Star Wars - Tales from the Outer Rim

"Uncovered"
by: Rylaa Lyssander - PC
Lani Vissip - NPC+
Lorgal - NPC+
Captain Blake - NPC
Various NPCs

Location: Avalon VI
Date: Rheudis 1, 4ABY

***

Two days had passed since Rylaa and his team had landed on Avalon VI, and he was bored. Since the brief skirmish on the day of their landing, nothing else interesting had happened. The days consisted entirely of watching the workers and droids carefully unearth the ancient Jedi temple.

Rylaa was keeping a special eye on the self-titled Archeotechnologist, Doctor Carlyle. Lani had told him she had seen, and Rylaa trusted her instincts. The good doctor had not slipped off into the night since then, but it never hurt to be careful. Lani had wanted to rough the information out of him right away, but Rylaa knew that they should hold back. Within time, perhaps he would reveal more than he ever intended just by his actions.

Lani and Rylaa were both sitting in loungechairs they had brought with them aboard the Arc Royal, in swimsuits. Lani was desperately trying to tan her pale skin while Rylaa was trying to figure out why his beer wouldn't open.

"Stupid old bottles. Never should have bought the blasted things," he said under his breath.

"Ten percent smarter than the bottle, Rylaa," Lani quipped from beneath her sunglasses. "You need to be at least ten percent smarter than the object you are working with. Use the bottle opener."

The criminal-turned-CEO reached over and snatched the twisted piece of durasteel from the fold-down table. The cap of the bottle came off easily enough after a little leverage. Rylaa grumbled briefly into his beer before downing half in a single gulp.

From their position atop the prefab shelter they could clearly see into the dig site where doctors Kojik and Queso were carefully going over the ancient carvings in the side of the temple. They had apparently been carved into the stone with a lightsaber, and doctor Queso was convinced that they had something to do with the entrance. If they could unravel the mystery, they could enter the temple and gather all of the information, and profitable artifacts, they could.

Doctor Queso was tracing one of the carvings with a finger when he suddenly leapt back in surprise. A loud grinding sound filled the air and a great cloud of dust erupted from the carved stone wall. Rylaa jerked out of his chair in surprise and Lani only lifted her sunglasses.

"Looks like Doctor Queso was right, those carvings did have something to do with the doorway," she said.

Rylaa didn't reply, instead he slipped his feet into a pair of sandals and jumped off the roof. After landing with a huff he ran towards the dig site. This was important and he'll be damned if he wasn't there for the photo op!

As he slid down a ladder into the hole, the dust was just beginning to settle. Part of the wall had slid into itself, forming a gateway. Beyond appeared to be inky blackness, so dark that not even the light from the sun could penetrate far. The two doctors appeared to be entranced by the swirling darkness, and neither reacted when it coalesced into a tendril and snatched both of them.

They were gone before anyone could react. Even the quick eyes of a thief could not follow them swiftly enough.

"There is something evil in there," Lani's voice said from near his ear. Rylaa was so stunned by the disappearance of the two doctors he didn't even start. As she spoke, the darkness at the gateway faded into nothingness. Seconds later, you never would have been able to tell is existed. "I can feel it moving, beneath us. It was awakened when the door was opened." Her voice sounded dreamy and disassociated, as if she was speaking from a great distance.

"Then we need to get it out," he replied. "Right now it's in my temple and it doesn't belong there." Captain Blake had just finished sliding down a ladder when Rylaa turned to him and said, "I want one of the 25s posted here at all times. No one is to go in or out without my approval. Understand?"

Skidding to a halt, the captain saluted in the face of the torrent of orders. "Yessir. I'll have one of them here at all times." He turned to leave and then thought better of it. "Sir," he said over his shoulder.

"Yeah?"

"What about the doctors?"

"I'm not going in there until we can figure out what the hell is going on up here. Once this business with the natives is cleared up we can go inside and rescue the good doctors. If they are still alive that is."

"I think I can clear up part of that mystery, boss," a deep voice said. Something white flashed in the sunlight and landed at Rylaa's feet. It was a stormtrooper helmet, the left side dented greatly and still bloody.

Rylaa examined it for a moment, toeing it with his sandal, before saying, "Where did you find this Lorgal?"

"I did a little bit of scouting and caught this guy with his pants down, literally," Lorgal said from the edge of the pit.

"Keep scouting in that area. Captain."

Captain Blake, having not left the area quickly enough, turned and said, "Yessir?"

"Uncrate the heavy weapons, if the Empire is here in force, we may be in for a bit of a fight."

"I'll get right on it sir."

Rylaa bent and picked up the helmet. He turned it over several times in his hands before looking up at Lani. "Lani, I need you to help Lorgal while I figure out what our next move is."

"Sure thing, I'll take care of it," she said. Rylaa looked down at the stormtrooper helmet and rolled it over several more times in his hands. He was still there after Lani had left and the trooper in the PAX-25 Firefox came to take up his watch.

"Revelations"
Cole Slaton

Location: Jedi Temple, Tae Karada
Date: Rheudis 1, 4ABY

***

The sun warmed his skin slowly, changing the slightly paled skin to a light gold. His breathing was controlled and even. His pulse mirrored each breath he took. Meditation was about control.

Cole had much to think on. The last mission though was a success, freeing the Hjarii, personally it wasn't so successful. His hot-headedness had almost cost the Jedi dearly, and despite the fact it all turned out well in the end, this did little to ease Cole's guilt.

He had been given some time to himself. Cole hadn't seen Zari since returning to the temple, or much of his Master for that matter. His lightsaber skills were growing, as he imagined all the Padawans were, but his emotions and childish ways were causing more problems than they solved.

I'm no longer a child, he thought to himself. I must put childish thoughts away, to become a man, to become a Jedi.

He felt the Force around him. It was everywhere. Within the boulder he was sat on. In the air that surrounded both him and the boulder. The trees of the forest. The animals that inhabited the forest.

He could not continue along the path he'd been walking, not if he wanted to be a Jedi, and he so wanted that dream. Cole had made the choice of becoming a Jedi partly to get away from the authorities who had beaten him, but he knew differently now.

The Force had led him here. The Force had led the Jedi to him and he to them. It was the will of the Force that he now sat on the boulder contemplating his future and how he needed to change.

And he did need to change.

I am a boy no longer. I am a man. A Padawan. And I will be a Jedi, he spoke the words in his mind. Sitting up straight he emptied his mind and continued to meditated.

"Past Omens"
By: Yelara Neerou
Liam Zaneth
Leshie Zaneth

Location: Yelara's Apartment, New Plouton
Date: Rheudis 1, 4 ABY

***

The meetings had been successful. For the most part.

Liam was still uncertain about the true intentions of the politicians. In any event, he would be present to watch over Yelara. If they did try to use her, or hurt her, he would be there to protect her. He would also be close to watch over his son. Should anything happen he would be ready.

Yelara was in the other room, and Leshie in the room beside her. After the meeting, he'd stayed the night at Yelara's request. She had noted that the hour was late and returning to the Temple would not give him much time before he had to just return to the city again. So, he had stayed in the extra bedroom.

When the first scream reached him, he was still sleeping peacefully. When the quiet was suddenly shattered, Liam Zaneth bolted upright in his bed. In the split second between waking, and sitting up, he came fully awake. Leaping from the bed, a silver cylinder that rested at his bedside jumped into his hand. It erupted into a cobalt blade as he passed through the now open doorway.

Senses searching for danger, he strode toward the source of the scream. As he waved a hand before the sensor, Yelara's door opened, and he stepped into the doorway.

Inside the room, Yelara was sitting upright in her bed, body trembling as she held herself tightly. The screams were now sobs and her eyes were wide with fright. Liam did not need to look to see the room. Through the Force, he was able to see every detail, and it became immediately clear that no external threat was in the room. His senses stretched outward to the entire apartment, and he found no threats.

As quickly as it had formed, he released the power to the lightsaber and the room was no longer bathed in its glow.

"Yelara," he said softly. "What is wrong?"

She shook her head jerkily, tousling sweat-soaked locks. Her voice caught in her throat as she gasped, "Dream... Bad one. I-I...." Sliding her pale, quaking hands over her face, Yelara wept convulsively.

Liam came to her, sitting on the edge of the bed. He carefully put his arms around her to comfort her. "Have you dreamed often," he asked softly. He didn't remember her mentioning this, and she hadn't woken in such a condition the night before. "If you'd rather not talk about it, I'll understand."

Only when Yelara's sobs had diminished did she gently pull away from Liam. Still rather disturbed by her nightmare, Yelara kept her hand tightly clamped to his forearm to maintain a sense of security. She continued to tremble as her red, soaking eyes gazed up at Liam, and in them was the terror that had ripped her from her slumber. "I'm not sure if it was a dream...or a memory...." Another shudder reverberated through Yelara as the vision replayed in her mind; her stare grew distant and ever more fearful. "I was in the palace, Liam," she whispered, "and...and I saw where I died, I saw it h-happen, how it happened." Her eyes clenched shut and she exhaled unsteadily. "His face...he was smiling, Liam. He knew he'd killed me...and he was smiling."

Liam nodded slowly. "I died that day," he said. "As much as I promised, going on without you... I...I shouldn't have meddled, but...but I couldn't let you go. The Jedi, they should have cast me out for what I did. It goes against our code, delving into arts long forgotten. You saved my life that day, but I did not use my time wisely. Dargus Kandran still lives, is still alive, but changed. It sounds like you are remembering. It's probably because of the meeting, of becoming the High Princess, and having to return to the palace."

"But if that's what happened to me there," Yelara exclaimed, recoiling in horror, "then I don't want to return! What if this is a warning? What if there's danger waiting for me there, Liam? I don't want to die again - not that way!" Choking back a sob, Yelara's hand slid across the silken material of her nightgown, instinctually stopping over the place Dargus' lightsaber had once pierced. Her fingers spasmed in remembered pain, clenching dark red material in them. "I feel it," she whispered hoarsely. "I still feel it sometimes, Liam...and now I know what the pain is, I know what it means. I never wanted to remember how I died...but it won't ever go away, will it?" Tearful eyes found his, piteous and sorrowful. "My memories will come back one day, and I'll know and feel everything. I'll relive my death again and again.... How could I possibly cope with something so terrifying?"

"If anyone can, it's you, Yelara," Liam said. "I'm returning to the palace, as well. Dargus' blade may not have pierced my body there, but my heart was shattered there. I believe what you're seeing in your dreams are memories, not premonitions. As to the returning memories, there may be nothing to stop them, but I don't believe all of your memories were bad ones. There were some wonderful moments in the past. Leshie's birth, our wedding, and I'm certain there are many that didn't involve me. And, you'll still be able to make new memories, and live your life the way you want. As often as you relive dying, you can relive holding your son for the very first time."

"But what if I remember the kind of person I used to be, Liam?" she whispered. "What if I'm ashamed of that person.... How can I live with that knowledge? It's too complicated.... I don't want my memories, Liam. I just want to create new ones I can be proud of, not ashamed by."

"Gain strength from knowing that you're better than you used to be," Liam said. "Before I met you, I was a Dark Jedi. I did terrible, evil things to people. I was a very bad man, with little hope of redemption. Those memories, those deeds are still in my past, part of who I am. But I gain strength knowing that I am a better person than the man I used to be. If it's not possible to stop the memories from returning, perhaps you can find strength in that too."

Yelara sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose with thumb and forefinger. The headaches had worsened, lately, and being ripped abruptly from what had been a peaceful sleep only exacerbated her malady. She sighed deeply, wearily, and finally pulled her hand away to push back her sheets. "I need to think," she murmured, and swung her legs over the edge of the mattress. But, Yelara didn't rise, instead looking over her shoulder at Liam. "I don't resent you for bringing me back. I just wish I wasn't in this limbo - I wish I could either remember completely or not at all. It's confusing."

"I understand," Liam said softly. "It was a moral dilemma, for certain, but I'd do it again had I to do over. Anything for Leshie to be able to have his mommy. Can I get you anything? Water or anything else?

"No, thank you." With a wan smile, Yelara rose from the bed, the hem of her nightgown fluttering down around her knees. Then, she started from the bedroom. "I'm going to pace. It helps. You can join me if you like."

"In a moment," Liam said. "I want to look in on Leshie. I haven't heard him moving around in there, but you never know."

She smiled one final time at Liam before disappearing past the doorway. Despite her nightmare, Liam had brought her comfort. She decided that he was owed a debt of gratitude for consoling her when she had done nothing but hurt him for so long. But how, Yelara didn't quite know, though she suspected she might after a productive hour of pacing in her living area.

Several minutes later, Liam emerged from Leshie's room with the little one in his arms. Leshie appeared sleepy, but was looking around. He wore a reisakitten sleeper, complete with tufted ears sewn into the hood. Tufts of his red hair poked out from beneath the hood as he sucked on his thumb.

"He was quiet, but awake," Liam said. "I think he was worried about mommy. I figured a walk around would help him get back to sleep."

The sight of her son in his darling outfit drew a gentle laugh from Yelara. She ceased her endless pacing to intercept the two and fondly brush her fingers over Leshie's plump cheek. "I'm sorry my little love. Mommy just had a dream," she whispered and kissed his brow. Leshie's tiny mouth spread in a yawn. Yelara chuckled and looked up at Liam. "I wonder where his red hair came from. Was it your side of the family?"

"You told me once it came from your mother's side of the family," Liam said.

Yelara raised her eyebrows. "I don't know how that could be. Mine is black as night" --she absently rubbed a wisp of dark hair between her fingers, then transferred her touch to Liam's hair-- "and yours isn't very far off...." With mild contentment and wonder, she studied Liam's dark locks contrasting against the pale flesh of her fingers as they threaded through his hair. "We were a perfect match, weren't we, Liam?" she whispered.

Liam smiled. "I think we made a very good couple when we were together," he said. "Perhaps we were perfect. We had our moments where we didn't agree, where we fought, and where we had to make up. But, I think we were happy together. I guess as close to perfect as two people can be. Though, our baby is definitely perfect."

"He is," she concurred softly. Her fingers returned to his hair, burying themselves deep within the soft, raven layers. Yelara smiled to herself, intrigued by the inexplicable sensation growing within her. It came and went in various instances, yet what she was feeling exactly still eluded categorizing. "Was I a foolish little girl when you met me? I must have been - I...intuit that I was."

Liam chuckled softly. "No more foolish than I," he said. "It was a difficult time when we met. You were in a bad place, but you didn't want anyone close to get caught up in it. You kept me at a distance for a long time, but our feelings for each other wouldn't let us stay apart. I think that was foolish, but we managed to make it through."

"Are you calling me foolish?" she teased, but shrugged and admitted, "I was. I got involved with Dargus, didn't I? Why did you let me do something so stupid anyway?"

"You were involved with him before I met you," Liam said. "I did try to get you to see the light, but you also happened to be a touch on the stubborn side. You were trying to protect those you cared about and who cared about you from getting involved with him, and possibly getting hurt. He was a very jealous man, and anyone who stepped wrong paid the price. I wasn't concerned about what Dargus thought he could do to me, but you were afraid he might hurt me. I thought it was very cute."

"Yeah...I can picture myself as stubborn," she mused with an almost proud smirk. "Am I still now?"

Liam laughed softly and nodded. "You can be," he said. "But there's nothing wrong with stubborn."

"Nothing," she murmured in agreement, and watched as her hand slid from his hair, down to his cheek where her fingers lightly traced the line of his jaw; finally her hand cradled the kestrel earring dangling from his earlobe. Yelara examined it intently, seeking any memories that might be triggered by the object so intricately linked to her, as Liam had once told her. There was little more, however, than the faint glimmer of emotion she was experiencing now in his presence. It was difficult not to want more, especially after hearing of their past and the extraordinary adventures they had shared. Yelara, instead, felt cheated and empty, and a touch eager to recapture what Dargus had ripped from them.

The miniature kestrel trembled as her fingers did, which were quickly snatched away to wipe at the tears dribbling upon her cheeks. She shook her head in apology. "You deserve more, Liam," Yelara whispered thickly. "You were so good to me - to her. It shouldn't be like this."

"It is how it is," Liam said. "I'm content, and I'm happy to be here with you as things are. If eventually, things change, and your feelings for me change, then we can address that. For now, we're friends, and we have a beautiful little boy to raise."

"We were robbed, Liam," she told him. "Doesn't that make you angry?"

"Yes," Liam said. "The rage I felt within me at what Dargus did... But, being angry won't bring back what we lost. Perhaps by moving forward we might be able to find it again, or find something different. But Leshie and I have you in our lives again, and it gives me hope that perhaps some of that anguish can be settled now. Whether we will be lovers again, I can't say...but we're here again, and for now, that gets me through."

Yelara nodded vigorously and manufactured a smile for Liam as she answered softly, "And I still have my dreams...but they've yet to show me anything but heartache and death. I must have done something very horrible in my life to deserve that."

"I know of nothing horrible you did before," Liam said. "And, was this your first dream? Because of us going to the palace, that is probably why that one came to you. Perhaps the next will be better. And, if it's not, then I'll be here for you. I'll be here to help you get through this time, Yelara."

Leshie cooed gently and reached out to pat Yelara's hair comfortingly. She laughed softly and enclosed his hand in hers, where she placed a tender kiss on Leshie's palm. "I guess I'll be alright after all," Yelara whispered, watching her son's beaming smile. "Everything isn't so lost ... I mean...I've got Leshie" --she looked aside at Liam fondly-- "and I know you won't leave my side, now that you've sworn yourself as my protector. Things'll be fine...won't they?"

Liam nodded confidently. "Yes, they will," he said. "And, even if I hadn't sworn myself as your protector, I'd still be by your side as your friend."

Believing him now more than she ever had, Yelara smiled warmly and laid a hand upon his chest as she whispered, "Thank you. I know I haven't always been kind to you...but I do appreciate what you've done for me."

"You're welcome," he said with a smile. "It hasn't been easy, and I never suspected it would be. It was a very difficult, awkward situation, and given the circumstances, I can't blame you for feeling the way you did. But, I'm very happy that our relationship is now amicable and our friendship is developing."

"You're always the Jedi, aren't you, Liam?" Yelara teased, then kissed his cheek before stepping back. Leshie whimpered and reached out for his mother. "Looks like someone hasn't had enough sleep," she sang and took her son into her arms. "I'll put him back to bed. You should try and sleep again, Liam. I'll be fine."

"Alright," Liam said as he watched her. "If you need anything else, I'm here. I'll see you in the morning, Yelara." He leaned in and gave Leshie a kiss on top of the head. "Sleep well, little one." He stepped away and smiled at them both, then turned to head back to the spare bedroom.

Bouncing Leshie soothingly, Yelara watched Liam go with a wondering smile upon her lips. For as gentle, caring, and undeniably handsome as he was, Yelara couldn't fathom not falling in love with Liam, yet she hadn't and wasn't certain if she could, not even for Leshie's sake.

But something still tugged at her - a vague reminiscence, perhaps an echo, of the connection they had once shared. And when her fingers had touched him, laying against his chest and feeding off his warmth, Yelara's heart had beat faster. Even now she exhaled deeply to settle her racing pulse and shook her head to banish her foolish weakness.

After what Dargus had done, they couldn't be, not ever, and definitely not when her world was still filled with uncertainty and no clear path. She wouldn't force anything, not and risk hurting Liam once more. So, instead of following him back to his room, Yelara instead set out towards Leshie's room to lay her son to sleep. And as her son continued to gaze up at her with pure and unwavering love, she found some comfort in knowing that at least her child's sleep might be filled with pleasant dreams, even if hers would not be.

"Moving On"
By: Merrick Braston
Analesse D'vrishay

Location: Analesse's Apartment, New Plouton
Date: Rheudis 1, 4 ABY

***

Sleep had been elusive, and understandably so for a mind haunted by terrible memories of what might have been if her rescuer hadn't arrived just in time. Analesse D'vrishay, lying alone in an oversized bed that just begged for another occupant, was again filled with excitement by the knowledge that the very man who had spared her from a horrible fate that night, and who had secured her affections, was in her living room standing guard.

There was no way she could bear to sleep knowing he was so close. And desiring just a single glance at him, Analesse stealthily slipped out of bed to make for the hallway, where she could gain a perfect vantage of her valiant hero. Rolling her eyes at the juvenile, foolish nature of her lovestruck thoughts, Analesse fastened her robe and continued creeping through the hallway.

The lighting was dim in the living room, but his partially illuminated profile was more than enough to satisfy her need for one look. Hanging back behind the entryway, Analesse peeked past the corner to watch him. From that distance, it was impossible to discern if he was awake or sleeping, but either way Merrick Braston was still a pleasing sight. A blush coloured her cheeks and Analesse turned her face into her arm to muffle a chuckle as her mind wandered to the kiss Merrick had tenderly placed on her forehead. It was the only one he'd bestowed upon her - ever - and Analesse found she longed for another, preferably after a serenade from him of "Lovers' Sunset."

Again, she laughed softly, but in this instance Merrick's trained ears picked up the faint sound and he sat up slowly, almost cautiously, and peered into the darkness. His eyes seemed to pass over her, then after a moment of scanning the room, came back to linger on her. Analesse winced and flattened her back to the wall, hoping he wouldn't realize she was spying, and would pass off the noise as the furniture settling instead of pursuing it. She considered making her escape towards the bedroom, but ran the risk of creating more noise and further rattling Merrick. So, instead, Analesse closed her eyes and hoped she blended well into the shadows.

Suddenly, the light behind him flared to life, turning the dim illumination quite bright. One arm was stretched back behind himself, pressing against the activation plate of the lamp. He spotted her, still hidden in the darkness of the hall.

He chuckled softly and shook his head. "How long have you been over there?"

Sighing in resignation, Analesse stepped into the light looking decidedly guilty. "I woke you - I'm sorry. I thought I might...well...have a snack or a drink," she lied nervously. "You were sleeping and...." Cocking an eyebrow, she asked, "Were you sleeping?"

"Mostly," Merrick said with a grin. He sat up fully and stretched. "Every little sound wakes me. You're alright? I can help you make a snack or something. I'm fairly handy in the kitchen."

She chuckled skeptically and began descending into the living area. "Really? What's your specialty?"

"I boil a mean pot of water," Merrick said with a grin. "I don't really have a specialty yet. Back before things got out of hand and things were fairly normal, or at least as normal as they could be, Maeren and I would cook, with Zale helping occasionally. But, if we go on into your kitchen, I'm sure I can find a specialty for you."

"I think I'd like that," she answered thoughtfully, then grinned and walked with Merrick towards the small kitchen. "Maybe while you cook," Analesse suggested, "you'd like to talk about things.... I haven't been around these past few days like I should've been; I'm here to listen if you need to get things off your chest about all that's happened."

"There are some things we should talk about," Merrick said. "I don't know how everything is going to happen with Kaysa. I should be the one to tell her, and not pass off the job to a lawyer. I don't think she'll take it well at all, but it has to be done. I can't go on with her, not with how things have been. Too much has happened, too much is past the point where it can be repaired. And, I can't stop feeling for you the way I do."

"If you don't mind," she asked him with an anxious chuckle, "can we wait just a little while before defining just what those feelings are?" Realizing the insensitivity of what she'd suggested, Analesse touched his arm and added hastily, "I just...I don't want to get too heavily involved if you happen to change your mind. I don't know your wife, and I don't know what you had, so I have no way of knowing if you'll run back to her or the other way around...." Analesse sighed. "Sorry if I'm making no sense...I haven't done this sort of thing before."

"It's difficult," Merrick said. "But we will go slowly, and see where we end up. Still, I can't let things with Kaysa linger as they are. Tomorrow, I'll have to contact my lawyer and begin whatever needs to be begun. But, that isn't going to get your late night snack finished. So, probably something not too heavy, and may help you sleep later?"

"I doubt it'll make a difference." Analesse pulled out a stool from beneath the island and seated herself, while Merrick surveyed the kitchen for some culinary direction. She continued with her thought. "I won't be sleeping tonight, Merrick. Too much on my mind - like who's been after me, and how to get Reinrich Tas off my back, and so many other things I don't have answers to."

"Reinrich Tas? He's that guy from the party, right? The one Kaysa ruined. Wow, that phrase sure comes up a lot. Well, anything I can do beyond making some culinary masterpiece, just let me know." He began pulling out some bowls and other utensils, then started in on finding ingredients he might be able to create something edible with. "Zale's probably getting closer now to who's been after you. They'll get the answers they need. Just takes time. Moril mentioned one time that he despises torture as a means for gaining information. He says they're too prone to say anything to end it. He'll get the answers we need, Lessa."

"Torture?" she echoed with some concern. "I've never-- I mean...I don't function that way, Merrick. These strong-arm methods...it's not who I am. I really didn't know Zale practiced that." Studying her hands as they rested on the counter, Analesse asked, "He must have enemies...but do you, Merrick? Could it have been someone you and Zale crossed before who's doing this?"

"No one that I know of," Merrick said. "That's part of what Zale does in his business, the shadier side of it. Most of it is all on the level and legitimate. But, the man who tried to rape you tonight, he doesn't deserve to be coddled. And if he's just turned over to the authorities, we'll never get the information from him. And, they don't torture...but they use other methods to get the information. And, whatever Zale and his people do, they do it to scum sucking low-lifes, not decent people."

"And do you...do what Zale does?" she asked forthrightly. "I need to know, Merrick."

"No, I don't," Merrick said. "The only time I ever...do anything close to that is defending myself or those I care about. Honestly, I could never do anything close to that. It's not...not in my nature for it."

Analesse smiled pointedly. "I did see you throwing that guy around tonight, Merrick. You weren't exactly gentle."

"Only in self defense of myself and those I care about," Merrick said with a smile.

"Zale could say the same for himself," Analesse posited. "Are you sure you're just a musician?"

"I'm sure," Merrick said. "I learned to defend myself because it seemed like a good idea. I don't plan on just sitting back and taking what some punk might want to give me. And, I'm not going to just sit by and watch some low-life rape you. I'm not going to just sit by and let things like that happen."

She sobered in the face of Merrick's impassioned speech. "You know, Merrick," Analesse told him softly, "you're not always going to be there to protect all those you care about. I'm more than grateful that you were there tonight to save me...but I'm rather independent, Merrick. How are you going to handle that - knowing I won't need you to swoop in and rescue me all the time?"

Merrick's food preparations had ceased completely as he could only stare in confusion at Analesse. Finally he shook his head. "I...I don't understand," he managed. "Are you saying that because I can't always be there every time, I shouldn't have done anything? That I shouldn't have stopped that guy? I don't understand, Lessa. I tried to do what I thought was best by stopping that guy from doing what he was going to do to you, and now I'm somehow the villain."

"I never said that," she insisted calmly. "I only want to make sure things aren't going to get complicated between us - that you won't smother me because you're afraid of what someone might do to me. You don't need that burden on your shoulders right now, Merrick. And I don't want you to feel guilty if you can't be there for me, ever. You had a life before I ever came along; I don't want to intrude on that by creating an obligation to protect and watch over me. It's not necessary."

"I don't understand where this is coming from, Lessa," Merrick said, still perplexed. "I...I hadn't realized you felt smothered. I mean, gods, we've barely just begun to explore that we might have something together. If...if I'm going to make you feel smothered...or even if I've given you the impression that I'm going to do that... I'm...I've been trying to go slowly, to not push. I stayed on your couch, I didn't try to kiss you goodnight..." He shook his head and turned toward the sink. "I'm sorry if, after I've been trying hard not to press, if I'm still making you feel smothered and overprotected..."

Analesse smiled curiously and asked, "You wanted to kiss me goodnight?"

Merrick turned back to her, a look of even more puzzlement on his face. After a moment, he grinned, then chuckled. "Yes, I did. But, I didn't want to push things too far, too fast. But, yes, I did..."

"So did I," Analesse admitted, then clarified: "Want you to kiss me, that is. I mean...a kiss doesn't mean a commitment, right?"

"No," Merrick said softly, "it doesn't. It's just...a kiss. Which is special, to be sure, but only says I care. Just like 'Star rise Rendezvous.'"

Gazing demurely into his eyes, she whispered, "Or 'Paradise In Your Arms.' " Analesse smiled to herself. "I especially like that one. And for the record...I don't feel smothered at all, Merrick - not by you. It's only...the night's been a whirlwind and I'm still trying to get my bearing. I'm truly glad you're here with me."

"Me too," Merrick said as he slowly began his food preparations once more, though his efforts seemed distracted as he watched her. "I want you to feel comfortable around me, Lessa. I want you to feel safe now. I know I may not be able to be that for you all the time, but for tonight and tomorrow and as often as I can, I want you to feel safe."

"I do feel safe right at this moment," she assured him. "I might not feel the same when we have to part each day and go our separate ways...but I think I can manage." Pausing to sniff the aroma floating in the air, Analesse smiled in delight. "Smells good. I don't cook much myself so anything you make will be delectable; don't worry about trying for something fancy."

"I figured at this hour, easy and light were more important than extravagant and fancy," Merrick said with a chuckle. "I'm sure Zale will have all sorts of questions for us tomorrow, and most of them will be none of his business."

"He won't approve of us, will he?" she asked softly.

"I think he's happy for us," Merrick said. "He knows I haven't been happy, but when I'm with you I am. Besides, with me out of the way, he can have Kaysa all to himself."

A smile was smothered before it could curl Analesse's full lips as Merrick's quip produced concern. "Doesn't it hurt to talk so lightly about her? It hasn't been long at all...."

"A little," Merrick said. "But the release from the constant feeling of dread is a great relief. I don't want to sulk and hide in a corner over this, Lessa. I'm not going to make everyone's life miserable because I may be feeling a twinge of concern over what may happen to her. Kaysa's a grown woman, and she's made her decisions. I've made mine. Life's too short to dwell on failed relationships, and that one was a failure. Besides, you don't deserve any grumpiness on my part, so I'll talk lightly of it. There is pain, Lessa, but when you've been carrying a weight on your shoulder, it's a relief to get rid of it."

She nodded slowly, and now allowed her smile to form. "What about Zale, though? Who's going to help him through all this?"

"I'm sure we can help him out some," Merrick said with a smile. "And, if Moril didn't, then Moril's been replaced by a doppelganger. And, you'd probably never know it to look at him, but Aria is a wonder for him. If you can imagine, big Zale with a little baby in his arms. When he starts becoming all domestic, it's really quite cute."

"Like you are now?" she teased. "I think you'd fit rather well into the role of servant. Are you available - I've always wanted one."

"I'm not sure," Merrick said with a grin as he divided his creation onto plates. "What sort of benefits would I have?"

"Anything you ask," she replied, watching him beneath her lashes and adding a touch of allure to her statement. "What would you ask in return for such services?"

"I'd only hope that my services would be sufficient, but I cannot think of anything I would ask other than the chance to be near you and to make your life as pleasant as I'm able."

Analesse laughed, eliminating any trace of seduction from her gaze. She paused briefly as he set down their plates then leaned her chin on one fist to watch Merrick sidelong. "You missed having a woman to spoil, didn't you?"

"I missed having a woman who remembered I existed," he said. "Since I met you, there hasn't been a moment, though, that I haven't known that you remembered I was there. You may have avoided me at times because of your feelings, but in the end you never forgot me. Since I met you, you've been a friend, a very good one, and it's definitely made my days brighter. And, I certainly hope you don't mind being spoiled."

With that, he slid her plate so that it rested before her. On it rested a flaky piece of what could have been cake. It appeared to be very light, and had a sprinkling of nuts across the top. The smell of warm berries wafted from it tantalizingly.

Impressed and tempted by the appealing confection, Analesse could only express her surprise with a: "Wow..." Then, she glanced up at Merrick and commented, "If this is what being spoiled entails, I don't think I'll mind one bit. Though, before I tuck into this, I have a confession to make..."

Merrick chuckled as he produced a pair of forks from one of the drawers. "And what is that?"

She smiled guiltily and admitted, "I...wasn't hungry to begin with. I lied... I was out here tonight because I was lonely...and I wanted to admire you when you weren't looking and wouldn't think I was odd for doing so."

Merrick's cheeks flushed slightly. "Really? I...I didn't realize... I must admit, that...I think I wanted the same, but I wasn't brave enough to seek out your bedroom to watch you. I'm glad I woke up. It's nice talking to you. Do you have the feeling that you don't want to stop? That you have to keep talking and stay near because to not do so would be lost time?"

"We've already wasted so much time," Analesse agreed, excited their thoughts were so synchronized. "I was eager to begin whatever this is going to be between us. Sleeping...it just felt like a waste."

Merrick grinned. "Eventually, it may not be such a waste, but right now.... We should do something tomorrow, something exciting and...new. Something we haven't done before. Though, I'm not sure what that would be. What have you always wanted to do, but haven't had a chance to?"

Analesse sighed deeply, her eyes drifting to the ceiling for inspiration while her fork picked at the dessert Merrick had prepared. After a moment, Analesse chuckled and shook her head. "It's embarrassing...I can't. You'll think I'm completely silly."

Merrick laughed. "We're sitting in your kitchen having a dessert I just made for us, and the sun will be rising very soon. I'm sure what you have to say can't be much more silly than that. If it's silly at all, that is."

"Oh, it's silly," she assured him. "Can we...maybe...save it for another time - when I'm ready to cease being so uptight?"

Merrick grinned affectionately then nodded. "Of course," he said. "So, with putting that on hold for now, how would you like to visit one of the walking trails? There are some just outside of the city, and they have some of the most scenic spots on the entire planet." He grinned. "Or, if we really want to let our hair down, we could go to a pod race."

Analesse elicited a burst of laughter, then abruptly covered her mouth to contain her brief slip in etiquette. Responding to a suggestion with utter ridicule was opposed to her rigid sense of propriety, but Analesse was incapable of not finding humour in Merrick's idea. Murmuring an apology, she let her hand fall away and answered evenly, "I don't know if that's my sort of thing. A pod race? Isn't that where the seediest of the planet's citizens gather?" Suspecting she had dealt another insult, Analesse asked carefully, "Is...that someplace you frequent?"

Merrick laughed aloud. "I generally don't go to pod races," he said. "I was asked to perform at one once, though I don't think anyone even listened to me. That was closer to the Mid-Rim. It was a suggestion if we wanted to try a change of pace. We definitely don't have to go if you're not comfortable with it."

"Well...I don't want you to think I'm a prude," Analesse answered slowly. Her fork pushed berries and syrup around in a swirling pattern atop the pastry as she ruminated and overanalyzed the deeper issues. Had Kaysa been more than eager to attempt daring and novel activities? Was that the substance of Merrick's attraction to her? Analesse was certain she and Merrick's wife were nothing alike...and if she was going to stand even a remote chance of securing his interest, she would have to put forth the effort. Despite any misgivings, Analesse smiled with determination at Merrick and announced, "Then we'll do it. You and I and the pod races - tomorrow."

Merrick chuckled and nodded. "Sure," he said. "As long as that's what you want, we'll go. I'll get us one of the private boxes, and we can take an airspeeder in. I'll arrange for tickets after the morning meetings, and by lunchtime we'll be in Tae'Sollar. If that's convenient for you, of course."

"I think my schedule's open for the day," she mused. "After all, I'm supposed to be back on Eshandruu Picu right now. We've got plenty of time."

"I really do like the sound of that," Merrick said as he came around the counter to sit beside her. He indicated the dessert before her. "So, is it something I should try to make again?"

Analesse chuckled bashfully as she realized her dessert had remained untouched. For Merrick's sake, she cut off a forkful of pastry and berries dripping in syrup, then raised it to her lips, a droplet of sauce falling unnoticed upon her chin. Chewing slowly to assess the flavour, Analesse soon decided it was better than Merrick had let on. She smiled. "It's good! Are you sure you're not an expert at this, too?"

"Lucky mostly," Merrick said with a mirthful laugh. "Though, unless you're planning to save that for later...your chin...you dribbled some...right...yeah, there."

Having wiped herself clean with the sleeve of her robe, Analesse smiled weakly and half-joked, "I'm a complete disaster. It seems ever since I landed on Tae'Karada things have started going downhill. So, either the planet's cursed or I am...I guess I'll find out eventually, hm?"

Merrick chuckled. "And, I must be the latest iteration of your curse to strike, hm? Though, given everything that's happened here, I'm inclined to go with the planet being cursed."

"Yes...I suppose," she murmured. As appetizing as Merrick's dessert had been, Analesse set down her fork and stared at her plate for a time. She could sense the despair creeping up on her again, talk of her ill-luck recalling memories of the attack she'd suffered. It was still all so difficult to accept, and even harder to give purpose to, save for having thrown she and Merrick together finally. It was much comfort, but not entirely enough to banish the sick feeling in her stomach.

Her life on Tae'Karada had, so far, consisted of attempting to seize what she desired, and being punished for it. Reinrich was handling his quest to destroy her character just fine, while a stranger no one could yet identify had nearly succeeded in tearing she and Merrick apart. Having achieved one victory, Analesse wanted to secure another, but Reinrich Tas was undoubtedly a sly, indomitable opponent with contacts all over Tae'Karada Analesse simply couldn't match. It seemed hopeless, and Analesse allowed her mood to be soured by the realization.

Patting Merrick's hand lightly, Analesse pushed back her stool to rise. "It's been a long two days, Merrick. You don't mind if I get to bed? We do have that race to attend tomorrow. We could both use some rest."

"Not at all," Merrick said, concern showing in his eyes as he watched her. "And if you want to talk about the sudden shift in moods, you know where to find me. I don't want to pry or push my way in, but I do want you to know I'm here if you need me."

"I know," she told him warmly, and leaned forward to kiss each cheek, allowing the second to linger before she straightened. "Once I sort through a few things, I'll be fine, Merrick. I'd just like to get everything cleared up in my head before I confide anything, or else you might think me crazy." Her endearing smile returned, as did some of her sparkle. "Will that do, my saviour?"

"That'll do," Merrick said with an equally endearing smile. "Now, let's get you back to bed, and I hear the couch calling for me." He held out a hand to her, his eyes fixed on hers.

Reluctantly concurring with his arrangement despite knowing her sleep would be a far less restless one if Merrick was by her side, Analesse fit her hand easily into his. "I promise," she told him sincerely, "tomorrow will be better. I don't know how...but I feel it."

"I look forward to it," Merrick said as they started the slow walk toward her bedroom, her hand nestled almost perfectly within his. "And, I look forward to many tomorrows with you, Analesse."

Voice trailing in the corridor, Analesse was heard chuckling, "You're always writing songs, Merrick Braston, aren't you?"

"Always," came the reply.