Private A Deadly Game: The Final Showdown

[Teyla Sal-Soren]

D E N O N

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Spoiler

"This is it," Valere said evenly, checking out the energy packs of her blaster one last time as the Inquistor's Revenge broke atmosphere over Denon, a world that's landscape wasn't too dissimilar to Coruscant's. The view port filled with the image of a landscape of unending urban sprawls and sky towers crammed too close together. Gaudy, glowing billboards stretched as far as the eye could see, no matter which direction you turned your head. It was clear there was some aesthetic thought put behind the cities design, with endless streams of air speeders in their designated lanes. Unlike Coruscant, the seedy parts of the city were not hidden beneath the glamour, rather they were scattered through the city, and there was certainly a good deal more pollution than the upper echelons of Coruscant were ever susceptible to.

It was fitting, that it would all end in a similar place as to where it all began.

Teyla turned away from the view port, walking down the narrow corridor until she reached the infirmary. "Hey," she said gently, lightly rapping her knuckles on the door frame. "We're landing in about ten." Teyla mentioned casually, walking over and sitting next to his bedside. Teyla eyed Baros for a silent moment, before pulling out the blaster from her holster and laying it over his lap. "Rafiki will be staying on the ship, but I want you to have this... as a precaution. I went ahead and programmed it to store your DNA, if anyone else tries to handle this, that's not you or myself? They'll be in for a rude wake up call. Jannus would have my hide if she knew, but after what happened with Cynthie, I'm not leaving anything to chances... Also," Teyla said, reaching into her pocket, unfurling her hand to show a small black earpiece. "Put this in. It has a direct line to me and Valere, in case there are any problems."

Her lips pulled into a slight smile, feeling a twinge of guilt that they were leaving him behind, even if it was for his own good. "It's finally going to be over."

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________​

Getting ready for the next part of all this, Rafiki started going through the landing sequences, while Teyla worked on opening up a hailing frequency with those in the control tower. It was one of hundreds on the world, but it was the only one that TBK had given Respini special clearance for.

"This is the Inquisitor's Revenge, requesting landing clearance."
"Copy that Inquisitor's Revenge, transmit ship landing codes and registration for authentication."
"Transmitting."
"Inquisitor's Revenge, you are cleared for landing and your escort is waiting for your arrival."

Teyla paused a long moment, uneasiness etched into her expression. "Understood." and disconnected the call, wondering idly if they were grabbing the sharp end of a bayonet. This was really happening.

Bringing the ship to land, Teyla noticed a non-specific shuttle parked nearby, and a couple of droids standing beside it.

"Looks like he's rolled out the welcome wagon."

"Let's not keep him waiting, then."

Baros Sal-Soren

 

[Baros Sal-Soren]

Over the past few days, the general gist of the conversation followed thusly.

"I'm going."

"No. You can't life your arm. You can't put pressure down on your leg. You are staying."

Teyla had stayed out of the conversation every time. This caused Baros no end of frustration. He had called on her to defend his desire to go on the mission, but every time she had deftly avoided taking sides. To Baros though, no side was siding against him in this decision. So as she sat giving a final pre-mission monologue, Baros lay on the medbay bed with his eyes closed. Valere was right, he knew it. But it still galled him deeply that he was not being permitted to go and meet the one that had caused so much pain and suffering in lives around the galaxy, in his life and in his love's life.

He knew the real reason that he was not going. He had committed murder, at least that is what Valere thought. She had not said anything about it after Respini's death, but he had seen in her eyes. He felt the blaster pressed into the side of his leg, and opened his hand on command to take a hold of the earpiece. He finally opened his eyes, and much to his disgust the action set a tear roll part way down the side of his nose.

"She deserved worse than she got."

He spoke through clenched teeth.

"You know it. We all know it. I did what had to be done..."

...right?

"It's finally going to be over."

____________________________________________________________________________________________________​

Valere walked down the ramp of the Inquisitor's Revenge and into the musty night air of Denon. The platform itself jutted out from a highrise that stretched still 40 or so stories higher than were the were. The majority of that was a spire with a penthouse disk at its peak. The two droids in front of them were clearly not there to interpret guests languages or provide mechanical services. These were security droids. The bipedal droid approached first.

"Cynthie Respini is expected. Present her immediately."

Valere stood arms akimbo with a fair swathe of swagger. In spite of expressing her nerves before disembarking she seemed to have fully embraced the moment.

"Respini will not be joining us."

The astromech beeped in bland tones from behind the bipedal droid.

"Unacceptable."

"Oh," replied Valere with her hands lifting palms up, and then pointing her thumbs back to the ship behind them, "OK. We will just be going then...come on Teyla."

The astromech murmured its beeps again and the bipedal droid spun to look at the small computer-on-wheels. "Does master wish them killed?" A few beeps came back in reply. It seemed unlikely but the tall droid appeared disappointed. He turned back as Valere started walking away.

"Present Sal-Soren and you may have entrance."

Valere didn't make eye contact with Teyla, but did take a couple of steps back towards the droid. "He's gone too...OK...so if you guys are going to waste our time...look...we came all this way...can't we have an audience with him?"

A beep. A boop. Then slumped droid shoulders.

"Follow me. My fellow servant will wait on your ship."

"Fine. Sure...whatever..." Valere played it way more casual that even she had suspected she would. As she walked past the astromech she glanced back towards the rollie. Not good.

The elevator up to the penthouse took what felt like an eternity. Every moment the droid in front of them seemed to grow larger, but it was purely the increasing height also increasing the feeling of being alone with a device that could snap them both in a moment. The door finally slid open, and the droid stood to the side and with an outstretched hand directed the two women to enter the room.

It was a modestly decorated room, minimalist. There was no one in the living space, but off to the side there was someone visibly moving in the kitchen area.

"One moment!" They called. The voice seemed...

"Would you care for a drink?"

Valere's heart started to race. This was not at all what she had expected. What had she expected? The voice though it seemed...

"Ah...no...not in the slightest."

"Really? Come on," the smiling visage of a young person - male or female was hard to determine in the quick moment - but not more than 14 years of age. "This is a monumental occasion...Teyla Ee'everwest and Jannus Valere in my home...wow."

"Just a child..." Jannus whispered.

Teyla Sal-Soren

 

[Teyla Sal-Soren]

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Teyla harrumphed quietly and crossed her arms over her chest, not pleased that Valere had been so quick to agree to letting the droid stay behind on her ship, but what was done, was done. Baros and Rafiki should have been able to hear what was happening over the commlinks and could take appropriate measures. They'd have to be quick, but there was some time. Knowing Rafiki would be with him brought a small amount of peace to her mind. Droids often didn't fair too well against Wookiees, especially when said Wookiee had been pointedly asked to take care of Baros while she wasn't there. Wookiees took their life debts seriously, and she'd hate to be the one on the receiving end of an enraged Rafiki and his code of honor. Ripping arms from sockets, was no myth. Still, Teyla had a sinking sense settle in the pit of her stomach watching that astromech roll up the loading ramp of the Revenge, while they kept pace with their crimson escort to the elevator.

The entire ride up was silent, no sound, no movement. Teyla could feel the fear in her chest, and released a quiet controlled breath in an attempt to loosen herself up. She wished there was some way of knowing what it was they were walking into. Unknown circumstances were harder to prepare for, more nuances, easier for things to go wrong.

Teyla stepped behind Valere and into the sparsely decorated room, glancing around to take in their surroundings and briefly over to the window that stretched from floor to ceiling, making up an entire wall. From this height, you could see the full enormity of Denon's congested city, stretching for unending miles towards the horizion. All of it was surreal, especially hearing the young voice that called to them.

Usually she didn't feel so restless, but the situation seemed to be getting more complicated. There was no way this child could be TBK, unless she'd been duped all those years ago by an eight-year old criminal mastermind, which seemed unlikely. Were they a hostage? They didn't sound like they were in any amount of duress. Disciple?

"So you know who we are, but who are you? What's your name?"

"Oh, there will be time for all of that..." came the unexpected voice of a woman from behind them, making Teyla spin on her heels. Blonde, tall, and strikingly beautiful, cutting a trim figure and carrying herself in such a way that gave her an air of authority about her. "Good day to the both of you," she said, nodding between Teyla and Valere. "Please, won't you take a seat? The rest of the family will be here shortly."

The reset of the family?

"I think we're just fine where we are, thanks."

"But I insist, I'm sure you've both had a very long flight." she replied, her tone carrying a sharp edge to the otherwise seemingly polite words. "Kaetwo, why don't you help miss Ee'everwest and miss Valere find some comfortable seats?"

The droid from before, stalked up behind them. Teyla felt herself reach for the blaster at her side...

"Dear... if they want to stand, let them." A deep baritone voice cut in.

The man who'd just wandered in was broad shouldered and cut an imposing figure, standing at a height of what she surmised as being at least six-feet, with neatly combed black hair, peppered with grey streaks, and dark eyes to match.

Coming up behind him were five others. Two toddlers, a boy and girl, who looked not much older than Karina and Marcus. The other three were older, but ranged from anywhere between five to ten. Two boys, another girl. They were all so young. Teyla was getting more and more uncomfortable as the minutes ticked by. "Forgive my wife, we've all been so excited to meet you both. I know that my son already offered you drinks, but is there anything else we can get you? Food?"

"We're good."

He smirked and dropped his hand to the shoulder of one of the children. "I suppose introductions are in order, then." Spreading out his hand, he motioned towards the woman in the corner sitting cross-legged on the chaise, "I'm Ibrahim, and this is my wife, Tiona. You've both already been introduced to our son, Jace." The boy from earlier popped his head out of the kitchen at the sound of his name, coming to line up with the others. "Then we have Tycho and Finnis, next to their sister, Cordae. And these two rascals," he said, kneeling down and quickly scooping up both the toddlers into his arms, who proceeded to giggle and bury their faces into his neck. "Are Myri and Avin. Twins, wouldn't you believe it?"

Valere's racing heart seemed to be contagious, Teyla feeling her own picking up speed.

"We're all very pleased to have you in our home."

An entire family.

Teyla cast a glance over at Valere.

Now what the hell were they supposed to do?

________________________________________________________________________________________​

Like a giant hairy thundercloud, Rafiki boomed into the infirmary where Baros was, "Munawwgggh huuguughghg!!!" he roared, sounding urgent, trying to make it as abundantly clear as possible that Baros needed to hide. Initially, he thought they would be in the green, but then the droid had to come on board. Seeing that Baros was still very much alive and not dead... that would be a problem, and would blow Teyla and Valere's entire cover story out the window. Not taking 'no' for an answer, he lifted the Corellian unceremoniously from his sick bed and trudged down the corridor where he kicked aside a loose floor panel, and proceeded to deposit Barros like a sack of potatoes. "Huurh wrrhw aaaaahnr huur raaaaagghhhhhgh!" Rafiki growled in warning with a show of teeth, essentially telling him to stay put.

Ibrahim

Tiona​

Baros Sal-Soren

 

[Baros Sal-Soren]

Unceremoniously dumped into the smuggler's hold under the floor, Baros was grateful to have had the datapad in his hand at the time so he could at least continue his research. Whatever was going on on the ship, he trusted the Wookiee had Teyla's best interest at heart. Even if he did not have Baros's aching body in mind when he stowed the Corellian away.

"That's gonna smart," Baros said with a grimace.

He had just managed to find a moderately comfortable setting when the floor panel was lifted for just a moment, and the blaster that had been left for his protection was tossed directly at his head. With a whisper of indignation, Baros was able to take the impact on his arm.

Damned Wookiee...hope the safety being on wasn't a happy accident...

"Just a child..."

Baros sat quietly listening to Valere and Teyla. Their words were not what he was expecting, and now he was even more afraid...apparently that had been possible.

_______________________________________________________________________​

"Let us start with saying how much we admire your dedication to justice," came Tione's voice as she sat, nay glided, on to a seat in the center of the room, "honestly, we could never have anticipated people such as yourselves...and Mr Sal-Soren. It oddly gives us hope for the future." With a couple of whispered words, she scooped up Cordae on to her lap and fixed a few errant hairs from the girls heads. Tyco and Finnis stood behind her watching the two visitors suspiciously.

"Please," said Ibrahim, "I can only imagine the questions you must have running through your mind right now. You are safe here. Have a seat and we will explain everything." Both Ibrahim and Tione carried a sense of authority to their tone that indicated that they were not accustomed to being disregarded. Valere stepped forward cautiously, and took one of the two chairs closest to herself and Teyla. They appeared to be dining room chairs that had been moved to this location just for their seating arrangements.

"Must the children be here?" Valere said, her neck holding her head rigidly forward.

"They are as much a part of this story as you or I," Tione said, again with a soothing but you-can't-disagree tone.

Valere glanced awkwardly at Teyla. In her mind she had imagined some insane person in a creepy cellar with posters, diagrams and ancient occult symbols around their bed. This...was not that.

"Come here children," said Ibrahim as he pulled the twins closer to him, "is there anything that you would not do to save the ones that you love...hmmm?" From the look on his face, he already knew the answer, especially as his eyes lingered on Teyla.

" Myri and Avin were born with a rare blood disorder. Something that I had never seen in all my years in the labs. Nothing that I had even heard about before," continued Tione.

At that point Jace had entered the room, there was a glass of some sort of juice cocktail that he laid nearest his mother on the table in between all the chairs, and a relatively small cup of what appeared to be a tea of sorts. "We think it is only 1 in 100 billion human children that are born with this condition," he said without hesitation, and a surprising eagerness.

"Indeed," said Ibrahim, "Dvetleen's brother...about seven years ago? I think...had a child with a Chandrillan diplomat. The poor thing would have only lived a few years in agony. You...do remember Dvetleen...don't you?"

Valere's nostrils flared with hearing the name of one of TBKs victims.

"I'll take that as a yes," he said with a nod, "Kandria and Abessa Thorne experienced two cases in their family. Kandria's newborn son, Danc...and her husband experienced a late onset case."

"The cure was a decade away. Clinical trials. Objections to human testing. It was a decade away if it was given priority," said Tione as she glanced across at her twins, maybe closing in on six or seven years old, "it was not a priority...for anyone but us...and as we found out, for the likes of Dvetleen and the Thornes."

"We made the decision together. I was only 8 but I understood what it meant."

"A reporter named Veres..."

Valere knew the name. They were one of the first to report on the TBK killings.

"...had a new son. Diagnosed and awaiting a slow painful death. With the right people paid, and the right people reporting...the Thistlebark Killer was...concocted."

A holo image of children ranging in age from new born to around five years of age. "These are the children that were saved a short and painful existence. None of the test subjects were unwitting...or unwilling. They knew the risks...and the rewards. These are their children...brothers...sisters...grandchildren."

"We are all the Thistlebark Killer," Jace said.

"What we did not count on was that the story we created to cover our work...would attract such devoted...individuals," Ibrahim said with a clearly pained expression, "the Disciples...are truly evil people...and we have done what we could to try and stop them...and then there is yourselves..."

The holo images changed to one of Valere standing over two individuals that were kneeling with their hands behind their heads. Valere jumped up to her feet. "Where did you get this?" Her voice sounding suddenly panicked.

The video showed her yelling, no voices could be heard in the silent film, before shooting one of the kneeling individuals in the head. She could be seen now yelling at the terrified second individual who was clearly yelling back at her, before she shot just above their head. The video paused moments after more apparently unfruitful shouting with Valere's blaster's muzzle flashing and the shot aimed at the head of the second individual.

Valere collapsed back into her chair, head in hands and sobbing quietly.

"There is no...Thistlebark Killer Task Force is there, Jannus?" Came the voice of Ibraham as he stepped through the projection, "disgraced former CSF agent escapes custody after brutal interrogation goes horribly wrong...and makes off with a caseload of information about the case that they had obsessed over...the case that had taken the life of your father, the Thistlebark Killer case."

The video changed to an odd angle showing the training area set up on the Inquisitor's Revenge. Baros could be seen dragging Respini by the hair across the room, the image flicked to show the same two, but this time Baros shoving her into an airlock. The video played out much faster than Valere remembered it happening. She could see herself on the ground screaming for Baros to stop.

"This," said Tione as she to stepped through the blue light of the projection, "thanks to that vile Respini. She set cameras up all over your ship. This is how we know that the murderer Baros Sal-Soren is still alive and on your ship."

With folded arms, both Tione and Ibrahim turned to watch another video of within the Inquisitor's Revenge. This time it was of Teyla, fully given to the darkside, eyes changing hue, hair billowing in a non-existant breeze while Respini dangled from an invisible noose.

"So you see," Tione said as the projector shut off, "that is is you who are mistaken about a great...many...things."

Teyla Sal-Soren

 

[Teyla Sal-Soren]

Teyla kept a hard stare on both Ibrahim and his wife, “I said I was fine.” she repeated in defiance, folding her arms over her chest and leaning back against the wall. If they didn’t like being challenged, then that was exactly what she was going to do. What would they do, when someone didn’t comply the way they wanted them to? She could feel their eyes boring into her, Teyla made herself comfortable and stayed put.

Through the presentation and their story, Teyla listened quietly, chewing on the inside of her cheek. From everything she could see in the way that they treated their children, to their apparent hospitality, on the surface it all seemed rather believable. Questionable from a moral standpoint, but Teyla knew she was no better, as Ibrahim’s eyes met hers with a knowing look that left her unsettled.

Then a holocube was brought out.

Footage of Jannus flickered around them, and Teyla struggled not to flinch or look away at the execution style murders. Without words, it was hard to put what was happening into context, but Tion and Ibrahim had that part covered.

The Thistlebark case hadn’t been reopened. There was no taskforce.

Baros had the feeling this had been personal for Jannus, turned out his hunch was right.

She might have felt sympathy for Valere, had the dawning realization that they’d gone on an unsanctioned mission to Nar Shadaa not rushed to the front of her mind.

They had believed in her, trusted her. Baros, most of all.

Now, no protection would be afforded to them for the events that had taken place there, in the event that a certain angry Hutt wanted to get even for what transpired that night.

They could be sure that it wouldn’t be the last they heard of it.

Teyla grit her teeth, casting a glare at a sobbing Valere.

Her eyes softened slightly, and she sighed.

Next, was footage she hadn’t expected to see.

Teyla pushed off the wall, now at full attention, her heart racing. They had footage of them on the Revenge, Baros forcing Cynthie to swallow the explosive tablets, and herself staring at the scene silently. Watching it back made her stomach twist. What happened had not been a triumph, but was an ugly thing that had to be done. It had to be. She was too dangerous. That’s what she kept telling herself afterward, perhaps to ease her own guilt, knowing that Baros was not at fault.

That sinking sense from earlier came back.

They’d been watching them this whole time.

They knew Baros had killed Respini, and that he was still alive.

Which also meant...

The image flickered again, showing herself now.

It was all too fresh to forget, but seeing it still brought on a rush of emotion and memory. The thumping sounds of Respini’s repeated kicking, the metallic taste of blood in her mouth, and the nauseating fear she had that Baros would die. With some horror she watched herself explode with raw power that she’d pulled from somewhere deep inside, fueled by pure hatred. Her body felt cold, remembering the emptiness that followed.

The images at last flickered out.

"So you see," Tione said as the projector shut off, "that is is you who are mistaken about a great...many...things."

Teyla raised a brow. Were they trying to mess with their heads, or being sincere? It was honestly difficult to tell.

Jannus, who’d been confident coming in, was reduced to a sobbing mess.

The exposure of Baros being alive, Respini’s murder, her using the darkside.

Were they trying to shake them up, or just show Teyla and Valere that they all had their own foibles and were no better or worse than anyone else? It could be that they were telling the truth, but something just wasn’t sitting right with her. Maybe she’d grown too cynical over the years.

“So, was that what this was all about, invite us here to clear your name? After six years you could have just stayed silent. Why expose yourselves now? What changed?”

“The Disciples were a big part of that. People are dying, and we want it to end. You should understand that more than anyone, after what happened to your family. That should never have to happen to anyone. We’re so sorry.”

Teyla couldn’t help but wince, she was still too vulnerable and raw to be able to acknowledge what was said, and quickly moved on.

“What about the poison? There’s nothing like it on the market, it’s a marvel completely unto itself, and new, from what I gather. How did they acquire it?”

“One of the Disciples tried recreating the ‘poison’ that they thought TBK used on their victims, not understanding that the substance was in fact part of our trial serums.”

Teyla nodded, her mind whirling as all the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place, the sequences of events lining up. “You guys have sure taken a long time to come forward with this, but I understand why.” She looked at their children, her own thoughts moving to her son and daughter, currently secured away because of this mess. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for Marcus and Karina, she’d move mountains if it meant saving their lives. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for Baros… even if it meant using the Darkside again. She would do it in an instant, if it kept him safe.

As a parent and a woman in love, she could understand their plight.

“What’s your plan, now? Go public? You know what that could mean, don't you?”

Teyla glanced over to Jannus who'd remained silent this entire time, staring off into space. "Valere?" Teyla asked, trying to pull her out of her stupor. "You have any thoughts about this?"

_____________________________________
​

Baros Sal-Soren

 

[Baros Sal-Soren]

Baros had heard everything and was sitting in stunned silence at the explanation coming over his earpiece. This couldn't be it. This could not be it! The Thistlebark Killer was real. He had to be.

There's got to be something in these files.

Now scanning through the files with even more intensity, Baros searched for something that would invalidate the story. There were stories on stories on stories. If he could make just one chink in their tale, the rest would come crumbling down. He started by searching the names of the family in the database on file. None of them showed up. Next he search Denonian public records, and a couple of news articles showed up.

Tione Isoto...industrial biochemist...retires...

He scrolled on through the article. It was 6 years old. The timing checked out.

Ibrahim Isoto will not run for office in the next election...what was the date?

A few months earlier than the previous article. Again, it checked out. They certainly had the means and the know how to do something like this. Still, Baros struggled with acceptance. It was not all fake. Surely. He did not go through everything he had gone through as a part of a grand cover up for medicinal research malpractice.

The cover to the smugglers hold lifted off, and Baros fumbled for his blaster. The black droid that he had been stashed from beeped and booped dryly at him.

Study times over.

______________________________________________________________________________​

Valere had gathered her wits by the time the explanations were given, but a quiet resolve had started to form in her. She had killed people and sacrificed her career to get this far, not to mention deceive people - Baros in particular has been hard to lie to as she had become quite fond of him. That was, until he committed murder...not that she could talk.

"You have any thoughts about this?"

She looked up, wiping the last tears from her eyes. "Well," she said, "they seem to have us over a barrel don't they."

Standing, she wandered to the window closest to her, and looked out over the city as she spoke. "Seriously Teyla, they can get Baros thrown away for decades, myself thrown away for longer...and you put on some serious watch-lists...and yet we are free still. Also...we only have their word for all of this. So, the questions really come down to...what proof do you have? And, what do you want with us?" She spun about with the last question, her confident but slightly faked akimbo stance returning.

The husband and wife team glanced at each other. Before Tione spoke as she sat again with her children. "We have a list of The Disciples that we know about. There are another dozen or so. We never intended for this sort of devotion to the story we created...we have not encouraged it, but made contact so we could find out who are where they are."

"We want you to track them down and bring them to justice. We will of course cover your expenses. We could not bare for a single person to die as a result of the falsehoods we created...our babies lived...it is not right that innocent or unwilling people should die for this," Ibrahim said as he took a datachit from Jace's hand.

"We would understand if Miss Ee'everwest could not commit to this," said Tione with a smile, "your children are precious, and I imagine you have already been gone from them too long. But Miss Valere and Mr Sal-Soren do not have such things to concern themselves with...also, they have a vested interest already..."

The door to the lift opened up and a limping, arm-in-a-sling, Baros hobbled out.

"...and if we don't help, you release the footage?"

Baros glanced around at the family, and then to Teyla. He smiled somewhat pathetically. He had done a terrible job at hiding.

"Trust me to arrive when we start talking about bribery."

Teyla Sal-Soren

 

[Teyla Sal-Soren]

________________________________________________________________________________________________
​

Teyla thought about what Valere said, giving the couple in front of her a suspicious look. She didn’t know what the truth was, and while dispassionate analysis was how criminals were caught and convicted, Teyla was a Jedi, and Jedi were encouraged to trust in their feelings. They were hiding something, and she was not convinced that they had their best interests at heart. She just needed more time to figure out the truth. The truth behind the TBK, behind the Disciples, and the truth behind what their real goals were.

But how could she identify and maneuver any of this, when they wanted to take her off the board? It did not bode well with her that they talked about her children as if they knew them personally. She’d taken great strides since the incident with Kerstan to ensure that their identities were kept secret, rarely letting them show up to any big public outings or events, and keeping them hidden the moment she knew there was danger. Surely they had not received all of their information simply through Wexlor and Respini?

Taking a quiet breath, she sternly ordered her heart to calm down as she tried to come up with something. Perhaps the only way through this, was to make Ibrahim and Tione believe that they bought their story, and to go along with what they asked.

She didn’t like the idea of Baros being gone for months on end hunting down these Disciples, and she liked the idea of him being with Valere even less. There was a reason she’d left him and Corellia behind in the first place all of those years ago, but things had changed… hadn’t they? He wasn’t the playboy she’d met all those years ago… not anymore, right?

The most frustrating part in this, was the feeling of her hands being tied. There was no way she could go with Baros, not when they knew about her kids. She would just have to trust him, while quietly working on the side to uncover whatever rot was beneath the pristine surface they presented, and hopefully bring him home sooner, rather than later. What choice did they have? TBK had the upper hand on them, again.

When Baros came hobbling through the door, Teyla felt her stomach tighten, her eyes asking him, ‘if he was okay.’

Her head snapped back to Tione and Ibrahim, “What did you do to Rafiki?”

“Not to worry, Miss Ee’everwest… he was just excitable, so we had Dusty administer a small sedative to help him relax. Your Wookiee companion should be awake and well by the time you return to your ship.”

“Understand, that we abhor using such underhanded measures to gain your cooperation. This isn’t what we wanted,”

“But you’re willing to do it anyway.” Teyla countered. If it gets you what you want.

Some hesitation on Ibrahim’s part. “...Yes. Whatever it takes to bring them under the letter of the law.”

There was nothing about this that filled Teyla with any sort of confidence. “And if Baros and Valere do this, what guarantee do we have that you won’t release that footage?”

“I’m afraid you have no other guarantee besides our word. Once the Disciples are taken care of, everyone here can resume life as normal.” Tione stood up and walked to Valere, handing her a datachit. Then looked back at Teyla. “We will give all of you a couple of weeks to recover and put your affairs in order. Kaetwo will be sent along as protection for Miss Ee'everwest and her children while Mr. Sal-Soren and Miss Valere are hunting down the remaining Disciples, to ensure their safety. We don't wish for a repeat of what happened with Wexlor."

Baros Sal-Soren

 

[Baros Sal-Soren]

They want to send the droid?

"Like fark you will," Baros said, with a chuckle, "your Imperial prison droid can stay with you. We don't need it. Nor do we want it around."

"Father?" Said one of the children as she snuggled into her father's leg.

"Please Mr Sal-Soren...your language," said Ibrahim.

Baros looked annoyed, and a little flustered. He glanced at Teyla briefly, but wasn't sure why. It wasn't like he needed approval to swear, surely? He waved his hand apologetic, but felt as though it was under duress.

"You are misunderstanding our offer as a suggestion. Kaetwo is part of the arrangement," said Tione softly, but with a very clear finality to it all.

"It sounds like we do not have much of a choice," said Valere whose arms were normally firmly crossed, and her brow furrowed deeply.

"Yeah," Baros muttered bitterly, "you will excuse us if we do some digging on you people after we leave..."

"We would not expect anything less from the three of you," said Ibrahim with a smile, "this is part of the reason we wanted you for this task."

"You are thorough."

And gullible...

"Give us what we will need and we will be on our way," Baros said with a wave of his hand. However this ended, he did not feel like it was going to be something good. He did not trust this family, even the youngest ones for some reason. But he also knew that the Disciples were a problem, and if the TBK wasn't...well...it was just all so convenient.

He suddenly felt quite tired. Two weeks rest would be of great benefit.

"You will of course be staying on Denon for your recovery."

Ah crap...

Teyla Sal-Soren

 

[Teyla Sal-Soren]

The rest of the conversation had been short and to the point, before all of their internal frustrations had the chance to rear their ugly heads. Unsurprisingly, the Isoto's had already arranged everything that they would need. Fuel for the Revenge, individual rooms for them to lodge in, a bacta tank to help heal Baros' injuries... the whole nine yards. Stretching to her feet as they began to leave, Teyla sighed and wandered to the elevator with Baros and Jannus, silently considering the last few hours, wondering dimly how she'd got it all so wrong.

It's finally going to be over.

That's what she had told Baros, not that long ago. She'd been convinced that this was it.

Staring out through the glass elevator, absorbed in her thoughts, she watched the fading sun set over the horizon, hints of red and violet lingering just above the clouds. What should have closed the book to one of their most harrowing experiences, seemed only to be turning a new chapter in a deepening story. Teyla knew that the alliance the Isoto's coerced, was only the beginning. In only two short weeks, Baros and Valere would set out to hunt down the rest of the Disciples, while she was confined to Naboo under the 'care' of Kaetwo. The all-too familiar feeling of nervous dread that came over her whenever she was about to walk into something dangerous, weighed on her soul.

Careworn, and engrossed in all of their troubles, Teyla flinched out of her daze when fingers began to intertwine with her own and gently squeezed. Her eyes glanced briefly at the hand holding hers, then turned a surprised look to Baros, a small smile lighting up her features. Softly, her own fingers curled with his and held on.

It was a small gesture, but one that filled her with more warmth and reassurance than anything else in the Galaxy right now.

Baros Sal-Soren

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