"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, K