"Dysfunctional, Part 1"
Maeren Shivral
Kaysa Zenarr
Merrick Braston

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 11, 4ABY

***

Shiv opened her eyes slowly, a slight headache the only sign she'd had too much to drink last night. She was aware of her body pressed against another with her hands clutching at his sleeve as if it were an infant's blanket. She looked up at Merrick's face--he still slept quite soundly--and smiled.

As she slowly sat up, she noticed the small pool of drool she'd left on his sleeve and giggled softly. They were covered with comforters, and as she pulled hers down, his came with it. She noticed the small pair of bunched up panties in his lap and her heart leapt into her throat. She struggled to remember the events of the previous night. Then, she sighed with relief as the memories came back. Nothing had happened between them; she'd given them to him after she changed. She would have hated herself forever if she had done anything with Merrick. It would have devastated Kaysa, and she couldn't do that.

She slipped away from the couch and looked around. Kaysa! Had she come home? Why didn't she wake them? The bedroom door was closed, and it'd been open the previous night. And someone had covered herself and Merrick with blankets. She crept over toward the door. She opened the door slowly, afraid of what she might see on the inside.

Kaysa lay sprawled on the bed, an empty rum bottle near one hand. Shiv moved to the bed. Carefully she sat next to Kaysa, and smoothed the hair from her face. "Kaysa," she whispered gently. "Kayse?"

The first pulls of consciousness gnawed at her mind and Kaysa tried to fend them off, just as she tried to slap away the hand reawakening her tactile senses. She groaned with irritation as her sleep was little by little stolen from her. She turned away from the voice calling to her from the realm of the conscious and rolled onto her stomach. A growl resonated from deep in her throat as a hard object poked into her stomach. She shifted onto her side and shoved the nuisance away, only to hear it shatter once it hit the ground.

"Shit..." she mumbled as all attempts to remain asleep failed and consciousness finally seized her...as did a churning in her stomach. "Oh gods!" Kaysa slapped her hand over her mouth and pushed past Shiv as she stumbled off the bed. She managed to make it into the bathroom in time to avoid making a mess on her bedroom floor, but there was no way to avoid the mess she made inside her toilet. She moaned as she knelt in front of it, the repugnant odours of the product from a night's worth of drinking drifting up into her nose. Kaysa pushed away from the toilet and sat listlessly with her back against the wall, moaning plaintively.

Shiv stepped into the doorway and then sat down, propping her back against the frame of the door. "I think I've got some pills in my gear to help with the headache," she said. "Should take away some of the queasiness too. Some Rodian herbal mix, but it works. When did you get home? Sorry we were asleep. We had too much of the calduin, and it knocked us out."

Kaysa glanced at Shiv, trying to prevent the red hot spite from becoming visible in her eyes. "Looks like it to me." With a grunt, Kaysa struggled to get to her feet, then staggered towards the sink. "I got home late and saw you two passed out on the couch." She turned on the water and looked at Shiv through the mirror. "You two had fun then?"

Shiv shrugged and then smiled. "Well, I don't know if you'd consider it fun," she said. "We talked about stuff, and then I drew his picture. And, then he called his manager or someone like that and told him he wanted to use my picture for the cover of his next album. And, then we talked a little more, and then we'd had so much to drink, we both fell asleep. It was great to hang out with him, but we didn't really do all that much."

"Oh." Kaysa ran her hands under the water and splashed some onto her face. The shock of the cold hitting her flesh helped to reawaken her senses and to clarify the foggy images she was remembering from last night. Merrick and she made love in an elevator...Zale abandoned her...she'd come home...Merrick and Shiv were asleep together on the couch...Merrick had Shiv's panties. She aggressively pulled a towel from the rack and dried her face. She was definitely not going to let that go on anymore. "While I was out, last night, I thought about things and I came to a few decisions." She turned around to face Shiv and smiled at her. "We should talk to Merrick before you and I leave for Zenarr Inc. this morning."

Shiv nodded slowly. "Sure," she said. "He wanted me to go by sometime today to see that El guy about the drawing, if I can. I'm sure it won't take long. Otherwise, I'm sure I can do it before the album is released." She grinned. "I can't believe my drawing is going to be the cover. Isn't that amazing? I mean, me. No name, no nothing Maeren Shivral is the artist for Merrick Braston's new album."

Kaysa's smile almost twisted into a scowl. "Seems you and Merrick got pretty close last night. I mean, he's putting your drawing on his next album." Kaysa pushed away from the sink and moved into her bedroom, grumbling under breath, but not loud enough for the hussy to hear. "So, you'll be going out with Merrick this morning, then? That's fine, I mean, if your job isn't important to you, you can always quit and make a living designing cover art for Merrick's albums."

Shiv shook her head and groaned. "Kaysa, it's not like that. I drew his picture because I hadn't done any drawing in months and as we were sitting there I felt like doing it. He liked it and wants to use it. It's not like I'm going to be his artist or anything. I mean, it's just one sketch." She followed Kaysa out into the other room. "Fine. I'll do it on my own time." With a heavy sigh, she started toward the door.

Kaysa's mouth pulled into a taut smile. Shiv was beginning to sound miserable...just what she had in mind. "Well, can't you do this thing after you come down to Zenarr Inc.?" Kaysa began sifting through her clothing in the closet almost happily. Making another's life difficult always put her in good spirits. "We only have a few things to discuss...like where you're going for your next run."

Shiv grinned. "A run? It's been so long since I've done any runs. I was thinking of taking the ship out today, to see how she does. A run would be perfect." She couldn't wipe the smile from her face. The chance to run cargo again would be great. "Do you know where you're sending me yet?"

"Haven't decided yet. I haven't even been to my office. I need to get organized and figure out what needs to be done." Kaysa pulled out a pant suit and laid it down across the bed. "After we discuss business, you can spend the rest of the day with Merrick for some pleasure." Kaysa knew the double meaning in that statement and hoped Shiv noticed it. She wanted to make her nervous, if only to give her a little taste of the discomfort she could expect if she didn't keep her hands off Merrick.

Shiv laughed. "Merrick and pleasure is your thing," she said. "He's your boyfriend, Kaysa; not mine. We'll probably go see his guy about the artwork. And, then...I don't know. Maybe go shop for music or grab something to eat. You can do the pleasure with Merrick tonight. Or if you want him earlier."

Kaysa spun around to face Shiv with an inquisitive furrowing of her brow. "Shiv, what the hell are you talking about?" She placed her hands on her hips and slowly made her way towards Shiv. "I wasn't talking about that sort of pleasuring. It's funny that's the first thing that would come to your mind when I mentioned Merrick." Kaysa gave a dry laugh and shook her head as she began removing her dress from last night. "I was only saying that after you and I finish at Zenarr Inc., you can relax and go do what you were planning to with Merrick. Nothing more."

"Fine," Shiv said. "Merrick and I will go do whatever after you and me are done with stuff at Zenarr Inc." She leaned back against the wall and watched Kaysa, trying to figure out what had happened to her. She was all smiles, but there was a tension there too. Probably just a hangover, she finally decided. "I guess I'd better grab some clothes to change into if I'm going with you. How soon before we leave?"

Kaysa's dress fell to the ground and she stepped out of it as she picked up the pants laid out on the bed. "First I need to take something for my headache, then I have to talk to Merrick. Maybe today when the two of you are out, you can start looking for apartments." Kaysa smiled at Shiv, but it was a hollow one that held no joy, no emotions whatsoever. It was merely a mask to hide her true bitterness, but there was nothing she could do to mask the rampant jealousy and hate seeping from her every pore. "We're a family now, Shiv, and as per Merrick's suggestion, I think moving into a single apartment is a good idea. It'll help us all get a lot closer."

Shiv nodded. "What if we all go together later then," she suggested. "I think it'd be better for you and Merrick to make the important decisions. I mean, I assume you two will be getting the big bedroom, and I'll get whatever's left over. So, you really think we should all move in together? I think it'll allow you and Merrick to spend more time together. He won't always be having to go back to his own apartment."

"Well, that's not the real problem. I mean, he can stay over whenever he wants." Kaysa slipped on her pants and fastened them, then picked up her vest and placed it on over her bare torso. "I really have to stay at Zenarr Inc. for a while, so it'd be better if you two went on without me, and when you get home, you can tell me all about it. Anywhere will be fine, really. I doubt I'll hardly be at home half the time anyway so it won't really matter to me where we live."

Finally Shiv nodded. "Okay," she said. "Merrick and I will go out and see what we see. I can bring along a camera so you can see the holos of the places we go. Anything specific you want? I figure you want a room for you and Merrick, right? Anything else we need? Probably a second bedroom for me, but I can't think of anything else. I mean, I don't mind sleeping on the couch or anything. But, I guess we'll figure it out."

Kaysa laughed quietly and moved towards Shiv with her vest unbuttoned. "Don't worry. Whatever you two get will be fine. But I think two bathrooms is a must. Merrick likes to have one to himself to do his writing it would seem." She stopped before Shiv and gazed into her eyes. "Two bedrooms would be a good idea, but I'm not sure how often you'll be using yours, Shiv," Kaysa said as she ran her hand gently along Shiv's arm.

Shiv gave Kaysa a strange look. "You mean you'll want me in your bed? What about Merrick? I mean, I don't know if it'd be a good idea to ask your boyfriend to wait outside while you go a quick round with the lesbo." Shiv smiled and stepped closer to Kaysa. "But, I'm sure we could always use my bed. If Merrick doesn't mind you going with me while he's around."

Kaysa's smile grew even larger as her hand dropped away from Shiv. "I think you misunderstand me, Shiv. I'm not talking about our sexual relationship. I just meant that as of today, I'm going to be sending you on a lot more runs. I doubt you'll even be on Tae'Karada for more than a week at a time. You won't really need a bed." Kaysa kissed Shiv on the cheek, a kiss bereft of any tenderness whatsoever. She looked into Shiv's eyes with a cold, implacable gaze and with a short laugh, she moved past her towards the living area. "I'll explain everything once we're down at Zenarr Inc.," she called back.

Shiv let out an exasperated sigh and followed. "Then you and Merrick are shopping for apartments," she said, "because there's no point in me picking it out if I'm not even going to be there." She decided she'd just wear the clothes she was in and not bother changing. As she passed through the doorway, she glanced at the temperature reading on the envrionmentals panel next to the door. She shook her head with a wry laugh and realized the feeling that the temperature had dropped must have just been in her head. Compared to the last four months, sleeping in a bed one week out of four wouldn't be so bad. Though, it would keep her away from Kaysa. Judging from the mood that had taken her, it might not be such a bad thing though.

Shiv moved to one of the chairs and sat as Kaysa continued on toward the still sleeping Merrick.

"I'm afraid I won't have time to go apartment hunting, that's why I want you and Merrick to go." Kaysa stopped before Merrick and noticed his comforter had fallen partially off, revealing the panties in his lap. She didn't think her rage could become any more fueled, but looking at Shiv's used panties touching Merrick did just that. A mischievous smile crossed Kaysa's face as she plucked the panties from Merrick's lap and tossed them over her shoulder. "Rise and shine, my love!" she hollered as she jumped and came crashing down into his lap.

Merrick started awake, his eyes wide with surprise. "Wha--!?" He looked around, and his eyes finally came to rest on Kaysa. He smiled. "Good morning," he said with a groan. "When did you get back?" He slipped his arms around her and kissed her. "Remind me, in the future, to set an alarm. I don't think my heart could handle you waking me up like that every day."

Kaysa giggled and kissed Merrick again, roughly and firmly. It would be an affirmation to Shiv that Merrick was all hers; it was also an attempt to convey to Merrick how much she loved him and missed him, even though her heart was filled only with suspicion and paranoia right now. She laughed again as she pulled her lips away from Merrick and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. "I missed you last night. I wanted you in my bed, but I saw you two sleeping out here so peacefully that I felt bad disturbing you."

Merrick smiled and leaned close. "If you want me to share your bed with you, don't worry about peaceful, just wake me," he said. "I would have gladly joined you in there." He looked up into her eyes and smiled. "Did the walk home last night help?"

Kaysa smiled tightly and slid off Merrick's lap. "It did. It gave me a lot of time to think and I think I've actually come to the conclusion that all of us living under one roof would actually be a good thing." Kaysa glanced at Shiv, her smile almost acerbic, as she added, "I've already told Shiv that you and she should go apartment shopping today. Isn't that right, Shiv?"

Shiv nodded. "That's right," she said. "I think we should look for something in Yelldon. Probably eastern Yelldon, so it's closer to Zenarr Inc. and the White Noise."

Merrick nodded. "Good idea," he said. He looked at Kaysa and smiled. "That'll give us more time to spend together between working. And, I think it'll be good to have one space that's all of ours, so we can all feel like home there, and not guests. I think if I were to keep coming here, I'd always feel like I was just visiting."

"I'm sure I can make you feel more than welcome tonight." Kaysa winked at Merrick with a laugh before she moved towards the small kitchen. "Did you and Shiv have fun together last night? I feel really bad for leaving you two alone with each other, but I really needed that walk."

Merrick glanced back at Shiv and smiled. "We did," he said. "We talked some, and she drew my picture. I talked to my manager, and we're going to use it as the cover for my next album. Then we had some calduin. And, I think after that, we both just fell asleep on the couch. I wish you'd woken me up though. If something like that ever happens again, where I'm asleep when you get home late, just wake me up."

She reached into the refrigeration unit and pulled out the Neeba fruit juice. "You two just seemed so comfortable pressed against one another. Next time though, I'll wake you up if that's what you want." Kaysa poured some of the red liquid into a glass and moved back towards the living area. "Are you two gonna be seeing your manager today? Shiv told me you two had plans for the day. Is that where you're going?" she asked as she took a seat on the small sofa.

Merrick nodded. "El wanted to meet Shiv, and then she'll need to sign some waivers for her work to be used. After that, I guess we can go look for apartments. Outside of that, who knows."

"After Shiv comes down with me to Zenarr Inc., you two are free to do what you like." Kaysa took a sip of the tart juice as her eyes fell upon the drawing of Merrick - her Merrick - resting on the small table. Shiv had drawn the picture to impress Merrick, to get into his pants. Shiv had some nerve coveting Merrick, something that belonged solely to her. Kaysa wanted the fire within her to consume the drawing, to send it burning up in a conflagration manifested from her raging emotions. Shiv would learn not to overstep the boundaries again; Kaysa would make certain of that.

"Is that the drawing, Shiv?" Kaysa put down her glass of juice and reached out for the pad of vellum. Surreptitiously and malevolently, Kaysa knocked the glass full of juice with her elbow and watched with delight as Merrick's picture became submerged in a pool of red liquid. "Oh no!" Kaysa jumped to her feet and pulled the soaked pad away from the puddle. She shook it desperately in the air, and once the excess liquid was shed, she passed her hand over the lightly penciled drawing. Kaysa gasped quietly for effect as she looked at the once beautiful rendering, which was now no more than a grotesque mass of smudged pencil markings. Kaysa looked away from the picture, forcing back a smile as she gazed up at Shiv with deeply apologetic eyes. "Oh...Shiv..."

Shiv was on her feet staring at the distorted mass that had been her drawing. She felt her face growing hot, darkening to red. Her eyes stung and filled with tears. The drawing was ruined, and it would never be the cover of Merrick's new album now. "Oh gods," she murmured as she glanced at the dripping pad in Kaysa's hand and then between Merrick and Kaysa. "It's ruined." She wiped at the tears, but they wouldn't go away. She sank back into the chair she'd been sitting in, sobbing quietly. Anyone who'd bought the new album would have seen her drawing, the one she did especially for Merrick as he sat on the couch she usually slept on. And, now it was all gone. And, Merrick had been so excited about using it. She just wanted to draw him, but he wanted to use it for the album. And, now it was nothing.

Watching Shiv crying should have spurred some spark of guilt or regret within her, but Kaysa felt absolutely nothing. She looked down at the picture with a satisfied smile trying to force its way onto her lips. That'll teach the little bitch to cross Kaysa Zenarr. She shifted her gaze to Shiv's tear soaked face and sighed. "I'm sorry, Shiv. It's only a drawing though. I'm sure you can do another in no time."

Shiv looked up at Kaysa and glared, her dark, piercing gaze a mixture of emotions. "Whatever," she finally said. "That one was perfect though. And, it's not something that you can just do. You wouldn't understand..."

Merrick, who'd just been watching from where he stood at the couch, moved forward to stand next to Shiv. "It'll be okay," he said. "Maybe you can bring your supplies when we go see El, and you can do it again there. I think they'll be more impressed if they see you do the whole thing while they watch."

Shiv nodded. "Okay," she said. "I'll need to get new supplies though. That pad was the only one I had."

"No problem at all," Merrick said. "We'll just stop at a place to pick them up on the way."

Seeing Merrick comforting Shiv almost reinforced Kaysa's suspicions, and her jealousy flared. He was offerring her gifts, trying to dry her tears... Where was he to dry the tears she'd shed last night while trying to keep her life from crumbling? He was here screwing some grimy little slut.

Kaysa sighed sharply and threw down the pad of soaked paper. "Look, you can sit there and wallow, Shiv, but there's nothing that can be done now. Go with Merrick and he'll get you what you need to draw another one." Kaysa moved away from the living area and grabbed her jacket from the coat rack by the door. "I'm going to work. When you find time, Shiv, come down to Zenarr Inc. and we'll discuss the matter of your employment."

She turned back to Shiv and Merrick, the sight of his hand touching Shiv's bare shoulder chilling Kaysa's blood. She certainly did have work to do now, work comprised of finding a way to keep Shiv at as great a distance as possible from Merrick. Without another word, she hit the keypad and walked through the slowly opening passage and away from the sickening display she could no longer bear to witness.

Shiv watched after Kaysa and sighed. "I have to go," she said. "Work. Eat or shower or whatever. I'll call here in a little bit once I've talked to her and figure out what's going on, and then we can go to meet with El."

"Okay," he said. "I'll be here. You gonna be okay, Shiv?"

She nodded and then sighed again. "I'll be fine. I'll call soon and we'll figure out if we have time to go do the drawing again. And, what to do about the apartment thing. If she keeps acting like this, I don't know if I can live with her."

"Hurry," he said.

Shiv grabbed her boots and rushed from the apartment after Kaysa. She raced down to the street where Kaysa was waiting for a hovercab. She ran toward the curb just as a cab was coming into view. She stopped next to Kaysa, nearly out of breath. "Work and then other stuff," she said, panting. "I can do the drawing thing after."

Kaysa cleared her throat and kept her eyes focused on the building across the road. "I'm glad you finally got your priorities straightened out," she said coldly. "For a minute there I thought you were caught up in all this fame crap. That's Merrick's life, not yours."

Shiv glared at Kaysa. "What's that supposed to mean? Merrick Braston is my favourite singer, and he wanted to use something I drew for the cover of his next album. That's all it is. I'm not going off to be some great artist or anything. I just drew him a fucking picture. I thought you'd be happy for me. Fuck, Kaysa. It's not like drawing a picture means I'm quitting smuggling or anything."

"Good, I'm glad you realize that being a smuggler is much better than being a starving artist." A hovercab finally responded to Kaysa's hails and stopped before them at the curb. Kaysa opened the door and gestured Shiv inside. "You first...mistress," she said with a sardonic grin.

Shiv felt the hairs on the back of her neck raise and a wave of anger passed through her. As she climbed into the cab, she glanced back at Kaysa. "Any work is better than starving," she muttered to herself. "But, you wouldn't know about that."

Kaysa pursed her lips tightly and gave Shiv an icy glare as she slid onto the seat. "I'm going to ignore that, Shiv, only because it wouldn't be wise of me to fire my best smuggler, not now." She leaned in close to Shiv's face, with her warm breath - a manifestation of the fiery rage within her - falling upon Shiv's cheek. "Don't think because I've treated you with kindness before, that you can disrespect me now. Don't cross the line with me, Shiv. You'll regret it."

Shiv turned so that her eyes could meet Kaysa's. "I don't think this family thing is going to work out," she said, her voice carrying a blade-like edge. "I think maybe it'd be best if I find my own place now. And, don't think that because I love you with all my heart that I'll sit back and let you treat me like bantha shit. I don't know what happened to you on that walk last night, but I really wish you'd lose that freighter-sized chip on your shoulder. Fuck, Kaysa, you have Merrick Braston for a boyfriend; but with the way you're acting, you'd think it was Dargus Kandran. Gods, the way you're acting, you'd think you were paranoid that I fucked him while you were gone last night."

From the front of the cab, the driver gave an exasperated sigh. "In or out, ladies," he said. "Meter's running."

"Zenarr Inc.," Kaysa said quickly, before Shiv decided she needed some space and hopped out of the hovercab. She looked at Shiv, studying her face closely before letting loose with a jeering, derisive laugh. "You're completely delusional, aren't you? You actually think I'd feel threatened by you? Shiv, you're nothing but a child. Merrick isn't interested in screwing little girls, Shiv. He prefers to stick his dick into a real woman."

Shiv gaped at Kaysa, a mixture of shock and anger washed through her features. "Why are you being such a bitch, Kaysa? What the hell did I do to you that you're suddenly treating me like fucking shit? What did I do?"

Kaysa sat back against the seat of the cab with a dry laugh. "It's what you haven't done, Shiv. You didn't do enough to subjugate your slave. You allowed her boldness to get out of hand, you allowed her to become impudent to the point of disobedience." She turned her head to face Shiv and smiled, a twisted, eerily impassive smile. "You were weak, Shiv, and because of that, you failed to tame me. Alas," Kaysa said with a weary sigh, "you may still be able to humble me...if you can handle me, that is."

Shiv shook her head and sat back in the seat, her gaze turned outward and away from Kaysa. Why was Kaysa so spiteful? Why did she take every opportunity to lash out and hurt? Nothing had changed at all. Absolutely nothing. Except for four months spent living on the street. And, that made all the difference. Four months ago, Shiv would have just accepted it all and tried to get back into Kaysa's good graces. But now? She didn't know what happened. Perhaps it was the fight to survive. Maybe it was the night spent with Merrick where everything went right and he wasn't yelling or screaming and trying to make her feel like all the galaxy's problems were her fault. It was like as soon as Kaysa was there, everything turned to shit. Shiv cursed herself as a tear started a slow descent down her cheek. She brushed it away and wiped her hand on her pants.

Kaysa revelled in the sight of the clear glistening drop, the one that bespoke of Kaysa's first victory in her plight to ward Shiv off of pursuing Merrick. If she was suffering now and didn't know the reason, when the temptation came to seduce Merrick, Shiv would come back to this day, remember how much pain Kaysa could cause her, and would definitely think twice about even going near Merrick. "My dear, sweet, Shiv," Kaysa patronized as she cradled Shiv in her arms. "If you want me to treat you with respect, then gain it. Be the mistress again; take control and make me worship you. Isn't that what you want? Isn't that better than this?"

Shiv shrugged out of Kaysa's embrace. "Don't touch me," she growled. She had half a mind to grab the blade from her boot and show Kaysa the temper of her feelings. But, she knew she couldn't do that, not unless Kaysa really pushed her. 'Just pick an emotion and stick with it, Kaysa,' she thought. She turned her gaze to Kaysa, her eyes dark and a slight scowl pursing her lips. "Just leave me alone."

"You don't want that, Shiv. Not after all we've been through." Kaysa's smile never left her face as she began caressing Shiv's cheek. She shifted closer and placed her other hand on Shiv's thigh, squeezing it gently. "You don't wanna throw everything away because of a petty little argument, do you Shiv? Don't I mean anything to you anymore?" Her smile became almost malevolent as her hand wandered between Shiv's thighs and settled heavily upon her mound. "Don't you still love me, Shiv?"

Shiv reached down and grabbed Kaysa's wrist and pulled it away. "I have no idea what's gotten into you, Kaysa," she said. "And, if I have to retain strict control over you every waking hour for you to treat me like a human being, then I want no part of it. No, I don't want to throw everything away, but if the rest of our life is going to be this sort of bantha-shit... You know I love you, Kaysa; and I know you don't love me and never will in your life. Now, please just give me some time. Just...please, just take a step back for a little while. I went to sleep last night thinking things were okay, and today they're not. All you've done is belittle me all morning. Please...just stop pushing for a little while."

Kaysa sighed sharply and sat back in her seat. "Fine," she said in a cold whisper. "Fine, Shiv. If space is what you want, that's what you'll have for now." Kaysa said nothing more, did nothing more but sit and wait for the hovercab to reach Zenarr Inc. She wasn't going to plead with Shiv; she'd never had to before, but now, it was the only thing Shiv seemed to want to respond to. Kaysa couldn't have that, not at all. She was getting stubborn and obstinate - Kaysa hated headstrong people like that and she certainly didn't like it in Shiv.

---

"Dysfunctional, Part 2"
Maeren Shivral
Kaysa Zenarr
Merrick Braston
Vrax [NPC]

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 11, 4ABY

***

Kaysa handed the driver a cred slip and thanked him before she stepped out of the cab. She didn't bother waiting for Shiv as she strode toward the entrance to Zenarr Inc. with Shiv presumably close behind her. As she stepped inside of the now-foreign office, the first thing that caught her eye was the face of her ever obedient and devoted servant. "What are you doing here?" she asked irritably.

Vrax glanced up from the files he'd been going through and frowned. "I work here," he said with a grunt. "I could ask you the same question." He glanced out and saw Shiv coming up to the office. She didn't look happy, and that nearly brought a smile to his face. Trouble between Kaysa and Shiv was good for him. "You actually gonna send blondie out on anything? Her ship's just been sitting there accruing docking fees for four months. Fortunately, your fiancé runs the starport and has been paying them. Still, she's just dead weight."

The door opened at Shiv's approach and she glanced at Vrax as she entered the office. He looked like he was in a worse mood than Kaysa. Though, he always looked that way. She moved to one of the chairs and dropped into it and let the pair of boots she hadn't put on yet drop to the floor next to her.

Vrax shook his head and turned his attention back to Kaysa. "So, we workin' today?"

Kaysa smirked at Vrax as she strode over to her desk. "Of course we are. I have a special job to discuss with you later, but for now, Shiv and I need to talk about a few things. Did you wanna go and come back in say...10 minutes?"

Vrax gave her a mock salute. "You got ten minutes, boss," he said, and then strode toward the door. "If you need me, I'll be up at Brick's getting a kaffe. Want me to bring one back for you, Kayse?"

Kaysa took the seat Vrax had vacated and began pushing his papers aside. "Give me a kaffe with a shot of rum...make it three shots of rum. Thanks, Vrax."

Vrax nodded. "You got it, boss," he said. "I'll see you in ten." Without another word, he left the office and started down the street.

Shiv watched him go and fought to keep her emotions from getting away from her. Between Kaysa and Vrax, she wondered why she even bothered to work for Zenarr Inc. At least, she wondered it this morning when they both seemed set on heaping as much misery onto her life as they could. With a sigh, she turned back to Kaysa.

"Right," Kaysa muttered, gathering the hint to get the meeting started from Shiv's expression. She sank back into her chair and felt it mold to her form, cradling her body. With a sigh, she closed her eyes and began speaking as if even acknowledging Shiv had become a nuisance. "As I've told you before, your original contract with Zenarr Inc. has been voided and I require you to sign a new one. I can have one drafted up for you by the end of the day at which time we will discuss any stipulations you would care to include, so on, henceforth...blah blah blah."

Kaysa sighed wearily and began swivelling her chair to and fro rhythmically. She was already growing bored of the conversation, as well as Shiv's presence. She would have to be dealt with immediately and Vrax would get it done, he always got things done. "I know you have experience flying through Imperial blockades," she began again abruptly, "and that's what I'll require from you again. I'll provide you with the necessary codes when I get them, but the rest is up to you. The runs will be frequent and long, but it will be necessary if you want to get a paystub from Zenarr Inc. Any questions?"

"I can't think of anything at the moment," Shiv said. "Just let me know when you want me to come back to sign."

Kaysa finally sat up straight with an exasperated sigh and looked sternly at Shiv. "If you want to go do whatever it is you and Merrick have planned, then go. You obviously don't wanna be here and besides, I have nothing more to discuss with you. You'll sign your contract tomorrow at which time I'll most likely send you on your first run. How does that sound?"

Shiv sighed and then nodded. "Fine," she said. "I'll see you tomorrow then." She stood and grabbed her boots and headed toward the door. Why is Kaysa twisting every single thing I say, she asked herself. If only she could figure out what happened.

"What? You won't be home tonight?" Kaysa asked quickly.

Shiv stopped at the door and looked back at Kaysa. "I'm gonna be spending a lot of time in my ship from now on, so I figure I should get used to the bed in there again. And, besides, it'll give you and Merrick some time alone without me tagging along."

"That's it, Shiv, try and play to my emotions. Pout all you want, but I'm not falling for it. Sleep on your ship for all I care." Kaysa shook her head and glowered at Shiv. "This is how you treat your family? It's no wonder your parents abandoned you, you ungrateful brat."

Unable to control it any longer, Shiv let out a scream of frustration. The door behind her was flung open and Vrax rushed in carrying two large cups of kaffe. Shiv threw him an angry glare, and then turned back to Kaysa. "Find someone else to fly your fucking cargo," she said. "You're just a twisted, malevolent witch! I quit, Kaysa. I'm done." With that, she stormed to the door, pushing her way past Vrax as she went.

The only reaction Kaysa was capable of expressing at that time came in the form of a loud, wild laugh. She clapped her hands as Shiv rushed out of view, applauding her for her performance as well as for a most entertaining morning. "Isn't she precious, Vrax? We really must have her around more often."

Vrax set the cup on the desk in front of Kaysa and gave a dry laugh. "If you say so, boss," he said. "She didn't steal anything before she left, did she? Girl's a little thief." He looked at the door and then back to Kaysa. "One problem: who's gonna fly now?"

"Don't worry. After I speak to my contact, we'll have the codes needed to get past the Imperial patrols unmolested. We don't need that little bitch." Kaysa reached across and grabbed her kaffe. She could smell the liquor in the rising steam. She really needed a fix and fast. "Have a seat, Vrax. We have a few things to discuss...a way for you to get yourself back into my good graces."

Vrax dropped into the seat across from Kaysa and started to prop his feet up on her desk. He dropped them back to the ground at her frown and then nodded. "So, what's the plan, Kayse?"

"My plan...my plan is to take care of that little slut first. She's causing me all sorts of unneeded stress, Vrax. I can't run this business with such a nuisance in my life." Kaysa blew on the black liquid in the cup and carefully took a sip. Once the alcohol hit her tongue, her muscles instantly loosened and her nerves calmed considerably. It still amazed her how just a small amount of liquor could put her completely at ease. "Now, I know up until now, you've been focusing your efforts on stalking my sexual partners, but I would like you to divert your efforts towards a new project."

"You want me to go after her?" He made a show of thinking it over, and then nodded. He didn't know how the little whore could be a nuisance since she'd just quit and would probably be gone from the planet within an hour, but the chance to give her a little payback was more than enough for him. "Just tell me what you want me to do, and I'll do it. Just tell me how and when, and you can consider it done."

"Good...I'm glad you're still able to keep up with me." Kaysa laughed dryly as she put down her kaffe and clasped her hands together atop her desk. "This is a delicate matter, Vrax. This needs to be done, but I don't want there to be any chance of it being traced back to us. You saw her, Vrax. She was impudent, rude, and far too bold for my preference. That will have to be dealt with swiftly." Kaysa paused for a moment to mull over exactly what she wanted done, how, and more importantly, how soon. "She needs to have that spirit of hers broken. She needs to be humiliated, degraded in the worst possible way any woman can be. She needs to be rid of her willful, headstrong ways; a physical violation would be the best way to take care of that. Do you see what I'm getting at, Vrax or do I have to spell it out for you?"

Vrax smiled. "You want her raped," he said. "Just tell me when you want it to happen, and how? Grab her in an alley and take her there? A gang rape? I know this bar where they could really take care of her. Guys there are all the tough, mean type, and I'm sure they'd keep her working all night long, if you get my meaning. Just tell me how bad you want it, and I'll set it up."

"Oh, I want it bad, Vrax. I want her beaten beyond recognition. I want her so traumatized, she won't be able to utter a word for months. I want her taken over and over again. They can use any orifice they like, and I want her to bleed. Make sure she bleeds, Vrax." Kaysa's smile seemed to cast an eerie darkness upon the rest of her face. Her eyes gleamed with a sinister excitement at the prospect of making Shiv pay dearly for a transgression she'd yet to commit. Kaysa wanted to get rid of the problem before it arose, and her plan would certainly take care of that.

"She carries knives, Vrax and she's good at using them. I want your men armed and I want her surprised, that's the only way to do it. I want her stripped naked and when they're done with her, I want her thrown into the middle of the busiest street in New Plouton for all to witness the pathetic wretch as she writhes in agony upon the cold, hard ground. These men must be merciless, Vrax," Kaysa said through clenched teeth as she pictured the scene in her mind. Oh how she yearned to be there, watching as Shiv was beaten and raped...but maybe she could be. Kaysa smiled. She enjoyed being this devilish. It was her calling. "I also want the entire thing recorded...for posterity of course. I want a firsthand look at how these men operate. Of course they will be paid for their services, make sure they know that. More incentive for them to do a good job. Am I missing anything, Vrax? Help me out here."

Vrax smiled and his eyes narrowed as he started picking out the men he'd get for the job. If it wasn't to be tied back to them, he wouldn't be able to participate. But, he'd be there with the cameras. "When my boys are finished with her, she'll wish she was dead. I don't think she'll ever make a full recovery from this. Pity. She's cute in that whore-slut-suck-your-dick-while-she-takes-a-guy-in-her-ass-and-her-cunt-at-the-same-time sort of way. I bet she'll scream real good for my boys. I'll make sure you get good sound for every scream. The creds will be good for them, but getting a piece of that little bitch will be a nice incentive too."

"Oh, she's very fresh, very tight. I'm sure they'll have fun opening her up." Kaysa sat back in her chair with a contented sigh. "When's the earliest it can be done? I want it done soon before the little bitch decides to leave the planet."

Vrax looked at the chron on his wrist and smiled. "If I move fast, I can have it ready to happen tonight. I know the guys I'd need, so I just need to let them know. I can have the recording to you in the morning, and we can look over it with the morning financial statements."

"Sounds good, but I want you to make sure she's alone when it happens. I only want her, no one else. It gets a lot messier when there are more witnesses involved." Kaysa smiled at Vrax and bowed her head to him. "You might just redeem yourself with this one, Vrax. Congratulations."

Vrax' smile split his face nearly in two, but it held only malice and hatred. He would glady punish the girl who had shared Kaysa's bed, had gone down a depraved road and taken Kaysa there with her. If he could manage it, he would get a shot at her himself. They'd blindfold her so she couldn't see, and then he could step in and take her himself. He'd need to decide where to take her though. He had the rest of the day to figure that out. Maybe he'd get to take her multiple times. He grinned a feral grin. Just like a buffet, he thought to himself. "I will do all I can to get back into your good graces, Kaysa. I hope that when this is all over, you will be proud of the work I can do for you. It'll be everything you've asked for and more."

"I know you'll do your best, Vrax. I expect nothing less, nor will I tolerate it." Kaysa leaned forward and placed her hand atop Vrax's. She squeezed it gently and smiled at him with an almost pleasant smile. "I'll definitely owe you for this one, Vrax."

Before she dismissed him, Kaysa remembered a minor, nagging issue she still needed to take up with him, one that could be resolved fairly quickly and with only a few words and a very threatening glare. "Another thing...stay away from Zale Tregat. That means no following him, no sending him threatening letters... I don't even want you cursing his name in your sleep. He's off limits. Got it?"

Vrax frowned but nodded. "Sure," he said. "No more Zale Tregat. I'll leave him alone, though I think he's bad for you. He's a crimelord. He's bound to want something from you. He's bad for you, and bad for your business."

"Good. You have more important matters to attend to; I can't afford to have you preoccupied with trivial things such as jealously pursuing my lovers. You can save that for when you've taken care of the girl." Kaysa pulled her hand away from Vrax's and sat back in her chair. "Now get moving. I want this done as soon as possible."

"I'm on it," Vrax said with a lazy grin, and then stood from the chair and headed toward the door. "I'll make sure she screams extra loud for you, Kayse. I'll see you tomorrow morning. And, I'll bring the kaffe."

"Don't forget the rum," Kaysa called back as Vrax left and the door closed behind him.

A tingling warmth she could only classify as euphoria seized her body and intoxicated her mind. She was wrong, she knew that now. Trying to relinquish control of her life was a mistake. If she didn't step in, Shiv would steal Merrick right from under her...almost literally. She refused to sit back complacently and watch as the little slut seduced her boyfriend, the man she loved. Kaysa was through taking a passive role in how her life unfolded; it only caused her misery.

Kaysa pushed back her chair and drank down the last of her kaffe, savouring the sweet aftertaste of the rum mixed into it. She was going to get everything back into order without anyone's help. So far, those who'd offerred their help only abandoned her or tried to take advantage of her. Kaysa smoothed out her vest and straightened out her pants before heading for the door. She'd get Zenarr Inc. back on track; she was also already taking measures to ensure that no one interfered in the happiness she was so close to finding with Merrick. Now she only had to wait for Vrax to bring her plan to fruition.

She would have everything she wanted, and instead of waiting for it to be offerred to her, she would take it. Little steps, Kaysa. Giant ones, the demons whispered in her mind. They weren't such a nuisance if she listened to them, which was her first endeavour and her greatest challenge now. They could lead her down the path to self destruction if she followed them blindly, but it was the only way to regain the authority she'd once had over her life. Compared to losing everything, including Merrick and Zenarr Inc., losing her soul didn't seem like such a heavy price to pay.

---

"Sticky Situations, Part 1"
Liam and Yelara Zaneth - Drifters
Dame Oot Kovan - Leader of the Tarabassic Syndicate
NPC - Kambra Gant - Tarabassic Syndicate Head of Security
Location: The Scarlet Kestrel and New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 11, 4 ABY

As soon as Yelara had started calling, Liam rushed toward the bedroom. He knew there was no emergency, just Yelara tired of being couped up on the bed and wanting to get out. They were several lightyears from Tae'Karada and Oot Kovan's fleet and gladly heading farther out into the outer rim. They'd been making slow progress, but with Dargus Kandran dead, they really saw no pressing need to hurry.

Liam rushed into the bedroom and saw Yelara trying to get off the bed, but struggling with the large burden of her belly. He shook his head and smiled. "I may have the speed of a Jedi, but I'm still not fast enough to get here before your patience wears out. As soon as I heard you call, I ran. Here, let me help you." He moved to her side and offered his arm.

Yelara accepted Liam's offer and gripped his arm firmly. "Three more months of this, Liam. I don't know if I can do it," Yelara said with a whimper. She pulled on Liam's arm, but instead of pulling herself up, she only succeeded in almost dragging him down. She finally managed to maintain a vertical posture and took a moment to regain her breath. "Thank you, my love. I was afraid I'd be stranded on that bed all day."

Liam laughed. "Well, I could have always levitated you off, though I'm not sure how well you would have liked that. I mean, the power is seldom used on anything other than inanimate objects. But, I'm always happy to help when you need me." He slid around behind her and started working at the knots in her back. "And, at times when you don't, which judging by this knot here, would not be now." He heard her gasp as he loosened one of them. "We can get you a suspension harness if you'd like." At her look, he grinned. "Or not. So, which planet should we head to now? Somewhere to relax?"

Yelara sighed and moved back against Liam. Intimacy had become somewhat difficult for them during the pregnancy, but even a gentle massage satisfied her needs for the time being. "I think we should go somewhere...tranquil. I mean, somewhere free of tourists and distractions. We could rent a small cottage somewhere." Yelara moaned again as Liam's hands eased away another knot. She closed her eyes and lay her head back upon his shoulder. "Or, we could just stay on the ship and you can keep doing what you're doing right now."

"There's a place maybe a week away," he said. "I've heard it's very tranquil. We could spend a week in here with me giving you constant full-body massages and then when we get there, you get even more in a nice, placid setting." He leaned close and nuzzled into her neck. "How does that sound? I will wait on you hand and foot and see that you are pampered more than any one person has a right to be."

Yelara smiled and turned around to face Liam. "You're spoiling me, you know?" She wrapped her arms around his neck, but her protruding stomach prevented them from getting too close. She leaned forward to kiss Liam on the lips, but she gasped and her hand flew to her stomach. "Liam!" She looked up at him with an ecstatic smile and took his hand in hers. "Feel this." She placed his hand upon her stomach and whispered, "Can you feel it?"

A large smile spread across Liam's face as he felt the gentle thumping from within Yelara's belly. He laughed and looked up into her eyes. "Either you had too much carbosyrup on your stew, or someone's trying to say hi." He stretched out his senses and felt the life inside. "And, someone is feeling very healthy." He kissed Yelara again. "Do you have any idea how difficult it is for me to keep from finding out if it's a boy or girl? It's very tempting, but I keep restraining myself. It will be a complete surprise for both of us." He kissed her on the forehead and then the lips. "I promise."

Yelara gave a dry laugh and narrowed her eyes skeptically at Liam. "I bet you've already found out, haven't you? You just couldn't help yourself." Yelara laughed and kissed Liam again, feeling her desires flare up again. When the kiss ended, she looked at Liam with a soft smile and began running her hands along his chest. "I don't know if it's my hormones, or if you're emitting some sort of pheromones, but I just can't seem to resist you. I can't help but wonder if we're traumatizing the baby somehow with our...untamed passions. I mean, we can't be a very good example for it."

Liam laughed. "I don't know," he said. "If nothing else, our baby will know where it came from. How he or she got here. That's important. And, s-e-x is perfectly normal." He tried to snuggle even closer. Since she'd started to show, they'd had to find new positions for hugging that were comfortable. They had done quite well so far. "And, I have been good. I will be completely surprised. Promise."

Yelara knew there might be another surprise when the baby was born, but there was no room for dwelling on that. If the child was Dargus' they would deal with it together, but nurturing and sharing her body with the life within for 6 months created a bond she hadn't expected. She loved it and she hadn't even seen its face yet; that love, she knew, could only grow stronger once she held her child in her arms.

Yelara pressed her forehead to Liam's as they embraced in the centre of their bedroom. "This is nice, isn't it?" she said quietly. "Just you and me, floating lazily through space while our child blossoms inside of me." Yelara kissed Liam lightly upon the cheek and whispered into his ear, "My love...I'm hungry."

Liam laughed. "It's probably a very good thing I got that seventy liter vat of carbosyrup," he said with a grin. "You want to come out to the galley while I make you something? We've got fresh stores after stopping on Riga yesterday, so I should be able to make pretty much anything. Hopefully. With your tastes these days, I don't know though."

"Oh come on, Liam. You know I'll eat just about anything." Yelara smiled and slipped her hand into Liam's. "Come along. We're hungry and someone's getting impatient." Yelara looked back at Liam and laughed. "You know, I think it likes your cooking. Now mine..." Yelara gave a short laugh and shook her head. "It seems whenever I step near the range, it kicks me extra hard. I think it seems to think the pain will deter me...and it's right."

Liam laughed and gave her a kiss on the neck as he slipped past. "I shall cook you both an extra special meal. Now, sit there at the table, and I'll see what kind of magic I can work for you." He busied himself removing various containers and ingredients. As he settled everything in place to start, he glanced at Yelara watching him. "One of these days, I'll see if I can give you a few pointers in here. If you're interested. Though, I have a sneaking suspicion you like me cooking for you."

"And what gives you that impression?" Yelara laboriously took a seat and sprawled her legs out as she reclined back. "Of course I enjoy it when you cook for me. It makes everything just seem so much more...normal. I mean, of course our life before now has been adventurous, but I think I'm ready to just settle down. Aren't you?"

"I think I'm ready for a nice slow pace," Liam said with a smile. "I think we've had more excitement than any two people are supposed to have in life. Probably more than ten people should have. Really, I think we've seen our share of--"

Before Liam could finish, a persistent beeping filled the galley. He glanced down at the comm and shook his head. "No," he said. "No. Leave us alone. Why us?" He glanced up at Yelara.

She gave Liam a tight smile and shook her head slowly. "I guess I spoke too soon." She pushed herself to her feet and made her way to Liam. "Do we answer it? I mean...do we need to?"

Liam looked at the information coming in on the origin of the comm. He frowned as he read it. "Hmm," he said. "Very odd. Tarabassic." He looked over at Yel. "What would Oot be doing contacting us this quickly?"

Yelara looked up at Liam with a smile. "Maybe she's just checking in to see how we're doing." She stared at Liam expectantly and nudged him in the arm. "Well...come on. Aren't you gonna answer it? It's Oot!"

Liam opened the comm. "This is the Scarlet Kestrel," he said.

"Liam," came the sound of Oot Kovan's voice. "It's good to hear your voice again. I hope everything is well there and that you both are healthy. Is Yelara ready to give you to me yet? I know it's only been four months, but the beds on this ship are freezing."

Yelara laughed and pushed Liam aside so she could monopolize the comm. "I'm afraid he hasn't outlived his usefulness yet. A few more months and I'm certain I'll grow weary of his company." Yelara glanced up at Liam and gave him a tender smile, then returned her attention to the comm. "How have you been, Oot? And how is Kambra? I'm certain he misses us dearly."

Oot laughed. "He wanted me to say hello," she said. "And, things are going well here. Though, part of that is why I'm contacting you. Would it be possible for us to meet or is it inconvenient for you?"

Liam glanced at Yel. "We were going to make a jump into hyperspace, but we can hold off on that." He gave Yelara a questioning glance. He knew they both wanted to get away, but neither wanted to run out on Oot.

Yelara knew Oot wouldn't track them down to merely catch up for lost time and it was almost for certain she didn't want to speak to them now just to fluster Liam again. She placed her hand atop Liam's and squeezed it gently as she looked up at him. With an almost rueful smile, she nodded her head. They owed everything to Oot and they had no right to turn her away now.

"We'll meet you wherever you say, Oot," Liam said.

"I'll transmit the coordinates now," she said. "I'm sorry to call on you two so soon. If I had any other options, I would have pursued them."

"We understand, Oot," Liam said with a smile. "We'll be there soon." Once the channel was closed, he turned to Yelara. "Hopefully everything is alright with her. I mean, I hope she just needs us for an errand, and it isn't something dire."

"I don't know. I mean, she knows the baby's on the way. I don't think she'd call upon us to do something that would put our lives at risk, especially now." Yelara gave Liam the most comforting smile she could manage and pressed her hand to his cheek. "Don't worry. I'm sure it's nothing too dangerous."

Liam smiled. "I know," he said. "And, whatever happens, I'll keep you and our child safe from harm." He looked down at the meal he'd been preparing and frowned. "It'll take a couple hours to reach the location where Oot wants to meet us. I'll get us into hyperspace, and then I'll feed you."

Yelara smiled. "Alright, but hurry. I have this strong craving for some of that carbosyrup...on top of fried bantha liver. Do we have any of that?" Yelara laughed and kissed Liam. "Don't worry. Everything will be fine."

Liam's jaw dropped open as he stared at Yelara. "With a meal like that, I'm really not sure," he said with a laugh. "Yes, we have some. And, I'll make some for you as soon as we're on our way. And, everything will be fine. I can feel it." Except for the indigestion after that bantha liver with carbosyrup, he thought.

***

Once again, Liam and Yelara were led through the corridors of Oot Kovan's ship. This time, however, they were being led by a silver protocol droid. Liam glanced around, wondering where Kambra was. He put the thought out of his mind. The first time, Oot wanted her best man to make sure we didn't do anything rash. We're friends now, and Kambra's just...planning. For whatever Oot needs us to do.

"The amount of activity on the ship is much higher than it was last time," Liam said quietly to Yelara. "The level of stress and anxiety is higher. I have a feeling we're here because of whatever is causing that."

"There are a lot more droids about, now that you mention it. But whatever it is, I'm sure our role will be a less active one. I mean, if she's planning an attack or a raid, we're not exactly in a position to provide much assistance." Yelara held onto Liam's hand firmly and placed her other hand protectively onto her stomach. She may not have been a Jedi, but she too could sense the tension in the air. Something was wrong, definitely wrong.

Liam shook his head as he rubbed a thumb across the back of Yelara's hand. "No we're not," he said. "But, I'm certain she has something for us, and something that will keep you out of harm's way. And, that will be my intention as well. I don't want any chance of you being injured. I would not be able to live with myself if you were hurt in any way."

"But what about you, Liam? You can't protect me if we're separated." Yelara looked at Liam with concern and asked, "Oot wouldn't ask that of us, would she? Would she separate us, Liam?"

"No," he said. "I'm certain she wouldn't separate us. And, after that conversation you had with her, I'm certain she wouldn't put either of us in a situation that might endanger us." He put a protective arm around Yelara and kissed her neck. "Which is just fine with me, since whatever life exists after this would surely be lonely and boring without you at my side. No, I'm certain she'll do what she can to make sure we're together, and safe."

The droid stepped aside and indicated an open door. Within, Oot and Kambra were at the far end of a conference table, talking in low tones over a map. Around her, other men and women were talking and referring to notes and maps as well.

From the doorway, the droid said: "Liam and Yelara Zaneth, Dame Kovan."

Oot looked up and her eyes went wide. She flew out of her chair and rushed, as much as the head of a crime syndicate could allow herself, to the end of the room where Liam and Yelara stood. "You've arrived," she said, moving quickly to embrace Yelara. "Oh, you are looking quite beautiful, Yelara."

"And about twenty pounds heavier, right?" Yelara smiled and embraced Oot again. "It's only been four months but even that has been far too long. How are you? Things look to be very busy around here."

"Things are very busy," Oot said with a smile. "But not too busy to welcome returning friends. Please, have seats and I'll explain what is happening."

Rather than moving back to the head of the table, Oot took a seat next to Yelara and Liam. She looked at them both again and smiled. "It is good to have you here again. Now, this morning, we discovered that we had been infiltrated. Someone had managed to avert the programming of one of my droids. My suspicion is that the man responsible is Zale Tregat, a crimelord on Tae'Karada. Now, I cannot act directly against him, not with the situation as it is on the planet. I know anyone with aspirations of being a crimelord is watching everyone else. My request may be too much, but I will ask anyway and hope that you are able do it safely. I need intelligence data on Zale Tregat and his organization. I would like for you two to gather what you can."

Yelara glanced at Liam for a moment and from his expression, she gathered that he was not too excited about what Oot had in mind. "Oot," Yelara began as she refocused her attention on the crimelord, "I'm not certain how much help we can provide you with. I mean, I'm not in any position to provide assistance and Liam has made it quite clear to me that he's adamant in his refusal to leave my side even for a moment. We do want to help you, Oot, but I'm not sure what you want us to do."

Oot nodded. "You created the tracking device to find Dargus Kandran's ship," she said. "How difficult do you think it would be to create a device that would be able to monitor Zale Tregat's operations? Then you could gather data from a safe location and transmit it to me securely."

"It shouldn't be too difficult. I mean, if you tell me what you want, I'm sure I can come up with something." Yelara shifted in her chair and leaned forward towards Oot. "So all we'd have to do is create a tracking device that one of your operatives can plant? I don't see any problem with that. What do you think, Liam?" she asked as she turned back to him.

Liam nodded. "Sounds easy enough. And someone else will plant it, right?"

"I can hire someone to plant it. I'll keep you apprised of those details once the time to insert draws nearer. How soon do you think you can be in place on Tae'Karada? I can have an apartment and workshop for you if you'd like. It won't be able to be traced back to me."

Liam smiled. He had a feeling a workshop would be something to pique Yelara's attention, even in her very pregnant state. "It's a big decision," he said. "Going back there, even with Kandran gone... Can we have a few minutes to talk it over?"

"Certainly," Oot said. "You can have as much time as you need." She glanced at Yelara's belly and smiled. "Let's take a break everyone." The meaning was clear, and the occupants of the room exited quickly.

Kambra was the last besides Oot. He patted Yelara's shoulder as he walked past. "Yousa looking berry good there," he said with a grin. "Mesa t'ink you about to pop. We talk soon." Before they could respond, he was out the door.

"I'll leave you two alone now," Oot said. "We'll be in the room where we held the celebration after Dargus' fall."

"Thanks, Oot," Liam said. And, then she left the room, leaving the two of them alone. He turned to her. "What do you think?"

Yelara had been hiding her shock until Oot and the others were out of the room and out of earshot, but once they were gone, she turned to Liam and spoke in a frantic whisper. "I didn't know we had to go to Tae'Karada! I--I just thought I'd build the device on our ship and we wouldn't have to be anywhere near the planet." Yelara's fingers dug into Liam's arms as she clung to him desperately. "Gods, Liam... I don't understand. Why do we have to go to Tae'Karada? Why do we have to go back there? I don't understand why she would leave out a detail like that..."

"I don't know," he said, "but that's definitely something to find out. I don't know how dangerous it would be for us there." He took her into his arms and shook his head. "If you don't want to go back there, we won't. I know we owe Oot everything, but if you don't want to, we'll find another way to repay her if we need to."

"I know...but we already agreed in a way. I hate that place, Liam. I know Dargus is gone, but his essence is still there." Yelara buried her face into Liam's chest and tried to find a warmth in his embrace that would drive away the sudden chill she felt. "Liam...I don't know what to do. She needs our help but I don't know if I can bear going back there."

"We'll be going together," he said softly. "I'll be with you the entire time. And, if anything gets too hot down there, we'll get out. And, I'll be with you every moment. I've got some good defensive systems on the Kestrel. We can modify the designs to protect our apartment on the planet. And, we'll make sure we have plenty of ways out in case things get dicey." He took Yelara's hand in one of his own and placed the other on her belly. "I'll do everything in my power to keep all three of us alive and safe." He kissed her gently and then looked deep into her eyes. "With you at my side and in my heart, the Force is strong with us."

Yelara couldn't have torn her eyes from Liam's even if she wanted to. The comfort they exuded calmed her instantly and reassured her. Liam would give his life to protect her and her unborn child; there was no need for him to tell her that, for she could feel it in his touch and see it in the warmth of his smile. If he wanted to go to Tae'Karada, she would follow. Wherever he went, she would be by his side. "Ok," she said quietly. A smile hesitantly formed on her face and she slipped her hand upon the one Liam had gently resting upon her stomach. "Alright. We'll do this. If we can help to eliminate another crimelord like Dargus Kandran, then I will do everything within my capabilities to do so. If it'll make the universe a safer place for our child, then that's all the incentive I need."

Liam kissed Yelara and wished they could stay there in each other's embrace forever. "I guess we can tell her we'll do it then," he said. "Is there anything else we want from her before we go see her?"

Yelara shook her head and held back a laugh that was determined to force its way out. "Only reassurance that we can have as much carbosyrup as we desire."

***

Liam punched the hyperdrive activator in the cockpit and the Kestrel lurched into hyperspace. His face, however, still had the expression of someone puzzling over a difficult logic problem. Finally, he shook his head and turned to Yelara. "Do you think Oot really meant it when she said she'd have carbosyrup dispensers installed in our apartment?"

Yelara paused for a moment and furrowed her brow as she deliberated. "Hmm...I don't know, but I hope she'll at least give us the creds to buy a year's supply of the stuff. I can't live without my carbosyrup, Liam. I just can't." Yelara smiled and reached her hand across the gap separating their seats to grasp Liam's. "This could be that little vacation we were meaning to take. It'll be fun, won't it?"

"I think so," he said. "If all we need to do is collect the data, then we should have a lot of time to ourselves to do with as we want. I doubt we'll need to sit over a console all day and night watching. We collect what we're collecting, maybe run some programs on it to sift out the extraneous, and the rest of the time is ours. So, I imagine we'll have time to install a tank to hold a year's supply of carbosyrup. I really hope the place we end up in has a good kitchen. The galley in here is passable, but if we're going to be living planetside, we need a good kitchen. Especially since you need good food during your pregnancy. And, apparently a lot of it. Your health is very important, and your diet will play a big part in that. Fortunately, carbosyrup isn't entirely bad for you." He laughed. "Though, I really must say that...that you really shouldn't put it onto vegetables. Last night at dinner, I almost felt sorry for those ice beets."

Yelara wrinkled her nose and shook her head as if driving from her mind the horrible taste of beets and carbosyrup. "I don't think that's a combination I'll be trying again. But it really is good with daga cabbage. You should try!"

Liam laughed as he glanced at Yelara. "Maybe if I'm feeling brave, I will," he said. As he looked at her, his eyes suddenly went really wide and a smile of pure joy spread even further across his face. At Yelara's questioning glance he laughed and took her hand into his. "Oh, just every once in awhile, it hits me. Being married to you, and our life together now. And, in a few months I'm going to be a father. It's amazing that in such a short amount of time, so much can change. This time last year, I would not have been able to see myself here where I'm at today. It's amazing, and it wouldn't have happened without you in my life. It's a powerful feeling."

Yelara pulled Liam's hand towards her lips and kissed it tenderly. "Seeing you that first day on the flightdeck and looking at you now, I wouldn't say you're a different person, but you certainly have changed. For one thing, you brood a lot less." Yelara laughed and shot Liam an accusatory gaze. "By the way, did you pay me back yet for saving your life that day? If it hadn't been for me, those men would have smashed that handsome face of yours."

Liam tapped his chin as if deep in thought. "You know, I don't think I ever did," he said. "I guess I owe you still. How do you want me to repay you for saving my life? Is there anything I could do that would even come close to settling that sort of debt?" He pulled her hand to his lips, and kissed each finger in turn as she'd done to him. "Would a lifetime supply of carbosyrup even come close?"

"Hey!" Yelara drew her hand away quickly and playfully scowled at Liam. "Trying to repay my valiantly rescuing you from a bunch of thugs by using a gift so kindly offerred to us by Dame Oot Kovan? That is really low, Liam."

She allowed a smile to chase away the grimace on her face as she slowly got to her feet. "I think I do have something else in mind, though." Yelara slowly circled around Liam, trailing her finger up his chest and around to his shoulder where she gently rested her hand. From behind, she leaned over and placed her lips next to his ear. "When we get to Tae'Karada," she whispered silkily, "the first thing I want you to do is take me up into your arms and carry me into our new home." She kissed his neck lightly, then returned her lips to his ear. "After that, I want you to slowly remove every piece of my clothing and slip me into a warm tub of water where you will bathe me from head to toe. You'll pick me up, dripping wet, and wrap me in a towel before you carry me into our new bedroom and lay me gently onto the bed and..." Yelara smiled and kissed Liam's neck again before drawing away. "I'll let you figure out for yourself what to do after that."

Liam turned to Yelara as she took another step away from him, her seductive smile working as it always did. "You have yourself a deal," he said, swiveling his chair around to fully face her. "Though, I don't know if that would nearly be enough for saving my life. I think I would have to do that many, many times to make up for what you did for me." He stood and started following Yelara as she coyly continued backing away from him. "And I have a very good idea what comes after laying my beautiful wife on the bed." He gave her a smile of his own. "And, it has nothing to do with carbosyrup."

Yelara raised an eyebrow and laughed. "Well, not unless you're into that sort of thing." Her seductive smile returned as she continued backing away, reaching back to undo her dress in the process. "Are you in the mood for some carbosyrup, my love?" Yelara asked allusively. "I certainly know I am."

"I'm quite certain that I could go for some carbosyrup right about now," he said, catching up to her as she backed into a bulkhead. They both laughed at her predicament, and then Liam took advantage of her being stopped to kiss her passionately. "I think I definitely have acquired a taste for carbosyrup." He kissed her again, and when he was finished with her lips, moved greedily to her neck and throat.

Yelara laughed as Liam's lips tickled her flesh. She playfully tried to push him away when the kisses caused more wild laughter rather than moans. Finally, she resorted to grabbing his face with her hands and keeping his mouth busy with kissing hers. The top of her dress was pushed down over her shoulders by Liam's nimble hands. His fingers against her bare flesh silenced any residual laughs that had been lingering in her throat; the gentle moans finally made their way out. Once their lips parted, Yelara's sobered expression conveyed both love and extreme happiness. She knew precisely what Liam had been referring to earlier, and it truly was a powerful feeling. "I love you, Liam. Truly."

"We're safely in hyperspace now," he said gently. "I think we can retire to the bedroom for awhile. I think it'll be much more comfortable there than here in the corridor."

Yelara nodded as she ran her hand along Liam's cheek. She pushed him gently away with her other hand and slipped free of the bulkhead. With a single tug and a few gentle wriggles, her dress dropped to the ground. Her hand went to the tie looped around her raven hair and once it was removed, the curls sprang loose and fell softly upon her bare shoulders. "Make love to your wife now, Liam," she said quietly with a gentle smile gracing her features.

Not taking his eyes from Yelara's, Liam stepped forward and scooped her into his arms. He could feel her love for him, and knew that she was feeling his as well. He slipped inside their bedroom and laid Yelara into the centre of the bed. He slowly removed his clothes and climbed onto the bed with her.

***

The Scarlet Kestrel dropped out of hyperspace at the edge of the Karadan system, only a short distance from Tae'Karada. It had been awhile since they'd been back, and it was intimidating to say the least. Liam held Yelara's hand as they looked into the distance at the tiny glowing speck they knew was their destination.

Liam took a deep breath and let it out. He turned to Yelara and smiled. "You ready?"

"I...I think so." Yelara looked up at Liam and smiled uncertainly. "I won't know until I step onto the planet. Even so, I don't think I'll ever be ready."

Liam activated the system drive and the ship edged forward. As their speed increased, the speck grew larger. Around it, they could see the pinpoint movements of star destroyers and other Imperial starships. The shipyards bulged from the planet like a giant tumour. Liam couldn't help thinking that the image came from their former ownership by Dargus Kandran. He angled them toward where the shield opening awaited. One of the smaller star destroyers broke out of the main group and started toward them on an intercept path. "This'll be nice and smooth," Liam said. "We just have to act like we belong here."

"Act like we belong?" Yelara repeated worriedly. "Liam, this ship looks nothing like one of those Imp destroyers. Can't we...can't we just talk to them and explain that I desperately wanted to give birth on Tae'Karada?" Yelara laughed dryly and shook her head. "Yeah, I'd like to see you convince them of that blatant lie."

Liam laughed. "Act like we belong here going to Tae'Karada, not that we're really a star destroyer, silly woman," he said with a smile. "If they ask, I'll just tell them we're moving here for a commerce job in New Plouton."

Yelara shot Liam a rather unamused scowl, then looked away with an exaggerated humph. "Fine. Your silly wife will just stand right back here, looking very pregnant, while you try convincing the Imps that you are a businessman." Yelara snorted cynically and moved to the back of the cockpit. "Well, go on then. Show me how clever you are, my love."

Liam pushed the ship forward and after a few moments of silence, the comm crackled to life.

"Identify yourself," the voice said.

"This is the Scarlet Kestrel out of Corellia," Liam said. "We're headed for New Plouton. Job relocation."

"What job, Kestrel?"

"Private security for Dannivik Enterprises," he said. "They manufacture computers."

"We are reading two life signs."

"My wife," Liam said. "We're expecting our first child."

The voice seemed unimpressed. "Transmit your identity codes."

"Transmitting."

They waited five minutes before the voice returned. "You may proceed, Mr. Zaneth."

"Thank you," Liam said, and shut down the comm. He moved them quickly past the Imperial patrol, glad to be out of the watchful gaze of men who would certainly take him into custody and torture him endlessly if they knew who he really was. Once they were clear, he turned to Yelara with a grin. "See? Easy. I thought about telling him we were planning on naming our baby Palpatine, but he might have been suspicious."

Yelara bit her lip to contain a laugh, but it was a futile effort. "Liam," she said with almost bewilderment. "You've developed quite the sense of humour. I can't help but take some credit for that, even though I am just a silly woman whose only concern should be spewing out babies and laughing at your jokes." Yelara furrowed her brow pensively. "Hmm...I think I'm taking care of all that pretty well, don't you, my lord? Maybe you won't have to take on a mistress after all."

Liam laughed. "Well, that makes me very happy," he said. "I know Oot would be devastated if I accepted that offer of hers. And, I'd rather be with you, babies or no. And, you better know that I was teasing. If you are silly, I am sillier."

"Surprisingly so!" The warmth returned to Yelara's face and all angry jest disappeared. She lumbered back to Liam with a smile and stood by his side as she looked out of the canopy. "So our destiny brings us back to this place," she said humbly. "Do you think there's another purpose for our being here besides helping Oot spy on the local crimelord?"

Liam gazed at the planet as they approached. It was a very good question, and there was a part of him that sensed a tugging toward this place and time. "I feel that there may be something looming on the horizon for us, but I can't tell what. But, something is drawing us here besides Oot."

---

"Sticky Situations, Part 2"
Liam and Yelara Zaneth - Drifters
NPC - Rennor Karradas - Owner of New Plouton spaceport

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 11, 4 ABY

***

Liam and Yelara stepped off the ship and all around them, spires climbed into the sky. It was the largest city they'd been in for some time. Liam guessed that the star port was the lowest structure in all of New Plouton. Ships of varying types and models roared overhead, drowning out any noise from the rest of the city. He took Yelara's hand as they saw a man approaching them. He dressed well and had the look of wealth about him, and carried himself with an arrogance that Liam knew he'd seen in another before.

"If his clothes weren't so impeccable and well-made, I'd swear he looks like the type that would sell used speeders," he whispered to Yelara before the man was close enough to hear.

"Well, he is kinda handsome though..." Yelara glanced sideways at Liam and stifled a laugh as she elbowed him in the ribs. "Be nice, Liam. We've been on the planet a matter of 30 seconds and the last thing we need is to start making enemies...at least not yet."

Liam chuckled. "I'll try not to do anyting rash," he said. "Good afternoon. We need to berth our ship here. We'll be staying in the Yemol District"

The man stepped closer, his eyes dropping to the swell of Yelara's belly. He nodded approvingly, then turned his attention to Liam. "My name is Rennor Karradas. I own and run the starport here. I hope your landing was adequately controlled. I've been training some new controllers, and I just want to make sure they treated you well."

"It was perfect," Liam said.

"Good," Rennor said, and he gave them each a smile. Liam was certain the guy was trying to show them how white his teeth were. "Berthing for your ship will be seven hundred fifty credits."

Liam pulled out his credit chip.

Rennor's smile grew even wider. "Per day."

Liam's hand stalled midway between himself and Rennor. He appraised the man and stopped wondering how he could afford such nice clothes. "That's a little steep."

"You are welcome to try to find another place to berth your ship," he said.

Liam looked around and then back to the starport manager. "This is the only public starport in New Plouton. You can't be serious about those prices."

Rennor's smile disappeared as if he were trying to show them that he was quite serious. "My prices are reasonable, I assure you. Now, are you going to pay the fees, or do I clear your ship to leave?"

Liam shook his head and turned to Yelara. "I'm really trying to not do anything rash here," he said in a low whisper.

Yelara pursed her lips as she held back all the expletives she wanted to shout at Rennor, but managed a sweet smile for Liam. "My love," she whispered. "You have my permission to be as rash as you like...and if you need to use your fists, I won't try and stop you either."

Rennor, not enjoying that they were ignoring him, took another step forward. "So, how far along are you?" he asked Yelara. "My guess would be around six months. I do love children. I am hoping my fiancée will provide me with one or two. I've always wanted a son."

Yelara shifted her gaze slowly to the man before her and looked at him with impertinence. "Six months, yes. And as for your fiancée, I hope she is quite fertile and provides you with many many sons." Yelara smiled, but in her mind she added, "And I hope they turn out to be impudent little pests who drive your business into the dust."

Rennor gave Yelara a big smile. "Oh, I hope so as well. She definitely has the hips to bear many children. She is my dream. I'm sure you would love her if you met her. She is quite a delight, though a little too willful at times for my tastes. The most beautiful woman on the planet. If only I could convince her to adopt the native fashions, then everything would be perfect." He snapped himself out of his wishful thinking and looked sternly at Liam. "Now about the docking fees, are you going to pay?"

Liam passed a hand before the man's eyes. "We don't need to pay the docking fees," he said in a dull monotone.

Rennor shook his head. "You don't need to pay the docking fees," he said, still grinning.

"We are free to stay here as long as we like."

"You are free to stay here as long as you like."

"Have a nice day."

"Have a nice day, you two," Rennor said. "I hope to see you around. Oh, and good luck with your baby. It's such a joy."

Liam glanced at Yelara who was trying to hold back her laughter. "Come along, my love," he said. "I think it's time to go visit our new home."

Yelara giggled quietly as they passed Rennor, who was still grinning like a fool. She looked back at him for a moment and shook her head slowly. "What an unpleasant, sexist pile of nerf dung," she commented sourly. "So pompous and obnoxious...and the way he practically objectifies women! Did you hear that comment about child-bearing hips? Disgusting!" Yelara continued mutterring insults under her breath and finally let out a sharp sigh. "I am so glad you are nothing like that, Liam. If you were, you would certainly be sex deprived right now."

Liam laughed softly. "If I was like that, I'd have to fall on my lightsaber. I can't believe there's a woman out there who would agree to marry that guy." He took her hand as they continued out onto the street. "It may be wrong of me to say, but I hope a ship falls on him. It might at least knock some sense into him."

"If that happened, I'm sure his fiancée would be very grateful." Yelara rested her cheek against Liam's arm as they walked through the busy streets. It was still all too surreal to her, being back on Tae'Karada. With all the painful memories associated with the planet, she wasn't certain if she could ever consider it a home. "I can't believe we're back here, Liam," Yelara said quietly. "I mean, all this place ever brought us was heartache and scars, some physical, some not. I still don't understand why we had to come back here to help out Oot."

"She doesn't want to risk broadcasting the information we're gathering through space. Not with the Empire so paranoid about communications. And, I guess she wanted people she could trust here...which is why she chose us. Not to mention people who couldn't be tied directly to her."

"So if we get caught, she can save her own hide while leaving us to rot in an Imperial prison. How nice of her..." Yelara grimaced and mentally chided herself for doubting Oot's loyalty. They were friends after all and Oot would make certain they were well protected...she hoped. "How long will we have to surveil the man? I don't want to stay here forever, Liam. I want this over with as soon as possible."

Liam pulled Yelara close and gave her a gentle kiss. "I do too," he said. "I want to get out of here and somewhere that we won't have to worry about any of this again. And, I don't think Oot would abandon us. I think she's in a bad situation with this Tregat guy trying to infiltrate her organization." He took her into his arms and held her, let her feel the safety of his embrace. "I don't think we'll be here long. Only a month or so. Just enough time for Oot to get what she needs to move against him."

Yelara didn't care how many passersby were staring, she would have been content to remain in Liam's embrace the entire day. "A month... I guess I can tolerate being here for that long. I just hope we leave here before the baby's born. If not, we'll have to stay even longer until the baby's ready for space travel." Yelara groaned quietly as mention of the baby some how triggered the nagging pain in her lower back again. "Come on, Liam. I've been on my feet too long."

"Let's grab a hovercab then," he said. "It'll give you a chance to get off your feet and we'll get there much quicker. And, we'll be that much closer to evening out that debt I owe you." He moved to the street and flagged down one of the passing hovercabs. They climbed inside and were soon whizzing through New Plouton toward their new temporary home.

When Liam helped Yelara from the cab, they turned to see the building reaching up into the sky. "We're up on the thirtieth floor," he said looking up toward where their apartment would be.

"Why so high?" Yelara groaned. "Hopefully there's a lift or else you're going to be carrying me up about 30 flights of stairs, my love." Yelara scrutinized the building once again and her good humour quickly returned. "Well, if the inside is as nice as the outside, I wouldn't mind being locked in our room all day and night. I wonder how much this is costing Oot."

Liam laughed as they approached the building. "I'm sure they have a lift," he said. "I can't imagine a building that tall not having one. And, the cost is Oot's concern. Though, I doubt it concerns her very much. You better be careful what you wish for, my dear, because I may decide to lose our key. And, then it'd just be you and me and more carbosyrup than we could ever conceivably consume in a year."

"Ooh! You mean it? About the carbosyrup, I mean..." Yelara gave Liam a playful smile as they stepped into the lift and began their hasty ascent. "I wonder...what are you gonna do to pass the time? I'll be locked away in the apartment working on the device, which can't exactly be fun for you. And meditation doesn't look so exciting either...so what then?"

"I can bring in some equipment from the ship to continue some of the projects I've been working on," he said. "If there's room, I may even be able to set up in the workshop. If you don't mind the company, that is. Won't be more than some electronics bay and the kiln. I'll probably also be able to spend some of the early time making sure we're secure. Other than that," he added, slipping an arm around her waist, "I'll just need to figure it out as I go."

Yelara smiled and kissed Liam on the cheek before resting her head upon his shoulder. "It might be fun to work together...that is if I don't get frustrated with what I'm doing and end up hurling metal objects at you." The lift finally ceased its ascent and the doors opened onto a corridor. "That was a quick ride. Not quite long enough for us to get into any trouble in here...unfortunately," she said with a mischievous smile.

"We could ride back down to the lobby and up again," Liam said with a smile to match Yelara's. "Either that, or we can go make some mischief in our new apartment. After I carry you inside and bathe you luxuriously, of course."

Yelara raised her eyebrows at Liam as he piqued her interest. "Oh, planning on paying me back for my heroism? I hope Oot hasn't forgotten the carbosyrup..."

Liam smiled and kissed Yelara on the neck and worked his way up to her lips. "If she has, I will buy it for you myself," he said. "Now, are you ready?" He moved to where he could lift her as they entered their temporary home.

Yelara laughed as the ground disappeared from under her feet and she was cradled in Liam's arms. "I'm surprised you can still carry me after all the extra weight I've put on. And how you even find me attractive still...I don't know."

"You're light as a feather," he said with a smile, "and the most beautiful woman I've ever met. I know you won't believe me, but you are. I wake up every morning and wonder what my life would be like without you, if I'd never met you. And, I can't even imagine it anymore. I can't even begin to fathom a day of my life without you in it anymore."

"Liam..." Yelara smiled lovingly and ran her hand along his cheek. "And you had me the first day you walked onto that flightdeck. You'll always have me. Especially if you keep saying things like that." Yelara looked down at her stomach. She rested her hand upon it and glanced between it and Liam as she said, "If you ever have trouble wooing a girl, you can always ask your father. He always knows the right things to say."

Liam looked down into Yelara's eyes and smiled. "I think if every moment is like this here, some time on Tae'Karada won't be so bad." Once inside the apartment, he moved in the direction of what he figured would be the bathroom. After ending up in the kitchen, he had to turn around and head the other direction. When he finally made it into the bathroom, he laughed. "Hopefully our child won't have my sense of direction." With a thought, he turned on the water and moved to set Yelara down.

"I was beginning to wonder why you keep insisting upon flying the ship backwards." Yelara laughed gently as her feet touched the ground again. The sounds of water tumbling into a tub behind reminded her of the conversation she had had with Liam on the ship. She knew what was coming next and she could barely contain her anticipation. "Shall I remove my own clothing or will you do the honours?" she asked with a crooked smile.

Liam raised an eyebrow and started to remove Yelara's top. "Maybe we can do it together," he said. "On our little detour through the kitchen, I saw what distinctly looked like a carbosyrup dispenser."

"You did!?" Yelara asked with genuine excitement. The idea of having a bath seemed somewhat unappealing to her now compared to thoughts of sweet carbosyrup running down her throat. She quickly moved past Liam and made her way to the kitchen in a frantic search for the coveted carbosyrup dispenser. "If you're lying to me, Liam I swear I'll make you pay."

Liam looked down at the tub filling with water, and then to the door Yelara had just gone through. He laughed to himself and shut down the water. As he followed after her, he couldn't help wondering if she'd continue to consume such large quantities of the stuff for the rest of her life. "In the far corner," he called after her. "Near the oven."

Yelara scanned the room quickly and squealed with delight as the large dispenser came into view. "She did it! She actually did it!" Yelara rushed over to the dispenser, rather hastily despite the extra weight hindering her movements. Her hands fell upon the dispenser and she caressed the surface of it tenderly and almost reverently. "Oh we really must thank Oot for this," she breathed. She placed her open palm under the nozzle of the dispenser and she gasped quietly as a stream of red liquid flowed into her hand. She pulled it away before the syrup had a chance to spill over; she couldn't bear to waste even a small bit of it. She gazed at the glistening liquid for a moment before she could no longer resist the urge and plunged her tongue into it. "Mmm..." She moaned ecstatically as she engorged the syrup, pausing only to take a breath.

From the doorway, Liam resisted to urge to comment on how their baby would most likely be born with sugary sweet syrup for blood. "If you want, I can run a hose to the bathtub," he said with a smile.

Yelara's tongue hung motionless over the puddle of liquid in her hand as she sneered at Liam. "You're just jealous because I'm giving the carbosyrup more attention than I'm giving you," she said as the syrup dripped from her chin. She laughed wickedly and moved towards Liam. "Are you jealous, Liam?" Yelara laughed again as she finally reached him and held up her sticky hand. "You better apologize to the syrup, my love. That was a very disrespectful comment. If you don't, there will be consequences." She glanced at her hand, suspended precariously close to Liam's face, then back at him with a mischievous smile. "So what's it gonna be?"

Liam looked at the syrup and then up at Yelara. "Apologize? It's syrup. And, I'm sure it would love to surround your naked body and get you all clean yet sticky."

"Liam...I don't think you understand the seriousness of the matter." Yelara looked sternly at Liam, then motioned to the syrup dripping in thick globules from her hand. "If you know what's good for you, Liam, you will apologize. I'm your wife, and I love you, but I will punish you if the need arises. So, what'll it be?"

The look in Yelara's eyes told him that she was serious. He turned his eyes to the syrup and tried to appear sombre. "I humbly apologize for the mean and hurtful things I have said. I place myself upon your mercy and beg that you can find a way to forgive me my transgressions."

Yelara narrowed her eyes and brought her sticky hand near to her ear. "What's that?" she asked. She paused for a moment, pretending to listen to some important comment being made by the carbosyrup, then said quietly, "Oh dear..." She looked back at Liam with an almost grave expression and sighed deeply. "Well, my love, I'm afraid your apology just didn't seem sincere enough. The carbosyrup has demanded retribution."

A mischievous smile slowly curled Yelara's lips and a wicked gleam appeared in her eyes. "My love, I am truly sorry." With that, she moved her hand swiftly through the air and planted her sticky palm firmly onto Liam's face. She cackled with laughter as she rubbed the viscous, red carbosyrup over his cheeks, and nose and mouth and then onto his hair. She pulled her hand away quickly as the assault ended, but her wild laughter continued. "Oh Liam! The carbosyrup has forgiven you. Isn't it glorious!?"

Liam's body stiffened as the carbosyrup dripped from his face and hair. He could feel it drying and hardening already. He looked up at Yelara and squirmed slightly as some of it dripped down past the collar. "That was not nice." Behind Yelara, the spigot turned. Liam smiled. "I really think you should bathe in this stuff. I'm sure it does wonders for skin tone. And, the pores." A flood of the sticky goo spurted from the dispenser, aimed directly at Yelara. Liam took a step back, laughing as the wave of syrup splashed across Yelara's back.

Yelara shrieked as the liquid splattered onto her and dripped down her bare arms and legs. She tried to maneuver away from the stream of carbosyrup relentlessly spraying in her direction, but not being as agile nowadays, she was unable to avert the onslaught of syrup. "Liam!" she cried out. The sticky fluid was seeping into her clothing and weighing down her dress as she continued to be hit by her precious carbosyrup. "Stop! You're wasting it!" Despite her frantic cries, she could do nothing to contain the bubbles of laughter rising within her. She may have hated Tae'Karada, but at least with Liam, she knew the situation would be tolerable.

Liam gave her a little more of the syrup before stopping it. "Don't worry," he said, trying to still his laughter and failing. "We can always get more. I'm certain they sell it by the cargo container here in addition to the convenient bottle for use on the dining room table." He looked at Yelara and shook his head. "I think we're both going to need a bath."

"Oh, so that was your plan all along." Yelara laughed despite how sticky and uncomfortable she was feeling. She moved slowly towards Liam, gliding through large puddles of carbosyrup. She looked down upon the red pools and shook her head. "What a pity. All that carbosyrup..." She looked up at Liam as the distance between them disappeared and smiled at him. "You're a mess yourself, my love," she said softly. She pressed her hand to his now tacky cheek and kissed him slowly and tenderly. His lips were sweetened by the carbosyrup she'd placed upon them and couldn't bring herself to pull away. "You're quite tasty. Absolutely delectable, my love." She laughed quietly and began running her tongue along his cheek and neck, feeding on the syrup there. "You're even more irresistible now."

"So, maybe while we're here, I can invent some carbosyrup clothes, and maybe a skin moisturizer. It could be that break into the fashion industry I've never mentioned before." He kissed her again. "You're pretty tasty yourself, my love. Why don't we go slip into the tub and make a meal of each other?"

Yelara sucked on Liam's neck, feasting on as much carbosyrup as she could extract from his flesh. She finally tore her mouth away and licked her lips of any trace of syrup. "I think that's a wonderful idea. You always have been very appetizing," she said before nibbling on his neck and running her hands under his shirt. "Come on. The water's getting cold and the syrup is getting hard." Yelara looked down at Liam's groin and laughed gently. "And apparently that's not the only thing."

"It's from you sucking on my neck," Liam said, following after her, "not the syrup."

They got into the bathroom again, and Liam quickly started the hot water running again, while Yelara continued to clean all the remaining carbosyrup from his face and neck. "Please tell me we're not going to have to use carbosyrup from now on," he finally said as he wrapped his arms around Yelara's sticky body.

"Well, not if you can manage to keep me interested otherwise." Yelara pulled up Liam's shirt and wrapped her sticky mouth around his nipple. She sucked on it greedily as if it too were spouting carbosyrup like the dispenser. If only... she thought dreamily. "We really must thank Oot for the carbosyrup," Yelara said distantly; all she could focus on was fantasies involving she and Liam rolling naked in a pool of carbosyrup. She definitely wanted to try that.

Liam sighed as he pulled Yelara to him. He couldn't shake the sudden image of himself and Yelara rolling around in a vat of the sticky, red syrup. He helped Yelara out of her shirt and then got rid of his own as the tub continued to fill. Fortunately, it looked large enough for both of them. He laughed softly as he took some of the sticky goo and smeared it over Yelara's nipples. "We're going to have quite the mess to clean up when we're done."

Yelara looked down at her breasts, then back up at Liam with a smile. "Why not start now?"

Liam smiled at Yelara as he lowered his lips to her breasts. He drew his tongue across one breast and then the other. He felt her react to his touch, and repeated it. He looked up into her eyes, a smile still in place. "Very sweet," he said. "Though, I think I've cleaned them off already."

Yelara's smile didn't dim as she pushed the bottom of her dress past her stomach and let it drop to the ground. "I can think of many more places that require a good cleaning."

He started down over Yelara's distended belly, leaving a trail of licks and kisses along the way. He let his kisses linger between Yelara's thighs. "So, down here?" he asked. "You want a good cleaning down here? I was reading this holobook, and I think I learned a couple tricks."

Yelara's smile broadened and a rush of excitement arose within her. "I would really really like to see those tricks." She grabbed the waist of Liam's pants and began pulling him towards the tub. "Come on. Let's see how long you can hold your breath under water."

Liam laughed and scrambled to get out of his pants before Yelara tried to throw him into the water. "My my, impatient one," he said with a grin. "Let me at least get undressed before we climb into the tub."

"If you must..." Yelara said with an exaggerated sigh. She laughed at Liam's humourous attempt to divest himself of his pants. "Clothes have never stood in the way before. I think from now on, we should make it a habit to walk around here naked. It would make things a lot easier."

"Deal," he said as he tugged one boot free. "And, we've never been covered in carbosyrup or stuck on the floor of the bathroom before either." The other boot disappeared and he slipped his pants the rest of the way down. He looked up at Yelara with a wide grin. "Done. In we go!"

She laughed as she watched Liam slip quickly into the tub; she carefully followed him in, with his arm held out to her for support, and sat down between Liam's legs slowly. She sighed as the soothing warmth of the water loosened the persistent knots in her back. With Liam's arms wrapped around her waist and resting upon her swollen stomach, she reclined her back against him and lay her head upon his shoulder. "We really have to thank Oot for the tub. It will certainly be made good use of."

Liam sighed with contentment as Yelara relaxed back against him. "I think we'll be in here frequently," he said. "Every day if we can manage it, I imagine." He kissed her neck and smiled, a wave of happiness filling him. "Have you thought about names?"

Yelara's body tensed slightly at the question. She had thought of names before, but it would shatter the peace they had maintained for so long if she mentioned it. It wouldn't bode well if she told him she'd considered making their child the namesake of an ex-lover... "I haven't thought much about it," she said quietly. "I mean, we don't even know if it's a boy or a girl yet... Have you thought about it?"

"I haven't thought much. I thought for a boy, there's always Orlin or Raelin or possibly even Kallwyn," he said. "For a girl, there's Keryn or Thalla and Maeren. At least, those are some I thought of. But, we still have some time before we need to decide. And, this is definitely a decision we make together. So, don't think because I've thought of names, that we're not in this together."

"Of course. After all, I will have last say in this matter. I could never allow our child to grow up with a name like...Maeren." Yelara laughed quietly. "I bet Oot would be absolutely honoured if we named the child after her, but naming a child after a crimelord isn't exactly going to make it very popular in school." Yelara looked back at Liam with a hesitant gaze. "Liam... I know we've discussed this before but..." She paused for a moment to regain her composure, then began again. "Liam, if the child is Dargus', I don't know what we're going to do. Especially now that we're back on Tae'Karada and with the memory of Dargus everywhere. Giving birth to his child would only be even more torturous."

"If the child is his," Liam said softly, "we'll figure out what to do. If the child is his, we can put it up for adoption. I'm sure there are places on the planet that would take the child if we can't raise it." He kissed the back of her neck and then her ear. "We'll get through this whatever happens, my love. Together we can get through anything."

There was comfort in Liam's touch, but his words were far too unsettling. "You'd actually allow me to give away a child I've nurtured in my womb for nine months? I know I said I couldn't live with Dargus' child, but I expect you to at least try and reason with me, Liam. You're supposed to be the voice of reason."

She pulled away from his kisses and removed his hands from their resting position on her stomach. She shifted her body sideways to face him and sighed gently. "Liam... I don't want to give away this child, but I may not be able to stop myself. It'll be an emotional time and I won't be myself. If my behaviour becomes erratic, I don't know what I'll be capable of. I need you to be strong for both of us if it does turn out to be Dargus'. If you allow me to give away this child, Liam, I don't think I could ever forgive you."

Liam nodded slowly. "I won't let you get rid of the baby under any circumstances," he said solemnly. "No matter the consequences. I won't let you get rid of our child." He swallowed and wondered what the future would bring with that vow on his conscience. He once again pleaded with whatever powers existed out there to see that the child Yelara carried was his. "I promise."

"Oh, thank you, Liam," Yelara whispered as she curled up against him. "I don't trust myself, Liam. I don't trust myself to do the right thing. But I trust you. You have to protect our child no matter what...please Liam."

"Even if it destroys us," he whispered, barely above a whisper. "I'll make sure the right thing gets done." He slipped his arms back around Yelara. "It'll all be okay. And, as soon as this is all over, this business with Oot, we're going far from Tae'Karada and everything to do with this place."

"Good idea. I should probably get started on the device first thing tomorrow. The sooner I start, the faster we get off of this planet." Yelara sat with her cheek resting upon Liam's chest; she could distinctly hear his heart racing and knew it was due to talk of the baby. He always seemed to get uptight when that subject came up and Yelara knew it was because he was as nervous as she was about the outcome. "Everything's gonna turn out for the best, Liam. I just know it."

"It will," he said softly. "Maybe Oot won't need much information, and we can be out of here even sooner. But, until then, we'll make the best of it." Liam pulled a cloth off the rack and some soap and began slowly running it over Yelara's shoulder and back, occasionally bringing it around front to her breasts and stomach. "I'll get you squeaky clean," he whispered.

"What? The carbosyrup doesn't turn you on?" Yelara managed a gentle laugh. There was no point dwelling on what they had no control over and they certainly had none over the paternity of her child. That was decided six long months ago when it was first conceived. "We should do something tomorrow night. Don't you think?"

Liam set the cloth aside and wrapped his arms around Yelara again. "I think that sounds like a marvelous idea. I read about a place in the city that has great live music. It's called the White Noise, and I hear they have some big celebrity there. What do you say?"

"Why, Mr. Liam Zaneth are you asking me out on a date?" Yelara poked Liam in the stomach and kissed him on the neck. "I'd be honoured to accompany you, Mr. Zaneth, as long as I'm home by a reasonable hour."

"I'll see what I can do," he said. "But, I do know how wild you can get at a party, and especially if there's food there. But, a night out together having fun would be very nice." He kissed her gently and then pulled back to look into her eyes. "You ready to get out?"

"Yeah," Yelara said with a nod. "I'm getting cold and we've yet to try out our bed." She moved away from Liam to give him room to bathe, and washed the rest of the soap off herself. She scrubbed vigourously at a patch of carbosyrup that had dried onto her skin and which stubbornly refused to be washed away. "From now on, no more carbosyrup fights. Unless you promise to lick every single speck off me yourself."

Liam started washing his hair, and laughed at their predicament. "No more syrup fights," he said. After he'd rinsed out his hair, he realized it wasn't much better. "I think this is going to take some doing." He started working the soap into his hair again and wondered how many washings it would take to get all of the carbosyrup out of his hair. "At least you've got me to lick the stuff off your skin. I doubt you'd really want to lick this out of my hair."

"Hmm...you never know. I do have an extreme fondness for carbosyrup and I'd be willing to do anything to get some." Yelara gave up her futile effort to rid her flesh of the carbosyrup and shifted around to face Liam. She smiled at him suggestively and ran her fingers along his chest. "Liam," she said in a sing-song voice. "Do you remember your debt to me? It still remains unpaid." She motioned to the door leading to their bedroom, then fixed her eyes on Liam's again as her hand dipped under the water and found its way to his groin. "I think it's time you paid up, Liam."

Liam gasped as her hand touched between his legs. "I think it is as well," he said. He climbed out of the tub and grabbed two towels, one for each of them. He held out a hand toward Yelara, and motioned for her to stand. "Come my dear. Our bedroom awaits."

Yelara placed her hand in Liam's and dredged herself from the water. "Wherever you go, my love," she said with a smile, "I will follow. Always."

As he helped Yelara from the tub, Liam wrapped one of the large towels around her and gave her the most sensuous towel dry possible. When at last they were both dry, each was breathing hard and ready for the bed. He lifted Yelara into his arms again and crossed from the bathroom into their bedroom. "And, now I will repay my debt to you," he whispered as he lay her upon the bed.

---

"Things That Go Bump In The Night...errr..Day"
Elisia Melouet - Padawan
Kylas Thomas - Jedi Master

Location: Elsewhere
Date: Praeda 11, 4ABY

Elisia sat on the rock lost in thought. She had lost a sister, a home and so much more. Yet, she had more than she had ever expected. Her grief at Evie's death had been stronger than she would have thought. She knew she had been a clone and yet it still felt as if a part of her had died. She was totally oblivious to things around her. For once, the soft sounds of birds and insects did nothing to ease the unrest in her soul.

A silent step could be heard behind her, something loomed just on the outskirts of the woods and it sat and watched her before it moved to strike. Lightening could only wish to move this fast as it lashed out and knocked Elisia from her rock and pinned her underfoot.

Elisia screamed in shock and horror at the visage towering over her. Her saber had been knocked off the rock. She held out her hand to call it to her but it just waivered and dropped.

The creature reared and stumbled back a bright shaft light driven through it. Kylas stood behind it and his saber drawn. "Elisia, get in the house now!" Before he could react, it struck him sending him to the ground and his saber away. The monster tried to jump on him, he caught it and focused his mind. The monster screeched digging its claws into his arms, but it was too late. It slumped to the ground, dead.

Elisia did not even pause. Her hand reached out and her saber flew to it and she ran for the house. She slammed the door shut and flew to the far side. She huddled against the wall, saber lit in front of her, trembling from shock and fear.

Kylas stood and looked at the creature. "Damn. They're migrating again." He touched his arm and winced. He picked up his saber and walked into the house. He saw Elisia huddled in a corner. He sighed and threw his saber on the couch. "It's alright love, it's gone." He walked up and knelt down in front of her.

Elisia let the saber shut off and fall from her nerveless fingers before she threw herself into his arms. She was shaking, for she had nearly been eaten by the horrid thing.

"It's alright, everything is fine. We'll just stay in the house a few days love." He smiled. "Maybe even get off this planet for awhile. Are you alright?" He held her tightly and comforted her.

"I think it cut my shoulder. I am not sure. What was it?" she asked in the barest of voice.

"It was a Grilin. They a predatory race that lives on this planet. They migrate about every four years. I forgot their time was coming." He grimaced as he checked her shoulder. He lifted her up and carried her to the couch.

"Does it eat people?" she asked with concern.

"Anything its vision can pick up, heat." He shrugged. "Most of the construction here is convention coolant systems. Heat is radiated out... That thing sees something too big for it to take down so it leaves us alone."

"But I was alone at the pond and therefore a small target. I did not even hear it coming." She had been lost in thought but something so big should have at least been detectable to other senses.

"It somehow is unable to be felt by us. It's as if the force is completely one with these creatures; we can't sense them."

"Then how did you get to me so quickly? I thought surely it would eat me." She winced as he pulled her shirt back from the now sticky wound.

"Because I could sense your fear." He looked at her and tapped the side of his head. "Remember?" He began cleaning her wound and bandaged it.

"Will I ever be able to move that fast?" she asked thoughtfully.

"Very soon." He smiled. "You seem very consumed with the need to get power, love. You need to move slower."

"I don't want to move slower. I want to know it all and then I want to make them pay," she whispered.

"Elisia, we will go back and we will fight, but you have to have a clearer head about this." He caressed her face. "Patience."

"I don't want patience, I want justice," she spat angrily. "Have you heard anything from the High Princess?"

"No not yet." He looked at her. "Elisia, you must calm yourself." He looked at her and sat beside and pulled her to him.

"I am calm," she insisted. But she snuggled closer to him.

He smiled. "Yes you are love." He shook his head sadly. "What would you like to do?"

"Hold me," she said. It was clear she was still shaken.

He gently held her in his arms. "Shhhh, it'll be okay love." He smiled and caressed her face and pulled her up into his lap and held her gently.

"We should find the High Princess," Elisia said against his neck, taking both comfort and security from his embrace.

"Where would she be?" He looked at her.

"Well, if I had lost my married home, I would go home. Where would be home for the High Princess? I heard she was not from the planet," she said.

"Corellia." He smiled. "Perhaps, but you should try and heal a bit." He placed his hand over her shoulder and concentrated, it started to heal slowly.

Elisia closed her eyes. Suddenly they opened. "You are hurt too."

"It's nothing love." He smiled and kissed her forehead.

"Let me see." She pushed away and pulled his arm up. "This needs as much tending as mine," she scolded.

"Really, love, it's only a scratch," he chided her back and wiped the blood away.

She glared at him and got the supplies and gently cleaned it and then applied the antiseptic to clean the wound. She smiled and blew on it as her mother had when she was very little.

"Oh really? Kissing it better," he teased.

"Most likely but it would taste awful at the moment," she quipped back.

He laughed and pulled her face to his. "Enough. I'm a big boy, it doesn't hurt." He kissed her gently. "We should tend you more."

"I am fine as well. You should teach me more," she said. "I have finished my book studies today."

"What would you like to learn? After the past few months, you learned most of what I can teach; you just have to sharpen your ability." He smiled.

"Then I should go practice. Is it safe to go outside or should I work in here?" She did not know if there would be other beasts.

"Safer in here for now." He nodded.

"You just like having me near a bed," she teased.

He frowned. "I do not. You should train." He smirked.

She laughed and kissed him on the nose. "Yes, I think I will go meditate for awhile."

He smiled and kissed her back. "Alright." He laughed and tickled her.

Elisia squirmed from his grip and went to a quiet corner. She had to work on not being so unaware. While Kylas had said that the beast was hard to detect, Elisia was pretty sure a bantha could have snuck up on her at the pond.

Kylas walked over and grabbed a book and sat back reading for awhile. Elisia was soon lost in mediation and the awareness of things about them. It was a promising beginning to a new life.

---

"Returning, Part I"
by Xenda Rift - Bounty Hunter

Location: Above Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 11, 4ABY

The console beeped, bringing Xenda out of his light doze. Dropping his feet to the deck, he glanced across the readings, confirming that his hyperspace jump was nearly complete. Waiting for the countdown, he begun his check of his weapons and shields. Both were primed, charged and ready to be engaged as soon as the Black Rogue dropped out of hyperspace.

It had been some while since Xenda had last been on Tae'Karada. All he knew was that the Empire was blockading the planet, and at the moment, he was far from the most popular person with them. Sighing away his annoyance, he pulled the levers back on the hyperdrive when the count-down reached zero.

Immediately, the proximity alarm blared, and with honed reflexes, Xenda sent the Black Rogue diving down relative to his flight path in a corkscrewing maneouvre. The rear-end bulk of the Imperial Star Destroyer fell out of sight. Cursing his bad luck, Xenda began to mentally plot a path that would allow him to get past the blockade.

"So much for being quiet," he muttered to himself.

The Black Rogue's communication board lit up. Xenda pushed the scramble button and the signal light blinked out with a satisfying flicker. Somewhere aboard the Star Destroyer a communications console would be out of action for a while, as would the operator's hearing. The highly-illegal comms feedback unit he'd just used was a new addition he'd picked up in the corporate sector.

But Xenda knew his response was going to stir the hornet's nest. And he wasn't disappointed. Quickly, four TIE Interceptors dropped from the Star Destroyer's hangar and roared after him. Xenda shook his head in silent bemusement.

"Feeling cocky about ourselves, are we?" he said.

The escort shuttle's sluggish movements obviously gave the Imperial's more confidence than they should have had. But the Black Rogue's sluggishness was a trade-off, and if the Imps continued to pursue the issue, Xenda was going to have to demonstrate that trade-off.

The Interceptors bore in and began lancing space with green laser shots. Xenda didn't even attempt to go evasive. The Rogue's augmented shields easily consumed the laser fire and only required small movement of energy from the front shield to replenish the back one.

Suddenly, a missile was launched from an Interceptor and closed the distance to the escort shuttle in no time. The Rogue was knocked into side-ways flight by the missile, and the shields had been dimished drastically.

"Ok," Xenda said, menace creeping into his voice, "you've just poked the rancor."

Getting the Rogue back on course, he brought up his weapons system, and activated his rear turret. Quickly, the automated turret gained a lock on an Interceptor and fired. The shots from the twin heavy laser cannon tracked the fighter until it hit and pierced the reactor. The fighter disappeared in a quick explosion.

The rear turret continued to fire, stopping the fighters from flying level and getting a missile lock. At the same time, Xenda activated his rear-firing homing mine launcher. Dropping three mines, he dove towards the growing planet. The Interceptors dove to follow, which gave the three mines the perfect angle of attack and quickly, the fight was over.

The Star Destroyer was in pursuit, as were some newly launched fighters, but Xenda now had a lead on them, and he knew of some canyons where he could lose pursuit. Then it would be on to Thanatos, and back to the work he had come here for.

"It's good to be back," he said dryly.

***

Having powered down the Rogue, Xenda armed the anti-personnel security system and exited the escort shuttle. He remained alert, ready for the Imperial troops to come pouring into the docking bay. But the only person there was the docking bay owner.

Xenda didn't even bother looking at the man as he threw him a hefty credit chip.

"I don't want to find any visitors here when I return," he said, leaving the unspoken outcome hanging in the air.

The docking bay owner simply nodded and left. No sign of simpering, or trying to get in his good books. A simple business deal. And the man's demeanour told Xenda more than anything else that he wouldn't be sold short.

Xenda stepped out into the street. It was bright sunlight, and the sun shone off his body armour. To Xenda's amusement, people made a lot of effort to cross the street from him and look inconspicuous. He smiled thinly behind his helmet. With his cloak trailing behind him, he entered a cantina, suppressing a sigh as he did. He seemed to spend half his life in cantinas.

His target was leaning against the bar, bossing around people. He didn't notice Xenda walk up behind him, but it was obvious his companions did when they slowly moved away. Rory Ter cursed.

"Who the hell is blocking my light?" he said, standing up and turning.

He came face to face with his own reflection. With a quick intake of breath, he instinctively leaned backwards and subsequently sat back down on stool with an undignified smack. Xenda remained motionless. Recognition flickered across Rory s face, before an uncertain smile stretched across his lips.

"Xenda?" he said. "God, its been a while! How ya doin?"

Xenda grabbed Rory by his shirt-front.

"You can shut up the I'm your pal routine, Rory," he snarled. "You left me high and dry on Corellia."

"Wh..what?!?" Rory said. "How?"

"Your so-called reliable information was completely off target. I took out an Imperial governor because of what you gave me," Xenda explained quietly. "And the real target got away. As it stands, I now have a bounty on my head by the Empire."

"I...but...how..." Ter slipped into trembling silence.

Xenda let go of Rory's shirt.

"I can't get any jobs from the guild anymore. I've been black-marked from Imperial bounties and I'll be shot on sight if I so much as show myself near any Imperial troops. I had to blast my way onto this planet," Xenda continued. "But you may have a chance to redeem yourself."

"Uh, yeah, sure," Rory replied.

"You have contact with the underworld here, don't you?" Xenda asked.

"Possibly," Rory said, cautiously, unsure of exactly what Xenda wanted.

"Good. I need you to pass on the word that I want work."

"I can't do that..." Rory began.

"Don't test me, Rory," Xenda retorted. "I know who you have connections with, and you will pass on my message. Otherwise, you and I are going to get reacquainted better than you would want to know."

Swallowing, Rory, nodded. "Ok, Xenda," he said. "I'll pass on your message."

"Do it, Rory," Xenda replied, "because you have a long way to go before I will even consider the debt levelled. Tell them that Xenda Rift is up for hire, and I may forget you for a while if I get an offer."

Turning, Xenda left the cantina and made his way back to the Black Rogue. Maybe returning here was a mistake, but until the heat died down from his rather abrasive entry, Xenda couldn't go anywhere. He may as well make the most of it.

---

"New Hutt On the Block"
by Padrick Norvin
and Weibran the Hutt

Location: Galactic Headquarters of the Weibran Crime Family, New Plouton
Date: Praeda 11, 4ABY

***

"The Hutt will see you now!"

Padrick Norvin cowered from the rough hands of the guards as they hauled him from his small cell. It wasn't much of a cell really, but close enough. Finely furnished and lavishly decorated, but the guards standing outside had made it seem a cell nonetheless.

"Look," he stammered. "I didn't know this was Hutt territory, alright? I mean, I'm sorta new here. Tae'Karada, anyway."

One of the guards shoved him with the butt of a blaster rifle. "You've been on this planet working these streets for six years, Paddy," he said.

Paddy looked around. "No I haven't," he said. "I just got here. Yesterday."

Another shove with the butt of the rifle. "I was here working for Dargus Kandran."

Paddy swallowed. "Oh." He chuckled softly. "I thought you looked familiar."

"Just move, Paddy."

Padrick stumbled down the long corridor toward a bank of lifts at the far end. The wealth of the Hutt who owned this building was everywhere. He thought that just one of the tables would get him enough creds that he could retire a very wealthy man if he sold it. But, no one stole from a Hutt and lived to spend the wealth. He was shoved into the lift and two guards followed him in.

"So, which Hutt is this? It's not Jadda, is it? I mean, I've stayed away from him."

One of the guards looked at him and shook his head. "You'll be lucky if he doesn't cut off your testicles and feed them to the rancor."

The blood drained from Padrick's face. "That doesn't sound nice."

"There are worse things. I mean, one guy was drawn and quartered out on the street. Have you ever seen a hyped speeder being kicked to full throttle from a dead stop? They're still scrubbing to get the blood out."

"I didn't mean it," Padrick pleaded. "Honest. It was only a small one."

"Small what?"

"You don't know?"

"Boss didn't tell me why you were here, just to bring you to receive your judgement. Though, he didn't seem all that happy about it."

The lift doors slid open and Padrick was pushed out into the hallway.

"Look," he cried. "Do you have to keep doing that? I mean, I can go forward without you sending me onto my face."

The guards just laughed and then pushed him forward again.

Padrick grumbled for the next fifteen meters. He took another step and then turned and dropped to his knees. "Oh gods, please let me out of here. I'm just a petty crook, and not a good one at that. I need to live. I've got a wife, and two kids."

"Sorry, Paddy," one of the guards said. "Get up."

They pulled him to his feet and pushed him back down the corridor. At the end, a pair of large double-doors loomed high overhead. Padrick turned, but the guards just raised their weapons. He turned back and walked forward.

At his approach, the doors opened into a room that was shrouded in darkness. He blinked rapidly so his eyes would adjust. He walked down an aisle toward what appeared to be a dais.

Was it sleeping? Maybe they could just leave. Waking a Hutt was supposed to be very bad. They should go. He turned again and then a soft rumbling laughter filled the room from behind him.

A soft glow reached out to him as the lights were turned up. The guards smiled and pointed their weapons at him, and indicated that he should turn. He did so slowly. As his eyes adjusted to the new level of light, he started in surprise. He'd expected a large, green slug-like being with stubby arms and a sliming drool cover