Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Niothe 13, 4ABY

***

It was quite late when both speeders finally arrived back at the Temple. Getting into New Plouton again after leaving Thanatos had proven more difficult than either Jae Dyn or Liam had anticipated. But, after waiting for an hour in a long line, a few mind tricks got them through and back into the city.

Nieme had awoken three times, one time nearly taking Laedra's head off with a flailing punch. Fortunately, it hadn't happened while they were waiting to get into the city.

Liam helped Laedra with getting Nieme out of the speeder. Even in sleep, the girl was fighting against them. They would have to watch her the entire night, that was for certain.

"We should restrain her in one of the rooms," Liam said. "She's most likely not going to just lie still through the night, and we don't want to keep putting her under like that." He brushed a hand across Laedra's jaw and winced. "She got you good, didn't she?"

"She is much stronger than she appears to be," Laedra replied. "Or perhaps the pain of withdrawal has imbued her with strength. Either way, I think restraining her is a wise course of action...for her own safety."

Liam nodded. He took the girl into his arms once she was free of the speeder. It appeared that Kael had Dani in his near the other speeder. He could feel Orn watching him as he started toward the entrance of the Temple. "I'll put her in one of the rooms near your room," he said to Laedra. "And, we'll need to get a room for Orn as well."

"I will find one for him and help him get comfortable." Laedra brushed her hand against Nieme's cheek and sighed. "You just get her to bed. I'll come by to see her after I've gathered some medical supplies from the infirmary for her."

Liam nodded. "Put Dani next to him," he said. "And, once Nieme recovers, we can put her there as well. Take a look at Dani when you get a chance. If she needs additional treatment, we can put her in a room next to Nieme. Though, she is empathic, so we may need to revise that plan depending on what happens when Nieme wakes."

"Judging from her reaction in the speeder, I doubt that would be a good idea just yet." As they passed Jae Dyn's speeder, Laedra stopped by Kael's side and placed a hand on his shoulder. She told him quietly to place Dani in one of the spare rooms near the infirmary and that she'd meet him there momentarily.

Kael looked at Laedra, masking the pain he was feeling as he did. He nodded after a moment, and started into the Temple with Dani, taking extra care to keep her safe and uninjured.

"It's a complete turnaround," Liam said. "Before, he couldn't even look at her without flying into a jealous rage. But now... I think he's come a long way in a very short time."

"It is unfortunate that it required such a tragedy to encourage such a change." Laedra pressed her hand to Nieme's forehead then smiled solemnly to Liam. "I will join you soon, Liam. If you need any blankets, you may take them from my room for now." Furtively, she moved her hand to Liam's and stroked it lightly before separating from him and joining Orn and Jae Dyn.

Orn agreed, grudgingly, to follow her to his new quarters after a few short words. His eyes strayed to his two girls, by whose side Laedra knew he'd rather be. "I'll take you to them after we've had a chance to get them settled in."

Orn nodded and with heavy, disheartened steps, walked with Laedra into the Temple.

"How's she doing?" Jae Dyn asked once Orn and Laedra were gone. She moved close and brushed a hand over Nieme's forehead. "Poor girl."

"Not good," Liam said. "I don't know if we can give her the kind of care she'll need here. Though, we'll have to try."

Jae Dyn nodded. "Dani was coherent enough for a while to tell us some of the things they went through. I'm surprised they survived, Liam. And, that spice that Nieme is addicted to...it's very bad. Dani'd used it before, and she knows others who had become addicted. She's scared for Nieme, as I'm sure we all are. I'll try to get onto the HoloNet to find some detox information."

Liam looked down at Nieme and sighed. "She'll need it. I hate having to do it, but we'll need to strap her down. She whacked Laedra good at one point, and I'm sure if she's left to herself, she would do some serious harm. Come on, let's go get her into a room." He kissed the top of Jae Dyn's head. "And, then we can let Yelara know we're home."

Jae Dyn smiled and brushed a hand along his arm. "I'm sure she'll like us to wake her up."

Together they went inside to secure Nieme, and then to find Yelara. Liam also found himself needing to see his son, to make sure Leshie was still there. "It's going to be a long road to recovery," he said as they walked through the hall.

***

"This will be your room, Mr. Gham." Laedra pushed open the wooden door to the musty bedchambers and frowned. "Not much, I know, but once we've got Dani and Nieme settled in and safe, I can help you spruce it up if you like."

Orn stepped into the room and looked around briefly. "This'll do, lady. I've slept in far worse places."

Laedra bowed her head at Orn. "Very well. If you need anything--"

"When can I see them?" Orn turned back towards Laedra and regarded her with a plaintive smile. "I mean...they're my girls. I won't be long; I just...I gotta see them."

"I understand, Mr. Gham. I believe you can visit with Dani for a short while...but I don't think Nieme should have any visitors just yet."

Orn nodded slowly. "Dani, then. I...I don't think Nieme would wanna see me just yet anyway." He looked away from Laedra and tried to shift his focus to the cobwebs hanging across the top corner of the far wall. All he could think about, though, was what the Feltreys had forced him to do to his precious girl. "Damn those bastards," he cursed quietly.

Laedra moved forward and rested her hand gently upon his shoulder. "You mustn't blame yourself, Mr. Gham. You were no doubt forced into whatever actions you took. I don't exactly know what those were, but whatever your actions, Nieme will forgive you."

Orn cleared his throat and nodded his head quickly. "Yeah... It's the forgiving myself part that's gonna be hard, and if those girls don't forgive me, I'll never be able to do that."

"Well, then," Laedra said gently, "why don't we go visit Dani and find out?"

With a heavy sigh, Orn turned towards Laedra. "You know, you Jedi aren't so bad," he commented as she led him out of his chambers.

"No, indeed we are not," she replied with a warm smile. She squeezed his shoulder lightly and walked with him in search of Dani's room.

***

Kael's lips pressed against her forehead felt nice. Dani smiled and brushed a hand along his arm. She could feel his concern, his strength. "Thank you," she whispered.

"Just get better," he said back to her. "Just get better so you can help me take care of Nieme."

Dani sighed, and then nodded. "It was awful, and bliss. I'm going to need to shower soon."

Kael frowned. "Bliss?"

"I'm empathic," Dani said. "And, the girl there, Raeila, she enjoyed causing the pain. And...and I could feel it. Her euphoria, and delight. I could feel her bliss as if it were my own, even as she beat me."

"You've never...never been that way have you?"

Dani shrugged. "Not so intense, but I have had a little experience. Sometimes, getting tied up is really nice. I liked what happened there, with her, because she liked it. But, only what she did to me. When she hurt Nieme...then...then I didn't like it anymore."

Kael nodded and moved back to her side. "We'll get through this, Dani," he said. "You're back where you're loved, both of you. Truly this time."

Dani tilted her head to the side, trying to read him. "Do you mean that?"

He nodded. "I want to," he said. "I know I can't...not while I'm training...but I do care for you very much, and I love Nieme. And, I want to make things right again."

"Thank you," Dani said, feeling the truth of his words.

Without warning, he kissed her lips.

She gave herself over to the kiss, and wrapped one arm around his neck. When their lips finally parted, she smiled. "Thank you for being a friend."

Kael returned the smile. "Thank you for allowing me to be a friend...after everything."

"I've never wanted anything else," Dani said, kissed him once more, and then lay back on the bed where he'd placed her.

The infirmary walls were familiar from a very different encounter with Kael. She liked this encounter much better.

Without another word, he moved to the door, pausing there long enough to watch her for a few moments. Then he left. Once he was gone, Dani felt her body sag even further into the bed.

She was just drifting off to sleep when a set of unfamiliar emotions entered the room. She opened her eyes, and offered the woman standing above her a weak smile. "Hi," she whispered.

"Dani... You're looking better already." Laedra sat upon the side of the bed and pressed the back of her hand to Dani's forehead. "Orn's here. He couldn't wait to see you. Is it alright if he comes in?"

Dani smiled. "Yes, please," she said. "I want to see him." She looked at Laedra for a moment, and then brought her hand up to touch Laedra's. "Thank you for saving us. I'm Dani."

"Yes, Dani. I know. Liam has told me all about you." Laedra rose slowly with her hand resting upon Dani's forehead for a moment longer to check for any signs of fever. Satisfied that the girl was healthy enough, she withdrew her hand and disappeared from Dani's bedside. A few moments later, she returned with a very hesitant and anxious Orn by her side.

"Kiddo?" He stopped a good distance from the bed, almost fearful of going any closer. "How you doing? You're...you're looking better already."

Dani forced herself to sit up, pulling the borrowed cloak tighter around herself as she did. "Orn," she said with a smile. "It's so wonderful to see you again. I remember seeing you at...at there, and it was like a dream. I'm feeling better. I've always healed fast. Seeing you makes me very happy, Orn." She gave him a smile.

"It does?" he asked skeptically. He hazarded another step forward and trepidly reached out his hand to cup Dani's chin. "I missed you, kiddo. I'm sorry I couldn't have come for you sooner..." Once again, the emotions he had always worked so hard to conceal from everyone began leaking through. He cleared his throat and pulled his hand back, jamming both into his pockets. "I just... I wasn't sure if you wanted to see me after...you know. I mean, it's okay if you don't. I'll understand."

"Of course I want to see you," Dani said, looking up into his eyes. "What happened...it doesn't matter, Orn. They forced you to do that, and...I don't think any less of you for it." She reached out and brushed a hand against his arm. "It's alright; I promise."

The first hurdle was conquered, and this alone allowed Orn to sigh with relief. Dani forgave him; that's precisely what he needed to hear. He finally closed the distance between himself and the bed, and affectionately pinched Dani's cheek. "So...did they tell you? Looks like this place is gonna have another cook around...just until Nieme gets better and kicks me outta her kitchen."

"You're staying here with us now? Oh, Orn, that's wonderful. It will be nice to have you here with us." She caught his hand and held it for a moment, before bringing it to her lips. "I'm so glad you're safe, Orn. I thought...I thought they might have gone back for you. I imagine they probably ruined my speederbike."

Orn covered Dani's hand with his and shook his head. "Sorry, kiddo. But you shouldn't be riding one of those anyway. Can't have you getting injured." He chuckled and finally became comfortable enough to take a seat upon the edge of her bed. "If you're hungry now, I can go fix you up something. Anything you want, Dani."

"That would be very nice," she said. "I am hungry. I don't know what I want though, so you'll have to make me your specialty. And, then when you're done, you can come back and we can talk. Kael was saying that my room will be next to yours."

"Yeah, so if you ever have a craving for anything, you just knock on the wall, and I'll be by your bedside in a second with padd in hand, ready to take your order." Orn laughed and patted Dani's cheek softly. "It's good to see you smiling, kiddo. You don't know how happy that makes me."

Dani grinned, and nodded. "I do know how happy," she said. "And, it feels good." She then crooked a finger to gesture him closer.

Orn frowned quizzically, but awkwardly leaned in towards Dani.

Once he was close enough, Dani planted a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you very much for being a friend, and for caring so much," she whispered.

Orn straightened up suddenly, with a nervous chuckle and his face blushing profusely. Laedra too was laughing gently from behind at Dani's affectionate display.

Once he recovered from his initial surprise, Orn laughed more freely and patted Dani's cheek again. "You get some rest, kiddo. I'll go fix you up a surprise and bring it to you." He rose from the bed and kept his hand upon her cheek for a moment as he whispered back, "And thank you for having such a beautiful smile, kiddo." Orn shot her a wink, then rejoined Laedra.

"I will show Orn to the kitchen," Laedra said. "Is there anything you need before I go?"

Dani smiled. "Who are you?" she asked.

Laedra's lips pressed thin and her brows knitted pensively for a moment before she laughed softly and replied, "I am Laedra Vorrel. Along with Liam, I train Kael. Now...anything else you need besides that?"

Dani shook her head. "I don't think so," she said. "I think I'll close my eyes now and wait for Orn to bring me back some food. Though, if I could borrow some clothes, all I have is Jae Dyn Brael's cloak."

"I'll find out where your room is located and get you something appropriate. When I return, I would also like to perform a physical examination, just to make certain you're truly alright." Laedra looked to Orn and nodded before she turned and started out of the infirmary.

"See ya soon, kiddo," Orn said as he waved to Dani.

Dani waved to Orn. "Thank you, Orn. I'll see you when you return."

Orn caught up to Laedra and disappeared into the hallway with one last smile at Dani. He had her assurances that there were no bitter feelings towards him. At least that was one weight lifted from him. The other would remain there until he could receive the same assurances from Nieme.

***

"Oh gods! It hurts!" Nieme thrashed about in the bed, tugging violently at the restraints clasped to her arms and legs. Her screams were guttural and tinged with torment. An unbearable pain was excoriating her insides and Nieme desperately needed the one thing she knew would cure her of this agony. "Oh gods... It's killing me! I need it! Make it stop!"

Liam moved quickly to Nieme's side. He could sense Kael behind him, hesitant and not wanting to come too close. "Let me ease the pain," he said. "I need to touch your forehead to ease your pain, but I can do it. Let me help you, Nieme. Let me help you get through this." He didn't know if his words could breach her mental fog, but he had to try.

Nieme emitted a grating, shrill cry and shook her head wildly. "I need them, not you! Master Ferrig! Please, help me! It's time to bake a pie...and I'm out of beebleberries!" She cried out again and arched her back off the bed. Her arms pulled at the restraints until they were taut against the bedpost, but not even her withdrawal induced bout of strength could tear them free.

"We're out of beebleberries too," Liam said as he reached in anyway. He pressed a hand to her forehead. "We'll have to find another way." And, then he released flows of the Force into her.

Nieme's mouth hung open in mid-cry, one that became a gentle moan as her body went lax against the bed. Her arms still struggled uselessly against the restraints, but her strength had suddenly diminished. She muttered quietly and finally fell silent as the pain subsided, and the Force soothed her.

"Nieme," he said gently. "You're at the Jedi Temple again. You're safe with people who care about you."

"No," she mumbled. Her breathing came rapidly and her eyes fluttered open and closed as her mind's renderings gripped her. "You're...you're not allowed here... Kael's coming back soon... He won't like it if he sees a stranger here. Go away...before he comes. Go away..."

"Nieme," came Kael's voice. "I'm here, Nieme. It's alright. Everything is alright now."

A long, droning groan escaped Nieme's lips as she shrank away from Kael. "It's a trick," she whispered fearfully. "I didn't see you... You never came out of the darkness. You're not...not him. Don't lie to me!" Nieme sobbed with her head lolling against the pillow. "I would've seen you if you'd come out. I was watching...and waiting...but you n-never came for your slice of pie..."

"But I'm here now," Kael said as he stepped forward. "I'm here now, Nieme. I'm with you now, my love."

Nieme glared at Kael and shook her head profusely. "No...you're not. You left me...and went back to the dark...all because Ferrig and I were having a beebleberry party." Shrewd, jarring laughter suddenly rose from Nieme's throat. "You can't fool me! I know what you are. You're just trying to steal my beebleberries. You can't have them! I won't let you."

"Nieme, it's me," Kael said softly, reaching out to touch her. "Ferrig was trying to use you, to hurt me. He wanted to steal you from me, and then show me how well he trained you. He gave you the-- He gave you the beebleberries to make you cooperate."

Nieme pulled away from Kael. "No...he gave them to me so I could bake Kael a pie...so that he would come back to me. But...he never did. Why didn't he come back..." She whimpered softly and turned her face into her shoulder to weep. "Ferrig said... He said it was because I wasn't a good lover. Kael left because...I didn't show him I loved him, not the right way. If he'd only come from the darkness, I could show him now."

"Nieme," Kael said, withdrawing his hand, "the love we made was beautiful. I was the problem, not you. It was my fault we had problems. But, things are better now. I'm focused. You can come back to me, and everything can be good again. You are a beautiful lover."

"Then why did he hurt me so much?" Nieme whimpered and shook her head listlessly. "No... I wasn't good enough. But I am now... I'll show him... But you have to go away now or he'll never come out. He'll be shy...and you'll scare him away."

"Touch me, Nieme," Kael said softly. "Feel that it's me. Please know that it's me, Nieme. Please know that I'm here with you. I love you, Nieme. Please...it's...it's me."

Nieme gritted her teeth and shook her head more aggressively. "You're trying to trap me. If he sees me with you, he'll run away again. I won't have him leave me again! Go. Go!" She followed her demands with a deafening, shrill cry. She hoped Kael would hear her and come out from the darkness, but he wouldn't if the stranger didn't leave her alone.

Kael straightened his back and stepped away from Nieme. He looked to Liam, and then sighed. "Please help her," he said. "Please..."

Liam nodded. "I'll do what I can for her," he said. "Go get some rest, Kael. I'll see you in the morning."

Kael gave Liam a short bow, and then left the room. Nieme had to get better...he didn't know if he could continue if she didn't.

Once Kael was gone, Liam moved back and helped calm Nieme again. "It's alright," he said. "Get some sleep, Nieme, and Kael will come to you again."

"He will..." she said with a sigh. "And when he does, I'll bake him a pie. With beebleberries... Oh, I know he'll like that."

"I'm sure he will," Liam said as he brushed the hair out of her eyes. "Laedra will be in soon to check on you. She's going to make sure you're okay, and that you don't have to have beebleberries all the time, if you don't want them. You could have sazaberries or mifitberries too."

Nieme frowned, but nodded her head at any rate. "As long as they taste like beebleberries. If not...I think I won't like them."

"Liam..." Laedra called out gently from the doorway.

He stepped away from Nieme. "She's a little calmer now," he said. "How's Dani?"

"She's faring well, considering. Mr. Gham is preparing her a meal and I stopped by to see how Nieme was doing, but from what I saw and heard, it does not look good."

Liam shook his head. "She's delusional," he said. "And, I don't know if she's even participating in this reality any longer. She's aware of our presence, but not aware that it's us. She didn't even recognize Kael, but was asking for Kael."

Laedra looked down and sighed. "It may not be the withdrawal alone. She may have been far more traumatized by the experience than Dani. It is common for victims of horrible crimes to escape the reality of their situation by creating in their minds a place of safety and comfort. It may take more than words to coax her from that place."

Liam nodded. "That must be the waterfall she's mentioned," he said. "Do you think you could coax her from it?"

"I'm not sure, Liam. It would have to be someone she trusts, and I doubt that person is me. Since she is sensitive to the Force, I believe we can use it to draw her out of her psychosis. But still, it would have to be done by someone she trusts...and someone very well trained, for there are certain risks involved in such an attempt."

"Before...before I was drawn to the dark side, Master Tal Dan was teaching me that sort of thing, but it was never completed. It would probably not be too far off to assume that Jae Dyn was trained in the sort of telepathic contact we'll need to coax Nieme out to us."

Laedra nodded slowly. "I will speak to her, and assess her abilities in that area. Otherwise, until I've more thoroughly examined the girl, I see no other options."

Liam nodded. "Good idea," he said. "I think Nieme should be alright tonight. Did you want to examine her now? Or should we let her get some sleep?"

"She seems calm now. Let's leave her and examine her in the morning. She deserves at least one night of undisturbed sleep." Laedra cast a glance upon Nieme, but the sight of her - the signs of pain and struggle upon her face - was too disheartening. She sighed and moved into the hallway to give herself a chance to recover and recompose herself.

Liam moved close to Nieme again, and eased her pain once more. "Good night, Nieme," he whispered. "We'll make everything better again."

He removed himself from the room, and found Laedra leaning against one of the walls in the hallway. "Shall we go to your room and I can check your back? And, probably your jaw as well. Then, I think it'll be a good idea to get some sleep."

Laedra grinned at Liam and for but a moment, hesitated before nodding her assent. "We can stop by the infirmary on our way there to pick up some medical supplies...if you think you'll require any."

Liam smiled and placed a gentle caress on her shoulder. "I think it's a good idea to get some just in case," he said. "I'd also like to check on Dani while we're there."

"I believe she is much better suited for visitors than Nieme is right now. I'll take you to her." Laedra brushed her hand against Liam's, then feeling the need to be more discreet, she pulled away with a coy smile and started down the corridor.

"Tease," Liam said with a grin as he followed after her. "After this, we'll need to talk to Kael as well. He did very well during these events, but I think they're also affecting him. We'll need to make sure it's alright for him to feel."

"He and Dani appear to be finding solace in one another. I'm certain they can get through this together. Yet still, he should resume training first thing tomorrow morning. Something that requires much focus and will give him no time to think about Nieme."

Liam nodded. "We'll leave him enough time for his thoughts, after a long day of working out so he's too exhausted for much else. But, not worrying about Nieme while she works through purging the addiction and returning to her life outside her sanctuary is important."

"I agree. As he has said, he is going to become a Jedi Knight. I would like him to concentrate on that, no matter how much he loves the girl."

"He needs to concentrate on that," Liam said. "Especially now. His mind will try to focus on Nieme, so we'll have to give him something else to focus on. I think we should work with him on the lightsaber tomorrow."

"You should work with him on the lightsaber, Liam. I hardly fared well tonight. I do have that wound on my back, after all." Laedra laughed softly. "I believe you could have handled them all on your own, Liam...and you more or less did."

Liam chuckled softly. "You were doing well, until you got one stuck behind you. And, thank you. Perhaps I can give both you and Kael some assistance with the lightsaber during training."

Laedra glared playfully at Liam and moved forward at a brisker pace. "And how would that look to a student if his Master needs training? I imagine that would do little to instill in him a faith in my abilities."

"If you feel that your lightsaber skills need honing, then during training is the best place to take care of that. However, I can give you private lessons in working with the lightsaber, if you'd prefer. Though, I think your main problems lie in the realm of confidence. You are good, Laedra, and your fears are groundless."

"I guess I merely need to build my confidence. I haven't been in battle before, Liam. That...was all new to me." Laedra turned the corner with Liam and slowly, they approached the infirmary. "However, I would prefer if we never had to go through that again."

Liam nodded. "To never be in another fight like that again would be a very good thing. Let us hope, though reality may prove entirely different. We will be ready to fight should it ever be necessary though. And, I will make certain you are ready." He smiled. "I will make it my personal duty."

"And I shall make it mine to prove to you that I am far more experienced with a lightsaber than a mere Padawan." Laedra smiled facetiously at Liam as they walked into the infirmary.

Liam laughed. "I look forward to seeing that," he said. "And, I know you won't let me down."

Dani looked up from where she was reading from a datapad, and noticed Liam and Laedra walking into the room. Their emotions hit her full on, and she couldn't help noting... She smiled at them, a very knowing smile filled with understanding. "Hi Liam," she said. "Hi, Laedra."

"Unfulfilled, Part 2"
By: Jae Dyn Brael
Kael Selrid
Laedra Vorrel
Liam Zaneth
Yelara Zaneth
Leshie Zaneth [NPC]

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Niothe 13, 4ABY

***

Yelara realized her hold on Leshie had tightened as Jae Dyn related to her the entire story of Dani and Nieme's rescue. She was all at once glad they were hidden away in the forest, apart from such cruelty and depravity. Protecting Leshie from that was now her new purpose in life. "So, the girls are relatively fine...physically? Oh gods...Kal. Those poor girls."

Kallia nodded. "Dani is doing well," she said. "I'm not so certain about Nieme though. It seems that she's retreated inside of her own mind to escape the horrors. They both look physically unharmed, though Nieme is addicted to whatever spice that bastard was giving her. Dani has some of it in her system, but not as much as Nieme. I wish we could go back down there and just scour the desert of the Feltreys."

"Oh my love..." Yelara reached out her hand and covered Kallia's. "For now, we should concentrate on making those girls better. Revenge can wait."

"I know," Kallia said. "That's what's important. And, I think we scared that gang enough that they're going to be lying low for awhile. Maybe once Nieme and Dani are doing better, me, Liam, and Laedra can go back and see what we can do. Though, I think the best thing will be showing whatever passes as law enforcement down there its spine."

Yelara sighed and kissed Leshie's head tenderly. "How's Kael doing? I guess this has been hard on him, especially having to see Nieme like that."

"He's holding together," Kallia said, "but it's difficult for him. What's nice to see is that he and Dani seem to have grown closer over the last couple hours. I think she'll be able to be a friend to him during this. It would be very difficult for him if he didn't have a friend through this time, especially since Nieme doesn't even really seem to recognize him."

Yelara grimaced and sighed ruefully. "Poor kid..." Leshie began fussing and rejecting Yelara's nipple. She pulled him up and hugged him against her chest to begin rubbing his back. "Feeding time's over. Have you visited with Yara yet? She was very good while you were gone. I wish Leshie was as well behaved."

Kallia smiled and placed a gentle kiss on top of Leshie's red-haired head. "I stopped in to check on her when I got back, but she was asleep so I came to find you. However, I suddenly have this urge to go check in on her. I'm sure she misses mama. You coming?"

"Let me finish burping Leshie first and I'll meet you there, my love."

"Okay," Kallia said, and then kissed both Yelara and then Leshie. "I'll see you soon." With that, she started off toward what had become the nursery, leaving Yelara alone with Leshie.

It was only a few moments later, when the sound of booted feet echoed through the dining hall, and then Kael appeared in the doorway. He quickly averted his eyes at what he thought was Yelara breastfeeding the baby, but quickly turned back at the sound of her laugh.

"Sorry," he said. "I just...I guess I didn't want to intrude. I can come back later."

"No... Kael, come in." Yelara laid Leshie in his carrier and began rebuttoning her vest. "Have a seat here beside me. I need some company."

He moved to the place she indicated and took a seat. "I think I do too," he said. "It's...I can't believe they'd do something like that... When I was running the gang..." He shook his head and sighed. "I hope...I hope we got them in time. Dani seems alright, but Nieme...oh gods...Nieme..."

"Kael..." Yelara didn't care how inappropriate it would look if Liam happened into the room, she pulled Kael into her arms and rocked him gently. "Give it time, Kael. She's been through a lot and it's only been a matter of hours. I can't say she'll be alright, because I don't know that. What I do know is that we won't give up on her, no matter what."

"Thank you," Kael whispered. "She doesn't even know me, Yelara. She's...she needs us. I just hope we can..." He took a breath and let it out. "She'll be fine. She's strong, and...and she won't give up. And, neither will we. We'll get to her and everything will be fine again."

"And what about you?" Yelara pulled back and brought her hand to Kael's cheek. "Are you alright, Kael? Nieme needs you to be strong, even if she doesn't recognize you right now. Just having you there by her side and having your strength will help her more than you know."

Kael nodded. "It's difficult, but I've been holding things together better before now. Though, I guess I haven't really talked about it. I'm being strong for her...I just have to remember not to be desperate when I talk to her, to try to force her to remember me. I know I'm going to be a Jedi, and I'm putting all that behind me for now, but I still love her with all my heart."

"Then that alone will be enough to pull her out of this, Kael." Yelara leaned forward and placed a kiss upon his forehead. "I'm here for you. If you ever need to talk, or need someone to make you laugh or to lend you a shoulder to cry on, I've got nothing much to do around here, so come to me for anything at all. We can take a walk sometime...but only to talk, of course," she said with a grin and a wink.

"Only to talk," he said with a laugh. "I've also got Dani to talk with too. I was stupid before, and I want to be a good friend to her now. And, I want to be your friend, since...since there aren't many people around here for you to be friends with. Though, I'm sure Dani would love to be your friend too. She's such a warm and caring person... And, I was so rude and heartless... And, I drove Nieme to her." He laughed and shook his head. "I'm glad to have you as a friend, Yelara. I can talk to you like I can't with the others. It's nice."

"We're similar in that respect. I've told you things I don't even think Liam knows, but by telling you, I can get it off my chest, yet it can still remain my own secret." She smiled softly and pressed her forehead to Kael's. "I think, as friends go, you're the best I've ever had, Kael. And I wanna be that for you. I think Dani does too...so it's a good thing you're no longer fighting her."

Kael nodded, and then laughed. "And, I think I may even be able to be friends with Orn," he said. "He...he was like a father to Nieme, and I know she loves him very much, and him her. I hope I can be his friend." He leaned back enough to kiss her forehead. "Thank you for being here, for being a friend. And, I'll always be your friend, Yelara. And, Leshie's if he needs one."

"I think Yara will fight for that honour. I think in all that unintelligible gurgling they do, Leshie's already proposed to her." Yelara laughed, and was uplifted to see Kael laughing too. "Come on," she said as she rose from her seat. "If you're not doing anything, you can help me tuck him in."

"I'd be honoured to," he said, and then got to his own feet. "He's a cute baby, just like his parents. Yara's a lucky girl. I imagine they'll both be trained as Jedi when they get old enough."

"I imagine so," Yelara said indifferently. She grinned however and added, with mischievous glee, "Though, I do think they'll be trouble. I feel sorry for whoever takes them on as Padawans."

Kael laughed. "I'm sure that they'll be fine Jedi Knights, even if they are the terrors of the Temple," he said. "What do you think of...of this life?"

Yelara hefted the carrier into her arms and stared pensively into her child's face. With a short laugh, she shrugged. "Better than the one I was living before. What about you? I mean...if you'd never met Nieme, do you think you would have always been a ganger?"

"I wouldn't have known anything else existed," Kael said. "But, I'm happy with where I am now. It's better, and I'm with better people. And, my life is no longer centred around violence and destruction. It's a better life here, with the chance to make a difference in things."

"Like bringing peace to the desert?" Yelara asked as they strolled out of the dining hall. "I know you were telling about how you wanted to free the desert of the violence. Do you think, being a Jedi, you'll be able to accomplish that?"

Kael nodded. "Yes," he said. "As a Jedi, I'll make a better leader, and I'll be able to guide the people of the desert toward peace. At least, I hope so. With the gangs, it's hard to say though."

"I have faith in you, Kael," Yelara said. "You're the kind of person who gets what he wants, if he wants it badly enough. Just like Nieme will come back to you if you fight for her hard enough."

Kael nodded, but said nothing. He knew he couldn't fight for Nieme, not while he was still striving to become a Jedi Knight. He had to focus on his training. Though, he would be able to be Nieme's friend. He wanted her in his life again. He wanted to see her smile at him at least once more. He felt the beginning tremors of anguish creeping through him, and no amount of mental tricks would keep them away. He blinked away the tears in his eyes, and tried to steel himself against the emotions to no avail.

"Oh, Kael... I'm sorry." Yelara wanted to wrap her arms around him again, but the carrier prevented her from doing so. She looked around for somewhere to put it down for a moment, and seeing as there were no recesses in the walls or tables anywhere in sight, she settled for the floor. With her arms now freed, she embraced him and kissed him lightly upon the lips. "Cry all you want. I won't tell anyone."

Unable to hold back anymore, Kael collapsed into Yelara's arms and let the tears come. All of his strength, and he couldn't keep this back. "It's all my fault," he sobbed. "All of it, what happened to Nieme and Dani, it was because of me. Oh gods... What have I done? How could I--?" The rest of what he was saying was unintelligible, lost in the sobs he could not stop.

"You did nothing, Kael," Yelara assured him. "What happened to them was the fault of those gangers, Kael." Supporting his weight was becoming too much, so instead of standing, Yelara carefully eased both of them onto the ground. Leshie cooed and gurgled happily, while Kael wept in Yelara's arms. "Kael... Stop blaming yourself. I did the same when Kallia left. Remember? But she never blamed me. She was just glad to be back in my arms. It'll be the same with Nieme. I promise."

The tears started to slow, and the sobs lessened. Finally Kael nodded. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "It'll be fine again. We'll help Nieme be alright, and then things will be alright again. I got...got tears on your vest. I'm sorry."

"Oh, I've had worse from Leshie, Kael. The tears will dry," Yelara said gently. "They always do." She smiled at Kael as she wiped the tears from his cheeks. "I can hold you for a while longer if you like. I don't mind."

"Can we go somewhere other than the hallway?" he asked with a smile. "Let's go put Leshie back wherever he's supposed to be, and then I'll see if I need some holding."

Yelara laughed softly and nodded her head. She helped Kael to his feet, then pulled Leshie's carrier up into her arms. As they started down the hallway towards her room, Yelara stopped momentarily, and noticing Kael was in dire need of some comforting, she brushed one hand through his hair and kissed him tenderly upon the lips. "Feeling better?" she whispered as their lips parted.

Kael sighed as close to happily as he could, and nodded. "Yes," he said softly. "Feeling better for certain. You're an amazing woman, Yelara. I'm very glad you're here. And, I'm going to do my best to make you feel needed here, both as a friend and with your other skills." He quickly realized how that could be interpreted, and stammered out an addendum: "Technical skills. Like with the sensors. And, things like that. Not those...other skills."

Yelara kissed Kael again, if only to keep him from rambling and inadvertently starting a conversation with Leshie. Once she was satisfied he would no longer be talking nonsensically, she pulled her lips away and smiled at him. "I'd be glad to share those skills with you anytime, Kael. The technical skills, of course, and if you ever need them, my 'calming nervously blabbering young men' skills."

"You're very good at that one," Kael said as he composed himself once more. "I think I'm doing better now, but I think I should stay with you for a little longer, at least until you get Leshie back into his crib. Thank you, Yelara. A guy couldn't ask for a better friend than you are. It means very much to me, especially that we can be friends...after the other things."

"Oh, that?" Yelara laughed as she stepped back to give Kael more room to manoeuvre. "I know what we did was wrong, but it's not something I completely regret." She slipped her arm through his and added with a wistful sigh, "It was fun. But...there'll be no more of that. You need a friend right now and that's what I'll be. And you can stay with me however long you need to, whether it be now or tomorrow or whenever. I need the company while Jae Dyn and Liam are off doing...whatever it is they do all day."

Kael laughed. "Being Jedi Knights," he said. "Trying to find out ways to make the galaxy a better and safer place to live. I think it's a good thing. After...after Thanatos, I know we need to help make things safe for people, to make it so people don't have to be afraid anymore."

"A noble endeavour... Do you think it can be done? I mean, with the crimelords trying to overrun the planet, do you think there are enough of you Jedi to make a difference?"

"Even one makes a difference," Kael said. "And, our numbers are growing. Look how many others are here since I came. We'll be able to make a difference."

"Talking about Jedi... A new guy arrived just this morning," Yelara said with a grin. "The best part is, he's absolutely clueless about what's been happening these past thirty years because he's been frozen in carbonite. One thing is for certain, above all else, we are a peculiar bunch."

Kael laughed. "You mean someone who I'll know more about current galactic politics than? I like the sound of that. Even Aurra knows more about things than me." He shook his head. "We're also supposed to be getting another Jedi...one who lost all his memories or something like that. People are going to laugh at our eclectic band."

"Well...they can laugh all they want," Yelara said as they strolled lazily through the hallway, "because nowhere in the universe will anyone ever find a group of better people who love each other as much as we all do."

Kael smiled and shifted closer to her. He could feel the truth of her words all around him, and as they walked along, he felt more at peace than he ever had in his life. Things would be better. The Force was with all of them.

***

Liam dropped the medical supplies on Laedra's bed and then turned to her. They stared at each other for a moment, and then he laughed. "So, how do we want to do this?"

Laedra looked away bashfully, then turned her back completely to Liam. "I'm not exactly certain where the wound is," she said quietly. Her trembling hands made it difficult to loosen the ties on her tunic, but she managed it after what seemed an uncomfortably long stretch of time in silence. "I-I don't believe it is serious."

Liam reached out a hand and a stool that'd been tucked into one corner slid into the middle of the room. "Sit down there, and lift the back of your shirt," he said. "I'll take a look and see. I'm sure it's not bad."

Laedra carefully sat upon the stool, fearful that in her moment of anxiety, she would miss it entirely and make a fool of herself. She managed to seat herself without incident, then looked over her shoulder to watch Liam's approach. "Are there...any injuries you require me to look at?" Her mind was a swirl of nervous thoughts and inhibitions, all causing a moment of distraction during which she absently shed her tunic completely and hugged it to her bare chest. "It's not bleeding, is it?"

"I'll let you know in a moment," Liam said softly as he focused himself. He touched his hands to her back after warming them in his robes. "No bleeding, either internal or external. It looks like it's slightly inflamed, but I think we have a cream that can help with that." He covered the wound with his hands, and focused a gentle pulse of energy there. "How's that feel?"

Laedra let out a staggering sigh. "It...it feels nice. I mean...the pain is diminishing," she whispered. "You're very good with your hands, Liam. I mean...in healing with them."

Liam could only nod as he brought his other hand up to her back, and gently ran it up her spine. "He got you good," he said. "But, I think you'll be fine. Just a little more of this, I think."

Laedra reacted with an involuntary gasp, but she didn't shrink away from his touch. Her flesh raised into tiny bumps and a chill swept across her body, but it wasn't a reaction to the temperature in the room. Laedra closed her eyes as her head fell gently upon her shoulder and the tunic against her chest slipped from her hands. "It's feeling better...but I think a little more of that as well."

Liam's pounding heart felt like it was going to leap out of his chest. He kept his hands on Laedra's back, touching, caressing, soothing. Finally, after a long, shuddering breath, he pulled his hands away. "Oh wow," he said. "I think I like touching you very much, Laedra. And...and I think it might be a good idea...for me to check where Nieme hit you now."

Laedra nodded her head vigorously and slowly shifted around in the stool to face Liam. She looked down demurely and watched her heaving chest rise and fall. It appeared even her breasts were affected by Liam's gentle touch. "She...she will make a good fighter some day...Nieme will."

Liam glanced down at Laedra's exposed breasts and sighed. "She will," he said, unable to shift his gaze. He looked around for a way to adjust the temperature in the room since it appeared that Laedra was cold. Finding none, he decided to continue with examining her wounds, and stepped forward to gently run his hand over her jaw. "It may bruise a little, but there won't be any nipples."

Laedra looked up slowly at Liam, waiting expectantly for him to realize his error, but when one didn't appear forthcoming, she couldn't help laughing and covering the source of his fixation with her arms. "I should hope not, Liam. I think two are plenty."

When the source of his distraction was suddenly obscured, Liam blinked and looked up at Laedra. "What? Oh...scarring. There won't be any scarring. What did I--? Oh..." He laughed, and felt himself blushing. "I think a little...a little of that cream there, and you'll be fine. On the chin, not the... It's a good thing she didn't get your nose, or we'd have different problems. But, yes...that cream...and you'll be perfect."

Laedra smiled with amusement at Liam. She brought up one of her hands, while keeping the other across her breasts, and brushed it along Liam's arm. "I can take care of the rest if you'd like, Liam. You don't need to be here any longer if you don't wish to be."

Liam reversed his hand and took hers. "The problem," he said with a smile, "is that I want to be here very much." He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it gently. "Very much indeed. But, I should go if you're fine. We can do some training tomorrow, and...I'll see you then." His feet seemed firmly rooted in place though, his body still not wanting to move.

"Liam..." Laedra clung to his hand to keep him from leaving, but she knew he had to do just that or he wouldn't be leaving her room again until morning. "Perhaps we can take a walk in the forest tomorrow before training, but I promise to keep my shirt on while we do it."

"As much as I hate to admit it," Liam said with a boyish grin, "that's probably a good idea. And, a walk sounds very nice. Have a good night's sleep, Laedra. I'll see you in the morning." He gently pulled her to her feet and embraced her, and then stepped away. "I should go now...or we'll have a...a situation." He smiled, and then laughed again.

"Would that be so bad?" Laedra gazed at Liam steadily and shot him a coy grin. "Or perhaps it would be. In the end, I leave that up to you to decide, Liam."

Liam looked into Laedra's eyes and sighed gently, and then laughed. "Oh, you have no idea how tempting you are," he said. It appeared that it was taking considerable effort, but he finally sighed. "Not just yet," he added. "But, maybe soon." He pulled his eyes from her bare chest and laughed. "Now, I think I know what I was putting you through."

"So, I guess we're even then." Laedra smiled at Liam as she backed away towards the stool, then bent over to retrieve her tunic. "Forgive me, Liam," she said softly as she slipped on the white, light fabric. "I did not mean for it to seem as if I were luring you to my bed. I merely wanted to be with you... But perhaps you should be with your wife tonight."

Liam laughed softly. "I want to be with you too, but I should go spend time with Yelara. And, you didn't need to take off your shirt to lure me. Just looking into my eyes and smiling is enough to make my heart start beating fast." He stepped closer and took her into his arms. "I'll see you tomorrow, my love."

If anyone could cause her heart to jump into her throat, it was Liam, especially when he said things as romantic as that. "I'll be waiting. I doubt I could get any sleep now." Laedra kissed his lips lightly, afraid to create even more tension between them by being too forceful. "I know I love you, Liam," she said softly. "And that's enough to satisfy me...for now."

He clung to her for a moment longer, and then stepped back. "I hate this part," he said softly as he backed toward the door.

Laedra hugged her tunic closed and shrugged. "We're going to have to get used to it for a while. It's easiest to just turn around and rush from the room, then I'll quickly close the door behind you and lock it so even if you wanted to return, it would be impossible."

Liam nodded. "On three," he asked. "Just, so we can get the timing on this right." He glanced to the door behind him and fumbled for the latch to open it.

Laedra laughed softly and fanned one hand through the air to help Liam along. The latch clicked and the door slowly creaked open. "Three," she said quietly.

"Two," Liam said as he slid the door open.

Laedra stepped forward and reached out her hand to his cheek. "One," she mouthed almost grudgingly.

Liam took a deep breath, sighed, and then stepped out into the hallway. "Goodnight, Laedra," he said, and then quickly turned and started down the hall.

Laedra watched Liam and almost called out to him, but if she did, she knew he'd return to her and they'd only create complications they couldn't afford to deal with now. Instead, Laedra turned away quickly while her frustrations and disappointment became manifested as a wave of the Force that slammed her door shut and sealed the latch. She would keep it locked just until her temptation to run to Liam was quashed by the intense focus and discipline she sought now.

There was no humour, only irony in the fact that Liam, out of honour and love for his wife, found it necessary to keep her at a distance, just as Master Ina had out of devotion to a millennia old Code. Or maybe it was her.

Laedra kicked over the stool and flopped onto her bed. If she'd learned anything from watching Kael through Nieme and Dani's tragedy, it was that one had to fight for the person they loved, just as he was fighting to help Nieme through her addiction. She would do the same to keep Liam from driving her away, even if she had to draw from the tenacity of a 13 year old girl who had fallen in love with her Master, and had taken every measure she could to convince him that he felt the same. That's what she'd do again, and this time, she was determined not to fail.

"Broken Hearts Mending"
by Raeila Mullerin
and Ferrig Mullerin

Location: Thanatos, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 13, 4ABY

***

Alone again. That wasn't completely true, though, for the streets were full of Kir'thana strolling about looking for some unsuspecting wretch from whom they could relieve a few creds, or a spice dealer to sell them something to ease the pain of this unfortunate existence. Raeila figured she could use some of that, but she never did trust the quality of spice sold by some stranger on the side of the road; she and the other Feltreys got theirs from a private, trusted source. It was poison all the same, but at least she was confident the substance they procured from Elum wouldn't kill you...not right away.

Still, the sweet smoke she was inhaling did nothing to cloud over those thoughts of Kael that had been running rampant in her mind all day. The more she attempted to forget him, the more she missed him. Raeila ground the butt of her cigarra against the wall and pushed off from it into the crowd. She blended in perfectly with the rest of the desert folk, but then, that's what she was through and through. She wondered if Kael would be able to do the same, especially after being around all those Wetters. He had chosen them over her. But he said he still loved her, so he must still have some Kir'Thana in him...

Raeila had gotten used to crying over him, even in front of masses of people. She merely pulled up her cowl and walked, letting her salty tears leave trails in the sand behind her. Perhaps they would lead Kael back to her. Or perhaps she would have to forget about him altogether.

"I'd like to see you try, Rae," she muttered ruefully.

"Hey! Mullerin!"

"Not today, Werul. It's my day off," she hollered back.

Werul was a regular customer, and although he paid well, Raeila couldn't tolerate his distinct odour of Thana bitterroot ale and sweat. As long as he paid, though, she was always willing to fit him into her schedule. Just not today.

He pushed through the thick crowd and came up beside her. "But Rae...I haven't had the pleasure of your company for almost a week." His arm wrapped itself around her waist and his mouth was trying to find its way under her cowl to her neck.

"Go away, Werul. I'll be happy to take you on tomorrow, but not today." She tried to sidle out of his hold, but he threw his other arm around her waist and pulled her into him. "Get lost, Werul, or you'll have to find a new slut to bend over for your creds."

"Rae...come on! Just twenty minutes."

She reached back to pry his arms from her while she tried to squeeze out of his embrace, but sexual desperation made him very persistent. "Werul! Let go!"

Suddenly his arms unwrapped themselves, and Raeila was free of his embrace. In front of her, Werul was standing on his tiptoes, struggling in a futile attempt to get free. Ferrig's head peeked around his shoulder. "He bothering you, Rae?"

She hugged her arms around herself and shook her head. "He's just drunk. Let him go and just send him on his way."

Ferrig let go of Werul and pushed him away from Raeila. "Go sleep it off," he shouted and sent a kick after the man. He moved close to Rae, and slipped his arms around her. "How you doing, sis?"

Raeila pressed her face to Ferrig's chest and squeezed out more unshed tears. "It hurts so much, Ferrig. Why did it have to be this way?"

"They've brainwashed him, Rae," Ferrig said softly. "We'll get him back though. We'll get him back, and we'll help him be what he was before. It'll be alright again, I promise." He kissed the top of her head, and pulled her even tighter against him. "At least we're rid of the Rat and Purple though."

Her fingers clutched at Ferrig's cloak and her teeth clenched at the frustration of her unfulfilled vengeance towards the Rat. If she saw her again, she wouldn't hesitate to kill her immediately. "Take me somewhere, Ferrig. I can't be out here anymore. I...I see him everywhere."

"Where do you want to go?" Ferrig asked. "Do you want to go deeper? Just away for awhile? Leave all this behind for a few hours, and just go?"

Raeila gazed up at her brother and nodded morosely. "You and me... Just like always. Make me forget like you always do, Ferrig."

"Come on," he said softly. "Let's go find that bitch's speederbike, and we'll disappear for awhile. Just you and me, and we'll forget everything." With her still in his arms, he shifted his weight, and lifted until she was held in his outstretched arms. He gazed down into her eyes as they walked. "I'll make everything better again, Rae."

She encircled his neck with her arms and nestled her cheek against his shoulder. "Have you ever felt like this, Ferrig? Has it ever felt like your heart is just being gouged out with a vibrodagger? 'Cause that's what it feels like..."

"The first time Kael left us," Ferrig said. "The world crumbled then. But, we'll get him back, Rae. And, then everything will be right again."

If the words had been spoken by anyone other than her brother, Raeila would have found little comfort in them. But he always had been her source of solace and she relied on that now to pull her from the depression that was consuming her.

They arrived at Dani's speeder - now Feltrey property - hidden within a safehouse they'd commandeered. Ferrig carefully deposited her onto the back of the seat, then he himself slid into the front. Once he was within reach again, Raeila gently pressed herself against his back. "It'll be just you and me again, Ferrig. You're the only person I can trust now. I should've known that all along. I was so stupid..."

"You love him," Ferrig said before starting up the speederbike, "and he should have loved you back. He shouldn't have acted this way toward us. He shouldn't have treated us this way. You loved him more than anything, and he at least owed you enough to return that love."

"No..." Raeila looked up at Ferrig and smiled solemnly. "Not more than anything. I loved him, but my love for you far surpasses that, Ferrig. You've never let me down...not like him."

"It was the Wetters that did it," Ferrig said. "It was the Wetters that changed him, and turned him against us. But, we'll get him back again. And, then we'll make all of them pay. Like a great tide of sand, we'll crush them all." He turned back to her and gave her a gentle kiss. "Together."

"Just like when we were kids. We've always done everything together. We're strongest that way."

Ferrig nodded slowly, and then kicked the speederbike into motion. They shot out into the street, and Ferrig veered off toward the edge of the town. Within minutes, they were racing out over dunes.

Nearly a half hour had passed before Ferrig finally slowed their progress, and the bike finally came to a stop at the base of one of the larger dunes.

"The bitch got a nice bike," Ferrig said as he helped Raeila down. "We'll have to give her a special thank you next time we see her. Come on, Rae, let's head to the top."

She slipped her hand into his and together they began trudging up the dune. "Just like when we were kids, Ferrig. Remember? Dad was having one of his especially bad drunken episodes and we escaped. I remember mounting a dune like this because we thought if we were up really high, he'd never be able to find us. He never did."

"Out here, no one could ever find us," Ferrig said. "I imagine they won't like some of the shit I did to that little bitch. I don't know if they'd come after us, but...but if they do, come here. They won't find us here, Rae. And, we'll be safe."

"Kael wouldn't let them touch us, Ferrig. He wouldn't..." Raeila glanced down at their hands clasped together, and tightened her hold on Ferrig's. "Would he?"

He shook his head. "No more than he would let us touch the Rat," he said. "But...but they may not listen to him. If that guy with the freaky eyes wants to make us pay for hurting those bitches. And, then there's that crazy fuck from the Rhack." He laughed. "I wish we'd had time to get him to fuck Purple too. He probably would have just had a mental meltdown right then."

"A man like that...you know he wanted to. We should've just killed them all when we had them, this way none of them would've been alive to say a word."

"He had the gleam," Ferrig said. "He wanted them both. We were just helping him unleash his night time fantasies." He shook his head. "We'd have Kael now if it weren't for them. We're going to have to find new slaves now to keep the boys happy."

"Let them find their own damn slaves," Raeila spat. "They don't know anything of our suffering. They think it was all a game to us. But they don't know... No one understands. No one ever could."

Ferrig sighed and closed his eyes as he trudged up the dune. "Have you ever wanted to just shoot all of them dead and start over with a new group?"

Raeila laughed and playfully nudged Ferrig. "We don't have time for that. If you want some new gangers, maybe we can merge with one of the other gangs...like the Razor Purgs. I'm sure we can make them a very tempting offer."

Ferrig laughed. "And, then I'd actually have to start calling them the Razor Purgs. I know I'd forget and call them the Razor Plugs at least once. But, we should merge. Merging will make us stronger, and then we can take on the Wetters. We'll take over this whole fucking planet." He reached out and took her other hand and smiled. "I like the sound of that."

"Then that's what we'll do next...but we'll definitely suggest a name change to them." Together, they finally reached the top of the dune, sweating and fatigued. Raeila sighed and sat down in the soft sands. She brought her legs to her chest and motioned for Ferrig to join her. "We can watch the sun set...then you can make love to me right here, Ferrig. I think that's what we'll do..."

Ferrig smiled and wrapped his arms around Raeila as he sank to the sand. "I think that sounds like a very nice and romantic thing to do," he said. "I think it'll be the perfect way for us to restart things."

Raeila rested her head against Ferrig's chest and closed her eyes to concentrate on the cool breeze brushing her face - soft, gentle caresses like the ones Kael used to administer to her. She felt the tears coming again, so she tightened her hold on Ferrig. "Will we ever be happy, Ferrig...other than when I'm in your arms? It seems all my life, that's the only time I've ever been content."

"We'll find it together, Raeila," Ferrig said. "We belong together, and that's why you feel content with me. It's like we're two parts of a whole, and together..." He kissed her. "There's nothing wrong with that though."

"I never said there was. I'm glad I have you. If you weren't around, Ferrig, father would have gotten to me and I probably would have ended up a lot like mom." Raeila trailed her fingers lightly along Ferrig's arms and sighed wistfully. "Do you ever wonder about them? Do you ever think about what's happened to them?"

Ferrig was silent for nearly a minute before he let out the breath he'd been holding. "Not very often, but yes. A lot of the time it's wondering if they even realize we're gone. I mean, I'm sure they noticed...but, has it even affected them?" He shrugged. "I don't ever miss them. Well, maybe mom a little...but, I'm happier with you and the gang."

"Me too," Raeila said quietly. "I bet mom would have cared if she was even aware of what the hell was happening around her. I wish we could have snapped her out of her catatonia...but she was probably better off that way. At least when dad used to beat her, she didn't have to feel it."

Ferrig nodded. "Maybe someday, we can find her and save her from him. And, maybe we can give a little surprise to him." He sighed and pulled a cigarra out of a pocket. "You want one?"

Raeila shook her head slightly. "Already filled up on spice... Didn't work. I still feel everything."

He lit the cigarra and took a long drag from it. "Spice is good for making you feel good, but you still remember everything. And, when you feel bad, it just makes it feel hazy bad. But, Ferrig makes everything feel good. Here, stretch out with your head in my lap, and I'll tell you a story."

Raeila did as Ferrig suggested and curled up on the sands with her head nestled upon his legs. "Is it a happy story? I don't want anything too graphic, Ferrig, and please," she said as she grinned up at him, "no jokes."

Ferrig laughed softly, and began stroking Raeila's hair. "It's a story about how we're going to take over this planet, and we'll be the king and queen of Tae'Thana, 'cause we're gonna rename the place. And, everyone will bow to us, and give us their respect and worship."

Raeila stared distantly at the setting sun, then asked inquisitively, "Can I get a new wardrobe? I can't be a public figure wearing ragged clothes."

"We'll get you the best wardrobe this planet has ever seen," he said. "And, we can think up great punishments for all those who don't abide by our rules. When we are in control, we'll make this a place where people want to live, and we'll make it very difficult for the people we don't want to be here."

"I think I like that idea, Ferrig." She turned onto her back and smiled up at her brother. "That was a nice story. Thank you for telling it to me."

Ferrig placed a kiss on her forehead and then on her lips. "Anything for you, little sister," he said. "Anything at all."

"You've always liked spoiling me, haven't you?" She laughed and pulled Ferrig in for another kiss. "I love you, brother," she whispered.

"Someone has to spoil you, Raeila," Ferrig said. "You deserve it, especially after everything. I love you too, little sister. And, I'll always take care of you."

"I know." She ran her fingers lightly along Ferrig's cheek. "Is it time for you to take care of me now?" she asked with a suggestive smile.

Ferrig smiled and then laughed softly. "I think it's definitely time for me to take care of you," he said.

Raeila sat up and wrapped her arms loosely around Ferrig's neck, searching his eyes and seeing in them all the struggles they had endured. They deserved to succeed in their aspirations. It was owed to them. "Slowly and gently this time, Ferrig."

"And, with all my love," he whispered as he shifted to where he was lying by her side. He kissed her gently, but with much passion. "I've always loved making love to you while the moons rise, Rae." Slowly, he started with caresses and kisses. It would be beautiful and slow this time. It would revive them after their recent ordeals, and carry them onward toward their goals. It would be a shared bliss, a love like nothing else.

"Hacking Your Way Through"
By: Zion "The Worm" Xandler - Systems Operator

Location: Yellvin, New Plouton
Date: Niothe 13, 4 ABY

***

"Man, you look hot tonight!" he said to himself as he saw his reflection in the mirror. He adjusted his nose piercing, a silver pearl, as well as his many others in his ears. Today he had chosen to wear his hair in white colour with a fire dragon painted on it, and was dressed in red leather pants with high metallic boots and a black sleeveless wetshirt.

He grabbed his long, dark blue raincoat and put it on. He was about to head out for partying, one of his favourite hobbies. Outside, he had his swoop. He got on it and took his mirrored glasses. "It's party time..." He grinned to himself as he started the engine and rode down to the nightclub above the driving speed limit.

As soon as he got to the club he could see the quite enormous amount of people trying to get in. It was a new nightclub called "Trancemania" and it seemed like one of the hottest new locations to be at nighttime. He parked his bike and got off, using a small portable device to kill its engines, and made his way to the entrance.

Pushing his way between everyone else, in spite of the complaints he got to the front entrance where a bulky man in a fine tailored suit decided who got in and who didn't. He stopped Zion as he passed by, pushing him back with an open hand, even though Zion was much taller than he was.

"Hold it! Got an invitation?" the bouncer asked.

"Chill out!" Zion replied with a huge smile. "What's with the attitude anyway?" he asked mockingly as he reached into his coat's inner pocket and took his own membership card. "'Scuse me..." he said as he passed by the bouncer with an air of superiority.

Inside it was more than he thought it would be. Two full floors with some of the best light effects he had seen and a great trance sound. On some cages set higher there were dancers and there were columns where one could climb into to dance as well. The dancefloor was huge with steam and water sprinklers and what looked like an enormous blow-dryer above. The DJ was a funky man with four arms and horns. Zion could not tell whether that was a species he had never seen or some kind of attire with crazy adornments. Across from him there was a round bar with beautiful barmaids.

Upstairs were tables and another bar plus an aquarium with weird looking fish. Zion smiled and took off his coat, which he delivered to the coathanger in exchange for a ticket to pick it up later. He went upstairs and could tell, as he passed the tables, that someone was smoking Tiesta Spice. He walked on the bar and sat on one of the stools there, next to a man with a black suit and a light beard.

"Wenderaan Spiced Ale!" he ordered from the barmaid. He then turned to the man. "Hey man... Cool joint you got here. Thanks for the membership card."

The man was the Trancemania owner. He turned to face Zion. "It is I who thank you, Mr. Xandler, for your well paid services. As you know I benefited quite well from your work with computer systems..."

"Think nothing of it my good man! We both benefited, and as you so eloquently put it, you paid well but won a lot in the process... Nobody works for free! It's all about how you hack your way through..." Zion replied. "Now if you'll excuse me..." he said as he got up and grabbed his drink, heading downstairs.

The club was full and everyone seemed to be enjoying the music. He had drunk all of his beverage and placed his cup on the downstairs bar and started to dance. He kept on the dancefloor for quite some time until he decided to climb to one of the columns. It was a great place to go out to and he wondered just exactly how much money had the Trancemania owner made from the job he had pulled out, getting classified documents from a megacorporation. Truth was he didn't care as long as he got paid his fees. No questions asked...

He was heading down from the column when another guy pushed him from behind. "You one of those new Red Dragon bozos? C'mon asshole! Put 'em up!" he said in a violent matter wanting to brawl with Zion.

"Man you drunk!" Zion said as he pushed the short man backwards. "Just because I have a fire dragon painted in my hair doesn't mean I'm a Red Dragon... Get lost!"

"You wish!" the man said as he jumped forward to get to Zion. But before he could do so, a large powerful hand grabbed him and lifted him up in the air, choking him and punched him in the stomach. It was one of the security guards.

"You, outside!" he said simply as he dragged the man with him.

"Shit! Tight security... Tough luck!" Zion mocked as he saw the small man being dragged outside. After that it was all partying without any more incidents that had him involved in any way. It was already morning when he came outside and headed back home.

Getting home he tossed his coat onto the couch and went to check his computer. He logged onto the guild and checked for contacts that could have been made to reach him. "Ahh... A new entrepreneur..." he said as he checked that he had mail.

"Waking"
By: Sirra Xanye - Jedi Knight

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Niothe 13, 4 ABY

***

Sirra woke with a broad yawn and a stretch. Her long, shapely legs and slender, muscular arms stretched out as far as they would go and she lay there, the stretch pulling her muscles taut with tension. Then she rolled over, luxuriating in the feel of the silken sheets on her bare skin. She had only slept for four standard hours, but like all her kind that was all she needed. The young Falleen woman was completely refreshed.

Her movements disturbed a small nest of small, furry animals. One, larger than the others, was the white adoris feline that had been Sirra's only living companion for several months after her Master's death. Rozi stood and arched her back, stretching, and then hopped down off the large bed. Her litter - eight kittens in assorted fur patterns - lay curled in a ball of fuzzy legs, heads, and tails for a little while, then broke up into eight half-grown cats and followed their mother down to the floor.

She stood, her long black hair falling like a soft, silky sheet down her pale green back. As she walked to the freshening room, the bed, sensing that she had risen, pulled back into a slot in the wall. The bed linens would be clean and crisp when Sirra lay down for her next sleep cycle.

Sensors in the room also alerted the crew that their mistress had woken. As she took a long, hot shower, revelling in the feel of the steaming hot shower, Feena began breakfast in the galley. The galley was incredibly well appointed for any kitchen, much less the galley of a spacecraft. And Feena was a droid who knew what to do with the ingredients at her disposal. Feena was a 434-FPC, a gourmet culinary droid with a list of recipes that rose into the hundreds of thousands. And she knew from experience exactly what her mistress would want.

As Feena prepared breakfast for her mistress, a small maintenance droid trundled into the bedroom to quickly clean the area. The cats, which had at one time bristled at the droids, just looked at it curiously. Also, another droid - this one a red, humanoid model over two meters tall - moved into the room to take up a place near the entrance. It moved surprisingly lightly on its feet and made little noise on the bare metal floor near the door.

Sirra came out of the shower, toweling off her hair with a plush towel. "Good morning, Alpha."

She went over to her wardrobe and waited for a moment as the door slid open for her. "Training clothes," she said into the air, and the wardrobe rotated on some unseen mechanism, bringing a drawer to the front of the closet.

Reaching into the drawer, she drew out a garment made of a light, clingy material. The bodysuit was black, with a pressure zipper up the front from the waist to the neck. Sirra dropped the towel wrapped around her body and stepped into the bodysuit, zipping it up to her chest. It was almost weightless but made her feel secure - the clinging material held and supported her quite well.

The small droid deftly picked up her dropped towels and slipped them into its refuse space. As Sirra walked out of the room, the droid she had called Alpha fell in behind her on quiet feet. The cats followed her out of the room as well. She gave a small inward chuckle at her morning entourage.

Walking into the dining room, she said, "Good morning, Feena."

"Good morning, Lady Sirra." The droid sat a large glass of something in front of her mistress. The drink inside the glass was a thick, pale green liquid with a sweet smell to it. Feena had invented it for Sirra - a drink made of her favorite fruits from half a dozen planets - because of her mistress' dislike for a heavy meal before her first workout of the day.

Another humanoid droid, this one a very attractive figure with a pale, metallic green coloring: "Good morning, Lady Sirra." The protocol droid walked over to Sirra's side unbeckoned.

"Was there something, Xeress?"

"Yes, mistress. Ah, Navigator determined the name of the city near that spot you pointed out on the planet below. The forest is near a city called New Plouton. From there it should be a short trip into the forest."

"Thank you, Xeress. Was there anything else?"

"Ah, no, mistress."

"Then you may go. You can accompany me when I take my last trip around the concourse."

"Yes, thank you, mistress." Xeress withdrew.

Sirra drank her morning drink slowly, savoring the delicious taste and the sweet aroma that she associated with her waking moments now. She read the flimsiplast sheets that Comm had made for her during her short sleep - messages from informants and contacts as well as news from Coruscant and Falleen. Nothing important, of course, since she couldn't trust long range comunications to be secure, but she liked to keep abreast of the happenings in the rest of the universe.

Once done with the drink, she stood and left the room, leaving the flimsiplast sheets to be recycled. Returning to her bed chamber, she retrieved her weapon and went back into the hallway. She walked to the large room built as her exercise room. In one corner of the room was a black droid - a humanoid torso, head, and arms on top of a slender cylindrical base. Deactivated at the moment, its eyes were dark and its body was slumped.

Sirra walked to the middle of the room and began her exercises - slow, languorous movements punctuated by quick, powerful kicks or strikes. Every movement was perfect, precise down to the angle of her fingers and toes. After a quarter of a standard time unit sweat was starting to break out on her skin. At half a standard time unit, she was sweating from every pore in spite of the coolness of the room. By the time she stopped after an entire standard time unit, her muscles were pleasantly warm and her suit was soaked with her sweat.

Finally warmed up, her muscles limber and mind awake, she walked over to the black droid and activated it. The humanoid torso lifted itself up and its eyes glowed red. "Training pattern?"

"Single blade combat, full contact." She had disabled the droid's safety circuits - fighting against Deo was as dangerous as fighting a skilled swordsman who wanted to kill her. A three foot long rapier extended from the end of Deo's right arm. Long, slender, and incredibly fast, the blade was almost as quick at Deo's command as Sirra's lightsaber was in her own hand. And a tiny deflector shield in the droid's arms allowed the blade to parry a lightsaber without being cut through.

"Ready?"

Sirra went over to the side of the room, where she had placed her weapon. The deactivated lightsaber was twice as long as the standard Jedi weapon. Lifting it with both hands, she thumbed a series of buttons near the middle of the slender rod and twisted her hands in opposite directions. The dual lightsaber came apart into two fully operational lightsabers. She placed one back on the black foam pad on the ground and walked back to Deo.

Two arm-lengths away, she activated her weapon. A violet blade of light sprung from the end of the hilt and she took up a middle guard position. "Ready."

Without warning, Deo lunged forward, rapier leading the way. Sirra parried with a low, sweeping block and brought her own weapon across, in a flashing slash to the chest. Deo's own blade sprang back into a high block and went into the middle ready position, backing up to give itself room. Sirra put herself into the middle guard position and readied herself for the next attack.

Deo's programming put him on par with the weaponmasters of any of a dozen worlds. His reflexes were faster than any living being's. But after a few minutes of sparring, it became clear that the droid was second best in this match. The Jedi's blade was always there to parry the droid's weapon and Sirra was able to dance out of the way of most attacks that she did not block.

Sirra's technique was flawless, and her own personal style was fluid, almost dancelike. She spun and turned, jumped and lunged, with incredible grace and speed. But even with the acrobatic maneuvers that she executed, her stances were picture perfect from hand and foot position to angle of blade.

After a quarter of a standard time unit Sirra said "Stop." Deo's weapon dropped to his side and he moved back out of fighting range. It was clear to her that she would have won eventually. Her Jedi reflexes were more than a match for the droid's and she had learned all the tricks the Duelist Elite training droid had to show.

More to herself than anything else, she said, "I think it's time to get your programming updated."

Deo didn't reply. The training droid was not a conversationalist.

Sirra deactivated her lightsaber and walked over to the other half of her weapon. Fitting them back together, she secured her weapon and walked out of the room back to her bed chamber. She put the lightsaber hilt back into its cradle and stripped off her exercise suit, dropping it on the floor for the maintenance droid to retrieve.

She took a fast, cold shower and was soon back out to change. She had already decided on her clothes for the day. Choosing clothes fit for shopping at the most exclusive boutiques on Coruscant, Sirra slid into a light, thin dress of shimmering fabric that revealed more than it hid. Her pale green skin was well exposed by the sleeveless top, plunging neckline, and low back that exposed her to her waist. It changed color as the light sensitive fabric caught the light and refracted it as she moved. On her feet went light but supportive slippers. As she dressed, a small droid with a low level intelligence plaited her hair into dozens of thin, tiny braids and capped them with tiny platinum bells. A thin belt of woven silver and gold went on her waist - several small but sophisticated sensors and devices clipped onto the belt and the long lightsaber hilt slid securely onto the belt at her right hip.

Over all went a cloak of a thin, silken material in pale green, heavily embroidered with golden thread. It had a deep hood, and together they were more than enough to conceal her identity from casual observation.

As she walked to the hatch, Alpha took up his accustomed spot behind and to her left. Another droid, Alpha's twin - Beta, took up a place behind Sirra and to her right. The pair of Aro-GX personal security droids were very loyal and protective of their mistress. Sirra could almost never escape them when she left a secure area.

Xeress also joined her. A belt had been secured at the protocol droid's waist and a small sphere orbited her head at a radius of a few feet. Whenever Xeress felt that she could be in danger - and that was often, when they were in a strange place - she wore the RGV security droid system. A pair of small repulsorlift droids armed with a blaster and an array of sophisticated sensors could charge in the belt's charging dock, allowing one of the spheres to always be in the air.

Once her small entourage was assembled, Sirra palmed the pad by the hatch and it irised open. The space beyond her ship's docking cradle was noisy and crowded. Sirra pulled her hood forward a little more and walked off her ship, the three droids following in her wake. The ship had already been refueled, resupplied, and repaired, but she wanted to explore the Shipyards a little more before going down to the planet.

The door shut behind the group as they walked toward the hoverlift.

"Awakening, Part 1"
By: Raxis L'Ygr - Red Dragons, Leader
[NPC] Ronan Dayre - Red Dragons
[NPC] Olanda Davii - TNN News Anchor

Location: Yallder District, New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 13, 4ABY

***

"Are we ready?" Raxis called over to Ronan from his position upon an uncomfortable steel chair centered in front of a holorecorder. "We have to do this fast to avoid detection. You can do it right?"

"Oh please," Ronan chuckled. "Do you think this is the first pirate transmission ever done? Part of the problem with the planetary holovision station is that it's used the same login information for the past twenty years. Regardless, their reporters are so hungry that they'd eat this thing up alive."

"Fame, let's hope not," Raxis murmured. "Regardless, it has to be done. It's been a long few weeks but this will only lead to new members."

"Perhaps even a few cute ones," Ronan mused, as he connected a few cables to the holorecorder. "Gods know that a man like me can get lonely when starting a rebellion against crime and white-skulls. Okay! We're good to go..."

"Interrupt after their portion on our last hit. It'll ensure we get the point across. After all, we'd be rude to not give a mass warning."

***

"Will New Plouton be subject to governmental reform? A child and father saved by masked men in the Yallder District, and have do-gooders taken to cleaning the streets? All this on News at ten." An etherial voice soothed over the news network, as its spinning logo faded into a commercial for the new and exciting season of "Slam Ball."

Olanda Davii, a Twi'lek, sat in her makeup chair as she read her notes. Ambling about her position were an assortment of writers, producers, and makeup artists for New Plouton's hottest news crew, News Alpha. Sifting through her papers, she scowled. "What is this I have to do tonight? An interview with a bluntskulled Slam Ball player? Pelo, you're killing me here, seriously."

"Well I'm sure there are Slam Ball players that don't eat and dress as nicely as you do Olanda, besides, they've paid us a ton of money for the expos�." An overweight producer halted as he walked by. He was dressed in an expensive Xon suit with matching coat, and carried a clipboard and a steaming cup of coffee. "You do like money don't you?"

"Sure, to promote Slam Ball instead of our program that runs at the same time, mind you. Haven't you people figured out that we're going to be plugging a program that might actually take ratings away from us?"

"Not unless you figure that what happens in their league is going to add new ratings. Look here," he said as he handed her his clipboard with an elaborate graph. "Say, for instance, Slam Ball adds the interest of ten percent of our audience. The sports section of our program will lure those ten percent back for replay coverage and highlights during Marco's sporting news. Get used to it, girl. There are going to be many a Slam Ball player in this studio for days to come."

"Blast," she hissed. "We should cover more on these Red Dragons, Pelo, they're at least doing something dynamic other than run around and throw ion spheres."

"Ion Globes," he corrected her.

"Whatever! It still takes more of a mind to clean the streets than it does to grow muscles and star in commercials for deodorant."

"Is that so?" He chuckled.

"Yeah," she said, crossing her arms and tossing down the tissue collar that was protecting her designer dress from the makeup artists.

"These Dragons shoot ion cannons at big muscle-bound drug dealers...there's no difference."

"But it's different!" she stressed. "All Slam Ball does is promote hapless ideology of riches and fame for doing the least amount of work possible with absolutely no contribution to society."

"People need deodorant." He laughed, and walked off with his coffee. "Show starts in five minutes, Davii. I want to you to make sure you're ready for the Slam Ball session," he said as he trailed out of earshot.

"Nerf Herder..." She scowled as she sipped her water and leaned back in her chair to flip through her notes. "Xax Palinos, Ion Guard out of Kessel...former Imperial Stormtrooper turned Slam Ball elite...."

"Awakening, Part 2"
By: Raxis L'Ygr - Red Dragons, Leader
[NPC] Ronan Dayre - Red Dragons
[NPC] Olanda Davii - TNN News Anchor

Location: Yallder District, New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 13, 4ABY

***

"In other related news," Olanda began, seated at her sleek anchorwoman's desk positioned in front of her personal holorecorder. When it came to Twi'leks she was quite the beautiful woman, with her teal skin and tan colored dresses. It was said that most of her popularity came from the male population of Tae'Karada. "The Red Dragon Society, as named by their calling card, has attacked three separate groups of spice dealers in the last three days. The most recent was Yallder District's infamous "Blackjack" system of alleys, and have been preceded by two lesser areas of the Yallder District nearly as renown as "Spice Alleys". These Spice Alleys are areas of high poverty, filled with spice abuse and violent crime focused on the local spice ring. So far, the only two bystanders have been a father and his daughter, who were given funds by these masked men to cure the little girl of a lung infection and provide the family a means of escaping such a life."

The camera faded to an image of the homeless man, saved by the Red Dragon Society.

"Them's good people. Helpin' a lot of people. See, those alleys were run by people that would take people in for a price, and force them to do their bidding. Little girl almost died in the process," he muttered, from the sofa of his new apartment as he proudly wore his new uniform for the waste collection company.

"Sir, what do you feel about the Red Dragons taking the law into their own hands? Law dictates that what they're doing is the jurisdiction of the Security Corps and not righteous citizens," an off-screen interviewer asked.

"Nobody but them's gonna do nothing," he barked. "Secure-Corps don't even walk in that part of town at night."

The camera faded again, to view the face of Olanda Davii.

"Again, that was a segment from the interview with the only bystander in the Red Dragons. Tomorrow at ten we'll have an interview with Security Chief Dolenz regarding our week long coverage of the Red Dragon Society," she said, smiling softly to the camera.

***

"In other news....he....tim....Isn'.....kr...." she began, as the sound and image faded from the monitors and holo projectors of televisions system-wide. Taverns, nightclubs, and home holovision systems across the planet all simultaneously tuned to the pirated frequency. The news program faded into static, and was momentarily replaced with the silhouetted figure of a man sitting upon a steel chair.

For moments, the figure simply stared at the camera, until it finally spoke with a robotic and digitally altered voice.

"Citizens of Tae'Karada," he began, with a short pause. "We apologize for interrupting the best news program in the system to bring you this short, yet to the point message."

From behind the holoprojector, Ronan grinned like a mad-hatter. It was rare that he actually impressed himself with his technical ability, and was fighting the urge to step in front of the camera to steal Raxis' limelight.

"Your cities are corrupt," Raxis continued. "Day after day, lives are stolen from the evils of corrupt government and law enforcement. Children die in the streets under the iron grip of crime families and their affiliates. Nothing has been done to protect the innocent."

He stood and lithely swept towards the camera. He began to pace.

"Spice dealers have government or official ties, and are often released on the same day that they are arrested for crimes that commonly warrant years of rehabilitation. We have rescued a family, that would have died hungry in the streets under the hand of tyrant gang leaders. They now eat and live well, as we've seen on this program."

Raxis smiled from beneath his silhouetted wall of anonymity. He was sure to be getting the point across now this time.

"We are going to make these streets safe from these evils. Heed our warning. If you are involved in illegal activity that caused women, children, and the innocent to starve or die....we may one day be knocking at your doors. There are many criminals, but only the ones that destroy the lives of the innocent are the ones that we will claim, and claim we shall. We are not murderers. We willingly hand over the arraigned to the security force for delivery to the prison barges...and if their corrupt ties lead them to be free we will see to it that they will be sent to security personnel that will send them away.

"This system has suffered much at the hands of corrupt politics, corrupt empires, and corrupt streets. So we urge you, good people of Tae'Karada, to defend your fellow people and push us all towards living safe and long lives. Assassins, crime families, widowers, and slavery is wrong. The rest of you petty thieves and swindlers, fear us not. We'll leave you to the security of this system and your neighbors.

"All this we do...we do for you. We aren't vigilantes. We're common people like all of you, who have decided to fill the gaps that the security forces have failed to protect. Mostly, Tae'Karada itself. Starting with New Plouton."

The image cut immediately to silence and darkness.

After what seemed like forever, the screen was replaced by the speechless image of Olanda Davii. She, like many at News Alpha, didn't expect the Red Dragons to be organized enough to pull off such a stunt in under the amount of time it would take to trace the transmission.

"We'll be back...after these announcements." She sighed, as the screen returned to its commercial break.

"Money Lending"
By: Jadda The Hutt - Hutt Crimelord
Vorgoth - Assassin / Sith
Kyonna - Smuggler and Gambler (NPC by Jadda)

Location: Jadda's Palace, New Plouton
Date: Niothe 13, 4 ABY

***

He puffed on and released a yellowish smoke. He was smoking a mix of spice and some other things, although they would not affect his perception or his immune system. The Jizz players kept the scenery cool and fun with their lively music and the Twi'lek girls danced for the feast of anyone's eyes, their bodies scarce of clothing.

Jadda's empire was now stronger than ever before, even though the Hutt Crime Syndicate had suffered a great loss with Jabba's death. But this was of no matter to Jadda as it could only grant him aspirations to make his own empire bigger and stronger. Of course he had to officially regret his bretheren's death, but truth was that he almost liked the idea of expanding onto Tatooine.

Suddenly, Vorgoth entered the room and walked by all the bystanders, ignoring them as he passed them, and leaned into Jadda to tell him something private. Jadda moved his arm to cut off the festivities and pointed to the entrance. The doors were opened and in came a short bulky man.

"Bushia mangoor tchee... Dabba doo beela tchungaa?" he said. The shiny protocol droid translated. "You are interrupting... What do you want with me?"

The man nodded respectfully. "I am Kyonna. I come to ask you for a loan. Grant me this and I will pay you back twice as much!"

Jadda's eyes widened. He was always ready for a deal. He puffed again. "Bishiaa too dangoo credits." The droid was about to explain when the man interrupted.

"I need about 250 000 credits," he informed, having understood the question without need of translation.

Jadda laughed this time. "Doo daappa boshia bee toor maa tengaa..." he said. As the man waited the droid translated. "What will you give in as insurance?"

"I give you my word!" Kyonna said.

A general laugh was set by all who watched the deal in silence. Even Jadda laughed loudly. "Bashoo doo baala smuggler? Tchkaa noos beeppo daapa youl!" The droid translated. "The word of a smuggler? I shall keep your ship instead!"

"But Jadda, I need my ship to make the trip. I am to compete in a Podrace. I need the mooney to build mine! I will pay you back!" the man explained.

This time Jadda was serious. "Kyonna smuggler battaa tchungaa deellappa deeppo Hutt!" Jadda said furiously. The droid repeated, "Kyonna, you already owe the house of the Hutt!"

Kyonna's face flushed white as he had not expected that Jadda knew this. "I owed Jabba... But I hear he died so that means my debt is clean, right? Now I need that money!"

Jadda was not content with this man's exploitations. But he was somewhat spirited. He leaned back. "Laadda noor bisshaa doos credits... Tchaa doo bontia Podrace!" The droid translated automatically. "You will be granted the credits... But you better win the Podrace!"

The man bowed and headed off, knowing the money would be delivered to him. Inside Jadda thought to himself and puffed. Perhaps he ought to build his own circuit of Podracers in Chimaeria and host the races. He could make a lot of money off the bets...

"Slave Capture, Part 2"
By: Daemor'rah - Jedi / Bounty Huntress
and Jadda The Hutt - Hutt Crimelord

Location: Jadda's Palace, New Plouton
Date: Niothe 13, 4 ABY

***

Two days later, Daemor'rah was back on Chimaeria. She made her way to see Jadda as she had a report to fill in personally to the Hutt. She was taken to Jadda's presence where the large Hutt looked at her waiting for an answer.

"I come from Jabba's former Palace in Tatooine..." she said. "The place was almost deserted, except for some Anzati. The blastdoors were pried open and interiorly it was destroyed. Perhaps some Jawas or Sandpeople... Other than that only my gift to you," she informed as the two Twi'lek girls were taken into the room.

Jadda's eyes widened and Daemor'rah continued. "They were there so they must have belonged to Jabba. They are yours now... If nothing else you want I shall go," Daemor'rah said, knowing that Jadda would pay her well for her bringing in the Twi'leks.

Jadda nodded and ordered for the door to be opened and the Huntress escorted outside. And, as she knew, as she left there were more credits than those that had been originally agreed to.

"Dark Plans"
by Dargus Kandran

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Niothe 13, 4ABY

***

Dargus Kandran strode through the corridors of the Drogen Shipyards unmolested. He nodded politely to one of the stormtroopers approaching him, and continued on his way. The man beneath the armour returned the nod, but kept on walking. Dargus' lips spread into a grin.

He reached his destination without incident, and he passed a hand before the door scanner. A moment later, the door slid open and he stepped inside.

The white-haired man standing on the inside was facing away, out through the large window to the outside. Dargus went to a knee before him. "My master," he said.

"Rise, my apprentice. What news on the planet?"

"I encountered Mordin," Dargus said. "He looked like he'd seen a ghost. The girl left with him."

"Very good, we are best without her here. Her needfulness was...a distraction. Send someone to eliminate her."

Dargus moved and took a seat. "There is a Temple on the planet below. Mordin is leading it. They are gathering others to their cause from what I have heard. Elisia would have been a good spy if she could have been controlled."

"The Jedi do not concern us now. They are weak, and unfocused. When the time comes, they will be eliminated." He moved toward the large chair in the corner and sat. "The fleet is massing near Tatooine. Though, there are problems with...recruiting."

Dargus laughed. "Why not use clones?"

The old man sneered. "I do not trust clones," he said.

"The only other choice is droids," Dargus said. "The clones would work. Evie worked!"

"The rapid development creates an unstable clone. We do not need an unstable army."

"We can perfect that," Dargus said. "We can make them better."

The old man thought about it for a long moment, and then nodded. "How long will it take?"

"Evie was created in a week. We can create our new army in a month. I will get my people on it at once. We will have our army, and then--"

"Patience, my apprentice. All things will happen as I have foreseen them. Now, you must return to the planet below. I sense another opportunity in your future. Find out all you can of this new Jedi Temple. Do not fail me, Darth Morikal."

Dargus bowed low. "I will do as you have bidden me, Lord Sidious." With that, he left the room.

The man that was part of what Palpatine was smiled. While the one from whom he had originally spawned was now dead, the new Lord Sidious, Dark Lord of the Sith was quite alive. Before the Clone Wars, Chancellor Palpatine had taken the precaution of preparing clones as a precaution. And, now a product of that precaution walked free in the universe once more.

All was proceeding according to plan.

"Descent"
By: Sirra Xanye - Jedi Knight

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Niothe 13, 4 ABY

***

The hoverlift took Sirra and her three droids the hundreds of meters from level 368, where Remembrance was berthed, to level 34, where Sirra intended to bask in the feeling of having living beings around her as she browsed through the shops and had a snack, in seconds. The inside of the lift was silent except for the occasional hum of the droids' internal motors as they shifted position. When the doors slid open with a hiss, Sirra smiled at the return of the noise. While not quite so noisy as the berthing levels the shopping concourse that lay before them was still crowded, and the voices of hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals of dozens of species washed over the lone Jedi.

Alpha moved out of the lift ahead of Sirra, sensors constantly scanning for weapons or threatening behaviour, checking faces and builds against its database of known criminals and bounty hunters, and making room in the crowd for his mistress. Sirra followed, with Xeress and Beta close behind, and the group slowly moved out into the flow of creatures walking and browsing through the shops and eateries.

The small group meandered across the wide walkway where Sirra looked over the few items that caught her fancy. The latest fashions from Coruscant were represented in a few shops, but Sirra was not in the mood to shop for clothes. She instead walked through the many boutiques that sold the handmade goods from hundreds of worlds. Mechanization allowed mass produced items to be made and sold for a pittance. And they were boring. But handmade goods were always interesting and often expensive enough to catch Sirra's experienced eye.

But the local customary female garb caught her eye. "It is called the Equadi," the shop owner told her. "Handmade, downplanet." It was feather light, silky, and virtually transparent. She tried it on and loved it on herself after looking in the mirror. The half dozen equadi in various pastel colors were all she bought that day.

All of two standard time parts Sirra just wandered through the shops and watched the assembled creatures come and go. Getting hungry again, she started to look for someplace to eat. Her species had a very fast metabolism and she ate many times a day. "Xeress, is there someplace to get food nearby?" The protocol droid had downloaded a map of the shopping concourses when Sirra had expressed an interest in shopping today.

"Yes, Lady Sirra, there is a place nearby called Xayled's Abyss. It is only a few meters from here." The light green metallic droid gestured with one slender arm. "It is listed as a tavern but notes that there is also food."

No, she didn't want to eat bar food, even if it wasn't one of the greasy, smoke filled bars she had been to before. All of a sudden she wanted to be on the ground. She had been feeling the strange disturbance in the Force since she came near this planet and her desire to know what it was redoubled. "No, let's return to the ship. Send ahead and have Captain prepare for departure and Feena prepare something for me to eat."

"Of course, mistress."

The return to the Remembrance was much less leisurely than the trip to the shopping concourse. Sirra walked quickly, with purpose, and Xeress, if not the security droids, had to almost run to keep up. They were back in the hoverlift in a few minutes and back on 368 only shortly thereafter.

Crossing through the commons area, Sirra was distracted by a shout.

"Hey, sweets, where're you goin' so fast?" The large human male held a mug of something that was surely alcoholic or narcotic in one greasy hand and was sprawled in his chair around a table crowded with other rough looking types. "Got a boyfriend to get back to? Why don't you be my girlfriend for a little while?"

The rough looking group laughed, at least until Beta turned to face them, the double barrelled blaster on his forearm plate showing.

She wanted to leave, and didn't really want these louts hurt. Sirra paused for a moment, then passed her hand through the air. "You don't want to bother me."

The big man looked back at his friends. "We don't wanna bother this chickie."

"You want to go home and rethink your life."

"I'm gonna go home and rethink my life."

Sirra turned and walked away. Moments later, the hatch of the Remembrance was hissing shut behind her. She took a few moments to change, doffing the voluminous cloak and revealing dress and putting on a less encumbering if no less concealing pair of tight, pale green trousers and a silky white blouse with baggy sleeves. The hair arranging droid removed the braids and bells from her hair and Sirra simply pulled her long black hair into a neat ponytail. She also chose a wide, thin shawl to throw over her shoulders and hide the equipment at her waist.

By the time she had changed, the Remembrance was pulling away from its berth and was headed planetside. She took a few minutes to relax with some fresh fruit and a refreshing vitamin drink as the ship headed toward the atmosphere. The long handle of her dual lightsaber hung down below the chair in which she sat as she savored the food her cooking droid had prepared for her.

It seemed that it was only a few minutes before Captain said over the ship's intercom link: "We will be docking at the New Plouton starport in a few minutes, Lady Sirra."

At that, Sirra stood and went to the forward hatch. Alpha and Beta bracketed her, but she shook her head. "No. You are not coming with me right now. Stay aboard the ship."

The two droids looked at each other, at a loss for words. "But, Lady, it might be dangerous out there." This from Alpha.

"No 'buts.' I am going to investigate this alone. If I run into trouble, I will contact the ship and have you come for me." If she ran into trouble that she couldn't handle, likely any rescue attempt would never make it to her in time. The droids knew it as well.

"I am going alone. Don't make me shut the two of you down." That seemed to do it. The pair of bodyguard droids backed away a few steps and made no move to accompany her as the hatch opened and Sirra left the ship.

"Preparations For Oblivion, Part 1"
By: Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat
Moril Astren [NPC]
Plavus [NPC]

Location: Yesdol, New Plouton
Date: Niothe 13, 4 ABY

***

"Mrs. Tregat?" The smuggler stepped through the door of Zenarr Inc. with a sleek, vintrium briefcase in his hand. He cocked his thumb back towards the door and Kaysa nodded as she engaged the remote locking mechanism for it hidden beneath her desk. Satisfied that their privacy was ensured, the man made his way towards Kaysa's desk and took a seat at the chair she in no way offered him. One stern look from Kaysa, and the man rose again. With a sigh, he stepped forward and laid the briefcase atop her desk.

"The item is secure, is it not?" Kaysa leaned forward and smiled almost fiercely. "Don't want any accidents."

The man scoffed at her and proceeded to tap the code into the keypad. "I've been hauling this stuff for years, Mrs. Tregat. I've taken all the necessary precautions."

A short, shrill chirp sounded, followed by the distinct click of the locking device disengaging. Plavus opened the lid of the briefcase, then swivelled the entire case around towards Kaysa. "There is your merchandise. Top quality and guaranteed effective. You want me to go through how to use it?"

"No," Kaysa said absently as she stared in thrall at the device. "I know how to work one."

Plavus raised his hands and stepped back. "Okay, okay," he said with a laugh. "But warn me before this thing blows. I don't wanna be anywhere within a kilometer of it. Now...don't remove the safety on the detonator before you're ready. I've had the internal timer disconnected, which means it can only be activated by hand. That doesn't give whoever's gonna be using the thing a lot of time to get clear..."

Kaysa saw the expectant, inquisitive expression on his face, but dismissed whatever question he was obviously waiting to ask her. "None of your business, Plavus." She slid a credit stick across the desk, then sat back and stared at the spherical device cradled in porous, gray polyfoam and gleaming attractively. She never knew a weapon of such destructive potential could be so beautiful. "Good day, Plavus. And thanks."

The man slipped the cred stick into his pocket and saluted Kaysa unceremoniously. With another laugh and a shake of his head, he turned and strode back towards the door, which was conveniently unlocked by the time he was within the door's sensor range. Once it had closed behind him, Kaysa secured it again. Her fingers flexed, then stretched out to the thermal detonator. It wouldn't fail her, that she knew, for she refused to let anything go wrong and compromise her scheme.

"In time, my precious," she whispered affectionately to the device as she closed the lid over it. She smoothed her hand across the top of the case, then sighed contentedly and sat back in her chair. Everything she needed was almost in her arsenal, but she would collect the rest after she performed some intel gathering. She wondered, then, if Zale would mind her dropping in unannounced, and how much sex she would need to perform to get the answers she needed.

***

Zale was hip deep in security reports when Moril's voice came through the intercom. "Zale, there's a sexy brunette here to see you."

"Tell her not today, my wife might find out."

Moril laughed. "Alright, though she's looking very hot."

Zale thought about it for a moment. "Alright, just give me a warning if my wife enters the building. She'd probably flay the skin from my bones if she found out."

"Sending her in now."

When the door opened, Zale was reclining back in his chair and staring up at the ceiling. "Well, hello there," he said, and then glanced down. "Oh gods! Kaysa! Damn you, Moril! Why didn't you say it was Kaysa? Now, boy do I feel embarrassed." He flashed her a wide grin, and slid out from behind his desk. "Hello, my love."

"Very humourous, Zale." Kaysa moved into his arms and kissed him tenderly. "So...should I be worried about this brunette?"

"Only if you develop a second personality," he said. "And, no one could ever drag me away from you. Though, I did set up some pilots for you. One of them was a rather cute brunette, but she didn't seem all that interested in me. Still, from what I saw of the tests we gave her, she's a good pilot."

"Well...send her by tomorrow. I'll check her out and see what I think about her." She poked him in the abdomen and added playfully, "Maybe I can even set something up for the two of you."

Zale stared at her wide-eyed. "Really? You'd do that? Let me...mingle with women who aren't you or Shiv?" He made a show of thinking about the prospect and then nodded. "I think I like that."

Kaysa laughed dryly and frowned. "No you wouldn't. Trust me."

Zale laughed and kissed Kaysa again. "No, I wouldn't. I don't think I'd be happy with anyone but you. I never thought any one person would steal my heart so completely, but you have."

"Sorry?" Kaysa offered. She smiled warmly then nestled her cheek into his chest. "I like being with you too, much to Merrick's chagrin."

Zale chuckled softly as he moved them both back toward his chair. "Well, Merrick gets his time with you so he has nothing to complain about. Besides, he's practically got Shiv around him all the time...much to Keeve's chagrin." He took a seat in the chair, pulling Kaysa down into his lap as he did. "So, what brings my beautiful wife into my office today?"

"I don't know," she said with a sigh. She lay her head upon his shoulder and began idly playing with a strand of plaited hair. "I was in my own office catching up on things, and I decided I was bored so I came here. You don't mind, do you? I mean, I'm sure if you have any appointments, they can wait."

"If I have any appointments," Zale said with a smile, "I'll cancel them. And, I'm glad you stopped by. I was getting bored here, and Moril ran out of amusing stories to keep me entertained."

"Perhaps next time, I should send Shiv over to keep him occupied, that way you won't have to suffer such tortures again." Kaysa intended to lull Zale with small talk before attacking the real purpose of her visit. Since he appeared at ease, she decided now was probably the best time to begin. "You know, I really hate not getting frisked by your boys. They just use those scanner things," she said, attempting to sound as obtuse as possible. "I mean, can't those things be fooled? Being a rich man like yourself, I'm sure you've got top of the line equipment. Is there any way past it, like shielding devices and such?"

Zale laughed. "Planning on sneaking a weapon past my scanners are you?" he asked. "I only had them stop frisking you because you liked it too much. I think the question that did it was, 'Deez, are you sure you don't want to make sure I don't have a blaster strapped to my inner thigh?' but I could be wrong." He grinned and kissed her. "Actually, they can be fooled, but it's difficult. Shielding will do it. There are also devices on the black market that send a disrupting pulse to the scanner, that forces it to recalibrate. The tricky part is that the re-calibration doesn't show up on the monitors, it's all in the internal circuitry. I'm trying to devise a way to get around that, but haven't come up with anything yet. This is all probably completely boring and uninteresting though."

"No, it's not. I'm in the smuggling business so it's beneficial to Zenarr Inc. to know about any new technology that could make my smugglers' jobs safer and easier...like getting past scanning equipment." Kaysa grinned and smoothed her hand over Zale's chest. "But if you're not interested in helping your own acquisition..."

"Of course I'm interested," Zale said with a laugh. "I take it you need some of these devices?"

"If you're offering..." she replied with a sultry smile.

"I'll get in touch with my contact," he said. "I should have one for you within the next couple days. I may even be able to acquire multiples."

"And they'll work, right? They're not too bulky, are they? You can't conceal a weapon if the shielding device itself is a large, conspicuous object."

"It's only a few centimeters in diameter, and not even half a centimeter thick. It's very easy to conceal. There's a pressure sensitive spot on the surface that you touch, and it'll do its magic. Just have your pilots press it before going through the detector. The effect lasts for about thirty seconds. After that, it takes the capacitor around fifteen minutes to recharge."

"Wow," Kaysa said with a laugh. "You know a lot about this stuff. It's kind of...appealing." Having all the information she needed, Kaysa decided some tender moments with her husband were in order. She wanted as many as she could get before she went through with her fatal plan. She nibbled delicately on his throat and slid her arms around his waist. "Should we go to lunch? Or maybe we can go see Merrick at the club. We can do anything...unless you're busy."

"I'm not busy at all," Zale said. "How about we head toward the club and see how far we can get before other urges detour us?" He opened his throat more toward her, inviting her lips to do as they wished.

"I know a nice shop we could sate those urges behind. Me and Gladyne, the owner, go way back." Kaysa moved her kisses to Zale's jaw, then his lips. "In fact, she helped Shiv pick out a particularly sexy dress during one shopping trip. The only hitch is, she keeps calling those pesky Morality Guards on us."

"We'll just have to teach her a lesson," Zale said with a grin. "I could bring a few boys along to wait for the Morality Guard, to let them know what we think of them when they show up." He laughed at the riot that would ensue if that happened. "Did you want to bring Shiv along? We could get her a new dress, and it will almost be like a reunion."

"If we invited her, we'd have to bring Keeve along." Kaysa grimaced and pulled away from Zale. "Things don't look too optimistic on that front. I don't think he'll ever really be close with me, Zale. At least I can try again--" Knowing there would be no chance for another child if her plan succeeded, Kaysa avoided that particular topic. "At any rate, let's just leave them be for today. Just me and my two men."

Zale smiled. "I like the sound of that," he said, and then helped them both to their feet. "Come on. I'll let Moril know I'll be gone for the rest of the day. And, then we can go see what fate has in store for us."

"I'm so glad you're this committed to your job." Kaysa gave Zale and alluring smile, than sauntered towards the door with hips swaying lasciviously. "You coming, Mr. Zenarr?"

"You keep moving like that," Zale said, "and I will be." With a grin, he followed her out of the office where he quickly apprised Moril of the situation. Once that was done, he took Kaysa's hand and they started off toward the elevator.

"Don't you love being married to such a spontaneous woman? I mean...if it weren't for me, you'd never have any fun."

"I love being married to you, and that includes everything that comes with the package," Zale said. "And, your spontaneity makes life interesting." He drew her hand up to his lips. "I like interesting."

"And that's only because you're so predictable and dull." She smiled sweetly at him and backed into the lift. "But you make up for it in bed."

"I should hope I do," Zale said. "I didn't go through all that training for nothing. I'd better be the best lover you've ever had, or I'll be very upset." He glanced at her and laughed. "Okay, if not the best, then the most technically accomplished. I can't imagine how all of my skill could ever make up for Shiv's enthusiasm or Merrick's...whatever skill Merrick has."

"Well...Merrick sings to you in bed. Can you do that?"

"Not if you don't want nightmares," Zale said with a grin. "I imagine he's also got a huge heart, and does everything he can to make sure you are very happy by the end of the night. I know he doesn't think he fits in, but he really needs to take a look at your eyes when you look at him again. It's pretty obvious."

"Maybe I better make it more obvious for him. He thinks he isn't man enough, Zale. He feels threatened by you, even though he doesn't say it."

Zale shook his head. "That's probably because I keep telling him he's my bitch. I really should stop that, but it's one of those habits I picked up in prison, and I haven't been able to shake it yet. I'll talk to him later, and let him know where things stand."

Kaysa pursed her lips to repress a laugh, but it was a futile effort. "Well...I'm sure he doesn't mind. He does like the attention. He's a celebrity, after all."

"Very true," Zale said with a slow nod. "I wonder if he'd get my name tattooed on his arm. Or, if he'd wear a leather collar with an I.D. tag. The possibilities are endless. You know, I think scheduling time together, for all of us is going to get very difficult."

"You will not monopolize my musician's time, Zale!" Kaysa playfully batted him in the arm. "He needs to have some time to write those love songs that make Shiv and I swoon. He's very, very good at that."

"Maybe one of these days all three of us - you, me, and Shiv, can go to one of Merrick's shows. We could get someone to watch Keeve for the night, and all just go out."

Kaysa emitted a shrewd, abrupt laugh and glanced at Zale with a look of skepticism. "I don't think we should leave anyone alone with that child. They'd likely end up maimed or dead, or both."

Zale frowned and then nodded. "What about a droid? One of the kind used for military purposes. One of those E5 models. If anyone could keep that boy in line, it'd be that kind of droid. You don't think Keeve could maim a droid, do you?"

"Frankly...I think he could manage it. He's my son, which means he's resourceful and industrious. We'll probably be cleaning up droid parts for weeks."

Zale laughed and nodded. "Yeah, you're right. I think leaving anyone or anything, other than me, you, or Shiv with him is testing fate." They stepped out of the turbolift and started off down the street toward the White Noise. "Is it true he took a bath with Shiv?"

Kaysa frowned. "Yes. And he saw them in bed too. I mean...I know Shiv was from a planet with very different principles and morals...but I still can't believe--" She stopped herself before she got too worked up, then shrugged. "She knows now that it's wrong, so..."

"I think him seeing her is one of the reasons he likes her so much," Zale said. "I have a feeling if that weren't the case, I'd be the only one who could control him because one of the first things I did when he met me was give him the first spanking of his life. Shiv probably doesn't see it as wrong as you do." He glanced at the woman walking past them in an equadi, then looked to Kaysa with a raised eyebrow. "And, she's probably trying to just get the kid to like her so he won't burn up her studio or bras anymore."

"No, Zale. That's just...wrong. We can't keep giving into him like my parents did. Do you want him to end up even more spoiled than he already is? He'll be even more uncontrollable then."

"I'm the one who's been spanking him when he's bad," Zale said. "And, I think Shiv is stopping her feeding of his voyeuristic tendencies. Though, we'll see. I guess what we all need to do is decide how to handle the boy's wild side."

"Well," Kaysa said with a grin, "how did you handle mine? We could tranquilize him and strap him to a chair as well. I'm sure he's not too young for that."

"There's also that window in my office," he added. "And, I think it helped that you were falling in love with me. And, then there was...but, he's still too young for that. I guess it's windows, tranquilizers, and chairs."

Kaysa smiled wanly and walked in silence with Zale past the equadi-clad women and other pedestrians. Finally, she realized something she'd neglected to take care of while devising her scheme: Keeve and his welfare. Zale was his stepfather and would take care of him, but she had to know for certain. "You will watch him, won't you? I mean...if anything ever happens to me...you'll keep him and make sure he's alright...won't you?"

Zale laughed. "Something'll happen to me long before it happens to you," he said. "But, of course. We all would. But, nothing's gonna happen to you. I can't imagine what I would do if something ever did happen to you, Kaysa." He shook his head and flexed his new hand. "I guess thinking about it...I know what you were feeling when you found out. I think all of our lives would crumble without you; you're our anchor."

Kaysa turned her face away from Zale and clenched shut her eyes. She never did consider what it would do to her loves if she went through with her scheme, but it had to be done. They would struggle without her for a time, but they were strong enough to overcome the sadness...weren't they? "You've...you've got it wrong, Zale. I'm the weak link. It's you, and Shiv, and Merrick who keep me from falling apart. I know you'd miss me for a while...but you three would make it together. I know it."

"I want you to say that the next time you have Shiv or Merrick looking into your eyes," Zale said. "I want you to honestly say that she'd be able to pick up and move on after you're gone." He shook his head, and glanced back to the shadow on their trail. His men were doing their jobs, and with Kaysa's recent talk, he'd need to have them doing an extra job. "But, anyway," he continued, "I think we'd have our hands so full with Keeve, we wouldn't have time to think about anything else." She's planning something, he thought, and I need to find out what it is.

Kaysa laughed blandly as they stopped by the edge of the walkway and Zale began hailing a hovercab. "I've been thinking of sending him to school. Maybe there, he can learn to play well with others. It's probably not gonna happen, but at least it's worth a shot."

"Possibly one of those military-style schools," Zale said. "The kind where he'll learn discipline. He needs discipline and order in his life. He needs to have his rebellious nature diminished enough to make home-life bearable. I can help you look for a place if you'd like." A cab had seen them, and Zale stopped waving as it approached.

"That sounds great," she replied with a tight smile. She wouldn't be around long enough to actually aid him in the search, but at least she wanted to make an effort while she was still around.

Zale opened the hatch for her and Kaysa slipped inside the cab. She instructed the man to transport them to the White Noise, and once Zale was settled within, the cab sped away. "He'll be upset, however. I don't think there are any naked women in military schools."

Zale laughed. "But, that's what we want," he said. "And, I don't care if he doesn't like it. He'll have to get used to it. If they have tall walls, we won't even have to worry about him seeing women on the streets wearing equadis either. Maybe the three of us, you, me, and Merrick, can start looking later on."

"I can only do it today. I have a busy schedule tomorrow. I have to interview that women you're sending to me, I have some manifests to look over..." Kaysa sighed and let her head fall upon Zale's shoulder. "I like the fact that Zenarr Inc. is getting back on track, but I really do hate working. I'd rather spend all day like this, just me and one of my lovers going out on the town."

Zale kissed Kaysa on the forehead between chuckles. "Well, if you really want, I'm sure we could find someone to run things for you while you gallivant around the city with me and Merrick."

She sighed wistfully and shook her head. "We'll all be living together now. There'll be some time." Kaysa craned her neck to look up at Zale. "Are you moving anything in today? We can stop by your apartment and grab some clothes if you want."

"I think that sounds like a good idea," Zale said. "I probably won't need much, just clothes and other personal items. Unless there's some furniture you'd like me to bring as well."

"If you wanna wait until we get a bigger place, then you can. We have all the essentials. I don't think there's anything you need to bring in the way of furnishings. Although," she said with a grin, "I wonder whose bed you'll be sleeping in. I know Shiv would be glad to have you."

"I can't think of very many people who Shiv wouldn't be glad to have in her bed," Zale said with a laugh. "As long as you're fine with it, I guess I'll move in with Shiv until we can find someplace bigger. That means I'm probably going to have to see her naked all the time, aren't I? You know, I just don't know if I'll be able to handle that."

"Fine!" Kaysa shouted with a laugh. She pushed Zale