"Crumbling"
By: Raeila Mullerin
and Ferrig Mullerin

Location: Thanatos, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 15, 4ABY

***

Tedious and dreary. That is how Raeila described the way this day was shaping up. Listening to the boys recount their vast feats of virility during last night's rape raid - with obscene gestures to add emphasis where needed - wasn't how Raeila would have preferred to spend her afternoon. Berum had pulled her off the street over an hour ago with the explanation that Ferrig had called an important Feltrey meeting. Yet upon arriving at the tavern, they discovered he was absent so they waited.

The gang had already finished three rounds of drinks and were onto their fourth by the time Ferrig graced them with his regal presence. Raeila pushed away a ganger who had taken the liberty of latching his mouth to her neck and started towards her brother.

"What the hell took you so long? I could've been out there making money, not languishing in this piss hole."

Ferrig laughed. "Don't worry," he said with a wide smile. "You won't have to worry about this piss hole for much longer. We're moving up, little sister. It's time to stop languishing, and be the gang that we know we can be. It's time to take control and raise the desert against the wet lands to the north!"

Raeila giggled at Ferrig's spirited proclamation. "So...in other words, we're going on another supply run?"

"How would you like to have that corner bedroom in the constable's office, Rae? I think it's time we started running this place from the supposed seat of power."

She grinned slowly at her brother and paced towards him. "You mean it?"

"We're hitting the constable, Rae," Ferrig said with a smile. "We're going to start it. This place will be ours soon, and we can do whatever we want with it."

"The constabulary building..." Raeila tapped her finger upon her chin, then sprang up and down with a gleeful squeal. She threw her arms around Ferrig and kissed him. "And you have a plan, I presume?"

"Of course I do," Ferrig said as he slipped his arms around Raeila. "I've always got a plan. And, I think this one is particularly ingenious. And, when we spring it, they won't know what hit them." He offered her a proud grin, and then kissed her. "That's why I called this meeting. We're going to hit them, and hit them hard."

"Gather 'round, boys!" Raeila called out to the drunken gangers lounging about. "My brilliant brother has a plan."

The gangers staggered towards Ferrig and greeted him with belches and bawdy comments about his performance in last night's rape raid. Raeila managed to quieten them with a shrill yell for silence and they more or less watched Ferrig indifferently and in silence, awaiting the next inspiring words to come from his lips.

Ferrig brushed past Raeila with a grin. "Now, you get to see a master at work."

"I saw that last night in bed," she shot back with a wink.

"Oh, you haven't seen anything yet," Ferrig said with an even wider grin. "By the time I get done with this crowd, you're going to want to drag me back to bed and sing my praises through sexual favours."

"We'll see," Rae countered with a crooked smile. She slinked over to one of the round tavern tables and slid into a chair. With her elbows resting atop the tacky surface, she regarded Ferrig with mock intrigue. "Well...let's have it, Mullerin!" she called out.

The rest of the patrons - consisting only of Feltreys -egged him on and disrupted the silence previously achieved until Ferrig stepped out in front of the assembled gang. "For too long," he began, "the gangs of Thanatos have fought against each other. We kill each other on our own sands, and we watch those we care about cut down before our eyes. But that's not the way. That's not Thana's way. Watch Domega's chariot flying across the sky, and where does it lead us?" He looked around, and then without waiting for an answer, shouted, "The North! And, we must give up our fight with the other gangs. We must join forces as Troban and Tirael once did, and cut down the Wet Hordes to the North! We will unite the sands, and take back what is ours. To toarai i se kir'thana!"

Ferrig's uplifting speech managed to penetrate the addled minds of the gangers, and whether they were in support of Ferrig's proposal or not, they raised their glasses and echoed his words. They chanted it and bellowed, creating quite a din within the tavern. Raeila, on the other hand, remained seated in her chair, watching Ferrig in silent admiration and respect. The men around her were cheering for him, her brother and soon-to-be king. And she would be his queen.

It was a bitter-sweet moment, for Kael should have been standing there beside Ferrig, sharing his place. Raeila looked down at her hands clasped together atop the table. There would be no bracelet upon her wrist, the one Kael would have given her on their wedding day, but he promised to return, which lent her some hope. If Ferrig's scheme succeeded, maybe Kael would find the desert a more hospitable and appealing place to live. Maybe then her arozeil would come back to her.

The celebration turned into a full-blown party, with music, drinking, and general rowdiness. Ferrig finally managed to break away from the group that was trying to lift him onto their shoulders, and slipped over to where Raeila was sitting. He slid into place across from her at the table, and smiled at her. He reached out and took her hand into his. "I could tell the moment you started thinking about him," he said. "We'll get him back, Sis. Just wait and see. He'll be back to us before you know it."

Raeila nodded morosely and managed a smile for Ferrig. "He loved this sort of thing, Ferrig. It's what he's always dreamed of doing. I just..." She sighed and sank back against her chair. "I wanted him to be here to share our victory with us."

Ferrig shifted around until he was sitting on Raeila's side of the table. "We started the party without him, but there's still time for him to get in a few dances. And, I can't imagine he'd ever pass on a chance to dance with you. We'll have him here before you know it, Rae. He wants to be with us. He wants to be with you." He took her hand into his, and circled her wrist with his fingers. "He'll put that bracelet here; I know it."

Raeila looked down at her encircled wrist wistfully and with longing. For an instant, Ferrig's tanned skin gleamed like the desert gold that would form the wedding bracelet he spoke of. She laughed softly and gently pulled her wrist from Ferrig's grip to rest her hand atop his. "And as our king, you'll perform the ceremony, brother. I won't have anyone else."

"And, as king, it will also be my responsibility to share the bride with the groom," Ferrig said with a smile. "It is the blessing of kings to consecrate a marriage through the ritual bonding of sex. I don't think he'd mind."

Raeila laughed as her high-spirits returned. She nudged her brother in the arm with her shoulder. "I'm sure Kael would be honoured to share his arozeil with the king. I bet he'd mind even less if he could be there during the sacred event."

"I think that's a very good idea," Ferrig said with a wide smile. "I think that would be a very good idea. Perhaps a new custom. All new brides get a special treatment with the king, and if the husband is good he can join. I like that idea very much, my little sister."

Raeila stroked her brother's hand lightly and pulled her thoughts away from weddings, and especially Kael. "And what of this plan? Have you actually worked out a battle strategy?"

"First thing is going to be taking the constable's office," Ferrig said. "We assemble most of the gang around the area, and stage a little fight directly in front of their office. They'll come out to investigate, and while they're in the open, we strike."

"Fight on our own field..." Raeila giggled to show her excitement and approval. "Then what? We commandeer the place and rally the other gangs? I don't know how you're gonna manage that one, brother. I mean...I can't give them all head. There isn't enough of me to go around."

"A little rhetoric will get them interested," Ferrig said. "I think if you could help convince the other gang leaders, that would get us most of the way there. Then after that, we'd need to hit something and score a victory. I think once the gangs see that we can do this, and that we can take back our planet, they'll flock to our cause."

"But one problem, Ferrig. What if the other gang leaders want a piece of the glory? What if they want to do the leading themselves?"

"They should have thought of it before us," Ferrig said. "And, if they want the top spot, we can settle it the way we always settle. One on one. If they think they have what it takes to lead the unified gangs, they'll have to prove it."

Raeila squeezed Ferrig's hand impulsively and tried to smooth the worry from her brow. "You know...this could lead to one big gang war, Ferrig. Aren't you afraid of that happening?"

Ferrig shook his head. "No," he said. "The gangs tend to follow the strongest leader. And, when we unify behind the goal of striking down the Wetters, I can't think of any Kir'Thana who wouldn't want to be part of that."

"I want to!" Raeila volunteered excitedly. "I mean...can I fight, Ferrig? Can I be there when we attack the constabulary building?"

Ferrig eyed his sister warily and then nodded. "But, you'll have to stick by me," he said. "I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost you, little sister."

"You made me a Feltrey, Ferrig. If you didn't want me to fight, you shouldn't have agreed to it. Besides," she said with a shrug, "how hard can firing a blaster be?"

"That's the easy part," Ferrig said. "It's the getting hit by one that's not so easy."

Raeila chewed her lip and nodded slowly. "Well...then I won't get hit by one. I mean, I'm not exactly a large target, Ferrig. I should be alright...I think."

"That's why I want you to stick near me, Raeila," he said. "So we can watch out for each other. You're all I've got, and I have to keep you safe. But, I'm sure you'll do fine in your first firefight."

Raeila grinned and let her hand drop off the table and onto Ferrig's thigh. "Of course I will. With my brother by my side, I'll be fine." She sneaked her hand to the butt of his blaster and with a giggle, she pulled it from his belt and jumped out of her chair. "But with some practice, I'll be invincible!" She had to admit, she had no idea how to hold a blaster and even as she did now, her finger rested precariously close to the discharger. "Come on, Ferrig. Teach me!" She waved the weapon around foolhardily and giggled boisterously. "Please?"

Ferrig quickly reached up and snatched the weapon away from his sister. "Let's go outside if you want to learn to shoot this thing," he said. "We don't want you gunning down the rest of the gang before we can make our move."

Raeila's lips puckered into a pout at having her fun stifled by Ferrig. "I bet you won't even let me touch the thing once we're outside," she complained. "You don't think I can do it!"

With a flick of his thumb, Ferrig ejected the power cell of the weapon, and then handed it back to Raeila. "When we get outside and you're out of danger of shooting any of the boys, you'll get the power cell back."

"Fine," Raeila muttered peevishly. She aimed the blaster at Ferrig as she made her way across the bar, then depressed the discharger and imitated the whine of blaster fire hurtling towards him. "Gotcha, brother." She giggled and hopped out into the alley.

"In the future, make sure that you only point that weapon at people you do want dead," Ferrig said as he held the power cell at bay. "Point that at the wrong person, and you're likely to get yourself shot." He tossed her the power cell. "You can pick your target, Rae."

Raeila fumbled with the cell and finally managed to get a firm hold on it. She studied the blaster, turning it upside down and every which way, until she finally found where to replace the power cell. "Okay!" she called out to Ferrig. "Help me choose a target. Something easy for the first try." She held the blaster with two hands and at arm's length. She passed the weapon across her field of view to find a target, squinting and pulling her lower lip into her mouth to assist in focusing herself.

Ferrig looked around for a target, making certain that he didn't suddenly become one. "There," he said pointing across the street. "That big window on that building. Aim for that."

Raeila adjusted her stance to place the window head on, then she centred the blaster on her target. Her hands refused to be steadied and the barrel of the weapon hovered about the section of the window she was focusing on. She sucked in a deep breath, closed her eyes, and fired. Raeila squealed as the blaster discharged a bolt of orange light. The weapon jerked upwards and sent the pulse of energy astray, hitting the wall instead of the window, then dissipating. "Ohh," she whined. "I missed, didn't I?" she said as she opened her eyes.

Ferrig laughed as he watched the smouldering scorch in the wall. "Yes," he said. "That is a miss. Though, if it were a Wetter you were shooting at, you might have gotten his friend if he had any friends."

Raeila frowned sourly at Ferrig over her shoulder. "Not good enough. Teach me, Ferrig! I...I wanna kill something!"

Ferrig took the blaster from her hand and pointed the weapon across the street. He fired off four shots, placing one in each pane of the four-paned window. "In order to kill something," he said, "you have to hit what you're aiming at."

"I know that, Ferrig!" she shouted at him in annoyance. "Why are you being so condescending? I said I wanted to learn and now you're rubbing in the fact that I wouldn't be able to defend myself if a Beeja rat was attacking me." She stomped her foot in frustration and kicked sand at Ferrig. "If you won't help me, I'll find someone who will," she announced before she turned and strode off.

Before she could move away, Ferrig caught her arm. "I only said what I did, because you're too fired up to kill something. You need to start at the beginning, and work up to killing things. If you get impatient with this, Rae, it'll get you killed. If you pull a blaster on another man, and you miss, chances are he's going to hit you with his first shot."

She stubbornly avoided Ferrig's gaze, then noting his words were spoken out of affection and concern, she sighed and nodded her head. "Fine. But I wanna be of some use around here, Ferrig. You gotta teach me so I can help us claim what's ours."

"First thing first when shooting a blaster," he said handing her the blaster once again, "is that you need to make sure you're steady. If you have trouble holding it steady just aiming out, try holding it with both hands. Try on that other bank of windows."

Raeila did as Ferrig instructed, holding the blaster tightly in both hands. It still shook as she trembled, and she realized her body quaked out of excitement. Holding a weapon in her hand instilled such power in her that it stirred her into a frenzy. She chewed her lip and slowed her breathing. Ferrig whispered gentle encouragement to her as she aimed at one of the windows and fired. Again her eyes closed, but at the sound of shattering glass, they snapped open and Raeila squealed. "I did it?" She hopped up and down, laughing exuberantly. "I did it! Ferrig, did you see? I can do it!"

"Nice shooting, little sister," Ferrig said with a laugh. "Let's go find some more targets. Hey, I know. I bet there are lots of targets over at the Rhack."

Raeila's smile became feral as she stepped closer to Ferrig. "Too bad that fat, meddling nerf isn't there. I bet I could've hit him, Ferrig. He looked like an easy target." She draped her arms over Ferrig's shoulders with the blaster still hanging loosely from her hand. "Oh, Ferrig, we should've burned that place to the ground."

"Well, we can still blast it to the ground," he said with a wide grin. "Let me get another blaster, and we'll head over and have some fun filling it with so many holes the place falls down." With that, he rushed over and took a blaster from one of the Feltreys; the kid was too drunk to notice it was gone. "Let's go!"

Raeila clasped Ferrig's hand and skipped alongside him as they made their way to the Rhack. "So...is this my early birthday present, Ferrig? You didn't forget, did you?"

"Of course I didn't forget," Ferrig said with a laugh. "That would be like forgetting that we're Kir'Thana. And, if you want this to be an early birthday present, then it will be."

"Well...okay, but I don't want it to be my only present. I mean...you'll get me something else, won't ya, Ferrig?" She extended her lower lip, but instead of pouting, she giggled.

Ferrig smiled, and slipped his arms around Raeila. "When have I ever given you just one present? Of course you'll get more. If I can manage it, you'll get this place wrapped up with a bow for you."

Raeila knew the one thing she wanted for her birthday, but couldn't ask Ferrig for that. No one could force Kael to come back. It would be asking for the impossible. "I don't want a big party, though. Just you and me, Ferrig. I...I'm not really in the mood for a big celebration."

"Just a little thing with you and me," Ferrig promised. "And, I'll make sure you feel like the most special girl in the world, Rae. You deserve that."

"I'm glad I have you, Ferrig." Raeila pressed a kiss to his cheek, then laid her head upon his shoulder. "I think I'd be dead by now if you weren't around and if you didn't love me so much."

"And, I don't think I'd still be around if I didn't have you coaching me with my jokes," he said with a smile. "Or if you didn't keep me level-headed when I need it. We're good together, Raeila. We have to stick together for always."

"And we will, Ferrig. Especially if I learn how to use this blaster properly." She held the weapon up before her and angled it towards the sun, delighting in its gleam. "I can watch your back and make sure you'll always be able to be there for me."

Ferrig smiled. "I think I'd feel better with you at my back than anyone else," he said. "And, once you learn to use that thing, I can't even begin to imagine what kind of team we'll be."

"Well, it's only until we get our own royal security entourage. After that, we won't need to use these things anymore. We'll have others watching our backs. And when we do," she said with a dreamy smile, "we can sit in a tub full of water all day, eating all our favourite things and making love all the way into the night."

Ferrig closed his eyes for a moment and smiled dreamily at the images forming in his mind. "Oh yes," he said. "That is a very nice future. The king and queen of the planet."

"Kings," Raeila corrected. "If we can get Kael to see things our way, of course."

"We'll get him," Ferrig said. "He wants to be here with us. He's just honing that power thing he has. But, he'll be back, and then he'll use that power for our side."

"And then we'll be unstoppable, Ferrig?" Raeila lifted her head and gazed up with hope shining from her large gray eyes. "Then we'll be happy?"

"And, then we'll be happy, Rae," Ferrig said and kissed the back of his sister's neck. "Then we'll be happier than we've ever been in our lives, and everything will be right."

"I believe you, brother. I've always believed everything you've told me." She nestled her head beneath Ferrig's chin. "I believed you when you said you'd protect me from father, and you did. You took care of me, like you always do, and I know if it's happiness I want, you'd do everything and anything to give it to me. And I love you for it, brother mine."

"After dad...I've made it my solemn vow to do everything I can possibly do to see that you're always happy. He made you so upset, and so unhappy... I have to make up for that. And, I think I'm doing a pretty good job so far. Now, when we start shooting that busted, old building, I'll know for sure."

Raeila laughed and pulled away from Ferrig. "Then let's get there before it gets late or before some other gangers decide they need an interesting target." She giggled as she jerked Ferrig forward and trampled briskly through the sands.

With a laugh, Ferrig followed after Raeila as they ran headlong toward where the Rhack's gravesite soon would be. He felt his pulse quicken when the building came into view. He'd been longing to bring it to the ground for sometime, and now was his chance. Along with his sister, they would pay Orn back for stealing from them. It was a small price for now, but soon the much larger price would be paid.

"So...here we are again." Raeila poked her head into the doorless entryway of the Rhack and sighed wistfully as she looked upon the glass littered floor and the crumbling ceiling. Her boots ground and cracked the glass shards as she stepped through the doorway. "We had some fun here, didn't we?"

Ferrig smiled as he looked around the room from the doorway. "We did," he said. "I still think we should have had the fat man fuck Purple. I think that would have truly broken his spirit. Then we'd have killed the bitches, and Kael would still be with us. Oh, but damn it was fun."

"I can still hear the loud smacking sound as my fists slammed into the Rat's face." Raeila moaned happily and twirled dizzily about the diner. "If we ever come across them again, we're gonna finish what we started, brother. And it'll be ten times worse for those little bitches."

"Oh yes," Ferrig said with a grin. "They'll be finding pieces of them all the way on the other side of the planet. No one fucks with the Feltreys and just walks away." He pulled his blaster from the holster and aimed it at the far wall. He fired off three shots that erupted into sprays of whatever shit Orn had his restaurant built out of. Probably some cheap, wetter trash. He let out a happy cry as he fired off more shots.

Inspired by Ferrig's enthusiasm, Raeila held up her blaster and began firing. She whooped and laughed shrilly as windows were shattered and the legs blown off of chairs. It invigorated her and through each shot she fired, a little of the frustration and dejection of losing her one opportunity to reclaim Kael seemed to flow out through her trigger finger.

Her peals of laughter converged with Ferrig's cheers until they sounded as one, letting out a terrific cry that could have trembled the very shoddy foundation upon which the Rhack was built, where her hopes had been raised, only to be quickly stamped out. Even as her power cell drained, Raeila continued depressing the discharger as she shouted and whirled about the room. "We'll kill them all, Ferrig!" she shrieked. "Every. Last. One of them." she added, each word emphasized by the click of the discharge mechanism.

Ferrig was busily sending blaster bolt after blaster bolt into the corner of the room, and as he looked it was noticeably sagging now. He let out another cry as he started edging toward the door. "We don't wanna be in here when the ceiling goes, Rae."

Ferrig's voice was but a muffled blur among Raeila's grunts and fierce cries. She wanted to see the place fall, to crumble. It would be her doing and watching it collapse would be a success in her eyes, since she had set out to do it, and it was done. It gave her a sense of power and gratification, for if she could accomplish this, she could get Kael back. She could do anything and would have everything she wanted.

Ferrig blasted the corner of the room again as he moved back to Raeila's side. He saw the ceiling noticeably shift as the support holding the corner was blasted to pieces. "Raeila! We don't want to be under this when it comes down! Move back!"

Her finger tapped rapidly at the triggering device and while her blaster was utterly useless now, in her mind she saw walls being picked away at by bolts of energy, and Orn's fat body wriggling wildly upon the floor as she fired relentlessly at his rotund stomach while the Rat ran screaming from the room. She heard her voice convulsing with laughter and felt the burn of tears in her eyes. She may have failed once, but she wouldn't fail again. All would suffer as she and Ferrig had been forced to suffer, but their punishments would be far more tortuous.

Ferrig finally just reached out, grabbed the weapon from his sister, and replaced it with the one he'd been using. "Just don't shoot me with it," he said as he fished through his belt for a spare power cell.

The power generated within the blaster hummed in her ears and pulsated against her hand as she held the weapon. Her teeth bit down onto her bottom lip as she fired madly at whatever her blaster was pointed at. She licked at the salty tears that came near her mouth and that in itself inspired her to destroy every last inch of the Rhack.

The studs holding the ceiling aloft groaned as they began buckling under the weight. Every shot that hit the wall further weakened the support beams and parts of the diner already began caving in. Raeila didn't notice a thing, except for how many blaster shots hit the Rat's body as she ran screaming. "He's mine, Rat! You should've known that all along!"

Before the ceiling could fully collapse, Ferrig moved behind his sister, and began coaxing her out of the diner. "It's coming down, Rae, and I can't give you any more birthday presents if you're buried beneath this place."

Raeila spun around and slapped away the hand upon her shoulder. She stumbled backwards with the blaster still held out before her and shook her head quickly. "Not you again... Why won't you stay dead?" Her hands trembled as they tightened around the butt of the blaster. "You can't have him back, Rat. Don't you get it? He loves me!" She fired a shot at the illusion of Nieme, but to Ferrig's fortune, it missed its mark and was absorbed into the wall behind him.

"It's me, Sis," Ferrig called out, hoping to break through her delusions. He slowly started moving forward, counting on Raeila's poor aim to get him close enough to grab the blaster from her hand. "Rae, stop shooting before you hit me. We've got to get out of here."

The ceiling emitted a low rumble as support beams began snapping. Raeila, however, was only interested in exterminating the disgusting Rat before her. "Stay back!" she shouted. Another shot ground itself into the floor, inches from Ferrig's foot. The blaster in her hand oscillated from side to side as her hands trembled. She backed away from the Rat, her breathing coming rapid and shallow while laughter turned into sobs. "You did this. It was all your doing from the very beginning! Now...now we have to start all over again, and without Kael!"

"Dammit, Rae," Ferrig shouted. "Don't make me shoot you to drag you out of here. Stop your delusions and listen to me!"

Raeila responded with a grating, maniacal laugh. "You're not fooling me! Shut up!" She continued moving backwards, stumbling on chunks of rubble and severed chair legs. "You stole him, our happiness - everything! Now you'll pay us back!" Her finger depressed the trigger again and it would have hit Ferrig squarely in the chest if her feet hadn't been swept from under her by an overturned chair. The blaster shot impacted the ceiling and caused a torrent of dust and ferrocrete to rain down upon her. Raeila brought her arms to her face to protect it from the downpour and screamed as the roof began collapsing in around her.

"No!" Ferrig screamed as he rushed forward to his sister's aid. A large ferrocrete chunk slammed into his shoulder and knocked his blaster loose, but he finally made it to Raeila's side. He pulled her to her feet, and rushed away from the collapsing roof with his sister in front of him. "Go, go, go!"

Raeila headed for the door. She was tripped up by fallen chairs and large chunks of ceiling, but she finally clambered her way out into the open. "Ferrig!" she shrieked as she sat in the sand and watched him trying to dodge large portions of the collapsing roof.

Ferrig dodged one piece of the roof, only to find himself directly underneath another large chunk that slammed down against his back. He felt blackness closing in around him, but his sister's cries reached through his dimming vision and he charged forward. He stumbled through the collapsing doorway, and fell to the sand next to his sister as a great creaking rumble went through the entire building as it suddenly collapsed in on itself. Ferrig let out a low groan as he reached out to find his sister...to touch her once before it all went dark.

"Ferrig?" Raeila knelt over her brother's prone form, afraid to touch him for fear she'd find his body already cold to the touch. She whimpered and hesitantly pressed her hands to his chest. "Ferrig!" She shook him vigorously and when she received no response of any kind, she gripped his shoulders and shook him again. "Oh gods... Oh Thana! Ferrig!"

Passers-by saw the scene, but only paid it scant notice before walking on with indifferent shrugs. Raeila wept over Ferrig's body and looked about frantically for someone to help her get him out of the sun and into a bed. "Ferrig...don't worry. I'll come back for you. Please...please don't die."

With a kiss upon his bloodied forehead, Raeila pushed herself to her feet and trudged through the sands. She looked back at Ferrig and let out a choked cry before facing forward again and hastening her pace. There was only one group of people she knew would help her, help Ferrig, and as his loyal subjects, it would be an honour for them to aid their future king...if he ever opened his eyes again.

---

"Past Rewritten, Part 1"
by Laedra Vorrel
Liam Zaneth
Kal'Aran
Aurra Sgall
Koran Darr
Quinlan Vos [NPC]
and Master Ina [NPC]

Location: Jedi Temple, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 15, 4ABY

***

"Good control, Padawan. Nicely done."

Laedra glanced over the top of the hovering book and smiled at her Master. His mouth twitched, indicating the struggle to keep his expression neutral, but he failed and grinned back at Laedra. The once perfectly level book dipped to one side, but Laedra managed to regain control and straightened it out.

Master Ina, realizing the affect he was having on his Padawan, withdrew his smile and cleared his throat. "I think that's enough for today, Laedra."

She remained smiling at him as he left the training room. Once she'd resettled the book upon the floor, she disentangled her legs from their crossed position and pushed herself to her feet. With the book in hand, Laedra followed Master Ina out and joined him in the ship's galley.

In twelve years with him, she had undergone a transformation she could scarcely believe. From a five year old child lacking in a parental influence that made her rebellious and difficult, she had become a poised, disciplined eighteen year old woman. For a time in her early teen years, she thought she would always look plain and awkward - her legs far too long in proportion to the rest of her body, and her lank hair too dull to add any lustre to the youthful skin of her face. Now, she knew she was beautiful. The curves she'd been waiting for finally came to give contour to her hips and her breasts finally filled out; her hair now gleamed to accent her green eyes and make her delicate, white skin absolutely radiant.

As she sank into a chair and watched Master Ina prepare their meal, she wondered, then, why he was able to resist her if she was so attractive. He was her master and knew all her thoughts and feelings; she certainly didn't hide the fact that she was infatuated with him, yet not once did he indicate any reciprocation of those sentiments.

It had tested her patience for the last four years, but she was still as determined as ever to make him fall in love with her. She knew it was against the Jedi principles and every one of Ina's teachings, but this was one rule she felt she could never abide by, not while she was around him everyday, falling deeper in love.

"I am very pleased with how you've advanced over these past few weeks, Padawan," Ina commented as he glanced over his shoulder. "I think we are soon approaching that time when I will have nothing more to teach you."

Laedra curled up one leg beneath her and propped her elbows atop the table where she framed her face with her hands. She watched Ina moving about the galley. "I believe you told me one's training is never completed, Master. There is still much I can learn from you." She swung her leg lazily beneath the table and chewed on the nail of her little finger.

"Stop that," he said fondly. "I thought you'd broken that habit?" Laedra grinned at Ina and slowly pulled her finger away from her mouth. "That's better. At any rate, I think we should begin discussing your Trials."

Laedra's leg halted in midswing and her hands fell away from her face. She'd been dreading this moment since the day she realized she loved Ina. If she passed the Trials, they would part ways. Her body would be torn in two if that happened, one half following Ina and leaving a trail of tears behind. "I...I do not believe I am prepared for that, Master. I don't feel ready."

Ina picked up a knife and began chopping a Tonga beet. The blood-red liquid that spilled out caught Laedra's eye and complemented the stabbing pain in her heart far too fittingly. "It is not your choice, Laedra. If I wish it, you will obey."

Laedra stiffened in her chair and pressed her lips taut until they were white. "No," she answered quietly. "I will not."

"Disobedience, Padawan?" Ina continued chopping the beets, creating a pool of red liquid atop the counter. Laedra watched the puddle expand as the wound within her began following suit. "There are severe punishments for a Padawan who disobeys her Master."

"I don't care." Laedra rose from her seat and moved in front of the table, closer to Ina. He was so calm and seemed so detached. Did he even realize he was breaking her heart? "I refuse to take my Trials. I won't!"

Ina gently set down the knife and turned to face Laedra. He nodded his head pensively and folded his arms over his chest. "And why do you refuse?" he asked with the same, disgustingly even, analytical tone she despised.

She gazed up at him with her chest rising and falling heavily, and her hands clenched at her sides. "You know why," she rasped. "I can't leave you."

"Padawan," he warned, yet the disappointment in his voice was clear. "I thought you had given this up."

"How can I?" She moved closer to him and he held up his hand to halt her. Laedra stopped as she looked down and gathered her composure. "Ina--"

"You will use proper titles, Padawan. You will refer to me as Master."

She returned her gaze to his and shook her head slowly. "I won't take my Trials, not if it means we have to part ways. You know why. Ina, I love you."

He pushed away from the counter and moved towards the door without a word. Laedra gasped and hurried after him.

"Padawan!" he shouted as she grabbed his arm and pulled him back.

"No! I won't give you up."

Laedra fought to keep a hold of him, to keep him from leaving her, but he got free and started again for the door. She waved her hand before her and the galley door slid closed before Ina could escape. He whirled around to face her and in the first crack in his composure she'd ever seen, he rushed forward and gripped her by the arms. "Stop this! This cannot happen, Laedra. I am your Master and you are my Padawan. Romantic relationships are forbidden by the Code, and for one to develop between a Padawan and Master would only denigrate everything we believe in."

"The Order is almost dead, Master! What does it matter if we break one rule?" She regarded him with longing and passion, and whimpered a plea to him for one touch, one moment of disregard where they were no long Padawan and Master, and merely two people who had no rules governing their right to feel or express such basic emotions as love.

Ina looked away and sighed. "Laedra... If we don't follow the rules, the Order truly will be dead." He faced her again and his expression had suddenly become neutral and impassive as it always was.

"But I love you," she whispered. "I can't make it go away."

"And that is why you must take your Trials and become a Knight. That is why we must separate. That will eliminate the temptation, Laedra."

"I want to be tempted!" she said desperately. "I want to be tempted by you."

"Laedra, please..." He released her arms and stepped back. Laedra stepped forward and watched him with her desire turning her green eyes aflame.

"I love you." She placed her hand on his chest and took another step closer. "I want to make love to you."

"Laedr--"

Her arms encircled his neck and her lips covered his. The kiss was fierce and frenzied. Ina stumbled back against the wall as Laedra's body pressed to his. His hands closed around Laedra's arms, and with some effort, he succeeded in pushing her away. Laedra staggered back and bumped the table. Dishes Ina had laid out for them crashed to the ground, then silence ensued. Laedra gripped the sides of the table and stared at Ina with an animal hunger that addled her thoughts and created a physical ache for him. He, instead, looked at her with profound disheartenment and utter disappointment.

"You will take your Trials in two weeks," he announced quietly. "And you will pass." His eyes were looking past her as if the sight of her would disgust him.

The desperation and overwhelming need that had possessed her passed, and was replaced with the impact of what she'd done and now what she would never have. Ina spoke not another word as she released her hold on the door and it slid open for him. Laedra's legs disappeared beneath her and she slumped to the ground as he walked out on her.

The beet juice spilled over the edge of the counter and dripped upon the galley floor. She curled up upon the ground and watched the red liquid splattering on the deckplating as if from the wound Ina had just inflicted upon her. In two weeks, she would take her Trials. In two weeks, she would never see Master Ina again. Laedra cried out and clutched at her chest as if her heart were constricting painfully. In two weeks, it would stop beating, for it only ever beat for Ina. After that, she vowed no one would wound her again. She wouldn't give them the opportunity to, for never again would Laedra Vorrel allow herself to love.

***

Liam waited until all of the Jedi had assembled in the training room. He stared at his hands for a long moment before he finally took in a deep breath and let it out. Once ready, he strode into the room and took one of the seats set up in a ring in the center of the room.

He looked around at the assembled Jedi and nodded. "Thank you all for being here," he said. "I have... news that I must deliver, and I wanted to convey that news when everyone was assembled." He took another breath and let it out. "I'm leaving the Temple and going to Corellia. The threat of Dargus Kandran's return has diminished the security of my family, and we will be going somewhere safe from his threat. Myself, Yelara, and Jae Dyn Brael will be leaving the Temple."

Kal'Aran frowned. This was not good news. It seemed that, at a turning point when things were finally setting themselves straight, Liam was leaving and so was Jae Dyn. "Do you consider this wise?" he asked Liam. "Perhaps you would be safer here where the Force is with us and where we can all protect each other..."

Quinlan Vos put his hands on his old friend's shoulders as he stepped up. "One should take the path he truly believes is the right one..." he spoke, comprehending Liam's words. "If leave you must then I wish you well. But weigh what you leave behind, for all our actions take place in creating the future's path. Your Padawan needs you also..."

"Will you come back?" Aurra asked, right after Master Quinlan Vos spoke.

"Laedra Vorrel will take on the full responsibilities of training Kael. I have full confidence in her abilities as a Jedi, and as a teacher." Liam pushed back the thoughts of Laedra and sealed them away in his mind, knowing full well that if he allowed himself to dwell on them, it would be his undoing. "My plan is to return as often as I can, as often as Yelara will allow it." He looked around at all of them and sighed. "Please understand that I regret doing this, and know that my place is here. My wife, however, does not feel safe on this planet, even here in the most well-protected facility on the planet."

"And, Jae Dyn Brael will be going with you?" Koran Dar asked. "It is not wise to leave a place such as this for one seemingly in the middle of nowhere. I am not yet fully versed in the culture of this time, but the safest place from anyone seeking protection from the dark side is right here."

"I understand that," Liam said. "But, I have been unable to convince Yelara of that. She does not like it here, and has never hidden that fact. This is where I belong, and will do everything I can to return. I am a Jedi Knight, and my place is here as a guardian. I will continue to try to convince Yelara to stay, but I don't know if that will be possible. I will not use the Force to influence her, but I will assure her that the safest place for her is in this building."

"Influence over one's mind can only be set on the weak minded. I am sure that is not Yelara's case," Kal'Aran said with a nod of respect. "But in fleeing you are opening your defenses. None may come to your aid on Corellia. It will be there that this Kandran may have his chance if he comes to find you."

"I concur..." Vos said, folding his arms. "Together we are stronger. The Sith as an entity are no more. Vader and the Emperor are gone and all who are left are those who turned to their ways or were trained in them. Neither will come here..." he stated. He then sighed. "I hope your wife comes to see this in time for not regretting her actions and yours. May all the best come your way..."

"Thank you," Liam said with a bow. "As I said, I will meditate on this further. We are scheduled to leave after Jae Dyn performs the procedure to save Nieme Yaresh."

"So soon?" Aurra asked.

Kal'Aran tried to foresee Liam's point of view. He too knew what it was like to be persecuted. Placing his hand on Aurra's shoulder he nodded to Liam. "May the Force be with you Liam... I wish I could foresee your return, but that depends on you and Jae Dyn. I know what it is like to be wanted dead. It is not an easy life..."

Quinlan folded his arms beneath his cloak. "Know that we are here and this is your place too, so return whenever you like. We will be all here still..."

Liam bowed to those assembled around him. "I thank you for your counsel," he said. "May the Force be with all of you."

As Liam turned and walked away Quinlan turned to face Kal'Aran. "You think this wise?" he asked, curious to know the thoughts of his friend.

"I do not..." Kal'Aran said. "But his path no one else can walk for him."

"Do you mean the future is set? Did you see it?" young Aurra asked as she pulled her master's sleeve.

"No young Padawan..." Kal'Aran smiled. "I mean that Liam's actions will take repercussions on his life. It is hard to see the future. It is always changing..." he said, then looking the other way. "Koran?" he said asking the other Master's opinion.

Koran closed his eyes and sought the insight of the Force. After a moment, he shook his head. "It is difficult to see," he said. "But there is danger ahead. For all of us. If this is the path Liam wishes to follow, then that is what we must allow him to do. From now on, it may be a good idea to reinstate the ban on relationships and marriages for Jedi Knights. This sort of thing only leads to trouble." He stood from where he'd been seated. "The dark days may not be entirely past," he added, and then offered a bow before exiting the room.

Quinlan looked after Korran as he left. "So he has felt it too... You know Kal'Aran, I agree with him. We ought to reinstate the ban in loving relationships. The Jedi code must be kept."

Kal'Aran nodded. "I agree. It is best we do so now."

---

"Past Rewritten, Part 2"
by Laedra Vorrel
and Liam Zaneth

Location: Jedi Temple, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 15, 4ABY

***

She couldn't meditate anymore, not with the tears stinging her eyes. Laedra had made a grave error and now was suffering the agonizing consequences. Why had she broken the promise she'd made to herself? She had been in the presence of men before, and never had she felt even the stirrings of passion she felt when Liam entered a room. Why had she allowed him to penetrate her sheltered heart and aggravate the wound? Because you're a fool, she told herself. A weak fool.

Laedra rose from the cold ground of her room and retrieved the robe lying draped over the edge of her bed. She went through the motions of putting it on, listlessly and absently, while she made her way to the window resting within a shallow alcove. The sun penetrated through the glass in wide shafts and splashed orange stripes across her white robe as she curled her legs beneath her and perched atop the ledge.

With her knees pulled tightly against her chest, the pain diminished slightly, but it was only temporary liberation. Once Liam left, it would grow worse and she would never recover, not as she thought she had when Ina disposed of her. Laedra's head fell forward onto her knees and she wreathed her arms around her legs. How could she be a Jedi, help rebuild an entire Order when all she could think of was Liam? Everything else seemed trivial and tedious now. Everything would be dull without Liam's smile and his incandescent blue eyes.

With her face buried into her knees, her sobs were sufficiently muffled. And being isolated from everyone else in the Temple, she knew she was alone and no one would hear her. Once Liam was gone as well, she would be absolutely desolate...as it had always been, and how it was meant to be.

The gentle knock echoed through the room, as Liam tapped on the door. His eyes were closed and his senses open, but he still had the urge to snap them shut tight after the meeting he'd just finished. He needed to see Laedra, though. He couldn't leave her the way they'd ended earlier. He needed to see her, to tell her he still loved her more than anything. He knew he was going to tear himself apart with this. He knew that he would feel bitter resentment toward Yelara for holding him back where she walked freely. He wanted to cry out, but couldn't. He tapped on the door once more and sighed. How would he survive this?

It wasn't difficult to detect Liam standing outside her door and although she attempted to close herself off to him, she had little energy left to even attempt it. She could pretend she wasn't in the room, but she'd no doubt he could sense her there. Perhaps he would think she was asleep if she made not a sound.

She looked to the door and felt her body trembling violently. Her face nestled again into the soft fabric of the robe covering her knees as she attempted to drown out her sobs. If she let him in now, she wouldn't let him leave, as he must.

"Laedra," Liam called softly. "Please open the door. I-- I need to see you. I don't want it to end like this." I don't want it to end, he added silently. "Please, Lae. Just a little bit of time."

She knew a little bit of time would only make her yearn for more. Laedra shook her head and cupped her hands over her ears. Even his voice was beginning to lure her, beckoning her from her safe little corner of the room where everything was uncomplicated, where she only need concern herself with the waning sunlight or the forest canopy below her window. "Go away," she tried to say, but it came out only as a whimper.

"Please, Laedra," Liam said again. "Please open the door and let me in or...or I'll open it myself."

She pressed her palms firmly against her ears and beat her forehead gently against her knees. Didn't he realize he was making it more difficult for her to see him go? The tears were choking her now and her eyes burned, but they only detracted little from the excruciating pain tormenting her heart. Nothing could take that away.

Liam paused for a long time with his hand on his lightsaber hilt. Finally after what seemed like forever, he pulled the weapon free and ignited it. And, then he stared again for an interminable amount of time at the locking mechanism holding the door closed. He raised the blade and readied to slice the lock clean.

It wasn't difficult to detect the familiar hum of the ignited lightsaber. Laedra looked to the door again and hesitantly slipped her feet off the ledge. He wouldn't cut through her door...would he? She rose on legs that seemed weak and feeble, and held closed her robe. It was impossible to disguise her tears; Liam was a Jedi and could sense her emotions from down the hallway if he chose.

Laedra moved forward unsteadily and trepidly until she reached her door. She released the lock and rested her hand upon the latch. With a deep breath, she shielded herself behind the door and pulled it open. "Put away your lightsaber," she said quietly, but she remained hidden behind the door. "What is it...Liam Zaneth?"

Liam deactivated the blade of his weapon and returned it to his belt. "I couldn't just leave after that parting," he said. "I don't know if I can leave at all. I don't know if I can do this." He looked around and then sighed. "I need to talk to you, Lae."

Laedra bit back a sob and pressed her forehead to the door. "There is nothing to discuss, Liam Zaneth. You are leaving. We have said our farewells. I don't--" A sob escaped and Laedra covered her mouth with her hand to hold back another. How she wanted to hold him and kiss him... It was unbearable.

"I don't want this to be forever," Liam said. "I want to come back. To help the Temple. To be with you. I can't just give up like this, Laedra. I have to find a way to make it work. It has to work. I can't just lose you like this. I don't want to lose you like this. I need to find a way to make our relationship work. I love you, Lae. I love you."

Every profession battered at her heart more violently until Laedra was clutching at the door latch to keep her from falling to her knees upon the ground. "Liam," she whispered through her tightened throat. "Please go. It can't...can't be." She sobbed again and managed to let out a final plea for solitude before she closed the door and fled towards her bed. Once upon it, she pressed a pillow to her face and wept discordantly.

Liam pressed a hand to his forehead, rubbing as if to alleviate a headache. Finally he pulled his hand away and touched the latch on the door. He took in a deep breath and then let it out. He twisted and pushed the door open. After another moment of hesitation, he stepped through and into the room, closing the door behind him. "Do you really want it to be over, Laedra?" he asked. "Do you really wish me to go and leave you? I don't know if I can do that, not if you feel for me as I feel for you. I can't just turn away from my feelings."

Laedra looked up from the pillow and stared bleary-eyed at the wall before her. "You have to go," she said thickly. "You have to be with your wife." The word itself was beginning to leave a bitter taste in Laedra's mouth, but it was not her place to resent Yelara; the woman had merely been lucky enough to meet Liam before she had. "You can't stay here, nor will she let you return. Whether we wish it to end or not makes no difference. If you leave, it will have to be over, Liam."

"I have to try," Liam said, "or I will only end up resenting her for keeping me from you. She has her two loves...and I have to have mine."

Laedra finally managed to sit up and turn to face Liam. The sight of him drew a sob from her throat. She wanted so desperately to hold him now, to kiss him frantically, but she knew it would do no good. "Liam...I cannot love you and be so far away from you. Even the thought of it has reduced me to this," she said as she indicated her swollen eyes and tear-stained cheeks. "I feel so helpless, Liam, and so frightened. This cannot be. I am a Jedi Knight. I...I'm supposed to be composed and in control of my emotions. But I'm not! I'm sitting in my room, weeping and pining for another man I cannot have. Why can't I have you, Liam? Why!?"

Liam turned his head aside to hide the emotions warring on his face. He knew he was on the verge of losing his control. He needed to find his balance, but he couldn't. "I want you to have me," he said. "I want you to have me, and me to have you. I want that, Laedra. I want us to be what we want to be. And, I wish I could do it without ruining my marriage. Why does she get this and I don't? Why can she have two, and I can't? Why can't I be with the woman I love?" He let out an anguished cry and sank into what he thought was a chair and turned out to be nothing, which put him right down onto the floor.

Laedra knew Liam needed to be held, and she by him. Disregarding the voice in her mind telling her she would not be able to let him go if she went to him, Laedra slipped off her bed and rushed to his side. "Oh gods," she whispered as she held him in her arms She held Ina now, and was more determined than ever to keep him from walking out of that galley, to make him stay with her. "I told myself I could, but I can't. Liam, I can't let you go. I won't. I won't let you leave me here. Don't go. Please don't go. I don't care if it destroys your marriage, I want you here with me, Liam." She kissed his face desperately. "Tell me you'll stay, my love. Liam...please tell me you'll stay!"

"I'll stay," Liam said as he tried to return Laedra's kisses. "I'll stay here, and I'll be with you. Oh gods, Laedra. I love you. I love you so much." He wrapped his arms around her and held her close, as close as he possibly could. He took in a deep, shuddering breath and let it out. "I love you, Laedra Vorrel."

In Liam's voice, she heard her Master Ina's and her dreams suddenly became realized. She laughed softly at first, then increasingly louder until she filled the room with it, and with her booming proclamation of love for Liam.

"Oh gods, how, Liam? How will you manage it? What will you say?" She kissed him deeply and ran her hands firmly over his chest. "Tell me how you can be with me, love. Tell me so I won't have to be afraid anymore."

"Dargus Kandran is still here," he said. "Still terrorizing this planet, and who knows what else. I can't lay down my duty as a Jedi Knight with that threat still out there. I can't abandon the Jedi Temple in its most desperate hour."

"She doesn't seem one to care about duty or loyalty to a cause, Liam," Laedra said as she planted idle kisses to his throat and jaw. "How will you convince her of it?"

"That's the tricky part," Liam said. "But, I think if I can get her to listen to me, then I should be able to convince her. Otherwise, I may have to point out that this cause is bigger than all of us, and I can't just walk away from it. I know she'll be selfish, and possibly attack me. I'm not backing down on this. If nothing, it will be a true test of our marriage."

Laedra sighed deeply and pulled Liam closer to her. "I'm so glad you came back to talk this through. Liam...I was already grieving for your loss. I thought...I thought I'd lost you. I can't. I can't lose you now. I love you far too much."

"You won't lose me," Liam said. "Not ever again, Lae. No matter what happens in my life, I will never wander from you. It'd be like leaving part of myself behind."

Laedra gazed up at Liam, and smiled serenely. "And you've helped me find a part of myself I lost long ago, my love." She pressed a hand to his cheek and kissed him softly. Her robe had fallen open, but she no longer cared. She wanted to share everything with Liam, including her body, and modesty seemed a waste of time now.

Liam pressed his lips to hers, kissing deeply. As he did, he let his hands wander to her stomach, and then idly traced his fingers over her flesh. He let his hands drift higher, and smiled when he heard Laedra moan softly. He pulled her closer to him while letting his hands roam freely over her exposed skin.

"Liam..." she whispered with longing. She placed her hands over his and guided them to her breasts. She gasped quietly at the sensation and craned her head back to bare her throat to Liam's lips. "Stay with me now," she pleaded gently. "Stay with me here and be with me, Liam."

Liam kissed her slowly from her shoulder blades up her throat, and then up to her lips. With gentle hands he pushed Laedra's robe back and off her shoulders as he trailed his kisses down her throat once more, and continued toward her breasts.

Laedra cried out softly in surprise and delight. Her fingers curled up and she gathered the fabric of Liam's tunic in her hands. She let Liam caress and touch her as he wished, for she knew what the act was comprised of, but she had no practical experience and relied on Liam to guide her actions.

She involuntarily cried out again as Liam's mouth covered her breast. Her chest thrust out towards him and her fists trembled as they tightened their hold on Liam's tunic. The fear of losing him heightened her desire for him and infused it with a desperation and impatience that gave her the urge to initiate the act herself, disregarding the fact she had no idea what to do.

"Should I be afraid?" she asked breathlessly. "I don't know what's coming next, Liam. And...it excites and frightens me."

"There is nothing to be afraid of," Liam said softly as he returned his lips up toward her chin. He said nothing else as he continued kissing her chin, face, lips, and throat. One hand continued to caress her breasts while the other slid down her stomach and to the cleft between her legs. He let his fingers brush the sensitive flesh there, bringing out a soft cry from Laedra. "There is nothing at all to be afraid of, my love."

Laedra didn't need verbal reassurances from Liam. His emotions, sensed through the Force, were enough to assure her he was acting only through an extension of his love for her. She wished she knew how to do the same, to touch him as he touched her and make him feel as loved as she felt.

The excitement and anticipation made her quiver, and his caresses made her whimper and moan gently. Her trembling hands moved to the fastenings of his tunic, and with uncontrolled, jerky movements, she managed to get it open. She smiled to herself as she saw his firm, well-defined chest, the one that had begun the whole affair to begin with. "It's your fault, you know," she whispered fondly. "You and your...your chest."

"You could have closed your eyes," Liam whispered in response, and then shrugged out of his tunic and let it and his robes fall to the floor. "But, I'm glad you didn't."

"As am I." Laedra grinned at Liam as she gazed down at his chest. She brushed her hand against it and was amazed at how much more sensitive her tactile faculties were. His flesh felt more tangible beneath her fingertips and through them she felt his very emotions permeating. This was how it should have been with Ina, but that time had passed. She had Liam now and loving him was more fulfilling, especially since he chose to love her back.

Her hand flattened against his chest as she leaned forward and pressed her lips to it. She moaned softly while his hands roamed over her flesh, and she found she liked most of all the caresses he was administering between her legs.

"The floor's cold," she muttered.

"Let's move to somewhere warmer," Liam whispered. He gazed longingly into her eyes, and then smiled as he lifted her into his arms and carried her toward the bed. He gently set her down in the center of the large mattress, keeping his eyes locked with hers the entire time. "It should be much warmer here."

Laedra replied by clasping Liam delicately by the nape and pulling him towards her for a kiss. She moved her hands to his strong back and kneaded it as they moaned quietly into each other's mouths. The bed was quite warm, but the heat that filled her was from Liam's passionate caresses and that radiating from his body. One hand dropped to the front of Liam's pants where it tugged at the fastenings there.

Liam climbed onto the bed with Laedra, never letting his lips leave her skin. He tried to give her clear access to his pants while his hands continued pleasuring her. He needed no words as their caresses, kisses, and touches said all that needed to be said. He could feel her through the Force, could feel them growing closer by the second. There was no going back now.

The fastenings on Liam's pants finally gave and Laedra's hand slipped inside. She gasped as she came upon Liam's erection, something she had never seen or felt before. She ran her hand along it to at first examine it, to familiarize herself with it, then pushed Liam's pants down over his hips. Her eyes gazed down at it now and she studied it with some amusement and much awe. Lightly, she dragged her fingers up and down his shaft. "I've never--" She took in a staggering breath and looked up at Liam. "I've never...before, Liam."

Liam moaned softly, and then smiled. "Well, now...oh yes. Well, you're definitely getting the hang of it there. Very...oh nice. You have beautiful hands, Laedra. And, your touch...it..." He shifted his eyes to meet hers, and he saw in her eyes the same passionate need he saw in his. "I love you so much."

Laedra heard the words and knew Liam meant every one of them. She didn't want to, and although she tried to hold back, she sobbed happily and began gently crying. "I love you too, Liam. I didn't mean to...I tried not to. I couldn't stop myself." With a whimper, she wrapped her arms around Liam's neck and pulled him down atop her. She kissed his cheeks and lips fervently, and brought her legs up around his waist. His hardness brushed against her stomach and she reflexively flinched, but she didn't push him away. She'd never push Liam away again, now that she had him.

Liam held her for a long time, before looking up into her eyes. "I want to make love to you, Laedra," he said softly. "I want to express myself and my love for you physically. But, I want to make sure that's what you want. I don't want to push you too quickly, or somewhere you don't want to go yet."

Laedra passed her hand over Liam's cheek then down to his shoulder where she caressed lightly. "Liam, you're closer to me than I've ever been with anyone in my life. I can feel what you're feeling and I know it's the same for you." She kissed him delicately while her legs rubbed sensually along his. "What do you think I want, Liam?" she asked with her lips brushing his. "I believe you know, Liam. I believe you know me well, my love."

Liam smiled and then kissed her passionately. "I know," he whispered as he shifted them so he was lying half on top of her. He brushed a hand along her body and gazed down into her eyes, knowing that this was the moment. He eased himself into position, keeping his eyes focused on her. "I love you, Laedra."

Liam's hardness brushed against her entrance, giving her a glimpse of what ecstasy lay ahead. She clutched Liam tighter to her and gasped softly. Her eyelids fluttered as the fleeting instance of pleasure swept over her and dissipated. "I know," she replied, repeating Liam's earlier answer. She had no idea what she was to do, if she was to do anything at all. The look she gave Liam conveyed her perplexity and her nod was permission enough to continue.

Liam kissed Laedra again, as he eased himself inside her. He kept his senses finely tuned to her emotions, not wanting to scare her. He let his own emotions of love flow into her through the bond they were forging. He kept his pace slow, knowing that this was Laedra's first time. Finally he was all the way inside, and then he opened his eyes and gazed at her.

The pain had been minor and temporary, and with Liam being as gentle as he was, plus the sensations he was arousing in her, she barely noticed any discomfort. Laedra loosened the tight grip she had of his shoulders and allowed herself to relax; Liam's tranquil, elated emotions were enough to put her at ease.

Words weren't required to tell Liam she was alright, that she wanted him to continue, for they were joined through the Force, as well as physically, and in her mind she was cognizant of what he was thinking, and she knew Liam was aware of the same.

There was no mental invasion, though - there couldn't be, not when their minds and emotions were linked as they were now. As all Jedi aspired to become one with the Force, she and Liam had achieved that with each other, and more than ever, Laedra felt complete.

At her assurance that it was alright to continue, Liam began making love to her. Long, gentle thrusts helped to heighten their union. With each thrust, their joined pleasure increased. It was bliss like neither could have imagined. Liam had experienced something similar with Yelara, but the feelings and emotions were much different. The bliss was perfect.

Laedra no longer heard her voice, although she was moaning and gasping for air; instead, her every cry translated as an emotion of pleasure and ecstasy, fulfillment and joy. That was what Liam was to her now, he was pure emotion and a physical extension of that love he felt for her.

Warm tears rolled down her cheeks, but they weren't tinged with bitterness or sadness, and even though they burned her eyes, the irritation became indistinguishable from the elation she felt. There was only that left for her now, and no more lingering pain from her past wounds or fear of new ones opening. Liam was her source of happiness and that was something she refused to let go of. He was hers and she would be always his, and she pitied anyone who dared come between them.

---

"Dead Or Alive"
By: Syan Daywalker - Bounty Hunter
Zen Wayland - Smuggler/Mercenary

Location: Kessel System
Date: Niothe 15, 4ABY

***

The Maw made a spectacular backdrop. Dozens of black holes ate up the stuff of space, tearing stars and planets apart that wandered too close, or that had been plucked out of their orbits by the grasping hands of the Maw itself. It was one endless black gullet with gravitational fields spanning out parsecs wide. No light escaped from the Maw. No stars could be seen from the other side. The Maw was a large black blight on the universe with origins that were yet to be explained. It simply couldn't exist.

Something about the endless black, the pit of despair and no return, appealed to Syan. It was one of those places that were nice to visit, but one wouldn't want to live there

Leaning over at the waist, Syan glanced back at where Wayland and the rat he dragged around with him were working. "Is it working yet?" Not for the first time, Syan was regretting not coming out here on his own ship. Aesir had much better sensors. Sensors that wouldn't leave them blind against the interference from the Maw when they needed to watch Kessel for incoming ships.

"Hold on," Zen said, nudging the little furball, who chittered in return. "Alright, we're good to go. All sensors online."

It had been Zen's idea to turn the Basilisk ass-on to the Maw and throw up a breaker for the radiation. The Corellian transport had lots of power for shields, and with the engines pouring all their thrust into the generators, the ship was able to produce a large enough barrier to slough off a substantial amount of the radiation coming from the black hole cluster.

The affect directly ahead of them wasn't much different. But radiation dissipated the farther away it got, and their little hole in the wall opened up a sizable window farther in the system so the sensors could detect ion emissions. With the field in place, all they needed were working sensors. No sooner had Wayland said it than the sensor boards came alive under his fingertips. "They're hot."

"I'm getting six close-proximity Ion emissions, but I'm not getting a mass shadow large enough to account for it. Must be another TIE patrol." Wireframes spun on the screens, showing Kessel and its garrison moon. The six blips, a half-flight of TIE-Fighters, flew lazily to the outer planets.

Wayland patted his ship, proud of what she could do. Then he sighed as he looked at his chronograph. "Umm...how long we gonna wait for this guy?"

"As long as it takes," Syan replied succinctly. The ship's barrel cockpit made for a good view, but didn't do much for a sense of safety. Not that that mattered much to Syan. But oriented as they were, the Maw's radiation corona made local sensors all but useless and black holes have been known from time to time to 'spit' from their event horizons. One wayward rock missed on Basilisk's twenty-year-old sensors and it could hole the ship, or rip off the cockpit.

The danger didn't bother Syan so much as Wayland's constant 'are we there yet's. "If you didn't have the patience for this kind of job, you shouldn't have come, Wayland. Go to your bunk and sleep. I'll wake you when they're coming. Maybe."

"Oh, stop being such an irritable womp rat," Zen said, leaning back in his chair. "It was a simple question. I'm new to this bounty hunter thing, remember? I thought you might have an alternate plan, if you didn't get results after awhile."

"Je lurdo, Zen. Ye lurdo," Salab said from next to him, hushing his already timid voice, so that only Zen could hear him insult the dark man.

"Yeah, I know. Go make sure all the A's are prepped...just in case."

"Chak, chak." The little furred being waddled away, giving the bounty hunter a dirty look before scampering off.

After sniffling with imagined sinuses and dusting Ewok hair off his clothing, Syan drew up his leg and rested his heavy booted heel on the control board, still watching the sensor boards and plain ole windows interchangeably. "The man that taught me about hunting, taught me that not having an alternate plan was not thinking far enough ahead. And don't bother asking what it is. If we need it, I'll tell you, but not before." Syan glanced at his 'partner'. "Trade secrets are best kept to one person. Nothing's ever a secret if more than one person knows about it."

"No fooling," Wayland said, somewhat annoyed. The screen blipped again, this time with a single incoming ship. The computer ran the class though its system. Probably just a spice freighter. The image came to life, and Zen realized it was no spice freighter. "YT-1300 incoming!"

Syan sat up quickly, grabbing Wayland's forearm before he could reach for the engine controls. "Stop. Let them get all the way into the system. They'll need to strengthen their shields and that will cut down on their sensors."

For a planet controlled by the Empire, Kessel was rife with illegal activity. Every once in a while, independent smugglers would liaise with independent miners on the planet for a 'spice run'. These runs were perilous, with the smugglers getting caught inside the system by Imperial patrols more often than not. Even if one got out of the system, there was still the Maw to contend with.

But a place like Kessel couldn't exist for long if there weren't certain facilities for ensuring these independent runs, including 'understandings' with the garrison moon and shipwrights on the planet.

Syan watched as the tagged sensor anomaly vectored for the surface. Working on some internal clock, Syan watched until he felt no more need to, and then turned to Wayland. "Take us in the long way and land on the night side. Have your rat make sure two of your A-wings are ready."

"They're ready," Zen said, ignoring the rat comment. His hands flew across the console, bringing the ship around and towards Kessel. Their course was almost parallel, but Wayland knew that the YT freighters always had poor peripheral sensors.

Zen approached the planet fast, ignoring the warning lights on the dash, as well as the gritting teeth of the bounty hunter next to him. He threw the repulsors on, and brought the ship into the atmosphere with minimal heat resistance. The ship dropped like a rock in the gravity, but landed with less than a thud, its landing gear taking the weight of the ship.

"All right, we're down. Now what?"

"Now we pick up the merchandise," Syan said as he got up, heading aft. He stopped at the cargo storage and grabbed the black cases, handing a breath mask from one to Zen. "If this heads out onto the surface, you'll need this."

With a few days to get acquainted, Basilisk's droids knew to get out of Daywalker's way. Syan ignored their indignant beeps and stood at the airlock, studying the controls. "Let's go. And leave the rat." Making a decisive jab, Syan opened the airlock and slipped down the small hatch into one of the A-wings. He looked behind him into the cramped passenger compartment, realizing he didn't care about his bounty's comfort. The cockpit lights sprung to life as he worked the controls. Finally everything read green and he disengaged from the lock. A bit of etheric rudder sidled him out from under the ring of fighters where he floated on repulsors.

With one hand, he thumbed the comm again. "Hurry up, Wayland!"

"Ya gotta move so the cylinder can rotate, ya big clod!" Zen yelled back. A-Wing 1 finally shifted to the side, and the launch cylinder rotated into place, clicking when it was lined up right. Wayland nestled himself into the small fighter, starting it up with a few switch flips. She thrummed to life, and he disengaged from the Basilisk. He saw Salab waving from the cockpit. He gave the Ewok a look, and the small furrball went back to work.

"After you, Mr. Experience."

Syan took the invitation and started off toward the main outlier town on repulsors. With thumb switches he brought the snubfighter's terrain-following sensors online and gunned the engines. Like a bottlerocket from hell, the twin Novaldex J-77s erupted behind the A-wing pushing it toward Kessel's low sound barrier in seconds.

The A-wing climbed slightly in response to an upcoming rise and in a moment the bump in the road was gone and forgotten. Out of the corner of his eye, Syan saw the other A-wing come alongside. "Two minutes to target. We'll do a flyover and look for the ship. Got it?"

"Sounds good to me," Zen replied.

---

"All I Want..."
By: Syan Daywalker - Bounty Hunter
Vicks Mason - Smuggler [NPC]
Jukwon Thallos - Pilot
and Zen Wayland - Smuggler/Mercenary

Location: Kessel System
Date: Niothe 15, 3 ABY

***

The soft wheezing of the oxygen masks was the only sound coming from the alleyway. Syan and Zen had holed up in a dark alleyway near a spacer hangout on the outskirts of the landing field. The air smelled metallic and tinny, stinking slightly of argon leaking from the crusty white rocks littering the damaged world.

Pitted and grooved with age and experience, the Tae'Karada Star sat on the deck some distance across the landing fields. With the help of his visor, Syan Daywalker watched Mason's co-pilot, the unknown Jukwon Thallos, work on the exterior of the ship. As was the signature with these smuggler types, upkeep of their ships was a never-ending parade of maintenance and prayers.

Tiny retinal muscles relaxing, the enhanced vision eased and Syan turned to his partner for this run. "We can't let Mason get near that ship."

"No fooling," Zen muttered under his breath. He double checked his axe and repeater. "Go get Mason. I'll distract this guy."

Hazel eyes stared at Zen Wayland from behind black glasses. He turned his head from his crouched position, looking out at Thallos. So many variables were out of Syan's control by involving someone else. But Zen had been right. Mason and Thallos had had enough run-ins with men and women of Syan's ilk that they weren't going to be easy prey. He didn't fear them - he didn't fear very much at all in the galaxy - but he wasn't stupid.

Heartbeats later, Syan nodded at Zen. "Don't get yourself killed. It's bad for business."

One-handed, Syan slipped the technorganic mask over his nose and mouth, letting the compound stick to his skin. He reached inside his jacket to seat one of his blasters and then stood and reached for the ladder rungs. "If you need me, use this," he said, flicking Zen a simple caller. Finding no need for further communication, he started climbing to the roof.

Zen nabbed the caller out of the air, and pocketed it. He wouldn't need it. At least he hoped not. He made his way towards the ship, as direct as possible. The last thing he needed was Thallos seeing a shadow lurking around and get jumpy. The Kiffar looked up from his workings and eyed the man getting nearer.

"Mr.Thallos, I presume?"

"Yeah, who wants to know?"

"Name's Wayland."

***

Across the field from the freighter, the planet's weak yellowish sun cast little shadow against the side of the building where Syan lurked. Below him, over the doorway, the Trandoshan chamorf trigger perfectly matched the pitted permacrete wall it adhered to. The only evidence of its being there was a small red light on the top, blinking its active status.

Vicks Mason strutted out of the spacer bar, sandy blonde locks moving in Kessel's cold breeze licking off the desert. Something crunched under Syan's boot as he shifted position. Mason spun, eyes tracking in the direction of the sound as his hands bolted for his blasters.

"Shit!" Syan braced his palms on the edge of the building, serving as a fulcrum as he pushed up with his legs and somersaulted over the red spitfire biting into the side of the building as Mason shot at him. His coat fluttered behind him in the air, coming to wrap around him like a wraith's kiss as he landed heavily on the presscrete tarmac. Mason was spinning. Quickly, Syan reached to his belt and activated the Trandoshan trigger.

The explosion looked worse than it was. More shockwave and flare than actual damage, the bomb blew Mason to his knees and a large black chunk out of the bar's wall. Attack systems installed by the unsavories inside activated, lowering a blast door in front of the bar with a solid thud of foot-thick alloyed armor. Syan didn't want to have to deal with the others inside backing Mason up. Smugglers and shadowlurkers had no love for bounty hunters, and wouldn't hesitate to put a knife in his back while he was taking down Mason.

Plan Two had Mason exactly where he was, reeling from the explosion.

Syan unfolded himself, running before fully on to his feet as Mason reached for his blaster. His front foot kicked the blaster away from Mason as his rear leg followed, kneeing the smuggler in the face and lifting him from the ground.

***

The Kiffar drew his blaster faster than Zen had expected it, causing Zen to drop and roll to the side. He drew his own Repeater and fired a few shots, forcing Thallos to duck for cover.

"This'll be easier if you just give yourself up," Zen called out. He was answered with four more blaster shots. "Fine be that way." Zen stood and turned, firing a full round of plasma-charged metallic bolts. Minor hull damaged was caused on the Corellian transport, but nothing too serious. A good explosive would work just fine if he could get close enough.

That's when he saw it. At first he thought it was a ricochet from his one weapon, but as it rolled closer, it revealed itself to be something far more dangerous. Zen turn and ran as the thermal detonator went off. He felt himself lift into the air and come down hard.

He moaned as he turned in time to see the transport take off. Damn those Kiffar. Always doing stupid things. He bet anything that stupid Thallos had taken out some of the ship's own landing gear along with the explosion. Hopefully, Syan had better luck.

***

But he wasn't. Syan was pinned down behind a barrier as Mason's holdout blasters chewed away at the edges. "Give it up, Mason," Syan shouted. "I don't want to have to kill you. You're worth more alive!"

"Kiss my ass!" Mason shouted back. His face was bruised and bloodied, and his eyes were tearing from the bruised nose and smoke, but he could see the black form behind the wall well enough. "Go back where you came from, bounty hunter!"

Sighing, Syan dusted permacrete dust. "I don't have time for this shit," he muttered to himself. From a pouch on his leg, Syan drew the stinger grenade and unsheathed it. One handed, he armed it, shooting over his shoulder with his free hand to pin Mason. Armed, Syan flicked it into the air and hurriedly drew the Dewback coat over himself. The grenade was really a multi-faceted crystal half the size of Syan's palm. Wedged inside the artificial crystal was a microscopic X-ray bomb. Refracted sunlight prismed from it as it spun in the air. With a crack of light, the bomb inside exploded, spraying miniscule green laser light all around them.

Syan stood when he heard the yell. Mason was covering his arm. The blaster was on the ground. "Hurts like hell, doesn't it?" Syan asked him.

Mason looked up, eyes red with pain and anger. "Son of a bitch." His punch was strong, fast, but badly aimed and easy to dodge. The bounty hunter sidestepped and parried it, tracing his arm along the length of Mason's until his fist connected with the upper ribs just under Mason's armpit. His fist buried in Mason's side, Syan withdrew it and launched another iron fist into Mason's sternum, crumpling him. A southpaw behind his ear put Mason on the ground, blasters clattering.

Stooping to pick up his visors, Syan put them back on, looking up at the receding ship.

"Don't even say a word," Wayland said, holstering his repeater. "Damn Kiffar is fucking crazy."

Syan smiled tightly without looking, showing the edges of his fangs. "Told you not to get near that ship. You're lucky that gun of his didn't burn you down. Which means I'm probably going to have to go after it later. But that's another bounty, more money.

"Strip him of his weapons and take them in your fighter. I'll carry him in mine." Absentmindedly, Syan brushed the dust and soot off his clothes.

"Yeah, yeah." Zen grabbed Mason roughly, annoyed at his own failure, hurriedly removing his weapons. He ripped parts of the man's jacket and pants, not really trying to be careful. "He's clean, now. Take him."

Crouching down, Syan slipped his arm under Mason's legs and the other under his back, lifting him into a fireman carry and dropping him unceremoniously on his shoulder. Mason groaned, and Syan ignored it. Instead he looked at the bundle of nerves beside him. "Don't worry about it, Wayland. We weren't being paid for Thallos. He's nothing but work, not pay. Forget him. Rule number one is no bounty's worth getting killed over, and you survived. It could have been a lot worse."

"Just focus on what, or who, you're going to buy with the money."

Shifting Mason on his shoulder, Syan started across the tarmac to the waiting A-Wings, mentally counting his profits.

Zen huffed as he followed. "All I want is a mug of Grella Ale, and a Twi'lek masseur."

---

"Kestrels"
By: Yelara Zaneth
and Liam Zaneth

Location: Jedi Temple, Tae Karada
Date: Niothe 15, 4ABY

***

Yelara had never felt this content since she arrived at the monstrous, imposing Temple whose corridors always seemed so empty and whose rooms they never could get warm enough for her liking. But in a matter of days, she wouldn't have to put up with the musty odour that seemed embedded in the stone walls and the eerie presence she always felt pervading every corner and crevice.

If there was one thing she would miss of this place, it was the gardens. She and Liam, with Kael's help, had turned it into a lush, vital sanctuary floating on a vast sea of vibrant colours. She stooped down to pluck up a lone yellow flower standing tall amongst a sheet of squat red ones. Leaving behind something she had worked diligently and happily on wasn't as disappointing when she comforted herself with the knowledge that they could always buy a cottage with a large, barren garden she could nurture and coax to life.

Yelara buried her nose within the petals of the flower and took in its fragrance. Oh, how she would dance with glee once they were on the Kestrel and shooting past the upper strata of Tae'Karada. The planet had only ever brought her misfortune and heartache, but its one endearing quality was its tendency to draw Jedi towards it, into her loving arms. Liam and Kal were the only good things she could think of that this planet had ever given her, but her gratitude waned when she thought of what else it offered: namely, Dargus Kandran. The name caused her hand to flex instinctively, crushing the flower within it. He wasn't dead, but that didn't concern her anymore. Getting far away from him did.

Yelara dropped the mangled, yellow flower onto the path and tread upon it as she started out of the courtyard. Where was Liam? She needed to make certain he had everything packed and ready, and to ensure he told everyone who needed to know that he would be departing. She smiled warmly as Liam passed the open gates of the courtyard. Her instincts about him seemed as sharp as ever, even overlooking the fact that she'd been looking for him an hour earlier and couldn't find him.

"Liam!" She hurried along the path towards the gates, with the hem of her skirt gripped in her hand to free up her movement. Yelara called out his name again and hastened her jog.

At the sound of Yelara's voice, Liam slowed, and then turned. When he saw her, he smiled and started forward to meet her. He needed to see her, and the look on her face told him this was going to be very difficult. The whole situation was going to be very difficult. Why did she have to be so stubborn and jealous? Why couldn't she accept that he loved Laedra? He loved them both more than he ever thought possible, and each in their own unique ways. "I've been looking for you," he said once she was close enough. "I had a feeling I might find you out this way."

"You've been looking for me?" Yelara kissed Liam once she was near him. "I've been looking for you for over an hour, Liam! What have you been up to?"

"Training," Liam said, running a hand through his still wet hair. "After talking to the others I needed some meditative time, so that's where I've been."

"You told them," Yelara said anxiously. "And...what did they have to say?"

"They think it is a foolish move to leave the protection of the Jedi Temple," Liam said. "They said that you would be safest here."

Yelara snorted contemptuously and jammed her fisted hands into her hips. "Well, it's not their choice, now is it? And what matters is that we feel safe, not them. They can stay at this Temple for all I care, but we're leaving. Did you tell them that?"

"They agree that the choice and decision is ours to make," Liam said. "However there is a difference between being safe and feeling safe. And, they do plan to stay here at the Temple. They have an obligation to the Jedi, and stopping this new Sith Order that appears to be starting."

"Well...that's good for them," Yelara said bluntly. "And I wish them good luck with that." She smiled and slipped her arm through Liam's as she started them down the corridor. "So...do you have everything set for our departure? I've already gotten half our things packed, but I left the rest for you to decide what you wanted to bring along. I mean, I doubt you'll be needing those robes anymore, so I just left them in the closet."

"There is something we need to talk about, Yelara," Liam said, dreading what would come next. "I need to stay through this. Dargus Kandran is very powerful and tapping into forces that have been lost for a very long time. I need to stay and see him stopped. Jae Dyn will go with you to Corellia in the Kestrel, and then I'll follow as soon as this crisis is past. I want to be with you, but I can't abandon the Jedi now, not with a threat like Dargus here. In my meditation, I have seen a possible future, and it is very bad. He needs to be stopped, Yelara."

Yelara blinked slowly and pensively as if the meaning of Liam's words were taking long to sink in. But she said nothing until she was certain she wouldn't come unhinged. They walked a few more feet until Yelara realized her legs had ceased to cooperate and she was stopped in the corridor with Liam. "He'll kill you," she said softly, calmly. "If you stay and pursue this...he'll kill you and you'll never come back to us."

"I promise you, Yelara, with all my heart and all of my love for you, Dargus Kandran will not kill me. I haven't survived this long to be cut down by that sorry excuse for a human being. The Force is with me, and I won't be fighting against him alone. Koran Darr is a strong Jedi, as are Quinlan Vos and Kal'Aran. Laedra Vorrel can use a little more work with her lightsaber, but she's also good in a fight. We can stop him, Yelara. Especially if Kal'Aran's former student joins us." He pulled her into his arms and held her close. "I promise you, Yelara, I'll come back to you. I need you in my life, and I need to watch our son grow up."

"No!" Yelara pushed Liam away and grabbed her hair in fury. "Liam, no! You have to come with us. Let them take care of Dargus if they're so strong, so talented. You need to be with me, Liam. You need to be with me and Leshie, not later, but now!"

"Yelara, please," Liam said, moving toward her again. "I can't leave them now. I have to help. I know more about Dargus than any of them. I can't abandon them now. I'm a Jedi Knight, Yelara, and I can't just walk away from this."

"You said you would!" She batted away the hands he had extended to her and stepped back. "You lied! You said you'd come with me, Liam. You may be a Jedi Knight, but you are my husband first. That is your priority. That is your duty!"

"I will come with you, Yelara," Liam said gently. "But, I need to do this first. Please, Yel. Just let me finish this one thing, and then I'll come to Corellia with you, and everything will be perfect again. I need to help stop Dargus Kandran. If he isn't stopped, we'll just have to run again. He will create another empire, bigger than the last, and far worse. He must be stopped if we're to ever have any hope of happiness again."

"And how long will that take?" she asked. "How long will I have to wait before my husband can be where he truly belongs? They don't need you, Liam! I need you! There's enough of them to stop Dargus without you. Your presence is unnecessary, damn you!"

"Give me four weeks," Liam said softly. "Four weeks to bring Kandran down, and then I will take the first transport I can to Corellia to be with you, Kal, and the babies. Please, Yelara. I need to try to stop him. After everything else, I want to be a part of this, and then I'm yours."

Yelara pressed her back to the wall of the corridor and placed her face in her hands. She shook her head slowly and deliberated between laughing hysterically or crying. She chose neither, and instead dropped her hands and stared evenly at Liam. "How can I do this, Liam? How can I go to Corellia, sleep at night knowing you're not there with me? I'd worry every hour of the day about your welfare and wonder if you're alive or dead or--" Her lips began to quiver, despite her attempts at not shedding a tear. She turned away from Liam and curled against the wall. "Don't do this, Liam. Please."

Liam moved close, his own resolve wavering. He reached around and took her hands into his. "I'll contact you every day," he said. "As often as I can." He didn't know how he'd be able to do this either. How could he live without Yelara? Even with Laedra in his life. How could he survive without his wife and son? How could he be so torn? How could he make Yelara see that he needed both her and Laedra? Liam pulled Yel into his arms and held her close. "Only a month, and I'll contact you as much as I can. Oh gods, Yel."

Yelara brought her hands around his waist and clutched at his robes. "Only a month? It may seem like nothing to you, Liam, but I know it'll be the hardest time in my life." She looked up at Liam forlornly and sobbed. "You have to be careful, Liam. You can't die. And as incentive, I swear I'll come back and finish Dargus myself if you do."

Liam couldn't help smiling at that, and then kissed the top of her head and then her lips. "Then I have to stay safe and alive," he said. "I promise you, I will be alive and unhurt when I return to you."

"We'll comm you everyday, Liam. I mean...Leshie's gonna grow up so fast and I don't want you to miss anything." She whimpered and threw her arms up around Liam's neck where she pulled herself tightly to him. "Liam...it's gonna hurt so much."

"But the hurt will be over soon," Liam said. "We'll all be back together soon, and everything will be right again. I promise you, Yel. I promise it will be as short as I can possibly make it."

"I know you'll try. You have to." She pulled back from Liam and after pausing for a moment, she brought both hands to her earlobe. The Kestrel earring that had hung there since their wedding swayed gently as Yelara worked to unfasten it. Once it was free, she took Liam's hand and placed the Kestrel into his palm. "You'll bring this back to me, won't you, Liam? You'll keep it with you and when you come to Corellia alive and well, you can place it on me again."

Liam looked down at the small raptor-shaped earring and felt his insides turn cold. He looked up at her with the emotions warring within clearly showing on his face. "What does this mean, Yelara?"

She saw the concern on his face and smiled to relieve some of his anxieties. "Well...when you look at this, it'll motivate you to come back to me. It'll remind you that you have a wife on Corellia who will feel incomplete until you return to her. Once you place that earring back on me, Liam, I'll be whole again. And every hour of every day until you return, I'll run my finger over that empty hole on my earlobe...and will keep doing so until it closes up, Liam." Yelara sealed her eyes shut and took in a choked breath. "If that happens," she whispered, "I'll know I've lost you forever."

Liam closed his hand around the earring, and then held it tight to his breast. "It will never close up," he whispered. "I promise you, Yelara Zaneth, it will never ever close up. I'll be there before you know it. We'll be a complete family again."

"That's what I'm hoping for, Liam Neerou." Yelara leaned forward and kissed the fisted hand upon his chest. She could choose to stay, but her fears of being weeded out by Dargus Kandran far surpassed her reluctance to be separated from Liam. If Dargus found her, they would never see each other again. At least if Liam stayed to kill the fiend, there was a chance they could be together again without Dargus' presence threatening to destroy their happiness. As much as she hated to part from Liam, this is as it had to be.

Yelara took Liam's free hand into hers and started with staid, somber steps down the corridor. "How much time do we have, Liam?"

"Kallia's going to perform the procedure the day after tomorrow," Liam said. "So we have until then."

"So little time?" Yelara rested her head against Liam's shoulder and stared blankly ahead. "I feel so numb, Liam. I think I'm trying to protect myself from feeling the pain I know will come."

Liam held Yelara close as they walked together. "The pain will all go away soon, my love," he said. "Soon, Dargus Kandran will be dead, and we'll be together again. Let's go spend some time with our son, and enjoy what time we have together."

Yelara nodded sedately and felt her excitement in leaving completely vanish. How could she be content when she was leaving a part of her soul behind? There would be no happiness on Corellia either until Liam arrived. It would pain Kallia to know that, but she would understand why. The one thing that gave her comfort was knowing she and Liam were like the Kestrel - they mated for life, and being that noble bird personified, Yelara knew she would sing day and night her song of mourning for Liam, waiting for his return.

---

"Finding Paradise, Part 1"
By: Merrick Braston
Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat
Keeve Zenarr [NPC]

Location: Merrick's Dressing Room at the White Noise - Yelldon, New Plouton; The Gang's Apartment - Yesdol, New Plouton
Date: Niothe 15, 4 ABY

***

Merrick Braston woke after what had to have been the best night's sleep he'd had in years. He slowly opened his eyes and realized with a start that he was still in his dressing room. The pressure against his side could have only been another body, and judging by the feel, just as naked as he was. He smiled at the memory of last night, and was eternally grateful that Chrik had a small stash of anti-hangover pills behind the bar.

"Wake up," Merrick said softly. "My girlfriend is due to be here any minute now, and if she finds you, I'm dead. You have to get out. You've got to-- Hey, oh gods, Kaysa. What are you--? You're not my secret mistress--" He laughed and kissed her. "Good morning, my love."

Kaysa kept her eyes closed with only a gentle, wiry smile to indicate she was in fact conscious. "You better be joking, Braston," she muttered. "It would be a shame to have to spill blood first thing in the--" Her eyes finally sprang open and flitted about to assess her surroundings. "Morning? We slept here all night? I didn't even call Shiv or Zale... They'll think we murdered each other."

"Then they'll be very surprised when we show up as happy as nerfs in...well, whatever it is that nerfs are happy in. I'm sure they figured it out." He smiled and then kissed her again. "Besides, I called Shiv last night when I went out to get the hangover killer."

"Oh..." Kaysa sighed and settled back into Merrick's embrace. "I imagine she was giggling and squealing with delight when you told her. And I bet she was just dying to ask if she could join us."

Merrick laughed. "She was very happy for us, and I told her I had to get back to you before she could ask to join. Though, we may have to lock ourselves away tonight, because I think she will want to join in on our happiness."

Kaysa propped herself up on her elbow and brought her hand to Merrick's forehead to brush back a stray wisp of brown hair. "I thought we'd be in Vendra by tonight...unless you've changed your mind."

Merrick grinned. "Oh, I definitely haven't changed my mind," he said. "I didn't realize you wanted to go tonight. But, I really like the idea. We'll get things packed up, let Shiv, Keeve, and Zale know, and off we'll go. We'll be in paradise by dusk, and I will do everything I can to make you the happiest woman in the galaxy."

"You already have...twice last night and hopefully once more before we head home." She wound her leg around his and pressed the length of her naked body against his. "I trust I made up for all those times you felt unwanted or unloved."

Merrick smiled. "After that treatment last night, I'm kind of embarrassed for feeling unwanted at all. Oh my, Kaysa. I didn't know you had it in you. Well, I did, but it was very nice to experience for myself. I hope we didn't disrupt the band Chrik had onstage last night."

"I doubt anyone noticed. They probably thought it was just the back-up singers accompanying the song very enthusiastically." Kaysa grinned and smoothed her hand over Merrick's shoulder as he kissed her neck lightly. "Now, see what I was saying about intense? But now that I know you can handle it, maybe you can join Zale and I the next time we're together...if you still want that."

Merrick gazed up into Kaysa's eyes and smiled. "I do want that," he said. "I want that to bring us closer, and to make things more open between all of us. I don't want there to be any closed doors for us, Kaysa."

"Hopefully in a figurative sense. If we'd kept your dressing room door open all night, I imagine the fans would have been drawn back here for a different kind of show."

Merrick laughed. "Yes," he said, "that's a kind of performance I don't think my fans need to see. No, those doors stay locked, my love. With what I've seen of my fans, if they saw the door open, and us in here, they'd try to join in."

"Oh, I think not!" Kaysa pushed Merrick back onto the sofa and sat astraddle upon him. "I'm afraid you'll have to tell all your mistresses that you'll no longer be open for services." She pressed her hands to his chest and massaged it sensually. "Merrick Braston's mine for the entire week and I doubt he'll have enough stamina for more than one woman, let alone me."

Merrick moaned at Kaysa's touch. "Oh, that's very nice," he said with a wide grin. "All the other girls will have to go home now. I'm only Kaysa's now. Just me and my inspiration."

"Have I inspired another song?" Kaysa laughed softly and proceeded to rouse Merrick further from his former slumber by swaying against him. "That's...how many now? Ten?"

"I think...I think I've lost count how many it is," Merrick said with a big grin. "And, if you keep doing that, I won't be able to think clearly enough to count them."

"Not in the mood?" she asked with a pout. "Zale's always in the mood and he never complains." Kaysa sighed dramatically as she dismounted from Merrick and rose. "Well...I guess I'll just go and pay him a visit..." she said while beginning to back away.

"Hey," Merrick said, sitting up. "Get your naked ass back here. I really didn't want to remember them all right now, and what you were doing was working perfectly to keep me from remembering. Now, come on, you teasing bitch and let's finish what you started."

Kaysa gasped sharply in feigned appall, then giggled boisterously as she launched herself towards the sofa and landed directly atop Merrick. "Oh, I love it when naughty words come from your mouth." She kissed him aggressively as her fingers tightened around handfuls of his hair.

"And, I love it when you get wild like this," Merrick said as he used one hand to guide himself toward Kaysa's entrance while the other sought to steady them. He returned her kisses with equal passion, and laughed as she seemed to get even hotter. Without another word, he slid himself inside.

Kaysa groaned and clamped down tighter on Merrick's hair. Their initial pace was already brisk and frantic, all due to the primal yearning evoked by a few commanding words from Merrick's otherwise sweet-talking mouth. It wasn't how they normally made love, but Kaysa had absolutely no complaints. Intense hunger drove her to move her mouth to Merrick's chest and pull his nipple between her teeth before biting down on it. While Merrick cried out, she laughed huskily as his pain only heightened her arousal.

Merrick let out another cry as he quickened his pace, slamming himself as hard and deep into Kaysa as he could get. And, from the wild look in her eyes, he knew he was doing the right thing. He brought his hands to her breasts, to pinch her nipples as they continued their frenzied coupling.

"Oh, my sweet, sexy musician," she groaned. Her hands had moved to his shoulders, where her fingernails dug deeply. The sight of the welts they left upon his flesh as she dragged them down to his chest made her heart race and the throbbing between her legs to amplify. "Has...Zale been...giving you pointers?" She emitted a deep, guttural cry as her back arched abruptly, and clawed at the top of the sofa to steady herself.

Merrick shook his head. "No," he rasped. "No pointers. I'm just learning as I go. What do you want me to do, Kaysa? Name it, and I'll do it. Just name it."

Kaysa kissed Merrick roughly and clasped his wrist to bring his hand to her breast. His other hand she brought between her legs and cried out as he improvised from there. "That'll do for now," she said in a loud, uncontrolled voice. She suckled at his fingers as his free hand came up to caress her cheek. Laughing throatily, she clamped down on his forefinger, then released only once he'd cried out sufficiently. "I think...I need to be punished for that," she prompted with a sly grin.

Merrick laughed and pulled his abused finger into his own mouth. "I think you do too," he said after a moment. "But, I'm not sure what a suitable punishment is in this new style of sex. I think you will have to educate me, my naughty love."

"If I have to tell you," she replied, "then it won't be as fun." She giggled and brought her hand sharply across his cheek. Before he could recover from the blow, she closed her teeth around his earlobe firmly, laughing breathlessly all the while.

"Ow," Merrick cried out, and then laughed. "Just don't draw too much blood." With that, he surged upward, taking her with him. He caught her by surprise and it allowed him to twist them around so that he was now behind her. Then, he quickly entered her again, this time from behind. With a laugh, he slapped her backside. "No more biting...for now."

Kaysa disobeyed only to gnaw at her lip, but the cry she'd been attempting to contain broke loose. She reached back and grasped at Merrick's thighs, digging in deeper with each thrust. Her head turned to receive his kisses, and once again defying him, she caught his lip between her teeth with a laugh before he could pull away.

"You little insolent bitch," Merrick cried out once she released his lip. "You're just asking for more punishment, aren't you?" He pushed her down toward the couch, and lengthened his strokes as he entered her harder and faster. Mingled with their cries was the loud slapping of flesh striking flesh. "You need to be tamed, Kaysa, and I'm just the guy to do it!"

Kaysa's laughter was interrupted by moans and pleasure-tinged cries as Merrick's aggression did more to bring her near climax than his physical stimulation did. She flailed her arms behind her, clawing at and striking any part of Merrick's flesh she came into contact with. With grating grunts and frustrated screams, she jerked her body upward repeatedly to try and dislodge Merrick, but after numerous failed attempts, she reached back and with a peal of laughter grabbed a handful of Merrick's hair.

"You're asking for it, Kaysa. Do you really want to be treated like the bad girl you are? Is that it? Do you want me to treat you really bad?" He leaned over across her back and kissed her neck and throat, mixing in gentle bites here and there.

"You could never," Kaysa replied breathlessly. She laughed as she tightened her hold on Merrick's hair. "You're too soft and gentle. You wouldn't know how."

Merrick laughed and pulled all the way out of Kaysa. With a grunt, he shifted positions until he was poised at the entrance to her backside. "Soft and gentle, eh?"

Kaysa whimpered and reached back for Merrick to coax him into continuing. "Always, Merrick. Always. Now stop fucking around and keep going!"

"I'm going," Merrick said with a laugh, and then pushed himself slowly inside of Kaysa's anus. Once he was in, he pulled out and started up a slow rhythm with her.

She gasped at the twinge of pain caused by the first thrust, but with each ensuing one, she greeted them with reverberant groans and shrill moans. Her hands wrung the armrest of the sofa, but it only served to dissipate the pain when it was pain she wanted. The tears spilling from the creases of her eyes were involuntary and served only to convey her immense joy. "Oh, Merrick," she groaned. "I didn't know--" She cried out, then gathered her breath to finish her statement. "--you had it in you."

"Oh, you'd be surprised," Merrick said. "But, over the next week, I have a feeling we'll be doing a lot of surprising each other. Did you know that clothing at this place is optional?"

Kaysa lightly stroked Merrick's arm as he gripped her waist, and gave a laugh that was more of a groan. "Then we'll have hardly any packing to do." She snaked her hand down between her legs and sighed as she administered to the insistent throbbing there. "Oh gods... I don't wanna leave this room."

"We don't have to leave for awhile," Merrick rasped. "We can stay in here until we're good and ready to come out. We don't have to start our vacation in Vendra. Oh gods..."

"That's not true," Kaysa said quickly. She pushed her hips back towards Merrick and struggled to her hands and knees. "This could sort of be our pre-vacation send-off." With a piercing cry, she threw her head back and clutched at Merrick's leg with one hand. "And I really, really would like it if you could send me off now, Merrick!"

"Oh gods yes," Merrick cried out as he continued thrusting deep inside Kaysa, and then suddenly everything seemed to give away. With a cry, he thrust inside once more and released his climax. It felt like it went on forever, until finally he felt his body giving way. He crumpled slightly, but didn't collapse. "Oh, I love it when we do that."

Kaysa nodded quickly in agreement while she wheezed gently and grappled clumsily with the armrest of the sofa to pull herself away from Merrick. She shuddered and moaned as Merrick slid out of her, then with a grunt, she turned and collapsed onto her back. "Come here, you beautiful creature," she said, holding her arms out towards him.

Merrick smiled and then crawled across the couch and into Kaysa's arms. "So," he whispered, "do you think I qualify for a night with you and Zale?"

Kaysa dabbed at a spot of blood upon Merrick's lip and laughed softly. "Oh, definitely. I think we might even be too intense for Zale."

"He's a big boy," Merrick said with a smile. "He'll catch on, I'm sure. So, how about we just lie here for a little while longer, then we head to the house? And, after that, we're on vacation."

"Good idea," she said with a deep sigh. She pressed Merrick's head to her bosom and laughed. "I doubt I could move very far even if I tried."

Merrick grinned. "Well, we still have lots of time. So, just lie here in my arms, and...ow. You really bit my nipple, didn't you?"

Kaysa nodded and grinned proudly. "And I was being gentle too."

"Well, I would hope so," Merrick said. "You know, they're not used for much, but I'd look really funny if they were gone."

"Oh, but I'm far more interested in certain other parts of your anatomy." She slid her hand between them and gently squeezed the part she had in mind. "But next time I won't hold back, now that I know you can handle it, my love."

Merrick smiled, and then laughed. "Well, as long as nothing needs to be sewn back on when we're done, I'm ready for you. Now, close your eyes and lets gather our strength for the week ahead. We're going to need it."

***

It was two hours later and Merrick and Kaysa were just reaching the front door of their apartment. "I'm just glad Chrik was willing to give me the time off," Merrick was saying. "I would have hated to have to do something drastic, like quitting or buying the place."

"Still considering becoming partners with Zale?" Kaysa squeezed Merrick's hand and stared at him sternly. "You have to apologize to him if he's here. Please?"

"I'll apologize," Merrick said. "And, I haven't had a chance to give it much thought, but it is a good idea. I think when things settle down more, I'll have to sit down with him and see what we can come up with." They reached the front door, and Merrick stepped aside for Kaysa to open it.

"I...don't have my keycard," Kaysa said with a shrug. She sighed and for what amounted to one of many times, she resorted to ringing the door chime for admittance into her own apartment. What she found when the door slid open surprised her to say the least. "Keeve?"

"Hi, Kaysa!" His expression was cheerful and his smile was, as far as she could discern, genuine. But what startled her even more so was when his tiny arms wrapped around her waist and he embraced her, with no signs that he was even attempting to squeeze the life from her.

"Oh gods...Keeve." She stroked his hair tenderly and hesitantly at first, but once she was certain he wouldn't try to bite her hand off, she enfolded him in her arms and returned the embrace. "Hi, my love."

Tears forced their way to her eyes, no matter how hard she attempted to keep them away. She looked back to Merrick with a questioning gaze, but he seemed as at a loss as she was. Her attention was directed back to Keeve when he pulled away, and for a moment she wanted to draw him into her arms again, but she couldn't push things, not when they appeared to be going just right.

"You can come inside now, Kaysa," he said. "Auntie Shiv's in the studio and daddy's in the bedroom. He's talking to some people on the comm." Keeve stepped aside to allow her entrance into the room and with a large grin upon his face.

"Daddy?" she mouthed to Merrick as she started into the room.

Merrick was following close behind but the grin on his face spoke highly of his perplexed amusement. He glanced down at Keeve and smiled. "You're definitely adapting to the role of man of the house," he said. "And, doing a great job, I might add."

"Well, thanks, Merrick," he replied proudly. Showing a spark of the mischievous little boy that still resided within him, Keeve giggled and stuck out his tongue at Merrick, then darted away, hollering Shiv's name.

Once Keeve was out of earshot, Kaysa spun around towards Merrick. "What the hell happened to my kid?"

Merrick shook his head as he stared incredulously after Keeve. "I have no idea," he said. "Maybe they dropped him out of a window."

"Well...whatever works."

Keeve appeared again, this time pulling Shiv along behind him. "I told you they were home, Auntie!"

When Shiv saw them standing in the center of the living room, she let out a squeal of delight. She rushed forward first into Kaysa's arms, and then into Merrick's. "Oh, you guys look so good together. And, you're practically glowing. Oh you make me so happy. Oh I just want to drag you both in my room and--" She suddenly glanced down at Keeve standing next to her, and giggled. "Well, you know."

"Oh, believe me," Kaysa said with a knowing glance in Merrick's direction, "we know very well."

"Oh!" Keeve exclaimed suddenly. "I'll go call Daddy!"

He fled before Kaysa had a chance to dissuade him from disturbing Zale, but it did give her a chance to talk to Shiv without him present. "So...what happened around here? Did Zale give him a spanking that stuck this time?"

"He had his eyes opened when he thought he could really fly," Shiv said. "Zale stopped him before he fell off the ledge, and he's been an angel since then. I was so scared, but Zale saved him. And, now Zale is his hero. It's really cute. Last night, Keeve was saying how he wanted braids like Zale's."

Kaysa's fear for her child passed and surprise replaced it. "Hey, Merrick...you were right. I'll have to reward you for that later...twice."

Merrick shook his head and laughed.

"I was so scared," Shiv said. "But, Zale was there, and poof. Keeve was back inside, and very sorry. And, he wants to love everyone now because he realized how much we love him."

"Well, us Zenarrs are a stubborn bunch. If almost falling out of a window is what it took, then I guess I can overlook the little matter of chewing out both you and Zale for allowing it to happen in the first place." She grinned at Shiv and pulled her into her arms before she had a chance to put on the doe-eyed, apologetic expression she always wore when she realized she'd done something wrong. "Thanks, Shiv. You brought my boy back to me."

"It was an accident," Shiv whispered, "but I'm so glad he's here. He's a beautiful little boy."

"Well, well, you finally decided to come home," a voice on the far end of the room said. There was obvious humour in Zale's tone as he approached. "Damn, the two of you look good."

Kaysa slipped out of Shiv's arms and made her way towards Zale to greet him with a kiss. "Well, that's because we made up...three times." She picked up Zale's prosthetic hand and examined it warily. "You did as I ordered and got it fixed, right?"

Zale lifted his hand into the air and then fanned all the fingers to show that it was working perfectly. "It's as good as new," he said. "And, you both are looking very...forgiven."

"Well...one of us is." Kaysa looked to Merrick pointedly and cleared her throat as she nudged her head towards Zale.

Merrick grinned and stepped forward. He glanced between Kaysa and Zale and sighed. "Zale, Kaysa just wanted me to tell you that I was sorry for flipping you onto that table. So, um...sorry."

Merrick and Zale stared at each other for a long moment, while Kaysa sputtered over the tactless apology Merrick had just made.

And, then Merrick stepped forward and pulled Zale into a hug. "I'm sorry, about that. I was upset, and forgot what I was doing. It won't ever happen again."

Zale chuckled. "It's alright," he said. "I think the table got the worst of it."

"Isn't that sweet, Shiv?" Kaysa commented with a large smile. "But...where's the kiss? Zale's been waiting for one since you threw him onto that table, Merrick, so I'd hop to it if I were you."

Zale was about to explain that the kiss wasn't necessary, at least until Merrick's lips suddenly covered his. After several long moments, Merrick finally stepped away and Zale was standing there speechless. Finally, he let out a quiet laugh, and then shook his head.

Kaysa blinked and stood speechlessly, looking between both Merrick and Zale before stepping forward and pulling Merrick away a good distance. "I think you enjoyed that far too much. I'm gonna be watching you closely, Braston."

"Well, you'll have me all to yourself for the next week," Merrick said. "So you can break me of those unruly habits then."

"We'll be in medical care for a month if I ever try to break them all." Kaysa laughed and kissed Merrick tenderly, before giving a muffled cry and pulling her lips from his. "Almost forgot! I guess we should probably tell you now before it's too late. Zale...Shiv? Would you mind taking care of Keeve for a week while me and Merrick go to Vendra and have lots of sex?"

Keeve giggled and tugged at Shiv's pant-leg. "She said sex, Auntie."

Shiv giggled in return. "They did, sweetie," she said. "As if they haven't had enough already. I've heard of Vendra. So, I guess you guys won't be packing any clothes, eh?"

"Maybe a bathing suit or two," Kaysa replied with a suggestive smile. "I imagine we won't even make it to the beach the entire time we're there. Oh, and Shiv, would you mind dropping by Zenarr Inc. and making sure things are running smoothly while I'm gone? There's actually a new pilot I just hired, and I wanna make sure she knows her way around. You think you can take care of that?"

"Sure," Shiv said with an excited giggle. "I'd love to. I kinda miss hanging around at the office."

Zale stepped closer to Kaysa, and leaned toward her ear. "I need to talk to you alone for a few minutes before you go."

"Okay," she replied quietly. "Uh...Shiv looks like you get some time alone with Merrick. You better make the most of it because when we get back from Vendra, he'll be out of commission for a week at least." She laughed and linked her arm with Zale's. "Let's go into the bedroom. We'll have more privacy there."

Zale led the way into the bedroom, and gestured that she should have a seat on the bed. "I'm going on a sort of vacation as well," he said once they were both seated. "The crimelord with whom I got the Jedi's help has need of me, and I'll be occupied for the next week as well."

Kaysa blinked as if struck a blow but managed to recover enough to speak. "Wait...I don't understand. I thought the Jedi were procured by you? Which crimelord, Zale?" she asked. Her tone conveyed not curiousity, but instead, wariness and caution. She didn't need to hear his answer to know who it was. "And would you mind explaining to me what exactly you mean by 'occupied'?"

"The crimelord is Oot Kovan," Zale said. "Liam Zaneth was at that party with her, and to find him again I had to go through her. However, she was a little mercenary with her contact. Unless I agreed to spend time with her, then she wouldn't place the call. Getting you back was more important to me than this, so I agreed."

Kaysa stood up abruptly and whirled around to face Zale. "You still haven't told me what I want to know! What does she want with you? I don't understand!"

Zale shook his head and looked away. "She didn't say," he said. "But, to look at the way she looks at me...she wants to turn me into a snack."

"No." Kaysa began pacing frantically and quickly before the bed, all the while shaking her head rigorously. "You're not going. Tell her you'll agree to anything else, but not that."

"And, if that's all she wants?" Zale asked.

She stopped abruptly before Zale and snorted wryly. "Your unwillingness to even try is leading me to believe you want to go on this little sexual retreat with her. Is that it?"

"No, it's not," Zale said while taking a deep breath to maintain his calm. "I don't want to go on a little sexual retreat with her. However, I want you to be aware of the ramifications of this if she isn't as willing to negotiate. I could find myself in a war with her, or she could team her organization with Kandran. I'll talk to her, and get out of this, but I have a strong suspicion she won't be happy with me."

Kaysa shrieked in frustration and spun around to kick the foot of the nighttable. She cursed at the spike of pain that radiated up from her foot and sank onto the bed to alleviate some of the pressure. "How could you even agree to this from the beginning, Zale?" she asked as she massaged her sore foot. "You must have known from the beginning she was asking for sex. She knows you're married, doesn't she? Does she also know your wife is the jealous, look-at-my-husband-that-way-and-I'll-gouge-your-eyes-out type of woman?"

"I don't think she cares, Kaysa," Zale said. "She runs a crime syndicate. And, how could I not agree to it? Let my wife die, or make this insane agreement to let her live? Say I was the one whose life was on the line, and all you needed to do to save it was to sleep with some guy. Would you let me die?"

"How could you even ask that? You know I wouldn't." Kaysa sighed and reclined onto the bed. She covered her face with her hands and shook her head slowly. "You're going to have sex with her... Do you know how that makes me feel? So helpless and powerless. I know it's going to happen, yet I can do nothing to stop. You know how insane I get when things go beyond my control."

"I'm going to do everything I can to not have sex with her, Kaysa," Zale said. "I'm a Shac'Tae master, remember? I have amazing self-control when it comes to these things. I can make Ms. Oot Kovan a very frustrated woman when Sparky doesn't come out to play."

The bed bounced gently as laughter rippled through Kaysa's body. Her hands fell away from her face and she extended them towards Zale with a defeated sigh. "Comfort me, Zale...you big, frustrating...you. This is my curse for having such a handsome husband."

Zale slipped down next to Kaysa and took her into his arms. "I'd much rather comfort you than fend you off," he said. "I promise you I will carry through my part of the bargain of spending the time with her, but there was nothing in the agreement about sex. I'll save all that for you."

"Though I can't keep the same promise about my time with Merrick." Kaysa groaned miserably and pressed her face to Zale's chest. "This is my punishment for being so stupid and going after Kandran, isn't it?"

"It's only punishment if my Shac'Tae powers don't work," Zale said with a grin. "But, they've never failed me yet. We'll get through this, Kaysa. You'll have your glorious week with Merrick. I'll beat Oot Kovan off with a very large, heavy stick. And, when we come back we'll be all set to move forward in our lives."

"Well...fine," she replied stubbornly. "But if she so much as bites you, I'll tie her lekkus in a knot and...and do something else not very nice to her."

Zale laughed and pulled Kaysa closer. "And, I'll hold her down -- in as chaste a manner as I can -- while you do," he said.

She joined in Zale's laughter for only a time before her sour mood returned. She propped herself onto her elbow and managed a smile for Zale as she ran her finger along one of his braids. "When do you leave? And please don't get drunk, Zale. I think you know why."

"I leave this evening," Zale said. "And, I will stick to Bespin teas. She hasn't mentioned where we're going, but I guess we'll find out soon enough. I've got your comm number, so I'll contact you during the week. That is, unless you want your privacy with Merrick."

"We'll have plenty of privacy...as long as you're not calling once an hour. I want you to make sure you do comm me, and do it while Oot's in the room so she knows I know exactly what she has in mind, and that she better get her mind off it really quick or you'll have a very jealous wife crashing your little vacation."

Zale laughed. "I'll make sure she's in the room, and hears every word," he said. "And, I'll contact you at least once a day. Though, Oot would probably absolutely hate me if I called you every hour."

"So would Merrick." Kaysa moved kisses from Zale's cheek to his lips where they remained for some time and until they were both breathless. "Oh, I'm really gonna miss you. But Shiv... You will up security, won't you? She and Keeve will be alone and I'd feel better if I knew they were absolutely safe."

"I'll have security so tight around this place that not even a beeja rat could run through without my squad noticing. I'm also going to put a top of the line security system in this place as well. Shiv and Keeve will be very safe here. I'm also going to post a guard inside, just for extra security." He cupped her chin and kissed her once more. "And, Moril will be overseeing everything."

"Oh, great," Kaysa said with a laugh. "They'll be in here making good use of the beds, I'm sure. You tell him he can stop by whenever he wants. He and Shiv deserve some time together, poor things."

Zale grinned. "I'll let him know," he said. "Though, I imagine Keeve won't like Moril dominating Shiv's time. Hopefully the new and improved Keeve will be content with her spending some time with him."

"I imagine Shiv knows how to control him by now. They'll be fine...I hope." Kaysa groaned as she pushed herself up and crawled off the bed. "I have to pack. How will you be getting to wherever you're going? If you're going to the spaceport, you can share a cab with Merrick and I."

Zale chuckled. "I'll contact Oot and figure out how that's going to happen," he said. "Why don't you and Merrick go get packed, and I'll give her a call?"

Kaysa frowned at Zale and seemed to be deliberating between staying and listening in on the conversation, or allowing Zale privacy. She finally sighed and nodded her head reluctantly. "Be good and...no dirty talk."

"Only with you," Zale said with a grin, and then kissed her. "I won't be long."

---

"Finding Paradise, Part 2"
By: Merrick Braston
Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat
Keeve Zenarr [NPC]

Location: The Gang's Apartment - Yesdol, New Plouton
Date: Niothe 15, 4 ABY

***

Kaysa smiled at Zale as she moved to the doorway, where she stood for a good while before slipping out of the room. She closed the door behind her, but remained there with her ear towards it. Before she could hear any bits of conversation, Keeve was tugging at her pant-leg and staring up at her quizzically. "Whatcha doin, Kaysa?"

"Oh...nothing, my love. Come," she said as she took his hand. "Let's go find Auntie Shiv and Merrick." They made their way into the living area and Keeve quickly skipped over to the sofa and squeezed himself in between Shiv and Merrick. "Zale's making a comm. Shiv, did you know he was going on vacation too?"

Shiv frowned. "He is?" She glanced at Keeve, and then shook her head. "He didn't say anything to us. He's been making calls all day, and most of last night too. When they were fixing his hand last night, the doctor finally had to take his comlink away. Where's he going?"

Kaysa seated herself upon the coffee table and shook her head. "He hasn't said. I tried to convince him not to go, but..." She shrugged and sighed deeply. "He's gonna increase security around here so that you and Keeve will be safe."

"That's good," Shiv said. "I think with just me and Keeve here, the additional security will be a comfort. Though, I've got my little warrior to look after me. Everything will be fine here, and Keeve and I will stay close to home. Just in case."

"But we can still go out for frazzies, can't we, Auntie?"

"I think that should be alright," Kaysa replied with a smile. "Shiv's friend Moril will be stopping by a lot, so maybe he can come along and keep you two safe."

Shiv couldn't help the dreamy look that she got at the mention of Moril's name, or the goofy grin that turned up her lips into a big smile. "I was wondering when I'd get to see him again. Oh, he's going to be coming by? I think I'll enjoy seeing him. And, I think he'll enjoy seeing me." She suddenly had to look away as a blush consumed her face, sending her into a fit of giggles.

Kaysa laughed and shook her head at Shiv's sudden affliction of excitement. "You two will be good...won't you, Shiv? I mean, you'll remember to keep the doors locked...right?" Kaysa grinned knowingly. "You know which doors I'm talking about."

Shiv giggled. "Of course," she said. "So, does that mean it's alright? I mean...for me and Moril?" She giggled again, and buried her face in Merrick's chest while wrapping Keeve in a hug.

"You silly creature," Kaysa commented fondly. "Of course it's alright. I mean...it's Moril. He could just be your soul-mate and it would be wrong of me to keep you and he apart. Besides...he deserves to have some. He's been waiting a long time for this moment to come, so I expect you to make it good."

Shiv giggled. "I'll make it the best," she said. "Though, we may have trouble getting him to leave once you guys return."

Merrick laughed. "The apartment's big enough," he said. "Though, we'll have to give Keeve the final vote of approval."

"Don't worry, Merrick," Keeve said confidently, "I'll make sure he's nice to Shiv. If not..." He finished his statement by grinning widely and displaying his arsenal of weaponry.

Shiv giggled. "You will not bite Moril," she said. "Promise me you won't bite Moril, Keeve."

"If he's good to you, I won't. But if he makes you sad, Auntie Shiv, then--" Keeve chomped down on an invisible hand and growled.

Kaysa laughed and lunged forward to tickle the soft flesh of Keeve's belly. "You silly boy! You've been hanging around Auntie Shiv too much!"

Keeve squealed and giggled as he attempted to squirm away from Kaysa's busy fingers. "Help! Auntie Shiv, the tickle monster's got me!"

"Don't worry, Keeve," Merrick called out as he hopped off the couch and moved behind Kaysa. "I've got her!" With that, Merrick proceeded to tickle Kaysa.

"Merrick!" Kaysa shrieked as she writhed and twisted, but found no escape. "Shiv!" She slapped at Merrick's hands and squawked as Keeve's joined in on the assault. "Oh, you fiends!" Collapsing onto the ground and curling up into a ball seemed the only appropriate defense, but Kaysa soon realized it left her even more vulnerable to attack from the frisky hands of her musician and her son.

With a giggle, Shiv dove in on Keeve, tickling him as he tickled Kaysa. "Free-for-all," she shouted, while laughing breathlessly.

Kaysa managed to clear her hands of the frenzy and blindly latch onto someone's stomach. With all the chaos, she couldn't decide if it was Shiv's, or if it was in fact not a stomach at all but Merrick's rear. Whatever it was, Kaysa was caught up in the madness and refused to stop tickling.

Keeve's infectious giggles represented to Kaysa a sign that she'd finally come close to winning him over and a hope that perhaps someday soon, he could come to love her. Now, though, she was more interested in defending herself against the numerous attacks, as well as dealing out her own.

"Hey," Shiv shouted. "No boobs!"

To her astonished surprise, she heard both Merrick and Keeve respond in unison: "Sorry."

She let out a string of giggles and immediately latched one hand to Merrick, one to Keeve. She momentarily thought of going after Kaysa with a foot, but Kaysa's sudden attack on her posterior sent her into a new fit of laughter that bordered on dangerous for her bladder.

"We...must stop this!" Kaysa cried out haltingly. She surged upwards and managed to tackle Shiv, only to have Keeve climb onto her back and relentlessly tickle her. Breathless with laughter and the pain it was producing in her sides, Kaysa collapsed atop Shiv and raised a hand to signal her defeat. "I surrender!"

Shiv giggled from the bottom of the pile. "Me too!"

Merrick was too busy laughing on the floor next to them, but he did finally manage to say, "I think you won, Keeve. You're on top."

Keeve emitted an uproarious cheer and mounted the couch where he proceeded to hop up and down in a very noisy victory dance. "That makes me the official man of the house! Auntie Shiv and Kaysa are mine now, Merrick!"

"Oh, is that so?" Zale said as he entered the room with a big smile. "It sounds like you four were having quite a bit of fun out here. For a moment, I thought the apartment was falling down."

"It wasn't the apartment, silly," Shiv said with a giggle. "It was just us having a tickle-fest. Keeve won, so you'd better respect him before he starts tickling you too."

Zale chuckled. "Is that how it is now? He who tickles the best is man of the house?"

Shiv grinned and sat up. "Well, I really don't think I could be the man of the house."

"No, of course not," Kaysa said as she raked her hair back from her face. "That must be ultimately proven in a wrestling match with Merrick. Which means you can't be the man of the house either, Zale. You lost, remember?"

"Hey," Zale said. "I didn't lose that. He ran away before we could finish it."

"Oh face it, Zale," Merrick said with a laugh. "You lost that one. Fair and square. You put your hand on my shoulder, and I put you on the table. We could try again if you want."

"With the two of you in skimpy little shorts, and all oiled up," Shiv called out excitedly.

Kaysa rolled her eyes and sighed. "Somehow, I knew that was coming."

Shiv giggled and slipped her arms around Kaysa's waist. "Oh you know you'd love to see that as much as I would," she said. "Think about it, Kayse. Merrick and Zale, clad in nothing but a thong, with their bodies covered in oil. And, then wrestling purely for yours and my enjoyment."

"We'd have to cover Keeve's eyes, of course, but..." Kaysa moaned happily and eyed both Merrick and Zale, envisioning them in oil and naked instead of clothed. "Oh...I like the sound of that indeed."

"Maybe after your vacation, we can set up a ring in here, and let the two of them go to town."

Merrick grinned. "Me and Zale, nearly naked, wrestling while all slick and covered with oil? I think I like the sound of that."

"No, you don't like the sound of that," Kaysa corrected quickly. "Repeat, Merrick: 'I do not like the sound of that.' "

Merrick laughed and pulled Kaysa up into his arms. "I do not like the sound of that," he said. "I like the sound of me and Kaysa all alone for a Vendra vacation."

"And we will be, very soon. We'll pack and then head over to the spaceport." She looked over his shoulder at Zale and almost frowned as she asked, "Are you gonna share a cab with Merrick and I? Or did you need to go home and pack too?"

"I should head to my apartment and pack," Zale said. "But, I'll call you soon enough. You two have a great time. And, keep an eye on him, Kaysa."

"I wish there were someone to keep an eye on you," Kaysa muttered. She slipped out of Merrick's arms and walked sullenly towards Zale, adding a pout to make her appearance even more so pathetic. "You know I'm not happy about this."

"I know you're not happy," Zale said as he held his arms open to her. "But, just think about how unhappy Oot Kovan will be when she gets the silent treatment from you-know-who. Though, I imagine knowing that will make you pretty happy."

Kaysa met Zale's embrace and nuzzled her nose against his lips. "I'd prefer it if she was miserable, but unhappy is okay too." Bringing her lips to Zale's ear, she sighed, then whispered, "Don't hurt me, Zale. Please."

"Never," Zale whispered in response. "You're safe with me, and so is your heart, my love and my wife. I will refuse all of Oot Kovan's advances, and leave her completely frustrated. I promise."

"Good, because I'll be doing a thorough examination upon your return, and if I discover so much as a mark..." She grinned up at Zale and patted him upon the chest. "Well, no need to go into details about that. I trust that's warning enough."

Zale looked down at his artificial hand, flexed it, and then gave Kaysa a grin. "Point taken," he said. "And, I'd better...well...you'd better be thoroughly relaxed and happy when you return, or I will have to take drastic measures."

"Oh, don't tempt me." She laughed softly as she pressed her lips to Zale's. Keeve giggled in the background at the sight, which alerted Kaysa to the fact that there were others occupying the room and moving her hand to Zale's groin was most likely not the best course of action. She pulled away with an unhappy sigh. "Well...get going then. I imagine I shall miss you sufficiently while you're gone."

"And I you," Zale said with a seductive smile. "We'll see each other again before you know it."

Kaysa grinned salaciously as she ran her finger along the valley of her breasts. "Oh, I look forward to that, my love."

A series of giggles followed by a loud snort resounded behind Kaysa and Zale. Followed by another giggle, and Shiv saying, "Sorry."

"We've got quite the show going," Zale said with a grin. "And--" he glanced down at her breasts and smiled "--save that thought. Because we'll be acting on it soon enough. Me, you, and lots of loud noises."

"And if you don't leave now, that time will come sooner than anticipated." Leading him by the hand, Kaysa escorted Zale to the door.

Keeve flew from the couch and raced towards him. He threw his arms around Zale's legs and hugged him tightly. "Are you coming back soon, Daddy?"

Zale squatted down and pulled Keeve into a hug. "I'll be back before you know I'm gone," he said. "I should only be gone for the weekend, but I'll call you if I'm going to be gone longer. Okay? Now, you take care of Shiv while we're gone. And, be good." He pulled out a small wad of credits. "For frazzies for you and Shiv."

Keeve's eyes lit up at the sight of the thick folds of bills, and Kaysa fondly thought how much he truly did remind her of herself. "Thanks, Daddy! I'll be really good, but only if you promise to bring me something back."

Zale couldn't help smiling. "I promise," he said. "I'll bring something back for everyone. But, since you're the man of the house, you'll get the most special one."

Keeve emitted a riotous cheer with his arms upraised and the creds fluttering about his head. "Thanks, Daddy!" He wreathed Zale's legs with his arms again and gave them an extra firm squeeze.

"You're welcome, kid," Zale said with a grin. "Now, I've got to get going, or I'm going to have a very displeased Twi'lek on my hands. I'll be back as soon as I can convince her that this is not going to be the vacation she was hoping for."

"And daddy's very good at convincing people, isn't he?" Kaysa added, smiling sweetly at Zale.

Zale chuckled, and cupped her chin. "I don't know," he said with a wicked gleam in his eye, "you'll have to tell me."

"Oh no," Shiv called from where she lounged on the couch with Merrick, "you're not starting that again. I can't cover Keeve's eyes from here."

Kaysa laughed and covered Keeve's eyes herself before kissing Zale deeply. Keeve squirmed under her grip and managed to pull down Kaysa's hands. He giggled as he gazed up in amusement at Kaysa and Zale feasting greedily from one another's lips.

Zale pulled Kaysa into his arms and ground his hips against hers as they kissed. A part of him screamed to throw her over his shoulder and march back into the bedroom with her. Another part of his mind told him to just forget about everything and take her right here. Of course, Keeve's boisterous giggling put an instant rejection on the here and now. From the couch, he could hear both Shiv and Merrick chanting his and Kaysa's names. And, then finally he was unable to hold back his mirth at the chanting and pulled away into a fit of laughter.

Heavy breathing and a regretful sigh was all Kaysa could manage as she pressed her back to the doorframe for support. Keeve had covered his mouth by now to muffle his laughter, but it still spilled through the cracks between his fingers and infected Kaysa, who gave a short laugh of her own. "You better get outta here, Mr. Tregat or you'll be accompanying Merrick and I on vacation. And since I don't trust you two together, that could be a very bad thing."

Zale laughed, and then quickly skipped back toward the door. "I'll see you all very soon," he said. "Everyone be good."

"I will, Daddy!" Keeve waved briskly at Zale as he followed him to the doorway.

Kaysa stood by his side with her arm slung across his shoulder. Her smile was lascivious and inviting, and the hand gently caressing her breast indicated clearly what she had in mind for his return.

Zale quickly turned his attention from Kaysa, knowing to let it linger would only result in bad things. He was about to say goodbye to Shiv, but the girl pushed her way into the hallway to say her own goodbyes in the form of lifting her shirt for him. A door slammed down the hallway at Shiv's display, eliciting a laugh from her. Zale could only wave and turned his attention back to Keeve who was just staring at Shiv. "Make me proud, Keeve. And, take care of things here."

Keeve was dumbstruck at the sight of Shiv's bare breasts. His gaping mouth soon curled into a grin as his gaze swept back to Zale. "Oh, I will, Daddy," he said slyly.

"Shiv! Put those away!" Kaysa laughed as she fought with Shiv to pull down her top.

"Sorry," Shiv said with a giggle. "I just wanted to give Zale a sight to remember before he goes away. And, besides, I think he enjoyed them."

The smile on Zale's face as the lift doors closed in front of him suggested he indeed appreciated Shiv's display, which was somewhat disconcerting to Kaysa. He was a man with desires, and if Oot could flare those desires, he might just let her satisfy them as well. "Come on," Kaysa said distractedly. "You can help me pack, Shiv."

Shiv giggled and slipped back inside the apartment. "Okay," she said. "Keeve, did you want to help Merrick get packed?"

Keeve nodded sprightly and ran back into the apartment. "You'll need underwear, Merrick." He tugged on his arm to pull him up from the couch. "Lots of underwear!"

Merrick laughed as Keeve pulled him along in the apartment. "I'll need a pair of socks too," he said. "And, a shirt."

Keeve sighed and shrugged. "Well...if you want."

He chattered away excitedly as Kaysa and Shiv stepped back into the apartment. Once Merrick and Keeve had disappeared into the bedroom, Kaysa looped her arms around Shiv's waist and pulled her into a kiss. "I'm gonna miss you," she murmured with her lips still brushing Shiv's. "I wish I could bring you along, but Merrick wanted some 'us' time."

"I understand," Shiv said with a grin. "And, we'll get some time for you and me soon. Keeve's doing really well with Zale, and he's getting along with Merrick okay. So, maybe we can afford some time for you and me too. And, then we can go off somewhere and be completely naughty together. I'll miss you too, Kaysa. Maybe after you and Merrick get back, you and me can take a little time in Vendra too."

"And getting to run around barefoot and naked will be an extra special treat for you." She kissed Shiv again and her hands instinctively wandered to her perfectly manageable breasts. "A whole week without you..." Kaysa sighed as her lips moved to Shiv's neck. "However will I cope?"

"Just think about me," Shiv said. "You've at least got Merrick with you. I'm going to be dying here...at least until Moril comes over. I won't be getting any of my...oh my, oh that's very good." She looked down at Kaysa's hands and giggled softly. "I think I'd really like it in Vendra. Especially with you. And, you wouldn't have to worry about this shirt getting in your way if you wanted to do that either."

"I won't have to worry now." Kaysa grinned at Shiv as she grabbed the bottom of her shirt and pulled it off over her head. "Merrick's packing. I think we have some time." She covered one of Shiv's nipples with her mouth and guided her down the hallway. "Bathroom," she muttered, before continuing to suckle on Shiv's breast.

"Oh bathroom," Shiv murmured. "I love bathrooms, especially bathrooms with you." Between moans, Shiv tried to get Kaysa free of her shirt. "Oh gods, I love you!"

"Shh!" Kaysa giggled and managed to squeeze them into the bathroom with as few bumps and shrill laughs as they could. "Merrick will hear and then he'll wanna join." She mashed the wallpanel with her hand to secure the door. "And you're all mine now." Shiv's pants came easily undone and Kaysa barely noticed that her shirt had been tugged off until it tangled around her feet and brought both she and Shiv tumbling to the bathroom floor.

Shiv fought down a giggle as she slipped onto her back and allowed Kaysa the chance to get into position on top of her. "Oh, a secret rendezvous in a bathroom," she said as she moved her hands to the waistband of Kaysa's pants. "Maybe later we can let Merrick join us. Like...next week."

Kaysa agreed emphatically and expressed her approval by sliding down Shiv's body and burying her face between her legs. She had no doubt Merrick could hear Shiv's giggles and cries of delight from the bedroom, but she was more than certain he knew what had transpired when both she and Shiv exited the bathroom together with large, lazy smiles upon their faces and their clothes hanging untidily upon them...well, upon Kaysa, whose shirt was looking far worse for the wear, even after the damage done during her reconciliation session with Merrick. Now, the only thing keeping it closed was a knot in the front she'd made of her shirttails. At least she'd be naked soon enough so it didn't matter what condition her shirt was in.

"Finished packing?" she asked as Merrick and Keeve stopped before them.

"I think so," Merrick said as he looked at his closed suitcase. "And, I can say for a fact, that with Keeve's help, I am certain I will not run out of underwear on this trip."

"It's too bad you won't be needing any." Kaysa grinned at Merrick as she fastened the last few buttons of her shirt. "I think I'll just forego packing anything and buy an entirely new wardrobe when we get there. What do you think, my little nymph?"

"Oh I think the wardrobe you have under your clothes is just perfect," Shiv said with a giggle. "Too bad I won't be there to see you. Oh, I bet you're going to turn every head there. And, all the naked men surrounding you will be drooling at your feet."

"And Merrick will be drooling at theirs." Kaysa winked at her blushing musician, then ran her fingers through her dishevelled hair. "Well...I guess we should get going, Merrick. We don't want to arrive too late."

A smile, less crooked and languid than the one Shiv had put upon her face softened her lips as Kaysa spotted Keeve's tiny hand linked with Merrick's delicate, yet larger one. Perfect was the only word she could think of to describe how their lives were shaped now, and as she dropped to her knees and enclosed Keeve in her arms, she was confident that nothing could mar their happiness now.

"I love you, Keeve Zenarr." She expected no echoing of her sentiments from him, for merely a return of her embrace was enough to satisfy her, which he gave her.

Keeve moved to Shiv's side after Kaysa planted a kiss upon his cheek and released him from her tender hold. "Ready?" she said to Merrick as she slipped her hand into his.

"I'm definitely ready," Merrick said with a grin. "Let's go start our vacation."

Shiv grinned and slipped a hand into Keeve's. With her other hand, she tightened her hold on the towel that had replaced the clothing Kaysa had frantically removed before their lovemaking. She had a feeling her shirt was somewhere in the living room and her pants were in the bathroom. Maybe. "You two have a wonderful time, and be happy and...sexually adventurous!"

"And you be good! Keeve, you make sure she behaves."

"I will, Kaysa!" He waved at her and playfully stuck out his tongue at Merrick.

Merrick moved over to Shiv and gave her a big hug. "I'll miss you, my girl," he said softly. "But, I'll see you soon, and we'll call you."

"Bye, Merrick," Shiv whispered, and then tightened her hold on him. "Take care of my Kaysa. And, yourself too. Make sure she screams a lot."

Merrick laughed, and finally pulled away from Shiv. He looked down at Keeve, and then squatted down in front of the boy. "You're in charge now," he said with a smile. "You take care of Shiv while we're gone." Then he opened his arms to Keeve.

He stared quizzically at Merrick's chest, bared to him in offering. Normally, he would have pounced on him and bitten any piece of flesh he could get his mouth around, but this time, Keeve sank into his arms and whispered, "I'll take good care of her, Merrick. You'll be proud of me."

"I already am, Keeve," Merrick whispered. He gave the boy another quick squeeze before letting him go, and stood up. He smiled at Keeve and Shiv standing together, and then after picking up his underwear-filled bag moved over to stand at Kaysa's side. "We're just on the other side of the planet if you need us."

"But, please don't need us too often." Kaysa blew a kiss to Shiv and Keeve as they stepped through the doorway. Keeve giggled as he pretended to chase his around the room, finally tackling it to the ground. Kaysa laughed, then sighed happily as the door closed behind them. "This is gonna be good, Merrick. I know it will be."

"How can it not be?" Merrick asked with a large smile. "Come on, my love. Let's go enjoy a little bit of paradise."

Kaysa sighed and laid her head upon Merrick's shoulder. Keeve had accepted her and Merrick was smiling again; she no longer spared a thought for Dargus Kandran, and finally felt more in control of her chaotic life than ever before. She and Merrick stepped onto the lift, and it was then that she realized there wasn't a single burden left to be dealt with, and that her life was finally as she had meant it to be.

As for paradise... "Merrick, my love," she said with a dreamy smile, "I think we've already found it."

---

"Gaining Territories"
By: Grand Admiral Tarkin
and Jason Tallen
plus NPCs

Location: Tae'Remok System
Date: Niothe 15, 4 ABY

***

He was aboard his Super Star Destroyer, the Nemesis, viewing the latest reports. He was becoming more powerful each passing day which could only let him grin at the sight of his control. If he had things his way, he would soon overcome Palpatine, and even Grand Admiral Thrawn would pay his respects and join under his command.

Already did he have building sites at the Sienar Fleet Systems and the Kuat Drive Yards, which he controlled, and the Drogen Shipyards which were nearby.

A commander entered and saluted. "Sir, I have news. It seems the Rebels are nearing our systems... We read two Escort Frigates, one Mon Calamari Star Cruiser, three Tantive IV, and a couple more medium transports. And they also seem to control an SSD, sir."

"So they want to face me now..." Tarkin said coolly with a frown. "And they seem to bring in the heavy fleet. Tell me, what are the estimates to their number of starfighters?"

"We believe at least seven squadrons plus whatever they carry in their Super Star Destroyer, sir. That can come up to 13, maybe 14 squadrons," the Commander replied.

"Have the other Destroyers gather fast. Use Alpha 3 formation. I want all starfighter squadrons prepared for immediate action and get the shields up. They may have firepower but their Super Star Destroyer is nothing compared to mine! I doubt they have upgraded its shields or equipped a superlaser in it..." Tarkin said.

The Commander saluted once more and left the room to carry out his orders.

***Onboard NRSSD Lusankya***

Jason had just settled down for his evening meal in his personal quarters when his executive officer arrived and requested entry.

After the normal 'ding ding' Jason said, "Enter."

Commander Chris Michaels entered, carrying a datapad.

"Sir, we've received reports from some of our agents in the Drogen Shipyards and on Chimaeria. It seems the Imps are gearing up for action. The planetary TIE fighter squadrons have been told to prepare for immediate action, and all Imperial warships have undocked from Drogen and are reported to be making ready for action."

Jason was in the middle of a mouthful of his meal, but this news stopped his chewing like a fighter crashing into a giant ferrocrete wall that had just appeared in front of him. "Is this confirmed?"

"All other agents have confirmed it."

"Damn," Jason said. "Sit down, Chris."

Chris sat down, setting the datapad onto the table.

"We must be extraordinarily careful with this. Tarkin is no fool. If we so much as hint, you hear me, hint, at our position, he'll attack with everything he has. Putting his larger fleet aside, he also has access to a much greater volume of resources than the entire New Republic does. This is just one of his assets, he has many more planets and shipyards under his control. What have our friends back at HQ done about our request for more warships?"

"An additional four warships, MC80s, are on their way, along with a pair of Nebulon-B frigates and two more MC40s. They should arrive in about five hours, with the frigates and MC40s arriving early tomorrow."

"What are the specs on those Mon Cals?"

"Two are about two kilometers in length, one is just shy of three, and the last is one and a half kilometers in length..."

"Big ones," Jason said under his breath. These were all some of the larger cruisers in the New Republic Fleet.

Chris continued. "The smaller one is the Windy Breeze, the two kilometer ones are the Crescent Moon and Deep Seas, and the large one is the Ocean Shark." He paused. "The Windy Breeze has forty-eight turbolaser batteries, twenty ion cannons, and ten proton torpedo tubes. It carries four squadrons of fighters, two X-Wing, two Y-Wing. The Crescent Moon has fifty-six turbolaser batteries, twenty-two ion cannons, and twelve proton torpedo tubes. It also carries four squadrons of fighters. The Deep Seas was recently refitted, and carries eight squadrons of fighters, two X-Wing, three Y-Wing, two A-Wing, and one B-Wing. It's armed with forty-six turbolaser batteries, thirty ion cannons, and twenty-seven proton torpedo tubes. The big one, the Ocean Shark, carries eight squadrons of fighters as well, three X-Wing, three A-Wing, and two B-Wing. It's armed with sixty turbolaser batteries, thirty-four ion cannons, and twenty-four proton torpedo tubes."

"We should be able to make a fairly decent fight if put to it," Jason said. "Are those MC40s standard?"

"Yes and no. The Eel is standard, with eighteen turbolaser batteries, twelve ion cannons, sixteen quad laser cannons, and four proton torpedo tubes. But the Minnow is newer, with sixteen turbolaser batteries, eight ion cannons, twenty-four quad laser cannons, and six proton torpedo tubes. Each carries two squadrons of fighters, one X-Wing and one Y-Wing."

There was a long pause as Jason digested all that information. There was no way he would remember all of the figures, but no doubt Chris would leave his datapad here so that Jason could look at it again if he needed to.

"We should be able to assault Drogen with the new arrivals. The transports docked a few hours ago, with our new troops. We're now almost up to a standard crew compliment, with excess ground troopers so we can capture more ships and plan an assault on Chimaeria."

"No," Jason said, not raising his eyes to look at Chris'. He seemed to be focussing on the far wall.

"But, sir..."

"Yes, we are stronger than a normal battlegroup. We have an upgraded Super Star Destroyer. Yes, our shields are overall about four times as strong as a standard Imp SSD because the Imp shields were replaced by the more advanced Mon Cal shields, and they added back-up shield generators and back-up back-up shield generators. Yes, we have more guns then a standard Imp SSD because the people at the Mon Cal shipyards took advantage of every extra bit of space on this ship. But according to intel, it won't be enough."

"Why not? Sir? Even if their squadrons outnumber ours, which they most likely will, it still won't be two to one, and all our Mon Cal ship's shields are stronger than the Imp stars. What can't we take care of here?"

"This is classified, you understand," Jason said, meeting his XO's eyes for the first time. "New Republic intel believes, and an agent confirmed it right before he was killed, that Tarkin has also upgraded his ship. His shields aren't as strong as ours even though he upgraded them, he doesn't have as many guns as we have, but he did something that no one thought possible. He cut the tip off of the front of his SSD, about two-hundred meters or so, and he hollowed out a considerable portion of the interior behind it for several hundred meters."

"He didn't... No, he couldn't..." Chris's jaw dropped as all the clues pointed to only one logical conclusion.

"Yep, that's right, a superlaser. Not as powerful as the Death Star's, it's only about a third as powerful, but it can still blast one of our cruisers into non-existence or blast half of this ship into atoms. It can also crack the surface of a planet, rendering half or more of that planet uninhabitable. The only choice we would have for a confrontation is to go right along side his SSD and hammer it out with him at such close range that he can't use his superlaser. But I doubt he or his escort warships would let us get anywhere near that close. And on our way getting there, he'd probably kill us, and then get a few of our bigger Mon Cals. Then we'd be in no position to pound his ship to bits, even if he didn't have the escorts that he does."

Another long pause.

"I'll leave this here with you, sir," Chris said as he turned to leave, disheartened.

As the doors opened to allow Chris exit, Jason spoke. "We must still run around, hiding, Chris. I know, no one likes it, but the Rebellion did it for years, and look...it kept them alive so we can be as strong as we are today. We have a good portion of the New Republic Fleet here, we can't just waste it. We have to win, and win with minimal losses, so we can hold this system and move on to others. Even if ships grew on trees, crews certainly don't."

"Shall I draw up some raids, sir?"

"Yes, plan some small raids on their outer defenses. But do not go through with them until I say so."

"Aye, sir."

With that Chris left, leaving the Rear Admiral with an awful lot to think about. It was much easier when he was back on Corsucant. Then all he had to worry about was his life, his destiny. Now he had to think about several thousand lives, not counting the population of Chimaeria, and the destiny of an entire republic. God, how things could get complicated so fast.

***Onboard SSD Nemesis***

Tarkin crossed his arms. The long radar scanners showed that the Rebels had noticed him. Good. He wanted to be noticed. He also knew that they were aware of his wild cards, but they were certainly stubborn to try their luck.

"Commander, send a message on an open channel stating that I will give them enough time to back off from this system's space, which I control. If not we will respond with open fire. Set minimal distance to 500 clicks away," Tarkin ordered. The message was sent immediately.

***Onboard SSD Lusankya***

"Damnit, they have us," Chris said, watching the message come over their computer screens. "The question is, why do they want us to go away, why don't they just attack?"

"Good question. But easily answered," Jason said. "He knows that even with his superlaser, we could inflict devastating losses on his fleet, maybe even damage his ship or his key weapon. He's not willing to take unnecessary risks. And it doesn't help him at all to have the New Republic as an enemy, which is gaining more and more power every day. He's just giving us a warning for infringing on his space without first getting his approval."

"Orders, sir?" the lieutenant at the helm requested.

"Move us out of the system, slowly. Jump to hyperspace in precisely two minutes, but come out of it..." He paused, bringing up a small space chart on a touch screen that was located on the right arm of his chair. "... near here. We'll be back. And soon."

"Aye, sir."

And two minutes later, they jumped into hyperspace. But they didn't go far, and they'd be back soon.

***Onboard SSD Nemesis***

"Sir, the scanners show that they are retreating," the Commader said with a grin. "It seems we have them on a run, sir."

"Humm... For now, Commander, but they'll be back. I want a full watch on the scanners. Keep the perimeter clear of any ships. And I mean all ships! No mistakes allowed," Tarkin replied.

"Of course, sir!"

"Contact me at once if anything happens. I want to be informed at once," Tarkin ordered before he left the bridge. He knew that confrontation was near. But for now he was gaining territories.

---

"Search For Balance"
By: Alisson Blair - Jedi Knight
and Kal'Aran - Jedi Master

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Niothe 15, 4 ABY

***

She had made her way to the forests where she knew her Master and Aurra Sgall were staying at. But where exactly that was she did not know. She was trying to concentrate but it was proving hard after having seen the High Princess dead in front of her, and not being able to protect her. In fact she was having a hard time struggling with her inner anger.

***

Seated while meditating he opened his eyes. Muttering to himself 'Alisson' he knew that she was nearby but also that she was not well. He immediately got up and went off into the woods to where he felt her. He knew the girl was looking for him as his bond with her was grandiose, as in most Padawans and their Masters.

"Alisson!" he called out.

"Master!" came out a reply.

Kal'Aran turned and saw as Alisson ran towards him, tears in her eyes. The girl clung to him and he placed his arms around her. He was about to ask her what was wrong but she spoke first.

"Master, she's dead! She's dead... And I could not protect her!" she sobbed, now letting all the tears go as the shock finally set upon herself.

"Who's dead Alisson?" he asked gently as he ran his hand through her hair.

"The High Princess... Kalaira... We were ambushed and I told her to flee. When I got to her it was too late and she was dead already. A bounty huntress got her before I could save her!" she explained.

Kal'Aran held her close. "Calm down Alisson..." he said soothingly. "Now explain to me. You were ambushed by whom? What exactly happened?"

She tried to calm herself down. She breathed deeply and wiped her tears. "We were returning from seeing the Alliance, as we asked for their aid to help us demote Grand Admiral Tarkin. On our way to New Plouton we were ambushed by a Sith. He almost got us both killed and I knew I couldn't hold him for long. I told her to flee and eventually I had to flee myself. I went after High Princess Kalaira but when I got to her she had been murdered by this other woman. A white skinned bounty huntress that was also a Sith probably... Oh Master, I got her killed!"

"No, Alisson, you did your best. Of that I am sure. You were set a trap, it seems. And you could be dead by now also..." he said reassuringly. "I know how much you must grieve but try to calm down now. Come. Come with me to the Temple. Stay with us..."

She nodded. "I do need to find myself again," she admitted. "I do feel lost right now... She's gone and I don't know what to do anymore..."

"You will search for balance in the Temple and we will see how things go from there..." Kal'Aran said with a small reassuring smile as he placed his arm around her and walked her to the Temple.

---

"Docking Drogen, Part 1"
By: Duncan Dakster - Freight Smuggler

Location: The Drogen Shipyards
Date: Niothe 15, 4 ABY

***

Duncan watched as the yard came into view off his port bow. His YT stumbled a bit from damage but still held together as she usually did.

His main concern was the three passengers he had picked up on Tae'Karada. He wasn't sure whether they would pay him for the flight or not. The bad part was that he was only charging 1500 creds per passenger.

"Jos, bring the navigation up and check if there are any floaters between here and the dock," Duncan said to his navigator.

Jos' fingers flew across the command board flipping switches and pressing studs. It took him a couple of seconds before he answered.

"All clear, Duncan," Jos answered.

"Good. Open an channel to the station," Duncan said.

"Channel open," Jos announced.

"Drogen control this is the freighter Star-Runner, requesting approach and docking," Duncan said clearly.

"Roger Star-Runner, approach on vector 63.65 docking bay 3. Welcome back, Duncan. Administrator Anoran would like to see you before the night's out," the control officer said.

"Affirmative, Drogen control. Inform Shrezade that I will be in within the hour. Star-Runner out," Duncan said to the station.

He eased his control yoke as usual and settled his freighter in docking bay 3.

"Shut down all secondary systems, drop all power to minimal for emergency flight. I will get the bread from the passengers," Duncan said to Jos.

He rose from his command seat and headed back to the passenger hold. The trio of cloaked figures sat calmly in the seats talking amongst themselves when Duncan entered the compartment.

He leaned up against the bulkhead and placed his hands inches away from the heavy blasters on his hip.

"That will be 4500 creds, gentlemen," Duncan said in a cool voice.

The trio stopped their conversation long enough to lay three purses on the table in front of them. Duncan walked over and picked each up, opened them and counted them before the cloaked figures. They were only 150 creds short which didn't bother Duncan. He knew they didn't have much money. That was why he had charged them only 1500 creds a peace. He could have gotten upwards to 3000 creds for the trip.

"Thank you, gentlemen. It has been a pleasure and I hope you enjoy your stay on Drogen station," Duncan said, allowing the trio to leave the passenger hold.

The trio stood from their seats, bid the captain farewell and left the passenger hold and the Star-Runner all together.

"Duncan," Jos said from the cockpit over the ship comm. "Would you like to anchor us or should I?"

"I will, you go ahead and get a drink. I will see you after I have to talk with Administrator Anoran. I just hope it ain't about money," Duncan said heading for the airlock.

"I heard that. See you at Danebra's," Jos said before he left the ship.

The port airlock was attached to the station. All Duncan had to do was secure the Star-Runner's external tether to the station moors on the port side, then the port mast tether that was connected to the environmental systems of the station.

When he finished, he put his black flight coat on and headed into the station's bay ring. Walking around he ended up in Danebra's Den on level 498. He stopped in for a quick mug of barley before he headed for Administrator Anoran's office.

He reached the office and was greeted by the receptionist.

"Hello again, Mr. Dakster," Hajne said to the freighter captain. "I'll just let Mrs. Anoran know you're here."

Duncan sat down in one of the chairs sitting outside of Shrezade's personal office and waited.

---

"Docking Drogen, Part 2: Compromises"
By: Shrezade Anoran - Shipyard Administrator
Duncan Dakster - Freighter Captain/Smuggler
Hajne Toray [NPC] - Shrezade's Personal Secretary

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Niothe 15, 4 ABY

***

"Mrs. Anoran?"

Shrezade hissed at the sound of Hajne's voice cutting through the silence she had carefully maintained for the past hour. Now, it was ruined, as were her nerves and someone would pay the price. "All hells, Hajne! What is it?"

Hajne choked on her words and only after sputtering something unintelligible and further annoying, she managed to spit out: "A Mr. Dakster is here to see you."

Shrezade's lips curled into a predatory smile. "Send him in, Hajne." She leaned back in her chair and pressed her fingertips together. After her uncomfortable evening in the infirmary last night, she'd been awaiting for someone to take out her aggression on, and a working class clod would do nicely...especially one who owed her vast sums of money.

Duncan unbuckled his pistol belt and left his weapons on Hajne's desk with a smile and wink. She sighed and gazed up with a dreamy smile, before clearing her throat and reminding herself not to keep Reza waiting. "Uh...Mrs. Anoran will see you know, Mr. Dakster."

Duncan thanked her and stepped into Shrezade's office.

"Mrs. Anoran. Nice to see you again," Duncan said.

Reza smiled wryly and motioned towards the chair before her desk. "Prompt. Very good. I trust your ship returned safely from its voyage. Won't be racking up anymore repair bills, will we?"

"Just some minor ones. That's what happens when you run into pirates," Duncan said once he had seated himself. "Not too much damage this time. Only two or three panels of plating to replace."

"Mr. Dakster," Reza sang, "I cannot keep supporting your recklessness. How much is it you owe me now?" Her fingers danced slowly and methodically across the panel of her holocomp embedded in the surface of her desk, and soon Duncan's profile projected itself before her eyes. "Oh my... Oh, not very good at all, Mr. Dakster. I believe I have been far too lenient and merciful with you. This is quite an astonishing sum." Reza stared at Duncan through the indigo hologram hovering above her desktop. "What do you propose we do about this?"

"Well, Ma'am, 22000 creds is a lot better than some freighter captains. I, however, am not most freighter captains. I pay my bills. Right now I can pay 18000 creds up front. That would leave 4000 creds left on my tab. A couple of runs after that and things should be squared away. Hell, I ain't been in dock for two hours and already have three flights lined up for tomorrow down to Thanatos and New Plouton. That's 500 creds a pop. 1500 creds closer to paying off my bill," Duncan said sitting back and trying to hide his smile. The thought of almost being out of debt was exhilarating.

"Yet even now you are accumulating docking fees and repair bills...and where, may I ask, are you receiving the money to pay your colleagues?" Reza sank back against her chair and sighed wearily. "Mr. Dakster...tell me again how our current association is at all profitable to me, especially when the money you bring in is barely enough to cover your expenses, let alone provide me with any gain."

"Quality transportation. Your clients know if you send them freight, they will get it on time and in perfect condition. I have yet to get the 'Runner repaired. Probably end up doing the repairs myself. Nothing I haven't done before. But even then... Look, I am doing my best. 4000 creds is a lot better than the 120000 creds it used to be. And the docking fees I work off. I give my crew a quarter of their pay up to half from my cut for expenses," Duncan said reassuringly. "Plus I figure one more run and that will be the bill. As I stated, we pulled 22000 creds this trip. If I can stay out for a couple more jumps, then I will have it paid back, plus have enough to redo the 'Runner, back pay my crew, and pay all my fees when I dock."

"Well, your supervisor has praised your work. She seems to think you're a valuable enough employee and can be of some further use to me..." Reza stared fixedly and impassively at Duncan, then abruptly sat up straight and emitted an airy sigh. "You will be glad to know my Security Chief will not be tossing you out of an airlock," she stated with mild playfulness and a disturbing sincerity. "But, this is the last time you will be indebted to me, will it not be, Mr. Dakster?"

"Rest assured, Ma'am, it will be. I hate owing you money as much as you hate me owing it to you. I have yet to leave a bill hanging, and once they are paid, I do not get back in that hole," Duncan said reaching into his pocket.

He pulled out a purse that he had carefully counted out a sum of 18000 creds and placed it on the desk in front of Reza. A quirky smile played across his face. Almost free. Almost free. He leaned back in his chair and fully expected her to count it.

Reza stared reservedly at the purse resting atop her desk and snorted disdainfully. "I am not a prostitute, Mr. Dakster. I prefer money transactions to be done a little more indirectly, and don't appreciate being showered in credits. An important point you should consider for the next time, and hopefully there will not be one. Now..." Reza pushed aside the payment and clasped her hands together atop the desk, where Duncan's remuneration had moments ago rested. "I have a proposition for you, Mr. Dakster that could certainly increase your income significantly. Care to hear my proposal?"

"As long as it involves creds and debt relief. Sounds good to me," Duncan said.

"Mind you, it might be a dangerous job, but I believe very profitable in the end, and you would be doing a public service, in a way." One side of Reza's mouth developed a sharp quirk. "How would you feel about transporting criminals? But not just any brand of criminal, Mr. Dakster. No, these truly are the lowliest scum, blights on our society and in the galaxy. These, Mr. Dakster," she said with a smirk, "are Rebels. Yes, they may have given themselves a self-important, self-righteous title to replace the old, but they are still vigilantes and murderers, and they must be done away with. Would it please you, Mr. Dakster, to aid in such a noble cause?"

"Well..." Duncan started. He wasn't sure what to say. If he did it then he would have to save the condemned. If not, she may think him a sympathizer. "That would depend on a few things," Duncan answered slowly. "Depend on how many of the prisoners there are and how much we would get paid."

"We can work out an arrangement where you would get paid per head...not literally, of course," she said with cold grin. "And I shall provide the security escorts, so there's no need for you to worry about that. I will entertain any fair offers you have, Mr. Dakster."

"Alright, 5000 creds a prisoner head. 500 per security escorts' head. All docking fees, fuel expenditures, and damage paid or fixed here on the station. NO one steps foot on my bridge. Once they leave my airlock, they are no longer my concern, nor am I liable for them," Duncan said with a straight face.

Shrezade emitted an abrupt, shrewd laugh, but her eyes remained fixed directly upon Duncan's gaze. "5000 creds? I pay you 5000 credits per head to transport them while my security chief is down below, risking her life to catch these fiends for far less? Oh, Mr. Dakster," she drawled, "I think not. You will get paid 400 credits per prisoner, 100 creds per security escort; I shall cover fuel costs and damage, and docking fees that are accrued due only to this particular assignment. I will not pay the docking fees on your ship while it is sitting dormant on my shipyard because you are unable to find another job to occupy your spare time. I am not asking you to work exclusively for me, Mr. Dakster. I will only need you to transport criminals once a week. What you do with the rest of your time is your responsibility, as are the docking fees and other expenditures you accumulate during your downtime. No one steps foot on your bridge, and once they leave your airlock at the correct location," she emphasized by raising the timbre of her voice, "they are no longer your responsibility, but you are still liable for their safety while they are on board your vessel. Is this satisfactory, Mr. Dakster?"

Duncan sat back and smiled slightly before he answered. "Mrs. Anoran, do you really expect me to risk my crew, my ship, and myself transporting scum? If your security escorts fail to do their job, then the brigands go looking for the ship's crew. So not only would I lose my life, but the ship as well, which means they would be going right back to the cesspools from which they came. I tell you what. 800 creds per prisoner, 100 per security officer, all docking fees, fuel and so forth. With the exception of course of the present time. No one steps foot on my bridge, and the prisoners are blindfolded so they do not see what they are traveling on or who is taking them. As well, once they are beyond my airlock, they are no longer my cargo nor responsibility," he said, putting a cigar in his mouth.

Reza grimaced and stiffened in her chair. "Put that disgusting thing away and you might just have yourself a deal, Mr. Dakster. 800 per head and my security personnel fly for free. Since they are there to protect you and your crew, Mr. Dakster, I would expect you to show some appreciation by exempting them from subjection to the usual transport fee. The rest is acceptable." She sighed and softened her expression as she added, "You will be doing your fellow citizens a great service, Mr. Dakster. I know this is your livelihood, but you should also consider it an honor to aid your government in neutralizing such creatures. Accept what has been offered and I assure you, you will receive both monetary, and moral gratification."

Duncan put the cigar back in his pocket before he spoke. "I believe we have an agreement. If you would, please have the agreement drawn up and have it brought down to the docks. Be forewarned, ma'am, I intend to hire another gunner and a couple of engineers if I can. In that respect I will have a full crew complement," Duncan said, standing. "Will there be anything else, Mrs. Anoran?"

Reza shrugged languidly. "Nothing for the moment. I will have the contract drawn up and sent to be passed on to you by your foreman. I do not need to remind you that for the sake of discretion, I don't wish for our arrangement to be made widely known. And for your safety, it might be prudent that you don't discuss this with anyone outside of your crew. Now, I will inform the Grand Admiral of this new partnership, for he is a benefactor of this bounty hunting program and most of your salary will be coming from him." She laughed dryly and added, "I hope you don't mind accepting Imperial money, Mr. Dakster."

"It matters not to me as long as I get paid," Duncan said, offering the woman his hand. "It has been nice doing business with you."

Reza eyed his hand warily and did nothing to hide her reluctance to touch his most likely unsanitary flesh. She cleared her throat and shook his hand briefly, before pulling hers away and keeping it far from any other part of her body or her desk. Touch was the surest way to spread any contagion and she felt a sudden urgency to cleanse her hand immediately before her entire office became a breeding ground for some parasite prevalent among the uncivilized masses. She smiled tightly and tapped the door release located on her desk. "Yes... Good day, Mr. Dakster."

Duncan nodded his head and left her office. He stepped up to Hajne's desk and retrieved his blasters and secured them around his waist.

"Thank you for watching them, Hajne. Enjoy your day," he said with a wink and left the administrator's office completely.

---

"Docking Drogen, Part 3"
By: Duncan Dakster - Freighter Captain/Smuggler
Jos Terrlamal - Freighter Pilot/Navigator [NPC]
Darln Mllokc - Star-Runner's Gunner [NPC]

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Niothe 15, 4 ABY

***

Duncan left Anoran's office feeling depressed. He had pulled in around 22, 635 creds for his last cargo drop before he picked up the cloaked figures and had to pay Administrator Anoran 18, 000 just to stay on the station.

He had a headache that was giving him fits. Out of the money he had earned making shipments, he was left with 4, 635 creds. Just enough to pay Jos and Darln, his mast gunner, their wages. That didn't really leave him with much to service the Star-Runner.

Duncan went looking for Jos and Darln. He found the pair in Dirg's, one of their favorite bars. Strolling over to them he laid their wages down before them and ordered an Andoan Ale for himself and his two crewman.

"How much did she stiff us for?" Jos asked.

"18 grand this time. I swear, every time we hit port the price has gone up," Duncan said paying for the three ales and sipping his.

"Wouldn't surprise me, skipper," Darln said.

"Yeah, I know. I shouldn't expect too much. It's a living. Barely, but a living," Duncan said taking a larger swallow this time. "She has given us till the 15th of Eos to pay the remainder of the bill."

"So what's the order of business?" Jos asked when he finished the ale and ordered another.

"Well, you and I have some passengers to run from here to Thanatos and New Plouton tomorrow. 500 creds a run. Could be worse. Plus I met a fella who was looking for a freighter. Don't know what he wants moved, but it sounds as if he is willing to pay a good price," Duncan said retrieving his cigar.

"What if he does and it's the wrong kind of cargo?" Darln asked.

"Then we nix it. I ain't getting my tail in the sling. At least not here," Duncan said quietly.

"What about the repairs?" Jos asked.

"We are going to have to do them ourselves. No choice. We don't have the money to pay for them. I know the plating can wait as long as we stay away from the Pirates. But the shield emitter on that side can't. That must be repaired before we leave dock tomorrow. Plus manually equalizing the thrusters. Do we have the supplies to do so, Jos?" Duncan asked his first Mate.

"I think so. If not I can get it. One of the yard dogs owes me a favor.. What is our departure?" Jos asked.

"Afternoon. Jos, you get to work on the emitter tonight. Darln and I can finish it up while you nap. I will need you on the flights though. Darln, when we finish the emitter, I want you to deck out the passenger lounge and corridor to it. I know she is a clean ship, but for some of these folk, they would like to eat off the decking. Pristine clean flightsuits for these gigs. That means Jos, you have to wear your Lt. bar, Darln you have to wear the three stripes, and I have to wear my Captain bars. Another thing. Before we blast off with our next cargo, I want the hyperdrive gone over. I am not sure, but I think on our last jump she was fluctuating," Duncan said, lighting the cigar.

"How bad?" Darln asked, concerned.

"Just a couple of percentages if I read the readout correct," Duncan answered.

"I'll go ahead and get started on it now," Darln said, swallowing the last of his ale.

"Alright. I will meet you at the airlock," Jos said before he turned back to Duncan. "Something up?"

"Yeah," Duncan started in a whisper. "We got a gig from the Impies. Transporting patriots to their death. Good pay, but it's on a weekly basis. It would get us out of the hole but..." Duncan let his words trail off.

"You don't want to send innocent people to their deaths," Jos finished for him in a whisper. "What do you want to do?"

"I don't know, but I will think of something. Get a hold of our contact when we reach Thanatos tomorrow, see what they think," Duncan said finishing his ale.

"Will do. Anything else?" Jos asked.

"Yeah, when we get ready to ship the patriots, use the number four hold. It is the closest to the hatch, and usually the most comfortable," Duncan said.

Jos left him shortly after their conversation and headed for the 'Runner as well. Duncan made his way to his normal bunk house on the maintenance ring of the ship yard, had himself a sonic shower, then some sleep.

---

"A New Purpose"
by Alisson Blair - Jedi Knight
Kal'Aran - Jedi Master
Quinlan Vos - Jedi Master[NPC]
Aurra Sgall - Jedi Padawan

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Niothe 15, 4 ABY

***

Reaching the Temple she gazed around. It was one of the most peaceful looking places she had seen around but then again, so had the Temple where Kalaira had hidden at before she had been captured while Alisson was away. Once more came the thoughts about Kalaira. She felt sadness and wanted vengeance at the same time.

Kal'Aran placed his hand in her shoulder. "You must let your anger go... It will only feed on you if you let it. A path to the Dark Side it leads. Follow it you must not, Alisson," he told her.

"I know, Master... But I can't let go of the image of her death. I was there and I should have been able to save her!" she said.

"There was nothing you could have done. Many innocents die. Even I have seen friends, good friends, long lost in the rise of the Empire..." Kal'Aran commented. "But one must be strong and go on Alisson. One must let go and keep them alive in our good memories."

Alisson sighed and concentrated, letting go of her anger as her former Master patted her shoulder, as he felt it be released from her. "This is a good place. The Force is strong here," she said.

"Yes... The Force seems to converge here. There are other places like this, but few have Temples built." Kal'Aran smiled. "Here we have sanctuary. Here we may teach others to become Jedi and master the abilities that lurk within them."

"So, Aurra is here with you..." She nodded. "I wouldn't expect any other thing. And I feel there are others too. And one of them I do recognise..."

"Master Vos..." Kal'Aran smiled.

"Speaking of me I see..." Vos said as he appeared from behind them with young Aurra Sgall. Alisson and Kal'Aran turned to face them.

"Alisson!" Aurra bowed with a large smile before she hugged the woman. Alisson laughed and hugged her back She then bowed to Master Quinlan. "Master..."

"It is good to see you once more, Alisson." He smiled with a nod. "Come to join us? We could use your skills to teach other students."

"So there are more?" she said looking to Aurra. This she had not expected.

"Yes, there are plenty more!" Aurra giggled. "There's Masters and Padawans! Masters Laedra Vorrel, Liam Zaneth, Korran Darr, and Jae Dyn. Oh, and Master Vos and Master Kal'Aran of course. And then there's Padawans too. At least three more, although I have only seen Kael so far... It's a big place you know!"

Alisson had to laugh. "I'm sure it is." Truth was that Aurra Sgall reminded her of herself at the young age. She sighed with a smile. "I had not expected to find what seems to be almost a new Order."

"Humm..." Kal'Aran mumbled with a raised eyebrow and a small nod. "Indeed. It has even been discussed, even though at the present time we have nothing yet in mind and are merely preparing the others. Perhaps sometime soon. But we would be glad to have you with us, Alisson."

"I have nowhere else to be..." she replied. "I would be honoured if I could stay."

"It is we who would be honoured to have you here with us." Vos bowed. "Come, let me show you around and help you find a room. You may meet the others then," he said as they walked away.

"See you later Alisson!" Aurra said off the top of her lungs as she walked away, only to receive a wave back and a smile from Alisson.

---

"Surprise Guests, Part 1"
by Maeren Shivral
Keeve Zenarr [NPC]
Lerrah Breijal [NPC]
and Elf (R2-L4) [NPC]

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 15, 4ABY

***

After Kaysa and Merrick had left, Shiv had tracked down her clothing and got dressed again. Keeve was still dancing around out in the other room with the wad of credits Zale had given him. As she returned to the doorway where she could see him, she grinned at his display.

"Hey sweetie," she said moving back into the room and settling her shirt back in place. "How would you like to go grab a frazzie and stop by mommy's work?"

Keeve snatched up the last spilled cred from the ground and grinned at Shiv. "Ok, but I'm buying, sweetcheeks." He rushed to the door and punched the panel. As the door slid open, he stood aside for Shiv. "After you."

Shiv giggled and stepped out the door and into the corridor. She waited for Keeve to close the apartment up, and then she held out her hand for him to take. With that, she started off toward the lift at the end of the hallway. "So, while everyone else is gone, what would you like to do, sweetie?"

"Well...I'd be happy just staying home with you, Auntie." He clasped her hand and with a sigh, nestled his cheek against her arm. "I think I miss Daddy...but I'm not sure yet. Maybe a little while longer, and I'll be certain."

"Well, we're going to have lots of frazzies, and we'll ride our hoverboards. I'm going to miss them all. Mostly Kaysa." The lift opened at their approach and she let Keeve lead the way in. "And, this week, I want you to learn two new tricks on your hoverboard. And, I want to get a holocam, and record you making them. We can make a little Keeve movie for Kaysa and everyone when they get back."

"Oh, but you have to be in it too, Auntie!" Keeve held the lift door with his hand and released when Shiv was safely inside. "I'll learn three new tricks, all for you, Auntie because I want to show you how much I love you." He tapped the button for the ground floor and the lift quickly descended.

"And, I love you, Keeve," she said with a grin. "Maybe we can get one of those remote holocams with a wrist control. Have you seen those? There was a guy down at the park with one last week, though I think he was only getting shots of the women out in the sun."

"I bet he was recording only you, Auntie," Keeve replied with a wink. "You're the only beautiful girl worth looking at. That's what Daddy says about Kaysa. I heard him talking to someone on the comm yesterday, and the man on the other end was talking about...uh...a...busty blonde! That's what he called her, and then Daddy said...uh..." Keeve tapped his chin and furrowed his brow. "She was pretty enough," he said slowly, "and very...hmm...uh...wild, I think. That she had her hands all over him and her tongue...down his throat. I don't really remember the rest, but he said that Kaysa was still the only girl he liked."

Shiv frowned and looked down at her chest and frowned again. "Zale doesn't know any busty blondes," she said. "Her tongue down his...oh Kaysa wouldn't like that at all. I think when Zale gets back, I'm going to have to talk to him about...blondes."

"Well, I didn't hear the rest because I had to go pee, but that's what he said. Oh! He said too that he was afraid Kaysa would see the scratches." Keeve frowned and inclined his head inquisitively to the side. "Why would anyone wanna scratch Daddy?"

Shiv giggled. "Oh...oh my...I think Zale's not being entirely faithful to Kaysa. I think Zale's got a little woman on the side. I wonder who it could be. I think you and I have a mystery to solve, Keeve. The scratches weren't there...intentionally. He...well, she got a little overly enthusiastic when she was with him."

"And she scratched him?" Keeve's face contorted as he tried to wrap his little mind around that one. "But...that hurts. Why would she want to hurt him? So strange..."

Shiv laughed and hugged Keeve to her. "Well, sometimes when a man and woman are together, they can get a little rambunctious together. And, sometimes when they do, one or both may end up with scratches. When it happens, it doesn't hurt so much because you have so many other feelings going on at the time. Afterward they sting, but you just don't mind when it happens. Sometimes the mixture of pleasure and pain is very nice. It's kind of like eating something salty and sweet at the same time."

"Hmm...well, I don't think I'll scratch you, Auntie. I promised never to hurt you again, and I won't." The lift came to a stop, but before they stepped out, Keeve took Shiv's hand and planted a kiss on her palm. "You're going to be the happiest wife ever when I marry you, Auntie."

"And, I will do everything I can to make you the happiest husband," Shiv said with a grin, and then a giggle. "Let's go get those frazzies. And, then we'll take a quick trip by Zenarr Inc to make sure everything's okay. And, after that, we need to go find Moril and ask him about a particular busty blonde."

Keeve let out a whooping cheer and raced from the lift with Shiv's hand securely in his tiny grip. "And when we find her, I think we should cut her nails!"

Shiv giggled as they raced out of the building and into the street. "Really short nails," Shiv called as they started off toward the frazzie shop. As they neared it, Shiv grinned and kissed the top of Keeve's head. "You've been a very good boy, and you can have a double if you want."

"Oh, Auntie!" He pulled the crumpled creds from his pocket and presented them to Shiv. "Will this be enough? I don't want to spend it all, though, Auntie, because I think you deserve another bouquet of flowers."

Shiv gaped at the wad of credits in Keeve's hands. "Oh gods, Keeve," she said. "He gave you enough to practically buy the frazzie shop." She giggled and tried to count, but got lost immediately. "I think you'll have plenty for double frazzies and flowers, sweetie."

Keeve shrugged, then smiled happily as he strode up to the stand outside the shop and purchased two frazzies. He slapped a thick stack of creds onto the counter and held out his hand for the change. "Thank you, sir," he said with a nod as the man laid the creds out across his palm. He closed his fingers over them and with a giggle, stuck out his tongue at the men before he and Shiv started down the street again.

"You did very well there," Shiv said as they walked along the street together. "You were acting very grown up and mature...well, up until the tongue-sticking-out part. Though, I think they liked it."

"Well, I just can't help myself sometimes, Auntie. I like being silly." He lapped at the purple frazzie - the extra large purple frazzie he'd gotten this time - and strode with lively, proud steps. "You're silly too, Auntie, that's why I love you so much."

"Being silly is very important," Shiv said, and then giggled. "And, I love being silly. I'm also very proud of you, Keeve. You made Kaysa very, very happy today. And, by making her happy, you made me very happy too. And, that's why I love you so much."

"It felt nice making her happy. And she really loves me? She said she does...but it's easy to say that and not mean it."

Shiv smiled and gazed off into the distance, remembering Kaysa with Keeve. "She loves you very, very much," she said. "You mean very much to her, and you're a very special boy. She does mean it, just like I mean it."

"Well...maybe someday I'll mean it too...for her, that is." His tongue, stained purple by the frazzie, sought his purple treat again. "Maybe someday soon I can love her too, but I'm confused, Auntie."

"What are you confused about, sweetie?" Shiv asked as she took a long lick off her frazzie.

"Well...she left me when I was a baby and mommy said she called Kaysa all the time, but she never answered." Keeve sighed and pursed his lips thoughtfully. "If she loves me...why didn't she ever want to see me before? Why did she send me away? I don't understand. I love you and I know I'd never want to be without you... It doesn't make sense to me."

Shiv stopped and caught Keeve's hand. She led him over to a nearby bench and sat down with him. "I don't know all of it," she said, "but I know Kaysa is very sorry she ever left and feels very guilty for abandoning you. She was very young, younger than I am now, when she had you. When Cadwin left her before you were born, she didn't think she could manage. She was too frightened, and after she had you, she left to escape the fear. Some people do that, they run away from a problem if it's too big for them. I think she would have gone back before, but she was very guilty over it. She figured you'd hate her, and she couldn't bear the thought of that. I don't think a day has gone by since she left that she hasn't thought about you and wished she hadn't left you. She left because she was afraid she couldn't be a good mother, and she didn't come back because she thought she was already a bad mother. But it finally reached the point where she couldn't bear to not have you in her life anymore."

Keeve furrowed his brow and nodded slowly. "I see... So, she let my mommy and daddy on Bespin have me so I would be safe? But...why did they tell me she wanted me to think she was dead? Was she trying to make me sad?"

Shiv shook her head. "No," she said. "She thought you would be much happier if you thought she just didn't exist anymore. That was until she realized how much she loved you, and needed to have you back in her life again." Shiv giggled. "I think I was a big reason for that. Well, probably all three of us, me, Merrick, and Zale. But, before we came into her life, she thought she would never find love. And, once she found it, she realized she needed to give you all her love again."

Keeve fixed his eyes upon his dripping frazzie, then sighed deeply and smiled up at Shiv. "I'm not so confused anymore, Auntie. Thanks. I think I'm beginning to understand everything. I'll try to love Kaysa now, but I don't think I could ever love her as much as I love you."

"Well that's good," Shiv said with a giggle, " 'cause you have to marry me, not her."

Keeve giggled and hugged her with his free arm. "Well...she's married to Daddy, so I guess it's just you, Auntie!"

"But, you can still love her," Shiv said. "And, I love her too. And, Zale, and Merrick, and Moril." She giggled. Shiv stood up and held a hand out for Keeve who got up and placed his hand into hers as they continued down the street. "Do you think I have too much love, sweetie?"

Keeve shook his head emphatically. "But I do think you need more." He kissed her hand, then nodded decisively. "Now, you've got the perfect amount of love, Auntie!"

Shiv grinned and then laughed. "Aww, sweetie, how could I ever be low on love when I have you around?" She looked up and the small, squat building that was Zenarr Inc. came into view. "Now this," she said, pointing to the building as they approached, "is where I first met your mommy."

"Here?" Keeve scrutinized the building and sounded out the gilt lettering on the door. "Zenarr Inc.? What is this place, Auntie?"

Shiv smiled as she looked at the building. "This is Kaysa's business. When I first got here, I was looking for a job hauling cargo from one place to another. And, your mom hired me. I even have a starship."

"You do?" Keeve hurried forward with kindled excitement. "You have to show me! Oh, do you think we could go flying in it? We have to, Auntie!"

Shiv grinned, and then nodded vigorously. "Of course we can," she said. "I don't get to take it out nearly enough, and I would love to take you out for a fly around. We can't be gone for long, but we can fly around the system a little if you want."

"I want to!" Keeve pushed open the door and held it for Shiv. "And maybe you can teach me how to fly too, Auntie."

Shiv slipped into the office and laughed. "I was just thinking that very same thing," she said. "I think that would be a very good idea. Rumour has it that your mom is a wonderful pilot too, you know. And, knowing how to pilot a ship is never a bad skill to have." She continued on inside and moved to sit at Kaysa's desk. Things looked like they'd just been left there. With a soft laugh, Shiv settled behind the desk and brought the terminal online. "This shouldn't take very long, Keeve, and then we can head over to the Starport."

Keeve wandered around the room, running his hands along the walls and picking up and studying whatever wasn't attached to a table or shelf. "Is there anything fun to do around here? I think Kaysa should have some toys brought in...just in case."

Shiv looked around and located the other workstation at the back of the office. She slid her chair over there and activated it. She scrolled through the listing of programs, and found what she was looking for. "Well, there are some games on this computer," she said. "If you wanted to play with them. And, then I can quickly check through this other computer and then, we're off and you're learning to fly."

"Games!" Keeve was over in a flash and a giggle, then plunked himself down in the chair. "I won't say a word, Auntie, and you can get on with your work."

Shiv giggled and went back to her work at the other computer. She wasn't certain of a lot of the information in Kaysa's books but the flights that were supposed to be happening were happening. It took her nearly forty-five minutes to get through it all, but she did. Finally, she closed down the computer and turned to Keeve who was still enthralled in his game. She slid her chair over next to him. "I'm done with my part," she said. "So, we can go as soon as you're finished with your game."

"Almost..." Keeve tapped on the panel rapidly to fire off a last few shots. With a loud cheer, he lifted his arms triumphantly. "Done! Now we can go, Auntie." He hopped off the chair and moved behind Shiv to help her out of hers. "So...the spaceport?"

Shiv accepted his hand and as she stood, the front door slid open. A young woman followed by an astromech droid stepped through. She looked up and smiled, and was about to tell her that they were just closing up. But, then she saw who it was standing there and felt her heart drop right down into her stomach. "Oh gods," she whispered, too stunned to say anything else. "Oh gods...is it...really?"

Across the way, the young woman was in a similar state as she stared back at Shiv. The R2 unit behind her nudged her forward, but she couldn't move. "Oh my god," she finally whispered. "Maeren?"

Shiv sat down heavily in her chair as she stared. "Lerrah? Oh gods, Lerrah!"

With a shout, Shiv bolted out of her chair and bounded over the desk. The two girls rushed at each other and came together in a massive embrace that left them spinning around in the center of the office, clinging tightly to each other. Wild giggles sputtered out of the spinning dervish as they spun.

Keeve watched with perplexity and annoyance. Shrieks and squealing laughter only added to his agitation, but what irked him most was that his Auntie Shiv was ignoring him and paying far too much attention to the strange woman. "Auntie!" he tried calling over the commotion. He sighed sharply and stomped his foot. "Auntie Shiv!"

On the opposite side of the room, the astromech tootled for attention, and swivelled its dome head around to look at the room. It waddled sideways to get a better view of the two women making a show in the centre of the room.

Finally Shiv pulled away from Lerrah and looked at her for a long moment. She turned to Keeve and smiled. "Keeve," she began, "this is Lerrah. We grew up together on Agarra. She and I left Agarra to be smugglers, and...well...and now she's here for some reason."

Lerrah laughed. "I'm here because I'm smuggling again," she said. "I just started working for Mrs. Tregat yesterday, but she hadn't given me an assignment yet."

Shiv stared open mouthed at Lerrah. "Kaysa hired you?" She laughed and then motioned Keeve over. "There's so much we have to talk about."

"I've missed you so much, Maer."

Shiv felt her body react to the nickname she hadn't heard in so long. "I've missed you too," she said. "We have to talk. I'm...I'm involved with someone. And, this is her son. Keeve, meet Lerrah Breijal."

Keeve wrinkled his nose at Lerrah, but at the pleading look Shiv gave him, he managed his sweetest smile and held out his hand to Lerrah. "A pleasure to meet you, Lerrah. I'm Shiv's boyfriend and I'm going to marry her."

Maeren's announcement and then Keeve's was almost more than Lerrah could take. But, she hadn't expected to find her former lover here. Maybe she and Maeren could have time together soon...to sort through things. They had a lot to sort through. "I'm her ex-girlfriend," she finally said to Keeve. She took his hand and shook it with a smile. "I didn't expect this, and it's a little...awkward."

Shiv nodded. "It is," she said. She glanced at Keeve and then back to Lerrah. "We have to talk. I'm watching Keeve because Kaysa's out of town, but when she gets back we might be able to get time for a private talk. It'll be a week though."

"I'm going to be here for the foreseeable future, so we have time," Lerrah said. An annoyed beep behind Lerrah brought out a laugh from her. "Oh, this is Elf. His full designation is R2-LF, but Elf is easier." The droid whistled and chirped a response.

"Are you busy?" Shiv asked and Lerrah shook her head. "Keeve, sweetie, do you mind if Lerrah comes with us on the flight around? We'll need someone at the nav station if you're piloting and I'm co-piloting."

Keeve tore his intrigued gaze away from the droid and nodded his head quickly. "As long as I get to fly. Can I play with your droid, Lerrah?"

Lerrah glanced over at Elf and then back to Keeve. With a smile, she waved the droid forward. He swivelled his head in her direction and made a questioning whistle. Lerrah laughed, and motioned him forward again. "Yes, I'm sure it's alright," she said. "Come forward."

With another beep, Elf rolled forward and came to a stop in front of Keeve. He let out a series of beeps and whistles.

"Keeve," Lerrah said with a wide smile, "meet Elf. Elf, this is Keeve."

Keeve leaned forward with his nose almost brushing against what would translate as Elf's face. He scrutinized the droid with narrowed eyes, then patted his domed head and attempted to communicate with it by chirping - rather, squawking - and whistling discordantly.

Elf tootled another question at Lerrah who laughed. "He can understand Basic," she said as she squatted down next to Keeve. "So, if you want, you can just talk to him. He speaks binary, which is a computer language all droids understand. Unfortunately, our vocal chords aren't good at making those kinds of sounds. I bet if you had the right program on a computer, you could have the computer tell him what you wanted to say."

Keeve turned his head around towards Lerrah and grinned. "I really like your droid, Lerrah. I think when we're on the ship, I wanna play with him."

Lerrah returned Keeve's grin and glanced at Elf who was tottering back and forth and spinning his domed head all the way around as he let out a stream of chattering whistles and hoots. She laughed and then looked back to Keeve. "Well, I think he likes you too. And, you can play with him. However, we'll have to stop on the way to the starport so you can get one of these." She held up her wrist where text scrolled across the screen. "This is how I can understand him. And, we'll get you one so you can understand what he says back to you."

"So, I can talk to him?" Keeve whistled to Lerrah and spun around in a circle to express his excitement, much as Elf had. He giggled as he came back around and squeaked at Lerrah. "That meant 'thank you,' Lerrah."

Lerrah laughed, and looked down at the display on her wrist. "Why yes it did," she said with a grin.

From behind Lerrah, Shiv leaned close and wrapped her arms around her former lover's waist. "I think you've got a new friend too," she said with a grin.

Lerrah laughed. "I like having friends," she said. "Now, how about we go see if Stiletto can still fly?"

With a laugh, Shiv ducked out from behind Lerrah and came around to where Keeve was standing in front of Lerrah's droid. "How about we go take a quick trip around the system? My new pilot needs to get some experience at the controls, right Keeve?"

"That's right, Auntie!" Keeve ran to the door and held it open. "To the spaceport, Elf! Tweet! Tweet!"

Elf rolled forward tootling as he did. Behind him, Shiv and Lerrah followed walking close and talking quietly to each other. There was so much to catch up on, and so much that needed to be said. At least her relationship with Kaysa and Merrick was fairly open, and it might allow her to get close to Lerrah again. At this point, she was confused though, and cautioned herself to go slowly.

---

"Surprise Guests, Part 2"
by Maeren Shivral
Keeve Zenarr [NPC]
Lerrah Breijal [NPC]
and Elf (R2-L4) [NPC]

Location: In orbit around Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 15, 4ABY

***

It'd been awhile since Shiv had taken the Stiletto up and off the planet. She was slightly nervous as she sat behind the controls with Keeve at her side and Lerrah and Elf behind her. She glanced over at Keeve, and pointed to a knob near his left hand. "Turn that one to three, sweetie," she said.

Keeve saluted Shiv and did as she asked. He glanced over his shoulder at Elf and whistled at him. The droid chirped and Keeve responded with a caw and a giggle.

Lerrah leaned forward so she could see Keeve and smiled at him. "When I started hauling cargo again, I needed a new co-pilot since I didn't have Maeren anymore. So, I went to a droid merchant on Corellia, and I found him. He had an ugly green and red paint job then--" Elf tooted a response, and Lerrah cast a look at him. "Hey, I'm telling this story, and it was ugly. Anyway, I had him repainted, and he became my co-pilot. I guess he's also become a friend of sorts."

"I want to be his friend too," Keeve said. He rubbed Elf's head affectionately. "And I like your new paintjob, Elf. I wish I had a hoverboard your colour."

Shiv laughed. "Well, I think we can manage that," she said. "I think Elf would probably like to watch you ride your hoverboard too." The droid beeped a response, and Lerrah laughed. "Now, everyone get ready, we're about ready to go up. If you want to start us up, Keeve. You can press that green button right in front of you."

Keeve's eyes grew wide with anticipation, yet as excited as he was, he still looked over to Shiv for further approval. At her nod, he depressed the green button and yelped as the thrusters fired up. "Are we flying yet, Auntie?"

Shiv grinned and indicated that he should look out the canopy of the cockpit. As he did, the ship was slowly lifting up into the sky. "We're starting to," she finally said. "Right now, the repulsors are lifting us up off the ground. In just a moment, I'll switch to the main engines, and they'll help us break out of the planet's gravity. And, then we'll really be flying."

"Did you hear that, Elf? We're going to fly!" Keeve tilted his head to the side and twittered incompetently at the droid.

Elf let out a long, rising note as he wobbled back and forth on his legs.

At the controls, Shiv brought the nose of the ship up, and pushed up the throttle. The ship rumbled through the atmosphere, and broke out into free space. With a happy smile, she brought the ship out and around the planet. "I'm going to take us around the planet once, then we'll buzz past Drogen, and vector out deeper into the system. Then, once we're out in the clear, I can teach you a few tricks, Keeve. How's that sound?

"That sounds acceptable, Auntie." He nodded to Elf and whistled at him. "Auntie, can me and Elf go play? I won't break him, I promise."

Shiv grinned, and then looked at Lerrah.

"Of course you can play with him," Lerrah said. "And, he's pretty sturdy, so he'll be fine even if you're a little rough with him."

"You can play in the main area," Shiv said. "But, be careful. The inertial compensators are at full, so you shouldn't have to worry about twists and turns. I'll let you know when you can come up and fly."

"Okay!" Keeve hopped up and gave Shiv a kiss upon the cheek. "Come on, Elf!" He whistled and squeaked, then raced along, waving Elf over to follow.

The little droid backed out of the cockpit, then spun around and followed after Keeve, whistling as he rolled along. As the short passageway opened out into the main cabin, he spun around and continued after the boy. He stopped just short of where Keeve had, and then swivelled himself up to look at the boy. Fortunately he didn't have to swivel up very far. He beeped out a question.

"What was that, Elf?" Keeve asked. "You want me to do what?

Elf tootled, and one of the compartments in the front panel of his body opened, and a small arm extended outward. The arm tapped itself against the new band with a small computer face strapped to Keeve's wrist. He then beeped the question a second time.

Keeve mumbled to himself as he read the words scrolling down the screen. "Oh!" He giggled and tooted his reply. "I bet Auntie Shiv and Lerrah would like it if you could whistle a song. Wouldn't that be fun? We could put on a show for them!" Keeve settled cross-legged to the ground and waved Elf closer. "Do you know how to whistle songs, Elf?"

Elf rolled a few centimeters closer to Keeve. He whistled another response, and then let loose with some whistled notes that couldn't really be considered much of a song, but they sounded somewhat musical. If he had the mobility to do so, he would have cocked his head to the side. Instead, he questioned with another tootle.

"Well, don't worry, Elf, I'll teach you. Now, I'm going to whistle a few notes, and you copy me, okay?"

Elf tilted his body forward and then back in a simulated nod, and tooted an affirmative response. With that, he settled in to repeat the notes that Keeve would teach him.

"Listen closely, Elf." Keeve puckered his lips and pushed air through the small opening. A wavering, dull note came out at first. Keeve scrunched up his face and blew harder, this time creating a clear, crisp note. "Now," he said breathlessly and red-faced. "You try."

The little droid clicked and whirred for a moment, and then reproduced a note identical to Keeve's. With that, Elf made a questioning tootle to find out if he'd done alright.

"That was good, Elf!" Keeve rubbed Elf's head and screeched what he hoped sounded like a compliment. Keeve moved onto the second note, then the third and so on until he had whistled out each note of the song for Elf. "Oh, Auntie Shiv and Lerrah are gonna be so happy!" Keeve commented as Elf repeated the entire song perfectly.

Elf dutifully repeated each note given to him, and once he and Keeve practiced them all together, he whistled excitedly. Then, with a series of beeps and toots, he told Keeve that it was indeed a very good song, and they were sure to find it very appealing.

Keeve nodded his head emphatically and giggled. "I think so too. But we're not done yet. Now, that was just the first verse. We still have to teach you the chorus." So, with a tootle from Elf to signal his readiness, Keeve started reciting the next series of notes to Elf, bringing him one step closer to being a beeping, chirping jizz box.

***

Once Keeve and Elf were gone, Lerrah turned to Maeren. "So, you found someone new? What's she like?"

Shiv slipped out of her chair and moved to the one across from Lerrah. "She's beautiful, and full of life. Keeve is hers. He just came here a week ago, and we're getting along great. And, I'm sorry, Lerrah. I was stupid before, and I said some very mean things."

"You weren't the only one saying mean things, Maer," Lerrah said. "But I never stopped loving you. And, within hours after leaving, I knew I was wrong to have left."

"I hated you for like...an hour." Shiv laughed and then shook her head. "So much has changed. I have a girlfriend and a boyfriend, and a lover on the side."

Lerrah's mouth dropped open at that and she could only stare. After a moment she did laugh and shook her head. "You're right. Things have changed. So you've been with a guy?"

Shiv grinned. "Merrick Braston."

If Lerrah's jaw could have dropped any farther open, it would have. "Oh gods, Maeren. You...you're Merrick's--?" She laughed and shook her head incredulously. "That's my girl..."

Shiv smiled and reached out and took Lerrah's hand. "I always have been," she said. "But...but I can't do anything yet. Not without talking to Kaysa first. But, we have a very open relationship, and I think she'll agree to it. Besides, she knows how much I love you."

"You always did have a huge capacity for love. I never would have thought..."

Shiv felt a tear working its way down her cheek and she quickly wiped it away. "I didn't either. I thought you were gone. But, you went and replaced me with a droid!"

Lerrah laughed and glanced back where Elf was. "You know I always thought those little astromech droids were really cute. And, he's great help around the ship."

"You have a new ship?"

Lerrah grinned. "YT-1300. It's not new, but it's damn good. I've been able to tuck away a little bit of money, even after buying that and Elf. It's not the same without you."

"I was running for a bit, but Kaysa didn't want me out and gone so much. And, being around her and Merrick, I didn't want to be either. And, you have to meet Zale. He's a crimelord, but he's really sweet. He's married to Kaysa."

Lerrah gaped for another minute and then laughed. "You really did land yourself into an awkward relationship, didn't you?"

"But I love it," Shiv said. "And, I'd love it if you could be here with me again." Shiv slid closer and dropped to her knees in front of Lerrah. "Could you still love me, and be my love, knowing I'm with the others?"

Lerrah slipped her arms around Shiv, and pulled her forward to kiss both forehead and then lips. "I could never refuse you," she said. "Not even if you're sleeping with men."

Shiv giggled and returned Lerrah's kiss. "As soon as Kaysa says it's okay, then we...then we can spend some time together...like we used to."

Lerrah smiled. "I look forward to that," she said. "I hope I can wait."

Shiv gave her a seductive smile. "I'll make it worth your while," she said.

"So, how does this baby handle?" Lerrah said. "It's been awhile."

"While he's still out playing with Elf, why don't we spin around the system. I'll even let you fly her close to the sun again."

As they moved up into the forward seats, Lerrah quickly kissed Shiv again before sliding into the pilot's chair. Far too long, she told herself.

***

At the sound of Elf and Keeve returning, both Shiv and Lerrah stopped their conversation and sat back in their chairs. Lerrah spun toward Keeve first, and then Shiv a moment later. There was still much to discuss between them, and there was still much pain and love to be sorted out. But, that was for another time. "So, have you guys been having fun back there in the main cabin?"

Keeve grinned furtively at Elf. "Oh, we had fun, alright. Elf wants to show you something though." He hopped aside and thrust out his arms in presentation towards Elf. "Hit it, Elf!"

Elf rolled forward in front of Keeve, and then began his song. With flawless delivery, he reproduced every note Keeve had taught him, even adding in jukes to the left and right. Throughout the performance Shiv and Lerrah were laughing and clapping. At the end, as Elf's whistles grew to a crescendo, he spun around quickly and performed the closest thing he could to a bow.

Keeve shuffled beside Elf and wrapped one arm around the front of his waist and one behind him. He bowed quickly then threw both arms around Elf. "Tweet, tweet! Good boy, Elf!"

Elf let out a triumphant whistle and spun around again while Lerrah and Shiv continued applauding for the boy and droid.

"That was wonderful, Keeve," Shiv said. "Did you teach Elf that? I think you're definitely picking up some of Merrick's musical talent. I think you, me, Elf, and Merrick should all form a band, and we can tour all around the galaxy."

"Well...can Daddy come too?" Keeve asked. "I mean...he can't sing or whistle, but he can shine Elf."

Shiv laughed and held out her arms for Keeve. "Of course he can," she said. "He'll be the best shiner anywhere. And, now, are you ready to learn how to fly?"

Keeve gasped and rushed into Shiv's arms. "Yes!" He crawled onto Shiv's lap and gaped at the controls before him. "I promise I won't blow us up, Auntie. I promise."

Shiv grinned, and moved her hands out over the controls. "It's really easy to fly the ship," she said. "Though, you have to be careful." She spiralled them down and away, letting Keeve watch her hands moving over the controls. "Port," she said, and the ship moved to port as she manipulated the controls to do so. And then, "Starboard," and the ship responded what her hands did on the control surface. "This here climbs, and this will descend. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be on your way to becoming a great pilot." She glanced to Lerrah and nodded, then pulled her hands away from the controls. "Now you try, Keeve."

Keeve snapped his head back towards Shiv, then yelped and let his eyes roam over the controls. "Hmm..." He pressed one of the buttons Shiv had, and felt the ship roll to the left. Fearing he'd done something wrong, Keeve pulled his hand away and looked back at Shiv anxiously. Her nod lessened his trepidation and he turned back to the controls. With a giggle, he called out: "Starboard!", and tapped the button to send the ship pitching to the right. "Port!" To the left. Keeve enthusiastically let his hands fly over the controls, sending the ship forward, then lurching to a stop; backwards, then dipping to the side. "It's just like the videogame, Auntie!"

Shiv laughed and nodded. "It is." A glance to her side told her that Lerrah was holding on to her chair with one hand and the console with the other. Shiv was suddenly very glad they'd had the inertial compensators overhauled recently. With the kind of manoeuvres Keeve was taking the ship through, they'd be flying all around the cockpit. She watched the stress levels on the hull rising as Keeve kept rolling the ship through snap turns. She leaned forward and moved her hands over his.

"It's better to ease the ship through the manoeuvres," she said. "Fast turns put a lot of strain on the ship, so you just glide through." With her hands covering his, she showed him what she meant. "There are also pre-programmed moves here. That row across the top, each of them will make the ship do something different." She tapped one button, and the ship suddenly inverted and started corkscrewing downward, and then righted itself at the bottom. "See? Now you."

Keeve playfully slapped Shiv's hand away and hovered his finger above the string of buttons. "Which one should I try, Elf?"

Elf rolled forward and looked over the controls. Then, he tooted his response.

Feigning understanding, Keeve nodded and jabbed the third button with his forefinger. The ship accelerated forward for a time, then veered to the right. It arched smoothly on its side and Keeve had to grasp the edge of the console before he slid off of Shiv's lap. They made a complete circle as if the ship had been chasing its tail end, then it flattened out and sailed gently forward. "Wow! That was cool, Auntie! Oh...wow!"

Shiv laughed and nodded. "It was," she said. "Now, see that brought spot out there, that's one of the planets farther out in the system. I want you to take us out there."

"Really? That far, Auntie? Won't we get lost?"

"Not at all," Shiv said with a grin. "These screens over here, they're maps. And, they tell us where we are in relation to things like Tae'Karada and this..." Shiv frowned. "This very large fleet of ships. And, things like that. So, we'll be able to find our way back. Take us there, sweetie."

"I don't want to," Keeve said. "I wanna go play with the other ships." He poked his finger at the console and the ship made a sharp left turn. It came about directly in line with the large fleet and Keeve hit the thrusters, intending to rendezvous with the other ships.

"Keeve, no," Shiv said as she glanced over at Lerrah.

Lerrah was already moving over to get readings off the sensors. She shook her head and all the colour drained from her face. "I've got multiple Star Destroyers. And, a Super. Maeren, we have to get out of here. I'm reading that most of them are already set up in attack profiles."

Shiv nodded. "Keeve we can't go over there," she said. "We have to go back."

"But it's just like my game, Auntie. Don't worry, I'm sure they're nice."

"No, Keeve," Shiv started to say.

"Three contacts," Lerrah shouted. "TIE fighters vectoring in on our location. They're looking to intercept."

"Keeve," Shiv said as she tried to get her hands onto the controls, "we have to go. They don't want us here."

Keeve batted away Shiv's hands. "Look!" He pointed at the approaching ships and grinned at Shiv. "They're coming to visit us."

"Lerrah, shields!"

"Already doing it, Maer," Lerrah said.

The trio of TIE fighters broke left, right and above as they rocketed past the Stiletto. The ship lurched hard as turbolaser fire strafed across the hull. If Lerrah hadn't gotten the shields up, the fighters would have torn right through the ship.

The comm suddenly sputtered to life. "Starship designated Stiletto, alter course and turn back or you will be destroyed. You won't receive another warning."

"Hi! My name's Keeve Zenarr. Do you mind if we come and join your little game?"

The TIE fighters swung around for another pass at the Stiletto. Their weapons opened fire, once again scoring numerous hits against the ship.

"Shields won't hold," Lerrah called out.

A panel behind them blew outward, showering the rear of the cockpit in smoke and sparks. Elf tooted and quickly moved to contain the damage.

"Lateral controls are fluctuating," Lerrah said as she tried to strengthen the shields. "We have to get out of here."

"Keeve, get out of my lap and stop batting away my hands. We have to go before they kill us!"

Keeve froze and stuttered panic-stricken explanations before he managed to blurt out: "I don't wanna play anymore!" He jumped off of Shiv's lap and ran straight out of the cockpit and towards the main cabin.

"Go watch after him," Lerrah ordered Elf, who quickly followed after the boy.

Shiv quickly moved forward, and took the controls. She twisted around and sent the ship spinning down and around, forcing the TIE fighters to follow after if they were intent on vapourizing them. At the bottom of the spiral, the ship spun out heading back toward the planet.

"Reinforcing rear shields," Lerrah said.

"I'm running as fast as I can," Shiv called. "Full throttle."

Lerrah sat in her seat with her hands over the rear guns, hoping she didn't have to open up on an Imperial TIE fighter, not with the fleet just behind them. Then the fighters pulled away. "They're backing off!"

Shiv let out a big sigh of relief and set their course to head back to the planet, and go into orbit. Once set, she rushed from the cockpit, pulling Lerrah along with her.

"Keeve, Keeve?" they both called. "Keeve?"

They found him in the main cabin, seated on the floor in the far corner with his arms wound tightly around Elf and his damp cheek resting against his polished surface. "Why were they so mean, Elf?" Keeve whimpered and nodded slowly to Elf's tootles and whistles.

Lerrah and Shiv came up and sat down on either side of Keeve, as well as they could in the corner.

"They were mean," Lerrah said while Maeren comforted the boy, "because they aren't out here to have fun. I don't know why they were there, but when there are a bunch of them like that, that means there's going to be trouble. When they're like that, it's best to stay away. Not everyone's like that, and there's still a lot of fun out here. Running away from them is really fun."

"I guess." Keeve sniffled and ran his nose across Elf's plating, smearing his nasal discharge. "I think I like the games better, Auntie Shiv."

"I know, sweetie," Shiv said. "But, everything's alright, and Stiletto's just a little banged up. Everything's okay now though. And, you were piloting really well. I think a few more times out, and you'll be one of the hottest ten year old pilots around. If you want, we can even use the simulators at the spaceport. They're really good for learning how to fly without having to take the ship up."

Keeve nodded his head morosely and transferred his embrace to Shiv. "I think I wanna go home now, Auntie. Can Elf come home with us? He can help me not be so sad."

Shiv looked over at Lerrah who nodded. "He can come with us," she said. "And, then you won't have to be so sad anymore."

Elf swivelled his domed head to take in Shiv and Lerrah, and then back to Keeve. There was a moment's pause, and then he started whistling the song Keeve taught him.

Keeve peered up at Elf with the last of his tears making trails down his cheeks. He sucked in a shuddering breath, then put his lips together and accompanied Elf in the song. "You're getting better, Elf!" He giggled and once again threw his arms around the droid. "That's a good boy. Tweet, tweet!"

Shiv slipped her hand into Lerrah's as they watched Keeve bonding with the droid. The moment was far too precious for words, and appeared that the sadness that had afflicted him had vanished into nothingness. If she thought that it wasn't possible to love Keeve any more than she already had, she'd been wrong. Watching him happily whistling along with Elf was one of the sweetest things she'd ever seen in her life.

"Let's go home," she whispered.

"Okay, Auntie," Keeve said during a pause in his conversation with Elf. "But this time, you fly."

Shiv ruffled his hair and then kissed him on the forehead. "I'll get us home really quick," she said. "And, maybe on the way we can stop for a small frazzie. I think you've earned one, sweetie. And, then we can go home, and you can play with Elf until bedtime."

Keeve hopped to his feet and twittered a cheer. "You get to sleep with me tonight, Elf!" He giggled and spun around until he was dizzy and stumbling about the main cabin. "Tweet tweet, Elf!"

Shiv looked over at Lerrah and grinned. "Come on," she said. "I'll let you land her."

Together they headed up to the cockpit and settled in to take the ship home. Being around each other again was awkward and thrilling at the same time, and both were looking to explore what they had missed out on in each other's lives over the last couple years. They had all the time they needed now, and nothing would keep them apart ever again.

---

"Guilty Conscience"
By: Shrezade Anoran
Rilanna Kir

Location: Shrezade's Quarters - Drogen Shipyards
Date: Niothe 15, 4 ABY

***

Rilanna Kir arrived outside of Shrezade Anoran's three minutes early dressed in a conservative jumpsuit and carrying a small box in her hand. Chamlembac was down working on her ship and Major Weyland was...wherever Major Weyland was. She looked into the reflective surface of the door and laughed. She wanted to be Shrezade's friend, and hoped this dinner would be the incident that put them back on that footing. Hopefully, she added again.

With a deep breath, she reached out and touched the small buzzer at the side of the door.

Expecting Shrezade's attendant to escort her inside, Rilanna was instead met by Shrezade herself. Instead of the usual business suit with shirt buttoned up to her throat, she wore a black skirt that fell to just above her knees and a white blouse whose first three buttons were left undone. The usual tight roll she wore her hair in was gone; part of her hair was drawn up into a ponytail and the rest hung loose, and draped her shoulders like a shawl made of golden silk. "Rilanna, you're early," she said, cracking a soft smile. "Do come in."

"Thank you," Rilanna said with a smile. "I brought this." She handed Shrezade the small box, and stepped inside the room. "I thought I'd show up a few minutes early. It never hurts. I hope it's alright."

"Quite alright." Reza glanced outside of the door for Rilanna's furry sidekick, and smiled with satisfaction at its absence. "Have a seat on the couch if you like," she said as she followed Rilanna into the room. "Dinner shall be ready in a few moments." She moved with Rilanna towards the living area and settled onto the couch, gesturing for Rilanna to join her.

Rilanna glanced back at Reza and smiled. "I like your skirt," she said. "I must say that you look very comfortable in that outfit. The look suits you." With a grin, she took a seat on the couch next to Shrezade.

"Well, wearing shirts buttoned to my chin all day, every day can begin to feel a little constricting after a time. Besides, this is not a formal occasion, so I decided to let go a little." Reza settled the box upon her lap and looked sidelong at Rilanna. "Dare I ask what's inside?"

Rilanna smiled, and then laughed. "Go ahead and open it," she said. "And, don't worry, it won't blow up."

Reza refrained from cocking a skeptical eyebrow at Rilanna and proceeded to release the hasp, then open the lid. Her supposed gift, bedded in a sea of blue satin, truly did add a quirk to Reza's eyebrow. "Rilanna..." She cleared her throat and attempted not to sound too ungrateful. "My dear...whatever would I do with a blaster, besides shoot myself in the foot?"

Rilanna reached in and lifted the small weapon from the box. "It's not just any blaster," she said with a grin. "This is the one that got us out of that party safe and sound. But, in its role as a present, it's not merely a blaster but a memento from our wild night. I could have brought you a bauble or something, but I wanted something that was linked to us in some way."

Reza laughed fondly at the memory of their eventful night away from the station. "A fine gift, Rilanna. However, I think I will keep it in the box before I become daring and attempt to use it on unwelcome visitors to my office."

Rilanna laughed and then nodded. "Well, you don't have to use it on anyone," she said, "but it is very good for that. For transport, I drained off the power cell, but you should be able to recharge it if you'd like. I hope it's alright. It was the only thing I could think of that we've experienced together that could be a bonding experience and signify an attempt at rebuilding our friendship."

Reza gazed at the blaster absently, then sighed and shifted herself around to face the viewport. "I am glad you wish to continue as friends, Rilanna. I enjoy your company and your humour... I do not wish that to end and I know my actions may have almost done just that."

Rilanna smiled. "Well, it wasn't exactly your actions," she said. "It was a difference in how we view things. But, I think we're getting past that now. At least, that's what this dinner is all about. And, about being friends again. I know you have very strong beliefs, and so do I. But I've become closer to you as a friend than anyone else I can think of. I wouldn't want that to end. I think we've still got a long partnership ahead of us."

Reza felt her lips twitching, rebelling against her and threatening to curl into a smile. She cleared her throat and swiftly rose, then moved toward the viewport to observe the stars and keep her smiling face from being noticed by Rilanna. "I will contain my more...radical opinions while you are in my presence, Rilanna, and I will refrain from expressing disapproval toward yours no matter how strongly I disagree."

"I think as long as we can treat each other civilly, and as friends, we're going to make it. And, I think a nice dinner is a very good start. I also think over time we may even be able to tolerate each other's disparate views on things, and possibly even debate them without offense. At least that is what I would hope for."

"Well, perhaps when I come to accept that I am not always right, that will be the day when I do not take offense to being contradicted in my views." Reza glanced over her shoulder at Rilanna. "I thank you for aiding me when I was injured yesterday. I believe I would have allowed myself to bleed to death if you weren't so insistent I see a doctor."

Rilanna smiled and slid off the couch. "I don't think Cham would have let me walk out of there when you were injured," she said. "And, besides, I couldn't have left you like that. We may have been at odds, but that didn't kill my feelings toward our friendship. I know it's difficult to admit when you're wrong or that you need help. I've been there." Finally she laughed and shrugged.

Reza smiled in amusement. "You've been wrong before, Rilanna Kir?" She chuckled and turned around fully to face her. "Well, the next time I so foolishly get myself injured, I would rather not spend the evening in the infirmary. Normally, I have the doctor come to my quarters if I require him."

Rilanna grinned. "Well, perhaps the experience was good for you," she said. "But, next time, I'll make sure to have him come to your quarters. Though, it would be a shame to have gotten blood all over in here."

"Yes, quite a shame."

The attendant appeared in the doorway leading from the dining area and gently cleared his throat. "Mrs. Anoran... Dinner is served." He bowed and stepped aside.

"Well...hungry, Rilanna?"

Rilanna grinned. "I most definitely am," she said and started toward the dining area. "I heard that the Imperial forces were mobilized earlier today. Do you know what that was for?"

Reza made an irritated gesture that nearly swatted her attendant in the face. "Frankly, I couldn't care less about the activities of that regime the self-proclaimed Grand Admiral has developed. As long as they refrain from interfering any further in the operation of my shipyards, they can do as they like."

"I heard one of Weyland's men saying something about an Imperial attack on the station," Rilanna said, the disdain in her voice obvious. "I have doubled security in all vital areas, and set up additional roving patrols."

"I believe I will have to have a small meeting with the major," Reza said tightly. "I may just question him on why an Imperial fleet in attack formation was so close to my station." She seated herself at the head of the table with a heavy sigh. "The Imperial presence in this system is growing wearisome. More so, that on my station is becoming intolerable."

Rilanna thought about taking a place at the other end of the table, but instead decided to seat herself next to Reza. "I hope you don't mind," she said. "It's easier to talk from here. And, I don't know if we can come up with any plans to minimize the Imperial presence here or not. According to Weyland, they really want this place and will fight to keep it."

"But it's mine," Reza stated flatly. "This station is everything to me, Rilanna. I will not let them usurp control from me. It makes me seriously consider Dargus Kandran's proposal."

Rilanna nodded. "I understand," she said. "For what it's worth, I will be fighting at your side if it comes to that. If the Imps want this place, they'll have to go through me to get it."

"As talented and able as you are, Rilanna, I doubt you alone would be any defense against an entire legion of stormtroopers."

The attendant placed a plate of Mon Calamari shrimp before both Rilanna and Reza, then stepped away. "I hope you don't mind," Reza said as she motioned her eyes toward the appetizer. "I was in the mood for something exotic tonight."

Rilanna smiled as her eyes took in the shrimp. "Oh, I don't mind at all," she said. "I don't think there's ever a time when I'm not on the mood for some Mon Cal shrimp, especially the way that artist in your kitchen makes them."

"Yes...he is quite good. I'll ask him to make an appearance during dinner so you may meet him if you wish."

Rilanna grinned. "That would be nice," she said. "I think he deserves to be commended on his talents." She pulled a couple of the delicate shrimp onto her plate and began nibbling. "I could just eat these until I didn't fit into my body armour anymore."

"Well, you'll have to eat plenty. I doubt they are very fattening." Reza dunked her shrimp into the dipping sauce and bit halfway into it. "Rilanna," she said after swallowing most of the shrimp morsel, "what do you think of me? Truthfully, now. I can handle even the harshest criticism."

Rilanna smiled and then stared at her plate for a moment, partially to gather her thoughts and partially to gather her courage. "I think you are an arrogant, self-absorbed woman who thinks of herself above all others and whose only true loyalty is to herself. You are extremely critical of others and they must measure up to your standards before you will even consider speaking to them as equals." She took a breath, and then let it out. "But, I like you and consider you one of my closest friends. For the most part I enjoy our time together, except on the occasions when we fight." She laughed and shook her head. "And, Cham thinks you smell nice."

Reza nodded her head slowly as she looked pensively down into her plate. Her features soon softened and she snickered quietly as her eyes met Rilanna's again. "Please don't tell me that creature is infatuated with me, Ril. I don't think anyone would ever take me seriously after that."

Rilanna laughed. "No," she said. "He's not. He just likes the way you smell. Though, I'll make sure he keeps his romantic interests elsewhere. And, anyway, I think the two of you might make a cute couple. I think people would be happy to see you out with him." She grinned, and then let out another laugh. "Honestly, he knows you're not interested in any romantic involvements, and I don't think he'd pursue them even if he felt that way about you."

"Well...that's somewhat of a relief. You may tell Mr. Cham that his smell was not displeasing as well." Reza laughed softly and impulsively reached out to touch Rilanna's hand, but she held back and instead used it to grab another shrimp. "At any rate, I thank you for being honest, Rilanna. All those things you said were quite accurate. I am arrogant and self-absorbed, but it's been necessary in my life. You might not understand that, but that is how things are."

"If I didn't have some understanding of that," Rilanna said as she brought another couple pieces of shrimp to her plate, "I don't believe I would be able to consider you my friend. And, you deserve honesty. I don't think anyone can truly be a friend if they're not able to be honest with those they're trying to befriend. But, as I said, I do like you. And, while you may be trying at times, I am still quite happy with your friendship."

"I think you are the only person I know--" Reza chuckled quietly, but it was filled with bitterness and devoid of any mirth. "Only other person, but the other doesn't count any longer. So, Rilanna Kir, you are now the only person in this universe who can accept Shrezade Anoran for her arrogance and cruelty and still like her in spite of it."

Rilanna reached out and covered Shrezade's hand with her own. "And, I'm proud to be your friend," she said. "Despite your arrogance and cruelty, you are still a strong, capable woman who doesn't take anything from anyone. You are also to be admired, but most won't take the chance to do that."

"Admired for what?" Reza chuckled dryly and casually pulled her hand from beneath Rilanna's tender grip and placed both in her lap. "There are plenty of businesswomen in the galaxy. I am no more extraordinary than they are, and hardly deserving of admiration."

Rilanna laughed and returned her hands to in front of her. "Well, there may be many, but I don't consider any of them my friend. But, I think beneath it all, you're still a good person. You don't compromise your own values, and you do what you consider to be ethically and morally right. There aren't many out there who do the same. Their moralities are as flexible as a Tlingadri fighting whip."

"And you are not among them, Rilanna. I respect you for standing up to me and defending your beliefs. It makes me proud to associate with you." Reza signalled for her attendant to clear the appetizers and asked in a low whisper to have the main course brought out.

Rilanna smiled. "I think it's one of the reasons we work as well together as we do," she said. "And, I do hope our association continues for a long time to come. I like it here, and I like these dinners. And, it's also very nice to have a friend, even though she's still uncertain of me as one."

Reza smiled curiously and brought her hands together atop the table. "Why do you say that? Have I made you feel as if I do not trust you, Rilanna?"

Rilanna laughed. "Trust and friendship are two entirely different things," she said. "While you trust me enough to protect your life and to dine with you, I don't know if you trust me as much as you trust yourself. I don't know if you exactly consider me a friend yet though."

"Is...that what you want, Rilanna?" The attendant slid a plate of Tarkayze salmon before Reza, but her focus didn't stray from Rilanna. "You want me to be your friend? You must know, I have had only one friend in my life, Rilanna, and becoming so was difficult. If you want that...I am certain I can try."

"I want you to do whatever you want," Rilanna said. "I don't want you to be my friend because that's what I want. If you're my friend, I want that to be because that's what you want."

Reza shifted her gaze to the salmon filet surrounded by a thin, green sauce, somehow looking for inspiration, but all she could come up with was: "So, you will not be leaving the station, then? You will remain my security chief?"

"I haven't decided for certain yet," Rilanna said, and then smiled. "But, chances are very good that I'll be staying right where I am."

Reza repressed a smile and nodded her head. "That would be very pleasing to me, Rilanna. I do not think I could find anyone better in that position than you are, and anyone whose conversations I enjoy more."

"Likewise," Rilanna said with a grin. "I also just got everything settled in my quarters, and moving it all again... And, then who would you get to get close to Major Weyland? I think it's best that I stay here."

"How are things going with him?" Reza smiled knowingly and added, "I don't need specific details, Rilanna."

"He asked me to stay in his quarters," Rilanna said. "So I have been. If only I could find a way to get him to stop snoring. But, I think he's beginning to trust me more, and I think I have him convinced that I'm on his side. Hopefully it won't be much longer before I'm in his complete confidence."

"And after that?" Reza picked off a flake of salmon and brought it to her lips. "What will you do?"

"I haven't thought that far ahead yet," Rilanna said. "I imagine if he finds out what's going on the fallout will be pretty bad. I guess a lot of it will depend on what we find out from him."

"Has he asked you to divulge information about me?"

"He asked about you and what I thought of you," Rilanna said. "And, I told him the exact same thing I told you earlier. He sounds like he wants to try to make nice with you though. We'll see if he actually tries. He said you were either very brave or very stupid for standing up to him." She grinned. "I think you're making all of us here proud by doing that. The Empire likes to throw their weight around, but you're not letting them."

"As much as I can." Reza turned the food around in her mouth slowly, then sipped wine from her goblet and set it down. "Frankly, I am beginning to believe the Empire is no better than the Rebels. They both strive for power, yet neither care about who dies in the process. They recruit soldiers to fight for their cause, but once they are dead and buried, no one remembers them, not what they did and how valiantly they fought. No one cares that they might just have a wife or a child waiting at home and after they're gone, her life has become empty and cold." Reza set down her fork as her appetite fled, replaced by memories of her beloved. "So, you see, Rilanna, I am doing this for myself, yet I am also doing it to end such madness. It is doubtful, however, that I will ever succeed fully. But I will continue to try."

Rilanna nodded slowly. "Know that, at least for now, you will have me on your side. I have seen the horrors of Rebellion, Empire, criminal, and everything in between. But, I want to help you find your way through this."

"And I believe with you by my side, I just might." Reza pushed away her plate and encouraged Rilanna to continue. "I'm afraid my appetite is normally very small...for food, that is. I've always room for a good wine." She signalled the attendant and her wine goblet was filled instantly.

Rilanna continued eating the salmon, savouring each bite. "Well, with your selection of wines," she said, "how could you not be? I don't think I've ever seen a nicer collection. Now, I hardly have all that much experience with that, but I have seen a fair amount. You have to have one of the largest collections around."

"You may bring some home if you like. I have plenty of bottles to spare."

"Oh no," Rilanna said with a shake of her head. "I think the wine is much better with company. And, the only other company to share it with would be either Cham or Weyland. I'll just drink my wine here with you."

Reza smiled and raised her glass to Rilanna. "And I am glad to share it with you anytime, Rilanna. It sometimes tastes better if there's someone to enjoy it with you." She stared vacantly into her glass and added quietly, "Most things are better when shared with someone, but that someone isn't always there, so one learns, after a time, to settle for the trite and banal, and merely lower their standards to minimize disappointment." Reza chuckled bitterly, then sipped her wine.

Rilanna nodded. "One should also appreciate the times that one has during the time shared," she said. "You'll feel better about yourself and your life if you focus on the positive events of the relationship than the negative."

"Why do that?" Reza asked with mild cynicism. "It only makes the loss more painful if you remember what you had and realize you will never have it again. It makes no sense."

"Then why go on at all if all you feel is cynical misery?" Rilanna asked. "You've had your moment of bliss, and the rest is just pain and anguish. Why bother to continue your own suffering and those around you?"

Reza smiled almost ruefully and gazed once more into the pool of red liquid within her glass. "My dear Rilanna, that is a question I ask myself every morning. The answer I always come up with is that by continuing, perhaps I can make others just as miserable and discover some form of happiness in that. It is somewhat successful, but the feeling is always unfulfilling and ephemeral. One day, I might just find something to overshadow the misery, but that day has not come yet."

"That's because you seek misery to overshadow your misery," Rilanna said with a frown of disdain. "Though perhaps you may yet be able to find a way to thrive at having every being in your midst despising you. However, if misery is how you get your thrills, I'm sure I can do what I can to accommodate that."

"Rilanna, do I appear to be content? Do I look like a happy woman to you? No, because no such thing can be derived from an emotion that feeds on sadness and internal suffering." She sighed sharply and set down her glass forcefully. "Misery is better than guilt, Rilanna. It is better to grieve than to carry guilt forever with you because you allowed yourself a moment of happiness while he's--" Reza pursed her lips tightly closed and paused to divert her thoughts to anything other than where they were leading her. With a sudden jarring scrape, she pushed back her chair and stepped out from behind the table. The attendant rushed to the door to open it for Reza, but her haste brought her to it before he could even come close.

"Now that he's gone," Rilanna called after her, "do you think this is how he wants you to live your life? Do you think he'd like it to know that you're miserable? If this is how your husband would have liked you to be, then maybe...maybe...I don't know."

Reza whirled around and faced Rilanna with her slowly darkening gaze. "Leave," she ordered quietly. Her head shifted towards her attendant, who looked momentarily stunned, but quickly obeyed and disappeared into the kitchen. She stepped forward and once again fixed her deadened gaze upon Rilanna. "You've never loved, have you, Rilanna? If you had, you'd know why I am the way that I am. You yourself might have ended up the same way if you'd lost the only person you ever loved. You don't understand. You just...don't understand anything."

Rilanna slowly got to her feet and took a deadly step forward. "I may not have loved," she said, "but I have lost. My life has not been without danger, and I have lost siblings, friends, and people who did mean a great deal to me. I only know that if my brother were to know that I had cast away all feeling and dishonoured him by emotionally killing myself, he would have returned from the dead to finish the job. Would your husband want you to be this way? Would your husband wish you to remain in mourning clothes for the rest of your life? Would he want you to stop living once he was gone? I know that if I ever fall in love, and then die, I will come back from the dead to give him a piece of my mind if my lover starts behaving like you."

"I do this to honour him. I do this to atone for things I could have done to preserve his life." Reza shook her head slowly. "Don't you understand? I could have prevented his death. If I was the woman I am today, I could have saved him, Rilanna. Would you be able to find happiness knowing you had a hand in the death of someone you care for? No...I think you would not."

Rilanna sighed. "How did you have a hand in his death?" Rilanna asked softly.

Reza chuckled dryly and shook her head. "Let me have my grief, Rilanna. It is far too late for me to change. This is my life and how it shall be until I either starve or drink myself to a fresh grave. Perhaps then I will find contentment, but not before."

"Do me a favour," Rilanna said. "If I die defending your station, don't honour me. I don't want the guilt of your torment in whatever sort of afterlife I may have." With that, started toward the door. "Goodnight, Mrs. Anoran."

Reza listened to Rilanna's footsteps trailing away, then the door hiss open and close again an instant later. "Qel," she said in a flat, cold whisper to the intercom upon the wall. "You and Hyrn can go home...now." Only a few moments passed before her attendant and chef scurried out of the kitchen area, past her with lowered heads, and clear of the apartment. They knew that tone in her voice, and knew the wrath that followed it. They'd been under her employ long enough to know she was doing them a favour by giving them ample warning and time to escape.

Reza moved listlessly and calmly into the living area. She engaged her door's locking mechanism, then made her way to the viewports presenting an unobstructed view of the space outside her room. She felt the darkness looming above her and knew not to fight it. Instead, she let it enshroud her as always and sought her grief within it. The face reflecting upon the transparisteel surface almost pleased her in its deeply downturned lips and sunken eyes; that image was pathos epitomized and a tribute to how deep her love had been for the one man she'd ever allowed into her heart.

To add the final stroke to the sorrowful masterpiece, Reza withered to the ground and ripped through the silence of her quarters with a shrill, piercing howl, then let the tears begin their meandering course along the curve of her cheeks and the deep furrows of her frowning lips. One day, perhaps, absolution would come, but for now and until then, her grief would be a testament to her love for Vraner, and self-damnation for a past mistake she would never allow herself to live down or make again.

---

"Footfalls"
by Symm Ruus Dunn - Scout

Location: From Folst 4 to Thanatos
Date: Niothe 15 to Niothe 24, 4 ABY

***

Symm's mini-comp vibrated him awake as the field in front of his cover was filled with the muffled roar of troops awaiting formation. Early morning formations like this were usually ones dedicated to physical training and this one was no different. Symm began typing notes on what he saw into the forearm mounted display; noting insignia, numbers, and even the names on a few name tapes. Symm typed furiously, trying to get all the info he could into the little computer's memory before he hoverstayed a vulnerable position.

It had taken days for Symm to find the camp in the lush pseudo-jungle of Folst4. Hiking through foliage, on the lookout for Imperials, had drained him to the point every soldier knows: that point where feeling becomes surreal and perceptions warp ever-so-slightly. His hair, plastered to his painted forehead, had begun collecting sweat even this early in the day because of the rising temperatures and humidity. He saw steam from morning dew evaporating from the ground in clouds that started to obscure his vision. Symm realized that he should egress soon but, he saw something that stopped him.

General! thought Symm. That's not right, a general doesn't command a training battalion. His typing continued and with his other hand, Symm raised the optic scope to his left eye and pressed the record button. There are more out here somewhere. Symm continued his mental notes. This is big...sector big. I gotta get out of here. His recording done and his typing finger cramped up, Symm decided to leave.

No sooner than he had placed everything where it needed to be, repulsorlift engines whined overhead as a Lambda electronic countermeasures shuttle passed overhead. Crap! Symm thought, his muscles frozen in place. If they saw me I am through! The lambda continued its sweep to the south for another second or so before it turned and headed for a lower pass directly over Symm's prone figure.

Symm pulled a silver sphere from his waist cargo pocket and slowly stood up against a tree. Symm tensed himself for a long distance throw and waited for the right time to throw the thermal detonator. When the time came, he armed the detonator and threw it directly at the cockpit windows as the shuttle slowly skimmed barely five feet over the treetops. In one fluid motion, Symm had released the thermal and begun a low run. He dodged between trees, around stumps, under fallen logs and was almost 75 feet away before he heard the thump of the detonator going off.

Symm didn't look back. He didn't see the Lambda pilot panicking as his viewscreen filled with flame and smoke. He felt the Lambda thump into the ground but didn't see the plume of dirt and greenery flung into the air by its violent impact. Symm knew that the detonator wouldn't destroy the Lambda outright, he just needed to distract an obviously green pilot enough to make his escape.

Symm ran for most of the rest of the day and some of the night, before collapsing outside his hidden communications shelter, a small line of blood running from his nose. His communications gear was lit up under the canopy Symm had made, like Falkiir on market day.

I screwed this one. Symm thought. Now the system is alerted. Not much for me to do now. The mission is scrubbed. It's time to find a ship off this mudball. Symm dialled up the code for his pulse communicator and sent the data in his minicomp up to the waiting Hypercom Sat. From there the message wound its way from system to system, until it came into the palm of a minor officer in the rebel fleet intelligence bureau. From then, the message was someone else's problem.

Symm began packing his gear up into the two duffel bags and dropped the comm gear into a gorge with enough detonite to vaporize a city block. That done, he made his way into a small spaceport with his fake papers in his hand and his weaponry dismantled into sensor baffled cases.

The only non-imperial ship on the pads was a crate hauling Arthian Seaweed and Folstian Mahogany to a small, outer-rim world by the name of Tae'Karada. With a few stops along the way, the trip took six days. Once they landed on Tae-Karada, Symm learned from the captain the ruckus Symm had caused on Folst and decided to lay low for awhile. No place better, Symm thought. This place is surely not on anyone's priority list.

The ramp was dropped to the sandy ground and Symm squinted into the harsh sunlight as he stepped down the ramp into the dusty town of Thanatos.

---