"Guilty Propositions"
by Kaysa Zenarr
Zale Tregat
Dargus Kandran
with Commander Satar [NPC]
Location: Throntas Penal Colony, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 3, 4ABY

***

Being in the desert, there wasn't much water to go around, which meant no ice with which to make a compress to ease the pain and tenderness of her face. The bruising was still noticeable, but by far, Roba and his gang looked worse off. She ran her fingers lightly over the purple bruises along her cheek, which made her realize how truly close it had been that time. It was, however, precisely what she and Zale needed to get them actively seeking control of their unfortunate situation.

Every time she and Zale entered the courtyard, menacing glares and angry mutterings were directed at them by Roba and his men, but with one scathing look from Zale, they resumed their normal activities and made their displays of resentment less conspicuous. There hadn't been anymore close calls like that one, and with their refusal to be manipulated by Commander Satar and the other conspirators holding a grudge against them, Zale hadn't been challenged once in two days, and Kaysa felt almost confident that she could wander alone without the threat of being defiled. Still, though, the threat remained. Even walking across the small cafeteria, she could feel all eyes following her and quiet schemes being plotted, but she was confident now that none of them would come to fruition, not anymore...or so she hoped.

They needed to leave Throntas before the gangers were no longer intimidated by Zale's black, cold eyes, and gathered the courage to challenge him again. Freedom, however, still looked too far off in the distance. The evidence against them seemed to grow by the day, and so did their presumed guilt. There was still no sign of Shiv, and Merrick was sounding worse off every time she spoke with him. Kaysa desperately needed her freedom back so she could take control of things and repair the damage done by this obvious ploy to frame Zale and herself.

"How's the slop today?" she asked Zale with a resigned sigh. "Does it still taste like this place smells?"

"I think they added a new flavour into it today," Zale said with a grimace. "I haven't quite been able to determine what it is. I think it's the underside of Roba's mattress, but I can't be certain." He looked up at her and brushed a finger over her cheek. "The bruising looks like it's fading." He slid her chair out with his foot so she could sit directly in it without having to unburden the tray in her hands. "When I moved to this table, an entire group of Roba's thugs scattered like those birds in the park near my office. I think one guy almost tripped over his own feet."

Kaysa laughed as she swung her leg over the seat of the chair and planted herself down upon it. "It's a wonder what incapacitating a few gangers can do for our intimidation factor." She smiled wanly at Zale and reached over to brush her fingers along his lips. "You're not looking so battered today either. And your hair doesn't appear to have been pulled once today. I guess things are looking up for us."

"No," Zale said with a grin. "No hair pulling, but I'm afraid of what might happen once we get to nap time." He looked around, and all the gangers who'd been watching them quickly shifted their attention. "We still have to be careful though. They're leaving us alone now, but I have a feeling there's something in the works. I can't imagine they'd just give up like that. Well, whatever they have, we'll be ready for them."

"Together, and with my highly developed fighting skills - eye gouging included - they won't be much of a threat." Kaysa sat back in her chair with a laugh and picked up her spoon. As she dug it into the puddle of pink sludge that was their lunch, she saw something beneath it shift and quickly decided she wasn't as hungry as she'd thought. With a disgusted sigh, she put down her spoon and pushed her tray away. "I think I can afford to lose some weight...not that I have a choice with what they're feeding us." She looked up at Zale and whispered only for his ears, "Has...has Moril got any good news for us? Please tell me he has something..."

Zale nodded. "They're getting closer," he said. "They moved in to another moon, and they think she may be inside there. It's well guarded, and they're gathering the resources to mount an assault. If she's in there, they'll get her."

"And yet, we won't be there to greet her when she comes back." Kaysa closed her eyes and sank lower in her chair as her resolve began to weaken. "What about us? When is he getting us outta here, Zale?" She opened her eyes and gave a wry laugh. "Is that even a possibility anymore? The evidence... Unless it's proven false, our guilt is undeniable. Our word is worth shit, Zale. And with Commander Satar and the rest of the Imperial scum holding that tiny grudge against us...I think they'll be pushing for a death sentence."

Zale shook his head. "Imperial justice," he said. "We'll get out of here. If I have to I'll have Moril stage an assault. We'll be out of here for Shiv, Kaysa. I promise you we'll be there for her."

Before he could continue, a man wearing an Imperial officer's uniform appeared at their table. "Kaysa Zenarr," he said. "There is a visitor here for you."

Kaysa's gaze shifted from the man, to Zale. By the expression on his face, it appeared as if he too had no idea as to the identity of the visitor. "I...I'll be back," she said to him hesitantly. She stood slowly from her chair and eyed the officer warily as she started towards him. She stopped for a moment by Zale's side. With a tight smile, she placed her hand upon his shoulder and leaned over to whisper into his ear, "Now, you better lick that tray clean, young man, or you don't get dessert later."

Zale looked up at Kaysa and grinned. "I like dessert," he said.

***

Kaysa was led into another room similar to the one they'd been in the other day. She only had to wait a few moments before the door opened and Commander Satar entered. He motioned to one of the chairs and moved to the other side and sat down. He said nothing, and only watched her with a faint, smug grin.

Kaysa gritted her teeth, but suppressed the feral grin threatening to express her dislike of the man sitting before her. She crossed her arms over her chest and stared down at him with stubborn defiance. "Come to lecture me about my insolence the other day? You pushed; as far as I'm concerned, you deserved far worse than an accelerated heart beat and a few beads of sweat on that wrinkled brow of yours."

"I have come to tell you that new evidence may have been discovered in the case," Satar said. "However, the person with the evidence wishes to speak with you first before presenting it to us. Will you see him?"

"What?" Kaysa paced slowly towards the table and sat down into the free chair. "Who? Why isn't Zale here to see him? He deserves to be here too."

Satar frowned. "The information, according to our new witness, implicates Zale. I'm afraid he's been dragging you along with him the whole time. I'm afraid that the information will probably keep Zale Tregat in here for a very long time, as he deserves. Should I send him in? Or should I send him away?"

"Zale...no it's...it can't be." Kaysa stared blankly at her hands folded loosely atop the table. After all they'd been through, Kaysa refused to believe Zale had anything to do with Rennor's murder. But, some things were far more than coincidence. The chance meeting at the bar with Shiv, the alleyway that dark, fateful night when he picked her up off the ground and took her back to his apartment to offer her the world and more.

The one detail that tied it all together was it had all happened after her engagement to Rennor, and the most important factor was the spaceport. She knew of Zale's desire to buy ownership of it from Rennor, but he was adamant against selling. Murdering him and seducing his fiancée was the one sure way to get it. "No," she said to herself irritably. She refused to believe that his professions of love were false, and she could do nothing to deny the feelings she'd developed for him. They were in this together, and she wouldn't abandon him now. She refused to let Satar manipulate her; together, they were supposed to conquer them all.

With a heavy sigh, Kaysa turned her gaze to Satar. "Bring him in. I want to hear what this man has to say, although I'm beginning to think it's just a ploy to turn Zale and I against eachother. Still...I'd like to determine that for myself."

Satar nodded. "Very well," he said. "He requested to meet you alone, but I will have guards outside. If you need anything, that comm on the wall will alert me immediately." Without another word, Kaysa was left alone in the room again.

Ten minutes passed and the door finally opened again. A man wearing a heavy, black cloak stepped into the room. Once the door closed behind him, he pulled the cowl down. "Good afternoon, Kaysa Zenarr," he said. "My name is Dargus Kandran...and you look like you've just seen a ghost."

"Oh gods..." Kaysa flew from her chair, knocking it to the ground with a clatter. She kept her hand firmly planted upon the table as she scrambled backwards towards the other side of the small room. "No...no no no! You're...oh gods..." She yelped as her back flattened against the far wall, making it clear that there was no escape from the wraith of Dargus Kandran standing before her. He was the vilest brute she'd ever known, and as she gazed into his depthless, black eyes and his malignant, twisted smile, all thoughts that it was a trick and this was merely a clone, vanished. "What...what do you want with me? You're dead...you're..."

"Alive," Dargus said with a smile. "I was able to make it free of my ship before it was completely destroyed, and I live to tell the tale...as well as extract my revenge." At the sudden panic in her eyes, he laughed. "Not you, Kaysa. However, you do possess something I want. I will submit the evidence I possess, and you will be released. In doing so, the block on Rennor Karradas' will will be released, and you will be named as his sole benefactor. All assets and holdings will be yours. Of that, I only want a small part: the spaceport." Dargus smiled. "Would you like to be free of this hell?"

"What? You...you did all this for the spaceport?" A low, wild laugh rose in Kaysa's throat until it finally broke free and filled the room. "You framed me and Zale Tregat for the fucking spaceport!?" Kaysa's laughter died and she rushed towards Dargus with a hiss. "You bastard! You're not getting anything from me. Zale and I are already taking measures to prove the evidence against us is false. We don't need you. Once we're out of here, the spaceport will be mine, and even if we don't get out of here, you'll never get the spaceport. It'll be handed over to the Imps at which point you'll never be able to touch it."

"First of all, I didn't orchestrate this little spectacle," Dargus said. "I am merely capitalizing on your misfortune. There's a difference. Now, I recommend you reconsider. And, if you do reconsider and agree to those terms, I have a prize for you that is probably worth ten of that spaceport." He pulled a small device from beneath his cloak and held it out in front of him. He pressed a button, and a small hologram flared to life.

Seated at the base of a throne, Shiv sat. She was unclothed save the collar at her throat and a chain leading off toward the throne. After a moment, a second hologram entered the image. It was Dargus, and he was wearing only a pair of pants. As he began pulling the pants down, the real Dargus shut down the recording.

"Half the spaceport, and you get your freedom and Maeren Shivral. Or you can rot in here with Zale Tregat while I disappear with your little treasure."

A tortured shriek was torn from Kaysa's throat at the sight of her poor girl. Before her cry cut out, Kaysa was lunging at Dargus in a mad flight. "You bastard! You fucking bastard!" Her balled up hands pounded on his chest as she continued spitting curses at him. "You took her from me! You son of a bitch!"

With a growl, Dargus caught Kaysa's wrists. "I wouldn't say that I took her," he snapped. "She was a gift from a friend of yours. Now, I am offering to give her back to you if you're willing to listen, willing to cooperate with me. If you continue this childish behaviour, I'll just add her as a permanent member of my stable of sex slaves, and alter my plans. Now, do you want her back? Or is our business here concluded?"

Kaysa tried to wrench her wrists free from Dargus' grasp, but she gave up the struggle and calmed herself for a moment to consider what he was saying. "Vrax...he brought her to you, didn't he? That cur..." She looked up at Dargus with a scowl and finally managed to push away from him. "Of course I want Shiv back. I think you were relying on that to get precisely what you wanted. No matter how much I love that girl, though..." She shook her head slowly and with a sigh, she sank into the one chair she hadn't overturned. "I can't...I won't give you the entire spaceport. No one, not even you should have that much power. Besides, it's rightfully mine, Kandran. I came up with the original scheme to get it off Rennor. I should reap some of the benefits, don't you think?"

Dargus grinned. "Half is sufficient to my needs. So it's a deal then? Once I legally own my half of the spaceport, you will have Shiv back. For now though, she is on the planet and you may visit with her as long as you wish. I still have enough influence in New Plouton to expedite the proceedings that will grant you the spaceport and Karradas Industries. I predict that all will be completed by the end of the week, and Shiv will be allowed to return to you free of my influence. If we have our deal, then I will alert Commander Satar at once."

"Wait..." Kaysa looked up at Dargus and gave him a wary smile, only to hide her fears and anxieties. "How do I know the girl's even alive still? How do I know that once I transfer partial ownership of the spaceport to you, you won't just kill her? You're not the most trustworthy man, Kandran. Give me a reason to trust you."

"If you agree to do this, I give my information to Satar, and then you're a free woman. You could walk out of this scum-ridden oven in ten minutes. I will then take you to the apartment I have rented in New Plouton where Maeren waits for you. I will give you that much. You will be able to see with your own eyes that she is alive. All you have to do is make the agreement, and you will be able to hold her in your arms again. Or you could just say no, and I'll leave you to your life."

"You bastard, you know I can't refuse something like that. We're not all cold and completely unfeeling like you are." Kaysa sighed deeply and closed her eyes. It wasn't the fact that she mistrusted Dargus that was making her reluctant to accept his offer, it was that she would become a free woman, while Zale desiccated behind the prison walls of Throntas. If it had been any other time and if her feelings for him had been nothing like they were now, she wouldn't have hesitated to leave him behind. They were supposed to be a team; together they would repel the gangs and become supreme. Now, she was considering leaving him behind to fend for himself.

But Dargus offered her freedom and Shiv. If it had been freedom alone, she would have refused instantly, but adding Shiv to the deal was something she couldn't turn down. With Shiv back in her life, she would be strong again, and with her freedom, she had the means to find a way to clear Zale's name. It would kill her to leave him behind, and she would worry every moment about what new horror he was facing, but the choice had to be made.

"I get Shiv, you get half the spaceport. You clear my name of this murder and gimme your word that this is the last time you intrude upon my life and the lives of anyone even remotely connected to me. That means Zale Tregat too. I assume this deal doesn't include him. That is why he's not present right now...am I correct?"

"That's correct," Dargus said. "He's my competition, and the leading competitor at that. This is a one-way ticket to get you out of here. He'll have to find his own way, I'm afraid. Then, are we agreed?"

Kaysa let out a sharp breath through her nose and nodded her head slowly. "Fine. You'll get what you want, but before I go, I wanna speak to Mr. Tregat." Kaysa raised her hand to silence the protest forming on his lips, then smiled at him tightly. "I won't tell him a thing, okay? I just want to give my lover a last goodbye kiss. He is going to be in here for quite a long time and I just thought before those grubby men get their hands on that beautiful body of his, that I'd at least get a chance to feel him up one last time."

"Very well," Dargus said with a nod. "I'll go make arrangements with Commander Satar, and I'll have a guard bring Mr. Tregat to you here."

With a nod, Dargus left Kaysa alone in the room. Ten minutes later, Zale entered looking perplexed. He looked around and noted the lack of guards or officers inside. "What's going on, Kaysa? What are they doing?"

"Zale...sit down." She looked up at with a grave expression and before he could pick up the fallen chair and take a seat, she flew into his arms. "Oh gods... Oh gods, I don't know if I can do this, Zale. I don't wanna do this without you."

Zale's arms quickly circled Kaysa and held her close. "I don't know what you're talking about, Kaysa," he said. "What's happening? What's going on?" He led her over to the table, and tried to sit with her there, but he couldn't bring himself to release her from his arms.

Kaysa pressed her lips to Zale's neck and kissed him desperately, not certain if she'd ever be able to touch his flesh with her lips ever again. "I-I don't wanna go...but I have to." She gazed up at him with tears washing over her eyes and spilling down her cheeks. "I'm so sorry. I promised we'd be in this together... I'm so sorry, Zale, but I do promise that I'll come back for you. I'm not leaving you in here, dammit. I'll come back for you and we can be together again. Please don't hate me. Please, just don't hate me."

A look of confusion crossed over Zale's features. "What's happened, Kaysa? What's going on? Where are you going? Please tell me what's going on!" He held her to him and returned her kisses feverishly. "What's happening, Kaysa?"

"I'm getting out, Zale!" The long, still silence that ensued was enough to give Kaysa time to gather her resolve and keep from breaking down into a crying, sopping heap. "Zale...they're pinning it on you," she said gently. "I can't tell you all the particulars but...they made me a deal and I'm getting out, but they're making you take the fall for the whole thing." She sobbed bitterly and quickly tightened her embrace around Zale. "Oh gods...don't hate me. You don't know the rest, Zale and I can't tell you yet. If you knew, you'd understand."

Zale's features hardened, but there was a softness in his eyes. The eyes that had been so guarded for so long were open to her now. "Be safe, Kaysa," he said, and then kissed her. "If they let me, I want to at least use some of my comm time to talk to you. If that's okay with you. I don't think I could do it in here without at least hearing your voice." He kissed her again, clinging desperately to her. "You'll be safe away from here, Kaysa. Good. And, I'll be able to protect myself better. I won't have to worry about making sure you're safe. And, I'll only have to watch my own back." He held her to him and then pulled away to look into her eyes. "I love you, Kaysa. And, I'm very happy you'll be out of here."

"No! No, don't be, Zale. I never wanted to leave you, but I had no choice." She clung to him desperately and kissed the exposed portion of his chest peeking through the partially zipped coverall he wore. "I don't wanna leave you...I can't leave you on your own in here. I have to, though. I wish I could tell you, but I can't now; not yet." She looked up at him with a rueful smile and sorrow spilling from her eyes like tears, then brushed a hand along his cheek. "I said I won't abandon you and I haven't. Out there, I'm gonna do everything I can to get your name cleared. I'll work with Moril! Together, we can get you outta here, Zale. Oh gods...oh gods please be safe. I...I can't bear to lose you."

"I'll be safe," he said softly. "I promise. Maybe I can get a special privilege so you can comm me every day. That way you know I'm safe. That way you don't have to worry." Zale reached up and zipped his coverall down farther, giving Kaysa more access to his chest. "We'll make this work. Somehow, we'll do it, Kaysa. Somehow we'll make it work."

She smiled solemnly at Zale, and ran her hand along the chest he so kindly exposed further for her. "I just...these few days we've been together in here have been the happiest we've had together. I don't want that to end, Zale." She sobbed again and buried her teary face into his bare chest. "I don't want you to get hurt, or die... Who will be there to help you kick Roba's ass? Who will be there to kick those horny men in the balls? I want to be there, Zale. I want to be there with you."

"Maybe I'll have to pull their hair," Zale said with a grin. "You've got a ticket out of here, Kaysa. You have to take it. Help Moril find Shiv and be there when he gets her out. At least one of us will be there. I'll make it out of here. I've survived in worse places than this; and if I need to, I'll have a weapon smuggled in for me. I'll make it, Kaysa. I'll live, believe me I'll live. The time we've had together has been too short, and I'm definitely not ready to see that come to an end. We've got more time together. We've got more to do together. This will all be over soon."

Kaysa reluctantly pulled herself from Zale's arms, then ran her fingers through his long, braided hair. "I'm gonna comm you everyday, Zale. I'll even make those cute kissy noises for you." She laughed softly as she brought her hand back to his chest, then slipped her other one into his. "When I get you the hell outta here and if...if things do change between us when we get back to our regular lives, I want you to know that... Just know that you're a better person than you may think you are. You have a heart and your eyes light up when you laugh...just like a regular person." Kaysa brought his hand up to her lips, and with a gentle smile, she kissed it tenderly. After a moment of gazing into his eyes, she took his hand and placed it over her heart. "You've gotta be someone special to be able to capture Kaysa Zenarr's heart, Zale. You damn fool..." She laughed softly to herself and shook her head slowly. "I love you."

"Knowing that, I think I could survive anything," Zale said, and then pulled Kaysa into his arms and kissed her. "I'll make it in here. When I get out of here, and I will get out of here, I want to show you that it's worth it. Our love, our lives are worth that together. My heart is yours, Kaysa, now and always."

"And even moreso when I get you outta here. I will, Zale. I'll focus all my energies on that one goal." Pressing her lips to his again, Kaysa pleaded with the gods above to just slow time enough so that she could savour the moment. But the tender kiss was interrupted by the door quickly opening and an officer ordering Kaysa to prepare for transport away from the facility. In a moment of desperation, she clung to Zale and whimpered piteously into his chest. "I wish I could take you with me. Oh gods, Zale...sleep with one eye open. Or...or don't sleep at all. Just think of me and all of the wild sex I'm gonna give you when I get you outta here."

Zale kissed her, with longing and passion like he never thought he'd feel...though he knew the only person he could ever feel that for would be Kaysa. "When we're back together, I'll teach you all about the shac'tae. And, we'll make love for an entire night. I love you, Kaysa. I'll get out of here. I'll be safe. We'll be together again!"

"Come on, break it up you two," the officer called again. "The transport leaves in five and if you're not on it, you're not going anywhere."

Kaysa looked up at Zale one final time and more than ever was determined to get him out of that prison. "I'll see you soon and then you can take me shopping for some new clothes." She winked at him and laughed as she slipped from his embrace and backed away towards the door. "Don't stay out in the sun too long because you'll burn. And...and remember to wash behind your ears." The Imp grumbled as she backed into him, and with his hand gripping her arm, he was forced to drag her out the rest of the way. "And don't stick your finger up your nose because...it'll get stuck! I...I love you, Zale!" she cried out as she was pulled along into the corridor. "I'll see you soon!"

Zale followed to the doorway, laughing and waving. Before Kaysa was out of sight, he blew her a kiss...and then on impulse, unzipped his coverall the rest of the way and gave her a peek at what awaited her when she managed to get him free.

---

"A Sort of Homecoming"
by Kaysa Zenarr
Dargus Kandran
Maeren Shivral
Merrick Braston
Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 3, 4ABY

***

For the duration of the trip, Kaysa couldn't keep herself from chewing nervously at her fingernails. In the clean, sterile surroundings of the hovercar kindly provided by Dargus Kandran, she realized how truly awful she smelled. It wasn't just the sweat, but the rest of the festering odours from the prison that had seeped into her coverall and stuck there like the slop they were fed that just sat in your stomach for days. He had offered to drop her off at the apartment to change into some decent clothing, but she refused adamantly. She'd waited weeks to see her Shiv again, and no amount of putrid smells were going to deter her from wrapping her arms around her girl.

As the hovercar came to a stop, the men Dargus had sent to escort her opened the doors and pushed their way through. Kaysa, on the other hand, jumped out of the car and flew to the outer doors of the complex. She was held back by Dargus' men, who each placed a hand on her shoulder, and although she had the urge to knee them both in the groin, for the chance to see Shiv, she endeavoured to be on her best behaviour.

The trip up the elevator seemed to drag on for all eternity, and once the doors slid open upon the top floor, Kaysa could wait no longer. She slipped from the hold of her escorts and flew down the foyer of Dargus' penthouse apartment. There were doors everywhere, and in desperation and anticipation, Kaysa flew down the corridor in a mad sprint. "Shiv!" She cried out at the top of her lungs as she banged on every door in the foyer, hoping one of them would lead to her girl. "Shiv! Where are you?!"

"Kaysa!?" came the cry from behind one of the doors. "Oh gods, Kaysa! I'm in here! I'm in-- ow! Kaysa! Oh gods, here I am! I can't leave! Oh please! Please Kaysa!"

"Shiv!" Kaysa shrieked. "Keep talking, my love! I'll find you!" Kaysa started back down the foyer and rapped frantically on every door she came into contact with. As she cocked back her arm to administer a severe rapping to one of the doors, it slowly slid open to reveal the tall, menacing figure of the man she'd quickly grown to despise. With a low growl, Kaysa stepped back and shot him a seething gaze. "Where is she, you bastard?"

Dargus put on a pensive look and then shook his head as if he couldn't remember. "Now which room did I put her in?" He looked around, and then back into the room behind him. "Oh...will you look at that? Why there she is now." He stepped past Kaysa so she could see into the room, where Shiv knelt on the bed. She was completely naked except for a collar around her throat. Affixed to the collar was a chain that appeared to be fastened to the headboard of the bed. She was quiet now, at Dargus' command, but her eyes shone with her excitement and love. Her body shook with barely contained glee. As she saw Kaysa standing there before her, tears suddenly sprang into her eyes and cascaded down her cheeks.

Forcing back the urge to fly into Shiv's arms, Kaysa looked back at Dargus and said in a low whisper, "Take that fucking thing off her, now. She's not your slave anymore, Kandran. She's no one's slave. Free her now and you can have your share of the spaceport."

Dargus smiled, then stepped forward and removed the collar from Shiv, as he did, he kissed her throat, making sure his lips brushed the brand he'd placed there. "You were a very good slave," he said. "I am sad to be losing you now."

"Fuck you," Shiv rasped, and then flew from the bed and into Kaysa's arms. "Oh gods, Kaysa. Oh, I love you so much. I knew you'd save me. I knew I'd get to come back to you. Oh gods! Oh I love you, Kaysa! I dreamt of you every night!"

Kaysa desperately wanted to keep herself from showing Dargus any emotion he would deem weakness, but holding her girl in her arms again, and hearing her sweet, musical voice was more than she could bear. "Oh gods...Shiv!" She kissed her fervently on the lips, cheek, and throat, stopping there once her eyes glanced upon the horrifying sight before her. She looked up slowly at Shiv, then gently brushed her fingers across the monogram embedded into her neck. He'd branded her like a herd of nerfs, but he'd be punished for that, just as he would be every other horrible thing he'd done to Shiv, when her plan took flight. She smiled gently at Shiv, and once again ran her fingers lightly over the scars. "We can have that removed. I'll take care of everything, Shiv. I'll take care of you, my love. Everything's gonna be alright again. You're with me, and nothing will ever harm you again."

"Oh gods, Kaysa, it's so...oh gods you are so beautiful. I missed you so much. But we're together again. Oh gods Kaysa, I can't believe you're here. I can't believe... I want to go home. I want to curl up with you and sleep for a week and just feel your arms around me." Shiv brushed her fingers over Dargus' brand, and then smiled at Kaysa. "It's all going to be okay now."

"It is, Shiv. You don't know how hard Merrick and I searched for you...how hard Zale searched for you." Kaysa could resist no longer and pressed her lips firmly to Shiv's. She embraced her tenderly and allowed the suppressed tears to fall gently. With her lips to Shiv's ear now, she whispered for her, and only her, "Shiv...my girl...you don't know how much I've missed you...how much I love you."

At Kaysa's words, Shiv's body tensed slightly, and then a slight trembling ran through her. Her embrace tightened slightly, and then she let out a stifled giggle. She pulled back to look at Kaysa with tears shining in her eyes too. Shiv's grin shone as her eyes clearly displayed her love. "I love you," she whispered again. "Oh gods, Kaysa, I love you so much." With that she flew back into the warmth of Kaysa's arms and gleefully sobbed. "I want to go home, Kaysa. I want to go home now and be with you and Merrick."

"And we will, Shiv, but...but I have some things to take care of first." She searched Shiv's glossy eyes for a moment, then kissed her tenderly. She never wanted to be without her girl again and if she had to shackle her arm to Shiv's just to keep her by her side, she would. "Now, why don't you go grab one of those nice silk sheets from the evil Dargus Kandran's bed while I have a little chat with him, then we can go, Shiv, you and I, together."

Shiv grinned up at Kaysa, her eyes filled with love. After one more kiss, she hurried over to the bed and started gathering up one of the sheets.

While she did, Dargus approached Kaysa. "Don't worry," he said, "I won't charge you for the sheets. Did you want to have our chat in the other room?"

Kaysa looked past him to Shiv and decided for her sake, it was best not to get her involved in the terms of her release. It was time to start protecting Shiv so she never had to worry about losing her again. "Let's go to the other room," she said quietly. "I don't want to ruin our happy reunion by having her see me angry."

Dargus gave Kaysa a knowing grin, and then indicated that Kaysa should go first. "Oh, I'm quite certain she'd understand," he said. "But, perhaps it is best if we have this little talk without her around." Once they were in the other room, Dargus mixed himself a drink and then took a long swallow from it. "Now, my half of the spaceport..."

"You'll get your half, Dargus." Kaysa sauntered slowly into the room and played with the zipper of her coverall idly. "I'm certain you've already spoken to the executor of Rennor's will on behalf of his fiancée...me. All assets have been reverted to me, by now. I'll draw up the contract later in the day and send it to you in the morning. Is that soon enough for you?"

Dargus nodded. "That will be fine," he said. "I'll make sure you have my comlink frequency here in New Plouton. I will endeavour to make this partnership as amicable as possible, but I must caution you to stay out of my way."

Kaysa shot him a seething glare and laughed dryly. "Don't threaten me, Kandran. You've intruded upon my life, framed me for a murder I never committed, abducted my lover, and now you're dealing out threats?" She stopped before Dargus' desk and calmly flattened her hands atop it. "Listen to me, Kandran," she said in a quiet, steady voice. "I'm not the kind of woman you want to fuck with. I'm one ruthless bitch and I've concocted crimes far more vile, and even more brilliant than your feeble mind could ever conjure. My only mistake in this, was I sort of developed a heart and conscience. If I hadn't fallen in love, the spaceport would be mine entirely and you'd be on my doorstep begging to own even a scrap of it."

With an airy sigh, Kaysa stood tall again and smiled slyly at Dargus. "Now, you may think that I've gone weak - as my associate has most likely stated to you - but the bitch still lives inside me and when she's roused, she's trouble. If you don't want trouble, Kandran, don't rouse the bitch and certainly don't fuck with Kaysa Zenarr. I know how low your opinion is of the female sex, but I'm no ordinary female and believe me, you don't want firsthand knowledge of that. It's a painful lesson and although you may have survived that firey explosion, you wouldn't survive a round with me. Stay away from me, Kandran, and stay away from Shiv. Are you understanding this? Please, for your sake, tell me you are."

"As long as you give me no reason to come after you, then I will stay away. And, I strongly recommend that you stay away from me as well. I may have nearly died, but I am stronger than I ever was before. I have plans for this planet, which is why I'm not just taking what I want. You scorch your enemy's earth, not your own. However, keeping this planet intact is merely because I like it here." He leaned closer to her. "Don't make this place unpleasant for me." He stood back, set his glass on the bar and then moved toward the door. "You have your girl back, tomorrow I'll have my half of the spaceport. Now, I'm certain Maeren would like to be as far from me as possible..."

Hiding her mischievous smile, Kaysa turned for the door and stalked towards it. "Hope you had fun with her, Kandran, because that's the last time you'll get anywhere near her." She stopped in the doorway and glanced sideways at Dargus. He felt daring enough to threaten her now, but he would soon find out Kaysa Zenarr wasn't merely a businesswoman or worthy competitor. Behind the silky smile, she was anyone's nightmare manifested. With a gentle sigh, she ran her finger along Dargus' arm. "It's been a pleasure, Dargus. It's always nice to be defeated by a worthy opponent." She leaned in closer to his black clad body and brushed her lips lightly against his. "I hope to play again soon," she whispered silkily.

Dargus closed what little distance remained between them in an instant and pulled her into a tight embrace. His lips pressed to hers and kissed her passionately. His appetite was insatiable, though he knew just by looking at her that she could come very close to quenching it. He didn't figure she'd ever give him the chance, but he'd take as much as she'd let him.

Kissing Dargus, Kaysa's hunger to destroy him was fed even more. He thought himself suave and clever, but she would show him that he wasn't crafty enough to outcompete Kaysa Zenarr. Gently laughing, Kaysa pulled away from Dargus then sighed deeply. "Oh, it's too bad I despise you, Kandran. We could have had so much fun together."

Dargus smiled at her as he let his eyes feast on her body. "Well, I never let my feelings for a person get in the way of some good, primal sex," he said. "Why don't you and I slip into one of the other rooms? I'm sure Maeren will wait quite obediantly for you."

"Sorry, Dargus. I never conclude business matters with sex. It creates so many complications." Kaysa shot Dargus a lopsided grin and turned on her heel as she started into the foyer. "Don't worry, Shiv and I can find our own way out. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, Dargus," Kaysa said as she looked back at him, "but screw you."

Dargus gave her a charming smile. "That was the idea," he said. "Are you sure I can't convince you? How about a bet? If I make you scream, you give me one million credits. If I don't make you scream, then I give you one million credits."

"Sorry, Dargie. I'd rather take the ten million one of the other local crimelords offerred me, and all I had to do was lift my skirt." She stepped into the doorway of the bedroom to retrieve Shiv, but stopped for a moment and grinned at Dargus. "It's a shame, though. I've been told I have a beautiful scream. If you don't believe me, I'm sure Zale Tregat will be happy to verify that for you." With only a wink and throaty laugh, Kaysa disappeared from sight and into the bedroom, giving Dargus time to deal with her rejection.

When she appeared in the doorway, Shiv bounded off the bed with her sheet fluttering behind her. She pulled Kaysa into the sheet with her, and kissed her fiercely. "If it weren't for the fact that this place belongs to Dargus, I'd close the door and make love to you right here. I want to go home, Kaysa. I want to get away from him, and just be with you. Oh gods, Kaysa, you love me. You really love me now!" Tears formed in her eyes again as she gazed up at Kaysa happily. "I never thought it would happen, but now that it did it feels better than I ever thought it could."

Kaysa pressed her cheek to Shiv's and almost came to tears as she ran her fingers lightly over her girl's silky flesh. "Oh gods...I've missed you, Shiv. I wanted to tell you, before you left, how much I loved you, but I was a damn coward. I've wanted to tell you for some time, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. But you know now, and I want you to always know that I love you. You bring light to my life, Shiv and when you left, I almost crumbled. It was the hope that someday you'd come back to me that kept me alive." She brushed her lips against Shiv's cheek as she brought her eyes forward and gazed deeply into Shiv's. "Zale gave me that hope, Shiv. You don't know what lengths he's gone to to find you. He feels so horrible about what he did. There's so much I have to tell you, Shiv, but not here, not now."

"I'll have to thank him," Shiv said with a smile. "And, I'll have to let him know that things are okay now since he tried to find me." She kissed Kaysa. "Let's go home, my love. I need to catch up on snuggle time."

"We can start in the hovercab." Kaysa pulled back from Shiv and smiled warmly as she wrapped the silk sheets tightly around her. She tugged gently on them as she started backwards out of the room. "When we get home, we're gonna run a nice, warm bath and then all three of us are gonna jump in there and Merrick and I will pleasure you beyond belief."

Shiv smiled dreamily. "If it weren't for the worry and fear and loneliness and the fact that I never want to be away from you again, I'd say I should get abducted more often to get that sort of treatment," Shiv said with a grin. "But, I imagine we can even without the hardship. Me, you, and Merrick will have to do a lot more loving than we were able to get in before...everything." She kissed Kaysa. "I'm so glad to be back in your arms again."

"And you don't know how many nights I've laid awake thinking of this moment." A gentle tug pulled Shiv into the elevator with her and into her arms. "I'm gonna make Dargus pay for this, Shiv, I promise," she whispered. "He won't get away with it and when I get Zale out of-- When I get Zale, Dargus is gonna wish he hadn't screwed with us."

Shiv smiled and kissed Kaysa. "I want to help," she said in a fierce whisper. "He never hurt me, just the brand and the tattoo. But he gave me to Vrax sometimes...and I want to make him pay..."

Kaysa felt her body wilt and her heart lurch at Shiv's admission. She'd known from Zale's reports that Vrax was involved and most likely taking advantage of the opportunity to take out his hatred for Shiv directly on the girl. Kaysa had sent Shiv away to protect her from just that, and despite her efforts, Vrax had gotten to her still. "Oh, my girl," Kaysa said in a choked whisper. "I'm...I'm so sorry. He'll be the first to suffer, I promise. For you, my love, we'll find him and he will pay. He'll never hurt you again. Never again." She pulled Shiv into a tender embrace and kissed her head gently. "Together, we'll make them all pay, and together, we'll be stronger than ever."

"Knowing I'd get to come back to you someday, to have you hold me, and...and tell me you loved me... I don't think I would have survived without that. That and the drug Dargus used on me to make me...compliant. But it's over now. It's over and they're going to pay. I want Vrax to die very slowly."

"Don't...don't think about that now, Shiv. Just be happy, for now. He'll be taken care of and you won't even have to bloody your hands." Kaysa held Shiv close and brushed her lips against Shiv's. "For now, just think about how excited Merrick's gonna be to see you."

Shiv giggled and kissed Kaysa. "So excited to have both of us with him again," she said. "Maybe it's just because I've been gone, but I think you got more beautiful while I was away. And, it could be just because I'm back now, but you seem happier and more content. Like you found something."

"Well, I have, Shiv," she said softly. She ran her hand along Shiv's cheek and smiled. "I found you again. What else could make me this happy?"

"Getting me into bed and making wild passionate love together," Shiv said dreamily, "and then just holding each other. I missed hearing your voice, and smelling you. When you spend time with Dargus, you notice things. You smell wonderful, and he stinks like he plays with banthas."

The lift finally reached the bottom floor of the building and deposited Kaysa and Shiv into the lobby. Still in Kaysa's arms, they moved out to the edge of the street to wait for a hovercab. Shiv pulled the sheet covering her body tighter as a gentle breeze blew up the street. "Would you believe it'll be nice to actually wear clothes again?"

Kaysa feigned a surprised look for Shiv, then gave a short laugh. "I hope you don't insist upon wearing any to bed. It would make what I've got planned for you a little difficult to carry out." Kaysa smoothed her hands over Shiv's hips to give her a small sample of the delights she was going to bestow upon Shiv, when a cab slowed to a halt in front of them. Kaysa moved to open the door for Shiv, and picked up the train of her sheet so it wouldn't drag. Once they were both seated, she asked the driver to take them to their new apartment in Yelldon. As the driver began heading down the street, Kaysa quickly stopped him, then looked to Shiv with a mischievous smile. "You know, I think I'd rather surprise Merrick, how 'bout you? He's not at the apartment and we never have done it in his dressing room..."

Shiv grinned. "I've always wanted to have sex in a big star's dressing room," she said, and then giggled. "I want to do that. Let's go there and surprise him. I want to see the look on his face when we..." She looked at the driver and then giggled again. "When we surprise him."

Kaysa nodded quickly as she tapped on the driver's arm. "White Noise, please. And fast before we're unable to control ourselves back here." With a shake of his head and a grumble, the driver turned around and set out in the opposite direction. "Too bad neither of us are wearing panties...we could have thrown him some as a surprise."

Shiv giggled and kissed Kaysa. "We could throw my sheet at him. I bet he'd like that. And, it'd definitely let him know why we're there. Not that he'd ever not get that. And, even if he didn't get it, I think he'd understand once we pinned him to the ground and ripped his clothes off." She slipped into Kaysa's embrace and sighed softly. She felt her tears starting again as once again the pure joy of being back with Kaysa hit her. No more nightmares, no more Dargus. Just Kaysa and Merrick. "I want to stay in bed with you all day tomorrow."

"Then tonight, while you're asleep with Merrick, I'll take care of some business I must see to. This way, you'll have me all to yourself tomorrow." She pressed her lips to the top of Shiv's head and soothingly rubbed her back. It was almost as if Shiv had never gone away, but in that short time she had been missing, Kaysa realized how much she truly appreciated the girl, and that never again would she take advantage of her for anything. "I saw that picture you made of me in your studio. Promise me you'll finish it, Shiv. I want to sit for you while you draw me."

Shiv looked up into Kaysa's eyes and felt a burst of giddy laughter rising in her. "Oh I'd love to, Kaysa! I want to so much. I know just the perfect place to do it too. And, I want to do one of you and Merrick too." She grinned again. "And, Zale. I should do one of Zale too!"

Kaysa tried to conceal her grave smile by looking towards the window, but even in the reflection she could see the sadness looming there. "He'd really love that, Shiv. He'll be so happy to know you've forgiven him. You don't know how hard he's fought to get you back. He cares for you, even though sometimes he has a strange way of expressing that affection." She turned back to Shiv and kissed her lightly upon the forehead. "For now, though, your time is with Merrick and I. We can bother Zale some other time, alright?"

Shiv smiled and settled back into Kaysa's embrace. "Just you and Merrick," she said. "You're the most important ones in my life, so you have to come first. But, Zale's important too. You're not still mad at him, are you?" It wasn't so much a question, but a statement.

Kaysa laughed and shook her head. "No. Zale and I kinda...worked things out." A small grin curled Kaysa's lips as she thought back to how many times they made up in prison. She didn't quite feel reconciled yet, and knew she'd have to spend more time attempting to do so once Zale was freed.

As the White Noise came into view, Kaysa straightened up in her seat and shook Shiv excitedly. "Look! Are you sure you don't mind walking through there with only a sheet on?"

Shiv giggled. "This is me, Kaysa," she said, and then kissed her love firmly on the lips. "I'll be fine, just as long as no one steps on my feet."

"I'll trample them with mine if they do." When the hovercab halted before the doors of the White Noise, Kaysa quickly pushed the door open and flew out. "If you speak to a guy named Chrik," she said hastily to the driver, "he'll pay for the cab. Come on, Shiv!" In all her excitement, Kaysa nearly tugged Shiv's sheet off, but managed to pull her out of the cab still fully wrapped. With shared giggles, they hurried up the stairs of the club and burst through the doors. "Should we knock on his door or just break it down?"

Shiv looked at Kaysa and considered for a moment. "Break it down," she said. "I don't think he needs a chance to react before we pounce on him. I think he'll like this much better. I'll tackle him and start kissing him, and you work at getting his clothes off."

"Great!" Kaysa and Shiv rushed past Chrik, whose raspy voice was about to raise a protest. "Go pay the cabby," she hollered to him as they moved to the backstage door. Stifling a laugh, Kaysa placed her forefinger to her lips. This would be a surprise Merrick would never forget and there was no way they were going to ruin it. They skulked towards his dressing room door and Kaysa mouthed a silent countdown. Before she could complete it, she smiled at Shiv and pulled free the sheet covering her, then resumed her count. With her hand firmly on the handle of the door, she finished her count, pushed the lever, and kicked the door open.

With a squeal, Shiv burst into the room. Merrick, who had been sitting, had just started up when he saw Shiv. His eyes widened with surprise, and then sheer joy. Before he could stand fully, though, Shiv tackled him back down, pinning him to the floor. She covered his face in kisses while trying to get her hands under his shirt. They were both making a mixture of noises, giggles, laughs and sounds of pure happiness. Shiv's tears spilled from her cheeks onto his, and his were sliding down and into his hair and then the carpet. "I love you," both managed to gasp at the same time.

Kaysa stood back, just watching and imprinting the moment into her memory. If ever they ran into hardships again, she wanted to be able to return to that moment and tap into the pure happiness stored there. She felt almost guilty intruding upon the scene, but that wasn't the only thing restraining her; the pain was holding her back as well, the pain of knowing that now that Shiv had returned, she and Merrick could finally be together again, when before they could not. She'd accepted that their happiness wasn't fulfilling enough without their girl, but she still couldn't ignore the anguish it caused her. "I brought her back to you, Merrick. She's never going away again," she said quietly from the doorway.

Shiv slid to the side and Merrick looked up at Kaysa with a smile on his face and love in his eyes. "Close the door, Kaysa," he said. "And, get over here to help me welcome our girl home."

Kaysa laughed softly and shut the door behind her, making certain to lock it. The last thing they needed was one of Merrick's groupies sneaking in and spoiling their reunion. As she walked towards her two loves, Kaysa unzipped her prison issued coveralls and divested herself of them. She was free of Throntas, and with Shiv safe in her arms, and Merrick's, she truly felt liberated. Once she had Zale back as well, everything would completely fall into place again.

She dropped to her knees next to Merrick and Shiv, still just watching them with fascination. She found herself falling deeper in love with both of them, and was content merely observing for now. There was still so much she had left to do, but now was for Shiv and Merrick. Tomorrow would be for Zale, even though she was anxious to see his face again then and there. Despite the complications her relationship with him would cause, she knew it was worth it just to be with him...to be with them all. With a smile, Kaysa leaned over and brushed her lips against Merrick's ear. "Now, my love, you can sing again."

"Not quite yet," Merrick said, and slipped an arm around Kaysa and then pulled her to him. He kissed her passionately as Shiv moved to kiss his neck and throat. As Shiv pressed herself to him, he let his free hand caress Kaysa's body.

All Kaysa could do was weep quietly and kiss Merrick desperately. Zale had satisfied her in prison, but she still missed Merrick's touch. "Neither of us are ever leaving you again, Merrick," she said in a whisper thick with emotion. "No matter how much I suffered in that pit, I suffered ten times more wondering when I'd be able to touch you again."

Merrick glanced at Shiv with a question in his eyes, to which she nodded. She quickly moved to help Merrick get rid of his clothing, keeping her lips on his...though she couldn't help letting them stray to Kaysa's body. Once she had his clothing flung away, she looked at him and grinned. He pulled Kaysa to him again and kissed her. He could feel Shiv moving between both of them, using her mouth to get them both ready...though he knew with both of them there he needed no extra encouragement. With Shiv's help, he moved himself to Kaysa's entrance and slowly entered her.

The rush of ecstasy hit Kaysa first, then came an upsurge of relief that manifested itself as a single tear spilling down her cheek. It could wash clean everything, all the blood, the bruises, and most of all, the insatiable longing for Merrick that was now being fulfilled. Despite focusing entirely on Merrick, Kaysa couldn't help but let her attention stray to Shiv. She smiled down gently at her girl as she stroked her hair tenderly. She moaned quietly into Merrick's ear and cradled his face in her other hand. "I've missed you, Merrick, and I don't just mean while I was in prison. I've been missing you for so long. Don't leave me again...and I promise I won't leave you again."

"Never," Merrick whispered. "Never like that again. The three of us, always." The feeling of their bodies joined was bliss. It felt like it'd been forever rather than a few weeks, but as the three of them shared their love, Merrick couldn't describe the feeling. It was like flying, like standing on the stage in front of a packed crowd while they chanted his name, like being with the woman he loved more than anything and would do anything in life for...except there were two.

As his thrusts lengthened, his heart leapt to hear Kaysa's moans and gasps of pleasure. He kissed her slowly and then smiled. "I want you to scream for us," he said. "I love you so much, Kaysa. Scream and I don't care who hears...I want everyone to know that Merrick Braston is back with his girls and everything's going to be great from now on!"

Kaysa smiled and no longer fought back the moans or cries. It was the second time that day she'd been asked to scream, but for Merrick, even asking once was unnecessary. The ecstasy had reached its climax, and instead of trying to detain it, she welcomed it. "I love you," she cried out. "Gods...I love both of you!" She flung her arms tightly around Merrick as her back arched off the floor, and she let her voice soar. She screamed as loud as her voice would allow, and sang, sang of the culmination of all their struggles, the obstacles they'd overcome to be together, and above all else, she sang their love for all to hear.

And, in the song, Merrick reached his climax, which only served to heighten the screams to another level. Finally, as he and Kaysa fought to catch their breath, their bodies relaxed slightly. Shiv was still there though, for both of them, sharing kisses and gentle touches as Merrick and Kaysa clung to each other. She slid her body up along theirs and kissed first Kaysa and then Merrick. "You two are beautiful," she said with a smile.

Kaysa wrapped one arm around Shiv and pulled her closer. "You're beautiful too, my love." She kissed Shiv gently upon the lips, then looked to Merrick. "I got offered a lot of money for that scream today. I hope you liked it because it's yours for free. Always."

Merrick smiled and then kissed Kaysa. "I love your scream," he said. "And, once I've got a little strength back, I'm going to make you scream too, you little nymph!" He pulled Shiv over onto himself and Kaysa and kissed her. He looked at Kaysa with a grin, then in a conspiratorial whisper, said, "Do you think we can get her to scream so loud we'll have security banging on the door outside to make sure everything is okay in here?"

Grinning back at Merrick, Kaysa slid her hand along Shiv's leg, then deftly slipped it between her thighs. "Oh, I think we can manage that," she said slyly.

Shiv's head rolled back and she let out a loud moan that quickly turned into a pleasure-filled cry. As Merrick brought his mouth to her breasts, he stopped and looked at her hip and his features darkened slightly. He put it out of his mind, but when he went to return his lips to her breasts again, he spotted the scar on her throat and closed his eyes tight. What had they done to his girl, their girl? He looked up at Kaysa and asked the silent question. They would have to make Shiv forget her ordeal. Talking about what happened would have to come much later...

Kaysa had avoided his inquiring gaze, because the moment was too precious to ruin by asking questions now, and also because Kaysa too was doing her best to put the traumatic event out of her mind. She knew she wasn't through with Dargus Kandran yet, and in the battles ahead, the chances to share in moments like the one they were immersing themselves in now would diminish. Now, she only wanted to love Shiv and Merrick, and not think about what was to come.

Kaysa brushed her hand against Merrick's cheek to ease his concerns, but never let her touch stray from Shiv. She covered Shiv's mouth with her own and muffled a moan that had been rising from her throat. She laughed softly, then ran her tongue along Shiv's trembling lips. "Is it all going away?" she whispered to Shiv. "Are all the bad memories going away, Shiv?"

"What bad memories," Shiv said with a moan, and then grinned. "Oh gods, I can't believe this is real. I love you two so much. I never want this to end. I want us to be like this for always." She moaned again and felt a shudder ripple through her body. "Oh, it's like magic."

Merrick put the whole of his attention to Shiv; and when her hand strayed to his crotch, he knew what she wanted. With her coaxing, he was soon ready to go again with her. He kissed Kaysa as he moved to enter their girl. Slowly he entered her, and the movement brought out a cry from Shiv that brought a smile to both his and Kaysa's face. Their girl was home.

---

"A Gift"
By: Ithea Tass - Nightwitch
Admiral Tarkin

Location: Imperial Palace, Arcadia, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 3, 4ABY

***

Ithea arrived at the palace with Kalaira in chains. She arrived in a privately rented vehicle. She had hooded the woman so that she could not speak to her nor could anyone recognize her. She spoke curtly to the guard at the gate.

"Tell the Admiral that Ithea Tass has brought his requested prisoner," she ordered curtly.

The guard nodded and escorted Ithea to a new room where she was to wait for the Admiral. Just before the Admiral arrived, two tall Red Guards entered the room and nodded to Ithea.

As Admiral Tarkin entered the room he smiled greedily at Ithea. "Ahh, I see you have fulfilled that which I have asked of you. Very well, very well indeed..." He then ordered a guard to take Kalaira away, although he did not say where. The Red Guard did just so.

Tarkin turned to Ithea. "I must ask you how many people know of the Princess' existence and where she was caught..."

Ithea had been prepared for this question. She handed him a padd with the map marked where they had found the temple. "Many of her men are dead, but all that are left know of her existence." She did not mention Gars. "As for Zale and his associate Kaysa, they were arrested and I have not seen them since so I am afraid I cannot continue my tasks there. I have completed my blood debt to you. I thank you for your assistance and no longer need your help returning home. I have found another way. I wish you well in your pursuit of power." She bowed respectfully.

Tarkin had to grin. The woman thought she was far more intelligent than him, and to underestimate a friend was almost as deadly to underestimate an enemy. Still, Ithea had done well and Tarkin had gotten what he wanted, or part of it at least. But he was not about to let it all end as easily.

"Zale and Kaysa are under Imperial Forces' arrest," he told Ithea. "I may do with them as I will... Do not concern yourself there. And I do owe you a safe journey home, but if you do not want it then very well. You may go on your own and I hope your actions do not interfere with mine. Have a safe journey home Ithea. I hope you find your world as safe as it was left..." he said in the end as she bowed to him, a slight tone on his voice that indicated that not everything would be as expected in Ithea's home world.

Ithea paused. "What do you mean by that?" Her eyes narrowed as she watched him. She knew he was capable of knowing things beyond her reach but she had not had any premonitions of home.

"Politics..." Tarkin sighed. "I am sure you very well understand that your people have characteristics that interest others as well. Others like Emperor Palpatine or even Rebels for that matter... I would assure you that as our ally you could rule over your people as you will and grant the Galactic Empire with a small favour or two once in a while rather than dwell along with the Rebels who do nothing but ask without giving back! But since you no longer seem to have interest in sustaining our agreement I can no longer advise the Emperor not to send his forces to take over, for no Imperial representative would be there..."

Ithea took a step back and her face paled. While she was sure that her people could hold their own properly prepared, they would not stand a chance if not warned. "Perhaps I have been too hasty in my desire to meet my own ends. I had not considered the bigger picture." She was now backtracking quickly.

Tarkin could almost feel that Ithea had feared his last words. Perhaps he could convert her. He was sure she could be a powerful ally, but he also knew that in spite of her words she did not trust him, more than he did her.

Tarkin took a step forward. "I do not believe you have considered all the options. I am aware that it was I who sent you out there, in a certain way of speaking, and do not get me wrong, but you are still somewhat naive as to certain personas, and therefore a target to their corruptions."

He looked out the window. "No matter what the people say, they need a powerful one with an iron hand to rule over them. Even in your homeworld it is so... I am sure you, of all, understand this. Do not think for one second that any of the crimelords would be capable of doing so! You wanted to meet your own ends. Be sure that the Empire is capable of granting you that and much more..."

Ithea sighed. "I will need to think on these things. I had not considered beyond going home," she admitted. "I need to pay the man who helped me capture her. I will return and give you my answer."

"Very well..." the Admiral replied. "I am sure you will make the right choice. Come see me afterwards then. I shall be expecting your answer Ithea Tass. Perhaps then we can discuss further on your position as ruler of your homeworld," he told her with a nod, omitting the fact that already was he mobilizing forces to her homeworld to prevent a counter measure against the Galactic Empire.

Ithea nodded and withdrew. She had to talk to Gars and she had to think hard about her future choices. She didn't think aligning with this Emporer was wise but she did not like the idea of someone other than herself being the future ruler of the nightsisters.

---

"Setting a Trap"
by Dargus Kandran
Elisia Melouet

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 3, 4ABY

***

When Dargus returned to the apartment he was sharing with Elisia, it was with a large smile on his face. He may have had to let Maeren go, but what he gained in letting her go was worth a thousand slave girls.

They had been on the planet now for several days, watching and waiting. Earlier in the morning, he had finally received word from one of his spies that they had managed to locate the apartment Liam Zaneth had rented. And, then he had conducted the deal with Kaysa Zenarr. And, all he had to do was give up his favourite slave. He smiled with the thought that favourite slaves were so easy to come by, and Quiana was quickly becoming a new favourite.

"It is done," he said as Elisia looked up from where she studied the small object he had given her earlier in the day. He wondered just how long it would take her to unlock the secret of opening the holocron. He remembered the pleased look on his Master's face when it had only taken him a matter of hours before he had found the correct combination to open the device. Oh and the wonders it had contained. "The girl has been reunited with Zenarr, and in the morning I will own half of the spaceport. And, now with that business out of the way, we can cease plotting and seek revenge against Kace and Yelara. Your sister shall be avenged."

Elisia looked up from the device she was studying. "I am glad you have your port. It is a good beginning. As for Kace and Yelara, you keep saying we will get revenge, but you have never said what kind of revenge you have in mind. I have an idea," Elisia said with a soft grin.

With a feral grin, Dargus moved to sit next to Elisia. "A plan," he said. "What is your idea?"

"Well, I have been studying the information of Yelara and Kace. Yelara took something I loved. Kace took something from you." She didn't know if he had loved Yelara. "Let's take something that they love. Let them know how it feels before we tighten the grip on them. Yelara should be having her baby soon."

Dargus thought for a moment. "According to the holo-images, she appears to be roughly seven months along. So, the birth should happen within the next couple months." He smiled. "Take the baby? A good plan. A very good plan indeed. Though, I want Yelara too. I want her to watch as I'm the one to raise her child. And, the timing is such that it very well could be mine. We will have to watch them more closely."

"I can see why you want her too. But, I wouldn't take her at first. Let her blame Kace for the loss of her child," Elisia said thinking as a mother might feel.

Dargus nodded and then slowly shifted his gaze to meet Elisia's. "How do you think Kylas would feel if I were to deny him the child you're carrying now?"

Elisia's face paled dramatically. "I think he already thinks that is exactly what you are doing and he will want to kill you if he finds you." Her answer was honest, but it also reflected how Kace would feel. "You have taken that which he holds most dear."

"He's on this planet now, you know," Dargus said with a smile. "In this city. And, yes, according to my sources he hungers for my blood. Kylas I don't fear. His anger is like mine, and I know how to use it to my advantage. I fear Kace Mordin. His anger is cold and emotionless. You can't use his raging against him, because he doesn't rage. Have you ever faced an enemy who calculated each action? Who didn't let his emotions dictate his actions? If we steal his baby, he'll come after us and he'll destroy everything in his path. We will need to be ready to face that. You can't hope his anger will make him careless, just more ruthless."

Elisa felt a small surge of hope well up but she forced it away knowing that any emotion too strong would be picked up by him. She had been masking her emotions and had no idea how he knew she was pregnant. She turned her attention back to the problem. "I know that ruthlessness. I have seen it once before. He is not perfect; he does have weaknesses," she answered. "We just have to find the best way to use them."

"Which means we cannot act out of haste," Dargus said. "We'll need to watch them, and figure the time to strike. Before we strike, we'll need our defenses in place. He's a dangerous man, and I don't want to be caught with my pants around my ankles when he comes looking for his kid."

Elisia smiled. "How about I go to him? I mean, he would never think I would align myself with you."

"That's very true," Dargus said. "Then, that is what you'll do. You'll get close to him, you'll gain his trust, and then we'll grab his child and make him pay."

Elisia nodded. "It is a wise plan. I am sure if I go to him fearful, he will rescue me. It is his way. Perhaps we can stage something for him... accidently in his path of course."

"I would love to see his face when we reveal the truth of our plan to him," Dargus said. "I would love to see that smug look of his disappear to be replaced by confusion and then the pathetic look of hurt feelings. Perhaps he will even cry for us. It should be easy enough to stage something to lure him in. It's just a matter of knowing there he'll be."

"Well, you are having him watched, right? We just wait till he is out on errands. I can be ready at a moment's notice. The only thing is, I don't have the saber he built for me. That would have been useful." Elisia shrugged. "He does not know of Kylas and I prefer to keep it that way."

"There is much he does not know," Dargus said. "And, I have people watching his apartment, but he and Yelara have...disappeared. According to their chatty neighbour, they haven't moved their belongings out of the apartment but they haven't been there for over a week. I have people throughout the city searching for them."

Elisia nodded. "I will make sure I am ready to go at a moment's notice. What scenario would be realistic enough to draw his notice without his suspicion?" Elisia kept her mind on the task at hand, not wishing any other thoughts to give him concern.

"I think needing to protect you from some danger would appeal to his heroic sensibilities," Dargus said. "Perhaps we can throw a few thugs at you, when he happens to be in the area. Will you wear a tracking or listening device?"

"I did not figure you would let me leave without a tracking device," she said. "But I suspect you already have one on me since you found me on a remote planet."

"Very well then," Dargus said with a smile. "Perhaps we can scout out a good location for this little altercation to happen. It will need to be someplace Liam would go. Near a hospital would be the likeliest choice."

"Either that or some place he regularly goes to for supplies," she offered. She knew she had not been much use to him yet. She wondered why he even thought he needed her. Even when they had sparred, she had been forced to work hard to keep up with him.

"One of the food markets in the outer district," Dargus said. "Let us go scout out the area, and see what sort of trap we can set for him. I'll have some of my men set up closer surveillance in that area, and we can arrange for lodging nearby."

Elisia nodded. "I will go pack a few things." She stood up to leave and stopped and looked at him strangely. "How did you know I was pregnant?" she asked. Curiousity was her weakness.

Dargus smiled. "You told Maeren," he said. "But, don't worry, the girl didn't betray your secret and I wish I had had the opportunity to punish her for keeping secrets like that from me. However, the listening device in your room had no such qualms about revealing your deep, dark secrets."

Elisia frowned. She should have expected that. "Nice to know you trust me," she quipped and flounced from the room.

Dargus' laughter followed her, but he stayed where he was.

***

Elisia could not remember all that she had said to Maeren. She paced in her room. Now was the time to decide her course. If Kace saved her, would she tell him what was coming or would she make Yelara and him pay for their betrayal? Her heart longed for one and her reasoning the other.

---

"One Step Backwards"
By: Alisson Blair - Jedi Knight
Kal'Aran - Jedi Master
and Aurra Sgall - Jedi Padawan

Location: New Plouton
Date: Niothe 3, 4 ABY

***

Alisson had come back from the basecamp where she had found the High Princess, which took her just under a couple of days, since she had gone to get some extra supplies first offworld to avoid attention from the well spread Imperial spies.

When she returned she decided to make a stop at home and see whether Kal'Aran was okay and to tell him of the very good news about Princess Kalaira. As she got there she saw that her Master had someone else with him. A young blue-skinned Twi'lek girl. And she was dressed in Jedi vests, which made her an apprentice, as she was yet too young to be a Jedi Knight.

"Master." She nodded with a bright smile. "I did not know we had a guest..." she added in surprise. "I am Alisson Blair," she told the young girl.

"Master Kal'Aran's former apprentice..." Aurra smiled. "I am Aurra Sgall, Jedi Padawan. I have heard about you from Master Kal'Aran."

Kal'Aran got up and took Alisson's hands. "We need to speak..." He nodded with a gentle smile. "Aurra, you stay here for a while," he told his new-found padawan. He went with Alisson to another division. "I found the girl on another system. She was padawan to an old friend of mine, who was murdered. I took her into my own apprenticeship."

"Is that wise, Master? Only recently have you let me go on my own. After yet so little time... And yet I must agree that letting her be would be dooming the girl. Plus, I cannot think of anyone better to become her Master," Alisson said.

"Would you have taken her as your padawan?" Kal'Aran questioned.

"I do not know..." Alisson admitted. "At this point I am not sure I feel ready to pass on my own knowledge to another. And my life is currently too complicated to take on a Padawn."

"You have found the High Princess..." Kal'Aran smiled.

"Yes, but she must remain hidden. Only few know of her being there. I came to get supplies and check on things here, but it seems you have kept yourself busy while I was away..." Alisson nodded.

"Indeed... The girl is young, but she shows very good potential and is quite calm. She reminds me much of yourself when you were younger!" he said. "A terrible thing, what happened to her. She witnessed the murders..."

"Who did so? Who would take on Jedi? Bounty hunters or Imperials?!" Alisson asked, knowing her Master would know the answer.

"Worse... A Jedi Huntress named Daemor'rah. And she may be here on Chimaeria, or at least I have ran into her before. She has vowed to kill all Jedi. Beware of her Alisson. She is neither Sith nor Jedi. But she is most lethal," Kal'Aran warned.

Alisson patted his shoulder and went back into the living room where Aurra Sgall was. "I am sorry but I cannot stay here any longer. But I will return and we shall get better acquainted then..." she told the young girl.

"I shall then look forward to that..." The girl smiled. And with that, Alisson left back to the campsite where the High Princess was.

As soon as she set down on the camp, she knew things were wrong. Someone had been over, someone who had come with vile intentions. There were no vestiges of Stormtroopers or Imperial forces, but whoever had come had taken the Princess.

Many guards were dead. Alisson found one yet half alive, moaning. She bent down on him. The man coughed up blood and stared at her.

"The Princess... They took her... Palace... The woman was unstoppable... Didn't stand a chance..." he said in his last breath. Alisson didn't learn much but from his few last words she knew enough. She was again one step behind. But at least she knew that High Princess Kalaira had been taken to the palace, probably before Admiral Tarkin by a woman.

She decided then not to lose any more time and go after the Princess. She knew the palace well, as well as its secrets and ways of getting in and out. Somehow she knew the Princess was still alive, and so she had decided to go there and get her back.

---

"Opposing Sides"
by Admiral Tarkin - Imperial Sector General
and Kalaira - High Princess

Location: Former Royal Palace, current Imperial Outpost, Arcadia
Date: Niothe 3, 4 ABY

***

Kalaira had known this day would come, that she would be found and then executed. A strange calm had suffused as she sat, still bound where the Admiral's guard had taken her.

Admiral Tarkin walked into the room where the High Princess had been taken to. The Red Guard was also there, watching the young woman. The Admiral walked up to Kalaira and grinned wickedly. He had her under his capture and he could now complete the overtaking of the power over Chimaeria. She was the last standing monarch and her death would mean the end of the Royal Family.

But Tarkin had other plans. There were yet some others who had escaped from the palace. Supporters of the royal family, and therefore his enemies. Some had even been found later on and killed, but others were at large and could mean a menace as they would surely grant their means to the Rebels.

Tarkin took the blindfold off Kalaira. "How long did you really think you could hide High Princess?" he asked. "Your ruling period is long gone, and I assure you that any attempt to overcome the Empire will be at a loss..."

"Some losses are victories in disguise," she said with a soft smile. "Nice to see you, Admiral. I see you have made yourself at home." She didn't feel as calm as she endeavored to sound, but she was strangely not as frightened as she had expected to be.

"At home? This is an Imperial Outpost, not home..." Tarkin corrected. "It used to be your home, but that is no more, and soon neither will you be! Now, the only reason why I requested you alive and not dead happens for two reasons. First I shall enjoy watching you die as I did your husband, and second, you shall experience a few last moments telling me what I want to know. We can do this latter one via two ways. Either by your own choice or by my own means of persuasion..." he said, knowing that mentioning the High Prince's death would make the difference and that his own means would be applied no matter what.

"I doubt I have any information you don't already know," Kalaira said, paling at the mention of Airan's death. She had come to love him very much and still deeply felt his loss.

"We shall see about that..." Tarkin replied wickedly. Having the Princess would reveal many things that were able to give him more than what he already had. But for that she would have to say what she knew.

Under Tarkin's gesture of command, a mind probe droid came into the room, its syringe and scopes with lasers for either pain or body probing ready. "Now, Princess, we will discuss two things... Your alliance to the Rebels and the secrets of this very same palace which hold the basis of Chimaerian technologies."

Kalira eyed the devices nervously. "You are going to be very disappointed, for I really don't know much about either of those things." She was praying that either something would interrupt him or he would believe her. She had taken mind disciplines at her father and later Airan's insistence, but she had never tested them and wasn't inclined to do so. There was one thing she was determined that this man would not find out about. She forced her mind to begin focusing on everything she knew from her time as Ambassador's aide between Corellia and the Empire. Her goal: to lose herself completely in the past.

Tarkin did not believe for one instant what the High Princess was saying. He knew that she had knowledge about the things he wished to know, even if she said she didn't. "We shall see what you know..." he said.

But just before the probe droid was applied a guard came in. "Sir, we have a coded communication for you from Emperor Palpatine."

Tarkin frowned. He then turned and nodded to the guard, sending him off. He turned back to Kalaira. "It seems your interrogation has to be postponed for later..." he said as he ordered the Red Guard to take her away to the brigs and stay on guard on her.

As Kalaira was dragged off, she smiled at the Admiral. "Be sure to give your master my best regards." The guard jerked her forward and she almost fell. It was a reprieve but for how long or what good it would do, she did not know.

---

"Betrayal"
by Ithea Tass
Gars [NPC]
and Cmdr. Hatch Revden [NPC]

Location: Hidden Rebel Base, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 3, 4ABY

***

Ithea returned from the palace not as pleased as she had expected to be. She snapped at her slaves as she entered the apartment and told them to lose themselves for a few hours; she wanted to be alone. She had no idea where the mysterious Gars had gotten off to. She sat down on the floor and began to meditate.

"Amazing. Your temper is already flaring. Funny how you choose to embrace emotion now after everything you have gone through," a familiar voice came from behind her. "Funny how life works out."

"I have always had a temper," Ithea said calmly from the floor. Her eyes were closed and she did not look at him.

"Really, you're going to have to control that a little more often." He smiled. "I know someone who can show you so many things."

She opened her eyes. "What kind of things?" She looked around at him curiously.

"He can teach you how to use your emotions and harness your power. He can give you access to those Jedi texts I mentioned awhile ago." He smiled.

"I thought you could teach me those things. All we had to do was find the right temple. I want to go home. You know the way. You will take me," she answered rising from the floor.

"Yes, you will make your way home all in due time, but first there are some things you need to learn about the Force, some things you need to realize about yourself."

"The Force? You mean the Goddess' gift. Then teach me so we can go." Ithea was impatient to be off this world; Tarkin's words had disturbed her.

"What troubles you, child of darkness? You seem to be alive with worry this day." He looked at her gently.

"I have had troubling news from my world. I need to rectify matters," Ithea said. "Let us begin lessons now," she demanded again.

"Very well." He walked behind her. "You must close your eyes, listen closely to the world around. Reach out and picture the place you wish to be, the temple. A place of great learning," he whispered into her ear.

Ithea closed her eyes and tried to picture such a place. She had a hard time because on her planet, learning was not done in such a place. Finally she filled in an image like the ruins where she found Kalaira, only complete and beautiful in form and function.

"Good," he whispered, "feel that emotion and its beauty, and feel what it's like to be betrayed." As his sentence finished, he gently slid a needle filled with a strong sedative into her neck. In a second, the injection was starting to take affect.

Ithea's eyes flew open but before she could lash out or react, she felt her legs give way and then the world went black around her.

Gars smiled and wrapped her up to carry away. It had been so easy once she had sent her slaves away.

***

Ithea woke up in darkness. Her head hurt and she couldn't think straight. The last thing she remembered was talking to Gars. Suddenly his words about betrayal came stinging back. She had known better than to trust a man; she had been seduced by his differing powers. She cursed and tried to move but found herself bound tightly. She knew she could release the bonds but she needed her head to clear more, concentrating at the moment was difficult. Her tongue felt thick and dry and she wondered how much time had passed.

Commander Hatch Revden noted that the prisoner had started to wake. He moved from his chair and stood over her. "Don't try anything stupid," he said. "We were warned about you, and are ready for anything you might try. Before you're put away for a long time, I want you to answer a few questions. Are you going to be good? Or will I have to resort to more barbaric methods to get the information I need?"

Ithea tried to force her vision to clear. "Since I have no idea where I am or who in Velter you are, I think you can count on my temporary cooperation."

"My name is Revden, Commander Revden," the man said. "And, you are currently in one of the temporary Rebel bases here on Tae'Karada. I know you have had association with Tarkin in the past, and I want to know everything you know of him. And, when you are finished telling me about that usurping dog, I'll want to know about your most recent assignment."

Ithea cursed inwardly. "I really don't know anything about him. He found my ship after it crashed. He had me healed. He offered protection," she said evenly.

Hatch nodded. "And, your latest assignment? I want to know who your target was, who gave you the assignment, and how you accomplished your task."

Ithea laughed. "I don't really care what you want to know," she said with a growing smile. Her head was clearing and she was beginning to sense the things around her.

"Really?" Hatch took a step away while tapping a button on his belt. As he did, a shimmering field surrounded him. An instant later, a low rumbling hum filled the room. It seemed to be trying to vibrate the bones right out of Ithea's body as well as carrying with it nausea that would even have a Wookiee rolling on the floor.

Ithea had not had enough time to clear her head and redirect the sensations. Pain shot through her and she found herself almost vomiting. As the humming finally ceased, Ithea had to smile for it was an unusual technique. She would have to make sure she found out what it was so she could take it home. The room felt like it was still moving even though the humming had stopped and her stomach lurched again. She was forced to spend energy to calm her body. She was so focused on condition that she missed the first words the Commander said. "What?"

Hatch smiled. "I said tell me about your mission. I want to know who it was, who gave it to you, and how you found her."

Ithea thought for a moment. Gars probably told them what he knew so sharing that would not cause any difficulties. "Admiral Tarkin asked me to bring in a criminal for him. Her name was Kalaira. I found her by analyzing the raiding patterns of her cell and with the aid of a man who knew the area. The same man who betrayed me before I found myself here." Ithea looked up at him, anger beginning to sparkle in her eyes.

"And, where is Kalaira now? Did you turn her over to Tarkin? Or is she still hidden away?"

"I turned her over," she said quite frankly.

"Do you know what Tarkin's plans for her are? And, do you have any idea who the woman is or was?"

"I don't know Tarkin's plans for anything. I am not in his confidante. I know she was a princess of some former regime and I don't really care what else she was. I was paid a bounty and I delivered. It was a simple transaction." Ithea began to concentrate on the bounds that held her as she spoke. Her head was beginning to clear.

"She was the former High Princess before the Empire moved in here and took control. Did you know the Empire hunts your kind down and kills them? Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader, they search out those who have strength in the Force, and they kill them. I'm sure there's lots of suffering and such first, but by the end of it you're begging for death. How long before Tarkin turns you over to them? How long before your usefulness is over?"

"They only kill those that do not serve them," Ithea pointed out crossly. Her focus was more on her bonds than him. She felt them begin to give finally. "Tarkin wants something from me more valuable than a princess."

"Like being used by men, do you?" Hatch said. "You like being someone else's pawn? Their tool to reach their own goals? That's just the kind of people the Empire likes. The ones who won't think for themselves and who will follow their orders without questioning. They like the people who don't mind having themselves manipulated and then never question." Realizing her attention was elsewhere, he sighed and then pressed the button on his belt.

Ithea shrieked as the waves washed over her. She writhed, breaking the bonds that held her as she did so. When she was free she was going to kill him and shove that stupid device somewhere he would never recover it. She lost her ability to think as the pain washed over her.

"You really have no idea what you've gotten yourself into, do you? And, all you can think about doing is hurting the people who would help you if you weren't so intent on causing mischief. I imagine you still feel loyalty to Gars the Betrayer, don't you? You're like a rabid nerf, snapping at the hand that's trying to help you."

"I am not intent on causing any mischief," she gasped out trying to regain her breath. Though her hands were now free she did not make a move towards him as she was sure that he would press the button that activated it and at the moment she wasn't sure she would be able to move fast enough to prevent him. "As for Gars, I will kill him if I ever see him again," she pledged.

Hatch laughed. "I doubt you'll see him again," he said. "Now comes the difficult part. I don't want to use the tactics that the Empire uses, however you are going to prove yourself a thorn in our side. If I let you go, I'm certain you will gladly stab us in the back. You're far too ignorant to do otherwise. So, that begs the question: what do I do with you now?"

"Why am I here in the first place?" Ithea asked still trying to regain focus. "You haven't received any information you could not find out by many other means? Why was this woman so important to you?"

"Because she is the High Princess of Tae'Karada," he said. "She was the wife of the legitimate sovereign of this planet until the Empire came in here and overthrew him. They killed him and all the royal blood they could get their hands on. It was a miracle that she survived, a symbol of hope for the people of this planet. And, you gave her over to the Empire. And, that is why you are here. You have committed a treason against this planet and against everything the Rebellion fights for. For your actions, you will be put to death. And, I have made certain that all Rebel cells on this planet have heard of your treachery, and hopefully we can turn what you have done into some small victory and rally the people behind this heinous crime."

A princess...she had known. Tarkin's words came flying back to her. He planned to do the same thing to her world. He didn't just place a puppet in control of a government, he took over. She could respect that to some degree. But, she couldn't stay here. Death wasn't an option for her at the moment. She looked at him and smiled. "Well, then I will have to get her back for you."

"And what makes you think that I would trust you to do something like that? You have the loyalty of a Rodian with his suckers in a bin of credit chips." Hatch took a step closer. "You're too dangerous, Ithea."

"No one has ever given me reason to be loyal. I have no idea what you people are even fighting about. I do have a reason to be concerned about this Admiral now, however."

"How can I be certain you're not going to betray us to them? Or that as soon as you are free here, you won't try to kill one of my people? How can I be certain you're actually going to help us get the High Princess back from Tarkin?"

"How can I betray you to them? I have no idea where I am. It is not like he does not know of your presence. It is your precious princess you should be concerned about. I doubt she will withstand any questioning that Tarkin puts her through. Tarkin plans to attack my home world. You are protecting one person, I am protecting millions," she spat out in anger. Her temper was growing once again as the pain subsided. Her hands were free but she knew if she even moved suddenly, his stupid device would render her useless.

Hatch's eyes narrowed. "I am fighting to save the billions and billions of people caught under the Emperor's tyranny. Your planet is only now suffering the fate that many others have faced." He stepped closer. "That thieving bastard destroyed my entire homeworld with that doomsday weapon of his. Reduced an entire planet to nothing more than free-floating rubble." The vehemence of his response surprised him, but he continued on, albeit more calmly. "You conspired with the Empire through ignorance. With the High Princess' influence, the people of this planet might have been able to make a stand against the Empire." He sighed, and turned away in anger. "But, now they'll go back to being little more than a herd of nerfs." He turned his attention back to Ithea. "If you want to help, then give me a reason to trust you. Give me a reason to suspect that you're not going to turn on me and my people at the first opportunity."

"I am the only one you have got that can get into the palace freely," she pointed out. "If I weren't, you wouldn't have had to ask me any questions at all. We both know I have nothing to give you for assurances. Sometimes, one must just take the risk. You have nothing to lose since I do not know where I am and you could keep it that way."

Hatch stepped forward. "You'll have your chance," he said. "But, if you even think about betraying us, or turning against us, the Rebel Alliance will not rest until every molecule of your body has been erased from existence. I believe in second chances, and you'll have yours."

Ithea smiled. He was close enough. She could have taken his blasted device away from him but she decided not to. She really did not have anything against either side. They both seemed to want to use her, perhaps she could find a way to turn all of this to an advantage. "I would expect no less for betrayal. I wonder though, if you could have someone please fill me in on this war for control. I really do not have enough information, obviously."

"Very well," Hatch said with a nod. He then proceeded to go over the highlights of the galactic civil war, and the Rebellion's fight against the Empire. "Their tyrannical reign threatens all life, even those that support their ideal form of government. There is no freedom from them, and all freedoms are revoked. That is why we oppose them."

Ithea did not have any discomfort with the type of rulership he described, as long as she was the one ruling. She did have a problem with what it appeared Tarkin would do to her world. "What do you wish me to do?" she asked. "I will not hide from you that if I help your cause, it will only be to further mine. I will not hand my world over to another ruler."

"I understand that," Hatch said. "We have a considerable number within our ranks who feel similarly, at least for the furthering their own cause or seeking their own personal revenge. You can help by providing us with as much information as possible, and then accompanying a raid to free Kalaira."

Ithea nodded. It was a way out for now and she needed to find out more about what Tarkin planned for her world. "Where do we begin?"

---

"Going Back"
By: Alisson Blair - Jedi Knight
and Kalaira Ardelyr-Valreth - Former High Princess

Location: Imperial Outpost (Former Royal Palace)
Date: Niothe 3, 4 ABY

***

She made her way to the region of Arcadia. She was determined to rescue the Princess, and she hoped that she wasn't too late. Tarkin would surely want her dead but something told Alisson that he had not yet been able to accomplish this goal.

She made her way around until she could reach the palace walls unseen. She used an unknown secret passage that gave way into one of the guest chambers that was very rarely used before. She was lucky that the Imperials were not using it either.

Making her way through the corridors, she passed near a zone which had been used by the Tae'Morad guards and was now used by Imperial soldiers. She changed into some gear she found to pass unnoticed as an Imperial Guard.

The High Princess should be in the brig, so she made her way there. Alas, she felt something wrong. There was a disturbance in the Force. She cloaked herself before she was noticed. As she reached the brig there was a Red Imperial Special Guard. Alisson knew that he was trained in the dark ways of the Force but she questioned herself to what extent. She looked directly at him. "I am told that you are to be relieved," she told him.

"By whose orders?!" he questioned.

"Admiral Tarkin's," she said.

"Show me the order papers," he demanded.

Alisson knew this had gone too far. She didn't have any papers and her bluff had failed. She withdrew her double ended lightsabers and stuck him down before he could react. She then looked inside the brig where Princess Kalaira seemed troubled and confused.

Kalaira looked up, not expecting rescue. "Alisson?"

Alisson took off the white helmet revealing herself and smiled with a nod. "Sorry it took me so long, your Highness. I failed at protecting you when you were kidnapped but I will get us both out!" she said, determined. She touched the security console which opened the cell block in which the Princess was held.

Kalaira moved quickly to Alisson's side. "Do you have a weapon I can use?" Her eyes held her gratitude but she also knew they were not out of this yet.

Alisson held up a hand. "Yes, but if we're going to get out you can't be using one," she replied. She then took some binders from her belt. "And since we can't use his suit," she added pointing at the dead Red Guard, "we'll have to improvise a little. You'll be wearing the binders, although not shut, and we'll just try to walk back to where I came in. If anyone shows up you are to be transferred to cell block 219... Any questions, your highness?" she asked before they took off. There would be no margin for errors now.

Kalaira shook her head no. She was used to deception and was ready to do what needed to be done. She dare not be interrogated by Tarkin; there was too much at stake.

Alisson nodded as if trying to reassure Kalaira that all would go well, although she herself knew that it could not go as planned. In fact they would be quite lucky if they got away with it. Alisson placed the binders on Kalaira's hands but did not shut them. It seemed she was wearing them but she could open them at free will.

She then lead her out of the brig, hopping that at least she could get Kalaira out to the locker rooms to change her into a Guard suit. She was already half way, choosing to go back via some secondary corridors to avoid guardsmen, when she crossed paths with two of them.

"Where are you taking this prisoner?" one of them asked.

"To cell block 219, under Admiral Tarkin's orders," Alisson replied promptly.

"Let me see the transfer order," the Imperial trooper ordered.

Alisson waved her hand gently. "You don't need to see the transfer orders," she said gently.

"I don't need to see the transfer orders," he repeated.

"I can take the prisoner as requested."

"You can take the prisoner as requested," he said almost automatically.

Alisson nodded as if he had given her an order and took Kalaira out towards the locker room. As they got there, Alisson turned to her and took off her helmet. She sighed. "That was close back there. Quickly, change into some stormtrooper gear!"

Kalaira was hard pressed to find something small enough to wear. She finally managed to strap a uniform on tight enough that it did not wobble so, but she felt ridiculous. "I am ready. Let's go."

Alisson knew that the stormtrooper gear was much too big for Kalaira. She was just too short to pass as a regular Imperial soldier, but it would have to do, as it was surely better than going along the corridors as if transferring Kalaira to another cell block. She had had to use her powers to get here as it was.

Alisson sighed as Kalaira said she was ready and held her a blaster rifle that was in a nearby compartment and nodded. "Just in case..." she said, although she knew that she would rather take on the Imperials alone before she would let Kalaira risk her life and get shot at.

***

In the meantime, the two guards who had crossed paths with Alisson and Kalaira, passed near the brig. One of the Red Guards was coming out, dragging his dead fellowman. He turned to the Stormtroopers and raised his hand, commanding both to stop.

"Have thou seen any suspicious happenings around these parts?" he asked in a low and deep voice.

"No sir, everything is accounted for. Prisoner is being transferred to cell block 219 under direct orders by Admiral Tarkin," the Stormstrooper replied as he looked over the dead one.

"Transferred... By which order papers?" he demanded.

"We don't need to see any transfer orders. The prisoner can be transferred as requested..." the guard said, as if still under mind influence.

"FOOL!" the Red Guard boomed as he tossed the guard to the wall. He knew immediately that whoever had taken the High Princess had the ability to influence the mind of the weaker ones. An old Jedi trick. "Look for anyone who is not acting as regular guard and kill at any suspicion. Fire upon anyone who does not give a clearance code. GO!"

"Sir, yes sir!" the two Stormtroopers said as they ran out of the brig to search and get others to search too.

The Red Guard walked away to Tarkin's chambers. As he entered he nodded respectfully. "The High Princess has freed herself somehow. She is under the aid of someone with Jedi abilities, as two guards were influenced. I have called for an immediate search and death upon all who do not give clearance codes and look suspicious," he informed.

"WHAT!?!" Tarkin exploded. "That means we have someone infiltrated in the palace! I want them dead! I want them found! And I want no excuses!"

"I assure you I will find them..." the Red Guard said.

"You better, or I will have your head" Tarkin warned.

***

Alisson lead Kalaira out of the locker rooms and across the corridors towards the guest room with the secret passage. It was a good secret since almost no soul knew this passageway was there and since it wasn't a main room, chances were it would be indeed free to use as a passageway in and out of the palace.

They were almost there when a couple of guards crossed at the end of the long corridor. "Look, that one's too short to be a Stormtrooper!" he pointed out, already aiming to open fire.

Before they could get a clean shot, Alisson pulled Kalaira next to the wall to be protected by a column that was there. "I guess my plan didn't hold on for long enough!" she said.

Kalaira smiled. "Sometimes things are more than you think." She snapped a shot off and pulled off the helmet real quick. "Keep them busy for a moment." Kalaira was glad Airan had decided to share the castle's secrets with her before she had conceived and became fully the ruling High Princess. She looked around to get her bearings and smiled. She scooted back up to Alisson who was shooting around the corner. "Come, there is another passage three rooms down. It connects to the one I believe you were leading us to. It is in a linen closet so I doubt it is occupied."

Alisson was grateful that Kalaira knew her way around the palace better than she had foreseen. "I'm glad you know these things!" she said as she fought the guards from getting closer. "Three rooms down? Very well!" she said.

And with that, Alisson holstered her blaster and took her dual lightsaber, igniting its blades. Now coming into clear view she defended every shot being taken at them and sent them back hitting some of the Imperial Stormtroopers. She was offerring enough cover for them both to get down, but so that they wouldn't be noticed entering the room Alisson Force-pushed them, making the rest of them hit the walls and go knock-out.

"Let's get out of here!" she said as soon as the path was clear.

Kalaira found the lever that would open the door. It took a second, though it felt like long minutes. The door finally slid open in the side wall. The many things on the shelves were linen and therefore were not disturbed by the moving shelving. The passageway was dark, but Kalaira stepped through anyways.

Alisson stepped in, right after Kalaira. Soon enough they reached the other room indeed, which was still empty. With no time to waste Alisson moved to get to the other passageway and from there to the outside, away from the palace.

"We are almost out..." Alisson said as she entered the second secret passageway.

Kalaira would not breathe a sigh of relief till they were truly away. She wanted to find this woman who had brought her here and personally dissect her. She wondered how many of her people were left but could not yet bring herself to ask. They made their way out of the passages into a dark alley. "Where to?" she whispered.

"This way," Alisson said. "We can get out this way. I have a speeder just up ahead." And with that, they moved out towards the speeder and rode out of Arcadia before they could be caught by Imperials.

---

"Almost Happy, Part 1"
By: Dani
Nieme Yaresh-Selrid
Orn Gham [NPC]
Liam Zaneth
Yelara Zaneth
Jae Dyn Brael

Location: Thanatos, Tae'Karada; Jedi Temple, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 3, 4 ABY

***

The sunlight streaming through the window, warming her skin, was beautiful. Dani stretched and opened her eyes slowly. Her eyes found Nieme snuggled against her chest and she smiled. The bed may have been small, but they both fit together on it very well. They both fit together very well. She still couldn't imagine her good fortune at having found Nieme to begin with, but Nieme had found her.

And, now they would be together for always. Dani liked the thought of that. Always with Nieme would be perfect. The warmth of her friend's emotions were invigourating, uplifting. And, now, as they lay together, the peace that Nieme exuded was pure bliss. She couldn't imagine a life without Nieme now, a life devoid of the richness of emotion, the purity of spirit.

"I love you," she whispered softly, and gently kissed Nieme's forehead.

Nieme stirred gently and murmured something that was lost in a sigh. The moment her senses awakened, the fragrant smell of flowers filled the air and her mouth formed a serene smile. She couldn't remember when she last woke up as happy as she was now, and it was Dani who was the source of it. "Dani..." Her eyes flickered open and settled when her gaze fell upon her purple flower. "Good morning."

"Good morning to you too," Dani said with a grin, and then kissed Nieme. "Do you feel as happy as I do? I mean, I can feel you're happy, but...isn't it just wonderful? Me and you together. And, we have so many fun things to do today. Oh, and we need to get new clothes for us."

"Well, there aren't very many clothing shops around here..." Nieme yawned and snuggled closer to Dani. "We'll find something, though. We have the rest of our lives if we need it."

"The rest of our lives," Dani murmured. "I like that. I like the idea of spending the rest of my life with you, Nieme. So, should we go to the Rhack first? To see about work, and maybe get something to eat there too. And, then we can go do our other stuff. It's going to be a good day. The first day of our freedom. And, it looks like it's a beautiful day too!"

"It'll get much hotter soon. I'll have to find you a spare cloak." Nieme pushed herself onto her knees and gazed down at Dani. "We can go to the Rhack first and surprise Orn...then I'll cook us breakfast!" Nieme bounced atop the bed with giddy excitement and pulled Dani into an embrace. "This is going to be so wonderful, Dani! I love you...I love you for coming with me. Thank you."

Dani hugged Nieme back and then kissed her. "I love you for everything! And, I really want to meet Orn. He sounds like a...well, a good father figure. And, a cloak will be very good. I don't want to burn to a crisp out there." Dani grinned at her friend and then sighed happily. "I never want to be away from you again, Nieme. I want to be with you always."

"You will be. Even if we have to leave Tae'Karada to be together...we will." Nieme sat back on her haunches and looked through the slits of her barred up window. "It looks like it's nearing noon. We should get to the Rhack soon so we won't have to walk under the noonday sun. It can get really hot."

"I can feel it," Dani said with a sigh. "I think it'll be okay though." She slid out of the bed and stretched, her movements reminiscent of a reisacat. "I like your house, Nieme. It's a very nice, comfortable house. It feels like you, which is good. It's very welcoming."

"Well of course you're always welcome, Dani." Nieme giggled and bounded off the bed towards her rickety wooden clothing cabinet. She flung the cracked door open and compulsively began rifling through it. "I'll have to show you all the good hiding spots, just in case you need them; I'll also have to show you which areas of the city to stay away from. There's so much we have to do today!"

Dani moved over behind Nieme and slipped her arms around her friend's waist. She draped herself along Nieme's back, and slowly kissed her neck. "We do have forever," she whispered softly. "I wonder if there are other ways for us to learn to use our Jedi powers without being in the Temple. It'd be really good to be able to defend ourselves if we need to."

Nieme's fingers gathered the fabric of a cloak tightly as she suppressed a gentle moan. She sighed softly and craned her head sideways to guide Dani's kisses. "We...we could..." Nieme whimpered gently and panted breathlessly at Dani's touch. "I would... I would protect you... I always will."

Dani clung tighter to Nieme as she let her kisses drift up along Nieme's jaw and cheek, seeking for her lips. "And, I'll always protect you," she whispered in response. "We will always take care of each other. That's how it should be." She let her hands gently start exploring Nieme's body as she clung to her, whimpering softly at the touch. "Oh goddess..."

Nieme let a moan escape, then bit her lip to deny any more passage. "It'll be... We'll b-be fine. I know how to hide." Her grip on the fabric tightened the closer Dani's hands came to her breasts and hips and thighs. She pressed back against Dani as her balance wavered and her eyes closed against the stirring sensations arising within her. "I'm...I'm a good hider," she whispered. "I'm a... I love you, Dani."

Dani was nearly delirious with the emotions swirling within her. She could feel her hips writhing slightly against where Nieme was pressed against her. "I love you too," she whispered. "Oh...if we're going to go, we have to now, because if not, I think we're going to...to get very close. Oh goddess, Nieme, I want that, but only if you're ready. I love you, Nieme. I-- What do you want, my love? What do you want to do?"

"I..." Nieme emitted a gentle whimper and slowly shifted around to face Dani, but her eyes remained closed and her lips trembled for the touch of Dani's. "I'm not... I don't know what to do, Dani. I love you...and I like how you touch me, but... I'm afraid." She opened her eyes and gazed into Dani's with a sadness filling them. "Kael and I... We were so happy before...before we...made love. I don't want the same to happen to us, Dani. Please don't let that happen to us."

Dani took Nieme into her arms and kissed her. "I'd never let anything bad happen to us," she whispered. "If we make love, you and I, we'll still be just as happy." She kissed her again. "I promise, Nieme. I promise with all my heart and soul, and by the goddess' gifts." She held Nieme to her, content for the moment to just hold her girlfriend. Her girlfriend; the thought made her heart soar. "There is no reason for you to ever be afraid with us, my beautiful star."

Nieme lay her head upon Dani's shoulder and nodded her head ruefully. "I promise to try and not be afraid, Dani. But...not yet. Please don't be sad... I want to wait this time, not like with Kael. I want it to be just perfect for us."

Dani took a long, shuddering breath, and then kissed Nieme. "Okay," she said with a smile. "Now, let's go visit Orn before I'm tempted to take the speeder back to the Temple, and sneak in for my toys."

"Okay," Nieme replied in a dejected whisper. She grudgingly pulled away from Dani and turned back to the cabinet to hide her sorrow. "I'm sorry. I...I won't... I'll try to be braver next time. Just so you won't be disappointed in me, Dani."

Dani slipped forward and kissed the back of Nieme's neck. "I could never be disappointed in you, my Nieme," she said with a smile. "And, I don't think any toy could ever replace the desire or love I feel for you, ever. You can be brave when you feel you want to be with me. For now, we'll just be like we have been, and see what happens." She slowly turned Nieme around and smiled. "I love you more than anything, and nothing could ever diminish that." She kissed her love and then took her hands. "I am proud to have you as my girlfriend."

"Well...good because you're going to have me as a girlfriend for a very long time." Nieme giggled and embraced Dani warmly. "Let's go into town now so I can flaunt my wonderful girlfriend in front of everyone."

Dani grinned and slipped her hand into Nieme's. "Your girlfriend can't be half as wonderful as mine," she said. "And, if you have a cloak for me, I think we should go flaunt our relationship in front of the whole town."

With an exuberant nod, Nieme retrieved the cloaks she'd weeded out and handed the less ragged one to Dani. She slipped on her own and impulsively, grabbed Dani by the hand and veered her towards the door. "Today's going to be the best day we've ever had, Dani!"

With a squeal of delight, the two burst out through the door and off into the Thanatos morning.

***

The door to the Rhack creaked open and Dani followed Nieme inside. The change between inside and outside temperatures was quite noticeable, and very refreshing. Dani giggled and quickly shut the door behind her. "You were right about it being hot out there," she said. "I guess that's why this place is a desert. Even though it's so bright out there, it is still quite beautiful."

"You'll get used to the heat, Dani. We'll take it a little at a time so it won't be too much for you." Nieme blinked to adjust her eyes to the changing light of the diner. She kept her head down, at first reluctant to be noticed by Orn, but upon glancing around, she found him nowhere in sight. "I wonder where he is... I hope nothing's happened."

Dani tightened her grip on Nieme's hand and followed closely. "I hope so too," she said. "Maybe he's back in the kitchen. Maybe without you here to cook, he had to be back there."

Nieme laughed abruptly and shook her head. "Not Orn. He...he's a horrible cook--"

"Yeah, well you should've seen the guy I hired to replace you."

Nieme gasped quietly and looked up to see Orn appearing in the doorway leading from the kitchen. She stood watching him with a frozen expression of surprise, and embarrassment at her remark. "O-Orn?"

The stout man moved into the dining area with a bellowing laugh and held out his arms wide. "Come here, kiddo." Nieme giggled timidly, then rushed into Orn's arms. The floor slipped away from her feet as Orn lifted her high off the ground. "You silly little thing. What are you doing back here?"

"I-I came to visit...permanently." Nieme looked at Orn with a hesitant smile. "I'm back."

Orn looked perplexed for a moment. His gaze shifted from Nieme, to Dani, where his attention remained for a time. "What... Who's that?"

Nieme looked back at Dani and giggled. "That's my friend. Her name's Dani."

"Well...nice to meet you, Dani." Orn set Nieme onto the ground and studied the purple girl with a wary smile. "You're-- What are you anyway?"

Dani grinned and stepped forward. "I'm from the planet known as Zeltros," she said. "I'm a Zeltron. We're a near-human species. Nieme saved me from a man who wanted...wanted to do some not so nice things to me. I've heard so much about you. It's so wonderful to finally meet you, sir."

"Nice things?" Orn raised an eyebrow at Nieme, then patted her amicably on the cheek. "That's my girl. Never has a mean word to say about anyone. And now you're a hero too?"

"Well...I helped. That man...the blue-eyed man did most of the work."

Orn nodded his head then his eyes narrowed. "You said you're staying for good? Kael...he's here too?"

Nieme's head dropped and she felt her joy draining. "He...he stayed behind. It...it's better this way."

Dani quickly stepped in. "He's going to learn to be a hero now," she said. "And, then he'll be nicer again. He...he didn't like me and Nieme being friends very much."

Orn emitted a sigh of disappointment and nodded his head slowly. "I told ya, Nieme. He's a ganger, through and through. People like him never change."

"But...he was..." Nieme dispelled her protests with a deep breath and shrugged her shoulders. "It's okay now. I never wanted to be a...hero anyway."

"But I bet you wouldn't mind being a chef again, would ya?" Orn looked down at Nieme with a suggestive smile. "We still got your apron back there."

Nieme's face lit up with beaming joy and excitement. She looked to Dani, then quickly back to Orn. "I-I would! I would like to cook again. But...but my friend...Dani. Can she...help?"

"Hmm..." Orn rubbed his chin while he stepped closer to Dani and scrutinized her punctiliously. "What exactly can you do, Dani?"

Dani felt her face flush a darker purple under his gaze. "Well, I usually work on starships," she said. "But I think I could probably manage whatever you wanted me to do. I like working with people, and I'm good with my hands...and whatever you think I'd be good at." She looked at Nieme and grinned.

Nieme stammered spastically as she moved beside Dani. She regained her ability to form coherent words, then looked up at Orn imploringly. "She can help me... She chops really well. I-I taught her myself. Please, Orn. Please?"

Orn muttered thoughtfully while he paced deliberately around Dani. "Your skin... Is that some paint or something? A tattoo?"

Dani giggled. "It's me," she said. "The people on my planet vary in colour from darker reds through blue and lavender and" -- she indicated herself -- "purple. It's my natural skin colour. And, I can help Nieme in the kitchen, or I can help serve tables or take orders or whatever you want. I'm really good, and I'm a hard worker. Please?"

"Well...as long as it doesn't rub off or anything." Orn stopped before Dani and chuckled. "You can work in the back with Nieme. If it gets busy around here, you can wait tables too." He reached down and took Dani's hand in his. With a jerky, rough motion, he shook it and patted her firmly on the arm. "Welcome aboard."

"Thank you," Dani squeaked happily and then quickly threw her arms around Orn in a big hug. "Thank you very much!" Then with a giggle, she hugged Nieme for good measure. "We get to work together! It's going to be so wonderful, Nieme!"

"Oh, thank you, Orn! W-We can get started right away!"

A smile softened Orn's gruff expression. He cleared his throat and wiped his hand across his mouth to spread thin the smile, but there was nothing he could do to wipe away the flush in his cheeks. "Everything's as you left it, Nieme. So...you two can get to work." He cleared his throat again, then turned away from the two girls just in time to hide from them the uncontrollable smile that consumed his face.

"Come on, Dani! I'll show you the kitchen." Nieme pulled on Dani's hand and together, they scurried to the kitchen, past Orn, who was still shaking his head and chuckling silently to himself.

***

Liam stepped out of the refresher, a towel wrapped around him though his body was mostly dry already. He stopped just in front of the doorway and watched Yelara. She stood on the other side of the room, staring out the window at the forest beyond. Her hair was down, and the sun shining on it gave it a sheen he couldn't remember ever seeing there before. He smiled to himself and approached slowly. Once behind her, he slipped his arms around her waist and bent around to kiss her neck. "Would you believe you look positively radiant today?"

"Are you sure you didn't get any soap in your eyes?" Yelara laughed softly and caressed Liam's arms tenderly. "Well...thank you at any rate. I guess it's that motherly glow Kal's always talking about."

"Well, whatever it is, you still look very beautiful. Especially the way the light was catching you." He was quiet for a moment, and then kissed her neck again. "Today is for us, Yel. We can work in the garden, walk, talk, whatever you'd like to do. We can even spar with force pikes and inspect each other's underwear if you'd like."

Yelara laughed shrilly and slapped away Liam's hands. "You fiend. I knew you only married me for my sexual prowess." She turned around to face Liam and leaned against the sill of the window. "But I think we really should do something quiet and...intimate. Just me and you, no distractions... I want this to work out, Liam. I want us to do our best and make this work."

Liam stepped closer, and gently ran his hands up and down Yelara's arms. "Something with just us, and no one else. I'll put Kal'Aran in charge of things. Kael can watch the babies, though I think Aurra might be interested too. And, then we can do whatever we feel like with no distractions or disturbances." He kissed her. "I love you more than anything, Yel, and I'll do everything I can for us to work. And, to start with, I think a nice walk through the forest."

"A walk would be a good start. Kael showed me--" Yelara pursed her lips closed and looked away with a sigh. "Sorry. I just meant to say that...the waterfalls are wonderful and... Excuse me." Yelara slipped past Liam and moved to the clothing cabinet. She began rifling through it to keep herself occupied enough that she wouldn't have to look into Liam's face and see the dejection that lay within his eyes.

Suddenly, Liam's arms slipped around her again. "I want you to show me the place Kael showed you," he said softly into her ear. "You were looking for something with him there, and maybe I can help you look for it too. If you want to go to the waterfalls with me, then I want to. I seem to remember a certain experience with a waterfall and a certain new bride. Maybe we can recapture some of the magic there."

Yelara sighed gently and rested her cheek against Liam's. "I just feel so stupid. I hurt you; Kael will be devastated when he finds out he no longer has me to fool around with... I've made a mess of everything and I wanna fix it, Liam."

"I seem to remember a few carb-- incidents where things got messy," Liam said with a grin. "We seem to do pretty well with messy. I think we can handle this. And, we'll find a way to make Kael...less devastated. We can do this, Yelara. We will do this. How would you like to take a trip to Corellia soon?"

Yelara spun quickly and faced Liam with an expectant grin. "You mean it? We can just pick up and leave all this behind for a while and just...go?"

Liam took her into his arms and pulled her close. "I do mean it," he said. "And, with Kal'Aran and Kallia here, we may be able to step away for a little bit. We should take Leshie to see his grandfather. Maybe we can do a little scouting there for Force talented people. It could be a vacation with just a little work. Let's plan it and go."

"Soon, Liam," she said as she wound her arms tightly around him. "We have to do this soon. I love you and I almost lost you. If you hadn't picked up some of my stubbornness and refused to let me go, it might have all ended, Liam. And that scares me."

"I'd never let you go," Liam said as he gazed into her eyes. "We struggled through too much to let all that go so quickly, to let it go at all. You're my wife and my heart, and I'll never give you up. And, I'm sure that Orinth would just love to see me again."

"I think we should stay together just to give him something to gripe about." Yelara laughed softly as she nuzzled her lips gently against Liam's chest. "I think we should fight to make it just to prove that something good can thrive in this damn universe." She spread kisses along his shoulders and chest, remembering quickly how potent the desire she felt when she was near him truly was. "If anyone can make it," she said softly, "it's us, Liam."

"You keep that up, and there's no way we can't make it," he whispered. "I love you, Yelara, and when we fight, it only makes me realize how much I really do love you. To be able to fight, and then to work so hard to keep you with me...it says something."

"Nevertheless, let's try not to fight anymore." Yelara slid her hands along Liam's smooth back, then deftly pulled free his towel and let it crumple onto the floor. She looked up at him with a sultry smile and said, "Why fight when we can do...other things?"

Liam looked down between their bodies where his towel used to be, and then up into her eyes. "Oh my," he whispered. "My underwear is definitely not matching today."

***

Nieme giggled again and tossed a wilted, discarded lettuce leaf at Dani. "We keep the leaves, Dani. Throw away the stalks!" She kissed her quickly upon the cheek, then scurried back to the range. "You're doing well though, Dani. I'm very proud of you."

Dani grinned. "Well," she said, "I'm learning from the best. I'm so glad Orn let me work here with you, Nieme. And, I love being your helper. I think Orn is very happy to have you back. When I went out to get those dishes earlier, I think I actually heard him singing."

"Orn singing?" Nieme gaped at Dani with wide-eyed disbelief. "He never sings!" She laughed and looked out through the opening in the wall to spy on Orn in the dining area. His lips were puckered and shrill, discordant notes were sputtering from his mouth. She sighed wistfully and turned back to Dani. "I never wanted to leave him... I'm very glad we're back too."

"Me too," Dani said with a nod. "It's very nice here, and Orn is...well, when he's happy, he's very nice too. He cares for you very much. I think he thinks I'm strange though. I caught him trying to wipe my arm with that rag of his. I think he still thinks I'm painted."

"Well, I'll reassure him that you're not. I've tasted your lips enough times to know it doesn't rub off. At least I don't think it does..." Nieme smiled at Dani and quickly rushed over to her side again to kiss her.

"Now, now girls! Lunch crowd will be here soon. Back to work." Orn winked at the girls and with a sharp whistle, began his jovial tune again and moved back into the dining area.

Dani giggled. "Well, I think you'd better keep kissing me to make sure it doesn't," she said. "Though, maybe after the lunch crowd." She glanced toward where Orn was and grinned. "You don't think he'd be bothered by...by you and me, do you? That we love each other and we're girlfriends?"

Nieme frowned in contemplation for a moment, th