Who am I?

Who am I? A biography of a Mirialan smuggler on the search to find himself and his legacy.

Part of The Kestrel Minority saga.

Written by Sipko G. Riemersma

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The Kestrel Minority HoloLog Private entry logs of X. Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Centaxday 32-month 2 There comes a time in once life when reflecting the past on present you feel the need to answer the question 'Was it worth it?' Now that I am part of this bond of friendships, I feel the need to put the past behind me. Recording my biography is the first step of the healing process.

I only see fragments of my past. I had a home somewhere in the galaxy, but do not know where it was. The earliest remembrance is of father who knelt in front me. Rough and firm he shook my shoulders and said: “Here take this case. It holds your legacy. Now hide in the cloth closet. Don’t make a noise and don’t come out, no matter what.” The last words i heard from father.

Through a small vent opening i could see the terror unfold. A small shady figure with long light reddish hair followed by an armored stature, violently entered our living quarters. Immediately mother, out of nowhere, somehow managed to crush the couch on the small female. Father snatched a lightsaber from his back, but was hit with a dart, immobilizing him. Two shots from the stature's blaster finished my mother quickly. The shady female was back on her feet and drew a rifle, laughed and shot my father in the head. A suppressed groan from me turned their focus on the closet. Slowly the door opened and a pair of fluorescent red eyes on a pale blue face gazed right down at me. Her left hand pulled a knife and she laughed while moving the edge slowly towards my throat. Suddenly a cable wrapped around me, sucking the air out of me. With brutal force i was pulled out.

The edge of the blade missed my throat, but ripped my left eye out. The armored stature spoke with a strange feminine voice: “There is no honor in killing helpless children.” A lot of blood squirted out of the eye socket. My final memory is a gory left eye looking at me from the floor.

Somehow I was in chains, brought to a pale white roughshod humanoid. The room we were in was big, cold and of metallic construction with one giant opening on the other end of it. Caught a gleam looking outside and saw rocky mountain walls and red dust. Disrupted as I found myself gasping for air again. A strange force choked my throat, lifted me from my feet 3

and turned me slowly to a face covered with eerie symbols. The horned head came nearer and nearer until we touched noses. The mouth mumbled some words and the smell was awful making me nauseous. It only took a few seconds, no time to puke as he pulled his hand back. A swift wrist movement made me fly hard against a pile of rubbish and junk more then thirty meters away. At the same time there was some disturbance in the other corner of the hangar. Everyone hastily went in the direction of the turmoil. The door at my right opened and a row of men in chains escorted by guards, came out. They all saw the unrest and the prisoners started their own brawl. A short fight as the guards put quickly an end to it. The prisoners where pushed back in line.

All of a sudden I was picked up by a guard and forced to stand in the line.

We were directed into a transport ship with a weird bug like logo and letters Incom on the hull. It took off and I was on it.

Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Benduday 35-month 2 The flight out of the hanger took a very long time. As I remember we hovered many dozens of klicks over a deep canyon or valley before turning left into a system of caves. I don’t know how or where we landed. I know we were shoved out of the ship into a tunnel waiting area. No daylight just a few red lights where present so we could see where to walk. One by one we where bullied through a door. On the other side of the door I was addressed by a fish head with eyes on the side of it. I couldn’t understand a word he was babbling, only something similar of “name”. It was followed by the sound of a dull explosion from somewhere. He wobbled away in the direction of the blowup.

I couldn’t read what was on the screen when I jumped to see. Only a big X. The next prisoner was pushed through the door and he kicked me into the next room shouting “Move on you little toad”. From the corner of my good eye, I saw the fish men waggling back to his post at the screen asking again something with “name” to the one that had kicked me. The first time I met a Rakata. One of many lesson I learned in the mines I just ended up in. No registration, no name. A prisoner within a prison with the freedom of not existing.

An infant feeling lost, alone and not assigned a bunk-bed because i wasn’t processed. A ledge in the cave wall became my kip within the sleeping accommodation Over time I scraped myself a nice cavity from it, my own place. It had a hiding place for stuff needed to survive in this prison and a special one for the case father gave me. Food and gamble stuff were in high demand. A daily diet of Burmillet porridge and Haarshun bread, the lack of entertainment makes each one idiotic to trade or do almost anything. So I hid 4

these kinds of treasures all around the mines for trade, bribe and information purpose. Basic surviving wasn’t hard as a kid. A big contribution was the unspoken rule among the convicts not to harm, hurt the “toad”. I could freely move between the three major gangs within these mines. It was not species based, but strangely on morale and actions. The biggest group where the fighters. Bullying, brawling or even killing for whatever they wanted. They called themselves 'The Hssiss'. Bit lesser in numbers are 'The Ones'. Those who like to share and hanging on to their dignity or what was left of it.

Smallest cell where those in between, independent, surviving by trade and betrayal. My bed was in the dorm of this last group, 'The Bird'. Instinct made me switch to survival mode in this mining jail on Korriban. Blending in, sweet talking and always unnoticeable in the background. The first years cleaning, running errands and studying all and everything. Being cute, supported by this no harm rule, it was easy to walk around. Tiptoe around those with lust in their eyes, being quiet when a fight is a few tics away and read, feel, sniff what is going on. As I was not registered, I never was called to mine ore and minerals. No hard labor. A feel of trust was put into me by most enslaved.

Even by the guards, especially the lazy ones. With the passing of the years I became more like inventory then prisoner. I went from “toad”to “X-kid” referring to the database showing X as my name, as a kid and teen.

Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Primeday 11-month 3 You cannot show any sign of weakness in a confined environment. You will be eaten alive. I myself had some close calls. One night I was laying on my bed. From the special hiding place in the wall I took the case father gave me. Many nights I looked at the three items in it and hold them to my chest.

Somehow this night was different. For the first time I started crying as silent as I could. I had never cried before, but tonight I couldn’t hold back and all the pain came out with tears. Crying is the biggest sign of weakness and you end up naked, completely robbed or even dead in a setting like this. The latter being maybe the best option as you never will own anything or be yourself in this hole again. A shadow bowed over me and whispered “Stop weeping kid.”

The shock put me back into reality. Quickly I reacted with a firm kick which surprised the individual at my bed. With all that grieve in me I kicked hard and he was pushed back, lost his balance and hit the post of a bunker-bed on the way to the floor. A dead silence as everyone in the room turned their head towards the scene anticipating, hoping a fight to emerge. The old man on the floor was bleeding from the corner of his mouth. He started to smile and the suspense in the room cleared as he joked “Nice footwork toad, your a kid now”. His skin was yellow-green and his body full of tattoo, a Mirialan. He sat beside me and something familiar about him made me at ease. It was at that moment I realized my own dark green skin, I was a Mirialan! Dazed, I only 5

heard murmur around me as I realized father nor mother had a greenish skin.

Memory gleams always showed mother wearing concealing headgear around her eyes and a light pink body. Father was dark brown toned. It was clear to me they were not my parents. My state of mind went from dazed to crestfallen.

It took a few weeks before I could recover from this revelation and the feeling of being lost beyond recall. To survive I needed to get my act back together, but I also wanted to get out of here. A new goal was borne. Escape to nourish the urge for answers of numerous question I found myself wrestling with. Some of which the old Mirialan answered in the many talks we had after the incident. He spoke proudly of his past, planet and lifestyle. He became more alive telling these stories of achievements, culture or little things like eating grilled Maka steaks. As I deducted something only important Mirialan could eat. His name was Tuuwor Visz. He and his brother were running a prosperous battle droid factory on Balmorra. During one of the empire raids on the planet he was one of the few captured. “The lucky ones� got away as he referred to those who were killed. He had no family, but told me much about his brother, wife and newborn daughter, wondering if they were alive. Everyone looked at us as a teacher student duo. But I just fed, no sucked every bit of information out of Tuuwor. Learning that knowledge, information, manipulation are far more superior above food and dices. Politics equals power equals might.

After Tuuwor dried up and told the same stories over and over I used my new learned abilities on fellow prisoners and guards. The raw education triggered curiosity, a spirit to become free and the inevitability desire to know who, what, why. Bit by bit some answers became clear. It must have been an imperial agent that shot father accompanied by a bounty hunter. In some manner I was part or victim of the grand empire versus republican fuss.

Outside must be more answers and a bold move was needed. I started to plan my escape.

Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Taungsday 18-month 3 Gaining more profits with trades, errands, gambling and bets on my path from kid to teen to man. Business was booming with thanks to the members of 'The Bird' that taught me all the tricks of the trade. I had access to all facilities on base level and even down below when running messages or bringing water. It was hard, but bearable. Eager learning as much as I could, 6

about the facility and more important the ones running this place. I believed that was my ticket out of here. The kitchen, repair & maintenance, infirmary and even simple administrative tasks on datapads and terminals were my main focus. Key facilities as I needed food, a weapon, drugs and schedules of the transport barges and vehicles going in and out of this mine. Playing the game well, heaps of idiots trusted me. I trusted no one, I was not capable of trust or any other feeling. Only a fury heart pumping anger and rage through my veins. Memorizing the departing schedules of the ore deliveries, stealing canned foods and drugs to knock out the guards were the easy parts of the plan. I even managed to win a completely broken old laser blaster. It took me almost a full year to gather the parts needed to repair it, but I fixed the blaster.

I won a bet from a fat world weary imperial Captain, a Noghri.

Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Taungsday 28-month 3 These guards see to their own amusement using the captives as puppets for it. Favorite pastime being betting on the last standing Wookiee in the pit. A cruel game as they send in some Wookiee to work in the lava mine without protection gear. The fun part being the thick hair catching fire and the dance of putting it out. The floor was covered with heated lava stones to add to the laughs. To speed up the process accidents were staged so the lava could burn through the coat onto the skin. A regular whipping with a sort of lightning stick kept the adrenaline going. Bets where placed on the Wookiee that would give up first or in most cases, last Wookiee standing. Bets went high because of shortage of Wookiee in prison. A proud species, but with a short fuse as many new arrived Wookiee went to charge the whipping guards and got shot dead. At these games the guards tongues are very loose. I made sure I was present, never spoke, watched the pit games, but listened even more. This one time I decided to take a chance. Guards were preparing as four Wookiee were shoved into the lava hollow. The betting started and I waited for my opportunity. The fat captain, R.K. Ykrop, once was an assassin and he bragged often about his great old days. He always showed off his trusted companion, a heavy blaster pistol, while telling one of his grander kills. Then, in an arrogant euphoria he bets his pistol on a sure win. Always on the Wookiee Ekkaar when he is in the hot arena. Everyone laughs and never takes the bet seriously, maybe cause they are afraid of their captain. So it went alike this day until I said the words “I'll take that bet”. A great silence of suspense filled the air. I was the center of all the attention. Ykrop answered with a bitter smile “You have nothing to bet, kid” and all focus went back to the Wookiee that started to 'work'. “I do. You can have me for the night” I responded quickly. The silence that followed was just plain empty. The eyes of the Noghri captain twinkled. His sexual desire was clear as many times before when I was around him. The no touch kid rule wouldn’t apply anymore, 7

no matter the outcome, I wasn't a kid anymore. The silence was broken when a guard spoke “Well captain, your dream comes true” in a daring laughing way. I swear I saw sweat on the head of this reptilian monster. Slow and with a deep voice Ykrop said: “The bet is on”.

Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Zhellday 9-month 4 Why the hell am I making these entries? What do I gain from it? Do I need to hold on to my past at my age? I sure don’t know the answer.

Where was I? The fat reptile had a self-contend smirk all over his face.

Of course I knew Captain Ykrop and Ekkaar worked together. Ekkaar always survived. You see I made sure I was there to help patch the Wookiee up in sickbay. Strong hands for hire could be useful in the future, my motive to invest in him. In time I was the only one allowed stitching his wounds and taking care of his burns. On arrival in the mines Ekkaar walked proud and had a short fuse, like all Wookiee, but he was also different. Big tall with white fur broken up by just a few brown shaded spots. The other Wookiee for some reason ignored him and he was a lonely outcast that didn't fit in anywhere. He became part of The Bird, but never really fitted in there either. That probably made him easy prey for the Noghri captain schemes. Ykrop must had something to pressure Ekkaar into cooperation.

You could see a change as Ekkaar became more calm, rational after a while, but his shoulders bend down as he walked face down. Unsurprisingly Ekkaar was one of the last two Wookiee standing for the final showdown. This day a DLC mining droid was fixed to loose a full lava cauldron at a certain place.

Ekkaar only needed to get his fellow scorched furry friend at a certain spot. A subdued sniggering came from Captain Ykrop. The hunger in his black eyes spoke for itself. How much he thinks he knows and yet so little. The closing dance of putting out the fire on their furs waltzed them to the spot. A DLC droid came hovering above, a bolt broke down. The cauldron full of lava tilted and then Ekkaar powerfully shoved his fellow Wookiee to safety! The cauldron and lava came down on Ekkaar's left side, completely burning all the fur he had left away. The shrieking outcry from the Wookiee that followed, even today chafes my bones and veins. Ykrop went into shock, but swiftly acted with pulling his heavy blaster pistol and shot Ekkaar. The albino found his ultimate freedom and peace. Once revived from the situation Ykrop turned to me. He needed to safe his face. He could shoot me as well or honor the 8

bet. I gambled on the latter, cause I had strings of connections with his superiors. “So you want a blaster hey.” was his response. ”The kid has grown up. You understand you cannot have a weapon in here. But a bet is a bet and let it be known Ykrop always stands to his promises.” He turned, opened a drawer from a desk and pulled out several pieces of what once was an old laser blaster. Pleased as he was he continued: “Here is your reward, tsup” and handed me the pieces with a cranky attitude.

Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Centaxday 22-month 4 His posture showed me he was worn out as he lie down on the examination table. Once again Ekkaar was brought to the medic room heavily scorched and burned. Of course he was the last man standing, but this time his wounds were deeper and more then usual. Only the DD-6 medic droid and myself were in sickbay. The droid started to work on Ekkaar. This time I didn't aid, but concentrated on Ekkaar. This set-up is always a great opportunity to talk, get information. Past talks revealed he was from an Island chain on Kashyyyk and was exiled for his albino fur. He also had a condition called madclaw or something. Not sure what it is, but he got it in his younger years. He spoke Xaczik, lucky for me the medic droid had many translation programs. I figured he was at the end of his rope, didn't want to go on and saw no way out. So I played my ace card. Slowly I put a bottle to his lips and dripped some liquid in his mount. The painful face expression turned into a grim smile. Tot of the liquid even made his eyes come back to life. He took my hand and squeezed it so hard it broke my ring finger and pinky. It was impossible to get and people would have killed for it.

I gave him Accarragm, a strong drink from his home planet. Weeks of nursing the big fur bear gave me more occasions to chitchat, bringing him around to trust me. He had enough and talked a lot about his illegitimate son.

How he missed him, wanted to be there for him and couldn’t because he had this sickness madclaw. Even the medic droid could not restate everything Ekkaar told. It were phrases of translations I puzzled together. I played my second ace within a fortnight as I told him I could get a message to his son as I was planning an escape. Ekkaar stopped talking for days. These days were a torture for me. Did I overplayed my hand? Did I misinterpreted his state of mind? Will it backfire and all is lost? On the day of his discharge from the infirmary we talked again. He enlighten me about the scheme he and Ykrop had going. The robbery of some cargo from Empire military storage facility.

The hiding place of this loot kept him alive in dealings with Ykrop. He shared information about his partner in crime who was an old comrade of Ykrop during his assassin years. This partner betrayed him or was killed, resulting anyhow in the imprisonment in these mines. The booty was already hidden by 9

Ekkaar. Most important he wanted to let his son know that he never forgot about him and I had to tell him that he was sorry he wasn’t there for him. Of course I had to promise him I would share the hidden spoils with his son, but we both knew, in all likelihood, that wasn’t going to happen. The medic droid somehow got destroyed that day.

Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Taungsday 23-month 4 It was time for the late chow. The next day some Wookiee were to amuse the guards in the lava pit mine.

I had managed to get Ekkaar in the small cellar of the kitchen facility. Had to bribe some guards. All were busy elsewhere to serve this marvelous prison food. It gave me enough time to cook Ekkaar a home sweet home dinner from his planet. It was costly and took almost all reserves I had to trade. I made stuffed chyntuck, Kashyyyk land shrimps and a dozen wookiee-ookiee. Finishing off with the last zips of the Accarragm. His final meal. A long silence followed. Then he stood up and looked me deep in my eye. He handed me two codes I memorized them as the name of his son, Bowdaar. Ekkaar walked away, head high, shoulders upright. There walked a proud Wookiee that night and next day. Oh little did that fat Noghri know.

The last ingredient I put in the little vial was scraped residue of skin and fur from the singed edges of the blast wound that killed Ekkaar. Was it to honor him? I didn't know at the time, but it felt like something I just needed to do. Visz ha a glowing pin ready with two needles on it and dipped into the vial. Then he squeezed the needles just under my skin and repeated this in a regular motion. My first tattoo on my right hand. Now I wasn't a kid anymore, but a man, a Mirialan. Tuuwor looked very pleased, chirpy even and probably thinking there was this bond between us. Well that was what I hoped for and went along with it. Next few years, don’t know how long, I worked on my 10

escape plan, repairing the old blaster and such. Tuuwor mined desh in this prison mines. To work with him I manipulated the databank so I was assigned to the same work unit. Before, Visz enjoyed telling stories he liked to share.

He still was delightful to speak about all he was passionate about, but this time I routed talks with questions to information I needed to know, understand. Teaching me about desh mining, engineering stuff, droid building and flying ships. Captain Ykrop was called back for duty elsewhere. So were many old and experienced imperial guards. Young and eager recruits replaced then. The setting, atmosphere became harsh and cruel. The new guards were more brutal which resulted in many more deaths. More frequently ships landed and went with full loads of ore. Production increase was demanded and enforced. Combining all this and you can sense the tension rise. Something was going on in the Imperial army, but also something was in the air in the mines. It was time.

Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Centaxday 2-month 6 The rivalry between The Bird and The One groups were at a low, even frozen. They tolerated each other and the leaders had secret meetings. Every meeting needs some good food, drinks and some unknown information. I provided all, serving and rumormonger while blending in. I started to tell about some collaboration between Imperial guards and The Hssiss. Sort of agreement that The Hssiss can take over some guard duties and have their way in parts of the prison mines as more guards will be called back for army duty. It had a bigger effect then I anticipated and was closer to the truth then I could have known. All and everyone could turn against me as I walked this fine line of stirring things up. I decided to play my third ace card, showing Tuuwor the items in the case from father to find out more before I escaped.

But it was a risk because it was evident that Tuuwor hadn’t told me all, something he was holding back.

It was very early in the morning before our mine shift was due. Tuuwor was on garbage duty and I caught up with him in the central disposal room.

We started to talk about how it was to be a young, growing up on Mirial. First time I talked about my few memories of the killing I witnessed from the closet, the hangar incident and how I got here. Tuuwor was intrigued, his body showed a more strained posture. He told I had probably met a Zabrak Inquisitor in the hangar that tested me on Force presence. None was found and I was lucky to have survived. The murderers of my parents were most likely an imperial agent and a mercenary. He openly wondered who I was as I must be of some importance to the Empire in a way. Now was the time and I pulled out the case father gave me. “Can you tell me something about the items I have?” I asked him. “They are the only things I have. They maybe can 11

provide answers about who I am.” Playing my third ace, I felt awkward in some way. Do I want to know my past? The first item was a sharp tooth, carved in a peculiar shape. Few small holes were drilled into the tooth in a harmonic pattern. It had three small crystals attached to it spread across one side from top to bottom. The top end had a metallic rounding with a necklace latch and lock. “Mmm, I don’t recognize the tooth or crystals, but the metallic iron of the tail end I have seen only one time before. Its made from cortosis ore. Purified cortosis, the rarest kind there is. Excellent craftsmanship. Looks like an amulet of some sort to wear around your neck.” Carefully I restored the tooth amulet and gave Tuuwor a small cone sphere sculptured piece of stone. It had a monochromatic ocher-sienna color. It was completely covered with a golden symbolic pattern of pentagons and hexagons, regularly interrupted with cubes. The cubes all had some sort of dent on them, all on a different place making each cube unique. The eyes of Tuuwor made clear he was baffled. “I cannot place this either, but its clear its precise and carefully cut in half. The hole in the middle of the sphere-end suggest to me a connection point to another half. No idea where its from. You need find an archeologist that maybe can help you with this.” The objects aroused his curiosity and he leaned forward to see what more was stored in my case. I turned so he faced my side and put the cone away in the case.

Should I show the last item? Tuuwor seemed eager, too eager and the situation felt wrong, but I already played my ace. I also was worried we were too long in the disposal area as our work shift was about to begin. “There is a last item I like to show you, but first you tell me what you have in that little bag you always carry around, hidden in your left boot” I said taking two steps back. Visz was shocked and instinctively stepped also back. A full minute we stood there, staring at and trying to sense the other one's next move. One of the main lesson The Bird taught me was to study, observe the habits of your friends, foes and business associates. One of the first things I noticed as odd was the cautious way he always took his left boot off in contrast to the rough pulling of his right boot. One night I saw he opened the heel part of his left boot revealing a hidden compartment. He took out a little bag, looked inside and hold the bag for awhile. Without taking something out, he then put it back into the heel. As I also felt he was holding back when telling his tales I concluded the content of the bag would give me some answers on what he didn't wanted me to know. Tuuwor ended the minutes of silence with a firm voice: ”Its a datadisc from my factory on Balmorra. What's on it is of no concern to you. Its all I could grab when I had to run.” The sound to get in line for our escort to the work areas echoed in our ears, disenchanting our state of minds for a 12

brief moment. Quickly I showed Tuuwor the final item, a piece of black fabric with a sign of two bars beneath each other followed by a big triangle pointing down. Tuuwor's eyes were wide open as was his mouth. He recognized it. He mumbled: “Aratech” and swiftly walked away to get to the rally point for the escort down.

Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Primeday 1-month 5 Again I am recording to the Hololog. Need get 'things' out of my system, but why? It looks like stone by stone is lifted from my shoulders.

So I just had played my third ace card and didn't get the answers I hoped for. Tuuwor's last reply, Aratech, was the best lead I got. A company making vessels of some sort. I still was puzzling with the responses as we were assigned to our work duties, mining desh. The ambiance between us was stressed and we didn't spoke at all. We watched our steps and moves.

Weird silence of distrust. It was about eight or nine years since I was abducted and landed here in the mines. What was I thinking? I still was a kid, not a man yet. Acting like I can play with the big guys. Strange feeling I never had before made my stomach squeeze together. There was more sweat then usual and my breathing was shorter and heavier. Last days I had prepared for my escape next week on a cargo barge out of here. Some food and water already was hidden in an old unused desh container at the bay. The plan was to manipulate the cargo list and put the container on a shipment out of here.

Of course with me hiding in it. How could I have been so stupid to show Tuuwor the content of my case. It all felt wrong now as he continuously looked at me with an acrid face. Today, yes today I needed to escape and I had to require my blaster rapidly. The hiding place is near the bay, not far from here. Tuuwor will be out of my sight for a few moments. Should I risk that? Normally when there is tension between two prisoners, the others will provoke, incite, encourage a fight. Too busy with my own situation I hadn’t noticed that the other slaves were quiet and cooking up their own thing. The bad vibes pushed my decision to take a risk and get my blaster during our chow break. As always I went to get some water for our meal. It would give me enough time to get the blaster. It was hidden under a floorboard of the garbage holding area next to the bay. There was no activity in the bay, the guards were at one corner looking through a side window into a pit area.

Probably betting on a fight they always arrange. Never pass on an opportunity and I acted. Walking calm passed them I had a brief look at the fight between a vine cat and salky hound. “I bet two Gardulla on the salky” I said passing them. There was my goal, a terminal. Promptly I changed the cargo list for the next desh flight out of here, adding the old container code.

Only just two hours away.

13

As I made my way back with the water through the corridors I saw Tuuwor, accompanied by a guard, walking north. They were heading to the imperial officers clerks section. Dropping the water made my tight pants even tighter and soaked my feet. From the direction of the mines came tidal waves of screaming and pandemonium tumult. I payed no attention to it and ran in the north corridor. I caught up with Tuuwor and the guard with my blaster pulled and ready, overhearing Tuuwor saying: “Yes he could be ….”.

Screeching alarm sounded and the red lights started to flash, making it harder to see in the corridor tunnels. It had alerted Tuuwor. He looked back, saw me and in a split sec I fired a laser salvo as Tuuwor pulled the guard in front of him. My blaster busted into pieces, burning my right hand badly. The young guard went down and Tuuwor fled, turned left at the T-junction, but immediately felt backwards on the floor with a laser hole in his chest. I had no time to loose and picked up the dead guard, holding him in front of me. Two guards trampled over the dead body of Tuuwor running straight ahead, not seeing their standing dead colleague in the right tunnel, I was hiding behind.

Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Zhellday 9-month 5 It was at that moment in the corridors, between two dead bodies, in a way I became aware I had no feelings. Cold and indifferent I reacted on the situation at hand. Took off the boots from Tuuwor and replaced them with my wet shoes. Unseen, I managed to drag the dead guard into a niche at the old desh container storage room. Changed my wet pants with the dead body and put on Tuuwor's boots. Dropped the young guard and remaining evidence in the old container on top of the food and water I had stashed there in the days 14

before. I took out the medkit filled with narcosis injectors and placed it on my belt. The escape plan just got changed. My burned hand hurt. The glove of the guard I put on covered the wounds, but the pain was my biggest hazard of what I was about to do. The commotion in the corridors became louder with more laser patter. I hoisted the old canister on a cargo lift-board with some more junk I found around me. Every step was firm, self controlled as I made my way to the cargo barge. Lots of guards were running from one entrance of a corridor to another, officers shouting orders. The tailgate of the cargo shuttle was open with a nervous looking young officer in front of it. “What is going on” I asked. “There is an uprising. Some Jedi started fights with The Hssiss and the whole bunch joined in. Then when guards came to break them up, few Jedi drew lightsabers and turned on our men. I don't want to waste any more time in this sinkhole.” was his response. “What you waiting on?” I asked. “There is one container missing I need on this transport.” With a little smirk I pushed the lift-board in front of him saying: “I was ordered to bring this desh container on board Sir, please check your logs.” With great relief the young officer reacted. “Finally, that is the one. Now quick get it on board.” and he walked away towards a group of imperial dogs like him. Stupid clergies.

First part of the improvised escape worked. I was inside the cargo shuttle.

Carefully I looked around the abandoned ship and found a storage place where I put the container, junk and the board. Secured everything and looked around more. Just two seats for the crew, storage room and caged like cubes with seats, my guess for prisoners. As I sat down in the seat of a cage, two Imperial soldiers came onto the ship. The older looking one snapped at me “Who are you?”. It was clear they also where uneasy with the ongoing uproar situation in the prison. “Was ordered to report for duty on the ship, Sir. I am the new kitchen help, Sir.” With some grumbling noises they sat down and within a few tick we were flying out of the hangar. I was out, no joy or relief, just focus on what will come next.

Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Benduday 10-month 5 The flight from the planet surface into space was short. Just a few ships were in orbit and we landed on one of the smaller ships. Together with the crew I walked out, no one even noticing me. I never had seen a green skin imperial guard or worker, so I expected being the odd one standing out. It wasn't the case as everyone was busy preparing for departure, well guessing as I saw a timer on a terminal counting down. Out of the docking area I turned left and spoke to the first person I saw behind a terminal. “Where is the kitchen room?”. He briefly looked at me and got a ground plan on screen, pointing to a small area. He stood up and hastily walked away. For a brief moment I studied the plan, memorizing key paths and rooms. As the man returned I went in the direction of the kitchen. From the kitchen door opening I 15

saw a blubbery Twi'lek. Seen some fat guards, but never a heavy tailed heady. “Reporting for kitchen duty, Sir” was my entry line as I stepped through the door opening. Surprised he turned his head “Well sweet sookie, what do we have here. Who are you?” “I am just the new assigned help, Sir. My name is Sienn.” was my reply after quick thinking. The Twi'lek chuckled and I succeeded in clearing the little suspense of the situation. “Well, I am Tol Fenn. Now get to work, strap everything tight. We will depart soon.” Listening in to conversations now paid off. Sienn is a word in the Ryl language and used also for female names. It means something like maiden. Tol looked a bit over the moon with my arrival. An unexpected bonus so he could pay his attention elsewhere. “I'll be back to check everything in fifteen minutes” and off he went. The room wasn’t that different from the unit I spend a lot of time in, in the prison mines. Working fast and precise to get everything ready for departure as I didn't want to attract any attention to me. So I double checked everything to make sure. Caught off guard while I was strapping the last containers I heard a familiar voice shouting at my back “Are my roasted grubs ready?” My brains went into overdrive as I slowly turned around. A shriek outcry followed: “YOU”. It was Ykrop. Probably promoted as he had one red square added to his row of squares. Odd to notice in this one second of facing each other, but I was processing thousand of things through my mind while I saw Ykrop pulling his heavy blaster. Never I have spoken as fast as in that second and till today I never did. The ace of clover was my last card to play out: “I have Ekkaar's secret.” This answer made Ykrop not fire his readied blaster. Instead he glared straight into my eye as he reflected on the new situation.

A stand off in a kitchen of a spaceship between Ykrop and me. Who would have seen that coming. The sound of departure was followed by the start of the engines. I anticipated on this moment and saw Ykrop a little bit out of balance, adjusting his fat weight with a small side step. That was my cue and I leaped forward while getting an injector out of the medkit with my right hand. The left grabbed Ykrop's hand with the blaster, pointing it upwards.

Ykrop managed to trigger the blaster and a shot fired, but became silent as it blended with the sounds of the starting engines. It only took one jump to neutralize Ykrop as I forcefully poked the injector in his thick skinned neck.

Unbelief was written all over his face as he passed out. No time to loose and I dropped Ykrop in the freezer, snatched the bag of smelly grubs from the counter, throwing them also in and closed the door in the nick of time as Toll reentered the room. He checked everything closely and nodded. “Sir, a Noghri came by to collect the roasted grubs, Sir” I said as his inspection turned to the freezer. “Ok Sienn. All looks good. Now put your butt in the seat we will go into hyperdrive soon.”and Tol strapped himself into a seat in the next room. The alarm for hyperdrive travel filled the rooms.

16

Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Taungsday 13-month 6 During the hyper travel I tried to stay in the kitchen as much as I could.

Tol had some interest in a subject of the other gender as I deduced from observation, so I convinced him to let me handle the cook area. Only after he tasted my Red Gourd Soup he would let me be and rushed out to see his girly friend. Being the help also means to distribute the soup around the ship. With Ykrop in the fridge, unsupervised, I worked fast. Serving the soup I saw many soldiers, bit nervous, showing off with boasting gestures and such. Hearing phrases of their conversations made me conclude they were preparing for a battle in Bothan space. Not much later they were ordered to rest, sleep. The burned hand was hurting bad. Taking of the glove showed where the pain came from. Many blisters had formed. Some medic attention was needed, but I couldn’t risk going to the med droid. So I put my hand in the freezer to cool and ease the pain, staring at Ykrop. His skin wasn’t pale-grey anymore, but had shades of grey-blue. I used some health stim from my medkit to keep me awake. I closed my eye to relax, not see the reptile popsicle, but it abrupt ended with the surprise reentering of Tol. “We need to get the field rations rea....” A Twi'lek with an open mouth, a frozen Noghri and a Mirialan with his hand in the freezer, an opera scene. All of a sudden the ship started to tumble, I lost my balance and went flying through the kitchen. Explosions, flashes and alarms where the last things I perceived before passing out.

It was hard to breath. The air smelled bad, like burned Munch-Fungus Bread and with every breath my throat hurt. My back was drenched, wet from the soggy ground I lay on. My chest felt ice-cold, under pressure with a heavy load. My feet were caught in something and I started to untangle from the position I woke up in. The ship had crashed. The body and lekku of Tol were wrapped on and around my feet and Ykrop somehow landed on my chest. I could only crawl as the pain on my chest and back prevented me to stand up.

There were fires and hot melted metal pieces everywhere. The ground I crawled over was wet, covered with low shrubs and thorns. Every movement sucked me deeper into it. “There is a survivor, quick”. Some shades were approaching me and I felt some hands examining me, followed by a lot of fuss. “Get the med hoover over here. Make room, make room”. A Republican squad had found me and brought me to their HQ, where my wounds were treated. After I got out of coma the doctor told me I had heavy burns all over 17

my body, especially my right hand. Many ribs were broken resulting in flail chest condition. They had kept me in coma for almost three months so everything could heal well. He was sorry that he couldn’t help fixing my left eye replacing it with a cybernetic one, because the injury was too old. Then the interrogation started. A women in shades of brown robes leading the questionnaires, a Zabrak Jedi. Not telling everything I answered patiently. In all honesty I told I didn’t know my name, other then X and not know of my parents. Was a prisoner in mines on Korriban since I was a young boy and was brought as slave on this crashed imperial ship. Must have been few weeks into this examination as she again asked for my name and in one go bend over me and shoved my case under my nose. “Who are you and what is this?”. Out of nowhere a voice spoke: “Tuuworz Visz. His name is Tuuworz Visz.”

Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Zhellday 14-month 6 Fourteen tentacles I counted as I looked at the man in the door opening of the interrogation room. A Nautolan no doubt. Deep maroon dark eyes glared at me. His blue skin was covered with simple rags, a leather belt around his waist carrying two lasersabers . “You know him Master Oisse?”

“Yes padawan, he is the son of Tuuwor Visz, my former pilot. Its the spitting image of him. He was sold by the Hutt cartel that spacejacked our ship. I am so glad to see you, Tuuworz!” he joyfully shouted as he gave me a big hug.

Tuuwor's partner? Tuuwor had never told me about partners, only about his brother. Who was this man? I told this Jedi about the case, as it probably was from my parents. didn't know what the items are, only that the emblem is from a company named Aratech. The young padawan had her doubts, but had to let me go as Oisse vouched for me. “Qhinta, he will be my responsibility.”

Oisse took also the case. It was a long silent walk to the quarters of Oisse.

Once we sat down Oisse slightly tilted his head and his tentacles waved around his head. “Well, well, well. You escaped, lucky toad.”

18

Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Benduday 15-month 6 It was Oisse that kicked my butt into the next corridor on my arrival at the Korriban mines many years ago! That day in that room I got some answers. He started rambling about this Force, the Jedi order and that he was a sentinel. This council of him had send him to be imprisoned with the task to make sure a young Mirialan boy that would cross his paths, would be protected in this mining prison. All things I taught were a coincident, me being smart or lucky, were orchestrated by the Jedi and their Force. The brawl in the hangar, the malfunction of equipment that blew up so I could be kicked in my butt and not being registered. The Rule in the prison not touch the boy was enforced by the Ones, elder imprison Jedi to be specific. They also started the uproar so I could escape with the cost of many lives as I learned.

Oisse organized the Jedi in The Ones group and vanished after a month as he got new orders. He just came back on a supply run from Bothawui. A planet victorious over the surprise empire invasion attack. The ship I was on, was part of this assault fleet. Some gravity sink made the ship crash out of hyperdrive onto the planet surface of Quesh. On Quesh there are several imperials threatening the mining efforts of the Republic. The Force had made sure sending out a squad to found me before the imperials. He didn’t know my name, where I came from or who my parents where. He was guided by the Force and the Force would lead me to my answer. Yeah right. No chaos, is harmony there is the Force mumbo-yumbo. I don’t have this force, but I could see and sense he was not telling everything.

“Now about your legacy. I maybe can help you find answers” and he opened my case. Now you cannot see a Nautolan frown, but his head went a little backwards and I swear I saw him blink. “Well this is interesting” as he took out the amulet. “Its a Gorgodon tooth with some synth-crystals on it.

Mmmm, I don’t know what it means, but the Gorgodon is found on the planet Ilum. Synth-crystal looks of Hiridiu origin. Could also be from Ilum. This planet is on the edge with Unknown Region Space. Not many know of it.” The second object he took out to study was the runic cone. “That I cannot place anywhere. Never seen these signs or anything that resembles it. Might be worth to show it to a Xenoarchaelogist of a Jedi Academy. Ilum has one, if you plan to go there.” That last sentence was coming out a bit to quick toned.

Almost like he is pushing me to Ilum. “Well this last item, the emblem, is from Aratech company on Carida. Its their logo, but normally red shades. This is a black emblem with silver colored logo. Also strange is this row of five little stars at the bottom of it. My guess would be some kind of rank indication.”

After which he closed the case and returned it to me. Leads, no real answers, but I thanked Oisse for his words. We talked a bit more and I indicated the best place to learn more is Carida and Aratech company. Oisse agreed with 19

that and suggested to find a ship with cargo bound for Colonies or Core space. He would try find one and when he walked out the door, he turned and asked in a casual way: “There was no datadisc or datacron in the case?�

There it was! The thing he was after, what he was holding back. Of course I answered in all honesty there was never a datadisc or datacron in the case. I knew that he knew I was holding something back as he walked away. I sat down behind a terminal and pulled out Tuuwor's datadisc.

The data on the disc revealed lots of technical stuff, modifications, upgrades, weapon, schematics mostly for all type of droids. Especially battle droids. I worked some hours on understanding the data and searching for more info. One section on the disc was protected with an encryption code.

Took me a while to break the code. Little disappointed I only found one recipe about a special alloy for droids. Main components being desh, terenthium and maranium. Light and strong alloy with exact specifications how to bend, work with it. Smelling some opportunity here. The other file was again encrypted, but in an other way. I recognized some of it as I had seen it on the mainframes in the mines before. It wasn't hard to decode. To my surprise I found evidence of communication between the company of Tuuwor and the Empire. One of the names popping up was R.K. Ykrop! It looked like Tuuwor had betrayed his brother and was about to sell the secret recipe to the Empire. Everything was getting a bit complicated. Tuuwor had been recruited by the Empire. My brains connected all the dots. Tuuwor probably wanted to get more out off the deal and was put in time out, in the prison? As a Mirialan he played a 'double' role in fraternizing with me for Ykrop or whatever. What does the empire want with me, what was the role of Tuuwor or Ekkaar? Or 20

was it all to easy to decrypt, all a smokescreen? Then I accessed the galaxy map trying to find the coordinates Ekkaar gave me. The memorized codes had to be for something. An area on the planet Sakiya popped up. A planet in the center of Hutt space. I felt someone staring at my back from the door opening. A calm voice said: “So you do have a datadisc.” Oisse had returned.

Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Centaxday 22-month 6 Ord Mantell, what a place to be. Idiot politics, fights on every corner, but a heaven for my net income. Tension is building up here so my last run from Nar Shaddaa was especially profitable. Why am I still here?

Oisse had arranged passage to Centares from where we got on a ship to Chazwa along the Perlemian route. Then we would get on a small vessel that should bring us to Carida. Oisse hadn’t mentioned the disc since he saw me behind the terminal on Quesh. At this stage I could only guess what he had seen or what he wants from this disc. We were on an old freighter with medication supplies. The pilot was a grumpy old human, Bai Cliffer. We were not the only passengers. An odd twosome also were on this flight. A big fish head Rakata that introduced himself as a merchant named Chiurr. At his side a young adult Sakiyan bodyguard whom he presented as Naxo Val. The Sakiyan shiny purple bald head never moved, but his eyes looked all over the place. No one spoke during the flight and the bizarre silence was dreadful. A little nod from Chiurr set the fight in motion. Naxo shouted at Oisse “For my father” while pulling his two laser guns. Chiurr to my surprise was wielding two vibro handaxes as he charged toward Oisse. The Jedi already was on his feet waving his sabers in a protection pattern in front of him, ricocheting the blasts fired at him. One of them hit me in the left arm and I fell backwards on the floor, hitting my head. The left hand of the Sakiyan turned to me to finish me off. With blurry vision I saw Oisse step into the line of fire protecting me. This made his left side defense open and the Rakata maneuvered promptly to take advantage, heavily wounding Oisse in the chest with one of his axes. In the same motion Oisse managed to strike the young Sakiyan.

Naxo went down together with the hand and saber that killed him as Chiurr's ax cut it off Oisse. The Jedi fell on his knees and with his last saber in his left hand he blocked the big Rakata striking down with his axes for the final blow.

A showdown of strength as Chiurr bend over him and pushed the axes slowly down with his weight. Oisse's strength gradually poured out of his arms. The Jedi was facing and accepting his death. A loud gunshot sounded, Oisse arms went down and the big Rakata collapsed on top of him. I passed out.

As I came to my senses again I was sitting on the floor leaning into the wall while Bai was taking care of my left arm. Beside me lay Oisse breathing with slow short breaths. The chest bandaged, but deep red impregnated with 21

his blood. His right hand stump was seared up. I just looked at Bai and he started to shake his head. I have seen many die in the prison mines, but this time was somehow different. The last part of our short journey I spend listening to the phrases of the dieing Jedi. Putting them together made a few things clear. Njas Val was the father of Naxo and was killed during a fight by Oisse in a bar somewhere in Hutt Space. It was Naxo's duty to protect his family honor, being a big deal for Sakiyans and he just died trying. Njas and Ekkaar were partners in crime and on their last job had stolen a shipment from a low profile Imperial military transport. Not knowing that they also took a very important, highly valued package, essential for the Sith. Chiurr was assigned to protect and deliver this package. He probably never reported in, but rather decided to get it back as his only means of saving his life. Instead his life ended with a shot in the back from Bai's rifle. Oisse was ordered by his master, a member of the Council of Reassignment, to retrieve this package. It should never fall into the hands of the Sith at all cost. The reason for his quick departure from the prison mine on Korriban and his prior assignment to follow, keep an eye on me. Chiurr and Ykrop knew each other, not as old comrades as I taught, but R.K. Ykrop was his escaped slave.

Where R.K. stands for Rakata Kahr, meaning something like owned by Rakata. The stolen goods probably are hidden on Sakiya somewhere. Oisse had seen my search for the coordinates! He told me the name of the council member and asked me to report to her. The Force would guide and provide.

Then he grasped for air, a big smile formed on his face for his final words: “Sorry I cannot help you with your treasures, toad”. I sat next to a motionless Nautolan body, serene at peace. “Treasures, aye?” I heard before something knocked me out.

Everything was clean and blinking, there were no bodies. My hand and feet were chained. “Aaah, you woke up just in time. We are orbiting Carida.

Now tell me where to get this treasure, where do we land?. Don’t get smart with me . I can always deliver you for the murder of one or all three, haha...hahahahahaha.” Bai was very pleased with himself. I didn't know much about Carida. Only something a Caridan merchant prisoner told me about his second house at the Ressl River bank. “I don’t have much to go on. Its a place near water called Ressl or so.” “Hey, don’t try tricks on me you little stang. You better have more.

The Ressl River is the longest river on this stinking planet. Don’t krong this up.” “Well there must be an ice 22

hunter cabin near.” as I remembered this merchant telling me about an ice hunt. “Oh, ok. Then we land near the glacier where the Ressl originates.” Bai seems to know his stuff and he landed the ship on a very small plateau in between two mountain edges overlooking the glacier. No way to run, escape I concluded once we were outside. The cold was hitting me hard and I had trouble breathing, struggling to keep my conscious. “Now where do we go?” I had no idea so I needed to act a bit bold. “Its in a cave, the middle one of three. But that is the all I know. Honest, that is it.” I shouted. Bai went back inside the ship to return with a case. After opening he programmed some datapad mumbling “...hut...glacier...ice....three caves...” Out the box four little droid balls floated around. Bai send one in each cardinal direction. “Now we wait until the search droids report back in.” He waved his rifle in the direction of the ship, letting me know I needed to get back inside.

Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Benduday 25-month 6 It took more then half a day before the first droid came back in. Few hours later three of them were back in the case and none had found a match with criteria Bai programmed the search. I could here the last droid flying in and I prepared for things to come as Bai soon would call my bluff. Bai started to analyze the data. “Well, well. Looks like we found the three caves. Hehe, this can be a delightful prosperous freight trip after all.” I was baffled. Bai had found the spot south of the mountainside with three caves in an almost triangle pattern. He landed on a wide rim of it. The middle cave was the highest of the three entrances. It was a steep climb up to the middle cave, the cold wind adding to our ponderous endeavor. At least my feet weren’t chained anymore. Moving slowly we entered the cave. In the prospect of riches Bai closed the distance between us and was right at my back. An ultrasonic sound wave almost popped our ears and knocked us a little disorientated on our backs. From above I saw more then a dozen frenzy eyes dropping from the ceiling straight at us. Bai managed to get a shot off before we both rolled out of the way in opposite directions. All I saw next were a bunch of legs full of spikes and thorns ripping a deep wound in my left tie. In a reflex I succeeded to cut my hands free on the spikes and immediately rolled for cover. Never had I seen or heard of such a big monstrous spider. Meanwhile Bai was continuously firing his rifle. The beast focused on Bai tearing him to pieces in a few seconds. Then it turned his attention to me. Its body had a beautiful jade green color, almost transparent, but completely covered with sharp spikes and thorns. But more disturbing was this mouth filling set of razor blade teeth coming at me, accompanied by another screeching sonic sound and wave. It went all dark around me.

23

The frosty wind echoed from the cave walls. Two spikes where sticking out of my wound. The blood was frozen. Just two meters away fifteen eyes gazed at me, lifeless because a big stalactite had pierced trough the arachnids head. It probably came loose from the ceiling due to this sound wave. The Force again, nah just plain luck. I hopped past the pieces of flesh once being Bai and descended back to the ship. I searched the ship for the three bodies and found them in one of the cargo holds. Stripped them off all cloths and items, carried them one by one into the cave. Dropping them near the remains of Bai and the beast. Other spiders will come and feast on these bodies. Oisse was last. As I dropped his naked body I noticed a tattoo hidden under his armpit. They formed the letters SOG. Hacking into the pilot system was easy and I got the ship off the ground. It didn't took long to find a small spaceport along the Ressl river. I had landed in a small merchant town, Croszy Crest, on the river bank not far from the glacier. The soil was hard, permafrost and the wind felt dry on my cheeks. There were no trees as far as I could see, only scrubs and grass. As soon as I left the ship a welcome committee of two approached me. Tall, squarish faces with weird thick pointy eyebrows. The one dressed in luxury clothing started to speak: “Welcome to Croszy Crest. What brings you here? Oh lets first attend to your wound.”

“Maestro, its from a Hoarfrost Jami arachnid!” the second Caridan anxious added as he pointed to the spikes sticking out of my wound. “No worries, its dead” I added a bit relieved as they escorted me to the local health center.

I sold off the stuff I got from the bodies to pay my medical bill. The fancy dressed guy turned out to be the Maestro Merchant, sort of major of this city. He had a lot of interest for the vibro axes which earned me lots of credits, but to my surprise the Jami spikes were a winner. Naxo Val and Bai Cliffer are now local heroes of Croszy Crest for slaying this beast. Probably the story I told had something to do with that. During my stay I learned a lot about the repulsor company Aratech. Its main products being vehicles and vessels. Showing the emblem with the black logo didn't gave any information at first. None had seen it before. It was at a speeder repair facility I got some new facts from an Aratech engineer flown in to help repairs on the Maestro's landspeeder. The black color was used for a special engineer branch of the company that had worked on building and programming an infrastructure mainframe product. The emblem had to come from a leading engineer, indicated by the five stars. After that he went silent, clearly unwilling to tell more.

24

Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Primeday 31-month 6 I set course back to Hutt Space along the Perlemian route with my new identity Bai Cliffer. I was going to Sakiya, paying my respects to the Val family bringing the id tags and few personal stuff. My ticket in to see what Ekkaar has hidden there. Proud and sturdy they accepted the items of Naxo. I told them the story of the heroic Naxo that charted my ship to Carida. He was following a trail of a Nautolan killer which we found in a cave.

His Rakata bodyguard died quickly as this Nautolan hit him in the back. Naxo put up a great fight killing this murderer, but was wounded and could not walk very well. From out of nowhere this Jami arachnid started to attack us and hit me. Naxo told me to get out of here and sacrificed himself so I could get away. With his last breath he managed to get a salvo off, killing the big beast. Looking at my bandaged arm and tie they believed me. After a farewell to Naxo ceremony I finally had my hands free and hired a big speeder to get to the spot of the coordinates I had.

The Trast A-A3cc truckspeeder got me just to the edge of a dense jungle, slow but with enough cargo capacity for whatever I would find. The shirt stuck to my body from the sweat, it was hot. It took me hours to get to this place in the jungle, finding a big hole in the ground. I dropped a stone into the cave, counting until it hit bottom. It should be around twenty-one meters deep. Silly me as I didn't had any gear with me. So I went back to the A-A3cc to get the gear. I had to rest and the night was setting in. I looked around as I had this feeling being followed since I left Parrooque on the hired truckspeeder. I tied all the ropes and chains I got together, getting twenty meters. Little short and even shorter after securing it around a big tree near the cave. The cave was moist, slippery walls so I had to jump the last two meters down. I found a droid under some dirt and rubble, a R-X009 utility droid. It still had some juice in it, so I punched in one of the codes Ekkaar gave me. It didn't do much. The other code made it come alive and it started to project a holo-message. Ekkaar! “Congratulations for the lucky one finding it. Viewing this message means I am dead. The one I gave the coordinates 25

and code, be warned. It is more a burden then profit. Watch out for this bald bugger called Njas or his reptilian pet Ykrop. They hunt you to death. Please don’t forget my message for my son. You better start follow that droid to his assigned terminal. Cheespa bo coopa!.” The droid was moving up, slowly avoiding the sharp protrusions on the wall. Hasty I pushed some rocks together and stacked them. I jumped this improvised stairs and got the hold of the end of the rope. The climb out of the cave was hard and slow. I almost lost sight of the R-X009 when I came out of the cave. It was carefully plotting his route through the jungle north of me. My wounded leg prevented me to run fast, widening the gap between the droid and myself. Few times I even lost sight. The darkness of the night didn't help a lot either, but the light of the bright orange moon of Sakiya was just enough not to fall down. Stumbling onto a big lake in the middle of this jungle I couldn’t see the droid anywhere.

Then I got a glance of some bubbles in the water, so I dived in. I had a quick look, seeing the droid decent to some black mass on the bottom and swum back to the surface. This water was weird as it pressed on my chest, forcing the air out of the lungs. On the surface I grasped for air, a stench rotten Jubba eggs was my treat, but no oxygen filled my lungs, I started to suffocated “Hold on” and two hands grabbed me.

There was a small campfire warming me as I sat on the shore of the lake. Beside me stood a naked Nautolan, hanging our cloths out to dry on some branches. As he raised his arm to drop another piece on it, I saw a small tattoo under his armpit, SOG. The glittering reflection of the water enchanted his yellow blue skin. He didn't look like Oisse at all. “So you just dived into this toxic lake. What were you thinking?” He sat down next to me at the campfire and wrapped a blanket around him. I just looked at him, slowly lifted his arm revealing the tattoo. “Thank your for saving your life in general is a civilized response, instead of putting your nose under my armpit.” he smiled. I didn't respond and the Nautolan started to fill the silence. His name was Hoit Att, a young bioarchaeology professor. He was part of a Nautolan Brotherhood called Sons Of Gynt. Banded together by their vow to rehabilitate Eison Gynt's name, searching for the truth on what happened on Yavin 4 and presenting history with the right Hero instead of Ovair. Oisse had send him a hologram to wait for him on Sakiya where he would meet him and a Mirialan. Only one Mirialan arrived so he started to follow me and in the end saving me. He had heard the heroic story of Naxo and concluded Oisse was dead. I told him the true story, but had no clue what Oisse wanted to share with him. It was followed by a long nothingness. Then he stood up and put out his right hand. He pushed his palm on mine and two fingers up my underarm, I did the same. We completed the secret handshake and looked into each others eyes. For half a minute we stood their on the edge between the jungle and lake. “Lets get after that droid” Hoit said and handed me a breathing 26

helmet. He didn't needed one and stepped into the lake, merging his naked body with the glimmering of the orange moon surface of the lake. I followed right behind him. We found a ship. The R-X009 already was cleaning the interior of the ship as we entered the bridge. The second code I got from Ekkaar unlocked the ships mainframe. I got another ship, a nice fast freighter.

Hoit's pilot skills got us moving. Picking up the A-A3cc and a small speeder then flying back to Parrooque. I sold Bai's ship and used the credits to get the hull scrubbed and cleaned. I also got a load of junk droids cheap. I wanted to give Hoit the two sabers from Oisse, but he would not accept them. He wanted me to bring them to the council member Oisse worked for. It would serve well as an introduction.

Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Zhellday 34-month 6 For about two years I was running errands, trading and doing missions mostly in the shadows of Hutt Space. We setup a base on Huloon, a nature preserve planet where Hoit spend lot of time searching bones and fossils.

Smuggling those out of Huloon earned me a nice sum. Junk was my favorite resource as many just don’t know what they throw away.

Nussa the Hutt was the Keeper of the preserve planet. He wasn’t as big and fat as most of these Hutt leaders, but his pinkpurple skin tones made him stand out.. His influence, power on things was small, he was eager to grow and I delivered. His mission focused on information, diplomacy and riches. He had the talent for this politic and crime game, a new star was rising. I became his major covert-ally, sort of trusted inner circle man for shady 'expeditions'. The downside of this was the babysitting job for its Huttlets, Zovva and Zuvva. He needed to have his pouch clear of them when involved in certain transactions. I also made sure that Nussa and Hoit never found out of my secret hideout I established on Boz Pity, where I stashed my stock and other secret stuff. I needed this place to be on my own sometimes, time for myself. During these Hutt space years I spend time learning more about droids, engineering, crafting ores and specialized in cybertechnics.

From slicing and scavenging rewards I made functional droids and stuff which I used for maintenance, engine improvements, but eventually selling most of them. I build craft & repair stations on the ship and started to make the alloy of this secret recipe. Tuuwor's datadisc served me well. Once formed the alloy was pure white of color. Easy to paint with no quality loss. Cutting and bending it in shape on the other hand took ages. I deliberately produced it in low quantity. It keeps the price up, but also not raises many questions when 27

there is too much of it around. Battle and Enforcer droid types outfitted with it had a crazy protective advantage. The droids were usually the last standing.

So all in all it felt right to call the new alloy Ekkr. It had opened the door to Nussa. Ekkr only for special occasions that occurred to benefit my position and besides, my business was running well so there was no real need to mass produce. R-X009 was still on board doing his cleaning job. I intended to give it to Ekkaar's son, Bowdaar, if I found him. Not that I was looking for him at the moment. The ship was a good freighter with great cargo capacity.

Everyday surprises popped up as I found datadiscs or luxury items in hidden compartments. We hadn’t found the stolen shipment sadly. Hoit then decided he had done enough on Huloon and went to research and analyze his findings back home at the Academy of Archeology on Coruscant. Home, how pleasant that word is. I still wanted to know more about who I was, but for now I needed to survive and concentrate on getting funds. Golden years.

Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Taungsday 8-month 7 Nussa had a weak spot. Gambling on pit fights. He had his own small, steady expanding stable of gladiators and slaves for these fights. They went under the name NussaNussas and fought in different arenas. After a while the best would be sent to Geonisis or Rattatak for the big credits. I made it a habit to study everything that went on inside the arena, but even more out and around these fights. Nussa obviously manipulated some fights. First I taught only for his benefit, but the risk of detection didn't fit his profile. He avoided the more powerful, stronger crimelords. A bit stupid and one thing I know, Nussa is far from that. He is one of the smartest Hutt I met. Then I got it. He used the fights and gambles as a covert system to pay or collect debts. So no one would loose face in public or pay too much taxes. Off course I placed sure bets as well, but kept them small, keeping low profile as I didn't wanted to get noticed. Several identities I had purchased since Hoit had left. Rop Yk was the name I used these days. Every time I read, spoke or heard that name it made me chuckle. The image of a frozen Noghri would pop up in my mind.

Nussa had asked me to help prepare a young promising Weequay that fled his home planet after killing two Houk in a fight. A dispute over whom had the leading way to cross a rope-bridge over a canyon. His first fight would be in an arena on Phindar, about hundred and fifty kilometers north of Laressa.

Well hidden deep in the rainforest. The heat and moist air adding to the spectacle of the fights. They even opened the roof of the complex when tropical storms ravaged over, turning the scene and fights into a mud pool of death. The Syndicat organized these fights, as they ruled this planet. They were also a major business partner of Nussa, especially in old odd technology. As a Hutt or maintaining reputation, Nussa wouldn't trade nor deal directly with The Republic aligned planets, businesses and such. So he used 28

this Syndicat as sort of 'liaison' for this region. Very profitable for both. The Weequay didn't had a name yet, so I enlisted him as Crispor-Uk, meaning something like Houk toaster. In the gladiator catacombs under the arena I made sure Uk's armor was strapped in tight. I had seen his opponent fight before. So I told Crispor that when he goes in for the trust strike, he always bends his light knee a bit, puts his toes firm in the sand. Then there is one second open window to hit his chest when he starts to move forward. Lastly I checked Uk's melee weapons. His favorite weapon was a trident. I had cut two thirds off the pole so it became a one handed weapon. Now he could wield two of them at once in the arena fights. I designed a device on it that would generate electric charges to shock the opponent. It also gives some nice sky-blue effect, good for the show. There was a power switch inside the handle to activate, set or adjust the amount of power of the charge. On his belt he had tr-balls to trip the opponent. These little droid balls once thrown opened up and four cables with tripod hooks attached popped out. Very efficient when thrown at an opponent feet. As I checked the tr-balls I heard a strange feminine voice behind me: ”There is no honor in killing helpless foes, so make it look good”.

Stock-still, paralyzed I stood there imitating a statue of a foggy Mirialan.

Silently I looked in the direction of this voice. An elderly Mandalorian was hitting and pepping up a younger one. “Now go out there and make me proud son”. I found my parents killer whom also had safe my live. After the fights I brought Crispor-Uk to our medics. He won his fight swift and only had some minor injuries. With some free time on my hands, I searched for that Taung merc. Spotted him when he collected the winnings from his son's fight. I decided to follow them. Lost them near the docking yard and went back to my ship. My plan was to hack into the Gladiator Arena datanet to find out some names belonging to these Taung. I went straight to the bridge. A cable wrapped around me, sucking the air out of me. Déja vu. “Why were you following me?” and he signaled his son to take position behind the chair they tied me up in. “You killed those who were dear to me.” “Hehehe, you have to be more specific, as no one survives my orchestrated meetings.” “Well there is your flaw. I am the one that got away.” He walked around me, a little absent. “Aaah. The boy from the closet on Ilum. Remarkable indeed. So you here to kill me?” “No. I work for Nussa the Hutt. I just stumbled on to you, but yes I want to kill you now. Only I need answers first before you find your end.”

“Hahahaha, remarkable. Remarkable. But I am not in the business of answers” “Come on dad, finish him. You taught me never to play with your victims.” and the young Mandalorian aimed his gun at me. “Hehehe, wait Vorda. Wait. Since you have survived till now, you deserve the right to ask 29

three questions before you die.” “But dad...” with one kick in the butt he silenced the young Taung. “What is my name?” was my first question.

“Whooohahaha. You don’t know your name? Hahaha, you don’t know who you are! Well you will die without a name then as I don’t know yours. The contract was to aid the imperial agent in killing some Jedi on Ilum. She died by the way as her Sith Lord used his saber to behead her when she reporting back in after failing to deliver whatever she was send out to get. You will soon join her.” “Do you know the names of my parents that you killed?” “Ai, ai. Lets see. They were both Jedi. Your fathers name was Ilan Breeg and your mother I believe was a Miraluka. Think her name was F'Esec. Mmmmm. Were you adopted?” “I don’t know. Now for my last question. I want to know why did you safe me?” “Hehehe, well....”

Before he could finish his answer again a familiar voice screeched loud: “Yes JumYol, why did you let him live?” Ykrop again. This unfrozen reptile is becoming an irritating weed. He entered the bridge with a readied heavy blaster rifle, right behind him a dude in dark black robes with a hood over his head! The big Taung stepped back with a nervous looking face and placed himself before his son.

Something was wrong with the R-X009 droid as it started to bleep crazy and cleaning in a frenzy way.

“Take them away Ykrop. I will interrogate this pathetic greeny” he said while he slowly dropped his hood. The Zabrak face I had met before in the hangar on Korriban, but now it was red! The inquisitor’s breath still smelled awfully as he bend over me till our noses touched again. Ykrop led the Mandalorians towards the exit of the cockpit, but it was blocked by the frenzy R-X009. The Noghri kicked the droid out of his way and pushed the younger Taung down the stairs into the corridor. JumYol wanted to step in, but Ykrop already poked the rifle in the back of him, forcing him tumbling down. Ykrop went trough and stood still on the second step. As soon as Ykrop said “Move, you …” a big explosion resulting in blowing the heavily secured chair a few meters backwards. I wasn't hurt so I escaped from my now loose chains and ordered the ships pilot droid to get us into orbit fast. I plotted a course to bring the ship around in the shadow of a observation satellite. The explosion had alerted some locals and an incoming message inquiring what had happened, needed to be answered. I explained there was a malfunctioning droid that exploded near some toxic cargo. For safety reason I went into orbit to investigate the cargo. It all looked good and asked them to inform the patron of NussaNussas troupe that I was in orbit. That was enough to get the local authorities off my back. Dropping the name Nussa does wonders.

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Entry atc7-OrdMantell-Taungsday 13-month 7 The separatists are gaining ground. There aren't many free ports open.

Too many are dieing these days. What am I still doing on this planet?

The Zabrak was unconscious and I put him in a specially altered area that I had rebuild as a holding cell. Ykrop was finally dead, completely torn to pieces shattered all over the stairs and corridor. The Mandalorians were also dead. They died from numerous scrap metals and splinters that pierced through their heavy armor. Looked like R-X009 had attached itself onto Ykrop and exploded. Pieces of it flying around killing all around. I wondered if Ekkaar had foreseen things and programmed R-X009 to react on the voice of Ykrop. How did Ekkaar and Ykrop knew each other, what was there relation?

The bodies and whatever was left of Ykrop and R-X009 I put in garbage cases which I then put in one of the escape pod. The escape pod will be dropped somewhere, sometime in dark empty space. There were no hull breaches as far as I could see, but I put my last utility droid on maintenance and cleaning duty in the corridor. The stairs to the cockpit were loose and some steps destroyed by the blast. On closer inspection I found a massive armored cargo case under it. Another concealed surprise. It had Sith markings on it. It was now seven, eight years since Hoit has left now I had found the stolen goods. The last years were prosperous for me. I had enough credits, build up a reputation and had some status, influence along the side of Nussa the Hutt. Now my past had caught up feeding the urge again to find out the truth about me. This Zabrak inquisitor was maybe key figure in ‌ Yes in what?

At first the authorities didn't gave me permission to land again on Phindar, but once again the name Nussa came through. Bit tricky with dead bodies and a Sith captive, but the equipment of NussaNussas needed to be picked up. The group already had left with the patron and his vessel. My freighter was off course very suited as cargo mule. To my surprise Crispor-Uk had volunteered to stay behind, watch over the armor, weapons and other stuff. He put all the containers on board. As he was finished he sat down, fizzling with his hair and made a second braid. I hate empty cargo holds and there was enough room to fill it with a few special technology boxes for Nussa and a lot of exotic food crates. Never journey with bare cargo bays, no profits in that. There was heavy communications going on as we went into orbit, but I had no time to listen in. The exotic food crates would sell well on Coruscant, so I gave the pilot droid an order to go there using the Hydian Way. A little detour before returning to Huloon and I planned to visit my friend Hoit. Maybe he had an idea what I could do with this prisoner I had. This Zabrak just sat there in his cell, silent not answering any of my questions. I knew I couldn’t crack this nut. Uk was very quiet and I think he could smell the presence of 31

the inquisitor. As soon as we reached Botajef space the ComCenter tracker went bananas. All kinds of messages, maydays and threats filled the bridge. A big Mandalore cruiser came into view and aimed at my ship escorted with a communication to get the hell out of here. I did.

Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Centaxday 22-month 7 The Mandalore clans had set up a blockade of the Hydian Way. It brought chaos to the galactic economy, bad business for all. The little trust there was between pirates, smugglers and privateers dealings was gone also.

Small trade deals in Hutt space and the outer rim kept me going as did the few rare runs for Nussa. I was happy with that for now as I had this problem still in the holding cell on board. Crispor-Uk served me as a bodyguard, enforcer and guard of the Sith, in between his arena appearances. I coached him as well as I could with 'inside' information and got him the best gear I could get my hands on. Loyal guy that didn't say much. The case I found under the broken stairs contained an oval, bit rectangular shaped droid of some sort. Like the Sith I couldn't get it to talk or activate in any way.

Betraying, deceiving and double crossing was endemic in the months that followed. In the dark corners of shady eating houses and bars something else was going on. At first I kept my distance from those tables, but rumors reached me of a female Mirialan that was planning a prosperous operation. A chance to get to Coruscant. So I mingled with them more, becoming a familiar face. After some weeks I heard of a big meeting in a small tavern called Patogga Rocka Rocka on Nal Yeshu. They serve a good spicy Jerba cheese pie, so I had a nice shipment of this cheese with me, for a good price, as I went to Nal Yeshu.

It got me trough the front door and the kitchen of the tavern. I was refused access to the meeting room. Just before Crispor-Uk started a brawl over this a Nautolan whispered something to the three bouncers. The bouncers stepped aside and let me pass. The Nautolan just nodded to me and walked away into a smaller room in the back. I had never met him before. I sat down at a table near the wall and moved the chair so I was in the shadow of a near pillar. Uk stood next of the pillar, ready to protect me. From the small room just behind the stage the Nautolan entered the room accompanied by a female. She was a Mirialan with yellow toned 32

skin, beautiful black hair with red highlights. There was something about her, a feeling that I somehow seen her before. As she spotted Uk her face got a bit enraged, but as she took the stage it had this gloom of strength, leadership over it. She talked about a plan, risks and opportunity of wealth for everyone. Well for those with enough courage as her bold plan was to break the Mandalore blockade. Her speech inspired the audience as she received cheers and applause. Probably half of them anticipating on the riches to earn and the other dumb half only because they had their tongue hanging out to the tip of their shoes. She told us that now is the time to act and told us to load our freighters full with goods and await her orders within a week. I asked the bewildered jumping Gotal in front of me who this girl was. “Hylo Visz. It's Hylo Visz our leader.”

The meeting made me think as we walked back to my ship. It probably wont work, but in the mayhem there could be an opening to slip through the blockade and get to Coruscant. As we were near the ship the Nautolan approached from the shadow. Uk already had his ridge tridents drawn and ready. “I am Rikur-Marr” and quickly put his palm into mine and placed two fingers on my underarm. Swift handshake. “Its alright Uk” “I sense some presence within your ship, captain. Some dark existence” “Well then we must see what we can find” and we went into the ship. I wondered what these Nautolans wanted from me. But Rikur wasn't here on SOG business. He was working for a Jedi of the Academy, a Scholar of some sort and not on orders of the High Council. He made sure I see the difference and comprehend what he was telling. Why feeding me this sensitive information? He was a Jedi they called Shadow. He was send, as others, to investigate Mirialan that stood out of the normal crowed, had some special competences and qualities. He was aiding Hylo Visz and reporting about her. As soon as I landed on Nal Yeshu he felt this crepuscular presence within the Force, a Sith. He had heard of me through his 'connections'. Together with this Sith being around me he concluded I maybe the one Mirialan this Scholar is searching for. This weaving web is now sticking onto me and I am not very happy with it. I agreed to be part of this insane blockade breaking fleet. As we prepared for it the next week I let Rikur interrogate my prisoner, maybe he could get some info from him. Rikur didn't know I had recording devices hidden in the cage., at least I think so. My task was to get the ship full off supplies and filled every empty space, hidden compartments on the ship with basic medical supplies and food like milk, eggs, flower and beer as suggested by Rikur. Not the most profitable items, but it was more of an emergency thing. Then came the encrypted holomessage from Hylo. Orders to go to a certain position at a certain day and time, parking our freighter as easy prey a parsec away from the Mandalorian cruisers. Rikur left to get onto Hylo's ship, aid her or spy on her, I didn't care. I had bought a small scout vessel for Crispor-Uk. I send him 33

with the stolen container, my legacy case and some other important goods to my hiding place on Boz Pity. I told him to wait there for me and protect the items I entrusted him with. Even if it would take years before I contacted him.

Then I went to the designated coordinates.

Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Zhellday 14-month 8 Coruscant, a whole planet where you cannot breath. All buildings, vessels and metal as far as I could see. An ecumenopolis. It was a close call, but thanks to the 'rescue' of this Republic, the Hydian Way was clear again.

We were treated as heroes and many ceremonies and parties were our reward. Together with lots of credits off course for the much needed supplies.

I took more a back place, didn't participate in these festivals and celebrations.

Rikur-Marr had some duties and ceremony to attend concerning this Hylo Visz. I had sold most of my supplies to this big dude, a Hergli named Oio Mu. He had a black hairless smooth skin with orange lining alongside of his body.

These orange lines also were along his cheeks from his little beaked mouth upwards. He looked imposing, but somehow with beauty and grace. His trading skills were harsh and always on the money. I liked this guy. He was a proprietor of the hotel and club Breezing Nights. Nice entertainment and good place to stay for a few days until Rikur was done.

Oio was just passing through and wouldn’t stay long. Now the Hydian Way was open again he needed to attend to his galactic wide businesses. He had a small empire in the hospitality branch and even more in gambling enterprises. Looks like a good dude to open up new trade possibilities on a larger scale. So I decided to invest in him, talking, gaining information. First step was giving him a repaired small security droid for a ridiculous cheap price. Probably taught I was an umron, hehe. I designed it myself and made it look like the toxic fire newt from his home planet Gijo. The droids main weapon was a neutralizing toxic spray, not killing so you still can question the victim. It was off course armored with Ekkr alloy, painted orange with black linings. Oio was pleased and called his new pet Umrono. Oio Mu was in need of a ship as all vessels currently were assigned on supply duties. One night we were playing dejarik. Deep into the night after the stakes went up, we played our final game. I proposed to put my ship against The Breezing Nights. He accepted with a loud laughter. I think he liked me. The second step of the investment as I made sure I lost this last match. Rikur contacted me. The meeting with his master was setup. First the Siths now the Jedi wanted me or something.

34

The meeting was in a backroom of the Academy's Library. A women, a head smaller then me entered the room. Deep wrinkled face, she must be very old. She was wearing a long green-hued robe with sun toned sashes across both shoulders. Different from other Jedi I had met. Rikur gracefully assisted her to her seat, “Master”. “Thank you Rikur. And thank you …. yes how may we call you?” and her attention slipped towards me.”X, will do fine for now, ma’am” She nodded. I pulled out the two lightsabers once belonging to Oisse. Without words and a small bow I handed them over in the hands of the old lady. Gently and delicate she received the sabers and said “He was a loyal friend.” followed by few minutes of silence. “Where do I start. Let me introduce myself. I am Jaon Zengida, member of the Council of Knowledge. I am a historian researching and analyzing the past paths of the Jedi. Rikur has informed me about your journey and the pieces of information he got out of this young Sith lord Trior Maz. Interesting that you manged to captured him. Let me first tell you about your parents” I hadn't moved a muscle until now, my right eye started to twitch a bit. “Your mother is a Master Jedi and goes by the name Kaya Mientu. She was a promising Counselor send on a diplomatic liaison mission to the Academy of Carida. She studied at this military institute and was the dean for other young Jedi learning there. She met a young engineer, Arjan Zengida, who worked on a secret project of a planning system. Yes, a grandson of my brother. You see, its not advised, more like forbidden in the order to give in to these feelings of love. It results in this misty touch with the Force. I did tell them its not accepted among Jedi and to end the relation when the time is there. I don’t believe in enforcing rules as I follow the path of gaining insight, learn from it. Life needs to be lived and every Jedi takes the path of choices. Sometimes we need a time out and step aside for a brief moment, breathing and learning the true Force within 35

ones mind and body. It went on to long sadly. Two years, then she vanished unannounced for several months. She came back with three babies. A daughter and two sons were borne. Yes you are one of the triplets, X. After this news reached the High council, Kaya went back here to the temple.

While Arjan and the kids disappeared. Kaya's padawan must have had a hand in aiding them. Kaya refused to answer questions in the matter and The Council of Reassignment assigned her to the service core. First in archiving, but within a year, trust in her grew back and she became a member of the exploration corps. She volunteered to build up a small academy branch on Ilum. The love for a child can outweigh the love of the Force. She was absent for long times. In relative isolation, no one really pays attention to archeologists. We later learned, she had managed to bring Arjan and the three children to Ilum.”

“Kaya's padawan, Vole, was 'found' few months after Kaya was reassigned. She also was brought to the Council of Reassignment. She had a very loyal attitude towards your mother and also refused to answer questions.

The Council suspended her Jedi training, freeze it for a unknown period to let emotions sink. Instead of further training, Vole had to prove to herself and to the Force that she still was on her path of a Jedi. You need to know that she is very beautiful, attractive to many. She is from the planet Zeltros. Her bloodred skin together with her sparkling dark indigo hair are weapons of an amorous kind. Those she knew how to use. Vole was given the task of overseeing an agricultural project on Telos IV. The disappointment, the feeling of demarcation and her pride fed the dark side of the Force instead. From reports and investigations we know her behavior became more isolated and secretive. We now know that during a plowing and fertilization operations something was found. Vole went missing after a few days. We could trace her back to Nar Shaddaa were we know of a meeting between her and Trior Maz, your prisoner. Also your mother Kaya was there.” I was dazed. I stood up and walked around a bit. I am one of three. My real mother is a Jedi dealing with a Sith lord and all these bastards want me dead. What to think of all this and what to do? Where is everyone, where is my family? I splashed a full bottle of precious water over my face and sat down in a chair closer to the Old Jedi.

“Please. Go on ma'am.” “At that meeting something was negotiated. We believe whatever Vole found was sold to the Empire. Right after your mother and Vole left, a Rakata named Chiurr and his Noghri slave entered the room followed by Njas Val and Tuuwor Visz. There was a small argument and as the others left, the Noghri stayed behind with the Sith Lord. Maz had a new helper, bodyguard or whatever now. Chiurr and Njas went on a ship to Korriban, but our sources couldn't say if they indeed went there. At that time we lost track of them. Some years later we saw Tuuwor Visz on Ord Mantell.

We saw him stealing, spying at a small insignificant speeder engineering 36

dependance of Aratech. We also have reasons to believe he had some dealings with the separatist movement on Ord Mantell. He was selling weapons. After the suspicious death of the director of this Aratech factory, Tuuwor left the planet to Korriban. This director was a Mirialan. It was your father, X. He lived under a false identity with his son. Whom we believe is your brother. He is enlisted in the Republic Army as a trooper.” My father was dead. Another blow to my stomach and it didn't hurt. I don’t know what to make of all this. I now know where my brother is. Why was he with father and I on Ilum? What should I do? I just didn't know and walked out of the room.

Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Primeday 26 – Month 8 I don’t know why I had killed these separatists. Doing tasks to please my brother? All they want is to rule themselves. Lost a bit the touch and interest in business. Better not stay that long on Ord Mantell.

The next day I went back to talk with Jaon Zengida in the Jedi Temple. This time we met in a little room full with artifacts. There was no sign of Rikur-Marr. Jaon continued the story, the story of my life. As I told her my tale a lot came together and made things clear. I assume this stolen package containing a strange droid must have been found on Telos by Vole. She took it to my mother whom must have recognized it. Or maybe my father. They saw some opportunity to have another life away from the Jedi and Republic and found a buyer. Tuuwor must have been the contact into Hutt space and the Empire. This young Sith lord Trior Maz saw it also an opportunity to rise in power and prestige. He bought this droid and ordered Chiurr and Njas to deliver the package, low profile back home. Njas must also have seen some kind of opportunity as he raided the ship with the help of Ekkaar. Njas and Ekkaar had probably some disagreement about price, buyers or the split of the upcoming profits. Ekkaar hid the ship with stolen goods and killed Njas. Waiting till the heat was over.

But Ekkaar was caught for the murder of Njas and send to the prison mines on Korriban. Ykrop also saw an opportunity at that meeting and somehow got on the good side of Maz. Starting to serve him, free of Chiurr. After the 37

shipment went 'missing', Maz had to act covertly and send Noghri to the mines to get Ekkaar talking. Probably felt betrayed by my mother or he didn’t want loose ends. So he send this agent and Bounty Hunter JumYol to Ilum.

They killed my foster parents whom my mother had asked to watch over me.

Tuuwor was send to watch over the Imperial Agent's task and saw me survive. He followed me into the prison mines to see if mother would rescue her son. My father had fled with my brother to Ord Mantell, I was left on Ilum.

So we concluded my mother had fled with my sister and probably Vole. Living at the same hideout place where she gave birth to us triplets, I suggested.

“That is indeed a good possibility X. Now we need to find out where she is as her life and that of your sister is in great danger. I was told you have some items that are dear to you. Maybe they can tell us more. May I see them?” “I am sorry, but I don't have them with me, ma'am. They are stored at a safe place.” I described the items briefly and we concluded the emblem was the connection with my father. The amulet is the lead to Ilum. The last item the runic cone sounded mysterious to Jaon. She had to see it before able to conclude or say something about it. I never mentioned I had the stolen package. If the Empire never should have their hands on it why should the Jedi or the Republic? Perhaps it was also my lead to mother somehow. My plan was to go to Ilum first, investigating more of my past. But I needed a ship. For now I went to visit Hoit.

Hoit had published his research about the Biota history of Huloon. It was well received by fellow colleagues. He was rewarded a honorary degree by the University of Coruscant. Downside of it was that he became sort of persona non grata in Hutt space, therefore he couldn't visit me. His reputation at the University had risen and more funds were available for his research and theories. Hoit was searching for the origin of species in the Galaxy. He wanted to find and prove that all species originated from one ancient organism, probably from the deep core. Not the Force being the origin and deceive factor in life as others believe. We had some great time together the next weeks. Hoit was happy, smiling and singing a lot. I met friends, colleagues and even family of him. He lived in a fine-looking apartment near the University. It was nice and comfortably decorated. I aided a little when he worked in the Skydome Botanical Gardens, building a Huloon flora niche. Its a pleasant place to be, meditate and think things over. As I saw Hoit busy rearranging some scrubs, whistling and smiling, I understood the concept of friend and having a home. It struck me that my life still was empty and my heart full of rage so there wasn't room for something else. I needed to get my past out of my system to move forward. I stood up and walked to Hoit, looked into his eyes and shook is hand. For minutes we stood there and we knew I had to go, find myself.

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Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Taungsday 23-month 9 Without a ship you don’t get very far far away in this galaxy. With my new wealth I could afford my own new ship. Customized to my wishes. I wanted the best of the best for all aspects from engine till hull. I had hired a small freighter to run supplies from the outer rim to colonies and core worlds to keep credits flow going. Ilum was off limits for now so fresh after the Mandalorian actions and the Empire threats.

So my first stop after the talks with Jaon Zengida was to my hideout on Boz Pity.

Crispor-Uk had waited all this time, alone in the caves that formed my little den. He had worked on his fighting skills, looked more confident and grown up. I loaded the ship with as much as it could carry, cause I had this feeling I wont be back here for a long time. Nussa was a little mad when I returned. He was close to putting a bounty on my head for kidnapping his most promising gladiator. He hadn't done this yet because the Weequay wasn't seen in any fight pit. The not outspoken reason was probably that his twin huttlets prevented him from killing me. I explained I had some troubles with my ship, explosion and such.

Ship was lost and couldn't get back to him sooner because of this blockade.

But we made the best of it and trained, so Crispor-Uk is even better then before. I also had a special gift for him as compensation. A new state of the art repulsorlift divan bedding box with a small bar, completed with hidden dart launchers for those coming to close. Nussa was pleased. As we went out of the 'throne' room, I gave Uk an access card to a credit account filled with more then enough to buy himself free from Nussa whenever he wanted. Uk wasn’t a man of many words. He just blinked twice and went off to the gladiators training center. After a few days Nussa wanted to meet with me in private. Things between him and the Syndicat weren't as smooth and profitable as it used to be. It had something to do with a big misunderstanding of a spice shipment. The war between Empire and Republic was also a 'problem', but could be used for profitable operations as well. He had opened up some hush-hush communications with The Republic about trading prospect. Next few years I found myself operating a concealed 'diplomacy shuttle' service between Alderaan and Huloon. Nussa had talks with republic 'biota diplomats' about the Huloon preservation. But in reality they talked about trades and anti Empire information gathering. My pay was very lucrative from both parties.

39

One day a representative needed to get back to Alderaan asap. It would be very lucrative for me to get him unnoticed on a certain place on Alderaan.

As I was heading back to that part of the galaxy I agreed. This guest I never had transported before. I had seen and met many peeps, but this man was different. Dim silver short furred skin with distinguished golden striping over the top of his head. His prominent ivory snout leaps out to you with an oval flattened black end. His body odor was exquisite, like a morning bloom covered forest. His benevolent posture and kind calm voice made you feel at ease instantly. His garments added to this eminent appearance. He was wearing a deep violet robe like wrappings, decorated with all kinds of luxury frills, some medals and sun toned sashes across both shoulders. Same kind I had seen before on Jaon Zengida. “My name is Leriss Yi'ic. I am much obliged that you free up some time to take me back to Alderaan. I will be no burden to thee Captain” and the Camaasi sat down in the assigned seat.

“About my fee sir Yi'ic.” I started my spontaneous plan. “Yes Captain? Its is my understanding you will be given a substantial compensation on arrival.”

“You see, sir. That is bit of a problem. Credits at this point are abundantly present. I have need of a different kind of reimbursement for my time and risk involved.” “And what kind of payoff would you suggest is suited for your service, not yet provided?” “Yes. Would you consider payment in the form of a passage to the planet Ilum, sir?” His eyes narrowed a bit while he was thinking over my suggestion, then he stared at me for a few minutes. Neither of us moved. “I must point out to you that I am not authorized to grant you passage to Ilum. The offer I can make is my gratitude and the promise to make a strenuous effort in realizing your request.” “Thank you sir.” that was good for me as I somehow had fate in this diplomat, but then again he is a Jedi. “It is ma' am, Captain” I heard as we lift off.

40

Lot of traffic was going on around and on Alderaan. It took a while before we got clearance to land on Aldera spaceport. Leriss Yi'ic had asked me to escort him to his final destination. We went into a white-skyblue big mansion. Home of senator Xion Sorrentor. Center piece of the great entry hall was a statue of a brown-green stuffed manka cat leaping at you with an open mouth, showing his fierce sharp teeth. It was as far as I got in the house and waited in the hall on the return of Lerris. It took hours before the Camaasi returned. “Captain. I must apologize. There are matters at hand that I need to attend to. One war looks to come to an end, but I fear another is emerging.

Please, excuse me and feel free to go explore the razzle Aldera has to offer. I will tend to our agreement and let thee know in a few days. ”and she left with a graceful bow. I was led outside by some guards. The following days I learned The Empire and Sith had landed on Alderaan to negotiate peace talks with the Republic. There also was a devastating attack on Coruscant leaving the planet in sort of hostage situation. Strangely my first taught was if Hoit had survived. The University I contacted, did let me know Hoit had left for Glee Anselm before the attack took place. Was I relieved? It felt good anyway.

Then on the fifth day of my stay in Aldera, celebrations took place almost everywhere in the streets. The treaty of Coruscant was signed. All around joy because the war had ended. No more war? Nah, too much had happened. In the days that followed tension build up again as the Alderaan senate and Prince voted to step out of The Republic. Something new was brewing as Leriss predicted. In the days I waited for some kind of message from Leriss Yi'ic, I had invited representatives from Corellian Engineering Company and Kuat Drive Yards to meet me. Alderaan was near both planets.

My new ship that I wanted to be build needed a special customized XS chassis from CEC with the advanced weaponry, reinforced armor and such from the Kuat Drive Yards. Talks went on for days as I had specific parameters and wishes how I wanted things build and done. Then came the invite of Leriss Yi'ic to accompany her on a boat trip from a pier north of Aldera. It was a big luxury yacht where I found myself on. On it were all kinds of high ranked Alderaan and Republic officials. Lerris had instructed me to act like her bodyguard and not speak. In the middle of the lake we met another boat, filled with lots of Empire dignitary. The boats were connected with two wide gangways. Then a prisoner exchange took place. To my surprise Trior Maz was one of them! Leriss whispered “You need to see over your shoulder again, my Captain.” Why did she show me this? Why did the Jedi and Republic let this Sith Lord go? What to do? On the journey back to Aldera Northa harbour, Leriss told me she had arranged a passage to Ilum.

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Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Bendeday 15-month 10 The odd man out on this flight was me. All other passengers were Jedi, masters and padawans. There eyes were full of questions, but none spoke to me as instructed by their pilot. I was not 'officially' on board. The cold icy winds took my breath away. We had landed on Ilum in a small Jedi port. Not to my surprise Rikur-Marr greeted me as I left the ship. More to my surprise was the Jedi Qhinta standing beside him. It was Oisse's padawan, the same that interrogated me on Quesh. Rikur had become her master now. Its these little things that always pop up when dealing with the Jedi that makes me uneasy around them, wondering what there true goals are. They guided me to the small academy dependance mother had founded, build. It was more a research and documentation center of the 'findings' on Ilum. It was of course many times searched, investigated before my arrival.

Same for my parents quarters. So I wasn’t sure what I was doing here. After a brief tour, we went to the house I must have lived in. It was remodeled to the wishes of their current inhabitants, but it still brought back the memory of my abduction and the loss of my left eye. Ilan Breeg and F'Esec had protected me and died, why? From what I could gather from those who knew my parents back then on Ilum, but mostly form hearsay, my parents had fled at one point. Some 'darkish' figure had visited them one night and the next morning they were gone. My guess would be Tuuwor. Father took a son with him on a flight and padawan Vole took the girl on another flight. Kaya brought a son to her trusted coworker F'Esec to take care of him until she got back within a day or two. She needed time to tend to some 'matters'. Every search I made within the academy or former quarters of my parents I was escorted by Rikur or Qhinta. There was nothing to be found. Days became weeks and I just stayed on Ilum, reading in the Academy and wondering what to do next. Rikur had left after a few days and Qhinta left a week ago. No one was looking over my shoulder anymore. There even where a few real books in the library part of the Academy, displayed in secured show-cases. I never had looked at them up close, but this day I was talking with a young cleric Furaan. He wanted to know more about Hutt space. He hadn't seen much of the galaxy yet after leaving his home on Champala, but had eager dreams of adventures. We stood next to one of the show-cases. During our conversation I noticed a small book, leather covered with some runic patterns in the shape of cubes.

The same pattern as on the runic cone I have in my case!

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It was easy to 'borrow' the book from the showcase. The low level alarm system was disarmed quickly, few connectors flipping loose and the book was mine. These Jedi trust each other too much. Hey, I always can say The Force guided me to this book. There was a storm building up this night. The pages were written in an unknown language. My translator device was no help either. On further examination I noticed that the back-cover was thicker then the front-cover. It also looked glued together instead of bind structure of the front cover. A knife can do wonders. I found two pieces of paper. One with a map to a place here on Ilum and one map of a place called Voss. I put the book back and went outside, seeking some kind of transportation. On a plateau North of the Academy there was a hangar with some landspeeders.

The snow was heavy and it was hard to see. The droid assigning the landspeeders was not functioning. These Jedi don’t even lock their speeders.

The speeders were altered for harsh conditions here on Ilum. I had an enclosed cockpit and extra heater systems, but as I had learned from the mechanics, that breaks down regularly. I punched in the coordinates found on the map and lifted off. The sight was no more then a few meters as I landed in front of a cave. It took some time to get there as I had to zigzag carefully around several mountain sprigs. It was a maze and without a map you wouldn't know there even was a cave.

As I entered the cave I could swear I heard some noise outside, but the shrieking sound of the storm was loud. Probably nothing. The cave was ill lit by different colored glowing crystals. At the end of the tunnel I found a wide opening.

About twenty diameters wide and roughly eighteen meters in height. The map that led me to it said Vis-Ka Onsi-Ma. In the back mountain wall were two large pillars with all kinds of runic symbols like on the cone in my possession. Each stood on a side of an altar of some kind, also decorated with these runic symbols together with a lot of small glowing crystals. In the wall above the altar a big circle was cut out. Hovering in the center of it was a ball shaped device holding some liquid fluid glowing light to dark to light and so on. On my left was a platform with some seats and a small mainframe with terminals. I went up the platform and looked to activate the systems. I found no switches, then behind me I heard stumble and a vague cry for help. It was Furaan. Heavily wounded he tripped over some rocks and fell down just before the ramp up to the platform. He was followed by a gang of three redskins, Siths. In the middle I recognized Trior Maz! 43

Entry ATC7-OrdMantell-Primeday 21-month 10 Even till today I never found out why Furaan was out there in the cave.

Maybe he had this hunger for adventure or he saw something and wanted to warn me. Maybe both. Just being somewhere, talking to someone begins a chain of events and actions beyond one's control. Is it coincidence, faith or maybe this Force? Fact is Furaan died in that cave because I went to Ilum.

As soon as I saw Trior I threw a flash grenade and rolled into cover behind a steam-water mixer regulator. A lucky shot from my blaster hit the first Sith between the eyes. The second already was airborne jumping to my position wielding two red lightsabers. He blocked my shots and slashed a corner piece off the regulator on his landing. A tick of a second his black robe was hooked on the sharp edge that just originated from his cut. It was my opening to release a salvo of my blaster and he also went down. Now my attention turned towards Trior Maz, but to my surprise he was fighting another person. Qhinta! Qhinta was hovering above the ground caught in lightning bolts coming from Trior's hands. I threw my last flash grenade at Trior, Qhinta dropped to the ground. I started to shoot a flurry of laser bolts at the Sith lord as I ran down the ramp, but they seem to hit air as Trior had vanished. Qhinta was wounded and could not stand up.

A second later Trior became visible again behind her.

He struck Qhinta through her heart. I managed to fire a burst salvo before he vanished again.

Some drop of bloods indicated he was hit. I turned my back to the the cave wall. Went step by step backwards up the ramp as drop for drop of blood on the floor was heading my way. Then I found myself on my back, tripped over Furaan, loosing my blaster in the process. A jibe grin laughter and Trior Maz reappeared wielding his saber above me. He readied his saber to kill me.

“Goodbye greeny” were the last words I heard before I saw the top of a green lightsaber coming out of his chest. Furaan had saved my life. I crawled to him only to received his final words ”Thank you for a great adventure”.

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For several minutes I sat motionless in a chair on the platform looking at the five bodies in the cave. Young Furaan had his adventure, the Sith lord and his posse wanted me and this strange droid found on Telos. Then there was padawan Qhinta, probably also here for this droid. All dead because I escaped from the Korriban mines. I spindled around to face the terminal mainframe. There had to be a way to activate it. The runic cone could be the key. So I opened the case to get the cone out. The crystals on the Gorgodon tooth were glowing! I took it out and as I brought it nearer to the mainframe I saw a frail weak light on the top edge between rows of buttons. It was covered with a small flap. Hard to notice. Under the flap was an odd shaped hole. The tooth amulet fitted right in, locking the crystals and the mainframe came alive. It projected a hologram of a Mirialan women whom looked familiar somehow. “Hello Eljira Reimsea. You have found the cave. I am your mother Kaya.

That you have found our hideout on Ilum also means we are not together.

Something went wrong. Vole should be with you I hope. Please let her guide you. You are one of three, yes triplet. You have two brothers Eljar and Eljor, but they are not of any concern to you. You my child are blessed. There is a strong presence of the Force in you. I would have liked to train you in the first steps of using this Force, but I am confident Vole has done a good job with that. She was my student. Don’t trust this Jedi order when you encounter them. Its an order that will have one's life tied to the interest of a few leaders.

The darker site of this Force is embraced by Siths, whom only seem to know to kill to get further in life. Eljira my daughter, use the force for your own benefit, guide yourself through life. I was once a Jedi, but the order betrayed me. They wouldn’t allow us to be together, as family, me raising you, train you in the use of the Force. I made this plan so we could live together on Ilum.

But then I found this cave with strange runes and an altar. An unknown civilization. Researching the runes, university archives and some artifacts it led me to a new discovered planet called Voss. Yes the planet you and Vole lived on. You see we had to flee from Ilum, because the Jedi order was closing in again. Vole had found an artifact on Telos IV. Your father recognized the programming as he had worked on it before. He was lead engineer for the infrastructure planning system mainframe. The one on Telos IV went rogue and called himself Go-To. It gave everyone lost of trouble back then. Your father believed it was an offspring of the original. A valuable item.

So I decided to sell it to the highest bidder on Nar Shaddaa. The credits would give us new identities, a new start elsewhere away from the Jedi order.

We sold it to a Sith, but it got stolen during the transport of it. Now this Sith thinks I double crossed him and is looking for me and my family. Also the Jedi order is after us because of this droid. So I ordered Vole to take care of you and your brothers. Father insisted to take the firstborn Eljar with him. He went 45

to Ord Mantell with new identities. Eljor is left behind on Ilum in the care of trusted members of staff. He will be found and then we know how much time we have ahead. Vole takes you, our youngest, to Voss where I should have joined you. I gave her a little box with some items in case something went wrong. It contains leads to find out your legacy and follow in my footsteps.

You found the map in the book. The other coordinates will lead you to a secret place on Voss. Use the runic cone from the box in there. Someone will have the second part of this cone. She will find you. You then will be ready to find me or what happened to me. Be strong my Eljira.�

A bit drowsy I gazed at the hologram fading away. I found out my name, but I felt nothing, didn't care. I was left behind, as bait! The case wasn't for me, not my legacy, but my sisters. Something was ticking. I looked at the big screen in the middle of the console. A countdown was running with twentyeight ticks left.

Entry ATC8-OrdMantell-Centaxday 12-month 3 I was away for two months and find myself landing under heat of laserfire. These separatists have infiltrated the base again. Lot of fighting is going on and streets are filled with blood. The Republic is so eager to stay in control of this planet. It shows there is more needed for peace on a small planet as this. Mark my words. I feel this uneasy treaty of Coruscant is about to go bang bang.

Nussa had lend me his outdated piece of junk shuttle, for a 'nice price' of course. The HuToTee he called it, short for Huttuk Tonka Teesaw. Never say a Hutt has no humor cause the name of this vessel is Chut Chut Killee. It was an old NR1 gully jumper customized to comfortably transport a Hutt.

Nussa had used it for small interplanetary trips around Huloon. It had no use for Nussa anymore as he know has a hangar full of small to medium yachts.

For me it was important that it only needed one crew to operate, me. I was on my way to the planet Voss. I just barely made it out of the cave on Ilum before the explosion sealed it off. I send a holomessage to Rikur-Marr explaining what happened on Ilum, in the cave and the information my Holo mother gave me. I didn’t mentioned anything about Voss. I wanted to buy time to investigate alone without always Jedi 'surprises'. It was hard to navigate as I found myself in uncharted space. The planet is somewhere near the outer rim crossing the border of Hutt space. Well as far as I could interpreted the coordinates I had from this second piece of paper, found in the book on Ilum.

It took me almost a day to find the planet using a triangular search pattern.

This special place I needed to go to was far away from populated areas. I landed on a narrow plateau between two mountain tops oddly curly shaped 46

pointing towards each other. Both had some circular device attached, which created a bubble camouflage shield as soon I was outside my ship.

The plateau was free of rocks, good place to land with room for two medium sized shuttles. The north side had steps cut out of the mountain wall leading down. I counted three hundred and twenty-two before I stood for a big opening. More steps were leading down disappearing into a dense looking forest, probably to walk up from the ground. No splendor or glorious grandeur.

Just a simple entrance, a hall with a few runic symbols on the walls. As I entered the hall I was greeted by a gracefully figure with a light blueish monochromatic base skin and symmetric straight line pattern colored goldenorange and spring-green. “Welcome. I am deaconess Valfoon. You are expected. Please follow me.” I saw a few other pious figures walking around as I was led towards another room.

They all had the same mysterious skin patterns. Valfoon opened the door with a little bow “Please enter”.

The room breath devotion, a peaceful, serene air with all kinds of paintings, runic patterns and some small statues. In the middle was a solid big square table with sixteen chairs around it. On the table a scanty dinner was served. Three people were seated directly facing me and the middle person stood up. On the right sat Jaon Zengida and on the left unmistakeably my sister Eljira. She looked a bit like our mother, but luckily had more other features as well. The red women in the middle greeted me. “Welcome X. We were waiting for you before starting our meal. Please take a seat and join us. I am Priestess Onyala Sinta.” I wanted to run away, but instead sat down. Nothing was said during our meal.

Entry ATC8-OrdMantell-Zhellday 24-month 3 During the meal my eye went frequently to the left. My triplet sister was here. She had a discreet smile when our eyes met. Jaon just was one big stoic picture. After Valfoon and some others had cleared the table it was time for the big talk. “So what is the deal here?” Jaon responded. “The force is our guide, but its path isn't always clear. Not so long ago we discovered this planet and found two species at war, they had for centuries. The Gormak who live below are industrialized. The other species are the Voss who live in the city Voss-Ka on a mountaintop. They have a gift, a gift to forsee. Our hostess is a Voss Mystic. A High Priestess whom had foreseen your arrival. Your mother somehow knew of the planet Voss and used is as a hideout with her padawan Vole. They found this ancient cathedral of some sort, in which we 47

reside now. It's origin is unknown even to the Voss. There maybe a connection with the cave on Ilum. Rikur is trying to gain access to it and recover the unfortunate bodies of those buried under the rumble. You were borne here. The role of your mother isn't a likeable one. The dark side of the force must have appealed to much to her. She and Vole have stolen several artifact from this ancient structure. They sold some and this got the attention of the Empire. Your mother then sold the location of this planet to the Empire.

Probably the last piece of information they needed as they attacked Voss soon after. The Republic came to defend, but the Voss were more then capable to fend of any assault. They do not trust either side for now. Vole and a baby were captured by the Jedi order here during this skirmish on Voss.

The dark force presence within Vole combined with the strong presence of the Force within the baby gave away her hideaway. So we found this Cathedral, contacted the Voss and worked together to research the origin of this structure. Onyala Sinta leads this small order that believes the origin of the Voss and the Force are melted together, are one. The Jedi and the Un-Va order work close together on this project. What we find could be an important first step in trust. It is my task to retrieve the stolen and sold artifacts your mother and Vole took, but also those that a small group of Siths took during a raid. The Jedi council accepted Eljira to be trained as a Jedi as the Force is very strong in her. Her master was Rikur-Marr and she is now a master herself. A consular assigned to aid the Voss in their research and to protect them. You see Vole was freed by your mother during her transport to Coruscant. They came back here to search for Eljira and slaughtered everyone inside. Only the very few absent of the Um-Va order survived. We were to late. Since then the Jedi are hunting down Kaya and Vole. We haven’t found them and that is the reason I couldn’t tell you everything back on Coruscant when we first met. We needed to know for sure you didn't had contact with your mother or worked together with her.”

“Or follow me and using me as bait to catch her” “You are sharp-minded my brother. I can feel your mistrust and also your inner struggle, more a wavering fight that never seems to end. Caution is the watchword, but there comes a time to share and trust. We will speak later.” Jaon left the room and Eljira followed.

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The priestess took out a cone shaped stone with a runic pattern I recognized. “You have an artifact in your possession that was taken from the high altar room. I believe it is the other half of this piece. It is a key of some sort, but I don’t know what it opens. Is there a way you can return it to its rightful place and join that is two to one?” “Didn’t you foresee what I will do?

Or better yet, how come you didn't see this slaughter coming?” “Our gift is like a streamlet. We can see the course it takes. The stone carried along with the undercurrent we cannot see. It will get stuck in the mud and the flow of the undertow will change, but the streamlet on the surface stays the same. When a small sprig flows on the streamlet we can see it, only when it gets stuck on the stone we can see the change. This is the way of our gift. You are the stone and the sprig. I see you have a firm hold on a mum entity valued by either sides of the Force Users, even through deaths. Preserve it, mileage it is the sagacious way.” I gave her my stone. “Thank you. This strengthens my believe that there is not only the Force, but we all came into this galaxy from one creation.” Hoit would like her. She twisted the two pieces together. Shortly after the cone started to glow, tumble and hovered two meters above the table. A golden bright light emerged from the stone into a round transparent sphere. A golden holoprojection of a planet. “This looks like our planet.” and she put her hand on the holoprojection, the globe started to rotate. With a few hand movements she stopped it at a point and zoomed in. “Yes this is the cathedral we are in. This is a map of our planet many years ago. It shows the locations of residential zones and structures. Many of which we have not yet discovered. This is our Legacy map.” “Or a big treasure map.” “Yes it could be. It is also time for you to make a decision now.”

A lot was going through my mind and at the same time through my stomach. “It's yours. In return I would like to ask you to hold a container for me in safe keeping for a while. None must know especially my sister and other Jedi.” Onyala nodded and for the first time in my life I felt good. Then Onyala went into a trance state for a few seconds. “My friend. I saw a small fragment of your path. There was a Kestrel spirit flying free on the winds of believe. You will be part of so few, owed by so many. Trust being the body, diligence being the blood and selflessness being the pumping heart. Fly free and land home.”

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Entry ATC8-OrdMantell-Taungsday 3-month 4 “Huh? You izz me!� I stared in the face of a bit oversized Trooper. He looked just like me, but he still had both eyes. I found my brother on Ord Mantell. After my meeting with Priestess Sinta I had some talks with my sister Eljira. Well there was not much talking. She was a Jedi, her life path being completely different then mine. She was committed to find mother and Vole, bring them to justice. Even more committed to the Jedi order in fulfilling whatever the Force asks of her. On the fly she advised that a certain 'package' would be best passed on to the Jedi order, warranting galactic piece. There was no ground for binding. I had returned Chut Chut Killee to Nussa, but this time I hadn't erased all of the navigation data. It is my believe that the Hutt are a counterbalance in this evil war between Republic, Jedi and the Empire. So I left enough data to make it possible for Nussa to find Voss in a few months. On Huloon I got the message that my ship was ready, again with the warning that critical hull positions were very weak which made the ship incapable for interplanetary travel. CEC had shipped the chassis to Kuat Drive Yard. Now armed I needed to get the final touch done myself. I had ordered them to deliver the ship to the spacestation orbiting Ord Mantell. The legacy case only holds my fathers Aratech emblem now. I wanted to know more about him and his death. My next stop. After some questions I was pointed to some living quarters next to an abandoned small factory facility.

After knocking on the door a big chubby Mirialan opened the door.

50

We talked the whole night till deep into the daybreak. He couldn’t believe he was one of a triplet and probably couldn’t comprehend the whole story, situation. I left the bad parts of our mother Kaya and Vole out. He had to deal with enough for now. His life didn't went very easy either. Father always kept him inside, never send him to school and taught him how to fight, handle guns as soon as he could walk. A circle of beingness with home and the factory as boundaries. It sounded to me, father molded a private bodyguard for himself, keeping my brother illiterate and totally depending on him. Off course my brother sneaked out of the house, often at nights, and learned life the hard way on the streets, in bars. The highlight of his adventures was a great brawl in one of the saloons where he lost the front row of his upper teeth. Proudly he showed the cortosis implants father had made for him. I gather the reason for his little speech defect. It was an enjoyable night except the part about father's death. Father wasn't only leading a repair factory on Ord Mantell, but also was a weapon-dealer.

From the description my brother gave me, Tuuwor came to the the planet to provide weapons for the separatist movement. Probably part of the Empire scheme. He became a trustee of father after some small deals. Then some amazingly beautiful women visited father as well. My brother was send on an errand. On returning he heard a big argument going on between the three and the sounds of chairs and tables knocked over. My brother rushed up the stairs while shots were fired in the room. As he opened the room he saw father on the floor in a puddle of blood, papers flying around as the wind had free play through a broken window. It was not only Tuuwor, but also Vole 51

played a part in the murder of our father! Looking at his body posture and eyes, he felt mad and guilty he was too late to safe father. As a teen he would also been dead in a room with Vole and Tuuwor. Father and he had lived under the names Baruk and Djon Ayak on Ord Mantell. He was confused or even felt little betrayed when I explained his real name was Eljar, father's name is Arjan Reimsea and our mother's name is Kaya. With a little smile and in triumph he responded “He, Kaya is Ayak in reverse!� Besides, all this was never his fault, it was mother's. There was enough ground to bind. I stayed under the name father had use on this planet.

Entry ATC8-OrdMantell-Primeday 26-month 4 As far as I understood the local authorities investigated the murder.

Investigators of the Republic and the Jedi order as well. All jumping on my young brother with waves of questions he had no answers for. He was placed in a holding cell for weeks, interrogated by an army of the interested parties.

The local authorities wanted to arrest him for his part in the weapon smuggle towards the separatist movement. In the end it was the Jedi order representative, a Camaasi, that convinced the local administrators to give him a choice to join the Republic army defending Ord Mantell or doing time in jail.

He got recruited and got a new kind of 'family'. I think another 'bait' scheme.

Once out of the holding cell he found the factory stripped of valuables and the home quarters thoroughly ransacked.

Being alone wasn't that bad, but the times of loneliness made him reach for food to compensate. Spending some time with him around his arms buddies, I felt happy for him. He was well liked and an exemplary trooper, a fun chubby guy to be around with. Maybe he is the lucky one of the three. I decided to stay and turn one of the factory halls into a workshop. Lots of hangars were empty so it was easy to hire one and park my ship. I received many scornful laughter’s about my unworthy vessel in many eyes. I started to order several shipments of ores I needed. It was time to build Ekkr alloy sheets and plates for the vulnerable parts of the hull everybody laughed at. When I finish, the ship will withstand great damage impact yet to be seen on fast freighters. My brother wanted to help in his spare time. Under one condition I acceded. He needed 52

to put the same time and effort in educational activities. So he learned and worked hard in aiding me. He even took a fortnight leave of army duties for this. For months we worked quietly on fabricating the armor sheets for my ship. Working droids, lots of activity in an abandoned factory of a murdered director surely would get the interest of local leadership. They didn't. This made me suspicious and I had to be vigilant for things to come. But I decided it was safe enough to smuggle the container I left on Voss on to Ord Mantell. I hid it in a very special hiding place on my new ship. The ship got more and more ready.

During our joined working hours we had some small talks. I had searched the home quarters and the factory for some clues why father was murdered. I also had looked in the shady places they went for their weapon deals. I found nothing. I was hoping that my brother, in all his innocents, had some information he didn’t know could be useful. Talking about all kind of things could trigger it and it did. After some talks about his youth being sort of a prison he, out of the blue, dropped the bomb that this one time he and father went out camping. It was the best night ever. We went to see this camping place. The campsite was on a small somewhat isolated island. The center of the island consisted of a large number of different sized mounds, all densely covert in brushwood. Nothing to see. Not even one tree. Just a nice camping site to go fishing with your sun? Eljar was in a rattling vein about this special camping adventure with father. He showed me the places they caught the fish, made campfire and such. It was nice to see him excited. This storm buildup and father rushed them into shelter. They didn't sleep at all that night.

“Wait a sec. A shelter? What kind of shelter did you bring?” “None, none. Father had a room in the mound. I zhow you. Come, come.” He led me few kilometers from the shore to where the mounds started to rise. He searched for a while and started to move some of the bushes away, revealing a door. The door was sealed off with a heavy padlock. A few shots from my blaster solved that. I asked my brother to stand guard at the entrance. It was a small room. On the right was a double bunk-bed, the same type as in the Korriban mines. On the left was a desk with some paperwork and a book. In the corner was a stack of containers. Nothing else. The book was a log about his weapon deals. Names, places and credit account numbers. The last page entries were different. It were personal notes about the artifact Vole had found. Father wrote about the item being an offspring from Go-To, made by Go-To as sort of a legacy. Father had worked on the programming and found what went wrong with Go-To. He saw an opportunity to reprogram this offspring without the artificial intelligence errors of his predecessor. I could determine he didn't wanted to sell the droid, but after reprogramming the AI software, bring it to Aratech. He saw this as a way to rehabilitate his name 53

and that of the Aratech company. The other papers were full of formula and calculations. The door opened “We get company.” “I will be out in a sec.” Not much time left. The desk only had one drawer which was empty, but once turned I found a datadisc attached to it. I hid it in my boot. The corner containers contained different kinds of weaponry. I had seen enough. I went outside and found my brother pointing his gun towards two Jedi masters. The first one was a big Cerean, the other was Rikur-Marr.

Gently I pushed the gun my brother was wielding downwards. “Its oké.

What brings you all the way here, Rikur?” “The same as you. Have you found what you were looking for?” “Yes I have.” “So where is the package?” “There is no package.” “You mind if I go and look inside?” “Of course not. All you had to do is ask.” and I stepped aside. Rikur went inside. After a few minutes he came back holding the logbook and papers. “Do you mind if we frisk you both?” “Yes I do, but that won't stop you from doing it.” “No it won't. I am sorry.” Rikur started to frisk my brother and the big Cerean examined and searched me. They found nothing but my case. The Cerean opened it, turned it upside down and the emblem floated to the ground. Then he dropped the case. “You know Rikur, this scene fills the negative side of the Jedi trust balance with me.” “Yes I know, but the Force is greater then the trust between two. It outweighs the interest of the many. Goodbye” and they left on their landspeeder. I picked up the emblem from the sand. “Here. It was father's. I want you to have it.” “Thank you, thank you” and a breathtaking hug was my reward. While he was hugging me he stepped on the case which pushed it further into the sand. “Zzorry. Hope izz not broken.” I lifted the case from the ground, nothing was broken. The opened case had left a print in the sand.

The cuts and reliefs on the case mirrored in the sand formed the contour of a map. “No its alright. You were very helpful, very helpful indeed.” The case might be my legacy after all?

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Entry ATC8-OrdMantell-Centaxday 17-month 5 On return from the island we were greeted by a quarrel between Republican troops and local security in front of the Aratech facility. The buddies of my brother were trying to prevent the security forces to enter the factory halls and home. It made sense. The Jedi had there stuff and no interest anymore so the local government finally could step in and wanted to see if there was something left to benefit them. They wanted to officially seal everything closed. On grounds of an indictment about illegally entering and residing on Ord Mantell using false identities. Off course they were in their rights, but it was a bogus charge to arrest us as this was the case for ninety percent of all who dare to came to Ord Mantell these days. We were both led into the room of the new minister of Domestic and Intergalactic Affairs, a Bothan named Wytz Saop'One, a rising star politician. There was only one other person in the room. Near the left wall sat a Garn clerk behind his desk, ready to write down everything being said at this 'meeting' as the Minister started to talk.

“So there you are. Hmmm. The one that crashed on Quesh together with the son of a traitor. Hmmmm. Facts are firm. You were on an attack ship to conquer Bothawui. And you participated in providing weapons to the rebels on this planets. Both staying here with false identities. Looks very very clear to me.” “Nothing is what it seems. So what is it what you need and what is it that you want?, your Excellency” My brother just sat down in the chair opposite of the Garn, confused and only responding with “Huh?” “Hmmm, hmmm. Answers, answers would be the key to open your home, factory and maybe the hangar your ship is in.” My ship. He was holding my ship hostage.

I needed to focus, talk the tight rope of the presumptuous politician. “Then I need the questions, sir” and I sat down in the chair in front of the grandiosity looking desk the minister was walking up and down behind. Now he could stand behind his desk, leaning forward with an imposing posture. Well he tried but his small height, small in Bothan terms even, made it more look like a big gag scenery. Perhaps his weapon in politics as many would underestimate him.

“There are no questions. You will tell me what the Jedi didn't tell me.

Only then both of you have a chance to avoid a lifetime in the gaol. You start on Quesh.” Telling a story, balancing the information you only want to share requires some talents I had learned back in the mines. The challenge here was to determine how much the minister knew and what he didn't knew. Little signs in body language and facial expression will give away much. I could see the minister's left eyebrow raise a tiny bit when I fed him new information. It soon was clear he only knew some basic and I concluded fast, I only needed to tell some big outlines. But I also needed to throw him a bone to chew on, so he had something to show and enhance his political prestige. So at the 55

end I told him about the secret shelter on a remote island north of the Shimai vulcano. About the logbook with all off fathers dealings and connections, but not about the last pages Rikur certainly had ripped out. He got a bit angry, mumbling something like those polpians hugging Jedi, which left me thinking Rikur never mentioned the log. At last I added the containers filled with weapons, surely marked for the separatist movement. The minister was visibly delighted as I handed him this silver platter press opportunity. Pointing at the office clerk “Cuu Yok will take care off some administration and handle things further. I have other duties to attend to.”

I sat down next to my brother and looked into the three eyes of Cuu Yok after the minister had left the room.”So lets see. There we have some problems we need to solve. We need to register your names first. Officialy so we can reside on Ord Mantell and other planets. So lets see. What name do we have?” All the three eyes looked up from his paper and gazing into my eye. This 'we' he used already started to irritate me. I didn't want the burden of father and mother on our shoulders, so our real names are out of the question.

“They call me X. X will do fine.” “We cannot be X. X is no name. So lets see. X are you, yes. We write x r u. Xru is your name. Now we go to your brother. What we call you?” My brother's face was in a completely studious phase “You are X.?” “Yes we can do that. U, r and x. We name you Urx. So lets see. We last write family name. What will it be?” My brother leaned over the desk, a bit uptight he replied “Izz Huh?” “Splendid!. We like that name. Izhuh it is. Now we have the formalities behind us, lets get to the business side of the deal. Urx just picked up a chair and smashed it into a wall accompanied with a loud “Waaargh”.

After calming him down my full attention was now directed to this now pontificate appearing wanne be. “What business is that?”

“So lets see. We have the code for the home.

We have the code for the hall. We don't seem to have the security code to unlock the hangar.

Now where we put that?” “And what will it take to find this code again?” “So lets see. We think its a bit too much war on this planet. We think we need some large sum of credits to leave this place. We like to go home to Kinyen. We like to start a Houjix farm. Yes we do.” “Then you probably like an investor for your pet breeding inspiration. Maybe you can write down a number suited for such an investor?” “So lets see. We are sure we entail such an amount.” and handed me a piece of paper. It was quit a sum, but nothing I 56

couldn't handle. This would take all my savings on the public account I had as Baruk Ayak. This clerk had done his homework and played the game well. I transferred the funds to the account-number next to the sum. “It's done, partner.” “So lets see. We is looking for something. There it is, we see the code for the hangar. Thanks for doing business.” “Oh, one more thing partner.” I stood up grabbed my chair and smashed it into the wall and leaned over the desk, taking the code “So lets see. We think the sum included two broken chairs, partner.” We guffawed loudly as we left the room in arms as Xru and Urx Izhuh.

Entry ATC8-OrdMantell-Benduday 20-month 6 It took a few weeks to finish the plating on the hull. Urx had not been around much. The separatists had some sort of offensive going on. Looks like they get more and more followers each day. The republican army had his hands full scaling down the hostilities. The datadisc I had found in my fathers shelter contained the new program for my mute entity package. I managed to connect Go-To-Too into the bridge mainframe. It was neatly finished and concealed as a small vent opening in the center of the cockpit console. It will run the ship, fly, navigate and makes sure all the other droids are assigned for work in an efficient way. It can plan, design and craft, but also buy, sell and take inventory. The new software my father rewrote for it was a new artificial intelligent systematic with a restructured streamlined use of bandwidths, compression and data-capacity. He also build in a safety mechanism. A three word sentence that would shut him off. The only thing is, it needs to learn everything, so I fed it all the datadiscs, datacrons I could get my hands on. It will be an ongoing process. The final test and rundown of all systems and hull checks went smoothly. I was in the cockpit when Go-To-Too started his report for the day. At the end he asked me what to project when communicating with me. He came to the conclusion that a holoprojection would be the best way to interact with species. After some thinking I decide to use the contours of Arjan Reimsea, my father I never had known. He projected the head as we continued.

“Would Captain be the correct term to address you?” “Yes. Captain will be fine for now.” “What would my name be, Captain?” “Lets call you Hamo. It means home.” “Thank you sir. All systems are operational. The ship is ready for her first flight. Where do we go Captain?” The silence filled a room once more. Yes, where to go from here? What is my future, my legacy?

Unintentionally my hand polished the reliefs on the cover of the empty case from Ilum. Where to go. The next day would be the start of the Festival of Life fete week. I had decided to stay and celebrate with my brother.

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The Life fete festivals is about to start again, a year later. I am at the end of the Holo-recordings. My past, my life up until now has been written. Tomorrow I will celebrate with my brother and the few I now can call friends. A new beginning will be written.

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