"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 resigned sigh.

Rowan stood there and blinked his eyes a few times, then held out his hands to be bound. "Tactical scenario, beta 3-5, counter attack measure, calculated." With inhuman speed, he curled his open hands into fists and slammed one of them into the face of one of the guards. The guard's helmet crumpled inward and he dropped to the ground.

He grabbed the other trooper's arms and with lightening reflex and spun him around. He pulled the man's blaster from its holster and fired it with deadly accuracy into the chest of the desk guard. The man toppled backward, dead before he hit the floor.

Rowan dropped the blaster and quickly snapped his prisoners neck. He watched the corpse spin around and then crumple to the floor in a heap.

Within the complex, klaxons started blaring as soon as the blaster was fired. From behind the officer, the sound of many booted feet echoed across the floor. Shouts and cries went out as the rest of the Stormtroopers in the building jumped into action. Outside, chaos filled the square as the external alarms sounded,

As Rowan turned to where Shiv had been standing, he found only empty air.

Re-assessing the situation, Rowan grabbed the fallen blaster and bolted out the door. He quickly disappeared into the crowd and away from the swarming Imperial troops.

---

"Walking Through the Storm, Part 1"
by Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Kaysa Zenarr
and Merrick Braston

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 10, 4ABY

***

Shiv looked out the window again. She wasn't sure how many times she'd gone and peered down onto the street in the last half hour. But each time the psychopath from Yelldon wasn't down there, and that's all she cared about. She'd finished off three liters of water when she got back, but her heart was still racing and she was completely exhausted. Then again, she had run from the starport to her apartment carrying as many of her belongings as she could manage How did she get herself into this mess?

She glanced down at the street again and saw nothing out of the ordinary. Maybe the Stormtroopers hunted him down and shot him. The sounds of snapping bone still echoed in her ears. She slugged down another drink of water, wishing it were something much stronger. Drunk would be good. Drunk would mean forgetting psychos and Stormtroopers.

She sank down onto the couch and took a deep breath. As she sat there, memories of the last time she'd sat on the couch (though it was much more than sitting) came to her. Zale and Corun and she had been pretty wild. She wouldn't mind seeing Zale again, but doubted it would ever happen. She never wanted to see Corun again. A phantom pain stung her cheek from where he'd hit her. She hadn't thought going to him on the street would have been a bad idea, but he was not happy to see her. She pleaded with him for help, and he's spit on her and slapped her. At least there wasn't a lasting scar.

She sighed and looked up at the small tile in the ceiling that housed the hidden camera again. When she got back to the apartment, she was still very paranoid, and had wandered through every room repeatedly. It was only chance that made her look up where the tile was, slightly off-colour from the rest. She found the camera and it only heightened her worries. It pointed straight at the couch, and there were still around ten others. At least ten others she had found. From the angle, she knew that her night with Corun and Zale would have been right in the centre of the camera's field of coverage. What a show it must have been, she thought sourly. The violation was bigger than any she'd ever felt in her life. She wondered who was watching from there.

She glanced out the window again. The sun was going down, and that scared her more than anything. She and Kaysa had to go out tonight. She didn't want to stay locked up in the apartment with some psychotic freak out there snapping necks and bashing skulls. They'd go to the White Noise to see Merrick Braston, and she could forget all about the pyschofreak and the snapping necks.

The sound of the door opening brought Shiv off the couch in a leap. "Kaysa," she cried, her excitement overflowing at seeing her love safe in the doorway. And not being alone anymore was very good too. She rushed to the door where Kaysa was pushing her way in overloaded with packages. "Oh wow. That's my kind of business."

Kaysa laughed as she stumbled into the room and finally relieved herself of the culmination of hours of shopping with Merrick. By the time they'd hit their fourth shop, Kaysa no longer worried about the state of Merrick's financial situation. It appeared to be in perfect order and he was also more than enthusiastic about indulging her in buying as many dresses as she pleased. "How was your day, Shiv? How long have you been waiting for me?" Kaysa asked as she dropped the final bag on the floor with a relieved sigh.

Shiv shook her head and led Kaysa to the couch. "Oh," she said. "I've been here for a couple hours, but I had quite the adventure going to my ship."

She went on to explain the trip through Yelldon, and the crazy guy, and the Imps, and the flight back. She left nothing out of the story, and when it ended she shivered slightly and shook her head. "He was so creepy. And, the Imps. I mean, I don't like them, but I felt sorry for those guys. It was awful."

Kaysa looked at Shiv in awe and shook her head slowly. "Gods, Shiv. You attract attention everywhere you go, don't you?" She stroked her hair comfortingly and asked, "You're alright, though? I mean, that guy doesn't know where you live? And I thought all the psychopaths lived in Yallder. I guess I was wrong."

"I'm okay," she said. "I don't think he followed me, and I think he was too busy running from the Stormtroopers to bother with following me. I don't think he's from around here though. He didn't even know where he was or anything. I've been stressed out over it, but I'm doing good. And, even better now that you're home."

"Now I feel bad for taking so long." Kaysa embraced Shiv and rubbed her back soothingly. "But the rest of your day went well? Did you manage to bring back any of your clothes from the ship before that jerk harassed you?"

"After," Shiv said. "When I ran, I went to my ship, and then ran back here with my clothes and some other things. And, I haven't seen him. I've been watching out the window, but I never saw anyone that looked like him, and he'd be pretty hard to miss." She glanced back over her shoulder and out the window. No psychos skulking beneath the street lamps. However, a sign hanging on a post across the street reminded her of the Merrick Braston poster she'd seen in the square. "Oh, we have to go to this place with this great music tonight. It's a club over in Yelldon called the White Noise, and my all-time favourite singer is there!"

Kaysa couldn't help but give a wry laugh. Her life had been filled with inconvenient little ironies and coincidences over the past two days, and this one only helped convince her that some divine being was truly out to make her life miserable. She sighed deeply and began stroking Shiv's hair to relieve her own tension. "The singer wouldn't happen to be that Merrick Braston fellow, would it?"

Shiv's jaw dropped open as she stared at Kaysa. "It is!" She laughed and shook her head. "Oh gods, do you like his music? I have every recording in my ship. His voice is just so...oh wow. We have to go Kaysa. I've never seen him live before. We have to!"

"I've heard some of his stuff. He's pretty good if you like that depressing, mellow kind of music." Kaysa grimaced as she thought about showing up at the White Noise with Shiv, then having to introduce her to Merrick...and introduce him as her boyfriend. Shiv certainly wouldn't take that well, but they had to find out about each other sooner or later, and no matter where they were when she introduced the two of them to each other, there would always be the possibility of the encounter being disastrous. "So, I suppose you wanna go see this idol of yours tonight? You and me...together, on a date, listening to THE Merrick Braston croon his melodramatic brand of music while we get drunk out of our minds, then come home and fuck each other's brains out. Is that what you were planning?"

Shiv laughed. "Well that is one possibility," she said. "If you don't want to go, we don't have to. I mean, I can go alone if you don't want to. If you don't like his music, it's okay. I just love his voice, and it's the chance I've never had before. I didn't even know he was on Tae'Karada."

"He's been here for months..." Kaysa muttered. "And if you wanna go...I guess it would be alright. As long as you behave yourself!" Kaysa said sternly. "The White Noise is a respectable establishment and if you ever wanna be allowed back to see your precious Merrick Braston then you're going to have to restrain those frisky hands of yours." Kaysa laughed gently and kissed Shiv on the forehead. "We can go, Shiv. Anything for you..."

Shiv laughed. "You think I have no self control," she said. "You think I'm going to be feeling you up and groping you through the entire show." She giggled and then kissed Kaysa. "I promise I'll be good. I'll probably be more focused on him than on you. No offense, my dear." She snuggled closer to Kaysa. "My frisky hands will behave themselves until we are safely at home behind our closed door. Or at least back in the hovercab on the way home."

Kaysa wanted to feel reassured by that, but Shiv was as unpredictable as she was, especially with a few drinks inside of her, and once drunk, Kaysa wouldn't be able to control her. She slipped away from Shiv's embrace as her stomach began to churn with all the anxieties of the evening to come creeping up on her. It could either turn out to be a catastrophe, or maybe she could actually pull off the ruse. Lately, though, she'd begun to realize her good fortune had run out.

"So...what time do we leave? I mean, we want good seats, right?" Kaysa asked distractedly.

Shiv nodded vigourously. "Yes," she said. "We have to get seats right up near the front. We should get ready and go." Shiv quickly moved to her bag in the corner. She rummaged through her small collection of clothes and turned back to Kaysa expectantly. "Can I borrow a dress? None of my clothes are very nice, and none of them are dresses. The only dress I have is the one we got in Gladyne's shop."

"Oh, that one is hardly appropriate." Kaysa moved to her surplus of bags and began digging through them. "I mean, those dresses are fine for seducing men, but we don't want you stealing the spotlight from Mr. Merrick Braston, now do we? No, I think something a little more conservative is in order... Like..." Kaysa smiled as she pulled out a midlength dark blue dress from the bag and displayed it to Shiv. "Like this. What do you think? It's not too short and the neckline isn't too low... I think it would accent your curves perfectly."

Shiv grinned. "I like it!" She took the dress from Kaysa and held it up to herself. "I think it'll do perfectly. You know, once I start making some money, I'm going to have to buy myself some good clothes. I mean, most of my stuff is good for being a smuggler and everything, but it's not the kind of stuff you'd want to go anywhere nice in." She smoothed the fabric over her hips and looked up at Kaysa with a smile. "What do you think?"

"Oh, I think that's gonna look better on you than it did on me when I tried it on." Kaysa saw the smile on Shiv's face and the sparkle in her eyes, a sight she truly cherished. She ran her hand along Shiv's cheek and said, "Keep the dress. You deserve it and besides, blue isn't my colour."

"Thank you," Shiv said, and quickly hugged Kaysa. "We should get ready. Oh, I think you're gonna love his music. Oh man. I just hope I don't start crying when he sings 'Waiting for Eternity.' It's such a beautiful song. And, 'Descending Into the Heart' is my favourite. Oh, thank you for coming with me, Kaysa! This is gonna be so great!"

Kaysa found Shiv's uncontained excitement rather amusing and it momentarily quashed any anxiety she was feeling. Shiv would meet Merrick tonight, and Kaysa wasn't certain how she'd react to finding out he was the man her heart belonged to. Kaysa doubted Shiv would be such a devoted fan after hearing that. "I...I'll go change. When I'm done, I'll call us a hovercab and then we can go." Kaysa kissed Shiv upon the lips quickly then moved towards her bedroom. "I think, Shiv, we'll need some ground rules for tonight, though. Don't you think?" Kaysa called back.

Shiv followed Kaysa into the bedroom with her new dress. "Definitely," she said. "That means you have to find a way to keep your hands off me while we're there. We have to appear respectable because the White Noise is a classy place." She giggled. "I'll be good, Kaysa. I do have a little self-control."

"That's what I'm worried about. You're too impetuous, especially with liquor in you." Kaysa let her clothes fall to the floor and moved to her closet. "Now, behaving means no groping or fondling, no snuggling, no pet names, no signs of affection whatsoever." She sighed and turned to Shiv with an apologetic smile. "I know it sounds harsh, but think about it this way: If you keep your hands to yourself the entire night, it'll only make coming home something to look forward to even more."

Shiv smiled. "You say all this as you strip out of your clothes," she said. "You are trying to tempt me, aren't you?" She started pulling her own clothes off so she could put on the new dress. "I will be good. You'll see. I'll keep my hands to myself, and only pay attention to the music. And, I won't embarrass you." She slipped into the dress and turned to Kaysa for approval. "It's a little big, but once I start eating again, it'll fit perfect."

Kaysa inspected the dress carefully, smoothing out the section of the bodice over Shiv's stomach and pulling at the loose fabric on the sides that Shiv's undernourished body couldn't fill in. "We can take it in if you want, but I'm not sure we have time. I think it looks nice though...and I'll ignore that very subtle poke about my weight." Kaysa smiled and moved back to the closet to pull out a dress of her own. She decided on a dark green one to compliment Shiv's choice of dark blue, and also because it happened to be Merrick's favourite colour, as he'd told her during their walk today. A spark of intense joy filled Kaysa as she remembered their in-depth discussions and their many laughs. The more she learned about him, the more she realized how much she truly loved him. She suddenly couldn't wait to see him on stage tonight. "We better hurry. We don't wanna be late."

Shiv pulled on her boots as she watched Kaysa getting dressed. As she stood and settled into her boots, she noticed another one of those hidden cameras. Eleven, she thought. She frowned and moved over to Kaysa. "Do you know if the apartment management installed surveillance cameras in here?"

Kaysa pulled the straps of the dress onto her shoulders and gazed at Shiv quizzically. "Not the last time I checked. Why? Want to know if they have any of our sexual exploits recorded for later viewing?"

Shiv laughed. "No," she said. But someone's got them recorded, she thought. "It's just that when I was here today, I noticed the cameras and I wondered what they were for. Just curious, I guess."

"Cameras?" Kaysa's amusement faded as quickly as it had appeared. The landlord knew about her nocturnal activities and didn't seem to care; he would have no reason to surveil her. Zale said he trusted her... She pushed away any suspicious thoughts about him. She just couldn't picture him bugging her room to watch while she had sex with strangers. Kaysa paced slowly with her eyes staring forward blankly. She'd been violated in a way much more sinister than if her body had been taken by a man against her will. Kaysa hissed under her breath as she turned swiftly to face Shiv. "How many did you find? And where?"

"I found about ten of them, eleven including the new one I just spotted," Shiv said, suddenly concerned. "In here, and out there. They're pretty well hidden. I mean, if I weren't so paranoid, I probably wouldn't have even seen them." She pointed to the one above the bathroom door. "It's just slightly discoloured there, so you can see it."

Kaysa scrutinized the wall above the door with an icy gaze. Those weren't security cameras and she knew it. A sudden chill ran through Kaysa, one that made her bones ache and her body stiffen. Someone was spying on her and not to protect her apartment from intruders. The living room...the bedroom... Whoever it was wanted to see exactly who she was bringing home and what they were doing when she did. The one over the bathroom was in the perfect position to view the bed and anything that went on in it. There was only one person paranoid enough to do that and it certainly wasn't beneath him either. Kaysa gritted her teeth as she turned on her heel and stormed out of the bedroom. "Come on, Shiv! We're getting the fuck out of here. We're going to see Merrick Braston perform, then after that, we're going to pay someone a little visit."

Shiv hurried after Kaysa. Obviously those cameras weren't part of a security system. And, with Kaysa's mood, whoever put them in was going to have a very unpleasant night tonight. She wondered did it, and if she'd been recorded on them. The sudden feeling of violation was nearly overwhelming. She hoped that Kaysa gave it to the bastard good, whoever the bastard was. As they hurried out onto the street, Shiv rushed after Kaysa. "Do you know who did that, Kaysa?"

"I don't know for sure, but I have a good idea." Kaysa hailed a passing hovercab and hopped in as soon as it came to a halt. She couldn't remember the last time she felt so enraged, and it was a feeling she wanted to keep simmering until she confronted the bastard and castrated him with her teeth. "Son of a bitch..." she spat under her breath. "Get in, Shiv!"

Shiv quickly climbed into the cab and pulled the skirt of her dress inside before it could be caught in the door. She wanted to try to comfort Kaysa, but knew that comforting would be the last thing Kaysa wanted. She folded her hands in her lap and glanced at Kaysa. "If you want, I can hold him down."

Kaysa managed a dry laugh for Shiv, but she knew her mood had been soured for the rest of the evening. He'd seen everything, every man she'd brought home over the past 5 months, watched her as she slept in bed at night... He may have thought he owned her, but she refused to have her privacy invaded by a jealous, insecure man. "White Noise," she said flatly. As the hovercab skimmed down the street, Kaysa finally turned her gaze to Shiv. "We're gonna get very drunk this evening, Shiv. I can be a vile drunk, and vile is what I wanna be when I confront that bastard."

Shiv nodded slowly. "Vile drunk," she said with a nod. "I've heard they've got a great bar and you can pretty much get anything you can think of. I just hope we don't get stuck in one of the holo-rooms. They've got the main stage, and then two rooms where a holographic projection of the performance is played there. I really hope we're in time to get main floor tickets. But, still, the holos'd be closer than I've ever been before. And, if I were totally drunk, he wouldn't see me there like that. I wouldn't want to make a fool of myself in front of Merrick Braston." She looked around and smoothed the fabric of her dress again. "I should have brought one of my blades along for Mr. Voyeur."

"That's quite alright, Shiv," Kaysa said quietly, distantly. "I'll make him pay in my own way. He'll learn not to fuck with Kaysa Zenarr again." They remained silent for the rest of the ride through Yallder and into Yelldon. Kaysa stared out the window, watching the neon lights as they passed the many establishments lining the club district of Yelldon. The streets were littered with party goers as the night began buzzing with life. She knew all their energy and excitement should have been invoking the same in her, but she was far too consumed with anger and disgust that all she could do was growl under her breath.

Shiv caught the driver glancing back at them every once in awhile, but paid him no mind. She placed a hand on Kaysa's wrist. "It'll be okay," she said with a smile. "Revenge will be very sweet. Just you wait and see. We'll go see Merrick, and then we'll make this other guy pay. Fucker probably has copies of us. Oh, his testicles will go in a jar on the mantle."

Kaysa laughed curtly and glanced back at Shiv with a smirk. "Yeah, I'd like to see him trying to jerk off while watching those recordings without a cock to wrap his fingers around."

"White Noise, coming up, Ladies," the driver called back as he brought the hovercab to a halt at the side of the road.

---

"Walking Through the Storm, Part 2"
by Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Kaysa Zenarr
and Merrick Braston
with Rennor Karradas [NPC]

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 10, 4ABY

***

People were lined up outside of the club in hordes, all most likely waiting for a chance to see Merrick Braston's return to the stage. Kaysa couldn't help but smile at that. All those people were there waiting to see her boyfriend perform. She allowed herself a moment to indulge in the pride she was feeling. She would feel it to an even greater extent when she and Shiv walked through those doors without having to stand in line. She reached over the seat and handed the driver a ten slip, then pushed open the door. "Come on, Shiv. Time to make our grand entrance."

Shiv slid out of the cab behind Kaysa and looked at the line. "Oh," she said with a groan, "it's going to take forever to get tickets. And, we're gonna be stuck in one of the rooms with the holograms. We better hurry before they're all sold out. It's his first night back." She started off toward the back of the line with a sigh.

Kaysa chuckled as she grabbed Shiv's arm and pulled her back. "Don't worry. I'll take care of everything." Kaysa pulled Shiv along as she made her way to the front of the line and spoke in hushed tones with the door attendant.

After a short exchange, the attendant held the door open for Shiv and Kaysa. "The usher will lead you to your seat, Ms. Zenarr."

Kaysa smiled cordially to the man and tugged on Shiv's arm as they made their way inside. She glanced back at Shiv, stifling a laugh at her expression of both confusion and wonderment. "I told you I'd take care of it."

The sound of grumbling patrons, upset at watching two women walk past the hundreds waiting to enter the building, faded as the door closed behind them. "You sure did," Shiv said with a big grin. "What, you know the owner or something? Oh wow, I can't believe we're here."

They were led through the tables and up next to the stage. Shiv's jaw dropped open as the man pulled out chairs for each of them.

"We're right--" She shook her head. "It's just-- Right-- The-- He's gonna be right there."

Kaysa stroked Shiv's hair soothingly and laughed gently. "There, there, Shiv. Now, just have a seat and calm down." She helped a disoriented Shiv into her seat and called over the nearest waiter. "Don't pass out, Shiv. This is a once in a lifetime chance to see Merrick Braston. You don't wanna miss it while you're lying listless on the floor, do you?"

The usher slid Kaysa's chair out and pushed it in for her before taking his leave. No sooner did he leave than the waiter approached the table. Kaysa looked up at him, ordered a Celian Gin, then prompted Shiv with an encouraging smile. "Have a drink, Shiv. You need it."

Shiv nodded, then took a deep breath and let it out. "I'll have an estrania rum with a shot of weiga. And, do you have anything like chips or something to munch on?"

"I can bring out some tarsta chips," the man said. "And, I can get menus for you if you're hungry."

Shiv nodded vigourously. "Yes, please," she said, "I'm starved."

As he left, she giggled. "Oh. Once I have that drink I'll be fine. I'm just a little excited right now, that's all. I wonder if he'll know we're here. I mean, do you ever wonder if, when they're up there, they notice the people down here?"

"Hmm...not usually. But this Merrick guy sounds different. I mean, we're sitting in the front row. There's no way he could miss us, especially being the beautiful, young women we are." Kaysa grinned at Shiv, and added playfully, "Unless, of course, he's got an eye for the men in the crowd instead. You never know with these artsy types."

Shiv laughed. "Well, then I would respect him all the more," she said. "I mean, anyone willing to risk falling in love with someone of their own gender, especially in a place as repressed as Tae'Karada, can't be all bad." She looked around at the crowd coming in and then back at Kaysa. "It's going to be pretty full I think. It's a good thing you're friends with the owner. Do you know much of Merrick's stuff?"

Kaysa suppressed another laugh and shook her head quickly, while biting her lip in case the laugh did manage to creep up her throat. "I might have heard a couple songs, but I don't know much about him. I do hear, however, that he is quite handsome." Kaysa rather enjoyed teasing Shiv and barely stifled her laughter as she pictured the look on Shiv's face when she introduced Merrick to her. "So, are you going to jump on stage and confess your undying devotion to him, Shiv?"

"Ooh," Shiv cooed, "I could be a groupie. And, he is handsome. Though, I bet he wouldn't be interested in me. I mean, I think he'd probably go for someone a little classier and sophisticated than me. I mean, I fly starships and I'm usually a mess of a greaseball from trying to fix Stiletto. But, I'd go with him if he wanted me." She grinned a conspiratorial grin and leaned close. "Would you?"

Kaysa's eyes slowly shifted to Shiv and a smile creeped onto her face. "I don't know. I've never seen him before, remember." The waiter came back and set down their drinks, as well as menus and the appetizers Shiv ordered. Kaysa wrapped her fingers around her drink and stared into the green liquid with a hint of a smile still on her face. "And what about me, Shiv? Do I look like the type Merrick Braston would go for?"

Shiv studied Kaysa for a long moment, and then shrugged. "You might be," she said. "I mean, you're usually fairly clean and you dress well. I think he might like you." She took a sip from her drink and then started munching from the appetizers as she looked through the menu. "Can I have one of everything? It all sounds good."

"Everything?!" Kaysa's jaw dropped open and she quickly tore the menu from Shiv's hands. "I know you said you're trying to put on weight, Shiv, but don't you think a little at a time would be better than trying to do it all at once?" She laughed and handed the menu back to the waiter before Shiv could get her hands on it again. "Just bring her the plate of Dernian flatbread with the works."

Shiv looked up at the man and nodded. "Yes," she said. "And if I could get that shellfish thing on the side. That would be wonderful."

The waiter hid his smile as he added Shiv's order to his datapad and then turned to Kaysa for her order. "And, for you, ma'am?"

"Nothing, thanks." The waiter gave a quick bow and hurried off to fill Shiv's order, as well as to serve the many other customers waving their hands in the air to grab his attention.

It was nearing showtime and frankly, Kaysa was nervous. Shiv would either be ecstatic that her best friend was lovers with her favourite singer, or she would be completely heartbroken and run out of the White Noise crying. Kaysa swallowed down her entire drink and sat still for a moment, letting the potent liquor begin performing its function in settling her nerves. "This place has never been this packed before," Kaysa muttered. She scanned the room quickly, but being so far up in front, she saw nothing but silhouettes and faces darkened by shadows. Still, though, she could make out the fact that the place was absolutely packed. Suddenly, she began feeling nervous for Merrick too, having to perform in front of all those people. With all the sources of anxiety Kaysa was discovering, she decided to wave the waiter back over and have her drink refilled. "I really don't think I can go one place without getting drunk. Promise you won't let me make a fool of myself if I do get drunk, and I promise I'll do the same for you."

Shiv looked around as she took a sip from her drink. "I promise," she said. "Though, I think I'm going to have to stop myself at one of these"--she indicated the glass of rum--"it's very potent. If you want to get nice and drunk, this stuff will do it. Goes right to my head." She laughed and shook her head remembering their first time out together, and how quickly she had gotten drunk then. "I will try to stay somewhat aware tonight, at least until Merrick's done. I want to be able to remember the show in the morning."

As she took a nibble of the food, the lights in the room started dimming. She felt a wave of excitement and anxiety go through her. The show was about to start.

Kaysa reached onto the table and placed her hand on Shiv's. "Now, calm down, Shiv. Can't have you bouncing in the chair and distracting Mr. Braston. I hear these singer types are really temperamental and serious about their music." Kaysa was rather enjoying this game. The shock on Shiv's face would be worth all the effort of trying to delude the girl into thinking she was indifferent about Merrick Braston and his music. Truth was, she loved both, and a part of her couldn't wait to tell Shiv. She needed to confess it to someone, give them a chance to feel the euphoria she was feeling; she wanted to tell the world.

As the lights finally died down completely, so did the conversation in the room. A spotlight illuminated a small section of the stage with a soft, white glow. From the darkness emerged a surly man, one Kaysa had encountered before. She smiled to herself. Even with Merrick back, Chrik still looked miserable. With microphone in hand, he pulled the cigarra from his lips and cleared his throat. The smoke that escaped billowed around his head and obscured his face as he began speaking into the mic. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began in the same grating voice Kaysa remembered. "After a four month hiatus, he makes his triumphant return to the stage here at the White Noise. His music will enchant and bewitch you... Everyone, will you please welcome the incomparable, Merrick Braston."

As she heard his name and the resonating applause that followed it, Kaysa's heart leapt into her throat. Just the anticipation of seeing him again filled her with immense joy and longing. Chrik moved from the spotlight and shortly after, the soft, mellow sounds of the introductory melody drifted through the room. Kaysa gripped Shiv's hand more firmly with barely contained excitement and gazed intently at the stage. A figure from the darkness cast a shadow upon the light on the stage, and Kaysa felt herself almost cry out his name. When the figure of the man she loved finally detached from the darkness, she just about did. "Incredible," she whispered.

The applause was nearly deafening and it made Merrick's smile grow even wider. He laughed and shook his head as he moved to the centre of the stage. Behind him, the rest of the band moved into their positions. As the first chords of "Walking Through the Storm" came out of his monitor, Merrick allowed himself a quick look around.

His eyes did not travel far before they found what he was searching for. The pair of beautiful hazel eyes looking back to him from the darkness of the audience. He allowed a smile especially for her. She was seated with a young blonde woman, and they both appeared to be very excited. With a last look into her eyes, he started the song. Everything felt right.

The crowd was alive tonight, and it was going to be a great show. He could tell already. As he pushed on through the song, his eyes kept coming back to Kaysa. Tonight, the show was for her.

Kaysa couldn't seem to steady her breathing as she watched the music almost visibly flowing from his lips, and everytime his eyes met hers, her breathing slowed and seemed to stop all together. She knew he was singing the song to her, and although the room was filled to capacity, only she existed for him, and he for her. She felt herself grinning enormously and her cheeks were warm, but it wasn't from the gin. Watching him on stage and feeling his love for her expressed through the song helped reinforce precisely why she loved him so much. He was passionate and talented, and he also had the most beautiful grey eyes she'd ever seen. She was truly in love with every part of him, something she never thought herself capable of. "He's wonderful, Shiv," she whispered breathlessly.

Shiv nodded absently and squeezed Kaysa's hand. "He is," she said. "It's so much better than recorded, and he's right there. And, he keeps looking at us. Did you see that?" She watched him as the song ended. He glanced down toward their table again, and smiled. It was such a beautiful smile.

Merrick stepped back from the microphone and picked up a wintrella from behind one of the amplifiers. He stepped forward to the mic again as he quickly tuned it. "This next song is a very special one," he said. "I started it four months ago, and just completed it last night. I usually don't dedicate my songs during shows, but in this case I'm making an exception. This song is dedicated to its inspiration and the reason I'm standing up here tonight. With all my heart, this song is dedicated to Kaysa." He glanced down at the table where she sat and touched a hand to his heart. "Ladies and gentlemen, 'Whispers After Midnight'."

Her smile was truly a full blown one as the gentle, slow melody of the song, written for her, began. She remembered that wintrella, and in his hands, the most beautiful sounds were created, much more beautiful than the ones she had forced from the instrument when she tried it months ago. When she finally managed to do more than smile foolishly at Merrick, she mouthed a silent "I love you" and allowed herself to become entranced by his words. To others, they may have merely been the chorus of a song, but to her, they were professions of his love for her. In that moment, she knew he was the one, the one to turn her life around, and was more certain about that more than ever before.

Next to Kaysa, Shiv gawked. Her eyes were riveted on Kaysa and a big grin split her face. "Oh gods," she whispered. "You? You and Merrick Braston? Oh wow, Kaysa! And, you didn't say anything. Oh wow!"

Kaysa looked to Shiv and smiled gently. "I didn't tell you because I was worried about how you'd react. Judging from your reaction now, I can see my fears were baseless." Kaysa laughed quietly as she turned her attention back to the stage. Gods he was breathtaking. "How would you like to meet him after the show?" Kaysa whispered as she glanced sideways at Shiv.

"Oh yes," she whispered. It was very hard to contain her excitement, and she was doing everything she could to keep her voice down. "You are going to be paid back with interest for this. You're the most wonderful..." She gave Kaysa's hand a squeeze. "I'll put in a good word for you with Merrick later." She grinned and turned her attention back to Merrick. It was funny now. He was still just as wonderful, but he seemed much more than he had before. "Good choice, Kaysa. Definite approval."

She didn't need Shiv to tell her the decision she'd made was the right one; looking at Merrick now and seeing the sparkle in his eyes was all the indication she needed that she'd finally done something very right. She gazed at him dreamily as the song began winding down. She hoped his set was over soon so she could run into his arms and kiss him tenderly.

The song finally came to and end. Merrick wished he could do it again, but he knew the rest of his fans wouldn't necessarily welcome him doing the same song over and over for Kaysa. He'd just have to sing it to her in private.

The rest of the set went smoothly. He kept an eye on Kaysa through the entire show, and found himself getting anxious toward the end. He couldn't wait to take her into his arms and just hold her. It seemed like they'd been apart for too long. He was called back onto the stage for three encores, but finally he was allowed to leave after promising that he wasn't going anywhere and would be performing again very soon.

Out at their table, Shiv was more excited than ever. "That was the best show I've ever been to," she said as Kaysa stood and started moving toward the stage door. "And, you got a song dedicated to you. Oh wow. Um, you know, if you want time alone with Merrick tonight, I'm okay. I'll figure something out. We don't have to...you know. I mean, if you'd rather...with him."

"Shiv, I'm not gonna have sex with him in his dressing room. Now come on! I bet you've been waiting for this moment since we got here." Kaysa laughed and pulled on Shiv's arm. They made their way unhindered through the backstage doors and down the corridor towards Merrick's dressing room. Kaysa found herself walking very quickly as his room came into view and was in a light jog by the time they reached the door. "Are you ready, Shiv?" Kaysa asked quietly as they stood before the dressing room door, which had Merrick's named sprawled across the top in large italicized letters.

Shiv nodded. "Oh yes," she said. "It's so exciting. Oh gods, I can't believe I'm standing here." She took a breath and let it out. "If you'd rather go out with him after, I'll understand Kaysa. I mean, you and Merrick, it's important. If you want to go out, you should."

"If you want, we can all go out together for a while. And I did promise to be with you tonight, so I will be. Merrick and I will have many other nights to be together. For now though, let's introduce you to your idol, first." Kaysa smiled warmly at Shiv then looked to the door. "Introducing, the one, the only, the sexy, Merrick Braston," Kaysa said playfully as she lightly rapped on the door.

The door slid open and Merrick was standing there with a bright smile on his face. He quickly pulled Kaysa into a hug, and gave her the kiss he'd been longing for all night. "It's so good to see you," he said. "I was right up there in front of you, but I really wanted to be down there with you." He gave her another kiss and then glanced at Shiv and then back to Kaysa.

She pressed her lips to his again ravenously, but noticed his gaze had travelled to where Shiv was standing. She forced herself to tear her lips from Merrick's and stepped aside so Shiv was now in full view. "I guess introductions come first." Kaysa laughed and grabbed Shiv's hand, pulling her forward. "Merrick, this is Maeren Shivral, Zenarr Inc. employee, my friend, and Merrick Braston's biggest fan."

Merrick laughed softly and held out his hand. "I'm pleased to meet you, Maeren," he said. "I hope you enjoyed the show tonight. It was a special show, and the first new material in a year. And, it's all because of Kaysa."

Shiv's eyes were large and full of wonder as she shook Merrick's hand. "I have. All. Your. Music. I loved the show. You were wonderful. Kaysa's my best friend ever. I'm very happy. For you two."

Merrick laughed. "Well, we're very happy too, Maeren," he said. "I'm glad you enjoyed the show. If you two want to come again to the next time I play, you're in of course." He took Kaysa into his arms again. "So, what now, my love?"

"Hmm...are you hungry? The three of us could go get something to eat." Kaysa cupped her hand over her mouth and Merrick's ear as she whispered, "You don't mind if she comes along, do you? She's had some...hard times as of late and I think she could use a little fun. Please?"

Merrick glanced at Maeren and then back to Kaysa. "Sure," he whispered. "I don't think that'll be a problem." He gave both women a smile. "So, what are you in the mood for? We've got a lot of options out there. Or we can just go where our stomachs lead us."

"Well, Shiv? Where to?" Kaysa asked as she turned back to a still grinning Shiv. She placed her hand on Shiv's shoulder and squeezed it gently. "It's your choice, Shiv. And don't worry," Kaysa said with a wink in Merrick's direction, "he's paying."

"There's a place a few blocks over," she said. "They serve some of the best Calamaran dishes around. Can we go there?"

Merrick nodded. "Sounds like a great place for food to me," he said. "Let's go ahead and get out of here before Chrik makes me sign autographs."

"Good idea. Shiv and I just have to go get our things from the front and we'll meet you at the door." Kaysa kissed Merrick quickly. "You were wonderful tonight," she said quietly as she gazed into his eyes. "You had my heart pounding in my chest the entire time."

Merrick gave her a kiss. As he pulled away, he smiled. "Mine too," he said. "I'll see you two out front in just a couple minutes." He fixed Kaysa with a gaze that set his heart pounding again. "I love you, Kaysa."

Kaysa ran her hand along Merrick's freshly shaven cheek and replied almost emphatically, "I love you too, Braston." She forced herself to pull away from him, and even as she did, her eyes were still fixed on him. "Come on, Shiv. Let's go get our things," she said absently as she continued grinning at Merrick.

Shiv was just standing and staring at Merrick, and it required giving her a gentle tug to get her to actually leave his dressing room. She was giggling foolishly as they walked down the hallway toward the door that would lead out into the rest of the restaurant. She felt like she was soaring as they walked along.

"He's so amazing," she was saying as they passed through the stage door. "I mean, and the way he looks at you. Oh wow, that was giving me goosebumps. Oh and when he kissed you--"

She stopped short as Kaysa did, suddenly and without warning. The look on Kaysa's face was a mixture of surprise and rage. She followed Kaysa's eyes to the man standing a few meters ahead of them. He did not look happy and neither did the two men standing on either side of him; they were bodyguards if Shiv had ever seen one. The hair on her neck stood on end as she and Kaysa faced the man that they did not want to see, at least not here: Rennor Karradas.

The grip she had on Shiv's arm tightened and her body stiffened as an arrogant smirk formed on Rennor's face. "Bastard..." Kaysa spat under her breath. The rage that had been simmering within her earlier boiled with a new ferocity as his condescending smiled bored into her. For a moment, she welcomed his presence; it saved her having to travel all the way to the spaceport to gouge his eyes out. "Come on, Shiv," Kaysa said in an angry whisper as she moved away from Rennor and towards their table. How she wanted to lash out at him, but she needed a drink first.

It didn't take much more than Kaysa's comment to realize who the person that put the cameras into the apartment was. She threw Rennor a chilling glare as she followed after Kaysa. "If we can get him out back alone, I think we can take him," she whispered. "It wouldn't take much to castrate him and feed what's left to the nerfs."

The sound of a throat clearing sounded behind them. Without waiting for either of the women to turn, he started talking. "So, is this how it is," he said. "I give you my love, my heart, an opening to riches beyond your dreams, and this is how you repay me? You are my fiancée, Kaysa. This is not the way to treat the man you are to marry. How long has this been going on between you and this...this..."--he gestured madly back toward the stage and beyond to Merrick's dressing room--"Nebanna cheese log who's fawning all over you in front of all of New Plouton and Tae'Karada. I will not have it. If you are to marry me, then you must end this association here and now. And, this little trollop hanging all over you is probably the instigator of your liaison. As part owner of Zenarr Inc, I'm firing her as of now. She's a bad influence on you, and bad for our business." He shifted his stance slightly, pausing for effect. "Now, you are not to see that man again. And, I think we should expedite our vows before this gets any more out of hand; and as such, I believe it is time you moved into my home. I have spoken my piece."

Kaysa took a long, slow sip of her drink without bothering to acknowledge Rennor. He didn't deserve it and nothing he said was of any consequence so his longwinded, pointless speech didn't require her attention. She swished the gin around in her mouth and held the half filled glass firmly in her grasp. He was trying to control her, trying to dictate to her how to run her business and her life. She'd realized long ago agreeing to marry him was a mistake, one she regretted ever since and even moreso now.

A low, deep throated laugh began bubbling in Kaysa's throat. He actually had the gall to command her to give up her freedom and move in with him, the gall to tell her to fire Shiv and leave the man she loved. Kaysa's laugh finally broke out and rose above the ambient chatter and music in the club. As her laughter became louder and wilder, the conversation began dying down and the patrons' attention was drawn in her direction. Yes, this is what she wanted. Rennor deserved to be embarrassed in front a room full of his peers. He deserved to have his reputation compromised and for his true character to be displayed for all to see.

As the room grew silent and all were focused on the scene, Kaysa seized her opportunity. With the glass still in hand, she spun around and threw the green contents into Rennor's face. Startled gasps arose and quiet gossip filled the room, all combined with Kaysa's shrill laughter as she watched droplets of the green liquor drip from Rennor's face. "A pleasure, as always, Rennor," Kaysa said bitterly as her laughter continued and she tossed her empty glass onto the table.

Beside Kaysa, Shiv snorted out a laugh that she tried to contain and failed miserably. She glanced down at her own glass and then up at Rennor. She decided to not throw it; it'd only make the situation worse.

Rennor breathed out heavily and pulled a small swath of linen from his jacket pocket. He dabbed at the foul liquid with as much dignity as he could manage, despite the rage building inside of him. He stepped back one pace and then fixed his gaze upon Kaysa. "Our wedding will commence on the fifteenth of Praeda," he said. "If you need assistance selecting a dress, I can have help found for you." He shook his head sadly. "What's happened to you? Our business is wasting away, and you along with it. I have looked over the last couple end of month statements for Zenarr Inc., and I feel it is time for me to step in, Kaysa. You're running it into the ground, and I don't intend to have one of my investments destroyed so carelessly. If you cannot manage this company, then I can purchase it from you outright. Then you will have all your time free to you to be a good wife to me." He adjusted his suit jacket and held out an arm for her to take. "You are far too willful. Tonight, I shall remind you just why we are together in bed." He gave her a suggestive wink. "Now, it is time you and I went home together."

Kaysa slapped Rennor's arm away viciously and flew towards him. She stopped with her face a hair's breadth from him, breathing heavily as the fury within her broke loose. "Been keeping an eye on Zenarr Inc., have you? Seems you enjoy prying into every aspect of my life. That would certainly explain the recording devices you planted in my apartment, you bastard!" She hissed in his face as she balled her hands up into fists. If it came to it, she wouldn't hesitate to pummel him. "You sick son of a bitch. Do you stay up at night in your expensive condo, watching while I fuck other men? Is that what you get off on? What I do on my own time, is my business and so is what I do with my company! You will not have Zenarr Inc.," she said in a menacing whisper. "And you will not have me."

Rennor took a step backward, startled. "Watch you? Other men? What the hell are you talking about, Kaysa? I haven't done anything to your apartment, Kaysa. Why would I do that? You're to be my wife. If I ever wish to see you, I only need to have you in my bed. Why would I need recording devices? Though, it sounds like perhaps that might not have been a bad idea. You will no longer be receiving any money from me," he said. "You will have to earn your share of my wealth from now on. And, I'm going to begin looking into the legal ramifications of your actions. I will have my share of Zenarr Inc. per our merger, and I will have you as my wife." He gave her a condescending smile. "That is unless you're calling off our wedding now. If you do that, I will have everything, Kaysa. All you have will be mine."

"Oh no, Rennor, there is no way I'm handing over my company to you like that. There is also no way I will be sharing my bed with you. I will not be an instrument with which you can extend your bloodline." Kaysa desperately wanted to knock that smile of his face and his artificially whitened teeth along with it. She took a step towards him to close the gap between them and glared. "I refuse to let you win, Rennor. You can order me to your bed all you want, but know that I will choose from now on who I share my body with. Whether it be with my so-called trollop, or with half the men in New Plouton, I will do so no matter how much you threaten me. There was nothing in that little merger stating anything about adultery, so as far as I'm concerned, I can feel free to saunter around this city opening my legs to any man who comes along without any ramifications. What are you going to do about that, Rennor? You can't keep me on a leash and you certainly cannot order me to behave. I'm not your puppet, Karradas."

Rennor smiled a smug smile. "Our contract may not have any stipulations regarding that, my dear," he said. "However, Tae'Karadan law does. Adultery on Tae'Karada is a very serious offense. And, even though our new Imperial masters are not the high prince and his council, the laws do still stand until they are changed. You can fu-- have sex with every man in the city until we are married if you wish, but once we are wed, if you visit another man's bed"--he threw a scathing glance at Shiv--"or woman's, you will sorely regret it. I will exercise the full extent of my rights under the law to get the satisfaction I deserve."

Kaysa clenched her teeth and sneered at Rennor. "You won't be satisfied until I'm in your bed, naked, serving your every need and being the submissive, obedient wife you want me to be. You knew from the beginning how I was, Rennor. You knew from the very start I never loved you! You're jealous, Rennor. You're jealous that I choose to share myself with others, but find it burdensome to even spend a moment's time with you. How can I be with you when you make me feel like nothing but a damn sex ornament? I won't be a trophy you can parade around and show off to your aristocratic friends! You can threaten me with sexist Tae'Karadan laws all you want, Rennor, but I will not come to your bed and you will not have Zenarr Inc.! So stay the hell away from me." Kaysa turned away before her anger consumed her. If she hit Rennor, she would give him the ammunition he needed to have her arrested. The bastard would do it too and she knew it. "Come on, Shiv. Let's leave this sick son of a bitch to tend to his broken ego."

"Is there a problem," said a voice from behind Rennor.

Rennor spun and found himself face to face with Merrick Braston. He cursed that he wasn't tall enough to face the man eye to eye, but he made up for it with regal bearing. The high prince of Tae'Karada had attended his engagement party. He was an important man, and he would not be made a fool of by a pansy artist who sounded like a bantha in heat.

"You are to stay away from my fiancée, sir," he snapped, "or else I will have you arrested. And, if you want good advice, stay away from that blonde little whore tagging around with Kaysa Zenarr-Karradas, as well. She is bad news, the corrupting wench."

Merrick shook his head and laughed. "You're not as important as you think you are," he said.

Rennor fumed for another moment before nodding to his bodyguards who moved into position behind Merrick. He looked up at the musician and smiled. "Oh, I am quite important, I assure you. I control more power in this district than any other man, and I hold the Fifth Directorship on the Financial Council of New Plouton. If you so much as look at me wrong, I could have all your assets frozen and have a team of auditors crawling so far up your a-- backside that if you bribe them enough they'll clean your teeth while they're in there! Do not get in my way, Mr. Braston."

Merrick snickered and stepped around Rennor without a second look at the man. He took Kaysa into his arms and gave her a very long passionate kiss.

Kaysa returned the kiss over enthusiastically for effect. She wanted Rennor to know she was not his and that she would never be. She didn't have to pretend to enjoy the kiss and for a moment was lost in it. Rennor was shoved to the back of her mind, and all that mattered was how much she loved Merrick. Once the kiss broke, Kaysa remained in Merrick's arms, stroking his hair and smiling at him tenderly. When her eyes found Rennor's, her smile turned into a scowl and she slipped from Merrick's embrace. "I don't want you, Rennor. I never did. If I find out you're spying on me again, I will have charges brought against you and I don't care how many people in high places you know, I will have you arrested and publicly shamed." Kaysa's eyes swept over the shocked faces of the patrons in the room and smiled triumphantly at Rennor. "Well, it looks like the public humiliation has been taken care of already, so why don't you just leave, Rennor. I'm not coming home with you and never will again. Go. Just go."

Rennor opened his mouth, and then shut it. "Very well," he snapped. "My lawyer will be contacting you, Kaysa. This matter is not settled yet. I will have your business or your hand, mark my words."

With that, he turned and strode from the building, his bodyguards in tow.

Once he was gone, Merrick shook his head in disbelief. "What an arrogant prick."

Conversations in the room arose again, but even louder as they all discussed the commotion they'd just witnessed. Once the crowds closed around Rennor and his two oafs, Kaysa moved into Merrick's arms and buried her face into his chest. "He's going to destroy me, Merrick. He's going to take everything I have and leave me destitute. I'm ruined..."

Merrick wrapped his arms protectively around Kaysa. "No matter what happens with him, you'll still have me," he said softly. "And, I'll help you through this. I've got a good lawyer who can probably have Rennor's lawyer for lunch. We can get through this together, Kaysa. And, Rennor won't be able to touch you."

Shiv took a step forward and put a hand on Kaysa's arm. "What a bastard," she rasped. "I hope he gets hit by a hovercar on the way home."

"With my luck, there's no chance of that happening." Kaysa emitted a gentle laugh, but she was still unnerved by the experience. She needed Rennor out of her life, quickly and permanently.

Kaysa pulled away slowly from Merrick and turned to Shiv with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Shiv. You didn't deserve to be called those things by that bastard. And don't worry, nothing he says could ever change my opinion of you. In fact, knowing he hates you only makes me like you even more."

Shiv shrugged. "It's okay," she said. "It's not like his opinion matters at all. And, if he's not good enough to keep your attention, I'm not going to waste my time worrying about the names he calls me because I might threaten his hold over you. Whatever happens with him, you've got friends to help get you through it."

Merrick chuckled softly. "And, on that note, let's us friends get out of here and grab that food before the night passes us by. And, hopefully a few drinks can make us forget all about what just happened."

Kaysa nodded her head and gave a subdued smile. She didn't think any amount of alcohol could raise her spirits tonight, but for Shiv and Merrick's sake, she'd at least try and appear unphased by the entire event. She moved to Merrick's side and kissed him gently upon the cheek. "Yeah, let's get out of here."

---

"Walking Through the Storm, Part 3"
by Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Kaysa Zenarr
and Merrick Braston

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 10, 4ABY

***

As they headed for the door and pushed through the crowds, swarms of fans overcoming the shock of witnessing her showdown with Rennor flocked to Merrick. Elbows flew into Kaysa and high pitched pleas for autographs shattered her resolve. She couldn't be around such excitement and liveliness when her own happiness was beginning to crumble again. Kaysa pulled away from Merrick and quickly broke through the crowd. She rushed to the doors of the club and burst through them. She would never be free of her mistakes and she and Merrick would never be able to live in peace. It was foolish of her to think she could actually go through life without having to suffer for her screw ups. She sat on the curb outside of the club and realized the confrontation with Rennor was just the beginning. Soon, all her mistakes from the past would be catching up with her and asking for compensation for all her wrongdoings.

A shadow from the lamps above cast itself over Kaysa, and a moment later, Shiv was sitting down next to her. "He told me he'd only be another moment," she said. "And, then he'll be out here with us and we can go on. Are you going to be okay going out? Or would you rather just go home? I imagine we could all just go back to the apartment, and have a few drinks. Then you and Merrick can retire to the bedroom, and I'll sleep on the couch. I think you need big strong arms around you tonight." She slowly slipped her arms around Kaysa and held her. Her arms weren't very strong, but hopefully they'd help for now.

Kaysa's arms encircled Shiv and instead of Shiv resting her head upon Kaysa's shoulder, Kaysa did just that to Shiv. It was a relief to relinquish control and drop the facade of indomitability once in a while; it allowed her to clear her mind long enough to gain perspective on how messed up her life really was. "Shiv... Rennor's not gonna let me get away with this. But it's not just Rennor, Shiv. It seems I'm damned to pay for everything horrible I've ever done. I know this sounds like I'm wallowing, but I've been through enough in my life. Why can't the gods just be merciful for once and pardon me for all my wicked deeds? I think I've suffered enough for them already."

Shiv gently kissed Kaysa's temple, and then rested her forehead against Kaysa's. "I don't know," she said softly. "Sometimes life can be really cruel. But at least you have good people in your life now, people that love you and will do anything for you. Maybe there's a way to talk to him." She thought back to what had happened inside and knew that wasn't happening now. Rennor was upset, and he would do everything he could to spite Kaysa now, at least until she married him. Shiv reached up and wiped a tear from her eyes, but more followed the first. She would do everything she could to keep Rennor away. Anything and everything. "I love you, Kaysa," she whispered. "And, I'll be with you through all this, no matter what."

Kaysa decided to change roles with Shiv for a moment and comfort her instead. "Come on, Shiv. It's gonna be alright." She pulled Shiv into her arms and gently stroked her hair. "We will get through this, especially now that I have you back. You give me strength, Shiv and with you in my life and Merrick, Rennor can try and destroy me, but he won't succeed. Even if he seizes all of my assets and leaves me without a cred, I'll still have everything I need right here, with you and Merrick."

Shiv smiled. "Good," she said, content in Kaysa's arms. "He can take some stuff, but he can't take the most important stuff."

The sound of footsteps approaching brought Shiv's attention up at Merrick. She gave him a smile to say that things were seemingly going better and he nodded. The look on his face definitely showed his concern. He moved to Kaysa's side and squatted down next to her. "How you holding up?"

"I'm fine," Kaysa replied with a forced smile as she looked to Merrick. "I'm sorry I freaked out in there. I just felt so...claustrophobic all of a sudden. I just needed some air, but I'm alright now." Kaysa gently kissed Shiv on the forehead and pulled her to her feet as she herself rose.

"It's okay," he said. "You're under a lot of stress after the things Rennor said in there. And, it's okay. You don't want to be around in the middle of a swarm of fans anyway. So, are you in the mood to go listen to someone else play some music? Or maybe some dancing? Or we could just go get some food and talk. The sky is the limit and money is no object."

Kaysa laughed dryly and caressed Merrick's cheek. "It's ok, dear. We can go somewhere inexpensive. You're just getting back on your feet, remember? You don't have to go bankrupt to cheer me up." Kaysa wrapped her arms around Merrick's waist and smiled at him tenderly. "I'm sure Shiv and I can pay for ourselves, unless Shiv wants to be able to say she had Merrick Braston buy her dinner."

Merrick laughed. "Trust me, I am far from bankrupt, and my little stint didn't hurt nearly as bad as I thought it would. I can afford it. If you really want to splurge, we could go to the Segrelat Tower for some fine dining. We can go anywhere you two want to go. Cheap or expensive, I have money for both."

Kaysa glanced at Shiv with a skeptical smile and pulled Merrick to the side. She looked up at him with a steady gaze and spoke in a hushed tone. "Merrick, you don't have to do this. I mean, you don't have to try and impress me or Shiv. Believe me, Shiv is already impressed with you and was even before she saw you perform. I know you're trying to make me feel better, but you don't have to spoil me to do it. If you keep spending the way you did today when we went shopping, no matter how much you reassure me, I know it won't be long before you're broke."

Merrick shook his head. "I assure you, I could not make another credit and continue spending like we did today without going broke. What do I have to do to convince you, oh skeptical one?"

Her gaze turned wary and she studied Merrick's face for a moment. "So...you're telling me you're well off? How well off? Rennor Karradas well off or...you could buy Rennor Karradas ten times over well off?"

Merrick thought about it for a moment, and then shrugged. "I think if I pooled all my assets," he said, "I could probably buy him maybe four times. But, yes, I'm well off. My grandfather was very wealthy, and he didn't like my father. He liked me though. So, when he passed on a few years back, he left everything to me. I've had to develop a business sense, but I survived. Fortunately, some of his advisors have stayed on to help me."

Her unwavering gaze and her slowly gaping jaw conveyed clearly the shock and surprise that was building within her. He was bloody rich and she hadn't known. It was a first for Kaysa. She fell in love with him before she knew how wealthy he was. Maybe she was changing after all...but the excitement and glee she suddenly felt in knowing her boyfriend was rich contradicted that assumption. "You're a richboy?" was all Kaysa could vocalize before she flew into Merrick's arms with a squeal of delight and kissed him furiously. "You bastard! Why didn't you tell me before?!"

Merrick laughed and wrapped Kaysa into a hug. "It didn't seem important at the time," he said. "And, it never came up. That's not gonna be a problem, is it? Me having lots of money? It's all still okay, right?"

"Of course it's okay! Now I don't have to feel bad about taking things from you and worrying that I'm driving you into a life of poverty." Kaysa kissed Merrick deeply and as greedily as she was suddenly feeling. She couldn't help the fact that creds made her smile, and combined with how much she already loved Merrick, it only made her love him more. Kaysa smiled at Merrick silkily and ran her finger along his chest. "I really need to have you in my bed tonight. Just to show you how alright I really am with the whole you being stinking rich thing."

Merrick laughed. "Well, I'll go with you to your bed as often as you'll have me. Now, should we go do something fun and exciting?"

"Besides sex?" Kaysa asked coyly. She kissed Merrick gently, then tugged on his arm excitedly. "Let's go. Now I'm really in the mood for fun."

Merrick laughed. "Lead on, my love," he said with a grin. "The night is yours."

***

Kaysa walked arm in arm with Merrick, pulling Shiv along with her free hand as they entered the Segrelat Tower Restaurant. Merrick didn't need to even mention his name; the maitre d' instantly moved him to the front of the waiting list and seated them in a private booth overlooking all of New Plouton. The restaurant was bigger and more opulent than any Kaysa had set foot in before, but then again, the only restaurants she'd ever been to didn't have a dress code or waiting lists. The maitre'd seated Shiv, while Merrick took the liberty of pushing in Kaysa's chair for her.

A waiter rushed over to place menus down in front of them while the maitre d' gave them an exaggerated smile. "Would you like me to bring you a winelist, Mr. Braston?" the maitre d' asked cordially.

"Yes, please," Merrick said. Once the man had left he took a moment to watch Kaysa and Shiv. "So, I take it neither of you have ever been in here before?"

Shiv shook her head slowly as she looked down at the city. She'd never been this high up outside of her ship, and being able to see the entire city was amazing. She could see all the districts. She turned and looked to the north where the spaceport lay. "Hey," she whispered. "I can almost see Stiletto from here. Well, if that wall there weren't in the way. But, she's right there."

Kaysa found Shiv's wide-eyed wonderment amusing and tried, politely, not to laugh. She patted Shiv's hand lightly and looked to where Shiv's attention was drawn. It was an amazing view and from that high above, her worries seemed almost minuscule and of no import; there was a much larger world out there than her small, isolated life and it made her feel foolish for worrying about inconsequential matters such as who she was due to sleep with that night. That was, in fact, a decision she had to make before dinner ended. She promised Merrick as well as Shiv... Maybe a threesome wouldn't be out of the question. Kaysa laughed absently as she gazed out the window. Shiv would certainly like that idea.

Merrick took Kaysa's hand in his as she appeared deep in thought. They were all quiet for some time, each lost with their own thoughts. Finally the waiter returned and took their order. As the man left, Merrick watched Shiv as she was still looking out across the city, only turning back to glance at Kaysa from time to time. The girl had energy and he imagined was quite a handful to deal with. It was amazing to see Shiv and Kaysa together. They seemed to be so free-spirited. He smiled as the beginning of a song started forming in his mind. "So, how did you like your song," he finally asked after turning his attention back to Kaysa.

She snapped out of her reverie and languidly turned her head to face Merrick. She beamed a large grin at him and squeezed his hand. "It was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. I can't believe I inspired such an amazing thing. It just doesn't seem possible." Kaysa looked away as a blush suffused her cheeks, then turned to Shiv. "I'm sure you loved it, Shiv, right?"

Shiv turned back to Kaysa and Merrick and nodded vigourously. "Oh," she said, "I did. It was so beautiful. And, I know that feeling. From the song. It was beautiful. I hope it's on your next album."

Merrick grinned back at her and then looked at Kaysa. "I think it definitely will be." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small flat container. He set it in front of Kaysa and smiled as she looked at it. "The first recording of 'Whispers After Midnight.'"

Kaysa looked at Merrick, laughing nervously and suddenly feeling as bashful as a schoolgirl. She reached for the recording hesitantly at first, pulling her hand away for a moment as if she had received a sudden electric shock from it. She smiled sheepishly at Merrick and reached for it again. She managed to get her fingers around it this time and studied it almost reverently. "I don't deserve this," she said quietly. I don't deserve you, her dark thoughts added. She looked up at Merrick as she brought his hand to her lips and kissed it. "Thank you. I'd rather have the real thing, but this is just as good."

"That's for the times when I'm not near, and you want to hear the song. Otherwise, you have the real thing whenever you want." He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it gently. "And, I figured since you were the inspiration for the song, you should have a recording of it. The sound is good, and I may use this one on the next album. It came out much better than I ever thought it would. And, I should have the new one from this morning ready for my next gig."

"I'm sure Shiv would love a sneak preview of that song." She smiled at Shiv and gave her a wink. "Maybe tonight when you come over for a night cap, you can give her a little sample," she said as she looked to Merrick again. "Well, only if you're not all sung out from tonight."

"I think I have at least another song left in me tonight," Merrick said. "If I'm going to give a preview though, we'll need to stop by my apartment on the way there so I can pick up a baitar." He gave them both a smile. "But, I think a preview is possible. And, I always want feedback from my biggest fan."

Shiv's face went crimson at Merrick's words and she had to look away. "You don't have to for me," she said. "I mean, I'm not...oh wow. This is too much. I really don't think I'm going to sleep at all tonight. I'm going to be bouncing off the walls and ceiling. I'll try not to keep you guys awake though."

It was Kaysa's turn to blush now. She looked at Merrick with a suggestive smile and brushed her fingertips along his arm. "Oh don't worry, Shiv. I'm sure we'll be awake." Her hand instinctively dropped into his lap and she squeezed his thigh firmly. "But I'm sure Merrick will be in the mood for singing all night," she said allusively.

Merrick grinned and slipped his hand over Kaysa's. He looked at her and couldn't believe his life had finally seemed to right itself. He'd almost lost all of it, but something brought him back to her doorstep yesterday, and today he was happier than he'd been in years. "Oh I'm sure I'll have quite a few songs to sing," he said. "We may be the ones keeping you up."

Shiv giggled. "Well, for you two, it's a good kind of being kept up," she said. "And, if I need to, I can always just throw a pillow over my head to drown out the sound. You two are so good together; it's amazing."

"We are?" The expression on Kaysa's face was one of complete disbelief. It also made her realize how foolish she was to have almost ruined such a good thing by being a coward. There's still time for that, Kayse. She tried to block the pessimistic thoughts from her mind, but they always creeped up on her no matter how happy she thought she was. Kaysa cleared her throat to drown out the voices in her head and let out a choked laugh. "I guess we could be the couple of the year, Merrick. That's a funny thought, isn't it?"

Merrick laughed. "Well, considering our recent past, I'd say yes that would be a funny thought. But, if we were to work on it, I'm sure we could land the honour. Though, I'm not really big on awards and such. I'm just happy to have gotten a second chance. And, I'm not going to do anything to damage this one, and I'm going to do everything to keep us together."

Shiv just grinned as she watched them. She'd never been big on the whole soft, gooey side of romance, but there was something about Kaysa and Merrick that just made her gush. "If anything ever happens to you guys, I'm gonna hunt you both down and kill you. You just...it's just really great. Especially to see you so happy, Kaysa."

Kaysa smiled pleasantly, but shifted uncomfortably in her chair. All this talk of how perfect everything was only brought to mind how quickly she could screw it all up. She was far too good at doing that. "I'm just...I'm just happy that... I...I mean..." Kaysa laughed nervously as she fumbled with words that hadn't yet formed in her mind. She wasn't trying to say anything in particular, but merely trying to change the subject before doubts consumed her. "I...I'm really thirsty. Can we get some wine?"

Merrick signalled for a waiter and the man approached quickly. "Can we get that wine now, instead of with the meal?"

The waiter nodded. "Of course, Mr. Braston. I'll have it brought out immediately." He quickly vanished back toward the kitchens.

"Should only be a moment," Merrick said. "So, I'll be doing a private concert for you two tonight? Showcasing the new material I've been working on? The song's still pretty rough, but I think I've got the big pieces in place. But, I want you two to be honest when you hear it. I don't want to just hear it's wonderful if it's not."

"Don't worry, Merrick. I'll be your harshest critic if you want me to be. Shiv, on the other hand, will think anything that comes out of that mouth of yours is wonderful." Kaysa cleared her throat audibly and glanced at Shiv. "I think I need to use the ladies room." With her eyes, she motioned for Shiv to follow. "I'll be right back." She kissed Merrick, then pushed her chair back. "I have to check my hair, that's all."

Shiv looked at Kaysa and then Merrick. "Uh, me too. I think that drink I had at the show just went right through me. Don't go anywhere, Merrick." She grinned and then pushed away from the table to follow Kaysa.

They walked through the restaurant in silence. When they entered the ladies room it was empty except for the two of them. Shiv looked around the room and whistled. "You know, I think just this bathroom is more expensive than my entire ship."

"You're probably right, so don't break anything." Kaysa sighed deeply and rested against the sink as she looked at Shiv with a weary gaze. "I'm scared, Shiv," she said bluntly. "All that talk of us being the perfect couple and us being so totally amazing together scares me. I mean look at how delicate things are, Shiv. Rennor tonight, tracking me down and confronting me. What if the rest of the men from my past do the same? What if he finds out about you, Shiv? For the sake of the gods, I could so easily lose him, Shiv! But I'm powerless to stop it."

"You're not going to lose him, Kaysa," Shiv said. "I won't let you. And, he can find out about us all he wants. That's the past. You have to tell Merrick the stuff about your past. He has to know. If you keep it from him, it'll only be worse if he does find out later. He needs to hear it from you now instead of some other guy later. It has to work, Kaysa." She took Kaysa's hand into hers and looked into her eyes. "Don't worry about Rennor. If he does anything, it's not going to take Merrick away from you. Whatever happens you'll have Merrick, and you'll have me. And, if Rennor pushes this, he'll regret it. I don't know how yet, but I'm not going to sit by idly while some prick tries to hurt you. If he tries to make good on his threats, it's his own neck he's putting in the noose."

"I know, Shiv. I know you'd do anything to protect me. But I've told him about my past, with Cadwin, but I'm afraid to go any further than that. I pushed him away because he told me about his own past; what if he does the same to me?" Kaysa smiled tenderly at Shiv and reached up to caress her cheek. "And who says you and I are in the past, Shiv? When I slept with you today, Merrick was already in my life. That hasn't changed, Shiv. Are you trying to push me away now? Quite the ironic role reversal."

Shiv smiled at Kaysa. "I just don't want what we have to hurt what you have with Merrick, that's all. And, if he pushes you away, I'll kick his butt. Kaysa, you love him, and he loves you. That's something really important, and I don't want to see you lose that. You have to do everything you can to make it work. You know I love you, more than I ever thought possible; and seeing this side of you, in love with Merrick, makes me love you even more."

"Oh gods, Shiv. What am I gonna do without you? You don't wanna be with me anymore? Please, Shiv. Just as much as I need Merrick, I still need you. Can't you see that?" Kaysa kissed Shiv gently upon this lips as she cradled her face in her hands. "You wanna be with me, don't you, Shiv?" she asked quietly before kissing her longer and more deeply.

Shiv returned Kaysa's kiss with a longing need. "Of course I do," she said with a lazy smile. "I still love you, more than I ever did before. If you still want to be with me, even with Merrick, then I want to be with you. I just don't want to hurt your relationship with him. But, I want to be with you. I love you, Kaysa."

"I do want to be with you, Shiv. And I will be. But...tonight, I think Merrick wants to be with me. I can ask him to go home afterwards so we can be together if you want." Kaysa laughed and pulled Shiv into an embrace. "I could ask him if he's interested in a threesome if you think you'll really miss me."

Shiv laughed softly. "I think I'll really miss you," she said, "but only ask if you don't think he'd spook. And, as long as you want that too. And, he can stay. We'll find our time together if we don't have it tonight. I mean, if anything, we can lock ourselves away in your office for a quickie if we need to." She grinned and slid her hands up to Kaysa's breasts. She just let her fingers gently trace the outline of Kaysa's nipples and then she sighed. "We should probably go back soon before he misses us."

"Well if he begins to wonder what's taking so long, we'll just tell him it was female stuff." Kaysa laughed and held Shiv tightly. She planted kisses along her neck and let her hands wander to Shiv's rear. "I don't know if I can do without you tonight, Shiv. I may have to sneak out into the living area at night to have a little snack," she said suggestively as she nibbled on Shiv's earlobe.

Shiv giggled. "Well, the Maeren Shivral snack bar is always open to you," she said. "I almost got really childish at the show and pulled off my panties and threw them up on the stage at Merrick during his second encore. If I'd done that, I'd be available for snacking now. And, I probably would have really embarrassed myself in front of Merrick." She grinned and held Kaysa even tighter. "I've never felt so good being held as I feel with you."

"And you were willing to let me go... I didn't think you could do it," Kaysa teased. She chuckled and looked at Shiv curiously as she said, "You were really going to throw my boyfriend your panties? Even after you promised to behave? I knew you were willful to a fault." Kaysa laughed and lightly patted Shiv on the rear. "Come on. Let's not keep Merrick waiting." She halted Shiv for a moment and tenderly stroked her hair. "Thank you, Shiv. You're a good confidante and friend. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Shiv kissed Kaysa and smiled as she studied her face for a moment. "You won't ever have to find out," she said. "I'm never leaving again. I remember early on, you said that we couldn't be friends, but I think we've become very good friends. And, we're really friends now." Her eyes were filled with love as she looked at Kaysa. "I know you don't love me, and probably won't ever--not like I love you--but our friendship means a lot to me. I just...just wanted you to know."

"I do know, Shiv, but I don't think I could ever understand. And I do care for you, Shiv. You're the best friend I've ever had." Kaysa brought her lips to Shiv's and kissed her delicately, tenderly - a kiss that could reinforce through actions how deeply Shiv's friendship meant to her, even if she was incapable of expressing it through words. The kiss seemed unending and Kaysa felt the familiar warmth rising from between her thighs. She moaned quietly as her hands moved to Shiv's breast and trailed down her stomach until her one hand was between her thighs. "I'm being far too bold, aren't I, Mistress?" Kaysa asked breathlessly.

Shiv laughed breathlessly. "I don't know," she said with a grin. "I think you're doing pretty good." She pressed her hips forward into Kaysa's hand. "I'll always be your best friend, Kaysa. Always." She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. "You're definitely going to have to come out and visit me tonight, or talk to Merrick about that threesome."

Kaysa laughed as she rubbed her fingers against Shiv's mound and began kissing her neck and chest. "I'm sure if we give him time, he'll come around." Her laughter was interrupted by a startled gasp from behind as the door to the bathroom opened. Kaysa quickly removed her hand from between Shiv's legs and turned around to face the woman who'd entered. She tried to stifle the laughter rising in her throat as she looked at the woman's gaping jaw and bulging eyes. "We...we were just adjusting her panty hose," Kaysa said in a voice thick with contained laughter. "I think it's all better now, though. Don't you, Shiv?"

"Oh yes, definitely," Shiv said with a grin. "That's why those equadi things are so nice: no panty hose to worry about. Well, we'd better get back out to the table before we're missed. Well, before you're missed." She giggled and gave the gaping woman a quick wave before heading toward the door.

---

"Walking Through the Storm, Part 4"
by Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Kaysa Zenarr
and Merrick Braston

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 10, 4ABY

***

Once they were out of the ladies room and heading back to their table, Shiv turned to Kaysa and smiled. "Do you think she noticed I'm not wearing any panty hose?"

"I don't think it would have mattered to her either way. She still would have been horrified." Kaysa slung her arm across Shiv's shoulders as they finally got back to the table. She smiled at Merrick as he saw them approach. Once at the table, she leaned over to plant a light kiss upon his cheek. "Merrick...sorry. We had a little...trouble, you could say."

Merrick laughed. "I'll say," he said. "I thought I was going to have to send someone in after you. The food just got here a minute ago, so we're all set. I also ordered another bottle of wine." He stood, and helped Kaysa with her chair, and then (much to her surprise), Shiv's.

When Shiv sat, she cast a glance at Kaysa, and couldn't hide her smile. "He's definitely a keeper," she whispered loud enough for Merrick to hear too.

"Really? I was considering trading him in for a younger man, but he's beginning to grow on me so..." Kaysa laughed and brushed Merrick's hand lightly with her fingers. "Don't worry. I don't plan on letting him go anytime soon, Shiv. But when I am done with him, you can have him if you like."

Shiv's cheeks went red and she quickly looked away. "Well, I'm sure I'll be able to figure out what to do with him then, if that ever happens. I might even go straight for that." She watched a waitress go past and grinned. "Or not." She looked back to see both Kaysa and Merrick watching her, and she blushed again. "Sorry, I couldn't help it."

"Oh, I guess I forgot to mention that," Kaysa said as she took a long sip of wine. "Shiv is a lesbian. So, I guess that means I don't have to worry about her stealing you away from me." She laughed and ran her hand along Merrick's cheek. "But for you, I'm sure she'd make an exception."

Shiv blushed even brighter, but didn't look away. Instead, she just laughed, and gave Kaysa a playful glare.

Merrick, on the other hand, blushed brightly and did look away for a moment. It was strange to be part of such a conversation, though he didn't feel as out of sorts as he would have expected to. It made him realize the depth of his love for Kaysa, that he could be in her presence and that of a younger woman who worshipped him for his music and would probably love to get in his bed, and yet his overriding desire was for Kaysa. He gave her a warm smile and brought her hand to his lips. "Well, I'm sure that very bad things would happen if I were to look, let alone touch, another woman." He glanced between the two women, and couldn't help wondering if there had been more between them. He let the thought stay in his head, choosing to leave that little mystery alone for now.

"I have him trained so well already," Kaysa teased. She took another long sip of wine, then refilled her glass to the brim. She glanced at Shiv, noticing her face was still a vibrant shade of red, and she smiled wanly. "Oh, I'm sorry, Shiv. I didn't think you were shy about that anymore. There's nothing wrong with being a lesbian. Right, Merrick?"

Merrick laughed. "Nothing wrong at all," he said. "People are people, and who they prefer to be with is their business."

Shiv just shook her head and laughed, unable to look at either Merrick or Kaysa. "I'm fine with the whole lesbian thing," she said. "It's just the...well, um...it's not really important." She quickly took a bite of food. "Oh," she said, not really giving herself a chance to actually taste the food, "this is good."

Kaysa paid little attention to her food, but seemed quite interested in the bottle of wine on the table. She'd already refilled her glass twice more during Shiv and Merrick's exchange, but even before she'd barely emptied it again, it was filled to the top with wine once more. Kaysa had admitted to herself long ago that she wasn't a good drinker. The women in her family never could tolerate much alcohol, which was becoming more apparent the more she drank. Her eyes were already glossed over and a warmth spread throughout her body. "This wine is nice," she said with a lazy smile. "Can we get another bottle, my love? I would really like another bottle."

Merrick glanced at Kaysa and chuckled. "Of course," he said and called the waiter over. "Though, I don't know what use you'll be to me tonight if you drink another entire bottle. But, if you wish it, then it's yours." The waiter approached, and Merrick requested another bottle. "Just don't pass out on me." He gave her a loving kiss and took her hand under the table.

It was only another moment before the next bottle was brought out and set between Kaysa and Merrick.

Before the bottle even hit the table, Kaysa's hand shot out and she wrapped her fingers around the neck. "This is nice. Isn't this nice? The three of us, just sitting back and enjoying each other's company... It's like we're one big family." Kaysa poured wine from the new bottle and tossed it back. Some of the red liquid spilled down the sides of her mouth and she giggled quietly as she passed her hand across her lips to wipe away the liquid. "One big happy family...except for the fact that we're all sleeping with each other. Well...some of us are," Kaysa said in a slurred tongue before giggling wildly.

Shiv's jaw dropped open and she shot Kaysa a panicked look. If she wasn't on the opposite side of the table, she would have grabbed the bottle and taken it away before Kaysa could say anything else in her drunken stupour. "I don't think she should have any more," she said. "She's starting to get silly drunk."

Merrick nodded, unable to take his eyes off Kaysa. Was it the drunkenness? Or the truth slipping out? He wasn't sure, but he knew what his gut was telling him. Finally he laughed and glanced between the two women. "One big happy family," he said, still chuckling. "Sleeping together. That's good." He shook his head, still smiling and decided to go out on a limb. "So, you and Maeren used to be intimate?"

Kaysa glanced at Shiv, then back at Merrick with a drowsy gaze. "Intimate?" she asked with a choked laugh. She'd lost most of her sense, but the look in Shiv's eyes indicated she'd said something very wrong. "Shiv and I are very intimate friends, if that's what you mean. I mean...why can't two women be very close friends? Is that so wrong?" A hiccup seized Kaysa's voice and she covered her mouth quickly before she let loose with another fit of giggles. "Shiv and I are very good friends, Merrick. Don't be so jealous!" she shouted as she slapped him playfully on the arm.

Merrick laughed. "I'm not jealous," he said. "I'm just trying to figure out the drunken ramblings of my girlfriend," he said. He glanced around and noticed some of the patrons at the other tables were glancing in their direction. "I mean, there's nothing to be jealous of. Is there?" He cleared his throat and searched Kaysa's face for any sign. "Do you-- Or, have you and Shiv had sex?" Realizing that she was being very literal, and would probably answer the question literally, he decided to clarify it a little more. "Have you and Shiv had sex with each other?" He glanced over at Shiv and raised an eyebrow. "Shiv?"

Shiv went red again and quickly looked away. She couldn't just lie to Merrick Braston's face. She focused on the dessert tray parked in front of a table across the aisle.

Merrick laughed softly and turned his attention back to Kaysa. "Well, Kaysa?"

Kaysa gazed almost dumbfoundedly at Merrick for a moment before bursting out into laughter again. "Merrick, don't you know by now that two women can't have sex? It isn't physically possible." She leaned close to Merrick's ear and whispered rather loudly. "Girls don't have dicks."

Merrick smiled and shifted so his lips were near Kaysa's ear. "My dear, a dick is not entirely necessary for sex. There are always other options." He sat back and looked at her. "You have haven't you?" When he glanced at Shiv, she looked away again. "I mean, it's nothing to be ashamed of. There isn't anything wrong two women being together."

Kaysa glanced at Shiv for a moment. She seemed to be trying to shrink away into nothing and become invisible, but her reddening cheeks only made her more conspicuous. Kaysa swallowed back another laugh and placed the glass back to her lips. The whole situation seemed almost surreal to her. The room was beginning to coalesce into a dizzying array of colours and distorted sounds. Her head was reeling but all she could think about was how humourous it would be if she just told Merrick she and Shiv not only had sex before, but still were. She laughed into her drink, causing bubbles to form on the surface, and glanced up at Merrick. "What?" she said into her drink. She pulled her lips away and smiled sweetly at Merrick. "Do I look like the type of woman who would sleep with other women? I'm not a lesbian, Merrick...not really..."

Merrick shook his head and sighed. "Not really," he said. "If you were a lesbian, you most likely wouldn't be involved in a relationship with me. Should I ask Shiv?" He grinned at Kaysa. "Well, before she crawls away under the table of course." Finally he laughed. "Alright, alright. I give up. No more talk about yours and Shiv's sex lives. You don't want to tell me about it, so I'll just keep my nose out." He turned his attention back to his food

With her now empty glass still in her hand, Kaysa stared at Merrick and took a deep breath. "Well, if you must know..." She pushed her chair back and stood up, wobbling as she did but she managed to maintain her balance. Her fingers wrapped around the handle of her fork and she knocked the tines against her glass vigourously. As the sharp sound of metal hitting crystal sounded throughout the restaurant, all heads turned to Kaysa's direction. "Everybody! Everybody, if you could pl--" Startled gasps arose in the room as the glass in her hand shattered and shards fell onto the table below, followed by the fork she'd held in her hand. She broke out into another fit of giggles, and didn't at all seem phased by the fact that she'd just broken a 100 credit glass. "For the record, and to sate my boyfriend's curiousity, I just wanted to make it known that yes, I did have my tongue in this beautiful, young woman's cunt on more than one occasion." Kaysa rested her hand upon Shiv's head and stroked her blonde hair tenderly. "Isn't that right, Shiv? Oh yes!" she added hastily, "I also had my fingers up there, and vice versa of course."

Merrick's face went pale as he stared at Kaysa. He hadn't expected her to announce it to the whole restaurant, that was for sure. He could see the maitre d' coming in their direction. He knew that with as loud as Kaysa had been, they would now be asked to leave. He stood and moved to Kaysa taking the remains of the glass from her hand and setting it back on the table. He kissed her cheek and put his lips near her ear. "I think we have to leave now," he said softly.

"Mr. Braston," the maitre d' said as he stepped in front of Merrick.

"I know, Eurik," he said. "We're on our way out now. Just put it all on my tab, I'll settle with it tomorrow morning."

"Very well, sir," Eurik said, and then withdrew.

Merrick put his arm around Kaysa's waist and glanced back to see that Shiv was standing next to Kaysa. "Time to go home, my love."

"But why?" Kaysa asked with a pout. "We were having fun." She staggered as they began to walk and was only saved from falling by Merrick's firm grip. She looked up at him as her gait became more disequilibrated, and caressed his cheek. "Oh, I know why we're leaving," she said far louder than she realized. "We're leaving because you're jealous and you just wanna stick your tongue in my cunt too. Oh Merrick!" Kaysa laughed exuberantly and wove her hand into Merrick's pants. She groped at his crotch and kissed his neck while the laughter continued. "I promise to suck yours if you suck mine," she sang.

"I'll have to use that in a song," Merrick said and tried hurrying their pace. "Kaysa, please at least wait until we're in the cab. Shiv, could you help."

Shiv started to reach down to help extricate Kaysa's hand from Merrick's pants and stopped. She knew she was blushing again. "I don't know...it's just...I'm sorry...oh gods. I can't." She shook her head and looked away. "I can't touch Merrick Braston's penis." She glanced back down to where Kaysa's hand was working, apparently quite effectively judging by the bulge. "Oh gods."

"Let's just go home and we can suck each other all night long," he said with a laugh. He couldn't believe this was happening. They didn't have much farther to go until they hit the lifts, but they were still being observed by the entire main section of the restaurant. Please just let us get out of here in one piece, he said to whichever deific beings might be listening.

Kaysa's interminable laughter garnered irritated grumbles and glares from the patrons. The fact that she was angering the customers, and possibly Merrick, didn't register in her mind, nor did the fact that they were still in public and she was administering a hand job to Merrick. She continued kissing his neck and rubbed her body against his as her laughter now mingled with moans rising in her throat. "Come on, Merrick," she said in a voice thick with desire, "take me home and fuck me. Shiv can help too if you don't mind sharing."

Merrick couldn't help the moan that came suddenly as they reached the lift. Shiv pressed the button to call it as his tried attempts to keep Kaysa under control were futile. "Yes," he said. "Take you home and fuck you. And, Shiv can help. As long as we get out of here in one piece." He looked at the lift doors and sighed. "Next time we go someplace where you get drunk, we're eating on the ground floor."

Kaysa giggled as, with her free hand, she reached under her dress and tried hastily to pull her panties down. She kissed Merrick's chin and face desperately, continuing relentlessly to rub his hardening cock. "I don't wanna wait until we get home," she whined. "I want you now, Merrick. Do me now, in here." She finally managed to pull her panties down to her knees and proceeded to struggle with his zipper until she finally freed his dick from the confines of his pants. "Please, Merrick? We haven't done it all day and I miss you."

Merrick glanced back at two of the waiters and the Maitre D' still watching them. Just as he opened his mouth to say they couldn't here, the lift door opened. Shiv tapped his shoulder and he helped Kaysa through the open doors. He noticed that Shiv was making a conscious effort not to look at his dick, and not doing a very good job of it. "Sorry," he whispered to her, and she shrugged it off.

He had a feeling, as the elevator started down, that the only way to satisfy Kaysa was either going to be by knocking her out, or giving her what she wanted. She was still stroking him and struggling to get her panties down past her knees. "Shiv," Merrick said, "hit the stop button on that thing."

Shiv swallowed and did as she was asked. She tried looking away, but there was really nowhere else to look.

"Come on, Kaysa," Merrick said with a smile. "Against the wall. It's either now or in the cab or when we get home."

Kaysa looked up at Merrick with an expression of surprise flashing across her face. It was soon replaced by a mischievous smile, and the giggles that had momentarily died away, sprang to life again. She licked her lips enticingly as she slowly staggered back into the wall of the lift. Her eyes burned with the same desire that was growing in her cunt as she stared at Merrick with yearning. She pressed her back to the wall with her arms upraised against it, baring herself to him and offerring her body willingly. "Front or back, my love?" she whispered silkily. "Or both?"

Merrick's smile showed the lust he was feeling. A part of him was shocked at what he was doing, but the rest was thrilled. He stepped forward pressing himself to Kaysa, then kissed her deeply. "Both," he said, his voice thick with his arousal. He raised a foot until it rested across the panties stretched between Kaysa's knees, and pushed down. Once he'd manage to hike her dress up, he ran a hand between her thighs. Then, Merrick stepped forward and moved his cock to her entrance. He kissed her deeply, and then pushed himself inside.

A short, shrill cry escaped Kaysa's lips, but was muffled by Merrick's mouth. Her arms fell around his neck and her fingers clawed at the material of his shirt as his thrusts began, flattening her back against the wall of the lift. She struggled to get her feet free of her panties, and once she finally did, she wrapped her legs tightly around Merrick's waist. The alcohol induced haze clouding her mind began to clear enough for her to grasp what was going on. She and Merrick were having sex. She and Merrick were having sex in an elevator while Shiv watched on. The exhibitionist, daring side of her became even more aroused by the thought and she began enthusiastically complimenting Merrick's thrusts by sliding her body up and down against his. She pulled her lips free of Merrick's and cried out as the sensations in her cunt intensified. Her arms flew back against the wall of the lift and her fingers clawed at the metal as Merrick's movements hastened. The act itself was sobering her, and replacing her drunken stupor with a state of intoxication through pure euphoric ecstasy. She opened her eyes and gazed at Shiv with a seductive smile on her face. She could see how she longed to join in, to share in the pleasuring of her slave. But it wasn't her place to beg her mistress; if Shiv wanted to pleasure her, she would have to decide to do so on her own.

Shiv was aware of her hips grinding against the back of the elevator as she watched Merrick driving himself inside of Kaysa. She knew her panties were soaked with her own arousal. She wanted to go forward, but she didn't know what Merrick would do. She didn't want to cause problems between them. Though, the act happening in front of her seemed to indicate an acceptance of her. Or were they just both so far gone in their lust that they didn't care? She realized she was rubbing a hand against the front of her dress. She kept her eyes focused on Kaysa's, looking for any sign that going forward was alright.

Merrick was nearing his climax and didn't think he could last much longer. The rhythm that he and Kaysa got going was perfect. They went together so well it was amazing to think that they were two different people. Without warning, he let loose, filling Kaysa with his seed. He cried out as he thrust one last time.

A guttural groan seized Kaysa's voice as she spasmed against Merrick and thrust her hips against his in a futile effort to keep the intense sensations from ceasing. She finally cried out and rested motionless in Merrick's arms, save for the heaving of her chest as she attempted to regain her breath. Her lips lightly brushed against his neck and almost sober now, she whispered into his ear, "I love you, Merrick." She glanced at Shiv again; the torment and yearning to satisfy the ache between her own thighs was apparent in her contorted features. Kaysa almost pitied her, but she would take care of her needs later. For now, she held out her hand to Shiv and encouraged her forward to take it. "Don't worry. Don't be afraid; you can come closer."

Shiv pushed away from the wall and stepped closer, reaching her hand out and placing it in Kaysa's. She felt her shoulder brush against Merrick's arm as she neared. She couldn't take her eyes from Kaysa's. She slowly reached a hand down and brushed the tips of her fingers against Kaysa's thigh.

Merrick was breathing heavy still as he watched Kaysa and Shiv. The look in the girl's eyes was a mixture of fear and lust. There was no doubt that his relationship with Kaysa was going to be a very interesting one.

With her hand to her lips, Kaysa kissed Shiv tenderly. She smiled at her while still trying to catch her breath. She had just been with Merrick, yet a new yearning arose within her that could only be quashed by Shiv, her mistress. She desperately needed both, but couldn't exactly ask Merrick if he could step outside of the lift while she and Shiv took care of their desires. The longing in Shiv's eyes was visible, but Kaysa could do nothing while Merrick was about. If only... If only she could be with both Merrick and Shiv without losing him. It seemed the more she got her life straightened out, the more complicated it became. "One big happy family," she whispered. "If only that were possible."

Merrick watched the gentle interplay between the two women and knew there was something much deeper between them. He turned his attention from them, focusing it instead on Kaysa's throat. He kissed her while their passions cooled. They would need to get moving again soon. They'd already been in the elevator for too long, and the tower management would surely be trying to get them out. He withdrew himself from Kaysa and let her dress fall back into place. "We should get out of here and back to someplace private before we're arrested. Something tells me they wouldn't put us in the same cell."

Kaysa took in a deep breath and nodded her head. She paused for a moment with her back to the wall, gazing at Merrick with a crooked smile. When he turned to start the lift again, she quickly shifted her gaze to Shiv, who she pulled into her arms and embraced. "Don't worry," she whispered only loud enough for Shiv to heard, "tonight you will have me, Mistress." Before Merrick turned to face them again, she kissed Shiv deeply on the lips. As the kiss broke, their lips remained barely touching and Kaysa could do nothing but smile. Oh, how she wanted both of them, but separately. Seeing Shiv and Merrick together didn't pose as a good idea for her, even though she'd shared her men with Shiv before. Merrick was hers and only hers, but she couldn't be the same for him. She needed to give herself to Shiv; she needed Shiv.

Merrick finally turned to face them, and Kaysa released her hold on Shiv. She smiled back at Merrick and slowly picked her panties up from the ground. She twirled them around her finger as she gave a throaty laugh and finally flung them at Merrick. "A momento from one of your biggest fans...and from me too," she said as her eyes went to Shiv, then to Merrick again.

Shiv laughed as Merrick caught Kaysa's panties. "I'd give you mine, but that might be taken the wrong way," she said with a giggle. Shiv moved close to Kaysa and kissed her neck, wishing for so much more. She kept her hips pulled back, knowing that if they came too close to Kaysa she would lose all control.

Merrick stepped back and started up the lift again. It started dropping toward the ground floor immediately. As he turned back and saw Shiv nuzzling up to Kaysa he smiled and shook his head. "I may have to start a collection," he said, twirling Kaysa's panties on his finger. "And, if you two are going to do anything, make it quick. We've only got one hundred floors to go."

"And what exactly did you have in mind, Merrick?" Kaysa asked as she shot him a mischievous smile. "I didn't know you were a voyeur, my love." As their eyes locked and Kaysa studied the emotions being conveyed by his grey orbs, she didn't think he really meant what he was offerring, but the impetuous aspect of herself wanted to see how much he really did mean it. Her hand went to Shiv's breast, but her eyes remained fixed to Merrick. She wanted to see every change in facial expression, every reaction to her advances towards Shiv. Kaysa squeezed Shiv's breast firmly, kneading it with her hand, and did so while a gentle smile curled her lips. "Is this what you wanted to see, Merrick? To prove to yourself that I really am screwing a younger woman while I'm screwing you?" Kaysa laughed and slowly smoothed her hand along Shiv's stomach, then moved it to her mound. She began rubbing it gingerly and laughed even louder when Shiv emitted a whimper followed by a moan. "Do you get off on this? Two of your groupies doing it while you watch, doing it all to please you? I bet you've had one or two fantasies about that."

Merrick shook his head and sighed. "Do whatever the fuck you want, Kaysa," he said. "You fuck me in front of your friend, and then when I tell you it's okay for you to be with your friend, you go paranoid and accuse me of some twisted perverted scheme. Fucking-- When we get down, I'll get you two a cab to take you back to your apartment. Then you can please each other all you want without thinking that I'm some dirty old man getting off on watching you." Merrick glanced up at the decreasing number of meters before they were at the ground floor. Less than halfway to go.

Kaysa glared at Merrick, even though all she was feeling was an immense fear and anxiety. She'd slowly begun to sober, but still didn't have full rein on her actions. She continued rubbing her hand into Shiv's mound but halted as the light in Merrick's eyes were consumed by a dark shadow. She'd grovelled to get him back before, but the distance between them was growing again and quickly. "Why..." Kaysa swallowed back the rising bitterness in her throat and tried to speak again. "Why are you doing this, Merrick? I...I... Don't you want me all to yourself? I don't want you to be alright with sharing me! Can't you see that?" Kaysa pushed Shiv away and moved to the corner of the lift. She sank to the ground and curled up into a ball as she tried to force back the acid still rising up into her mouth and tried to settle the churning in her stomach. "I don't want you to share me, Merrick," she whispered.

Shiv stared open-mouthed at Kaysa, as she was once again cast aside. She shook her head and moved to the corner opposite Kaysa. The lust that had been in her eyes was now replaced with pain.

Merrick watched Kaysa on the floor and scrubbed a hand through his hair. "You don't want me to be okay with you and Shiv together," he said, "but does it make any difference? If I'm not okay with it, our relationship has problems; if I am okay with it, we still have problems. We have problems either way. What do you want Kaysa? Do you want me? Or Shiv? Or both?"

"Of couse I want you, you asshole!" she shrieked. She swung her head around to face him and sneered at him. "I want you! I need Shiv too! She gives me things you could never give me. If I can't have her, things between you and I will turn sour very quickly." Kaysa covered her mouth with the back of her hand as the sour liquid continued to seep into her mouth. She swallowed it back down with a gag and labouriously got to her feet. She stood with her back to the wall as she breathed heavily. A drowsiness replaced the exuberance she was feeling almost moments ago, and Kaysa struggled to keep her heavy lids from closing.

"Why can't everything be simple?" Kaysa's voice quickly rose in timber as choked cries joined the acrid liquid in rising up her throat. "I want Shiv...and I want you...and I want us to all just be happy together. Can't we all just be happy?" She whimpered as her head lolled along the wall of the lift and she began muttering incoherently. "All I ever wanted was a family... Just a family. I couldn't give him that...why can't I have that? Keeve deserves a family, but I couldn't give that to him. Everything would have been so different if..." Kaysa's whimpers turned to sobs and she slithered across the wall of the lift as if trying to find a way out of the confines of the small box. "I'm doomed to loneliness...Keeve's doomed..."

Merrick moved forward and gently caught Kaysa by the shoulders. "You want both of us," he said softly, "but you're upset with me if I'm willing to allow the same thing. How can I win? I want you to be happy, and if that includes Shiv, then it does. She's an important part of your life, and I'll accept that. She seems like a very nice girl, and she cares about you very much." He glanced back at Shiv to who was still in the corner watching them with a half-scowl on her face. She brightened somewhat when Merrick's eyes met hers, and then she quickly shifted her gaze to Kaysa. Merrick turned back to Kaysa. "I want to be with you, Kaysa. I love you more than I've ever loved anyone in my life. And, if loving you means accepting your relationship with Shiv, accepting her into my life as well, then I'm willing to do that. We can be happy together, but we need to be honest with ourselves about it. We can be the family you want us to be. I'm willing to give it a try, Kaysa. Me, you, and Shiv; we'll be a family."

Merrick's touch snapped Kaysa out of her ravings and she managed to focus on his eyes. "I want that," Kaysa said quietly as the tears continued to trickle down her cheeks. "It didn't work before though... With Cadwin, it didn't work. Remember, Merrick? It never worked." She gripped Merrick's shirt desperately and buried her tear stained face into his chest. "I want it to work, but I don't know how. How can I make things different?"

"We'll figure out how to make it work, Kaysa," he said. "I don't know how, but we'll figure it out. With me you have something you never had with Cadwin. I love you, Kaysa, and I'm not going to run out on you. We're going to make this work, all three of us. We'll make it work, Kaysa. You, me, and Shiv together." He kissed her gently. "We're going to make it, love."

Kaysa finally let her apprehensions and trepidations melt away, and she sank into Merrick's arms. "It's not just about the sex, Merrick," she said quietly. "It's about me trying to have some semblance of happiness, to have something even remotely close to a family. Even if it's a dysfunctional one, this is the closest thing I've got."

"I know," Merrick said softly. "And, you have a family now. Shiv and I will be your family, and we'll love you more than you can handle." He took her face in his hands and brought it so they were looking into each other's eyes. "I will do everything in my power to give you all the happiness possible." He kissed her again. The doors to the lift opened with a hiss, and the sound of voices outside could be heard. Merrick ignored them. "I promise you, Kaysa. We're a family, and that won't change."

"These past two days, Merrick," Kaysa said gently as she stroked his hair, "I've been happier than I've been in months and it's because of you, and Shiv." Kaysa looked past Merrick and made eye contact with Shiv. She smiled at the girl and beckoned her forward. "All of us, and that means you too, Shiv. All of us a family. We have to try. Please, Shiv? Merrick? I want this to succeed. I need this."

Shiv approached and took Kaysa's outstretched hand. "Of course," she said. "I want that. I'll do it. You know I'll do it, Kaysa. You know I'd do anything for you." She smiled and kissed Kaysa. "A family."

A laugh bubbled up within Kaysa and she kissed Merrick tenderly while squeezing Shiv's hand. She realized finally what had been missing all along, what had been tormenting her still despite having seemingly found the source of her distress and quelling it by reconciling with Merrick, then Shiv. She had them, but what she really wanted was a family. It was all she'd dreamed about since she was a girl, and when Cadwin came into her life, she thought she'd found it. She was married to a man she loved and was carrying his child; she didn't think there was a more idyllic image of happiness. When the harsh reality emerged from her illusory visions of the perfect life she thought she'd found, it spurred her to look for it again elsewhere, anywhere. She'd come so close with Cadwin, and having tasted it for a moment, she desperately wanted more. Shiv and Merrick could bring her search to an end, but only time would tell if their version of a family would suffice to truly silence the ghosts.

The sound of a man clearing his throat shattered their moment of tenderness and Kaysa looked to her side to see a small congregation of people waiting by the entrance of the lift. She looked at Merrick with a smile and said, "We should go. Let's go home, Merrick. All of us."

Merrick smiled. "That sounds like a marvelous idea," he said. As they stepped out of the elevator, the people waiting watched them with disdain. It wasn't hard to guess what had happened in the elevator, especially with the heavy musk of his and Kaysa's coupling. In the morning, he thought, they'll just chalk it up to a celebrity's fancy. The thought made him smile even bigger.

"And, I have another idea," he added as they walked out to the street where they could catch a hovercab, "since we're all family now, how about tomorrow, the three of us go out and look for a new apartment together. You could get rid of yours, and me mine, and we can start all over in a new place that will be ours, all three of us. If we're going to do this, we should do it right."

"All of us living together under the same roof? Merrick...don't you find this a little...unconventional?" Kaysa asked skeptically. "For example, how are we gonna decide who sleeps with who? That could cause some tension, don't you think?"

"Well," he said with a smirk, "you're the one sleeping with Shiv and you're the one sleeping with me, so how you decide who to sleep with is up to you. That is unless you're happy with only having me around when it's convenient. And, personally, I don't give a damn about conventions."

Kaysa eyed Merrick warily as he began hailing a hovercab. His intentions seemed innocent enough, but she couldn't help wondering whether he had an ulterior motive. If they all lived together, he could keep a better eye on her. She also knew if they did move in to one apartment, she couldn't in good conscience sleep with Shiv while he was in the other room. She was suddenly feeling very smothered, just as she had in the White Noise when the fans began mobbing Merrick. As Shiv and Merrick continued walking, Kaysa fell back behind them and stared at the ground. "You two go ahead," she called out. "I'll find my own way home. I...I just need to think for a while."

Shiv looked up at Merrick and noticed his expression was very guarded. She sighed and took a couple steps back toward Kaysa. "You sure?" she asked. "A cab ride won't be very long. We'll be there really quick."

Merrick stepped up behind Shiv and put a hand on her shoulder. "The night air will do her some good, Shiv," he said, keeping his eyes on Kaysa. "She needs the time to herself. Let's go get that ride home, and we'll see her when she gets there."

Shiv nodded finally, but didn't move. "We'll see you soon?"

"Yeah. I'll be fine," Kaysa said reassuringly. She brushed her hand across Shiv's cheek and smiled tenderly. "You go talk to Merrick. I'm sure you've dreamed of having a chance to talk to your favourite musician and learn all his dirty, little secrets." She glanced at Merrick momentarily, not able to hold his gaze for long, then kissed Shiv on the cheek. "I'll see you later."

---

"Walking Through the Storm, Part 5"
by Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Kaysa Zenarr
and Merrick Braston

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 10, 4ABY

***

Kaysa wrapped her arms around herself and turned back, heading down the road in a direction opposite to Shiv and Merrick. They could use some time to themselves to talk. They were, after all, family now, as well as sharing the same lover. She needed time to think about what she was getting herself into. Even for her, their arrangement was beginning to border on the bizarre. She looked back for a moment, but quickly away again. Merrick too readily accepted Shiv into their life, but could she accept, just as readily, the proposition he'd laid out for them? She wanted a family more than anything, a group of people with whom she could wake up in the morning and come home to after a hard day at work. It was an ideal she wanted to become realized in her life, but now she wasn't so certain she was ready to embody that.

Undoubtedly, they wouldn't be a typical family, but it would be one nonetheless. She just had to make that's what she truly wanted.

***

Merrick managed to flag down a cab after only a couple minutes of waiting. He let Shiv get in first, and then followed. Shiv gave the driver Kaysa's address, and the cab shot away into the street. Merrick just stared out the window as they rode in silence. When he finally glanced back toward Shiv, she was watching him. "I think you know her better than me," he said. "Do you know what she's thinking?"

"She's probably feeling trapped," Shiv said. "I think she probably thinks that if you moved in, she'd lose some freedom. And, I think she's afraid you might want to move in so you can keep an eye on her." Shiv shrugged.

"I just thought she wanted a family," he said. "I didn't realize her idea of a family meant we all live in separate places."

"I've been living with her since I got to Tae'Karada," she said. "She gave me a job, and I didn't have a place to live. She offered me her couch to sleep on. It was actually a couple weeks or so before we became intimate. It just sort of happened. I don't think she ever expected it or anything. I've been a lesbian as long as I've been aware of sex. She wanted me to go out partying with her, so we went to a bar. She brought a guy home with her, and things got kind of wild. The next couple days were very intense, and then she got upset at me.

"I lived on the street for four months before she finally happened across me earlier today. She wanted me to come back to work with her and to live with her again. So I did."

Merrick nodded. "I see," he said. "She brings lots of men home?"

Shiv nodded. "I think so," she said. "Before I ran off, we had three guys in two nights. But, she loves you. She totally and completely loves you. You can see it in her eyes when she talks about you or sees you."

"Kind of like you," Merrick said with a smile.

Shiv felt herself blushing. "Yeah," she said. "But, Kaysa will never love me. She feels guilty about what she did to me, and that's why I think she took me back. She's my friend, and I think she does care, but she won't ever love me no matter how much I love her. But I do love her, more than anything. I hate myself for it because I know it's only gonna hurt me in the end, but I can't help it."

Merrick only nodded. He knew Kaysa loved him, but he wasn't sure about the whole situation. It wasn't a normal relationship, and it seemed like Kaysa wanted to have perfect happiness without giving up her other needs. At least, he hoped that the other men were out of the picture now. He liked Shiv, and she and Kaysa seemed to have a very strong bond. He could understand their relationship and accept it if Kaysa needed that. He had told himself he'd do anything, accept anything for the chance to be with her. Shiv was an easy acceptance. She was a pretty girl, and very charming and fun. He could see someone feeling some sort of affection for her whether they wanted to or not. Yet he didn't know if he would be able to so readily accept Kaysa bringing home other men. He hoped he was the only man in her life now.

"We're here," the cab driver said.

Merrick realized they'd been stopped for a minute or so already. He shook himself out of his reverie and paid the driver from his credit chip. He slid out of the cab and helped Shiv out. The driver sped off back into the street.

"Come on," he said, putting an arm around her waist. "Let's go wait for Kaysa."

***

Kaysa had lost all track of time since she left Merrick and Shiv behind. She felt as if she'd been wandering for hours, but considering she'd just entered Yesdol, it could only have been at most an hour. The chilled night air had banished any lingering feelings of drunkeness and for once the entire evening, her mind felt fully clear. When Merrick appeared on her doorstep the other day, she was certain she wanted him back, but with Shiv's return and his preposterous suggestion that they live together in one, confined space, she was beginning to feel that familiar churning in her stomach again. It was incomprehensible to her how everything could be going so right, yet she felt such an ominous sinking in her stomach that indicated perhaps things weren't as perfect as they seemed. The demons were creeping up on her again, emerging from the shadows in her mind, the darkness that harboured all her pessimism and fear. They were beginning to consume the part of her consciousness that kept telling her to just let go and let her life takes its course. The demons didn't like hearing that and convinced Kaysa that such a mindset would only lead to tragedy. It was control that really led to happiness and fulfillment, but with the contentment also came the pain. Nothing came without suffering, and it was that which Kaysa feared the most. That kind of suffering was one she didn't need; she needed the delicious torment one could inflict upon her physical being to quash the demons, and she only knew of one place to find that.

She staggered through the darkened streets, letting her mind lead. The buildings and surroundings were familiar, but she had no idea where she was going...until she came upon an apartment complex she knew all too well. Her unconscious mind had led her here; it beckoned to her now, standing tall amidst the gray clouds as a beacon of salvation. The demons couldn't thrive once she entered the sanctuary, within in which the pain would be cleansed and the demons vanquished. She needed this, desperately. She'd known all along she couldn't remain without the release she had found in this place; she couldn't live without him.

Kaysa's pace quickened as she approached the outer door of the complex. She could already feel the ache between her thighs, conditioned by the salvation she'd found there and which now lay within her grasp. She collapsed against the door of the complex with her breath heavy and her throat emitting gentle moans. She could already feel his unwavering strength emanating from within the walls, and it only intensified the ache and the yearning to sate it.

Her hand trembled as she touched her fingers to the keypad and attempted to punch in his room number. She accidentally typed in the wrong number the first time and was met with the voice of a very disgruntled old man. On the second try, however, she managed to hit the right keys. She relentlessly buzzed the room and awaited a response. She needed him and couldn't leave until she'd had him. "Why aren't you answering, dammit!" she cursed aloud. She mashed the keypad with her hand in frustration and stepped away from door.

She hopped off the landing and looked up at the towering, imposing structure. His room was high above and her voice would definitely not carry that far, but if she willed it to, maybe it miraculously would. "Zale!" Her voice echoed down the narrow street and as she continued to holler, she caught the attention of just about everyone but the one person she truly wanted to notice her. "Zale! Please! I need you, Zale! Open the door!"

Kaysa stood in the middle of the street, still staring up at the room that might be his, waiting for the light to appear in his window and signal to her that her saviour had heard her entreaties and would sweep in and end her suffering. "Zale!" she cried out in a hoarse voice, one that cut out as her hopes quickly faded. He'd abandoned her. He'd left her to stand in the middle of a deserted street to fend for herself and battle the demons on her own. "You bastard," she whimpered. She fell to her knees with her face buried in her hands and wept. Who would save her now? She had no idea and was now truly afraid of what she was about to face on her own.

***

Shiv let herself and Merrick into the apartment. Merrick went to the bar and started making them a couple drinks. Shiv watched him for a moment as she took her shoes off. After four months of no shoes, her boots were just too much for as long as she'd been wearing them. She sighed once her bare feet were out of the boots. Merrick handed her a drink and she took a couple sips before setting it on the table. "I'm going to change into something more comfortable," she said. "And, since we're family now, make yourself comfortable as well."

She moved to the corner of the room and started rooting through her pile of clothes. She grabbed a pair of pants and a shirt and disappeared back into the bedroom. She stripped down to nothing and pulled on the pants. They were the most comfortable pants she owned, and she liked all the pockets. Lots of pockets to hold knives. No knives tonight though, she told herself. She slipped the underwear she'd been wearing into one of the large side pockets and tossed the bra into the corner of the room. Then, she slipped into the bathroom and checked to make sure the night's ordeal hadn't left her looking like some freakish monster. Fortunately, the crying after the show hadn't left any streaks from the light touch of makeup she'd applied.

On the way back to the main room she grabbed her shirt. She was still pulling it down when she got back out into the other room. Merrick was watching her and blushing.

"Sorry," she said as she moved to sit next to him on the couch. "I grew up on a planet where the climate sort of drove inhibitions about nakedness out. Besides, I saw yours, it's only fair."

Merrick shook his head. "Did that bother you? Seeing me and Kaysa together?"

Shiv chewed her lip for a moment as she deliberated on her answer. "No," she finally said. "I've actually watched Kaysa a couple times, and participated. So it doesn't bother me. But then again, she's never gonna be mine, so I don't really have the hang ups with jealousy. I mean, I can't really get jealous over something that's not mine to begin with, right?"

"That's a way of looking at it," Merrick said. "I don't know how I'd react if I saw you and her together. But, I guess if you're right, it shouldn't bother me too much, since, as you've said, she doesn't love you. I think it would be difficult to begin with, but I might be able to get used to it. I don't know. I've never been in that position before, so I can't really say how I'd react."

Shiv took a longer drink from her glass and then set it on the table. "Well, if she doesn't decide while she's thinking that this family thing isn't going to work, then I imagine you may get to find out soon enough how you'd feel. I don't think we'll be having sex in front of you, but I'm pretty sure she and I will spend time together in bed." She watched him for a couple minutes as he alternated between glancing at her and staring across the room. "Well, does it bother you knowing that she and I are lovers? That we do have sex and will probably continue to?"

Merrick turned and regarded Shiv for several more minutes before responding. "No," he said. "It probably should, but it doesn't. I think partly because I think telling her that you and she couldn't be together anymore if she wanted to be with me would just turn out really bad. Then again, telling her that it's fine for her to be with you didn't turn out very well." He sighed and finished the rest of his drink. "Besides, I don't know if I could do that to you. To take her away from you."

Shiv just stared at Merrick. At his words, it was like her heart filled to bursting. She knew she was blushing, and her eyes teared up. She sniffled and wiped the tears away. "Thank you," she said with a smile. She leaned forward on the couch and kissed him on the cheek. "I think that's the sweetest and most romantic thing anyone's ever said or done for me."

Merrick nodded and laughed softly. "I know if the situation were reversed, and if I loved her and she didn't love me, I would be devastated if she were forced to that sort of decision."

Shiv nodded, and finished what remained of her drink. She picked up both glasses and carried them to the small bar Kaysa had set up. She returned a moment later and handed Merrick the new drink. She returned to her place, but shifted herself so she was sitting cross-legged facing him. Shiv smiled, and then let out the giggle that had suddenly bubbled up. She reached into her pocket and pulled out the pair of panties. She held them out to Merrick. "I would have thrown them to you at your show, but I think Kaysa would have died."

Merrick held out his hand and looked at the bunched up fabric and laughed. "Two pair in one night," he said.

"Well, at your next show, I'll throw a pair up on stage to you."

Merrick chuckled and put them into his pocket. "My number one fan," he said.

"I almost took them off and gave them to you in the elevator," she said. "I think Kaysa would have killed me, and I was...well, they had my...they were..."

"It's okay, Shiv," he said with a chuckle. "It's okay if you were excited. You love Kaysa, and you were aroused. It happens. And, I noticed."

"Oh gods," she said. "What--?"

"They're still somewhat fragrant," he said. "But it's okay."

"Give them back," she said. "I'll wash them real quick."

Merrick laughed. "You don't need to," he said. "It's fine. I'll just put them in a box or something."

Shiv sighed and looked up at him. "You and Kaysa really are good together," she said.

"But?"

"But, she may not be stable enough to see that. And, I'm afraid she's gonna screw it up."

Merrick nodded. "I know," he said. "Maybe we can help her together. She says she needs both of us, and we need her. So, we can work together to get her to come around. I don't know what it will take, but I think she's afraid of something. We just need to find out what it is."

"I'll see what I can get from her next time I talk to her," Shiv said. "And, in the meantime, we just keep loving her and hope she doesn't kill us."

Her drink was empty again, and Merrick's was getting low. She slid from the couch and reached down to take his glass. "I'll refill that," she said.

Merrick looked up and brushed a hand along her arm. "I don't see why she doesn't love you," he said. He noticed the sudden surprise in Shiv's eyes, and let go of the glass as she pulled it away.

Shiv swallowed, still caught in his gaze. She finally looked away and nodded. "I'll go fill these," she said and quickly moved away from the couch.

---

"Walking Through the Storm, Part 6"
by Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Kaysa Zenarr
and Merrick Braston

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 10, 4ABY

***

Shiv returned to the couch with two more drinks and wondered if that was the wisest thing after recent events. Her stomach still felt like there were flutterbies in there, flittering around. That look in Merrick's eyes, and the feelings it generated in her were dangerous. She couldn't do that to Kaysa.

But Kaysa deserves it after what she did to you, a voice in her head replied.

Shiv ignored the voice. She wasn't going to let anything happen between herself and Merrick; it would destroy Kaysa. In a lifetime of weakness and a complete lack of self-control, she needed to find those traits within herself. She knew if she didn't keep her wits about her, another incident like that could likely find herself in Merrick's arms.

She handed him his drink and took her seat on the couch again. He was watching her as she settled herself again. They had been talking so easily before, but now it seemed as neither knew what to say.

Suddenly, Shiv smiled. She quickly scrambled to set her glass down. "Stay right there," she said, as she fled the couch into the corner where she kept her belongings. Merrick watched with amusement as she rummaged through her belongings and returned a few moments later with a large pad of vellum sheets and a pencil.

"You're an artist," Merrick said with a raised eyebrow.

Shiv grinned. "I try to be," she said. "I haven't actually done this for awhile, so who knows how it'll turn out. Now, I need you to stay relatively still."

"Yes, ma'am," he said with a grin.

Shiv climbed back onto the couch and resumed her previous position. She placed the pad in her lap and looked up to study Merrick's features for a moment. Finally, the gentle sounds of pencil scratching on paper could be heard.

"I can't remember the last time I drew anything," she said. "It was before I came here. There was a span of about two months when I couldn't get any work, so I did a lot. I usually use it to think. It was actually kind of nice. I'd go out and sit on top of my ship, and then draw whatever I saw. I've actually got a stack of them sitting in the storage closet on my ship."

"You have your own ship?"

Shiv laughed as she continued to sketch. "It's not much," she said. "It's an old YT-1900 that was my parents' before they disappeared. My inheritance from them I guess. But it's nice. I can go wherever I want as long as she doesn't fall apart."

Merrick nodded, careful of moving too much as Shiv continued working the pencil across the page. "What happened to your parents?"

"We moved to the planet Agarra when I was really young," she said. "They were researchers, and they were studying the life cycles on the planet. One day an expedition went out into the forests, and never returned. I was sixteen at the time."

"How old are you now?"

"Twenty," she said. "Some days I feel older, some younger."

Merrick smiled. "How about today?"

Shiv grinned and looked up at him. "Today I feel twenty."

"Do you miss them?"

"No," she said, adamantly. "Not even a little. They were only interested in their work, and really only paid attention to me when I was hurt, hungry, or interfered with some stupid experiment. In the last year they were alive, we mostly fought. It wasn't a pleasant situation. I miss running around half-naked on a hot, sticky, humid world with animal life big enough to eat you whole more than I miss them."

"You seem to be doing fairly well for yourself," he said. "So, I guess it worked out for the best."

"I guess it did," she said. "I fell in love with a psychotic woman who doesn't know what she wants and pushes everyone who tries to get close away, but I still love her anyway because the good times are wonderful. And, I met my favourite singer of all time, who also happens to love the same woman as me."

"Definitely not a normal kind of life," Merrick said.

"Yeah," Shiv said, focusing on drawing Merrick's eyes. "But who wants normal. Normal is people sitting around doing boring things."

"Maybe that's why we're drawn to Kaysa," he said. He was silent for some time and the only sound in the room was the scratching of Shiv's pencil. "I hope she's okay."

Shiv nodded. "I'm sure she is," she said. Though, her thoughts told her differently. She was afraid of what Kaysa might do out on the street alone. She was pushing away from them, and it was impossible to say what lengths she would go to. Shiv hoped she was just taking a long walk home.

There was another long period of silence before Shiv pulled her focus from the drawing. Merrick was watching her still, and she smiled. "Wanna see?"

"Of course," Merrick said with a laugh.

Shiv pulled the pad to her chest and slid around next to him. "Now, you better not laugh," she said. "Like I said, it's been awhile."

"I promise," Merrick said.

Hesitantly, Shiv pulled the pad outward so Merrick could see. Sketched on the pad was a near-perfect likeness of his face. "That's amazing," he whispered.

"It's alright," she said with an embarrassed smile. "Like I said, it's been awhile. Tomorrow, I might see if I can put some colour to it. I think it'll look really nice."

Merrick took the pad from her hands and held it out before him. "It's very good, Shiv. You're very talented." He smiled and looked at her, his eyes sparkling in the room's light. "I need to make a call really quick. Do you mind?"

"No, not at all," she said with a shake of her head.

He left her on the couch as he went to Kaysa's comm unit. He dialed in a number and waited. A sleepy voice on the other end answered.

"Eldwen," it said.

"Eldwen, it's Merrick. I just wanted to let you know that I've got some new material for the next album. A song I played at the White Noise tonight. And, I've got a second song I should have finished by the end of the week. I've got ideas for a third, but they're rough right now. I'd like to go into the studio next week to put them down."

"Don't you do any work during the day, Merrick? Palpatine's nuts, it's late."

Merrick laughed. "I know it's late Eldwen, but I had to get in touch with you right away."

"To let me know you want to go into the studio next week? You could have told me in the morning. It could have waited."

"That wasn't what I had to tell you right away. The important part"--he glanced back at Shiv, still scratching at the pad--"is that I've found the cover art for the next album."

The scratching suddenly stopped and Shiv looked up, shocked surprise clear on her face. Her mouth moved without sound, and Merrick was certain she was about to explode.

"Can you bring it by my office tomorrow?"

Merrick gave Shiv a smile. "Of course I can," he said. "The artist isn't quite done with it yet. She should have it done tomorrow, or the next day but we can bring it by."

"Who is she?"

"Her name's Maeren Shivral," Merrick said, "and as I was sitting here, she drew me and it's perfect."

"Shivral, eh? Never heard of her."

"Well now you have. We'll be by tomorrow."

"I still don't see why you had to wake me up to tell me this," Eldwen said. "You could have told me in the morning."

"I wanted to tell you while she was here with me, and not in the morning when I'm at my apartment alone drinking my morning kaffe. I have to go, El, before she explodes with excitement."

Eldwen laughed. "Bring her by, and we'll get all the forms signed. Night, Merrick."

"Thanks, Eldwen, and goodnight." He ended the call and turned back to Shiv. She screamed and set the pad on the couch, flying from it and straight at him. She caught him in a hug that nearly knocked him over.

"You are so amazing," she squealed. "Oh wow. You're really gonna use my art for the cover of your album? Really?"

Merrick nodded. "Yes really," he said. "It's very good, and I can't think of a better piece of cover art."

"Oh gods, Merrick," she said as she hugged him again. "I can't believe this. In one night I meet my favourite singer, and he wants my picture for the cover of his next album."

"And you gave him your panties," he said with a chuckle.

"Yes," she said, laughing so hard she was nearly crying. "Oh wow, this is more than I could ever hope for."

"And don't forget that in this one night, you became my friend and confidante. And, you watched while I made love to my girlfriend--though I'm not sure if that's actually an achievement or not."

Shiv laughed. "I don't know. I think it only just got me more worked up. I was so close to coming forward and joining in. I wanted to."

Merrick looked at her, and suddenly realized she was still holding on to him. She realized at the same point and let go, stepping away and back toward the couch.

"So why didn't you," he asked.

Shiv shrugged as she crawled back onto the cushions. "I guess I was scared. That Kaysa would be upset at me pushing in. Or that you weren't into that sort of thing."

Merrick nodded slowly as he took his place on the couch again. "I don't know if I am or not," he said. He looked at her, and then quickly away. "I don't think it would have worked. And, from what Kaysa was saying, it sounds like she prefers to be with each of us separately."

Shiv picked up the pad and set it out onto the table. She grinned and slipped off the couch. It was only a couple moments later when she returned carrying two new glasses and a large bottle of calduin.

Merrick looked at the bottle and raised an eyebrow. "Celebrating?"

"Our friendship, my art, and your album," she said. "And, to hope that things work out with Kaysa. I like the family idea. I've never been part of a family before, not really."

Merrick took the bottle and opened it, then filled the two glasses Shiv held out.

"To whatever the future may bring," he said.

"And, to a shower of panties at your next show," she said with a giggle, and then drank.

"You're going to throw them next time, aren't you?"

Shiv gave him a big grin, but said nothing.

"You do have a wild streak in you," he said and then took a long drink.

"Kaysa says that I may be more wild than her," Shiv said. "At least more bold. We went out to this club and I wore a vest with no top underneath it. I think I liked the attention."

Merrick laughed. "Of course you did or you wouldn't have done it. Just like that little stunt when you changed earlier."

Shiv blushed and looked away. "So, I'm an exhibitionist at times," she said.

"I think part of it comes from being very comfortable with who you are," he said. "And, part of it is...well, I guess it is exhibitionism."

"It's not a problem, is it?"

He shook his head. "It's not," he said. "But, I don't know if you should be doing anything like that anymore." He looked at her and then sighed softly. "I don't think it'd be a very good idea."

Shiv watched him for a moment, and nodded. She didn't have to ask him why it was a bad idea. She knew why it was. She'd been feeling why it was, and the additional temptations would only cause more problems.

They both sat for a long time, just looking at Shiv's drawing. It wasn't long before they'd finished half the bottle. Shiv found her eyes growing very heavy, and noticed that Merrick's head was nodding forward as they sat. She smiled lazily, but continued to sit. It wasn't much longer when the fight to keep her eyes open was too much. She curled up where she lay and let herself sleep as they waited for Kaysa to return.

***

If it hadn't gotten so cold so quickly, Kaysa would have still been in the middle of the streets calling out for Zale. Throughout her entire walk home, she'd cursed his name, spouting spiteful words about the bastard who abandoned her and left her to quarrel the demons on her own. He offerred her help and a hand in trying to change herself, but when she needed him most, he wasn't there. It only justified further her reason for mistrusting all men.

She ran the back of her hand across her runny nose and swallowed back the last of her tears as she approached the door of her apartment. She had no idea how long she'd been gone, nor did she care. This was her home and it wasn't as if she had a curfew or a responsibility to inform Merrick or Shiv when she planned on coming home. That only reinforced why she was hesitant about accepting Merrick's proposal. If they shared an apartment, he would expect her to let him know where she was, and with who. She could see whomever she liked, whenever...

No you can't, Kaysa. You have a boyfriend now and that means it's only you and him. Remember?

A dry laugh filled the small hallway as Kaysa reminded herself what it was like to be in a relationship. Faithfulness, loyalty, devotion...a loss of freedom. She'd broken that bond she made with Merrick when they first made love by taking Shiv home, and now, by going to Zale with the intention of giving herself to him. It had been two days and already Kaysa found her committment to Merrick one that was hard to maintain.

She stared fixedly at her keypad for a long while. She hoped they were worried sick about where she was or what had happened to her. She wanted to lash out at them for caring, but that's what a family did. She was on the verge of having everything she'd ever wanted, but she was even closer to losing it all before she had time to savour it. What frightened her more than losing Merrick and Shiv was that she would have every thing she'd wanted, but still the demons would remain. If that happened, she'd know for certain she was truly damned.

Kaysa smoothed out her dress, then ran her hands through her dishevelled hair. She took another moment to regain her composure before punching in her code with a trembling hand. As the door slid open, the scene before her eyes brought a twinge of warmth to her chilled body. She stepped inside carefully and slipped off her shoes so she wouldn't disturb the two peaceful forms laying motionless with sleep on her couch. Slowly, she moved towards them and swallowed back a laugh as they came completely into view. Shiv was curled up into a tight ball against Merrick, the sleeve of his shirt clutched in her clenched hands; Merrick was seated with his head thrown back into the couch and a glass resting loosely in his partially open hand. His mouth hung open with gentle reverberant snores filling the quiet room, and the soft light glinted off a small trace of dribble spilling from the side of his mouth. It was the most tranquil scene she had ever witnessed, and when her eyes caught a glimpse of the half-empty bottle of calduin sitting on the table, she realized they'd probably sleep through an earthquake with the amount they'd consumed.

"Oh, wow..." Kaysa whispered as she picked up the pad of paper from the table, one with the perfect likeness of Merrick's face sketched onto it. Since it was Merrick's face on the page, Kaysa knew Shiv had been the artist. As she studied the drawing, Kaysa realized how little she really knew about Shiv. She also realized how truly shallow and meaningless their relationship was. It couldn't be helped, though. She only needed Shiv for what the girl could give her; she didn't need to know anything about her and knew she didn't care either.

She moved into the other room after scrutinizing the picture for a moment longer, and pulled out two comforters from her linen closet. She made her way back to the couch and placed one atop Shiv. As she unfolded the other for Merrick, a flash of something in his hand caught her eye. Gently pulling it free of his hand, she needed no more than a moment for it to register in her mind that what she was holding was a pair of panties...a pair of panties not her own. Her gaze shifted to Shiv's sleeping form pressed against Merrick's side. She stirred in her sleep for a moment to pull herself closer to Merrick and to tighten her grip on his sleeve. Kaysa didn't like the thoughts that were flying through her mind, the dark images that made the innocent scene before her appear less than so. She balled up the panties and threw them into Merrick's lap, then quickly covered him with the comforter. If he was trying to gain her trust, he was certainly going about it the wrong way.

Kaysa moved away from the living area, looking back for a moment to sear the image into her memory. There was nothing going on between Merrick and Shiv; there couldn't be because they both loved her and wouldn't do anything to hurt her. She tried to find comfort in that, but it was hardly enough to repel the paranoia reeling in her mind. She clenched her eyes shut and looked away from the scene. There was nothing to silence the voices in her head, whispering into her ears and telling her there was more going on than she was allowing herself to believe.

There was nothing that could comfort her now, not while she was alone with her rebelling thoughts. On her way to her bedroom, she pulled a bottle of rum from her minibar and popped the lid off. She would find some comfort, even if it was at the bottom of the green bottle in her hand. They'd helped her make her decision now. A family is what they would be. They would live together under the same roof, interacting with each other everyday, and they would either prove to Kaysa that her suspicions were unfounded, or prove them correct.

"Sweet dreams..." she whispered to the two bodies cradled together on her couch. If she was right, if they did anything to substantiate her darkest thoughts, then this would be the last restful sleep they would ever have.

---

"The Chase"
Jerek Welder- Freelance Pit Fighter

Location: Onboard the Majestic heading for Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 10, 4 ABY

Jerek brought his YT-2000 out of hyperspace and headed toward Tae'Karada. He had given the Imperial Fleet his code and he got past the blockade. His sensors picked up three pursuer enforcer ships arriving out of hyperspace and began firing out of nowhere.

"God damn, Kelass!" cursed Jerek.

Jerek had just beaten Kelass in a fight a couple of days back. He embarrassed Kelass in front of his family as well. His ship was badly hit and needed to be landed and repaired immediately. He ran a hand through his spiked brown hair and sighed, remembering that he had forgotten to shave his head.

He brought the Majestic down to the Starport and he landed the ship. He exited the Majestic and walked up to the maintenance person.

"How much would repairs on this ship cost?" asked Jerek.

The repairman spent about 15 minutes examining the ship and had a grin on his face when he came back to Jerek.

"Well, this kind of repair would take a long time with ordinary tools, and I take it that you're not that great at repairing a ship?" asked the repairman.

"No, I'm not that great of a repairman, and I don't have that many credits."

"It would cost you 1,245 credits in advance."

"I don't have that kind of money with me!"

"Well, then find it."

Jerek sighed and walked out of the spaceport. Maybe he could find someplace to pit fight. He went back to the main office at the starport and asked where he could find a suitable place to fight competitively.

---

"A newborn life..."
by Alisson Blair - Jedi Knight
and Kal'Aran - Jedi Master

Location: New Plouton
Date: Praeda 10, 4 ABY

As soon as they got home, Alisson felt like a warm scented bath, and so made her way to her room as her Master, and most of all her friend, Kal'Aran prepared them something to eat. "Even a Jedi must feed himself," he would probably say. But such was not necessary as she was hungry as well.

The bath was most relaxing and she found out that almost every muscle of her body was tense. Alas with the oils and a little relaxation exercises it was easy for her to overcome her tenseness and feel good again. She had not yet understood her final training. It was all in the mind and yet so real... She came out of the bath and dried herself, dressing into some black leather tight pants with a grey tank top.

"Master Kal'Aran," she said coming out of the room. "I have not yet truly undestood my final test that proved I am ready to be a Jedi..."

"Ahh... Not you nor most Jedi Knights have, child," he replied calmly. "You see, the final test was real enough for you, and yet you did not move from my sight all along. You battled yourself and your fears and overcame in the end."

"I did battle myself, but could not hurt her or I would hurt myself. And yet, in the very end I did kill her but was not hurt. How is that possible? How can that be considered a winning situation? I am sorry. I am not doubting you, just a bit confused I would say..." Alisson said.

Kal'Aran sighed. "It is hard to explain. I told you you would face only what you took with you. In the end you killed your dark self, that represented your fears, but with her own things and not yours. What killed her was from her own realm."

"Her own realm? You mean it is real? I thought you said it was only in my mind."

"Alisson, in life you will find out that many things are real even if you do not acknowledge them. There are theories that say that every decition you take chooses a series of small paths in life. Different decisions take you elsewhere, and from there to a different life. You battled the worst of those realms," Kal'Aran explained.

"I see..." Alisson nodded. "Well then I am glad for being who I am. What have we for a meal?" she said, changing subject.