As Nahema begins to leave, the doors to the medical bay open and Ire enters, nearly running into Nahema. Nahema jumps at seeing Ire suddenly and gets a little embarrassed for her reaction. ?My apologies. Empress Athena has informed us we are to proceed as we have. She has agreed that our best hopes are to gain civilian support. How do you feel we should precede next, milady?

"Okay, that sounds like a plan. Casey and I were talking about it last night and we need to figure out how to get back into the city without triggering another attack. Unless..." she pauses for a minute, "...we use an attack that comes up to our advantage.

"We fabricate an attack?" Ire hints at.

Nahema nods, confirming Ire's assumption. "When Casey and I watched the rally in the square, the president made it clear that no matter what, no fighting will touch their planet. If we send down a ground troops to fight, you and I can go down with another troop to stop them. Then, we request a meeting with the president and promise to help keep the war away from here. Of course we would need something in return..."

"Clever girl..." Ire says as he retrieves his comlink. "Orum, bring all senior officers to the Atrocity's war room. We have some planning to do." Ire puts his comlink away and walks over to LirTan who is fast asleep. Ire notices the candy wrappers all over. "He found my stash..."

Casey nods. "Nah, go ahead and have fun planning. Let me know what's up okay?"

Nahema winks and pats Casey on the back. "Don't have too much fun. We'll be back soon." She leans over and gives LirTan a kiss on the head and goes back to Ire. She pats his arm. "Let's go then Ire. We have much to do."

Ire and Nahema walk down the corridors that lead to the turbolifts. As the go both sense the other is coming up with their own plans for the mission. The doors open and Ire and Nahema are meet by Capt. Orum and the commanding officers of Ire's fleet. Nahema takes notice that the captains are mainly Chiss, both men and women. Everyone bows as Ire and Nahema enter. Ire addresses the group, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is Lady Nahema. She will be helping us with the plan for our next engagement." Ire walks over to the holo-projector and turns it on. A large picture of Bandomeer is brought up and magnifies into images of the capital. "This is the capital city of Bandomora. As you all know, we have been sent here to try and acquire ionite for our war effort. This planet has an abundant source of ionite that we can ill afford to let stay here, due to the close proximity of the KOA. We have already made contact with local natives and military. Needless to say, the military did not appreciate our presence." The officers begin to laugh but quickly silence. "We have orders from Empress Athena to continue with the operation."

Ire turns and motions at Nahema. "Lady Nahema has constructed a plan of action to ensure that we are successful in obtaining our goal." Ire finishes and turns to Nahema "They are all yours."

"Thank you Ire." Nahema saysa and turns to the group. "I have intelligence that I gathered when I was down there about the government's way of thinking. They do not want a war anywhere near the planet and are willing to do whatever necessary to keep it that way. With that in mind, here is my plan." Nahema presses another button, showing red and grey lines that indicate troops. "We send a group of well armed troops down to the planet. Since the Meerian soldiers, indicated in grey, know what we look like, they will immediately attack the red group. While red group and the soldiers are fighting, Ire and I will head down into the capital and ask for an audience with the president. We will "suddenly" notice the fight and offer our assistance with the battle. That's where blue group comes in." she presses another button and blue specks pop up. "Blue group "captures" red group and basically save the day. We will look like heroes and the president will be on our side." She looks around at the group. "Are there any questions?"

General Thracen, commanding officer of Ire's Ground Forces, rises to his feet. "Milady, might I suggest that we send 2 AT-ST's in to assist the blue in the capture? It might show that we will use only our best weapons in saving them." Thracen sits back in his seat.

Wing Commander Vilnius, flight leader of Dark Star squadron, rises to her feet. "Might I also suggest milady, one squadron of clawcraft to conduct fly-bys of the city. We can use these fly-bys to also conduct further recon of the city in case of a surprise."

Nahema is surprised by the knowledge of Ire's officers. She thinks for a minute and looks back at the holo, thinking how it would fit in. She then continues. "I like that idea General. We want this attack convincing as possible." Nahema then addresses Commander Vilnius' suggestion. "That can work to, Commander. We can kill two birds with one stone. Plus that's something Ire and I can mention when we negotiate with the president." She looks around the room. "Any more questions? General, if you please?"

General Thracen rises and walks over to the holo-projector. "2 AT-ST's will assist in the capture of "red group" Red group will consist of two squads of Shadowtroopers, along with three squads of troopers to portray blue group. We approach from the north, sticking to the edge of the city." The General brings up the far left quadrant of the city and zeros in on one section, and points out its advantages. "This would be the best area to perform in. The walkers will push red group into this cul-de-sac, blue group will flank both sides and cut off any escape. That will trap red group and allow for easy capture."

Thracen looks over for approval, and Ire nods his head in agreement. "Well thought, General." Ire turns to the group of officers. "Make what preparations you need. This briefing is concluded." Ire deactivates the holo-projector as the officers and other staff rise and begin to leave the room. Nahema comes over to and leans against the rail. "That went well I think. I want you to know I couldn't have done this without you."

"Yes, you could have. You do not give yourself much credit. You do have skill, not totally refined, but skill none the less."

"True I could have, but it's nice to have help as well. Like you said, no one stands alone and you're giving me a chance to run the mission. Do you think this will actually work?" Nahema inquisitively asks.

"We will see." Ire says indifferently.

"You don't like diplomatic missions do you Ire?"

"They serve their purpose. I tend to rely on aggressive negotiations, a show of force. Establish your place and give them no room for an exit, unless they agree to your terms." Ire turns to face the young learner. "I would much prefer to bombard the city from orbit, but in this case, I agree that we can trick them into joining us without having to waste resources." Ire walks towards Nahema. She ponders Ire's words; what wisdom and madness lay inside them. Ire looks at her and he smiles slightly. "I believe we can add some embellishments about red group in our meeting with the President. We inform her that these people are terrorists, and that we have dealt with them before. With the show we put on, she will have no choice but to believe us."

Nahema nods in agreement and sees his line of thinking. He knows a blue milk run when he sees one. "That's what I was thinking. We can even say that these terrorists were sent by their neighboring planet of Dantoonie. That will scare her even more, and that's what?ll guarantee her allegiance."

Ire gazes at Nahema. She has so much intellect and raw power, it reminds him of himself when he was an apprentice. Of course his training was quite different. For her fall to the dark side, she seems to have maintained an abundant exuberance. This intriguies Ire. He then notices she was still in the same clothes from yesterday. "You might want to head to the refresher."

"Huh?" Nahema looks at her clothes torn and dirty clothes and sighs. "Oh I forgot about that! Do you have anything that I can wear here? I didn't bring an overnight bag." She laughs a little.

Ire visually measures Nahema and mentally notes her form. "I am sure we can find something. It will be waiting for you in your quarters, when you get out of the refresher. Come follow me." Ire leads Nahema into the heart of the Atrocity. They come to a pair of electrum decorated blastdoors. "These are your quarters, milady. Now if you will excuse me, I must prepare in my own way. Meet you in one hour." As Ire walks off down the hall, Nahema begins to enter her room and looks back down the hall. Ire is nowhere to be seen.

Nahema shakes her head. "I wonder if he can teach me that too." Nahema goes inside and heads to the refresher. After a while, she comes out feeling much better and sees an outfit on her bed. She gets it and puts it on and looks in the mirror. "Wow, a perfect fit! He's good at picking the right size."

After Ire reaches his room he goes into meditation; drawing from the dark side to feed the fire that will fuel his coming actions. Time passes, enough to channel Ire's aggressive feelings. He has prepared for his mission and rises to his feet. Still staring into the force, the dark side lays his path before him. Showing what could happen, what will happen. Ire walks to the wash alcove in his room enters the refresher. He comes out and proceeds over to his cortosis plate armor. Piece by piece he assembles it, readying himself for anything. Ire finishes his assembly, grabs his Sith battlesword and heads to Nahema's quarters.

Nahema decides to take advantage of the rest of her time and lays down on the bed. She ends up closing her eyes and falls asleep and starts dreaming about her someone special and realizes that he broke a promise. She quickly gets up, upset over the dream. She is about to reach for the comlink when she feels Ire coming to her door. She grabs the jacket that it came with, her weapons, and beats Ire to the door. "Hi Ire! You were right. I feel much better now. You look relaxed and nice with that outfit."

Ire looks intensely at Nahema, "Do you realize what you have just done?"

Nahema looks at herself and back to Ire. "What do you mean? What did I do wrong?"

Ire leads Nahema down the corridor tapping on his breastplate. "You have just felt my presence through the protection of a taozin breastplate. You should not have even sensed me, yet you did. You have great possibility young one... great possibility. Tell me, how vividly are your visions of the Force?"

Nahema looks surprised at his comment and shrugs. "My visions are pretty good. I sometimes have visions of the future too. I guess it depends on the situation."

Before she could say anything else, Nahema senses something strange and comes to realize she and Ire are now in the hangar bay with all units standing by. Captain. Orum bows to them both. "Milord... milady... all groups are ready."

"That sounds good, Captain. Where is red team? We should have one more debriefing with them before we send them out."

Orum waves over red group and the two squads come running over. They all salute. Vex walks up to Ire and Nahema and salutes. "Milord, my troopers are ready. You guys don't stand a chance against us" Red group all gives a laugh.

Nahema laughs and nods to the groups. "That's good to hear troops. You know what you are doing, make this a good fight and even better one when blue group comes to "capture" you."

The anticipation is present on Ire?s face as he looks at Nahema and rubs his hands together and mockingly shivers. "Ooooooooh, so exciting..."

Nahema give an unsuprised look at Ire?s statement .She looks over at Ire and smiles. "I know you're gonna enjoy this too!" She looks out at the troops and directs them. "Red group, start as soon as you get there. Blue group, wait for our signal before you attack." Nahema nods to Ire that she is done.

General Thracen comes to the front of the group. "Alright; red group deploy. Blue group will launch as soon as we receive word from Lady Nahema. Move out!"

Red group boards a sentinel-class landing shuttle takes off and head towards Bandomeer's surface. They approach from the east, using the mountains and hills to hide their approach. The reach their landing point, and disembark inside a small valley nestled between some hills. Red group moves down through the hills and exits out from the tree line right at the edge of the city. As they close distance, Vex orders to opens fire, sending civilians running towards the city and Meerian soldiers heading towards them. The Meerian soldiers prove to be no match for the Shadowtroopers as they continue their march on the city, picking off soldiers as they go. Ire feels the fight beginning and turns to Nahema. "It is starting..."

Nahema watches the holo-map as the red group starts it's attack. "Good. We'll give them a bit before we make our way to the city. We need to make sure we are not seen by anyone else before the President or else our cover will be might be blown." She moves away from Ire and the other officers and uses her comlink to call Casey. "Casey, how are you guys holding up?"

Casey's sarcastic voice comes back on. "Oh we're good. The little guy's taking all my credits in sabacc."

She then hears LirTan shouting in the background. "Nahema! Where are you? I want you to come back."

Nahema smiles at hearing his voice, her heart melt over little LirTan. "Casey, tell him I will be there as soon as I can. You know why."


Casey's voice gets serious but concern. "Please be careful Nahema. You know I'll be in deep trouble if you don't come back."

Nahema sighs, feeling like she is talking to an overprotective parent, but continues. "I won't be in the front lines, Casey. I will com you when I'm back and tell that little guy he needs to rest. Bye you two." Nahema ends the comlink and walks back next to Ire. "Okay I think they have had enough time to make their presence known. Let's go ahead and start phase II." Nahema grabs Ire's arm in preparation for his trick. "Just in case." She smiles as she looks up at the stern face of Ire melt away to a grin.

"You have great anticipation." Ire focuses on the Dark side as he and Nahema disappear in a swirl of black smoke. The trip is almost instantaneous and they come to stand in front of the Bandomeer's Capital building. "Ah, we are here, now for our entrance." Ire and Nahema walk around a pillar and instantly spot two guards standing post. Ire knows what he would do in this situation, but wants to hear Nahema's thoughts. "Do you want to start the dramatics... or should I...?

Nahema winks at Ire, showing him once again her spirit. "I am learning from you now. Show me."

The two guards standing post can?t miss Ire and Nahema as they walking towards them. With the building on high alert due to the attack, they immediately bring up their pikes into a defensive stance. "Halt!"

Ire stops Nahema with his arm and bows to the guards. "Gentlemen, I am Lord Ire and this is Lady Nahema. We come here to speak to your President concerning the terrorists that attack you now. If your city is to survive, we must speak with her."

The guards briefly look at one another, and the more seasoned guard asks, "How do we know you two aren't terrorists yourselves?"

Ire hates it when guards ask questions. He thinks of how easy it would be to kill them right now, noticing no witnesses about, but relies upon an alternative. "Oh, we do not have time for this..." Ire waives his hand at the guards and plays a classic mind trick on them. "You will take us to the President now."

The guards shake their heads in agreement with their weak minds controlled by Ire. "We'll take you to see the President now."

Ire grins at Nahema who shares a similar thought at the moment. "Weak minded fools..." they both say to themselves.

The guards bring Ire and Nahema through the entrance and down the decorated halls of the Capital building. The beauty of Meerian marble pillars and floors accented by the gold trim and Alderaanian oak captivates both Ire and Nahema. Guards are stationed all through the building. Ire secretly chuckles at them, knowing they have no idea what is in store. Ire and Nahema come before a pair of large gold trimmed Alderaanian oak doors that open into the main hall. Standing with various advisors is President ShiLira. Her slim figure casts a shadow in front of the window as she looks upon the fighting going on not to far away. She turns to her advisors and sees Ire and Nahema with the guards. Curious, she approaches the two. "What is this?"

One of the guards steps forward and speaks. "Madam President, these two arrived at the west gate. They claim to know about the people attacking us."

President ShiLira looks interested instantly at the sound of this. "What do you know about these heathens?"

Nahema bows and steps forward. "Madame President, we intercepted a message several days ago saying there was to be an attack on this planet in order to secure this planet for the ionite mines. The group is known as the Knights of Ashla and they are based on Dantoonie. I was once a member of this group until I saw the change that was occurring within the ranks. They seek to enslave your people and take the wealth of your planet. We wish to ensure the safety of this planet and its inhabitants."

President ShiLira stands by the window and you can see the smoke coming from the edge of the city. "All this time I thought the Knights were a peaceful group. I wonder what could have changed their minds." President ShiLira ponders as she turns to Nahema. "What do you suggest we do? I have to my people to keep the safe. I plan to uphold that promise. I don't want anymore people to die."

Nahema nods to ShiLira, in her mind she feels bad for what she is saying about her former friends, but continues on with the charade. "We implore you to join the Reconstructed Galactic Empire. We have troops of our own stationed on our ship. With your permission, Madame President, Lord Ire can call them down and take care of the problem. We have dealt with these Jed slime before."

The President's face changes as she gets the feeling she is about to make a bad choice. "What are your motives in this matter Lady Nahema? I know that the galaxy is on the verge of war, but you must understand my point of view. You and your friend show up here during this attack and give us information about these terrorist Knights. You claim they wish to destroy us, yet we have never had a problem until recently. Why should I believe you?"

Nahema inhales deeply as she continues the deception. "War changes everything, even to the nicest of groups. Please, Madame President, let us help you."

At that moment, the doors burst open and a hooded man wearing Jedi styled robes walks into the hall. He charges the President as a green lightsaber roars to life and cuts down two guards at their posts. Ire continues his focus on the dark side as he steps between the Jedi and the President, blocking his path. Ire removes his battle sword from his back and salutes as the Jedi continues to close the gap. Nahema quickly runs and pulls the President away and stands in front of her watching the fight. The Jedi enters a full spin, building up his momentum and striking at Ire's sword. The cortosis of the blade causes the lightsaber to deactivate instantly, leaving the Jedi defenseless. Ire backhands the Jedi, stunning him, and then comes around with his sword, beheading the Jedi. It happens so fast that the others in the room can?t believe what they just saw. The lightsaber hilt hits the ground, while at the moment of the Jedi's death he faded away. Ire turns to the President while he sheaths his sword and picks up the fallen lightsaber. "It is apparent that the Jedi seek your death, Madame President. What more proof do you need of their intent?"

President ShiLira stands in shock, as she replays the last few moments over and over. She walks back to her chair and collapses into it. Nahema goes to her and puts her hand on her shoulder, trying to comfort the President in her current state of uncertainty. ShiLira looks up at Nahema and sighs. "All these years I have kept the peace. I thought the Knights were peaceful. Then suddenly, this war is at my doorstep. I will accept your help join your Empire. Whatever you want in return, you can have." She takes Nahema's hand. "Whatever you want or need you can have it."

Nahema smiles at ShiLira?s words. "Thank you Madame President and we will make sure your planet stays safe; no matter what." Nahema turns to Ire. "Go ahead and call in the troops to come down and help a member of the Empire."

Ire reaches for his comlink and contacts Captain Orum on the Atrocity. "Orum, this is Ire. Come in please."

Static can be heard over the line as Orum responds to Ire. "Orum here. Good to here your voice, milord. Have we found those murderous Jedi terrorists?"

"Yes, captain. Launch our craft. We are aiding these people."

"Very good, milord." Orum turns to Commander Tuulk and orders the launch. A shuttle and two drop ships, that were already in orbit begin their decent to the surface; into perform their part in this play. They come in from the northeast as planned and set down at near the off side of the north gate. The drop ships open their bays to reveal two AT-ST walkers. The walkers exit the drop ship with their signature metallic clank as blue group exits their shuttle.

General Thracen appears out the hatch of a walker and brings the lines into formation. The two walkers approach with a line of troopers in between them and on each flank. They move towards the east gate so that when red group spots them, blue group is directly in front of red group. Vex switches to a secure comline to Gen. Thracen "General, we are ready for capture."

Thracen grabs the com and responds. "Very good, Lt. Vex. Set your weapons for stun. We will be there shortly." As the walkers move in and begin to surround red group, each side begins their exchange of blaster fire. Blue and red group members fall and play dead as the plan is executed in pure form.

Within minutes blue group has captured red group, and General Thracen's voice comes over the comlink to Ire. "Lord Ire, I am pleased to inform you we have captured the enemy troops sir... well, what's left of them."

Ire grins, it is quite unsettling to the people who see it. "Excellent?" Ire turns to Nahema and the President, and coolly asks, "Madame, as part of our arrangement, we wish to take the prisoners with us. They have been murdering my people for millennia, and we wish to give them the punishment they so deserve."

The President rises to her feet with a determined look on her face. She merely nods and waves her hand. "Please, feel free to take those fiends with you and give them the harshest punishment you have."

Nahema pleasance is noticeable when asking Ire to her side. He begins over as Nahema continues. "Thank you Madame President and we will make sure they pay for their actions. Now in regards to security, to make sure this doesn't happen again after we leave, we would like to station some of our troops here. Merely a precaution and added security to your planet of course."

She looks at Nahema with a slight fear she has made the wrong choice. "I don't know if that's a good idea Lady Nahema," with hesitance present in her voice, "I do have an active army here and my people are not fond of outlanders."

Nahema quickly jumps in, trying to encourage the President of this idea. "Yes you do have an army, but how good did they fair against the terrorists" Even with that one that came in and tried to assassinate you. Madame President, I understand you don't want your planet involved in the current war, but you have to see what we're trying to do. Bandomeer can't stay neutral for long. The Knights of Ashla will bring you into this and kill everyone here but if you let us station OUR soldiers here, you can help prevent this. You will look like a hero and will be loved by everyone! You're really be "Bandomeer's Bella!"

"Madam, let me assure you we will not impose." Ire adds to the encouragement with his own touch. "We will place a garrison between the two main roads that lead to the city as well as leave a ship with support in orbit to keep them away from your people. We will not draw upon your recourses to feed out troops. They will be self-sufficient."

President ShiLira puts her head in her hands and takes a big sigh. The weight of the decision she makes effects the lives of all her people. All she can think about is her people. "I will not get dragged into a war, but my people's lives are first priority." She looks up at Ire and Nahema, and reluctantly speaks. "I agree with you. Do what you must to make sure we don't get into the war. I give you full access to the planet. I will have my secretary draw up the papers."

"Thank you Madame President." Nahema and Ire both bow to the President as a sign of their departure. "We will be in touch."

Ire feels Nahema take hold of his arm, and teleports Nahema and himself directly to his quarters aboard the Atrocity. Ire gets his arm back from Nahema, and he turns and looks at here with a face of relief. "Thank the force that is over with."

Nahema smiles at Ire and claps her hands together, so impressed with the success. "Yes, it was a successful mission. I knew she would react that way if we showed her the war at her doorstep. That was a good touch you added with the Jedi coming through the door like that. I think that really got her to side with us."

"The dark side of the force is a pathway to many abilities that seem unnatural." Ire gloating slightly. "If I did not create a doppelganger to attack, I think she might have swayed."

"We make a good team, Ire."

"I agree." Ire says as he reaches for his comlink. "Capt. Orum, please send Empress Athena a com and inform her of the situation here."

"Yes, sir. Oh. and I have some news, we found the missing scouts, milord."

Ire's interest becomes peaked. "What happened Orum?"

"One of the recon flights picked up something near the cave LZ. They were found in a cave on the other side of the clearing. It seems like they were attacked by Imbats."

Ire ponders at this news. "That would explain a few things. Thank you Orum for that news, and include it in your report. I am going to be busy for a little while."

"Very well, milord."

Ire walks to his bed side and lays his comlink on the bedside table. Ire turns back and walks to Nahema. "Give me a moment." Ire walks off to an alcove in the room and enters. After a few minutes of clanging metal, he reemerges in usual master robes and stands in the center of the room. "The armor provides great protection, but it is so damn heavy."

Nahema nods. "I bet it is heavy. It looks like it weighs a ton."

Ire has watched Nahema's composure over the last few days. He has sensed her power, assessed her skill. She has proven worthy in his eyes. "Tell me Nahema, would you like a lesson?"

"Sure," with a slight excitement, "what are you going to teach me?"

"Come to me?" Ire says as he motions to Nahema. She hesitates briefly and then walks over towards Ire, who shakes his head. "No Nahema, come to me. Clear your mind, the Jedi taught you that." Nahema pushes out all thought. Noise is non-existent, except for the force that calls to her. She is alone in the force with the ghostly voice of Ire. "Focus on the dark side, feel the many pathways it creates around us and between us." Focusing towards the dark energy, Nahema begins to see a shadow form in front of her. Ire's voice continues to guide her. He feels as her power swells. "Move towards it." Nahema visualizes moving towards the shadow and as she moves closer to it, the shadow becomes and image of Ire's face. "Now see them disappear." Nahema opens her eyes and jumps back a bit. She realizes she was now within inches of Ire. She starts to stumble but Ire grabs her so she wouldn't fall back, it dawns on her what just happened.

"Did I just...." she points to where she was and looks up at Ire

Ire nods while still holding Nahema. "Yes, yes you did." Ire's face is one of amazement. He has witnessed a truly gifted student show vast promise. It reminds him why he trained Acheron, and he knew she could become a very powerful user of the dark side. "I must say, I have never seen someone catch on so quickly. It is a shame I did not meet you sooner, otherwise you just might have become my apprentice."

Nahema smiles at Ire. "I have been told that I am a quick learner. It's a shame too that I didn't meet you first."

Ire looks deeply into Nahema's eyes, and he begins to sense a strange sensation. It crawls through his body deep into his soul. He realizes something about her, something he shouldn't and that something scares him. Ire stands Nahema up and walks away from her. He turns back and faces her with no emotion. "You have just taken your first step away from the fear of being left behind. Practice it and it shall set you free." Ire walks towards his meditation alcove, knowing he has let emotion get the best of him.

Nahema notices something change about Ire as he's looking at her. That stern veneer ever present on his face melts away, and when he moves away from her, "What's wrong Ire?"

"If you'll excuse me, I must meditate now..."

Nahema watches Ire leave and wonders what is wrong with him. Nahema goes and sits on his bed to wait for him. After a few minutes, she figures he is in a deep meditation and quietly gets up and heads back to her quarters, still feeling confused about Ire's reaction.

She makes her way to the war room and turns on the holo projector of the planet. The dots are gone from the holo and are replaced by blue dots, signifying control of the planet. She stares at the dots until she feels someone behind her. She quickly turns around and an officer is standing there looking confused.

"What is it officer?"

He looks at Nahema and bows. Sorry for the intrusion, Lady Nahema. "Is there anything you need?"

"No Ensign, I'm alright. I'm just checking the status here." The officer nods and goes back to his station. Nahema continues looking at the holo

After an hour of deep meditation, Ire emerges from his alcove. His mind now clear, Ire heads to the bridge where Capt. Orum delivers him a holo of Empress Athena. Ire goes over to the com station and opens a channel to Athena. Ire bows as a holo of Athena appears. "Lord Ire, were you successful in your mission?"

"Yes, my Empress, Your presence is no longer required. However if you wish to send a holo to President ShiLira, I think it will settle her more with the idea of our presence on Bandomeer."

Athena nods at this. "Then I will. Do you require anything else, Commodore?"

"I do not believe so my Empress. Nahema and I will be returning to the Imperial Palace soon. I have launched a garrison group to Bandomeer. Once we finish the landing and set up of the garrison, we will return home." The image of Athena bows as it begins to fade. Ire bows in return and deactivates the com. Not wanting to keep Nahema out of the loop, he contacts her comlink. "Nahema, come to the bridge."

"I'm on my way." Nahema takes one last look at the holo projector and turns it off. She walks out of the war room and heads up to the bridge. She takes the turbolift to the bridge and contemplates the past days events. She then begins to think of Ire and his recent behavior. She becomes lost in thought and suddenly finds the door opening to the bridge. Nahema walks in and sees Ire standing by the station with various officers about. "What is it Ire?"

Ire trying not to make eye contact stares at a datapad and intermittently looks up at Nahema. "Athena has made contact. We are going to finish up here and return to the Palace. We are victorious."

"That's great to hear." Nahema smiles. "As much as I enjoy leading military attacks, I would rather be on solid ground and in my own room. Ire..." she quickly changes the subject. "I'm going to the med bay to let Casey know the news. Keep me informed on the progress." She stands there for a minute to see if he says anything else. She then turns away and heads to the medbay.

Ire looks at Nahema as she walks away, but says nothing. Troops, supplies and other preparations call for his attention and he goes about them. His mind jumps back and forth, he feels strange. Orum notices the look on Ire's face and walks over. "Are you well, milord?"

Ire shakes it off. "Bad bantha steak, I want the cook executed."

Orum laughs and play along "Yes, milord. His cooking just might kill us all."

"Do I look like I am JOKING?"

Orum is taken back by Ire's loss of composure. In fact, the entire bridge crew takes notice. Ire inhales deeply, and responds calmly. "Has the garrison commander checked in yet?"

Orum now takes a professional tone, knowing exactly what is wrong. "Yes, milord. The final supply shuttles are unloading now. They will return in 25."

"Good, make ready to depart the system and head for home. I want to be gone from here as soon as that shuttle returns." Ire nods at Orum and begins to walk away.

As Ire leaves the bridge, Orum has a distinct feeling and walks over to Ire. "It is only natural, milord. Every being falls in love..."


Ire looks at Orum as the blast doors close. "Shut up, captain."


While walking through to the med bay, Nahema thinks of all the possibilities that could have made Ire act weird now. She starts at number 45 when the door opens and LirTan runs into her. "Nahema! I missed you so much!! Casey said you went off and got eaten by a rancor but I said no."

Nahema starts to laugh while picking him up and sees Casey coming towards them. "Well LirTan, you can't believe everything Uncle Casey says about me."

Casey gives Nahema a hug and pats LirTan's head. "Well Nahema, you know how I get when I'm bored. Speaking of bored, what's the latest?"

"We're going home Casey!" Nahema smiles from ear to ear.

"YEAH!! Finally we get to leave this ship and see real land!" Casey jumps up and down.

Nahema smiles, but inside she knows what will happen after Casey and her leave the ship and whispers to herself. "Yeah, someone else will be happy to see me go..."

LirTan looks at Nahema and gives her a hug. "What about me Nahema? What's gonna happen to me?"

Nahema snaps out of thinking of Ire and looks at LirTan. "Well silly, I can't leave my best guy here alone. Plus someone has to take care of Casey for me."

LirTan jumps out of her arms and runs to his bed excited and Casey comes over to Nahema. "What's wrong? I noticed something is bothering you and it doesn't take that magic stuff to tell me that."

"It's nothing, Casey. Just some....it's business that's all it is." Nahema looks at Casey and shakes her head. "I'll be glad to be off this ship as soon as possible. That's all I can say."

Ire strolls down the corridors of the Atrocity. Ire can not believe how these feelings are changing him. Ire reaches into his robes and drinks from a flask of lum. He then pulls out a piece of blob candy and thinks of Lir'Tan. He shakes the thoughts from his mind and locks on to Nahema?s force trail. He immediately appears in the medical bay. LirTan sees him and becomes very serious like one of the officers. "Mr. Ire" standing at attention." Nahema turns around to see who LirTan was talking to and sees Ire. Immediately; she turns back around and finishes picking up the tons of candy wrappers hidden in the bed. She smiles when she hears the crumbling of a new candy but doesn't turn around to look. LirTan then sees the candy in Ire's hand and gets excited.

Ire kneels down to LirTan and gives him the piece of candy. "Not like you need it." Ire turns to Casey who is still wearing a bandage on his head. "How are your wounds?"

"Good Ire. The wounds healed completely and all I have left are little scrapes , bruises and this bump on my head. Other than that, I'm good to go. So I hear that the mission's over? When should we be heading back to the city?" he looks back at Nahema working and Ire playing with LirTan and shakes his head. "Sorry, I'm...we're kinda anxious to head back home."

Ire smiles at Casey's words. "I can sense that. No space legs I take it? We will be leaving system shortly. Just a little bit longer and we will be on our way."

Casey is thrilled. "Home! Yay!"

LirTan breaks from Ire and heads over to Nahema, getting a tight grasp on her leg. She notices the candy in his mouth and looks at the pile of wrappers on his bed. "Alright little buddy, no more candy for a while. I'm putting you on a strict candy diet." she laughs.

Lir'Tan looks shocked at Nahema's statement. "What?"

Ire comes over, kneels in front of Lir'Tan and places his hands on the boy's shoulders. "Now Lir'Tan, Lady Nahema is right. I should even watch how much candy I eat." Ire says as he pats his stomach. Ire looks up at Nahema with a slight smile. He rises and begins to leave the room with no words spoken to her. Ire exits the bay. Just when Nahema thinks he will not say something, she hears Ire's voice in her head. "Forgive me; I am not much for good byes."

The Chiss Destroyer Dark Star is ordered to stay over Bandomeer as the fleet breaks up and heads back home. Ire stands on the bridge looking out on Bandomeer as the Atrocity enters hyperspace and back to Coruscant.

In the Capital building of Bandomeer, an advisor approaches President ShiLira with a holomessage. "Madame President, this has just arrived for you."

President ShiLira takes the holopad from the advisor. "Have our friends established themselves?"

"Yes Madame President, they have just departed the system and their garrison forces appear to be set." Wuulfer says with a bit of tesion in his voice. "Do you trust them Madame President? You know what the last Empire did when they were here."

"I can't allow for our people to be vulnerable, Wuulfer. They have offered to keep those cursed Jedi away, and I will oblige them." ShiLira presses play and an image of Athena forms off the holopad. "Greetings, Madame President. As I am sure you are aware by now, I am Empress Athena, formerly known as General Crystal Starr Light. I want to thank you for your understanding, your dedication to your people. I understand how you must make the tough choices to protect your citizens. As Empress, I have had to make some challenging decisions, decisions I have made for the protection and security of my citizens."

"I want to welcome you to the Empire and to assure you that in no means will the Empire impinge on your government. The Empire is here merely to ensure peace and security from those who oppose it, such as, I believe you have recently seen, the Knights of Ashla and the Grey Jedi Order. These organizations and copious others tout peace and justice, while enacting outrageous acts against sentient life. Thank you for standing up to these injustices. I look forward to the chance to meet you in person. Until then, may the Force be with you."

Only after these words from Athena does President ShiLira feel comfort in her decision.