"Information Exchange"
By: Kylas Thoamis
Laedra Vorrel
Liam Zaneth

Location: Yallder District, New Plouton
Date: Niothe 10, 4 ABY

***

Liam and Laedra sat together in the speeder as it hurtled off toward the destination they'd arranged with Kylas. They had spent time earlier in the morning meditating, and then held a meeting of those that unofficially formed the Council. It was agreed that the time to stop hiding had come, and Liam and Laedra had convinced the others that it was time to make the public aware that the Jedi were back.

"I am glad they agreed with us," Liam finally said as he glanced at the robes Laedra wore. Similar to his own, though lighter in colouring than the brown and tan fabrics he wore. Both wore the traditional attire of the Jedi, and their lightsabers hung openly on their belts. "It feels good to go out here dressed as I am, undisguised." He grinned. "It's almost as if I have passed my trials already."

"In time, I believe you will be ready to take them," Laedra replied, grinning. In the Temple, they discreetly showed their affection for each other, but when alone, they more freely conveyed their feelings. She had been resting her hand upon his knee throughout the entire trip, and now that they had confronted their feelings for one another, doing so didn't overwhelm her as it had before, although it still managed to fluster her. "Would you like to take your Trials soon?" Laedra asked. "It would truly be a test of how far you've come in your journey from the dark side."

Liam smiled and covered her hand with his. "I'd like that," he said. "I feel that I'm ready, or at least very close. Perhaps in the coming weeks, we'll have enough of us to be able to do it right."

"Which brings up another point. We should begin searching soon for more Force sensitives. It would be preferable if we could acquire some children, but I believe that is highly improbable. The Empire may have fallen, but I believe people will still be wary about revealing to others that their children bear the gift." Laedra smiled at Liam and added, "In time, though."

"Once we can rebuild our reputation, they may come to trust us more. And, those we can detect, perhaps we can approach their parents and they will see that we are not what the Empire made us out to be."

"Well, we're certainly making a good first step towards that. But, do you think, coming out as we are, that we will be met with much resistance and disdain? I have no desire to fend off a lynch mob comprised of New Plouton civilians, Liam."

"Neither do I," Liam said with a frown. "Though, let us hope this planet's complacency extends to the Jedi as well. I think we will meet some resistance, but hopefully it will be minimal. If they don't like us, we'll become good at running away from mobs."

Laedra laughed and nodded her head in unequivocal agreement. The speeder finally emerged from the enshrouding forest and began its trek toward the outlying city. Although their excursions into town were becoming more frequent, Laedra hoped they weren't arousing suspicions among his lover and wife. She knew their actions were immoral and wrong, but as of yet, they had done nothing that could be construed as adulterous. They merely enjoyed each other's company, and although their feelings exceeded those characteristic of friendship, Laedra was confident that they had yet to do anything overly shameful.

She glanced sideways at Liam and smiled, and receiving the same from him, she laughed softly and shifted closer to him. "After our meetings, perhaps we could do some shopping. The garden in the courtyard is coming along beautifully, and Kael wanted to plant some ivy. I believe the walls would look magnificent accented in green foliage."

Liam nodded. "A very good idea," he said. "And, it will also give us some additional cover from anyone looking for us, if they make it that far." Liam pulled into the parking structure and shut down the engines. He hoped that Kylas had received the message from the courier droid he'd sent out and would meet them at the bar as had been specified.

He popped open the canopy and they both slid out of the speeder. A glance at the bar brought a smile to Liam's face. "This will definitely be an interesting meeting," he said as he looked at the peeling walls and dirty patrons standing outside.

"I certainly am glad we came armed." Laedra instinctually rested her hand upon the hilt of her lightsaber and nodded to Liam. "Let's go. I hope this is a very brief meeting."

"I can't imagine Kylas will have much to say," Liam said. "Though, perhaps a large percentage of it will be 'I told you so.'" He looked around, and then started off toward the bar with Laedra at his side. "I must wonder, since he knew about Dargus being alive, if he wishes us to join him in a quest to go after Kandran."

"It seems suspicious," Laedra said with a frown. "How could he have known such a thing? You didn't even sense him, Liam, and I would have expected you of all people to detect even the scantest trace of Dargus' presence. Are you certain this man is a Jedi, Liam? It almost seems to me he draws from powers more sinister."

"I can't be certain," Liam said. "I have only heard a little about him, from Kael and then in my travels. But, how he knew about Dargus' return is one of the things I intend to find out when we talk to him today. Be wary; it is likely that Kylas could be working for Kandran."

"Then we could very likely be walking into a trap, Liam." Laedra slipped her fingers tightly around her hilt and exchanged a look with Liam that was a furtive agreement to watch the other's back if they did encounter trouble. It was unnecessary, for she knew Liam would protect her without a second thought, and she him, but Laedra found confidence in Liam's eyes, which was precisely what she needed in that moment.

They pushed open the swinging double doors of the establishment and stood in the doorway as they made a quick sweep of the interior with both their eyes and the Force. The inebriated patrons hollered and grumbled irritably as light from without filtered into the darkly lit bar. She imagined most within would prefer not to have their faces clearly illuminated at the risk of being recognized by an associate to whom they were indebted, or one whose path they had crossed and would prefer not to cross again. "I sense nothing out of the ordinary," Laedra informed Liam. "What about you?"

"I sense nothing," Liam said. "At least, nothing directed at us. Come, let us find seats so Kylas may find us."

Laedra and Liam started for a vacant table near a particularly menacing looking Nikto, as she recalled from her many studies in xenobiology. The entire roomful of eyes scrutinized them as they moved, and Laedra saw many weaving their hands beneath their coats to presumably place their concealed weapons within reach if they gathered enough courage to confront two armed Jedi. "Perhaps next time you could ask this Kylas man to arrange a less dangerous meeting spot," Laedra muttered as she settled into her seat.

"Good idea," Liam said. "Maybe this is just payback since Kael wouldn't bring him straight to see me. The way Kael described the conversation, the man sounded like a street corner prophet with all of his sermons and prophesies."

"Kael was wise not to lead him back to the Temple if that is the case." Laedra almost negligently placed her arms atop the grimy, tacky table, but she avoided doing so at the last minute only thanks to Liam's quick reminder. She smiled her gratitude, then continued, after placing her hands safely upon her lap: "What I don't understand is how he knew to ask for you, Liam? You say you do not know this Kylas person?"

With a smile, Liam slipped a hand onto Laedra's lap and took her hand. "I don't know," he said. "The only things I could think of is that Dargus sent him after me, or he knows someone who knows of my conflicts with Dargus. Whatever the case, we'll get the answers from him." He looked around. "I hope, at least. I still sense no danger, and let's hope it stays that way."

"I agree. Although no one in this room would provide much of a threat in combat, I would not feel too confident if a fight broke out in such cramped quarters." Laedra kept her eyes scanning the room, but let her guard down for a moment to glance at Liam and smile. "Don't worry, Liam Zaneth. I'll protect you."

Liam grinned and squeezed her hand. "And, I you," he said. "Fortunately Kylas chose a place where we won't have too long a trip to get to Raxis." He slipped his hand out of Lae's and glanced around again. "Punctuality doesn't appear to be Kyl--"

Before he could finish, they both sensed it. And, then the doors swung open to reveal a man with dark hair and clothing who scanned the room with a trained eye. It didn't take long for his eyes to settle on Liam and Laedra seated in their booth, and start in their direction.

"Show time," Liam said quietly.

Kylas saw his "friends". He walked to the table and sat down. "No need to be nervous." He looked at them. "I have come about Dargus Kandran. I heard about the party, the fall of the Empire - a most promising development," he spoke aloud. He beamed brightly as his voice lessened in tone. "I want to know everything you know about Kandran, and I want to know where he is."

He looked directly at Liam. His smile faded. "He took someone from me, and I want both of them back. I'm tired of living outside of the world. I tried to be the complacent, quiet observer on the outside looking in. I want in. I'm not a true Jedi as such, I have taken my Trials but as of late I have ignored my teachings because of what has happened. I want Kandran's head, pure and simple. I want my child and fiancée back. And I would like to request that I join your cause. I don't care if you like me or trust me, I really don't care what you think, but I want to make sure that Jedi are trained and raised by the Code, the proper way. And that no one kidnaps them and turns them to the darkside. Too many of us have had to suffer that, wouldn't you agree, Liam? Or is it Kace? I seem to be confused on what you call yourself nowadays."

"Shouldn't be too difficul," Liam said with a frown. "It's been Liam Zaneth since mid-Saris last year, and that hasn't changed." He glanced at Laedra and then back to Kylas. "So, let me see if I understand this correctly... You want us to help you find and kill Dargus Kandran because he stole your fiancée and child. You really don't care if we trust you, in fact you really don't care what we think, but you want to work with us anyway." Liam leaned forward. "Does that about sum it up?"

"That is correct, and I'm not here to beg. If you want help, I'll help. If you say no, then I'll leave and you won't have to hear from me, but as far as things go, I'm sick of all this skulking in the shadows, being hunted. I'm tired of being the hunted, I'm tired of listening to lies. If you want my help straight up tell me, if not, then our business is concluded." He looked back at the man before him with a straight and even face.

"We no longer skulk in the shadows, Kylas," Liam said. "As you can see, we both are wearing traditional attire and our lightsabers are in full view of anyone who wishes to look. We came here at your bidding, and we do seek to deal with Dargus Kandran. However, I am not certain, given your emotional state, that an alliance is in the best interest of the Jedi Order."

Laedra placed her hand atop Liam's beneath the table to help him maintain his calm. "Kylas, we understand that Dargus Kandran must be stopped, but you yourself said you would like to return to the old ways of our Order, and yet you came here to ask us our help in killing a man out of vengeance." Laedra paused and her gaze flitted to Liam, but she focused again on the young man before her and sighed. "We would like to help you in retrieving your fiancée, but I'm afraid we can not aid you if murder is what you seek. The Jedi have a false reputation they must shed, and performing acts in cold blood will only give credence to the lies the Emperor has manufactured about us."

"If you do wish the help of the Jedi Order, Kylas," Liam said, "there will need to be guidelines and rules to be followed. You will need to rein in your emotions and follow the Code you wish us to follow again. Are you willing to work within the rules we'll lay down for going after Kandran, Kylas?"

"Well that's a little presumptuous of you, I mean you're a fine one talk. Tell me, how is Yelera doing? Oh...right I remember, you cheated on Elisia with her. Tell me, Liam, how many lovers do you have now? Hmm...you're a fine one indeed to talk about roping in emotions." He looked at Liam, his face a blank slate and his mind focused on his task. "I am willing to follow the Code. If a Jedi ignites his lightsaber, he must be prepared to take a life. If he is not so prepared, he must keep his weapon at his side. I have no emotion, I have a goal. I have no ignorance, I have knowledge. I came to ask to join you in facing an enemy we know nothing about. I have no passion, I have serenity. For the first time in my life, I have that. I will not let the darkside destroy what little we have left. And I have seen Death a thousand times over and in it I only see the Force."

He looked at Liam with a smile. "You want to be mindful of the living Force, then you must be able to sense that the Force guides us. I am tired of emotional outbursts, I am tired of fighting pointless battles. But I am also tired of being pushed into seclusion. If I join, we return to the old ways entirely, which means, Liam, we all have to make certain sacrifices. Are you willing to make them?" He looked at Liam

It took every microgram of emotional control to keep Liam from rolling his eyes at Kylas' impassioned outburst. The pointed jabs and insults would not find purchase today, and he would not go after the man's baiting. He knew there was nothing he could say that would get through the embittered, irrational shields Kylas had erected around himself. The man was in obvious pain, but, like a wounded sebrecat, was thrashing about so fiercely that friend and foe would be struck by razor sharp claws. Though, it seemed that Kylas was specifically lashing out at Liam, trying to find a weak point to exploit.

Liam cast a glance at Laedra and then sighed. He pushed his chair back and gave his companion a nod. With that, he stood. "If, when we go against Kandran, we find your fiancée, we will send her to you, Kylas. May the Force be with you."

Laedra looked between Liam and the man, but knowing her place was by Liam's side, she followed his example and rose as well. "Kylas," she said gently, "I don't begin to understand the pain you are going through right now, but this quest you've set yourself upon will fail if you don't quell your rampant emotions. I am not saying you won't succeed in killing Kandran and rescuing your fiancée, but in the end, you will lose yourself to the dark side if you are not careful. I would like to help you." She glanced up at Liam and added, "And I believe Liam would too, but we need to know that if we ally ourselves with you, we won't risk everything we're striving to accomplish. We can not willingly side with a man who will, in the end, sully our names along with his by doing something against our ideals and beliefs." Laedra sighed and fixed her gaze firmly on Kylas. "If you find Kandran, you will kill him, will you not?"

Kylas smiled. "Finally I find the Jedi, not some band of frightened children who can wield power." He looked at Laedra. "No, my friend, I have no intention of killing Kandran. The Force will deal his fate in its own time. A jedi never attacks, only defends." He stood and looked at Liam. He laughed. "Surely you think me a mad man by now, an angry knight who lashes out at the world." He lowered his mental barriers, his face cleared and calmed. "I needed to know for certain if you had the control of a Jedi Knight. Your Padawan was stubborn and arrogant. Ignorant of the future as well. I had to know for myself if the one who teaches him is the same."

Kylas looked at both Knights. "I must know one thing... The Jedi Order, do you intend on finding new students more than just one padawan, or do you plan on skulking in the shadows?" He looked at Liam. His face showed no emotion as there was none, and his mind was at peace. "Because if you are trying to do what I think you are, a sullied name will be the least of your worries. The code teaches us to defend, not judge or play god, but create an atmosphere for justice to flourish in and let common folk deliver Justice as they see fit."

He looked at Liam and then to Laedra. "I'm only concerned with getting my child back. If Elisia is lost to darkness I will try to bring her back to the light side because I love her, but if it is the will of the Force that I am to lose her. There is nothing I can do. But what of you Liam? What will you do when you confront Dargus, because when the time comes rest assured it will be you. Will you raise your lightsaber with intention to take a life?" He nodded, reading Liam's face. "No, you will not. You are Jedi. You will make the right choice. I hope." He extended his hand to Liam. "You have my support and the use of a Hunter class vessel at your disposal."

Liam glanced at Laedra and then back to Kylas. "Elisia is your fiancée? She's not with Dargus. She's currently in one of the hotels in the Yesdol district. I put her there the other night when she came to me for help at the party." Things were suddenly making more sense, and he had to wonder where this turn of events would lead. Elisia hadn't mentioned Kylas, nor had she mentioned Dargus. Liam had sensed some duplicity in her, but couldn't pin it down. Though, now it appeared as if she may be working for Kandran, or with him. But was that forced or not? "I can give you the address if you'd like."

"That would be a appreciated, but if I were you, I would not return to that hotel. Dargus may have used that to set a trap." He looked at Liam. "I will arrange to meet with you in a few more days if that is all right. I plan on checking this hotel out and getting Elisia if at all possible. Kandran may try and stop me."

"You caution the two of us from going, but have no qualms about going there alone," Liam said with a raised eyebrow. "If you do go there, be careful. As you said, he may have set a trap. And, if he knows about your relationship, I would surmise he expects you as well. We will be in contact, Kylas. May the Force be with you."

"As well to you Liam and Laedra. May the Force be with you." He bowed and with that he turned and left. As he left, he sent a small message to Liam: *Good Luck.*

Liam glanced toward Kylas and frowned at the mental intrusion. Once Kylas was completely gown, the frown turned into a scowl but disappeared quickly. "Next time I encounter that man, remind me to have my mental defenses firmly in place," he said as he stepped away from the table.

---

"New Direction"
By: Raxis L'Ygr
Laedra Vorrel
Liam Zaneth

Location: Yallder, New Plouton; Windsor Hotel - Yesdol, New Plouton
Date: Niothe 10, 4 ABY

***

Liam and Laedra walked out of the bar and into the cool Yallder air. Liam led them a short distance away where he closed his eyes and focused himself. "I think that went better than I expected," he said. "Though, I really don't think we're in a different position than we were. I don't know what we can do." He opened his eyes and looked at Lae. "We can't stop him from going without causing a fight, but I don't believe this is a situation we can just push ourselves into. Though, perhaps if we are wary, we can make sure Kylas doesn't do anything to jeopardize his own life or anyone else's."

"He does seem a little...convoluted, Liam. He spoke of helping rebuild our Order, yet in his eyes was an insatiable blood lust for Dargus Kandran." Laedra sighed and shook her head ruefully. "We can not afford to have people like that bearing the title of Jedi. It will make our reintegration into society that much more difficult."

"I agree completely," Liam said. "The entire time he was in there, his mental stability seemed to be held by only a thread. I fear at what could cause that to snap." He looked around at their location and then back to Laedra. "I think that he will require watching. Most people who see a lightsaber will assume Jedi, and we don't want his actions to come back to us. I don't want to, but there may be a future time when the Council may need to intervene, for the Order's protection."

"I agree, if not for our safety, but for his as well. His behaviour seems reckless. He has no idea what he'll be up against if he confronts Dargus Kandran."

"Exactly," Liam said. "It also concerns me that Elisia could be working with Kandran. Perhaps we will need to investigate that later, but for now we must go meet with Raxis. I think we will have to talk about what transpired here today later on, after some meditation. We will certainly need guidance from the Force."

"Much guidance," Laedra added with a heavy sigh. The two reached the speeder, which was surprisingly still intact, and hopped inside. Liam fired up the repulsors and hit the thrusters to send the vehicle speeding off towards Yesdol to meet their next appointment for the day.

***

Laedra and Liam walked gingerly down the ostentatiously decorated corridor of the Windsor hotel. Living in modest and nondescript hostels for almost 15 years, and then her scantily decorated chambers at the Temple, Laedra was hardly accustomed to such luxurious decor. "Perhaps you should wait outside until I've had a chance to inform him of your presence," Laedra said quietly. "I don't want to alarm him, and if he sees you, he might feel betrayed and revolt."

"I understand," Liam said with a smile. "I'll move a few meters down the hall until you let me know it's alright to come in. Hopefully this one will be easier to deal with than the last."

Laedra laughed gently at Liam and smoothed a hand along his cheek to try and ease the lines of tension upon his brow. "Believe me, Liam, compared to Kylas, speaking to Raxis will be a much welcome break."

Liam covered Laedra's hand with his own and smiled. "Fighting against Dargus Kandran would be a welcome break from that insanity," he said. "But, I will gladly accept talking with Raxis." He brushed his lips against hers. "Let's hope he doesn't mind me being here. I don't think the manager likes me skulking in the hall."

"Well, I would like to see him try to protest and force you out." Laedra smiled at Liam and pulled away. There were matters to attend to and there would be time to share affection after they'd completed their duties. "I won't be long," she said before starting down the corridor.

Raxis' door came into view within moments and Laedra rapped on it lightly. She glanced at Liam, giving him a reassuring smile, then focused upon the door again.

It was a few moments, but the door hissed open to reveal Raxis sitting at a table with a broken down blaster upon it. Looking up, he gave a coy smile and nod at Laedra as he put down the component he was cleaning. There was a slightly more positive tone to his features since she'd last met him.

He scratched his arms that were bared by his black tank-top and stood. "Didn't think you'd show, Laedra," Raxis said, as he extended his hand in a shake. As always, he had a blaster slung low on his right hip and his utility belt, but also had a new mapping device strapped to his forearm.

Laedra exchanged the traditional human greeting with Raxis, then withdrew her hand and clasped both in front of her. "I said I would return, Mr. L'Ygr, and I also believe I'd given you reason to trust my word. So...I have returned."

"With luck it was when I was here..." Raxis replied with a grin. "I've been out with my crew for the while making a few plans. I'm feeling great now. How are you?"

"I'm...fine," Laedra replied with a smile. "You do look much changed from the last time we spoke. Frankly...what happened, Mr. L'Ygr?"

Raxis lit a cigarra and shrugged slightly. "Not sure, really. Life's a little different when you forgive yourself, and when friends do it too."

"Well..." Laedra sighed and searched the floor for something to say, but it appeared now Raxis didn't require further guidance. "I am glad you have found your focus again, Raxis L'Ygr. If you need any assistance in the future..." She smiled and gave him a short bow. "Congratulations, Raxis L'Ygr."

"Focus? I've far from found my focus... I've just found myself happy lately because I finally have my friends again. There is something I wanted to talk to you about other than asking if you still planned to teach me, however," Raxis replied.

"Oh?" Laedra raised a brow inquisitively at Raxis, then stepped forward. "Before we begin... I've brought someone with me, Raxis - a friend. I value his wisdom and I trust him. Will you allow him to join us in this discussion? He is a Jedi, like myself. He can be trusted."

Raxis nodded and shoved a second chair clear from the table with his foot, and took a chair facing away from the windows to watch the door. He crooked his neck to one side to feel it pop, and dragged off of his cigarra while watching Laedra. It was a silent answer, and he accepted her request by waving his hand towards the two unoccupied chairs.

Laedra nodded her acknowledgement, then turned towards Liam and smiled.

Liam Zaneth appeared in the doorway. His face was neutral, though his nearly-iridescent eyes scanned the room. As he expected, he found no danger waiting for him there. He turned his focus to the room's other occupant and offered a half smile. With a nod, he moved to stand next to Laedra.

"Raxis L'Ygr, this is Liam Zaneth." Laedra looked between the two men, and could only think to smile.

"It is good to meet you, Raxis L'Ygr," Liam said with a slight bow to the man.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Liam..." Raxis began. "Please, seat yourselves and tell me what it is you wish to speak about to begin. I'm assuming I would have never seen Laedra again had not either the two of you had something to discuss."

Taking initiative, Laedra stepped into the room, Liam by her side, and sat upon one of the offered chairs. "He knows all about your situation, Raxis. I explained it to him as accurately as I could. We are here mostly about your Force sensitivity." Laedra paused and looked to Liam beside her. "Liam, more than anyone, knows what dangers lurk for someone like you," she said, once again focusing upon Raxis, "one who has just discovered their abilities, and who might attempt to use them or hone them on his own."

"I wouldn't know how to even if I tried, Laedra," Raxis began. "Besides, I wouldn't use a gun I didn't know how to shoot. It doesn't mean I'm not interested." Raxis let out a slow sigh of cigarra smoke and then looked back to the two. "I'd probably kick myself for not learning when I had the chance. You can't just deny what you are, can you?"

"The difficulty with the Force is that as we become set in our ways, it becomes more and more difficult to learn to use the Force. The older one is when he begins to use the Force, the greater the danger of succumbing to the dark side. If you do desire to explore some of what you have inside you, then we'd like to offer ourselves as guides to keep you on the right path, to keep you from falling into darkness."

"I don't really understand, Liam. Wouldn't someone have stronger values at an older age?" Raxis replied.

"It is really going to depend on the person," Liam said. "Though, most people do not have the discipline required. Feelings of frustration or anger, fear or doubt, a Jedi Knight is trained to avoid these emotions and therefore is less likely to fall prey to them. But, a man such as yourself hasn't received such training, such discipline. You freely feel whichever emotion is invoked in your life. If I were to suddenly stand up and draw my blade and come to strike you down, I have no doubt that you would defend yourself. But, what would your feelings be? Fear, doubt, anger? Those are the emotions that lead to darkness, and it is difficult to separate an adult from those types of reactions and emotions. It is not impossible, but the road is long and full of trials. In the days of the Old Republic, you would not have been trained because of your age. Few students were accepted past the age of two years, after which moulding them to the path of the Jedi would become more risky."

"Sounds complicated to a point, Liam." Raxis rubbed his chin. "For instance, if you were to stand and draw I would draw as well...it's an indifferent moment. Once it comes to a life being taken it must be business, because there's no way to kill a man with emotion without it being murder."

"The point is moot," Liam said with a grin. "Perhaps you would respond differently if a man were to try to kill you. But what about a thug on the street trying to steal your credit chip? Or, confronting someone who had seriously injured a friend or loved one? In general, when a person is confronted with adversity, their reactions tend to run toward emotional darkness: anger, fear, and the like. And, it is for that reason, that adults are seldom sought for training as Jedi Knights."

"True..." Raxis began. "However, there's an odd twist. I'm going to note ahead of time that this is not the situation, but say I was an avatar of all that was good. Millions of lives lived happily under my protection, and if I were to die they would inevitably cease to live. If I were to simply draw a blaster on a Jedi, would the Jedi act in the mind of the children or in protection of themselves...even if it meant that their death would succeed the lives of millions?"

"The will of the Force would guide the Jedi in his actions," Liam said. "If you were to simply draw a blaster on a Jedi, you would most likely only be disarmed. The Jedi are guardians, and protect the peace of the Galaxy. And, death is a last resort. Besides, there are other means to handle threats." With a smile, Liam held out his hand, and Raxis' blaster jumped from the holster and into the open palm.

Raxis nodded with a smile and winked. He pulled a blaster off of his lap and placed it on the table. "There are many angles, Liam." Raxis smiled. "But yes, you are correct...and no, I wasn't aiming it at you." Smiling, Raxis turned to look at Laedra, to see what she was doing, for she'd been so quiet all this time.

He was met by her warm, green eyes and a gentle smile. "We are not trying to force you into anything, Raxis. We are not saying that you must abandon all emotions or even your present way of life. We are merely saying that we wish to give you the tools required to avoid the path of darkness you so eagerly seemed to turn your back on. Liam is not saying you will attempt to use your powers intentionally to do harm, but you are aware of what lies within you now, as does the dark side. It knows you exist, and the moment you consciously or subconsciously call upon the Force, it will be there, waiting for you. If it seeks an opportunity to strike, it will, and it will eventually consume you if you are not careful. I said I would help you follow a path other than the one you've been treading upon. I'm merely trying to keep my promise by helping you evade what might someday thrust you back into the life that has caused you so much heartache."

"Odd you should mention that," Raxis smiled. "I've decided on what it is that I'm going to do."

A moment of anxiety rocked Laedra's otherwise steady emotions. She feared for what new scheme Raxis had devised, especially considering he was the man who detonated a bomb beneath Weibran the Hutt's colossal throne. She smiled at any rate and asked, "And what would that be, Mr. L'Ygr?"

Raxis lit a cigarra and rested back in his chair, taking a moment to scratch the Imperial insignia tattooed onto his bicep. "The Empire has fallen, and without a doubt the rebels will be around to clean up," Raxis began. "However, the Empire employed hundreds of bounty hunters that are now going to be hungry for work if the Empire's funding towards the guild is cut off. This means the crime families are going to flourish, and new ones will grow off of the money made from the Empire."

Raxis took a pull off of the cigarra and looked to the two. "Keeping in mind that system security forces are a joke and often corrupt, and the rebels are going to be busy cleaning up the Empire...who's going to protect the systems from the assassins, hunters, and mobsters?"

Laedra glanced furtively to Liam, then returned her gaze to Raxis. "If I have deduced correctly...that would be you, would it not, Mr. L'Ygr?"

"Would it be you?" Raxis replied.

"One of our more tedious tasks is searching for more of our kind. But protecting the city will certainly be another of our duties," Laedra said slowly. "However, since we are still in such small numbers, we are limited to merely the nearest reaches of this continent presently. You plan on offering your services to a larger populace?"

"Well, I understand the need to protect the city, but to ensure the area clear of the threat of assassins, hunters, and crime bosses under the Empire's control someone is going to have to weed through them. I'm assuming that the Jedi Order doesn't know the names, faces, or reputations of these people. If we open our doors to rebel soldiers and rebel supporters, we could have quite the army to protect the people on the outer rim."

"Perhaps until the new lawful government assumes control in the vacuum created by the Empire's death," Liam said. "If the Republic is once again reformed, I would think that the protection of Core and Rim worlds would fall under Republic jurisdiction."

"Still it would be reactionary. Everyone knows that the system based security can only respond to crime as fast as it is committed. Let me assure you that getting around the security forces is simple, whether they're bought off or eluded. I should know, I myself often used my skills to gain illegally off of the Empire itself. How could you expect Republic or Imperial jurisdiction to be able to sniff out crime without actually knowing how to work within the syndicate?" Raxis said with a grin on his face. "Either way you look at it, the crime families will find a new way. If families like the Hutts are to be stopped, it will have to be through someone who also isn't held down by the bureaucracy of Republic, Imperial or, dare I say, Jedi."

"You will find a bureaucracy within any organization, but at its heart it is to uphold the ideals of the organization. There will be gaps and loopholes in any governmental body, but that is for the leadership to address. What you propose is taking the law into your own hands, and it is as illegal as any of the crime families' activities. You must know that the Jedi Order would not be able to support you in such an endeavour." Liam glanced at Laedra, and then back to Raxis. "That said, I understand the situation, and your method will get results where it would otherwise be endlessly debated in a council."

"Don't take that to mean we will not be willing to help you with your Force training, if that is something you wish to pursue," Laedra said. "But if what you are proposing is a sort of...vigilante justice, I'm afraid we are forbidden from aiding you."

"I never said that the Red Dragon Society existed..." Raxis nodded. "But if it does decide to form, understand that they'll be willing to fight alongside the Jedi when the attempt to take back the system from the Empire happens. They will assist with leading security forces to the crimelords while supplying them with evidence that will ensure that they actually do serve for their crimes. They will assist the public by returning the food and credits that have been stolen from them. They will definitely prefer to not kill, but will need to defend themselves if necessary...and self defense, my friend, is not murder. Either way, you know who to contact if you have questions about their whereabouts or need to speak with them."

Raxis, was obviously speaking in code and choosing to not hide what he was doing. He rested back into his chair and, looking at the two cordially after giving his short speech, nodded. "Your thoughts?"

Liam nodded. "It does sound like you have the populace's best interests at heart," he said. "And, I do hope that we will be able to aid each other as we can. While our numbers are still small, it would be nice to have backup in areas where the Jedi may need them in the future. Our reputation has suffered, and we have much to rebuild after the Emperor."

"He is correct, Mr. L'Ygr. And I for one believe you will do only what you think is right, but we must be certain what you think is lawful and just does not go against our principles, if we are to aid you, that is." Laedra looked to Liam, then to Raxis with a smile. "I believe I would like to observe closely this plan you have devised to bring order to Tae'Karada. Before we do participate, we must be certain it does not contradict our beliefs. And I'm sure if we are confident that you and your fellow champions of order and justice are acting within the bounds of our principles, we would be glad to give you all the aid you require." Laedra placed her hand upon Liam's leg and looked to him with a significant smile as she squeezed it gently. "We both would be honoured, wouldn't we, Liam?"

Liam smiled and then nodded. "Definitely," he said. "We will not stand in your way as long as your group -- should it come to pass -- stays on the correct side of things. However, I would be remiss if I didn't also request that you defer to the rightful authorities when necessary. Above all, though, stay safe. The galaxy is in turmoil and will be so for a little while longer. And, it sounds like Admiral Tarkin is trying to seize control for himself, so there will be danger there as well."

"Would the two of you like to meet the team?" Raxis said with a smile.

"I wouldn't mind that." Laedra gazed sidelong at Liam with a half-smile and prompted, "Liam?"

"I think meeting the team sounds like a good idea," Liam said with a nod.

"Very well," Raxis began. "Let me tell them what's going on, and we'll set up a meeting as soon as possible."

"That sounds like a workable plan," Liam said. "I'll provide you with a commcode for a message drop I have in the city, so you can reach us."

Raxis nodded and slid his datapad across the table to them. "Go ahead and put it in there for me, and I'll contact you as soon as we're ready. Also, if any rebel supporters you know of are looking to do just that we'd be happy to bring them aboard."

Liam picked up the datapad and added the commcode. "We'll make sure to send any who would support your cause in your direction. Though, what will the best means for them to contact you be?"

"Through one of my commcodes," Raxis began, as he tapped a button on the datapad. "It'll download after your data does. It's not my name, but be assured it's me. Just try and speak in innuendo."

Liam smiled. "I understand," he said. "And, we'll be as discreet as possible in our dealings."

"I give you my word on that, Mr. L'Ygr," Laedra added. "If that is assurance enough for you."

"Well alright," Raxis said with a grin, knocking on the wooden table a few times. "Expect to hear from my clients within a few days."

Laedra smiled in acknowledgement, then nodded to Liam. The two rose from their seats and gazed down at Raxis. "We will be meeting again soon, Mr. L'Ygr," Laedra said. "But before we go, please...I want you to consider what we've told you about your Force abilities. If you need further guidance on the matter, we would be honoured to help you."

"I already told you," Raxis nodded, "I would be very grateful."

"Then we shall keep in touch about that as well." Laedra smiled at Raxis, then extended her hand to him, as he had done to her earlier. "I am glad you have decided to take charge of your life, Raxis L'Ygr."

Raxis stretched his arm out and stood, shaking the hands of the two with a smile. "You two take care of yourselves."

"You too," Liam said. "And, we'll talk to you soon. It was good to meet you, and I hope your actions find success. May the Force be with you, Raxis L'Ygr." He stepped to Laedra's side and nodded. "Ten credits says when we get to the lobby, the person behind the counter glares at us."

Raxis chuckled and walked them to the door. He sighed out a thin line of cigarra smoke, and patted Liam on the back. "Of course he'll glare," Raxis muttered. "It's doubtful that the two of you are running a prostitution ring and he's making nothing off of your presence here."

Laedra looked stunned for a moment, then laughed and stepped out with Liam. "We'll reassure him that the immaculacy of his hotel is safe from our depravity."

Liam laughed. "Well, we are signed in as visitors to your room, so he may come around asking for a cut into your business. Perhaps you should tell him to talk to the Jedi Temple. We will see you soon, Raxis." With Laedra at his side, he started down the hallway.

Laedra called back, "May the Force be with you, Raxis L'Ygr."

"Aye, may the Force be with you two as well," Raxis said as he waved at the two. "We have a lot of work to do."

---

"Waking Dream, Part 1"
By: Merrick Braston
Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Zale Tregat
Keeve Zenarr [NPC]
Tel [NPC]

Location: Merrick and Shiv's apartment -Yesdol, New Plouton; Yesdol Central Medical Centre - Yesdol, New Plouton
Date: Niothe 10, 4 ABY

***

His red, flowing cape trailed behind him as he coasted through the air at breakneck speeds atop the sleek, blue hoverboard beneath his feet. The blonde-haired, exquisite maiden hollered out his name while struggling against the confining grip of the evil fiend, Merrick. "I'll save you, Shiv!" He swept past them and scooped Shiv up into his arms. His foot flattened against Merrick's chest and sent him plummeting over the edge of the skyscraper.

"Oh, Keeve," the beautiful maiden breathed, "you're my hero." Sailing across the pastel sky, Keeve pulled his maiden into a firm embrace and kissed her passionately, while they headed into the Tae'Karadan sunset together.

From deep in her own dream, Maeren Shivral stirred. Fleeting pulses of pleasure radiated from her breasts, making her squirm slightly in bed. She giggled softly and opened her eyes, expecting to see a very frisky Merrick suckling at her breast. What she saw instead surprised her, to say the least. "Keeve," she whispered sleepily. "No milk in there, Keeve." His arms were wrapped around her waist, and his mouth was firmly latched to her right breast while he sucked and kissed it as if he was... Shiv really didn't want to think about what was going on in the boy's mind, but he had to stop before...before he managed to get her really turned on.

"Keeve, sweetie," Shiv said, trying to gently pry his mouth from her nipple. "That feels very good, but...but you shouldn't be sucking on my tit." She giggled, and rolled away from his mouth.

"No," he muttered sleepily while groping blindly at the air, searching for his lost maiden. "Don't go too far... Merrick the evil monster will get you." He sighed deeply and clutched at the pillow made warm by Shiv's head. "I have to protect you..."

"You can protect me without sucking on my nipple, silly boy," Shiv said. "Come on, come up and kiss my lips. Or something. Just, protect me without sucking. And, Merrick the evil monster is asleep in the other room, so he won't be trying to get me yet."

Keeve groaned as his eyes flickered open and the dream vanished, but the maiden didn't. He looked up at Shiv with a grin. "Good morning, Auntie Shiv. It's too bad I had to wake up. I was having a nice dream."

Shiv couldn't help giggling. "I noticed," she said with a grin. "I was having a pretty nice one too. How'd you sleep, sweetie?" She leaned down and gave him a kiss. "Do you like your new bed?"

"I love it, especially with you sleeping here with me." Keeve wrapped his arms around Shiv's waist and nestled his head against her stomach. "You were so warm and soft... We should sleep together every day."

Shiv grinned and reached down to brush her fingers over his slender back. "I think that'd be very fun," she said. "We'll be best friends, and we'll make things here perfect for us. And, you'll always be happy. Some nights, either Merrick or Kaysa may want me to stay with them, but I promise to spend as many nights as I can with you. And, maybe sometimes when they want me with them, maybe I can sneak in here with you when they're asleep."

"Or I can sneak in there with you," Keeve suggested. "Either way, I'm not letting you out of my sight, Auntie Shiv. No one's going to hurt you again."

"My brave little hero," Shiv said. "I know with you around, no one would even try. You'll scare them off before they can even get close. And, if they do, they'll be soaking in bacta for a month."

Keeve kissed Shiv's stomach, then sat back on his haunches. "If I'm going to protect you, I think I'll need some breakfast first. Will you feed me, Auntie Shiv?"

"Of course, I'll feed you," she said. "What would you like for breakfast, sweetie? I'm not the best cook there is, but I think I could make you a good breakfast."

"I'll have anything you can cook." Keeve hopped off the bed and moved behind Shiv. "I have to walk behind you so I can keep my eye on you," he said as he began pushing her by the rear.

Shiv laughed as she started out toward the kitchen. "I think you just like to look at my butt, you silly boy," she said. "Can I at least stop to put on a shirt?"

"If you want." Keeve halted, then moved alongside Shiv. "I'll escort you, just in case Moronic Merrick's awake."

Shiv giggled as they stepped down the hall to her room. Once inside, she opened one of her drawers and pulled out a large t-shirt. She slipped it over her head and pulled it down. "There, now I'm ready to make you a breakfast fit for a hero."

"A hero like me," Keeve added with a proud grin. He slipped his hand into Shiv's and led her along straight-backed and with a majestic gait...or as close to one as a ten year old could pull off. "Are we going shopping today, Auntie Shiv? You said we were. You promised."

"I know I did," Shiv said. "And, we are. And, I was thinking after we go shopping, we could also go to the beach like I mentioned last night. Would you like that, Keeve? We could play in the water, and build things in the sand. And, it would be lots of fun."

"Yes! I've never been to a beach before, Auntie Shiv! We don't have them on Bespin. Oh, this is going to be so exciting!" Keeve slid into the nearest chair at the small, circular table and watched Shiv as she rummaged through the refrigeration unit. "Moronic Merrick isn't coming, is he?"

"You don't want him there?" Shiv asked. At the vigorous shaking of Keeve's head, she grinned. "Then it will just be you and me." She started pulling breakfast ingredients and setting them out on the counter. Once it was full of boxes and sacks and other assorted containers, she glanced at Keeve. "So, which do you want? We also have some pikra sausages and gam'ron bacon if you want."

"Hmm...I need something to make me big and strong for you, so gimme some sausages, Auntie Shiv." Keeve swung his feet idly beneath the table and looked around the room. "Auntie, if Kaysa wakes up, will I have to move out and live with her?"

Shiv grinned as she started pulling out the sausages. "Of course not," Shiv said. "She lives here with me and Merrick. So you'll stay in your room right next to mine. So, you'll keep living here with me."

"Good," Keeve said with a deep sigh. "I can't protect you if I'm not here. I would feel very worried about you if I had to move away, Auntie Shiv. Very, very worried."

"Well, you won't have to worry, because it's gonna be all four of us living here together. And, maybe Zale too if we can convince him to move in. Kaysa didn't want him moving in until after you were here, because she didn't know if he'd like kids. Though, I think he likes you a lot."

"He spanked me," Keeve stated casually. "But you spanked me too and you like me...so maybe he does like me." He grinned mischievously and swung his legs more rapidly. "Moronic Merrick doesn't like me. But that's okay. I shouldn't have painted his face, but he looked better with a moustache."

Shiv giggled. "He looked very silly. Though, you shouldn't paint his face. That song I sang to you last night, he wrote that for Kaysa. He wrote another one for me and Kaysa, and I can sing that one for you later." She dropped a few links of sausage in a pan, and pulled out a small tray of beebleberries. "How would you like beebleberry flatcakes?"

"You can make those? Wow, Auntie Shiv, you can do anything!" Keeve gazed up at her longingly, watching her every movement and taking in every bounce her hair made when she moved. "No more painting Moronic Merrick as long as you keep singing those songs."

With a grin, Shiv started singing the song that Merrick had written for her. Inside, she hoped she was getting the flatcakes right. She'd made them last week for Merrick and Kaysa, and they'd turned our alright. But, she was always hit or miss in the kitchen. Today, she really hoped was a hit day. She started ladling the mix onto the large flat cooking surface. She looked up at Keeve and grinned. "Just a few minutes more," she said before resuming the song.

"I don't mind. As long as you keep singing. You have a nice voice, Auntie Shiv. I feel like I could go to sleep again right now." Keeve tried to pick up the song at the chorus and began humming along with Shiv, rather off key and loudly.

Like mother like son, Shiv thought with a grin. She checked the flatcakes again and let out a cry of victory as she served them up on a plate to Keeve. "There you go, sweetie," she said. "Everything you could ever want to put on flatcakes is right there, and some sausages. You'll be big and strong before you know it."

"And then you can exercise with me too!" Keeve swiped his fork and stabbed the sausage with it. "Soon, I'll be just as big as Zale and everyone will be afraid of me. Then the bad men won't be able to hurt you...and maybe I'll protect Kaysa too." He chomped down on the tip of the robust sausage and tore off a large mouthful. "And then," he added in a voice obstructed by food, "she won't get stabbed again."

"Oh, you are definitely the hero around here," Shiv said with a grin as she served herself some food. "And, if you get nice and big and handsome, then we can start exercising together, sweetie. And, you'll protect all of us from all the bad men, and everything will be perfect." She sat down next to him, and started working at her flatcakes.

Keeve watched her thoughtfully as she sliced into the flatcake and said, "I think if I'm going to be exercising with you soon, I should watch you and Merrick again, just so I can learn for when you and I do it. I think that's what I'll do."

Shiv coughed, nearly choking herself and sending a piece of flatcake across the kitchen. "Oh, I don't know if that's a good idea," she said once she downed a glass of juice. "I-- I think you've still got some time yet. Your body still has some changes to go through before you can exercise like that. So, you probably have another two or three years. Once you get closer...closer to being ready, then you should start watching."

Keeve frowned and pierced the sausage aggressively with his fork again. "I am not too young! I was big enough to rescue you from the bad man, so I'm big enough to watch you exercise too!"

"Oh, Keeve, sweetie," Shiv said. "That exercising, that's...that's sex. And, it's not right to watch other people having sex. It's private, and personal." She sighed. "If I get you a holorecording of people having sex, that'll be good to learn from for when you're body's ready. Would that be okay, sweetie? And, I'll promise to have sex with you when you're ready...and...and I'll always let you see my breasts."

Keeve pushed the sausage around in his plate as if his appetite had fled completely, but after a moment of picturing Shiv's breasts, he perked up instantly. "Okay, Auntie Shiv. No more peeking." He nibbled on the end of the sausage happily and added, "Boy, I can't wait to have sex with you, Auntie Shiv. That'll be so fun!"

Shiv giggled and blushed. "It will be," she said before shovelling in a mouthful of flatcake. Kaysa was going to kill her. But at least puberty would give her enough time for Keeve to forget, or for him to decide on some other girl. A few years after that though, she thought, then he'll be really cute and probably a complete charmer. She grinned at the thought. Still, there was a few years reprieve before she'd have to worry about that promise.

After completing his meal in complete bliss about what was to come in the future, Keeve pushed away his plate and sat back in his chair with his arms clasped behind his head. "Can I watch you bathe again, Auntie Shiv? Or at least let me watch you dress. I won't tell Moronic Merrick," he said with a conspiratorial wink.

Shiv watched Keeve for a moment, her fork hovering just before her lips. Unable to help herself, she grinned, and then popped the morsel of food into her mouth. "Sure," she said. "I'm just gonna take a shower though, and just a quick one. And, then we can go do that shopping. And, as long as you're a good boy, you can watch me shower and get dressed."

"Oh, I'll be a good boy, Auntie Shiv. If I'm a bad boy, you won't play with me anymore, then who will I have all this fun with?"

Shiv pushed her plate away and grinned at Keeve. "Exactly," she said. "Now, let's get going. First a shower, and then we get dressed. And, after that we're gonna go buy you lots of stuff, including a swimsuit."

Keeve slid out off the chair and scurried behind Shiv's to pull it out for her. "My mommy said to always be a gentleman and not a little devil. I try to be both."

Shiv giggled and slipped off the chair. "Thank you, sweetie," she said. "And, I think you do a wonderful job at being both." She took his hand and led the way toward the bathroom. "I know mommies and daddies don't like little devils, but sometimes it's too much fun. And, being a kid's about having fun."

Once they got into the refresher, Shiv started the water in the shower and pulled off the shirt she'd put on earlier. She dropped the garment to the floor, and stepped under the spray. It felt wonderful and refreshing like always, though having an attentive audience on the other side of the shower door was slightly disconcerting. As she began to wash her hair, she put it out of her mind. She'd always been an exhibitionist, and even when her audience was a ten year old, she didn't mind. And, besides, it wasn't just any ten year old, he was Kaysa's son.

"Does Moronic Merrick get to watch you shower?" Keeve asked as he stood before the shower door with his face practically pressed to it. "Do you like him as much as you like me?"

Shiv grinned. "Sometimes we shower together," she said. "But, he doesn't watch me very often. And, I love him, but it's a different kind of love than my love for you, sweetie. He's really a beautiful, wonderful man. Just like you're a wonderful, sweet little boy. And, I know when you get bigger, you're gonna be a beautiful wonderful man too."

"And then you'll love me and shower with me too, won't you? I'd really like that, Auntie Shiv."

Shiv grinned at him through the steaming-up glass. "Of course, I will," she said. "I think it'll be lots of fun."

Keeve cheered triumphantly and danced around in a tight circle. "Auntie Shiv is going to exercise with me, and shower with me, and one day, have sex with me," he chanted. "And Moronic Merrick will be banished forever!"

Shiv giggled as she pulled down one of the small cloths to clean herself with. The bath the previous night had washed away most of her encounter with the brute outside, but this morning she wanted to make sure it was all gone. She hoped Zale fired whoever let that creep so close. His people were supposed to be watching them, but someone wasn't watching very closely. "You are an excitable little boy today," she said.

"You get me excited, Auntie Shiv," Keeve said as he wound down his little dance and watched her again. "I have so much fun with you. I wish you could be my mommy, and not Kaysa, that way I could stay with you forever."

"Well, it's a good thing I'm not your mommy though," Shiv said. "If I was your mommy, we wouldn't be able to do all the things together. Mommies can't have sex with their sons. And, you will stay with me forever. Me and Kaysa are staying here together, and you can always stay with us too."

"I know," Keeve said with a shrug. "And even if she tried to take me away, I'd make her bring me back to you. No one could keep me away from my Auntie Shiv. No one."

With a grin, Shiv washed the last of the soap from her body, and shut off the water. "And, no one could take my sweetie away from me," she said. "Could you hand me that towel there? Or did you want to dry me again?"

Keeve's only response was an excited giggled. He tugged the towel off the rack and rushed to Shiv's side, holding the large, white towel open for her. "I can do it for you, Auntie. I'd do anything for you."

Shiv grinned and stepped forward so he could dry her off. "You're such a wonderful boy, Keeve," she said. "And, I think I'm going to really like having you around to take care of me." She got down to her knees so he could dry her off. "And, now you can do my hair, too."

"Gladly!" And that is just what he proceeded to do, taking gentle care in not pulling it inadvertently. "Do you go to school, Auntie? My mommy said I was already far too smart for my own good, but she sent me there anyway because she said she'd go insane if she had to stay home with me all day."

"I went to school before I left home, but I haven't since then. That was four years ago. I learned more just living than I would have in school. But, school is good until you're about sixteen, then I don't think it's really all that important. You've pretty much learned all you can from them, and then life teaches you the rest. I don't know if Kaysa will want you to go to school or not, but if she doesn't you can stay home with me here."

"Oh, I'd like that," he said as he moved the towel to her back and shoulders. "I could stay home with you, and you could teach me to paint and sing and have sex. I think I'll ask Kaysa to let me stay home."

Shiv giggled. "Well, we can paint and sing," she said. "But, your body's not ready for sex yet. Though, when it is...then I can teach you."

"You will? Oh, yay!" Keeve hopped about until he was in front of Shiv, then he threw his arms around her and kissed her lips ineptly.

Shiv giggled and kissed him back. "Now, you have to promise to be patient," she said. "We have to wait for your body, and I don't want you to get your hopes too high yet. But, when you're ready..."

"Oh, I will be ready, Auntie Shiv. I'll make sure I am." Keeve moved the towel to Shiv's breasts and paid special attention to drying them. "Moronic Merrick won't be happy about not being able to exercise with you anymore, but I'll make sure he doesn't hurt you. He won't stand a chance against me as your protector."

Shiv giggled. "Merrick has never hurt me," she said, "so I don't think we'll have to worry about him at all. And, I like exercising with Merrick." She kissed keeve and smiled at him. "Would you be jealous if I was with both of you?"

Keeve frowned sourly and nodded his head. "You're my girlfriend, Auntie Shiv. You can't be anyone else's. Isn't that how it works?"

"Usually," Shiv said with a smile. "But, we're not usual here. Merrick's also my boyfriend, and Kaysa's my girlfriend, and Moril could be too. We share each other because we don't want to pick one to love over all the others. We love each other very much, and we're all okay with sharing each other. I love you, Keeve, but I also love Merrick too. And, I promise to always be here for you, but I have to spend time with him too. It doesn't mean I love you any less. I have to give my love to all the people I care for, you especially." She gave him a kiss. "It's very important that I can express my love to the people I love, sweetie."

"Well...as long as you're expressing it to me too." Keeve smiled and announced proudly that he was done. "Now I can help you dress, Auntie."

Shiv smiled and stood up. "Of course you can," she said. "Let's go find something for me to wear." She led the way into the bedroom. "Do you want to pick something for me, sweetie?"

"Yes!" Keeve sped into Shiv's bedroom and started raiding her drawers. "I think you would look best in red, Auntie. I think it goes with your hair." He pulled out a thin, red top that appeared to be the same size he wore and displayed it to Shiv. "You're wearing this."

Shiv giggled and took it from him. She looked at it skeptically and then pulled it on. As expected, it was extremely tight, clinging to her body like a second skin. It only came down to a few centimeters below her breasts, breasts she was thankful weren't any larger or the top wouldn't have fit at all. "How's this?"

"Perfect," Keeve commented with a large grin. He rummaged through the drawer again and pulled out a pair of earthy green pants with pockets aplenty. "This matches," he said as he handed them to her.

She took the pants from him and looked them over. "No underwear?"

Keeve looked perplexed for a moment, then asked, "What for?"

With a laugh, Shiv pulled on the pants. "I think we're almost set," she said. "We just need to get me some shoes, and you some clothes to wear."

Keeve nodded rigorously and flew out of the room with a whoop and a cheerful holler. "I wish I could wear my superhero pajamas! Then everyone would be afraid of me."

Shiv followed, grabbing her boots on the way. "We'll get you some new superhero pajamas today," she called after him as she entered his room. He was already digging for clothes and Shiv moved to sit on the edge of his bed to watch. As she sat there, she pulled on her boots.

"We're gonna have a good day, Auntie Shiv," Keeve said as he tugged off his pants. He giggled and tossed them at Shiv. "And I won't even bite anybody."

"Good for you," Shiv said as she caught the pajama bottoms. She folded them and set them on the edge of the bed. "We have lots of things to get you, and a beach to visit. I haven't been to a beach in forever."

"Then it'll be like the first time for both of us." Keeve put his feet into the pants and hopped up and down to pull them up into place. "I don't know how to swim though, but you'll teach me, right?"

"Of course I will," Shiv said with a giggle. "Before long, you'll be the best swimmer there. Now get your shirt and we can go get you a new hoverboard."

Keeve obeyed Shiv and pulled on a shirt with the picture of a swoopbike printed on it. He marched over to Shiv's side and offered her his arm. "All ready, Auntie."

Shiv lifted up Keeve's shoes. "Can't go without these," she said, and then proceeded to pick up his pajama top to fold and place on the bed.

"I hate shoes," Keeve muttered while grudgingly slipping them on. "My feet get hot."

"What if we get you some sandals when we're out?" Shiv asked, and then grinned. She leaned down close and whispered, "I hate them too. They're icky, and I'd rather wear none."

"Then from now on, we'll go everywhere bare foot." Keeve kicked off his shoes then bent down to pull off Shiv's. "No more shoes for us!"

Shiv grinned and sat down so Keeve could remove her boots. Once they were gone, she stood up and held out her hand to him. "Come on, Keeve, let's go on a shopping spree."

"Anything you say, Auntie." Keeve took her hand and pulled her with a jerk out of the room. "See ya, Moronic Merrick," he hollered at the top of his lungs. "I'm going on a date with my girlfriend!"

Shiv giggled. "I really should go let him know what we're doing," she said. "So he doesn't worry. And, then you and your girlfriend can get out of here and buy lots of things."

"Oh, he'll be fine," Keeve assured her. "He'll be sleeping all day anyway. He won't even know we're gone."

"I really should let him know though," Shiv said. "If he wakes up, he'll worry. And, it's the responsible thing to do." She started back toward the bedroom door where Merrick was sleeping.

Keeve grimaced and stood impatiently by the door. "Well...don't invite him. He's not allowed."

"Don't worry, sweetie," Shiv said and gave him a kiss. "I'm just telling him we're going, and it is just you and me. No one else. Okay?"

"Oh...alright." Keeve gave Shiv his biggest smile then slapped her on the rear. "Go on."

Shiv giggled and slipped into the room. She approached the bed and slid up until she was straddling Merrick. She lowered herself until her face hovered above his and she gave him a kiss. "Wakie, wakie, Merrick," she sang.

Merrick's eyes opened and he looked up at her with a smile. "Hi," he whispered.

"Keeve and I are going out," she said. "We have some shopping to do, and then we're gonna go out to the coast. But, I plan on making it all up to you tonight. Promise."

Merrick grinned as she rocked against him. "I'll be waiting," he said. "Take my cred chip. You'll need some money, and I don't want you lifting someone else's like you did last time. I love you, Shiv."

"I love you too," she whispered and kissed him again. "I'll see you tonight."

They shared a longer kiss, and Shiv slipped off the bed, grabbed Merrick's cred chip, and returned to Keeve, closing the door behind her. "Ready?"

"Of course, Auntie Shiv." Keeve hit the keypad on the door panel and stood aside to let Shiv pass first. "Goodbye, Moronic Merrick. You can go back to sleep now!"

"Goodnight, kid," came the muffled cry from across the apartment.

Shiv giggled and hurried out into the hall. "Come on, my little hero," she said. "We've got a lot of walking to do. And, maybe we can get some more frazzies today. Maybe at the beach."

"Beebleberry frazzies, remember, Auntie?"

"Of course, I remember," Shiv said with a grin. "That's the only kind worth having." She took Keeve's hand and led him down the stairs and out into the city. "What do you want to get first?"

Keeve grinned at Shiv and said, "A beautiful flower for my beautiful girlfriend. That's what I want."

Shiv looked down at Keeve and grinned. She could feel a blush covering her face and going right down beneath the neckline of her shirt. "Oh, that's so very sweet, Keeve," she said. "Oh, you are definitely going to have charm when you're older. Oh man. No girl is going to be able to resist your charms, especially me."

"Good," Keeve said with a grin, just as his hand closed over Shiv's rear. "I'm gonna have to steal you away from Moronic Merrick one day, so I better start now."

Shiv giggled and wriggled out of the way of Keeve's groping hand. He certainly was incorrigible, and she knew when he was older she was in serious trouble. Together, they started off in search of the flowers Keeve wanted to find, and then on to the other purchases they'd have to make for the day. There was so much to do.

***

Zale Tregat stared at the faces on the datapad in his hand. He'd easily picked out Shiv's attacker. He was the only one Zale didn't know. But the disturbing thing was that his file listed signatures from himself, Moril, and Tel. He'd asked Moril, and his assistant hadn't known anything about the man, and was surprised to see his name on the man's file.

From a secure connection in one of the offices in the hospital, Zale made connections with both Tel and Moril. "We have someone on the inside who put this man in, and made him look legit. Or, someone on the outside with computer skills like you wouldn't believe. We need to find out who it is, because they're using Antorial to get close to Shiv. And, if they can get close to Shiv, they can also get to Keeve and Kaysa. This hole needs to be closed immediately."

Zale had already told Moril about what had happened, and it'd taken nearly a half hour to get his assistant calmed down again. "We'll find out who it is," Moril said, "and we'll teach them about the rhis'kara."

Tel laughed. "Very few survive having the skin removed before being left in the desert," he said. "But, I think it's a fitting punishment for what they did. I'll put security into lockdown mode. And, I'll scramble our best slicers into the system. And, I want full systems diagnostics."

Zale frowned. "You think it could be someone inside? One of ours?"

Tel shrugged. "I don't know what to think, so I'm operating in paranoia mode. Suspect everyone, and you're more likely to catch the unexpected."

Zale nodded. "Good idea," he said. "Well, gentlemen, let's get to work."

---

"Waking Dream, Part 2"
By: Merrick Braston
Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Keeve Zenarr [NPC]

Location: Tarkayze Beach - Daneria; Merrick and Shiv's apartment - Yesdol, New Plouton
Date: Niothe 10, 4 ABY

***

Merrick's gonna kill me, Shiv thought for the sixth time since she and Keeve had left New Plouton. They'd stowed all of their purchases back at the apartment, and started out immediately for Daneria, named after one of the high princes. It was a small coastal town with some of the best beaches around. With Keeve still clutching around her waist, Shiv tried to find a place to park the swoop she'd bought back in the city. It took a bit, but she'd finally convinced him to hold around her waist, and not her breasts. With the distraction his hands were causing, it would have only been a matter of time before she crashed into something.

She finally found a spot, and they pulled their large pack from the back of the swoop. It was filled with towels and other necessities of playing on the beach. Keeve was already in his swim trunks, and Shiv had put hers on under her clothes. She held out her hand for Keeve and started toward the large expanses of sand nearby. "Come on, sweetie," she said. "Let's go lay out our blankets and then I can teach you to swim."

"Oh, wow!" Keeve's eyes were large spheres and his mouth was agape as he gazed out upon the glistening, pristine water that seemed to meet the sky far off in the horizon. "This is a beach, Auntie Shiv? If I swam all the way back there, I could touch the sky!"

Shiv grinned and kissed the top of his head. "You'll have to wait until you're an expert swimmer before doing that," she said. "But then we can swim out together and touch the sky."

"Then let's get started!" Keeve strode onto the shifting sands with his hand in Shiv's, all at once awed, but very cautious of any who came near his girlfriend. "Can I drink the water? Are there fish in it? How deep is it? Will it burn my eyes?"

Shiv giggled as she found a spot to lay out their towels. "You are full of questions, aren't you? The water is all salty, and not good to drink. And, I think there's lots of fish. Near us it's not going to be too deep, but farther out it gets pretty deep. And, I don't think it will burn your eyes. At least the last time I was in water like this, it didn't. When you get thirsty, just let me know and I'll get us some waters. They have a little hut over there where they sell food, including beebleberry frazzies."

"Oh, frazzies-- Oh...my..." Keeve's head shifted side to side as he watched woman after topless woman pass before his eyes. "Oh, Auntie Shiv...did they forget their tops? They're...they're showing their boobies."

Shiv watched Keeve's face with delight as he couldn't make up his mind where to look. She reached down, and grasped the bottom of her shirt and pulled it over her head, adding herself to the limitless number of topless women on the beach. "They didn't forget," she said. "That's just the way they do it here." She unfastened her pants and stepped out of them, tossing them onto the towel with her shirt. She adjusted the skimpy bottom that really only covered the one place in which Keeve had taken no interest -- for which Shiv was eternally grateful. "So, swim first? Or frazzies?"

Keeve turned his dreamy gaze towards Shiv, upon whom his attention became fully focused after taking in what he saw. "Auntie Shiv...did you forget your top too?" he asked with a grin.

Shiv returned his grin, and kissed his forehead. "Nope," she said. "I didn't forget." She snapped the waistband of her bottoms. "This is all that came with it. I hope you don't mind."

"Oh, I don't mind at all." Keeve's curious smile became a leering grin as he fixed his eyes upon Shiv's chest, longing to nestle his face between her breasts. "You're much more beautiful than those other women, Auntie Shiv. And your boobies are much nicer too."

Shiv giggled and felt herself blushing. "Thank you, sweetie," she said. "I like my boobies, and I think they're very nice too...as far as boobies go."

"Oh, they are." Keeve shot Shiv a wink and wriggled closer to her. "I can buy us the frazzies if you want, Auntie. Just so you don't have to get up."

"Okay," she said, and fished in the pocket of her pants for the money. She handed him a small handful of money and gave him a kiss. "I'll watch you from here. If you need me for anything, just wave."

Keeve nodded his head, then planted another kiss upon Shiv's lips. Feeling invigorated with confidence and pride in having such a beautiful girlfriend, Keeve jumped to his feet and strode away with his head held aloft. Once he approached the vendor selling frazzies, he looked back at Shiv to make sure she was alright. "Uh huh," he said with a pleased smile upon seeing Shiv devoid of companions and unwanted visitors.

"What'll it be, young man?" the vendor asked.

"Two frazzies - beebleberry," Keeve replied. He slapped the handful of credit chips atop the vendor and grinned at the man. "I'm getting one for my girlfriend. She's laying down right over there." Keeve cocked his head in the general direction of Shiv.

"Oh...the cute blonde one?" The man laughed and handed Keeve the frazzies. "Looks like she's a popular one. Enjoy the frazzies, kid."

Keeve nodded at the man slowly, and turned his gaze back to Shiv with a quizzical frown. Popular? It all became quite clear to Keeve what the man had meant once he saw two tall, well-built men crouched down near Shiv, conversing with her and definitely staring at her breasts. Keeve grumbled under his breath and marched over to them irately. He stood behind Shiv, holding two purple frazzies in his hand and watching the men with a seething glare. Keeve cleared his throat deliberately loud and waited for the two fiends to notice him and move on.

"We've got a place right across the street over there," one of the two men was saying. "It's got a great view. Be even better with you there."

His friend glanced up and saw the kid glaring at them, and nearly laughed. "My sister's got a nice little girl. Maybe your little pal can go have some fun with her, while the three of us slip up to my place, and we can get to know each other better."

Shiv glanced between the two men and then to Keeve. "Thank you, sweetie," she said as she took her frazzie from him. She turned back to the two men with a sultry look and started sucking on the frazzie as if it were something much different than a dessert on a stick. She could see that she was getting the two guys all worked up and smiled inwardly. "I think I'd rather stay here with Keeve," she said as she ran her tongue along the underside of the frazzie. "He's better company than the two of you are. Besides, I've got another girlfriend and boyfriend at home who wouldn't like me going home with strange guys." She slipped the frazzie back into her mouth and smiled. "I think you boys better move along before you burst."

They both gave Shiv hateful glares, and then marched awkwardly along the sand, trying to conceal their arousal from Shiv's display.

With a wild grin, Shiv turned back to Keeve. "Oh, this is a wonderful frazzie, sweetie. And, I'm glad you got back, cuz I didn't think I'd ever get rid of those guys."

"Well," Keeve said as his good humour returned, although he managed to scowl one last time at the two men. "I came as fast as I could." He settled himself beside Shiv and added, "They're lucky they left when they did or they would've ended up with my teeth marks on their ankles."

Shiv giggled. "That would have stopped them," she said. "Though, we might have been kicked off the beach for that. Though, it's good they left when they did, because they were about to pop out of those skimpy little suits they were wearing." She giggled. "Whatever you do, Keeve, never wear a swimsuit like that...they look really silly."

"I'll only ever wear what you want me to, Auntie." Keeve made Shiv's shoulder a headrest as he suckled on the purple frazzie. He watched as a liquefied droplet of the purple treat trailed down her forearm, and with spontaneous, yet customary frivolity on Keeve's part, he lapped at the stream of liquid and giggled. "Don't want you to be sticky."

"You're just like a little reisacat," Shiv said with a laugh. "Though, your tongue isn't quite as rough as theirs are."

Keeve grinned at Shiv and emitted a low growl before licking the rest of the frazzie juice from her arm. "I'm your reisacat, Auntie." He purred and rubbed his head against her arm.

"Oh and a cute little reisacat you are," Shiv said as she ran a hand through his hair, stopping to scratch behind one of his ears. "Maybe we should get a little pet reisacat. I've never had a pet before, and I think a little reisacat would be perfect in the apartment."

"I wasn't allowed to have any pets when I was a kid because I was sick a lot. I had to have an operation, you know." Keeve sucked on the end of his frazzie happily, then added, "But I'm all better now. So, I think I want a reisacat. We should get one."

"Maybe tomorrow," Shiv said with a grin. "We can go pick one out together, and then we can take care of it. And, we can think of a name, and it'll be so much fun. I think we will be good for a little reisacat. We'll just have to make sure no one's allergic before we let him or her run all over the apartment."

Keeve grimaced and said, "I bet Moronic Merrick is allergic. He'd purposefully make himself allergic just so I couldn't have one, and all because I thought he looked better with a green moustache..."

Shiv giggled. "I don't think he'd be just because of that. If he was really upset, he would have spanked you too. But he didn't. Please try to be a little nicer to Merrick. He's really a nice man, and a wonderful musician. All those songs I sing, he wrote those. And, all that money we spent today, that was his."

Keeve squirmed as if even the thought of being nice to Merrick made him antsy. "I...won't paint him anymore," he complied unwillingly. "And...I'll...not call him Moronic Merrick to his face anymore. Is that enough, Auntie Shiv?"

"That'll be good," Shiv said with a smile. She gave him a kiss on the end of the nose. "And, you don't have anything to be afraid of. No matter how much I love him, he'll never come between you and me."

"Good," Keeve said with a nod. He looked up at Shiv with a smile and tapped his lips with a sticky finger.

Shiv laughed. "Oh, you incorrigible little beast," she said, and then gave him the kiss he was demanding.

Completely contented now, Keeve sighed and lay down with his head in Shiv's lap. He stared up at the blue sky spotted with fluffy, white clouds and sighed at the warmth provided by the sun upon his face. "This is much better than Bespin," he mused. "And with you here, it's the best."

"Despite the problems, this is a very beautiful planet," Shiv said. "I've heard that even the desert is beautiful. I think I'd like to visit the desert someday, just to see it. Maybe we could go. We can probably come out here a lot. We can get some good suntans, and be great swimmers."

Keeve sucked on the empty stick that once held his frazzie, then tossed it aside onto the towel. "Let's learn now then," he said as he sat up. "Promise I can hang on to you?"

"Promise," Shiv said. She stood up and brushed sand away that had managed to find it's way onto her skin. "Come on, sweetie. Let's go see how good you swim."

"I think I'll impress you," Keeve replied as he jumped to his feet. He took Shiv's hand and looked up at her with a grin. "One day, Auntie Shiv, I think I'm going to marry you. That way, I can always watch and protect you. Then we can have our own reisacat...or two."

Shiv could only stare at Keeve for several moments, before her face broke into a smile. "Then I'll be the luckiest girl in the galaxy," she said. "And, that sounds very nice...I think it'll be a nice wedding, and we can have beautiful little reisacats." She kissed the top of his head as they started down toward the water.

"Then I'll be the luckiest boy in the universe because I'll be married to the most beautiful woman ever." Keeve yelped and jumped back as water lapped over his feet unexpectedly. His arms instinctively went around Shiv's waist and his head to her stomach. "I won't drown, right?"

Shiv grinned and wrapped her arms protectively around him. "I won't let you drown, Keeve," she said. "What kind of girl would let that happen to her future husband?"

Keeve stared out at the large expanse of water, then up at Shiv. Once he saw her sparkling brown eyes smiling down at him, his confidence returned and he stepped back. "I can do this, Auntie. We can do this together."

"Of course we can," Shiv said with a wide grin. "Come on. The first part of learning to swim is getting into the water."

With trepid steps at first, Keeve followed Shiv deeper into the water. Once he was certain he could safely go farther without the ground disappearing from beneath his feet, Keeve laughed and splashed down into the water. His head submerged for a brief moment, then came upon again with Shiv being the first thing his eyes found. "Come on, Auntie Shiv. Go under. It's just like taking a bath!"

Shiv pulled her hair back away from her face, and then dunked herself under the water. When she came up again, she could hear Keeve's laughter next to her. "The beach is fun, isn't it? Would you like to come lots more?"

"With you, Auntie Shiv?" Keeve sprang forward and latched onto her waist. He kissed her naval, then looked up at her with a grin. "Always."

"Then we'll have to come out here lots and lots then," she said. "I'll bring my pad to do some sketches, and we can get wonderful tans, and swim. And, it will all be so much fun. And, we can have all the beebleberry frazzies we can eat. And, we'll be able to ride back and forth on our new swoop."

"And being so fast, no one can hurt you, Auntie Shiv. And with me by your side," Keeve added with a wink, "no one will even try."

Shiv giggled and gave him a kiss. "So, are you ready to learn to swim, my superhero?"

Keeve stepped back and placed his hands dignifiedly upon his hips. "Auntie Shiv, as long as you're around, I know I can do anything."

Shiv smiled. "How about if I move right over here, and you try to swim over to me?"

"Okay," Keeve said, "but not too far." He stood with his arms above his head, watching Shiv for the signal. Once she nodded her head, Keeve plunged into the water and once he surfaced, he began wildly kicking his legs and thrashing his arms to keep afloat. He didn't seem to be going anywhere, but he certainly created quite a disturbance in the once calm waters. After swallowing far too much salty water, Keeve planted his feet onto the ground and coughed out the excess water. "How'd I do?" he asked Shiv.

Shiv giggled, and patted his back to help him get the water out. "That was a wonderful start," Shiv said. "Here, let's try again...but this time, move your arms like this and you'll go farther." She showed him the motion, and soon, he was swimming toward her, and around her, and all over the place. And, each time he got better, Shiv couldn't help giggling and praising his progress.

***

After the swimming and sun, and a stop at a small restaurant near the beach, Shiv and Keeve had finally managed to get back out onto the road toward home. Despite Keeve's pleading, Shiv had put her shirt and pants back on for the ride back home. It wasn't long at all before she was pulling the swoop up in front of the apartment. "Hey, sleepyhead, we're here."

Keeve raised his head from where it had been resting against Shiv's back, and looked around groggily. "Already?" He yawned quietly and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "I wish we could've stayed there all day, Auntie Shiv."

"Maybe next time we can stay the night," Shiv said. "I think we could sleep there on the beach, and have a little fire to keep us warm. I think that would be lots of fun." She climbed off the swoop and scooped Keeve up into her arms. "Time to go upstairs, heavy boy."

"You're so strong, Auntie," Keeve muttered sleepily. His head fell upon her shoulders and his lips nuzzled against her neck as they made their way up to the apartment. "Auntie Shiv, can we go straight to bed? I'm tired..."

"Of course we can," she said. "I'm gonna tuck you into bed, and then I need to go visit with Merrick for a really little bit of time. And, then I'll be right in again. Alright? I promise I won't be long, sweetie."

"I trust you," he said with a sigh. "Just don't be too long..."

"I promise," Shiv said, and gave him a kiss on the forehead.

She managed to get the door open despite carrying Keeve. She carried him all the way back into his room where she quickly went through the bags of new purchases to find the brand new pajamas like the ones that were ruined the previous night. "Here we go," she said. "Your new pajamas."

Keeve mumbled nonsensically, and lethargically began tugging at his clothes. "My new ones. I like my new ones."

Shiv smiled as she watched Keeve, then she stepped forward to help him get undressed. "You had a big day," she said. "I bet you'll sleep good tonight. And, I'll be back in soon so you can curl up against me. Here you go." She picked up the bottoms to his pajamas and helped him into them. "You look perfect in these."

"Uh huh." Keeve blinked sleepily and swayed against Shiv. "Can I have another frazzie tomorrow? A...a beeble...beebleberry one."

Shiv quickly grabbed the pajama top before Keeve fell completely asleep. "Of course you can," she said. "We'll get you a beebleberry frazzie when we go to the park to ride our hoverboards." She helped him up into the bed and pulled the covers up. "I'll be in soon, sweetie. Good night." She gave him a kiss and smiled. "Today was a fun day."

"It was," he muttered. "Thank you...Auntie." He nestled his head against the soft pillow and sighed as slumber wrapped itself around him. "I love you, Auntie Shiv."

"I love you too, Keeve," Shiv said with a smile.

Once he was sleeping soundly, she slipped out of the bedroom and went out in search of Merrick. She found him in his bedroom with a baitar and a new song in the works. "Hi, stranger," Shiv said with a grin.

"Hi yourself," Merrick said with a grin as he put the baitar aside. "So, you ready to keep that promise?"

Shiv stepped forward with a large grin. "I'm always ready to keep that promise," she said. As he removed all the papers he'd been working with from the bed, Shiv slipped the second-skin of her t-shirt over her head and let it flutter to the ground.

Merrick set all of his notes on the floor next to the bed and turned back to Shiv. "Oh, that's a sight I've missed."

With a salacious grin, Shiv popped open the top button of her pants and moved forward slowly, and sexily. Merrick wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, kissing her hungrily. Shiv managed to slide her pants down over her hips, and Merrick helped push them all the way down. She took his hand and pulled him with her toward the bed. "Come on, Merrick, time to get reacquainted..."

***

Evil Merrick was carrying the enchanting maiden away, kicking and hollering out his name. Keeve brought his swoopbike around to pursue, but something was holding him back, some nagging urge that was far too powerful to ignore. He watched as Moronic Merrick and the maiden sped farther away in their speederbike, but the urge was much greater than his need to rescue his maiden. Keeve turned the swoopbike around and veered off in the other direction, searching desperately for somewhere to relieve himself.

"Stupid water," the boy muttered as his eyes flickered open. He rubbed them and blinked to adjust them to the lack of light in the room. Even in the thick darkness, Keeve noticed Shiv's absence beside him. After he made a trip to the refresher, he'd seek out his girlfriend.

He slipped out of bed, holding his groin and pressing his legs together before the overwhelming urge caused him to forego the toilet altogether and just make a discoloured stain upon his carpet. If he wasn't so preoccupied with holding in all that water he'd had at the beach, he would have grumbled and complained about Moronic Merrick monopolizing his girlfriend's time. He'd teach him a lesson or two...once his bladder was empty.

Keeve pushed through the door of the refresher and wasted no time in dropping his pants and filling the pristine, clear water with his bodily waste. He sighed and closed his eyes as he let it flow, but even amidst the incessant sound of his urine splashing down into the toilet water, Keeve made out what sounded like a man in pain. He was groaning and breathing heavily, but where was he? Keeve craned his head around to pinpoint the origin of the noise, and as the flow of urine ceased and his movement was unrestricted by the need to direct his aim into the toilet bowl, Keeve turned fully around.

He slowly and carefully pulled his pants up from around his ankles, staring in puzzlement for a long moment. He never noticed the second bathroom door before, and was certainly surprised and pleased to realize it led straight into Moronic Merrick's bedroom. Even more convenient, he thought, was that it was fully unlocked and wide open to the source of the groaning and panting.

Keeve crept towards the opening, but hid himself behind the wall to avoid being seen. It took a moment to gather enough light into his eyes to get a clear, defined image, and even then he couldn't quite make out what he was looking at. Shiv was on top of Merrick, who was obviously not in pain judging from the smile on his face, but it didn't look like the regular exercise routine. Her face was at his groin and she had her mouth around what his grandmother called the "naughty part", sucking on it like she had the frazzie at the beach. She was moaning too and Keeve could only guess that it was because Merrick tasted like beebleberries, for she'd had the same reaction to the frazzie. He wanted to call out to them and ask Shiv why she was taking so long to get into bed with him, but decided to watch the unique display and study in case Shiv wanted to do the same to him one day.

Shiv moaned as she continued to pleasure Merrick. After a day of denial following an aborted attempt at lovemaking, their bodies were responding beautifully together. She knew if she continued much more of what she was doing, she'd surely be getting a treat.

"Your turn," Merrick rasped, and tried to pull himself away from Shiv's greedy mouth. Finally she let go, and he helped her move over onto her back, where he climbed between her thighs.

As his tongue brushed against her mound, Shiv let out a cry of delight. "Oh gods, yes," she whispered. "Oh, just like that you beautiful hunk of musical manliness."

Merrick stopped and looked at her.

"Keep going," she said with a giggle. Without hesitation, he did. It didn't take much to get Shiv writhing uncontrollably on the bed. The only sounds she could make were a variety of gasps, moans, cries, and more of all the same. She would have to give Keeve a big kiss later for giving her this time with Merrick.

Keeve cocked his head to the side and watched with increasing puzzlement. Shiv was smiling and obviously enjoying herself, but he couldn't understand what Merrick was doing to cause her so much bliss. He'd never really studied the area between her legs before, but obviously there was something there that was key to her happiness. Keeve endeavoured to find out exactly what that was during their next bath.

Shiv let out a shrill cry as she pulled Merrick tighter against her body. The words she was crying out were incoherent, but all gave the distinct impression that she was truly in ecstasy. The cries seemed to grow louder as Shiv's back arched off the bed, and became one long, bliss-filled scream. Finally Merrick stopped and she collapsed against the bed. "Oh gods I needed that," she said with a giggle. "Now, get over here and fuck me."

Merrick couldn't help laughing and climbed up next to her. They kissed for several minutes while he repositioned himself on top of her. Shiv let out a loud gasp as Merrick slid inside her.

"Oh, that feels so good," she purred. Their pace was slower this time, and instead of the frantic cries of earlier, her moans and purring coos matched the pace of their lovemaking. "I love you, Merrick. Oh you're so good to me." She giggled and looked into his eyes. "Today, Keeve said he's gonna marry me."

Merrick chuckled and removed his mouth from her breast. "Did he?"

Shiv smiled and let out another moan. "He did. And, he got me a flower. You've never gotten me flowers."

Merrick laughed, and then kissed her. "Do you want me to get you flowers, Maeren?"

Shiv giggled and gave him an innocent look. "Though, I don't know if you could ever match Keeve's charm."

"Well, I promise never to bite you."

"Hey," Shiv said with another giggle. "Sometimes, biting's nice."

Merrick laughed. "You're pretty taken with him, aren't you?"

"He's the sweetest guy, Merrick. I know he's still really young, but he's a great friend already."

"And, he has a huge crush on you, a crush I'm sure you're doing nothing to discourage."

Shiv giggled. "Why would I want to discourage my future husband," she said. "Now, shut up and make me scream."

Keeve gave a start as Shiv did just that. He was about to run into the room and tackle Merrick for hurting his girlfriend, but then Shiv's laughter replaced the cries and Keeve continued to conceal himself behind the wall, knowing she was alright. They were exercising now, but Merrick was on top this time. Keeve paid careful attention to everything Merrick was doing, especially if he was supposed to do that with Shiv when he got older. In fact, his birthday was coming up in a few months. He knew he was going to have to become very good, very fast.

---

"Waking Dream, Part 3"
By: Merrick Braston
Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat
Keeve Zenarr [NPC]

Location: Yesdol Central Medical Centre - Yesdol, New Plouton; Merrick and Shiv's apartment - Yesdol, New Plouton
Date: Niothe 10, 4 ABY

***

Zale sat at Kaysa's side holding her hand again. He'd talked to Tel and Moril earlier, but no progress had been made on finding out how Shiv's assailant had infiltrated his organization. He raised Kaysa's hand to his lips, and held it there. "It's Dargus, I know," he whispered. "The guy told Shiv as much, but...but how did he get in? There's a leak somewhere, and we're not finding it. Someone's very good at covering their tracks, and...and we have to look harder."

He kissed Kaysa's cheek and brushed a hand over her forehead. "Come back to me soon, Kaysa. I need you here with me. And, Keeve needs you, even though Shiv's taking good care of him. You'd be surprised how good she is with the boy. It's very cute. They went to the beach today. They're probably back by now, but they were both very excited." He sighed and held back the emotions warring under his calm facade. "I love you, Kaysa. Please come back soon."

The words reverberated in her mind, but their meaning was lost amidst all the confusion and muddle. The voice itself was familiar, but she was too tired to search her memory and pick out the name to match the deep, resonant voice. She lay still with her eyes closed while her insensate body began to awaken and join her mind again, a mind that had been functioning and aware, yet completely disoriented for so long.

It had been frustrating to think and hear her own voice, while unable to make her body respond to her wishes and vocalize her thoughts. It was rebelling against her and afraid to feel anything lest it be that searing, gruelling pain again. Now, though, it was slowly and trepidly heeding the urgings of her mind. She continued to coax it to life while giving it assurances that there would be no more agonizing pain once it awoke. The struggle to convince it was tiring and difficult, but soon, she felt her fingers and the tingle of blood flowing through them. There was a gentle breeze too that washed over her body, and then the voice. She knew it...but still no recognition.

Her body got ahead of itself and tried to move, but a gentle stirring of pain flared and she began to panic that it would retreat again, afraid to go on any further. She protested and reassured it that there was nothing to fear, and as she did, she vaguely heard her own voice sounding in her ears, and felt it rising in her throat. Nothing but a gentle moan, but enough to know that her internal self was slowly recombining with her physical being. Soon...so very soon, and so close. Stay with me, she whispered in her mind. Just trust me and stay with me.

If his own voice hadn't stopped, Zale would not have heard the soft moan from the bed next to him. He opened his eyes and looked up. She looked different...ever so slightly, but there was something. "Kaysa," he whispered. "I'm here with you. I'm not leaving, never leaving. I love you, Kayse. I'm not going to leave you...ever."

There it was again, and somehow closer. The more fully her mind awakened, the louder it became and clearer. Who was it? She knew who, but her lips refused to form the name. Frustration was rising within her and her body tensed. Gods, why couldn't she call out to him? Her fingers curled into fists, or at least she was trying to make them do that. Whether they were obeying her wishes...she wasn't sure. She tried to call out the name again, but only another moan escaped. Please, she said desperately in her mind, don't leave. I'm here. I'm trying...please...

Zale leaned closer to Kaysa, kissing her forehead, cheeks, and then finally lips. "I'm here, Kaysa. It's alright, my love. It's alright." He kissed her again as he slipped one hand into hers.

Gods...I can't... Kaysa's body began to tremble with the effort to keep a hold of the incipient consciousness she had achieved. She wanted to open her eyes, to reassure Zale that she was alright... If only she could say his name or squeeze his hand, but her body refused to match the actions her mind was beseeching it to perform. Zale...gods I love you, but...I don't know if I can.

Her hand spastically tightened around Zale's, but the effort to flex the muscles was too exhausting. She released and sighed mentally. Just let go, Kayse, she told herself. Just let go and try again later. It's okay. There's time. Kaysa listened to her voice trapped within her mind and abandoned the struggle. Zale would have to wait to see her brown eyes smiling at him again. Just a little while longer, my love...

"It's alright, Kaysa," Zale said softly. "I'm not going anywhere. I'll be here when you open your eyes. I'm not going away. I'll be here, my love. I'll wait until the end of time if I need to, but I'm not leaving you."

No...no, Kaysa, you can't leave him like this. Don't let him suffer anymore...don't let any of them. You have to tell him...remember? Kaysa's body jerked and she gasped for air. She had to tell him-- What? Dargus had said something... Kaysa's body tensed and flinched violently in the bed. Her muscles stiffened and her hand closed around Zale's again tightly. Blood...so much blood. And the taste...

Kaysa groaned and shook her head listlessly. He'd stabbed her which meant she wasn't there to protect Shiv or Merrick, or warn Zale. Open your damn eyes, Zenarr. Open them and tell him! Kaysa's breathing grew rapid and frantic. Her eyes twitched and her eyelids fluttered opened and closed. She moaned and tried to open her mouth to say his name - grab his attention and warn him - but only groans and gentle whimpers escaped.

Zale leaned close, his hand gently caressing her cheek, soothing words leaving his mouth to ease her struggle back to consciousness. "It's gonna be alright," he whispered. "Kaysa, I love you so much. Just a little more, and you're here again. Come back to my arms again. Come back to me, and we can make a good home for us and Keeve." He kissed her. "Come back to me, Kaysa, my dear love."

Kaysa felt her mouth moving and heard vocalizations escaping, but couldn't yet control what came out and shape them into distinct words. Her breath came sharply from her nose and her body jerked with uncontrolled movements. Brown eyes flickered open again, but a thick mist prevented anything from coming into focus...except those black, impenetrable spheres she'd fallen in love with.

Her lids threatened to close over her eyes again, but with fierce determination she struggled to keep them open. "Gods..." she breathed, her voice but a croak. Kaysa groaned again and blinked rapidly to dissipate the fog. "Zale... Wh-- Gods..."

"Shh," Zale said, hushing her gently. "It's alright. You're safe now, Kaysa. You were hurt, but the doctors...they're making you all better." He kissed her, and felt his resolve cracking. He sat back and looked at her, his eyes glittering wetly until a tear spilled down his cheek. "You're awake," he whispered.

Everything was still confusion and awry thoughts and sights, but he'd said she was awake so it had to be true. Her throat felt parched and as if it would begin bleeding if she tried to speak again, but she had to. She had to keep her hold on consciousness. "Zale... It's Dargus... He's here... A mask...his face. Gods...he's here..."

He signalled for the nurses. "You're safe," he said. "We're in a hospital, Kayse. You were hurt, by Dargus. He...he was there, and he stabbed you. But, Shiv and Moril found you in time. And, we got you here. He's...there's something about him, Kaysa. He's...he had a laser sword, like in those stories."

"Gods...keep him away..." A glint of light upon a tray by her bedside caught her eye, but her addled mind interpreted it as something more sinister and with a cry she jerked upright in the bed. "He had a dagger! Oh gods...oh gods, Zale! His face... She won't know. Shiv won't know when he comes!"

Zale carefully held her. "She knows," he said. "He found her before you; he frightened her. She's safe though, Kayse. She's safe." He knew not to tell her about last night though. Not yet, at least until Kaysa was thinking more clearly. "He's gone now...went back to whatever cesspool he lives in. I've got people watching us. We're safe, Kaysa. We're safe now, and he's not gonna hurt you again. Not ever again!"

Kaysa's body quivered and felt so weak, but in Zale's arms, she knew she would be protected and safe. "He wanted... He's not done yet. The spaceport... How could I have been so stupid?" Her voice cut out as sobs escaped her lips. All of it was her fault. She'd deserved to be stabbed, especially for what Dargus' wrath would bring next upon those she loved. "Zale...he's got someone... They-- They're watching you. I can't...can't remember..." She clenched her eyes shut and searched for the name, the one Dargus had implicated as being his ally, the one to bring down Antorial Industries. "There's someone... Gods, Zale, she's...she's with him, but... I can't..."

She? Zale frowned. "I know there's someone on the inside, or suspect it. Moril and Tel are searching now. But, she? I'll have to let them know. But, we're okay now. I've got my best people looking and protecting." Zale kissed her gently. "Everything's going to be okay. We'll get him, and whoever he's got working with him. And, we'll make him pay, Kaysa. We'll make that bastard pay."

"No," Kaysa whispered as she pulled away. "No. It's done, Zale. I'm...I'm done playing this game with Kandran. You do what you want...but leave me and Shiv and Merrick out of it."

Zale nodded and took Kaysa's hand. "Then it's done," he said softly. "I'll just protect us. You, Shiv, Merrick...and Keeve."

Kaysa sighed and nodded her head. Slowly, she stopped and remained absolutely motionless. "Keeve... What day is it, Zale?"

"It's the tenth of Niothe," Zale said. "And, Keeve arrived yesterday." He smiled. "He's a cute kid who ended up with your wild streak."

"Shit," Kaysa muttered. "What the hell did I go and do that for? Gods..." Kaysa covered her face with her hands and sputtered quiet, yet vulgar curses. "I should've left him on Bespin."

Zale laughed softly, and did his best to comfort and console Kaysa. "He's safer here where we can watch him than he would be there," he said. "Besides, he's a cute kid when he's not hip deep in mischief. And, he's really taken to Shiv. I think they're gonna be best friends, and I think you've got yourself a permanent, and free, babysitter for him."

The door suddenly opened and three nurses swarmed into the room to begin checking on Kaysa. One of them moved to the head of the bed to look her over, while the other two began monitoring the equipment. "It's good to have you back with us, Mrs. Tregat," the closest nurse said. "Your vitals are very strong, which is very promising after what you've been through. Would you like for me to have some water brought in for you?"

"Yes, thank you," she replied. "And can you get these damn tubes out of my arm?" The nurses continued buzzing about around her, and she shooed away more than one hand holding a device of some kind meant to tell them something that Kaysa thought should have been quite apparent: She was awake and in a suddenly irritable mood. "Zale, when can you get me out of this place? I wanna go home."

Zale glanced up at the nurse. The woman nodded and turned to Kaysa. "The doctor will want to keep you here at least one more night for observation," she said. "Though, I believe with a bacta session tomorrow, you should be fit to go home tomorrow afternoon."

"Bacta? I'm gonna-- They're gonna--" Kaysa looked to Zale helplessly, then finally nodded her head. "Okay. But Zale... I don't want anyone visiting me here, especially not Keeve. I don't...want them seeing me in here, like this. They can wait until I come home."

"They were here yesterday," Zale said. "And...and you know both Merrick and Shiv are going to be upset that they weren't commed immediately when you opened your eyes. They wouldn't leave your side until I sent them home with Keeve yesterday, and that with much protesting from Shiv."

"They don't need to be here," Kaysa said firmly. She slapped away another hand and glowered at the nurses. "They don't need to be reminded of what happened...even though I don't exactly remember everything that happened."

Zale nodded. "Alright then," he said. "And, since you don't want them here, you get to tell them that when you do get out of here. Unless you're planning on lying to them and telling them you just woke up..."

Kaysa pursed her lips tightly to suppress an especially scathing invective, but finally took out her annoyance on the nurses. "Get out of here! I'm awake and I'm fine. Can't you fucking see that?!"

The nurses stopped and turned their gazes to Kaysa. Each had a look that conveyed, "Oh really?" They glanced at each other, shrugged, and then left the room without a word.

Zale moved toward one of the chairs in the room, and took a seat, keeping his eyes on Kaysa but saying nothing.

"Stop staring at me like that," she said tightly. "I have the right to reject visitors if I want. In fact, I'm this close to having you kicked out of here."

"Fine," Zale said, then stood and headed toward the door. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Kaysa sighed and looked away. She saw all the machinery by her bedside, monitoring her vitals, then laughed dryly. Yep, you're alive alright, Zenarr, she thought sourly, but it probably would've been best if you'd stayed asleep a while longer. At least then, you would have had no choice but to keep your mouth shut. Kaysa sighed again and curled up into a tight ball. She clenched her eyes shut just as the door closed behind Zale. He didn't understand. He didn't understand anything about pride and how she needed it to keep herself from crumbling completely.

Kaysa mumbled silent curses and curled up even tighter. "What--?" She reached down between her legs where she felt a sudden cold stickiness. When she brought her fingers back up, her breath caught in her throat and her body began shaking violently. She threw back the covers and looked down at her gown, where a dark red stain was spreading. "Oh gods... Zale! Zale! Oh gods! No! Zale!"

Zale turned back and felt his heart leap into his throat. He rushed back into the room and forward to Kaysa, pausing only briefly to hit the button next to her bed to call the nurses back. "Oh gods, Kaysa," he said.

Immediately, the room was filled with the nurses that had been there previously, and a large man who Zale recognized as the doctor who'd been treating Kaysa. He exuded an air of calm as he quickly set to examining Kaysa.

"It's the baby, isn't it?" she whispered desperately to the doctor. "It didn't-- The baby...it's--"

"Lie back, Mrs. Tregat," the doctor urged gently. "Just lie back and let me have a look."

Zale felt the colour drain from his face as he looked up at Kaysa's face, the fear in her eyes. Baby? For a moment the room was spinning, and then Zale found himself leaning heavily against the wall for support. Oh gods, his mind cried out, over and over.

Kaysa only heard her voice sobbing and pleading with the doctor to tell her something - anything. Only fragments of the doctor's conversation with the nurses processed in her mind. The large spot of blood on her gown and spreading onto the bed was all that consumed her thoughts. That was all that was left of the child she would never know. Gone...so soon. It was all but confirmed by the doctor as he shook his head gravely. Kaysa cried out in anguish and clutched at the doctor's coat. "No...no. But...there's a chance... I mean...there has to be a chance."

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Tregat. The wound you were inflicted with caused extensive damage," the doctor said, his voice maddeningly bereft of emotion. "We'd hoped the bacta treatment would have made it possible for you to carry the baby to term, but... I'm sorry." He turned to one of the nurses and silently conferred with her.

She nodded and moved to Kaysa's side to begin removing the top cover of her sheets stained with blood. The blood was all she had left her poor, sweet baby now and with a shriek, Kaysa pushed the nurse away and clutched the covers to her chest. "Go away. Go away! Leave me alone with my baby!"

After one last look over Kaysa to make sure she was in no more danger from her wounds, the doctor looked to the nurses and nodded. Silently they filed out of the room, leaving Zale and Kaysa alone there.

"I'm so sorry," she whispered. She rocked gently with the sheets cradled in her arms and nestled against her cheek. Her tears were soaked up by the fabric, just as her blood had been, and for but a moment, she wished they would somehow give renewed life to her baby and the chance it deserved, but had been deprived of by Dargus Kandran. "Why did it have to be like this," she sobbed. "Why-- I'm so sorry."

Zale could only watch, and it was only by force of will that he managed to keep his eyes open rather than closing against the tragedy he was witnessing. He slid down the wall to the floor where he lowered his forehead to his knees and let out the long breath he'd been holding for what seemed like hours.

"I wanna see my baby," Kaysa said quietly. "I need to see him." She looked towards Zale, who was still and quiet, a demeanor that conveyed his shock and pain clearly. Kaysa whimpered and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Her feet touched the cold floor below, but when she stood upon them, her weakened legs were unable to hold her up. Kaysa crumpled to the ground and sobbed. Everything seemed so hopeless now. She was beginning to wonder why she'd even bothered to fight to stay alive. But then, she remembered Keeve and knew seeing his face again was good enough motivation for now. "Zale," she whispered as she reached out a hand to him. "I need to see him. Please..."

Zale slid closer to Kaysa and took her hand. He kissed it, silent tears falling where his lips touched. "I'll have Shiv and Merrick bring him," Zale said. "They'll bring him here to you, my love."

"I'm sorry," Kaysa said - was all she thought to say. "I should've told you... If I'd told you, you would've been able to protect us both. You could've forbidden me from going to the party." Kaysa trailed a finger along Zale's tears and groaned piteously. "I did this... I did all this to us. It's my fault, Zale. Don't cry. It's me...all me."

Zale looked at her and cradled her face in his hands. "It wasn't us, Kaysa," he said. "It was Dargus Kandran. He's the one that did this to us. He's the bastard that invaded our lives, and hurt us. And, if he ever tries to get close again, my entire organization is going to rain down on him like a thousand hells."

Kaysa nodded her head in anguished silence. She couldn't tell him that no matter what assurances he gave her, she would take the blame and bear the guilt. Dargus may have driven the dagger in her, but that moment was merely the culmination of all her scheming and lies, starting from the first day she decided to con Rennor out of his fortune. She imagined he was smiling down at her with his satisfied, smug grin. And she deserved it along with everything she suffered. But Zale didn't, and neither did Shiv or Merrick or anyone else close to her. She'd end this soon, even if she had to go behind Zale's back to do it.

***

Back in the apartment, Merrick and Shiv had switched places and now she was swaying on top of him with increasingly loud moans and cries of pleasure. Merrick had to keep reminding her to try to be quiet before they ended up waking Keeve again. Each time, Shiv would grin, clamp a hand over her mouth, and keep going until she thought she had everything under control and brought her hand down again. By the third time it'd happened, she was giggling furiously. She leaned forward and kissed him passionately while his hands shifted from her hips to her breasts. "We are naughty," she said, and then kissed him again.

Keeve had lost track of how long he'd been standing there, gazing intently and with awe. Shiv and Merrick hadn't stopped exercising since he arrived, but he realized it was probably why they were both in such good shape. He knew, after watching this, he wouldn't be able to get back to sleep, but he didn't think he wanted to once Shiv came to bed to sleep with him. He wanted to stay awake and ask her many questions, and perhaps try some of what Merrick had tried on her, just for practice.

Shiv suddenly cried out and arched her back. The pure ecstasy she was feeling was clearly evident in her cries. Merrick too let out a cry, and after a few moments of pure bliss, their cries mingling, they both sank back to the bed with Shiv on top. She made a soft cooing sound as he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her lazily. "Oh gods that was beautiful," Shiv said with a giggle. "You really know how to give a girl an orgasm."

Orgasm... Keeve made certain to remember that word so he could ask Shiv if he could give her one the next time they bathed. He wasn't quite certain if they were finished exercising yet, and half expected them to begin again, when a loud chirping sounded in the room. Keeve receded deeper within the shadows as Merrick reached over to the nightstand and fumbled with something he couldn't make out in the darkness.

"This is Merrick," Merrick said into a small box on the table next to the bed.

"Merrick, it's Zale..."

"She's awake," Shiv said, scrambling over the top of Merrick to get closer to the comm. "Kaysa's awake, isn't she?"

There was a wry laugh on the other side, and then Zale said. "Yes, yes she's awake." There was something else in his voice that made Shiv worry, but she said nothing.

"We'll get Keeve dressed and bring him right down there," Shiv said before Merrick could say anything. "We'll be there in...in ten minutes. No, fifteen."

Zale laughed. "Okay," he said. "They're just getting things cleaned up in her room right now. She wants to see her baby."

"Of course she does," Shiv said with a giggle. "I'll bring Keeve and Merrick too."

Zale laughed even louder. "See you soon," he said, and then the comm went dead.

"Well, don't just lie there," Shiv said, smacking Merrick's bare chest with the back of her hand. "Go get dressed. I'm going to wash up a little bit, and then go get Keeve dressed. And, myself too." With that, she hopped off the bed and scurried toward the refresher.

Keeve emitted an inaudible yelp as Shiv came rushing towards the doorway. He remained frozen in shock for a moment, then scampered towards the other door leading into the hallway. His escape was a flighty one and frantic, but he managed to make his way into his bedroom, and back into his bed without Shiv noticing.

After calming his racing heart and settling his breathing, he remembered what had been said. Kaysa was awake. She was awake and he would have to see her. That meant he couldn't sleep with Auntie Shiv for a long while yet. Keeve grimaced and threw a pillow angrily across the room. He was beginning to think he should've killed Kaysa when he had the chance. But there was still time, especially if she came between him and his girlfriend. With a grin, he closed his eyes and feigned sleep in case Shiv came in. Once he was through with Kaysa, she would wish she had never awakened.

It was a several minutes later when Shiv did enter his room, and sat down on the bed next to him. She wore a long skirt and tank top, and her hair looked as if it had been quickly brushed. "Keeve, sweetie," she said softly as she brushed a hand over his forehead. "Wake up sweetie, we need to go to the hospital to see Kaysa. She's awake now." She brushed tears out of her eyes, and stifled the giddy laughter welling up inside of her. "Oh Keeve, we get to go see Kaysa."

Keeve moaned groggily as if he'd been sleeping for hours, then slowly opened his eyes. "Auntie Shiv?" He yawned for effect then sat up with his back to the headboard. "Kaysa's awake? Wowie."

Shiv grinned. "She's awake, sweetie," she said. "Zale just contacted us to let us know. Come on, let's get you dressed, and we can go see her." She slipped off the bed to find him some clothes to wear.

Keeve followed Shiv and from behind, he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed the small of her back. "Can't we go tomorrow? I'm very tired, Auntie."

Shiv giggled and turned around. "She wants to see you, sweetie," she said. "And, I really want to see her. It won't be long, and then we can come back and go to sleep. And, you're really going to like her. She's a beautiful, wonderful person...and I love her very much."

Keeve sighed and shrugged his shoulders. "Fine. But you promise to sleep with me when we get back?"

"I promise," Shiv said, and then gave him a kiss. "Now, let's get you dressed. And, then we can hurry to the hospital, and see her."

With sluggish movements, Keeve changed from his superhero pajamas into pants and a t-shirt. Keeve turned back to face Shiv, and as he did, he couldn't help his gaze from falling to her crotch. He wanted to touch it and find out what had caused Shiv so much happiness there, but she was probably too excited about seeing Kaysa to play with him. "Okay...I'm ready, Auntie Shiv," he said with a sigh.

"Come here, sweetie," Shiv said as she pulled him into a big hug, and then kissed him. "As soon as we get back, we'll climb into bed and go to sleep. And, if you want, I can tell you a story."

Keeve nodded morosely and put on his best pout. "Alright, Auntie." He placed a kiss on her stomach through the shirt, then smiled up at her. "Let's go before Moronic Merrick wakes up."

Shiv giggled and took Keeve's hand. "He's already awake," she said. "He's probably out waiting for us already. Come on, it won't be so bad. You'll be with me the whole time."

"Then I'll be the happiest boy ever," he said with a grin. He slipped his hand into Shiv's and forgot all about how disappointed he was that they couldn't leave Merrick behind. But what brightened his mood was knowing that Shiv was going to be sleeping with him tonight, and soon, exercising with him. "I love you, Auntie Shiv."

"I love you too, Keeve," Shiv said. "Now, let's go meet your mommy."

Keeve strolled happily along with Shiv, not bothering to mention that Kaysa wasn't his mommy and that he didn't care who she was, he wanted to be only with his girlfriend. They moved into the living area and Keeve saw Merrick start forward to take Shiv's hand. Keeve moved in front of her and raised his hand in a halting gesture. "You walk behind us, Mor-- Merrick. I get to walk in front with my girlfriend, not you."

Merrick glanced between Shiv and Keeve, then at Shiv's half smile and nod, he conceded. "Alright," he said. "I'll walk behind you. The view's really better back there anyway."

Shiv gave him a playfully wounded look, and then giggled. "Come on, Keeve," she said. "Let's go visit Kaysa and Zale."

Keeve strode proudly with his girlfriend on his arm, and the fiend Merrick lagging behind them where he belonged. At the lift, Keeve stepped aside and like the gentleman he was, let Shiv enter first. He narrowed his eyes at Merrick and stuck out his tongue before following Shiv inside. Not giving Merrick a chance to step in, Keeve hit the panel and watched the door begin closing while Merrick scrambled to jump inside before it completely closed.

Merrick barely managed to get inside the lift before the door closed on his arm. He tried not to glare down at Keeve, but with the defiant look the boy was giving him...it wasn't very easy. He took a deep breath, counted to ten a few times, and then let out the breath. This is only the second day, he thought. And, he's going to be here with us for the rest of our lives. Shifting slightly so he could lean against the wall for support, the realization of the torment that awaited him became clear in his mind. Dear sweet gods, it's Kaysa's child and he's latched himself to the wildest nymph in the galaxy. Keeve's wild nature could only get worse. How will any of us survive? he thought before the doors of the lift opened up and the little demon led Shiv triumphantly out of the lift. With a sigh, Merrick started after them. His only thought was: I am so very dead.

---

"Dysfunctional Reunion, Part 1"
By: Merrick Braston
Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat
Keeve Zenarr [NPC]

Location: Yesdol Central Medical Centre - Yesdol, New Plouton
Date: Niothe 10, 4 ABY

***

"But Mrs. Tregat, you haven't eaten in three days--"

"I said, I'm not hungry," Kaysa reiterated slowly and curtly.

The nurse sighed sharply and picked up the tray. "Fine," she said tightly. "If you do get hungry, just buzz one of the other nurses." The blonde-haired woman turned with an almost apologetic smile to Zale that clearly expressed how sorry she was that he had gotten stuck with such a stubborn wife, and that she would gladly take Kaysa's place if the position ever became open.

Once she left the room, Kaysa resumed her silent vigil of the dim stars outside her window. Her bloodied sheets and gown had been replaced, yet still, the smell of blood permeated the air. She kept her arms clutched around her stomach, even though there was no longer anything there to protect. The thought itself drowned the night sky in a pool of welling tears, but she refused to shed them, for her sanity and to spare Zale's feelings as well. He didn't need to see her crying, not when he was on the verge of tears himself.

Kaysa pulled her knees up towards her and lay her cheek upon them. How had it come to this and could she ever move on? No matter what she did, how hard she strived to turn her life around, only despair and struggle appeared on the other side. "I hate my life," she muttered. "Should've just drowned in that damn bacta tank..."

Zale stepped forward and smiled warmly. "If you'd drowned in there, who would be the one to convince Shiv to keep her clothes on, Merrick to stay out of bar fights, and me to give Moril a raise?"

"Well," Kaysa said with a sigh, "perhaps I can write it up in a will, this way none of you would ever forget."

Zale sighed and nodded. "Yeah," he said and sat in one of the chairs. "I guess that would be for the best. It wouldn't really be much of will though...since I own everything of yours. But, you could put little...sentimental and insubstantial things in there. I'd probably have to find a new wife." He glanced out the window. "Though, Merrick has been looking at me funny lately. I guess I could always go in for a lifestyle change. Maybe then he'd write a song for me too."

Kaysa chewed her lip to force back a smile, but it pushed its way out and consumed her face. She looked away to keep Zale from noticing, but the gentle shaking of her body by laughter was something she couldn't conceal. "He has expressed an interest in you, although he's tried to deny it."

"Really?" Zale asked with a raised eyebrow. He made a show of being deep in thought. "You know, this may just work out. Keeve can go with Shiv and Moril, and then me and Merrick. The possibilities are endless." He glanced over at Kaysa and grinned.

"That settles that, then," Kaysa said as she looked to Zale with a smile, "I guess you should call that hot little nurse back in here and let her dunk my head in a vat of scorching hot water like she's been meaning to since I woke up. Then you can have everything you've ever desired without your annoying wife getting in the way. Perfect."

Zale stood and started toward the door, but stopped before reaching it. He turned around and looked at her. "Before I go through with this...is Merrick as good as you are in bed? I'm a Shac'Tae master, I can't just settle for anyone now."

"I don't think so, Mr. Tregat," Kaysa chided. "A lady is not supposed to kiss and tell. I guess you're just going to have to be brave and give it a try...if you truly want him that badly, of course."

Zale nodded. "Well, I guess I'll have to go get that nurse with the water," he said. "Will you be alright while I'm gone?"

Kaysa straightened up, and all signs of jest disappeared from her face as her brow knitted worriedly. "Wait...you're not really leaving, are you? You're not leaving me alone... Zale...don't leave me by myself. Please."

Zale smiled and moved over to sit in the chair next to the bed. "You were supposed to say you can't live without me and that you'd go on living forever for the chance to stay at my side." He took her hand in his. "Or something like that."

Kaysa managed a smile and said, "Well...that's basically what I meant. You just have a better way with words than I do." She ran her thumb lightly over Zale's hand and stared at it fixedly. "When I was asleep, I just...I somehow knew you were there. I mean, I wasn't consciously aware and I can't remember anything you said to me...but I knew you were there, talking to me and watching over me." Kaysa shrugged and laughed to break the awkwardness of the moment. "You didn't leave me, Zale. And...I just wanted you to know how much that means to me."

Zale smiled. "Well, they aren't here now, but Shiv and Merrick were by your side for most of the time too. I had them take Keeve home when he got here. They hadn't slept since the party...and I couldn't convince Shiv to get away long enough to take a shower. Fortunately, there's a place next door that has clothing and Moril picked up some changes for them." He kissed her hand. "But, yes, I was here for every minute they would let me be here. There was a chunk of time they wouldn't let me out of my room."

Kaysa's brow furrowed inquisitively as she looked up at Zale with a wary smile. "What... What are you talking about? What room, Zale?"

Zale laughed and shook his head. "I was hurt in the scuffle at the party," he said. "It's nothing really. You'd hardly know anything happened."

Kaysa pulled her hand away from his and looked him steadily in the eyes. "What scuffle, Zale? Don't lie to me because I will find out. Shiv's not very good at keeping secrets, you know, and if I have to find out from her, you will be sorry."

Zale sighed. "As we were taking you outside to have you lifted to the hospital, Kandran was there. Watching. Shiv saw him first, and I knew it was him by her reaction. I went after him." He shook his head as if trying to shake away the memories. "I was three-quarters of the way to cracking his skull open with my pike...and all of a sudden he whips a laser sword out of his coat. The guy is some sort of evil Jedi, Kaysa. He...he slashed at me with his weapon...and..." His hand twitched and he took a breath. "He sliced off my arm just above the wrist, and would have chopped me in two if some other guy with another laser sword hadn't been there to stop him. We're in over our heads with Kandran...he's more than he seems."

Kaysa's gaze had fallen to Zale's hand and she watched it, trembling with sudden pent up rage...which was directed entirely at Zale. "How could you?" she whispered. Her eyes finally found his, but the longer she stared, the harder it was to keep looking at him. "How could you be so stupid, and selfish, and--" Kaysa turned away, trying to calm her fury that was rooted in the fear of losing Zale. "You son of a bitch!" she shrieked. She brought her hand through the air and across Zale's cheek. "You fucking selfish asshole! How could you do something so stupid!? How do you think it would have made me feel? Or were you not thinking at all? How do you think I would have dealt with it if I'd opened my eyes, only to have Shiv or Merrick or some fucking stranger telling me my husband was dead?" Kaysa buried her face in her hands and sobbed. She looked again at Zale with tears obscuring her vision and said, "How could I have gone on living knowing that both my husband, and his unborn child were dead?"

Zale realized that he was sitting all the way back in his chair and staring. "If he were any other man, I would have split his skull in two, Kaysa," he said evenly. He brought a hand to his cheek and tested his jaw. "If I had known how powerful the man was, I wouldn't have rushed forward. I would have...I would have figured something else out that wouldn't have cost me my arm." He stood up. "I am a crimelord, Kayse. I run one of the largest and most powerful crime syndicates on this planet, and I can take care of myself in a fight. I didn't know the man had...I didn't know what he was. I was only looking to pay him back for the hell he's already put us through. I didn't know that..." He looked down at his hand and sighed. "I didn't...I didn't ever think that I could have my ass kicked..."

"I don't care about the hand, Zale," Kaysa said quietly. "It's the fact that you could have lost more than your hand. I know you wanted to kill him, but you should've just left it alone." Kaysa looked down at her own hands in her lap and wept softly. "If I lose you... I don't know what I'm gonna do if that happens. You said you wouldn't leave me... Please don't break that promise, not for anything or anyone. Losing the child that could've been ours was enough. I want his father to remain at least partially whole."

Zale nodded. "It was a very hard lesson to learn," he said, "but I learned it. When I saw that red blade of energy flashing down toward my skull, I thought it was over." He sighed. "I got a second chance that night, Kaysa, and I'm not going to mess that up. I'm not putting myself in that sort of position again. I have to stay safe for you, and Keeve. And, all of us."

Kaysa sat in silence with Zale, letting her fear quell and the anger it induced dissipate. Running a hand across her cheeks to dry the burning tears, she carefully placed her feet upon the ground and made her way towards Zale with quavering legs. "I guess we both sort of came close to death that night," she said.

Quickly feeling the exertion of an otherwise non-strenuous action, Kaysa sat down upon Zale's lap and curled up against him. "I love you, you idiot," she whispered affectionately. "And I know what it's like to just be so overcome with rage that you need to lash out, but there are other ways to hurt Kandran." She looked up at him and smiled gently. "Even with his fancy laser sword, I'd still choose you as my protector any day, Zale, and that's not just because I'm biased towards you, being your wife and all."

Zale laughed as he wrapped his arms around Kaysa and nuzzled against her neck. "I almost had him," Zale said. "He just got lucky. But, don't worry, I don't plan on testing his luck anymore. I'll let that other guy with the blue eyes deal with him."

"That handsome fellow?" Kaysa teased. "I knew I married the wrong man..." She smiled and lightly stroked his arm. "Don't dwell on your failure, Zale, because it's not one at all. You had no idea what he was. I don't think anyone did. But we do now, which means if you choose to go after him - even though I've explicitly said to leave it - you know now that a hand to hand fight is out of the question."

"Lots of blasters," Zale said with a smile. "I think we need to get lots of blasters. For my men. And, then we can see how well he can use that little laser sword."

Kaysa grinned and ran a finger along Zale's cheek. "I wish I'd been awake to see you defending my honour." She kissed him lightly upon his brow. "I imagine it would have gotten me quite worked up."

Zale laughed. "Maybe when Merrick gets here, we can simulate the events of that night for you. I'm sure we can get you feeling like yourself again in no time."

"Once I'm all better, I think I'd like to give that a try." Kaysa frowned imperceptibly and added, "And maybe... Maybe we can try something else too." She found Zale's eyes with hers and smiled tightly. "If you want, we can try for another baby...if you want."

Zale's eyes teared up instantly, and he kissed her with every microgram of passion he had. "I want that," he whispered. "I want that very much, Kaysa." He gazed into her eyes. "And, I want to figure out a way to live with you. I don't know how we'd arrange it, but I want to be with you."

Kaysa chewed her lip to keep her own tears in check, but she was still far too sensitive after what had happened and they came of their own will. "We can...we can work something out with Merrick and Shiv...and Keeve. I mean...we can all move in together...or I can move in with you with Keeve." Kaysa embraced him and kissed his neck and cheek fervently. "And when I'm better, I'll give you that baby, Zale. Our baby."

"Our baby," Zale said with a smile. "And, I think all of us should be together. Me, you, Merrick, Shiv and Keeve. We can be a family, and care for each other. And, together we can make everything perfect. Maybe we can find a house rather than an apartment. With a few studios and everything we could ever want."

Kaysa laughed and examined Zale's face for any signs of a nervous twitch stemming from a sudden affliction of insanity. "Are you sure Kandran didn't do more damage than just the arm? Could this really be the same old, tough, implacable crimelord I used to know and fear?"

Zale laughed. "Well, you don't have to fear me," he said. "Though, the rest had better keep on fearing. I may seem softer, Kaysa, but it's only for you. And, I guess the others too, but that's it." He pressed his lips to hers, and then pulled away. "So, don't think for a moment that some upstart is going to waltz up and topple me. I've still got very sharp teeth."

"Even if that upstart is your future son or daughter?" Kaysa grinned and added, "But I'm shooting for a daughter this time. It was hell trying to push that boy out."

Zale laughed. "I'd love to have a daughter, especially your daughter." He gave Kaysa a tender kiss and laughed. "I want to see you and me as parents."

"I imagine we'll get a lot of practice with Keeve." Kaysa looked down as her fingers picked nervously at unseen lint upon Zale's shirt. "Did... Did Keeve say anything about me? I mean...anything that kind of hinted that..." Kaysa sighed and met Zale's gaze again. "Does he hate me, Zale?"

Zale looked at his hands for a moment and then up at her. "He's bitter," he said. "But, he's also been with Shiv. She'll rub off on him, and he'll love you more than anything." He sighed. "It's all new to him, and he'll need time. I think he's a handful, but you've got all of us to help. Deep down, I don't think he hates you, Kaysa."

She sighed, almost relieved but still somewhat anxious. "Not hating is good. It's...it's a start. I mean, if he starts trying to kill me, then I guess it's safe to assume he still holds a grudge against me."

Zale laughed. "I don't think he knows how to hold a grudge, but it may take a little time for him to see you as mommy again."

Before he could say more, the door opened revealing Shiv and a small, brown-haired boy.

Not even Shiv's large, beaming smile could draw Kaysa's attention from the young image of her ex-husband standing in the doorway with his hand clinging to Shiv's and a stubborn frown turning down his tiny lips. Kaysa's body trembled and her breath grew ragged. Her fingers tightened around Zale's hand, but it did nothing to strengthen her resolve and keep her composed. "Oh gods," she kept whispering as if her mind was stuck on a repeating loop. "Zale...oh gods, is that-- He's so--"

Keeve watched Kaysa for a time with a quizzical frown. He looked up at Shiv and asked, "Did something happen to her head when she got hurt? She's acting very strangely."

Shiv glanced down at Keeve and tilted her head to the side. "It's been a very long time since she saw you, sweetie," she said. "It's called being speechless. It usually happens when people are overcome with emotion, like seeing you again after so many years makes her. Let's go say hello, sweetie. Let's go meet your mommy."

"If you say so, Auntie Shiv." Keeve sighed and started forward with Shiv.

Kaysa was practically convulsing but Zale's hold on her helped to absorb some of the tremors. "Zale," she whispered. "Help me up. Help me stand up so I can see my boy."

Zale helped Kaysa to her feet and then stood himself to support her. With an arm around her waist, he helped her step forward to meet Shiv and Keeve. He gave the boy a look that said, be nice or I'll break my fake hand across your bottom.

Keeve smiled sweetly at Zale, and the sight of his missing front tooth induced a sob in Kaysa. She'd missed so much, even something as insignificant as losing a tooth, but they were things a mother should have witnessed and revelled in. She would get the chance to be there for the rest of Keeve's development and growth, and actually help shape both. The thought alone made her legs weak, but Zale tightened his hold on her and instead of being preoccupied with staying upright, she was able to look at her boy and smile.

They stood but a foot apart from each other now, him staring up at her inquisitively, and she down at him with pure joy radiating from her smiling face. "Keeve?" Kaysa laughed and her gaze skittered from Zale to Shiv, before returning to the boy standing before her. "It's...so nice to meet you. I'm...I'm Kaysa."

"I know," he said with a shrug. "Shiv told me all about you. She said to be nice to you too because a bad man hurt you, but you look fine to me."

Kaysa was once again speechless and simply nodded her head. She laughed again, since laughter was the only way she could think of to convey how happy and excited she was to see the child she abandoned 10 years ago, a child she now wanted to hug and kiss and make her own again. "I'm so happy to see you, Keeve. We have so much to talk about."

"I suppose," he said almost warily. "What do you wanna know?"

Kaysa felt a knot forming in her throat, but one of regret and disappointment, not of joy. The disinterested look in his eyes, and the bland smiles he gave her clearly indicated he was nowhere near as excited as she was to see him. Kaysa said nothing and nodded her head again while keeping the tears back. "Well...we can save that for another time," she whispered. "We don't need to go too fast."

"Okay." Keeve sighed and looked up at Shiv. "Can I have a snack now, Auntie Shiv? I'm hungry."

Shiv looked down at Keeve with a look of disappointment that mirrored Kaysa's. "No," she said as tears formed in her eyes and threatened to spill down her cheeks. She let out a long sigh and then glanced up at Zale with a frown. "Sorry it took us so long to get here. We walked since we all wouldn't fit on the swoop."

Zale nodded. "It's alright," he said. "It gave Kaysa and I some time together."

Shiv gave him a tight smile, and quickly wiped the tears away, then looked back to Keeve. "Sorry, sweetie," she said. "But, you can have a snack later...if you're good."

Keeve jerked his hand away from Shiv's and folded his arms over his chest with a pout. The sight made Kaysa even more disheartened and hopeless. His grudge against her was stronger than she had prepared herself for. Kaysa buried her face against Zale's arm and asked quietly to be taken back to her bed.

Zale quietly assented, and helped her to the bed. Once there, he carefully helped her up under the covers.

Merrick stepped forward behind Shiv and Keeve, keeping his silent vigil over the situation. He looked over at Kaysa, the tears in his own eyes brimming. With slow, hesitant steps he edged closer until he was at her side. "You have no idea how good it is to look into your eyes again," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "Oh gods, Kaysa; I missed you."

"Merrick..." Kaysa smiled at him softly and raised her hand to his stubbled cheek. "My love... It's okay to touch me, you know. I'm not gonna break."

Merrick laughed and stepped forward, taking her hand into his and pulling himself closer. He gave her a long kiss. When he finally pulled away, the look of pure love he gave her would have set even the coldest heart beating rapidly.

"That's better," she said with a serene smile. "I've missed you too, Merrick." She shifted over and patted the bed for Merrick to take a seat. "How were the kids?" she asked with a glance in the direction of both Shiv and Keeve.

"They've bonded," Merrick said as he took the offered seat. "Though, I hate to be the one to have to break the news to you, but your child is a brat. I don't think your parents ever disciplined him once in his life."

Kaysa slipped her arms around Merrick's waist and nestled against him. "It's the same way they raised me...which explains a lot." She smiled tightly. "I took him away from his friends and his home. It's no wonder he's so defensive and bitter...and why he completely despises me."

Merrick laughed. "Don't worry," he said. "You're not alone in that. That I've been able to see there are only two people who have been denied that honour: Shiv and Zale."

"Well, tell me one person who despises Shiv...who's still alive, of course. And Zale has the ability to force people into liking him, whether they want to or not." Kaysa glanced up at Merrick and smiled warmly at him. "As long as I have you in this, I won't feel so bad anymore."

"The kid positively hates me," Merrick said with a laugh. "He calls me Moronic Merrick, though Shiv's put him on a tighter leash, and he usually catches himself before he calls me moronic anymore."

"Oh, my poor love." Kaysa couldn't suppress her laughter, even while attempting to comfort Merrick by stroking his cheek soothingly. "Well...we'll try and think up another name for him to use. Something catchy."

Merrick chuckled and shook his head. "Something catchy," he said. "Just as long as my fans don't start calling me that at my shows."

"Well, I'm the only fan that matters, and you can rest assured that I won't be calling you anything other than my heart, my soul, my Merrick." Kaysa kissed him tenderly then embraced him fervently. "I'm sorry if I scared you," she said softly. "I promise not to put you or Shiv or anyone through that again."

"As long as you're back with us," Merrick said, "that's all that matters. Now we just need to make sure we get Keeve loving you as much as the rest of us do."

"With that sweet mouth of yours, I'm surprised he hasn't taken an instant liking to you already, Braston." Kaysa pulled back and looked across the room at her son, apparently having a very animated discussion with Shiv. His hands were dancing in the air and he was making a pretty good impression of a roaring speederbike with his mouth. "I wanna talk to him," she said longingly. "But I don't know if he's ready for that...or me, for that matter."

Merrick glanced back at Shiv and Keeve and then sighed. "You should keep Shiv close since she's pretty good at controlling him. Though, I don't think I've ever seen her upset like she just was with him then. Maybe not upset, but at least disappointed. I think Keeve knew right then that he'd done something wrong."

"It was nothing really. It's just...I guess even after all this time, I thought maybe there was a chance he wouldn't resent me as much as he does." Kaysa smiled ruefully and whispered, "Wishful thinking..."

"I don't think he resents you for any of that," Merrick said. "I think he just resents most people. Though, I have a feeling he'll love you more than anything if you buy him everything he could ever want."

"The way to his heart... Just like your singing is the way to mine." Kaysa sighed and nodded her head decisively. "Alright. Give me five minutes alone with him. That is wise, isn't it? I won't require a bodyguard?"

"We can stay just outside the door," Merrick said. "If you need us, just...just call. But, if you want, I'm sure Shiv will be happy to stay in here with you. I'm sure everything will be fine though."

Kaysa nodded her head stiffly and managed a smile for Merrick. "Let Shiv stay. I haven't seen my girl for so long."

Merrick smiled and kissed Kaysa on the brow and then the lips. "Zale and I will go grab a kaffe outside." He glanced up at Zale who nodded. He kissed her once more, and then stood. "We'll be back soon."

"Okay, my love." Kaysa held his hand as he moved away from the bed and only let go when he was no longer within reach. Her eyes shifted to Shiv, who was still smiling brightly, then to Keeve, whose face held no joy, most likely at being forced to visit the one person he despised most in the world. "Shiv," she called out gently, "come sit by me."

---

"Dysfunctional Reunion, Part 2"
By: Merrick Braston
Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat
Keeve Zenarr [NPC]

Location: Yesdol Central Medical Centre - Yesdol, New Plouton
Date: Niothe 10, 4 ABY

***

Shiv glanced down at Keeve, and then hurried over to sit next to Kaysa. "Oh gods, I missed you, Kaysa. We were so worried sick, and then Zale... And, Keeve bit Merrick, and tried to burn down my studio. At least he's not doing anything like that anymore. He didn't like it here at first, but I think the hoverboard and beebleberry frazzie made him realize it's not so bad."

"You've been buying off my kid, Shiv?" Kaysa laughed, after overcoming her momentary shock upon hearing of Keeve's escapades, and pulled Shiv into an embrace. "I'm so glad to see you, Shiv. And thanks for taking care of Keeve so well. Knowing he's in safe hands makes everything a lot easier for me."

Shiv giggled and kissed Kaysa. "He's a really sweet boy...when he wants to be," she said. "We went to the beach earlier today, and it was a lot of fun. I was teaching him to swim. And, my life is about making your life easier...not to mention filling it with happiness and joy."

"And you do that easily enough." Kaysa glanced past her at Keeve, who was standing far from the bed and watching them both with a dour expression. "Uh...why don't you call him over to sit with us, Shiv? I wanna talk to him...if he wants to talk to me."

Shiv turned back to Keeve and gave him a smile. "Come on over, sweetie," she said. "Come be with us over here."

Keeve stared up from beneath long lashes, just like Kaysa's, and trudged forward sullenly. He stopped next to Shiv and rested his elbows atop the bed with his face in his hands. "I'm here," he said with a sigh. "Can we go soon, Auntie Shiv? You said we could go to sleep."

"We can go soon," Shiv said, and looked away. She took a deep breath and let it out. "Why don't you try to be a nice boy, and...and try to like Kaysa? Why can't you try that, Keeve? Why do you have to...to try to make me sad?"

Keeve looked genuinely hurt as he gazed up at Shiv. "I'm sorry, Auntie. I'm just...tired, that's all." He stood up tall and fixed his eyes on Kaysa's. Trying to be the little gentleman his Auntie wanted him to be, he stuck out his hand to Kaysa and shook hers rapidly. "A pleasure to meet you, Kaysa."

As he proceeded to draw his hand away, Kaysa retrieved it and smiled at him. She opened her fist and studied the tiny hand resting in her palm. Keeve looked up at Shiv with an almost frightened plea as Kaysa gently ran her finger over each of his. "Long and delicate, just like your father's," she mused. "He had beautiful hands." Her eyes flicked up to Keeve's as she added, "You have his mouth and his eyes. He would have been so proud of you. And I bet he regrets, as much as I do, ever leaving you."

Keeve slowly pulled his hand from Kaysa's and drew it up against his chest as if the touch had wounded it. He stared transfixed on Kaysa's face for a long, silent moment, then said quietly, "Zaletregat says I have your cheeks and your nose. I guess it means that you really are my mother."

Kaysa's face sank and tears came quickly as she heard the word spoken by Keeve's own mouth. She looked to Shiv, laughing, then back to Keeve before she unexpectedly leaned forward and pulled him into her arms. His feet dangled over the edge of the bed as she held him tightly. She kissed his cheeks furiously, then just held him close and closed her eyes while she buried her nose into his hair and took in his scent. "I'm so sorry I left you, Keeve. But one day, you'll see that it was for the best. It kept you safe and happy. You would never have been happy with me, not like I was then. But I'm different now. I want to be your mommy now. Please just give me a chance. I won't disappoint you, my dear, sweet boy."

Keeve nodded his head rigorously, anything to get her to loosen her grip and let him breathe normally again. "I promise, Kaysa. I'll try." She kissed him one last time, then set him back down. He took a step towards Shiv and clung securely to her hand.

Kaysa wiped away the tears from her cheeks and smiled down wistfully at Keeve. "We have so much catching up to do, and once I'm outta here, we're gonna start. And Auntie Shiv can help us. Right...Auntie?"

Shiv giggled and kissed away Kaysa's tears. "Of course Auntie Shiv will help," she said. "Auntie Shiv would love to help."

Kaysa used what little strength she had to embrace Shiv tightly. "Then I should start getting better so we can make a stubborn little boy love a stranger."

Shiv grinned. "I think we can make that happen," she said. "Especially with all the love we'll be giving him."

"I only hope he doesn't bite me. Poor Merrick..." Kaysa pulled back and looked down at Keeve. He was resting against Shiv, and appeared to be close to falling asleep in a very awkward standing position. "Take him home, Shiv," she said softly. "Don't wanna give him another reason to resent me by forcing him to stay awake when he'd rather be at home sleeping."

"I'll come back to visit you again tomorrow," Shiv said. "And, maybe I can get him more excited about seeing you. I love you, Kaysa. I missed you so much, and it's so wonderful to see you smiling again."

"I love you too, Shiv. I hope you've been treating Merrick good. He deserves it...poor guy. It seems ever since he's met me, his life has just been so complicated." Kaysa smiled wanly. "At least he has you, Shiv. You're so easy-going and carefree... It's refreshing and that's why I love you so much."

Shiv giggled and leaned close. "I was treating him good just before Zale called," she whispered with a grin. "When you are better, I decree that you have to spend some quality time with Merrick, and that means no Morality Guard either."

"When I'm better." Kaysa nodded her head and attempted a smile, which came out only as a frown. All she could think of, despite all else, was that child that had been within her, but was no more. It should have been Merrick's, was Zale's, but was now...nothing. At least she still had Keeve, even though he looked to prefer Shiv over her. But who wouldn't choose Shiv above all else?

Kaysa reclined back upon her pillow and drew her sheets up to her chin. "Will you call Zale and Merrick back in here? I wanna see them before I go to sleep myself."

"Sure thing," Shiv said. "When you're all better, maybe me, you, and Keeve can go to the park and we can watch him on his hoverboard. He can go really fast." She gave Kaysa a kiss, and then slipped out into the hall to find Merrick and Zale.

The two men were standing down a ways conversing in low tones, punctuated every once in awhile with a subdued laugh. Shiv approached slowly, nodded that everything was alright and gave each of them a kiss. "She'd like to see you two before she goes to sleep."

"You alright?" Merrick asked.

Shiv nodded. "Yeah," she said. "I'll be fine. It's just...Keeve was...it's like he doesn't even care. And..."

"With someone who loves Kaysa like you do, it's hard to fathom him not being the same."

Shiv nodded. "We should go back in before she goes to sleep."

Zale put an arm around her as the three of them silently returned to Kaysa's room. "You didn't tell her about last night, did you?"

Merrick turned. "Last night?"

"No," Shiv said with a tight frown. "And, I'll tell you later, Merrick. It's...it's not good, but...not now."

Merrick nodded and slipped his hands into hers. "It's alright," he said. "I'm getting used to it."

Shiv looked up at him and frowned. "It's hard enough as it is, sweetie," she said. "Please don't make it harder. It was difficult and bad, and I promise to tell you as soon as we have time alone. And, I promise we will have time."

Merrick nodded again and leaned close to brush his lips against Shiv's ear. "I look forward to that," he whispered. "Let's go visit Kaysa again."

They entered the room, and moved toward the bed where Kaysa lay with a hand brushing against Keeve's hair. Shiv smiled and moved to sit next to where Keeve softly snored. "Found them," she said.

"I see that," Kaysa replied softly. "They said I might be able to go home tomorrow," she told them as they gathered around the bed. "I'll need another bacta treatment, but... Anything to be back home with the two of you." Her eyes focused on Zale and she reached out to slip her hand into his. "Then we have some things to discuss."

"Like how Zale's gonna come live with us, and do all the cooking and cleaning? I like that discussion. Can we talk about that?"

Kaysa emitted a choked gasp and stared awestruck at Shiv. "How the-- Zale...did you tell them already? Why didn't you wait for me?"

Zale looked stunned and stared at Shiv. "I didn't say anything."

Shiv giggled and looked between Kaysa and Zale. "Oh gods...that's what you guys really wanted to talk to us about?" She quickly covered her mouth with a hand before the fit of giggles woke Keeve.

Merrick only laughed. "We can talk about it tomorrow night," he said. "After Zale and I cook a marvelous dinner for the two of you, and Keeve too."

Kaysa grimaced at Shiv, then laughed softly and threw up her hands. "How can I argue with that?" She shot a wary glance at Merrick and added, "I didn't know you could cook? Why haven't you ever cooked for us before?"

The two men exchanged a glance, and then looked back to Kaysa. "Well, we were thinking of getting one of those cooking books tomorrow," he said. "I'm-- I'm sure everything will be fine though. Just...just don't worry, at all. We'll take care of everything."

Kaysa's nervous smile wasn't one either Merrick or Zale could miss, and as she looked at Shiv, she noticed the same expression on her face. "Boys, boys... I survived a vibrodagger in the gut; I don't plan on dying of food poisoning."

Zale laughed and moved closer. "Don't worry," he said. "I've done enough cooking to know not to poison anything, and Merrick agreed to help me out. I promise you, there will be no poisoning."

"Well then...who am I to pass up a free meal from my two boys?" Kaysa craned her neck to kiss Zale, but she stared past him at Shiv with a look of utter terror in her eyes.

Shiv fought harder to control her giggles, now clamping both hands over her mouth to stifle the giggles that now shook her body.

Merrick looked at Shiv and laughed. "We better get out of here before Shiv explodes in a fit of giddiness," he said. "Though, she is very cute when she giggles like that."

Zale kissed Kaysa, and smiled. "I'll be back in a few to tuck you in for the night, my love," he said. "I'll just walk them to the exit, if that's alright with you."

"It's fine. Just... I wanna give Keeve one kiss before he goes, and while he's still asleep and unable to refuse."

"Here," Zale said, offering Kaysa his arm so she could move forward to her son. "I like how he looks very peaceful when he's asleep...no frowns or scowls. I wonder what he's dreaming about."

"Most likely about murdering his mother," Kaysa replied with a sour grin. She didn't let Keeve's indifference and disdain keep her from placing a tender, soft kiss upon his cheek and running a hand across his brow. "Good night, my sweet boy. Mommy loves you, whether you like it or not." She laughed gently and with Zale's aid, was propped against her pillows again. "Let him sleep in tomorrow. I'll just see him when I get home."

"I don't think we'll have to worry about him having trouble sleeping," Shiv said with a smile. "He had a big day, and I'm not even sure if he'll be awake when you get home."

Merrick leaned in for a kiss from Kaysa. "Have a good sleep, my love," he whispered. "I'll see you tomorrow, and maybe I'll even play my new song for you."

"Oh, I have a feeling I'm going to be spoiled to no end," Kaysa said with a grin. She kissed Merrick again while running her hand along his cheek. "I can't wait."

Merrick stepped back as Shiv greedily stepped forward. "I'll see you tomorrow," she said as she kissed Kaysa. "I hope the doctors will let me sleep in your bed with you though. I need some nice, warm, Kaysa time."

"And I need to have some girl talk time with my silly wench girlfriend." Kaysa embraced Shiv affectionately and kissed her upon the cheek. "Now don't forget to keep Merrick happy. He's always been very sensitive and I don't want him to get down about having to wait one more day until getting into my pants."

Shiv giggled. "Oh, don't worry," she said with a grin. "I'm wearing a skirt with no undies. I thought I'd make it easy on him. See you tomorrow, my love." She kissed Kaysa again with longing, and then stepped back to stand near Keeve.

"No, evil Merrick," Keeve's garbled voice said. He shifted in the seat his listless, sleeping body was curled up on. "I'll save you...Auntie. Evil Merrick..."

Merrick looked down at Keeve and laughed. He looked over at Kaysa and shrugged. "What can I say?"

Shiv crouched down next to Keeve and brushed a hand over his forehead. "Keeve sweetie," she said softly. "Time to wake up. Time to go home."

"But I have to-- Merrick's..." Keeve groaned and swatted tiredly at the hand upon his head. He turned over in the chair and reluctantly opened his eyes. "Oh...Auntie Shiv. Is it bath time again?"

Shiv giggled. "It's not bath time, silly boy," she said. "It's sleep time. Now, up you go, and I'll carry you home."

Keeve automatically held his arms out and sighed as he was scooped up into Shiv's embrace. He nestled his head against her bosom and gladly returned to sleep.

"At least while he's asleep," Kaysa commented with a sly grin, "he can't bite or call you names, Merrick, my poor, abused love."

Merrick smiled. "That is true," he said. He flexed his hand that Keeve had bitten and laughed. "We should get going before he wakes up and decides to make a snack of my other hand. See you tomorrow, Kaysa."

"Good night, Merrick. Night, Shiv." She grinned at Zale and added quietly, "And I'll see you in a bit, big man."

After another round of goodbyes, Zale finally hustled Merrick, Shiv, and Keeve out of Kaysa's room. They all walked to the exit in quiet, and once there, Shiv looked up at Zale and smiled. "She looks good," she said. "Tell her I said that. And, I'll see you tomorrow, Zale." After a quick kiss, she and Merrick walked out of the hospital and off toward the apartment.

Inside, Zale returned to Kaysa's room, and moved to the chair next to her bed. "That seemed to go alright," he said.

"What part of it?" Kaysa asked dryly. "I mean, once he fell asleep, it was alright. At least Shiv seems able to control him. And did you see Merrick? He looks a mess, Zale. He never goes unshaven. And his hair..." Kaysa shook her head slowly and sighed. "I really have to get outta this place and set things right. I have to make everything good and happy again."

"If anyone can do it," Zale said as he took her hand, "it's you. I know Shiv's good at making things good and happy, but I don't think she can tie everything together the way you can, Kayse. And, I know you can do it this time. Maybe when we get that mansion together, we can see how good you and I can be at making some good...even though it's a nine month process..."

Kaysa smiled warmly at Zale and squeezed his hand gently. "You mean it? You're not just saying you want one because I do? You really want one? I mean, at the party I was trying to figure out how you'd react when I told you about the baby, but I lost my nerve. But you do want one?"

"If it's yours and mine," Zale said with a smile, "of course I want one. And, Merrick's a good enough guy, that I think if you were to have his baby, I'd be almost equally happy. But, yes, I do want one. I want to make a baby with you, Mrs. Tregat, a beautiful baby girl with your eyes and smile, and my...hair."

Kaysa furrowed her brow pensively as she trapped a strand of braided hair between her fingers and lifted it to the light for examination. "I don't know... It just seems like such unmanageable hair." Kaysa grinned at Zale and let the braid fall back into place. "I'll see what I can do, Mr. Tregat. But one thing for certain, this baby will be yours. I could ask Merrick to start using protection, this way I don't have to and we can start as soon as possible."

She looked down at her hand within Zale's and felt herself forcing back a sob. "I wasn't sure, when I suspected I was pregnant, but now that it's gone, I know I wanted that baby more than anything, Zale. And I know I've said before that this marriage was merely one of convenience and a simple business arrangement, but it's more than that now. I'm your wife, and even though I didn't think I wanted to be that before we got married, I know now that it's one of the smartest things I've ever done."

Zale couldn't help smiling anymore than he could help the tears that slipped down his cheeks. "I never expected it to be like this, and I don't think anything in life could have made me as happy as being your husband has. I love you, Kaysa, and we're gonna have a baby together. A beautiful baby, born from our love." He looked at her bed and chuckled softly. "Do you think they'd mind too much if you had company in your bed tonight? I really don't know if I'll be able to sleep tonight without you in my arms."

Kaysa shifted aside on the bed and turned down the covers. "I was just about to offer," she said with a gentle smile. "Hop in and...hold me, Zale. Just hold me, and I'll hold you, my love."

Zale quickly stripped down and climbed under the covers with Kaysa. "You know, I can't remember the last time we just slept in a bed together."

"Zale...I don't think we ever have." Kaysa slipped her arms around his waist and lightly kissed his bared chest. "Although, with only that underwear on, I'm not sure if I can hold off from doing more than just sleep."

"We don't want to wake the neighbours, and these walls are very thin, so we may have to try to be quiet." He gave her a kiss and then grinned. "Are you up for trying to be quiet?"

"Why don't we try that for another time. Tonight," she said as her head moulded perfectly to the crook of his arm, "we practice loving each other in another way. And you can talk me to sleep by telling me all those things I don't yet know about my husband."

Zale smiled with contentment and he pressed his lips to her forehead. "Well, how about I start out by telling you how I ended up on this planet, and started a criminal empire here in the heart of depravity. It all began when I ran afoul of an Imperial Customs search, and afterwards needed some place neutral to keep my head down..."

Kaysa lay cradled in Zale's arms, listening to his eventful, and sometimes bloody, beginnings on Tae'Karada while gazing not out at the stars, but into his eyes. They sparkled now, when before they had been nothing more than solid black spheres that left her only with a chill in her bones. There was warmth in them that soothed the dull aches in her body and lulled her to sleep, which they did a short time later with her lips to Zale's cheek and her very soul completely under his spell.

---

"Due Consideration"
By: Syan Daywalker - Bounty Hunter
and Zen Wayland - Smuggler

Location: Thanatos Outskirts
Date: Niothe 10, 4ABY

***

Overnight in New Plouton had gone well for Syan. The bounty for Wessel had done much to ease the hurt on his finances. Paying for good information was expensive. As was running a ship of ir's size and paying his sister's tuition. Even after he'd sent five percent to the Tarabassic for Oot Kovan's assistance in tracking down Wessel, he still had more than enough walk-around money left. His celebrations hadn't been extravagant, but they had served to relieve some tension for a while.

He was piloting alone, Eighteen was powered down in the droid hold in the rear of the ship, recharging. Syan didn't mind the solitude. It was the life he'd chosen for himself, and over time he'd come to appreciate the value of the lifestyle. Other creatures were distractions. They added complications he didn't want, and didn't need.

ir descended from the gossamer clouds over the desert wasteland, following the beacons toward Thanatos. The squat buildings and durable, slab-style construction was unmistakable. It was as if someone had picked up Mos Indra from Tatooine and dropped it on this other world to make him feel at home.

Zen Wayland laid face up on the hull of the Basilisk, watching as the silver dagger shaped ship descended and landed. He had been on his way to New Plouton, when his 'good' friend in the traffic control was persuaded again. He had been told that the ir was already on its way back to this godforsaken place.

"Beechee wawa!" Salab cried out from beside him, pointing at the silver specter.

"Yes, impressive, isn't it?" Zen said, patting the furball on the back. "Bounty Hunters travel in style. Now stay here."

Wayland waited for the ship to land, and then clambered back into his ship and down his own extended ramp. He decided to walk the half mile, patting his axe under his long coat. He had brought it just in case. Tana had warned that Syan didn't take to strangers well. He eyed the dark man as he walked down his own ramp.

"Mr. Daywalker, I presume!" Zen called out. "Nice ship!"

Syan had left most of his weapons aboard the ship and had come outside in a black sleeveless shirt. He still had the throwing darts strapped to his thigh, and strapped to the other was a Merr-Sonn Munitions DD6 blaster pistol. Syan felt safe enough, but unpredictability was the name of the game in this universe, and people walking up to his ship unannounced was firmly set in the realm of the unusual.

He continued down the ramp, followed by an R5 droid. The droid was silver with white accenting, as was its companion, an R2, rolling about the top of the ship toward the port engine that needed some maintenance. The droid's flowerpot head swiveled one of the lenses to look at the newcomer as its body came to a stop beside its master. Syan waved him off. "Get to work." The droid beeped obediently and rolled off to do its repairs.

Syan turned his attention to the newcomer. He ignored the compliment. "I'm Daywalker. What do you want?"

"Name's Zen Wayland. I'm a friend of your sister's" Zen said, fiddling in his pocket for the datacube. He pulled the small device out and tossed it to Syan. "I'm simply here to deliver a message from her."

Syan caught the cube and looked at it, then the delivery man. He rolled the polymer device in his fingertips, watching the harsh sunlight prism on his palm. "You said you got this from my sister?" His hazel eyes narrowed. "My sister doesn't have any friends that carry weapons under their coats."

"You haven't spoken to your sister in a while, Mr. Daywalker," Zen replied. "I can assure you, Tana and I are indeed friends. Her message will show you that. Actually, she was the one who suggested I carry the weapon under my coat. She warned that you do not like strangers and she feared for my well being."

Syan offered the stranger a tight smile, revealing the tips of the sharpened canines. "Tana's always been a smart girl," he acceded. "Come with me, Wayland." The bounty hunter turned on his heel and started back up the black ramp. He led Zen inside and back toward one of the remaining tech stations.

Zen whistled in thetic appreciation as he followed Syan into the ship. "Nope...they don't make them like they used to. Where'd you get this thing anyways? Last time I saw one of these it was near Coruscant and it definately wasn't in this good of condition."

Syan stopped in front of the tech stations and inserted the cube in one of the many data inputs. Syan tapped in his passcode quickly and waited for the computer to decrypt the message. While it did, he looked over his shoulder. "It used to belong to a client who hired me to bring back his wives who had run off with his money. In a couple of days, they'd spent off his money, but I brought them back anyway. I convinced him it was in his interest to find something else to pay me with, and I took his ship."

The computer chirped, and Syan faced the screen again and tapped the PLAY key.

"Hello, Syan. I am sure this has reached you well. I'm also sure you have already met Zen. He's a good friend and has been nothing but loyal and straight forward in the time that I have know him." The young girl paused, her face turning downward. She took a deep breath and began again. "The reason why I haven't talked to you in awhile is because I made a very big decision. I joined the Rebellion awhile back. I helped them take back Coruscant from the Empire. Now, I know what you're going to say, but I don't know how it is out there. But here in the Core world's it's chaos. The University itself was shut down for a few months, that's when I met Zen. The Rebellion was my best bet and I truly believe in their cause. I hope you can forgive me, Syan. Especially, considering I'm sticking you with paying Zen's delivery charge. What are big brother's for, huh? I love you, Syan, and I hope I will get to see you soon."

Syan spun and grabbed Zen, throwing him over the hip and pinning him by the throat against a bulkhead. Zen's feet dangled. The muscles in Syan's arms pulsed with the effort of holding a man his own size with one arm, but adrenaline made it more than possible. "Talk!" Syan growled, "Were you her contact? Did you convince her to throw away her life to join the Rebels?"

Zen kicked out, hitting the darker man in the chest, while his arm reached out and punched Syan inside his elbow. He dropped to the floor, and quickly unsheathed his axe, putting it between himself and the bounty hunter.

"I ain't part of the Rebellion, Daywalker," Zen explained. "Sure, I sympathize with their cause but that's as far as I go. I do a few errands when they ask nicely, other than that, our relationship is very open. I told her that she should stay with the University but she wouldn't have it. She was gonna join the Rebellion anyways, so I just introduced her to the right people. It was either that, or watch her ask the wrong people and have her head cut off. She's a stubborn girl, and I can see it runs in the family."

If one could watch Syan's mind work, it would look like a web of alternatives with predictable results. He operated in an almost Boolean way, mentally reporting falses whenever a proposed solution didn't result in what he wanted. The web exploded in his mind, quickly eliminating the most obvious negatives, one by one the threads disappeared until he had a core set of options.

He clenched his fist and straightened his arm to stretch the bruised muscles and ease the pulsing in the crushed nerves. Pins and needles radiated along the length of his arm, but did nothing more than mildly discomfit him. He still had full use of the arm to snatch the axe from Zen's grip. He threw it behind him where it clattered on the polished metal floor. "Get this straight, Wayland. If you are interested in breathing, don't you ever pull a weapon on me again." The option Syan had come to, came by way of his intuition. He got no vibe that Wayland was lying. "Hurry up, and get off my ship. I'm going to get my sister."

"Not without my pay, and not without my axe," Zen said simply. "Besides, if I don't know where Tana is, I seriously doubt you could find her."

Something about the familiar way the smuggler referred to his sister ticked Syan Daywalker off, but he ignored the impulse to wring more answers out of the man. Zen was harmless enough, and obviously not very bright if he had already forgotten what line of work Syan was in. "I'll find her," he muttered with conviction, stepping out of the way so Zen could retrieve his axe.

When Zen moved to take it, Syan looked at him. "How much did she promise you for the delivery?"

"250 Credits," Zen replied, taking his axe and placing it back in its place. "Even if you do find her, what are you going to do? Force her to go with you, as if she would be safer? You know her better than I do. You know how stubborn she is. Do you think she'll actually listen to you?"

Again the familiarity. If Syan harbored any doubts about Zen's bona fides where his sister was concern, his pegging her personality had dispelled them. "She doesn't have to listen. She just has to do what I say." Syan slipped a cred stick from a pouch on his waist and handed it to the smuggler. "That should take care of your fee and more besides."

Zen took the stick. He never would turn down a cred. "I doubt she'll do that either. And considering she's with a hell of a lot of people who will protect her, forcing her to go with you will end up ugly."

Syan held no illusions about who it would end up ugly for if anyone ever tried to get in between he and Tana. "I'm not worried about that. Who precisely did you leave her with?"

"Mon Mothma. I figured if she was going to be risking her life, she might as well do it in the safest place possible," Wayland explained. "And considering the highest generals in the Rebellion don't know where that woman is most of the time...well, you figure it out."

Everyone knew who Mon Mothma was, and her importance to the Rebellion was known as widely. If there was anyone or anything the Rebellion would be protecting, it would be her. And by consequence, those closest to her. Grudgingly, Syan had to admit that Zen had made a wise decision.

The option web again dropped threads, coming up with the only logical choice: to leave her be.

Syan took the data cube from the receptacle and his sister's smiling face disappeared from the screen. Carefully he held it. "You have your money, you can go now. I have work to do on my ship."

"So...what are you up to now...ya know, considering you know I'm right and you'll leave Tana be, what are your future plans?" Zen asked, curiously, as he leaned against a bulkhead. He knew he was pressing his luck, but what the heck. He had nothing better to do.

Looking almost surprised the other man was still there, Syan shrugged slightly. "I have a job, a bounty. Once I clear that up, I can see about getting Tana out of that fool Rebellion." He turned at a slight clanking coming from farther back in the ship.

Eighteen was standing there. "Master Syan, R5 reports that.. oh, we have a guest." The protocol droid shuffled over to Zen. "Hello, sir, I am AC-18, Aide to Master Syan Daywalker. Who might you be?"

"Zen Wayland. A pleasure to meet you AC-18. Salab would love to get his hands on you," the man said, looking at the gleaming droid. He turned his attention back to his host. "So who's this bounty anyways?"

"None of your business, now get the hell off my ship!" played on a wild loop in Syan's mind. Instead, he said, "Just a smuggler that needs finding. Merchandise with a price."

***

Syan shook his head. "No way, out of the question. I don't do partners."

"Oh come now. You're going after a smuggler with a rep for escaping entire Imperial fleets. Do you really think you can take care of a barve like that by yourself?" Zen asked, putting the emphasis on on the implications.

"I can handle it," Syan countered, looking up from the flight couch, "One space rat is like any other, and Vader had them all wiped out. If they were such hot stuff, so many of them wouldn't be dead." The prospect of partners always irritated Syan, among other things that did so. Partners were baggage, something else to worry about. You had to worry about them screwing up and getting themselves, or you, killed. Or just out to kill you from the beginning in double-cross. A smart barve avoided situations like that.

He glared openly at Zen, wanting the man gone, but said nothing. He just sat and sipped his Riallan mineral water.

"Says you," Wayland pointed out. "I know their type. I've lived with them, worked with them. Hell, I am their type. And if you think they're not always looking over their shoulder, waiting for somebody just like you to call their number, you're sorely mistaken. I see you got a fancy sword, but that won't do diddly-squat against a thermal detonator."

---

"Promotion"
by Shrezade Anoran
and Rilanna Kir

Location: Drogen Shipyards, In orbit over Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 10, 4ABY

***

"What the hell does my personal life and who I sleep with have to do with my job?"

Hajne turned in her seat and looked at the closed door to Reza's room with mild shock. No one talked to Shrezade Anoran that way, but she figured the man already had it in for himself, so one more offence wasn't going to do much damage. She had to lean forward and squint to even pick up bits of Reza's reply. Her voice was calm and even-toned. It took much to rile Reza and even when she was, her demeanour remained as nonchalant and indifferent as it always was.

That seemed to enrage Chran even more so. She heard what could only have been his hands slapping down aggressively upon Reza's desk. She wasn't the best employer, but Hajne still had it in her right mind to call a security team up there and have the lecherous brute hauled away. In fact, she was in the process of doing so when Rilanna Kir walked through the door.

Hajne scrambled up out of her seat and hurried to the woman before she let herself into Reza's office...again. "Oh...ma'am, I don't think now would be a good time to go in there. Mrs. Anoran is...with a guest right now."

Rilanna glanced toward the door and frowned. "Someone's not happy," she said. "Mrs. Anoran asked to see me, and I'm here. Though, I guess I can wait until all of the skin has been removed from his bones in there. It's Chran isn't it? What happened to get him so riled?"

Hajne looked nervous for a moment, then she leaned forward and whispered, "Mrs. Anoran found out he was sleeping with one of the station's prostitutes and now she's firing him. I heard the whole thing--" Hajne cleared her throat and laughed uncomfortably. "I mean...people talk and well...that's what they've been saying, of course."

Rilanna nodded. "He's lucky he's only being fired," she said. "I would have expected him to be sent through an airlock for something so...despicable. At least, he's being fired before his...weakness could be exploited."

Hajne opened her mouth to reply, but she emitted only a squeak as the door to Reza's office hissed open and Chran tramped out. His face was red and his eyes were filled with silent rage, which flared up when he saw Rilanna. He stopped before her and looked upon her with disdain and resentment. He knew all about her arrangement with Reza, and it was easy enough to deduce why she was here now. The only sound he made was a snarling laugh before he resumed his stormy exit, shouldering past Rilanna intentionally as he did.

"Oh, I never liked that one," Hajne commented. "Frankly, I think he had an eye for the boss, but she never budged. I think he's more angry about that than anything. Humph."

"He had an eye for the impossible," Rilanna said, and then started toward the door to Shrezade Anoran's office. "Do you suppose it's safe for me to go in?" Without waiting for an answer, she silently pushed through the still-open door into the office. "You wished to see me, Mrs. Anoran?"

Reza's mood was almost pleasant and warm as she smiled at Rilanna and motioned towards a free chair before the desk. "You look well, Rilanna. How have you been?"

"Good," Rilanna said as she took the offered seat. "Though, we're going to have to convert another section of one of the cargo bays into a detention area. I brought in three yesterday, and they had to double them up in cells."

"And you may continue to do so. If they fight and in the process kill one another, what concern is it of ours?" Reza nodded her head, however, and added, "But if converting a part of the cargo bay is what you require, then feel free to do so."

Rilanna smiled. "Unless we wanted to ship the scum down to Admiral Tarkin on the planet," she said. "Either way, we need more room to house them."

Reza's mouth twisted into a grimace as she corrected Rilanna. "Grand Admiral Tarkin, you mean." She sighed and rose from her chair. Her hands went to her waist as she paced the room compulsively. "That is why I wanted to speak to you. That and because I have a proposition for you, Ms. Kir."

Rilanna watched Reza as she paced and fought back the urge to stand herself. "I'm listening," she said.

"I fired Chran," she said bluntly. "He is no longer my head of security." Reza paused and looked sidelong at Rilanna. "It would please me if you took the position in his place, Ms. Kir."

Rilanna was taken aback by the question, and sat stunned for several moments before she looked up into Reza's eyes. "I'd be honoured to."

"Good," Reza replied. She moved casually back to her seat and sat stiffly upon it. Now that the introductory trivialities were completed, it was time to attack the crux of the discussion. "You may have noticed an increase in Imperial presence upon the station recently."

"Yes," Rilanna said. "I did notice that. You can hardly take down a piece of scum without a stormtrooper spoiling a shot." She grinned. "Though, I've noticed people are generally much better behaved now, at least until you get down into the lowest levels."

"Those in the lower levels are no better than wild animals. It would take rigorous punishment and conditioning to correct their behaviour." Reza sighed wearily and rested back against her chair. "Their commanding officer during their stay is a Major Dane Weyland. You may have seen him around. He's the arrogant one who roams my station under the presumption he has some right to be here."

Rilanna laughed softly. "As a matter of fact, I think I did see him. He was down a couple levels with a squad of troopers. You're right, he does act like this is his station."

Reza grimaced again and nodded slowly. "I don't mind allowing the Empire to use my station as a building yard, but that man... I do not trust him, Rilanna, yet he has been given permission to do whatever and go wherever he pleases. This, I disapprove of, but I cannot prevent him from doing so."

"I understand," Rilanna said as she chewed her bottom lip thinking of options that might be able to help Shrezade out. "Did he tell you what his orders on the station are? Perhaps he can be tied up in the bureaucratic red tape that the Empire excels at creating. If we can keep his movements limited to those of his duty, then we can keep him constrained."

"He has authorized access to the section of the docking and ship repair bays he has commandeered, as well as access to the civilian sections of the station, but he has no such access to restricted zones." Reza shrugged and folded her hands atop the surface of the desk. "Perhaps if he is found attempting to gain access to those sections..." She grinned at Rilanna. "I am certain you will be keeping a close eye on him, Ms. Kir. You are my head of security, after all, and it is your duty to uphold the safety of this station."

"I would be remiss in not keeping an eye on the major," Rilanna said with a grin of her own. "However, I will be as discreet as possible in my observations. It would be a severe black mark on his record if he were to be caught doing something in violation of standing station regulations."

"I am so very glad we understand each other, Ms. Kir. And aside from observing him closely, you will be allowed to oversee the operations he is conducting. You will make a report of what is being done and assess whether the operations in any way endangers the safety of this station. Is this acceptable?"

"It is," Rilanna said with a smile. "I will provide as thorough reports as I can on his operation and movements around the system. If the man has indigestion from that seafood shop on level sixty, you'll know about it."

"Very good, Ms. Kir." Reza leaned forward again with a most satisfied smile upon her face. "And to facilitate your duty, Ms. Kir, would it not be beneficial if you met the man? It is easier to track someone if you know how they think, and a sure way to do that is to judge their personality for yourself."

"It is definitely much easier to track someone with whom you are familiar, and to out-think them. But, yes, it would be very beneficial for me to meet the man."

"Good," Reza replied. "Then you will join us both tomorrow evening for dinner. Will you not?"

"You move fast," Rilanna said with a laugh. "I will acquire an appropriate dress for the evening, unless you think I should attend wearing standard duty attire."

Reza tapped the desktop pensively, then gave Rilanna a cunning smile. "No, Rilanna. Something less than appropriate I think. You are a very attractive and charming woman. If he sees that, it could give you an advantage. He's more likely to divulge certain things to a beautiful woman than to the head of my security force."

Ril smiled and raised an eyebrow. "I'll make sure to get something quite inappropriate then," she said. "Though, not too inappropriate. Enough to entice, I think. How far should I go in gaining Major Weyland's trust?"

"I think if you went too far too soon, he would become suspicious. As much as I hate to admit it, he is a clever man, but I believe you are just as clever, Ms. Kir." Reza studied Rilanna's face intently, then asked, "How far would you be willing to go, I would like to know. You are a woman of principles and integrity, but you always like to excel at what you do. You are ambitious, and sometimes that can make people go to great lengths to achieve success. So...how far would you go to achieve that, Rilanna?"

"I won't marry him," Rilanna said with a smile. "But, the rest is fair game as far as I'm concerned. As long as the objective is completed, then I will do whatever is necessary."

Reza raised a brow then nodded slowly. "I trust your judgment, Ms. Kir. I will not ask you to do anything against your principles or beliefs, but if you feel it necessary to go to certain lengths with him..." She smiled knowingly and settled back against her chair. "Dinner is at 19:00 hours in my quarters. I am anxious to see how you and Major Weyland get along."

"It shall definitely be an interesting hunt," Rilanna said. "I don't plan on doing anything I don't need to with him, but if I see no other ways to success, I won't hesitate." Rilanna smiled. "I'll be at your quarters on time and wearing something scandalously salacious and sure to catch the major's attention."

"Perhaps the shock of seeing such a stunning woman will cause him to choke on his Mon Cal shrimp," she said whimsically. "I will owe you much if that does transpire."

Rilanna couldn't stifle her fit of giggles. "Well, if it does, I'll have to ask for a bigger raise, or something extravagant. Well, I won't be wearing one of those hideous dresses they wear down on the planet, but I will have something suitably sensual and exotic to wear."

"I think that would be very amusing, Rilanna," Reza said with a laugh. "It would be utterly tragic if you broke the man's heart...and if you could, perhaps a limb or two."

"I'll see what I can arrange," Ril said. "Though, I'll have to make it look like he forced me into it or it was an accident. We don't need the animosity with the Empire here along with the scum."

Reza's smile took on a sinister quirk. "You are quite the vindictive woman, Rilanna Kir. My opinion of you has just become heightened. I am so very glad I fired that perverted scoundrel."

"I assure you that you won't have the same problem with me," Rilanna said. "While I may go as far as sleeping with the major, I won't be associating with any joyboys or otherwise sullying the reputation of this station's administration."

"Of course not, because I too can be vindictive, Rilanna, and if you do not wish for the same fate as shall befall Major Weyland, you will guard your actions and do nothing to insult me, or my station."

Rilanna smiled. "I like it here," she said. "So you can be assured I won't be doing anything to jeopardize my position or our friendship. Whatever I need to do to convince Major Weyland will not go beyond the bounds of decency in public, I assure you. And, I'll make sure you get full reports of everything I find. Perhaps we can handle the reports over lunches."

Reza looked down at her hands to hide the softened grin Reza's suggestion inspired. "Lunches would be...acceptable. I'm certain I can fit them into my schedule."

"I look forward to being able to give you those reports," Rilanna said. "For tomorrow night, and I hate having to ask this question, how much skin showing is too much? I know I want to entice the major, but I don't want to offend you in the process. I just don't want to step over the line of acceptability."

"Well...I am uncertain as to how much flesh men go for these days. He is not a native of Tae'Karada, so he may be a little more conservative. As for me," Reza said as she reclined back against her chair, "as long as you are not exposing anything that shouldn't normally be exposed, I think I will be tolerant for one evening and allow you to dress in particularly daring attire."

"I'll find something out on the main shopping promenade later on," she said. "Something sexy, while still retaining an air of the conservative."

"Have an element of both just in case he leans more towards one than the other..." Reza nodded sagely. "A wise plan, Rilanna. I knew you were right for this position."

"I won't let you down, Shrezade," Rilanna said with a smile. "I think we work very well together, and we'll have this place free of scum in no time."

"And if Major Weyland's operations interfere with that, he will truly suffer." Reza gazed silently at Rilanna for a stretch of time that was nearing awkwardly long, then she laughed softly. "I still must thank you for that wonderful evening at the Hutt's party. It was truly delightful, Rilanna, even when we were dodging blaster fire."

"I thought that was one of the best parts," Rilanna said with a laugh. "That was a fun night. Well, except for being surrounded by all that scum. But, overall..."

"I wouldn't exactly say I have a desire to do that again, but attending functions with you is a foreseeable arrangement." Reza hid her smile and continued as if they were discussing business, rather than two friends conversing amiably. "I mean...having a bodyguard there would be advantageous, and having a person I actually like being that bodyguard will certainly make rather dull gatherings slightly more tolerable."

"I agree completely," Rilanna said. "We can protect each other from the...less savory elements of this existence." She smiled. "I think I'm going to like being the head of security here. I've already got a few ideas I'd like to implement."

"I don't know whether to call you presumptuous or practical. Either way, I would certainly like to hear a little more about these plans. We can discuss it now or during one of our lunches."

Rilanna laughed. "That sounds like a great idea," she said. "And, I think it's more practical than presumptuous. I'll want to establish my place as head of security, and I think making a few changes will help me do that. But, since I'm not going to be as active in hunting down the bounties, I'll have to compensate."

Reza's brow furrowed and her face took on the deeply serious expression it did when she was strictly discussing business. "Oh, but you must still perform your duty to me, Rilanna. You are the best I have. You must remain on the hunt. And to allow you time to do so, you will be required to work only as long as you think you must to perform your duties as my security officer. All other time will be spent down below."

Rilanna nodded. "Okay," she said. "Then I will dedicate full time to hunting the scum downbelow, and the rest acting as your head of security. I'll make certain to select a competent assistant who can take care of things while I'm working on my other assignment."

"Good. I knew you would be able to handle your new position, Rilanna. And I believe your first duty will be to make certain my former head of security leaves this station as soon as possible." Reza frowned with distaste and added contemptibly, "Practically abetting and certainly contributing to the crime on my station. Insubordination and negligence of the duty he swore to uphold...and not to mention betrayal. I will not allow that to happen again."

"I will see that he's gone immediately," Rilanna said. "If I need to, I will have his belongings shipped to him. He will definitely be off the station within the hour, and sooner if I can manage it."

Reza found only satisfaction and admiration in Rilanna's enthusiasm and drive. She had chosen correctly indeed. "Well then, Rilanna, you may have his old office as well. I presume you know where it is, and also, I have taken the liberty of adding you to the payroll already. I had a feeling you would agree to my proposal, so as of twenty minutes ago, you've been working officially for the Drogen Shipyards. The other members of security have been notified and should give you no trouble, but I'm sure you can handle yourself if they do."

"Do you know if any were particularly loyal to Chran? I imagine if I am going to have trouble with any of them, it'll be the ones who held strong loyalties to him."

"I am afraid I can't help you there, Ms. Kir. I know I should have paid more attention..." Reza sighed. "If you would like, you can have each questioned and assessed. If you feel they will be tough to sway, you of course have permission to fire them."

"I think it would be best for me to assess them myself," Rilanna said. "If any of them gives me difficulties, I'll make sure they know where things stand, and give them the choice to shape up or follow Chran out an airlock."

Reza emitted an abrupt, shrewd laugh and slapped her hands together. "Oh, Rilanna...you are quite amusing. I do so enjoy your company. I think dinner will be quite interesting, and your sense of humour and wit can only aid you in seducing Major Weyland. I believe he thinks himself quite humorous," Reza said with a grimace.

"We'll see," Rilanna said with a laugh. "Though, with that reaction, I do have to wonder what sort of sense of humour the man has. I guess I'll find out tomorrow night. I imagine you will be seating me next to him? When I get my dress, I'll let you know which side I should be seated on. Unless I just get a skirt that's slit up both sides."

"Whatever you think will work best. I think as well, you should show up late. Major Weyland and I can have already found our seats, so that when you walk in, you will be the focus of attention."

Rilanna smiled and couldn't help the look of admiration that crossed her features. "Me in my oh-so-sexy outfit," she said. "Well, I will have to make certain it is definitely enticing from the front, though perhaps a surprise in the back as well. To keep him guessing. I wonder if when the evening is over, he'll be a gentleman and offer to walk me back to my apartment."

"And hopefully to come in." Reza glanced up at Rilanna, and slowly grinned. "We truly must plan more devious schemes such as this, Rilanna. It truly is enjoyable."

"Oh, I could definitely get used to plotting with you," Rilanna said. "I think we have a certain knack for it." She thought for a moment, and then smiled. "It is a good thing my apartment has a bed large enough for gathering information...if it comes to that."

"And I am glad I provided you with such a bed." Reza cleared her throat, yet her mouth twitched with beginnings of another laugh. "If it comes to that, of course."

"We'll see," Rilanna said. "I don't know how well this will all work. I've never really done this sort of thing before, so I'll just have to hope I'm doing the right things to interest him. Hopefully enough skin will do the trick without me having to use any finesse."

"Woman have a natural ability for seduction. You will do fine, Rilanna. And I will be there, so there is nothing to worry about."

"I have to admit that I can't wait to see how this turns out," Ril said. "I just hope he doesn't...suspect. I'll try to not come on too strong, or too fast."

"A wise strategy. But, once you find out what works best with him, you will have no trouble seducing him, my dear."

"Thank you," Rilanna said with a grin. "And, once that happens, whatever secret plans the Empire has for this station, will be ours as well. And, then once we know what they're up to, we can figure out how to counteract the things we don't like them doing."

"By throwing them out of airlocks?" Reza smirked mischievously and added, "I certainly like the sound of that."

"It gets the point across and sets a very nice example. And, those that are left will think twice about crossing us in the future."

"Oh, your devious mind does suit me well, Rilanna Kir." Reza was finally feeling much more at ease after her meeting with Weyland, as well as Chran's dismissal. Rilanna always brought a smile to her face, and if all went well, she would be doing the same to Weyland. "Well...perhaps you should introduce yourself to the boys in security. They get rather disoriented if they lack guidance for too long."

Rilanna laughed and stood up. "Then, I should go do that. And, then I'll find something to wear for tomorrow night. Thank you for this opportunity, Shrezade. I won't let you down."

"I know you won't, Rilanna, and that's why I hired you. Until tomorrow, then."

As she moved toward the door, Rilanna smiled. "Until tomorrow," she said. "I'll make sure to get there about ten minutes late for my grand entrance."

Reza nodded her head as she chuckled quietly. "Very well...and I promise not to laugh if I can."

"And, I thank you for that," Rilanna said. "I don't know what Major Weyland would think if you were laughing at me."

"Hopefully he'll be too bewitched to notice." Reza gave a reserved smile to Rilanna and settled back comfortably in her chair. "Good day, Security Chief Kir."

"Good day, boss," Rilanna said, and then turned to exit through the opening door. If it were possible, her stride held even more confidence than when she walked into the office just a short time ago.

---

"Dinner For Three, Part 1"
by Major Dane Weyland
Shrezade Anoran
and Rilanna Kir

Location: Drogen Shipyards, Tae'Remok System
Date: Niothe 10, 4ABY

***

Footfalls echoed against the quiet corridor leading away from MajorWeyland's office. Weyland, flanked by two massive stormtroopers, marcheddown the corridor while adjusting the decorations on his uniform. Rigidly,they stepped into the lift.

"Should we accompany you to the dinner, sir?" The metallic hiss of thestormtrooper's voice echoed through the equally metallic lift.

"That won't be necessary, Lieutenant," Dane began. "I will require one ofyou in the room with me, and two at each entrance. The only ones allowedinside will be Ms. Anoran herself and her chief of security whoever that is.Just check in with me."

The stormtrooper nodded and adjusted the safety on his blaster carbine.

"I want full tactical reports and updates on the beginning of production forLieutenant Morse by 0900 tomorrow, soldier. How are the readouts on A-Tac-two?"

"Affirmative, sir," the stormtrooper began. "I have been informed byLieutenant Morse that things are running smoothly and he's preparing adetailed report. A-Tac-Two is showing five-by-five for tactical readout andballistics securing."

"Good," Major Weyland purred. "That and this dinner tonight with thisDirector Anoran should put me in a better mood. The criminal scum on thisplatform is creating a stench that is starting to turn my stomach."

The lift hissed open, and its occupants filtered out into the corridor onlevel one. Winding through the hallway, they met up with a group of twostormtroopers positioned in front of cabin number 6. Major Weyland let outa small sigh, and thumbed the buzzer to the door's alert mechanism...andawaited her answer.

It wasn't the Director herself who greeted him at the door, but a mandressed in a uniform fit for a maitre d', complete with a turned down collarand a red jacket. "Major Weyland," he said with a stiff bow. "If you willfollow me... Mrs. Anoran is expecting you in the dining room." The manstood aside and extended his arm to gesture Dane into the room.

"Very well." Dane nodded and stepped into the cabin followed by his bodyguard.

He stepped into an elegantly lit cabin, designed in shades of almond andblack. He had to take a moment to admire the room. Stepping across thesoft carpet, he stood before a painting to admire its depressing display oftragedy, and then moved to appraise a few of the sculpture pieces as themaitre d' waited patiently. Smiling, he moved back to follow the maitre d'down the similarly decorated hallway to the dining room, where Ms. Anoranwas waiting.

"Major Weyland," Reza greeted. She glanced deliberately to the chronometerembedded in the far wall, then back to Dane. "You're prompt. Very well,then..." She motioned him towards whichever of the several chairssurrounding the table he wished to seat himself upon. "Your escort may waitoutside of the dining room. His presence is unwelcome."

"Proceed to the outer hall, Lieutenant," the Major said with a nod, as thesoldier moved to an adjoining room to watch the major from a distance.

With etiquette, Major Weyland slid a chair out from underneath the tabledirectly across from Anoran and smiled. "How has your day been, Director?"he said as he lowered himself into the expensive chair.

"Rather productive," Reza said with an allusive smile. She snapped herfingers at the attendant, and he immediately moved to a hovercart bearing anicebucket with wine. The cart floated across the carpeted floor in front ofthe man and towards the table. "Wine, Major Weyland?"

"Yes please," the major said with a boyish smile.

The attendant took that as his cue to remove the airing bottle of wine fromthe bucket. He propped it against his forearm to display the label to Reza.With her nod of approval, he proceeded to fill Dane's glass. Reza enjoyed aglass of brandy before dinner, so he postponed filling her glass until theappetizers had been served.

"So tell me, Major Weyland," Reza began, "how is the conversion of thedocking bay coming along? I hope things are running smoothly for you."

"Well, I wouldn't be able to say so well about the operation if thefacilities weren't so accommodating," Weyland replied, running the glass ofwine in a circular manner in his hand. "Thank you for your concern. I'mglad things are running well for you also, despite our hindrances."

"No hindrances, Major Weyland," Reza assured him. "That was merelywariness. It is never prudent to trust someone too prematurely, even ifthey are an ally."

"Well, there aren't too many allies in business," Weyland said, restingcomfortably back in his seat, "especially the business of warfare. I wouldhave done the same in my position."

"Then you truly are a wise man, Major," Reza replied. "Allegiances areeasily made, and the trust gained through them is just as easily betrayed.It pays to be cautious."

She sipped at the sweet brandy and gazed through the glass at the Major. Hiseyes seemed even more iridescent through the frosted glass, but just as shecould see through the transparent material, she was convinced she had donethe same with Major Weyland. "Is the wine to your liking, Major?" she askedas she rested her empty glass upon the crimson table covering.

Major Weyland had yet to take a sip of the wine, he merely weighed it in hishand. Finally, he brought the glass to his lips for a sip and sat incontemplation for a mere moment.

"Very nice indeed, Director," he said with a chuckle. "It appears yourstation here has brought you quite the bounty."

"I realize I have extravagant tastes, but I think I deserve to be spoiledfor the service I provide. I have the scum of this sector hunted down andput out of business." She ran her finger around the brim of the glass andsmirked at Major Weyland. "It's my duty to the Empire to dispose of thefilth that have threatened to compromise the order and integrity people suchas Grand Admiral Tarkin have strived to uphold."

Weyland couldn't help but chuckle in his charming manner. "Well, Ms.Anoran, I assure you that your prose and duties will be honored when theGrand Admiral visits the operation," he began. "Tell me a little aboutyourself that isn't in your file, will you?"

Reza struggled to maintain the civility of her tone as she corrected MajorWeyland. "Mrs. Anoran, Major." Her fingers tightened around the glass inan attempt to redirect her aggression and keep it from contorting her faceinto a sneer. "Frankly, I don't know what you wish to hear. Everythingthat is of any importance is in my file. Who and what I am is the Directorof these shipyards. It truly is my identity, and with my campaign to cleanup this station consuming all of my time, I fear I haven't had theopportunity to develop another side to that identity."

"Surely there have to be faces that you don't show to others," Weylandcountered.

"We all do, Major," Reza replied. "But normally, those faces are the oneswe only reveal to ourselves at the end of the day, when we are alone and areable to shed the masks we construct for ourselves when interacting withothers in society - a protective mask, if you will. The only difference forme, is that my mask is not merely a persona; this is truly who I am, Major."

"Well not to sound like a psych droid," Weyland said before lifting the wineglass to his lips, "but it sounds like you prefer a nice lonely life."

"A quiet life, Major. I am hardly lonely," she replied absently. The truthwas, Reza had been precisely so for the last three years, but she was loathto admit that to even the most persistent of people. "At any rate," sheadded after a short moment of contemplation, "people such as ourselves havechosen a life that often leads to solitude. We have devoted ourselves to acause that demands much of our time. There is room for little else unlessyou make a conscious effort to make room. I mean, you are unmarried, areyou not?"

"You are correct, Director. I am in fact unmarried, but people of ourwealth and influence should be more than capable of finding the resources tocare for our families should we meet someone that catches our eye."

"But it is meeting and having time to court such a person that is the realchallenge, Major," Reza added with a shrewd smile. "I was fortunate enoughto have met my husband before I took up the position I currently hold. Ihad less responsibilities then and had more time to devote attention to hisneeds. Now...that would be impossible, and in that respect, it is probablyfor the best that I am no longer married."

"Then why, if I may ask, do you still prefer to be referred to as 'Mrs'?"Weyland asked quietly, as he sipped his wine. To his curiosity, he hadplanned on leading her into that question, and he didn't care how obvious itwas that he was judging her tempers.

Reza was not about to divulge her personal motivations to the Major, and hadlearned to be quite clever in evading admission of the truth, which he woulddefinitely not be getting now. "It's a more sophisticated title, I think.When one hears 'Mrs.', it commands instant respect. Being a woman in aninfluential position, it is necessary to exude an air of superiority. Ibelieve keeping my married title helps to achieve that."

"Well, then...that certainly sounds fair, now doesn't it?" he began, settinghis glass upon the table with a chuckle. "It appears that we're coveringground, Director. What do you do for enjoyment besides angering haughtyImperial majors while inebriated?"

Reza frowned at Dane's comment, but she did respect the fact that herealized he was egotistical and arrogant. "I was not inebriated, Major. Itmerely helps to calm me when dealing with obnoxious, intolerablepeople...present company excluded, of course," she said with a bland smile.

Her eyes strayed to the wine bottle resting within the ice bucket. Dealingwith the Major was very trying, and although she would not admit it, shereally wanted to drain that entire bottle and believed it would be requiredin order to get through the evening. Her attendant seemed to pick up onReza's internal idlings and instinctively stepped forward to pour her morebrandy.

She sighed with a twinge of relief and returned her attention to Dane."Major, why is it that you're so interested in my affairs? Or is thismerely a strategy to gain an advantage over someone you think of as anopponent?"

Leaning back in his chair, Dane gripped the wine glass and downed itsremaining contents, and lifted his gaze to the Director. "Director, thisisn't about advantages, prestige, and opposition," he said with an equallybland smile. Leaning across the table a small bit he continued. "Perhapsyou feel that I have infringed upon your territory...it would be a fairassumption. Regardless, I've been given orders and order is what I mustmaintain. It's not the popular position, but you of all people shouldunderstand the tactic."

"I understand what you are here to do and I have accepted that gracefully. Iam merely trying to understand why you are so interested in gettingacquainted with me on a personal, rather than professional level." Rezashrugged subtly and added, "You may ask your questions, but if you areencountered with evasive replies or disdain, you must learn to expect suchreactions from a woman who is not accustomed to your brand of questions."

Reza vaguely noticed her attendant slip from the room after the door chimegently sounded. Her mood brightened considerably at what the chimesignalled, and with a congenial smile, she lifted the wine bottle from theicebucket. "Refill?"

"Oh, no thank you," Dane nodded as he listened for the person approaching."The disdain doesn't annoy me nor does your unique brand of conversation.You're not here to impress me and neither am I, you. I wouldn't be agentleman if I didn't attempt to thaw any ice that may have been created onour first meeting, no?"

"Everyone I encounter is met with a cold reception at first, Major. It hadlittle to do with you, but I commend you for attempting to mend whatevertear you believe was caused during our first meeting."

Reza said not a word about it, but a particular thought flashed through hermind concerning Rilanna heating things up enough to melt just the ice Danespoke of.

Her eyes shifted past Dane as the door to the dining room slid open toreveal her head of security being escorted in by her attendant. Now theevening would become truly interesting.

Rilanna offered a smile to both the people sitting at the table. She waswearing a long skirt that appeared to be slit up both sides, and a top witha single strap disappearing over one shoulder. Overall, there wasn't muchfabric to the garment, covering only enough in the front to not beconsidered lewd, and nothing other than the thin straps in back holding itin place.

"I'm sorry I'm late," Rilanna said as she moved into the room. "I had to goover an evening roster with my assistant, and then the boys out frontdetained me until they could verify my identity."

Reza remained seated so all Major Weyland's attention would be focused onRilanna, but she grinned her approval of the outfit she'd chosen. "MajorWeyland, I would like to introduce my security chief, Rilanna Kir."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Major," Rilanna said with a smile. "Mrs.Anoran told me about your mission here, and I must say that I am intrigued.And, I am also quite impressed with how your presence here has calmed theworst of our scum."

"Well, then I'm glad we've made life a little easier for one of theoccupants here," Weyland started as he rose from his chair to shake herhand. "Dane Weyland, Major."

Rilanna smiled and extended her hand to take his. "I was telling Mrs.Anoran earlier that all your stormtroopers are practically doing my people'sjob for them. I'm going to have to take extra precautions to make sure thatthey don't get complacent. But yes, your presence is appreciated, Major."

Cordially, Major Weyland stepped aside his chair and pulled out a chair forRilanna. "Well, it's great to feel appreciated Mrs..."

"Miss," Rilanna replied with a smile. "And, it's Kir, but please call meRilanna." She took the offered seat, and gave him another smile. "Thankyou, Major. So very courteous. After the treatment by your men at thedoor, I'm glad to see all representatives of the Empire aren't so uncouthand barbaric."

"Very well, Rilanna." he said as he pushed her chair in and resumed hisseat. "Stormtroopers aren't known for their manners. They're known forfollowing orders, and when it comes to keeping their officers safe they havebeen trained to be very good at what they do." He took a moment to wave hishand towards the stormtrooper in the next room over. "Lieutenant Rix is noexception."

"It is fortunate I was able to convince them of my identity in time,"Rilanna said. "For a moment, I thought they were going to insist onsearching me for weapons."

A humored look crossed Weyland's face. "You're telling me that they didn't?"

Rilanna laughed softly. "Well, they waved this wand-like device over me,"she said. "But, I wouldn't let them touch me. There are very few placeswhere I could hide anything on my body in this outfit, and I am not about tolet anyone just reach in to find out if I'm concealing a blaster there."

Reza stifled a chuckle and attempted to distract herself by waving over theattendant and asking him in hushed tones to bring out the appetizers. Itgave her just enough time to compose herself before she returned herattention to the show.

Weyland smirked and tilted his head to the side with a lifted eyebrow."Well." He paused. "I suppose that was obvious to the troopers outside.That's quite the interesting gown you've chosen. Is it imported?"

"It was made here, but it's based on a design from one of the fashion houseson Ryloth. In my duty, I find so few chances to dress up, so I seized theopportunity tonight to do just that. The merchant from whom I bought this,she tried to talk me into getting one of those native gowns." She shook herhead. "I don't see how anyone could wear something like that withoutfeeling like some sort of prostitute. And, I politely reminded her thatsuch attire was strictly banned in any of the public areas of the station."

"Leave it to Ryloth," Weyland huffed. "They're very adept at making nearfitting clothing for their own species, that for our species the lack offabric is more than exposing. Regardless, the dress you have is very nice,but I know what you mean about getting a chance to dress up. I'm theopposite. I rarely have an opportunity to not dress in regalia."

"How long have you been in this system, Major? Were you in the initialgroup, or assigned later?"

"Oh, I've only been in the system a few days so far. How about you two?" hesaid, looking to the two ladies at the table with him.

Reza laid her crimson napkin across her lap as the shrimp appetizer was setdown before her. "I have been stationed here for almost four years. Therest of my time was spent on Dantooine, which you most likely already know,Major, from all the in depth research you've done on me."

Rilanna's eyes went wide with delight as her own appetizer was set on thetable. One of the best perks of being a friend of Shrezade Anoran was thebest Mon Cal shrimp in the system. It paid to have the right friends."I've only been here about three months," Rilanna said.

Weyland merely nodded at the replies of the two and accepted his appetizer."Exquisite. Now, do either of you two have any questions for me?"

Rilanna smiled, but decided to keep the question that came to mind toherself. Instead, she took a sip of the wine that had been poured for her,and turned to the major. "So, other than the natives of this planet, whatdo you think of it here?"

"I wouldn't really know, Miss Kir. I haven't had any opportunities forshore leave nor a moment to myself since I set up shop in the bays. Dutyhas been keeping me on my feet at least 18 hours a day," he replied,motioning to the attendant for a refill of his wine.

"Perhaps Ms. Kir could give you a tour, Major," Reza suggested. Herattendant bowed and moved to the Major's side after refilling her glass. "Ithink it would be beneficial to your operations if you got to know your wayaround the station, Major, and it would help you feel a lot more at home, ifthat is at all possible."

Weyland couldn't help but crack his boyish grin and lift his glass to hislips. "Well most of these people are under your employ, Mrs. Anoran. Iwould be honored." He sipped the wine and sat the glass down, turning tothe two to await more questions in silence.

"If you're not busy after dinner, Major," Rilanna said with a smile."Perhaps I can show you around the station."

"Sounds great to me, however this is quite a large station. Will there betime?"

"We can cut dinner short for this evening if you'd like, Major," Rezaoffered. "I'm certain there will be many more opportunities for suchgatherings, depending on how long your stay on the station is going to be."

Weyland nodded lightly and took a piece of shrimp onto his fork. "Well, thatdoes sound manageable. Unless it's a problem for you, Rilanna, I'd bedelighted."

"No problem at all," Ril said with a demure smile. "I figure tonight we canhit the highlights, and perhaps I can show you the rest later. It's a verylarge station, and there's so much of it to see. But, I'll make sure yousee everything you want to."

Reza said nothing in response to Rilanna's subtle allusion and brought theglass of wine to her lips to hide her grinning mouth. Rilanna was sly andapparently very good at this game of seduction. She only hoped the Majorappreciated her talents...all of them.

Weyland set the fork down and lifted an eyebrow, taking a moment to gazefrom Anoran to Ril. He leaned back in his chair and rubbed his chin beforespeaking. "So, what is on the menu this evening, ladies?"

Reza took that as her signal to have the appetizers cleared from the tableand the main course brought in. She gestured for her attendant to have theplates taken away, and the man hopped into action immediately. "I do hopeyou like roasted Ynaran fowl, Major. It's one of my favourites." Her eyesslowly shifted to Rilanna, who met her gaze with a knowing smile. Everythingwas in motion, and Rilanna certainly had a knack for plying men with hercharms.

As the attendant brought in the meal, she gestured him towards her andwhispered an order to hold off the other courses and skip directly todessert after the fowl. "And refill the Major's glass," she added. Itwould make Rilanna's job much easier if his mind was addled by liquor andcertainly make things much more interesting for herself.

---

"Dinner for Three, Part 2"
by Major Dane Weyland
Shrezade Anoran
and Rilanna Kir

Location: Drogen Shipyards, Tae'Remok System
Date: Niothe 10, 4ABY

***

The fowl had been cooked to perfection and the mousse the chef had prepared was the precise texture Reza liked. She remained silent for most of the meal, observing and allowing Rilanna to do what she obviously knew how to do best, and that was to charm Major Weyland.

Reza couldn't tell, but it looked as if Rilanna's chair had been moved closer to Weyland's, and she also hoped her hand, which was missing from atop the table, was indeed in the Major's lap right now.

"So, the Trandoshan pulls out his blaster to shoot me," Rilanna said with a giggle, "and when he pulls the trigger, he can only stare when it does nothing. He got really upset when I told him that I'd swapped his powercells when he let me see his blaster earlier. So, I used his own powercell in my blaster to take out his knee cap, and then hauled him off to the detention cell." She took another sip of wine, and sighed. "Mrs. Anoran's chef is the best in the quadrant, don't you think? I don't think I've ever had mousse quite that good. Did you like your dessert, Major?"

Weyland was enjoying his time indefinitely, sipping his wine and flirting with Rilanna. Four glasses of wine had passed, and his eyes were slowly starting to gloss over. "Oh yes," he began. "I don't think I've ever had a fowl dish quite like it. The food on the cruiser is good, but it's rare that I'd ever have imported fowl and mousse like this."

He stretched his legs out underneath the table and pushed his wine glass to the side, carefully placing his napkin onto the tablecloth. "Reminds me of the meal we had after I assisted in designing one of the TIE classes we currently have in production though. Is the chef perhaps from Coruscant or instructed there?"

"I believe he is from the planet," Reza replied. "And I am truly glad you enjoyed your meal, Major. I've always thought a nice walk helps with the digestion," she said with a suggestive smile towards Rilanna.

"Well, if that is indeed the case, I suppose now would be the time to start the tour. Are you sure you don't wish to accompany us, Director?" he replied courteously.

Reza smiled genially and shook her head slowly. "I'm afraid I've had far too much excitement for an evening. Besides, you'd have a far better time without me there; I tend to be the recipient of many glares and offensive insults when seen in public, not that that bothers me one bit." She laughed softly and shooed the two away with her hands. "Have a delightful evening on your own. I don't mind."

Dane smirked and rose from the table, offering his hand to Rilanna. "Very well, Director. I will come by your office tomorrow after lunch to discuss allowed shipments we are looking to receive within the next three weeks. Other than that, thank you for the meal and sleep well."

"I look forward to our meeting, Major. You two have a wonderful time, and I hope the views are to your liking." Reza grinned. She hoped Dane was liking the view of Rilanna he was getting nicely, indeed.

With a coy grin, Dane offered his arm to Rilanna and nodded to the stormtrooper in the next room, who began to make his way towards the Major. "Shall we, Miss Kir?"

Rilanna smiled and slipped her arm into the major's. "It will be my pleasure," she said. "I think it would be best to start from the top and work our way down, don't you, Major?"

"Sounds fine to me, Rilanna. You do, after all, know the place much better than I do," the major said with a nod, as the stormtrooper fell into rank to follow them out the door.

Rilanna smiled. "It's my job to know it better than anyone else here, except for maybe Mrs. Anoran," she said. "Though, I imagine you'll make it part of your job to become just as familiar. So is the main purpose of your presence here for shipbuilding?"

"Mostly shipbuilding and administration," Weyland said as he led her to the door of the cabin and opened it for her. "Until otherwise noted. Are your main duties security, or are you also enlisted as the one that tours the important guests?" He waved his hand towards the door as it opened with a hiss and smiled. "After you."

"Thank you," Rilanna said as she stepped out into the corridor. "My main duties are station security and cleaning up the scum downbelow. However, giving tours to our important guests is also a big responsibility. Since I know the station as well as I do, I'm an ideal candidate for the job. I haven't exactly polished my little tour speech yet, so I hope you'll bear with me."

Weyland thumbed the lifter's door open and held it open for her and the stormtrooper, stepping in with a chuckle. "Well okay, Rilanna, I'm all ears. Let's hear your tour speech," he said as the massive stormtrooper thumbed the lift shut.

Rilanna laughed softly and glanced away. "If I give it now, it'll make no sense," she said. "I have to point things out as we pass by them, and give you useless, yet interesting trivial anecdotes about them. However, for a bit of information, about a year ago, this turbolift was replaced when a Rodian and a Zabrak got into a fight. One of them had a thermal detonator, and well...I imagine you can figure out where that went."

"Well," Weyland began with a chuckle. "I doubt we'll have to worry about thermal detonators. You're giving a tour to an Imperial Major and a well trained soldier."

The two flirted as the lift rocketed to the top floor of the shipyards. Weyland casually leaned against the railing in the lift as he made his best attempts to charm the young Rilanna. Like a pillar of stone in the center of a dinner table, the massive stormtrooper stood like a menacing statue in the lift as they talked. Quite the distraction, Rilanna had to lean across the stormtrooper at times to merely look at Weyland as they talked. Weyland, oddly enough, seemed to completely ignore the presence of the large soldier.

Rilanna shifted to the side again, trying to get a better vantage from which to talk with Dane. The stormtrooper seemed to adjust for her movement, once again becoming a wall to obscure the conversation. The thought of eliminating the white-clad obstruction with a few well-placed strikes was tempting, but Ril couldn't fault the guy from just trying to do his job. She just wish he'd do his job somewhere else.

When the lift doors opened, Rilanna led the way out. "This is the main operations center of the station," she said. "Anything happens, and we know about it here. Across the way is Mrs. Anoran's office, and the primary security office is to the left over there. If you'd like, we can have an office made ready for you on this deck. Though, if most of your operations will be happening down near the docking bays, we can have an office prepared for you there. In fact, there's a former shipyard foreman's office that's available."

Weyland smiled and sneaked a look down Rilanna's form as she stepped out of the lift. He took a moment to ponder to himself how thankful he was that his guide wasn't a sweaty male, and felt the effects of the wine slip deeper into his bloodstream as he was up and walking at the same time. Stepping out of the lift, he casually glanced around the operations center, and remembered it to be his first stop when he landed. Seeing that this, in fact, was going to be a rather boring tour he stopped Rilanna in her speech. "If you could excuse me for a moment, Miss."

He turned to the stormtrooper. "Lieutenant. I require you to head to operations and secure the Tac-Scheduling for the next five days. I will be fine alone with the head of security. Dismissed."

Obediently, the soldier saluted and remained in the lift. The doors hissed shut, and the stormtrooper was rushed down into the shipyards. Turning politely back to Rilanna, Dane smiled and apologized. "I apologize Ms. Kir. I just didn't see the point in security if I'm with an expert such as yourself. The...uh...office would be a pleasure, as long as my troopers have access to the security coding and locking mechanisms. I wasn't able to requisition the office on this floor because it was yours." He laughed.

Rilanna grinned. "Tomorrow morning, when I'm back on duty, we'll find you a nice office," she said. "I've got one on this deck, but I don't really use it much. I don't think Mrs. Anoran would give up hers. There is another office up here, but it's more affectionately known as 'the closet.'" She laughed softly and turned around. "So, Major Weyland, what are you interested in seeing on this tour? I can show you things that will be useful to you in an official capacity, or I can show you things that you might like to know about on the rare occasions when you have some downtime."

Major Weyland leaned up against the wall of the corridor and rubbed his chin, pondering the weight of her words. "It's your tour, Rilanna. If we miss anything on the tour I'm sure that I'll explore the areas sooner or later. In other words, this tour is yours and I'm at your mercy. A little of both perhaps?"

Rilanna smiled and motioned him toward the turbolift. "Then come on," she said. "Let's go see a little of both. We have an entertainment complex about three decks down. I don't know how often you'll get a chance to visit, but there are some interesting things there, including a full park. We also have an arboretum. I don't know if you like flowers and plants, but the colours are pretty nice. If you ever need peace or quiet, that's the place to go. And, if you don't want peace or quiet, I think I know of a few other places you can go."

Weyland turned to the turbolift to hide his grin. "Sounds like it's going to be a very long tour, Miss Kir. Where do you want to start?"

Rilanna laughed. "Well, let's start with the entertainment level, and then we can visit the security offices, and from there we can see what other sights on the station interest you."

"Very well, Ms. Kir, lead the way," he said with a grin as he leaned against the back railing of the turbolift.

Rilanna instructed the lift to take them to the entertainment deck. The trip was short, and before they knew it they were standing in a long avenue with doors lining it. At the far end, a trellis indicated the park that she had mentioned earlier. "Most of the rooms contain holovid hook-ups. The far ones are used for gambling, mainly sabacc. Are your men allowed to partake in these sorts of things, Major?"

"Actually they aren't." He chuckled, following behind her as he lowered his gaze to her hips and shoulders periodically. "The rights been reserved for officers ever since many of the troopers were caught playing for colonists' clothing. Since then, there have been guidelines on what soldiers can and cannot do off of duty." He crossed his arms behind his back and peeked into the park as they neared it. "Almost convincing," he muttered to himself. "Does the chief of security spend much time on this level?" he flirted with a chuckle. "I'm assuming that dangerous games of sabacc keep you busy here?"

Rilanna laughed. "I check in here occasionally to make sure everything's alright," she said. "And, I have played a few hands in my off time, but I'm really not a good sabacc player. Most of my time has been spent down in the lower levels tracking down the scum there. My position as head of security here is actually a fairly recent promotion, and I'm still getting settled in. Though, I've been working as a freelance consultant for Mrs. Anoran for a little bit of time so far."

"Ah, and how has that been for you?" Weyland said, staring down the corridor as they walked aimlessly towards the park. "I don't see too many of the scum anymore, so you must be doing a great job."

"Very great," Rilanna said with a smile as they passed under the trellised arch that led into the park. "So, Major, is there anyone special in your life? A Mrs. Major, perhaps?"

"Well I dated a little bit when I was in the academy," he said with a smile, "but immediately afterwards the Empire needed me to defend our people against the rebels. I haven't had much time at all for women, which is a shame but it's one of the sacrifices I've chosen to make. What about you? You seem in good health and are quite attractive, isn't there a Mr. Rilanna anxiously awaiting his girl to get done giving some hotshot major a tour?"

Rilanna laughed and shook her head. "No," she said, "no, Mr. Rilanna. I'm in the same situation. My career has kept me very busy. And, when I was hunting bounties, I was moving around so much... There just wasn't time to get close to anyone. Though, now that I have a more permanent, stable position here, who knows..." She glanced up at him and smiled, then quickly looked away.

Weyland let out a quick huff of a chuckle, noticing her look away so quickly, as he began to realize the turn of the conversation. She was, after all, a beautiful woman, and Weyland hadn't had more than an hour's time with a beautiful woman since the rebel insurrection. "The park is nice, but where are these other places you were referring to? Why don't you take me some place that most people don't get access to."

Rilanna gave him a grin, and motioned for him to follow. "This way," she said. "I can also open it up to you and your men...later."

They took the lift down several decks. When the lift finally opened, she led him out into a large area that appeared to be used for training. "Our security teams train here," she said. "We've got a firing range, and tactical drill area up ahead. This area here is used for physical workouts." She glanced in his direction again and smiled.

"My soldiers will spend a lot of time there I'm sure," he said with a smile as he leaned up against the railing and blinked his eyes a few times to clear out the intoxication. "Is there any way to reserve it for private use? I tend to like to work out alone, to get some quiet time for a change. Are we going there now?"

Ril nodded. "We're headed there now," she said. "It's through those double doors ahead of us. And, if you want it for private use, just let me know and I'll make the arrangements. Would you like to check out the facilities?"

"I'm at your mercy, remember?" he said as he folded his hands across his chest. "I figure I'm going to end up in any portion of this station if you choose, even if it's a moss filled water closet, stinking of week old sour milk. I'm just hanging on for the ride. Lead the way," he said as he motioned to the doors. He had spent much of his time on this trip walking behind her, examining her shoulders and exposed back.

"Then, follow me," Rilanna said as she led the way toward the doors. Once there, she punched in a code, and they slid open. She glanced back at the major, smiled, and then walked through the doors. "We've got some of the best equipment in the system in here, and if used properly it can keep a human or near-human in peak condition. All our people are required to check in here for regular workouts. Mrs. Anoran doesn't like laziness, and that carries through to every part of the station. If you need someone to workout with, Major, I could adjust my schedule to match yours."

"Oh is that a fact, Rilanna?" he said with a grin. "That's mighty courteous of you. Perhaps if we get to know each other better that would be a great idea," he said as he stopped at a large piece of exercise equipment to appraise it. "Locker rooms? Pools? Spa? Heater-Room?"

"All of the above," Rilanna said. "This whole deck is devoted to training and physical fitness. We've even got a track circling the outside of the deck." She took a few steps closer. "I'm not all that familiar with everything we have in here yet. There's just so much of it."

"Yeah, there sure is..." Weyland said with an expressionless face as he watched her move closer. "Awfully quiet and vacant for such a large place."

Rilanna smiled. "That's because we're the only ones here," she said. "It gets really quiet when there's no one else around."

Weyland cracked a sheepish grin and looked her over overtly, so that she could see him do so. "I see...so it gets quiet when nobody's around. So where were you going to show me next?"

Rilanna smiled and looked at him without looking away. "I don't know, Major," she said. "What did you want to see?"

"Well," he grinned as he leaned off of the exercise equipment to move closer. "Lots of stuff in here a man or a woman could get hurt by... Perhaps somewhere with less...obstruction? I'm sure there's somewhere like that on this level...maybe take a break and focus on things other than the tour?"

"That sounds like a nice idea," Rilanna said. She gave him a demure smile, and motioned for him to follow. She moved ahead and made sure he'd get an extra nice view from where he was following. "There's a training area over this way with nothing but lots of pads and a nice cushy floor. So no one gets hurt while sparring. I think that sounds just like what you were talking about. A very nice place for a reak."

Weyland pushed off of the equipment and followed slowly behind her with a half grin on his face, as he watched her sway her hips as she walked. Sliding his arms behind his back he matched his speed with hers, as she led him into the training room.

---

"Dinner for Three, Part 3"
by Major Dane Weyland
and Rilanna Kir

Location: Drogen Shipyards, Tae'Remok System
Date: Niothe 10, 4ABY

***

She led him to a small door on the wall, and tapped onto the keypad. The doors hissed open to reveal a large tile of padding on the floor customarily used for sparring and martial arts training.

"Very nice.." Weyland said as he crept inside and leaned against the wall, watching her move.

Rilanna smiled and turned to face him, still moving backward. "So...you like?"

The major turned to nod at Rilanna, keeping his eyes on her. "Of course..."

Rilanna slowly approached, a demure smile on her face. "Good," she said. "Me too." She stopped when she was standing directly in front of him and looking into his eyes. With the short heels on the boots she wore, they were of the same height, though standing this close he felt much taller. "Very good..."

Weyland grinned and leaned back against the wall with his arms against his back, welcome to her approaches. His voice had changed to a more flirtatious and sultry tone. "So, Ms. Kir...tell me something about this particular portion of this facility."

Closing the distance that separated them even further, Rilanna smiled. "And which particular portion is that, Major?" she asked.

"Tell me a little about my tour guide, now that she has me cornered here all alone," he said with a grin, shifting his weight and stretching his back against the wall, welcoming her advances. "I feel we don't really know too much about each other."

"My family was all criminal scum," she said, "which is why I'm here trying to do what I can to bring their kind of scum to justice. I was a bounty hunter before Mrs. Anoran hired me as her head of security, and I was one of the best out there. I love Mon Calamari shrimp, and that mousse we had for dessert." Rilanna laughed softly. "Is there anything else you wanted to know?"

"Not at this time, I suppose," Weyland mused and flashed her an inviting grin. "Is there anything else I should know?" He tilted his head to one side and looked down over her form one more time, inviting her closer to his spot against the wall. "The sparring room just inspires conversation, doesn't it?"

Rilanna moved even closer, until she could feel herself just barely touching him. "It does," she said. "Though, I wouldn't have expected such...close conversation. I can't actually think of anything you should know...though, who knows what you might find out if you're properly nosey?" With a smile, she hesitantly brought a hand up to his chest.

Weyland moved into her touch slightly and slid a hand to her hip. He ran his fingertips softly over the small of her back, and smiled down at her hand on his chest. "Well we're alone, Ms. Kir, and I think the two of us can be as nosey as we please without interruption. Ask me one question...any one."

Rilanna gazed into his eyes for a long moment, feeling his heart beating through his chest. Finally she smiled. "Will you kiss me?" she asked.

A small smile crept across Weyland's lips as his eyebrows closed partly. He took her chin in his lands and lifted her to his lips, and gently brushed his lips against hers.

Her hand slip up his chest and slipped around to the back of his neck as she pulled herself closer, pressing her lips firmly to his. She could feel his hand at the small of her back, brushing the bare skin there. She finally pulled herself away, breathless from the kiss. She smiled and then she felt herself blushing. "Nice."

Weyland let out a soft breath and smiled, holding her close by the small of her back as he leaned against the wall behind them. Running a hand through her hair, he cupped her chin and leaned to brush his lips over hers softly for a moment. "Yes...very nice," he said, leaning back to look at her.

Rilanna laughed softly. "It's a good thing you don't have a Mrs. Major waiting for you, or we'd be in big trouble."

"Yeah, but it's probably better that there isn't a Mr. Rilanna." Weyland chuckled. "I'm Imperial brass, and she'd be more likely to be a bureaucrat

of some sort. A Mr. Kir would be more likely to carry a blaster, no?" He smiled and ran a nail down the side of her face to her chin, staring across at her and pulling her close so that their hips rested against each other's. "This is quite the tour..."

"It is, isn't it," she said. "It's the first tour of the station I've given. I hope it's a good tour." She brought her hands around him as much as she could with the wall there. She kissed him again, giving a little more into the kiss this time. "Is there anything else you wanted to see on the tour, Major?"

"I'm enjoying myself just fine right here," he said, leaning into the kiss to intensify it a bit more. "Unless you had anywhere else you wanted to show me." He grinned, pulling her into a much deeper embrace by his hand on the naked skin of the small of her back.

Rilanna smiled. "Well, there is another place I could show you, but we've got this place all to ourselves right now. I think the gym is good enough for now. I'm beginning to like the gym very much."

"Yes, it does appear we have free reign of the fitness center. Saunas, pools, fitness equipment. I'm starting to really enjoy this place too," he said, running his hands down to her tailbone with a grin. "Is there somewhere else particular you'd like to show me, or is this wall comfortable?" he finished, pulling her close to him softly.

"Well, there is a nice place over in that far corner," Rilanna said with a mischievous smile. "That's where we keep all the pads and mats we're not using. It's actually a quite comfortable place to sit and talk...or whatever." She reached down and slipped her hand into his. "Would you like a tour of that?"

"Oh, I'd agree wholeheartedly," Weyland said as he sat, reclining in the mass of floorpadding. "It's not much different than a waterbed, only the padding moves." Smiling, he reached his hand out to Rilanna, motioning for her to sit with him.

Using Dane's hand for support, Rilanna lowered herself to the floor next to him. "Much better than the wall," she said. She adjusted her skirt to accommodate her new sitting position, and then smiled at the major. "It's been quite awhile since I've had any time to just relax. I'd forgotten how nice it can be."

He leaned against her side and laid down, throwing his arms behind his head to stare at the bright lights pounding down on the two from the ceiling. "Believe me, I know what you mean. The Empire keeps me working tirelessly. It's a shame that Anoran doesn't seem too welcome to my presence. It's going to just make this whole series of orders all the more troublesome." He turned to crack a grin at Rilanna, and nudged her in the hip. "Well, get as comfy as you please...enjoy it while it lasts."

Rilanna stretched out along his body, laying on her side. She slipped an arm over his chest and smiled. "I hope you don't mind," she said.

Weyland stretched out as hell, sliding an arm around her hip and began to massage the small of her back with his free hand. He moved his other arm behind his head for support and let out a grin as he kissed her forehead. "Not at all, not at all..." Coyly, he massaged down to her tailbone, and pulled her closer in a sensual manner. "Tell me of your thoughts."

"Mmm," Rilanna murmured. "Has anyone told you you have very nice hands? You do." She kissed him, and then let her kisses trail to his chin, and then down to his throat. "And, I'd really rather not think right now."

Weyland writhed and grinned, tilting his head back and melting into lips. He slid his hand down to her backside and pulled her tightly against him as he squirmed slightly at the sensation. His mind was reeling in the moment, as his thoughts began to fade into her trap. Before long, he was under her spell. Writhing still beneath her, he ran a hand through her hair and his fingertips over her naked back. He looped his fingers around the small straps that held the front of her top on over her mostly naked back and grinned. "And you have nice lips," he murmured. "Did...anyone...ever...tell you that?"

Rilanna smiled, kissed him once more, and then laughed softly. "They have now," she said. "And, my lips like your lips, which makes them even nicer. Or something like that." She kissed him again, long and languorous. She could feel him reacting to her, just as she was reacting to him. It'd been far too long since she'd been with a man, and she knew she needed this. Oh, I definitely need this, she thought to herself, especially when he keeps doing that.

He slid his hands to her hips, and rubbed her hipbone for a moment before pulling her to lay atop him, as he pulled her into a deep, longing kiss. He cupped her face in his hands and stared up at her in silence, before leaning back up to kiss her intensely. Slowly, the two became more feverish in their embraces.

After a long while, Rilanna pulled back, her breathing coming much faster than normal. "Do you want to go back to my apartment, Major?" she asked. "Or...or is right here okay?"

Weyland grinned and leaned up, kissing her neck softly. "I'm sure we could make it up to your apartment sooner or later."

Rilanna grinned. "Eventually." Then she returned her lips to his while her hands moved to explore his chest.

Weyland tilted his head back and writhed, running his hands softly over her ribcage. Squirming slightly beneath her, he closed his eyes and thought of the moments. Years of fighting in fear of dying for what he felt was a noble cause rarely ended with moments like these. Feverish, he pulled her against his lap and laid beneath her, grinding slowly with her hips.

With much less control that she would have liked to display, Rilanna quickly moved her hands to his chest. She pulled at the fastenings to get his jacket open, trailing kisses from his throat down toward the neckline of his shirt. Her body felt ready to overheat pressed so closely to his, and the way his body was grinding against hers... She could hear soft moans escaping her lips, and any attempts at trying to remember the last time she'd had such a nice night went right out of her mind.

He purred softly and ran his fingers through her hair, pulling her close as the two writhed against each other. He too, hadn't had such a pleasurable moment in what seemed like an eternity, and his mind was lost in the embrace. He pressed his fingers into the exposed skin on her back, and deftly lifted up softly on the ties that held her top to her, loosening them. With a grunt, he pulled her by her chin back to his lips and kissed her fiercely.

While her lips feasted from his, Rilanna's hands concentrated on getting through Weyland's jacket and shirt. She felt the straps at her back loosen, and the fabric fall away from her chest. She pulled away and gazed down into his eyes, the hunger in hers very clear. She grinned, and then returned her lips to his as she tugged his shirt free.

He shoved his shirt aside with the remains of her top, and sensually ran his nails over her exposed sternum. He pushed her head aside and locked his lips to her throat, kissing it while digging his nails into her hips. He was lost in euphoria, and had completely lost control of his inhibitions. He wanted her, and didn't care what the cost would be.

He slid his lips down to her collarbone, and cupped her breasts as he moaned into her flesh. His body temperature soared as the two created a primordial wave of heat across the padding they laid upon. Ferally, he pushed her to straddle him as he moved his lips to tease her breasts.

Rilanna fumbled with the catch at the side of her skirt while she pressed herself further into his hands. Her head was thrown back to accept his kisses, but she wanted to just get free of her skirt. The room was filled with the sounds of their desire, and she was certain that they were generating enough heat that the station scanners would be picking them up. She let out a cry of triumph as one of the catches on her skirt gave way.

Weyland slid a hand in between their hips and rubbed her softly, pulling her down by the back of her neck into a powerful kiss. Sliding his tongue over hers, he lowered himself back down onto the mat with her naked form atop him. He grinned and cupped her breasts before sliding his hands to her ribcage to urge her to again straddle his lap. He looked over her form before locking eyes with her, and let out a small playful growl. He blinked slowly and trailed his hand from her mound to her chin and stared up at her with a euphoric haze in his eyes. He was silently searching for her emotions, and was using the moment of serenity within the animalistic chaos to give her a fair moment of escape. He was lost in her eyes, and was giving her the opportunity to lead.

Frantic fumbling finally paid off and Rilanna's skirt fluttered to the side. She leaned forward to kiss him, while her hands fumbled with his pants. She could see he was searching, giving her an opening to leave if she wished to. She definitely didn't. She needed this now more than anything. She hadn't had contact like this in too long, and she couldn't back away now. She needed what they were sharing.

Weyland slid out from beneath her and kissed her as she fought with the belt of his uniform. Kneeling before her, he gathered her hair in his hand and held it to the back of her head in a mock ponytail. Trailing his kisses back to her collarbone, he felt his belt give away as she started to shrug down his breeches. With a grin, he pushed forward, and slid atop her softly with her back to the mats. Her knees bent upwards around them, he kissed her deeply and rose slowly, gazing down at her admirably.

With near panicked movements, Rilanna shifted herself enough to slide her panties over her hips and down her thighs. She gazed up into his eyes, her need burning with an insatiable hunger. She reached up and kissed him again. She reached down between his legs and moaned loudly at the feel of his need for her.

She pulled her lips away, but before she could utter the words forming in her mind, the twin chiming of comlinks sounded in the darkened gym. Her comlink, a small silver cluster pinned to the front of her top, and his lost somewhere in the middle of their piled clothing. Panic crossed Rilanna's features as she met his gaze once more.

Weyland snarled and shoved himself back, falling against the padding onto his back with his hands over his face bitterly. He let out a long breath and stared down his form at the prone sight of Rilanna and murmured. "That's not fair..."

Rilanna looked up at Weyland and sighed. "Maybe we can continue this later," she said softly as she fumbled through the pile of clothing. "And, next time, we leave our comlinks somewhere else." She started to reach out a hand to touch him, but quickly pulled it back. She knew if her fingers found his flesh again, she'd be far too inclined to ignore her duty and carry through with what they started. "Not fair at all," she murmured in response as she curled her arm across her stomach. "Not at all."

Grumbling, Dane fumbled through his clothing and grabbed his comlink. He rose his naked form from the floor and stared down at her, and reached out to caress her cheek with the back of his hand. "Dinner sometime at my cabin. Calamari shrimp?"

He leaned down to her and kissed her slowly, then rose away from her unclothed to the corner of the gym with his comlink and pressed it to his ear. Sure that he was out of earshot of her and whoever it was that paged her as well, he let out a sigh and tapped the receiver on. "Weyland here."

Rilanna had already gathered her clothing together and was in the middle of unpinning her comlink from her top when she answered her call. Apparently Styles, one of her men on the late shift had run into a problem down in one of the bars, and things had heated up more than he could handle. It appeared that there was a hostage situation now, and one of the men was keeping the rest of her security team at bay with a small arsenal of weaponry. She closed the link with assurances she would be down in ten minutes. As moved slowly in the direction of the major, she started pulling on her clothing. She made certain to keep her distance from him, and allowed the privacy she'd experienced during her call.

"Oh for crying outloud... A hostage?" Weyland scowled bitterly. "Fine, send Theta Squad to the scene immediately with armaments set for stun to assist the Shipyard Security if needed. If they near the construction bays put a smoking hole in them," he barked as he clapped his comlink off and started to dress.

"Well, look on the bright side...seems every security detail we'll both be informed of," he said with a chuckle, as he finished buckling his belt.

Rilanna laughed softly as she tied the thin straps to hold her top in place. "We will indeed," she said. "I guess I'll see you down there. I have to stop by my apartment to change into something more appropriate for a hostage situation."

Weyland let out an audible sigh, as he firmly attached his blaster to his hip in silence. He simply leaned against the wall, and began to pull his uniformed tunic over his head. "Well, you know how to get a hold of me."

Rilanna looked back at the major with a sultry gaze. "I sure do," she said. In a daring move, she took a few steps closer. "I'll see you later, Major Weyland," she said, and then kissed him once more.

Weyland grinned and returned the kiss before pulling away to button his tunic. "Go get the terrorists, and be safe, okay?"

Rilanna nodded, then smiled. "I'll get them. And, I'll see you later, Major," she said. With that, she turned and rushed toward the door.

Dane stood in the silence of the empty gym with his tunic half-buttoned, staring towards the wall of the facility. He began to strap his tunic together as he idly paced. His moment of clarity amongst years of servitude and survival of war had been stolen from him, and what burned him most of all was that it was for a petty hostage crisis instituted by what was most likely a half-witted alien creature of some sort. A small sneer formed across his face as he tucked in his shirt, and slammed the palm of his hand against the door's opening mechanism. He pulled his gloves off of the floor and folded them into his belt, and began to make his way to the nearest Stormtrooper checkpoint.

"Filthy spacers..." he sneered.

***

Rilanna Kir trudged through the corridor, intent on getting down to the scene of the hostage situation. She performed one more systems check on her battle armour and nodded as all systems showed green on her heads-up display. She stepped into the lift and cycled the charge on her blaster rifle.

As the lift descended, she concentrated on the updates being fed into her communications array. One of the hostages had been injured, though his status was unknown. According to Styles, the wounded was a Wookiee. One of her men had a clear view, and it appeared the Wookiee was currently lying prone toward the side of the bar.

Just hope he doesn't wake up while he's still in there, Ril thought to herself. We don't need him ripping people apart in a rage, or being ripped apart by a blaster.

Rilanna toggled the mic with her chin. "This is Kir," she said over the secure security channel, "I'm on my way. I'll be there in thirty seconds."

"Thirty seconds, roger," one of her men, most likely Styles, responded. "We have the area cordoned off, though we have had to turn back a few nosey civilians."

"Does Administrator Anoran know about this disturbance?"

"She hasn't been made aware yet," Styles said. "We wanted to wait for your assessment before we notified her."

"Good thinking," Rilanna said. "No need worrying her until there's something to worry about."

The doors slid open and she stepped out onto the deck. She marched forward toward where her men had set up a barricade.

Styles turned at the sound of her approach and froze when he saw her. "Captain?"

The rest of the team was just as stunned. She looked them over, and smiled.

"As you were, gentlemen," she said. They didn't relax easily.

She knew they were probably astounded at what they saw. It was Boba Fett who had made the Mandalorian battle armour feared, and she'd come across this set a year ago while searching out some punk who'd crossed the crimelord Ishaida. It had to be modified to accommodate her figure, but she'd managed. It was matte black with gold trim, and had a hidden arsenal of weapons.

Across the way, she could see a squad of Stormtroopers standing with Major Weyland in their midst. Rilanna glanced to Styles. "Make sure the Imperials know that this is our game. If they wish to join, they have to wait for us to ask them in."

Styles nodded and moved over toward the grouping of white-armoured men.

Rilanna looked toward the bar where their target was holed up. She increased the magnification of her helmet, and suddenly the interior of the bar snapped into focus. It was almost as if she were standing just outside the door. From this location, there was little she could see of the interior since the walls blocked most of the building's interior from view.

"It looks like he's pretty edgy in there," Treggins said. "If we do anything out here, he's likely to do something in there."

Rilanna nodded. "What are his demands?"

Treggins peered toward the building. "Five hundred thousand credits, a ship out of here, and free passage out of this system. He's not talking anymore."

Rilanna nodded, and started forward carefully. "He'll talk to me," she said.

She moved twenty meters from the barricade and stopped. "This is Captain Rilanna Kir of station security," she called, and her voice was amplified through the internal speakers of her helmet. "We are working to meet your--"

A blaster bolt shot out from inside the building, aimed directly at Rilanna. She moved quickly to the side, and cursed at the man hidden inside. Once she was out of his sight, she glanced back at her men. She held up a hand to signal them to hold, and then activated the rocket pack on her back.

The rushing thrill of flight coursed through her body as she arced up and away from the scene. She angled back toward the top of the building, trying to keep enough distance between herself and the ceiling.

This deck had been constructed more like a city street, and therefore there was a good thirty meters between the ceiling and the roof of the building. Ril came in low over the room, and then quickly pulled up. Her blaster rifle came up and she fired a quick burst of shots into the ceiling directly over where the hostage-taker had been standing.

The roof collapsed in on itself under the barrage of Rilanna's blaster fire, and then she was dropping down through the hole. The thug had been too busy trying to avoid being pummelled by chunks of the ceiling, and his weapon was off target. He quickly tried to bring it around to get a clear shot, but before he could Rilanna had a blaster pistol pressed to his temple.

"I don't think you want to do that," she said. "Drop the weapon, and you live."

He hesitated a moment, and then smiled. "I'm dead anyway," he said, shifting his eyes to the side.

Rilanna followed his gaze and frowned at what she saw there: a thermal detonator strapped to one of the hostages.

"It's rigged to a biomonitor, and if you kill me, she dies."

Rilanna shook her head. "Thanks," she said, and then cracked the butt of her blaster across his temple; he crumpled to the ground. She moved quickly to the hostage. A quick assessment told her that the standard arming mechanism was still there. She detached the thermal detonator, and quickly disarmed it. She stuffed the bomb into one of her pouches, and then returned to the terrorist. Amateur, she thought.

She toggled the speaker with her chin again. "Situation is clear," she said. "Bring in a pair of restraints, and prepare cell seven for a guest." As her men came in through the front door, Rilanna stepped away from their prisoner, and toggled the speaker again, this one going out over the localized public address system. "Situation is now under control. All personnel are to stand down and help the hostages to the infirmary."

Rilanna stayed around long enough to observe her people at work. Once they were hauling thug away and the hostages were taken care of, she turned and started back toward her apartment. On the way, she started mentally preparing the report she would give to Shrezade in the morning...both reports. She grinned as she stepped into the lift, and allowed herself to relax slightly. Crisis averted, she told herself. Good work, Kir.

---