To the Reader: The language that K'ishti speaks in an attempt to communicate with Nick/Ayar is called Etwan. What he says in this part is not vital to the story. When it is important, I will provide translations directly in the paragraph. Otherwise, if your curious, translations (and comments) will be provided at the end of the story part.

Plains Outside New Anar City

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With more gentleness than he was able to understand himself, the Vampire pysche currently in control of Ayar's body lifted the unconscious Kievet off the horse. Or rather, the tawny, four-legged creature that resembled an equine. Nicholas had a good working knowledge of horses and horsemanship, having shared Knight de Brabant's mind and body since the Middle Ages, but never had he run across a breed of equine that had sharp eyeteeth between the incisors and molars. Nor a tail more resembling that of an anteater, being vertically flat down all but the base. Still, it acted familiarly enough in all the truly important ways----it carried a rider in the direction he wanted to go more swiftly and easily than walking would have. Not that Nicholas had chosen the direction. Having no idea whatsoever as what path to take, he had simply given the beast its head. How he wished he could have flown instead! Ah, but he missed flying so darn much already. Even 'Nick' had never denied him the pleasure of flight.

The Vampire glanced about his new surroundings as he reined his mount to a canter, one hand checking to make sure his unconscious traveling companion was in no danger of slipping off its perch in front of him. Everywhere was golden and green grasses that came half-way up his steed's legs. Now, they were a considerable distance from any 'civilized' habitation. All well in good to be away from the stench, Nicholas thought to himself, scratching idly at an itchy spot on his arm; however, it did present another problem: there was a definite lack of shelter out here, and he could not sense the sun's whereabouts in this alien sky. Was dawn close by, or far off? It had seemed so long---surely the sun was set to rise soon? He needed shelter. He needed to discover where he was. A soft growl rose from his throat. By the Blood of the Ancients----he needed to find out *what* he was! The filthy, yellowish man had not been much of a help in that area, saying only something that sounded like "kee-vet" before he had been forced to take his leave of the disagreeable creature.

Ah.... but this other one!---The Vampire ran his short claws lightly over the other's hand that differed from his only in size and coloring----This other one had called him by a personal name--- the same name the light summoning one and Pohl had referred to. 'Ayar' *could* be just another species word, but the Vampire doubted it. He just seemed to *know* it was this particular body's name. And when it awoke, this furry creature would explain to him who and what they were.

For it was obvious that they were of the same species family. Nicholas had gotten a fair look at his new body when he had stopped at a trough of water for a drink. The other was, for the most part, merely smaller. Nicholas was pleased at that. It meant that he was more dominant than the other physically as well as mentally. Their difference in coloring only confirmed his sense of superiority---not that vampires were bigoted on such things----it was just that his hair made for better camoflauge in these golden grasses. The Vampire frowned. Being hidden from mortal sight would not help him survive the coming dawn. He needed protection from the sunlight!

A slight moan and shifting of his captive made him aware that it was finally awakening. Stopping their ride, Nicholas looked down at the native, mouth fixed in a small grin. "Good evening, Kievet."

Solid green eyes started open. Now that Nicholas was closer, he could see the generous flecks of turquoise they held within their depths. Then the pupils enlarged dramatically. His captive averted his eyes, looking wary and uncertain.

"Ay YAR en Shypa?"

The short, breathy sounds were followed by several quick sniffs, then a stream of clicks and whistles---one sequence of which caught the Vampire's attention as being familiar.

"Kete AY" The Vampire repeated softly to himself. Where had he heard that? It felt important.

His captive nodded and grinned wildly in approval---all scent of nervousness gone---click/whistling some more before it realized the other was not understanding. It reached out---stopping just a hair before actually touching Nicholas' arm---and tried another way to communicate.

"Kete AY [K'tay] mie'b etwan mes Ay YAR [Ayar], Aye?" It made patting motions, still not touching the arm, eyes not *quite* gazing directly into the others. The Kievet sighed heavily when 'Ayar' continued to give his blank stare, looking away. It then seemed to notice its 'au natural' state and stiffened noticeably, eyes wide, hand shooting to cover the tuft between shoulder and neck. "AYTH!" It bolted off their mount and crouched down to hide itself in the grass.

Nicholas chuckled at the being's scent of embarrassment. So this 'K'tay' was modest? Another method of control he could use on it. Though why it seemed more concerned about its bare shoulder than its genitals surprised him. Or maybe it didn't now that he thought about it. "Different cultures; different taboos," he reminded himself. Well, it wouldn't do for this one to die of mortification----he needed it yet. Not only for its invaluable survival knowledge, but for that wonderful stuff it exuded.

After escaping beyond sight of the city, he had felt secure enough to satisfy his curiousity on what the beggar had offered him back in the alcove. Under that shoulder tuft of long hair was a bare area of orange-toned skin. In the middle of that was a fleshy nub that had thickened and elongated when he stimulated it with a finger. It had taken no time at all for the aromatic droplets of burnt amber to appear. Sweet and spicy---like honey and clove with cinnamon. Its warm flavor had filled him with a sense of energy and contentment. Not only did his body tell him that this was his highest source of nourishment, but using his mouth to suck up the liquid was very similar to the way he was used to feeding.

It was a source of familiarity he was *not* going to give up---never mind the food value! He liked the feeling, the creature was his---end of the matter.

Moving to the 'horse', the Vampire removed its pack and rummaged around inside till he found what looked like a rain poncho made of slick leather. He tossed it towards the Kievet. His prisoner reacted by moving away, nose crinkled in disgust. Annoyed by this mild act of what he took to be defiance, Nicholas caught the Kievet by the arm and began forcing the poncho over his head.

"Eyth!" it protested, fighting his attempt. "Naya k'shu en Ishti. Wesvyun k' yan! K'tay na mie Ayar silv?" Again it tried to remove the poncho.

"Keep that on, K'tay!" The Vampire rebuffed. "And feel fortunate that that walking filth pile obviously didn't own it long!" The other cocked its head, blinked at him as if just realizing something, then pointed at itself.

"Na K'tay." It shook its head. "K'ishti, Ayar. K'ishti en K'tlyan et Flah Aprawan. K'tay e yan. Ayar e K'tay kie... eti.. hrr... Silv?"

Grabbing the furry native by both arms, the Vampire forced it to look him directly in the eye. As their eyes met the Kievet went deathly still, mouth slightly agape.

Nicholas growled, roughly shaking the now trembling being. The Kievet shranked down into a crouch, giving him quick sideways glances as it moved away a few steps, fear and uncertainty again pouring from its body.

"Na Ayar, e Ayar. Enya'g!" it muttered to itself. The Vampire ignored it...him---the Kievet may not be vampire, but it *was* the closest thing to family he had right now. He should start thinking of it as 'him' or K'ishti. Hell, he could call it anything he wished, couldn't he? Blood---how he missed LaCroix and the presence of his *real* family!

Anyway, he was thankful that the pack contents had managed to escape from the Anaran's smell---a sign that the man had probably stolen the things quite recently. That the Ruenam had had possession of stolen goods did not trouble the Vampire one whit; but he did wish the cretin had pilfered some heavy duty blankets or other items that he could use to protect himself from the daylight. The lone poncho was much too thin to be of use to himself, and he was getting nervous---the sky had been lightening considerably. It seemed he would have the choice of digging himself into the dirt or whacking up enough of this prairie grass to make a 'haystack' that he could burrow under. He broke loose a handful of the grasses only to have a strong gust of wind come up and scatter them away. The sudden morning 'breeze' showed no sign of abating, either, and would likely hamper his efforts.

Burying himself, then. Not his favorite way to spend the daylight hours.

A soft melody distracted him. He turned his head and saw that the Kievet was standing on tiptoe, arms outstretched to the sky. Its eyes were closed and peace settled over its face as it sang out, warm light highlighting the tips of its fingers...

"Blood of the Ancients!" the oath was torn from the Vampire's throat as he half straightened up in the direction the Kievet was facing. Body and mind froze in terror. Light was moving rapidly over the prairie igniting it in golden hues as if it was the advancing edge of a wild fire. As far as Nicholas was concerned, it *was* a wildfire--- and he was mere seconds from being caught in its flames!

The sun had risen.

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[In Pohl's Office:]

Qui-Gon closed his eyes briefly to center his emotions once more. Time had not mellowed the Anaran scientist---he was as insufferable as ever!

"I do not care how... malleable.. you've made your property laws since we met last, Director. N- Ayar is part of the Jedi. Has been for years. Neither I nor the Council have any intention of *selling* him back to you or anyone else. He *legally* belongs with my Order."

The Tanaken sneered at him. "Where was this sense of legal rightness when you destroyed private property, Jedi? I donah recall giving you or your companion permission to smash my equipment to bits. It was irreplaceable and I demand recompense for its loss. How your government will repay my House remains to be seen. The only way *you* can recompense me, personally, is acknowledging what is *mine*!"

"The technology was made illegal in all the Republic years before your planet considered admission, Director. The seller was a criminal. His dealings inval--"

"Ha! Another error of the naught-so-mighty Jedi!" Pohl slapped his hand down on his desktop in triumph, before pointing an accusing finger at Jinn. "You willfully destroyed *legally* aquired *Anaran* property without even checking your sources! It is *your* action that was criminal---*is* criminal!"

Qui-Gon fought down his own excitement. Dr. Anders had just as much as told him that the dna splicing technology had come from an Outter Rim source. Not a huge narrrowing of the field, but it was a start. He allowed a confused expression to cross his features, hoping to encourage the Anaran to gloat more---and thus let slip more information. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, my overzealous alien," Pohl grated out, "that my supplier was naught of your precious Republic, and therefore you had na jurisdiction to act seeing as how Anara was naught, then or now, a member of said Republic. This makes *you* and your *Order* liable for your crime under both Anaran *and* Republican laws." He gave the Jedi an oily smile. "Being generous, I, the main injured party, am willing to exonerate you and Coruscant in return for Ayar." He sat back on his heels and waited for the Jedi to express his gratitude for being let off the hook so easily.

To his disappointment, the Jedi Master did nothing of the sort.

"I'm afraid I don't believe you, Director. Give me proof that your supplier was not of the Republic."

"Proof!"

"A signed document. A holo recording if you have that capabiltiy. Something along those lines will do."

Scowling, the Tanaken crossed his arms. "I kept na such 'proof'. The seller would naught agree to formal documents. You will have to accept my word as an Anders-Tanaken."

Qui-Gon's expression was sardonic. "Pardon me if I require more before giving myself over to your court system. And do not imagine, Tanaken, that any of your forces could hold me in custody any better now than they could before."

Pohl spread out his hands, wordlessly ceding the point. As galling as it had been to accept, the Jedi were admittedly hard to track when they didn't want to be found. Turns ago, when it was announced that all offworlders would have to leave, even the combined forces of hired Hunters and the Inquisitors couldn't find the pair of mystics so that they could be publicly kicked off the planet like the rest of the Republican dignitaries. The Jedi had left on their own timetable, after having silently evading capture. Truth be told, Pohl rather respected the Order for pulling that feat off. And he had been fascinating to talk with. If only...
"I can give a name and a description. I doubt that would be enough for you, though."

"Perhaps it would."

"And perhaps it wouldna?" Pohl questioned.

Qui-Gon shrugged. "Perhaps not."

Gathering the Force around him, he tried again to mentally 'influence' the zoologist by using the Force. Dr. Anders winced as if from a headache, but otherwise was not affected. Jinn exhaled the barest of sighs. "Have you co nsidered that giving me the information would help to get the Jedi off of your planet for good?" he offered with a lopsided smile. His adversary snorted. "I thought not. We seem to be at an impasse. You will not aid my efforts to bring a criminal to justice; I cannot give you what you seek."

"I remind you, *Master* Jinn, that it is merely an animal that I am asking for."

"As I am looking for a mere name?" Jinn smiled, slowly shaking his head. "No, Director. We both are aware of the value of each other's quest---this is a high Trade we are engaged in. But, surely you must see that Inav Ayar is hardly an animal in the way your people use the word. Frankly, I doubt any of the Kievet are mere animals.

The Tanaken silently held up his bandaged arm.

Qui-Gon quirked an eyebrow. "Are you saying that an Anaran will not defend himself when provoked?"

Pohl lowered his arm. "Of course naught," he sighed.

"Then I am at a loss to understand your people's attitude toward the Kievet."

"They are a valuable resource: workers, entertainment..." the zoologist trailed off tiredly.

"Are they? Dr. Anders, we both know that the Republic can supply Anara with more technology than you could develop yourselves in several lifetimes. We have Harvester droids, construction droids, any work can be done by droids. And, as marvelous as they undoubtedly are, the Kievet are not the only entertainment source in the galaxy. I know that you knew this on my first visit. Yet you are obsessed with Ayar to the point of using your considerable influence to cause the breaking off of relationships with the Republic. I must admit, Director, that I have always found this rather puzzling. What, may I ask, was more important to the Tanakens than profit?

"Nathing... save House honor."

"Which was hardly in jeopardy from us." Qui-Gon paused as he felt the Force whisper to his mind. {{ aware of the value... }} He continued thoughtfullly, "But... perhaps I am asking the wrong question. Dr. Anders, what is more important to *you* than profit?"

The Anaran stiffened, eyes glaring, but answered anyway, ".. My son."

"Aven?" Jinn was surprised. "How could Aven possibly be hurt by-- "

"Do you know why I adopted Aven, Jedi?" Pohl interrupted.

"Because he is an intelligent man?"

"That. But mainly because I canna father my own. There was a chemical experiment when I was a child... went awry. My father made a... miscalculation."

"You're sterile?"

Pohl's voice faded to a whisper as he slid his gaze away from the Jedi. "That is what the Med specialists called it."

"So you adopted Aven?"

"Aye."

"But it wasn't enough." It wasn't a question.

"Na." Pohl sighed, hands clasped tightly together. "Aven is a fine man, of whom I am very proud. But technically..."

"He has nothing of your cell structure."

"Exactly."

"So... you made Ayar."

"I made Ayar." The Director straightened, eyes cold. "I am only relaying this information to you so that you might understand. Ayar was a prelimanary experiment---a test model, if you would, to see how my dna would take. With the data, I would then keep defining the results until I had a child more akin to... to myself. The inferiors could be sold to the other Houses to help acclimatize them to hybrids..."

"And make your final 'son' more socially acceptable?"

"Aye. Unfortunately, something quite unforseen happened. I found myself emotionally bonding with the 'draft' model." Pohl winced in memory. "It wasna what I wanted---Ayar is more of the kievet than of me---too much. So when you came with your offer, part of me was glad for a chance to be rid of an awkward situation. It wasn't til after you had disappeared that I began to realize just how much I was going to miss having the creature around."

Qui-Gon rubbed the bridge of his nose. The likelihood of Pohl's letting the Ayar matter drop had just diminished to microscopic size.

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End of Episode Two: Part 7

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Translations from the Etwan Language
(for those who desire a klew <g>) -------------------------------------------------------

K'tay (pronounced Kete-AY): Star Spirit
K'yer (pronounced Key-AIR: Water Spirit
K'ishti (pronounced Ke-ISH-T): (fox) Spirit

en Shypa: (from Outside/ not originating from Ava)

mie'b etwan mes/ Aye?: (you were taught Etwan, weren't you?)

Ayth!: (an exclamation of extreme distress)

Eyth!: (an exclamation of mild distress or annoyance)

Naya k'shu en Ishti.: (a tunic made from Ishti [a fox-like animal] is not good.)
Wesvyun k' yan! (Violates my spirit-friend!)
K'tay na mie Ayar silv? (K'tay didn't teach you to understand this?)
(note* K'ishti is not protesting the leather or the quality here. The problem is that the ishti is his...spiritual companion/guide. For *him* to wear its skin is to dishonor their relationship.)

Na K'tay/ K'ishti en K'tlyan et Flah Aprawan: (I'm not K'tay. I'm Ishti Spirit of Purple Valley[Clan])
K'tay e yan. Ayar e K'tay kie... eti. Silv?: (K'tay is my friend. Ayar is K'tay's succes... baby..um.. Understand now?)
(note* K'ishti stumbles a bit because normally all male babies become apprenticed to the male who raises them. But Ayar was never apprenticed. He feels out of sorts not knowing how to properly address him.

Na Ayar, E Ayar. Enya'g!: (Not Ayar, and Ayar. Impossible!)

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End of Translations