"Tattle Taled, Part 1"
By: Analesse D'vrishay
Nemyos [NPC+]
Merrick Braston
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat

Location: Analesse's Office, Yesrin District; The White Noise, Yelldon District
Date: Vadris 2, 5 ABY

***

"You have fifteen messages waiting, Mrs. Braston!"

Analesse stopped cold in her tracks as she strode towards her office. Slowly, she turned to face her assistant, regarding him with unmasked and utter bewilderment. She blinked. "What did you call me?"

Nemyos, grinning foolishly, raised the flimsinewspaper to display the front page. Analesse stifled a gasp as she read the headlines. Nemyos pouted. "And I wasn't even invited to the wedding. I would have made a wonderful bridesmaid!" Sighing dreamily, he mused, "And with Moril on my arm, we would've been the perfect couple..."

Frowning in displeasure, Analesse snatched the tabloid drivel from the Sullustan's foppish hands and marched into her office. On the off chance her assistance failed to notice, she hollered back, "There was no wedding!"

Nemyos yelped as the crumpled ball of flimsisheet bounced off his head. Analesse's door sealed behind her with inordinate haste.

Inside, Analesse reached her desk and sank into her chair with a weary sigh. The planet's media had grown more rabid in their probing of Analesse and Merrick's lives - they had become so following the success of the White Noise, and Merrick's triumphant return to the stage. They were the planet's newest and most attractive power couple, but with that came very little privacy, and even more defamation.

Last week, an "informant" had provided the Tae'Karadan Buzz with holophotos of Analesse in her younger days, performing as a nude dancer for Durga the Hutt. Admittedly, the photos were doctored with amazing accuracy - someone had talent, one that could be put to better use than fabricating photos to tarnish one's reputation. But, Analesse had successfully defused that situation by noting there were certain birthmarks absent from the pictures that would undoubtedly have been visible in such a revealing state of undress if she truly had posed for the image. Merrick, in his charming, quick-witted manner, claimed he could attest to that.

There had been many more manufactured stories, and wedding rumours only the latest. Admittedly, Analesse wasn't wholly upset by the fallacy. In fact, a portion of her wished it were true, though she and Merrick were a ways off from reaching that point in their relationship, but it was a nice fantasy.

Analesse was settling into the appealing proposition of spending her life with Merrick when her attention was caught by a notification flashing on her holovid. A file had been received, along with the numerous messages left by various clients and contacts, reminding Analesse that there was much work ahead of her for the day. The reverie would have to wait. And so Analesse set all distractions aside and downloaded the file, setting up her work area while she waited. She didn't get far before the sounds issuing from her holo device assailed her. Startled, Analesse dropped her datapad onto the desk, freeing up her hand to lower the volume settings. The image playing on the screen stayed her as debilitating shock paralyzed Analesse.

The sounds combined with the carnal, filthy scene was enough to appall Analesse, but an even greater blow struck her when her alarmed mind began processing fully. This was no mistake, no home video accidentally sent to her. Analesse's trembling hand unconsciously rose to cover her gaping mouth, stifling the gasp issuing forth. It was unmistakably a recording of two individuals - one a young woman, and the other a man - entwined in a frantic sexual act. But it was moments before the man's features resolved into a recognizable face.

Despite the tears blurring her vision, Analesse had already seen more than enough to draw a conclusion. There, before her, was Merrick lying beneath the woman she had met at the party - Talara. Her back was arched and her head thrown back as she cried out in ecstasy, while Merrick, equally as engrossed in pleasure, thrust into her wildly. All of it slammed into Analesse violently - the images, the moans - and she found it difficult to breathe. Merrick's face didn't seem tormented, not as he had indicated he was during that time in his life. But Analesse didn't feel physically sick until the next scene played out.

Merrick was the central figure once again, and his partner was a dark-skinned man - strong-bodied and glistening with a sheen of sweat. Analesse heard the first sob stick in her throat at this point. The man swayed against Merrick's backside, and Merrick seemed to willingly meet each thrust, leaning back into them. As they climaxed, Merrick's body tensed in an obvious cry of rapture soaring from lips she had thought could only ever vocalize the most beautiful of melodies. And in unison with his utterance, Analesse wept audibly.

Clumsy fingers jabbed at the keypad, willing the playback to end and banish the heartbreaking scene buffeting her with grief. She growled in tearful frustration as the file refused to close, until she managed to fumble upon the power button, shutting down the device.

Analesse surged from her chair and dashed to the series of windows covering the left wall. Her chest was tight and Analesse gasped for air as she pressed herself flat against the windows, merely the sight of the expansive skyscape allowing her to draw breath more easily. But even the beautiful vista couldn't erase the images from her mind. Merrick had admitted to everything she had just seen...but it was more difficult to achieve acceptance when viewing it firsthand. He didn't appear forced in any way; instead, there was a sense of enjoyment Analesse had detected from him. And she was disgusted by it.

His desires were primal, in complete opposition to Analesse's reserved nature. Could they truly be so incompatible, and Merrick so depraved? Weeping over the revelation, Analesse had yet to make the connection to Reinrich's statement the previous night. This was the gift he had mentioned so smugly, and it was one that might just destroy she and Merrick.

***

"Dammit!"

Merrick cleared the number on the comm, and reentered it. This time, the comm emitted a cheerful tone, and indicated it was being re-routed. A moment later, he was looking into the tearful gaze of Analesse's receptionist. As the man dabbed at his eyes, Merrick wondered what Moril had rejected this time.

"Nemyos, I need to speak with Analesse right away," he said. "We're set to open up the house in thirty minutes. I've got her seat set aside and ready, plus some champara ready for after the show."

"I'm sorry, Merr-- Mr. Braston." He sniffled. "Plans seem to have changed. Ms. D'vrishay is...is tied up." There was a great honk as he blew his nose into a tissue.

"What do you mean plans have changed? Why didn't she talk to me about this? Please put her on."

"Oh, I hate disappointing you so," he told Merrick sadly. "But she isn't taking calls." With a blubbering sob, Nemyos ended the transmission.

"Dammit!"

Did he have time to make it to her office? But with the show sold out, if he didn't make it back in time, they'd lose a lot of money. But, did he really care? What was going on?

Kaysa leaned into his dressing room, all panic. "Merrick...you need to get backstage! The band needs to finish tuning up."

"What are the chances, do you suppose, of someone stalling while I run a quick errand," Merrick asked while checking his appearance in the mirror. "It'd be a quick one. I should have had Maeren on hand. She's got the voice and she knows all the songs. Alright, alright!" He stormed his way toward the door.

Kaysa stepped into his path, both arms outstretched before her to halt him. She frowned. "Merrick...you're not going to blow this show, are you? You're preoccupied and I can't have you going out there like this. What's wrong?"

"Analesse isn't taking calls, and she's not going to be coming tonight," Merrick said. "I guess if someone needs it, you can give her table away."

"Okay," she acknowledged slowly. "Has she ever missed a show?"

"Never," Merrick said. "I'll have to sort it out after. Dammit!"

Kaysa gnawed at her bottom lip, vacillating between offering to help or savouring the prospect of a night alone with Merrick. Dr. Ut's therapy sessions must have been working better than she would believe, for Kaysa's conscience refused to consider the latter. "I'll go talk to her, if you want. While you're on stage, I'll go and see what's wrong."

"You'd do that?" Merrick asked. "I don't know what she'd think of you going by. Didn't you want to watch the show?"

Kaysa smiled. "I always want to watch you sing, Merrick. But if this will help you, then I want to do it for you. I can't help it if I'm still in love with you, can I?" She chuckled weakly.

"If you'd like to try," Merrick said. "I just hope everything's alright. This isn't like her, that's for sure."

"She's probably just busy," Kaysa offered. "You just get backstage and I'll see if I can get anything out of her. Okay?"

"Okay," Merrick said. "Thank you, Kaysa." He took a deep breath, and shook his head. "Time to knock 'em dead."

"You'll do fine," she assured him and impulsively leaned in for a kiss, but came to her senses in time to avoid an uncomfortable situation. She smiled awkwardly and stepped out of his way.

"See you later," Merrick said. "Good luck." With his usual smile, he started toward his place to make a grand entrance for the show.

Kaysa, meanwhile, smiled wanly at his departing back. Agreeing to speak to his current lover when he had rejected her? "You're insane," she berated herself. "And desperate," Kaysa admitted with a sigh of resignation and trudged off towards her dressing room to retrieve her coat.

***

The Sullustan was applying to his face a powder that appeared suspiciously like a cosmetic when Kaysa stepped up to Nemyos' desk. Analesse's assistant quickly slid his unidentifiable object into the drawer and slammed it shut. His smile was all pleasant innocence. "How may I help you today?"

Kaysa smiled flatly. "Kaysa Zenarr of Zenarr Inc. here for my appointment with Ms. D'vrishay."

"Oh...but Ms. D'vrishay is not seeing anyone today," Nemyos explained with manufactured sympathy. "I'm sorry. You'll need to reschedule."

"No I won't," Kaysa informed him brazenly. "Now, you can warn her that I'm here and will be stepping into her office momentarily, whether she likes it or not, or you can let it be a surprise. Either way, I'm going in there." Not one to heed another's directives, Kaysa skirted Nemyos' desk and marched with purpose towards Analesse's office. Nemyos yelped and scurried from his desk to stop Kaysa. He glided in front of her, arms outstretched to bar passage through the door he was physically blocking. Kaysa narrowed her eyes at the foppish man, who tittered nervously. "Excuse me," she said coolly, "you're in my way."

"I know," Nemyos responded in a quaver. "B-But Ms. D'vrishay--"

The menace in Kaysa's slitted eyes and the challenging curl of her lips brought a whimper up from Nemyos' pale throat. Her voice was even, restrained to a whisper but still conveying her growing anger as she told Nemyos, "Move."

The Sullustan witnessed the fire burning behind Kaysa's gaze, threatening to engulf him. Bearing no intention to be physically harmed by her, Nemyos ducked out of the way. Kaysa barged into Analesse's office, again wondering why she was going to such pathetic lengths to curry Merrick's favour. Zale would think her a fool, no doubt. But, there was no turning back, not when Analesse had already spotted her.

She'd jolted up from the sofa, where she had been seated with face in both hands; now she watched Kaysa, completely stunned. "What--" Analesse's voice was hoarse, and thick - both qualities of one who had been weeping.

Kaysa raised her hands in a show of goodwill. "Merrick was worried - very nearly cancelled his show to come and see you himself," Kaysa explained. "As his manager who gets paid only when he does, I figured it would be in both our best interests if he performed."

"Please leave." Analesse turned away, unwilling to bring Kaysa satisfaction in seeing her vulnerable.

"What happened?" Kaysa pressed. "Something did, and for Merrick's sake, I need to find out. Unless," she added a touch insensitively, "you'd rather tell him yourself."

Analesse whirled on Kaysa, managing not to shriek as she shouted, "Leave me! This is none of your concern. This is between Merrick and I."

Kaysa laughed incredulously. "Then why are you shutting him out? I did the same thing, and I lost him. Is that what you want?"

Smiling bitterly, Analesse accused, "That's what you want, isn't it? You're not here for Merrick - you're here for yourself."

"Of course I am." Kaysa smiled shrewdly. "I could care less if you shut Merrick out of your life - maybe he'll come running back to me." Trying her hardest to irritate Analesse, Kaysa strolled further into the office and presumptuously ensconced herself in the nearest armchair. Smiling at Analesse, Kaysa crossed her legs and gestured towards the sofa. "Have a seat. You can tell me all about it."

Analesse watched Kaysa in utter disbelief. "Are you insane? Why would I tell you anything?"

"Because you want to. Because I, more than anyone, understand about wanting to run and hide from problems. I used to do it all the time," Kaysa confided. "Sure, Merrick was there to take me back and console me the first few times, but eventually...he couldn't take anymore and it was over," she finished quietly.

Analesse was silent, her face a reflection of the conflict raging within. Taking advantage of the woman's nonplus, Kaysa continued. "You love Merrick...and if you truly do, you have to at least tell him what he did wrong. Or do you hate him so much that you would rob him of the opportunity to at least make up for it?"

"I can't," Analesse whispered, tears threatening to spill over. She suppressed them, in no way prepared to give Kaysa a chink in her armour at which to hammer away. Merrick had warned that she could be manipulative, cunning. Analesse didn't trust her, and rightly so. Kaysa was anything but compassionate and selfless. Never would she confide in her. Turning away, Analesse said coldly, "Leave. I'll call security. Just leave me."

Kaysa scoffed, "And you think that'll stop me? I've been escorted out of more than a few places in my life. I'm not afraid."

"Leave," Analesse repeated insistently. "I'll speak with Merrick in my own time...but I will have nothing to do with you. I need my space, which includes from Merrick, and most definitely from you. Just...go."

"You're unbelievable," Kaysa spat, rising abruptly. "You know you're only hurting him. Space?" She snorted wryly. "You expect him to understand what that means? He'll think it's over. He'll never forgive you."

"Merrick deserves far more credit than you give him." Analesse sighed, growing weary of Kaysa's nagging presence. "Leave. You're the last person on this planet I'd ever confide in. You're wasting your time, and my own."

Kaysa chuckled dryly, shaking her head in astonishment. "You're far more cruel than I ever was, Ms. D'vrishay," she told her harshly. "You don't deserve Merrick." And staring at Analesse's back a moment longer, Kaysa made a sound of disgust and departed. Nemyos flinched as she stormed past him, but relaxed once she reached the lift and stepped on. He was safe...for the time being.

During her descent, Kaysa mulled over her conversation with Analesse, trying to understand what Merrick saw in such a cold, obdurate woman. How could he love Analesse when she was more than that prude would ever be? Sighing, Kaysa began thinking about what she could say to Merrick to weaken the blow. In the end, she decided there was very little and prepared herself, instead, to nurse Merrick's wounds.

***

The applause still lingered as Merrick left the stage. For the third time, this time, and the last, and they still wanted more. After three encores, Merrick didn't have any left in him. Instead, he retired to his dressing room. Perhaps he'd be able to get a hold of Analesse now.

He pushed through the door with a nod to the guard at the end of the hall, and nearly ran into Kaysa.

"Oh," he said, loosening his tie, "I wasn't sure if you'd be back."

She chuckled weakly. "Well...here I am." Kaysa cocked her head towards the room's interior. "I have to talk to you."

"How did it go," Merrick asked as he tossed the tie over the back of a chair. His jacket followed it a moment later.

Kaysa scratched her head, not quite certain how to answer. She sighed. "She intimated to me that...she needs to be left alone. She wouldn't say why." Her hand drifted towards his shoulder, meaning to deliver a comforting touch, but Kaysa pulled away. Merrick would likely view it as an exploitation of his vulnerability. "I'm sorry," she said, instead. "I tried."

"Thank you for trying," he said. "I should go talk to her, or try to."

"She didn't seem to want you to," Kaysa admitted. "I don't know...." She shrugged. "Maybe you need to leave her be for tonight. She might come around tomorrow."

"I have to try, Kaysa," Merrick said. "I can't just leave it like this. I have to try. I'll let you know how it goes. Maybe you and Zale would like to go to that new juice bar they opened if she still doesn't want to see me."

Kaysa smiled wistfully. "I'd rather go alone with you." With far more courage, Kaysa laid her hand upon his forearm to stop him from leaving. "Merrick...I really think you need to leave her alone. She seems to close herself off when confronted. In my opinion, Analesse D'vrishay is the type of person who prefers to handle problems on her own. She's pretty headstrong, isn't she?"

"She is," Merrick said. "But, if she wants the space, I want her to tell me that herself. I can't just walk away. I have to at least try to talk to her."

"Okay." Kaysa smiled tautly and stepped back. "If you want me to come, I will. Or I can just wait here for you."

"Why don't you head on home," Merrick said. "Unless you really want to hang out here. If Analesse sends me away, I'll just come over to your new house."

"No you won't," she told him. "I'll be there, and that's the last place you want to be," she accused playfully. "Just...let me come. I'll stay in the speeder. I promise."

"And if she wants me to stay with her?" Merrick asked. "Go home, Kaysa. If she doesn't want to see me, I will come by. It'll give me a chance to see Aria."

Kaysa lowered her head, finally admitting defeat. She was not first in Merrick's life, not any longer, and although there were no delusions that she would ever be, it was still difficult for Kaysa to accept. Mustering a smile, she raised her head and could only utter, "Okay," before moving to the couch to retrieve her coat. "Sorry I missed the show," she was saying while slipping on the jacket. "I bet it was great."

"It was pretty good," Merrick said. "The crowd deserved better than I gave, but I'll knock 'em dead tomorrow. Maybe you can catch that one."

"I'm your manager," she reminded him. "I have to be there."

"Not necessarily," Merrick said. "Like tonight. I'll see you soon, Kaysa."

She turned in the doorway, pausing to smile weakly at Merrick. "You don't know that for sure. Analesse is getting her second chance. If she's smart, she won't pass it up like I did." And with a wave, Kaysa strolled at a somber pace out of Merrick's dressing room.

"We'll see," Merrick said. With that, he pulled his jacket back on, and slipped out the back door to his waiting speeder. Who knows what he'd find when he got to Analesse. But, he had to find out.

---

"Tattle Taled, Part 2"
By: Analesse D'vrishay
Merrick Braston
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat
Zale Tregat
Aria Tregat

Location: Analesse's Office, Yesrin District; Tregat Residence, Yesdol District
Date: Vadris 2, 5 ABY

***

The office was dark when he entered, but thankfully Analesse had given him the keycode. He slipped inside and was thankful the alarms weren't set. Across from him, Nemyos' computer hummed softly in its power-down mode. A vase of riselets sat next to a hologram of Moril. Beside it, another hologram of Nemyos was set in close proximity, as if the two were part of one.

Merrick laughed softly, and moved over toward Lessa's door. It was closed tight, and so out of habit, he knocked.

"Nemyos," a tired, somber voice called out, "I said you could leave. I'll be fine...just go."

"Analesse," Merrick said. "It's me."

There was a prolonged silence and when Analesse spoke again, her voice was very near to the door. "Didn't your lackey tell you?" she said quietly. "I need to be alone."

"Kaysa offered to come here to check to make sure everything was okay when I was about to go on stage," Merrick said. "I was ready to tell the full house we had to go home and come here myself, but I know the club couldn't take that sort of loss. Still, if she hadn't offered, I would have come here and to hell with the loss. You're more important to me than the club and that audience. Lessa, what is it? What happened?"

"Merrick..." She sighed. "I-I can't talk about it right now. Please...just let me be. I need to think...and I need to do it alone."

"What did Reinrich tell you this time," he asked. There was a hint of bitterness in his voice. "How many times do we have to go through this, Analesse? How long are you going to let that bastard control our relationship and drive us apart?"

"He hasn't said anything," she told him. "It's what you haven't said that's the problem. You have...so many secrets, Merrick. I can't deal with that."

"And so rather than asking me about it, you lock yourself in here and avoid me," Merrick said. "I can't possibly go through every minute of my life and go over every detail with you. Fine. If you can't deal with it, if you won't talk to me, then that's that. If we can't work through this together, then we have nothing, Analesse. I'll have my things out by morning." With that, he turned away.

The hiss of Analesse's door opening gave Merrick pause, but as he turned, he was surprised by the light pressure of an object bouncing off his chest, onto the ground. At his feet lay a data chip, and standing in the doorway was Analesse, undereyes dark and swollen from a long day of consternation and fretting over what to do with the information she had. "Take a long look at that," she whispered hoarsely, "then tell me I'm not justified in my feelings." Eyes on the verge of spilling tears, Analesse shook her head and hastily retreated back into her office.

Merrick picked up the chip and took it over to Nemyos' workstation. He played it through once, and felt a pang of guilt at watching it. It brought back memories of the other night at the party, with Talara. With a sigh, he removed the chip and returned to Analesse's door. "I told you about all of that," he said. "The other night at the party, I told you what happened between me and Talara. I thought you knew already."

"I knew," she whispered from where she must have been leaning against the door, "but watching it was different. You...didn't seem to be suffering."

"Because I wasn't being forced with Zale or Zale's brothers," he said. "Because Talara was a respite from the suffering. But, in the end, we were still putting on a show for them. Had I not been forced with her, I wouldn't have been. I don't know what you expect of me, what you want me to say. If you are unable to tolerate me because of my past, then maybe we're wrong for each other. But, I want to make it clear to you that I don't miss that life, I don't want that life, and I don't expect or want any of that from you. I love you for who you are and what we share, not because I'm looking for you to be a slut like Talara is. How many times do I have to tell you I don't want that life before you'll believe me? How many times do I have to relive my past so that I can continue on with the present? If you don't want me any longer, if you want to end our relationship, just say so and I'll go. But if you even have a hope of repairing what damage has been done to our relationship, I'm not moving."

"If you want there to be hope," she explained in a grief-stricken voice, "then why won't you let me think? Why won't you give me a chance to take this all in? Please.... I'll contact you tomorrow, but right now, I need some solitude."

"Alright," Merrick said. "I'll go, but expect me back here first thing." With that, he turned away. As he departed the building, he couldn't help considering what he could do to make Reinrich pay for the problems he'd caused.

***

Kaysa wasn't certain if she should convey her surprise at seeing Merrick on her doorstep, or gladness that her prediction had come true. The talk with Analesse hadn't gone well, that much was clear, but just how badly it had been, Kaysa didn't think it prudent to pry just yet. Smiling in consolation, she stepped aside. "Come in. We just gave Aria a bath."

"Thanks," Merrick said as he entered their home. "She said she'll see me tomorrow, and we'll figure it out from there."

Nodding slowly, Kaysa led him towards the living area. "What happened? Why was she so freaked out?"

"Reinrich sent her a recording from when Zale's brothers were holding him and I prisoner," Merrick said. "Do you remember Talara?"

"I do. Is she jealous of the girl?"

"She believes I enjoyed what happened with Talara a little too much," Merrick said.

Kaysa grinned accusingly. "Didn't you?"

"But what does it matter now?" Merrick asked. "She believes that because I enjoyed that with Talara, that I must want that from her now. And, she won't listen to anything else."

"Merrick...she's a prude," Kaysa told him bluntly. "Do you really expect her to understand what happened?"

"I don't care if she understands it," Merrick said. "What I want is for her to accept that what happened is in the past and is no longer a part of my life."

Kaysa squeezed his shoulder comfortingly. "She said she needed time. Maybe it's true and she'll come around." Pausing in thought, Kaysa then asked, "How in the world did she get that footage anyway?"

"Have you ever heard of a man named Reinrich Tas?"

"It's familiar... I think I may have done a job for him once."

"He's into just about everything in the city," Merrick said. "He got a hold of it somehow, and Talara's working with him, though I'm not sure if she's a whore for him or his own lover. We met them at a party the other night, and then today Reinrich sent her this." He pulled a chip from his pocket. "It's the footage of Talara and I."

Kaysa sighed. "He really must hate you. What'd you do to the guy?"

"I'm the one with Analesse, and not him," Merrick answered. "That's his problem."

"And do you think she'd go to him to" --Kaysa searched for the most delicate of terms-- "console herself?"

"The man runs a club where the performers perform live sex acts on the stage, and then have sex with those who can pay afterwards. If she has a problem with what I've done in my past, I can't see where she'd ever consider going to him. Whatever lecherousness I've got running through me, it pales compared to what Tas has running through him."

Kaysa smiled knowingly as she nudged Merrick. "So, you've still got it, then? Here I thought you'd lost it."

"That's something you just don't lose," Merrick said. "But, up until this, I really have been happy with her. I guess I'll find out how it turns out tomorrow."

As they settled onto the sofa in the living room, Kaysa laid her hand atop Merrick's knee to offer continued comfort. "It's odd," she whispered ironically, "that we've been through so much...yet now, I'm listening to you discuss problems with your love life. Did you ever think it would come to this?"

"No, I didn't," Merrick said. "I figured we'd stand through it all, but I'm glad we can still talk. Everything is so different now. I heard that Keeve moved to Vendra."

"Yeah. He wouldn't say why, just that the family needed to get away for a while." Kaysa shrugged, and with a deep sigh reclined into the sofa's backrest. She smiled up at Merrick. "Everything's changed. I miss the old days - with everyone together and happy. It feels a little empty, now."

"I know," Merrick said. "I feel so cut off from everyone. It's nice to be able to come over here like this."

"Well," Kaysa informed him gently, "if you feel cut off, can you really blame anyone but yourself? We're here for you, whenever you need us. Just...don't hesitate anymore, alright?"

"Alright," Merrick said. "But now, I think I want to say hello to the little one."

She smiled faintly and pushed off the couch. "Zale's dressing her for bed," she explained while leading Merrick through the home. "You probably won't recognize her, she's grown so much."

Merrick chuckled. "Missing so much," he said. "Well, I promise not to be a stranger anymore. Though, I doubt Keeve would want to see me, Maeren might still want to be friends. She's living with him now, right?"

"Living with him, but not in the same bed," she clarified, then watched Merrick significantly to add, "Sort of like you and I. I guess things change, hm?"

"They do, but they don't have to change too completely," Merrick said. "It's nice to be able to come over here, to see you and Zale, and Aria. I'd like to be able to visit with Keeve and Maeren too, but I don't think Keeve would welcome a visit from me."

"He may surprise you," Kaysa told him. "I had a talk with Keeve - he's trying to change, so maybe he won't be as judgmental anymore."

"If you have his new address," Merrick said, "I may try to stop by." Ahead of them, he could hear Zale talking to Aria, in a high-pitched, sing-songy voice. He couldn't help smiling.

Kaysa chuckled. "He thinks she loves that, but she really only smiles so as to not offend him."

"Do you suppose she'd like a lullaby?"

"I know I would," she answered softly.

"Well, we'll all get a lullaby tonight," Merrick said. "Though, I'd better go save Aria from Zale's singing."

Kaysa smiled on wistfully as Merrick slipped into Aria's nursery. She remained in the doorway, leaning against the frame and watching on while the young girl gazed at Merrick curiously. He should have been her second father - was, until she messed up for the last time. Now, she could only dream of a chance to be reunited with him, and make their family whole again.

Zale smiled at Merrick as he reached out to brush a finger through Aria's wild hair. His voice, as always, was perfect. The song was a lullaby he'd written several years ago, and one he'd sung to Aria many times before all the trouble started. She blinked sleepily at him as he reached the refrain once again. "And while you're sleeping, we'll all be keeping, keeping watch over you."

"Zale," Kaysa whispered, "I think it's safe to put her down."

Gently, Zale put Aria into her crib. With more tenderness and affection than would be expected in a man of his nature and build, he brought up the small blanket and tucked her snugly in. He leaned close and kissed her. "Sweet dreams, my little angel."

As all three slipped out of the room, Merrick shook his head. "She's so big now," he whispered. "And more beautiful than the last time I saw her."

"Does that mean she looks more like me, or Zale?" Kaysa quipped.

"She's a nice blend of you both," Merrick said. "I think the shape of her face is like yours, and her eyes. The hair is all Zale's though."

Zale laughed. "It's not wild as it was," he said. "And she loves having it braided."

Kaysa smiled pointedly at Zale. "Just like her father. I've gotten quite good at it."

"Oh, you're fine," Zale said with a laugh. "You should see when Kaysa forms the braids into a top-knot. It's adorable."

"I'll have to see that," Merrick said. "I'm glad I was able to come over. It's nice to be able to see you and her again."

"Even if the circumstances weren't very favourable?" Kaysa inquired.

"Yes," Merrick said. "I wouldn't have felt right going home after that. I imagine I'll head back and sleep in my dressing room once you two go to bed."

"No." Kaysa glanced at Zale, but didn't wait for permission before looking to Merrick again. "Stay the night. It's nearly past curfew...and you haven't been here in so long. Sleep here - we've plenty of room."

"Alright," Merrick said with a smile. "Best not to give the Jau anything to get upset over."

Kaysa suppressed her exuberance, but still grinned broadly at the news. "I'll go set up your bed," she announced, then kissed Zale's cheek briefly before rushing off to prepare the guest room.

"So, other than all of this with Analesse," Zale said, "how are things?"

"Good overall," Merrick said. "Just trying to keep above the waterline. You know how it is."

Zale chuckled. "Better than you can imagine," he said.

They continued their chat, talking about comfortable things until Kaysa finally returned. Merrick smiled at her as she entered the room. "We were just talking about that one time the three of us went out to dinner at the Spire. It took everything we could manage to keep Zale from dancing on the table."

She smiled in reminiscence and settled graceful onto the sofa, beside Zale. His arm came around her shoulders as she leaned into him, her head resting against his shoulder. "Zale won't admit it," she sighed, "but he drinks more than I do. I'll have to keep an eye on him."

"Yes," Zale said. "I am a regular lush."

Merrick chuckled. "The good times," he said. He let out a contented sigh. "I think it's about time for me to sleep. The show and the encounter with Analesse has worn me out."

"Bored of talking with us already?" Kaysa accused mildly.

Merrick chuckled. "Not at all," he said. "I'm happy to stay here and talk. I just warn you, I may fall asleep in the middle of whatever I'm saying."

"Zale does it all the time," she told him with a dismissive gesture. "I've gotten used to it."

"At least I never fall asleep when Kaysa's talking," Zale said. "Only during the middle of some important thing I'm trying to say."

"Well," Merrick said with a laugh, "I'm sure I can stay awake a little longer to be social."

"If you really want to sleep," Zale said. "Go ahead. We won't pressure you into entertaining us."

Kaysa smiled weakly, relenting in spite of no desire to do so. "I'll show you the way," she said quietly and slipped off the sofa.

"Thanks," Merrick said as he stifled a yawn. "And thanks for the place to stay tonight. I'm glad we've been able to stay friends, and I hope I can be a better friend from now on."

"So you keep saying," she teased and offered Merrick a hand to aid him in rising. "Come on, sleepy boy." Kaysa smiled. "I'll tuck you in."

With Kaysa's help, he got to his feet and followed her off through the house. "This is a really nice house," he said. "I like it much better than the other place."

"It's cozier," she agreed. "And Aria seems to like it. But it's odd, living in this large home with only the three of us to occupy it." Sliding arm through his, Kaysa smiled and suggested, "You could always move back in...if things with Analesse don't work out."

"I'll consider it," Merrick said. "I really don't know what's going to happen. But, I guess we'll see."

Kaysa halted them in front of Merrick's room for the night, and studied his eyes with scrutiny. "You're just trying to appease me," she chided. "Do you think I'm a fool, Merrick? Do you think I believe you'd actually consider living in a confined space with Zale, and the woman you were once married to? Especially," she added, resting her palm flat to his chest, "when that ex-wife is still in love with you?"

"I can't say for certain yet," Merrick said. "But if things with Analesse don't work out, I will honestly consider it."

"Consider what?" she whispered. "Moving in and engaging in a completely platonic relationship with me?"

"I don't know what yet, Kaysa," Merrick answered softly. "I still need to figure it all out."

Her smile dazzled with the joy it exuded. "So...you don't entirely not love me?"

"That's correct," Merrick said. "But after the way you treated me, the way you treated Analesse. The way you treated all of us, really, despite how much I loved you, I couldn't stay with you and still be happy. You were on a self-destructive path, and I found Analesse. Besides, Aria needs a mother and father, and not really a few extras."

"And you still believe I'm like that?" she asked, masking her disappointment well. "I've changed. All I want is for you to see that."

He took her hands into his and looked into her eyes. "I know you have, Kaysa," he said. "And that's why I can come spend time with you, be around you, and think that things are better than I suspected. I do love Analesse though, and I can't hurt her. You have come a very long way, Kaysa, and it makes my heart glad to see that, but at the current time I can still only be a good friend to you. We'll see what tomorrow brings."

She sighed and mustered a smile as she nodded. "I...I understand." Propping herself up onto her toes, Kaysa kissed Merrick's cheek. Her lips lingered before she could tear herself away. "Goodnight," she whispered.

Before she could get away, he kissed her cheek in return. "I'll see you in the morning, Kaysa. Sleep well. You never know what tomorrow may bring."

Kaysa smiled fondly at Merrick and watched him slip inside his room. Even after he closed his door, she remained there, watching and hoping he would finally decide to give her another chance. After some time, Kaysa decided Merrick wasn't going to reappear and made her way back to Zale in the living area. At his expectant smile, she sighed and sank down onto the sofa again, displaying her obvious defeat. "He really is stubborn," she muttered.

"And so are you," Zale said. "So, now we let the game play out and see who happens to be the most stubborn. I've got my money on you. Knowing that this will sound very selfish, I am very happy not having to vie for your affections, though if Analesse turns her back on him and you want him back, I'm perfectly happy with that. I will gladly share you again if only to see you smile. And I promise I have no designs on Merrick for myself."

"I smile," she protested, then frowned. "You think you don't make me happy?"

"I know I do," Zale said. "But I also know you still long for Merrick. I just want you to know that I am here regardless of what happens. I will always be by your side, Kaysa."

"I know," she whispered, shifting sideways to meet his gaze head-on. "It might be a good idea to at least try. Maybe it'll help me with my therapy. Don't you think?"

"Yes," he answered. "I think it would be good. Shall we retire to our room, my dear?"

Kaysa smiled suggestively as she moved up against Zale and brushed her fingers over his chest. "Why in such a rush? Wouldn't you rather spend quality time with your wife?"

Zale grinned. "You mean quality time? Right here?" He drew her into an embrace as he began to nuzzle against her throat.

Laughing quietly so as not to wake Merrick or Aria, Kaysa said, "I think our definitions of the concept are entirely different. What did you have in mind?"

"You mean quality time does not include snuggle time," Zale asked innocently.

"It doesn't," she informed him brightly, "when your hand is up my dress."

"Oh," Zale said, and removed his hand to show it to her.

Narrowing her eyes admonishingly, Kaysa took his hand and deposited it back onto her now exposed thigh. Shrugging coyly, she told Zale, "Who needs quality time anyway?"

"My dear," Zale said, enjoying the play of her supple flesh beneath his hand, "are you saying this isn't quality?"

"It would be," she explained, "if you'd just kiss me already."

"Oh," he said with a knowing smile. "Well, in that case..." And so he did kiss her with longing and passion that had been the cornerstones of their relationship from the beginning.

Despite any reservations stemming from the emotional issues still being dealt with, Kaysa welcomed Zale's touch, knowing he would go only as far as she would allow him to. But Kaysa was determined to make progress and gave Zale tacit permission to explore more of her body than she had previously been comfortable with. There was no choice - she had to be prepared if she was to welcome Merrick back into her life fully. He would expect intimacy, and to secure him entirely, Kaysa would give it to him, even if it could end with her regression. The risk, however, was worth taking.

---

"Gunpowder, Treason and Plot"
By: Sergeant Mathias "Walker" Coin
Tasia Harough
Ty Kat'Ritara

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Vadris 2, 5 ABY

***

The Jau were oppressive, strict overlords who demanded order and accordance to their regime. This meant everyone on the station was under scrutiny, nothing remaining unnoticed by their new overlords, from walking too fast through the corridors, to looking wrong at a passing Jau. Either would earn a severe reprimand or worse.

Their rigid maintenance of order and propriety encompassed every facet of the station, and even trickled down into the lower levels, to those places that were once a safe harbour for those residents of the station who had difficulty conforming to rules and by no means fit in with more respectable crowds. They enjoyed watered-down ales, grungy synth-metal music, sticky floors and the sour odour of urine in the air. Now the atmosphere was subdued, thrilling music and fetor gone. Denizens could even walk from bar to table without stepping in questionable puddles or being greeted by the familiar squelch of boots adhering to tacky ground; Tasia Harough was one of those who certainly missed that sound, for it represented a time when they were free to be fringers and were pretty much left alone to revel in their depravity.

The walls were now pristine - glaringly so - and the music was prohibited from rising above 50 decibels, as were their conversations. Jau guards were posted outside the door, ensuring ruliness inside the bar, and at regular intervals they made a circuit of the establishment to ensure no nefarious activities were being conducted. Security monitors was the perpetual eye looking over their shoulder; carrying on a private conversation had become nearly impossible, but Ty still had some tricks left up his sleeve. His construction of an anti-surveillance device afforded them some privacy, but they remained cautious nonetheless, especially when associating with Walker.

The Jau focused even greater attention on him, though justifiably so. He was a hulking, powerful man who had put up an impressive fight when the station was first attacked. With his deadly arsenal of weapons, and mastery at wielding them, he had managed to incapacitate four of their brethren. Of course, he had paid dearly for it in the days following his capture - physical torment, confinement, and public humiliation. The latter had been, by far, more agonizing than any implement of torture they had utilized on him. His wounds had mended, but the memory of being hauled into the main concourse, beaten and shackled, to pledge his fealty to the Jau before a dense crowd of residents had inflicted damage that had persisted for some time. Instead of shaming him into unwavering obedience, they had instead achieved an unintended effect: Walker was now angrier than ever, and tenaciously determined to take down each and every Jau, by his own hand, if possible.

While they could not yet act without more preparation, Walker's ferocity found an outlet, meanwhile, in his lovemaking. Tasia, as always, was a very willing recipient of it. Although an accomplice to Walker's initial resistance, Tasia had escaped the Jau's notice, as well as punishment. She was allowed to retain her position as Chief Repair Foreman, but much of her control had been seized and the repair bay was now under Jau authority; Tasia could do nothing without the clearance of her newly appointed Jau superior, and that meant little work actually got done.

It was with that derived frustration that Tasia set the three mugs of ale onto the table she shared with her two comrades and threw herself down onto the padded seat of their booth. She grumbled irritably as she tugged off her uniform jacket, leaving her in her black tank and cargo pants. Noticing the two men watching her expectantly, Tasia waved off their concerns and quaffed her ale.

Mathias Coin reached out for a mug with little enthusiasm, other patrons in the bar still struggling to grow used to the sight of the security man in a regular (if massive) uniform, stripped by the Jau as he had been of his customary power armour. Harder even than this to adapt to for many station dwellers was the sight of the sergeant unarmed. Recent events had not only diminished the soldier's outwardly formidable appearance somewhat (though to be sure, he was still a giant), but also cowed Walker's usually boisterous and larger-than-life manner, and the brooding scowl that was nearly a permanent expression on his face these days was not lifted by the prospect of what he was about to drink. Nevertheless, he took a large swig, and his grimace managed to out-do that of even his morose lover.

"Bad enough I've got these scaly bastards in my hip pocket 24 hours a day..." he hissed, having learned in recent times to keep the level of his voice far below that of his regular booming tenor, lest the station's new overlords should overhear something to offend their strict sensibilities, "...but the stinkin' lizards won't even let a man get properly drunk? Pelor's Teeth, it's a wonder the entire station wasn't up in revolt after a week o' drinking this." He swilled the contents of his vessel, eyed them disapprovingly and, with a low growl that combined disgust and resignation, drained the remaining contents. The grimace returned. Inside something snapped and he took the risk of fixing a patrolling Jau across the tap room with an openly malevolent look. Perhaps luckily for Walker, perhaps for the guard, the Jau was glancing elsewhere, clearly oblivious to or uncaring towards the potential danger his entire race was being put into by their insistence on serving alcoholic beverages of dubious quality. The moment passed however, and control regained for the moment, Walker slumped grouchily back into his seat.

"You know, Chief, this won't do. This won't do at all," he complained. It had been all Tasia could do at times in the past few months to persuade him not to do something spectacularly defiant - and completely suicidal. Patience was not Walker's strong suit, and both techs at the table could feel his palpable frustration.

"What won't do?" she asked wearily and winked surreptitiously at Ty, both aware of the routine where Walker griped, and they tried to be sympathetic. "Things are the way they are, and we just have to bide our time, big man."

Walker harrumphed. "So you've said, Tasia, but what is it exactly we're waiting for? The good ol' fun-loving Jau have got this system locked down tight. We've all seen their little blaster-bouncing trick - they're not gonna be easily thrown off by popular revolt. And the New Republic's still got its hands full with what's left of the Empire - if they even know what's really going on here yet. Wouldn't surprise me if they were forcing Kano to keep filing reports like nothing outta the ordinary had happened - anything else could be dismissed as rumours. Maybe the Jau have even sold 'em on the idea they were invited. I wouldn't put it past them. So, if help ain't coming" -Walker glanced around the bar quickly to make sure no Jau was in earshot of what he was about to say- "what are we doing to help ourselves? Or to help our saviours if they do come in, all non-effective guns blazing? Because I'll be damned to the seven hells if I'm going to drink that for the rest of my life," he concluded, making a derisive gesture at his empty mug. "There's gotta be something," he almost whined, hopelessly, his frustration again evident.

"I bet if they all fell off a cliff, they'd get hurt," Ty said as he stared into his still-full drink. "Trick is getting them to all run off a cliff together like a pack of humlings."

"He's right," Tasia concurred. "They're not invincible. You managed to take down a couple of them yourself. There's got to be some vulnerability we can exploit." Tasia chewed her lip as an idea began fomenting in her mind, and she allowed it time to form fully while staring into the source of inspiration - her beverage. When the idea had developed, she leaned in towards the two, encouraging them to huddle around her and listen. "Their food shipments. Every couple weeks, a freighter with foodstuffs arrives. The Jau may or may not be susceptible to toxins, but if they are, and if we can gain access to that secured bay, maybe, just maybe...." She trailed off, allowing the two men to draw their own conclusions.

"If nothing else," Ty said, suddenly very thoughtful, "what they eat might be able to tell us more about them, or maybe we could devise a way to alter or damage their food supply. It's worth considering."

Tasia nodded briskly. "If we can't defeat them with firepower, we'll use a more devious method." Both looked to their silent, glowering co-conspirator, waiting for his input. Tasia, out of habit, immediately concluded he was prepared to reject their plan.

As his two companions watched though, they saw a sight that had been rare in recent months: a grin crept slowly over the giant's face. "That's such a good idea I'm positively ashamed I didn't think of it myself," he snarled gleefully. "Won't be easy, though. Security around food supply is tight in any army that knows its business. And like I said, I got the lizards virtually in my hip pocket mosta the time." The soldier thought for a moment. "But - with a bit of luck - that might make me a bloody good diversion. And no-one's particularly watching you two. You still got some back doors through the security system the Jau ain't found yet, slicer?"

A hint of a smile curled Ty's lips and he nodded almost imperceptibly. "Oh, indeed I do," he said. "They are quite adept in many things, but slicing is most definitely not one of their stronger suits. The digital realm is still mine."

Walker nodded his approval. He knew Ty was even less use in an actual firefight than Tyris - and was frankly astounded that that could be possible - but there was no doubting the man's brain was a weapon and a half. "We're going to need to learn every bloody thing we can about those shipments. The supplier, the ship they use, the exact schedule, what exactly is in the stuff they eat, the security arrangements - if we get enough intel, maybe we can come up with something."

"Should we include Ril?" Tasia suggested. "If it's specifics we need, she might be able to get them for us."

"I say yes," Ty answered. "She knows stuff like this backwards and forwards. Plus, if it comes to a fight, we know where she stands. And I think she'd be very interested in paying our scaled friends back some."

"I can track their shipment schedules," Tasia said. "I've got nothing better to do down in the bays now that I hardly run the place anymore. Can't spend my days writhing under you forever, now can I?" She smiled winningly at Walker.

Walker raised a questioning eyebrow. "Oh no? Well, I wouldn't want you to get bored, chief - even though I suppose I have been boring you for some time now, so to speak." He tried to suppress his smirk but failed miserably and burst into a rare laugh. "Dear Gods, that was awful," he admonished himself. "But I think the idea of doing these bastards some actual damage must be cheering me up! Kir's fiercer than a wild krellhound - we should definitely bring her on board. Course, she tends to think I'm trouble - but I'm betting it's trouble she's after right now. Ha, I almost feel sorry for the Jau!" He considered this for a second. "No, I take that back. It's actually not true in the slightest." He surveyed his two companions and his demeanour became slightly more serious. "I don't need to remind you two we're playing for keeps here. One cock-up and we'll likely all end up vaped."

Tasia sighed dramatically and quipped, "Better than listening to you sulk endlessly. I'm in."

Walker gave his lover a grin. "I figured. You with us, Ty?"

"You bet I'm in," Ty said with a nod. "You couldn't keep me away from something like this. So, how do we contact the captain? I'm sure they're watching her."

"Leave that to me," Tasia assured them with a smile Walker recognized all too well.

Across the room, a Jau guard observed the troublesome human and his two companions as they stood up from their drink. That big one was more powerful than the rest of his weak race, it was true, but he had sworn the oath of fealty, and he would live by its words or suffer the consequence. True, the technicians were still struggling to get the eavesdropping devices to work on this alien station, but the big human was watched closely everywhere he went - what could he do? Nevertheless, the guard tensed ever so slightly as he approached, ready to put the human in his proper place if necessary - but the human, and behind him his two smaller companions, merely flashed him the expression he had learned was called a 'smile' as they passed harmlessly by.

As the humans left the bar though, and he contacted his superiors to tell them the big human was on the move, he was left with an unsettling feeling - he had been told that a 'smile' was a display of friendliness and warmth, but perhaps the cultural information had been mistaken - for the expression on the human's face had somehow felt considerably more...predatory.

---

"Swooping Down"
By: Zari Zathmir
Dev [NPC+]
Keeve Zenarr
Maeren Shivral
Reinrich Tas
Talara Sorenne

Location: Keeve's Apartment, New Plouton; Nocturnal Delights, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 2, 5 ABY

***

Zari bounced Kellin gently in her arms as she wandered through the home. He had a fresh diaper and seemed content, though it was strange not knowing. Even so, his eyelids kept closing, and she knew he'd be ready for his nap soon. As he finally drifted off to sleep, she turned to take him back in to put him down, but was stopped by a knock at the front door.

"Who could that be," she whispered to Kellin, then started for the door. The recent encounter with Raeila made her nervous, though that was all taken care of. Unless Raeila had gone insane again.

Cautiously, she checked the viewer, and was struck dumb by surprise. She flung open the door and gaped at the young man standing on the other side.

Dev looked up at her, a bruise darkening his cheek and his eyes heavily shadowed. "I know where Talara is," he whispered.

***

The sound of the front door opening, and Hope's leap from the bed as she raced out through the door, was a sure indication that Keeve, Kim and Maeren were home. Zari grabbed Dev's hand, and tugged at him to get him moving.

"Come on," she said. "We have to go tell Keeve."

"He hates me," Dev answered. "You know he's probably going to try to kill me."

"I won't let him," Zari said, as she quickly checked on Kellin in his crib. With a smile for her baby, she turned back to find Dev staring again. She raised an eyebrow at him and he blushed.

"Come on," he said.

"That's what I said," Zari said, then with his hand still caught in hers, she started out to the other room. Keeve was removing his jacket, and Kim was welcoming Hope. Maeren was shaking snow out of her hair while removing her jacket.

"Keeve," Zari said, pulling his attention away from his jacket. His eyes settled on Dev immediately.

Keeve's expression was inscrutable, conveying neither hatred, nor indifference for the young man intruding on his household. Then, he broke off his stare and turned to hang his jacket upon the embedded hook. "Is Talara with you?" he asked flatly.

Dev shook his head. "No," he said. "My...my father. That day, after she said she'd be my girlfriend. My father, he came into my room, and he said...he said she was a Jedi. Unless she came with him, he'd tell the authorities she was a Jedi, and...and that you guys were here, and there were more Jedi... He took her. To...to Reinrich Tas."

There was more silence from Keeve, but the mood in the apartment changed palpably, Keeve's stirred rage charging the air and creating tension. His back remained facing all as he spoke lowly, "And what took you so long to tell us this?"

"I escaped today," Dev said, his voice shaky. "When...when he turned her over, he moved us. He's had a guard, but...but something happened today, and I got out the window."

"He climbed down from the fifty-seventh floor," Zari added.

"Yeah," Dev said, giving her a look of thanks. "I came here as soon as I could."

"Not soon enough," Keeve gruffly stated and retrieved his jacket from the hook. He quickly threw it on, turning as he punched his arm through the second sleeve. His eyes were fierce, brown slits. "You're coming with me and you're going to show me where she is."

"Sure," Dev said, then glanced at Zari.

"Don't worry," she said. "I'm coming too. I'll make sure he doesn't bite your head off or anything."

"I'm not going to bite off anything," Keeve snapped. "And you're staying right here. You're a mother now, and a mother's place is with her child."

"Talara's my best friend, Keeve," Zari said. "Please, don't make me stay here when Talara's in danger. Maybe Kallia can watch Kellin while I'm gone."

"I could watch him," Maeren said as she reached over and scratched behind Hope's ears. "If it's alright, of course."

Keeve sighed and made a dismissive gesture as he started for the door. "Do what you like. It won't matter - Talara's coming home regardless." He paused in the doorway, and said over his shoulder, "Get Dev a jacket. One of mine should be alright. Don't want our guide to freeze to death, do we?"

Dev looked through and pulled out one of Keeve's jackets. As he did so, Zari ran off to the other side of the apartments. He shrugged into it and looked up at Keeve. "She'd be either at his home, his office, or his club," he said.

"What kind of club?" Keeve's hard stare seized Dev. He would not excuse any lies. "What is Talara doing at this club?"

"It's a lounge," Dev said. "Like the White Noise, but more sleazy. I've never been inside, but I waited in the speeder one time when my dad was there. I hate him."

"Wait," Zari called as she came running out wearing one boot, carrying another in her hand. One arm was thrown through the sleeve of her jacket, while she tried to get into the other. Dev, moved over to help her with the jacket, while she hopped in place to get her other foot into her second boot. "Thanks."

"Tell me more about this man - this Reinrich Tas," Keeve told Dev, ignoring Zari's struggles. He slapped the lift panel, calling one up to their floor.

"He's a businessman," Dev said as he steadied Zari so she could get her boot on. "I don't really know much about him other than he's got loads of money and my father is his partner. He's really scummy from what I've heard, but I haven't spent a lot of time around him. I don't think he likes me."

Keeve smirked. "Not many do, I imagine."

"Meanie," Zari said. "I like him. And Talara does. Besides, you're a guy, Keeve, and you don't like other guys. You hardly like girls."

"Did Talara tell you that?" he asked dryly. The lift arrived and he stepped onto it, though he had the courtesy to hold it open for Zari and Dev. When they stepped on and the doors closed, Keeve watched Dev, unconcerned about making the boy uncomfortable. "She should never have been with you in the first place. This wouldn't have happened if you'd sent her home."

"I didn't think he'd do anything," Dev said. "I didn't know he even knew she existed."

Zari punched Keeve in the arm. "Stop trying to blame him, you bully," she said. "If you didn't drive her away, she wouldn't have gone to Dev in the first place, and none of this would have happened. So, if you want to make him feel guilty, make sure you have a healthy helping yourself."

"You talk too much," Keeve grumbled. "And Talara and I talked through our problem. But Dev didn't have to keep her for such an inappropriately long time." He looked to the young man again. "Dev should know better."

"She came down to see me," Dev said. "She was there maybe fifteen minutes when he barged in."

"Yeah, Keeve," Zari said. "Stop trying to blame everything on Dev. He was being her friend, and his dad is the one you should be mad at. If it weren't for Dev, we wouldn't have any idea where she is!"

"If it weren't for Dev's father, Talara wouldn't be missing," he hollered back. "How could he let someone he cares for near a madman like that?!"

"Hey, I didn't know he was going to do that," Dev snapped. "She'd been there lots before. I don't know why he suddenly did it, and I hate him!"

"Keeve," Zari said, "stop being so stupid. Stop blaming Dev. It's not his fault. It's his father's. If you don't stop being so mean to him, when we get Talara back, I'm moving out and moving in with the rest of the Jedi."

"But you're not a Jedi anymore," he reminded her. "Because of them you almost got your son killed, remember?"

"But at least the majority of the Jedi don't seem to hate everyone they encounter, and don't behave like a general prat to everyone, including the people they do like."

Keeve frowned. "When did you become so outspoken? I liked you better shy."

"I liked you better when you didn't bark at everyone," Zari said, then paused in mock thought. "Oh wait, you were never like that. You've always been a grouch, and have never been nice to anyone. It really won't hurt you to be nice to a few people, including Dev."

"Maybe I could try that," Keeve began sarcastically, "once he helps us find her and makes up for what's happened." He watched Dev with an openly accusatory expression. "Right?"

"Yeah, sure," Dev said.

"Wait," Zari said, rounding on Keeve. "Why does he have to make right on what happened, when it was his father? I don't see you setting right things your mom did. Or all the trouble your dad caused by getting her and Maeren into trouble. You're still just being a jerk, Keeve. I can't even see what Maeren or Kim see in you. Saris is the one with the brains. Thank gods Talara finally gave up on you."

"I didn't give my child away to some psychotic stranger," Keeve riposted. "So don't make it seem I'm the only one in this lift who's flawed!"

"No, I've got a lot of flaws, Keeve," Zari snapped back. "I'm willing to admit to all of them. But, you're just mean to everyone. You've been leading Maeren on for months. You grouch at Dev just because he likes Tala. Just...just be nice to him, and all the people who are your friends and family. I don't want my baby growing up around a constant grump."

Keeve thrust his finger towards the heavens and inhaled deeply in preparation for another scathing jab at Zari, but the lift halted and doors opened. Glowering, and having forgotten the harsh comment he'd formulated, Keeve simply told her sternly, "Say what you want about me, but I care about each and every one of you. If I didn't, I'd let Talara rot where she is, or I would've turned my back on you when you were grieving over your son. Remember that...and if you still hate me after you do, then I don't think anything will change your mind." Sweeping his eyes aside at Dev, Keeve added, "And if you love Talara, you won't run off and hide when things get heated in that club." He set his mouth into a hard, determined line and stalked from the lift.

"Keeve," Zari said, hurrying after him with Dev at her heels. Her tone was more gentle, as she said, "Just...don't be so mean to us. That's all. We love you, and...and it hurts when you're mean like that."

"Enough," he told her tautly, but his tone softer. "We're being petty and getting distracted from our purpose: to get Talara back."

"I know," Zari said. "Just remember that being mean to Dev is being petty and not helping get Talara back." To show she wasn't really upset with him, she took his hand and smiled.

Keeve found it impossible to remain angry with Zari, not when she used her adorable smile to appease him. He chuckled softly, shook his head, and walked with Zari by his side out into the cold night. Keeve even waited for Dev to catch up to them.

Zari and Keeve slipped into the front of the speeder while Dev slipped into the back. Dev gave Keeve directions as he started up the speeder and pulled out toward Reinrich's club.

There was a ponderous silence in the speeder while they drove, Keeve focusing internally on what was to happen when they arrived. There were many ways to deal with the matter of rescuing Talara - strong-arm his way through it, or use more stealthy means. Deciding on a more subtle approach, he looked aside at Zari and asked, "So...you still remember anything from your Jedi training? Anything that could help without exposing who you are?"

"I remember," Zari said with a big grin. "I've also learned a few new things."

"Like what?" he asked slowly, not certain he wished to know specifics.

"Just things," Zari said. "Better control. Tala also taught me how to fight without my lightsaber." She went on to explain some of the other tricks she'd learned from Master Brael and Master Novix, as well as Talara and Eiden. "Aren't you glad I'm here now?"

"No," Keeve admitted. "But if you're the only Jedi we've got, then I'm glad you know what you're doing. We need to get backstage, and quietly. And you need to get us there."

"Sure," Zari said. "I hope you can be sneaky."

"Dargus trained me," Keeve informed her with an air of pride. "I can do it all." He flashed Zari a beguiling smile. "Don't worry...I may be loud and obnoxious, but I can be discreet, too."

She grinned at him. "You should practice that more often."

"Then I wouldn't be me and you wouldn't adore me so much," he teased.

"Well, I figured you'd like having fewer people adoring you," she said, giving him a teasing grin.

He scowled playfully at Zari and pushed the throttle to its limit. Snow flared away from the speeder as it cut through the dense layer carpeting the street. If Talara had ceased to adore him, Keeve wouldn't turn his back on her, not when she was being held against her will. Coming to her rescue might finally mend the rift between them...or encourage Talara's affections again, undoing all they had achieved before her disappearance. But it was of little consequence. Keeve would not be deterred and Talara...she would be coming home.

***

The lighted sign outside the club announced that Talara would be performing that night. They sat in the speeder for several moments, observing.

"She's in there, somewhere," Zari said.

"Dressing room, probably," Dev said. "They're in the back, and we can probably get to her before the show starts."

"How do you know so much about this place?" Keeve asked warily.

"The layout's like my father's club," Dev answered. "That's all. I don't have any connection to this place."

"Well you're about to." Keeve nodded to his two accomplices and opened the hatch. Zari and Dev followed. "We'll go through the alley. I'm sure there's someone guarding." He smiled at Zari. "That's where you come in. You think you can get us in there?"

"I can," Zari said. "I'll get us in. We'll have Tala back before the day's done."

"Then let's get moving." He motioned Dev forward as Zari went on ahead into the alley. Keeve walked with Talara's boyfriend to the entrance of the alley, where they both stopped and hid against the wall. "So...do you plan on continuing your relationship with Talara when this is over?"

"I'd like to if she wants me to be her boyfriend still," Dev said. "I do like her a lot, and...and I think she really does like me."

"Talara likes a lot of people," Keeve pointed out. He peeked around the corner to check on Zari, who was now talking with one of the doormen. "See...Talara can't help herself. She's got a very sexual nature...so don't feel too special."

"But, she did want to be my girlfriend," Dev said. "Are...are you gonna tell her she can't be my girlfriend?"

Keeve rolled his eyes, wondering what Talara saw in such a spineless bore. Instead of responding, he shook his head in disdain and watched for Zari's signal. When she waved them forward, Keeve tapped Dev's shoulder to relay her prompt then both hurried towards her. The guard stared vacantly at the adjacent wall. Keeve glanced unsurely at Zari. "Is he...?"

"He'll be fine once he finishes counting the spots on the wall," Zari said. "Don't worry. Tala's dressing room is on the left down the hall."

She opened the door for them, and slipped inside. She moved carefully down the hall, senses strained to make sure no one would come upon them in the hall.

Keeve looked to Dev for guidance, since the club's layout was familiar to him. He gestured to the left and they changed course accordingly, but Zari halted them.

She flashed a hand sign at them. When both of them gave her a puzzled look, she sighed and made it again.

Keeve nodded understanding, as he had expected as much: another guard, likely guarding Talara's door. "Can you take care of him?" Keeve mouthed.

Zari glanced down the hall, then back. Not entirely confident, she nodded. She disappeared momentarily from view. A few moments later, she appeared again and motioned them forward.

Keeve could not restrain his impatience as he rushed down the corridor towards Zari. He bypassed her for the door the guard had been posted at. It was locked. "Can't you get it open?" he hissed.

"Sure," Zari said, then pulled out her lightsaber and quickly sliced through the locking mechanism on the door. "There."

As Keeve pushed into the room, Talara was laying on a bed. It was clear she was wearing a flimsy robe and little else. She sat up as soon as the door opened, and her eyes went wide. "Keeve!" She was off the bed, and she rushed to Keeve.

Meeting her halfway, Keeve caught Talara in his arms and held her in a crushing embrace. He struggled to ignore the warm press of her breasts and hips against his torso, noting how her figure had changed over the months. "There you are," Keeve stated casually and chuckled.

"I'm so sorry, Keeve," Tala whispered. "He said he'd get you all arrested if I didn't cooperate. He's such a horror. It was terrible."

Dev came through the door, and Tala saw him.

"Talara," he said.

"Dev," she said. "I'm so sorry. I...don't...don't blame yourself. Please. It was your father, not you."

"I know," he said. "It's all fine now, but we need to leave before another guard comes."

Zari reached in and touched Talara's shoulder. "I'm glad you're safe now."

"Not safe yet," Talara said. "Let's get out of here."

Keeve shrugged out of his jacket and threw it on over Talara's shoulders. "Button up," he urged, pushing the first two buttons through their coinciding holes. "You'll be less noticeable this way than in a robe." He grinned.

Talara quickly finished buttoning up the jacket. She found Dev standing beside her and she gave him an adoring smile. Knowing they had to go, she spared a moment to give him a hug and kiss. "It's so good to see you."

"You too," Dev said. "You're okay?"

"Mostly," Talara said. "I can definitely get out of here. Dealing with all of it, that'll have to wait until later. I think I'll be fine though. I've got my family back." Even though she was holding Dev's hand, she gave a significant glance to Keeve.

"You two can get reacquainted later," Keeve pestered. "This room is likely being monitored...unless you and this Reinrich man have an arrangement...?"

"No," she said. "No arrangements with him. Come on."

"This way," Zari said as she led the way out the door, stepping over the guard seated there as if he might be resting. Without needing help, she pushed him back into the dressing room and closed the door.

Moving like a whisper, Zari started down the hall toward the exit out the back.

"She's good," Dev said.

With a knowing smile, Talara nodded. "I know."

They rushed down the corridor with Keeve taking up the rear. No one was in pursuit. Keeve grinned smugly and turned his face forward just as he rounded the corner behind Talara, Dev and Zari. He narrowly avoided a collision with the three, who were stopped on the other side. Blocking the doorway to the alley was a squad of guards backing a man in a black suit and piercing blue eyes. He was smiling wolfishly at Talara. "Going somewhere, my dearest?"

"It's time for me to leave, Reinrich," Talara said.

"You might want to step aside," Zari said at the head of the group. "You're in our way."

Reinrich sized up Zari, his smirk growing as his eyes reached her chest. "You must be...." He frowned in thought, then snapped his fingers in triumph. "Zathmir. The young Jedi." His smile darkened as he added coldly, "The one with the newborn son. Wonder what will happen to him when the authorities discover who you are."

Keeve stepped forward, growling, "Leave her alone. And move aside. We're leaving."

This amused Reinrich immensely. "You are?" he laughed, glancing back at his armed mercenaries. "I'd like to see you try it. Talara, convince this fool he's making a grave error."

"You're the one in error, Reinrich," Talara said. "We're leaving."

Zari's lightsaber slipped out into her hand and she stepped into a defensive stance. "I guess I'd better get out of here extra quick then, so I can get home to my son." With a snap-hiss her lightsaber ignited bathing the hallway a dusky blue.

Reinrich chuckled, entertained by Zari's heroic display. His eyes impaled Dev next. "Your father won't like this, Deven. Tell your friends to back down...or he'll make sure you suffer."

"I'm not going back to him," Dev said. "Get out of the way, Reinrich. You don't want to get your suit all messed up."

"My aren't we being brave," he mocked. "I wonder how brave you'll be when the Jau discover you're consorting with Jedi." Reinrich's eyes flashed towards Keeve. "And those harbouring them."

Keeve met Reinrich's vicious sneer with a smile of challenge. "And what do you think the Jau will say to your knowingly employing a Jedi?" He motioned towards Talara. "Do you think she'll deny you had any idea about what she is if the Jau ask?"

"Oh, she won't." Reinrich watched Talara hungrily and sashayed towards her. "She's to be my wife, haven't you heard?" He sucked air in slowly through his teeth, savouring the arousal a mere glimpse of Talara inspired in him. "Oh, the nights we've had," Reinrich rumbled desirously. "Tell them you didn't enjoy yourself. Tell them you didn't scream my name."

Talara's jaw clenched and she looked away, knowing she couldn't truthfully deny his claims. She'd spent every night of her capture in his bed, once she was done with work. Most of their nights had been spent in wild, sexual abandon. She couldn't deny that he was attractive, and she couldn't deny that his nearness was affecting her. "But we're not married," she said.

"But we could be," he whispered, drawing near enough to stroke her cheek. Keeve slid himself between them before his fingers could touch Talara. The two men stared down one another, each attempting to quail the other with a mere threatening look.

"Back off," Keeve advised Reinrich lowly.

Reinrich grinned in his obnoxiously arrogant manner. "I don't think that's what Talara wants."

Talara reached out for Keeve, finding comfort as her fingers found his arm. "I don't want to be married to you, Reinrich. And you're not going to be able to use me to try to make Analesse jealous anymore."

"Then you want your friends to be executed before your eyes?" he asked with barely controlled rage. "Is that what you want?" Reinrich's arm shot past Keeve to seize Talara as he bellowed, "Is it, whore?!"

Keeve's hand caught Reinrich's wrist, the other crushing the front of his jacket in a fist. Reinrich was spun around and slammed up against the wall. His men raised their rifles into firing position, but Reinrich halted them with a single gesture. He smirked at Keeve. "It's useless," Reinrich told him. "Even if you can kill me, you'll never get through my men."

"I've got two Jedi on my team," Keeve reminded him. "The odds are on my side." Now it was Keeve's turn to smirk. "And don't think Talara's going to protect you. She likes brunettes."

Reinrich gazed at Talara, encouraging her with a wink. "Come on, my pet. Tell your hound to back off."

"You really should have treated me better, Reinrich," Talara said. "And, I'm not your pet or your whore. Zari, if they open fire, make sure to direct the shots back at them first. If Reinrich tries to run away, and you have a clear shot, you can direct the shots at him."

Zari grinned. "Sure thing."

"Your move, Reinrich."

Keeve waggled his eyebrows at Reinrich and smiled menacingly. "What'll it be, pretty boy?"

Reinrich's eyes narrowed at Talara as he rasped, "I'll find you, you know I will. Next time, I won't be so kind."

"And, next time I won't be so meek," Talara said. "If I see you again, Reinrich, I probably won't kill you, but I will make it very difficult for you to enjoy your favourite pastimes ever again."

"Making you beg?" he quipped and very nearly crumpled to the ground when Keeve's fist buried in his gut. Some of Reinrich's men rushed forward to restrain Keeve. When they pulled him off Reinrich, he slumped forward, hands gripping his knees as he coughed violently. Spittle wet his lips and his eyes were red from the sting of Keeve's blow, but despite his embarrassing position Reinrich glared fiercely at Talara and rasped, "This isn't over."

"Just make sure you're prepared to see this all the way through, Reinrich," Talara said. She stretched her arm out toward one of his men and the man's blaster leapt out of his hand and settled snugly in hers. "Because you really don't want to see what I can do when I'm mad."

"You never know," he growled, "I might like it." His eyes held hers for a protracted moment of unspoken resentment and unsated lust. "You'll be back," he finally murmured and gave a signal to call of his men.

Those restraining Keeve withdrew their vice-like holds; he glared at them while straightening out his clothing. The guards barricading the door parted to allow passage, but kept their weapons poised. "Come on," Keeve called to his party. "Let's go home."

Zari led the way out the door with Dev right behind her. Talara continued to cling to Keeve as they exited, trying as hard as she could to forget the look she saw in Reinrich's eyes.

"Thank you for coming for me," she said.

Keeve looked at her sidelong in disbelief. "You thought I wouldn't?"

"I didn't know if you'd be able to find me," Talara said. "Reinrich was showing me off, but he was careful where he showed me. You'd never be at a party he went to, and I don't think you'd ever pass this place, as sleazy as it is."

"Well then..." Keeve sighed and smiled tightly. "It's a good thing Dev managed to break free. He told us where you were. He's the real hero." Cocking his head towards Dev, trudging alongside Zari with his head lowered dejectedly, Keeve whispered, "Go on. Your boyfriend needs to know you appreciate what he's done."

"I will, but I just want you to know that...that I still care for you very much, Keeve," Talara said softly. "I didn't run away or try to get away from you." She leaned up and kissed his cheek, then hurried over to Dev.

The boy nearly jumped when she slipped her arms around him and snuggled close. "Thank you for coming to save me," she said.

"I just...I wish I could have sooner," Dev answered as he glanced at her. "But, I couldn't leave you there with him."

"Thanks," she said, then kissed him firmly on the lips which nearly caused the two of them to stumble and fall.

Zari glanced back at Keeve and grinned at him as she reached the speeder. She opened the hatch for Tala and Dev, then giggled. "Ah, the lovebirds are reunited," she said to Keeve. "You okay, you look like you just ate a sour beebleberry."

"Nah," Keeve told her, still watching Dev and Talara. "Just wondering if this is really over or if Reinrich's already planned a way to repay us."

"He may not have a plan yet," Zari said, "but he will. I don't think he was bluffing or blowing off steam. I can't pick up emotions like Dani or feel the Force as acutely as the others, but he was very mad. Keeve, after the things that happened, I think we should move."

"I agree. We'll pack up as soon as we get home, and I'll start arranging for a new home." Keeve grinned. "Maybe Vendra. Talara's always wanted to go there."

"She loves the beaches," Zari said. "Though, not in the winter." She slipped inside the speeder as he did. In the back, Dev and Talara were sitting close, whispering. Zari caught Talara looking up at Keeve again, before turning her attention back to her boyfriend. "Let's go home."

Keeve nodded with great relief and once he and Zari were in the vehicle, they sped off, leaving Talara's prison behind. He vowed to ensure Talara never returned there, or to Reinrich's clutches as long as it was within his power, and Keeve didn't plan on becoming feeble any time soon.

---

"In a Heartbeat, Part IV"
By Brayton Val - former Tae'Morad Officer

Date: Vadris 2, 5 ABY
Location: New Plouton

***

Teekon Sundown. A local low time crimelord who was trying to make it big in the criminal underground by taking over the territories that had belonged to two influential personas. And he was now gunning down for the man who had put them away... It was more than business now that his brother was dead. It was revenge.

Brayton Val was well aware of it. Nobody really knew where Teekon Sundown was at the present moment. Just rumors. So, instead of looking for him, he had made sure that Teekon Sundown would come after him by killing his older brother. Even after he had spilled his guts on his brother, Teekon, he had not been there. Instead of worrying about it, he decided to see the doc about the serum they had put in him and that was supposed to kill him.

"I owe you again, doc..." Brayton said.

"You more than a customer... You're a friend and an ally," the doc replied. "I was able to isolate the serum's agent and find a synthetic way to disable it with a second string of the serum, designed to disable the first one. But you are one lucky man, because you should be dead."

"I feel better..."

"Yeah, I got a little cocktail to speed you up. Just basic vitamins and some pain killers to relieve you of what you've been through," the doc said.

Brayton got back up and walked out the door. He was almost to his swoop when he saw the speeder coming up and five men stepped out with blaster guns on him. "Don't move!" one of them shouted. They were Teekon's men. It had now begun...

He was taken over to Teekon, surely enough because the crimeboss wanted to kill him personally. He should have thought of that before, when he had the chance... He was sent up an elevator that had no buttons. A private lift that took people all the way to the top floor of the building. And, sure enough, where Teekon Sundown expected Brayton's arrival.

He was, however, met by two more thugs. "Brayton Val..." one of them nodded.

"Hello girls," the former Tae'Morad officer replied.

They grabbed him by the shoulders and shoved him into a corridor, following close behind and paying attention to his movements. "Hold up... Give me your weapon," one of them demanded.

Brayton reached into his belt and took his blaster, which he handed over. For the time being there was no point in starting a fight. Not until he was face to face with the man who tried to kill him. They shoved him ahead and he pressed on, throughout the corridor. It finally led to an outside balcony where a rather young man sat in a large luscious red hover chair.

"Well, isn't this a fucking picture..." Brayton commented.

Teekon laughed. "Brayton Val. What a neighbour you are. Why don't you sit down?"

"No thanks."

"What... Afraid of losing your edge and calming down? I bet you'd find it very relaxing!" Teekon pointed out.

"Actually, do you have more of that shit? I kind of liked it... Oh, and by the way, it didn't really work, since I got rid of it. I'm not going to die from that fucking cocktail you set up."

"It can't be!" Teekon shouted.

"So tell me... Whose bitch are you? Have you thought about whose bitch you will be? Or did you really think that the others are going to let a low time punk like you get away with it?" Brayton asked.

"I'm nobody's bitch! You shut up!" Teekon shouted as he got up with a gun in his hand, pointing it at Brayton's face. "You'll fucking pay for what you did, you hear me?"

Brayton pointed his hand at Teekon, as if his finger was the barrel of a gun.

"What are you going to do? Shoot me with your finger?" Teekon joked.

"Yes," Brayton answered. And just like that his hand jerked as if he had shot and Teekon Sundown's head gained a hole just between his eyes. He fell dead, his weapon falling down from his hand.

The other guards looked around in confusion and turned around a few seconds too late. A few dozen men were already in the balcony with blasters and shot all of Teekon Sundown's guards.

Brayton Val picked up his blaster and placed it back in its holster. He then walked up to a man who stood in the middle of all the men who had barged in. He nodded to him.

"Brayton Val. I could use you in my organization," he said with a smile. "I must thank you for the tip on how to catch Sundown."

"Yeah, well... I never liked you, but of all the crimelords I respect you because you have honor in your words," Brayton answered. "I tip you on how to kill this punk and you grant me safe passage on the criminal underworld. No more shit about killing the man who killed."

"No more," the other man answered.

And just like that, Brayton Val walked through the guards and back out the building. It was a simple exchange of one crime boss for another, only this one was not looking to kill him. Perhaps someday they would have to turn and become enemies, but this was not that day...

---

"How About Some Intelligence"
By: A'kin
Kalista "Klay" Volaris

Location: New Plouton
Date: Vadris 2, 5 ABY

***

All seemed silent in the office, not a person or creature even dwelled inside the area and for all intents and purposes it seemed as though the entire area was sealed off so no one would know it was there. "Ok Brenna I'm in," she whispered into her headset. "Dropping in now." She unhinged the duct, disabled the basic security system then slowly lowered herself in. She dropped to the floor silently then dusted off the "borrowed" jumpsuit before she checked out the area. She flipped the comlink off then stowed it in the small backpack she had dragged along with her. "I hope this guy is as trusting as Brenna has mentioned told me...or I'm in a world oh hurt," she stated unzipping the jumpsuit.

This night was proving to be a delight. The accountant, Durilly, had now left with a smile plastered across his face no doubts - not that he cared very much, the profits seen these last weeks had more the earned his fee. They had profits of twenty percent on what they'd earned for the same period last year, and the restaurant wing was booming. The occupation had seen numbers dwindle, but soon hungry mouths came to his door. This didn't stop the rich-minority who could ill-afford to remain held up in their keeps, knowing to do so would tempt their own enemies from hiding.

Either way A'Kin was content, and glancing around the empty hall, tables overturned resting on the vacant tables, the bar at the back was shut with alcohol locked away. The lights dimmed until they were completely off, controlled via his implant, and checking the security alarms were active he ventured upstairs.

There was much to think on, the business acquisition Campbell had mentioned. Small it may be, but the casino had potential despite the unfriendly neighbourhood. Of course, this wasn't what plagued A'Kin these last few days. The young girl, Brenna, and her similarly young companion. It had been three days since he gave the information on their whereabouts, and thus-far... nothing. He hoped there were alive and well, they reminded him of his adopted daughters. Catching himself making the mark of his former God it stopped himself. "Nonsense..." he whispered to himself, glancing at the ceiling for a brief moment, before carrying on along the walkway. There were no Gods, and if they did exist they had a lot to answer for.

Probably why they've allowed me to live so long, A'Kin mused with a grin. ~Scared shitless.~

The door hissed open in front of him, admitting him to his private office. The glass ceiling running down in a curve to make up the far wall. Clouds hid the stars, and moon, which A'Kin knew would be out this night. However, that wasn't what stopped the young Kel'Ishan, eyes staring intensely, fixed on a young and very attractive woman. She wore a green dress, which shone like silk, with silver sides that began under both sleeves. Shin length brown boots with straps and buckles to give support. She was gorgeous.

While his left hand gripped his walking cane tightly his right palm opened, activating a small device within his sleeve throwing a small pistol into his hand. With a fluidity that came from his advanced years, he brought the pistol up to bear. "Now, either I'm the luckiest guy in the world, or your in the wrong place and in a lot of trouble." The fact she was unarmed wasn't lost on him, didn't make her any less dangerous, nor how she was sat - legs crossed showing most of her right thigh - go without notice. Damn she's beautiful.

"Thank you for the kind words sir," she stated, "but just to let you know I'm not threat to you, If I wanted to kill you I could have easily done it by now," she stated rolling her cane back and forth on his desk. "You see I know what I want to know and I don't think killing the only person who can help me is the way to work." She slid off his desk carefully then picking up her cane smiled at him as she crossed to the door shutting them inside his office. "Where is she?" Klay asked casually.

"There are quite a few million of the female persuasion on world my dear, can you be a little more... specific?"

Klay looked at him then grabbed the datapad from her pack which was leaning against the wall and tossed it to him. "Take a look at the girl's picture I'm pretty sure you know who I'm talking about."

Of course he didn't need to look at the datapad, but he did anyway. The implant had saved him on more than one occasion, while staying as a hidden advantage. The picture was of Marsar, and it didn't do her justice. "Nice looking girl, a little young for me though... Sorry--" he tossed the datapad back at her. "-- Don't know her, what business do you have with her?"

In a single motion Klay unsheathed the sword cane and placed it against his neck. "She's a friend....and for all me and Brenna know your the one who sold her out to the bounty hunters," Klay insisted. "We found her dart gun, a wrecked blaster and several blaster burn scores all over an alleyway, it was as though someone corralled her like an animal and took her, and so help me if I find out it was your Intel that got her caught your dead."

Eyes boring into her he unclicked the hammer allowing it to move forward, it was unnecessary given the office more impressive defensive, and offensive, surprises. For a moment he contemplated a continuation of what he'd said, not knowing Marsar, but the look in her eyes and the heat pattern showed she wasn't lying. Mores the pity. Nodding, slowly as not to nick himself on the sharp blade, he regarded the woman. "Two Jau intercepted Marsar in the alley, obviously not heeding to my warnings of remaining hidden. The young rarely listen to good advice I've noticed. If you're going to use that--" indicating the sword with his eyes. "-- use it, otherwise stop wasting my time and do me the curtsey of lowering it."

Klay didn't like his answer but he couldn't be blamed for her acting stupid. Slowly she lowered the sword then sat down. "This just keeps getting better and better." She looked at him and nodded. "Is there more your not telling me just need to." All at once the weapon he held leveled on her head. "Ok you shoot me, the Republic is just going to send another one of my kind."

The reason for this sudden change of heart, lifting the pistol aiming it directly at her forehead, had nothing to do with Klay herself, but rather something she was wearing. "Take your glasses off." The statement obviously shocked her, unblinking eyes staring back at him.

"What about my glasses," she said touching them.

Not answering A'Kin rested his cane against his side before reaching out, snapping his fingers to emphasis his wanting the item. With reluctance the glasses were handed over, and after a momentary pause to consider what he was about to do a red scanning beam erupted from A'Kin's implant. The contact lens covering the implant gave the impression of an electrical fire, dancing just beneath the surface, while the beam struck the glasses passing over it as he turned it over in his hand. "A tracking device," A'Kin said finally answering her question. Blinking, once the scan had completed - and deactivating the tracker - he handed the glasses over, while lowering the pistol allowing it to fall under his sleeve.

"So, you work for the Republic, interesting that two young girls have gained the interest of the Republic to the depths of sending an operative...you..." A'Kin stepped around his desk to the overly large chair on the other side. A black monstrosity made of fine leather, the hinges at the bottom comfortably handling the weight as A'Kin sat, reclining back at a slight ankle. If she is an operative she would know who I am, unless she's lying, or doesn't possess the clearance. Intriguing.

"It's not like that, they've just been good to me," she paused for a moment. "Several times my real task has been completed along time ago," she stated. "Brenna and Mar are just friends...do you have any idea where the Tracker came from, I don't remember putting it on there."

A single name, that in turn would change everything, escape from A'Kin's lips. "Mordous." It had his tell-tale signs written all over it, of course it could be a decoy yet A'Kin very much doubted this. The bounty hunter was desperate, it was evident last time they had spoken. Whoever his contractor was he held Krull's family in palm of their hand, making them and therefore Mordous, very dangerous.

"Oh god.....well at least she's safer with him than she would be with lizard people," she decided to shut up and looked at him. "I better get going, I need to inform Bren of the situation...thanks." She started to walk towards the door then froze. "Is there a back way out of this place, I think it's going to look a little odd if I exited the building and I was never recorder entering it in the first place."

Nodding A'Kin rose from the seat, stepping up to the bookcase behind him he tilted five books in a sequence. An audible click of a locking mechanism could be heard before a small section of the bookcase creaked open. "This will lead you to where you need to go," A'Kin said turning to look at Klay. "I'm sure she's safe, and tell Bren I will do what I can to find her or Mordous."

"Will do," she said taking her equipment as she walked through the door. "Watch your back, your no use to anyone dead," she stated exiting.

"I'd imagine no one is of any use dead," A'Kin stated with a sly grin. "But thanks for the concern, I haven't lived this long with being reckless. I'll find you when I have something."

---

"A New Prison"
by Connor Moonsgrave
with Va'Lesh Zaneth
Yara Zaneth
and Introducing Sub-Director Aydelen

Location: Jau Mining Facility, Tae'Sollar Desert
Date: Vadris 2, 5 ABY

***

The air was hard to breathe. Every time he took a breath, he felt his lungs burning. The environment was so completely alien, it was like Connor was arriving on a completely different planet from Tae'Karada.

As he approached in the Jau speeder, it was obvious the mining facility was huge. What he could see of the mines, he could see several prisoners moving about the compound with Jau patrols watching them closely. Several barracks for the prisoners were set up against the far perimeter wall. As the speeder passed through the secured gate under the watchful eye of a half-dozen Jau guards, he got the impression of the facility built up around the central core of the mine. Upon the walls, weapons placements were positioned to guard both the interior and exterior of the facility. The weapons themselves appeared to be anti-vehicular weapons that could take down an air speeder with little effort, and obliterate an unruly prisoner.

A landing pad, also under heavy guard, sat in the north corner of the compound with several shuttles awaiting departure. Just beyond the shuttles were a flight of Jau fighters that had been adapted for atmospheric combat. Clearly the Jau took security at the facility very seriously.

As the speeder stopped, two Jau guards approached with electrical rods in their hands. Connor knew that he had arrived to his destination. He got up slowly. He wondered whether he unnerved the Jau guards. Were they unsure if he was preparing something, since most prisoners refused to get up or refused to move at all. He faced the Jau willingly, and simply got up and started to walk out of the speeder.

The Jau soldiers looked him over, then approached. One of them raised a large hand and placed it squarely against the prisoner's chest. The other readied the pain stick, but made no other move against the newcomer.

Behind the Jau, a humanoid being approached. He was dressed in trousers that tucked into scarred and weathered boots, with a long coat that appeared to have some form of protective insulation against the desert heat. His head was slightly bulbous and devoid of hair. His nose was long, vaguely snoutish. He surveyed Connor with keen eyes and a sour expression.

"I am Sub-Director Aydelen. Welcome to The Mine. You are a slave, you have no rights. You will be put to work, and will likely die while working. You will do what you are told, and defiance against us will be very painful for you." That said, he turned to adjust the Jau on the left. "The prisoner will be taken to barracks seven. Clean him and place him in new clothing. Once he is ready, he will be working on Shaft Ech'for. Director Rona'mon will be displeased if her new acquisition is not put to work promptly."

The Jau gave their typical response, a sharp bob of the head and flaring of their nostrils. Each took up a position beside the man, and prepared to escort him to be hosed down in the cleaning room of barracks seven, but where stopped by the Sub-Director.

"Hold," Sub-Director Aydelen said, his voice loud, even in the desert wind, "I will have your name and your crime. Speak them to me."

Connor felt the warm air of the desert on his face and then looked towards to the Sub-Director. "They called me Connor and my crime is that I killed the commander of Seventh Legion, Commander Tar'turus." Connor cut of from there by his choice, he refuse to tell his family name in the interrogation. He had seen what happen to the families of the accused sent to the mines, but his body was all bruised and in pain not to answer this to the Jau during his interrogation.

"Oh yes," Aydelen said with a smile that never touched his eyes. "Well, you will now put some of that vigorous energy into working for the Jau." He nodded to the soldiers. "Take him."

The two Jau soldiers pushed Connor along toward a large, blocky structure. It was the barracks, and the place that would be his home until he was no longer a slave. Thus far, the only ways to not be a slave any longer would be through death or escape. And no one had ever escaped the Jau mining camp before.

Connor was led by the two Jau guards, but they had to force him to go. By the end, he had been subjected to several shocks from the pain stick as well as physical beatings. When his reluctance continued, the Jau each took an arm and dragged him toward the barracks, leaving a trail of his blood in their wake. Once inside, they dumped him to the floor. The only concern the Connor had in his mind was to find Liira and protect her until he could find a way to escape. As he looked over the prison facility, it was like all the prisons he had ever seen and yet like none of, but he was used to the hardship of mines or prisons. It's definition is same. They hold people against their will until the hardships kills you, Connor thought to himself.

The barrack would be his home for the short period of his life. One of the Jau ordered something in their language, Connor didn't understood what they spoke but he knew all too well the process of arriving at a prison: drag the prisoner to the barrack, get him undressed, and then hose him down with cold water.

"Get in the shower," the other Jau said in a tone that seemed to be universal when talking to a young child.

When Connor got out of the so called "shower," Connor dressed in the standard issue jumpsuit that signified that he was a prisoner. When he was finished, the Jau guards escorted him back out of the barracks. The two Jau marched Connor across the compound to where a small group of prisoners was waiting to be taken into the mines. Some looked worse for their stay in the prison facility, others appeared to be having no trouble with the ordeal. Two such, a young man and woman, watched Connor's approach. They spoke quietly to one another, not drawing attention to themselves as they did so.

"You will wait here," one of the Jau stated. "You will be taken into the mine to work. Make trouble and you will be placed in the Isolation Box." With that, the two guards marched away.

While Connor was seemingly left alone, there were guards still watching him and the others.

Of the two that were watching, the young man spoke first. "You are new here," he said. It wasn't entirely a question, but it was a way of introduction. "The best means to survive is by not drawing attention to yourself. I am Va'Lesh."

Connor heard the man but seemed to looking at every person around him to try to find Liira, but none of them looked like her. "I'm Connor." He introduced himself, but he kept looking for Liira.

"The person you seek could be in the mine on a work detail," Va'Lesh stated. "Or possibly in one of the barracks. If you describe the person you seek, we could help to find your...friend."

Connor glanced over to Va'lesh. "I seek a young woman named Liira." Connor looked to Va'lesh and wondered how in hell did he know he was looking for someone, but almost immediately he already knew the answer to his question.

"I unfortunately do not know the names of all those who have been imprisoned here," Va'Lesh said with a shrug. "If you do not wish for assistance in finding your friend, Liira, then I will accept that. My offer, however, is freely given and comes at no cost to you."

Connor looked to the vastness of the mines, then looked to Va'Lesh. "No one does nothing if they don't have something in return, that is the way of the galaxy. So if you find me where this young woman, with brown air, and blue eyes, with strong presence of beauty and strength in a weak body, what do you want in return for this good grace of yours?"

"As I said, no cost," Va'Lesh answered. "Especially in this place where you have nothing to give."

"I see." Connor paused. "Can you suggest where I start?" Connor asked only because he had some urgency to find Liira, the more time he spent trying to find her, the greater the chance he would find her dead. That was not an option to him.

"Look at all the faces you pass in the neatly controlled path our Jau overlords march us through," Va'Lesh said. "While you may be able to find some liberty to pursue your own interests, it will be because the Jau were not watching you when you began. As soon as they see you are not diligently working on their tasks, you will be severely punished."

"Or killed," the heretofore silent companion of Va'Lesh added. Yara shrugged. "It has happened."

"And you are?" Connor asked.

"I am Yara," she replied. "Just a fellow prisoner, nothing more."

"Charming," Connor said towards Yara. "There is no such thing just a prisoner and nothing more."

"For the two of us," Va'Lesh said, "it is best that we be 'just a prisoner.' If we are perceived as more, then it will draw more and unwanted attention upon us."

"If you say so." Connor looked to the side and the Jau was approaching. "I don't care if I have wanted attention or not. I gave up myself to the Jau to find someone and that is what I'm going to do."

Va'Lesh looked perplexed for a moment as he regarded Connor. "And when you find your friend, how do you plan to extricate yourself from yours and her imprisonment? My suspicion is the Jau will not let you go. If Yara and I have been unable to break free of this installation, I guarantee you will be unable to. You will need to make friends if you wish to ever leave alive. You will not be able to do it on your own."

"One thing at time, young one," Connor said. He called Va'lesh young one since he didn't know Va'lesh or his companion that well or if they had spent a lot of time in prison facilities like this massive installation, but Connor had his share of life in prisons and knew very well how to proceed. "Every prison or installation of this sort isn't foolproof to escapes. I intend to break out of this joint, but first I intent to find Liira. I'm not leaving here without her."

"Time to work," a harsh voice said from behind Connor as the sun was momentarily blotted out by the approaching figure of a Jau soldier.

Va'Lesh and Yara both turned to face the Jau, hands held open at their sides and heads bowed before him. The pose was one of submissiveness. Around them, the other prisoners were falling into similar postures toward the Jau. The warrior turned a steely eye to the newcomer in the facility.

Connor imposed to the steely eye of the warrior and with a grin said, "Lead the way!"

The strike came so fast that it was imperceptible before it landed. But, the Jau warrior's blow carried so much power behind it that Connor was lifted off his feet and thrown back several meters where he crashed to the ground amongst the other prisoners.

"Your insolence will not be tolerated," the Jau snarled as he advanced on Connor. "Stand and show proper respect, slave, as do the others."

Connor got up and looked to the Jau and spat blood into the sand at his feet. He wiped his mouth with his sleeve, but he did not say anything nor did he take the submissive stance the others around him had..

"You appear to lack discipline, ag'noch," the Jau snarled. He lifted Connor from the ground by the front of the human's coverall "You will learn."

"Show deference, you fool," Va'Lesh rasped, chancing the ire of the Jau to save Connor from the beating the Jau would surely give him. He'd killed one of them, and they wouldn't react kindly to that. "Submit."

Connor struggled out of breath, but he looked to the Jau. I will kill you! I will kill you, you piece of shit! Connor looked for determination in his eyes. I promise you that, you mount of shit! Connor closed his eyes and with a cold voice and barely could hear to anyone. "I submit!"

Connor was let go and fell to ground hard, he caught his breath and looked for few moments to the warrior who grabbed his throat and memorized his face, so that he would recognize him later.

"I don't think you have the discipline yet to join the others in the mine," the Jau said. "You need to learn obedience first." He turned to his second. "Take the others in to begin their work details. This one, I will take to the Box."

As the other Jau took the rest of the prisoners into the mine, the leader of the Jau squad hauled Connor across the camp where he was forced down into a box at the edge of the encampment. With only a single bottle of water with a straw that could reach his lips, he barely fit into the box as it was closed over him. Locks were snapped into place, securing Connor within. It would be a grueling, torturous day, that was certain.

Spending a day out in the burning desert sun while trapped in a metal box would either break or kill the most hardened of people, but Connor intended to survive the experience. He had a mission and he would see it through. Even if the torture they inflicted on him broke his body or shattered his mind, he would find Liira and get her out of this hell. He would see it through.

---

"Interview"
by Vincenzo Lapenta - Neurosurgeon
and Sarah Lapage - Neurosurgeon (NPC+)
and Jacob Baram - Head of the Neurosurgery Department, New Plouton Neuroscience (NPC)

Date: Vadris 2, 5ABY
Location: NPIN, New Plouton

***

Vincenzo took out his comm. "Jacob," he said, "Sarah Lapage has arrived."

"Okay, I'll be there in a minute," Jacob said, "get everything started already."

"Aye," Vincenzo said before closing the comm. He stood up and walked towards the meeting room where the administrative assistant had put Sarah. She looked up as he entered.

"You're going to do the interview," she asked.

"It's my subdepartment," Vincenzo said, "so it is logical. But I've asked Jacob Baram, the head of the department, to join us."

"I see," Sarah said, before a grin formed on her face, "so I have to behave during this interview."

"If you want the job, that might be a good idea," Vincenzo said, "so, you want something to drink?"

"Some caf, if you have it," Sarah said.

"I can use some as well," Jacob said as he entered, "welcome, Dr. Lapage. I'm Dr. Jacob Baram, the head of the neurosurgery department. I understand that you already know Dr. Lapenta."

"That is correct, Dr. Baram," Sarah said while Vincenzo commed for caf.

"And you could work together," Jacob asked next.

"We always have been able to work together," Sarah said. She didn't go into detail on just how well they worked together, and on what.

"So," Baram said as he took a datapad with her CV on it, "you worked in the Arcadia General Hospital. Why did you leave there?"

"I want to go further in my specialisation," Sarah said, "for neurosurgery that would be here, unless I go off planet. And whatever the political situation, I'd rather not do that."

"I can understand that," Jacob said, "but you do realise that in this position you would probably not do much surgery. It's assistant head of a lab."

"I was under the impression that I would also have some general tasks in the hospital," Sarah said with a look at Vincenzo.

"That's correct," Vincenzo replied, "but it would probably be less then you're used to in Arcadia."

"It's not a problem," Sarah said, "the fact that I'm at the front of my field makes up for the lost surgery time. And the cases would probably be more complex anyway."

"You have a good point there," Vincenzo said, thinking about the complexity of Yelara's case, "I assume that you are familiar with working night shifts?"

"I am," Sarah said, "and I don't mind as long as I get also a day shift from time to time."

"That's up to Dr. Lapenta," Jacob said, "but I've seen him work night shifts as well, so I don't think that's a problem."

Sarah and Vincenzo both decided not to tell Jacob that they would like to be free at the same time. Sarah decided to have some fun and she brought her foot into contact with Vincenzo's leg. Vince noticed and decided to ignore it. As the conversation continued, she started to rub her foot against his leg, making it more difficult for him to concentrate.

"Well, Dr. Lapage," Jacob said while Vincenzo was pushing her foot away, "you sound like a valuable asset for our team. We'll contact you very soon to let you know our decision."

"Thank you, Dr. Baram," Sarah said. "I have to go to another meeting," Jacob said, "if you will excuse me."

He took the datapad he had been taking notes on and left the room.

"What were you trying," Vincenzo asked when he was gone.

"Just some harmless fun," Sarah said with a smile, "didn't you like it?"

"What if Jacob had seen it," Vincenzo said, "how would you have explained it?"

"I would have improvised," Sarah said, "don't worry about it, nothing happened. And, do I have the job?"

"I really think about letting Jacob making the decision," Vincenzo said, "besides, you're not the only candidate."

Now it was Sarah's turn to give him a dirty look. "What do you mean," she asked.

"You know, I'm not the only one making the decision," Vincenzo said, "and you're not the only person to apply for this position. We have another interview tomorrow, and maybe it's also someone who rubs my leg."

"You..." Sarah said, before he couldn't keep his laughter in.

"Don't worry," Vincenzo said, "I'll let Jacob know that I think you're a good candidate. But you'll have to cook me dinner tonight."

"I'll do that," Sarah said, before rubbing over his crotch, "and maybe something extra."

"I can live with that," Vincenzo said, "now I have to get back to work."

---

"Complications Again"
by Vincenzo Lapenta - Neurosurgeon
and Jacob Baram - Head of the Neurosurgery Department, New Plouton Neuroscience (NPC)

Date: Vadris 2, 5ABY
Location: NPIN, New Plouton

***

Vincenzo was performing surgery and it was a tricky procedure. Most brain surgery procedures were tricky, as you could easily do a lot of damage. This one was the removal of a tumour, and while they normally didn't do an operation on brain tumours, this time the location and size made that they could. Normally they also cut away some regular tissue to make sure they had all the tumour, but in this case the inverse would be true. He would leave some tumour tissue that would be attacked with targeted chemotherapy.

"That's it," Vincenzo said as he finished, "he's lucky that we found it so quickly."

"True," one of the nurses said.

"Let's get a shower," Vincenzo said, "I know I could do with one."

After the shower, Vincenzo went to his office to fill in the paperwork of the trial. As he entered he saw Jacob waiting for him.

"I have some questions," the director said.

"Sure," Vincenzo said, "but if you don't mind, I would like to make my surgery report first, before I forget things. I'll be in your office in fifteen minutes, okay?"

"Sure," Jacob said.

Vincenzo made his report and then he walked over to Jacob's office. "You wanted to see me, boss," he asked as he entered.

"Yes, please have a seat," Jacob said, "it's about Dr. Lapage. I've called Arcadia today and it turned out she was fired there. Did you know?"

"I did," Vincenzo said, "you know why she was fired?"

"They didn't tell that," Jacob said, "you know?"

"It's because of the laws on this rock discriminating women," Vincenzo said, knowing that Jacob didn't like all those laws either, "she had an affair and her husband found out, that's why. So I told her to apply here. It does advance her career and I know you wouldn't hold a thing like that against her."

"Why lie about it then," Jacob said.

"Well," Vincenzo started, but he decided to play it open now, "the affair she had, or has, is with me. She lives with me right now. That's also why I wanted you to be present during the interview."

"I can understand that," Jacob remarked, "this can give some serious complications."

"We can work together," Vincenzo said, "don't worry about that. And relationships between members of the same faculty are maybe not common, but neither are they unheard of."

"I know," Jacob said, "but there will be some gossip. Can you work with that?"

"I'll ask Sarah," Vincenzo answered, "I've long stopped caring about what other people think about me. But realistically it's her only option. And don't worry, I'll stay objective when comparing her with the other staff."

"I hope so," Jacob said, "I'd rather not have any complaints."

"You won't," Vincenzo assured his boss, "maybe the only thing it that I will put us on the night shift together."

"Again, be careful with it. I don't want complaints."

"No problem, boss," Vincenzo said, "anything else?"

"Not that I know about," he responded.

"Okay, then I'm going home," Vincenzo said, "I have the night shift tomorrow."

---