Star Wars - Tales from the Outer Rim

"Corellia: Going Home, Part 2"
By: Yelara Neerou - Drogen Shipyard Foreman
and Kace Mordin - Grey Jedi

Location: En route to Tae'Karada
Date: Saris 12, 3 ABY

***

It had been a couple days since Yelara had proposed. Kace still felt like he was floating. The bed was comfortable, more comfortable than a bed on a starship ever should have been, but sharing it with Yelara, it could have been covered with broken glass and still felt like the softest feathers. Her body was so close to his, tucked against him as they'd been for most of the night. It was bliss. Kace wished they could just veer off and go anywhere but Tae'Karada, start a new life for themselves and just be happy--

--and then all hell broke loose.

The klaxons blared as the automated defenses kicked in. Kace's eyes popped open and immediately stretched out his senses to assess the problem. Yelara was coming awake as he rolled toward the side of the bed. He quickly pulled on a pair of pants and rushed toward the cockpit, Yelara still behind him.

He reached the cockpit and didn't have to look at the scopes to realize there was a ship ahead of them. On an intercept course by the look of it. Damn, he thought. We don't need this now. Tae'Karadan registry. Not one of Dargus' though.

"We've got company," he shouted back. "Tae'Karadan royalty by the looks of it."

Yelara stumbled out of bed and wrapped herself in Kace's dark robe. She staggered to the cockpit with her eyes only half open and her body shivering from the shock of leaving the warm comfort of the bed, and so quickly venturing out into the cold air of the cockpit. She walked up to Kace's side, peering out of the canopy and at the ship hovering near them in space. "What do they want?" Yelara grumbled, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "Tell them to go away," Yelara added as she wrapped her arms around Kace's waist from behind and kissed the back of his neck.

Kace leaned back against Yelara's kisses, almost letting them distract him. She looked very sexy in his robe, and he was half tempted just to ignore the other ship. The robe had fallen open slightly, exposing some of the pale skin below and very nearly sending Kace's mind reeling. She was truly beautiful.

He opened comms to the other ship. "This is Vengeance of Corellia to unidentified craft. You are currently occupying our registered flight path. Divert to oh-seven-one so that we may continue to our destination."

"Vengeance, this is the Dove under command of her majesty, Kalaira Ardelyr-Valreth. Her Majesty requests an audience." The modified Corvette swung around to face Kace's ship.

Kace was about to tell the Dove's comms operator where to go, when he grumbled and adjusted course. Kalaira was the High Princess of Tae'Karada, he knew that much. And, denying an audience with a High Princess, especially one married to a lunatic of a High Prince (but then again, weren't they all?), was not a wise move. Any man who would willingly allow a scumball like Dargus Kandran to operate freely on his planet had to be running on an empty power cell. And, Kace had to question any man who would actually use money brought in from Dargus' dirty business.

Yelara moved to stand behind the pilot's chair Kace had settled himself into. She watched warily the ship looming before them, suspicious immediately of the High Princess's intentions. "Why would the High Princess of Tae'Karada go out of her way to meet us out here? We're not exactly high society," Yelara quipped as she watched the Dove venturing closer to the Vengeance.

Kace watched the Dove warily. "I don't know," he said. "We haven't done anything that I know of. We're still seven hours out of Tae'Karada. And, they were waiting for us. It's something planned. So, she wants to talk to one of us, but I can't guess why. Only one way to find out."

The Corellia dropped below the Dove, her movement graceful as she slid along the hull of the larger ship. Kace flipped a couple switches on the bank in front of him. Above and behind he and Yelara, the sensor dish and dorsal mounted weaponry retracted into the Corellia's hull. Thrusters fired, maneuvering the ship over one of the external hatches. Clamps secured the Corellia to the hull of the corvette and another flip of a switch extended a tube toward the Dove with magnetic seals locking it into place.

Kace turned in his seat to face Yelara. He looked into her eyes as his hands roamed over her belly and hips. The silky fabric of his robe over her skin felt wonderful, and he wished they had time to go back to the bed. His hands moved to the opening of the garment, playing with it, pulling it open slightly. He leaned close and kissed the skin revealed in the opening. How he wanted to just pull the robe open, and make love to her again then and there. He restrained himself, and pulled the robe slightly closed again. "Hopefully the High Princess will talk fast," he said. He kissed her slowly, tenderly. "Go get dressed and I'll be in in just a moment."

Yelara gave a wan smile as she ran her fingers through Kace's loose hair. "I've never attended an audience with a queen before. Whatever shall I wear?" Yelara forced a laugh to hide the fact that she was nervous about this little meeting. It was out of the ordinary, the High Princess showing up unexpectedly to greet travellers in the middle of space and inviting them onto her personal ship. Something else was definitely going on, and Yelara was less than anxious to find out what that was. "I'll be waiting for you," Yelara said before kissing Kace on the forehead and turning out of the cockpit.

"I'll be there in just a moment," he said. "And, for a High Princess, I think something leather. And, something so she can see that tattoo." He gave her a sly grin as she disappeared down the corridor toward the cabin.

Kace turned back to the comm, and re-opened the channel to the Dove. "Give us ten minutes," he said. "And, then we'll come over." He had no doubts that the High Princess would want to meet them in her ship, so he didn't bother even asking where they would meet.

"We will be expecting you." The communication was cut off.

Kace left the cockpit and returned to the cabin he and Yelara were sharing. When he entered, he fought down the urge to touch Yelara, to caress her body instead of going to see the High Princess. He pulled on a shirt and his boots as Yelara finished dressing. When she straightened herself, he was staring at her, his eyes full of wonder and love.

"You look like a lovestruck teenager," Yelara laughed as she caught Kace's eyes frozen on her. "If you look that way when we meet with the High Princess, she'll think you've become taken with her. I hear she is quite beautiful."

"She may be beautiful," he said, "but she can't hold a candle to what I feel for you. And, I don't think there will be any mistaking who's got my attention. And, what's the problem with me being lovestruck? I can't believe all of this; it's amazing. I never thought I would be married, but now I can't even fathom the thought of not being married to you." He shook his head, the wonder still there as he watched her. "Have I mentioned how much I love you today?"

"Well, if saying it while in the heat of passion counts, then, yes, you have told me," Yelara said while slinking towards Kace with her shirt still partially undone. "How 'bout we just stay here and forget all about the High Princess?" Yelara suggested as she ran her finger along Kace's lips, and looked at him with lust in her eyes.

Kace smiled as he slowly started undoing the remaining buttons on Yelara's shirt. "I think the High Princess won't like having to wait for us," he said. "But, I think it's good for royalty to have to wait on the peons once in awhile." He pushed her shirt off her shoulders and kissed her. He kissed down her throat and across her chest as his hands brushed over the skin of her stomach and then up over her breasts. With a smile, he pushed her back toward the bed. "I think the High Princess can wait twenty minutes or so."

"Twenty minutes?" Yelara repeated as she pulled Kace down on top of her. She pulled off his cloak and threw it onto the floor. "I think from what I've seen over the past two days, I'd say you can manage at least thirty, don't you?"

Kace's grin grew even wider. "At least," he said as he quickly started removing what remained of his and Yelara's clothing. "At least thirty. It would be a shame if we left the High Princess waiting for an hour." He brought his mouth to hers, kissing her greedily. He'd lost count of how many times they'd made love over the last two days. Well, that wasn't true. It was eight, but Kace didn't want to seem like he was counting, which he kept telling himself he wasn't. Each time was more beautiful than what had come before, and he found himself loving her more and more each time he shared himself with her.

Before entering her, Kace looked into Yelara's eyes, baring everything to her as he did. "I love you," he said gently.

Yelara focused only on Kace's eyes as she felt them becoming one being again as they had done many times over the last two days. "And I've always loved you, Kace. I need you," she whispered as she closed her eyes finally and committed all her energies to reaching the physical fulfillment of their love.

"Corellia: Going Home, Part 3"
By: Yelara Neerou - Ship Mechanic
Kace Mordin - Grey Jedi
and Kalaira Ardelyr-Valreth - High Princess of Tae'Karada

Location: En route to Tae'Karada
Date: Saris 12, 3 ABY

***

They were met by four Tae'Morad Guards. "This way, if you will," said the apparent leader. They were not rude and weapons were not at the ready. They did not ask for weapons nor did they search for them. Two turned for Yelara and Kace to follow them and two more fell behind them. They escorted the pair to a luxurious room. A woman in modest black pants and matching black and silver tunic looked up as they entered.

Kace eyed the guards with barely contained suspicion. After the encounter down on Tae'Karada, with the Tae'Morad Guard seemingly in the pocket of Dargus Kandran, he could not bring himself to let down his defenses. He stayed close to Yelara, his hand brushing the back of hers as they entered the room.

The woman in the room, most likely Kalaira Ardelyr-Valreth, stood and smiled. "I am sorry for the abruptness of my request, but a long range communication was out of the question," she said with a soft easy smile. "Thank you for agreeing to see me."

Kace offered a smile. "I don't see that we had a whole lot of choice in the matter," he said. "Though I am certain your need to see whichever of us you wish to see is important. And, I must admit, you've got us both quite curious."

"Again, I apologize for the unorthodox method of contact. Please, take a seat and help yourself to some refreshment." A lavish tray had been laid out on the table in front of the High Princess, and was within reach of the seats she'd offered to Kace and Yelara.

She turned to the guards. "You may wait outside." Other than a quiet man in black lounging against the far wall, they were alone when the guards left.

Kace nodded to the High Princess and led the way to one of the couches across from her. With the guards outside, Kace allowed himself to relax slightly, though he still kept a wary eye open for trouble. Something felt wrong in this meeting. He could feel it.

Kalaira sat down and smiled at the couple. "I actually wanted to speak with Yelara. It is rather a confidential matter." She looked at Yelara as she would not speak in front of the rogue Jedi unless the woman insisted.

Yelara sat close to Kace, her fingers meshed with his as she looked up at the High Princess. She wasn't versed in the etiquette associated with courtly life, but she did know it was improper manners to look a royal directly in the eyes; Yelara was in the mood to be defiant and did so anyway. The High Princess was as beautiful as Yelara had heard people say she was, and there was an air of confidence about her that almost intimidated Yelara. She squeezed Kace's hand tighter as she met the High Princess's eyes with a steady gaze, allowing a smug grin to flash across her face. "Whatever you feel you need to discuss with me, your highness, feel free to do so with my fiancé present. He can be trusted, I assure you."

"Fiancé?" Kalaira's face fell. "I-- Congratulations. I guess you will not be going back to...to work for Lord Kandran?" she asked with a frown.

At the use of Dargus' title, Kace tried to fight back a snort of laughter and failed. Lord Kandran. Dargus had as much royal blood as a nerf, though he figured nerf's would be more suited to royalty than the crimelord if they had any royal blood. He had to wonder how much the title had set Dargus back, though it was probably cheap when compared to all his wealth. He looked at the two women apologetically and waved them to continue. "Sorry," he said, still holding back the laughter trying to get out.

Yelara narrowed her eyes at the High Princess, looking at her inquisitively and becoming even more suspicious of her intentions. "And just how do you know of my involvement -- my former involvement with Dargus?" Yelara asked, quickly correcting herself.

"An informant said you were assigned as foreman at the shipyards and that you were Kandran's girlfriend. A luxurious apartment has been purchased in your name in Commerce City by the syndicate," Kalaira answered honestly. "I put two and two together and thought I had found four. My apologies."

"Well, your informant certainly is very good. I wasn't even aware of the apartment yet," Yelara said, smiling congenially at Kalaira. "And as for being Dargus' girlfriend, you are partially correct there. I'm aware that you've had dealings with Dargus before, so you must know that women don't take Dargus on as boyfriends willingly. I have the scars to prove that."

Yelara shifted uneasily in her seat. She knew more talk of Dargus would begin to eat away at Kace, but the High Princess called upon her for a reason other than to discuss Tae'Karada's most infamous lady's man, and Yelara's curiousity was becoming piqued. "So tell me, your highness, why are you so interested in my relationship with Dargus? You're not trying to get me out of the way so you can take him on as one of your male concubines, are you?" Yelara quipped with a short laugh.

"I am afraid my husband would not allow that," Kalaira said with a laugh. "My business is useless if you no longer intend to remain in the position you previously occupied. I am sorry for delaying you," she said with a tight smile as she stood in dismissal.

"Wait!" Yelara shot back as she jumped to her feet. "Please, I'm certain a woman of your status has better things to do than to discuss Dargus' sex life, which leads me to believe you have something more important to discuss with me." Yelara wasn't certain if she was being presumptuous or lacking in etiquette again, but she approached the High Princess, hoping the guard wouldn't pull out a blaster and shoot her where she stood.

"Your highness, I'd be willing to indulge you if you like. I know Kace and I can find something better to do," she said, forcing back a smile as she thought of the nine times they found that something over the last two days, "but we'd be more than happy to listen to whatever it is you're proposing."

"I don't think your fiancé would," Kalaira said firmly. "Dargus' weakness is his sexual appetite. I need a woman that has held his interest. Only three women fill that position. One was with you when you left. One is with him now but is too much the child. That left you! I need someone close to Dargus who shares an interest in taking back what he has taken from her." Kalaira's eyes narrowed knowingly. She had been forced by Dargus and knew that at one time, Yelara probably had as well.

Kace felt his body tense at Kalaira's words. He blinked slowly and turned his gaze to Yelara. He felt his heartbeat speed up and could feel the blood starting to pound in his ears. He tried to keep his face neutral, but wasn't sure of his success. His opinion of the royal family of Tae'Karada dropped again with the revelation that they would even stoop to use a plan such as the one High Princess Kalaira proposed. He could feel his stomach turning sour at the thought.

Yelara had begun to regret insisting upon Kace's remaining. She knew the conversation was heading down a path that Kace could not follow without feeling the urge to tear a hole in the bulkhead. She looked away from the High Princess, trying to see Kace's expression out of the corner of her eye. He looked visibly tense and his eyes bore the same cold essence they had in their confrontation on Corellia. Yelara looked back at the High Princess, who seemed to be talking of a revenge of sorts, one against Dargus and all he had ever done to her and others he'd violated.

She remembered vividly her first night at the shipyards, the night she met Dargus. She recalled the vibroblade at her throat as he gave her the ultimatum of death versus a night in his bed. That night had lasted for a month now and she could still feel the sensation of the blaster shot cutting into her flesh, the smell of Dargus in her hair and on her body no matter how hard she tried to wash it away. He had forced her that night, but as for the other times, submitting to him took far less pain and energy than fighting him, so that is what she did.

It was demeaning and had almost put out the fire within her, but the trip to Corellia, her nights of passion with Kace had all rekindled it. She couldn't picture herself going back to Dargus' bed willingly or otherwise, but she knew what the High Princess was implying and knew that whatever she had in mind required Yelara to once again share her body with Dargus.

"Your highness, I don't think I could ever get back what Dargus has stolen from me, but that doesn't mean I won't help you. He deserves to be punished for everything he's done, and not just to me but to anyone who has suffered at his hands. If you will, please go on."

Kace felt his jaw drop open at Yelara's words. Did she understand what Kalaira was asking her to do? Did she realize that the High Princess wanted her to go back to Dargus Kandran's bed? The veil of blackness was closing in around him. He was shaking his head, trying to force down the emotions within. How could she after the last two days? How could she be willing to throw all that away for Kandran? Kace pulled his hand from Yelara's and pushed himself from the couch. He strode toward the door on uneasy legs.

He stopped at the door and turned back to the two women facing each other. "I'll be leaving now," he said. "Goodbye, Yelara. Your Majesty." He pressed a button at the side of the door to open it.

Yelara turned back swiftly, rushing to catch Kace. She gripped him by the arm as she did and pulled his hand away from keypad at the door. "Kace, where are you going? I want you to stay. Don't you want to hear what the High Princess has planned?"

Kalaira moved over to Bara to whisper instructions, giving the two lovers as much privacy as possible. She could feel the venom in Kace Mordin's glances without turning around.

Kace looked back at the High Princess, the menacing look in his eyes unmistakable: hatred. When his eyes found Yelara again, the look had softened considerably. For her, he had nothing but love. "I have heard enough," he said. "She wants you back in Lord Kandran's bed. Most likely she wants you to get information on him. I'm all for seeing Dargus Kandran fall hard, but not at the expense of my sanity, or my relationship. If Dargus is going down, I want to be there for it. But there will be nothing of me left with this plan she's got."

"Kace," Yelara said. She moved around to face him, her hand caressing his cheek gently. "If I do this and Dargus is destroyed, then we will be free of him forever. Isn't that what you want? If we run away now, like this, he'll come after us. We'll be looking over our shoulders for the rest of our lives, which will be very short if Dargus sends his bounty hunters after us. What kind of life will that be?"

"One I would welcome to knowing that you're with him," he said. "One that I'll be able to think rationally in. One that I'll have you in. If you're in his bed, you can't be in mine. How often do you think he'll let you visit my bed? How often do you think he'll allow you to even see me? Dargus hates me as much as I hate him. He won't allow you within a parsec of me. And, if he even has an inkling that there is something more between us, he'll try to utterly destroy me."

"He doesn't have to know about you," Yelara urged, gripping Kace by the arms desperately. "We can still be together, Kace. And I won't always be in his bed. I've refused before and I can do so again, and when I'm not, I can come to you." Yelara searched Kace's face for any sign that the tension was draining from it, but his expression was stolid, yet his eyes betrayed the fury and dejection within him. She was hurting him again, she knew that, but the High Princess's plan, if it succeeded, would destroy Dargus and release Yelara from the burden weighing down upon her. She liked to believe she was free to leave Dargus whenever she wished, but she knew that to be false.

He would let her go, of course, but he wouldn't cut her loose. She knew Dargus and suspected he would have her followed wherever she went in the galaxy. He would find out about Kace and then, to punish her for defying him, he would kill him. She would live, of course, which would be his twisted way of making her regret turning her back on him. She would have to live while she watched every person she loved die because of her. It would go on until she was bereft of all emotion and finally had only one place left to go: back to Dargus. She knew it was not above Dargus to carry out such an extreme course of action just to punish her, especially since she believed he loved her. A scorned Dargus Kandran would be much more dangerous and his actions more ruthless than the Dargus she knew now.

"Kace," Yelara said slowly as she rubbed his arms soothingly with her hands, "he must be stopped. How many lives has he already destroyed? And how many more must be before something is done? I don't want to lose you, Kace. If I'm to do this, I'll need you by my side, need you to support me. I can't do this without you."

"You'll have to," he said. "If you go to him, you'll lose me to the darkness. I can already feel it pulling at me, drawing me in. The pain of losing you will never leave me throughout the rest of my life, but this way I will at least be able to feel my pain. And, you won't be able to come to me. Dargus will have you watched. He'll know what you do. If you come to me when you're not with him, he'll know about it. You'll not see me again until this plan has run its course, and I will tear myself apart knowing that he's the one giving you pleasure and not me. In that you would lose me forever to the darkness I swore I would never return to. I'm sorry, Yelara, but I can't do this."

Yelara looked back slowly at the High Princess. She knew Dargus had imposed himself upon her life as well. Kallia had told her once about the High Princess needing protection from Dargus, but she had the High Prince to keep Dargus off her back. Yelara had no such person. Kace could protect her to some degree, but even he was not invincible, although sometimes, when she was with him, she felt as if nothing in the universe could ever stand in her way. She couldn't lose Kace; she refused to.

"I won't let you go, Kace," Yelara said, turning back to face him. "I won't let you leave me. We are to be husband and wife, which means we stand by each other through anything and everything. You accepted my proposal of marriage, Kace. Are you saying you have changed your mind?" Yelara tried not to look hurt, but she couldn't hide what was in her heart. Marriage meant unconditional love, one that was strong enough to overcome any struggle. Kace was leaving her, she was certain of that; this only meant that he didn't feel their love could last through the strain that would be placed upon it if she accepted the High Princess's proposal. She knew Kace was suffering more than she could imagine, but she had offered herself to him, and his leaving felt like a rejection, one she could never live down.

Kace shook his head. "I accepted your proposal, and you said you wouldn't see Dargus anymore. You said that was over. But, now it's not over. And, I can't bear the thought of that bastard inside my wife, spilling his seed in my wife, holding my wife to him close to him and keeping her with him through the night." Kace closed his eyes tight, his anger threatening to spill outward. He could feel his body shaking with the rage within. He took a deep breath. "I love you more than life, Yelara. But, if I do this, if I stay with you through this, it won't be me when it's over." He shook his head and turned away. "I know you don't understand; you can't understand this. You have no idea what you're asking me to do. You're asking me to go back to what I was. Back to when I hunted Jedi, back to when I killed my master, back to when I knew nothing but hate and darkness. My jealousy will drive me to that again. It's driving me there now." He closed his eyes again. The deep breaths weren't helping.

Despair was settling in around him, and the images of Dargus and Yelara together, locked in the throes of passion came fast and furious. Kace put a hand against the wall to steady himself. "I want to marry you. I want to be with you. But, that's not with you, that's some twisted abomination of a relationship. To think about him...with you..." He took a breath that did no good. "I can't do it, Yelara. It will destroy me."

"Is this goodbye, Kace?" Yelara asked, her face contorting as she forced back tears. She knew she couldn't have both Kace and Dargus, even though she never wanted Dargus to begin with. She remembered the day she met Kace and how she fell almost instantly in love with him. Even then, Dargus stood in the way, but Kace seemed somehow better equipped to handle it then. Yelara had no idea why, now, he couldn't bear her to be with Dargus. It was only sex, nothing more. Why couldn't he understand that? "Kace, are you leaving me?"

Kace closed his eyes as a pain far worse than a vibroblade flared through his gut. The walls were coming down. He could feel them crumbling, disintegrating around him. A violent tremor ran through his body as he fought back the wave of emotions surging within him. Hot tears burned his eyes and slid down his cheeks as he tried to stop the dam from breaking. It was too late. A sob wracked his body as he tried to regain control of himself, of his emotions. All of his emotional defenses were down and useless to him. He looked down into Yelara's eyes and shook his head. "I'm sorry," he said, and forced his hand to the keypad.

The door slid open and Kace rushed into the corridor, fighting with all of his experience and training to get himself under control. He ran, tears flowing freely, toward the ship. He needed to get control. He needed to regain his composure. A brief thought of just falling on his lightsaber, ending the pain for good, flashed through his mind as he stopped outside the hatch leading to his ship. He stopped in the accessway, breathing heavily and trying to put his emotional walls back in place. As he worked, he found only rubble.

"Kace!" Yelara called out as she stepped out of the room, watching Kace disappear down the corridor. She slammed her hand against the wall as she suddenly became aware that she'd done it again. Kallia left because of her relationship with Dargus, and now she had driven Kace away as well. She had taken his heart into her hand and crushed it. Running after him had crossed her mind, but the same argument would arise again and it would end the same way until Yelara left Dargus for good.

"Corellia: Going Home, Part 4"
By: Yelara Neerou - Ship Mechanic
Kace Mordin - Grey Jedi
Kalaira Ardelyr-Valreth - High Princess of Tae'Karada

Location: En route to Tae'Karada
Date: Saris 12, 3 ABY

***

Yelara walked aimlessly back into the room, stopping as she felt a sickening pain in her stomach. She leaned her back against the wall and stared blankly ahead of her as she slid to the ground. Only two days of happiness, she thought grimly. That's all she and Kace managed to achieve, but even that little taste of heaven with him was enough to now cause her body to physically tremble as she yearned for his touch again. She wrapped her arms around her knees and brought them close to her chest. "I want Dargus dead," Yelara said to the High Princess in a cold, menacing whisper as she brought her head to her knees and wept quietly.

Kalaira sat down beside Yelara and put a hand on her knee. "Go after him. He can't move his ship, it is sealed to mine. I won't release the docking clamps till you are on board. I can find another way to get to Dargus. You won't get another chance at happiness. Dargus almost ruined my chance at happiness, I won't let him be the cause of ruining yours." Kalaira lifted her chin. She wiped a tear from Yelara's face. "I had made this plan when I thought you stuck in his clutches. If you truly want free of him, I can remove any tracking device and I can protect you. Your fiancé is right, it is not fair to ask him to sit and wait knowing another is touching you and holding you." Kalaira could not help but hear their argument.

"How did you know I was being tracked?" Yelara asked, the suspicion she felt overshadowing the compassion she could see emanating from Kalaira's eyes. Yelara began wiping away her own tears and smiled wistfully at the High Princess. "I guess it doesn't really matter, does it? It's the least of my worries right now. Everything would be much simpler if Dargus just detonated the device while it was still inside of me."

"Yelara, do you love Kace Mordin?" Kalaira asked softly and directly.

A smile teased the corners of Yelara's lips and her eyes began to beam despite the tears that were still flowing. "The love I feel for him is one I've never felt before. Well, not one I've felt for a man, at least." Yelara's smile became almost bitter-sweet as she remembered her first love, one she experienced with Kallia. She taught Yelara what love was, how wonderful it could be, and how it had to do more with a union of souls than it did one of bodies. Her love for Kallia was different from the one she felt for Kace, yet it was just as strong.

"Then go...I will find a way and, if you like, keep you informed. You both are welcome to seek refuge in the palace and I can give you a job if you like. Dargus will not touch you there if you are under my protection." Kalaira smiled at Yelara. "Go! Before you lose him!"

Yelara looked at Kalaira, and placed her hand on the High Princess's, whose own was still resting on her knee. She had never met one as selfless and compassionate as she was. The High Princess could have easily dissuaded Yelara from going to Kace if she felt it would suit her needs, but she didn't. Yelara knew what Dargus had put the High Princess through, and she could only imagine the rage and thirst for vengeance that resided in her heart. Yet, she pushed all that aside and stopped Yelara from making a decision she would have indeed regretted.

"You know, Jae Dyn thought very highly of you, Your Highness. I see now, that she had every reason to. Thank you." Yelara smiled and kissed Kalaira on the cheek, not thinking that it was probably inappropriate for her to be kissing a royal, and not to mention, another woman. "I want to see Dargus ruined, and I will help you any way I can. Thank you again." Yelara rose quickly, still holding the High Princess's hand. "You truly are beautiful, in every way."

"Go! I will give you time to re-discuss this. I will relay information to you as to where to contact me if you decide to take me up on my second offer. But we cannot stay in contact much longer, the tracking device will have alerted that you are not moving, so we need to get you on your way." Kalaira stood. "I wish you both the best. Please, I nearly lost happiness, I do not want you to do so."

"I am willing to help you in any way, your highness. We will talk again soon." Yelara squeezed the High Princess's hand gently before her excitement got the better of her and she rushed out of the room and down the corridor. She hoped the High Princess was right and that Kace was still around. If she lost him now... She didn't even want to think about what she would do.

"Kace!" she cried out in a frantic, shrill voice. She had to find him. She needed to find him; she needed him. "Kace!" she hollered again. Her legs worked faster now as she followed the path Kace had taken, yet he was nowhere to be found.

Kace had picked himself up from where he'd sat, slumped against a wall, and searched for the will to go through the airlock. He was about to open the door and head back to his ship when he heard his name being called. He turned and saw Yelara running down the corridor toward him. He felt a moment of confusion, and then her emotions hit him. He took a step away from the airlock, closer toward her. She was so beautiful. He felt the burning of tears again. The realization of what was happening hit, and he rushed forward to meet her. His arms went around her immediately, pulling her close to never let her go again.

Yelara wrapped her legs around Kace's waist and pressed herself hard against him. She missed the warmth of his body against her own, the feel of his heart beating in sync with hers as if they were one being. "I don't know what the hell I was thinking, Kace," she whispered as she pressed her lips to his cheek, kissing him tenderly. "I don't want to be with Dargus. I don't want his filthy hands touching any part of me. Taking him down is not worth losing you, my love. Forgive me. Please forgive me..."

Kace kissed Yelara again before answering, his body heating up at her touch, her nearness. "You're forgiven," he said softly. "You're more than forgiven." Another kiss that lingered. "And, there are other ways to take him down. And, we can do it together, both of us working to destroy him."

"The High Princess will help us in whatever we choose to do, Kace. With her help, we can torment and punish Dargus, but I won't give myself to him, not anymore. I want to be yours, and only yours." Yelara laid her head upon Kace's shoulder. She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, taking in his scent and letting her fingers dance along his face as she memorised every curve and groove, every nuance of his visage. If she ever lost Kace again, she wanted to at least have the memory of him burned into her mind. He could leave her, but he would never truly be gone if she could close her eyes and still see his face before her. "Let's get out of here, Kace," she whispered in his ear before nibbling on it and letting kisses fall upon his neck.

Kace hesitated a moment before they left the Dove, taking just another few seconds to feel Yelara against him, her body and hands, her legs wrapped tight around his waist, her head and short hair, her aura. He'd never felt so complete before. "Yes," he whispered in response, "let's get out of here." Kace kept holding her, her body wrapped around his as if she were a cloak, he didn't want to even think about not having a physical connection to her.

They moved as one toward the ship, leaving the High Princess's Dove behind. Once they were back in the Corellia, Kace kissed Yelara again, his passion boiling over. When they parted, he smiled. "What do you say we just detach, float along for a bit, and head back into the cabin for some private time. Practice for the honeymoon."

"I want you to marry me, Kace. Now, before we miss our chance." Yelara looked at Kace and smiled as she wiped the remaining tears from his face. "Kalaira said she'd remove the tracking device and after that, I'm free...we're free."

Kace brushed his hands over Yelara's face and down across her body. "I like the sound of that," he said. "We can find a place nearby, a place that will marry us. We can check the ship's computer and nav-charts and go immediately. I never want to be away from you again, not for a moment."

"We'll get Dargus, our way. He won't ever stand between us again...and this time, I mean that." Yelara pulled the tie loose from Kace's hair, letting the long, dark strands fall upon his shoulders. "You're beautiful, Kace," Yelara said quietly as she ran her fingers through his hair. "I don't ever want to see those striking eyes of yours turn red from tears again, and especially not because of me."

Kace grinned and kissed her gently. "Only tears of happiness from now on," he said. He looked into her eyes for a long moment before speaking. "I think violet's my new favourite colour."

Yelara laughed and could feel her cheeks getting hot. She was used to getting compliments from men, but with Kace she knew his words were genuine. Her heart always leapt when she heard his voice and felt his warm breath upon her face. Her love for him grew every time she was near him, every time she made him smile. She knew for certain now that her life would not be complete if he wasn't there beside her. "Kace, I think it's time we got reacquainted with each other, don't you?" she suggested, already in the process of undoing his cloak.

Kace's grin turned mischievous as his hands moved to start removing Yelara's clothing. "Yes," he said softly, his hands deft as they slipped off her top. He needed to be with her, needed to express everything he felt for her. He had come very close to losing her, and made a vow to never come close to losing her again. The way he felt with her, the wholeness, the oneness, he needed that. He needed Yelara with him always, and he could feel that she felt the same for him. "I love you."

"I love you too," Yelara replied. She unwound her legs from around Kace's waist and planted her feet on the floor again. She giggled as she furiously unbuttoned his shirt and stared up at him, licking her lips enticingly. "But I'd love you even more if you made love to me," she added with a sly grin. She undid his leather pants and moved her hands into them, massaging his groin sensuously.

Kace picked Yelara up in one easy motion. He moved toward one of the shelves that was quickly cleared of its contents. He kissed her as if he may never have another chance as his hands quickly stripped her of the tight leather pants she wore. Kace slid a hand over Yelara's sex and was rewarded with a moan. His head was swimming as they continued to kiss and his hands worked magic between her thighs. She was truly intoxicating. Whenever he was with her, it felt as if he were taken to another plane of existence. He broke the kiss and moved to her chest, kissing and sucking her nipples. He didn't know how long he'd be able to hold out before he had to be inside her, but Yelara's reaction to his touch was worth the wait.

Yelara could feel Kace's fingers disappearing within her. A tremor of pleasure coursed through her as she thrust her hips forward to meet his touch. She arched her back and wound her legs around Kace's waist again as she pulled him towards her. She wanted him inside of her, wanted to feel the intimacy involved in joining two bodies, moving as though they were one.

Yelara pushed Kace's pants down from his hips and grabbed his cock in her hand, a gasp escaping his lips; feeling it pulsating in her palm drove her over the edge. She couldn't wait anymore. She could feel him trembling and knew he wanted the moist lips of her sex to wrap around his cock. She had to have him inside of her or the aches that were building up within her would cause her to implode. Yelara pulled Kace's hand away from her cunt, then gripped his cock and pulled him inside her.

A loud, guttural moan rose in her throat, echoing throughout the room as a mind-numbing explosion of passion radiated up from her cunt. Yelara resisted the urge to clench her eyes shut as Kace thrusted forward. She wanted to look into his eyes, see the love emanating from them as their souls became one. The world around her seemed to disappear into darkness, the hum of the engine fading from her mind as her awareness focused only on Kace's warm, blue eyes. Her ears only processed the sounds of their hearts beating rapidly, their breathing, and the moans of pleasure they made with each thrust; the appealing smells of their bodies wet with sweat and their sex filled the air.

She gripped the edge of the shelf as she felt herself reaching the climax. She cursed under her breath knowing the inevitable was rapidly approaching. She didn't want this moment to end, not ever. Her thoughts were no longer logical, but the one thought that prevailed in her mind was one of Kace and herself becoming permanently one being, their bodies joined as they were now, forever. "Kace," she whispered in a voice hoarse from moaning, "now I can die."

Kace, his eyes never leaving hers, smiled and kissed her passionately. "No," he said, his voice strained with the exertion of putting everything he felt, all his love and passion, his need and desire, all of it into loving Yelara. "It's time to live. You and me, together for always." He was nearing climax, and knew she was too. He could feel her muscles tightening around his cock, could feel her ready to explode. It nearly drove him over the edge, but he held back just enough.

Their eyes were locked on one another, losing themselves in each other, going into oblivion together when their climaxes hit. Perfectly in sync, as one, Kace and Yelara exploded in orgasm. Kace heard himself cry out with Yelara, almost as with a single voice. A wave of tingling pleasure spread throughout their bodies, as Kace collapsed forward and pulled Yelara into his arms. He held her close, as if trying to pull her into him or push himself into her. Either way, he just wanted to be with her, joined as one. He could hear her heartbeat, timed with his. He realised he was still looking into her beautiful violet eyes. "Now," he said softly, "we can live."

"Commerce City Spaceport, Part 1"
By: Kaysa Zenarr - Smuggler, Zenarr Inc.
Rennor Karradas - Executive Comptroller of the Spaceport

Location: Commerce City Spaceport - Yelldon, New Plouton
Date: Saris 12, 3ABY

***

"What do you mean 'impounded'?" Kaysa shrieked at the young mechanic as he looked at his datapad.

"The ship is prohibited from leaving the port, ma'am," the man answered with a shrug. "Until the docking fees are paid, I can't let the ship out. You'll have to talk to Mr. Karradas, ma'am. He's the Spaceport Comptroller."

Kaysa gripped the man by his shirt, bringing her face within micrometers of his and giving him her most threatening glare. "Where is this...Karradas. I wanna have a little word with him," she said with a feral grin.

The young man grimaced and pointed towards an office at the other end of the spaceport. Kaysa glanced in the direction of the office, bringing her eyes back forward and giving the man a pleasant smile. "Thank you, darling. You've been most helpful." Kaysa winked at the mechanic, then smoothed out the wrinkles she'd formed in his shirt. "If you were a few years older, we could really have had some fun," she said with a hint of regret in her voice. "Oh, well. See y'around," she added, before walking past the now flustered young man and heading towards Karradas' office.

Kaysa never had considered herself to be beautiful, but many had told her that she had an air about her that just made her seem so. She was confident and carried herself well, which made her more attractive to the opposite sex, or at least that's what her ex-lovers had told her - that and the fact that she was very experienced in between the sheets.

Kaysa held her head high as she reached the Executive Comptroller's office. If she still had the magic touch, she'd be able to seduce him into releasing her ship within minutes.

Kaysa reached the office and looked down at her outfit. She grimaced as she realized her clothing was covering far too much flesh to get her anywhere with the man. She quickly unbuttoned her shirt to reveal just enough cleavage to tease the man and keep him begging for a little more. She knew what worked and what didn't with men, and flesh worked. Kaysa licked her lips and ran a hand through her hair before hitting the door chime, then she waited for the scumbag to let her in. She hoped he was at least decent looking or else she was going to have a hell of a time hiding the disgust from her face.

At the sound of the chime, Rennor Karradas looked up from his report and frowned. Who would be disturbing him now? He had deadlines to meet. He didn't become one of the most influential men in New Plouton by answering his door. He flipped open the vidlink and took a peek at the person waiting on the other side of the door. He raised an eyebrow at the obviously feminine figure waiting for him to acknowledge her. "Female," he murmured. He quickly reached behind his desk and closed the safe. Just to be safe, he told himself.

He was an attractive man, and fit. It was from a naturally high metabolism, and not from any effort to do so. A gym would require too much time away, and he could lose a fortune between sit-ups. He smoothed out the silk trousers he wore and adjusted the collar of his shirt. He went to the door and tapped the button to open it. "Yes," he said as he looked her over. "Please come in, madame. I can't spend my entire day in my foyer. How may I help you?" Dressed like that, she was either here to seduce him out of his fortune or she was a wayward streetwalker.

Kaysa looked up at the man, flashing him her best smile and standing with her shoulders straight back. Her breasts always jutted out more when she did that. "Mr. Karradas, I presume?" Kaysa asked with an airy, seductive voice. "Kaysa Zenarr," she added as she held out her hand, palm down, towards him. She always let men kiss her hand. It made them feel all the more special, although she often showed them just how special they really were when she dumped them without a second thought. "You and I have some things to discuss, sir." He's handsome enough, Kaysa mused to herself. At least I won't have the urge to gag when I really start putting the moves on.

Rennor took her offered hand, and only hesitated a moment before pressing his lips to her warm flesh. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Zenarr," he lied. "May I offer you some refreshment?"

Kaysa pulled her hand away slowly and inconspicuously wiped it against her pant leg. "A drink would be great," she answered as she strolled slowly into the office. She made certain she brushed her body against Rennor's as she did. Subtle physical contact always distracted a man, making them easier to manipulate. Getting him drunk never hurt either. "I'll have whatever you're having. May I sit, Mr. Karradas?"

"Yes, please," Rennor said and motioned her to one of the chairs near his desk. "Teo, a Resan Sunrise for each of us." He moved back to his desk and took a seat. "Now, Miss Zenarr, what business do we have to discuss?"

"Oh, I think we have much to discuss, Mr. Karradas, and I think it would be worth your while to listen," Kaysa said. She made certain her voice was soft and silky and that her eyes penetrated deep into his. A man had once told Kaysa that the deep brown of her eyes was almost hypnotic and bewitching. He also later said something along the lines of her being a conniving, ruthless bitch, but she liked the compliments he gave better. "So, Mr. Karradas, have you ever heard of a company called Zenarr Inc.? If you say no, I will be very upset," Kaysa said, beginning to pout her full lips playfully as she spoke.

"Oh, of course I have," Rennor said. A lie, but one that would hopefully get her from his office earlier. But, then again, she did have a very nice perfume. "A very successful company indeed...if I'm not mistaken."

"Well, Mr. Karradas, I'm impressed," she said with a smile as she drank down her Sunrise. "It's a very young business, but I'm proud of it. However, it is precisely the reason I'm here. You see, Mr. Karradas...don't you have a first name, handsome?"

He smiled, a blush coming quickly to his cheeks at her endearment. "Rennor, please," he said. "Rennor Karradas. I'm the owner of Karradas Industries right here in New Plouton. But, yes, please call me Rennor if you'd like." It was a very nice perfume indeed.

Kaysa's ears perked up and she cocked an eyebrow at Rennor as he mentioned his business. "Hmm...it sounds vaguely familiar. If you don't mind, I'd like to hear more about it before we get down to the matter at hand." Kaysa was intrigued. The clothing he wore was modest but looked finely crafted and he certainly didn't look like a pauper. He also owned a business, which was to Kaysa, worth it to learn more about.

"Oh, of course," Rennor said with a smile. One of his greatest weaknesses was an overwhelming desire to boast of his own accomplishments. He would need to cure himself of it one day, but today a lovely, sweet-smelling young woman wished to know all about him. He couldn't help but oblige. He shifted in his seat as he watched her. The fabric stretched tightly across her breasts was nice as well. If he concentrated hard enough, he was certain he could make out the outline of her nipples. "I inherited quite a fortune early in life," he began. "I moved here to Tae'Karada shortly after and started up a transport business. It was quite successful, and it wasn't long before my wealth had quadrupled. During that time, I also managed to buy into a share of the spaceport. By now, we've spread far and wide." And speaking of spread, Rennor thought to himself, take a look at those hips. Oh, if she would bear my child I would be a happy man. "I have quite a vast fleet of hips...er, I mean ships. It's an astounding operation, really. I'm quite proud."

Kaysa couldn't wipe the grin off her face as Rennor talked at length about his vast fortune. She was beginning to think her ship being impounded wasn't such a bad thing after all. If it hadn't been impounded, she may never have met her next conquest. In her mind, Kaysa had already decided that she wanted Rennor's fortune if it was up for grabs. It was precisely the way out she was looking for. The smuggling business had lost its appeal to Kaysa long ago, but credits had not and smuggling was the only way she knew how to make sure her cash flow never ceased. Rennor, however, seemed attracted enough to her and gullible enough to fall for her.

The plans were already forming in Kaysa's head, but first, she had to be certain he could be swayed by her and seduced by her. This would be her first test. "Very impressive, Rennor. You've certainly done well for yourself," Kaysa commented, not having any trouble sounding enthusiastic. "I only wish my business were as successful. You see," Kaysa began. She put down her glass and shifted in her chair so that her legs were now crossed and her foot dangled dangerously close to Rennor's leg. "My business isn't going so well. I mean, it just hasn't been my year!"

"Oh, I'm very sorry to hear that," Rennor said with obvious sympathy. "With the war, it makes everything difficult. That's what makes Tae'Karada perfect. The neutrality here is good for business. Perhaps I can help you in some way. I can set you up with some people I know." He looked down at her leg, so close to his. He met her eyes and smiled. Why is my heart beating so fast? "You, uh, you came here for something. How, uh, how can I help you, Miss Zenarr?"

Kaysa smiled as she rose from her chair and walked slowly towards Rennor. "Well, Rennor, you see, my business deals in couriering items to and from planets all over the Outer Rim. That is my livelihood and without my ships, my business cannot function properly." Kaysa leaned against Rennor's desk, making certain she was leaning forward ever so slightly so her cleavage would be quite visible. She'd have him drooling over her by the time she left his office and he wouldn't be able to do a thing about it. "You must see my predicament, Rennor. After all, you've apparently impounded one of my ships - a ship that is due to make a run in an hour's time - and if that cargo is not delivered on time, well..." Kaysa looked up at Rennor with her lips still slightly pouty as she batted her eyelashes at him.

"Yes, well, I see," Rennor said, staring at her body as if he was stranded in the middle of the desert and she was the glass of cool, fresh water that he desired more than anything. His hand came up, and when he realized it was on a collision course for her left breast, he quickly pulled it back. Oh how he wanted her. He would do anything to get her. His body was burning up with desire. A quivering rush swept through his body and he whimpered. The warmth that he'd been feeling seemed to be centring itself at his crotch. Except now there was a stickiness to accompany it. Oh gods not again. He shifted his chair so the desk completely obscured his crotch. Oh gods.

Rennor took a deep breath and took a moment before looking up at her. She didn't need to see his embarrassment. "I can...uh...spread the payments over four installments if you'd like. Your current balance is three thousand credits. If you can come up with seven fifty and something for collateral, I can release the ship for you."

"3000 credits?" Kaysa repeated, trying not to sound as shocked as she most likely looked. "I mean, isn't that price even negotiable in the slightest? Besides, I've nothing to give you for collateral. All I have is my business and my body," Kaysa said, smiling at Rennor suggestively. He was proving harder to get at than she thought. A challenge...she liked challenges, but only if it proved worth her time and effort, and this one would definitely be worth it.

"Commerce City Spaceport, Part 2"
By: Kaysa Zenarr - Smuggler, Zenarr Systems Inc.
Rennor Karradas - Executive Comptroller of the Spaceport

Location: Commerce City Spaceport - Yelldon, New Plouton
Date: Saris 12, 3ABY

***

"I had not realized you were in such dire financial states, madame," Rennor said. "However, were the situation reversed, would you be willing to lose the money on me?" Had he not needed time to recharge, he had a feeling he would have jumped at the offer of her body. However, the Captain was still recovering, and wouldn't be ready for a little more time. However, there was her hips. Perhaps she could bear him a child... But, who would agree to have his child just to get their ship out of impound?

"Miss Zenarr, how about you give me the deed to your business," he said. "I'll keep it safe for you here. You make your run, you return here and pay me, and then I'll return it to you. I-- I couldn't ask you to give me your body, as nice as it may be. If you wish...outside of this arrangement to give it to me, then I will gladly see what we can arrange. I wouldn't ask you to become a prostitute to get your ship out. Just the deed is fine. And, if you're willing, perhaps you'd like to have dinner with me."

Kaysa saw the interesting shade of red Rennor's face had become and smiled. There was something almost sweet and innocent about him, but that wouldn't stop her from taking advantage of him. In fact, she felt it her duty to shatter his idealistic views of the universe and life in general. It would be quite the learning experience for him.

No one could be trusted, and although his proposal did ensure he wouldn't get screwed in the end, he would still end up getting hurt if Kaysa succeeded with her plan. "Well, Rennor, I won't be doing the run personally, but one of my employees will. I guess, then," Kaysa added, as she stood close to Rennor, so close she could feel his breath upon her face, and made sure he could feel hers, "I guess I could be collateral then. You keep me here, prisoner and under your watchful eye until my employee returns with the money." Kaysa had Rennor right where she wanted him. He couldn't refuse an offer such as that. He wanted her and she could see that now. He just didn't know that he couldn't have her.

"And, if I do stay," Kaysa continued, trailing a finger up his arm, "you and I can have that dinner date. Whaddya say, handsome?"

As much as he wanted to smile, Rennor kept himself from doing so. "That will be fine," he said. "However, I won't be able to let you out of my sight. I won't harm you or take advantage of you, but I must ensure that you're not going to get away." He pulled a bracelet from out of his desk and held it out toward her. "Please place this on your wrist. Once you are wearing this, then your man can take the ship."

Kaysa furrowed her brow and pulled away from Rennor. "What? How dare you?! I will not be treated like a slave! And here I thought you were a gentleman..." Kaysa turned away and began walking towards the door. "You may be a millionaire, Mr. Karradas, but you are no better than the scum off the streets." Kaysa reached the doorway, trying to keep herself from bursting out into laughter. She wanted him to call her back, for if he did, she would know she had accomplished the first step in wrapping him around her little finger. After that happened, she could easily reel him in for the kill, take what she needed from him, and toss him aside.

Kaysa turned back towards Rennor, making sure she looked hurt and disappointed. "I thought you were a good man, Rennor. I guess I was wrong."

Rennor turned three shades of red. Finally he managed to get his stammering under control. "I intended no disrespect, Miss Zenarr," he said. "How do I know you won't try to flee? I didn't become a successful business man through stupidity. I only want to help you. You won't be a slave, but this just ensures you aren't going to skip out on me. The bracelet will just mean that you won't be able to get more than fifty meters from me. Please come back and we'll talk about this. It's only until I get the money owed me. We must trust each other, Kaysa. I assure you I will not hurt you in any way. When I receive my credits, the bracelet will be removed."

Kaysa was beginning to remember why she had sworn off men in the first place. They were stubborn and treated women as possessions. Kaysa would not be a possession and would certainly not wear a slave bracelet for any man. However, Kaysa's need for a change, her strive for a better life was beginning to outweigh her own stubbornness and arrogance, but she still wouldn't wear the bracelet. "I have a better idea, Rennor," Kaysa said as she walked back towards him. "How about if I just pay you half of the docking fee now, and the rest when my employee gets back. This way, if I do run, you'll at least have 50% of the payment instead of nothing." Kaysa smiled and stared up at Rennor with the most soulful eyes she could manage. "And, we can still have that dinner, which I am definitely looking forward to. How does that sound?"

"You have the money with you?"

Kaysa flashed an even bigger smile at Rennor as she reached into her jacket pocket and held out a credit slip. "Does that answer your question?"

"Well, we can clear up the first half of this right now," Rennor said with a smile. "And, I can reserve us a spot at the Tasarin Café. I still have another hour of work. Do you think you can keep me company until then?"

"Well, that all depends on what you have in mind in the way of company," Kaysa answered. She watched him complete the transaction and made sure he took only the agreed upon amount out of her account. No matter how rich he was, the man was probably as crooked as they came.

"We just talk and you dazzle me with your charming personality," he said. "It won't be long."

"Sure, sounds great," Kaysa replied, smiling at Rennor congenially. "I just have to speak to an associate of mine and inform him of the arrangements I've made. Is that allowed or is that not part of the deal?" Kaysa asked in a pleasantly sarcastic tone.

"Certainly," Rennor said. "But, you can't leave this office. Use the vidlink there." He spun the screen toward her and smiled. He could see directly down her top and the sight was marvelous. Her hips were perfect for bearing children. She'd make a perfect wife for him as well. Perfection.

Kaysa moved to Rennor's chair, keeping her eyes on his as she sat down. "Thanks, but this is kinda private. Would you mind if I were left alone for a while?" she asked sweetly as she peered up at him with her large, hazel eyes. "I won't be long, I promise."

"Not a problem," Rennor said with a smile, and slipped to the door. "I'll just be on the other side of the door." He stepped outside and locked her inside.

Kaysa watched as Rennor left the room and the minute the door slid closed, she wiped the contrived smile off her face. She reached into her pocket, watching the door in case Rennor decided to drop in again, and laid a jamming device onto the desk. Rennor seemed like a smart man, and if he was, there would most certainly be surveillance devices all over the office. Kaysa turned on the holovid and typed in the recipient's coords.

"Kaysa? Where you been?" Vrax asked as his face popped up onto the screen.

"I've been busy and very productive, it would seem." Kaysa leaned in closer to the screen, a malicious smile enveloping her lips. "You know that little plan we conjured up the other day?"

Vrax, at first, looked confused and shook his head slowly as he went over the events of the previous day. "No, I don't..." he said before his eyes shot open and a grin spread across his own face. "Oh, that plan! What about it?"

Kaysa continued to smile at Vrax with her eyes beaming as she attempted to contain the excitement building within her. "Well, my good friend," she began, glancing at the doorway, outside of which Rennor would be standing, "it would appear we've just found ourselves the perfect victim."