"Heartbreak, Part 1"
By: Dargus Kandran
Moril Astren [NPC]
Keeve Zenarr [NPC]

Location: Dargus' Cruiser - En Route to Tae'Karada
Date: Eos 2, 4ABY

***

Everything was going according to plan. Well, mostly everything. The news of the attack on his base was distressing, but not completely disheartening. He'd lost good people there, and that loss would be paid for. He knew who was responsible, and he knew exactly how payment would be distributed.

It'd require a trip to Tae'Karada and to the desert. Oh, but the benefits... And along the way it would create some beautiful havoc.

But, aside from those woes, things aboard the ship were progressing nicely. Yelara was his, he could feel it. He still didn't like the thought of her time spent with her servants. Especially since she insisted on leaving him out. But, in time she'd desire only him. Or so he hoped.

As his thoughts turned to Keeve, the young man burst through the door. Dargus hid his sigh at what would come. He wished Tia Am could have cured the boy of his horrible tantrums. He wished that the child had not been so thoroughly spoiled. If wishes were fishes, I'd own Mon Calamari. It was no wonder that Shiv didn't love the brat. "Good afternoon, Keeve," Dargus said with a forced smile. "How may I help you, son of mine?"

"For starters, you can tell your wh--" Keeve bit his lip tightly. He knew what punishment awaited him if he completed that one word. "Your woman," he continued, calming ever so slightly. "Shiv's not coming around. I thought you said she was very convincing?" He placed his hands flatly atop Dargus' desk and leaned over towards him. "Shiv doesn't seem very convinced to me."

Dargus shrugged. "Have you noticed how stubborn Shiv is? It even takes Yelara time to get through to her. It can't be rushed, Keeve, or the results could be worse than you'd like. Right now, she merely doesn't like you. Push too hard, and it could turn to hate. You don't want the love of your life to hate you, do you? Take my word, it's not a pleasant feeling."

"Neither is sleeping alone when the woman you love more than anything is just down the hall." Keeve threw up his arms and fell back into the chair behind him. With his legs sprawled, his arms dangling limply over the edge of the armrests, and his head hung low, he was the ideal picture of dejection and defeat. "The worst part of it all," he continued with a wry laugh, "is there's nothing on this damn ship to do that'll get my mind off her. I could screw some of the other slave girls, but I'd only imagine it's Shiv I'm making love to. I could do some target practice, but I'd still be thinking of ways to get her to warm up to me. I'm going to go mad, Father."

"One of the crimelords on Tae'Karda is setting up a pod racing circuit," Dargus said. "Do you think a visit to the races will help cheer you up and cure your madness?"

"I'm not mad," Keeve said in a jeering, sing-gong voice. "I said I was going mad. There's a difference." He propped his elbow atop the armrest and tilted his head into his fisted hand. "But I guess a podrace would do the trick," he muttered sullenly.

"There's one stop we'll have to make along the way," Dargus said. "But, perhaps we can take Shiv along to enjoy the races as well. Perhaps being on Tae'Karada again, and being next to you at the race, she'll come around some. You have to admit, the combination has merit."

Keeve's eyes flashed up towards Dargus. "We can't let her set foot on Tae'Karada! If someone sees her, it's over. Knowing her, she'll plan her own escape attempt and succeed!"

"Your decision," Dargus said. "However, just remember that if she resents you more over this. To come this close, and to be barred from standing foot on the ground there by her so-called love..."

Keeve narrowed his eyes at Dargus and shook his head slowly. "What other choice do I have?" He sighed and pushed himself to his feet. "When do we arrive anyway? It seems like we've been flying for years."

"We'll arrive this evening," Dargus said. "Will you choose one of the girls to accompany you? Or will you just accompany Yelara and I?"

Keeve shook his head adamantly. "I don't want anyone on my arm but Maeren. No one."

Dargus nodded. "We'll depart the ship this evening. The shuttle will be in docking bay four. Bring a change of clothes, just in case we decide to stay down there the night."

"And where will we be staying on the planet? And can I please get a room that isn't next to yours and your...woman's? I doubt I'd get much sleep with the way she screams."

Dargus smiled. "I'll see what I can arrange," he said. "Perhaps you should bring a woman of your own, Keeve. It might help to alleviate some of the frustration of not having Shiv with you. Just a suggestion, of course. You are free to do as you please."

Keeve shrugged his shoulders to loosen the tension in his neck, and wished he could just as easily solve the problem of the nagging ache between his legs. Only Shiv could do that for him though. "I'll manage," he responded gruffly. "Just comm me when it's time to land. I'm going to go play with the animals." He smiled ferally.

"Have fun," Dargus said with a satisfied smile. "Don't play too hard, son. We'll need him in one piece."

"If I damage him, you can always clone another one, Father," he stated smugly as he marched through the door.

As the door slid closed behind Keeve, Dargus made a mental note to punish the boy later. Really punish him. Spoiled, impudent brat. Why did he have to be the most convenient target around to test that equipment? With a sigh, he returned to the information on his desk. He had to put the finishing touches on his plans for the desert. He was certain that Kaysa Zenarr would enjoy seeing her old employee again.

***

"Wake up," a voice from the darkness whispered. The only other sound in the room was the background hum of the engines, and the slow, measured footsteps drawing nearer. "Tiala wore you out, I see?" The voice chuckled deeply. Following it came the distinctive sound of flesh smacking against flesh, then more amused laughter. "Open your eyes, Mr. Astren. Open them and entertain me."

Moril's eyes snapped open and he glared at the shadow in front of him. "Who are you?" he rasped. "What do you want with me? This is all some sick game to you, isn't it? You won't break me. You won't get any of Antorial secrets." If his mouth weren't so dry, he would have spat.

Once again, laughter rang out through the room. "You fool. If Father wanted secrets, he'd go straight for Zale Tregat himself. He wouldn't bother with an incompetent underling." He paced leisurely before Moril, with his hands clasped behind his back and his chin stiffly raised. "Now, as for my identity, you get three guesses. For each wrong guess, I get to make you bleed a little more. Deal?"

"No deal," Moril snarled. "I don't give a fuck who you are. You know what will happen to you when you touch me? Zale will peel your skin from your body, and feed it to you with carbosyrup."

He bellowed with mocking, derisive laughter that rebounded off the walls and amplified its intensity. "Oh, I doubt he'll be doing that. No, no, I think my mommy dearest will keep me well protected. How do things work among them again?" He clapped his hands together. "Ah, yes. She spreads her legs and he gives her whatever the fuck she wants. As I said," he repeated, "well protected."

Moril gazed up at the shadowy form mocking him. He stared hard for several moments before the features seemed to fall into place. "Keeve? What the fuck happened to you?"

Keeve crouched down by Moril's feet and grinned up at him. "A present from my new father." He brushed the back of his hand against the stubble upon his cheek. "I actually like the new look." His lips curled into a snaky smile as he added, "Maeren seems to approve."

Moril lunged forward, but the restraints held him firmly in place. "You fuckin' little shit," he roared. "If you've harmed her, you little prick, I swear that not even Kaysa will keep you alive!"

"Good thing we're keeping you tied up," Keeve said. "Can't have you running around the ship with that temper of yours." He patted Moril's scarred cheek patronizingly, and ended with a sharp slap for his own amusement. "Now, Maeren's being treated well. Her broken nose is healing nicely and I think I'm keeping her quite happy. Odd thing is, though...she hasn't asked about you once." Keeve's face took on a perplexed expression, then his smile returned. "Oh well. She doesn't really need you, now does she? I think I've got this whole being a man thing worked out. Maeren's screams of pleasure are indication enough of that."

Moril's eyes blazed with impotent fury as he gazed at Keeve. If looks could kill, he would have wiped out generations of the boy's ancestry. And, then the oddest thing happened. He laughed. Quiet and harsh at first, but then more bold and filled with mirth. Finally he looked up at Keeve, and smiled a vicious smile. "One thousand credits says you can't make her scream louder than your mother makes her scream."

Hitting on precisely Keeve's vulnerability, Moril received just what Keeve deemed appropriate for his indelicacy. With a growl, Keeve sprang upright and swung at Moril's jaw with such brute force that his shoulder almost slipped from its socket. "You want screams? How 'bout your own?" He recocked his arm and this time impacted Moril's nose with his balled up hand. The trickle of blood that trailed down from his nostril filled Keeve with a sick sense of satisfaction, and made him yearn for more. "Come on, Moril!" he taunted. "Scream for me! Come on!" Next his gut, then his jaw again... No part of Moril was spared from Keeve's merciless rage.

Keeve heaved breathlessly as his barrage of fists ended, and he wiped at a spot of dribble on his chin with his bloodied hand. The metallic smell hit his nose and Keeve licked at the smeared blood upon his lip. The sensation was intoxicating and pushed him to near delirium. He literally had a taste for blood now; it enlightened him to the pleasure his Father derived from killing, and if he weren't prohibited from doing so, he would have been able to experience it first hand with Moril.

"Did you like that, Moril?" Keeve laughed and roughly grabbed his chin. "Come on. Say something else you seem to find funny, and I'll tell you what I think...or show you, rather."

"Is that the best you've got?" Moril rasped, his voice wracked with pain. "You hit like a girl." He laughed but there was nothing behind it. "I bet she won't even touch you. A woman gives it better than you ever could. You're nothing but a thug."

"You're wrong," Keeve whispered frigidly. "My Father is making me into something great, something that bitch Kaysa could never have made me. Then we'll see what you have to say." He smirked at Moril and slipped his fingers around his neck. Squeezing tightly to secure his head, Keeve brought his lips to Moril's ear and chuckled lowly into it. "You're right about Shiv, you know. She won't touch me. But what she won't give me, I'll take. Maybe I'll even name our child after you. Would you like that, Moril? Hmm?"

"I hope Zale turns your hide into a pair of boots," Moril rasped. "And, I swear to every god there is if you hurt that girl, you'll have so much hell visited upon you, you'll wish you were that ten year old, spoiled shitcase you were. But, it's only a matter of time before you've outlived your usefulness to Kandran. Only a matter of time." He chuckled low in his throat despite the pain.

Keeve's hand tightened convulsively around Moril's neck before he wrenched it away with a grunt. He never had given much thought to why Dargus was keeping him around. It certainly wasn't compassion for a little boy who had not had the most fulfilling childhood; it wasn't because Dargus enjoyed his company either. So, then, why was he still alive?

Keeve pushed away the doubt and took a step away from Moril's bloodied, pathetic form. It was jealousy for what Moril couldn't have that caused him to speak such blatant lies. He wanted Shiv, but Keeve had her all to himself. That alone was enough to re-establish Keeve's confidence, and the arrogant smile upon his face. "Well, we'll see who outlives who, now won't we, Moril?" Keeve backed away towards the door, waving to Moril all the while. "You behave now. It's really been fun. Shall I visit you again soon?"

"Are you man enough to tell Shiv what you're doing in here?" Moril asked. "Or are you too much of a coward to admit to her what you've done to me? I bet you're a coward. You may be all big and grown up, but that doesn't mean you've got the balls that go with it." He barked a harsh laugh. "I bet you don't do anything that might upset her or make you look bad in her eyes. Pathetic."

"You wouldn't be saying that if you could see yourself right now." Keeve shook his head and tsked. "Did you actually think she could love you? Why would she when she could have me? You might think I'm pathetic, or a coward...but when she's lying naked in my arms, crying out my name, we'll see which of us truly has the balls."

Keeve blindly passed his hand over the DNA scanner adjacent the doorway and grinned at Moril as he awaited passage. "Well, I'll send one of the girls by to clean you up and perhaps give you a taste of what I'll be getting from Shiv tonight." He breathed in through his teeth and let out a lecherous chuckle. "Twice."

The door slid open behind him and filled the doorway with a stream of bright light. "I'll see you soon, Moril. You've been a real pal." Keeve stepped into the doorway, casting his tall frame once again in shadows. He imagined he looked quite intimidating right about now, but the effect diminished quickly as the door slid shut, leaving Moril once again desolate.

"Put us both in the same room and see who she chooses," Moril shouted at the closed door. With that, his anger was spent and he sagged back into the chair to which he was bound. Oh gods...Shiv...

---

"Heartbreak, Part 2"
By: Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Keeve Zenarr [NPC]

Location: Dargus' Cruiser - En Route to Tae'Karada
Date: Eos 2, 4ABY

***

Keeve shook out his hand once again, still amazed at how tough Moril's jaw really was. He wondered if his bone had been replaced with durasteel, and Keeve, for one, was more than willing to dissect the bastard and find out.

As hard as he had laughed at Moril's taunts and his jeers, they still plagued him relentlessly. What if he was right about Shiv? What if she never would give herself to him? Keeve clenched his fist again and nearly sent it flying into the wall. Anger wouldn't quell the doubt in his mind. Seeing Shiv, and making love to her as she returned his affections would.

He came to the door of her room in no time at all, not with how briskly he had walked. The guard at the door looked at him nervously, and when otherwise Keeve wouldn't have noticed anything amiss, the guard's jittery demeanour alerted him. That there was only one guard at her door when there should have been two never processed in his mind, but it did now. "Open the door," Keeve ordered firmly.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Zenarr," the guard stated, almost succeeding in keeping the anxiety he was obviously feeling from impeding his speech. "Lord Kandran's orders. The slave is not to be disturbed. She's resting. Mistress Neerou likes her to be well rested when she goes to her."

"I don't give a shit what the mistress wants," Keeve growled. "Now get the fuck out of my way." He shoved the guard aside, but Dargus' men certainly were sturdy and resilient, for he quickly regained his balance and returned to his position, blocking the doorway. "Do you wish to die? Is that it?" Keeve asked wearily.

Surprised by his own agility, Keeve pulled his blaster from its hilt and unceremoniously clubbed the guard across the head with it. As the man slumped against the wall and slid to the ground, Keeve made a mental note to thank Dargus for the fine additions to his physical strength and prowess.

Once the guard was no longer capable of being a nuisance, Keeve disengaged the doorlock and watched the door slide away for him. "Maeren, it's--" A shrill cry from within the room coiled Keeve's body tightly, and for but a moment, he froze. He couldn't yet see into the room, but from the small opening, he could hear Shiv's cries. "Maeren!"

"Get off me," Shiv cried. "Oh gods. You're gonna have your balls cut off for-- ungh!" Shiv cried out again, but the sound was quickly muffled and replaced with a deep, grunting moan. The moan was obviously not Shiv's.

Keeve holstered his blaster then braced the door and the edge of the doorway with his hands to forcibly pry it open. Why was it moving so damned slowly? "Maeren! Dammit..." Keeve squeezed through the partial opening and stumbled into the room. Quickly, the mystery of the missing guard became solved.

Shiv's arms were punching wildly at the man before they were pinned back. Her screams and his preoccupation with the pleasure he was forcing Shiv to give him made Keeve's presence unnoticeable. But he would change that quickly enough. Nimbly, Keeve stalked towards the bed where the guard was thrusting incessantly and frenziedly into Shiv. He silently unholstered his blaster and before long, it was pressed firmly to the guard's head. "Take a good long look at the beautiful creature before you," Keeve said between clenched teeth. "Because she's the last thing you're going to see before you die."

Shiv looked up at Keeve standing there with the blaster aimed at the man taking her. She let out a cry. "Gods, no," she shouted. And, then she drove her hips against his, driving him into her. The guard wasn't sure what to do, especially when Shiv kissed him. "Oh gods, Keeve, just leave us in peace." She moaned and cried out as she continued driving her hips against the guard's still rigid penis.

Keeve watched in horror and staggered backwards as what he thought was an attempted rape, suddenly became something completely nightmarish. From the look on the guard's face, though, Keeve knew the man was as shocked and confused as he was, all but betraying Shiv's little ruse. With a bellowing, tormented cry, Keeve discharged the blaster. Oddly enough, the thing he noticed more than the fact that he'd just killed a man was his impeccably accurate aim, as evidenced by the orange bolt of energy that ground itself into the guard's temple and left behind a smoking crater.

Shiv screamed. As the man died, and the remainder of his fluids began to boil away from the cavity in the side of his head, she recoiled away. She pushed him away as fast and hard as she could, and crawled up away from the now-corpse at the base of the bed. She looked up at Keeve with fearful eyes as rapid sobs wracked her body.

"That was your doing, Maeren," he whispered. "Yours." He strode up to the bed with the blaster at his side. He paused before the dead guard and with a single shove, pushed him over the edge of the bed. "Are you happy now, Maeren? Are you?" He looked down at the blaster in his hand and quickly tossed it away. With a heavy sigh, he dropped to the ground and pressed his back to the bed, still staring at the dead men tangled and lifeless a short distance from him. "You've turned me into a murderer, Maeren. I thank you for that."

"You didn't have to pull the trigger," Shiv said softly. "You didn't have to kill him. You did that Keeve. Take responsibility for what you did. I didn't make you do anything. You made your choice and you took your actions. You decided you wanted to become a murderer because I'd rather fuck a rapist than you."

"Shut up," he said with little passion or vigor in his voice. He drew up his knees and folded his arms atop them. With another sigh, he closed his eyes and rested his forehead upon his forearms. "You can judge me, criticize me all you want, Maeren, but you're the cruel one. You're vicious and unforgiving... I love you...but I don't know if I want to be with you anymore. Not like this, not when it hurts this much. You were the bright part of my life, Maeren, and now...all I see when I look at you is darkness, despair." He looked up at her for a moment, but the pain was too great and forced him to avert his gaze again. "All I've had are those two things in my life, Maeren. I thought I'd find something more with you. I was wrong. So wrong."

Shiv moved down closer to Keeve, and quickly brushed away the tears filling her eyes. "Oh gods, I'm sorry, sweetie," she whispered. "I want to love you so much, Keeve. I want to give myself to you and be with you, and give you all the love I can. But, I can't give up loving Kaysa and Merrick. But, I want to share what I have with them with you. I don't want to tell you I love you and be with them. I want to love all three of you. I want to love you Keeve, my sweet, Keeve. Please don't make me love just you. It won't work. I have to love them too, and if I can keep loving them, I can love you too. Please, sweetie..."

Keeve clenched and unclenched his jaw to push away the foolish knot in his throat. He was a man, not a whimpering child. Crying was out of the question, no matter how frustrated or dejected he was. "And is this how you enforce your love for them? Is this how you protect it? You torment me? You mock me and scorn me? Gods, Maeren...I don't even recognize you anymore. How the hell can I love you when you're a stranger to me, when you refuse to be the Maeren you show to Kaysa and Merrick, but who you hide from me?"

Shiv climbed off the bed and approached Keeve slowly. She moved up until she was right next to him. "I love Kaysa, Keeve. And, I love Merrick." She took his hands into hers and brought each up to her lips. "And, I love you." She held his hands to her chest as she searched his features. "Don't try to force conditions on my love, and I'll love you like you couldn't believe. Like Kaysa and Merrick couldn't believe. Love me Keeve, and let me love you...but don't put any rules on our love. That's the way to have me, and to hold me." She moved her face closer to his. "I want to be with you, Keeve." She brushed her lips against his then. "Please?"

Keeve stared into Shiv's depthless brown eyes and knew he would promise anything to be with her. But his pain had been real this time, not a ploy to weaken Shiv's defenses and gain her pity. She'd hurt him as he never thought anyone could. A part of him feared he'd promise her all the splendours of the universe, his heart included, and in the end be tortured by her again. He was so close to finally having her, yet now he hesitated. Why did maturity have to grace me with its presence now? he thought to himself humourlessly.

Keeve brushed his hand along her bare arm, then, and heard himself sigh. "And what of the next time, Shiv?" Her lips were still so close to his, so easily kissed, yet he made no move to do so. "What about the next suggestion I give you that you don't appreciate? The next comment you mistaken as criticism? Will things go back to what they were? Will you hate me again, hurt me?" Keeve's hand cradled Shiv's cheek, then in a move he hadn't expected, he pulled it away. "You were right, Maeren. I'm still a ten year old boy in a man's body, but I do think I'm growing faster than you can imagine. You've helped me grow, Maeren, and I thank you for that, because it's made me realize something: not everything is as idyllic and perfect as I thought it was when I looked upon the world through a child's eyes. Even that uncorrupted, virtuous image I held of you for so long is gone. I can't trust anything anymore." He looked away from her and added quietly, "I can't trust you, not with my heart, not yet. You'd just break it when you decided I was being too oppressive or dictatorial again."

Keeve pushed himself to his feet, shakily at first, but after the initial instability, he stood tall and firm. "I know I'm a fool for doing this, and I know I may never get this chance with you again, but I can't let you do that to me, Maeren. I can't be with you until I'm sure you really do love me as much as you love Kaysa and Merrick, enough that you won't hurt me. But I don't think you do," he said ruefully. "I don't know if you ever will."

Maeren Shivral looked up at him, and the pain was clear on her face. "I love you, Keeve," she whispered. "But if you turn from me now, if you walk away from me and refuse to love me back until I love you, how can I love you?" She looked up at Keeve, standing above her. "Please, let me love you, Keeve. Let me show you that I can love you just as much as them. Please tell me what I can do."

"I don't know!" he wailed in frustration. "I don't know anything anymore! I thought everything would be so simple, so perfect. If I just loved you, you'd love me back, but it never happened that way. I tried treating you like royalty, I tried beating you, hurting you. Nothing works and I don't know what will!"

Shiv stood up and faced Keeve. "Let me love you without any conditions," she whispered. "Let me love you the way I can, and you won't be sorry. Let me love you, Keeve. I can love you, but I don't like conditions. I don't like being boxed. Let me love you the way I love them. Let me be yours the way you want me. Please, Keeve, I want to love you. Please let me prove it to you."

Keeve raised his hand to tenderly wipe the tears from Shiv's cheek, but he knew one touch would weaken him, so he clenched his fist and pulled it away. "You don't want conditions, but in order to gain your love, I have to accept yours," he said quietly. "I have to share your love with Kaysa and Merrick or else you'll do everything in your power to shun me, torment me. I can't accept those conditions because in my heart, I'll always know that as long as you love them, you'll love them more than you do me. It'll drive me insane, Maeren. I can't."

"So you want me to stop loving them completely for you?"

Keeve chuckled wryly and shook his head. "I know that could never happen, and after I caught a glimpse of the vicious creature you turn into if I even allude to it, I know not to even try asking."

He focused his peripheral vision on the dead guard growing colder by the moment at the foot of Shiv's bed, and he knew allowing himself to accept her love would only turn him into a different kind of monster from the one she seemed to think him. "I'm sorry," he whispered sedately. "I can't be with you like this. I will always love you, Maeren Shivral, but I can't risk being with you, not yet." Keeve leaned forward and with slight trepidation kissed her cheek tenderly. "Goodbye, Maeren."

With heavy heart and lethargic steps, Keeve started for the door, away from the woman he loved, and away from the happiness he thought he could find with her.

Tears filled Shiv's eyes again. "No!" She rushed forward to him before he could reach the door, before he could escape. She grabbed his arm and tried to spin him around. He was too big for that, so she settled for spinning herself around him. She gazed up into his eyes, and then threw her arms around his neck and kissed him with as much passion and love as she could. Considering that she was Maeren Shivral, it was a considerable amount of both.

Keeve knew one touch from Shiv was all it would take for him to succumb to her spell. He slipped his hands to her waist, his fingertips absorbing the warmth of her flesh and suffusing his body with it. His lips returned her kiss with as much intensity as she was putting into hers, but his mind had already left the room, left his Maeren. He could taste the salty tears she was shedding, and knew if he continued to be near her where the reminder of what he was about to sacrifice could torture him, he would soon loose his own tears.

"Stop," he murmured as he gently reached back to pry Shiv's arm from his neck. "Maeren...stop this." He carefully set her down upon the floor and kept her at a safe enough distance that the temptation to hold her again wouldn't be too great. "You're a beautiful woman and I will only ever love you, but I have to do this for my own sanity." He looked away for a moment to gather his resolve, then faced her again. "I'm going to request that Father return you to Tae'Karada. You and Lerrah. I can't guarantee he will, but I'll try."

Shiv stared at him, open-mouthed, awestruck. "You're going to--? Oh gods, Keeve... You'd really do that?" Her tears fell again. She knew what he was doing and it struck painfully into her heart. "Please come with me, Keeve. Please come and be with me. I don't want to lose you this way. Don't send me away like this...not without you. I want to love you, Keeve. Please let me love you."

Keeve shut out Shiv's pleas and held firm to his decision, not intending to budge a micrometer in its terms. "I'll speak to Father at once. We'll be arriving on Tae'Karada soon." He gazed down into the pools of liquid that were now Shiv's eyes and suddenly felt his heart breaking a little more. "I'll send someone in to clean up the mess." Reluctantly, Keeve pulled away, the last time he would ever be able to do that with Shiv, and finally reached the door.

He quickly waved his hand before the DNA scanner with an urgency to leave as he had never felt before, not when the person he sought to escape was Shiv. The door slid open momentarily, but before he stepped through it, he bent over to retrieve the blaster he had thrown across the room. He weighed the weapon in his hand and was finally aware of who Keeve Zenarr was, all he could ever be. Shiv had shown him that he was good at being a monster, and since it was obvious he failed at being a gentle lover, at being someone in whom Shiv could find complete happiness, Keeve would excel at cruelty and violence. It certainly would help dispel his frustrations and aggressive tendencies.

In a move that all but tore his heart from his chest, Keeve took one final step out of Shiv's room and listened for the hiss of the closing door. "I love you, Maeren," he whispered.

Shiv's anguished cry was choked from her body as she collapsed to the floor. How could this be happening? She'd be going home to Kaysa and Merrick. She'd be going home. But, could she leave Keeve here? He'd treated her poorly, but he did love her. And, now he was giving her up. Why couldn't he just let her love him? Why did he have to try to make her something she could never be? Why couldn't he accept the love she had for him, even if it wasn't total devotion? She'd never find out. He'd given up on her.

---

"Family Planning"
By: Raeila Mullerin
Kael Selrid

Location: New Plouton
Date: Eos 2, 4ABY

***

Kael drew his hand along the single braid that now reached his shoulder. It was a symbol of what he was, and it filled him with a sense of pride at what he was a part of, about what he would become. He looked at the young woman walking at his side and smiled. She was another source of pride for him. She was beautiful, everything he'd desired for all his life. And, she was his, the bracelet shining from her wrist proclaimed it for all to see. He brushed his thumb against the back of her hand clasped within his.

Not pride, he told himself. Pride for a Jedi was the beginning of a journey to the dark side. This wasn't that; it didn't feel the same. What he had thought was pride was a gratitude, a confidence. He knew what the future held for him, and it made him content. He smiled and then laughed. "Sorry," he said, at her quizzical look. "I...I was just thinking. Since you came to the Temple...I haven't been this happy since that night with you on your birthday. I like how I feel and who I am with you, Rae. I'm very happy you're here."

"Me too," she replied. "Even considering that it's still too cold here for my liking." Her eyes were pulled towards a shop selling extremely fashionable clothing, and remained there. "How 'bout that one?"

Kael smiled and took a couple steps toward the shop. "I like it very much," he said. "And, it can't be too very cold here since so many of the women wear little more than a piece of translucent silk as clothing. But, having grown up in the desert, I do know exactly what you mean. Why do you think I keep the heat in my room up like that?" He grinned and then gestured her forward toward the shop.

"Aren't I enough to keep you warm at night?" Raeila grinned and kissed Kael. "I guess I'll just have to try harder."

"Old habits," Kael said as he slipped an arm around Raeila's waist. "I think I'm going to have to start turning the heat off at nights. And, if you're wearing that thing, I'll have to ditch it all together."

Raeila studied the outfit in the window. "Then I think I might just have to get that." She slipped away from Kael's hold and with a giggle, she pulled him into the store. "Oh, look at all this stuff! I wish we could afford to buy everything."

"We can buy a lot of it," Kael said as he marvelled at all of the clothing. "And if we only get things in your size, then we've got it made. Pick whatever you'd like, my love, and we can bring it home with us. Any of it at all."

"Not a lot," Raeila said. "We have to watch our money, Kael, since I'm not working." She spotted a white skirt hanging on a rack and grinned. "But a few things here and there couldn't hurt." She snatched the skirt up and draped it over her arm to keep her hands free for grabbing more items, and from a cursory inspection, there was plenty she would be pulling from the racks. "Did you see Orn at breakfast this morning?" Raeila weeded out a sleeveless, strapless top and added that to the skirt on her arm. "He didn't glare so much today."

"That's great news," Kael said. "Maybe he is coming around. Maybe before long he'll be able to speak to you without grumbling. Maybe even be nice, but that may be asking too much from Orn. I think he's only nice to Dani and Nieme. He's even all surly with the Jedi Masters."

"Well, you gotta be in the desert. You were, and I was..." She shrugged and tugged a pair of black pants from the rack. "It's what the desert's made us. We have little choice in the matter."

Kael nodded. "I guess he's starting to get settled here then. Do I seem settled? I mean, I'm still Kael right? I haven't changed too much? Or..or in the wrong ways..."

"You're Kael," she replied slowly, "but...you're still different. Of course, I don't mind the change, but you're more tame and in control. You used to be so angry and it was scary to watch sometimes, but I always knew you'd never hurt me so I didn't mind."

"I like how I feel," he said. "I feel strong, but I don't need to prove anything. I feel...secure and content with who I am and who I'm becoming. It's a strange feeling. I never had it in the desert, but who does? It's all about surviving the day to make it to tomorrow. Here, at the Temple, in the city, I feel like I can look forward to what I'll become."

"And with your potential, you can become anything you want, Kael. Me?" Raeila ran her fingers over the fabric of a long, silver dress on display. "I only know how to be Raeila Mullerin. Not a very impressive thing, but I have no choice."

"Maybe together we can become greater than either of us could be alone," he said. "And, I think Raeila Mullerin is very impressive. She is good with people, and she's smart. Not even Orn Gham, that ornery old fart who was born out of a sand dune, can stay mad at you. That's very impressive, my love." He kissed her. "And, so's that dress."

Raeila smiled bashfully and shook her head. "It's too much. I'll just go try these on."

Kael looked at it and smiled. "Not too much for you, my love," he said. "Try this one on too. I think it will look beautiful on you."

Raeila sighed. "Okay... But I'm only trying it on!" After Kael found one of the right size, Raeila took the dress from him and headed for the changing area with him. She quickly kissed his cheek then stepped into a vacant room. "Kael?" she asked as she began shedding her clothes. "I've been thinking. When are we getting married?"

"I'd like to do it soon," he said. "But, we have to be able to have your brother there. We can't get married without Ferrig by our side."

"If he even wants to be there." She sighed and pushed away the cynicism for now. "I'm only asking because...well...we still have so much to discuss. Like, where we're gonna live when we're married and you're done training. And...and kids. What about them?"

"Do you want to have children, Rae? And, I figure we can live anywhere we want. As long as we're happy, I could live in an alley with nothing but a box as our home. Though, I think we should shoot for something higher."

"Good thinking," she said with a laugh. "And I do want children, Kael. I want a little girl I can be a mother to, and you, a father. I never had that and...I just want to have a child I can love and give that to."

"I would love more than anything to be the father of your child, our child. Do you want to live in the desert, Rae? Or...or should we find a place here?"

"I don't know..." Raeila sighed. "I mean, the desert's our home, but it's not a place to raise a child. I just don't know, Kael."

"We still have time to think about it," Kael said. "But, we could look around for homes here in New Plouton. I think this is a nice place to raise children. It's not so harsh and unforgiving, and if you live in the right part, there aren't even any gangs."

"Maybe... We could always take trips to the desert so Ferrig can see his niece. But like you said, there's time." Raeila opened the door and stepped out of the room wearing the slinky metallic-coloured dress that fell to cover her feet. She adjusted the thin straps upon her shoulders then giggled and dropped her hands to her sides. "So? Is it too flashy? Too revealing?"

Kael made a show of reattaching his jaw to his face and came forward. "It looks amazing," he said breathlessly. "You look amazing. You fucking make it look amazing. Oh wow, Raeila. You have to own this. It's...there's no way around it. You have to. You're beautiful, my love." He pulled her slowly into his arms and kissed her. "Absolutely beautiful."

Raeila sighed, then giggled at the tingling shiver Kael's fingers against her bare back were sending through her spine. "I think I like this dress too. But where would I wear it? I shouldn't waste our creds."

"Maybe we could come into the city some nights," he said. "Go places, do things. You could wear it then. I know Nieme and Dani sneak out to go dancing, maybe we could too."

"You'd get in trouble. Besides...I don't feel comfortable wearing something this pretty and elegant." She looked down at the tops of her breasts exposed by the low bust-line, and at the glimmering material of the dress reflecting onto the creamy white skin of her bosom. She felt sexy just wearing the dress, and could only imagine what she looked like. "I love this dress," she whispered. "But I would feel guilty getting it."

"Why guilty, my love?" Kael asked. "That dress was put here for you to wear. Look how well it fits. Look at...it's beautiful, Rae. It's you."

Raeila chewed her bottom lip as she deliberated, then grudgingly, she nodded. "Okay. But just the dress. The rest can wait. We don't wanna spend too much at once."

"You hardly have any clothes though," Kael said. "We have to get you some other things to wear too. We've still got more than enough money after getting you other things. It's alright, Raeila. It's not just that I want you to look nice; it's also that I want you to have something to wear."

"Okay, okay," Raeila acceded finally. "I'll get this and one of the other outfits in the changing room. Is that acceptable, my arozeil?"

Kael laughed softly and nodded. "Yes," he said. "That's acceptable."

"Then I'll go change and we can continue with our walk. There's actually a favour I need to ask of you and I don't wanna do it in here where everyone can hear us in case you adamantly refuse me." She smiled and quickly fled into the changing room before he could pry for details.

Kael looked around to see if anyone was watching him. Once he saw no one was, he quickly followed Raeila into the changing room. "Okay," he said, keeping a straight face. "I'm here. Now, what exactly is that favour you seek, my arozeil?"

Raeila turned her back to Kael so he could take care of the zipper for her. "Well, I know you won't like the idea...." She sighed. "Can we visit that man? The Zion man. Can we?"

Kael's brows furrowed. "Zion? I...I don't know, Rae. I...I guess if you want to, sure. I know he was good to you, and a friend. But... Sure, if that's what you want to do, we can visit him."

Raeila looked over her shoulder at Kael, then turned fully to face him. " 'But' what, Kael? Please, tell me what's on your mind."

"I don't think he liked me," Kael said. "Or maybe it was that I was with Nieme and Dani. It was only the threat that I might really be me, and you'd be upset with him, that got him to give in. Then he gave us directions to your apartment. And, he seemed very protective of you... I don't know, I'm not saying this right. I got the feeling that he was in love with you, and I don't know how easily he'll give you up."

"What?" Raeila laughed and reached back to undo her own zipper. "Don't be crazy, Kael. He's not in love with me. All I did was fuck his brains out. Now, maybe he's totally infatuated with me, but love?" She continued laughing softly as she pushed down the straps of her dress.

"Whatever his emotions," Kael said, "he's very protective of you. How much did he provide for you? In the end, I'm just concerned, that's all. Afraid that he'll want to fight for you, to try to make you forget about me and go with his unending well of credits."

"Even if he tries that, do you really think he'd succeed?" Raeila stepped out of the dress and carefully hung it on the hook protruding from the wall. "I'm almost hurt that you'd even think that, Kael," she went on. "You make me sound...cheap and sleazy."

"Yes, of course," Kael said. "All you did was fuck his brains out."

Raeila turned back around slowly and regarded Kael with a sorrowful gaze. "What is that supposed to mean? Why are you being so mean, Kael?"

Kael shook his head and sighed. "I'm sorry," he said. "It's just that you said you did have sex with him, and...and now you want to go back and visit with him. I guess I'm just afraid that there may be more there."

"It's nice to know you trust your arozeil, Kael." Raeila picked her clothing up and hastily began throwing them on. "I left behind Ferrig because I love you and now you accuse me of something like this? Do you think I fall in love with any man who hands out creds to me?" She chuckled wryly and pushed her way past him out of the changing room. Before getting too far away, she turned to face Kael again. "And forget the dress. Whores don't deserve to wear such beautiful things. That's what I am, after all, isn't it, Kael? Well, if that's what you think of me, maybe I should start charging you for sex too." With a shake of her head, Raeila stormed off out of the changing area.

"Raeila! Don't do this. Please, gods, don't do this! What the fuck am I supposed to think? This guy isn't your normal customer! You don't normally move in with your customers. He was protective of you, and you went dancing with him. What am I supposed to think about that? Please, Raeila. Is he just a customer to you or is he more?"

Raeila whirled around, in the middle of the store, and hollered back at Kael: "He's a friend! He picked me up off the streets after I was raped and beaten. He took me in and fed me and clothed me, but he's just a friend! How could you even think he was anything more? Why are you being so jealous?"

Kael just stared at her for several long moments before he finally shook his head and started toward the door. He had to get out of the store, out into fresh air. Why was everything going wrong? Why did this have to happen? He wanted to cry out, to make her understand. He couldn't though. He knew she wouldn't see it the way he did. Once through the door, he stumbled to the side and pressed his back to the wall. His emotions felt like they were boiling inside of him. Why? he asked again.

"Kael?" Raeila watched him from the doorway as she wiped at the tears running down her cheeks. "Please don't be like this. Please don't do this. I love you. I only love you. Why are you so bothered by this?"

Kael took a long, shuddering breath and looked up at her. "I can't stand the thought of you sharing yourself with other guys," he said, his voice soft and pained. "I used to be able to handle it. I used to have no problem. But now...I don't know what happened. But, the thought of anyone else with you...it's...it's painful."

"I said I'd stop," she told him in an almost pleading tone. "I said I wouldn't do it anymore unless we really needed creds. And I only wanted to thank Zion. Did you think I was going over there to screw him in front of you?" Raeila sighed and took a step towards him. "Please... Kael, what can I do to make you believe me?"

Kael pushed himself back up the wall and looked at her. He tried to smile and mostly succeeded. "That look in your eyes right now is a good start," he said.

Raeila let out a shallow breath and a sob along with it. She covered her face with her hands as she wept and blindly rushed into Kael's arms. "Tell me you don't think I'm a whore," she whispered. "Please, say it, Kael. I need to know."

Kael folded his arms around her and held her close. "I don't think you're a whore, Rae," he whispered. "I've never thought you were a whore, ever. You're my arozeil, and if I was smart enough a year ago, we would have been together then. But, we have each other now, and that's what counts. I love you, Raeila Mullerin, my beautiful arozeil."

Raeila slipped her arms around Kael's waist and smiled up at him. "I love you too. So much, Kael. And, I'm going to make sure that every day, when we wake up next to one another, you hear that."

"And, I'll do the same," he said, and then kissed her. "You know, we're going to have to start thinking about baby names. I want to be prepared for that, and there are so many that it may take us some time to get through them all." He brushed his lips against hers once more. "Come on, let's go back and get those clothes, and then take a trip over to Zion's."

Raeila tightened her hold on Kael and laughed softly as they headed into the store again. "If it's a boy and we name it Ferrig, I bet he'd be the proudest, happiest uncle on Tae'Karada."

Kael grinned. "I was thinking exactly that," he said. "You know, I think this may be easier than I thought. I think we're going to have to start working at having that baby really soon since we've got the names picked. Well, one of the names. What about for a girl?"

"I was thinking Neldrad." She sighed softly. "It's my mother's name. But we can really name her anything you want."

"We've still got time," Kael said. "At least nine months. And, for our daughter everything has to be perfect, including her name. We'll probably have to look at one of those books they sell, the ones with all the names. I want us to have a baby, Rae. I think we'd be able to make the most beautiful baby ever."

"And lucky for you, it would mean I couldn't work, at least while I'm trying to get pregnant. I'll have to stop taking my contraceptives and there's no way I'm going to be with anyone else, not at the risk of getting pregnant by those dirty, disgusting men."

Kael wanted to say something, but he just kept his mouth closed. He knew whatever he said would only lead to another fight, one whose outcome could be much worse than the one they'd just finished.

"You wait here," Rae said. "I'll go get the dress and the one outfit and meet you at the counter." She kissed him quickly on the cheek, then hurried back into the changing area. When she returned, she was hugging the clothes to her chest and giggling excitedly. "I'm gonna wear this for you tonight. Just for you, Kael."

Kael smiled and kissed her. "I'll have to make sure to turn that heater off. Probably even take it out of our room."

"With me in your life forever, you'll never need it again," she said passionately. She kissed him slowly and tenderly, then with a snicker, she pushed the clothing into his chest. "Now, pay up, Mr. Selrid."

He held the clothes with one hand and held up the credit chip with the other. He set the clothes on the counter and handed the chip to the woman. "So, after we've paid, did you want to head straight over to see Zion, or did you want to do a little shopping first? Or we can just do more after. And, we can grab a bite to eat before heading back."

"No more shopping. Let's just go talk to him together and then eat," she answered. "And, I only want to thank him, Kael. I promise."

The woman behind the counter handed him back his credit chip and the bundle of clothing. Kael gave her a congenial smile and then slipped his arm through Raeila's. "Come on," he said. "If I remember correctly, he's not far from here."

"Not that we could really miss him," she noted. "He's a pretty unique character, isn't he? And he's really good at finding information. Maybe he could even be helpful to the Jedi."

"I've seen where he lives," Kael said. "I don't think the Jedi could afford him. The guy must ask a fortune of whoever pays him."

"But they wouldn't have to pay," Raeila assured him. "He's my friend. I'm sure he'd give us a discount of some kind."

And what would be the price of his help? Kael nodded as they headed toward the speederbike. "Well, we'll see what kind of deal we can arrange with him. Hopefully he'll like us enough to give us a big one. The Order has a lot of money, but the well isn't bottomless."

"Don't worry. Let your arozeil take care of everything." Raeila kissed him on the cheek, then pulled herself up onto the speederbike.

After putting their package in the cargo bin, Kael slipped in front of Raeila, and kicked the bike into motion. The shop disappeared behind them as they raced down the street toward Zion Xandler's home.

---

"Reluctant Dealings"
by Raeila Mullerin
Kael Selrid
and Zion "the Worm" Xandler

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Eos 2, 4ABY

***

"Over there!" Rae shouted into Kael's ear. She pointed to the complex where Zion resided and signalled for him to pull over. Once the thrusters were cut and the bike was resting idly by the curb, Raeila hopped down. "Now, you won't punch him or anything, will you?"

"No of course not," Kael said with a laugh. "That's so barbaric." Kael climbed off the bike and held his hand out for Rae. "I'll just cut him in half with my lightsaber."

Raeila laughed as she clasped his hand and started with him towards the stairway. "Just be polite, okay? He really is a good man, Kael, even though he does look a bit odd in appearance."

"You have a gift for understatement, my love," Kael said with a grin. "He looks like one of those paint mixers exploded. Parts of it were embedded in his face, and the rest landed in his hair."

"Kael!" Raeila giggled uncontrollably, but tried to regain her composure once they reached Zion's door. "Now don't be rude in front of him. And don't jump to conclusions, okay? Remember that I love you and only you, and he's just a friend."

Kael nodded. "Okay," he said with a reassuring smile.

Raeila returned his smile and gave him a gentle kiss just to bolster his confidence. She let out a deep breath and finally tapped the door chime. "Here goes..."

As the doorbell chimed, Zion looked back at the monitor which showed the door camera. It was Raeila and the man who had shown up before. He pressed a button with a grin and got up to make his way to the door.

At the entrance, the door opened and a woman was there. She was dressed in a thin silk dress with long braided red hair and green eyes. "Welcome..." she smiled. "Do make your way in." She gestured.

As Raeila and Kael entered, the woman flicked, making it visible that she was nothing more than a hologram of some sort. Zion then enetered the living room. "Hey there!" he said from behind them. "I guess this means you found her..." he said to Kael.

"Yes," Kael said with a smile. "We've been catching up over the last couple days. We were downtown doing some shopping, and we had the time so we decided to come by."

Raeila felt shy for a moment, afraid of how Zion would react to her after her impromptu departure, but finally she looked up at him and smiled. "Didn't mean to ditch you, Zion. And I felt bad about doing so, so I wanted to visit and make sure you weren't mad at me."

"Surprised, not mad..." he said tilting his head. He then turned to the hologram. "Cylo, arrange for some beverages, please."

The holographic woman nodded. "I will see to it at once, Zion..." she said as she walked off.

Zion then turned again and looked at Raeila and then at Kael as he had a seat. "Have a seat... I guess I should be the one to apologise to your fiancée for the way I behaved the other day," he said. "But I kinda freaked out there, with the women and all, 'cause of the other night thing..."

"Nieme was very hurt and angry," Kael said. "And, she wasn't handling it very well. She's doing better now, and things are progressing slowly toward friendship. So, I understand why you reacted as you did, and you don't have to worry about it any longer."

"Very well then..." Zion nodded. "So, are you two in the apartment, now?" he asked Raeila.

Raeila's eyes flicked to Kael, then back again to Zion. "Uh...no. We've found someplace else. I didn't feel right living with Kael there. It was your parents' and...that wouldn't be right." She smiled awkwardly at Zion and wished she could have a moment alone to truly hear how he was feeling, for with Kael present, she knew he would be holding back. The only problem with asking Kael to leave was his jealous tendencies. Raeila sighed softly and decided to jump onto another topic to keep her mind off such matters. "So...uh...you didn't get into trouble at the club again because of me, did ya? If you did, I can talk to the owner...."

"You kiddin'? That guy owes me big time for previous things!" he said coolly. "And now that you're okay with those girls, I can be the one who puts in a good word so you may go there with your friends."

"Oh, they're not my friends," Raeila said with a wan smile. "But, they're not trying to kill me anymore. I guess that's a good thing."

Kael glanced at Raeila and tried not to gape. "I thought you and Dani were friends, at least that's what she thinks."

"Well, I know she says she is," Raeila explained, "but sometimes it just seems as if she's a little...uncertain, like I'm going to suddenly revert back to the Raeila they knew and hurt them again. That's all it is."

Kael sighed and then nodded. "They are trying though, well mostly Dani. But, Nieme's coming around too. And, so is Orn."

She pressed her hand to Kael's cheek and smiled gently. "I know," she said softly. "I know, Kael. I'm grateful. I'm just saying it's going to take a little more time."

Kael grinned. "I know," he said. "But, you're doing very well, and they're coming around. And" -- he gave her a kiss -- "I'm very proud of you." He gazed into her eyes for a moment before turning to Zion. "So, what is it that you do, Zion? Everything here seems so advanced and high-tech. Coming from the desert, I don't think I've ever seen so much technology in one place."

"Well, you got it, ace, tech's the game..." Zion said with a smirk. "You can say I am a system's operator. I deal with certain...aspects of the most modernized systems for private corporations. And I do a little of my own creations, as you've seen with Cylo," he said, as the holographic woman came by once more with a R5 unit, which was carrying drinks.

"Your beverages..." Cylo said simply. "Anything else desired?"

"No, thanks. You may go," Zion answered simply as he took his drink and sat back.

"I don't think I could work a computer if my life depended on it," Kael said. "We just didn't have any in the desert. Rae's picking it up though. She's been learning on a computer at the Temple."

"I have been," Raeila affirmed with a large smile. "I'm not nearly as good as you are, though, Zion. If it's okay with everyone--" 'Everyone' being Kael "--maybe I can come around here sometime and you can show me a few things."

"Yeah, sure..." Zion grinned. "Whatever doubts you may have. Do stop by. Just let me know in advance..." he told Raeila. "Better than one of them schools or that sorta thing!" he laughed. "Those guys don't know squat about nothin'!"

Raeila giggled and looked to Kael, who didn't seem as amused as she did. She cleared her throat uncomfortably and took a drink from the waiting droid's tray. "Oh!" she exclaimed suddenly, almost spilling the beverage. "We meant to ask you something, Zion. Now, I know you work for creds and we don't have many, but we were wondering if you'd be interested in a business partnership of sorts. Right, Kael?" She nudged him furtively. "Tell him," she whispered.

"The simplest explanation," Kael began, "is that the Jedi would like your assistance in gathering information. We don't have a reliable means to gather intelligence yet, other than the information Raeila has been gathering. But you know where to get the information, and would be able to gather the information the Jedi could make use of."

"Well, that sounds interesting..." Zion said simply as he thought of it. "But my fees are somewhat high these days. However, I am willing to discuss a price. It all depends on what sort of info you're lookin' for and whether it's illegal or legit, as well as who owns it and what systems I'm up against," he explained. "You willin' to discuss this further?"

Kael nodded. "Of course," he said. "At this point, the information is going to be legitimate and legal, at least I believe so. Mainly it's looking for information the Jedi will be interested in. We're peacekeepers, so anything that would be of interest to a group with a peacekeeping mission."

Zion raised an eyebrow. "I'm not sure Raeila told you, but I get information that's hard to come by... That's easy stuff you want! Just look around you! The Grand Admiral is seizing the whole planet! Hell, you're from Thanatos, you should know..."

"Very well," Kael said with a shrug. "Then all the information that the Jedi may be interested in will be easy to come by. It is good to know that the only information we will ever be interested in will be featured on the public news feeds. My apologies for wasting your time."

"Ahh, not at all. I do have the answers you seek, and maybe more. You have asked the wrong questions..." Zion said as he sipped his drink. "In fact, I have recently come by information that is certainly most interesting, except that I haven't yet decided what to make of it."

"Without more information," Kael said, "I can offer no advice."

"Well, let's say it involves the Grand Admiral himself and some special shipments he has received recently. Oh and genetic experimentation... More than that will cost you credits," Zion said. "Normally for that much I'd get paid something."

"We'll pay you," Raeila assured him. "You'd be helping us a lot, Zion. And you'd get to work close to me. We can chat like we used to," she added with a warm smile.

Kael glanced at Raeila and then looked away. He didn't like the emphasis she'd made on working close to the slicer, and he forced himself to stop wondering about what sort of chats they used to have. He took a deep breath and let it out. Was Raeila doing this to him on purpose?

"Well... Sounds interesting enough. I guess I could help you guys out. But I work here," he said. "I can help you set up in your new place, however. Now, as to this classified information I have on the New Empire and their doings, the price is high, and other buyers are interested. For you I can grant a discount," he grinned as he looked at Kael in the eyes.

Kael nodded. "What's your price?"

"Fifty thousand credits, since it's for you. And I assure you that you will not be sorry," Zion said. "As for setting you up with the works I can grant advice free of charge and even tell you what you need and where to get it. Deal?"

Kael glanced at Raeila and then back at Zion. "That's too much for us," he said softly.

Zion laughed. "Well then, what are you be willing to offer? Or what have you to give in return?"

"The Jedi do not have the type of funds to be able to frequently pay fifty thousand credits for information," Kael said. "What would you ask in return?"

"Depends on what you have to give, really..." Zion answered truthfully. Fact was that he didn't have a clue what the Jedi used to have in the old days. All he knew was that they were keepers of peace. He turned to Raeila. "Maybe you know better what you might have that I want. Technology or credits mostly."

"Mostly?" Raeila asked quizzically. "Well...since we don't have technology, and we don't have a lot of creds, what's the 'mostly' involve?"

"I was hoping you'd tell me!" Zion answered. He then sighed. This was coming to an impasse. They seemed not to have anything he'd want and certainly could not pay him his fees. "Well, tell ya what, why don't we get started in your equipment and stuff and maybe you can figure out something that I might want or how to pay my fees or whatever... Deal?"

Raeila glanced sideways at Kael, and from the tightness around his eyes and the clenching of his jaw, she suspected he knew just as well as she did what Zion really wanted. But, the Jedi needed him and they had to cooperate if he was to aid them. "Deal," Raeila said with a gentle sigh. "We'll think of something, Zion."

Zion nodded. "Very well then, let's get workin'! Tell me what you have so far, or better yet, show me," he said as he looked to Kael. "Unless you can't do that, of course... But I think that in order to install some components you will need me there."

Kael looked between Zion and Raeila. "I don't know what needs to be done," he said, doing his best to keep the frustration from his voice. "I don't even know what you're going to be doing or how we're going to pay you. I hadn't even seen a real computer before in my life until three weeks ago. I don't know what should be set up, where it should be set up, or how to go about looking for the information we need. That's why we came to you. You're the expert on computers." He shook his head, closing his eyes as he did. "We don't have the kind of money you're asking for."

Raeila covered Kael's hand with her own and gave him a comforting smile. "That's okay. We'll work everything out later." She looked to Zion and sighed. "Now that we know we have your assistance, we can talk to our friends at the Temple and figure out what needs doing. Once we've got that figured out, we can contact you and set up a meeting. Then you can teach me everything you know," she said with a grin and a wink.

Zion raised an eyebrow. Truth was that he was getting seconds thoughts about this, as it seemed clear now, as Kael had stated, that he could not get his fees. On the other hand he might trade information for other information. After all, the Jedi were hunted down by the Empire, which meant that he could get paid for his new information on them. On the other hand Raeila was at stake since she would be there and surely enough stand by their side. There was also the catch of getting paid in sexual gratification, but Kael would never allow that. Zion could tell so much.

The systems operator got up and walked towards the window, looking outside and taking a sip of his drink as he thought about it. "Well, my time is money and I don't fool around, so I can assure you that my fees are matched by my competence. However, you seem to put it clearly that you cannot meet my fees. Tell you what, I am in need to go to Nar Shadaa soon enough, but it ain't the nicest place to be in. So, you offer escort and security and I'll grant my advice and all. For her lessons we can discuss payment later. That's the best I can offer," he said, then turning around. "You let me know your ruling. Either way I do need to see what you have so far to know what you'll be needing, as well as what you need to do with it, to know how good technology you're gonna need for that!"

Kael looked down to the floor and sighed. "I think we're going to have to pass on this," he said. "I'm only a Padawan, and I can't go running off to Nar Shadaa without permission. And, with everything happening in the desert, I don't think I'll be allowed to leave." He glanced to Raeila and then back up at Zion. "And, we'll find another way for Rae to learn what she needs to know."

"Well that's the best I can do for ya!" Zion said. "I will be leaving for Nar Shadaa in a couple of weeks, and it's either protection from you or from a security agency. If not that and not the money then the deal's off..." he told Kael. "Don't expect me to do it for free! That was my lowest price. Now, it's all up to you to decide."

"I don't expect you to do it for free," Kael said calmly. "You must be able to afford your luxury lifestyle in some way. I will have to talk to my superiors to know if I am able to act as your security. If they do not agree, then I believe we will need to find our own way in this."

"Very well... Let me know when you have the answer," Zion said simply.

"Kael," Rae whispered for his ears only. "This is a good trade. All we need is to give him a little protection. I've seen you with the lightsaber and you're as good as any Master. It'll only be for a little while; the desert will still be here when we get back."

Kael nodded slowly and brought his lips to Raeila's ear. "I'll talk to Master Blair as soon as we get back," he whispered. "If I can do this, we will. Hopefully she will allow it."

Raeila smiled and kissed Kael's cheek. "Thank you, my love. We'll make this work."

Kael smiled. "We will," he whispered and then looked up at Zion. "I can't promise anything until after I've talked to my teacher. If she allows it, then I will accompany you to this Nar Shadaa."

Zion nodded with a grin. "Very well then. I guess this concludes our meeting for the time being. Now, let me invite you two for lunch. My treat! I know this great place just around the corner. Remember Raeila? I took you there once for breakfast..."

"Oh, yes," she said with a large smile. "It was wonderful there. The food was so yummy." She giggled and regarded Kael again. "So...do you want to?"

Kael made a show of thinking it over and finally nodded. "Sure," he said. "If Rae liked the food there, then I definitely want to try."

Zion smiled and walked them out the door. The day was hot, now that the Summer was apparently starting. The walk to the restaurant took merely three minutes, and once there Zion asked for one of the window tables as he had previously with Raeila. They were all seated when the waitress came by to give them the menus with a smile.

"Thanks..." Zion said as he was handed his menu, then glancing at it. "So, Kael Selrid, what is it like to go from leader of a gang on Thanatos to Jedi?" he asked. "Frankly, I thought the Jedi were extinct for quite some time!"

"I haven't really had much time to think about the changes," Kael said. "I like being a Jedi better though. In Thanatos, most everything is about hurting those around you, except your friends. After awhile, hurting that much...it...it wears on you. Giving that up for the Force, it was a good thing for me. And, most of the Jedi were wiped out, but some survived. Those that did have formed a new Jedi Temple. They're training those with the potential to become Jedi. I was fortunate enough to be born with that potential. It allowed me to escape the violence of my home for awhile, and hopefully what I learn with the Jedi, I can take back and bring order to the chaos of my home...Thana willing."

"A new Jedi Temple?" Zion exclaimed, raising an eyebrow as he did so. "So, you're training with lightsabers and stuff? The girls had them at the club ya know?!" he said glancing at Raeila. "I thought they'd slice me and Raeila up, but we were lucky I guess... I hope that's not your conduct. To slice up opponents!" he grinned, with a bit of a mockery in his voice.

Kael pulled back his robe to reveal the hilt of his lightsaber. "And, I am only willing to slice up those opponents for whom there is no other course of action. Taking a person's life is not an endeavour that is taken lightly, and only through the Force's guidance will I do so. And, Nieme and Dani were upset at Raeila for what happened to them, but they have made peace and are now working to forge a friendship. I do not believe that Dani would have allowed you to be...sliced up. She is an empath, and abhors violence. If she were to cause you pain, from what she says, she would feel it as her own."

"She really is a nice person," Raeila added. "I do like her a lot. I don't think she would have hurt us that night. She was very sorry for what she did, and I'm sure she'd tell you that if she were here, Zion."

"I'm sure she would..." he said. "And from what you say, Kael, that's gotta make sex a total blast! Feeling other people's feelings, I mean..." Zion chuckled. By then the waitress came over and asked if they had ordered yet. Zion turned to Kael and Raeila. "Have you chosen yet?" he asked. "I hear the tandrillo steak and vegetables with challa sauce is good! I think I'll have that..." he said as the waitress wrote it down.

Raeila glossed over the menu for a brief moment, knowing no matter how long she stared at the words upon it, she still wouldn't understand them. "I'll just have the same," she told the waitress as she handed her the menu.

Kael looked between Zion and Raeila, and then up at the waitress. "I'll...I'll have the same please," he added. "It sounds very good."

"Very well," the waitress nodded with a smile. "And to drink?" she asked as she finished writing down their orders.

"Well... I'm not sure. Bring us a bottle of Calduin and some blackberry juice. Is that okay?" he asked his table guests. As he got their nods of approval he too nodded to the waitress, sending her off to get their orders on the way.

"You'll like it here, Kael, the food is very good but I find the best they have is their pastries really!" He laughed. "Actually, there is a purpose for all this. A reason why I wanted to have you for lunch," he said, still in a good mood.

Kael raised an eyebrow and glanced curiously at Raeila. "Oh," he said, after swallowing a gulp of water. "I...well, do you want to talk about it now? Or do we have to wait in suspense until after we've had our food?" He grinned and slipped his hand into Raeila's.

"I wanted to let you know that I do find Raeila very attractive. Actually, that was the reason why initially I was so nice to her..." Zion started off. "But then I got to know her and found her even better! Actually, now that I think of it, I never cared much for a girl before. But she is totally devoted to you, so don't you make her suffer, or you'll have to deal with me, lightsaber or no lightsaber!" he warned with a frown but carrying a smile across his face also.

Zion then turned to Raeila. "And, as for you, I hope we can be friends, but I don't think I could hit on you anymore. Not now after knowing and having to agree that your fiancé is actually a nice guy!" he told her with a laugh. "And, then again..." He laughed.

Raeila smiled warmly at Zion and reached across the table to cover his hand with hers. "Thanks. And I want us to be friends. You've done so much for me, and I need time to repay you, no matter what you say."

"I accept," Zion told her. By then the meals arrived and they seemed just too good to be true. Zion poured the wine for them all and took a bite of his meal. It was well made with fresh vegetables, and the sauce was a creamy as it could ever be! "Not bad at all. Some of the best I've had!" he said. He then reminded himself that maybe Kael and Raeila weren't accustomed to these exquisite meals. He had noticed that they could just barely understand the menu, if at all. "Hey, if you don't like it you can order something else... It's okay. Don't worry about it!" he told them in a most friendly manner.

Raeila laughed softly. "It's fine, Zion. I'm getting used to wetter food. It helps that it actually tastes good."

"So, how do you guys manage in this Temple you live in?" Zion asked. "Do you plant your own stuff, buy it here? Get it from the woods? I can't imagine the two of you picking up stuff from the wilderness, but then again I don't see where you'd get the money to buy all the food you'd need!"

"Well, we buy it," Raeila said. "I don't really know where the money comes from...but it's there. I guess there are berries in the woods that we could pick, but we don't really. We don't really have any money of our own, but Kael and I manage...for now," she muttered.

Kael sighed. "One of the Jedi Masters has a lot of money," he said. "And, they are talking about possibly looking into funding from the New Republic. We have enough for now to survive. So, we manage very well, all things considered."

With Raeila's words it became clear why they couldn't pay him his fees. If this was true, then they barely had money for their food, let alone Zion's fees. He tried not to show sympathy and rather play just nice. He nodded as he heard her words. "Well, I wouldn't want you to starve, so if you have any problems come see me. After all, I'm a guy who can get things. And at this time and age, you wouldn't dream what people pay me for my stuff! And I still have them since I know what they know and more!" He grinned. "Info is the tool of the century!"

"But info still costs creds," Raeila added. "But...we'll get by. Thanks anyway, Zion."

Kael nodded. "We're not completely poor," he said. "I've actually got a credit chip with lots of zeroes on it, but that came from the Jedi Master with all the money. We just need to make sure we don't spend it all in one place."

"Well, if you ever get funding from the Alliance and want them to buy my info for you, you might want to say its from 'the worm'," Zion told them. "I've sold them info before and they know it's good and of value as well as reliable. Anyway, I'm glad to know you can get by. Maybe I can visit sometime soon, or have you over once more, after you speak with your teachers and stuff..." Zion said as he sipped his Calduin.

Kael nodded. "I'll talk to them," he said. "Raeila and I will stop by again once we have some news to tell you. But, I think as soon as we finish our meals, we'll have to get back. My Master tends to worry slightly when I'm out too long, especially with all those out who would wish us harm."

Zion nodded in consent. He had finished his meal and he could see that Raeila and Kael were almost finished also. After that he ordered some pastries and in the end gave his credit chip to pay for everything. He then walked them back outside and put his sunglasses on. "Well then, I'll see you around. Hopefully soon," he said with a smile.

"Very soon," Raeila said with a warm smile. She glanced at Kael nervously, afraid of what his reaction would be, but she still stepped forward and embraced Zion. "Thanks for everything. You're a good friend, Zion."

Zion smiled back and kissed Raeila's forehead. "Yeah, see you soon," he told her. He then turned to Kael and nodded. "Kael..." he said just before he walked away, heading back to his apartment.

Kael watched Zion go, and once he was gone he shook his head. "I'm going to have to watch him," he said softly.

Raeila turned to Kael, frowning quizzically. "Why? You don't trust him?"

Kael glanced at her. "When you hugged him, you hesitated, fearful of how I'd react," Kael said. "He made no such hesitation, possibly even quickened his actions so that he could kiss you even faster. He would try to drive me away so that he could have you for himself. He would gladly make me jealous, I think."

"Well what does that matter?" Raeila asked. "I'll only ever love you, Kael. He can try what he likes, but no one will ever be able to tear us apart. Right?"

Kael grinned. "Right," he said. "You and me are forever, and nothing will ever come between us. Now, let me take you home now, and I will reassert my love for you."

Raeila giggled and began backing away towards the speederbike. "And I promise to only scream out your name."

Kael laughed. "Well, I hope mine is the only name you ever scream out. Now, let's go because I want to find out how loud you can scream."

"Oh, I'll show you, alright," Raeila said with an impish smile. "Then we'll see if you ever doubt me again."

Kael laughed as he swung up onto the speederbike. "Maybe I'll just have to call out your name too," he said. "Come on, my love. Let's go home."

Taking Kael's hand, Raeila mounted the speederbike behind him, then wrapped her arms around his waist. As he fired up the thrusters, Raeila kissed Kael's cheek, then rested her chin upon his shoulder. "Go fast," she told him with a grin. "Really fast."

Without another word, Kael pushed the speederbike to the limit and they rocketed forward. They could get in a lot of trouble here in the city, but they had to get caught first. With a wild cry, they were on their way home, and soon any jealousy Kael felt would be a thing of the very distant past.

---

"Diversion"
By: Merrick Braston
Oot Kovan
Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat-Braston

Location: Zenarr Inc. - Yelldon, New Plouton
Date: Eos 2, 4ABY (late evening)

***

At Kaysa's glare, Zale took his feet off her desk and dropped them to the floor. He caught the hint of a smirk when she went back to reading the report from his strike commander. Dargus' base was a ruin. They'd bombarded it from orbit, and then for good measure, he had men in combat armour swarm over it blasting away anything that wasn't already blasted. All in all, it was a thorough assault.

Merrick was on the couch near the door, humming a song. It was a new one he was working on, but didn't have any lyrics for it yet. He would soon, but thinking about lyrics at the moment wasn't easy. Not with the assault and the waiting and everything else. He was too caught up in what was going on to work on lyrics.

"They'll be entering the system today," Zale said. "We don't have our forces ready yet, but they're still assembling at the outer edge of the system. I think we may be able to stage an assault against Dargus' ship tomorrow."

"I dunno, Zale," Kaysa said with a sigh. "Dargus will know the worst you could do to his ship was damage it. With Keeve and Shiv on board, he's all but ensured that you won't just blast him out of the sky. He, on the otherhand, is not governed by the same restrictions."

"I won't blast him out of the sky," Zale said. "We'll punch holes in the side of his ship, climb through, and take his prisoners away from him. I won't blow him apart because he'd probably just use them as body shields. But I'll send my people aboard to take them away. And, once they're out of harm's way, then we'll turn that ship into slag. We'll take care of him, my love. But, only after they're back and safe with us."

Kaysa mulled over the entire plan, and always the same issue arose. "What if he doesn't want to come back? Will you drag him kicking and screaming from Dargus' grasp? He'll hate us all more than he does now."

"If Keeve doesn't want to leave, if he wants to stay with Dargus, should I leave him there? Do we abandon him if he's chosen Dargus?"

"Of course not," Kaysa replied. "I'm just afraid he'll jeopardize the entire mission. I don't want anyone to unnecessarily risk their lives because my son's a brat."

Merrick grinned. "Stun him."

Zale glanced over to the couch where Merrick had stopped humming. "Stun--?"

"--him. Yes, hit him with a stunner, knock him out, and he won't make a fuss. He won't bite anyone either."

Zale nodded and turned back to Kaysa. "I guess we stun him. There won't be any long-lasting effects, and it'll keep him from jeopardizing anything."

"Stun my boy?" Kaysa chewed her lip nervously for a moment. A very short moment. "As long as it doesn't hurt him."

"It won't hurt," Zale said. "He may have a little headache, but he'll be fine. Keeping him out of harm's way is the important part."

"Exactly, so I can punish him for being an insolent little brat," she said affectionately. "And you promise to stay right here, Zale? I know you're itching to get into the fight, but I'm afraid you're not going anywhere, dear husband."

"I will remain here," Zale said with a smile. "And, you won't have to worry about me getting injured other than by falling out of my chair because I'm laughing so hard at Dargus."

Kaysa chuckled and shook her head. "You were never this silly before I married you."

Zale grinned. "Sure I was," he said. "You just never saw it then. It was limited to just...just Moril. We didn't work together very often, so you never saw this side of me. But, now since we're married and business partners, you are part of the inner circle who gets to witness my wild fits of glee."

"Hmm...I kind of liked the dark, brooding fellow I thought I was marrying." Kaysa let out a deep breath of relief. "It's a good thing I ran off and married Merrick. Now, he's truly tortured."

Merrick stopped his humming and turned back to them. "Incredibly," he said, and then returned to his musical composition.

Zale shook his head. "Well, if you'd like, I can try to brood more often." He scowled and crossed his arms over his chest. "Better?"

Kaysa pouted playfully and pushed out of her chair to approach Zale. With a laugh, she hopped onto his lap and manipulated his lips with her fingers to form a smile. She appraised the ridiculous, contorted grin she'd created, then nodded her approval. "Much better."

"Oh, I see how it is," Zale said. "I'm your cheerful, happy husband, and Merrick's your dour, brooding husband."

"That's right," Merrick said in between songs. "Don't forget it."

"Well, just be glad you make me smile, you heartless, beautiful, bitch."

"I'm good at that," she purred as her hand smoothed over his chest and down towards his stomach. "You were even smiling in your sleep last night, though that might have more to do with where Merrick's hand was accidentally resting than with what I did to you."

"That was no accident," Merrick said. At Kaysa's shocked look, he quickly added, "He put it there. You don't think I'd ever do something like that, do you?"

Kaysa eyed both of them suspiciously, then withdrew her hand from where it was snaking down into Zale's pants and stubbornly folded her arms across her chest. "I don't think I trust either of you. Which means no more nights out for the two of you alone!"

Zale laughed. "Looks like we're gonna have to start sneaking out, ambra."

Merrick sat up and grinned. "I think so too," he said. "I think the fun will be seeing how many ways we can sneak past her. Oh, and next time, don't wear those pants without the butt in them. I love it, but everyone was staring, and I don't like people staring at what is mine. I'm the jealous type, you know."

"Stop!" Kaysa squawked. She lightly swatted Zale across the cheek then jumped off his lap. "You two are rotten! Now, if we're done here, boys, I think you should both get back to work...in separate cabs!"

"Separate? That's no fun. Though, it will be a challenge." Zale gave Merrick a grin. "Have you ever--" He looked at Kaysa and then laughed. "Okay, no having sex with your other husband."

"I'm glad you agree." Kaysa haughtily turned on her heel and moved back to her chair. "Now, is there anything else we need to go over, Zale?"

After a moment of thought, Zale shook his head. "Nothing else springs to mind. Everything else on this side is taken care of. I imagine we're free to spend some time together now if you're not busy."

Before Kaysa could answer, the door opened and Oot Kovan walked in. She took in the three of them and moved to where she could easily address all three. "I just talked to Tiala," she said, "my contact aboard Dargus Kandran's ship."

Kaysa looked down for a moment to gather her composure, afraid of what news Oot had to report. "And...what did she have to say?" she asked finally.

"Shiv, Keeve, and Lerrah are all still unhurt," Oot began. "Shiv and Lerrah have been made servants to Kandran's new mistress. Keeve...I don't know how to say this Kaysa... Kandran has some sort of cloning operation set up, and Keeve was a test for part of that. Your son...your son now appears to be in his early twenties."

"What?" Kaysa laughed, but her face held no sign of humour or amusement in it. Her eyes gazed distantly at the vidlink resting atop her desk while her mind fixed upon the image of her boy, the one who existed in her memories, the only Keeve Zenarr she knew. Now, apparently, he was gone. "Your girl's mistaken," she said, though the helplessness in her voice indicated she saw some truth in it. "I mean...how can someone just turn a little boy into a man? It's not possible. It's not possible!"

"Tiala couldn't explain it in detail, but apparently Dargus Kandran is trying to clone himself an army. And, one of the processes is to take a clone at the early stages of development and advance it to adulthood. She says that your son was the test to make sure that worked, and apparently it was, by Dargus' estimation, a resounding success."

Kaysa swivelled around in her chair until her back was to all in the room. She gripped the armrests of her chair tightly and clenched her eyelids shut to force back the despair, the frustration of being unable to protect her boy, and the guilt of abandoning him so long ago and giving him a reason to hate her enough that he would willingly go with Dargus Kandran. "This is all too surreal," she muttered. "None of this is happening. Why is this happening to us?"

A gentle hand settled on her shoulder, and a moment later Merrick's lips brushed against her ear. "Oh gods, Kaysa," he whispered so only she could hear. "I'm so sorry. I don't...we'll get him back. He's still Keeve inside. We'll get him back, and...oh gods..."

"Do we even want him back now?" she said wryly. She chided herself for the hint of emotion she'd allowed to creep into her voice. "He was hard enough to handle as a kid. But a man?" The despondency was numbing her, even to Merrick's normally warming touch. She'd lost her boy again, and this time she could never retrieve him. "Dargus certainly is clever," she whispered. She laughed breathlessly, but soon it reverted to whimpering sobs. "A worthy opponent... I commend him--" Her face fell into her hands as she gave up any effort to suppress her tears.

Merrick slipped his arms around Kaysa and held her to him. "We'll make him pay," he said. "We'll make him pay for everything he's done, to us and anyone else. It isn't right that one man can destroy so much, hurt so much. He's a plague, and it's time for him to die."

"It's been time for a while, Merrick. And you said your man was the person to do it," she said louder, for Oot. She swivelled back around towards the Twi'lek, breaking from Merrick's embrace. "Where is he? That was part of the deal, Oot. Your man was supposed to help us." She looked around the room for effect, then focused on Oot again and shrugged her shoulders. "I don't see him. I don't see anyone doing anything! You're all cowards. Useless, fucking cowards!"

Oot crossed her hands over her chest and stared levelly at Kaysa. It would have been a stare-down had Zale not gotten up and started toward the door.

"Where are you going?" Kaysa called out. "Zale, what are you going to do?"

Zale turned at the door and glared at Kaysa. "I'm going to stop being a useless, fucking coward," he said with a razor-sharp edge to his voice, "and I'm going to do something."

Kaysa frowned and returned his piercing gaze with one of her own. "Fine. Just don't do anything stupid."

"Got it," he said, turned back around and pushed his way out through the door and onto the street.

Merrick shook his head and returned to the couch, but it was obvious he was restless.

"Well." Kaysa gave a short, dry chuckle. "You certainly know how to put a damper on things, Oot."

Oot shrugged. "Very well," the twi'lek said. "Next time I'll keep the information I get from my informant to myself; that way I won't risk the chance of upsetting anyone."

"No need to be sarcastic," Kaysa admonished. "I'm grateful for what you've done... But you have no idea how this feels. He's my son. I was supposed to have a chance to be his mother again, to reclaim what I gave up ten years ago, and now Dargus has taken that from me. You don't know how much that's tearing me up inside."

"I understand that," Oot said with understanding and compassion clear in her eyes. "I was only bringing the message, Kaysa. I wasn't responsible for what Dargus did. I felt this was something you needed to know, so I told you. I did not intend to hurt you."

Kaysa attempted a gracious smile, but instead the slight movement of her lips cracked her facade of equanimity and she once again broke into tears. "Why is he doing this to us! Why does he have to destroy the lives of others? He's a monster!"

"My guess would be because you have something that he wants," Oot said softly. "It's his way. If he sees something he wants, he takes it. If he doesn't get what he wants, he starts applying pressure to get it. And, as time goes on, the pressure increases."

"The spaceport," Kaysa said quietly. "That's what he wants. It's what he's always wanted. All this for a fucking piece of property."

Oot nodded. "It makes sense," she said. "It helps him to control what gets into and goes out of the city, and pretty much the planet. Tae'Karada only has one other commercial spaceport, and that's the one in Thanatos. It's much smaller, and currently a large target for the Empire. The spaceport would provide Kandran a powerful foothold on Tae'Karada."

"And that's why he can't have it," Kaysa explained, still fighting away her tears. "He can't have that much power, or we'll all be more miserable than we are now. But it's still not fair that we have to suffer, not when we're saving the ungrateful wretches of this planet from Dargus Kandran's influence."

"The ungrateful wretches of this planet probably don't even know you exist," Oot said. "The Empire is in control now. I don't know Grand Admiral Tarkin, but my thought would be that he would find Shiv, Keeve, Lerrah, and Moril a suitable sacrifice to keep Kandran from getting ahold of the spaceport. Either that, or he'd take the spaceport away from you."

"From Zale," Kaysa corrected. "That's what started this whole mess." She leaned her elbows onto the desktop and covered her face with her hands. "I tricked him and now he won't be satisfied until I'm completely destroyed, along with everyone I love. I'm just so...tired and wasted. I don't know how much longer I can hold on."

Oot nodded. "I will do all I can to help you," she said. "I'll help you hold on if you'd like. Together, we can stop Kandran. Or at least get him to turn his interests elsewhere."

Kaysa nodded solemnly and this time succeeded in giving Oot a smile. "You're not a complete and utter bitch after all, Oot Kovan. Thanks for telling me the bad news personally at the risk of incurring my wrath. I do appreciate that."

"I wouldn't have wanted you to find it out somewhere else, or at the worst, seen Keeve without knowing. I don't know if the shock would have been too much or not, but I think it was better this way. And, I've got tough skin. I'll endure your wrath if it means saving you pain down the road. It's easier that way."

Kaysa nodded slowly, then regarded Oot with an appealing gaze. "Do something else to save me some pain, Oot? Go find Zale and figure out what he's up to. I pissed him off, and he likes to go off and do foolish things when that happens. Please make sure he's alright."

Oot nodded. "I'll go find him," she said. "I think I've still got time before something too stupid happens. I'll see you soon, Kaysa." With that, she turned toward the door and headed off to find Zale.

"I overreacted, didn't I, Merrick?" Kaysa asked, though she didn't need him to agree to confirm that for her. "It's just...my boy, Merrick. He's gone forever. He's gone."

Merrick looked up at Kaysa and opened his arms to her. "Come here," he said. Kaysa obliged gratefully and within moments she was curled up beside him on the couch. "I don't know what we'll do, but we'll figure it out. There has to be something we can do. Maybe...maybe the process is reversible. Maybe he'll find out what being an adult is all about, and he won't mind going back." He shook his head and sighed. "Shiv. How could... He wanted Shiv."

"And Dargus indulged him," Kaysa replied bitterly. "He didn't care if Keeve died in the process; he just needed a lab specimen and Keeve just fortuitously volunteered himself. How very convenient for Dargus."

Merrick shook his head and sighed. "I think he only cares that he gets what he wants. Anything else is irrelevant and useless. He needed Keeve to test his cloning. What... No, no, it's too risky. There's no way we could consider it, even for their lives."

"What, Merrick?" Kaysa sat up straighter and looked him squarely in the eyes. "Don't hold out on me, Braston. Please, what did you have in mind?"

Merrick sat up and looked into her eyes. "What if we give him what he wants? Would he give them back?"

"In exchange for more power than he should be able to have?" Kaysa countered. "Merrick, no! He's not getting the spaceport. And even if we do, he hasn't shown himself to be the most honourable man around. We give him what he wants, and what's to stop him from keeping them both?"

"I don't know if there's anything out there to stop him from doing anything," Merrick said. "Like Oot said, he takes what he can get. Hopefully we can get them all back in the assault on his ship. And, then just destroy the man while he no longer holds anything we don't want damaged."

"And what if we don't get them back?" Kaysa whimpered softly and nuzzled her cheek to Merrick's chest. "Gods, Merrick...if we don't get them back, I don't know what I'll do."

Merrick shook his head, impotent to assuage this fear. "If we don't get them back...I don't know, Kaysa. Revenge will be good for a time, until it's over. And, then what? I don't know, Kaysa. We have to get them back. We have to."

"Well...there's nothing you or I can do, my dear musician. We have to leave it all up to the crimelords." She tightened her hold on him, needing the security he could provide for her; she hoped she was doing the same for him. "Merrick, I'm so sad," she whispered. "I hate feeling this way, because I know it only makes you feel worse, but I just can't find a way to make myself happy."

"I know, my love," Merrick whispered. "But there is something I can do, someone I can call. He...he liked Shiv. I think he'd be willing to do anything to help her out. I can call him."

"You mean someone would actually be willing to go up against Dargus Kandran for Shiv?" Kaysa smiled ruefully. "My girl...all of Tae'Karada seems to be in love with her." She nodded decisively than gazed up at Merrick. "Do it, my love. Any help we can get."

"I will," Merrick said with a wild grin. "I'll call him immediately. I think he's just opened up a club not very far from here. I think it's the place we walked by the other night, the one with the huge bantha. Now, I just need to grab Weibran's number."

Kaysa grabbed Merrick's hand before he could get any further and once again sat upright. "Weibran? That fat crimelord? The one who's supposed to be not alive? What is it with everyone rising from the dead? You're not seriously going to appeal to him for help, are you? You know he'll ask for a night with Shiv as payment, of course."

"We need people who can help," Merrick said. "And, if he wants a night with Shiv...that's up to her. But, if he can help get her back... Also, if he's helping, that's extra people that Dargus has to keep track of. We might be able to overwhelm him."

"If you think we need his help..." Kaysa sighed and kissed her husband upon the cheek. "Comm him then, Merrick. After that, we're going out and we're going to forget all about Dargus Kandran for at least a little while."

"I like the sound of that," Merrick said softly. The worry was clear in his eyes, and his soul felt as if it weighed a thousand kilograms, but even an hour of forgetting about everything that was happening would be good. "I'll call him, and then we can forget for awhile."

"Okay. I'm going to go to the backroom to give you some privacy while you make the call." She kissed him tenderly, then rose from the couch. "Just holler for me when you're done."

"I'll do that," Merrick said and then gave her a quick kiss. "I love you, Kaysa. I just wanted to make sure you still knew that, could hear those words and hopefully smile."

Kaysa caressed his cheek and did just that. "I love you too, Merrick Braston." Only when she turned her back to him and began heading for the backroom did Kaysa's superficial smile disappear. Besides Merrick and Zale, Kaysa had nothing to truly be content about. She might never find pure joy again, not while knowing that she'd irreparably damaged her chances of being a mother for Keeve, and not after being shunned by him and rejected for Dargus Kandran. That alone was enough to drive Kaysa to the far corner of the room to weep convulsively into the wall. Nothing would be okay again. Nothing.

Once Kaysa was out of the room, Merrick took a couple moments to gather his nerves and courage. With a sigh, he pulled out his comlink and dialled in the comm signal for Weibran the Hutt.

"Good afternoon," the perky voice on the other end of the connection answered, "Weibran Crime Family. How may I direct your call?"

"Weibran, please," Merrick said. "This is Merrick Braston calling."

"I'm sorry," the woman said. "Mr. Weibran is in the middle of Second Lunch right now. Perhaps you could call back in an hour?"

"I don't have an hour. Please put me through to him now."

"I'm afraid I can't, sir. Mr. Weibran is very particular about his meals, and he doesn't like to be disturbed."

Merrick wanted to reach through the comm and strangle the woman. "This is a very important matter, and if you don't put me through now, I'll make certain you are looking for a new job by the end of the day. And, put me through to Weibran now, and I don't care if his mouth's full!"

The woman made a strangled gasp, and then a gentle Jizz tune filled the channel. It was only a moment before Weibran the Hutt was on the comm, and his mouth was, in fact, full. "What?"

"Mr. Weibran," Merrick began.

"Just Weibran," the Hutt said. "Though, you may also refer to me as Your Grace, if you'd like."

"Weibran," Merrick began again, "this is Merrick Braston."

"Who?"

Merrick sighed. "Mandrake."

"Oh, Melgrip! How are you doing? I've been meaning to talk to you about that sweet little dancing dream you've got," he said. "Oh, I've got this new club, and I would do absolutely anything to get her to perform there. Oh, she is a vision."

"I would love for her to be able to," Merrick said, "but she's...she's currently with Dargus Kandran...against her will."

"With--? What--? What does that thieving, conniving, no good, foul smelling sack of bantha dung think he's doing? He's kidnapped her? Damn him! Again? My gods, Mildred, you've got terrible luck! But it's a good thing you called me. I'll get that sweet, little dollop of chippin surprise back for you! Padrick! Get my blaster!"

A moment later, the channel went dead and Merrick sank into the couch. "Kaysa," he called weakly. "Kaysa! The call's made."

Kaysa poked her head through the doorway and searched Merrick's face expectantly. "So...did he agree? Is he gonna help?"

Merrick nodded. "He was very anxious to help," he said. "He jumped at the chance faster than I anticipated he would."

"Well who wouldn't? One look at Shiv and anyone would have the desire to see her to safety." Kaysa shrugged. "That's my girl."

"It was the strangest thing," he said. "As soon as he heard she was in danger, he tuned me out and went about calling orders to start the effort to get her free."

"I guess she made a very good impression on him." Kaysa had sufficiently blotted her eyes and blown her nose, and was once again fit to be seen, but she didn't think Merrick would notice if she weren't, especially since his eyes would be elsewhere. She smiled at him coyly and stepped fully into the doorway wearing only her panties. "You see," she explained immediately, "I was in the backroom and I was thinking of a way to make us both smile. And...I came up with only one thing. Do you think it'll work?"

"I do," Merrick said as he slowly stepped forward. "But, I think you're a little over-dressed, my dear."

Kaysa examined the length of her almost nude form, then looked up at Merrick vaguely. "I really don't see what you mean. Care to show me?"

Merrick stopped directly in front of her. He brushed his hands along her hips to where the skimpy fabric of her panties rested. He slowly lowered himself toward the ground, kissing along her chest and abdomen as he did. As his body lowered, so did the panties still gripped between his fingers. When he was finally upon his knees, his face was directly before her mound. "Like this," he whispered.

Kaysa gripped the edge of the doorframe with her hand and sighed as Merrick's warm breath fell upon the sensitive flesh between her legs. "Oh," she said quietly, breathlessly. "That."

He brushed his face through her bush, and then gently kissed at her thighs. "I love how Shiv shaves hers in the shape of things. Last time we made love to her, it was a star." He looked up at Kaysa, meeting her eyes, as he slowly extended his tongue to caress between her thighs.

Kaysa closed her eyes and gently pushed her hips forward to greet Merrick's caresses. "My star..." she whispered. "I miss my star, Merrick."

Merrick didn't have a chance to answer right away since his mouth was busy on other matters, but as he slowed down after bringing Kaysa to the brink, he looked up and smiled. "Me too," he said. "We'll get her back soon though. She'll be back with us by the end of the week. I know it."

Kaysa ran her fingers through Merrick's hair and gently dropped to her knees before him. "I hope so, Merrick." She kissed him deeply, then pulled back and studied his eyes. They were the colour of raw durasteel, but they were as soft as his voice during one of his ballads. She loved those eyes. "If we don't get her back soon, though, I know we'll still be okay, Merrick. We've been strong throughout this, not like the first time. We're surviving. That alone is enough to keep me going. It gives me hope."

"I have a lot of hope," Merrick said. "One look at you and I find more hope than I'd ever thought possible. We're making it, and we will survive. Our love is stronger than this now. Our love can endure anything." He kissed her. "Well, except for me and Zale. You don't seem to...appreciate our closeness." He grinned again, on the verge of laughing.

Kaysa glowered playfully at Merrick, then tackled him to the ground. She giggled as she easily pinned back his arms and held him at her mercy. "If you two aren't careful, I might get tired of all your sneaking around and flirting, and leave. Whatever will you do then?"

"Oh," Merrick said, "that could be quite nice. Me and Zale, all alone without your disapproving looks. I imagine we could get a nice bottle of wine, disappear into a bedroom, and have a whole lot of fun." He laughed, and tried to squirm from her fingers. "But it wouldn't be as nice as with you!"

"There's no replacement for Kaysa Zenarr...Tregat-Braston." She leaned forward and kissed Merrick as her hips began a gentle, rhythmic sway against his. "There isn't, right?" she whispered.

"Absolutely no replacement," he whispered.

"I'm glad you agree." She kissed his mouth slowly, pulling his lips gently between her teeth. Her hands moved to undo his shirt, but her movements were not frantic or rushed, they were measured and graceful. Merrick deserved to wait, especially for his imprudent comments, but in the end, he would be that much more satisfied for it.

The waiting was agony, but Merrick endured. His lips never stopped kissing her delicate flesh. It was amazing how well they moved together. When he and Kaysa made love, he always heard the symphony of their lovemaking in his head. He could hear every nuance and it was beautiful. And, it was the only song he'd ever helped compose that would never be recorded. When this crisis was over though, he intended to let Kaysa hear the music. She loved his music and would recognize this as their music, a perfect collaboration.

Merrick's shirt was cleared away, followed by his pants. Kaysa then reached into his underwear and grasped his erection. The gasp he emitted pleased her, but tormenting him wasn't what she had in mind, so she pushed the undergarment over his hips and down to his knees, and with a gentle smile, she slid him inside of her. As she began rocking her hips against his, Kaysa gazed down at Merrick. "I love you, my husband dear," she professed ardently. Her lips parted as she moaned quietly, and as she gave herself over to the sensations arising, quickly all worries were flushed away into a deep corner of her mind. For now.

Their lovemaking was always passionate, and this time was no exception. To Merrick it seemed like it may have been more so. He let his mind go and lived only for the pleasure he and Kaysa were creating.

The light was suddenly blocked out and a soft laugh rippled through the air. "Oh my," she said. "It seems that we keep meeting like this. Well, at least this time I'm fully clothed."

Kaysa continued swaying against Merrick, undaunted by the intrusion, and smiled dreamily at Oot. "If you're not here for any particular reason, please leave."

"That looks like fun," Oot said, and then smiled. "And, my reason for being here: Zale asked me to inform you that Dargus' ship has been spotted at the edge of the system."

Kaysa stopped and all sign of euphoric pleasure vanished from her features. "How long before Zale's men strike?"

"Hey," Merrick said and glared up at Oot.

"She'll finish with you soon," Oot said with a smile. "And, Zale's men are preparing now. He says they should be able to stage their assault within the next hour. He wants to make sure all the ships are set and all his men prepared. When I left, he was estimating forty-five minutes."

"And Zale's still securely, safely in his office with no desire to join his men?"

"He is firmly convinced that if he leaves his office shac'tae will be meaningless to him any longer. I told him that I'd hold and you'd cut if he so much as stepped out the door."

Merrick squirmed on the floor. "Hey, it's not nice to talk about that with a fully functional and operational man around."

Kaysa covered Merrick's mouth with her hand. "Hush, my love. That actually worked?" she asked Oot. "I'm impressed."

"I was holding his testicles through his pants at the time," Oot said with a smile. "Don't worry, as I said, he was wearing clothing and there was absolutely nothing sexual about that hold. I would demonstrate for you, but I don't believe Merrick would appreciate."

"No, Merrick wouldn't appreciate it," the musician said.

"I caught him when he was trying to leave, and it was the easiest and most effective hold on a man of his size and skill."

"Hmm..." Kaysa grinned down at Merrick as she trailed a finger along his chest and towards his groin. "Perhaps I should try that every time you and Zale start talking foolishly about sneaking around town and carrying on without your wife. I doubt I'd hear a word about it again."

"Hey," Merrick said. "Watch where you put that. And...yes, I think that would effectively curtail any shenanigans Zale and I would get involved in."

"Good enough for me." Kaysa smiled her thanks to Oot. "If you see Zale again, tell him Merrick and I will be down there soon."

Oot gave each of them a smile and then started stepping back. "I'll skip the details, but I have a feeling he'll figure it out. We'll be expecting you."

As the door closed behind Oot, Kaysa gazed down at Merrick with a large smile. "Did you hear that, my love? We're almost there. We've almost got them"

Merrick's smile matched Kaysa's. "They'll be home soon. And, then we'll show them love like they've never seen before!"

"And I think now," she said silkily, "you and I should have a pre-homecoming celebration." She kissed him deeply, then chuckled softly. "So, have at it, Mr. Braston."

Merrick started up the rhythm again that would take them to bliss, a bliss they would soon be sharing with Shiv. And, they'd be able to show Keeve they truly did love him despite everything else. Maybe things could go back to some sort of normalcy. Maybe.

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