"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 covering everything.

On the dais, seated in an ornate throne, sat a man. The man had to be the fattest human Padrick had ever seen. He wore a white suite and a large white hat on his balding head. As he laughed his chins jiggled in a nice counter-rhythm to his belly. Padrick blinked twice, and the man, the Hutt laughed even harder. Around him, scantily clad women writhed in the throes of passion, their voices filling the room with a mixture of sensuous eroticism and laughter.

"What's this about?" Padrick finally managed.

"I am Weibran Dontoragal," the man on the throne said, his voice a rich bass. He waved his sausage-like fingers in a flourish. "Commonly referred to as Weibran the Hutt. Now, we have some business that relates to a matter of credits you lifted from one of my couriers. Now, will you be nice and return me my money, or do I see how big of a dent you can make on the street below. Did you know we are two hundred stories high in this room?"

Padrick blanched. "Oh...really?" He swallowed hard and tried to maintain strict control over his bladder. "Um, well, I don't have the money with me, but I can get it."

Weibran the Hutt laughed again. He picked up what appeared to be the leg of some unfortunate bird that had met its end in a vat of grease. He took a large bite and tossed it on a plate at his side. "Your fingers are light, and I need use of them. You will pay off your debt to me through work, but if you try to swindle me, I have another building twice as high as this one. Now, to help me enforce my dominion over New Plouton, there is something you must do for me."

"Anything," Padrick stammered.

"I want you to go to the location on the datapad Tobby will give you, and bring the contents on that list back to me." Weibran threw his head back and laughed a villainous laugh. At the side of the thone, a canine-like beast growled. "There, there, Rancor," he said patting the creature on its head. It lay back down and made a gentle cooing sound as Weibran continued to scratch behind its ears..

Tobby handed Padrick the datapad and he looked at it. "Wait a minute," he said. "This is a list of items off a menu. Sauteed Trisce and white wine?"

Weibran stopped laughing and looked at Padrick like the man had just grown a second head. "What? You expect me to take over this city on an empty stomach?"

---

"Playing Games"
by Jadda the Hutt - Crimelord
and Daemor'rah - Jedi / Bounty Huntress

Location: Jadda's Palace, Thanatos
Date: Praeda 11, 4 ABY

Jadda had called upon the Bounty Huntress. He had liked her style, and she was surely not one to screw up missions. Well, actually there were others who would do, but this one could take the job straight away without too much thought, for the right price.

She almost smiled as he saw her come into his audience chamber. The room was only occupied by himself, his protocol droid that translated whatever he wanted and his fierce guards, with torches and marble floors. Jadda sat there in a comfortable couch and smoked from a long pipe.

She stood there. She had not delivered her weapons as requested earlier, as soon as she had entered the Hutt's palace. She would never hand over her trophies to another, and the same went for her blasters or her rifle. They had been modified for a better performance and she would not hand them to a stranger.

But Jadda knew this already and had informed his guards not to make a fuss out of it, so she was allowed to pass, weapons and all. "You called me here?" she asked. "Why?"

Jadda made a gesture with his hand and his droid spoke. "His worshipness, Jadda the Hutt wants you to hunt down a smuggler called Vicks Mason. Your hunt may begin within the next couple of days and the prize is 500'000 credits."

She frowned. "The offer is generous, but if you want him caught by my hands you will pay 750'000!" the Huntress replied.

"Daawaa! Soyanna diaan 650'000 soo inawanna wangaa taegoo dantaa bijun foo daneguaa," Jadda said loudly.

The droid translated. "What? I will pay 650'000 and for that price you will bring the cargo he holds back to me as well."

Daemor'rah nodded to the Hutt's request. "Very well then..." she said. It was indeed a good pay for just one man and his cargo. Now to find this Vicks Mason.

As the Huntress left Jadda laughed. Now he would have his cargo delivered by Vicks as well as he would get the prize for delivering his ship to the Empire. And afterwards he could probably buy Vicks Mason back and have him working for free to pay his dept, hence the large payment for having him caught.

Indeed, playing games was fun for Jadda, especially those that would turn profitable for him. And this one it seemed would run well enough if all went well... It would cost him some money at first, but nothing that he couldn't afford. And in the end he would get that sum and more back.

---

"New Recruits"
by Ellemiek Vermollen - "Black Hawks" Rebel Squadron Leader
Jubey Khanor - Tae'Morad Guard (NPC by Ellemiek)
Kilgara Saaknor - Tae'Morad Guard (NPC by Ellemiek)
Admiral Worthington - Commanding Officer CRS Concordia

Location: Thanatos & Offworld (CRS Concordia)
Date: Praeda 9 to 11, 4ABY

She met them the day after she had the meeting with Zale Tregat at his headquarters. They were much more than she had thought them to be, and they would surely make an asset to the Alliance. Still, she knew that even though the number was large, it was not the whole. They were merely a small number of the Tae'Morad. The rest, it seemed, would stand as a faction on the planet.

She gathered up the men and women, trying not to attract too much attention. She nodded at them and approached her old friend, Jubey. "I see you gathered up quite a few. I never expected so many..." she admitted.

"I told you a lot would come. We are wanted and hunted. We might as well fight against the Empire that oppresses our existances..." Jubey replied.

At that point, another woman came up and placed her hand in Ellemiek's shoulder. "I never thought I would see you again until Jubey told me he had seen you..." she said. As Ellemiek turned around she embraced the other woman in a hug. They knew eachother since little and were almost like sisters.

"Kilgara! Thank the gods that you are still alive!" Ellemiek said in a whisper. "Now, we have to get going. I have a Correlian Transport ready to take you all to the Concordia. There you will be given your positions as well as learn about our crafts," she told them.

"Vermollen..." Jubey called out. "Amongst us are also three of our best technicians to help out. They know the Tae'Morad systems by heart and are willing to share our technology with the Alliance for a better performance."

"Any help is welcome... Thank you all. But we must get going on now," she told them. After that all men and women boarded the Correlian Transport she had ready to take them to the CRS Concordia. In only a couple of hours they were ready to board the Mother Ship belonging to the Alliance.

As all men disembarqued from the Transport they were all greeted by the CO of the Concordia. Ellemiek landed shortly afterwards to find her old friends from other times, when she too belonged to the Tae'Morad. She had missed them truly and it was good to see the familiar faces once more.

Kilgara stepped up. "So this is where you live and have your things. I had never been on a CRS Cruiser before. It looks much different from what I would expect..." she said, not knowing whether it was higher or lower than her expectations. "So what happens next?"

"Well Kilgara..." Jubey said stepping closer. "Next I would say we will have to get adapted to our new surroundings as well as the technical equipment we will be using. Only then can we truly be of good assistance. But don't worry too much as I am sure we will adapt, as Ellemiek did in her time."

"True... Very true!" Ellemiek nodded. "Come, settle in, and soon we will begin. Our technical crew will be explaining all you need to know and then you will run the simulators. After that we will head out for a test run and in no time you will be Black Hawks!"

And so the Tae'Morad underwent the basic training in which they showed great skills in knowledge of flight skills. As soon as they mastered the new commands in the alliance starships they adapted and overcame the small barriers that they first had to the new navigational systems.

After a couple of days they were ready for more than just simulators and Ellemiek was going to take them for a test run. Nothing too big, but with time they would increase the difficulty of the exercises until perfection. She had confidence that the now former Tae'Morad would perform well as she had schooled with them as well and knew they were some of the best pilots in the galaxy.

"Ok people!" she told her new crew. "I am going to take you out on a series of test runs. This will be the first one. We will basically start out with a follow the leader game. I will lead and the rest follows and does whatever I do... Now, no matter the reason, never break contact. Any questions?!"

As no one replied she nodded. "Very well then, move out!"

---

"Broken Trust"
by Kaysa Zenarr
and Zale Tregat

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

***

He'd left her a sobbing heap on the streets, turned his back on her when he said he'd do everything to help her, yet she found herself running back to him despite her pride telling her his help wasn't the kind she needed. She'd refused his money, but there were other ways he could help Zenarr Inc. and she would make sure he did. A guilt trip would do the trick; that or sex.

Kaysa looked up at the vast, imposing structure that was engulfed by the clouds above, his office hidden from view. There was nothing that could deter her from seeking him out, not even if the ground opened up and the entire building was swallowed whole by it. Nothing could stand in Kaysa Zenarr's way, not now, not ever again. She was in control again and when she ruled her life, she was unstoppable.

The ride in the elevator seemed longer than it actually was. It rocketed to the top of the building in mere seconds, but it was the anticipation that made it seem longer. She needed his help, the last time she would ever ask for or take any from him. He couldn't be trusted, like all men, and apparently women showed the same disloyalty as well, with Shiv as a prime example.

The lift finally halted and Kaysa stepped out before the doors even opened fully. She spotted his office, although it wasn't one that could be missed, especially now with the two guards standing on either side of the two, tall doors. More obstacles standing in her way, but they looked easy enough to overcome.

Kaysa stalked towards them with a haughty smile on her face, but as she reached the doors, she was, as anticipated, halted. "Don't worry, boys, I'm just here to see your boss. Believe me," she said silkily, "he'll want to see me...all of me."

One of the guards looked her over briefly. "So, who should we tell him is here to see him," the man said.

The other guard glanced down at a screen at his side, and then up at Kaysa with disinterest.

Kaysa rolled her eyes and sighed airily. "Fine...you can tell him his favourite sex slave is here." She glanced back at the men with a salacious smile, then laughed abruptly as the men frowned with obvious distaste at her comment.

The first guard tapped a control next to the door and spoke into it. "Mr. Tregat, your"--he glanced back at Kaysa, and then to the comm again--"your favourite sex slave is here to see you."

From the comm, Zale's voice crackled through. "Laerane's here? What's Laerane doing here?" There was a long pause, and then a chuckle. "Send Ms. Zenarr in, Deez."

The guard turned to Kaysa and shook his head. He tapped a key on the panel and the doors opened. Zale was inside, in front of the desk and watching out as the doors swung wide. His arms were crossed over his chest and he was leaning back against the desk casually, but his stance was anything but casual.

"You can enter, Ms. Zenarr," he said with a slow smile.

"Why thank you, Mr. Tregat, sir." Kaysa winked at the guard to her left as she swept into the office and laughed at his attempt to maintain the appearance of indifference to her jests. Once her eyes were back on Zale, she shot him her most alluring smile. "Sorry for the impromptu visit, but I figured you'd be aching for me, so I just dropped by."

Zale nodded to the guards who then shut the doors. "After you stood me up the other day, I figured you decided you didn't need me anymore. So, Kaysa, is this a trip for business or pleasure?" He grinned. "Or maybe a little of both?" He stood up and moved closer. "Would you care for a drink? Or should we go straight to the desk?"

Kaysa emitted a throaty laugh while approaching Zale slowly and with a voluptuous gait. "I think first, business. After that's out of the way, I'm all for adding the impression of my breasts onto your desk." When he was finally within reach, she placed a hand on his firm chest, realizing then how much she truly missed kissing it. But that would come soon enough. She glanced past him with a contented smile. "Hmm...maybe a drink first."

She brushed past him as she ventured towards his liquor cabinet. "Ooh." Her eyes gaped at the varying selection of alcohol from across the galaxy. She made a mental note to herself to see about installing a cabinet just like Zale's in her office. "I guess you were expecting me, then. You have all of my favourite things in here...well, anything that can give me a quick buzz falls under the list of my favourite things..."

Zale chuckled as he came up behind her. "Well, take your pick," he said. "You can have anything from in there if you'd like. Though, if you're looking for a quick buzz, I'd recommend the Sadre'ke trespri. Two shots of that and you'll be forgetting worries that you don't even have." He ran his hands over her back and kissed her neck. "So, what have you been doing with yourself these last couple days?"

"Well, let's see..." Kaysa pulled out the trespri as Zale suggested and popped the lid off. "First, I reconciled with my ex-boyfriend," she began perfunctorily. She took a long sip of the trespri straight from the bottle and winced as the liquor seared her throat. She coughed quietly and continued. "After a night of make up sex, I found Shiv on the streets and had some more make up sex with her." Kaysa wriggled free of Zale's hold and moved to his desk. She sank into his chair with a heavy sigh and propped her feet up onto his desk. "Anything else you wanna know?"

Zale chuckled and moved to the edge of the desk where he took a seat facing Kaysa. "So, you've got a boyfriend and a girlfriend now? Interesting. The real trick to that stuff," he said indicating the trespri she was drinking, "is to be able to pronounce trespri after a few shots of it. So, while you're still able to form coherent conversation, what business did you want to discuss? And, then we can get on to the pleasure side of your visit."

Kaysa sucked on the bottle as she drew the potent liquor into her mouth. Despite the almost painful burning sensation it left in her throat, she took bigger and bigger gulps. She could already feel her cheeks growing warm and hoped drunkenness would soon follow. Kaysa forced her lips away from the bottle and reclined back against the chair. "Business...business... Oh yes, now I remember. Is it safe to discuss business in here?"

Zale nodded. "It's completely safe," he said. "While I generally don't conduct any illicit business from this location, I do keep it as secure as any of my other holdings. You can speak as freely as you wish without fear of the words getting to someone you would rather not hear them."

"Good. It's about Zenarr Inc., of course. Things still aren't good and I need your help...but not monetary aid." Kaysa paused to toss back another mouthful of the trespri then smiled at Zale lazily. "This is good..." She laughed but managed to focus enough to continue with her request. "Before I get completely drunk, and to keep this from becoming longwinded... I know you have connections and I'm hoping some of those connections have certain codes I am interested in procuring."

Zale shifted and smiled. "It depends on which codes you're interested in. Transit codes are easier than the Imperial payroll system codes." He grabbed the bottle from her hand and took a pull. He then handed it back, remembering how she hated having the bottle withheld from her.

"Transit codes." Kaysa tightened her grip on the bottle and quickly took a sip before Zale decided to confiscate it again. "I need my ships to get past the patrols without a hassle and without being searched. Can you do it for me?"

Zale smiled. "I think I can," he said. "Though I can't give out that sort of thing for free. We can make arrangements on that for later though if you'd like. I can have the codes to you in two days, but if you need them sooner let me know. It's good to see that you're back in business."

"Two days?" Kaysa sighed and nodded her head slowly. "I guess that will have to do, but these arrangements...have you anything in mind? Of course, money is out of the question because I have none. I won't negotiate in sex either."

"I can push it to tomorrow," Zale said. "Though that will be pushing my contact. And, for the payment, what do you think would be a suitable payment for this sort of thing? We can add it to your debt. If Zenarr Inc. were a publicly traded entity, I would suggest stock shares. But we can figure it out later if you'd like. I trust you to not try to screw me over, so we can decide later."

"Still trust me even though I stood you up the other day?" Kaysa laughed dryly and slid her feet off the desk. Her attention was drawn to the liquor cabinet again where she spotted a vintage bottle of Tolari wine. She decided to finish off the bottle of trespri as quickly as possible so she could start digging into the wine. "I stood you up, you stood me up...I guess we're even in that respect," Kaysa said absently, still focusing on the wine.

Zale frowned. "I stood you up? When did I stand you up?"

Kaysa kept her eyes on Zale as she tossed back the rest of the trespri. The bastard was trying to deny it now, denying responsibility for his actions just like all men did. If she had more resources, she would make him pay too. Kaysa put down the empty bottle and rose onto her shakey legs. She straightened out her vest and moved to the liquor cabinet without another word.

Zale just shook his head and returned to his chair to sit since Kaysa had vacated it. "I trust you enough to know what I would do to you if you screwed me over," he said. "You'll repay me. I'll add ten thousand credits to your loan, and I'll get you those codes. Do you need them tomorrow? If you need them, I can get them. If you can wait two days, I'd prefer not to press my contact too hard."

"Fine...two days." Kaysa fumbled with the lid of the wine bottle, cursing once again as her attempts to open it failed. She turned to Zale with an exasperated sigh and thrust the bottle towards him. "Can you open this?"

Zale took the bottle from her and moved to the bar. He fitted the end of the bottle into a slot in the front. There was a popping sound, and he pulled the wine bottle free, except for the small bit of cork that held its contents inside. The way Kaysa was drinking, he didn't figure he'd need to stopper it again once she was finished. "Here you go," he said. "Would you like a glass for that, or are you just drinking from the bottle today?"

"Who needs a glass when I've got a perfectly functioning mouth?" She took the bottle from him without another word and began guzzling it down. She knew there was still a lot of day left and getting drunk now probably wasn't a good idea, but the lightness in her head caused by the alcohol was far too pleasant a sensation. As the liquid spilled down the sides of her mouth, she reluctantly pulled the bottle away and ran the back of her hand across her lips. "So," she began while casually moving across the room, "where were you last night? Was she a good fuck? Better than me?"

Zale moved back to the side of his desk and sat again. "I had a business meeting with the man that runs Ralishad's, a restaurant over in Yemol. After that, I was meeting with some of my security team in regards to recent moves against my organization. So, no; no good fuck, and not better than you."

"Oh, well that's comforting to hear." Kaysa stumbled momentarily, but regained her footing for fear of spilling the precious blue liquid in the bottle. "I mean..." Kaysa swallowed back a hiccup, then continued. "It's nice to know you can keep your promises, Tregat. If you're gonna offer your help, then ditch me when I need you, don't bother offerring your aid again."

Zale crossed his arms over his chest. "I hadn't realized that after you didn't show up the other day that I was still at your beck and call," he said. "I didn't know my life had suddenly become about sitting around waiting for you."

"You should have been there," she whispered. "I needed you and you should have been there, damn you." Kaysa took another long drink from the bottle but it slipped from her hand as she staggered back into the wall. "Shit!" She dropped to her knees and picked up the bottle to try and salvage as much of the precious liquid as she could. "I waited and waited and waited for you. You never came. I would have waited all night for you and just about did. The least you could have done was show up," she said bitterly.

"How the hell was I supposed to know you were going to show up last night? You disappeared two days ago without a word. You presume too much, Kaysa. Careful with that fucking bottle or I'll tack the cost to replace the carpeting too." He moved to where he was standing over her. "Don't blame me for your problems." He sighed as he watched her. "If you really need to get ahold of me, I can always give you a number that'll reach me."

"Why bother? You probably wouldn't bother answering anyway." Kaysa struggled to get to her feet, gripping the bottle firmly so it wouldn't slip from her fingers again. "And when I disappeared, I didn't see you making an effort to contact me. You don't care. The only time you give a shit is when you're in the mood for a good fuck. That's when you get on the line and contact your favourite slut, right?"

"You've made it very clear that you don't want a relationship with me," Zale said, an edge creeping into his voice. "You continue to reiterate to me, when I draw closer, that you don't want me that close. You leave; I give you space. Do you want me to chase after you? Do you want me to profess my love for you? Do you want me to want to be with you regardless of how you feel about our relationship?" He realized that the edge had become anger. "What the fuck am I supposed to do, Kaysa? You play hot and cold with your emotions, pull me in and push me back. You're still playing your fucking games." He leaned close and lowered his voice to a whisper. "Are you trying to say that you do care about me? That I'm something more than just someone else for you to use, to spit out once you've chewed me up? Are you saying you care, Kaysa? And, that you want me to care too? Is that it?"

"No," Kaysa groaned. She pushed Zale away and staggered back towards the desk. She slammed the bottle down and leaned against the desk to support herself. "I don't care about anyone," she said quietly. She turned around to face Zale, but couldn't hold his gaze. His eyes always bored into her and she felt her shields slowly crumbling whenever that happened. If that happened now, she wouldn't be able to hide anything from him.

"You don't hurt people you care about." Kaysa breathed heavily as she finally looked into Zale's eyes. She didn't know what she was feeling; she was too confused to know anything anymore. "It's your fault, you know," she whispered. "If you'd been there, you would have silenced them. They told me to do it, but if you'd been there to shut them up, I wouldn't have listened to them when they told me to do it."

Zale moved closer, suddenly curious. As he suspected, Kaysa's demons had been at work on her again, and by the way she sounded it was bad. "They told you? What did they tell you? What's happened, Kaysa?"

Kaysa glared at him and quickly moved away. "No! Don't you dare! This is your doing and it's too late to try and stop me. If you'd been there like you should have been, none of this would have happened." Kaysa stumbled past Zale and tried to keep her vision from doubling as she moved towards the door. "It's all your fault," she mumbled in a slurred speech. "She's gonna get hurt and it's all your fault."

Zale moved in front of her and fixed his gaze on her eyes. "Don't you dare blame your shit on me, Zenarr," he growled. "Who's gonna get hurt? What the fuck are you talking about?"

Kaysa gazed up at Zale and began laughing wildly. "Wouldn't you like to know. But I'm not telling you." Her smile faded into an angry scowl as she struggled to push Zale out of the way. "Get away from me! You can't make me tell you and I won't! I want you to suffer for leaving me. If you'd been there they wouldn't have told me to do it."

Zale's much more massive body didn't budge against her efforts, and neither did his will. He stepped closer, using every intimidation tactic he'd ever learned. He gripped her by the shoulders so she couldn't move. "Tell me," he said, his words slow and the menace underlying them unmistakable, "what the fuck you are talking about, or I will make you very sorry. I've changed the price of those codes, Kaysa. You now get the codes when you tell me what I want to know."

"You bastard," she hissed. She tried to wriggle free of his hold, but his grip only tightened the more she struggled. "Fuck the codes! I want you to pay, Zale, just like she will. I want everyone to know that if they cross Kaysa Zenarr, there will be grave consequences. The little bitch deserves what's coming to her and I want you to lie awake at night knowing you had a hand in her suffering. If you hadn't left me calling out your name in the streets, none of this would have happened!"

"Damn you," Zale spat. In one easy motion, he lifted Kaysa off her feet and tossed her back into the center of the office where she landed in a heap on the floor. "What did you do to her, Kaysa?" He lifted her from the ground again but did not set her back on her feet. "Tell me what is going to happen to Shiv." He moved toward the large window behind his desk, stopping at his desk to give it a voice command. As he neared the window, it was suddenly obvious that the pane of glass was sliding away. "You're going to tell me everything I want to know, Kaysa. And, if you hold anything back, it's a very long drop. You'll have plenty of time to have a nice chat with all of your demons."

The stupor caused by too much trespri and wine drained away as quickly as the blood had from her face. A cold breeze from the open window chilled her, and combined with the looming threat, Kaysa trembled uncontrollably. She heard herself begging and crying out as the howl of the wind outside grew louder the closer to the window she came. Her legs flailed and her arms groped wildly for something to hang onto, but with a futile effort.

"Zale! Gods...oh gods... Please, Zale!" Kaysa dared not turn back and look at the depthless heights she would travel if he let go. She whimpered piteously and continued to beg as frightful tears blinded her vision. Zale's anger was one she knew was to be feared, and she did, even moreso now. "Don't do this, Zale! Please...I...I'll tell you everything. Just please let me down...please."

Zale pulled Kaysa away from the window and dropped her in the center of the office again. He crossed his arms over his chest and glared at her. "Okay," he said. "Talk."

Kaysa nodded her head as she took in staggered breaths that were choked with tears. Her nerves refused to be settled and her body still shook with the averted threat of death. She wrapped her arms protectively around herself and rocked gently on the ground. "I...I need a drink," she said quietly. "A s-small drink."

Zale's glare increased as he moved to the bar, poured a shot of rum and brought it back to her. "You don't get anything else to drink until after you've finished your story." He squatted down so his face was in front of hers. "And, don't even think about lying to me." He glanced back at his desk, and then slowly returned his gaze to her with a smile. "I'll know."

She took the drink into her trembling hand and tossed it back without a moment's hesitation. The rum wasn't strong enough to numb her senses, but it did settle her restless nerves enough to allow her to regain her composure. She let the small glass slip through her fingers and fall onto the soft carpeting below. As she looked up into his smiling face, she dared not utter the lies that were already forming in her mind. "It's still your fault, you know," she said quietly as she wiped her nose with the back of her hand. "I needed you last night...everything was crumbling and I came to you so you could stop it. When I came home...they were there, together. She was touching him, near him when I should have been the one to be sleeping by his side." Kaysa clenched her eyes shut against the image flaring jealousy in her mind. She turned away and buried her face into her arm. "She's going to ruin everything and I can't let her."

Zale nodded. "If you continue on the course you're on, you'll do far more harm than Shiv ever could. I never would have pegged you for the jealous type, but it seems fairly clear now." He shook his head and wondered if Kaysa's new man had any idea what he'd gotten himself into. "So what are you doing to her, Kaysa?"

"Nothing she doesn't deserve." Kaysa looked back at Zale with a sinister gleam breaking through the tears in her eyes. "You'd be proud of me, Zale. This is something even you wouldn't be capable of. Oh, how proud of me you're gonna be." Kaysa moved closer to him and smiled at him with the excitement brewing within her. "She'll never recover from what I'm gonna do to her. Physically, she'll live, but she'll never dare interfere in my life again. No one will." Her face seemed to melt into a cold frown and her eyes grew distant as she imagined what the future-- what Kaysa's wrath held in store for Shiv. "Are you sure you really wanna know, Zale? Are you sure you won't be afraid?"

"I'm pretty sure I can handle it," he said. "I nearly threw you out a window, didn't I? What are you going to do?"

Kaysa looked away from Zale and focused on the fallen glass upon the carpet. She was trying to put into words what she had in mind for Shiv, but all she could think about was how she'd love another glass of rum. Maybe after she told Zale her plans, he'd let her have another.

Kaysa sighed and began playing with the glass idly. "The plans are already in motion. I doubt anyone could stop it now. She deserves it anyway..." She wiped a small trace of rum that had collected at the bottom of the glass and sucked the sweet liquor from her finger. "She might actually enjoy it, you know," she said with a smile. "Some girls like it rough. I know I do." She looked back at Zale with a knowing smile then ran her finger along his arm as she continued. "She won't be able to fight them off. There'll be too many of them. They'll only beat her after they're done with her. I mean, it could get messy..."

Zale nodded, containing his emotions behind a thick wall that came from years of training. He stood and moved toward her. "So that's your plan." He allowed himself a smile. "Very good. Impressive, Kaysa. Would you like that drink now?"

Kaysa looked up at him with an anxious smile and finally got to her feet. "Yes. Thank you."

Zale motioned toward the bar with a flourish. "You may have anything you wish in here," he said.

"Your generosity is much appreciated," Kaysa said in a silky whisper. She ran her hand along his arm as she walked past him and made her way towards the bounty of alcohol awaiting her. "I told you you'd be impressed. I had the entire plan devised and thrown into action within a matter of minutes. I bet you wish you were that productive."

"Oh I do," he said as he watched her trying to decide which bottle to consume first. He moved up behind her slowly, admiring the casualness with which she decided to toss away the life of someone to whom she'd been close, had shared her bed. He wondered how casually she'd try to toss him aside when he'd outlived his usefulness. He stood directly behind her now, smiling a smile that came nowhere near his eyes. "You are a truly remarkable woman."

"And I bet you're ecstatic that I'm on your side." Kaysa appraised one of the large bottles of firewine she'd picked up and nodded her head with approval as she popped it open. "My associate is making a recording of it. If you're interested, I can have a copy made for you. It would make for quite enjoyable viewing."

"I'd like to see that," he said with a smile. He had all the information he needed now. He raised a hand and quickly pressed the device in it against her neck. The small needle in its tip pierced the skin and injected its contents into Kaysa's bloodstream. He quickly pulled it away before she could react, though having her turn and run the needle across her throat may be what she deserved. "Perhaps I can take it up with your associate personally."

Kaysa spun around quickly, sending the bottle of wine in her hand crashing to the ground. A drowsiness engulfed her mind, and as the room began to dance around her, she clawed at Zale's chest. "Bastard," she mumbled. Her tongue felt heavy in her mouth, and her eyelids also felt as if weights had been tied to them. She tried to swing at Zale, but the motion only knocked her off balance and she fell to the ground with a grunt. "Bastard..." she whispered again. The room was no longer a contorted swirl of shapes and colours, but was now filled with a darkness as her mind began falling asleep. Through the darkness, she could still make out Zale's impenetrable black eyes gazing down at her with an almost palpable disgust. All she could think about now was how he was going to ruin everything. She had to do something to stop him.

Zale moved to his desk and opened a channel to the captain of his security force and then tied the connection through to Moril.

"We have a situation that doesn't affect us directly, but I need to undo something that someone has done. This is personal for me, you can bow out of the work without fear of angering me. I'll understand if you don't want to get involved in my personal issues."

"I'm in, Zale," Moril said without hesitation.

"As am I," Tel responded. "And, I know my team is in as well. What do you have for us."

"I need to find two people. One of them is a young girl, her name is Maeren Shivral. I'm transferring all the data I have on her now. The second is a man named Vrax Draydge. Situation is this, an associate has problems and her paranoia has exceeded the bounds of reality. She is jealous that Shivral was too close to her boyfriend and has decided she needs to be eliminated. Her employee, Draydge, is going to have the girl raped and beaten. First we need to find them. After that, I want them watched but not taken. As soon as Draydge makes his move, then we make ours. Our goal is keeping the girl safe. Tying it to us, she's a good pilot, and will probably need employment after this. Get to work."

"On it," Tel said, and cut the connection.

"I'll get teams into New Plouton searching for them," Moril said. "The Stiletto is still docked at the starport, so I assume the girl is still in the city. And, if Draydge is going after her, that's where he'd be as well."

Zale nodded. "Thanks, Moril."

"Of course," his assistant said, and then signed off.

Zale moved to stand over Kaysa again. "This is going to fail," he said. "And, once this little thing goes down, you and I are going to have a very long talk about the future."

Kaysa moaned in protest and tried desperately to find some lingering thread of consciousness she could cling to. She'd heard garbled conversation in the room, but from what she managed to gather from the bits and pieces she'd heard, Zale had set into motion a plan to hinder the progress of her own. She needed to pull herself out of the abyss she'd fallen into; she needed to contact Vrax. Her entire body was numb and refused to cooperate. She wanted to jump to her feet and escape Zale's clutches so she could salvage her scheme. If they could at least have Shiv beaten senseless, she would be happy; that's all she needed. But as the rest of her senses began to shut off, she knew she was in no position to do anything or go anywhere. She'd ruined everything... No, Zale had ruined everything. When the tranquilizer wore off and she was in control of her faculties again, she'd make him pay, then she'd carry out her campaign to hurt Shiv. No one would be spared from her wrath, and next time, no one would stand in her way.

---

"Dangerously Close"
by Maeren Shivral
and Merrick Braston

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

***

Once Shiv was out on the street, she ran. How had things gone so wrong so fast? After a couple blocks, she finally stopped to pull her boots on. She didn't know where she was going. Away, she thought. Just going away. She spotted a public comm station and ran toward it. She slid her credit chip into the reader and sighed at the pitiful balance remaining. How was she going to manage? She'd have to find someone new to work for. Though, whether anyone was hiring in the current conditions, she couldn't say.

She authorized the charges for a local call, and then dialed into Kaysa's number. It was only a couple moments before the other side connected.

"Kaysa Zenarr's," Merrick's voice said.

"Merrick," Shiv began, "it's Shiv. Something terrible happened. She just went...went all mean and nasty. I quit, Merrick. And, now I'm just out on...just a sec." She glanced around at the streets. "I'm at the corner of Plenimirad and Seventh. Can you do me a very big favour? I mean, a huge, huge favour?"

There was a pause and finally Merrick said, "Sure, Shiv. Just name it."

"My things are over in the corner. Can you just gather them all up and bring them to the starport? I'm gonna have to live on my ship for awhile. Can you bring them, please?"

"I'll meet you at the starport in about a half hour," Merrick said.

"Oh thank you, Merrick," Shiv said, relief flooding through her. "I'll see you there. Thank you, Merrick. I owe you."

"It's the least I could do for a friend," he said. "I'll see you soon."

"Thanks, Merrick," she said. "You don't know what this means to me."

They signed off and Shiv pulled her credit slip from the reader. She sighed when she saw the even-more-diminished balance blinking at her. She glanced around outside before leaving the comm booth. She didn't see Kaysa or Vrax, so they must have been content to let her go. She sighed and started off down the street.

***

Shiv was sitting above the canopy of the Stiletto smoking a cigarra when Merrick entered the docking berth. When she saw Merrick, she flicked the cigarra away and scrambled down to meet him. His eyes showed only concern as she approached him.

"You okay, Maeren," he asked.

She nodded. "Yeah. Sitting up on top of my ship helped some. Smoking a cigarra helped some. And, you being here now helps a lot."

He indicated the large duffel he was carrying. "You want this inside?"

"Oh," she said and giggled. "Sorry about that. Yeah, here." She reached out for the bag.

"No, no," he said. "I've got it for now. Just lead the way."

With a grin, she did just that. When she got to the door of her bedroom, she stopped and reached out to take the bag from him. She really didn't want Merrick seeing the inside of her room. He was a good friend, and right then the best one she had in the galaxy, but she couldn't bring herself to show him the inside. Besides, she didn't want him to get the wrong idea. She didn't want to get into his pants. Okay, so she did want to get into his pants, but she wasn't going to.

Kaysa's words about Merrick came back to her, and their sting was just as painful as when Kaysa had said it. If she wanted Merrick, he would go for her. She knew he would. He'd definitely be interested in her. But she couldn't. Despite what had happened, he was still Kaysa's boyfriend.

"Well?"

Shiv looked up at him. "Well what?"

Merrick laughed. "I brought it this far. You'll either have to open the door, or I'll just have to drop it here."

"Just drop it there," she said.

Merrick laughed. "Just open the door and let me complete my mission," he said.

Shiv looked at the door and then at Merrick, and then opened it. He stepped up to the door and raised his eyebrows. "Very impressive," he said. "Though, I imagine it must have been a trick getting that thing in there."

She glanced inside and smiled. The bed nearly touched all the walls, leaving no room to maneuver. It was nice to sleep in a real bed when she was planetside, but when she was out in space, it was really nice sleeping on the bed in her ship. Of course, it was even better sharing it with someone. She made sure to keep her gaze as far from Merrick as that thought passed through her mind.

He dropped the bag on the bed and let out a sigh of relief. "You don't pack light do you?"

"Well, I was supposed to be living there, so I thought I'd bring the important stuff. I guess that was a mistake." She felt the tears welling again. "I don't know what happened, Merrick. I mean, last night everything was perfect, and this morning she hated me. She was so mean." The tears and sobs came then.

Merrick sighed and took her into his arms. "It's okay, Maeren," he said into her ear. "It's going to be okay. I'm still your friend, and I'm not going to do anything to hurt you. As a matter of fact, I'll help you however I can."

Shiv looked up into his eyes and smiled. "Thank you," she said. "You're my only friend now. The only person I know on the whole planet."

He watched her for a moment and then smiled. "I hope I can be a good friend," he said. "I'll do my best."

"You're already doing great," she whispered.

"Good," he whispered back. "You don't have to worry about anything, Maeren. Nothing at all."

Shiv realized that his face seemed much closer. "I don't know what happened," she said, her voice barely audible. "She was just getting so mean, and nasty. She twisted everything I said around. I don't understand. It was all going so--"

Suddenly hers and Merrick's lips were pressed together, and the embrace was more than just a comforting one. She heard herself moan softly as she surrendered to it. And, then she pulled away and looked up at him in surprise.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I--I don't know what--I'm sorry, Maeren."

Shiv shook her head. "It's okay," she said. "It was very nice. Too nice. It's just that, we shouldn't. I mean, Kaysa..."

"I know," he said softly, but without regret. "I just wanted to kiss you. And, Kaysa can be with you or me, but she expects me to be with just her. It's probably not good of me to think that way about the woman I love, but if she were in love with both of us it'd be different." He reached a hand up and brushed it through her hair. "But...but she doesn't; she loves me, and yet she still shares herself with you. Not that I think there's anything wrong with anyone wanting to be with you. I actually can't imagine anyone not wanting to be with you, in any capacity." He looked at Shiv and then shook his head. "I don't get it. Why does she expect me to play by different rules than what she plays by?"

Shiv nodded, caught in his gaze. Without thinking, she pressed her lips to his. The kiss seemed to last for hours. Finally, she pulled away out of breath and sighed. "We can't do that anymore," she said. Instead of pulling away like she knew she should, she kissed him again. She finally managed to pull away and pushed herself, with regret, from Merrick's arms. "We have to think about Kaysa. She's bad enough now. She'd really go insane if she thought there was anything happening between us."

"We should get over to see Eldwen now," he said, and then glanced around her ship. "If we're in this confined space for too much longer, I may do something to jeopardize my relationship more than it already is."

Shiv nodded and grabbed Merrick's hand and quickly dragged him from the ship. Once they were outside, she closed up the ship and set its security in place. Once she was set, she looked up at him. "Let's go get that picture of you drawn again."

With that, they headed out across the city.

***

The rest of the day passed in a wild blur. When they got to Eldwen's office, Shiv went right to work sketching Merrick. From the beginning to its completion took about four hours. But, when she revealed the final product to everyone, they were very happy with the results. Eldwen pulled a contract out and slapped it down in front of her. She read through it carefully, and then signed it. Once she lifted her stylus, Eldwen dropped a credit chip in front of her. Shiv's eyes went up with surprise. She hadn't expected money. She looked at him and he just gave her a wink before disappearing back into the studio. When she actually checked the balance on the credit chip, she was surprised again. "A thousand?"

Merrick just chuckled and put his hand on her shoulder. "You did great work," he said. "Great work gets great pay."

Shiv looked up at him and smiled. "You want to go shoppin'?"

They headed off for some shopping before they ran out of day. As they wandered through shops, with Shiv buying and trying on clothes for Merrick's approval, he kept mostly silent as Shiv told him what had happened between herself and Kaysa. Finally, as they left a shop where Shiv had bought a long black skirt, he turned to her. "What are your plans now?"

"A couple more shops, and then dinner."

Merrick laughed. "I mean, since you're not working for Kaysa anymore, what are your plans?"

Shiv nodded slowly. "Oh," she said. "I've been trying to not think of that. I guess I could try to get a job running cargo for a company around here."

"Eldwen was impressed with you today," he said. "If you wanted a job with his office, in the art department, I think you've got a good chance."

Shiv looked up. "Really?"

"Yes, really," Merrick said. "And, you'll need somewhere to live. Would you like to go look for an apartment? I don't think that Kaysa and I need to worry about getting a place right away. There's her place or mine, so we'll have plenty of room for us. We should find you something."

Shiv shook her head. "I can't afford anything right now," she said. "And besides, I'll need to start paying docking fees for my ship again."

"You won't have to worry about it for a couple months," he said. "Think of it as a gift to you, for the gift you've given me. That's the best cover I've ever had for an album. So, until you're back on your feet with work, I'll take care of rent and docking fees for you."

Shiv felt tears fill her eyes and, heedless of all her bags, she gave him a hug. "Thank you, Merrick," she said. "You are such an amazing guy. I can't believe this. It's just..."

"It's just what friends do for each other," he said. "Come on, let's go find you a new home."

***

Two hours later Shiv was standing in the middle of her new apartment while Merrick watched from the doorway. "I've never had an apartment before," she said. "It's pretty amazing." She turned to where he was watching her.

With a wicked grin, she ran forward and leapt up into his arms and wrapped her legs around his waist. Not expecting that, Merrick toppled over backwards, and they both went down onto the floor in a heap, with Shiv on top. They were both laughing despite the bruises they would have in the morning.

"I just wanted to say thank you," she said, gazing into his eyes. "This is the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me before. And, I'll never forget it, and I'll repay you however I can."

Merrick slipped his arms up and around Maeren and smiled. "I know," he said. "But the best way to repay me is by being a friend, and by making great art. And, just being yourself. You're a beautiful person, Shiv. I haven't encountered many people in life that are as full of life as you are, even in the face of adversity. You're the type of person that everyone else wants to be."

She smiled. "Thank you," she said, knowing she was blushing. She kissed him slowly as they lay together on the floor in the entry way of her apartment. She felt his tongue searching for hers, and she responded by letting hers be found. Things heated up much faster than she expected. She was moaning as his hands slipped under her tank top and found her breasts. His hardness pressed against her and she craved it as she'd never craved anything before. She wanted to love him, to make love to him. She quickly rolled off to the side and gulped in large breaths of air.

Merrick lay where he was, knowing exactly why she pulled away. "I'll talk to her tonight and see where things are," he said. "I don't know what I'll say to her, but I want to know what she has to say about what happened. I'll see if I can figure something out with her. Who knows what'll happen. But, I'll talk to her Shiv, and see what we can do."

Shiv quickly wiped a tear away and then sat up and watched him for a long time. She kissed him again. "I think you should go see if she's done with work yet," she said. "And, maybe a shower. Cold. Very cold shower."

Merrick laughed. "Very cold," he said. He sat up and looked at Shiv, and wondered just how long they'd be able to hold off. He had to talk to Kaysa. He had to patch things up and figure out what was wrong with her. "I'll give you a call tomorrow?"

Shiv nodded and sat up. "Okay," she said. "I'll swing by and see Eldwen."

Merrick smiled. "Good. Very good."

He pushed himself to his feet and helped Shiv to hers. He walked to the door with Shiv behind him. As he prepared to step outside, she kept back a couple steps which brought a smile to his face. She didn't trust herself. And, it was good that she didn't because he knew he couldn't be trusted just then.

"Good night, Maeren," he said.

As he stepped out the door, Shiv moved to it. She smiled and waved slowly as he started down the steps.

She stayed there for a long time before breaking out of her reverie. The apartment was furnished, but she didn't have anything else. She adjusted her clothes and stepped outside, locking the door behind her. With a smile, she started off across the city toward the starport. She realized as she hit the street below that she was softly singing "Walking Through the Storm."

---

"Inhuman Treatment"
by Maeren Shivral
and Zale Tregat
with Vrax [NPC]

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

***

The sun had already gone down and it was getting very late. Shiv crossed through the Yesdol District on her way back to her ship. All she needed to grab were her belongings and her new apartment would feel like home. She was slowly working through singing Merrick's first album to herself as she walked when a sound behind her caught her attention. She stopped and turned, her hand instinctively dropping to the sheath concealed in the waistband of her pants. She drew the blade hidden there and stooped to grab the one in her boot, wishing she'd brought the rest of her knives with her. As she pulled up the pant leg so she could grab the blade, a shadow sprang toward her. Something large and heavy crashed against her body and they both went to the ground.

The psycho! she thought.

She started to scream but a hand clamped over her mouth. She bit down and drove her blade into his abdomen. She heard a muffled curse, and the body shifted. He jerked his hand away, nearly pulling her teeth with it. As he moved from on top of her, she saw there was more than just him. Someone grabbed her wrist and jerked the knife free.

"Let her scream," a voice from the back said. "The boss wants to hear her scream. He likes it when they scream."

She screamed and started to get up, but a pair of hands quickly pushed her back to the ground. Oh gods. Oh gods. She screamed again and again.

"Who's first," one of the guys asked.

Shiv tried to scramble away, but another pair of hands stopped her and held her in place. One of the guys moved down between her legs and started undoing his pants. She kicked wildly and the heavy sound of her boot finding his scrotum echoed through the alley. The man crumpled backward and the rest of the men in the alley jumped to hold her down. She kept screaming. A face moved into her vision and lips covered hers. She bit down as hard as she could, and the taste of blood filled her mouth. The man cursed and pulled away from her, and then punched. Warmth radiated from where it hit on her cheek and she felt herself going dizzy.

One of the men came forward and snipped the straps to her tank top with her knife. A pair of meaty hands grabbed the fabric and pulled it down to her waist. Cheers went up from the men gathered around her as her breasts were exposed to them. She quickly had two men on top of her sucking at her nipples. She tried to fight, and what was normally a pleasant experience turned into her darkest nightmare. As they continued to suckle at her, she felt her blade rip down the sides of her boots, and then the cold night air on her feet as the remains were pulled away.

Next, she felt the cold metal of the blade against her legs as the knife was drawn down the fabric. One leg and then the next, all the way up to the waist. She struggled, but it was so hard to move with so many men holding her down.

She could hear them all talking amongst themselves. One man was saying, "Hell no, I'm not putting my dick in the whore's mouth. She nearly bit Danse's lip right off."

Shiv was crying as her body was completely exposed to them. One of them whistled. "Hey lookie," he said. "She ain't wearin' no panties. Looks like she was waiting for us."

Shiv's voice was nearly gone from screaming. She begged and pleaded. Offered them anything they wanted, drugs, money, access to codes; anything but raping her. They only laughed.

Finally one of them moved down between her thighs, his naked prick looking like some sort of weapon in his hand. Then, one of the men behind her covered her eyes with a heavy piece of fabric, blocking her sight and blinding her to whatever they planned to do. She screamed again!

***

From behind the crowd Vrax laughed as he watched Shiv begging and pleading for them to let her go. He knew she was loving every minute of this. The slut loved that bondage shit, and she was probably wet just thinking about Janx stuffing himself inside her. He split the frame of his holorecorder and focused one on her face, and the other down on her juicy cunt ready to be penetrated.

As Janx pulled his hips back in readiness to impale the little slut, he suddenly went out of frame. Vrax glanced around the cam to see what was happening. All hell had broken loose. Someone had Janx on the ground and was beating him with a small club.

A long thin blade flashed in the street light and sank deep into Janx' chest. Janx jerked once, and then lay still. Everywhere Vrax looked, there were black clad figures beating down his boys. With a curse, he stepped around the recorder to lay into the scum stopping them from doing their job. Before he took two steps, his way was blocked. He looked up into a pair of black eyes framed by ropes of black hair. Fucking Zale Tregat, he thought to himself. How the fuck--?

Now wasn't the time to worry about how the depraved bastard found out about what they were doing to Shiv, it was time to kick the pansy businessman's ass. Time to make him pay for what he'd been doing with Kaysa. He stepped back and spun, launching a kick that would drop a man like Tregat in a single shot. His foot found only air.

Zale spun away from the kick, his coat flaring like a wave of darkness. His fist snapped outward and from each side a meter long shaft sprang into existence. Zale let his momentum carry him around. His hand loosened enough that the staff he now carried slid away from his grip. Just as the staff was about to leave his hand, he gripped it tight, and let it swing like a club.

Vrax was already preparing his next set of moves when he finished his kick. He stepped forward, intent on hitting Tregat this time. He didn't see the staff until it was too late. The loud crack reverberated through his skull and spun him around. The staff swung around again in Tregat's hand like a rotor blade on a 'copter. It smacked against his jaw and sent him to the ground rolling on top of Shiv. All around him, he saw his men going down left and right, most of them dead.

Briefly, he thought about using Shiv to ensure his safety, but there wasn't time. He kicked himself back to his feet. One of Zale's men charged him. Vrax sank low and aimed a fist at his midsection. An uppercut put him onto the ground and opened a way for him to escape. He heard the whistling of Tregat's staff again, and rolled forward. The sound of metal against ferrocrete rang through the alley, and sparks jumped from the impact spattered against his back.

Vrax launched himself forward and out into the night. Blaster bolts sailed around him, but he turned a corner before any could find their mark. He cursed Zale Tregat. As he ran, he put his hand to the side of his head where the staff had hit him and pulled his hand away covered in blood.

"You'll pay, bastard," he rasped as he ran off into the night.

***

Zale draped his coat over Shiv's body and then removed her blindfold. She was still crying and whimpering. She cringed away from his touch and then looked up at him with surprise.

"You're safe now, Shiv," he said. "They've been taken care of. And, they won't bother you again."

"Zale? Oh, it was so awful. They were all around me and holding me down. And, I couldn't do anything. They were waiting. They were gonna rape me. They almost. Oh gods, Zale." She looked up with sudden confusion. "What are you doing here?"

He smiled. "We've been watching you for most of the day," he said. "We would have been sooner, but we had to be careful because there were so many of them around. When our spotter notified us that they'd cornered you, we came as fast as we could."

Shiv shook her head and sat up. "You were following me?"

"Kaysa came to see me today," he said. "She's got serious problems, Shiv. She set this up. She's afraid of you stealing her boyfriend or something like that. It was hard to put that part together in her ravings. She's a spiteful woman, especially when she's either jealous or drunk; and worse when it's both."

Shiv's jaw dropped open and new tears formed in her eyes. "Kaysa did this? Kaysa sent these men after me? To rape me?"

"I'm trying to help her, Shiv," he said. "To figure out what's wrong. She's snapped as far as I can tell. I have her sedated right now, and now that you're safe I need to go talk to her. She needs help. If she hadn't talked to me today, you would have been hurt pretty bad."

Shiv sat quietly, her emotions pushing her into a state of shock.

"Are you hurt?"

She shook her head. "One of them hit me, but I'll be okay." She looked up at him. "Thank you, Zale. You look good, especially all in black bad-ass mode."

"Knowing what she had planned, I couldn't just sit back. I need to get back to talk to her. But first, let's go get you some clothes and then I have an idea."

---

"Awakening"
by Kaysa Zenarr
Zale Tregat
and Maeren Shivral

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

***

Zale pressed the stimmer to Kaysa's throat and injected it. He saw her eyes flutter briefly with the beginnings of consciousness. He stepped back from the chair where she sat and watched as she woke up.

With the veil of darkness slowly lifting from her mind, Kaysa felt the beginnings of consciousness. Her body was still listless and partially numb, but she did feel a stiffness in her neck, most likely from the awkward position her head was in, hanging down with her chin upon her chest. She heard herself groan, a voice that seemed detached from her own body, somehow distant and foreign. Her head lolled back and she strained to open her heavy eyelids.

A reverberant pounding arose in her head, the pain it caused being the first sensation to fully be perceived by her slowly waking senses. She tried to bring a hand to massage her head, but found herself unable to lift it. Her eyes fluttered open as the weight lifted from her eyelids, but instead of the bright room she remembered being in last, she was now in one dimmed to almost darkness. The translucent layer sleep had placed over her eyes distorted everything she looked at, and she tried to blink it away as she scanned the room. She was disoriented and feeling lethargic, but as the drug slowly began dissipating in her blood, her body began to revive.

She glanced down at her arms first and realized now why they were immobile. Along with her legs, she was strapped to a chair in the centre of the room. She didn't know if she was still in Zale's office, but wherever she was, she was trapped. A shape appeared in her field of vision and she moaned in an attempt to speak. Her tongue refused to cooperate and her moans grew louder the more frustrated she became.

Her vision began clearing and slowly, the features of the shape standing before her began to take on a familiarity. "Bastard!" she wanted to shout, but all she could manage was a bestial grunt. Abandoning her attempt to communicate through speech, Kaysa expressed her rage towards the man standing before her by gathering the saliva within her mouth and launching it into his face. She smiled and found that spitting in his face was almost as satisfying as cursing at him, probably even moreso.

"You should be able to speak normally again in about five minutes or so," Zale's voice, seeming distant and almost as if it traveled through water, said. "You're in Thanatos now, just so you know. Beneath my headquarters. You seemed to hunger for a taste of the crimelord's life, Kaysa, so I'm going to give you a first hand example. When someone crosses me, their punishment is usually reflected by the crime they've committed against me." He reached down to his belt and tapped a button there.

Behind him in the darkness, a door opened and the sounds of heavy boots against metal could be heard. A moment later, they came into view. Two rows of men, ten in each row, moved to stand behind Zale. The most remarkable thing about each man was that he wore no pants or underwear.

Zale took a step closer. His face held no smile and his eyes seemed to be pits of blackness. His eyes bored into hers and his mouth twisted into a sneer. "Look familiar, Kaysa?"

Kaysa thrashed her head about and groaned as she focused on the erect organs clearly visible on the naked forms of the men. She knew what they were here to do, but she didn't think Zale would go through with it...would he? Her pleas were heard only in her mind, but she gazed at him imploringly. Her eyes were the only outlet with which to convey her thoughts, and as she searched Zale's eyes, she saw nothing but malice and spite.

"You don't like that thought do you," he said stepping closer. "Why don't we get this next part out of the way first. I don't think you'll be in any condition to watch what I have to show you or have a little conversation after they get done with you."

He gave a signal and the men disappeared around behind Kaysa. He tapped another button on his belt, and from the ceiling behind him an image dropped into the middle of the air. It was a holographic projection. It wavered slightly, and then focused on the form of a young woman struggling against multiple attackers. It was clearly Shiv and it pained Zale to witness the events again. He let it play through the whole scene: the stripping, Shiv's rescue, and Vrax running off into the night.

Once it finished playing he leaned close to her ear. "Before Vrax ran off, I thought about offering him the shot to come back here and take you himself. Do you think he'd like that? Do you think that would be a price he'd be willing to jump sides for?"

Kaysa shuddered at the thought and turned away from Zale. From the corner of her eye, she caught a closer glimpse of the bare, pink flesh of the men Zale had hired for the purpose of exacting punishment for the crime she'd just witnessed. If it were any other time, she would have considered it a challenge to take them all on, but now, she was sickened to her stomach thinking about what they were ready and willing to do to her. She wanted to cry out in hopes that he would be merciful and let her go unscathed, but she doubted he was in the mood to show her kindness after what she'd done.

"Shiv, as you saw, is completely safe," Zale said. "One of the men hit her, but he's now dead so I think retribution has been served for that injury." He followed her eyes and smiled. "I can see you're nervous about my men. I'd be really nervous of Banders. He's back in the second rank. He has a prick that makes Corun look like an infant. Hung like a bantha." He moved to where he was facing her. "Now, I trust that you're going to be more cooperative. I am in control here and there is nothing you can do to wrest that from me. If you are willful and defiant, you will be sorry."

Zale looked up into her eyes and smiled at the mix of emotions warring there. "Now, the future. You are a sick woman, Kaysa. You need help. Very serious help in a very serious way. If you continue like this, your own spitefulness and jealousy are going to destroy you. How do you think Merrick Braston would react if he knew about what you orchestrated here today? He doesn't know yet, so don't worry about that. Do you love him, Kaysa?"

She knew the answer to that and was certain Zale knew as well. If Merrick found out about what she'd done, that in itself would have been more torture than being forced by all twenty of Zale's men. She closed her eyes and felt her lips trembling as she became fraught with misery. If Merrick found out, she'd lose him forever. She closed her eyes tightly against the tears and turned her head away from Zale again.

Zale reached out and grabbed Kaysa's chin and pulled it back so she faced him again. "Dammit, Kaysa," he rasped. "Look at me. If you love that man and you want to keep him, you need to change right here and right now." He glanced behind her at the men. "Everyone out." The sounds of boots quickly disappeared through a door in the back of the room. "Kaysa, if you want to keep him, you need help. I'll help you if you want me to, but you have to want to change, and you can't let yourself slide back."

Instead of focusing on Zale, Kaysa watched as the half naked men marched out of the room. Once the door closed behind them, Kaysa sank in the chair and sobbed quietly. "I've tried to change," she said bitterly. "You were supposed to help me, but you abandoned me. How am I supposed to change if there's no one there to stand by my side." Kaysa struggled against the bindings trapping her in the chair. She grunted in frustration and fell heavily against the back of the chair. "Let me go," she said in a menacing whisper. "You don't wanna help me. All you want is someone to fuck and when I couldn't deliver, you went out to find a new playmate. Then there's Merrick allowing himself to get close to that sl--" Kaysa breathed sharply through her nose, knowing Zale wouldn't tolerate her insolence for even a moment, not when he was this enraged.

Zale stood and turned from Kaysa, taking a step away, then spun back around and brought the back of his hand hard against her cheek. "What the fuck is your problem, you insolent bitch? I offer you my hand and you snap at it like some rabid cur. Open your fucking eyes and see that you're the problem! You are the one pushing everyone away. You are the one causing the pain. The problem is you and not everyone else. Until you accept that, your life won't change one damn bit, and Merrick will end up with Shiv because you're so blinded by your fucking jealousy and past that you're driving them together! You are the problem!"

Kaysa sucked on her lip as the distinct taste of metal filled her mouth. She glared at Zale fiercely and struggled again with the bindings to break free so she could administer the same infliction as he had imposed on her. "You're wrong! It's not me. It's them. They won't go away and I don't know why!" Kaysa fought against the bindings for a moment longer, then abandoned her efforts and slumped against the chair. "Just when I thought I'd found happiness, they return, suddenly and unannounced." Kaysa bit her lip not to suck away the blood, but to force back the tears. "I thought - when Merrick came back - that I wouldn't need you anymore. I was ready to give you up, but then there they were again. I thought I had everything right this time! Things begin to look optimistic, then they return and everything comes crashing down again and I don't know why!"

Zale closed his eyes as if he were exhausted. "The demons are all in your mind. They're manifestations of your fears and doubts. They're the memories that haunt your consciousness. It's all just fear. What are you afraid of, Kaysa?"

She looked up at Zale with glossy eyes and shook her head slowly. "I...I don't know, Zale." Kaysa's body shook as the tears finally broke free and trickled down her cheeks. "I don't know why I listen to them," she said thickly. "I guess...I think of them as my protectors. They protect me from being harmed by others." Kaysa choked on her words and hung her head low as she continued to sob. "They were trying to protect me from losing Merrick, that's why I did what I did to Shiv. When Cadwin left and I abandoned Keeve, they just...showed up and haven't left me since." She looked up at Zale again, red-eyed, and asked quietly, "If they don't protect me, Zale, who else will? You? You hate me. Merrick? I can't even bring myself to tell him the truth. Who's left, Zale?" Kaysa paused and gave a short laugh. "No one but them."

"Why don't you try protecting yourself then," he asked. "You don't need them. And, you don't need anyone else. You're a strong woman. You can take care of yourself. Let's get this straight right now, Cadwin was a fuck-up and his leaving you had nothing to do with you and everything to do with him. You have the chance to be happy again with Merrick, but if that gets fucked up, this time it will be your fault for pushing everyone away. As for your son, the boy needs his mother." He raised her chin again. "And, I think the mother needs her boy. You have the strength Kaysa, you just need to find the courage to stand on your own two feet and not hide behind everything in your way. It's time to reconcile with your past, Kaysa. It's time to move on."

Kaysa closed her eyes against the burning tears and wept even more bitterly as she thought about the boy she'd carried within her for nine months, but who would most likely be a complete stranger to her if she ever passed him in the street. Her cries grew louder and she nestled her cheek against Zale's hand for comfort. "I couldn't even save him on my own. I needed your money to do it, Zale. What makes you think I can save myself and salvage what little I have left? I can't do this, Zale. I want to, but I can't."

"You have to, Kaysa," he said. "Because if you don't do it this time, it's all gone. Merrick, your son, your company, me. If you don't do it this time, then it's over. You have to try extra hard and you have to be honest with everyone around you. You have to stop using people as your footrests. You have to be honest with Merrick. You have to be honest with Shiv. You have to be honest with me. And, most importantly, you have to be honest with yourself. And, you should try to reconcile with your son. Put your focus on raising him, and the demons may not bother you so much. Not if you don't have time to think about them."

"Shiv won't ever speak to me again when she finds out what I did. Hell, Merrick will never speak to me again." Kaysa looked up at Zale and narrowed her eyes at him skeptically. "Why are you doing this for me? Why do you care..." Kaysa grinned ruefully and looked away. "That's right. You don't. You just see a business partner whose potential you don't wanna see wasted. I disgust you, I can see it in your eyes. Imagine how Shiv and Merrick will react."

"Shiv knows what you did," Zale said. "Merrick has no idea what's happened. As far as I know, he's sitting in your apartment worrying about where you are." He took a deep breath and let it out. "As for myself, I'm trying to help someone who could be a friend, and someone who I could care for if she could bring herself to be less of a manipulative bitch to everyone around her." He looked behind her and then nodded. After a moment, a shadow emerged on Kaysa's right and then moved out in front of her. Once in the light, the shadow resolved itself into Shiv. She moved to stand in front of Kaysa. Her eyes were narrowed and her lips were pressed together in a tight frown.

The markings from the slight beating Shiv had taken were visible on her reddened cheek and the rage in her eyes was more than apparent in her icy gaze. She tried to avert her eyes from Shiv's but she knew she deserved to be judged by her, to be hated. She looked to Zale for a moment, wanting to resent him for bringing her here, but she would have to face Shiv eventually, and she would prefer to do it in the absence of Merrick. She stared into Shiv's eyes. She wanted to apologize for her period of insanity, the one that caused her to resort to destroying Shiv so she could be with Merrick. She didn't think Shiv would forgive her; she didn't deserve to be forgiven. Kaysa opened her mouth to say something to try and appease Shiv, but the only she could think of to say was, "How are you, Shiv?"

Shiv stepped forward, her bare feet barely making a sound on the floor. Her clothes had been replaced, but the boots had been her only pair. When she stood directly in front of Kaysa, the tears in her eyes were apparent. Her hands were balled into fists and the tremors of her body, shaking with inner rage, were unmistakable. She pulled her fist back and let it fly, once and then twice, against Kaysa's jaw. The tears fell in streams down her cheeks as she stared at Kaysa. She leaned close to Kaysa so their eyes were only centimeters apart. Then, she kissed her. Once she pulled her lips from Kaysa's, she hugged her tightly and then finally stepped back.

The taste of blood was more prominent in Kaysa's mouth now, and as the room came back into view after momentarily being blackened out of her vision, she looked at Shiv with utter confusion. Was she toying with her? Was the kiss meant to give her a taste of what she would never have again from Shiv? Was she forgiven? The tears pouring down her cheeks mingled with the blood from her nose, but despite her clouded vision, she kept her eyes on Shiv. She should have hurt her more than merely a couple of punches; she should have taken a knife to her throat and ended it all so everyone could live happy and free of her jealousy and vile deeds.

She choked on her tears as she saw the ones flowing from Shiv's eyes. She'd hurt her and all for a case of petty jealousy. Even so, no one deserved to be put through what Kaysa had had in store for Shiv. Yet even after witnessing the extent of Kaysa's depravity, she still had that radiant glow about her, the one that conveyed to everyone she met, how precious and innocent she was. Not even Kaysa could corrupt her and steal that from her, and knowing that she'd tried only made her despise herself more. "Shiv..." Kaysa sobbed quietly, but never looked away. "You hate me...tell me you truly hate me now, as much as I hate myself."

"I want to love you, Kaysa," she said. "But you make it so hard. Merrick is yours, Kaysa. No matter what I may feel for him, or what kind of attraction he and I may have for each other, he is yours. He knows it and I know it. He loves you, Kaysa. With all his heart, he loves you. He and I are closer, but we're not lovers. He's yours and whether or not we fall asleep near each other or in each others arms or whatever, he's yours. I'm only a threat to your relationship if you make me one." She moved close and kissed Kaysa again, more tenderly this time. "The time for hating is over, Kaysa. It's time to find reasons to love. I love you and I always will. I'm enraged with you for what you did, but I still love you. But, I don't want you hating yourself, not anymore. That's why we have so many problems. And, like I said last night, if you screw it up with Merrick, I will kill you. Don't screw it up, Kaysa. Please don't screw it up."

Kaysa had no idea what else to say. Zale and Shiv kept telling her the same thing. She was going to lose everyone if she didn't change. Hearing it from Shiv helped reinforce that and helped her realize that she truly would end up alone if she didn't try and turn herself around. She would end up alone, but this time, it would be through her own doing.

Kaysa nodded her head slowly and finally submitted to all Shiv and Zale had been asking her to do since she'd awakened: she would fight the demons and stop letting them control her life. She would stop blaming everyone around her, and start taking responsibility for her own actions. The task seemed so daunting and she wasn't certain she could do it on her own, but as she looked into Shiv's eyes, then into Zale's, she knew she wouldn't be alone in this. "I'm so sorry, Shiv. It may sound like I've said it a million times before, and it may be meaningless to you now, but I truly am sorry." She swallowed down the rest of her tears and attempted a smile for Shiv, but her mouth and jaw were sore, and a wince was the only facial expression she could manage. "I need...I need to stop lying to myself and everyone. That means Merrick has to know what I did to you, Shiv, even if it means I'll lose him. I've lied to him enough already...I can't keep doing so. I can't keep doing what I'm doing, but I don't quite know how to stop myself yet. That's why I need you, Shiv, and Merrick...and even you, Zale." Kaysa looked again to Zale, then motioned her eyes to the cuffs strapping her to the chair. "Please?"

Zale reached down and he unfastened the cuffs holding Kaysa's wrists and ankles. "I'll do everything I can to help you, Kaysa," he said. "It may be difficult times, but I'll always be here for you. I'll make sure you have my comm code, so if you ever need to contact me, you can. And, I don't think it's a good idea for you to continue drinking. I think that's one of chief contributors to the problems. You lose yourself to the alcohol, and then whatever happens with you in that state is anyone's guess. You have to stop drinking." He removed the final restraint holding her legs in place and then stepped back.

She rubbed the soreness from her wrists and hazarded an attempt to get to her feet. She was unsure how long she'd been unconscious and wasn't certain if her limbs were functioning properly, but once she rose, and although her legs were shakey, she managed to remain standing unaided. With some trepidation, she stepped towards Shiv and finally threw her arms around her in an embrace. "Forgive me... I need you to forgive me if I'm to have any chance of changing, Shiv. I need your strength, your goodness. I need you."

"You're forgiven, Kaysa," Shiv whispered. "And, you have me. There is one thing I need to tell you about Merrick and me. Today, when we were spending time together, we got closer, but we stopped ourselves before it went too far. We only really kissed. He helped me out with some money, and I got an apartment. And, I was excited and I ran and jumped into his arms. We both sort of ended up on the floor together, and we were kissing, and then it was getting really steamy. But we stopped. We stopped for you. I couldn't do that to you, and neither could he."

Her grip on Shiv tightened and her body tensed. Her anxieties and jealousy were proving true, but unlike herself, Shiv told the truth. She didn't blame her, however, for now she knew she was the one who had driven them to it. Yet, they stopped, for her sake. She underestimated their love for her; she'd underestimated everyone, but she was the one who was truly lacking.

She smoothed her hand over Shiv's hair and kissed her gently upon the cheek, careful not to aggravate her bruise. "I guess that's just one more thing we'll need to discuss. We already have so much we need to talk about; one more thing can't hurt." Kaysa pulled away and kissed Shiv upon the lips before she turned her attention to Zale. "No more drinking. You're right about me not being able to handle it. I drink to shut them out...but it only makes them louder." Kaysa knew she'd didn't have to go into detail about the identity of those she was referring to. Zale knew about them all too well. She looked back at Shiv and caressed her cheek softly. "I need to talk to Zale for a minute. Will you wait for me, Shiv? After that, we can go home."

Shiv nodded. "I'll be waiting just outside there," she said, pointing toward the door to the back of the room. She kissed Kaysa again, and then moved off toward the door.

Once they were alone, Zale regarded Kaysa through eyes that were much less guarded than she'd ever seen before. "I'm glad we were finally able to reach you," he said. "I wasn't sure for awhile there."

"I wasn't sure myself." Kaysa dared not take even a step towards him. She knew all he'd done to her was with the intention of breaking her out of her psychosis and making her aware of what she was slowly losing through her insanity, but she was still frightened of him. Kaysa rubbed her arms slowly and licked away some remaining blood from her lip. She didn't meet his gaze and began pacing slowly in front of him. "I know that I've ruined whatever we had, even though what we had wasn't exactly healthy for me. I owe you a thank you, though for doing what you did, and I'm not sure if it was to save Shiv's innocence, or to keep me from making a mistake I'd regret... For whatever reason you did it, thank you." She stopped pacing and slowly glanced in his direction. "You never wanna see me again, do you?"

"I would like to see you again if that's possible," he said. "I'd like to be able to consider you a friend and an ally. And, I did what I did to save you and to protect her. You were at the bottom of a downward spiral, and you needed to be knocked out of it before you hit bottom." He took a step closer and then pulled Kaysa into an embrace. "You have people around you that care for you very much, Kaysa," he said. "Don't push them away. They're the ones you want close. I want to see you pull out of this and be the woman you truly want to be, not the one you think fate has destined you to be. You've taken a step down the path you want to be on, now you have to find the strength to keep moving forward. Use your friends for that strength when you need them. That's what we're here for."

Her fears and apprehensions withered away and Kaysa let herself warm to Zale's embrace. She let her own arms encircle him and slowly looked into his eyes. "You may think me cold and unfeeling, Zale, and you may not believe a bloody word I say, but I do care for you." Kaysa brought a hand to his cheek and caressed it gently. "I won't push you away anymore, Zale. And with your help, I won't push Shiv and Merrick away. Thank you for pulling me out of the darkness."

Zale nodded slowly. He swallowed hard and then smiled. "You're welcome," he said. "I know what it takes for you to admit that, and it means very much to me that you are able. And, I do care for you, and want to see you become the woman you've always wanted to be. I am your friend, and I'm always here for you. Before you leave, I'll get you a private comm number where you can always get ahold of me. We'll have to get together for a business lunch. I want to help you get Zenarr Inc. back on its feet, and then I want to talk to you about some other ventures around New Plouton that might interest you. But, that can wait for later. For now, you have some damage control to do with your boyfriend and your girlfriend." He kissed her softly and then gave her a smile.

Kaysa managed a smile of her own despite the pain, but she figured they were even now after the split lip she gave him. "You're not so intimidating for a crimelord...well not all the time." Kaysa kissed him tenderly and embraced him firmly one final time. "Thanks for the beatings and the frights. It's exactly what I needed." She pulled away and gazed at him for a long while with a crooked smile on her face. She didn't quite know how to categorize her relationship with Zale now. It was more than friendship, but not quite in the realm of lovers. She did know that it would be quite the adventure finding out where exactly they did fit in. "I'll keep in touch and until we do meet again, keep yourself safe, ok?"

"You too," he said with a smile. "And, look after Shiv too. And, good luck with Merrick. I do truly hope it works out for you; I think he's good for you. Oh, and we're actually still in New Plouton. But, I do have a room very similar to this one in my Thanatos facility." He smiled and laughed softly to himself. "I'm very happy it worked the way it did; Moril will have that number for you. Now get out of here before you realize that crimelords have emotions too."

"Too late," Kaysa said softly. She shook her head and chuckled quietly as she headed for the door. She knew she'd never really understand why he did what he did nor would she understand how Shiv could so easily forgive her, but what she knew for certain was that she truly had people who cared for her and that she'd almost lost them all in one day.

She looked back at Zale for a moment as she reached the door. She was beginning to no longer see him as a slayer for the demons within; she would have to do that for herself from now on. If she wanted control of her life, she would have to completely take control and not allow herself to be dictated by the whims and wishes of the bitter voices from the past. Finally going through the door, she knew the step she'd just taken was most likely the first one towards a new beginning with Shiv and Merrick, and possibly Zale. If she continued to heal without regressing to the abomination she'd become for a time today, she knew there was a chance she'd find enough courage to actually see her son for the first time in ten years.

For the first time in ten years, perhaps she could go a day without drinking, and more importantly, maybe she could finally find a way to banish the demons forever.

---

"Threesome, Part 1"
by Maeren Shivral
Kaysa Zennar
and Merrick Braston

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

***

Moril watched from the doorway as Kaysa and Shiv stepped out into the night. Shiv waved to him before he disappeared back inside. He'd been fussing over her like a female bantha over her young. As they walked out toward the waiting cab, Shiv glanced over at Kaysa who was lost in thought. She slipped her hand into Kaysa's and then turned back to face where they were headed.

She sighed and then looked back at Kaysa. "I'm sure Merrick will want to make that bruise feel all better," she finally said with a grin.

Kaysa stuffed the comm number given to her by Moril into her pocket, then rubbed her jaw with her free hand as she glanced sideways. "You've got a powerful punch. That's incentive enough not to get on your bad side again." She squeezed Shiv's hand and smiled at her, despite the pain radiating from the cut in her lip. "I wonder what Merrick's gonna say when he sees the state we're in. We must look pretty frightful."

Shiv's grin made the side of her face hurt, but she couldn't help it. "It makes you look tough," she said. "Sort of that 'don't mess with me' kind of look." Shiv slid into the open door of the cab and across to the other side of the seat. Her last cab ride had been unpleasant, she knew this one would be much better. "I think Merrick's gonna be kinda worried when he sees us."

"He'll be even more worried when he finds out what I tried to do to you. He won't ever trust me again, Shiv." Kaysa sighed and sank into the resilient material of the seat in the cab. Her body was sore in every place imaginable and it pained her even to speak. This definitely was her punishment.

Shiv moved closer to Kaysa and pulled her into an embrace. "But, you're changing," she said. "And, when he sees that me and you are okay, he'll know that he can trust you. You were going through some really tough stuff, and you were trying to do it on your own. But, you have us now. And, we'll help you get through this. And, if he still doesn't trust you or want you after that, I'll kick his butt until he does." She pressed her forehead against the side of Kaysa's head. "He loves you, Kaysa. That won't just turn off because of what happened."

"Not everyone is as tolerant as you, Shiv." Kaysa noticed the hovercab driver looking back at them through the mirror with a queer expression. That in itself was enough to indicate that they both certainly did look as awful as she felt. "Shiv," Kaysa began slowly, "how...how do you feel about Merrick? Do you...I mean...do you love him?"

Shiv closed her eyes and shifted in the seat so she could rest her head on Kaysa's shoulder. "I don't know," she whispered. "I don't know if it's love. He's a friend. A very good friend. And, I don't know if I love him or not." She looked up at Kaysa with fear in her eyes. "I don't want to love him, Kaysa. I don't. I don't want to hurt what you and Merrick have." She sighed. "But I don't know."

"It's ok, Shiv," Kaysa whispered softly. She brought a hand to Shiv's head and began stroking it soothingly. "If you love him, that can't be helped. I can't force you to ignore any feelings you have for him. Believe me, I know how difficult it is to suppress the emotions you feel towards another and it isn't right to do so." She laughed dryly and pulled Shiv closer. "Besides, if anyone has hurt the relationship Merrick and I have, it's me. You've done the opposite; you've only taken measures to ensure we stay together. I should be thanking you for that."

"I like him a lot," Shiv said, allowing herself to snuggle into Kaysa's embrace. "And, with everything he did to help me out today, I think I may care for him more than I should. But, I don't want to hurt what you guys have. Last night, he said something to me...he...he said he didn't see why you didn't love me. He said that, and...I don't know. I think he's attracted to me, maybe. But, I know that he wants to be with you. I won't let anything else ever happen between me and him, Kaysa. We'll be friends, and that's all. Just friends, and a really big fan."

"And that's what you want, Shiv? You want to reject your feelings for him because of me? I don't deserve that, Shiv. For the sake of the gods, of course he's attracted to you. You made out and almost went at it together. I'd say he's pretty hot for you." Kaysa ran her hand along Shiv's cheek, gently and careful not to aggravate her injuries. Merrick's comment was a good one, and one Kaysa had no answer for. She cared for Shiv, but wasn't certain if she loved her. Of course, she was incapable of loving her in a romantic sense, but as friends it was at least possible. Yet, she was at a loss to explain why she couldn't bring herself to feel those things for Shiv when just about everyone else absolutely adored her after only ten minutes with her.

Maybe she did love her, but refused to express it to Shiv and admit it to herself; it was easier to manipulate someone if you didn't love them. But she was through manipulating and exploiting Shiv. Perhaps now, she could allow her feelings for Shiv to blossom. It was the least she owed Shiv for everything she'd put her through.

"Take your time, Shiv," Kaysa said quietly. She kissed the top of her head lightly and continued caressing her cheek. "Don't rush into it. Sort out your feelings for Merrick, then you can decide what to do. If you do love him, we'll definitely have to work something out so you can be together."

Shiv looked up into Kaysa's eyes with a mixture of confusion and surprise. "Really? I mean, you'd be willing...?" She threw her arms around Kaysa and hugged her tightly. "Maybe we can be that family," she said. "Things are going to be good from now on, Kaysa. Me, you, and Merrick, we're gonna get through this." She kissed Kaysa gently on the lips and then just held her. "Merrick helped me find an apartment today. I think it might be big enough for the three of us. It's a great location, and right near the White Noise and his manager's office. Do you still want to...for the three of us to live together?"

"It's not up to me, Shiv. We still have to determine just how pissed off Merrick's gonna be when he finds out what I tried to do to you. If he can still bear to look at me, maybe the apartment thing will be a good idea." Kaysa held Shiv tightly and sighed deeply. "I'm disgusted with myself, Shiv. I can scarcely believe I did that to you. I look back on it now, and it's as if someone else was in control of my higher reasoning and all I could do was sit back and watch while that other person controlled my actions. I'm not saying I divest myself of responsibility, but I am saying that I wasn't completely in control. It's more likely that I was out of control."

Shiv looked up into Kaysa's eyes. "Don't worry," she said with a smile. "I'll convince him that you're still very worthy of loving." She traced fingers along the line of Kaysa's jaw, lost for a long moment in the contours of Kaysa's face. "I want to draw you and Merrick together. I think that could be a very nice portrait. Maybe sometime we can do that. But, for now, we need to put all the bad stuff that's happened behind us, and go forward. It could have been very bad, but it wasn't. We made it through, and we're gonna be better now. You'll see, Kaysa. Everything's gonna be perfect now."

Kaysa envied Shiv's optimism and her ability to disregard all the darkness that had fallen upon them and focus on the light ahead. If she'd had the same ability, her life over the past ten years would have been very different and less painful. She closed her eyes and tried to find solace in Shiv's words. Things had to get better, for she didn't think they could get any worse without completely destroying herself and losing her sanity.

The hovercab edged along slowly through the busy streets and Kaysa knew it was still a long way before they reached her apartment. She needed to mentally prepare herself for what she would face when Merrick was told everything. If he felt hatred towards her, she could accept that, but wasn't certain if she could handle it. Mental preparation was the only way to keep her resolve from crumbling if he turned his back on her. "Perfect," Kaysa whispered as the low hum of the hovercab helped settle her nerves. "I hope so, Shiv."

****

The cab finally halted before her apartment complex, and Kaysa handed the driver a cred slip. She gently shook Shiv awake and when she finally opened her eyes, Kaysa helped her out of the cab. She held Shiv close as the hovercab sped away, leaving them standing alone in the darkness of the night. "I don't know if I'm ready for this, Shiv. I don't know if I can bear to look into his eyes when we tell him."

"I'll be there with you, Kaysa," Shiv said. "I'll hold your hand, and keep my arms around you, and do everything I can to let Merrick know that things are okay now." They started slowly toward the apartment, still clinging to each other.

When they finally let themselves through the door, Merrick jumped up from the couch and started forward, but stopped suddenly when he realized Shiv was with Kaysa. Then he saw their bruises.

"Dear gods," he said. "Did you two beat each other up?"

"Not exactly," Kaysa said slowly. She led Shiv to the couch and gestured for her to sit down. She couldn't make eye contact with Merrick and knew it would be even more uncomfortable be in the same room as him once they began unfolding their tale. "Do you want some ice, Shiv? I know I could sure use some," Kaysa said as she started towards the kitchen.

Shiv shook her head. "I'm okay for now," she said. "I'll want some later though. After." She looked up at Merrick and the words from the cab ride with Kaysa sent her heart pounding. She forced her attention to Kaysa.

Merrick moved to where Kaysa stood next to Shiv and took her into his arms. "Is everything alright? I didn't expect to see you two together again. Things are okay between you now?"

"Now they are." Kaysa pushed Merrick gently away and opened her mouth to say something else, but merely proceeded to the kitchen. She'd tried and she couldn't do it. If they were going to have any sort of conversation this evening, she wouldn't be the one to initiate it. She moved to the refrigeration unit and pulled out some ice for her jaw, glancing momentarily back to Shiv and pleading with her to be the one to start.

Shiv nodded and then reached up and took Merrick's hands and pulled him down to sit next to her. "It's a fairly long explanation," she said, "and a difficult one. Kaysa is afraid that after you hear what she did today that you'll hate her and never want to see her again. I want you to know that I still love her as much as I always have, even after today. Everything is okay now."

Merrick glanced between Kaysa and Shiv as he tried to put together what they were trying to say. "Okay," he said. "Well, that you two are standing here in the same room is a good thing. So what happened?"

Shiv looked into Merrick's eyes and then quickly turned her gaze over to Kaysa.

She'd been listening while numbing her sore jaw with the ice, and as she felt all eyes on her, panic began to well up within her. She could hold nothing back, she knew that. She owed it to Merrick and Shiv to finally come clean and stop with the lying. It was the only way to mend things.

Slowly, Kaysa laid the cloth filled with ice onto the counter and looked out into the living room. She found a vase of flowers to focus on instead of Merrick's eyes. He would definitely not like this. "Everything happened, Merrick," she said softly. "Everything that shouldn't have happened, did and it was all because of me." She managed to glance in Merrick's direction, but quickly looked away again. The eyes were boring into her and making things more difficult than they already were. "You're not gonna like this, Merrick. You're not gonna like this at all."

Merrick nodded slowly. "I'll do my best to keep a level head, and not judge until I've heard everything," he said. "I love you, Kaysa, and very little can sway that love." At his side, Shiv edged closer and her grip on his hands tightened. He looked at her and raised an eyebrow.

"It's gonna be okay," she whispered. "Everything worked out alright. Everything is much better now, and when we're done we can all move into the apartment together, the new apartment."

Merrick gave Shiv's hands a squeeze and then looked back to Kaysa. "So, what happened, Kayse?"

A cleansing breath was what she needed to settle her nerves, but one look into Merrick's eyes, and her composure slowly crumbled again. She couldn't prolong it anymore. She would have to tell him and dragging the confession out longer would only make it harder for everyone.

She edged away from the counter and moved back towards the living area. As she stopped before Merrick, she wrapped her arms around herself, then knelt at Merrick's feet before her legs gave way beneath her. "Shiv hit me, but I deserved it. That's where I got the bloody nose from. The split lip is another story, but let's stick with this one first." Kaysa looked away and closed her eyes tightly. How could she tell Merrick about such an abominable act? He would truly hate her. "You and Shiv...you've gotten so close so quickly. That's what I was afraid of - that you'd get so close that I would lose you to her. That's why I did it, Merrick," she said desperately as she looked into his eyes. "I did it for us. But I know now, I was wrong. I shouldn't have gone that far."

Merrick frowned. "I don't know what you did," he said, trying to maintain his calm, "but from the way you're talking it sounds like it was pretty bad." He shook his head, unsure whether he wanted to hear more. "Does it matter that I don't know and that things are better between you and Shiv now? And, you don't have to worry about Shiv and I. While I may be attracted to her, I love you. Shiv and I had a close call today, but our mutual love for you pulled us back before we could do anything we regretted." He glanced at Shiv and then back to Kaysa. "If you did something, and Shiv still loves you, then I see no reason why my feelings for you should change at all."

Kaysa tried to gain comfort from Merrick's words, but she found none. The act she was about to speak of would only disgust him; she'd left him for far less and she saw no reason why he wouldn't do the same. Kaysa trembled visibly as she recounted in her mind the series of events leading up to that moment, then looked up at Merrick as she prepared to confess them. He would not be happy. "Shiv's bruises occurred during a struggle she had with a group of men...men I sent after her to do a horrible thing." Kaysa clenched her eyes shut and shook her head slowly. "I only wanted her so broken that she couldn't even think about trying to pursue you, Merrick. They weren't gonna kill her, I made certain of that, but I wanted them to hurt her the worst way any woman could be hurt. How could I have gone so wrong..."

Merrick watched Kaysa with the mixture of emotions clear on his face. "How could you--? I don't underst-- Kaysa, dear gods, how could you even..." He looked to Maeren who was looking at him with pleading eyes brimmed with tears. The look of love in her eyes was almost too much. For whatever reason, it had been aborted, and somehow afterwards Maeren and Kaysa had resolved their differences. He turned back to where Kaysa watched with an expression of such pain and sorrow that he could almost feel it himself. Her actions had been out of desperation to keep him for herself, but they had been very extreme. It scared him to think that she was capable of doing something like that. But, he had the same sort of demon in his past. His own actions weren't as cold and calculating, but had he known in advance what Liane had been doing would they have been any less brutal than Kaysa's? Kaysa and Maeren had reconciled, and the love he felt for her was still strong. Every fibre in his being told him that to turn his back on her now would be hypocrisy. The anger and fear he felt lessened somewhat. Finally, he nodded. He stood, keeping his eyes on her.

"Isn't it amazing what a person is capable of when their passions are roused?" He moved forward slowly and finally he stood directly in front of Kaysa. "I don't really know what to think, but I know that I vowed to never leave. I still love you, Kaysa. And, if Maeren's forgiven you for what you did to her, how can I not forgive you? I guess from here, we'll have to go slowly and see what happens. And, I'll try to keep some distance between myself and Maeren so this sort of thing can't happen again in the future." With that he held out his arms to her, longing to hold her and put things right that had suddenly gone so wrong.

Kaysa looked up in confusion at Merrick and shook her head as she quickly rose to her feet and stepped back. "Don't you understand, Merrick? I tried to have her raped and brutalized! I wanted her out of the way at any costs." Her eyes moved slowly to Shiv who was almost in tears. She didn't know if Shiv was scared that Merrick was going to leave or whether she was going to push him away. Shiv had expressed her adamant desire to see the two of them triumph despite all the struggles they would endure now and in the future, but Kaysa didn't have that kind of confidence in herself yet. She didn't trust herself to be able to keep the relationship from turning sour. She didn't trust herself period.

Kaysa turned her eyes back to Merrick and unconsciously continued walking backwards. "No matter what happened between you and Shiv, my actions far exceeded any punishment I should have exacted upon you or her. Punishment?!" Kaysa laughed and shook her head vigorously. "She didn't deserve any punishment, Merrick! If she wants to be with you, she's far more deserving than I am. She could love you, but her love would be less of a burden for you."

"I love you, Kaysa," Merrick said softly. "And, Shiv is very special to me. She's a friend, and someone I would have become intimate with if it weren't for our love for you. She is the bright spot cast in the darkness of this galaxy. And, I can feel myself still drawn to her. But, I love you, Kaysa. I want to be with you. I don't know why you did what you did, but I can understand how it could happen. You are a very passionate woman, and I think there are other issues that need to be addressed. But none of that affects how I feel." He reached out and caught her hands into his. "I know my feelings for you, and they haven't changed. My feelings for Maeren are a little more complex, and I fear I may have started down a road that will cause us problems in the future. But, I want you to know, that no matter what feelings I may have for her, I still love you and want to be with you."

Kaysa knew her own tears were beginning to come, just as they had for Shiv. It couldn't have been easy to hear all the things Merrick was saying, but they were all here to witness the truth finally come out, and there was still more Kaysa had to confess to Merrick before the weight would finally lift from her chest. "I do love you, Merrick, but even that couldn't keep me from lying to you. I'm a sick woman, Merrick. I mean, what kind of woman runs out on her own child? I hated Cadwin for running out on me, yet the minute my child was born, I left. Could you love a woman like that, Merrick?" Sobs seized Kaysa's voice and she pulled her hands away from Merrick's to wipe away the stinging tears. "Could you love a woman who was cruel enough to have her own lover raped and who abandoned her newborn son? I don't deserve to be loved! Especially not now..."

"I love who you are," Merrick said softly. "And, what happened with Cadwin was a long time ago, and it scarred you. Sometimes it's hard to face things like that, and they just fester inside of you. I think all of that is what brought us to this. Even if I could do it, now would be the worst time to abandon you, Kaysa. Right now you need people who love you, who can get you up on top again. You may be a sick woman, but there are few sicknesses that can't be healed. You may not think you deserve my love, but you're getting it whether you want it or not."

In that moment, Kaysa was astonished that her love for Merrick could be stronger than it already was. He'd said time and time again that he wouldn't abandon her, not for anything; now, though, she truly believed it. Kaysa's body shook with the force of her surging emotions and she cried out as she flew into Merrick's arms. She wept bitterly on his shoulder and felt all her fears about losing him, all the hate she'd held within her, expelled through the falling tears. "I love you, Merrick, more than I ever thought myself capable of loving another person. I want to heal...and I want you to help me." Her eyes fell to Shiv again and she smiled at her despite the tears. "And you, Shiv. I wish I could emulate all of those qualities that make you such a beautiful person. I need you too. Both of you."

From where she sat on the couch with her knees tucked up under her chin and her arms wrapped tightly around them, Shiv smiled. She let the tears fall unhindered as she watched Kaysa and Merrick together. They were so perfect. "I'll always be here," she said between sniffles. "Thank you, Kaysa."

Merrick held Kaysa tight in his embrace. "So, what now? Did you want to do anything? Or we could go see if Shiv's apartment is suitable for the three of us."

"Not yet," Kaysa whispered as her arms closed tighter around Merrick. "Just...hold me for now. Besides, we still have to discuss what to do about you, and Shiv, especially if we're going to be sharing an apartment."

"Yeah," Merrick said. "We can do better at controlling ourselves. And, I'm sure we can make sure we don't put ourselves in positions where anything can happen. You won't have to worry about us, Kaysa; not now that we have you back."

Kaysa nodded her head slowly, but she didn't think Merrick's words would be very comforting to Shiv. Merrick and Shiv would need time to discuss things on their own without her in the room; they needed to get their feelings for each other sorted out without worrying about hurting her by expressing their true feelings. Kaysa looked at Shiv, then Merrick and sighed. She pulled away and smiled at Merrick as she caressed his cheek tenderly. "I need a bath, then some sleep. And you and Shiv... You know what you two have to do."

---

"Threesome, Part 2"
by Maeren Shivral
Kaysa Zennar
and Merrick Braston

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

***

Shiv quickly looked away, afraid at being forced to stay in the room alone with Merrick. But, not afraid of what would happen between them. She feared what she would have to say. "Okay," she said softly.

"This is something that affects all of us," Merrick said. "I think if we're going to make this work, we should discuss this openly. We're family now, right? This is something that is very important to all of us, and we shouldn't be afraid to talk about it to each other."

Kaysa chewed her lip as she thought for a moment before addressing Shiv. "I'll only stay if you'll feel comfortable having me here, Shiv. If you don't think you'd be able to express your feelings freely while I'm here, I'll go, Shiv."

Shiv looked between Merrick and Kaysa and sighed heavily. She didn't want to have to confront her feelings with either of them. It would only lead to trouble in the end. She shifted in her seat and then nodded. "I'd rather have you here," she finally said. "I don't know if I'll be any better at expressing them while you're here, but I'd rather have you here. This is important, and we should all be involved in whatever happens."

Kaysa studied Shiv for a moment and realized whether she was there or not, Shiv would still have trouble expressing her feelings openly. At least if she were there, she could give Shiv some comfort. "Alright," Kaysa conceded with a sigh. "I'll stay...I guess." She moved to the couch and sat down beside Shiv. She looked over at her with a smile as she slipped her hand into Shiv's. "We'll get through this. Don't worry."

Shiv sighed and then smiled. With Kaysa near, she felt some of her anxiety vanish. "Thank you," she whispered.

Merrick followed to the couch and then sat on the armrest next to Kaysa. "Whatever you're feeling," he said, "it's okay. We're all here together, and we have to be honest with ourselves." He put a hand on Kaysa's shoulder and let his fingers brush against her neck. "Whatever happens, we'll make it together."

"No more jealousy, Shiv," Kaysa said as she rested her hand on Merrick's. "You can say anything you feel. We're all family now and you don't have to worry about my feelings by admitting what you truly feel in your heart for Merrick. Take as much time as you need."

Shiv looked into Kaysa's eyes and wished she could kiss her with all the passion she could muster. She took a deep breath and let it out. The silence seemed to stretch on forever as the minutes passed. Finally, Shiv found her voice. "I never thought I would have any feelings for a guy, but the last couple days around Merrick... I didn't want to. I tried as hard as I could not to, but I couldn't help it. I mean, it was all so difficult, and he was there to help me. And, the things he said. And, his kisses. I'm sorry. I didn't mean for it to happen. It just did. I'm sorry, Kaysa. I'm sorry. He's just so wonderful and amazing, and I couldn't help it. I'm sorry."

"Why are you sorry, Shiv? Just because Merrick and I are seeing each other doesn't mean you can't have feelings for him? It wouldn't be fair of me to ask you to deny what's in your heart to spare me. It isn't right to feel guilty about caring for someone." Kaysa squeezed Shiv's hand for support then turned her gaze to Merrick. "And...how do you feel, Merrick?"

Merrick swallowed hard as his mouth suddenly went dry. He studied his hands for a moment while he considered his answer. "I don't know if what I feel is love," he said, "but I can't deny that I care for Maeren. She has an infectious spirit that makes your heart feel light even in the darkest of times. I'm attracted to her, and I can't deny that. She's a very attractive young woman, and I don't see how someone couldn't find something attractive and desirable in her. My heart and soul belong to Kaysa, but I can't deny that there is a place in there for Shiv as well."

Kaysa couldn't help but smile warmly at Merrick. Hearing that shed all inhibitions about encouraging Shiv and Merrick to share their feelings for one another. If they wanted to have a relationship with each other while Merrick was still involved with her, she realized she wouldn't mind. Kaysa wrapped her free arm around Shiv and pulled her close. She kissed her gently upon the cheek, then looked back at Merrick. "I won't keep you from pursuing those feelings if you choose to. I refuse to stand in the way of anyone's happiness, not anymore. If it means I have to share you with another woman," Kaysa said as she turned back to Shiv, "then I want that woman to be Shiv."

Shiv's eyes went wide with Kaysa's words. "Really?" She slipped her arms around Kaysa and held her tight. "I love you so much, Kaysa," she whispered. "With everything that had happened, and how much I still loved you, I didn't think I could love you more than I already did, but I do." She raised her eyes to Kaysa's, love and gratitude filling them completely, and then kissed her fully on the lips.

Merrick watched Shiv kissing Kaysa and realized his heart was beating furiously. Kaysa had just given her blessing for he and Maeren to pursue their feelings for each other. That she was able to do that, especially after recent events, made him love her even more. He kissed the back of her neck and laughed softly. "I hope you can handle all of the love directed at you right now," he whispered into her ear.

Kaysa laughed softly once Shiv freed her lips. She knew she was crying again, but it was from the joy of knowing everything was turning out right rather than despair at having to share her lover with another woman. Shiv wasn't just another woman, though. She was the shining star in the darkness, and combined with Merrick's light she didn't think the darkness had any chance of consuming her ever again. "I can definitely handle it," Kaysa said softly as she turned to look at Merrick. "Most definitely."

Merrick's hand slipped around Kaysa and took Shiv's. Shiv grinned as she glanced down at her hands, one holding Merrick and the other Kaysa. She couldn't believe how things had happened, but they had and it felt wonderful. "I love you, Kaysa," she said softly, and kissed her. Then she glanced at Merrick with a giddy laugh. "And, I love you Merrick. It's so amazing. Oh wow. I think I'm gonna explode or something. It's just...it's too much."

"I would offer you a drink to calm yourself, Shiv, but I don't think it would be wise to have alcohol around me anymore, although you're probably better able to handle it than I am." Kaysa leaned over and kissed Shiv's hand, then Merrick's as they clung tenderly to hers. "I hate to say this, but I think almost self-destructing may have changed things for the best. I can feel it. We're gonna make it this time. It all just feels so different. It feels good."

"We're gonna make it together," Merrick said. "And, everything is going to be just perfect. The three of us in our new home, however it works out. It will probably be the most unique relationship imaginable, but I think it's going to be the most open and honest one too."

Merrick moved over to where he was in front of Shiv. As he looked into her eyes, she was breathing heavily in anticipation. He leaned close and kissed her tenderly. As he finally drew away from her, he heard her whimper softly. He brushed a hand across her cheek and then turned to Kaysa. He kissed her slowly, passionately, so there would be no doubt that his love for her had not waned.

Kaysa gazed up at Merrick with her jaw gaping and her body motionless. She could say nothing and do nothing but try and catch her breath, but once she regained her powers of speech, she uttered the only thing she could to express exactly what she was feeling at that moment: "Oh, wow..."

Merrick looked deep into her eyes and smiled. "I know what you mean," he said. "There isn't much of tonight left, and I imagine at this hour most places are closed. Would you like to do anything before bed? I imagine we could all just sit here and hold each other for awhile. I know Shiv's things are in the new apartment, but I'm sure we can all stay here tonight and see about moving into the new apartment tomorrow. Or maybe, if that one's not good for the three of us, find something nicer."

Kaysa looked to Shiv after she blinked away her momentary catatonia and smiled at her expectantly. "What do you wanna do, Shiv? I know I could use a good bath to wash off the blood and ease my sore muscles." Kaysa's smile became alluring as she slowly shifted her eyes to Merrick. "After our baths, however, I think we could both use massages. I hear you're very good with your hands, Braston."

Merrick grinned. "I've been told that before," he said with a grin as he glanced between his hands and the two women. "Then massages for both of you. While you two are doing that, I'll make us some herbal tea to relax and get ready to ease your aches and pains."

Shiv grinned and slipped her hand into Merrick's as she leaned forward and hugged him. "My muscles are loosening just thinking about a massage," she said. She kissed him gently, only slightly wary of kissing him right in front of Kaysa. When she pulled away from him, she looked over at Kaysa and grinned. "So who's first?"

Kaysa stood up finally and slid her hand into Shiv's. "Come on. I'll take the shower and you can have the tub. Or you can have the shower and I, the tub. It'll save time this way and then we can both have our massages much sooner." Kaysa smiled at Merrick as she began pulling Shiv along. "Come. Let's give Merrick time to warm up those hands. We're gonna be working him hard tonight."

Shiv giggled as she slipped off the couch, knowing full well that her face was quite red. She stopped in the doorway of the bedroom and looked back at Merrick, her heart beating hard against her chest as she met his eyes. It felt like the bottom just fell out from under her stomach, or that last night's flutterbies had brought friends. How could everything have happened so quickly? Yesterday morning, Merrick was just an idol whose music she loved, last night he was a new friend she'd just met, and tonight she was in love with him. So fast, she thought. But, it's all so perfect now.

She moved into the bathroom and started the water in the tub for Kaysa. When Kaysa entered the bathroom, she turned and smiled. "I figure you deserve a good soak in the tub," she said. "So, I'll take the shower." As Kaysa closed the door behind her, Shiv hugged her tightly. "This morning, I thought I'd never see you again, and tonight, I can't imagine a day going by where we aren't together with Merrick. I was so scared, but now it's all okay." She kissed Kaysa slowly as the tub continued to fill. "Does it bother you at all when Merrick and I kiss in front of you? I mean, if it does, we can save it for private, that's okay. I don't want you feeling uncomfortable at all."

"It's not that I feel uncomfortable," Kaysa began as she ran her fingers along Shiv's arms. "It's just a little...odd right now. I'm sure in time I'll get used to seeing you two together, but I don't feel threatened by you anymore so I'm not exactly bothered by it." She kissed Shiv gently, careful not to put too much pressure on her lip, then looked up at her with a smile. "I'll help you off with these," she said softly as she began undoing Shiv's pants. "Do you feel uncomfortable, Shiv? I mean, kissing Merrick and expressing your feelings for him in front of me?"

Shiv let her fingers trail through Kaysa's hair as she sighed against her touch. "It's a little strange," she said. "I mean, knowing that he's your boyfriend and I'm kissing him in front of you. But as long as you're okay. He's a good kisser. I mean, when you're kissing him, it's like all that exists is you and him. At least, that's how I feel." She moved her hands to the fastenings of Kaysa's vest and started undoing them. "After the talk, everything feels right."

"And I hope I can keep it that way." Kaysa pulled Shiv abruptly into an embrace and held her firmly, desperately. "I don't ever want to regress to that...monster I was, Shiv. I mean, the minute we get outta this bathroom, I'm dumping all the liquor down the sink. That gets rid of part of the problem, but it's the rest I'm worried about."

Shiv clung to Kaysa. "It's going to be okay," she whispered. "You've got me and Merrick, and we'll watch after you. We'll give you every reason to stay the beautiful, wonderful woman you are now. It'll be okay from now on, Kaysa. You'll see. You've got two people who love you very much making sure those demons never have a reason to come back."

"I don't know why they came back in the first place, but I think Zale was right. I think a part of it has to do with my son, Shiv. But...I don't know if I can do that yet, Shiv. I don't know if I have the courage to just walk back into his life and make up for all the years I wasn't with him." Kaysa kissed Shiv upon the cheek and pulled away to look at her with a smile. "For now, though, I think I can fight off the demons, especially with your help and Merrick's. I think we can make it this time, Shiv."

Shiv smiled and released the embrace slightly and looked into Kaysa's eyes. "I know we can make it," she said. She continued unfastening Kaysa's vest, humming softly to herself. "When you are ready to bring your son into your life, I'll help however I can. I've never done much with kids, but I want to help. And, when you and Merrick go out together, I can babysit. And, I'll even promise not to teach him any bad habits." Shiv pushed Kaysa's vest back over her shoulders and then trailed a finger down her chest between her breasts. She looked up and grinned. "It's gonna work, Kaysa. People will look at us and think we're totally strange and abnormal, but as long as we're happy together, that's what counts. And, we're gonna be happy. I can already feel it."

"You'd help me with Keeve?" Kaysa asked. "I mean, I've never really been a mother before so I have no idea what to do." She resumed undoing Shiv's pants and once they were completely unfastened, she pushed them down over Shiv's waist. "I've dreamt about getting him back, Shiv, but I was always afraid of actually doing it," Kaysa said softly as her hands smoothed over the curve of Shiv's hips. "We would be an unconventional family, but the way I see it is if we all love each other, that's all that really matters."

Shiv stepped out of her pants and started working on removing Kaysa's while Kaysa started pushing her tank top up. "I don't know anything about kids," she said. "Well, other than I was one not all that long ago. But, I want to help; I'd love to help. And, as long as we love each other, nothing else matters. When you're ready, we'll do it. The three of us can go together. If that's okay, of course."

"Of course it's alright. He's...he's a sick boy, Shiv. He's had an operation recently, I think... I don't even know if he's alive... I'm a horrible mother. I can't dwell on that, though. I have to start making things right instead of dwelling on my mistakes." Kaysa pushed her bloodstained pants aside and threw Shiv's top into the pile as well.

As she stood before Shiv's naked body, the physical remnants of her ordeal presented themselves as a series of scrapes and large bruises on her arms and face and legs. Seeing Shiv in that state, then seeing the bruises and cuts on her own body almost shattered her resolve. She didn't break down, though, which was a good sign for her. Of course she felt horrible and responsible for all that was inflicted upon Shiv, but at least she refused to let the demons out of their cages so they could conjure up even more guilt for her. That's what they thrived on, she knew now. They fed off her guilt and intensified it so she could reach out to them and give them life. They were parasites within her mind, waiting for her to make a mistake at which time they could break free of their confines and wreak havoc on her mind, and in turn, everyone around her. Not this time, Kaysa told herself. You're not coming out this time. You're dead, all of you. Go find someone else to torment.

Kaysa smiled brightly and kissed Shiv tenderly so she too could feed off the sudden joy she was feeling. She pulled away, breathless, and laughed heartily. "You're beautiful, Shiv. Everything's beautiful. I mean, the entire world looks so different to me now. Colours just don't seem so faded and dark anymore. Everything's vibrant and so full of life. I like that feeling."

Unconsciously, Shiv let her hands play across Kaysa's skin. "You're beautiful too," she said. "Especially when you smile like that. When you get into the water, it'll be like a washing away of the old life, and giving birth to the new. Everything is different from now on, Kaysa. Everything is better, and we're gonna be happy. The three of us, eventually four, we're gonna be very happy together. And, we're all gonna take care of each other, and make sure there's only happiness from now on." She glanced back at the door and giggled. "Merrick's gonna wonder what happened to us."

"If he asks," Kaysa whispered into Shiv's ear, "we'll just tell him we had trouble with our panty hose." She laughed softly and nibbled on Shiv's earlobe while her hands gripped Shiv's waist to gently push her towards the tub. "We don't have to do this if you don't trust me, Shiv," she said as she kissed her neck. "I know I've used sex to manipulate you in the past, but I think it'll be different now. I don't want it to be a game anymore. I want it to be you and me mutually sharing our bodies with one another." She halted her kisses for a moment and looked up into Shiv's eyes. "Do you trust me, Shiv? Do you trust me not to use sex to dominate and hurt you?"

Shiv nodded, unable to take look away from Kaysa's eyes. "I trust you completely," she whispered. "I want to share myself totally and completely with you, Kaysa. And, I trust you and I know you won't hurt me anymore. It's all different now. No more games. Now it's real." Shiv's heart pounded in her chest. Her head felt light and she was feeling wobbly on her feet. In the time she'd known Kaysa, it was the closest she'd ever felt to her.

"No more games, Shiv. Especially not when they're played with people's hearts." Kaysa flattened body against Shiv's and kissed her slowly and tenderly. If she was going to share herself with Shiv, it was only right that Merrick be able to do the same. She had no qualms about it though, which surprised her. She'd come so far already in such a short time, which only made her optimistic that her life would be turned around more swiftly than she'd hoped.

---

"Threesome, Part 3"
by Maeren Shivral
Kaysa Zennar
and Merrick Braston

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

***

When the bathroom door finally opened, Merrick glanced up from where he had been sitting on the bed. He set his datapad aside and watched Shiv step out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel with Kaysa close behind her. Both wore very satisfied smiles and he had to wonder exactly what they'd done in there for so long. He didn't let his mind wander far knowing that he wouldn't need much of an imagination to come up with a guess.

"Feeling better?" he asked.

Shiv grinned and glanced at Kaysa. "It was a very relaxing bath," she said. "And, it was great for getting rid of the knots and tension, though there's still enough in there for your hands to work out." Shiv looked around and then frowned. She moved close to Kaysa and whispered. "I don't have any other clothes here. They're all on the Stiletto and in the new apartment."

Kaysa laughed and kissed Shiv quickly on the forehead. "You can wear some of mine if you feel the need. But I doubt you'll need any for the massage."

She moved towards the bed, but before she could close the distance and embrace Merrick, a sickening churning took hold of her stomach as an extension of her demons came into view. They weren't the root of the problem, but they did exacerbate it to an extreme. Kaysa's smile darkened and she almost lost her footing as she stared hypnotically at it. She stopped in the centre of the room and gazed at the multicoloured bottles catching the light in the room and creating a prism of colours against the wall behind. The only feeling she felt towards them now was disgust, when at any other time, she'd found salvation in them.

Kaysa breathed sharply in through her nose and menacingly stared at the neatly arranged bottles as she made her way towards them. Her anger flared and seized her, and with a shriek, she flew towards the minibar. Possessed by her hatred of those alluring bottles that seduced her with the sweet liquid contained within them - vices for a woman who was as self destructive as she was - her fingers closed around the necks of the bottles and with cleansing screams, she hurled them against the far wall.

Again and again, the bottles shattered and the liquid ran down the wall, bleeding into the carpet below. When the final bottle slipped from her grasp, Kaysa sank to the ground and looked upon the scattered shards of glass littering the carpet. They were nothing now, when before they had been so powerful as to lure her into the depths of depravity. If the demons wanted, they could suck what was left of that poison from the carpet; she would no longer dispense it to them willingly. "If I had any energy left," Kaysa said breathlessly, "I'd do the same to the ones in the living room."

Shiv bounded across the room to where Kaysa was and dropped to the floor at her side, quickly embracing her and kissing her throat and the side of her head and cheeks. Merrick was just behind and landed on the floor just behind Kaysa. He wrapped his arms around both of them and held them tight.

"How do you feel, Kaysa," he asked, though the look on her face told most of the story already. He recognized victory when he saw it. "And, if you two are ready, I'm ready to give those massages now."

Kaysa took a deep breath and pressed her cheek to Merrick's. "I don't know if I'll need a massage now. All the tension has just been lifted. Even the room seems brighter and less dank that it did before." A bubble of joyous laughter caught in Kaysa's throat, but it was soon filling the air as she kissed Shiv and Merrick firmly and tenderly upon the cheek. "I've never felt so free and unhindered before. Everything just seems so clear now..." Kaysa continued to laugh as she clung to Shiv and Merrick and resumed kissing them alternately and repeatedly. "Never again...not ever," she said in between kisses.

Shiv couldn't remember a time in her life when she didn't feel so wonderful and free. To sit there on the floor holding Kaysa, and being held by Merrick, it was such an uplifting feeling. And, while she knew they didn't exactly love her yet, she did feel very loved and cared for. Only the good days with Lerrah could ever have matched what she felt now. The feeling was a very powerful one. "Normally this is the part where they say happily ever after," she said softly. "But I don't ever want it to end." She kissed Kaysa and then Merrick, wishing she could pull them inside of her and keep the feelings there forever. "We're gonna have to thank Zale, Kaysa," she said. "I think we should take him to the Segrelat Tower and buy him dinner, all three of us. To say thanks."

Merrick pulled his lips from Kaysa's with some effort and glanced at her. "Zale?"

Kaysa licked the cut on her lip as she looked at Shiv with a cocked eyebrow. She remembered that injury - it was the one Zale inflicted on her, and the one that first began pulling from the depths of insanity. But how could she explain that to Merrick? She didn't know what to call Zale, for his relationship with her wasn't quite capable of being classified. She'd just have to describe him in the best way she knew how. "He's a friend, Merrick, and a good one at that."

"He was the one responsible for saving me from those freaks tonight," Shiv said. "And, for pulling Kaysa from the darkness. If it weren't for him, we probably wouldn't be sitting here together tonight."

Merrick nodded and then his face broke into a wide smile. "Then I'd like to thank him as well," he said. "Because, I'm very thankful to have both of you here, close to my heart and in my life." He chuckled softly and then kissed them both. "I hope you don't mind if this finds its way into a song somehow."

"I'd be disappointed if it didn't!" Kaysa laughed and for once, it felt unrestricted and like it was truly coming from the depths of her heart. She pulled Shiv and Merrick into a tight embrace and kissed them both again. "I think I'm ready for that massage, don't you think, Shiv?"

Shiv grinned. "Oh I am more than ready," she said. "The bath was nice, but my muscles are still really tight. Big, strong hands'll take care of that." She climbed out of Kaysa and Merrick's embraces and stood up. She quickly caught her towel before it fell open and giggled. She tucked the corner back in, securing it as she moved toward the bed.

Merrick held Kaysa alone for a long minute, just content to have her in his arms. "I love you," he whispered. "Whatever happens between the three of us, I want you to know that. I've never felt more complete and fulfilled than I do with you. I care for Shiv very much, and my feelings keep growing, but you have my total and complete love."

"I know that now," Kaysa whispered back. "I was a fool to think otherwise. After all we've been through, it was preposterous of me to think that you could so easily forget me and choose to love another." She shifted around to face Merrick and smiled as she caressed his cheek. "I'll never be so stupid again, my love. No more paranoia or jealousy. I know now we're meant to be, Merrick. All three of us." She leaned forward slowly and kissed him with a newly reawakened passion. Without the demons in the back of her mind, everything she felt seemed much more powerful now. She pulled away and laughed softly. "Massages...definitely massages. I can't wait to have those big, strong hands of yours wandering over my bare flesh again."

On the bed, Shiv sat watching Merrick and Kaysa, and found herself loving them even more. She knew it would be lonely out on the couch tonight, but, with their relationship now, she would feel warmer than she had in a very long time. It was like life was starting over for them, and everything was going right.

Kaysa giggled in the distance and slipped her towel fully off. She coyly slipped from Merrick's embrace and moved back towards the bed. She didn't mind that he'd see the bruises or scrapes; she was proud of them, for they told of her struggle to return to the light and were a sign of the obstacles she'd overcome to get to where she was now, with them. She laughed and scurried over to the bed before jumping onto it. She wrapped her arms around Shiv and pulled her down with her, kissing her tenderly on the lips. "Who's first?"

Shiv closed her eyes and savoured the kiss with Kaysa before smiling. "I think you deserve to be first," she said. "You've had a very big night, and deserve to have Merrick's hands all over you first."

"I won't put up much a fight, so if you insist..." Kaysa rolled onto her stomach and rested her head upon her folded arm as she awaited the sensual touch of Merrick's hands on her back. She kept her eyes on Shiv and smiled at her gently as she tenderly ran her fingers along Shiv's arm. "I think this is going to have to be a daily ritual."

"I think you're right," Shiv said as she sprawled out next to Kaysa. "What's nice is that the three of us can all be here like this, and everything is fine. We can be very close, and there's no vying for attention or need to have more time with each other. And, we're all okay showing affection to each other and no one gets left out."

As Shiv was talking, Merrick's hands started working at the muscles in Kaysa's back. He worked along the spine and up into her shoulders, strong fingers massaging away the knots and tightness that had gathered there. He let his hands work from her neck down to the base of her spine, and on into her legs. With a grin, he let his fingers tease their way across her buttocks and down between her thighs. "When I'm finished here," he said softly, "you won't want to move for awhile."

Kaysa's heart beat rapidly in her chest as Merrick's hands explored every part of her flesh. It didn't feel like a massage, but were more like gentle caresses, especially when he deftly dipped between her legs. She moaned quietly and looked at Shiv with a dreamy smile. "I don't ever want this to end... Alas, you must have your turn, Shiv, and maybe later you too can have one, my love. I'm sure Shiv would oblige."

Shiv grinned. "Oh," she said with a giggle. "I would love to...er, give you a massage."

Merrick fixed his eyes on her and then smiled. "Your turn," he said. "Just lie down next to Kaysa, and I'll take care of all your aches."

Shiv giggled and blushed, and then quickly took her place next to Kaysa.

Merrick started with Shiv's shoulders, working at the muscles and bringing out gentle moans as each knot was removed. As his hands worked down her back, he eased the towel down a little more until it would no longer budge. He didn't want to force her, so he did his best through the fabric of the towel.

Kaysa turned onto her side, propped up by her elbow as she watched what could have been such a pleasant massage turn into a very awkward moment for both Shiv and Merrick. Kaysa stifled a laugh and without disturbing Shiv, she got to her knees and gently tapped Merrick on the shoulder. When she caught his attention, she put her finger against her lips to keep him quiet, then shooed him away. The moment his hands left Shiv's back, she placed her own onto Shiv and began kneading her back.

Continuing the sensuous motions of her hands, she straddled Shiv's waist and began gently tugging on her towel. She could feel Shiv tensing but the more flesh that was revealed, the lower she moved her hands. Kaysa leaned over and kissed Shiv lightly on the neck. She smiled as a shiver went through Shiv and a quiet whimper travelled from her lips. Once the towel was around Shiv's waist, with her front and back exposed, she motioned Merrick over to take her place while she moved to Shiv's side. She continued kissing her neck and shoulders as she looked up at Merrick with a smile. "This is more comfortable, isn't it, Shiv?" she whispered softly.

Shiv grinned lazily. "Much more comfortable," she whispered. She moaned softly as Kaysa's lips continued kissing at her throat and Merrick's hands worked into her muscles. She reached down and tugged the rest of the towel free and tossed it to the side. She smiled over at Kaysa. She giggled softly as Merrick's hands worked across her butt and down to her thighs and calves. "Oh, this is definitely going to have to be a nightly thing. I really could get used to this. I really want to get used to this. I don't think I'll ever want to leave the--oh gods." Shiv's eyes went wide and she gasped. "Really get used to this." She glanced back over her shoulder and Merrick glanced up with a sheepish grin as he pulled his hand from between her thighs. He shifted his hands to her buttocks and started kneading them gently before continuing up her back again.

Kaysa laughed softly and lay on her side next to Shiv. She stroked her hair soothingly and continued gazing into her eyes. "It's fun to share, isn't it?" she whispered to Shiv as she motioned her eyes to Merrick.

Shiv gave Kaysa a really big grin. "I like sharing," she said. "And, I think he does too." She leaned up and kissed Kaysa lovingly on the lips while Merrick brushed his lips against her shoulders. With one hand, Merrick continued massaging Shiv's back and reached over with the other hand and laced his fingers with Kaysa's.

Being there, all of them touching and sharing their love for each other, Kaysa couldn't imagine a more ideal life. She felt no jealousy as Merrick touched Shiv and actually encouraged it by taking her hand still entangled in Merrick's and running it tenderly over Shiv's rear. She pressed her mouth to Shiv's again and wove her tongue through Shiv's parted lips. She found Shiv's eager tongue and entwined it with her own. Kaysa moaned quietly and with her fingers still laced around Merrick's, she dipped both hands between Shiv's legs and began giving her a different kind of massage.

Shiv moaned at the contact and managed to get a hand free to caress Kaysa's face. She heard herself whimpering as Kaysa and Merrick's hands continued their pleasurable massaging between her thighs. She let her hand trail down Kaysa's body and across her breasts, stopping there to brush over her nipples. Merrick managed to get himself into a position so he could kiss her when she pulled her mouth from Kaysa's. Then, alternating between each of them, she let her love flow through her kisses.

With her free hand, Kaysa proceeded to loosen Merrick's belt and undo his pants. Her own moans rose from her throat as her fingers combined with Merrick's delved deeper within Shiv. The moist warmth surrounding her fingers induced a tingle between her own legs. She looked into Shiv's eyes as she ran her tongue gently over Shiv's lips. The ease with which they all pleasured each other and how they each instinctively knew what the other craved made the experience even more sensual.

Once Merrick's pants were opened, Kaysa reached inside them and groped at the growing hardness within. She glanced up at Merrick while kissing Shiv and began rubbing slowly and firmly.

Between sliding his fingers inside of Shiv with Kaysa's help and then the kissing, Kaysa's hands working his prick was almost too much. It seemed like their goals were to pleasure each other, rather than being pleasured. And, in pleasuring, they were getting back beyond any dreams they had ever had before. By the sound of Shiv's moans, it sounded like she was nearing climax. He could see that her hand had worked it's way down toward Kaysa's mound and was slowly slipping between her thighs as well. As he pulled his lips from Shiv's and she turned back to kiss Kaysa, he met her eyes and saw the longing there. In that look, and in the one he saw in Kaysa's eyes, he knew that they had made the right choice.

Kaysa could feel Shiv tightening around her fingers, which heightened the sensations she was feeling at Shiv's touch. The three of them were moaning synchronously and with as much energy as the intense emotions arising within could exude. Kaysa's fingers worked with more enthusiasm as Shiv's plunged more deeply within her. She hastened the motions that were bringing Merrick's organ to full arousal and suddenly arched her back as Shiv's fingers found precisely the spot she knew was Kaysa's most sensitive. The familiarity they had with each other's bodies made the experience more fulfilling and truly made the act more profound.

"Oh gods," Shiv moaned as she moved her lips to Kaysa's throat and then down to her breasts. She knew she was almost ready to explode, and the feelings were pure bliss. She whimpered and moaned against Kaysa's chest as she alternated between nipples.

While Shiv concentrated on Kaysa's chest, Merrick took the opportunity to kiss Kaysa, sucking on her tongue as they explored each other's mouths. When the kiss broke, he moaned and nodded to Kaysa. "I'm ready," he said.

For a moment, Kaysa didn't understand what Merrick meant, but as he motioned his eyes to his hard prick, she knew exactly what he was referring to. Kaysa smiled mischievously, and withdrew her hand from Shiv's cunt, as well as from Merrick's pants. She kissed Shiv deeply as she gripped her shoulders, then pushed her onto her back. She looked up at Merrick for a moment, her eyes gleaming as she gave him silent approval. She returned her lips to Shiv's and moved her hands to Shiv's breasts, kneading them tenderly as she awaited Merrick to initiate, in a sense, Shiv.

As Shiv lay back on the bed, she only felt a twinge of nervousness, but Kaysa's touch pushed that away. She smiled when she looked down and saw Merrick shedding the rest of his clothing. As she was kissing Kaysa again, she felt the bed shift as Merrick climbed back on. She arched her back as Merrick's hands ran up along her thighs. Her hand continued to work between Kaysa's thighs, and she knew they were practically moaning in sync.

She giggled as Merrick planted gentle kisses up her belly and onto her breasts between Kaysa's fingers. Shiv was looking up into his eyes, and felt her heart flipping in her chest. She kissed Kaysa again, and then felt him enter her slowly. She gasped, and moaned and drove her fingers deeper into Kaysa. With long, slow strokes he started to make love to her. She wrapped her legs around his waist and kissed Kaysa deeply. She never imagined anything could ever feel so good, but it was beyond any feeling she'd ever experienced. She felt so full of love for both of them that she was ready to explode. "I love you," she finally cried out. "Both of you. Oh gods, I love you!"

Kaysa moaned loudly as Shiv's fingers moved more deliberately as her ecstasy rose from Merrick's pleasuring. She covered Shiv's mouth with her own and kissed her firmly. She felt Shiv moan into the hollow of her mouth, which excited Kaysa and she deepened her kiss as well as cradled Shiv's breasts with an increased enthusiasm. It was perfect how they worked together, giving equally and no one feeling at all favoured or left out. Kaysa never dreamed sharing her lover with another could be such a sublime experience, and she knew that it would only make their relationship stronger knowing that they could share each other with another, yet feel no spite or jealousy.

She pulled her lips from Shiv's and looked at Merrick with longing before her mouth found his. Her jealousy was definitely misplaced before, and although her suspicions proved valid, she realized now she had no reason to feel threatened. This was the best thing that could have happened to her or any of them.

Merrick had slowed his pace and was now making love to Shiv with long, steady strokes. He knew, even with the slower pace, Shiv was getting closer to orgasm. It seemed to go on forever and in each moment the pleasure seemed to grow. At last, Merrick quickened his pace and pushed Shiv over the edge. She cried out as she clawed at the sheets with one hand and tried her hardest to keep her other hand pleasuring Kaysa. Finally she could take no more, after Merrick managed to make her cum three times, and he pulled out. She kissed him passionately while Kaysa kissed and sucked at her throat and shoulders.

Shiv pulled away after several long minutes of them kissing and caressing. She glanced down at Merrick's still-erect cock and smiled. She turned to Kaysa and started pushing her back. "Now," she whispered, "it's your turn."

Kaysa laughed gently as her back hit the pillows and Merrick and Shiv hovered over her. As Shiv started in with kissing her face and neck, and caressing her breasts, she almost looked fearfully up at Merrick. She'd been nervous the first time she and Merrick made love, and was surprised to realize she was even moreso now. She laughed nervously as Merrick's hands ran along her thighs, at which time she trembled and almost shrank away from his touch. It wasn't sex with Merrick she was nervous about, it was sex with Merrick while Shiv watched. She'd been in a threesome before with Shiv and had no trouble performing while she watched, but for some reason, she was more anxious now.

Shiv noticed Kaysa's hesitation as she pulled back from the kiss. She smiled as she gazed into Kaysa's eyes, wondering what Kaysa saw when she looked into hers. She could see Kaysa's fear and quickly kissed her forehead. "It's okay, Kaysa," she whispered. "There's nothing at all to be scared of. You're a very beautiful woman making love to a very beautiful man, and you two love each other very much. If you want, I can just sit back and let you and Merrick have your time together. If you want time alone with him, I can go into the other room."

"No," Kaysa said quietly. "I don't want you to go, Shiv." She stroked her hair gently and kissed her softly upon the lips. "I want you to be here for this. I guess...I guess for once everything's going right and I just don't want the moment to ever end." She looked up at Merrick and smiled at him tenderly. "It's ok. I want this, Merrick. I love you...I want this."

As Merrick positioned himself to enter Kaysa, he leaned down and kissed her. "While this moment will end, we're going to have a lifetime of moments to share together, all three of us." He kissed her once more, and then gently entered her, as he had done with Shiv. While he slowly built up into a rhythm with Kaysa, Shiv was alternating between kissing Kaysa's lips and breasts. He was in awe at how well they all moved together. It was truly the most bizarre and unorthodox relationship that he could ever imagine, but he knew, beyond any doubt, that it was the right one. They belonged together like the stars belonged in the sky.

Merrick's movements reawakened the pleasure Shiv had been inducing in her before, but now the sensations were intensified. She moved her hips in rhythm with Merrick's and tried not to let her climax come too soon, although Shiv had brought her halfway there already and she knew she hadn't a long way to go. One hand was busy stroking Shiv's hair, while the other she ran along Merrick's chest. Her fingers glided easily over the thin sheen of sweat that had built up on his skin and as her fingers soaked up some of the salty liquid, she brought them to her lips and sucked them gently.

She was relentlessly being caressed by Shiv and pleasured by Merrick...it was perfect and felt better than any night spent with the most experienced partners she'd ever had. It was even better than her time with Zale, but she knew it was more than the physical aspect of the act that was different. She was with two people she cared for, both expressing their love through their actions. That's why it was perfect. They were letting their emotions guide them and in doing that, every kiss, every touch was an extension of that love. Kaysa didn't think she'd ever before felt so fulfilled by a simple act of lovemaking.

Merrick's body started to tense as his climax neared. He looked down, deep into Kaysa's eyes, and saw the love there. It was a love like he'd never felt before and it filled him to the brim, flowing out over everywhere he touched. He wanted the night to stay like this forever, just the three of them spending the rest of eternity loving and sending each other to new heights in pleasure. While Shiv's hands never strayed from touching Kaysa, she leaned over and kissed him deeply and once again, his feeling for her stirred. She was an amazing girl, and it was unbelievable that she was as pure and innocent as she was. If this were a fairybook story, she would be some special sort of godling, a being made of love and intended only to share her love with the world around her.

As his tongue twined together with hers, he was grateful that she had become part of his life, part of his heart. And, he was thankful that whatever fates existed had led her to Kaysa so that together, they could share in the wonder that was Maeren Shivral. And, then they had each other too. He had known from the beginning that he loved Kaysa, despite their problems. There was an attraction to her that he couldn't describe, and now it had blossomed into something wholly different but more amazing and fulfilling than he'd ever expected in his life.

Kaysa's back arched off the bed as Merrick's motions hastened, and she was even more aroused watching as Shiv and Merrick kissed passionately. She knew she had a bit of the voyeuristic tendencies inside of her, and watching Merrick swaying his hips against hers, and hearing Shiv moan into his mouth, fulfilled that. The entire situation magnified her arousal and Kaysa knew she could hold out no longer. She felt herself tightening around Merrick and as she cried out and thrashed about the bed, she finally allowed herself release.

Her hands reached out to the nearest person to her, and she pulled them towards her and kissed them deeply. She didn't know whose lips hers were locked with, but she kissed them desperately and until she was completely out of breath. "That was...that was the most amazing thing..." Kaysa laughed wildly and once her eyes reopened she kissed Shiv, who she'd been kissing all along, again.

Shiv grinned at Kaysa and then looked up at Merrick and back to Kaysa. "I must say you are very beautiful when you have an orgasm," she said. "Not that I could really see that time. But you are. I love you, Kaysa. And, I love you, Merrick."

Merrick laughed and looked down at his still erect prick. "I think it's my turn now," he said.

---

"Threesome, Part 4"
by Maeren Shivral
Kaysa Zennar
and Merrick Braston

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

***

Shiv glanced down at Merrick and giggled. She reached out and brushed her fingers over the head of his prick and giggled even more. "I touched Merrick Braston's penis," she said with a grin. She turned to Kaysa. "How should we solve this dilemma?"

Kaysa ran her hands along Merrick's heaving chest sensually and shot Shiv a crooked smile. "Hmm...well we have four hands here and two mouths, and one very hard penis begging to be touched. I think we can figure something out." Kaysa giggled and looked to Merrick. "So, my love, before it goes limp, what would you have us do?"

Merrick laughed. "Well, however you feel like it, make me cum. I am at your mercy."

Shiv looked hungrily at Merrick's erection and then at Kaysa. "Should we work together or take turns?" She reached out and wrapped a hand around the shaft and started slowly sliding it up and down, bringing a moan from Merrick.

"Oh no," Kaysa said with a laugh, "I think if we cooperated, we could make this one memorable experience." She looked at Shiv and encouraged her to keep doing what she was doing. Kaysa then slowly lowered her head towards Merrick's erect penis while her eyes remained looking up at him. Once the distance between her mouth and the tip of his cock had closed, she gently kissed it and laughed softly as a visible shudder ran through his body.

While Shiv's hand caressed his shaft, Kaysa finally moistened her lips and wrapped them around the top portion of his cock. She ran her tongue along the length of his penis that wasn't covered by Shiv's hand and moved her hands to his waist. She gripped his rear firmly to give her a better hold as she ravenously fed on his cock. This was definitely going to be the best threesome she was ever involved in.

Merrick wasn't able to hold back long against Shiv and Kaysa's combined efforts to send him over the edge. He cried out and bucked his hips as orgasm rushed through his body. He watched Kaysa's eyes go wide as he filled her mouth with his seed. It seemed to go on forever as the entire situation seemed to give him the biggest orgasm of his life. Finally, he collapsed back against the bed, exhaustion washing over him in a form of sublime bliss.

Kaysa closed her eyes and moaned quietly as she let the warm fluid spill down her throat. She could feel Shiv's breath upon her cheek, and when she opened her eyes, Shiv was leaning close to her with a gentle smile frozen onto her face. Kaysa ran a hand slowly along her cheek and cradled her face as she brought her lips to Shiv's and kissed her deeply. She had a hand in pleasuring Merrick, so it was only fair she get to share in the fruits of their labour.

She held her arms around Shiv tightly and continued kissing her, moaning against her while their bodies were pressed together. She thought, then, what a fool she'd been to have almost missed out on a chance to experience such decadent pleasure, all because of her jealousy. Never again, she thought to herself. Never again.

Shiv moaned as she and Kaysa continued kissing. She wished she could merge her body into Kaysa's, but their closeness now would be enough. Shiv wrapped her arms around Kaysa. Merrick's taste seemed to fill her as she and Kaysa shared in the gift he had given them. She hoped that every time the three of them were together that it would be as intense as this first time. When finally hers and Kaysa's lips parted, she cried out with a wild, lustful gleam in her eyes. "Oh gods I love you," she cried out.

"I know, Shiv," Kaysa said somberly as she caressed her cheek. "I know you do." Kaysa embraced Shiv again and attempted not to feel angst-ridden as she desperately wanted to reciprocate Shiv's feelings, but knew that for now, she only had the ability to care for her deeply. She wouldn't hold back, though. If she would open her heart to Shiv, and if when she did, a love for the girl grew, she wouldn't push those feelings away. Kaysa kissed Shiv again gently and turned to look at Merrick with a laugh. "I think we wore him out."

Shiv glanced at Merrick and giggled. "I think we did," she said. Merrick was laid out between them, not exactly asleep but close. His eyes were half-closed and the remains of a smile lingered on his lips. "I think someone's going to sleep soundly tonight." She looked up at Kaysa with a hopeful look in her eyes. "It's going to work," she said. "The three of us, it's all gonna work. I can feel it."

"That all depends," Kaysa said as she slipped off the bed and turned down the covers. "Do you think we can all fit on the bed together? If not I don't think this is going to work out." Kaysa laughed and struggled to pull Merrick underneath the sheets. "Typical of a man..." she teased as she glanced down at the half-sleeping Merrick.

Shiv giggled and helped Kaysa to get Merrick under the covers. He moved sluggishly, but she could tell he was grinning. "I think we'll fit," she said. "You've got a big bed and we can snuggle up. And, if the bed isn't big enough, we can just get another one. I mean, Merrick is rich and all. I'm sure he'll spoil us rotten, and we probably won't even have to ask him to." She leaned close to Kaysa and kissed her earlobe. "I think he's faking it."

"So was I," Kaysa said with a mischievous smile as she glanced down at Merrick. She looked back at Shiv and giggled while sliding herself underneath the covers. "I think for our stunning performance this evening, he should buy us both new wardrobes. What do you think, Shiv?"

Shiv grinned as she slid under the covers on the other side of Merrick. She snuggled herself into his side as she gently caressed his chest. "I think so too," she said. "We were very good. I think we should go visit Gladyne. She had some nice stuff there, even though she didn't like us. I'd like to get a nice dress, kinda like the one we got there, but not so...slutty. I want to be sexy, but not look like I'm some sort of joygirl."

Kaysa lay her head upon Merrick's chest, and kissed Shiv's hand as it passed within range. "I think we can visit the old witch. We can buy new dresses for the dinner with Zale." Kaysa pulled herself closer to Merrick and kissed his neck softly. "Whether we realize it or not, and no matter what his real intentions were when he decided to help us, he still gave us a wonderful gift today, Shiv. We're indebted to him."

Shiv glanced between Merrick's face and Kaysa's. "He did," she said. "He deserves something really special. I mean, I don't know what we can get him other than dinner. What if we find him someone? I think Zale would be really happy if he had a special someone in his life. I bet he'd thank us for that." Shiv slowly kissed Merrick's chest. "I can't imagine a better end to this day than laying here like this. I can't remember a time when I've felt this happy."

"There will be many happier times to come, Shiv. Don't worry." Kaysa laughed softly at the thought of matchmaking for Zale. "I don't know if Zale would appreciate us fixing him up with strange women, but that won't stop me from trying." As Shiv's hand moved close to her lips again, Kaysa kissed it tenderly and placed her own over it. "You're a kind soul, Shiv. You derive happiness from seeing others happy...you're selfless and generous..." Kaysa sighed and caressed Shiv's hand lightly with her fingers. She looked up and gazed into Shiv's eyes, hoping her gaze wouldn't falter. "I care for you deeply, Shiv. It may sound hollow and empty after all I've done to you, but how could I not feel something for someone as amazing and full of life as you."

Shiv stared at Kaysa for several moments, just looking and tears welled in her eyes. She had a smile that seemed to brighten the room even more. She shook her head, not trusting her voice and felt a giggle rise up from deep inside of her. "It doesn't sound empty at all," she finally said. "It's the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. I look into your eyes now, and I know it's not empty. It's very full now; it's all very full...and right."

Kaysa swallowed back the tightness in her throat and ran her hand along Shiv's cheek. "I wish it could be more, Shiv. I wish I could tell you I loved you and mean it, but it's hard for me, Shiv. You give yourself so freely to everyone, you open your heart to them so readily, but I can't do that yet." She reached over and kissed Shiv tenderly upon the lips. "I know, Shiv, that in time, I could grow to love you. I just need the time to open my heart without being afraid. Time is what we have now. I'm never leaving you, Shiv. I refuse to."

Shiv smiled lazily as she looked into Kaysa's eyes. "I'm never going away," she said. "We have forever now. You, me, and Merrick. The three of us will be happy and content and we'll never let each other go. That you do care for me, truly care, it's good. It makes me feel warm all over."

"Are you sure that's from my profession or is it just that residual warmth one feels after a night of passionate sex?" Kaysa laughed, far too loudly, and she bit her lip to silence herself as she looked down at the sleeping Merrick. She sighed as she ran a hand through his hair and studied the peaceful expression on his sleeping face. "He's gonna have his hands full," she mused. "I mean with the two of us, he's gonna have trouble keeping up."

Shiv giggled. "I think you're right," she said, "but at least he looks really happy." Shiv watched Merrick for a moment, and felt her heart beat even faster at just that look. "Do you still have that bag of Tiesta around here? I think one to help us relax and go to sleep might be nice."

"Do you really think I'd get rid of something like that?" Kaysa smiled mischievously at Shiv as she rolled over towards her nightable and slowly opened the drawer. She pulled the bag into her hand and turned back towards Shiv, dangling it in front of her. "Is this what you're looking for, my dear?"

Shiv grinned. "That's exactly what I was looking for," she said. "Want to slip into the other room for a quick smoke? And, um, there's something I need to talk to you about." She glanced down at Merrick and felt herself blush. "And, then we can come back in here, snuggle up with our boyfriend, and have the most wonderful sleep we've had in...um, probably forever."

Kaysa laughed and nodded her head. "Come on." She slipped gently out of bed, careful not disturb Merrick, and treaded silently towards the door with the Spice in hand. She carefully opened the door so it wouldn't creak and motioned Shiv into the living area, after whom she followed. Once there, she settled onto one of the couches and reclined back with a sigh. "You can roll," she said as she tossed Shiv the bag.

Shiv used the table to roll them a Tiesta cigarra. She hadn't done it in quite some time, but her hands still remembered how to do it. It was only a couple moments before she lit it and took a nice long puff and handed it over to Kaysa. "Oh," she said, "that's good. I'm gonna sleep like a baby tonight." She grinned at Kaysa and then snuggled closer. "Um, I should have done this before, but we didn't have time. But, now in this new relationship with Merrick, I think it's necessary. I don't have any birth control."

Kaysa coughed out the spice she'd just inhaled, and patted her chest furiously as she attempted to regain her breath. She handed Shiv the joint quickly and waved the smoke out of her face. "You what?" she asked in a choked voice. She coughed again and took a deep breath. She stared intently at Shiv and asked again. "Shiv, you're not on...anything? Shiv why didn't you say anything before! You're too young...to get pregnant," Kaysa said as she lowered her voice.

"Everything happened too quickly before," Shiv said. "I mean, those couple days and then tonight. But, I've never been on it before. I was a lesbian, so I wasn't gonna get pregnant. But now, I need it. I'm not ready for that yet...if I'll ever be. I'll just help you take care of Keeve when you get back together with him. It's not hard to get is it? Do you think we can get some tomorrow?"

"Well, Shiv..." Kaysa sighed gravely and shifted closer to Shiv. "Are you...is it that time of your cycle, Shiv? If so, I think you may have to worry about more than getting birth control. It may already be too late for that."

Shiv shook her head. "No," she said. "I've still got a couple weeks left. I never thought I'd be involved with a guy, so I never bothered with it. I mean, I wasn't gonna get pregnant with Lerrah. But now... And, if I was pregnant from before, I'd know it by now. I'd be gaining, not losing weight. And, Merrick didn't...you know, inside me. But, I need to now, since I don't think tonight's gonna be the only time I'm gonna be with Merrick."

"Ok, calm down, Shiv." She was speaking to Shiv, but her words were meant truly for herself. Kaysa pulled the joint from Shiv's fingers and took a much needed drag. She just assumed Shiv had taken the necessary precautions, but she was obviously more naive and innocent than Kaysa thought, which only made her care for her more, as well as feel even more overprotective of her. She slowly dispelled the smoke with a sigh and wrapped her arm around Shiv, pulling her close. "We'll go see the doctor first thing tomorrow. We can't afford to have any accidents. You don't want a kid yet, Shiv. Trust me."

Shiv grinned. "Not one of my own," she said. "One thing that is good on this planet is they're really advanced in the medical field. Though, I imagine their birth control methods are pretty bad. I heard there was a period of time that birth control was forbidden on this planet. Most of the Karadan people don't use it, even though they can. It's pretty disgusting. I guess there was something good in the high prince guy getting killed. Women will at least be treated with a little respect now." Shiv sighed as Kaysa pulled her even closer. "Do you think we'll all sleep together in the same bed from now on?"

"I imagine it shouldn't be a problem if the bed's big enough." Kaysa kissed Shiv on the forehead, hoping her tension and anxiety would diminish. She laughed softly as she stroked Shiv's hair and whispered, "You'd actually take care of Keeve for me...if I decided to take him back? I don't know the first thing about kids, Shiv. I carried him in my womb, delivered him, but I don't even think I saw his face or held him in my arms." Kaysa sighed and clenched her eyes shut. "It's a shame, because I think I'd be a wonderful mother."

Shiv's face lit up with the thought of caring for Kaysa's son. "I'd love to help you take care of him," she said. "I mean, out of the three of us I have the most recent experience with kids and stuff since I was one not all that long ago. I mean growing up on Agarra can't be too terribly different from here. I mean, both places sanctioned running around practically naked. Though, I think the Empire's changing that here. But I would love to, Kaysa. We could do it together. I can go onto the public datanet, and see if I can get some information on raising kids if you want."

"I dunno, Shiv. I'm not even certain if I'll get him back. I don't wanna subject him to a life of misery. He's probably happy on Bespin. I mean, my mother's been the only mother he's known and tearing him away from that..." Kaysa took another much needed drag from the joint and settled back into the couch. "Taking care of a child comes from instinct. You can get as much info as there exists in the galaxy about raising a ten year old, but nothing can compare to a mother's instinct. That instinct is only gained from growing up with a child, seeing his face everyday, knowing his moods, the nuances of his personality... I don't know anything about him."

Shiv took the Tiesta back. "You'll never know until you try," she said. "You should talk to your mother and see what she says. Maybe he asks about you. We should at least visit him. You know, I've never been to Bespin before." Shiv let her free hand move idly over Kaysa's bare skin. "We can give it time. If you want to though, I'll do everything I can to help you with him. He'll be luckier than most kids. He'll have two mothers and a father, and we'll all love him very much. I bet Merrick would be great with kids. And, Keeve would have the best lullabies ever, if he wants them."

A smile forced its way onto Kaysa's face and she looked at Shiv with a newfound respect. "You're great, Shiv. You always manage to look on the bright side of things despite how bleak everything appears to be. You'll be my saviour, Shiv. I have a feeling I'm gonna be more indebted to you than I am to Zale right now."

Shiv felt herself blushing. "I don't want you feeling indebted to me," she said. "Especially since you've given me so much. I mean, you've given me a place to live, and a place in your life and in your bed. And, then with Merrick. And, there's so much giving and taking that I don't think there could possibly be any debts. Just happiness." She kissed Kaysa slowly enjoying the feeling of their bodies so close together. "And, I'd rather look at the bright possibilities than the gloom. It makes life in this harsh galaxy so much more liveable."

"You and Merrick make life so much more liveable, Shiv." Kaysa pulled Shiv into her arms and held her, wanting to keep the darkness from corrupting the pure white light emanating from those hopeful eyes. "We have so much to accomplish still, Shiv. There's so much to be done to make our lives complete. But we're almost there, Shiv. I can feel it."

Shiv smiled as she sighed gently in Kaysa's embrace. "I can too," she said. "I think things are finally gonna go right for us. We'll be able to be happy and things will be good." She looked down at their bodies curled together on the couch and then looked up into Kaysa's eyes. "This feels so right Kaysa. Just sitting here like this, and then soon the two of us will go into the bedroom to crawl into bed together with Merrick. It all feels so right and complete."

"Now that you mention it, we should probably get back to Merrick. He must be getting cold without our warm, sticky bodies there to comfort him." Kaysa giggled and ran her fingers lightly over Shiv's breasts and shoulders. "We'll keep this entire conversation to ourselves and after tomorrow, you can feel free to be with Merrick whenever you wish, without any anxiety or care in the world."

Shiv smiled at the thought. "And, we can start moving into our new apartment," she said. "Oh! And, I'll have to show you the copy of the picture of Merrick I did today. It came out even better than the other one. And, Merrick said that I might be able to get some work in their art department. But, only if there's time when I can do that...if I've got my job back."

"You've got it back if that's what you really wanna do, Shiv. I think...I think I'd miss you if you had to go on all those runs though." Kaysa frowned slightly as she looked upon the table and at the spot where she'd spilled her Neeba fruit juice. "Oh gods...I'm sorry, Shiv," she said as she turned back to face her. "I suppose you realize, now, that I wrecked your picture on purpose. I'm so sorry. It was a beautiful picture and it only flared my jealousy and... I can't believe I did that."

"It made me re-do it, and it came out even better," Shiv said. "So in the end, it worked even better. They really liked watching me draw him right there in the office. I want to do one of you and Merrick. I'd love to do one right after you've made love, and then I can capture that look you guys get." Shiv reached down under the table and pulled out the panties she'd given Merrick and giggled. "I saw the look on your face earlier. Nothing happened the night before. After you gave him your panties in the elevator, I gave him mine after I changed when we got back here. He was very surprised. I wish you could have seen the look on his face." She tossed them onto the couch for Merrick to find in the morning. "Maybe I don't have to go on long runs. Just short ones that won't keep me away for long. Unless there's something else I could do for Zenarr Inc. other than hauling freight. It'd be neat to split time between El's office and working with you."

"I'm sure we can work something out. There will be other pilots - whoever's still around - that can fly the long runs for me. I want you here, and I think Merrick will too." Kaysa glanced over at the panties lying in a crumpled heap next to Shiv. She laughed and almost looked away in shame as she remembered her reaction to first seeing them laying in Merrick's lap. "I think he would have appreciated them more if you'd flung them onto the stage during a show. But there's still time for that." Kaysa rose from the couch and pulled Shiv up into her arms. "Let's get back into bed. We can give Merrick the one side, and you and I can lay in each other's arms on the other."

Shiv slipped her arms around Kaysa and rested her head on Kaysa's shoulder. "I like that idea," she said. "Things started off really bad today, but if we had to go through that to get where we are now, I'd do it all over again. And, Merrick is going to definitely have panties thrown at him during his next show. I'm gonna wear a really sexy pair to throw at him." As they slowly started back to the bedroom, Shiv sighed. "I don't think I ever want to spend another night away from you guys. I don't think I could bear it. And, I have an idea that more of my time is going to be spent out of my clothes than in them from now on."

"Well as long as you're in the apartment... I do hope you meant in the apartment, Shiv." Kaysa eyed her warily, then laughed. "Wherever it is, make sure to save a showing for Merrick and I." Kaysa led Shiv into the bedroom again and pulled her into a kiss before stumbling towards the bed. "I hated how this day started, but it couldn't have ended any better."

"This day turned into one of the best days of my life," Shiv whispered. "And, in the apartment. Though, you and Merrick can get a peek whenever and wherever you want. I think tomorrow is going to be a great day from start to finish."

"And with Merrick providing us with creds for new dresses, it'll definitely be a memorable day." Kaysa glanced down at Merrick and felt her heart quicken in her chest. "Gods, I love him, Shiv. I didn't think I could love another, but he managed to get past my inhibitions and defenses... I guess he truly is remarkable." Kaysa sighed then laughed softly. "If only he were around before Cadwin... I could have married him instead and life would have been so much simpler. But if that had happened, I wouldn't have met you." Kaysa kissed Shiv on the cheek and smoothed her hands over her shoulders. "It might not have been such a good thing after all."

Shiv smiled. "What about now," she said. "Do you think it could work out now? You and Merrick? I mean, you wouldn't have to give up me."

"You mean marriage?" Kaysa looked at Shiv incredulously and almost turned pale at even the thought. "I...I don't know if I could do marriage again. I mean, I don't see the point. Nothing would change, so why bother getting married anyway?" Kaysa smiled nervously and pushed Shiv onto the bed. "You should sleep. You talk too much," Kaysa said playfully.

---

"Threesome, Part 5"
by Maeren Shivral
Kaysa Zennar
and Merrick Braston

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

***

Shiv giggled as she pulled Kaysa onto the bed with her. "You just sounded like that might have been a good idea," she said. "So I was suggesting it. Though, I think things are perfect as they are already. Now, snuggle up to me so I can have the most peaceful and contented sleep of my life. I won't be satisfied and able to fall asleep until you're in my arms."

Kaysa slipped into bed with a laugh and pulled Shiv into her arms. "I think you and Merrick are gonna have to draw lots for me. And you and I are gonna have to do the same with Merrick. He's quite a man, isn't he?"

"He is," Shiv whispered. "I think it'll work out though. I don't think any of us will end up feeling left out. I think we enjoy being with each other too much to do that. And, he's amazing. I never thought I would fall in love with a man, but I couldn't help it with him. It just happened."

"And I'm sure you'll punch me until I come to my senses if I ever consider leaving him...which I won't!" Kaysa wrapped her leg around Shiv's waist and pulled her closer. "You know," Kaysa said softly as she ran her finger down Shiv's chest, between her breasts, "Merrick's a very sound sleeper." She looked up at Shiv suggestively as her hand slipped under the covers. "Are you tired, Shiv?"

Shiv giggled and squirmed against Kaysa's touch. "I'm not tired at all," she said. "And, I have to say that the spice is definitely affecting me." She brought her hands up and caressed Kaysa's breasts. "So, did you have anything in mind?"

Kaysa gazed up pensively, then looked back down and smiled at Shiv. "I think I can think of something." She laughed softly and slowly disappeared under the covers, with Shiv shivering at her touch. Kaysa had never felt so unhindered before and for once, sex didn't carry the burdens it had at one time. It was now merely and expression of love and affection to two of the most important people in her life right now. Every sensation was different and almost exalted; even the lightest caress filled her to the brim with ecstasy and love. She still regretted everything she'd done to get to this point, but if she'd known her actions would have culminated to that moment, she would have done it long ago, if only to save everyone more pain than they deserved.

Kaysa buried her face into Shiv's mound and barely held back a laugh. Feeling such joy from performing a simple act was a welcome change, but it did provide another obstacle: she couldn't exactly pleasure Shiv if she couldn't stop smiling.

Shiv let out a squeak as Kaysa's tongue made contact with the delicate flesh between her thighs. Her hands each gripped the sheets as she waited for the spike of pleasure to die down. She could swear she heard Kaysa giggling down there. Sex with Kaysa had always been good, and emotionally powerful. But there was something about now that made everything that came before pale. She clamped her mouth shut, not wanting to cry out and wake Merrick.

Kaysa deliberately wanted to push Shiv, so she threw her hands into the mix and combined with her tongue, she caressed the inside of Shiv's mound. She thought it would be comical if Merrick awoke with Shiv biting her lip and something moving beneath the sheets. She didn't think sex could be so amusing - besides with Zale, which was often more painful than amusing.

She fought back laughter at Shiv's futile attempt to hold back her moans, despite her body telling Kaysa she was dying to scream. She would, however, get a cry out of her yet. She nibbled gently on the protruding flesh within Shiv's cunt, and refused to cease until Shiv let out a beautiful, resonant cry.

Shiv's insides were burning up as Kaysa continued to propel her higher and higher into pleasure. She swore she could taste blood as she bit her lip and her body writhed with the contact. Finally, she could stand it no more, and let out the cry Kaysa had been waiting for.

On the bed beside her, Merrick started awake. He looked over at Shiv, passionately thrashing with her head thrown back. He took a moment and realized the large lump under the covers had to be Kaysa. He laughed and pulled the covers back. "How long have you two been going there, and why didn't you wake me? Or is this girl time?"

Kaysa looked up innocently at Merrick and shrugged her shoulders. "You looked so peaceful... I guess we figured if we were gonna wake you, we'd give you the best wake up call you've ever had. Right Shiv?" Kaysa asked playfully as she resumed moving her fingers within Shiv.

Between moans, Shiv had difficulties forming words. "We figured. The scream. Would wake you. Oh gods. Oh sweet gods. Oh Merrick. You haven't had sex. Until you've had Kaysa's tongue buried. In your cunt." She heard Merrick laugh and opened her eyes to look at him. "You know. What I mean." She cried out again as Kaysa's tongue brushed against a very sensitive spot. "Just wish you had one, Merrick. Oh gods! She's fucking beautiful!"

Kaysa couldn't help but giggle again, and once overcome with laughter, she decided to resort to pleasuring Shiv with her fingers. "If you wanna join in, Merrick, you can," Kaysa said with a smile. "You just can't stick your dick in her, I'm afraid. That'll have to wait until after tomorrow. I'm sure, though, your tongue will work just fine."

Merrick laughed and slid over to join Kaysa between Shiv's thighs. Before starting in on Shiv though, he gave Kaysa a passionate kiss. Once they were both lightheaded, he moved down to Shiv's mound and started kissing and sucking, driving Shiv even wilder as her body shuddered with another orgasm. Her screams were nearly constant and he knew they had to be keeping the neighbours awake by now. He grinned to himself and redoubled his efforts to pleasure his second girlfriend.

Kaysa moved aside and watched in amazement as Merrick relentlessly brought Shiv to orgasm after orgasm. She wasn't certain how much more the girl could take, but she'd found on their first night together that her sexual appetite was quiet insatiable. She patted Merrick encouragingly on the shoulder as she sat back and enjoyed the show. "Oh, Merrick," Kaysa said quietly before she was fully settled in, "she likes it a little lower."

"No you don't," Shiv gasped when she saw Kaysa getting comfortable. "Get. Up here. You're getting some. Too." She cried out again, clenching the sheets in her fists again. "Straddle me."

Kaysa's eyes went wide with surprise and she immediately obeyed. "Yes, ma'am!" She got to her knees and shifted towards Shiv. She looked down at her and ran her fingers roughly through her hair. With a smile, Kaysa slowly swung her leg over Shiv and straddled her with her mound hovering close to Shiv's mouth. "Is this what you had in mind?"

Shiv nodded vigourously. "This is exactly what I had in mind," she said. She cried out again as Merrick's touch drove her further toward bliss, and then she brushed her tongue through Kaysa's slit. "Now it's your turn to scream." As best she could, she drove her tongue into Kaysa's cunt, intent on taking her to bliss and beyond.

Kaysa gasped and moved out of Shiv's reach for a moment, but after securing a grip on the headboard, she slowly lowered herself over Shiv's mouth again and closed her eyes. A guttural moan shook Kaysa's body as Shiv graciously administered the pleasure she always enthusiastically offerred Kaysa. She swayed her hips gently against Shiv's mouth and their moans mingled as Merrick continued relentlessly pleasuring Shiv. Kaysa kept telling herself she really enjoyed make-up sex and thought it almost a shame that they would no longer encounter situations that warranted reconciling with sex. A pity.

Pleasuring Kaysa wasn't easy, Shiv realized, as she was herself being pleasured. Merrick was relentless and good at what he was doing. Even with the distraction, she knew that she was doing good with Kaysa, at least if the moans and cries of pleasure were any indication. She could only imagine what the rest of their lives together would be like. Very fulfilling and happy, she told herself. She could tell that Kaysa was getting close, and Merrick was bringing her close to yet another. She was going to be a little blissful puddle of goo when this was over, but a very happy puddle for sure.

Kaysa momentarily forgot herself and pressed her mound fully into Shiv's face, resorting to sitting on the poor girl to enhance her experience. Shiv moaned in protest and Kaysa quickly lifted her weight from Shiv's face. "Sorry," she cried out as a moan seized her voice. She gripped the headboard tighter as Shiv lapped even more enthusiastically at Kaysa's cunt, most likely in response to what Merrick was doing to her. She felt Shiv's body jolt and arch off the bed beneath her, and the vibrations of Shiv's voice crying out into her cunt sent a wave of ecstasy through Kaysa, and she let out a cry of her own. She breathed heavily and with every exhale, released a moan as well. "Oh gods...Shiv..." Kaysa whimpered and moved her hands from the headboard to Shiv's hair. "You wonderful little creature you."

Shiv wrapped her arms around Kaysa's thighs as she continued to drive her tongue deep into Kaysa and then out and over her clit. She didn't know how much longer she'd be able to hold out before Merrick drove her insane with pleasure. She hoped she could last until morning, anything to continue making Kaysa moan and cry out. They would all sleep late tomorrow, nestled together on the bed and never wanting to leave. It would be bliss, and together they would start their lives anew. Just the thought of loving Kaysa and Merrick, and having them care for her in return was nearly enough to send her over the edge yet again. And, that love only drove her onward to needing to please Kaysa completely.

Her hips swayed hastily against Shiv's mouth as she felt the moment reaching its pinnacle. She yearned to have Shiv's tongue forever caressing her, but she thought she'd die from pleasure if that happened. Shiv's tongue moved frenziedly within her now, a sign that Merrick was bringing her to climax as well. Kaysa hoped that when that time came, Shiv would resist the urge to bite down upon her tender flesh. Then again, she thought to herself, that might be quite enjoyable.

Kaysa's back arched and her head fell back as her body tensed. Shiv had been far too successful in bringing her to climax, and with one loud, piercing cry, Kaysa was assailed with waves of ecstasy. She tried to remove herself from over Shiv's mouth, but she eagerly clung to her thighs and Kaysa was forced to endure more caresses from Shiv's tongue.

Shiv's motions were frenzied as she was finally pushed over the edge. Her final orgasm hit with such force that it nearly lifted her off the bed, and as that happened she brought Kaysa through to bliss once more. She cried out one last time, and then collapsed to the bed again. Merrick was kind enough to withdraw his tongue before he drove her mad with lust. Her eyes gazed up to where Kaysa was looking down at her, their heaving panting the only sound in the room. Shiv's arms finally flopped back onto the bed, useless now that all of her energy had been expended in the lustful fury of their lovemaking. "Oh wow," she finally slurred.

Kaysa giggled and finally toppled to the side and onto the bed. She glanced at Merrick with a lazy smile and with a loud, wild laugh pulled him down into a deep kiss. "Oh my love..." she moaned into his ear. "I've never heard her cry out like that. Tomorrow night, your tongue is mine."

Merrick laughed as he licked Shiv's juices from his lips. "My tongue is yours forever," he said, "but tomorrow night it will gladly serve you in whichever task you deem it worthy. I don't think we're going to be getting very much sleep from now on, you know. Though, if it comes to sleeping and staying up all night with you two, I'll choose staying up every time." He glanced down at Shiv who was still awake but listless. She gave him a lazy smile and attempted to giggle. It brought a smile to his face and stirred his heart toward her even more. He kissed Kaysa with longing and passion. "How are you doing? You had a fairly emotionally draining day; how are you holding up?"

Kaysa's exuberance passed and she smiled solemnly. "I feel better...about everything. I am still a little afraid that this too will be a phase. I've tried to change before, Merrick, and it's worked for a while, but I somehow manage to revert to the old Kaysa again and I find myself powerless to stop it." She sighed deeply while running her fingers lightly along Merrick's cheek. "I know now, with you and Shiv, I can keep that from happening again. But, I feel I still have a long way to go before I can be confident that no matter what happens, I won't take that dark road again. I don't ever wanna be that person again, Merrick."

"I didn't think it possible to love you more than I already did," he said. "But seeing you like this, it makes me never want to be from your side. You're so much more alive. You seem very happy and content. Just know that you always have us, and any time things start to feel dark or oppressive, come to us. We'll try to help you get through anything."

"I should have come to you in the first place... I just...I didn't think you were strong enough to make it all just go away, Merrick. I'm sorry." Kaysa brushed her lips against Merrick's then smiled at him almost apologetically. "That's why I went to Zale. You should know about him before you meet him, Merrick. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I went to him last night and I think you know for what reason. He was my salvation from the demons, Merrick... Well, the only salvation I was aware existed at that time."

"At least you realize there is more now," he said with a smile. "Sometimes its hard, when you're in the middle of something like that to realize where you are. Shiv and I came very close to coming together today, drawn there partially because of the situation with you. But, there's also something about her. I couldn't help feeling something for her. She'd probably say otherwise, but she was the one that stopped us from going farther. I guess I was somewhat jealous too, that you could have her and me, but you expected me to be only yours." He glanced down at Shiv. "I'm happy things worked out the way they did though. I think we're gonna have to watch out for her."

"I don't blame you for that, Merrick. One can't help be drawn to her. She's lively and carefree. Compared to all the pain and darkness I was bringing to the relationship, being with someone like her must have felt like a relief." Kaysa paused to kiss Merrick again, deeply. She couldn't imagine what life would have been like if she'd lost him again. She gazed into his eyes as she sighed softly. "Shiv can take care of herself, but I know what you mean. I can't help feeling protective of her, but she'll insist she doesn't need protecting." Before Merrick could respond, Kaysa sealed his lips with her hand and looked into his eyes intently. "We're going to be going out with Zale tomorrow night, so I just wanted to make clear that he and I are through. We're friends now, that's all. In the past, our relationship included sex, but not anymore. I promise you that, Merrick."

Merrick nodded. "After tonight, I can't imagine any of us wanting to even look at another person. I don't think I've ever in my life had a night of more fulfilling lovemaking than this. And, it's okay. I trust you completely."

"Oh gods, Merrick..." Kaysa wrapped her arms tightly around him and couldn't help but sob into his arm. "Hearing that, after all I've done, is such a relief. Your trust means everything to me and I don't want to do anything to lose it, or your love."

Merrick smiled and held her even closer to him. "I don't think you could," he said. "Not anymore. I think from now on it's the three of us together with nothing able to stand in our way. I think together we'll be able to get through anything. So you two want to go shopping tomorrow? If you have the time, I know I do. And, you can each get something new to wear for that dinner with Zale."

Kaysa wiped her nose across Merrick's bare shoulder and laughed. "I think shopping is a good idea. Shiv and I could use some time alone to continue talking through things. She said your production manager offerred her a job, I believe. I think she should take it, Merrick, I really do. She's a wonderful artist and this way, she'll have to spend more time on the planet with us."

"I think that's a great idea," Merrick said as he planted gentle kisses along her shoulder. "I think I might be able to find some things for her to do for me too, if she'd like that. And, maybe she can help you around the office somehow. I like the idea of the three of us staying close here. I don't like the idea of any of us being away from each other too long. The pain of withdrawal for someone you love can be a terrible thing. I know that firsthand."

"As do I," Kaysa muttered. "I think...I think tomorrow or someday soon, I'm going to contact my mother. She and I need to have a long talk about my son's future." Kaysa searched Merrick's eyes as she hesitantly asked, "What... How do you feel about children, Merrick?"

Merrick laughed. "I like children," he said. "I never thought I would have one of my own, but I like them. They're some of the most attentive listeners when you're singing to them. It's really quite remarkable. And, if you wanted your son to come here with us, I would be happy to help you however I can. I don't know what sort of father figure I would be to him, but I'd love to see how it works out."

"Well, we can't exactly send him back if it doesn't work out, Merrick. He's been through enough already..." Kaysa looked away and shook her head gravely. "He thinks I'm dead, Merrick. I told my mother to tell him that if he ever asked about me. I was supposed to have died in childbirth. Even then I was a coward. I was so afraid he would look like his father that I didn't want to stay around long enough to find out, so I left him. Even if I wanted him back, I don't know if he'd want me."

"We'll do whatever we can," Merrick said. "We'll get through this together, and maybe we can do it with your son here as well. And, if he comes to us, we won't send him away. We'll raise him together, and we'll be good parents, the three of us. It's gonna work, Kaysa. You'll see."

"I guess all we can do is wait. But there'll be time. Right now, I feel as if we have all the time in the world. Laying in your arms, it feels as if the world stands still, holding its breath, and watching in anticipation for what's to come next. And I think next, you should kiss me, my love."

As his lips drew nearer to hers, he whispered: "I think I'd like to do more than kiss you."

"Still?" Kaysa asked in disbelief. "Aren't you tired yet, my voracious sex fiend?"

Merrick laughed. "Well, I am," he said. "But, I thought it might be nice as we slip off to sleep. Though we can save it for the morning if you'd like. For now we can just drift off to sleep together in each other's arms."

"I think that would be the more practical plan. We don't want you worn out for tomorrow night. Shiv and I should be healed up by then and our appetites replenished. By then, we should be craving a full serving of Merrick Braston's speciality," Kaysa said as she ran her hand along Merrick's chest. "Are you catching my drift, Braston?"

"I think I'm catching it," he said with a sly grin. "And, I think there's still plenty of time to get enough rest to be in peak condition for tomorrow night." He glanced at Shiv, lying beside them asleep. "So, how are we going to work sleeping tonight?"

"Hmm...she does take up a lot of space for such a small thing, doesn't she?" Kaysa laughed softly and reached across to run a hand along Shiv's arm. She looked back at Merrick with a gentle grin. "You and I can just sleep in each other's arms. With our bodies pressed together that close, we shouldn't need too much space."

"I like the sound of that," he said. He shifted onto his side and pulled Kaysa to him. Once they were comfortably settled in each other's arms, he reached down and pulled the blanket over them. With her body pressed into his, everything felt perfect and right. It was as if nothing could ever dim the light on what the three of them shared together. And, as he lay there with Kaysa snuggled into his arms, and Shiv beside them, he knew that he did love them both and had never been happier than that moment on their first night together. With a slow smile, he softly started singing his song to Kaysa and the love they shared. He sang it only loud enough for his two girls to hear, but for them he poured all of his heart into 'Whispers After Midnight.'

---

"Not Jedi nor Sith"
by Daemor'rah - Jedi / Bounty Huntress
Lok'moor - Sith Padawan (NPC written by Daemor'rah)

Location: New Plouton
Date: Praeda 11, 4 ABY

She had made herself scarce for a while and tried to lay low as she got herself some new gear as well as regained energies. It had been days she had gone by without too much time to rest, but eventually she found an empty place where she was able to relax and get her strengths back.

As the Huntress she was she was able to go on for days without a rest, without stopping for one minute or even quitting her stalkings on whatever prey she had. She was used to use her senses at all times and never, not even for a scarce minute, let her senses fall down on her. Plus, her bio-enhancement helped her to stay that way. But, as any humanoid, she wasn't able to go on forever, and even though she was able to go longer than normal, longer was not forever.

But now she was back with her energies regained after a full night's sleep and felt she could take on her huntings. She had heard about the Crimelords who were all about New Plouton, trying to take over the Financial Hub. Perhaps one could grant her a few assignments. Perhaps she could work for them all in exchange for money. And perhaps she could even use whatever she could learn on her own for exchange of information afterwards.

She didn't like the Hutts, but she enjoyed the money they had to offer for the right prizes. And Jadda had already shown interest in her skills before. She wondered how glad he would be to pay her... And then there were the other fronts, of course. All in all, for a bounty huntress it shouldn't be too hard to get a job or two. She decided she would check that out later on.

As she stepped out to the streets from the abandoned building she had rested in, she looked above to the clear morning sky. And then there was something that caught her attention. It was a man in his dark robes. And even though this should not be of concern in these parts of Chimaeria, this man stood out as his whole self was concealed under a black cloak with a hood.

This man moved in a way she knew was not normal. He was a warrior and seemed skilled enough. But Jedi would not move in such dark clothings. Or at least such was not ordinary in a Jedi. So perhaps a Rogue or a student who had derived from his training. Or a Sith... As strange as it could be, the Emperor was known to have certain followers to his cause trained into the arcane arts of the Dark Side of the Force. These were the men and women chosen to become the Red Imperial Guards.

But this one was not in uniform, which meant that he was not yet a fully trained one, or if so then he would not be part of the Red Guards. Daemor'rah decided to stalk on him. If she could see for sure what he was, he might prove to be a worthy opponent. As such she made her way to keep the man in her sight. As soon as he went over to an unpopulated area she decided to show herself and see what this one was made of.

As she jumped and somersaulted as to cut him off, the man simply stopped. He did not say a word at all and simply stood there. The Huntress was now pointing her blasters at the man who only then revealed one of his hands, which carried a lightsaber. The man ignited his weapon, revealing its light blue blade. She smiled and put her weapons away. This was her type of warrior. Fierce and not wanting a reason why, and that was what made Sith such good opponents.

As soon as Daemor'rah had her lightsaber ignited, the Sith Padawan made his move by attacking her forwardly and suddently. Alas, it was an untrained move by the Sith and she dodged it easily and cut his arm superficially as a counter blow. She stepped back and grinned. "You are still green..." she said as she moved back in clashing her lightsaber with his.

The younger one stepped back and took his hood off. He was transfigured and his eyes were yellow. A side effect from being Sith. "I will kill you Jedi scum!" he said as he attacked her again and again with no effect. He was hurt by her strike and truth was she was right. He was green. Daemor'rah hurled backwards. "How dare you call me Jedi!" she said in rage.

As soon as she said so she tossed her weapon towards the Sith padawn who dodged it almost in the very last second. As he was distracted by her tossing her weapon she got her blasters in her hands and shot the young one right across the chest. As he fell down she moved in on him to see him dying. Blood came out of his body as he spoke.

"You are not Jedi?!... You are not Sith..." he said in pain.

"I am not Jedi nor Sith. I am who I am, a huntress..." she replied before picking up his weapon as trophy for the short battle, as he exhaled his last breath. The Empire would not see this as a good act, but no one saw the battle anyway. She got her own weapon from the floor, safeguarded it and made her way.

There were more Jedi waiting to be killed...

---

"Job Offer"
by Jukwon Thallos - Freelancer Pilot
and Jadda the Hutt - Crimelord
and Vicks Mason - Smuggler

Location: Thanatos
Date: Praeda 11, 4 ABY

He was summoned upon by one of the local crimelords. One of the Hutts - Jadda. Apparently the crimelord wanted him to appear at his palace for an audience. Something he had to offer it seemed. And he could only guess the lay was large also, as all Hutts had money to spare.

As it were he made his way over to Jadda's palace and was guided to the main room where his guards stood, protecting their master. "Ahh... Boobae jappa depa saar goonoor tael morkus yadabadepa. Tchilae dantume boo dalaega bantumesaa. Chalaa doo tchingae foor daloo smuggler Vicks Mason?" Jadda said as soon as Jukwon entered. The droid translated. "Ahh... It is good to see you have come in such short notice. I will cut to the point. Have you heard of the smuggler Vicks Mason?"

"I have... What about him?" Thallos asked, wondering where Jadda was taking this conversation. After all, one never knew what to expect from a Hutt.

"Dalae boo dontaa bin yousdaal tallos bae moorsaa dapeba goo... Chaalaa bee yousa madelaa juntumee dalloo," Jadda said simply. Again the droid translated. "He is currently working for me... But he needs a new experienced co-pilot."

"And you called me here for a job offering?" Jukwon inquired. "I thank thee for being so kind as to tell me this. But what's the pay?"

"Donthaa baen tchalla fooboo yallabeppa..." Jadda said. "Whatever money you can get from his jobs with him," the droid repeated.

"Jadda, I thank you for your time. I guess I should be talking with this Vicks Mason then..." Jukwon replied, knowing better than to ask why had a Hutt gone to so much trouble just to seek the right co-pilot for one of his smugglers instead of going through all the trouble. He bowed and made his way to the local shipyards.

As Jukwon Thallos got to the shipyards he found the location of the ship. He made his way to that hangar, where he found a man who would match the description he'd been given just before he left Jadda's palace by one of Jadda's guards. He made his way over. "Vicks Mason?" he asked.

Vicks nodded. "Who wants to know?" asked Vicks putting his hand on his blaster while leaning against one of the landing struts.

"My name is Thallos, Jukwon Thallos. I come from the Thallos Clan in Kiffex. I heard you were looking for a new co-pilot?!" he replied. "I can't give you written references but I give my word when I say that I know my way around almost any starships and their systems."

"All right then. Meet The Tae'Karada Star. Stolen right from the belly of an Imperial Star Destroyer. She's got a .5 hyperdrive, an advanced prototype Imperial Droid Brain, two quad cannons, two concussion missile launchers, extra hull plates, and an advanced shield system. She's one of the best," said Vicks.

Jukwon was surprised he was admitted so fast. He didn't think Vicks would have him without some sort of a test but that was fine by him. "It looks good, but will the main computer support a .5 hyperdrive? I thought the Correlian Transports only went over .25... You seem to have doubled the speed nonetheless."

"I had the computer further modified, but the piece of junk still sometimes breaks down, not as much as Solo's ship though. That ship is ancient. The Star is the best ship I've ever piloted though, so treat her with respect. Now, do you carry a weapon of some sort?"

"I see..." Jukwon said as to the computer. "Don't worry, I am always careful with the ships I work with. As for weapons, I carry only this blaster. I must admit most of my battles were airborne. There I have the knowledge, if I may say so..." He smiled.

"All right. My droid, D-BO-77 is inside. He's a decent pilot, good companion, great for info, but keep him secret. He's valuable to The Empire. So is this ship. I have a feeling that I already have a bounty hunter on my tail, so I've gotta be quick. I've also been thinking about joining the rebels."

Jukwon nodded. Although he didn't show it out, he had thought Vicks to be more serious. He hadn't considered joining the Rebels... Sure he hated the Empire, but he thought about the days when he had done raidings on Alliance cargo as well. Anything for the better profit and payment. "Don't worry, I know how to keep my mouth shut. So, what do you want me to do?"

"Get started on prepping the ship. I don't trust this Jadda The Hutt. I have a feeling something is up. Oh well, it's probably just my imagination."

Vicks walked up the ramp, signaling for Jukwon to follow him. Vicks hid in the dark and pulled his blaster out waiting for Jukwon to walk up. He had to be careful, he had a large bounty on his head.

"No Hutt can be trusted..." Jukwon nodded. He walked up the ramp after Vicks and just then he had a gut feeling. Perhaps all this time Vicks was testing him. Then again, life was one big test anyway. Jukwon walked in and didn't even turn. "If you really believe I came to claim any prize then know that if it was so I would have already made my attempt... So, if you're going to shoot me go ahead and shoot me, but that is not why I am here."

There was a trusting sound in his tone. Vicks slowly lowered his blaster and placed it in his holster. "I'll show you to the cockpit."