comfortable.

She was glad to finally be alone. She was greedy for all the time with her son she could possibly get.

His fingers curled slightly, involuntarily in her palm. A dream perhaps? Or pain? the second guess made her frown in concern, but Bren's face, when she looked at him, was peaceful enough. A dream, then. He was probably pod-racing. Or fighter-piloting. The boy loved speed, and longed to pilot a fighter when he grew up. He had dozens of models in his room at home. Pictures of them every where, too.

Adelaide kissed his fingertips lightly. The little hand, so relaxed now, was as light as air. It was such a symbol of trust, a child's hand. They gave it to you without reserve, placing it an adults much bigger, work-worn one without the slightest pretense of trying to be someone they were not. They allowed you to guide them, hold them, all selflessly - not having the first clue what a treasure it was they gave. She looked at the small fingers which one day should grow strong and capable, but would not. They would never drive a pod-racer, fly a starship, or hold the hand of a sweetheart. Bren's hands would not get the chance, they would remain vunerable, their potential unrealised.

How unfair this stupid thing called life was.

Adelaide decided they would go home. Once Bren had a chance to rest and could stand to be moved again, she would take him home. He should be in the room that was his own, with the things he loved around him. He should be happy - his own bed, and his own room would make him happy.

Adelaide spared a thought for Aurelias. She hoped he was killing that damn Albino slowly. She didn't know if Kazaar would get back in time to see them off. She hoped, for his sake, he would. Though, explaining to Bren his Dad wasn't a hydrospanner salesmen afterall would be a bit tricky..And that he wasn't dead either, that part would be hard, too.

Either way, tomorrow she and Bren would return to Brentaal.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Th'burnin' Rodian crashed through th'window and fell three stories towards th'grass as Kazaar threw him outta the house. He'd had 'nough of this poodoo. Sure seemed like Crei was sending everything he had at th'lone hunter, hoping t'either kill or dissuade him from catching up t'him. Probably th'former but with Crei ya never knew. Damn Albino liked playin' with his puppets little too much.
Debris showered Kazaar's black-haired head as a large blaster bolt struck th'wall. He threw his gaze up and spied four Grans hidden in a'doorway near th'stairs to th'top floor. Kazaar fired his last four bluebolt shots, chewin' up th'wall and causin' three of th'Grans t'fall dead on th'floor. When a *click* came from Kazaar's blaster, the remaining Gran sauntered from his hidin' place.

"Too bad, Kazaar," th'Gran's Basic was surprisingly excellent and almost cultured, "You're out of blaster bolts." His goat-like mouth smiled, showing yellowish teeth. "Throw it down." Kazaar chucked his blaster rifle forward where it landed near th'Gran's large feet and dropped his hands t'his side. "Hands up, bantha fodder," Th'Gran ordered motioning with his blaster rifle. "Let me see your fingers."

Kazaar shrugged then started t'lift his hands. Suddenly his right hand grasped one of th'Twins' and pulled it into a firin' position.

The two blaster shots went off almost instantaneously. Kazaar was pitched back onto th'floor, his chest screamin' in pain. He rolled over and lay flat on his stomach. Slowly he rose t'from th'ground, takin' a moment t'thank whatever gods were out there he'd remembered his personal shielding unit. Even if it felt like he'd been hit with a speeder in th'chest. Kazaar retrieved his fallen blasters and smirked at th'body of th'alien before him, a nice blaster bolt right below his third eye.

"Shoulda taken m'blasters from me, ya frackin' barve." Kazaar winced at th'pain in his chest 'n shoulder then took th'steps up t'the fourth floor two atta time.

"CREI!" He bellowed through th'empty halls, "WHERE TH'FRACK ARE YA!"

A series of grunts came from somewhere t'his left and Kazaar readied both 'Twins'. That sure as frack didn't sound like Crei's saccharine voice. Th'wall next t'Kazaar suddenly turned t'dust as a frackin' Houk (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Houk), massive blade in hand, leaped through it. Kazaar was thrown into a room as th'damn thing gave a *ROAR*

"Oh you gotta be frackin kidding me!" Kazaar swore. He rose t'his feet, just as th'massive alien charged.

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

Adelaide looked up at the subtle creaking of a floorboard which betrayed the presence of someone in the doorway.

She sat forward a little, feeling uncertain - it was not the Russard she had anticipated.

[Jason Russard]

Jason held his hand up for Adelaide to remain where she was, not wanting to disturb her.

The girl looked tired and drawn. He empathized with those feelings easily.

"Dont trouble yourself" he said softly. "Have you eaten?"

Adelaide shook her head automatically. Jason doubted she had much of an appetite, but that might change once the food was in front of her.
"I'll have a tray sent up. You should take a shower, clean up - it helps, you know" he offered sincerely.

"Elle tells me you dont plan to stay long.." he said continuing to hover where he was, declining to step further into the room not wanting to intrude.

"No" she replied, keeping her voice low so not to wake Bren.

"Familiar surroundings will help. Friends, too." He thought for a moment, wanting to say more, but not sure what would be appropriate. "There is no hurry if you wish to stay with us longer. You and Bren are welcome here." He inched backwards now, making his departure "I'll send up that tray"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar dodged t'his left as the massive Houk swung his blade down. It missed Kazaar by a handsbreath and slammed into th'wooden floor of Crei's mansion. The former bounty hunter wasted no time firing three quick blaster shots into the houk's thick skull. A bellow came from Crei's enforcer and Kazaar shot out one of his booted feet into its muscular chin, hoping t'make 'im bellow more. The walls rattled as th'alien took a couple steps back and Kazaar kicked 'im again. This time, the alien caught Kazaar's sweeping leg in one of his hands and tossed him towards th'opposite wall.

The vengeful Rebel spy hit 'gainst the wall with a *thud*, then slid to the wooden floor. Prolly broke a couple ribs, he guessed as he tried t'figure out where th'frack his blasters had gone. Kazaar didn't have time t'get his head together, as his eyes spotted the Houk's thick arms comin' towards his skull. Much as Del 'n The Kid might call Kazaar's head a bit, "Thick", Kazaar wasn't 'bout t'take any chances. He rolled t'his right and the alien *grunted* in frustration as his fist connected with th'floor. Kazaar scrambled to his feet and the two combatants faced off.

Both were breathin' hard from the ordeal and the expressions in their eyes were th'same. No one was gonna back off or give up. Even though they were from different planets, it was parta their 'code'. And Kazaar wouldn't have it any other way.

They charged towards each other, readying their attack. It was Kazaar who connected first, a quick jab t'the Houk's face, then an uppercut. Th'Houk staggared with th'blows then connected a forearm t'the human's face. It was Kazaar's turn t'wobble and Crei's enforcer pressed the attack, as he swung his fist towards Kazaar's head. Reaching out, the tall, muscular Kazaar grasped the ham-like fist and pulled it behind th'Houk's body.

A *grunt* and Kazaar increased his pressure on th'elbow. Then he leaped in th'air and pressed both feet into th'Houk's back. A massive bellow came from th'large alien's mouth and Kazaar kept up the pressure. Finally he heard a *snap* as the elbow broke and the Houk fell to his knees.. Letting go to the broken appendage, Kazaar reigned down punches on his target hitting chest, face, and shoulders. One of th'Houk's teeth ended up on the floor and the beating continued. Finally, Crei's last line of defense fell to th'ground unconcious, blood pooling 'round its head.

Kazaar retrieved his fallen blasters, discovering a couple power packs nearby which'd arm his bluebolt blaster. As he was shovin' the ammo into his blaster, the comm went off...

[Estelle Russard]

"You still in one peice?" Estelle asked as Kazaar opened the communication.

She was not really concerned that he would not be, given some of the things she'd seen Aurelias capable of in the past. She should spare more thought for the targets of his wrath, but in this case, she could not bring herself to feel any compassion toward them whatever.

"Have the company men arrived yet?" she added, quickly, knowing time was of the essence.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"Haven't seen 'em, Kid," Kazaar held one of 'The Twins' in his right hand while th'comm was in th'other. "Wasn't really lookin' for 'em either."

He stode down a long hallway, keepin' his eyes open for Crei's office or bedroom or whatever th'frack he was living in. Dozens of pictures'n statues were on th'walls and the floor was carpetted in velvet (of course). Most of th'pictures were goofy-lookin' and prolly avante-garde. Hell, one of 'em was of a frackin' refresher, just an empty refresher.

"Aurelias?" Estelle asked after a couple moments of silence. "You okay?"

"Don't get this thing called 'art', Kid. Hell I couldn't figure out why th'frack ya liked this--oh ya gotta be kiddin' me!" Kazaar stopped in front of a large painting, "Crei's gotta frackin' portrait of himself up here. Even Gorgja don't have that. Frackin' moron. Gonna hafta ask th'Albino 'bout this damn thing..." he cut th'connection 'fore finishing his thought. After I take his frackin' eyes, I'll sure as hell ask 'im. That'n why he keeps frackin' with me.

The former bounty hunter came to a halt in front of an elegant lookin' double durasteel door. It opened without hesitation and Kazaar raised his weapons. Crei's office was grandeous, prolly th'best room in th'house. Three large bookshelfs ringed th'walls, plus more of those damn sculptures, and another frackin' portrait. A large, crystallized-chandellier hung from th'ceiling and two massive windows silhoutted an ornate wooden desk. Off t'the right was a massive communications display (with holo-projector).

But it was th'kimono-clad figure sittin' behind th'desk that brought rage back up into Kazaar's fiery black eyes. Th'white skin 'n long white hair. Elegant lookin' hands, covered in some kinda glove, steepled next t'a pristine, smarmy mouth.

"Hello Aurelias," Kimiiki Crei's saccharine voice called from th'behind the desk. "I hear you've been looking for me."

[Estelle Russard]

The connection ended and Estelle stood pensive for a moment, debating within herself whether or not to re-call her partner. The choice, however, was made for her as a voice, familiar and loved, spoke to her from the doorway, prompting her to put the comm away.

"You have a knack for finding trouble these days, little Robin" her Grandfather observed, not unkindly.

"Its the friends I keep" Estelle replied, with a grin that took the old man back years to when she could sit on his knee and listen to one of his fantastic yarns.

Estelle crossed over, moving a chair to allow her grandfather to wheel his chair in more easily.

"Im sorry to always bring it home with me" she said taking a seat across from him as he brought the chair around.

[Old Man Russard]

The Old Man looked at her with appraising blue eyes. It was no easy feat to remain still under such scrutiny, and many great men had not been equal to the task. It was only the assured sense of love Estelle knew her grandfather had for her, that she was able to stop herself from squirming awkwardly under his intensity.

"You know what you're doing, do you Elle?" Russard asked, the question full of any number of possible meanings that could be unrelated to the present situation. Jason saw a flush creep up his granddaughter's throat.

"What do you mean?" she replied, playing all innocence.

Jason had had his suspicions as to Estelle's activities. She had not been the same since the murder of her boyfriend some few years ago. But there was something much more going on with her than recovering from grief and rebuilding a life touched by a violent event. The recent dramatic instances of her kidnapping, the friendship of this Aurelias Kazaar fellow, the nipping around the heels of the Inqusitoriate. And now, Crei again making his influence known. This was trouble that did not come of an everyday, everyman kind of life.

The Old Man, if he was right in his conjectures as to what she was up to, was very proud.

Proud, but very afraid as well. He knew what a monster she may be waging a quiet, subversive war against.

And then there was her father to consider.. He wondered if she'd really thought her choices through. And their repercussions.

Jason the Elder held her gaze for some long minutes before deciding not to push the issue just yet.

"Just be careful" he said at last. Then added solemnly, "I may not be the only one who is asking.."

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Th'taunting words were barely outta Crei's lips when Kazaar let loose with a three quick blaster bolts. The bolts crossed th'office/study quickly and were 'bout t'splatter the Albino's brains across the back windows, when he moved. Fast.

Crei leaped outta his chair, towards th'column in front and to the side of his desk. His fingers and feet dug into th'marble then he pushed off towards another column, leaving his kimona to take more of Kazaar's blaster bolts. Crei looked more animalistic than ever before, his bare white chest glistening in th'well lit room, his white hair flower, and his fingers leaving little *pricks* into the marble as he leaped from column to column towards Kazaar. The Albino made another leap with his would-be killer following with a hail of blaster bolts. Still too slow for the 'Velvet Crimelord' as he grew closer and closer.

Finally, Kazaar was outta ammo and Crei made a final leap towards his position. They collided and fell to th'velvet-carpeted floor, Crei on top. Turned out, his hands were clothed by some sorta 'Vibro-glove' (velvet of course, th'frackin' pansie) and *hummed* as they tore into Kazaar's face. Blood and skin came free as Crei's blow left five streaks across Kazaar's face.

He *grunted* then brought his own fist up into the Albino's jaw. The blow was far from powerful, but still knocked th'muscular crime lord off balance. Kazaar's left hand jabbed into Crei's neck and he gave a *hiss* of pain, then tumbled off th'predator whose life he loved fracking with. They both scrambled to their feet, but Crei was quicker. His white, uncovered foot made quick connections with Kazaar's ribs and face, knocking him sideways.

Crei's vibro-bladed fingers scraped against the Brentaal-raised Alderaanian's face again and the Albino cackled. "Did you really think you could simply blast me apart, Aurelias?

"Oh you poor, poor fool." Then th'vibroblades headed towards Kazaar's stomach and Crei laughed again.

[Estelle Russard]

"Asking what, exactly?"

Estelle was almost afraid of what her grandfather might answer. What if he knew?

And if he knew, who else might suspect?

Her cover had been a good one. Returning to her old life - a student at the Tarkin Institute - had been seen as a natural progression after coming to terms with what had happened to James. Her recent kidnapping by Timandar alone could not be the basis for Jason Russard's speculation, surely?

Perhaps it was her frequent absences from school. Even though she was enrolled as a part-time student, being off on the many missions assigned by Director Belargic and, of late, The Black Man were adding up and perhaps the wrong people were starting to take notice.

This was disturbing indeed.

She waited his reply, a small knot of anxiety forming in her stomach.

[Old Man Russard]

"Asking...about your friends, your associates"

He leaned forward to take Estelle's hands in his own, a gesture of his appeal for her to listen carefully to him.

"Asking about your frequent off-world trips"

Estelle pulled back a little at that last statement, an unspoken accusation in her eyes.

Jason held her hands tighter.

"Yes, Ive been watching your movements closely, I admit it. Im cooped up here in this mausoleum all day, what do you expect?" He was defensive and dismissive at the same time. "But what I've been doing wont get me any attention from our friends at the Empire, will it?"

Her expression became alarmed, confirming his guesses. She was mixed up in something dangerous, perhaps illegal...or worse (and what he more readily believed), she was mixed up with the Rebels.

"You father will be speaking to you about your schooling, and you're lagging attention to it..." he continued as if outlining a coming corporate meeting. "I suggest you have some answers ready for him, Estelle. Some believeable answers"

He let go of her hands, returning them to her lap.

"And that you formulate a Plan B as to your future"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar lurched back, barely avoiding any major damage as Crei's vibro-gloves scraped across his shirt and stomach. He fell to th'floor, rolled, 'n came to his feet; just as the Albino launched himself at Kazaar. The ex-ex-husband fell backwards, then used Crei's momentum t'get him th'hell offa him. Damn, Kazaar noted as Crei landed with a *thud*, he's heavier than he looks.

The two fighters were at each other almost simultaneously, not wanting t'give the other any shot of winning. Kazaar landed punches where he could, but his target was too damn fast 'n too damn quick. Crei's little vibro-fingers did their damage, leavin' new scars across th'larger man's chest 'n back. Kazaar finally grabbed one of Crei's outsttretched legs 'n tossed him towards his massive desk. What the Albino did next, made th'Brentaal-raised Alderaanian stop.

Flipping his body 'round in mid-air, Crei landed feet-first on top of th'desk then launched himself back at Kazaar. Kazaar couldn't get his brain 'round Crei's speed. Almost like he was inna 'nother world or som'thing. Kazaar dodged the Albino's kick, then slammed both fists into the crime lord's back. Didn't even slow 'im down. Crei spun 'round then connected a kick to th'back of Kazaar's right knee. The Velvet Crimelord danced in front o'the downed fighter and plunged his fingers into Kazaar's right arm, causin' it t'go numb.

After a quick rake of his vibro-blades across Kazaar's face, Crei went for his unprotected throat.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

His right side, 'specially his arm, was numb and unfeeling; like someone'd turned offa power switch're something. Kazaar felt strength slowly return, but it was gonna take longer than he had. He pushed off slowly with his left leg, almost too slow, and put a shoulder into Crei's abdomen. Th'movement caused the Albino t'miss his kill strike, but he opened up a nasty gash on Kazaar's neck and upper back. He ignored th'pain and shot his left foot into Crei's groin.

Frack. Nothing. Not even a *grunt*. It was like Crei was on spice're something, he was ignorin' everything Kazaar threw at 'im. And his speed was insane...Kazaar'd never seen anything like this. He threw his dead right arm up and Crei's vibrobladed-fingers slid neatly into his arm. Pain shot up Kazaar's arm and he was kinda thankful for it. 'Least it meant he was gettin' feeling back. Kazaar's left arm sneaked behind his back and gripped th'small vibroblade he'd stashed there earlier. With a battle cry, he plunged it into Crei's midsection, right where th'stomach should be. Metal connected with something solid and the Velvet Crimelord *ucked* and stared down at th'blade and its holder. And smiled.

Aw frack.

Kazaar was hurled backwards 'cross th'room and towards the large oak desk, Crei's laughter following him. The former bounty hunter rolled on th'velvet carpet and lay face up. He was gettin' too old f'this crap. The Albino was on him again, but slower this time, his white gloved hands connectin' with Kazaar's muscular body. The latter did all he could t'stop th'blows, but it was frackin' tough. The crime lord just moved too fast for 'im. His motions were so smooth 'n almost perfect. If Kazaar wasn't th'subject of Crei's attack, he might've enjoyed th'spectacle of it all. Instead, he just had t'endure it. Bide his time. Wait for th'right moment...

NOW!

As Crei's left hand came for his throat, Kazaar latched onto Crei with a strong grip. Crei's chin rocked back, as Kazaar connected with a fierce blow. Ignoring th'pain his body felt, focusing only on th'rage that poured outta his soul, Kazaar landed punch after punch on the Albino's face. The crime lord wobbled a bit, one eye glowing more than th'other f'some reason, blood streaming down his white face, headbutted Kazaar, then sent him flying 'cross th'room again.

Kazaar landed with another *thud*, slowly rose t'his feet, and threw a chair towards Crei. The Albino batted it away, smiled again, then leaped at th'weakening bounty hunter.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

*CRACK*

Kazaar's foot shot up in th'air, connectin' a solid blow t'Crei's jaw. The Albino's head snapped back, his neck clearly broken, and landed with a muffled *thud* on th'lush carpet of the office. Kazaar took a couple moments t'catch his breath, damn fight took a lot outta him. But Crei was dead...the bastard who'd kidnapped his son (and that was a pretty tough concept t'get through his skull) wasn't gettin' back up. The Rebel spy slowly got t'his feet, slinging his blueblolt blaster rifle into his arm. No sense in not takin' any precautions. Just as Kazaar focused his blurry eyes on Crei's head, the Albino's yellowish eyes shot open, clear and alert. His left foot connected with Kazaar's knee, throwing his aim off just a hair. Th'blaster bolt chewed up a pretty large chunk of carpet next to 'The Velvet Crimelord's' head but it didn't matter. Crei was frackin' alive.

His vibrobladed fingers cut deep into Kazaar's side 'n an almost mechanical *hiss* came from Crei's split lips. How th'frack was he still alive? Kazaar tried t'wrap his head 'round that notion, as his own kick connected with Crei's solid stomach. The crimelord did an almost backwards somersault, away from th'vengeful ex-ex-husband and father, and came to his feet next t'his oak desk. With an almost graceful move, the Albino leaped in th'air again, just as Kazaar let loose another blast from his blaster rifle. Blood and something else (was that frackin' metal??) spattered 'cross the desk 'n floor as Crei's right foot was partially blown off.

Kazaar tracked Crei as he flew through th'air landing on th'top of one of the three massive bookcases ringin' the room. "Oh ya gotta be frackin' me," Kazaar muttered as bookcase 'n all tumbled down towards him. He rolled onto his stomach just as he was buried by th'bookcase.

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

Crei's landing was far from graceful. His weight, surprising large for such a nible man, crushed the bookcase when it his the ground and with his destroyed foot 'n all, the Albino slammed hard into the desk. It took a moment for him to regain his balance, then he hobbled towards the communications console. Behind him, the rubble stirred just a bit. Crei pulled off one of his vibrogloves, then reached for the console.

It was when Kazaar moved, using all of his strength t'throw the bookcase 'n books in all directions. Crei turned and Kazaar shot 'im in the chest. The Albino's body slammed into th'communication console and Kazaar wasted no time puttin' his last blaster bolt into the crimelord's head. The corpse fell t'the carpeted ground and, this time, Kazaar was able t'breath easy. He stared down at Crei's body, smirkin' at th'blood, gore, bone, and...metal? What th'frack was metal doin' there?

The Brentaal-raised Alderaanian lurched forward like he'd been shot, towards the 'corpse'. Diggin' his hands deep into the head, he felt a cold pit fill in his stomach as he saw oculator outputs, metal where bones should be, synthskin, and more. It was a human replica droid (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/HRD)...a frackin' Force-damned HRD!

Crei'd escaped. Kad's destructive wave...he'd escaped.

Kazaar wiped his bloodied face with his hand, just as th'communications console remotely turned out. His black eyes, tired from all th'fightin' (and wantin' more) stared as the holographic image that appeared before him. Th'smiling face with it's saccharine face. Haughty. Ruthless. Crei.

"Hello Aurelias," the image taunted, "Having 'fun' with my double? He has oh sooo many uses. More than you could ever, ever imagine with that pea-sized, cromagnum brain of yours."

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"You see Aurelias," The Velvet Crimelord continued without waiting for Kazaar's rebuke, "I knew your insipid nerf of a wife would eventually betray me. She cares for her son and reviles me far too much. Even when it became apparent you wouldn't take her back (although did anyone truly believe you would), she still held out hope you might help her retrieve the one she loved more than life itself.

"Her son...your son...Bren." Crei's smile was sickly sweet. "Did you know how much 'Dear Adelaide' wanted to avoid this? How much she resisted being a part of my little game with you?" Kazaar started t'open his mouth but Crei cut 'im off. "She was positively apoplectic. The 'poor woman' wanted nothing to do with you. She wasn't in the mood to answer the fiery questions she was sure to face when you first saw her. I have to admit, even if you swear you'd never hurt a woman, I was surprised to hear about little Bren's escape from the hospital. I was rather hoping the two of you would kill yourselves before rescuing your son. But when I heard your song was rescued from the asylum I hoped it might be 'dear Adelaide' and someone else (the Russard girl maybe?) who did the rescuing. Leaving you to confront me." Another smile, this one worse than the one before. " And here you are. All hellbent on killing me for what...denying you the chance to live a 'good life'? My dear, dear hunter...it was all about you and never about me. You were the one who decided to stay in this life, instead of looking forwards; although given your tastes, intelligence, and background, I'm not surprised at all.

"Does it pain you to know I'm not here? Not here to duke it out for supremacy? Poor, insignificant Kazaar. I will be the one who chooses our final duel. Who decides when one of us will meet whatever gods are out there."

"If I'm so damn insignificant." Kazaar spat. "Why th'hell didja decide t'do this? Why not treat me as th'speck ya say I am. You still pissed I grabbed th'Kid from under ya nose?"

Fire raged from Crei's eyes, but quickly quieted. "It's simple...I don't like losing. Not to anyone. Not you or Fett or any other hunter or organization."

The former bounty hunter gave a snort, "Helluva way t'show it. Kidnapping a kid."

"You're forgetting, Kazaar. Adelaide came to me. Or her parents at least. They thought I could help them and hoped I'd never learn whose boy it was." The gaze turned venemous. "They were so foolish. The first time I saw 'Little Bren', I knew it was yours. The hair, the eyes...why he even smirked like you once when I asked him if he liked his eggs sunny side up. The poor child. Did you know Adelaide told him you were dead? And didn't even say you were 'reknowned bounty hunter Aurelias Kazaar'. Poor poor child. But I was his surrogate father in a way. I played with him, took him (at times) on walks when his mother was busy. I even took him to his first smashball game.

"Face it, Kazaar." Crei's mocking continued, "I was more of a father to him, than you ever got the chance to be. And all so I could say to you one day, 'Look at what I did. Look at how I got to be around your dead son'. And all because you couldn't say 'No' to a bounty. Even when you 'retired' I knew you'd be back. All the times you'd use fake transponder codes to elude whatever authority you were trying to get away from. You're scum Aurelias. And I have risen from the cesspool of my home and gotten further in life than you ever will. Shame...such a shame."

The Albino's eyes turned towards one of the windows and Kazaar's eyes followed. He saw 'bout 20 guys in all, maybe more, jump outta five speeders, and head 'cross the lawn. Suddenly, three of 'em pulled their blasters elsewhere as the two remaining howlrunners attacked 'em. Both beasts were cut down by blaster fire, but the damage was all ready done. Instead of 20 of Crei's mooks, it was gonna be 17. Still a helluva lot of odds. Crei smiled again, "I see my men have finally arrived. I did call for them after you dispatched the droid. Enjoy having 'fun' with them Aurelias. I'm afraid I'll be going underground for a while. See you soon." The connection was cut and Kazaar left alone.

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

Crei held his smile for one minute as the hologram faded away. He was certain Kazaar would kill his men, even in his damaged state, and was even more certain the emotional scars would cut deeper. After all, he had dropped a rather large bomb on the idiotic hunter. But first things first. He turned away from the display, gazing across the bridge of the Imperial Star Destroyer in orbit of Coruscant. "I must thank both you and your superior for telling me Kazaar was coming when he was. It made my escape much easier."

[Morewind]

Inquisitor Morewind nodded at the compliment, "Grand Inquisitor Valten and I both agree, losing a man of your 'talents' and connections would be unwise. Do remember that Crei."

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Crei's smile was slightly hollow but he understood why the Inquisitor made his comment, "I wouldn't dream of forgetting it, Morewind. I am in your debt, as you are in mine."

The Velvet Crimelord exited the bridge without a word, smiling as he thought about the destruction he'd reaped on Kazaar. And soon, one last vibroblade into the stomach.

Kazaar would never see his son, Crei swore it.

************************************
The Russard Estate

Adelaide took a moment to carress Bren's pale forehead as her comlink went off. She exited the room quickly, hoping not to wake her son from his slumber. The message was short, but sent a shock through her system, I'M STILL HERE...

[Jason Russard]

Lanners waved his hand in a signal for them to proceed forward.

Cripes, the place was a disaster area, he thought as he and the four other company men with him made cautious progress into Crei's mansion. They'd seen a fresh team arrive ahead of them, and luckily for that, or Lanner's himself may have been fresh chow for the massive Howler that had come bounding out frothing and yowling. It had taken three of Crei's guys before it had been dropped and that left 17 for them. No worries. Armed with dual blasters each they paired off with Lanners taking point.

They obviously were not expected, as very few of Crei's men checked behind themselves - their focus was on who ever was left inside the house. Lanners was under the impression they were there to help one guy, but all this damage couldn't have been done by just one guy. No way.

Peppered blaster fire started up from the left side of the Estate, Zawatski and Kim had found some bad guys, and from then on the fire stayed pretty rapid and pretty constant. Lanners had personally downed two men as he was coming up the main staircase - a red-veined marble affair that was a crime to be as damaged as it had been. Lanners shook his head at the destruction.

He rounded a large pillar and had a blue-bolt muzzle poked rudely in his face by a scowling man chomping on a cigar-stub. "You Kazaar?" Lanners asked pleasantly. The scowl became a snarl. "Yes, then" Lanners continued, "I'm--oh, excuse me," Lanners lifted his blaster and shot a shadow that had crept into view behind Kazaar's shoulder. Kazaar never flinched and Lanners continued casually, "I'm Lanners. Mr. Russard sends his regards. Are you injured?"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

What th'frack kinda question...definitely a company man. Kazaar gave a snort, "Nah, I like havin' the muscles seperated from m'ribs." He raised his left arm t'show the damage.

"Great Bantha!"

Kazaar's torso was covered in blood, 'specially from the neck and side wounds Crei's droid inflicted on 'im and it looked like his skin was literally 'hanging by a thread' by his ribcage. The former bounty hunter's right arm didn't look 'right' either, like someone'd broken then put back together. And Lanners was pretty sure Kazaar wasn't leaning up against th'wall because he was tired...looked like Kazaar was using th'wall t'keep from collapsing in pain.

What kind of bodyguard is he...?

"We...uhhh...brought a first aid kit, but frankly you should be in a hospital." Or a morgue.

Kazaar smirked, "Yeh well, I ain't exactly in th'mood t'head back to a hospital. Just patch me up 'n gimme to a bacta tank. I oughta be fine." Lanners shrugged then motioned for Kim to come forward with the first aid kit.

Kim's dark face twisted into a scowl, "You should be in a hospital, mon. No reason for you to be walking."

Another snort, "That ain't th'first time I've heard that. Just do as I say 'n gimme patched up. I'll be fine."

"Your funeral, mon."

Kazaar grimaced as Kim applied bacta bandages and attempted t'halt the flow of blood down his body. After several messy attempts, Kim shook his head and said, "That's about all I can do."

"Good 'nough f'me. let's get th'hell outta here." Kazaar took two steps then collapsed unconcious.

"Get a hold of Mr. Russard! We need an airbus!" were the last words he heard...

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

The message was short, but sent a shock through her system, I'M STILL HERE...


Adelaide could literally feel the Albino's thin, stiff fingers curling opaquely around her spine, and squeezing. Her breath instantly became ragged and she had to hold a hand against the hallway wall to stop from pitching forward from the immediate sick nausea his message had caused.

..Kazaar must be dead. There's no way he would have let Crei escape..Somehow, the Albino had bested him..



Distraught, Adelaide forced herself to motion. She had to find Estelle, or one of the Russard men. They had to get to Aurelias. Running from room to room, turning down one unfamiliar hallway into another, Adelaide had worked herself into quite a state by the time she burst into the Old Man's study, startling Lissel and the old man both, and causing Jason to halt abruptly the brandy glass he was just bringing to his lips. Estelle stood up from where she was seated, alarmed at Adelaide's frantic state.

"He's killed him! He's killed him" she shouted, shaking the comm at each of them.

The three generations Russard stared at her, not understanding what had brought on this outburst.

"Crei just contacted me, threatening us again! We've got to find Aurelias" she was sobbing now. "Aurelias...I...he.." She was fragmenting now and it was awful to see. "How can Crei have gotten away?"

"Jason, help the girl" commanded the Old Man, prompting his son from his shocked inertia to step quickly forward. He took the comm from Adelaide's hand, passing it off to the Old Man, who read it, then crushed the communicator with a granite bust of Palpatine, grabbed from the mantle.
Jason wrapped a comforting arm around Adelaide and led her to a leather couch where he sat her and pushed his untouched brandy glass into her hand.

[Estelle Russard]

"It's alright, Adelaide" Estelle said gently. "Daddy's men are bringing Kazaar home now" Adelaide's eyes asked the question that she was terrified to speak, and Estelle was quick to allay her fears, "He's banged up bad, but he is allive. And kicking, of course" she added smiling at the Kazaar they both knew so well. "In fact, Lanners, our company man, had quite a time convincing Aurelias to come with them. Apparently, there's still a lot of pay-back still owing."

"He drove a speeder into the Mansion" Jason contributed, finding such a fact astounding. "A speeder, can you believe it? And I hired him as the driver for my daughter"

Adelaide smiled at the lunacy of the remark, even laughing a little.

"Crei wont get at you and your boy again" the elder Russard said, reassuringly. "We'll see to that"

Estelle nodded. That damn Albino, how the frell did he escape?

"Kazaar will be here soon, we'll know more then"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Russard Estate- Service Entrance

"This man should be in a hospital not here!" The short man wearing the traditional white doctor's lab coat roared as Aurelias Kazaar was unloaded from the airbus.

"You want to tell him that yourself, Doc?" Zawatski shot back, "Here...gimme that stimulant and I'll wake him up."

The doctor rolled his eyes and took a moment to adjust his spectacles. Leave it to 'The Elder' to pull me from a conference with Delgas Medical to attend to a nut with a gun. Eduard Warren-Laramie had served as the Russard's physician since 'Old Man Russard' was in his mid-20's. The thin Lorrdian (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Lorrdian) now spent most of his time teaching young doctors at Coruscant University of Medicine. It wasn't always easy, especially given Warren-Laramie's distate for those who believed droids were the only nurses needed to treat patients. Although he did have a slight affection for a certain droid (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/2-1B), now apparently with the Rebellion, the doctor believed there was nothing wrong with humans and aliens attending to those in need. Try asking a droid to tell a patient he's dying of a heart problem. That's real caring.

"How long has he been unconcious?" Warren-Laramie took a moment to adjust his coat, as Kazaar was loaded into a medical capsule and pushed into the estate.

"I'd say about 20 minutes." Zawatski tapped his fingers against the side of the sled while he pushed, "Kim did a good job at patching him up but he's lost a lot of blood."

The doctor nodded, "Okay, I remember Jason getting his father a bacta tank several years ago, after he broke his ankle. If that's still set up, we'll put this guy in it. How old is the bacta?"

"At least two years. I don't think Mr. Russard ever used it."

Warren-Laramie paused a moment as he thought of a solution, "Okay, the bacta's not going to be as potent as it should, so we'll need to keep this guy in it for longer than I'd like. I'll get some from the hospital, but it'll take a couple hours. And with the damage done to...what's his name? Kazaar? Okay, the damage done to Kazaar, he'll be out of it for a few days, week at the most."

The two men took a moment to remove Kazaar's boots and pants, before loading him into the tank. Bacta flowed around the former bounty hunter's body and he started to float.

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

"Sir?" A Zabrak secretary stated after knocking on the door to Jason The Elder's study, "Sorry to bother you but Lanners says he has a message for you."

"Mr. Russard, Lanners didn't wait for an answer, "We policed the entire house, see if we could find anything. It turns out, there's an HRD on the ground of the study. The skin's white so it could be Crei or a copy of him. I grabbed one of his vibro-gloves but the Empire just showed up and cordoned off the area. Thought you ought to know."

[Old Man Russard]

The Empire.

Each person present in the study drew their own conclusions from this news, but the women didn't stay to discuss it. Both Adelaide and Estelle hurried from the study to the Bacta chamber in order to see Aurelias.

The old man looked at his son, and the two men exchanged troubled looks.

"Could just be the Imperials protecting a high-profile resident of the 500 Republica. That fight would have made alot of noise, attracted alot of attention" Jason the Younger suggested, himself not really convinced.

"Could be" the old man replied without enthusiasm, but there was the ICPD for things like that.

"Or maybe Crei got out a call...?" Another speculation from his son.

Both possiblities were logical, though for some reason, neither man could quite believe it.

"That Kazaar fellow is quite the hire you made, Jason" Russard the Elder remarked gruffly to his son, liking less and less the conclusions he was coming to.

Jason looked at his father, but held is tongue. Instead he turned to Lanners, "I'd like to see that glove"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"I'll have it sent to you immediately, sir." Lanners answered quickly. "And I hate to say it, but I kind of had to 'hide' it on my body. Long as I don't get nicked, should be okay." The company man grinned at his own joke, "Mister Russard, sir. You made an interesting hire with this Kazaar fellow. Man had two vibroblades sticking out of his back and acted like they weren't there at all.

"I've never seen anything like that. The man is either certifiable insane or just dedicated. Oh, one other thing..." his voice lowered. "There was an Inquisitor named 'Morewind' here too. I know they're all over the place, but I found it interesting one showed up. Just seemed odd."

[Estelle Russard]

Kazaar cracked open his eyes slowly and, even then, the sunlight filtering softly in through the sheers hanging from the window hurt a little. It was mid-morning, probably about ten o'clock. The sun had some strength to it and its warmth felt good against his face. Balm to the body, one might say. Gradually his eyes adjusted and it was then he realised he was not alone in the room. Rolling his head on the generous pillow, Kazaar was not surprised to see Estelle sitting, leaning forward and watching him closely.

"Hi" she said with a gentle smile. That was his first warning sign.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar gave 'The Kid' a look, then looked 'round forra cigar. 'Course there wasn't one, but it was worth lookin' for. "Doctor's order, Aurelias," Estelle stated from her seat. "No smoking for now. Here." She handed him a glass of water. "Take this. Sip it though."

Her bodyguard/partner gave a miniscule *snort*, but still followed instructions. After a couple drinks, he set th'glass on a small table nearby, then scratched his left eye. Damn he hurt. Hurt a lot. 'Course th'worst part was th'damn sickly sweet taste in his mouth. Frackin' bacta...does wonders on th'body, but sucks t'get in ya mouth.

His voice was much lower than normal. "Take it they're gone."

[Estelle Russard]

Estelle's eyes moistened and the words choked her throat as they came out, as much as she tried to speak normally.

"Adelaide took him home yesterday morning. Daddy went with her to help with the arrangements"

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

Adelaide knew it would be today. She couldn't have told you how she knew, nothing had really changed - Bren still slept most of the time with fleeting moments of lucidity when he would speak in his child's voice, asking her for a song, or to tell him one of his favorite stories. But those times were all too brief and Bren often drifted back off to sleep after hearing only a few words. Adelaide thought Bren knew it was that day, too. Something in his beautiful eyes encouraged her to be brave. Giving her a little extra of himself, of his thoughts, each time he looked at her.

She had not been able to take Bren back to Brentaal as she had first planned. He had remained too weak to be put through such a journey, and with Kazaar incapacitated and unconscious in another room in the house, Adelaide had preferred to stay put. Jason Russard had sent some company men to Brentaal, to Adelaide's home and brought some of Bren's things from his room to help make him more settled and comfortable - his jet-fighter models, some pod-racer stat cards, his pet lizard and a framed photograph of Aurelias- the only one Adelaide had kept and one Bren had set atop his dresser-drawers. Bren had never really believed his mother when she told him his dad had been a hydro-spanner salesman. He thought his dad looked more like a soldier or a pod Racer, or even maybe a shock-boxer. He sure looked too tough to be a salesman. Adelaide had wanted to make Aurelias a boring and unexciting figure to Bren, a figure her son would not miss or wonder why he'd stayed somewhere else and not with them. It hadn't worked. Bren had been fascinated by Aurelias and kept that picture, looking at it often. Despite her efforts to the contrary, Bren had loved and missed the dad she'd kept him from knowing.

He closed his eyes for the last time on Thursday afternoon. Adelaide was curled up beside Bren in his bed, holding his precious frame tightly to her body, not willing to let him go, kissing his dark hair and stroking the smoothness of his cheek as she exausted herself with tears that would not stop. The Russard family could hear her as they collected outside in the hallway, but allowed her to grieve alone. Bren's passing was an event Adelaide had been expecting for a very long time and, though concerned, they did not wish to intrude.

It was the next morning before Del folded delicate hands beneath the covers for the last time and allowed herself to be led from the room to be cleaned up, allowing the Doctor to minister to her son.

It was almost incomprehensible, such loss. There was never going to be another Bren. Adelaide would never hear his laughter or his running feet in the front door again, never have him sitting up sleepy-headed in his bed after a bad dream, or hear him cheering at the top of his lungs when his favorite ball team won. These things would all now only be replays - images, emotions and sensations recorded in her memory and in her heart. Bren had left, gone to some other place. She knew it, but it still did not feel possible. How could he not be here anymore? How could he not be expected home from the neighbour's house at any minute? How was it possible? How would she ever survive this?

There was never a time Adelaide needed Aurelias to be with her than right now. Crei had won, and denied her even that last comfort.

[Estelle Russard]

"Im sorry, Aurelias" Estelle said again. It sounded so inadequate, and Estelle felt heart-sick for her partner.

Kazaar was not an insensitive man, she knew, though he did his best to give that impression. He felt things keenly and in his own tough and abrassive way, had one of the highest senses of honor and committment a man could have. Kazaar was a man you wanted in your corner. He vehemently protected those he considered 'his'. Estelle had experienced this first-hand and she knew how destroying it must be for him to know he'd slept through his own son's passing. He'd had no choice. That would be what killed the most. Just as the Doc had taken the choice out of Kazaar's hands by doping him into a healing senslessness, Adelaide, years ago, had taken the choice out of his having a relationship with his son. And now, Crei, by inflicting such horrible injuries on him, had taken the choice out of Kazaar having the time to correct even that in some small degree. Bren was gone, and for he and Kazaar, it was simply too late.

Estelle did not know what to say that could possibly bring any comfort to Aurelias.

She handed him a letter as she got up to leave, "Adelaide left this for you."

Estelle bent forward, kissing Kazaar long on the forehead, and then stepped from the room.

[Adelaide Kasperian-Kazaar]

Aurelias,

Our boy's gone. I thought I was prepared, but it's all much, much harder than I could have imagined. I'm taking him home - he always loved Brentaal, just like you.

Remember that song we had? The one I always liked and you'd joke saying you didn't believe in that romantic rubbish, then you'd smile and kiss me like it was our last breath? Remember how we felt we would do anything for each other, go anywhere for each other? That's how I felt with Bren. I know I have so much to say sorry for. I'm beginning to see how much I denied the both of you, by trying to keep Bren safe. I think, maybe, out of everyone - I have done him the most harm. I dont know. I cant think of that now. I made my choices and this is how it played. Come and see his place, when you're better. It will do us good to say some things face to face. Thankyou for all you did for us. Someday, please forgive me.


I've loved you always,

Adelaide.

ps) Hercules belongs to you now. He was Bren's favorite.
</BLUE>


A song for Bren:
"To make you feel my love" Garth Brooks.

When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I would offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love

When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love

I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I would never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
There's no doubt in my mind where you belong

I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling down the avenue
There ain't nothing that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love

The storms are raging on a rolling sea
And down the highway of regret
The winds of change are blowing wild and free
But you ain't seen nothin' like me yet

There ain't nothin' that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends of the earth for you
Make you happy make your dreams come true
To make you feel my love

[Aurelias Kazaar]

It was one of th'few times he actually felt alone. Kazaar figured he was used t'it for th'most part; ever since Del left him, he'd always tried t'keep a distance between himself and other people. 'Course he'd sworn that when Ashley died and along came Del. And when she left some others (Spenny...'Trey' as best as his droid processor could...and of course 'The Kid') wouldn't allow him t'go down that path o'destruction. Easy as it be f'him to crawl into that haven of violence, tobacco, and alcohol...there were those out there who wouldn't let him. And t'be honest...this was one of those times he didn't want to. Nice as it'd be t'grab a bottle of something and let it do its job, the former bounty hunter wasn't interested in it. Not this time.

Kazaar read over th'piece of durasheet again, his mind taking in all his ex-ex-wife had hand-written out. Th'line she'd written, "I made my choices and this is how it played," stuck with him for its truth. They'd all made choices back then, both Del and Kazaar. Even though Crei decided t'needle his way into this mess, it was between th'two of them, not him. Which made Kazaar hate the Albino even more. Th'damndest part, he thought, as he did his best t'push himself off th'bed, was how it came back t'bite ya at times.

His black eyes, dulled by his time asleep, spied th'lizard in its glass-enclosure. What th'frack was he gonna do with that? Kazaar gave a small *snort* and looked for his clothing. He'd figure that out, after he got back from Brentaal. Might as well get th'chance t'actully be close to his son.

Even if it was a memorial.

[Jason Russard]

He watched Adelaide as she made the tea.

"I will keep a few men in town for a while, close at hand, should you need anything" Jason said.

"Thankyou" Adelaide poured them each some tea, and sat. "Kazaar should be here soon" she said, "its not necessary to leave anyone here for me"

Jason sipped the steaming brew, "Its good tea" he observed, then added, "No harm to have some friends close by. The men will stay in town for a while - I have other things for them to do here, anyway"

Adelaide looked out the kitchen window, and didn't bother to argue the matter. She was too tired to expend her energy for things that didn't really matter. "Looks like rain. A gloomy day for travelling" she said after a while.

Jason nodded. A gloomy day. He would return to Imperial Center, even as Aurelias was making his way to Brentaal. It was time he left. Adelaide needed comforting, and it was not his place.

"You wont forget your promise, Jason, will you?" Jason looked up to meet Adelaide's candid stare.

He'd hoped she'd given up that idea, hoped she'd let it go. What made her think she could get to the Albino when he had eluded Kazaar, who knew him and how he operated, best? But he'd made these arguments to her before, apparently to no avail.

"I wont forget" he said, assuring her against his own better judgement. "Anything you require. All you need do is ask."

All she need to was ask. She sipped her tea slowly.

Maybe she wont ever ask, Jason thought inwardly. Be darned difficult explaining things to Kazaar, and father, if she ever should. Well, he'd deal with that when it happened, and tipped his cup once again to his lips.

It really was good tea.