"The Ties That Bind...And The Lies"
By: Evie [NPC] - Padawan
Kylas - Jedi Master

Location: Kandran's Floating Ship
Date: Saris 28, 3 ABY

***

Evie was bored. She decided to go to the training room and practice. She spent an hour going over the moves that Master Kylas had instilled in herself and Elisia. Her movements became more sure and smooth. Fighting, she understood, fighting she felt at home with. The feel of the saber in her hands was like it was an extension of her very being. It filled the constant sense of emptiness she felt when she could not be with Dargus.

She finished the workout and sank to the floor for mediation, her hands on her knees as she crouched in a lotus position. She felt the master enter even though her eyes were closed, and stood immediately as he had previously directed.

"Greetings, Evie." He bowed. "How are you?" He looked at his young student. "You seem undeterred, yet bothered." He looked at her.

"I was just working on the things you shared with me," she replied quietly.

"Ah...so you thought to divide yourself and your line of thought by focusing on something else?" He looked at her and pulled his saber out and idly twisted it on his hand.

"I find that training brings me peace," she replied, not moving from her place in front of him. Her eyes did not meet his.

"Then you are inflexible in your steadiness?" He looked back at her.

A look of confusion crossed her face. "I don't understand." She did not feel inflexible.

"Your mind is divided and you seem very distressed." He looked back her.

"I am confused," she admitted. "I feel a pull and before you did whatever it was, I understood it. Now I feel the same distant pull, but there is...there is nothing to go with it. Also, I do not understand why Dargus suddenly does not wish that which he had me taught. Yet, he does not walk a different path himself." She looked up at him. Her eyes held a strange clarity that Elisia's did not hold.

"Because what you feel is the pull of the darkside, and with it, all you will feel is the destruction of all you love and the loss of your very life," he replied. "Then if Dargus will not change himself you must show him the errors of his ways," he added.

"So...I started this path to darkness and now I am suddenly to reverse directions and then change one of the most evil men in the sector? How?" She looked at him and frowned. "I am not afraid to die. Is that what he fears, that I will die?"

"If you do not fear, then you are fool." He looked at her.

She nodded. "Perhaps." She shuffled her foot and looked down at the floor unsure of what else to say.

"You can change yourself, and being so divided, you must find yourself with losing yourself." He looked at her. "Do you understand?"

She shook her head. "You speak in riddles that I have no clue. I know I should know and yet they seem foreign in substance."

"You need to find it in yourself to change. If you are unwilling your path never will." He looked at her.

"What if I don't want to change? I like me the way I am." She thought it odd that everyone wanted to change her.

"Then you will destroy yourself. There is nothing I can do." he looked at Evie. "Please inform Master Dargus that my services as your teacher have come to an end."

Evie's eyes widened. "You will leave now because I asked a question? Would you rather I kept my thoughts to myself?" She took a step towards him. "I...please do not leave me." Her voice held a touch of panic.

"Evie, I will not help a person unwilling to help themselves. You do not wish to change; I will not change you. You are destroying yourself if continue on a path of darkness." He looked at her.

"I don't want to be destroyed," she answered slowly. "I...I have this constant feeling that I will be leaving soon and I will need to know everything I can."

"Then you must be willing to change," he replied. "Are you willing?"

"If I must change to learn what I need, then I will change," she answered slowly as if forcing herself to answer.

"You are not willing. I will leave," he replied.

"No, I am." Evie's eyes filled with tears. She dropped to her knees before him. "Please, I...I must learn before I leave or..." Her voice fell silent.

"Or you will be taken." He looked at her. "Evie, you are not willing to change; you are afraid, nothing more. Your heart is as it is." He knelt. "You must find it in yourself to change, or you will be lost."

"How? Tell me what I must do. I am not afraid to work hard." Her eyes looked up at him pleading.

"It's not a matter of working hard. You must find it here." He pointed to her heart.

Her face fell. It was rare she felt anything. Only Dargus held her passion and obsession. Other matters did not seem to hold much sway; she could take them or leave them. "Can the mind change the wishes of the heart?"

"No, you must take time to see the wishes of the force." He looked at her, "I want you to stop of everything and wander with Dargus. I want you to see what you need."

"Wander with Dargus?" Evie was still on her knees before Kylas. She looked him in the eyes as they faced each other. "It would be easier if I remembered more than here." She sighed with longing to a lost past.

He placed his hands on her head, and he unblocked her mind. "Remember. If you wish to change, begin opening your senses to the force and it will guide you."

As he unblocked her mind, but there was nothing there to remember. Only flitting images of streets and city alleyways. "Remember what?" she whispered.

"You wished to change." His face darkened.

She focused on wishing to change. She must have been good sometime in her life. But she could find no memory to cling to. How could she change? Had she always been this way? She felt a surge of something from the master and opened her eyes. "What is it?" she asked with concern.

"It is nothing to concern yourself with. Go. Be with Dargus now, and leave your training for now." He looked at her

"You will be here when I return from my trip?" she asked with concern.

"Yes, this I promise," he replied.

She breathed a sigh of relief and rose to her feet. She placed her saber back upon her belt. "I will find something within myself worth saving. I promise."

"Very good." He nodded. "And I will try to help you." A clone.

She nodded and hurried off as he had bid. She would spend her honeymoon searching for some memory of happy times or at least more innocent ones.

---

"Working Relationship"
By: Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
and Kaysa Zenarr

Location: Zenarr Inc. - New Plouton
Date: Saris 28, 3ABY

***

Shiv came through the door of Kaysa's office with a bright smile on her face. She'd been successful, and she got back in record time. She'd done everything Kaysa had wanted, and she truly hoped her new boss would be proud of her. She spotted Kaysa working at the desk again where she'd been when they first met the other day.

When Kaysa looked up, Shiv's heart lurched into a faster pace. Her time in the cockpit of her ship flared in her mind and she felt a warm rush go through her body and settle between her thighs.. She forced a grin and hoped she didn't look as embarrassed as she felt. "Got it," she said. "It's out in the hold of my ship now."

Kaysa smiled and rose from her seat, then coming around her desk and placing her hand on Shiv's shoulder. "I think that's the fastest run anyone has ever done for me," Kaysa said with a laugh. "Come on, let's go check the merchandise out and get it offloaded. I think you're gonna work out just fine, Shiv."

Shiv beamed at Kaysa's words. She forced herself not to think of Kaysa's warm hand resting on her shoulder, the heat radiating through the thin fabric of her shirt. The shirt wasn't as tight or as revealing as the one she'd worn the last time she'd met with Kaysa, but the fabric felt wonderful against her bare skin. "The men there didn't really want to be all that helpful," she said as they headed toward the door. "But, I convinced them they should be more helpful and respectful. If I ever go back there, we'll see if they learned anything." She grinned at Kaysa, and fought back the urge to say something about her feelings. She didn't know what Kaysa would say about that, or if she could even feel the same. Was it worth it to risk her job? "It all went okay though."

"Good, I'm glad. After all, that was one of the easier runs, a little test on my part. I wanted to see if you could handle some of the bigger jobs, but by the looks of it, you've got what it takes." Kaysa entered the docking bay with Shiv by her side. She took a quick look around on the odd chance that she'd see Rennor hanging about, but he was most likely in some important business meeting or off doing whatever else he did during the day. "So which ship is yours?"

"This one right over here," she said, pointing to the Stiletto. It was fairly chunky and uninteresting as far as starships went. It was old and looked like it'd seen better days, but it got the job done. "She's not a pretty thing, but she hasn't failed me yet. And, the bed's comfortable when there's not a planet in sight." She laughed softly and led the way up inside. "Did you want the quick tour before we check out the hold?"

"That's actually a very good idea," Kaysa replied as they neared the ship. "I mean, after you sign the formal contract, your ship does fall under partial ownership of Zenarr Inc. It's only logical that I check out the merchandise, in a sense."

Shiv nodded and led the way through the main cabin. "Here's the central area of the ship," she said, indicating around her. "There's a game board for long trips, but it only really works well with two people. The ship's computer either plays really bad or really good with nothing in between. Acceleration couches and personal storage." She opened a small door to the side of the main area. "Galley. Not much room for food storage, but enough for quick meals." She moved away from that to another door. She opened it and revealed a large bed covered in rumpled bedding and clothes. "The ship's one bedroom, so to speak. Nothing exciting happens in there." She stepped away and headed toward the front of the ship. "Cockpit's up here."

"Well, it certainly looks cozy enough. A good ship for long runs. Doesn't look like you'd ever run out of things to do," Kaysa mused as Shiv continued her tour.

The cockpit was small with enough room for three people to sit: pilot, co-pilot, and navigator. Shiv started pointing out various features when she noticed the top she'd been wearing the other day in Kaysa's office, and ended up discarding to the floor on the trip out to pick up the shipment in the hold. She felt her face go red, and quickly tried to kick the top under something.

Kaysa laughed as Shiv unsuccessfully tried to shove an article of clothing under the console. "You don't have to tidy up the place for me, Shiv," Kaysa said with a smile as she bent down to pick up the black piece of clothing. She held it up and examined it. "Well, I think I recognize this." Kaysa began turning over the shirt in her hand, noticing it was in quite a bad state. "I guess it happened, then," Kaysa said, still looking at the shirt.

Shiv looked at the ripped shirt in Kaysa's hands and felt herself going bright red. She looked away and then back, wishing this wasn't happening. "What happened?" she asked, not exactly trying to play innocent, but not sure what Kaysa was referring to.

"Well," Kaysa answered, looking at Shiv now and forcing back a grin, "you finally busted out of your shirt. I thought it looked a bit tight on you when you first walked into my office." Kaysa noticed Shiv's face growing darker with each moment, and finally burst into laughter, handing Shiv her torn shirt. "I'm sorry," she said, cupping her palm over her mouth to dampen the sound of her shrill laugh.

"It's okay," Shiv said, putting the shirt behind her back as the warmth in her face spread down to the tops of her breasts. She was just glad Kaysa didn't know the real reason behind the torn shirt. "It was bound to happen, I guess." She grinned, very happy the shirt she now wore was fairly loose fitting. A part of her wanted to go into more detail, but the rest of her was appalled she would even consider it. "Actually, I didn't burst out of it, I just had trouble with the buttons trying to get them undone. It's an embarrassing story, and probably not one you want to hear."

"Well, I'm sure it could serve as an amusing anecdote, but you can save it for another time," Kaysa answered, biting her lip and fighting back her laughter. "So, should we take a look at the cargo. I like to perform an inventory of every shipment that comes in...just a formality, that's all. It has nothing to do with you or your abilities, Shiv. In fact, you've already shown your abilities to be quite impressive."

I've got other abilities you might like, Shiv thought as she started back toward the hold, but held her tongue. "The shipment is this way," she said. On the way to the hold, she tossed the torn shirt through the open door to her room and continued to the pressure door separating them from the crates she'd just brought back.

The door slid aside and they stepped into the hold. The shipment was off to one side, held in place with a cargo net. "There it is," Shiv said, approaching it. She retracted the net so that Kaysa could inspect the goods. "Manifest data is on the datapad strapped to that top box."

Kaysa nodded her head and moved to the crates, snatching the datapad up into her hand. "So, Shiv, where did you say you were from again?" Kaysa asked as she scanned through the manifest, glancing up periodically to verify the presence of each item on the list.

"I was born in the small village of Mal Parda on an iceball of a world called Tev Ronon. I hated it there. There was no one else close to my age, and everyone was scientists. And, it was always cold. If you wore less than four layers of clothing, you could freeze to death. We moved to a planet called Agarra when I was ten. It was a jungle world, and much warmer than Tev Ronon. I liked it better, except for the humidity. There, one layer of clothing was almost too much. But, when I was sixteen, the most wonderful thing happened, my parents disappeared, and I left with Lerrah, and we started smuggling. So, for the last four years, I've been doing this kind of thing. What about you?"

Kaysa glanced up from her datapad and smiled at Shiv. "Well, I was born on Bespin, lived a mediocre, uneventful life and finally moved here to start up Zenarr Inc. Frankly," Kaysa added, putting down the datapad and placing her hands on her hips, "I'd like to hear more about you. Your life sounds far more interesting than mine. Everything appears to be accounted for on the manifest, so what do you say we get outta here and get a drink?"

Shiv gave Kaysa a big grin. "I'd like that," she said. "I can unload later." She had to fight the urge to hug Kaysa. It seemed to bubble up out of nowhere, but she pushed it away as soon as she recognized it. "Do you know of a good place to go for a drink? The only place I've been isn't that great, and I don't think they like me 'cause I almost knifed a guy there when he tried to get me to go back to his room."

"Really? So you're good with a knife then," Kaysa said as she picked up the datapad and walked towards Shiv. "I knew you could handle yourself when I first met you. Don't worry, we'll find somewhere else to go. Can't have my new star courier getting into bar brawls. Come on," Kaysa said. She smiled at Shiv and placed her hand on her back. "I'll even pay this time."

Shiv's eyes widened as Kaysa's hand came to rest on her back. It was so warm through the thin fabric of her shirt. She felt a shiver run down her spine and the flesh over her arms rose in small bumps. As they moved out of the hold and down the ramp, Shiv realized she was walking very close to Kaysa, their bodies nearly touching. "I'm good with knives," she said as they moved out across the docking area. "That's how I got my nickname. And, when I don't let people push me around, I usually hear that I'm either feisty or spunky. It usually depends on who's saying it."

"I've been called a lot of things in my day, but spunky isn't one of them," Kaysa replied as they exited the docking bay and sauntered onto the street outside. "You mentioned you had a partner...Lerrah. What happened to her? Have a falling out?"

Shiv nodded. "You could say that," she said. "We were approached by someone who wanted us to transport a shipment without knowing what it was we were shipping. She didn't want to, and I did. We'd get fifteen thousand for delivering it. We needed the money, but she didn't want to transport something without knowing what it was, because it could have been something she might have drawn the line at." Shiv shrugged. "We hadn't drawn any lines before, and we'd hauled some very illegal stuff. We fought about it, and in the end, she left."

"Were you two good friends? I must say, I've never had a friend in my life, well not a girlfriend, so I wish I could say I can sympathize with what you're feeling, but I can't." Kaysa glanced up and smiled as the bar came into view. "You have no qualms with smuggling illegal substances then?" Kaysa asked, heading to the door of the bar and holding it open for Shiv. "That makes you very flexible, which is actually perfect for me. I need someone who doesn't ask questions."

"I figure there are enough people out there who will haul highly illegal cargoes," she said as they entered, "so, I figure, it'll get done anyway, and I'd rather have the money. You name it, I've hauled it. And, Lerrah and I were good friends," she said. "She's probably been my only friend in life. She taught me the ropes growing up on Agarra, so we stuck together when we left. I've thought about trying to find out where she is or how she's doing, but it'd probably only lead to trouble. Besides, it's been two years, and we're both in different places in our lives now. I'm happy with what I'm doing now, and I've moved on." She laughed. "Sorry for the unpleasant walk down memory lane. It's easier alone now. I don't mean to sound nostalgic. Things are better this way."

Kaysa sat down across from Shiv and signalled for a waitress to come and take their orders. "I know what you mean. I've been on my own for almost ten years. There are a lot less hassles when you don't have someone on your case about this and that. You make your own decisions and you do what you want. It's much easier that way." The waitress finally approached their table, greeting Kaysa by her first name. This was her favourite place to go to when she needed to wind down and just drink away her worries. She'd managed to ring up quite the tab here, but the owner knew she was always good for it and gave as much leeway as she needed.

The waitress smiled at Kaysa as she took down their orders and bustled away with her tray in hand. "So, Shiv, where ya staying? I mean, have you found a place yet around New Plouton?"

Shiv shook her head. "I don't have a place yet," she said. "I was just planning on staying in my ship until I can find something more permanent. I'll be here for awhile, and I can only live out of the Stiletto for so long. I don't even know where's good around here. Well, good and cheap at any rate."

"Yeah, most places around here'll try and rip you off, but if you like I can help you look around," Kaysa said as the waitress returned, placing the drinks down in front of them. "Until then, you know, you can bunk with me. I've got a couch that's really comfortable; you can sleep there until you find something."

Shiv grinned and nodded as she took a sip of her drink. "Ooh, very nice," she said, peering into the glass as if she'd be able to see exactly how they made it or the truth would somehow be revealed. "I've never had one this good before. And, thank you. As long as you don't mind, that'd be great. It does get a little claustrophobic in the ship sometimes. And, maybe I can start looking for something tomorrow." She watched Kaysa for a moment and had to try hard to concentrate on the drink and conversation, instead of the very salacious thoughts that popped into her head.

"I don't mind one bit," Kaysa replied with a pleasant smile. "Just as long as you don't mind the noise when I come home at odd hours of the night. I tend to do most of my socializing at night, if that's what you'd call it. You can come with me sometime if you like. I'm sure we can find you a handsome young man to bring home." Kaysa laughed and downed her drink, putting down her empty glass and signalling again for the waitress. "Would you like to come out with me sometime? The nightlife in New Plouton is really lively."

Shiv grinned and then laughed. "I'd love to come out with you," she said, though inside her heart was racing. "That sounds like a lot of fun." She finished her drink in a swallow and grinned up at the approaching waitress. "And, don't worry, I don't mind the noise. I'd wonder if you went socializing at other times; night is the best time for socializing. I mean, that's when everyone else is out too. I'd like to go out with you."

Kaysa couldn't help but be amused by Shiv's enthusiasm. Her form was that of a mature, adult woman, but when she blushed and when she began rambling, her mere 20 years betrayed her. "Fine. Tonight you can get settled in and maybe tomorrow night, I can show you around. I can tell already that you're gonna be a big hit with the men around here." Kaysa motioned with her eyes to a man across the room, one smiling and eyeing Shiv from head to toe. "He seems to like you well enough."

Shiv turned and looked at the man watching her. He didn't even look away when she met his gaze. Her stomach felt like it was about to start doing flips. She quickly turned back and shook her head. "I don't know," she said. "I don't think he's my type." She knew this was about to take a bad turn. The new drinks arrived and Shiv downed hers immediately and asked for another before the waitress could get away. "So, what's a night of socializing like for you?"

"Drinking, men, more drinking and even more men," Kaysa answered plainly, grinning at Shiv. "And it looks like you're going to be even better at it than I am," Kaysa added. Her eyes stared over Shiv's shoulder and followed the man as he made his way over. "He may not be your type, but I think you're his," Kaysa whispered, forcing back a laugh and swallowing down her drink.

Shiv laughed once and shook her head. She looked at Kaysa and tried to smile. It felt like a fog had come in and settled around her mind. She shifted in her seat and it felt like the whole bar shifted with her. "I don't want to be his," Shiv said, her words carrying the slight slur of the onset of drunkenness. The waitress came back with the third round of drinks and Shiv started in on hers immediately. She decided to take this one slower. Another quick shot like the last one, and she didn't know if she'd be able to stand. She felt so awkward and clumsy. "He's coming over, isn't he?" The slurring was getting worse. She polished off the rest of the drink. Maybe he won't like me if I'm slogged, she thought.

"He certainly is," Kaysa mumbled, talking through her teeth as she smiled up at the man.

"Good evening, ladies," the tall, dark-haired man said as he leaned over and placed a hand on Shiv's shoulder. "What are two beautiful women like you doing coming to a place like this unescorted? Especially you. You don't even look old enough to drink, but I'm sure we can find something else to do besides drinking," he whispered into Shiv's ear, running his hand down her arm. "I saw you watching me back there. Why don't we get outta here so we can get to know each other better?"

Shiv looked at Kaysa with panic in her glazed expression. She looked up at the man, watched him for a moment, and giggled, nearly spilling the new glass the waitress just put in front of her. "I don't think so," she said. She blinked as his hand ran over her arm and his breath tickled her ear. She could feel her body reacting, betraying her. The warmth between her legs was spreading and her nipples were pressing out against her shirt. "I just got a new drink and, um,..." She motioned for him to bring his ear closer so she could whisper to him. "I'm a lesbian," she whispered for only him to hear.

The man straightened up, his hand still on Shiv, as he burst into a boisterous fit of laughter. "Good one, baby, but I've heard that line before. Look," he said, wiping the tears from his eyes and choking back another laugh, "you don't have to be shy. I won't hurt you." He brought his hand up to push Shiv's hair back and brought his lips close to her ear. "I'll treat you good, baby. Come on."

Kaysa wasn't finding the scene amusing anymore. One look at Shiv, and she knew the girl was completely drunk. For some reason, she felt responsible for Shiv, felt protective of her new star smuggler, and there was no way she was letting her go home with a stranger. "Look, buddy. She obviously doesn't want anything to do with you, so just lay off."

"Why don't you shut up, bitch? I'm not talking to you, I'm talking to her," he shot back, glaring at Kaysa as he caressed Shiv's cheek. "Let's get outta here. This chick's becoming a drag," he said more calmly. His lips brushed against Shiv's ear, then moved to her neck as he kissed her gently.

Shiv tilted her head and pulled away so she could look at him. "That chick's my boss," she slurred. There was a barely audible click as she fumbled one of her knives into her hand. "Leave me alone, or I'll cut your balls off." She pressed the blade to his groin, but not enough to cut. She did her best to look like she meant business, and not that she was drunk off her ass and ready to fall out of her chair. "Please go away, I would rather not hurt you today."

"You wouldn't hurt me, beautiful," he said with a laugh. He stepped back and quickly grabbed Shiv's wrist, twisting it and forcing the knife from her grasp.

"Let go of her, you jerk!" Kaysa hollered as she pushed her chair back and started towards the man.

"Uh uh uh!" he cautioned, pointing the knife in Kaysa's direction and smiling fiendishly at her. "Don't be brave. Your friend and I are just trying to get to know one another. There's no need for you to interfere. Isn't that right, baby?" he said. He bent over with his mouth searching for Shiv's lips. He twisted her arm violently as her mouth eluded his and began desperately searching for anywhere he could secure a kiss.

"Dammit, leave her!" Kaysa shouted as she stepped forward and tried to grab the knife from the man, who quickly looked up and pulled his hand away. The blade of the knife grazed Kaysa's hand. She took in a sharp breath and winced as pain shot through her arm. She drew away and cradled her hand as she glared at the drunkard.

"I told you to leave us alone, you stupid bitch, and I meant it!" he hollered, waving the knife around.

Shiv looked up at the man, the man waving her knife. Her knife. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at her blade being waved around in such an amateurish way. Her other arm was still twisted painfully around the back of the chair, and she could feel his fingers digging into her forearm. That left her with one arm. She looked over at Kaysa and saw the blood on her clothes, on her hand. He hurt Kaysa? He hurt Kaysa. He hurt Kaysa with her knife. Shiv felt like she was going to be sick. The man didn't deserve her knife. Not waving it around like that, or hurting Kaysa. With her free hand, Shiv slapped down onto his wrist. The sudden move popped his hand open and sent the blade clattering to the floor. "You were doing it wrong," she slurred at him.

Kaysa seized her chance and quickly rushed towards the man, sending her knee forcefully into his groin. As he released Shiv's wrist and bent over to clutch his balls, Kaysa kicked him in the stomach, then sent her elbow crashing down into his back. The man dropped to his knees, coughing and gagging from the blows to his stomach and genitals. He rolled in place on the floor with his hands cupped protectively over himself as he emitted soft whimpers.

Kaysa let her tense nerves settle as the man appeared subdued, but as the glint from the knife lying near his hand on the floor caught her eye, she instantly tensed up again. The man must have seen it too, for, despite the fit of coughing that possessed him, he managed to quickly reach for it, but not quite fast enough. Kaysa grunted and stomped on his hand. Her foot dug into his wrist as she bent over and took the knife out of his reach. "You need to really learn some manners. Is this how you pick up all your women?" she asked. Her chest heaved partially from the physical exertion, but more from the rush of adrenaline in her veins.

"Screw you," he answered in a thick, pain stricken voice.

"Oh, that's not nice," Kaysa said playfully before slamming his face with her fist. "Now stay down or I'll arrange it so you never get up again. Got it?"

The man looked up at Kaysa, his eyes fierce and his teeth clenched. "Yeah...I got it."

"Good," she said and planted her foot into his cheek, causing him to spread out flat on the ground, reeling in pain. "Come on, Shiv," she added hastily. She moved around the table and pulled Shiv by the arm. "Let's go."

Shiv stumbled to her feet and followed after Kaysa. "Nice moves," she said as they headed toward the door. Once they were outside, Shiv looked at Kaysa's bloody hand. She took it into her own and frowned. "We should get that looked at," she said. She watched the blood for a moment and then looked up at Kaysa. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pulled the knife. I didn't think he'd be that forceful. I thought I'd press the blade to his dick, and he'd back off. I didn't mean for any trouble, or for you to get hurt."

"Don't worry about it," Kaysa answered, giving Shiv a reassuring smile. "Besides, it's only a cut. I can take care of it back at my place," she added as she steadied Shiv with her good arm. She placed it around her waist and moved along again. "It's not even dark yet and you're already drunk. You don't drink often, do you?"

Shiv giggled. "No," she said. "Not really. Never more than a drink, and even then I get a little loopy." Shiv allowed herself to lean onto Kaysa a little, taking comfort in the closeness of their bodies. "I don't actually do very well with men."

"Haven't been with many, have you?" Kaysa asked. She gripped Shiv firmly as they continued to walk on towards her apartment complex. "It's nothing to be ashamed of. You're young and you'll meet plenty of guys when you're ready. Although, I'd suggest to you that you don't do anything you'll regret later. I know I started out young, got in way over my head and I'm regretting it even today," Kaysa said. A vacant expression crossed face and her eyes grew distant as she thought about the past. She was wiser, a lot less naive than she was then, and she knew the consequences of her actions.

She was careful now, careful not to put herself into the same position she had years ago, careful not to make the same mistakes. If she could, though, she would help Shiv to avoid those mistakes, the ones she made. It was the least she could for her new prized courier. "Don't let that jerk back there turn you off guys forever. There are some nice ones out there, and maybe I can help you find them," Kaysa said, blinking away the memories coming to the forefront, memories she didn't need to come to grips with right now.

Shiv laughed and looked away. "Too late," she said softly before realizing she'd spoken the words aloud.

Kaysa narrowed her eyes at Shiv inquisitively. She twisted her head around and tried to meet Shiv's gaze. "Too late? Have you already found someone? What's his name, if you don't mind my asking," Kaysa said, a gentle smile on her lips.

Shiv smiled again, her face going warm. "No, there's no one," she said. "I just meant, I was just talking about... It's nothing. And, there's no one special in my life. Just me alone. There are no guys drawing my attention."

"Well, no one worth wasting your time on, at least," Kaysa added, adjusting her grip on Shiv's waist. "Anyway, as soon as we get to my apartment, you're going to take a nice, long nap. Got it?" Kaysa said as they began their trek through the Yallder district with her apartment complex coming into view. "I can't have my new protege vomiting on my precious cargo, now can I?"

Shiv laughed. "Got it," she said. "Long nap, no vomiting." She looked over at Kaysa and had the sudden urge to tell her everything, but knew the time wasn't right yet. Instead, she grinned and kissed her on the cheek. "Thank you."

Kaysa was momentarily taken aback, but regained her composure and simply laughed gently as she helped Shiv up the steps of her apartment complex. Shiv stumbled slightly on the way up, forcing Kaysa to secure her by wrapping her other arm around her waist and hugging her closely. "You really are a handful, aren't ya, Shiv?" Kaysa said in a strained voice as she attempted to force Shiv back into an upright position.

Shiv gave Kaysa a grin as she tried to help steady herself. Kaysa's body so close was driving her crazy. She closed her eyes for a moment, partly to regain her composure, and partly to savor the feelings. "Oh my," she said. "I think I'm a little wobbly." She ran a hand along Kaysa's hair, trying to stifle giggles. She shifted slightly against the arm Kaysa had around her and giggled yet again. "So," she slurred, "have you ever thought about going with a woman?"

Kaysa turned her head, moving it away from Shiv's hand and forcing a smile. "You're really an annoying drunk, you know that?" Kaysa said, trying to hide her agitation as she tugged Shiv along towards her apartment. "And I have thought, in jest, about being with a woman, but it's only because I despised men at the time, which I still do to some degree."

Shiv made an effort to try to be more serious, but it didn't work very well. "Sorry," she said. "I'll try to be a better drunk. I don't like men. I don't like how they look at me. And, I don't like how they all think they're better than me. Than women in general. I mean, we're just boobs and cunts to them. That's all they care about. Fuck 'em. Who needs 'em?" She looked at Kaysa and fought back another giggle, and the intense urge to press her lips to Kaysa's. She felt like she was about to catch fire, and she knew Kaysa wasn't going to be any help putting it out.

Kaysa smiled awkwardly, punching in the code on her doorlock and pulling Shiv through as the door slid open. As she looked at Shiv's erratic behaviour, Kaysa began to worry and wonder if she was this bad when she was drunk. She only hoped she was better able to hold her tongue when she was plastered, unlike Shiv, whose tongue seemed to loosen considerably with only three drinks. "So, I gather you hate men?" Kaysa quipped as she shifted her hands so her grip on Shiv was more secure. "I do agree with the fuck 'em part. That's about the only thing men are good for." Kaysa brought Shiv over to her couch, trying to lay her down as gracefully as she could, despite Shiv being quite the handful.

The couch was comfortable, very comfortable. Shiv could feel sleep pulling at her already. "I hate them," she said. "I don't know if they're even good for fucking. I mean, why fuck a man when there are so many other options?" She held up two fingers for Kaysa to see and grinned. She slid her hand down her body and over her crotch, and then fell into another fit of giggles. "I don't need a man."

Kaysa felt her cheeks blushing at Shiv's demonstration; she couldn't help thinking how she hadn't done that in a while. "Well, none of us do, Shiv, but they're always good for a laugh. Don't turn your back on them that quickly, but if you're happy being with just you and your two fingers, then I see no reason to waste your time with men." Kaysa smiled at Shiv as she took a seat next to her on the couch. "Do you need a blanket for tonight?" Kaysa asked as she began pulling off Shiv's boots.

I'd be happier with your fingers, Shiv wanted to say, but she didn't. Instead, she nodded. "A blanket would be nice," she said. "And, my fingers do just fine. Though, I guess sometimes, it'd be nice to have someone else." She shook her head. "But, that's not important."

Kaysa tossed Shiv's boots onto the floor and moved across the room. She moved to the closet in the hallway and pulled out a comforter. "Well, we all have needs, Shiv, even though some of us are more needy than others. You're young; you'll figure out what you want eventually, even if it takes a few tries to get things right." Kaysa moved back to the couch, placing the blanket over the entire length of Shiv's body and tucking her arms underneath it. "I know it's still early, but I think you could use the sleep."

"Thanks," she said with a smile. "I'll try not to make a mess here. I mean, I don't feel sick at all or anything. I think I'll be okay, except for a hangover." She grinned as she looked up at Kaysa. "I've been with a girl before." Her eyes went wide when she realized what she said, and quickly wished she could take it back. She'd thought about telling Kaysa, but didn't think she'd actually do it. Now it was too late though. "I mean, I have. So, I'm not completely clueless about sex and stuff."

Kaysa coughed as she swallowed a gasp. She'd never met anyone who had actually been with a woman before, even though the idea had crossed her mind more than once. Had Shiv just told her she preferred women, or had she just experimented? Kaysa didn't think she'd have a problem if Shiv did lean in that direction, but she suddenly became very aware of where her hand lay atop the blanket, no doubt resting on Shiv's knee. She slowly pulled her hand away and cleared her throat. "Well, I guess it's good to explore all your options before coming to a decision," was all Kaysa could think of to say, even though it betrayed her discomfort. "Do...do you prefer women, then?" Kaysa asked slowly and hesitantly, narrowing her eyes at Shiv quizzically.

Shiv swallowed and distinctly felt that she saw some disapproval in Kaysa's gaze. "I don't know," she said, lying. "I've never been with a guy, so I don't really know. I guess. I mean, if I did, it wouldn't be a problem, right? I mean, you wouldn't think different of me or anything right?"

"No..." Kaysa replied, hesitating at first with her tone sounding unconvincing. "I mean, you're just my employee. It would have no effect on our working relationship whatsoever. It's your life and you do what you want with it, right?" Kaysa said as took a step back and smiled at Shiv. "Besides, like you said, you're not...one anyway, so we don't really need to worry about anything."

Shiv sat up. "Do we just have a working relationship, Kaysa?" she asked. "I mean, we get along really well, and we're kind of in this together. I know you said you've never had a friend before, but I mean...do you think we could be friends? Sorta?"

"Shiv," Kaysa began, reaching to put her hand on Shiv's shoulder, but withdrawing her hand quickly. "You don't want me as a friend. My purpose in life is to get ahead at any costs, even at the cost of hurting people like you." Kaysa sighed and overcame the awkwardness she was feeling by placing her hands on Shiv's shoulders and pushing her back down. "There is someone out there who would be a much better friend to you than I could ever be. Why don't you try and sleep now?"

"Okay," Shiv said, and slid back against the couch. "I guess I'll see you later. I'm sorry about earlier, the trouble in the bar, but thank you for helping me. I don't know if I could have gotten out of there without you. And, thank you for the place to crash. I won't be any trouble for you."

"It's no trouble," Kaysa replied, straightening back up and favouring her hand, which suddenly began to hurt again as Shiv mentioned the bar incident. "And I don't mind you crashing here. After all, I can't send my shining star out on another run if she's hung over, now can I?"

Shiv laughed. "No," she said, "I guess not. So, we're going out socializing tomorrow night?" She gave Kaysa a grin that said she wanted to even though she was still plowed.

Kaysa laughed and adjusted the covers so only Shiv's head remained exposed. "You've got far too much energy, Shiv, but yes, tomorrow night, it's you and me. This time, though, I'll bring a sidearm, just in case." Kaysa sighed deeply and watched Shiv for a moment longer. She was young and alive, the fire in her eyes burning strong despite how drunk she was. Kaysa wished she could capture a little of that fire for herself, just a little spark to rejuvenate her and somehow retrieve some of her misspent youth to live over again. By socializing with Shiv, perhaps she could get another shot at living out those years she wasted, the ones she had tried so hard forget, yet yearned to recapture at any rate.

Kaysa smiled and began moving away from the room. "Now, I want you to sleep, Shiv, and I don't want you to leave that couch until you've come back to your senses, ok?"

Shiv laughed. "Oh," she said, the beginnings of sleepiness creeping into her voice, "I may be here for a long time then." She fought against a yawn as she watched Kaysa moving away. As she watched, she slipped a hand down inside her pants. The covers would hide the movement of her hand, and she couldn't hold off any longer. She just wished she knew a way to convince Kaysa that it would be okay, that they would be good together. She could see the hesitation, the disinterest. She'd have to make sure Kaysa got interested. She didn't know how, but she'd have to do it. "Thanks, Kaysa," she whispered again before closing her eyes.

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