"Trials, Part 1"
by Nieme Yaresh-Selrid
Laedra Vorrel
Kael Selrid
Jae Dyn Brael
Liam Zaneth
and Koran Darr

Location: Jedi Temple, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 16, 4ABY

***

Their exuberant, crisp laughter projected above the thunderous rumbling of the falls and dampened the dissonant susurrations mingling with the breeze. She'd learned to otherwise ignore them, but at times they were very persistent and almost succeeded in disturbing the fragile calm she had achieved here. Though, the longer she spent here, the less imposing their presence became and now they were all but relegated from her private sanctuary.

"Niemiesh! Come this way!"

She giggled again as the girl rushed past her and darted into the copse. Nieme followed and soon the two girls were once again traipsing hand-in-hand through the forest towards the clearing.

"Now, Niemiesh," the brown-eyed girl began, "you must remember that I care for you and that you should always remain here with me. You will remember that, won't you, Niemiesh?"

Nieme nodded and smiled at the girl, who returned an identical smile with the curling of her identical lips. Their steps fell in unison and each gesture was mimicked by the other as if they shared like minds, and not just like bodies. Understandably so, considering Nieme had created her counterpart in the image of someone she felt absolutely comfortable with, and someone she trusted above all others. The only difference between herself and the alternate version of herself was that she bore qualities Nieme lacked. She was confident and wilful; strong and assertive. She made sure Nieme was never fooled by the voices trying to coax her from the sanctuary, and comforted her when the storms came.

They were less frequent now, especially after Nieme began relinquishing her hold on the place outside of the waterfalls, the place of pain and sadness her friend had called it. No longer tethered to reality, Nieme could live freely in her refuge and continue shaping it to give form to her whims and yearnings, and to strengthen the shield she'd created to keep out the storms.

"Here we are, Niemiesh." Her friend sighed happily as they entered the clearing. Instead of taking Nieme towards the cliff, however, she steered her towards the dense wall of darkness, the place where Kael resided.

Nieme shook her head and tried to pull her friend back. "W-We can't. We can't disturb him."

"Oh, now now, Niemiesh. He loves you, doesn't he? He wants you to disturb him."

Nieme stood fast and refused to go any further. "What if he's already come out? What if he comes looking for me? He won't be able to find me."

"Don't worry, my Niemiesh. I'll stay out here and if he comes by, I'll tell him where you've gone." She pressed her hand to Nieme's cheek - with Nieme's hand - and gave her a reassuring smile. "Now, go on," she urged gently. "I feel another storm coming on. You'll be safe in here."

Nieme gazed up at the graying sky and flinched as the crackling bolts of lightening streaked across it. She looked uncertainly at her friend, then reluctantly to the darkness. Kael would be happy she came, because it would prove her love for him. She'd waited and waited for him to come out, but he never had. Now, she would have to go in and retrieve him instead.

Her friend nodded encouragement and smiled warmly. "I have to go now," Nieme said with a sigh. "Remember, if Kael comes--"

"I'll tell him." The girls embraced and as the stormclouds amassed and drew nearer, Nieme backed away from her friend and melded with the darkness. "That's a good girl," her friend called out, and with a stiff nod, she crossed her arms over her chest and stood guard at the entrance of Nieme's most private abode.

***

"Nieme! Please, calm down!" Laedra held down Nieme's thrashing body after abandoning all attempts to soothe her with the Force. "Kael! Is Liam coming?" Before she could receive a response, Nieme's head swung forward and dashed Laedra's face. She fell back and pressed her fingers to her bleeding lip.

A shattering, sustained cry came from Nieme, then...surcease. Laedra regained her footing and stood over Nieme's listless form. She stared unfocused at the ceiling with glazed over eyes and mouth hanging agape. Laedra passed her hand over Nieme's glassy eyes, but she received not a blink or even a twitch. "Oh gods..." she whispered. "Kael...go retrieve Jae Dyn. Gods...I hope it isn't too late."

Kael raced for the doorway, but skidded to a stop when a very serene looking Jae Dyn Brael appeared in the doorway. "I sensed that it was time," she said softly. She moved into the room and looked down at Nieme lying still. She looked up at Laedra and saw the crimson droplets welling on her lip. Jae Dyn raised a hand and pressed her fingers gently to Laedra's lips. She closed her eyes, and focused briefly on healing the damage done by Nieme's head. "We will have to do this a day early. Liam will be here as soon as he is able," she said. "He and Yelara were loading the speeder. I will need you to lend some of your power to me during this procedure. We will link through the Force."

Laedra ran her tongue over the closed wound upon her lip as she nodded. "I will assist you however you wish, Jae Dyn. But, are you certain it is not already too late?"

"I am not certain of anything other than that if we don't act now, it will be too late," Jae Dyn said. She moved into place at the head of the bed where Nieme lay. She took a deep breath and focused herself. As she did, she became aware of the power pulsing within both Kael and Laedra. She sent out silent commands to each: join with me. And, as she did so, she placed her hands on Nieme's head and started the procedure to enter Nieme's mind.

Nieme's avatar gasped as a bolt of lightening pierced the protective dome around their sanctuary. "Oh, no no no!" She stepped forward with her hands fisted at her hips and glared up at the swirling clouds. "You can't come here! Go away!" Her lips pressed thinly and her eyes narrowed as she concentrated on the crack in their shield and worked at trying to mend it. She was supposed to protect their haven, and she would do it at the expense of whoever dared attempt to intrude.

Jae Dyn pulled back from the contact and took a deep breath. "She's fortified in there," she said. "I'm going to need more power here. We need Liam."

Kael nodded. "I'll get him," he said. At Jae Dyn's nod, he ran from the room.

Once he was gone, Jae Dyn turned to Laedra. "I think if I can get inside, I can bring her out again. I don't know what will happen when I'm inside though."

"If she is this determined to keep you out now, I imagine you will be faced with much resistance from within." Laedra stepped forward and fixed a firm gaze upon Jae Dyn. "You could become trapped or lost in there, Jae Dyn. A mind as disturbed as hers is can become quite a confused place. Are you certain you are prepared for this?"

"I am prepared as I can be," Jae Dyn said. "Nieme is running out of time, and this has to happen now. With the four of us linked, I will be more focused than any single Jedi ever could be. It is dangerous, but I can't sit and do nothing while she dies. It is dangerous, but I have to try."

"As long as you understand the risks, Jae Dyn. But please," she said with a smile as she placed her hand upon Jae Dyn's shoulder, "go gentle on us."

Jae Dyn smiled at Laedra and held her eyes for a moment. "I promise," she said. "I know something bad may happen when I'm in there. If it does, please do one thing for me."

Laedra frowned slightly with concern, then nodded. "Anything you wish, Jae Dyn Brael."

"Should anything happen to me, I want you to try to be Yelara's friend. She'll need friends...if that happens. And, continue to love Liam, and don't let him get away." She took a deep breath and then let it out. "And, most importantly, please watch after my baby. I know Yara is strong in the Force, and I would like for you to be the one who trains her."

Laedra sat down upon the bed and stared absently at her hands. "I...have no idea what to say, Jae Dyn. After the other day, I would have thought myself the last person you would ask such things of. Frankly...I don't understand."

"You are an honourable and respectable woman," Jae Dyn said. "Of all the people here, I would prefer that you, a woman and, despite other considerations, someone I respect very much, train Yara as a Jedi. I know you will be a good trainer for her, and I know that she will become a great Jedi under your care."

"Then I accept, Jae Dyn Brael. I will train Yara as you have asked. As for Yelara..." Laedra sighed and smiled ruefully. "I will be a friend to her as best I can. It will be difficult considering she is Liam's wife and I...am forced to occupy a position inferior to hers as his mistress. I use that word because I've no illusions, Jae Dyn, that you still have no idea what is going on between us. I am in love with him, and he with me. But I will not let that interfere with my treatment of Yelara. She is his wife, and I will give her the respect she deserves. I will protect her and keep her safe, as you have. Though, I have faith in your abilities and I know you will come through this, Jae Dyn." Laedra covered Jae Dyn's hand with hers. "I just know it."

Jae Dyn bowed to Laedra. She gave her a smile and then turned her attention back to Nieme. Her thoughts and emotions were channelled into preparing for the task ahead of her. She took a deep breath, and sent a silent thank you to Laedra. "As soon as they return," she said softly, "I am going to begin."

Laedra nodded and rose from the bed to free Jae Dyn of the distraction her presence might cause and allow her to focus. She would need it if she was to succeed. A smile involuntarily formed on her lips as she sensed Liam's arrival. She moved to the door and opened it as he was completing his approach. "Has Kael told you everything?"

Liam nodded and glanced to the young Padawan at his heel. "He has," he said. "I am ready to assist." He began shrugging out of his robe as he passed through the doorway, taking the opportunity to brush against Laedra. He let that one touch convey his love for her as he moved to the opposite side of the bed to help lend his strength to Jae Dyn.

"Come, Kael," Laedra said after settling her heart beat. "I believe it would be best if we had a seat." She placed her hand on Kael's back for comfort and reassurance, but not only for him, but for herself as well. Never had she participated in anything like this, and it was that she had no idea what was to come that she grew anxious.

Kael took the seat next to Laedra and tried to give her his best look of confidence. "It'll be fine," he said, not sure who he was trying to reassure more. He reached out and touched a hand to Nieme, silently offering her his strength as well as a prayer to Thana.

Jae Dyn reached out to each of the Jedi present, and pulled some of their strength to her, aiding her focus. With her mind and emotions as calm as glass, she once again pushed her consciousness inside of Nieme's mind.

"My, aren't we persistent?" The girl sighed wearily and shook her head disparagingly as the clouds roiled and lightening lashed out towards the dome protecting their sanctuary. "You're not supposed to be here!" she sang irritably. Once again, she concentrated on closing the fissure being created by the intruder, but the task was a difficult one, considering Jae Dyn now had the power and focus of four Jedi instead of one.

Jae Dyn focused her attention on the fractures spreading from where she'd made her entrance. She brought the will of all four Jedi to bear, and pushed the edges of the widening gap aside. Once it was large enough, she leapt through and into the clearing.

"I have come for Nieme," she said solemnly.

Jae Dyn was met with an airy sigh and a very sour frown. "You're not supposed to be here," the girl chided. "I think you should leave."

"Nieme is not supposed to have withdrawn here either," Jae Dyn said. "And, I will not leave without her. You will bring Nieme to me now." She brought the force of all their minds to bear in the suggestion.

The girl staggered back and shook her head wildly. "Stop that, now! There won't be any of that here! You have no grasp of the power of this place. I suggest you leave before we're forced to make you go."

"I cannot leave without Nieme," Jae Dyn said. "Kael and Dani are anxiously waiting to see her, and they are counting on me to bring her back to them."

The girl smiled coldly at Jae Dyn and circled her slowly. "She likes it here. Why would you want to send her back there? I'm her friend and I make her happy. I think you should just go now."

"If you are her friend," Jae Dyn said, keeping track of the girl with her Force-enhanced senses, "then why do you keep her here away from her other friends, those outside of this place who love her? Would she like it here if she knew that Kael spends most of his nights sleepless with worry? Would she like it here to know that Dani has barely eaten since she arrived back at the Temple? Would she like it to know that her friends are risking their lives to save her?"

"Save her from what?" The girl stopped in front of Jae Dyn and inclined her head sideways, studying her as if she were an oddity, and not just an unwelcome guest. "You're stupid. You don't know anything about what goes on in here. This is where Niemiesh feels safest. Now...are you going to leave or am I going to have to do something not very nice?"

"How long do you think Nieme will last when her body gives up?" Jae Dyn asked. "This world in here is dependent on her mind's ability to continue functioning. Once her body dies because she's no longer eating, then all of this will be gone."

"And you'd let her die, wouldn't you? We know the marvels of medicine and you could keep her alive indefinitely whether she chooses to eat or not." The girl took a step closer and her lips curled sharply into a mischievous grin. "You've let a lot of people die...haven't you? Not very good at saving those you care for, so what makes you think you can save Niemiesh?" Her laughter was startling and shrewd, but her eyes still held their icy, predatory gleam. "Couldn't keep him alive, could you?" The girl glanced over Jae Dyn's shoulder, then giggled and began backing away. "Have fun." Then, she sped away.

Jae Dyn turned around and nearly gasped. "Master Tal Dan," she said. In her mind she knew that the man standing before her was a fabrication of Nieme's consciousness, and possibly some of her own as well. She couldn't help the bad habits as she bowed low to him.

"Much changed since we last were together. But still the Jae Dyn I remember." The man walked forward at a leisurely pace, nodding in approval as he inspected Jae Dyn's appearance. "Are you well, Padawan?"

"I am well, Master," Jae Dyn replied. "I am preparing for my trials. Soon, I will be a Jedi Knight." She stood tall in his presence, even though he nearly towered over her. She knew she was still herself, but now he seemed to her as he'd been when she first went with him for training. She focused her mind on the here and now, the fact that she was a woman, and no longer the child he had taken away.

"A Jedi Knight?" he repeated, but was soon chuckling lowly. "Oh, I think not, my young Padawan. Do you really think you are prepared for such an arduous endeavour?"

"I am quite prepared for the trials, Master Tal Dan," Jae Dyn responded. "And, I am ready as well to be a Jedi Knight. We are rebuilding the Jedi Order, and soon the Jedi will thrive again."

Tal Dan grasped his chin with his thumb and forefinger while narrowing his eyes pensively. Finally, he shook his head. "No, you will fail, Jae Dyn. How could you not? You failed me, didn't you? I did everything for you, Padawan, and you repay me by allowing that perversion of a Jedi to murder me. No, a Jedi Knight you will not be."

"You didn't take me with you," Jae Dyn said calmly. "I could not be there to save you. I cannot hold myself responsible for every death I was unable to prevent. I will not feel guilty for an action I could not have prevented because of circumstance."

"Circumstance? Failure, Jae Dyn." He circled her much as the girl had, closing in on his prey with a vicious smile. "You should have known, Jae Dyn. You should have stopped him. If you truly were powerful, you would have. Did you even hunt the killer down? Did you even bother to discover who it was that took my life?"

"Revenge is not the way of the Jedi," Jae Dyn said. "We were hunted, and searching for your killer would have only made me a target. If I had searched for you, I would have likely ended up dead as well."

"Pathetic creature." His face contorted into an expression of disgust as he stood before her now. "You would not have found him even if you had searched. You are weak and untalented. How could you possibly believe you are worthy of becoming a Jedi Knight when you cannot even sense your Master's murderer as he stands directly in front of you?" He drew nearer to her and with each step, his lips peeled back farther. "You've eaten with him, shared a home with him. You have even shared your body with him, yet you still do not recognize him for the vicious killer he is? Once again," he whispered with an acidulous smile. "Pathetic creature."

"Liam," Jae Dyn whispered softly. "Liam is the one who killed you." The feelings of doubt and anger surged within her, but she quickly pulled them down and into a secure part of her mind. She couldn't afford to lose focus now. She couldn't afford to divert from her goal of saving Nieme. She would deal with Tal Dan's revelation later. "Liam Zaneth has changed since then, and he regrets his past. The real Master Tal Dan would have acknowledged his growth, and not condemned him for past mistakes."

"But it is you I condemn, Jae Dyn. You are the one who failed me." He stood behind her now and the distinct thrum of a lightsaber igniting sounded. "Prove your worth, Padawan. Fight me now and prove you deserve the title of Knight."

Jae Dyn turned around but kept her lightsaber at her belt. "I am worthy," she said. She moved into a ready stance, and prepared for his attack. "I feel it within myself, and I feel it in the Force."

"Imaginings of your greatest aspirations, nothing more." The man swung his cyan blade before him, taking one deliberate, menacing step towards her with each pass. "You won't even raise your weapon to me, and you believe you're worthy? You're frightened that if you tried, you couldn't defeat me. You are nothing, always were. I don't know why I didn't kill you long ago." One hand shot out sideways and swept towards Jae Dyn with a jagged, plump rock in its Force grip. It sailed towards her, along with Tal Dan's blade as he followed with a lunge.

In a smooth graceful move, Jae Dyn dropped low as she pulled her lightsaber up to parry his attack one-handed. Her other hand stretched out to erect a wall of Force energy against the incoming projectile. Once that threat had been diverted, she rolled away from his violent attacks, and brought herself up ready once more. Arcs of cyan and purple flashed in the darkening gloom of the storm raging above. Each attack was parried aside as they traded blows.

"I will not give in to hatred," Jae Dyn said as she riposted one of his attacks, and followed quickly with a lunge that nearly speared his side.

"Sluggish and unskilled. You always were a disappointment, Jae Dyn."

He vaulted over her just as a cry in the distance rang out. From the line of sight he had just cleared and far beyond towards the treeline, a tall, dark figure loomed. The man wore his characteristic malignant smile and his liquid, black eyes oozed violent intent. His forearm was drawn across the neck of his victim, constricting her throat and choking her cries. She managed to croak Jae Dyn's name again and reached out a hand towards her. Behind Jae Dyn, Tal Dan slashed down his blade, but it was intercepted by Jae Dyn's before he could slice through her skull.

Jae Dyn rolled away from Tal Dan and came up in between the two men. As Tal Dan started toward her, she flung out a hand and sent him flying back into the trunk of a tree. Then, with renewed focus, she turned her attention to the apparition of Dargus Kandran. "Get away from her," she said. "If it's me you want, face me. But, don't drag Yelara into this."

"Now, here's a fine example of a worthy student!" Tal Dan walked out from behind Dargus and patted his shoulder proudly. "If you had even a modicum of the drive and talent of this one, you could have made something of yourself, Jae Dyn."

Yelara gave another choked cry as Dargus' hold tightened. She clawed at his arm, leaving behind trails of blood, but not a muscle upon his face so much as twitched.

"Give up and leave this place," Dargus snarled. "You are not wanted here. And, we have yet to make an example of your lover."

Jae Dyn started forward, but Dargus raised a hand. Before she could take another step arcs of lightning leapt from his hand, but only made it as far as Jae Dyn's extended lightsaber blade.

"I have made something of myself," Jae Dyn said. "I am a Jedi Knight. And, neither of you are strong enough to take that away. Let her go, and face me. Unless you fear that you're not strong enough to face me."

"Do I detect a note of arrogance in her voice?" Tal Dan tsked and sighed gravely. "Well, we'll see how truly strong you are." A single nod to Dargus, and he grasped Yelara's chin with his free hand. She screamed, but it was clipped short by a snap of Dargus' wrist and the ensuing crack of Yelara's spine.

Jae Dyn's body jerked at the sound, but she quickly brought her focus to bear again. It's not really Yelara, she told herself. This is all in Nieme's mind, and mine. She brought her lightsaber up to bear against the threat of Tal Dan and Dargus, fighting back the despair at watching Dargus' arms raised in a show of triumph, and Yelara's body crumpling to the ground at his feet.

"Another dead at your hands, Jae Dyn," Tal Dan said as he prodded Yelara in the leg with his foot. "So certain of your abilities now?"

"Give me another moment and I'll have two more to add to that total," Jae Dyn said. "And, I'll accept the grief when I get out of Nieme's mind if Yelara is in fact dead. Though, I am quite certain that she still lives."

"With you as her Jedi protector, how could she possibly?" Dargus' red blades pierced the air as they sprang to life. With Tal Dan by his side, the total became three against Jae Dyn's one. "No matter, Jae Dyn. You will soon join her." The cyan blade of Tal Dan's lightsaber cast an icy glow upon his grinning face, which disappeared as he swung his blade forward.

Jae Dyn's purple blade came up to block Tal Dan's attack, and then quickly arced her weapon to meet Dargus' attack. She could see already it was going to be a difficult fight, but she had to win. Everything depended on her winning now. She allowed herself to fall into the Force, and to reach to levels of skill any normal person could never attain.

***

Kael Selrid let out a loud gasp, but kept his body still. Sweat dripped from his brow and he could feel his body beginning to tremble. He didn't know how long he'd be able to last acting as one of Jae Dyn Brael's conduits to the Force.

"Focus, Padawan," Laedra called out gently. She reached out her hand and covered Kael's. "You must hold on. For Jae Dyn's sake, Kael...and for Nieme's."

Kael nodded, and redoubled his efforts. "I'm just not used to this much...I'll hold on," he said. "I'll make it."

"Whatever is happening in there," Liam said, "it's requiring a considerable amount of Jae Dyn's strength."

"Nieme's fighting back," Laedra supplied. "That has to be it." Her chin sank to her chest as her body suddenly weakened. Laedra closed her eyes and gathered the unravelling threads of her focus. She had to maintain it if Jae Dyn was to succeed. With a deep breath, she raised her head again and nodded to Liam that she was alright, but she knew she wouldn't be for very much longer.

Liam wished he could lend his strength to both Laedra and Kael, but knew that Jae Dyn needed it. And, with as much as she was drawing, he didn't know how much more he had to give. His focus was fraying at the edges, and he knew that Kael must be nearly at his wit's end. "She has to hurry."

"We can't rush her," Laedra replied wearily. "She will only get one chance at this, and if she fails..." With Kael sitting directly beside her, Laedra didn't feel it prudent to go into details, but they all knew the importance of what Jae Dyn was doing, and the urgency, for if she did fail, Nieme would be trapped within her mind without hope of return.

"Perhaps I can be of service," a voice from the doorway said. Koran Darr stood, framed by the door, watching the small gathering in the room as they fought to save Nieme.

---

"Trials, Part 2"
by Nieme Yaresh-Selrid
Laedra Vorrel
Kael Selrid
Jae Dyn Brael
Liam Zaneth
and Koran Darr

Location: Jedi Temple, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 16, 4ABY

***

"Oh, Jae Dyn, you disappoint me." Tal Dan paced around a battered Jae Dyn and shook his head disparagingly. "I could cut you down right now if I chose to. I told you you were unworthy."

"Then why don't you?" Jae Dyn said, her breathing long past laboured. She batted away two more of Dargus' attacks, and spun out of the way of another barrage from Tal Dan. As she dove free of the melee, a sharp pain lanced through her shoulder. She stifled a cry, and came up ready to defend herself once more, but knowing that she was falling behind in this fight. She used a Jedi pain-dampening trick to lessen the fire of the wound she'd just received.

"My young, worthless Padawan, it is far more exciting this way. Yes, killing an opponent is satisfying, but destroying their spirit first is more fulfilling." Tal Dan chuckled. "What do you think, Lord Kandran?"

Dargus Kandran stepped forward twirling his twin lightsabers in an intricate pattern. "I definitely agree. And, I think this one's spirit is close to breaking. Though, before we kill her, after her mind has been ravaged, I think that lovely body of hers -- far too lovely for a Jedi -- should be ravaged."

"I imagine you could do with her what you wish." Tal Dan thrust Jae Dyn back with a pulse of the Force and laughed as she hit the ground. "It doesn't look like she'll be putting up much of a fight."

"I'll fight this with every last microgram of energy I have," Jae Dyn said. She struggled to a sitting position, and felt her strength waning. Finally, as sweat beaded on her forehead from the effort, she sagged back to the ground.

Tal Dan sighed airily and shook his head as he approached Jae Dyn's prone form. "I don't know what I was thinking by taking her on as a Padawan. A waste of my time. Now, that Liam fellow... He had confidence and fire. You?" He sent his foot into Jae Dyn's side, then bent low towards her. "You have nothing and are nothing. Lord Kandran? Do away with this creature now."

Dargus moved in close, raising one of his lightsabers high to bring it down for a final strike.

Jae Dyn struggled to move herself, but couldn't budge. Just as the lightsaber came crashing down, she felt something stirring in the Force. And then, as a tide rushing into shore, she was filled with the energy of the Force. With lightning reflexes, she ignited her weapon and brought it up in time to deflect Kandran's attack, bouncing his weapon away from her own. As the crimelord turned Sith moved to recover, Jae Dyn angled her lightsaber around, and slashed downward.

Dargus Kandran cried out in pain as his arm was severed at the elbow. The limb and lightsaber seemed to vanish into wisps of oily black smoke as it fell, and was gone before it could hit the ground. As he reeled to get his other weapon around, Jae Dyn sprang to her feet. A hideous cry reverberated through the clearing as Jae Dyn Brael slashed her lightsaber across Kandran's middle, cutting his body in two.

With renewed vigour, Jae Dyn Brael turned to face Tal Dan, or this perversion of the man who had taught her.

"Luck. That's all it was. You're still nothing, Jae Dyn, as you always will be." Tal Dan deactivated his lightsaber and saluted Jae Dyn by pressing the hilt to his forehead. The clearing filled with his mocking, forceful laughter that waned not in intensity even as his body began vanishing. Yelara's had already disappeared, leaving behind the shape of her fallen body depressed in the tall grass. "Enjoy your failure, Jae Dyn," he whispered. "For in your life, that is all you shall have." And he was gone.

"I told you to leave," the girl's voice called from behind. "Will you listen to me now? Will you leave this place and Niemiesh alone?"

"And, I told you I'm not leaving without Nieme," Jae Dyn said as she turned around. "The longer I stay here, the more control I am able to assert. You cannot believe you can hold me off indefinitely."

"Me and Niemiesh are stronger than you think. See, that was the problem all along." The girl backed away slowly towards the forest. "You never gave us enough credit; no one did. They always thought we were too delicate or weak. But you were wrong. You were all wrong!" She bolted into the forest.

Jae Dyn reached out her senses, and found where Nieme's doppelganger had run off to, and immediately rushed off in that direction. As she broke into the forest, she realized she was going about this the wrong way. In this place, the power of the mind was key, and it was thoughts and emotions that held sway over everything else.

She stopped suddenly and focused her thoughts on the running girl, and then closed her eyes. When she opened them again, she saw the figure racing toward her. Jae Dyn smiled.

"Stop it!" the girl shrieked as she skidded to a halt. "You're not supposed to play this way!" She swung her head from side to side, and arbitrarily chose a direction and ran.

Jae Dyn focused her thoughts, and suddenly stood in the girl's path again. "As I said, I will not leave this place without Nieme." She paused, cocked her head to the side, and smiled. "Or, at the very least, speak with her."

The girl stared at Jae Dyn with a smug grin and shook her head slowly. "I promised I'd protect her. If you want to speak to her...find her yourself." With a giggle, the girl waved at Jae Dyn and vanished from sight.

"Very well," Jae Dyn said. She lowered herself to the ground and into a meditative pose. She opened herself to the Force and all that was around her, sending out her senses to seek out Nieme's true essence. Time seemed to stretch out all around her. Finally, she slowly opened her eyes.

Nieme was huddled in a small corner of the cavern and stared at Jae Dyn, but her face indicated no signs of recognition. She pulled her legs closer to her and whimpered. "Who-- Do you know where he is? I looked...and I couldn't find him."

"He's outside," Jae Dyn said softly. "Waiting for you. And, so is Dani." She edged closer toward Nieme. "They're hoping you'll come out to them again, Nieme. They miss you very much, and they're very worried about you."

She scooted away from Jae Dyn, edging closer to a dark corner of the cave, towards concealment. "He was supposed to wait here," she explained quietly. "Right here for me... I don't understand." She gazed up at Jae Dyn with glazing eyes and asked, "Why does he run away from me?"

"He's not mad at you, Nieme," Jae Dyn said. "He can't come in here, but he's helping me so I could come in here to try to bring you to him. We're in your mind, Nieme, and Kael can't come to you in here." She held out her hand. "Come with me and I'll take you to him."

Nieme stared pensively at Jae Dyn's hand, then shook her head. "I can't. The storm...it hurts. If I go out there...the storms will come and it'll hurt me. She told me it was safe in here and that I should stay because...because Kael will be able to find me in here."

"Kael won't find you," Jae Dyn said softly. "And, I'm going to make the storm go away. And then you can leave here and see Kael again. And, Dani. I need you to come with me, Nieme. I'll keep you safe."

"I am safe." Nieme looked down at her fingers picking at the edge of her sleeve. "It's just...I'm a little lonely. My friend's nice and I like her...but I do miss Kael and Dani." She sighed and glanced up at Jae Dyn. "I love them...but I make it hard to, don't I? I-I'm just always afraid and it makes them frustrated... That's why Kael got mad at me. That's why he hurt me. I wanted to be a good lover for him, but I didn't know how. He hurt me, but I think I deserved it for being so stupid and afraid."

"It's not your fault, Nieme," Jae Dyn said. "Whatever happened with Kael, it wasn't because of you. He was fighting his jealousy because of your relationship with Dani. They both love you very much, and they want you to come back to them. He wasn't mad because of what you did. He was jealous, and there's a very big difference."

"But...he's my arozeil. Why wasn't that enough for him? I married him, not Dani. Why couldn't he understand that?"

A part of Jae Dyn's mind wanted to just pass off the comment as part of the madness gripping Nieme at the moment. But, inside, she knew it to be the truth. And, that did certainly complicate things. "Perhaps he wasn't secure enough in that bond to accept that something wasn't going to happen between you and Dani. He was still dangerously close to the dark side, Nieme. That could have been fuelling his actions then. But, if you come out with me, you will find that Kael is no longer in the thrall of darkness, and he and Dani are becoming good friends. Now is the perfect time for you to rejoin them."

Nieme sighed and rested her head upon her shoulder. She rocked gently upon the cold, hard floor of the cave in silence, then asked quietly, "Will it hurt? Going back there...will it hurt? I-It was always too bright for me. Everyone was too bright. It hurt and I didn't like it. Will it hurt this time?"

"It might for a time," Jae Dyn said softly. "But we can help you make it not so bright. We can help everything be good again, Nieme. And, you'll be back at the Temple with all of us, and Dani and Kael. Come back with me, and everything will be better."

"I...I don't know how," she whispered. "I'm lost...like Kael was, and I don't know how to find my way back."

Jae Dyn held her hands out to Nieme. "That's why I am here," she whispered. "I can help you find your way."

Nieme unwound her arms from around her drawn up legs, but didn't reach out to Jae Dyn. "But...it's so quiet here. The voices...you can't hear them in here. They're not there all the time...but sometimes when I get scared..." She looked down and sobbed gently. "I don't want them to come back, or the visions. I want it to just all go away."

"I will help you make it go away," Jae Dyn said as she tried to coax Nieme to come closer. "We will all help you make the visions go away, and the voices. We'll help you learn to keep them quiet. We'll help you get better, Nieme."

"I only wanted to love Kael," she said in barely a whisper. "That's all."

"And, if you come out where he is, you can love him again," Jae Dyn said. "He's waiting for you. He's helping me now, so I can bring you back. Please come out to him, Nieme."

Nieme sat motionless for a time, then dropped to her hands and knees. She crawled a few paces, then stopped and whimpered. "But the storm..." she iterated fearfully. "It'll just come again."

Once again, Jae Dyn stretched out her hands for Nieme to take. "You must trust that I can help you get rid of the storm, Nieme. You have the strength within you to do this, but you must also trust yourself."

That, above all else, was what Nieme lacked. She had never had confidence in herself and relied on others, like Kael, to be her source of strength and resolve. He wasn't here now to support her, which meant she would have to act alone. She crawled another few feet, but her movements were slow and uncertain. Jae Dyn's hands were within arm's reach, yet Nieme still didn't attempt to reach out for them. She crept closer to Jae Dyn, sobbing quietly but willing herself to continue.

Whatever she was to face when she left the safety of the cave, she would do alone. No longer would she rely on others to help her overcome the obstacles placed before her. She no longer worried about looking for Kael; she'd chased him far too long already and it was time she let him go and spared more concern for herself.

The distance between she and Jae Dyn closed, and with a relieved sigh, Nieme shot out her hand and placed it in Jae Dyn's. "Take me home," she said firmly. "Take me home now."

Jae Dyn pulled Nieme closer, and caught her in an embrace, willing some of her strength into the girl. "Now close your eyes and concentrate on my voice," she said. She began focusing her will on Nieme's fears and confusion. Using her own mind as a conduit through which Nieme could banish some of her doubt and cast off some of that fear, she began slowly pulling them out of Nieme's mind.

***

Laedra felt the strain lessening and her strength no longer draining from her. She was still weak, but at least she wasn't getting anymore so. "Liam...what--" From the bed, a gentle whimpering could be heard. Laedra narrowed her eyes and watched Nieme closely, only to see her blinking slowly and her body gently shifting beneath the sheets covering her. "Oh gods...Liam, she's back." Her eyes next went to Jae Dyn, who still sat at Nieme's bedside, motionless and with her eyes sealed shut. "Jae Dyn?" she whispered hesitantly.

Jae Dyn Brael's consciousness slowly returned as the journey into Nieme's mind was completed. She slowly opened her eyes and looked around. She saw Laedra watching her intently, and she gave the woman a tired smile. "It went alright," she said in a strained voice.

Laedra sighed slowly and looked to Kael, who seemed ready to slump over and fall asleep. "You did well, Padawan."

Kael looked up at Laedra and bowed. When he straightened again, he had a slight smile on his face. After a moment, he turned his attention solely to Nieme. He moved up near the head of her bed and gazed down at her. "Nieme," he said softly, and the fatigue in his voice was very apparent. "Nieme, it's Kael. I'm here."

For the first time in a week, Nieme didn't throw a tantrum at the sight of Kael, nor did she scream wildly and try to get her hands free to claw at his face. Instead, her lips twitched into a stiff smile and voicelessly, she called out his name.

Kael smiled and he moved slightly closer. "Oh Thana, it's good to see you, Nieme," he whispered. He quickly looked away from the Jedi in the room and wiped the tears from his eyes. When he looked back to Nieme, he laughed, and reached out a tentative hand to brush against her cheek.

Nieme flinched slightly at the touch, but she didn't shrink away. She lifted her own hand towards Kael, but the restraints holding them in place stopped her short. The sight of her hands cuffed by straps made her gasp and her anxiety to return. She whimpered and tugged at the restraints trepidly at first, then as her panic rose, her struggles grew more desperate. "P-Please! Please take them off...please."

Without thinking, Kael turned and gestured at the straps. They seemed to unbuckle themselves, freeing Nieme from their restraint. He started turning back to Nieme, but had to catch himself on the bed before he collapsed. Undeterred, he did manage to return his attention to Nieme. "They're gone now, my love."

Nieme cried out quietly and rolled into Kael's embrace. Her arms, thin from malnourishment, trembled as they wrapped themselves around Kael's neck. She buried her face into his shoulder and wept. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I went to the desert. I'm sorry I pushed you away. It was all my fault and...I'm sorry."

Kael could feel his own tears burning their way down his cheeks as he held her. "It's alright, Nieme," he whispered. "It's all okay now. You're back here where it's safe. You're safe and it wasn't your fault. I was wrong Nieme. I pushed you. I'm so sorry, Nieme. It's okay now though. Or, we can try to make it okay. We'll go slow. Be friends again. It's all going to be alright again, my asri, my arozeil. It's all going to be okay again."

"I know," Nieme replied. "I'm going to make it all okay. I'm not going to be afraid anymore, Kael, and I'm going to be strong now. You'll see...you'll all see."

As Nieme and Kael got reacquainted, Jae Dyn pushed herself up to her feet. She took a step toward Laedra and Liam, but nearly collapsed under her own weight. "Thank you all for your assistance," Jae Dyn said. "I couldn't have made it without your strength helping me."

Laedra moved to Jae Dyn's side and wrapped her arm around her waist to assist her in standing. "You did well, Jae Dyn Brael. It felt like you endured quite a struggle."

"Thank you," Jae Dyn said, gratefully accepting Laedra's assistance. "It was not easy in there, but I made it through. And, I learned a few things about myself and my limits...and a few things about other people." She glanced at Liam who gave her a confused look. "The most important goal was accomplished. Nieme is safe and back with us again."

"Then you must go and get some rest," Laedra said. "I realize you plan on leaving immediately, but I would feel much better if you had at least a small nap."

Jae Dyn nodded. "Good idea," she said. "Please let Yelara know I'll be lying down for a little bit. And, then we can get underway."

She started toward the door, but Koran stopped her before she could get there.

"I know that things are still pretty unofficial around here, and we have no established council. However, I don't believe that anyone will contest this. Jae Dyn Brael, as a member of the Jedi Order and as a Jedi Master, I confer upon you the rank of Jedi Knight."

Jae Dyn looked up, completely stunned by his words. "My thanks," she said, and bowed to him. "All of my thanks and deepest appreciation."

Koran smiled. "You have earned it, Jae Dyn. I know you will be going away, but you are still a Jedi Knight."

"For now and always," Jae Dyn said with a smile. "Thank you." She turned and smiled at Laedra. "And, thank you, Laedra. Thank you for being here with me."

"Me?" Laedra laughed uncertainly and shook her head. "I did nothing, Jae Dyn. I merely provided strength, that is all."

"And, to me when I was trying to bring Nieme back, that was everything. I should go lie down now. If I'm not awake in an hour, could you please come get me?"

Laedra glanced sideways at Liam, uncertain as to why she was being asked such favours. She attributed it to the possibility that their past quarrel was forgiven, so with a gentle smile, Laedra nodded and helped Jae Dyn from the room.

Liam thanked Koran, and the Jedi Master excused himself from the room, stopping briefly to praise Kael's efforts, and to offer a warm smile to Nieme. Once they were gone, Liam moved over and placed a hand on Kael's shoulder. "You did good," he said. "You're going to make a fine Jedi."

"Thank you," Kael said with a smile. He watched Liam go, and then turned back to Nieme. "I learned so much while you were away, Nieme," he said. "My darkness is going away. I'm getting better."

"And I will too...eventually." She looked down at her hand clasped in Kael's, but her eyes wandered to her bare wrist where once, she wore his wedding bracelet. "Kael...I don't think--" Nieme sighed and looked back up into his eyes. "I can't be with you anymore, not if I'm going to get better and not if I'm going to be a Jedi. You hurt me...and I know you're sorry, but I refuse to let that happen again."

Kael held back his feelings as Laedra had taught him. "I understand," he said softly. "We are both going through changes in our lives, and seeking our directions. It is difficult, but it is the sensible thing to do now. I am training to be a Jedi, and relationships like we had are forbidden. I do not know what the future will hold for us, but I will be your friend if you will have me." He took a deep breath and let it out. "What are we going to do about our marriage, Nieme?"

"There is no marriage," she answered forthrightly. "There never really was, Kael, not the way you treated me. I do love you and always will, but as far as I'm concerned, our marriage vows were broken long ago. I will be your friend, Kael, but nothing more. That is how I want it, and that is how it shall be."

Kael nodded. "Legally, we are married, Nieme," he said. "The government of this planet still views us as married. We should go into New Plouton, and have the marriage dissolved then. I love you, Nieme, and will always consider you one of my closest friends. I respect your wishes, and you are right. I was wrong in the way I treated you. I am ashamed of what I was, but I am working to become more than that. But, we should take care of the legalities surrounding our joining."

"Then once I am well, we will go into the city and have that done." Nieme was surprised at how confidently she spoke, and how her speech no longer halted and her no longer tongue stumbled over the words. She felt as if someone else were speaking for her, and she had no control over what came from her lips. But she knew everything she said was what she felt in her heart. "I'm a little tired now, Kael, but before I go to sleep, would you please find Dani for me and bring her here? I would like to speak with her."

Kael nodded and offered Nieme a slight bow. "I'll go find her right away," he said. "She's been waiting for someone to come bring her in. Jae Dyn didn't want anyone in here who wasn't actively helping, but I know she's very excited to see you." He reined in his emotions and nodded again. "I'll go get her right away." With that, he stepped back from the bed.

"Kael." Nieme took his hand before he got too far, and with a gentle smile, she brought it to her lips. "Don't punish yourself for what happened to me and Dani, Kael. It wasn't your fault. Besides...I think it had to happen for things to get better. It was a good thing, in a way, so never feel guilty for it, my love. Never."

Kael gave Nieme a warm smile, and returned to her side at the bed. "Your confidence is quite becoming," he said. "What happened was...was wrong, but the strength you've gained from the experience is very good." He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "I'll be back with Dani in a few moments."

Nieme watched Kael - walking poised and tall - leave the room. It seemed even he had undergone a change, but his was due to training in the Jedi arts, whereas Nieme hadn't the vaguest idea what had sparked hers. She looked down at her hands, which trembled in her lap. That was the only visible sign of her uneasiness, but otherwise she had shown not even a hint of the old Nieme. She hadn't stuttered once and had even looked Kael directly in the eyes when she ended their relationship. The old Nieme never could have done that.

A smile gently curled her parched lips. She wouldn't have to be afraid anymore and never again would she allow anyone to hurt her, not Kael, not Ferrig-- Nieme shuddered at the memories that were slowly returning of her time in the desert. She would overcome those too and refused to curl up into a ball or return to the catatonia she had sought, to protect herself from any more torment. She would face it and help Dani do the same, for the new Nieme Yaresh was no longer a coward who started at a shadow strewn across the floor; she was strong and confident, and as she sat in her recovery bed, gazing with a fiery intensity at the light streaming in through her window, she knew that as of now, she was a Jedi too.

---

"Vendra, Part 1"
By: Merrick Braston
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat
Various NPCs

Location: Vendra, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 16, 4 ABY

***

"That's twenty." Kaysa chuckled lowly as yet another unclad male sunbather strolled past her chair. She couldn't help noting the smile on each of their faces, as if they had absolutely no inhibitions or qualms about displaying their naked bodies to a full beach of complete strangers, especially since their lips weren't the only things smiling.

Trying to keep her eyes above their waistline had proven far too difficult, so she'd abandoned any further effort to do so. If they were going to walk around nude, she was going to look, and look she was. Unfortunately, so was Merrick. "Will you stop that! I'm beginning to think you're fixated on them."

"It's a comparative study," Merrick said. "Besides, you'd knock my head off my shoulders if I started looking at the women."

"I'd feel more secure about your sexual preference if you did," Kaysa replied. "So, go on and have a look if you want to."

Merrick replied and shifted himself in his chair so he was facing Kaysa. "The only woman I want to look at is you," he said. "And, although I may be looking at the men walking by, you're still the one who gets my heart pounding, and the only one I have any desire of being with while we're here."

"Yes, yes, that's all nice and good, Merrick, but I really would feel a lot better if you were enthralled by...that woman's breasts." Kaysa gave an approving nod. "Much bigger than mine. You really should have a look, Merrick."

Merrick turned, and nodded. "Oh yes, very nice. Oh, and there's that young brunette over there with the smaller ones. I'd say they're a little smaller than Shiv's, wouldn't you? Very nice indeed. Hey...that woman over there has...oh, right through the... That must have hurt. Can I still say that yours are my favourite?"

Kaysa looked down at the supple mounds of flesh swelling from her purple bikini top and laughed. "If you wish." She glanced down into Merrick's lap and grinned. "Can I say that yours is my favourite too?"

Merrick slipped his hand into Kaysa's and brought it to his lips. "I think I would like for mine to be your favourite very much. And, I think he likes you very much as well, and tonight he wants to show you just how well."

"Oh, he made that abundantly clear last night. Can you actually believe the couple next door had the nerve to bang on our wall and tell us to keep it down?" Kaysa folded her arms over her chest and glowered. "And I thought Vendra was supposed to be the sex continent."

Merrick laughed. "Maybe not that sexy," he said. "And...we were kind of loud. I think I found a crack in one of the water glasses this morning. And, my body is still sore. I really like this new rough sex, but tonight we'll have to go a little slower and softer or else I'll be in a bacta tank tomorrow."

Kaysa ran her hand along Merrick's cheek and pouted playfully. "Poor Merrick... Saving yourself for--" Kaysa pointed to a tall, blond-haired man with rippling muscles. "--him?"

Merrick lazily turned his head to look at the man Kaysa indicated. He immediately sat up. "Oh, well hello..."

Kaysa laughed dryly and gracefully rose from her beach chair. "Fine...you two get acquainted." Kaysa raised her hand in the air and waved over the young man. She smoothed out her sheer wrap and grinned at Merrick. "I'm going to get us some drinks." Kaysa strode off, kicking up sand with her bare feet, and headed for the outdoor bar.

Merrick looked up at the man approaching and smiled.

"Yes?" the man said.

Merrick just sat there watching him for a moment before he smiled again. "Beautiful weather, isn't it?"

"Oh it is," the man said. "I still can't believe how different the weather here is from in New Plouton."

Merrick nodded again, and then smiled. "I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't mean to get you dragged over here. My girlfriend thinks I'm turning homosexual."

The man stared down at Merrick and laughed. "Are you?"

It was Merrick's turn to laugh. "No, not turning gay."

"Pity," the man said, and then smiled. "If you do decide to, let me know."

Merrick could only stare dumbly at the man. Finally he nodded. "I'll do that," he said.

They stared at each other for a few more moments before the young man moved off down the beach. Merrick only shook his head and leaned back again in his chair.

"Where'd your friend go?" Kaysa's arm jutted over Merrick's shoulder from behind with a pink, fruity-looking drink in hand.

"He went to go get something...lubrication jelly or something like that," Merrick said with a shrug. "He said he'd be right back though. That looks tasty." He reached up and took the drink from her, and then took a sip. "It is tasty."

Kaysa's head came over his shoulder next and she gazed at him with a mixture of amusement and anxiety. "I see... Well, maybe he has a girlfriend to keep me company while you boys grow better acquainted," she said, emphasizing the word 'grow.' She patted him on the shoulder, then moved back to her chair with the frosted glass bearing her drink clenched in her hand. "You got the alcoholic one, right? I asked for mine without."

"Yes, I did," Merrick said with a smile. "And, I think I'd rather grow more acquainted with you. He may have been nice and everything, but it just wouldn't be the same without your screams and nails on my back."

"I'm sure his nails are sharp enough." Kaysa puckered her lips in a gestured kiss, then laughed and sucked some of her beverage through the straw. "I know you're not really into men, Merrick, but I just want you to know that if you do develop a preference for them...I really will bite off a nipple."

"Oh," Merrick said with a laugh, "a definite incentive to stick with you and only you. Well, and Shiv. And, I promise when you, me, and Zale are together, I'll keep away from the dangerous parts."

Kaysa sucked away at the sweet concoction in her glass until she'd guzzled the entire beverage. "What if Zale wants you near the dangerous parts? I'm not so sure about him either, you know." She stared down into her glass and aimed her straw at the small droplets left at the bottom, then sucked them up. "Hmm...I think I'm going to get another of these. Want one?"

Merrick looked at his half-full glass and laughed. "Not yet," he said. "But, when you finish your next, I'll be ready for another."

Kaysa leaned over the edge of her chair and kissed Merrick upon the cheek. "I'll be back in a second!" she said as she pushed out of her chair and wandered back towards the outdoor bar. She asked for another of the same drink and watched as the bartender mixed it in front of her. Her gaze drifted back to the beach, unfortunately missing the part of the mixing process where the bartender added a long stream of Yulian gin to her drink.

"Here you go."

Kaysa thanked him and with the drink in hand and straw to her lips, she strolled merrily back to her chair. "I like this free drink thing. I plan on having plenty more of these."

The shadow that crossed over his face told him that Kaysa had returned. "That was quick," he said with a grin. He looked up at her and watched as she got back into her chair. "You know, I don't think I've seen you this happy in awhile, Kaysa. I think we're going to have to do this more often."

"I'm always happy," she said. "I just don't always know how to show it." She blindly reached her hand out towards Merrick as she focused upon the pink, fluffy crushed ice drink whose level was quickly dropping within her glass. "Are you happy, Merrick? Really happy?"

Merrick smiled and took Kaysa's hand. "Now? I'm happier than I can ever remember being in my life," he said. "I feel like everything is going to be good, and the way it should be, and there will be nothing but good things from now on. Yes, I'm very happy."

Kaysa reclined her head against the chair and turned her face up to the sun. She sighed softly and smiled as the warmth settled upon her face. "I'm so glad..." She slurped up the remainder of her drink and let the glass fall from her hand and into the sand. "I like the beach... So many naked people. I'm not naked, though, and neither are you. Would you like to be naked, Merrick? Would you?"

"I don't think I could be naked if you weren't," he said. "But, I guess it might be a little fun. As it is, we stand out by our clothedness. Would you like to be naked, Kaysa?" He slid himself a little closer to her, ready to offer to help with her suit if she needed it.

Kaysa glanced sideways at Merrick and with a giggle dragged her hand over his face. "I would like to be naked with you in an hour. But out here, our pasty flesh would get all burnt and crispy. And then I'd have to hear you whine about that on top of your nipple." She sighed and shook her head. "It was only a tiny bite, Merrick. No need to be a baby about it."

"I'm just not used to having my nipples bitten," Merrick said. "I'm not being a baby about it, I was just surprised is all. Besides, they're man nipples, and there really isn't that much to grab on to...so I was a little in awe that you managed to."

"Oh, never underestimate Kaysa Zenarr, Merrick. Besides, that's not the only surprise I have for you." She grinned at him and lifted herself from the chair again. "Another drink. Does my wimpy musician boyfriend want another?"

"Just remember that your wimpy musician boyfriend tossed your brawny crimelord husband over a table," Merrick said with a laugh, and then handed his glass out to her. "And, yes. Another drink, please."

Kaysa swiped the glass from Merrick and saluted him with her free hand. "Now...don't you go getting naked on me. I like those little shorts. They hug your cute Merrick butt perfectly." She laughed and started back towards the bar, stumbling in the shifting sands, but regaining her footing.

"Two more, pal."

The bartender nodded and got to work. Kaysa neglected to mention to leave the alcohol out of hers, but that was the last thing on her mind as she caught sight in the distance of a very nude, very pink-skinned female, a female that soon became distinguishable as a Twi'lek by the lekku swaying across her back. For a moment, Kaysa thought she recognized her as the Twi'lek from the masquerade ball, the woman who was trying to seduce her husband, but the thought was quickly dismissed when Kaysa reminded herself that Oot Kovan wasn't the only Twi'lek on Tae'Karada.

"Gods...paranoid, Kaysa?" she muttered to herself. Despite her reassurances, Kaysa still spied the woman, with the straw of her newly acquired drink already pushed between her lips. The pink creature moved along the sand as if she were floating with her feet barely skimming the surface. The men surrounding her turned their heads to watch as she passed, swinging those curvaceous, smooth hips in perfect synchronicity with her lekku, while the gentle suppleness of her rear bounced lightly.

Kaysa crushed her straw between her teeth and pushed away from the bar with a growl. While the Twi'lek moved gracefully across the sand, Kaysa stumbled and fountained it into the faces of sunbathers lying upon the ground. She apologized half-heartedly and silently cursed the Twi'lek with fervour. By the time she made it back to Merrick, her drink had been emptied and his had been considerably reduced in volume, having been spilled during her arduous trek back and now ran down her chest and stomach. "Here." She thrust the drink out towards him.

Merrick looked at his drink and then up at Kaysa. "They're skimping," he said as he sloshed the less-than-half-full glass around. He then looked at her again and smiled. "Or did you expect me to lick it from your body?"

Kaysa grumbled and swiped at the towel hanging over the back of her chair. "I'm not used to walking on sand. It's so...so...not sturdy." She dabbed at the pink fluid already drying onto her skin. "It's all...sticky!" Kaysa sighed sharply and threw down the towel as she sank heavily into her chair.

"If you want, we can head back to our room for a shower," he said. "Or we could go jump in the water. That would certainly get that stickiness off." He took a sip from his drink and then glanced at her again. "I can show you how well I swim..."

Kaysa snorted. "You just want to get closer to that group of naked men that just jumped into the water. I don't swim anyways. Never learned how."

"How about I teach you?" Merrick said with a grin. "And, those naked men are moving away now, so you don't have to worry. It'll be just you and me."

"I don't take orders or instructions from others very well." Kaysa crossed her arms over her chest and glowered at the sparkling sea lapping at the sands. "If you want to swim, you may. I'll just go and get another drink."

"What's wrong, Kaysa?" Merrick asked, his voice filled with concern. "Something's going on. All of a sudden, it's...I don't know. You seem upset or irritated. What's going on?"

Kaysa shifted in her chair and pushed away the hair a sudden breeze threw into her face. "I'm just sticky, that's all. And it's hot and there's naked people and you keep pestering me to swim when I don't want to. Whyever would I be irritable?"

"Then let's go back to our room where there aren't any naked people, I won't ask you to swim, and you can take a shower to get rid of the stickiness."

Sighing deeply and batting away from her eyes more errant curls, Kaysa pushed herself to her feet. She tottered off balance, but regained her equilibrium. "Fine. But I want another drink on the way."

Merrick looked up Kaysa, and frowned. He couldn't shake that there was something else going on here. He stood up and moved over to help steady her. "I think I want to get something too, so I'll come along and then we can head straight back to our room."

Kaysa shook the hair from her face and squeezed out of Merrick's hold, then started unsteadily forward on her own. Her nerves felt on edge and even the subtle crashing of the waves on the beach agitated her. At least the Twi'lek was no longer in sight to irk here increasingly.

Merrick grabbed their towels and rushed after Kaysa. If she was like this on their first day here, he couldn't wait to see what they'd be like at the end of the week. I should probably have Chrik look for an apartment near the White Noise for me...just in case.

"Gimme another one," she ordered to the bartender. She slammed her hand down atop the bar to hurry him up, then turned her attention back to the beach. She wondered where the Twi'lek had gotten to, then with a bitter laugh, decided to look for the largest swarm of men to find her.

Merrick approached the bar and set his glass on the bar. He was looking around when he saw something that nearly made his heart stop. "Hey," he called out. "No gin in that one. Bartender, that's supposed to be a non-alcoholic drink!"

"Huh?" Kaysa looked back towards the bar, and specifically at the bartender with a bottle of gin in his hand and her drink in the other. She turned her confused gaze to Merrick, then back to the tall glass of pink liquid. A very distant part of her knew she should be yelling at the bartender for the mistake, but another very vocal part of her wanted that drink. "Oh gods." Kaysa pushed away from the bar and staggered towards the boardwalk, away from the temptation she'd already succumbed to in the form of three glasses of spiked fruit juice, and which she wanted more of despite how wrong it was.

Merrick took a menacing step closer to the man. "I suggest you go turn in your resignation right now," he said. "Because if you don't, I will see to it that you are fired."

The bartender laughed and moved closer so that he was just opposite Merrick. "Oh yeah? I've been working here for three years. There's nothing you could say to anyone that would get me fired. Now, just shut your mouth and go after your girl."

Merrick reached up and grabbed the collar of the man's shirt, then pulled the man's head slamming down into the bar. He reversed his hands until they were holding his neck in place so the bartender couldn't get up. He leaned close. "My name is Merrick Braston," he rasped. "Perhaps you've heard of me. And, you will resign within the next fifteen minutes, or I will buy this whole fucking resort and fire your ass myself. Do I make myself clear?"

The bartender struggled to get up, but Merrick's hold was too strong for him to break. Finally, he sagged back to the bar and nodded. "Fine," he said. "I'll go quit."

"That's a good boy," Merrick said, and then turned from the bar. He rushed down toward the boardwalk to catch up with Kaysa. With her still staggering away, he easily caught up with her at a run. "Kaysa," he said softly. "Kaysa, don't run from me. We'll get through this."

"Go away, Merrick. Go away before I say something I'll regret later."

Merrick reached out, grabbed Kaysa's arm, and then spun her to him. "Sorry," he said. "That's not gonna work with me. You bit my nipple, there's nothing you could say or do that's worse than that."

"Merrick..." Kaysa sighed and closed her eyes to search for the quickly dwindling calm she desperately needed right now. "Take me to our room. I'm going to shower and you're going to comm the front desk for something to get this alcohol out of my system." She pressed her forehead to Merrick's chest and cursed. "I was doing so well, Merrick. I didn't even feel tempted to have a drink and now..."

Merrick closed his arms around her and held her for a moment before turning and starting back to their room. "That bartender is also submitting his resignation. I told him to quit, or I'd buy this place and fire him."

"It's not completely his fault. I mean, after the first time, how was he supposed to know I didn't want liquor in my drink?" Kaysa took deep, calming breaths to keep herself together. She knew if she fell apart now, Merrick would only be subjected to her wrath. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I fucked up everything. We should probably just pack up and go home now before I screw things up even more."

"No," Merrick said. "We're going to get you some rest. And, it was his fault because he gave you that drink the first time. When someone asks for a non-alcoholic drink, and the bartender serves them alcohol... Come on, we just need some rest. It'll be fine after a little bit, Kaysa. Just a little rest, that's all we need."

Kaysa nodded her head and tightened her hold on his waist. "If you want...you can lick the stickiness off."

Merrick grinned. "I may have to do just that," he said with a wide grin. "Now, let's go find us some privacy so I can get you naked and lick that sticky goodness from your body."

---

"Vendra, Part 2"
By: Merrick Braston
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat
Zale Tregat
Oot Kovan

Location: Vendra, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 16, 4 ABY

***

Kaysa leaned against Merrick as they entered the lift and started its ascent to their floor. The motion almost made her queasy, but the day was already a failure and she refused to ruin it further by vomitting on Merrick's feet. "How do you put up with me, Merrick? I mean...when I get neurotic and insane, loving me just doesn't seem reason enough for you to stick around."

"I just remember what it's like to not wake up with you in my arms, and it gets pretty easy."

Kaysa laughed softly, then kissed Merrick's chest. "Having a songwriting boyfriend comes in handy at times, especially when you start talking like that."

Merrick laughed. "Well, just so you know, it comes from my heart especially for you. I would never recycle a lyric to try to woo you, Kaysa. And, I think once you're cleaned up, I'm going to have to show you just how much I love you again."

"And if you really are in the mood for a swim, we can fill the tub to the top and you can show me how to dive." She grinned slyly, and feeling almost cheerful again, she ran her finger along the inside edge of Merrick's waistband.

Merrick smiled. "I think you'd make a wonderful diver," he said. "I definitely think we should try that out. And, then I can cheer for you." He stepped closer until he was nearly pressed against her body. "I really like your ideas."

"Really?" Kaysa cocked an eyebrow and smiled. "You didn't like it when I suggested I tie you to the bedposts last night."

"And, then after I finally agreed to let you, it wasn't as bad as I thought," Merrick said with a laugh. "I have found a new appreciation for your ideas. But, sometime before we leave to go home, I get to tie you up."

Kaysa purred and gently nipped at Merrick's chest. "I think I'd enjoy having you ravage me. It would be a big step in our relationship, too, because for me to surrender control like that doesn't happen often, my love."

"I know," he said. "And, in the past I haven't really ever taken control. But, I think we need it." With a smile, he brought his hands up to her chest and slipped her top up over her breasts. With a grin, he lowered his mouth to suckle at each nipple, and then grinned up at Kaysa. "Maybe by the end of the week we won't need our suits out there."

"Maybe then you'll pay more attention to my chest instead of those young studs out there." She pushed Merrick's face back against her bosom. "I love it when you take initiative," she said with a sigh. Her hand managed to sneak its way into Merrick's shorts, and from there it wasn't difficult to find what she was searching for. "You know, we can get naked in here and do what we like, and for once, we won't be hauled off by the Morality Guard."

Merrick pulled his face away from Kaysa's chest and smiled. "I think that's a marvelous idea," he said. He glanced at the floors slowly clicking past and was thankful they were in a very tall hotel. "So, do we stop it or be daring?" He reached back as he was speaking and deftly untied the strings holding Kaysa's top on.

Kaysa laughed and guided Merrick back against the wall of the lift, far from the panel bearing the 'stop' button. "It's our vacation. We can afford to be bold." As her top dropped to the ground, she worked at undoing the knot of her wrap. It proved a difficult task with her lips feeding voraciously from Merrick's, but she finally managed to loosen the tie and pull away the sheer fabric.

Merrick reached down to the waistband of the shorts he was wearing and pushed them down, leaving him completely bereft of clothing. Kaysa had managed to regain her gentle grip on his erection, and was slowly taking him toward the edge as she slowly manipulated him. He moaned and kissed her roughly before moving his hands to her last remaining article of clothing. He grinned, and pushed the fabric over her hips and down to the floor. "This is much better," he said. "This is how vacations should be."

"This is how every day should be." Kaysa pressed her hips to Merrick's and rubbed her mound against his erection. She weaved her fingers through his hair and pulled his head back to expose his throat. "Oh, I think this is going to be a very sobering experience." She moaned as her lips moved to his neck and her teeth gently nibbled at the delicate flesh. Her hips rhythmically undulated, grinding her groin against Merrick's, which was almost as stimulating as would be the act that no doubt would ensue from their foreplay.

Merrick moaned loudly as Kaysa's teeth nipped at his flesh. "What is it," he began between moans, "with us and elevators?" He quickly reversed their positions so Kaysa's back was to the wall. "But, I sure like christening them with you."

"Maybe it's the fact that they go up--" She jerked her hips forward into Merrick's. "And down." Her lips locked with his in a numbing kiss and her moans were lost in the hollow expanse of his mouth. The length of his firm shaft rubbing against her opening ignited her desire to have him fully within her. "This ride isn't that long," she said huskily. "Sober me up, my love."

"One sober brunette coming up," Merrick said with a wide grin as he plunged himself deep inside Kaysa. "Oh, that's nice." He started thrusting inside her, as deep as he could, bringing out cries from Kaysa as he did.

Suddenly, the lift slowed to a stop, and a gentle pinging noise sounded as the doors opened. Merrick didn't care who was there since there was no Morality Guard here and he could do whatever he wanted, including having sex in a public elevator. They could wait for another lift as far as he was concerned.

Kaysa attempted to make herself oblivious to whoever was standing outside the doors of their temporary love den, and closed her eyes to immerse herself in the act, but the soft chuckling coming from one of the unexpected guests was far too familiar to dismiss. She moaned and opened her eyes almost hesitantly. Her moan transformed into a gasp, then a groan as her bleary eyes focused on the two standing in the doorway.

"Oh gods..." She was incapable of preventing another moan from escaping her lips, and in spite of the surprise and disappointment effected by recognition of their onlookers, she whimpered and clutched Merrick closer to her. "What the hell-- What the hell are you doing here?"

From the doorway, Zale laughed. "Going to dinner," he said. "There's a restaurant on the top floor, and we were just going up to grab a bite to eat."

Oot Kovan looked over the two in the elevator and chuckled softly to herself. "So, this must be the wife and the musician," she said. "Very nice."

Kaysa frowned at Oot and now knew for certain she had been the Twi'lek flaunting her naked body on the beach...and seeing her standing nude before her now made identification that much easier. She wouldn't have been so enraged if it was merely a naked Oot hanging off of Zale's arm, but it was the fact that Zale too shared her state of undress that pushed her over the edge. Kaysa shoved Merrick away and gathered her swimming attire from the ground. With one seething gaze at Zale, and a vicious smile for Oot, Kaysa squeezed past them, breaking through their linked arms, and stalking down the corridor.

Merrick stared after Kaysa, and then shook his head. He bent to pick up his shorts, and by the time he stood up again Zale and Oot were in the lift and the doors were closing. He shook his head and slumped back against the wall.

Zale did his best to ignore Merrick, but Oot made no such effort. She gave him a predatory smile and stepped in his direction. "So, Mr. Braston, do you do private performances? Or just public?"

Before Merrick could answer, the doors to the lift opened at his and Kaysa's floor, and he quickly squeezed out and off down the hall toward their room. Oh, things are definitely a mess, he told himself.

***

Kaysa stopped in her hasty, angry retreat long enough to pull on her bikini, then she continued storming down the corridor in full force. She found another lift on the opposite side of the floor and descended to the ground level where she inquired at the front desk as to the location of her room. With her mind addled by liquor and fury, she couldn't seem to recall her room number. Once she retrieved the information, she made her way towards the room she shared with Merrick.

Each time the memory of a naked Zale standing with a naked Oot surged in her mind, her teeth ground together and her fists clenched in anger. She would see to it their vacation was cut short, especially after witnessing the look in Oot's eyes, the one that stated clearly she would have Zale in her bed and in her arms before the weekend was over.

Kaysa came upon the door of their room and hit the doorpanel. The door didn't respond. "Great... Merrick? I hope you're in there because I'm locked out."

The door slid open, but it wasn't Merrick standing there on the other side. Instead, it was Zale working the panel that opened the door. "We need to talk," he said, and then quickly backed away before she could use the fists clenched at her side.

Kaysa folded her arms over her chest and stubbornly looked away from Zale. "Where's Merrick?"

"I'm here," Merrick said. "He got here about a minute ago."

"I know you're upset, Kaysa," Zale said. "But nothing's happening between me and Oot. I promise you that."

Kaysa looked down at Zale's dangling genitals and scoffed in disgust. "If not, then why are you still walking around like that?" She shook her head and shouldered past Zale as she entered the room. "Merrick..." She sighed and moved towards him. "I'm sorry."

Zale turned around. "I'm walking around like this because that's what this place is all about," he said. "This isn't something sexual, and Oot Kovan is completely frustrated because she can't even do anything to get me aroused. And, she won't for the entire time we're here."

Kaysa peered over her shoulder at Zale. "I'm talking to Merrick. I've already heard everything you have to say and it's quite obvious from your present state that I can't trust anything you tell me. Your nudity is an invitation for her and before this weekend is over, she will take it."

"She may think it's an invitation, but it's not. She's not getting anything out of me, Kaysa. You have my word as the head of the Antorial Syndicate and as your husband. All I ask for is your trust. Trust me, Kaysa. Nothing will happen between me and Oot."

"I'm trying," she said quietly. "Though, it would help a lot if you put some clothes on." Kaysa sighed and sank down onto the bed, next to Merrick. "Why Vendra? You couldn't have convinced her to take you elsewhere? Now how am I supposed to have a good time knowing you're here with her, fighting off her frisky hands?"

Zale smiled. "I figured, why fight it? Besides, coming here gives you a chance to keep an eye on me. I'll make you a deal though. If you give me an erection, I'll put on clothes."

"What?" Kaysa chuckled and shook her head. "Are you insane?"

Zale looked up at the ceiling for a moment, and then shook his head. "Try to give me an erection," Zale said. "If you're successful at breaking through my Shac'Tae training and get a reaction from me, then I'll go back down to my room and put clothes on because I'm at risk from Oot Kovan. If you can't get any reaction out of Sparky--"

There was a loud guffaw from the bed. "Sparky?"

"If you can't get a reaction out of Sparky, then will you agree that I'm good enough to not give her what she wants?"

Kaysa drummed her fingers upon her knees, then threw up her arms and rose. "Fine. It's obvious that's the only way to get clothes on you, so fine." She stepped closer and grinned. "Maybe we should get Merrick to give you this test. I imagine he could get you quite worked up."

"Whoever wants to do it," Zale said. "Just give me that erection or don't; I'm hungry." The sparkle in his eyes told that he was joking.

"Okay, okay." Kaysa smiled and pressed her hand to Zale's chest. "This shouldn't take long." Her eyes remained on his as she moved even closer to him until her breasts lightly brushed against his chest. "You won't have me for a whole week," she said softly. "Are you sure you can hold out that long?" She brought her other hand to his inner thigh and caressed it lightly. "There are plenty of elevators in this building. We could have a re-enactment of that time when you took me in the elevator at the Segrelat Tower." Kaysa moaned happily at the memory. "All I had on was that thin equadi, then...nothing." Her one finger moved slowly up his shaft, then down again. "You took me into your arms, I wrapped my legs around your waist, and you took me then and there. Do you remember that?"

Merrick laughed on the bed. "So that's how that happened."

Zale shook his head and laughed. He glanced down at Sparky, lying limp between his legs. He looked back up at Kaysa. "I remember. It was quite a night. Especially killing the city's power so you could see the stars."

Merrick gasped and sat up. "That was you?"

Zale smiled. "Of course. It was quite a night."

"Shh!" Kaysa cupped Zale's chin in her hand and centred his face so their eyes were directly in line. "That wasn't even the most intense time, was it? Remember that night you found me in the alleyway and you took me home." Her hand dropped from Zale's chin to her chest where she ran her fingers over the tops of her breasts. "We were in your bed all night long. First you took me from behind." She wrapped her hand around his shaft and massaged it slowly, yet deliberately. "You refused to let me climax and I was begging and begging..." Kaysa took in a staggering breath and chewed her lip to silence a moan. "Oh...when you finally let me come, I remember screaming so loud, I thought my voice would give out."

Zale smiled. "That was a nice night, wasn't it," he said. "I think we've had a few of them. Like the first night the Imps grabbed us. And, then in prison. We've got quite a history, you and me. A very charged, sexual history."

Kaysa glanced down and neither saw, nor felt, even a trace of hardness in Zale's penis. She stepped towards him, this time pressing her body to his and swayed her hips against his groin to attempt a different tactic of physical stimulation. "I let you take me every which way, and you did." Her warm lips met his chest and kisses were spread across its surface. "We could do that again, now, if you let me. Do you want that, Zale?" She looked up at him from beneath her lashes. "Do you want me?"

"I want you very much," Zale said with a smile. "I'm just waiting for you to work your magic that will allow you and I to re-enact all our times together. I know you can do it, Kaysa. You know how to touch me, not like Oot Kovan would. She doesn't have your experiences with me. She doesn't know how I like it. But you...you know."

Kaysa gazed down at the limp appendage in her hand and sighed sharply as she released it. Either she was losing the touch he spoke of, or he really was capable of suppressing his urges. Whatever it was, it frustrated her immensely. "Fine." She stepped away and slumped down onto the bed. "Go play whatever game it is you're playing with Oot. I only wonder what you will do when she figures out just how to get you going. I also wonder if you'd tell your wife when it does happen."

"Merrick, treat her right," Zale said. "And, Kaysa, trust me. I love you and only you. I'm not sleeping with anyone else, not without your permission. I know I don't have your permission with Oot, and besides, she's an alien. I prefer women from my own species."

Kaysa placed her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes inquisitively. "You're serious? So, if Oot were a human, then I'd have a right to be worried?" She sighed and shook her head. "Okay, Zale. I trust you. Just...just try to stay out of sight for these two days. It's much easier trusting you when I don't see you two together."

Zale nodded. "I'll do my best," he said. "And, you wouldn't have to worry even if she were a clone of you. You're the only one I want, Kaysa. And, I'll try to stay invisible."

Kaysa looked down at her hands in her lap, then sprang to her feet and rushed into Zale's arms. She brought her legs around his waist and kissed him deeply and hungrily. With a laugh, she pulled back and grinned at Zale. "If you want more of that, you'll be a good boy."

Zale took in a deep breath and let it out. "Oh, I'll be an angel," he said. "And, I'm glad this is just for a couple days, and not a whole week. And, then I'll be waiting at home for you."

"Hopefully in bed and naked." She slipped her feet onto the ground and led Zale towards the door. "Now, go give Oot a hard time while I finish what Merrick and I started in the lift."

Zale laughed. "For what it's worth, the two of you looked damn good going at it in that lift. I'll see you later, and next time you see me, it'll be naked and horny in your bed. Keep her happy, Merrick."

"That's what I'm here for," Merrick said, climbing off the bed to move up behind Kaysa. "Have something with lots of Falleen garlic. That'll keep her away."

"But make sure to wash your mouth out really well before I get home." Kaysa ran her eyes up and down Zale's naked form, then sighed. "It's too bad you can't join Merrick and I. That would've been quite the treat."

"Keep your door unlocked," Zale said with a grin, "and I might slip down here for a visit when Oot goes to sleep."

Kaysa tried to contain her enthusiasm, but a squeal of excitement escaped. She composed herself again with some effort and stepped back beside Merrick. "We'll be waiting... See you soon, my love."

Zale blew a kiss to Kaysa, then paused in consideration. After a moment, he shrugged and blew one to Merrick as well. Then with a rakish grin, he turned and started down the hallway.

Merrick laughed once he was gone and grinned at Kaysa. "He wants to do me."

Kaysa nodded her head slowly. "You know, I think he does." She glanced sidelong at Merrick and brushed her fingers along his arm. "I know someone else who wants to do you."

"Oh really," Merrick said with a grin as he glanced down at Kaysa. "Do you think I'll want to do her back? Does she want to tie me up again?" He took Kaysa's hands and started leading the way back to the bed with her.

"No...but I think in repayment for being so cruel to her lover, she'll let him tie her up if he's in the mood." Kaysa reached back with one hand and released the ties holding her top on. She watched it hit the ground, then gazed up at Merrick. "Do you think he's in the mood?"

Merrick grinned. "Oh, I think he definitely is," he said. He stepped close and lifted Kaysa into his arms, to which she quickly wrapped her legs around his waist. As he held her, he lowered his lips to her breasts, sucking each of them as he slowly moved the rest of the way to the bed, and then climbed on top with her. "Oh, I have a feeling you're going to like this very much."

"Oh really? That confident in your abilities, musician?" Kaysa giggled and placed her hands behind her back. "Well...I'm at your mercy. Show me what you got."

Merrick shook his head and pointed to the head of the bed where the ties they'd used the night before still rested. "Get your hands up there, my dear, and I'll show you just what I've got."

Kaysa grinned slowly at Merrick and dropped her hands to the bed, on either side of Merrick's head. "Yes, sir," she replied silkily. She crawled towards the head of the bed, with Merrick between her arms and legs. A moan greeted Merrick as her mound passed over his face where his lips were waiting with a kiss. She finally settled onto her back with her arms raised above her head and legs spread, while she waited to be tied into submission. "Hurry, before Zale comes and decides he wants you all tied up, dear."

Merrick climbed up to the top of the bed and tied up first Kaysa's left, then her right hand. Once that was done, he crawled back down to the foot of the bad and slipped the ties around both her feet. "Now," he said as he slowly kissed his way up her leg, "you are at my mercy." He started with slow, teasing kisses around her inner thighs while he slowly drew the bottom of her suit down over her hips. "You know I'm going to have to cut this away, don't you?"

"Do what you must," she replied. "Just get your lips back up there and do it quick."

A quick tug ripped through the fabric of Kaysa's bikini bottoms. Before returning his lips to hers, he first drew them along the slit between her legs, earning himself a gasp of pleasure from Kaysa. Then, after removing his shorts, he slid back up the bed and kissed Kaysa deeply. "You're mine," he said with a seductive smile.

After the mishap on the beach, then their aborted lovemaking attempt on the lift, Kaysa and Merrick were finally alone and free from anything that could possibly pose a distraction. With a contented sigh, Kaysa closed her eyes and surrendered herself to whatever Merrick had planned. "I'm all yours, my love," she murmured. "Definitely all yours."

Out in the hall and in the surrounding rooms, the other occupants of the hotel were treated to the screams of pleasure coming from Merrick and Kaysa's room.

Up in the top floor of the hotel, in the restaurant, Zale Tregat had to pause at one point while eating his meal as he thought he heard one of Kaysa's cries drifting up from ten floors down. He shook his head and returned to his meal. Just make sure you save some for me, he thought to them, or this is going to be a very long couple days.

---

"Love Renewed"
By: Dani
Nieme Yaresh-Selrid
Orn Gham [NPC]
Laedra Vorrel

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Niothe 16, 4 ABY

***

Dani had nearly run all the way from the training room to Nieme's room. Koran Darr laughed as she ran by, but said nothing. He'd taught her so much in the last couple days. She felt stronger, and as if she had a better grasp on her powers. Well, what powers she had. He kept telling her she needed to learn control. And, as she sent the small block she'd been working with flying across the room, she had to agree with him.

But right now, none of that mattered. Right now, all that mattered was that Nieme was awake. Nieme had asked for her. She let out a joyous squeal as she skidded around a corner.

The room came into view, and Dani finally slowed her pace. She smoothed the short leather tunic she wore and then the pants. She took a breath, and then moved into the doorway. When she saw Nieme in the bed, her heart leapt for joy, and she quickly stepped forward.

"Oh Nieme," she whispered, and a tear rolled down a purple cheek. "You don't know how wonderful it is to see you like this." She closed the distance to Nieme's bed, cautious and concerned. "How--?"

"Don't ask questions," Nieme said with a warm smile. "Just touch me, Dani, and hold me."

Relief flooded through Dani as she pulled Nieme into her arms and held her close. She positioned herself onto the bed, so she was half laying with Nieme in her arms. She then pressed her lips to her friend's and kissed her deeply.

Nieme sighed contentedly as the kiss ended and she was finally allowed to breathe again. "I'm sorry I went away for so long...but I'm back now, and I'm not leaving again." She stroked Dani's hair tenderly and kissed her again briefly. "I didn't scare you, I hope."

"I was a little scared," Dani said, "but I knew you had a strong spirit and would make it through. I just wish I had more training so I could have helped you more. I am so happy you're back, Nieme. I think if I weren't trying to not explode with happiness..." She laughed and pressed her forehead to Nieme's. "I'm so happy you're safe again." She sat up slightly to look at Nieme. "And, you're...no, no not just as...more. You're more beautiful than you were before Nieme. And, you make me fall in love with you all over again."

"Good. And this time, we can do it right, Dani." Nieme cradled Dani's smiling face in her hands. "Dani...I'm not going to be with Kael anymore. I love him, but we can't be together." She kissed the tip of Dani's nose and laughed softly. "But that doesn't mean we can't be, Dani. I know we're training to be a Jedi, but it doesn't mean we can't love each other and be with each other...that is if you still want that."

"I want that more than anything," Dani said. "I want to be a Jedi very much...but I want to be with you more. I know they are being more strict about relationships, or that's what they're talking about, but I still want to be with you. I can't stop loving you, Nieme, and if I can't be with you, I'll go mad. It'd be like telling a fish she can't be in water anymore."

Nieme giggled and drew Dani tighter into her arms. "And if they won't let us be together, we'll just find a new pond to swim in." She pulled back gently and gazed into Dani's eyes lovingly. "I missed you. Sometimes, in my head, I could hear you singing to me. It made the storm go away when you did. Thank you for that, Dani."

Dani smiled, and more tears slipped from her eyes. "I love singing for you, Nieme," she whispered. "When I sang for you, it calmed my fears. I stayed in here with you every night, and sang until I fell asleep. And, I'll go with you to whichever pond we end up in. But I do hope they let us stay here. And, I hope they let us share a room together."

"I don't think I'm afraid to be alone anymore, Dani, but I know I'll want to be with you, in your arms." Nieme slid down and reclined back on the bed with Dani by her side. "I'm glad you and Kael are friends now. And he won't be jealous anymore, Dani, because he's a Jedi now...and because I'm not his wife anymore. I think now we can be happy, but truly this time."

"I know we can be happy this time," Dani said. "Do you think Jedi are allowed to go out and have fun? I think I'd like to go dancing with you again. And, maybe we can train together. Master Koran Darr has been helping me with my control, and I've been able to sense things better than before. I think we'd make good training partners. And, then after training we can be together, happy."

"Well...I don't think I'll be training...for today at least. But...I would like to get out of this bed and shower, and definitely get something to eat. Will you help me around?"

"Of course I will," Dani said as she slid to the edge of the bed. Then suddenly she remembered a piece of news she had to tell her friend. "Orn's here, Nieme. He's been making food. And, I'm certain he'd be happy to see you again. Let's go shower first, and then we can visit Orn and get some food."

Nieme's face lit up and she all but sprang from the bed. She stumbled on her weak legs and fell into Dani, but even then she still grinned. "He's here? For good? Oh, Dani! This is so...exciting! A very quick shower, then we have to see him."

Dani giggled and helped support Nieme. "He's here for good. When they rescued us, he came along and he's here for good. I think he's happy, but he misses the desert. It'll make him so happy to see you again." She wrapped an arm around Nieme's waist and grinned. "Let's go get you cleaned up, because we've got some visiting to do."

After Dani had collected a change of clothes for her, they made their way to the refresher. "Oh, everything seems so different now," Nieme said as she looked around at the walls of the corridor, and peeked into every room they passed. "It's so much warmer and softer. That's how it feels. It's nice."

Dani smiled. "It is," she said. "There are more people here now. It's more alive. I think we should have a new room, different from the last one. That will signify our new start."

"Yes...and one far from Kael's. It wouldn't be polite to have a room together, so close to his. But we'll have a new room with a view of the waterfalls in the distance. Oh, Dani, I have such a good feeling about things now."

Dani closed her eyes and opened her senses to Nieme's emotions and smiled. "You definitely do," she said. "It feels wonderful, Nieme. And, everything will be great this time. I think I know the perfect room, and it's empty now. We can start moving our things in after we talk to Orn, and then we should probably check with Master Koran or Laedra."

"Don't worry," Nieme said with a confident smile, "I can convince them. They won't say no to us." They stepped into the refresher and before Dani could even think about waiting outside, Nieme closed the door and locked them both inside. "I want you to stay and I want you to help me shower."

Dani felt herself break into a very large smile, and a slight blush washed over her cheeks. "I would love to help you shower, my beautiful star," she said. She slipped past Nieme to begin preparing the water for them, and then turned to regard Nieme. "You shine much brighter now, much bolder. It's a good bright, vibrant and alive."

"I like it too." Nieme sluggishly began removing her clothing, but despite how much effort it required, she still smiled. "I don't know what happened. As soon as Jae Dyn rescued me, I just felt so happy and confident. I felt strong, Dani, and I like feeling that way."

Dani stepped forward and started helping Nieme with her tunic. "I like you this way, Nieme," she said. "I liked you before too, but this way... Your confidence really makes you pulse with life. And, I can feel your happiness." Dani gave Nieme a sultry look. "It's almost intoxicating to feel."

Nieme giggled and shrugged out of her tunic. She began undoing Dani's as she returned her leer. "I like not being afraid anymore. This way, I can love you the way you deserve, Dani. I couldn't do that before because I was so uncertain and scared. I'm sorry for that."

"I could still feel your love for me through the fear then," Dani said. "And, I definitely feel it now." Dani moved her hands to untie the drawstring holding Nieme's pants closed. "I love you, Nieme. With all my heart and everything I am, I love you. And, I know this is very rare among my people, but I do want to be with only you. You are everything I could ever need or want in a companion and love."

Nieme pushed back Dani's tunic then smoothed her hand over the tops of her breasts. She gazed up into Dani's violet eyes and said, "Then you shall be my arozeil. It means I am bound to you and only you, and that I vow myself to you forever. I want that very much so, Dani." Nieme leaned forward and kissed her softly. "And I want you very much so as well," she whispered.

"I will be your arozeil, and you will be mine," Dani whispered back, and pulled herself into Nieme's arms as they kissed. "I vow myself to be yours and only yours, Nieme. No matter what happens, and no matter where we end up, I will be there with you, loving you."

"And at my side, singing me to sleep." Nieme kissed Dani deeply, and with more passion than she had ever dared express before. She stepped out of her pants as they gathered around her ankles, and unfastened Dani's. "I love you, my arozeil."

"I never dreamed that I could find love like this, but it's here with us." Dani pushed her pants down over her hips, and quickly stepped out of them and her boots before returning into Nieme's arms. "I never want to leave your side again. And, I will never stop singing for you." She slipped out of their embrace and took Nieme's hands. With a gentle smile, she began bringing them into the shower.

"Dani?" Nieme asked with a slight frown. "I don't remember much about our time in the desert. Do I want to?"

"I don't think so," Dani said softly. "I don't remember a lot of it, but I know I don't want to. But, the good parts are here now. Me, you, and Orn. They made us do a lot of things...and act in ways...that we never would. I'm glad we're safe here now."

"Me too." They stepped into the steaming shower and Nieme pulled Dani close. "I'm glad I don't remember, then," she said. She gathered the raining water in her hands and smoothed it over Dani's back. "I think if I remembered what they did to us, I'd want to go back there and make them pay."

Dani nodded and turned around and faced Nieme. "We'll be happy here together," she said. "And, if later we decide they need to pay, we can make them. But for now, after that, I just want happiness. I want our happiness."

"And I'll give it to you, Dani." She brushed her hands along Dani's sides and kissed her lightly. "I'll give you everything, and in return, I only ask for your heart. That's all I've ever wanted of anyone."

"You have my heart," Dani said, "and you always will. And, while you may only ask for my heart, I will give you everything I am. Our love will last for always, Nieme. From now until forever."

"We'll worry about forever later," Nieme said. "For now..." She smiled and slid her hands up to Dani's breasts. "Now...I think we should shower."

***

The girls had giggled and chattered all the way from the refresher to the large dining area, beyond which they knew they would find Orn. Dani had redressed herself in the outfit she'd been wearing earlier, and had then helped Nieme get into her new set of clothes. Their combined friskiness had almost kept them in the refresher for longer, but the desire to see Orn had won out. Dani's hair was still wet, but pulled back so that it only left a single dripping trail down the center of her back.

"Maybe tomorrow," she was saying with a wide grin as they stepped through the large double doors that led into the dining room, "we can go into the city to buy some things to decorate our room with. I think we should decorate it together, and it will be the most beautiful room in the whole Temple."

"Purple," Nieme said immediately. "I want purple things for the room." She grinned at Dani and ran a finger up her arm.

"Is that my Dani I hear out there?" Orn stepped through the kitchen door and out into the dining area. He stopped short and the smile he wore faltered as his eyes found Nieme. "Kiddo?"

Nieme's smile too waned, but not from surprise as with Orn, but a sudden recollection. It was but a blur in her mind and the images were distorted and fragmented, but the context was still discernable. She whimpered quietly and stepped away as Orn took a step forward. His body swaying against hers...the loud, chaotic cheers erupting around her...his sweat dribbling onto her cheek... Nieme cried out and tore her hand from Dani's grip.

"Nieme! Kiddo!"

She ignored the pleas and ran out of the dining area. The corridors melted as the tears glazed over her eyes, but she could see enough to choose a direction and run, away from the horrifying images the sight of Orn had awakened. She ran not from him, but what he represented for her now: pain, and torment, and fear.

"Stay here," Dani said as she raced away. "I'll talk to her." With that, she sped out of the room after Nieme. She reached out her senses to find Nieme, and ran toward her, dodging through the corridors as she moved.

"It's not real anymore," Nieme repeated continuously to herself. She clapped her hands over her ears and ran on weak, unsteady legs. She knew she was stronger than this, and didn't need to run away, but a part of her former instincts and habits still existed despite all the qualities she had gained in her encounter with Jae Dyn, and now more than ever, they were telling her to run and seek safety.

Dani's longer legs caught her up to Nieme faster than Nieme could run away. She called out to her friend, but kept running. "Please, Nieme," she called again. "I'll keep you safe! Please come back to me!"

Nieme slowed once she'd turned another corner and looked over her shoulder. None of the figures associated with the voices laughing and jeering at her were following. With a cry, Nieme threw herself into Dani's arms and wept convulsively into her bosom. "I remember! I-I remember, Dani! I remember...and I'm afraid I'll remember more and I won't be able to handle it."

Dani held Nieme close, using her empathic senses to try to calm her friend. "It's alright, Nieme," she whispered. "You're safe here with me now. You're safe in my arms." She held her for a long time before she loosened her embrace. "He didn't mean what happened there. They forced him." And, the guilt is tearing him apart, she added to herself. "But, it's the association, isn't it. Oh, Nieme." She held her friend close, trying to fight back her own tears at the brutality that was suffered upon Nieme. "It'll be alright again."

"It wasn't him. I know he would never..." She looked up at Dani, blinking away her tears, then glanced over her shoulder toward where Orn was still waiting, most likely filling with even greater guilt. "I made him sad, didn't I? I didn't mean it... I'm not afraid of Orn. He loves me and I love him. I just...wasn't prepared, that's all."

"I understand," Dani said. "And, inside, I know he does too. He feels very guilty, and he's afraid that you'll hate him for what he did at the Rhack. I tried to tell him you could never hate him. I tried, but his guilt was too strong, and I didn't want to use my pheromones to convince him."

"No...you were right not to." Nieme took a deep breath and stepped back from Dani. She straightened her robes and gazed with resolve down the corridor. "I'll have to convince him myself. Will you come with me?"

Dani slipped her hand into Nieme's. "Of course I will," she said. "I'd follow you to the galactic rim and back if you wanted me to. As long as you want me around, I'll be with you. So, I guess that's for always."

Nieme rubbed her eyes free of the tears then nodded to Dani. "Then let's go make Orn as happy as we are."

They retraced their steps down the corridor and upon turning the corner, a robust, tall Orn appeared just outside the door of the dining hall. His shoulders were hunched forward and his eyes quivered with tears ready to break from their surface. Nieme fought back the memories that attempted to surge forth, and managed it only by opening herself up to Orn's guilt and pain. It was then that she ran forward and leapt into his arms. He wrapped his burly arms around her and held her, not certain what was happening, but after she kissed him on the cheek and rested her head upon his shoulder, he knew he was forgiven. Thick, hearty laughter shook his body and he returned Nieme's kiss. "Oh, Kiddo...it's good to have you back."

***

The happiness filling the room was like the warmth of the sun after a long, cold winter to Dani as she, Nieme, and Orn all sat around one of the tables in the dining room. They'd spent a good deal of time in the kitchen while Orn prepared them each a meal, and then had moved out into the dining area once the meal was ready. Dani was sopping up some of the sauce from the chitsi stew Orn had prepared, and both girls agreed was wonderful. "We're going to go into the city tomorrow," Dani said after swallowing a large chunk of bread. "Did you want us to get anything for you when we're there?"

"Well, with the way you two are eating, I think we'll need to refill the refrigeration unit."

Nieme served herself another heaping spoonful of stew and giggled bashfully as she caught Orn's surprised gaze upon her. "Sorry. Just...hungry."

Orn laughed. "Oh, go on and eat as much as you can. I've never seen you with such a healthy appetite."

"Well, I've never had stew this good. You've got to teach me how to make this."

"It's a secret recipe, but for you," he said as he leaned in close and patted her hand, "I think I'd be willing to make an exception."

Nieme grinned and stuffed her mouth with a spoonful of the stew. "I'm glad we're all together," she commented, though her words were muffled by the hearty stew.

"Me too," Dani said as she began dipping the large spoon back into the pot for more of Orn's stew. "I think it's good that we're all here now. And we have the forest and the streams and all of the trees." The waterfall too, she added mentally, but that was for her and Nieme. "It's so beautiful here."

"I haven't had a chance to take a good look around," Orn said. "Maybe when you girls get back, you can take me on a tour."

"Of course, Orn," Nieme replied cheerfully. She guzzled down a large glass of water, then ran the back of her hand over her mouth. "It's much more pretty at night, but it's easier not to get lost during the day."

"We will be your official Jedi Temple tour guides," Dani said with a wide grin. "Oh, Nieme, tomorrow when we're in the city, I want to get another speederbike. It won't be as nice as the last one, but we'll still be able to use it to get into the city."

Nieme nodded her head, then sucked in a deep breath to mention the toys they'd purchased together, but with Orn's attention on her now, she decided it wouldn't be an appropriate topic of discussion. "A speederbike... I think that's a good idea."

Orn nodded his head and stood up. He began gathering their plates, but Nieme wrenched hers back with a giggle and only after licking it clean did she surrender it to Orn. He laughed jovially and ruffled her hair, which had grown considerably longer since she first arrived at the Temple. "I'll go put these in the wash."

Nieme watched Orn disappear into the kitchen, then finally blurted out her question about the toys. "Are they still there? I mean...I want you to show me how to use them."

Dani felt her cheeks flush and she looked around to make sure they truly were alone, for she knew exactly what Nieme was asking about. "I haven't had a chance to look in the old room yet," she said. "But, they could still be there. I think we should check before we go look at our new room. They can be our first things in there." She couldn't help giggling and burying her face against Nieme's shoulder.

"And since we'll be so far from everyone, I think that motorized one will be extra fun to play with." Nieme laughed quietly along with Dani and slid her hand up her thigh. "I like you in leather." She massaged Dani's leg and sighed at the sensation of the soft leather against her finger tips.

Dani moaned softly, and then pressed her lips to Nieme's throat. "I like me in leather too," she whispered. "I think it's my favourite material for clothing. I think I'd like to see you in something like this too. I think you'd look...oh very good." She brought her face up until it was right in front of Nieme's. She sighed deeply and then smiled. She leaned close and kissed Nieme, closing her eyes as she did and just giving herself over to her feelings.

Nieme returned the kiss hungrily and revelled in the uninhibited passion she was now able to express. Her hand slid easily over the leather and slipped between Dani's legs. "I think I'd like me in leather too, but I rather like us better in nothing at all," she said quickly, then kissed Dani again.

Dani shifted her hips forward to press more firmly against Nieme's hand. "I like us that way," Dani said, her voice growing thicker with arousal. "Especially with lots of water running over our bodies." She brought her hand up to Nieme's breasts and gently massaged. She returned her lips to their kiss, and couldn't help wondering if they were going to end up on top of the table together.

Orn helped to decide the course of their after-meal romantic engagement by walking back into the dining area announcing he was done with the dishes, then stopping in mid-sentence and uttering a rather amused, rather surprised: "Why, isn't that something?"

Nieme removed her hand from Dani's lap with a choked gasp and almost fell out of her chair as she pulled away to put distance between them.

Dani quickly pulled her hand away from Nieme's breasts and whipped around to face the front of the table. She tried her best to look innocent, but the look on Orn's face told her that she had most definitely been caught and there was absolutely no hiding what they'd been doing. She looked away as her features flushed a deeper purple. "Hi Orn," she said. "Um, so the dishes are going. That's good. We were just...um...so...is there any dessert?"

Orn paced towards the table with his arms folded over his chest and a blank expression upon his face. Nieme was in the midst of shooting off an explanation when she was interrupted by a gruff, bellowing laugh and Orn's hand slapping the table top. "You kids! Did you think I didn't know? I've known since that first day you walked into the Rhack together."

Nieme looked to Dani in bewilderment, then back to Orn. "And...it doesn't bother you?"

"Why would it? As long as my girls are happy."

Dani's grin spread from ear to ear as she quickly slid her chair back toward Nieme. "Very happy," she said as she slipped her hand into her friend's. "I've never been more happy, Orn. And, everything's going to be perfect now."

Orn laughed again. "Then I'm gonna go back into the kitchen and you two can pretend I'm not even here." He winked at his two girls and started away, still chuckling to himself as he found his way back into the kitchen.

Nieme turned to Dani and shrugged, then with a laugh, she pushed back her chair and pulled Dani up into her arms. "Let's go, Dani. I want to get the most out of this day with you."

Dani laughed. "First, to see if our toys are still here," she said. "And, then we have to go plan our decorations. After that, I really think that you and me should go visit our waterfall. I have a feeling it's missed us."

"I never left it. I always go there in my mind when I'm sad or afraid, but I don't think I need to anymore." She slipped her hands into Dani's while they kissed, then with a laugh, she scurried back towards the door, pulling Dani with her. "Toys, though. We'll have to smuggle them out...but I don't think I have anywhere in this outfit to put them!"

Dani looked down at the tight-fitting leather she was clad in and giggled. "Hopefully the bag is still there," she said. "Otherwise, we'll have to sneak them out in a blanket. Let's go!"

The two filled the silence of the corridors with squeals and giggles, a sound the Temple had been lacking in since Nieme and Dani first departed. Orn could still hear the echoes of their laughter from within the kitchen and could only shake his head and chuckle. "Welcome back, kiddos," he muttered to himself. "Welcome back."

***

The race through the corridors had ended once they reached Dani's old room. Dani could sense Kael in the other room, meditating most likely. She looked up and down the hallway to make sure no one else was around, and then cast a large grin at Nieme. Dani started to reach forward to open the door, but another thought struck her. She quickly moved her hand up to one of Nieme's shoulders, and pushed Nieme back against the wall. She was still smiling and her eyes shone with the vibrant emotions inside. She pressed her body against Nieme's and kissed her, the passion running very hot as she did. When the kiss finally broke, she pulled away enough to speak. "If the toys aren't there," she whispered, "then we'll have to get more in the city. And we'll have to make do without them tonight. But, I think we can do some really good improvising together. And, if they are there, I think this is going to be a night we'll never forget."

Nieme brought her hands to Dani's waist and caressed the gentle curves of her hips. "It's already a day I'll always remember. I think no matter what happens, the night will be perfect too." She heard footsteps approaching from down the corridor, and with a giggle, she grabbed Dani's hand, pushed the door of the room open and flew inside. She peered through the small slit in the doorway, and quickly sealed the door shut as the footsteps resolved into the form of Laedra.

Nieme pressed her back to the door and placed her forefinger over her lips. She listened for the footsteps, which grew louder and reached a peak outside their door, then waned as Laedra passed by. Nieme giggled and rushed towards Dani, where she wrapped her arms around her waist and kissed her firmly.

Dani returned the kiss, happily succumbing to the feelings churning within. "Oh gods," she whispered when the kiss finally broke. "With you, everything is perfect. Let's find our toys, and then go to our new room. I don't think we should use them here, since Kael's two rooms down." She started looking around for the bag of toys they'd purchased on their last shopping excursion into New Plouton.

"Dani, do you think he would mind us being together?" She moved towards the bed and dropped to her knees to check beneath it for their toys. "He said he's different...but it hasn't been very long and people can't change that fast."

"I think he has changed," Dani said. "He genuinely considers himself my friend now. I can sense it through my normal empathy, and I can kinda sense it through the Force. I'm still learning to use the Force to gauge emotions. And, I don't know if he would mind us together. I think that's something we'll have to find out for ourselves. We should be able to tell next time we're around him together. And, then we'll know if he minds." Dani pulled the pillow back from the head of the bed, and let out an excited squeal. "Here they are," she called as she pulled the bag over.

Nieme leapt to her feet, then flopped forward onto the bed. "Wow! I don't remember there being this many." She reached into the bag and sifted through the toys. "I think we could spend a whole week trying all these out."

Dani laughed as she went through their collection and frowned. "There are a lot, but believe it or not, there are a couple missing. Someone else has been playing with our toys."

Nieme covered her mouth and giggled. "Really? Who do you think could have taken them?"

"Well, the only people here that would have any use for them would be...Aurra, Laedra, Master Jae Dyn, or Yelara." She looked over to Nieme and laughed. "Oh my...who would have taken them?" She giggled and looked away. "I bet Yelara and Master Jae Dyn have them."

"Well...should we let them keep them?" Nieme raised a phallus to eye level and flexed the tip of it with her finger. "I wonder if Master Liam Zaneth minds them using them."

Dani giggled and quickly looked away. "I don't know if he knows they have them. I imagine he doesn't mind because they are together. Oh...if we have to...oh, they're probably about to leave. Master Jae Dyn Brael and Yelara Zaneth are going to Corellia."

Nieme removed her finger from the tip of the phallus and it sprang back to its erect state. "And Master Liam Zaneth isn't going with them? Did he and Yelara Zaneth have a fight?"

Dani shook her head. "I don't think they did," she said. "But, it's complicated now. Dargus Kandran is back, and Yelara Zaneth doesn't feel safe here, so she's going to Corellia. Liam Zaneth is staying here so he can stop Dargus Kandran and be with Yelara Zaneth again. The only trouble is Laedra Vorrel, who Liam Zaneth loves, and Yelara Zaneth would be very jealous and upset over that."

"Liam Zaneth is in love with Laedra Vorrel?" Nieme tossed the phallus aside and squirmed closer to Dani. "How do you know? Does anyone else know? Did you see them kissing? This is so exciting!"

Dani giggled and turned to fully face Nieme. "I felt it from them," she said. "They're doing really well at hiding their emotions now, but they came in to see me one time when they weren't, and that's how I know. I think they're really careful about not getting caught, but I bet we could catch them if we tried. They're really cute together, but so are Liam Zaneth and Yelara Zaneth. I really hope Yelara can accept that Liam Zaneth's heart is big enough to love two people."

"Me too. It would be so sad if they broke up." She slid her hand across the bed and covered Dani's. "But sometimes those things just aren't meant to be, like with me and Kael. If he loves Laedra Vorrel, he should be with her...then maybe we can spy on them for fun!" she said with a giggle.

"Yes," Dani said with an excited giggle. "And, then we have to do everything we can to make sure that Liam Zaneth and Yelara Zaneth stay together. They're good and they have a baby, and it'd be too sad. We can't let them break up. That's one of our new missions, Nieme. That, and spying on Liam Zaneth and Laedra Vorrel!"

"But before that, we have to smuggle these out of here without anyone catching us." Nieme slid off the bed and looked around the room. The only thing in the entire room they could use to conceal the bag was the bedsheet, but even that would arouse suspicion. "I think the only way to do it is just grab the bag and run."

Dani nodded and picked up the bag. "I've got it," she said. "Do you know which room I was talking about, the one that would be perfect for us?"

"I think so. I'll go first and make sure the way is clear, then I'll signal to you."

Nieme moved to the door and opened it a crack. She used her eyes, and, almost instinctively, the Force to search for anyone in the corridors. She nodded to Dani, then stepped out into the hallway. She waved her out of the room and kept watch in case anyone happened along. "Come on," she whispered.

With a wide grin, Dani stepped out into the corridor with the bag clutched to her chest. Moving as silently as she could, she moved up until she was right next to Nieme. "I like being sneaky with you," she whispered.

Nieme lightly ran her fingers along Dani's spine and smiled. "I like it too." She gasped softly as distant footsteps echoed through the corridor. "Someone's coming!" she whispered. "Run!" Nieme giggled and pushed Dani into motion.

Dani didn't need to be told twice, and raced ahead at Nieme's urging. She didn't know who it was that Nieme sensed, but she could sense them too. They couldn't be caught with their precious bag of toys. She held a hand clamped over her mouth to keep the giggles that wanted to escape inside.

Nieme and Dani turned the corner just as Laedra was making her way back towards the training room. She vaguely heard their giggles and light, pattering footsteps, but it was their flaring auras filling the corridor with warm, soft light that gave them away. Laedra paused and closed her eyes to absorb the happiness effusing from the pulsing colours, then sighed and continued on her way, leaving Dani and Nieme to bask in their newfound contentment.

---

"Podrace Circuit"
by Jadda the Hutt - Hutt Crimelord
and Vorgoth - Assassin/Sith

Location: Tae'Sollar Desert, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 16, 4 ABY

***

The day was a hot one, but inside Jadda's sail barge it was a little more cool, as he had an air system to cool off his spot. Not that the heat was too hard on him but he didn't enjoy it much. Still it was worth his time to get out of his palace on such a day as his Podrace circuit had been complete.

With a series of slave contractors that worked solemnly for the Hutts he now had everything ready, ranging from the track itself to the benches and the vending places, all set to go at his command. Jadda had to laugh as he imagined all the money he would be making out of the betting systems and all the vending and commerce.

Jadda turned to face Vorgoth at his right side. "Bae touk chingaa bontchee noosaa baa Podrace..." he said as he puffed on his long spice pipeline and gave his right man a padd. The Zabrak bowed and walked away, going up to the end of the sailbarge and off in his speeder, which was attached to the long vehicle.

***

Back in Jadda's Palace, Vorgoth walked up to the main console and placed the padd right next to it. Once the padd was connected to the console he downloaded the information that he set out to the main news boards and to the undernets, where all the side jobs and crooks went for info. The info consisted on of simple message:

To all the interested ones. Podracing has now reached Tae'Karada. Jadda the Hutt has the pleasure of extending invitation to all who might want to compete or place a bet on the racers. So wait no longer! The Tae'Sollar Podracing Classic is waiting for you!

Soon would the festivities begin...

---

"Needful Things"
By Zen Wayland - Smuggler/Mercenary
Syan Daywalker - Bounty Hunter

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Niothe 16, 4ABY

***

Left-handed, Syan guided the Aesir out of Chimaeria's airspace, given into the enjoyment of being at the stick of his own ship again. After two days out, and one harrowing day in from Kessel aboard Wayland's Basilisk, Syan grew to realize how much he preferred the comforts of his own vessel.

Light from the system's blanched sun hit the polarized view panes, brightening the dimmed cockpit and reflecting off the clean white surfaces. Turning into the outer traffic zone, Syan punched the thrust levers and pushed the Headon-12 engines near redline. Bright blue fire leapt out of the back of the Nubian Aesir as she tore through black space toward the Drogen shipyards.

It must've been a strange sight, if anyone bothered to look, to see a gleaming dagger of a vessel followed by such an asymmetrical and battered ship like the Basilisk. But Zen didn't care. He loved his little ship, and he would until it was no longer with him.

"Akra!" The tiny voice came from the back as his little Ewok sidekick came to the cockpit, his hind quarters smoking a bit.

"Well that's what you get for bothering the droids," Zen said simply as he opened a comm to the Aesir. "Hey, this ain't the best place to hang around, you know. We're just here for the upgrades and then we're gone, right?"

Instinctively, Syan glanced at his sensor board when he heard the voice come through his headset. "Yes, I want to get some systems 'upped on my ship, and this is the best place in the sector to get it done. It should only take a couple of days. I'll find something to do in the meantime."

Leaving the comm channel open, Syan passed the outer makers for Drogen's space lanes, skirting wide of an ImpStar-Deuce on patrol. Aesir's computer handled the queries with standard responses, but Syan wasn't in to taking chances. Adjusting his course, he placed his ship directly ahead of Basilisk and toggled the comm system for tight-beam transmissions. "Keep an eye on that Deuce. We just took a lot of money off Tarkin's hands and sometimes they try to take it back once the deal's done."

"No problem. Does that mean I can blow it out of space if it comes after us?" Zen replied, a note of sarcasm in his voice. Maybe he'd get a nice turbolaser attached to the Basilisk's hull. Sure, it'd make it unbelievably bulky, but hey it would be fun.

The comm channel delivered the whisper of a derisive snort easily enough for Syan to make it out. As the Star Destroyer slipped past on his left, Syan wondered if Zen Wayland normally used sarcasm this often, or if it was for his benefit. Somewhere at the back of his mind, Syan wondered if the man had been deprived as a child or something.

The comm board lit up again and Eighteen turned her head to look over at him. "Receiving transmission from Drogen Control, Master Syan. Shall I respond?"

"No," he told her, reaching for the comm controls on his side of the cockpit. "I'll handle it."

The oval display on his left flickered to life and brought with it the face of an alien Syan didn't recognize, and there weren't many that he didn't. "Transport, state your business," the controller commanded. His - if he was a he - voice sounded like a helium-spiked child gargling broken glass.

"I'm here for some repairs to my ship, as is the vessel behind me. We'll need to be aboard the station for a few days at the most."

One of the creature's eyes stayed fixed on Syan, another glanced down at what had to be a control board on the other side. "Your ID checks out, bounty hunter. You are aware of the regulations?"

Syan nodded. As he did so, his droid AC-18 was downloading them. A quick glance at them confirmed the suspicion that most regulations ended with "Confiscation of Vessel and Imprisonment."

The controller glass-gargled something in his own language and focused a few more eyes on him. "You're cleared. Docking Bay 16. Activate your slaving circuits on approach, we will--"

"I don't have any slaving circuits on this ship," Syan lied. He did have slave chips on Aesir, but none that could be accessed by a general band. "Would landing by tractor be acceptable?"

After a moment of ear-splitting conversation, the controller replied, "It will be. Cut engine thrust at the inner marker I.16 Drogen Control. Off."

The display blinked off and Syan returned to Aesir's controls, taking over for the droid. Under his grip, the Nubian shied away from a battered ore hauler, as if the grime and ore dust caking the old ship might spoil her clean exterior. Docking ports slipped past, some occupied, some not, but most that were, were occupied by Imperial vessels. The IIS tone that had been beeping intermittently became a solid whine as they hit the inner marker and with a flick of two fingers, he cut the Headon-12s. A moment later, ephemeral hands grabbed the Aesir and gently guided her into the cavernous docking bay.

The ship shuddered as the outer tractors gave way to the inner pair that manipulated the ship with fine control. The overhead lights dazzled into stars against Aesir's silver plating as she slid inside the bay. A few ants below glanced up at the new arrivals, but most ignored them. Syan lowered Aesir's landing gear and started to pulse the landing thrusters once the tractor beam had let go. The ship landed softly on its tripod legs with the sound of the thrust blades spinning down.

Wayland guided the Basilisk past the Aesir and set her down to the left of the gleaming silver ship. He purposely let his exhaust out after facing his engines away from Syan's ship. He wouldn't want to get the man's precious ship dirty.

Zen turned to the little furball besides him. "Alright, stay here. And watch the ship. You know I hate this place."

"Chak Chak," the little Ewok responded as Zen grabbed his coat and weapons. He definitely wasn't walking around this place without a blaster and his vibro axe. He descended down his ramp and met Syan between the ships.

"Welcome to Hell, population...a lot."

"Feels like home," Syan followed without missing a beat.

Turning a bit, Syan's hand started to stray to his thigh holster but he consciously stopped it. The thugs lingering in the shadows watching them were just that. They were nothing to worry about. Nor were the stormtroopers standing guard at a landed Imperial shuttle.

Deciding to make a concession, Syan turned back to Wayland. "You know these places better than I do. Where do I get the best equipment?"

"Come," Wayland said, as he led the way. He walked away from the hangar and towards the nearest mechanic he could find. He then went to the guy next to him. "With these guys, the guy in front will have the best stuff, but he'll be the most expensive. The guy behind him will be cheaper and he'll steal the better stuff from the front man. He'll get you whatever you want, for the price you want."

Syan grunted his assent and approached the second dealer's store front which was as grimy and dilapidated as its owner was clean and primped. The yellow skin and bulging eyes was a clear enough giveaway that the mecitech was an Ansionian. The fastidious way he primped and smoothed his ridge mane only sealed the deal.

The Ansionian smiled as he realized Syan was heading straight for him. His mouth was filled not by the fine, sharp teeth he expected, but by smoothed and flattened choppers, obviously fake and probably intended to engender trust in him. Syan hoped he had a mate already, since he was unlikely to get an Ansionian female with teeth like that.

The Ansionian bowed his head deferentially as Syan entered the small hollow.

"Greetings gentle--" He seemed to falter slightly on the second word when he got a closer look at the bounty hunter. "I am Uris, purveyor of great goods and equipment for the spaceways. How might I help you?" The Ansionian gestured to a pair of flight chairs that served as seating for customers, but didn't seem the least bit put off by the fact that Syan didn't take him up on the offer.

"I need some upgrades to my ship. I don't much care how secret you keep the dealings, I just want it done fast, well, and without any attempts to cheat me. I can assure you, any such attempt would not be taken well, at all." Syan waited.

"I see," Uris replied finally. "You came in on that 775? If so, I have a new stock of equipment straight from the Core, from Corellia in fact. It should be a simple matter to swap out the standard fare."

The bounty hunter raised an eyebrow at the assumption. "I'm not on that ship. The Nubian's mine. I want to install two Gyrhil cannons on her."

If the Ansionian had eyelids his eyes would have widened. Sans them, they only seemed to bulge more. "Gyrhils? I assume that you're talking about the new R-9X cannons?" He continued after Syan's affirmative nod. "I'm sure that you know that Gyrhil R-9Xs are in great demand now by the Rebellion. They use them in their B-Wing fighters."

"I know. And I'm sure you've got some cooling in your warehouse for them to appreciate. But they won't appreciate any higher, since I'm buying them now. I'll sell you the blaster cannons that are there now. They're in good order and were overhauled three months ago." The whole time Syan had been talking, he'd been paying close attention to his feelings, to this "Force" thing that Dathomiri witch had said he had. He didn't know what it was, nor did he particularly care. He only knew to trust it. He'd felt the spark of recognition when Syan told the mechanic that he had the weapons.

Uris licked his thin lips and then nodded. "I can do that. I can have my techs get to work on them by this afternoon."

"How long is it going to take?" Syan asked.

"I don't know, maybe a couple days?" Uris shrugged. "I can't be sure yet. We'll have to see if your power systems can handle it. The R-9X is pretty heavy duty, military-grade. A transport might not handle it without some other upgrades."

"Deal." Syan slapped the Ansionian's outstretched, three-fingered hand to seal the deal and then unclipped his comlink from his belt. "Eighteen, deactivate the security systems and stow the droids. Tell the techs that are coming aboard what they need to know, nothing more."

The droid's tinny voice came back over the line, "Yes, right away Master Syan."

He twisted the comlink to close the channel and nodded at the dealer again. "I'll be back tomorrow to check on your progress," he promised, and then turned on his heel and strode out of the grimy little hole in Drogen. His black coat billowed softly and then closed back around him as he met back up with Wayland.

"Ok, now what would you like to do while we wait?" Zen asked.

Syan looked over Zen's shoulder at the large arcade corridor that led farther into the station. Lights and music drifted into the docking bay from there. Syan smiled a little. "I want some downtime."

"Ah, downtime..." Wayland repeated, getting the hint. "Luckily, I know where to accommodate that." The smuggler led the bounty hunter down into the arcade. They passed shops, merchants, and hookers, who taunted them with their flesh and promises. He ignored them and checked back on Syan to make sure he did the same. Walking to the far end of the arcade he made a quick left down a smaller corridor. There he stopped in front a very serious steel door. He knocked twice.

"State your name and business," a voice called from inside.

"Wayland and nothing but pleasure."

"Wayland?! Zen Wayland." The door slid open, revealing a very burly man, at least two feet too tall to be human. And much too affectionate. Lifting Zen in a hug fit for a rancor the man smiled and roared. "You old dog! Get your ass in here. And bring your weird looking friend with you."

Wayland just smiled and gestured for Syan to follow. The bar was loud, but in a good way. The music filled one's ears, while the smell of highly perfumed flesh, alcohol, and good food filled one's nostrils. The dimly lit room was brightened by the blue strobes and spotlights, mainly focused on the beautiful women dancing on the bar.

"So what'll you guys have? If Wayland hasn't already told you, my dark friend, all the meat here is fresh and clean. Best this side of the galaxy and affordable. But ya only can get in, if I know ya," the burly man explained, rubbing his beard. His bald head glistened of sweat brought upon by the sheer heat of the place. It was definitely an enjoyable heat. There were only a handful of other men in the place. All were clean cut and showed signs of extreme wealth. Zen ignored them. For he had saved this man's life once, and since then was always well taken care of.

"Anyone new, Rijil?" Wayland asked, his hopes high.

"Ah, I was hoping you would ask. I got one new arrival today. She's not only clean but fresh. First night working. Has the whole 'I need money to help my sick mother.' story. Perfect little girl for you. The old gals will be sad to not have you for themselves though."

"Heh, it's okay. We're scheduled to be here for a couple days."

"Ah good, good. What about you, my dark one? Any preferences?"

At Rijil's invitation, Syan looked around the room for something other than dangers, finally. The air was acrid with expensive perfumes, choking cigarra smoke, and stale sweat. Syan picked up something of Wayland's reaction to the place. The heat and humidity in the place seemed to hold a static charge, crackling with a life of its own that those within it shared.

Between the little groupings of formalounge chairs and small tables laden with half-finished drinks and vices of all kinds, men and women moved about with restrained purpose. Most of the men did not make eye contact with each other, for the most part engrossed in the movement of barely-covered lithe bodies moving to music in ranges Syan was sure he couldn't hear. The plush red carpet underfoot absorbed the sound of his footsteps, even though they could never be heard over the music. He turned in place, looking over the girls working in the club. A couple of slim Twi'lek females, twins it looked like (though he wasn't sure) were in debate with a man who seemed to be negotiating a price for the pair. He didn't have much hope of lowering it. A few human women of various types worked the floor, occasionally glancing in the direction of the two men talking to their boss. A tall Selonian looked at him with keen interest. Without showing any sign of recognition, Syan kept up his reconnoitre.

She turned up near the end of his search. Syan was visibly shocked by finding a Firrereo on this station.

The woman stood nearly as tall as he, with a body that made the tailored silks she wore look tawdry. Her gold skin shone under the blue light, gaining a cyan cast near the light corners. Striped black and silver hair was cut short, almost a boyish cut, and shined equally bright in the stage lights.

She was exquisite.

Syan turned to speak over his shoulder in the direction of Wayland and Rijil without taking his eyes off her lest she disappear. "Her. I want her," he said.

"Ah I figured as much," Rijil said, turning back to Wayland. "He's a hunter isn't he? They always go for that rough and tumble stuff. Not like you Wayland. Heart of gold you got. That's why you like the little innocents, right?"

Zen just nodded as Rijil laughed heartily. "Come, I'll show you to your rooms."

The large burly man led Zen and Syan to the back of the club, opening a door to a still dim corridor. The difference here was that the air was filtered and clean, the music greatly diminished. Two doors down Rijil stopped.

"Here's yours, hunter. I'll send in your prize in a moment."

"Good."

He tapped the keylock for the door and was about to step inside when he caught a grin he couldn't read from Zen. Snorting derisively, he dismissed it and continued into the room.

The room was dim, with accent lighting providing most of the luminance. Track lights showcased replica artwork from across the galaxy. Syan was pleased that his sensitive nose could only pick up the barest trace of the room's previous tenants. It spoke highly of Rijil's establishment. After visiting other 'men's clubs' on a dozen other crabeye worlds and stations, he knew just how bad they could get.

A row of recessed downlights illuminated a small, but bountiful wet bar. Syan shifted inside his coat and made his way past the bed to it. After looking them over closely, he chose from among the bottles of Zadarian brandy. He poured the bright amber liquor into a cold glass. The brandy went down smooth, warming him wherever it touched.

Taking the glass with him as he walked, Syan paced the room slowly, looking into ultra-thin viewscreens and out onto artificial vistas. One showed the ivory towers of Alderaan. The detail was impressive, and he let his eyes wander the image, looking into all the crevices and shadows as if expecting life to present itself.

Just then, the door behind him slid open with a soft hiss.

He turned to find the Firrereo there, standing just inside the doorway as the door closed behind her. If it were possible, to Syan she looked even more exquisite now.

She took a step forward, seeming to make the room around her glow. Her voice was rich and sultry. "You sent for me?"

"I did," Syan told her, stepping out of the dim between the lights. The Firrereo took an involuntary step back.

Her gray eyes searched him. "Look," she said, "I'm not into the really rough stuff. If that's what you want, I can ask Rijil to send you one of the other girls who is."

Syan genuinely smiled. "I'm not 'into the really rough stuff' either," he assured her. He also let her take the time she needed to convince herself of that fact. Finally she smiled.

"Okay." She changed modes faster than a Prezan lightlizard, and the seductress was back. "So, are you going to stay the night sweating in that coat?"

***

Zen stepped into his own room, smiling at the familiarity of it. Rijil gave him another pat on the back and left, leaving Zen some privacy. He removed his coat, tossing it onto the coach. He removed his blasters, placed them on the mini-bar. He swung his axe off and set it down, leaning it across the nightstand next to the very large bed. He heard the door slide open. Zen turned and was quite please with what he saw. Young, definitely fresh. She had yet to gain that self-confidence one of Rijil's women had. Her eyes darted around, probably worried that her first time would be a group gathering; something that he doubted she was prepared for.

Her tan skin and highlighted blonde hair framed a small but cute face. Long legs could be seen disappearing into a very short skirt. Blue-green eyes twinkled in the room's lights, as she nervously stepped in.

"Rij...Rijil told me you sent for me."

"I did," Zen said, gesturing for her to come closer. "Do you know who I am?"

She nodded shyly. "Rijil told me. Zen Wayland. The other girls talk about you too. They say you are a gentleman."

"Most of the time," Wayland replied. He had transported Rijil's girls more than a few times. They knew him well. He stepped closer to her, taking in the perfumed smell of her hair. He touched her arm with his fingertips, noting her shiver as he did so. "I will definitely be gentle, my dear."

---

"Kestrel's Flight, Part 1"
By: Jae Dyn (Kallia) Brael
Yelara Zaneth
Kael Selrid
Laedra Vorrel
Dani
Nieme Yaresh-Selrid

Location: Jedi Temple, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 16, 4 ABY

***

The fading light streaming through the faceted, stained glass window made Yelara even more anxious than she already felt. They had already packed their luggage into the speeder and all that remained was for Jae Dyn to rouse from the gripping slumber she deservedly needed, then they could be on their way. Liam had told her the particulars of Jae Dyn's arduous feat, and throughout his entire account, Yelara's anger level intensified until she was prepared to storm into her lover's room and chastise Jae Dyn for not informing her of her intended actions. Her rage was mollified by the sight of her love lying curled up in her bed and sleeping soundlessly. After that, all she had the urge to do was lie by her side and stroke her hair soothingly. At that point, she figured Corellia could wait for them another hour or so.

Jae Dyn's sleep was dreamless, offering her what she needed most: a renewal of the energy she'd expended saving Nieme from her own mind. She couldn't remember a time when she'd slept so well, and as she slowly woke up she became aware of the presence next to her on the bed, with gentle caresses radiating through the Force. She smiled as she recognized the familiar touch of her love. Her eyes slowly opened to find Yelara there as she expected. "Hello," she whispered. "How long have I been asleep?"

"Not sure," Yelara said softly. "But the sun's setting, if that gives you any indication." She kissed Kallia's lips lightly. "I should be absolutely furious with you for doing what you did. But I'm just glad you're alright."

"I would have been furious with myself if I hadn't," Kallia said. "But I'm glad that myself and Nieme are alright. Things went better than I thought they would. And, I was knighted."

Although Yelara was uninterested in the affairs of the Jedi Order, the happiness and pride she saw in Kallia's face and heard in her voice infused her with excitement. "I know. Liam told me. But...oh, Kallia! That's so wonderful." She embraced Kallia and gave her a congratulatory kiss. "I'm so happy for you, my love. Though...it doesn't change anything, does it? We're still leaving?"

Kallia smiled. "We're still going," she said. "I should probably get out of bed so we can get going. Is everything packed up? Oh, I'm sorry for sleeping in here when things weren't all ready."

"No, it's alright, my love. I need you rested up for the journey. Everything's ready to go. Whenever you feel prepared, we can get going."

"I'm fine now," Kallia said. "I'm ready. We just need to get the babies and go."

Yelara smiled and drew Kallia tighter into her arms. "I'm ready too. I'm ready to start a new life with you on Corellia. And once Liam is done with his work here, we'll be a complete family again."

Kallia kissed Yelara and grinned. "It's nice to be able to start over," she said. "I think it'll be good for us. I guess we should go say our goodbyes, and head for the spaceport."

Yelara wasted no time in rising from the bed and pulling Kallia up into her arms. "I love you, Kal. I just haven't said it in a while and I wanted you to know that."

"I love you too," Kallia said as she just held Yelara. "Oh, just think about us doing this in our little cottage on Corellia. It'll be perfect. You, me, and the babies." She sighed deeply, and then smiled. "And, then Liam when he arrives."

"We'll have to stay with my Grandpa Orinth until we find a place, but we have our entire lives to be alone together, so a few days of sharing a house with a stuffy old man won't be too trying." Yelara slipped her hand into Kallia's, and together, they started for the door. "It feels like a dream. I still can't believe we're doing this."

"A dream that's been a long time in coming," Kallia said. "But it will be perfect. Who should we say goodbye to first?"

"Well...there aren't many people. I should probably say goodbye to Kael. Other than that...there isn't anyone." Yelara snorted and added, "I certainly don't think anyone else would really care, especially Laedra. She's been avoiding me lately like she's afraid I'll stop her in the hallway and strike up a conversation she most likely doesn't wanna have with me."

Kallia laughed. "I think she may be a little intimidated," she said. "I want to stop by Nieme and Dani. With you leaving, Dani'll be the resident tech head. And, I do want to say goodbye to Laedra. She's helped me a lot with my focus lately, so I just want to stop by quickly."

"Well...okay. I guess we split up then. I go talk to Kael, you go talk to Laedra..." Yelara brushed her lips against Kallia's, then stepped back. "Meet outside at the speeder in half an hour then?"

Kal grinned. "Half hour," she said. "I'll see you soon, my love." With that, she started down the corridor to where she would find Laedra, leaving Yelara to find Kael

***

Kael was sitting in meditation when Yelara came to his door. He sensed her approach, and was waiting on the other side of the door when she knocked. He opened it and smiled. "It's time, isn't it?"

Yelara sighed and nodded. "I'm afraid so. I just came by to talk to you and say my farewell. Do you mind if I come in?"

"Please," he said as he stepped aside and motioned her into the room. "I was just doing some meditating on the Force. I'm going to miss you, Yelara."

"I wish I didn't have to go," she told him as she entered the room. "But it has to be this way." She seated herself atop Kael's bed and motioned for him to join her. "I'm really gonna miss our talks, Kael."

"Maybe once Dargus Kandran is stopped you can come back," Kael said. "And, then we can have our talks again. I'm going to miss them, especially now since Nieme and I have broken off our relationship. We're going to be friends, but our relationship is over for now. She's going to be with Dani now." He laughed and shook his head. "The funny yet good thing is that she's coming out of all this much stronger and confident than before."

Yelara nodded and smiled wanly. "That's good for her...but what about you?" She placed her hand upon his knee and squeezed it gently. "Who will you have, Kael?"

Kael shrugged. "I don't need anyone right now," he said. "I have my training and the Force for now, and the distractions of a relationship will keep me from that. Maybe once I become a Jedi Knight, I'll be able to. Though...though after the trip to the desert...I know Raeila did some very bad things, but I still love her."

"Really? And do you want to be with her...ever?"

"With Raeila?" Kael sighed. "I do. I know I shouldn't. I know she hurt people I love, but I can't change my feelings. I hope that I can make her see that what she was doing was wrong. Hopefully I can bring her to the light."

"And I know if anyone can, it's you, Kael. You've come so far in such a short time. People can look upon you as an example and they can change too." She playfully nudged his leg with her knee, then laid her head upon his shoulder. "I'm gonna regret not being able to see you transform into the even more wonderful person I know you're gonna be, Kael."

Kael smiled and slipped an arm around her. "You can always come back and visit," he said. "Or I can come to Corellia and visit you. It won't be the same without you around here, or without crying babies. You have to come back at some point, Yelara. If for no other reason than to visit."

"When it's safe, I'll think about it. We can always comm each other, you know. You and I have shared an interesting relationship, and it'd be a shame to see that end." Yelara looked up at Kael and smiled gently. "Do I get a kiss goodbye?"

"I wouldn't let you leave without one," Kael said. "I'll miss you, Yelara. But, we'll stay in touch."

"We will." She raised her head and pushed her fingers through Kael's lengthening hair. "You're a good person, Kael Selrid. You're strong and brave, and I know you'll become a great Jedi someday."

Kael smiled. "Thank you," he said. "And, thank you for being such a good friend." He pulled her into his arms and laughed softly. "I really am going to miss you." With that, he gave her a kiss.

"Oh, and I'm going to miss that." She grinned and ran the back of her hand along his cheek. "We'll see each other again, Kael." She kissed him again, and let it linger for a time. "We have to visit the forest again someday, Kael," she whispered. "You and me."

Kael pulled Yelara close and gazed into her eyes. "I'd like that very much," he said. "The only person I've ever been with who could give you a run for your money in the sexual gratification department would be Raeila. And, even then I don't know if she'd be able to catch you." He kissed her once more and realized she was definitely working magic on him if his erection was any indication.

"Oh my..." Yelara laughed after she gathered the will to pull her lips from Kael's, then shifted aside. "I should probably get going or I'll force you to break that silly Jedi vow of celibacy. And believe me, I'd be more than happy to."

Kael laughed. "Well, technically, it's not a vow of celibacy. It's just a forbiddance against attachment. And, since you're leaving..."

Yelara tilted her head to the side and gazed up at the ceiling in deep reflection. With a grin, she looked slowly back down at Kael and said, "I have about twenty minutes before I go. Is that enough time?"

"Plenty of time," Kael said with a wide grin. He kissed Yelara again as he started to unfasten her clothing. "I'm sure we could find ways to occupy more than twenty minutes, but twenty minutes is enough for a nice, spirited romp."

"And as the wife of a Master, I'm just doing my part to make sure the students are happy." She laughed as she pushed open Kael's tunic and laid him back onto the bed. "I'll miss you, Kael Selrid." She slipped her leg over his waist and straddled him. "But I hope to give you something to remember me by."

Kael deftly opened Yelara's pants while she worked at his. He leaned up and began kissing the breasts her vest had been covering a moment ago. "I could never forget you," he said. "But, we give each other things we can't get anywhere else. Hopefully this will keep us until the next time we can meet."

Yelara raised herself to her knees and slipped her pants over her waist. She sat back down, sliding Kael's erection into her, and sighed. "Oh, I think this is going to be one to keep us both for a lifetime."

As Yelara swayed against Kael, she suddenly felt an odd twinge of regret at the thought of leaving the Temple behind. She would be separated from a friend, her gardens, but also the planet that had helped shape who she now was. It may have laid hardships in her path, and sadness, but in the end, she was stronger for it.

She was glad to have this time with Kael now because for all the bitter memories associated with her stay on Tae'Karada, she needed a moment like this to keep the resentment from tainting the happiness achieved there, and looking down upon Kael's smiling face as she gave him her farewell, she knew the happy memories were definitely beginning to outnumber the unpleasant.

***

Jae Dyn moved through the Temple, letting her sense of Laedra guide her toward the other woman. She finally found her working on some equipment in one of the supply rooms. "Laedra?"

She looked up from the remote she was attempting to repair and smiled. "How are you feeling, Jae Dyn?"

"I'm feeling much better," Jae Dyn said. "And...and because of that, I'm stopping by to say goodbye. Yelara and I will be leaving for Corellia in the next twenty-five minutes or so."

Laedra bowed her head and sighed. "As much as we have disagreed in the past, I do so wish you could stay, Jae Dyn. I know we could learn so much from one another."

Jae Dyn nodded. "I agree completely," she said. "And, I think given time, it may have been possible to call each other friend. I will miss this place, and the people here. It is my hope that once the crisis has ended, that Yelara and I may return." She moved to a discarded stool, righted it, and then took a seat. "Take care of Liam. Yelara loves him very much and would be devastated if anything happened to him."

"I promise to keep him from doing anything too foolhardy." Laedra sighed and managed to meet Jae Dyn's gaze as she said, "I love him as well, Jae Dyn. I will do everything I can to keep him safe. I know he will miss Yelara and Va'Lesh, but I hope I can bring some happiness to his life."

Jae Dyn smiled. "I know you can," she said. "And, I'll do my best to keep Yelara happy in his absence. And, I'll try to figure out a way for him to be with both of you without losing one. Yelara won't choose between him or me; and I think it's unfair of her to expect him to do what she won't. But, we'll see what I can do. We'll be in regular contact to keep in touch with Liam, and to get updates on things here."

"A good idea." Laedra shifted in her chair and paused for a long moment before asking, "Jae Dyn? What was it like in Nieme's mind? What happened?"

"It was as if I were actually in her mind, as if I were transported there," Jae Dyn said. "At first there was Nieme, or it looked like her. But she was much more aggressive. And, then she summoned my former Master there, Tal Dan. Except he wasn't like Tal Dan was. It was a nightmare version. He fought me, and then he brought in Dargus Kandran who had Yelara prisoner." She told of the whole fight and how she had finally managed to stop them and then find Nieme. "I wasn't sure if I could convince her to come out again, but she came."

"Because she trusted you." Laedra smiled and patted Jae Dyn's knee. "You did well and deserved the knighthood, Jae Dyn, which was long overdue, I might add. It would be a shame if you never took on a Padawan. I foresee you being a great Master, Jae Dyn, and it would be a waste if you missed the opportunity to pass on your teachings to another."

Jae Dyn smiled and bowed slightly. "Thank you for your confidence," she said. "And, I still have a lot of life ahead of me, and I do want to take on a Padawan. I do not believe this is going to be the last I will see of the Temple. I do not think this will be the last we see of each other."

"I am glad you actually wish to see me again, Jae Dyn. I know that we haven't had an easy time of it, but I do wish to call you a friend."

Jae Dyn smiled and then reached out a hand. "I will see you again, Laedra," she said. "And, then I hope we truly can be friends. I-- I should go now. I still have to track down Nieme and Dani to say my goodbyes to them. And, maybe a quick goodbye to Kael."

"You will be missed, Jae Dyn." Laedra took Jae Dyn's offered hand and squeezed it gently. "Good luck. And tell Yelara the same."

"I will do so," she said with a smile. "You cake care of yourself, and Liam." She stood and moved toward the door. "Goodbye Laedra Vorrel, and may the Force be with you." With that, she vanished out into the hall and off in search of Nieme and Dani. She tracked them through the Force, until she finally found them in their new room.

Nieme's eyes grew wide with awe and reverence when Jae Dyn appeared on the other side of the door. She bowed low and came up with the same look of adoration upon her face. "Master Jae Dyn Brael."

Jae Dyn returned the bow to Nieme, and noted as she did the emotions swirling within. She smiled to herself as she noted that she wouldn't have to worry about Nieme and Dani's happiness while she was gone. As she straightened up from her bow, she noticed that Dani was covering herself with a sheet in the bed, and Nieme was only wearing a long shirt...inside out, and backwards. She smiled and watched Nieme for a moment with affection. A twinge of regret jolted through her when she realized she wouldn't be able to be Nieme's teacher. She forced the thoughts of sadness away, and smiled for the two girls. "Yelara and I are going to be leaving soon," she said. "So, I wanted to stop in and say goodbye before I go."

With all the confidence Jae Dyn had unwittingly bestowed upon her, Nieme still stammered and stuttered when she attempted to address Jae Dyn. "I...I will miss you, Master Jae Dyn Brael. I want to thank you for...for saving me. I-I know now that I want to be a Jedi...and I wish you could be the one to train me..." Nieme smiled bashfully. "I wish you didn't have to go."

"And, now as I stand here, I wish I didn't either," she said. "But, I have to keep Yelara safe. Maybe I can come back as soon as Dargus Kandran is stopped, and then I can train you. I'm going to miss you too, Nieme. But, I know you'll be alright now. Both of you will."

Dani had slipped out of the bed and was approaching heedless of her lack of clothing. "Thank you for everything, Master Jae Dyn. We owe you so much."

"As long as you two are happy, and you do what you want to do, then that is all I want. You'll both make fine Jedi, I know. And, perhaps we can talk when we check back in from Corellia. I want to keep tabs on both of your progress. May the Force be with you both...and don't let anyone tell you you can't be together. You two belong together the way the stars belong in the sky."

Nieme looked back at Dani, whose smile was as large as hers. She turned her gaze to Jae Dyn again, and with a whimper, she rushed forward into her embrace. "Thank you, Jae Dyn Brael. You've changed me. You've given me a piece of yourself I will cherish for always. I'll never forget that...or you."

Jae Dyn held Nieme close, content to just gain comfort from the embrace. "And you have integrated yourself into my heart and mind, and I will never forget you as well. I am so very glad that I was able to save you, and then give you the confidence you now have. I am very happy to have been a part of your life. I may be going away, but I still will count you among my closest and dearest friends. We'll see each other again, Nieme. I promise."

"I know we will, Jae Dyn Brael." Nieme turned her face up towards Jae Dyn and smiled knowingly. "I just...have this feeling."

"Trust your feelings," Jae Dyn said with a smile. "You can seldom go wrong by doing so. And, then I look forward to seeing you again." She hugged Nieme tightly to herself again, and if it wasn't for her control would have been crying at that point. "I'll see you again soon."

"Goodbye, Master. I love you." Nieme pulled back from Jae Dyn, and with a solemn expression, she bowed gracefully. "May the Force be with you, Jedi Knight Jae Dyn Brael."

Jae Dyn bowed in response to Nieme. "May the Force be with you as well, Padawan Nieme Yaresh. And, my love. You will become a fine Jedi. I can feel it." She then turned her attention to Dani who was watching with a smile. "I am so glad that Nieme led us to you," she said. "You are a beautiful, wonderful person, Dani, and you bring joy to everyone you meet. You will make a wonderful Jedi as well. And, I am so very happy you have each other. I can't imagine any other couple as beautiful together as you two are together."

Dani grinned, and then rushed forward into Jae Dyn's arms. "I'll miss you too, Master Jae Dyn. Thank you for everything. And, we'll always remember you."

Without warning, Dani kissed Jae Dyn. It was startling at first, but Jae Dyn allowed herself to succumb to Dani's farewell. Finally the girl pulled away and bowed to her. "May the Force be with you, Jae Dyn Brael."

Jae Dyn smiled and then laughed softly. "I like how they say goodbye on your planet, Dani. May the Force be with you too."

Dani giggled. "Just wait 'til you come back and I get to say hello."

Jae Dyn laughed, and then took a step back. "I'm going to miss you both. Now, I need to go before I do something a Jedi Knight isn't supposed to do."

Nieme covered her mouth with one hand and giggled. She wrapped her free arm around Dani's waist and pulled her closer. The girls waved vigorously at Jae Dyn as she turned and strode down the corridor. Nieme frowned for a moment, then smiled and nodded her head decisively. "Just as I thought."

Dani glanced down at Nieme, a curious expression on her face. "What did you think?"

She looked sidelong at Dani and smiled. "Oh, that we'll be seeing her again soon, that's all."

Dani nodded. "Okay," she said with a grin. "Do you want to get dressed and go down to our waterfall?"

Nieme brought Dani's hand to her lips. "Wherever you go, my love, I shall follow."

Dani grinned, and then reversed Nieme's hold on her hand and brought it to her lips. Then, with a seductive grin, she pulled them back toward where their discarded clothing lay on the floor.

---

"Kestrel's Flight, Part 2"
By: Jae Dyn (Kallia) Brael
Yelara Zaneth
Kael Selrid
Liam Zaneth
Leshie Zaneth [NPC]
Yara Brael [NPC]

Location: Jedi Temple, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 16, 4 ABY

***

Jae Dyn found Kael easily enough, and sensed something else in his room that raised an eyebrow. She knocked at the door and awaited his response. Inside, she felt a surge of emotions, and a scrambling. A moment later, the door slid open to reveal Kael standing wearing nothing but his robe. Jae Dyn smiled. "I just wanted to stop by and say goodbye before leaving...but I see you weren't quite finished saying goodbye to Yel." She couldn't hide the smile, and shook her head. "May I come in?"

With a resigned sigh, Kael stepped to the side and allowed her inside. Once inside, she grinned at Yelara. "You know, my love, you are truly incorrigible."

Yelara smiled sweetly and shrugged, while doing nothing to conceal her exposed body with the bedsheet. "I said I wanted to say goodbye to Kael...so I did."

Jae Dyn moved close and gave Yelara a kiss. "I can see that," she said with a laugh. "All I got was a kiss from Dani. We still have about ten minutes. If you want, I can leave you two alone and meet you at the speeder."

Yelara laughed softly. "I think if I stay here another ten minutes, poor Kael won't be able to wipe that grin off his face for a month." She winked at him and slipped off the bed to retrieve her clothes. "Have you said goodbye to everyone?"

Jae Dyn laughed. "Everyone except Kael." She glanced back at the young man and laughed. "But, I should probably say goodbye in the traditional sense."

Kael held his arms out wide. "Hey, I wouldn't mind if you wanted to say goodbye in another manner." He realized that in doing that, his robes fell open, then gave a wink to Jae Dyn before pulling them closed.

Yelara laughed in the background and pushed Kallia gently forward. "Go on. Give him a proper farewell, my love."

Jae Dyn laughed and quickly found herself in Kael's arms. Her lips found his and they kissed, the passion of the embrace flaring brightly. She reached up and pushed his robes off Kael's shoulders. He reached up and unzipped the vest she wore and pushed it away. He led them both toward the bed, stepping lightly around Yelara as they moved.

She reversed their positions as they got to the bed, and pushed him back upon it. She lowered her mouth to his groin as she struggled to get her pants off.

Kael could only lie back on the bed while Jae Dyn's mouth worked at his erection. He moaned loudly and laughed. "Damn I wish I could go to Corellia with the two of you."

Yelara stood at the foot of the bed, at first stunned, then amused, then anxious to participate. With a laugh, she dropped the pants she'd just retrieved onto the ground and climbed upon the bed. She slunk towards Kael with a silky smile. "This is certainly one interesting farewell...and you're not even the one leaving, Kael." She pressed her lips to Kael's and caressed his chest sensually. Her kisses made their way to his throat, then his chest, until her lips were brushing against the patch of fur at the base of his shaft. Yelara's eyes locked with Kallia's, and as her mouth focused on the tip of Kael's penis, Yelara moved her lips along his shaft until they met Kallia's. She kissed her lover deeply while she massaged Kael's erection with one hand, and dipped her other between Kallia's legs.

Kael moaned loudly. He could feel his hips shifting forward, trying to seek further sanctuary within Jae Dyn's mouth. "Oh gods...I'm really going to miss you two."

Kallia alternated kisses between Yelara's lips and Kael's erection, before she took him all the way into her mouth. Kael's moans were nearly constant now. She moaned along with Kael as Yelara's hand worked expertly between her legs. With an even louder moan, she pulled her mouth away and started climbing up to straddle Kael. "Oh gods," she whispered.

Yelara chuckled throatily and moved up alongside Kael. She caressed Kallia's thigh while her lips did the same to Kael's chest and neck. "She's really very good," Yelara commented to Kael. She covered his mouth with hers and plunged her tongue deep within, creating a tangle with Kael's.

Kallia lowered herself down onto Kael's erection, and once he was fully inside her, let out a short cry. "Oh, you are a very lucky boy," she finally said with a laugh.

Kael almost pulled his mouth away from Yelara's to tell Jae Dyn he wasn't a boy, but realized it really didn't matter. And, he doubted she'd be where she was if she really thought him a boy. At the moment though, he'd gladly be whatever they wished. The thrusting of his hips was starting to sync with Jae Dyn's movements, and the kiss he was sharing with Yelara was one of the most powerful kisses he could ever remember. Oh, he would indeed miss them when they were gone.

Kallia's moans had turned into series of quick cries and whimpers. "Oh gods," she whispered, and then reached back to clutch at Kael's legs to steady herself. The energy in the room at that moment was powerful and charged, and she was having a difficult time remembering any other experience that was such. Oh, this would definitely be a memory she and Yelara would share for some time. And, she had a feeling it might make not having Liam there on Corellia with them for awhile more bearable.

Yelara pulled her lips from Kael's and whimpered as the hand between her legs proved inadequate to satisfy her. With a mischievous grin, she turned herself around and swung her leg over Kael's chest. She shifted down until Kael's face was between her legs, then slowly, she lowered herself towards him. Her deep sigh indicated Kael's mouth was an improvement over her hand, and the smile on Jae Dyn's face conveyed clearly her satisfaction as well. She moaned and leaned forward to pull Kallia into a kiss. They were definitely a bad influence, but at least in their absence, the mark they left would still be present for a long time to come. One thing was for certain, and it was that Kael would never forget them, especially not after their very memorable farewell.

***

The trio lay sprawled on the bed, and each knew that the time for Yel and Jae Dyn to leave had come and passed. Nearly forty minutes ago. None of them really cared that they were late, and were too content after their wild lovemaking. Finally Jae Dyn stirred and kissed first Kael and then Yelara. "I think we'd better think about getting dressed and then getting to the speeder, my love. Although, it would be nice to give Kael a few more memories of us, we should be on our way."

Yelara groaned unhappily and pushed herself upright from where she'd been strewn across Kael's torso. She dragged her finger down his chest and kissed him slowly. "I'm afraid you'll be out of commission for a few hours. I hope you don't mind."

Kael laughed and grinned stupidly. "Oh, after that, I don't think I mind at all. Though, I'm really going to miss you when you're gone. I think the three of us could have really enjoyed that waterfall together." He kissed Yelara again. "Maybe when you come back for a visit. And, you will have to come back for a visit. Or I'm going to have to come to Corellia, and I have no idea if they even have waterfalls there."

Kallia laughed and sat up. She had to admit that a part of her wished they could either stay or sneak Kael into one of their bags. After they'd climaxed together, she and Yelara had switched places. She and Kael had spent a good deal of time kissing while Yel coaxed some life back into Kael's penis. And, then they'd started all over again. She had a feeling as soon as they got the Kestrel into hyperspace, she and Yelara would be climbing into bed, but for sleep this time. She crawled up to where her lips could reach Kael's, and then gave him a kiss while he was still kissing Yelara. "I think I can safely say we're going to miss you, Kael. And, I do hope that we can see you again, and not only for this. Though, this was very nice."

"I'm going to miss you too," he said. "Both of you. But, we'll meet again, I can feel it. You two stay safe, and watch after those little ones. With the two of you as their parents, I imagine you should be very worried about them growing up." He grinned and brushed a hand over both of their arms, and then across their breasts.

"I already am," Yelara said with a laugh. She cradled Kael's cheek in her hand and sighed. "Take care, Kael, and make sure you stay happy. If I so much as hear even a hint of unhappiness in your voice when we comm you, I'm coming straight over and putting a smile on your face and there is no way you can stop me."

"Really?" Kael asked with a grin. "I'll have to make sure I work on my morose voice then. And, you'll bring Jae Dyn with you, won't you?"

Kallia laughed and drew a hand along Kael's thigh. "When it's just the three of us together, I'm Kallia," she said. "And, just try to keep me away. We'll sneak in in the middle of the night, and by the morning, you'll have a smile wrapping all the way around to the back of your head."

Kael laughed. "Then I'll definitely start working on my unhappy act. Goodbye, you two. I will really miss you. I hope you don't mind me not getting up, but I don't think I can move yet."

"It's understandable," Yelara said confidently and with a proud smile. "But you'll recover." She slipped off the bed and hunted again for her clothing. Trying to distinguish her leather from Kallia's proved difficult, until she attempted to close up her vest and realized there was no way her breasts would allow that. She threw the leather vest to Kallia and searched through the pile for her own. "You'll be alright here, won't you Kael? I know you're not alone, but with Dani and Nieme together... You'll be okay?"

"I'll be fine," Kael said. "I'm happy for Nieme, and I know she's better off with Dani. At least for now, that is. Who knows what the future will bring, but for now I have my training and the Force. Besides, our last hour together will keep me satisfied for awhile yet. Thank you for being a friend. And, thank you for...for everything."

Yelara zipped up her pants, then leaned over the bed and kissed Kael upon the forehead. "I know you, Kael Selrid," she said softly. "You're the kind of person who makes their own happiness. You're strong and I know you'll come through anything and everything you're faced with, and come through it with a smile."

Kael brought a hand up to Yelara's cheek and held it there for a moment. "It's easy to come through when I have friends like you," he said. "I believe that I truly have found my place here. I will miss you, but I know that I have enough here to keep me occupied. You take care of yourself and that beautiful son of yours. We'll see each other again, I know it. I love you, Yelara; I don't think I could have asked for a better friend than you. If I do run into any trouble here, I know you're the one I'll want to talk about it with. I hope you don't mind me giving you a call on Corellia."

"I would begin to wonder if you didn't...and hurt!" Yelara turned her lips to Kael's palm and kissed it. "And I love you, Kael Selrid. This is one of the strangest friendships I've ever had, but a good one nonetheless." She held his gaze for a moment, then laughed softly and stepped away to finally find her vest.

"I would help," Kael said with a laugh, "but the two of you wore me out. But I think it's...down...there...somewhere." He laughed.

"Here it is," Kallia said with a giggle and held it up for Yelara. As she took the vest, Kal slipped under Yel's arm and latched onto a nipple. "Oh so very nice. I can't wait to get you alone in our little cottage on Corellia, when we get a cottage. And, maybe Kael could visit us." She pulled her mouth away and moved back over to Kael, straddling him and laying down on top of him. "You're going to do alright here, Kael. You've made improvements I never would have expected, and you're getting better every day. You have to call us frequently and keep us posted on your progress."

"If it weren't for you and Liam finding us, none of this would have been possible. So, in a big way I have you to thank as well."

Kallia laughed and kissed Kael again. "Oh, I think you just did that. You take care of yourself. And, I know we're both going to miss you." She gave him one more slow kiss, and then slid off his body and moved over to stand next to Yelara.

"I guess this really is goodbye then." Yelara slipped her arm around Kallia's waist. "Be well, Kael. And don't get up too quickly or you'll pull something."

Kael laughed and nodded weakly. He sat up halfway to watch them and shook his head. "I'll miss you two," he said. "But we'll have the comm, and Corellia isn't that far. I'm sure visits are possible. So, it's not really goodbye, just...see you later, until next time."

Yelara and Jae Dyn made their way to the door, finally, and stood before it as it slid open. Yelara looked over her shoulder at Kael and shot him a wink. "See you around, Selrid. And if you ever have a lonely night, just think of me and Kallia and the prospect that awaits you if you ever come to Corellia, and I think you'll find a way to raise your spirits." She motioned her eyes pointedly to the shaft of flesh lying limply between his legs and smiled slyly. "And other things."

Kael laughed and moved a hand down to suggestively cover himself. "Bye Yelara. I'll talk to you soon. You two stay safe, and we'll be seeing each other again before you know it." Have gave them a wave. "And, I definitely know what my dreams are going to be about for awhile now."

Yelara and Jae Dyn moved into the corridor but before the door could seal behind them, in unison, they each blew a kiss over their shoulder at Kael. They laughed with mirth as the door began sliding closed, and together they ran down the corridor like giddy teenagers, finally towards the speeder that would take them to the spaceport and, consequently, to their new life on Corellia.

***

Liam looked up from where he sat by the speeder and laughed when he saw Yelara and Kallia approaching. "I was about to come looking for you," he said. "I was wondering if you got lost or decided to stay." He grinned and raised an eyebrow. "I should have expected the two of you to share a quick roll through the sheets though."

Yelara glanced surreptitiously at Kallia and hid a grin. "We had things to take care of. Besides, it's a long trip to Corellia. I'm sure we'll have plenty of time for a romp."

Liam laughed as he got to his feet. "The two of you? I have no doubt that you'll make time. The day the two of you pass up sex is the day I know one of you is sick. Are you ready to go?"

Yelara sighed. "I think so... Liam--" She shook her head and looked to the ground. "Forget it."

Liam stepped closer as he tried to gauge what she'd been about to say. "What is it?" Once he was close enough, he slipped his arms around her waist. "What is it, my love?"

"You know what it is," she replied softly. "And I know we've already been through it, so it's not right to ask again."

Liam nodded slowly, and then pulled her tight against him. "I'll be there before you know it," he whispered. "I don't like being away from you, Yel. But, I'll be back...at most a month. Then again, we could stop him tomorrow, and I'll be on the first transport to Corellia. I love you, Yelara Zaneth."

"I know you do. I feel it everytime I wake up with your arms around me. It's just that we've been together everyday for the past six months and now to be away from you..." Yelara brought her arms around his neck and hid her face in the folds of his robes. "I know you'll come back to me. I just wish we never had to be apart."

Liam closed his eyes as tears welled there. He could feel a part of him dying inside at the thought of being apart from Yelara. He knew that watching the Kestrel reaching skyward with Yelara inside, and him still on the ground... He took a deep breath and realized it was in fact a sob. He clung tightly to her, afraid to let go. Calming breaths were helping, but not as much as he would have liked. How was he going to manage this? How was he going to survive without Yelara with him?

"I'm sorry, Liam," she said as she gazed up at him. "I don't mean to make this harder for you." She kissed the tears from his cheeks and smiled at him reassuringly despite how much her heart ached. "I'll be fine, and Kallia will be fine, and the babies will be fine. You have nothing to feel sad about, because we'll be together again soon enough. Isn't that what you told me?"

Liam laughed softly and then nodded. "Yes," he said. "It's just more difficult than I thought it would be. Come on, let's get into the speeder. We can drive slowly into the city."

"Okay...but Kallia can drive. I want to sit in the back with you and spend some time with my husband." She kissed Liam slowly. She knew she'd be crying the entire trip to Corellia, but for his sake now, she wouldn't shed a drop if only to make the separation easier on him.

The three of them packed themselves into the speeder, with Yelara and Liam in the back. "Remember, Kal," Yelara said quietly, "take it slow."

Kallia smiled. "Very slow," she said. She glanced at the two babies gurgling in the seat next to her and laughed. She pulled the speeder around and started in toward New Plouton and the spaceport.

In the back seat, Liam had Yelara as close as he could possibly get her. "I'm going to comm you twice a day every day," he said. "We may be separated for a time, but I'm going to minimize the lack of contact as much as I can."

"And I'll make sure Leshie knows his daddy is coming home soon." Yelara laced her fingers with Liam's and kissed his hand. "One benefit I see is I'll be severely deprived of your touch and when you do come to us, you and I will be in bed together for a week to make up for all the lost time."

Liam smiled and brought Yel's hand to his lips. "I like the sound of that," he said. "Though, I'd prefer two weeks, just because. It will be difficult, but I think we'll come out of it stronger. The time apart will help us appreciate and love each other that much more."

"But not too much time," she said with a tight smile. "I don't care to put our love through such a demanding test." Yelara gazed into Liam's eyes in silence, then clutched at his robes and pulled herself to him. "That this is so hard probably speaks of how much we love each other, Liam. I guess that's a good thing, depending on how you look at the situation."

Liam nodded and wrapped his arms around her. "I love you more than I ever thought I could love another person. The most it'll be is a month. But a month is too long to let that creature roam free. So, I'm planning on joining you on Corellia well before that month is up, my love. I don't think I can live without you for longer than that." With that, he pulled her to him in a kiss.

That was enough to bring Yelara near tears, but she held back, not wanting to upset Liam again. It wasn't forever, she knew, but the time apart would feel as such no matter what assurances she gave herself. She laughed softly as the kiss broke, and caressed Liam's cheek. "Grandpa Orinth will be so happy to see that you're not with me. I think I wanna surprise him when you show up at his doorstep asking for your wife and child."

Liam laughed. "He'll probably try to hit me," he said. "Or chase me off with a blaster rifle. Though, I do hope I'm able to win him over. I think if I can win over Grandpa Orinth, we can be assured of complete happiness for always between us."

"Well, I'm certain if we show him Leshie, he'll come to accept you, especially after giving him such a beautiful grandchild."

Liam glanced toward the front seat where their son lay next to Yara. "We did really well with him," he said. "We made a beautiful baby, Mrs. Zaneth."

"How could we not? Look at his parents." Yelara and Liam watched their son bouncing happily in his carrier and Yara beside him reaching across with her hand to grasp his tiny foot. "We've come so far, Liam, and I want to go the rest of the way with you. Please come back to me safely."

"I promise I will," Liam said softly. "I'll stay very much alive, but still try to get rid of Dargus Kandran as quickly as I possibly can. I'm only half complete without you by my side."

Yelara blushed helplessly and looked away. "I love this sentimental talk. You're a romantic, Liam Zaneth." She raised her eyes to his and kissed him deeply and with mild urgency. So little time, she kept repeating to herself. Make it last. And that she attempted to do.

---

"Kestrel's Flight, Part 3"
By: Jae Dyn (Kallia) Brael
Yelara Zaneth
Liam Zaneth
Leshie Zaneth[NPC]
Yara Brael [NPC]

Location: New Plouton Spaceport, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 16, 4 ABY

***

Yelara's lips never left Liam's and her hands roamed over every curve of his body during the entire trip through the forest. By the time they reached the spaceport, her hands had covered every square inch of him and she was confident that even in his absence, she could close her eyes and remember the precise shape of his body, the colour of his hair and eyes, and the taste of lips. She knew that, above all else is what she would miss the most.

The speeder finally slowed to a stop, and all inside knew that it was time. Liam sighed, and continued to hold Yelara for one moment longer. With hesitant movements, Kallia finally hit the release that would open the hatches for them to exit. She slowly climbed from the speeder and moved around to the other side to get the babies.

Liam finally looked up into Yelara's eyes. "We should probably get a hovercart to get your things over to the ship."

She nodded morosely and slipped out of the speeder. "I'll go and get one," she said to Liam as he exited from the opposite side. "I won't be long."

Liam watched Kallia for a moment, and then sighed. "What's wrong?"

Kallia had been down to the ground and was talking quietly with Leshie and Yara. She shrugged and looked up at him. "I think you know," she said. "Did you think I wouldn't find out Liam? Did you think you could hide this from me forever?"

"It was a long time ago," Liam said, picking up on the true meaning of her words. "I'm a very different person. I was filled with darkness then. I'm not the same person."

Kallia narrowed her eyes. "Aren't you?"

Liam shook his head and laughed. "You know it to be true," he said. "You know I couldn't do something like that now."

Kallia turned away, her body language the only outward sign of the war being waged within. Liam had other senses though that told him that she was being tormented within.

"I know," she finally said. "But...but it's hard."

"I know it is," Liam said. "I wake up every morning knowing that I killed my own master...and the only father I ever knew. And, then there's all the others. Every morning when I look in the mirror, I see the face of the man who brutally cut down so many. But, I also see Leshie's father, and Yelara's husband."

Kallia turned back around. "What about Laedra?"

"I love her," Liam said honestly. "But, I know I can never do that openly or I will lose Leshie and Yel."

"I understand," Kallia said. "I'll see if I can get her to be more welcoming to the idea, but I can't make any promises."

"Anything you can do to help me from breaking any hearts would be appreciated."

Kallia laughed. "I've still got a few tricks left, and I'm sure that your wife will like them very much."

"Thank you," Liam said with a laugh. Before he could say anything else, Kallia had slipped onto his arms and was hugging him.

"I'm sorry I doubted you," she whispered. "I won't do it again."

"Take care of them for me," Liam whispered.

"I will," she whispered back. "They'll be safe with me, and I'll do my best to keep them happy."

They held each other like that for several long minutes, just taking comfort in each other's embrace. "Thank you," he finally whispered.

As Liam released Kallia from his embrace, he noticed Yelara approaching them again. He gave her a smile as she pushed the hovercart next to the speeder. He popped the cargo hatch and sighed as he looked upon Yel and Kal's belongings. "I guess we gotta do this," he said.

"If we don't, we'll never leave." Yelara glanced at Liam as she reached in to pull out one of her bundles. "That wouldn't be such a bad thing, though. You'd be here, after all."

Liam grinned. "It's not such a bad idea," he said. "We'd keep you safe here." He took a breath and let it out. He reached in and pulled out a pair of bags. "The coordinates should already be in the navicomputer, but you'll have to make a slight adjustment depending on where you're jumping to lightspeed from."

Kallia nodded. "I can't remember the last time I flew something this big, but I think we'll manage."

Liam laughed. "Just don't plow our ship into an asteroid or anything." Once the bags were loaded, he turned the cart around and started toward the ship...slowly.

While Kallia handled the babies, Yelara came up beside Liam and slipped her arm through his. "You know, now that I think about it, one month isn't that long. I mean, if you count by Corellia weeks, you should be with us in a matter seventeen days. Not that long at all."

Liam smiled. "You know," he said, "when you put it that way, it doesn't sound so bad at all. Do you think you'll still be with Orinth then? Or could you be in our lovely little cottage by then?"

"Well...Kallia and I will see what we can do. But whether we find one or not, you're still visiting Orinth!" She laughed and kissed Liam upon the cheek. "It'll be fine. Everything will be fine."

Liam grinned. "I know," he said. "But I'm still going to miss you. Though, I guess we can think of it as a vacation where you're visiting your grandpa, and showing off our baby. And, I'll join you very soon."

They crossed into the hangar bay where Liam had first set down the Kestrel upon their return to Tae'Karada, and now the ship would remain dormant no more. The sight of it made Yelara almost nauseous, not because of the upcoming flight, but because she would not be sharing the bed in the main cabin with Liam. She sobbed, despite telling herself she wouldn't, and threw her arms around Liam. "Oh gods... Can I do this? Can I really leave you behind? I don't think I can."

Liam stopped the cart and pulled Yelara into his arms. His eyes glistened with tears as he pulled her into his chest and buried his face in her hair. "I keep having the same thoughts. I'm so close to throwing everything away and going with you. I'd hate myself forever for it, but I don't know if I can stand being without you."

Yelara lifted her head to come up for air, then gave a choking sob and pressed her face to his chest again. "I don't want you to ever resent yourself or me, Liam. You have to stay. You have to do what you have to do. Then you have to come back to me."

"I will come back to you, Yelara," Liam whispered. "I will always come back to you. Just like the kestrel. Just like the kestrel, I'll always come back to you. And, I'll be back to you before you know it. We'll make this work, and we'll be better off for it. We'll be more in love than we've ever been before."

"Hearing you say that," she replied as she gazed up at him, "I think I already am."

With her hands framing his face, Yelara reached up and kissed Liam. The updraft from ascending ships ruffled Yelara's hair and pulled it loose from its tie. With a smile, she stepped back from Liam, and reached down into her boot. Closed in her hand was the hilt of her dagger, the one she'd carried with her since her first day on the shipyards - her very first day on Tae'Karada. In her other hand, she clung to a thick lock of black curls. The blade of her dagger sprang from the hilt and its sharp edge sheared through the raven hair in one pass. It receded back into the hilt of the dagger, which was then replaced within Yelara's boot.

"Here," she said as she took Liam's hand and laid the silky, black tress across his palm. "I hope this is enough to get you by, my love."

Liam brought the lock of Yelara's hair to his lips, then kissed it once. He shifted his eyes to gaze into hers, and closed a hand around it. "It will be enough to get me by," he said. He tucked the lock of hair into his belt, and then pulled the lightsaber from his belt. "For you until we're back together again," he said. "It's one of the two I constructed when we first got here."

Yelara ran her fingers along the smooth metal of the hilt, then wrapped her hand around it. "I'll keep it near me always...and every night, I'll place a kiss upon it as if it were my lips touching yours. I love you, Liam Zaneth."

Liam pulled Yelara close again, holding her tight against his chest. "I love you too," he said. "We'll make this work. We'll be back together before you know it. Everything will be alright again, my love. Everything will soon be just the way we want it to be." He kissed her again, doing everything he could to prolong the moment just a little more. He didn't want to let her go, to watch her flying off. His insides were being torn apart by his emotions, and he didn't know if he could manage through this.

"Now, Mr. Zaneth," Yelara said with a smile to lighten the mood, "you're going to say goodbye to your son, then I'm going to get on that ship, and you're going to walk away and not look back. Alright?"

Liam smiled. "Alright," he said. "I'll miss you, but we'll be together very soon. I can do this. I'm practically a Jedi Knight. I can do this." He laughed, and hugged her to him once more. "Alright then. Where's my son?"

Yelara traded the lightsaber off to her other hand and slipped her now free one into his. She led him to the base of the ramp where Kallia waited with the children. "Just park the hovercart here, my love, and go talk to your son."

Liam smiled at Yelara and slid the hovercart to where she'd indicated. Once he settled it into place, he returned to where Kallia and Yelara stood. He stepped forward and took Leshie from Kal. "How's my little Jedi?" he said looking down into the baby's carrier. "Now, I want you to watch after your mommy and Aunt Kallia, okay? And, I don't want you chasing after Yara too much. If she's anything like her momma, she'll give you a piece of her mind and set you straight. Now, she's a good kid, and you stick with her. You two are fated, you know. There's no way out of it, but I can already see that you and Yara are quite happy together." He picked the baby out of the carrier, and held him close. "You make sure momma stays happy, okay Lesh? You make sure she looks up at the stars and sees me waving to her from the Temple. And, don't give her any trouble. But, I know you'll be a good boy. And, you'll make both of us proud." He held back the tears as best as he could, and then gave Leshie a kiss on the forehead. "I love you, my little one. I'll be back to you soon. I don't want to miss you growing up. I'll be back very soon. I love you, Leshie-boy. And, we'll be together again soon." With a heavy sigh, he set Va'Lesh Zaneth back into his carrier, and looked to Yelara and Kallia. "I guess this is it."

"It is." Yelara watched Liam from across the small distance that separated them, and knew in a matter of minutes, it would become light years. It already felt like it. "Good luck with Kandran, my love. I know you'll succeed. And if you ever get lonely at night in the Temple, just think of your beautiful wife and her lover and how lonely we are without you." She laughed softly and stepped forward to take Leshie's carrier from Liam's hand. "Go, my love," she whispered. "Start walking and get into that speeder and just go. No more tears, okay? This is only temporary, remember."

"Only temporary," Liam repeated as he backed slowly away. "Comm me as soon as you can. And, keep out of trouble."

Yelara laughed abruptly. "Do I ever, my love?"

As Kallia began loading the ship with their luggage, Yelara kept her eyes fixed to Liam's and exchanged silent sorrows with him, ones she knew would have to wait to be expressed in the form of bitter tears until after both were alone and the moment would be that much less difficult. "Now, you be good yourself, alright? I know how unruly you get without a woman around to keep you in line."

Liam laughed. "You'll have to get me all straightened out and ruly when I join you on Corellia," he said. "I'll be there soon." He continued backing away, dreading the moment when he'd reach the speeder.

At the ramp of the ship, Kallia touched Yelara's arm. "We're all loaded," she said.

"Just one more second," Yelara said almost in a plea. "Turn away now, my love," she whispered. "Give me a smile, then turn away."

Liam felt the doorway behind him, and navigated himself into the opening. He stopped there for a moment, raised a hand and smiled. "Bye, my love," he whispered. "I'll see you again soon." Then, with as much effort as he could manage, he turned and stepped through the doorway. As he did, a feeling of sharp tingles and dread covered his body. He almost turned back, but then told himself that it was alright. Kallia would keep Yelara safe, and he was most likely just too emotionally wrought to think clearly. They're just going to Corellia, he told himself. All I have to do is stop Kandran, and everything is okay again.

Back at the ship, Kallia moved close to Yelara, kissed her cheek softly, and sighed. "I'm sorry, my love," she said. "He'll come back to us soon, and then everything will be perfect again."

"I know," she replied, gripping Liam's lightsaber more tightly. "We'll be a family again." She turned her face toward Kallia's and smiled, even though the last thing she wanted to do was that. "Let's go. We have a long journey ahead of us."

"Want to ride up front with me?" Kallia asked as they slowly made their way up the landing ramp. "Once we jump to lightspeed, we can go lie down for a bit if you'd like."

Yelara gave barely a nod and moved with sluggish, almost reluctant steps. Leshie bounced happily in his carrier, completely unaware that his father wouldn't be there in the morning to peer down into his crib and greet him with a kiss. She envied him his uncomplicated perception of the world, where nothing concerned him but his next meal and his favourite stuffed toy. He didn't feel the agonizing wrenching in his stomach, not like she did and would continue to as long as Liam wasn't in her arms.

Yelara buried her face into Kallia's shoulder and whimpered softly. "I hate flying," she whispered. "But I hate this more."

"We'll get through it, my love," Kallia whispered. "We'll make it." In that moment, Kallia realized just how deeply Yelara's love for Liam really went. She hugged her love tighter to her and kissed the top of her head. "We'll get our family back together again, and very soon. I'll do my best to keep you happy and safe until he gets back to you. I know I can't replace Liam, but I promise to love you as much as he would while he's away."

"I know you do," Yelara said with a rueful smile. "I know we'll be happy once I've had a good cry. And if you want, you can comfort me in bed while I do."

Kallia smiled as she pressed the button to close the outer hatch. With slow deliberate steps she started toward the cockpit. They'd get into space, then into hyperspace, and then they'd retire to their cabin for a cry. Once in the cockpit, she eased Yelara down into the copilot's seat and secured the babies behind them. "If you want, I can do a flyby of the Temple."

Yelara's somber expression was softened with a smile as she reached over and caressed Kallia's cheek. "I think that's a wonderful idea, my love. It makes me even more glad that I have you with me, to help me through this. I love you so much, Kallia Brael."

Kallia smiled. "And, I love you, Yelara Zaneth. Now, hold on tight, I'm going to take us up, and we'll head out over the Temple. We may even get a glimpse at the speeder down on the road. And, then we'll head out to start our new life on Corellia, and make everything perfect when Liam comes back to us."

Yelara gripped the armrests of her seat and was reminded, then, of her arrival at the shipyards. Her knuckles looked now about as white as they had when she travelled on the transport vessel to the station. Full circle once again, but this time the departure was far less joyous.

She closed her eyes as the ship climbed through the air, then shot forward. Somehow, without even a word from Kallia, Yelara sensed they were approaching the forest. Her eyes opened slowly and she smiled as below them, Liam's speeder raced for the trees. "Goodbye, my love," she said quietly. "We'll be together soon and forever."

Kallia slowed the ship as much as she could, and despite the Kestrel's complaints, held it above where Liam's speeder sped onward for a precious few heartbeats longer. But, then keeping the ship in the air at that speed was too much, and she kicked the thrusters back in, and climbed the ship up into the sky. If both her hands weren't required to keep the ship going up, she would have reached over to use a hand to comfort Yelara. Instead, she could only spare a glance.

Below, the planet shrank smaller and smaller, until they finally broke free of the atmosphere. It took much of her Jedi training to keep from turning around and going back. She put the ship into an orbit; once around, and then we'll go, she told herself.

Yelara squinted down at the planet as Kallia made a tour of Tae'Karada, foolishly thinking she could catch one last glimpse of Liam's speeder through the thick clouds above the atmosphere. That alone distracted her mind from her habitual fear of flying. Finally with a sigh, Yelara sat back in her chair and looked away from the planet and straight ahead at the stars dotting the black abyss waiting to envelope them. "I'm ready," she said resolutely. "It's time for the Kestrel to go home."

Kallia gave a solemn nod and broke orbit. She pointed the ship off toward the edge of the system where they would make the jump to lightspeed. But, they were going to a better place now. They would begin the preparations for a new life on Corellia. And, when Liam arrived it would all be perfect.

With a slight hesitation, Kallia reached out and slowly pulled the three levers back that would activate the hyperdrive. And, then the stars stretched out all around them, and the broken-starlight tunnel of hyperspace surrounded them. Their journey had begun.

---

"What's Good For The Goose..., Part 1"
By: Duncan Dakster - Freighter Captain/Smuggler
Jos Terrlamal - Freighter-Lt Pilot/Navigator [NPC]
Darln Mllokc - Sergeant/Gunner [NPC]
Dall Zusck'mar - Furrell Transshipping Industries [NPC]

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Niothe 16, 4ABY

***

Duncan checked the power coupling between the engine core and starboard, number four, thruster.

"Alright, how is that?" he asked his astromech.

The R3-D3 unit emitted a series of beeps and blurbs, printing the response out on the data screen that Jos and Darln had installed shortly after winning the droid.

"96 percent optimal," the droid replied.

"What was the output before?" Duncan asked, grabbing a hydrospanner and a length of cabling.

"87 percent," it responded.

"Good. Is the hyperdrive fluctuating still?" Duncan asked, applying the spanner to two joint pipes.

"Negative," the droid answered.

"Yes. Go to the bridge and tell Darln that everything is ready and to get a shower. Also, go and wake Jos from his slumber and relay the same information," Duncan said climbing out of the service pit.

He headed for his personal cabin, showered, and put on fresh clothing. Once dressed, he went to the main airlock and waited. Twenty minutes later, Jos and Darln showed up in fresh clothes and the rank insignias that Duncan had assigned them.

"Have they arrived yet?" Jos asked, adjusting his flight jacket.

"Nope, won't be here for another ten minutes. Darln, finish the passenger hold and tell D3 to power down," Duncan said to Darln. "Jos, head for the bridge and start the systems up. Get the environmentals on line, then detach from the station on the port mast."

"You got it, skipper," Jos said, entering the airlock and turned right to the bridge.

Duncan stepped out of the airlock and looked both directions. He adjusted his heavy blasters and continued to stand just outside the airlock, waiting on his passengers.

The five passengers showed shortly thereafter. He was not surprised that his cargo was mostly human.

"Captain Dakster? Sujun, Nllcoke, Hilecob, we are," the shortest, stockiest said as they approached.

"How do you do? I am Captain Duncan Dakster, your pilot and this is the Star-Runner, your transportation. Are there any questions before we get underway?" Duncan asked.

"Not at this time, Captain. We just wish to be on our way," the stout man said.

"Very well, if you will fallow me," Duncan said, offering the five to enter the airlock first.

"If you please, Captain, you first. I would like to speak with you along the way. Do you have someone else to pilot your ship?" the stout man asked.

"I do. May I ask why?" Duncan asked quizzically.

"In due time, Captain. In due time," the spokesman answered.

Duncan lead his passengers back to the passenger hold and showed them in. He noticed that Darln was putting a tool kit away and wiping grease off of his hands.

"Gentlemen, this is Darln, my second mate and chief gunner. Darln, go to the bridge and inform Jos that he will be transporting us. You navigate for him," Duncan said.

"Affirmative," Darln said, leaving the passenger hold.

Once Darln was gone, the spokesman stuck out is hand to shake Duncan's.

"I am Dall Zusck'mar of the Furrell Transshipping League. I do not know if you are aware of it, but my company has the intention of placing a waystation in Thanatos for freighter captains, such as yourself, to find honest cargo at fair prices. We will pay fuel and ship damage from pirates. However, in this corner of space, piracy seems to be a contagion," Dall said, introducing himself to Duncan.

"In this sector I would have to agree. However, it is not as bad as other sectors of space," Duncan answered.

"That is correct, Captain. I asked around of all the yard foremen about reliable freighters, and the Star-Runner was used quite extensively," Dall said curiously.

"I am flattered that my ship has come up," Duncan said honestly.

"I would be too. However, there is a small problem that has arisen on Thanatos and I was wondering if you and your ship would be willing to work temp to hire," Dall asked.

"Depends on the job, sir. What it pays, what the risks are, and so forth," Duncan said business-like.

"At this point, the job would consist of transporting myself and my colleagues betwixt Thanatos, New Plouton, and Drogen, with the occasional trip to Tae'Remok. The job can pay 1000 creds a trip. Plus a bonus of 1000 creds if there are no problems along the way," Dall stated.

Duncan smile politely at the man and shook his head. "Sir, that would only pay my navigator. At least the trip to Tae'Remok. I pay Darln, the man you met just a few minutes ago, 1000 creds a trip, and that is only if it is out of system. 'Remok is out of system. Just to break even in paying my crew, that would be 3000 creds, one way," Duncan stated plainly.

"I see we both like to haggle," Dall retorted. "Very well, I will pay you 10,000 creds a week for your services. Should we need to go to 'Remok, then I will pay 12,000 for that week. Does this seem fair to you, Captain."

"It does pose a great deal of opportunity for my crew. However, I must inform you that we have a normal or scheduled route once per week. We would be able to accommodate you six days a week. I figure, 7,000 creds for six days is adequate," Duncan said.

"Very well, and now the use of your blasters," Dall said.

Duncan looked at the tradesman strangely.

"Don't worry, Captain. This will be nothing that will get you in trouble with the law. However, there may be influences on Thanatos that would hate to see the Industry. What would the price be for you to pull and use those blasters in defense?" Dall asked.

"I am no bounty hunter, nor am I a bodyguard, sir," Duncan said.

"Come, come now, Captain, a man does not wear a blaster unless he knows how to use it. You, sir, wear two of them. Which tells me you know how to use them, and effectively. I would be willing to pay you 200 creds a day as a bodyguard, and should you need to use those vile weapons, 400 creds a day," Dall said.

Duncan thought about it for a few moments before he answered. "Mr Zusck'mar, it looks as if you have yourself a bodyguard," Duncan stated before he left for the bridge.

---

"Taking Old Roads"
by Quinlan Vos - Jedi Master
and Laedra Vorrel - Jedi Knight

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Niothe 16, 4 ABY

***

He entered the room and saw her as she was working on some gear that had been set on the table. Approaching her smoothly he closed his eyes and breathed in deep. Opening them he spoke to her. "You love him..."

Laedra's first reaction was to clamp down her emotions and bury them deep so they would not betray her. Her fingers did not fumble with the remote she was adjusting although she knew they felt ready to shake uncontrollably. With her eyes searching for the appropriate tool upon the table, she emitted a small chuckle for effect and replied with an evasive: "I do not understand what you mean, Master Vos."

He stopped right behind her and placed both his hands on her shoulders. He refrained himself from feeling what she had last felt. He could use his abilities to do so, but he would not intrude into her private life. He sighed. "I mean Liam... You love him even in spite of all that was taught to you as a Padawan. Do not be startled. I do not believe others know..." he told her as he spoke gently.

Laedra shrank away from his touch and turned slowly in her chair to face him. "My devotion is to the Order, and only the Order," Laedra recited, but the words were meaningless to her now. "I care for all within this Temple, including Liam and even young Aurra Sgall. But love?" She attempted a laugh, yet only a feeble one escaped. "Forgive me for being frank, but you are mistaken, Master Vos."

"We all care for friends and close ones..." Vos said with a nod. "But do not deceive yourself Laedra. You have nothing to gain from that. We both know what I meant, and I respect that... I just thought I'd tell you that Masters Koran Darr and Kal'Aran feel we ought to reinstate the ban in loving relationships."

"And I agree with that, Master Vos. The students should be focused on their training and there is no room for romance in their lives if they truly wish to become Jedi." Laedra rose to eliminate the oppressive sensation Master Vos' towering presence inspired in her. She couldn't bear his scrutiny for long if she felt like she was being interrogated. "Master Vos, what exactly are you telling me? Are you forcing me to end whatever relationship you believe Liam Zaneth and I are engaged in?"

Quinlan held up a hand gently. "I mean you no harm, Laedra Vorrel. Personally I think that one can have both things, as long as the physical aspects are not practiced. There is nothing wrong with love. We all have caring feelings, as you said. But if taken too far they can lead to envy and anger which lead to the dark side. And I have been there and I can tell you that it is not a path to follow." He took a couple of paces away. "I came here because I wanted us to be friends. All of us."

Laedra sighed and dropped her defensive guard. "We are, Master Vos. I consider you all friends. And whether I love Liam or not, I will not allow it to interfere with my devotion to the Order. I am a Jedi first and always. Everything else in my life must come second to that." She smiled as she stepped towards him to close the distance he had placed between them. "I thank you for your concern, but I will not stray from the path and if I do, it is good to know I have someone like you to help guide me back."

Vos smiled back at Laedra. "I would find that you need no guidance. But we are what we make of our own selves nonetheless. I have heard that your skills in lightsaber duelling could be better but know that not all Jedi are skilled the same way. Some are healers and some are fighters. Some are people of action and some of wits. But all are unique and necessary for balance. If you ever need to talk, I am present..."

"And I am always willing to receive any advice you may have for me, Master Vos." Laedra bowed, and took a moment to let out a silent, deep sigh of relief. She wondered who else held suspicions of her relationship with Liam, and if Master Vos truly had believed her. She was smiling as she straightened up again, although she felt that it was tight and looked forced. "I hope I have satisfied your curiousity and reassured you that my relationship with Liam is in fact platonic. If you have any further concerns, I would be glad to help resolve them."

"I trust your best judgement," Vos said simply. He did not believe that Laedra's relationship was platonic but he didn't want to pressure her. One should be true to himself before he could face others, and this matter, it seemed Laedra had no decided upon yet. Vos bowed respectfully. "If you will excuse me, I will leave you to your doings. Unless you would join me for a training session."

"For my benefit or merely for companionship?" Laedra asked, smiling.

"Both... Plus, I could use the training against one other person, and not training devices..." he replied.

"Then I shall be honoured to, Master Vos. Will you be heading straight there, or shall I meet you at a specified time?"

"I was going there now, but I can wait for you since you seemed busy when I got here." Vos smiled. "I leave the decision up to you."

"Hardly busy, Master Vos. I was merely trying to find something interesting to do that would break this day's tedium. I believe training is just the thing for that." Laedra gestured towards the door and together, she and Master Vos made their way towards the training room. "Master Vos, may I ask you something?"

Walking by her side, he looked at her. "Of course you may," he said with a small smile. "Feel free to speak your mind."

"Thank you. I know you suffered a memory loss, Master, but I was wondering if..." Laedra sighed. "When you were at the Academy, do you remember a Master Ina Galean?"

"I did suffer a memory loss, but eventually most came back to me. However, I cannot say that I know him. Perhaps I know the face..." he said. "But some names I have forgotten. Faces I recall though. Why do you ask?"

"He was my Master," Laedra replied. The waning sorrow in her heart managed to creep into her voice. She cleared her throat. "I trained with him for some long years and lost touch with him after my Trials. I guess I merely wanted to hear about him, to keep the memory of him alive."

"Reminds me of myself... I lost touch with my Padawan when the Jedi hunt began, only to find her dead some years later," Quinlan said. "Perhaps you should ask Kal'Aran. He might know about your old Master. I am sorry I cannot be of assistance in this matter. But memories never die..." he said with a smile in the end.

"No," Laedra said quietly, "they certainly do not." Neither does the pain, she thought.

They entered the training room together and Laedra began slipping off her robe. "He taught me much, my master did. But, I know I have still much to learn. That is another reason I am so glad you and Master Kal'Aran are here. There are many things I am certain you could teach not just the students, but the other teachers, such as myself and Liam." She draped her robe over the bench and turned back towards Quinlan. "I am willing to practice whatever you wish, Master Vos."

He took off his robe and placed it gently on a bench as he reached for his lightsaber. "I was thinking of a small warmup in a series of trials and then some lightsaber techniques and a duel to round things off. If at any time you find yourself wanting to stop let me know. You ready?"

Laedra nodded her head. "I am. I hope I am a worthy opponent, Master Vos." She bowed to Quinlan and took a deep, centring breath to focus herself. She'd need it if she was to prove herself to Master Vos, for he was an expert, and she did not want to appear an amateur in comparison.

"I'm sure you will be." Vos nodded. "I have set up a course. It consists of jumps and passing certain obstacles. You will have to use the Force to jump and move faster than an average person to surpass those obstacles. After that you will reach a room where three bots will open fire and you deflect their fire but do not destroy them. I will be following your path as you lead point," he explained as he waved for her to begin and readied himself to follow her lead.

Laedra smiled to herself and although she didn't make the comment to Master Vos, she couldn't help the feeling that he was testing her, much as he would a Padawan. If this was what was expected of her to prove her abilities and worth to him, Laedra was willing to do it. Master Vos turned to the set of doors within the training room, ones that had been locked for some time and which Laedra had paid no heed to before... until Master Vos swept his hand in an arc and the doors smoothly opened. Within, Laedra could see the obstacle course Master Vos had designed. It looked straightforward enough from this distance, but within, she had no idea what unseen obstacles lurked. With a nod to Master Vos, Laedra started forward.

She first encountered an unassuming enough wall, which she easily vaulted over. When she landed on the opposite side, however, the course became more perilous than she had anticipated. Master Vos activated the machinery that controlled the course, and soon, a set of five walls arranged in a column were sliding across the floor from side to side and in opposing directions, which would force any who attempted passage to weave their way through.

Past those walls, a metallic sickle that appeared capable of slicing clean through bone was attached to a rod affixed to the ceiling; the entire contraption swung like a pendulum at a brisk pace with the blade glinting upon each pass. Immediately beyond that were two dense walls of ferrocrete moving to and fro, coming together and separating. If one didn't move fast enough after overcoming the sickle, one would be easily sandwiched together by the two walls.

Laedra looked over her shoulder at Master Vos, who had just joined her on the other side of the wall. "I...I had no idea this was even here. Who built this? And how could I not have known about it?"

"Jedi Temples are full of different training rooms with different training obstacles," Quinlan replied tilting his head slightly. "But many are hidden. One would have to know where to look. I did so through my gift to feel objects and see what the last people that touched them saw and felt." He then pointed at the obstacles ahead. "Only using Force Speed will you be able to surpass them. But be careful still Laedra... I do not wish you to get hurt."

"I know, Master Vos. I will not fail." Laedra turned her gaze back to the obstacles before her - deathtraps, rather - and expelled a deep breath. She sought the Force for courage and focus, and as always, it provided. She gazed down the path of the course and discerned a repeating pattern to the movements of each obstacle. There was a rhythm to the entire course as if each section was a part of a whole working in tandem with one another. If she perfectly timed her movements through each, she knew she would succeed unscathed. She concentrated now only on the Force flowing through her, and not even the sound of the sickle slicing the air or the walls slamming into one another processed in her mind. There was only the Force.

As the obstacle before her cycled back to the beginning of its deadly routine, Laedra took in a sharp breath, held it, and ran. Her body twisted and darted between the shifting walls. One of her feet barely missed being tripped up by a wall, but the Force allowed her legs to pump quickly and powerfully, aiding in her smooth passage. She weaved her way around the walls and near the end, the glint of the sickle caught her eye. The calm she acquired was maintained by her faith in the Force and her own abilities. Her heartbeat remained steady and not a bead of sweat broke the surface of her brow. The placement of her feet was premeditated and even the timing of each step was plotted beforehand. She knew she couldn't pause or slow down, for if she did, her own rhythm would be thrown off and surely she would be in dire straits.

The last wall sailed past her, creating a gust of wind that fluttered her robes and pulled tendrils of her hair free of its bun. The sickle had reached the apex of its hyperbolic sweep and gravity was already pulling it back down. Although she was moving at a preternaturally rapid pace, everything seemed agonizingly slow to Laedra. The sickle was barelling towards her, its pointed tip aimed for her torso. She had intersected its path and once again, the ominous gleam of the blade's edge stabbed at her eye.

As it approached her, growing exponentially closer the nearer to its vertical position it came, Laedra realized running straight through would not be sufficient to get her by safely. With but microseconds to devise a new strategy, Laedra shifted all her weight to her right foot. The momentum gained whirled her body into a counterclockwise spin which brought her about-face with the blade. It skimmed past her at the level of her midsection, and even then she could feel the flat of the blade lightly brushing over the surface of her abdomen.

The intricate move, however, had placed her directly between the ferrocrete walls which already were rushing towards one another to compress her body. As the sickle began its ascent again, Laedra channelled the Force to her legs and her body sprang upwards. She drew her knees tightly to her chest and her balled up form rotated backwards, high above the hurtling walls. The violent pounding of ferrocrete against ferrocrete drowned out completely the sound of Laedra's feet lightly hitting the floor as she pulled out of her aerial somersault, but despite the deafening crash of the walls, the hiss of her lightsaber igniting and the whir of the remotes moving into attack position were readily heard by Laedra.

She inverted the weapon over her head to blindly deflect the first shot aimed directly for her back, then she crouched into a roll, coming up to repel the next. The third fired almost instantaneously at her, but a quick parry neutralized the orange burst and sent it impacting into the side wall of the room. The remotes powered down and settled to the ground, and Laedra deactivated her lightsaber with deep sigh of relief.

Behind her came Master Vos clapping his hands gently with a smile, after he himself had passed the trials right after Laedra. "I am most impressed with your skill. It was indeed a trial with a high level of difficulty but you performed marvelously. Did you know these were more or less the basics of regular trials to become a Jedi? This plus some other tasks like Force Pull or Push," he told Laedra, refraining himself from telling her that he almost shut down the whole thing out of preoccupation.

"My Trials were not anything like this." Laedra looked back at the course and laughed almost incredulously. "I imagine Master Ina would have been quite impressed. I never was a very good student, Master Vos, and if it had been any other time in my life, I doubt I could have passed your training exercise. But, somehow being at the Temple has given me more focus and resolve. I attribute that to being in the presence of such great Jedi, such as yourself."

Vos smiled. "I thank you for the kind comment but it was you and you alone who passed this trial. What you have learned so far helped you in doing so, but in the end it was your doing. Besides, I have just recently arrived here. In time more things shall you learn... That is life. I would be honoured if I could take part in your leanings but I see that there is little I can teach you. Perhaps the younger ones..." he said.

"I am certain they can benefit from your tutelage." Laedra smiled and bowed to Master Vos. "As have I today. Thank you, Master Vos."

"It is I who thank you for the company..." He bowed with a gentle smile. "Tell me Laedra, what kind of training did your master give you? I mean, you said your trials were not anything alike."

"Master Ina concentrated on meditative techniques and fighting to him came second," Laedra replied. "You must understand, Master Vos, that with the purge, Master Ina believed physical ability was not required. It could only have been a liability in a time where anything that raised the suspicions of the Empire meant death. I was a very...rebellious student, Master Vos, and I don't believe Master Ina trusted me enough to give me such knowledge." Laedra laughed fondly. "I imagine he believed it would only get me killed."

"Lightsaber skills teach more than merely a fighting technique. It is a whole way of philosophy Laedra," Vos explained. "And perhaps Master Ina should have trusted you more. One must trust his Padawan without margin for doubts and pass on all the knowledge he can. I imagine he was afraid after the Vader example, but you seem to have done well..." He smiled. "Have you chosen a lightsaber style yet?"

"A..." Laedra laughed uncomfortably and shook her head. "As I said, Ina taught me much, but I dare say not enough. I merely imitated his style...yet I don't know what exactly that is."

It became clear that her experience was little in her fighting techniques and he had to wonder why. He took his lightsaber and ignited it. "One may master one of the lightsaber techniques or he may even learn them all. The classic one is such..." he said as he grabbed his lightsaber in front of him with both hands and took a solid stance with his legs and feet, the blade falling slightly forward.

He then shifted his body grabbing the weapon only with one hand now and left the other one loose and palm slightly open. "Then you have the renovated style, letting one hand loose. It can be both very defensive and offensive if well mastered."

Rolling the blade he set it backwards. "This is a variation that has been known as inverted style. It may look less defensive but it is quite effective I assure you."

Finally he safeguarded the lightsaber and made the weapon roll atop his palm in the air, as he toyed it with the use of the Force. "There are more styles and variations. Some use two weapons and some use double ended lightsabers," he explained. "I would like to see your style Laedra Vorrel."

Laedra paused for a moment, a flash of puzzlement affecting her features. She ignited her lightsaber before her and gripped the hilt with both hands. She brought the weapon high and just above her right shoulder, and held the pose. "Master Vos?" she asked after a moment. "I cannot help the feeling that I am being assessed or tested in some way. Am I?"

"Not tested, Laedra. It is I who am curious to see how well have the others been taught. You see, I too had a Padawan, but we were parted when the Jedi began to be hunted and I learned that she died sometime later," he explained. "Forgive me if I made you feel tested."

"It is alright, Master Vos. You must forgive me for being so suspicious of your intentions. I have not had the opportunity to use my skills outside of training and...I must admit I am somewhat insecure about it. I will oblige you, Master Vos, in whatever you wish."

He smiled gently once more and bowed. "That will not be necessary. You have proven yourself by passing the trials set out to you. Perhaps I can help you develop your lightsaber skills, and I would be honoured to do so. But I will leave you for the time being. Perhaps tomorrow morning we may sparr."

Laedra deactivated her lightsaber and bowed to Master Vos. "I would be delighted to, Master Vos. Thank you for...this," she said, indicating the room and the interesting test he had put her through. "I believe I have learned much about myself today, and all thanks to you."

He nodded courteously. "I am pleased I could help, although you ought to grant yourself more credit. You have a grand potential, Laedra. I cannot say I knew your Master but I can see why he would take you as his Padawan," he said bowing one last time and exiting the room. It was clear now that the Jedi Temple could take the old roads of the Jedi Council.

---

"Gold Fever"
By: Syan Daywalker - Bounty Hunter
Also Starring: Karia - Exotic Dancer [NPC]

Location: Rijal's Club - Drogen Shipyards
Date: Niothe 16, 4ABY

***

The Firrereo gazed at the bounty hunter expectantly, half-turned, her legs crossed. Her legs seemed to go on forever, tone and firm, strapped in emerald silks. Changing her mind, the woman's gray eyes flashed and she walked quickly to the control column in the corner of the room.

Syan watched her mute from the center of the room. The lights in the rooms dimmed slightly and the wall vids that had been displaying pastoral scenes from around the galaxy came alive with prismacolors and geometric shapes that spun and rotated in time with the music that piped through the room.

The music was vibrant and overcast by the sultry voice of a singer Syan didn't recognize. The bass moved him. It had a beat. Syan smiled.

The Firrereo noted his approval and approached him, taking hold of his gloved hands. "Come on," she urged him, pulling gently on his hands and guiding him toward the large jet tub bubbling in the corner. Syan followed willingly, admiring the alien woman who smelled faintly of perfume and whose small hands were lost in his. She stopped at the edge of the jet tub and stood on the step, coming eye to eye with him.

"Who are you?" she asked sliding her fingertips lightly up his Dewback leather coat as if sizing him up as her purchase instead of the other way around.

"The name's Daywalker," Syan replied, removing his gloves and slipping them into pockets in the coat before he sought to touch her. He did it nearly with reverence, gently gliding his hands over her smooth gold skin.

"You have a first name?"

"Syan."

"Syan," she breathed, playing with the name as her hands reached his face. Lightly, she slid her fingers through his curly hair and grasped the legs of his visor, pulling them off and dropping them. He caught them in the air and slipped them into his coat pocket. She didn't seem to notice. "You have pretty eyes, Syan. Hazel, right? That's the color? It's so yellow, almost gold."

"Like you."

"Like me," she smiled and leaned forward to kiss him. The place was really full service. Most call girls didn't kiss their customers. Too intimate. She kissed him expertly, meeting every movement of his with one of her own. Her tongue slipped into his mouth. She tasted different from a human woman, spicy - in a good way. He felt her start and she slipped out of his mouth, smiling at him with questioning eyes. "You've got fangs. I thought you were human."

Shirking the collar down, Syan slipped his arms out of the coat and slung the heavy thing over the back of a chair. "I am," he assured her.

For the second time, Syan felt as if he were on a butcher's block. She eyed him with interest and placed her hands on his biceps, slipping them up on to his shoulders. She unhooked the latches for his body armor and he let her slip it off, leaving the black marina, which she slipped off quickly, revealing his chest and arms "Those markings. Tattoos? They're nice. Do they mean something?" she asked, pulling off the undershirt.

"Yes, but I don't want to talk about it."

She shrugged and smiled, the Firrereo. They were private people, and thought nothing of respecting it in others.

The micron of tension was gone and she ran her fingers across his chest and down his abdomen, following the flow of muscles. Now and then she'd dip her head to kiss him on the chest or the abdomen. Her lips were cool and nearly made him flinch away. She crouched and planted a garden of kisses on his abdomen, nibbling at the soft flesh around his navel as she removed his gun belt and unhooked his pants. With exaggerated care, she lowered his zipper.

When he looked down again, she was looking up. "You ever had someone like me, Syan?"

He shook his head. "No, I've never been with a Firrereo."

Her eyes widened slightly at the mention of her race but she hid it away quickly, adding a quirky smile. "I meant a pro."

"Once or twice," Syan admitted, blatantly sarcastic. She picked up easily that it had been far more than one or two.

"Well, let's see if I measure up," she said, freeing the growing erection from the constraints. The contrast of her gold hands around the dark shaft looked almost artistic to Syan. She kissed the soft warm skin gently, holding him with one hand as the other got his pants and boots off. Free of undressing him, she kneeled fully and started to use her tongue on him, licking him from base to head like a confection, making slurping noises before she wrapped her lips around him and began to fellate him.

She's definitely a pro, Syan thought groaning in pleasure as his knees began to weaken. She was able to take his entire length, going deep when she needed to, using her teeth just enough to heighten the sensation. Her fingernails scraped lightly over his balls and Syan quickly put her very high on his list of women to see again. His groans came more easily now and she slipped her hands around to cup his ass as she deep throated him one more time and then slipped him out of her mouth, twirling her tongue around the head, looking up at him the whole time, lust equal to his own in her eyes. If it was an act, she should get an award.

The Firrereo stood and gripped his now fully hard shaft, licking her lips, "Definitely human." She smiled seductively and then started to undress herself before him.

It took little for her to remove the bra to reveal a pair of perfectly formed breasts that were firm to look at and soft to the touch when she covered them with his hands, and his hands with her own. He held her in his arms and leaned her back, taking her left breast in his lips, sucking on her firm nipple. She moaned softly and slid her arms around his neck, holding his head against her chest.

His hand slid up between her legs as she sat back on the lip of the jet tub. A soft patting on his shoulder stopped him.

"Not here," she said and gently pushed him up.

She slipped her legs over the side of the jet tub and lowered herself into the water, floating back against the wall. Raising her hips she reached underwater and a moment later he saw her soaked panties land on the side of the tub.

Syan climbed in after her, relishing in the feel of so much water in one place. Growing up on Tatooine, he hadn't quite gotten used to the idea of abundant water. The distracting thought, however, didn't last long. The Firrereo sought him out, slipping her arms around him and drawing him down on top of her as the water hissed and bubbled around them. He could feel the traces of current coming from between her legs and knew she must have deliberately placed herself before one of the jets for her own amusement.

"Come and get what you're paying for," she urged him, sliding her smooth thighs up his hips. She reached between them and with one hand, guided him in, letting out a small sigh of pleasure once he was.

Syan took it slow, much to his own surprise. Normally a night with a prostitute was just that to him. A little fun, a little stress relief, and nothing more. But his surprise at finding a Firrereo refugee had dictated his actions all evening. He had never before had sex underwater and the sensation was quite different. Surrounded in the hot water it was like being in air and not at the same time. The Firrereo's gray eyes enchanted him, holding his gaze as soft moans escaped her lips with every penetration. Her black and silver striped hair caught the light designs on the walls, shimmering like an apparition. The music's tempo rose and the bass beats got heavier and took them with it.

She tightened her legs around him and with a grip on either side of the tub, pulled him over into the water, leaving herself on top without him slipping out. She smiled lustily at him and leaned down to kiss him again, deliberately feeling his fangs with her tongue. His hands slid down her back to hold her ass as she used the weightlessness of the water to rock and roll above him, forcing her pelvis against his again and again. She leaned forward and up, still rocking backwards as she fed one of her breasts to him.

Though he knew this was all an act, Syan let himself enjoy it as if it were real. For all he knew, she was enjoying it as much as he and that thought made belief a little easier. He held her hips as they hit against his and took the proffered breast. The nipple was hard and jutting and he suckled and nipped it tenderly before taking it between his teeth. His fangs slid across it and unexpectedly, she climaxed on top of him. Her fingernails dug into his shoulders as the orgasm rocked her. The velveteen grip on his shaft lasted far longer than any human woman he'd ever been with and brought about his own orgasm.

He started to pull out but she held him tighter, wrapping her legs under his and holding him fast until with a final grunt of satisfaction, he was done. Her climax eased soon after and she opened her eyes to gaze dumbstruck at him. Her eyes were glazed with satisfaction and she lowered her hands from his shoulders and groped his muscled chest. Her legs unwrapped around his as she sat on his lap.

"That hasn't happened in so long," she exhaled and then giggled.

He gazed up at her curiously, listening to the slowing pound of his pulse in his ears. Her body was moist, but he knew it wasn't only from the jet tub's water. The faintly wood-like scent he had noticed earlier had strengthened. Perspiration and pheromones, he figured. "What hasn't happened?" Syan asked her.

She smiled and slapped at his chest. Her voice dipped conspiratorially, "You know." In added hint she ground her hips against his, eliciting a new spike of pleasure from the now flaccid thing still inside.

"Oh," Syan smiled, revealing the tips of his elongated canines. The bounty hunter didn't give life too much in the way of pride. But he couldn't avoid a little satisfaction at her admission.

The Firrereo got off him and stood in the jet tub, water dripping from her curves. "I'm here for the whole night, Syan Daywalker. I hope you're not done already." She turned to step out of jet tub and he realized with some amusement that the black and silver patterning of her hair continued down below as well, neatly trimmed.

The bounty hunter heaved his body out of the water, causing a torrent to pour off him. He was dripping wet and the porous grate on the steps quickly soaked it up.

She was waiting for him at the foot of the circular bed when he came up behind her. Syan slid his arms around her and pressed against her cold skin, one hand coming up to cup her breast. She danced against him to the music, slipping her hands behind her to caress his legs as he nibbled on her neck. His free hand slid between her legs.

The Firrereo turned in his arms and gripped him, stroking him hard again. She rose on her toes and leaned close, nibbling feral on his ear. "Hunt me," she whispered hoarsely. The gold woman released his ear and crawled back on the bed in invitation.

The pro had expertly pushed his buttons, and he obliged her. Twice more that night.

***

Syan woke with a start when her hand touched his skin. He reached out instinctively and grabbed her wrist. Once he realized who it was, he let her go. "Sorry," he said.

The Firrereo smiled. "It's all right. Do you want a drink?" She swirled a glass of Zadarian brandy with ice just like he'd mixed the night before. Syan sat up and took the glass from her and sipped the brandy.

The dancer got up and kneeled behind him, placing her golden hands on his shoulders. She pressed her fingers into the flesh and kneaded the muscles. They gave under her massage and he exhaled softly once she was done. "Thanks," he said over his shoulder and slid out of bed.

He started to pick up his weapons, laying them on the bed. The clothes came next and he started to dress himself. He pulled on his pants and sat back on the bed to put on his boots, sliding the straps in place and locking the clips.

"My name's Karia."

Syan turned and looked at her, eyes narrowed in surprise. The Firrereo were a private people. They were a people who believed that for someone to know their name was to give them power. Most Firrereo did not even speak their names among their own people. "Why did you tell me that?" Syan asked cautiously.

Karia sat back on her heels on her bed, still naked but looking beyond that. She seemed to think about her answer and then said, "Because you didn't ask it. Not once. You seem to know something of Firrereo."

"A little bit," Syan admitted, pulling on his undershirt and reaching for his armor. She rose to help him. Full service, he thought.

"I think you know more than a little bit."

Armor locked, Syan slung the harness for his sword on to his back and clipped it in place and then pulled on his gun belt. She watched him as he transformed himself from Syan to Daywalker the Bounty Hunter.

Bracing her hands on the bed she slid her legs out from under her and slipped off of the bed, approaching him. He stopped halfway through pulling on his Dewback coat to admire her gold skin and the way it wrapped her exquisite body. Karia slinked up to him and slid her hands inside the coat and under the armor to his skin. Syan slipped his own arms around her to grip her derriere with his ungloved hands.

"I had another reason for telling you my name," she said, after tiptoeing to kiss him lustily, her tongue mating with his.

"Another reason?" Syan asked. "What?"

She grinned mischievously. "Well," she began, suddenly gripping his groin. "The next time you're here, I want you to know who to ask for."

Syan laughed genuinely and nodded. "I'll remember."

He let his hands roam her one last time before pulling on his gloves. He slipped on his black glasses and stepped away from her, shrugging his coat the rest of the way on and tugging it into place.

"Syan?"

He turned at her voice and looked back from the doorway. "Yes?"

"Say it."

He looked at her for a handful of heartbeats. "Goodbye, Karia," he said before slipping out. Leaving the Firrereo behind, Syan walked through the corridor of private rooms and back into the still-noisy club to look for Zen Wayland.

---