"Trego!", the Twi'lek woman excitedly exclaimed  as she rushed toward the imposing Sith among the trio.   Jumping into the air to wrap her arms around his neck, the woman began to hug and kiss the man.

Momentarily taken off balance by the sudden impact, Trego turned his head to whisper in a growling tone, "Vette, protocols."

Realizing her actions, Vette released her hold on the man and turned to Zefaara, head bowed in respect and spoke to the Dark Lord.  "My apologies, my Lord," the woman stammered, "please forgive me, I was just so glad to be back home, I forgot myself for the moment."

Placing her hand upon the Twi'lek's shoulder, Zefaara smiled and said to her, "it's quite alright my dear, you've been away for some time now, I understand."  Continuing to address the woman, the Sith went on, "you did well in finding the hunter and her friend, I seriously doubt anyone else could have done it so quickly."  Looking around, Zefaara spoke again to the Twi'lek, "but it seems we're missing somebody, were you unable to locate him?"

"Well, it's a funny thing, my Lord," Vette replied, "when I got to Alderaan and went to where he was supposed to be, I was told he was transferred back here to Dromund Kaas."  As the woman took a breath, she continued, "he's stationed at the military research center in Kaas City.  I'll be more than pleased to go find him for you and bring him here."

"No, you won't need to do that," the Sith responded, "besides, the city isn't exactly friendly in their attitudes toward non-human and Pure Bloods.  I'll go see him, myself."  Then pausing to think for a moment, went on, "and it would be more impressive for a Dark Council member to requisition one of their personnel.  The military wouldn't give me the problems they would you."

Lifting the woman's chin to look her in the face, Zefaara smiled and gave her a wink of the eye.  Turning her attention to her apprentice, the Dark Lord instructed the man, "Trego, I believe Vette needs a thorough debriefing.  You are to personally take care of this, leave no stone unturned... even if it takes the rest of the day.  She is to receive your complete and undivided attention."  Then with a small laugh, added, "and if you find the time, bring her up to date on what's been happening here since she left."

Speaking to his master, Trego said, "but my Lord, with all that needs to be accomplished in the next few days, perhaps this can wait until later."

Walking over and grabbing the man's massive arm, Vette interjected, "you heard her, you're to give me your complete and undivided attention... no matter how long it takes," then added with a grin and giving Zefaara a return wink, "and who are we to disobey the Dark Lord's orders?"  Then pulling the man toward the elevator, once again spoke, "come along now, my Lord, it's time to begin my debriefing."

As Trego and Vette began their walk toward the exit, the Chiss woman approached the Dark Lord and said, "what's up with Little Miss Fruitcake and Lord Tall, Dark and Serious?"

Turning to respond, Zefaara replied, "nothing much, except they're married."

"You've got to be joking," the Chiss returned back, "how in the universe did such an unlikely pair ever get together?"

"It's actually a pretty funny story, perhaps when we have time, I'll tell you about it," the Sith responded, then looking up and noticing the darkening sky and the sound of thunder, went on, "meanwhile, we should get off this platform before the lightning comes."

Replying to Zefaara's words with a slight sarcastic tone, the Chiss said, "I thought you and lightning were good friends."

Motioning to the elevator for the three people standing there, Zefaara quipped, "oh, we are," then with a smirk, added, "but you're not..."

**********************************
Thanks for dropping by, hope you enjoyed your visit.
Comments are always welcome and appreciated.
Mioraa