"Together Always, Part 1"
by Nieme Yaresh
Kael Selrid
and Orn Gham [NPC]
Location: Thanatos, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 23, 4ABY

***

The sounds of customers squabbling with vendors and the searing heat of the sun upon her cheek began pulling Nieme free from the clutches of sleep. She rebelled against the consciousness that was trying to steal from her the most restful sleep she'd ever had, and tried to cling to it by tightening her arms around the unknown form she was embracing. She moaned softly in protest and pressed herself firmly against the warm object lying next to her.

Flashes of the night before came back to her in blurred images, but through the fog she could clearly hear Kael's voice singing her to sleep and his brown eyes gazing deeply into hers. Her lips curled into a large smile and she sighed contentedly at the memories. She knew now that the inexplicable sensations she was feeling for Kael were adoration and infatuation, but she knew she was capable of feeling more for him if she could only convince herself that he really did see her as more than just a friend...a child. Nieme cringed at that thought and squeezed her arms tighter as she restlessly stirred. "I'm not a child," she muttered irritably. "Not a child..."

Kael was in the middle of a dream, running as the rest of his gang chased him through the sands of Thanatos. Suddenly Ferrig was in front of him, and then they were both on the ground. He punched Ferrig, but it didn't do any good. Then Ferrig started squeezing him in a vice-like grip that quickly took the wind from his lungs. The dream dissolved and Kael quickly realized that the dream wasn't entirely a dream as the tightness in his chest remained. He tried to draw breath and found that it was difficult, like trying to breathe carbosyrup. With a groan he opened his eyes and realized it was Nieme squeezing him. "Nieme," he moaned. "Good morning."

"Morning..." Nieme mumbled. She nuzzled her face unwittingly into Kael's neck and moaned gently. "I don't want it to be morning... I hate mornings..." Nieme's hand moved from Kael's waist to his chest where she clutched his shirt between her fingers. "I'm not a child," she muttered again as she shifted against Kael.

Kael found himself smiling and kept his arms around Nieme. He sighed gently and closed his eyes again. "No," he said, "you're definitely not a child." He found himself wishing they could stay like this for a very long time. With her in his arms, everything felt...right. Her body against his felt...too nice. Kael winced inwardly as he realized just how nice she did feel, and he really hoped she didn't notice.

Nieme sighed deeply as she finally accepted that sleep had lost its hold on her. Her eyes opened slowly and the first thing to fully come into focus were Kael's brown eyes gazing towards the ceiling. He was breathing heavily and he was chewing on his bottom lip while beads of sweat formed on his forehead. Nieme propped herself up onto her elbow and looked at Kael with concern. "What's wrong, Kael? Are you sick?"

Kael glanced at Nieme and then smiled. "No," he said softly, "not sick. You were just squeezing me in your sleep. That's all. It's alright now though."

"Oh, I'm sorry!" Nieme pulled away from Kael and sat up quickly. "I was dreaming I think. I didn't hurt you, did I?" She quickly scanned Kael's body up and down, but narrowed her eyes and focused on the area below his waist from which something was protruding against the blanket. She gazed up at Kael with a puzzled expression, then hesitantly pointed to the strange lump under the blanket. "What's that?"

Kael glanced down and then quickly shifted onto his side. "Oh," he said, "it's nothing. Just...nothing. I think the blankets may have been bunched or something. It's..." He looked up into her eyes and then laughed. "It's just...just...my...um...lying here with you, so close, and you were pressed against me...and you affected me...in a manly way."

Nieme shook her head slowly and looked at Kael with the same expression of perplexity. "Affected you? I...I don't understand." Nieme examined Kael's groin once more then shrugged her shoulders and smiled at him. "Well, as long as you're not hurt." Nieme slowly got to her feet and stretched out her arms. She spotted Liam and Jae Dyn sleeping across the way, then crouched down next to Kael. "They're asleep. Should we wake them?"

"Definitely not hurt," Kael said as he thought about getting out from under the blankets but decided to wait. "Very far from hurt." He glanced over at Jae Dyn and Liam and shrugged. "I think we should let them sleep, and maybe scrounge something for breakfast for them. And, then we can wake them up."

"Ok," Nieme whispered. She started for the stacked crates and motioned Kael along. "You're not taking the blanket with you, are you?" Nieme laughed gently and started down the crates, keeping her eyes on Kael until he disappeared from her view.

"Not until certain biological processes reverse themselves," he called back, softly so as to not wake Liam or Jae Dyn. Once he was composed, Kael quickly followed Nieme downstairs. He found her at one of her crates but she got up once he was there. "Ready to go. Where should we go to get stuff?"

"I do have to go talk to Orn... Maybe we could go to the Rhack and while I'm breaking the news to him, I can cook the last meal I'll ever cook there." Nieme rubbed away any remaining traces of sleep from her eyes, then focused on Kael and smiled. "I like your coat," she commented. "It suits you. Makes you look tougher and...well...it just suits you is all."

Kael smiled and looked away. "Thank you," he said. "You look good in...well, in your clothes too." He laughed. "I don't know if Orn will be too happy about me being there, but I guess he'll just have to come to terms that we're friends. And, maybe when he finds out I'm not a Feltrey anymore, he'll think a little more of me."

"Well, it doesn't matter what he thinks. As long as you know who you are, that's the only thing of any consequence." Nieme smiled and slipped her hand into Kael's before pulling him along. "I only hope we don't run into any of those Feltreys. Do you think they'll be looking for you?"

Kael shrugged. "They probably won't be out scouring the streets for me, but if they do see me they'll probably want to use my body to sharpen their blades. And, as for Orn, it does matter what he thinks because he's the one who can throw me out of the Rhack. But, I know you'll protect me from him." He looked down at their joined hands as they walked, and realized that he liked that. He quickly looked away remembering the feelings from when he was waking up. He knew that he didn't care what happened here anymore, not if Nieme was going away to be a Jedi. He had to go with her.

"All I could do was threaten to quit if he didn't treat you right. Although, I doubt I could use that as leverage now." Nieme laughed and tugged on Kael's arm to hurry him along. "You're so sluggish. You're not a morning person, are you?"

"Just not wanting to face Orn, but I know we have to." He hurried along with her as they approached the Rhack. "It's only going to be the two of us at the Temple, at least as far as students go, for a bit. That'll be strange. Though, I think I can get used to it."

"We'll have a lot of things to do! I mean, we have an entirely different world to explore out there. Neither of us have been in a real forest before so between training sessions, I'm sure Liam Zaneth will let us go roam about." Nieme slowed her pace as the diner came into view in the distance. "He'll be mad," she said quietly. "I mean, who's gonna cook for him tonight? I...I can't just leave him like that. It's wrong."

"Maybe Liam and Jae Dyn will give you some time so Orn can find a replacement. I'm sure they'll understand your responsibility here. Maybe we can stay for an extra week, and he can find a replacement. Then every once in awhile you can maybe come back and cook a special meal for the patrons of the Rhack."

"I don't know if it would be safe to stay another week, especially now that Ferrig's got it in for me and you. We have to go as soon as possible." Nieme sighed and gave Kael a tight smile. "He can always call in the temp chef. He's almost as good as me, but he never gets the Hojet right."

Kael laughed. "Well, I guess he'll just have to learn to get it right," he said. "Well, we might as well get this over with. I'm sure it can't be too bad. And, I'll be there with you...which will probably only make the situation worse."

"Then he better not see us doing this." Nieme grinned as she freed her hand from Kael's and displayed it to him in the air. "These hands are only meant for cooking. He said he always liked these hands - so nimble and adept at slicing any vegetable or scrubbing any pot." Nieme laughed and shook her head slowly. "Orn doesn't exactly have a way with people, does he?"

"No, he doesn't," Kael said. "But, he means well. And, I think he's done well watching after you. If it weren't for him, I'm sure some of the members of my gang would have tried to do something to you. I would have tried to stop them, but they really have no discipline. So, I'm glad no one tried anything."

"Tried anything like what?" Nieme slowed her pace even more and looked back at Kael with a frown. "You mean they would have... But you would have stopped them, right? I mean, you don't do that sort of thing - you never did. Did you?"

"They would have tried to hurt you," Kael said. "And, I would have stopped them. Only one member of my gang ever tried anything like that since I became leader, and I took care of him. I wouldn't have let anyone lay a finger on you."

"Even before we were friends?" Nieme sighed sharply and stopped moving forward altogether, then stood in front of Kael with a stern gaze. "I asked you a question. Have you ever...you know."

Kael looked away, his face showing obvious pain. He took a deep breath and let it out. "I'd rather not talk about that," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "It was... I'd really rather not..."

Nieme's eyes fell to the sands below as Kael's light suddenly dimmed. She didn't know for certain whether his refusal to answer was an admission, but she knew it certainly wasn't a negation. "Oh," Nieme said quietly. "I see." Slowly, she turned away from Kael and began languidly walking towards the Rhack again.

If Kael's gang had followed him the night they met, he wouldn't have been able to stop them, as he himself had said. Nieme tried to push the thoughts away, but she couldn't help wondering whether he would have joined them if Ferrig and the others had pulled her into a darkened alley. She also wondered how many he had done that to and whether he enjoyed it at the time.

Kael watched as Nieme walked away and felt his insides wrenching. He looked away feeling revulsion for himself and everything he'd been. He found in that moment, as she turned away from him, her dejection clear, that he hated all that the Feltreys stood for and were. He closed his eyes to wall out the memories brought up by Nieme's question, but it wasn't enough. The wounds reopened, feeling just as painful as when he'd first taken them five years earlier. He almost started back toward the house were Jae Dyn and Liam were, but knew that with his past now in the open he would no longer be welcome there. He couldn't go back to his gang even if he wanted to. He looked around at the sand stretching out from him and realized that he truly had nowhere to go now.

Nieme glanced back at Kael out of the corner of her eye, and even then she caught a glimpse of his quickly fading colours. The despair and grief emanating from him pulled at her and drained her of any anger she might have felt towards him for acts she wasn't even certain he committed.

Nieme stopped her foolish retreat and called back to Kael above the whistling winds. "I believe you would have protected me if Ferrig or the others decided to pick on the poor, little kitchen girl." She slowly turned and finally raised her eyes to Kael. "Your past is your business and I know you're trying to make up for all that but...I guess it was much easier for me to believe you a murderer than...a rapist..." Nieme sighed and moved towards Kael with a gentle smile. "I slept in your arms last night, and you didn't touch me. Even if you did abuse women in the past, I know you're not like that now."

"It was only once, and five years ago," Kael said softly. "I hated every minute of it, but as a member of the gang it was expected of me. After that one time, I vowed never again. And, one of the first things I did after I beat down Creig was stop the rape raids. I've woken up so many nights hearing her screams... I didn't want to...but...but they wouldn't let me out of it. I hate myself for that night..."

Nieme saw the pain pouring from Kael like blood from an open wound. Certain of what she wanted to do, but uncertain of how Kael would react, she placed her arms around him and embraced him tenderly. "I believe you, Kael," she said gently. "I know about bad dreams. I know they're scary, but together, we can make them go away." Nieme pulled Kael closer and stroked his hair soothingly. "I know you wouldn't hurt me or anyone anymore, Kael. Don't worry. I won't turn my back on you. Not ever."

Kael wrapped his arms around Nieme and held her close. "Thank you," he whispered. "I don't think I could handle it if I lost you as a friend, not now that I've walked away from everything else I've known in life."

"Well, you won't lose me. Remember, we're bound somehow and that means nothing can come between us." Nieme laughed softly and looked up at Kael. "I like how your coat feels against my skin. If anything, I'll stick around just so I can keep running my fingers along your jacket." She smiled bashfully at Kael and tried to avert her eyes to the ground, but she and Kael were pressed so tightly together, she couldn't see down between them. "We should do this thing with Orn," she said quietly. "Unless you need more hugs, of course."

"I think I do," Kael said with a smile. "I like how you feel against my coat. Let's give Orn a couple minutes to prepare for us. I'm sure he'll have a few things to say when he sees us walk in together."

Nieme laughed nervously, but complied with Kael's wishes and wrapped her arms around him again. "Is this alright?" she asked almost breathlessly. Nieme laughed again, but swallowed it back as she said, "Orn might like you more if he knew I...well...liked you--like you, I mean."

Kael smiled and then looked away as he felt a slight twinge of colour darkened his cheeks. "And, I think he would definitely like me less if he knew I liked you too."

Nieme bit her lower lip to stop the unrestrained smile from enveloping her face. She was breathing heavily against Kael's cheek, and swallowing back her anxieties, she nuzzled her face gently into his neck. Her breath almost stopped as she felt her lips lightly brush against the soft flesh of Kael's neck, and as if hit with a sudden electrical shock, Nieme gasped and quickly pulled away. "I-I-I'm sorry. I didn't...I w-won't do it again. I swear. I'm sorry."

Kael laughed softly and shook his head. "It's alright," he said. "It felt nice. I don't mind Nieme, I don't mind at all. But, we should probably go get breakfast and talk to Orn." He reached a hand out to her, his eyes sparkling in the light as he looked into her eyes. "Maybe you can teach me how to cook."

Nieme nodded absently and tried to regain a steady breathing rhythm as Kael's eyes remained fixed on hers. Blinking away her momentary catatonia, Nieme laughed awkwardly and placed her hand in Kael's. "Cooking... I think I can manage that." Nieme tried to clear the tightness from her throat as she smiled at Kael.

Walking along towards the Rhack, Nieme couldn't keep the smile off her face as she glanced towards Kael from time to time. She'd never done anything so bold in her life, but after feeling Kael's flesh against her lips, she knew she would certainly do it again if she gathered up enough courage.

Kael couldn't shake the feeling of Nieme's lips brushing against his neck, and realized just how much he liked spending time with her. And, as much as he liked spending time with her, it couldn't compare to holding her close. They finally reached the door to the Rhack and each knew that Orn was standing on the other side. He looked at her and smiled gently. "Are you ready? Do you need any hugs for encouragement?"

Nieme laughed and shook her head. "Nice try." She pushed the door of the diner open, and the familiar chiming of the bell hanging above it sounded gently.

Orn stepped out from the backroom with a towel draped over his shoulder and wearing a smile that was more a sneer. It truly became one once his eyes fell to Nieme and Kael's fingers laced together. He furrowed his brow as he looked up at both Kael and Nieme, then threw down his cloth and placed his hands angrily on his hips. "What the hell are you doing, Selrid? Get your hands off her."

"N-no, Orn. It's ok. He's...he's a friend." Nieme tried to give Orn a reassuring smile, but as he stalked menacingly closer to Kael, she shrank back and gripped his hand tighter.

"What're you doing with her, Selrid? She's not some toy for you and your pals to play with." Orn glanced at their joined hands and gave a derisive laugh. "He'll just hurt you, rape you and toss you away, Nieme."

"No! He won't!" Nieme forced back the tears, ones formed by the sudden anger and helplessness she was feeling. "Orn, I swear--"

"And what about you, Feltrey? Huh? Have you got nothing to say?" Orn shoved Kael back and stared him down. "Huh? No smartass comments this time, I see. What happened, Selrid? Decided to finally shut your mouth for once?"

"I'm not a Feltrey anymore," Kael said, fighting down the urge to lash out at Orn. He took a deep breath and let it out. "I quit the gang, though they've got an opening for their new leader if you really want to push people around." He gave Nieme a look that said everything would be alright. He stepped forward to Orn, meeting the man's gaze. "I won't hurt her, and she's not a toy, not to me or anyone else. I know it's too much for your narrow, bigoted mind to wrap itself around, but Nieme and I are friends. You can either accept that, or fight against it, but that's how it is."

"She doesn't know you like I know you, Selrid. You're a thug and that's what you've always been. Why the sudden change in profession?" Orn shook his head and sighed deeply. "Nieme, my girl, it's all an act. He's trying to exploit your innocence."

"No," Nieme said softly. "Orn...he's changing and I'm helping him. We...we're leaving, Orn, together."

"Leaving? You're quitting? Where ya going, Nieme?" Orn looked at Kael then shook his head slowly. "Oh, no, Nieme, I don't think so. There's no way I'm letting you go anywhere with him. Can't you see he's manipulating you?"

"Obviously you think you see me manipulating her," Kael said, "but what about yourself, Orn? Can't you see what you're doing to her? If it was up to you, she'd be chained in your kitchen cooking, and never allowed to talk to anyone. Why don't you let her be who she wants, and make her own decisions? She has to walk on her own, and fall if she must. You can't protect her for her entire life."

"Nieme wants to be here. She likes working in the kitchen all day, don't you, Nieme?"

"I...I like cooking," Nieme replied softly. "But I really do have to leave you, Orn."

"Look, whatever he's convinced you to do, Nieme--"

"He hasn't convinced me of anything. I convinced him to leave with me." Nieme lowered her eyes to the ground, the sense of betrayal she could feel in Orn too much to bear. "That man yesterday, the one with the blue eyes... He's going to be a teacher for me and Kael. That's why we have to go."

Orn gave a short laugh and looked at Kael with an accusatory glare. "And I suppose you did nothing to try and stop her, Selrid. You seem so quick to stand up for her, but where were you when she needed protecting from strangers messing with her mind?"

Kael shook his head and looked away. "Why would I want to stop her from doing something she wants to do? You're the only one that does that. You won't let her do anything she wants unless it benefits you. You're fine with her cooking in her kitchen all day, because it makes you credits. But, once she has a chance to go out and make something better of herself, you can only see the bad. Nieme is my friend, and I'm hers. Why can't you see that I'm not the thug you think I am? Not anymore!"

Orn sighed wearily and peered down at Kael with a smirk. "The only reason I keep her in that kitchen all day is to protect her. Don't you see? Out there where people like you and your friends roam, she's not safe. With me, she's safe, even if it means she has to slave away in that kitchen all day." Orn turned his gaze to Nieme and his smile softened. "I only do it to keep you safe, Nieme, don't you see? If you leave, I can't do that anymore."

"But I'll be with Kael, Orn. He'll keep me safe." Nieme moved closer to Kael and smiled at him before looking back to Orn. "He's not like the rest, Orn. He's...he's my friend."

Kael put a protective arm around Nieme and looked at Orn. "I'll keep her safe," he said. "She's the only friend I have now, and I'll do everything I can to keep her safe. It will be alright, Orn."

"But...but where am I gonna find someone who can make Hojet the way she does?" Orn laughed softly, then ran his fingers through is graying hair and sighed deeply. "You're really leaving me, Nieme?"

Nieme gazed up at Orn somberly and nodded her head slowly. "I have to, Orn. But Kael said he'd bring me around from time to time to visit and maybe cook a meal or two." Nieme slipped from Kael's protective hold, and moved towards Orn with a smile. "You've always been kind to me, Orn, and I'll never forget it." She reached out her hand, and took up his. She gazed down at her small hand dwarfed even moreso by his and realized how truly lucky she'd been to have someone like him protecting her for all those years. With a gentle sob, Nieme wrapped her arms around Orn's waist and embraced him. "Thank you, Orn. You were the closest thing to a father I've ever had. I won't forget you, not ever."

Orn swallowed back an unfamiliar tightness in his throat, and wrapped his arms around Nieme's delicate frame. "You crazy kid," he said softly. He covered up the strange thickness of his voice with a gentle laugh, then looked to Kael sternly. "You better take care of her, Selrid, or I'll hunt you down." His gaze softened and he allowed an almost congenial smile for Kael. "Just take care of my girl."

Kael nodded. "I will," he said softly. "And, I'll bring her back now and again so you can check on how I'm doing. We've both given too much of ourselves to Thanatos to leave it behind completely, so we'll be back. And, now would be a good time to ban the Feltreys from this place. With Ferrig in charge, I'm sure things will get pretty bad with them from now on."

"I only ever let them in here because of you. I knew how much you liked Nieme's Hojet." Orn patted Nieme's back and gently pulled himself free of her rather firm embrace. "You'd better get going. You and Kael can pick up some food for the trip."

Nieme nodded solemnly and looked back to Kael. "Come on. I'll go make us some Hojet."

"I'm sure Jae Dyn and Liam will be kind of hungry when we get back," he said. "I hope they're still asleep. We don't want them worried about us on our first day as their students." With a glance back to Orn, he followed Nieme back into the kitchen.

---

"Together Always, Part 2"
by Nieme Yaresh
Kael Selrid
Location: Thanatos, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 23, 4ABY

***

"He's a good guy when he's not scowling at me."

"He's a good guy always. That's just an act. If he weren't always so surly, the gangs would have overrun this place by now." Nieme stepped into the kitchen and outstretched her arms in presentation. "Welcome to my dungeon."

Kael looked around the kitchen and smiled. "Very nice," he said. "For a kitchen. So this is where the Hojet is made? Is there anything I can do to help? Or should I just stand around and look helpful."

"Well...you can watch until you get the hang of it." Nieme lit the range and began pulling off her cloak. "There's an extra apron over there if you want." She smiled at Kael and moved past him towards the rack. "Here." Nieme handed him an apron of his own with a laugh. "You might want to take off your jacket, though. There's always a lot of grease splatter."

Kael smiled and quickly removed his jacket and replaced it with the apron. "Grease and the jacket don't go well together," he said. "I'll just watch for now, but if you want me to do anything, just let me know." He watched as she started busying herself with cooking the food. "So, was it as bad as you thought it would be? Telling Orn?"

"For a minute, I thought you and he were going to come to blows, but I think I managed to calm the waters." Nieme glanced at Kael with a sly grin, then laughed and looked away. "I'll miss him, but we'll be back to visit." She turned to Kael and took his hand to pull him forward. "Come on. I'm gonna teach you something." She upturned his palm and placed her cooking utensil into it. "That's to mix the Hojet. It's really simple actually. Now, stand here and follow the motions of my hand."

Kael smiled and watched Nieme as she instructed him. "I didn't want for it to come to blows, but I didn't know how to make him see that I wasn't going to hurt you. I couldn't hurt someone I care for."

The smooth motions Nieme was making with her hand became clumsy as Kael's sentiments phased her. "Well..." Nieme laughed nervously, then cleared her throat and smiled at Kael. "He...he's just overprotective. I think he would have reacted the same whether it was you or not."

Kael laughed. "I think he put a little extra grumpy blustering into it just because it was me," he said. "I think I'm getting the hang of this cooking thing. I always thought it would be much more difficult." He gave her a smile as he kept mixing the Hojet as she was teaching him.

"Well, it is difficult. You have to make certain you cook it just right. Too long, and it'll burn. Not enough, and it tastes bitter. Cooking is actually a very refined art. Not everyone can be a good cook." Nieme sighed. "I sound like a wetter snob." She laughed softly and gently gripped Kael's wrist. "Like this." She began guiding his hand as he mixed the Hojet, then looked up at him and smiled. "You're getting the hang of it. Maybe if you get good enough, you can help me cook at the temple."

Kael smiled. "I'd like that," he said. "I wonder how much of our training will be together. I mean, there will only be two of us for awhile, but will Liam and Jae Dyn put us together for our studies, or will we be taught separately by our respective mentors." He glanced at her, finding her eyes with his. "I wouldn't want to do this without you, Nieme. I'm glad I don't have to."

"We'll be together, Kael. We'll always be together." Nieme looked down demurely and tried to return her attention to the Hojet. "You're burning it," she said softly. She laughed and pulled the pan from the range. "Maybe we should have started out with something easier than Hojet. It was a good first try though." Nieme smiled at Kael and reached past him to grab a new pot. "Maybe we can convince Liam Zaneth and Jae Dyn Brael to train us together most of the time. It would be good for us. I'm sure I could learn a lot from you."

"There's a lot that I can do that you really don't want to learn," Kael said. "But, there are some things I could teach you. And, I think there are things I could learn from you too. I think they'll train us together; it'll be an easier environment to teach in I think." He looked down at the burned Hojet. "I'm sorry about that. I got too carried away talking, I guess."

"It's ok. I burnt Hojet the first time I made it too." Nieme drowned the new pan with fresh oil, then gazed up at Kael inquisitively. "And what kinds of things do you think I wouldn't want to learn? I like learning new things."

Kael smiled. "Things like how to use your fists in a fight," he said. "Or how to smoke a cigarra without coughing up one of your lungs." He remembered their encounter waking up this morning and laughed. "And, definitely that lump under the covers this morning."

Nieme smiled slowly, still uncertain as to what he was referring with regards to that. "Well...maybe I want you to teach me all those things. What if I do? Will you refuse me?"

Kael felt his cheeks redden slightly and he smiled. "I don't think I could refuse you," he said softly. "If you wanted to learn, I'd teach you."

"Well...maybe I do." Nieme tried to suppress her excitement, but it escaped in the form of a giggle as she pulled Kael into an embrace. "I want to learn everything." She looked up at Kael expectantly and asked, "What will you teach me first? Smoking? Fighting...even though I don't think I'd make a good fighter. And what about the lump? I want to know about everything!"

Kael smiled and wrapped his arms around her. He didn't want Orn to overhear this part, or he knew he'd be a dead man. "Well, for now, I'll just tell you about the lump," he said. "And, after we've got food, we can share a smoke on the way back." He took a deep breath and let her go from his hug. As she started working on more Hojet, Kael decided to return to the embarrassing situation from earlier. "That lump...when a man is...when a man is aroused by a woman, his...his prick...his prick gets bigger and stiff. That's what the lump was under the covers this morning. As we were laying there together, with you so close, I couldn't help...reacting."

Nieme's hand refused to continue stirring the Hojet and she stood motionless, struggling to take in a breath of air. With her eyes wide with astonishment, Nieme turned her gaze to Kael, but instead of looking into his eyes, her own fell to below his waist. A startled gasp escaped her lips and she quickly looked away again. "I...I didn't know they...did that. I mean...I've never seen...seen one before so..." Nieme placed her hand on her chest to help steady her breathing, then glanced back to Kael with a nervous smile. "I...I did that to you? Is it a good thing?"

Kael nodded slowly before having to look away. "It's a good thing," he said and then looked back at her. "At least I think it is. It was very nice sleeping with you in my arms. But, just because I got...you know. I'm not going to do anything; not...not if you didn't want to. But, yeah...you did that..."

Nieme covered her mouth with her hand to conceal the sheepish grin. Her rosey cheeks displayed her flattery clearly and her roaming eyes her curiousity about what caused the lump Kael had just described to her. She could do nothing to tear her eyes from Kael's groin and a thought formed in her mind, appealing to her inquisitive nature and encouraging her to ask for a peek. Nieme shook her head quickly and turned away. "I don't know anything about all that," she said breathlessly. "I...I wouldn't know what to do. But...I'm glad I could make you...happy like that." Nieme turned to face Kael and asked eagerly, "I can make it happy again if you need me to. I mean, I don't quite know how, but if it's something you need, I could...do it."

"You made me very happy," Kael said with a smile. "If you wanted to again...that would be okay with me. If you want to know about that too, I'd show you; I'd really like to show you."

"Show me it?" Nieme asked uncertainly. "Or something else?" She laughed nervously and slowly turned back towards the range. "I...I should pay more attention to the Hojet. I don't know if I'm ready to be shown...that yet. I think you should teach me smoking first or fighting...but not that, not right now."

Kael nodded. "Yes," he said. "Don't burn the Hojet. That's my trick. As soon as we get out of here, I'll teach you all about smoking. We can deal with learning about sex later. I'll just stand over here, and look like I'm busy."

Nieme flushed at even mention of the act and fumbled with the utensil in her hand. She smiled bashfully at Kael as she righted the stirring fork and added the final seasonings to the Hojet. She transferred the steaming dish to a portable container she'd retrieved and covered it. "That should be enough for the four of us. Do...do we want anything else?" she asked as she turned to Kael. "Something else to eat, I meant," she corrected quickly.

Kael smiled and took the container from Nieme. "I think that should be more than enough," he said, "to eat. Now, let's get out of here before Orn makes you do the lunch rush, too."

Nieme laughed and reached behind to untie her apron. "You're not leaving without your jacket are you? I doubt it would fit Orn, but I'm sure he could turn it into a tablecloth if he wanted."

Kael glanced at his jacket in the corner and laughed. "Not my jacket he's not." He quickly untied his apron and returned it to the hook it'd come from. He grabbed his jacket and slipped into it and faced Nieme. "Better?"

"Much." Nieme hung up her own apron and placed on her cloak. She moved to the door and held it open for Kael. "You're holding the Hojet, so I hold the doors." As she handed him the Hojet, he slipped it into a small pack on his back. Nieme smiled, then turned her gaze one final time to the kitchen she'd spent everyday for the last two years in. She wondered, now, whether she would have met Kael or Liam or Jae Dyn if she hadn't seen the sign on the window of the Rhack asking for a cook, or if Orn hadn't taken pity on her and given her a chance to prove herself. There were so many variables that needed to be taken into account to explain her life being the way it was at that moment, yet whatever they were, all of them seemed to have been working in her favour. "Time to start over, Kael," she said gently. "Let's see what paths open up for us now."

Kael glanced back to the kitchen and then to the door, then his gaze came back to rest on Nieme. "As long as we're together in this," he said, "we'll make it. The next steps we take will be leading us into our new life and new destinies." He thought about taking her hand again, but decided that after the close call in the kitchen, it'd be best not to just yet. "Let's go see if Liam and Jae Dyn are awake."

"Good idea." With final goodbyes said to Orn, and one last look around the diner to absorb as much of it in her memory as she could, Nieme and Kael ventured out into the desert. She gazed up at Kael and with a smile, slipped her hand into his. "Definitely together. That's how it's to always be and I wouldn't have any other way."

Kael looked down at their hands, entwined together, and smiled. "Always," he said. "Let's get back before they think we've skipped out on them." He reached into a pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarras. He slipped one out of the pack, popped it into his mouth and then lit it from the flare patch on the pack. He took a couple drags and then glanced at Nieme. "Want to try?"

Nieme gazed at the burning cigarra and chewed her lip pensively. It wasn't sex, which she presumably thought he was offerring before, and she had shown a keen interest in trying smoking, so with an uncertain nod, Nieme held out her hand, palm up. "I'm ready," she said after taking a deep breath. "What does it taste like? Does it burn?"

"It's like this," he said, and then demonstrated the technique to her. "It tastes sort of like spices, like teskra root and cheil." He then held the cigarra out to her again.

Nieme swallowed deeply as she hesitantly took the cigarra from between Kael's fingers. She stared at it, studying it for a moment, before gazing up at Kael for encouragement. She wanted desperately to prove to him that she wasn't merely a child, that she was a woman, one mature enough to smoke cigarras and talk to him about sex with. She wanted to be the woman Kael would want to be in love with.

Following the end of the cigarra as it approached her lips, Nieme took a final deep breath. As the cigarra touched her lips, she looked to Kael to tell her what to do next. She puckered her lips as he directed and inhaled deeply. She pulled the cigarra from her lips and held her breath. Uncertainly, she looked to Kael for the next set of instructions, but before she could receive them, a burning arose in her chest and she coughed out the smoke furiously. She leaned over and surrendered to the fit of hacking coughs that seized her. With a look of disgust, she tossed the cigarra to the sands and stomped on it violently. "Gods..." Nieme coughed again to clear the lingering traces of smoke from her lungs, then looked up at Kael. "That was... Gods, that was horrible."

Kael laughed softly as he watched her, his eyes showing nothing but his affection for her. "It's not for everyone," he said. "Are you alright? Did you want to go back for a drink? Or maybe a bite of the Hojet to get rid of the taste?"

Nieme took a deep breath of dry, desert air and shook her head. "No. I'll be fine. The aftertaste isn't so bad, it was just..." Nieme shook her head again and shuddered upon remembering the sensation of being suffocated by a lungful of toxic smoke. "You do it so easily... It was...oh it was horrible, Kael. I think I'll like fighting better."

"Well, you didn't quite have it exactly right," he said, and then explained where she'd gone wrong with inhaling off the cigarra. "I know it'd be hard to pick up again, but if you did want to try once more, we can sometime. And, maybe you'll like fighting, but it's not as enjoyable...at least as...much as other things." He put and arm around her and smiled. "Let's go on and get back."

Nieme coughed again and nodded her head. Her traumatic encounter with the cigarra was quickly forgotten as she settled against Kael. Even through her clothing, she could feel the heat radiating from his hands. She sighed softly and snuggled closer to him. "I'll try again sometime. I want to get it right. You'll see, I'll do it."

"I believe you will," Kael said. "And I'm certain you will. There is a determination about you that I think whatever you set your mind to, you'll accomplish." Kael smiled and without thinking turned and pressed his lips to the side of her head.

Nieme closed her eyes and savoured Kael's fleeting kiss. She sighed wistfully and let her head fall onto Kael's shoulder as they walked. She knew, then, that what she felt for him was more than mere infatuation. "With you by my side, I can do anything, Kael," she whispered. "I'm so glad I found you...so very glad."

"Me too," he said softly. He suddenly cursed himself as his thoughts went astray and he found the embarrassing situation from the morning returning in full force. Why did his desires have to flare now? And without any blankets to hide his condition.

"Did I make you happy again?" Nieme asked quietly after opening her eyes and spotting the lump again. She looked up at him and smiled sweetly. "I'm good at making you happy, aren't I?"

"You are very good at making me happy," Kael said with a laugh. "Beautifully good at it. And, maybe one of these days, we can talk about the whole making happy situation and such. I think I can tell you some of the stuff, but part of it you'd probably have to talk to Jae Dyn about."

"Is there a lot to learn? I mean, it can't be hard to learn, right?" Nieme allowed herself a moment of boldness and wrapped her arms around Kael's waist. She looked up at him hesitantly to gauge his reaction, then looked down at the lump and knew he didn't mind. "I'm sure you can teach me everything, Kael. You know a lot about things like that, I presume." Nieme turned her nose into Kael's jacket and took a deep breath. She sighed deeply and looked up at him with a large smile. "I like how your jacket smells too...and your skin. It smelled nice when I..." Nieme turned away and laughed shyly. "It just smelled nice, that's all."

Kael smiled and looked away. "Well, I'm yours to smell, Nieme," he said. "I'll teach you whatever you want, but we'll take it slowly."

"Sounds like the both of us will be learning a lot very soon. Liam Zaneth and Jae Dyn Brael will be teaching us a lot and then you'll be teaching me about...things and I can teach you about the stars." Nieme smiled at Kael. "A fair trade, I think."

"Definitely a fair trade," Kael said. He reached behind him and took her hands, and in a bold move brought them around to the front and then to his lips. "We should be getting back soon, but we still have some of your books to get."

Nieme stared dumbfounded at her hands, which still tingled from the heat of Kael's lips. She nodded her head slowly and muttered, "Books... Yes, books." Nieme ran her fingers over the spot on one of her hands where Kael's lips had touched her. She smiled warmly and looked to Kael. "Did you...did you mean it this morning when you said I wasn't a child? I don't feel like...something other than a child, but if you think I'm not, then maybe I'm not. If you don't like children, I'd rather not be one."

Kael looked into Nieme's eyes and shook his head. "You're not a child," he said. "You're...definitely not a child. A child wouldn't have...well, um...made me lumpy." He couldn't pull his gaze from hers, and without thinking found his face drawing closer to hers.

As Kael's face approached, Nieme's instinctively began moving away. She knew what he wanted to do, and a part of her wanted it too, but her modesty overshadowed her desires and bade her to resist him. Nieme placed her trembling hands firmly on Kael's chest with the intention of pushing him away, but once his defined muscles moulded to her flesh from beneath his shirt, she found it impossible to pull away. Nieme sighed softly and closed her eyes, letting her desires have free rein. She found herself drawing nearer to Kael, and when her body gently pressed against his, she brought her arms timidly around his waist, waiting for the moment when his lips would touch hers.

Just as their lips were about to touch, a laugh next to them broke the mood. Kael quickly pulled away and saw two of his former gangmates standing with blasters pointed at them. "Ferrig said we might find you out this way. And, by the looks of it about ready to get busy in the sand. Don't worry though, Kael; once we've killed you, we'll make sure to satisfy your woman. I bet she'd like real men anyway."

Nieme moved partially behind Kael as her momentary desire was quashed by the fear the blasters aiming in their direction elicited. She clung desperately to Kael and tried to calm her breathing. "Kael," she whispered shakily. "I...I'm scared."

One of the gangers moved forward and laughed. "Oh Kael," he cried with a laugh, "oh she's scared. You better protect her, Kael. Come on, Kael. You know how to make her right. Stick that dick of yours in her hot little pussy and she'll be all better. And, if you're not man enough, we'll do it for you."

Kael growled under his breath and reached out for the blaster in the ganger's hand. Before his hand could move far enough, another blaster pressed into his ribs. "I wouldn't try that," a voice in his ear said. "Oh, she is a pretty little one, isn't she? I bet you'd like me to make a woman out of you, wouldn't you cooking girl? Ferrig reinstated the rape runs last night, you know. I want you to be my first, girlie. I bet you'd like that, wouldn't you? I saw that hunger in your eyes for him, and I can see you have it for me too."

Nieme whimpered piteously and edged away from the ganger and his scrutinizing gaze. She clenched her eyes shut and continued to clutch at Kael's jacket for comfort. "Y-You can't touch me," Nieme whispered fearfully. "Not unless I let you. You won't. You're not allowed."

"Who says you have any say in this at all, little bitch?" the ganger rasped. "You're Feltrey property now, and you'll be the new gang toy. We'll all take our turns riding you until the sun comes up. You're ours, cooking girl!"

"Bantha shit," Kael snapped. With reflexes that amazed even him, his hand shot out and swiped the blaster from one ganger and quickly leveled it at the other. They both seemed to be moving painfully slow. He fired the blaster three times, and the smoking ruin of the other blaster fell to the sand. Both gangers stared at him with astonished gazes. As if they shared a mind, both turned and ran as fast as they could across the sand.

Kael dropped the blaster into the sand and then turned to Nieme. "They're gone," he whispered as he pulled her into his arms again. "We're safe now. No one's going to hurt you, Nieme."

Nieme whimpered again and buried her face into Kael's chest. She sighed softly as her tension and fear suddenly fled in tow with the gangers. Her fingers still clutched tightly to Kael's jacket, and breathing deeply, she took in his scent and found comfort in being held protectively in his arms. "I wouldn't have let them have me, Kael," she whispered. "I don't want them to have me. I want... I don't want anyone but you, Kael."

Kael kissed the top of her head as she clung to him. "You have me," he whispered softly. "And, I'll always keep you safe. No one will ever hurt you, not while I'm around." He closed his eyes as he held her, enjoying the warmth of her body against his despite the heat from the morning sun and the Hojet in the pack on his back. "And, I'll always be with you."

Nieme nodded her head and tightened her hold on Kael. "The things they said... It was so frightening, Kael. Does...sex make you feel just as frightened? If so, I don't think I want you to teach me that."

"When you're with someone you care for and want to be with, sex is very nice. When it's used like they use it, for power and control, it's designed to frighten. I never want to frighten you, Nieme. Sex is scary when it's new and unknown, but when shared it's a beautiful thing."

"And you've shared it with someone you cared for?" Nieme nestled her face against Kael's neck and breathed heavily against his touch. "I...I've never cared for anyone...not like I c-care for you, Kael. And you could never frighten me. You make me feel safe."

"Good," he said softly. "There was someone about four years ago who I did care for. At least, I liked her and she liked me, but it was nothing like what we've got. She left Thanatos about four years ago. It's funny because I haven't really thought of her in three years." As much as he wanted to get back, he didn't want to release Nieme from his embrace. "Let's go to your other place and get your other books, and then we can take the food back to Jae Dyn and Liam."

"Yes, let's leave before those Feltreys gather their friends and come back for us." Nieme looked up at Kael and smiled. "No matter how brave you are, I don't think you'd be able to stop them all." With her eyes locked to Kael's, Nieme felt herself drawn towards him again. Feeling she'd lose her nerve if she continued staring into his eyes, Nieme clenched her own shut and closed the distance between their faces, only to have her lips missing the mark and making contact with his chin. Nieme stifled a nervous laugh as she opened her eyes and quickly pulled away. "Sorry," she said awkwardly. "I-I..." Nieme laughed again and looked away.

Kael laughed and said, "We should get going." He held out a hand to her to take.

Pressing a hand to one of her burning cheeks, Nieme placed the other in Kael's. She couldn't bring herself to look at him and smiled uncontrollably as they started away. From the corner of her eye, she managed to glance at Kael and whispered bashfully, "You taste good too."

Kael laughed as he glanced to Nieme. With a gentle tug, he pulled her into his arms again. Before she could wriggle away, he gave her a gentle kiss on the lips. When he finally pulled his lips from hers, he smiled. "So do you."

Nieme could scarcely catch her breath as she gazed up at Kael in pure astonishment. Her arms rested stiffly by her sides and her knees felt as if they would melt beneath her from the warmth spreading through her. She couldn't remember ever feeling anything so wonderful in all her life and she found herself sucking gently on her lower lip, savouring in the taste Kael left upon them. She took in a staggering breath and finally rested her cheek upon his chest. "That's what I meant to do," she said quietly.

"Well, you did well for your first time," he said. "For someone with no experience with kissing and things, I think you're holding up really well. Though, if you'd like some practice, my lips are at your disposal."

Nieme looked up at Kael, yearning to gain that practice he spoke of, but creeping up in her mind were fresh memories of their close encounter with the gangers. She clung to Kael tighter and looked down the street in case more Feltreys decided to finish what their friends started. "We should go, Kael. We really should go."

Kael looked around and then nodded. "Yes," he said. "Let's go to your house first. We can get your books and then back to the secret place." He gave her a quick kiss, and then took her hand. They started off across the sand, careful to not lead anyone back to the house.

---

"Together Always, Part 3"
by Nieme Yaresh
Kael Selrid
Liam Zaneth
and Jae Dyn Brael
Location: Thanatos, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 23, 4ABY

***

Nieme had stopped looking over her shoulder once they cleared gang territory, and with Kael's gentle hold on her, she didn't think anyone could harm her. They finally reached her home and Nieme didn't hesitate to let Kael enter. "I think there's only two boxes left. We can make it in one trip, I think."

Kael nodded as they moved to where the boxes were set against one of the walls in the front room. He looked around the small home and smiled. "This place will be alright here without you, won't it? I'd hate to see someone else move in who didn't deserve it. And, it would be perfect for when one of us is back here to stay in...if that's okay with you, of course."

"Hopefully we'll get to come back a lot. I think this place will always be the first home I've had." Nieme knelt down before one of the boxes and turned to Kael. "And you'll always be welcome here. Maybe you and I can come here together whenever we get a chance. I still can't believe we're leaving..."

"It's...it's a very big step," he said. "And, maybe Liam and Jae Dyn will let us do a lot of our training here. We'll have to watch out for the Feltreys, but I think with our training they'll be a little hesitant to bother us. Especially if we get laser swords." He was quiet for a moment, and then smiled. "I want to see the forests and waterfalls with you."

"We will, Kael. Very soon we will." Nieme watched Kael for a long moment, blushing as she remembered his lips touching hers. She laughed softly and looked away. "The...the temple is actually on the cliff overlooking the falls. It's very large - the temple, I mean. I didn't see the inside of it, because the dream ended, but it did look beautiful from the outside. It's strange, though. Every time I have the dream, it's only you, me, and Jae Dyn Brael and Liam Zaneth. Do you think we'll be the only students there?"

Kael shrugged and sat down next to the box of books she was kneeling in front of. "It's possible," he said. "I guess it depends on if they find any others. I mean, it wouldn't be all that bad if we were the only ones. With just two of us, I think it'd be easier for us to sneak off places together."

Nieme caught Kael's grin, and understood clearly what he imagined they would do while they retreated into the forest late at night. She began adjusting her books nervously and kept her eyes focused away from Kael. "Well...I think I'll try and dream about that tonight. Maybe the dream will tell me if there will be other students. Though, I think I wouldn't mind either if it was just you and I. I'm not one for making friends; I think you're the only friend I need, Kael."

"If you don't meet any other friends, you'll still always have me," he said. "If the place is really big, it'll definitely be strange if we're the only ones there. I can't wait to find out what we're going to learn. And, maybe, once we're Jedi Knights, we can come back here and make Thanatos into the place we know it can be."

"And the Feltreys wouldn't dare mess with us then." Nieme smiled and pushed to her feet, hefting the box up into her arms. "We'll come back, and when we do, we'll make everyone see how truly beautiful Thanatos is. Together, I think we can do it, Kael."

Kael picked up the other box as he stood. "I know we can," he said. "Together, we're unstoppable. Shall we go back to our teachers and begin our lives as Jedi?"

"If you wish, Master Selrid." Nieme laughed and moved along with Kael, glancing back for only a moment at the small hovel she'd considered a home for so long. In her heart, she knew she'd be back. When she would be was another matter entirely.

***

Nieme and Kael managed to make their way back without any difficulties. The Feltreys weren't going out of their way to look for them, but Nieme knew they were lurking about. As long as she was with Kael though, she knew they couldn't get to her.

They entered the dilapidated house, and after looking about for a moment, they realized Liam and Jae Dyn were nowhere in sight. "Could they still be sleeping?"

Kael looked around, straining his ears to hear some sound made by Liam or Jae Dyn. He heard nothing. "It's possible," he said. "Come on, let's go see if they are."

He led the way into the house and they each set their boxes with the others. Then, they quietly made their way upstairs. Once on the second floor, they looked around frowning. The blankets had all been folded and piled together, but there was no sign of either Jedi.

Kael laughed softly. "Do you suppose they were kidnapped by fastidious maids?"

Nieme held back a laugh and slapped Kael gently on the arm. "They might have gone looking for us. Do we wait for them here? The Hojet's going to get cold."

"We should wait for them," Kael said. "Maybe we can eat our part of the Hojet now. At least ours won't be cold. My guess is they woke up and went to get the speeder."

"You're probably right. We can have a small picnic of sorts." Nieme moved to their blankets and spread one across the floor. "So...how do you like Liam Zaneth, Kael? He seems nice and I like his colours, but he's a little too bright sometimes. I think that's just because he likes to hide things, and you can't see anything when he's all bright like that."

"I guess he's alright," Kael said. "I haven't really talked to him much. He seems to know what he's doing, but stays quiet most of the time. I imagine he'll be a good teacher. I guess we'll see. Jae Dyn does seem to have everything together, though I wouldn't want to be on her bad side."

Nieme frowned as she knelt down on the blanket. "You think she can be mean? I...I wouldn't want her to ever get mad at me. And...Liam Zaneth stays quiet because he's shy and he's not used to interacting with people. He used to be dark like you almost were and he killed a lot of people. I guess he's still sad about that."

Kael nodded solemnly. "I know what he's feeling," he said quietly. "And, I don't think she'd be mean. I think she's just really good, and there's a cool collectedness about her. I don't think she could be mean if she wanted to; she's just too nice."

Nieme smiled tightly and looked down at her hands folded in her lap. She didn't know what the sudden tightness in her throat or the wrenching in her stomach was, but it always came when Kael mentioned Jae Dyn or any other woman. She wanted to be the only woman on his mind, but then again, maybe she wasn't woman enough to hold his attention. "Um...the Hojet. We...we should eat," she said softly.

Kael nodded and sat down on the blanket next to Nieme. "I've eaten at a lot of the restaurants around Thanatos, but none if it compares to your cooking. Everyone else always complained when I always wanted to go there. They didn't like how strict Orn was, and that I always kept them in line. But, your Hojet was always worth it."

A smile escaped Nieme's lips despite her dejection. "I-I'd never seen you there before until that night I felt you come in. Were you...were you lying when you said you followed me because of my eyes? Was it just to keep me from screaming and running away?"

"That night when we first talked was the first time I saw you," Kael said. "And, it was your eyes. We'd been there before, but you were always chained in the back. I think maybe that night was just our night."

"I'm sorry I ran from you. I...I didn't know what you wanted." Nieme looked up at Kael and smiled. "But I'm not afraid anymore. I could never fear you again." Feeling the midday heat from the desert finally becoming too much, Nieme pulled off her cloak to reveal her tattered clothing, then set it aside. She looked down at her thin shirt, which appeared to have acquired some new holes, then gave Kael an embarrassed smile. "Hopefully they'll have some new clothes for us at the Temple. I would...I would feel a little awkward training in this."

Kael smiled. "Maybe Liam and Jae Dyn would allow us to go into the city to do some shopping," he said. "We could probably both use some new clothes. Mine won't do me much good in a forest." He poked a finger at one of the holes in Nieme's shirt and smiled. "I imagine if you trained too hard in that, it would all just fall apart."

Nieme took in an unsteady breath as she recovered from the excitement of briefly being touched by Kael. If it had been anyone else, she would have shrunk away, but with Kael, she realized she welcomed it. She looked down at where Kael's finger had touched her flesh and smiled. "I think I like this shirt alot," she said quietly. She gazed back up at Kael and her smile grew. "I like your clothes too. I...I think I do. I really like the jacket, I know that, and your shirt felt nice too...when I touched it." Nieme laughed nervously and turned her eyes back to her own shirt, staring dreamily at the holes that had invited Kael's touch. She really did like that shirt.

Kael followed Nieme's eyes and smiled as he understood the look in them. "I like your shirt too," he said. "And, even if we get new clothes, I think you should keep it. As a memory of our life here." Tentatively, he reached out again to where her eyes were focused, and brushed the tips of his fingers through the hole in her shirt.

Nieme sighed softly and felt a strange warmth suddenly coursing through her. She looked down at Kael's fingers dancing lightly across her flesh, then reached towards his arm and brushed her fingers along his hand. Her breathing grew heavy as tingling waves of a sensation she had never experienced before washed over her. Her breasts felt strangely heavy and tight as they pressed against her shirt, and she moaned softly as the tingling warmth suddenly travelled down to between her legs. She looked up into Kael's eyes, confused about the unfamiliar sensations he was evoking in her, but her gentle smile covered any trace of fear he might have identified in her eyes.

Kael shifted himself closer to Nieme as he alternated his gaze between his hand and her eyes. Her skin was flushed and her breathing was heavier. He knew she was aroused and there was no way he could hide his own. He smiled gently at her as he leaned closer to her, and then gently brushed his lips against hers.

Her head fell limply to her shoulder as Kael's kiss entranced her and enveloped her in the most excitement and pleasure she'd ever felt. Her lips gently parted and she sighed softly as Kael's mouth sealed around her own. Her arms rested loosely by her sides and her body seemed drawn towards Kael's by an unseen force intent upon heightening her pleasure by having Kael's entire body melded with hers. She had no idea if this was sex, but if it was, she was glad he was teaching it to her.

Kael could feel his head spinning at the sensations generated from kissing Nieme. One hand continued to brush along the skin exposed through the holes in her shirt as the other wrapped around her and gently pulled her to him. As her lips parted, he probed with his tongue, gently seeking hers.

Nieme gasped quietly and pulled her mouth away from Kael's. She gazed at him uncertainly and covered her mouth with her hand. Her eyes drifted to the lump in Kael's pants and a sudden anxiety arose within her as she realized she was getting in way over her head. "What...what was that?" She removed her hand from her mouth and asked timidly, "Are we having sex, Kael? I...I don't think I'm ready for sex yet. Not yet, Kael."

Kael shook his head. "No," he said. "I wouldn't push you into that without knowing. We were just kissing...and a little touching. When we have sex, it will mostly involve...well, um your breasts, and my...uh, lump, and your...um, between your legs. And, we'll usually be naked together."

Nieme's eyes grew wide and she looked down at Kael's lump, then down between her own legs. "Th-That goes in there? Oh my..." Her breasts still felt tight against her shirt and with an embarrassed laugh, she crossed her arms over her chest. "I-I liked the kissing, but I wasn't sure what was happening. I...I got scared, that's all." She slowly raised her eyes to meet Kael's and laughed softly. "I liked how you touched me too. It felt...nice and I think it was making me happy too."

"I liked touching you too," he said. "And, kissing you." He glanced down at his groin and laughed softly. "And, yes, it goes in there. Though, it does feel very good."

"I-I still don't think I'm ready for that yet." Nieme continued breathing heavily and finally lowered her arms from her chest. She smiled at Kael and said shyly, "You can kiss me again if you want. And...and if you want, I can touch you back. Do...do you want me to touch you?"

Kael smiled and then slowly nodded. "If you want to, I'd like that," he said softly. With that, he slid closer and reached out to brush his fingers over her cheek and then down to the holes in her shirt. He pressed his lips to hers, kissing her slowly.

With his fingers touching her bare flesh again, the excitement within Nieme rose again. She parted her lips once more, but this time didn't shy away as she felt Kael's tongue slip into her mouth. She wasn't certain what to do with her own, but as Kael's slid along her tongue, she instinctively set hers into motion.

As their tongues entwined, Nieme moaned gently and shifted closer to Kael. The heat radiating from his body burned her own and as she brought her hands to his waist, she could feel him burning more fiercely against her fingertips. Trepidly and uncertainly, Nieme moved one of her hands towards Kael's lap. She opened her eyes as they continued kissing and looked into his. If what she was doing was right, she wanted to know; if it was wrong, she would stop and would most likely run and hide. With ineptness, Nieme covered Kael's lump with her hand, and she gasped quietly at the surprising hardness pressing against her palm. She didn't know what to do and gazed into Kael's eyes for encouragement.

Kael moaned as her hand pressed down into his groin. His eyes flashed with desire as they opened and gazed into hers. He pulled his lips from hers and smiled. "Your hands are beautiful," he whispered. "But, if you keep doing that, things are going to get a little messy." He kissed her again. "That feels very good, but I think it may be a little more than you want to do now." He kissed her again. "Unless you want to keep going?"

Nieme looked down at her hand in Kael's lap and slowly pulled it away. "If you want me to stop, I will. I-I'm sorry." She gazed curiously at him and asked timidly, "Messy? I don't understand."

Kael smiled. "I wish you would keep doing that," he said softly, "but, only if you want to keep doing it. That starts things getting more...sexual. When a man climaxes in sex, he sends out a liquid from his penis. And, if you keep touching me, I think I'm going to be sending out some of that liquid."

Nieme's mouth hung agape as she gazed down at the lump. She'd never heard of anything so odd in all her life, but she'd never seen a penis before so she wasn't surprised that she knew nothing about them. She nodded her head slowly, then looked up at Kael. "Does this mean we can't kiss anymore? I...I like kissing you."

"We can keep kissing," Kael said, and then to prove it, he kissed her deeply. "As long as you want to kiss, we can definitely kiss. And, we can touch too if you'd like. We can do whatever you feel comfortable doing, Nieme."

"I don't think I'd mind if you wanted to touch me. Just...be gentle." Nieme boldly pressed her lips to Kael's and wrapped her arms around his neck. She moaned quietly as their bodies flattened against one another and her need began to rise again. She blindly brushed her hand against Kael's groin and gasped quietly as she felt the hardness press against her palm again. She'd never known such bliss in all her life, and if this truly wasn't sex, she knew she was looking forward to that just as much.

Kael wrapped his arms around Nieme and pulled her to him as he returned her kisses. He moved from her lips to her throat and gently trailed kisses across the tender skin. Her body against his was like beautiful fire rippling across his skin and he felt his desire flaring like it'd never been before. He returned his lips to hers and knew he was headed somewhere very dangerous with a young woman who had no experience in this sort of thing. But, could he stop himself? As her hand brushed his erection, he moaned and knew that of all women, he needed Nieme. Her visions were right; they belonged together.

Nieme's sight was blinded by the sudden desire she felt for Kael. She surprised herself in how daring she was being, and even more surprised when she pressed her hands to Kael's chest and pushed him back against the floor. Her kisses were needful and greedy; she'd never kissed anyone before and was quickly learning she enjoyed it. She moaned quietly as Kael's hardness now pressed against her stomach as she lay atop him. She knew this wasn't sex, but she did know it was very quickly becoming close to it.

Kael's mind burned brightly, searing away any thoughts that he shouldn't go any farther with Nieme. She wasn't ready yet, part of his mind told him. She told you she's not ready yet. The part of his mind very aware of her lips on his or the hand that had been groping at his erection had other things to say. Her body fit his so perfectly. They were destined to be together, and this was just the first step. He brought his hands up and brushed them over her breasts pressed into his chest. He was glad his hands were busy touching her body, because if they'd been free to move of their own accord, he knew they'd be opening his pants right now.

Nieme pulled her lips away quickly and gasped as she felt the warmth of Kael's hands permeating her breasts. She trembled at his touch and shrank away, but as she overcame the initial shock, she realized his touch was a welcome one. With a nervous smile, Nieme pressed her lips to Kael's again and felt the tingling between her legs rising quickly. She moaned again as her hips rubbed against Kael's, his hardness brushing against her. The tingling almost became painful as Kael's hardness rubbed repeatedly against her and his hands kneaded her swollen breasts. "Is this sex yet, Kael?" she asked breathlessly.

"It's getting there," Kael whispered. "I'd have to be inside of you, my cock inside your pussy. This is just foreplay. People usually do it before sex to get them aroused. Lots of touching, and kissing, and licking, and sucking. This is very nice though. You're...beautiful. A beautiful young woman, Nieme. I won't do anything you don't want me to. Just say stop if you want, and we don't have to do anything more." Overcome again, he kissed her. He was ready to explode. Her body pressed against him was almost too much. Without realizing, he felt a hand brush over her mound.

Nieme whimpered and pressed her hips forward against the hand caressing her mound. She didn't know such pleasure existed in life, but as the aches culminated into a sharp pain, she realized the pleasure didn't come without its torment. "It hurts, Kael," she whispered. "It feels good...but it still hurts so bad. Why?" Nieme moaned softly and kissed him again. Her heart was pounding furiously in her chest and her body had become filled with a searing warmth. She wanted Kael's hands on her bare flesh and she wanted desperately for him to make the pain go away.

"Your desire is so strong," Kael whispered, "and your need for release so great, that's what is painful." He knew the pain she was talking about since it was now straining against the fabric of his pants. With one hand still working at her mound through her pants, Kael's other hand slid under Nieme's shirt and brushed up across her bare stomach.

On the sands outside, the sound of a fast approaching speeder could barely be heard, but neither Kael or Nieme could hear it over their own raging desires until it was right out front of the small house.

As Kael's fingers pressed harder against her mound, Nieme yelped and bit down on his lip. "Sorry! I-I...it felt good but I was surprised." Nieme rested her forehead upon Kael's and sighed as his other hand spread a delicious warmth across her stomach. She felt her cheeks burning and heard herself whimpering at Kael's fingers amplifying the pain and desire she was feeling, but doing nothing to sate them. "I...I've never done this before, Kael. I'm so scared, but I can't stop myself."

"We can stop if you don't want to do any more," Kael whispered. "If you don't want this yet, we can stop. We don't have to do anything else. We don't have to, but I want to be with you, Nieme. We don't have to do any more." Contrary to his words, Kael felt his hand slip beneath the waistband of her pants. He could feel her desire for him, and knew she could feel his. He knew he should stop, but couldn't hold himself back.

The moment Kael's fingers began delving inside her, panic coursed through her, washing away any of the desire or pleasure he had elicited. Her moans became frightened whimpers and her mind reeled with a flurry of thoughts. She didn't want him to think she was a child, but she knew she couldn't bring herself to go any further. "Kael..." Nieme tried to wriggle away from his hand, but she tensed as her movements only brought his fingers deeper inside of her. "Please...stop," she whispered frantically. "Kael...I'm afraid. Please, stop!"

It took a moment for Nieme's words to register in his mind, but as soon as they did, he pulled his hands away. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I went too far. I'm sorry, Nieme. I didn't mean to...I didn't want...I'm sorry.

A loud bang from below caught their attention and Kael looked up at Nieme who still straddled him. Footsteps sounded on the stairs and they could hear them moving upwards. His eyes moved from the stairwell to Nieme.

A new sense of panic erupted within her at the thought of Jae Dyn and Liam finding them there together. She quickly pushed off Kael and scrambled to put her cloak back on to cover her breasts, still protruding from her shirt. "I'm sorry, Kael," she whispered. As she realized how close they truly had come, Nieme's fears took hold again and she began sobbing quietly. "I...I didn't know what I was doing. I'm sorry...I'm so sorry. I thought...I thought I could handle it but..." Nieme placed her face into her hands to muffle her sobs. She'd ruined everything all because she wasn't enough of a woman to handle the situation with Kael. Combined with the fear of Jae Dyn and Liam finding out what they'd been doing, Nieme only cried more piteously.

Kael quickly moved to Nieme and pulled her into his arms. "No," he whispered softly. "Now just isn't the right time, that's all. It's a lot to happen like this. It's alright, Nieme. It's my fault, I pushed you too far, that's all."

From the stairs, Jae Dyn watched them for a moment before speaking. "Is everything alright?"

Jae Dyn's voice startled Nieme, who emitted a loud gasp and pulled quickly away from Kael. She wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her cloak and looked down to the floor. "We're fine," she replied in a thick, quavering voice. "I...I was just...I was sad because I was thinking of Orn and...I was just sad."

Jae Dyn watched them both for a moment, her gaze shifting back and forth between them, and then she nodded. "I understand," she said. "If you need someone to talk to, Nieme, just let me know. Sometimes it's comforting to have another woman's perspective."

Nieme nodded her head as the tears continued to sting her eyes. She pushed herself to her feet and held her cloak tightly closed around her. She couldn't bear to look at Kael and see the disappointment in his eyes. She'd ruined any chance she had of being with him; he wouldn't want to be with a child, and that's what she knew she was. With a loud sob, Nieme rushed to the stairs, and pushing past Jae Dyn, she descended them unsteadily. She didn't know how she would ever face him again and as she jumped off the last step and headed towards the door, she knew she never could.

Liam started forward as Nieme sped through the room and then out the door. He turned as Kael raced down the stairs after her and tried to say something, but the youth was intent on chasing after Nieme. Once both padawans had fled from the small house, he shook his head and went to the door. He laughed softly as he watched them running across the sand.

"You sure this temple is still a good idea," Jae Dyn said from behind him.

He turned back and chuckled. "Positive, though it won't be nearly as easy as I thought."

"I think we interrupted something we shouldn't have."

Liam raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Though, I have a feeling things may have been too intense for Nieme before that happened though. Hopefully he'll catch her soon, I want to go home and see my baby."

Liam chuckled. "I'm sure he'll catch her soon enough."

---

"Together Always, Part 4"
by Nieme Yaresh
Kael Selrid
Liam Zaneth
and Jae Dyn Brael
Location: Thanatos, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 23, 4ABY

***

Running across sand was never easy, but Kael put all thoughts of that out of his mind as he lengthened his strides in an effort to catch the fleeing Nieme. He called out her name as he drew near. "I won't go without you!"

The wind amplified the stinging in her eyes caused by the tears and muffled Kael's shouts. She could feel him behind her and his desperation was apparent in his emotions as well as his cries. The shame she felt, however, prevented her from ceasing her escape. She shook her head furiously and let out a loud cry at Kael to ward him off, but she didn't want him to go; she wanted him to take her into his arms and reassure her that he still cared for her and that she was more to him than just a friend. She knew, though, that Kael didn't want a friend, but he was a man and would never consider a child more than just a friend.

"Nieme," Kael cried out. "Stop! I can't do this without you. I need you, Nieme!"

"I can't!" Nieme shrieked. She took in a ragged breath, then broke into sobs again. "I...I can't face you, Kael! I've ruined everything!" Nieme's anguished cries grew louder as she hurried down the streets, kicking up sand behind her. She couldn't bear to look at Kael again knowing she'd destroyed any chance of them ever being together.

"No you haven't," he called out as he stopped his frantic pursuit. "Nothing's ruined!"

Nieme felt Kael's essence being distanced from her, and as it began fading away, she knew he'd finally given up on her. She slowed her sprint until she was at a halt amidst the whirling sands. Sobs still wracked her body, but she'd managed to regain control of her voice enough to speak intelligibly. "I...I'm ashamed, Kael! I'm naive and gullible and I don't know anything about being a woman! You won't want to be with me anymore, and I'm so embarrassed right now, I don't think I can even hold your gaze ever again."

"Nieme, I want nothing more than to be with you," Kael said as he slowly walked toward her. "You have nothing to ashamed of. Nothing at all. I care for you very much, Nieme, and I don't care if you don't think you're woman enough for me...because I know you are."

"You...you do?" Nieme turned around slowly, but she was only able to hold Kael's gaze for a moment before she looked to the sands below. "You're lying. You're just trying to calm me down," she said in hoarse whisper. "I couldn't even let you touch me without getting afraid. I don't want to be afraid of you, Kael!"

"You let me do a lot of touching," Kael said softly, still moving closer. "It was just when I touched you down there, where you weren't ready for me to touch, that you got scared. It's alright, Nieme. Everything will be alright. And, I do care for you. If I didn't, I wouldn't be here right now." He was almost within reach of her, to be able to take her into his arms and let her know it was all okay.

"The problem was...I liked when you touched me, but I didn't know what I was supposed to do." Nieme ran her sleeve across her nose and swallowed back her tears. "I thought you'd be angry because I couldn't do what you expected me to. I...I didn't know what was coming next, and I was afraid..." Nieme looked up at Kael and sobbed gently. "I was afraid you'd be disappointed in me and never want to see me again."

"I know you don't know anything about all of this stuff," Kael said, his voice only for her. "I'm not disappointed, Nieme. I'm more disappointed in myself for pushing things so far so fast. I may be a little unfulfilled sexually, but I'm not angry at all. I have to keep reminding myself you don't know about these things, and that I need to teach you as we go."

"You didn't push...I wanted it too, but I was liking what you were doing to me so much, I didn't even think that it might have been too much for me." Nieme pressed the sleeves of her cloak to her eyes and soaked up the tears that remained. "I...liked kissing you and being near you," she said softly, "and I knew I wanted more but..." Nieme slowly pulled her hands from her eyes and looked at Kael with a rueful smile. "I don't want you to leave without me. I...I want to be with you, Kael. Always. And...and I promise, I'll try and be better," she said quickly. "I-I'll try again if you want me to. I'll show you, Kael. I can be the woman you want. Just give me a chance. Please."

Kael nodded slowly. "You have a chance, Nieme," he said with a smile. "You definitely have a chance." He closed the rest of the distance between them and took her into his arms. "If you want to, we can try again. This is about both of us, that's how relationships work."

Once Kael's arms encircled her, Nieme sobbed quietly and clung tightly to his jacket. "I'm sorry, Kael. I really want to try again and make you happy. I...I want to be yours, Kael. You can teach me how to be the woman you want to be with. You'll be so proud of me, Kael."

Kael kissed Nieme gently. "I already am," he said. "And, I want you to be the woman you want to be. But, I'll teach you everything you want to know, as much as I can and as much as you want."

Nieme gave Kael a quavering smile, then hugged him tightly. "I want to know everything," she whispered emphatically. "And I want you to teach me, only you." Nieme nestled her face against his and gently kissed his neck and cheek. "I'm sorry I ran. I was so afraid you hated me. I'm so sorry, Kael. I don't want you to leave without me."

"I would never leave with out you," Kael said. "And, I'll teach you. Though, there are some things that Jae Dyn may need to teach you. When we do make love, it will be beautiful, like two desert twisters merging in the sunrise. And, I'll teach you everything you want to know. And, when we do, you'll feel as beautiful and amazing as I think you are." He kissed her again and gazed into her eyes. "I want you to want this for you, Nieme. I promise you, you're not going to lose me if we don't rush to have sex. You have me, and I'm not going away. I want you to want to have sex with me, for us to make love, when you feel you're ready."

"I thought I was today, but I wasn't." Nieme furrowed her brow and asked worriedly, "How will I ever know if I'm ready or not? I don't want to do that to you again, Kael." Nieme kissed him desperately and clutched his jacket tighter. "I don't ever want to be afraid of you again. How will I know? I...I'm so confused, Kael. I don't know anything about...it. Will you teach me? B-But not like today. I mean, tell me more about it. Will that work, maybe? Will that help me want it more?"

"I think that will work," he said. "I don't know the answer about when is right, but I think you'll feel that you're not afraid to have sex. When you can no longer feel any fears or doubts about sharing yourself with me, then it's right. We'll figure it out together, Nieme. You and me, always together."

"Always, Kael." She gave a relieved sigh and sank into Kael's arms again. "Thank you, Kael. I'm so glad I dreamed about you." Nieme gasped quietly and quickly looked at Kael. "Did Jae Dyn Brael get angry with you? Oh, I don't want you to be in trouble, Kael! I...I think she knew what happened. I could sense it in her. Did she get angry with you?"

Kael laughed. "As soon as you ran, I did too. I didn't want you to get away. So, I guess we'll go back together and find out if she's mad. I don't think she will be. Not about what we were doing earlier. And, since we're coming back, I don't think she'll be mad about us leaving either. It's all going to be alright."

Nieme nodded her head then rested it upon Kael's shoulder again. "I'm sorry I made you all lumpy then got scared. I'll only make you lumpy again if I know I'll be able to...you know. And if Jae Dyn Brael or Liam Zaneth gets mad, I'll tell them it wasn't your fault and that they shouldn't be mad at you because I'm not sad anymore." Nieme gazed up at Kael with an adoring smile. "I only want to make you happy, Kael. That's my goal now - to be with you and make you so very happy. Nothing else matters."

Kael kissed Nieme, a difficult task given the smile splitting his face. "And, my goal is to make you happy and confident in yourself. Nothing else matters but us, Nieme. And, I happen to like doing the things with you that make me all lumpy. You want to stay out here together a little longer before we go back to Jae Dyn and Liam?"

"Oh, I don't think they should leave us alone anymore," Nieme said shyly. She gently pulled away from Kael and looked to the floor, gently kicking the sand with her feet. "We have to leave now, Kael. We...we're going to our new home. But I'm not so sad about that any more because you'll be there and I'll be there..." Nieme gazed up at him with a soft smile. "Looks like we have everything we need."

Kael looked at Nieme and gave her a melancholy smile. "Let's head back then," he said, "so we can begin our new lives. I imagine things will be very different from now on."

Nieme slipped her arm around Kael's waist as they headed back and looked up at him inquisitively. "What do you mean 'different'? Better? I mean, you can keep being all bright like you are now and less dark. Won't that be good?"

"Well, we'll be training to be Jedi Knights now," Kael said as he put his arm around Nieme. "I imagine that life will be very different from the lives we're used to. I think they'll be better though. And, I intend to definitely be bright from now on. And, it will be very good."

"We'll still have time for eachother, though." Nieme rested her head upon Kael's chest as they walked. She looked up at him and frowned. "We will have time for eachother, right? We...we have to, Kael. I-I don't think I could get through my training without you."

"I'm sure we'll have some time," Kael said. "For now we're the only students, so we have to be able to see each other. And, if they know we're friends, they'll let us spend time together. And, hopefully that we're more than friends won't be a problem."

Nieme's mouth curled into a large smile and she hugged Kael even tighter. "I like being more than friends with you. Even though...well...even though we haven't done anything really yet." Nieme chewed her lip as she gazed up uncertainly at Kael. "Do...do you think I should ask... Well, Jae Dyn Brael has a baby and you said a girl can only get pregnant if a man..." Nieme swallowed back the uneasiness brought on by the subject, but after a calming breath, she continued. "She must know something about...s-sex. Should I maybe...ask her about it?"

Kael smiled. "It might be good to talk to her," Kael said. "She has to know if she has a baby. I think she'd be the perfect person to talk to. Especially if we are going to...you know. If we're going to have sex, it'd be good to talk to her, especially about protection...so you don't have a baby yet."

"Protection?" Nieme frowned again and shook her head slowly. "This sex thing is very complicated, it seems. I...I don't even know how babies are made. Fytha...she never told me that either." Nieme sighed deeply and rested her head upon Kael's chest again. "I think I have alot to learn, Kael. A very lot to learn."

"It's not all that difficult," he said. "The most complicated part is making sure you don't have a baby if you don't want one yet." As they walked, he went on to explain how making babies worked as well as protecting against having one. At her prompting, he described the more technical aspects of having sex. "It's really a lot nicer than the description makes it out to be. And, it's very pleasurable, and you've felt only the beginning of it."

"So...when your hand touched my..." Nieme took a deep breath and laughed softly. "That wasn't sex. It did feel...nice, but the fear I was feeling overshadowed any of the enjoyment I should have had. But no more of that. I know what to expect next time...sort of. I'll try not to be so scared anymore."

"That part's just supposed to get you aroused enough for the sex to happen," Kael said. "If you do get scared, don't pretend you're not. If you do get scared or uncomfortable, please let me know. There's nothing wrong with stopping if it doesn't feel right. I want to make love to you, Nieme, but I want you to be completely okay with what we're doing. If there are any doubts, we should wait."

"Then I think we should wait," Nieme said quietly. She looked up at Kael with an apologetic smile, then looked ahead to the house. "Should we tell them what happened or do we make it our secret?"

"I have no intention of hiding my feelings for you," Kael said. "I don't think we should lie to them about what happened, so if they ask... But, I don't think we need to go out of our way to say anything."

Nieme nodded her head and smiled gently at Kael as they neared the doorway. "I hope they won't be mad that we ran out. But...they ran out on us this morning so it's only fair! Right?"

"Exactly," he said. "And, we brought them food back that they didn't even bother to be around for. If they're mad at us for running out, we can be mad back at them for making us waste food."

"Right!" Nieme laughed as they walked through the doorway and saw Liam sitting on a crate across the room. Casually, Nieme slipped away from Kael's hold and stood apart from him with her arms folded over her chest. She looked to Kael uncertainly, then looked to the floor and said softly, "Liam Zaneth...h-how was your morning?"

Liam looked up and saw the two wayward padawans standing in front of him as if everything was normal. He smiled. "My morning is going well, though I noticed the food upstairs was somewhat cold when we got here. I guess the real question is how was your morning?"

"Yes," Jae Dyn said, descending the stairs, "that is a question that interests both of us. You fled out of here like a nerf being chased by rancors. Is everything alright now?"

Nieme tugged at the frayed edge of her sleeve and kept her eyes focused on the ground. "Everything's fine... Like I said...I was just sad, that's all. B-But Kael helped me. I'm not sad anymore."

"That's good," Jae Dyn said. "Then it's a very good thing Kael will be coming with us. Do the two of you have your things ready? We can leave as soon as you're ready to go."

"Leave?" Nieme looked at Kael, wanting to reach out to him and take his hand into her own for comfort. They were truly leaving now and there would be no turning back from the path they now chose to tread upon. Gazing into Kael's smiling eyes, though, Nieme knew she would make it with him by her side. "I'm ready. How about you, Kael? Are you ready for this?"

Kael turned to Nieme and smiled. "I'm ready. I think it's time to take this first step." He turned back to the two Jedi. "We're ready."

"Good," Liam said, standing from his crate. "We've already placed everything in the speeder, so all we have to do is pile in. Unless you two wanted a moment in here to yourselves. One last look around the place...or whatever."

Jae Dyn nodded. "We can wait out at the speeder if you'd like."

Nieme glanced at Kael and turned away blushing upon remembrance of what they'd shared only a while ago in that same house. She smiled at Liam and shrugged her shoulders. "One last look around...I think that would be nice."

Jae Dyn and Liam both shared a smile as they slipped outside. "We'll be at the speeder," he said. "Just a couple minutes though. We really need to get going before it gets too late."

"Just a few minutes," Kael said as their mentors disappeared from view. As they walked back toward the steps together, Kael took Nieme's hand. "This is a very nice place. When we return, we'll have to stay here."

"And I can tell you about the stars again." Nieme sat down on one of the crates acting as part of the staircase, then gently pulled Kael down beside her. She smiled at him and took a quick look around the room. "He didn't really leave us here to say goodbye to the house, did he?"

Kael looked into her eyes and shook his head. "I think he wanted to give us another moment of just us before we're thrust into the lives of Jedi-in-training. But it is nice to be able to say goodbye to the house while we have a few minutes to ourselves." He leaned in close and kissed her softly. "We'll have to find a way to thank him for this time. I think they both know there's something going on between us. And, I think this may be their way of saying it's alright."

"Do you think so?" Nieme asked with a bright smile. "If they are, we won't have to sneak away to be together." She laughed and wrapped her arms around Kael, holding him tightly. "You'll like the forest...we both will. It's going to be so exciting." Nieme brushed her lips against Kael's cheek while shifting closer to him. "We'll have all the time in the world to be together, Kael," she whispered. "Just you and I."

Kael shifted his arms around Nieme and smiled as he looked into her eyes. He could see their future there. "I like the sound of that," he said. "I hope our rooms are close together. It'd make it easier to see each other. And, if we go for walks in the forest, if we come back, it'll be easier to take you to your room and have mine be close by, rather than having to walk across the temple."

"I...I don't know if I'll be able to sleep without you in my arms, not after being in them and enjoying it so much." Nieme glanced up at Kael, then looked down into his groin and gave a laugh. "And I see that you enjoy being in my arms just as much."

Kael laughed and looked up at her. "Very much indeed," he said. "And, if you want to sleep in my arms, then I cannot refuse you. From now on, we will sleep together, no matter how they arrange our rooms." He glanced down at his groin again. "Though, I'll have to try to keep that from happening too often."

"It's ok," Nieme said timidly. "I don't mind. If only you knew how happy you make me...but I guess there really is no way for you to see that." She glanced down again at the lump in Kael's pants, then slowly up into his eyes. "Actually," she said slowly, "I think I do have a way of showing you." Boldly, Nieme cradled Kael's face in her hands and brought his head towards hers. She kissed him gently on the lips at first, then without a moment's hesitation, parted her lips and ran her tongue lightly along his mouth. Allowing her instincts to guide her, Nieme gently pried Kael's lips apart with her tongue and trepidly let it delve into his mouth in a deep, passionate kiss.

There was a moment of surprise before Kael just allowed his body to react to Nieme's kiss. He responded passionately as their tongues twirled together. It felt like the kiss lasted forever, and each moment seemed to bring even more bliss. "That was...where'd you learn to kiss like that?" He smiled and then kissed her again. "We're going to have to stay in here until that thing goes away," he added with a glance to his groin. "I don't think I could walk now anyway, but going out there with an erection would be...I don't think they'd like that."

Nieme looked down curiously at Kael's lump. "But...how long will that take? I think they're in a hurry." The blush in Nieme's cheeks darkened as she reminded herself she was the cause of Kael's present state; it gave her a sense of pride knowing she'd done so, for a mere child couldn't have induced such a response in a man like him. "Maybe someday, when I'm ready," Nieme whispered with her lips next to Kael's ear, "I can help make it go away. I really would like that."

Kael moaned softly at the thought and then pulled her to him for a long kiss. "That's really not helping," he said with a laugh. "And, you're liking this aren't you. It'd serve you right if I just whipped it out and took care of it myself."

Nieme gasped and shook her head quickly. "N-No! I didn't mean to, I swear, Kael!" She pulled away abruptly and shifted aside. "I'm sorry. I'll make you less...happy, if you want." She cocked her head to the side and stared up at Kael with a quizzical expression. "What do you mean by that? Taking care of it, I mean. You don't have..." Nieme looked down at the area between her legs, then back up at Kael with a bashful smile. "If you don't have one, how can you make it go away?"

"There are other ways to make it happen," he said. "A guy can do it alone, by...well, he...well, it'd be like this. Pretend my erection is here." With only a slight blush, he demonstrated the technique to her. "Enough of that, and a guy'll...get messy. Girl's can do it too, to make themselves cum. And, there are other ways. A man can use his mouth on a woman, and she can use hers on him. Probably too much information for you now."

Nieme nodded her head quickly and watched Kael with stupefication. She had no idea how little she really knew about sex and intergender relations. She did know, however, that it all sounded extremely pleasurable. "I-I think..." Nieme swallowed hard as she looked down in amazement at the lump again. She clenched her fists as her hands began moving involuntarily towards Kael with the intention of repeating the technique he'd just demonstrated for her, but she knew she wasn't that daring. "Oh my... We should probably go before I let you touch the hole in my shirt again."

Kael took a deep breath and let it out. "Good idea," he said. He pulled his jacket around in front to cover him a little more and then smiled. "I think we're ready."

With that they headed outside and Jae Dyn ushered them into the rear seats of the speeder while she and Liam took the forward seats. "Buckle yourselves in," she said. "Next stop is New Plouton."

---

"The Beginnings of a Dream"
by: Gideon Tyr
NPC: Ion - Gideon's Droid
Location: Hyperspace, Approaching the Drogen Shipyards
Date: Praeda 23, 4ABY

Dreams. Gideon lay in his quarters on board his frieghter, the 'Morningstar', now called 'Tyr's Tear'. It had been over two and a half years since he started wandering from system to system trading whatever each planet needed, moving around without a home, save his ship. In that time he still didn't feel he needed to belong anywhere. He'd lost his life. He'd lost himself.

Change was what he needed. A place to call home. Slowly though. The past didn't just erase itself...

Dreams. Yes he planned to start one here in Tae'Karadan space. His last 'cargo run' had him dealing in delivering spice to the Ord Mandell system. To his suprise the person who took the goods, wanted him to deliver a special cargo for him. When it turned out the cargo consisted of two slave women bound for Hutt space, Gideon's response was a force pike blow to the abdomen and head.

The Hutts. The Near-Human squeezed his bed sheets tightly. Someday he'd make sure they got what they desevered. Killers, thugs, tyrants. And to believe he thought them just mere buiseness dealers. How young and naive he was.

Dreams. Sometimes they were more like nightmares.

Shrugging the thoughts off, he started to fall asleep...only to be awoken by the sound of his droid's voice over the intercomm. "Galen, we are approaching the coordinatessssss to the Sssssstation."

Already, he thought to himself, half awake now. "Ok, I'm coming. Prepare to drop out of hyperspace." Sliding out of bed, he slapped on his boots, and clasped the top to his crimson flightsuit. Walking over to his refresher unit, he splashed some cold water on his somewhat whiskered face. He needed to shave. Quickly he ran a small crystal over his face, and the hairs vanished almost immediately. He loved Mon Calamari technology. Even though they didn't have hair themselves, they were always thinking of others. Too bad the Empire had to blockade their homeworld though. Politics. Bah. To some he was a criminal in his own right for having a bounty on his head, and from having done some illegal smuggling, but Gideon was no killer or thief, or a 'real' criminal. He just bent a few trading rules, and earned the wrath of the cursed Hutts.

Pulling on the bottom of his flightsuit's shirt, he took one last look at himself. This was it. Grabbing a grey cloak, he pulled it around him, leaving the hood down, as he headed to the cockpit.

***

"Ah good to sssssssee you are up. I do apologize if I woke you sssssir." Ion was a Verpine manufactured driod. Hence his appearance was somewhat insectoid, and his speech in Basic was as well. Gideon never tried to reprogram him though. He thought the voice added character to Ion. He did however have his memory wiped of the whole Hutt affair and their adventures while smuggling for them. Just because Gideon had to live with it, didn't mean his friend had to. He did however promise to never have him wiped again. It was so...inhumane.

Sitting down in the forward chair, he brought the navcomputer up. "It's no problem Ion. Alright, let's get started. Prepare to enter realspace on my mark..." Silence, if only for a short bit permeated the cockpit. "Now!"

Ion with his usual demeanor, entered the squence of buttons with insect like perfection. The view in front of them changed from the twirling mass of blue and white that was hyperspace, to the blackness of space, and the stars that shined on, as the sublight engines kicked in.

"Ssssssensors active Gideon. I'm reading the sssssstation at eighty-five thoussssssand kilometerssssssss away and closssssssing." The droid lookd at the communications panel for a moment. "The ssstation is requessssting identification."

And so it begins. At least that's what Gideon was hoping for. "Activate the transponder, and give our ship's registery, and cargo manifest." The 'Tear' wasn't carrying any illicit cargo this time, just fresh produce and construction materials for the station. It had cost a lot, but he hoped to make a profit out here where they were hard to come by.

"I'm getting a resssponssse sssir. We have permissssion to berth at level fifty five, and report for a cusssstomssss inssssspection before proceeding with trading." It was a good thing Ion didn't have much of a tone for anger in his voice. Inspections always stunk. That meant people, and even the droid knew how little his master prefered to keep contact with others to a minimum. But business was business, and it was legal.

"Alright Ion, set her down, and I'll get the ship ready for our uninvited guests." Patting his droid companion on the shoulder, Gideon raised the hood on his cloak. Inspections...he wished those were just a dream.

---

"Elisia Is Missing... Mysteries of the Past Come Back, Part 1"
Kylas Thoamis - Jedi Master
Elisia Melouet - Padawan
Location: Landros IV
Date: Praeda 23, 4ABY

Elisia heard Kylas moving about and stretched lazily. She got out of the warm bed and pulled on clothes. She stepped out of the house as Kylas was approaching the steps. "You are up early."

"Yeah, was getting some gas to take into the settlement." He smiled and walked up to her and gently kissed her. "How are you feeling this morning, love?"

"Truthfully, a little queasy and I am still tired." She snuggled up against him.

"Hmmm, maybe you should try and get some more sleep then, hun." He held her gently in his arms.

Elisia wanted to go with him, but she truly wasn't feeling all that well. "Okay. I will clean up here and take a nap. How long will you be gone?"

"Hmm, no, Love, I want you to rest. I'll clean up before I go." He smiled and lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed.

"You spoil me too much, you know that don't you?" she said with a smile.

"I do not. I push you hard during your training, which is coming along." He smiled and brushed her bangs back from her face.

"When will you be back?" she asked again, clasping his hand against her face with her own.

"A few hours, no more. Maybe two at the outside." He smiled and leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Do you want me to stay?" He looked at her. He had an uneasy feeling.

"What can happen in two hours?" she said with a laugh. "I will be good and stay in the house so not even those beasties will have a chance at me."

"Alright, my love. I will be back as soon as I can. Try and get some rest; I don't want you or our child over exerted." He smiled and stood up. "Be back soon."

Kylas looked around. He hoped she would be alright. He definately felt something wrong in the force, and it was close. He hopped into the speeder and moved off as fast as the old machine would move.

He journeyed to the settlement and sold off the gas he had collected and bought his supplies.

---

"Gifts of Vengeance, Part 1"
by Elisia Melouet
and Dargus Kandran
Location: Landros IV
Date: Praeda 23, 4ABY

***

Elisa felt her abdomen. She still couldn't really tell she was pregnant. Only the slightest tightening of her clothing gave evidence that she was increasing.

Elisia finished cleaning the cabin and moved down to the pond. Kylas had gone to the trading village and she had stayed behind, promising to stay inside. She would just wash up real quick and then she would go back to the cabin to keep her promise. She had just finished redressing when she realized it was too quiet.

The soft snapping of a twig ahead broke the sudden silence, but that was not the direction the attack came from. A man in brown and green jungle camouflage burst out of the treeline, a large blaster rifle in his hands. He moved with expert agility as he charged forward. His eyes were cold and emotionless.

Elisia's saber was in her hand before she even thought about it. It sprang to life with a soft buzzing resonance. She deftly stepped backwards and to the left letting him charge past her.

He quickly dropped to the ground and rolled. Halfway through, he twisted and came up, facing her again. He fired rapidly at the girl, spreading his shots to get past her lightsaber. As he did, he subvocalized new commands into his comlink.

Elisia barely managed to deflect the shots. The hours of practice Kylas insisted on paid off. The calm command of reason he feared she would not have, was there. She eyed him with cool resolve saying nothing and positioning herself for him to fire again. She opened up her senses, trying to see if there were more of them.

As her senses reached out into the forest around her, Elisia sensed others surrounding her. The man on the ground adjusted the settings on his blaster and smiled. When he pressed the firing stud again, a burst of bluish-white energy spat from the rifle, much too large to be deflected. Her blade sliced clean through it, but couldn't stop it before it pounded into her chest, knocking her from her feet and deep into unconsciousness.

He stood slowly and approached the girl. She was alive and unconscious, as planned. He smiled and called his men down to take her too the ship. "His Lordship will really like this one. She puts up a much better fight than the last. Let's get out of here before her Jedi protector returns."

** Continued on Praeda 25 **

---

"Elisia Is Missing... Mysteries of the Past Come Back, Part 2"
Kylas Thoamis - Jedi Master

Location: Landros IV
Date: Praeda 23, 4ABY

***30 minutes later***

As Kylas was paying the shop keeper, he felt a cry and sharp pain in his head. He looked out the door and dropped a box of food on the counter and ran back to the speeder.

He looked around the land. Nothing. He couldn't feel anything and all he felt was a cold empitness. He jumped out of his speeder. He ran into the house and looked around. He froze. Someone had taken her and his child. He pulled his lightsaber from his belt and dropped it and walked to the pantry. He was silent and looked at one of the shelves for a moment grabbed it and pulled it over with a loud resounding crash. He walked to the space the shelving unit once occupied and brushed dust and cobwebs from a panel on the wall. He opened it then tapped an almost forgotten code into the security lock behind the panel and watched as the wall slid back and revealed a staircase down. Kylas silently decended into the darkness...

---

"Darkness, Vengence, Compassion and Patience. Death and Life Breed Balance to the Force, Not Technology"

By: Kylas Thoamis
MK-957 - NPC Droid
Shadows from his past

Location: Landros IV
Date: Praeda 23, 4 ABY

***

Kylas emerged into the basement. He had kept this basement sealed for almost five years. Five long years he had been happy, and the better part of a year with Elisia. He never showed this to her. As it should have been, this place was one of darkness and evil in the time of Kylas' past. He had abandoned it all, the memories, the tools, and the trade. "Gods have mercy on my soul," he muttered and walked to across the dimly lit storage room and opened a locked door on the other side of the room.

An old droid sat in the small cupboard, powered down and in recharge mode as it had sat for five years. Since that day, since the day Kylas had fully forced himself from the darkside. Now would he have to turn back to his past to save his future?

He deactivated the charger system and the droid instantly sprang to life. "MK-957 at your assistance." He looked around. "Ah, good morning, Sir. You have need of my assistance?"

"I need you to preform demination protocol seven. The master has need of you back at intel." Kylas was gambling but it was the only thing he could try and do now.

"Forgive me, Sir, I have not received any such orders from the master. Your implant can not be deactivated without prior approval. I would need such an order from imperial Command or the Intel section 89. Without either to carry out your request would violate my program."

"You don't have to deactivate, you can carry out the protocol by removing the implant." Kylas walked back into the basement. "And the you will prepare all equipment for a launch."

"Forgive me sir, I do not understand the order. Such a procedure would kill you if you are sedated, and if not there is only a six percent chance of survival without sedative. You are asking a loyal droid to kill his only friend and owner. As the Master is dead, I cannot comply with such an order."

"You will comply, or I can dismantle you here and now. The implant is a hindrance and I need it removed. I need to have that power back." Kylas turned. He was growing angry.

"Sir, your power was not controlled before, that is why you needed the implant to bury that power so you could regain your control and allow you to diverge from the Darkside. Was that not the plan?" the droid spoke quietly.

"The plan has changed," Kylas answered flatly.

"Very well, sir. It has been honor," the droid replied. "I will require you to sit down at the very least."

Kylas had only a moment to sit as the Droid approached him. A compartment in its chest opened. Kylas closed his eyes and started to meditate; perhaps letting the force flow through him would ease the pain. It did not. He felt the searing heat of a surgical laser cutting into the back of his head. He did not cry out. He didn't even have the chance to as the droid went to work cutting open his skull, and examining, poking and proding the soft mass of his brain. Kylas had lost consciousness, but he could feel the droid's probes and tool, like sharp knives through his very soul. He wanted to call out, to lash out, but his body didn't respond. In fact, his mind was starting to dim as well. Nothing but red, slowly fading into darkness.

***

"Look how the mighty have fallen," a quiet voice was heard.

Kylas' eyes fluttered open. "Wha..." He looked around. "Papa," a child's voice replied.

"Get up boy." A loud boom and cracking of bones was felt as a massive fist impacted Kylas' ribs. "What are you, some kind of cry baby? You're gonna cry. 'Mama, mama, waaaaaaaahhhhh!' You're pathetic. How could something as weak as you be my eldest born?"

Kylas' vision cleared. His father was drunk again. His side hurt so badly. He wanted to call out for his mother, but she lay nearby, a large pool of red lying around her.

"You son of a bitch, answer me when I'm talking to you. You think your slut of a mother can help?" Again his father's balled fist came down on him, this time his face.

"Papa, stop!" Kylas was afraid but also angry at his father for this. Each time his fist came down on Kylas, Kylas only grew more angry.

He saw a shadow from the background. It moved. A cloaked figure stepped from the shadows. "What are you going to do boy? Let such a weak willed creature beat you? You are more than this."

Kylas looked to the cloaked man. He wanted to call out for help. "Feel the anger in you child. You're the only one who can save you now, the only one who can save those whom you have failed."

"You failed me, Kylas, you could have saved me, but you failed. You're a failure." His mother stirred and stood by the cloaked man. "You failed me."

Another woman - much younger, with what looked like a blaster burn across her chest - appeared. "We could have escaped, we could have been together, but you held back. You always did and you failed me."

Another woman stood from the shadows; she was familiar. "Elisia, help me," Kylas called out for her.

"You failed me Kylas, you failed our child." She held her fattened stomach. "You should have been there to protect us."

"When were you ever the son I wanted? You were always too weak. You failed me." His father stood back and joined them. "You were too slow to learn. You could have had it all and you failed."

The man in the shadowed cloak spoke next. "You had that power and still do, but you're holding back. And look what it got you... Killed." The man laughed. His laughter was a darkness that chilled Kylas to the soul. He was afraid

"All of this is a burden to you padawan." An elderly man dressed in white came from a light filtered window. He appeared from nowhere. "They say you have failed, but you did what you had to to maintain the balance." He looked at him.

"Yes, Brother. You did the 'right thing', you always did. Hold back. If you didn't hold back you would never have saved the lives you did."

Another dark cloaked man stepped in, this time from the light. "Brother, you can't blame yourself. You're a good man, Kylas Thoamis, you always were. Other people played you like a puppet."

"But puppets are so obedient and nice. They always do what they're told, all Jedi do. They played by the rules of their own life."

The princess stepped from the light. "He's a good boy. He can't break the rules anymore. He has to accept what has happened like he has in the past and move on. That's always been your way, the right way. The only way to go. Be at peace with yourself, Kylas. Find that peace in death that you couldn't find in life." She extended her hand to him.

The dark cloaked man said, "Well, Boy, you could have peace or power. Join with me and I will give you that power which you seek; join me and an live." He extended his hand to Kylas.

Kylas stood on shaky knees. The boy didn't know what to do. He didn't want to die, but he wanted to do the right thing. He always had.

"Papa?" a quiet child's voice was heard behind him. Kylas turned and saw a young girl his age behind him. "Papa, I'm scared. You're gonna leave us? Why does everyone make your choice for you, papa? Why can't we make our own choices?" The girl's voice was soft, soothing, and very familiar. Kylas' body shook. "The choice is yours, papa." The girl smiled

Kylas shut his eyes and shook his head. When he opened them, he saw everyone still waiting on him. "My choice is my own." His heart nearly stopped in his throat. "I am Kylas Thoamis. I am a Jedi Knight. I had nearly forgotten everything I am, but I am no puppet. I live not for power, but for peace. I do not need you to live..." his voice squeaked. "I do not need your absolution, or your forgiveness to find my peace. I do not need to prove myself, but I do not need to hold back anymore." His voice grew stronger. "I do not need my past, but I embrace it for my future. I have made my choice... I choose to live."

His voice grew deeper, much more husky. The man that kneeled now where the boy had stood, wiped the blood from his nose. He stood and lifted his daughter into his arms. "I choose to live." He walked past all of them. He opened the door to his house and walked out.

***

The sharp pain came back. He gasped for air, as if it had not come to him in days. His breathing was violent and his heart rate was through the roof. His eyes shot open and he could feel a blinding light then they adjusted and some kind of sheet had been draped over his head. He sat upright. "Where...where am I?" His head shot back and forth.

"Sir?" The droid stood, astonished, nearby where he lay. "You're alive?" The droid instantly moved to his side and began scans. "Impossible! Your vital functions are all nominal. You were dead." The droid looked again at its scanner. "Nearly 3.2 hours." He checked the back of Kylas' head where it had operated. Gone... The wounds were gone. "This does not make sense."

Kylas checked the back of his head. His hair was blood matted, but he felt no scars or cuts. He felt different inside as well, complete somehow and oddly at peace. He looked at one of the storage shelves nearby. He didn't even think on it for more than a split second and it catapulted across the room. He felt it, he felt it all. His body tingled with sensations he had never known before. "MK, access your imperial data logs. Get me everything you have on Tae'Karada, all of the old blackguard bases and installations through the sector, as well as all information on the former blackguard Niccum Thoamis. And also prepare the Peregrine for launch. I need a bath." Kylas stood up. The wound gone, he felt a dull throbbing through his body. "Okay not quite healed," he muttered and went to clean himself.

*** 1 hour later***

Kylas walked back into the basement through another door. This room was larger. The soft blue lights had flared to life and gave a calming ease to the room. "All systems check out, sir. The information you have requested was retrieved. I took the liberty of contacting the Imperial commerce banking system and retrieved all of your off planet accounts and diverted the funding to you personal credit chip." The droid handed Kylas a credit chip. "As well, I have checked and rechecked all flight systems as well as weapon sytems and your personal equipment sir."

"Thank you MK. Now I have a favor to ask of you. Remain here old friend. I contacted Pop's, that delightful merchant you enjoyed when we first arrived here on Landros. You're a free 'man' now MK. This house and its possesions are yours. You can also find employment anywhere in the settlement. Good Luck, old friend." Kylas extended his hand to the droid.

The droid tilted its head to the side. "Free, sir? One has never been free before; one has never thought of this before. Thank you, sir." The droid shook Kylas' hand. "If there is ever anything..."

Kylas raised his hand. "No, old friend, you have earned this is more ways than I can ever recall. It is I who owe you thanks. Good bye."

"Good bye, sir." The droid hesitated for a second, and left the room in silence.

Kylas walked to his weapons' locker. "Computer open door override lockout command, Kylas alpha one 775." The weapons' locker clicked and popped open. The clothes he saw before him were the clothes of a Sith, dark and heavy, loose fitted, yet easy and mobile to the wearer. He donned the dark robes, and equipped his belt. He pulled two lightsabers from the locker, double bladed were both, and he ignited them. The two weapons, both blades to each, hummed. The black light that shone through had a calming effect on Kylas. He moved and the sabers moved part of him. He had never been able to use both sabers like this before, but he felt at peace with them now. He attached the weapons to his belt.

He went back to the locker and pulled two heavy blaster pistols from the locker. Holstered, he checked them and made sure they fired and attached the holsters to his side. Next Kylas pulled an old style shot gun, sawed off, from the locker checked it and grabbed his boxes of ammo from the locker, securing them in a hidden pocket in the cloak. He checked the locker and pulled a blaster rifle and grabbed a shoulder belt with fragment grenades and pulled all the energy cells and clips he had from their charger units and shut the charger units down, after securing all of his gear. He grabbed a set of sun glasses from the locker and put them on.

He walked to the loading door of the Peregrine Falcon and fired up her engines. He opened the massive launch bay doors and saw the light above, ran the final launch checks and eased her up out of the launch bay. The ship eased up and out. Kylas took one last look at the home he had made for himself here. He said a silent prayer, and pulled from the atmosphere. "Tae'Karada, here I come," he said softly.

---

"Upon Close Inspection"
By: Gideon Tyr
Location: Drogen Shipyards, Upper docking stations
Date: Praeda 23, 4ABY

***

The boarding ramp opened with a hiss of gas and air pressure, and stopping with the dull thud of metal upon ferro-crete. Here goes nothing, Gideon thought to himself.

Stepping down, fully encased in his clothing, and tapping his cane, the hooded near-human brought himself down, only to face...an Imperial customs agent. He hadn't received word they had a strong presence here. Of course his news was old. It always was.

Arrogance and pride just reeked out of the blond-haired Imperial-bred customs agent. Behind him one security guard stood a silent vigil. With such a big station, Gideon guessed they could hardly afford to send everyone everywhere. That would have been good for him, had he wanted to smuggle anything, but he didn't come here to do that anymore. So maybe it was bad.

"Your identification..." A look of slight disgust came upon the agent's face. He must have seen the violet eyes under the hood. Gideon enjoyed watching Imperials squirm under his appearance.

Nodding, Tyr handed his 'revised' forms to the agent. He had a bounty on his head, even if it wasn't for anything illegal. If this Imperial found out about it, he looked like one who just might try and cash it in himself, or impound his ship for it.

Patiently Gideon waited as the smug human entered a few items into his datapad. "Gideon Tyr, of the frieghter 'Morningstar'. You claim to be carrying station-grade repair parts, and fresh produce for this station..." The agent still wouldn't look directly into Gideon's eyes, as he continued, "Let's see if this is true, shall we?"

Gideon knew it was more of an order than a request. "Follow me then." Quietly and with only the tapping of his cane/pike, he went up the ramp, being followed by the security and the customs agents.

***One hour later***

Satisfied, said Gideon to himself, satisfied he had completely annoyed the customs agent by having everything in order, and opening every single compartment that he had.

Red in the face from not having found a thing wrong, the Imperial handed back the forms to the alien. Suprisingly his next words were quite pleasent, since he seemed to have said it a lot. "Alright. You're free to trade. A landing fee of thirty credits will be deducted from your account, with additional fees to be charged for longer stays. A maintenance team will be available for services." Finished, the man went tight lipped, and motioned for the security agent to follow him. No goodbyes or have a nice day.

Gideon smiled. Another satisfied customer...or in this case, customs agent. Heading back into the Tear, he prepared to unload his cargo...and hopefully his past.

---

"Shattered Lives, Part 1"
by Maeren Shivral
Kaysa Zenarr
Merrick Braston

and introducing: Dargus Kandran

Location: Dargus' Secret Base & New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 19, 4ABY

A lone figure stood poised in the centre of the dimly lit room. He was clad only in a pair of black pants. He rested easily on the balls of his feet, waiting for his assailants to make their move. He held a staff of coherent light in his hands, ready to lash out and destroy all that came within its dangerous reach.

The first attacker charged; a large shape, powerfully built, it was a droid designed for one purpose: combat. From behind him, the next charged. He swung the staff easily, its blades arcing around and aimed at the midsections of his attackers. The first was sliced clean through its middle, and the second lost an arm at its elbow joint.

As the first started to fall, the third and fourth charged him. He let one hand fly free of his weapon and thrust it out toward the third. The mechanical opponent shuddered to a stop against the barrier he'd cast at it; a normal human would have been thrown across the room, but the thousand kilogram droid was merely stalled in place.

With only one hand on his light staff, he swung it wide, careful to avoid injury to himself. The fourth charged into the blade, and erupted in a shower of sparks.

The second raised its other arm with secondary weapon held ready. It was a large flail with an electric charge held in each of the spiked balls. It raised it high and prepared to bring it crashing down.

He focused his will and sent a powerful kick into the droid's midsection, driving it back and then down onto the floor. He would not have tried that against the third, but number two was built lighter, faster.

He pulled his blade from the still-sparking carcass of the fourth and swung it at number three. The droid's head toppled from its shoulders and bounced on the floor.

As he shut down one of the blades and drove it into number two, still struggling to right itself, the first crashed to the floor in a heap.

Not a bad workout, he thought with a smile.

"Very good, my young apprentice," a voice from the darkness said. "You are learning well. You learn quickly, much quicker than past apprentices of mine."

"Thank you, my master," he said, a low bow accompanying it to honour the man now standing before him. "These were an easy fight; I could have destroyed them just as easily before you began training me."

The man nodded, his silver-white hair catching the light as he did. "Perhaps this is so, but your methods would have been more barbaric. I also believe it would have taken you an additional thirty seconds to dispatch all four."

"Now my blade thirsts for vengeance--"

"Patience, my apprentice," he said. "Your time will come. For now, we have other matters to attend to."

"The girl is being brought to us now," he said. "She is the key to gaining our foothold on the planet."

"And, the key to satisfying your lusts, I am certain. I will depart and leave you to deal with our new guest. Our agents have narrowed down the other girl's location. A team will have her shortly."

He smiled. "Very good. I will attend to her when she arrives. For now, I will deal with our newcomer" -- he tilted his head as if straining to hear a distant voice --"who has just now arrived."

"I leave you to your new tool," the shadowy figure said, and then turned toward the back exit.

With a final look around his training room, he returned his lightsaber to his belt, and then left for his throne room. So different than it had been before. But, so much more effective than it had ever been previously.

***

When she was pushed down the ramp of the ship, Maeren Shivral thought she was going to die. She was clad in only the shirt stolen from Zale's closet, and the environmentals wherever she was were turned far too low. She was shoved forward fighting to keep her head down as she'd been instructed. She felt ready to topple over each time the but of the rifle jabbed into her back. It didn't help that she was wearing binders that kept her from using her arms for balance.

The corridor she was being marched through was dark except for a few scattered lighted globes. It finally came to an end in front of a large ornate door. She jumped when it suddenly rumbled and started sliding inward. Once it was open wide enough for her to pass through, she was pushed forward again. Finally, she was