Re: All In The Game

[LadyRaven]

Amelia paced across the bridge as she saw the ships emerging from the nebula. "Shooting fish in a barrel." She said confidently and then sent her message to the pirate fleet. "Surrender and most of you will live. Fight and you will all die." She already knew what the answer would be and smiled coldly. As more and more of the enemy ships emerged, she smiled wider. The only ones she really needed to concentrate on were the Raven and Pheonix. The others would be easy to track and destroy. However, she wouldn't underestimate Krell too much. This man had Imperial training; a glorious up and coming career once upon a time, and a lot of talent in directing an attack. "Keep the Raven and the Pheonix in your sights." She ordered her weapons officers. "The others we can leave to the rest of the fleet. These two, I want tracked and defended against at all times. I want this perfect, people. I shall have peace and order in my Empire."

In his quarters, Shadow was still very much smarting from his mental battle with Serenity Diamond. He could still not focus properly and even the most basic things like balance and steady vision seemed to be difficult. When the fleet had arrived at the nebula, he already knew that Amelia would take charge. She would make an idle offer to let them live that they would deny and she would of couse, throw all but the best she had at them. At least some of his teachings had left a mark though for he could feel that she was not underestimating the two pirate flagships. If she had any battle tact at all, she would keep them firmly in sight at all times and keep herself defended against them. And so far, her plan seemed to be working, but then he got an incling of something that wasn't entirely right.

Rising from his bed, Shadow left his comfortable rooms and made his way to the bridge. He could already hear the cannon fire and the hum of fighters beyond the hull so indeed, the battle had begun. As he reached the bridge and saw the beautiful sights of laser fire and blasters, he smiled, but it didn't last long. One look at the nebulae and he realized something was amiss. "Empress." He offered politely, "May I offer my guidance?"

Amelia tuned and smiled broadly at her companion. "Always." She replied smoothly, "Though I doubt we will need much of it. As you can see, these pirate scum are hardly worth our time."
Shadow stared out of the window and straight to the nebula, "That is not their entire force." He said, "There are more still hiding within the nebulae."
Amelia lifted an eyebrow and looked to her sensor banks, "Nothing is showing up on the scanners." She said.
"Nebulae such as these hide many things." He said, "Energy signals being one of them. I suggest caution."
"Noted." Amelia replied, then turned her head to her commander, "Keep an eye on that cloud bank." She ordered him, "There are probably more rebels hiding in the nebula."
"Yes Ma'am!" The commander replied and went about checking and rechecking all the readings from the massive cloud.

Amelia tuned back to Shadow again and offered a warm smile, "I see you have managed to collect your thoughts a little." She said almost comfortingly, "Are you able to tell me where my beloved niece and her lover are?"
Shadow stared out of the viewing screen and furrowed his brow, "I believe they are with the flagships." He said, "But something is not right."
"What do you mean?"
Shadow shook his head slightly, "It's a feeling that is foreign to me. It's like she is there, but she isn't. Her attack from before may still be affecting my judgement."
Amelia turned fully to him now, "Concentrate then." She said, "Focus. She's proved way too dangerous not to know exactly where she is and isn't."
The shadow moved forward right to the view screen again before furrowing his brow. "My senses tell me that she is aboard the Pheonix." He said, "Along with the old Jedi Master, the young one and her student."
"What of the infant?"
"He's being guarded."
"By whom?"
"Not by whom." Shadow said, "Serenity is smarter than I thought. He has the black sands. As long as he is in reach of it, he's protected against us. In fact, they all are. Everyone she holds dear has some of it, even her lover." Just then, he spotted somethioving quickly through the fray and away from it. "What is that?" He demanded.
Amelia moved to the window quickly. She saw something briefly and looked to her commander, "Well?"
The commander shook his head, "Nothing has come up on our sensors, Empress." He said, "Just the fleet we can see."
"Then explain what I have just seen with my own eyes!" Shadow demanded icily, "Something small and fast. Smaller than the cruisers and corvettes."
The commander quickly moved between the stations trying to find the the Shadow had seen. He could only shake his head, "Whatever it is, it's moving too quickly to track. I'm sure it's harmless."

Shadow turned away from the window briefly, but then closed his eyes. "Smaller than a corvette, but faster than a fighter. Nothing that small and fast could be harmless." He opened his eyes again and looked to Amelia, "It's Diamond." He said to her, "It has to be."
Amelia furrowed her brow as the first feelings of panic began to rise, "But you said yourself, she's with the fleet. How could she be out there instead?"
"Clever girl." He said with a cold smile and then turned to leave the bridge, "Commander, ready me a squad of men! I want your best shots in the rear hanger in ten minutes!"
"Yes Sir." The man replied.
"And track that damned ship!" Shadow shouted as he ran for the door, "Do it line of sight if you have to!"
Amelia was left to watch the carnage from her window.

On the Jezzabel, Serenity smiled at her pilot. She was highly impressed. No-one could have got them so close without being seen, but as the ship ducked passed another fighter and went up behind Amelia's ship, Serenity got a feeling and lifted her head. "Pick up the pace, Jen please." She said without moving her eyes from the ship, "He can see us.".......

[questor]

As the distance between them closed. Krell sat in the command chair watching the enemy fleet. He watched and then gave the command. "Fire!" The command was repeated on the other ships and all ships opened fire on the lead crusier. The beams of light flashed out from the turbo blasters and laser cannons, striking the lead ship. They tore through the ship, ripping it apart and making it explode. The explosion took out a second cruiser that was to near it, ripping it in half and sending the wreckage into yet another cruiser.

The Corvettes and Corllian cruiser pealed off to the left as the Phoinex and Raven went right firing on two more cruisers. Once the battle was joined the rest of the Diamonds emerged from the Nebula, grouping around the gun ships to go after the destroyers on the flanks. The enemy returned fire but Krell knew the tactics of the imperals. They loved to come in in formation and try to intemidate the enemy and concentrate fire on one ship. But Krell was not letting them do that. As the Phoinex and Raven broke off, they seperated again and went after two seperate targets. The Corllian Cruiser headed for one and it seemed the corvettes were heading for the same one but then broke off and headed for another cruiser.

The enemy laser fire seemed to be concentrated on the Phoinex and Raven. Both took evasive action while pouring fire into their targeted cruisers. The Destroyers saw the gunships and armed freighters coming in and opening up. They opened fire but the freighters were manuverable and faster then the gunners of the Destroyers. At least most were. here and there a flash of bright light apeared as a freighter was hit and destroyed.

Over the comms the captains of the ships could be heard. "Go for their engines, gun ships after their weapons systems."

Jenny hit the throttal and the Jezzebell leaped forward towards the rear hanger. "Hang on. This will be tricky." she said. She brought the ship through the force field that kept the atmosphere in the hanger bay and she pulled back on the throttal and hit the forward thrusters to brake. Everyone was pushed backin their seats by the G force of the stop and then she sat it down on the deck. Jenny saw crew men with weapons entering the bay and she hit a button and lowered a small duel laser. "Light them up Vargos."

Vargos had them on his screen and grinned as he fired and moved the lasers left and right, cutting down the troops as they came in. "Better do what you came to do." he told Serenity.

Back in the battle, one of the corvettes took fierce fire from a couple Cruisers and exploded. More freighters and one of the gun ships exploded. They were taking heavy loses. But the Emperess had lost six cruisers and four of the destroyers.

"Break off and make them chase. Try to draw them out of formation, away from each other." Krell gave the order. The Corllian Cruiser and corvetts moved off as did the Phoinex and Raven. Three seperate targets for the imperials to try and follow. The gunships and freighters also took off in different directions trying to get the destroyers to follow.

[LadyRaven]

Serenity got out of her chair and moved off the bridge quickly. On the way to the hanger doors, she grabbed a long cloak. "Chloe, stay behind Jenny." She said, "Jenny, stay next to me. Vargos, you and your pet up front. Luke, you bring up the rear. I want a tight circle."......

Chloe said "But, but how I am I to learn if I am always left behind." here eyes were pleading.

Serenity squared her eyes a little, "You're not being left behind." She said, "You're being kept in the middle where you're safer and believe me, you'll learn more in the next few hours than you will in years in Haven."......

Chloe finally understood what she was saying and smiled. The Sith Lord's apprentance had come up to the bridge and listened. Then he took one of his two light sabers and handed it to Chloe. "Let yourself feel the force. It will guide you." he gave the girl a grin.

Serenity smiled back and nodded, "Ok then." She said. Once at the hanger doors, Serenity moved to the wall briefly and removed a small device. "It seems Rat left us a little gift." She said. The doors opened and it was all quiet for now. Vargos was indeed a good shot! Serenity ran down the gangplank and quickly started moving everyone away from the ship. Once they were all off, Serenity pointed the device at the Jezz and pressed the button. The whole exterior of the ship became electrified and then fortified with added shields. "Clever Rat." Serenity said with a grin. "Now quickly, we need to get towards the main decks. Vargos, you've been on this ship, show us the way.".....

Chloe took the light saber and smiled and then followed Serenity and Jenny off the ship. Once of the ship, Vargos turned on his light saber and his apprentace did the same as they took the lead. Jenny's was out as was Luke's. Behind them were Lu'sen, Marcus, Obiwan and Anikan. "Reminds me of the old days Master." Anikan whispered to Obiwan.

[LadyRaven]

On the bridge, Amelia looked out at the battle with a smile. Sure, she had lost a number of her ships, but so had they and now with fewer guns on their part, she could make her move. "Unpack the shockwave." She ordered. The commander quickly moved along the line of officers as they hit the required buttons, touched the required screens and made the ship groan loudly.

The shockwave had been in development for a number of years. Originally designed by Palpatine, Amelia had been able to gain access to the files and had made a few adjustments to suit her needs. This weapon had been banned by the Senate due to it's complete destructive nature. Depending on the direction, this thing killed indescriminantly. It could slice a small moon in half and certainly destroy a number of ships. The basic principal of it was to send out a magnetic shockwave much like the charges used to clear asteroid fields, but on a much larger scale.

After a few minutes, the commander came up to Amelia's level on the bridge, "The shockwave is ready to go." He said.
"Turn us about and commence the firing sequence." She ordered.
"As you wish." The commander said and went back to his post.

On the lower decks, Serenity followed Vargos closely. At first, they weren't met with much resistence. It seemed they hadn't been able to get a message to the bridge quickly enough of their arrival. However, once they reached the mid deck, there were plenty of soldiers to kill.

Shadow had almost found them, but the smoke coming from a small hanger confirmed his thoughts. Serenity was aboard. The contingent of men with him fanned out. "Seek them out." He ordered quietly, "Do not engage until I get there."
"Sir." One soldier said quickly, "Mid deck. A small attack squad."
"Then move." Shadow ordered and quickly followed the soldiers........

[questor]

Vargos and his apprentise took the first wave of troops. They used their lightsabers to deflect the laser blasts and cut down the troops. He was enjoying taking out Amellia's soldiers. Jenny and Luke also joined in. Chloe activated her light saber and took a deep breath as they came up from behind them. As if by instinct she brought the light saber up and flicked away the laser blasts as they came for her. Jenny turned to stand with her padawan and kept the deadly beams off of them as they continued to make their way to where Serenity wanted to go. Jenny began yanking blasters from their hands and throwing them away. Chloe felt the force and the feel of it when she did it. She tried and managed to get a few out of the hands of the soldiers. "Getting an unusual power build up coming from the Command Ship." the officer in charge of the sensors called out. "Powerful build up." his voice was full of concern. "Command ship changing course to follow us." Krell stomach notted up. Damned Emperess had a weapon that they didn't know about. He went and looked at the power readings and they did not bode well. "Bring us about and into the wake of the imperial ship. Keep us out of its firing arc." he gave the order. Then took his seat again and ordered the Raven to do the same.

Amelia smiled coldly as she watched the enemy ships begin to scatter from her firing line. "Excellent." She said, then turned her head to her commander, "Fire when ready." She told him and he did. After giving a massive groan, the commander called out to brace and the ship heaved to one side. From it's port side, a massive blue discharge fired in a optical arc and grew quickly. Amelia watched with pleasure as it moved away from her ship and towards Krell's forces. She didn't even care that her own fighters would also be destroyed. On the mid deck, Serenity deflected the laser blasts easily and before long, she was quickly taking a head or two. "Luke!" She called, "Where is he?"......

"He is almost here. Coming with more troops." The narrow corridors made it impossible for the imperials to mount an effective attack. Luke broke free gratings in the ceiling and floor and ripped out wiring and tubbing and had it wrap around troops. Vargos sent lightning from his hands into a mass of troops. They fell screaming in pain. Krell saw the destruction that the weapon caused. It took out three destroyers, a gun ship and several freighters. They stand up to a weapon like that and a crazed woman that sacrificed her own ships to destroy the enemy. "All ships put some distance between you and the command ship." The rest of the rebel fleet began to scatter giving her fewer ships to target with her weapon. (about time to bring in the other fleet?)

Serenity nodded as she too began to use her gifts to battle the soldiers back. As Vargos shot blue lightening at the enemy, what came from her was a little different. White as pure light and twice the power. It not only threw the soldiers way downt he corridor, but then through the bulkhead. Serenity looked at her hand in surprise, "Ok, that's kinda cool." She said. Shadow was getting close when he suddenly found himself covered in bits of bulkhead and dead soldiers. drawingg his light sabre, he ran forth into Serenity's view. "There she is!" He yelled, "Bring her to me!" On the far side of the nebula and as the ring of magnetic energy began to fade, a very large contingent of ships dropped out of hyperspace. President Thool had arrived in style and just in time too, it seemed. "Oh goodness me!" he breathed as he watched the blue ring float by. "All lead ships, break formation and defend the rebels!" Fifty ships of various sizes broke from the lead ship which easily matched Amelia's destroyer in size and ability and they all went into attack mode. "Green, Black and Red leaders, get to the Raven and Pheonix and defend them with all you got!"......

Krell saw the fleet of President Thool. In the nick of time, the calvery had arrived. They opened fire on the imperial fleet and ships broke off to help defend the remaining Diamond dogs and Thurston's ships. Thurston brought his Cruiser around and fired his Ion cannon at the Command Ship. The ion beam hit the hull sending the electrical charge through the ship, interupting systems. Lights flickered, power levels dropped, the engines faltered, tracking controls flickered and were inoperable. Krell tightened his jaw clenching his teeth, "Target her engines." He knew that Serenity was on the Command Ship and didn't want to blow it away. But to keep it from being able to manuver would help out.

Amelia raged across the bridge as more enemy ships suddenly appeared out of nowhere. She hadn't expected this at all and what was more, reports were coming in of Serenity's damage eslewhere on her ship. Suddenly, her plans seemed flawed and she couldn't tolerate that. Then Krell's hit on her engines literally sent the woman soaring across the walkway and against a consol. "Destroy those cruisers!" She demanded. On the mid deck, Serenity and her friends had beaten back the soldiers and she was almost face to face with Shadow. The hit rocked them just as badly, but Serenity smiled and rode it to get nearer to her nemesis. "Luke, Vargos, you're with me!" She called, "The rest of you keep these assholes away from us!" And she broke formation to go after the Shadow.......

Amelia's ship was now dead in space, "Power levels to low to fire the Wave." one of her officers called out. "Targeting system is out." he called out again. "That ion blast has shorted out systems and it will take time to reboot or repair." Jenny, Chloe, and the apprentice kept the soldiers coming up from the rear.

Amelia's scream could be heard many decks below, "Call the other ships back to defend us then!" She yelled and then looked out of the view screen as the Kaminoan ships started to make their move against her. The shadow had managed to escape most of the carnage so far, using the soldiers as fodder to keep Serenity busy, but he knew he couldn't run for long so he led them up past the brudge and onto the observation deck. Serenity wasted no time in getting there and quickly entered, but she then stopped and lifted her light sabre. "I know you're here, Shadow." She called out quietly, "So why not save some time and effort and just face me?" The shadow did so, his light sabre up and ready. Serenity motioned for Luke and Jenny to move around and flank him. She would fight him, but she wanted them to make sure he couldn't run......

Chloe, Jenny and the apprentice backed their way up to the observation deck and kept the door blocked so no one could get in. Chloe was breathing hard, but had an exsuberant look on her face. The new fleet along with the rebel fleet moved in on the imperial fleet. Three crusisers and four destroyers broke formation and moved away from the battle. The remaining ships manuvered to try and protect the Command Ship. Montrose did not like what was going on and made his way through another route to the hanger deck and took one of the fighters and took off. He was not going to stick around and be captured or killed for the bitch of an Emperoress. He would salvage what he could and crush the rebels.

Serenity and the shadow faced off across the darkened room. The minutes that pssed were tense, but eventually, the shadow couldn't stand it any longer and made his attack. Serenity steadied her feet and met him head on. The sparks from their sabres lit up the room as they began their dance. Each made good, fast and precise movements, but neither managed to get a hit in yet. President Thool eagerly made sure all his ships were on the defensive to protect Krell and his friends and opened a line to the Raven, "Glad you left some for me." He said happily......

"Glad to see you." Krell said as one after the other, the imperial ships began to be crippled by the fleet of President Thool. Krell opened a channel to Ammila. "Surender and you might live, fight on and you will all die." he grinned.

Amelia screamed again when the call came through from Krell, "I'd rather burn in hell!" She shouted back, but her commander didn't open the link. Instead, he stood up and faced her, "Empress." He said, "We cannot defeat them. We should retreat." Amelia moved to the wall and picked up a blaster and shot the man. "The Empire does not retreat!" She yelled, then turned to the next man in line. "You've been promoted." She said, "Now get me some power to the shockwave!" Upstairs, the battle continued, but Serenity had the advantage. Shadow was still sore from their previous encounter and it was beginning to show. "Is this all you got?!" She called as she dodged yet another piece of flying wreckage from him. "The Great and feared Shadow of the Empire? Is this all he has to his illustrious name?" Shadow attacked again, but used his lightening as well. Serenity dodged most of it, but one shot winged her. The memory how its pain came rushing back and she went on the defensive. "You know nothing!" Shadow called back, "Nothing at all!" Serenity smiled and motioned for Jenny to move forward slightly, "I know what you are, Shadow." She said, "And I know where you came from. You're the last of your kind, Shadow." He came forward long enough to show his face to Serenity. "I am not the last of my kind, Diamond." He told her, "There are more of me out there and you cannot kill us all." Serenity smiled, "I don't want them." She replied, "Just you." She then half turned her head to Jenny, "Hey kid, you still got the sands I gave you?"......

Jenny smiled and took out the small pouch of sand. "Right here." she said. On the bridge, a number of the bridge crew ran for the two lifts. They closed the doors and made their escape from the mad woman. The one that she promotted, swallowed hard and went to a consol to try and get power to the weapon, but most of the bridge crew had left and they were needed to reroute power. He went to one and then another control, as if he was tapping into systems. Finally he was close enough to one of the lifts and he made for it hitting the door control and diving into the small chamber." Now Amillia was alone on the bridge.

The Empress could only stand and watch as her supposedly loyal subjects abandoned her. Serenity smiled as she began to feel the change around her. "You've been abandoned, Shadow." She said, "And your poor little Empress is all alone on that big old bridge of hers. Aren't you gonna go runa nd help her?" The shadow shouted out in fury before making himself seen again. Serenity stood her ground and battled him back. Strike after strike lit up the room until finally, she had him cornered near the viewing window. "You see Shadow." She began as she stepped up to face him, "I've figured it out." The shadow scowled at her, "You still know nothing." he spat, exhausted now. Serenity lowered her weapon and moved closer. "Jen, the sands!"
They were tossed to her and she dropped the tiny bag at his feet. "Alma Thur wasn't the only one to escape Ioian, was he?" She smiled, "You were right there with him, weren't you. A prisoner. A very long standing and quietly kept prisoner. And you waited. Your patience must have been so great to wait for so long. And then along comes Thur. Filled with as much hatred as you and just as eager to be free of their control."
The shadow moved back to the window and lifted his chin. "You disgust me, Diamond. Your entire family should never have been." Serenity almost nodded in agreement, "Perhaps." She said, "But I know I'm right on the money and that scares you, doesn't it." She smiled and kicked the sand at him. He backed up against the window sharply, "You see, Shadow, when you had be down and out in your little dream world, I figured it was the only place you could take me. What you didn't count on was me being able to actually use this stuff, right?" Shadow shook his bald head quickly and Serenity nodded in return. "You figured that if you were vulnerable to it, then so was I, but as you can plainly see, I have no problem with it and I've figured out how to use it against you. All along, you've been trying to get inside my friends heads so you could get to mine. Why else would I deny my right as Grey Master? I knew if I admitted to it, they would let their guard down and you'd have an all access pass inside their skulls." She moved the sand just an inch closer to him as her hand came up. Without even touching him, he lifted from the ground. "Mercy!" Serenity stopped and put him down again. "Mercy!" He cried again.....

[questor]

Krell had seen Amellia scream something but the audio did not come through. But he had an idea of what she had said. The vido link remained on and he saw her shoot the Captain of the ship and then everyone scrambling to get off the bridge. He grinned and cut the link. He sent a message to President Thool, as he gave the order. "Prepare to board the Command Ship." He asked President Thool if he would like to join in on the boarding of the Emperoress' ship. As the Phoinex moved in and made its docking to the Cruiser men geared up to board the ship.

Serenity stared at the shadow for a moment, "You're asking me for mercy?" She asked. were it not the sheer weight of the situation, she would have laughed at the man, but instead, she lowered her sabre and stared down at him. "Were our places changed." She told him, "Would you show me mercy?" shadow looked up and furrowed his marbled brow, "I don't understand." He said. Serenity crouched down a little. "If you were stood here now, would you show me mercy?" The shadow quickly made to nod his head, but Serenity held a finger up at him, "Think on that carefully, Shadow." She warned, "The wrong answer means your head, savvy?" On the Kaminoan ship, Thool smiled at the monitor, "I would gladly join you." he said cheerfully, "If only to see our beloved Empress on her knees."......

Krell had the hatch opened and him and his men poured into the Cruiser. They made their way to the bridge and only met light resistance. Most surrendered and were taken to a central point to be watched over. Soon enough Krell stood before a door to the bridge. He hit the pad on the side of the door and it opened. Him and ten of his best men entered the bridge. "Well now, looks like all the rats have deserted the ship, leaving you all alone." he grinned. Krell knew she had an understanding of the force. But he hopped that she would not try anything stupid. But his uneasyness was calmed when Luke showed up. "Had a feeling you would be heading here." he said with a smile.

Amelia firmed her jaw as the doors opened and Krell arrived with his soldiers. "Only a rat would betray their leader." She hissed at him, "And they will pay for their cowardess soon enough." She stood proud on the bridge with her head up defiantly and her face empty of emotion. "And soon, you shall pay for your insolence also. Your petty rebellion will die as quickly as it began."........

"I think not." Krell told her. "Once the people of the empire know that you have been defeated, how long do you think your appointed govenors will survive. Plus we have a new ally." President Thool made it to the bridge and stood beside Krell. "Who will stand up against the fleet we now have along with the ships we capture today."

Amelia turned up her nose at Thool as he entered, "Like any other creature of Kamino, he will only be your allie as long as you pay him." She spat. In return, Thool smiled and bowed his head, "On the contrary, Empress, I am here free of charge and more than happy to lend my support in your demise." Amelia lifted her head higher, "It matters not. The Empire is still mine and my senators will never allow this rebellion to be recognized. You cannot stop what I started, Krell, no matter how many creatures you align yourself with." All she had to do was wait for her shadow to arrive with Serenity's head and it would all be over......

Luke stepped forward. "Amelia, have you been so blinded by the one called Shadow that you can not see what he has done. Why rule directly when you can make someone your puppet and look to be the one making the decisions. Even now he lies at the feet of Serenity, begging for his life. Reach out with the force and you will see I am not lying."

Amelia worked her jaw as she reached out with her mind and found exactly what Luke had said she would find. Now she knew she was in trouble. "This changes nothing." She told them, "My Empire will still never recognize you. You have achieved nothing." At this point, a great disturbance washed over Luke; like his heart had suddenly lurched up and over and then back again. What he felt was Serenity getting the wrong answer from the shadow. She had taken his head and was now making her way up to the bridge with it. A few minutes later, she arrived and stood in the doorway withthe shadow's hood. Without a word, she tossed it and let it roll down the bridge to land at Amelia's feet. Serenity stood tall with her head high and her back straight. "Your war is over, Amelia." She said.....

"Your empire? Never was yours." Krell said. "Now that he is gone you have nothing to back you up. The Govenors will see the power of the rebellion and seek deals to preserve their lives and some manner of lively hood. I would not doubt that they will swear allegance to the leader of the rebellion." he chuckled, "No not Serenity, though I think she would make an excellent leader of the republic we will form. Soon word of your defeat will spread and that of the strength of our fleet." Luke moved forward a bit. "Amelia, look in at yourself to see what you have become. I sence you were not always like this. Why so much hate?"

Amelia squared her eyes at Luke, "Silence your tongue, you old freak!" She hissed, "I have no need of your religious defication. It sickens me." Serenity stepped forward, "Then this makes things very simple." She told her aunt. "You will surrender yourself to the rebels and we will take you back to Corosant to face your so called loyal senate. I'm sure they would love to hear that you not

only defied their intentions in your attack, but you broke intergalactic law in having your little shockwave on board and perhaps we could add attemtped genocide to the charges also. Or you could take your own life and let them brand you how you should be in death." (sorry, don't know which planet is the central one now)

Now that shadow was dead, and the ship was theirs, Vargos, his aprentace, Drago, Chloe, and Jenny arrived on the bridge. Vargos wanted to see the hummiliation of Amelia. He stood there proudly with the others a grin on his face. "Yes take your own life, take the cowards way out and let the entire empire know what a coward you really are."

Amelia stood for a moment to consider her options, but she knew that she had lost everything now. Her face softened and her shoulders dropped and she started to look like the lost woman she really was. her cold eyes moved over Vargos and his aprentice, "At least I am no betrayer." She scorned. Her hands parted company at her front and she held them up in surrender. Her eyes then moved to Serenity, "Why couldn't you just die when you were supposed to?" She asked. Serenity smiled back, "I'm a pirate." She replied, "And pirates never do as they're supposed to, or haven't you figured that out yet?" Amelia cocked her eyebrow slightly, "And my shadow. How did you defeat him?" Serenity had one simple answer to that. "Faith.".......

Vargos chuckled. "Remember you had no more use for my services. Who I decide to side with after that was of my own accord." Krell moved forward and placed the manacles on her wrists. His soldiers then formed a semi circle around her to escort her to the brig. Chloe turned to Drago and streached out her hand with the light saber in it to give it back to him. "You keep it. Today you have earned it." Chloe's eyes went big and her jaw dropped. "Thank you." she said and brought it back to clutch to her chest. Drago gave a slight smile and bowed his head to her.

Amelia said nothing more and let them lead her away. Serenity stood on the bridge and faced Vargos, "I'm sorry." She said to him......

Vargos looked at her a bit surprised.

Putting her light sabre away, Serenity put her eyes on him again, "I misjudged you. I thought you;d turn on us the second you had the opportunity, but you didn't."......

He smiled and bowed his head to her. "I have learned something new since being here and I think if you decide to help me that I can bring that to the Sith Empire. Perhaps it needs an overhaul."

Serenity offered the Sith her first real smile, "Then perhaps I should think seriously about taking your offer." She then turned away from him and left the bridge. Once back to the Jezzabel, Serenity opened up a comms link to the Pheonix, "This is Diamond." She said, "I want a full casualty list from all pack leaders, status reports and wounded lists by the time I get to the office. And I
want everything documented on my desk by the time we reach Corellia."..... (i think that's the right one)
charles says:
He smiled again and called his apprentice to him. "Much has changed and will change. If we are to learn what Serentity has learned then the old ways must go." Drago nodded, "Yes Master I can see that now. Luke sighed deeply. Things seemed to be working out. The Ioians would be happy to see that. He stayed on the bridge with Vargos and Drago. Krell, Chloe, and Jenny went with Serenity. "What do you think your Uncle is going to say?" he asked Serenity.

Serenity lifted an eyebrow, "I have no idea." She replied. Once the Jezz had left the destroyer and was back on board the Pheonix, everything had been sorted as she had ordered. They arrived to cheers from her crew and even more when she got to the main bridge. Never being shy of a little attention, she bowed to her lead crew, smiled and then moved into her office. As promised, everything she wanted was there and she began going through the lists of the dead and wounded. It was a long list, but a few names that weren't on the list made her smile. Frell had made it and so had Mike. "Phew, that's a relief. No amount of credits would make me go tell her he won't be coming back.".......

Amelia was taken to the brig of the cruiser and repair crews were brought in to make repairs on the engines. Krell was wanting to take the Cruiser and the other captured ships with them. Once they were able to drop off their captured crews the ships would be theirs to use against the Govenors of the Empire. One by one they would fall.

Chloe ran her hands over her new lightsaber. "That was awsome." She told Jenny. Jenny chuckled and grinned. "Yes I know. Becoming a Jedi or the Grey Order, as Vargos is calling us is kind of cool.

Krell sat down in her "Office" and had the communications officer send word back to Vallis that they had defeated the Emperoress and had her prisoner. He figured the old boy would be celebrating all the way to them when he got the word. Then he turned to Serenity. "Only one missing now is Montrose." he told her.

[questor]

Serenity nodded her head from across the desk, "Yup." She replied, "But I wouldn't worry too much. He can't hide for long." She looked up and gave her lover half a smile before handing him the dead list. "Whatever we strip from the cruisers, I want their families to get their fair share." She said, "And the rest to be shared equally among the rest. Is that ok with you?"......

"The ones we captured and are repairable we will need for the new republic we will be building. I have a feeling that once we take control fully there will be enought to take care of the families of those that died. I intend to make sure of that, even if I have to skin these govenors alive for it." he reached over and took her hand in his. "The damaged ones out there we can take the fighters and other equipment and let them do as they wish with. But I do intend to make sure they get more. They deserve it.

Serenity furrowed her brow, "The new republic?" She asked, "Krell, there's already The New Republic, well established and running from Corosant. Why do you want another one?".....

He chuckled. "Well it will be a republic or a confederation of systems. An Empire just sounds evil." he told her. "It will be what every your Uncle wants it to be. But it will be worlds free of the hard handed rule of the emperor and emperoress. Might even mean that we will be out of business as pirates. At least here." he chuckled again

Serenity lifted her eyebrows again and stared at her lover in complete confusion, "You are joking right?"...

"Well you wouldn't want to be stealing from your uncle now would you?" he laughed. "But there are plenty of other places that we can go plunder. I know you would miss that life." then he rubbed his chin. "But what of the new Order that is being created. Are you going to teach them what you have learned? At least a few so that they can teach others." He was thinking about the Sith Lord's offer. There would be plenty of room for a pirate there, until they got things in line for Vargos. New worlds, races, and who knew what.

If Serenity had a shovel, she would have been digging herself a hole right about now. "And do what exactly?" She asked, "Add what we steal from the other places to add to this growing federation of whatever you call it?" Perhaps she was missing the point here, but she couldn't help the feeling that everything she had done on this journey had just about ended life as she knew it......

"Well you are considering his offer are you not?" he smiled. "Until he gets everything settled there, we can have fun robbing from the other Sith Lords and do what whe have done best, be a pain in someone's back side."

Serentity had definitely missed something. "Well, yeh, I'm considering it." She admitted, "But only because I'd rather not have his entire race fucking me over for the rest of my life."........

"Well then it seems like we will have no shortage of ripe plunder till Vargos is in control of the old Sith Empire. Gives us a chance to see new worlds and people." He rubbed his chin some more. "Kai will be getting an exciting upbringing." he moved from his seat to sit on the table by her and bent down and kissed her. "But first we must see to this new order I think. Give that old Man Luke a hand." he sighed. "I fear he might not have many more years left. I think it only fitting that we get his new order established before he passes."

That was the other topic Serenity wasn't too keen on right now, but Krell had a good point. "I guess so." She said, "But I'm no teacher. No patience for it."........

"You have the patience of a mother." he smiled. "I think that will be enough to at least teach Jenny and Chloe what you have learned and perhaps a handful of others. They then will teach others." he squeezed her hand again.

Serenity chewed her lip, "And how do I teach somethign I have no idea how I came to learn?" She asked in return, "I have no idea what happened in the dream world to make it work."......

He smiled and pointed to her head and then to her heart. "It is here and here. You might not quite know it yet, but it is there. Perhaps Luke and Vargos can help you with it. I think the Ioian would be proud of you my love. You have finally done what they tried to do so long ago, and soon The Sith Empire will no longer be an enemy but an ally."

Serenity gave half a nod and then moved around the desk. She felt wet beneath her shirt which meant only one thing. "I'll see you in a while." She said, "I'm about ready to pop."....

[questor]

Krell watched as she got up and moved around the desk. He grinned as she left. So much needed to be done now. He sent a message back to Haven and let Vallis know what had transpired. The old man was elated and ready to start sending out messages to the Govenors of the Systems to surrender. He sent one of the fastest ships they had there back to haven with a pilot aboard to pick him up and bring him to the fleet. Then he called the bridge. "Send word to the fleet to set a course for Crosallant." That would be the first world that would come under their control. If they were lucky they would catch much of the Empire's infastructure there and off guard and undefended.

Serenity lifted an eyebrow. "Crollosant?" She asked. "Aren't we going direct to the Senate? I want Amelia humiliated in front of all of them, not just a select few."......

"We will head to Correllia as soon as The Imperial Navy's Command structure is taken care of. Don't want our old friend stiring up trouble." he smiled. "Then we can take them all before the Imperial Senate and show them that the Empire is finished."

Serenity furrowed her brow, "Once we show the evidence to the senate, we won't have to. It'll fall apart as quicky as she did, trust me. Besides, I have a feeling our friend will be on Corellia making his move by now."......

"Ok I will change course to Corellia." he chuckled. He again called the bridge. "Change of plans. Set course for Corellia instead. Time for a showdown with the imperial senate."

Serenity smiled as the plans formed in her mind of what would happen when they got there. The images were very pleasing to her and she would enjoy acting them out. Firstly however, she had a few things to sort out. Tapping her comms, she got through to the bridge. "Slyder here, Boss." Serenity smiled. "Slyder, can you get me a complete record of everything that happened during the fight?" She asked. "Sure!" Slyder replied, "What for?" Serenity smiled, "I want documented evidence to hand over to the Imperial Senate of everything their beloved Empress got up to, especially her little magnetic charge weapon." A few seconds of silence, then, "Done." Slyder said, "Everything to hang with bitch with." Serenity smiled again, "Shiny." She tapped the comms again, then looked at Krell. "Could you bring me all the stuff we gathered from Ioian?" She asked, "I wanna have another look through it for the shadow. I know he's in their data somewhere."......

"You know we could just contact them and ask them. Since he was evidently there, they would know." he punched in some coordinates on the comm pannel on the desk.

Serenity shrugged her shoulders, "Sure, if you think they're gonna be honest with us." She replied.....

"Oh I think they will. After all I bet they have monitored everything that has happened and know that you have done what they had tried to do." He hit the button sending a signal to the Ioians. "Captain Krell good to hear from you. Is Serenity there with you?" "Here and wanting some information. I will let her ask you."

Serenity put her elbows on the desk and leaned over the comms a little, "Did you hide something from me when we were there?" She asked, "Because I get the feeling there were a many number of things you neglected to tell me and my cousin that very nearly got us killed. Care to share?".....

"We did not think it was important at the time. Remember we were awoken when you came to our world. Thur evidently freed a prisoner that we had. One of our own but of the faction that had created the Sith. We thought that he would have died long ago and not be alive today. He was able to hide his presence from us so we did not know he was alive till we felt the tremmor in the force."

"Hindsight is a wonderful thing, my friend." She replied, "Seeing as he was the one hunting us down, it would have been nice to know about him before he killed me, wouldn't you say?"......

"We are sorry, but we did not even know he was alive till a short time ago. But we have felt the change that you have had. If not for your battle with him you would not have sparked the change. What do you plan to do now that you have Mastered the light and dark side of the force?"

"I have no idea." She answered honestly, "At least not until I have a better understanding of exactly what happened first. So let's start with everything you know about it, shall we?".....

"We are boarding Vera Prime as we speak. We will join you and do our best to help you understand." His voice was estatic and happy.

Serenity smiled. "It will be nice to see her again." She said, "She still owes me a lot of memories."......
brb a sec hun

"She is looking forward to seeing you again and also your child. Her own has been born and will be coming with her." Now that was something Krell was wanting to see.
:
Serenity lifted an eyebrow, "Are you sure it's safe?" She asked, "As I remember, Vera's baby was sucking the life out of everything within reach."......

"That was so he could have enough energy to grow, and give energy to his mother. Now that he is born he is not a danger. He to lookes forward to meeting you and your child."

"I'm looking forward to meeting him too." She said with a smile, "Last time I saw him, he was still squirming around under some blister in her gut.".....

"We will track your movements and meet you as soon as we can. Till then we wish you well."

"You too." Serenity said, then looked back at Krell. "Now this should be really interesting." She said, "The most ancient race in the 'verse coming to Corellia."......

Krell laughed. "That should scare the hell out of the Senate." he said, "Especially when they see Vera Prime and her son. There is no ship like them around that I know of."

Serenity couldn't help but laugh, "Oh, for definite." She chortled.....

"So have you done what you needed to do before you got side tracked." he asked.

Serenity laughed again, "Hardly. Still got a wet shirt."....

He moved up to her and stood behind her putting his arms about her and bringing his hands up to her tits. "Hmmmmmm tisk tisk. Wasting all that good stuff." he chuckled.

Serenity laughed and slapped his hands away, "Cheeky sod." She chortled, then made for the door. "You can have them back when he's finished with them, ok.".....

Krell laughed as she left. "I'll hold you to that." he called after her and then headed for the bridge. He wanted see the fear on the senates faces when they saw the fleet. Amelia had to have had stripped most of the defencive force from Corellia. Those ships that needed some repair remained at the battle site. Enough ships stayed to help and also to salvage what they could from those ships that had been destroyed. Once on the bridge he looked over at Slyder. "Well now how does it feel to be a pirate, rebel, and now perhaps a liberator and hero?"

Slyder looked up from his consol and half grinned, "Ok, I guess." He said, "Still gettin' used to it, kinda.".....

"How about the wife? What does she think of all of this? What does she want to do after it is all over?" he asked. Krell was wondering that himself. He knew Serenity was not ready to just settle down in one place, even with a their son to take care of.

"Marrianne?" He almost grimaced, "She wants to go back to Haven and settle down. Maybe pop out a few more kids and play happy housewife." He then grinned at Krell, "Me's wonderin' if you'll get the same treatment."....

Krell laughed. "Oh I think Serenity is not ready to settle down completely. We have perhaps another empire to consolidate. If she decides to help the Sith Lord consolidate his power in the old Sith empire we will be a bit busy for a while. Then of course there is the new Grey Order as I understand it is to be called. She might be envolved in getting that started." He laughed again. "Nor rest for us it seems."

Slyder widened his cat-like eyes, "Wow!" He said, "You guys really got a lot already. How does she feel about all that?"....

He shugged his shoulders, "Not sure about some of it. We will just have to wait and see what happens after we get this mess sorted out."

Slyder nodded, "Sure." He said...

He wondered if Slyder would settle down or continue on to be a part of Serenity's crew. He wouldn't mind settling down somewhat. Time to spend with his son and with Serenity. It was something he thought on as they made their way to Corellia.

Slyder went back to his work as he thought over the little chat with Krell. Corellia finally came into sight and immediately, they were contacted by the security force. "Who are you and what is your purpose here?"......

"This is Captain Krell of the Rebel alliance. You will surrender as your Emperess has. The Empire is through and you can be a part of the new order of things or you can join those that tried to fight us in the vacume of space."

There was silence for a few minutes as confusion was clearly in charge right then. Finally, "You will return the Empress unharmed and face the penalties for kidnapping according to our laws."......

Krell laughed. "I take that as a No to surrender. Very well then you shall join your comrades in death." The fleet dropped out of hyperspace. There was only a couple of cruisers and couple destroyers. Fifty plus ships came out of hyperspace. "Make your peace to what ever god you pray to." he said as the Phoinex and Raven lead the fleet in.

There was silence from the security force as it was made clear very quickly they were unmatched. After many minutes of silence, another voice came over the comms. "This is vice chancellor Mellin." The aged voice said, "What are your terms?"......

Krell smiled. "Unconditional Surrender. Your emperess has already surrendered to us and is our prisoner."

"The Imperial Senate will never accept an unconditional surrender." The old man said, "But we would be willing to negotiate the safe return of our Empress."......

He opened a channel to Serenity. "Well they are being stuborn. You want to talk to them?"

Serenity had been enjoying some quiet time with Kai when Krell came over the comms. She hadn't noticed they had even arrived. "Um." She said back, "Give me a couple of minutes and I'll be right up.".....

He grinned as he turned back to the vice chancelor. "I don't think you understand your situation." he told him. "Your fleet has been destroyed or captured. Those ships like those remaining here to try and protect Corellia are no match for the fleet we have. Your Emperess is our prisoner and if you do not surrender, we will be forced to bring the full power of our weapons upon you and the Senate."

"I do not understand." Mellin said, "Why have you destroyed our fleet?"......
:
"The Empire is no more Vice Counselor. Your emperoress tried to attack us but we had a few surprises for her. Now do you surrender or do we destroy the ships before us and begin blasting the capital?" He nodded to the weapons officer who fired a full volley across the bow of the lead cruiser, from both the Raven and Phoinex.

There seemed a small noise of panic over the comms, "We have no knowledge of this!" Mellin said quickly. Just then, Serenity arrived on the bridge and stood next to Krell. "Total panic, I assume?2 She said.....

He grinned. "Oh yes. Got them pissing their pants." he was enjoy it. "Go for my love. Perhaps you can convince them."

Serenity folded her arms and grinned. "Bring them up on the main screen." She said. Then she was faced with the ageing Mellin himself and he could see her. The shock on his face was spectacular. "Empress?" Serenity laughed, "Hardly." she replied, "My name is Serenity Diamond. I believe you've been hunting me for a number of years." Mellin turned to one of his advisors. Once again, her reputation had preceeded her. He faced her again, "What do we have to do to get our Empress back safely?" He asked. Serenity lifted an eyebrow, "I want an audience with the entire Senate." She said, "I want your defenses disabled and I want a landing pad cleared in the Imperial Tower. That's for a start." Mellin seemed to consider this, "We will need some time to gather all the senatros." He said. "You have one hour." Serenity told him. Mellin nodded and sent away his advisor before turning back to the screen. "May I ask, how is it possible?" Serenity furrowed her brow, "How is what possible?" Mellin seemed to look her up and down, "The resemblence." he said. Serenity gave half a smile, "Oh, she didn't tell you I was her niece then." She turned to the comms officer and made the signal to cut the feed......

When the comm feed was cut, Krell laughed. "Oh that was good." The fleet more or less surrounded the four imperial ships. If they made a wrong move they would be space dust. "Prepare three shuttles. Two are to be filled with security forces. The Emperoress will be with Serenity and Me aboard the third one." he ordered.

An hour later, Serenity boarded the third shuttle and stood with her head high as Amelia was led on. Her hands were bound, but she still remained as defiant as ever. Word came through that the main landing pad on Imperial Tower had been completely cleared so Serenity went up to the bridge and automatically took the pilot's seat. Amelia was placed behind her in between two armed guards. "Are you ready to face your public?" She asked her aunt. "Laugh it up, Diamond." The Empress spat back, "I'll have my vengeance, just you wait." Serenity laughed back, "I won't hold my breath." She said......

Luke, Vargos and his apprentice was aboard one of the other shuttle. Krell took his seat next to Serenity as the three shuttles took off and headed to the planet. He listened to the emperoress and chuckled. The three shuttles landed in a formation and from the other two the security force spread out to secure the landing pad. "Shall we."

Serenity smiled and left her seat. By the time she left the shuttle, the entire pad was guarded and she moved through the security team towards the main doors with Amelia being led behind them. At the door, Mellin was there to meet them, unarmed and with only an advisor with him. "This way please." He said, then led them into the sanctum of the tower. The senate vault was huge and very impressive and all were there waiting. Mellin took his place with the Supreme Chancellor and the podium was lifted. "The senate has been called to negotiate the release of the Empress." He said, "Her captors wish to address the senate as part of the parle." Serenity moved onto one of the many platforms and waited as it rose up. Unseen, Serenity suddenly clasped hold of Krell's hand.....

Krell took her hand and squeezed it. "Let them have it." he told her.

Serenity half turned and smiled at him before taking a deep breath. The platform reached a level with the Supreme Chancellor and she held her head up. "State your terms." The man said coldly. Serenity kept a tight hold of Krell's hand. "I want it on record that the Rebel Alliance is to be recognized as a legitimate force with legitimate grievances with the Empire." She began. "Noted." The Chancellor replied with a raised eyebrow. "State your grievance." Serenity took another deep breath. "Without provocation or warning, the Empire led an attack on my people, many of whom are now dead as a direct result of the Empress' unlawful use of banned weapons, slavery and unjustified use of force in the outer rim territories." Those loyal to Amelia began to shout in protest. "What evidence do you have?" One demanded. "Prove it!" Said another. The Chancellor lifted his huge domed head and looked at Serenity squarely. "Do you have proof of these accusations?" Serenity nodded, "I do." She said clearly and pulled out a data pad. A small platform moved towards them. "You will surrender this evidence to the senate to be studied." He demanded.
Serenity shook her head. "No." She said, "I want to show this publically, right now, for all to see." The Chancellor waved his hand, "As you wish." Behind them, Amelia began to fidget and curse under her breath. Serenity slid the data pad into the consol and it came up on the main screen. The images shocked many and many others demanded to know exactly what they were looking at. The Chancellor noted this and asked for it to be explained. "These are documented images and files that we have been collecting over the months of this campaign." She said. "The files pertain to a union between the old Emperor and myself in order to secure his rule. These files were kept secret until the very last minute. This is the reason he was killed by your beloved Empress. Since then, she and her companion have
been hunting us down."
The Chancellor looked at the image files and shook his head, "What evidence do you have of the accusations?" he asked. Serenity tapped a few buttons. "This is a small planet system that was under Imperial control." She said as she flicked through the images of the suffering people she and krell had liberated. More shocked voices were heard. "This control was down to one Admiral Montrose under the order of the Empress. Your own laws state that slavery was abolished nearly fifty years ago." The next lot of images were taken from survailance footage from Dantoine. "And this is what is left of Jovu the Hutt and her territory." She continued. "The Empire has no dealings or cause to interfere with the Hutts and she had them destroyed simply because I was there."
The next images were of the battle. "And finally, the evidence of a magnetic weapon that you banned after the death of Emperor Palpatine. You can see clearly the effect it had." The Chancellor was clearly shaken at this point and stared in horror at the images. "We had no knowledge of this campaign." He said, "Nor the attack on Dantoine." Serenity tapped the consol once more, "And one more thing." She said as another image came up on the screen. It was the footage of the star destroyer in the void. "I believe this ship was being built to overthrow the senate. It was destroyed by the Alliance."
The Chancellor seemed to lower his head for a moment as he considered what he had seen. Mellin took over then. "What of the companion?" He asked. Serenity lifted her head, "The creature known as the Shadow." She said, "An escaped prisoner with a vast knowledge of the force and every intent on using it for harm. I killed him myself." The Chancellor looked up again and then turned his eyes to Krell. "I know you." He said, "You were once an Imperial officer, correct?".....

Krell smiled, "Aye I was once. Sent to a hell hole of a prison, where the ship I have was being built in secret. A new weapon, that I guess was not known about, since all the designs were with the ship when I comendered it."

An advisor leaned over to confirm what Krell had said. The Chancellor nodded, "What is your full name?".....

"Krell Octavian." he said with pride.

Once again, the advisor leaned over to give the relevant information. "Tried and condemned for mutiny and treason." He said, then nodded. "I remember your father was ruined by the matter. What is your stake in this matter?"....

"I have seen what the empire has done with people that have tried to flee it to the safety of the New Republic. I was shown what it really was like, and when I tried to lead the mutiny, it was because the captain of the cruiser had ordered the destruction of a transport filled with inocent men, women and children. Since that time I have tried to help those that your empire has taken everything from them for no reason."

"A noble cause, I'm sure." The chancellor replied, "But what is your stake in this particular matter?"....

"Ahhhhh this matter. Well you see, Serenity here is my wife and the mother of our child. The emperoress was trying to kill her and that was something I was not going to allow. Also I want to see the end of this empire and the begining of a new order of things."

The Chancellor lifted his head, "I see." He said. "In essence, you wish for peace then." he said, then lifted his hand, "Peace at the end of a gun rarely lasts." The man had a point, but also an agenda. "If the Empire was to be disbanded and you were to take control, to what end then would you go to to keep the peace? Would your alliance not become just the same?"...

[LadyRaven]

"We will protect it, but it will not be ruled by one fanitic and its people will have the freedom to go where they wish and not be afraid of being inprisoned for wanting to leave or murdered." he told the chancellor, "The Imperial Govenors rule their systems with an iron hand and if one can not pay their high taxes they are sent to slave labor camps." Again Krell had the proof from his rescue missions, and the individual's own accounts of what had happened to them. These he handed to the Chancellor. "These injustices will not be allowed to happen. I would say that you should, have the govenors arrested, their supporters here in your senate arrested and surrender the empire."

The Chancellor looked over all the evidence carefully and when one of his advisors tried to distract him, he had the man removed. In the end, all he could do was shake his massive domed head in shame. "Had I known this, I would have dealt with it accordingly." He said to Krell and to Serenity, "And had I known of Lady Amelia's part in it, I would have forced an election to have her removed." He handed the evidence over to Mellin to be documented properly. "But I cannot simply disband the Senate on a whim, no matter the evidence. I can however, have those guilty members denounced and excommunicated and then replaced with those more loyal and honest with the Empire.".....

Krell shook his head. "She would have had her supporters block that and had you arrested and executed. As for this senate, how many do you think are not involved and how would you replace them to run your empire." He looked around the huge, cavernous room. "As it is we will have to probably fight to free some of the systems from the govenors. "Remember most here are from those systems that have the favor of those govenors. But you have control now of the army here and what is left of your fleet. Surrender, throw in with us and once the systems have been freed you can work with Vallis to appoint senators from the people and not the rich or those that had dealings with the Govenors and present Senators."

Amid the growing revolt in the Senate against the evidence and the terms Krell and Serenity were making, they all seemed to miss the most pressing point entirely. "Excuse me." Serenity offered, being unusually polite for a change. Her request was either ignored or not heard, so she repeated it a little louder. Some stopped to look at her, but most continued to argue. In the end, Serenity resorted to her old style tactic. "Will you fuckers just shut the fuck up?!" Shouted at the top of her lungs, her voice echoed around the massive hall several times before leaving the entire Senate in silence. "I think you're all missing the damned point!" She looked squarely at the Chancellor, "Your Empress is huilty of crimes against every law and moral you gobshites are supposed to hold dear and you're squabbling like a bunch of younglings over a few terms to get the stupid bitch back alive! Don't you find that just a little fucking pointless?!" On his podium, the Chancellor stared at Serenity with wide eyes. No-one had ever dared speak like that in this place before.....

"She is right you know Chancellor. You have seen the evidence and have already stated what you would have done if you had known. What is to be done with her?

It took a few moments for the creature to consider the options, but in truth, there was only one punishment set down for this depth of treason. He took a deep breath, "The evidence you have brought has been truly compelling and as much as many of the senators would argue, I cannot hide the fact that our own Empress has conspired to commit these acts without regard for our laws, morals and the common dignity and decency that we demand of our subjects. The sheer depth of this treacherous act demands the absolute penalty and those that had sanctioned this with her should also face the same judgement. Under the laws of this senate and this Empire, which no being is above, must live by them. Under other circumstances, this judgement would be carried out by the Empress. As it
stands, this judgement now falls to myself." He looked at Amelia with sad eyes and shook his head. "Lady Amelia Constantine Shayla Fown, you have been judged guilty by the Empire for crimes against it and it's people. These crimes, being numerous and cruel must warrant the absolute punishment. It is the ruling of this Senate that you face the death penalty, to be carried out by the next moon." He lowered his head, "And it is the judgement of this senate that all senators, governors and armies therin will be disbanded immediately and tried seperately for their crimes at a later date." He brought up his fist and then slammed it down upon the tablet of his podium. "Judgement passed." In the uproar that followed, Amelia could only stand and stare in horror before moving to the back edge of the platform and leaning against it should she actually faint and fall before her former peers......

Oh the senators were in an uproar. Only a few seemed to stand with the Chancelor. "Have your soldiers here arrest the senators. Once they have been delt with and unable to warn the govenors, we can make the transition as bloodless as we can. I do not want to shed any more blood then we need to."

The Chancellor nodded and waved for the guards to arrest those in league with Amelia. His podium then lowered, followed quickly by their platform and once on the deck again, the Chancellor stepped from the discus and turned to Krell and Serenity. "Follow me." He said quietly and led them away into a small conference room. It was private and safe to talk more freely.......

As the imperial guards began rounding up the senators, many of them protesting loudly, and Amelia was lead away Krell followed the Chancelor to the small conference room. He looked over at Serenity.

Serenity followed in silence, wanting to feel this weird looking biped out before making any judgements on him; a skill she had come to rely on long before the Force had been injected into her life. After a few moments of pacing, the man finally turned back to them both. "Between you, you've both completely destroyed everything I've upheld for the last fifty years." He said, then shook his head. "And what's more, you're both wanted pirates and traitors to everything I had once believed in: Still believe in. You can understand my predicament now, surely?"......

"Yes, under the empire law we have been made outlaws, pirates, and rebels, and the like. But here we stand trying to bring freedom to the systems of the empire. Your ideals for what you feel the empire should be run by are sound, but need the proper leadership and overwatch to keep those in power from using it to their own benifit and gaining power." he took a seat and looked over at Serenity. "We have with us the Last of the Jedi Masters and a Sith Lord that has seen the Light. A new order will probably be created, The Grey Order, Like in the Old Republic they can be the ones to keep watch over all and be used to help settle disputes. Join us in our endevor to make the Empire into what it should be."

"You propose we return to the days of old when the Jedi were still a force to be reckoned with." The Chancellor said as he looked over the collection of people. "Not that I would not agree with such a plan, but where do you suggest we find the means and oppotunity to bring in this Grey Order? from what I see, you have only two such creatures." At this, Serenity looked up, "Five." She said, "There are five of us to date and possibly another dozen in the making." The Chancellor looked at Krell, "Five would be a start I suppose, but the dozen would be better."....

"Krell smilled. The Sith Lord has promised to help in that, and Luke I imagine will be able to seek out and bring others in to be trained." He took Serenity's hand and squeezed it. "Plus there are others I think that will help in this." He thought of the Ioians. They might want to be a part of it. Perhaps bring those with the the force to their world to be trained and educated.

The Chancellor nodded in agreement, but he was cautious about the Sith, "Are you sure they can be trusted?" He asked, "If our history has taught us anything, it is that the Sith have never been an honest force among the people.".....

Krell chuckled, "I think Serenity has impressed him with her powers." he squeezed her hand, "We beleive his has turned from the old ways of the Sith."

The Chancellor lifted an eyebrow at Serenity, "You are familiar with the Force also?" He asked her. Serenity nodded, "Thanks to the Shadow and the Ioians, I can use every aspect of it." She told him, "Both dark and light. I am, according to the old man, the first Grey Jedi Master." The Chancellor nodded, but then furrowed his brow, "To what purpose will you use this power now?" He asked cautiosuly. Serenity lifted her head slightly, "As of yet, I have no idea." At least she gave him an honest answer......

[LadyRaven]

Haven -

Mirrors had never been a friend for Serenity. In fact, for years, she had seen very little point in them at all. Today though, she found herself staring into one. While brushing her hair through, she found herself looking at her reflection in the bathroom mirror with actual purpose. Putting the brush down on the shelf below the glass, Serenity leaned on the edge of the sink and stared at herself. A few things had changed, but not overly so. The blonde curls had gone, replaced by thick trails of dark red ones. she smiled lightly at them, remembering how Krell had nearly panicked and thought her someone else. Beyond that, she still looked relatively the same. Time had been kind so far. As she stared a little longer at her reflection, a noise from the bedroom grabbed her attention. "Mom!" With a sigh, she left the bathroom and entered her bedroom with a smile.

"Mom, have you seen my algebra book?" Kai asked as he stood in the doorway.
"It's where you left it, Kai." She replied.
"Where did I leave it then?"
With a shake of her head, she moved past him in the doorway and went through into the main living area. Sat on the coffee table with a number of other books was the needed one. "Like I said." She told him.
"Thanks!" Kai said as he rushed to pick it up and then shoved it deep into his satchel.
"Now scram." She told him, "Before you're late again. And don't forget, your dad's home today, so no lollygagging around."
Kai nodded and stopped by her briefly to kiss her cheek and then was running out of the door.

Serenity stood for a while, leaning against the wall as she watched her growing son disappear to school. It felt like only ten minutes ago, he was cradled in her arms and dependant on her for everything, not ten years. She turned her head to stare out of her favourite window into the docking area. Ships came and went regularly these days without much trouble. It wasn't like the old days anymore, not since the fall of the Empire.

For a few years after Amelia's execution, things had been tense as rivalries and scores were settled between various factions within the old Empire and the outer rims had been left pretty much to their own devices, or vices rather. Republics had sprung up almost everywhere, all demanding their rights and recognition and that had been good for business for a while. Serenity's dogs had gotten pretty rich from the fighting and confusion and Rahma had managed to find himself on top and governor of his very own system near the former interior. He had a wife now and several kids running around, which made her happy. Things were just as good for the rest of her family, blood or not.

Slyder and Marianne had settled nicely in Haven and as predicted, she had popped out a few more. Slyder now had two sons and another daughter, Marsh, Sylvester Jnr and Carrie. Rat had finally grown up and married his young sweetheart, though it didn't last. They had a good four years before she caught him out and he went back to his old life. Serenity hadn't seen him for nearly two years, but he kept in touch whenever he made it into the sector. Mac had done well too. He'd brought his family to Haven for a while to introduce them all and Serenity discovered that he wasn't just a grandpa anymore, but a great grandpa and he was very proud of that. They all lived in the interior now with Rahma.

Jenny, her once prodigy, had blossomed into a beautiful and skilled young woman with Chloe fast coming up in the same way. They had taken to the Jedi life with gusto and pride and from what she last heard of them, were doing very well on Correllia. The Order had grown and evolved and were proudly presented as the new peacekeepers. Jenny was chief under the Grand Chancellor, but Serenity understood that she wasn't going to settle down and have a family like most. Her life was the Order now and that was that. Serenity hadn't minded so much, it meant she didn't have to be that and she could keep her own life.

As with any passing of time, there had been a few losses along the way as well as new additions. Valis being the main one. When he came to power in the new Republic, Serenity had finally let her hatred of the old man go and she was proud of him. He had accepted his responsibilities with grace and understanding and it had been the making of him. Still, his growing years had finally caught up with him and after only six years in power, he passed away in his sleep. He didn't marry, so left his legacy to his closest friend Thungst. After the final battle, he and Krell adopted father had become the very best of friends and relied often on each other for advice. It seemed only fitting that this friend would take over and carry on the good work Valis had started.

That left Serenity and Krell; and of course, Kai. Those first few years had been difficult. Serenity had been adamant she didn't want to give up her life and Krell had been the same. For a while, it had worked. They travelled together when they could and when not, they took it in turns to take Kai with them. The boy was never left behind with someone else. But it hadn't lasted. Tensions grew as peace spread and for a while, things looked bleak for both of them. Something had to give and it ended up being Kai that made the decision for them. He wanted to stay in school and he wanted to stay in Haven with his mother. That had been the turning point for Serenity. She didn't resent him for it, certainly not and she soon realized that she didn't regret it either. Being in Haven made her happy too and she soon settled in. Sure, she left once in a while to visit Rahma and Mac and every so often, she would take a trip to the outer rims for a few weeks and cause a little chaos for the Hutts, but otherwise, she was happy to let Krell be the provider. Her dogs now followed him and she was happy to keep house; well, to a point.

More ships came and went through the dock as Serenity drifted in her memories and she smiled distantly as she waited for that familiar ensign to flash by the outer doors. Haven was as much a space port as it had been a rebel base and with free trade and safe passage between the rims and the interior, it had seen a boom in popularity. So much so that much of the asteroid field had been cleared and executive pilots had been trained to bring visiting ships in and out again. Serenity watched at least a dozen go by her window before she saw the one she had been waiting for.

Just as the bold Raven ensign went by the outer edge of the viewing window, Serenity felt something furry curl around her leg. She smiled again and reached down to pick up the creature. She cuddled it and rubbed behind its ears. "Hey Twinkie." She said warmly. The ageing Ionian 'cat' was still her favourite comfort and companion and was surviving well considering his age. He gave his usual odd mew and then began to purr as Serenity hit that special spot behind his right ear. "Daddy's home." She cooed at him and he purred back. "Wanna go down to the dock and meet him?" Twinkie purred a little longer before he shifted his weight and curled his body around the back of her neck. "Ok then." She said and left the apartment.

The dock was busy as usual these days, but the bustle was extra today. The Raven had been through the interior which meant lots of new goodies for Haven. Serenity let everyone go around her and moved to one side as the bay doors opened and cargo packs started to come off. As Captain, Krell was always last off the ship. she did spot Jenkins though and gave him a high wave. He waved back and smiled brightly as he spotted her. Time hadn't been so kind on him. Half bald and what was left was ashen grey. At least Krell hadn't suffered that indignation. Six months ago, when he'd left, she had noticed he was going a little grey at his temples, but that was all. But that didn't matter to her. As far as she was concerned, he was as handsome as he'd always been and she couldn't wait to see him.

The cargo packs were all brought off and shifted away and soon enough, the bridge crew started filing off in order to their waiting families and friends. Serenity smiled as hugs and kisses were given and then they started moving away. Only Krell was left on board and she knew he was doing his final checks before leaving. She would often do the same when she returned from a trip. Eventually, and after a painful hour, she finally laid eyes on him and she sighed with happiness. She didn't go along the gangway though, but stood in her usual style near the main door. With one ankle crossed over the other, she leaned against the doorway with her arms folded across her chest and her head tilted to the frame. And there she waited while Twinkie purred contently around her neck and shoulder.......

[questor]

Ten years had passed and it didn't really seem that long. Kai had grown like a weed and had been on board either the Phonix or the Raven. He had been all over each ship and knew them better then the crews. He even seemed to have a thing about engineering. He seemed to be able to notice subtle variances in the engines and other pieces of equipment. Something no one else seemed to notice, but if ignored would lead to big problems. There he knew the boy was in touch with the force. Like mother like son. Luke who seemed not to have aged a day since they met him, took it upon himself to teach Kai. When he was not in school learning all he could, he would be practicing with his abilities with the force.

So much had changed. As the Raven had pulled into the Docking bay of Haven, he thought over it all. The New Republic was strong now and the Federation that was once the remains of the Empire, was growing and was strong as well. Trade between the two was brisk and going well. Even the Sith Lord had pulled together some of scattered remains of the Sith Empire with the Help of the Jedi. No longer a Sith Lord, but what he liked calling a Grey Lord, like the Grey Jedi. He had not been able to get control of all, there were those that clung to the old ways and resisted.

This bothered Krell. In ten years they had not had any word about Admiral Montrose nor Alma Thur. Those two hated Serenity and him with a hatred that would never die. He could not shake the feeling that those two were up to something, somewhere, and when they showed themselves, it would not be a good thing. Once they docked the crew began disembarking. He remained on the Bridge until all were gone and the last report had been submitted. Then he left the bridge and down the gangway to the deck of the docking bay. There he saw Serenity leaning against the door. He grinned and moved rapidly to her taking her into his arms and picking her up, spinning her around. "You are always a sight for sore eyes my love." he told her and kissed her deeply.

Across the galaxcy at the farthest edge lay planets and systems undiscovered and not even really known about. Here Montrose and a few ships of the Empire had fled. Here he plotted his return. Here to he found a race of beings that had technology beyond that Montrose had seen. These beings were something not seen in the Old Republic, Empire, or new Republic. They were also warlike and had conqured and enslaved other races with in the multi-world systems. Each system had a dozen worlds that were inhabitable.

Montrose wormed his way into their leader's confidence and with his imperial troops helped train their soldiers, making them a force that even the combined Federation and New Republic forces would find hard to beat. For ten years he trained and built up the forces of the Antocki.

[LadyRaven]

Serenity greeted Krell in much the same way, throwing her arms around his neck and hoisting herself up and into his embrace. "As are you." She told him between kisses. He'd only been away for six months, but this trip had been agony for her. She wasn't sure why yet, but she would find out soon enough now that he was home. On her shoulder, Twinkie mewed and pawed at Krell's head before climbing across Serenity's shoulder and onto Krell's head and neck. Serenity laughed quietly as she disentangled herself from his arms. "He's missed you too." She told him. Twinkie mewed and pawed some more in response. Serenity kissed her husband twice more and then curled her arm around his hips, making him put his around her shoulders and she began walking him home. "I have a few bits of news for you since we last spoke." she offered up with a smile.

"Luke has started Kai with some swordplay basics." She began, "With a real sabre now. He's doing pretty good, but he's not used to the counterbalance issues yet and I've had his latest school reports. His algebra and calculus scores are off the chart. His principal is comparing him to students twice his age. His grammar isn't the best, but he's improving and I've put him in for engineering when he goes up next year. Oh!" She stopped and turned to face him, "I got a message from Rahma last week. He's passing through the sector in a few months and wants to stop by for a few days. Shianne's had another baby boy and he wants to show us some pictures of him." She laughed, "I think that makes eight or nine now, not sure." She curled back up to him and started walking again. "Oh, and Slyder wants a word when you've settled back in. I told him not to bother you for a few days yet.".....

[questor]

Krell listened and smiled as she told him about Kai. He was a bright kid and would surpass those that were much older then him. He was very proud of their son. He expected Kai to one day take over the Raven so he could retire. Well retire to some degree. Being away for six months this time showed him how much putting down roots had changed him. He was married and had a son, both of whom he had missed a great deal in those months. Messages here and there on long hauls were never the same as being there with the people you love. When Twinkie crawled on top of his head and pawed him, he reached up and ruffled the creature's fur. "Well good to see you to." he chuckled.

Once they got home and inside, he turned her to look at him, "Well I have some news to. Well somewhat. Rumors of rumors. As you know I have been deep into the old Sith Empire. It is the only place we have not had people looking for Montrose and Alma Thur. It has been said that on a couple worlds there that a small transport ship here and there had reported the sighting of a strange ship appearing out of hyperspace and then disappearing again. None of which could be confirmed, you know how smugglers are. No one knows who reported it but it is the talk of many worlds."

He had been visiting a lot of worlds in the Old Sith empire, beyond the empire that the former Sith Lord, now Lord Drako, was in control of. He had picked up the talk of the strange ship in a bar on one of those worlds and had tried to follow the path of the rumors. But they ended on another planet and there no one was talking on who had seen the sihip, nor did they know which way it had been traveling when it jumped into hyperspace.

"Not much to go on but it could have been Montrose and his ship. Draco said he would send some of his grey sith to investigate deeper into the unexplored region." He knew that Serenity wanted to bring Montrose to justice and any news of him would make her day. "Now where is our little rascal at?" he wanted to see his son as well.

[LadyRaven]

Make her day, it did. Serenity beamed a bright smile and nodded. "Any news of that bastard is good news." She told her husband with mirth. She couldn't wait to get her hands on Montrose. Before the fall of the Empire, he had been a thorn in her side for years and when she had learned of his true cruelty during their first collective adventure, she hadn't just wanted him out of the way, she wanted him hung, drawn and quartered and deep down, she would quite happily take his head to every world he had controlled and let the people piss on it. Well, that was her kind of justice anyways. No sooner had that thought entered her head, Krell mentioned Kai and her face changed from secret glee to outright pride.

She moved across the living room and to the kitchen where she began preparing food for dinner. Twinkie escaped Krell's neck and followed her at the prospect of a snack. "He's at school until four." She called back, "And he's under orders to come straight home." She returned with a tall coffee pot that steamed gently and sat it on the table. Then, she smiled and looked up at Krell. "Don't mention his grammar scores, he's a bit embarrassed about them." Just then, and a full hour and a half early, the door swung wide open and Kai rushed in with a huge grin.

"Dad!" He called and ran to his father. The boy had grown probably a few inches since Krell last saw him and his hair was longer. Serenity had been meaning to take him to the barbers, but kept forgetting. With his books dumped unceremoniously and messily by the table, the boy leapt at Krell with his arms wide. "I missed you!" He said......

[questor]

As the door flew open and Kai came running in throwing his books on the table, Krell turned chuckling and drew the boy up into his arms and hugged him. "I missed you to, you little wild cat." He held his son in his arms not wanting to let go of him. But finally he eased him down to the floor and looked at him. "You have gown some." and then he put a hand on his hair and laughed. "Your mother has forgotten to take you to the barber again, hasn't she." he grinned and looked over at Serenity.

He had a feeling that the school had let him and others that had parents as part of the Raven's crew go early to go see them. Then he looked again over at Serenity. "The next trip out is probably going to be a very long one. I want you and Kai to go with me on it." he told her. Immediately Kai was hopping around excitedly look to his mother for her approval. The boy loved the ship and its sister ship the Phoniex. "I will be taking a couple of other ships along as we will be going into uncharted space. I don't want to be away from the two of you for that long."

[LadyRaven]

Going into uncharted space? That meant he was going hunting for Montrose, or at least with what he'd told her not half an hour before. 2+2=4 after all. With a quick nod, she smiled, "Can't wait." She said lovingly, though gave a stern look to Kai seconds later. "But we'll have to clear it with your principal first." She knew what the answer would be of course and it made Kai dance around even more.

Shortly after that, Serenity dished up the dinner and placed it on the table so they could pick what they wanted. She snacked on a little of it, but she wasn't that hungry. her mind was racing over the possibility of finally getting her hands on the former admiral. The things she wanted to do to him defied all logic, but she didn't care about that. She just wanted vengeance.

"When are we leaving, Dad?" Kai asked eagerly, "And can we take Twinkie with us? Will the Phoenix be coming too? Can we stop off and visit the Chief (Mac) on the way? Will I be allowed on the bridge this time? I'm old enough now. And can I get greased up in the engine room like Mum does?" The boy was full of questions, but his last one let slip a little secret of his mother's. Across the table, the woman shrugged and blushed a little.
"I decided to tinker a bit with Jezz. I didn't fancy paying over the odds again with Marshall to get her MOT'd." She shrugged again while Kai danced around in his seat waiting for an answer.....

[questor]

Krell had to grin at the way Kai was dancing around. If it was up to him they would already be on their way. He sat down and dished up a nice plate full of food. Even though his cook on the Raven was now a renowned one, there was nothing like a home cooked meal and sharing it with his family. He could see the look on Serenity's face and knew what she was thinking. She had told him what she felt should be done to Montrose and he could not have agreed more with it. Especially if they found him in the Unexplored space. No Federation, or Republic laws to be enforced there. He also had a hatred for the former admiral.

When Kai began firing off his questions, he had to laugh. The boy was definately eager to go and do what he could on the ship. "No the Phoenix will be remaining back here. She will be the flagship of the navy till the Raven returns. But we will be taken a couple cruisers with us and the Jess." he told him. "As for being on the bridge that will depend on your studies. Before we go I will be getting a very long assignment program from your principle. You will continue your studies. If you keep up with them then you can be on the bridge and work under the Chief Engineer"

He laughed when Kai spilled the beans on what his mother had been up to. "Well I could expect nothing less from you." he told her with a grin. "She is your baby and I know you want her kept in good shape, and you trust no one else with her."

It would be good to have them with him. The past six months had been a strain, but he would not let on about that. His family was very important to him and he wanted to make sure Kai knew he was loved and wanted. "I guess we will be taking Luke along as well. Can't let Kai's training there be intrupted." Krell figured that Kai would one day be a very important member of the Jedi/Sith organization. Both worked together now to help settle disputes and find those that threatened the peace of the three governments. He figured that when he became a full Grey Jedi he would take the Jess as his personal ship and then one day command the Raven.

"Now when you are finished off you go to your studies. It will be a few days before we depart. The old girl has to be checked out and have a few things replaced. Once the Raven is ready we will be going." he answered the main question Kai had asked.

[LadyRaven]

Kai gave a gentle groan at being told he would still have to do his school work and Serenity laughed before nudging her son with her elbow, "Told you so." She said. Kai finished his meal and then went off to do his homework, leaving Serenity and Krell alone.

For a while, she sat in silence, staring at him while he ate. The grey hadn't spread any and he looked happy and content to be home again. By the way he scoffed his food, he looked like he'd missed her cooking too. The slight stubble on his chin told her he hadn't shaved for a couple of days and that would be the first thing to go before she let him anywhere near her. That in mind, her thoughts turned much more carnal in nature. She grinned silently and sat back in her chair with a mug of coffee. "So, anything interesting happening?" She asked finally.....

[questor]

Besides the possible sighting of Montrose, and that had been a few years ago, there wasn't much. Well nothing that was thought as being significant. There was the report from the cloner world that a couple of their units had been stolen. There was no leads on that one and what possible use could only a couple clone machines be used for. Couldn't make an army like the cloners did for the Old Republic when the Old Emperor, Palapitine was the leader of the republic and no one knew he was a Sith Lord. Probably opportunitsts wanting to try and sell them for a large amount of credits.

"Not much going on, the usual disputes between world on mining and trading. Some of the old Trade Federation people tring to resurect that dead organization. Don't see it happening, especially seeing how they were involved in the Clone Wars. The only other thing, still not really significant is that the Cloners have reported a couple of their units missing." he looked at her and seen the look on her face and smiled. He rubbed his jaw and felt the stubble. Six months away from her now that was to damn long. He had thoughts of what he was wanting to do, but first a shower and a shave.

[LadyRaven]

"A couple of units, you say?" She replied. It sounded more like something she would have years past, but now it just didn't seem likely why anyone would want them. For a fair price, the Caminoans were happy to do it. Montrose passed through her mind briefly, but why would he want them? He had no way of making them work without all the corrisponding equipment. After some time in thought, she let it go and smiled to Krell as he rubbed his chin. Was he thinking the same thing she had been? Serenity hoped so. Six months alone in that big bed with nothing but his pillow to cuddle up to had been torture......

[questor]

He finished his dinner and then excused him self from the table. He immediately went in to the bedroom and striped. He then got into the shower and turned on the water. Even taking a shower at home felt good. He grabbed a small round mirror and shaving stuff and began scraping the two day old beard off. In a few minutes he was clean, had a smooth face and was toating one hell of a hard on.

He again entered the bed room and looked around, to see if Serenity was there yet, or if she had went to check on Kai and his homework.


On a distant world in unexplored space by the Republic, Sith Republic, or the Federation, if one that knew the man, a familiar voice spoke. "Is everything ready?

A gruntal voice from a tall leather skinned humanoid replied, "A few modifications to fit our machinery and it will be ready to make what ever you like." The humanoid had a large head and big oval eyes. It wore a grey one piece outfit that was skin tight.

Montrose grinned and handed the humanoid two vials. "These are the DNA samples that will be used. How long before you have the clones?"

"OH we must do some test first. Make sure all is perfect. You would not want something going wrong and wasting your samples."

Montrose frowned but nodded. "I will return in month. I hope you will have some good news for me by then." he left and walked out of the giant Lab. A man in the imperial uniform of a Captain fell in beside Montrose as he walked through the corridor. "How goes the construction?" he asked the Captain.

"Ahead of schedual Admiral." the captain said, "But do you think it wise sir to have these........." he looked around "People operating it. What if they decide to use it to take control themselves."

"I have safety precautions in place to prevent that. Once we reach the New Republic, we will cut a path to the Cloners and have them create an army of loyal soldiers for us."

The captain nodded his head and then walked on with Montrose in silance.

(Now who do you suppose he wants to clone? And what are they building?)

[LadyRaven]

(it could be anyone. can't wait to find out)

When Krell finished his meal and disappeared to shower and shave, Serenity went to check on Kai. He had finished his homework and she put him to bed. No story tonight though, she had somewhere to be. After a quick kiss goodnight and the usual hug, she raced into the bedroom and stripped down to her bare skin. Knowing that he was coming home today, Serenity had made sure to shower and preen herself that morning. It had been when she was checking her face when Kai had interrupted. Being quick, she lit a few candles and dimmed the lights right down. She then launched herself on the bed and posed ready for when he came through.

With her right knee slightly up and arching her back slightly, she greeted him with a smile as she put her head on her hand and patted the soft white sheets with her other hand. Her long red tresses curled around her shoulder and she used them to frame her still pertish breasts. "Welcome home, Krell." She purred lightly and then blew him a kiss......

[questor]

A big smile crept to Krell's face as he saw his lovely wife naked on the bed. Six months without her was to long a time. He crossed the room to the bed and crept up on it to her and took her into his arms and kissed her deeply as a hand moved up and down her lovely body, feeling the soft and warm skin. He moved his hand up to her breasts and squeezed one then the other, enjoying the feel of them.

Even after she gave birth to Kai, they had never stopped enjoying each other. Only his time away from home had prevented them from more time together. The price one paid for being part of the leadership of a new Federation. But no more, Serenity and Kai he wanted with him He would talk it over with her of course. But the way things were going, and from talking to the crews of the Phoenix and Raven along with other ship crews, having families aboard was something that was being talked about. Technology from their friends on the hidden planet provided their ships with decent shields now. They didn't have to have the bulky generators.

"Now my lovely wife, are you readu for having a night of extreme pleasure." he moved his hand down from her tits to her pussy and began fingering it. He could already see she was getting there.

[LadyRaven]

"As ready as you are, my love." She purred back as she pressed her navel against his already solid shaft. When his fingers touched her already heated womanhood, she moaned loudly and thrust her hips forward in anticipation as her own fingers squeezed in between them and began playing with his cock.....

[questor]

Krell kissed her deeply and long and then began his slow decent. He kissed her face, then her neck, chest and lovely breasts, lingering some there to suckle on them and gently nip at their hard nipples. Then down, down, down to her pussy where he spread her legs wide and began to flick his toung over its moist lips. Now with his free hand he reached back up to her tits and began squeezing them one after the other. Oh to long he thought, way to long he was away.

He watched her as he continued to flick his toung over her pussy lips and then a bit deeper as he moved his finger in and out slowly. It would take a week or two to get the Raven reoutfitted and ready to go. So he was going to enjoy as much time with Serenity as he could. There would be times on board, but with ship life you got it when you could. But at least she would be there with him along with their son, Kai. Others had asked about it as well and he had given permission to bring their families. Kai's studies would not go unattended, especially with others his age aboard.

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