Star Wars - Tales from the Outer Rim

"Hidden Loyalties"
by Ithea Tass
and Zale Tregat
Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 17, 4ABY

***

Ithea had been pleased to learn that she could come and go as she pleased. She was also pleased to learn that her personal account of credits she had stashed away on each commerce mission was intact. She had enough to live on for a while without having to rely on anyone. However, she would take all that was offered and then some if she could.

She paced restlessly throughout the palace. She had found a library which had yielded some interest for awhile and her meditations took up a good part of her day. But Ithea was used to being on the move a lot and the admiral had not asked for anything as of yet either. She opened her pouch and found Zale's comm card. Instinct told her that she should not let Tarkin know of her friends if these people became them. Darkwitches didn't have friends for long usually, so she planned to explore the concept as Ithea Tass the traveler. She left word that she was going into the city and then went to the dressmaker's shop. She smiled as the woman's eyes opened in fear. With consoling words and a few credits, Ithea insured that the woman would keep a wardrobe here for her and then with a little mental reinforcement, sealed her identity so that the woman could not casually mention the arrangement to another.

Now dressed in a black tunic top trimmed in silver and matching black leggings, she once more looked the young woman and not the witch of the palace.The woman, whose name was Verla, helped to place the call to the number that Zale had given her. A woman first appeared on the comm screen and Ithea curtly explained she wanted to speak to Zale and gave her name.

"It will be just a moment while I connect you," she said. The screen went dark for a few moments, and then brightened to the face of Zale Tregat.

He smiled as he saw Ithea. "It is a pleasure to see you again, Ithea Tass," he said. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this contact?"

"You said when we met that you would be interested in speaking more. I have the evening free. I was wondering if you did as well." Ithea answered and then frowned. She felt nervous. She was never nervous.

"I do happen to have the evening free," he said. "So did you have any ideas where you'ld like to go? Or would you like for me to choose somewhere for us? There's actually quite a bit in New Plouton to see. Though, we don't necessarily have to limit ourselves to the city. The entire planet's within a quick speeder hop."

"I have seen nothing of your planet other then the main shopping district and the club we met in." Ithea admitted. She forewent mentioning the palace. She had read more then one person who was not happy that Tarkin and his empire were here. She did not think she would get a good reception if they knew she resided there. Not that she cared, but it made blending easier. "I am currently in the shopping area now and free whenever you wish to join company."

"I'm currently tied up with business," Zale said, "but I think I can be free to meet with you in about an hour. Just let me know where you'll be in an hour and I'll be there." What are you doing, Tregat, he asked himself and then fought back the grin that wanted to bleed through.

Ithea thought hard but she didn't know the city very well yet. "I can meet you at the building where we met." What was she going to do for an hour? She had already bought what she needed. Maybe she would just learn more about the feelings of these people for their new leader.

"Very well," he said. "I'll meet you at the Segrelat Tower in an hour. And, from there we'll figure out what we can do for the remainder of the day."

Ithea nodded and was gone. She would find something to do. Maybe she would go find better slaves.

***

Just over an hour later, Zale stepped from the hovercab and headed toward the base of the tower. He should have been more clear in speaking with Ithea about where precisely they should meet. While they agreed on the Tower, he wasn't sure whether she intended to meet upstairs in the restaurant or down in front of the entrance. Only one way to find out, he told himself. He started around the base to see if he could find her there.

He soon spotted her staring at a fountain. Her long black hair was loose. She was dressed in more conservative clothing and yet, just as feminine. Her tunic stopped at mid thigh and was complimented by matching black leggings. She turned as if she sensed him and smiled. "Greetings Zale, I am pleased that you could find the time to spend with me."

"With the Empire still searching all the ships that come in, business has slowed. And, with the slowness, I can afford to step away from my office for a time. So, what would you like to do? Is there anything you'd like to see? Anywhere you'd like to go? The planet is full of...things. Even the desert can be nice if you don't mind the heat or the sand."

"I do not know your planet well enough to request. But I would love to see whatever you think would be of interest. I have varied interests and so am easily intrigued." Ithea flashed Zale a genuine smile.

Zale nodded. "Then why don't we start with a few of the museums over in the Yellvin district. They have quite a bit of information on the planetary and societal history. You should be able to see a lot of how this place formed there. And, they've got wax statues of all the previous high princes too."

"As you wish." Ithea followed him to a hovercab and preceded him into it. She sat back and smiled at him as he joined her. "My planet only has one museum. It will be interesting to see yours. I am afraid I come from...a very primitive society in many ways." She looked up at him, her eyes catching in his. He had really interesting eyes. He would make a fine slave to show off to others.

Zale nodded. "This is a society rich in culture, but most of it is extremely shallow and bigoted. One of the bright things the emperor is bringing to this world is that all are seen as equal in their eyes: everyone is scum. But still, the museums are interesting. There's even one that features equadi through the centuries. "

"Do you believe that all people are equal, Zale?" She asked softly, her voice still lilting over the common tongue with her accent. "I would think as a man of business, that you would not believe so?"

"I believe that all people have the potential to be equal," he said. "But, some people move ahead and some behind. In my business, my job is to exploit the ones who have fallen below the bar, and to eliminate those who have climbed above it. All people have the capacity to do all things, but some choose to do and some don't. Some receive extra gifts, and those that don't have to work that much harder." He turned to face her. "I would presume, coming from the world you do, that you do not believe all people are equal. Since it is a matriarchal society, I would guess that you believe women superior to men. However, it is not uncommon for there to be those of a world that do not hold all of its beliefs to their heart."

"If you want the truth, men are not kept in submission because they are not capable of being equal. But from our history, demand being superior. But no one on my planet would now know that. I am something of a historian." Ithea stopped for to go further would reveal more about herself then she wished. "What is your business that you exploit those who have not succeeded and take down those who have?" It sounded very much like her own culture. "I am familiar with this way of life, but doubt that it is the same as your version of it." She looked at him with slightly more admiration. Here was a man who had learned how to climb to a higher place. Her ingrained disdain of men fought with her equal admiration of a quest for power.

"I am involved in many of the business ventures on this planet and beyond. My goal is to be the biggest and the best, because in the current market the top guy is the only one with the power to control the market. I take part in many legitimate business ventures, but I also have a hand in many of the illegal avenues of trade. If you can think of a market, I have a corporate entity at some level involved in that market. I like the money and power, and I can't have them if someone's sitting on top of me."

"I feel the same way. If I cannot be the best there is no point. I will face the one who is over me someday soon. I am here because she tried to have me killed." Her eyes took on a faraway look before being filled with determination. "You admit to a stranger that you do illegal things?" That was a second thought, most would not confess such a thing so openly.

"Four months ago," he said, "I wouldn't have. But, with the death of Dargus Kandran, I have come out of hiding so to speak. There is a very active underworld on this planet, and I am vying for the top spot in it. I am what most would call a crimelord, though I don't necessarily look the part."

"And you do not worry that I might be from... " Ithea struggled for the right word. "From the authority? This empire?" His confidence was something totally foreign to her in a man.

Zale smiled. "I'm a dangerous man," he said. "It'd take more than one being to pull me down and drag me in. And, in the end, I'm only one man. If I were to be taken down, my organizations would continue. Though, I have a feeling that if I were removed through violence, the main focus of my syndicate would take on a much more militant role in the underworld." He shifted slightly in his seat and cocked his head to the side. "Are you saying that you're an agent for the Empire, Ithea Tass? It would truly be unfortunate if you were."

Ithea was quiet for too long. She was in a dangerous position, the truth could be useful now, but then, it could place her in danger. "I think that I have been asked to be," she replied carefully. "I am in a vulnerable position and my host knows it. But my mind is my own and I have no sides in the fight you all are embroiled in."

Zale nodded slowly. "So, are you out gathering intelligence for the Imperials? Or are you still undecided on their request? If we're to continue any sort of association, you're going to have to do a good job convincing me that nothing is getting back to Admiral Tarkin and his sector command."

"He never asked me to gather information," Ithea answered just as carefully. "But then, I doubt I know anything he does not know; so at the moment, I am no threat to you," she pointed out. If he were the head of his network, the admiral most likely already knew this.

"Oh, whether you're feeding him information or not is irrelevant," Zale said. "If you have associations with him, and then me, it's very easy for him to ask you to get me into a vulnerable position. Is he having you watched when you're away from him?"

"He was. I .. diverted their attention." She answered honestly. "If you do not wish to associate with me, I will not be offended." She had erred and she knew it. But she had known the minute he asked that a lie would have been a bigger error. She had not known he was a crimelord nor he that she was staying within the palace. "Just stop the cab and I will depart and bother you no more."

Zale nodded. "You are an intriguing woman, Ithea," he said. "Under different circumstances, I think our association could be...interesting. If ever you find that you are free of his influence, you can contact me if you'd like. But, because of the current situation, I'm afraid I can't see this turning into anything but bad. The Empire can't hold out forever. The whole situation is reaching a critical mass, and when that happens perhaps then we can see if our paths may cross again."

Ithea actually felt a sense of disappointment. A feeling foreign to her. "As you wish. I cannot say when that would be for I owe a life debt." Her voice was carefully controlled. "Just drop me off somewhere I can find my way back please."

Zale instructed the driver to take them back to the Tower. "I understand the need to repay a life debt, and I won't ask you to break that no matter who it's to. It was nice to meet you, Ithea. Hopefully fate will cross our paths in the future again. In the current situation, who can say what will happen."

Ithea nodded and didn't speak again till the cab came to a stop. "Would that my life debt was to another," she said, speaking sincerely. She got out quickly and before he could move spoke once more. "Good day to you Zale Tregat and good hunting to you. If ever you come to Dushoulle when I am queen, you will be welcome. " She shut the cab door and walked away. Inwardly, she was cursing her own curiousity that had brought up the whole subject.

"Surprise Visit"
by Kaysa Zenarr
Ithea Tass
and Maeren Shivral
Location: Zenarr Inc. Offices, New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 17, 4ABY

***

Kaysa sat in her desk, sifting through week-end reports and financial statements. It was difficult to get back into things after four months of doing nothing but wandering the streets looking for a quick fling. She had to, though; she had to focus in order to get Zenarr Inc. from completely going bankrupt. She was surprised it hadn't done so already.

There were other things to make the task look less daunting than it was, however. Kaysa grinned to herself as she thought about her new campaign, one to get Zale married off as quickly as possible. She and Shiv decided to make it a little hobby, but now, Kaysa considered it her duty. So far, the only one who seemed suited enough to Zale was a woman she chanced upon in the bathroom the other night. Ithea Tass...

Kaysa sat back in her chair and chuckled quietly to herself. She wasn't going to let that woman walk out of Zale's life so easily. She would force her into it if she had to. She would strap Zale into a chair and force him to talk to her for more than a few minutes, at which time he would fall completely in love with her. She would succeed. The way they looked at each other made Kaysa smile even now. She was perfect for him, unlike Arrista, their first failure. She was still awaiting Zale's comm to tell them when their services to him would begin.

Kaysa's reverie was interrupted by the once again familiar sound of the front door of her office opening. She looked up quickly with her most congenial smile, but before a greeting could escape her lips, it was replaced with an "Oh my." She slowly got to her feet, her eyes planted on the trio standing humbly behind the less than conservatively dressed woman she'd just been thinking about. She gazed at the men keenly, then shifted her eyes to Ithea with an even bigger smile. "Well, this is quite the surprise visit. Come on in."

"I hope that my timing is not bad. You expressed an interest in my slaves," Ithea answered cautiously.

Kaysa nodded her head vigorously and moved around to the front of her desk. "Oh my," she said yet again. She motioned enthusiastically for Ithea to come in and laughed quietly to herself. This was certainly going to be fun. "I thought you said you had about 27. What happened to the rest? Did you auction them off? And if so, why didn't I get invited?"

A great deal of sadness crossed Ithea's face. "I left twenty or so of them on my planet and five died when...well when I arrived here," Ithea answered. She may have had a cold heart but she took great stock in honesty unless a need was present for deception. "Let me introduce them. This one here is Zargon. He is a eunuch but gives very good rub downs. This is Thomen, he is...a large speciman. This one is Greig. He is new and a little skittish still. I have a female slave as well, but I did not bring her." Ithea smiled at Kaysa. Her slaves were dressed in simple red outfits to compliment her black outfit.

Kaysa sauntered slowly towards the slaves, scrutinizing them and nodding in approval. Male slaves were definitely something she could certainly get used to. "So...what exactly do they do?" Kaysa stopped before Thomen and focused her eyes on his groin. She couldn't be certain unless she had an unobstructed view, but Ithea was definitely right about the large part.

"See to my needs. They bathe me, fetch and carry for me. Whatever I wish them to do," Ithea said with a smile. "They have it pretty easy here, for my host has servants and therefore they really only see to what I personally wish." Ithea smiled. "The female does my hair and takes care of my clothing."

"Well, she has good taste," Kaysa commented as she looked over at Ithea's dress. She gazed up slowly into Ithea's eyes and tried not to appear too eager as she asked, "Um...can I...touch?" She motioned her eyes towards the slaves and chewed her lip in anticipation.

Ithea paused for a moment. She had never shared her slaves on her planet because of the intense competition and because she felt possessive. But these slaves were new and she needed allies on this world that were female. She did not care for men in power over her as she felt Tarkin was trying to establish. She finally smiled and nodded. "I guess, but perhaps we should go somewhere more...fitting for an examination of slaves?" She looked around the office.

Kaysa frowned slowly. "I only wanted a little touch..." She laughed softly and nodded her head. "That would probably be best. I don't think I want the customers walking in on the little...examination session." Kaysa finally tore her eyes from the slaves and took a quick scan of the room. "Come on," she said as she led the way towards the back room. "We'll have plenty of privacy here. Um...they don't need to disrobe or anything," Kaysa said with a nervous laugh. "I mean, even through their clothing will be fine."

Ithea smiled. Kaysa seemed enthralled with an idea that for her was common place. It was interesting to watch her. She told the slaves to stand for examination. Each stood with their hands clasped behind their backs, legs slightly apart. "I can have them disrobe if you wish."

She laughed nervously and shook her head. "Um...no that's ok...for now." Kaysa walked slowly along, stopping for a moment before each slave and allowing her eyes to gloss over their bodies. She was sincerely considering paying a visit to Dushoulle and picking up a few slaves for herself. They weren't the best looking men she'd seen, but the fact that they were ready and willing to indulge her every whim made them that much more appealing.

Kaysa stopped before Greig and smiled. She gazed into his piercing blue eyes and trepidly brought a hand to his chest. It was firm and finely contoured, even through the fabric of his clothing. She moved her hand slowly across his chest and chewed on her lip as her hand drifted down to his abdomen. Her eyes shifted to Ithea for a moment awaiting permission before she proceeded furthur. Instead, she looked away and withdrew her hand.

Her eyes fell upon the eunuch, who she approached slowly. She thought it a shame such a beautiful creature lacked the anatomy to fully pleasure a woman, but she figured he had other talents that didn't require male genitalia. She laughed to herself and moved on towards Thomen. Her breath caught as she ran her fingers along his chest. She could feel his nipples through the thin fabric and felt her cheeks blushing as her hands drifted further down. She stopped herself before she fully examined Thomen and looked to Ithea. "May I?" she whispered.

Ithea was somewhat mesmerized by Kaysa's way of examining. She nodded without saying anything, afraid to speak. A large lump had formed in her throat and Greig had clearly liked her touch. Usually, her sisters' way of just demanding of their slaves, this slow touching seemed to have produced much faster results. Ithea's gaze left Greig and followed Kaysa's hands.

Kaysa gazed up at Thomen enticingly and ran her fingers lightly along his abdomen. She could feel him trembling at her touch and his modesty brought a smile to her face. He was a slave, yet he almost shrank away from a woman's touch. She would show him the gentle caress of a woman's hands were nothing to fear.

Kaysa placed her hand upon his chest as the other wove its way down to his groin. At first, she brushed her hand lightly against it, bringing a quiet gasp to the slave's lips. She could feel his heart pounding in his chest, which spurred her to press her hand more firmly against his groin. Once she felt the hardness beginning there, she became more daring and covered his organ entirely with her hand.

As she gently massaged it, she felt a stirring in her mound. Oh, she could definitely get used to having a slave around. Her motions became more deliberate and firm, and the hardness she felt beneath her hand increased. As a moan escaped Thomen's lips, Kaysa laughed and finally pulled away before he got far too excited and made a mess of his clothing. She gazed into Thomen's eyes for a moment, glancing between his heaving chest and his slightly parted lips, taking in ragged, short breaths. "A fine specimen indeed," Kaysa whispered almost breathlessly. She looked to Ithea and smiled gently. "This one could definitely be put to good use."

Ithea swallowed. Her eyes were large, for she had never watched anyone bring pleasure to a slave, though she had heard in other rooms, pleasures exchanged. Ithea blushed as Kaysa spoke. "If he pleases you, I will release him to you for a while." It was the first time she had ever agreed to share a slave.

Kaysa smiled almost regretfully and shook her head slowly. "I...I wouldn't mind having a slave to help me out around here, but I don't think I could use him in...that way." Kaysa laughed and took a deep breath as she stepped even further away from Thomen. "Do you use him often?"

Ithea flushed a brilliant red. "I...I have never used a slave in that way." She looked away from Kaysa's shocked gaze and met Thomen's. His eyes dropped instantly. "But if he pleases you, it would please me to allow you time with him." She would have to consider giving the female to him after Kaysa's arousal of him if Kaysa did not wish to have him service her.

"Well, I couldn't do more than touch. I'm involved with two people. But...he does other things?" Kaysa asked eagerly. "I mean, other things aside from what I know he would be absolutely wonderful at, looking at his size alone." Her eyes glossed over his form again and a crooked smile flashed across her face. She would have to convince Ithea to consider using him for more than menial tasks.

"They all do whatever I command them to." Ithea did not know what Kaysa was referring to. "If he does not please you, then of course, you should not use him." She looked between the two. The look she flashed Thomen made him flinch. He had not forgotten her instructions or the way she had enforced them.

"Oh, but he does please me! It's just that...well..." Kaysa sighed and finally nodded her head. "Fine. I thank you for your offer Ithea. I accept. I will take Thomen and...put him to some good use." Kaysa laughed abruptly and began fanning her face with her hand. "It's really getting stuffy in here. Let's...let's move back into the main office and we can all have a seat and discuss things. Shall we?"

Ithea nodded and re-entered the office. A sharp word brought the slaves to heel. She sat down with two at her shoulders. Thomen she beckoned over to stand beside Kaysa. "He is yours till I must return to my host." She barked a word in her home tongue. Thomen paled and immedietely dropped to his knees and kissed Kaysa's feet and stayed there waiting for her to give him permission to rise.

Kaysa laughed. She was certainly enjoying this and immediately thought Shiv would gain just as much amusement from it. She fought back her laughter and cleared her throat. "Um...you may rise, Thomen. Just...just don't go far." Kaysa regarded Ithea now and sat back comfortably in her chair. "Would you mind if I called someone? I know she'd certainly enjoy seeing this. But if you feel it inappropriate, I will refrain from doing so."

"You wish to call your friend from the mating ritual? This is acceptible to me." Ithea smiled. "Perhaps I could beg a drink of you whilst we wait?"

"Oh, by all means. I'm afraid I don't have any liquor around anymore but there is some fruit juice in the small refrigeration unit across the room." Kaysa rose to get Ithea her requested beverage, but before she took a step forward, she glanced sideways at Thomen with a novel idea. She smiled slowly and addressed him with a playfully commanding voice. "Thomen. You will get my guest a drink from the refrigeration unit. Immediately!"

Ithea smiled. She had thought for a moment that Kaysa would indeed get the drink herself. Thomen sprang to do as he was bid and brought Ithea a glass of juice filled as he knew she liked it. "And for you mistress?" he asked of Kaysa.

Kaysa idly ran her hand along her chest slowly as Thomen's soothing, deep voice seemed to envelop her body. She couldn't fathom why Ithea hadn't taken him to her bed already. "Uh...nothing for me, thank you, Thomen," Kaysa said once she found her voice again. She took her seat slowly, carefully making certain she didn't miss the chair while keeping her gaze on Thomen. She hastily punched in the code to Shiv's personal comm device into her own. She definitely had to see this.

It didn't take Shiv long to answer and when she did, her voice clearly indicated her enthusiastic excitement. "Hi, Kaysa," she said. "I've almost got my studio set up. I think tomorrow, I can actually try painting or something. How are things at the office?"

"Shiv," Kaysa whispered excitedly. "You have to get over here. Now! You are definitely gonna thank me for what I have to show you. Can you come?"

"Sure," she said. "Just give me...um...two minutes. I'll be right there." Her giggling could be heard even as she rushed from the apartment. "I'm on my way."

"Good. Hurry, Shiv!" Kaysa let out a giggle of her own before she severed the link and turned her gaze back to Ithea. She sobered her expression to hide her child-like excitement and watched Thomen as he returned to her side.

Ithea smiled. "I do not know why you don't just buy a slave of your own." It must be allowed; Tarkin had let her have slaves.

"Oh, believe me, I would if the opportunity arose, but on Tae'Karada, it's women who are the oppressed sex. Besides, it's hard to begin new traditions when old ones are so firmly in place." Kaysa glanced over at Greig and the other slave with a smile. "You have them so well trained. Are all the men on your planet that pliable?"

"These are not from my planet. I got them here," Ithea said with a frown. "I did not have trouble in the slave market." Granted, it had been a seedy evil place but still...

"Slave market? I hadn't realized Tae'Karada had one." Kaysa remained silent for a moment, unconsciously running her hand along Thomen's arm. "The women on Tae'Karada, however, are far too meek and modest to take on slaves, I think. Well, except for the foreigners like myself. They're far too used to humbly serving their husbands. It's a shame to see women in such a position of servility, but they seem almost content with their positions in life. Are your slaves happy? I mean, do they freely give themselves to a life of enslavement?"

Ithea smiled. "Ask them. I give you all permission to answer freely." Ithea sat back to see if her training was complete.

Kaysa stammered for a moment. She didn't know why, but suddenly being able to address them was a little awkward. Moments ago, she'd caressed them, looked at them as if they were sex toys, and now she was to speak to them as equal beings. Kaysa cleared her throat and turned to Thomen at first. She laughed bashfully and looked away. She didn't think she could restrain herself if she heard that deep, resonating voice of his again. She smiled and focused on the eunuch instead. "You." Kaysa heard the commanding condescension in her voice and laughed. She enjoyed playing the domineering mistress far too much. "So tell me, do you enjoy serving your mistress?"

"I would die rather than give up my service to Ithea Tass," he answered carefully. He did not meet Kaysa's gaze. Ithea smiled.

"Hmm..." She turned her gaze next to Greig. He seemed a little bolder and less submissive than the eunuch. "And what of you? You serve your mistress obediently and of your free will?"

Grieg snorted. "Yeah right." He was Ithea's newest purchase. Ithea's eyes narrowed in anger. Suddenly, he dropped to his knees clutching his throat. A moment later he fell forward gasping in relief.

"Are you sure that is how you feel Greig?" Ithea cooed softly.

"I live to serve, mistress," he managed to gasp out.

Kaysa watched, in astonishment, the display before her. It appeared as if Greig had problems with authority. She was even more intrigued by him than Thomen and his large...assets. She kept her gaze on Greig while expressing her approval of him with a smile. "Are they all that...untamed at first?"

"Few beings enter slavery willing, Kaysa, otherwise, it would be called volunteering," Ithea answered softly. "Get up," she commanded of Greig. He managed to struggle to his feet. "If we were in more...private surroundings, I would make sure his lesson was better learned."

Just then Shiv burst through the door into the office. When she saw Ithea and the three men in there, her eyes went wide with surprise. "Oh wow," she said, her grin growing bigger with each passing moment. "Slaves!"

Kaysa tore her gaze from Greig and rose to greet Shiv. "Ithea, you remember Maeren Shivral from the other evening, do you not?"

Ithea rose as well. "I do. Greetings to you." Ithea smiled because these two were like young children with their first slave.

"Oh wow," she said, taking hesitant steps forward, her eyes shifting between the men and Kaysa, then back to Ithea. "Are they all trained and slave-like? I mean, do whatever you tell them trained?"

Ithea chuckled. "Yes, they do what ever I tell them to. Though for the moment, Thomen is Kaysa's."

Kaysa nodded her head and smiled brightly at Shiv. "And he does anything you say. Wanna try, Shiv?"

Shiv rushed forward next to Kaysa. "He's yours? Oh wow. And, would he do what I asked him to? I mean anything I asked him to? I mean, if I wanted him to...to...give me a massage right now, he would?"

"Well actually, Zargon is much better with his hands than the other two," Ithea volunteered.

Shiv giggled and felt herself blushing. "What are the other two good with?"

Ithea blushed as well because she knew what Shiv was asking and she had no idea. "I...haven't tested their qualifications in those areas."

Shiv giggled. "Well," she said with a grin, "I guess you'll just have to do that and let us know. I bet that one over there is really good," she said, pointing to the one standing in front of Kaysa. He looked sort of wobbly and unsteady, but there was a fire in his eyes. "He just smoulders. Not that I'm really an expert on men or anything. Though, I've seen that look in enough women's eyes to know."

"Why don't you try him and find out?" Ithea suggested.

Shiv looked at him and smiled. She stepped closer, carefully, almost as if she were afraid he might jump at her. When she was only a few centimeters from him, she gazed into his eyes, as if searching for something. "As nice as he seems," she said, "I'm already involved in a relationship. I couldn't do that to them. He does look like he'd be good in a tumble though."

Ithea did not understand this 'already involved' statement. Kaysa had used it as well. "I feel regret for you both. While I have not chosen to mate yet, it is because I choose, not because another decides whether I can or not. Is this the slavery of this planet? Do your mates keep these promises as well?"

Shiv glanced back at Kaysa, then at Ithea again. She stepped away from the slave, but not before she brushed a hand over his chest and smiled. So very nice, she thought. "Well," she said, "Kaysa and I, and Merrick, who you met the other night, we're all...well, we care for each other very much. So, our relationship is exclusive. We only have sex with each other. On this planet, that sort of thing isn't really common. The men just go with whoever they want, but still, we've decided that we wish to be with each other and only each other. And, while trying out your slaves sounds like a very nice thing, I would feel guilty about cheating on the people I love. I guess it's kinda complex to explain."

Hearing that, Kaysa couldn't help but pull Shiv into an embrace. "My sentiments exactly," she said before planting a small kiss upon her lips. She laughed softly and looked back to Ithea. "You know, we may not want to use them for the purpose of sex, but I'm sure Shiv and I can put Thomen here to good use. Although," Kaysa said with the same desire burning in her eyes, "I would like to try and teach that one a little discipline sometime." She smiled at Greig and felt a warm rush course through her. She could see the untamed passion in his eyes, the wild spirit she saw in herself. She could cure him of that, although she thought it quite a shame to smother that fire within him.

Ithea smiled. "I think I will retain teaching Greig discipline," she said with a smile. "And the other does give a wondrous massage if you care to sample." She liked these women. There was a sense of companionship her own coven had been lacking.

Shiv giggled. "Sure," she said. "I'll take a massage. Where does he need me to be?"

"On the floor or the table." The table had papers on it. "Maybe the floor would be better." She nodded and Zargon moved towards Shiv with a soft smile.

Shiv nodded. "Okay," she said, and then sat on the floor and looked up as the slave approached. "Is here alright?"

Kaysa smiled with amusement at her office being turned into a massage parlour. She looked to her personal slave for the time being, then back at Greig with a wistful sigh. Oh how she would have loved to have a hand in subjugating him. "If you need me to clear the desk, I can have Thomen do it. Won't you, Thomen?"

"If you wish mistress," he answered obediently. His eyes said he would rather clear a few other things but he said nothing more. Meanwhile, Zargon had straddled Shiv and his hands began to soothe knotted muscles almost immediately. He had a knack for knowing how to touch and move his hands to bring nothing but pleasure and relaxation.

"It would be better, mistress, if I could touch bare skin," he said quietly.

Shiv twisted back around to look at him, and then over to the door. Then with a shrug, she unfastened the hooks holding her overalls in place and pulled off her tank top. She set the shirt aside and then lay back down. "Better?"

"You tell me, mistress," he said softly. His hands now had better access to tense muscles. He massaged every bare inch available, never in a manner inappropriate and yet very sensual and caring.

Kaysa watched for a moment as Shiv's body seemingly melted at Zargon's touch. She kept her eyes on the two as she took her seat again, then looked to Ithea. "So, which part of New Plouton are you staying in?" Kaysa asked, doing her best to make the situation appear casual, even though Shiv was laying on the floor half naked and being administered a massage by a slave. Kaysa chuckled quietly as the thought crossed her mind and absently reached out to trail her fingers along Thomen's arm again.

Now Ithea had a problem. She could lie, but Zale would eventually contact Kaysa and tell her the truth. She could tell the truth now but she figured it wouldn't go over much better than it had with Zale. "I would rather not say." She finally settled with that answer but had a feeling it would not satisfy Kaysa, for it would not have satisified Ithea had she been the one asking the question.

Kaysa looked oddly at Ithea and sat back in her chair as she studied Ithea's face. "Are you in hiding or something? On the run? Is that why you can't say or do you just prefer not to divulge the whereabouts of your home in case I get the urge to sneak in in the middle of the night and have Zargon give me a sensuous massage?"

"Oh Kaysa," Shiv moaned from the floor. "It'd be worth it. He's better than Merrick. Oh...mmm...though, he doesn't do the other things Merrick does. But that's a good thing, and don't you get any bright ideas...um, Zargon."

"Yes mistress, I will massage only what you offer," he said with a grin of pride.

"Oh," Shiv purred, "there's so much that wants to be massaged, but I'll just have my boyfriend and girlfriend do that later."

Ithea smiled at the pair on the floor. "I prefer to keep you as a..." Ithea struggled for the word in the common tongue for it did not have one in hers. "A friend." She frowned, for she had hoped to make a friend of Zale as well.

"Well, you've certainly made a friend today, especially since you came bearing gifts." Kaysa motioned her eyes to the slaves, Greig kneeling humbly at Ithea's feet, and Thomen looking as wonderful as ever by her side. She smiled at Ithea and asked, "You're not worried I'll find out something about your past that will change that, are you? If so, let me tell you right away I'm the last person to judge anyone for past transgressions. I myself have had a few of those I'm not proud of."

"Apparently it is current transgressions I must worry about." Ithea sighed. There was no way around it. "I currently reside in the palace."

Kaysa's smile soon faded and she straightened in her chair as she leaned towards Ithea. "What do you mean? How is that possible? That's Tarkin's domain now." Despite the questions, Kaysa had no illusions about what Ithea was getting at. "Is Tarkin one of your slaves too?" Kaysa asked almost playfully, although she was no longer in the mood to jest.

"It is a complicated story," Ithea said, sensing Kaysa's change of mood. "But I figured I should tell you because Zale will anyway. He was no more pleased than you. Do you wish me to leave as well?"

Kaysa sighed deeply as she mulled over the situation. Ithea brought up another point. If she continued her acquaintance with Ithea, it could put Zale into jeopardy. She wasn't certain if Ithea was aware of his ties to the underworld, but the fact remained that he was and associating with Ithea could put him and herself at risk. "Are you an Imperalist, then? I mean, you're with Tarkin, but you don't seem content with your situation. Are you an aide, an ally... Are you even able to go in depth about such things?"

Ithea thought very carefully. "I owe Admiral Tarkin a life debt. In addition, he has...offered me things I need to return home in exchange for favors of his own choosing. And no, he has not called his favors in yet. He seems to think I have skills that will be useful to him." Ithea looked at Kaysa, her face very open. "I really know nothing that would aid him or those against him."

"So, basically you're working for Tarkin against your wishes and better judgement. You do realize he's an Imp. Doesn't that bother you? I mean, why would you work for a man who's practically a murderer? Is getting home worth that much? You're doing fine on Tae'Karada. I mean look...you're already making friends." Kaysa smiled at Ithea. She almost sympathized with her situation, for she too had been stuck in a corner before with nowhere to go. She knew now though, there was always a way out.

From the floor, Shiv moaned dreamily. "If you want to go home so bad, I can take you. I have a ship, Ithea. You just have to promise me massages like this all the way there."

"From what I understand from my conversation with Zale, so is he." Ithea looked at her puzzled. "I do not understand totally what this Empire is. But I do know that he at least knew where my home planet was. And someday, I must go home and take back what is mine. He offers me this. As for being distresssed to work for him, I have not done so yet. But I can see it distresses you as it distresses Zale. I will not betray you or Zale to Tarkin. On this I will give a blood oath if you wish." Ithea's eyes shined with fervent promise. Ithea knew all about subterfuge, trailing and how to not be followed when she did not wish to be. She also knew she was on ground that was totally unfamiliar, with technology she had not been exposed to. She had only Tarkin as an ally and would not lose that till she knew she had something better in hand.

"A blood oath won't be necessary, Ithea." Kaysa sighed and turned to address Thomen. "Will you get me a Neeba fruit juice? Thanks." She turned her attention back to Ithea and regarded her for a moment before continuing. "Let me make a few things clear to you, Ithea. Now, I know you're not a fool, but you're on a different world now and things aren't going to work out exactly as they do on your homeworld. From the way it sounds to me, Tarkin is exploiting your naivet� for his own selfish purposes. It's what Imps do. I'd be surprised, after your debt is paid, if he'll even agree to send you home--Oh, thank you, Thomen." Kaysa smiled tightly at the slave as he handed her a fruit juice. She placed it on her desk and looked to Ithea again. "If it serves his purpose, he'll keep you around for as long as he wishes. The Empire is anything but honourable. And another thing," she said, pausing to take a sip of her juice, "Zale may not be the most exemplary being on this planet, but there is no way he would take advantage of your situation to fulfill his own needs. He would help you if he understood the predicament you were in. I'll help you if that's what you want."

Ithea bit her lip. She had never been offered help before. Tarkin, he had reacted as she had expected. This was new. She did not know how to respond. Her mother's words came back in full force. ~Help freely offered always has a higher price in the end.~ "It would bring more danger to us all if I were merely to just disappear for more than a couple of hours. If this man is as you say and he would not send me home when my debt is paid, then he will not merely let me walk away. As for Zale, he told me himself that he destroys those above the...bar and exploits those below it. So to tell me that someone who wants to be the most powerful at what he does would not use another to fulfill his needs, I find that hard to believe. I do not hold that against him, in fact I respect that, for it is a chosen way of life." She thought for a long moment more. "I must go back for now. I will think about what you said. I did not realize till today that I may not wish to be where I am at. Nor did I realize when I left the first time that I could bring danger to another merely by being in their presence." Greig made a snorting sound of derision and suddenly he shrieked with pain and was silent.

"Shiv, you said you had a ship, but do you know where Dushoulle is?" Ithea asked. That had been the biggest problem so far. No one had seemed to have even heard of her planet and she did not know its coordinates. A stupid error but as she had always stayed close to home, it had never been an issue.

"I don't," she said. "But, how hard can it be to find? It's a planet. If you can figure out how long you traveled before you got here, we should gave a fairly narrow range to look in. We'll get you home, Ithea. You can count on Kaysa and me."

Kaysa studied Ithea's face for a moment, while glancing at Greig, who was still recovering from both bouts of punishment Ithea had inflicted upon him. Was she force sensitive? And if so, she could manipulate Tarkin and make him more amenable to her wishes. She hadn't done so, which aroused suspicion in Kaysa. She sounded unhappy about having to go back to the palace, and if she truly didn't want to be there, she could easily find a way out. But she hadn't yet, which made Kaysa wonder where her loyalties truly did lay, or if she even realized what kind of man Tarkin was. She needed to talk to Zale before offerring any more help to Ithea, but she wouldn't simply turn her back on her either. "Ithea..." Kaysa gazed into her eyes intently to stress the utmost seriousness of the situation. "I can't convince you that the position you're in is a precarious one. Whether you realize it or not, you've chosen to side with the Imperials, who aren't exactly very much liked on this planet or the rest of the outer rim. If you're to remain on this planet, you must choose your allegiances wisely. If you ever wish to escape the predicament you've gotten yourself into, you can come to me. I'll try and find some way to help you...if you want help, that is."

Ithea wondered if she really did know which side her loyalties were on. As she had said earlier today, she had no vested interest in this power struggle. Her interest lay in her own desires and her own power struggle. She was more inclined to join with Kaysa, after all, she was a woman. She knew how women thought; a man in power was a new experience for her. She already knew she did not like Tarkin. However, Ithea had not risen to the level she had by making rash decisions. "I will think on what you have said. What is a safer way to reach you than coming here?" Ithea stood. A harsh foreign word brought all three slaves to heel. It was clear on her face that Kaysa's words had given her a lot to think upon.

"You can comm me and we can agree on a place to meet if you like. Here." Kaysa reached into her drawer and handed Ithea a business card. "All the pertinent information is there. You can contact me at any time. Please, think about what I've told you, Ithea. For your sake."

Ithea nodded and headed for the door. She stopped to let her slaves pass out and shut the door briefly then she looked thoughtfully at Kaysa. "Perhaps my presence in the palace could be beneficial to you. I will think on what you have said but sometimes it is best to have an ally where your enemies lie." She opened the door once more, pleased to see her slaves had moved from the door as was proper, then the door shut quietly behind her.

Kaysa sighed in frustration and rose quickly from her seat. "Doesn't she get it, Shiv? I know Zale would jump at the chance to have someone inside the palace, but she doesn't even realize what Tarkin is. Shiv...put your shirt on."

Shiv laughed as she pulled on her shirt and refastened the clasps of her overalls. "Don't like me lounging around half naked?" she asked with a grin. "I don't think she understands a lot. At least not things that happen outside of the tiny little bubble of her world. It's gonna turn bad for her if she doesn't have someone helping her find her way around here, and especially not Tarkin or his kind."

"Well, she doesn't trust anyone, it would appear." Kaysa rounded the desk leisurely and pulled Shiv into her arms. "I remember what it was like to have no one," Kaysa said softly as she caressed Shiv's cheek. "Before you and Merrick came along, I was completely alone like she is now. I guess that's why I wanna try and help her. I know the position she's in and how lonely she must be feeling. Tarkin will use her ignorance about this new world, this foreign culture she's been thrust into, and he will use it against her for his own sinister purposes." Kaysa sighed. "I don't know. She could just be fooling me. It could just be a ploy to infiltrate Zale's operations. I'll have to talk to him before I do anything."

Shiv nodded as she rested her head on Kaysa's shoulder. "She seems odd, but in a good sort of way. If everything is like she says it is, I'd like to be able to help her learn more about this world and all the other things she doesn't know about. She may be a strong woman, but that strength won't do her much good if she's ignorant of how things work. And, if she helps us, maybe we'll get to borrow her slaves more."

"Oh, so that's your true motive." Kaysa laughed and reached under Shiv's shirt to rub her back tenderly. "Zargon was good with his hands, wasn't he? I guess that comes from being a eunuch. I mean without a...you know what, he has to make up for it in other areas."

Shiv's eyes widened in surprise. "He didn't--? Oh my...well, he's definitely making up for that in his massages. And, no, that's not my true motive. I like her. I think she's a neat person, and I want to help her. The slaves are just a perk of being her friend."

"I agree." Kaysa smiled and pulled Shiv in for a deep kiss. "Sorry," she said after taking a breath to recover. "I just missed you today."

Shiv reached up and brushed a hand across Kaysa's cheek, and then back through her hair. She kissed her again and smiled warmly. "Are you busy with work? I was thinking maybe we could go down to that caf� on the corner and grab something to eat. If you're hungry that is."

"Definitely. Especially after that. Thomen really got me worked up, and that Greig..." Kaysa sighed contentedly as she led Shiv to the door. "He was so rebellious. I like that in a man."

"I think we need to teach Merrick to be more rebellious," Shiv said. "And, I almost feel guilty but I was feeling all tingly. I mean, the looks in their eyes, and the way Zargon touched me... I think if I didn't love Merrick and you so much, I wouldn't have been able to resist."

"I know what you mean. I practically gave Thomen a handjob in the back room." Kaysa opened the door for Shiv, and followed behind before returning to her side. "I feel almost sorry for Ithea. She's trapped in that palace and all because she feels the need to uphold some stupid tradition. A life debt to Tarkin? I don't see him being that honourable, and he's undeserving of the same from her."

Shiv nodded, and then giggled. "So that's why Thomen kept looking at you like he wanted to throw you down onto the floor and give you a massage of a different kind." Shiv looked down at her hand and giggled. "I wonder if Merrick would have minded something like that..." She shook her head as they started down the street toward the caf� "There's a part of me that longed for...for their touch. But, the part of me that loves you and Merrick, just couldn't do that to you guys."

"I know. I understand completely." Kaysa shook her head slowly as the caf� came into view. She couldn't get Ithea off her mind. The woman had absolutely no idea what she'd gotten herself into and Kaysa almost felt it her duty to inform her, even protect her, as a fellow woman, as well as someone who'd had troubles of her own at one time. "We're going to go talk to Zale after. I wanna hear how his evening with Arrista went and I also need to discuss Ithea's situation with him. If anyone can help her, it'd be him."

"Good idea," Shiv said. "Do you think we should make him go out for an evening with us with him wearing an equadi? I think we should. Maybe we could double to one of Merrick's shows. Me and you, and Merrick and Zale wearing matching equadis."

"Ooh, now there's an idea. Come on." Kaysa held the door to the caf� open for Shiv, and found her eyes drifting down the street, staring vacantly into the distance. Despite the jokes and light banter, Kaysa couldn't help feeling subdued. Ithea didn't have the luxury of just letting go and having fun whenever she chose. She was under guard at the palace, serving a man whose vile deeds she knew nothing about. Ithea was getting herself caught up in a war, and she'd unwittingly chosen to side with the Imperials. Ithea was Kaysa's enemy, but only through the allegiance she held, but by no free choice of her own. Still, though, Kaysa wanted to aid her. She'd been given a second chance by those she loved, those who aided her in escaping the destructive path she was treading on. Ithea had no one to do that for her. Kaysa would, though, even if it meant she'd have to betray her own loyalties.

"Darkness and Light, Part 1"
Kael Selrid - Member of the Feltreys
Nieme Yaresh - Cook for The Rhack
NPC - Orn - Manager of The Rhack
NPC - Various members of the Feltreys
Location: Thanatos
Date: Praeda 17, 4 ABY

The chill from the cold, desert air seeped through the thin walls of her hovel and permeated her threadbare blanket. Even in her sleep she was aware of the drop in temperature and pulled the blanket tighter around herself. She was in that intermediate state of limbo where her mind was still possessed by sleep, but her senses were still vaguely open to the conscious world.

Her sleep had been a restless one, especially with the images of the woman she saw lying dead in the streets the other day relentlessly invading her dreams. She couldn't have known the vision she saw was a premonition of an event to come, yet the guilt still wrenched her stomach. If she'd known her visions were prophecies, she might have been able to do something...anything to help that poor woman. Now, she couldn't even close her eyes for fear another vision would flash before her and bring with it a feeling of helplessness for a future she knew not how to prevent.

Nieme curled her knees up against her chest and as the warmth slowly began to return to her body, she returned to the realm of sleep. Maybe in her dreams, she could find some comfort.

***

The sun's rays warmed her bare flesh but caused no discomfort. It felt good on her face for once and didn't sear her fair skin as she was accustomed to the garish Thanatos sun doing. The breeze was cool and refreshing, and the sound of it moving through the trees was soft and unimposing, not like the harsh, clamourous racket of the desert winds during a sandstorm. The place was everything Thanatos was in her heart, but realized.

As she moved, driven, through the forest - at least what she imagined a forest to be - the sounds of life were abound. From the flowers, the most beautiful colours graced her eyes, and emanating from them were even more vibrant colours stemming from within their very essence. She walked slowly and tread gently; she felt her very presence was an invasion in such a sacred place as she felt this to be. She looked up into the dazzling blue sky piercing through the thick canopy and smiled, one drawing from the warmth within her and making the day seemingly brighter. She'd never seen a more beautiful place, other than Thanatos, and in its beauty she found a calm comfort and familiarity as if she'd been there before or was meant to be there.

The plants and trees were packed more densely together the deeper into the forest she travelled. She heard herself gasp as the sky vanished from above and a darkness slowly descended upon her. There was a looming silence in the air and all essence of life seemed to vanish. Everything around her felt so hollow and the warmth from her blood seemed to leak out and escape into the cold, thick air.

The darkness was almost tangible and she felt it closing in around her like a hand curling its fingers around her throat. Her breathing came rapid and she panicked as she looked around only to see more trees. Startled by the sudden howling of the wind, she scampered frenziedly through the thick grove, spurred onward by the pounding of her heart in her chest.

The branches of the trees whipped against her face as she ran aimlessly through the forest. No, she thought to herself. Not aimlessly. She had no idea where she was running to, yet she knew her body was taking her precisely where she had to go. She knew something was waiting for her at the destination, and the faster she ran, the closer she felt herself approaching it.

A sudden presence could be felt slowly gaining on her and it drove her to run faster. She couldn't grasp where it was coming from or what it was, but she definitely felt another presence out there with her, one that only frightened her when it should have brought comfort knowing she was no longer alone. A cacophony of whispers arose around her and she cried out desperately. She'd never felt such fear within her before and no matter how loudly she cried out, the whispers refused to be silenced. Her head spun around frantically as the voices appeared infrequently and with varying intensity from everywhere around her, but combined, they sent her into a state of confusion.

As she spun her head forward again, the cry she emitted drowned out the whispers and seemed to echo through the forest. The face was the same, but the eyes were cold and the glow within them seemed made purely of darkness. She was looking at a stranger but it was a face that reflected back at her in the mirror everyday. She tried to stop her forward momentum before she collided with herself but the distance between them was too short and she closed her eyes to brace for the impact.

Then, everything went quiet.

The whispers disappeared as if sucked into a bottle which was then tightly sealed. The fear and the distinct feeling of being pursued lifted, and was replaced with the sensation that she had arrived at the end of her journey. She dared to open her eyes and when she did, she found herself in a vast clearing. The sun shone brightly down upon her again and the air was once again rich with life. Throughout the clearing, there were an interspersed series of large and small structures, some overgrown with ivy and others resting amidst beds of vibrant flowers. Nearby, she could hear a waterfall thundering and as she looked into the distance, more of the chthonic, modest structures dotted the landscape.

At the centre of it all, however, stood a majestic structure that dwarfed the others and which rested atop the cliff overhanging the waterfall. Her breath caught in her throat as she looked upon the white structure that gleamed luminously as the sun shone down upon it. She was drawn towards the building, and as if willed by her desire, she suddenly found herself standing before the large structure and peering up at it. The thundering of the cascading falls was louder and she could feel the refreshing, cleansing spray of the water carried in by the wind and falling upon her face.

She was distinctly aware of the sacredness of the building and fleeting echoes from the past surrounded it with voices reciting over and over again almost a type of prayer or chant. It was in a language foreign to her, but as if granted with knowledge she didn't hold before, she knew the voices were practicing a religious ceremony of some kind. As she looked upon the structure again, it seemed even grander than before. It was a place of holy worship, one abandoned now but which was a private sanctuary in the past. Knowing that now gave her the feeling that she was intruding upon something sacred and no longer felt comfortable staying there.

As she turned to leave, a rustling arose from the surrounding grove. The sound grew closer and she was aware of someone or something approaching her slowly, deliberately. Thinking it was the wraith from earlier, she panicked and began running again, this time towards the building before her. The doorway quickly approached, but the closer she edged, the more aware she was of a wrenching pain in her stomach, growing the nearer she was to the structure. With the pain, her movements were hindered, as if she was suddenly trudging through a column of water that grew more dense the farther forward she ventured.

Finally, she was overcome with pain and staggered back, as far from the building as she could get, until she felt an odd sense of relief suffused through her. She smiled as the relief transformed to peacefulness and contentment, but she didn't understand why she felt such tranquility. A moment ago, she was frightened, and suddenly, she felt the fear again as a hand gently gripped her shoulder. She spun around and as her eyes met the form before her, the scream that was on the edge of her lips dissipated into nothing. The calm was back as she gazed into the deep brown eyes of the tall woman before her. She seemed to be made of pure light, but her features were sharply defined and her gentle smile was clearly visible. She was dressed in long, white robes, and a strange metal cylinder was attached to a belt around her waist. The object was surrounded by a violet luminescence and almost hummed with life. She couldn't help but smile back at the woman and felt so at peace that even when the woman's voice invaded her mind, she felt no fear and no anxieties. Her mouth didn't move as she spoke and her speech wasn't compiled of words and phrases, but images. She was not to go there yet, into the temple, the woman called it. It wasn't time. She nodded her head slowly to indicate to the woman she understood.

The woman slowly turned her head towards the forest again and the rustling she'd heard a moment ago, returned. This time, though, the source of the disturbance emerged from the trees made purely of shadows. Wherever the figure walked, the shadows followed until finally, the light enveloped him and the darkness receded into the forest again. She heard herself gasp as the man came into focus with the same pure, white light surrounding him. He too was in long robes and his cylinder shone a vibrant blue, almost as breathtaking as his eyes, glowing in the same colour.

The two before her were complete strangers to her, but in her heart, she felt as if she'd always known them and they were merely old friends she'd been reunited with. Her smile faded slowly as the light emanating from the man and the woman seemed to dwindle while a rustling from the forest sounded again. Their expressions were almost grave now and they lowered their eyes to the ground as the shadow finally emerged from the forest. No matter how much light fell upon the phantasm, none could penetrate the darkness.

The shadow stopped beside the dark-haired man in the centre, who turned his head towards it and placed his hand of pure light onto what must have been the shoulder of the figure. As his hand touched the darkness, it seemed for a moment as if the darkness would too consume him, but the light finally won over and the darkness began to withdraw. The shadow slowly began taking on human form and she looked on with surprise as the face of the white-haired young man she'd seen on the streets many times before came into view. She felt herself take a step back, afraid that the lingering darkness around him would consume her as well.

The brown-haired woman smiled at her, one that exuded comfort, but her smile soon faded as she looked to the young man. The dark-haired man had withdrawn his hand and the white-haired man remained partially obscured by the darkness. She didn't know why he'd stopped or why the light hadn't completely consumed the darkness. She herself could feel the tug of the dark shadow drawing her closer, but she resisted and took a step back. The woman and man both smiled at her again and nodded their heads with what appeared to be approval. The dark-haired man with the vibrant blue eyes held up his hand towards the temple and she knew what it meant. Now it's time, the woman's voice indicated to her in her mind. Now you may pass.

She turned towards the temple now and for a moment, looked back hesitantly at the trio. The man and woman gave her an encouraging smile, but her eyes remained fixed to the white-haired boy. The darkness seemed to be oscillating and threatening to once again overtake the light, but she couldn't bear to look on and returned her gaze to the temple. As instructed by the two, she moved hesitantly towards the doorway, but her movements hastened as the air before her seemed to lift and remove any hindrance to her progress. The door opened, gaining her entrance, and with a deep breath, she plunged into the radiating grace emanating from the building, filling her vision with a blinding white light.

***

Nieme shot up in bed with a gasp. She looked around the room in a state of disorientation, uncertain of her surroundings. The forest was gone, but she still felt as if she were there with the temple looming over her. The blue eyes of the man still burned in her memory, and remembering the woman's gentle smile brought her again to ease. The early morning sun shining through the window felt as soft and warm as that from her dream and it only helped enhance the sensation that she had not yet returned to the desert.

She yearned to close her eyes and return to that place, that sanctuary of light. Being there, she felt almost as if she'd returned home finally and returning now to reality, Nieme dearly missed it. Once again, she hadn't the slightest clue as to what the dream was about, like all her visions, but even if it was just a dream, she desperately wished she'd never woken up.

***

The midday sun seemed even more scorching today. Nieme couldn't get the dream out of her mind and remembering the gentle warmth of the temperate forest, she wished to be whisked back to that place. Everything now, when compared to the sanctuary, seemed harsh and imposing, and no matter how much she loved Thanatos, she yearned to return to the forest in her dreams.

Nieme wandered through the streets towards The Rhack feeling displaced and detached from the place she'd called home her entire life. Sounds, sights, even the smells were suddenly garish and far too startling. She desperately sought shelter from the harsh stimuli bombarding her senses; the yearning to escape her now-dreary existence was almost physically painful.

Nieme rushed through the doors of The Rhack and headed straight for the kitchen without a word to Orn or even acknowledgement of his presence.

"Well...hello to you too, Yaresh," Orn said with a dry laugh and a shake of his head.

Nieme sheltered herself in the kitchen and threw on her apron. She heated up the range to prepare for the lunchtime customers then stood motionless, staring vacantly at the grease-stained wall. Everything seemed so bleak and dream-like now...almost nightmarish when compared to the forest, her sanctuary. She felt more alive there than she'd ever felt in Thanatos, and realizing she might never again find the comfort she'd found there, Nieme lowered her head and wept bitter tears.

***

"Another order of Hojet, Nieme!"

She shuddered every time Orn's voice rang out in the kitchen, and even the voices of the dinnertime customers, although merely ambient noise, were too becoming an annoyance. She slapped another side of ribs onto the hot range and barely winced as a shot of hot oil singed her flesh. Her senses were dulled and her mind numbed. She merely went through the motions tonight and even an act such as cooking, which was such a joy to her before, seemed boring and pointless.

She fought to keep the tears back as Orn once again pounded his hand on the counter to speed her along. She didn't want to be here, but the place she truly wanted to be was out of reach now. Nieme wasn't certain if she'd ever find it again.

***

Kael shook out the pain in his fist as one would shake off water as they stepped through the doors. The pain was intense, but he could handle it. Ferrig was slightly ahead of him, telling some story to Galip. Kael wondered which story it was, Ferrig only had three. As he touched the tender flesh of his bruised knuckles, he reminded himself not to punch a Waorlian again. Just go straight for the chains, Selrid, he told himself.

When he snapped free of his thoughts, Ferrig was looming over one of the booths in the back, glaring at the couple who sat there. They looked up from time to time, obviously fearful of the ganger. Kael leaned into the booth and smiled. "My friend wants you to move," he said. "This is his favourite booth, if you get me."

The man looked around and frowned. "There are plenty of other open tables. You don't need this one."

"Wrong answer, grimble," Ferrig snarled. "Let me take 'em, Kael. I'll teach them some manners."

"I recommend you take that table over there," Kael said with a smile. He slid a long knife from a sheath. "There's no trouble over at that table."

Grumbling, the couple moved, followed by Ferrig, laughing with each step.

When Ferrig finally came back to the table after taunting the couple much to Orn's annoyance, Kael looked at him. "If you get us kicked out of this place, I'm gonna turn you into a pair of boots."

Kael turned his attention away from Ferrig's jokes and Embran's boasting about how much he could drink. He'd never give up on his boys, but sometimes they could be too much for him. He sighed and looked at the other people inhabiting the restaurant that night. Most of them were actively avoiding him. Good, he thought as he turned his attention back toward Orn. Probably the only bastard in the whole desert who wasn't afraid of them. Probably why whenever Kael showed up at the place he did his best not to destroy it. His eyes caught a flash of brown hair and large brown eyes from back in the kitchen and he sat up. He'd only ever caught glimpses of Orn's mousey little cook before, but that time was more than a glimpse. She'd put up a plate of her speciality and had looked out toward the dining area. In that moment, he was able to see her face, her eyes. Hello, he thought to himself as she withdrew back toward the heat of her ovens. She didn't return, so he put his attention back to the joke Ferrig was telling about the Rodian, the Jawa, and Emperor Palpatine's lightsaber.

Nieme was still trying to calm her breathing after that brief glimpse of the Feltrey, the one from her dream. His face had been partially obscured by shadows then, but this time he was clearly visible and even that fleeting glimpse of him was enough to verify that he was the one. She'd seen him look at her, which startled her and caused her to shrink back into the small kitchen. If she could help it, she wouldn't show her face out there again, and wouldn't dare try and sneak another glimpse of him. It unsettled her enough seeing him for that short moment, and doing so again would mean another plate of burnt Hojet.

"Nieme!" Orn hollered at her as he rapped on the counter. "What is taking you so long tonight? You're moving like a Kaj slimebug, now hurry up!"

"Sorry," Nieme whispered back. She tried to get herself into a rhythm, but she couldn't focus her mind and kept thinking back to the dream. She attempted desperately to comprehend what it meant, if it had meant anything at all, but the effort was futile. She never knew what any of her visions meant. She sighed deeply as she tossed away another pile of burnt Hojet. She didn't know how she was going to get through the night.

"Hey, Orn," Kael called out to the proprietor. "What's taking the Hojet so long? Seems like I ordered it years ago already. It is still Hojet season, eh? If you want, I can go back and hurry your little cook up a little."

Orn sneered at Kael. "You keep that ass of yours planted in that chair, Selrid. She's just having a little trouble with the range. You'll have your Hojet in a minute." He turned back towards the kitchen and pounded on the counter again. "Nieme! Come on! The customers are getting hungry. Move it."

Nieme nodded her head quickly and slapped another handful of Hojet onto the grill. She was feeling confined and smothered the longer she remained in the kitchen. She was near tears again and knew that if Orn yelled at her again, she wouldn't be able to hold them back any longer.

As Orn moved back out to glower over his customers, Kael made a tsking noise as he shook his head. "Orn," he said. "Have you ever tried speaking nice to the girl? Maybe saying please. Thank you. Not banging around like some sort of bantha with a leg shorter than the rest? The girl's back there practically chained to her stove, and you just yell and bang on that counter. Give the girl a break."

Ferrig looked up at Kael, half-chewed food hanging from his mouth as he gaped. "What the fuck, Kael. You got flowers growin' outta your ass now? Fuckin' let him yell, that's the only way those range urchins get any work done. You get too nice and they just--" Kael's glare stopped the words dead on his tongue. He swallowed hard and looked back down at his plate.

"That's better," Kael said. "When I want your opinion, I'll let you know. Until then, chew."

Orn dismissed Kael with a grumble and went again to pound on the counter. Before his fist hit the solid metal, Nieme, unaware that he was there, slipped a fresh plate of Hojet onto it, directly under his hand. When his fist landed, it settled heavily upon the plate and sent Hojet catapulting through the air and into his face.

"Dammit, Nieme! Be careful!" Orn yelled as he wiped the Hojet from his face.

Nieme shrank away and quickly fled back into the kitchen, after she stammered an apology.

"We need a new plate of Hojet now, Nieme!" Orn turned back to the room and wagged his finger at Kael. "That's your fault, Selrid. If you'd learn to keep your comments locked away in that mouth of yours, you'd have a plate of Hojet right about now. You'll just have to wait until she serves up another one."

Kael laughed as Orn continued to wipe the food from his face. "You ain't never spent time on the streets, have you, Orn? If you had, you'd know to always watch where you're putting your fist. Would have saved you from that little mishap there. And, it just goes back to what I was saying before about yelling and banging. I think that's a fair bit of karma there, mate."

Orn emitted a bellowing, derisive laugh that startled Nieme, but she managed to avoid burning the Hojet this time. "Look, Selrid, I'll make a deal with you. I'll put your Hojet on a rush order if you promise to keep your mouth stuffed until you leave. How does that sound?"

Kael looked at the man for a moment and then smiled. "Deal," he said. "Though, if I leave and come back does that mean I can't talk anymore? I mean, you did just say until I leave. But is that finally leave for the night leaving, or out the door until I come back in leaving?"

Orn growled at Kael and grabbed the plate of Hojet Nieme had placed on the counter. He handed the plate to the waitress and shouted back at Kael. "Now eat that and shut up before I make it a take out meal."

Kael laughed and shook his head. "You'd miss my charming personality in five minutes," he called back as the plate was set before him. "But, I'll keep my trap shut so you don't burst a blood vessel or anything."

"Oh, you're ever so kind, Master Selrid," Orn said contemptibly. He shouted another order to Nieme once he neared the kitchen.

Nieme placed another plate on the counter, careful of where to put it this time, and glanced out into the room again. Her eyes were drawn back to the white-haired man, the one Orn kept referring to as Kael or Selrid. She wasn't certain which was his first name, but at least she had some name to put with the face. Her curiousity was piqued by him, and she wanted desperately to talk to him, to ask him if he had seen the place from her dreams. If she could just ask him a few questions, she might be able to discern what it all meant.

She gasped quietly as he looked up again and when his eyes met hers, she swore he smiled, but it was hard to tell with the Hojet she'd just made hanging from his mouth. She placed a hand over her own mouth to stifle the giggle the sight induced in her and quickly fled from sight back into the kitchen.

For a brief moment, Kael thought he saw the eyes watching him and grinned. He looked up and they vanished quickly back into the kitchen. He couldn't help but be intrigued, especially since the eyes felt so familiar. It was on the edge of his consciousness, something he should have been aware of but wasn't.

"She's not your type," Ferrig said with a laugh.

Kael glanced at him and glared. "I know that," he said. "It just doesn't seem right, her stuck back in the back made to slave away like that. She's one of us. She's a Karadan, Ferrig. She shouldn't be in there like that, even if Orn is Karadan too. He's got too much offworlder in him now, touched by Plouton."

"Bantha shit," Ferrig spat, bits of food punctuating his words. "You just want into her pants."

Kael just shook his head and wished his heart was cold enough to get rid of Ferrig; so many problems would go away then.

"Ok, everyone, last call for orders!" Orn bellowed as he handed the waitress another two plates. "We close in twenty!"

Nieme scurried around in the kitchen in a rush to get the final orders plated up. For a moment, when she looked into the eyes of Kael...Selrid...whoever he was, she saw a glimmer of the light she'd seen surrounding him in her dream. The other day, she'd only felt the darkness within him, but was puzzled as to how a person could be both dark and light, opposing elements that were supposed to be immiscible. As in her dream, one was either darkness or light, but Kael was both. However, the darkness did seem more prominent in him, which she understood first hand after watching him pummel that innocent boy... Nieme shuddered and focused on cooking. Once this night was over, she wanted to rush back into bed and try to summon the dream again. It looking better than reality right now.

Kael finished the rest of his food in silence, trying to get his mind off the pair of eyes that kept flashing through his mind. The minutes seemed to tick by and he didn't see the eyes appear back in the kitchen again. Nieme. That's what Orn called her. He laughed to himself and shook the thoughts away. Don't go getting soft now, he told himself. You won't lead your people back to their birthright if you're getting all sentimental over a pair of eyes.

He finished up the meal and pushed the plate away as Ferrig was finishing a joke about Jabba the Hutt, Dargus Kandran, and a smoked sausage.

"Ok, everyone! You have five minutes to clear out," Orn hollered above the loud banter and chatter. "Thank you for your patronage and please come again," he added with little ceremony or enthusiasm. Orn moved back to the kitchen and allowed a smile for Nieme. "Go home, Nieme. It looks like you could use the rest."

Nieme turned her head back and forced a wan smile. "I will, Orn." She turned off the range and proceeded to clean up the pots and pans.

Orn drew his attention back to the crowds, and specifically Kael. "Hey, Selrid, not thinking of skipping out on the tab, are ya?"

"Wouldn't dream of it Orn," Kael said, and flipped him a ten credit note. "Keep the change, Orn. And, the ten here next to the plate, that's for the little one you've got chained in the back. Probably go a ways to buying her a cooling unit back there so you don't end up cooking her too."

Orn caught the ten note and grumbled under his breath. "What do you know, Selrid... Now get your ass outta here and next time you bring your friends along, make sure they wear bibs. Look at the mess they made on my table!"

"At least they didn't burn the place to the ground, Orn," Kael said as he sauntered toward the door. "Grank's burned pretty bad because of Ferrig and Toob's cigarra fight. A wet rag will clean their mess, but it really only spreads ashes around."

"Oh, get outta here, Selrid," Orn said with a heavy sigh. "I don't even know why I still let you in here, you ungrateful Beeja rat."

Kael laughed as he headed out the door. He turned back once he was outside and called back in. "'Cause I don't destroy the place like the other gangs would." With another laugh, he turned back to his friends as they moved out further into the night. It appeared that Ferrig wasn't quite finished with his jokes, and they gathered round him under one of the street lamps. At the edge of the group, Kael lit up a cigarra and took a long drag from it. He glanced back toward the Rhack and sighed. Give up, he told himself, but didn't turn his gaze away.

"Darkness and Light, Part 2"
Kael Selrid - Member of the Feltreys
Nieme Yaresh - Cook for The Rhack
Orn Gham [NPC]
NPC - Various members of the Feltreys
Location: Thanatos
Date: Praeda 17, 4 ABY

***

Orn stood in the doorway of the kitchen and laughed softly to himself as he watched Nieme scrubbing labouriously at a patch of burnt Hojet on the range. "Nieme, go home."

Nieme looked at Orn and shook her head. "I burnt it, I'll clean it up."

"Look, you can clean it up tomorrow. You look like hell, Nieme. Go get some sleep," he urged.

Nieme sighed as she stared intently at the black patch that used to be the Hojet. She tossed aside the scraper and turned to Orn. "Ok." She moved to the rack as she untied her apron. "I'm sorry about tonight. I guess I was a little preoccupied," she said quietly.

"Don't worry. With those pests out there hassling you and with me yelling, I'm surprised you didn't throw down your apron and storm outta here."

Nieme shrugged her shoulders as she hung up her stained apron. "I can handle it."

Orn stepped out of the doorway to allow Nieme passage, then resumed wiping down the counter. "You're a good kid, Nieme. Now get outta here."

Nieme laughed quietly and waved at Orn as she headed for the door. "Night, Orn." With her cloak in hand, Nieme stepped out into the cool night. She looked up for a moment to see Selrid hanging about with the rest of his Feltreys, and Nieme immediately turned and started home in the opposite direction.

When Nieme appeared, Kael was caught momentarily in her gaze, stunned as he just stood there. Without thinking, he started walking after her. He heard Ferrig shout behind him and he just waved him off. When he heard the sound of his gang behind him, he turned. "Go back to your jokes," he said in a cold whisper. "I don't need you all tramping along behind me sounding like some sort of Imperial death squad."

With much grumbling, the rest of the Feltreys turned back. Kael laughed to himself and started on after Nieme, his long strides carrying him quickly after her.

Nieme knew she was being followed. She could hear footsteps crunching in the sand and it sent her heart into a panic. She sped up her pace and looked around for the nearest alleyway she could slip into and disappear into the darkness. She didn't want to let on that she was aware she was being followed, but as she stumbled momentarily, she knew it was apparent she was trying to escape.

Kael knew she was afraid of him. He could practically feel her fear. "Nieme," he called out softly. "I'm not gonna hurt you."

Hearing his voice sent another pang of fear through her. He knew her name, but how? Had he heard Orn hollering it out during the evening? Had he been keeping an eye on her for a while? Nieme didn't dare look back and continued forward even more quickly. She wanted to tell him to go away and rejoin the rest of his gang, but she couldn't find her voice. She rounded a small sandstone building and headed towards the location of her favourite hiding spot...if only she could lose him.

Kael slowed his speed some, but continued following after her. She doesn't trust you, he told himself. And, rightly so. He rounded the corner slowly, knowing that she probably wouldn't stop. Maybe he could talk to her at the Rhack tomorrow night. The bright glare of the street light around the corner momentarily blinded him, but once he was past the searing light, he looked around for her.

From the tiny hole in the crumbling stone building, Nieme watched as Selrid scanned the streets, presumably for her. She'd sensed he was the one following her, but she didn't know why, and could only guess at what sick fantasy he'd had in his mind that he wanted to include her in realizing. Her breath was ragged as she watched him, hoping she was as concealed as she thought she was. She remained as still as she could, but with the pounding of her heart in her chest, she felt as if the walls around her would crumble with the force of it.

Kael moved forward. He peered into the darkness, looking for any sign that she might have continued on. With a curse under his breath, he jogged forward.

Once he was out of sight, Nieme waited a few moments before poking her head out of the hole. She peered up and down the street quickly, and once she was certain she'd eluded him, Nieme crawled out of the hole and made a run for it down the deserted street. She looked over her shoulder to ensure she wasn't being followed by one of the other gang members, but she never slackened her pace.

Ahead of her, Kael stepped out in front of the alley. He figured Nieme would see him and stop, but he felt a moment of panic when he saw she was looking behind her. He started to jump out of the way, but it was too late. He grunted as she slammed into him and they both went down to the ground in the sand.

Nieme whimpered as she lay atop Selrid. A moment of shock prevented her from doing anything but stare in bewilderment at his face, which was uncomfortably close to hers. Once fear overshadowed her initial surprise, Nieme struggled to get to her feet. Despite her fears, she felt a warm flush in her cheeks as her body rubbed against Selrid's. With another whimper, she rolled over onto the sand and jumped to her feet.

Kael sat up and shook his head, sending sand flying everywhere. "You've got to watch where you're going," he said with a groan. He looked up at her, and was momentarily caught as the moon reflected against her eyes. "I'm not gonna hurt you, but there are others out on the streets that would. You shouldn't be out alone like that. I can't believe Orn just lets you wander home alone. My name's Kael, by the way. I saw you at the Rhack. You make good Hojet."

Nieme backed away slowly but didn't turn her gaze away from Kael. She kept her eyes on him and her senses sharp in case he made a move. Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced down the street. He was right about her not being safe, but she was more wary of him than the others. She'd seen the blood on his hands before and she had no reason to believe he wouldn't shed hers. She didn't dare open her mouth, but she wanted to tell him she could take care of herself and that she did whatever she wanted without allowances from anyone. Instead, she took another step back.

"So I guess you'll make it home alright then?" he asked as he slowly got to his feet and took a step back from her. "I'm sorry to have scared you. It's just that... It's just...your eyes. They...they seemed familiar. I probably just saw you looking out from the kitchen before, that's all."

Nieme felt the tension lift as Kael stepped away and kept his distance. Being near him, she realized she wasn't afraid of him, not now. She could feel his intentions were innocent, so she allowed her gaze to drop to the sands below. He recognized her, she could see that in his eyes. Maybe he'd had the same dream...maybe he could help her find her way back to that place. Nieme slowly inhaled the cool night air, and whispered slowly, "You're darkness, but maybe you caught a glimpse of me in the light."

Kael looked at her, slightly confused. He knew her words had a deeper meaning to them, but he didn't quite know what that was. "I saw you in the kitchen, and there was something in your look, in your eyes. When I saw you tonight, I--" He looked around and back at her. "I wanted to talk to you, but I don't know what I wanted to talk about. I've actually been trying to figure out what I was going to say when I caught up to you, but I'm still at a loss. Can you make it home alone? Or you want me to walk with you?"

Nieme shook her head and gathered her cloak tighter around her. "I can manage..." She looked up for a moment, but shifted her gaze away from him again quickly as she saw him staring at her. It should have felt uncomfortable being under his scrutinizing gaze, but she knew him, from the dream; there was no reason to fear what you knew. "Just..." Nieme paused and took a deep breath. "Just keep your friends from knowing which way I went. I don't trust them."

"They won't know it from me," he said. "You sure? About walking home? There's a lot of gangs out tonight. Not safe for a girl like you to be wandering alone. And, I think it's gonna be a cold night tonight. Colder than most. If there was any rain here, I would imagine we'd get ice or snow. Of course, there is no water here, so we'll just have bitter cold. My friends and I are gonna change that though. We're gonna make Thanatos better."

"By drowning the sands in blood." Nieme gasped quietly at the words that spilled from her mouth. She looked up at Kael almost fearfully and quickly scurried away.

Kael's jaw dropped open as he watched her rushing away from him. He started forward. "No," he said. "Wait! It's not like that. We only go after them! The ones who are oppressing our people! The ones from the paradises and the waterlands. The ones who leave us here in the arid heat and sandstorms. We just want Tae'Karada for the Karadans!"

Nieme spun around, uncertain of what was possessing her. She met his gaze, but could hold it for only a moment before she looked down again. "You're punishing the wrong people," she said softly. "That little boy...in the streets the other day...what did he do? He hardly seems capable of oppressing an entire people."

"He was part of a gang," Kael said. "They were trying to stop us from doing...they were against us. We...we had to get them out of the way. He drew a knife on me. I don't hurt people who haven't hurt me." Normally, he would have been yelling the words, standing up for himself. But now he was practically pleading. What was he doing? Trying to convince her he wasn't bad? Trying to convince her...why?

Nieme shook her head to block out the rest of Kael's words. She didn't need his explanations; there was no excuse for inflicting violence upon another. She remembered the dream again, the darkness closing in around him like a hand, and Nieme shuddered. "Do you want it to consume you?" she asked quietly. She finally managed to look up at him again, and hold his gaze longer this time. "It's so close...can't you feel it? When I saw you spilling blood onto our sands, it repulsed me. I felt the pleasure you derived from it. You enjoy it and that disgusts me." Nieme turned away again, unable to look into his eyes any longer. She could see the light shining from them, but the more he defended his crimes, the dimmer that light became. "You're losing yourself," she whispered back in a voice easily drowned out by the desert breeze. "You're letting the darkness fill even your days. You'll be lost."

Kael took a step forward. "How else can I save my people? It's the only way I know. The only way they seem to understand. How else can I do this?" He swallowed hard, and wondered what was happening to him. Why did it bother him that she was disgusted by his actions? And, why hadn't his actions disgusted him before? Was it the way she looked at him? Or was it that she was right? "How can we stop those that would destroy our way of life, if not like this?"

Nieme stopped again and sighed deeply. She didn't understand why she was so intent upon making him understand when she herself was confused. She turned around slowly and looked up at him. She tilted her head to the side and examined his face. He'd known nothing but violence in his life, yet he was so concerned with what she had to say. No one had ever been interested in what she, a mere cook, thought. "They are not destroying us. Our spite, and rage, and bitterness is doing just that. We only choose to blame it on them because we refuse to admit that the paths we walk are chosen by us, freely. Your actions are your own; the blame is yours. If you want to save our people, stop reddening the sands. It only makes them more fertile to breed more violence. That is all you're accomplishing."

Kael nodded. "They came to our planet and enslaved our people," he said. "And, now they won't let us into their cities. They demand outrageous prices of us to get their goods. They treat us like the slaves they made us before. I just want the freedom to go where we wish on our planet. I don't want to look into the eyes of some rich New Plouton businessman and see 'just a Thanatos slave' in his eyes. I just want to be free." He sighed and looked around. "But, I guess a thug is just another kind of slave, isn't it?"

Nieme stared at Kael for a moment. He wasn't like the others, she could see that. He was violent, but there was a purpose behind his actions, unlike the cold-blooded murderers who killed on whim. He cared for Thanatos and its people just as much as she did. Still, though, his hands were bloodied and would be so until he found a new way to help his people.

Nieme shook her head to snap herself out of her reverie. "I have to go. It's late and... I have to go." Nieme turned away, unable to bear looking at the desperation in Kael's eyes. What did he want from her, or expect her to tell him that would help him justify his crimes? "Go back to your friends. They'll be expecting you. I'm sure freeing Thanatos is a very demanding job. Good luck."

"You too," he said softly though she had no trouble hearing him. "If you're going near Taralagne Square, be careful. The Skullfires are out there and causing trouble. You don't want to get caught near them tonight." He was quiet for a moment before he whispered, "Thank you."

Nieme ignored Kael's warnings. She'd lived on Thanatos her entire life and knew all the gang hangouts and which places to avoid and when; she could take care of herself. She dared not look back at Kael and refused to say another word. He didn't understand anything. He didn't want to change it seemed, for he kept concocting excuses for his actions, actions he himself knew were drastic. He fed off the violence, believing the more blood he shed, the closer he was to freeing his people. He seemed blinded by his plight, and the more blood that spilled, the more distorted his vision would become; soon enough, his eyes would be so veiled by the blood, he would soon lose his way. The dream was right, prophetic. There was very little light left in him, and Nieme thought gravely that there wasn't enough to fend off the darkness.

When Kael returned to the Rhack, the rest of the Feltreys were still hanging around the front. Ferrig came forward with a frown. "So you get some, man," he said with a wild grin.

"I couldn't find her," Kael lied. "She wasn't there, so I just came back."

"The Grippers are up near the Square. I hear they're gonna mix it with the Skullfires. Gonna be a brutal fight. Come on, man. Let's go. I'm sure we can get in a little head pounding."

Blood on the sand. The words echoed in his mind and Kael couldn't shake them loose.

"Hey, Kael. What's wrong, man? You're not lookin' yourself. Usually you'd be all hot to go stomp."

It's not the way, a voice told him. The violence is killing, not saving, Thanatos. "Just a headache," he said. "Why don't we just head back and crash out for the night. I need some sleep."

Ferrig looked disappointed, but soon it turned into a grin. "We can go grab some of the women down near Pike's Fountain. I bet a joygirl could get rid of that headache."

"Sure," Kael said, pushing through and off toward the squalid house they called home. "Grab some girls and let's go."

As they walked off through the night, Kael found his thoughts turning inward. What's happening to me, he kept asking himself. And, why the hell is it so dark out tonight?

"Temptation, Part 1"
by Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr
and Maeren Shivral
Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 17, 4ABY

***

"But, Mr. Tregat, trying to get that much spice through the Imperial searches is asking for trouble. The men on that ship won't be seen for years. Their children's children will be working the mines on Kessel."

Zale narrowed his eyes at Bladron, one of the captains of his smuggling fleet. "I understand that," he said. "But, we're flying Tarabassic markings with Tarabassic registry. It won't be traced back to this organization."

The man nodded. "But, what about the crew?"

"It's a price we have to pay," Zale said. "Don't man it with your best pilots. Use men who've black marks on their records already. People we won't miss."

"I understand, sir," Bladron said. "It's just, I don't like throwing any of my men to the Rancor, if you get my meaning."

"I don't like it either, but we are given few other options in this. Make sure that whichever men are selected will be well-off when they are released."

"I will do so, sir," the man said, though his enthusiasm for the job ahead of him had nearly vanished.

"It'll be alright, Bladron," Zale said. "In the end, it'll help all of the organization. Sometimes, you need to sacrifice your paedr'a to get the other side's moakr'e. Keep me alerted to your progress."

"Yes, Mr. Tregat. We won't fail you, sir."

Zale looked up and realized that Moril was standing in the doorway with Shiv and Kaysa behind him.

"I'll talk to you later, Bladron," Zale said and then stood with a smile. Once the man was gone he allowed the smile to grow. "Shiv and Kaysa. It's good to see you. Very good to see you, in fact."

"Well, someone looks happy to see us." Kaysa smiled and elbowed Shiv in the arm. "Still recovering from a little evening with a certain blonde?" Kaysa linked her arm with Shiv's and moved into the room towards Zale. "Give your favourite girls a kiss."

Zale chuckled and then pulled Kaysa into his arms for a deep kiss, and then did the same with Shiv.

"Oh..." Shiv murmured when he let her go, as she tried to keep breathing. "Hello, Zale..."

"You both look very good," he said. "And, as for my night with Arrista, the surgery was a success and there will be no hearing loss. I'm as fine as I've ever been. Though, it was touch and go for awhile. I had to keep her going for nearly three hours just to keep her from talking. If I weren't a master of the Shac'Tae, I probably wouldn't have made it through the night. Three hours was enough to wear her out though. So, yes, still recovering."

"So you liked her then," Kaysa said with suppressed excitement. "I mean, despite her tendency to ramble on and cause permanent hearing loss in the process, she really is a nice girl." Kaysa looked to Shiv and winked at her conspiratorially. "No need to thank us now, Zale," she said airily, "you can buy us dinner next week to show us your gratitude."

"How about dinner this week while you set me up with whoever's next on your list while wearing a nice, transparent equadi? The girl was nothing but a pretty face and gorgeous body. She was as vacuous as they come, and I don't think I'll be seeing her again unless I run into her on the street, at which point I will probably run away." He gave Kaysa a kiss. "She's not the one, Kaysa. You and Shiv will spend the next week as my servants, wearing equadi."

Kaysa's smile quickly turned into a pout. She was so certain they'd won, but she'd relied too heavily upon the hope that Zale was as shallow as she thought him to be. Unfortunately, the jerk liked his women to be intellectual in some capacity. Grumbling under her breath, Kaysa moved to Zale's chair and sank into it with her arms crossed tightly over her chest. "How can that be? You were all over her on the dance floor and then in your bedroom..." Kaysa looked up at Zale wide-eyed and smiled sweetly. "We don't really hafta wear them, do we?"

"Oh," he said with a wide grin, "you really do. And, she was very good for relieving the tension you and Shiv put there the other night, though she's hardly what I would consider sexually talented. Well, except for...that doesn't matter. No, she wasn't my perfect match, and so you have lost that side of this little bet, and therefore you are my servants for the next week. I actually have two equadi here. One for each of you. Would you like to change here, or would you prefer a private room?"

Kaysa shot up in her chair and looked to Shiv quickly, then back to Zale. "You jerk! You're actually gonna make us wear them!" Kaysa sprang to her feet and moved past Zale, keeping her eyes on him as she returned to Shiv's side. "We were just trying to do you a favour and this is how you repay us? You got a good, long night of sex for your troubles; can't you just...forego the little equadi thing?"

Zale turned back to Kaysa. "You agreed to the equadi, Kaysa," he said. "And, it was a long night of sex. I'd say the good sex was taking place in your apartment, and maybe the elevator. You were trying to help me, but you agreed to the equadi. You were so confident you'd find me someone in the first shot, and you found me Arrista Faeg. The equadi will be a lesson this time. Or, are you going to break our deal? It won't be as bad as you think, Kaysa. I'll not take you anywhere too public, and you'll have each other for consolation. And, you'll be able to spend a week with me."

"Oh, a week with you. Is that supposed to sweeten the deal?" Kaysa sighed and turned to Shiv, her once content expression now soured. "What do you think, Shiv? Should we storm outta here or do we let Zale teach us naughty girls a lesson?"

Shiv glanced between Kaysa and Zale. "What happens if we don't do this," she asked softly.

Zale shrugged. "If you don't do it, you don't do it. Though, I would be disappointed in both of you. But the choice is yours. You hold to the deal that we made the other night, or you break it. I don't want to get all preachy, but this is where your life's at now Kaysa. You can accept the responsibility before you, or you can walk away from it. Either way, the choice it yours and I'll not press you further if you decide not to."

Kaysa sighed with utter distaste. Zale always had a way of psychoanalysing her and rationalizing things in a way that made him very convincing. After hearing that, how could she not accede to Zale's offer? She looked to Shiv for a moment with a wry smile, then glanced back at Zale who was just teeming with triumphant excitement. "So, you gonna show us to the changing rooms?"

Zale nodded. "If you want a room to change in, then I can provide one," he said. "Would you like separate rooms, or would you like to change together?"

Kaysa rolled her eyes and placed her hands onto her waist as she looked up at Zale with a seething gaze. "You've already seen us naked and we'll be practically bare in front of you for a week so just bring the damn equadi here and we'll change." Kaysa turned away from Zale abruptly and began pacing the room as she furiously undid her clothing. She muttered curses under her breath and shot Zale a glare from time to time as she did. "Come now, Shiv, don't be shy. We're in this together."

Shiv watched Kaysa for another moment, glanced at Zale and then proceeded to unhook the straps of her overalls and pushed them to the floor. Her shirt followed, leaving her standing there in only her boots. With a giggle, she quickly removed them and tossed them into the pile with the rest of her clothes. Once completely naked she moved over to Zale's desk and hopped up onto the edge of it to sit. She let out a yelp. "Zale, you really need to get like a desk warmer or something, this thing is like a block of ice."

Zale came back in a moment later carrying two flowing gowns made of a translucent material that shimmered in the light of the office. One of the two was blue, and the other was a deep violet colour. Zale held them out with a smile. "Your choice," he said. "And, the desk is not made to be sat upon." He glanced at Kaysa and fought back his grin. "At least not entirely."

Shiv giggled and hopped down to the floor again as she approached the two gowns Zale held. "Which one do you want, Kaysa?"

Kaysa's eyes remained fixed to Zale for a moment as they shared reminiscence of one of their more memorable encounters. She looked away as his gaze made her suddenly very conscious that she was standing in his office, naked, and immediately swiped the violet gown from Shiv's hand. "Blue suits you better, Shiv." Kaysa felt her cheeks warm as she took the gown from the hook. She handed the empty hook to Zale with a smile and proceeded to attire herself in the silky gown. "I really am gonna get you back for this, Zale."

Zale laughed as he took the hook back and let his eyes roam over Kaysa's body in the gown. He glanced at Shiv who was just finishing getting into hers. He glanced between both women and wondered if this was such a good idea after all. They were both very desirable, and standing nearly naked in his office only seemed to heighten that desire. He had the sudden urge to go sit behind his desk, but decided not to. He would just have to hope the week passed quickly. "You both...you both look very nice," he said.

"Thank you," Shiv said. "Oh Kaysa, that violet looks great on you. I really like the bare shoulder thing. It kinda reminds me of my dress...from the party." She glanced at Zale and giggled. "I think Zale approves too."

"Of course he does," Kaysa said with a playful sneer directed at Zale. "He got what he wanted. He so does enjoy having his way." Kaysa smiled as she pressed her body against Zale's and let her hands roam over his chest. Only the sheer fabric separated her naked body from Zale's clothed, and although his expression was cool and impassive, she knew she was having an affect on him. "It's too bad though," she said in silky whisper, "that he only gets to look." Kaysa laughed as she pushed away from Zale and moved towards Shiv. She took her into her arms and flattened her body against Shiv's. Kissing her deeply, her eyes shifted back to Zale, and as the kiss broke, she smiled at him. "It really is too bad, don't you think, Zale?"

Just watching them, Zale was out of breath. He nodded dumbly as his senses started to return to him. "Yes," he said. "It is too bad." He took a deep breath and let it out before raising his eyes to Kaysa's. "Though, I think you get more pleasure out of teasing than you do with actual sex."

Kaysa laughed and shrugged her shoulders. "If it makes your life miserable, then I'm completely content with that." She continued to smile haughtily at Zale as she pulled Shiv along towards Zale's chair. Kaysa took a seat and pulled Shiv down into her lap. She embraced Shiv affectionately and soothingly ran her fingers through her hair. "So, Zale, now that that whole affair is over with, I think you and I have some serious matters to discuss concerning a certain slave mistress."

Zale moved and took a seat on the edge of his desk facing Kaysa. "Ithea Tass," he said. "You mean the woman living in Admiral Tarkin's palace and potentially spying for him though he hasn't officially asked her to gain him any information. She didn't seem all that content on giving up her association with him when I spoke to her earlier today."

"She has no idea what kind of man he is. She's completely oblivious to what's going on in this galaxy. The woman doesn't even know what the Empire is nor is she aware of the fact that there's a war going on." Kaysa sighed and chewed her lip as she gathered the rest of her thoughts. She couldn't plead Ithea's case if she wasn't certain whether she trusted her or not. Zale's wise advice would be needed before she made that decision. "I don't quite know what to think of her. She could be trying to con me, or she could be telling the truth. Either way, I've got a feeling she really doesn't have any idea what she's gotten herself into. Do you really think she's that much of a threat, Zale?"

"It's difficult to say," Zale said. "She doesn't reveal much about herself, and vanishes into thin air when she goes. It's hard to put your trust in someone like that, especially someone living under the enemy's roof. I think she could be a strong ally if she were on our side. But, I think she is on her side. She said that she's not chosen a side in our war, which means she's content to work both sides or none. She could sell us to them as easily as she could sell them to us." He thought about it for a moment. "She owes a life debt to Tarkin, and it seemed that she took that fairly seriously. I don't know, with that still unpaid, if she could deny him anything he asked her. I would be inclined to say that she could be let in close, but not too close. And, she'd need to be watched closely. He may have people following her. She's a mystery because she chooses to be. I got the sense that she wasn't telling me everything when she was talking to me." He finally shook his head. "There are too many unknowns at this point. I don't think she would turn on any of us, at least that's what she indicated to me. Still, I'm not about to put my full trust in her until she gives me a reason to."

"I agree. If she comes to me again, I'll refrain from discussing anything to do with Anatorial Industries or you personally." Kaysa sighed and stiffened in the chair. "Still, though, I have this intense need to help her. She's in a difficult spot and she has no one. I know what it's like to be trapped in an unpleasant situation with no way out. If you hadn't come along, I'd still be in that position. Of course she only trusts herself; she's on a foreign planet lightyears away from her home. Everything here is new and different to her. If you were in her position, would you so readily choose sides in a fight you knew nothing about? If we can gain her trust by helping her, maybe she can help us."

Zale nodded. "Perhaps," he said. "I don't like that she's staying so close to Tarkin, but perhaps that can be turned to our benefit. If you talk to her again, see if you can search out whether she'd be willing to help us. She might be able to gather information on Tarkin and the Empire for us."

"She just wants to go home," Shiv said. "She lives on a planet called Dushoulle or something like that. She doesn't know where it is, and it's not on any starcharts or anything. If you can find it and get her there, that would really get her on our side."

"If we get her there, Shiv, what makes you think she'll wanna help us anymore? I doubt she'd ever go near Tae'Karada again." Kaysa lightly patted Shiv on the rear to shoo her off her lap. She rose from Zale's chair and stretched out her legs by slowly pacing in front of Zale. "All I know is I really don't need trouble with the Imps right now and I don't think you need any either, Zale. If you don't think she's gonna be a problem, I won't go out of my way to avoid her, but I won't intentionally confront her either." Kaysa moved to Zale's liquor cabinet, glancing at it for a moment and shuddering before propping herself against it. "She's not our enemy, but not our ally. It still doesn't mean we can't be her friend, which I intend to treat her as. If you have no serious problems with that, of course."

"I think waiting to see what she does is probably the best way to go for now," Zale said. "See what her next move is. I think being her friend will tilt things in our favour because I doubt a man like Tarkin would go out of his way to be friendly. I think friends will be good for her."

"Then that's settled. I shall continue to associate with Ithea and she can share her male sex slaves with Shiv and I." Kaysa smiled at Zale as she pushed away from the cabinet and began sauntering about the room. The gown against her flesh had quite the unexpected effect. The experience was sensual and almost arousing. Her nipples seemed to think so as they jutted out against the light fabric. Kaysa looked down at the physical signs of her arousal, and with an angry grunt she crossed her arms over her chest to conceal herself and began muttering curses. "This is your fault, you know," she said to Zale with a mildly seething glare. "I bet you're really enjoying this. I can't wait to get you into an equadi."

Zale chuckled. "I'm sure you can't," he said. "I imagine by the end of the week you'll hardly notice it. But, at least you have Shiv and Merrick to take care of those little problems for now. And, I can tell that you both enjoy the suffering you know I'm going through seeing you like this."

Kaysa shifted her gaze slowly back to Zale and shot him a sly smile. "Oh, so seeing Shiv and I scantily clad is turning you on?" Kaysa gave a throaty laugh and stalked over to Zale. She removed her arms from over her chest and thrust her breasts out gently. "You know you can't touch, Zale," she taunted. "You haven't had me for...what is it...an entire week?" Kaysa laughed again as she closed the distance between herself and Zale. She stopped before him with her breasts barely brushing against him and a gentle smile gracing her features. "This shall be your torment. Shiv and I will be so close, so within reach, yet you can't lay a hand on us. Poor, deprived Zale."

Zale smiled a wicked smile. "Yes and poor, deprived Zale is hungry. Let's go get something to eat. I think I'd like to go to Raoral's. Come on; it's a good day for a walk."

Kaysa gasped quietly, and with her mouth hanging agape she struggled to emit a vocal protest. She looked helplessly to Shiv, then back to Zale with an imploring gaze. "Y-You can't take us out in public like this! I mean...the temperature... I bet it's really cold outside. Isn't it, Shiv? I mean, we'll get sick dressed like this."

Shiv giggled. "Yes," she said, turning to Zale. "You can't take us outside dressed like this. That's torture."

Zale chuckled. "It's a lovely spring day," he said. "You two will be perfectly fine. If the weather weren't perfect for this kind of dress, then half the women on the street wouldn't be wearing them. Now, stop complaining before I take you somewhere really crowded." He started toward the door. "Or, I could take you to my Thanatos headquarters."

"And burn our delicate flesh?" Kaysa grimaced as she moved to Shiv and slipped her arm through Shiv's. "We'll walk ahead of Zale, Shiv. He doesn't deserve to be seen in our company." She cocked her head up high in the air as she strolled along past Zale with Shiv on her arm. "You are paying, are you not, Mr. Tregat?"

Zale adjusted the front of his pants and chuckled. "Yes," he said, "I'm definitely paying."

"Temptation, Part 2"
by Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr
and Maeren Shivral
Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 17, 4ABY

***

As they walked down the street toward the restaurant, Shiv and Kaysa were drawing a considerable amount of attention as they walked along.

"I don't think I've ever felt so stared at," Shiv said as they walked together. They were still arm in arm, but at this point it was about support for each other rather than their attraction. "I think he had these equadis done extra thin at the crotch so people can see."

"We'll get him back, don't worry, Shiv. I mean we already are." Kaysa looked back at Zale with a sardonic smile, then faced forward again. "Look at him. He's dying to get his hands on us. We're really gonna have to find him a woman to sate that hunger before he explodes. That thing is dying to get out of his pants," Kaysa said with a loud laugh.

Shiv giggled and looked down at her dress. "I just hope he likes the next one," she said. "Though, after a week of this he may never want to see us in equadi again. One look at our tits and he'll go running. It's kinda fun to see him all worked up like that. He'll probably grab the first woman he sees just for a release."

Kaysa smiled mischievously as she glanced back at Zale with a plan formulating in her mind. "Wanna have some fun with him? Just to make his life even more difficult."

Shiv glanced back and giggled. With each of them glancing back like they were, Zale was starting to look uncomfortable. Shiv looked back to Kaysa and giggled again. "I like the sound of fun!"

"Ok, now..." Kaysa cupped her hand over Shiv's ear and recounted the plan in detail. Zale would be livid with them, but seeing him angry was amusing to Kaysa and it's what he deserved for the humiliation he was subjecting them to. "Now, when I say 'go', you head that way, and I'll head this way, ok? He'll be scrambling to decide who to go after first. Got it?"

Shiv giggled. "Got it," she said. "Are we running? And, just going? Where do we meet? Oh man, he's gonna be so upset!"

"We'll meet at that little caf� up the road. You know the one..." At Shiv's nod, Kaysa smiled. She cleared her throat and glanced sideways to guage how far Zale was. When she saw him some distance away, Kaysa slowly slipped her arm from around Shiv's and looked at her with a slowly growing smile. Seizing the moment and barely able to speak through her sudden fit of laughter, Kaysa gave the signal. "Go, Shiv!" Kaysa pushed away and started down the street. She looked back to make certain Shiv had fled as well, and once she was confident that she had, Kaysa shifted her eyes forward and continued sprinting down the street. "See ya later, Zale!"

Zale stared dumbfounded as Kaysa and Shiv sprinted off in opposite directions, their flimsy dresses fluttering behind them as they ran. With a growl of frustration, Zale started off in the direction Kaysa had run off in. Shiv would eventually seek out Kaysa, so he'd have them both; Kaysa, he knew, would be content to abandon Shiv on the streets in order to secure her own freedom. Following Kaysa through the streets was fairly easy, but she was faster than she looked, even barefoot.

Kaysa was surprised at how nimbly she managed to weave her way through the dispersed crowd of pedestrians. She could scarcely catch her breath as the exertion combined with her incessant laughter stole the wind from her. Her pace slowed and she swung her head back for a moment to see how far she'd actually gone. When she spotted Zale slowly gaining on her, she let out a squeal and hastened her pace again.

Ahead, the crowd appeared to grow more dense. She knew she'd never be able to get through them without being slowed down considerably. Abruptly, Kaysa veered off her original course and headed down a narrow sidestreet. It wasn't the mostly cleanly route of escape but it was the fastest.

As Kaysa shot off to the side, Zale growled in frustration and quickly moved to intercept. He looked at the scum-covered ground she was running across and almost laughed. Poor Kaysa, he thought to himself, too bad she deserves it so much. She was still out ahead of him and he decided it was time to end that and hastened his pace. He smiled to himself as he realized what a shame it would be if she snagged her dress and left it behind.

The sidestreet was quickly nearing a dead end, but there were two exits, one to the right and one to the left. Kaysa looked back at Zale again and the sight of him furiously chasing her threw her into another fit of shrill laughter. She veered blindly to the right and taunted Zale as she continued her flight. "Zale! You've gotta be faster than that!" Kaysa spun her head around and yelped as a large wall came into view. "Shit!" She turned back quickly with her sights on the other route of escape she should have chosen, and began sprinting again.

Before she could reach it, Zale blocked her way. "Wrong turn?" he asked. "You really have to watch where you're going when you run away like that. So, are you going to keep playing games? Or are you going try to make this a halfway decent week?"

Kaysa had managed to halt before colliding with Zale, and was now coyly making her way backwards towards the dead end. "I thought you liked games, Zale," she said breathlessly. Despite the painful burning of her lungs, she kept the same, crooked smile on her face. "You looked pretty desperate to retrieve your stray slaves. But I think you enjoyed the chase."

"Well, now that I've caught you, what should I do with you? Perhaps I'll need to fit you and Shiv with collars so you can't run away from me anymore. Either that or a bio-restraining bolt, though that's far too cruel for even me. Maybe I should just--"

He was cut off as a squealing, billowing, diaphanous cloud of blue surrounded him and knocked him against a wall. Zale toppled into a heap with his attacker. "Run Kaysa," came Shiv's voice from beneath Zale. "Save yourself. Hey, get your hand off my boob, you oaf! No touching! Run, Kaysa!"

Kaysa gawked at the scene before her and had to look twice before she processed what was happening. "Shiv? What the hell are you doing?"

"Saving you," Shiv cried out as she grabbed Zale's arm and pulled him back down. "Get out of here! Save yourself! Stop grabbing me, Zale, and I mean it!"

Kaysa laughed breathlessly and ventured carefully towards the heap of flailing limbs and wisps of blonde hair whipping through the air. "Oh my saviour!" she cried out melodramatically. Avoiding getting caught in the tangled mess, Kaysa bent over and quickly planted a kiss on Shiv's cheek. Zale's eyes locked with hers and with a slow smile, she pressed her lips to his and kissed him deeply. "See if you can catch me now," she whispered silkily as she pulled away and with a wild laugh, started back down the sidestreet.

"Go Kaysa," Shiv cried out. "Run! The mean, old Zale won't catch you! Run! You're-- Zale, get your hand out of there! Run Kaysa!"

Finally Zale sighed. "This is going to be a very long week," he said. "She's gone, Shiv. You can let me up now."

"No," Shiv said between giggles. "You're gonna stay here all day."

With lightning-fast movements, Zale was suddenly standing and holding Shiv over his shoulder. "Seems familiar," he said. "Let's go. Where was she going to meet you?"

Shiv giggled. "I'm not telling."

"Then you and I are going to lunch. She can fend for herself. Meanwhile, I'll teach you two a little obedience."

He started off with Shiv over his shoulder, trying to decide which restaurant would be best for Shiv today.

***

"Hold my calls, Moril," Zale said as he passed into his office. The two guards standing at the door gave Shiv a glance and smiled slowly. "In you go, Shiv. At least if you run away now, I'll know where you're at. You'll need a new dress after our little scuffle, but I have a few extras for both of you. Get rid of that one and wait there." He glanced toward his desk and smiled. "Well, well, well..."

Kaysa pulled the cigarra from her lips and swiveled the chair around to face her guests. "It's about time you two got back. Shiv certainly is a handful, isn't she? Beautiful creature...you saved me from the big, bad Zale."

"I did, didn't I," Shiv said with a giggle. "He was going to do something awful to you, I know it. And, he kept grabbing my boob! Would you believe that? I mean, I'm trying to save you, and instead of trying to go get you, he grabs me on my boob."

"I was not! I was just trying to get up, and your boob was in my way. I'd swear you put it there on purpose."

"Oh Zale, if I wanted someone to grab my boobs...um, it'd be Kaysa. I'm off-limits now, and so's she. So, you have to keep your hands to yourself. And, that means no more putting your hands between my legs."

Zale sighed. "You were sitting on my hand, Shiv. It was an accident."

"Oh sure," Shiv said. "You just couldn't wait. That's why you put us in these dresses. And, now he put this collar thing on me. It's like if I go somewhere, he can find me."

Kaysa gave Zale a disapproving frown. "Zale....now is that thing really necessary? It's so demeaning - even moreso than these flimsy things you're making us wear." Kaysa left the comforts of Zale's chair and moved towards Shiv with arms outstretched. "Oh my precious creature. The torment you had to endure while so bravely rescuing me." She embraced Shiv and kissed her deeply and tenderly.

Zale watched them together for a moment and laughed. "Until I'm certain you two are done running like that, Shiv will wear the collar. I could be really cruel and insist that you wear one as well Kaysa. But, for now, just Shiv. I know she won't fight it as much. I think she actually likes it. It sort of works well into that part of her psyche. Now, about your misbehaviour, Ms. Zenarr; we can't have that anymore. You're my slaves for this week. And I will punish anymore willful defiance."

"Oh, punish us will you?" Kaysa laughed and watched Zale with an air of pride. She placed her hands on her hips and stood before him with a large, condescending smile. "What will you do, Zale? A collar seems hardly punishment. No one will even notice it while we're wearing these equadi. The entire city's already seen us in these things, so parading us around for all to see is no longer a problem either. Frankly, I don't think you have anything you can use to punish us. I guess you'll just have to put up with our defiance."

Zale smiled as he pulled out another collar. "Then, you wouldn't mind wearing this one? And, you'll be happy to know that I have rooms prepared for each of you. As well, I'm having a meeting for some of my colleagues in the morning, you'll both act as servers for the event. And, I know that you're going to do everything to make my life difficult over the next week, and if you insist on that, I'll do the same for you."

"I'd like to see you try," Kaysa scoffed. Her eyes fell upon the collar, but she quickly looked away as sudden dread arose in her. She would definitely not let him put that around her neck. "Fine. We'll act as servers, but tell your business partners they're not allowed to touch either." Kaysa smirked at Zale as she took Shiv by the hand and pulled her away from Zale's side and towards her. "Look what you've done to your equadi, my dear. It's all torn and tattered. Here." Kaysa kept her eyes on Zale and softened her smile as she removed her violet gown and handed it to Shiv. "You can wear mine."

Shiv grinned at Kaysa. She quickly removed her dress and took Kaysa's and slipped into it. Once she was dressed again, Shiv glanced back at Zale and then back to Kaysa. "Oh, but my love, what are you going to wear now?"

"Hmm...I don't know," Kaysa said coyly. She kept her eyes on Zale as she crossed her arms over her chest, but left her breasts in full view. "I guess I'll just walk around like this for now. Would that be prudent, Mr. Tregat?"

Zale shook his head as he regretted the bargain he'd made with them. He could feel a part of him wishing that he could just push them out of his life forever and so many headaches would go away. With a sigh, he moved to his desk and picked up a datapad. "If you want to stay like that, then that's fine with me. I'm sure anyone that sees you will also like your choice of attire. I need to meet with one of the fabrication heads at one of my subsidiary businesses. I suppose it's too much to trust that the two of you will behave."

"Oh, we promise to try and be good." Kaysa glanced at Shiv, then returned her eyes to Zale. She was getting to him and was enjoying the torment they were inflicting upon him. "Are we at least allowed to leave? We promise to come back."

Zale glanced up at them both and sighed. "As long as you remain in your designated attire," he said. "And, as long as you don't return to your apartment. Take a comm so I can reach you when I need to. We'll be dining at the Tower tonight. If you wish to remain as you are, Kaysa, you may; though I do have other equadis available for you two, if you wish to wear one."

"We're not allowed back at the Tower, Zale. Seems we got a little too feisty for the maitre d's tastes." Kaysa finally tore her eyes from Zale's stern gaze and sank into the seat opposite his. "I'm sure, though, you can manage to smuggle us in. And, I will require another equadi. This little display is only meant for your eyes. I hope you're appreciating it."

Zale met Kaysa's eyes and he allowed himself a smile. "Very much," he said softly. "I have a black one with gold and silver threads running through it." He moved to the small closet and pulled it out for her. "If you're interested..."

Kaysa recognized that smile and as if drawn by it, she got to her feet and moved lightly towards the closet. "Of course I'm interested," she replied. Barely a smile graced her lips as she moved to Zale, but her eyes conveyed clearly that she understood the underlying meaning of his words...or at least she thought she did. She slowed her movements, suddenly wary of Zale's intentions, until she stopped before the gown held out towards her. Her hand moved to Zale's as he gently gripped the equadi, but she paid no heed to the silky, black gown brushing against her bare breasts. "Are we talking about the dress here, Zale?"

"It's a beautiful dress," Zale said, his eyes gazing deep into hers. "And, yes, we are talking about the equadi. And, I think it will go very well with your eyes. It's yours if you want it, Kaysa."

The look in his eyes indicated the dress was merely a prop and that his words were touching upon a different subject entirely. The temptation she felt by merely gazing into those fathomless, black eyes was almost overwhelming. She'd tormented and teased him with her body, and her games were proving very effective. Kaysa pulled the gown gently from Zale's hand and swallowed back a sudden tightness in her throat. Until that moment, she wasn't certain if she truly desired Zale any longer. She knew now, that she desired him now, more than she ever had before. "I'll take the equadi," she said in a voice that almost caught in her throat. "As for the rest, I'm not sure what you're offerring, Zale. Do I wanna know?"

Zale took a breath and let it out. "I don't know," he answered. "I don't know if you can accept the rest." He brushed his fingers against her hand as it held the equadi. His eyes burned with the desire he felt and it took all his will to keep himself back. "And, I think you know what my offer is, I can see it in your eyes."

Kaysa exhaled and attempted to clear her throat of the lump growing in it. She closed her eyes to sever the hypnotic connection Zale's eyes held her in, but she didn't shy away from his gentle touch. "Zale..." Kaysa sighed and dared to look back up at him. She knew for certain now she still yearned for him, lusted him as she always had. Not being able to be with him only amplified the desire. "We can't talk about this now," she whispered. She motioned her eyes towards Shiv and chewed her lip as her gaze returned to Zale. "I don't know if I can accept the rest either, but a part of me isn't certain whether I can resist."

"Do you want to resist," Zale asked softly. "And, I think Shiv is perceptive enough to figure out what's happening over here right now. Look at the way she's smiling. She probably thinks I've got a bed stashed away that I'm going to take both of you to and have my way with you. And, I can't say the thought hasn't crossed my mind." He quickly looked away to settle his thoughts and then back to her. "Why don't you get dressed and maybe the three of us can go somewhere to do something. In full public view."

Kaysa nodded her head, the shaking scrambling further the already dizzying array of confused thoughts in her head. A week...she had to try and resist Zale for a week if she could - if she wanted to. She pulled her hand away from his and laughed softly. "You bastard. What are you doing to me?" She turned away quickly and disappeared into the back room. He could seduce Shiv if he wanted, but Kaysa knew she wasn't ready to resist his advances as she knew Shiv could. "Gods..." She knew she was in trouble and there would only be much more before the week was out.

Zale sighed. He knew he wanted Kaysa, and he knew he was pushing her farther than she needed to be pushed. He had to be careful, but he didn't know if he could. He moved and sat next to Shiv who only looked up at him and glanced back to where Kaysa was. Why are you doing this to me, she'd asked. And, he knew the answer was that he'd never been drawn to a woman more than he was drawn to her. And, despite the blissful relationship she shared with Shiv and Merrick, Zale couldn't deny that he longed for Kaysa like he'd never longed for anyone else.

"I'm ready," Kaysa called out softly from the doorway leading to Zale's back room. She didn't dare meet Zale's gaze, and instead, looked to Shiv, searching for strength, support...anything to keep her from faltering. She held out her arms towards Shiv. She needed to get her as far from Zale as she could. She needed to protect her little gem from the thralls of a man who would only consume her with his rampant desire. If only she could keep herself from getting drawn into that same raging fire.

Shiv moved happily into Kaysa's embrace. "You look amazing," she whispered as she snuggled closer. "I think people are going to really look now, and they're all gonna see you and be jealous that they don't have your beautiful body or can't have it."

Her eyes were entirely on Zale as Shiv spoke, but she quickly looked away. She didn't know how long she could reject Zale's advances, and it unsettled her. By the end of the week, Kaysa might prove Shiv's words untrue; she knew she shouldn't, but she might just give herself to Zale when the urge arose. He could have her, and if he did ask, she would comply.

Her desire for him still burned strong, and as her eyes found him again, she clung tighter to Shiv. Even looking at him made her breasts swell and an ache to rise up from her centre. She'd have to quash that desire with Shiv tonight, even though they were going to be in separate rooms. She made it a point, also, to avoid being alone with Zale for extended periods of time, if she could. Eliminate the source of temptation, she kept reminding herself. The only problem was, she wanted to be near Zale, to touch him and feel him inside of her again. "Oh gods," she whispered abruptly. She pried Shiv's arms gently free of her and pulled her along as she started across the room. "We should get going if we want to be in time for dinner."

Shiv nodded slowly as she looked between Kaysa and Zale. Just the way they were looking at each other made the flutterbies return. "Yeah," she said. "We should go before there aren't any tables left."

Zale managed to pull his gaze from Kaysa and look at Shiv as she stood watching him and Kaysa. "Good idea," he said. "Would you like to walk to the Tower, or should we take a hovercab?"

"Hovercab. I'm not walking in the street like this." Kaysa turned and managed a smile for Zale. "Besides, I might get the urge to run again. I can't run if we're trapped in a hovercab."

Zale chuckled. "Very well," he said. "We'll take a hovercab. Are you two ready to go? If you'd like, I can also arrange for a private room so you aren't observed by everyone else in the restaurant."

Kaysa eyed Zale warily and gave a dry laugh. Alone, in a private room with Zale... He was being very persistent in his advances and Kaysa almost admired him for it. She smiled almost mischievously and pulled Shiv close to her as they walked. With her hand on Shiv's rear, squeezing it gently, she gazed back at Zale and said, "Sure. A private room it is."

If he was going to pursue them both, she was going to make the hunt burdensome. She would put them into situations where they were all alone with him, giving him more opportunities to potentially act out on his desires. She would continue to tempt him, tease him, she would sit with her body close to his during dinner and her hand resting upon his thigh, but that's all she would give him for as long as she could resist.

It would be the ultimate punishment for preying on her vulnerability and fragility. If he'd wanted her for himself all along, he shouldn't have given her the opportunity to reconcile with Shiv and Merrick. He shouldn't have made her feel so guilty about abandoning him to find happiness while he was forced to remain alone and without companionship. The guilt compounded with her still burning desire for him was drawing her closer to him, and she would punish him for luring her in intentionally. "A private room...yes," she mused quietly. "We can have an intimate dinner, just the three of us. You'll have Shiv and I all to yourself. We can even feed you if you like. Doesn't that sound good, Zale?"

"Like the good slaves you are," Zale said with a smile. "Let's go." He held his arms out for them to take as he turned toward the door.

Kaysa removed her hand from Shiv's rear and slid her arm through Zale's. "Your dream come true, isn't it, Zale?" At his questioning gaze, she smiled and expanded on her thought. "Your two favourite girls, hanging off your arms. Is that what you've always wanted?"

Zale smiled and then chuckled. "Well, I must admit that it is something I've always thought would be nice. Though, I wish that spending time with the two of you weren't such a lesson in stress management." He led the way into the elevator and Shiv pressed the button for the ground floor. "Hopefully the strain of earlier in the day will be behind us tonight. We'll be staying at one of my other apartments tonight. There's much more room for the three of us there."

"The bed in your apartment was quite large, I thought. I'm sure we can all fit on that one," Kaysa said as she ran her fingers along Zale's arm. "Unless you plan on really throwing us into separate rooms. That could get so lonely."

Zale glanced at Kaysa and laughed. He slid a hand down and brushed it over Kaysa's butt and pulled her hip to his. "We don't want lonely," he said. "Perhaps the three of us can share the bed in my penthouse apartment. There's a nice spa there too."

"Well, did you hear that, Shiv? A spa." Kaysa glanced over at Shiv and gave her a wink. "I bet Shiv and I can have alot of fun in that big spa. You can watch if you like, Zale. We'll even perform for you if you ask nicely."

Zale sighed. "Yes," he said. "You can perform and I'll just sit back and watch."

Kaysa pouted playfully at Zale and ran her hand over his chest. "You know you're not allowed to touch, Zale. Why do you sound so disappointed?"

Zale grabbed Kaysa's wrist and pulled it away from his chest. "We're not allowed to touch, you tease," he said. The door opened and he started outside toward the curb.

Kaysa stopped in the entryway as Zale continued forward with Shiv still on his arm. It was the same as it always was with them. She would push too far, and Zale would defend himself by pushing her fully away. "Fine," Kaysa called out as she stepped off the stoop and onto the walkway. "No touching allowed. The cab really only fits two people. With three, there's a chance some of our body parts may come into contact. Can't have that," Kaysa said coolly. "I'll meet you two at the Tower." She turned down the street and leisurely began strolling away. She always enjoyed playing with Zale; everything was always unpredictable. "See ya later!"

Shiv stopped in her tracks and turned to stare at Kaysa.

Zale pulled his arm away and growled in frustration. "Look," he said. "This was just a bad idea. Don't worry about the rest of the week. You two, just go back to Merrick and have a nice life."

"Temptation, Part 3"
by Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr
and Maeren Shivral
Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 17, 4ABY

***

Kaysa spun around and the first thing she saw was the bewildered expression on Shiv's face, then the rage on Zale's. She shook her head vigourously and began stumbling backwards as she whispered silently to herself. "Oh gods... No, Kaysa... Stop this. You're slipping." Kaysa rushed towards Zale and grabbed him by the arm before he had a chance to climb the stairs. "I'm sorry...I'm sorry. Please, Zale." Kaysa tightened her grip, refusing to let go, and finally wrapped her arms around him in a firm embrace. "I'm sorry," she whispered desperately. "I'll stop this, I swear. Don't do this, Zale. I'm sorry."

Zale shook his head and looked into Kaysa's eyes. "What good will it do Kaysa? This happens every time; what makes this time any different?"

"Zale... It is different now. I'm different now, or at least trying to be." Kaysa reached up and brushed her hand along Zale's cheek. "The problem is, I want to be with you, but I'm trying my hardest to push you away. I can't resist you, so this is the only way I know how to eliminate the temptation. You're the temptation, Zale. Can't you see that?"

"I just wish you had a different way to push me away than by using me as something to walk upon," Zale said as he looked into Kaysa's eyes. "Maybe this week is too much. As much as I want you, I don't want to put you in a position we'll both regret later. I don't think I need to tell you how hard it is to fight back my desires. And, with both of you...it's almost overwhelming. I don't know how we're going to last the rest of this week."

"Zale, we'll hold back, Shiv and I. We won't taunt and tease you anymore, or flirt just to get you worked up. As much as I hate wearing this degrading equadi, I want to spend the week with you. I don't want this to end badly; I don't want this to ruin our relationship...whatever that is." Kaysa loosened her desperate embrace and caressed his chest gently. "I don't want to push away, and that's the problem. I want to be with you, but a part of me knows that would be a betrayal to Shiv and Merrick. It isn't fair to Shiv either. She follows wherever I lead, and if I lead her to your bed, she could unwittingly betray Merrick. I have to protect her. It's a responsibility I would rather not have, but I can't free myself from it either."

Zale shook his head slowly, unable to look into Kaysa's eyes. "I would gladly take both of you to my bed," he said quietly. He slipped his hands around her waist as she brushed a hand over his chest. "I've never really found the equadi all that appealing, but on you and Shiv... It's going to be a very long week, and I have a feeling I'll need many cold showers. I'll let you and Shiv sleep together in one of the spare rooms of my penthouse."

"That wouldn't be fair to you. I mean, we'd obviously be...you know. Separate rooms would be best, for your sake." Kaysa smiled softly at Zale and brushed her lips lightly against his. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I didn't think you'd react so badly to my flirtations. I pushed too hard. I'm sorry."

"I didn't realize that...that your flirtations would affect me like they did," he said. "And, you two can sleep together. I'll just...find an alternative solution to my groinal discomfort. There's a bar down the street where I might be able to find someone to at least blow off some steam with. I guess my desires got away from me, and I was pushing too hard to get what I wanted regardless of the outcome. I'm sorry for that. As nice as it would be to be with you again..."

"And you," Kaysa added with a bashful smile. "I haven't forgotten about those nights of pleasure. The rough sex was nice, delicious, but I think I rather preferred the tender moments like you holding me in your arms as you washed clean my wounds..." Kaysa looked away and laughed softly. "I try to push away, but I only end up venturing closer. This is what you do to me, Zale. That's why I can't trust myself when I'm around you."

Zale had been on the verge of telling her that he wanted more of those tender moments, more intimate closeness and sharing, but instead let go from the gentle embrace he'd been holding her in. "If only the situation were different," he said. "I don't know if I could trust myself with you, and that's going to be the difficulty of this week. I know I should push you away, but each step we take closer to each other, the harder it becomes to pull away."

Kaysa sighed and nodded her head slowly. She took a step away to place some distance between them; being near him was becoming far too familiar and comfortable again, which only made her yearn for him more fiercely. "I'll keep my distance, Zale. I'll try, just to make it easier on you, but I'm not that strong yet. I don't know if I'll be able to succeed." She wrapped her arms tightly around her and met Zale's gaze again with a tight smile. "Look, why don't you and Shiv go do that dinner thing. I'll catch a ride to the apartment and wait for you two there. I'm sure being with Shiv will lighten the mood a bit for you."

"Regardless of the tension," Zale said, "I want to be with you, and I have a feeling Shiv does too."

"I do," Shiv said, stepping up and putting her hands on Kaysa's shoulders. "And, if you guys want, I can lighten the mood for both of you. I think a nice dinner with just the three of us, in a public room, at the Segrelat Tower will be good, and maybe a slice of their venaberry pie for dessert. Then we can go back to Zale's apartment together, and then maybe a dip in that spa before bed." She stepped around Kaysa and held her hands out to both of them. "How does that sound?"

Kaysa looked up at Zale with an amused smile, then rolled her eyes and nodded her head as she slipped her hand into Shiv's. "Somehow, she always has a way of diffusing any tense situation." She fixed her gaze on Zale again, and urged him gently. "Come on, Zale. Take your girls to dinner."

With a laugh, Zale took Shiv's other hand and started toward the curb. "So," he said, glancing toward both of them, "do you think you can handle a walk to the Tower? Or would you rather take a cab?"

"Let's walk. It's not that far, is it?" Kaysa looked down at her soiled, bare feet and frowned. "Are we really not allowed to wear shoes with these things?"

Zale glanced down at both Kaysa and Shiv's feet and chuckled. "Well," he said, "I guess we'll have to fix that. I think most women typically wear sandals when they go out. We can go back upstairs to get you each something if you'd like. And, when we get to my penthouse, I'll take care of that dirt for you."

"We've been barefoot all day. I doubt a few more hours will be so bothersome." Kaysa glanced sideways at Zale, then smiled at Shiv. "You've never truly experienced bliss until you've been bathed by Zale. He looks strong, but when he wants to, he can be very gentle. He'll bathe every inch of your body if you ask him to, then, when he's done, he wraps you in a soft, warm towel and carries you away in his arms." Kaysa looked to Zale again and laughed softly. "Seems Zale has mastered both extremes. He's capable of complete tenderness, but you've not known fear until you've seen him angry, Shiv. Don't get on his bad side."

Shiv looked up at Zale and smiled much more dreamily than she intended to. "Well, I hope I never end up on that side of him," she said. "And, are you really going to bathe us?"

Zale nodded. "If that's what you two want," he said, "I'll gladly do so. And, after everything that's happened today, I think perhaps you deserve it. I think the two of you will like the bed in my penthouse. Your room has a very large bed stuffed with querlin goose feathers. It's like sleeping all night in a lover's warm embrace."

Kaysa looked to Shiv with mild excitement, and squeezed her hand gently. "That sounds very cozy. Is your bed stuffed with goose feathers too, Zale?" She wanted desperately to tell him he could share their bed, that he wouldn't need goose feathers to comfort him, but she couldn't lead him on again, nor could she raise her own hopes of being with Zale again. Kaysa felt a shiver travel up her spine as she pictured herself lying pressed against Zale's naked, glistening body as he held her in his secure embrace. "Goose feathers could never replace that..." she said softly to herself.

"It is," Zale said. "My room will be at the other end of the hall from you, though if you need anything there's a comm." As they started off toward the Tower, hand in hand in hand, Zale glanced at both women and laughed softly to himself. He had no idea how he was going to survive the week. Each moment in their presence made it harder to stand back, and he'd already pressed in farther than he'd ever intended. But, he couldn't stop himself. He couldn't deny the desires within him like that, and having Shiv and Kaysa wearing equadi didn't help either. Once again, he kicked himself for pushing Kaysa back to Merrick, but knew that the move had led to Kaysa's happiness. His happiness suffered in the end, but he didn't think he and Kaysa would ever be happy, not like she was in her current relationship.

They could see the Tower in the distance and Shiv giggled. "I wonder if the maitre d' will recognize us. I don't think he'll kick us out if he sees us with Zale, but he'll give us dirty looks."

"I would be surprised if he didn't, but Zale does look more menacing and imposing than Merrick." Kaysa laughed and pulled her hand away from Shiv's. She skipped over to Zale and faced him with a playful smile as she continued their walk backwards. "You'll protect us if that wicked man tries to kick us out, won't you, Zale?"

Zale laughed. "I'll take him up to the top of the tower," he said with a large smile, "and throw him off. And, I don't think he'll try anything if he knows you're with me. I'm a fairly big name there since I'm a part owner in the restaurant." He reached out his hands to place on Kaysa's hips as they walked but stopped himself and instead took one of her hands in his. "I'll protect both of you."

"Wait... You partially own the Segrelat Tower Restaurant?" Kaysa squealed with delight and threw her arms around Zale's waist, throwing him off balance. "I wouldn't be surprised if you owned half of New Plouton!" Kaysa moved to Zale's side with her arm slung across his waist and smiled up at him. "So...do you?"

Zale laughed. "Well, not half," he said. "I'd say closer to a third. Though, that's information only known to my financial analyst and I, and now the two of you. So, when we get there, do you want to do a private room, or should we stay out with the rest of the crowd?"

Kaysa's eyes bulged from her head. She leaned forward to look at Shiv, and saw the same astonished expression on her face. Slowly, she turned her head up to gaze with stupefication at Zale and managed to squeak out, "One third?" Kaysa shrieked and flounced wildly around Zale. "One third?! Oh my gods you're rich, Zale! One third!"

Zale watched Kaysa dancing around him and then Shiv joined in and he could only laugh. "Never believe that crime doesn't pay," he said. "And, yes, very rich and powerful. I try to keep a low profile and since, in my business, throwing around your wealth and power puts you right into the spotlight, I try to not make a big deal of either. I prefer to operate from the shadows and through proxies while I watch my fortune increase."

"Oh, who cares how you do it! You own one third of this gigantic dive!" Kaysa pulled Shiv into her arms and they twirled around in a mad dance. Their shrieks filled the dark, empty streets. "Zale's stinking rich! And he's gonna spoil us rotten or we'll...we'll escape again. Won't we, Shiv?"

Shiv giggled as she glanced back at Zale with a huge grin on her face. "Oh we will! And, we'll make it really hard for him to find us. He'll be out all night looking for his two wayward slaves who are out barefoot and wearing nothing but flimsy equadis. Oh and the trouble they'll get into, and it'd all be his fault."

Zale laughed. "Okay, okay," he said. "You'll be spoiled rotten. Just tell me how you want it done."

"Shopping!" Kaysa shouted emphatically. "You're going to take us shopping tomorrow to the most expensive stores in New Plouton!" She shrieked again and kissed Shiv deeply. She laughed and looked up at Zale with a large grin. "Then you're going to take us to Arcadia! I've never been there and I hear they have the finest jewelry in all of Tae'Karada. And you'll buy us anything we ask for!"

"Shopping it is," Zale said. "I'll make sure to clear my schedule for my two girls. I think I might be able to work my schedule to give us a full day together if you'd like that. We might need to get you out of the equadi when we're in Arcadia. From what I've heard, the Empire isn't all that big on them. They haven't outlawed them yet, but I don't know if we want to tempt them too greatly on their own territory. Though, I leave the final choice to the two of you."

Kaysa and Shiv stopped bouncing for a moment, but their excitement didn't fade. "What do you think, Shiv? Should we risk it with the equadi? We wouldn't want to get arrested before Zale has a chance to spoil us."

Shiv looked down at her dress and then back to Kaysa. "I'm starting to get really comfortable in this thing. Hmm, if you want to wear your equadi, we both will...and we'll bring an extra change of clothes along, just in case. I think it'd be kinda fun to see a couple Stormtroopers' eyes go wide behind those helmets of theirs as they get a good look at us."

"Me too! Equadi it is then." Kaysa squealed again, and with Shiv still clinging to her, they flew into Zale's arms. "Or you're our favourite master yet! We'll find some way to thank you. Have anything in mind?"

Zale laughed and pulled them both close. "There are a few things that spring to mind, but I really don't think you want to hear them. Though, for now, let's have a nice dinner and then we can relax in the spa back at the penthouse, and we'll see what tomorrow brings."

"I hate tomorrows," Kaysa said with a pout. "It always seems so far away." She sighed wistfully and moved beside Zale so they could continue their trek. "Tomorrow it is, though. And tonight, Shiv and I treat you. I'm sure we can find many ways to show our gratitude." She glanced up at Zale and laughed softly. "Other ways besides what I know is going through your mind right now."

Zale laughed. "Oh and how they're going through my mind," he said. "Well, however the two of you decide to show your gratitude, I will accept it." He slipped his arms around both their waists and then leaned in and kissed Shiv and then Kaysa.

As they finally entered the Tower and made their way towards the elevators, Kaysa couldn't help but giggle softly and look to Shiv. From her reddened cheeks and fit of giggles, Kaysa knew Shiv was thinking precisely the same thing. "Ever done it in an elevator, Zale? I think Shiv, Merrick, and I have left our mark in every elevator in this building."

Zale glanced at the elevators and laughed. "Really? I can't believe how wild the three of you are. And no, I've never done it in an elevator. I guess your elevator antics could be one of the reasons you're not allowed in here anymore. But it's a good thing you're with me. Shall we take the elevator, ladies?"

Kaysa looked pensive for a moment before chuckling. "You'd like that, wouldn't you, Zale?" She pulled him towards the lifts, with Shiv trailing along. Her finger depressed the button beside the lift then turned she to Zale with a mischievous smile. "I guess this will be a true test for you. Let's see if you can keep your hands off us whilst trapped in this tiny elevator."

Zale laughed. "I'd rather face all of the Feltreys down in Thanatos than be confined to an elevator with you two while needing to keep my hands to myself. But, this indeed will be the test."

With a soft ping, the doors to one of the elevators opened and the trio stepped inside. Zale pressed the button for the Tower and sighed as he looked at Kaysa and Shiv watching him expectantly.

Kaysa's hand held Shiv's while they gazed at Zale as if her were an oddity. In fact, he was, in a way. If it were any other man, they'd be fending him off, but Zale was keeping his distance and obviously attempting to keep his steely resolve. Kaysa cupped her hand over Shiv's ear and whispered a short recount of their first adventure in the elevator. "And then remember when he just thrust me against the wall?" Kaysa giggled and continued whispering as she pointed to different areas of the elevator as she recounted the entire event.

"You're trying to break me, aren't you," Zale said over Shiv's giggling. "You want me to take you here and now, don't you?" He couldn't hide the desire in his eyes and he knew they were trying to get him to let go. He wanted to. He wanted both of them, but he didn't know what they would do if he took a step forward. Would they just laugh at him again, or did they really want to be with him? It was almost too much.

Kaysa ignored Zale and suddenly broke into a loud fit of laughter. "And remember when the elevator reached the bottom floor and Merrick couldn't zip up his pants! He almost gave the crowd below a view of his cock." Kaysa used Shiv for support as she took in choked breaths while her laughter continued. "Oh, wait a minute," she interjected, the laughter making her speech barely coherent. "This is not the elevator! Remember?" Kaysa walked over to the wall of the elevator nearest Zale and jabbed her finger against it. "We left a dent, Merrick was fucking me so hard against it. Maybe this is the one where he did you on the floor."

Zale swallowed hard as he could feel the heat of Kaysa's body so near to him. He wanted to reach out and touch her, to caress her skin and pull her to him. He wanted to do all the things she was talking about and it was nearly making him blind with lust. It was a shock when he felt contact against his hand and realized he had reached out and brushed a hand along Kaysa's arm.

Kaysa's laughter slowly died as she turned to Zale. She'd taken him near the edge again without possibility of satisfaction. The ache must have been truly torturous, and when his hand touched her flesh, she felt a mutual ache for him. With a gentle smile, she took a step away from him and with deliberate movements, removed her gown and let it flutter to the ground. She reached forward and took his hand into hers. Bringing it to her lips, she kissed it lightly while looking up into his eyes. "Once, Zale," she whispered. With his hand still in hers, she brought it near to her flushed breast and whispered again. "Just one touch." She pressed the palm of his hand into her breast and closed her eyes as the touch she'd grown to desire with a burning passion finally became realized. Gently moaning, she let her own hand fall away and surrendered to Zale's touch.

Zale gently kneaded Kaysa's breast as she pressed against him. Slowly, he raised his other hand to her face and gently caressed her cheek. He drew his fingers along her chin and up over her lips. He couldn't take his eyes off her, caught as if under a spell. He felt near ready to explode and wanted to pull her into his arms. But, he couldn't rush himself, the touch was too sublime to blast through. He wanted to savour each sensation. He brushed the tips of his fingers over her lips and wished it were his own lips touching hers.

The taste of his fingers was almost intoxicating. She wanted to have her mouth scour the rest of his body, savouring every part of him. She parted her lips and ran her tongue along the tip of his finger. Once she had even a hint of his essence in her mouth, she knew she desired more. She moaned as her mouth closed around his entire finger, suckling it and feeding off the little taste of Zale she could extract from it.

Her other hand smoothed over his chest, then lingered down over his abdomen, edging dangerously close to his groin. She felt a heat burning within her mound and her moans reverted to groans as the yearning to have him enter her became almost painful. As he cradled her breast, she flattened herself more firmly against him and pushed him towards the wall of the lift. Her chest heaved as she sucked ravenously on his finger. She groaned as her hips pressed against his, but she found no release there. His clothing had become a shackle, preventing them from sating their desires, but something had to, for Kaysa had completely lost all restraint.

Zale pulled his finger from Kaysa's lips and replaced it with his own lips, kissing her with a passion like he'd never felt before. He wrapped his arms around Kaysa and pulled her to him. There was a hunger, a primal desire, in their kiss and it seemed to fire a furnace deep inside each as they sought to release the passions they'd been containing for so long. Zale reached a hand down between Kaysa's thighs and found her slit waiting for him. He slid his finger inside of her as they continued kissing.

Kaysa's hips jerked forward as Zale's fingers delved within her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him desperately. The sounds of their heavy breathing and moans reverberated through the tiny lift, punctuated by sudden sharp cries as Zale's fingers delved deeper. "I said one touch," Kaysa protested feebly. She pressed her lips to his again and with her hands at his waist now, she struggled to release his firm, pulsating cock from the confines of his pants. Kaysa wrapped a leg around Zale's waist for support and kissed him roughly as she became aggravated by the stubborn zipper she couldn't undo. She pulled her lips away for a moment to take a breath, and looked up at Zale. "This is wrong," she said breathlessly. She did nothing, however, to stop the situation from escalating. She needed to have Zale, if only this once.

As Kaysa clung to him, Zale used one hand to fight against his zipper while the other continued working between Kaysa's thighs. Finally, with a groan from Zale, the zipper gave. He pulled his cock out and pulled Kaysa to him. He felt the light touch of kisses at his neck and knew that Shiv was there at his side. As Kaysa pressed tighter and tighter against him, the harder his cock pressed into her stomach. The heat between them was near scorching and he could stand it no longer. He pushed his prick between her thighs and entered her.

Kaysa cried out as she was at once filled with intense ecstasy, as well as a looming sense of guilt. She'd pushed too far, this time, and had drawn Zale too close. A part of her wanted to pull a way and apologize to Zale for not being able to go through with it, but that would enrage him and she would no doubt lose even the possibility of a friendship with him. Now, though, the more prominent presence in her mind told her to keep going and surrender to the bliss. She was, and she was enjoying it.

"Hold the elevator, Shiv," Kaysa called out before her voice was seized by a shrill cry. She secured her other leg around Zale's waist and pulled herself into his arms. Her lips sought his in order to administer fervent, desperate kisses. With their tongues entangling and their bodies swaying against one another, Kaysa realized she couldn't turn back even if she wanted to. Their bodies were functioning as independent machines pursuing pure, sublime ecstasy. Her body, burning with the passion being evoked, was no longer her own. Every cry no longer processed as sounding like her own and seemed foreign, yet she felt every thrust, every spike of pleasure, and could do nothing to hold herself back. "This is what you wanted...isn't it?" she whispered to Zale breathlessly.

"Oh gods yes," Zale moaned as he continued thrusting inside her. "I have no idea how you do it, but you affect me like no woman ever has. I need you, Kaysa." He kept his pace going, strong and steady. The elevator had stopped, he could tell that. And, with a gasp, he realized that Shiv was down between Kaysa's legs helping out as well as she could. He heard himself cry out and once again, covered Kaysa's lips with his.

Kaysa's moans travelled from deep within her and got lost in Zale's mouth. She writhed against him furiously, and as Shiv's tongue entered her, her movements became more frantic. She clutched at Zale's shirt and heard her moans turning to whimpers. Her emotions were so frenzied, she didn't know whether to cry or laugh wildly. She pulled her lips away from Zale's and stared at him as she took in shallow, ragged breaths. She knew it was wrong, that she was betraying Merrick and leading Shiv astray by being with Zale. It also saddened her to know that she was still weak and had so far to go before she could finally free herself from her old ways.

She resented Zale for not being able to resist her, and herself for not being able to push him away. "I hate you," she whispered fiercely to Zale. She stared at the reflection of herself in Zale's dark pools and knew the words were meant for the person staring back at her from them. "That's it...we're almost there." Kaysa moaned and kissed Zale roughly before tearing her lips away again. "Why'd you do it, Zale?" Kaysa cried out and thrust herself violently against him as the sensations running through her reached a peak. Her fingers entwined themselves in Zale's hair and gripping his head firmly, she centred his eyes on hers. "If you regret it...why'd you do it?"

Zale's thoughts were muddied as they tried to swim through the dense fog of pleasure he was experiencing. Kaysa's words pierced through it all and seared into his mind. "Because you're miserable with me," he whispered. "Because you hate me and how you are with me. But with Merrick, with that relationship you're beautiful. You shine like the brightest star in the sky. In those moments, I see fully the woman I caught only glimpses of when we were together. That's why I did it, and that's why I hate myself. I selflessly let you go while still selfishly desiring you with all my passion and desire. I did it because I knew you could never love me back."

Zale's words pierced her like daggers and although she couldn't quite comprehend what he was saying in the confusion of the moment, the wrenching in her stomach and the thudding of her heart against her chest conveyed to her that she at least understood what he was trying to say. The softening of his eyes indicated clearly that on some level, he meant everything he said. In this moment of vulnerability, with his emotions rampant, he'd dropped his defenses and allowed his true thoughts and feelings to penetrate.

Kaysa's hand brushed lightly against his cheek before she wrapped her arms tightly around him and lay her head upon his shoulder. "I'm sorry," she whispered breathlessly. With tears now flooding her eyes and sobs choking her words, all she could do was whisper silent apologies. Her motions slowed as the act became less of a primal pursuit of satiation, and now a purely tender expression of apology. She wanted so desperately to tell him she did care for him, and that it wasn't his fault she couldn't control the malevolent side of herself when they were together. She enjoyed their tender moments too, ones where she felt herself crossing the divide of friendship and venturing closer to that plane where she knew a love for Zale existed, but she always turned away from it in fear, just as she did now.

Kaysa moaned quietly in spite of the tears and kissed Zale's shoulder fervently. He resented himself for his actions, and now the guilt she felt for abandoning him for a life with Shiv and Merrick culminated. He sacrificed the chance to be with her so she could find happiness, and in that one selfless act, she felt herself approaching the divide again with no idea which side she truly wanted to be on. "You fool," Kaysa whispered tenderly. "You beautiful fool."

Zale kissed Kaysa deeply and tenderly. "I'm the biggest fool in the galaxy," he said softly. His chest felt tight and his eyes burned with unshed tears as all the pain of letting Kaysa go seemed to fill him. The whole scene seemed so surreal to him as he and Kaysa made love in an elevator while tenderly expressing regret and pain. How had he come to this? Emotional sentimentality? It was unlike him, but he knew that he was helpless to divest himself of the feelings. Zale blinked slowly as he and Kaysa continued their slow deliberate rhythm. It was the tenderest their lovemaking had ever been, and he felt that all the way to the core of his being. "After this, if you and Shiv want out of our arrangement, you're free."

Kaysa could feel the sorrow emanating from Zale's eyes alone, and shook her head slowly. "No," she said quietly. "I'm not leaving you." Kaysa kissed Zale again. She was tormenting him now more than she had with her teasing and flirtations; she just didn't know what she truly wanted, but she couldn't turn away from him now and risk destroying him. She was through with hurting people; he'd done so much to help her and didn't deserve to suffer for confessing his feelings.

Kaysa moaned quietly, despite the quickly intensifying sensations coursing through her. She and Zale had never shared in such a tender act, but it was just as passionate and the sensations were just as thrilling as in their more frenzied acts. "Are you going to allow me to cum, Zale? This moment has to end, no matter how much neither of us wants it to."

Zale kissed her deeply then turned so that Kaysa's back was against the wall, causing Shiv to adjust slightly to their new position. He lengthened his thrusts, going deeper inside Kaysa with each. Finally, he could feel them both at the brink, and he gave a slight extra push and they crashed over the edge as waves of pure bliss washed over them. He filled Kaysa with his seed as she cried out with her mouth still attached to his. He stayed inside her for a few more minutes before pulling out, yet still holding her in his arms. Finally he broke the silence. "Do you two still want to do the dinner and then go back to my penthouse?"

Kaysa held onto Zale, trembling in his arms and burying her face into his shoulder. She had no idea what she wanted anymore and to complicate matters, she felt her pull towards Zale grow stronger, as well as her guilt for still desiring him paining her more. "You two decide," Kaysa said softly. "I can't...I can't think right now."

Shiv stood up and kissed Zale. "I don't think we should," she said as she brushed a hand along Kaysa's side. "I mean, I don't think Kaysa wants to be in there like this. Maybe we should go somewhere quiet."

"We can go to my penthouse if that's okay," Zale said. "I have a few droids that are fairly adept with the autochef. Will you be okay going there, Kaysa? We can take a hovercab."

"I'm fine," Kaysa said quietly. She looked to Zale, then turned away and focused on Shiv. "We can take a hovercab home. You and Zale can eat something. I don't think I'll be very hungry." Kaysa unwound her legs from around Zale's waist and planted them lightly on the ground. She gave him a gentle smile as her hands brushed along his chest. Kaysa wanted to say something - anything to him, but she shook her head and turned away to search for her equadi. "Start the lift, Shiv and take us to the ground floor."

Shiv tapped at the controls and the lift started dropping down toward the ground again. Zale leaned against the wall and adjusted his pants while she moved over to Kaysa and helped her with the equadi.

Kaysa smoothed out the sheer, black material, then ran her fingers through her dishevelled hair. She looked at Shiv with a gentle smile, then pulled her into an embrace. "Don't worry, my dear, I'll help ease your aches when we get to the apartment." Her eyes met Zale's as she ran her fingers along Shiv's back. "I'm sure Zale would like to help you with that too."

Shiv sighed at Kaysa's touch and looked back over at Zale. "I'd like that," she said as she slipped her arms around Kaysa and nuzzled into the crook of her neck. "I bet they're eventually going to make us start taking the stairs to get to the restaurant."

"If we're ever allowed back." Kaysa looked at Zale for a moment, but found it hard to hold his gaze. "I think we should avoid elevators anyway for the rest of the week." Kaysa looked to the wall of the elevator and laughed softly. "I think we added another mark. They should pad the walls in the future."

"It's a good thing we weren't so rough this time," Zale said. "They'd have to replace the car." He kept his back to the wall and dared not venture closer to Shiv and Kaysa. He didn't know where things were going now, and expected that Kaysa would be pushing him again soon. Each time they got close, they were pushed right back apart again.

As they stood in silence, Zale against the wall and Kaysa and Shiv holding each other, the car finally came to a stop and the doors slid open. Zale pushed from the wall and looked at the women.

Kaysa ran her hand through Shiv's hair and kissed her forehead. She watched Zale as he stood before them, waiting and studying them. Kaysa thought he was contemplating the situation, why she could give herself to him, but she ran to another for comfort. Their moment of passion should have brought them closer to each other, but Kaysa only felt herself struggling more desperately to break away. "Come on, Shiv," she said softly. With her arm around Shiv, Kaysa walked towards Zale and slipped her free arm through his. "Take your girls home, Zale."

Zale brushed his hand over Kaysa's and then led the way from the elevator. An elderly couple stood watching them. The woman slapped the man in the chest as her face contorted into a grimace. "See," she said in a raspy voice. "Smell that? I told you someone was having sex in the elevator again. Damn hooligans. Come on before someone steals it from us and starts doing it again. I tell you, they need a Morality Guard station right here in the lobby. Damn elevators are practically turning into brothels. When I was young..."

Zale was thankful that the elevator doors had closed and the three of them were moving farther out of earshot. Once they were out in the cool night air, he moved to the curb to flag down a hovercab.

"Temptation, Part 4"
by Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr
and Maeren Shivral
Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 17, 4ABY

***

As they hopped out of the cab in front of the large, towering building, Kaysa laughed and craned her neck to gaze up at it. "This one's even bigger than your other one, Zale. Why do you need so many apartments anyway?"

"Well," Zale said as he started up toward the building, "when I got all my apartments, I didn't have you two to spend all my money on so I had to buy something. So, the one hundred seventieth floor is all mine. I've also got a few other apartments in there rented for business clients I need to lodge for periods of time. My penthouse has four bedrooms, a full kitchen and living area, an office, and a full pool and spa. Mainly I travel around a lot, and I like to have a place to stay. Most of the time is spent at the other location, the one you've been to."

"No, that's not it," Kaysa said. "You just like showing off your wealth. It helps win over the women you bring home, I bet."

"If you want to go back over to the other place," Zale said, "we can. Though there is only one bed and the couch isn't all that comfortable. I only show off my wealth to the two of you, and that's only now that I know that you want to be spoiled. And, I bring home very few women, for your information."

"Well, not if Shiv and I can help it," Kaysa said. She pulled Shiv closer and started up the stairs. "So who's sleeping with whom tonight? I know Shiv needs satisfaction...isn't that right, my dear?" Kaysa kissed Shiv tenderly on the cheek and smiled. "I bet she misses you, Zale. She was very disappointed when you had to leave so unexpectedly that first time."

"Well, I think I can remedy that," Zale said. "How about Shiv and I disappear into one of the bedrooms for some of that much-needed satisfaction, and then she can join you in the other bedroom." They reached the elevator and Zale pushed the button to call it. "If you'd like, we can relax in the spa for a little bit before bed. And, don't worry, I'm sending you two up in this elevator and I'm taking the next one."

"A good plan, I think." Kaysa, holding Shiv tightly, stood by their elevator and sighed softly. "If you'd like to keep Shiv all night, you may. If she doesn't want that, she can have the other bedroom to herself. I'm not very tired. I might just sit around on the couch all night and stare out the window. I bet you have a wonderful view of New Plouton."

"If Kaysa doesn't want to be with me tonight," Shiv said, "I'll stay with you, Zale. Even though I'd like to be with her."

"The view is marvelous," Zale said "And, if there's anything I can do to help make your night...better, let me know."

Shiv and Kaysa's elevator arrived. Zale ducked in and pushed the button for his floor, and his passcode. "I'll see you up there," he said and stepped back out.

Kaysa pulled Shiv inside and watched Zale as the doors closed before them. She sighed as relief washed over her, and the tension finally dissipated. "Look, Shiv, I can spend some time with you if you need me, but I'd really prefer to be alone tonight. Do you understand?" she said gently.

Shiv nodded and then quickly pulled Kaysa into an embrace. "It's going to be okay, Kaysa," she said. "We'll find a way to make all this work. Maybe I shouldn't be with Zale tonight. Maybe I should just go into one of the other rooms and just be alone too tonight. And, if you want to lie next to me, you always can. But, if you do need me, I'm here. I love you, Kaysa. I love you more than anything. It's just that Zale's all irresistible, and he was turning on that charm of his. I mean, just the way he looks at you sometimes makes you want to melt. He's got power."

"But I should be strong enough to resist him, Shiv. I'm weak and it disgusts me." Kaysa sighed and pressed her cheek to Shiv's. Zale may have been irresistible to other women, but she had always thought herself to be more than just an ordinary woman. She was Kaysa Zenarr, a strong, independent woman who needed to rely on no one but herself. With Zale, he always lured her in despite her vain attempts to pull away. It was frustrating and degrading, and Zale was at the root of it all. If she didn't continue to push, he would win her over and she truly would be admitting she wasn't as strong as she thought herself to be. "Don't worry about me, Shiv," Kaysa said absently. "Be with Zale. Get your kicks. I won't mind."

Shiv kissed Kaysa on the cheek. "I don't think anyone is strong enough to resist him, Kaysa," she said. "He's...he's everything you ever desire and more. He's all dark and brooding and sensuous. I don't know if he has some secret powers like a Jedi, but he's really good at drawing you in. You're not weak, he's just very strong." She gazed into Kaysa's eyes and then kissed her. "And, I am going to worry about you, because I love you. I can't help but worry about you. I'll have some fun with Zale, and, as long as it's okay, I'd like to come out and spend some time with you too. Maybe some somewhat strong arms around you will help."

"This isn't something that can't be helped, Shiv," Kaysa said somberly. "And you don't understand. I should be strong enough to resist him. I've been using men for years, manipulating them, yet I feel powerless to even hold his gaze without blushing. What the hell is wrong with me?" Kaysa sighed sharply and pushed Shiv away. She paced angrily around the small lift and glanced back to Shiv. Gripping her gently by the arms, she stared sternly into Shiv's eyes. "You can't tell Merrick about this. I promised him it was over between Zale and I... Obviously I've broken that promise. Don't tell him, Shiv."

Shiv looked away angrily and then back to Kaysa. "Of course I'm not going to tell him," she snapped. "When we get up to the apartment, I'm going to fuck Zale too. We've both got the same problem. Merrick won't hear anything about this from me. And maybe you blush and can't resist him because you actually feel something for him."

Kaysa forced down her rage, and masked her surprise at Shiv's observation by keeping her features neutral. The only physical display of her anger came as she jerked Shiv away from her. "What the hell do you know," she said quietly. "Not everyone is like you, Shiv. You fall in love with everyone you meet. I don't fall so easily." She glared at her, but the menacing gaze served only to prevent Shiv from detecting her fear and anxieties. She knew in her tangled web of emotions, she felt something for Zale, but was afraid to explore what that was. She didn't want to delve into that, but if Shiv could sense it, there must have been something there.

Kaysa laughed derisively and stepped towards Shiv. "Tell Merrick for all I care. I don't give a shit. And when you're fucking Zale tonight, enjoy it, but know that it's me he's thinking about, not you, Shiv."

"But at least he'll be fucking someone who at least gives a shit about him," Shiv snapped, and then shook her head. "Why do you do this? Why do you completely shut down and turn off all your emotions? Why can't you just care about people like a normal person? Why are you pushing me away? It's me, Kaysa; why are you pushing me?"

Kaysa's anger was smothered by the anguish and confusion in Shiv's eyes. She needed to keep her resolve or everything she'd worked so hard to achieve over the week would be in vain. She'd come so far in such a short time, and refused to taint her accomplishment by lashing out over a hurt ego. "Shiv... Oh gods, Shiv." Kaysa pulled Shiv into her arms and kissed her neck and cheek tenderly. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I'm not pushing you - I'm not trying to. I'm just so confused and scared... I don't know what's happening to me, Shiv. I'm just afraid that if I continue on this course with Zale, I'll lose you and Merrick. I couldn't bear that, Shiv. I couldn't..."

Shiv shook her head vigourously. "You'll never lose me, Kaysa," she said. "Ever. Merrick won't find out about what happened if we don't want it to. And, I'll kick Merrick's ass if he tries to walk away from us. And, he'll realize that the embarrassment of having his butt kicked by a girl in an equadi is much harder to live with than his two salacious wenches having a good time with Zale Tregat, dark and moody sex-biscuit. We'll make it work, Kaysa. We're not losing Merrick, and if we want to we'll figure out a way to make something work with Zale, even if it's throwing him off his balcony."

Kaysa shrieked with laughter and squeezed Shiv gently. "You silly creature." She kissed Shiv deeply and smiled at her softly. "It won't work with Zale, not like this. I don't know what he wants from me, but whatever it is, I don't think I can give it to him." She furrowed her brow and lay her upon Shiv's shoulder. "Be with him tonight, Shiv. Anything to quell his urges so I will no longer be able to act out on mine. The struggle to resist him is beginning to tear me apart."

"I'll be with him and take his mind off you," Shiv said with a nod. "Though, maybe when he's asleep, I can sneak out to spend some time with you. Don't worry though, I'll protect you from Zale. He won't touch you again tonight." She watched Kaysa for a moment and then sighed. "I think he's falling in love."

"No," Kaysa said abruptly while shaking her head quickly. "Don't say that, Shiv. It's not true. It's...it's not like him." Kaysa pulled Shiv back into her arms and used her as a crutch to keep her legs from giving out beneath her. Above all else, that's what she feared. If Zale loved her, she knew she'd never be able to see him again. "You're seeing things that aren't there, Shiv. It's desire...pure, physical desire. That's all...please."

Shiv nodded to Kaysa, knowing to continue what she was saying would only make things worse. "Yes," she said. "That's all it is. That's all that's there. I'm wrong, Kaysa. It's just lust, and I was just projecting onto it. It's not love."

"Okay...that's better." There was no comfort found in Shiv's words, but Kaysa tried to grasp at what little reassurance she could find in them. "What is taking this elevator so bloody long," she spat as she moved away from Shiv and tapped furiously at the buttons on the panel. "You need to get to Zale and I need to drown my thoughts in a large glass of...ice water."

Shiv looked up at the numbers flicking across the screen over the door. "We're almost there," she said. "It's just that Zale's apartment is way up there. I hope there's enough air this high." She took Kaysa into her arms and held her close. "It's going to be okay, my love. It'll all be okay."

Kaysa took in rapid, cleansing breaths and finally relaxed into Shiv's embrace. "I know... I'm just afraid I'll slip again. I don't want to return to what I was. I never wanna be that woman again, Shiv." A chime sounded in the elevator as it came to a smooth halt. The doors slid open slowly to reveal Zale leaning against the wall with his arms folded over his chest. Kaysa pulled away from Shiv and took her hand. "Your girls have arrived, Mr. Tregat."

Zale chuckled and motioned them forward. "Come this way," he said. "If you want the tour, I'll give you that. Otherwise, I can let the two of you explore as you will. This place is kept fairly well-stocked, so food and drink should be available, as is the spa or a bed, or anything you want."

Kaysa pulled Shiv along and followed Zale's lead. "So are we the only ones on this floor?" Kaysa asked as she looked around the softly lit lobby. "The hallway alone is as big as my apartment."

Zale laughed. "The whole floor," he said. "Total space, it's roughly one thousand square meters. Usually, the only occupants are a pair of droids who handle maintenance and cooking. One of them also serves as a translator when I have someone from offworld here who doesn't speak basic or doesn't have a translator of his own."

He led the way through a large doorway and into an expansive living area complete with entertainment facilities and several large couches and chairs. "Bedrooms are down that hallway as is my office," Zale said as he pointed. "Pool and spa are out through those doors. With the pool and spa, I also own part of the floor below. Kitchen and dining are that way. And, if you'd like for me to show you it all, I'd be glad to do so. Name it and it's yours. Drinks, beds, relaxing soak, I think I can pretty much accommodate most of your needs here."

"You sound like a tour guide," Kaysa muttered as she wandered into the living area. "This is spacious..." She plunked herself down onto the large couch in the centre of the living area and sighed deeply. "What do you need such a big place for? I mean, yes the business associates and all...but you're all alone, Zale. You have no one. Seems a little too extravagant even for you."

Zale laughed and sat on one of the other couches. "It is big and extravagant, but I usually stay at the other place." He looked around the room and sighed. "I enjoy staying here when I do. It's a huge place, but I don't think it screams rich, New Plouton snob the way Rennor's does. It doesn't, does it?"

Kaysa pressed her lips together tightly and forced back a laugh as she shook her head. "Not at all...you big snob." She quickly got to her feet with an exaggerated sigh to drown out any retort Zale might have. "I'll take the couch tonight. It's very comfortable. And look at this view!" Kaysa kneeled upon the ledge extending from beneath the window and stared out into the night. "It's amazing. I feel like we're up among the stars...if we could see the bloody things. It's too bright." Kaysa sighed and lay her cheek upon the window as she stared up into the sky. "I think - since you own one third of New Plouton - that you should enact a law or something. At night, when the stars come out, everyone has to turn off all their lights. The entire province will be shrouded in darkness with only the stars lighting the way. I wish you could do that," Kaysa said quietly.

"I don't know if I could make it a law," Zale said. "But, I could at least give you a night." He leaned forward on the couch and wanted to go to Kaysa, but held himself back. He stared off toward the sky where the stars would have been. "I'll be right back, there's something I need to take care of. You two, make yourselves comfortable."

He quickly rushed off leaving Kaysa and Shiv alone. Shiv watched him leave and then moved over to sit next to Kaysa. "Sometime I'd like to take you up in my ship, and we could just sit in the cockpit and stare at the stars together."

"That would be enchanting," Kaysa said dreamily. "Especially with all those Imp starfighters orbiting the planet." She slid her feet onto the ground and sat on the ledge. Pulling Shiv into her arms and cradling her, Kaysa sighed and stared out at New Plouton. From this high above, living among the clouds, it almost reminded her of Bespin. While there, being able to fly almost seemed an attainable goal to her. If she closed her eyes and ignored the world around her, she almost imagined the ground slipping away from under her. How desperately she wanted to fly now; no one and no thing would be able to touch her, with only her dreams and hopes there to keep her occupied. "Do you miss your home, Shiv?" Kaysa asked softly. "Do you miss your old life?"

"Sometimes," Shiv said softly. "Sometimes I miss spending time with Lerrah on Agarra, or even some of the times on the ship. But, then I remember my parents, and I don't miss it so much anymore. It's hard to look back to them with any fondness when I have the here and now with you and Merrick. I love and feel loved, and it's an amazing feeling. I wish I could just open my heart to you and share those feelings with you sometimes. It'd be nice to share how I feel with you at least once. Sometimes it's so powerful I just have to stop and wonder how it's possible to feel that much for another person, but I feel like that with Merrick too. Sometimes I wonder if there's something wrong with me that I can't just love one person, but I can't help it."

Kaysa kissed the top of Shiv's head as she lay back against her. The disappointment and regret was clear in Shiv's voice, but Kaysa couldn't lie to her, nor could she force herself to feel anything but tenderness for her. It would only hurt her more to know the sentiments expressed were false. Shiv was naive but she wasn't stupid. "You've got so much love in you, Shiv, that you can't help sharing it with everyone you meet. I wish I could do that so easily. I actually admire you for it, you know that? You're truly amazing."

Shiv tilted her head up so she could look into Kaysa's eyes. "I know you don't love me," she said, "but I do know that you care for me a lot. If you didn't, I don't think we'd be here now. And, that you do care for me means a lot to me, and makes me love you even more."

"I don't want to lead you on, Shiv and make you believe that someday I will love you; I don't want you to carry hopes for something that just might not happen. Look what Merrick and I had to go through before I gathered enough courage to love him..." Kaysa kissed Shiv lightly upon the lips. "I don't ever wanna hurt you like that. I never wanna hurt you again."

"We've been through quite a bit too," Shiv said and slipped her arms around Kaysa. "I'm not sitting and waiting for it to happen, but if it does I'll be very happy. And, no matter what your feelings for me, I'm always going to love you." She leaned up and kissed Kaysa again.

"Okay," Zale called out as he strode back into the room. "So, I think we should get this evening started right. Anyone up for the spa or maybe the pool?"

Suddenly all the lights in the apartment went out. And, then out across the city, in a rippling wave that seemed to extend from their building, the power all across New Plouton went out.

Kaysa gasped quietly and gently pulled free of Shiv's embrace. "What's going on," she asked softly as she got to her knees. She pressed her hands to the glass to keep her balance and looked out upon the darkened province. She felt as if she were floating on a dark sea of clouds, with a soft lights from above shining down upon the darkness. As Kaysa looked up, she couldn't suppress the tears that spilled down her cheeks and collected in her gaping mouth. "I haven't seen the stars for 6 years... They're more beautiful than I remember them. Oh gods..."

"Earlier you asked to be spoiled by my vast wealth," Zale said softly. "I hope this is a good start." He watched Kaysa until he could no longer keep his gaze on her, and he quickly shifted his eyes upward to the stars. "If you'd like, you can go out on the patio."

Kaysa turned her head slowly towards Zale and no matter how awkward and guilty she still felt about their moment of passion in the elevator, she allowed herself a smile. "You did this?" Kaysa slipped off the sill and moved towards Zale until she had her arms wrapped around him. "Stop being so wonderful, Zale," she whispered. "It only makes this harder." She looked up at him and ran her hand along his cheek. "The patio sounds wonderful."

Zale held her for a moment and then moved to the door and slid it open. The night was nice, and without the power in the city, nearly silent. The sky was alight with stars. "I figured after the elevator," he said, "that I had to do something to make up for it. I don't know if this comes close or not, but here you are. The entire night will be like this."

"So you regret it then and everything...you said," Kaysa said with a rueful smile. She laughed softly to herself and moved away towards one of the patio chairs. A part of her regretted what they did, but hearing Zale admit he did as well devalued any memories of the tenderness they'd shared during the act. He had taken a beautiful moment and completely tainted it. More than anything, he made her feel foolish for believing his professions.

Kaysa reclined back on one of the patio chairs and focused only on the stars. She wouldn't let him ruin this moment for her or detract from it by presenting it as a token of apology. If he was guilty and it was forgiveness he sought, he wouldn't get it from her.

Zale followed Kaysa with his eyes and then shook his head. "I only regret that what we did has apparently hurt you," he said. "I regret nothing I said, and nothing we did. I've never regretted any time we've been together." He heard Shiv shifting on the patio behind him, her bare feet scuffing the paving stones. He shook his head again and sighed heavily, then turned toward the door. "I'll see you in the morning. I'll leave the droids active. If you wish to sleep in one of the rooms, they can show you the way. Good night." He pushed inside and didn't touch the door because he knew he'd just end up breaking it.

Shiv followed to the door, calling after him. "Hey," she cried. "What about--? Damn." Shiv sighed and moved out onto the patio again and found a place to sit to watch the stars.

"I guess you're not getting your fuck tonight, Shiv. Unless you slip into bed with him." Kaysa turned to Shiv with a serene smile and nodded to where Zale was moving through the apartment. "Go to him. He needs a good screw and so do you." She turned her eyes back to the stars and sighed. She should have been more affected by Zale's obvious irritation, but now wasn't the time to be bothered by his moods. She had the stars for one night only, and she was going to cherish them.

Shiv only nodded and left the balcony. She moved down the hall where Zale indicated the bedrooms were. She called several times but received no answer. She tried each of the doors, and they all led into empty rooms, save one; the last door was locked and when she looked, she could see a faint light shining out on to the floor. She knocked for several minutes to no answer.

Finally, the answer came: "Go away," the voice called out.

"It's me, Zale," Shiv said. "Open up."

"I know it's you, Shiv," he said. "I need some time to myself right now. Go the fuck away."

"Fine," Shiv snapped and turned back down the hall.

She stopped at one of the couches and dropped into it. She closed her eyes and wondered if Zale or Kaysa would ever speak to each other again.

"He turned you away, didn't he," Kaysa called from the entryway of the patio.

"He says he needs time to himself," Shiv called back from where she lay. "I might was well just frig myself here on his couch. Maybe I can stain it. Then Zale can try to explain the pussy stains all over his couch to his foreign dignitary client people."

Kaysa laughed as she moved into the living area and sat down next to Shiv. "He's brooding again, isn't he. He's always so sensitive!" Kaysa exhaled sharply and looked down the hallway towards the rooms. "Do you want me to go talk to him, convince him to at least give you a good, quick one."

"It's okay," Shiv said with a sigh. "You have to knock for five minutes, and then he uses the fewest number of words he can while still making sense to tell you to go away. I never thought a crimelord could be such a big baby."

"He'll come around." Kaysa wrapped her arms around Shiv and gently lay down with her atop the sofa. "You can sleep here with me. I won't push you away, or lock myself in a room and pout. I'll just hold you and caress you, and together, we can gaze up at the stars."

Shiv snuggled deeper into Kaysa's warm embrace and sighed happily. "Want to go back out on the patio? Then we can be under the stars and they'll be all around us."

"I want to stay here, Shiv," Kaysa whispered. She looked into Shiv's eyes and gave her an alluring smile. "I think it'll be more comfortable on the couch," she said as her hand slid along Shiv's body and down between her legs. "If he won't give you satisfaction, there's no reason why I can't."

Shiv gasped and then giggled softly. She kissed Kaysa as her fingers moved to release the small clasps holding her equadi in place. "I like it when you give me satisfaction," Shiv said. "For all Zale and Merrick's skill, they're nowhere close to giving me the kinds of orgasms you do. You satisfy me, and then I'll satisfy you. Then, when we're both satisfied, we can fall asleep in each other's arms."

"Oh, I plan to satisfy you, alright." Kaysa nibbled on Shiv's earlobe and quickly pulled away the fabric of her equadi. "I want you to scream and keep Zale up all night," she whispered as she thrust her fingers deeper into Shiv. "A nice, piercing cry of pleasure as only I can evoke from you."

"Oh!" Shiv cried out. "Oh, if you keep that up, you're going to be getting some good, loud screams out of me for sure. I don't think anyone in the building will get any sleep tonight. Oh, you are beautiful, Kaysa. I love the way you touch me."

Kaysa smiled silkily at Shiv as she slid down along her body. "If you like that," she said while planting kisses along her stomach, "just wait and see what else I've got in mind for you." Kaysa's head disappeared between Shiv's legs and administered touches that sent Shiv squirming. She hadn't seen the stars in over 5 years, but tonight, they were there, looking down upon them. She was making love to a person she cared for, and in a most romantic setting. She'd always dreamed of making love to Merrick and Shiv under the stars, and now it was reality. She desperately wished Merrick was there with them, but she was also glad he wasn't. He could never find out about Zale; she couldn't bear to lose him again over a betrayal and a lie. Trying to keep from losing Zale was going to be another struggle entirely.

"Scream for me, Shiv," Kaysa whispered from between Shiv's legs. "A scream that could shatter the stars..."

With the help of Kaysa's tongue, Shiv needed very little coaxing to scream like Kaysa wanted. The touch was magical and after a day in an equadi being gawked at and admired, she quickly reached the pinnacle and her cries reverberated around the room. She gripped the couch to keep in place and everything seemed to slip away into a vast pool of ecstasy.

"A wonderful scream," Kaysa said breathlessly as she slid atop Shiv. She kissed her deeply while running her fingers lightly along her tensed arms still gripping the couch. "I bet Zale wishes he were here right now. That'll teach him to run off and sulk every time he doesn't get his way."

"I bet he's hating himself right now," Shiv said, still breathless. "He could be out here sticking his dick in me right now, making me scream even more. Oh how I wish he'd give me a couple hours of nothing but mind-numbing pleasure. Just here, fucking me until I couldn't even think straight." She kissed Kaysa with deep longing. "But he could still never make me cum the way you do. No one can."

Kaysa laughed and shifted onto her side. She held Shiv gently and moved her kisses to Shiv's neck and chest. "I don't know what his problem is," Kaysa said between kisses. "It seems everything I say or do is wrong. I think he hates me." She closed her mouth around one of Shiv's nipples and suckled it tenderly while her hands caressed her thighs and hips.

Shiv moaned softly as she started caressing Kaysa. "I don't know," she said. "Maybe he's just tense. I bet he was hoping that after the elevator we'd come back here for an orgy."

"I don't think I could have," Kaysa said quietly. She sighed softly as Shiv's hands began roaming over her breasts. "He knew I was apprehensive about letting him do more than touch...yet he did so anyway." Kaysa moved her lips to Shiv's mouth and silenced a moan she was about to fill the air with. "Aren't you afraid of Merrick finding out? He might be angry."

Shiv nodded. "Yes," she said. "But, he won't find out from me. I haven't done anything with him, but I imagine by the end of the week I will. If nothing, Merrick will have to be angry with both of us and not just you. Besides, Zale still is amazing in bed."

"I know... He's hard to resist." Kaysa looked up at Shiv and grinned at her slyly. "Wanna try him again? I'm certain he's heard your cries and he's probably aching to make you scream like that again. Go see if he wants to come out and play."

"Okay," Shiv said with a grin. She gave Kaysa a deep kiss, and then slid off the couch and rushed down the hall.

Kaysa sighed and slipped off the couch shortly afterwards. She spotted the small refrigeration unit across the living area and moved towards it. She glanced down the hallway to see how Shiv was coming along with Zale, then turned her attention the unit and tugged it open. "Typical bachelor," Kaysa muttered to herself as she looked through the meager stock of food in the refrigerator. She delved into the unit and scavenged through it, reaching to the back in hopes of finding something edible. "Gods, this stuff is ancient. I should hire him a maid. Yes, that's what I'll do. I'll hire him a maid, a real, live one with a really skimpy outfit. That'll take his mind off things."

Kaysa clutched a jar of pickled...somethings from the back of the unit and started to pull out, but found she couldn't get very far. The fabric of her equadi was pulled taut, and glancing down, she realized she'd snagged on something. "Hey!" She grunted and wriggled as she tried to free herself from the confines of the refrigerator, but she only succeeded in entangling her equadi further. "I'm stuck!" she cried out in disbelief. She whined and groaned but her attempts were fruitless.

Kaysa sighed and abandoned her efforts, opting to wait until either Shiv or Zale came to her rescue. She rested her elbows on the shelf inside the unit and unscrewed the cap on the jar. Trying to amuse herself with the surroundings of the small box she was trapped in, Kaysa trapped a pickled something between her fingers and began snacking on it. She hoped Zale had decided not to open the door for Shiv or she figured she'd be stuck in there all night.

"Look who I-- Kaysa, what are you doing? You just pull the things out of there, you don't climb in to get them." Shiv hurried to Kaysa's side and glanced inside the refrigeration unit and giggled. "Looks like you're stuck and helpless, and I can have my way with you now."

"Not funny, Shiv," Kaysa said with a mouth full of pickled something. "I'm trapped and it's cold. If you want to have your way with someone, go see if you can coax Zale out of his room. I mean, I don't understand how one person can brood so much. You'd think he was miserable or something. How could he possibly be?! He's rich, sexy, and has more power than the High Prince ever had. I don't know what his problem is."

"Me neither," said a voice that definitely wasn't Shiv's. As Kaysa glanced, she could see Zale standing there in the darkness.

"As I was saying, look who I found," Shiv said. "It took a bit of doing, but I finally got him to come out. We didn't expect you'd be caught in there, but he can help now, can't you Zale."

Zale looked at Kaysa and then nodded. "Sure," he said. "I can help her." He moved up next to Kaysa and reached inside to release her from the icy grip of his refrigeration unit.

His body brushing against her arm sent a shiver through her that not even the chill of the refrigeration unit could elicit in her. As her equadi loosened and she felt herself freed from her vice, she slowly backed away from the unit with her pickle still in hand. "Thanks," she said awkwardly.

"It's the least I could do when my refrigeration unit grabs someone," Zale said. "You're okay? You weren't there long were you? If you need warming up, I can run some warm water for you or I think I have a portable heater around here."

"I'm fine. I wasn't in there too long and these...things, kept me company." She displayed the pickled item to Zale, then took another bite. "You really need to stock that refrigerator. Do you just order in everyday?" Once she popped the last of the pickle into her mouth, she wrapped her arms around her trembling body and rubbed her arms vigourously. "Are you gonna indulge Shiv? She didn't do anything to you; she deserves a good romp."

He glanced back at Shiv who was watching him eagerly. "I guess I should before she tries to break down my door again." At that, Shiv squealed and flew into his arms. Zale chuckled. "And, I only ever stock that one when I know I'm going to be staying here. Most of the food's in the other apartment, where I eat more of my meals."

"Oh...well, the pickles were good." Kaysa smiled at Shiv's display and moved back towards the living area. "I'll leave you two to it then. Are there any blankets around here? I'm a bit chilly still."

Zale started leading a still-giggling Shiv away. "There are extra blankets in the other bedrooms. Feel free to help yourself." He and Shiv disappeared down the hallway and into his bedroom.

Kaysa sighed and as Shiv's excited squeals and quite vocal moans began to arise from the bedroom, she decided to forego the blanket and head straight for the patio. Closing the door behind her, she sat down upon the reclining chair and stared up at the bright pinpoints of light illuminating the darkened skies. Zale's gift to her seemed somewhat insincerely given and less genuine now. If he was trying to woo her for whatever reason, he was failing miserably, not that she would let him succeed in any event.

She vaguely heard moans penetrating through the glass door of the patio and couldn't help but smile. Shiv was certainly enjoying herself, and Zale most likely as well. Sex with Zale was bliss, but she knew it was merely a game to them. He was using it to draw her in, and she used it to quell his desires and eliminate any further temptation by him. It was twisted and unhealthy, yet she continued to play the game still.

Kaysa closed her eyes and cried out in frustration and hopelessness. He was luring her in again and she didn't know how long she could keep him at a distance. She wept loudly and bitterly as her resolve finally broke and fear set in. Zale wasn't going to back down and she knew she didn't want him to. Everything she'd accomplished was going to whither away; Merrick would leave and Shiv would soon resent her. As she looked up again, the stars suddenly didn't seem so bright anymore, and neither did her future.

"Discussing Missions"
by Ithea Tass - Darkwitch
and Admiral Tarkin - Imperial Sector General
Location: Imperial Outpost (former Royal Palace)
Date: Praeda 17, 4 ABY

Ithea had returned to the dress shop and with the help of the shop keeper, she left an hour later dressed as she had entered. Her makeup was in place, the brilliant white contrasted with her black hair which was once more braided with the red ribbons.

It didn't take long before the white guards of the empire flanked her. "You will come back to the palace now," one ordered.

She laughed, wondering how they would explain losing someone so visibly obvious for over four hours. "Of course, but only because I choose to." She found it even more humorous that they all seemed to think that she should fear them.

In under an hour they had escorted her back to her room. She was sure they had hurried off to make their report of her disappearance. She wondered how long before the man, Tarkin, would summon her to explain.

"You, come here," Ithea ordered. The man stood lazily. She walked up to him and slapped him, and he flew back against the bed. "Don't EVER make me speak twice."

The man's eyes were wide with fear for the slap had carried more power then her small frame should be able to exhibit. "Yes, mistress!" he said now grovelling at her feet. She picked him up by his throat so he had to stand on his tip toes, blue light danced down her fingers. He squirmed in pain. "You can do better," she hissed, for his tone had been merely fear and not subservience.

"Yesss Mistress!!!" he managed as she dropped him back to the floor.

"Either of you have a complaint about our service?" she said rounding on the two others. One was a male and the other a female.

"No mistress, we are happy to serve you!" they answered together.

"Good. I have brought new clothes, you will dress me." She stood as they prepared her for an interview with Tarkin she was sure was to come.

In the meantime, Tarkin was sitting in the throne room. He frowned. He knew of her small escapades to the city and wondered why she hadn't given him any sort of explanations. Then again she was used to being the one in charge. He got up and decided to go visit her instead of having her over. "You and you follow me," he ordered as two red guards followed him.

He entered her room with no previous announcement. He nodded to Ithea. "I do not mind you leaving the palace but I would ask you to be polite enough to let me know you are leaving. You are not my prisioner but my guest so know that, yes, you can leave the palace at your own necessity, but for my accomodations and knowledge I would ask you to inform me of your leaves of absence."

He sighed and crossed his arms. "Unless of course you would prefer to leave the palace and the accomodations I grant you and move to the city perhaps?! I do hope we have been up to your expectations as in the service provided..."

"I am not displeased, other than the guards who seem to think I cannot protect myself," Ithea answered lazily. "You know, in even barbaric societies, it is considered polite to at least announce yourself before entering a private room." She stood and stretched. "I would be happy to let you know when I leave, if you will agree that I do not need a shadow."

Tarkin grinned. "You are aware that the room I enter in which we stand belongs to me... Should I need to be allowed to enter my room?" he asked hypothetically raising an eyebrow. "As for your escort, it is only for your own security. You are not accustomed to the values and ways of this planet. I and I only had them follow you so that you would remain safe... It was out of concern," he said. "You can still go any place you desire..."

"I do not need protection, I can demonstrate this if you wish," she said with a growing frown. "If you send them, I will simply lose them as I did this time. I am not a prisoner as you pointed out and therefore do not wish them."

Tarkin stepped forward. He knew he had nothing to fear from this woman. She needed him as much as he did her, or perhaps even more. And with the Red Guards nearby there was no chance of her using any powers as they would cut it off with their Force Training.

He would not step down. "I am sorry if an escort is inconvenient to you but nonetheless you will have one with you everytime you decide to leave the palace. It is not an option I give you, it is a rule I set to any person of importance..." he told her. "I am sure you can protect yourself, but to the escort I must insist. If you lose a normal one perhaps I should consider the Red Guards as an escort. I am sure they are very capable of keeping up your pace..." he offered. He knew that she was used to ruling over men, but not here, not in his palace!

Ithea's eyes narrowed but she said nothing. She would take care of the matter. There were other ways to deceive a guard but to say so would only forwarn him. "Do you think that I am in danger then?" She looked in the mirror and smiled. Most found merely her manner of dress and facepaint intimidating enough to stay out of the way. "Fine whatever.. Send your little puppets with me. I do not plan to leave all that often anyway. I am bored Admiral, I suggest you find a way to put me to task for I do not do well bored."

Tarkin smiled wickedly. So perhaps she would aid his own personal cause, aiding herself in the process. He nodded. "Tell me, how is Zale Tregat? Or perhaps I should make another question... How is Kaysa Zenarr?" he asked. "No need to tell me really. Alas, I would ask you that since you got close enough to both, as it seems, then I would ask you to gather me information on their alliance. You see, they both try to elude the ships and the scans to smuggle things out... I would very much appreciate knowing what they smuggle and with whom they deal."

He turned his back on her. "Or you could aid me with a personal problem, if you do not mind killing someone," he offered.

Ithea frowned. How had he known of Zale and Kaysa? "Well, since both know that I stay here. I doubt that either will ever tell me anything of value. You see, I did not tell them what I am but they do know where I am. I am afraid I would have to leave here to get anything from them at all." She wasn't sure she would do that as she had given her word to Kaysa, but her words were truth none the less. "How did you know that I had met them, since I know that I lost your guards AND I have never appeared before you without my traditional makeup?"

"My dear Ithea, you lost the garrison I sent along with you, but that was your protection. The Empire has many many spies in many many places. You being left unguarded does not mean unseen. And I have been told of your strolls in New Plouton. But that is not of any importance now..." Tarkin said. "So you mean to say that gathering info is not of your interest?!"

"I did not say this. But if that is what you wished of me, it would have been good to tell me so. The two people you mentioned know that I am under your..."--she winced--"control. So they are not likely to ever tell me anything of value to you. They have offered to help me escape your influence but I am not sure they would believe it even if I left here. Unless I took them something of enough value to convince them." She thought of his other offer. "Who did you wish killed?"

Tarkin laughed. "Escape my influence? I guess I would expect Zale Tregat to want you for his own personal reasons. But alas, he cannot offer what I give you in return of some small favors. I need two things from you my dearest. One is that you bring me the High Princess who escaped the palace before capture. She is thought to be somewhere on this planet still."

Tarkin took a couple of paces. "The other one is to discover what type of connection there is between Zale and the Rebels... Sources tell me he is working with them," he told Ithea. "Grant me this and in return I will do as promised and see to it that you get your trip home."

"I will need to reside outside the palace," she said thoughtfully. "I cannot find you what you need from here. The very fact that I must return here makes it easy for anyone to see that I am yours to command."

"Indeed..." Tarkin admitted. "Very well, I shall grant you accomodations in New Plouton's Yesdol District as well as in Arcadia. I assure you they are luxurious. You will have your slaves, plus five more in each apartment for your convenience and two of my Red Guards who will accompany you at all times."

He was about to leave the room when he stopped. "I expect to have progress in this matter. And remember that you will be watched..." he told her. And indeed he knew just how easy it was for him to follow her moves, with the large spy network he had and all. Money could buy anyone...

"Now if you will excuse me, I have other matters to attend to..." he said just before leaving.

"Wait!" Ithea quickly moved to him. "You ask me to find information for you. I CANNOT do that with Imperial Guards at my side or at my apartment. I know that if you knew I met Kaysa, that you will be watching. If you want this done, you will have to trust that I can do this without protection. An assassin does not work well with a guard in tow. Also, I will need to find my own place. Let me go to Kaysa and allow her to help me. Choose a liason to act as slave. I can send him to you on errands for me to give you what you wish to know... reports. Maybe I will learn what you wish to know, maybe I won't. But I will have a better chance while I look for this princess of yours. Also, I will need a picture of her and I need to speak to someone dispensible that knew her." She looked at him, eyes not leaving him. Now was the turning point for them. If he insisted that she follow his way she would know she could not work with him. One could not do the types of things he was asking of her under the restrictions he was wishing in place.

Tarkin gestured with his hand waving, his back turned to Ithea. "Very well, you may go as you wish. You will have no escort, and you will have no help. As a link I shall grant you with Marius. He is a slave that used to serve the Princess herself. Also, you will be given a datapad with all that is known about her. If you need credits I can grant you some as well..." he said.

Ithea nodded her head in understanding. "I assure you that this will be best. I will need some credits to do what I need." She watched as he left. Once he was gone she wandered off in thought. She turned to her slaves. "Pack my things, we are leaving." By the time Marius had arrived, Ithea was ready to leave.