"A New Formed Jedi - Part 2"
by Kal'Aran - Jedi Master
and Alisson Blair - Jedi in training

Location: Chalkyon Canyons, far West from New Plouton
Date: Praeda 10, 4 ABY

They arrived at the far West of the planet, far from the central zone where New Plouton was located. There, the cliffs were white in colour and trees and lakes with small waterfalls could be seen here and there. A small paradise on Chimaeria, although few came here because it used to be a protected zone and restricted at that. Alisson wondered what was to happen to this particular zone now that the Empire controlled the planet.

Kal'Aran got out of his YT-2400 they had taken, since Corellian Transports would be more common in the Chimaerian skies and therefore attract less attention than Alisson's Slave II Vessel. Landing in a clearing they both stepped to the outside. The temperature was warm and there was a high level of humidity. And just nearby were the famous Chalkyon Canyons, two twin canyons that formed cracks so deep that one could not see the bottom from the top.

"So, this is a good training place..." Alisson said as she looked around. There was lots of plant and animal life and all seemed to be strongly linked with the Force which lived on every being, every rock, every tree.

"Indeed Alisson!" Kal'Aran nodded. "This place has not been tampered by man and is in its most natural state and has been so for a very long time. Only very occasionally would someone come here as this was restricted and forbidden to come here."

"And now anyone is free to come here..." Alisson concluded with a frown. "Then we are here because of an Imperial action consequence?!"

"No..." Kal'Aran interrupted. "We would probably have authorization to come here as the Royal family always supported your training. It means that now that the Empire has control, anyone may come and this virtuous state may be lost. We had to come here before that is lost."

Alisson nodded. She knew there was some grand reason why they had come here but she knew better than to ask. Still, she could not help but wonder whether this was all because of that Jedi Huntress that Kal'Aran had crossed paths with or if this had nothing to do with that episode.

"Clear your mind of questions," Kal'Aran said simply. "You are wise and I am aware that you know that there is a special reason why we have come here. Indeed there is a reason..."

Alisson turned. It almost seemed as if Kal'Aran was reading her mind, but she knew that this was so because they were strongly linked. Kal'Aran knew Alisson since very young and had been her mentor for that long. She knew that was the main reason. He wasn't reading her mind but simply knew her well. "The reason we came here?"

Kal'Aran sighed. "Alisson, truth is that I have nothing more to teach you. You already master most of the techniques I taught you and as for the rest little more need you to know. With time the rest will come."

"Master Kal'Aran, with all due respect, I have but half the wisdom you possess and I feel I have so much yet to learn. What do you mean by all this?" Alisson asked.

"You are humble..." The Jedi Master smirked. "What you call wisdom you have it too. What I have is advanced age and a life full of adversities that have taught me a great many deal of things and how to deal with them. That, one may only acquire with time and age..."

"Then we are here for my final test?!" she concluded.

"That you are Alisson. In it you will have to remember a great many deal of things and all you have learned will be tested in one way or the other... Remember your training well for I cannot aid you in any way," Kal'Aran told Alisson.

"Where do I start?" she asked, confident of herself. She would pass and she would become a Jedi like she wanted to and as she had so hard trained to be.

Kal'Aran nodded. "Go North and plunge yourself into the abyss of the Chalkyon Canyons. There you will find your test..." he told her, knowing that it would seem suicidal to fall into a canyon where not even the botton was to be seen from top.

---

"A New Formed Jedi - Part 3"
by Alisson Blair - Jedi in training
and Kal'Aran - Jedi Master

Location: Chalkyon Cannyons
Date: Praeda 10, 4 ABY

After being told what she had to do, she closed her eyes and made her way over to the very edge of the Chalkyon Canyons. She looked down and it was quite frightening that she couldn't see the bottom of it. How deep could it be?

She trusted Master Kal'Aran, and knew he would not say anything that could hurt her in any possible way. And in the end she trusted him with her life. And if she had to plunge down the Chalkyon Canyons, then in the end that was what she would do.

She turned around and with her back to the edge and crossed her arms, letting herself fall backwards and into the bottomless canyon. Strangely enough the very end was not visible even after a while falling down. In her way she was falling faster and faster every passing second.

She closed her eyes, and just in a nick of time as she opened them, she stood at the entrance to a cave. An ice cave she had never seen before and did not know how she even got there. She looked around and behind her was only the blackness of the gorge she had fallen into.

She made her way into the cave that was misty amidst all the ice formations around. After a while walking further and further into the cave, she found the center of it, where a colourful formation of something she could not make out very well shined.

Alisson approached it and touched it slightly. As soon as she did there was light all around the cave and she felt herself shifting and twisting. In a blink she stood in the forest again. Only this time there was something strange. She stood in front of her own self.

She looked at her, only this was a strange version of herself. Her face was the same and yet different, and her eyes showed no life. She knew what she saw, and it was her dark self. But she did not know what to do. Still, unlike her, the dark Alisson did and ignited her saber and attacked Alisson.

Alisson jumped backwards and took her own lightsaber igniting both ends. As Dark Alisson moved in on her she force pushed her into a tree. As it were, as soon as the dark Alisson hit the tree, Alisson felt what her dark self felt too.

"How can I beat her if whatever I do to her I feel it too?!" she asked herself. She could not kill her or she would probably die as well. So she had to knock her out but without knocking herself out. This made her think if the dark Alisson could feel her too...

As they fought Alisson tried to dodge her dark self, hoping that her foe would grow tired at some point. She somersaulted backwards and safeguarded her saber. Her dark self grinned wickedly and threw herself at Alisson who in the very last second leaped out of the way, making dark Alisson hit a tree.

Taking her time, she got out of sight and as soon as dark Alisson got up and turned around, she saw Alisson at a certain distance and threw her saber at her. Alisson, on the other side, was cool and forced the saber onto the other side. Dark Alisson was still stunned from hitting the tree and was not fast enough to dodge the saber totally, being trespassed by it.

After that, she was defeated and Alisson saw her dark self disappear. In another blink there she was, standing next to master Kal'Aran, who nodded to her.

"You did well Alisson, and are now a Jedi Knight," he told her.

"But, how can I be here?!" she inquired, somewhat confused.

"You never left this place to begin with Alisson. The test was all mental, only you never knew it so..." he explained.

"Then the plunge into the canyon..."

"It never truly happened. A test of faith and self confidence," Kal'Aran said. "Now come, we should head back home before nightfall."

---

"Sneaking Past the Blockade"
by Vicks Mason- Smuggler and Captain of the Tae'Karada Star
Location: Tae'Karada Sector onboard the Tae'Karada Star
Date: Praeda 10, 4 ABY

Vicks was sitting, bored in the cockpit while the Star was attached to a Star Destroyer in the Tae'Karadan system. He was pulling the infamous move that Han Solo had managed to do.

"Why are we doing this, sir?" asked Deebo over the comlink.

"I told you, I'm looking for employment. I know it's risky sneaking in here, but it's the only way. Besides, I'm willing to get some information for the Rebellion if they need any," said Vicks over the comlink.

The Star Destroyer dumped its garbage and joined the blockade. The Tae'Karada Star just floated with the garbage until it was out of sensor range. Vicks flared up the engines and headed for the planet. Deebo entered the cockpit and sat down in the co-pilot's seat.

"Where to now, sir?" asked Deebo.

"I'm gonna take the ship down to the Starport, and then I'm going to go see Jadda The Hutt for employment," replied Vicks.

"You had better be careful, sir, you have a big bounty on your head at the moment."

"I'm aware of that. I'll just have to be extra-special careful, that's all."

Deebo nodded and faced the window. Vicks saw a view of the planet and took the ship toward New Plouton.

"Next stop, New Plouton…"

---

"Employment"
by Vicks Mason - Smuggler
and Jadda The Hutt - Crimelord

Location: New Plouton
Date: Praeda 10, 4 ABY

Vicks piloted the Tae'Karada Star down into the atmosphere of Chimaeria and headed for New Plouton. He hoped that he could get employment from the infamous Jadda The Hutt he kept hearing about. He needed some credits since he was all out and, on top of that, he needed to stay out of sight, seeing as he had a large bounty on his head from the Empire after he stole the Tae'Karada Star from the bay of the Star Destroyer, which was destroyed a few moments later after Vicks detonated the charges that he had laid.

"Sir, we are approaching the nearest launch pad to the house of Jadda The Hutt," said D-BO-77, Vicks' droid.

"Thanks, Deebo, and keep on the lookout for Imperial Patrols," said Vicks.

Deebo nodded and continued his work sitting in the co-pilot's chair. The ship landed at the starport and Vicks grabbed his extra Stormtrooper blaster and some extra cartridges. He hid them in his trench coat and took a look around to see if he was missing anything extra. He found the last amount of credits he had and stuck them in his inside pocket.

"Watch the ship while I'm gone, and don't let anyone in," ordered Vicks.

Deebo nodded and locked the door behind Vicks as he walked down the ramp and exited the starport. He headed for Jadda's palace and basically knocked on the door. He had his hand on his DL-44 pistol, holstered on his thigh, just in case there were any unwanted confrontations.

From a small hole in the large double blast doors came the perimeter droid that spoke in a most strange language and looked at Vicks as if studying him. After a while it looked at Vicks' face. "You may come in," it spoke before opening the doors.

Vicks was lead into Jadda's Main Room by one of the Hutt's guards. There stood Jadda looking at his guest with his guards there also and his translator droid as well. Jadda opened his eyes wide. "Bontaame chilae pantoo taslaa Vicks Mason. Thingaa talae doo bantumy tchakraa?" The droid translated. "At last I meet the well known smuggler Vicks Mason. Why did you request an audience?"

"Ah, the infamous Jadda the Hutt. Pleased to meet you. I'm looking for employment. I can smuggle you anything or just find out any information you need. Interested?" asked Vicks.

Jadda laughed. "Tollaa dantae bontumi dungaa Smuggler. Bantcha binga plantoo damoe baa Galactic Empire gomra tantoome blanta?" Jadda replied. The droid translated. "Just what I would expect from a Smuggler. Give me one good reason why I should not hand you over to the Galactic Empire instead and collect the prize money?"

"Because I can get you even better things than money," said Vicks keeping his hand on his blaster just in case. "I offer you my services in any way I can, that is, on one condition..."

Jadda laughed soundedly. "Michia boontoo mia dangume arthaa smuggler. Itchio dunbaa buo?" he said. Again the droid translated. "Just what I like to hear from a smuggler. What is this condition?"

"I'm only looking for credits, and a couple of favors..."

Jadda frowned. He didn't like those who beat around the bush too much. Meant that they usually came up with excuses as well. "Bichioo dungae bonta?" he said. "What are these favors?" the droid translated.

"One: If we have any involvments with the Empire and I get caught or I'm seen, I'll need some protection. Two: I need a recommendation for a co-pilot. I find that living people work better, and it's getting kind of boring flying around with a droid all of the time. That's all I'm asking for, and I can begin working immediately."

"Boskhan mya daengaa mishkoo doo dabadepaa maatoor... Ashaa dinbioo taantoo binsha noo mantae juo. Breshoo firgun dabba noolan tchaa. Bengo danta binoo daa inou co-pilot. Binda toor nouda jandoor," Jadda said. The droid translated. "I always take care of those who work for me... Serve me right and rest assured. Plus I will see personally about your co-pilot. He will be sent to you."

Vicks nodded. "Thank you. Now, what's my first job?"

"Bantoo shingaa muskou findoor mataa diegaa tantoot balaas goo bee Mos Eisley atnoor Tatooine. Bantaa itch toor naade ingoo ballaa," Jadda said simply. The droid translated the words. "You are to go and pick up my next shipment of spice from Mos Eisley Spaceport in Tatooine. But first we must dine and have some entertainment."

And with that Jadda ordered the musicians to play and the female slaves danced on to Jadda's entertainment. Jadda would test Vicks in this first assignment. If he served him well, then perhaps this would be a good aquisition of manwork.

---

"New Fighter"
by: Jerek Welder - Freelance Pit Fighter
and Jadda The Hutt - Crimelord
Various NPCs

Location: Jadda's Palace, Thanatos
Date: Praeda 10, 4 ABY

***

Jerek walked up to the gates of Jadda's Palace and knocked on the door. He was going fight to his limits, and he was pretty confident that he was going to be the lead pit fighter. He kept his hand on his blaster.

The perimeter droid came popping out of the large blastdoors and looked straight at Jerek. It spoke in some native strange language. It then seemed to frown. "What is the purpose of your coming here?" it asked.

"Pit fighting. I'm pretty sure I can beat all that your boss throws at me."

The perimeter droid disappeared back into the large doors and as it did they opened, allowing Jerek to enter Jadda's Palace. A beautiful Twi'lek woman was there waiting for him. "You are confident of yourself." She smiled. "Come this way..." She pointed.

The Twi'lek woman took Jerek to Jadda's presence, where he sat as he enjoyed the music played by his private band. With a swift movement from Jadda the music stopped. "Bubilappa tchangaa noor dos eera boo. Dappa doo bingaa boornoos dalaae toor. Bangaa doos teera faetoo binagga buo?" The protocol droid translated. "So, you want to fight in my pits. You are lucky I feel in the mood for some fights. What is your claimed prize?"

"5000 credits for a few fights. Which do you want it, first to fall? First to fall 3 times? First to die?" asked Jerek as he smiled. He could break someone's neck with one of his punches.

Jadda laughed. "Dantaa boo eabatha doo buomoor daballa peellaamoo... Bontcha hooda juloor naaresaa haaloo. Toor nisaa boortoo furgaa saare too maelaa. Tchalla 1000 siin toonoo doobee dallapa depaa coor," he said. The droid translated. "This pit fighter is my kind of scum... There will be no quits. First one knocked out or dead wins. Prize is 1000 and doubles up every next match you bet and win."

"Deal. Throw whatever you have at me. I can fight immediately."

Jadda laughed again and gestured. A door to his right opened. It would lead to the pit where Jadda held all his matches. There he had a series of fighters, from several races and several different fighting styles. Jerek was asked to leave his weapons behind and enter the door. Inside the Pit was his first opponent, a tall Bothan, very well built with a scar accross his left cheek.

Jerek took off his blaster, his coat and his shirt. He circled around his opponent trying to figure out his weaknesses. The Bothan followed him. The Bothan lunged at him with a fist. Jerek dodged, spun around and grabbed his arm and broke it. The Bothan screamed in pain as he hurled his other arm at Jerek. Jerek raised his leg and kicked it away and took one right hook to the Bothan's head, breaking his neck and killing it. Jerek stood there untouched with a grin on his face. "Anything else?" Jerek asked.

Jadda raised his hands. The doors to the pit opened and out came a seven foot tall Tusken Raider, very powerfully built. He seemed very enraged and as soon as the opportunity arised he would attack fiercely any opponent that was set in front of him. The second match begun to Jadda's laughter.

The Tusken raider growled and raised his arms as if he was calling his brethren that did not exist. The shouts he made sounded in echoes all over the pit. He then paid his attention to Jerek and rapidly moved in for the kill... It was clear enough that his strategy for the match was but one: Brutal force.

Jerek lunged at him and the raider grabbed his arm and threw him. Jerek stood up deciding not to go so easy. It was time to get a little rough. He walked up to the raider and the raider swung, but Jerek ducked and hit him in the gut and gave him an upper-cut. The tusken raider recovered and got up. He punched Jerek and tried again, but Jerek tripped him and the tusken raider fell to the ground. He picked him up and broke his neck.

Jerek knew it was only going to get harder, so he prepared for the worst.

Jadda ate a snack. This Jerek was indeed a good fighter and it was being fun having him at the pits. He gestured for the next opponent to enter. A short and bulky Noghri. He was short but it was easy to see that he was fighting capable. Fast, agile and definitively strong. A different type of fighter. Obviously, Jadda wasn't making this one any easier...

Jerek toughened himself up even more. He this time waited for the Nohgri to make his move. The Nohgri was fast and nailed Jerek in the face. Jerek got back up and punched the Nohgri two times, knocking him to the ground. The Nohgri took a cheap shot and kicked Jerek in the testes. Jerek stood there thanking god for the cup he had put on, for the cup had just shattered. He pulled the Nohgri up and punched him in the face two times, then punched him in the chest about eight times then dropped him to the ground.

"Take him away," said Jerek.

Jadda had but two more fighters. This Jerek had been killing most, but not this last one. Of course, the Hutt would not make it any easier. If Jerek lost he would not have to pay... He laughed and made yet another gesture for the next fighter to enter the arena.

This time it was a Doug. This one, and any other Doug, was both strong and deadly, and able to snap an opponent's arm without too much trouble. Jadda liked this because it made this one deadly and fun as he liked to toy around with his opponents. The Doug smiled viciously and prepared itself. It was clear that it was fast and the fact it had four arms and no legs was a strange combination.

Jerek this time was sure he'd have trouble. He raised his fists and began moving around his opponent waiting for him to strike. He contemplated what he was going to do when the Doug struck.

The Doug was able to hit Jerek smack across the face and right afterwards swooped his legs, throwing him down. But even though he was on the ground Jerek managed to loose one of his legs and pinned the Doug by the neck, choaking him. It took the Doug three of his four arms to break loose. The fight was on...

After a couple of minutes the Doug was pretty worn down, but he had managed to get Jerek also, and he was surely bruised as well. The Doug was confident and moved in with one last strong blow to try and finish Jerek off. But perhaps the move was made too soon.

Jerek stepped out of the way and spin kicked the Doug so hard that he fell down completely knocked out.

Jadda's eyes went wide and he laughed. "Boonta bin doo balla deppa! Talla noos forgaa bee? Tchunga boo dappa loo credits..." he said. The droid translated. "It seems we have a winner! Do you wish to proceed to your final fight? Or will you receive your credits..."

"Bring the last one. I'll do my best..." Jerek knew this one was going to be extremely tough. He prepared himself and waited.

Jadda frowned, but it could be amusing. This Jerek had won quite a substantial amount of money already. But he could lose it all in the next fight. Jadda motioned and in came two fighters. One was a tall powerful looking Wookiee with its dark brown fur and the other was a Zabrak with his red and black tatooed face, fiery eyes and horns coming out of his forehead.

"Bontie laa doos noor..." Jadda said. "Choose an opponent," the droid transated. They were both very deadly and both undefeated.

"Whichever is your best. I'll do them both one after the other if I have to..." Jerek knew that the odds were against him, but he might as well risk it. He had beaten a wookie before, but he had never fought a Zabrak. He began stretching, waiting for which one Jadda would choose first.

Jadda nodded and pointed at the wookiee. The Zabrak left the ring and the fight began. The wookiee was clearly one of Jadda's favourites as he seemed to be trained in fighting arts. A strange thing for a wookiee, not to be using just brutal force...

Jerek was freaked out. There was a very good chance he would die here. He waited for the first move and was in deep concnetration. He circled around his victim searching for possible weaknesses...

The Wookiee growled and started to move along making a strange combination of footwork, as if trying to get Jerek confused as to his combat rhythm. He faked a right cross punch and attacked with a left kick to the thighs, but Jerek was able to dodge that one.

The wookiee then moved right and jumped forwards in a hand bash. As Jerek dodged the second attack by the Wookiee, the large furry beast was able to grab him and throw him to the ground, jumping on top of him and trying to pin Jerek's arms with his knees and punch him in the face.

Jerek struggled then moved his legs over the wookie, reversing positions, putting the wookie in its front and Jerek on top. Jerek took its arms, put his knees on them and began strangling the wookie until it was unconscious and let loose. He stook up with his cuts waiting for the Zabrak.

The Zabrak entered the arena but instead of fighting it went over to the unconscious Wookiee and kicked the Wookiee and then bit his nose and smiled, blood all over his face. He pulled the Wookiee out of the arena as he left.

Jadda laughed and called for Jerek. A guard escorted him out of the arena and over to Jadda's presence once more. "Boonty blaa pit fighter tchallae. Dae goon billaa dee boos! Dae boos too balloo credits," Jadda said. The droid replied. "You are a good pit fighter, but I grow tired of fights. You will receive your well earned credits."

Jerek nodded and thanked the Hutt. He turned to look at the Zabrak. He had never seen one before, and wondered how they had fought.

Jadda nodded and puffed in his smoking, letting out yellow smoke. "Dallaa boos footoo bannee tchoo citroo pit fighter?" Jadda asked. "What would it cost to have you as personal guard?" the droid translated.

"How much are you willing to pay?" asked Jerek as he snickered. "Just as long as I'm able to get out sometimes, I'm ok with it."

Jadda laughed once more. "Bolaa doo beepa dalloos mee tchunga noor. Batee tchoo dingia boos taa!" Jadda said with a nod. The droid translated. "Your fees can be met whatever they are. I will call on your services later on then..."

The large Hutt then raised his arm and ordered one of his guards to come by. He carried a sack and tossed it at Jerek. It was his prize money. The whole 16,000 credits he had earned fighting. "Laas doo bintaa ees toolus!" Jadda spoke. "There is more from where that comes from!" the droid repeated.

"Consider my services yours then. I can be reached at this comlink code whenever you need me. Pleasure doing business with you, and it sure won't be the last time for me." Jerek nodded and left the building as he put his clothes on. He went back to the Starport to get the repairs on his ship done, not knowing what adventure lay ahead for him...

---

"Lessons in Intensity"
by Elisia - Padawan
Kylas - Jedi

Location: Kylas' home on Landros IV
Date: 10 Praeda, 4ABY

Kylas was whittling a small piece of wood and entertaining himself inside the house. It had been a day since the migration began. He was getting bored inside the house, but going outside was slightly dangerous.

Elisia sighed with frustration. She threw down the book. "If I have to read one more thing I am going to scream," she said testily.

"Love, you can go outside if you want to fight those things again, and right now, your shoulder is healing. Try and meditate." He smiled knowingly.

"I have been meditating...and studying and meditating... I want to do something else," she said with a small pout. "What do Jedi's do for fun?"

"Meditate." He smirked.

"They do have fun?" she asked with concern.

"It's all a matter of perspective." He continued to grin. "Yes, we have fun." He laughed. "Do you know of any games you'd like to play?" he asked.

"I only know how to dice," she answered honestly. "Games don't get played too much on the streets."

"Hmmm, well I don't know any games. Anything else you can think of?" he asked.

"How long is migration?" she asked with a frown.

"A few more days." He looked up from his whittling. "Are you sure there is nothing you can think of to keep your mind busy?" He looked concerned.

"How do I control wishing?" she asked after a moment.

"You simply close your mind to others." He looked at her. "Establishing that barrier the same way you would with telepathy."

"How come it doesn't work with some people?" she asked with a small grin.

"Because they have stronger will than other people. Various races have developed evolutionary defense against it."

"So, your will is stronger than mine. Could someone with a stronger will than you, make you do as they wish?" she asked thoughtfully.

"It depends on how well they know the force." He smiled. "Why? Your will is extremely strong."

"So, I could change the will of another force user if I practice hard enough?" she asked again.

"Yes." He looked at her. "Why would you want to though?"

Elisia smiled. "No reason." She picked up her book again.

He shook his head and went back to his whittling.

It was about ten minutes later that he felt the touch of her mind on his. It was faint, a light exploratory touch.

He kept his smirk to himself and kept whittling. He masked his presence and gently monitored her thoughts.

Elisia tried to see if she could see what he was thinking. Her eyes were trained on her book but she didn't see anything. She was afraid to try too hard.

Kylas masked the presence of his mind, and touched hers. He gently stimulated part of her mind that felt like gentle wisp of fingertips over her skin.

Elisia shivered and brushed her arm. She looked up and around. She glanced at Kylas but he was intent on his whittling. She frowned and looked down at her book. She tried again. How could he whittle and think nothing?

He kept his mind clear for her to read. He felt her prying once again. He smiled. His presence was still masked to her as he blew across the wood. He made it feel like it was across her neck.

Elisia shivered and looked at Kylas suspiciously. She knew he must be on to her so she decided to be bolder. She tried to wish him to sleep. She put all her will behind it.

Kylas smirked and turned her thought around on her and whittled away.

Elisia felt her eyelids droop and realized somehow she had backlashed. She tossed down the book. She would never get stronger. "You'll just need practice, Love. You must learn to control your emotions." He smirked.

She glanced up at him. "My emotions. I wasn't using my emotions."

"No, but you gave up too easily." He smiled and stood up. "First things first, you're trying specific ideas. You should practice on sensations and feeling first." He took her hand and gently made it feel warm.

"We have done sensations." She blushed, for most of them had been while they had been making love.

"We have not used the force to an extreme that you are trying, though." He smirked and gently cupped her chin and let his hand feel like feathers. He kissed her deeply and let the sensation on her lips hold.

Elisia shivered; his touch always did that to her. "That is playing unfair," she answered.

"Really? Perhaps you should practice." He kissed her neck, concentrating on the heightening of her sensations. His hands strayed to her shirt and gently undid her buttons one by one and let his finger tips move over the exposed skin like little lightening strikes.

"I can do that too, but that is something you want me to do," she pointed out with a giggle.

He smiled at her and grinned evilly. "Is that so wrong?" He smirked.

"Wrong, no. But it is not a challenge to my skills," she pointed out with a laugh.

"Really? You haven't been able to duplicate the powers and sensations yet have you?" He looked at her. "You have enjoyed them."

"I never denied enjoying them and as for mastery..." She reached up and kissed him gently. She blew gently against his lips and increased the sensation to the back of his neck. She leaned back and grinned at him.

"I'm impressed." He pulled her shirt back and grinned as he blew across her chest and smiled.

"I thought you said I should study," she teased, not stopping his advances.

"I thought you said you were bored," he teased back. He tickled her rib and touched her belly in several places, sending shots of sensation to her.

"I am not the one chopping wood into slivers," she pointed out. She ran her hands up under his shirt, but closed her eyes and worked the sensations of kissing his neck.

"I was not the one who was bored. I don't know any games and all you know how to play is dice, so I thought lessons would be an answer you liked." He smiled and kissed her neck slowly and gently, lingering his lips on her skin to heighten her experience and gently drew his fingers in slow circles over her breasts until he reached her nipples and drew slow circles around them.

She gasped. "Well, then we could be doing this through the whole migration," she teased. "How long is it?" She ran her hands lightly under his waistband.

"About three more days." He smiled and kissed her. Deeply. "Worried?" He bent his neck and kissed her nipples. He started to try and suck on her breasts and play his fingers across her belly.

"Better than studying," she pointed out. She pulled him towards the bed. "Though I am sure you can do better than that. After all, you are a master," she taunted lightly.

"Why are you worried?" He smiled. "We can always learn some new things." He gently pushed her back onto the bed and pulled off her boots and socks and kissed the top of her feet, before undoing her pants and kissing her navel.

"Something new? How could you possibly show me something new?" She loved it when he just took control. It made her feel cherished.

"I don't know. Show what it's like to have your every nerve tortured by pleasure." He smirked and pulled her pants off and again kissed her right foot, kissing up along the inside of her ankle up her calf.

"I think you have done that," she said with a laugh, for his kisses were tickling her.

"Really?" He kissed up her calf and gently licked beneath her knee, and started to slowly lick and kiss up her thigh.

Elisia squirmed. She closed her eyes and tried to create the image of touching him intimately; it was hard to maintain with his rising kisses. She focused her concentration on the sensations she wished to create.

"Very good, Love." He smiled and winked. "Perhaps I'll let you win out." He moved to where she wanted him and gently breathed on her sex. "Perhaps." He returned to kissing her thighs and kissed over her hip to her belly again.

Elisia lost her concentration and let out a sigh of both pleasure and then frustration. She sat up, pushing him back a little and pulled his shirt off. She loved touching him, looking at him.

He smiled. "You want me to truly pleasure you, Love?" He smiled. Before she could answer, he knelt between her legs and rested them over his shoulder. Without a second thought he went straight to her sex and kissed and licked at her rapidly.

Elisia lost all thought and concentration as she surrendered to his touch. All thoughts of will, force, and boredom were gone. All that mattered was his kiss, his touch and his closeness.

He pulled away. "Love, you need to keep concentrating." He smirked and returned to nibbling her lower lips and teasing them.

"Why?" she managed to gasp. "I like just experiencing."

"You wanted to grow stronger in your ability." He drew his tongue into her and played it off her warmth and tickled her sex.

Elisia moaned but attempted to concentrate once more. She focused her concentration on light caresses and small intimate kisses. Whenever he would change what he was doing, she would lose focus a little and have to try again.

"You're getting better." He used his fingers to hold her lower lips open and he licked furiously at her insides.

The sensations were too much. She couldn't tell if she was even having an effect on him. She didn't give up, however, she tried a different tactic. Trying to create the sensation of her mouth upon him. She squirmed against him at the same time, her moans showing the pleasure he was giving her.

"Good. Keep trying." He smiled and licked at her warmth a few more times before he locked his lips around her nub. He would suck at her gently, teasing her, then attack her directly. His mind touched her, not to create any new sensations but to watch her and as she reached her high he would back off and start again. He kept this attack going.

Whenever she could focus, it seemed to distance her from the sensations he was creating. However, he broke her concentration more than once. Finally it was too much and she lost her concentration completely.

"Elisia, Love, you have to focus. You can't lose your concentration that easily. You must maintain a level of discipline." He smiled and teased her lower lips, still nibbling gently at her. He moved his hands along her calves and gently massaged up along her thighs. "You must control your emotions." He gently pinched her rear as he continued to torture her senses.

"It is not emotions that are the problem." She gasped and tried to sit up and push him away. The sensations were pure sweet torture.

"You have to learn. If you can't handle this, then how can you focus in more painful situations?" He nodded and continued to gently lick at her. His hands strayed over her belly and started to massage her breasts.

"Because I wouldn't want to relish in pain," she said with a laugh.

"That's not the idea. For jedi, we can control our emotional responses and functions and make our bodies do what we want." He nodded and leaned up from her. He started to suckle on her breasts softly. His hands moved across her thighs and gently massaged her.

Elisia tried again to focus her attention on him and distance herself from the sensations he was creating. She was glad to use pleasure and not pain, but in some ways, pleasure was more difficult, for one wanted the pleasure.

"That's exactly why you must learn to control with pleasure because it will always be stronger than pain." He smiled and looked at her. "Perhaps we should try this instead. Focus entirely on the pleasure. Do not let your mind waver from that. Do not lose sight of it or concentration. Heighten your own senses." He gently pushed her to her back again. He held her lower lips apart with his index finger and started to slowly lick at her warmth, allowing her the time to relax and then started to work on her nub again.

Elisia did as he directed. It was easy to increase her own sensations and within minutes she writhed at his every touch. Her moans became almost unceasing as the tension coiled within her.

He led his hands back over her stomach, massaging her belly. He pressed his movements faster and concentrated on his mental link with her to stimulate the pleasure centers of her mind, to focus her pleasure more. He started to lick at her rapidly.

Elisia lost all sense of time. All that she knew was pure pleasure, pleasure so intense that it almost hurt until the waves of passion broke over her. Her body tensed so tightly it rose off the bed in concert with her cries of release.

"There. At least you're learning how to tune things out." He laughed and leaned over her belly and kissed her gently. He sat back and lifted her legs and began to massage them and help her relax and wash away the tension and release.

Elisia smiled. Yes, now she knew how to tune things out. She also had been aware of his manipulation of her senses as well. She focused her mind completely on his pleasure. Creating the sense of several hands as well as her mouth pleasuring him. The intense sensations still echoed within her and fed the sensations she was creating. She basically took that sense of desperation and used it within everything she touched. Her mental push was sudden and forceful, not giving him time to even prepare for it.

Kylas raised his head. "Good. Very good." He smirked. "But can you do that under certain pressure." He leaned back and started to gently lick at her again.

Elisia frowned, for he should have at least shown some physical sign of her attempt and he had not even gasped. She put a wall between herself and his sensations and turned her attention once more to him, using only her mind since he kept out of reach of her own hands.

He groaned and smiled at her. "Very well done, Love, but don't forget, I've been trained in mental disciplines for a long time." He leaned over her and sighed with contentment as he kissed her neck. He gently nudged past her wall and started to tickle sensations across her skin.

Elisia was determined and let the wall go. Instead, she took the sensations he was giving her and channeled them right back to him. This was in addition to the sensations she was creating. A light sheen of sweat began to form on her forehead.

"Mmmmm, much better. You're learning." He smiled and kissed her forehead. He kissed her deeply and let his tongue slide into her mouth as he massaged her body. "Keep trying," he whispered in her ear as he licked along the edge of it. He left, teasing her mind and focused on reaching beneath her skin and affecting her nerves.

Elisia squirmed but kept channeling back to him. Anything he did to her, he did to himself as well. The link became harder to hold and her head began to pound slightly but she was determined. He had brought her to completion and she was determined to at least get him close enough that he felt compelled to make love to her in the fullest sense.

"Shhh, keep your mind quite. Don't force things so directly. Gentle persuasion is all that is needed for the mind." He smiled and gently nudged her mind, forgetting about the stimulation but directly mingling his mind with hers, allowing not only what he was doing to her, but in effect driving the sensations she directed on him to be felt by her as well. He slowly rubbed against her sex and kissed her deeply. "Ready?"

Elisia nodded, trying as he said, to be more gentle. But sensations swirled around her and because of the connection of their minds, she could no longer tell which were hers and which were his, nor did she care.

He used his legs to push hers wide as he entered into her and slowly moved. His mind no longer mingled with hers as they had been joined in the past. He not only touch her but his mind joined with hers and tried to become one.

Elisia arched against him. The pleasure was so intense that it knifed through her. She suddenly realized she no longer knew where she ended and where Kylas began, so intermingled were their thoughts and sensations. A wave of great love broke within her, contained behind walls of fear and pain, and washed across them both along with the sensations of their physical contact.

"Now, my love, you must not lose sense of self. You must maintain that and try to make yourself whole as well as joined." He kissed her deeply and moved against her. His body moved at an angle that directly stimulated everything he touched.

Elisia moaned, trying to separate herself and yet maintain the contact that felt so wondrous on the mental level. It was too hard. She liked this sense of oneness, the feeling that there was nothing beyond this moment.

"Try, Love. You have to be able to do this." He bent his neck and gently suckled her breasts. His mind gently gathered the essence together and contained them together. His tongue moved over her skin in motions that seemed a blur in reality. His gently movements stopped. "You control the force."

Elisia squirmed against him, not wanting him to stop. She reluctantly forced herself to find what was hers and what was his and gently separate them and yet keep them close together. But by doing so, she lost some of the sensations she had been creating for him. She moaned and squirmed against him, her body craving more.

Kylas looked at her and smiled. "Now hold onto yourself. This is where things can get a little different." He smiled and gently surrounded her with his own presence. He kissed her deeply and embraced her tightly against him. He moved his body back and arched against her hard. He started to moved rapidly and as he did, his mind once again completely merged with hers. He maintained himself, but dropped all his barriers and let her feel all the sensations he kept in check.

Elisia immediately cried out in intense pleasure. She barely managed to hang onto the sense of self that he had required of her. The sensations washed over her in such a torrent of pleasure that even breath came with difficulty.

His body moved against her faster. He drew upon her strength and his to move at a pace and speed he had never moved before. He hammered against her hard, and touched her mind. ~It's all right now. You've learned the lesson. You can let yourself go, I won't let you fall.~

Elisia barely heard him. The hard and fast movements were all she could manage in sensation. She let herself meld once more totally with him, feeding the intense sensations back on him, a loop of pleasure was created.

He hammered against her harder and harder. His body tensed several times, the coil nearly breaking. His body finally gave way to his release and he moved with wild abandon.

Elisia screamed with pleasure so intense that it was unlikely she would ever forget it. His sensations and release cascaded, creating her own and she trembled against him and around him.

"Told you we could learn something new." He was breathing heavily and kissed her deeply.

"I was not aware that... Wow," she whispered when the kiss broke. She clung to him, her body still trembling. "Much more of that and I would have gone insane."

Kylas blinked a few times, smiling down at her. "I love you," he whispered back and kissed her forehead. Then he realized something. While joined, he sensed something different about Elisia, like he had lost part of his essence, but how. "Oh," he said quietly.

"I love you too," she said wholeheartedly. "Oh? Oh what?" She looked at him with concern. "I do love you." Did he doubt what she felt? What had washed over them both had been from her and wholly her.

He smiled. "I know you do, Love." He caressed her face. "Close you eyes and listen to your heartbeat. Let the force show you something you may yet not realize."

Elisia looked at him, puzzled, but closed her eyes as he said. She concentrated on her heartbeat. Its rhythmic sound was always comforting to her. Suddenly, she realized that there was something different. A little heartbeat, rapid and a little erratic. Her eyes flew open with concern to Kylas' eyes.

He smiled. "Let us sleep on this Elisia, for you had no family of your own blood, well at least until now." He gave a kind smile. He lifted the sheets of the bed and shifted them so they were laying together and wrapped in warmth. "Surprised? Is it too much?" He craddled her close to him.

"I guess I should have realized the possibilty, but it just never occured to me." She looked at him and blushed. "I am very surprised." She cuddled up close to him, a little frightened and a little excited but mostly tired.

"Life is about to take on a whole new meaning for us, Elisia." He stopped and pondered for a second. "Yes..." He kissed her forehead and whispered, "Will you marry me?"

Elisia's eyes flew open in shock and surprise. She loved him, she knew that.

They were about to have a child, but she didn't want him to ask her just because she was about to have his baby. "Would you ask me if I weren't pregnant?" she asked carefully. She opened her senses, hoping this once, he would not shield himself from her as he was prone to do.

He opened his mind fully to her. "I was going to ask a few weeks from now, but..." He smiled with a twinkle in his eye she had not seen before. "With all the sudden good news, I figured, what the hell? Why not?" He pulled her atop of him and tickled her. "Yes, Love, my answer to your question is yes, what is your answer to mine?"

She looked down at him and smiled. "Yes!" She rained kisses across his lips and cheeks, small butterfly kisses. "Yes, yes, yes and a thousand times yes."

He raised his eyebrow. "One yes would have done." He laughed. "Come now, Love, you and I are both tired, and chances are, our little one is even more so." He kissed her deeply. "Sleep now, then we'll see about heading home."

Elisia snuggled up to him, her heart racing with joy. She was too tired to think about what it really all meant. She didn't catch his remark about going home. In her mind, they were home.

---

"Reversal, Part 1"
by Kaysa Zenarr
Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
and Merrick Braston

Location: Yesdol and Yallder Districts, New Plouton
Date: 10 Praeda, 4ABY

***

Kaysa couldn't wait to awaken that morning. The moment she felt the sun hit her face, she forced her consciousness to return and opened her eyes. She was exhausted physically and emotionally, but she was too anxious to see Merrick's face again to be able to sleep. Waking up and knowing he was by her side was better than any dream her mind had ever concocted. A gentle smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she rolled over onto her side and reached across to touch Merrick's cheek. It was a moment they'd both been waiting for for so long, to wake up next to one another after a night of lovemaking, and now that it was here, Kaysa felt joy such as she had never experienced before. For once, she actually believed the future held more for her than just grief and pain.

As her fingers brushed against the fabric of the abandoned pillow lying next to her, a moment of panic wracked her. The indentation made from Merrick's head was still there, but he was not. She sprang up in bed with an anguished whimper and looked around the room frantically. "Merrick!? Merrick, where are you?!"

From within the bathroom, Merrick's head popped out. He gave her a big grin and wandered toward her. "It's okay," he said. "I didn't want to disturb you, so I was just...um, well, making some notes." He led her to the doorway of the bathroom. Inside, laid out atop the counter were many sheets of tissue all marked up with music notations and other assorted scribbling. "I had a meeting with inspiration as I woke up beside you this morning, and I had to put it down before it went away."

Kaysa looked at the plethora of sheets with black dots and lines floating across each page, then flew into Merrick's arms. "You scared me," she whispered as she nestled her face into his chest. "I thought you'd... I don't know what I thought." She looked up at him and managed a tender smile. "I inspired all this?"

Merrick kissed Kaysa, letting her warmth fill him and nearly carry him off in a wave of bliss. "You did," he said between kisses. "I was lying there with you, and there it was. I don't know if I'll be able to play it tonight, but I certainly should have it done by the end of the week...if not sooner. Though, no one will hear this unless you're there in the audience."

"I want to be there, and I will be." Kaysa kissed Merrick again, then pulled away quickly with a large smile on her face. "Wait! That means Chrik gave you you're job back? Is Merrick Braston going to once again headline for the White Noise? I like having a famous boyfriend."

Merrick laughed. "Yes, I've got my job," he said. "And, Merrick Braston is indeed going to be headlining at the White Noise." He found himself suddenly staring in wonder at Kaysa, fascinated by her and everything they would do together. "So, what are you planning for today?"

Kaysa shrugged and began kissing Merrick's neck softly. "I don't have anything planned. I was going to go down to Zenarr Inc. to check up on things, but after that, I'm free. What about you?"

"The only thing I really need to do today is some prep work for the gig tonight," he said. "Though, I could use that haircut and some new clothes. And, I really should check my account balances. I imagine sitting on my ass for four months hurt."

"It's still a nice ass though." Kaysa laughed and kissed Merrick firmly. Her breasts flattened against his bare chest as she pulled him closer, and even through his pants, she could feel a hardness against her stomach. It was still morning, yet Kaysa already felt so alive. "Thank you for last night," Kaysa whispered into his ear before nibbling on it gently. "Thank you for coming back to me."

"Thank you for being here to come back to," he said. "I feel like I've finally woken up, and I'm realizing what life is supposed to be like. I don't think I could ever walk away now, not after yesterday." He glanced back at his scribbling. "Not after today."

Kaysa looked again upon the scattering of sheets on her sink and laughed. "And how exactly am I supposed to brush my teeth? Is this how it is in your apartment? I bet your floor is just covered with music."

Merrick laughed. "No," he said. "I have a datapad that I keep my notes on, but I didn't want to go rummaging for one here. Let me pick these up, and you can brush your teeth without fear of splattering on my new masterpiece." He stepped into the bathroom with Kaysa close behind. He smiled as he gathered the sheets of tissue into a pile. "It's amazing how things work out the way they do."

Kaysa watched Merrick from the doorway and smiled. "It is..." she said quietly. Seeing the glow on Merrick's face and the radiant glimmer in his eyes, she knew, for once, she'd done something right. "You're everything to me, Merrick. I know it may not mean much hearing that from a woman who has nothing left, but you truly are."

Merrick smiled. "I think for the woman who has nothing left, being everything means a lot. And, maybe together we can get you back to being a woman who has something again." He moved to her and brought a hand to her cheek. "I should run to the White Noise to iron out some things with Chrik. If you have to run into the office, maybe I could go do that, and then we can meet for some lunch and then shopping."

Kaysa smiled and turned her lips to Merrick's hand. She kissed his palm gently then nestled her cheek back into it. "I like that idea...especially the shopping part. But until you've gotten your financial situation stable again, I don't want you spending money on me. The shopping can wait." Kaysa laughed and abruptly wrapped her arms around Merrick, squeezing him tight. "Once you've got some spending cash, though, we are definitely going on a shopping spree."

"I will check on it after I talk to Chrik," he said. "It shouldn't take too long. And, then, if it's not all gone, we are going to hit the shops. Though, we should probably get ourselves ready to go before we run out of day."

Kaysa groaned and reluctantly released her grip on Merrick. "Fine. I suppose we should get ready...but separately or we'll never leave the apartment." She reached up and kissed Merrick once again, feasting on his lips and letting her hands dance across his back. She didn't want to be without him today, but she hoped she could manage to be away from him for at least a little while before the withdrawal kicked in. "Oh my," she said with a soft chuckle as their lips parted. "You are far too sexy for your own good, my love. I'm not sure I can bear to be away from you for even an hour."

"It'll only make meeting up again later that much nicer," he said with a smile. "And, it is going to be difficult without you near. Completely unbearable. But, it will be a test of our strength, to see how great our love for each other is. If we fall into puddles of goo from lack of having each other near, then we know that we truly have a powerful relationship here." He realized that he was holding Kaysa tight and laughed softly. "And, I can see that getting out of here is going to be difficult."

"Well, I'll help then." Kaysa laughed as she playfully pushed Merrick, with some resistance, out of the bathroom. "Now you stay put," she commanded as she wagged a finger at him. "If you're a good boy and you obey, I might have a special treat for you once I'm done in here."

Merrick laughed. "I'll try to be good," he said as he backed away from the door. Once she closed it, he moved to the bed with his pile of tissues and started in again on making notes for the new song. He glanced to the doorway, and in his mind he saw Kaysa standing there, watching him. He closed his eyes and felt the music. His hand moved across the tissues, marking each note. If he kept this up, he'd have it ready for the gig that night.

***

Kaysa could scarcely believe how her day could have started out so wonderfully, and within in hour, become so horrible. She tried to appear in good spirits for Merrick's sake, but she was distracted and he must have known it. As they stepped off the stairwell and onto the busy street, she turned to him with a smile and kissed him hurriedly on the cheek. "So, where should I meet you?"

Merrick looked out in the direction of the Yesdol district and tried to remember a place that might be somewhere between where they each would be. He realized he had no idea where Zenarr Inc. was located, and decided to just pick someplace that might be close. "There's a garden near the entrance to the Yesdol district. We could meet there if you'd like. They've got lots of flowers from around this system, plus some monkey-like animals in habitat enclosures. So, whoever shows up first can be entertained."

Kaysa gave a tight smile and nodded her head. "Sounds great. I'll see you later. I'm really late and I...I have to get going." She kissed him again and paused for a brief moment to caress his still stubbled cheek. "I love you."

"I love you too," he said. He stood watching her for a moment as she moved off in the other direction. Finally, he shook his head and put the dark thoughts intruding into his mind away, and turned down toward the White Noise.

Kaysa glanced back for a moment, but Merrick was already far down the street. She didn't want to hurt him, but if she didn't do this now, she would. A quiet, ironic laugh rose in her throat. If she hadn't gone to brush her teeth that morning, she wouldn't have remembered Zale and the reason her toothbrush was at his apartment now. Just when things were beginning to look brighter, her mistakes had to rein down upon her and bring with them, darkness. Zale had to go...if only she could convince herself of that.

As she slowly made her way to the fringes of Yallder and Yesdol, the fear and pain and guilt were beginning to resurface. When she was with Merrick, her love for him overshadowed all of it, but even then, when their lovemaking was over and all was quiet, she could hear the voices in her head crying out to her. The mistakes of the past couldn't simply be repressed and forgotten; they had to be corrected. She was far too frightened to delve into the tormenting memories of everything she had done wrong in her life. Zale was her cure for the pain. He subjected her to a different kind of pain, a delicious release from the emotional suffering that plagued her. Merrick couldn't do that, but she couldn't fault him for that. He was undergoing a torment of his own, dealing with the ghosts of his own past and there was no room for him to take on the burden of helping her deal with her own.

Wandering through Yesdol gave Kaysa too much time to think, and studying the scattering of beggars lining the streets only drove the knife deeper into her heart. Zale told her he'd seen Shiv out begging one day - another weight of guilt to add to the rest. She'd driven Shiv to it, she'd thrown her out onto the street without a cred, yet the thought never crossed her mind to go and seek the girl out. She convinced herself Shiv was better off without her and she probably was.

As she passed the beggars, hearing their droning, persistent pleas, she actually felt a moment of pity for them. She passed so many of them on her way to work everyday, yet not once did she stop for them. Frankly, she was far too greedy to hand over her money to a bunch of dirty street rats. Today was different, though. She felt a keen sympathy for them and knew she herself had come close many times to being in their position. She still was, but at least she was on the verge of getting her monetary situation back on track.

Turning down one of the streets, she spotted a lowly beggar, one who looked more pathetic than the rest and was, as far as beggars go, absolutely alone. By mere fate, she had been singled out to be the recipient of Kaysa's good deed for the week. She approached the girl, whose clothing was tattered and who had her knees drawn close to her chest as she rocked rhythmically on the dirty ground below. She was silent but clearly could use the creds. Her head was hung low and her tangled mass of hair hung limp around her face; Kaysa couldn't tell for all the dirt whether the hair was blonde or brown, but either way, it was still a jumbled mess.

The nearer Kaysa approached the girl, the more repugnant the odour emanating from her became. She guessed the poor girl hadn't bathed for months and had most likely been spending her nights sleeping amongst the garbage in filthy alleyways. The smell was eerily familiar; she'd spent enough times in alleyways to recognize the stench of putrid, rotting garbage when she smelled it, and this girl must have been rolling in it. Kaysa reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out a one credit slip. Another look at the pathetic state of the girl and decided upon a five credit slip instead.

She wrinkled her nose as she finally came upon the girl and tossed her the chip. "Here," she said modestly. "Go buy yourself something to eat." The girl reached her grubby hand out and curled her fingers around the fallen chip. As she whispered a quiet 'thank you' and raised her head timidly, Kaysa nearly lost her footing. The eyes were the same, but conveyed a sadness and a hopelessness now. Her expression was blank and her brown eyes were dead to the world around. The face was familiar, yet all at once, unfamiliar and foreign.

Kaysa could barely catch her breath and took a startled step back. The girl's eyes showed no signs of recognition, and just as she was almost a stranger to Kaysa, she knew the girl saw her as one also. Her hand went to her mouth as a sudden wave of despair and guilt forced a choked whimper to her lips. She'd done this; the wretched state the girl was in had been thrust upon her by Kaysa herself. A five credit slip just didn't seem enough anymore.

The girl pulled pushed the credit slip into a pocket and scrubbed at a patch of dirt on the back of her hand. She'd buy something to eat later. When the woman left. She pulled her coat tighter around her and tried to tuck her bare feet as far under the fabric as possible. If she weren't so hungry, she'd try to buy a pair of shoes. Of course, they'd probably only be stolen again. She could feel the woman still standing there, staring at her. "Thank you," she said a little louder and then tucked herself tighter against the watchful gaze.

Kaysa continued to watch the girl, in disarray this time. Was she deranged or was the girl simply repressing all memory of her? Kaysa reached out to her for a moment with the intent of shaking her until her listless mind awoke and she showed some sign that she wasn't completely detached from reality. She drew her hand away though, not confident as to her mental state. If she touched her, she might shriek and shrink back; another possibility was she would simply bite Kaysa's hand like the mangy animal she'd regressed to.

Her mouth fumbled for something, anything to say to her that would snap her out of the state she was in. All she could think of was to call out her name. "Shiv, can you hear me? Oh gods...what have I done to you?" Kaysa's legs seemed to disappear beneath her as she fell to her knees. The result of her actions was sitting before her, curled up into a tiny ball and mumbling incoherently to herself. The thread snapped within Kaysa and her composure crumbled as the guilt and regret finally consumed her fully. All she could think to do now, was to cry anguished tears. "I'm so sorry, Shiv. Gods I'm so sorry..."

As the woman talked to her, the fog lifted slightly. Recognition came to her eyes as she looked at the rich woman who had given her five credits. Slowly, the light in her eyes brightened. "Kaysa?" she whispered. "Every night I've dreamt. And, every day you're still gone. Why are you here?" She felt a mixture of happiness and anger pass through her, but in the end all she was left with was indifference. She studied Kaysa's face for a moment as she sobbed on the ground. "You don't look very good."

Kaysa tried to force a laugh, but she only managed to shed more tears. "Of course I'm not good, Shiv. Look what I did to you? Oh gods..." Kaysa placed her face into her hands to muffle her sobs. What a sight she must have been to the passersby, sitting at the feet of a beggar and weeping miserably. She didn't care how pathetic she looked, not after seeing what she'd done to Shiv. Kaysa finally managed to look at Shiv again, no matter how much it pained her to. The light in her eyes had dimmed and she seemed years older than she was. Kaysa had done that to her as well and made the resentment she felt towards herself even stronger. "Shiv...I...I'm sorry, that's all I can say. Gods, please forgive me."

Shiv watched Kaysa for a moment. She wanted to be bitter, to hate Kaysa for what she'd done. But she couldn't. Her feelings were still too strong to hold any real anger, not like she expected. She sighed as she looked down at her dirty feet, streaked with the mud of the puddles she'd been forced to walk in to get here. Her clothes were rags and filled with holes. She smelled worse than a bantha stable. And, in all of it, she couldn't find any lasting anger toward Kaysa.

Slowly, she reached a hand out toward Kaysa. "Okay," she whispered.

Kaysa gave a loud, piteous sob and grabbed Shiv's grimy hand. She brought it to her lips and kissed it desperately, ravenously. The tears fell even more profusely and her cries grew more shrill, but in between sobs all she could say was, "Thank you...thank you..." Overcome with relief and pure joy, Kaysa pulled Shiv into her arms and wept on her shoulder. "Oh gods...I'll never do that to you again, Shiv. I'll never hurt you again." She held Shiv in her arms and began kissing her neck and face furiously. "Come back to me, Shiv. Things will change. Things will be better. I promise."

Shiv hugged Kaysa back, tears breaking through the haze of the last four months and spilling down her cheeks. "I'll come back," Shiv whispered, breathing in Kaysa's fresh scent, the scent she'd been longing for, missing. "I'll definitely come back. I'm sorry for everything, Kaysa. It was partly my fault too, and I want to come back." She kissed Kaysa's cheek, tasting the salty tears there and smiled. "But, you have to promise me that I can take a shower. I don't smell very good."

A laugh broke through Kaysa's choked sobs and she embraced Shiv even more firmly. "You can have whatever you ask for, Shiv. I just want you to know, none of it was your fault. It was me, Shiv, all me." Kaysa pulled away and looked at Shiv. The tears Shiv had shed left a trail of white flesh re-emerging amidst the dirt and grime. They were washing away the visible manifestation of the struggle she'd endured for four months, and Kaysa took it as a sign that her old Shiv was back, that her star was coming back to her. Kaysa smoothed a hand over Shiv's matted hair then placed a kiss gently upon her chapped lips. "You're coming home with me, Shiv. I want to start making up for everything I've done to you."

Shiv held on to Kaysa and smiled. She'd almost forgotten what it was like to do that. It felt nice, and it made the last several months seem less terrible. "I've missed you, Kaysa," she said. "I thought about you a lot. And, about Zenarr Inc. I want to help you make it the best company ever. But, mainly I just want to be your friend again."

"You are, Shiv. That's never changed..." Kaysa pushed Shiv's dishevelled hair out of her face and kissed her again before finally getting to her feet. She held out a hand to Shiv and smiled with encouragement. "Are you coming home, Shiv? Come home with me. Please."

Shiv put her hand in Kaysa's and smiled. The light was definitely returning to her eyes as she stood. "Yes," she said. "I want to go home again." She pushed her hair out of her face again and smiled. "I love you, Kaysa," she said softly.

Kaysa tried to keep the anguish from constricting her throat and the tears from forcing their way out as Shiv's proclamation tugged at her heart. Despite all Kaysa had done to her, all the hurtful words she'd said, Shiv was still foolish enough to love her. No one had loved her that much before, besides Merrick, but compared to Shiv, his suffering could never amount to what she went through on the streets.

Kaysa pulled her into another embrace, the stench no longer bothering her. Shiv was too precious to her now to have an unpleasant odour keep Kaysa from holding her in her arms. She smiled warmly at Shiv as she removed her jacket and placed it over her shoulders. "Can't go wandering the streets looking the way you do. Don't worry, though, we'll have you looking like yourself again."

Shiv smiled. "I've actually almost gotten used to having people looking at me like I'm some kind of guttersnipe. Though, I found it's really hard to swipe someone's credit chip when they can smell me coming and won't let me near them." She looked at Kaysa and smiled warmly. She knew she was probably terribly disgusting, and didn't try to give Kaysa the kiss she wanted to. Maybe after she had taken a long, hot shower. "Let's go before the Morality Guard shows up and hauls us both off. Two women hugging in the street will get their attention; and if one of them is a beggargirl, they'll come running even faster."

Kaysa allowed a laugh to relieve any residual tension and wrapped her arms around Shiv, pulling her close. "Let's go home, Shiv. We have much to discuss." She kissed her softly upon the neck and nuzzled her lips against her ear. "I've missed you, Shiv. I'll make this up to you any way you want me to. Anything you want is yours."

Shiv giggled. "Hmmm, anything huh? Well, I think for now I'll be happy with some food. Lots and lots of food, I think." She held tight to Kaysa and then added: "After a shower, of course. And, clean clothes."

"You can have as much food as you want and I still have all your clothes, so finding a clean outfit won't be difficult." Kaysa pulled Shiv even closer and felt an extreme sense of overprotectiveness for her. She could make things right now, just as she had with Merrick, and maybe then her guilt and regret would lessen. There was still the matter of Zale, but he could be dealt with later. One thing at a time, Kaysa, she said to herself. She knew she could rebuild her relationship with Shiv, and slowly begin doing the same to her life, but the process would take time. Perhaps in that time, she could make the light in Shiv's eyes burn brightly again. "Never again, Shiv. I'll never hurt you again," she whispered. "Never again."

As they started off together, Shiv was still smiling. "So, what's happened over the last four months? I mean, out on the streets, I don't get a lot of information. I heard about the High Prince and the Empire and all that. What else has happened? What have you been up to?"

Kaysa cleared her throat and gave a tight smile as she glossed over all the events in her life thus far. There wasn't much she did in that time to be proud of, but Shiv of all people would be the last to judge her. She brought her hand to Shiv's cheek and caressed it as Shiv rested her head upon her shoulder. "There isn't much to talk about, really. Basically, I felt horrible about what I'd done to you and everyone else I've ever hurt and...well...I turned that guilt onto myself." Kaysa gave a dry laugh and shook her head. "You think you sunk low, Shiv. Well I was lower than the dirt under our feet for a time. I let men use me, Shiv, just as I used to exploit them. I gave them my body to do with as they pleased and most of them took gladly. I did it for you, Shiv. I tortured myself to make up for what I did to you. I hated myself and rightly so."

Shiv hugged Kaysa tighter. "I'm sorry you had to go through that," she said. "I almost offered myself to a man one night. For money. But, I just couldn't do it. He probably would have just laughed at me anyway. So, I just scrounged and begged. And, that's pretty much the extent of my time out here. Except for last month when someone stole the boots I'd found. Took them right off my feet when I was sleeping."

Kaysa clenched her eyes shut as Shiv recounted briefly her struggles. She began to realize she hadn't punished herself enough for what she did. Nothing could ever be enough. "I'll buy you all the boots you want, Shiv. Anything to make it up to you."

They finally crossed back over into Yallder and as anticipated, she and Shiv were met with disapproving gazes and quiet gossip behind their backs. She wanted to tell them all to mind their own business, but she was too busy holding Shiv close to bother with that. "By the way, Shiv, you've got your job back, if you still want it."

"Yes," Shiv said with a laugh. "I definitely want it back. And, just being back with you is more than enough to make it up. Being out on the streets made me realize just how much working for you and being with you meant to me. And, it's good to have a friend again, rather than someone who just wants to steal my pants while I'm sleeping." She looked around, and laughed. "This place feels more like home now."

"And it always will be. That goes for my apartment too. You can stay there as long as you want. I don't mind." Although Merrick might become a little suspicious... Kaysa sighed and forced back a grumble. No matter what she did, it seemed as if she just couldn't get everything right. Just when one part of her life was mended, it no sooner verged on disaster again. Everything was about to come undone in an attempt to right another wrong she'd made. In helping Shiv, she might hurt Merrick, but if she abandoned Shiv, she would end up hurting herself. Right now, though, she was intent upon helping Shiv, no matter what. "Come on. The apartment's up ahead. You are staying, aren't you? I mean, for as long as it takes."

Shiv smiled and pressed herself against Kaysa. "I'll stay as long as you'll let me," she said. "I mean, if that's okay. And, maybe once I get working again, maybe I can help with rent or something like that. Just so I don't feel like I'm just living off your generousity."

"Shiv, no matter how generous I am, I don't think I could ever make up for what I did to you." Kaysa and Shiv walked up the steps of her apartment complex, a moment that brought back fond memories of their first night together. She laughed as she opened the door for Shiv. "I remember leading you up those stairs the night you got drunk and I had to fend off that jerk for you. I also remember vaguely you making a pass at me."

Shiv laughed. "Well, yes," she said. "That's what lesbians do with women they're attracted to. I can't believe I pulled a knife on him when I was so drunk. But, you saved me. You probably really don't want to know all the fantasies I had before we finally did...you know." Shiv smiled as the memories came back, and her eyes brightened a little more at the recall. She ran a hand along the wall as they started up the stairs. "The good memories are here."

"There'll be many more, Shiv. I promise you that. No more tears, no more pain if I can help it." Kaysa helped Shiv up the rest of the stairs and leaned over to whisper into her ear. "And I'd love to hear about your fantasies while we're curled up in bed together. I'll even give you a backrub...or rub anything you want me to for that matter. You deserve it."

Shiv glanced sideways at Kaysa and grinned. "I think a backrub will be nice, and snuggling up with you will be nicer. I think I could lie in your arms for a few weeks, just being lazy." Feeling frisky, Shiv let her hands wander slightly to Kaysa's body. "If you're feeling up to it, I can probably show you some of those fantasies too."

Seeing Shiv almost back to her old self evoked immense joy and excitement in Kaysa. She didn't care who could have been watching as she pulled Shiv into an embrace and kissed her tenderly. The dirt, and even her stench, did nothing to deter Kaysa. Her star was back and she was determined to make her stay this time, to treat her in a manner she deserved. She needed to start rebuilding the parts of her soul that had rotted away from exposure to all the vile deeds she had committed. Making amends for all she had done to Shiv would be one of many steps in achieving that. "You're going to get all cleaned up," Kaysa said as she caressed Shiv's cheek, "and then you can find some way to punish me for what I've done."

"I think I can think of a few ways," Shiv said with a mischievous smile. As Kaysa opened the door, Shiv continued to kiss at her neck. She needed that shower soon, like right away. She needed to get clean because she wanted to be held and she wanted to hold, she wanted to be Kaysa's star again. And, she wanted to slip into Kaysa's bed and lose herself in the bliss that she had only ever found with Kaysa.

"Shiv... Shiv, we have some things to talk about before anything happens here, ok?" Kaysa pushed Shiv gently away and smiled at her warmly. "You're going to shower, get into some clean clothes, burn these rags, then get into my warm bed where we can talk. How does that sound?"

Shiv nodded. "It sounds perfect." As Kaysa opened the door, Shiv slipped inside. She stopped for a moment and just looked around, remembering. "It's been awhile," she whispered. "I'll try to be out really quick, but with as much grime as I have on me it may take awhile. I'll try though."

"Take all the time you need. I'll be here when you get out." Kaysa ran her hand along Shiv's cheek one last time before she turned and strode towards her bedroom.

With a smile, Shiv headed into the bathroom for what would be the most wonderful shower she'd ever have in her life. Despite her claim to be fast, Shiv couldn't pull herself from the shower. She would never have guessed that a shower could feel so good; and she'd forgotten how great it felt to be clean.

---

"Reversal, Part 2"
by Kaysa Zenarr
and Maeren "Shiv" Shivral

Location: Yesdol and Yallder Districts, New Plouton
Date: 10 Praeda, 4ABY

***

Finally Shiv emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a towel. "Oh gods that was good," she said with a grin. "I feel like a new woman."

"Well, hopefully the old Shiv is still somewhere inside of that new person. At least you're beginning to look like yourself again." Kaysa smiled slid over into the centre of the bed to make room for Shiv. "Come and sit with me. Here." Kaysa folded back the sheets for Shiv and motioned for her to slip under them. "It must have been cold on the street, but I'm determined to make up for all that, Shiv. You must believe that."

Shiv moved to the bed and slid under the covers. "It was cold at times," she said, "especially in the winter. But, I made it. The hardest part was the winter, but..." She looked at Kaysa and decided not to go into details, it would probably only make her more depressed about what happened. "At least Tae'Karada is terraformed. And, I do believe you, Kaysa. And, I'm glad I can be back with you now."

"After all I've done to you, you still want to be with me?" Kaysa couldn't help but cherish Shiv even more for that. Her loyalty and devotion was what Kaysa had sought from so many, and had found it in Shiv. Kaysa wrapped her arms around Shiv and held her close. "You're remarkable, Shiv. Have I ever told you that before?"

Shiv laughed softly. "I don't think you have," she said. "Though, you might have, but I was too drunk to remember." She snuggled close, glad to be held by Kaysa. She couldn't remember the last time she felt so warm, or comfortable. She slipped the towel off and dropped it to the floor before she got the bed too wet. "I think the only thing that got me through the last four months was plotting my revenge for you." She glanced at Kaysa and giggled. "Not that kind of revenge though. It was a very good kind of revenge."

Kaysa glanced at Shiv inquisitively and smiled. "And what exactly did you have in mind in the way of revenge?" She shifted her gaze to the soaked towel on the floor, and then back to Shiv. "Oh...I think I've got some idea."

Shiv giggled again. "Well, most of it involved my face between your thighs and making you beg me to stop."

She wanted to laugh and hug Shiv even tighter, but it only brought to mind precisely what she needed to talk to Shiv about. She sighed deeply and looked to Shiv firmly. "Shiv... I know we had a very...intimate relationship before, but things have changed in my life and I'm not certain if we can keep pursuing that aspect of our friendship anymore." Kaysa grimaced. It sounded more like a rejection than she'd planned it to and if hearing it made her wince, she only imagined how hard hit Shiv was by it. "Are you okay, Shiv?"

Shiv felt a stabbing in her chest at Kaysa's words. She felt constricted and lightheaded, and she could sense the tears ready to come. Things had seemed to be back to normal, but they were far from normal. Kaysa's embrace suddenly seemed stifling, and it appeared that Kaysa's manipulations weren't quite over. How much more completely does she want to break my heart? "Yeah," Shiv said as she looked away. "I'll be fine."

"No, you won't. I can see it in your eyes." Kaysa brought Shiv's face back to hers and immediately saw, again, the pain in them. "I'm sorry, Shiv. There's...there's a man, Shiv. I love him and four months ago, I lost him because I was afraid to love him. He's back in my life now, Shiv, and I don't want to lose him again." She kissed Shiv gently on the forehead and attempted to comfort her with a smile. "I don't want to lose you either, Shiv. I know how much hearing this hurts, but for a while, at least, we can't be together in that capacity."

Shiv nodded. "I understand," she said softly. "I knew you'd never be able to love me. I mean, I knew it, but since you didn't really have someone we were okay. But, now that you do..." She shook her head slowly and a tear spilled from her eyes, followed by a few others. "I'll be okay. I have to be."

"No, Shiv. No. Stop, please." Kaysa embraced Shiv and stroked her hair soothingly. "Please...don't cry. I know I couldn't love you the way you want me to, but I do care for you, Shiv. I would have left you on that street today if I didn't." Shiv's sadness and pain were almost tangible as Kaysa held her naked, trembling body. She closed her eyes against her own tears; Shiv's torment was Kaysa's and in hurting Shiv, she felt herself suffering just as much. "Shiv...tell me what you expect of me. Why me? Why do you want me?"

"I don't know," Shiv said, trying to control her crying. "I just do. You're just so good, and know how to live, and you're everything I've always hoped to be. I don't know. I just know that I love you, and I can't explain it. And, I know you love someone else, so I'll just keep my distance. I'm sorry. I don't want to be a problem. I'm sorry."

"Shiv, you're not a problem, you never were. What can I do to make you see that I want you around, that I like having you around?" Kaysa looked at Shiv's tear-soaked face and as she did, she saw in the despair conveyed in her eyes and downturned mouth, Shiv's love for her. "Shiv...my girl. What can I do to make you happy again? I owe it to you. Tell me what you want."

"I don't know," Shiv said with a shrug. "I don't think there's anything. I mean, you have your new guy now. And, whatever we had is over, right? We can't anymore. So, I'll just try to deal as best I can. That's all I can do really. It'll be hard, but I just lived on the street for four months; I can manage this." She looked at Kaysa and tried to put on a brave face. "I can do it."

Kaysa nodded her head slowly and managed a smile to hide the skepticism from her expression. "What we had, Shiv, wasn't healthy. I... Shiv, I only let you have me so I could manipulate you. Don't you see that? Don't you see that I was just using you? You can't possibly want to thrust yourself into a position like that again."

Shiv sighed. "Since you don't feel anything for me," she said, "it's probably best that I don't. I'd just set myself up to get hurt again, right?" She shook her head. "I should be mad at you, but I care too much. I should scratch your eyes out, but I know I never could. I guess I'll just see what happens though. And, hopefully things will work out okay. Is it okay if I sleep on your couch tonight?"

"No, Shiv. You can have the bed tonight. You deserve it. I'll sleep on the couch, alright?" Kaysa wanted to shake Shiv, to yell at her and tell her instead of loving her, she should be hating her. If positions were reversed, Kaysa probably would have scratched Shiv's eyes out instead of thinking about it. "I can't believe this, Shiv. I threw you out, used you and almost destroyed you... Hate me, Shiv. I mean, show me some sign that you realize I deserve to be punished for what I've done to you!"

"What do you want me to do, Kaysa? Hate you? Go find my own place to live? Forget what I've felt for you and just cash it all in for despising you instead? If you want me to hate you I will, but only because you want it. I don't want to hate you. I want to get past all this and move on. But if you want punishment, I'll do it. And, I'll hate myself for treating you like that."

Kaysa shoved Shiv free of her embrace with a frustrated grunt, then flew from the bed. She stormed over to the other side and grabbed Shiv by the arms before she dragged her out from under the covers. "Damn you, Shiv!" she hollered as she shook her furiously. "I've been punishing myself for what I did to you for four months. Please tell me you hate me, Shiv! Tell me all those things I did to myself weren't done in vain. Tell me I was right to punish myself for hurting you! I need to hear it, Shiv. I need to know that what I did to you was wrong so I will never do it again! Shiv, I don't want to hurt you again. Please!"

"Fine!" Shiv shouted, not caring about her nakedness. "I hate you, Kaysa. I spent the last four months in the worst kind of hell I could imagine. I was cold and hungry. I lived under a board leaning against a building until some thug kicked me out and nearly raped me. I had to eat scraps out of people's garbage. And, the only thought that kept me going through out it was that maybe someday we might be able to make up, and things would be okay, and we could have something more than you using me for some pathetic power trip. And, now we're back here together, but we're just friends, I'm just your employee, and there's less between us than there was before." She glared at Kaysa, her chest rising and falling with the deep breaths her tirade had taken from her. "Is that what you wanted to hear, Kaysa? Yes, I hate you."

Kaysa'd been telling herself just that for months, she'd been picturing in her mind everything Shiv had recounted about her life on the streets. Kaysa had been tormenting herself with images of Shiv laying dead in the streets or selling herself to some dirty old man, and hearing Shiv reinforce her fears by making her realize just how close she really was to all that, finally tore Kaysa apart. "Oh, Shiv." Kaysa choked on her own words as her trembling hands released their hold on Shiv's arms. Her body heaved and trembled with sobs as she slumped to the ground. All sense of self respect disappeared and her illusions of maintaining any dignity she hadn't already lost went with it as she wrapped her arms around Shiv's legs and grovelled at her feet. "I'm sorry...I'm sorry... I hate myself too...more than you know. I'm so sorry, Shiv." As the tears spilled down her cheeks and onto Shiv's tiny, beautiful feet, Kaysa kissed the salty fluid away desperately.

Shiv closed her eyes, and caught the tears that fell from her own eyes in her palm. It hurt to see Kaysa grovelling as she was, but there was a part of her that felt some satisfaction. She fought the urge to take Kaysa into her arms and comfort her, and another part told her that the woman must suffer more. She sighed as she watched Kaysa for another couple minutes before kneeling next to her. It took some effort to get Kaysa to stop clinging to her legs, but she finally managed to pull her into an embrace. "It's going to be okay, Kaysa," she whispered. "The past is done, and we should try to move on. You have a cruel streak in you, but I think this man you found has softened you somewhat. The Kaysa that kicked me out wouldn't have said she was sorry, but you have." She took a breath and kissed Kaysa's forehead. "If we want to, I think we might be able to be friends again."

"I do. I want that more than anything." The sobs once again stole her voice and replaced it with sorrowful cries as Kaysa clung to Shiv tightly. The transformation she had undergone may have made her weak, but Kaysa knew that it was better than being the cruel bitch she used to be, as well as much less tiring. "Thank you, Shiv," she whispered. She brought her lips to Shiv's neck and kissed it fervently. She'd missed the sweet taste of her soft, youthful flesh and even missed the sound of the gentle moans that she used to be so good at inducing. She wanted to do that again to Shiv, but this time, all for Shiv and not to further her selfish, malevolent schemes. "I'm yours, Shiv," she said almost dreamily as her lips made their way to Shiv's chest, then to her firm, supple breasts. Cradling them in her hand, she remembered how perfectly they always used to fit into her palm, as if they were sculpted that way specifically for her. But they weren't hers anymore - Shiv wasn't hers anymore.

As she glutted Shiv's nipples and breasts, she felt herself willing to submit to her if she asked, resign herself to Shiv's every wish. She had tried to dominate Shiv, but all she had accomplished was realizing how desperately she wanted to give herself over to Shiv's tender, loving touch. "Mistress..." she whispered as her frenzied kisses ceased. She looked up at Shiv timidly and reverently. "Whatever you ask of me, Mistress, I shall do."

Shiv looked at Kaysa again, and the love that she felt for her was in her eyes again. She kissed Kaysa tenderly, savouring the taste of her former lover's lips. Her excitement was building, and she new she desired Kaysa more than ever. But was it something she could ask of Kaysa? "What of your new boyfriend?" she asked softly as she trailed a lazy finger up Kaysa's arm. "I don't want to cause problems for that, my love. If you have the chance for love there, I don't want to interfere, no matter what my feelings for you are. Can we still be lovers, Kaysa?"

Without hesitation, Kaysa nodded her head vigorously. Her body and mind were possessed by her need to be dominated by Shiv; all she could do was obey Shiv in whatever she asked of her, as well as devouring her face and neck with kisses. "I love him and I won't leave him, but that doesn't mean we can't be together, Shiv. Don't leave me again...please."

"I won't leave you," Shiv said softly. "I'll be here for you for always. You'll always have me, and I'll always have you. And, maybe we can find some happiness together." She kissed Kaysa passionately on the lips, pulling her close and pressing herself tightly against Kaysa. "For always, Kaysa," she whispered.

The sense of release Kaysa felt was overwhelming and yet cathartic. She hadn't planned on offerring herself fully to Shiv, but as she sealed her lips around Shiv's nipple for a moment, she knew it felt right. "What shall I do for you today, Mistress?" she asked humbly as she dared to meet Shiv's gaze. "Anything you want, Maeren."

Shiv looked into Kaysa's eyes and smiled. She raised her hand to brush across Kaysa's chest and stomach. She leaned close to her ear. "I want you to make love to me," she whispered softly. "And, then I want to share a very large and extravagant meal with you."

Kaysa allowed a smile to caress her lips as she ran her hands along Shiv's hips and smooth thighs. She kept her eyes locked with Shiv's as she trepidly slid her hand between Shiv's thighs and brought her lips once again to her breasts. She wanted to pleasure Shiv, to divert all her energies into taking Shiv to a transcendent level of bliss such as she had never experienced before... She would do all that for her, and more. "Like this, Mistress?" she asked quietly as she slid her fingers slowly into Shiv's cunt. "Shall I take you like this..." she said, brushing her lips against Shiv's mound, "or with my mouth? Whatever you wish."

Shiv moaned at Kaysa's touch. It had been so long. Out on the streets, she hadn't even been able to touch herself. A beggar masturbating in an alley would surely be dealt with roughly. But, now as Kaysa's fingers slid easily inside of her, Shiv felt her desires awaken like they'd never been before. The deprivation of any gentle touch for four months made Kaysa's touch now bliss beyond reason. "With your fingers," she rasped between moans, "and then your mouth. Oh yes, Kaysa. Oh gods I've missed you so much."

"As you wish..." Kaysa said obediently. She edged her fingers deeper inside of Shiv and wrapped her other arm around Shiv's waist to steady her. She gave her a smile before once again kissing her mound, but this time, she moved her mouth to the lips of Shiv's cunt. She kissed her opening sensuously and lightly as she slipped her tongue inside, heightening the tactile experience with her fingers and tongue both working together to bring Shiv to climax.

She could barely imagine how Shiv had tolerated the torture of not being able to sate her sexual desires. Shiv was purely hedonistic like she was, devoted to the pursuit of carnal pleasure. Withholding fulfillment of that desire must have been physical torment, but Kaysa was making every effort to give her that sweet release she yearned. She wasn't overly aggressive in her actions, but she assailed Shiv with as much pleasure as she could elicit. Tasting Shiv's arousal and hearing her gentle moans only motivated Kaysa to push her fingers deeper inside and let her tongue dance with Shiv's clit. Bringing Shiv to climax would prove Kaysa's acceptance of her new position of subordinate. She was now Shiv's, utterly and completely.

Shiv threw her head back and cried out. With each thrust of Kaysa's fingers, her moans and whimpering became louder. She heard herself crying out and one hand went down and buried itself into Kaysa's hair. "Oh gods, Kaysa," she cried. "Keep going! Almost there! Oh just...a little...more!" Shiv's back arched as she let out a scream of pleasure and her body shook with ecstasy.

Kaysa could taste Shiv's wetness on her tongue and feel it enveloping her fingers. Shiv hadn't told her to stop; in fact, she encouraged her emphatically to continue and that's what she would do. She pulled her fingers quickly out of Shiv's cunt and with her hands firmly gripping her waist. She pushed Shiv against the bed and extended her tongue fully into the gaping hole that now begged to be filled. As she did just that with her tongue, Kaysa moved her hands to caress Shiv's breasts. She feasted on Shiv's cunt as if she'd craved it for so long, and the hunger had finally been too much to bear. She wouldn't relent unless Shiv commanded her to; she was willing to do anything Shiv asked of her now.

Shiv continued crying out as Kaysa kept driving her deeper and deeper into pleasure. She screamed again as her body shook with a second orgasm followed closely by a third. She couldn't stop writhing, and would have twisted herself all the way across the floor if Kaysa hadn't been holding her in place.

Finally, she managed to cry out in a weak voice. "Oh gods. No more. I'm going to explode. Oh that was beautiful, Kaysa."

Kaysa obliged Shiv's wishes and retracted her tongue slowly, letting it trail along the slit of her cunt before pulling out completely. She pressed her lips to Shiv's stomach and moved them to her breasts before locking them with Shiv's lips and letting her share in the lingering remnants of her own arousal. "Did I please you, Mistress?" Kaysa asked before returning her tongue to Shiv's mouth.

When Shiv could speak again, she nodded. "Yes," she said softly. "Very much." She reached up and brushed a hand over Kaysa's cheek. "You did very well. That was the most beautiful thing I've felt in quite awhile."

"Anything for you, Shiv. Anything at all." Kaysa pressed her body to Shiv's as they embraced. It felt comfortable and right at the moment, being with Shiv and serving her, but Merrick was still on her mind, as well as Zale. She was adding more and more complications to her life, yet she didn't feel prepared to let any of them go. She needed them all, one way or another, and right now, she needed Shiv, and Shiv, her. "What shall we do now, Mistress?"

Shiv looked at Kaysa for a moment. "Well, I'm starved," she said. "So, how about we get some actual food, and then your mistress can return the favour for the pleasure you have given her." Shiv kissed Kaysa slowly and smiled. "How does that sound?"

"Delicious," Kaysa said enticingly. She ran her tongue over Shiv's lips and brushed her fingers through her golden hair, which shone like beams of starlight now. She buried her face into Shiv's hair and took in a deep breath, taking up its subtly sweet fragrance. Kaysa smiled with satisfaction as she said, "Yes. Absolutely delicious."

Shiv wrapped her arms around Kaysa and held her close. "We'll be together from now on," she said. "No more going away. Just good stuff from now on. Do you have food here, or should we go out? I'm sure on our way, we can stop by and give Gladyne a surprise." Shiv grinned mischievously, and kissed Kaysa again.

Kaysa laughed once the kiss broke. "Oh, I think she'd be ecstatic to see us again. Maybe we can try out another of her change rooms." She smoothed her hands over Shiv's hips and ass while she kissed her briefly. "We should probably have a bite here. I have to be somewhere in a while. Business...you know how it is."

Shiv nodded. "Sure," she said. "So, I am starving, and I want you to make me something wonderful to eat. If you want, I can come with you while you prepare it. And, while you are gone, I will find somehow to occupy myself."

Kaysa bowed her head respectfully, then took each of Shiv's hands into her own and kissed them softly. She looked up at Shiv with a silky smile, then rose from the ground, pulling Shiv up with her. "I'll make you the best meal I'm capable of." Kaysa stepped back and peeled off her clothes, layer by layer, but kept her gaze on Shiv while the final piece of clothing fell to the ground. She presented her naked body to Shiv, then knelt before and kissed her feet tenderly. "And to please you more, you can watch as I cook your bounty in the bare flesh. Would this please you, Mistress?"

"It does," Shiv said with a smile. "You are pleasing me very much. Now, kiss me again, and then we shall get that food." As Kaysa stood, Shiv took her into her arms and held her tight. "You please me very much, Kaysa." They kissed again, long and sensuous. When it finally ended, Shiv nodded her approval. "Very much. Now, go, my love."

Kaysa bowed her head submissively and whispered a "Yes, Mistress" before stepping back and hurrying into the kitchen. She desperately wanted to please Shiv and gain her favour. It was the one way she knew how to redeem herself for the torment she inflicted upon Shiv. She wanted Shiv to be happy, and in that happiness, the pain would relinquish its hold on her. She'd dominated Shiv before, and it only led to a horrid existence she'd suffered through for four months. To be supplanted by Shiv and sacrifice her control to her, she would never have the opportunity to hurt another again, especially not Shiv, and more importantly, not herself.

As she glanced back at Shiv while she rifled through her cupboards, she knew this was right. The light in her eyes was brilliant, and she held herself with a new confidence. That was precisely what she needed in order to protect herself from being subjected to Kaysa's cruel fits of malevolence. With that confidence, she could fend off Kaysa's attacks and subdue her. That gave Kaysa a sense of comfort. If she couldn't control her rampant emotions, Shiv would control them for her.

"What shall I make for you, Mistress?" Kaysa asked timidly. "Command and I shall obey."

Shiv leaned against a counter and watched Kaysa with a smile. "I want you to make whatever is your specialty," she said. "Something very filling, that will get rid of the last four months of hunger. Though, you got rid of the biggest hunger for me already."

"And I'll fill that hunger many more times over tonight." Kaysa smiled suggestively at Shiv, then turned her attention back to the range as she started heating up a pan. "While I'm taking care of the business matter, you can stay here and sleep or take another shower or empty the refrigeration unit if you like. Anything my Mistress wishes..."

Shiv smiled. "Well, I could lie naked on your bed waiting for you to return to please me some more," she said. "To sate my hunger, and let me quench some of your own." She wandered slowly toward Kaysa as she worked and kissed her gently on the shoulder. "Though, I think I may crawl into the bed and sleep comfortably for a change. It'll be nice to sleep under a roof, snuggled close to a warm body for once." She carefully slipped her arms around Kaysa's waist. "I think I'm going to have to get some clothes from my ship eventually. I don't have many here, except for my party clothes and I can't really wear those around the city."

Kaysa pressed herself back against Shiv and smiled contentedly as the warmth of Shiv's body mingled with her own. "You can drop by your ship anytime. I've...I've voided the contract you signed with me. It was a scam, Shiv, and you were too naive to know it. I'm sorry." She glanced backwards at Shiv and reached back to run her hand gently along her cheek. "Your ship is yours again and you can visit it whenever you like. Your freedom is yours again, Shiv. I no longer own you. If you want to cease working for Zenarr Inc., you can go and find employment elsewhere, but...but I really want you to stay."

"I want to stay too," Shiv said. "No matter what's happened between us, I think Zenarr Inc. is the best place to work. My boss is a woman, and she doesn't expect me to spread my legs to get ahead in the company. I freely choose to work for you, Kaysa, and to do my best to help you make your company the best ever. Me and my ship are available for Zenarr Inc. business anytime, and our personal business always."

"Personal business?" Kaysa laughed and turned around, abandoning her culinary disaster to embrace Shiv. "We could take a trip sometime, you and I. It would be good to get away from things. And, you can work on making me more submissive, Mistress. I think I'm far too bold and insolent at times. You'll really have to suppress that," she whispered. She ran her tongue along Shiv's lips and let her hands wander along her supple buttocks. "You can also show me how you keep yourself occupied during those very long runs."

Shiv smiled and slipped a hand between Kaysa's thighs. "I still remember my first run for you and how I occupied myself," she said. "Perhaps sometime soon we can take a trip. Maybe you could go with me on a run, to monitor my work, but after that we can take a little time to ourselves. I know there are a lot of planets out in this area that are quite luscious vacation spots. I'm sure I could get you under control on one of those." She kissed Kaysa slowly as her fingers worked between her slave's now-spread thighs.

Kaysa gasped and gripped Shiv's waist as, coincidentally enough, the pan on the stove began sizzling to match the heat flaring within her. "I thought you were hungry, Mistress?" Kaysa asked in a breathless whisper. "I don't deserve to be pleasured by you. You mustn't be so merciful..."

Shiv pulled her hand away and stepped back. "Whether you deserve it is not the case," she said. "I pleasure you because I like to give pleasure. But, we don't want my food burning, so take care of that for now." She sucked Kaysa's juices from her fingers and sighed as the taste brought back wonderful memories of their nights of wild sex four months ago. "You still taste very good, Kaysa. Tonight, when you return, I will want to taste you again."

Kaysa trembled as the residual sensations Shiv evoked washed over her and too quickly faded. She watched Shiv partake of the tangible sign of her arousal, and impulsively, she took Shiv's hand and wrapped her mouth around the finger Shiv had just finished cleaning off. She sucked on the remaining trace of her juices and moaned quietly as she brought her own hand between her thighs. Shiv's denial to bring her further pleasure only made her yearn for it more, but she could do nothing to force her mistress to sate her desires. She was in no position to command anything of her. "When I return tonight," Kaysa said with a sigh, "you can have me all night if you wish." She continued nibbling on Shiv's fingers, suckling every trace of fluid left and revelling in the taste.

Shiv smiled. "Of course I can," she said, her desire burning even hotter with each moment that Kaysa sucked at her fingers and pleasured herself. She stepped around Kaysa until she was standing before the range. With a salacious grin, she squatted down to where her face was at the level of Kaysa's crotch. "Don't let my food burn, Kaysa," she said as she ran a hand up and down her lover's leg.

"I won't, Mistress," she replied as a shiver ran through her. The urge to thrust her hips forward and drive her mound into Shiv's face was almost overwhelming, but more than anything, she didn't want to displease Shiv so she tried to suppress the urge by returning her attention the eggs burning in the pan. "I don't mean to beg, Mistress," Kaysa began in a ragged voice, "but...will you kiss it, please? Just one kiss is all I ask."

Shiv didn't answer, but as Kaysa turned her attention to the food on the range, she turned her attention to Kaysa's mound waiting before her. She drew her tongue along its length, savouring the taste of Kaysa's heat. Unable to restrain herself any longer, she buried herself between Kaysa's thighs. Once she was there, she knew she wouldn't be able to stop, not for anything. With each thrust of her tongue deep inside of Kaysa and then across her clit, she could sense Kaysa's arousal reaching the pinnacle.

The eggs no longer seemed of any concern to Kaysa as bursts of ecstasy surged through her. She gripped the edge of the counter to steady herself as her mind began to reel from the intense bliss being generated by Shiv's touch. With each spike of pleasure, her hips bucked forward into Shiv's face, and aside from the erotic sensations she was focusing on, she worried about upsetting Shiv with her unbridled enthusiasm. "Your eggs are burning, Mistress," she groaned. She cried out as a particularly intense wave of pleasure jolted her body and arched her back. She enjoyed being on the receiving end of such intoxicating rapture, and enjoyed having to beg for it even more. "Please, Mistress. Don't stop..." Her cries once again filled the kitchen and she almost fell to her knees as the ecstasy possessed her. Now that she felt the immense pleasure Shiv was eliciting in her, she realized that was her punishment. Being unable to feel such sublime bliss and feeling it now, she understood how desperately she truly needed it and had missed it.

Shiv didn't bother to voice the words she wanted to say, but instead let her actions speak for her. She held tightly to Kaysa as she drove her toward orgasm. She could feel it nearing, swiftly rising up to consume Kaysa. She told herself she didn't need the food now burning on the stove because the juices dripping from Kaysa's cunt were all she needed. She pulled her mouth away long enough to say, "I'm not stopping until you're finished." And, then she dove back in with a fervor she'd never felt before.

The shock of feeling Shiv's tongue pull away was torturous, but the relief she felt when it sought shelter within her once again was pure ecstasy. Words were no longer fit to express the sensations blossoming within Kaysa, but her shrill cries and guttural moans conveyed exactly how much pleasure she was being filled with. The incessant throbbing in her cunt grew to an almost unbearable level and Kaysa knew she was near her limit.

She buried her fingers in Shiv's soft, golden hair and cried out as she shoved her hips forward and forced Shiv's face further inside of her. The sensation of being devoured completely now by Shiv, was enough to send Kaysa finally over the edge. Her shrill, ragged cry - a plea to the gods to extend the hypnotic bliss for eternity - ended as her body convulsed and she fell to her knees.

With her fingers still tangled in Shiv's hair, she pressed her glistening, trembling body to Shiv's and smothered her face with firm, desperate kisses. "Oh, thank you, Mistress," she breathed. "I don't deserve you... Oh thank you..." Kaysa's sobs were lost in her throat as she fed from Shiv's lips. All the guilt and pain that had been growing within her the past four months culminated in that moment and were suddenly smothered by the gift Shiv had bestowed upon her. She offerred Kaysa redemption, and in fulfilling her sexual desire, Shiv's forgiveness was manifested, and Kaysa had finally found salvation from her guilty conscience.

Shiv returned Kaysa's feverish kisses. She clung to Kaysa, who now lay atop her, and felt something new between them. Whatever bond they shared in this crazy life was now stronger in some way, and she knew that their need for each other had deepened.

When Kaysa's kisses finally slowed, Shiv looked at her lovingly. She leaned close, trailing kisses back until her lips pressed against Kaysa's ear. "See what happens when you please me?" she whispered.

Kaysa nodded slowly and swallowed back the tears she was spilling. Submitting to Zale gave her temporary release from her inner demons; submitting to Shiv was lasting contentment and utter fulfillment. She kissed Shiv's neck as her hands explored her mistress's silky flesh. "I shall always endeavour to please you, Mistress," she whispered reverently. "I worship you."

Shiv clung to Kaysa even tighter as Kaysa's hands sent ripples of beautiful fire over her skin. There was a magic when they were together. She couldn't imagine anyone in life providing a more fulfilling sexual experience than what she shared with Kaysa. Their sex took them to new heights, and she knew that for as much as Kaysa worshipped her, her slave was getting that same worship back. But, she couldn't tell her that now. "And, you have definitely pleased me, Kaysa. And, I have given you your reward. And, when you please me, you will always be rewarded."

"Knowing I've pleased you is reward enough for me..." Kaysa kissed Shiv again with all the devotion and passion she could convey in a mere kiss, then looked at Shiv with a gentle smile. "You're my saviour, Shiv. I need you more than you know. I need your love, even though I find myself unable to reciprocate. Thank you...thank you for that."

"And, you have my love," Shiv whispered. "For now and always, Kaysa. And, I'll be here for you, however you need me." She kissed Kaysa again, closing her eyes and just giving herself over to the feelings. When it finally broke, she was out of breath. "Now," she said. "Do you think we have time for us to get dressed and to stop somewhere for a quick bite to eat on your way to your business thing? After we eat, I can just come back here."

"I always have time for you, Mistress." Kaysa stroked Shiv's hair as they gazed at each other for a time. From the window in the kitchen, the rays of the slowly setting midday sun broke through and splashed the room with a soft orange glow. It was late, but Kaysa barely noticed the time passing while absorbed with showing her devotion to Shiv. She also almost forgot about her date with Merrick. "On second thought, I don't think I have time to stop for anything, Shiv. I'm sorry. But I'll give you some creds and you can pick up something for yourself. Tonight, though," Kaysa said with a mischievous smile, "we'll have more time to devote to other things besides eating."

Shiv nodded. "That sounds like a delicious idea, my love," she said. "And, it's okay about not being able to stop. I'll go have myself a feast, and that hunger will be completely sated for tonight when we can quench a different kind of hunger together." She thought about it for a moment and then laughed. "You know, I think I've been naked or mostly naked in front of you more than I've been clothed."

Kaysa laughed heartily and embraced Shiv tenderly. "It's a good thing I enjoy seeing you naked then." Kaysa kissed Shiv, then slid off of her and rose to her feet. She held out a hand to Shiv and pulled her up before embracing her again and trailing her fingers along Shiv's back as they kissed. She wanted to spend all day with Shiv, but she also couldn't wait to kiss Merrick as she was now kissing her mistress. She had no idea how she was going to explain her relationship with Shiv to him...and decided to tell him nothing. Shiv would be known to him only as an employee of Zenarr Inc., as well as her new roommate. Telling him about the true extent of their associations would no doubt lose him to her forever. "I should go," Kaysa said softly as she stroked Shiv's tangled hair. "I'm late and I want to get back here to you as soon as possible. Will you be alright alone today?"

Shiv nodded. "I'll be fine," she said. "I'll sleep some, eat some, and figure out what to do with the rest of the time. Though, I think I need to find someplace around here with good food first." She pulled Kaysa into another embrace. "It's nice to be home again."

"And it's nice to have you home once more. Hopefully for much longer this time." Kaysa sighed and shook her head slowly, remembering the night of her and Rennor's engagement party. "Gods I was a fool... I drove you away because I was angry that you'd embarrassed me in front of Rennor. I hate him why the hell would I care what he thinks!" Kaysa looked into Shiv's eyes and smiled gently. "I'll never do that to you again. And I suspect if I tried, you'd chew me out so badly I'd be able to do nothing but break down into tears."

Shiv smiled. "Either that or I could take you to the brink of orgasm, and then stop and not let you touch yourself," she said, and then kissed Kaysa's forehead. "But something tells me that won't be a problem anymore. I'm here for good if you'll have me, Kaysa. And, even if you won't, I'll still be around. I think we need each other now; and without, we're lost."

"I do need you, Shiv. I realized that when you left me. I realized how lucky I was to have you. Thank you for that." Kaysa embraced Shiv again, dreading ever letting go, but she had to go to Merrick. She had the urge suddenly to tell him how much she truly loved him. "I have to go. But I will be back, I promise you that." Kaysa kissed Shiv tenderly on the cheek and whispered softly into her ear, "You truly are my shining star in the darkness, Shiv. I won't do anything to make that light go out again."

Shiv smiled, unable to contain it. "I'll be here waiting when you get back," she said. "Don't be too long. I may get lonely and don't know what I'll end up doing." She gave Kaysa a mischievous grin, and then a quick kiss. "Now go before it's too late."

"Yes, Mistress," Kaysa said playfully before reluctantly pulling away and heading towards her bedroom. "And I hope you don't plan on causing mischief while I'm gone! That means no inviting boys over...or girls!" she called back as she began dressing into her shed clothing.

Shiv laughed as she followed Kaysa back to the bedroom. "I'll try to control myself," she said. "Though, if you're gone too long, I may not be able to control myself." She sat down on the bed and watched Kaysa as she dressed. "I'll be good. And, I won't throw any parties without you."

"Do you really want to do that, Shiv?" Kaysa asked. "I mean, do you really want to continue cruising for men at sleazy bars and letting them have you? Do you need them anymore?" Kaysa pulled down her shirt, then walked over to the bed and peered down at Shiv. "Do you need the sex, Shiv? Aren't I enough?"

Shiv looked up into Kaysa's eyes and smiled. "I have all I need," she said with a sincerity that made her heart skip. "I don't need anymore parties or anybody else. I have enough to keep me happy and satisfied. I never needed it before. I only wanted it because I wanted you." She gave an embarrassed grin and looked away. "I mean there was an excitement in it, but I don't need it."

"If you want it, though, Shiv, then I won't mind. I can't be with you all the time, especially now that Merr-- Now that I've reconciled with my boyfriend. If you need the parties, Shiv, then I'll even help you find the men." Kaysa smiled tenderly and leaned over, planting a kiss on Shiv's forehead. "You think about it. For now, though, I have to get going. I'm very very late. I'll see you later?"

"I'll be here when you get back. And, if you're lucky, I may actually be dressed." She stood from the bed and followed Kaysa out of the bedroom toward the door. "When you get home tonight, maybe we can do a nice meal together somewhere. I don't think we've ever actually gone out and stayed at a place that wasn't a bar."

Kaysa stopped before the door and turned around slowly. "Uh...I'll have to get back to you on that one, Shiv. I...I might have plans already. I'll get back to you on that though, okay?" Kaysa placed a kiss quickly on Shiv's lips, then turned and opened the door. "Thank you, Shiv," Kaysa said genuinely as she looked back at Shiv. "Thank you for everything. I think tonight I may be able to sleep without waking up in a cold sweat." She smiled silkily and traced around Shiv's nipple with her finger. "I'll definitely be seeing you later tonight, Mistress."

Shiv gasped as Kaysa's touch sent a warm rush from her nipple all the way down to her mound. "Oh wow," she whispered. "Get out of here before I stop you from leaving." She gave Kaysa a kiss, one she didn't want to end, and then pulled back. "If you're not back in a timely fashion, I may have to work you extra hard. Now go before all the neighbours wonder why you have some girl standing naked in your doorway."

Kaysa laughed and caressed Shiv's cheek. "Thank you for trying to salvage what little honour I have left. And besides, I might enjoy being worked extra hard, especially by you." Kaysa brushed a strand of hair from Shiv's face before forcing herself to turn and head down the corridor. "Have a good day, Shiv!" she called back.

Shiv stood in the doorway for a moment longer watching Kaysa go down the stairs. She waved one last time before stepping back inside and letting the door close. As it was closing, she heard a door nearby closing as well. She giggled as she headed back into the kitchen to see what sort of damage she could do with a skillet.

---

"Strange Visitor From Another Planet"
by Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
and Rowan

Location: Yelldon District, New Plouton
Date: 10 Praeda, 4ABY

***

Shiv left Kaysa's apartment. She was still half-starved, but getting her clothes out of her ship was more important at this point. She could grab a bite to eat on the way back. She needed something other than those skimpy things she and Kaysa picked up for going to the clubs, especially now that they weren't going to be going anymore.

She left Yallder district behind. It would only be a quick shot across Yesdol and then into Yelldon and the Starport. And, once there, she'd be able to see Stiletto again. It had been far too long. Maybe tomorrow she could take her out for a quick trip around the system. She passed Food Row, an entire street filled with restaurants, and started down a side street that worked as the perfect shortcut. She was about to cut out onto the main street again when a large shape brought her up short.

Rowan had been evading the local customs officers because he had no ID and no money to pay them off. Plus, it was part of his instinct. He didn't even know who he was or how he knew how to do things, but he knew how to do them. He heard something behind him, and snapped around. His hand shot out, grabbed a young woman and pulled her into the shadows with his hand over her mouth. "Who are you?"

The sound of her scream died against his palm over her mouth. A flick of the wrist brought a thin blade into her hand as she struggled to get herself free of his grip. Finally she stopped struggling and looked up at him. Her words were muffled against his hand as he continued to hold her. She rolled her eyes and thought about driving the blade into his side, but knew he'd probably just snap her head off. She said something else, and her eyes indicated a mix of anger and frustration.

Rowan didn't know whether to trust her or not. Hesitantly, he removed his hand. "Who are you?" he asked again, but did not release her from his grip. He saw the blade and did not ignore it. If he had to, he would break her arms. It would be the only sound decision to make if he needed info.

Shiv looked down at his hands still holding her and then back up. "My name is Shiv," she said. "What the hell do you think you're doing? Look, I'm just trying to get some things out of my ship, okay? I'm not gonna do anything to you." She looked him over. "By the looks of it, I don't think many people could."

He released her. "I am sorry." He bowed and looked back out into the crowd. His gaze wandered trying to find anything he recognized, why he came here. He could find nothing. "What is this place?" he asked not moving his gaze from the crowd. His eyes began to move back and forth. "Tactical threat Omega 13 protocol."

"You're in the Yelldon District in New Plouton," she said. At his blank look, she shook her head. "That's on Tae'Karada, though some people call in Chimaeria. It's four days from Corellia." She watched the way he was moving and looking around. She couldn't help wondering which drugs he'd been using. "So, you some sort of soldier? Left the Empire, and now you're out on your own or something? There are a lot of that type here. Well, not so much now that the Empire took over the planet."

"Empire? No, I am not a soldier...not that I can remember." He turned back to her. "You should not carry a bladed weapon around. Someone may get hurt," he replied and looked around. He saw the bright lights of stores and his gaze wandered there. "This place is....pretty."

Shiv glanced around. "Yeah," she said, "it's alright. And, when some asshole grabs me out of nowhere, the 'bladed weapon' is supposed to hurt. It's sort of this deterrent thing. Guys tend to not think about raping the girl or whatever when they've just had their testicles cut off. So, what are you doing here hiding in alleys and grabbing anyone that passes by?"

"I grabbed you because of instinct, self preservation and right now I feel hunted. And I do not know why." He looked back to her. "Perhaps you should not wander these back alleyways then." He looked directly at her and grabbed the blade of her knife and bent it, and then pulled his hand away. He tore his sleeve off and started to bandage the wound.

Shiv could only watch helplessly as he grabbed the knife from her hand and bent the blade. That he was able to bend a tritium-alloy blade said much for his strength, and Shiv took a step back. "I've been fine wandering the back alleys until you showed up in this one." She looked at his hand and laughed. "Serves you right, bastard. I hope you bleed to death. Now, if you don't mind, I'm just going to move on and get my things. I've got to get home before my girlfriend gets back, and I'm not really liking standing in a dark alley with a guy who's not smart enough to know that knives are sharp and they cut when you try to bend them like that."

"I will escort you home," he stated flatly.

Shiv laughed. "Like hell you will," she said. "Don't take this the wrong way, but I don't want you knowing where I live, okay? I'd rather have Dargus Kandran's mouldy dead corpse escort me home before I let you. I've been living on the street for the last four months, and I know how to take care of myself. Now, I'm going this way, and if you follow me, I'm going to the authorities."

"You may do as you wish, but I will still escort you home." He nodded. "If you so choose to report, you may as your choice. But in good conscience, I will not let you wander alone."

"Look," she said, exasperation clear in her voice, "don't go all Jedi Knight on me, alright? I can take care of myself. I'm just going to the Starport and then to the home that I don't want you to know about. Just leave me alone." She took another step back and frowned at him. "Look, guy, I'm a lesbian, alright?"

He blinked his eyes a few times. "What is a lesbian?" He looked down at the ground as he looked for the answers in his mind. "Ah...slang, for more correct terminology homosexual. Indications of leaning towards same sex sexual relations." He blinked and furrowed his brow. "What would that have to do with me escorting you home?"

Shiv shook her head and laughed. "It has nothing to do with you escorting me home, because you're not escorting me home," she snapped. "And, even if I was insane enough to let you, it means when we got there, you wouldn't get anything. Look, go find someone else to play Karadan Scout for. You aren't gonna be mine. What part of I don't want your help aren't you understanding? Just leave me alone."

"What part of you are getting my help did you not understand?" He looked at her.

Finally, Shiv grumbled in frustration and shook her head. "Fine," she said, "let's get this over. Come on, Brainiac."

She led the way out of the alley and off toward a crowded square. As she walked, she wondered if she were to put her stalker into a battle of wits with a tafta nut, just how badly he'd lose. She almost stumbled in the middle of the square when she saw a sign announcing that Merrick Braston was playing again at the White Noise. She had to go! For a man, he made some very beautiful music, and she had collected everything he'd ever recorded. I wonder if Kaysa would go to the White Noise with me, she thought.

Finally, they made it across the square and Shiv spotted her destination. Glancing back told her that her shadow had not left. She pushed forward and into the Tae'Morad office. There weren't any Tae'Morad in it, but there were plenty of Stormtroopers. She walked up to the officer behind the desk.

"Sir," she said, "this man won't leave me alone. He insists on escorting me home, and I don't want him anywhere near me. He won't leave me alone."

The officer shifted his gaze from Shiv to Rowan. "Is this true?"

"That is correct," he said. "This young woman attempted to draw a knife on me." He showed his hand. "I disarmed her and I insisted she should be escorted home for her own safety." He nodded. "But if necessary, she should be detained since carrying such concealed weapons is against Imperial statute law, Sc 563 SS 4."

The officer looked back at Shiv.

"I was going to my ship at the Starport and this idiot grabbed me," she said. "I drew my knife to protect myself. And, then he reached down, grabbed it, and then bent it in half. It was a tritium-alloy blade and free from any defects. The only way this guy could do what he did is if he's hopped up on every kind of spice imaginable. Look I was just minding my own business to get my things, but this freak wouldn't leave me alone..."

The officer stood up and motioned for a pair of guards. "Take them both back and put them in holding cells. Put a call in to Shatz and Teir; we'll need them for the questioning."

Two troopers pulled out binders and approached Shiv and Rowan. Shiv held her hands out for the cuffs with a res