Ithea led her slaves to a place of temporary living after changing at the dress shop. She registered for a room and paid with her newfound credits. She made sure that the slaves were ensconced. "Grieg you will come with me."

She left the hotel and led him to an alley. She turned and looked at him severely. "I will not tolerate a spy within my midst. It is clear your tongue has been wagging." She had no other explanation for Tarkin's knowledge and he was the one slave she could not read. Ithea walked up to him as his eyes widened. With sudden movement, she implanted a vibrodagger deep into his chest and then slowly twisted it. "You were a bad slave anyway." She jerked it loose and watched as he fell to the ground. She slit his throat and then wiped the dagger on his clothing. She then returned to the hotel and made sure there was no trace of blood. The room had communication accessibility so she placed a call to the number on the card Kaysa had given her and asked to speak to Kaysa.

***

Kaysa scurried into the main office area as she heard the distinct beep of her comm device sounding. She swiped the device from Shiv and kissed her quickly on the cheek before bringing the device near to her mouth. "Zenarr here. How can I help you?"

"It is Ithea. I...I thought about your words and I have moved to a temporary housing location. The Admiral was not pleased and withdrew much of his support. I need to find a place to live and I was wondering if...you would help me find a place to live and maybe...a way to earn credits." Ithea's voice sounded lost and unsure.

Kaysa looked to Shiv with an expression of uncertainty. Her discussion with Zale the other day came back to her, which reminded her that she had promised to help Ithea if she could. Now Ithea was asking for help and she would keep her word. Kaysa sighed gently. "Where do you want to meet and when? I might be temporarily detained, but I think I can sneak away for a while."

"I am at the Royal Heart. It was the first place I could find that allowed temporary accommodations. I am in room 213," Ithea replied obediently. She truly had no clue as to how to find a place to live and what was considered a good place versus a bad location. She knew Kaysa would have that knowledge. "I have other things to tell you, but over the comm is not a wise choice."

"You're probably right. I can be there in around ten minutes." Kaysa glanced at Shiv again as she added, "Do you want me to come alone, or can I bring my friend Shiv? She can be trusted if you're worried about that at all."

"I trust you to make the wisest choices, Kaysa," Ithea said, sincerity was clear in her voice. "I will see you soon." Ithea cut the communication and smiled.

Kaysa stared at the comm device pensively for a moment longer, then glanced sideways at Shiv. "You don't have to accompany me, but I think I'd feel much safer if you did. I mean, do you think it could be a trap?"

Shiv looked up at Kaysa and shrugged. "I don't know," she said. "I don't know if Ithea's smart enough to do something like that here. Though, if she's working with the Empire, I think they are. And, you'd have to force me to stay here. Of course, I'm going with you. Though, Zale may not be happy about us going off alone."

"Well, he shouldn't have left us unchaperoned." Kaysa strapped her comm device onto her wrist and slipped her hand into Shiv's. "Come on. We have to be there and back before Zale returns or he'll have us strapped to a bed for the rest of the week."

"I think he'd like that too much," Shiv said as she followed along behind Kaysa. "I think he'd probably end up exploding." She giggled at the thought as they slipped toward the door. "Do you think we'll actually be able to get out of here without being seen?"

"I think we might be able to convince the guards to let us get by. We'll just say...we need to go to the bathroom to adjust our pantyhose." Kaysa giggled softly, but she swallowed back the rest of her laughter as Zale's guards halted them. "Oh, hello, boys," Kaysa said with her most alluring smile. "Is there something wrong?"

Both guards gave Kaysa and Shiv a good long look before one of them smiled. "Zale says the two of you are to wait in his office for him," he said. "His meeting should be over in another fifteen minutes."

"But he just commed me and told us to join him." Kaysa looked at Shiv with a look of confusion, then shifted her gaze back to the guards with the same bewildered expression. "He seemed so intent upon introducing us to his business associates. He said Mr. Raiga was anxiously awaiting a look at the two sex slaves he'd acquired. He's gonna be so mad..."

One of the guards looked over Kaysa's body and grinned. "Yeah, I bet he'd enjoy introducing you around. But, we'll need to clear your leaving with him. If you just wait while I contact Mr. Tregat and check with him. Should only be a moment."

"Oh dear...I wouldn't do that if I were you," Kaysa said with a frown. "He said he didn't want any intrusions. He said we were to arrive at the meeting at a specific time and that he didn't want to be bothered until then. I really don't think you should disturb him. He can be frightening when he's angry."

The guard frowned and narrowed his eyes. "Really," he asked, doubtful. "He warned us you might say something like that." He brought the comm up. "If Mr. Tregat gave you clearance, then it's okay. But, I do need to check with him. Protocol, you know."

Kaysa sighed and glanced sideways at Shiv. She chewed her lip for a moment, then was blessed with a flash of ingenuity. "Hey, Shiv. Remember that fun game we played with Zale on the street the other day? Wanna play again?"

Shiv giggled. "Oh, I remember that one. That was a fun game. I think these guys will like it. I'm ready."

Kaysa nodded her head subtly and studied the guards. The one was in the process of comming Zale, while the other was staring lazily out the window beside him. Kaysa gave a short laugh and shook her head. She really had to advise Zale to get more competent guards.

Without wasting another moment, Kaysa gave Shiv the signal and sped down the corridor towards the elevator. She gripped Shiv's hand as they ran and dismissed the shouts the guards were hurling at them. As they neared the elevator doors, their approach triggered the sensors and the doors slid apart. "Come on!" Kaysa urged to Shiv as she pulled her through the partially separated doors.

Once they were in, Kaysa turned around and yelped as the guards quickly closed the distance to the lift. "Close the doors, Shiv!" Barely fully opened, the doors began closing again. The guards were still scrambling to reach them, but the contorted look of anguish on their faces clearly indicated they knew their efforts were futile.

With the doors quickly closing before her, Kaysa giggled and gave a little wave to the guards. They weren't the brightest pair, but at least their imbecility allowed for an easy escape.

****

"She said the Royal Heart, right?" Kaysa asked as they walked arm in arm down the street.

Shiv looked around and nodded. "Yes," she said. "That one there! I hope she's got slaves with her. Oh a nice massage after that run would be very nice. Oh I really hope Zale lets us go home to Merrick tonight, but after running away like that we probably won't be seeing him until the end of the week."

"I know, but he's locking us up like prisoners! Serves him right..." Kaysa led Shiv to the entrance of the rather run-down looking building and held the door open for her. "Ithea must be more desperate than I thought. This place is...well...a dive."

Shiv looked up at the building and wondered how the thing was still standing. "I guess so," she said. "We'll have to find her someplace new really quick. No one should have to live in a place like this, especially not one of our friends."

Kaysa smiled warmly at Shiv and gave her a gentle embrace. "I'm glad you feel that way, Shiv. I'm sure Ithea would appreciate that." Kaysa and Shiv approached the front desk, which appeared to have been abandoned. "Hmm..." She glanced at Shiv and shrugged her shoulders. "Well, looks like we'll have to find our own way around."

Arm in arm, Kaysa and Shiv headed trepidly up the rickety stairs and down the corridor of the second floor. The odours emanating from the carpet were close to putrid, and the flickering lights cast moving shadows across the walls that only amplified the sense of foreboding. "This place is creepy. I mean, does anyone even live here besides Ithea?"

Shiv looked around and shuddered. "I don't see how anyone would live here. This place isn't even fit to exist in Yallder. And, the carpet is gross. I wish I had my boots no matter how silly they'd look with the equadi. Maybe Ithea's slaves do foot baths too. It was 213, right? That's it up there, isn't it? The sign on the door is gone, but you can still see where the 213 isn't as faded like the rest of the door."

Kaysa squinted her eyes and leaned in close to examine the door. "Could be..." She stepped back and smiled at Shiv. "I guess only one way to find out." Kaysa looked around for a door chime, but there was none in sight. She shrugged her shoulders at Shiv and balled up her hand before rapping against the door. The sound echoed down the silent corridor, startling Kaysa, who clung even more tightly to Shiv.

A man opened the door and smiled at them. "Greetings Mistresses. Ithea awaits." He held open the door. He was not one of those Ithea had brought with her to Kaysa's office. As they entered, Ithea entered from another room. She smiled at the two women. "I am so glad to see you. I did not know where to go."

Kaysa gazed sidelong at the obvious slave who was standing obediently by the door. She smiled at Shiv nervously, then looked to Ithea again. "It's...nice, but I'm sure I can help you find something better." Kaysa remained by Shiv's side, holding her hand tightly and feeling very exposed. Even the slaves seemed to be wearing more clothing than they were. "Uh...so what happened? Did Tarkin banish you or something?"

"He was not pleased that I could not tell him information about you and Zale. He... It is complicated and I cannot discuss it." Her eyes flashed to the man by the door and back to Kaysa.

"Wait a minute... You were spying on us?" Kaysa shook her head slowly and shifted her eyes away from Ithea. "So you were spying for Tarkin after all... I guess Zale's suspicions were correct."

"I am sorry." Ithea's face flushed. She dared not say more in front of Tarkin's token slave. "I did not know that is what he wished till I returned. I refused and here I am."

Kaysa sighed and looked back to Ithea, trying to mask the disappointment she was feeling. "So, what now? Have you come to pledge loyalty to Zale and I? Or do you just need a friend? I'm not sure what to think, Ithea. I mean, this too could just be a trap to gain our trust. I know it sounds harsh, but you were working for the enemy until today. It's to be expected that I'd be a little wary of your intentions."

"Then don't trust me," Ithea offered. "I am not asking you to share your darkest secrets, just help me find a place to live. As for a trap too, our first meeting was an accident. I was not asked to speak to you till after we had met and only because the spy that Tarkin has following Zale informed of our meeting in the mating hall."

"There's someone tracking Zale?" Kaysa looked worriedly at Shiv. "I wonder if he knows that." She let out a deep breath and took the liberty of moving into the room and taking a seat on the rather worn sofa. She looked up at Ithea and tried to smile. "The problem is, I already trust you, Ithea. I want to help, I've wanted to help you since the first day I met you. I can identify with your struggles and I wanna help ease those. I will help you."

Shiv moved quickly and sat next to Kaysa. "Me too!" She tried to avoid looking at the sofa, afraid to know what she was actually sitting on. She knew the flimsy fabric against her skin would not protect her from whatever nastiness was on the couch.

Ithea sat down beside Kaysa and looked at Shiv. "Zargon is in the other room," she teased. "Let us go out." Ithea stressed the words hoping Kaysa would get the picture.

Kaysa noticed Ithea's eyes subtly flutter to the slave by the door, then back to her with a stern gaze. She smiled tightly to convey comprehension of the hint then rose from the sofa. "Shiv's been waiting for the chance to see Zargon again. She definitely enjoyed his massage, didn't you, Shiv?"

"Oh, Zargon my saviour," Shiv said. "Oh how I could truly use those beautiful hands of his right now. We ran part of the way to get here, and I could really use some of Zargon's magic."

"I guess that's a yes, Ithea." Kaysa smiled and nodded an assent to Ithea. "Won't you lead the way?"

"Marius, take the chip I gave you and go and find my guests something in the way of refreshment," Ithea ordered curtly. "We will be with Zargon. Take Tessa with you. She could use some air." The man named Marius bowed and fetched a young woman. They both left as Ithea was leading the two women into what served as a bedroom, though the bed had seen better days.

Shiv glanced at the woman and grinned. Once she was gone, she couldn't stop her giggle. "Very nice," she said. "Very cute." Once they were in the bedroom, she grinned at the slave standing near the bed. "Oh Zargon, how I've missed you."

Kaysa folded her arms over her chest to conceal her breasts so she wouldn't feel so informal when discussing such serious matters with Ithea. "Is he one of Tarkin's?" Kaysa asked. "A spy? The girl too?"

Ithea smiled as she saw Zargon's face light with pleasure. She turned to Kaysa. "There is much to tell you and I have little time. Tarkin wishes things of me that I do not wish to give. The only way he let me out of the palace without a full guard was if I agreed to take his little pigeon with me. I don't know about the girl, but I fear to trust her."

"So, you're free, but not completely. Typical of the Imps." Kaysa held back a smile as Zargon waited in anticipation for Shiv to remove what little clothing she wore. She glanced back at Ithea and sobered her expression. "Eventually, Tarkin will find out what you're doing. If he suspects you're evading him or cooperating with Zale and I behind his back, he won't hesitate to kill you. It's what they do."

"If I tell him things that do not hurt you, but he does not know. Would that not suffice to satisfy him? For example, perhaps the movements of those Zale wants removed anyway." Ithea looked at Kaysa with hopeful eyes. "Please, if I do not tell him something now and then, I fear you are right."

Shiv unclasped the few hooks holding her dress in place and set it aside as she climbed onto the bed. She lay down across it so she would be facing Kaysa and Ithea and waited for Zargon to work his magic over her naked body. Zargon quickly obliged after a nod of approval from Ithea.

Kaysa gazed at Shiv's bared breasts for a moment, but quickly closed her eyes and looked away while ridding her face of the smile that had suddenly appeared there. "Feeding his little rat lies and passing it off as intel might work. I mean, I'm certain he'd ask for evidence...names - anything tangible. I will speak to Zale and I can try and convince him to cooperate to get you what you need to succeed in this charade. Still, though, I think the best thing would be to find some way back to Dushoulle and go there immediately. This planet is no longer safe for you."

Ithea nodded. "But first we must find where it lies. Let us go find a place to stay. There must be something nicer than this. I think there are more things with four legs than I would care to count."

"Please tell me they're not in the bed," Shiv said, her voice somewhat muffled from the bed.

"A good idea...if we can drag those two from the bedroom." She waved her hand in the air to grab Shiv's attention, then gestured her to get up and come over. "We're leaving, Shiv. Zargon can continue his massage when we find Ithea a new apartment."

Shiv sighed. "Okay," she said, though it sounded like she really didn't want to move. "Zargon, you are wonderful. I will name my firstborn child after you. Well, I would, except I'm never having kids." She slid from the bed and put her equadi back on. At least she was getting better at putting the thing back on, and it was actually feeling comfortable. "Okay. I'm ready when you guys are."

"Come on. I think I know an affordable, yet habitable place." Kaysa placed her hand on Shiv's back and started for the door. "Will your other servants be joining us? If you would care to be free of their attentions, I'm sure we can send them on an even longer errand."

"We can just leave before they get back. They are slaves no matter what," Ithea said firmly. "I just can't kill this one for his tales."

Kaysa didn't completely understand Ithea's meaning, but she knew enough about Ithea's situation to know that Marius wasn't the first spy Tarkin assigned to her. "Alright then, let's hurry. Is there a back entrance we can take?"

Ithea nodded. "But you two are not that inconspicuous." Ithea laughed. "Three beautiful women, two nearly naked are most likely not to go unremarked. We are simply looking for a place to live. Marius will know where that is eventually."

Shiv glanced down at her attire and Kaysa's. "This is Tae'Karada though," she said. "A lot of women dress like this. If Marius asks for the direction the beautiful, near-naked women went, there are a few million of those on the planet, and maybe half that in New Plouton. Any other planet, you'd have a point. Here, we blend in better like this than in our normal clothes."

"Shiv has a point. Maybe you should think about investing in an equadi. It would make you more inconspicuous and better able to elude Tarkin's men if the need arises." Kaysa slipped her hand into Shiv's and looked down the hallway to make certain Marius was not yet back. "Still, I think the back way's best. Without Marius around, we can talk freely."

Ithea nodded, willing for now to let Kaysa lead wherever she chose. She showed the two the way out the back. Sure enough, they found themselves in a dark alleyway behind the hotel.

"Divided Loyalties, Part 2"
By: Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Ithea Tass
Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr
NPC: Zargon - Ithea's Male Slave
Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 18, 4 ABY

"Now I really wish I had a pair of shoes on." Kaysa frowned as her foot landed in a puddle of sludge. She quickly shook off the liquid and continued leading the way through the alley. "We can hail a hovercab. I think we should find you something in the Yallder District. It's not the cleanliest place in New Plouton, but at least it's easier to keep a low profile there." Kaysa slipped from the alleyway with Shiv closely beside her. Hailing a hovercab during that time of day proved difficult, but one finally stopped and Kaysa motioned for Ithea to step inside. Kaysa proceeded last and once they were all packed into the small cab, the driver sped away. "Much better than that crumby, grungy apartment. Are you sure you know what you're doing, Ithea? You've just taken a first step in betraying...you know who."

"I know. But he will know where I am nonetheless so why do we have to choose a low profile? A visible prey is much harder to hunt if it is seen by many," Ithea said with concern.

"Well, partly because I feel ridiculous walking around in this skimpy outfit and the other part is me just being paranoid. I merely feel it's safer for all of us this way...for now." Kaysa caught Zargon's eyes on Shiv, and caught her smiling at him. She patted Shiv's knee lightly to calm her then returned her attention to Ithea. "Now, as for a job. What services exactly can you provide? I can't really send you on cargo runs... Anything in particular you're looking for?"

"I was the commerce minister on my planet. I am good with numbers and...getting results from people," Ithea offered. "I am willing to start low and show my skills."

"I may have a place for you at Zenarr Inc., but I'm not certain that would be a very good cover for you. Zale may be willing to help you with the job situation if I can convince him of your present quandary. He might have something." Kaysa looked to Shiv for ideas. "Does Merrick's production company need anyone, Shiv?"

"The art department is good," Shiv said. "They might need someone to work in publicity, especially if they go ahead with trying to put Merrick into bigger venues."

"How does that sound, Ithea? We can definitely get you a job there. Shiv and I have sorta got connections there. We're dating the company's biggest star."

Ithea did not know what an art department was but she smiled and nodded. There was little she could not learn when she put her mind to it. "I am willing to learn," she stated with a smile. "I am yours to teach. I know...I know that my ways are archaic here."

"Well so are the Tae'Karadan customs," Kaysa retorted as she brushed the flimsy fabric of her equadi. "You'll fit in just fine."

The hovercab came to a halt minutes later in front of the Joran Street apartment complex. She paid the driver with the credit slip she'd stuffed into panties before leaving Zale's office, then scooted out of the cab after Ithea and Zargon. "Where are Greig and Thomen?" Kaysa asked suddenly, remembering her prized slaves from the other day. "Did you decide to keep them at home today?"

"Thomen is on an errand for me. I had to destroy Greig, for Tarkin knew more than was possible for a casual observer. That left only Zargon," Ithea said sadly. She looked around the area. It was definitely better than where they had left.

"What?" Kaysa said abruptly. "Destroyed him? Like some rabid sabrecat?" Kaysa closed her eyes and bit her lip to compose herself. "So you suspected he was working for Tarkin and killed him? I guess it's an efficient way to prevent disloyalty. Zargon here...I doubt he'd even think about betraying you now." Kaysa shook her head and led them up the stairs of the complex. "Can you afford the down payment and first month's rent? If not...I can loan you some creds."

"I have some money in my account as minister. They hadn't taken it last I checked. If it is still there, then I should have plenty." Ithea had placed the entire credits for the slave purchase in that account. Only she had access. Her supposed death had cost the Nightqueen a great deal.

Zargon obediently held the door open as they neared the entrance, and Kaysa allowed Ithea to go through first. "Well, once you get your job, you shouldn't have to worry. Before we leave, I'll give you the address to the production company. When you go there, just mention Merrick's name. That should get you through the door, but after that, I'm afraid you're on your own."

"I am sure I can hold my own," Ithea said with a smile. The women entered the building. It was definitely an improvement over where she had moved to. Tarkin had offered her a plush apartment, but to explain that to her friends would have only created a greater mistrust.

"I know you can," Kaysa replied. "You're a strong woman; that, I can tell." She spotted a security guard in a booth and inquired about vacancies.

"I'll call someone down to show you around. It'll just be a minute," he replied. His eyes never strayed from her breasts, displayed clearly through the thin fabric of her equadi.

Kaysa smiled at the man, and turned away so he could focus on the comm device, rather than her. "Will your servants be living with you? I assume you'll be searching for more after your...losses."

"No, I will keep only those I have. It is frowned upon on this planet and I wish to fit in. I will gather more just before I return home. But, maybe I will gift Zargon to Shiv." Ithea had seen the looks Zargon had given Shiv more than once. It was too bad the man had been made incapable.

"Ooh," Shiv said with a giggle. "Really? Oh wow, that would be... My own slave, and all the massages I could ever want." She put her hand on Zargon's shoulder and grinned. "Don't worry, Zargie, I'll take good care of you."

Ithea laughed as the manager approached. She stepped back, determined to let Kaysa handle things, but watching and learning. The roles of women here were so different. They did not just take but played an intricate game for what they wished.

Kaysa smiled at the approaching man. They exchanged a short greeting, then Kaysa got straight to the point and inquired about an apartment for Ithea, going only into minor detail about her financial situation. The manager looked Ithea briefly over, then nodded his head and motioned for them to follow. "The good thing about this place is it's really close to Zenarr Inc. and our apartment. If you ever feel the need to drop in, we're only minutes away," Kaysa mentioned to Ithea.

Ithea nodded in gratitude. She was used to much more primitive surroundings albeit just as comfortable. She entered the apartment the manager opened and her eyes widened. "This is much better," she said in awe, looking around.

"Come along, Zargie," Shiv said as they stepped inside. "Hey look. The floor. It's all clean and there's no...things. I think you'll like it much better here, Ithea. And, you'll be close to where we usually live, or will be living when we all move. Though, my studio's there now. But, only Merrick's staying at the other apartment now since Kaysa and I are still Zale's property for a few more days. I tell you, Ithea, and you too Zargon, never bet against that man."

"I would not think of betting against a man of Zale's influence," Ithea said, her eyes softening. "But then, it is not likely I shall get the chance."

"Don't be so sure, Ithea. He just needs a reason to trust you, that's all. And once we tell him you've abandoned...the man," Kaysa said while motioning her eyes to the manager, "he might reconsider conducting business with you...if that's what you're interested in." Kaysa raised an eyebrow at Ithea and smiled slowly. "Or is it other things you're interested in? It's ok, you can tell us. We know Zale's a desirable man; I'd be surprised if even you could resist him."

Ithea flushed a deep red. She glanced at the manager and smiled at him. "I will take these rooms please." She wasn't about to answer that question. Her interest in Zale was strictly what he could do to get her home. Or so she kept telling herself.

Kaysa smiled at Shiv and nudged her in the arm. "Definitely another Zale groupie." She thanked the manager as he stepped out to prepare the proper forms for Ithea, then moved into the room and sank into one of the couches. "This place is nice. Great for entertaining people. Maybe you should invite Zale over for a little housewarming party for just the two of you. Wouldn't that be nice?"

"I fail to see the logic in a party of only two people," Ithea answered with a puzzled look. The look on Kaysa's face and a stray thought brought a blush to Ithea's face once again. "OH!" She sat down beside Kaysa. "I do not think he would be so foolish as to risk being compromised by me."

Shiv giggled and sat down next to Ithea. "Oh, Ithea," she said with a salacious smile, "I think Zale would love to be compromised by you. Oh, the way he was looking at you the other night. If he finds out you're free, oh he'll be all over you."

Kaysa patted Ithea's knee and chuckled softly. "Believe me, Ithea, for a desirable woman such as yourself, I think he'd be willing to forget about the little working for Tarkin thing. I mean, you're not working for him anymore, so now you really have got a chance with Zale. Don't you want that? I mean, you don't exactly do anything with your slaves... Don't you crave companionship and...pleasure?"

Shiv glanced up at Zargon with a sad look. "I bet Zargon would love to give you all the companionship and pleasure you could ever handle. Wouldn't you, Zargie Wargie?"

"Sometimes," Ithea admitted. "But pleasure is taken on my world. It is hard to explain. Things are very different here." She sighed. "How can I thank you for your help? I would have not even known where to start or what was a good price."

"Oh, you don't have to thank me. I enjoy your company. It's interesting learning about your odd customs," she said as her eyes wandered to Shiv and "Zargie Wargie". "Though, some customs are far more interesting than others, I think." She smiled and turned her head to see the manager with a datapad in his hand and a stylus held out towards Ithea. At Ithea's puzzled look, Kaysa laughed gently and took the stylus. She handed it to her and said, "Just sign where indicated and this place is all yours!"

Ithea signed with the stylus and gave a credit chip to the manager. "That should cover it for awhile." She knew numbers and accounts and knew there was enough there for at least six months. "What now?" She looked back at the two ladies. Zargon had become a permanent shadow of Shiv. She thought about calling him to heel but Shiv seemed to be enjoying it.

"Well...I hadn't thought about that yet. I mean did you want to settle in or..." Kaysa glanced at the chronometer on the wall and winced. "It's getting late and we have to get back to Zale before he sends the search party. You could always escort us back," Kaysa said with a suggestive smile. "I mean, I bet he'd be really grateful to you for finding his fledglings."

"Or he will shoot me," Ithea answered with a nervous laugh. "Sure, I have only one life, might as well live it on the brink of death." She jumped to her feet and offered a hand to Kaysa. "Come, show me the way to his lair."

Noting Ithea's apparent excitement, Kaysa rose quickly and slipped her hand into Ithea's. "Don't worry, Ithea, we'll protect you." She studied Ithea's outfit for a moment and chewed her lip as she shook her head slowly. "You'll have to show more leg than that, I'm afraid." Kaysa laughed and tugged on Ithea's arm. "We'll work out something along the way. Come on, Shiv!"

"I seem to recall Zale not being pleased with the amount of undress I wore when we first met," Ithea countered as the women left the apartment. "Yet you are dressed like slaves. I do not understand. I think he should wear less if you must wear less."

"That's what we've been telling him," Shiv said with a giggle. "Come on, Zargie," she said. "We're going to see Zale. I think you'll like him. I know Kaysa and I do. And, so does Ithea. Though, out of all of us, only Ithea could do something with Zale...and that's a shame. Well, it's good for Ithea, but he's totally amazing in bed."

Zargon squeezed Shiv's hand and shook his head. His eyes held concern as they followed Ithea and Kaysa.

Shiv frowned at Zargon and looked up at Ithea and Kaysa. "What?" she mouthed.

Zargon looked away. His face flushed and he frowned. It was clear he had no idea how to communicate what he was going to say so he shook his head sadly.

Shiv glanced between Zargon and Ithea. "She'll kill you? For what? You've done nothing wrong. You're a good slave, and if she does give you to me like she said, I'm going to make sure you're well taken care of. And, then you won't ever have to worry about killing."

Zargon looked at her gratefully. It was clear that he feared Ithea greatly. He sighed, for he had not been able to warn her and to be more aggressive would merely alert Ithea.

Kaysa smiled and shook her head slowly before addressing Ithea again. "It's not so much the clothing, really," Kaysa told Ithea as they walked. "Zale wants a woman who's smart and mature...which makes me wonder what he sees in Shiv and I."

Once out on the street, Kaysa flagged down a hovercab. "The revealing clothing just helps to get him to notice you. Although, that dress you wore the other night certainly accomplished that." As the cab halted before them, Kaysa held Ithea back as the other two entered. "He likes his women somewhat mysterious, but if you're too aloof, he won't trust you and in his business, if he can't trust someone, there's a good chance he won't want to associate with them. Just...try and be a little more open with him, okay?"

"Okay. I understand that. She who does not speak has much to hide," Ithea recited from the honored texts. She got into the cab. "So do I need to change before we go to Zale's?"

"I think you look fine. This way, he can focus less on your assets and more on what you're saying. Show him how intelligent you are. That's the way to win him." Kaysa closed the door behind her and prompted the driver to take them to Zale's head office. "You'll be fine," Kaysa said once the cab went into motion. "And you're lucky too. You caught him at a time when he's really feeling sexually deprived. He'll be more attentive to you now."

Ithea frowned. She did not need a mate right now. However, Zale intrigued her. He was like a dangerous animal and that interested her. She was used to passive men, easy to read and control. She could not read Zale well and she was fairly sure she could not control him. She said nothing however, just nodding in response. She looked over at Zargon and caught his thoughts. Her eyes narrowed as she met his gaze. He paled and nodded before turning his attention to Shiv. His hand was caressing Shiv's leg in a gentle manner.

Kaysa caught the affectionate touching and furtive whispers Shiv and Zargon were sharing. She glanced at Ithea with a smile. "Are you really giving her Zargon? Is he just on loan or are you freeing him?"

"When I return home, I will gift him to her," Ithea confirmed. "But for now, I need him. He is invaluable, for he makes me feel...home." Ithea smiled at Kaysa. "As do you." Her eyes met Kaysa's with sincerity.

"Me?" Kaysa couldn't help but smile. She felt her cheeks warming and laughed bashfully as she tried to cover them with her hands. "What do you mean? I guess that's a compliment...I think."

"It is...a compliment. There are few women I consider an equal on my planet. Even less here, seeing the subservient attitudes of most. On my planet, you rule by your strength and intelligence." Ithea smiled at Kaysa. "On my planet, you would be considered a sister of my house."

Kaysa smiled proudly then laughed almost nervously. "Thank you. That's the nicest thing anyone's said to me in a while. I've always tried so hard to remain dominant despite living in this patriarchal society. I guess I've succeeded." Awkwardly, Kaysa began raising her arms towards Ithea, deeming a hug as an appropriate response at the time. The quizzical expression on Ithea's face indicated that might have not been the correct response after all. Kaysa chuckled uncomfortably and held her arms in place by crossing them over her chest. She cleared her throat and smiled at Ithea. "Thanks. It's... Thanks."

As Zale's office tower finally came into view, Kaysa deftly reached into her panties and pulled out a credit slip for the driver. "Take care," she called back to him as she stepped out of the cab and awaited the others. "Are you ready?" she asked Ithea with a beaming smile.

"No!" Ithea admitted and then laughed nervously. "But then, after our last meeting, I am not likely to be."

"Well, Shiv and I can stay in the room if you want. I think, though, a little alcohol should loosen you up." They stepped inside and headed towards the elevators. Once inside the lift, they were rocketed to the top within seconds. The three of them managed to get up to the floor without impedance, but once the doors opened and Zale's guards noticed them, they were met with wary stares. "They look mad," Kaysa said to Shiv. "Do you think Zale chewed them out for losing us?"

"Oh gods, I hope not," Shiv said. "He can get like that sometimes. Like the other day when we ran off. I guess only one way to find out. Zargie, stay close to me. If one of those guys tries to touch us...um...look menacing."

As soon as they stepped out of the elevator, the guards pressed forward looking quite agitated. "Hi, fellas," Kaysa called out cheerfully as she strolled forward with her entourage. "Has Zale been expecting us?"

The guards said nothing and merely grumbled as they continued forward. They halted when Ithea and Zargon came into view and immediately bared their weapons. "Who are they?"

"These two?" Kaysa asked innocently. "They're business associates of Mr. Tregat's. He's expecting them."

"Just like he was expecting you in that business meeting earlier today? I don't think so." The head guard told the other to get Zale on the line, then he grabbed Kaysa by the arm and pulled her along.

"Hey! Jerk. If Zale sees you touching his merchandise, he'll be very unhappy." Kaysa tried to wriggle from the man's grip, but smiled as she motioned for Ithea, Shiv, and Zargie to follow.

Ithea's eyes narrowed. She did not like that the man was touching Kaysa so. She had started to move forward when Kaysa smiled. Forcing her temper down, Ithea followed. However, her eyes never left the man. If he hurt Kaysa, she would kill him.

The second guard tapped his comm. "Mr. Tregat, sir, it's Deez out in front. Your two waywards have returned and they picked up a couple strays."

"Check them for weapons and then bring them in," Zale's voice said over the comm.

"Yes, sir," Deez said. "Okay, Shiv and Kaysa step aside, we need to check these other two for weapons."

Ithea smiled at the man. "You don't need to search us. We are friends of Kaysa and Zale." She emphasized her words with the force, pushing the suggestion deeper than just Deez's hearing.

"I don't need to search you," Deez responded almost hypnotically. "You're friends of Kaysa and Zale's. Go on inside the office."

Shiv watched Ithea with Deez and gasped. "Oh wow," she murmured. "Just like a Jedi."

"Impressive," Kaysa said as she pulled her arm free of Aron's now loosened grip and laughed at the entranced beings. "I really do like having you around, Ithea." Kaysa smiled and pushed on the handle of one of Zale's large doors. "You first, Ithea," she said softly as she pushed open the door and stepped aside.

Before Ithea could protest, she found herself through the door. She looked up and met Zale's gaze. She forced a calm through her being that she had not felt and smiled. "Good Afternoon," she said brightly, meeting his gaze as he sat behind his desk. The room was decorated in varying shades of grey and somehow, fit him.

Zale was surprised to see Ithea standing there. He stood from behind his desk and chuckled. "Ithea Tass," he said. "I didn't expect to see you so soon, especially after our last conversation. Though, from the looks of it I think Kaysa may be trying to get herself and Shiv another week in those equadi."

Ithea did not understand his comment about Kaysa. "It is just Ithea, and I must apologize for taking so much of their time. They were assisting me in finding accommodations." Ithea flashed Kaysa a concerned look. "I hope you will forgive them for I could not have found something so quickly or easily without them."

Zale nodded. "They are quite resourceful, I'll admit that," he said. "So, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit? By finding accommodations, I take that to mean that you are no longer staying in the palace with Tarkin."

Ithea frowned. "No, I am no longer staying in the palace, but it is a matter that still needs discussion." Ithea took a deep breath. "There is a great deal to the matter." She looked to Shiv and Zargon. "But some of it needs to be discussed in a more private interview."

"I understand," Zale said, noting the look she gave to Shiv and the man standing exceedingly close to her. "Then, I guess we should have that private interview." He didn't want to ask Shiv to wait outside, and hated the thought of separating her from Kaysa. Over the couple days he'd spent with them, he knew that Shiv liked to be included in everything in which Kaysa was involved. With a sigh, he glanced to Shiv. "Shiv, could you and your friend wait outside?"

Shiv glanced at Zargon, then back at Zale and then cast an angry glare at Ithea. "Fine," she said, clearly upset. "Come on, Zargie, we're not wanted here." With one last look back at Kaysa, she pulled Zargon along with her back out into the lobby area outside Zale's office.

Zale returned to his chair before Kaysa could take it and faced Ithea again. "So, what information do you have to share?"

Ithea sighed for she had felt Shiv's anger but could not risk Zargon's ears. He may have been rendered mute by her command but he could still communicate. She was fairly sure of his loyalty but did not want to risk him being forced to break it. Ithea sat in a chair across from Zale and looked to Kaysa for encouragement before continuing.

Kaysa'd been standing near the door, uncertain whether her presence was wanted or needed, but from the look in Ithea's eyes, she decided to stay for fear that Ithea would lose her nerve and flee. She moved towards the free chair next to Ithea, and only glanced at Zale for a moment before settling her eyes on Ithea again. Her motives must have been clear to Zale; there could only have been one reason for bringing Ithea to him, and he no doubt had it figured out. Kaysa smiled warmly at Ithea and patted her knee. "Go on. Tell him."

Ithea nodded. "You were right about the admiral. He came to see me after you picked me up. He had known we met at...the dancing place. I had lost the men he had with me so I can only assume he has someone following you or in that place. He wanted to know what I knew about you. He wanted to set me up in a fancy apartment so that I could get close to you. I shunned his assistance but he only let me leave the palace on the condition that I take a little mouth with me. He wants to know everything I can find out about you. I thought it unsafe to refuse. I was hoping you would agree to send him information he might not know that would be useful for him to know. People you want removed, competitors' shipments, things of that nature." Ithea took a breath to see how her words were received. She watched him closely as she was unable to read him.

Zale thought about it for a moment and then nodded. "That sounds reasonable," he said. "Feeding the admiral some disinformation could be good. Especially with the growing rebel buildup in Thanatos. I'm certain we can keep his attention away from there if we were to tell him it was building up near Kortrel instead. I don't know how much influence the Empire has there yet, but we shall see. Very well," he added with a smile. "I can help you by handing off bones for you to feed to Admiral Tarkin and his Imperial masters."

Ithea smiled. "Thank you so much!" A look of relief crossed her face. "You will need to give him a couple of provable things to start with. He does not trust me and I will need to give him something that is real. Perhaps you have a competitor, that with his help, we can remove from play or at least cripple." Ithea knew how this game was played. She had excelled at it. Allowing others to remove your enemies left your hands clean when people came to place blame.

"I'll need time to prepare for something like that," Zale said. "If you give me a couple hours, I should have a couple leads that you may plant in Tarkin's ear."

"There is no rush. I think that if I were too quick, he would suspect it anyway," she said with a smile. A sense of relief was evident as she physically relaxed. She smiled at Kaysa, her look one of gratitude.

Kaysa smiled at Ithea, then turned her eyes to Zale. "Um...why not seal the deal with a little drink, Zale?" She looked to Ithea again. "It's a little custom around here. A celebratory drink."

Zale looked at Kaysa and nodded. "A drink it is then," he said. "The bar is fairly well stocked, Ithea. What would you like?"

Ithea smiled. "Some juice would be fine." She remembered that Kaysa had stopped imbibing alcohol, which was fine with Ithea since she had only ever tasted wine anyway.

Zale moved to the bar and opened the refrigeration unit and pulled out a small bottle of fruit juice. He poured a glass for Ithea and opted for a glass of Nebanna spiced tea for himself. He handed Ithea her glass and raised his. "To hiding the bantha from Admiral Tarkin," he said.

Ithea smiled and toasted him before sipping. "I think that if anyone could hide a bantha from Tarkin, you would be the one." Her voice held honest compliment and her eyes watched his over her glass as she sipped the juice.

Zale drained his glass and moved over to the bar and refilled it along with a second glass. He glanced back at Kaysa and saw her look away. He hid his smile well and brought her the new glass. "It just arrived on a ship from Bespin this morning," he said as he handed it to her. "It's one of the best blends I've ever had." He made certain to keep his hand from touching hers, not sure if that would be a good idea just then, especially with things still out of sorts between himself and Kaysa. "So, Ithea, what are your plans now that you're out from under Tarkin's watchful eye?"

"I am going to find a job. Kaysa and Shiv have suggested one place. I will need to find a way to earn an income as the credits I have stashed away will not last forever," Ithea answered. "I could have had Tarkin paying my way, but eventually, I think he would figure out that I didn't truly work for him and I think the price of repayment would most likely be deadly." She sipped her juice thoughtfully.

"Despite the fact that the planet is under siege, there are a lot of jobs available in New Plouton," Zale said. "Though, I wouldn't recommend looking for any that require you to haul freight. Getting into and out of Tae'Karada is becoming increasingly more difficult. Kaysa's lucky since she has some of the best pilots on the planet working for her, even though Shiv's no longer doing any of it. The girl knows smuggling, that's for sure. I think she would have been one of the galaxy's best if she'd been a man, or if the rest of the biz weren't so dominated by men."

"I will keep that in mind when it is time for me to go home." Ithea knew she was going to need a good pilot to leave. "I don't know much about freight anyway. However, I am good at other things. I am not too concerned about finding a position." Ithea drank down more of her juice. "I hope we are not taking up valuable time."

Zale chuckled. "Not exactly," he said. "I do have a meeting in thirty minutes, but I do have a few more minutes I can spare, at least. If you did need to know anything about freight, Kaysa's a good person to talk to since her company specializes in it. So the man out there with Shiv, is he one of your slaves?"

Ithea smiled at Kaysa. Kaysa seemed good at a lot of things. She wondered how the woman had risen so well in a world so much in masculine control. She looked back at Zale as he asked his question. "Yes, but he has not been with me enough to trust with the information that I plan to double cross Tarkin. Besides, even if I could trust him, some information can be retrieved whether one is willing or not."

"That makes sense," Zale said with a chuckle. "Well, if this were a week ago, I would have suggested that he might not be safe out there with Shiv, but now she's fairly...devoted."

"I think he would be safe anyway. He...is incapable of certain acts." She smiled. "And no that was not my doing."

Zale laughed. "I see," he said. "So, I guess he's not from Tae'Karada then. Either that or it explains why a man like that was available in the slave markets. Do they actually have a market for male slaves on this planet?"

Ithea smiled. "I have found you can buy most anything at the moment on this planet. I bought one other slave here, but I had to destroy him."

"You'll have to tell me where that slave market is," Zale said with a chuckle. "Kaysa's going to have a birthday eventually, and now I know what to get her." He cast a glance at Kaysa and laughed as he thought she was almost going to stick her tongue out at him.

"Now, what would I do with a slave, Zale?" Kaysa traced her finger around the brim of the glass and grinned at Zale. "All they're good for is obedience and eliciting ecstasy in their mistress. Unfortunately, I can't benefit from that. I'm involved, remember?"

Zale blinked at Kaysa's comment and wondered if it'd left a physical barb when it struck. The pain of her acidic words and tone seemed to strike deep. He'd hurt her, and now she was hurting him again. It seemed to always go around and around with them. "Right," he said. "But, perhaps you could get one that could do the books, or chores around the apartment. A slave doesn't have to be all about sexual favours."

Kaysa gave a half nod as she took a sip of her juice. "True," she said slowly. "But the temptation will still remain. A gorgeous, young man completely at your disposal, yet all you can do is admire him from a distance..." Kaysa gave a short laugh and sighed deeply. "That's all I can allow myself to do right now, but if the temptation remains, I'm not certain I can trust myself to keep him at a distance."

Zale steepled his fingers as he thought about her response and then nodded. "Then perhaps it's best not to have a slave at all," he said. "You were right. You have no use for a slave."

"Not a sex slave, but if he knows not how to be anything else, then he is of no use to me," Kaysa said quietly. She averted her gaze and stared into her drink. She knew she was pushing again, and he would only be pushed so far before he lashed out. "At any rate, I'd probably only get bored of him, but by then, he might get too attached. How will he survive after having to be sent away? He'd probably wish he never met me to begin with."

"I don't think so," Zale said softly. "I think he would try to do whatever it took to make you happy. And, if that meant going away if you wanted a different slave, then he would. Though I think it would always be hard for him to do anything other than desiring to be your slave, if he got too attached to you, that is."

"And his desire would be the cause of all problems. If he can't keep his feelings at bay, whatever those are, and if I can't reciprocate, there will only be conflict." Kaysa sighed and shook her head slowly. "We would never be happy unless he suppressed his feelings, or unless I became brave enough to express my own for him." Kaysa smiled ruefully at Zale. "So you see, it's destined to fail. Kaysa Zenarr isn't suited to keep a slave, and the slave deserves much better."

Zale nodded and then shrugged. "Well, I guess it's no slave then," he said. "I guess I'll just have to get you something different for your birthday." Zale turned back to Ithea. "So you have an apartment in town now," he said. "Are you still being followed by Tarkin's men? From my sources I hear he's got people crawling over the city, and even some of my best spotters are having trouble sighting them all."

"He just leased me one. As for followed, I don't know. It is good that he sees me here if so. I do know that one of my slaves is his little messenger. We purposefully gave him other things to do." Ithea liked watching the interaction between these two.

"Good idea," Zale said. "Perhaps if you come by for another visit you can bring him along and we can feed him directly. I think that Tarkin would like to get a morsel or two from his spy."

"If that is your wish. As long as you know that he WILL carry everything he hears," Ithea answered. "But perhaps you are right. If he confirms he heard conversations take place and that I have won your trust, perhaps Tarkin will grow less leery and vigilant."

Zale smiled. "Exactly," he said. "I think if his minion is present and witnesses all we say, it will lend more credence to your own reports. We will need to confer beforehand in regards to what we shall discuss. We shall have Tarkin doing tricks like a snipedog begging for scraps of food."

Ithea smiled and set down her juice. "Then I shall return and fetch him. I have yet to move into my new dwelling. Thank you for your assistance. I knew that this could be mutually beneficial." She smiled at Kaysa. "And thank you for risking ire to come and help me."

"I said I would help you if you ever needed it. I was just keeping my promise." Kaysa smiled and looked to Zale. "It looks like you've made two allies today." She turned her attention back to Ithea and rose from her seat. "I'll go find Shiv and Zargon for you if you like."

"That would be appreciated as I need to take Zargon with me. I trust him to protect me where I do not trust Tarkin's boy." Ithea smiled at Kaysa. Kaysa seemed determined to find ways to place her and Zale together. She thought this odd considering that she was staying with Zale.

Kaysa nodded to Ithea and smiled. "I'll be right back then." She moved towards the door and when out of view of Ithea, she stared sternly at Zale and motioned her eyes to Ithea. "If you screw this up..." she muttered under her breath. With a sweet smile, she pulled open the door and closed it behind her as she set out for Zargon and Shiv.

Zale watched Kaysa as she left and frowned. "So the apartment you found is to your liking? Sometimes it can be very difficult to find a place around here. Did you want more of the juice while you wait for Kaysa to return with your slave?"

"No thank you," Ithea replied politely. Her nature was just to order people; this new world required a politeness that was often difficult. "As for the a-apartment, it is a palace compared to where she came to get me from." Ithea grinned. "So I am not likely to complain."

"Sounds like the other place was pretty bad," he said. "So how many slaves do you have with you, and how many do you suspect may secretly be working for the Empire? I saw that Zargon was sticking pretty close to Shiv out there. Do you suspect him of being a spy? Or you just don't want him having the information in case they try to extract it out of him."

"I do not think Zargon is a spy. But, I cannot be sure. But he is valuable enough to me that I do not wish to risk him having knowledge that can be extracted. After him and Tarkin's mole, I have only one female slave. I will not take anymore here as they are frowned upon. I will try to...fit into this world's customs." Ithea looked up to see if he approved.

Zale nodded. "I don't think most people will get too upset that you have slaves. The Empire has no laws against slavery, and this is the outer rim. Most of the planet still views the city of Thanatos as a slave state. I think most of the frowning would be that you have male slaves, and personally I think the signal you're sending with that is a good one. If you want more slaves, I say if you can afford it go for it."

Ithea smiled. "Well, that would be another issue. I think, I will try being a little more independent for awhile. It will be good for my supply of credits and I have already learned the value of doing something for oneself."

"Well, make sure to keep yourself safe," Zale said. "If the Empire thinks that any of your slaves has information they want, they can pull it out of their minds. And, as a cautionary note, don't think that not having the information will save them from this. The slightest suspicion will be enough for Tarkin. Hopefully it won't come to that though."

Ithea nodded. "When will I see you again?" she asked suddenly. She realized she was genuinely interested in his answer. Her eyes dropped down in confusion. She would have to be careful, her inability to read him was obviously distracting her ability to think.

"Perhaps we can meet in a day or two to discuss what information you can give to Tarkin," Zale said. "I think we can get some good information to him, and he'll never suspect a thing."

"I would appreciate that. I do not know how to thank you," Ithea answered softly. She began to wonder what was taking Kaysa. Shiv and Zargon couldn't have gone that far. She felt vulnerable alone with this man though she could not say why.

"Divided Loyalties, Part 3"
By: Merrick Braston
Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Ithea Tass
Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr
NPC: Zargon - Ithea's Male Slave
Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 18, 4 ABY

***

Shiv grumbled under her breath as the doors to Zale's office closed. Still holding onto Zargon's hand she led the way down the hallway to their left and into a small lounge. At least in there they'd be able to get something to drink and sit down out from under the watchful gaze of Zale's guards. She flopped onto the couch and nodded to Zargon that it was okay if he sat.

"I guess it's just you and me, Zargie," Shiv said. "Are you thirsty? Zale's people keep this place stocked pretty well. You could almost open shop straight out of the refrigeration unit. Just like a tavern. If you want anything, it's okay."

Zargon nodded. He indicated with his hands that he would gladly fetch for her. He smiled; his eyes held genuine warmth. He did not speak though, it was as if he was mute.

"A Tollian ale," Shiv said. "And, you can have one too if you'd like. Or anything else in there. And, then you must come back here and sit next to me." She gave him a smile and then nodded to say it was okay to go get the drinks.

Zargon moved quickly and fetched two drinks. To have an ale was a rare luxury for a slave, one he planned to savor slowly. He handed Shiv hers and sat obediently down beside her. He smiled before taking a long slow pull, taking obvious enjoyment.

Shiv took a drink, watching Zargon as she did. "She doesn't let you drink much, does she? Actually, I don't drink much anymore either. Mostly because Kaysa can overdo it and it gets bad. But, she's doing much better now. You're not saying much today, Zargon. Why's that?"

Zargon pointed at the door and then to himself and then ran his fingers across his lips shaking his head. He smiled and took a sip. He knew when to obey and who to obey.

"She won't let you talk?" Shiv asked with a frown. "That's not very nice. She won't even let you talk to me? That's really not nice especially since it's just you and me in here. Well, even if you're not saying anything, you're still good company." Shiv looked around and then back to Zargon with a smile. "Zargie, do you like giving massages? I mean, not because you're ordered to, but because you like giving them?"

Zargon decided to be brave, though he whispered. "I like bringing others pleasure," he answered. "Please don't tell that I spoke."

Shiv shook her head. "I won't say a word," she said. She grinned. "Our little secret. And, if you like doing it, why don't we close the door and you can finish that one you started earlier. I mean, as long as you like doing it. I mean, this is like a break for you now so if you didn't like it, I wouldn't make you. But, if you want to..."

"I would be happy to bring you pleasure, mistress." His voice held a light caress.

"Good," Shiv said with a giggle. "Go close the door, and I'll get rid of this equadi and you can work your magic into my muscles." She set her drink down and hopped off the couch and quickly divested herself of the lightweight garment. She sat down in the centre of the room and glanced up at Zargon. "You're too good to me, Zargie."

"I only do as commanded, mistress. I can be destructive when commanded as well." He began to work his hands across her body. His movements were slow and sensual, yet he never touched more than he should.

"Well," Shiv said, moaning at his touch, "when we're alone you can have a little more freedom. If you want to do something for you, you can. You can talk to me; or if you want a drink you can have it; and if you don't want to massage me you don't have to. Whatever you want to do, Zargie Wargie, it's all okay with Mistress Shiv."

Zargon smiled. "Thank you, mistress." His hands worked in larger circles growing a little bolder every few minutes. His attention was fully focused on her. Practiced hands found hidden knots and worked them loose.

Shiv sighed with contentment. "Oh Zargon," she purred, "you are good at what you do. And, you have no idea how much I hope that Ithea gives you to me. You would be the best treated slave on all of Tae'Karada, in the whole galaxy. Oh, if you keep doing that, I don't know if I'll be able to give you back."

"I would like that," Zargon answered. His hands worked down her buttocks, finding places to gently knead. "I have only been with Ithea for two weeks, but I think I would like to be with you more."

Shiv moaned softly. "I don't know how I'll do it, Zargon, but I'll try to get Ithea to give you to me." She just lay there for a moment, enjoying the feeling of his hands working her flesh. "Zargie, do you like being a slave?"

"I have been a slave for so long, I know no other life. But no slave would prefer slavery to freedom," Zargon answered. His hands slipped between her legs, massaging her inner thighs, brushing more intimate surroundings.

Shiv gasped softly and then moaned slowly. "Would you like to be my slave, Zargie? I'd like you to be my slave, very much. I hope that Ithea will let you go to me." She smiled with contentment as his fingers brought about more feelings of pleasure. She knew he would be able to tell that she was aroused, but she had a feeling that's what his massage was all about.

Zargon's hands moved up and down Shiv's leg. He brushed her intimately every time his hands came back up to the top of either leg. "I would like to please you very much," he whispered.

Each time his hand brushed against her, Shiv couldn't help but moan. "You're doing a very good job so far, Zargon," she whispered back. "If--if you want to...you can."

Zargon's hands moved higher, caressing her intimately. One hand still massaged her buttocks, the other moved over her intimately. His fingers caressed her nub while his thumb slipped inside. His hand on her buttocks was firm and exploring.

Shiv gasped as Zargon's thumb entered her. "Oh yes, that's very nice," she rasped. "Oh Zargon you have beautiful hands. I have to get you away from Ithea. I want you to be my slave and I will treat you right. You'll have a good life with me, Zargie."

Zargon moved his thumb around as if he were still massaging her. It was firm and yet gentle. His fingers caressed around the nub of her, becoming more rhythmic. He brought his other hand up her side, to caress the side of her breast. It was clear that he was enjoying himself, his touch responding to her moans.

Shiv glanced up and behind at Zargon and smiled at the expression on his face. She reached over and brushed a hand over his as it caressed her breast. She spread her legs slightly to give him better access and propped herself up on her elbows slightly so he could reach her breasts better. "Oh, Zargie I wish I knew how to repay you for this. Oh I think I would do just about anything."

"And would you care to expand on what anything would encompass, Shiv?" Kaysa grinned slyly as she stepped slowly into the room and stopped before the two entangled fiends gazing up at her in bewilderment. "I knew leaving you two alone was a bad idea."

Zargon moved swiftly to disentangle himself. He bowed down on the floor in front of Kaysa, head against his hands and did not move. He knew that if he displeased Kaysa, Ithea would punish him.

Shiv scrambled to sit up and cast a playful glare at Kaysa. "The least you could do is knock," she said. "Zargie is a very good slave and he deserves to be treated like a good slave. And, I wouldn't do anything like that." She felt herself blushing. "But only because he can't. He was just giving me a massage and I was telling him how I really want Ithea to give him to me. And, we were being mostly good. Mostly." She moved to Zargon and put her hand on his back, and then started stroking down the length of his spine. "You're not mad, are you? You won't tell Ithea, will you?"

"Mad?" Kaysa crouched down and raised Zargon's chin with her hand. "I'm more amused than anything," Kaysa said slowly as she studied Zargon's face. His eyes were downturned and his body visibly trembled. The palpable fear emanating from him amused Kaysa even moreso and with a laugh, she stroked his hair and kissed him upon the forehead. "I do like this one," Kaysa said softly. She smiled at Shiv and stood up. Shiv clung to him and caressed him like an orphaned pet, but she didn't think Merrick would find him as cute and lovable. "I promise I won't say a word, but you really want him, Shiv? I mean, you'd have to clear it with Merrick first. I'm amenable to the idea...somewhat, but I don't know if Merrick would be."

Shiv grinned. "Getting Merrick to agree will be the easy part," she said. "It's Ithea that's going to be difficult. I need to convince her to give him to me. You should feel one of his backrubs, Kaysa. They're amazing. You get all relaxed and you just feel like you're going to float away. You need to get one, one of these days."

Kaysa laughed. "I don't think so, Shiv. I'm already in enough trouble trying to keep myself from sleeping with Zale at every opportunity. Having a male slave feel me up is only more temptation I don't need." Kaysa fixed her gaze on Zargon and sighed softly. "What do you want, Zargon? Would you like to stay with Ithea or...do you want to come and live with Shiv and I? It really is your choice."

"I am happy to serve," Zargon replied not looking up. "A slave does not have a choice. Ithea needs me right now, she will not let me go."

Shiv laughed. "Well, we'll see about that," she said. "I'll beg her if I have to. And, he wants to be my slave, don't you, Zargie Wargie?" Shiv brought her hand to his cheek and brushed it back slowly up into and through his hair.

Zargon looked up at her and smiled. "I would be pleased to serve you." He looked at the two women. And a heck of a lot safer, he thought.

"Then it's settled," Kaysa said with a grin. "Ithea's expecting you, Zargon. Shiv, put some clothes on, my dear. We'll speak to Ithea and see what we can do. Merrick though... We'll have to deal with him later I guess." Kaysa opened the door and gestured for them quickly to go through. "Come on. We don't want her getting impatient. We want her in a good mood if she's going to agree to our request."

Shiv stifled her squeal of excitement and gave Zargon a quick kiss on the lips before running for her equadi. As they were leaving the room, she quickly pulled the dress on and settled it into place. "Oh I hope she agrees," she whispered as they started down the hall. "So, is Zale having his way with Ithea?"

Kaysa feigned shock at Shiv's question, then laughed. "Unfortunately, no. They have been alone for about 5 minutes and a lot can happen in that much time. I do hope he's finally come to his senses and thrown her onto his desk for a good...you know."

"We should have made her wear that equadi again," Shiv said. "He wouldn't have been able to resist her. Maybe we should try to encourage him more. And, I think we should invite Ithea along for dinner tonight. I can be your date, and Ithea can be Zale's. I think Ithea could use a good romp, and Zale's just the man to give it to her."

Zargon frowned. "I don't think you know what you are setting him up with." He immediately flushed. "My apologies, but you did give me permission to speak," he said to Shiv.

Shiv shook her head as she turned to Zargon. "No, it's okay, Zargon," she said. She reached out a hand to stop Kaysa, then lowered her voice. "What is it? You have something to say. What...what are we setting Zale up with?"

"Ithea is lost. She...is not all she seems. For example, she is sensual and beautiful and yet a virgin." Zargon had to be careful now. To say too much would end his life.

Kaysa spun her head around to face Zargon and stared with mouth agape. "A virgin? You have got to be joking!" Kaysa laughed and shook her head. "No, a woman that beautiful and alluring cannot be a virgin. Are you certain, Zargon? It would explain why she's so nervous around Zale...but still..."

"I am certain," he said with a smile. "There are many ways one can tell. I have had my hands on a lot of women. Ithea has no clue." He chuckled. "Trust me."

Shiv giggled. "Oh my," she said. "He does know how to use his hands...and, oh I can't imagine anyone... She has no clue? You'd think looking like that she'd have lots of clues. It's hard to believe I have more experience with men than another woman."

"There is one other thing you need to know," Zargon whispered. "Though if you repeat I told you, she may kill me."

Kaysa furrowed her brow and searched Zargon's eyes. "Kill you? Like she killed Greig?" She couldn't help wondering just how much she really knew about Ithea...and how much she would prefer not to discover. "Does she do that often? Kill, I mean."

"I suspect so. She told me a little of her world when I was rubbing her down. On her planet, you only rise to power through the death of your rival. She was second only to her queen. She uses the Force to keep her slaves obedient. I never believed in it till I met her." His eyes were wide with fear. "Please, I beg you - do not say I told you so."

"Okay. I won't say a word," Kaysa said quickly. She glanced at Shiv and gestured for her to soothe Zargon. She'd seen Ithea's force sensitivity at work, and she appeared to use her powers on a whim. Kaysa was beginning to think she really had erred in thrusting her upon Zale. "Look," she said softly, "let's get in there and we'll talk to Ithea about your future. You have my word that I won't tell her about this conversation. If you look as fearful as you do now, she'll know something is amiss. Try and calm down, Zargon."

Shiv quickly took Zargon into her arms and held him close. "We won't let her hurt you," she said to him. "And, we'll do everything we can to get you away from her, Zargie. It'll be okay, my sweet Zargie." She gave him a kiss and then smiled at him with all the confidence she could muster. "You'll be with us soon."

Zargon smiled. "I would like that mistress." He forced the fear down and took comfort from Shiv. Finally he took a deep breath and disentangled himself. "I am ready." He stepped behind Shiv at a proper distance.

Kaysa sighed deeply and smiled her most unrestrained smile as she reached for the door. Before opening it, she flattened her ear against one of the doors and frowned. "Nothing!" she whispered. "I hear nothing." She pulled herself away from the door and suddenly smiled again. "But they could be kissing!" Kaysa giggled in excitment along with Shiv, but swallowed back the rest of her boisterous laughter and cleared her throat. "I certainly hope we're not disturbing anything," she said playfully as she swung the door open.

***

"I am certain we will find a way for you to repay me in the future," Zale said with a smile. "For now, passing disinformation to Admiral Tarkin is enough for me."

Ithea nodded. It suited her purposes as well. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement. She already had information to give to Tarkin. He would be pleased and she would be gaining allies on both sides of the coin. She smiled and looked at the door. "If you do not think that women should be treated as less than equal, why do you have Kaysa and Shiv here in even less than I choose to wear when we first met?" she asked with genuine curiousity.

Zale chuckled. "They made a bet with me," he said. "They got it in their mind that they could find me a suitable woman since Kaysa and I are no longer together. We made the deal that if they couldn't find me a suitable partner, they would dress in equadi and be my slaves for a week. So, that's why they're wearing those dresses. I've actually offered them the chance to not wear the equadi a few times, but they keep deciding to continue wearing them. Shiv I understand since she'd just wander around with no clothes if she had the chance; Kaysa...I don't know why Kaysa stays in the dress."

"If she wagered, perhaps it is honor. It would not be honorable to place a wager and not follow through with it." Ithea thought it an odd thing to wager over however. "You need someone to find a woman for you? I would think you quite capable of hunting on your own."

"I thought so as well," Zale said with a laugh. "However, Shiv and Kaysa seem to believe otherwise. They did this on their own, and I just went along with it. They don't believe I'm capable of finding the perfect woman, so they have taken that task upon themselves. Their first attempt was...not a good one."

Ithea chuckled. She could imagine what those two set him up with. "So are you?" she asked.

Zale laughed softly and then sat back in his chair as he watched her. "I think I'm quite capable," he said.

"Then why do they need to hunt for you? Why do you not have a woman of your own?" Her words were inquisitive and not meant to bring insult.

"They hunt because they think I need someone," Zale said. "And, until Kaysa went back to Merrick, she and I had a sort of relationship. But, now that she has someone, she thinks I should too. So, she and Shiv have taken up the crusade to find the right woman for me."

"Do you need someone?" she asked carefully, her eyes holding contact with his. She was very very interested in this particular answer.

"I don't exactly need someone," Zale said with a smile. "But it's always nice to have someone."

"I would agree," she answered as the door swung open. She glanced up.

From the doorway, Kaysa grinned. "I certainly hope we're not disturbing anything."

Zale looked up. "Kaysa," he said. "Did you have to go all the way to the lobby for them?"

"Well, they were having a little...session. I had some trouble finding them." Kaysa stepped aside and motioned for Shiv and her Zargie to enter. "Did you two have a nice talk?" she asked with a large smile directed at Zale and Ithea. "Anything interesting?"

"Yes, we were discussing hunting," Ithea answered with a mischievous grin.

"I was just telling Ithea that hunting isn't exactly necessary for me," Zale said. "But sometimes it's nice to go hunting anyway. Would the three of you care to sit, or do you need to be leaving, Ithea?"

"Since you have a meeting in ten minutes..." Ithea had been keeping track of the time. "I think I will go move my things to my new place." She smiled at Shiv who was a little flushed.

Shiv felt Ithea's eyes on her and felt herself almost quail under the woman's gaze. Finally she found her nerve and stepped forward and smiled back. She gave Ithea a pleading look. "Do you really have to take Zargon with you? I'm getting so used to having him around, I don't know if I'll be able to handle not having him here."

Ithea smiled. "I do. I need him to help me deal with our little friend. But, if you like him, you may borrow him tomorrow. Zargon is good at making things around me feel like home. I could not replace him and value him highly." She picked up a stray thought and frowned. "I will not hurt him. I promise."

"Okay," Shiv said and then smiled again. "Well, tomorrow will be good. His massages are amazing, and I don't know if I could live without them now."

"I would imagine not," Kaysa said with a coy smile.

Ithea looked at them both, slightly confused. "Well okay. Thank you all. I hope to see you soon." Her words were said to all of them, but she had eyes only for Zale.

Kaysa's smile broadened and she nudged Shiv as she saw Ithea's entranced gaze. She followed her eyes, but she already knew who she was fixated on. "Would you like us to escort you out, Ithea?"

"If you wish," Ithea answered finally looking away and back to Kaysa. "Unless Zale needs you for something else."

"Oh," Shiv cried and quickly rushed forward toward Zale. "Don't forget the dinner! You know. The reservations you made for four people, but Merrick couldn't make it. Remember, Zale? Maybe Ithea would like to come as the fourth person. You'd come to dinner with us, wouldn't you Ithea?"

"I am not certain, I mean, I would not wish to intrude." Ithea looked at Zale to see what he wished. "It is not fair to force an invitation. I would feel no insult if you wished to keep your company intimate."

"Oh, we're not intimate," Kaysa interjected suddenly. "I mean...we're not...so it would be...just fine." Kaysa chewed her lip and looked away as she realized quickly what a fool she'd made of herself.

Zale looked at Kaysa and couldn't completely hide his grin. "No," he said. "We're not intimate, so you should fit right in. We'd be delighted to have you along, Ithea. And, if you'd like to bring Zargon along, I'm sure we can accommodate him."

"I think I can live without an attendant for awhile. Though...I am not sure about Shiv." She flashed a grin at Shiv. "I will go and move my things. What time should I be ready?"

"We'll come by and pick you up around seven-thirty," Zale said. "If that gives you enough time."

"If you need help picking out something to wear, Shiv and I would be happy to oblige. If it's an equadi you need, I'm sure Zale has a spare one somewhere," Kaysa said with large smile.

"If Zale can spare you, I place myself in your capable hands. I am still learning what is fashionable and what is not. The only thing I insist, we don't cut the hair." Ithea grinned at the two women.

"No hair cutting," Shiv echoed. "But, I'm sure we can have you looking amazing for the date tonight. Not that you don't already look amazing, but you wouldn't believe what an equadi will do for a woman's appearance in the eyes of a man. Just you wait, Zale won't be able to take his eyes off you."

Zale shot a glance at Shiv who only giggled. "Shiv seems to have mistaken me for someone who ogles over a woman in skimpy attire," he said. "And, while I will admit that I do like admiring a beautiful woman, I do have some modicum of class and don't just stare. If that were the case, I would have spent the entire time here staring at Shiv and Kaysa."

Ithea grinned. "I will endeavor to make sure they keep some class. I will meet you at the apartment, my sisters, whenever you care to arrive." She winked at Shiv. "Perhaps you can keep Zargon busy for awhile." She beckoned to her slave and headed for the door.

Shiv watched them and giggled. "Oh I would love to keep him busy," Shiv said with a salacious grin.

"I will see you soon then. I will meet you both at the apartment." Ithea grinned from the door and then ducked out. She was determined to get her things and move into her new abode.

Once Ithea was gone, Zale turned to Kaysa and Shiv and raised an eyebrow. "You're trying to...you're trying to make up for your disaster with Arrista, aren't you?" He smiled warmly and moved to the edge of the desk where he took a seat.

Kaysa edged further into the room with an expression of feigned innocence. "We're just trying to do a friend a favour, Zale. Ithea's a very lonely woman. She needs companionship." Rounding the desk, Kaysa sank into Zale's chair with a sigh. "Besides, you liked her. I think we'll be winning the little bet this time around."

Zale glanced back to Shiv who was moving to one of the other chairs and flopping into it, then turned his attention back to Kaysa. "We'll see," he said. "She's an intriguing woman, for certain. I guess we'll see how it goes tonight."

"So, it's a possibility then?" Kaysa smiled with glee at Shiv and leaned forward in the chair. "You do have something appropriate to wear, don't you Zale? I mean, I know you enjoy showing off those brawny muscles of yours, but at least try and wear a top that has sleeves."

"I have something to wear," Zale said. "And, I don't know what sort of possibility there is. It felt like every time we drew closer, she pulled away and put distance between us. We'll see what happens. The two of you can wear whatever you'd like tonight."

"No equadi?" Kaysa asked skeptically. "But I'm sure you'll make us compensate you for that. He's being so generous, don't you think, Shiv? I think he's in love," Kaysa teased.

"Here we go again," Zale muttered. "If you don't want to wear equadi, you don't have to. I'm trying to be kind to you, and you try to vilify me. I hardly know that woman and if she keeps going the way she is, I never will. She's secretive and reveals as little as possible about herself. I'm just trying to be kind to someone who needs friends."

"I thought you liked secretive, Zale?" Kaysa sighed sharply and rose from Zale's chair. "I don't think you know what you want. That's your problem. You're not interested in a companion. All you want is a good screw."

"Yeah," Zale snapped, "that's all I want. A good screw. That's all I've ever wanted. I'm just a cold-hearted prick with no need for companionship, just a soft juicy cunt to wrap around my dick. Just want to thank you for bringing me Ithea, she'll be nice tonight if she doesn't run off before things heat up again." He growled under his breath and spun away from the desk to pace out across the centre of the room.

Kaysa gave a short, disdainful laugh. "You don't have to be all sensitive about it," she said as she fell quickly in stride with Zale and paced alongside him. "You're so tense, Zale. I think you do need a good screw."

"Fine," Zale said. "A good screw. Good idea. You can stay here or go back to the apartment. You've got the rest of the day to yourselves. I'll see you at dinner tonight." He grabbed a datapad from his desk and shoved it into the inner pocket of his jacket, and then started toward the door.

"Fine," Kaysa said with a derisive laugh. "Go screw some dirty whore when we're bringing you home perfectly good, nice women to hop into bed with." Kaysa followed Zale to the doorway and pulled him back. "What is wrong with you?" she whispered. "Why are you doing this?"

Zale looked into Kaysa's eyes for a moment and then quickly looked away. "Why do you care?" he whispered. "What does it even matter? Why is finding me someone to be with such a big deal for you, Kaysa?"

"I don't want you to be alone, Zale," Kaysa said softly. "And I do care. I care about you. I've told you before and I meant it." Kaysa shook her head slowly and released her hold on Zale's arm. "We need a serious talk, Zale. You and I, all pretenses dropped, we put our egos to rest, and we clear this up once and for all before each of us says or does something that will be impossible to take back in the future. We've been through too much together to let the rift between us become one, big chasm that will separate us from one another forever. Do you want that? Is that why you're walking away?"

"You're right," Zale said softly, "we need to talk. I don't want to lose you in my life, Kaysa."

"Then don't walk away," Kaysa implored. She slipped her hand into his and gently pulled him away from the door. "If you leave now, I don't know if you'll come back. If you need someone to screw, Shiv would be happy to oblige again."

"I think I can hold off for a little bit," he said. "There's more important things to deal with than sex at the moment."

"Speak for yourself," Shiv said with a pout. "You didn't have Zargie getting you all worked up and then stop. While Kaysa's helping Ithea dress tonight, I'm going to make sure Zargon finishes what he started."

Kaysa laughed softly and shook her head at Shiv. "You sex fiend." She shifted her gaze to Zale, but didn't know what to say or do now. All she did know was that they were drifting apart more quickly by the day, but a part of herself refused to let him go, even though it may have been for the best. "Do you want us to leave you alone for a while," Kaysa asked gently. "Just to keep your nerves from getting any more unsettled. I know we make you nervous; you always grind your teeth when we start acting up."

Zale laughed. "I don't want to say yes," he said as he looked up at her. "Did the two of you want to go out to do some shopping? I can give you some money to throw around if you'd like. When things are good, I really like having you two around."

"We like shopping, don't we, Shiv?" Kaysa nodded her head slowly, hoping Shiv would catch the hint and play along. "We can buy you some more knives."

"Oh yes," Shiv said. "Shopping is the best. I'm sure there are still dozens of shops we haven't gone to yet. Oh, and there's a great knife shop not very far from here. It'll be a great afternoon."

"And you'll be rid of us, Zale, so it'll be a relaxing one for you." Kaysa turned to Zale again and held out her upturned hand towards him. "Any amount will be fine. Oh, and can I have the keycard for your other apartment? There's a dress there I wanna wear for tonight...along with some supplies. I thought I'd go pick them up."

Zale chuckled and reached into his jacket. He pulled out the keycard for his apartment and a credit chip. He checked the balance on the chip and then handed both to her. "Before you're out the door, you'll have authorization to use that card at any of the stores in New Plouton. If you plan on shopping outside of the city, let me know and I'll open the chip for you. You should have enough to keep you busy for awhile."

"I knew you were trying to get rid of us." Kaysa closed her fingers over the cards and smiled. "Thanks. What time should we meet you back here for dinner? Did you want us to just meet you there with Ithea?"

"Were you going to help Ithea get ready? If you give me her address, I can meet you at her apartment, or we could all just meet at the restaurant."

"Ooh... Showing up at her door to escort her to dinner. I think that would be most romantic." Kaysa winked at Zale, then laughed and moved back towards Shiv. "Fine, you can meet us at the Joran Street apartment complex. She's room 320, but we can meet you outside if that's more convenient for you."

"I'll come up unless she doesn't want me to," Zale said. "Or, just let me know and I'll meet you downstairs. And, we'll see about the romance. I may have the two of you for another week by the end of the night."

Kaysa laughed softly. "I bet you're dreading that," she said quietly. She looked away from Zale and slid her arm through Shiv's. "Let's get going. We don't have much time before we have to be at Ithea's."

Shiv giggled and followed along with Kaysa toward the door. "See you soon, Zale," she called back. "Tonight, you should see if Zargie will give you a massage. He could get rid of a lot of that tension."

Zale chuckled. "I'm sure he can. And, if I have you for another week, you'll be wearing seven layers of clothing that completely hide your bodies."

"Oh you love watching us dance around half-naked for you," Shiv said as they reached the door.

"I bet he'd love it more if we were fully naked." Kaysa held the door open for Shiv and turned to Zale for a moment. "Another week might not be a bad idea. At least in that time, we'll find a chance to talk without distractions. Maybe then, I'll be able to hold your gaze for more than a moment without losing my nerve and looking away."

Zale nodded and turned back to her. He smiled gently and opened his mouth to say something, and then stopped. He laughed softly to himself and then nodded again. "I think we could both use a week to sort things out and say the things we need to say. I think it would be good for us." Or very bad, another voice told him. "You should get going or you will be stuck in that equadi for dinner tonight."

Kaysa stopped and looked back. "It's a lovely equadi, but I'd rather dress a little more conservatively for dinner, if you can believe that." Shiv tugged on her arm, and Kaysa smiled at her. She looked back to Zale for a moment and simply gave him a short laugh. "You're still trouble, Zale Tregat. The problem is, I like trouble." With that said, she heeded Shiv's urgings and slipped through the doorway, closing the door behind her.

As the door closed, Zale sighed and sank into one of the chairs. He had no idea how he was going to survive this without having it tear him apart. He had no idea how he could continue facing Kaysa, and keep things as they were. He moved around to the other side of the desk, hoping that losing himself in work for a couple hours would help clear his mind.

***

As they stood in the elevator, Shiv gazed at the numbers flicking by on the display with a pensive look. Finally she turned to Kaysa and smiled. "I have no idea what to wear tonight. I mean, if you're not wearing an equadi, I'm not. I think I'll have to find something when we're shopping."

"We'll find something." Kaysa sighed and lay her head upon Shiv's shoulder. "We still have a few days to go. I miss Merrick." She laughed softly and added, "I miss clothing."

"I miss Merrick too," Shiv said as she put her arms around Kaysa.

"If you promise not to tell Zale, instead of going shopping, we can pay Merrick a visit. I'm sure we can get reacquainted with him at least twice in that time."

"Yes!" It took every bit of control not to start bouncing around the elevator with excitement. "Oh that would be so nice. We're gonna wear him out and then we go to Ithea and wait for tonight when Zale wows her with all his charm. And, then he'll be wearing the equadi." She couldn't shake the image of Merrick's surprised expression as he opened the door with them standing there. "Merrick's gonna be so excited!"

As the elevators doors slid open, Kaysa laughed and pulled Shiv along as she began running. "Come on then! Let's go make love to Merrick then go to dinner, and sneak back out to celebrate with Merrick when we win the bet!"

It wouldn't take them long to get to the apartment, and when they got there they'd tackle Merrick to the ground, drag him into the bedroom and make love to him like he'd never had before. As she ran, Shiv let out a gleeful screech, dodging through the other pedestrians while still holding onto Kaysa's hand. "Before the night is over, they'll both be thanking us!"

"Again, and again, and again..." Kaysa looked to Shiv and emitted a shrill laugh as they barrelled down the street. "Here we come, Merrick! I hope you're good and ready, 'cause your girls are ravenous."

"I hope he's home," Shiv called out, "because if he's not he's in for a surprise when we find him. I just hope Chrik wouldn't fire him if we pounced on him on stage at the White Noise!"

"We're desperate, Shiv. I'm sure he'll understand." They stormed through the streets in a fit of excited shrieks and laughter. Upon reaching the apartment complex, they bolted up the stairs. "He's gonna love us even more for this!"

"Maybe he'll buy us things," Shiv said with a giggle as they took the stairs two at a time. "As a way of saying, 'Thank you and I love the two of you very much too.' Oh why do we have to live way up on the second floor?"

They hit the top of the stairs and Shiv turned to Kaysa, who always had the keycard.

Kaysa turned to Shiv and slapped her hand over her mouth. "I don't have it on me. I had nowhere to put it." She smiled at Shiv and together, they began banging furiously on the door. "Merrick! Please open up! We need you!"

The door suddenly flew open and Merrick stood there, a mixture of worry and confusion on his face. "Maeren, Kaysa," he said. "What's wrong? Oh my...you're wearing... Is everything alright?"

Kaysa laughed and together with Shiv, they tackled him to the ground and devoured him with kisses. "Oh you taste so wonderful! Mmm... Oh we missed you."

"Let's see how much he missed us," Shiv said and then smiled. "Oh, he definitely missed us a lot." She quickly started divesting herself of her equadi while still kissing Merrick's throat.

Merrick moaned as they kept kissing and caressing him. "I don't think I mind the two of you staying away for a day if this is what coming home is like."

"Oh, shut up, Merrick and make love to us right here." Kaysa's mouth latched on to Merrick's chest as she exposed it and suckled fervently on his erect nipples. "We don't have much time... Will three hours be enough?"

"It'll do," Merrick said as he quickly started trying to get his clothes off. With Shiv and Kaysa's help, he finally managed. They quickly lost themselves in their lovemaking. After only a day of being apart, their union seemed more impassioned and fulfilling than anything they'd experienced before.

***

Kaysa was singing lazily as they lay in a tangled heap on the floor, naked and drenched in sweat. Her head was swimming with the residual sensations flowing gently through her and the intoxication she felt during their lovemaking made her giggle quietly. "We should lay here all day. I love the smell of sweat and sex. You've outdone yourself, Merrick."

"Mmm," Merrick said. "Hmm mmm." He opened his eyes and looked down at Kaysa who was laying across his chest. "That was beautiful. I don't know if it would ever sell, but I think the sounds of us making love would make a good synth track on a song." He laughed. "Shiv's cries of pleasure and your screams of delight would make perfect synthesized instrumentation."

"Don't you dare!" Kaysa laughed and covered Merrick's mouth with her own. "Oh my..." she whispered, wearing a large smile as their lips parted. "I'm so glad you were here when we showed up. We would have run all the way to the White Noise if we had to, but I don't think we would have been able to hold out that long."

"Then I'm glad I was here too," Merrick said with a smile. "I would hate to have to bail you and Shiv out after you've been arrested for having sex in the middle of a park or something because you couldn't find me."

"Don't worry," Shiv said. "We wouldn't have had sex in the park. We would have broken into the apartment, had sex here to ease the greatest urges; and then we'd come find you, pin you to the floor and have our way with you."

Kaysa smiled at Merrick. "She's always thinking these things through. She's quite an asset." She sighed deeply and lay her head upon Merrick's chest while running her fingers through his damp hair. "I wish we could spend the night here. We could probably try again in a couple of hours."

"So Zale hasn't let you go yet," he asked. "I'm surprised he could even be around the two of you wearing those dresses. So when do you think you might have more time to sneak by? I know I'd like to try this again in the bedroom."

Kaysa glanced at Shiv upon Merrick's remark, but she knew Shiv wouldn't dare say a word. "We...we can't tonight," Kaysa started awkwardly. "There's this dinner we have to go to. We found Zale another woman. Actually, it's just Ithea, but I think they're beginning to click."

Merrick smiled at the mention of the woman from the dinner the other night. "They seemed to hit it off well the other night until she left. So do you think tonight will get you out of Zale's service and back here with me? Or will he keep you for the week and let you go? Maybe I should talk to him if this thing with Ithea works out. I can't imagine she'd like Zale hanging around you two in those skimpy outfits. I would imagine she preferred him hanging around her in a skimpy outfit."

"I guess it all depends on how close they get tonight. If they really hit it off, I imagine he'll want the apartment to himself and then Shiv and I can come back here," Kaysa said emphatically. She kissed Merrick deeply and laughed as Shiv tried to sneak her lips in as well. She glanced idly out of the window and gasped abruptly. "What time is it? Oh gods, Shiv we're supposed to meet Ithea, remember? And I still haven't gone by Zale's apartment for--" Kaysa cut herself off just in time to prevent herself from stirring up trouble. Telling Merrick she had clothes at Zale's house wouldn't exactly instill confidence in him. "We have to go."

Shiv scrambled off Merrick and quickly started putting her equadi back on. "Oh gods," she said. "I don't have any clothes here. Well, not anything suitable for tonight. All my new stuff is over at the other apartment. Do we have time to stop? I mean just a quick stop where I can grab something off a rack and dash?"

Merrick was still trying to recover from the news that they had to run off practically as soon as they'd gotten there, but then he noticed the clock and realized they'd been there for a couple hours already. "Call me tonight," he said as they frantically put on their clothes. "And, encourage Zale to get really close to Ithea; the bed's getting really cold without you in it."

Kaysa straightened out her equadi and helped pull Merrick to his feet. "Shiv and I will do our best. We can be very convincing when we try really hard." She wrapped her arms around Merrick and kissed him furiously. "Oh, Shiv, do you think we have time for one more?"

Shiv looked outside and then at Merrick. "If we're really fast, we might be able to and arrive just on time," she said. "We'd just have to wear our equadis tonight though."

Kaysa looked down at her wrinkled gown and shook her head. "I can't wear this. It's all...ugly now." She pouted and took Shiv's hand. Regretfully, she started away from Merrick with Shiv fighting feebly against her pulls. "We'll see you, Merrick. I don't know when, but we will. We'll be back someday and until then, I love you!"

"I love you too," Merrick said. "Both of you. We'll spend a week together non-stop once this is over."

"Oh, come on, Shiv! We're gonna be late!" Kaysa gripped Shiv by the waist and dragged her away from Merrick. "Bye my love! Sweet dreams! Jerk off if you have to, but we will be back!"

Merrick waved from the doorway as Kaysa and Shiv rushed away. "Bye," he called as they disappeared down the stairs. "I'll be waiting for you!"

Shiv and Kaysa burst out onto the street and started off in a direction that Kaysa explained was where Zale's other apartment was. "Are there any stores on the way I can get something at? If you're not wearing an equadi tonight, I'm not gonna be the only one."

"I think I've got an extra dress at Zale's. It's not the nicest, but we don't want to take attention away from Ithea. We're gonna win this bet and Ithea's gonna help us." Kaysa pulled Shiv into a light jog and blew Merrick a kiss as he peered down from the apartment window. "If we do our job well tonight, we may be able to spend the night with Merrick. Oh, I really hope Zale is in a good mood tonight. He's been brooding all day."

"Is your dress nice," Shiv asked as they jogged along.

"Well, Zale seemed to like it last time I showed it to him. Why?"

"Because I don't want to be the only one there not looking nice," Shiv said. "I mean, Ithea's gonna look good, and you're gonna look good, and Zale always looks good though he better dress nicer tonight so he can really woo Ithea. And, that means I'm going to be the only one there not looking good. I mean, it's okay for you to take the attention away from Ithea, but Shiv has to look like she's wearing an old frumpy dress that makes her look like...like Gladyne's daughter."

"Fine, I'll wear the ugly dress and you can wear the nice one. Now stop worrying and let's go!" Kaysa jerked on Shiv's arm to hasten her pace. "We have so very much to do before the ball. And if you want Zargon to feel you up quickly before we leave, we have to hurry."

Shiv giggled. "Of course I do," she said. "He's good with his hands."

With that, they hurried to Zale's other apartment, one Kaysa knew quite well from past experience. It didn't take either of them long to get changed into the dresses Kaysa had stashed in one of Zale's closets. A glance at the time told them they had to leave, and they decided they would take care of make up and such later. At the moment, they had to go make sure Ithea was beautiful enough to capture Zale and win him forever. They had to succeed.

"A Night To Remember, Part 1"
By: Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Ithea Tass
Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr
NPC: Marius - Ithea's slave/Tarkin's spy
Location: Various Locations, New Plouton
Date: Praeda 18, 4ABY

Kaysa picked up the hem of her dress and scrambled up the stairs with Shiv straggling behind. "Sorry about the dress, Shiv. I didn't remember it being so tight." It had taken them longer than they'd anticipated to get from Zale's apartment to Ithea's; traffic in the streets detained them and now the clock was quickly approaching seven thirty. "Come on, Shiv. Zale's gonna be here any minute and we still haven't helped Ithea dress!"

"Zargie will be crushed," Shiv said. "Do you feel really weird? I mean, wearing clothes?" She felt so heavy and unsteady in the tight-fitting dress and her boots. "I hope she already has some clothes picked out, or else we'll probably be here for awhile. I remember our past adventures selecting clothes."

"The difference this time is we're already dressed. As long as you refrain from stripping yourself of your clothing, we'll be fine." Kaysa grinned at Shiv upon recollection of their run in with the poster girl for the Morality Guards, as well as their tryst in the shop changing rooms. They really had to try that again. Kaysa reached the top of the stairwell and took Shiv's hand to help her up the last few steps. "I bet Zargon missed you and you, him. Are you gonna tell Merrick about him eventually?"

Shiv frowned. "I should," she said. "He only ever...you know, touches," she said. "It's not like I'm having sex with him. But, Merrick probably wouldn't be happy that he's touching me. And, I'll stay dressed. I don't think we have enough time for a good massage anyway." The hallway down to Ithea's new apartment wasn't long, and soon they were standing ready to knock. Shiv glanced at Kaysa and grinned. "How do I look?"

"Amazing, as usual. Blue really is your colour, you know that?" Kaysa kissed Shiv on the cheek then rang the door chime. "I hope Ithea isn't mad," she said quietly. "I don't want her doing that force choke hold thingie on us. I bet she could really wrap Zale around her finger. Throw him against a wall or two, threaten to snap his neck...he'd comply pretty quickly I think."

Shiv giggled. "And, then he'd go all crimelord on her," she said. "Though, when you watch her with him, I don't think she'd even think an angry thought about him out of fear of making him upset at her. Have you noticed when they're together, she almost acts like Zargon does toward her?"

"Zale can be a very intimidating man. I know that firsthand." Kaysa glanced at Shiv with a knowing smile, but decided to keep the details of her nights with Zale just to herself. "If Ithea doesn't challenge him or act too defiantly, she should escape a night with Zale unscathed, yet very satisfied."

"I think she'll be too scared to be satisfied," Shiv said. "I think she could use it though. I think Zale will make her very happy. Obviously that Marius guy is supposed to be answering the door, because Zargon wouldn't be this slow. What's taking him?"

Marius indeed opened the door. "Good Evening ladies." He stood aside to allow them to enter. "The Mistress will be here in a moment. Or, you may join her in her bedroom."

The room did not show any sign of moving in. It was clean and immaculate. Simply furnished the same as it had been when they left. The only addition was a strange black stone shot with red on the table in front of the couch.

"Thanks," Kaysa said pleasantly as she moved into the room with Shiv. "We'll meet her in the bedroom if it's alright." Kaysa's eyes shot wide open as she saw the opulent-looking object resting on the table. "A pricy centre piece. What is it?" She reached out to touch the stone, but looked to Marius and drew her hand away. "Don't wanna break anything." She laughed dryly and wrung her hands as she looked to Shiv. "So should we go see her?"

"It is something from my mistress' home. And yes, she is expecting you," Marius replied with a bow. He had that look of a weasel in his eyes as he looked the two women over.

Shiv glanced at Marius warily. "Of course," she said. "I think Ithea would like to see us right away. We don't have much time before you-know-who shows up."

"Oh, right. Mr. Congeniality with a datapad up his ass. We certainly don't wanna annoy him." Kaysa let out a dry laugh as they followed Marius.

The door to Ithea's bedroom lay open. She was standing in front of a mirror frowning. She was wearing skintight black leggings. Over that was a matching three-quarter length top that stopped at her knees. The outfit was trimmed in silver. Ithea turned as she saw them. "Oh I am so glad you are here. I cannot do anything with my hair and I don't want to braid it as usual."

Kaysa smiled and nodded approval at Ithea's choice in attire. "Very nice... Shiv works magic on hair and make-up. I think she can manage something, don't you, Shiv?"

Shiv looked between Kaysa and Ithea. "Oh, yes," she said. "Magic. I won't cut it though, don't worry. I'll just make it look really nice, and Zale will want to jump you right there on the table." She quickly got to work on Ithea's hair, humming one of Merrick's songs as she worked.

"That is not a good thing, is it?" Ithea did not see how a battle at dinner would be a good thing at all. "I thought I was supposed to encourage him to like me."

"Oh you are," Kaysa said as she moved to Ithea's side. "And he will. Trust me. I think he realizes we're trying to set you two up, so he may be a little tough on you, but it's only because he really really wants to punish us for butting into his affairs. He desperately wants to reject you to torment us, but this evening, I doubt he'd be able to, no matter how hard he tried."

"Oh, and if you let him jump you at the table, that's all the encouragement he needs," Shiv said. "Though, the rest of the people in the restaurant might have problems. They don't mind people wandering around naked here, but public sex is really frowned upon. I mean, the number of rude people commenting on us having sex in the elevators is amazing."

Ithea's eyes widened as she realized what Shiv was talking about. "You expect me to mate with Zale?" her voice squeaked as she stared in the mirror at Shiv, who had her hands in her hair.

Shiv giggled. "Well, what else are you going to do with him," she said. "He's very good at mating, practically an expert. I mean, I prefer being with women, but Zale definitely pleases in bed. Kaysa's much better when it comes to actually giving pleasure, but Zale has techniques that just make you have to scream. So, you don't want to?"

"I-I hadn't thought about it." Ithea's flush proved that wasn't true. "I mean, I have never...well I know I look like...but I just haven't found..." Ithea stopped talking. She sounded unintelligent when she rambled but these two women had a way of making her feel like an apprentice all over again. She frowned. What had happened to the ruthless killer? She needed these people regardless of where the goddess eventually led them. She could hunt, so should she just consider it a hunt?

Shiv put a calming hand on Ithea's shoulder. "It's okay," she said. "Zale will treat you very gently. I know he can be rough and tumble and all that, but I think for you he'd be nice and sweet and gentle, but you'd still scream!"

"Shiv, stop scaring her," Kaysa chided. She leaned over Ithea's shoulder and ran the back of her hand gently along her cheek. "Don't worry. You don't have to...mate with him if you don't want to just yet. Be assertive. If he begins doing things that make you uncomfortable, tell him you'll put some force choke hold thingie on him if he doesn't behave. That should work."

Ithea started at the warmth that flowed from Kaysa's hand. It was oddly comforting to be touched in such a manner. Ithea was not used to being touched by any other than a slave. She forced herself back to Kaysa's words. "I don't think Zale would be pleased to know that...that I can do that." She suddenly looked up, surprised. "But then, I didn't know that you knew I could do that." She had so many questions for the stray thoughts she picked up from these two. Though a great deal of them were too private for repeating. She looked in the mirror, amazed with the progress Shiv was making with her volumes of hair.

Kaysa had forgotten Zargon had given her the information about Ithea's abilities in confidence. She smiled to hide her sudden irritation with herself, and turned away to casually pace the room. "I saw your little demonstration with Greig in my office that very pleasurable day. I only surmised that it was Force capabilities, but by your sudden surprise, I guess my assumption was correct." She looked back at Ithea with a warm smile. "Don't worry. You don't have to say a word to him about it and neither will I. I won't tell him anything you don't want me to. A girl has gotta have some secrets."

Ithea knew Kaysa would understand. She sensed many kindred things in Kaysa. Like herself, Kaysa seemed to be searching for something just out of reach. She smiled back. "How much longer till we meet Zale?"

Shiv glanced at the time and grinned. "The smouldering sack of sexiness should be here anytime," she said. "He probably couldn't find the place here in the bad part of town; he sort of limits himself to the rich and powerful neighbourhoods. How about a little colour in your face, Ithea? I'm thinking some warm reds and maybe a little darkening around the eyes."

"If you think that best." Ithea was used to far more makeup than these two used. "I just don't want either of you to be disappointed in me. I can tell that this means a great deal to you. If I hunt him and am successful, you will win your bet. Yes?" Ithea asked with a grin.

Kaysa nodded. "It's not only about the bet, though. Shiv and I just know there's some possibility for passion between you two. We'd be doing the universe a favour by throwing you two together. I mean, your Force thingie teaches you all about balance, right? Well, if we didn't try and fix you two up, it might throw off that whole balance thing. What if you two are fated to be together? Shiv and I are just helping destiny run its course."

Ithea laughed lightly. "You could be right. Who would I be to resist the course of destiny?" She looked at herself in the mirror as Shiv finished. "You have missed your calling Shiv. Instead of sex fiend, you should be doing this for those destiny fated women." Ithea was surprised at the woman staring back at her. She had gotten so used to seeing herself in face paint that to see herself in this manner was pleasing. She stood up and turned slowly for Kaysa. "What do you think? Am I dressed to hunt?"

"I think you're ready to go in for the kill." Kaysa's smile reached from ear to ear. She pushed a curl of raven hair over Ithea's shoulder and nodded to Shiv. "Very nice. Not too provocative, yet still very sexy. If Shiv and I had worn our equadi, his attention would still be on you the entire night." Kaysa wanted to jump about in excitement as the prospect of finally winning the bet became closer to reality. "Oh, you're definitely going to be going home with Zale tonight."

"I'm not a sex fiend," Shiv said with a giggle. "I'm just uninhibited. And, I think for hunting, you'll want a little more cleavage."

As she started helping Ithea with the front of her dress, a faint knock could be heard out from the other room. Ithea brushed Shiv's hand away. "Any more and I won't have a top on. Remember, Zale wanted something with class." She heard Marius speaking to Zale. "Besides, I think he is here. You go first."

Kaysa tore Shiv away from Ithea before she decided to strip her bare, and moved to the door. "I guess you want to make a grand entrance. Don't be nervous. Just smile and stand tall." Kaysa opened the door and pushed Shiv through. She smiled back at Ithea. "And remember to shake those hips," she whispered before she disappeared through the door.

"Well, well," Zale said from the other side of the room, "I almost didn't recognize you with all those clothes on. Kaysa, Shiv, so have you worked magic on Ithea and now she's just preparing for her grand entrance?"

"You were listening, weren't you?" Kaysa closed the door to the bedroom behind her and attempted a smile for Zale. "She's just mentally preparing herself. You're a very intimidating man, Zale. Try and be a little personable tonight, please?"

"I'll see what I can do," Zale said with a laugh. "So, how was Merrick?"

Kaysa frowned and crossed her arms angrily over her chest. "Following us, were you? Or was it one of your little lackeys?" She gave a short laugh and shook her head slowly. "Jerk. I bet you caught it on a holovid too."

Zale laughed. "No holovids," he said. "That's Vrax's gimmick. And, I didn't have you followed; Shiv's still wearing the collar. You're always quick to assume the worst of people Kaysa, or is it just me?"

Kaysa sighed sharply and sat down on the couch heavily. "Don't start with me, Zale. And don't you dare mention my ex-associate again. I mean, do you want this evening to go smoothly or don't you?"

"I want it to go as smoothly as you do," Zale said as he cast a glance back to Marius who was watching them intently. "Though, you are the one who called me a jerk." He looked at both Shiv and Kaysa and smiled. "You both look very nice."

"Thank you," Kaysa said with a tight smile. "You look...acceptable. The least you could have done was shave, but I guess that was asking for too much."

"Far too much," Zale said. "And, you know you're just nitpicking now. You've never complained before, but now you're just trying to get to me again and it's not going to work. So, is it awkward in clothes, or did the two days in the equadi not affect you as much?"

"It's always awkward in clothes," Shiv said with a giggle.

"That's because you're used to walking around naked, Shiv." Kaysa rolled her eyes at Zale and sighed deeply as she pushed off the couch and started towards him. "You look absolutely hot tonight, Zale...jerk. I'm only being critical because you've never dressed that way for me or Shiv. You must really like Ithea."

Zale raised a hand and brushed it against her cheek. "If I'd known you would have liked me to dress like this around you, I would have. I guess I'll have to play dress-up more often." He glanced toward the bedroom. "She's not making her dress in there, is she? She is going to be making her entrance, right?"

"Actually, a slightly delayed one," Ithea said as she stepped into the room. She had added a simple silver necklace that fell halfway down the "V" of the long shirt. "Good evening, Zale. Welcome to my new dwelling."

Zale let his eyes take in Ithea as she stood before him. "Thank you," he said. "You look very nice." He looked around for a moment and then back to Ithea. "It's a nice place; you were right to choose Kaysa to help you find it."

"I can be very resourceful." She smiled at Ithea and then looked back to Zale. "Well, come on you two. Dinner awaits." Kaysa took Ithea's hand, then took Zale's and brought them together. "Escort your date to the hoverlimo I hope you brought."

Zale laughed. "No hoverlimo," he said, "but I do have a cab waiting with more than enough room for all of us." He glanced at the three women, then raised an eyebrow. "I take it we're ready to go?"

Kaysa moved swiftly to Shiv's side and quickly linked arms with her. "Your girls are ready. Aren't we, Shiv?"

Shiv grinned at Kaysa and then looked to Zale. "Yes," she said, "your girls are ready. I've got my date, and when the night is over, I'm going to take her to my bed and have wild, passionate sex with her." Her grin turned wickedly mischievous as she turned to Zale. "So, how about you, Mr. Tregat?"

Zale coughed and glared at Shiv as he turned Ithea toward the door and started leading her outside. "I think we should hurry before all the good tables are gone," he said, and turned back to Kaysa and Shiv, still giggling behind him. "You two are just...trouble."

"You like trouble, Zale, that's why you're keeping us around." Kaysa kissed Shiv's neck and whispered a salacious thought into her ear. When they erupted into giggles again, she glanced at Zale and shrugged her shoulders innocently. "We were talking about what we're having for dessert."

"Very yummy," Shiv cooed.

Zale rolled his eyes. "Yeah," he said. "I'm sure it's all about dessert. Just...just try not to do anything that will get you arrested. I don't want to have to bail you out of some Imperial stockade."

"Don't worry. I'm sure if that happens, Shiv and I will keep ourselves occupied." Kaysa laughed at Zale and pointed to his hand, then motioned to Ithea's rear. She gazed sternly at him and cocked her head repeatedly towards Ithea's rear waiting to be cupped. "Go on," she whispered.

Zale frowned at Kaysa and shook his head.

Shiv slipped a hand behind Kaysa and made a show, for Zale's sake, of groping Kaysa's buttocks. She smiled at Zale, and then slowly nodded.

Zale shook his head again and turned to face the front as he and Ithea walked down the hallway. It was going to be a very long night. He just hoped they didn't decide to grab Ithea's ass for him.

"Is it just me, or do those two have a one track mind?" asked Ithea with a conspiratorial whisper. They seemed obsessed with mating and having her mate with Zale.

Zale chuckled. "I think they do," he said with a smile. He held the door as they piled into the lift and rode down to the ground floor in silence. As they walked out to the waiting cab, he glanced at Ithea. "So the man that answered the door was Tarkin's spy?"

"Yes, his name is Marius," Ithea answered with a nod. "He thinks he is immune because he is a messenger." Ithea's tone and smile indicated that this was not the case.

"I imagine part of that is just the general superiority most Imperial loyalists feel," Zale said. "In any event, he can be dealt with if he's in the way of anything, and in most cases it can look like an accident."

They all climbed into the cab and it was, as Zale had said, spacious enough for all of them.

Once they were settled, Shiv looked around and smiled. "I think tonight would be a good night for some Tiesta."

"After dinner, Shiv. We don't want to embarrass Zale on his big date." Kaysa smiled sweetly at Zale, then urged him to make some form of physical contact with Ithea. She was beginning to understand why he couldn't keep a steady relationship.

"What is Tiesta?" Ithea asked with a puzzled frown.

Shiv looked at Ithea and then grinned. "Drugs," she said with a giggle. "It's great for relaxing and feeling great. Unlike some of the others, there aren't really a whole lot of bad side-effects."

"Except it makes you really really horny." Kaysa smiled slyly, then looked to Zale again, who hadn't heeded her earlier urgings. She sighed impatiently and motioned her eyes forcefully to Ithea's hand.

Zale met Kaysa's stare and finally sighed as he realized it was a fight he would never win. He reached over and took Ithea's hand into his and offered her a smile.

Ithea looked down in surprise and then up at Zale and smiled back. She wasn't used to physical touch and it felt strange to have someone hold her hand. Apparently this was an appropriate custom and she had promised Kaysa she would hunt. "I do not think you need a drug for that Shiv."

"Well, I don't need it," Shiv said, "but it's very nice. It heightens the experience, and just makes it all more powerful. You should try it when you and Zale...um...if you do."

Ithea blushed. She looked up at Zale. "They really are pushy. You are right. They don't think you can hunt." She looked back at Shiv. "I am sure if Zale were to wish such a thing to happen, he wouldn't need a drug to get around to it."

Shiv giggled. "Oh no he doesn't," she said. "When Zale puts his mind to it, he can keep you going all night long. He's like some sort of sex master. He's even got this certificate kind of thing that says so."

"Really?" Ithea looked at Zale with amusement. "I didn't know one needed to go to school for such things." Her voice held a light teasing tone. Her eyes sparkled with mirth.

Zale glanced at Shiv with a glare but was only met with more giggles. He turned back to Ithea and smiled. "There was no need for schooling," he said. "However, because of the teachings you can be quite assured that I am considered a master in the art of giving pleasure. Any man can stick his dick in a woman, but few have the mastery to submerse a woman in such pleasure that the experience becomes transcendent. And, very few men have the capacity to last for hours. That is the teaching of the Shac'Tae."

"And you have this teaching?" Ithea grinned. "On my planet, you would be worth a great deal." She laughed at the thought of her sisters competing to own this man.

"I'm worth a great deal on this planet as well," Zale said. "And, people fear that - people like Tarkin." He was thoughtful for a moment, and then said, "Yes, I have that teaching. Just ask Kaysa and Shiv."

Kaysa forced back a smile and nodded at Ithea. "It's the truth. He kept me going for almost an hour one time, but the only reason he stopped was because I begged him to. He's quite...talented in the arts of pleasure. If you don't want to take my word for it, maybe Zale can demonstrate for you tonight."

"Oh," Shiv exclaimed, "and that thing he does with his tongue. I tell you, Ithea, I have never screamed so much in my life. I don't think you will be displeased at all with Zale. Once you've been with Zale, it's hard to go with other men and still find satisfaction. Well, except with Merrick but you can't have him."

"He did a tongue thing with you?" Kaysa asked. She looked to Zale with a frown and reached over to slap him in the arm. "You never did a tongue thing with me! Now I know why I dumped you."

"If you gave me the chance to," Zale said, "I would have. Well, if you ever dump Merrick or decide to have an affair, let me know and I'll do the tongue thing on you too."

Ithea had frowned. They were putting too much pressure on an already uncomfortable situation. She still felt strange with him holding her hand. However his words caught her attention. He still wanted Kaysa. She looked at Kaysa. She already knew that Kaysa wanted him. She wondered why Kaysa was joining with another when Ithea could feel her smouldering desire for this man. "See Shiv, how can I compete? Kaysa has but to wag her finger and your poor Zale is hers." Her tone held a light teasing tone. She looked up at Zale with a very innocent expression.

Shiv nodded slowly and glanced at Kaysa with a smile. "I know the feeling," she said softly.

Zale laughed uncomfortably. "I think we're almost there," he said glancing out the window. "Oh, no, not yet. Wrong place. It's just a few more kilometers though. The place we're going has some of the finest seafood on the planet. I haven't been here in nearly a year."

Kaysa turned her gaze away and focused on the scene outside the window of the cab. Zale's not so smooth segue into a new topic was an admission to rather than an avoidance in responding to Ithea's statement, although, she doubted Ithea needed to hear it from his lips to know it was true. It hadn't even started yet, and she already knew the night was going to be a long one.

***

The cab pulled up in front of Tanri'Gar's, one of the finest restaurants in the Yesdol district. It was a place that required a large income to get in the door, and an even larger income to order from the menu. Zale held the door open as the three women exited the cab, and then he led the way inside.

The maitre d' met them at the door with a gracious smile, and then quickly summoned someone to take them to their seats. Once everyone was seated, and drinks were ordered, Zale pulled his attention from his thoughts. "I used to know one of the men who cooked here," he said. "He used to provide me with information on some of the clients here. According to him, they have a three-tier system for selecting all of their food purchases, so you should be having one of the best meals you've had in your lives tonight. At least, according to him; then again, he was arrested a few years ago for running a scam against many of the businesses in the district. It's hard to say how reliable his information is. In any event, I do recommend the seafood."

Shiv turned to Kaysa as she looked at the menu. "Have you seen the prices on here? You could almost buy a ship for what it costs for one of these shrimp dishes."

"Well eat up, Shiv," Kaysa whispered. "Zale's paying and he can certainly afford to treat his girls." She smiled as she looked up at Ithea and Zale, then frowned as she caught a hint of their conversation. "Ugh. Shiv, he's gonna bore her to death. Say something stupid."

"So," Shiv said. "I was working on this painting of Merrick, but I think I should do one of Ithea and Zale. I think it would be perfect, and then Zale could hang it in his office and everyone could see it. Wouldn't that be great? I think it would be really interesting if they were both lying naked on Zale's desk in the painting. It would be very classy. Though, it might look better with Zale in an equadi." Shiv giggled and turned to Kaysa. "Stupid enough?"

"Quite, you silly fool," Kaysa whispered with a tight smile. She turned her attention to Zale and Ithea and tried to stammer an apology. "What...what she really meant to say was you two look really good together. I mean you're so well suited. You're both smart, beautiful, and you could probably kick some real ass."

Ithea looked sternly at them both. "You are both so preoccupied with Zale's sexual conquest of my person that I have to ask, do you plan to watch if that happens? Becuase, I really think I have a right to know." She looked at Kaysa.

Shiv stifled a giggle and leaned over to Kaysa. "See," she whispered, "I told you she wanted us to watch."

Ithea continued despite the interruption. "How about you let Zale and I decide whether we like each other?" She looked up apologetically at Zale. "I know I am quite capable of going after what I like. Aren't you?" she asked in a more tender and breathless tone.

Zale glanced quickly to Kaysa and then turned his attention back to Ithea. "I'm capable," he said. "Very capable."

"And so am I. So if you two don't mind, how about you let Zale and I decide if we want to spend time in a more intimate engagement?" Ithea's gaze, however, didn't leave Zale's. "Unless you want them to continue describing all your capablities till there are no mysteries left." She smiled softly. She then deliberat