"Heeding the Desert's Call, Part 1"
By: Raeila Selrid
Kael Selrid
Talara Sorenne
Ferrig Mullerin

Location: Thanatos
Date: Vadris 22, 4 ABY

***

The speeder ride to the desert this time held none of the tension from before. This trip was to relax, to find themselves again. In the front seats, Raeila sat beside Kael, hands joined as Kael piloted the speeder. Behind them, Talara and Ferrig sat together. Talara was reclining back against Ferrig as his hand idly played with her hair. Convincing her to change out of her Jedi robes had been tricky, but they'd managed.

Small buildings in the distance marked the outlying border of Thanatos. Home, Kael thought and glanced aside at Raeila.

"There it is," he said and gave Rae's hand a squeeze. "It's been far too long since we were truly back. And, who knows if we'll even be able to leave again."

Raeila knew the answer to that already, but was hesitant to admit it to Kael just yet. "It's wonderful," she breathed, sitting up in anticipation as they neared. Her heart beat excitedly in her chest. "I can't believe it.... All this sand...I'd almost forgotten!"

Ferrig was gazing out the window and Talara was resting her head on his shoulder and looking out as well. "There sure is a lot of sand, and...and it doesn't look quite as bad as it did before. It is a beautiful place."

"Wait until you get into the town," Raeila told her happily. "It's even better!" With a smile more brilliant than Kael had ever seen in the city, Raeila looked on as they finally passed into Thanatos proper. Home.

"I've rented a place near the Feltrey house," Kael said. "It's fairly central, and should be nice. I had Pack arrange it for us. He figured with five of us, it'd be better there than the House. It'll also give us privacy if we want."

"Privacy?" Raeila echoed incredulously. "There's no way! We have to visit the boys. I can't see them not throwing us a homecoming party." Glancing back at Tala, she told her eagerly, "You'll love them, Tala. They're a good bunch and they know how to have a good time."

Talara grinned, and shared an excited look with Ferrig. "I can't wait!"

"I'm sure we'll spend a good amount of our time there," Kael said. "But, do you really want to sleep there? All four of us?"

Raeila shrugged and returned to snuggling up against his arm. "We don't have to...but I doubt we'll be doing much sleeping there anyway. There's too much catching up to do, I think."

"There is," Kael said. "But, I think having our own space, in case we need it, will be good. We can go drop our things off there, then walk over to the House."

"Alright," she murmured absently as her gaze drifted to the village ahead. It called to her, to the person she'd been moulded into there. Although she held some guilt about her past, Raeila would never regret what the desert had made her. She was still Thana's child, after all. Sighing contentedly, Raeila watched the huts and vendors drifting by, the children huddled around their tiny, makeshift court and playing stones; two of them leapt in triumph as their favoured to win knocked his sulking competitor's pebble out of the circle drawn in the sand. Raeila smiled to herself, and although the pain was still fresh, there was no longer an ache in her heart from knowing there would be no child of her own to play at such games. Watching them only filled her with joy.

It was only a few minutes more of driving before Kael stopped the speeder beside a fairly nice looking house. He grinned at Raeila, then leaned over and kissed her tenderly. "We're home," he whispered.

The house was an unobtrusive, attractive little home constructed from the same golden brown sandstone many of the luckier residents of Thanatos were able to afford, even though it was quarried locally in their desert. Taller than any Raeila had seen in her homeland, the house boasted two floors and a sloped roof to keep the blowing sands from collecting on top, as many other homes had faced problems with before, causing an often occurrence of cave-ins.

Windows had been carved out of the face - four in all and each sealed with glass and a wooden shutter on the interior. Adjoined to the lower ledge of the two first-floor windows were ceramic planters in which three fledgling cacti had been erected, all with blossoming pink flowers decorating their rounded heads. Leading up to the door was a short flight of stairs with a large porch, in comparison to other homes in Thanatos. A single wicker chair occupied each rear corner and flanked the door. Their door.

Raeila shrieked with joy and flung her arms around Kael's neck. "It's wonderful! Let's go see!"

As she took his hand and pulled him along, Kael couldn't help laughing and trying not to stumble in the sand. "There should be three bedrooms, though one isn't set up as a bedroom yet." He turned back to wave Tala and Ferrig up. "Come on, you two," was all he was able to manage before Raeila pulled him inside with her. Even with as much as he'd been expecting, he couldn't keep the surprise from his face even as he saw it. "Wow," was all he could manage.

Raeila gaped at the interior. "Wow's right..." she murmured in awe.

The main room appeared to be quite cozy with a couch and matching chair against the corner walls, and a table laden with a basket of fruit between them. Inset lighting within the walls and ceiling gave the room enough light without feeling overly bright. The inside walls had the same golden brown as the outside. An opening in the far wall led to what appeared to be a kitchen at first glance and a set of stairs beside the opening led upstairs.

"This place is...it's pretty amazing. And, it already feels homey." (Who's saying that?)

"It's wonderful," Raeila whispered thickly, and hid her face against Kael's arm as her tears began flowing freely. It was quaint and ordinary compared to many of the homes in New Plouton, but to Raeila, it was a palace. Although they could not claim it as their own, and would have to give it up once they left Thanatos, for now, it was Raeila's home. Smiling up at Kael, Raeila told him softly, "Let's see the rest of it. I think the boys can wait for a little while."

"I think so too," Kael said. "Come on, let's see the upstairs." He took her hand and led her toward the stairs. "Now, given how nice it is, I think we should try to enjoy this place at least a little."

"How long do we have it for?" Raeila asked. "Kael, I don't know if I could ever part with this place!"

Kael grinned as they reached the top of the stairs. Once they were safely away from where either of them could fall and hurt themselves, he turned to her and took her into his arms. "How does forever sound? It's ours."

Raeila gasped and leaned back to gaze up at Kael. "What? But...how, Kael!? How did you afford something like this?"

"Well, part of it was from of the money that's saved up," Kael said. "But most of it was from Pack and Yannick and the rest of the guys. They said that we needed a suitable place to live, and they didn't trust the Jedi or New Plouton to be able to provide it. I'm sure they'll have more to say when we see them. But it's a wedding present and more, from them to us."

"What?" she laughed. "They did this? We really have to visit them now! I can't believe those guys...." Raeila smiled fondly and whispered, "It makes me miss them even more. I'd almost forgotten how great they all are."

"I know," Kael said with a smile. "It's pretty amazing. It sure feels good to be home. I don't care how far we go, or how long away, but this will always be our home." He looked around the hall in which they stood, then back at her. "And, far more permanently and hopeful now."

"So...you're prepared to stay in the desert with me if that's what we decide?" she asked expectantly. "Thana, Kael...you don't know how much being here means to me. It's like...I can breathe again," Rae sighed.

Kael smiled. "I am," he said. "If the Jedi disapprove, I'll deal with that. If I need to, I can take a speeder into the Temple. Besides, with the trouble that they've been having in the desert recently, I think it'd be a good idea to have Jedi representation here. And, who better amongst the Jedi than myself." He leaned in and brushed his lips over the tip of her nose. "I plan to be wherever you are, and that's that."

"Oh Gods, good," Raeila breathed and embraced Kael tightly. "I didn't think I could leave here, Kael. I was so worried I'd have to stay behind without you."

"Not a chance of that," Kael said as he kissed her. "I haven't talked to the Council yet, but I don't see anything to stop us at this point. They're aware of our situation, and we do need someone who can watch over the desert. So, this will truly be our home from now on. For always."

"And it's wonderful, too. We should tell Ferrig and Tala!" Raeila exclaimed giddily. "They might just want to move in!"

"Very possible," Kael said. "Though, I know Talara wouldn't be able to reside here permanently until she finishes her training to become a Jedi. However, I don't think there would be a reason she couldn't visit frequently if she wanted. Do you want to break the news to your brother?"

Raeila seemed hesitant as she asked, "When you talked to him about what happened...did he seem fine? Did he resent me for it, do you think?"

"No, he did not," he said. "I'm not sure how aware he was of what he was doing and feeling. He and Talara seem more comfortable with each other now, though I do not believe they've resumed their intimacy."

"Well..." She sighed and smiled weakly. "Then...I'll speak to him. You and Talara, in the meantime, can get settled in." Leaning forward, Raeila kissed Kael tenderly and whispered, "Thank you. This is the best gift you could ever give us, Kael, and I love you for it."

Kael smiled. "It is a gift I was more than happy to give," he said. "And, to know I get to share it with you, I'm doubly happy." Downstairs, Talara and Ferrig could be heard. "After you've talked to Ferrig, and we're settled in, we'll go see the boys." He gave her a tender kiss, then stepped away to head downstairs to help Talara with their bags.

Feeling more elated and hopeful than she had been for some time, Raeila exhaled deeply and waited for Ferrig to be sent up. She hadn't spoken with her brother since their last day on Vendra. The chasm between them was still large, and Raeila ached to have her brother back, as he was. Perhaps the desert would mend all things.

When he reached the top of the staircase, Raeila smiled hesitantly and watched him approach. She tangled her fingers nervously. "So...what do you think of the place?"

"It's amazing," Ferrig said, eyes still wide with awe. "I didn't think places like this existed in Thanatos. They've really done wonders here, haven't they?"

"The desert's changing," Raeila explained. She looked to her brother wistfully. "We...we all are. I-- I'm sorry for the other day, Ferrig. I didn't meant to break down like that."

"After everything, it's understandable," Ferrig said. "And I'm sorry for pushing you. It wasn't fair."

"You...you didn't push me," Raeila insisted guiltily. "I just wasn't sure if you really wanted to be with me...so your comments seemed to validate my worst fears and...and it hurt, Ferrig."

"Oh...oh Rae," Ferrig said, opening his arms for her. "I never meant for that. I love you with all my heart, and...oh Thana, Rae. I can't express how sorry I am that I could hurt you that way."

Sighing as she entered his embrace, Raeila whispered, "It's okay. I think things will be better now that we're in the desert. Kael...he says we can stay here forever. There's room, Ferrig...if you want. We can be together, like it used to be. And...and Talara can stay too, to be with you."

"I'll talk to her about it," Ferrig said. "I know she wants to become a Jedi, and she can't do that here. But, I know she wants to make things work between us." He smiled tenderly. "I think she may almost be ready to be with me again. We'll see. For now, I'm just happy to have her here with us. She saw the desert before, but she hadn't really seen the desert yet."

"And she certainly will once she meets the boys," Raeila giggled. "Oh, Ferrig...let's not fight again. Let's...let's just always be honest with one another, okay? We need to stick together; after all we've been through, we can't let something like this break us."

"I promise," Ferrig said as he kissed her tenderly. "No more fighting. No more trying to be something we're not. And, I promise never to come to you out of desperation, because I've been a fool, and neglected my love for you. Never again."

"Then stay with us," Raeila pleaded. "With me and Kael. Just like old times, brother." Gazing up at him with large, entreating eyes, she asked softly, "Please? Will you stay with us?"

"You know I could never say no when you gave me the Big Eyes," Ferrig said with a laugh. "Of course I'll stay!"

"You will?" Laughing boisterously, Raeila threw herself again into Ferrig's arms. "You will!" she cheered. "Oh Gods, Ferrig, this is wonderful! Think of all the things we can do together...."

"Oh, I'm already thinking," Ferrig said with a laugh. "It's already starting to feel like before, when everything was still wonderful."

"And it can be like that again," Raeila whispered fervently, then kissed her brother deeply, and now with unrestrained passion she had held back on Vendra. When she pulled away, Raeila was giggling. "Just like before...."

"Just like before," Ferrig said with an equally mirthful laugh. "Though, I think it'll have to be after our trip to visit the boys."

"Then let's go," Rae urged, and hurried past Ferrig to find her bags. "Go get ready! It's going to be a real party!"

Ferrig laughed as she raced off, and followed after. They found her bag in the room she would be sharing with Kael. Kael and Talara were standing near the window, looking out over the rooftops. Kael was pointing at a distant building. "That's the constable's office, and next to it is the jail. When I was here, those were pretty much abandoned, but they're active now. Oh, here they are. Was just pointing out some of the sights."

Raeila looked over his shoulder, then frowned at Kael playfully. "The least you could do is show her some worthwhile sights. The jail is hardly something we want to boast."

Kael laughed. "I already showed her the memorial, the park, and the place that looks like some sort of theatre," he said. "You should see some of this out here, Rae. It's amazing."

"We will," she assured him, and hopped around to scamper towards her bag. "While we head for the boys' headquarters!"

"I'm sure within fifteen minutes of our arrival, there will be a party that will spread through the entire town," Kael said.

"And, we wouldn't have it any other way," Ferrig said with a laugh.

"Damn if feels good to be home," Kael said.

Talara grinned and moved into Ferrig's embrace. "And, I hope you'll let it feel like home for you too."

"It already does," she said.

"Okay, kids," Raeila announced, tossing on a cloak to prepare for the cool night, "enough fawning. We have a party to attend." And with a whooping laugh, she rushed out of the room, seeking out their much-awaited homecoming party.

---

"Heeding the Desert's Call, Part 2"
By: Raeila Selrid
Kael Selrid
Talara Sorenne
Ferrig Mullerin
Pack [NPC+]
Yannick [NPC+]
Dani

Location: Thanatos
Date: Vadris 22, 4 ABY

***

The party was in full swing as the sun finally set on the horizon. Music blared through the night as revellers danced around and within the Feltrey's house. Kael and Raeila stood together to one side, watching the dancing. Both were taking a much needed break after their own turns dancing. Kael held Rae close, each smiling and content as they watched Ferrig and Talara dancing amongst the others.

"It's nice to see them both so happy," Kael said as he kissed Rae's forehead. "She seems to fit in well here, and I think everyone loves her already."

"She's the little sister they lost when I went away," Raeila told him wistfully. "If she does decide to stay, she'll have more friends and protectors than she could ever need."

"Not to mention she can probably fend for herself better than any of us really could," Kael said. "And, it's really good to see you smiling. In fact, you're practically glowing. My arozeil, I think this was the perfect thing we could do, coming here. Now I think our healing can really begin."

"Maybe by being here," Raeila whispered hopefully, "we can defy whatever Nieme did to me...maybe we can have a baby despite it, Kael. It's possible, right?"

"Well, do you want to start trying tonight," Kael asked her with an impish grin.

Chuckling deeply, Raeila caressed her lips against Kael's and whispered, "Oh, most definitely...." Then, they kissed, but only for a brief moment before their affectionate display was interrupted by a snicker from behind. Scowling as she pulled back, Raeila shouted, "Yannick...stop laughing!" She turned quickly and swiped at him with her hand, but the grinning ganger twisted away from the blow. Raeila laughed softly and instead seized Yannick in an embrace. "Why haven't you been entertaining us," she chided once she'd pulled back. "We're honoured guests and you're neglecting us!"

"Hey," Yannick quipped, smirking, "I can't help it if you two seek every opportunity to hide in a corner and grope each other."

"More drinks, I think," Kael said. "And, some sandcakes too. Not sure where you're getting them, but they're almost as good as the ones Orn used to make at the Rhack. The music is fantastic. I can't believe so many of the boys are this talented."

He shrugged. "They've had time to practice. Not much to do around here since we've cleaned up the town."

"It is pretty quiet around here," Raeila noted. "You guys are doing some real good. We're proud!"

"Eh...it's nothing," Yannick dismissed with a bashful grin. "We're just trying to make this place better for everyone. Especially for the young ones." Watching Raeila and Kael suspiciously, he asked, "So...when are you two having a little one of your own?" Narrowing one eye, he examined Raeila's abdomen, then glanced up, grinning. "Nothing yet?"

"Not yet, but we're hoping being here will help," he said with a look into Raeila's eyes. "Before you showed up, we were considering having a go at it."

Pack appeared out of the shadows and clapped Kael and Yannick on the shoulders. "The way the two of you go at it, you'll have a whole brood before you know it."

Kael grinned and gave Raeila's hand a squeeze. "That's what we're hoping." There was a question in his eyes. They had never discussed whether to tell others of Raeila's condition, and despite how close they were, he couldn't divulge it without talking to her first. "We definitely hope to keep trying."

"A lot," Raeila added with a smile free of sadness and disappointment. It was as if nothing was amiss...and it no longer was. "Once it happens, we'll let you all know! Uncle Pack and Yannick..." she teased.

Pack laughed and clapped Yannick on the back. "I like that," he said. "Uncle Pack. It's got a nice ring to it. And speaking of rings, I guess now that you're married to this guy, no more entertaining the boys, eh?"

"Nope," she answered cheerfully and leaned forward quickly to kiss Pack's cheek.

"Hey," Yannick protested, grinning. "Where's mine?"

Chuckling, Raeila bestowed the same gift upon Yannick, who sighed dreamily for effect.

"There," Kael said with a laugh. "Now you can go become monks."

Pack laughed. "So, tell me about that little hottie Ferrig's got on his arm. A little on the very young side, but they definitely seem happy together. So, when will they be following in your footsteps?"

"Not quite yet," Raeila told him. "Like you said, she's young...and she's training to be a Jedi. I think that's a priority for her right now."

Pack's eyebrow arched far up onto his forehead. "Jedi. Interesting. She's a cute little thing, and she's got moves. So, you guys staying here for good now? And, we won't accept any answers but 'yes, and so is Ferrig's cute little friend.'"

"You stay away from her," Raeila warned playfully, but still with a hint of seriousness. "She's Ferrig's...and she's been through a lot, so be gentle around her. Though, I'm not sure what those two are doing." Beaming a grin at Kael, she told them, "But we're not going anywhere, that's for certain."

"Hmph," Yannick grunted pensively. "Does that mean you'll be moving in here?" Winking at Rae, he joked, "I know the guys won't protest."

"Our plan is to move here," Kael said. "We've made the offer to Ferrig and Talara, but they're still deciding. I don't think Ferrig would turn down the chance, but Talara will probably need to stay at the Temple because of her training. Still, you will be stuck with us."

Pack laughed. "Just our luck. Well, I guess with my hopes dashed for both of the lovelies, I'll have to find a woman of my own."

Raeila snorted. "Like that's going to happen." At Pack's jesting pout, she giggled and lunged for his hand then dragged him towards the area set aside for dancing to cheer up her old friend.

Yannick and Kael watched them whirl and bounce on the dancefloor. Smiling faintly, Yannick told him, "It's good you're back. There's a lot going on right now. You heard of that slaughter in the deep desert? Everything...gone." He sighed gravely.

"I heard the rumour," Kael answered. "As soon as we're settled, I'll take a look and see what I can find out. No survivors?" At the shake of Yannick's head, Kael sighed. "Everything is being turned upside down. Have you ever wished you could go back and change events in the past, no matter how much they would change your life?"

"Sure," he answered thoughtfully, "but would we be where we are now if we did? Would the gangers be united and Thanatos mending?" Eyeing Kael knowingly, he asked, "Or are you talking about yourself?"

"All of it," Kael said. "Nieme, on the throne right now, it's my fault. And, by extension, everyone dead by her hand, the people in the desert and the cities, all of it. The price paid in blood is a heavy one."

"How is it your fault?" Yannick queried gently. "You didn't put her there; if you could have prevented it, you would have. So why all the blame?"

"I couldn't have known what would have happened, but I feel that the damage done was because of choices I made. And those choices drove Nieme down the path she has followed."

"So, what? You're going to go back to the Wetters to try and fix things instead of starting a life with Rae in the desert?" Yannick sighed. "You know how she is, Kael. If she doesn't get all the attention...she'll go and seek it elsewhere."

"I'm staying here," Kael said. "I have to fix the damage done here in my home. I may need to help them to take Nieme and Dani down, but my home is here, and here is where I will return. I am going to become a Healer, Yan. I'm going to help people now, but before I can Nieme must be removed."

"That could be easy or difficult, depending on how you view things," Yannick mused. "They invited us to a meeting at the palace, Pack and I...and to gain our allegiance, she agreed to have Dani engage in the Thana'Kih. Without Dani, she might just be vulnerable."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "Dani's not in the palace? She's...she's here?"

"Yeah," Yannick answered quizzically. "You Jedi didn't know? It's been nearly a week. She's somewhere in the middle of the desert by now." He grinned viciously. "Probably dead or dying.... Isn't it great?"

Kael didn't quite feel like laughing. "I don't want her to die," he said. "She's not completely evil, and she's probably the only thing keeping Nieme from complete madness. If Nieme were to ever lose Dani as her balance, I don't know what would happen. We no longer have eyes inside the Palace, and they've been very quiet lately. We didn't know."

"Well, now you do. So" --Yannick shrugged-- "why not seek your redemption? Why not hit Nieme while she's weak?"

"Because I will not let you," a voice said from the shadows. A figure shifted in the darkness, stepping forward just far enough for her features to be discerned by the two. It was Dani, and her lightsaber was in her hand and unignited. "There is much you don't understand, much you cannot understand. But, if you wish to destroy Nieme, you will need to go through me."

Kael's hand drifted to the hilt hanging on his hip, but he did not take it. "I am here as a guest of Pack and Yannick," Dani said. "Unless Yannick wishes to revoke that."

"Unless you put that thing away, we'll have to," Yannick warned, though he was standing noticeably behind Kael. The dancing had stopped and all were fixed to the scene developing. Raeila watched quietly, though the emotions warring on her face spoke loudly enough.

"I don't want to cause problems," Dani said. "I never did. I only wanted to be a Jedi and to love Nieme. Loving Nieme took precedence, and I was forced to do things I never thought myself capable of. I have learned things about myself, and where I want my life to go." She returned her lightsaber to her belt.

A large number of the gangers made to rush forward and apprehend Dani, but Raeila beat them to it. She stood before Dani, glaring at her one-time friend while swallowing back tears of betrayal. Her hands clenched at her sides as she fought to keep from slapping Dani and expelling her rage. "Why are you here?" she asked harshly. "You said you would protect me...but you never did. And now, you're here threatening me and my friends?" Shaking her head slowly in disgust, Raeila rasped, "You're just as evil as Nieme, Dani. It must be true if you could do this."

"I may have fallen," Dani answered softly, "but I have learned things in my time here. Pack and Yannick came to us as we sought alliances to keep our place. In order for them to join us, I had to go through Thana'Kih. I don't know if they knew what it would entail for me, but I'm not the same person I entered the desert as. Raeila, I protected you as I could, but I had to focus on keeping Nieme from doing more than she already has. And, I fear that my time in the desert has made things worse." There was genuine sadness in her voice, and those around her could feel it through her pheromones. "I know I can never be forgiven for what I've done, but I at least hope to set some of our greater crimes to right."

"Then why are you still protecting Nieme?" Raeila whispered. "You know she's a monster, Dani. Why would you stand in our way?"

"Because even though she's a monster, I can't stop loving her," Dani said softly. "I can't stop hoping that maybe I can still save her. After what you did to us when we were your prisoners, even then I couldn't hate you, Raeila. I know that is no excuse, but I can't stop loving her. And, I will not let anyone destroy her. When I get to the Palace again, I will do what I can. I won't sit by and let her hurt people any longer, but I will not let anyone... I can't, Raeila. The realities of her mind...it's twisted her. But, I'll save her and bring her back to the light..."

"And if you can't?" she asked. "What then, Dani?"

"If nothing else, I'll take her somewhere she can't hurt anyone else ever again," Dani said.

"Like she's hurt me?" Raeila rasped. "You know what she's done to me, Dani,

don't you?" Her hand absently wandered to her abdomen, where her child with Kael should have been. "Do you know what she's taken from us, Dani?! Don't you care?!"

"If you could only understand how much," Dani whispered. "You can't understand what it's like to love someone with all your heart, but to be unable to stop her from hurting others, to go against every belief you've held dear from the beginning of your life. But, you go against those beliefs for love, hoping that perhaps you can counterbalance the blackness in her heart. I would do anything to give you back what she stole, Raeila. I don't know if you could ever believe that to be true, but it is the truth."

"Then give it back to me," she urged desperately. "Dani, give it back to me! Give me my baby!"

"If there is anything I can do to do so," Dani whispered, "I will. I hope you understand how sorry I am for all that she has caused, everything she has done to hurt you. The pain I feel inside, I don't know if it will ever go away. But, I will do everything I can to set right the wrongs that we caused."

Raeila narrowed her eyes incomprehensibly at Dani, and whispered, "Then what are you doing here?" The delicate thread of sanity she'd been maintaining unravelled completely; Raeila flew at Dani with a stinging blow to her cheek, shrieking, "Why aren't you there stopping Nieme?! Why aren't you doing it now, Dani!?"

Before Raeila could land another blow, Dani caught her wrist. She was calm when she turned her gaze to Rae's eyes. "I will be going," she said softly, "but I had to come here to speak with Pack and Yannick to fulfill what I had begun. I have also just come from one of the outlying villages; I can see Nieme's hand in that as well. I will stop her, Raeila, as soon as I leave here."

"Just...just tell me," Raeila whispered sorrowfully. Tears drowned her gray eyes, washing away any sign of her resentment and fury. "Dani...did you really mean it when you said you loved me? Was it the truth? Have you really been my friend all this time?"

Dani stepped close to Raeila and brushed her lips against Rae's. "Yes," she whispered. "I have loved you from the time when you were my mistress, and I will love you for all my life, especially now when your heart is so gentle and unviolent. I promise you that, Raeila."

Sighing, Raeila closed her eyes to savour Dani's intimate proximity, and the sweet taste of her breath. Pressing her forehead to Dani's, Raeila murmured, "You were my first best friend, Dani. Please...stay here for a while. I want to help. Don't-- Don't go away just yet."

"For you, of course," Dani said. "I will stay for a little while longer, for as long as you need me to stay."

As Raeila and Dani nuzzled, Yannick cleared his throat gently behind Kael and whispered, "Um...Selrid? I thought your wife wasn't available for entertaining others?"

Kael chuckled. "She's not," he said. "Unless she chooses. Before all the trouble, she and Dani were good friends. It looks like they're good friends again."

Yannick pouted comically and muttered, "I wish Rae could be my good friend too...."

Kael laughed. "I'm sure you'll survive," he said. "You've always had a way about you."

"Eh." Yannick shrugged and clapped Kael on the shoulder. "I'm not worried. Though, you should be with the way they're looking at one another."

"If I had any worries about Raeila's feelings for me, I would," Kael said. "But, I know that whatever her feelings for Dani, or her own brother, the depth of her feelings for me have not changed."

Yannick snorted. "Arrogant bastard, aren't we?" Chuckling, he said wistfully, "Just like old times."

"You're just jealous," Kael said with a laugh. "Come on, I'll buy you a drink, and we should give them a little privacy." He glanced back to Dani and Raeila, sensing only the love they felt for each other. There was hope in the feeling, and a promise of something better to come. He only hoped it proved to be, because he did not want to see his beloved's heart broken yet another time.

Dani was aware of Kael and Yannick moving away, and silently thanked them for the privacy. She brushed her lips against Raeila's forehead. Being here, with Raeila and the others, was a balm to the violence and darkness waiting for her in the palace. She couldn't thank Rae enough for the purity of her emotions, and the forgiveness for past crimes. While she had always subtly tried to work against Nieme's violence, she could not stop all of it. Perhaps now, she could. "I hadn't expected to find you here," she finally whispered, "but I can't express how glad I am that you are. You...being here, with you, you make me feel like a good person again...your emotions, they're...they're so beautiful, Raeila."

"It's been hard," Raeila admitted. "I've been a mess for a very long time, Dani. Ever since all these horrible things started." Sighing, Raeila pressed her cheek to Dani's and held her friend close. "I'm glad I could bring some happy emotions forth for you. I'm just...I'm glad you're here and not evil anymore." She giggled and pulled back to grin at Dani. "You'll come home with me and Kael, won't you? We've got plenty of room!"

"I can stay here with you for the night," Dani said with a smile, "but in the morning, I'll need to return to Arcadia. I need to start undoing some of the evil things Nieme and I have done. And, I need to start with turning the planet back over to the people who belong there. But, when I am done with that, I'll come back here with you. You do have a bath in your home, don't you? I could really use one."

"We do," Raeila answered slowly and with a suggestive smile. "Would you like me to show it to you?"

"I think I would like that very much," Dani said with a grin.

Laughing excitedly, Rae kissed Dani's cheek then backed away hurriedly. "Just let me tell Kael and I'll be right back! Please don't even think about going anywhere, Dani."

"I won't move a centimeter," Dani said with a grin and a wave for Raeila.

She vanished into the main room, where all the revellers had migrated to following Dani's arrival. They had quickly resumed enjoying themselves and seemed unconcerned that a former Dark Jedi was still standing in their receiving room. Raeila found Kael at the edge of the thick crowd, waved at him vigourously high above everyone's head and rushed forward. They managed to clear a path for her as she scurried and when she was near, Raeila laughed and threw herself into Kael's arms. "She's back, Kael! Isn't it great?"

Kael laughed along with Rae and held her close. "It is," he said. "It's probably some of the best news we've had in a long while, isn't it? It's wonderful news, even more wonderful because of that very big smile you're wearing."

"Well, that smile's there because Dani's agreed to come home with us," Raeila told him. "We're going there now - she's aching for a bath." Her eyelashes batted attractively at him. "Do you mind if we go?"

"After spending time out in the desert, I believe it," he said with a laugh. "I don't mind. I'll be along with Ferrig and Tala later, unless you plan on coming back here." He gave her a kiss.

"I promised--" She chuckled as their lips met again greedily. Raeila tore hers free with a laughing squeal. "I promised she could bathe, Kael. I should go with her."

"I'll see you soon then," Kael said with a laugh. "Go on. And, make sure she uses a lot of soap."

"I will," she promised. "And I'll make sure she doesn't miss a spot either." Smiling hesitantly, she asked, "Would you mind if...maybe...if I helped her reach the tough spots, Kael? I promise not to touch more than that but...I do really miss her."

"Go ahead, my love," Kael said and gave her a tender kiss. "As long as I know it's happening, I'm okay with it; just like with you and Ferrig. Just make sure you don't tire yourself out too much, we still have to try to make a baby later."

"Maybe two," Raeila whispered ardently. "I'll always have energy for that, Kael." And with a final, delicate kiss, she slipped from his arms and sauntered back into the crowd. The last glimpse was of Raeila smiling adoringly at her husband before she passed from sight.

"Well," Yannick quipped from Kael's right, "if she won't dance with you, I will." He was grinning. "Unless I'm not your type."

"Just make sure you don't step on my feet, you clumsy oaf," Kael said with a laugh.

Movement from the appointed dance floor caught Yannick's eye. "On second thought..." he murmured distractedly, head weaving around Kael's to keep track of what had summoned his interest. When Kael turned to look, Ferrig and Talara were moving off to the side. Yannick chuckled in delight and waggled an eyebrow at Kael. "Sorry. Found another partner. She's young, but she can certainly move." Nodding to Kael, Yannick scrambled to catch Talara before another beat him to it.

Kael chuckled to himself as he watched Yannick asking Talara for a dance. Ferrig chuckled and nodded, then moved to grab a drink as Yannick and Talara headed out onto the dance floor, bodies already moving to the music. Kael sighed, a feeling of contentment descending on him as he could feel events around him settling into a rightness. When so much had gone wrong lately, it was very nice to have things going right for a change.

---

"Heeding the Desert's Call, Part 3"
By: Raeila Selrid
Dani

Location: Thanatos
Date: Vadris 22, 4 ABY

***

"So," Raeila said, heaving a contented sigh, "this is the place." She turned back towards Dani, who was following her into the small home. Her smile was hesitant and expectant. "Do you like?"

"It's very nice," Dani said with a smile as she set her pack beside the door. "It looks like it'd be a very nice place to live." She closed her eyes for a moment, then grinned. "It has a nice, homey feeling." She opened her eyes again. "I like it very much."

Raeila snickered and took Dani's hand to give her a guided tour of the home. "We've only just moved in, but we plan to stay here for a long while. We...we want this to be our child's first home. I just-- I wish we could make that happen very soon."

"Anything I can to help," Dani said with a serene smile, "I will. It's a beautiful home, Raeila. I think you'll be very happy here. I just hope, when this is all over, I...I can have a nice home. There are a lot of people who don't like me."

"But there are still some who do," she reminded Dani warmly and squeezed her hand. "Now, come on. The bath is upstairs."

Dani grinned and followed Raeila up the stairs. "I'm so very lucky to have you as a friend," she said. "And, I'm so glad I hadn't messed everything up for us." Her grin widened further when she stepped into the doorway of the refresher. She moved over to the bath. "It's perfect. I think I will really like being able to come in and soaking in here. When...when I stay here, where will I be sleeping? I thought I saw a couch downstairs."

"Yeah..." Raeila muttered pensively. "That's not a really good place to sleep, is it? Especially since you've been stuck in the desert for so very long." Throwing up her arms, Raeila sighed and told her, "Well...I guess you'll just have to take mine and Kael's bed!" She shot Dani a playful wink. "Though, Kael and I aren't included. I hope that's not a problem."

"Oh, I don't want to put the two of you out," Dani said. "If there is room for me, I could sleep on the edge. I will try my very best to behave myself. Otherwise, I will just sleep down on the couch." She reached in to turn on the water in the bath. Once satisfied of the temperature, she began to remove her clothes. "I don't know if Kael would be alright with that, but I will not push the two of you out of your own bed."

Raeila giggled as she helped Dani loosen her belt. "Don't worry. Kael and I aren't modest. We can find just about anywhere to make love. You need the rest, Dani. You look so tired." Sobering, Raeila gazed into her friend's violet eyes and asked, "What-- What happened out there, Dani? Whatever you saw, it must've been horrible to change you so."

"Being away from the darkness, and out there...the world, even in the desert, is filled with life. It was a realization that everything I'd been doing was against how life is supposed to be. And, when I saw that village...it was too much. I couldn't be that way any longer, not even as trying to be a balance against Nieme. What I saw in the desert, it wasn't horrible, Rae, it was beautiful beyond imagining. And, then when I saw...there was so much destruction, when I saw, I knew I couldn't go back to what I was."

"It was...it was the same way with me," Raeila told her sadly as she idly played with the tails of Dani's belt. "I was horrible to you and Nieme.... I feel so responsible for how she is now. In some ways" --her voice grew strangled and tears beaded on her eyelashes-- "I deserve what she's done to me. I should be punished for doing those things to her. I shouldn't be able to have a baby. It's...it's my penance."

Dani leaned in and gave her a soft kiss. "Don't think like that, my love," she whispered. "While what you may have done was bad, that doesn't justify what was done to you. You deserve to have a baby with Kael and to be happy. You are not the woman you were when I met you, but you have grown beyond that. You are now a wonderful, beautiful person, someone I am content to give my heart to. If I have anything to say about it, you will become very pregnant with Kael's child. And, if you think you must be punished for what you did to us, then perhaps that can be in helping me to try to save Nieme's soul before it is gone for good. But, you most certainly do not deserve to remain childless. I'd give you a baby myself if I had the equipment for it."

Raeila laughed tearfully and embraced Dani. "I'll help you save Nieme, Dani. Anything for you. You've always been such a good friend." Pulling back, Raeila kissed her cheek, then grinned. "But before we do anything...don't you want to try out that bathtub?"

"Very much," Dani said with a grin as she slid her pants down her legs, then turned her attention to getting her shirt off. "It's going to be so wonderful. It feels like I haven't enjoyed this kind of luxury in forever."

"Me neither," Raeila giggled, and impulsively began undoing her own clothing. "Too bad there aren't any bubbles. We can pick some up in the market tomorrow if you like."

"I really like that idea," Dani said with an impish grin. "Joining me? This tub looks quite big, doesn't it? I think we can both fit perfectly."

"I think so too...." Quickly divesting herself of all she wore, Raeila snickered and hopped into the tub, sending up a splash of warm water towards Dani. "Come on! Let's get that purple flesh back to its brightest!"

Dani couldn't help the joyful laugh that came from her as she stripped off what remained of her clothing and joined Rae in the tub, sending up another splash of water. The refresher would need drying later, that was certain. "Oh," Dani purred, "right now, this feels better than sex."

Raeila grinned and wrapped both arms and legs around Dani as her friend reclined against her torso. She sighed comfortably and kissed Dani's wet shoulder. "You know," Raeila murmured, "you're the first girl I've had as a friend, Dani. In fact...you're really the first friend I've ever had."

"I'm very happy to be," Dani said with a smile as she studied the contrast between hers and Raeila's skin. "When I first met you, I was very scared. But, I think I was able to feel the love inside you, and that made me love you even more. You are the first person I've ever known I would have done anything to make happy, and not because of any punishment for not doing so. I truly wanted to make you happy, and love me."

"Really?" Raeila whispered. She laced her fingers with Dani's and raised their joined hands to study them. "Dani...is that because of what happened?" Her voice was soft and trembling, either with fear or sorrow. "Do you only feel that way because of what I did to you? I-I enslaved you, Dani. I subjugated you, I forced you to love me. Could there not be a little of the same now in what you feel for me?"

"It is impossible for you to make me feel anything I do not wish to feel," Dani said. "I love you because I do. I am empathic as well as sensitive to the Force. I believe it is those things that draw me to people. Within you, there was someone who did want to love and be loved, and that purity of emotion is what kindled my feelings for you. I love you, Raeila, because even at your worst, you shine brighter than the brightest star."

Dani's flattery triggered a large smile, but Raeila quashed it to ask Dani gently, "Is...is that why you love Nieme? You see the good in her that we can't?"

"I fell in love with her before she turned to evil," Dani said sadly. "I can't turn off the feelings I feel for her, and I hope that she can be brought back to the light. There are times when she is...is less vicious, and it's almost like it was before. Most times, lately, she has been in foul moods, and the darkness is almost unbearable. I love her because I hope that my Nieme is still in there somewhere, under the paranoia and anger and hate. I hope I can find her again, to help her find her way back out."

"I wish I could help you with that." She smoothed Dani's hair back and kissed her cheek consolingly. "I will help...if I'm able. It's partly my fault she's like this. I should do something to fix things."

"Thank you," Dani whispered. "Knowing that you're here and will help me, it means very much to me, Raeila. I know this won't be easy, but we'll get through it. See, that's why I love you so. You have a beautiful heart." She tilted her head back onto Rae's shoulder. "Kael wouldn't mind if we did this more often, would he? I like being here with you."

"Not as long as he gets some time for himself." Giggling, Raeila added, "Though with which one of us...you'll have to find out for yourself. Maybe you should share our bed after all!"

Dani giggled. "I'm not certain how serious you are, but I can't deny that hasn't been something that's passed through my mind. I'd never wish to try to steal Kael from you, but he is quite dreamy."

Dragging one finger over Dani's arm, Raeila drawled lazily, "Then join us and see just how serious I am...."

"Yes," Dani breathed. "Now we just have to hope that Kael approves." She shifted to the side, giving a sultry pose for Raeila. "Do you think he'll go for it?" She laughed again, and leaned back against Raeila. "Yes, we definitely need bubbles here."

"Nah," Raeila decided playfully. "Bubbles would only cover what I don't want covered." And to elaborate, she slid her hands up from Dani's waist to cup her purple friend's breasts. She chuckled huskily and brushed her lips against Dani's ear. "I prefer you just like this after all...."

Dani purred as she slipped a hand behind her back to begin caressing Raeila. "I hope Kael won't be upset we started without him," she said. Raeila's touch was blissful, and she knew exactly where to touch to bring out moans. Dani turned enough to be able to kiss Rae with all the passion building within her. She had most definitely not expected this as she was coming out of the desert, but had she known, she would have run the entire way. She slipped her hand further down, earning a delicious moan from her lover. "Oh bliss," she murmured.

"Just not too much," Raeila teased. "Kael will be so very disappointed. Though," she added, lowering her lips to Dani's chest, "we could always surprise him in bed...."

"I imagine that will be a very big surprise for him," Dani said with a wide grin. "I can't wait to see the look on his face when we greet him."

"Well...he'll be a while longer, so...." Raeila straddled Dani's lap and smiled down at her friend as she whispered, "Let's finish up here and I'm sure we'll find our way there eventually." Her lips sought out Dani's again, murmuring, "Eventually...."

"Eventually," Dani echoed as they kissed deeply, turning all of their attentions on each other. For the first time in a long time, Dani felt perfectly at peace and filled with joy. It was a wonderful feeling.

---

"Cravings, Part 1"
By: Keeve Shivral
Kimara
Maeren Shivral
Kaysa Zenarr
Cadwin Tarrel

Location: Various - New Plouton
Date: Vadris 22, 4 ABY

***

"We'll send Courier One to Riga, then have him drop off that shipment of Joba root to Yavin on his way back to meet both deadli--" A yawn swallowed the rest of his words and Keeve Shivral stretched back both arms as he reclined in the leather chair with both feet atop Kaysa's old desk.

Kim was seated across from him, transcribing his every word onto a datapad, but now watching him struggle to fend off sleep. He had been doing so for the last hour. They had a full schedule of shipments for the next day, and had spent the entire morning, afternoon, and evening planning routes, assigning couriers, and basically doing everything his vagrant mother should have been doing. And Keeve was exhausted.

When his yawn had ended Keeve sighed and smiled at Kim sleepily. "How much more do we have? Almost there?"

"I can actually see the end of the list now," Kim said with a smile. "We're almost there, and then you can get some of that sleep you need. Did you want me to get you some of that tea? It might help you stay awake until we finish."

"No, it's okay," he murmured and slid his feet off the desk to rise. Upright, Keeve took the opportunity to stretch his back properly and work the feeling back into his legs. He looked over his shoulder at Kim while he did. "You know I could do this myself, Kim. You didn't have to stay late with me."

"Yes, I know that," Kim said. "But, if you don't want me here, I'll go. Otherwise, I like spending the time with you. Besides, with as crazy as things are now, I think I'd prefer to wait and go home with you."

"I never said I didn't want you here," Keeve replied defensively. He turned to frown at Kim and plant his hands firmly on his hips. "Why do you always misinterpret what I say in the worst possible way? What is it with you?"

Kim giggled and moved closer to him. "I just wanted to make sure that if I was going it was going to be because you wanted me gone. If you don't want me to leave, then it's silly for you even to suggest it."

Keeve smiled crookedly and reached out to take Kim's hand as she neared. "Very silly," he echoed playfully. Walking both hands up her arm, Keeve inched her closer and closer, laughing softly all the while at Kim's attempt to stifle her giggles, until he finally had her in his arms. As she rested her chin upon his chest and gazed up at Keeve, he bowed his head to place a tender kiss upon Kim's brow. "Thanks for staying. I would go home sooner...but Maeren's been acting weird lately. She won't...well...she's been very" --he cringed at the very thought of having to constantly sate her appetite-- "feisty, and I just can't keep up."

Kim frowned. "I've noticed she's seemed very anxious lately," she said. "What do you suppose it is? Something Dargus Kandran did?"

Keeve visibly tensed, his jaw clenching and hold on Kim tightening. "I don't know what it is. And I don't know what to do, either. If I make her see someone.... What if she freaks out, Kim? It'll make things worse."

"Something has to be done," Kim whispered. "And, if she freaks out, we'll be there to help her. If something's wrong, it has to be looked into."

Sighing heavily, Keeve pulled away and turned his back on Kim. He braced the wall with one hand while staring through the office's tiny window. Snow was falling again; Keeve wondered if that was why he felt so cold. "Kim," he told her quietly, "I don't know how much more of all this I can take. One day things are fine, the next they're not...and I don't know how to help her. I feel...useless."

"Most men would feel overjoyed at the thought of having an overly feisty and frisky wife," Kim said as she wrapped her arms around him. "I guess just take it as best you can, and know that I'm here with you. I think someone should examine Maeren though. If it's something that can be corrected, maybe they can make her alright again."

Keeve snorted wryly. "But I'm guessing you don't think there's anything wrong with her sex drive, right?"

"Maybe there is," Kim said with a shrug. "I'm still alive and I haven't had sex in months, so...maybe there's something wrong. Still, I think most men would be beside themselves with a nymphomaniac as a wife."

"Well, I'm not most men," Keeve told her gruffly. "And Maeren's not most women. This isn't normal, Kim!" Grumbling and muttering expletives under his breath, Keeve marched past Kim to his chair and snatched up his jacket. "You finish up those schedules. I've gotta go and see Maeren. I need to figure this out, and now!"

Kim sighed. "Sure," she said. "I'll see you later then. Will you be coming back to pick me up to go home, or should I find my own way home?"

"Yeah, okay," he answered distractedly while throwing on his coat. Then he rushed off for the door with a hasty goodbye.

Kim sighed as the door closed. "Don't worry, Keeve," she said, despite his absence, "I'll figure it out myself." And, with that, she turned back to the schedules, hoping Keeve would be alright with what she decided. He did have a way of getting very particular about things.

As she started in on work again, seated in the chair Keeve had been occupying, the office's front door chimed, signalling someone's entry. When Kim glanced up in surprise, Keeve was standing in the doorway, smiling apologetically. "Um...you want to come with me?" he asked.

Kim grinned and sprang out of the chair, grabbing her coat as she bounded to his side. "You bet I do. We can finish the rest of this up later tonight or tomorrow morning."

Chuckling, Keeve stepped aside for Kim, then slipped his arm around her waist as they walked out side-by-side. If anyone could help him figure out a solution to Shiv's problem, Kim could. She was, after all, the real Maeren Shivral - who better to get into her double's head and discover what's wrong? Sighing to himself, Keeve hoped that was so.

***

Maeren Shivral stood in front of the mirror, her entire body trembling. She couldn't see anything wrong, but there had to be something. She thought briefly about calling Keeve, but knew he was busy. She felt like her entire body was on fire, her entire being ready to burst. At the moment, she had no clothes on because when she had been wearing them, it was even worse. She couldn't remember ever feeling like this in her life. The pain was nearly excruciating, but all she had to do to quench it was to touch herself.

Something was wrong. It had to be something Dargus did. Something had been done when she was... No, she told herself. Don't think that way. But, he had to have done something, and now it was terrible. She had extreme difficulty in looking at any phallic shaped object in the apartment and then overcoming the desire to use it to pleasure herself. She was strong. She could fight this.

Of course, earlier attempts at fighting it had ended in self-induced orgasms that left her sated for a brief period. And, now it was back again. She needed satisfaction. She had to do something. As her hand once again crept down between her legs, tears slipped down Shiv's cheeks. But, the terrible ache was subsiding now.

"Oh gods," she sobbed, "what's wrong with me?"

Hope, who was sitting on the floor behind her, only watched, occasionally letting out a questioning meow.

"Keeve will be so mad with me, Hope," she said to the reisakitten. "I've been...well, I haven't...it's been like this for a little while. But...but not this bad. I wish you could talk back. I could...I could...no I can't call Keeve. He'll just be mad. I'll get through this."

Thirty minutes later, Maeren Shivral was standing by the door out of the apartment. Hope's food dish was full and she was content napping on top of the comm unit. Shiv had dressed. She had to get out, go do something. Anything, any activity that could take her mind off...off being hornier than she could ever remember in her life. Finally, she turned and pulled the door open and fled the apartment. Once it was locked, she took the stairs down, and started out.

Shiv had no idea where she was going, just that she needed to go. Walking was better. Walking made the feelings seem a little more dull. She could do this for awhile, and maybe it would all go away. She couldn't pinpoint when it had started happening, but she knew she hadn't felt this way until the day after they'd gone to the show. She couldn't think of anything she'd done to cause it, but all she cared now was that it was happening and she needed it to stop.

Before she realized it, Shiv was standing in front of a very familiar looking building. It took a moment to realize it was a club that she and Kaysa and Cadwin had gone to. She stopped and looked around. She could hear Keeve's admonishing in her mind. She knew he'd be angry, but she had to figure out what was gone. A part of her told her to just go to Zenarr and let Keeve help her with her problem. But, she knew she couldn't. Not while he was working, not when they'd just made love this morning.

She squeezed the tears from her eyes and pushed the door open and entered. The music hit her as she passed the bouncer at the door. She reached the end of the hallway that fed into the club, and she could see the dancers out on the floor. The place was crowded, even at this hour of the day. She took hesitant steps forward, looking around for a familiar face. She was drawn toward the bar, so she let her feet carry her. She didn't know what she wanted to drink, though almost immediately Steaming Passion seemed to be whispered into her mind.

The tender behind the bar was watching her as she watched him. She swallowed and ordered the drink that her body seemed to crave. With a nod, he moved off to prepare it. Shiv slumped against the bar, unsure of where she was headed. Wherever it was, she knew Keeve would be angry. But, if I stayed at home, she told herself, I would have gone mad. She bit her lip, but quickly straightened when she thought she heard her name being called. Hesitantly, she turned to look around. Eyes peered through the shadows, watching her, feasting on her body from afar and only intensifying Shiv's ache. Strangers surrounded her and temptation abounded, until she passed her gaze over two pairs of familiar eyes - beacons of hope and respite from her physical anguish. One pair was hungry and eager, while the other was rueful with the faintest glimmer of joy. Then, they narrowed slightly as their female owner smiled at Shiv, and soundlessly she mouthed her name.

"Kaysa," Shiv whispered as she stared back. Her own expression was a mixture of fear and lust. Finally, whatever was driving her body won out, and she began her approach. The harsh call from behind her stopped her after a step. As she turned, the bartender was there with her drink. She handed him a few credits and he grunted in reply. Now, with drink in hand, she turned back and moved through the crowd to Kaysa's table. Along the way, bodies surrounded her, and many pressed in, touching. Some of the touches were deliberate, some not. It only managed to fuel the feelings within, and the ache between her legs intensified. She bit her lips as a pair of hands fluttered across her backside, and someone's hand managed to caress one of her breasts. She managed a whimper and sped her pace, until finally she was standing beside Kaysa and Cadwin's table.

"I...I didn't expect to see you here," Shiv managed. "I...I needed a drink."

Kaysa studied Shiv's flushed cheeks and dazed eyes with mild amusement. "It looks like you need more than that, my star," she purred and extended a hand to her former lover. "Will you sit? We can talk, Shiv. I want to talk."

Shiv let Kaysa take her hand and allowed herself to be led into the offered seat. "Sure," she said. "I...I've missed you, Kaysa. How have you been?"

She smiled tenderly and kissed Shiv's lips softly. "I'm better now that you're here," Kaysa whispered, her warm, sweet breath falling against Shiv's mouth. "You shouldn't leave me like that again, Maeren. Why would you do that?"

"It...it made Keeve so mad," Shiv whispered as she longed for another kiss. "I...he would have left me, especially since...since...oh Kaysa, everything was going so wrong. And, now...I...I can barely think straight."

"That's because," she sang, while one hand smoothed over Shiv's thigh, "Keeve can't give you what you need. Only we can, Shiv. Why are you denying us?"

"Keeve's my husband," Shiv whispered. "If...if anything...he'd be so angry with me." She let her head fall back as her hand covered Kaysa's, savouring the touch. "Oh gods."

"Why should he be angry?" Kaysa asked her soothingly. "If he loves you, he should understand your desires, your needs." Her lips trailed kisses over Shiv's chin and down her throat, while her hand moved, instead, up her thigh. "Maeren...I've missed you," Kaysa breathed. "Haven't you missed me?"

"Yes," Shiv rasped. "I have...so much... He...he wants to be the one to...see to my needs. He doesn't...doesn't think others should. He thinks he should be enough for me."

Looking up at her from beneath long, dark lashes, Kaysa asked, "And...is he?"

"When we're together," Shiv whispered. "But...it's like he has a quota for each day, and...and if I need more, and he doesn't..."

"Then" --Kaysa raised her lips again to Shiv's and murmured against them-- "you can come to us, Shiv. Just as you have now."

"Keeve...he'll be very mad," she whispered. "We...we'd have to keep it...secret."

Chuckling throatily, Kaysa assured her, "He'll never find out. I promise, my star."

Shiv leaned close to Kaysa and kissed her. "I've been on fire all day," she whispered as her hand slipped down into her crotch. "It's been insane. It's driving me insane."

"Then," Kaysa purred, removing Shiv's hand and holding it tightly, "let us help." Smiling alluringly, Kaysa rose, drawing Shiv up with her. They stood pressed against one another; Kaysa laughed thickly as Shiv's hips rolled against hers. "That's my girl," she whispered. "Why don't we go somewhere more private?"

Shiv looked over at Cadwin, then back to Kaysa. "Yes," she whispered. The feel of Kaysa's body against hers was almost too much.

"Lucky for us," Cadwin said with a smile, "I've got a room reserved already."

Kaysa made a low sound of approval and raised both eyebrows at Shiv. "How convenient, hm?" She kissed Shiv's brow, then stepped back and began leading Shiv from the table. Ensuring Shiv didn't lose her nerve, Kaysa maintained eye contact as they walked, and kept smiling to reassure her girl. "You'll see, Shiv," Kaysa told her, "it'll be great. You'll see."

"I believe you," Shiv said with a lustful smile. She grinned as she glanced at Cadwin. "I don't think he can wait either."

Cadwin glanced down at the bulge in the front of his pants and winked at Kaysa. "I've been waiting for this since the last time you ran out on us, my dear. Of course, I can't wait."

Kaysa giggled. "See? We need you, Shiv. Why would you want to reject the two people who desire you most?"

Shiv only nodded. "I can't deny it anymore," she whispered. "And, I need it. I need it so bad."

"Then you'll get it," Kaysa promised. She kept Shiv close as they wended their way through the crowd of gyrating and swaying bodies. Glancing aside at Cadwin, they shared impish smiles, knowing they could finally finish what they had begun some nights ago. It always was so satisfying watching Shiv reach her climax. They had missed out on that because of the seeds Keeve had planted in her mind. Not this time.

They reached a door, and Cadwin quickly used a keycard to open it. As he pushed the door open, he let Kaysa and Shiv go before him, enjoying the view they offered as they went inside. Finally, he entered as well, closing the door behind him. He came up behind Shiv and brought his hands around to cup her breasts, earning a moan from her. He moaned as he felt Shiv's hand snake around her back to begin massaging him through his pants. "Oh, I definitely think this time will be much more fulfilling than our last time here."

"Oh, definitely," Kaysa cooed as she sauntered towards Shiv. Her skirt dropped to her ankles with one deft tug on its fastenings, and in another motion she tossed aside her shirt to stand naked before Shiv. A delirious smile touched her star's lips just at the sight; Cadwin had to support Shiv her legs melted away beneath the girl when Kaysa finally laid hands upon her. Kissing her throat sensually, Kaysa stimulated all those sensitive areas she knew made Shiv absolutely vulnerable. As she did, Shiv cried out gutturally and collapsed back against Cadwin. Kaysa grinned. "Will you be more comfortable on the bed, you think?" she whispered.

"Yes," Shiv managed to rasp as Cadwin found a sensitive spot.

Cadwin lifted Shiv into his arms and carried her to the bed, where he lay her down. Shiv's hands went immediately to Cadwin's pants where she quickly unfastened them, and then quickly took Cadwin into her mouth.

"Oh wow," Cadwin moaned. "I think she's definitely here of her own will this time."

Kaysa, just as surprised, answered, "I really think so too..." Not wanting to squander an opportunity that might quickly pass, Kaysa crawled up alongside Shiv upon the bed, sliding her hands over thigh or stomach or breast. No matter where she touched, Shiv reacted with a moan and a shuddering jerk. "That's my girl," Kaysa whispered into her ear while Cadwin continued thrusting into her mouth. She kissed her girl's cheek and stroked her golden hair soothingly. "Here...let me help you out of your clothes, my love. Then" --Kaysa nibbled gently at Shiv's earlobe and grinned-- "we can really get started, hm?"

Shiv needed very little more encouragement than that to get out of her clothes. With Kaysa's help, her clothing disappeared onto the floor. With her completely naked now, Cadwin reached down between Shiv's legs and pulled his hand away with a chuckle. "I think she's ready already," he said, showing Kaysa his sopping fingers.

"Then let's not waste another minute," Kaysa advised conspiratorially, and as Cadwin heeded and plunged himself into Shiv, Kaysa flattened her torso across Shiv's to weigh her down. And as Shiv arched beneath Kaysa and squealed with ecstasy, Kaysa covered her star's gaping mouth with her own lips; Shiv accepted the kiss greedily, making Kaysa breathlessly hard-pressed to keep up with her. But it was a sign of her desire and yearning, and Kaysa was more than happy to oblige, especially if it meant her star was back. And there, she would keep her by any means necessary.

The last time Maeren had been in the same situation, her thoughts had been on running. However, this time, where she had desired fleeing to safety, now she could only think of the pleasure she was receiving from both Kaysa and Cadwin. As she felt Cadwin filling her, instead of pulling away, she could only try to pull him closer. Her cries rang out in the room as the pleasure she sought was given to her. Whatever reservations she'd had before were washed away as her lovers quenched her body's every need.

---

"Cravings, Part 2"
By: Keeve Shivral
Kimara
Moril Astren
Hope - Family Pet

Location: Various - New Plouton
Date: Vadris 22, 4 ABY

***

"Maeren?" Keeve's call went unanswered in the dark apartment. As Kim closed the door behind them, Keeve activated the lights and surveyed their quiet home. A trilling meow drew his eyes down to the fluffy kitten sitting at his feet. He smiled wanly and reached down to pick Hope up, though she squirmed out of his hold and climbed onto his shoulder to leap into Kim's arms.

"Hello, little girl," Kim said as Hope sniffed at her then turned her gaze over to Keeve. With another meow, she turned her head back to rub against Kim's chin. "Maybe she's upstairs sleeping."

"Maybe," he answered dubiously and disappeared to the second floor as Kim tended to Hope's craving for affection. The two girls were startled by an angry shout that echoed from the top floor; Hope hissed as Keeve came thundering down the staircase in a rage. "She's gone!" he shouted. "What the hells was she thinking!?"

"Maybe she went over to see Saris and Moril," Kim said as she hurried to the stairs. "I'm going to look to see if she left a note."

"A note?" Keeve chuckled harshly as he paced furiously across the living area. "Why in the world would she leave a note? That would be the courteous thing to do; why expect her to do the courteous thing!?"

"I don't know, Keeve," Kim snapped back. "But I'd rather look and find that she didn't, than just assume she didn't and there be one waiting upstairs."

Keeve halted abruptly and whirled on Kim, hollering, "There's nothing there, Kim! There's nothing and no one, dammit!"

"You go call Moril," Kim called back with a slight hint of irritation in her voice, "I'm going to look upstairs." And with that, she disappeared up the stairs.

Scoffing at Kim's optimistic attitude, Keeve did as she suggested with much grumbling and pouting. Slumping onto the couch, he punched in Moril's comm frequency and started at the shrieking giggle that greeted him from the other end. "Moril?" He growled and tapped the receiver with his finger to summon his attention. "Moril!"

"Sorry about that," came a voice from the other side of the comm. "Saris, keep her quiet for a sec...if you can. Keeve? Is that you?"

"Yes it's me," he hissed. "Is Maeren there with you? She's gone!"

"Gone? Oh no. No, it's just me, Saris and Aria here. Zale was here a little bit ago, but I haven't seen or heard from Maeren."

Keeve pressed his thumb and forefinger into his closed eyelids and only succeeded in mildly relieving the strain. She was gone. And although he had no idea where, he suspected he knew why she'd gone. "Okay, Moril," he sighed, "thanks. Kim and I will keep looking. If you hear from her...."

"I'll contact you right away," Moril answered. "Keep me posted, and if you need any help, Antorial has resources that will make the search quicker."

"Right now, Moril," Keeve admitted gravely, "I'm not sure if I want to find her, not and discover what she's been doing."

"I understand," Moril said. "Good luck, Keeve. And, if you need anything, don't hesitate to let me know."

"Thanks," he muttered and closed the connection. Kim's approach went unnoticed until she was standing directly behind him. Keeve kept his eyes tightly closed against the emotions churning within as he asked, "Nothing? I told you there wouldn't be, Kim."

Kim set Hope down and the kitten padded over to her food dish. "Actually, there was something. While it's not a conventional note, it is something. You know how she mentioned how feisty she was?"

Keeve shifted around, answering, "Yes...I remember clearly. Why--" His eyes grew large at the metallic object dangling from Kim's fingers. At a loss for words, he questioned her with a shake of his head.

"It's Shiv's," she said. "Women use these when there aren't men around. It's used to stimulate the-- Well, it's Shiv's and she was using it. Based on what you said...I don't think it was enough."

"So, what?" he asked between clenched teeth. "Are you suggesting my wife's run off to have sex with strangers because I couldn't satisfy her?" His eyes boiled with rising anger that now bordered on explosive rage. The glistening, phallic device glinted at him, mocking his inadequacy, his inability to please his own wife. With a growl, Keeve swatted the stimulation device out of Kim's grip with a backhanded swipe and bolted from the couch. Hope spat a growling hiss and scurried under a chair.

"Why is this happening?!" he bellowed. Kim backed away as he advanced towards her, then past. "Why couldn't it be you, Kim? Why couldn't you be the one that's broken!" And with a heaving sob of frustration and defeat, Keeve dropped to his knees, shoulders shaking with silent fury and anguish as he wept silently despite every effort to rein in his emotions.

Despite his insults, Kim came up behind him and put her arms around him. "It may not be her fault, Keeve," she said. "It could be something programmed. We won't know until we find her though. We have to find her, and take her to a doctor."

"Stop making excuses for her!" Keeve hollered, unravelling Kim's arms from about his shoulders. He twisted around to her and clamped down on both shoulders with an iron grip. His cheeks were still wet and his eyes tired and red; but with the visible signs of grief, there was also pure, burning anger expressed in his contorted mouth and bared teeth. "I'm tired of running after her, Kim, and I won't do it anymore! If she thinks she can keep hurting us all like that, she's wrong! Don't you dare justify her actions, Kim," he warned her with a violent shake, "don't you dare!"

Tears filled Kim's eyes as she stared fearfully at Keeve. "I'm...I'm not trying to make excuses. I just...I thought...I want to make her better... Unless...oh gods, Keeve. I want it to be something done to her...that's doing this. Not that...not that she's choosing..."

"That she's choosing what?" he rasped, gripping Kim's arms tighter but his body sagging in despair. "What, Kim?" Keeve groaned. "That she's choosing her desires over our marriage? That I'm-- I'm not enough?" he whispered hoarsely and, all anger spent, collapsed against Kim as he wept hoarsely. His hands moved around her and clutched at the fabric over her back; his face, he buried in the curve of Kim's neck. "What did I do wrong? Why can't I control her?"

"It's not your fault, Keeve," Kim whispered as she held him close. "It's her. It's something in her, that she's doing. I don't know if we can help her, but...but I want to try. It...it may be too painful though. Oh Sweetie, we'll figure this out, I know we will somehow. And, I'm not leaving your side, not for anything. Well, except when you have to shower or use the refresher. But, other than that, I'm staying with you."

Keeve nodded against her shoulder and relaxed his strangling embrace, but maintained a gentle hold on her. He wasn't letting Kim go anywhere, not and risk losing someone else he loved. "I don't...want to go after her," he murmured, and as his lips moved they caressed Kim's pale, soft throat. "I'm not following her to only end up" --his one hand slid to the small of Kim's back, and progressed lower-- "going insane. Then I'll lose you, too," Keeve whispered. Now, the kiss that brushed Kim's neck wasn't unintentional.

"Oh Keeve," Kim murmured as she held him close. "Whatever happens, I'll help you stay sane." She turned her head slightly, enough for her to brush her lips against the side of his head. "I"m never going away. You're stuck with me."

"Good." He grinned and raised his head towards hers. His free hand came up to cradle Kim's cheek, while the other remained comfortably stroking her rear. Taking her failure to pull away from his touch as encouragement, Keeve lowered his mouth to hers and kissed Kim fervently. The heady desire filling his skull and clouding his thoughts was a testament to the strength of the love he'd always harboured for Kim, and how he'd laboured to keep it locked away. His rage and grief over Shiv's departure having weakened his shields, all the passion he felt for Kim came flooding out. Maeren be damned, he told himself, and injected the kiss with greater fervour.

Kim lost herself in the kiss, allowing herself to savour every moment of the dream coming true. She clung to Keeve with all of her will, allowing the feelings she'd had for Keeve to build into the kiss as well. Never had she thought this moment would arrive, and a part of her felt a twinge of guilt over what it would do to Maeren. But, she did not possess the willpower to pull away. When their lips finally did part, she looked up into his eyes and smiled. "Wow."

His charming, lopsided grin in place, Keeve echoed, "Wow..." and wasted no time in seeking out her plump, waiting lips once again.

Kim shifted to a more comfortable position in Keeve's embrace, but in no way pulled away. "I love you, Keeve," she murmured into the kiss.

And instead of responding in-kind, Keeve reciprocated the sentiment by filling the simple touching of lips with more love and desire than he ever thought he could express. Then, he sought to show Kim just how deeply his feelings ran, and to dispel all the anguish Maeren had caused him that night, by cupping the back of her head with his hand and laying Kim upon the floor. He followed and again hugged her close as their bodies connected.

Kim looked up at him with loving, hopeful eyes. Her hand reached up and cupped his face, then trailed down along his chest. She closed her eyes as they kissed again. She had always wondered what true bliss felt like.

"Kim," he murmured thickly, his arousal apparent in the pressure mounting against Kim's thigh. Yearning to touch all of her at once, and unable to satisfy his hunger for her, Keeve's hands roamed over Kim's body with great tenderness and exploration, along the way unfastening pieces of clothing and half-removing them.

He pulled his lips from hers long enough to smile the unspoken request to continue, then locked Kim's in a kiss again as her eyes responded emphatically. She was the Maeren he'd always wanted, and now the time was right to finally bridge the distance he'd placed between them. With Kim's shed clothing blanketed beneath her, and Keeve's in a pile beside them, the two paused in their ardent caresses to gaze upon one another.

The small, rounded breasts were so like Shiv's, as were the other curves and planes of Kim's body; those, he examined gingerly with his hands, sharing in a chuckle with Kim as she emitted a ticklish snicker at the caress of her armpit. It was the eyes, though, that distinguished Kim from Maeren. They were bright and hopeful, and so full of unconditional love that Keeve was certain she could never look upon another with any kind of hatred or malice, no matter how evil they might be. It was her eyes that finally pulled Keeve in, and as he moved his mouth to hers again, Keeve slid between her legs and gave in to his heart's innermost desire: to be one and whole with Kim. And it was a sensation so profound, Keeve had never experienced it before in his life...not even with Maeren.

Kimara had never experienced true bliss until that moment. Their union was perfect, as she'd always hoped it would be. The tenderness in Keeve's eyes, the gentle touch and care with which he held her made her love him even more. She knew that she would do anything for him, would follow him anywhere and would never leave his side. And, with a look, she knew he would never let her leave his side, even if she wanted to.

Hope had decided it was safe to crawl free of her hiding spot and settled beside Kim and Keeve. As she kneaded Keeve's strewn clothing with her paws, preparing herself a comfortable nest to sleep upon, her small, downy head quirked to the right, then the left as she curiously studied them swaying to and fro. Her ears perked at every startling cry, and she meowed in response to each prolonged moan. Purring languorously, Hope curled up on Keeve's shirt and continued watching her owners with half-lidded eyes. Humans certainly performed strange activities, her simple, drowsy brain mused before she finally fell asleep amid the sights and sounds of Kim and Keeve's love.

---

"Cravings, Part 3"
By: Keeve Shivral
Kimara
Maeren Shivral
Kaysa Zenarr
Cadwin Tarrel

Location: Various - New Plouton
Date: Vadris 22, 4 ABY

***

"Oh gods," Maeren Shivral gasped, "I really needed that. I can't remember the last time I felt this content." She took in a long, deep breath and let it out. "I feel...very good." She grinned and looked over at Kaysa and Cadwin who were both watching her expectantly. "This was very perfect, and Cadwin is everything you've ever bragged about him being."

"See?" Kaysa drawled, dragging one finger over Shiv's breast as they lay side by side. "You really should listen to me more often, my love. You need to start trusting me again."

"Oh, I will from now on," Shiv said with a languid grin. "I'm still tingling all over. Keeve makes me tingle too, but not quite like this. Oh wow. Why'd you ever let Cadwin go in the first place? Not that it matters since he's back now."

Glancing across Shiv's supine form to grin at Cadwin, she whispered, "And he's not going anywhere, either." Stimulating a giggle from Shiv as Kaysa nibbled playfully at her earlobe, she teased, "And neither are you...right?"

"Definitely not," Shiv said as she stretched. "Not as long as you two can keep me feeling like that."

"Oh, we definitely can!" Kaysa exclaimed giddily and moved her lips to suckle on Shiv's breast. She looked up at Cadwin and motioned for the spice hidden away in his pant pocket, then tossed a glance Shiv's way significantly.

Cadwin slid down the bed and rummaged through the pockets of his pants as Kaysa and Shiv moaned loudly on the bed. With expert hands, he rolled up a spice cigarra and returned to the bed with a wide grin. He lit the cigarra, taking a long puff before sliding up the bed to Shiv. He put it to her lips and she squealed with delight. "You are far too good to me," she said before puffing away at it. "Oh, rapture!"

Kaysa giggled and kissed Shiv's cheek fondly. Her star was back; she certainly taught her son not to meddle in her life or Shiv's. If only he would stay away.... As Shiv found increasing ecstasy in Cadwin's spice, Kaysa trailed her kisses down Shiv's body until her lips were buried between her star's legs. The responding moan was enough to encourage Kaysa, and as Shiv's senses dulled under the spice's effects, she worked towards fully securing her lover's loyalty and devotion. You're a spoiled child, Keeve, Kaysa thought bitterly, and this is one thing Mommy isn't going to let you have.

***

"Oh Keeve," Kimara purred softly, her hand stroking Keeve's hair as he held her close. She could hear Hope purring as contentedly as she herself felt. The bliss she'd felt when they first started making love was nothing compared to what she felt now as they lay together. "I don't think I want to move, which will be very embarrassing if Zale comes home."

"He should ring before he enters," Keeve murmured, and shifted his jacket to better cover Kim. They hadn't bothered to move upstairs into Keeve's bedroom, instead relishing the tingling, euphoric after-effects of their joining. But, laying naked in the living area was growing cold.... "Should we take a hot shower?" he asked lazily, smoothing his hand over Kim's pale shoulder.

"I think I'd like that," Kim said. "I think it's very sweet that Zale's been checking in and making sure we're okay. Even if Kaysa doesn't care, he and Merrick care a lot. They won't let Kaysa ruin the family the rest of us have." She gave him a gentle kiss. "And, now I think I really want to slather your body with soap." She stood up, not really bothering with Keeve's jacket. It was just the two of them, and she didn't mind at all that Keeve was looking at her.

Chuckling at her liberal, carefree nature, Keeve joined her in rising and quickly trapped her in an embrace. He found himself missing the sensation of her body pressing against the length of is. Picking her up clear off the ground, Keeve proceeded to convey her upstairs. "You're going to tell Saris all about this, aren't you?" he accused with an accusing grin.

"Eventually," Kim said with a grin. "You should hear some of the things she says about Moril. I'm so happy for her, Keeve. And Moril. I can't believe just how happy they are together. Yes, eventually; but for now, I think I'm going to savour my bliss and only share it with you."

"And...have you told her yet about who you really are?" Keeve queried carefully. "You know you can't keep a secret, Kim. Admit it."

Kim grinned, but there was a shadow behind the smile. "I haven't told anyone about that yet," she said. "I'm still trying to get used to the idea myself. It's...it's still hard to believe."

"Does it make you feel any different?" he asked. "Was I wrong to tell you?"

Kim laughed softly. "Well, it's just...in my head, it feels weird. Kind of like when you hold your breath too long. I mean, I'm really Maeren, not Kimara. It's fine, but it takes some getting used to. It's kind of like realizing that you and me, and we just...we're...us now, Keeve. It's a beautiful, wonderful thing and I can't even express how happy and joyful I am."

Keeve chuckled and covered her flapping mouth with his hand as they reached the top of the staircase. "Now...stop babbling, Kim. Or will I have to make you?" His lecherous wink was a direct challenge.

"Oh, that sounds like a challenge." She looked up at him with a grin. The look she was giving him sobered slightly and she slipped quickly into his embrace. "Keeve," she added softly into his chest, "what happens now?"

He sighed, understanding what concerned her. Brushing his lips against her brow, he murmured, "I'm not sure. We can't tell her, I know that much. But...we also can't be together without confessing to her. It wouldn't be...right."

Kim sighed. "So, it's back to life as usual then," she whispered.

"What do you mean?" Keeve asked impatiently, pausing before the refresher to search Kim's downcast eyes. "You think everything's going to be as it was? You think--" He sighed and told her, "You think I'm going to push you away again."

"You just said we can't tell her, and we can't be together without telling her. The math sort of adds up that we can't be together, Keeve."

"Not here," he agreed, then slid his finger beneath her chin and raised Kim's face towards his. "But," Keeve whispered close to her lips, "that doesn't mean we can't be together away from here...like at work, right?"

Kim grinned. "Alright," she said happily, then leaned in to kiss him. "As long as we can be together somewhere and sometime. And, just so you know, it's not the sex. It's just...knowing that we can openly love each other. Or at least, mostly openly."

"Then," Keeve suggested slowly, restraining a grin, "we can go out for breakfast tomorrow." He kissed the tip of her nose, then began back into the refresher as he continued playfully, "...and lunch, and dinner, then dessert, which might just include some frazzies...."

"Oh, you are quite the tempter," she said with a grin, following along as he drew closer to the shower. "I have a feeling I'm going to be very spoiled and pampered by you."

"Are you complaining?" he drawled.

"Definitely not," Kim said. "I think it all sounds perfect. Oh Keeve, this isn't how I quite dreamed it, but I can't believe it's finally happened. I love you so much."

Smirking, he boasted, "You should," and before Kim could riposte sardonically, Keeve trapped her in an all-engrossing kiss as he carried them both into the shower stall.

At a command, the warm water cascaded over their bodies. They continued to kiss as their hands found bars of soap and washing cloths, though much of the cleaning was forgotten amidst their passion. Finally, the kiss did break, and Keeve turned Kim around to wash her back. Still smiling as she savoured his soapy touch, she glanced back at him. "You know, if you want me to get rid of these piercings, I will. I know you were never happy with them."

"Not entirely," Keeve confirmed. "But...you are." Cocking an inquisitive eyebrow at her, he asked, "Aren't you? You didn't seem too upset having them put in. I still remember that day...." Keeve chuckled in reminiscence and slid one arm around Kim's soapy waist as he passed the cloth across her shoulders. His hand smoothed over Kim's slick belly and blindly he brushed his fingers over the tattoo imprinted on her hip. Keeve sighed gravely as his lips nuzzled Kim's ear. "I don't like them because they're not you, Kim," he murmured. "You're-- You're not a slave anymore. Those things are just reminders of what you were and what you had to do. That's why I don't like them."

"Sometimes, I like them," Kim said. "Saris got rid of most of hers. And...and I was thinking I should mine too, and the tattoo. If you like any of them, I could keep it for you. And, the rest, I'll get rid of the rest, and be just me."

Keeve grinned, moving his lips to her throat. "I think I like that idea. Just make sure you get rid of that tattoo on your hip. It's...a little disturbing. It matches the one on Yelara's hip. I guess you could call Dargus sentimental...but it's really just sick."

"It'll be the first to go," she whispered as she tilted her head to expose her neck more fully to him. "So, which do you think I should keep? Or...should they all go?"

"I'm not going to decide for you," he told her softly. "I...I don't want to be overbearing or domineering anymore, Kim. That's what-- It's why Maeren ran off."

"But, that's not what would happen in this case, Keeve," Kim said with a tender smile. "I'm asking you which you would like. And, if you don't like any of them, I can get rid of the whole lot. But if you like one of them, I can keep it."

"Well," he pondered, sliding his hand over the curve of her stomach, "there is one...." With a chuckle at the palpable shudder that rippled through Kim, Keeve's fingers probed the stud between Kim's thighs. "That one," he whispered into her ear, her head falling back upon his shoulder, "will do."

"Done," Kim purred. "And, only for you." She smiled at him, a slightly delirious look in her eyes from his touch. "I can use some bacta to heal the others, but would you come with me tomorrow to get rid of the tattoo?"

"Of course I'll come. We're...you know...a couple now," Keeve told her hesitantly. "We should be doing things together, shouldn't we?"

"We are a couple," Kim said with a grin. "Oh, I do really like the sound of that." She pressed her body against his and kissed him again. I didn't think I could ever be this happy, Keeve."

"And you haven't been?" he asked almost guiltily and sighed. "I didn't mean to torment you all that time, Kim. We just... The time wasn't right."

"I know, Keeve," Kim said. "And, I was always happy, but not this happy. I mean, I've dreamed of this since...since you rescued me. And, it's finally come true. You helped make my dreams come true."

"Gods," he teased, "you're just as melodramatic as Mae--" Keeve's stomach twisted again at the thought of his wife; no matter what she had done, his guilt in betraying her was still great. But, he had grown weary of suppressing his emotions for Kim, and of smothering the pleas of his own heart.

Exhaling shakily with the thought of what was to come next for them all, Keeve wrapped his arms around Kim and held her against him possessively. The hiss of the spraying water nearly muffled Keeve entirely as he whispered, "You're my dream, Kim. We're not going to be apart for even a moment - not ever again."

Kim closed her eyes as they held each other. She couldn't imagine the day being any more perfect than it had turned out. Though, in the back of her mind, she couldn't help worrying about Maeren. She'd have to deal with that when it happened though. Hopefully it would all work out. Hopefully.

---

"Opening the Toybox"
By: Empress Nieme Yaresh
Captain Tez and Various NPCs of the Tae'Karadan Liberation Front Rebel Cell Theta
Tallia Xephum - Lead Anchor of the Tae'Karadan Intergalactic NewsNet

Location: Arcadian Palace; New Plouton
Date: Vadris 22, 4 ABY

***

"Empress?"

Nieme groggily raised her vacant eyes towards the summoned clone at the foot of her dais. Sleep had become a distant dream and the voices a constant - the only companionship she now had, albeit maddening company. With Cailin gone and nowhere to be found, despite the extensive search Nieme had ordered, there was truly no one to silence the dark demons tormenting her.

Too weak to fight them for much longer, Nieme realized retreating deeper into her mind was the only solution. It helped to numb the pain, but not yet willing to surrender her hold on reality completely, the agony was still unbearable. But, there was hope yet to save her soul - a little distraction from the endless inner conflict. A shaky, twisted smile touched Nieme's lips.

"You," she rasped at her guard. She raised a trembling finger to point at him. "You will.... My toy. I-- I want you to have my toy prepared."

The clone cocked his helmeted head to one side. "My lady? What is this...toy?"

"My toy!" she shrieked, thumping the armrest of her throne with one pale fist. As spontaneously as her anger had flared, however, it reverted again to listless excitement. "My toy," Nieme reiterated in a murmur. "My Walker. It wants for a turn about the province, I think..."

With a clipped nod, the clone affirmed, "It will be done, Empress. Is there a destination in mind?"

Her deadened eyes sparked briefly, a flicker of joy warming her imprisoned soul. "Oh yes," she whispered darkly. "There's a destination. And I want it completely decimated."

Weak and lethargic, anticipation of what was to come provided Nieme enough energy to giggle erratically at the ideas fomenting in her sickened mind. The wheezing laughter invaded every corner of the grand hall like a terrible miasma, and only ended when the Empress was spent and whimpering again at the torturous voices seizing her mind. Her only solace was the belief that soon they would end, and that her toy would bring her that liberation she begged for.

***

"We can't penetrate the shielding and the secret passages have been sealed. There's no way in."

The young Rebel soldier thumped the table in frustration with his fist and shoved his free hand through lank, blond locks. Failure was wont to make anyone restive, but it was only an intensifier to the larger problems at hand. None of them had showered in days, and food was scarce, no matter how many donations from secret benefactors, for their funds were growing thin; the others gathered in the close, dank meeting room were just as agitated by hunger, and their inability to bring down the Empresses.

Illuminated by a single, flickering beacon suspended above their conference table of rickety wood, each could see reflected on the shadowed faces of their fellow rebels a maddening despair over their latest victory, for it had brought them no closer to their goal. All they had accomplished was the spread of destruction and creation of more casualties.

The cell's leader stared hard at the flimsisheet intel report buried under the desolate soldier's fist. Hidden away like rodents in dark and squalid bases, the older man could identify with their torrid emotions. Having fought for years in the Galactic Civil War on the side of the now New Republic, Captain Tez (an honourary designation given him by his cell's troops) knew how easily hope could slip away, and how good soldiers could do stupid, radical things when it did. It was his duty to ensure they didn't turn sour and run rampant on Tae'Karada - they would only wreak more havoc, and further alienate the Karadan people from their cause. They were dirty, ill-fed, wounded and many of them frightened, but Tez stepped forward, scrubbing the grizzled stubble on his right cheek, and ruminated on an inspiring speech to revive their waning passion for liberating Tae'Karada.

His determined steps faltered, and Tez staggered, but no one noticed as they too swayed with the room. The overhead light sputtered out, but managed to cling to life. As the room again was cast in dim, yellow illumination, falling debris from the ceiling caught their bewildered stares. Then, the floor beneath them quaked again violently and their ears filled with a deep rumble.

A distressed look-out sporting a large, bloody gash on his brow stumbled into the meeting quarters, and behind him was a cascade of rocks and dust from the ceiling. "We're being attacked!" he hollered frantically, and only narrowly avoided pitching forward after another jolt by clinging to the door. Regaining his balance, he added breathlessly, "It's a Walker and a swarm of repulsortanks. We're being bombarded!"

Tez marched forward and gripped the young man by his shoulders. He gave him an abrupt shake to snap the recruit back into sanity. "Who sent them?" was his calm inquiry.

"The palace," the red-haired boy answered in a feeble whisper. "That Walker... It's hers. I don't know how she found us. I just don't know...." His face was a pallid mask of defeat and sorrow as he accepted the inevitable fate approaching them all. And with another volley rocking the defenseless, fragile structure, the single beacon flicked out, bathing them all in darkness, one from which they would not return.

***

A flourish of flamboyant, hideously exuberant theme music assailed the viewers, while the holoccamera panned jarringly to the left, bringing into the frame a grinning brunette seated against a backdrop of New Plouton's cityscape. Her sparkling, gleaming white teeth and oversized hairstyle further assaulted those who were unfortunate enough to have tuned in to Tae'Karada's local newsnet, but as it was the only news station currently broadcasting free from the Empresses' censorship mandate, operating on a secured frequency the Empresses were as yet unable to disrupt, viewers flocked to catch word of the latest happenings on their planet. And it helped for some that the Tae'Karadan Intergalactic NewsNetwork's lead anchor, Tallia Xephuma, wasn't modest when it came to bearing her substantial cleavage to her audience, most of whom, incidentally, were male.

"Good evening, New Plouton!" she began, adding in a bubbly giggle. "We've just had a report from our very secret sources" --Tallia gave a very obvious furtive wink aimed at said insiders-- "that an underground base belonging to the group calling themselves the 'Tae'Karadan Liberation Front' was decimated less than an hour ago." Her grin remained firmly planted, despite the gravity of what was being reported.

"Officials and witnesses insist the attack was initiated by soldiers belonging to the Empresses' royal guard, and are considering this tragedy a direct message to the Karadan Rebels to cease their opposition of the Empresses' rule, or suffer the consequences." With a squeaking giggle, Tallia quaked with pretended fear. "Those Empresses sure are scary. I hope they don't attack us next." Leaning forward, and giving the audience 'in depth coverage' of her barely contained breasts, Tallia quipped, "If that happens...I'd be out of a job! And I'm sure all my fans would miss me, too." Another tittering laugh, and Tallia was back in her chair to segue them into their first commercial break.

"Ooh, Chocopuffs," Tallia cooed as they were fading to commercials, while somewhere in the Arcadian Palace, an insane Empress was echoing the news anchor's giddy laughter, but her delight was drawn not from the sweet and delectable chocolate treat; instead, it was in celebration of one victorious massacre over the rebels who had dared to defy the planet's rightful rulers, and a moment's respite from spirits that tormented her.

For Nieme was satisfied momentarily, but as Tallia had warned, no one was safe from the fancies of her deteriorating mind, and if the mad Empress could not be stopped, the Rebels would not be the only ones marked for death.

---

"One for the Money, Part One"
By: Cirran Tyris
Sgt. Mathias "Walker" Coin (NPC+)
Mirrasa Colemain (NPC+, played by Nick)

Date: Vadris 22, 4 ABY
Location: Drogen Shipyards, Flight Deck

***

The deafening bang of the 'Fool's Hope' entry ramp falling onto the flight deck with a harsh crash caused several technicians working around the area to jump and glare angrily in the direction of the freighter. However, the dark glower on the face of the man who immediately strode down that ramp did not invite any kind of reproach. Cirran Tyris thumped his hand on a bulkhead in frustration as the image of the 'Necron' winking into hyperspace replayed itself in his mind. "Sithspit," he swore under his breath.

A sight even more imposing than Cirran's dark mood now greeted the watching technicians as a furious giant wearing what might be the galaxy's largest flight suit barrelled across the flight deck. "10 SECONDS!" bellowed Sergeant Mathias "Walker" Coin. "10 more seconds and we would have HAD them!"

Cirran took in the unfamiliar sight of Walker out of his power armour, and nodded grimly in agreement. "If we'd really pushed it, we might have got them before they jumped. But I'd have probably been vaped, and maybe you guys too." There had been plenty of battles Cirran had taken part in where pilots had made that commitment - sacrificing their lives for the greater good. Cirran had passed that point of no return himself before a few times, and unlike many of his friends had had the luck to come out of it. But simple revenge was not a cause worth giving your life for. I must be getting old, he thought to himself.

Nevertheless, adrenaline still coursed through him. He'd been in plenty of skirmishes since leaving the Alliance of course, but had been a while since he'd been in a proper full scale furball like that, mixing it up with the big boys, and his first in the 'Fool's Hope'. He patted the old freighter more affectionately this time. "I suggest we go and get drunk, Walker," he said. "Fewest kills buys, of course," he said.

"But I was stuck in a turret!" Walker protested.

"So?" Cirran gently mocked. "It's not my fault Captain Kir didn't throw you into the middle of things. She can handle that crate of hers, mind you - she flies a bit by the book for my tastes, but she can throw it around all right."

"I'll be sure to tell her you said that," Walker said.

"Yeah, well, I don't reckon my opinion counts for too much around here, just quietly," Cirran admitted. "Now lead on! It's your shout, so you choose the bar." Cirran followed Walker as he chuckled and headed out of the flight deck.

***

Several rounds later two empty vessels hit the bar in unison. "That's 5 in a row," a booming voice said. "Spoils of war only extend so far. Your round, spacer."

Cirran grinned. "Fair enough, Walker," he said, and reached into his pocket for his wallet. The sight that greeted him therein however wiped the grin off his face. "Two more," he said to the bartender, and handed over the last of his credit chits.

"This is serious, Walker," the pilot said as the drinks arrived. "That's me tapped out. And my pay for being the Republic's newest reserve pilot is I am led to believe currently suspended for my little indiscretion."

"You mean the buggering off in the middle of a war?" Walker asked.

"Yeah, that one. Be serious here! I need to pay for docking fees, rent, ammo, and repairs, and I am flat broke, my friend."

Walker considered this for a moment. "You need a job. There's not much in the way of Republic operations going on around here at the moment - why don't you do some freelance work? Kano'd probably never notice. And if he did he probably wouldn't care."

"Either that, or he'd tear me a new one," Cirran reflected, taking a gulp of his drink. "Still, I need plenty of cash and fast."

"All too evidently true to me, spacer, especially when I buy 5 rounds and you buy 1," Walker grumbled. "You should head to the lower levels and ask around, there's a couple of places down there where you can earn big cash quick."

Cirran sighed into his glass. "The lower levels, huh? I just love how I'm part of the criminal element these days."

"Hey!" Walker said. "There's legit business done down there..." he started, and then cracked into his shark grin, that quickly became a booming laugh. "...sorry, I thought I could say it with a straight face, but I just couldn't."

Cirran smiled tightly. "Thanks, Walker, thanks a bunch. Well, I suppose my life is becoming a bit more simple of late. May as well go and get myself into more trouble. But just one job! Then I can make repairs and try to sort stuff out."

"Sure, just the one, spacer," he said, sarcasm dripping off of every word. "But not until we have another drink!" Walker said, pounding on the bar. "And we better make it fast, because I'm supposed to be on duty shortly!"

***

Cirran ducked under the low door frame of one of the bars Walker had mentioned, alcohol and the post battle high combing within him to create quite a buzz.. He hadn't spent a lot of time on Drogen Station, but for some strange reason, he had seen a lot of its bars. This particular bar however was by far the most dingy and disreputable looking establishment he had been in on the hulk by far. Through the near impenetrable gloom of the joint, he felt, rather than saw, many eyes - some in pairs, some, well, not - turning to appraise his entry. He realised now that the lighting was designed to outline arrivals clearly against the well-lit frame of the door. He'd been in a few bars like this since he jumped ship, but he never really grown to feel more comfortable in them. Feeling distinctly uncomfortable now, and making sure to keep his hands where everyone could see them, he made his way carefully up to the bar, the unseen eyes boring into his back.

"What will it be?" the bartender, a human with a series of livid burn marks down one side of his face, asked gruffly. Despite asking the question, he appeared to make no move to actually serve Cirran, but instead continued quaffing one of his own concoctions from a grimy-looking mug.

"I'm after some info," Cirran said.

"You station security? Because if so you can go jump out of an airlock!" the bartender said loudly and aggressively. Cirran noticed that several nearby patrons had sent hands and various other appendages under tables at the sound of the words 'station security'.

"No, hells no!" he protested quickly, raising his hands, and deciding that this was not the place to mention his friendship with probably the station's most famous - or infamous - NCO. "No, I'm looking for someone who wants to hire a good pilot and a fast ship, no questions asked." Or not many, anyway, he added silently to himself.

"Oh!" The bartender chuckled, a strange sound. "Well then you have come to the right place. Course, information on the best place to look doesn't come for free..." he started whistling innocently.

Cirran frowned and slid over the last of his credit chips. "Fine...look, I realise this is probably the wrong place to be asking,but I'd prefer to work with someone...on the up and up." He knew that if Captain Kano found out he had even come within 100 metres of this place, let alone look for the opportunity to do some moonlighting, it would be bad news.

The bartender choked on his drink, sputtering drops across the bar. "The up and up!" he wheezed, "You are in the wrong place!" He doubled over, almost paralyzed with silent, gulping laughter. However, the glint of Cirran's shiny credit ships helped him recover himself. He pocketed them and wiped alcohol off his face with the back of his sleeve. "You wanna talk to the girl in the corner booth there. She works for Ares Macrotech."

"A respectable organisation, then?" Cirran asked, disbelieving.

The bartender grinned. "I didn't say that. Word is there's been some...changes up the top lately, like. But you'll draw less heat with them than if you're running slaves for some Hutt. If you want a job that pays, you know, danger money, while you still make a - what was it you said? - respectable impression on someone, it's Ares you want - for now, anyway." The bartender smiled again. Cirran could not help smiling along at the man's shrewd and accurate assessment of his own situation, but he was still steeped in doubt as he headed for the corner of the bar.

Mirrasa Colemain had spent much of her life as the middling daughter of a well-to-do merchant family from Thanatos. She was, perhaps, the most average person around. From her average height, to her average length of hair, nothing about her stood out. This was, of course, an effect that she very carefully wrapped around her at all times.

Being average was important in her line of work. Mirrasa dealt in information, the dirty the better the more expensive. A person who stood out while collecting information usually didn't get what they wanted. But nobody notices that average looking secretary, or housemaid, or mechanic, do they?

When Cirran walked up, she looked up from the datapad she was reading and at him with a bit of surprise evident. Though it was known in this particular bar that she was an Ares employee, one who dealt with the shadier contacts on the shipyards, it was not often that someone would simply come up to her without an invitation.

"Yes?" she asked the young man in her soft voice.

Cirran considered holding out his hand for a handshake, and then thought better of it. Handshakes were probably considered prissy niceties in a place like this. "I'm Tyris, Cirran Tyris," he said by way of introduction. "I'm told by the erudite gentleman at the bar there that you're someone who might want to make use of a fast ship and a pilot who knows how to throw it around, miss...?"

"Colemain," the woman said and carefully patted her bun. "And while I personally do not need a 'fast ship or a pilot who knows how to throw it around,' the people I work for would be more than interested."

She look at Cirran carefully, running her eyes up and down his frame, taking in every detail. "I think I remember you from somewhere, something to do with a person that isn't well liked down here. Goes by the name Walker I believe, yes?"

Mirrasa shook her head, "It doesn't matter, really. If you are that same Tyris, then my next question has already been answered. However, for the sake of continuing on with tradition... are you willing to take on a mission that is extremely dangerous? The pay is very good, and if you pull it off, there is always future employment opportunities!"

Cirran nervously took a quick look around the bar, trying to make sure no-one was about to try and disembowel him for simply hearing he might be a friend of Walker. There seemed to be no change to the bar's background level of dull hostility, however. He turned back to his potential employer.

"I'd appreciate it if you could keep your voice down on that point, Miss Colemain...I wasn't aware my reputation had preceded me all the way down here," he said, glancing about the bar again. One or two patrons glared at him suspiciously. He took a seat at the table opposite the woman and slid across it into slightly increased anonymity the dark booth provided him with. "As to your offer, I'm certainly interested," he continued. Unfortunately, I can't afford not to be, he thought to himself. "If you already know who I am and what I've been up to since I got here, then I suppose you know what I'm capable of already." And you probably also know that I seem to get tangled up in various 'dangerous missions' whether I like it or not, his inner voice added sarcastically. He ignored it, continuing: "So please, illuminate the details of this mission of yours for me, and we'll see what we can arrange."

Mirrasa smiled at him. "Oh no, we won't speak here. You see, I'm not normally the go between for this sort of thing. I need to contact my employer to see it is he wants you to do." She took a sip of her cocktail and her smile grew wider. She tapped a few commands into her datapad and a slip of plastic popped out the top. "That's my room number, come by in about two hours, I'll have something for you then."

She slipped out of her seat and slapped him resoundingly. "That's for looks," she whispered to him as she whipped around and stormed out of the bar. The other patrons avoided her dark glare though some hid grins behind hands and glasses.

Cirran rubbed his face ruefully. Damn, wouldn't a kiss have worked just as well? he thought to himself. Mind you, Tyris, you should probably count your blessings, that was about the most action you've had in months. He turned and left the bar amidst the quiet sniggers of the other patrons.

The only one without a smile on his face in the place was the bartender, who watched Cirran leave thoughtfully and then headed into a back room. He punched a terminal on and through a complicated series of buttons, dialled up a secure frequency, and then said into the wall panel:

"This is Mallik. Yeah, he was just here."

---

"One for the Money, Part Two"
By: Cirran Tyris
Sgt Mathias "Walker" Coin (NPC+)
Mirrasa Colemain (NPC+, played by Nick)

Location: Drogen Shipyards, Residential Section
Date: Vadris 22-23, 4 ABY

***

It was an hour or so later that Cirran was doing some commlink communication of his own. He was sitting in the cockpit of the 'Fool's Hope', running a diagnostic while killing time and sobering up until the meeting with his new contact. The diagnostic only served to confirm that he was in need of some cash, and fast. As he flicked grimly through various readouts, he talked to his friend who was on duty elsewhere on the station.

"I see what you meant about those low level places, Walker," he said. "I felt safer in prison."

"Yeah, they're not exactly reputable, but a lot of 'em certainly have a reputation," Walker replied, his voice still booming even across the tinny commlink channel. "You sound like you're still in one piece, did you find what you needed?"

"I'm not sure yet," Cirran replied. "What do you know about Ares Macrotechnology?"

"Not much," Walker admitted. "Weapons and development company planetside. They're legit, as far as I know. Others'd probably know more than me. Their stuff is OK, but I wouldn't use any of it myself...there's rumors that they're about to come out with something big though - at least according to 'Blasters and Ammo.' "

"Why am I not surprised at your choice of reading material?" Cirran asked.

"It's very informative," Walker replied defensively. Suddenly in the background of the transmission, Cirran could hear shouts and calls of "Security!" and "Sergeant Coin, over here!" The sound that followed was presumably Walker sighing. "Looks like I've got to go knock some heads, spacer. I'll catch up with you later." The transmission was ended.

Cirran finished his diagnostics and sat back in his chair. A legitimate company? Perhaps luck was starting to go his way after all. He glanced at his chrono. Nearly time to go find out.

***

A few minutes later Cirran found himself standing in an area of the station somewhat different to the ones he had frequented so far. It was almost...nice. He had attracted a few looks on the way in to this accomodation area due to his scruffy flight suit and jacket, but Drogen Station was not exactly a hotbed of social snobbery, and though he certainly may have been under-dressed he didn't look completely out of place, either. He found the room that the Colemain woman had given him and buzzed the door.

The door opened without a sound and Mirrasa stood in the doorway. Her bun had been let down and she had changed into a running suit. From the towel around her neck, it was obvious that she had been working out.

"Come in Mr. Tyris, I have a job for you after all." Mirrasa turned and walked back into her spacious apartment. It was obvious that whatever her line of business, she did well for herself.

Cirran whistled appreciatively as he followed her in, taking in the view of the apartment. The view of Miss Colemain had improved somewhat since her appearance in the bar as well, he reflected. Cirran kept this latter thought to himself, but did offer: "Nice place. Makes my temporary little berth on this hulk..." with the rent overdue on it, he thought "...look like a cupboard."

"Thank you, I took my time selecting this apartment onboard. It puts me next to most of my normal clientel." She walked over the the minibar, "Drink?"

"Yeah, why not," Cirran replied. This is all very civilised, he thought. He followed his host as she headed across to what looked like a very well supplied drinks cabinet. "So tell me, what exactly is it I can do for these employers of yours?"

Mirrasa mixed two rather potent drinks together and handed a glass to Cirran. "There is a cargo of a very delicate nature that we need trasported to a client on Coruscant. It is not very large, but it is very sensitive." She took a sip of the clear blue liquid in her glass and grimaced slightly at the burn.

"This cargo is not the sort that we want the local Republic authorities getting a hold of, or even knowing about. I've looked into your history, Mr. Tyris, and I'm sure that you can pull this off. Can you help us, Cirran?"

"Not a big fan of the Republic, eh?" You know, Cirran, that galactic government organisation you're now officially back working for again? his brain warned him. Cirran knocked back his entire drink and pressed his lips into his teeth for a couple of seconds, and not just because of the drink. "Acchemm...I'm sure I can." If my ship can make it as far as Coruscant, that is. "What is this cargo then, or is that the kind of thing I don't need to know?"

"No, Cirran, it's not something you need to know," Mirasa said. She took the towel from around her neck and tossed it on the counter. Two more drinks were quickly mixed up and she sat down on the couch, offering the second to Cirran. "In fact, it's not something I aparently need to know either. Whatever is going to be in the crate is very sensitive indeed. That doesn't worry you, does it?"

Cirran took the proffered drink and frowned slightly. The sad truth was that he couldn't afford to have principles right now...could he? He'd made similar 'unofficial' runs recently, but never without knowing what he was carrying. "I suppose not," he said, his mind nevertheless still distinctly uneasy. "Load it up, fly it out, drop it off...simple enough." And hope Kano doesn't have any idea of what you're up to, he thought. He took another slug of the strong drink. "I just need to avoid the official channels, then. Well, Coruscant's a really busy place, that shouldn't be too tough." Thinking like a hardened smuggler now are we, Cirran? That's nice. He sat down on the couch across from his host. "What's the schedule?" he asked.

"The nullgrav crate will arrive at your ship in two days. Our client on Coruscant will be expecting it in three weeks. That should be plenty of time to get there and find him." Mirrasa sipped at the blue liquid. "And don't worry about it being too hard either, I'm sure that he will contact you himself once you land." She took a long drink from the glass and fluffed her hair a bit.

"Well, it all seems very simple, Miss Coleman..." Cirran started, reflecting that this was all so easy and casual that he had to remind himself that it had the hint of illegality about it at all. But if this was just a simple cargo run for an above-board operator who was merely impatient to avoid the delays of by-the-book official shipping, the answer to his next question would tell him. He raised his glass and smiled slightly at the woman, taking a casual sip, and then inquiring almost as an afterthought: "There is of course the business of my fee. I'm not sure what sort of an offer you have in mind, but whatever it is, I'll probably have to ask for half up front. I have a slight cashflow problem to address rather urgently." Again he noticed that in these surroundings, and with a change of clothes, his host had metamorphasised to become a good deal more attractive than she had appeared in the seedy confines of the bar. He glanced at the glass in his hand, wondering if his drink was to blame. Careful boy, he reprimanded himself, this one's a chameleon. Keep it together. Nevertheless he could not entirely suppress what was probably an unprofessional grin.

Mirrasa was feeling a bit warm. No doubt from both the strong drinks she had fixed for both of them and from Cirran's overpowering charm. Or was that his cologne? Either way, she was feeling it good. "The fee is quite substantial, I assure you. The cargo is quite valuable in its own regard, and we are paying well to ensure that it arrives both on time, and intact." She took another sip of the drink, relishing the burning down her throat. "And of course, to make sure that the New Republic is completely unaware of what it is we are offering."

She set the drink on the table and crossed her legs. Leaning forward she looked Cirran in the eye and said, "25,000 credits."

Fortunately, Cirran had just been turning his head to look at piece of art on the wall, so it happened that the spray from his mouthful of drink largely missed Mirrasa, instead landing on her tastefully upholstered couch, where it immediately began to corrode the dewback leather.

"25,000?! For a blue-milk run to Coruscant? But that's,er..." - Cirran attempted to recover himself - "...uh, that is to say, that's a little below my normal asking rate, but I'm prepared to lower my fee this time - as a personal favour, you understand." He tried the smile on again, but his thoughts were racing. What are you getting yourself into, Tyris - just what in the hells is in this crate?

A frown briefly crossed Mirrasa's mouth as she looked at the expensive dewback leather slowly being eaten away by the powerful drink. It didn't matter too much, though, she could easily purchase another one. "There's no need to lower your price for me, Cirran," she said with a smile. "Though we are not a large corporation, we have such resources that this is not a terrible blow."

Leaning back and settling into the couch, she looked up at her guest through her lashes. "And don't expect this to be a blue-milk run, even though that's what it seems like. The Republic is well aware that we might be trying to smuggle something into Coruscant, and I'm sure their afraid it's some new dreadful type of weapon.

"You get this done, Cirran, and I can guarantee there will be future contracts that are just as lucrative." She leaned forward again, "A personal guarantee."

"One step at a time. I'm just looking at this job because I'm short of cash," Cirran said defensively, but a long line of credit chits was in his thoughts, all of them positively singing about what he could do with this kind of money. With just a few more trips, he could upgrade the ship - hells! Why not buy a new one! - buy his way out of the military if necessary, contract bounty hunters to help him search for Kemma...

Steady, Tyris. If the New Republic thinks Blue-Eyes here and her assorted cronies are trying to smuggle some horrible weapon, it's probably because they actually are. You happy living with that? He took a hard look at his prospective employer, but her glance gave nothing away - except perhaps that she was checking him out. In fact, he realised his hard glook was lingering on her longer than was strictly necessary for any kind of attempted character assessement. Admit it, you think she's hot. Sithspit, life is too complicated, he thought. He sighed as he came to a final decision. Bet I live to regret this.

"Well, Miss Colemain, I suppose I'm your man." He raised his by now mostly empty glass in confirmation.

"Excellent, Cirran, that's precisely what I wanted to hear." She finished off her drink and stood, only slightly unsteady, to make another one. "You will be contacted tomorrow morning with all the rest of the information you need." At the bar she began to pour the various liquids into a tumbler that would make the curiously strong yet delicious blue drink.

"The man who will talk to you is called Shifter, he's a slicer of sorts. We are giving you his service for one hour only, so ask what question you will about whatever you want. Shipping routes, New Republic patrol areas, things like that. He is quite good, and I'm sure he will get you need." She looked at Cirran's empty glass and raised and eyebrow in curiosity. The tumbler was still half full after she filled