Diamond studded space surrounded the [i]Epsis[/i], the nearby blue-yellow of nearby Nothoiin providing a stark contrast to the humbling darkness surrounding it. In orbit was its crystal moon, Ur, the occasional freighter seen docking and departing one of its several starports. The [i]Epsis'[/i] three wings were each unfolded, the shuttle drifting near the other side of the planet. Its thrusters set to stabilize, lights turned to low, it was clear the shuttle was hiding from someone.

---

"Master Tarumana, we can't stay here forever. There's nothing we can do to save Master Orim'nasha. Please, Master." Jedi Knight Kaga Tarumana turned to look at his apprentice, her emerald eyes pleading. Feeling her unconsciously pull on the Force, Kaga sent a soothing wave to try calming the girl down, wondering himself at what to do in this situation. His first instincts were to land on the drought-ridden world and attempt to save the Jedi himself, and in any other situation, he would have. Here and now though, with his Padawan depending on him- No. Better to leave now.

Rounding his seat to face his apprentice more appropriately, Kaga apologized, "I'm sorry, Diana. I remember Master Orim'nasha from when I was a youngling. She was a healer, she doesn't deserve this fate, but you are correct. We must move on." It was Diana's turn to send a comforting wave through the Force now, enough to turn the edge of Kaga's frown. Turning back to the ship's controls, the young Knight considered the options present for them. Nothoiin, just off the Corellian Trade Spine and an important stop on the relatively defunct Nothoiin Corridor. To the Galactic East was the planet Eriadu, the important trade and industrial hub no doubt under "Imperial" boots. The only other direction, West, held some options.

Lutrillia, the planet with a migrating city, was not part on the Republic and would likely not yet be watched. Further down the Koda Trade Spur were Ryoone and a number of backwater farming planets; Not exactly a paradise, but someplace to do good. Bespin and Javin were not options, but further along the Trade Spine were numerous backwater or loosely controlled worlds to hide on. While not the most ideal planet, Lorta eventually led to Cerea, perhaps the most ideal planet to lay low in for awhile. No matter which way Kaga looked, however, one thing was for certain. They would need to travel through Gerrenthum, a bustling spaceport and capital of the Anoat sector. Hopefully busy enough for the two of them to go unnoticed.

Feeling out with the Force, Kaga felt the reassuring pressence of his Padawan. The young lady had certainly matured these last two years; some would argue more than her Master! Both have had their roles since they departed more than two years ago, and both knew the other's strengths and weaknesses like nobody else. Not even Master Nautolus quite grasped the 'true' Kaga Tarumana like Diana. Daily life and death struggles on the edges of modern galactic society would do that. Punching in the necessary navigational courses to arrive at Gerrenthum, Kaga stood as the ship began leaving Nothoiin's gravity well.

Inviting his Padawan to join him in meditation, Kaga settled on the mats they had situated on the ship's cockpit. More time would be needed to fully come to terms with leaving Master Orim'nasha, but the Jedi Knight couldn't help letting his mind wander to happier times.