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 deliberately looked at her menu.

With a smile, Zale turned his attention to his own menu. "I'm sure I've got a few mysteries left, even to them," he said. "But, we'll just have to see."

Ithea grinned. She, however, continued to read her menu, curious as to her two companions' reaction to his words.

"Can you believe them?" Kaysa whispered to Shiv as she cast her eyes towards Ithea and Zale. "It sounds like our company is no longer welcome. We were only trying to help. You'd think they'd be grateful. Right," Kaysa snorted.

Shiv snorted too and rolled her eyes. "I know," she said. "You'd think they'd be thanking us, but instead they're off in their own world. I think maybe we should get our own table. And, after we eat, we can dance together and make up stories about them."

Ithea couldn't help it. She burst out laughing. "Or perhaps you could just eat dinner and try not to talk about sex for an hour. I can't imagine how you get ANY work done, Kaysa, with Shiv about."

"Well...fact is, I don't get work done when Shiv's in my presence. We either slip into the backroom for a midday tryst, or we just make out for an entire hour." Kaysa smiled at Ithea, then winked at Zale as she provided him with yet another idea on how to occupy his time with Ithea. "At any rate, that's why I encouraged her to work for Merrick's production company. This way, we both get at least some work in."

"And before you say it," Shiv said quickly, "Merrick and I don't even work together. I work from home now, painting and stuff. So when I'm working I don't even see them. And, you will note that Kaysa and I are hardly even touching. I mean, we haven't even kissed since before we got to your apartment."

Ithea glanced at Zale and grinned. Kaysa and Shiv had just further strengthened Ithea's belief that she could not go an hour without speaking of sex. "That is very reassuring," Ithea replied, trying to not laugh. The waitress came and Ithea ordered a shellfish and pasta dish, trying to keep a straight face after the recent conversation.

Zale glanced between the three women and sighed. He quickly ordered his meal and waited for the waitress to take Shiv and Kaysa's orders before finally deciding to speak. "Kaysa and Shiv are very expressive people," he said, "and a lot of that expression comes through their physicality. They both have hedonistic streaks and enjoy the pleasures life has to offer." He glanced between them all again, and then smiled. "There's nothing wrong with that. And, then again, I am a master of a sexual art form and philosophy. And, whatever happens between Ithea and I is our business," he added with a glance at his tormentors. "Though, I'm sure that Kaysa will try to torture whatever information she can out of me in the morning."

"So there will be information to acquire then?" Kaysa smiled mischievously, but once she caught Ithea's almost irritated expression, she stared into her empty glass and cleared her throat quietly. "Talk about torturing... This entire evening's beginning to look torturous," she muttered.

"Don't worry, my love," Shiv said, scooting her chair closer to Kaysa, "I'll try to keep the torture away for the night." She slipped a hand into Kaysa's and smiled. "I wish this place had a dance floor. I'd take you out there now and make you forget about everything else." Then she lowered her voice to a whisper. "And, that would leave Ithea and Zale all alone at the table to talk about...things."

From across the table, Zale only glared at the two women and shook his head. He knew he would get no rest from either as long as they were together. "So how long have you been on Tae'Karada, Ithea?"

"My ship crashed here a couple of weeks ago," she said. She watched Kaysa and Shiv. She had thought they had been joking about pleasuring each other but now she didn't think so. "I have only been out of the palace a few times till today. Just think, I was lucky enough to find you all the first time." Ithea smiled at Kaysa.

"Somehow, you don't sound so sincere about that anymore." Kaysa returned Ithea's smile. "At any rate, I bet Zale's really glad that I decided to befriend you. Aside from that, I'm glad I befriended you. It's always nice to have acquaintances you're not sleeping with." Kaysa looked to Zale for a moment, but diverted her gaze to the waiter approaching with their food. Ithea wasn't a fool and had guessed long ago that she and Zale had been intimate. If she knew they still desired eachother, the evening would go even less smoothly than it already was.

Ithea sat stunned for a second. Why would she not have been sincere? She took a sip of her drink. There was an undercurrent here she didn't understand but she began to wonder if this dinner was a good idea. It was clear that what Kaysa said she wanted was not totally sincere. "I will endeavor to make sure, then, that I am one you do not sleep with." She managed to say. "Does that mean sex is out of the question as well?" She suddenly threw in, playing on Kaysa's words and trying to break the building tension.

"Um..." Kaysa looked around at the three sets of eyes on her, awaiting her reply. She looked to Ithea then shrugged her shoulders. "Did you want to have sex with me? I mean if you wanted to..."

Shiv glanced at Kaysa and nodded. "Me too," she said.

Ithea sighed, for her play on words had elicited no humor. In fact, she didn't think that they even got her reference to sleeping. She smiled. "I will remember the offer, but that wasn't what I meant." She set her fork down. "If you all will excuse me for a moment, I think I will find the restroom." Ithea needed a break from the obvious tension and to think of a way to ease it. Plus, maybe these three could have what seemed to be a badly needed conversation.

Kaysa looked to Shiv, then to Zale with a puzzled expression. "What did I say?"

Shiv shrugged her shoulders and looked after Ithea as she disappeared through the crowd.

Zale sighed and looked back at Kaysa. "I think she may be just very sensitive about the whole sex issue," he said. "Maybe we should not talk about it for the rest of the evening, just to keep things peaceful." Then he smiled. "And, I'll let you know in the morning if you need to torture me."

Kaysa smiled slowly at Zale and leaned forward over the table. "Oh, so you're still considering the prospect of sharing your shac'tae skills with Ithea? She is a little modest for your tastes. Doesn't her inexperience bother you?"

Zale glanced at Shiv and then back to Kaysa. "Inexperience doesn't bother me," he said. "And, I'll have to see how it goes. One moment she seems interested, and the next she doesn't. Perhaps she'll be more interested if she doesn't have you two talking about sex so much."

"Fine," Kaysa conceded with a sigh. "No more sex talk. We were just trying to get her warmed up to the idea." A wicked smile curled Kaysa's lips as she leaned in closer to Zale. "She's sexy, isn't she? Even moreso than me?"

Zale looked over at Kaysa and met her smile with one of his own. "She is sexy," he responded. "And, unfortunately, too much more sex talk may burn her out, and I know you don't want that. I may have to turn to you two for release."

Kaysa slowly sat back in her chair with a skeptical gaze and an almost imperceptible smile. She was definitely sexier than Ithea and Zale was too afraid to admit it. Satisfied, Kaysa sighed and conceded. "Ok, no more sex talk. I promise. We don't wanna ruin your chances of getting Ithea into bed...even though she doesn't know what she's missing."

Zale chuckled. "Well, it is possible that the two of you have put so much pressure on her that she will have to mate with me tonight or else. Though, something tells me that she isn't one who bows easily under pressure. I guess only time will tell us what will happen tonight."

"But do you want it to happen, Zale? We can pressure her all we want, but it comes down to you." Kaysa leaned forward again, and in a conspiratorial whisper, asked, "Are you gonna sleep with Ithea or what?"

Zale laughed. "So nosey," he said. "And, we'll have to see. She is an attractive woman, and I really have no other prospects at the moment." He glanced at both Kaysa and Shiv, and tried to not let the wishful thinking going on inside his head show on the outside. "You seem to want me to, so I'll see what I can manage. I don't know how willing she will be to have sex yet."

"She seems so adverse to the idea. But that's only because she's still a virgin..." Kaysa bit her lip and glanced at Shiv the moment she realized she'd betrayed Zargon's confidence yet again that evening. If Ithea found out... "Look, you can't say anything, Zale! It...no one's supposed to know. Do you promise? I swear, I'll do anything if you just promise not to mention it."

Zale put a hand on Kaysa's and nodded. "I promise I will say nothing about it," he said. "It will be our little secret."

"A Night To Remember, Part 2"
By: Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Ithea Tass
Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr
NPC: Stev and Coryl
Location: Various Locations, New Plouton
Date: Praeda 18, 4ABY

***

Ithea entered the restroom and paced for a moment, checking her hair and make-up. She didn't understand why Kaysa was trying to set her up with the man she wanted to be sleeping with. Ithea didn't like playing seconds. Sharing was one thing, but to be a second choice didn't sit well. She waited for a moment more. She wanted to catch Zale's eye because she had caught it, not because Kaysa had told him to turn his eyes to her. She decided to take Shiv's advice and lowered the neckline of her tunic an inch so her cleavage was much more obvious. She took a deep breath and headed back for the table.

"Did I miss anything?" she asked with a smile as she slid back into her seat.

Zale eased his hand off Kaysa's and glanced up at Ithea, his eyes widening slightly at the cleavage that hadn't been quite so prominent before she left for the refresher. "Nothing of consequence," he said. "We were just talking and clearing up a few things. Is everything alright?"

"Everything is fine." She smiled at Zale. "I just needed a moment to freshen up." She began eating. "So are we doing anything interesting after dinner or are you two so heated up that dessert is all you have in mind." Ithea's manner was more playful and more assured than it had been when she left.

Shiv glanced at Kaysa and then back to Ithea and Zale. "Well, I thought we'd all go back to Zale's place for a wild org-- Ow." She glared at Zale. "Stupid long legs. We don't have anything planned that I know of. However, I know I wouldn't mind some dancing if everyone else is up to it."

"I would like to try this dancing. There is dancing on my planet, but it is more religious in nature and one does not have partners like I saw the first time we met." Ithea thought that it would be a good thing to understand this dancing they did here.

"I've hardly done any dancing since I got here," Shiv said. "The only time that I can think of is the night we met Zale. You better watch out Ithea, when we were dancing he could hardly keep his hands off me. Then again, it could have been because I was wearing this vest with nothing underneath."

Ithea smiled at Zale. "I think I can handle it." She liked the thought of dancing as she had seen some of the dances done. "Unless you have other plans for the rest of the evening. Or perhaps Shiv and I can go dancing while you and Kaysa finish your discussion if you prefer." Ithea was willing to be flexible and trying to learn how to react in a totally foreign environment.

"You...wanted to dance with Shiv?" Kaysa looked to Zale and paled at the thought of being left alone with him. "Uh...Zale, didn't you wanna dance with Ithea?"

Zale glanced between the two women, and then nodded. "Well, yes. Of course. I mean, Ithea's my date for the evening, so she and I... Kaysa and I can finish what we were talking about later. I still have most of a week with her as my servant, so we can talk about it later. I mean, unless you really want to dance with Shiv."

Ithea smiled at Zale and Kaysa. "Up to you two. I am sure that Shiv and I could cut quite a swath together. Though, I didn't mean to imply that I wanted to dance with Shiv; I know you all have a relationship. I meant go out to dance together." Hoping she was more clear. "Unless you don't want to go stir up trouble with me, Shiv?"

Shiv nodded. "Of course I want to stir up trouble," she said. "I have been bred to cause trouble wherever I go. That'll be a lot of fun. But, as long as Kaysa and Zale will be catching up with us later tonight. I know I want to dance with Kaysa tonight." She slipped her hand into Kaysa's and leaned close. "You don't have to do it tonight if you don't want to," she whispered, concern showing in her eyes. "You don't have to be alone with him; if you want me to, I'll stay with you and keep him back."

Kaysa attempted a casual laugh, but it only ended up sounding like she'd choked on some of her meal. "I can control my...desires, Shiv. I mean, don't worry about me if you want to dance with Ithea. It's not as if Zale and I can get into too much trouble in public." Her eyes found Zale's, and she quickly corrected herself. "Ok, maybe we can but we won't..." Kaysa looked at Ithea and smiled brightly. "If you would like to dance with Shiv, you have my permission, that is if Zale wants to dance with you more."

Shiv leaned close. "But I want to dance with you," she whispered. "If you want time alone with Zale to talk, I'll go with Ithea for some dancing. Do you think now is the best time for the talk?"

Ithea grinned. She wasn't wanting to dance WITH Shiv, but she didn't say anything more in that regard. She looked up at Zale. "I guess then, Zale, the course of your evening is finally in your hands. I am content with either direction, even as your...'date'." Ithea had struggled for that word. It didn't match anything in her own language.

Zale looked between the women, and then back to Kaysa. "Perhaps Kaysa and I can finish our discussion quickly and then join you for some more dancing," he said. "There are some things we need to talk about, and perhaps it's best to get that taken care of before continuing with tonight. That way we can get rid of the tension, and all of us can have a nice night." He looked to Ithea and Kaysa, knowing this decision affected them more than Shiv, whose shrug indicated she was fine either way. "Does this sound like an acceptable option?"

Kaysa sighed and glanced towards Ithea. "Sorry, Ithea. Zale and I should have gotten this cleared up before tonight. I guess now's as good a time as any."

"Don't be sorry. It is okay. I am sure Shiv and I can cause some trouble." Ithea flashed Shiv a conspiratorial grin.

"We'll have to give you a list of about five places where we're dancing in case they kick us out for being rowdy," Shiv said. "Anyway, I've got a comlink, so you can find us." She leaned in close to Kaysa. "If you need me for anything, just call. I don't know for what, but I'll come as fast as I can if you need me."

Kaysa ran a hand along Shiv's cheek and kissed her tenderly. "Thank you. If we can't find you, we'll go to the headquarters of the Morality Guards. I'm sure we can find you there."

Ithea pushed her plate away. "Well then that settles it. Shiv, I place myself in your hands for the evening though I shudder to think where this will lead us," Ithea said with a grin. A part of her was disappointed, but she knew that anything between her and Zale was doomed the way things stood at the moment.

Shiv grinned. "There's a great place over at the edge of the Yallder district that isn't too rough," she said. "We can go there. The music they have is good too. I think they may even have some special stuff going on tonight. It'd be great if they have some live music. And, I really hope Kaysa and Zale will be able to join us." She gave the two a pointed look, and then kissed Kaysa. "I'll save a spot on the dancefloor for you."

Ithea stood. "I hope we see you later," she said quietly to Zale. Her eyes were warm and inviting.

Zale glanced up and smiled. "I'm hoping the same," he said, keeping his eyes on hers. "Keep her out of too much trouble; Kaysa and I don't want to have to bail you out of an Imperial stockade."

"I will try," Ithea answered softly. She turned to Shiv. "Shall we?"

Shiv nodded slowly and started out of her chair, then quickly flung herself back into Kaysa's arms. "Bye, Kaysa," she whispered. "I'll see you later." She kissed Kaysa passionately and then pulled away. "Keep out of trouble, you two." She moved over near Ithea, and then they turned away and off toward the door.

Kaysa waved to Shiv and Ithea before they disappeared from sight. She turned her gaze to the untouched plate of food before her and laughed softly. "Seems fate's trying to bring us together, no matter how hard we try to keep apart." Kaysa finally glanced up and smiled apologetically at Zale. "I didn't mean to ruin your date. I didn't think she'd pick up on it."

Zale chuckled softly. "It's alright," he said. "We'll figure out a way to salvage the night. And, it's time for us to clear things up between us, honestly and openly. Would you like to go for a walk while we talk through this? We won't be able to see the stars, but the air will probably do us some good."

"The stars... I still can't believe you did that." Kaysa smiled and pushed her chair back after a moment of holding Zale's gaze. "A walk. I think we'll have more privacy that way. Oh..." Kaysa dipped into her purse, spilling half burnt cigarra butts and candy wrappers onto the floor as she rifled through it. Finally she pulled out a credit slip and tossed it at Zale. "You're paying for dinner, so I just thought you'd like the creds to actually pay for it. Don't worry, Shiv and I didn't spend all of it."

Zale laughed. "You didn't even look at the balance on that, did you? Well, it will do perfectly to pay for dinner."

He called over a member of the waitstaff and the man took his credit chip along with a thumbprint.

Once that was completed, Zale and Kaysa made their way out onto the street. "I did that, with the stars," he said once they were walking along, "because I knew you felt bad about what had happened between us. And, I felt bad for putting you in that position. What we shared was beautiful and more powerful emotionally than anything we'd done before, but I still felt very bad about putting you in that position."

"I put myself in that position, Zale. I was the one who stripped off my equadi, if I remember correctly." Kaysa craned her neck to look up into the sky, but the stars were gone. At least she knew they were up there somewhere, thanks to Zale. "I got angry at you," Kaysa began with a sigh, "because I thought you regretted what happened. It made me feel stupid for actually... Well...for actually being almost glad it happened."

"I only regretted the feeling that what we did might have hurt you," Zale said. "I know what we had is over, but I'm still drawn to you. I still care about you, and there's part of me that sorely regrets letting you go. Especially after what we shared in the elevator. But, I know we need to move past that now."

"I know..." Kaysa said hesitantly. "But...there's a part of me that still wants to be with you, Zale - a very persistent part. I just... All those tender moments we shared, all those times you held out a helping hand to me... All those moments just keep coming back and I realize I can't just let you go."

Zale reached out and slipped his hand into hers. "I know," he said. "I feel them too, and each one stronger than the last. I guess the big question now is what we do from here. Do we accept it and see how things happen from here, or do we try to put distance between us. And, do we talk to Merrick? If we pursue anything in this, we'll need to talk to him, I think."

Kaysa squeezed Zale's hand as the tension began rising in her again. She buried her face into the side of his arm and tried to calm her breathing. "We're still volatile together, Zale. Even if Merrick agrees whole-heartedly, it's you and I who keep screwing things up. How do we prevent that?"

"I think our screw-ups come from denying what we feel and distancing ourselves from our emotions," Zale said. "I think if we can accept how we feel, and not dance around the issues...I think we might be able to make it work."

"I don't know how I feel, Zale. I mean, I don't know why I lash out at you the way I do. It's not meant as a way of pushing you farther from me to eliminated temptation. There's something else, Zale, and I haven't quite figured it out yet." Kaysa slowly came to a halt and pulled Zale back towards her. She gazed up at him and tenderly ran her hand along his cheek. "The things you said to me, Zale, in the elevator... It pained me to hear them, to know that you sacrificed so I could be happy. No one's done that for me before, and although I know Merrick and Shiv would do anything for me, the fact that you selflessly gave me up so I wouldn't lose everything just..." Kaysa sighed and softly kissed Zale upon the lips. "It made me care for you even more than I did before," she whispered.

Zale held her in his arms and sighed softly. "I've always wanted to do what I could so that you could be happy, so that the pain and frustration you'd been forced to endure could go away. We've had some rough times, and I think in some of it, most other men would have left. But, there's something about you that I can't let go of. One tender moment made up for all the strife and maneuvering for a better position. And, each time we were together, I found myself caring for you even more."

"And there I was, tormenting you for my own amusement. I teased you, and mocked you... I guess I wanted to see how far I could push you before you left. I was certain you would; I was certain all men did, then Merrick came along..." Kaysa lay her head upon Zale's shoulder and embraced him tightly. "I don't try to hurt you, Zale, but there's a part of me that feels it needs to. When I figure out why, I'll let you know. Until then, please don't take anything I say to heart. If I push, don't run away, because I know I'm too proud to follow. If you kiss me, and I shrink away, pull me into your arms and don't let go. Don't let me go, Zale. I know this is jeopardizing everything I have with Shiv and Merrick, but please don't let me go."

Zale pulled her tighter and then kissed her slowly. When at last their lips parted, he looked into her eyes. "I'll never let you go, Kaysa," he said softly. "And, we'll figure out a way to make this work. We'll find a way."

Kaysa nodded her head and attempted to calm her restless breathing. She swallowed back the sudden tightness in her throat and looked up at Zale nervously. "Before anything, Zale, I have to know. Shiv...she said something to me, something I didn't wanna believe, but... If you said it in the heat of passion, or if you meant it, or..." Kaysa laughed softly and rested her forehead against Zale's chest. "If it's not true, I can just imagine how embarrassed we'll both be." She took a deep breath and ridding her face of the bashful smile, she peered into Zale's eyes and asked, "Did you mean it, Zale? Are you in love with me?"

Zale smiled and then glanced away. Before he could turn back, the area was suddenly filled with light. All around them white-armoured men swarmed in with blasters trained and ready to fire. Zale and Kaysa raised their hands to shield their eyes from the harsh, blinding light.

From out of the glare, a single voice called out. "Kaysa Zenarr and Zale Tregat, you are hereby placed under arrest by the Imperial Government of Chimaeria for the murder of Rennor Karradas."

Kaysa looked away from the garish lights and looked up at Zale in stark anxiety and confusion. "Zale? What's happening? I...I don't understand."

"What's the meaning of this," Zale shouted. "We've done nothing. You've got the wrong people."

"Put your hands in the air," the voice called back. "Any indication that you are resisting this arrest will result in you being shot. You will be placed in restraint cuffs and then taken to the New Plouton precinct lockup. Failure to comply will only make this more difficult. Hands in the air, scum."

Kaysa squinted as she tried to make out the faces of their apprehenders, but without hesitating she placed her hands in the air as ordered. She leaned closer to Zale for protection and comfort, and gazed up at him. "Please...Zale, just do what they say. They'll shoot you, Zale. I need you, now more than ever. Just do it."

Grudgingly, Zale put his hands into the air. Once it was clear that there would be no resistence made, the stormtroopers swarmed forward and knocked them both to the ground. Zale grunted as an armoured forearm smacked across the back of his head and a knee pressed into his back. Both arms were wrenched behind his back and placed in binders. Kaysa was treated no less kindly as she too was fitted with restraints, and then both prisoners were hauled to their feet.

A man with a smug smile stepped forward. He wore an officer's uniform and regarded them as if they were little more than street sweepings. "Take these two away," the officer sneered. "Put them in cells and begin processing them."

"Yes, sir," one of the stormtroopers said, and then started the squad forward with Kaysa and Zale in their center.

"This is bad," Zale said softly so only Kaysa could hear. "I'll need to contact Moril so he can get a legal team working on getting us out of here. If they allow us bail, we can be out quickly. If not, we will have to use other means to get out."

Kaysa stumbled as they were led towards a waiting hovercar, but was quickly righted by one of the troopers who told her to keep moving and not to try anything that would only get her killed. She looked over to Zale, too frightened to think or even cry. All she could do was tremble and avoid any sudden movements that might provoke one of the trigger-happy Imps to fire. Zale's words only heightened her anxiety, but she did find comfort in the fact that she wasn't alone in this. "Zale," she whispered. "I'm scared."

Instinctively Zale moved to put his arms around her, but found that with the binders holding his arms behind his back, he was unable. As he stepped forward to comfort Kaysa, he found three Imperial blaster rifles raised up and pointed into his face. With a growl of frustation, he stepped back into his place in their little march and continued in the direction of the speeder. "We'll get out of this," he whispered back. "Whoever did this will pay, but getting out of this is more important. I won't let anything bad happen to you, Kaysa. I promise you that."

Kaysa slowly looked away from Zale and nodded her head, although she wasn't certain they could get out of something as serious as a murder charge. The Imp to her right roughly pushed her head down and shoved her into the waiting hover car. She was prodded with the barrel of the Imp's blaster rifle and ordered to move over before he decided to tie her to the back of the hovercar and drag her to the stockades. Kaysa didn't hesitate for a moment and shifted aside to give room for Zale.

As Zale shifted into the car, he felt the butt of a blaster slam into the base of his spine, driving him to the ground. He grunted but otherwise made no other sign that it adversely affected him. When he was finally allowed to climb in next to Kaysa, his eyes were black with furious anger. He took a deep breath and let it out. "If they're not careful how they treat us," he said softly, "they will have to deal with the wrath of my organization. I doubt much of New Plouton would survive if the Imperials were to start a war over us."

"Try and remain calm, Zale, at least until the situation is less tense." Kaysa pressed her body close to Zale's and nuzzled her head against his shoulder. "I won't say anything until we have solicitors there...until I find one."

The driver hollered back at them and threatened them with a severe beating if they didn't stop talking. Kaysa wasn't in the mood to talk at any rate, so she rested her head upon Zale's shoulder and forced back a sob. She wasn't thinking about how to get herself out of this mess or what the bastard Rennor was doing getting himself killed; instead, her thoughts centred on Merrick and Shiv, and how devastated they would be once they found out she was in prison. "Just when everything was beginning to go right..."

***

Shiv led the way out onto the street and then off toward the Yallder district. "Things can get a little rough out on the streets this way," she explained to Ithea, "but once we're inside, everything's okay. And, we can get some drinks and unwind and just have a good time. How does that sound?"

"I could use a good time," Ithea answered with a grin. She put her arm through Shiv's in a companionable way. "I am used to very somber events. Death is...a major part of life on Dushoulle."

"Well," Shiv said with a giggle, "death is something we try to avoid here, especially our own. I promise you tonight, you're gonna have a great time. And, you will laugh, and dance, and maybe get a little tipsy. Then Zale and Kaysa will show up, and you can dance with Zale while I dance with Kaysa, and everything will be perfect."

Ithea frowned. "Shiv, can I tell you something?" She had to confide in someone and Shiv seemed to be in a similar situation.

Shiv nodded. "Certainly," she said. "That's what I'm here for."

"I am really looking forward to this. But I don't think things with Zale will be perfect. How can I mate with a man I know would be thinking of another? One does not need the goddess' gifts to know that Zale desires Kaysa above all others." They entered the building with minimal fuss.

Shiv smiled. "They've been going around in circles for awhile," Shiv said as she and Ithea made their way toward a table at the edge of the dance floor. "I think they care for each other a lot, but now that Kaysa and I are with Merrick, things are difficult."

"If you are with Merrick, where is he?" Ithea asked, totally confused. She didn't understand why Zale was in the picture if they were with someone else. It was a confusing thing. Kaysa wanted Merrick, she wanted Zale. She wanted Ithea with Zale but got upset when she was with Zale. Ithea needed a drink, it was too confusing.

Shiv thought about it for a moment, and then grinned. "He's either at home missing Kaysa and I, or he's got a gig," she said. "After you left Zale's office, Kaysa and I snuck over to visit him. He was very happy to see us."

Ithea just looked at Shiv. "And all this does not strike you as odd? I mean, put yourself in my shoes for a moment. My two new friends are practically pushing me into the bed of the man they want to bed but would rather was bedding someone else. Oh...okay that didn't even sound straight. I need a drink." Ithea laughed and her tone was good mannered.

Shiv called over a man and he quickly took their drink orders. Once he was gone and they were alone at the table again, Shiv grinned. "Have you ever found two men pleasing," she asked. "Both Merrick and Zale are both very good men, and Kaysa and I like them both. I mean, it's really hard to choose just one. But, we're with Merrick now. And, since Zale doesn't have us, can't have us, we need to help him find someone. Partly so he stops tempting us with his availability."

"But won't you dislike the person who takes his availability away?" Ithea asked. She watched the dancing as she spoke. She was a quick study and was taking note for when they danced.

"There might be some initial frustration that he's not available anymore," Shiv said, "but it'll be good for us in the end. The biggest trick will be whether or not Zale can walk away from Kaysa. But, I think he likes you well enough that you'll be a wonderful temptation to draw him away."

"I wonder about that as well. His eyes, even on me, seem to be on her." Ithea shrugged. "But I have nothing to risk, so do not mind so much." Two men approached their table. Ithea looked up, surprised.

Shiv glanced up at the two approaching guys and smiled. "Looks like we've attracted some attention," she said quietly to Ithea. "Do you want me to get rid of them?"

"We came to dance," Ithea pointed out, "but it is up to you." The waiter arrived first with their drinks and the men stood off to one side till he left. Ithea looked at Shiv and smiled. "Private or public party? You choose. I am new to all of this."

Shiv grinned. "I think a party isn't much of a party if you don't have anyone to party with," she said. "Two does not a party make." Shiv took a swallow from her drink and then met the gaze of one of the guys. "And, besides, they're very cute. Especially the one on the left who's looking you over. And, he looks...endowed. You'll like him." She gave them a nod.

The two guys took the hint and approached the table. "Hello," said one of them. He had dark hair and blue eyes, and was in good physical shape. His friend had dark hair and green eyes and appeared to be in good shape as well. They both looked like they knew how to move on a dance floor. "My name is Stev," said the blue-eyed one. "And this is Coryl. You two looked like you could use a little company." He glanced out where others were dancing. "The music is good tonight. How about it?" He gave Ithea a smile. "You look like you're dying to do some dancing."

"I would be pleased Stev, but I do not know how to dance," Ithea said flashing him a very alluring smile. She stood up. "But I think you can teach me." She looked at Shiv and smiled. "But only if my friend joins us on the floor."

"Of course I'm joining you," Shiv said with a laugh. "I'd never miss a chance for dancing." She took a quick swallow from her drink and then slipped from her chair. "Let's go dance." She slipped her hand into Coryl's as Stev took Ithea's and they made their way out to where the others danced under strobing lights. "Just let your body do what it feels like," Shiv called out to Ithea. "The body loves the music, and it knows what to do. You just need to let it."

Ithea picked up dancing very quickly. She found it invigorating and exciting. Her eyes were sparkling with a delight she had never felt. Most emotions were dark on Dushoulle, conquest and personal gain were the main components. This was different. A pleasure just for the sake of pleasure. After the music ended, Ithea smiled at Stev. "Thank you, Stev. That was truly enjoyable," she said as he escorted her back to the table. Ithea looked about for Shiv. She had lost her amongst the crowd of dancers.

"It was fun," Stev said, "and I thought you said you didn't know how to dance. You were great. And, nothing follows a good dance like a hit of triptai spice. Helps replace the fluids and get back the energy you exert out there. Want one?"

"I guess. I like spices." She had no idea what she was agreeing to. Spice had not been introduced on Dushoulle. "Where is your friend and mine?" She took the tablet that Stev offered and looked at him puzzled. He tossed one in his mouth and took a sip of her drink and handed it back to her. Ithea shrugged and did the same.

Stev smiled as Ithea downed the tablet of spice. "It should start to take affect momentarily," he said. "It's one of the best out there right now, especially on a night like this." He glanced around and noticed the other two. "Looks like Shiv and Coryl are over at the bar. They're heading back this way with more drinks. So, what do you think of the spice? Nice, eh?"

Ithea hadn't felt anything at first and then a strange warmth spread through her, so did a slow disassociation with the goddess' gift. She could feel it but her senses were immediately distorted. As he spoke, the panic over that slowly faded into a relaxed lassitude. "It is different," she said with a smile. "I have never had spice. I do not think I would want to take it very often."

"Then that makes it all the more special when you do take it," Stev said. He could see that her eyes were dilated and the gentle flush of her skin indicated that the drug was working its magic. "Often it's too much, but once in awhile with friends is good. Would you like to dance some more?"

Ithea nodded. She felt the most relaxed she had ever felt. The smile on her face seemed imprinted now. She held out her hand and let him pull her up. The touch of his skin was warm and just the caress of her fingers brought pleasure.

Shiv and Coryl arrived at the table just as Stev and Ithea were heading out for more dancing. Shiv took one look at Ithea and grinned. "Your eyes are huge," she whispered as Coryl and Stev stepped away to talk quietly. "And, you're all...you definitely look like you're having fun. So, you like Stev, Ithea?"

"He is acceptable," Ithea whispered back. "He gave me something called spice. I feel...warm." She grinned. "And definitely relaxed."

"Oh," Shiv said with a giggle. "Ithea, my dear, you are stoned. That is so great. You definitely look very content and happy, and like you're having a very good time. I wonder if Coryl has any to share, because I could use a couple hits right now. I saw you guys out there and you looked good together."

Ithea grinned. "I think we did too." She beckoned Stev back over. "My friend would like to share in spice if you would be so inclined." She smiled up at him as he moved closer to her. She found herself pressed up against him and decided she liked it.

Stev smiled, both at sharing the spice with Shiv and with Ithea's body touching his. He pulled out the small vial and took out one of the tablets and handed it to Shiv who immediately popped it into her mouth with a grin. Stev looked down at Ithea, and slipped an arm around her waist. "How would you like another dance?"

"I would like that very much," she whispered up at him. Her eyes were large and she was very aware of everything about him.

With his arm still around her, Stev led Ithea back out to the dance floor, keeping her very close to him. The song was a slower one, making the dance slower. He held Ithea to him as they moved gently to the music. He gazed into her eyes, and slowly brought his lips toward hers.

Ithea allowed his lips to touch hers. Something deep inside responded immediately to the touch of his lips. It was a pleasurable sensation and she was somewhat surprised. She had always thought the touching of lips, a very odd custom. Her arm slid up from his shoulder to behind his head and pulled his lips down to hers again. The sounds around her seemed very blurred as did the people and yet, she was very aware of Stev.

Stev felt his body reacting to Ithea's kiss, and he could feel their bodies slowing from the music as they both drifted off to their own world. The rest of the dance floor ceased to exist as their kiss became deeper and he could feel his desire building to uncomfortable levels. When their lips parted, Stev kept his face very close to hers. "I have a place not too far from here, do you think you and Shiv would want to ditch this place and go get comfortable there?"

"I am not sure. We are waiting for friends," she admitted. "I do not think it would be proper for us to leave." She couldn't understand why she wanted nothing more than to press herself closer to him. She had only just met him. Her hand could feel his heart beat through his shirt. "We would have to ask Shiv."

"I understand," Stev said. "Let's just keep dancing for now, and then we can go talk to Shiv." He kissed her again, and then found the rhythm to the music again as they resumed dancing.

Ithea didn't protest. Her body seemed to move in perfect sync with his. She seemed lost in his eyes and she couldn't understand her reaction. She had been close to lots of men, though not this close, and had felt nothing. She leaned up and cautiously placed her lips against his. Her lips parted and she lightly bit his lower lip before caressing it with her tongue.

Her touch was almost too much for him, though Stev did all he could to keep himself from trying to take more than he should in such a public place. He let his hands caress up and down her back until he finally brought them down to her buttocks. He moved his lips to her throat and slowly started kissing her skin, down as far into her chest as he could manage without breaking their rhythm.

Ithea groaned softly for she realized she wanted much more than dancing. Shiv and Kaysa were expecting her to sleep with Zale tonight. If they came in right now, Ithea was afraid that she would just pull Zale right back out the door. She could feel Stev's obvious desire pressed against her skin tight leggings and it did not really feel like anything was between them with her senses taking in everything. She pushed him away, her breath coming quickly. Desire burned in her eyes as she stared at him, trying to regain control.

Stev looked at Ithea, the confusion in his eyes obvious. "What's wrong," he asked quietly. "I'm sorry. I--I won't do that again...I just got carried away."

"It isn't that. I liked it very much," she answered. "We should go back to my friend now." She looked up at him. "I don't think the dance floor is a very safe place anymore."

"A Night To Remember, Part 3"
By: Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Ithea Tass
Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr
NPC: Stev and Coryl
NPC: Commander Presvill - Imperial Officer, CO of Yesdol Precinct
Location: Various Locations, New Plouton
Date: Praeda 18, 4ABY

***

Kaysa and Zale were led inside the small New Ploutonian office. The faces they could see scowled at them, and those they couldn't only filled them with a dread fear of what lay ahead. They were led into a small room with a single table at its center. One of the guards pressed a series of buttons on the wall next to the door and a series of chairs rose from the floor. He then moved to each in turn and switched their cuffs from the back to the front.

"Wait here," he said, "Commander Presvill will be here in a few minutes." With that, he and the rest of the guards left the room.

Kaysa struggled with the cuffs around her wrist, but she only aggravated the painful cuts already forming there and decided to give up the futile attempt to free herself. She reclined back in her chair and stared up at the ceiling, shaking her head slowly. "What the hell is happening here, Zale? How did we all of a sudden become suspects in a murder we didn't even know happened?"

Zale shook his head and sat down next to her. "I have no idea," he said. "I know you wanted him out of the way but I can't believe anyone would ever think you'd kill the man. This is completely insane. Someone is setting us up. That has to be it."

"Who, Zale?" Kaysa sighed sharply and surveyed the room warily. "They're probably watching and listening. Gods, Zale, who the hell would want to set us up? For what purpose? I mean, a competitor of yours is a possibility, but why implicate me? I'm no one."

Zale nodded slowly as he poured through the possibilities. "They're arresting both of us, which means that we are both probably implicated in this. It's gotta be someone who's after us both. No one would go after me, and purposely include you. The people who don't like me wouldn't include you like that. That'd be too unprofessional. It's gotta be someone out for both of us. But, who do we both know that hates us each enough to frame us for murder?"

"I don't know," Kaysa said sharply. "I don't know anything. I don't know what I'm doing here and I don't know why we have to be in these stupid cuffs!" Kaysa raised her shackled hands and tried sincerely to pry them apart. "I don't wanna be here, Zale! I don't know what's gonna happen to us and I'm scared!" Kaysa grunted and dropped her hands onto the table and her head soon followed. She began sobbing quietly and managed to whisper, "I don't know if I can do this, Zale."

Zale slipped his arms over Kaysa and pulled her to him. "We'll do it together, Kaysa." He kissed the side of her head. "Together, Kaysa; we're going to get through this, and then we can find who did this to us."

"And kill them, Zale?" Kaysa laughed dryly and nestled her head into the crook of Zale's neck. "We'd just end up right back in here. At least, though, we'd be in here for something we actually did. I...I have to contact Shiv and Merrick. I just don't want them to see me in here like this."

"We may have a bigger problem," Zale said with a sigh. "Ithea and Shiv are out alone right now."

Despite the anxiety, and despite the dread looming over her about the future, Kaysa shook with laughter. "I bet we'll be seeing them in here very soon. They're probably getting into more trouble than we're in right now."

"I just hope Shiv still has her clothes on," Zale said with a laugh. He turned to look at her and then smiled. "About earlier, your question? I--"

"Alright, that's enough you two," said a large man in an Imperial officer's uniform as he banged through the door. "Get your hands off each other and this will be a pleasant experience. Now, you both already know that you're here for the murder of Rennor Karradas, so let's just get right to it, shall we? Stills," he called out to a guard near the door, "take Tregat down the hall into one of the other questioning units, we'll talk to Ms. Zenarr right here."

One of the guards pulled Zale away from Kaysa and marched him out the door, leaving Kaysa alone with the Imperial questioner. "Now," he began, "why don't we start with why? We've already got the holographic proof that you and Tregat did it, so we'll just dispense with the proving for now. It'll go easier on you if you just come out with a confession."

Kaysa sat up straight in her chair and held the man's gaze firmly. "You're lying. There's no proof; there couldn't be because Mr. Tregat and I had nothing to do with the murder. Now if you would please suspend your questioning until I've had time to talk with a solicitor..."

The man tapped a button on his side of the table, and a small panel slid between him and Kaysa. He tapped another sequence of buttons, and suddenly a holographic image sprung to life. "These are the security cameras at Rennor Karradas' residence." The image suddenly shifted as both Zale and Kaysa appeared within the field of the camera's range, glanced around, and then slipped past toward what would most likely be the doors of the building. "Time stamp puts you there ten minutes before Karradas was murdered. We also have an eyewitness account of you and Tregat leaving. Do you have anyone that can verify your whereabouts over the last hour?"

Kaysa scrutinized the images flashing before her, then slowly shifted her gaze to the man hovering over her. "It's a fake. We were nowhere near Karradas' place tonight! You idiots, someone's setting us up and you're too stupid to even realize it. There's someone out there with blood on his hands and you're here interrogating the wrong people, you fool!" Kaysa pushed her chair back and sprang from it, instantly starting for the door. "This interview is over."

The man let her run, knowing she wouldn't get through the durasteel plating. "Why would someone go to the trouble of creating an elaborate forgery just to land you in prison, Ms. Zenarr? Don't you think that is a paranoid and far-fetched reasoning? Why don't you come back to the table, and you can tell me all about your night tonight?"

Kaysa kicked the door furiously and spun around to face her interrogator. "Zale and I had dinner with a couple friends, then we went for a walk - a peaceful one until your goon squad dragged us away in cuffs." She stalked over to the table, staring at the man with a ferocity. Her hands came down upon the table heavily and she leaned forward to minimize the distance between them, to prove to him she wasn't intimidated nor would she be. "If I knew who was doing this to me and Mr. Tregat, don't you think I'd be pointing the finger by now? That holorecording is nerf shit! Even if it is real, it doesn't show Zale or I actually entering the building, and your eyewitness is a little questionable. How does this person know who Mr. Tregat and I are? Who is this witness and how much did you pay them to implicate us?"

"I think you should calm yourself, Ms. Zenarr," he said. "You don't want to do something you'll regret." He stood up from his chair until she was forced to look up at him. "Now, we will investigate the nature of the recording. That you claim it to be false, and our...equipment seems to bear out that you believe you are telling the truth, then the matter will require investigation. Please have a seat, and I will return in a few minutes."

"I'm not sitting. I think I'll just stand and await your return when you come to tell me how sorry you are for the inconvenience and that I'm free to go." Kaysa gave the man a condescending smile and motioned her head towards the door. "Well? What are you waiting for? Go on."

The man moved very close to Kaysa, his smile disappeared and his eyes went hard and cold. "I want you to remember one thing, Kaysa Zenarr," he rasped. "You are in the Empire, and we need no evidence; we need hire no counsel; we are under no obligation to put any effort whatsoever into proving innocence or guilt in this matter. If I wanted to, I could proclaim your guilt, and by morning you would have disappeared from the face of the universe. No one would ever find you, and no one would ever question my methods or actions. Sit down, Ms. Zenarr, and I will return in a moment."

Kaysa pursed her lips and breathed sharply through her nose as she attempted to temper her anger with rationality. She knew his threats weren't idle ones and her insolence was most likely making things harder for Zale as well as herself. With rigid movements, Kaysa moved to the nearest chair and sat down in it stiffly. She turned her gaze away from the man and stared fixedly at the far wall in silence.

With that, he left the room. Kaysa was along for nearly ten minutes before the door opened again and Zale was pushed inside. There was a bruise on his cheek and his jaw was set with anger. When he saw Kaysa seated, he rushed to her. "Are you alright," he asked quickly. "They didn't do anything to you?"

"No... What the hell did they do to you, Zale?" Kaysa raised her immobilized hands to his cheek and gently ran her fingers along the discoloured flesh. "They didn't touch me," she said gently. She pulled her arms over his head and embraced him tightly. "Oh gods, Zale...this is a mess."

"I know," he said as he let her hold him. "I saw the officer who was in here with you when they brought me back. He didn't look happy. I'm hoping they're just realizing they don't have anything on us. One of them thought he would loosen my tongue by knocking my head off my shoulders. Of course, I'd already told them everything but they didn't believe me. Right now I think they're just upset because they realize they have nothing."

"Did you see the holorecording? And they say they have a witness, Zale." She slowly brought her face towards Zale's and sighed deeply. "They won't let me call a solicitor... You have to contact someone, Zale. We need to get out of here. That man that was in here...he looked about ready to beat the information out of me too. That's when I decided to keep the sly comments to myself, but... Oh, Zale..." Kaysa pressed her lips to his and kissed him deeply, hoping to draw some comfort and calm from his touch.

Zale surrendered himself to the kiss, letting all they'd been fighting against for the last hour just wash away. Finally, when Kaysa pulled her lips from his, he sighed with contentment. "That does help relieve some of the stress," he said. "I'll try to get ahold of Moril. He'll get things moving quickly. We'll get out of this tonight. They may be the galactic authority, but they're not the only ones who can inflict terror."

"Well they're doing a good job. I don't think I can handle being left alone with that man again. And this so-called witness... Whoever it is, he's a bloody liar." Kaysa pulled Zale into another embrace and buried her face into his shoulder. "I'm glad we had our talk before all this happened, Zale. If we hadn't, I would be a complete wreck right now, but knowing the future concerning us looks more optimistic, I'm doing much better than expected."

"Good," Zale said gently and kissed her again. "About earlier, I just wanted to say--"

The door slid open and the Imperial officer stepped inside. Zale's dark eyes flashed with anger and he growled in frustration at yet another interruption.

The man glanced at them and tried to hide his frown. "Please have a seat," he said. Once they were seated, he glanced between them. "Because of the potential fraudulent recording based on your testimonies, we won't try to hold you. However, we are going to ask that neither of you leave New Plouton while the investigation into this matter continues. You will each be fitted with a Locator and your positions will be monitored at all times. There will be no video or audio surveillance; we just want to make sure we can find you when we need to."

Kaysa looked up at the man with an exasperated sigh. "So, we're still suspects, even though your witness is most likely a drunken fraud and that recording is a fabrication." She chewed her lip to keep herself from saying something that would change the officer's mind about freeing them. "I haven't left New Plouton for over five years; I'm not about to leave now. Is a Locator really necessary? We're suspects, not criminals."

"Your choice is a Locator or a holding cell," he said. "I'll leave the decision of which you choose up to you. The Locator will be fitted beneath the skin and virtually invisible. Removal is a simple matter and will leave no scarring or other adverse effects."

"In other words, we have no choice." Kaysa turned away before she could flash the man a look of disgust. Her eyes met Zale's, and in them, she saw pent up rage. They would both have to leave before he erupted and got them both killed. "Locators... Fine. Just let us go."

"Just make it happen fast," Zale said. "I don't want to be brought up on other charges derived from my actions regarding the treatment we've received tonight."

The Imperial officer frowned again and signalled someone who'd been standing outside the room inside. He passed through the door as it opened and then approached Kaysa. He instructed her to turn toward him and expose her navel. He then held up a wand attached to a box and checked some settings. He then glanced up at her with the wand held at the ready.

Kaysa stared warily at the man as she faced him, but no matter what qualms she had about lifting her dress in front of a room full of men, she overcame them so she and Zale could leave as soon as possible - especially before he pummelled the two Imps in the room. Kaysa's eyes flashed towards Zale as she grabbed the hem of her dress and pulled it above her waist, grateful - at least - that she'd remembered to put on panties. "Go on. Stick your tool in me," she said with a salacious smile.

The man's eyes flicked to hers for a moment, but other than that he made no other reaction to her comment. Behind her though, she heard Zale stifle a laugh. The guard pressed the wand to her abdomen and pressed a button. There was a soft click, and the bite of what felt like a needle. Then he pulled the thing away and moved over to Zale.

Zale lifted his shirt without being asked. The man continued calibrating the unit while Zale watched. "So," Zale said, "aren't you gonna stick your tool in me too?"

The man looked up and his eyes flashed with anger. His task forgotten, he backhanded Zale with a grunt. Zale winced at the blow, but held his composure. They stared at each other for a moment before the man jabbed the wand to his stomach and injected the Locator. "Done," he said as he stepped away. With a final glare, he exited the room.

Kaysa gazed at Zale with a smile, hoping that would calm him enough to hold him over until they were free. They were so close; she didn't want him to risk it all by going on a rampage. "The cuffs," Kaysa said quietly. "We've done what you asked, now please take of these bindings."

He pulled a key from his belt and stepped forward to Kaysa. He slid it into a slot between the two circlets wrapped around Kaysa's wrists and they both fell open. He repeated the process with Zale, and then stepped away. "You are free to go," he said. "Again, don't leave New Plouton, and please do not try to tamper with the Locators."

"Doing so would probably only incriminate us more in your twisted mind." Kaysa sighed heavily and slipped her hand into Zale's. She looked to the man before them - their new foe - and shook her head slowly. "Come on, Zale. Let's go home."

Zale turned and left with Kaysa, knowing that further comments would only exacerbate the situation. The legal authority was the Empire, and they would do whatever they pleased and then adjust the laws as they saw fit. They could not win a fight against an enemy who could change the rules on a whim. There was only one way to fight the Empire, and he would do that.

Once they were outside, he glanced to Kaysa. "I want to find out what's really going on here," he said. "I want to know who's setting us up and why. I want to know who we've pissed off to the point that they'd try to ruin our lives."

"You're not going to go on a killing spree, are you? Please, Zale, don't do anything impulsive. I know you're angry - I am too, but don't try and do this on your own right now. Get Moril on it. Just wait until your anger's cooled before you do anything." Kaysa ran her hand along Zale's bruised cheek, then looked at the slight reddening arising from the final blow he'd sustained. "If you want, I can take care of those for you. I...I need to be near you tonight, Zale. It comforts me."

Zale smiled and brushed a hand over Kaysa's. "I like the sound of that idea," he said. "Should we go to the apartment or the penthouse?"

"Preferably the closer of the two, but as long as your arms are around me, I don't care where we are." Kaysa sank into Zale's arms with a weary sigh. "Let's go home and I'll make those injuries feel alot better. Then tomorrow, we try and unmask the face of our enemy."

Zale slipped his arms around Kaysa and sighed softly. As they started walking toward his apartment, he took a quick glance around to make sure they were still alone. With a smile, he looked at her. "Kaysa," he said, "I do love you...to finally answer your question from earlier."

A smile softened Kaysa's tense features as she stopped and ran her hand along Zale's cheek. "I knew you were gonna say that. And I was right," she said with a gentle laugh, "you really are a fool."

Zale laughed. "I am, aren't I? Well, you must now take your fool home and tend to his wounds, and then we'll see what else the night has in store for us."

"Hmm...I think I have a pretty good idea of what that is." Kaysa smiled suggestively and slipped from Zale's arms. She coyly sauntered away and looked back at Zale over her shoulder. "Too bad they didn't lend us those cuffs. I think I could have found a couple things to do with them."

Zale looked at her thoughtfully and then grinned. "Well, I'm sure I can get us a pair or two, though possibly not for tonight. But, next time," he said as he moved up and slipped his arms around her again, "we can play Good Imp/Bad Imp. And, believe me, I know right where to put my blaster."

"And then you can show me where you put your tongue the other night that got Shiv so excited." Kaysa lightly slapped Zale's arms frantically and spun around to face him. "Shiv and Ithea! What are we gonna do about them? Oh my gods...Shiv's gonna be worried. Should we comm her?"

Zale felt a sense of dread come over him at the thought of having to comm Ithea and Shiv and telling them that he and Kaysa would be spending the night alone in his apartment. He knew Shiv would understand, and would want to join; but he wasn't so certain about Ithea. He knew that as much as he did care for Shiv, tonight was for Kaysa. "We probably should," he said. "It wouldn't be right to say nothing. But, the question is, for Ithea's sake, how much do we tell them now?"

"Oh...you're right." Kaysa turned away and cursed herself silently. "I shouldn't have set you up with Ithea. The poor woman. She knows she has no chance with you while I'm still in your life, and now to find out I'm going home with you tonight instead of her..." She slowly turned back towards Zale and smiled ruefully. "We could lie...but Shiv would know anyway, and I think Ithea would have a pretty good idea too. No matter what we tell them, maybe we shouldn't tell Ithea about our arrest. We can tell Shiv privately, which means we'll have to think of an excuse as to why we're going home now, meaning it'll only give credence to the fact that we're actually going there to...well, you know."

Zale thought for a moment and then smiled. "Why don't we tell them that you were checking your messages, and the situation with Rennor has taken a turn for the worst. And, you and I are meeting with one of my legal advisors to figure out how to get around this. We can try to let Shiv know to meet us at the apartment once she and Ithea finish their night on the town."

"But...we'll be there...together." Kaysa laughed softly. "Then again, she'd probably be excited about that. So I guess that's what we'll do. I just hope Ithea isn't too disappointed." Kaysa kissed Zale quickly before punching in Shiv's comm code. She kept her gaze on his, her eyes conveying the burning desire she desperately wanted him to smother. "We're not really gonna talk about Rennor tonight, are we?"

"We're going to do our best to forget all about Rennor," Zale whispered and then kissed her again.

The bleep on Kaysa's comlink indicated that Shiv had answered.

"Hi Kaysa," she said in a voice loud enough to be heard over the background. "Let me just..." The noise suddenly diminished. "There. Hi. What's up? Where are you guys? We're at the Bantha Stomp over in Yallder."

"Shiv, something's come up and Zale and I won't be able to join you two." Kaysa looked up at Zale and quickly rehearsed what she was supposed to tell Shiv. "Zale and I are gonna go meet with some legal guys about Rennor. I'm not sure how long we'll be. Are you and Ithea alright?"

"I'm fine," Shiv said with a giggle. "Ithea's stoned out of her mind and out dancing with some guy she met. His friend's been keeping me company, but he can't dance. So, where should I meet you later?"

Kaysa looked up at Zale quizzically and mouthed, "Ithea's stoned?". She shook her head and with a short laugh replied to Shiv. "You can meet us at Zale's apartment in the Yesdol district. Shiv...are you sure Ithea's okay? I don't want anything happening to her."

"Yeah," Shiv said, "she's doing okay. I'm watching after her and I won't let Stev do anything to her. Right now he's doing pretty good about keeping his hands to himself, and he hasn't tried to put a hand into any of her worry zones yet. You two have a good time tonight, Kaysa; and I'll see you later. I love you, Kayse, and you better tell Zale he'd better take good care of you or I'll kick his ass."

Kaysa laughed and glanced up at Zale. "Oh, I'm sure he'll take very good care of me. Now have a good time, Shiv. Try not to stay out too long, alright?"

"I won't," Shiv said. "I'll probably only be out for another hour or two. And, I know I don't have to tell you to have a good time. See you soon, Kaysa."

Once the comm channel was closed, Zale laughed. "The girl is perceptive; you have to give her that."

"Which makes me feel stupid for even trying to lie to her." Kaysa smiled at Zale and gently pressed herself against him. "Is it time for that little meeting yet," she asked as her hands made their way to Zale's groin. "I really like meetings."

Zale moaned softly. "When you do that, I like meetings too," he said. "Let's hurry so we have lots of time before Shiv arrives. I've no doubts that when she gets to the apartment, she'll want some of each of us."

"No. I...I don't think I want to share you tonight, Zale." Kaysa gazed up at Zale for a moment, but shied away. "I mean...I just...I want to have you to myself tonight. I need both your arms around me and... Forget it," she said with a soft laugh. "I'm being selfish and stupid. If you want Shiv tonight, I'll let her join, of course."

Zale stopped and pulled Kaysa to him. "There's nothing wrong with selfish," he said. "If you want tonight to be just us, then it'll be just us. Though, if this is going to be something that persists between us, you will need to talk to Shiv about it."

"Why don't we just worry about tonight for now? We'll put everything in the back of our minds - the Imps, Shiv and Ithea... The only thing that matters is being with you right now." Kaysa reached up and kissed Zale tenderly while her hands continued to gently caress his groin.

Zale smiled as his hands drifted to Kaysa's breasts. "If we're not careful, we may end up getting arrested again," he said. "I don't think the Imps are very fond of public sex." He glanced around for a secluded alley and then back to Kaysa. "Do you think we can make it to the apartment?"

Kaysa laughed and threw Zale an enticing gaze. "Getting daring?" She ceased her caresses and took Zale's hands into hers. Pulling him down along the empty street, she moved them towards the nearest alley. "It won't be the most romantic spot, but I think it'll suffice to temporarily quench our desires."

Zale looked around and nodded his approval. "I think this place would be perfect, and if the Imps come this way, they won't be able to see us unless they're right at the entrance there. Though, I imagine sound will carry. If you want to be really daring, you'll have to make sure your cries of pleasure are quite loud, and I'll see what I can do to help you make them even louder."

Kaysa pushed Zale back against the wall once they were deep enough into the alley. "I'm sure if you do that tongue thing, all of New Plouton will be able to hear my cries." She kissed Zale roughly and managed to snake her hand into his pants. "This is what you do to me, Zale," she whispered breathlessly once the kiss broke. "My sense of reason just drifts off with the wind and all that's left is my desire for you. I hate that when I'm with you, I don't even think about Shiv or Merrick, even though I know I should be, so I can make myself feel guilty for being with you."

Zale started pulling up Kaysa's dress as his lips played across her throat and face. "When we get back to my apartment, you can allow yourself to feel guilty as we lie together in my bed, and I'll do what I can to comfort you from those thoughts. Do you want to stay with me for the rest of your week, Kaysa?"

She moaned gently as Zale's hands reached her swelling breasts and began caressing them. Her own hands worked more fervently at getting his pants opened and as she anticipated, all rationality was supplanted by her need for Zale. "Yes," she whispered huskily. "The entire week... I want to be in your bed every night for the entire week." She kissed Zale firmly and flattened herself against him. With his pants opened, she moved to divest herself of the remaining barrier in the form of her panties that kept she and Zale from consummating their desires. "A week...and many more. Business lunches, meetings, secret rendezvous...anything to be with you."

Zale nodded, suddenly unable to speak. His eyes found hers and could see her desire just like she could see his. He covered her lips in a passionate kiss, and then entered her. As he did, it felt like white fire rushed through his body, filling him, consuming him. He couldn't remember any other time in life as powerful as the moments when he and Kaysa joined. "I want you in my bed as much as you can be there," he whispered. "I need you there."

"Then that's where I'll be," Kaysa whispered tenderly. Her lips gently trailed kisses along Zale's face. She brushed them lightly along his bruises, hoping her soothing touch would some how permeate deep into his body and heal his wounds, as well as some of the scars she'd helped create during their tumultuous relationship.

Their movements were deliberate and Kaysa attempted to express through her touch how ardently she cared for him. There was a fear she could see looming behind her passion for him, a fear that in all this, she would become so intoxicated with him that she would turn her back on Shiv and Merrick. All thoughts of that soon faded as she was enraptured by the pleasure Zale was eliciting in her. Nothing mattered when she was with him, which should have frightened her but didn't. The only thing that frightened her now was that she would feel the urge to push him away again and in doing so, tear herself in two.

***

Ithea reached out and took Stev's hand and led him back to the table. She slid into the seat next to Shiv. Ithea's face was flushed. She was still very very aware of Stev next to her.

Shiv glanced at Ithea and noted her state. "Ithea? What is it? Are you alright?"

"I am just a little...warm." Ithea looked at Stev and flushed deeply. She looked back at Shiv.

Shiv caught the glance at Stev and smiled. "I saw you two out there dancing," she said. "From the looks of it, you should be more than just warm."

Ithea laughed lightly. "So what have you two been doing?" Ithea had been so involved that she had no idea what Shiv and Coryl had been doing. She could feel Stev's hand in the small of her back and the heat of it was hard to ignore. She took a long pull of her drink.

"We were doing some talking," Shiv said. "He works just up the street from the new apartment. I guess he's the night manager at this restaurant. We'll have to try it out sometime. Stev's one of the cooks."

Ithea looked at Stev and smiled. "Yes, he also mentioned having a place nearby." She looked at Shiv. "I suppose adding to my...collection at home is considered wrong." She looked meaningfully at Stev and then winked at Shiv.

Shiv grinned and shook her head slowly. "I don't think so at all," she said softly. "And, if he has a place nearby, I think going there might be fun. Better than here in a room full of people. And, it looked like the two of you have a little unfinished business."

"But we are waiting for Kaysa and Zale," Ithea pointed out, jumping as Stev's hand moved. "Besides, I thought any...unfinished business was already prearranged?"

"Oh," Shiv said, remembering her conversation with Kaysa. "They won't be able to make it. When you were out there dancing, she called. I guess there's some trouble with Rennor, and they have to talk to some of Zale's legal guys. I think he'll want to see you again tomorrow night, so tonight you can do whatever you want."

Ithea frowned, unsure whether she should be doing whatever she wanted. "What do you want to do?" She suddenly grinned and looked at Stev and then back at Shiv. "After all, for now, you are my date."

Shiv leaned close to Ithea and smiled. "I think we should go back to Stev's place like he suggests," she said, and then gave Ithea a kiss. "And, see what happens from there. I'm sure we can get into all sorts of trouble."

With the spice in her system, Ithea's normal caution seemed all but absent. "Okay!" she answered in a whisper. "Just don't desert me because I am on unfamiliar ground." She looked over at Stev. "We have decided to accept your invitation to go some place quieter." Her words were brightly spoken. After the dancing, the spice was truly absorbed. It showed in her eyes and her movements.

Stev grinned. "Then let's get out of here," he said. "I've got some music at my place if we want to do more dancing, as well as a good selection of drink fixings." He pulled Ithea into his arms and smiled. "We move well together." He kissed her again, slowly and sensuously. "Come on, it's not far."

"A Night To Remember, Part 4"
By: Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Ithea Tass
NPC: Stev and Coryl
Location: Various Locations, New Plouton
Date: Praeda 18, 4ABY

Stev led the way out of the bar and down the street. He had an arm around Ithea the entire time, and behind them Shiv and Coryl walked close together.

As Ithea glanced back, she could see his lips on Shiv's neck and a hand massaging one of her breasts through the fabric of her dress. Ithea grinned. Shiv didn't seem to be minding very much either. Maybe it was something in the spice. "Stev, what is spice?" She leaned against him. "I feel different than when I drink too much. I am not from here and we do not have spice on my planet."

"Spice is a drug mined in the Kessel system," he said. "The stuff we had is fairly mild. It's a narcotic that's supposed to relax you, and make you more comfortable. It's great when you're out partying." He looked at her, not sure if he should tell the other effect, though he had a feeling she already knew. "It's also something of an aphrodisiac."

"I noticed," she said with a smile. She snuggled close to him the rest of the way. She was content, relaxed and in need of the contact. When they got to his place, Ithea dropped back next to Shiv while they opened the door. She touched Shiv's cheek and smiled at her. "I see what Kaysa sees in you," she whispered. Ithea had never felt so friendly.

Shiv grinned. "Really?" she asked, a slight blush running through her cheeks. "Thank you. I think they got some of the good stuff with that spice." She brought a hand to Ithea's cheek as she'd done to hers. "So, how are you doing?"

"I feel very strange," she confided. "But it feels good too." She put her hand over Shiv's. "I feel, everything like it is twice as much."

Shiv giggled. "The drug we took is supposed to heighten pleasure," she said. "So, anything pleasurable you feel should be very pleasurable. If we go inside there, I think Stev and Coryl are expecting us to sleep with them. Are you ready for that? We can turn back now if you want."

"I don't know. I guess I am ready. Better someone who really wants me for the first time than someone who would be thinking of another." She giggled. "Besides, you will be there, so that makes it okay."

Stev and Coryl were standing in the doorway watching as Shiv and Ithea turned back to face them. Shiv took Ithea's hand and they moved forward to meet the two guys inside. Once in front of them, Shiv led Ithea to Stev and put her hand into his, and then turned to Coryl.

Stev slipped his arms around Ithea and kissed her. "Would you like a drink?"

"I would love a drink," she said, smiling. "This is very nice," she whispered before she let him go so he could get the drink.

After finding out what Shiv and Coryl wanted, Stev moved to the small cabinet that served as his bar. He quickly started mixing up drinks for everyone as Coryl led Shiv and Ithea to a couch. It wasn't long before Stev returned with drinks for everyone and was seated on the couch next to Ithea. "To a night we'll never forget," he said with a raised glass.

Ithea chuckled. "You have no idea." She took a long drink. The drug had started to fade and she didn't feel as desperate to touch as she had earlier. She watched Shiv. She knew that if she decided to mate with Stev, eventually nature would take over. But this society had different ways of leading up to it and Kaysa and Shiv were probably not typical. She was watching Shiv for clues as to how to go on and what was an appropriate next.

Stev slid closer to Ithea and slipped an arm around her shoulders. Next to them, Shiv and Coryl had their faces close together and they were speaking in low tones, all the while Coryl had his hand up under Shiv's dress. "You're a very beautiful woman, Ithea," Stev said, a trace of nervousness in his voice. "When we approached you tonight, we didn't think you'd pay any attention to us, that you'd just tell us to go away."

"Well, we were bored and I wanted to learn to dance. I have never been dancing," she confided with a grin. She wasn't quite as relaxed as he had sensed at the club.

Stev smiled. "You danced very well," he said as he leaned closer. His eyes burned with passion and hunger. "I'd say after tonight you'll be considered an expert dancer." Unable to keep his distance any longer, he pressed his lips to hers again.

"And what if I told you that I haven't done that either," she whispered after they had kissed for a length of time. His body was warm and firm. She liked the feel of it.

Stev took a step back, or as close as he could manage while sitting on a couch, wrapped in an embrace with Ithea. "You've never--? Well, I would say that I was somewhat shocked and surprised that a woman who looks like you hadn't been with a man before." He kissed her again and pulled back to look into her eyes. "Is this something you want to do tonight?"

"I am just selective. I haven't found anyone worth choosing. My friend suggested I might be too selective." Ithea looked to see if Shiv was having a good time. She looked back at Stev. "I think you might be able to convince me I have chosen correctly." The glow that she had felt at the club was slowly fading but she found she still liked being held by him.

Stev smiled and started kissing her throat, finding some courage as he ventured lower down to her chest. He restrained himself from moving his hands to her breasts as he wanted to, instead opting to run them up and down her sides and across her back, kneading gently as they played across her skin.

Ithea returned his kiss with unrestrained fervor. She liked how he felt and how he smelled. His hands felt wonderful and so did his lips. She wondered for a brief moment why she had put this off in her life, but then his lips captured hers again and the thought fled. Her hands began to tentatively explore as well, feeling his chest, his arms.

With renewed courage, Stev brought a hand to Ithea's breast, caressing lightly as they continued kissing. He could feel her hardened nipples beneath the fabric of her top. Her body excited him in ways he couldn't describe, and he knew he wanted to be with her tonight. Her hands against his body felt amazing. He moaned softly as her hands caressed at his chest, and slowly let a hand edge down toward her thigh.

Ithea broke the kiss. She felt hesitant and she wasn't sure why. Her mind kept wandering away. She could hear Shiv and Coryl and somehow it was exciting to know they were right there. She didn't stop Stev's hand and she brought her face up to cup his. "Can we dance?" She liked swaying to music against him. She had been much more relaxed when they were dancing. But maybe that was the spice they had just taken.

Stev looked confused for a moment and then nodded. "Sure," he said. "Let me go get some music." He kissed her once more and slid from the couch. A moment later, the room was filled with music rousing Shiv and Coryl from their kisses. They exchanged a few silent words and then Shiv slid over near Ithea. "Will you be alright if Coryl and I slip into one of the bedrooms?"

Ithea smiled. "I will be fine. I am more nervous than at the club, but maybe that is because I had spice at the club. Go have fun. I am enjoying Stev's company."

Shiv smiled. "I'm sure he has some more if you want another hit," she said. "Have fun, and if you need anything...we'll just be in the other room."

Ithea nodded as Coryl pulled Shiv off the couch. Ithea got up too. She had never been alone with a man she did not command for more than a short period of time. It would be easy to fall into old patterns and take what she wanted or to shove away if she didn't like it. But she did not want anyone here to really know what she was or had been. She smiled as Stev approached. "We have been deserted," she said with a laugh. "You don't have some more of that spice, do you?" she asked as she moved into his arms and leaned up and kissed him softly.

Stev smiled once their lips parted. "I've got a few more," he said. "Did you want another?" He pulled out the bottle and shook it gently. "Making love with this spice in your system is amazing. It would really make your first time wonderful."

"I think I would like that. I want it to be amazing and wonderful," she said with a soft smile. Her finger ran across his waist band. "You do not mind that I have no experience in such matters?"

Stev smiled as she slowly worked her hands lower. "I don't mind at all," he said softly. "We can do whatever you're comfortable doing." He held up a tablet of spice for her. "And, I'll do everything I can to make it amazing and wonderful for you."

Ithea didn't reach up to take the tablet but used her lips to take it out of his hands. She swallowed it down before bringing her lips back up to his for a slow kiss. "I believe you." She knew he believed it and that is all that mattered to her. She could sense Shiv's pleasure in the next room. It was going to be a very nice evening.

Stev took Ithea into his arms as they danced slowly together. He continued kissing down her chest until his lips brushed the tops of her breasts. He kept one hand around her waist, but brought one hand up to the buttons holding her top closed. He looked up into her eyes, his own asking permission to go farther.

Ithea could feel the drug absorbing into her once again. It was such an unbelievable sensation. She took his hand off her buttons and kissed the fingertips lightly and then placed it back on the two buttons that held her top closed. One hand brought his head down to kiss her lips and her other hand wandered freely.

Stev moaned with Ithea's kisses as his hands deftly unbuttoned the remaining buttons. With their bodies still pressed tightly together, he slipped a hand inside her top and over her breasts. Their dance hadn't gotten far and now they only stood in the center of the room holding each other. He gasped softly as her hand touched him and he lowered his lips once again to her breasts.

Ithea cried out at the sensation of his lips on her breasts. She had never felt anything so pleasurable. Her hand was curled around his neck to keep her balance and her other hand had worked under the edge of his shirt to touch the firm muscles of his abdomen. His skin felt warm and smooth, inviting her to explore.

Stev led Ithea toward the couch where they'd have a better opportunity to explore each other's bodies more fully. He slid the top she wore off her shoulders as she pushed his shirt up. "Is the couch alright? Or should we go to the other bedroom?"

"Why don't we use the bedroom. That way if they wish to drink or something, we aren't entertaining more than each other," she teased lightly. Her eyes glistened with growing passion and her hands were becoming braver. She kissed him again, this time using her tongue to explore his mouth.

Stev laughed softly. "Then it's right this way," he said, pulling her along as they continued to kiss. They passed through the door and he closed it quickly before returning to Ithea and leading her toward the bed. Once there, he pushed her top the rest of the way off and once again moved his lips to her breasts.

Ithea ran her fingers inside the waist of his pants, teasing lightly. Ithea knew about teasing. She had teased more than one slave. Her other hand pressed his head to her breasts as she gasped with pleasure. Her body sang with spice and pleasure, combining to turn the moment to almost surreal. Every flick of his tongue was intense and invoked an immediate response deep within her.

Stev couldn't remember a time when he'd felt more aroused than he did with Ithea just then. As he continued suckling her breasts, bringing out many moans from deep within her, he slid one hand down between her thighs, brushing over her mound and gaining an immediate reaction.

Ithea felt as if on fire, and only his touch and kisses quenched it. Yet, a deeper need was growing. His hand touched her intimately and she felt herself arch against him involuntarily. She slid her hand along the outline of pants, brushing him as well. She was surprised at the hardness beneath her hand.

Stev gasped and then smiled. He allowed his touch to explore more between her thighs and he realized that it was time for them to remove the remainder of their clothes. While he was still kissing her, alternating between her breasts and lips, he slowly started to ease her leggings down over her hips.

When Ithea was finally undressed, she did the same for him. Taking her time, trailing kisses across exposed skin. Her eyes grew large when he was finally freed for she had not expected that an aroused male could change in dimensions quite so drastically. Her hands caressed him curiously.

Stev moaned more loudly as she touched him. Her hand against his erection was bliss, and he didn't know how much more of this he could take. He took her hand and led her slowly to the bed. He lowered her slowly onto the soft mattress, and then trailed kisses from her breasts down between her thighs. If it was her first time, he'd make sure it was a very good first time.

Ithea squirmed, the pleasure was so intense. She gasped loudly as his kisses reached her mound. Her fingers tangled in his hair, encouraging him to continue. Everything inside her felt very tight and tense, but it was a pleasurable sensation.

Stev took Ithea to the brink, and once she was there, he slid up along side of her, while continuing to pleasure her with his hand. "Are you ready," he asked breathlessly.

"Oh goddess, yes," she cried, kissing him passionately. She had never wanted anything so much. Her body felt as if it would explode with pleasure. The feel of him throbbing against her leg was so sensuously tortuous that she commanded without thought to the force of her command. "Take me now!"

Stev needed no other coaxing before he quickly positioned himself atop her. He kissed her deeply, and eased himself inside her. He had never been so aroused in his life. He knew he hadn't taken any new spice, and he figured it had to be just being there with Ithea. She was the most desirable woman he'd ever been with, and just that thought alone took him quickly to a place he'd never been before. Once he was all the way inside her, he gazed deeply in her eyes as he started a slow rhythm of thrusts to start. He knew with the fire burning inside him he wouldn't be able to keep a slow pace for long.

Ithea winced as he first entered and then delicious pleasure spread through her. This is what she had been craving, aching for ever since they had seriously kissed on the dance floor. Her legs wrapped around him, pulling him tightly to her, the sense of completeness, rapture. Her body began to move to meet him. She reached up holding his head and raised her lips to his, moaning against them.

It took every microgram of willpower for Stev to not rush too quickly to climax. He could feel them both reaching toward the pinnacle of their union with each thrust. For someone who had never had sex before, Ithea had definitely picked up the rhythms and movements fast enough. And, by the look in her eyes and the way she moaned, he knew she was enjoying every moment. "You are doing beautifully," he whispered.

"So are you," she whispered back and grinned. Her movements became more frenzied. Every touch was amplified by the spice, every sensation seemed as if it were better than the last. She clutched at his back, wanting to be closer somehow and not knowing how to get what her body was crying out for.

Stev didn't need to see the look in her eyes to know that Ithea was ready to climax. He quickened his pace and shortened his thrusts. He could feel his own orgasm fast approaching, but he knew he could hold out long enough for Ithea. He moved his lips to her breasts, sucking and nibbling at her nipples. He would give her the most beautiful first time ever.

Ithea now knew a new meaning for ecstasy. She arched against him and cried out, waves of pleasure washing over her. Her body clutched him and without thought, her nails raked him as she convulsed against him.

Stev cried out against the sudden pain across his back, but it didn't last long as he could no longer hold back and filled her with his seed. He continued his thrusts for a few more seconds before his strength gave out and he sank down on top of Ithea. His body was slick with sweat and sucking in deep lungfuls of air was not calming his rapidly beating heart. "That was intense," he finally whispered.

Ithea was unable to answer him. The room was spinning. Her vision was swimming and her senses were on overload. Her hands ran up and down his sides needing to touch and caress. Her legs were still tightly wrapped around his.

For a long time, Stev was content to just lie with Ithea in his embrace. After their lovemaking, her touch was very nice. Just lying together touching and caressing seemed to heighten what they'd just shared and took it beyond anything he'd ever experienced before. He realized lying with Ithea, for whom this was all new, that his past encounters had all been very jaded and cynical about the whole process; but here with Ithea, it was powerful and emotional and he knew that this is what it was supposed to feel like after sex. "How are you doing?"

She finally released him. "I do not think I have 'ever' been better," she said with a contented sigh. "I hope that you were not...you did not find me lacking." She looked at him with a little concern. Her heart was finally slowing down.

Stev kissed her and smiled. "Not lacking at all in any way," he said. "You were absolutely perfect."

"So now what?" she asked, rolling him off of her so she could nestle close beside him.

"What do you feel like?" Stev asked. "We could lie here for a little bit longer while I recover, and then do some more if you'd like. Whatever you'd like tonight, Ithea."

"I would like that." She nestled her head under his chin and kissed his chest. Her hands had never stopped moving. She could have gotten much closer to him without making love again. "I hope you don't require a lot of sleep," she inquired greedily.

"I don't think I'll require much tonight," Stev said with a sly smile. "And, I'm certain I can introduce you to a number of other ways of making love, if you'd like that. We still have lots of time."

"I am yours to instruct," she whispered, nibbling on his ear. "I am a quick student."

"So I've noticed," Stev said as he allowed his hands to start roaming over Ithea's body again. "Next time, how would you like to be on top?"

"I would like that," she said, imagining what that would be like. Now she understood why Kaysa and Shiv kept going on and on about sex. She kissed him again, slow and sensuous, reveling in the feel of his lips and hands. She suddenly giggled as she realized dancing WAS really a mating ritual.

"I thought you might," Stev said. "I'm glad I insisted on the Bantha Stomp tonight or else we would never have met. Coryl wanted to go up the street to Kriegal's."

"I am sure he is not sorry either. Shiv has quite an appetite," she said with a grin. She kissed him again and then she began nibbling on his lips.

Stev returned Ithea's kisses and then smiled as he gazed into her eyes. "So, are you ready for round two?"

"The question is, sir, are you?" she teased, her hands drifting lower to check. She found that Stev was indeed ready for their second round. With a smile, he pulled her atop him and they started making love for the second of many times that night.

"A Night To Remember, Part 5"
By: Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr
Location: Zale's Apartment - Yesdol District, New Plouton
Date: Praeda 18, 4ABY

***

With a piercing, resonant cry, Kaysa signalled the end of an entire hour of bliss. Her back arched off the bed, then flattened against it again as she pulled Zale into a tender embrace. Her breath came in short, ragged pants that were interrupted by the sounds of her lips smacking against Zale's damp flesh. "Oh gods..." she muttered lazily. "Oh dear gods, Zale..."

Zale laughed softly and kissed Kaysa. "Now that is a beautiful sound," he said. "You have to have the most beautiful screams of pleasure I've ever heard, and I must say I think you definitely topped Shiv with those."

Kaysa laughed breathlessly and brought her lips to Zale's ear. "I thought after that, you'd have forgotten all about every other woman you've been with." She nibbled gently on his ear, then whispered again. "I want to hear you scream like that." She covered his earlobe with her lips again, but instead of sucking gently on it, she bit down on the delicate flesh.

Zale made a yelping noise as she bit down. "Hey," he said. "You want to play rough, do you? I won't be screaming like that anytime soon, I'm afraid. I may be able to cry out for you, but the process required to get my voice that high would circumvent the whole reason for making me scream in the first place."

Kaysa lay back down, pouting playfully. "Fine, don't scream. As long as I know you don't scream for your other women." She pushed Zale's pleated hair over his shoulders and kissed him softly. "Will there still be other women now? I know Shiv's gonna keep trying to set you up, and to indulge her, I might help... I think I've got a better idea about the kind of woman you want." Kaysa smiled slyly. "Maybe someone a little like...me?"

Zale wrapped Kaysa into an embrace and smiled. "Someone exactly like you," he said. "And, I have a feeling the biggest problem with Shiv would be keeping her away when we're in the bed together. I want you, Kaysa. I wish I could have you all to myself, but I know that I can't. And, the only other woman out there that even grabs my attention already shares her bed with you, but not even Shiv can hold a candle to you."

"Really? And not even Ithea intrigued you?" Kaysa laughed. "You wanted her, Zale. I mean she's desirable, even if she is a little naive. Were you really gonna go home with her tonight?"

Zale smiled. "She is an intriguing woman, and attractive, but she doesn't affect me the way you do. I've never been shy about going with a woman. I've never been one to give myself to one person and hold myself to only their bed, and with that I've never thought twice about sharing my body with a woman. Sex is a pleasurable experience, and I like pleasurable experiences. But it's different with you. We connect like I've never been connected. When we make love, it's passionate and transcendent. I wanted Ithea because I thought you were closing yourself off to me."

"I was," Kaysa replied somberly. "Why do you think I set you two up in the first place? Why do you think I practically dragged her to your office today?" She sighed and wrapped her arms around Zale in an embrace. "I was trying to push you two together, and all the while, I was angry at myself for doing so. I don't want to see you alone, but it pains me to see you with someone who's not me. Does that make sense?"

Zale kissed her. "It makes very much sense," he said. "I want you to be happy with Merrick, but I hate that I can't be with you anymore. I think the only person I can see you with that doesn't bring me a spear of pain is Shiv. It's a fairly twisted situation, isn't it?" He laughed softly.

"It is...but I think I understand." Kaysa sighed deeply and gazed up at Zale intently. "I...I don't want you sleeping with Shiv anymore, and probably not for the reasons you're thinking. No, I don't want her sleeping with other people while she's with Merrick and I, but... I don't want her sleeping with you, Zale, not while I'm with you."

"Really?" Zale said. "Starting to get possessive of me? So, what about other women? Like Ithea or others?"

Kaysa rolled her eyes and pushed Zale away. "Now you're just mocking me." She shifted onto her side with her back to Zale. "I was serious. I don't want you being with Shiv and...you can be with other women, as long as we have an understanding that I come first. If I happen to drop by and you have a woman with you, I expect you to tell them to leave. I know it sounds ridiculous, but that's how I feel right now."

"And you'll show me the same courtesy?" He slid off the bed and stalked to the bathroom. "When I come to your place, you tell Shiv and Merrick to go take a walk? And, you know how Shiv will take that. Did you and she have a fight I'm not aware of? Or are you tired of sharing with her? Or maybe just tired of her."

"No, things are fine," Kaysa said curtly. She sat up in bed quickly and with a sharp sigh. "And I won't have to worry about sending Shiv and Merrick away because I'd rather Merrick and Shiv didn't know we were sleeping together. When we meet, I'll tell them it's a business meeting or any other situation I can contrive." Kaysa looked to Zale and shook her head slowly. "What is your problem? I'm trying to make it so we can be together. Why are you over reacting? I thought you'd be flattered that I wanted you all to myself."

Zale appeared in the doorway wearing a black, silk robe. "The problem is that you expect me to throw out whoever I have with me at the time so you can be with me, but that's at your convenience. When I want time with you, I will have to wait until you can work me into your schedule and sneak away from Merrick and Shiv. If you're in bed with Merrick or Shiv, I have to wait until you're ready to devote some of your time to me; if I have someone in my bed, I have to throw them out on their ass because Kaysa wants some time with her stud. I don't like the idea that I have to keep you first, but you place me wherever is convenient."

"Well what do you want me to do, Zale? Am I to abandon Merrick and Shiv so I can be your bedmate?" Kaysa laughed dryly and slipped of the bed. She quickly scanned the room for her clothing, but to no avail. "This isn't going to work, Zale," she said irritably. She spotted her dress through the open doorway of the bedroom and marched angrily into the living area. "I mean, I say something, and you immediately jump to conclusions," she hollered back. "All I'm asking for is that you be there for me when I need you! Is that so hard?"

"And what about me," Zale shouted back. "What about when I need you?"

"That's the difference, Zale! You don't need me." Kaysa picked up her dress from where it lay upon the couch and frantically began placing it on. "You never needed me, Zale. You're strong enough not to need me and that's what I'm afraid of. I'll risk everything to be with you, and in the end, you'll find someone else to be with and I'll be pushed aside!" Kaysa slipped on her dress quickly, then scoured the room for her shoes. "I want to be with you as much as I can for as long as I have you. Is that wrong, Zale?! When the day comes for you to toss me away, I want to at least know that we spent as much time with eachother as we could have. I don't see anything wrong with that."

"There is a big problem," Zale snapped. "If you think I'm just going to toss you away... You'll toss me aside long before I ever do that to you. Do you think I was trying to play with your head when I told you I loved you tonight? Do you think that means nothing?" He watched her as she looked for her shoes and shook his head. When he spoke again, his voice had softened considerably. "You're wrong, Kaysa. You've always pushed so hard against any sort of feelings for each other, that I made sure you didn't see any need in me. If I did, you would have torn me to pieces and left what remained for the carrion-eaters. But, in all of this, you've never considered my feelings..."

Kaysa stared absently at the shoe in her hand, her anger cooling quickly. She knew what she was doing and berated herself for it. He'd taken a chance and opened his heart to her, but she'd dismissed his feelings quickly enough and focused only on her own. "I'm selfish," Kaysa said incredulously. "I'm a selfish bitch." She sat heavily onto the couch and continued to study the shoe she held. "Yes, if it had been before, I would have pounced on any sign of weakness, but this is now, and now, I want you to need me, Zale. It makes this - you and I - more worthwhile." Kaysa let the shoe fall from her hands as she turned her gaze to Zale. "I wouldn't be risking everything if I didn't want you to need me, Zale. I wouldn't be here with you if I wasn't tired of pushing you away. I just... I don't know what I want from you, but I do want you, Zale, however much of yourself you can give me."

"I want to give you as much of myself as you can take," Zale said softly. "I do need you, Kaya. I don't want to keep going without you in my life, or without being able to express my feelings for you. We'll see what we can do with what we have, and how to deal with everything else."

"So, we wait until the next blow-up to realize there's yet another problem we have to deal with?" Kaysa sighed and reclined back against the couch. "Everytime we fight, we barely come out of it unscathed. When our tempers flare, you're far too content letting me just walk out, and I'm just as content to leave you behind in spite. We can't keep doing this, Zale. You love me, and I care for you deeply; it's not right to keep hurting eachother like this."

"Walking away is the only thing that gets your attention," Zale said. "I never want to leave, but you're too damn stubborn and when you dig in you don't budge. And, I've always gotten the impression that it's Kaysa's way or not at all. We need to learn a little give and take."

"I just... It's hard, Zale. You know what a control freak I am." Kaysa slowly got to her feet and moved to Zale. She smoothed her hand over the silky robe concealing his body from her, then kissed the exposed portion of his chest. "Fine, Zale," she said softly. "Give and take. I took, and now it's my turn to give you anything you want. So what'll it be?"

Zale tugged at the sash holding his robe closed and let it fall open. "I think I have a few ideas," he said with a sly smile.

Kaysa laughed salaciously and ran her hands over his now bare chest. "Now I know why we keep coming back to each other. We're far too good together in bed." Kaysa neutralized her features and gazed up at Zale sternly. "But I meant it when I said I don't want you with Shiv, Zale. I don't know why, but it wouldn't feel right somehow. Other than that, I guess I'll have to deal with the fact that you can be with who you choose, whenever you choose. I'll work around your schedule, if that pleases you, my lord," she said playfully.

"I'll try to deal with that as best I can," Zale said softly. "I do enjoy being with Shiv, but I think I can get everything I need with you. I think you are everything I need, Kaysa." He took her into his arms and pulled her to him.

"You think?" Kaysa laughed softly and slipped her hand to Zale's groin. "I'll make you more certain of that. Now carry me to bed and need me, Zale, as much as I need you."

"I'm feeling more certain already," Zale said with a soft laugh. He quickly scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bed. He set her in the center and climbed on after her. "Do you want tender and caring, or a little rough? Or maybe you'd like both now. What'll it be, my love slave?"

"Remember, it's your turn to take." Kaysa quickly wriggled out of her dress and threw it to the floor. She stretched her arms back against the bed and smiled suggestively. "You can take me anyway you choose. My treat."

Zale moved gracefully over her body until he was atop her with his face buried in her neck. While he kissed and suckled at the sensitive skin there, his hand played lightly across her mound. As he started sliding down toward her breasts, a soft beeping filled the room, originating from the commlink on Kaysa's wrist.

"Oh, go away!" Kaysa grumbled and cursed at the persistent beeping that was quickly becoming an annoyance. She brought her arm down towards her and furiously began tugging at the device on her wrist. Before flinging it across the room, she caught a fleeting glimpse of the comm frequency that was contacting her and hurriedly pushed Zale aside. She flew off the bed and rushed towards the device before the beeping stopped. Once it was in her hand, she scrambled to activate it. "Hello! Are you still there?"

"Yeah," said the voice on the other side of the signal, "did you fall or something? It sounded like someone falling down stairs. How are you guys doing? I didn't call at a bad time did I?"

Kaysa glanced up at Zale and smiled. "No, not a bad time at all. We were...just talking." She stifled a laugh as she moved back to the bed and sat down on it. "Where are you Shiv? Is Ithea okay?"

"From the screams coming from the other room, I'd say she's having a most wonderful time. We're at this guy Stev and his friend's apartment, and Coryl is all passed out on the bed and Stev and Ithea are making a lot of noise in the other room."

"Oh my-- Zale, stop that." Kaysa slapped away a frisky hand that had snaked its way from behind and was now exploring her breast. "Wait...Ithea's alone with a man, Shiv? Making noise? Oh my... Did you hear that, Zale? I think Ithea's been initiated."

Zale pulled his lips from Kaysa's back where he'd been kissing and laughed. "That's wonderful."

"Sounds like you're getting an initiation of your own, my dear," Shiv said with a giggle. "And, from the sound of it this is her fourth initiation tonight. I wonder if Stev will run out of steam before the sun comes up. Coryl will never want to see me again though."

Kaysa laughed and turned to Zale with wide-eyed amazement. "Ithea's done it more times than we have tonight. That can't be good." Kaysa furrowed her brow and returned her attention to the comm. "Wait...who's Coryl? You're not...you know-ing...him are you?"

"Coryl is Stev's friend, and he's tied up on the bed right now. And, no I haven't done anything with him, I only came into the bedroom with him so Ithea would be able to be with Stev. I figured I would get out of the room so I didn't actually have to do anything with him. I mean, he's not bad-looking and all, but between you and Merrick and Zale, I don't want to screw it up by just going off with some guy. Besides, I don't think he could do any better than you guys. So, it looks like I'll be sitting here all alone doing nothing tonight, or at least until Ithea's ready to go. Though, I think I might be able to sneak out and get over there with you guys."

Kaysa's smile waned as she turned slowly to face Zale. "Can you hold on a sec, Shiv?" Kaysa muted the device and gazed at Zale intently. "It's your choice. I can't keep you from being with her; I'm beginning to see very clearly that I can't force you to do anything you don't want to. If you want her here tonight, though, I'm afraid I'll be sleeping in the other room. It's not an ultimatum, Zale, it's just how it has to be."

"Then you're the one who has to tell her that she's not welcome in this bed tonight," Zale said with a hard edge in his voice. "It is an ultimatum, Kaysa; and if you're going to pull that shit, you take the shit from your girlfriend."

Kaysa stared sternly at Zale as she released the mute and spoke into the device. "Shiv..." Kaysa sighed and tore her gaze from Zale's cold, hard stare. "Shiv, I think you should stay with her. It wouldn't be safe to leave her alone with two strange men."

There was a moment of silence from Shiv's side, then finally: "Yeah," she said, and then sighed. "Though, I don't think Coryl's getting out of those knots. I guess I'll just sit here listening to Ithea having sex all night. You and Zale have fun. Bye. I'll see you some time tomorrow, I guess."

"Shiv..." Kaysa sighed and shook her head slowly. "Bye, Shiv." With the transmission severed, Kaysa tossed the device again across the room and lay back heavily upon the bed. "I know, I know," she muttered to Zale. "You're gonna berate me, scold me again for being selfish... If it makes you feel better, I feel like shit, okay?"

"Then why do it? Why treat her like that and put yourself through this? Before your epiphany, you treated her like shit; and now you're falling back into that same pattern. The girl loves you, Kaysa. She'd do anything and everything for you. Why put both of you through this? Do you really have no feelings for her?"

"Of course I have feelings for her! It's just..." Kaysa sighed and ran her hand along Zale's chest. "Being with you is different. It's not something I want to share with anyone, not even Shiv. I don't know why that is. I guess...it's something special between you and I, something more than sex, Zale. If it was just a good fuck, then sure, I'd invite Shiv over for a good time, but it's not. It's different, somehow."

"So Merrick's just a good fuck?"

Kaysa chewed on her lip and expected to taste blood after the sharp impact of Zale's question. She shot him a seething gaze, then smiled at him sourly. "Would you like me to get her on the line again? I mean, you obviously aren't too pleased to be with me right now because if you were, you wouldn't be doing this to me. I can call her up. Ooh, maybe I can ask her to bring Ithea along too. That should be enough to punish me, don't you think?"

"Oh no, Kaysa," Zale said. "I don't think anything that goes on outside your head could ever punish you enough to compete with what goes on inside. If you want to be with just me, that's fine; I want to be with you. But, I think you're going to have to be honest with Shiv, and the sooner the better. You know she wants in on everything you're in on. How long before she suspects something, and how long after that before she finds out the truth? I'm going to have to release the two of you from this bet if it's going to be you and me, unless you want to spend the rest of the week contriving reasons to keep Shiv away."

"I don't mind if she's with you, Zale; I've accepted that I can't keep you and her apart. It's just that I don't want her with you while I'm with you." Kaysa moved her hand to Zale's cheek and caressed it tenderly. "I'll tell her the truth, okay? Just...give me time. I don't want to hurt her. I said I was tired of pushing you away, Zale, but it seems now you're trying so hard to do the same to me. I don't want to argue about this. I just...I need to be in your arms. Can we just do that and be happy?"

"I'm not trying to push you away," he said. "I want to be with you, Kaysa. It's the ultimatums; I don't deal well with them. And, I don't understand why what's happening between you and Shiv is happening. I understand why you want to be with only me, but I guess I don't understand why you're so vehemently against... I guess it really doesn't matter. As long as we're together, the rest is meaningless." With that, he took her into his arms and kissed her gently.

"I'm glad you agree," she whispered before pressing her lips to Zale's again. She wrapped her arms and legs around him and held him tightly, possessively. She shared Merrick with Shiv, but she wanted Zale for herself. The moments they shared existed on a much deeper level than merely the physical realm, and that was something she refused to let an outsider intrude upon that. She would continue to set him up with strange, beautiful women, but no matter what, she would always lure him back to her where he belonged. She only hoped Shiv didn't get in the way and ruin everything by confessing everything to Merrick.

If she was threatened, Kaysa feared she would regress to the woman she once was, the woman she caught glimpses of again when she was with Zale. She hated that woman, but ironically enough, with Zale, she enjoyed having her around. If she wasn't careful, though, the next time she appeared, she might refuse to leave.