Song: "Return to Tatooine" from Attack of the Clones OST

The ship's landing gear screeched against the dirt-paneled space of Kalee, and Ronderu exited, trying to control her tears. "Goodbye. Thank you for everything....even if we parted on poor terms."

"Wait," Arna said. "I have a few gifts for you." He brought out a bag. "Take these with you."

"What's in here?"

"You'll see," he said, nodding and entering his ship. Even as she backed away, the repulsorlifts led the ship gently into the air, and within seconds, the ship of the Jedi was a speck in the Kaleesh night skies.

✺✺✺

She walked to a nearby bench, grateful that her cybernetics were hidden from the organicist citizens of Kalee, and opened the bag. Her karabbac mask, which she carefully fastened on again; her "not-lightsabers" (how Arna had recovered them after the encounter with Dooku was beyond her), which she tucked into her uniform; the furs she'd worn to Kalee with him, along with that beautiful headpiece. And lastly, thirty credits, which would translate into the Kaleesh khuvi system easily.

She clutched the credits, speaking to a rigid security guard who carried a pair of Shoni spears. "Burkhan nartai," she greeted quietly. "Do you have a public transportation terminal somewhere around here?"

He tilted his head. "Are you an immigrant to Kalee? I saw you exit that Mandalorian ship."

"No. I am a native-born, one of you."

"May I see identification?"

"I....I wasn't registered," she said. "But I was a khaneme. Perhaps a government vehicle can transport me to the hall."

"Ma'am, conclave isn't for another year. Do you have a friend waiting for you?"

A swallow. "The khagan, Khetsuu."

He cast a pitying glance. "What is your name, at least?"

She leaned close, slipped a few credits into his palm. "Ronderu. Rest of it's not important."

He stared at the credits as if they were solid gold, then at her masked face. "Burkhadaar....I'll be...."

She slipped off her mask briefly. "Recognize this face?"

"Everyone's...." he swallowed. "Everyone's thinking you were dead, my lady. I didn't realize....it's almost too good to be true...."

"Just take me to the Kaleela hall," she said. "Please....take me to see him."

"I understand, my lady," he said. "Come with me."

✺✺✺

The ride, which took place in the guard's wagon, ended in a few minutes as they came upon the redwood lodge in which her love resided. It had undergone many renovations since she had been here—perhaps for his wives.

She closed her eyes, allowed her respirator to breathe for her as she gazed upon that lodge. He would have already left it by now if they had married, and they would be away from the public eye.

How things have changed, my friend.

"Your exit is here, Khaneme," he said. "Only be careful, please."

"Don't worry," she said. "I'll be fine." But she was not so sure she believed those words herself as she exited, bringing her bag with her. She had only a few small possessions to her name. Had Qymaen kept her belongings after her supposed death? Or did his wives now own them, just as they owned him?

She walked up to the residence, studying the hazy gold light coming in from the house. Her hands trembled as she touched the door and knocked thrice.

Footsteps came pattering to the door. She braced herself to crush him in a hug. There was so much to say, so much to do, so much to catch up on. He would have a harsh rebuke from her for the Ord Mantell attack, but that would be temporary. She would fix him, heal him from whatever affliction he carried.

And if it was true that a quarter of the Kaleesh were dead....

She cut off the thought. She would not wish harm upon his wives for her own gain. That would equate her with whatever wife wanted her dead—she was better than that.

The knob turned, and the door opened. But instead of her Qymaen, standing and awaiting her, it was....

"Shia," she whispered, dropping her gaze.

"Who...." Shia rubbed her eyes. She held a blanket over her linens, which bulged over her pregnant belly.

Ronderu gripped her bag harder. "It's me," she said. "Ronderu. Who else is awake?"

"Just Rón and I....no one else is home."

"Shia...." Ronderu chuckled. He's not here? "It's me, Khaneme Kummar."

A surprised look came to her face. She took off her mask, smiling broadly. Shia took her bag, held her shoulder, and steered her in. "Come in," she said as they passed a small child of about two years. "Rón, back to bed."

The toddler paid her no heed, but tugged on Ronderu's pant leg. "Who?"

Ronderu bent down. "I'm Ru," she said, saying the name slowly. The girl's skin was the same mottled red-brown as Qymaen's, and she'd clearly inherited his round features. Ronderu smiled almost tearily as she stroked the child's head. So beautiful....she looks just like him.

This should have been my child. It's only natural that I love her.

"Rón," Shia said sternly, setting Ronderu's bag on the counter, "back to bed. Now." With a pouty look, the child gave Ronderu a quick peck on the cheek and headed down the hallway.

Shia held her at arms-length. "I didn't believe the rumors at first...." Laughing, she hugged Ronderu, who smiled and returned the embrace awkwardly. "Why didn't you come home at first?"

"It's....a long story."

Shia led her to the couch, resting her hands across her stomach. "I'm in the mood for long stories tonight," she said wearily. "Tell me everything."

✺✺✺

"And when I was at this man's keep on Serenno...." Ronderu swallowed. "I picked up on a transmission between him and one of Qymaen's—Khetsuu's—wives. It appears he was behind my supposed death from the start."

Shia rested a hand against her chin. "I'm sorry to hear that." She sighed. "I'm afraid that the murderous wife you're looking for is dead. I'm the only one of his that's still alive."

Ronderu frowned. "When did these wives die?"

"A few days ago, actually," Shia said. "So strange, like the hand of the gods was suddenly set against our household. Lyankhua, Mergen, Saikhan, and Naidvar were mauled by some sick cannibals. Then, two weeks later, the rest starved to death. Lost will to eat from an illness I was treated for recently."

"My condolences go out to you."

"Thank you, Ronderu," she said. A stray tear rolled down her cheek. "I lose all the people who made Khetsuu the happiest he could be...."

Ronderu rested a hand on Shia's shoulder. "I must talk to him," she said. "In private."

Shia tilted her head. "He has been gone for several weeks."

"He's not even on Kalee?"

Shia shook her head. "The Banking Clan is making him stay on Scipio while he works for them. He isn't allowed to return home, or they'll assume he's broken his contract."

"I have to get offworld," Ronderu murmured. "I have to warn him."

"Warn him of what?"

"That he's in danger of assassination." She pressed her gloved knuckles to her teeth.

Her eyes widened. "From who?"

She sighed. "A wicked man who once served our people. He's old, but still able to send lackies."

"Do you know his name?"

"Yes," Ronderu said. "Count Dooku."

Shia coughed into her headscarf, but couldn't hide the blanch that had come to her face. "Dooku, planning to murder Khetsuu," she said. "Burkhadaar....as if that's the craziest thing I've heard. Did you actually meet him? I didn't even know he was still alive."

"Yes, I did. And he's nothing like the stories made him out to be."

"What would killing Khetsuu gain him?" She whispered.

"The ability to send in a new leader," Ronderu said, standing and pacing the room. Calm resolution alone stood in her tone. "A leader who will submit to him, and encourage Kalee to do the same. A droid leader."

"Nonsense," Shia said, though her voice was suddenly trembling. "Many of the Kaleesh are organicists. They would never bow to a droid or cyborg."

She refused to let the hard words about her cybernetics hurt. "Don't be so sure. I've....I've seen the plans for this creature. He would be able to kill our warriors easily. Eventually the Kaleesh will realize that he is strong and able to give them revenge against the Republic. Only then will they submit."

"Then what must we do?" the other woman whispered.

Ronderu sat down again and rested a hand on Shia's shoulder. "Have faith, my friend," she said quietly. "All will work out. If we stop Dooku from assassinating Qymaen, he'll have no choice but to lead a direct attack, and that might get the Republic's attention for once."

"But if this war droid can kill Kaleesh soldiers, what good does stopping his assassination do us?"

"Qymaen isn't your average warrior," Ronderu chuckled softly. "He is....strong with the Force himself. He can overcome this beast if Dooku is stupid enough to send it even after we abate the assassination."

Shia pursed her lips. "Strong with the Force? So he could move rocks if he tried hard enough?"

"Perhaps not that strong. But I discovered while I was away that we had it wrong. It wasn't a blessing from the gods. Both of us are sensitive to what's beyond the physical by nature."

Shia's face contorted into an expression that Ronderu only understood from being around a human for a year: distaste. "I see." She stood regally, and the expression faded, replaced by a relaxed look. "We should finish this discussion tomorrow. I'll get you some blankets from the back room, and you can sleep here tonight."

Ronderu sighed. "Thank you, Shia. I will leave as soon as possible, but for now....I have nothing."

◈◈◈

Did you know....

● Six months have passed since the Republic's sanctions on Kalee.

● My intention was for Ronderu to be abnormally drawn to care for Rón because she felt as though she owed it to Qymaen after being away for so long.

Tell me what you think....

● Why isn't Shia surprised that Ronderu lived?