"Bitter-sweet Departure"
Dargus Kandran - Head of the Kandran Syndicate
Yelara Neerou - Flight Deck Foreman

Location: Floating ship on Tae'Karada
Date: Saris 1, 4 ABY

***

Yelara sat, lounging in the living room while Dargus took care of business in his office - or so that's what he told her. He said he would be busy all afternoon and Yelara had already been working all morning in her workshop, so she decided a quiet afternoon to herself would be in order.

Being alone with her thoughts and having time to mull over them, Yelara thought about all that had happened to her. She'd come far from the little child on Corellia giving her grandparents a hard time to amuse herself. She was almost a grown woman, yet still, she had no idea where her life was heading.

Thinking about her past, she'd gotten a strange urge to speak to her grandparents on Corellia, and Dargus being the kind, caring man he was, allowed her the use of a holovid. She hadn't spoken to them since she left Corellia four years ago and suddenly realized how she had been neglecting the two people who had nurtured and taken care of her when her parents died. They had given her food and clothing and love, and she didn't even have the decency to call them and let them know she was still alive.

Yelara took a deep breath and shakily typed in the coords to her grandparents' home. She smoothed out her hair and tried not to look nervous as she waited for a response from the other side. She wasn't certain if she would see an angst-ridden face when the projection popped up, or an overjoyed one. Right then, she knew she would settle for either one, as long as there was still someone to answer her comm on the other end. Her grandparents were not young people and her worst fear was that in those four years she had been away from them, they had passed on and she would now be left with no one.

"Yara?" the face that had visualized before her said, a look of shock spreading over his visage.

Yelara's face gleamed as she saw the old man, his face somewhat tired-looking, but he was alive, nonetheless. "Yes, grandfather, it's me," Yelara responded, her voice getting caught in her throat. She never thought she'd miss hearing her grandfather's voice and seeing his face that much. It surprised even her.

"You've grown so much! Oh, Yelara! I...I tried to contact you some time ago, but I had no idea where you were, child," the man said frantically, tears forming in his eyes.

"I know, grandfather. I'm sorry I didn't contact you earlier. A lot has happened and...I'm just sorry," Yelara said, clearing her throat and swallowing down the tears. "How's grandmother?" Yelara asked, forcing a smile.

"Yelara..." he said, his voice trailing off and his expression turning sombre. "That is why I tried to contact you."

Yelara's heart pounded in her chest. The look on her grandfather's face instantly told her something was wrong...very wrong. She tried not to panic and immediately jump to the worst conclusion, but she knew her grandfather, and never once saw him without a smile on his face, except for now. "Grandfather...what's wrong?"

"Your grandmother...she's not well," he answered, his voice shaking and his eyes glossing over with tears. "She's dying, Yelara."

Yelara's heart dropped from her chest into the pit of her stomach and her body grew tense as her fingers dug into the armrests of the chair. She became suddenly riddled with guilt from not contacting them sooner, and even more so, from leaving them in the first place. "How?" was all Yelara could verbalize as she stared blankly at the face projected before her.

"The doctors say it's Quannot's disease...they say it's just eating away at her...she's degenerating so quickly..." His voice trailed off as he looked down and swallowed hard, gathering himself and bringing his eyes back to face Yelara. "She's been asking for you, Yara. She wants to see you."

Yelara looked into her grandfather's pleading eyes and knew what she had to do. She had abandoned them before and now that they needed her, she could not turn away, even though the pain of going back to Corellia, the place where he parent's ashes lay, might be too much for her. "I'm on my way. Tell grandmother to hold on. I'm coming home," she said before she turned off the holovid and leapt from her seat, running down the corridors in a mad rush.

***

"Dargus!" Yelara screamed as she searched the entire ship for him, tears streaming down her face. She knew she could not leave without Dargus' permission. She wouldn't get anywhere near the shuttle bay before she was stopped by one of Dargus' men, so she had to go through him directly. Her two weeks with him were not quite up yet, and she knew she'd have to pull some strings and provide some "services" to Dargus to get permission to go to Corellia, but she was leaving no matter what.

"Ms. Neerou?" one of Dargus' guards called from behind, looking at her with a curious expression.

Yelara turned around and ran up to him, her voice raspy from screaming Dargus' name for almost ten minutes. "Where is he?" she asked, breathing heavily.

"He's in the gardens, ma'am," the guard answered hesitantly.

Yelara instantly bolted towards the gardens as the guard continued hollering at her from behind. "But you can't go there, ma'am! Not now!" Yelara didn't pay attention to the guard's warnings; she merely continued running and headed for the gardens. She knew she had to go through him to get permission to leave, but for some reason, she also yearned to run into his arms and cry on his shoulder. But first, she had to find him.

Yelara reached the large doors leading to the garden, only to be stopped by more of Dargus' guards. She had easy work taking care of them. One mention of Dargus dismembering them if they disobeyed his alpha, and they opened the doors faster than she thought they could move.

Yelara pushed past them, searching the gardens frantically for Dargus. As she ventured further into the gardens, tears still streaming from her eyes, she heard a rustling and voices...gentle moans coming from somewhere nearby. Yelara walked into a clearing, the noises becoming louder and louder until she finally came upon the source. Yelara stopped in her tracks and let out a gentle gasp as she saw Dargus lying on the ground on top of one of his concubines. His body was writhing and his hips thrusting enthusiastically, with his face bearing an enormous smile.

Yelara gritted her teeth and swore that, for a moment, Dargus had seen her out of the corner of his eyes, yet he continued to take this woman, knowing she was watching.

He looked aside at Yelara, brow beaded with perspiration and lips turned up into a grin. "Yes?" he grunted. The girl cried out beneath him and Dargus gave one final, rough thrust. She collapsed in a twitching heap and, satisfied with himself, Dargus pulled out and rose to face Yelara.

She glared at Dargus, her face frozen in a cold, icy expression. "Get that whore out of here, and then we can talk," Yelara said, her voice quiet and threatening. "And the least you could have done was put it back into your pants," Yelara spat, staring down at Dargus' cock which was quite visible protruding from his nude body.

Dargus smirked. "I thought you always liked my cock." He motioned for the young girl to leave. She stood to her feet, bowed to her master and left the gardens. "She's gone. Now what's the problem?"

Yelara eyed the girl, her gaze never faltering as it followed her walking away and out of the gardens. Yelara couldn't tell if what she was feeling was jealousy or just embarrassment from having walked in on that little scene, embarrassment she was trying to mask with anger. "I know I've seen your little friend before, but I've never had to watch it being used to pleasure another woman before. You saw me here, didn't you?! Yet you just continued on your merry way, orgasming right in front of me!"

Yelara suddenly felt so disgusted and shuddered as she stormed away, forgetting all about asking Dargus for leave. Betrayal - that's what she suddenly realized she was feeling. Last night, she had made love to Dargus for the first time - love instead of just sex. Now he was lying in a flowerbed, having his way with another woman. She knew he had concubines and knew he spent his spare time with them, but just seeing it with her own eyes made it far too real for her, and she wasn't certain she could handle it.

"Hey!" he hollered after her. Still in the bare flesh, he marched after her, and seized her arm when she was within reach. "Don't walk away from me!" He pulled her into him, their faces lingering close and his organ pressing into her abdomen. "You're my alpha," he whispered between gritted teeth. "What more do you want from me?"

"I know I'm your alpha! But..." Yelara paused and sighed, her mind returning to the more important matter at hand. She would have plenty of time to quarrel with Dargus about his promiscuity, but she didn't want to make what she had to ask him more difficult by getting him upset. "I need to go, Dargus," Yelara said, her voice calmer and the tears she had been shedding building up again.

"Go?" He snorted. "That wasn't part of the deal."

Yelara was determined not to cry now. She didn't want Dargus to pity her into giving her his blessing to leave. "I have to go home, Dargus. I know you still own me for a while, but we can finish this when I get back. I am going and I won't let you stop me," Yelara said. She stood her ground and spoke in the most determined voice she could muster despite the sadness that was threatening to creep through.

"Won't let me?" She grew more amusing by the moment. "My dear woman, if I wanted to stop you, I could do so permanently at any time. Now tell me why you need to go, and perhaps we can work something out."

"Family business. You should know alot about that sort of thing, Dargus," Yelara said, trying to pull free of Dargus' grip - a gentle grip, but still firm. "Please...I will come back to you, Dargus. I made a promise."

His smile was at once falsely sweet and threatening. "All right...go on then. Though there is a condition."

Yelara sighed with relief and let the sadness looming within her, wash over her face. "You don't know how much this means to me, Dargus. I'll accept any condition, anything."

He chuckled as his lips brushed against hers. "That's what I like to hear," he whispered. "As for the condition...when you return, you will be at my beck and call for three full days." Before she could speak, he added quickly, "And on your way out, pay a visit to Gor'garr. He has a parting gift of sorts for you." He sighed, then, and brushed a strand of hair from her eyes. "Don't stay away too long, alright?"

Yelara looked into Dargus' eyes, searching for a small sign that he was not being genuine, but she never found one. "I told you I would come back, didn't I?" Yelara said gently. "I won't leave you, Dargus. But I have to go. My grandmother is dying...I need to be with her, but I will be back. Trust me, Dargus. That's all I ask."

"I'll trust you when you come back to me," he told her.

She smiled up at him. "Then I'll just have to prove myself to you, now won't I?"

Dargus chuckled as he took her into his arms, his bare chest against her as he embraced her close. He kissed her passionately, letting the heat of his lips permeate hers. Making certain she knew he possessed her completely. When the kiss broke, and Yelara was breathless, she pulled away with a smile. "I'll be back before you know it," she whispered.

He nodded his head and released her fully. As she started away, he waved his guard towards him and ordered a comm to be made to Gor'garr. As the guard spoke, Dargus added, "And make sure she knows that tracking device is set to detonate if exposed to the air." The guard nodded and relayed the message. Yelara would be enraged, but at least she would know there was no escape, even if she tried.

---

"Corellia, Part 1"
By: Kace Mordin
Elisia Melouet
Yelara Neerou

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Saris 1, 3 ABY

***

Kace brought the welding laser to the broken conduit and quickly sealed it tight. He shook his head. The big damage had all been fixed. Now it was all the small things that kept creeping up and making their presence known, mainly coolant and power cabling needing to be replaced. As he pulled the laser back, he glanced up to find a familiar form approaching. He smiled. She was looking much better than the last time he'd seen her. Dargus is feeding her at least, he thought.

He moved to the edge of the Corellia and dropped to the deck. He watched her as she threaded her way through a few workers, then approached.

He gave her a cheerful smile. "Hello, stranger."

Yelara smiled back and quickened her approach. She was about to wrap her arms around Kace, but she remembered where they were and who could be watching, so she shrank back awkwardly and gave Kace a bashful smile. "It seems like we haven't seen each other for an eternity," she said, looking up at Kace. Those eyes. How she had missed those eyes.

Kace laughed. "It sure feels that way," he said. "You're looking much better than the last time we saw each other. It's nice to see you're back among the land of the living." As she stood there in front of him, the confusion he'd been feeling for the last month seemed to crash around him full force. With her right there, all the reasons he loved her seemed to scream out at him. He wondered how he could have ever doubted his feelings for her. But, then even more doubt surrounded him as his thoughts, as his mind touched on Elisia. He didn't let it show, and instead gave her a warm smile. Fortunately, he didn't have to fake a smile to Yelara.

"Thanks. It's good to be able to look in the mirror without turning away in horror," Yelara answered with a rueful grin. She clasped her hands together, wringing them nervously as she looked towards the ship. "Repairs coming along?" she asked, but before she received an answer, she interjected with another question. "Can we talk, Kace? Privately?"

Kace gestured toward the ramp of the ship. "Almost done," he said. "We can talk inside." He reached out with his mind to find Elisia working in her cabin. He smiled at the thought that it used to be his, but it had definitely become hers. He led them up into the ship and to the second cabin. He sighed with relief that the two cabins were on opposite sides of the ship. He shut the door and indicated that she could sit on the bed. "So, what's on your mind?"

Yelara stood near the door, glancing at the bed, but choosing to remain standing. She had been away from Kace far too long, missed him far too much to be able to sit on the bed without wanting him next to her. "It's ok. I'll stand," she answered gently as she began pacing the room. "I'm sorry I left so abruptly. I...something happened and I had to go away." Yelara had no idea whether Kace knew that she had gone back to Dargus. She was hoping he didn't, but if he did, she hoped he wasn't too hurt by it.

He nodded. "Don't worry about it," he said. "I understand how things can happen." He watched her for a moment, wondering what she would suddenly seek him out for. He hoped Dargus wasn't hurting her. She looked healthy. "Is everything alright?"

"Of course it is. Why wouldn't it be?" she asked, afraid to meet Kace's gaze, knowing the sadness in her eyes would give her away instantly. "I merely took a little hiatus, but it was cut short..." Yelara stopped pacing. She put her hands on her hips and shook her head as she stared at the ground. "I don't want to ask this of you, but I've no one else to go to," she said quietly.

He took a step closer, making sure it didn't take him too close. Even with the confusion, he could still feel himself drawn to her. "What is it," he asked gently.

"Why didn't I call sooner..." she muttered under her breath as she placed her face into her hands and began to sob. "I was so absorbed in my own life, I never gave them a single thought," Yelara said in a strained voice.

Kace took another step closer, fighting the urge to put his arms around her. "Who?" he asked, his eyes searching for any sign from her. "What's happened, Yelara?"

Yelara yearned for Kace's embrace, and wondered why he hadn't come to her yet when before, he would have done so without hesitation. He may have been keeping his promise to her by keeping his distance, but right now, she wished he would just break his vow and hold her. "She's...she's dying..." Yelara sobbed, sinking to her knees. "I've been so stupid."

Kace dropped down to his knees and put his arms around her. Her body, her beautiful body felt wonderful in his arms. The confusion returned as he thought of his student. He closed his eyes and told himself Yelara needed his help. Nothing else was happening. He took a cleansing breath and then pulled her tighter. "Who is it?" he asked. "Who's dying?"

Yelara wrapped her arms around Kace, her body heaving with every choked breath she took. She lay her head upon his shoulder with her tears soaking his shirt. "My grandmother...she's dying. I've been so caught up in my own life, I had no idea she was back on Corellia, fighting for her life, truly suffering. Everything I've experienced over the past month have been nothing compared to her struggles." Yelara clung to Kace tightly, pressing her body close to his. Being in his arms again felt so natural, so right. "I need to go to her, Kace. Now."

Kace nodded. "I can have the Corellia ready to go within the hour. We can be out of here as soon as she's ready."

Yelara pulled away slowly, looking up at Kace with eyes still glazed over with tears. "If Dargus finds out..." Yelara warned, knowing she didn't have to finish that sentence, for Kace knew the consequences. "Don't do this out of pity. Only do this if you truly want to. We'll both be taking a huge risk by going against Dargus like this, but I'm willing to if you are."

"I have aligned myself against Dargus on another front already," he said. "This will just be more fuel to the fire. And, I do this because I want to help one of the few friends I have in the galaxy. You need a way to Corellia, and I have a way to get you there. Besides, it's been awhile since I've been home."

"Thank you," Yelara said solemnly as she remained in Kace's arms. Now and during the trip, she could maked up for lost time with him. When she was with Dargus, she enjoyed feeling his touch, and the same was true for when she was with Kace. Her feelings were conflicted, even more so than when Kallia had been in the picture. She felt herself beginning to truly understand Dargus and why he was the way he was. Yet, she had to go against him now. She had to get away; she had to be at her grandmother's side, as well as to get away from Dargus before her feelings for him became too real.

"I'll sleep anywhere you want me to. It doesn't even have to be a bed."

"You can stay in here," he said with a smile. "I'll be out on one of the couches." He saw she was about to protest and he stalled her with a hand. "You will stay here. Now, I'm going to go make the rest of the preparations. We'll be underway soon."

Yelara got to her feet with Kace's help and smiled up at him as the tears began to dry. "I hate flying. Did I ever tell you that?"

Kace smiled. "I think you mentioned it before," he said. "Don't worry. I'll make sure you make it there and back safely."

Yelara gripped Kace's shirt as her heart already began pounding with the anticipation of flying. "Just...just warn me before we take off," she said shakily. "I like to be prepared."

"I will warn you," he said. "Now, I need to get moving or else we're not going to get out of here. I'll check back on you before I make the final preparations. And, shortly after that, we'll be on our way."

Yelara nodded her head, already swallowing hard and breathing heavily. She realized she was gripping Kace's shirt tightly and let out a quiet laugh. "Sorry. You...go on. I'll be fine." Yelara looked away for a moment, then turned back and quickly kissed Kace on the cheek. "Thank you again. This means everything to me."

Kace smiled and nodded. "I'm just glad I could help."

Yelara sighed as Kace left her alone in the room. His reaction towards her was somewhat different than it had been before. He seemed better able to resist her, was more controlled and collected. Maybe he had accepted that they couldn't be together and was moving on. A part of her rejoiced, knowing that his life would never be endangered because of her, but another part resented the fact that he no longer pursued her. She walked over to the bed, taking off her jacket and throwing it down like a spoiled child. She wanted Kace, but it seemed he no longer wanted her.

***

Kace left Yelara's cabin and headed for the one where Elisia was staying. He tapped at the door gently.

"Come in," Elisia called quietly. She was trying to cipher a diagram for making a new practice sphere. Kace had destroyed two of them and she was trying to learn to build a new one.

He tapped the button to open the door and stepped inside, letting the door close behind him. He smiled when he saw what Elisia was doing and moved to sit next to her. He let the silence stretch for a few minutes before filling it with something he knew Elisia would not like. "We're going to be leaving Tae'Karadan space for a little bit," he said. "You're not going to like this, but Yelara needs to get to Corellia. I've agreed to take her there. Her grandmother is sick, and she needs to go visit. It's three days out from here." He looked at her, the pain of telling her a tangible thing in his chest. "She didn't have anyone else to go to."

"Okay," she said quietly. She did not look up from the circuit board she was bent over. "I will endeavor to stay out of the way. I have work to do anyway. " Her words lacked any emotion, there was neither warmth nor coldness. She had often been this way the last couple of days. She looked up at him and her eyes met his. "Do not worry so. I will behave myself."

He nodded. "Okay," he said. "I'll stop back in later."

"I am no longer a child that needs checked up on. We will be in space, what possible trouble can I get into?" she chided softly. Elisia reached out around her and touched the troubled mind of Yelera. "Feels like you will have your hands full as it is."

He watched her for another moment. "It's not checking up," he said. "It's just, uh, it's just that I do like spending time with you. I need to get the final repairs taken care of. We should be leaving in about forty minutes."

"Need help?" she asked, looking up again. "I am not doing anything so important that it can't wait."

He smiled. "I'd love help," he said. "We need to repatch the coolant and power cables over the sublight drives and the sensor dish."

"I will work on the sensor dish. I have been there before. You will have to check it when I am done though. I am still learning all this technical stuff." She stood up and dusted her hands on her pants. "I will call you when I have it done." She reached out and squeezed his hand and then strode from the room. The moment he had mentioned Yelera, she had shielded her thoughts and her heart. She would keep it shielded. She had too much to learn to come between him and the woman who held his heart. Tears filled her eyes as she crawled up to the sensor dish. She dashed them away and went to work.

Kace went off to take care of the repairs he'd been working on earlier. As he started working, he found that he could barely focus his thoughts. And, those that did circle through his mind he stayed away from, fearing the contents. The motions of the repairs he needed to make were automatic. It was going to be a long trip. It was going to be an emotionally draining trip.

***

They finished the repairs quicker than he'd thought, and they returned to the interior of the ship. Elisia returned to her room, and Kace headed to the other side of the ship to where Yelara's cabin was. He knocked at the door.

"What is it?" Yelara called out. She crawled off the bed and walked towards the door, which slid open upon her approach. As she saw Kace standing before her, she frowned, knowing what his presence indicated. "It's time to go, isn't it?" she said, dread creeping into her voice.

He nodded, a half-smile there on his face. "It is," he said. "I'll be starting up the preparations. We should be out of the shipyards in another five or ten minutes. Do you need anything? A sedative or a drink or anything?"

"No. Nothing," Yelara answered coolly now. She remembered how unreceptive he had been to her before, and for some reason, resented him for it. She had been far too effective in pushing him away; she could see it in his eyes. They no longer gazed at her with the same longing they once had and she hated it. "I'll be fine on my own. You don't have to worry about me."

He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again. He tried to hide his confusion, but knew he wasn't doing a very good job of it. "Okay," he said, with a nod. "I guess I'll get us underway then. I'll let you know once we enter hyperspace." He stood for a moment longer before taking a step back, and then turning toward the cockpit. He couldn't help wondering what he'd done that time.

"You know, don't you?!" she called out to him, finally clueing into why he was distancing himself from her. "You know I've gone back to Dargus, freely. That's why you can't bear to be around me anymore, isn't it?"

He turned back and gave her a half nod. "I know you went back to him," he said. "But, I can bear to be around you. I like being around you. It's just that I never know if you're going to pull me in or push me out. When I found you out on the flight deck, I was so scared I'd lost you. And, then the next morning you were just gone. I don't know what to think anymore. I don't know what I'm supposed to be feeling or doing. I just know that you're always just out of reach." He swallowed and took a step closer. "I don't think I will ever understand why anyone would willingly associate with Dargus, but I know you have to. I don't feel anything less for you because you're with him. I...I--" He caught himself, not knowing if she'd really want to know how he felt for her. "I still want to be around you. I like being around you."

Yelara's lips began to tremble and her heart felt so heavy suddenly as Kace's words reaffirmed what she hoped he still felt for her. "You think I'm a fool for going back to him, don't you?" Yelara asked, trying to swallow down tears she was tired of giving up freely. She hated being so emotional. She wanted to be able to maintain a cool facade just as Kace was doing at that moment. She envied him for his ability to contain his emotions like that.

He moved to her and took her in his arms again. It felt so wonderful having her there. "I don't know," he said. "I guess it depends on if you're getting what you need from him. I, um, I don't think you're a fool. It's just that Dargus is a very sore subject for me right now. Some things have happened recently, and it's been difficult. Whenever it comes to him, I have to look at what he wants, and try to figure out where he's coming from. There's always an ulterior motive. I'm just getting paranoid. You want to come to the cockpit while we launch? You can see everything that's happening."

Yelara gave a contented sigh as she sank into Kace's arms. Of course she was a fool to push a man like this away to be with Dargus Kandran; any woman would be. "I will join you in the cockpit," she answered wistfully as her hands clutched at his jacket. "I don't want you to leave my side at any time during this trip." She looked up at him and his brilliant blue eyes once again radiated a warm glow, the one she had fallen in love with. "We have some lost time to make up for," she added with a coy smile and a wink.

Kace laughed. "Yes, we do," he said.

***

Kace led the way to the cockpit and settled in to make the preparations for launch. He smiled as Yelara dropped into the co-pilot's chair. His fingers danced over the controls as the engines warmed. He put on a headset and started communicating with the tower. They were surprised since the last couple times he'd blasted out of the shipyards, he hadn't even bothered to notify them.

As the engines were on their final warm-up cycle, he sent his thoughts to Elisia. We are about to leave, he said in her mind. Yelara has a fear of flying, so she's in the cockpit with me. Once we're into hyperspace, I'll stop in to spend some time with you.

Don't worry about it. I will spend my time studying my reading and vocabulary. Call if you need help with anything. Elisia withdrew herself from his contact. She would leave them be. She had most of what she needed in her room.

Kace felt the ship hum as it finally reached readiness. "There's something I need to tell you before you're suddenly surprised," he said. "I have taken on a student. She's a young girl I came across on the shipyards, and am training her in the Jedi arts. Dargus has also taken an interest in her, which is where most of my recent problems with him have come. It's a difficult situation, and not one I really want to try to explain right now." The lights on the console blinked green, and then turned to a steady green. "Ready?"

Yelara furrowed her brow in bewilderment as she looked at Kace. She couldn't help thinking how he had chosen a most inappropriate time to tell her something this important. If they hadn't been ready to take off, she would have pursued the matter, but frankly, she feared if she opened her mouth, she'd make a mess all over the cockpit. Yelara took slow, deep breaths, gripped the arm rests and looked at Kace with terrified eyes as she nodded her head. "Now or never."

---

"Corellia, Part 2"
By: Kace Mordin
Elisia Melouet
Yelara Neerou

Location: The Vengeance of Corellia, Heading for Corellia
Date: Saris 1, 3 ABY

***Day One***

The jump to lightspeed had been smooth. Kace stayed in the cockpit to make sure everything was working as it was supposed to. He smiled with satisfaction when he saw it was. There wasn't much left to do except wait to arrive. He set the autopilot and exited the cockpit.

He found Yelara sitting in the main cabin. "That wasn't so bad, was it?"

Yelara was hunched over with her head between her legs as she took long, deep breaths. Sweat was dripping down her forehead and her body was trembling, but she managed to look up to see Kace standing before. "No, not at..." Yelara gasped and covered her mouth as she shot to her feet and pushed past Kace. She managed to get halfway out the door before dropping to her knees and expelling the contents of her stomach onto the floor.

Kace grimaced and moved up behind Yelara. He crouched down next to her and put a hand on her back. "I've got some maintenance droids that'll take care of that. I've got a few things for space sickness, if you're up for it."

Yelara sat down on the floor with her back against the wall and her head resting against it as she moaned. "I haven't been that sick since..." Since the night Kallia first kissed me, Yelara finished in her head. "Anything you've got would be better than this, Kace." Yelara wiped off her chin and struggled to get back to her feet.

Kace led her back toward the cabin, stopping briefly to grab a box from one of the supply cabinets. Once in the room, he wet a towel and handed it to her. He opened the package for the anti-sickness meds and got some water. He set them on the table next to her as she finished with the towel.

"Are we close to Corellia?" Yelara asked, placing the moist towel onto the table.

"Corellia's still three days out," he said. "Those should help though. Five minutes and you should be fine."

Yelara placed the meds in her mouth, washing them down with water and closing her eyes tightly. She just wanted to curl up into a ball and shut off all her senses. "Elisia...was that her name?" Yelara asked. She was trying to keep her mind on something other than the horrific thoughts of hull breaches and flames engulfing the ship, which always caused her stomach to become more upset.

Kace nodded. "Yes," he said. "Elisia. She's a bright girl and a good student. She picks things up very fast. I'm sure you will meet her on the trip."

"Why didn't you tell me about her before?" Yelara asked. She opened her eyes and sighed gently as the meds began to kick in.

Kace chuckled softly. "I have no idea," he said. "I guess I was looking for the right time to tell you I'd taken on a student. When none presented itself, I just told you. I hope you're not upset. I was planning on saying something, but...I don't know."

"Why would I be upset? You don't have to go through me to take on students or make friends, Kace." Yelara shakily got to her feet as she tested her legs beneath her to determine whether she'd be able to walk on them without falling over. "I'm actually glad you have someone. It's not healthy being trapped in this ship all day long with no company."

He smiled. "Yeah," he said. "It's nice to have someone other than myself to talk to during the day. And, I didn't think you'd be upset that I'd taken on a student, just that I hadn't told you about her yet. I had planned on it, but the opening in the conversation hadn't presented itself."

"Kace, stop fretting. I'm fine with it, and even if I weren't, what business is it of mine?" Yelara walked slowly around the cabin with her hands on her stomach to try and soothed the turbulence within it. "Can I meet her?" Yelara asked enthusiastically. "I mean, anyone you would feel worthy of taking on as your student must be someone special."

Kace smiled, though he let none of the sudden churning inside show at the thought of Elisia meeting Yelara. "Of course," he said. "I'll head back to the main cabin, and I'll see if she's up for meeting you."

He left Yelara there while he went to Elisia's cabin and knocked gently at the door.

Elisia shut down her saber. She had been practicing motions of defense. "Yeah!" She stood in tight black pants and a red tank top. A slight sheen of sweat was on her face.

Kace stepped inside the room and smiled. "Yelara asked to meet you," he said, a slight hesitation in his voice. "Are you up for that? If you don't want to, I'll understand."

Elisia chuckled at his discomfort. "Well, I think three days on this little ship might get difficult if we don't meet." She was glad he was uncomfortable, after just forgetting her the last time Yelera showed up. Served him right. She looked at the door with apprehension.

Kace opened the door and led the way back to the main cabin. Yelara was on one of the couches when they got there.

"Elisia Melouet, this is Yelara Neerou," he said. "Yelara, this is Elisia, the best student any teacher could ever hope for."

Yelara stood up quickly, causing her head to spin, but the dizziness dissipated quickly and she continued forward towards Kace and Elisia. Yelara looked down at the girl, her body that of no more than a teenager, but her face and her eyes exuded a maturity that made Yelara think she was much older than she appeared. She smiled gently at the girl, approaching her slowly and extending her hand in a greeting. "Finally, I get to meet the one and only Elisia," Yelara said, turning her gaze to Kace and winking at him.

Elisia's heart sank. Before her stood a woman of grace and if she wasn't so gaunt, great beauty. No wonder Kace was in love with her. She could never compete. She suddenly felt gauche and out of her league. She forced a smile to her face and took her hand. "The pleasure is mine, madam." Elisia emphasized the last word.

"Madam? That makes me feel old," Yelara answered with a playful frown. "You can call me Yelara if you want. How old are you anyway, Elisia? I'd have guessed at least sixteen, but you just seem older somehow."

"I am seventeen," she said quietly. "I...I have lived a lot in those years," she offered. "But then, you must have as well. I mean, you are what? Thirty?" Elisia said innocently.

Kace felt his eyes go wide as he looked down at Elisia and bit back a laugh. She's not much older than you, he said into Elisia's mind. Be nice. The tone of his thought was playful and held no anger.

She smiled sweetly at Kace and looked back wide-eyed at Yelera, waiting for her answer.

Yelara pulled her hand away from Elisia's and laughed uncomfortably. "Well, not exactly, although to a child of your age, everyone must seem old."

Elisia frowned at being reminded that most saw her as a child. "I meant no offense, ma'am. If you'll excuse me, I need to return to my studies." She bowed politely and turned on her heel and exited the room. Her heart sank for not only was Yelera more beautiful than she, she was not stupid either.

Kace watched her go. It hadn't gone as badly as he'd first imagined. I'll stop in later, he pathed to Elisia. And, not to check up on you, but because I want to. He shrugged at Yelara. "She's had a rough time of it lately," he said as way of explanation.

Yelara cocked an eyebrow at Kace and smiled. "She hates me. She may have looked innocent, but I swear she was intentionally trying to insult me." Yelara walked up to Kace and placing her hand on his shoulder. With a facetious grin, she said, "You're going to have your hands full with that one, Kace. Good luck."

He laughed. "Thanks," he said. "She's a great student. I couldn't have asked for anyone better. So, you feeling better now? No more space sickness problems?"

"I don't think my stomach is feeling as queasy anymore. Those meds sure work wonders." Yelara stared at Kace curiously. His face had just seemed to glow when Elisia was in the room. When he looked at her, his eyes were warm and a smile creeped at the corners of his mouth. "You're completely enraptured by the girl, aren't you?" Yelara teased.

Kace looked back at Yelara, not wondering if the shock at her question was showing through. He smiled. "Well," he said, "I guess that depends on your definition of enraptured. All my life I've been taking: knowledge from my master, and whatever I wanted as a dark Jedi. With Elisia, it's all giving. I mean, to instruct someone at something, and then to have them learn it, from your teaching. It's an amazing feeling. And, she's a good friend. You wouldn't believe how quickly she picked up some of the stuff for the repairs on the ship." He shrugged, glancing back at Elisia's room. "I guess I am." He looked back at Yelara. "So, we're here on the ship for three days, how did you want to pass the time?"

"Well, everyone needs companionship, and if you've managed to find that in Elisia then...I'm happy for you," Yelara said with a somewhat rueful smile. Kace had found in a child, what he had sought in Yelara, but she had pushed him away and refused to give him what he yearned for.

Yelara sighed and shrugged her shoulders as she thought about Kace's question. What would they do, besides try and keep Elisia from killing Yelara in her sleep. "Well, what exactly is there to do on a starship? We could...redecorate," Yelara mused as she ran her hand along the walls. "These could use some wallpaper, I think."

Kace laughed. "I don't know, I've always kind of liked standard starship grey," he said.

"Yeah, I'm somewhat partial to it myself," Yelara answered, looking back at Kace. "Well, there doesn't seem to be much to do on a starship, besides repairing damaged hyperdrives and...sleeping," Yelara said with a smile aimed at Kace. "I forgot to thank you for staying with me during my...episode. Thank you for being the perfect gentleman and not laying a finger on me."

He smiled and nodded. "Of course," he said. "It was very difficult, you know. It still is, keeping my distance. But, I'm doing my best. And, mainly repairs and sleeping. We've got some games. Usually I do some meditation and training. I guess you just learn to make due."

"Do you want me to leave? I mean, you mentioned meditation and, well, you do look a little...unsettled," Yelara asked, moving towards the doorway. "I mean, it is gonna be a long trip, and I want my pilot at his best. Wouldn't want any...accidents," Yelara added, with a loud gulp.

Kace put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry about that," he said. "There's no real danger of that. If you want to stay, that's okay. Unless you want to get some sleep or something. We see so little of each other these days. It'd be nice to catch up."

"I...I'd like that too. It seems like just when we start to get close, something or other pushes us away. Most of the time, that something is me, isn't it?" Yelara asked solemnly.

Kace nodded. "Most of the time," he said. "But, there are always reasons for it."

"Pathetic reasons as far as I'm concerned. Those reasons are inexcusable and I'm surprised you continue to talk to me even after everything I've done to you." Yelara chuckled and shook her head in disbelief. "You know, Dargus built me an entire workshop to lure me, to entice me into staying with him. The sad part is, I actually considered it."

He nodded. "It seems like Dargus' generosity knows no end," he said. "I continue to talk to you because I like you, even though you associate with a man who makes the Hutts look like petty thugs."

"See, there you go," Yelara said, her mouth forming into a frown. "I've been completely taken in by Dargus. I don't know why I continue to go to him. Why am I such a fool?" Yelara walked over to the bed and down onto it, burying her face into her hands. "I bring all this onto myself, and end up dragging everyone else down with me."

Kace laughed and moved to sit next to her. "You drag me along because I let you drag me along," he said gently. "Dargus has a lot to offer as far as money goes, and rumor around the station is that he's not bad in bed. I don't know. We have this time here together. We should make the best of it, and not worry about Kandran."

Yelara blushed as Kace made reference to Dargus' abilities. He wasn't bad in bed. In fact, he was wonderful, but that wasn't the kind of thing Kace needed to hear. Besides, Yelara would never kiss and tell, even though Dargus would most likely welcome the praise. "You're right. No more mention of Dargus Kandran."

Yelara placed a hand on Kace's knee and looked into his vibrant blue eyes with a gentle smile. "Should I go and find Elisia? I think I upset her before and I should probably talk to her."

Kace shook his head. "I think she needs to be alone for awhile," he said. "I'll talk to her later. I'm sure everything will be fine."

"I hope so, I mean, I don't want her to hate me. That would make things between you and I even more difficult." Yelara began caressing Kace's knee with her hand, unknowingly and completely unaware of what she was doing. "I won't see her unless you want me to. She is your student, after all, and your responsibility now."

Kace put his hand over Yelara's and looked at her. He felt his emotions stir, and realized they were very close. "I'll talk to her later," he said. He could feel his heart pounding.

"This seems to happen a lot, doesn't it?" Yelara said softly, her eyes fluttering from Kace's eyes, to his hand upon hers, and back again. "Everytime we're together, we always end up getting too close."

He nodded. "We do," he said. "I think maybe I should go. I--you were right, I am feeling a little, uh, unsettled. I think I should head back out to the main cabin for a bit."

Yelara tried to tear her eyes off of Kace's lips, lips she yearned to caress with her own. "You're right. You should," she answered, her hand still on his knee and her body refusing to move.

Kace could feel himself drifting closer to Yelara. With all his will, he forced himself up and toward the door. "My promise," he said. "I have to-- I'll see you later. I need, uh, meditation."

Yelara's hand dropped from Kace's lap as he rushed out of the room. She cursed herself for constantly putting them into those awkward situations, even though she wouldn't have minded if Kace had broken his promise. They had only been on the ship for less than a day, and Yelara was already overcome by temptation. She would definitely have to tie her hands behind her back if they were going to get through this trip without incident.

***

Yelara was getting stir crazy, sitting in the cabin having far too much time to herself to think. She hated thinking, especially when she was floating out in space, thinking of the many ways in which a starship like this could meet its demise. Yelara had no idea why, but she walked towards the main cabin, leading herself into temptation even though she was trying to avoid it.

The meds had calmed Yelara and given her almost a sense of euphoria. She floated down the corridor, stopping at the opening of the main cabin and looking through to see Kace, still in an apparent meditative state. Of course, to make her life even more difficult, he was wearing no shirt, his bare chest exposed and calling to Yelara. She wanted to look away, but she was mesmerized and she was even unable to blink at will.

Kace sensed Yelara's presence at the edge of the room and smiled. He opened his eyes and looked up at her. "Hello there."

Yelara gasped quietly and blinked in shock as Kace had unexpectedly greeted her. It always unnerved her that he could sense her presence so easily, but she welcomed it at this point, knowing if he hadn't broken her trance, she might be left standing there, staring, for quite a long time. "Sorry....I didn't mean to stare. I was...just looking for a quiet place other than my room," Yelara said awkwardly.

"It's okay," he said. "I was almost done anyway." He stood and stretched to get the blood flowing back to his legs. He turned to get his shirt, back to Yelara as he did. "How's the space sickness?"

Yelara's voice stuck in her throat as she saw the rippling muscles in his back. Her eyes moved down slowly and caught a glimpse of a large tattoo...a bird, wings unfurled and spread out as if in flight. Yelara, as if possessed by some force beyond her control, began approaching Kace. She stood behind him and began running her finger along the tattoo. "Did it hurt going on? One that big..." Yelara asked her voice quiet and silky.

Her touch on his back sent shivers up and down his spine. He closed his eyes and enjoyed her touch. "Yes," he said. "It hurt a lot. But, it didn't last long." He turned so he was looking into her eyes. She was so close, and he couldn't find the strength to push her away.

Yelara looked up at Kace with longing in her eyes as she began to trace the well-formed muscles on his abdomen, her finger caressing every curve and groove. "I wish I had been there to ease the pain," Yelara said seductively. Her body was so close to his, she could feel the heat of the workout radiating from him. "But I'm here now."

Kace felt his arms move of their own accord, pulling Yelara into an embrace. "You are," he said. He swallowed hard as he looked down into her eyes.

Yelara moved her hands around Kace's waist and let them rest on his back. She caressed it gently as her fingers traced the well-defined muscles. "Are you going to leave again?" she asked, her lips becoming warm and yearning to feel the warmth of his own.

"I should," he said, but he stayed where he was. "I really should leave. Or make you leave." His eyes were caught in hers and he leaned close, touching his lips to hers.

Yelara's senses exploded as all the tension they had bottled up was finally released by that one kiss. She pressed her body to his as her tongue explored his mouth desperately. Her hands travelled up and down his well defined back, which was still moist with sweat. She wouldn't let go unless he pushed her away this time. She was tired of pushing and for once, wanted to pull him into her life.

Kace's passion erupted as he kissed Yelara deeply. Her hands against his body were like liquid fire, igniting everything they touched. He couldn't even think straight.

Yelara pulled her hands momentarily away from Kace's back, just long enough to take off her jacket, then brought them down to Kace's leather pants, which she proceeded to unzip aggressively. She separated her lips from Kace's only to take a deep breath before engaging them again in a passionate kiss. She had no idea what was happening or how it had happened, but she was enjoying it. She had thought about this moment becoming reality from the moment she saw Kace, but she had only refrained from doing so because of Dargus. Dargus wasn't anywhere near them now, yet still, she knew what they were about to do was treading them dangerously close to the edge.

Kace brought Yelara tight against his body as they kissed, hands exploring each other. He pulled his mouth from hers and kissed down her neck and throat, savoring the sweet taste of her flesh. He brought his hands up her body, feeling the warm skin below the thin fabric of her shirt. He cupped her breasts as he kissed her again. His mind was on fire. In one easy move, he scooped her into his arms and headed toward her room. He had a fairly good idea where they were going, but he knew they didn't want to be doing it in the main cabin.

"For someone who's never been with a woman before, you certainly know what you're doing," Yelara said. She was breathing heavily now and ruffled Kace's hair with her fingers as she began kissing his neck and his firm chest. Her body was throbbing with anticipation; she wanted to share herself with Kace, to be the first woman he had ever been with, even if she thought she was undeserving of the honour.

Kace laughed as he pushed the button to open the door. "I'm just doing whatever feels right," he said and slipped into the room and moved to the bed. They both toppled forward onto it, Kace controlling both their falls. He'd positioned himself to where he was leaning half on her side, his face close to hers. His lips pressed against hers as his hands began to explore again.

Yelara continued where she had left off, undoing Kace's pants and reaching her hand down into them. She massaged his cock as they kissed, her lips becoming numb from being pressed so hard against Kace's. She wrapped her leg around Kace's, pulling herself closer to him and pressing her hips against his. Yelara moaned quietly as she felt Kace becoming aroused through his leather pants.

Kace couldn't remember ever feeling the way Yelara was making him feel before. His body was responding to her touch, the passion inside him building. His need expanded with each passing second, each second their bodies remained in contact. Her hand had coaxed him to full arousal, not that he had required much coaxing. He remembered his promise, but was past the point of being able to rationalize turning back.

Yelara's mind was exploding with pleasure as she rolled on top of Kace. She took her hands from Kace's pants and removed her top. She threw it to the ground as she took Kace's hands and brought them to her breasts, holding them there and letting him caress them. "Whatever feels right, isn't that what you said?" Yelara said, her voice strained as she held back the moans building up within her.

Whatever feels right... Kallia had said that same thing the first night they had made love. Yelara had been the inexperienced one that time, but Kallia took her time, going slowly and making Yelara feel completely at ease - not to mention quite aroused. Yelara looked down upon Kace, almost regretting that it wasn't Kallia who was now massaging her breasts. Her mind was suddenly riddled with guilt as Kallia's voice caressed her mind and her smiling face replaced that of Kace's. "I can't," she whispered, sounding almost surprised. "I can't do this to her."

Kace looked up at Yelara, slowly catching his breath. He didn't need any telepathy to know who she was talking about. He nodded, the look in his eyes understanding. He sat up and kissed her gently on the cheek. "I understand," he said.

Yelara suddenly felt so exposed, and wrapped her arms around her chest to conceal her breasts. She moved off of Kace, then walked away from the bed. She stopped at a wall at the other end of the room, and leaned against it with her back to Kace. She felt even more guilty now, knowing that she had toyed with Kace, lead him on, took him to the brink, and once again pulled away. She was beginning to wonder how he could continue to forgive her and didn't think he would, especially after this. "It's just, something you said triggered a memory. I didn't intentionally think about her. I wanted to be with you...but it may have been too soon, Kace."

Kace moved close to her after zipping his pants back up. "I understand," he said. "And, don't worry. I'm still here, and I'm still your friend. And, I don't think any less of you." He put an arm around her shoulders. "It's okay. There'll be other times."

"Other times to disappoint you, is that what you mean?" Yelara asked bitterly as she shrank away from Kace's touch. The feel of his hand upon her bare skin sent cold shivers down her spine. "Can I have my shirt, please?" Yelara asked quietly as she faced the wall to hide her naked chest. She felt suddenly timid around Kace, shy and reluctant.

Kace nodded, confusion descending again. He moved to get her shirt and handed it to her. She needed room, he decided, so he stayed over near the bed. "I didn't mean it like that," he said. "And, I'm not disappointed. Not at all." The concern was evident in his voice. Things were difficult for Yelara, he knew that. He wished that she would understand that he understood.

Yelara grabbed the shirt from Kace and placed it on quickly, turning around and facing him finally. "I'm sorry if this has caused you any pain. I really want this, just as much as you do, I hope. I think...time is all we need." Yelara stood at a distance from Kace with her heart still pounding in her chest from the excitement of almost sharing herself with him. "I'm a confused individual, Kace. It can't be easy being around someone as unpredictable as me."

Kace smiled. "Sometimes I can see the future," he said, "so being around someone unpredictable is really nice."

Yelara laughed quietly and wrapped her arms around herself in a comforting embrace. "And in that future, do you ever see us being happy together?"

A grin split Kace's face and he nodded. "I think I can see that," he said. "I think it may be possible." His thoughts turned to Elisia, and wondered if any of them could ever be happy together, but he didn't want to say anything. There were so many things in the way, Kandran first among them. But, the thought of being together was a nice one.

"Well, if you say so, Kace, then I have to believe it's true." Yelara stood in silence, looking at Kace and waiting for one of them to make the next move. "What do we do now? Do we just leave it at this for now? Me standing here feeling stupid and you feeling cheated?"

"How about I hug you and tell you everything is okay, and I don't feel cheated. And, we see what happens next time?"

"You're incredible, Kace, you know that?" Yelara said. She sighed in relief and smiled as she gently wrapped her arms around Kace in an embrace. "So, there will be a next time, then?" Yelara asked as she snuggled into his chest.

Kace pulled her close. "I'm sure of it," he said. "Especially the way we are when we're around each other."

"You do know I love you Kace. You must know," Yelara confessed, not daring to look up into his blue eyes; those eyes could never keep the truth from her. She was afraid if she looked into them now, she might see in them that his feelings for her were not mutual. He may attempt to spare her from any pain, but lying to her would only make her hate him and the truth was what she wanted. "If you don't love me, it's alright Kace. I don't blame you."

"I do love you," he said. "Do you think I would ride this roller coster if I didn't love you?" He raised her chin and kissed her gently. "I love you, and have since that first day."

Yelara looked away from Kace, not able to meet his gaze without losing herself in his eyes. If that happened, the whole whirlwind would begin again. "You...you should probably go, Kace. If you start talking like that, I won't be able to ever let you go."

He let his arms linger around her for a moment longer before disengaging himself from their embrace. "Okay," he said. "I'll see you later. I'll have dinner prepped in a little bit."

Yelara wrapped her arms around herself again, immediately missing the feel of Kace's arms around her. "Dinner..." Yelara repeated, her face almost turning green. "I think I'll start taking the meds now."

"Good idea," he said. "I'll let you know when it's time." He moved quickly toward the door before he could change his mind. He stopped and looked back. A gentle smile appeared and then he was gone out the door. It was hard to do, but it was necessary.

Yelara watched Kace go, and even though he said he understood, she couldn't help feeling that he was at least a little disappointed. She was disappointed herself, and somewhat frustrated, sexually. She closed her eyes and remembered the feel of Kace's body against hers, feeling him become aroused and because of her. It was definitely flattering, as it would be to anyone, but it also turned her stomach. She had initially rejected Kace because she was afraid of the consequences if Dargus found out, but with Dargus nowhere around, they could have been free to be with one another.

Another barrier stood in the way this time. Even though Kallia was gone, she felt guilty about sleeping with another. She was still devoted to Kallia, although she doubted she would ever see her again. It was then that she realized their love was stronger, and it would have been strong enough to overcome Dargus standing between them if Yelara had just given the relationship a chance to grow. She was doing the same thing, now, to Kace. She feared being with another and was letting that stand in the way of something that could blossom into a fulfilling relationship.

Yelara cursed herself for letting another opportunity slip away as she walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower to prepare for dinner. She could still smell Kace on her skin and her body tingled with the excitement of the memory of Kace caressing her breasts. She quickly turned the temperature settings to cold and tore her clothes off before jumping in. She'd need something to take her mind off of what had just happened, and the shock of the cold might just do the trick, as well as suppress the raging urges that were building up between her legs.

---