CC: Corellian Birthright

[Medivh]

Corellian Birthright

The Wheel

Riley knew his decision was rash.  But he also felt he had no choice.

For weeks now, he had been trying to get in touch with Gemma, but Aunt Mara had made it virtually impossible, locking the network consoles inside their apartment, and making sure his teachers never left him alone at a unit while he was at school.  He had been defiant in his attempts, and when that didn't work, he set his eyes on a new target.  Not communicating out, but getting information in.

That had been difficult too, with the watchful eyes of his aunt and teachers, but at least possible.  He had things to do for school, and so he would often run a quick search, sending documents he found to his personal - and offline - console, hiding it in folders with obscure names that (hopefully) even his aunt couldn't find.

He had learned more about not only who he was, but who his mother, Kimber Patten, and aunt, Valerie Gellar were. His mother, it seemed, had the most tragic of the four stories: From her life on Coruscant and Corellia to a fugitive from her former best friend, out to kill her as part of the mysterious prophesy.  The story of Kimber Patten, as published, indicated she fled to the protection of the Center Point Station, and died when it was destroyed.  Nothing that had reached the public indicated the one truth that Aunt Mara had told him - that Kimber died giving birth to Riley, just before the station was destroyed.  His aunt took Riley and saved him, and his origins remained a secret until just a few months ago.

Valerie Gellar, according to the stories, was a promiscuous high school girl who went through training with Kimber, her half sister, and eventually rose to prominence as a hero of Corellia, dying to save it from Phage, a droid of the Trade Federation who had gone amuck.

What Riley noticed is that no stories about Valerie or Kimber made any mention of Mara, his aunt, and for all of Riley's searching, he could find nothing linking Mara to them.  This, of course, left him with questions.

But more importantly, he wanted to know what Kimber left behind.  Was there any surviving family on Corellia?  Any relatives, distant, or close, there that bore the same last name as his mother?  Gemma was technically unrelated.  Were there any Patten's left?

He finally managed to break through the barriers his aunt had placed, and using a burst-transmission, reached out to Gemma.  He smiles as he hears the voice on the other end.

"Hello?"

"Gemma?"

"Riley! I am so glad to hear your voice. Are you okay?"

"Not at all," Riley glanced over at his door. He thought he had heard his aunt coming, and had waited a moment, praying he wouldn't be caught violating her rules, and leading to even more restricted movement."Aunt Mara won't let me do anything. It took me this long to find a way to reach you."

"I am so glad you did. Is my father alright?"

Riley had visited Gemma's father a few times with his aunt - partially out of obligation, partially because he knew if he ever reached Gemma, she would ask.

"He's still out cold but I guess he's doing fine. That's what mister Prescott says."

"Are you still at The Wheel?"

"Yes. I hate it here. Aunt Mara and Mister Prescott want me to stay quiet and out of the way. I'm going crazy. How are you and Dane doing?"

"The Jedi is very nice," Gemma says. "She's teaching me things. Dane is just being a jerk. He doesn't like it here."

"Where are you?"

Riley hears a pause.  The question had been spur of the moment, and he was about to suggest maybe she shouldn't answer - his aunt's paranoid behavior, and the fear of being listened to. Then, she answered.

"Naboo. At my mother's villa."

"Sounds cozy."

"It's lovely. I wish you could see it. Are you going to be okay?"

No.  He wasn't going to be ok.  Not here on the Wheel, where everything was happening outside, and he could do nothing about it.  That was why it was so imperative that he contacted Gemma now.

"I have to get out of here,"

"And go where? Riley, the creatures that took us are still out there."

"I can't stay here, Gemma. I have to go."

Riley heard his aunt coming and he hung up the connection, just as he heard Gemma shouting through the comm.

"Wait, Riley!"

The comm was rushed away as Mara stepped into the room, giving him a curious frown.  He knew he probably had a guilty look on his face - he was never good at hiding his emotions.  It was later on, during dinner, that she finally asked him about it, and rather than responding, he went to his room, and locked himself in.  She might try to follow.  But he needed time to himself.  He couldn't be stifled anymore.  That's why he had his plan.

Riley spent the evening getting ready, waiting until his aunt had left the apartment, and then left the note.

I'm sorry, Aunt Mara. I had to go

He couldn't tell her where, because he knew she would try to follow.  He only hoped he would be able to get away before she got back.

Taking a small pack, filled with a few useful items and, wisely, a handful of credits, he locked his door, slipped out of the apartment, and headed down to one of the Wheel's lower level docking ports.  Here, like many spaceports, ships docked on a regular basis.  Riley figured he could stow away aboard a ship, and make his way off the station.  From there - at least he hoped - he would find his way to his destination.

Corellia.

It seemed to make the most sense.  It was on Corellia that he should have been born, where his mother grew up, where his grandfather and his aunt were heroes.  Surely, someone there could give him answers, help him in a way that aunt mara simply couldn't.

Stowing away was easier said than done - he was caught and flung off three ships before he managed to squirm his way between two large freights being loaded onto a vessel headed for Contruum - a world that had been neutral prior to its capitulation to the Galactic Empire, and then subsequently regained its independence again.  It was a perfect world - currently unaligned, and headed in the right direction.  Contruum was about halfway from the Wheel to the Core along the Perlemian Trade route, and regularly did business with the Corellian Sector.

It was once the ship took off that he heard the first rumble.  He managed to squirm between the freight to a viewport.  There, he could see a massive fireball dissipating outward. there was silence, and then he could see pinpricks as vessels, barely visible from this distance, began to flash in from hyperspace.

The ship's intercomm system could be heard.

"All hands - Federation Traffic Control is releasing us without an escort.  It appears there is some pirate activity on the other side of the system.  We are going to keep shields and weapons activated until we reach hyperspace.  Stay alert"

The comm went dead, and Riley tried to get a better angle through his small viewport, hoping to see what the pirates were doing.

As the ship moved away from the Wheel itself, he could better see the damage to the large, damaged platform, and see the pirates swirling about.  Then, the ship turned, and he lost sight of the action.

Until there was another rumble, and the comm went back up.

"All hands - we have star destroyers exiting hyperspace right on top of us.  They are firing weapons - we are taking evasive actions.  I don't know why they are here, but we are getting out of here"

Riley felt the g-forces as the ship spun around a few times, getting a glimpse of a star destroyer looming overhead, before the ship continued its turn.  Another rumble, harder, as the ship was hit by weapons fire, but it was smaller and more nimble than the hulking imperial beasts, and managed to get away.  They were obviously not the main target.  As the ship straightened out, Riley got a good look at the formation of star destroyers, heading directly for the Wheel itself.

Then the streaks of hyperspace hid everything from his view.

TBC

[Syren]

Naboo

Surface: Lake Country: Masterton Villa

Nevylinn is humbled by the task Melanie had passed on to her. She had felt the dark place as soon as they stepped off the shuttle but had mentioned nothing. She wanted to know if Gemma could feel it too and she had. There were just no words she had for it until Melanie drew the connection to her dreams. They both spent the day preparing through packing then meditation. They would walk the kilometers together, further time to reflect and practice for what may lie ahead. They meet Dane in the kitchen hunched over a bowl of cereal.

"Are you going to be okay here all by yourself?"

"Yeah. Fine."

"We should only be gone a day. We will call if anything changes."

"Uh huh."

"Dane..."

"Just go, Gem. Do whatever it is you have to do."

She nods quietly, having learned not to crumble when he lashed out. Nevylinn touches her arm and they leave the villa on their mission. It is something they must do. Dane sighs, rinsing the bowl in the sink. Heeled footsteps behind him make him think they had come back to try and convince him to go so he turns around ready to yell. Only it isn't Gemma or the Jedi standing in the kitchen with him.

It is Valerie.

"What are you doing here?"

She smirks tightly; clad in a maroon corset, tight black pants and shiny heeled boots. Her jet black hair is smooth and cut in a way that makes her look almost militant. The smokey hue around her eyes seems to make them glow even in the morning light streaming through the kitchen.

"Such an attitude. I like it. There is something to be said for having a chip on ones shoulder. It keeps things concise."

"So...I'm not dreaming this....seeing you, talking to you....am I going crazy?"

"Levels of consciousness does nothing to sever our connection. Asleep, awake, I'm your anchor, sweetie. No dodging that blaster fire. I'm not here to haunt you, Dane. I'm here to help. All of you get a spiritual guide. I just happen to be the coolest one."

"A guide? To where?"

"The unknown? The future? Fuck if I know. But you need to forget them. You are not gifted, Dane. You will never have powers like your sisters."

"Dahlia isn't my sister."

"Blood isn't everything. Allies come in all shapes and sizes and, as long as it suits you, it doesn't matter. What matters is that while you may not have the Force, you have the Gellar gut. We can make things happen all by ourselves. The ways of the Force or, more specifically, the Jedi teachings are sooooo boring. All that sacrifice and denial of our human nature. The whims and urges that make us unique. It's incredibly self-righteous and seriously lame. You don't have time for that sanctimonious bullshit. There are enemies out there, some that wish to bring harm to you and your family. They don't understand what it means to be a Gellar. Wealth, pleasure, power; these are things that belong to us. But you can't be the future unless you understand the past."

"Understand what? My father? Your mother? You?"

"The Corporate Sector is not the only place our legacy lives on. All you have to do is find it."

"How do I do that? I'm stuck here."

Valerie shrugs, sauntering around the center island.

"Oh, I don't know. Shuttle out back. Remote lock in the Jedi's bedroom. They are far too trusting, always hoping people will do the right things."

"And just leave them? I can't do that!"

"Sure you can. You know how to fly. Your father taught you."

"I wouldn't even know where to go."

"I can show you."

"Won't the Jedi be able to find me?"

"And give chase in what? Besides, she's got better things to worry about. Gemma is their priority. She's the one with the magical powers, the bleeding heart. The Jedi will keep her here, training the bubbly blonde while you are out making some real progress."

Dane hesitates, glancing through the window at the shuttle gleaming on the platform.

A sly smile creeps onto Valerie's face.

"Well, what do you say?"




-TBC

[Syren]

Hyperspace

Dane Gellar returns to the main cabin when the proximity alarms begin to sound. He slides into the chair which is still a bit large for him and reaches for controls. Behind him, leaning precariously against the far wall, Valerie Gellar smirks.

"Careful. Ease out of it slowly. We don't want to alarm them...too much anyway."

"I know what I'm doing."

"Don't get cocky, kiddo. They are going to be suspicious. You were reported missing, your father and his cohorts the chief suspects, and suddenly you appear out of nowhere. There are going to be questions."

"Aren't we famous here? We don't have to answer their questions."

Valerie laughs, "Me? Yes. I'm a fucking icon. You? Not so much."

"We're related. That should mean something to them. Enough to grant us a landing permit."

"Look at you being clever, trading in on our name. Good boy. Still, they will contact the Republic."

Dane jerks visibly, turning.

"What? We can't let them do that!"

"Yes, we can. The Republic is too busy right now and will not come get you. Not right away. All they need to know is that you are safe. It will buy you time to seek out some of your heritage, things your father would never show you. Now, pay attention."

Dane eases back on the controls, watching the streaks of stars vanish into a swirling blue and green world just ahead. He guides the shuttle toward the central lanes of traffic that Valerie points out when the com crackles to life.

"Unidentified shuttle, this is Corellian Central Command. Please state your name and destination."

*

Corellia

With a bit of coaching, Dane opens the line.

"Corellian Central Command, this is Dane Gellar requesting permission to land in Coronet City."

There is a significant pause. Dane turns again but Valerie shakes her head.

"Keep it together, D. That last statement threw them and by now they have run your name through the network which will trigger the alert from CorSec and, by extension, the Republic and Corporate Sector. Appropriate parties are being notified and a decision is being formulated, one I suspect will fall in your favor."

He keeps the shuttle on course, merging into the traffic flowing down toward the planets surface. No one attempts to stop them. As they get closer, two armed transports appear on either side. Valerie smiles.

"There we go. Our escort."

The com hisses to life.

"Mister Gellar, please follow our transports to landing platform PDB-3."

Dane acknowledges and follows them for another twenty minutes before they veer off in formation. He lands the shuttle a little roughly but in one piece. He's pretty proud of himself and swivels around in the chair. Valerie nods.

"Nice work, slick. Killer spot too. A premiere docking bay? You are going to have important company."

"Can't you handle that?"

She flips her hair and rolls her eyes.

"I'm dead, sweetness and they will lock you up for talking to ghosts. I'll always be here but they can't and won't understand. You need to man up, Dane. This is all you."

He groans, slamming his hand against the ramp controls. A rush of air swirls through the loading bay and as the afternoon light filters through, Valerie's visage disappears. He walks down the ramp to find a lone man standing there, older but not old and looking somewhat amused.

"Dane Gellar," he says. "Welcome to Coronet. I'm Artemis Soldys."



-TBC

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

Corellia

Artemis Soldys had been spending most of his time as a senator away from the Republic Capital, trying desperately to use whatever maneuvers possible to keep the Centerpoint Station inacessible, for any purpose.  He had, however, also been monitoring the changing events in the galaxy, and had been the one behind the scenes in getting more corellian ships involved in the anti-piracy forces being deployed.

With the attacks on the Trade Federation, he had been in regular contact with the remaining Corellian representative, Endar Cale, on Chandaar, both to get a sense of how the Republic was responding, and to be able to anticipate the coming events.  Of the Admirals' Council, only one was corellian, despite their contribution to the military.  This was, at least in part, because of the recent induction of Corellia into the Republic, and in part, because of their distance from the capital.  And of course, politics.  Still, he had been made aware of the proposal even before the Speaker had, and so he was assessing Corellia's capacity to increase production to meet expected demands.

He was meeting with a number of contractors from Corellian Engineering Corp. When he received an urgent call.  Excusing himself, he made his way to his private office.

"Yes?"
"Senator, we have a strange message from traffic control.  It seems Dane Gellar is requesting to land"

Artemis was surprised.  Not the least of which because Dane Gellar was apparently kidnapped at the moment.  Artemis was aware of the scandal occurring on Chandaar, involving the Corporate Sector, the Trade Federation, and the Gellar family.  As far as he knew, there were trials and hearings to be held.

So what was one of the kids doing here?
Artemis remembered being a teenager when Dane Gellar's half-niece (Dane's half-sister was Blair, whose daughter was Valerie Gellar) was governess of Corellia, and had led in victory against Phage.  By that point, Rutherford had already disappeared to the Corporate Sector, resurfacing in the CSA sometime after that.  The Gellar name carried some weight on Corellia, especially on Coronet, where the statute of Valerie still stood proudly.  But it was the recent news that made Dane's appearance at all important.

Dane had been abducted while his father was negotiating with the Republic. A Republic Corellia was a part of.  Dealing with it could be difficult, politically.  It was best not leave others - he could handle the fallout, no matter what happened.


Assuming of course, it really was the 11 year old coming to Corellia.

"Have Mr. Gellar dock in the premiere docking bays.  Then notify the Diplomatic Corp. on Chandaar of our arrival. Also, let Speaker Apteen known, and send a message as well to our Corporate Sector liason"

"the Corporate Sector liason is in jail for murder, Senator"

Of course.

"notify the stand in representative"

Artemis made his way back to the meeting.

"Gentlemen, I have an urgent diplomatic matter to deal with, but I imagine we will be in touch in the coming days."

Saying goodbye, he made his way down to the assigned docking bay, watching as the craft landed, and the boy made his way out.

Artemis contained a smile as he appraised the child.  Far too young to be piloting his own ship across the galaxy.

"Dane Gellar, Welcome to Coronet City. I am Artemis Soldys.  I am the Corellian senator to the Republic"

Dane's eyes were appraising and suspicious - far too much so for one so young, in Artemis' opinion.

"A lot of people are looking for you Dane"

"Maybe, but not the ones you think are"

The answer was surprising, filled with attitude, resentment, and anger.  The boy had apparently been through a lot.

"I don't think anyone expected you to turn up on Corellia"

"Why not?  My family is from here?"
"Not for a while now.  If you can pilot your own ship, why not just go home?"
"I didn't want to go home. Nobody's paying attention to me at home.  I wanted to come here, learn about my family name, about Valerie"

There was a bit of that youthful whining in his voice, but Artemis could see the value of the boy's search.

"You know I had to notify a lot of people you were here"
"I know"
"And if someone comes for you, I will have to release you to them"
"Nobody's coming for me. Not for a while.  I don't have what my siblings have, so no one pays attention to me.  Are you going to help me? Or are you going to just treat me like some kid?"

"Aren't you just a kid?"
"I'm a Gellar"
"a YOUNG Gellar. It's not the name that matters - it's what you do with it"
"My name got me an audience with a senator.  it's a tool like anything else.  And I'll use my name wherever I want to"

The boy was smart for his age, calculating, but at the same time, failed to see the dangers in his logic.  Artemis felt bad for him, not even sure what he went through, but knowing it must have been awful.  Whether or not someone came for him, Dane would be here for a while.  Best to make sure he stayed out of trouble

"So what is it exactly you want to do?"

"I want to see Valerie"

Artemis nodded

"Alright"
TBC

[Syren]

Corellia

Surface: Coronet City

It was rather remarkable the homage they paid to their fallen heroes. Dane gazes down at the memorial plaque at the CorSec plaza then walks with Artemis until they step into the shadow of Valerie's statue. Dane stares up at it in awe. The carved expression on Valerie's face is one of determination but the clothing more conservative from the photage he has seen. She had saved them and that was something worth using to his advantage.

"Did you know her?"

"Valerie Gellar? No. I was just a teenager but we all heard the stories. She was just a few years older than us and we all suffered through the crisis. Our city on lockdown, droid armies sweeping the streets. She fought Phage the first time in this very square in front of a million people, myself included. I wasn't close enough to see it all happen but I know she was lucky to have survived, given that Major Patten did not."

This triggers a strong response.

"Major Patten?"

"Yes," Artemis says. "Major Kyri Patten. Valerie's biological father, one she shared with her half-sister, Kimber. Most of what we know we did not discover until long after the fact."

"From the reporters story."

Artemis is impressed with his quick wit and wonders if he had come to these conclusions on his own or if he had help. Just what happened to him since he's been missing? His father could have told him any number of things about Valerie Gellar but perhaps it was not something the young man could have asked so freely. He had watched Rutherford Gellar's heartbreaking admissions before the Republic Senate that painted a very different picture of the hardened corporate titan. He gave up his granddaughter and lost his family for it. Truth and consequences at the most basic level. Now Gellar's new family has been fractured by a complex situation involving the Corporate Sector, Trade Federation and Republic. He cannot imagine what being caught in the middle of it all must be like for a kid.  

"That's right. Kent Carlson was something of a rogue journalist who had many detractors yet somehow managed to piece together and become a part of one of the most compelling and tragic stories in Corellian history. Have you read it?"

Dane yawns, "The ending sucked."

"You must be tired from your journey," Artemis says. "We should get you settled."

Valerie, the ghost of Corellia past, had coached him for this.

"Okay but I'm not staying in some drafty precinct."

"Where would you like to go?"

"The Gellar Residence."

The Senator was not expecting that and clear his throat.

"It's part of the Phage Crisis museum now, Dane. The lower levels were converted into galleries to explore and remember that period in our history while the residence itself remains untouched out of respect."

"If its untouched that means its habitable," Dane says a little too evenly, glancing up at the Senator. "I feel it's time I explore my own history."

The museum is heavily guarded and away from the shriek of political sniping and bustle of CorSec procedures. He is not entirely convinced this quest for personal discovery is without ulterior motive. Perhaps that is the politician in him, a wary suspicion of others. And he has every right to be suspicious. Recent admission into the Republic and a significant increase in production on their behalf is one thing but a kidnapped child who happens to share a biological relation to a Corellian hero showing up by himself out of thin air is quite another. The appropriate authorities have been notified with assurances the boy would be both welcomed and secure until further arrangements can be made. Artemis imagines the Imperial attack on the Wheel dominates the Republic's attention and finds it strange that Dane figured as much, surfacing only after the assault had begun...

Artemis nods curtly, "Follow me."

*

Phage Crisis Museum/Former Governess Gellar Residence

Artemis walks quietly beside Dane as he moves from display to display, regarding each with a mixture of curiosity and disdain before approaching the restricted lifts with a beautiful woman standing beside them.

"Senator."

He nods.

She fix her gaze down.

"Hello, Dane. My name is Della."

"Hey."

"I hear you've been through a lot recently and if there is anything you need, we want you to let us know."

"What are you, a counselor or something?"

"No, just a friend. If you need one."

"I have friends. In the Corporate Sector. Right now I'm much more interested in family."

He is scared and trying desperately not to be. That she can tell. Artemis said as much. He's got a lot of bluster for a preteen but some of that could be a byproduct of his ordeal. Artemis asked her to join them because he believed she could get through some of those walls. So far Dane hasn't said anything about where he was or the status of his still-missing siblings. She swipes her ID card and punches in a security code that grants them access to the lifts. There had been some tactful omission via com to his office to arrange this little excursion but they were both curious to see where it leads.

The lift opens into an extremely posh living room.

Artemis and Della had been to the museum but never up inside the residence. It does not disappoint. Dane wanders around like he owns the place, stopping in front of the giant painting of Valerie and her friends above the mantle. The place is immaculate but musty. Artemis opens the patio doors to let some air in. Della watches Dane closely as he moves through the room, picking up pictures, touching furniture almost as if he was confirming something.

Valerie's ghost is stretched out on the kitchen island, staring up at the picture.

"Maker Almighty I was hot."

"Gross," Dane says lowly.

"What was that?" Della asks.

He shakes his head, "I said gross. These girls are barely wearing anything in the pictures."

"She was a model before she was a leader or so the story goes."

"Sounds shallow."

"More like massively lucrative with a type of fame that got us everything we ever wanted."

Except eternal life, he thinks to himself. He avoids eye contact with Della who has been watching him like he's about to perform some kind of trick or lose his mind or something. He has to remember what Valerie said. They wouldn't understand. He wonders if the others are getting advice from beyond the grave and if they are half as vulgar as Valerie is. Maybe he is crazy but he would never figure anything out if he let on what he sees. Exhaustion sets in and he walks over to the black, over sized ottoman chair and curls into it. He drifts off more quickly than he intends. Della smiles, unfolding a blanket and placing it gently over him.

"Poor kid."

"He's up to something."

She smirks, keeping her voice low.  

"Easy Senator. He's eleven. I doubt he's here to execute a diabolical plan."

Artemis takes her arm and moves out of the room and into the kitchen area.

"This kid has been missing for months and then he shows up on Corellia alone without a scratch on him? Where has he been?"

"I'm hoping he will tell us when the time is right. He suffered a trauma, Artemis and has been separated from his family. That's a lot to process for someone that young. Give him some time."

"There are accusations that his father had something to do with it, using the children as leverage against the Federation. A Republic counselor and the Corporate Sector liaison are in prison on Chandaar awaiting trial for their alleged involvement and a possible cover-up. There is talk their lawyer may be dismissed on ethical grounds. What if this isn't the real story? These are people's lives we are talking about, Della. The kid could know something."

She sighs, glancing back over at a peacefully slumbering Dane.

"We will find out, Senator Soldys. But not tonight."


-TBC

[Medivh]

Contruum

Riley had thought his plan was perfect. Stow aboard a ship, get to Contruum, and then stow aboard another ship set for Corellia.  But upon landing on Contruum, he was discovered among the freight, and tossed out into the spaceport, his pack and the credits he had with him confiscated, leaving him broke and lost with nothing to his name.

In the years since Contruum had obtained its status as an unaligned world, it had changed drastically.  It's borium mines, foundaries, and ship-building capabilities had grown tremendously.  Much of the world was under a protected status, where expansion was prohibited to protect the planet's natural habitats, but that was more than compensated by the booming, heavily populated urban areas.

The main spaceport was bustling with activity from all over the galaxy, and had developed - as many large spaceports do - a seedy underbelly.  Despite efforts by the planet's police force, gambling and drugs had spread rapidly and despite its proximity to the Republic, the slave trade had grown as well.  Already, a number of well-to-do hutts had laid claim to a number of high-rise buildings, and resisted efforts to cramp their corrupt work.

All this left Riley in a place not friendly to an outcast ten year old.  He was pushed out of several restaurants when he asked for food, and was accosted by local thugs, hoping to get a few credits out of him.  Whatever was left in his pockets was soon gone.  And because he had been caught stowing away aboard a ship, the port itself had a lookout to prevent him from reaching any ship again.

He managed to scrape a survival as a beggar, getting unsatisfying scraps of food, or working in the back of a restaurant for a day to get a meal.  All the while though, he never lost sight of his goal - getting off this planet, and reaching Corellia.  Where he hoped, and prayed, that his luck would get better.

It was one night, when he was sleeping in an alley, just a short distance from the forbidden space port, when it came to him.

"Riley"

He stirred, opening his eyes, and seeing no one, but there was the voice again.

"Riley, get up.  You have to get up"

It was a voice both familiar and foreign to him.  He had heard it only a scant few times before, always in his dreams.  Was he hallucinating?

"Mother?"

"That's right, Riley. It's me.  You need to get up, Riley - it's time for you to come home"

Riley wasn't sure what he was doing, but he rose from his 'bed' and brushed off some of the trash and dirt.

"Hurry, Riley, there's not much time"

He felt the urgency in the voice, though he could not see her, and he hurried out of the alley, so fast, he collided into two men.

"Hey kid, watch where you are going"

"Sorry ..."

It was only then that Riley saw who he had bumped into.  The two individuals were dressed in a dark blue uniform, with an octigonal shaped logo, blue, gold and white.  On the front of the uniforms, written in white, were the words 'CorSec'

"Kid, you ok?"

Riley realized he had been staring at them, and blinked, embarrassed.  Even so, he hoped this might be his chance.

"I need your help"

He blurted it out, and the two men looked at each other quizzically before back at him.

"I don't think we can help you, kid"

"You don't understand.  I need to get to Corellia"

The first man frowned

"Now we know we can't help you.  We don't take stowaways, boy"
"I'm not!  I'm not a stow away!  I just got stuck here!  I need to get to Corellia - that's where my family is"

It wasn't totally true - he wasn't sure he had any family left on Corellia - but it was not a total lie either.

"Who's your family, kid?"

"I'm a Patten"

"So are a hundred million people across the galaxy"
"No, I mean, I'm part of the Patten family.  My mother was Kimber Patten.  My grandfather was General Patten, hero of Corellia"

The officers were looking at Riley skeptically. Obviously, what he said seemed far fetched (especially since Kimber Patten, famously, died without giving birth)

"Please, you have to believe me.  I need to get to Corellia"

Riley's insistence seemed to prevent them from dismissing him entirely, but they were still skeptical.

"Alright, you come with us.  But if you are lying about this, we're going to lock you up for a very long time, you hear?"

Riley just nodded.

"Come on then.  We're heading back to Corellia tomorrow, and it looks like you need some food and a shower"

The officers brought Riley to a small rental room, inside the spaceport, already progress for him.  They let him shower, got him a meal, and set a few blankets on the couch for him to sleep on.

It was less than an hour later, but Riley was thoroughly exhausted, and nearly drifted off to sleep the instant he lay down. Even as he was drifting off, he whispered to the silent room.

"Thanks, mom"

TBC

[Syren]

Corellia

Surface: Coronet City

Dane opens his eyes and stretches out on the ottoman, feeling more refreshed than he has in a long time. Something about the Gellar residence is comforting and sets him completely at ease. He sits up slowly, scanning the room for any sign of the Senator or his female friend. The residence is silent. Dane stands and crosses the room. The kitchen is understandably barren since no one really lives here which is where, he assumes, his new acquaintances went. He veers away from the kitchen and heads down the wide hall, passing two guest rooms and a bathroom. There is framed photage, mostly of Valerie in different poses, lining the walls. Some are very provocative and he averts his gaze. Clearly, she thought highly of herself or struggled with raging insecurities, a fine line walked by many according to his mother. Dane stops in front of the black door at the end of the hall, briefly considering things before tapping the controls and stepping inside.

The walls are a deep purple with black trim, striking yet not exactly feminine. There is a faint odor of perfume lingering in the air. Pictures clutter the dresser which he scans slowly, picking up the broken frame with an image of a boy staring smugly back up at him. Shrugging, he sets it down and wanders over to the nightstand. There is a picture of four girls on a beach, arms around each other, posing, smiling. They look happy. Others include nameless friends in candid moments of surprise or joy. There is a rustle behind him which causes him to spin around.

Valerie lurks in the walk-in closet, admiring the many outfits stuffed on the racks.

"You scared me."

"You aren't the first person to tell me that," she says coolly. "Sleep well?"

"I would have slept better if I had known there were available beds."

"What do you think I am? A savage? Are you looking for something in particular or just casually snooping?"

"Is it really snooping if the person isn't living?"

"I'm leaning toward yes but there are exceptions in cases of the exploration in self-discovery."

Dane laughs, motioning around the room.

"It looks like you had a really cool life."

"True but there was a price."

"So? You were rich. Any of your old friends still around?"

Valerie makes a face, "Not exactly."

"That sucks. Are they all dead too?"

"Oh yeah and most didn't just go softly into that good night. We're talking splatter movie killed, vicious and intentional. Some were more heinous than others but they were all tragic. Lesson learned - anyone you love can be lost. So choose wisely."

He points to the dresser, "Who's the stooge?"

"My boyfriend, Reef. Real shame. There wasn't much left of that rockin bod by the end of it all."

"What happened?"

"Sliced up by his best friend under the fantastic fog of the Force. Actually, they went at each other for quite a while and lost most of their limbs before perishing. Identifying what was left of them at the Galactic City precinct was not exactly what one would call a stellar morning."

Dane winces, "That's terrible."

"It was for him but considering he was a spy, I'd say he may have had it coming. I didn't know this until after my tragic and untimely death but he made a deal with the devil without realizing he wasn't part of the final act. That's why you must keep your head in the game, D. Knowing the angles of your role will help to execute the performance flawlessly. You are a Gellar and people will expect certain things of you, things you will give them on the surface while fulfilling your own agenda."

"What agenda?"

"It doesn't matter so long as it's your own."

Nodding, Dane moves through the room and glances over the vanity. There are vials and jars of varying sizes organized in groups and a printed photo wedged between the framing and mirror. He plucks it out carefully.

"Who's this?"

"My father."

"Really? I thought Major Patten was more...put together. He looks a little rough."

"I think he made it to General or Field Commander before he died but that's not him."

"But you said-"

"I know what I said," Valerie sighs. "Sometimes family has very little to do with biology. The man who helped create me and the man who raised me are not one in the same. The man who raised me was named Jerico Geller."

"Jerico?" Dane asks, confused. "My father never mentioned anyone by that name."

"That's because he's not actually a Gellar. When I was taken from the Corporate Sector as an infant and brought to Corellia, a cover story had to be created in order to explain both my presence and proximity. An Imperial operative was assigned the role of my guardian, a widower and single-father who's deep "kinship" with Major Patten brought him into ranks of CorSec where I was able to interface with him and my half-sister. The goal was to create a bond between us, one which grew to be the most prolific of my entire life. Kimber was really the only person I trusted completely even though there was information I willingly withheld from her. She was too beautiful to damage by certain things but in the end my sacrifice did not ultimately save her."

"What happened to Jerico?"

"After I was accepted to a prep school on Coruscant, he disappeared. I spent years trying to figure out what went wrong, why he left and if he was ever coming back. I was a senior when a friend at CorSec confirmed he was dead. No explanation or closure. Now I know he had grown to love me as his own and was murdered by the Empire for trying to prevent them from sending me to the former capital. I'm not sure it would have mattered. The destiny we faced had been staged."

"By the Winton's, right? I read that."

"One in particular, yes but there were others complicit in these events. People who knew about it and failed to stop it."

"Like who?"

"The Winton's, Masterton's and Patten's."

"What about my father?"

"Rutherford is a pussy," Valerie says, sneering. "Granted, he's a clever captain of industry but lacked the backbone to fight for his own grandchild when his bottom line was threatened. He let Alexander Winton blackmail the shit out of him so I could star in his freak show. Despite his flaws, Rutherford wasn't included in the com-chain like the other parents were. He didn't get the glamorous pitch about the prophecy. It doesn't mean he's not guilty but he, like the others, was a victim. Your mother, however, is entirely different story.

"She knew?"

"Enough to know it wasn't going to end well. To her credit, she did attempt to thwart those evil plans but it was far too late for that. I'm not sure exactly how much the parents were privy to but it wasn't the whole story. Even the story you know isn't the whole story. The reporter, as interesting and insightful as he thought he was, didn't know everything. I'm not telling you not to trust anyone but be wary, Dane. Not everyone who should have your best interests in mind do."

*

Della steps off the lift holding two bags of groceries. She has never really shopped for a child before so she brought a few things she thought he might like. Artemis had some political business to tend to and he asked if she would graciously look after the boy. She agreed because she loved Artemis despite knowing part of his reasoning stems from a belief that keeping Dane Gellar out of the public spotlight would contain any questions neither of them could readily answer.

She places the perishables in the refrigerator and calls out for him. Thinking he may have gone to the bathroom, she rounds the island and walks down the hall. She is past the first bedroom where she hears a voice, mumbled words that grow clearer as she moves closer to the end of the hall.

"I'll keep that in mind."

The door is open and Della steps inside, "Dane?"

He is standing beside a vanity table facing the closet. Startled, he jumps back then relaxes.

"Oh, it's you."

"Who else would it be? I brought some breakfast. Are you hungry?"

He nods, "Yeah. Starving."

"Who were you talking to?"

Dane glances quickly into the closet. Smiling, Valerie holds a single finger up to her lips. He returns his gaze to Della as he brushes past her to leave the room.

"No one."


-TBC

[Syren]

Corellia

Surface: Coronet City: Gellar Residence

Dane finishes breakfast without much conversation. Della is respectful and does not attempt to pry too much. Afterwards, she clears the plates as he takes his bag and heads down the hall. She is partly curious about where he has been but also concerned. Children, from what she has read, can be easily traumatized and damaged. Often times this is irreversible and leads to behavioral difficulties throughout adolescence. She is not a counselor by any means but she knows enough to worry about the affect this will have on him.

In the master bathroom, Dane showers and changes into a pair of slacks and a small, black v-neck t-shirt. He brushes his teeth and combs through his dark hair, using some product to spike it up in the front. They had been taught practically from birth that appearances matter. How one looks is how people judge them. It isn't fair, his mother had said, but it's the sad truth. She had always taken great care to ensure they were presentable. Kylie Miranda had done most of the monitoring but his mother was the final seal of approval. Without her presence, he feels emboldened but the underlying terror of the unknown creeps up from time to time. He has not fully processed what happened to him and focuses solely on discovering more about who he is through the Gellar legacy on Corellia. He emerges looking fairly slick for a tween.

"I want to see CorSec."

Della pauses, somewhat amused.

"Which part?"

"Where Valerie worked."

"I don't believe she was ever officially an agent of CorSec. She attended a semester in the Academy but she did not graduate."

"Where did she go?"

"She and Kimber Patten left because they could not reach a friend via com-link. Or so the story goes. That little trek lasted a year or so before she made it back here. Her ties to CorSec itself are linked more to her future role as Governess and leader of the resistance during the Phage Crisis. There are quite a few tall tales about her during that period of time."

"You knew her?"

"No," Della says. "I was too young and there was a lot going on back then. Most of what we discovered about her was through the prose of Kent Carlson. Senator Soldys told me you were familiar with the text."

"Yeah, my sister and I read it when we were looking for-"

"Looking for what?"

"For...something. Nothing. We just wanted to know."

"And what did you think of what you read about her?"

He shrugs, "She was a bad, bad girl."

"Is that what your father said?"

"No," Dane says. "He doesn't talk about her very much. There is a big painting in his study. That's where all the paintings of the Gellar family are."

"That's a lot of paintings."

"It's a big study."

"So, you came here to find out more about her for yourself? That's very admirable, Dane. Not many people do not simply accept what they see in front of them and go searching for the whole story. May I ask what is it you hope to find?"

"My sister, er, sisters are special. I can be special too, like Valerie was."

Della smiles, "You want to be Governor of Corellia?"

"Maybe," he says with a devious grin. "One day."

She sighs, momentarily giving up her mini inquisition into his motives. What did she expect from him? He's just a frightened boy trying vigorously to pretend he isn't. She grabs her com and requests secure transport from the Gellar Residence to One CorSec Plaza.

"Alright, Governor Gellar. Let's go."

*

Surface: Coronet City: One CorSec Plaza

The agents land safely after the long trip from Contruum. There had been wild discussions regarding the validity of the kids statements. He seemed convinced and stranger things have happened but they weren't ready to buy into it entirely. He did, however, need help as he clearly had not been doing well on the streets. By the looks of him he hadn't been there long, quality clothing and fairly clean. Either way, they had to call it in. Neither agent was prepared for the response from their superiors, orders from the Director himself to bring the boy in immediately and with the highest level of discretion. They do so without question.

Riley had slept fitfully in the back, occasionally hearing their comments about his mother. The pilot said she was the most beautiful of the four. The other disagreed, said he preferred the blonde. His slumber did little to calm his nerves. He had taken a big risk, leaving so abruptly and against the wishes of Aunt Mara. But he just couldn't stay there. He wanted nothing more than to go to Gemma but knows that would be the first place they look.

The pilot walks past him on the way to the ramp controls.

"Alright, kiddo. We're here."

"My name is Riley."

He laughs, motioning for him to follow. They take him out across an enclosed docking bay and into a private lift. Someone mentions they have to stop by the medical lab and escort him into a brightly lit, white office where they wish him good luck and quickly leave. He sits nervously in a chair, waiting. Within moments, an attractive woman in a white coat approaches him, kneeling down beside the chair. Her smile is sweet and he feels a little better.

"Welcome, Riley. My name is doctor Tivoli Cross. I just need to make sure you are alright. Is that okay with you?"

He nods.

Her smile does not fade, "Excellent. Right this way."

Doctor Cross leads him around the corner and into a larger exam room. She pats the table and he hops up, glancing around at the extremely organized instruments. She runs the basic tests and takes his vitals before asking him to extend his right hand. She turns over his hand and places a thin device over his index finger.

"This will only sting for a second."

"OW!"

He withdraws his hand, sucking on the finger.

"Why'd you do that for?"

"I'm sorry but we need a blood sample to complete the examination. While I work on that, there is a refresher just through those doors. I have laid out some CorSec issue clothing which I believe should fit a boy of your age."

Riley slides off the table and walks hesitantly through the doors, thankful for the chance to clean up. In the lab, Doctor Cross runs the sample through the CorSec database. She verifies the results of his other tests and concludes the boy is in good health. She is inclined to agree with the agents assessment that the boy had not been on the streets for long. How he ended up there is another story entirely, one she is not keen on asking. The results from the blood analysis appear on her screen and are a match against Kimber Patten's genetic markers stored within their medical database.

Tivoli moves to the com unit on the wall and dials up to the Director's office.

"It has been confirmed, sir. He is the son of Kimber Patten."


*

Surface: One CorSec Plaza: Director's Office

CorSec Director Elon Veritaas stares through the immense transparasteel windows down into the heart of Coronet City.

The latest is news is almost as alarming as it is surprising. When the Gellar boy had requested landing permission in the capitol, he was intrigued. Then after his agents reported a boy claiming to be a Patten desperately needing to get to Corellia, he was suddenly very suspicious. Gellar and Patten together on Corellia again. He thought there could be no way. Though it was widely reported that Kimber Patten had been pregnant and near delivery at the time of the Centerpoint battle, all information indicated that neither she nor the infant ever made it off that station. The documentary, Bound By Blood, suggested the baby had been male but that was refuted as wild speculation at best. All parties with any knowledge had long since perished. Now it is confirmed. The child of Patten lives. His arrival and that of the Gellar boy seem anything but coincidental yet he is not sure how either could have staged this, especially since Gellar had been reported missing almost four months ago. He already gave his word to Senator Soldys and the Republic that Gellar would be granted sanctuary here and he is prepared to do the same for Patten. Both have history on Corellia yet there is a strange feeling associated with their presences. Something he cannot place.

Director Veritaas had already granted the Gellar boy's request to tour the CorSec facility. His executive assistant confirms he is already in the building with an escort, the Senator's paramour no less, and headed up to the meet him. He patches himself through to the medical lab.

"Doctor Cross. Bring mister Patten to my office, please."



-TBC

[Syren]

Corellia

Surface: Coronet City: One CorSec Plaza

The door to the Director's office opens and a boy nearly the spitting image of his mother walks in. He is wearing a miniature version of their uniform which strangely suits him. Doctor Tivoli Cross, the chief physician and head of the CorSec medical lab, stands behind him. Elon stands, stretching out his hand.

"Good afternoon, young man. My name is Elon Veritaas, Director of the Corellian Security Force."

The boy shakes his hand, "I'm Riley Patten."

"Yes, so we hear. Please have a seat."

He nods to the doctor who waits in the reception area. Elon descends back into his own chair, taking the boy in. By now he must be eleven or so with longer, tousled brown hair, light blue eyes and his mother's trademark button nose. The high cheek bones and half-smile are ones he would recognize anywhere. For a time in the past, one could not round a corner in Coronet without running into those features mugging for high end Imperial fashion. It's uncanny but somehow, tragic. He wonders just how much the boy knows about himself or the Patten legacy on Corellia and within CorSec.

"I was told you were discovered on Contruum. That's quite a ways from here. Is that where you were raised?"

Riley hesitates, biting on his lower lip. It is also a facial expression the populous is familiar with.

"It's okay, Riley. You are among friends here. More so than you might know. Your grandfather was a valiant hero within our ranks who's methods are still being taught to this day. Your name carries considerable weight among us, commanding of the highest respect. We are allies who will provide sanctuary and protection if you require it."

He nods, "Thank you."

"Does anyone know you are here?"

"No," he says a little too sharply then relaxes. "No. I'm alone. I haven't told anyone."

Elon leans forward onto the desk, "Is there a specific reason you came to us? To Corellia."

"What do you mean?"

"I want to know what brought you here. Your presence alone raises many questions. To the greater public, you perished with your mother aboard the Centerpoint Station. Your father, from what we know, was an Imperial agent killed shortly after your conception. Needless to say we are curious as to where you have been during the following eleven years."

"With my aunt."

"On Contruum?"

"All over," Riley says, trying to sound more casual than he feels. "We traveled a lot."

He had been taught for so long to keep his true identity a secret that his responses are automatic and calculated. He does know his mother was from Corellia, born and raised. She had shown him the house and land that belongs to their family through his dreams. There is a part of him that wants to confess everything but is held back by what Aunt Mara would think or what it could do. If his name carries as much weight as he says it does, and he believes it does, then maybe he just might be where he is supposed to be. He could be home. A true home. A home he had only heard of in stories and through photage.

"Many people do. Your aunt. She traveled for business?"

"Yes."

"What line of work is she in?"

Riley smiles, "She's a negotiator."

Elon had to conceal his own amusement. The boy was being intentionally vague without any conveyance of malice or sarcasm. He glances down at his screen to see a message from his assistant out in the office. Gellar was on the executive floor but had asked to see one of the interrogation rooms. This gives him an idea.

"How would you like a tour of our facility?"

He beams.

"Boy would I ever! This place is huge."

"It sure is," Elon says, standing and motioning to the door.

Outside, his assistant glances up from her desk. Tivoli stands when she sees them.

"Doctor, would you accompany us?"

"Of course, sir."

The enter the main corridor and head toward interrogation. This floor is reserved for executive personnel and some of the more sinister criminal minds that they prefer to speak with outside the general rotation. The rooms are basic but slightly larger than most with gray walls, a simple black table and chairs. The north wall on these interrogation rooms contain a floor to ceiling two way mirror that, with the simple twist of a knob they will blend seamlessly with the other three. They find it encourages more fluid conversation when a potential perp forgets he, she or it is being monitored.

"These are our interrogation rooms."

"Where you bring the bad guys to talk?"

"Some are more talkative than others. This is where we question them about things they may or may not have done. Would you like to see inside?"

"Yes! This is so cool..."

The Director taps open IR4 and motions for the doctor to hold back. Riley rounds the corner and comes face to face with Dane Gellar and his escort, Della. He gasps, taking a step back.

"Dane."

"Riley."

Elon and Tivoli exchange glances but it is Della who speaks first.

"You boys know each other?"

Dane ignores her, focused on Riley. They stare at each other for a long, intense moment without saying anything. The Director takes the opportunity to interject.

"Perhaps you boys would like a moment alone."

Confused, Della follows Elon and Tivioli out of the interrogation room and into the viewing room. He moves to the controls, making the necessary adjustments. The boys come into view, still standing near the door as it closes. Della is somewhat alarmed.

"You are going to listen in? Isn't that bordering the line of ethically questionable?"

"Nonsense," Elon says. "Neither is here on criminal charges, so far as we know."

"They are minors."

"Who sought us out independently and strangely enough, know each other. Surely you are familiar with their family history. I imagine the Senator would have at the very least briefed you."

"I know who the Gellar's are, Director Veritaas. Who is the other boy?"

"Riley Patten," the Doctor chimes in. "Son of Kimber Patten."

Della inhales slowly, glancing back out into the room, "But I thought..."

"We all did. Consent is not required if we are not the ones asking the questions. Now, unless mister Gellar has disclosed where  he has been for the last four months or how he knows the Patten boy I suggest we utilize this opportunity to find out."

A hush falls over them as Dane speaks.

"What are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here? What are you doing here?"

"I asked you first!"

Riley moves around him, running a hand along the table.

"I hitched a ride with some CorSec agents. Don't make such a big deal about it."

"I thought you were on The Wheel."

"I was...." he says, trailing off.

Dane's brow furrows, creasing the skin between his nose.

"Why the heck did you leave?"

"We were attacked."

This slows his roll considerably, "Wait, what? Attacked? By who?"

"I think it was the Empire."

Dane grabs his arm roughly, "What about my father? Is he still there?"

"I guess so, I don't know."

"You don't know? He was there when Gemma and I left! Where is he, Riley?"

"Ow, Dane stop. That hurts."

He yanks his arm away.

"What's your problem?"

"The Empire attacked The Wheel with my injured father on board and you don't even know what happened to him?! That's really great. Really helpful."

"My Aunt is on The Wheel too, you know!"

"Oh, the Ambassador can take care of herself. And if not, there are plenty of others who look just like her that can fill in."

"Take that back!"

"No way!" Dane shouts, throwing his hands out to appear faux-menacing. "I sat there in that stupid cell forever while you and my sister went on and on about how special you are and how much you two need each other. I swear if I hear one more compliment or song I'm going to throw up and die!"

"Leave Gemma out of this."

"How, Riley? It's you she saw in her dreams almost every night. The boy who helped her escape the monsters in her head."

"They weren't just in her head. You saw them too."

"We don't know what we saw."

Riley is shuttering with anger. He doesn't know why Dane is acting with such hostility. They had spent weeks trapped together in that cell. He thought they were friends.

"I do. If you want to pretend you didn't then go right ahead. I don't care. I came here because I thought they could help me. My mother said they could."

"Your mom is dead, Riley."

"So is Valerie but Gemma said you saw her just like she saw Melanie. They are trying to tell us something Dane."

"Yeah," he says. "Like you are totally crazy!"

"I am not crazy!"

"Are too!"

They lunge at each other, clashing together and spinning around. Dane has Riley's arms locked as they struggle across the room. That is when the door opens and The Director steps in to pluck Riley away. Della moves between them and Dane. The Doctor stands by tapping on a datapad. They have revealed more about themselves than they realize and raised far more questions than anyone can ask in the moment.

"I'm taking Dane back to the Gellar Residence," Della says firmly, thrown by the exchange.

Elon nods, "We'll provide housing for Riley here."

"Our distinguished guest," Tivoli says warmly.

Dane glowers a moment longer before following Della out of the room. Tivoli escorts Riley in the opposite direction with Elon trailing behind. There are many avenues to pursue, one being the most pressing. He waits until they disappear around a corner before withdrawing his com-link and contacting his office.

"Utilize our Republic contacts. Get me all the intel you can on the Imperial assault on the Wheel."


-TBC

[Syren]

Corellia

Surface: Coronet City: Gellar Residence

Dane does not say a word the entire ride back from CorSec Headquarters. It is a welcome silence since Della does not know what to make of the entire exchange between the two boys. She is still reeling from the fact that the son of Kimber Patten is alive since her tragic death and that of her supposed unborn child had been a close and personal tragedy to the people of Corellia. Her father was a legend and although her life had taken some questionable turns, she was still widely beloved in a way that is very different from Valerie Gellar. Valerie had been memorialized as a brash hero while Kimber was painted as the martyr caught in the crossfire, part of a vast collateral damage which claimed many lives. The Centerpoint Battle had held special significance for Della as she herself had managed to escape with Artemis' help. She was told the former Director Frank Farmer had given his life to ensure those enslaved aboard the station were freed. She will forever be grateful to both Farmer and to Artemis for liberating them. It had always felt strange to know that several prominent galactic figures had perished when she had made it to safety. It seems they are all connected in some way. Six degrees or whatever the saying is.

Back at the Gellar Residence, Dane seems slightly calmer and stands in front of the painting of The Four hanging above the mantle in the living room. She decides to broach the subject.

"That was rather intense back there. Are you alright?"

"Not really."

"Would you like to talk about it?"

"Not really."

Della eases slowly down onto the couch, shifting her voice into a more sympathetic tone.

"I can respect that but there are times when it is not always wise to keep things bottled up. I'm not here to judge or hurt you, Dane."

He turns, glancing upon her with a cold stare.

"Everyone wants something."

"I only want to help."

"Why?"

It is a legitimate question but she pauses, noticeably. He is suspicious and she isn't the least bit surprised.

"You were taken from your family and the security you once felt was violated. I imagine that must have been very upsetting and, now that you are safe, I want you to know you have someone to talk to. That's important."

"To you maybe."

She tries another tactic, "Dane, how do you know Riley Patten?"

"Who says I do?"

"You seemed quite familiar with one another in that interrogation room."

"He pisses me off, okay?"

"But you knew him before you were both on Corellia."

"So?"

"So, I'm curious. Humor me."

"Why should I? You are just going to report anything I say back to your Senator boyfriend and use it."

"To do what exactly? Dane, what is it you think we want from you?"

"I don't know. Something that can be used against me later. Politicians always use stuff. That's like, your job. Twist my words to get what you want."

"Fair enough," she says. "But I'm not a politician. I get that you may not trust me. You barely know me. In the time we have spent together, have I let anything happen to you?"

"No."

"All I am asking is that you level with me. You showing up here took everyone by surprise since the last anyone in the Republic or Corporate Sector had heard, you and your sisters were still missing. No one knows who took you or why but there are theories and suspects. We are all glad you are safe but you must know there would be questions. This...connection you have to Riley Patten raises even more of them. Since you claim to have read the publications, you know there is a history between the Gellar's and the Patten's. His arrival and yours cannot simply be a random coincidence. At least I don't believe it is. Neither does Director Veritaas."

She sighs, folding her hands in her lap.

"You told Senator Soldys that you are a Gellar. You know what kind of clout that name carries here. Riley's carries the same. Both are tied to greatness and tragedy which why there is concern. You are safe here on Corellia surrounded by people who want to keep you safe. But what you may not know is that there is more going on outside this sector which you may or may not be able to help with. Hence, the questions. Sooner or later you are going to have to answer them."

Dane's stance is defiant.

"Guess it's going to be later then."

Then he stalks off down the hall, leaving Della alone in the living room. There is so much pain in him. It's all just beneath the surface. His fear, anger and curiosity boiling up from within. She doesn't pretend to know what he's feeling or has gone through. It must have been pretty bad if he's putting up this much deflection. They were able to glean a few thing from the conversation between Dane and Riley. They were on the Wheel together at one point, if this was before or after the kidnapping is anyone's guess. At least Dane and his sister Gemma left the Wheel prior to the Imperial attack and Riley escaped during. It's an impressive feat for an eleven year old if he did so without assistance. Rutherford Gellar was also on the Wheel and injured from what Dane indicated. He also mentioned the Ambassador in regards to Riley's aunt. From what she knows, Kimber Patten had only one blood relative, half-sister Valerie Gellar. "Aunt" may not always refer to biology but it is something she knows the Director will investigate further if Riley hasn't already divulged it. There was something else, something that caused her skin to grow cold - the mention of Riley telling Dane that his mother told him to come here and that Gemma had some kind of contact with Melanie and Dane with Valerie. This is clearly impossible as all three have been dead for more than a decade. She is not one to underestimate someone from these families, given their colorful and terrifying history but this makes no sense. She supposed she would have to consider it further before trying again.

In the master bedroom, Dane is curled up in the black sheets with tears burning his eyes. Valerie lays across the bed, propping her head up on one hand.

"Kid vicious," she coos, smirking. "You won't be able to hold them off forever. She is right, you know. More and more people will begin asking questions only you have the answers to. How you choose to convey and control that information is entirely up to you."

He sniffs, pulling the sheets tighter around him.

"Should I trust her?"

"That's not a call I can make for you but like I said, choose wisely."



-TBC

[Syren]

Corellia


Surface: Coronet City: One CorSec Plaza


It had been an interesting night, one Director Elon Veritaas was not expecting. His ruse had worked like a charm and confirmed his suspicions that the Gellar and Patten boys knew one another. It seemed like too much of a coincidence for both to simply show up here. It is his sworn duty to protect the citizens of Corellia and with the complexities attached to those two names, he would not be serving the public's safety if he did not investigate every avenue. The most pressing issue in his mind is where these boys came from and what they want. He knows Dane Gellar is from the Corporate Sector and was kidnapped from outside his own home. Riley Patten, however, is an entirely different story. His very existence is a revelation. The glaring question is how he made it off Centerpoint in the first place. It is not one he suspects the boy can answer.

Doctor Cross gets Riley settled in one of the staterooms on the executive floor. It is secure and heavily guarded. The boy would be perfectly safe while they sorted out the details of his visit. Her own past had been peppered with the Gellar and Patten names.

Ten years ago she had just graduated from the Coronet University medical program and entered her residency at the central hospital while enrolling in CorSec. Tivoli was driven by a strong civic duty both to protect the public and care for the injured. She felt CorSec would give her the skills and training she needed to do both. She remembers hearing all about the exploits of The Four throughout high school and into university. When Valerie Gellar and Kimber Patten returned to enroll with CorSec, it had caused a major uproar. Models Among Mortals had been one of the sensationalized headlines which caused every Han, Luke and Chewie to signs up for CorSec. Enrollment rates spiked drastically. Some called it a publicity stunt. Tivoli thought it was kind of sweet. Then Gellar and Patten essentially dropped out after concern arose regarding one of their other friends. The redhead was in some kind of trouble. At least that's what people had said. When Gellar finally resurfaced, the Phage Crisis followed closely on her designer heels. It was a time of terrible suffering for everyone and one she is glad finally came to an end.

In it's wake rose the Confederation under Saga Judec's rule, using the consolidated powers the slain Gellar had acquired to defeat Phage once and for all to transform the Sector into a military state. She was new to the CorSec medical staff and survived the sweeping cuts Judec made, including the termination of most senior management. Director Frank Farmer was dismissed rather unceremoniously but it was nothing in comparison to what was rumored to have happened to Valerie Gellar's former cabinet staff. The interim governor, William Tacofer was murdered. Gellar's personal aide, Cecelia Vail met a similarly grisly fate. There were even whispers that Lilandra Patten, institutionalized years prior, was exterminated. The darkness of the Phage Crisis grew darker still under Judec's regime. Opposition and resistance was met with swift, gruesome and often public death. Things began to change when Melanie Masterton, now a Jedi after a long public absence, came to Corellia. They thought order would be restored. They were wrong. As it turns out, the Jedi was harboring the pregnant then-fugitive, Kimber Patten and brought the full force of the Galactic Empire down upon them. The Centerpoint Battle was vicious and when it was over, they stood with heavy losses but victorious. Judec was dead and so was the Imperial Emperor.

Democracy was then restored during the reconstruction and the will of the people once again became law.

Director Veritaas startles her from the memories.

"How is everything here?"

"Fine, sir. Mister Patten is just getting settled. I'll be in the lab if you need me."

Tivoli excuses herself, leaving the Director with Riley.

"I trust you find these accommodations acceptable."

"Yes, thank you."

"I apologize for the awkward altercation with mister Gellar. I was unaware you knew each other."

"Not that well."

"Well enough to come to blows, it seems. Riley, there is something I must know and I want you to be honest with me here. The safety of all Corellian's is in our hands. Are you in any danger?"

Riley's face tightens, "Danger?"

"Yes. Are you or mister Gellar running from something or someone I should be aware of?"

"Possibly," he says softly.

"What do you mean?"

"There are some who may want to hurt us."

"And why is that?"

The answer is simple yet speaks volumes.

"Because of who we are."

Elon nods, "Rest now, Riley. We will speak more in the morning."

He leaves the stateroom with a security detail posted outside, the floor locked down and sector alerts for any suspicious activity coming in or out of the capitol. Returning to his office, the Director sits at his desk and accesses the network. His personal inbox contains a message from a colleague in the Republic Security Bureau, Director Laird Drakos, who obliged him with a summary of what their intel suggests about the Imperial attack on the Wheel. The final statements indicate the Wheel jumped into hyperspace after sustaining some damage and that most of the Federation's holdings and fleet had been destroyed. Something Gellar said in his exchange with Patten sticks out to him. Ambassador. Elon runs a search on the public files of Federation personnel, scanning through upper management and executives until he spots the, until recently, designated Ambassador to the Trade Federation.

Mara Tacofer.

He pulls up the record which shows her picture. Blonde, pretty, and vaguely familiar although he cannot place from where. He remembers she is the one who publicly humiliated Rutherford Gellar before the Republic Senate in a successful bid to obtain permits. He cross-references this information with other headlines, finding one with photage of Gellar's wife, Celeste Masterton and their children coming out of a boutique on Chandaar. Dane is with them, looking hostile as he tries to protect his frightened sister, Gemma from the swarming cams. Other stories run during this time coincide with the Centerpoint Anniversary and, since he had been busy with protecting the peace here on Corellia, he had missed these Republic headlines. There is speculation into the Gellar-Masterton family, specifically the elder daughter who, from the photage, looks like she was destined to be in front of a cam. From there, it appears Celeste Masterton returned to the Corporate Sector with the children which is where they were taken from a short time later. He pauses on something. The name Tacofer. He types it in and runs it through the network. Three entries appear.

Faction: Corellia/Corellian Confederation

Tacofer, William: secretary of state during Governess Valerie Gellar's term and later, interim governor prior to Saga Judec's rise into the Confederation era. Deceased - 6ABY.

Faction: Trade Federation

Tacofer, Mara: primary Ambassador to the Trade Federation.

Tacofer, Riley: nephew of the Ambassador.


A nephew named Riley? Interesting. Something nags at him and so he returns to the file on Mara Tacofer, sorting through until he finds more available images. Mara addressing the Senate. Mara stepping off a shuttle. Mara shaking hands with a client. Mara walking with a group of people including a young boy at her side. He pauses, leaning closer to the screen. The image is remarkably clear but he zooms in on the boy's face.

Staring back up at him is Riley Patten.

Elon leans back into the chair, deeply troubled. What is Riley Patten doing with the Federation Ambassador? Is this who Gellar referred to as Riley's aunt? What did he mean by plenty of others who look like her? The questions run deep as do the concerns. He feels there is much more to this story than what appears on the surface. Gellar had mentioned they were together in a cell. Was Riley also kidnapped? If so, why wasn't it reported? He verifies that the Espos alert out of the Corporate Sector only included the three Gellar-Masterton children - Dane, Gemma and Dahlia. There are no corresponding alerts out of the Republic or Trade Federation regarding any other abductions. This is even more puzzling since it explains nothing about the connection Gellar and Patten share. It does mean his inquiry into the danger facing either boy may not have been misplaced. The Director opens a com-channel and discreetly orders tightened security around the Gellar Residence. No visitors other than himself, Della or Senator Soldys are permitted without authorization.

The mystery deepens.



-TBC

[Syren]

Corellia

Surface: Coronet City: Gellar Residence

Della could not bring herself to sleep just yet. Her mind was still whirling with thoughts and questions. She sits on one of the stools near the kitchen, hunched over the smooth, expensive counter top and browses the network on the console. Her memories of the past are a bit on the foggy since the majority of the recent history had been focused on Artemis trying to get Corellia into the Republic yet retain it's sovereignty for the people. They had been jerked around enough from the Federation malevolence to the tyrannical regime of the Confederation. The last several years had been grand for everyone, finally to a place where they could breathe again. Commerce, production, trade, military, and economy were all up. CorSec had it's new Director and peace reigned over their democratic kingdom. Science, art, and music flourished as it once had and the culture that had once been suppressed had finally risen back to the surface and expanded. She was proud of Corellia and all it had accomplished, especially under Artemis' careful guidance and tireless dedication. The arrival of the Gellar and Patten boys made things less clear, as if signaling a terrifying throwback to a dark and uncertain time.

She brushes up on her celebrity gossip of yesteryear, the exploits and advertisements of The Four. So much money and fame, none of which could ultimately save them. Many had tried from what she reads. All failed or perished horribly in the attempts to aide or extricate them from a destiny rolling full steam ahead. It might even be somewhat amusing if it wasn't so sad. She traces the lines of both Gellar and Patten throughout their short yet fabulous lives, trying to find some connection or clarity that might settle the angry longing and curiosity of their legacy. Della sighs, tapping off the console and padding out into the living room. She flips on the projector and searches for the documentary she had saved earlier in the queue. Wearily, she presses play and adjusts the volume where as not to disturb Dane. The first strings of dramatic music come through the surround speakers followed by the title, Bound By Blood. In the almost two hours it takes to watch the entire documentary, Della takes a few key pieces of information away with her.

Valerie Gellar was portrayed as a vicious paranoid slut with serious emotional baggage relating the lack of familial framework who then grew into a powerful leader and selfless figure who sacrificed her own life for that of the Corellian people and their freedom. Her methods were often viewed as ruthless and the photage of her escapades were colorful to say the least but there was a vulnerability beneath the brash exterior that made her a complex and fascinating individual. Despite her high school boyfriend's grisly murder she had a string of lovers, both male and female, leading to a highly publicized but ultimately unconfirmed affair with her mentor turned CorSec Director, Frank Farmer. There were also rumors that she was jealous of Karen Winton and clashed with Melanie Masterton's rigid ethical code but still cared for both more deeply than she would or did ever admit on the record and moved hell and high water to help both in times of need. She was choked to death in the final showdown with the Baron Phage on Corellia where her memory lives on.

Kimber Patten was the delicate and seemingly naive flower, touted as the most beloved by all who knew her. She appeared to smooth out Valerie's rough edges and the stories and photage featuring her are neither explicit nor scandalous. She is portrayed as cheerful, compassionate, confused and easily manipulated when those she cared about were in danger. Thus her unfavorable stint as the replacement Imperial Counselor following Karen Winton's courtship by the then-Emperor Dementat. The Empire allegedly promised to assist Valerie in the Phage Crisis in exchange for Kimber's service which they ultimately reneged on and her negotiations with the Hapan Consortium led to the death of one of their esteemed Admiral's. These actions served to mar her flawless reputation and drew ire from the Corellian people. During these events, she grew close to an Imperial Agent, Mod Navris, who's love for her led him to question his allegiance. There was talk of them escaping together but he, along with several of their crew, were murdered during an assignment. It was then she discovered her pregnancy and, aided by the Jedi Melanie Masterton, fled from the Empire after she turned over the Director of Intelligence as penance for the Hapan Admiral's death. She was one of the many victims when the Centerpoint Station imploded during the battle between the Confederation and Empire.

Della leans back on the couch, drawing her own comparisons between the girls and their male counterparts. The brash demeanor must be in the Gellar genetics because Dane has it in spades. Riley does seem more of an idealist, from the small amount she's seen, and that can be quite dangerous. She taps off the projector, gasping when she spots Dane standing in the hall.

"What are you doing up?"

"Couldn't sleep. What were you watching?"

She stands, stretching.

"The documentary they made about Valerie and her friends. It was made from Carlson's source material so there isn't anything in there that isn't also in the story. It just has photage and a very famous narrator."

"Cool."

"You hungry?"

"I could go for a snack."

"Yeah," she says, smiling. "Me too."

It's after midnight but she figures what the hell. He seems calmer now, less agitated. As she prepares in the kitchen, her datapad vibrates on the counter. She grabs it and taps open a message from Director Veritaas.

Federation Ambassador Mara Tacofer on Corellia, requesting asylum and a meeting with Senator Soldys.

Attached is a picture of the Ambassador with her delegation. Beside her is a young boy, highlighted around the face to draw her attention. The boy is Riley Patten but the caption reads Riley Tacofer, nephew of primary Federation Ambassador, Mara Tacofer.

Tacofer?

That name sounds familiar. Wasn't William Tacofer part of Valerie Gellar's cabinet and the interim governor prior to Saga Judec's rise to power? Come to think of it, she believes he was murdered by Judec's forces shortly after the Confederation was formed. At least that's the rumor that circulated after he vanished from the public eye. She glances up at Dane who is spinning around slowly on one of the bar stools. Now she knows why Veritaas sent her this information.

"Dane," she says evenly. "Do you know a woman named Mara Tacofer?"

He stops spinning, gripping the edge of the counter top tightly.

"Uh, yeah. We met her on Chandaar with my father."

"Did you meet her nephew as well?"

His face falls, trying to decipher where she is going with this.

"Maybe, why?"

"You know why. She is the Ambassador to the Trade Federation and her nephew is Riley Patten."

His attempt at nonchalance is less convincing this time around.

"So?"

"So, she's here. On Corellia."

Dane bolts up off the stool, "She's what? Here? How? Why?"

That has him riled up, almost afraid. She takes the opportunity.

"Dane, she doesn't know you are here. I'm not even sure she knows Riley is here."

"How do you even know its her?"

"Director Veritaas is on his way to meet her now. She's asked for asylum after escaping the the Wheel."

"Is my father with her?"

"I don't know. Was she with him on the Wheel? Were you?"

Dane inhales sharply, backing away from her.

"What aren't you telling me? I can help you, Dane but you need to trust me."

"Trust goes both ways."

"Yes, it does. I've shown you that I'm not going to hurt you. Now I need you to extend a little trust my way. It was reported in the Republic that your father left during negotiations with the Federation to search for you and your sisters. Ambassador Tacofer made statements to the Senate that were...unflattering toward your father and the Corporate Sector and I understand if you are upset about that."

"I'm not," he quips, crossing his arms. "It wasn't her anyways."

"It wasn't?"

Flashes of the exchange between Dane and Riley flood back to her.

There are plenty of others who look just like her who can fill in.

"Look, it's like, complicated."

"I'm getting that."

"You wouldn't understand."

"Try me."

He looks strained, on the verge of an aneurysm. She maintains eye contact and tries a different approach.

"Were you on the Wheel with them?"

"Yeah."

"But you left?"

"Uh huh."

"By yourself?"

"Not exactly."

"Well, then with who?"

"My sister."

"Which one?"

He doesn't correct her, "Gemma."

"And where is Gemma now?"

"Somewhere safe."

"With who?"

He frowns deeply. It's like pulling teeth.

"Dane..."

"The Jedi, okay? She's with one of the Jedi."

This is not the direction she expected the conversation to go. At all. She wasn't even sure the Jedi were still around since they had maintained such a low profile for so long.

"Where did they go?"

"Can't tell you that. It might risk their safety."

"Fair enough. What about Dahlia?"

"What about her?"

"Was she on the Wheel as well?"

"Nope."

"Then where-"

"I don't know where she is," he says forcefully, sighing. "I don't know, alright?"

"Alright."

"Why are you grilling me? If the Ambassador is here, why don't you go ask her? She's got more answers than I do."

"She does?"

"Oh, yeah. You want to know what's really going on. Let's go find out."

Since the Director seemed so fond of ambushing the boys, they might as well ambush the Ambassador.

"Go get dressed. We're going to get some answers."



-TBC

[Syren]

Corellia

Surface: Coronet City: One CorSec Plaza

Riley falls into a deep slumber on the small cot, exhausted from the day. His run in with Dane had been most troubling but his thoughts still drift to Gemma. He hopes she is safe and sound, dreaming of him too. His mind begins to clear and he finds himself standing in the same sunken gardens he had imagined what seems like ages ago. They are gardens of the Patten Ranch. He walks along the creek pebble path until he finds her sitting on the bench holding a crimson flower. She smiles when she sees him and stands.

"Mother."

"Riley," Kimber says warmly. "You made it. I am so glad you are safe."

"You told me to get up and go. You led me here."

"It's where you belong."

He embraces her tightly and she lingers, wishing for a corporeal recreation of this moment. It is something she has longed for after passing on but she would never be able to know or touch her son the way others can. Yet she is grateful for her attachment to him as a guide, a cosmic favor the powers that be owed her. Owed them all, actually. Kimber appears as the most recognizable version of herself; auburn hair flipped off the shoulders, bangs, button nose, short pink cupcake dress, long, slender legs and dazzling pink heels.

Riley pulls back and stares up at her. She runs the flower along the nose he inherited from her. He giggles.

"Now that you are here, you can reclaim your birthright. The sole heir to the Patten estate and your vast inheritance which, with compound interest, makes you part of the very slim one percent. Invest wisely and beware the fast friends credits will make. It's what we used to call celebrity-hangers on. Mara Anna will know what to do. It will provide for you both here on Corellia, safe and protected, able to learn and be free in the peaceful and expressive world I grew up in. It's what you deserve. Both of you."

"What do you mean?"

"You can stop running now."

"I know but were not celebrities."

"Not yet," she says with an innocent smile. "Once your identity is revealed to the greater public, you will be. It comes with the territory but know that fame is deceiving. The lights are meant to blind you from the truth. All four of you are meant for that stage in very different ways."

"What ways?"

Kimber twirls the flower stem between her fingers.

"I can guess three of the four - vapid model, self-righteous songstress, and clever corporate titan. All so very predictable yet duplicitous. Nothing is as it ever seems on the surface. But you? You are the wild card because here, you are free. Free to be who you want to be."

Riley frowns, "I thought you said our fates are connected."

"Your names connect you through the past into the future. It will always be so. If you look hard enough, you will see it has always been so. Karen, Melanie, Valerie and I just happened to be the four who put us on the galactic map and raised public awareness but the lines trace back a lot further back than anyone realizes. Having the public's attention will be a leverage you will all find...advantageous as you make choices that shape who you will become. If you follow what you feel is right then you should not fear the future."

He nods.

"The last time I saw you, you said we were in danger."

"More so then than now but danger will never be far from any of you. You represent certain things to certain people. Some good, some not so good. That is why you were taken."

"To the dark place."

"A place we all share a connection to."

"How?"

The sky over them darkens with clouds in gradients of gray.

"The cave you were kept in on Korriban is the same one where a Force possessed Alexia Winton led her father to the Persephonea Prophecy. It is a place of unspeakable evil, permeated with the dark side of the Force and yielded a text in which we were anchored to like a shadow."

"I thought the prophecy stopped when you....when I...."

"The One will bear a child out of true love, tempered and tainted by good and evil, dark and light that shall be baptized by the essence of the Force and hold power to give back what the Abominations took away. Yeah, I know. I read it too. From what we thought was cover to cover. Turns out that was just the working version of the script."

He tilts his head, suddenly very lost.

"What?"

Kimber's violet eyes sparkle as she leans down close to his ear and whispers.

"That wasn't the only thing Winton pulled out of the cave that day."

*

Riley's eyes flutter open into the low lit CorSec sleeping quarters, pulling the sheet up close to his chin as the cam pans slowly away from him, the wide and frightened gaze, across the room, out the door and into the sterile and minimalist corridor then fades to black.



-TBC

[Syren]

Corellia

Surface: Coronet City

Mara does not want to let Riley go but finally manages to pull back and look into his face. He smiles. The emotions she is experiencing are almost animal in their intensity. He is as close to any child she would ever have. She had raised him, cared for him, kept him safe and now the thought of losing him again is overwhelming. Trepidation about Corellia runs high, especially in regards to Senator Soldys and Director Veritaas. Their hesitation about her and her connections to the past and the Federation is understandable. She would be wary if she were in the same position. However, she has Riley to think about and no major decisions are going to be made tonight. Mara joins the others in the corridor.

Soldys is conferring with Veritaas while Avers stands a few paces away with Dane Gellar. The young boys eyes flare when he sees her and but Avers has a hand firmly on his shoulder. She appears to have had to settle him down.

"It's been a long night for everyone and CorSec really isn't the place for guests. We think it would be best if you stayed with us at the Gellar Residence until a more permanent solution can be reached."

The Senator nods, "It is quite secure."

"For now," Veritaas says with a not-so-subtle trace of suspicion in his voice. "We'll need a sample from you to verify your claims."

A beautiful woman in a lab coat seemingly appears out of nowhere with a syringe and a vial.

"This is Doctor Tivoli Cross, CorSec's medical director. Doctor Cross, this is Mara Anna Gellar."

The doctor's expression does not change with the mention of the name.

"Good evening, miss Gellar. If you would be so kind."

She extends her arm and the sample is drawn.

"Thank you."

Tivoli disappears as mysteriously as she appeared.

Della sighs, "Shall we?"

"What do you think, Riley?"

Riley hesitates, eyes locked on Dane.

"I dunno..."

"From the looks of things, your mother spent a great deal of time there as well."

"She did?"

Della nods, "I think it would be nice for you to see."

"Alright," Riley says, taking Mara's arm.

"What about Garron?"

The Senator steps forward, "He will meet you downstairs. We have a transport waiting and it goes without saying, discretion is the order of the day."

"You know where to find us," Della says sweetly as she passes, guiding Dane toward the lifts.

"We'll be in touch," Veritaas says.

After they have gone, Artemis turns to him.

"Concerns, Director?"

"Follow me to the medical lab."

They walk through the executive levels and descend to the medical wing to find Doctor Cross busy at work. She does not pause when she sees them.

"Just a few minutes and we'll know for sure."

"You have samples of Valerie here?"

"Kimber as well. That is how we know Riley is her biological son. Our files have a vast cross-section of genetic samples which assist in our ability to solve crimes and bring victims some justice."

Director Veritaas nods, "Thus why our rates are so low. The streets of Coronet are safer than they have ever been."

"And we thank you for helping keep it that way."

The device the doctor is working on bleeps and she lean over the screen and taps a few keys before turning to them both.

"It's an exact match," Tivoli says. "Mara Anna is Valerie Gellar's clone."

This confirmation unsettles more than relieves and gets Artemis' mind stirring.

"Patten, Gellar, together again on Corellia."

"The irony is not lost on me either," Veritaas says.

"There is something else..."

"Such as?"

"Valerie Gellar isn't the only one Alexander Winton had access to when they were on Coruscant. Carlson's copy indicated samples were routinely collected from The Four and their friends through annual physicals. Winton was the Imperial Director of Intelligence at one point and could have pulled from any of those samples anytime he wanted."

Tivoli frowns, "What are you saying?"

"Mara may not be the only clone."

"She's not," Veritaas says, recalling the exchange between Riley and Dane. "There is at least one other who made statements against Rutherford Gellar in the Republic Senate."

"How do you know that?"

"The boys implied as much."

"That raises an even more serious question."

"Like what?"

Artemis sighs, "Is Valerie the only one Winton cloned?"


-TBC

[Syren]

Corellia

Surface: Coronet City: Gellar Residence

It is almost three in the morning by the time they return. Della was relived to see Dane change completely when he saw Garron Prescott who assured him that his father was safe and sound back in the Corporate Sector. This seems to calm the boy. Riley also appears more comfortable with Garron around. She knows that Prescott is an associate of Rutherford Gellar and has a sister currently on trial in the Republic capital. Word had circulated that he, along with Gellar, had conspired to kidnap the children in order to sabotage negotiations with the Federation. Mara's presence here blows that theory to hell, piquing Della's interest further. Clearly, this goes deeper than what lies upon the surface.

Inside the Gellar Residence, Della shows Garron to the guest rooms and he takes the boys to get settled in. Della is still wound up and finds Mara staring at the painting of The Four above the mantle.

"Is it strange...being back here?"

"On Corellia or in the Gellar Residence?"

"Both, I suppose."

Mara turns, "It feels right, like it is something I should have done a long time ago."

"Why didn't you?"

"There were risks. There still are. But Riley was drawn here and understandably so. This is where he is truly from, where he belongs. His entire family, gone as they may be, came from Corellia. This is his home, his history."

Della nods, moving into the kitchen to get them both refreshments. She hands Mara a glass of water she doesn't know she doesn't need but Mara accepts gratefully.

"History. That seems to be a prevalent theme both with Riley and Dane. They came searching for something...about this place, about themselves."

"I know why Riley would seek this out but has Dane given you a motive behind his journey?"

Della shakes her head, "He's very secretive, bordering on hostile."

"He's a Gellar," Mara says with a slight smile. "You will find these are trademarks of our family."

"You don't seem that way."

"I am tired of running."

It is an admission that relieves more than she can put into words. She had been protecting their identities for so long, concealing who they are and where they came from at such a frantic pace that she never paused to consider the toll it might be taking on Riley or herself. She is both a clone and a droid and she could run for much longer without recharging but the biological side of her, the side taken from Valerie, feels a sense of familiarity and peace on Corellia.

"That is understandable, given the circumstances. Artemis doesn't mean to be harsh but he does worry about the stability of our people. He and I were both prisoners aboard the Centerpoint Station before that fateful battle. It was Artemis, with the help of Frank Farmer, who freed us all. We never knew Kimber Patten and the others were also on board. We didn't know you were either."

Della pauses, lost in her own memories.

"It's strange...just how many lives have crossed, all the lines that intersect."

Mara stares at her intensely.

"You have no idea."



-TBC

[Syren]

Corellia

Surface: Coronet City: Gellar Residence

The morning brings little peace. There is tension in the air, so thick its palpable. Mara rises early, not really needing to sleep and bumps into Garron in the corridor. They share an uneasy glance but one that is filled with more questions than either can answer at this point in time. There is a part of her that wants him badly, more so than anything she has ever wanted. It is a connection she never believed she would experience, that emotional bond with another. Riley is different. He plays on familial instincts, pulling at the parts of her that are compelled to keep him safe and the promise to a dying Kimber intact. There are even parts that love him like a true relation, parts she got from Valerie. Garron is something entirely new. There are feelings...not easily categorized feelings and, if she's not careful, it could lead to actual feeling.

"How did you sleep?"

"Better than I expected to. Nothing like a series of life-threatening situations to knock a person out cold. You?"

"Fine, fine," she says, averting her gaze. What's the problem here? She is nervous. No, that's ridiculous. And impossible. Machines do not get nervous and they are not so easily flustered. But Garron stirs something inside her, something she had yet to explore about herself and it frightened her. "Are the others up yet?"

"I don't think so but while I have you alone, I think there is something we should talk about."

"Look..."

He meets her gaze, a small smile pulling at the corners of his mouth.

"I should return Dane to the Corporate Sector."

She lets out a huge sigh, confusing him.

"Oh, right. Right."

"With Rutherford back, I think Dane would fair better there with his mother and father. Since we know Gemma is safe with the Jedi we can focus on recovering Dahlia. We need to make that a priority. The Gellar-Masterton children need to be back home where they belong."

Except only two of them are Gellar-Masterton's.

"That's understandable."

"And you can focus on Riley. He seems content on Corellia. Maybe you two should make a go of it here."

"Perhaps. If I'm not bound and gagged with red tape."

"Now there's a stunning visual," he replies, smiling broadly.

Mara glances down briefly then raises her eyes to his. He closes the distance between them, scooping her at the waist and pulling her into him. They are so close now, faces inches apart. His lips brush against hers.

"Garron," she whispers.

"I know, I know," he says in a hushed tone. "It's so complicated, so chaotic but I don't care because I feel something for you, Mara and I'm fairly certain you feel something too."

She feels something alright.

"What can possibility come of this? We have responsibilities."

"I don't want to leave you. The thought of losing you again....I thought I had after that platform exploded...it's, I could not stand it..."

"You didn't lose me. You came back for me then and you can in the future."

He pulls back slightly, staring down into her face.

"That is what you want?"

"I don't belong in the Corporate Sector and you don't belong here. We both know that."

"Garron!" Dane shouts, coming out of Valerie's room and leaping forward to push Mara away. "What are you doing to him?! Was she attacking you?"

"What? No! Dane, we were just talking."

"It didn't look like talking."

Mara shrugs, "Grown up's talk differently than children. They also know when to mind their own business."

"Yeah, well, I think you better stay out of ours."

"Dane!" Della says, emerging from another guest room. "That's not how we treat a guest at all."

He gasps, fuming.

"Don't tell me you trust her? She's evil!"

"Am I? I'm curious to know why you think so considering we're related."

"You are not related to me!"

"It's true," Garron confirms. "She's related to Valerie which means she's related to you."

Dane's mouth is hanging open and his eyes searching the corridor for someone to dispute this. They land on Della who puts her arms up in mock-surrender.

"I'm sorry, kiddo. She's right."

"You aren't even real! All those girls who look like you, the ones who kept us captive, are they related to Valerie too?"

Mara holds his steely glare.

"They are."

"How is that even possible?!"

"It's a long story."

"I've got time," he snaps, crossing his arms.

Garron chimes in at just the right moment.

"No, you don't. Let's make some breakfast so we can get you back to the Corporate Sector. You're father is very concerned about you so let's not keep him waiting, shall we?"

This shuts him up immediately and they head into the kitchen. Riley pads out, rubbing his eyes from sleep and wanders down the hall. There are many framed pictures and prints of varying sizes. His mother and her friends frozen in several different moments. Some happy, others somber. They seem so alive that he has to remind himself that they are all dead. The great tragedy of The Four. He pauses on one of just his mother. Kimber stares out from the frame with one finger held up over a sweet smile, as if she's sharing an inside joke with an audience. Riley grins and lifts the picture off the mount and puts it in the room. The others are all chatting when he appears and breakfast is served. They eat in relative harmony although there are many things left unsaid. Afterwards, everyone showers and changes, getting ready for a day no one quite knows what will hold.

Della shows Riley around the residence and allows him to explore this side of his mother through Valerie Gellar's eyes. It is very clear that Valerie held her in the highest regard and shared the world with her. This pleases Riley greatly and he feels better knowing that his mother was happy here. Garron lays things out plainly for Dane, preventing any discussion or objection.

This gives Mara some satisfaction although there is a small piece of her that also feels compelled to keep him safe. She is of Valerie but then again, so is Dane. They share biology and that makes her speculate if he holds the same wondrous material flowing through his veins that was so very valuable to Alexander Winton all those years ago. Mara is suddenly very concerned. Valerie was used as leverage to blackmail Rutherford Gellar on Kyri Patten's behalf. Neither really knew what Winton was after. Gellar wanted to spare his reputation from shame and Patten wanted access to his illegitimate daughter. Winton provided a way for both to get what they wanted so long as he procured the means for immorality using Valerie's genetics. Dane could be carrying an incredibly valuable and extremely dangerous commodity. Garron's plans to take him back to the Sector would probably be the wisest thing to do right now. No need to over complicate an already tangled web.

This leaves her and Riley on Corellia. They had most likely already confirmed Riley as a Patten, entitling him to inherit anything left behind in the Patten estate. She would be confirmed as a Gellar but her current position puts her in a more complex predicament, one she is unsure the Corellian government wants to deal with. She only hopes Senator Soldys and Director Veritaas see reason and allow her to hide in plain sight as a Tacofer to continue to protect and care for Riley as she has always done.


-TBC