"Conquer of Trelonin, Part 4"
By Skillgannon
Captain Kaya V. Yasuyo - NPC
Major Dorian Falkyon - NPC
ex-President Javili of Trelonin - NPC
Angelina Taggart - NPC

Location: Trelonin, Outer Rim
Date: Vadris 15, 4 ABY

***

Javili entered his former office and bowed to Skillgannon. "Sir. I received communication that we conquered the mountains. The Nanons are being pushed into the forest. We receive several casualties, but we did it."

"Good. That is what I wanted to hear all these days, Minister." He got up and turned to face Angelina Taggart, the minister's daughter. "Lieutenant, contact Major Dorian Falkyon and tell him that he has orders to move to reinforce our people at the castle."

"Yes, sir," Angelina said, exiting from the office.

***

After an hour later Dorian could see in the distance the castle. Smoke exited from it in the distance, knowing that the fights on the castle had been quite severe. As they come closer he could see a camp the was left in a hurry. He could see that they set fire to their own instruments and tents so that nothing would be worth using. As they arrived to camp he could see several machines destroyed.

Dorian walked and glanced in the distance to the castle. The main building or what was left of it, had been quite attacked by Nanons. The smoke from the upper part of the building was visible that a bomb had hit there, taking out most of the building. The walls of the castle was crumbled in some zones. That view made him think the worst had happened, but seconds later it was exited when several people came out of the bunches, pointing their guns to Dorian and his company.

He could see that this alien was with them glancing towards him. It made a signal to his people to lower their weapons and it walked near him. Surprised of all surprises he was relieved to see it was Kaya impersonating the Alien when she took off her mask.

"Sorry for being late, Kaya. The Nanons made us engage day after day to make way to this castle."

"No problem, better late than ever," Kaya said. "Dorian, any news from the war?"

"Yes we were able to push them to the forest, like Skillgannon planned," Dorian said with a smile.

"He never ceases to amaze me."

"I know that you all are tired. The 51 will take you and the rest of your people back to the capital to rest, while we clean up this mess. That is an order, Captain." He saluted to Kaya and walked, giving orders to set a defensive perimeter.

***

A few hours later Kaya sat on her new bed, after very carefully showering and treating her small bruises and wounds that she had on her body. She glanced to her personal communicator.

She walked to it and dialed to her sister, but there was no answer, which left her very worried and uneasy. She glimpsed to see if any messages that she might have received, but none.

She walked back to the bed and laid on it where she was wondering about her sister, but for mere seconds since the fatigue took over her and she instantly fell sleep.

A few hours later there was a banging on the door. Kaya woke up and rubbed her eyes. She walked to the door and opened. What she saw somewhat shocked her. "Sister?"

---

"On the Wrong Side of Right, Part 1"
by Amii'a Val'or- Tae'Karadan Diplomatic Consular (PC)
Theen Fida- New Republic Ambassador to Tae'Karada (NPC+)
Auron Ronso - New Republic Commander (PC)
Ellemiek Vermolen - New Republic Commander (PC)
Allison Blair - Jedi Knight (PC)
Kyra Ronso - New Republic Intelligence (PC)
Aeris Strife - Wild Cards 2nd in Command (NPC+)
Jubey Khaanor (NPC written by Ellemiek Vermolen)
Kilgara Saaknor (NPC written by Ellemiek Vermolen)
Hector Gilgamesh (NPC written by Kyra Ronso)

Location: New Republic Embassy
Date: Vadris 15th, 4ABY

***

Amii'a entered into Theen's office. She was weary from the events of late, but had a bit of a light step to herself after her evening with Korva. It brought a smile to her face, inwardly and outwardly.

Theen caught her smile, and by the slightly distant look in her eyes, he knew her mind was wandering else where.

"I don't think I have ever seen a smile like that," he said. "Especially when we are the brink of civil dissidence."

Amii'a regained herself, "I, ugh, have come to inform you that our guests have all arrived."

"Hmmph," he said. "I know this is your world Amii'a, but are you certain that involvement with these Karadan Rebels is wise?" he asked. "Our attempt with the Jedi fell astray and I am still reeling from that incident."

"Well, it is not like we can stop them," she answered. "They are going to act out against Dani and Nieme no matter what. At least with our guidance and resources, they may stand a chance and prove to be a valuable resource in unthroning the two."

"We must be careful, I am putting my rather long neck out on this one my dear," Theen said. "I have already had one failure, and that was in cooperation with the Jedi. This goes far beyond my diplomatic immunity. You are my diplomatic liaison, I shall give you what aid I can, as you have always done for me. You know I consider Tae'Karada my home as well."

"I understand, I really do. You must understand my position as well. With Oot having been kicked out, and those two in the Palace and in command of Tae'Karada...I have to help do something. Maybe with these rebels, the Jedi will come back into the fight. As it all stands, their is no interim government to take back what they stole, I feel as if I am an ex-patriot. I can't just sit by and wait."

"Well, let us carry on then, and see if we cannot come up with some sort of plan of action that will be of benefit," Theen said as he led her out of his office. "Perhaps once the Jedi see that the people of Tae'Karada are not going to sit by and wait for Dani and Nieme to fumble themselves from the throne, then Liam and the Jedi shall step up and take care of these two to restore order. If your government wasn't so blasted stubborn in regards to involvement with the New Republic, I could bring greater resources to bear."

"I know," she said. "But we are an independent lot, aren't we?" she said with a soft laugh. "Maybe a true democracy can come from this, and if it is the will of people, maybe one day shortly there after Tae'Karada will join the New Republic. But first we must refind ourselves, continue to rebuild and become strong. We don't want to be just another member of another republic, Theen. We want to drive our own way through the universe; to us Coruscant is very far away from our wants, needs and desires. You know well the sentiment of many of us in the Outer Rim, sometimes we are like the forgotten step-child, so far from the Core."

"As you say, we shall see. You know I share many of the same beliefs and desires for Tae'Karada. If I didn't, I would not have worked so long and hard on this Co-Op, I understand as well if not better than most, the short comings of the New Republic. However, I believe it takes the character of such a culture as your own, to help shape and steer the New Republic into the ideals that it was fought and bled for - for so long."

The two feel silent from their philosophies as they came upon the secure briefing room. They entered the guarded door to meet with those inside who were willing to put their lives at stake for the freedoms and ideals of an entire people. Amii'a had been there before...during the Civil War, but this was different somehow. She didn't know why, but she just felt like a criminal, a treasonous for what was to transpire, rather than the freedom fighter she had been so short a time before...

***

Auron looked over to Ellemiek, Aeris, Jubey, Kyra and Kilgara. He wondered why he and the rest had to end their vacations fast. He never met Ambassador Theen up hand, but to request his and his friend's service meant one thing, and only one thing. Problems.

Ellemiek saw Theen as he entered the room. Though she had never met him personally, she knew what he looked like. She also knew part of the reason why they had been called upon. In fact, she had suggested it, more or less, to her superior officer, Admiral Aknor.

"Ambassador," she nodded. "I am Commander Ellemiek Vermolen, of the Black Hawks, and these are some of elements of my team," she said, motioning to Jubey and Kilgara. "And may I also present you Commander Auron Ronso, from the Wild Cards squadron."

Theen and Amii'a both greeted them, and then Amii'a moved to have Theen meet with those of the Karadan Rebels. Theen had read up on most of the New Republic personnel who were stationed in and around Tae'Karada, he was quite pleased to have persons of their caliber before him, and with him. He was rather reluctant of the Karadans however. Theen applauded their courage and their drive, to step up in the face of such danger to their people and future, but something wasn't sitting right with him about them. He feared they were would be loose canons, and that this whole exploit was going to come back to bite him in the ass, hard.

Kyra motioned staying in the distance of the room, she read Theen's expressions and only one thing came to mind: preoccupation, a very big preoccupation. She decided to stay silent for now. Being a Imperial Intelligence made her stand in a quite uncomfortable position, but she had few advantages of being part of the Intelligence, like learning things before other and make investigations that she loved so much. As the group stopped Kyra leaned against a column and stayed out of sight, but with her ears with full attention in what was going to be spoken there.

"Ambassador, with all due respect, can you kill our curiosity of why you've called us?" Auron said looking at Theen, waiting for his answer.

"I'm requesting your assistance, all of you, to help in the removal of the self proclaimed Empresses," Theen stated as he waited for their reactions and comments.

Ellemiek frowned at the comment. She wasn't sure what to think from this. On one side, she was content that finally someone had decided to do something, but on the other one she wondered why. Not that Ellemiek did not trust the New Republic, for she too was part of it and her heart was with their cause.

"May I ask if this is a New Republic operation?" she asked in a simple and direct manner.

"I am stretching my diplomatic powers and mandates in service of the Tae'Karadan people," Theen replied carefully. "We are not going into war here, only aiding and assisting the free peoples of Tae'Karada from a dictatorship, from those who have unjustly taken the throne of this world. That in itself is well into my mandate as the New Republic representative to this world and people," he said, turning to the Karadan Rebels. "Gilgamesh?" he said directed for the man to speak.

Hector step forward. He looked at the people that came forward. "I thank you all for coming here. I'm the leader of the Karadan Rebels. We formed at the same day the Empresses took over, but many of us are veterans in the act of rebellion. But we don't have the resources or the capability to fight against some people that were brought to this life to be troopers, and started to learn military long before they learned to speak or walk. The rebels are still hiding, but the Empresses know that someone is organizing, since our last rescue of the Gallorian Ambassador," Hector said with a heavy tone, but there was no other way to say it.

"The Karadans could really use the help of New Republic resources my friends," Theen stressed to the New Republic officers. "My ultimate mandate as Ambassador is to promote peace, economics, stability and to uphold the ideals of the New Republic where ever possible. I feel we have a truly important responsibility here to this world and its people. The fact that the Empresses have illegally taken over and without the consent of the people or even the rightful members of this worlds government, is cause alone for our intervention."

Auron nodded. "So, basically we are going to assist the rebels indirectly, right? Which means if we are in tight spot, we are on our own?"

"Yes," Amii'a answered simply. "We have yet to work out our plan of action. With your support, we shall formulate our strategy."

"You have my word," Theen interjected. "I will do everything in my power and with every resource available to me to ensure that you receive protection.

But as with any secret operation, there are dangers. Due to the nature of this situation, if you are caught behind enemy lines, this Embassy will disavow any knowledge of your actions. Publicly and officially of course...but unofficially? We will not leave you behind. The people of this world need you all..."

Ellemiek sighed. "Ambassador Theen. I am a Commander of the New Republic. But before my rank and whatever it brings with it, I am from Tae'Karada. This is my home planet. I am both pleased and honoured to serve such a cause. You can count me in," she nodded.

"And us..." Jubey added, as he looked at Kilgara who nodded also. "I was growing tired of having vacations anyway!" he smirked.

"I don't think there is one single Tae'Karadan who is going to say otherwise..." Kilgara stated.

"My thoughts exactly..." a woman said as she entered the room. "Ambassador Theen, thank you for inviting me to join you." It was Alisson Blair. She turned to the others. "My name is Alisson Blair. Some of you may or may not have heard my family's name before, as we were almost next of kin to the High Prince's family. I was raised as royal family, though also as personal guard to them. And though I may be a Jedi, I will not sit by and watch two tyrants destroy my home planet. I know the Palace by heart. All of its secrets included. And I know Arcadia and New Plouton very well also. Being a Jedi I have sworn to protect life, but I would be most honoured to be able to help you overcome this matter."

Though he didn't show it, Theen was surprised and very pleased at the show of support from the Jedi Blair. He knew he could count on the New Republic persons, or he wouldn't have approached them for such an edgy endeavor- to skirt along the lines of what New Republic regulations allowed in such instances. But then, Theen wasn't a fool, and he didn't get to his position and level of influence without taking such gambles.

After all, he thought to himself. The galaxy would still be under the yoke of the Empire if a rag-tag group of Rebels had not been brought together by the daring and righteous acts of the likes of Mon Mothma, Bail Organa and General Dodonna.

"Allison! I cannot tell you how pleased I am to have your support here," Amii'a exclaimed. "I was beginning to believe that there were no one like us to help step up and protect Tae'Karada," she said, knowing that Allison understood her convictions.

Other than the Karadan rebels, and Commander Ellemiek, Amii'a was the only other Karadan native, and while Ellemiek served the New Republic, Amii'a had long been in diplomatic service for Tae'Karada, it pleased her very much to have someone of Allison's caliber on their side, and not to mention that she was a Jedi!

"Master Blair," Theen bowed with great respect and joy. "I cannot tell you how it pleases me to have your support. I had thought that after our unfortunate tragedy at the Palace, that the Jedi would be less than willing to side with me yet again."

"The Jedi may not yet be prepared to face the outcome again. Many things went wrong and we underestimated our chances at the Palace to begin with. Plus, we were all betrayed and lucky to get out alive," she nodded. And she meant it, but she knew that Theen was no more responsible for that outcome than the Jedi. "Both Dani and Nieme were once Jedi Padawans. I feel that I have twice the responsibility of ending their ruling."

"That is very convenient..." a voice from the back said. Everyone's faces turned to Kyra Ronso who didn't bear too look back at the group. "Jedi... Protectors of peace, freedom and life. To tell you the truth, your companions, the Jedi, are a bunch of wimps and extremely irresponsible. That is what I think about the Jedi of this world!" Kyra proceed without giving anyone time to respond. "That is all noble and all, but Dani and Nieme were padawans of the Order you belong to, Jedi Blair, and what did you do? Nothing! The result was a stupid ruler, who was a Rogue Jedi, going to pursue his personal quest and leaving the throne empty, giving the opportunity for Dani and Nieme to take it as theirs. To me that is leaving an entire world to its fate. You stay put, scared of the Galaxy on your little hiding place that you so called a temple! Now this world and it's people are suffering because the Jedi were too scared to confront them. Not to mention about the kidnap of padawans, that you don't even try to save and make them suffer at the hands of two insane women who probably have personal issues. How pathetic!" Kyra motioned her eyes slightly up, but still not looking to the people on the eyes. "What everyone here is not realizing is that this conflict is going to bring death, blood on the streets. By what intel I gathered before coming here, these two young girls are determined to hold to their thrones, and to take them out is going to bring death and destruction to this planet to a point that no one can imagine. Now that the attack in the Palace failed, the security increased at the Palace and around the city of Arcadia. And to get in and out of there without been seen is impossible! Not even a more skilled Jedi can pull it off. Witch leads us to one single way to do this!"

"Are you insane? Do you know what will cause to this world if we do that?" Auron said, very well knowing what she was talking about.

"What do you expect, Auron?" Kyra said, maintaining her position, still without looking to the group. "There is no other way to do this and you know it! This is the result of what a bad plan can do. Some can cause deaths, others can cause the destruction of worlds. I for one I prefer not to do the mistakes of the past... Look to the people next to you!" Kyra finally looked up to the group. "The people next to you can die to free this world. I guarantee that there will be casualties in our enemy, but I'm certain that some of us will die, and the loss is going to be irreplaceable. Fathers, sons, mothers, daughters, cousins, lovers and friends are going to die. Do I prefer the death of my husband to save millions of lives? I probably would, so as would he, probably, but it isn't I who set the rules of death and of war. The Empresses are going to do everything they can to destroy us once we appear and we must be has brutal and merciless to their troopers, despite if they are brothers or sisters, fathers or mothers and even friends, which probably isn't the case since our enemy are clones. War brings the our worst side and I know that some of you are reluctant to go again go to war. But at this point there is no turning back... What is done is done and now we must resolve it in the ugliest and only way possible..." Kyra looked down again waiting for any objection in what she said.

Alisson sighed. "The Jedi may have failed, but we are not perfect nor all powerful. The choices of the one who was left in charge, a man named Liam Zaneth, and those who backed his political status have nothing to do with the Jedi order. Nieme and Dani took the Palace out by force. They were not invited and they did not waltz in, as you seem to believe. And getting into the city or Arcadia may be difficult, but not impossible. Not if you set your mind to it. I have seen an injured man defeat six guards to defend a dying comrade or war in a battlefield. Do not think for one instant that it is unimportant for the Jedi to have Nieme and Dani off the Palace," she answered. "We were deceived and lied to, and ultimately betrayed. Ambassador Theen knows this also, and the result was that the Jedi Temple was also attacked, and children died... Innocent children. Others were injured. I have come here to help and not to discuss past mistakes. I would suspect that you are not perfect nor the best person to judge someone else on matters such as these, but then again, nor am I. So perhaps we should first assess our battleplan and see how we can overcome this, using the best strategy and the best laid plan that will hopefully be clean and as less hostile as possible."

"Very well said, Master Blair," Theen commended. "We must put aside any petty differences if we are to be successful in a united front against Dani and Nieme."

Kyra spat a response. "Oh, we should discuss the past. Aren't you the one who said that the past, present and future are connected and also said the future is in constant movement, depending in the actions we do in the present? The result that we are in now is only because your Jedi companions did several bad choices and been simply afraid or whatever you want to call it to resolve the situation of two of your padawans, walking the dark path. And for some wild idea that I'm having now, it is a result of your companions bad choices, and who is suffering, and is going to suffer due to those bad choices are the people of this planet and all the rebels that will probably die in battle. I at least take responsibility of my bad actions of the past and I'm still paying that in a very and extremely high price that you don't even imagine. And the Jedi of this world simply hide on their little temple, afraid of the consequences of their actions."

"You should not speak of that which you know not. You assume too much and your judgment is highly clouded and twisted by your feelings," Alisson stated. "But then again, no one obligates you in being here, so if you feel that this is not your fight because you are not the one who created the mess, then I understand."

"We need everyone we can get," Ellemiek intervened, giving Kyra a bad look. "And I would expect that given your past actions, Kyra, you'd understand more. Now, this petty debate is pointless. What we need to talk about is how we will be choosing to act."

"Be we a Jedi, A Karadan, a diplomat, or a New Republic officer," Amii'a chimed in with much conviction. "We all have taken an oath in one form or another, to serve and protect. The people of this world needs champions, they need us to stand up for what is right. They are our responsibility."

Kyra looked up and started to clap her hands. "Someone in here understood what I was saying." Kyra paused, giving a cold hard look to Ellemiek and to Jedi Blair. "The people of this planet are our responsibility, which your Jedi companions neglected several times. Also, I fell that this is my fight unlike your Jedi companions," Kyra said with a cold voice.

"Stop it!" Aeris said out loud giving a hard look to everyone in there. "These accusations lead nowhere." She gave a hard look to Jedi Blair. "The Jedi are responsible for the state of the situation of this planet and don't barge in and say that we judge with a clouded mind and twisted feelings, Jedi. The truth is you neglected the responsibility to the people of this planet and you know it." Aeris turned to Kyra. "You of all people should understand that accusations will lead us nowhere. We need everyone's aid, not depending if they are New Republic, Imperial, Jedi or whatever faction that decides to join us, since we are fighting for the people who are not able to do so with their hands." Aeris paused and finally gave hard look to Ellemiek. "What do you know about Kyra's past actions? I know that she did many bad mistakes and I assure you she's paying them more greatly than anyone else in here can think, so think twice before you open your big mouth."

"That's Commander Vermolen," Ellemiek corrected.

"Ladies, please stop," Auron said. "Aeris is right, discussions here are not nice, but it is better here than on a battlefield," Auron motioned. "All of us did bad mistakes and even you did quite some, Elle. All of us have to live with it. Kyra and Amii'a are right, Jedi Blair, your companions neglected the responsibility to this planet and all the inhabitants in it. We are not accusing you of anything, but if the Jedi had the possibility to terminate this a long time ago, avoiding the future deaths that are going to happen in a battlefield. But what is done is done." He finally turned to Elle. "Elle, sorry to say this, and I love you like a sister... Sometimes you can have a big mouth. Now, that this discussion is over..." Auron looked to everyone in the room. "We plan what we can do to free this planet, understood?"

"Liam Zaneth is one man. He is a Jedi, that is correct, but his actions as a regent who neglected the people are his own and not from the Jedi. However, the former Jedi Masters that once taught Nieme and Dani have failed to take them back for retraining, and I fear it may be too late now," she stated. "But there was also lack of care by others, namely the politicians who were left responsible, such as Oot Kovan. I believe she is being held captive still, though after the last attack, getting to the Palace will certainly be much more difficult," Alisson stated.

"The best way to act would be through New Plouton. It is the largest city in the system and the financial hub for the planet. If we take the key positions, then we will have a chance at having the palace guards scatter more, thus giving us better odds," Ellemiek suggested. "Don't forget that we are dealing with genetically enhanced guards, born to be warriors."

Kyra motioned towards Ellemiek. "We need to access what we have in our side, the number of troopers and how well they are training before we plan to conquer any place." She looked at Ellemiek and returned the same hard look. "Intelligence is the key for our success, which we don't have at the moment. We need to investigate which are the strong points of their military, and the financial strengths, which we know nothing about." Kyra paused. "Also, most importantly, we need to know to exactly what the clone troopers are capable of."

"I can answer the latter question for you..." Alisson said. "The clone troopers are gifted with expert marksmanship and battle tactics. Furthermore, they don't know about things like fear and will not hesitate to die if it brings them victory. To them, dying in the battlefield is probably the greatest honour there is. They follow their orders and they don't ask questions about them nor do they question if they are the best ones or not. They are like machines, though much more self reliant and independent, capable, and inventive when it comes to battle," she told them. "I felt their humanity, and I must say that they are almost stripped of that as well. I don't expect it to be possible to reason with them. Not unless we can find a glitch in one of the leaders."

"Perhaps we could investigate as to who cloned them... Or perhaps get an expert opinion by someone who is knowledgeable on that particular matter..." Ellemiek suggested.

Kyra thought for a moment. "In that view, we probably can't win in the battlefield. We have to choose carefully our battlezone or probably different ways to fight that they are not very trained in. Some new type that they are not very efficient. But who would know such a thing?"

"We could coordinate some hit and run tactics," Amii'a offered. "Like the guerilla tactics we used during the early days of the Rebellion. First, as Kyra has said, we need to form an intelligence network before we start any confrontation. Then we can begin a systematic plan of act; harass, hit key points of military and financial value, and widdle their forces down to a number we could deal with. It won't be easy to any degree, and we have to accept the fact...that some of us here, will more than likely die."

Theen stepped in, his face full of thought, "We have recently gained some intelligence in relation to the failed attack of earlier by New Republic agents and the Jedi. The betrayal that led to our defeat, points towards the Hutt...Jadda the Hutt. Perhaps his involvement with the Empresses may be of great value."

"I'm not so sure that the Hutt can be dealt with lightly..." Alisson commented. "He does have a Sith trained bodyguard. Although it might be a good approach to at least get someone to Arcadia and assess some of the information we seek. An undercover job as part of his entourage, perhaps."

"Yes, that could work..." Kyra nodded. "Plus, we need to set up a base in a remote area that is somewhat easy to defend. If we get ourselves in a tough spot and the Empresses find out about us, then we will likely be targeted for an attack."

"Perhaps our base of operations should randomly float," Theen suggested. "We can devise a secure encoded means of communication, and pre-set our safe-houses for the planning and initiation of such events, so that no one operation can be linked, tracked or discovered. This embassy of course will always be a safe haven, as it is protected under intergalactic diplomatic immunity. As far as I and anyone else is concerned, this building and its lands are under the protection and authorization of the New Republic."

"But we also need a place to have gear and equipment set aside and to work as a haven for troops to rest and get organized..." Kyra said. "The embassy is a safe place but we can't afford to have the Empresses discover that it is a base of operations by any means. That would mean the direct involvement of the New Republic in Tae'Karadan affairs."

"Kyra is right," Ellemiek agreed. "They may learn that the embassy is a haven, and although they wouldn't be so stupid as to barge in, they could easily set up a perimeter and have anyone who wants to come in and out inspected, and in case of weapons or warfare equipment being caught it would be captured," she stated. "Perhaps we ought to be careful and have the embassy work only as a place for the higher ranks to meet up... Or as an ultimate safe haven only."

"Oh, but of course," Theen redirected. "I only meant that you all can rely on this Embassy as a sanctuary."

"Do we have any suggestions as to such a place?" Amii'a asked. "We should have at least two other places to fall back on as well...perhaps we could scout some places out, maybe right here in the city...it might prove beneficial to have the cover of civilians, to blend in...but it would also add an extra risk to them as well. We must be careful, we cannot blindly endanger civilians."

"The mountains just outside New Plouton is a good place. Remote and hard to get to and with good viewpoints, meaning we can get in and out of the city fast and have the benefit of a good viewpoint, should anyone find out where we are," Kyra answered. "Plus we don't endanger innocent civilians. A second spot can be located somewhere within the city."

"This sounds good," Theen said. "Anything that will be needed, my resources are at the disposal."

He then turned to Amii'a, "I'll leave the rest of the details to you, I must attend to another matter right now. Be sure to keep me informed, and I shall provide all the intel and support this embassy can provide for the success of this cause."

"Of course Ambassador," Amii'a replied with a bow of respect and then took his hand in hers. "On a more personal note, I really appreciate your efforts and dedication in this matter and to my people...I know you think of Tae'Karada as your home, and I for one count you among those of my people."

Theen smiled and laid his other hand atop hers, "We are all in this together, as it should be. You have been a great help in my endeavors here, as the representative of the New Republic, and a true friend over the years. No go along now, you are better suited to help lead this endeavor than I. Those days are long passed for me, and though my body may lack the rigors of my youthful days...my mind is as sharp as it ever was!"

Theen left the room, leaving the group to finish discussing and plotting and planning...

---

"Steak and Courtship, Part 1"
By: Kimara
Keeve Shivral

Location: New Plouton
Date: Vadris 15, 4 ABY

***

For as easy as working in the offices of Zenarr Inc. looked, Kimara was quickly finding they weren't quite as easy as she'd imagined. Most of the morning's work had been sorting hardcopy files for shipments received and delivered in the last month. With all of the obstacles of the last months, much of the less immediate tasks had been completed. It wasn't that the files were particularly heavy, though they were heavier than a baitar or her art set, or the task too mentally taxing, but the stack was so very big. Zenarr Inc. had been doing extremely well recently, despite their less-than-complete attention on the operation. Seeing how successful it appeared brought a smile to Kim's face however. She liked seeing her family successful and happy; and Keeve's mood was indicative of his happiness over their status. Or at least, she thought that might be it. Then again, it could have also been from his and Maeren's attempts to make a baby once she'd come home the previous night.

Kim looked up and found Keeve watching her. She gave him a smile and filed away the docket of information for Meatra'ka Transgalactic. "I think I've made a dent," she said, indicating the pile of folders. "Not bad for my first morning, hm?"

"Not bad," he agreed, then tapped his wristchrono disapprovingly. "Though, you'd better watch the time." Before Kim became too disheartened, Keeve broke into a grin and clarified, "You'll miss lunch if you're not careful. Wouldn't want that, right?"

Kim smiled back at him and shook her head. "No, definitely wouldn't want that. So, do I get to have lunch with the boss, or am I on my own?"

Shoving both hands into his pant pockets, Keeve coyly looked around the room and asked, "Do you want to have lunch with me? You can if you like...no pressure..."

"I'd really like that," Kim said with a smile. "I really don't like eating alone. It's so...so lonely. It's nice to have someone to talk to, to share with and all that."

"Even if that someone is me?" he quipped, and shot her his most winsome smile. "Right, then, let's go." Stepping aside, Keeve extended his elbow to her. "Shall we?"

Kimara put away one last docket and stepped away from the pile of them. "Yes," she said. "And, especially if it's you, Keeve. Come on, I thought I saw a nice looking place up on the corner."

"Does that mean you're paying?" At her playful scowl, Keeve snickered and escorted her from the office, arm-in-arm. Once onto the street, Keeve loosened up slightly and moved his arm around Kim's waist. It seemed the most natural thing in the world for him to do. "So," he started, "you like working for Zenarr Inc.? Probably better than working for pansy musicians."

Kim leaned slightly into Keeve as they walked, enjoying the feeling of his arm and the warmth that radiated from it. "I like pansy musicians," she said. "But it's a nice change at Zenarr, though I'm not quite sure about my boss yet. Though, he is very cute."

"Yeah?" Keeve hmphed quietly and asked, "So...you sleep with him yet, then?"

Kim laughed softly. "Not yet," she said as she gazed up at him. "Though, I haven't quite given up on that. I'll just have to find out what he wants."

His mouth shot open to protest, but having accepted that her life was her own, Keeve kept his comments to himself and merely brooded silently. "Well," he said quietly after a few moments, "as long as I don't have to hear about it."

"I'm sure you'll know if it ever happens," she said with a grin, then added: "Boss."

Keeve snorted. "And why's that? Trying to make me jealous again?"

"I'm talking about you, Keeve," Kim said with a laugh. She then leaned up and kissed his cheek. "You're my boss, remember?"

"I..." He swallowed, mildly flustered and cheeks blushing. "I thought...Merrick...I mean...pansy musician."

"Merrick is very sweet and sexy, and he's very nice to me and all," Kim said. "But, it's not quite like that between us. I don't know why it is. He and Maeren were lovers and all that, but...I mean, I do love him, but...we have a mutual, unspoken understanding. You, though, are my very cute and sexy, but married boss at Zenarr."

All else slipped through Keeve's ears other than, "You love Merrick? How could you love him? He's nothing like me!"

"He's a kind, gentle, and caring person," Kim said. "Sure, the two of you are very different, but I love each of you for different reasons. I love him in a lot of the same way you love your mother...or in the way I love Maeren."

"So...it's just a sort of familial love and nothing more," Keeve asked suspiciously, "right?"

"Yes," Kim said with a grin. "Besides, I don't want to complicate Kaysa's marriage any more than it already is. I can't imagine how they must figure their sleeping schedules. I mean, their bed isn't big enough for all of them."

"Oh, I see," Keeve answered sardonically. "If it were more convenient, you would sleep with him, is that it?"

"Well, if I don't get to sleep with the one I want," she said with a pointed look at Keeve, "then maybe it's alright to pick someone lower on the list of guys I find attractive."

"So...you're just going to throw yourself at any guy until I come around?" he asked her. "You do know," Keeve reminded her, smirking, "that the more time you spend with others, the less you get to spend with me."

"Well, why do you suppose I agreed to work at Zenarr when I could have been at the White Noise working, with lots and lots of men around?"

Keeve made a grumping sound of approval. "Now...that's more like it."

Kim slipped her arm through his, hugging herself against him. "Yes it is," she said with a bright grin. "Now, stop grumping and be happy, or I'll make you eat by yourself."

He laughed. "You would never do that. You not eat?" Keeve snorted. "Idle threat, dear Kim."

"Oh no," she said with a defiant grin. "I'd eat, but at a different table. So, you'd just better watch it."

He grinned smugly. "Another idle threat...." Then he quickly kissed the side of her head and steered her into the café.

"Not idle if you keep being a grump," Kim said. "But, you're not being such a grump right now, so I guess I can sit with you."

"Like you would pass up the chance," he sniffed, and waved back at the maitre 'd as the man noticed him. Keeve gestured to a vacant table in the self-contained patio and the man nodded eagerly. "I come here a lot," he explained to Kim at her questioning look. "He must think you're Maeren."

Kim laughed. "I get that a lot," she said. "I wonder if he'll be surprised the next time he sees me and I have long hair again. I bet that would surely get his mind going."

"I doubt he'd notice," Keeve told her softly as he pulled out a chair. "He's more interested in me than the ladies I entertain...if you get my meaning."

"Oh really," Kim asked with an amused grin. "Well, he has good taste."

Keeve chuckled lowly as he moved to his own chair after pushing in Kim's. "Yeah...you'd think so, of course. You're biased." Leaning forward over the table, he confided, "Because...well...you love me, and all, just like a brother, am I right?" He sat back with a superiorly smug grin. "Right?"

"I love Merrick like a brother," Kim said. "You...well, I love you. And, I think there are some places that kind of love is accepted as normal, but not where I grew up."

"On Dargus' cruiser?" Keeve guessed.

"I...well, no...where...where Maeren grew up, I mean," she quickly corrected. "It would be wrong for a sister to love a brother the way I love you, that's all I'm saying, Keeve."

"Yeah," he said distractedly, and watched Kim with much intrigue. "Kim...you don't remember anything else about Maeren's past, do you?"

"It's...it's really weird," Kim said. "It's not like I can think of particular memories, but...but I remember times before the cruiser, but...but they're...there's a haze around them. Sometimes, when...when I speak, it's as if...what I say, like that... There's a part of me that remembers life on Agarra."

"Just Agarra?" Keeve asked. "You don't...remember anything after?" Looking down briefly, Keeve asked with hesitation, "Do you...remember me as a child?" Then he gazed at her again. "If you were cloned after Maeren's abduction with Lerrah, you'd remember that, wouldn't you?"

Kim frowned as she concentrated, then finally smiled. "You were a very cute kid," she said, then she frowned again. "But...but I can't remember it. I've...I've seen pictures, but I can't remember. It comes and goes, though. I may be able to...to remember more later."

"But...they aren't your memories, Kim," Keeve reminded her gently. "There's no reason you should remember at all. Unless Dargus' technology wasn't as perfect as he made it out to be. And...why can't Saris remember any of the things you do? Does she have any memories at all?"

"She doesn't," Kim said. "I...I can't explain it. Maybe he did something with me he didn't with her."

"Maybe," he repeated pensively and allowed his mind to drift over the possibilities as the waiter set down their water glasses.

"Are we ready to order?" he asked them with padd at the ready.

"I think...I think I'm ready," Kim said. "I just want one of the sandwiches. The chippen sandwich with a salad on the side, please."

"Alright... And Mr. Shivral?" The young man watched him expectantly, while Keeve continued to stare blankly at a spot on the ground past Kim's shoulder. He only snapped out of his reverie when the waiter cleared his throat politely. "If you need more time--"

"No...I'm ready," Keeve muttered. "Just...braised boufon steak with a side of potatoes. And don't forget the wine," he added, still preoccupied.

"As you wish," acknowledged the waiter, who reserved his low whistle for when he was out of earshot.

"Keeve," Kim said, "is everything alright? What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing," he murmured and filed away his thoughts for later study. His attention shifted wholly to Kim, who he now smiled at reassuringly. "Just something I'd forgotten I had to do, nothing major. You warm enough?"

"I'm fine," Kim said with a nod. "Everything is fine. I think it is colder today. I heard there was supposed to be snow soon. They were saying it's the first time in several years."

He shrugged. "Wouldn't know... On Bespin, we don't get snow. I don't think I've ever seen it." With his usual charm, Keeve added, "I guess we'll get to see it together, huh?"

Kim reached across the table and took his hand. "I'd like that very much," she said. "If it does, we have to walk to work together in it. That'd be so very nice."

"Yeah," he agreed kindly, "we can do that. Though...you'll have to wear shoes, I'm afraid."

Kim looked down at the sandals she was wearing and sighed. "That means I should get some soon," she said. "I've just got things like these. You want to come with me?"

"Well...sure. But don't you have to save up for that apartment?"

"I should," she said. "But, I also need something to keep my feet warm if the weather gets really cold. I've got two jobs now...I may have time in my schedule for a third job, and then I'd have enough money for everything."

Keeve chuckled. "Gods, Kim, don't be crazy. You know you don't have to worry about money, right? Not while I'm around?"

"Oh don't be silly, Keeve," Kim said with a laugh. "I'm fine. Now, do you want to go shopping with me or not?"

"Um...sure." He smiled decisively and nodded. "We'll go. After work, maybe?"

"After work is perfect," Kim said. "There's a great shop on the way home. That one with the huge boot hanging out front. They have a great selection."

"Maybe I can get Maeren something, too," Keeve suggested, warming up to the idea. "You can help me pick it out."

Kim frowned, but covered it with a smile. "Sure," she said. "That'll be great."

Keeve patted her hand companionably, then pulled it away to lay his napkin across his lap. He tossed his head briefly towards the approaching waiter and winked at Kim as he said, "So if you won't let me buy you shoes, can I at least pay for lunch?"

"Your treat," Kim said with a laugh. "Oh, I can smell it from here. I love this place, Keeve. We have to come here more often."

"You haven't even tasted," he reminded her.

"But you've been here before, and you're back," Kim said with a grin. "And, it smells wonderful." She gave him her best I-know-I'm-right grin. "I guess we'll see in a moment, won't we?"

Keeve shook his head, laughing quietly at her endearing silliness. "You're odd, Kim. Very...but it's...cute."

Before she could blush or reply, the waiter set down their plates - the sandwich in front of Kim, and the steaming steak before Keeve. "Enjoy," the man told them with a neat bow, then he was off again.

Grinning at Kim, Keeve picked up his utensils and echoed the waiter's sentiments, "Enjoy, Kim."

Kim looked up and met Keeve's gaze. "Always," she said softly as she picked up her sandwich and took a bite.

Oblivious to Kim's intended meaning, Keeve sliced into his thick slab of meat and ate with a gusto Kim had rarely witnessed. It might have been the company that silenced his inhibitions, or the fact that they were in an enclosed space and away from prying eyes, but Keeve was his not so usual laid-back self. He even cut a morsel of his steak, and held it out for Kim at the end of his fork. "Go on," he urged her, smiling roguishly. "It's nice and bloody still."

Kim laughed, then leaned forward and took the meat from his fork, savouring it. "Oh, that is very good," she said. "I think I'm going to have to try that next time. You should try a bite of this sandwich." She gave him a demure smile and held it out for him to taste.

"That's girl food," he mocked, but still set down his fork and covered Kim's hands with his as he secured a hold on the sandwich. Pulling it forward, he took a very manly bite, dripping dressing and melted cheese down the sides of his mouth. Still, he chewed heartily, believing himself as handsome as ever. "It's good," he mumbled around his mouthful. "Still a girly sandwich, though," Keeve teased with a wink.

"Maybe you haven't noticed," Kim said stifling the giggles at the mess dripping down the front of his face, "but I happen to be a girl. Now, wipe your mouth, manly man."

Keeve raised his chin and defiantly countered, "You do it...woman. I'm a man - I should be pampered." Although an otherwise offensive directive, it failed to have the desired effect as a dribble of dressing fell onto his shirt.

Kim couldn't hold back her laughter any longer, and laughed aloud. She then stood up and moved around the table to him. She took his napkin and raised it to his chin where she dabbed away the mess he had made there. She stepped back to examine her work and nodded. "There. Much better."

Keeve chuckled as he wiped away the stain on his shirt. "Thanks, Mother. Does this mean you'll be feeding me from now on?"

Kim returned to her seat and watched him. "No," she said. "You have to feed yourself. I'll even let you clean up after yourself, if you're a good boy. But, if you want me to, I can feed you a few bites...just don't get too used to it."

"I wouldn't dare," he replied jokingly. "Maeren would never share her food with me at the risk of having less for herself. I think she'd bite my hand off before she did that."

"Well, Maeren should learn how to share with those she loves," Kim said with a grin. "Though, if you try to get her to, you might want to start off wearing gloves."

"If that whole sharing thing is true," Keeve reasoned, "then why can't I buy you anything?"

"Well, you can if you want to," Kimara said. "I just...I want to be able to buy some things for myself. So...you can buy things for me when you want, but...but I don't want you to try to buy everything for me, Keeve."

"I won't," he answered slowly, "but...you can't tell me you didn't love getting that necklace from me." Keeve motioned to the chain circling her neck. "Go on...I dare you to."

Kim couldn't help bringing a hand to the necklace. She gave him a smile. "No," she said. "It was very sweet of you and I love it. I don't know if you've noticed, but I wear it everywhere."

He grinned a touch bashfully. "I have noticed. It was just one of the many...clues."

"There have been lots of clues, haven't there," she said softly as she looked up at him. "I'm not...not too pushy, am I?"

"You have been," he admitted, "but...I think I was contributing, too. I mean...I shouldn't have kissed you that night at the Palace...and I should've made it clear from the beginning that we couldn't begin a relationship. So...you had a right to be pushy, because I'd led you to believe we could...be together."

Kim nodded. "And...and it's still like that?" she asked softly. "There's...there's no chance now, like there wasn't then?"

Keeve sighed heavily and leaned back in his chair, feeling the gravity of her question. He truly no longer knew the answer. "I...can only tell you that...the fact that I'm here with you, now, means--" Keeve chuckled in frustration, rubbing his eyes with the heels of his palms. "Damnit, Kim, you always manage to confuse me, you know that," he chided affectionately as he dropped both hands from his face. "Things with Maeren have gotten complicated and...I need to focus there right now. That doesn't mean we can't be friends...like this." Smiling wryly, Keeve corrected, "Okay...a little more than friends, but you get the idea."

"I get the idea," Kim said with a smile. "And...thank you. Thank you for being honest and open with me, Keeve."

"Yeah," he joked smugly, "you women like that sort of thing."

"Of course we do," Kim said. "It's much easier to get the information we're looking for without having to dig deeper with you men. And, denying sex is never a preferred method, because...that means we're denying ourselves too."

Keeve laughed. "Only you'd think that way. Other women are perfectly fine abstaining for a time. You and Maeren...you're nymphs. You can't do without it." His eyes twinkled as he added, "Or me."

"I could go without sex longer than I could go without you," Kim said impishly. "I think it's going on six or seven months now, actually. I think it was something Dargus did to me. But...I am surviving, right?"

Keeve frowned upon mention of his former father, as had become customary since their falling out. "Maeren...she's the same way, though. I think...you're normal, Kim. Don't ever think you aren't. You're...perfect."

"Thank you," she said with a smile. "I like to think I'm okay and...it means a lot. I hardly think I'm perfect, but...but I'm very happy you think I am."

"I know you are," he answered in all seriousness. "You're great. You're beautiful, lively, smart, artistic...and you feed me." Keeve's charming smile made another appearance. "How many women can say that about themselves, hm?"

"I can only think of one other," Kim said as she moved her chair closer to Keeve. "But, then I'm not sure if Maeren does ever feed you. So...does she?"

He shrugged, furtively eyeing her growing proximity. "Not when she's really hungry. You know how she gets... Why?" he asked warily. "You want more steak?"

"Only if you want me to have some," Kim said. "You can have more of my sandwich if you want. Or...or I can feed you some more. Or we can just eat our own meals on our own, while speaking pleasantly about other things as they come to our minds."

Keeve watched her queerly for a long moment, then he laughed softly and gestured her closer. "You're odd...more so than Maeren. I don't think I mind it at all."

"That's good," Kim said as she slid closer to him. "It'll help you tell us apart if I let my hair grow long again." She then held the sandwich up to him for a nibble.

---

"Steak and Courtship, Part 2"
By: Kimara
Keeve Shivral

Location: New Plouton
Date: Vadris 15, 4 ABY

***

He waggled his finger at her and quickly snatched up the sandwich for himself. With a mischievous glint in his eye, Keeve chomped down onto the sandwich, then took another bite, and another until his cheeks bulged. "So generous," he mumbled loudly.

"Hey! When I share, that doesn't mean you get all of it! Fine, just for that, I'm going to take some of your steak!" With that, she reached out and picked up the knife and fork, and dug into his steak before he could stop her.

"Hey!" he sputtered, spitting particles of half-chewed sandwich across the table. Keeve seized Kim's wrists and held them high above his steak, where her fork and knife couldn't reach, no matter how she struggled. "Kim...you're rotten," Keeve garbled, and finally gave her a strong tug, pulling Kim out of her seat and laying her onto her back upon his lap. Despite her efforts, Keeve crossed both arms over her chest and secured them there. By now, the entire patio was watching. "You little sneak," he laughed once his mouth had cleared somewhat.

"You ate a good portion of my sandwich," Kim said, breathlessly looking up into his eyes. "I was just...getting my fair share."

"Yes," Keeve allowed between laughter, "but it's my treat, so I'm supposed to feed you, remember?" And so he released one of her arms and picked up the half-eaten steak to dangle it above her lips. "You get the idea now?"

"Yes," Kimara said with a laugh. "But, I hope you'll be feeding me from a fork, rather than trying to just shove that whole thing into my mouth. Of course, I could just chew off bits, but I'd feel more like Hope than Kim."

"You're just as cute, so why not?" Keeve quipped, and finally set down the steak, then let Kim sit up. He was still flush with laughter. After briefly looking about the room, Keeve accused, "See the commotion you've caused? You're a terror, Ms. Kim."

"Oh, just you remember, you're my partner in crime, Mr. Keeve," she said. "I'm definitely not taking full blame on this one, no sir."

"And I wouldn't let you," he answered sincerely and smiling. "You and me...we're in this together. And...not just this, Kim, in everything from now on." Keeve raised his hand to her cheek, but spotting the dressing and steak juice there, he thought better of it and instead kissed her lips. "You taste like steak," he chuckled.

"You taste like my sandwich," Kim said with a grin, then returned her lips to his, kissing him again. "A very good sandwich too."

"Eh. It was a little bland," he joked, and when she swatted his arm, Keeve laughed and trapped both her arms with a tight, yet fond embrace. As their eyes locked again, Kim's bright with joy and laughter, and Keeve's the same, he couldn't resist the lure of her lips and again covered them with his own. This time, there were no reservations and he kissed her as he would his wife, who was far from his mind in that moment.

Kim's arms slipped up and around his neck as they kissed, his lap becoming more comfortable with each passing moment. The food on the table behind her and the people surrounding them at the other tables were forgotten, her full attention on Keeve and the warm feelings spreading throughout her body.

"Kim," he breathed, moving his lips to her jaw and throat. Jae Dyn would be proud of his submitting to his desires, but Keeve wouldn't. Though, his hesitation didn't show. He still held Kim close in his trembling arms and wanted her to remain there. "I'm sorry I ate your sandwich," he whispered foolishly and brought his lips to her cheek. "I'll buy you another."

"It's alright," she breathed. "I'm almost full anyway...and...I have a snack back at the office. The sandwich was a little bland anyway."

He chuckled as he cradled her face in both hands. "I completely agree." And kissed her again deeply. Both ignored the scandalized whispers and giggles surrounding them, only living for each other. Not even Maeren entered the equation now, just as he hadn't when she'd run off to a bar with his father and mother. With Kim, there would always only be him. "We...need to buy shoes," he murmured, drowsy from the kiss.

"Yes," she whispered. "But...we...we still have work...unless that can wait. I know the perfect place for shoes. On the way to my apartment."

"We won't be buying shoes if we go that way," he pointed out humourously, and staring into her wide, impassioned eyes, Keeve had a feeling she was no longer interested in the shoes. "You...really want this, don't you? And not just because you're...deprived?"

"Not at all because I'm deprived," Kim whispered. "I love you, Keeve."

"But...I'm a rotten person," he insisted. "I mean...I ate your sandwich, and I haven't treated you well at all for so long."

"And I ate your steak," Kim countered. "And, I was pushy."

Keeve nodded slowly. "So...does that mean we're even?"

"We're even," Kim said with a grin.

"Good," he sighed, "because you're mean when you're mad at someone." As he shared in gentle laughter with Kim, neither of them noticed the waiter standing by their table until the young man cleared his throat. Keeve looked aside irritably. "What?"

"Well...Mr. Shivral, I've been receiving complaints..."

"Yeah?" Keeve smirked. "Well I have one too. The steak was overdone, and my girlfriend here says her sandwich was too bland."

Kim's jaw nearly dropped open, but she recovered quickly. She seemed to cling more tightly to Keeve as they both stared up at the very uncomfortable looking waiter.

The young man was flustered. "Oh...well, we apologize, sir, and we'll cover the bill...but..." He leaned closer and his face contorted into a pained mask. "Would you mind leaving? The other guests are...upset."

"Your other guests are a little prudish and uptight if they're upset over this," Kim said. "We're just expressing our feelings for each other, and we're doing it in a very...unintrusive way. We're just hugging and kissing, but whatever." She pulled out her credit chip and shoved it in the man's hand. "Put it on there. We'll pay our own way. And, next time, maybe you should have a more private booth available, in case we wish to express our feelings for each other again without disturbing the other guests' delicate sensibilities."

The young waiter blubbered and stammered as Keeve rose, still holding Kim against him. He grinned down at the speechless waiter and said, "Now...that's a woman." With a salute, he escorted Kim from the patio, both laughing to one another over their eventful lunch. "Maeren would never believe that happened," Keeve told Kim as they stumbled giddily onto the sidewalk. "Her husband misbehaving in public? She'd never buy that one!"

"Oh, you naughty boy," Kim said with a laugh. "You're much more fun this way. You have a great smile and it's very wonderful to see it so often."

"Well...I don't know," he shrugged. "It's just not easy to be this way. There's so much to worry about, I can't afford a moment of levity." But, he grinned and added, "Though...that was fun, wasn't it?"

"Very fun," Kim said with a bright grin. "And, you afforded it just fine."

"Yeah," he muttered pensively and stared on straight ahead as they walked with his arm around her waist still. "You do know this leaves us little time for shoe shopping," Keeve mentioned.

"It does, doesn't it," she said. "Come on, there's a great place. You can help me pick something out."

Keeve smiled gently. "Sure...but...can we get something clear first, Kim?"

She turned to face him. "Sure."

He sighed and laid his hands upon her shoulders, to steady her in case she decided to bolt. "It's just...what happened back there...it shouldn't-- I mean we can't be like that in front of the others, okay? They shouldn't think that we're as close as we are. Alright?"

She glanced back behind them and up to him, thinking she understood the meaning. "Okay," she said. "I promise to behave from now on, as difficult as it is. But, I will never stop from making sure you're always having fun."

"When we're out here, together," he told her, reaching up to play with a lock of her hair, "we're free, Kim. I never want to stop having fun with you, and we won't. Let's just...not let the others know about this, even Saris, and especially not Maeren. It'll be easier that way."

"I promise I won't tell anyone," Kim said. "It'll be our special secret."

Keeve laughed weakly, nearly sick to his stomach. "Kim...you make it sound like we're doing something awful. I'm already nervous about this...don't make it worse. I just...think it's better for both of us if we can do this quietly."

"I understand, Keeve," Kim said, her expression serious. "We're not doing anything awful. We're being friends and we're enjoying our time together, that's all."

"I know," he told her. "But...it still feels wrong a little. As long as I'm married to Maeren, it will. And...as long as we don't cross the line, it'll be fine...right?"

"Right," she said gently, then reached up and kissed his cheek. "Everything will be fine, and we'll keep it feeling as un-wrong as we can."

"Thanks...dear," he teased, and as his lighthearted smile returned, Keeve began down the street again with Kim by his side. "You know," he mused after a time, "I said I'd pay for lunch, remember?"

"Yes you did," Kim said with a smile. "So, now you get to buy me some new shoes."

"Whatever you say, boss. Just don't get out of control and exploit my kindness," he joked.

"Oh," Kim said, placing her hand solemnly over her heart. "I promise not to take advantage of your kindness, though I do not think I will be able to refrain from stealing an occasional peek at your very cute backside...boss."

Keeve chuckled and folded her into his chest with a one-armed embrace. He kissed the top of her head, saying contentedly, "I wouldn't mind that at all, Kim. Not at all."

Kim grinned up at him as they walked along. "You wouldn't mind if I bought you a pair of leather pants, would you?"

He looked down at her suspiciously. "Now...why would you want to do that?"

"Just thinking I might like looking at your cute backside encased in some very sexy leather, that's all," Kim said with a grin up at him.

"No," he told her emphatically. "No way, Kim! Not even with you smiling at me like that! I don't wear leather. It's so...unmanly!"

"Are you saying Zale is unmanly?" Kim asked with a knowing smile.

Keeve's eyes narrowed impishly as he replied, "Do you doubt that he isn't?"

"He wears leather all the time," Kim said with a big grin.

Laughing, Keeve exclaimed, "Exactly! Now, you're not getting me into leather, Kim. Though, you on the other hand..." He smiled lecherously.

"Really," Kim said looking up into his eyes. "You want me to wear leather for you?"

"Uh..." Keeve stammered, caught offguard by the utter adoration in her eyes, and chuckled to mask his momentary loss of composure. "You...well...I wouldn't mind if you wanted to...wear it in my presence."

"I'd like that," Kim said with a happy grin. "I guess I'll have to get some then."

He laughingly shook his head. "You're going to make me broke, aren't you? I mean, first paying for your apartment, then buying leather..."

Kim had been about to glance away, but then quickly looked back up to him. "You're...you're paying for...you're paying my rent?"

Keeve pressed his fist to his mouth to silence a curse. "So much for secrets," he sighed and gave her a tight smile. "I...I had to, Kim. I was the reason you needed to find one. I didn't think it was fair you had to pay. And it's just a little money - not that much." Shrugging, he muttered, "I just...wanted to do this for you. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

She slipped her arms around him and held him tight, stopping their progress in the process. "I'm more than alright now," she said. "You're a sneak, Keeve, but...but thank you. And...I won't get that much leather if it's going to be too much of a burden. I...you've done so much for me already, I can't keep asking you to do more."

"But you never asked for the apartment," he informed her. "I have plenty of funds, Kim. And, if it becomes too much to handle" --Keeve smiled, unseen to her-- "you'll just have to move back in, I guess."

"Oh, I think you'd like that too much," Kim said with a laugh.

"Just don't tell my wife," he mumbled. "Now...come on. We have to be getting back, so you'd better start shopping." They arrived at the store represented by the large boot Kim spoke of, and Keeve led them inside.

"You're too good to me," Kim said, then leaned up and kissed his cheek. "Thank you again, Keeve." With that, she vanished into the racks of clothing and shelves of shoes.

He stood back with arms folded across his chest and watched her in subdued delight. Kim was the brightness in his life - brighter than Shiv, only highlighting the sudden rift between them, one that hadn't been mended by a night of lovemaking. Clenching his eyes shut and biting down hard on his bottom lip, Keeve forced his doubts away, tried to suppress his desire to betray Maeren with Kim. Tried with all his strength of will to stop loving Kim. All of it was impossible and Keeve exhaled sharply with the wasted effort.

He was determined to blame Kallia for his sudden conflict - she had been the one to encourage he express his true emotions for Kim, and now that he had, there was no resisting her. Not that he truly wanted to.... Hearing a giggle erupt from within the forest of clothing, and the sea of shoes, Keeve's heart gave a leap and refused to slow at the radiant sound. He was utterly and undeniably in love, despite every promise of faithfulness and devotion he'd made to Shiv.

In the presence of Kim, Maeren was nothing but a fleeting thought; although Kim was spoiled with an armful of shoes and clothing courtesy of Keeve, his earlier wish to surprise Shiv with a pair of her own was now completely forgotten.

---

"The One That Got Away"
By: Anow Taron - Bounty Hunter

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Vadris 15, 4 ABY

***

Anow Taron powered down his ship with a fair amount of relief. Security around here was rather merciful, scans in some ports spot the hidden concussion missile tubes and go nuts, which definitely made the job a bit more of a pain than it needed to be. No camping out in the boondocks today, 'tis a friendly port, and with any luck, its own share of villainy.

He sighed from both mouths. Ok, he'd settle for little villainy, but needed to find one in particular. Antok Joaquin, a Gotal enforcer for the Nalath Family in Ord Mantell. For a Gotal he was particularly strong and brutish, getting himself a good reputation for being particularly merciless and a damn good gunfighter. Trouble was, he was also bought rather easily and had been selling out secrets to other families and syndicates around the inner and outer rim. Needless to say, old man Nalath didn't take so kindly to it and had put a sizable price out there for the Gotal's head. Bring back his cones, the bounty said, a task which Anow was more than willing to oblige.

It was a prime bounty, more than enough creds to pay for a total engine overhaul and supplies for a month. Well, enough for that with some proper betting on the races, but that was easy come, easy go. You're not going to lose it again this time, right Anow? Proper bets, keep it low and spread it out, no one shot deals except between his eyes.

Leaving the cockpit, he climbed down the ladder and into his cramped, albeit homey, living quarters. Ithor's Folly, god love the old girl, she'd seen better days. He'd reinforced the aged Durosian freighter with whatever weapons he could fit into her free ports, transformed the old cargo bay into a reasonable mobile prison (four cells with electrified bars that had yet to fail, a bit of old technology Anow remained proud of), and the old living quarters for four into quarters for one. Regardless, she wasn't made for an Ithorian. The Duros were excellent spacers, but not renowned for their exceptional height. He'd worked on the ship for 28 years, and still bumped his eyes on the ceiling every so often. Sure, she was old, she made noises that weren't healthy, and she probably smelled (his captives complained about it, but Anow wasn't one to notice), but she was a good old, dependable, ship.

Anow smiled wryly, letting some pride sneak in. And nothing wrong about being old, he thought. A lot of the new bounty hunters out there keep thinking they can be the hottest thing in the galaxy by owning the sleekest ships with the most illegal modifications, shooting off the newest and most powerful guns with little discrimination. They had no respect for the art of the hunt, no respect for how much time and proper effort needed be put in to tracking and capturing beings. It was all about sneaking up, trying to shoot them in the back of the head, and if that didn't get them, then trying to mow them down with a heavy repeater. It was almost sad to see what the new generation had become, but then again it was the new generation.

Anow knew he was fortunate as is to get the contract; more and more he'd begun to lose marks to fresher, younger hunters. There was little room for a middle-aged Ithorian bounty hunter with a droid knee and a ship that seems older than certain stars, but that was the way of the Universe. Things come and go, the Empire rose, and fell, even if it's got a death rattle that isn't going. He know his time to go would come, but in the meantime there was work to do.

He pulled open a locker kept between his small kitchen and sleeping quarters, got down on one knee with his necklace in hand and went through the ritual he'd maintained before each hunt.

"Thank you Stenomus for all you have taught," he said in a monotone with his eyes cast at the floor, "and may your training see me through to finishing my hunt with due speed and accuracy."

Nodding, he got back on his feet and began to suit up. He hesitated for a moment, wondering whether or not the armor was worth it. Security might be too tight, and the armor, covered or not, could be a dead giveaway and land you in prison in no time flat. Then again... he'd gone in half-prepared last time, and Antok had given him the slip. It was supposed to be easy; he'd tracked the Gotal to Bespin and had hidden in a spire no more than fifty meters from Antok's ship. Antok was supposed to walk out with his associates, Anow would have put one shot through his head with a hunting rifle, and it would've been fast and easy money. But, that was the problem, and one of the reasons that Anow wasn't fond of hunting Gotal. He knew. He'd used his cones, read Anow's intentions and knew to duck the shot. They ran aboard their ship, took off, and left Anow effectively in their dust.

Luckily, Anow had attached a homing beacon. It was a one in a thousand shot, if it had flown over even three meters to the left, it would have been impossible to throw and less possible to attach. If it weren't for the beacon, he wouldn't be here, and if he wasn't here, Anow would be down one job and likely down a future boss. He couldn't let this one go, not again, this would have to be up close, this would have to be personal, and this would likely have to get ugly at some point. He decided to wear the armor.

Slipping the wrist gauntlets on, he tested for grip and flexibility. All still there, all still functional. Anow then pulled the chestplate overhead, and with one deft movement locked it in alongside his backplate. Leg guards went on next, causing the Ithorian a brief moment of pain from his artificial left knee. Lesson for the future, never go to a second-rate surgeon again. On went the utility belt where much of his arsenal was held, followed shortly thereafter by his pride and joy, his trademark: the twin blasters on his chest. Many a criminal had fallen before them, and with luck many more would before he'd have to hang them up for good.

Completing the ensemble, Anow pulled over a large, billowing robe that covered much of his body and completely obscured most of his features. With hands and head free, he looked much like a monk. Sure, he was well known in many circles, and the ship was a dead giveaway, but if he worked his skills properly, it wouldn't be that hard to blend in with the crowd, making him just another Ithorian, another face in an already bustling crowd.

Preparing to leave, Anow made one last addition to his appearance. It was a walking stick, carved from the sacred wood of a dead bafforr tree. It was a gift from his parents upon his departure, and it was the last of any roots he had that tied him to Ithor. It was carved with great care, a shade taller than Anow himself, and as sturdy as it came. It was a good tool to take pressure off the bad knee, even if the pain was only intermittent, and it added to the frail appearance. No one would expect an Ithorian to be one of the deadliest guns in the galaxy, especially this poor old one who walks with a limp and only seems to balance himself with a stick.

He ran his finger idly over three notches that had been purposefully been carved along the staff's midsection. One by each, Cotor, Synia, Rylon. If only they could see you now, wouldn't they be proud?

Shaking his s-shaped head with a pair of wide grins, Anow hobbled over to the elevator within the ship. With the press of a button, the elevator's door sealed and began to descend, ready to let him spill out and see what Tae'Karada had to offer. This planet, these shipyards, they had more technology than the outdoors where he'd attacked Antok last time. The Gotal's sensing abilities would be nearly blind, and the fight would be to Anow's advantage.

"You're not getting away," Anow whispered to himself, "not this time."

---

"Spicing Things Up, Part 1"
By: Cadwin Tarrel
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat
Maeren Shivral
Kimara
Keeve Shivral

Location: Zenarr Residence, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 15, 4 ABY

***

Cadwin slipped silently into the room and took a quick glance around. He knew Kaysa was just around the corner, taking a nap on the large bed she shared with whichever husband happened to be around at the time. Soon, she would share it with only him. He smiled at the thought. He slipped further into the room satisfied that no one else was around. He made it to the edge of the bed and sat without shaking the bed too much. He remained that way for several moments, watching Kaysa as she slept. Finally, he reached out and took her hand.

"Zale?" she murmured, her eyes fluttering open. "What is it?" When she awakened and gazed up at the hazy visage of her first husband, Kaysa chuckled weakly and sat up. "Sorry...I felt someone's strong hand and thought it was my large, muscular husband."

Cadwin wasn't sure if she'd seen him flinch. Despite the painful remark, he didn't want her hurt. And soon, if his plans didn't go awry, she would no longer be thinking of her other husbands at all. "No, just this husband," he said. "I'm sorry for waking you...I was just checking in to see if you wanted to hit that new club tonight. I've even got some tickets for free appetizers. And--" he held up a small bag filled with a powdery substance "--I've got some of the good stuff."

Kaysa snickered and trapped Cadwin in an embrace. "You're so rotten, you know that?" she whispered in his ear, then nipped at it playfully and pulled back to inspect the bag. "Tonight, you say? I'd have to get Zale to babysit...and I'm not so sure he'd be willing to again." Kaysa rolled her eyes. "He's such a joykill..."

"Oh, I'm sure he will," Cadwin said, then grinned. "For you, he'd do anything. And, if he doesn't want to, we can always talk to Merrick."

"He probably has another show tonight," she sulked, but was grinning again when she weighed the sack of spice in her hand. "This sure is a lot! That's some party you're planning for tonight."

"Some for now, some for later," Cadwin said with a chuckle. "And, I figured, if Maeren comes with us again, the extra would be good."

"And you're right," she purred, dragging one finger over his chest. "But...she gets jealous when she can't join in. If we're going to be having more fun later, we'll need to figure out something for her to do."

"I don't mind if she joins in if you don't," Cadwin said with a shrug. "After what I saw today, she may need it."

"Why? What happened?" Kaysa watched him sternly. "What did you see, Cad?"

"You know how Maeren is constantly telling Keeve to go ahead and pursue his feelings for Kim, but Keeve keeps resisting?" At her nod, he continued. "Well, it appears that Keeve has gone ahead and pursued...behind Maeren's back."

Kaysa sputtered and sat up straight. "What!? In what way? And how do you know?"

Cadwin pulled out the small holo-player and started the playback. He then watched Kaysa's face as she watched the recording.

There was a mixture of shock, then amusement, and finally anxiety while the events of Keeve's lunch with Kim played out. By the end, she was clucking her tongue and shaking her head in dismay. "Oh, this is bad... I wonder how long they've been secretly seeing one another. I doubt Shiv would mind that they were...but she'll definitely not be pleased with him for hiding the truth."

"My thoughts exactly," Cadwin said. "I think that he's been hiding it from her will probably push it back over to the point where she does mind what's going on."

"So...what?" Kaysa asked. "Do we tell her?"

"She has a right to know," Cadwin said. "And, I think it's better that she hears it from someone who cares, rather than walking in one night and finding out the hard way."

Kaysa grumbled, hating her predicament. "She'll definitely need a night out after this. But...you're right, she needs to find out from us before she finds out herself." Pausing in thought, Kaysa asked, "Cad...where'd you get this anyway?"

"I've had a friend watching in the shadows," Cadwin answered. "I figured, with those two bitches in power on this planet, you can never be too careful."

"And he found this?" Kaysa sighed. "Where's Keeve now?"

"Still working," Cadwin answered. "He and Kim are both still at Zenarr Inc."

"Then we'd better tell Shiv now before he gets home," Kaysa decided as she slipped out of bed, "this way we can calm her down before he arrives."

Cadwin tapped the bag filled with spice. "And, if we need extra strength calming," he said, "we're all set."

Kaysa moaned happily and sank into Cadwin's embrace again. "You're so good to me, though don't let Zale or Merrick know. I doubt they would approve."

"Oh, I don't plan to tell them," Cadwin said with a laugh. "Just me, you, and Maeren. Come on, let's go find her. And, I already have a couple ready for us."

Giggling with anticipation, Kaysa slipped her arm through Cadwin's and left the bedroom with him, where Aria was still asleep. "You go get everything ready," Kaysa told Cadwin in the hallway. "I'll get Shiv out here."

"Okay," Cadwin said with a big smile, then moved off to make the preparations.

Watching him disappear around the corner, Kaysa grinned and rushed to Shiv's room. She rapped on the door lightly and whispered Shiv's name. "Come on. Cadwin has something to show us."

The door opened a moment later, and Shiv poked her head out. "More of that beautiful stuff he had to show us the other night?" she asked with a mischievous glint in her eye.

Kaysa chuckled. "How'd you know? Now come on out. We have something to talk about, then maybe you can decide if you want to join us for another night on the town."

"I don't think Keeve would be happy about that," Shiv said. "But, I'll listen to your presentation anyway." She opened the door all the way and stepped out into full view. "Okay, I'm ready."

Snatching up her hand, Kaysa grinned and marched through the hallway with Shiv in tow. "My gods," she was saying as they went, "when did you get so reserved? And when have you let Keeve stop you from doing anything?"

"We've been fighting a lot," Shiv answered, "and...and I'm afraid that...well, if I don't at least try to be a good wife to him, that he'll...he'll leave."

Kaysa chewed her lip nervously, wondering just how much damage Cadwin's video would cause. But as they entered the living area, with Cadwin reposed on the sofa and three rolled spice cigarras laid out on the table, Kaysa immediately forgot her reservations and led Shiv towards him. "Look, Keeve's not home, so what's the problem with a little fun?" Kaysa sank down onto the couch and leaned comfortably against Cadwin. "Just come on, Shiv. We have something important for you."

Shiv looked at Cadwin, then at the cigarras, then laughed. "Sure," she said, and plopped down on the other side of Kaysa. "Oh, I can smell them from here. Thank you very much. I was just working on some drawings, so it's nice to take a break."

Kaysa plucked a cigarra from the table and handed it to Shiv. "Start on this. Trust me, love, you'll need it." She patted Cadwin's knee and prompted, "Okay...let's begin," while raising the lighter to the tip of Shiv's spice cigarra.

As Shiv inhaled off the sweet blend of spice in the cigarra, Cadwin leaned forward. "We know that you've been trying to convince Keeve to go ahead with Kim, to follow the feelings we all know are there. And we all know he keeps denying it and saying he's not going to. But...today, it appears that...that he's gone ahead anyway. He and Kim appear to be seeing each other illicitly. Despite the permission you've given him, he still appears to be...keeping it a secret." With that, he started the recording.

Shiv took a long drag from the cigarra as she watched. Kaysa was right; she needed it as she watched Keeve and Kim together. She'd had such hopes, encouraged him at every turn. But...but he still chose to go behind her back, to take Kim as his mistress, without any word to her. "Bastard," she breathed.

"Shiv," Kaysa said gently, "this might just be the first time. Maybe he plans on telling you...but before that, we just wanted you to know."

"Thank you," Shiv whispered. "It's just...I told him and told him, and then...then this. It's just so frustrating, especially when he starts pulling the holier-than-everyone attitude."

"Well...at least he's finally listening to you," Kaysa told her as an attempt at consolation, though she encouraged Shiv to take in another drag just in case. "At least he's finally giving into his heart, right? Isn't that what you always wanted?"

"Yeah," Shiv said as she closed her eyes to savour the spice as it tingled her insides. "I just wish he didn't think he had to be a sneak about it, that's all."

Kaysa sighed and rubbed Shiv's thigh soothingly. "I don't know what he's thinking...but when he gets home, you can ask him about it."

"Oh, I plan to," Shiv said. "And, he'd better have a good answer too."

Kaysa sniggered and buried her face against Shiv's neck, where her lips teased the delicate flesh there. "Does this mean we still can't convince you to come with us tonight?"

"Oh, you keep doing that, and definitely yes," Shiv said with a low chuckle.

"Hmm...hopefully we can get Zale or Merrick to take care of Aria," Kaysa murmured. "Unless Keeve gets his cheating butt back here and he can take care of her."

"Of course, if he comes back, he won't let me go," Shiv said. "And, he'll give you an earful about going out and leaving your baby to be tended by know-nothings who he believes can't even take care of themselves, let alone a baby."

Kaysa grinned and raised her head to Shiv's. "And that will stop you, my love?"

"No," Shiv said with a grin as she took another drag from the cigarra. "If he's gonna have his secret mistress, I get to have my fun too."

"That's the spirit!" Kaysa cheered and embraced Shiv gleefully. "We should get ready in the meantime. Cadwin says this new place is stellar!"

"It's supposed to be designed like one of the hottest clubs in the Core," Cadwin said with a grin. "I think you'll both love it."

"It sounds amazing," Shiv said with a grin. "Oh, I don't even know what to wear tonight."

"We'll find something," Kaysa assured her. "We can go look for something right now, before Keeve comes back and you have to chew him out."

"That sounds perfect," Shiv said with a grin. "Come on! Oh, and I'm taking this with me." With that, she pulled the cigarra from Cadwin's lips with one hand and pulled Kaysa to her feet with the other.

Laughing, Kaysa stumbled along behind Shiv almost drunkenly, and she had yet to sample the Spice. They disappeared within Shiv's bedroom as Keeve, accompanied by Kim, entered the large home talking quietly to one another and looking quite content. He glanced up, saw Cadwin, smiled flatly and returned his attention to Kim.

Kim glanced past Keeve to Cadwin, who looked up at them and smiled. She looked back to Keeve and smiled dreamily up at him. "So, what now? We should go see how Aria is. I bet she misses her big brother."

"I bet she does," he agreed proudly, then frowned as he and Kim passed the sofa towards the staircase. His steps slowed incrementally each time he sniffed the air, and finally Keeve stopped. Judging from Cadwin's languid demeanour and foolish smile, as well as the sweet odour lingering around him, Keeve knew well enough why he appeared so happy. Keeve narrowed his eyes at the man who was supposedly his father. "Kim," he told her, "go upstairs. I'll meet you there."

Kim glanced between Cadwin and Keeve, then nodded and scampered away.

"I'm glad you're home, Keeve," Cadwin said as he looked up to regard his son. "Maeren wanted to have a word with you."

"Well, I'd like to have a word with you first," he answered snidely and towered over Cadwin on the sofa. "What's that crap?" Keeve asked, waving sharply towards the unburned cigarra on the table.

"I call it relaxation," Cadwin answered. "It's just some Tongue Teaser spice, that's all. Great for relaxing and letting your problems and worries slip away."

"Not in this damned house," Keeve growled and lunged forward to clutch the front of Cadwin's shirt. He dragged him up from the sofa, the two standing nearly nose-to-nose with Keeve smiling viciously. "You're worthless," he told Cadwin disgustedly. "Get out of here and leave this family alone."

"That's not for you to say," Cadwin said. "It's Kaysa, Zale, and Merrick's house. If they want me gone, they'll tell me. Don't worry, though, if you don't want me there, I won't spend any time over at the apartment you and Maeren live in. But, here...I'm not going to let you tell me what I can or can't do."

Keeve smirked. "That'll change once Kaysa finds out about this. Smoking spice while Aria's in the house? She won't let you screw up another child!"

"I don't think so," Cadwin answered. "And, I'm not screwing up another child. Aria is fine up in Kaysa's room right now. And, Kaysa needed a little something to unwind after she found out about your little secret."

"What?" he hissed and released Cadwin with a light shove. "You're feeding this poison to my mother? And...and she's taking it?!"

"I'm not forcing it on her," Cadwin said. "You need to learn to loosen up, Keeve. It's not poison, it's not dangerous. It just makes you feel good...and that's all."

Keeve stared incredulously at Cadwin, hating him more by the moment. Sneering, Keeve rasped, "You'd better hope you're not around when Zale finds out about this. I can't tell my mother what to do, but he can and he will." With a shrewd smile, Keeve added, "And when he does, you'll be looking for a new place to live." Satisfied that he'd chastised Cadwin, but not convinced it had affected the intoxicated lowlife, Keeve snatched the extra cigarra from the table and stormed away to catch up with Kim.

Cadwin watched after Keeve as he fled and laughed. "Whah, whah, whah," he called. "Gonna go tell my daddy on you, and then you'll be sorry."

And halfway to the stairs, a low, dangerous rumble built up in his throat as Keeve whirled around and stalked towards Cadwin. "You're looking for a fight, aren't you?" Keeve threatened. His jacket came off and was thrown aside.

"Not particularly, no," Cadwin said. "You look all grown up, Keeve, but you've definitely got a way to go before maturity. I'm not looking for a fight; I'm just living my life the way I want to."

"Not in this house," he riposted, and rounded the sofa swinging.

---

"Spicing Things Up, Part 2"
By: Cadwin Tarrel
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat
Maeren Shivral
Kimara
Keeve Shivral

Location: Zenarr Residence, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 15, 4 ABY

***

Cadwin rolled with the punch, taking the glancing blow to his chin, pushing Keeve away from himself as he backed away. "So, that's how it is? My son, the bully. If I don't get what I want, I'll beat it out of you? Does your wife know that you're a thug? What about your little sister? I'm sure they must be proud of you!"

"Far prouder than of a lowlife addict," Keeve grunted as he launched himself at Cadwin again. The two men tumbled to the ground, Keeve's fists still flying in a blaze, while he grinned ferally. He'd been waiting for this moment since he was a child.

"Keeve!" came the shrieked cry from the stairway.

But he continued smashing his knuckles into Cadwin's jaw, until another shout erupted from the entryway where Shiv and Kaysa were standing and watching in horror. Kaysa had already begun to march forward angrily, with a look that read: angry mother ready to give a spanking. "Get off him!" she ordered, and that alone gave Keeve pause.

Shiv had come down the stairs, glaring at Keeve as Kaysa advanced on him. Her arms were crossed under her breasts as she came to a stop next to Kim.

Keeve gazed up at both of them, thinking for a time he'd been seeing double with Shiv's hair away from her face. Then, he thought so again after receiving a swat to the back of his head, though his assailant's identity was revealed as Kaysa stepped in front of him. "Ow! Mother?!" Keeve rubbed his abused head and pushed onto his feet. "What was that for?"

"For beating up my husband!" Kaysa snapped and dealt him another slap, to the cheek this time. Keeve gaped and watched in stunned silence as Kaysa moved to help Cadwin stand.

"What... What the hells is going on here?!" he sputtered. "He's the one rolling spice in a house with a baby!"

Kaysa's vicious glare quieted Keeve again. "He's not the one starting fights," she hissed. "Do you want your sister to be raised in such an environment?"

Again, Keeve gawked at his mother, incapable of comprehending what sort of twisted logic she was using. He looked towards Shiv and Kim for some explanation.

As his gaze found Kim, she quickly looked away, but managed to glimpse back at him from the corner of her eye.

"Why, Keeve?" Shiv asked, her voice hard and brittle. "Why did this happen? What happened?"

"Are you as hi as he is?" Keeve laughed incredulously. "He's smoking spice in our house! He's a freeloader! Doesn't that bother anyone?"

"We have an apartment, Keeve," Shiv answered. "No one was smoking anything in our apartment. This is Kaysa's house. She was okay with it. And, before you say it again, it wasn't anywhere near the baby --- who happens to be upstairs sleeping by the way, unless all the shouting woke her up. You don't like him, and you'll find fault with anything you can find fault with, just so you can. You don't know what kind of spice it was, what it does, or even if it's addicting. You're just being judgemental about something you think you know everything about, even though you don't."

"And I suppose you do?" he asked sardonically. "Are you saying you're as bad as he is?"

"I'm not saying anything like that," Shiv said, exasperation clear in her voice. "I'm just saying that...I'm trying to say stop trying to control everyone's lives and make them just like you. You're so uptight and stressful, Keeve. You have no sense of humour, and you're always so serious. It's just...gods, Keeve...we were relaxing and de-stressing after finding out that you're sneaking around with Kim."

Keeve stared wide-eyed at Shiv, reviewing her tirade for a moment to ensure he'd heard correctly. Catching glimpse of Kim's own dumbfounded expression, Keeve was more than certain. "I'm...we're not... It was just-- We didn't even--" Keeve exclaimed, "We are not sneaking around! How could you even think that?!"

"Explain today to me, Keeve," Shiv said. "Tell me about your day...start with lunch."

He looked between Kim and Shiv helplessly, vacillating between confessing his infidelity to his wife and betraying Kim, and maintaining their secret, thereby committing another act of deception against his wife. In the end, he sighed, and shook his head apologetically at Kim. "It was a kiss," he admitted. "Just...a kiss. Nothing more." Unable to witness the pain in Kim's eyes, he quickly looked away towards Shiv. "I'm sorry. It...it won't happen again."

Shiv took his hands in hers and looked into his eyes. "I love you, Keeve," Shiv said. "I love you more than I've ever loved anyone else in my life. But, not everyone is you and not everyone can lead their life the way you lead yours. The spice wasn't bad and it's not going to destroy us or our lives. It was just a way to relax and unwind, nothing more. Please, sweetie, stop being so angry at everyone...stop trying to...to control everyone else."

Keeve wrenched his hand away from hers in exasperation and shouted, "Stop talking to me like I'm a child! I've done everything for you, I've compromised so you and your lovers can still be together, and now that I ask for one thing from you, you try to justify it? Is there no way I can win with you?!"

Shiv sighed. "Why do you want me to stop, Keeve?" From the corner of her eye, she could see Kim sadly slipping back up the stairs.

"Because it makes you do foolish things," he answered. "Things like going out with that idiot." His finger pointed at Cadwin, now on his feet and being tended to by Kaysa.

"The other night, I hadn't touched any spice before going out," Shiv answered. "So that doesn't count. So, without pointing fingers at Cadwin again, why else?"

"Because," he told her uncomfortably, glancing aside at Cadwin, "it makes you do...things you might not ordinarily do. It...clouds your judgement and banishes all inhibitions. When you're full of that junk...you're liable to do just about anything and no one will be there to stop you!"

"How do you know it does that to me, Keeve," Shiv asked. "I may lose some inhibitions, but that doesn't mean I'm just going to run wild. You weren't doing any spice, and you were kissing Kim today. That sounds like lost inhibitions from what you've told me before about your feelings and plans for Kim. Stop making things up to try to get me to stop, Keeve. I have no idea who's told you what about spice, but it's not all accurate. There's some bad stuff, and some that's not bad. I'm not stupid, Keeve. I'm not going to go fill my body with the bad spice."

"Dammit, it's not about the spice!" Keeve roared. "It's about you suddenly spending all this time with Kaysa and that scumbag Cadwin! Do you even care about our marriage anymore? Do you care about anything other than having fun?!"

"Cadwin and Kaysa are spending time together, Keeve," Shiv said. "If I want to spend time with Kaysa, I have to spend it with Cadwin too. If you were around more and not running off to wherever you end up going or spending your time out with Kimara, perhaps we'd have more time together."

"Don't you dare pin this on me," he rasped. "I'm here - I'm always here! When I'm not, I'm at work, and Kim just happens to be there. You're the one who feels the need to abandon her husband for two people who aren't. If you want to go out then...ask!"

"If you're always here, how do you explain the night you spent at the Temple? And, then you were so upset to come home and not find me sitting and waiting for you? I'll pull my share of our marriage if you pull yours, but don't you dare go hypocritical on me!"

"Your share of the marriage is to give us a baby!" Keeve hollered, "And you can't even do that! So now who's not doing their part!?"

There was a resounding crack in the room as Shiv's open palm found Keeve's cheek. "You bastard! You fucking, low-life bastard! How dare you!?"

"Keeve," Kaysa whispered in disbelief, while her son touched his reddening cheek in surprise.

"Maeren," he murmured. "I'm--"

"Keeve, just stop," Kaysa advised as she moved to Shiv's side and slipped an arm around her shoulders in consolation. "You know it's not her fault she hasn't conceived yet."

"I-I know," he insisted. "I just--"

"I'm trying," Shiv sobbed. "I'm...I want...but...oh gods..."

As Cadwin watched on, he had the wisdom to keep quiet. It would be so very easy to throw fuel onto the already raging fire, but he couldn't risk angering Kaysa in such a delicate situation. The problem was that, as much as Keeve hated him, he loved his son. He'd missed out on so much of his life, and now they were strangers. He could only hope there was some way to mend the rift. Perhaps the three of them could be a family again, but...but something told him he was mistaken. Keeve would never forgive. Unlike his mother, it didn't seem to be part of his nature.

As Kaysa held Shiv to soothe her, Keeve watched slack-jawed, incapable of saying a word to reconcile what he had said and the pain he'd caused. Before he could step forward to apologize, Kaysa had turned them both away, whispering to Shiv, "Come on...a night out will do you some good."

Shiv glanced back at Keeve, pain and sorrow still clear in her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered.

Crushed and convinced he'd damaged his marriage beyond repair, Keeve clenched his fists in anguish and bolted from the home. He had no idea where he planned on running to, but Keeve was definitely running.

As Shiv was led away, she looked back one more time, just as the door was closing. "Keeve," she whispered as a tear rolled down her cheek. But, he was already gone.

---

"Future Lost"
By: Liam Zaneth
Va'Lesh Zaneth
Yelara Neerou

Location: Yelara's Residence, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 15, 4 ABY

***

With Va'Lesh cradled in his arm, Liam Zaneth ascended in the lift to Yelara's apartment. Leshie cooed and grasped a fistful of Liam's cloak as father sang gently to his son. While Liam may not have been a performer or musician, the little one didn't seem to mind the voice softly singing to him. One pudgy foot kicked happily as the door opened, revealing the hall that led to Yelara's doorway.

As he started out of the lift, Liam ceased his singing, but there was still a bounce in his step. Liam stopped at the door to Yelara's and knocked gently.

A tired-looking, though smiling, Yelara opened the door, earning a squeal from Leshie. Laughing, she looked over her son - or, at least, what was her son ensnared in a thick bundle of jacket, scarf, hat, mittens, and snowsuit. The feet that kicked excitedly were covered with tiny boots, which seemed to hinder Leshie only slightly in movement. Yelara grinned at Liam. "What have you done to our son?"

"I didn't want him to catch cold out there," Liam said with a smile, "so I bundled him up nice and warm. He seems happy enough, though, doesn't he? I think his nose might be a little chilled, but the rest of him is nice and toasty."

Yelara leaned forward to kiss her child's nose-tip. "Oh, I think he'll be alright," she whispered and gathered him into her arms. "Come on in. I'll make some tea or kaffe to warm you up," she told Liam as she walked back into the apartment. "I know Leshie will want some hot chocolate. Won't you?" The boy burbled an affirmative with much enthusiasm.

"Thank you very much," Liam said with a smile as he followed her inside. "How was your day at work? Leshie and I, we had an eventful day, at the park and around, but I think he missed you quite a bit."

"Did you miss Mommy?" Yelara whispered adoringly to her son, then kissed his plump, red cheek as they entered the kitchen. Setting him down on the table to begin removing his thick clothing, Yelara addressed Liam again. "So, there were no problems today at all? If there were, we can find another arrangement. I don't want you to feel obligated."

"There were no problems," Liam said. "Everything was fine. Unless you'd prefer another arrangement, I think we can continue with this."

Yelara smiled politely. "No...it's fine, Liam." Then she unravelled Leshie's scarf from around his neck. "If you two are free," she continued, "I don't work tomorrow. Maybe the three of us can do something then. Together."

"I'd like that," Liam said, then tickled under Leshie's chin. "And, I think he likes the plan too. While I make us some dinner, we can talk about what we'd like to do tomorrow."

"Oh, you're cooking, are you?" she teased. "Not that I'm complaining. I've had enough serving food for today; now it's your turn."

Liam laughed. "Come on," he said. "Let's go see what we have in the kitchen. What are you in the mood for tonight?"

"Something...light," she decided after a moment's thought. "Maybe some soup, since it has been a cold day."

Liam thought for a moment, going through his mental inventory of recipes, then smiled. "I know just the thing," he said with a snap of his fingers. "And, I think we have everything I need. So, anything exciting happen at work today?"

Yelara suppressed a blushing smile at Meer'esh immediately coming to mind, and answered, "It was...interesting." Hefting a now unbundled Leshie into her arms, Yelara turned, saying, "It's a learning exp-- Oh no...Liam." She stepped over to him quickly and touched his earlobe - his inordinately bare earlobe. "Your earring...you must have lost it," Yelara said apologetically. "Was it at the park?"

"No," Liam said with a sad smile. "I took it off this morning. Before, when we married, we decided not to wear rings on our fingers, so we wore kestrel earrings as a symbol of our bond. I felt that to wear it now, it would be a lie, to say something that is no longer true."

Yelara frowned curiously. "You...took it off." She chuckled distractedly, wondering if Liam's readiness to move on was behind the strange decision. "So...I guess this means we...stay friends, despite an obvious distance between us. Is that what you mean?"

"Do you consider yourself my wife still?" Liam asked.

She smiled wanly. "I'm not. I just...I didn't think you wanted us to have nothing to do with one another."

"We are friends," Liam said. "But, that earring, it's the past. It's a symbol of something that no longer exists for us, and may never again. I can't keep holding onto a hope like that, and I think it may possibly be an interference in our friendship." He gave her a warm, friendly smile. "Right? It's okay, though, Yelara. It's a good thing, I think, to start moving on and finding out what kind of friends we can be, instead of projecting the feelings I felt for her onto you."

"You're right," she admitted softly. "I just...it was a shock. But I'm truly glad we can start anew, Liam. For certain this time." Despite the awkwardness of the situation, Yelara pressed a kiss to Liam's cheek, then started out of the kitchen. "I'll get Leshie cleaned up while you cook. We won't be long."

Liam gave her a smile, then busied himself with getting their dinner prepared, whistling the tune he'd been singing to Leshie in the lift.

Leshie and Yelara were some time in the refresher, and from the sounds of laughter and splashing water heard even in the kitchen, it was apparent why. Lost in their enjoyment of Leshie's bath, the beeping of Yelara's comm went unnoticed by her.

After a second glance down the hall to see that Yelara wasn't rushing for the comm, Liam wiped his hands on a towel and moved to the device. Hands now clean, Liam activated the unit. "Hello," he said with a nod. "How may I help you?"

"Oh...I am being sorry," the man's voice replied hesitantly from the other end. "I had thought I was contacting Yelara. You do not sound like Yelara."

Liam chuckled softly. "You've got the right apartment, but you're right, I'm not Yelara. Just a moment, she's with the baby." Liam stepped away from the comm down the hall. "Yel," he called. "A comm call for you..."

Her head poked through the doorway, and from the wet strands of hair dangling around her face, it was revealed just what sort of fun she and Va'Lesh had been having. "Are you sure it's for me?" she asked, breathless from laughter. "Who is it?"

"He didn't say," Liam said, "though from his speech patterns, my guess is a non-human, if that helps."

"Oh my gods," she gasped and bolted out of the refresher. "Watch Leshie!" she hollered back as she dashed through the hallway.

Liam watched after her, then moved in to help his son finish his bath, keeping his ears open, curious at Yelara's strange, mysterious caller.

She was whispering, that much was obvious by her murmurs, but every now and then, her voice would rise and laughter could be discerned. Aware that Liam might be listening, she lowered her voice again and moved farther away. Meanwhile, Leshie gazed up at his father while he was scrubbed gingerly, and in his eyes were the same questions Liam was asking about the mysterious caller. "Buggoo?" he seemed to ask.

"I don't know," Liam said softly. "But, whatever happens, I'll still love you, my little warrior. We'll still have our time together. At least I hope so...mommy may have other ideas now."

Leshie cooed plaintively as he reached up with one chubby, wet hand to pat Liam's cheek.

"Sorry," Yelara said from behind suddenly. "Just...urgent call."

"Of course," Liam said as he held Leshie up. "I think he's all clean now."

She grinned, much more lively than she had been, and wrapped her boy in a towel as Liam elevated him. "Thank you for getting that comm," she told Liam. "You didn't have to answer it. It's really no trouble."

"Well, if I hadn't, you wouldn't be as ecstatic as you are now, would you?" Liam said with a wink. "It was no trouble getting it, but I should get back to the soup."

When Leshie was transferred to her hold and Liam tried to slip out, Yelara blocked his exit and whispered, "He's just a friend, Liam. I'm not...doing anything behind your back, if that's what you think."

"We're friends, Yelara," Liam said. "I'm no longer your husband and you're no longer my wife. We are not romantically involved. You can't do anything behind my back if there's nothing going on between us."

"But, considering our past," she said, "I owe it to you to tell you if...there's someone else."

Liam nodded. "I understand," he said with a smile. "You did sound very happy when you were talking to him."

She smiled chidingly. "I barely know him."

Liam laughed softly. "But, you were still very excited to talk to him."

"He's just...someone new," she admitted demurely. "I...enjoy speaking with him. He doesn't know anything about me and that...makes me comfortable."

Liam nodded again. "So, being around me makes you uncomfortable," he said.

Yelara sighed as he rubbed Leshie's back soothingly. "I didn't say that. It's just...nice for someone to get to know you for who you are, not who you used to be. I have nothing to live up to that way."

"Is there anything about our time that does make you feel comfortable or that you do enjoy? Because most everything you do say indicates that your time here is an uncomfortable burden. Please, Yelara, tell me there's something about me, other than our child that we share. I don't want our only reason to continue this friendship to be because in a past life we had a child."

"Liam, do we need another reason?" she asked. "Isn't Leshie a good enough reason to stay friends?"

"I don't believe so," he answered softly. "Common interests, sense of humour, and similar things that tie us together. We had a baby together in a time you don't remember, but...but if you don't like me, how can we really be friends?"

"Like you?" She chuckled incredulously. "Liam...have I led you to believe I dislike you? All this is new for both of us. If we don't seem the closest of friends yet, that's the main reason. We just need time, that's all."

"I know," Liam said softly. "A part of me feels like I'm drifting, unsure where the river will take me. I don't know if that makes sense."

"It does," she answered. "I feel the same way sometimes. We just...have to let it take us where it will instead of forcing our path. Isn't that sort of what the Force teaches us?"

Liam nodded. "It is," he said. "I guess, my hope was that after we get to know each other again, that down the line, things would...well, we'd be together again. And...and now, who knows..."

"I'm not limiting my options, Liam," Yelara assured him, "and I'm not shooting for love either. Whatever happens, happens." She chuckled. "And truly, Meer'esh is just a friend. You might even meet him if you drop by the Blossom."

"So that's where you're working," Liam said with a chuckle.

Yelara opened her mouth, then frowned. "Oh...I guess I never did tell you, huh?"

"No," he said as he patted her hand, "you neglected to mention."

"Yeah...sorry," she told him abashedly. "I guess...I just wanted to have something of my own. But...I really should have told you, especially if there was an emergency with Leshie. You should know where I am in case. So...." She smiled. "Now you know."

"Now I know," Liam said. "If you wish to keep things from me, I'll know that you want to have your privacy, but I don't understand the motivation to keep secrets."

"You don't keep secrets?" she asked accusatorially. "You don't think I have the right? Perhaps I thought it would be easier to hide the truth than to have to face your constant disappointment and judgement. How about that?"

"Whatever you feel you need to do," Liam said.

Yelara growled and stormed from the refresher, spitting, "Self-righteous, pompous jerk. I can't believe I ever married you...." with Leshie whimpering in her arms.

"Great," Liam muttered, then left the refresher and headed toward the kitchen. With a sigh, he went back to the pot of soup to check on it, and do what he could to save it as a meal.

***

Their dinner passed in much uncomfortable silence, and Leshie's reluctance to eat when he was otherwise enthusiastic gave definite indication of the prevailing dour mood. Liam and Yelara avoided one another's gaze, and the only communication occurred when one or the other made a request for food to be passed along. In the end, Yelara excused herself, leaving behind a half-eaten bowl of soup ostensibly to put Leshie to bed, though she took a long time to do it. When she did emerge again, Yelara went directly towards the table to collect the rest of the plates Liam hadn't gotten to yet. She kept her head and her eyes down.

"If you don't wish for me to watch him any longer, I'll understand," Liam finally said.

"I never said that," she told him quietly. "He's your son."

"I know," Liam said. "Regardless of that, do you wish for me to continue to have contact with him?"

Yelara set down her small pile of bowls and turned to regard Liam. "I want you to have contact with your son," she answered. "I know you're sensitive about us, about no longer being the main focus of my life...but you have to let that go, Liam. For Leshie."

"I think it would be best if we minimize our contact," Liam said after a moment. "Our lives are now taking different paths with Va'Lesh as our only common bond. What we shared in the past is now a problem for us, for any continued friendship or association. You are no longer the woman I knew, the woman I fell in love with. I cannot make you be, and you do not wish to be. To hold on to that part of our past in any form other than caring for Leshie, it will only hurt us in the end."

"Then," she said slowly, "are we to only interact when I come home to relieve you of your babysitting duties?"

"I do not know," Liam said. "I don't have all the answers as much as I would like to. You don't seem to like me, approve of me, or wish to include me in any part of your life other than caring for Va'Lesh...at least, that's my understanding. What do you want, Yelara, as much as you understand it now?"

"Why do you insist that I hate you?" she asked in frustration. "I like you as a person, Liam, and as Leshie's father. But I can't have you criticising me and my actions. I want you to just...mind your own business," Yelara put as gently as she could.

Liam nodded. "Do you want me in your life as a friend?"

"If you can be that," she told him.

"Other than Va'Lesh, why do you wish to be a friend to me, to have me as a friend to you?"

Yelara sighed and shook her head as she answered, "Because I don't know very many other people, Liam...and it's nice to have some companionship sometimes."

"Then I guess it's convenient," he said. "Yelara, I know this is very difficult for you, but I assure you this has to be one of the most difficult times in my life. I lost the love of my life to the blade of my worst enemy. I spent months searching for a way to bring her back from beyond, to return to her the life stolen from her. When I finally succeeded, and my hope had been restored, my hopes were again dashed as she came back with no memory and no feelings for me. And, now, the woman who is the mother of my child, who has no feelings for me, wishes to be my friend...but nothing beyond that. I can't and won't force you to love me, I wouldn't ask that of you."

"Then why do you keep mentioning it?" she whispered. "Why do you keep reminding me that I've made your life miserable?"

"My life isn't miserable," Liam answered. "My life is filled with confusion and doubt; I am uncertain and don't know where my life is headed now. I could sense your excitement when you were speaking with your friend, your enthusiasm to be speaking with him. You neglected to mention that you'd made a friend or where you were working. When you speak to me, or see me, there's no enthusiasm or joy for me. I'm that part of your life you can't remember and want to move away from, yet you insist on dragging me along with you to be your friend when your new friends can't be near."

"I'm not forcing anything on you!" she exclaimed and slammed down her gathering of plates with a clatter. "If you don't want to be here, then go. If you feel that associating with me is a burden, then don't. I just thought you'd appreciate being allowed to participate in my life! And you obviously don't."

"It's not that," Liam said. "It's that it doesn't seem as if you appreciate me participating in your life. I'm a reminder of things you cannot remember, the past you can no longer touch. You're seeking out new friendships and associations that don't have that connection, you feel more comfortable under those circumstances. How long before you decide you wish to leave your past behind you completely?"

Yelara smiled curiously. "Liam," she said softly, "I already have. I've given all that up to start a new life. It's...meaningless to me."

"Very well," Liam said with a nod. "I'll go and step back into your past where I belong. I hope you find fortune and happiness in your new life, Yelara." He stood and started toward the door.

"What?" Yelara followed him, still oblivious to what was occurring. "Liam...just like that? We can't reclaim our past so that's it?"

"No," Liam said as he stopped at the door. "Other than Leshie, what do we have in common to build a friendship on? What sort of future do you want with me, Yelara?"

"My gods you're maddening!" she shrieked at him. "Why do we have to define our future already?! Why can't we just do what we've been doing and let things fall as they will? Why does everything have to be planned out, Liam!?"

"You don't approve of the life I lead," Liam said. "You do not remember our past, you keep secrets of the new life you're forging for yourself from me in order to spare my feelings, in case I might be hurt by them. You do not wish for our son to be raised in the manner I would have wished to have him raised. We have nothing in common, Yelara. We have no common interests and my knowledge of the past we did share makes you uncomfortable. Yet, despite all that, you claim to like me --- though, I have a feeling that is an effort to spare my feelings as well. You only wish to keep me around to be a father to Va'Lesh --- a father you've already admitted you do not approve of. It doesn't have to be planned out, but we have nothing to build upon other than the child we made."

"Does that mean you'll just abandon him?" she asked harshly. "Your son? Because your ex-wife isn't as warm and bubbly as she used to be?" Yelara snorted derisively and shouldered past Liam to the door. She activated it. "Get out. Va'Lesh doesn't need someone like you in his life, even if you're his father. I won't have him raised around such conflict, such confusion. He deserves more."

"Our lives would be nothing but confusion," Liam said as he moved to stand in the doorway. "I am sorry I cannot forget what was, Yelara. I am sorry that you felt the need to hide the new changes in your life from me. And, I am sorry that no common ground exists between us any longer." He took one last long look into her eyes, and then turned and started down the hallway to the lift.

Yelara watched until the lift doors closed behind Liam, and stunned she slipped back inside numbly. There was no one left, save Leshie and Orinth, and she wondered when even they would abandon her. With her back to the wall, she exhaled shakily and slid to the ground in grief. Leshie would never forgive her for driving away his father, and Yelara wouldn't blame him. All she'd done was speak the truth, but the truth was not to Liam's liking, and upon re-examination, Yelara realized it wasn't to her own, either. She just had no idea what to do, and that was what reduced Yelara Neerou to bitter tears.

---

"Cloned Secrets, Part 1"
By: Keeve Shivral
Kimara
Va'Lesh Zaneth
Dargus Kandran

Location: New Plouton; Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 15, 4 ABY

***

He wondered if it was the snowflakes melting upon his flesh, or if his emotions had finally overwhelmed him, but Keeve was distinctly aware of salty liquid dribbling down his cheeks without surcease. It had started the moment he'd fled from the Zenarr residence, from his wife and mother and sister, and from Kim, who he'd hurt once again. Thinking back on the disastrous events of an hour ago, Keeve became convinced: those wet tracks being burned down his cheeks were from tears he'd grown tired of suppressing. Now, there was no controlling them, and he was too drained to try.

Keeve was overcome by fear of losing all he loved, anger and frustration at being vilified no matter how good his intentions were, and grief above all else for causing all the pain he had. Rage accompanied his other emotions, and was driving him towards the one person from whom he could gain answers. If anyone was responsible for contributing to his family's current strife, it was Dargus and his past interference. And if there was anyone Keeve could expend his aggression on, it was definitely his former benefactor.

Pulling his thin jacket closed and swatting away such foolish tears, Keeve marched through the piling snow for the Temple after a time of mindless wandering. He had no idea how long in the frigid cold it would take him, but he was determined to spend all night trying to reach the Temple even if it killed him.

As Keeve continued trudging forward, an insistent beeping seemed to follow him. Finally, it dawned on him, and as he dug out his comlink, the words scrolling across its face told him that despite the pain he'd obviously caused her, Kimara was seeking him out, trying to make contact.

It seemed Kim had made Keeve's mind up for him, saving him the trouble of deciding whether to contact her or give her time to recover from his insult. She had given him one less burden to shoulder, leaving him no other choice but to thank her by responding.

Leaning his back against the wall of some unknown building and shivering violently, Keeve stared at his comm with trepidation for a time before gathering the courage to respond. He could barely look at Kim when he responded. "Keeve here," he answered hoarsely. "Kim...I just-- I'm--" He sighed and muttered defeatedly, "I don't know...."

"That's probably because the snow has frozen your brain out there," Kim said, a jovial tone that couldn't mask the concern in her eyes. "Keeve, where are you? I'm...I...you shouldn't be alone right now, and...and I'm your friend, and I won't let you be. Where are you?"

He chuckled wryly. "And convince Maeren that I really am sleeping with you behind her back?" Keeve shook his head ruefully. "I didn't mean what I said about the kiss, Kim...but we shouldn't make it any worse than it is. We shouldn't...." But Keeve couldn't bring himself to reject her, not now, not ever. He, instead, slumped forward and pressed his forehead to the comm's screen. "I want you here, Kim," he murmured. "Here with me, but...."

"Where are you?" she asked. "I'll bring the speeder so you can get out of the cold."

"Maeren will know," he insisted. "If she finds out.... She already hates me."

"She doesn't hate you, Keeve," Kim said. "And, she'd kill me if she knew I just left you out in the snow like that. Where are you?"

"What about Maeren?" he asked. "Will she see you? She'll ask where you're going."

"She's not here," Kim answered. "Kaysa and Cadwin took her out with them to try to cheer her up. At first, she tried to go after you, then she tried to just go into the bedroom. But, Kaysa talked her into it."

Keeve's head jerked away from the comm, allowing him to stare wide-eyed and in shock at Kim. "Kaysa? My mother?" He shook his head in disbelief. "What the hells is going on around here? And why am I the enemy all of a sudden!?"

"You're not the enemy to me," she said softly. "It sounded like they were just trying to cheer her up, Keeve. I mean, you left...and Shiv was crying. They said she shouldn't have to just sit around there and wait for you to come back...so...so she went along. They didn't really give her much of a choice, though."

"They didn't force her by blaster-point, now did they?" he retorted bitterly. Keeve huffed, blowing a cloud of fogged breath into the comm. When the haze dissipated, Keeve's head was hung low and his hair, now nearly strands of icicles, shielded his eyes. Kim couldn't discern if he was shaking from the cold or unbridled emotion. "It's all a mess," he whispered, his voice strained.

"Keeve," Kim said softly. "Let me come get you. Where are you? We can try to make everything right together. Please, Keeve, let me help."

"I don't even know where I am," he told her, chuckling weakly. Keeve raised his head to search his surroundings for some indication of his whereabouts, but he could barely see through the teary film over his eyes. He finally shook his head and smiled faintly at Kim. "Just...meet me at the entrance to the forest at the edge of the district. I-- You don't have to do this, Kim, not after how I treated you."

"I know I don't," Kim said with a grin. "But I know what you're going through, and I know you didn't mean it. Besides, I love you, Keeve. I'll be at the edge of the forest soon. See you there, and try to stay dry."

Keeve looked pointedly about at the heavy snowfall around him, then grinned at Kim's image and passed his thumb over her cheek in a distant caress. "See you soon," he whispered and severed the connection, albeit reluctantly.

With the memory of Kim's smile still fresh in his mind, Keeve stuffed the comm into his pocket and wrapped his jacket tightly around him. Then he was off, trudging through the deserted streets once again, but finally seeing a light at the end, and that was Kim.

***

As Keeve reached the edge of the forest, Kim was already waiting there in the speeder. When she saw him, the canopy popped open and she dashed out toward him, a large bundle in her arms. "You're insane to be out here in this," she called. As she got closer, it was obvious she had brought a large winter coat for him. "Come on, I've got more warm clothes in the speeder."

Keeve looked at the garment, then back to Kim and with cold, numb fingers he gripped her arms and pulled her into his embrace. He held her tightly while burying his quaking lips in her hair. "You're here," Keeve breathed. "I'm glad..."

Kim tried to wrap herself around him to warm him up. "Always," she whispered. "And, now it's my job to get you all warmed up. First, jacket." She pulled briefly out of his embrace to hold it open to him.

Trembling badly, but attempting to control it, Keeve slipped both arms into the jacket and sighed at the immediate warmth it offered. He sniffled to keep his nose from running, while turning back around to Kim, where Keeve Keeve gave her his best attempt at a lopsided grin. "Not as handsome half-frozen to death, huh?"

"Sorry to burst your bubble, but you still are just as handsome," she said. "Though, your teeth chattering like that can detract from your charm. Now, in the speeder, Shivery."

Keeve chuckled softly and tried not to seem too eager as he hurried through the open hatch. He quickly closed it behind him and briskly rubbed some life back into his hands. When Kim joined him in the vehicle he smiled aside at her and jerked his head towards the dense forest ahead. "I have somewhere to go in there. You don't mind joining me?"

"Not at all," Kim said as she reached back into the back of the speeder and came forward again holding a large cup and a bright smile. "I hope it's good; I just stopped at the first caffe shop on the way here. Drink that, and just tell me where to drive."

Keeve stared at Kim in surprise, accepting the cup absently. "Thanks," he told her, as he was at a loss for what else to say. "You're-- Thanks, Kim." Cradling the warm beverage in both hands, Keeve brought it to his lips and sipped. The heat spread in his mouth and down his throat, fending off much of the chill. He sighed contentedly and grinned at Kim. "Just straight ahead for a while is good."

"Okay," Kim said as she eased the speeder forward. As she drove, she glanced to her side at Keeve every so often, a content smile on her lips as they moved deeper and deeper into the forest. "The Jedi are in this forest, right?"

Keeve smiled enigmatically and answered, "Where do you think we're off to? There's someone there I need to speak with about...something," he trailed off. Then he looked directly at her and asked, "You don't mind, do you? And more importantly...where's Aria?"

"Zale's watching her," Kim said. "They went over to visit with Moril and Saris. I don't think Zale was very happy, but under the circumstances, there wasn't anything he could do. They'll be fine there. I think of the three of us, Saris has the best mothering instincts. And, I think I'm in the middle."

"You'll be a great mother," Keeve assured her wistfully. "And I don't think I'll ever know if I'm a good father. I haven't even been a good husband." Ashamed with himself, Keeve turned his head away to gaze out the window, asking, "I was horrible to her, wasn't I? I was overreacting, I was being ridiculous...." He smirked. "I was a brat."

Kim smiled. "You were," she said. "I think what you both need is time alone, away from Kaysa and her husbands, and me, and the house. You two should take a weekend and go away, and...and just spend time together. There's too much going on now, and too much putting a strain on everything. I think there's damage, and you and Maeren need time together to be able to heal."

"Leave you?" Keeve asked incredulously, again watching Kim. "Why the hells would I do that? You're the only thing keeping me sane, Kim. You're the only one lately who's made me feel like I'm anything but a whiny, spoiled brat. You've saved me. How could I just abandon you?"

"I was only talking for about a weekend or a little longer," Kim said with a smile as she took another peek in his direction. "I don't want you to go away, and you don't know how hard it is for me to suggest that to you, but...but I know you love Maeren and want your marriage with her to work. I'll always love you, Keeve...but I want you to be happy, and...and I think getting everything good with Maeren would make you happy, wouldn't it?"

Keeve nodded distractedly, staring hard into his caffe. "Will it make me happy," he echoed. "I don't really know about that, Kim. It all depends on what I find out at the Temple." Looking up at her, and catching her watching him fondly, Keeve admitted, "I'm going there to speak with Dargus. I didn't want you involved...but now that you're here with me, I thought you should know. If you're too afraid to go any further, just stop the speeder and drop me off. I'll understand, Kim."

"No," Kim said with a shaky sigh. "It's a part of my life that I have to face, and... And, you'll be there with me, so everything will be fine. I can...I can do this, Keeve. It'll help you, and that's what matters."

"And it'll give us all some answers," he added cryptically. "We'll both have protection there at any rate, so there's nothing to be nervous about. Nothing," Keeve murmured, seeking to comfort himself with his assurances more than he was Kim. What Dargus might reveal to him that evening could change everything, and Keeve wasn't certain he was ready for it.

They came around a large stand of trees and Kim gasped as the Jedi Temple came into view. "Wow," she whispered. "Those Jedi people all live here? It's...it's very impressive."

"They didn't build it, so not that impressive," he told her, shrugging. "You can park in the clearing there. I imagine they know we're here by now."

Kim pulled the speeder into the clearing. "Well, even if they didn't build it, it's an impressive place," Kim said, shutting down the speeder's engine. "It looks like it's been here forever."

"Just about," Keeve replied, smiling. After setting down his empty cup of caffe, Keeve turned in his seat to face Kim and took her hand into his. "You don't have to come inside, you know. He'll be there and...I don't want you to be uncomfortable or afraid, Kim. I don't want that for you."

Kim gave him a smile that removed any lingering chill from his body and made the inside of the speeder feel as if the sun had just peeked out from behind a cloud. "As long as I'm with you, Keeve, I could never be uncomfortable," she said softly.

"You're crazy," Keeve told her affectionately and chuckling. "Still, I promise he won't hurt you. I have a Jedi protector of my own." Winking at Kim, Keeve pushed open his hatch and stepped out of the speeder. As Kim was doing the same, Keeve showed up at her side, holding a hand out to assist her.

"Thank you, kind sir," Kim said with a grin as Keeve closed the hatch behind her and she let her body edge even closer to his. Even after she was standing and balanced on the snowy ground, she kept hold of Keeve's hand. As they moved toward the entrance to the Temple, Kim looked around at the area. "This is a very peaceful place. I bet it's perfect for a Jedi to train in."

"And evil bastards to pretend they're rehabilitated," he muttered sourly. They reached the snow-covered landing shortly, and although Keeve had it in his mind to make their own way in, he instead opted for the respectful approach and rapped on the solid, wooden door. "No welcome party, I guess," he quipped.

"Maybe they're all meditating," Kim said softly. Impulsively, she leaned in and kissed him. Her lips lingered against his, enjoying the warmth and closeness. "I know I shouldn't have done that," she whispered, "but I couldn't help it."

Keeve grinned. "We're not around anyone else, so there's no problem, right? And now that the secret's been revealed...." With a shrug, Keeve cupped her chin in his fingers and again raised her lips to his. It seemed all his anxieties and troubles melted away upon such blissful contact with Kim. Keeve wrapped his free arm around her waist and pulled Kim into his embrace.

As they held each other, kissing tenderly yet with a passion that seemed deeper by the moment, the door behind Kim slid open to reveal a young man in Padawan robes standing there. He regarded the two with curiousity, but let any comments about their current situation pass. After a moment, he cleared his throat and affixed a pleasant smile upon his face. "Welcome to the Jedi Temple," he said as they turned to him. "How may I assist you?"

Keeve stood straight, extricating his hold on Kim and attempting to not appear flustered. "Uh...it's, uh, Keeve Shivral. I'm a friend of Kallia's. It's kind of cold out here," he confided. "Can we come in?"

Va'Lesh took a second look and nodded with understanding. "Of course, Mr. Shivral," he said, then stepped aside so they could enter. "Please, come in. I will have Orn prepare warm beverages for you. Master Jae Dyn Brael is currently in her rooms. I will lead you there, unless you are able to find your own way."

"Sure," he answered dismissively as the two entered. "Is...Dargus around?"

"He is in the training room," Va'Lesh answered.

Keeve nodded. "Then that's where I'll be. You think you can show Kim here to Kallia's room?"

"Of course," Va'Lesh answered.

"Keeve," Kim said insistently. "I thought..."

"You thought what?" he asked seriously. "That I'd actually let Dargus get near you? Do you really want that?"

"It's not that I want him near me," she answered. "If I'm near you, it doesn't matter...because you're there. Please, Keeve, I...I want to be with you, even through this. He can't do anything to me with you there, right?"

Keeve smirked. "He can if he wants to - he has powers I can't compete against, Kim. As for would he?" He shrugged. "If he does...I'll do all I can to protect you. Now do you still want to join me?"

"I do," Kim said with a smile as she slipped her arm through his. "Besides, you have a Jedi benefactor here, right? And, besides, this place is full of Jedi...if he did try something, he wouldn't get far, I'm sure." As the words left her mouth, she realized the Temple seemed rather empty, but her spirit was undaunted, and at Keeve's side, she felt completely safe, as if nothing in the universe could harm her. "Come on, let's go talk to him. Besides, maybe having me there will put him off-balance."

"We can hope," he muttered and tipped his head at Va'Lesh. "Tell Kallia we're here, will you? The two of us will be in the training room."

"Of course," Va'Lesh answered with a bow. With that, he turned and started down the hallway that led to Kallia's room, leaving Keeve and Kim to find their way to the training room.

"Do you remember what he looks like?" Keeve asked Kim as they wandered through the corridor. "Did you ever see Dargus?"

Kim thought for a moment, then nodded. "I saw him," she said. "I remember what he looks like."

Keeve snorted wryly. "Before or after he disguised his face, the coward...."

"Oh," Kim said. "I guess I'll have to see him and see if I recognize him, then. I don't know if he changed it. From what I remember, he always looked the same."

"Did you interact with him much?" Keeve asked. "I mean, did you ever...you know...with him?"

"I think so," Kim answered, "but, I don't remember any of it."

Keeve stopped suddenly and whirled towards Kim. "You slept with him!? With Dargus?!"

Kim backed away from him suddenly. "What choice did I have, Keeve?" she said, her eyes wide with fear and sorrow. "You know what I was made to be, what I was...I...I couldn't help it, especially under those circumstances! You make it sound like I chose it!"

"Well...did you like it?!" he shouted.

"Why are you doing this to me," she shouted back, backing further away from him. "Keeve, I was a slave! I didn't know to hate it or not! I'm ashamed of it now! How would you feel if you were forced into a life, made to do things you would never do yourself? How can you even ask me that!?"

"I don't know!" he hollered back. "I just thought-- You weren't supposed to be like Maeren! You're supposed to be different. You're supposed to be...pure, Kim, untouched." Keeve took a step closer and grasped Kim by the shoulders. "Are you like her?" he asked, grief-stricken. "Are you like her, Kim? Will I not be enough for you either?"

"You're all I want, Keeve," Kim whispered back. "I...I can't even think of anyone else in that way. I don't want anyone else, Keeve...just you."

"But...Dargus," he whispered miserably. "Kim...how many times was it? Did--" Keeve sighed sharply and looked away, unable to stomach the idea of Dargus' hands on Kim. Swallowing hard, Keeve released his hold on Kim and stepped back, nearly staggering from his sudden vertigo. It seemed no one had been spared from Dargus' foul touch. Nothing was sacred, not even Kim. "I shouldn't have asked you here," Keeve murmured. "You shouldn't be here now."

She moved toward him, then reached out and took his hands. "Keeve, what happened there, I barely remember now," she said. "It's in the past, and that's where it will remain. I don't have any feelings about Dargus. He's not a part of my life, I don't want him ever to be a part of my life, and he will never be a part of my life. What he did was disgusting and cruel and all of that, but if he hadn't done that, then would we be here together now? As evil as he is, he was capable of doing something good: through part of what he did, he made it so we could be together." Tears brimmed in her eyes. "Please, Keeve, don't turn away from me because of what he did to me. I am the same person today that I was yesterday, even after what happened before. Does knowing it happened really change who I am or who you are?"

"I don't know, Kim," he answered wearily. "Right now, I don't know anything. And I won't until I talk to Dargus." Offering Kim a tired smile, he added, "We'll have to deal with it after, I suppose...right? Let's just go and talk to him... That's all we can do for now."

"Of course," Kim answered in a voice filled with sadness. "Let's go..."

He nodded and again led them through the corridor, still holding onto Kim's hand. It was all the comfort he could provide for the time being. As they drew near the training room, Keeve stiffened and his grip tightened around Kim's hand. No matter how much time passed, his hatred for Dargus would not be allayed; every day, Keeve discovered more reasons to do so, and Kim's revelation was only one of them.

---

"Cloned Secrets, Part 2"
By: Keeve Shivral
Kimara
Dargus Kandran
Jae Dyn Brael
Yara Brael

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 15, 4 ABY

***

Within the large training hall, Keeve could hear sounds of exertion - he hoped they were those of one in extreme pain. But when he pushed open the doors, there was only Dargus, his weapon, and three floating remotes firing off pulses of orange light at him. Before one could impact, he called out Dargus' name, impishly meaning to distract him from blocking.

Dargus seemed to have a greater control over his concentration, and managed to block all of the incoming attacks with his lightsaber. With a wave of his hand, he turned off the remotes and they settled back to the ground. Once they were no longer a danger, Dargus turned to face his new guests. He bowed to Keeve, and then to Kimara. "Keeve," he said, not smiling at his former adopted son because he knew that it would only infuriate the young man. "What brings you to visit me again? That is assuming you're here to see me. I had thought, from our last conversation, that you would be avoiding me."

"I would otherwise be," Keeve answered gruffly, "if I didn't have some questions for you." He tossed his head towards Kim, saying, "You should be familiar with her. She was one of the unwilling recipients of your desires."

Dargus nodded once. "Yes," he said as he took a glance, but nothing more. "You call her Kimara now."

"What did you call her?" Keeve sneered, clenching Kimara's hand to hold himself back. "You made her your whore, Dargus, just as you did Maeren at one time. Was that why you created them? So you could relive those precious moments with my wife?"

"She wasn't your wife at the time," Dargus said. "You weren't even on the planet at the time, and I'd lost the one woman to whom I would have given my heart, had I a heart to give. The clones were not made for me, at least not beyond the beginning. They would have been Joygirls for those I wished to impress and influence at the time. Maeren had qualities that many would desire, and so I captured and cultivated it in the form of clones."

"If all you wanted was pleasure slaves," Keeve rasped, "then why torment them? Why give Kim Maeren's memories? Why allow her a glimpse of the life she could have had - Maeren's life - but leave such large gaps in her memory that she doesn't know what's what!?"

Dargus took a long look at Kimara, then turned to Keeve. "At the time, it was an experiment, one that didn't work. Two clones were made from the original. At first, we had attempted to give all of the clones the original's memories. There was a problem with the procedure, however, and while the memories were transferred to the clone, the original, Maeren's own memories were affected. From what the doctor explained, it was a form of amnesia, blocking out the past. So, with that, we didn't attempt it on the second clone, the one you call Saris."

Keeve closed his eyes, shaking his head in confusion over the explanation. "Wait...you said the clone's memories were intact and Maeren began losing hers...." Opening his eyes, Keeve asked Dargus, "Then why is it that Maeren remembers everything, and Kim's memories are fragmented?"

Dargus raised an eyebrow at Keeve. "If that is the case," Dargus said with no hint of arrogance or malice, "I can only think of one reason."

Keeve went cold, for as intellectually sluggish as he was at times, Dargus validated suspicions he'd held for some time. It wasn't difficult to comprehend what he was implying. "Kim," Keeve said flatly, "you should wait in the corridor right now. This isn't for your ears."

Kim looked between the two, then nodded and hurried out of the room.

Keeve listened for Kim's retreating footsteps, and once they'd faded sufficiently, he rounded on Dargus. "She's not a clone," he rasped. "She's not the damned clone! But Maeren can't be... She's...she's exactly as Maeren was." Keeve smiled viciously. "Unless you're lying to me, Father."

"I would need to see them together to know for certain," Dargus said. "But, I assure you, Keeve, I am not lying to you. Had you not pressed me, I would not have revealed what I have because I have an inkling of the problems this information could potentially cause. I don't know if you will believe me, but I don't wish to cause your family any more pain than I already have. In fact, if there were some way now I could take back the pain I have caused, I would do so gladly."

"Pain?" he asked incredulously. "My wife isn't really my wife! How could you possibly repair that, Dargus!? What the hells possessed you? Was this another whim like turning me into an adult was?!"

"Does it matter what possessed me then?" Dargus asked. "If you're unhappy with being an adult, the procedure can be reversed." Dargus sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "What would you ask of me now, Keeve? What can I do?"

"You can tell me the truth!" he hollered and took a menacing step towards Dargus. "Is my wife really my wife, or is she standing down the hallway right now!?"

"Your wife is really your wife," Dargus answered. "Until you met her again on my cruiser, you had only ever spent a short amount of time with the woman you call Kimara."

"But Kimara used to be Maeren! That's why she remembers things Saris doesn't, isn't it?" Keeve insisted. "Isn't it!?"

Dargus nodded. "Yes," he answered. "That is correct."

"That--" Keeve watched Dargus with mouth agape, incapable of controlling his breathing. It took no more than a moment to sink in that his entire marriage had been a sham - that he hadn't even married the woman he'd fallen in love with. Instead, he'd married her replica and his real Auntie Shiv, the true Maeren Shivral, was the woman he'd worked ardently to push away. Numbly, Keeve shook his head, nearly collapsing to his knees, and whispered harshly, "What have you done, Dargus? Do you even realize?"

"I'm not sure if I do," Dargus said as he watched Keeve, uncertain if he should offer help. He doubted that Keeve would accept it if he offered. Instead, he used the Force to help bolster the young man who now regarded him as an enemy.

Chuckling bitterly, Keeve asked, "And now what am I supposed to do? How am I supposed to decide who I'm truly meant to be with?!" Keeve growled, but instead of lashing out at Dargus, he clutched at his hair. "Gods...is that why Maeren-- whoever she is! -- can't conceive? Because of you?"

"I know it won't make matters any easier," Dargus said. "I can't answer who you are meant to be with. I can say that the young woman you fell in love with as a boy, and married as a man, are no longer the same woman. When the original lost all of her memories, the clone became more of Maeren than the original. The woman you knew as Maeren as a child, without all that came before, all of her past, effectively became Kimara in reality."

"But she's Maeren!" Keeve shouted in frustration. "She's the one who took me for frazzies on my first day here. She bought me my first hoverboard, gave me my first kiss! Dammit, Dargus, you stole all that from us! I'm sleeping with a stranger and you didn't say a word!"

"What would you want me to say, Keeve," Dargus answered. "I'm sorry, I broke the woman you love? Here, have this replacement who is identical in every single way, well, mostly. The change occurred before your procedure, Keeve. During your adult life, the clone is the only Maeren you have known."

"She's not!" he lashed. "She's not my Maeren! You implanted her with these sick sexual desires. She can't even control herself, Dargus. Even as we speak she's pursuing those urges with my mother and her no good husband. You did that, Dargus! Even without trying, you're still ruining lives!"

"How is Saris?" Dargus asked softly.

Keeve scowled at him. "She's happy. What does that matter to you?"

"Does she have sick sexual desires?" Dargus asked more pointedly.

"I wouldn't know," Keeve said through clenched teeth. "I'm not the one sleeping with her."

"You're an intelligent man, Keeve," Dargus said. "Use that intelligence. I know you have a low opinion of me, and it's clouding your thoughts and judgement. I'm not just asking you inane questions for the thrill of it. My questions have a point. Now, use the intelligence you were given, and see the point I am making."

"That you screwed up with Maeren?" Keeve answered sardonically. "You did something to her, Dargus, whether it was programmed into her, or it happened after her...development," he said awkwardly, "there's something wrong with her. She's not the same woman I married."

"The doctor would need to examine her to know if something in the procedure has gone awry," Dargus said. "It is possible the cloning has destabilized, but the fact that Saris is still fine indicates that that isn't the case." Dargus sighed and looked off into the distance. "It is also possible that other factors, factors outside of the cloning are affecting her and have had a part in altering her personality to what you see now."

"What factors?" Keeve pressed, his temperament calming as his curiousity was piqued. "If you know something..."

"What situations of stress has Maeren been under since leaving the ship?" Dargus asked.

Narrowing his eyes, Keeve spat, "You're accusing me of turning her into a whore? Is that what you're saying?"

"Will you please put your hatred of me aside for fifteen minutes," Dargus said with only a slight hint of irritation. "I am trying to help you, Keeve, and the constant stream of venom is counterproductive to finding any resolution here. I am not accusing you, unless the only thing that has happened to Maeren in the last six months has been in the form of torment from you, which I seriously doubt it has. So, put that aside, and tell me what else has happened to her."

"Nothing," he insisted in frustration. "Although there was the wedding, where you almost caused her death, then there was Zale's idiot brothers nearly raping her." Keeve chuckled dryly, adding sarcastically, "And how could we forget her inability to bear children, and your twisted protégés sending some bantha turd into her bedroom at night to forcibly pierce her, but only after luring her to their apartment to seduce her. Now, you can't dare tell me, after all that, that I had anything to do with this!" After the words left his lips, Keeve stopped and with realization he shifted his stunned gaze to Dargus. "I had nothing to do with it," he whispered. "Y-You didn't either. But...but it can't be. She can't have suddenly become sex-crazed because of all that! It...maybe she was predisposed to it all in some way. Maybe it was her programming!"

"Not entirely the programming," Dargus said, "though it is very likely the events she has been forced to endure have triggered something. Saris may not be experiencing the same thing because she has not had to endure the same things." He looked up and met Keeve's gaze. "What can I do, Keeve? I'll do whatever is within my power to do..."

Keeve sighed and pressed his thumb and forefinger into the corner of his eyes to fend off his sudden exhaustion. "It's all a mess...I don't know what I want to do. She's...she's not even the woman I knew anymore - she's a fake, and the original is waiting outside this door right now, not even knowing she's the woman I fell in love with as a child. I just...I have no idea."

"I'm not the person I was before, Keeve," Dargus said. "I know it is difficult to believe, but it is the truth. I want to help if there is any way I am able to. I can contact the doctor if that would make any difference. I know my presence would be unwelcome, but this is a mess I caused, and I honestly do wish to make amends. I do not know how to put right all the pain and suffering I have caused, but I will do what I am able." He linked his hands behind his back, assuming a more relaxed pose. "From what I can see, what you want to do is clear. The effects of that choice, should you pursue it, is where the difficulty lies."

"Kim," he whispered. "I...I can't do this to her again. We've just gotten close.... If I set her aside again to figure out why my wife is malfunctioning, it'll destroy her. I mean, I do love Maeren still...I-I think." Biting his lip in frustration, Keeve shook his head. "I love Kim, too. And I've sworn that I'll only ever be with one woman...but how do I know which is the right one?"

"If there were an answer to that question, the universe would be a very different place," Dargus answered. "You are in what is most likely one of the most difficult positions a man can ever be in. Knowing that you can only be with one, yet loving two women. And, I know you know this, but even though she is a clone, Maeren is just as real as Kimara."

"But they're so different," he explained in true agony. "Kim's what Maeren used to be, what I fell in love with. Even though Maeren's troubled...I still feel devoted to her. Especially now, how can I just let her go? She'd be devastated. But...is making the wrong decision for the sake of sparing one or the other's feelings worth my misery?" Keeve laughed wryly. "Or is that what I deserve?"

"You don't deserve misery," Dargus said. "I guess I would suggest that you not try to take this on all by yourself. Talk with both of them, and work through it together. In the end, you may have to consign yourself to love more than one woman. I am not sure if taking that road would be too difficult for you, since you have promised yourself only to be with one."

"Of course it's difficult!" he exclaimed. "How can I give attention to two women? How can I divide my heart like that? It wouldn't be fair to any of us. And besides," he muttered, "it would be...weird, the three of us together. I...I couldn't do that."

"That you admit to loving them both," Dargus said, "shows that your heart is already divided. All that would be required from then would be giving each the attention of your heart. You will have to choose one or the other. I don't know the answers, Keeve; I wish I did. Do you believe you could give up Maeren to be with Kimara?"

"Right now, with everything that's going on?" He sighed unsteadily. "I'm afraid to admit...that I could, Dargus. I just could..."

Dargus nodded. "At least, if you were to do that, Maeren would have the others to help her through it. Were it the other way around, I don't think Kim would. It would be best if neither could be hurt by this, but I don't believe there is any way around it. Will you tell them both the truth of their circumstances now?"

"I can't!" Keeve answered abruptly. "I mean...what could I say? 'Sorry, Maeren, you're actually a clone and Kim's the real you'? Look how I've handled it - how do you think they will?"

Dargus nodded. "And, I hope now, after the time that has passed, you can understand why I said nothing."

"You should've at least told me sooner," he grumbled, but with not a hint of rancor in his voice now. "I...I'll have to think about all this. But Kim's probably waiting for me...." Sighing, Keeve said, "She'll be asking me what we talked about. What do I say?"

"You could inform her that we spoke about the cloning procedures, and you wanted to know why she has part of Maeren's memories. The procedure wasn't entirely successful, which is true."

"So she'll keep thinking she's a clone, that she'll still have to constantly compete with Maeren for my affections because she's not the real thing." Keeve sighed. "It's cruel."

"Do you think you could trust her to share the truth with her," Dargus asked. "It's a big risk, but if you wish to keep the truth secret from the others, but feel that the two of you can live with hiding it from others. Unfortunately, you can't have it both ways, but there may be something somewhere in the middle that will work."

"Yeah," Keeve mused. "You're right.... I think Kim could handle it. Sometimes, I trust her more than I do Maeren. And I know she wouldn't tell a soul. I just don't know if she'd want to know."

"She knows that she's a clone of Maeren," Dargus said. "Or, that is the belief she holds currently. Have you ever noticed where that belief appears to bother her?"

"When it concerns me," Keeve admitted. "She's not Maeren and wishes she were...only in that Maeren has me and she doesn't."

"That's good," Dargus said. "It does not sound as if it's a concern then. Only your heart." Dargus tentatively reached out a hand and placed it on Keeve's shoulder. "Were all that I just said false, and Kimara truly was a clone, would that change your feelings for her?"

Tensing at Dargus' touch, but not pulling away, much to his surprise, Keeve answered, "It changes nothing. I love her because she's Kim. I fell in love with her as a clone. So...if you're lying - and you'd be a bastard to do it," Keeve reminded him with a glare, "it wouldn't make a difference in how I feel."

"Good," Dargus said with a smile. "All I have said is the truth, and Kimara is not a clone. And, I am glad to hear that you love her because of who she is, not what she is. I do not believe telling her would make any difference, unless keeping the information to yourself would drive you mad."

Keeve laughed weakly. "It already is. But telling Kim will at least help." Smiling tightly, Keeve pulled away from Dargus. "I should go find her. I guess...well...thanks for telling me this, for telling the truth."

"You're welcome," Dargus said with a bow. "I hope that this might help to at least start us on a path to mend the damage done between us. And, I hope you can see now that I am trying to be a decent person."

"Just...one thing at a time, Dargus," Keeve advised. "My life's already complicated enough." Then, Keeve quirked a smile and added, "But...we'll see in time, hm?" Without lingering long enough for the moment to grow uneasy, Keeve gave Dargus one last nod and departed the training room.

"Good luck, Keeve," Dargus called after him, then with a smile he turned back to the remotes, happy to feel that he may have taken a step forward with the young man he had once called son. Even though his workout was finished, he decided to give Keeve, Kallia, and Kimara some time alone without the stress of his presence.

---

"The Way of All Things"
By: Kel Denab

Location: Various places offworld, Thanatos, and Arcadia
Date: Vadris 15-17, 4 ABY

***

Kel searched silently, reading as fast as he could the information that was scrolling across the screen he had hacked into. He was at the planet his sister and her now dead husband used to live, and finally, finally, he had caught a lead that could possibly open his entire search open. He had found that a careless hacker had left his call signature, and now Kel was retracing it. Unfortunately, whomever this was, they were good at covering the rest of their tracks. He had been working at this for quite some time, what seemed like hours anyway, in a darkened political building on this forsaken world.

What seemed like hours later, but perhaps it was only minutes, Kel got a location for the person who hacked into this computer system. Somebody by the name of Threelo had apparently compromised this system, and erased all connections to Jordan's husband. His search would start there. Searching some additional databanks, it appeared this Rodian was based back on his home planet, in Thanatos. He smirked a little, the seedier side of the planet, someplace the faint of heart rarely entered. He quickly erased any and all records of him being there, and grabbed his helmet, heading out to his speeder.

Kel rode back to his ship, which had entered the system and landed undetected. He did not want to raise any possible flags that these people may have, tipping them off in any possible way. Kel pulled his speeder into the cargo hold of his ship, and strode to the cockpit. He keyed in a few things, and then looked at his sensor readout. Nothing out of the ordinary was on the scope, and he began the lift off procedure. A few moments later, he was in hyperspace. Things were getting interesting with this whole mess. He wondered what his former brother in law had gotten in to that stirred up a hornets nest such as this. Standing up, Kel walked to the back to catch some rest before he arrived at Chimaeria.

***Next Day***

Kel landed his ship at one of the docking yards in Thanatos, and paid the docking fee. He strode down the ramp, and made sure his mandalorian helmet was still on. He was quite pleased that he spent the credits to purchase the mandalorian armor and helmet, it had saved his life more than a few times. It was not overly sophisticated, as some can be, but it was functional, and it was good at making people part before him, as the last person to wear this type of armor so openly in public was Boba Fett.

His target lay ahead, located in one of the many cantina's in this city. His sensor read out indicated that there were multiple Rodians located inside, and he would have to visually compare them to a picture projected in his helmet. As Kel entered, he knew various eyes turned to look at him, then turned back to what they were doing. It was best this way, keeping his actual identity hidden from prying eyes. He scanned the room, then spotted a Rodian that visually fit the person he wanted. Walking over, her stood beside the group at the table. "I am here to speak to Threelo," Kel said.

"And who is asking?" the Rodian closest to him said in his native language, not looking away from his companions.

"Someone who needs information," Kel said, reaching out with a gloved hand and grabbing him by the throat. He was not in the mood for games right now, and Rodians had a nasty habit of talking a lot without saying anything.

"Perhaps I have information, perhaps I do not," Threelo said, his heart rate starting to speed up slightly. He knew the people at his table were discreetly getting ready to draw their blasters.

"I know you have it, because I tracked your piss poor hack," Kel said, squeezing tighter. "As for the rest of you, I see one more millimeter of movement, and I'll blow your head off," he said coolly, the vo-coder masking his voice effectively, and making it sound like permacrete. "Threelo and I are going to step outside and have a talk," he added, dragging the Rodian out into the street. Kel threw him up against an alley wall, and stood facing down at Threelo. "I want information about the murder of Jordan Jesu's husband," he said. "And I want no lies."

"I will never tell you anything about that," Threelo said.

"I can make your life miserable," Kel said to him. "Then I will kill you slowly."

"Whatever you do to me, will be better than what they would do if they found out I told," Threelo said. "I would rather die by your hands."

"Oh, if you do not tell me, I will leak out that you are a snitch, and gave away information on an employer. People will not care about particulars, but as you know, in your business, that information would have you on the run for the rest of your life," Kel said.

"I would kill myself if that happened, at least then it would be a fast death," he replied.

Kel did not have time for this. He pulled out a pistol, and shot a truth dart into Threelo's body. "In a moment, you will tell me everything I need to know anyway," Kel said. "That serum was used by the empire quiet effectively. The only thing it would not work well against were those that were force sensitive, and could fight the toxic effects. You would give away your own bank account number if I asked for it," Kel said, helping to further weakening the Rodian's constitution. "Now, tell me, who ordered the killing?"

"A...a group inside the government of their home planet. Deron Jesu was making waves, calling for a new government, saying that the current one was corrupt. He had proof as well, they wanted him removed." Threelo did not want to tell this person, this bounty hunter, this information, but he could not help it!

"Who heads this organization?" Kel asked, his helmet recording the entire thing so he could play it back later.

"No...I do not recall...wait...."

"Tell me."

"His wife did....that was the only person who could get at Deron without raising warning systems. She also killed him. They were married for convenience only. She...she was always seen in the organization with another man, by the name of Klutu Jore."

Kel felt the life suck out of him. His sister, a murderer and conspirator? How could she come into his house on the pretext that she would be killed?

"Then why did she run, if she was in on this?"

"Something about...needing sympathy, and a way in to a neighboring system, this system. They wanted to establish themselves on this planet as well, and begin corrupting the government internally."

"How do you know all of this?" Kel asked, growing angrier by the moment.

"I am still on their payroll, I am not only a hacker, but I am also one of their insiders who is supposed to help set up shop on this planet."

Kel had heard enough. He did not need further evidence. His sister was heading an interplanetary crime ring, which started to explain various things. Why she was out until late at night, why she was seen with various men at times, she was recruiting.. she knew that she had spent some time out with some fairly powerful people in Arcadia. And now, now...the final piece to the puzzle. He shut off the recorder, and turned, walking away. "Your information was most helpful," Kel said as he left Threelo by the side of the alley. Kel needed some time to think. With this, he would confront Jordan, and make her answer for the death and destruction that she was leaving in her wake.

***Hours later***

Kel walked in to his apartment, and looked around. Jordan was not present. He walked over to the console she generally used, and called up the last few communiqués she had made. The last one was timed but 30 minutes ago, to one of the planetary senators. She was undoubtedly spending 'quality' time with him. Kel quickly pulled up a list he had, and made his way through the busy streets for the senators' local apartment. The anger flowed freely through him at this point, he saw nothing more than revenge, and hurt. His own sister, deceiving him. HIM! One of the few people in her life that would have loved her unconditionally, she had slapped in the face and was just using him for her own personal gains.

Kel took the lift up to the upper tier apartment complexes, and searched for the one he wanted. Finally, at the end, the largest apartment was where she should be. He switched on his thermal and UV filters, and scanned the room. He recognized the shape of his sister, in bed screwing the senator. He ground his teeth, and blasted open the door. He strode in through the shower of sparks and the wafting smoke, blaster still drawn. The senator and his sister ran out, covered only in sheets, clear panic on their face.

"Wh...whatever you want, I can pay you double what you're being paid right now!" the senator stammered out.

"You are not my concern, senator. Your morals perhaps are corrupt, but you are not what I want," Kel said, turning to Jordan. He reached up, and activated the external projector, playing the entire scene with Threelo for her.

"But...how could you have traced it back to him?" Jordan asked, clearly even more shaken at this point.

"He was sloppy on his hack," Kel replied coolly. "I never thought you would betray your own family, just to further your own personal gains," he said. "That is what hurt the most, Jordan, and why I must stop you from destroying this planet, and destroying me in the process," he said.

"Kel? Oh my god..." she said softly, realizing finally that it was her brother. There was, unfortunately, no way out of this for her.

"You will answer for your deception, 'sister,' " he said coldly. Kel knew in his mind what he had to do, but his heart was screaming in pain at the thought. Almost in a slow motion action, he raised his blaster, and shot Jordan squarely in the chest, sending her crumpling to the floor, the life escaping her. Kel almost thought he could see something leave her, almost like her essence. Kel felt himself go numb, completely numb. Reaching down, he scooped up Jordan's now limp body, leaving the sheet wrapped around her. "Breathe a word of this, senator, and I will have you laughed out of the senate, and cast out of your precious city, divorced, and begging on a street corner," Kel said, and walked out of the gaping hole that used to be a door.

Kel held the now lifeless form of his sister as he walked out into the streets below, completely numb. People looked at him, carrying the body, and some were repulsed by it, others thought it was just another bounty being collected. Still others were intrigued as to what was going on, this supposed Mandalorian carrying the lifeless body of a beautiful woman through the streets of the capital city. Kel was not completely certain where he was going, to be honest, but somehow, he found himself in front of his own apartment.

He stood there for a moment, his mind trying to catch up to the events that have played out over the past two days, but it could not make any sense of it. For all his experience, for all he had seen, and all his intelligence, his mind could not overcome the screaming within his own heart. Now, there were two gaping wounds to be found there, the killing of his sister joining the death of his fiancée. Neither he could prevent, and both had been important women in his life. But, this one..this one was different. He had actually killed Jordan, out of anger, out of rage, and out of love. Taken her life completely, and watched her take her last breath, paying for the crime of deceit, betrayal, and murder. Without her, he was sure the organization would collapse, or find someone new to take her place as leader and provocateur. But that did not matter to him.

Kel put her into his speeder, and headed for the forested parts of Chimaeria. There, he might be able to find solace, and put her to rest amongst the wilds. He would tell their parents that she was missing, and he could not find her, or something. They would be broken hearted, but not as much as if he told them the truth, that she had killed Deron, a son-in-law that they enjoyed. Now, nothing of that branch of the family existed, completely wiped out. She would become but a distant memory to most, except to him, where the wound would follow him forever.

***Hours Later, Night Time***

Kel found a spot, deep within the forests, with which to bury Jordan. He spent about 40 minutes digging a deep hole, and put her body in it, covering it carefully. Kel sat down beside her makeshift grave, and took his helmet off, laying it beside the freshly disturbed soil. Tears came down his face finally, his heart overtaking his mind. He picked up a rock, and threw it out of pure anger at a tree, hearing it hit and ricochet off into the forest. Kel snapped up his helmet, and started walking, leaving the grave unmarked, and in a few months, no one would even know it existed in this place, this sanctuary.

He continued walking, his thoughts filled with anger, sorrow, hate, all the emotions in the world, each chipping away little bits of him, leaving the wound he felt open and bleeding. Kel walked for hours, or was it days? His mind was lost in cloudiness, and he had no sensations. Finally, the grief overtook him, and he collapsed, somewhere in the forest.

Little did he know, he was but a few hundred feet from the Jedi Academy.

---

"Preparing for Battle"
By: Rylaa Lyssander - PC
Lani Vissip - NPC+
Lorgal - NPC+

Location: New Plouton
Date: Vadris 15, 4ABY

***

Lorgal walked into the hotel room snacking on a sandwich. The smell of ozone struck him and he grew wary. He scanned the main living room quickly but nothing was revealed. Then he noticed smoke issuing slightly from underneath the door leading to Rylaa's quarters.

The barabel dropped his sandwich and leapt for the door, slapping the access panel. The door flooshed open and smoke billowed out. He held his breath and waved a hand through the smoke, feeling for the heat that would foretell a fire. When he felt none, he took several steps into the room. A dim shape could be made out, the shape of an astromech droid. It wasn't moving.

Barabels are known for their amazing strength and thick armor-like skin, and Lorgal was no exception. He clamped his arms around Credit and lifted him easily off the floor. He carried him out of the bedroom and into the living room before letting the air in his lungs slip out and taking a deep breath. Credit appeared to be powered down, and a wisp of smoke still filtered out from a small hatch.

The room comm chirped and a voice said, "Sirs, there are palace troopers on their way up, they wish to question you." Lorgal figured Credit had done something stupid, and he also knew Rylaa was currently at the palace. The boss would not like his droid to be damaged and neither would he like the troopers to be damaged, so Lorgal made the quickest decision of his long life.

He wrapped his arms around Credit again, heaving the droid's bulk onto his shoulders. Then he took a small communicator out of his pocket, the one that allowed him to remotely control his speederbike, and charged the window. The barabel's mass, combined with the added weight from Credit, was enough to buckle the transparisteel window and shatter it like glass.

Down, down, down he fell. A full 50 floors whipped past him and many more were to come. He repeatedly thumbed the large red button on the communicator, praying to gods unknown that his bike answered the call and soon. Another 34 floors had gone past when Lorgal heard the familiar roar of his swoop engines. With some effort, he was able to right his body and land square into the seat. He grunted from the impact and his eyes crossed at the pain. Then he realized that he had made it, that he had done the impossible, even to the point of keeping the droid with him. With a yelp of glee, he jacked the bike into overdrive and sped off into the city.

***Rylaa's hoverlimo, New Plouton***

Rylaa and Lani sat in quiet on the way back to the hotel. Rylaa used the time to go over everything that had happened in the palace. The contract, the deal, and especially the lovely young woman who was obviously insane and held this world in her hands. He knew that all the data he requested was currently being forwarded to his offices, though they knew not what it was for. Sergeant Two-Thumbs would have to be contacted, of course, in order to provide the command vehicle and troops. I have to remember to sign him on contract with the company, and insist that he pick up his recruiting efforts. Also, he needs to change his title, most grunts won't follow a sergeant.

Lani let Rylaa sit and think, she knew he needed it. Inwardly, though, she fumed at what they might have to do. She swore to herself that she would never again kill innocents, and now that's just what Rylaa was going to do. Maybe he's working on a way out of it, she though. Maybe he doesn't want to do it either.

"Rylaa?" Lani asked, breaking the silence.

"Yeah, what's up?" he replied.

"You aren't actually going to do it, are you?"

"Do what?" He looked up her, sitting across from him in the limo.

"Attack those people that the Empress said. The Kir'Thana."

"Yeah, yeah I am. I'm going to do just what she wants for now because it's safer that way."

"You mean you're going to slaughter them? Women and children too?" She asked the question incredulously, like she couldn't believe what she had just heard.

The question set Rylaa off, this was his decision and he would not have it refuted. Not my Lani, not by anyone! "Yes I am! Blast it, Lani, don't you understand? Those people are nothing, they are almost worse than nothing. Criminals descended from criminals. I know all about them, remember I've been learning about this rock since the day we escape from the giant trash heap in orbit." He didn't mean to yell, honestly, but the more he spoke, the louder he got. Every word angered more. "This deal is what's important to me, not a few squatters gallivanting out in the desert. Fuck them!"

Lani was taken aback by the verbal torrent. Rylaa never yelled at her, never in all the time they had known each other. It angered her, but she understood. She knew what he was going through, that he had his own demons to fight. But she still wanted to respond, to yell at him back. Instead, for a reason she herself didn't know, she didn't say anything.

The comm in Rylaa's pocket chirped quietly. He yanked it out and growled , "What?" Lorgal's voice came back out at him, wind whipped in the background. "Boss, don't go back to the hotel. Palace troopers raided the room and I don't know what all they found. Most of my stuff is here on my bike, so they probably don't know about me. Well, except for the fact the window is broken out."

Rylaa swore violently in three different languages, this day just kept getting better and better. Fortunately the majority of what he owned stayed on the Getaway, including any documents that might have his name on them. He knew that Credit had reserved the room under the name Tobias Ambrose but he wasn't sure how well that would stack up. "Lorgal, head to the Ares building, we'll meet up there. Call the hotel, use the secure link, and tell them they know nothing about us. Tell them that we'll pay every human staff member a grand each if they button up, and the manager will personally receive five grand. Got that?"

"Yeah, boss, got it."

"Good." He stuffed the comm back in his pocket and glared out the window. "Driver, take us to Ares." Somehow, this whole thing had to do with Credit. The little droid had found a way into the palace and been the one that set off the alarms. He looked over at Lani and said, "If she finds out we're connected to this, we're dead."

Lani only nodded, unsure of what to say.

"Either way, we go ahead as planned." The limo pulled up in front of the Ares headquarters and Rylaa got out, not waiting for the driver. "Let's get started, there's a lot to do."

---

"Dancing Away Sorrows, Part 1"
By: Cadwin Tarell
Kaysa Zenarr
Maeren Shivral

Location: The Nightclub "Thruster" - Yelldon, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 15, 4 ABY

***

The pounding beat thrummed through the club, pulsing in time with the lightshow playing out overhead. Revellers in various states of dress and undress moved, undulating as the music washed through them, coming together like waves in the ocean. Revellers of a different sort mingled near the bar, throwing back exotic coloured liquids with abandon.

A single trio of revellers wove their way through the crowd, hands linked as bodies couldn't help moving along with the pulse of the club. Two appeared in high spirits, the third was in the process of being cheered up by the other two. It seemed to be having some effect, though still slight at this stage.

As they neared the bar, Cadwin slipped his arms around the waists of his two women. He couldn't help but think of them as his now, especially after how Maeren was treated by Keeve earlier. He kissed their cheeks as he guided them toward the bar from which alcohol flowed freely. "Time for some heavier duty cheering up, I think," he called as he steered them toward the end where a personal acquaintance worked. With the skill of a master, he managed to brush each of his hands against the breasts of his women. He felt a stirring at his core (among other places) as his fingers felt nothing but flesh beneath the thin fabrics of their shirts. It would be a night of fun and frolicking, that was certain. "It's time to toast to a night of carefree enjoyment and roll up another round of fun."

"And Shiv agrees wholeheartedly," Kaysa told the girl pointedly, leaning around Cadwin to smile at her. "Come on, everything will look brighter after a couple of Steaming Passions!"

"Do you think...do you think he was really upset," Shiv asked. "He...he looked upset enough to leave me, I think. You don't think he would, do you? He...oh gods, Kaysa, what will I do?

"You," Kaysa told her while reaching behind Cadwin to stroke her rear, "are going to have a drink, smoke a little Spice...and you'll forget the entire thing even happened."

Shiv took in a deep breath and nodded. "Okay," she said, then gave Kaysa a smile. The love she felt for the mother of her husband surged back as it always did when she looked into Kaysa's eyes. "Come on, then," she said. "Let's have a good time and I can forget about the problems for a bit."

Laughing musically, Kaysa and Shiv were steered towards the bar and in no time two Steaming Passions - Kaysa's without liquor - were set down before them, while Cadwin was served a straight shot of rum. Kaysa spied his beverage enviously as she stuck dolefully to her abstinence of alcohol. When he tossed back the tempting, golden liquid, she sipped unenthusiastically at her own drink.

After Cadwin finished off his drink, he ordered another and checked on Kaysa and Shiv's drinks. "You two set for now," he asked. "Hey, love, why that unhappy look? I think you need a nicely rolled, Spice cigarra. What do you say?" He held it out to her enticingly.

Kaysa's dazzling smile was coaxed out by the Spice roll, and with glee she snatched it from Cadwin's fingers while hanging off his neck by one arm. "You always did know how to cheer a girl up," she husked against his ear.

"Especially when that girl is you," Cadwin said with a grin. "That's even better than what we had at home. And, still completely recreational. I really don't understand our son's distaste for it. It's not as if it's addictive or causes any debilitating defects, well, unless you count the sudden and inexplicable urges to remove your clothes and get rather heated and hot with someone else."

Kaysa chuckled throatily and brought her face forward to whisper, "That's for later. Now" --she stepped back and trapped the cigarra between her lips-- "light me up, baby, and don't forget our star over here either."

Cadwin held the lighter out to Kaysa and lit up the cigarra she was holding out to him. He smiled lovingly at her as she inhaled the sweet smoke from it. "Like I said, the good stuff," he said as he passed another cigarra over to Maeren and lit it for her. "Now, isn't this better than sitting at home?"

Shiv nodded and gave a slight smile. "Yes," she said softly. "Thank you."

"Oh, stop pouting!" Kaysa chided. "Keeve was just a little miffed. He'll be back after he's blown off some steam, don't you worry." Drawing in another lungful of spice, Kaysa grinned at her female lover and pressed her body into Shiv's. Fingers tangled in the girl's blonde hair, Kaysa covered Shiv's lips with her own and slowly exhaled the sweet smoke, which flowed from her own mouth to her lover's. As Kaysa pulled away, she chuckled giddily and caressed her girl's cheek. "Enjoy," she purred.

"Thanks," Shiv said, then smiled. "This is very good, Cadwin, thank you."

"My pleasure," Cadwin said with a smile. "And yours of course."

"Oh, not quite yet," Kaysa corrected him playfully. "First, we dance." Chuckling, she nipped at his bottom lip. "Then the pleasuring begins." Winking at her lovers, Kaysa sashayed past them with hips swaying alluringly. The dancefloor awaited.

Maeren watched Kaysa until she was about ten meters away, then with a sigh and a shake of her head, she got up and followed her out. She started moving with the music, cigarra still in hand, once she hit the floor and danced her way toward where Kaysa was already waiting. "Nice music," she said, nearly shouting so her voice could be heard over the thumping and screeching. "I wish Keeve liked coming to places like this."

Kaysa shrugged apologetically as she moved against her lover. "I'm sorry, Shiv...you won't be able to change him. You know how stubborn he's always been. But" --she grinned and dragged her lips over Shiv's cheek-- "you can take me here anytime you want."

"I know," Shiv said with a grin. "I just wished he wouldn't come uncorked when I go out. Next time, I'm going to ask him to come with us, since he fights it. I deserve to have time like this whether he wants to or not."

"I don't think it's the going out that bothers him," Kaysa told her. "I think it's the Cadwin part of the equation he minds."

"I wish he weren't so stubborn," Shiv said with a shake of her head. "And, I wish he didn't hate so many people. He's always so...so angry."

"He's had a lot happen in his life in such a short time," Kaysa explained. "He went from being a child of ten to an adult.... That's bound to have left some deficiencies in his ability to deal with adult situations." Smiling warmly, Kaysa took Shiv's hand and squeezed it. "Come on...just have fun tonight. The point of this outing was to make you smile, not worry!"

"I just want things to be good with Keeve again, that's all," Maeren said. "Oh...fun. Just have fun, Shiv. That's your goal tonight. Have fun. It's easy. I always have fun, right? A little bit of spice, a little bit of dancing, and people who care about me."

"Gods," Kaysa groaned, dropping Shiv's hand and stepping back. "You're a drag." Then, she grinned. "Let's get another drink." And backed towards the bar again, moving to the music's rhythm as she went. "Come on, Shiv! No more frowning!"

Shiv forced herself to smile and moved along with Kaysa, taking another drag from the cigarra as she did. She could feel it taking effect, freeing her inhibitions and making some of the doubts fall away. She moved more easily with the music and even heard herself laughing.

Tapping the bar and gaining the tender's attention, Kaysa called out an order of two more Steaming Passions. This time, however, she rather neglected to request one without alcohol, but upon remembering, Kaysa failed to tell the bartender, especially when Cadwin's strong arms wound about her waist. She chuckled and leaned back against him. "Oh, Shiv...what large hands you have... Though, I could certainly put those to good use...."

"Not quite," came Cadwin's whispered voice as he brushed his fingers against her mound. "Though, if you want her in here, I'm sure she'll oblige you."

Kaysa sighed and lay her head upon his shoulder. "I'd rather if you did," she whispered. "Though if you keep this up, we won't be in this place for long."

"Is that such a bad thing," Cadwin murmured. "I think this place has some back rooms. The three of us could go into the back and get very comfortable."

"Uh huh," Kaysa breathed. She covered Cadwin's hand with her own and guided it deeper between her legs. "She'll need another drink before that happens. The girl's miserable."

"One more Steaming Passion, coming up," Cadwin said as his hands workedg a special kind of magic in just the way he knew Kaysa liked. "And, one more for Maeren too."

Chuckling huskily, Kaysa seized her drink from the barkeep's hand and shifted in Cadwin's arms to press the length of her body against his. "You know, dear," she reminded him teasingly, "I'm really not supposed to ingest alcohol." Kaysa leaned in until her grinning lips were touching Cadwin's to confide, "It makes me more wild than you can handle, I'm afraid."

"Oh, trust me," Cadwin answered as his hands went to her hips, "I can handle quite a bit...and wild is my middle name."

Kaysa eyed the frothy, pink beverage, and her mouth watered at the sight. Associating with Cadwin was reawakening all her old desires and bad habits, but there was always that voice in the back of her mind whispering, "It's just one...you can handle it." Then, Zale's stern, disapproving visage would flash before her, and Kaysa was left pouting. "I can't," she groaned, stepping back and handing Cadwin her drink. "He'd kill me if I did."

"Very well," Cadwin said with a smile. "More for me. And, I happen to feel that the experience will be far more pleasurable without numbing your senses with alcohol...but Spice is perfectly fine, since it heightens it like you wouldn't believe. You want to hand this one over for Maeren? Then, once she's finished, we can retire to a room and really put a smile on her face."

Kaysa chuckled and nuzzled the tip of her nose against Cadwin's. "A little dancing first? Then," she whispered, her lips brushing his, "the rooms. It'll give us more time to warm Shiv up to the idea."

"Sounds perfect," Cadwin said with a grin. "You get her out dancing, I'll go roll us a couple more and meet you out there. Sound good?"

"Sure," she answered cheerfully, and pushing her hips into his, Kaysa engaged her husband in a fervent kiss. She certainly had missed his touch and looked forward to becoming further reacquainted with it later that evening. Laughing softly, she pulled back and patted Cadwin's bulging groin. "Hold that thought and we'll pick up where we left off later."

"Promise," Cadwin said with a grin as he cupped her backside. "Now, while you're seeing to raising her spirits, I'm going to make sure we have enough fun to last us all the way until morning."

"And here I thought I'd finally catch a good night's sleep away from Aria," Kaysa quipped. Laughing, she squirmed free of Cadwin's grip and sauntered to the dancefloor, where Shiv was dancing, but only with moderate enthusiasm. She thrust out the Passion towards her girl. "Drink. You're not smiling nearly enough!"

Shiv took the drink and swallowed down a large gulp. "I can't help it if I'm still worried," she said. She gave Kaysa a big smile, then laughed. "See? I'm trying."

"I know, and I'm glad," Kaysa told her. Grinning mischievously, she looped her arms around Shiv's neck and drew herself against her lover. "Now, listen," she whispered into her ear as they swayed to the beat being pounded out by the synths, "Cadwin...well...he's wondering if you'd like to join us in a bit. You know...for some alternate forms of recreation." Kaysa chuckled deeply.

"Tonight's all about fun, right?" Shiv asked with a grin to match Kaysa's. "Sure. Tonight, I'm all about recreation."

"Good," Kaysa breathed, her hot, spice-sweetened breath falling upon Shiv's cheek. "Do you want another cigarra? I think Cadwin's waiting in the back with them." Parting their tightly pressed bodies as she stepped back, Kaysa smiled desirously at Shiv. "Don't disappoint, Shiv," she advised. "We're all a little hungry, after all."

"Yes," Shiv breathed, a stirring within flushing her cheeks as she held Kaysa's gaze. "Have I ever disappointed before? Don't answer...I won't tonight." She grinned with a mixture of mischievousness and sexual heat. She glanced down at the drink her her hand, then reached over and planted it in the hand of a passing reveler. "You'll see."

"Then show me." Holding out her hand, Shiv was offered one final choice: to accept, or reject, though with as lazily as Shiv was smiling at her, Kaysa didn't doubt what her girl's decision would be. "Come on," she whispered. "Forget about him for a while. It's time for your own happiness, Shiv."

With only the slightest hint of hesitation, Shiv slipped her hand into Kaysa's while her other teasingly slid down her sides and curved inward until it slid between her thighs. As Kaysa drew her nearer, Shiv began to move with the music, her body's desires taking hold as she returned down the path she and Kaysa had walked many times before she and Keeve had joined.

---

"Dancing Away Sorrows, Part 2"
By: Cadwin Tarell
Kaysa Zenarr
Maeren Shivral

Location: The Nightclub "Thruster" - Yelldon, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 15, 4 ABY

***

Kaysa sighed contentedly and reached out to trace the curves of Shiv's breasts with one hand. "My girl's finally come back to me," she whispered. "I've missed you, my star."

Shiv leaned close. "I don't blame you," she whispered. With a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, she pressed herself to Kaysa, kissing her passionately. "Oh, Kaysa, I've missed you too. You have no idea how much."

"Then I hope you don't mind being shared," Kaysa told her playfully. "Cadwin's had his eye on you for some time." And even as she mentioned it, Kaysa began leading them away from the dancefloor, still conforming their movements to the music's sensual tempo.

"I noticed," Shiv said with a laugh. "Earlier, when we were coming through the club, he had his hands all over my breasts, well one of them. He's got nice hands."

"Just don't let Keeve know that," she advised. "I don't think he'll ever love Cadwin, and that certainly won't help."

"Oh, don't worry," Shiv said with a wry laugh. "Keeve doesn't like anything fun, and I think it's best if he doesn't know about it. I don't know what his problem is, but he's a permanent grouch."

"It's only because he loves Kim and stubbornly refuses to sleep with her," Kaysa explained plainly.

"That's true," Shiv said with a laugh. "He's strange that way."

Kaysa smiled significantly at Shiv. "Yeah...though I doubt you mind one bit that he's refusing Kim's advances. When you saw that footage today, you were jealous. Admit it!"

"I was shocked, and...and yes...but, look at me. I mean, I'm out here with you and Cadwin. Even if I was jealous, it's not fair for me to be with the people I want, and he can't."

Kaysa halted unexpectedly, leading Shiv to bump her from behind slightly. "Wait," she said in utter disbelief and swung around to face her. "Did I hear you right? Are you sure you're the real Shiv, the one who isn't satisfied if her bed doesn't have at least four people in it?"

"I am," Shiv said with a laugh. "It's just that...I mean, if I can, he should be able to. That's fair, right?"

"It's fair," she answered, "but...is that what you want?"

"I want to be happy with Keeve, Kaysa," Shiv said. "Whatever that takes, I think I want it. I don't know...I'm just afraid...afraid that making him happy will mean I have to lose a part of myself, a big part."

Kaysa cradled Shiv's cheek in one hand and smiled knowingly. "Parts like this? I don't know my son very well, Shiv...but I do know that if you give him what he wants, you can't ever go back. Will that make you happy?"

"No, it won't," Shiv whispered. "How could it? I mean, he's...he's really great, Kaysa. I love him very much. But he's so...so different than me."

"Isn't that what drew you to him, though?" Kaysa asked gently. "Do you remember why you did?"

"Not really our differences," Shiv said. "When he was a little boy still, he was angry, but he was still so full of life. He used to sing songs with Elf, and ride around on his hoverboard. And now...he's so serious, and always mad. It's like whatever Dargus did with him to make him an adult, it stole all of the joy from his life. Now everything is obligation and duty, and he's incapable of even considering something that might be fun and enjoyable."

"Have you thought that maybe he's under stress?" Kaysa suggested. "It could just be the conception issue, Shiv. Why not go with him to another doctor...just to figure it all out for certain? It might relieve some of the tension existing between the two of you."

"I want to do whatever I can," Shiv said. "I...just finding time alone with him lately has been impossible. And...and me going out with you doesn't help matters, as much as I enjoy it. I want to hope that my happiness is important to him, but he frowns and grumps at a lot of the things that make me happy. He hates it when I go to the White Noise with Merrick, if I go out here with you, if...so many things."

"Forget the 'ifs'," Kaysa told her, "and just come with me. Cadwin and I can inject a little happiness into your life for a while." She chuckled. "An hour or so if you're in a rush."

"Gods, I could use it," Shiv said as she reached out and took Kaysa's hands and brought them up to her chest.

Giggling, Kaysa gave her breasts a squeeze and used them to tug Shiv along towards Cadwin. "Let's not waste anymore time then, hm?"

"Hey, watch it with those," Shiv called as she hurried along with Kaysa. "They're very sensitive, you know! Next time we do this, I'm wearing a vest like that one time. Just for you."

"Oh, so there will be a next time?" Kaysa asked slyly. "I think I like the idea. I wonder if Zale would come along just to see that again?"

"I think it's been far too long since he's had some fun," Shiv said with a wide grin. "He's got all that sexual education, and I think he needs to share it a little more."

"Instead of tending to babies?" Kaysa added, grinning. "I think fatherhood suits him, actually. Now, myself on the other hand..." She smirked wanly. "I don't think I'm up for it, Shiv. Not at all."

"Yes," Shiv said with a grin as she pulled one of Kaysa's hands beneath her shirt with a desirous grin, "I think you'd make a terrible father. But, I love you just like this." She grabbed Kaysa's other hand and let it join the first. "And, this."

Leaning in towards her, their lips touching, Kaysa whispered, "So do I." She chuckled huskily at the warm, solid body that pressed up against her from behind, and although it wouldn't have troubled her if a stranger had done so to her, Kaysa was far more content knowing the body belonged to Cadwin. "I think," she told Shiv, "he likes me this way too. Cad, have you got a room?"

"A big one," Cadwin said with a chuckle as he slid his hands beneath Kaysa's shirt. "With a really large bed. Does that sound ideal, or what?"

"It had better," she quipped, "or there's going to be a peepshow out here, and we'll be the stars." Kaysa shifted around to kiss Cadwin's stubbled cheek, wrapping one arm around his waist, while looping the other around Shiv's as she next kissed her. "Let's go...and we'd better make sure the place is supplied with plenty of...refreshment," she whispered to Cadwin suggestively.

"Oh," Cadwin said with a wide grin. "We have enough to last us all through the night and far on into tomorrow. Come on, my dears, a night of insurmountable pleasure awaits us."

With peals of laughter and Kaysa sandwiched between her two lovers, the three stumbled giddily towards the rear of the club. They jostled other intoxicated revellers as they went, but with the air thick with burning spice and the drinks flowing freely, not a one turned an angry eye upon the three; they only staggered drunkenly and watched with envy the three lovers destined for passion. Kaysa divided her full-mouthed, ravenous kisses among Shiv and Cadwin, while little by little their clothing was undone in anticipation of removal. Cadwin's pants, along with Kaysa's skirt and Shiv's top, slid off their bodies just as they entered the private room, one conveniently furnished with a canopied bed. Instinctually, the three began slowly making their way there as they focused on teasing one another with lips, tongue, hands. Kaysa laughed shrilly as Cadwin pushed his hips into her own and his erection knocked Shiv's fingers clear of her opening from behind. "It's getting a little crowded in here," Kaysa husked, "isn't it?"

"It happens to be a crowded I like very much," Cadwin answered, his voice soaked with his own desire. "And, I happen to be particularly partial to the crowd." He groaned as Shiv's hand -- at least he thought it was her hand -- found his erection and began to expertly massage it. He leaned into their bodies and quickly covered Shiv's breasts with his ravenous mouth, inwardly chiding his son for the sheer stupidity of turning her away. His loss, my gain, he thought as his hips found a rhythm between Shiv and Kaysa's caresses.

Completely divested of their clothing now, it was only flesh against warm, flushed flesh when the three sank onto the bed. Shiv was trapped between Kaysa's straddling legs and fondling hands as she lay beneath her lover, while from behind Cadwin's expert, slow thrusts continued into Kaysa. Smiling raptly, Kaysa nibbled at Shiv's breasts and whispered, "No more worrying, my star. Only joy and ecstasy from now on...."

"Only joy and ecstasy," Shiv echoed as she moaned at the touch of someone's probing fingers. She could feel Cadwin moving into Kaysa, the heat coming from their joining driving her wild. In the back of her mind, she could see Keeve's face, smiling as it once had, smiling as it had been with Kim. What she wouldn't give to see him smiling at her again, proud and happy again. The emotions raging through her were enough to make her want to explode, though it could have been the sensations coursing through her body from where Cadwin and Kaysa were touching her. She let out a cry, but her mind and heart called for Keeve. He was the one she wanted touching her. Later, she urged herself. For now, joy and ecstasy...

Kaysa and Cadwin were speaking lowly to one another as his lips spread kisses over her shoulder. Chuckling breathlessly, Kaysa nodded and pulled away from Cadwin to flatten herself atop Shiv. After kissing her lover greedily, Kaysa slid one hand between their tightly pressed bodies and probed Shiv's nub with her warm, eager fingers. At Shiv's gasp of delight, Kaysa laughed. "It's only the beginning, Shiv. Cadwin...he wanted to give you something special." She kissed her cheek tenderly and whispered against her ear, "Something very special."

Delirious from the feelings they were invoking in her, Shiv moaned and pressed herself against Kaysa. She could feel Cadwin shifting on the bed, then suddenly she cried out as she felt his mouth and tongue against her mound. The sensations were driving her wild, and had Kaysa not been still lying atop her, kissing her passionately, she would have probably bucked herself right off the bed. Then, as quickly as he was there, he was gone. Then, she felt the heat of his erection against her opening.

"Just for you," Cadwin whispered, then with practiced ease, he slid himself inside with a quick push.

"Oh gods," Shiv cried out, and the world disappeared in a shower of pleasure and guilt.

Kaysa laughed silky and swayed in perfect unison with Cadwin's motions as his hips knocked her rear during each thrust, but by slipping his arms under hers and gripping both breasts, he maintained some stability while also administering rough caresses to his wife. That raw aggression transferred to Kaysa, who chuckled harshly as she slid her hand lower to where Shiv's opening began. Then, abruptly and with a high-pitched giggle, Kaysa wedged her four fingers deeply into the already occupied space to accompany Cadwin's thrusts. "Surprise," Kaysa rasped thickly with arousal.

Another cry was ripped from Shiv's throat. She closed her eyes tight and fought against the images of Keeve in her mind, of the disappoint and anger. She couldn't bear the thought of what he might say, what he might do. With both hands she gripped the bed and held herself in place, the image of her husband in the fore of her thoughts. She didn't know what to do.

---

"Contract Signed in Blood"
By: Rylaa Lyssander - PC
Lani Vissip - NPC+
Empress Nieme Yaresh - PC

Location: Arcadian Palace, Arcadia
Date: Vadris 15, 4 ABY

***

The walls were crying blood, and the floor was pooled with it. They were drowning - all of them, all blood-stained unidentifiable wretches, some clawing at the sky futilely, others drawing their mouths open in silent cries of agony. The only sound was the lapping of red waves against her dais, and the thick, sickening splash of fresh globules plummeting from the walls into the pool. Nieme, elevated from the bleeding ocean by her throne, drew her knees tightly to her chest before the blood could rise high enough to touch her feet. She murmured frantically, ears shielded against the maddening noises, and importuned the vision to release her. But, the frightening realization Nieme had come to was that Dani held the power to free her from this plague, and she was too far to be of any help. She whimpered and hastily tucked her skirts beneath her feet when the red waters grew higher. There was nowhere to go.

A sudden tide crashed against the base of her throne as the large doors swung open and churned the waters. Nieme gasped and pushed herself up against the backrest.

"Master," came the monotonous summons of her attendant. The young clone stepped aside to present a squat, rotund man with a mane of jet black hair. "Empress Nieme, I present Rylaa Lyssander to you."

Nieme gazed out at them wild-eyed and unseeing. The female clone cocked her head quizzically to one side. "Empress, do you not remember? You granted this gentleman a meeting."

"Good morning, Empress," Rylaa said, sweeping into a low bow.

The viscous, bloody water pooled around their ankles, and the dead scrabbled desperately towards them for anchorage; that or to drag them under. Nieme emitted a terrified wail. "No! S-Stop! They're not to blame...not them. It was me. All of you!"

Rylaa eyed her with suspicion. It was obvious that the young empress was not with them at the moment, that she was somewhere else entirely. His natural instinct told him that this situation could be inherently dangerous, but greed drove him further. Lani had come with him to the palace, but had not been admitted to the throne room. She stayed just beyond the door, however, focused and alert. For now, he would wait and see if the young woman in front of him became more lucid.

"Empress?" her clone inquired flatly. "Do you wish me to convey your guest to the conference room instead?"

"Yes!" Nieme gasped. "Yes...hurry! I'll hold them off just...please...go!"

The equadi-clad attendant bowed to Nieme then backed away, drawing the doors closed. "The Empress will see you in the conference room, Mr. Lyssander. She does not seem to enjoy holding audience in the throne room any longer. It is rather peculiar." The clone frowned curiously, then shrugged and started past Rylaa. "You will follow me. The conference room is this way."

Rylaa kept an eye on the struggling Empress until the doors shut off his view. Lani was leaning against the wall, appearing completely casual yet Rylaa knew she was taking in everything. Since her eyes were closed, he took the opportunity to take in the full view of his young guide.

"I saw that," Lani said calmly. Rylaa's eyes jerked involuntarily from the backside of the clone and met Lani's smoldering glare. "There is much power emanating from the young woman in the other room. I do not even need to focus to feel the waves coming from her."

"Well," Rylaa replied, "That much is true. Something tells me that we need to tread lightly here, less she order our heads gone." The clone bowed again and led them to the conference room. The interior was posh and was obviously decorated to show an impression of power. It didn't impress Rylaa at all, in fact he found it quite vulgar. He loved his riches, yes, but this was just... cluttered.

"So are you here to wait on us while we... uh... wait?" he asked the clone.

"Yes, I am here for whatever you may need." The clone bowed low again. Rylaa raised an eyebrow at the emphasis on "whatever" but decided not to comment for Lani's sake. No need to agitate her further.

"Good, bring some water and snacks," he said. As the clone left, Rylaa caught Lani's eyes and nodded once. They then settled in for what could be a long wait.

***

Appearing composed, yet showing signs of fatigue in her bruised eyes and pale face, Nieme Yaresh, Empress of Tae'Karada, strode regally into the conference room where her guests had been waiting for over an hour. The phantoms drenched in blood had withdrawn from her throne room after much hard-fought control.

Once gone for so long, her visions had returned and with a vengeance; no amount of power derived from the dark side could allay them. Only succumbing to unconsciousness had ended her waking dream, and she had no idea when it would resume. Suppressing her fear, Nieme strode calmly to her seat at the head of the table and sat down stiffly. She nodded to Rylaa. "Forgive me for earlier, Mr. Lyssander. I was...not feeling well."

Rylaa and Lani stood as one of the most powerful women on Tae'Karada entered. "Of course, Empress, no harm done. I am Rylaa Lyssander, CEO and Chairman of Ares Macrotechnology and this is my associate Lanissia al Vissip of Calimdor." Lani's eyes stared fire at Rylaa. She disliked the use of her full name, especially when associated with the prosperous planet of Calimdor.

Nieme sighed wearily. "Sit. It strains my eyes to look up at you both and I've not...been well." She smiled tightly and added, "But, it is a pleasure to meet you both. You have business, I'm assuming?"

They sat. "Yes, Empress. This business deals with four military vehicles that recently came into my company's possession. I have four Imperial ATSTs in good condition. With them come four experienced pilots, all from Tae'Karada, as well as a former Imperial Lieutenant who is their commander."

"You do?" She nodded thoughtfully. "Those will be very useful if it's a war you're planning to start. Is there some reason you've brought this to my attention?" Smirking sardonically, Nieme added, "And I'm certain it's not to do with any allegiance for your monarchs."

"Well, Empress, I realized that I could not use them, and I heard what transpired only a week earlier, so I thought that you could use both vehicle and pilot as a welcome addition to your palace guard."

As Rylaa spoke, Lani studied the young woman seated across from them. She could still feel something emanating from her, something dark yet very powerful. It intrigued Lani so she began to focus her thoughts, trying to see with her mind as her mentor had taught her. Slowly, softly, she began to hear the surface thoughts of the young Nieme, though they came as an incomprehensible gibberish.

Nieme chuckled harshly. "A gift? With nothing in return?" Her expression darkened instantly. "I am not a fool, Mr. Lyssander. What is it you want?"

"A gift, Empress? Surely you jest. I am a businessman and what I ask for in return is what all businessmen want, a deal. The weapons that your guard carry, they appear to be outdated. In exchange for the vehicles and the contracts for the pilots, I would like a five year contract to supply your guard with arms and armor. I would sell you the top models from my factories at a discounted price. But, in return, my company would be the sole supplier for such things." Rylaa smiled and leaned on the table in anticipation, ignoring the fact that his very expensive tie had dipped into his water.

Lani continued to focus on Nieme, trying to sort out the thoughts streaming from the young woman. Then, abruptly, the gibberish stopped, like someone had severed the connection.

And that someone speared her with piercing brown eyes that held at once warning and interest. Nieme smiled slowly like a hungry predator. "You," she addressed Lani curtly. Her eyes briefly took in Lani's form. "You are his concubine?"

Lani realized that she had been caught, but showed nothing of it on her face. However, at the Empress' comment, she began to bristle. "No, Empress, I am not. I am his friend, associate, and bodyguard." How did she know? Lani thought. I thought the technique was unique among those of my discipline. Perhaps it had something to do with the dark forces that flowed from the woman, or perhaps it was something else entirely.

"Bodyguard?" Nieme gave the barest hint of a smile as she told Lani significantly, "Are not bodyguards supposed to be cautious, careful, and discreet?" She tapped one temple lightly with her forefinger. "You are not. Nor am I certain your employer's offer is as lucrative as he's made it out to be."

Lani was sure of it, she had been caught. Because of that, Rylaa's offer was sure to be compromised. Rylaa, however, had no idea what it was the Empress was talking about.

"Empress, if you doubt the level of technology I am offering you, I can have a presentation at my headquarters. Or, if you wish, I can have some examples brought here and prove to you what I am talking about." Blast it, I need to deal to go through. If I can show the board I know what I'm doing, they'll have to accept me.

Nieme laughed derisively and continued doing so as she said, "You want to bring weapons into my palace, and demonstrate their caliber to me, likely by a display of firepower? Do you think me that naive, Mr. Lyssander? There are many who would wish to dispose of this planet's present rulers. I could be giving you just that opportunity." Sighing and lazily leaning back in her seat, Nieme made her counteroffer. "You will supply me with a shipment of weapons and armour, at a location of my choice, and if I am satisfied with them following a trial period, you will have your contract. As for the ATSTs...I would like to see them in action as well." She smiled cruelly. "In a real combat situation, with real enemies, and real casualties. I'm certain you can arrange that, hm?"

"Of course, Empress. I can arrange anything you like." Rylaa had to fight to keep the emotions out of his voice or from showing on his face. This was completely unexpected. Rylaa knew he wasn't a good guy, he knew that he had done many bad things in his life and that he would continue to do more. But he wasn't evil, and he refused to slaughter innocents if that was what the seemingly diabolical woman wanted. Then a thought struck him. I sure as hell won't go after the Jedi either.

"Shall we choose an easy target, Mr. Lyssander?" Nieme asked with mounting expectation. "Or one more fitting for a display of what these procurements of yours can do?" She grinned wickedly. "No one will miss a few hundred Kir'Thana, Mr. Lyssander. We provide them with weapons to give those poor wretches false hope...then we blast them to bits. That sounds like a wonderful time, doesn't it!?"

"I'm not sure I understand what you mean, Empress. You wish for me to supply these Kir'Thanans with my own weapons, then turn my ATSTs against them? Hmmmmm, let me think about that for a second." Rylaa's mind went to work trying to deceive itself. If I gave them weapons, technically they aren't innocents any more. And if I give them warning, then it's not slaughter, it's a battle. Hell, I guess I can do that. Lani looked at Rylaa strangely. He couldn't possibly be considering what this young woman was saying, could he? Well, she said she would stick by him, no matter what.

Nieme rapped her knuckles lightly upon the table's surface, seeking Rylaa's attention once more. "What is your decision? Don't dally, Mr. Lyssander. I tend to get impatient." Her smile bordered on savage.

"Very well, Empress, I agree." And I think I'll regret it too. "Just give me the place and time and my men will be there. Now then, do you wish for me to use only my walkers, or do you want a demonstration of the superior firepower my R&D facilities have come up with?"

Lani kept silent only with considerable effort. She knew how much these proceedings meant to Rylaa and didn't want to damage them in any way. However, she could not believe that he was condoning what appeared to be the wanton slaughter of these Kir'thana, whatever they may be.

"Let's mix it up a little," Nieme replied with diabolical glee. "The more weapons, the more slaughter, hm, Mr. Lyssander?" Chuckling darkly, Nieme brought her hands together atop the table and squeezed them tightly with unrestrained excitement. The blood would flow once again, and soon.

*** 13th Gate hotel ***

Credit had managed to break through the heavy encryption surrounding the palace only with extreme difficulty. Whoever had designed it had done an excellent job. The slicer, however, had done the classic mistake and assumed that defenses would be met by a sentient slicer and not a droid. A droid's brain, especially one who had top-notch slicing soft/hardware installed, could run through thousands of algorithms before a sentient mind could decide on one.

Credit was worried about his master. He knew that Rylaa had gone to the palace, which was known to be a dangerous place, and had not checked in in some time. He carefully manipulated the systems in the palace until he came across the node which contained the internal security cameras. After flickering the hundreds of monitors which converted the massive palace grounds, he settled on the one in a little-used conference room. He could see his master and the female human sitting with another well dressed human around a table. There was no audio in the room so Credit had no way of hearing what was going on.

Satisfied, he began to back out of the system carefully.came a scrolling text across his view. Somehow he tripped over an alarm program that the defending slicer had carefully written into defense protocols. Palace slicers would be quick to respond, Credit knew, and they would easily find the little droid once an active search began.

He backed out of the system has fast as possible, no longer caring what alarms he tripped.Systems nodes began throwing up active IC and closing their outlaying ports. Credit knew he was being funneled into a location where he could be traced and probably burnt out. There was only one way out of the situation. He forcibly jacked himself out of the Holonet. His view sizzled from static and went dark. Smoke began to issue from one of the little droid's access hatches as he powered down to await the repairs he knew he now needed.

*** Back at the Palace ***

"We have triangulated the approximate location, Empress," the clone continued whispering into her ear. Her body trembled more visibly with pent-up fury as the report continued to unfold, and Nieme clenched her fists atop the conference table to maintain her composure. "A team has been dispatched to identify the perpetrator, but they hid themselves well."

"I don't care," she hissed, staring hard at Rylaa as she addressed the soldier, "find them. Find them and bring to me. I will not have my privacy compromised." Nieme shoved the soldier away one-handed and hollered, "Find them!"

Regaining his balance, the dark-armoured clone bowed quickly and marched off. Nieme, still shaking with rage, turned a vicious smile on Rylaa and Lani. "You two...you wouldn't know anything about this, would you?" she asked with false sweetness. "If you wanted to record the conversation, there was no need to eavesdrop...hmm?"

Rylaa looked at Lani in question, as he knew he didn't plan on anything. When Lani shook her head, the same question present on her face, he turned to address the Empress. "No, Empress, I do not know anything about this." He thought about it for a moment longer, and came to a reasonable conclusion. If he had anything to do with this, I'll dismantle him myself.

Nieme studied him warily, her eyes narrowing to dark, crazed slits. Had she detected uncertainty in his expression, or had his thoughts conveyed that impression? Were they one and the same, the two merging into one just as the Force did with its users when summoned? The world around her swirled, Nieme's hold on reality and her broken mind clashing to throw everything into question. Were Rylaa and Lani even standing before her? With an agonized cry, Nieme clutched at her bound hair, tearing it loose of its clip. "You're fools...all of you! What do you know about anything?!" A hoarse, sickly laugh trickled from her throat. "You'll give me my slaughtered Kir'Thanan, Mr. Lyssander. I want to see my new toys in action. I think you should get underway now, don't you?"

"Of course, Empress. I'll get the team underway as soon as your people provide mine with locations. I'll have two droids in the air with holocameras so you can watch the action from two angles, if you wish."

"And I presume," Nieme warned him, "these images will not be manufactured or altered in any way, Mr. Lyssander? Or else" --she sighed airily-- "I'll simply have to accompany you." Here she turned her gaze to Lani, smiling slyly. "That would be rather entertaining, I imagine."

"If it be your wish, Empress, I will make it so. I have a portable command vehicle that I was planning on using just for this occasion. Of course, there will have to be some work done to it in order to outfit it with the necessary telemetry recorders and other such scientific necessities."

Nieme chuckled grimly and relaxed in her chair. "No...I fear I mustn't." Eyes slowly creeping about the room, Nieme dropped her voice to a whisper and murmured, "There are those about who would wish my demise.... I mustn't ever give them that opportunity. No...I mustn't. I will be vulnerable until she returns. Until the desert returns her to me." Quivering emotionally and gentle whimpers escaping her throat, she quickly waved off her new associates. "Go," she rasped. "Begin your demonstration." Her agonized stare locked onto Lani, and she smiled shakily. "You'll stay and watch with me...won't you? I'll have refreshments brought out...it'll be pleasant."

Rylaa stood and bowed slightly in respect of the station instead of the woman. "Yes, Empress. I will have the data sent to you as soon as it is complete." With that said he turned and strode regally out of the room. Or at least, as regally a short, chubby man can.

Lani practically leapt out of her chair and nodded towards Nieme. "I'm sorry, Empress, but as Mr. Lyssander's assistant, I have much work to do. I cannot stay tonight." Without waiting for a reply, she followed her boss out of the door.

Nieme smiled faintly at her departing guests, noting Lani's phrasing. "If not tonight," she whispered, "then soon. It will be...ever so much fun." Smile wavering, Nieme breathed hoarsely as she curled in on herself. Sick with grief and anticipation, Nieme was torn between weeping for her departed lover and giggling over the attack on the desert that had stolen her. A war of emotions, Nieme did both.

---

"A Not So Restful Evening"
by: Jal Saren AP-21 (NPC+)
Kavaal Trask (NPC+)
Jasen (NPC+)
Dr. Jillian Eios (NPC+)

Location: Shadowlands Mining Facility
Date: Vadris 15, 4 ABY

***

Jal sat up in his cot, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. He glanced at the nearby chronometer - it was just after 3 in the morning.

Jal yawned, swung his feet out over the floor, got out of bed. He grabbed his shirt and pulled it on, then buckled his belt around his waist. His eyes still not adjusted to the darkness, he felt his way to the door and opened it. Jal stepped outside.

Aside from small lights around the mining facility, it was totally dark outside. Jal could hear strange sounds coming from beyond the walls of the facility, probably local predators or other animals. Jal hoped the force-shields Trask had mentioned stayed in place.

Jal found some nearby foliage and unzipped. As he was relieving himself, he heard the sound of movement from behind him. Doing his best to look behind him without getting pee all over his leg, Jal saw someone approaching him from behind.

"Out for a late-night stroll, Saren?" the gruff voice of Kavaal Trask said.

"Hey, can I get a bit of privacy here?" Jal asked.

"Not around here, Saren," Trask said (although he did keep a respectful distance away from Jal). "That's the thing about Kashyyyk. There's always something watching you, from the trees or the shadows."

"The local wildlife sits around and waits for people to start peeing?" Jal asked, raising an eyebrow, as he finished relieving himself. He zipped up and turned to face Trask (who was still a respectful distance away).

"You got a smart-mouth, Saren," Trask said, frowning at him. "I hope you're as good with that blaster as Wexler thinks you are, because if you aren't you won't last two days down here."

"I'm good enough," Jal said. He started back towards the barracks, where his cot was. Trask watched him go, shaking his head.

***

There was a sudden explosion. In the relative quiet of the Kasshyyk night, the sound nearly made Jal jump out of his skin. His blaster was drawn almost instantly, and he looked in the direction it had come. He could see fire, and something else - one of the energy-shields had come down.

Trask was yelling something that Jal couldn't quite hear (his ears were ringing a bit), but it sounded like, "We're under attack! Activate the defense-systems immediately!"

Jal started towards the destroyed energy-shield, and as he did the sound of alarm klaxons began blaring throughout the facility. Men were emerging from the different barracks, and the armory had suddenly sprang to life with soldiers in various stages of armament.

As Jal approached the site of the explosion, he saw several towering figures running through the opening caused by the energy-shield's destruction. They were all between 7 to 9 feet in height, covered from head to toe in thick fur, and had eyes the blazed in the firelight, giving them a terribly fearsome appearance. They were all holding a weapon, either a bowcaster or a large, menacing blade covered with ceremonial markings.

Wookiees.

One of them raised their bowcaster and fired at Jal, but he rolled out of the way in time. As he came out of his roll, he returned fire, striking the Wookie in the chest. The creature stumbled back and cried out in anger, but did not fall. Jal fired again, hitting the Wookie in the head this time. That was enough- the creature dropped backward and moved no more.

By now, other soldiers had made it to the gate, and the night was filled with the sound of blaster-fire and the angry snarls of Wookiee warriors. Although Wexler's security forces were obviously well-trained, they were slowly being pushed back by the Wookie attackers. It took several shots to bring one of the Wookiees down, and so they were charging wildly through the gate. The ones with bowcasters laid down a deadly rain of green bolts, while the ones wielding blades left men dismembered, decapitated, or disemboweled.

Jal squeezed off a few more shots, killing a Wookie with each one (they went down fast if you hit them in the head), then began to fall back. He could see Trask about 30 yards away, armed with a heavy blaster carbine, mowing down a group of three Wookiees armed with blades. After that, he began to fall back, too.

The Wookiees had made it far enough into the facility that several key mining machines were exposed. They wasted no time in planting what appeared to be permacrete charges, which subsequently destroyed the machines in large plumes of fire and smoke.

Jasen suddenly appeared, looking not at all worried by the current situation. He smiled politely at Jal and said, his voice even and calm, "There seems to be some trouble with the energy-shield."

"Astute observation," Jal said.

"I think there is some way to activate the auxiliary power-generators and restore the field," Jasen said. "Mr. Trask would know where to find it, perhaps you should ask him."

"Alright," Jal said. "You'd better find somewhere to hide, Jasen, things are very ugly out here."

"Oh, I'll be quite alright, sir," Jasen smiled. "But I thank you for your concern. I will take your advice."

Jal watched as Jasen strolled away. It was true he was in no immediate danger, but Jal couldn't get over how calm the man looked as he walked off. There was definitely something odd about that guy.

No matter. Jal had things to do.

***

Trask shouted a way-cry as his carbine cut a bloody swath through a wave of Wookiees. They snarled in rage as they died, and that sound was music to Trask's ears. All around him, the sounds of men, screaming as they were hacked to pieces by Wookie swords, filled the night. This only fueled his anger, and he shouted even more.

There was movement behind him. Trask whirled around, his eyes full of bloodlust, and he saw Jal Saren standing there.

"Whoa!" Jal said, putting a hand up. "It's me!"

"What do you want, Saren?!" Trask shouted. "I'm busy!"

"I was thinking we ought to get that shield up again," Jal said. "Jasen mentioned something about an auxiliary generator?"

"It's in the control room," Trask said. "Which is probably crawling with Wookiees about now."

"Where's your sense of adventure?" Jal said. "Where's the control room?"

"Dammit, Saren... follow me," Trask said. He fired off a few more shots with his carbine then ran off. Jal followed.

They came to a large building. Several Wookiees were outside, engaged in a fire-fight the security forces. Jal and Trask pitched in and eliminated the Wookie defenders, but another group came running up from behind.

"Trask, you take care of this," Jal said. "I'm going for the generator."

Trask didn't reply - his eyes were full of rage as he fired at the new group of Wookiees. Jal shook his head and ran towards the control bunker.

***

He stepped in, blaster-pistol raised. There were no Wookiees inside, so Jal headed towards the main control-panel. He tapped in a few commands, found the controls for the auxiliary generator, and began to activate it.

"Step away from that console."

Jal turned. Standing in the doorway stood one of the most gorgeous women Jal had ever seen. She had auburn hair, a beautiful face, and a knock-out body that was outlined very well by the outfit she was wearing, a form-fitting piece designed for easy movement, but still very pleasing to the eye.

It's a shame she also had a blaster pointed right at him.

Jal raised his hand some. He did not step away from the console, however.

"Dr. Eios," Jal said.

"I'm not letting you activate the auxiliary generator," Eios said. "Step away, or I will shoot."

"Well, if I don't step away, I'll probably be chopped up by your Wookie friends," Jal said. "I think a blaster bolt would be a nice, quick way to go."

"You'll find out if you don't get away from that console," Eios said, her voice icy and her gaze cold.

"I'm willing to bet I'm quick than you are," Jal said. With that, he touched the control.

She fired almost instantly, but Jal ducked the shot, It grazed his arm, but he bit back the stinging pain and grabbed his own blaster. Rolling out of the way of another shot, he raised his pistol to fire.

He hesitated.

She did not - she fired again. She could have killed him, except that her target was not Jal, but rather the lighting fixture over his head. It fell away from the roof and came crashing down, striking Jal hard. The world winked out as Jal fell unconscious.

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