"Finding Someone"
By Chun Li - PI and Pilot
Zale Tregat
Moril Astren

Location: Estri-Casren Towers, Yesdol District, New Plouton
Date: Rheudis 3, 4 ABY

***

Li was looking for some winter clothing in the more reputable parts of New Plouton. Just some small stuff, but it was more quiet down here. She had memorised the city plan of this district, and she knew that she could take a shortcut to the next set of shops she needed to visit if she took a small alley.

As she got into the alley, she noticed a smell that she recognised. The smell of a dead body that'd been out for a couple of days. She carefully looked around, before she went investigating. It didn't take her long to find the body, as there was only one real hiding place. It wasn't all that nice to see, but Li had seen corpses before. She quickly searched the body, and found ID papers and also the cause of death, a knife wound through the heart.

Checking the ID, she saw that he was an employee for a company she had just passed by. So she decided to go there to get someone. It was as good a place as any, and they might have more information they could give to the police. She left the body and headed towards the corporate office. It had been there for a couple of days, some more wouldn't matter.

As she entered, she headed towards the reception. "I have some information about an employee of this firm," she said to the receptionist, "can I speak to the managing director, please."

The young blonde woman glanced aside and spoke briefly with someone on a vidscreen out of Chun Li's view. A moment later, a man appeared from an office door just behind her. He was on the tall side of average in height with dark hair and eyes. Both cheeks were scarred as if he'd been in a knife fight long ago. "My name is Moril Astren," he said. "I'm senior executive here, and one step down from Zale Tregat. How may I help you, ma'am?"

"Somewhere a bit more private, perhaps," Li suggested.

Moril exchanged a glance with Saris, then nodded. "My office?" At Chun Li's nod, he gestured to the door behind the reception desk, and led the way inside. He indicated a chair for Chun Li, and moved over to sit on the other side in his own chair. "Now, how may I be of assistance?"

"It's about Cadwin," she said as she took a seat. This room looked very nice. "I found him in an alley not so far from here, quite dead."

"I see," Moril said, his expression revealing none of the shock he felt inside. "I think perhaps, you should speak with Zale in this matter. If you will excuse me a moment." He opened a comm channel directly into Zale's office. Switching to a language that none but himself and Zale, though Saris did appear to be picking up some of it, he spoke again. "Shang za mi a tava oa neiri. Ba sua chesh ta oasa vi. Tea'sa te Cadwin."

"I'll be right there," was the only reply.

A minute later, the door to Moril's office opened and Zale appeared there. He was a tall, dark-complected man with long dark hair that was plaited into numerous braids and pulled back behind his head. "Zale Tregat," he said with a nod to Chun Li. "You have news of Cadwin Tarell?"

"I have," Li said, "I found him in an alley not far from here, with a knife wound in his chest. He is, or better, was an employee of this company, so I thought to come here. You probably have more knowledge about descendants he might have. And we can call security from here."

"It's an internal Antorial matter," Zale said. "We can handle security." He gave Moril a nod, prompting his right hand man to initiate the messages to staff needed in this sort of crisis. "Given the situation in Arcadia, I don't believe I'd like to trust this matter to Tae'Karadan security forces. Thank you for your assistance in this matter, though I believe we should handle things from here. Though, for your help, I am certain we can compensate you for your time."

"A good address to buy winter clothing would be nice," Li said, "all these years on Imperial center and on stardestroyers with their controlled enviroment made that I don't have the wardrobe for this weather." She handed over her card. "If you need some help, I'm a skilled investigator."

"I'll keep that in mind," Zale said with a gracious nod. "Given the current situation, I'm a little bit on the wary side, but I do thank you for the offer and I'll keep you in mind. Scapatti's is a good clothing place, and they won't try to gouge you for a fortune either." He reached up just as Moril passed him a datachip. "You'll find the address on here," he finished as he handed her the datachip.

"Thank you," Li said, "if there's nothing else, I should get going."

---

"Ill Tidings"
By: Merrick Braston
Analesse D'vrishay

Location: The White Noise, New Plouton
Date: Rheudis 3, 4 ABY

***

Merrick Braston set aside his baitar and smiled across the low table. The day was beautiful, despite the chill outside. Steaming mugs of cafa rested on the table, filling the room with their rich aroma. It had been a day of plans and projections for the future. As Analesse D'Vrishay picked up her mug to sip from it, Merrick found himself slightly saddened that it hadn't been their personal plans and projections, but instead those of the White Noise.

They reclined on the floor of his dressing room, each propped up by pillows. While he had more conventional furniture, this arrangement was preferred for its comfort.

"No," Merrick said as the dim lighting cast odd shadows over the table, "we will not be stealing that monstrosity outside of the Palace of Stars. Trust me, Weibran can have it. While I have no particular dislike for banthas, I think we want this place to be more upscale. I was thinking along the lines of a giant womp rat that could project a laser show into the sky, spelling out the name of the club and the headlining acts." He grinned mischievously and sipped from his own mug. The last several minutes had seen the pair slipping further and further into silliness at the new accommodations the club would offer. "And it will have really large teeth that light up at midnight."

"Or," Lessa suggested, sucking in a sharp breath before laughing again, "we could have its mouth open, allowing you to walk out through it, singing something completely inappropriate - like a love ballad!" She snickered and reached out to pat Merrick's hand excitedly as she added, "While you're wearing a womp rat costume!"

"I like it!" Merrick said with a big grin. "Though, it would have to allow for a wide range of movement. I can't do a dance number if I can't move in the costume." He got up and demonstrated the dance which started out as a soft shoe and progressed into something more progressive. "Looks good, yes? Oh, and we could have a bunch of children dressed up as womp rats too, all dancing just like me. And, I think they'd probably burn down the White Noise on the first night." He gave her a grin and returned to sitting beside her. "It feels good to be silly."

"Sometimes," Analesse admitted with a sigh. "Though, it does distract one from the task at hand." She motioned her eyes to the padds lying scattered and untouched on the table. "I don't think we'll have to worry too much about the Noise's grand opening if we keep working at this sluggish pace."

"I suppose we'll have to schedule a meeting with Zale soon," Merrick said. "We've got a good idea what we want to do, and how much we can afford. It's just those little details that are in the way. If we could decide on those, we'd be golden. Like the stage. I think we have the space to have two separate stage areas. One in the center, which gives everyone a good view. And, then one, here, at the north end of the dining area, which would be able to accommodate a larger show. Also, if we had the tables set up so that they could adjust for wherever the show is being held. I don't know, that's getting into more expenses. If we did though, we wouldn't lose space if we had the center stage set so it could be raised and lowered from below. If the movement was automated somehow, we wouldn't have to worry about having to staff people to go out and physically re-arrange the tables and chairs. But...that just racks up more expense. Too many frills, and we're over-budget."

"And I certainly know Reinrich Tas would be ecstatic if we went bankrupt and had to pull out of the project," she muttered sardonically.

"Don't worry," Merrick said with a grin, "Zale has too much money to go bankrupt. I'm sure we'll be fine, and this place will be the best spot for music and culture in the whole city, and most likely the whole planet. Tomorrow, if you're up for it, there's a place over in Vendra I'd like to take a look at. I've heard they have some fixtures similar to what I was talking about yesterday, and I think something like that would look great here. But, I'd like to see for myself before committing here."

Analesse laughed softly and raised an eyebrow at Merrick. "Is that why you took me to that podrace the other day? To check out the décor?"

"No, that was just for a change of pace, and entertainment," Merrick said with a grin. "You were entertained, right?"

Avoiding his gaze by staring into her mug, Analesse responded unconvincingly, "Entertained...yes. It was...new and interesting."

"Somehow, I don't believe you," he said. "Above all else, Lessa, be honest about how you feel. You won't hurt my feelings if you didn't enjoy it."

"Ok, I hated it," she admitted hastily, and looked up at him wide-eyed to gauge his reaction. "I'm sorry. I wanted to try and do something different with you...but it wasn't my style. I'm more low-key, Merrick. All that excitement and commotion...it just makes me uncomfortable."

"I hadn't quite expected the crowd to be so...well, I'm not sure what," he said. "It was an experience. Next time, we'll go to a nice, quiet resort to get away and enjoy some peace and relaxation."

"Okay," she whispered, wanly smiling. "I lead a very boring life, Merrick. I have no idea how things with Kaysa were...but I prefer a comfortable night at home to sand and heat and screaming." One corner of her lips pulled into a lopsided smile. "I'm sure you're used to screaming - that of your infatuated female fans."

"Not so much lately," he said with a knowing grin for her. "And, they've got phenomenal climate controls at most of these places, only sand is usually kept in the urns for the cigarra butts, and the screaming will be many kilometers away on the beach, not in the relaxing confines of the resort. Or, we could just remain here. As long as you're there, I'll be happy."

"I think we'd better stay here," she decided. "We have too much work to do...unless you'd rather I just do all the hard work while you watch me?"

"Well, that is an enticing offer," Merrick said with an impish grin. "Though, I think that would be unfair of me, so I'll keep on working as well."

"Good." Suppressing a mischievous smile, Analesse pushed herself onto her knees, then upright fully. The casual white sweater that had kept her warm throughout their stroll to the White Noise fell into place; she smoothed her hands over the downy material, compulsively intolerant of even the slightest wrinkle or fold. Despite her exacting nature, Analesse managed to step outside her comfort zone long enough to suggest to Merrick, "Let's go for a walk in the snow...without jackets. That's daring, isn't it?"

Merrick chuckled softly and pushed himself to his feet. "Quite daring indeed," he said. "And, I'm game. Though, let's make sure to walk in the direction of some of the caffa shops, just in case we need to duck inside one."

"Okay!" she said decisively, then shook her head quickly and added to the contrary: "Or not. We might get sick..." Her nerve was lost, the momentary surge of reckless abandon vanished. "You want to just stay in tonight?"

"Why don't we take a walk, with jackets," Merrick said. "We can stop for a mug of something hot. I've got my datapad, for discussing the renovations. I think after being in here, getting out, moving around, and getting some fresh, clean air will do us some good."

Gnawing with perfect white teeth at her bottom lip, Analesse considered his idea, but dismissed it hastily with a shake of her head. "It's late. It probably isn't safe to be out. We should stay here, Merrick. We could always have another cup of caffe," she offered with an uncertain smile.

"Alright," Merrick said. "We'll stay here then. Did you want me to get you some caffe?"

Analesse shook her head, auburn curls bouncing and jostling each other as she did. "Why don't we go take another look at the main hall? I'm not certain yet if the chandeliers need to go."

"I'm thinking maybe yes," Merrick said. "Too many like that, and the place starts to look gaudy. You've seen the Palace of Stars, right?"

"Briefly." She grinned accusingly at him. "I gather you've visited a lot?"

"Maeren had a job there for a time," Merrick answered. "So, I became somewhat familiar with the place's gaudy, decorative...charms." He rolled his eyes. "That's exactly what we don't want to do. So, as long as we avoid everything Weibran's done with his decadent paradise, we should be fine."

With renewed mirth, Analesse laughed in her rich, musical way, rekindling the warmth that had briefly left her eyes. "Come on," she urged him, extending one hand his way. "Let's take another tour of this place. Any secret alcoves or lairs you were saving to impress me with when required?"

Merrick chuckled and gave her a roguish smile. "Well, now that you mention it..." He took her hand and indicated the door with a nod of his head. "This way, and I'm sure you won't be disappointed." He led the way out of the dressing room and down the hallway toward the refresher. Just before the refresher, he turned and opened a door that looked like it was just a supply closet. For the most part, it was. But, there was no back wall, and it continued on into darkness, descending slightly before turning so they couldn't see any further. "Impressed yet?"

She glanced aside at Merrick in disbelief, then stared into the black depths to reply, "A little... More curious than anything. Where does this lead?"

"It curves around to take us under the Noise," Merrick said. "Right now it's just used for storage, but about twenty years ago, they used it for alcohol sales when the High Prince outlawed alcohol for a time. It's also been used to hide people for various reasons. It has its uses."

"You've been through there, then?" she guessed, and nudged his arm to tease, "An escape route when your female fans get too overexcited?"

"I'm sure you've heard that some of my more...amorous fans like to throw their undergarments at me," Merrick said. "One night, after having a rather considerable number of panties thrown toward me on the stage, one woman decided that wasn't enough. I found her in my dressing room, completely undressed. I made a quick escape, and darted into the closet. In hindsight, it's a rather amusing anecdote, though I guess it was at the time. Maeren found me a few hours later. I'd gone in without a light, and was having difficulty finding my way out."

Analesse gaped at Merrick as she emitted an incredulous chuckle. "That's the craziest thing I've ever heard. You do that often?"

"What's that, actually try to escape from women who are throwing themselves at me?" Merrick laughed softly. "I imagine most men wouldn't run, but I'm not quite the womanizer the press makes me out to be."

"Oh, I've never put much stock in what the news has claimed about you," she dismissed, only affection visible in her sultry look aside at Merrick. "Kaysa was-- Is your only wife. That's still true, isn't it?"

"For the time being, that is true," Merrick answered. "She hasn't responded to my calls yet, and I'm not sure why. I've left about five messages so far. I should ask Zale."

Conquering her disappointment, Analesse managed a consoling smile. "You should. While you comm him, I'll go tour the hall once more. There are some details I need to doublecheck."

"Alright," Merrick said with a smile. "Let's head back up and I'll make that call."

Together, with only a small measure of space between them, Analesse and Merrick wound their way through the backstage labyrinth. She furtively watched him out of the corner of her eye, wondering what thoughts were going through his mind, and whether any of them were about herself and not his wife. Quickly, she looked straight ahead when Merrick glanced aside at her.

As Merrick's dressing room arrived, she smiled and gestured towards the path that would lead her to her own destination in the main hall. "When you're finished with your call, you'll meet me out there?"

"I promise I will," Merrick said with a smile. Before she could get away, he caught her in his arms and kissed her. It was a brief kiss, but still filled with passion. "I may be worried about her, but you're still the only one I want to be with." Another quick kiss, and he stepped back. "I'll meet you out there in a couple minutes."

Flushed and breathless, Analesse barely heard her response for the thunderous heartbeat pounding in her ears. Able successfully only to smile ecstatically, Analesse hurried off, glancing back at Merrick now and then before disappearing around the corner with her fears abated.

Merrick continued to watch her for a few moments as she backed away, making an interesting picture for anyone who happened to be walking down the hall at the same time. Fortunately, the hall remained empty, and finally Merrick turned to enter his dressing room. As he activated the comm, he was still in high spirits and feeling in a better mood than he could remember in quite some time.

Had he been more aware of matters, he might have realized something was amiss when Zale was the one to answer the comm call.

"Zale," he began, still feeling high with life, "I need to talk to you about Kaysa. I've been leaving messages, but haven't heard from her. I really need to talk to her."

Zale's expression didn't change, but there was obvious pain around his eyes. "Merrick," he said, his voice tightly controlled, "you'd better sit down." At that point, realization slowly crept in on Merrick, alerting him to the wrongness of the situation. He sat slowly, and nodded for Zale to continue. As Zale began to speak, the feeling of dread fully descended on Merrick.

***

There was no doubt, and certainly no focusing on selecting décor, for that single kiss - that single, heartfelt, thrilling kiss, and their first together - had cemented for Analesse where Merrick's affections lay. She was determined that her focus shift from trying to attract Merrick, to cease being so uptight and pushing him away. Executing a carefree, delighted twirl as a first step towards achieving that, Analesse chuckled to herself, then yelped as she knocked one of the few tables still left in the White Noise. The modest-sized, faceted lantern resting atop it fell over, then rolled towards the edge. She lunged with arms outstretched, hoping to catch the plummeting light, but she stopped short and let the glass shatter upon the floor at the figure appearing before her.

He was ghostly white and his eyes looking her way, but seemingly unseeing. Motionless and numb with shock, Merrick Braston stood across the room without a word spoken. Analesse's joy vanished, transformed to concern. "Merrick?" Hesitantly, she moved towards him. "Is something wrong?"

"I talked to Zale," Merrick said. He seemed to be focusing on her shoulder, then suddenly as if realizing, he shifted his gaze to meet her eyes. "Cadwin was found. Dead. He was stabbed through the heart with a knife. Someone found him outside of the Estri-Casren building, and brought him to Zale. His body, I mean. He'd been dead a couple days." He blinked, took a deep breath and shook his head. "Kaysa and Maeren are missing. Zale believes that whoever has them, they're the ones who killed Cadwin. He's still trying to get ahold of Keeve."

Analesse slowed to a halt before reaching Merrick. Her hand blindly reached out for a chairback to support her, stunned as she was by his news. Cadwin's death meant nothing to her; that it was to put a sudden damper on their evening together distressed Analesse, as did her lack of sympathy over the murder of a fellow sentient being. All she wanted was for Merrick to take back his words and pull her into his arms once again. But, he took not a step forward. "What--" The question stuck in her parched throat, until Analesse cleared it gently. "What does this mean? It...it can't be that bad, can it?"

"Given her lifestyle of late, it probably means someone wanted more than she wanted to give, and he's forcing the issue. Cadwin probably got in the way." He rubbed at the bridge of his nose and sat in one of the chairs that remained. "I'm worried about her and Maeren, but...Zale's people are on it, and he said he'd notify me if he finds something out. There's nothing I can do about it, so..." He stood and took Analesse's hands. "Do you mind if we take the rest of the night off from working? We can go back to my dressing room, or we can go home. I think I'd just like to...to be together, you and me. It's terrible what happened to Cadwin, and what may be happening to Kaysa...but my life is with you now. It's not fair to you, and there's nothing I can do besides. I...I just want to hold you and...and be content that you're here, Lessa."

She nodded unsteadily, trying to digest what had been said, and to overcome the guilt in realizing she hadn't a single care for what had befallen Kaysa. Such disregard and jealousy sickened Analesse unbearably. "If...if this is what you want," she whispered shakily, "then we should just go. We should just..." Sighing, Analesse embraced Merrick. She melted against him when his arms encircled her. "We'll go to my apartment. If you want to be close...the bed is large enough for us both."

"As long as you're okay with that," Merrick whispered. "I would very much like to sleep with you close, as long as you're comfortable."

"I will be," Analesse murmured, brushing her lips against his throat invitingly. "However you need me, I'll be there, Merrick."

"Then let's lock up and go home," he said. "And, when we get there, I'll fix us a couple drinks, and we can curl up on the couch and listen to some music."

"And if you're not in the mood to sing," she joked fondly, "I could try my hand at it...unless that'll just make you feel worse."

"If it comes from your heart, it'll definitely help," Merrick said. "I'm sure you're a fine singer with all the practice you get singing along with my songs."

"Oh, I'm no good at all," she admitted, and leaned back to grin at Merrick. "Though, you'll find that out soon enough." Longing for the warm tingle of his lips tasting hers, Analesse lightly pressed her own to Merrick's. Although uncertain if it was called for during such a crisis, she was unable to resist.

Merrick chuckled. "I'm sure I'll love your singing, no matter what." Pausing long enough for a lingering kiss, he led the way out to the speeder and opened the door for her. "If you're hungry at all, we can pick something up on the way home."

"No," she answered with a caress of his cheek, "just you is fine. Maybe this time I can display my cooking prowess to you." Her voluptuous lips curved into a delectable smile.

Merrick kissed her lips one more time before moving to the other side of the speeder to take them home. He was still worried about Kaysa, but Analesse would definitely help him forget those worries. Zale would eventually have news for him, but until then, Merrick would keep living his life, with the woman his heart now belonged to.

---

"Foot Down"
By: Zale Tregat
Keeve Shivral
Kimara

Location: Antorial Industries HQ; Kim and Keeve's home, New Plouton
Date: Rheudis 3, 4 ABY

***

Zale Tregat sat in his office, blank data screen in front of him, going over in his head how to say what he needed to say. He let out a heavy sigh, and tapped the screen, bringing it to life. With a deft press of a button, he brought up the calling list and found the number he sought. With another press of a button, the comm call went through.

Moments later, Keeve Shivral's face filled the screen, frowning at the interruption of the call. Zale frowned thoughtfully before speaking, wondering if Keeve did still go by Maeren's surname, despite the trouble their marriage had suffered. Finally, he sighed and forced himself to speak. "Keeve, there's something I need to speak to you regarding. There's been trouble, and I had to contact you. I've already spoken to Merrick, but...but this is more difficult."

"What's it about?" Keeve asked. In the background, Kim was merrily humming a tune and could be seen waltzing past the screen behind Keeve. He smiled bashfully. "She's getting dinner ready. She likes to make a lot of noise when doing that."

"It's about your father," Zale said. "Earlier today, Cadwin's body was found in a dumpster outside the building. He'd been stabbed in the heart. Kaysa and Maeren are missing, and I've got every resource mobilized to find them."

Keeve's lopsided smile levelled off and his brow furrowed darkly. "The bastard's dead," he rasped. "Did they finally come to their senses and get rid of him?"

"Considering that they're out of touch and I haven't heard from them for several days, I believe someone else killed him," Zale said. "Maeren is still out there, Keeve. So is Kaysa. They could be next. Are you so cold, so dead, that you don't even care?"

"Of course I care," he growled, his eyes hardening. "They abandoned us, Zale; what do you expect? I have a life with Kim now, and as much as I loved Maeren, I can't drop everything for her. I can't hurt Kim like that."

"Fine, you're out," Zale growled. "Don't expect a warm welcome if you ever do decide to show yourself to your family again."

"Talk to them about family!" Keeve hollered back. "Has Kaysa even given two shits about Aria? She's doing the same thing to her she did to me when I was a baby! She's incapable of changing, Zale, incapable of loving us. Why do you want to fight so hard for a woman who turned her back on you?"

"She changed once, dammit! It was Cadwin's doing! It was your father's doing! But, despite that, he didn't deserve what he got. No one deserves that, Keeve. I can't even imagine how you could think anyone does. But, Kaysa can change, Keeve. She did before and she can again."

He shook his head slowly in grief and incredulity. "You're in denial, Zale," Keeve told him quietly. "She might change...but it won't be forever. When has it ever been for her? I set aside my pride, my resentment, my hate for her, Zale, to give her a chance and she spits in my face by running off with that coward. So don't you dare imply that I'm insensitive, Zale."

"He gave her something she thought she wanted, an escape," Zale answered. "She ran off, but tell me how you're any different?"

Keeve narrowed his eyes at the man who was the closest thing to a father he had left. "I've made my choice, Zale. I may have been a stubborn, defiant brat when I was younger, but I know what I want for my life now. It's Kim, and a family. I can't let Kaysa, or Maeren, ruin that for me now." Sighing, Keeve whispered, "I'm sorry."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean," came the snappish comment from the other side. "I don't care if you hate her guts, she's still your mother, Keeve. Zale, what can we do?"

"For now, we're starting search efforts," Zale said. "Nothing to do at the moment, but I'll keep you posted if you want me to."

"I do," Kim whispered. Then louder, "Please yes. I...I don't want anything bad to happen to Maeren. Things haven't been good, but...but she doesn't deserve this. Who did it?"

"We don't know yet," Zale said. "But, we should have an idea soon enough."

Keeve's mouth remained agape as he watched the exchange, then finally he was on his feet. "Kim! You don't really want to get involved in this. If whoever killed Cadwin's got Kaysa and Maeren, who's to say you won't be in danger if you stick your nose into this? Let Zale handle it!"

"Maybe you don't care, Keeve, but I do. If my love for Maeren gets me in trouble, I'll deal with it. But I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I just looked away and pretended that nothing was wrong. You may be able to do that, but I can't."

"I have no choice!" he exclaimed. "How can we start our lives together if we're off chasing them? For all we know, they've skipped off the planet and gone boozing somewhere without a care for us. Do you really want to put everything on hold for them?"

"What would we be putting on hold, Keeve? Dinner? Do you think we'll be separated for this? That we can't be together? What exactly are we going to miss if we try to find your mother? At least, find out what happened to them. It'll just be like a job. Don't you care enough to try? And, if you don't, I'm going to try to help as much as I can anyway."

Keeve chuckled sardonically. "Oh no you're not. You're not doing anything this stupid without me. You actually think I'm going to let my fiancée go on some fool's errand? I do care about what's happened to Maeren and Kaysa...but I care more about us, Kim, and our life together right now. We're supposed to be getting married in two days," he reminded her. "We don't have time for this!"

"Zale, if there's anything I can do, let me know," Kim said. "We'll be getting married and going on a honeymoon in two days, but before and after, I'll help however I can."

"Thanks, Kim," Zale answered. "It means much that you're willing. We have things under control for now, but I'll let you know if we turn over any clues."

Keeve's mouth worked soundlessly as he witnessed the exchange, until he sputtered, "Hey! We're not done talking, Kim! Aren't wives supposed to be obedient?"

"My dear, if you wanted a wife who would sit meekly and only do what you told her to, you're marrying the wrong woman," Kim said. "And, I thought that would have been plenty clear by now. Now, you can do what you want, but I care enough about Maeren and Kaysa to want to help however I can."

"Well, there's no way I'm letting you do this alone," Keeve protested stubbornly. "If you're doing this, I'm doing it with you. Can't expect Zale to keep an eye on you..."

"Well fine," Kim said, though her mouth was curled into a grin.

Pouting dourly, Keeve turned back to the comm screen to address Zale. "Fine. We're in. Just...tell us what we need to do."

"For now, we've got things under control, like I've been saying," Zale said. "My people are searching for leads on where they might be. Someone somewhere has to have seen something, and we just need to figure out where that was. Until we have a lead or two more, unless you want to go out and show people holos of Maeren and Kaysa, we'll need to wait for that lead. Unless you want to start asking around at all the nightclubs in town, I'd recommend trying to enjoy the dinner you were making, and wait for a call."

"Little chance of that now," Keeve muttered, glancing sullenly askance at Kim. "We'll be around if you need us."

"Thank you for the call, Zale," Kim said. "And, don't worry, dinner isn't as big a failure as Keeve's making it out to be."

"You two be careful, just in case," Zale said. "I'll be in touch." The comm channel closed, leaving Kim and Keeve to themselves once more.

Kim watched Keeve as she moved back to resume her dinner preparations. She gave Hope a smile, and tossed her a piece of the chippin she'd been preparing.

Smiling weakly, Keeve rose from his seat and started towards where Kim and Hope were. "Smells good," he told her awkwardly. "My favourite?"

Kim grinned at him. "Yes," she said. "And, I think Hope's too. She's been perched there since I started cooking. Though, she was very good while we were talking to Zale. She didn't try to sneak a single bite. I've never had a reisakitten before, so I don't know...but she seems very smart, doesn't she?" She turned her eyes to meet his gaze. "We may not have to do anything to help Zale, to find them, but...I couldn't not offer, Keeve. If...if things were still alright between you and Maeren, and...and something happened to me, what would you do?"

"I would do everything I could to find you," Keeve admitted as he edged closer. "The difference is that I've always loved you, Kim. With Maeren and the way things are now..." He sighed and leaned his hip against the counter while standing face-to-face with Kim. "I'm not sure how I feel about her now, if I love her still. I do know I don't hate her...but I don't want her coming between us, not like this."

"She's only coming between us in your mind, Keeve." Kim sighed as she turned her attention back to their meal. "It's right to try to help. Whatever you feel, they're family. You have to help your family because they're your family. You may hate them, but they're still your family. They're not coming between us, my love. They're not going to stop us from getting married. We may just have to make some hard decisions with our time, but we'll still be together no matter what."

"Yeah," he murmured and turned his gaze to the sauce Kim was stirring. After a long moment of silence, Keeve asked delicately, "If they're...they're hurt or worse, what do we do?"

"Whatever we can," Kim said softly. "Zale's people will find them, Keeve. They have to. And, we'll just have to...to go on, I guess. I've never been in a situation like this before. We'll get through it though...we'll get through..."

Nodding slowly, Keeve wound his arm about Kim's waist to offer comfort, but mostly attempting to seek some for himself. "I'm sorry about what I said. You'll be the perfect wife, Kim, just the way you are."

"I'm very excited," Kim whispered. "But...what about our name?"

He grinned assuredly. "We're taking mine, aren't we? Kim Zenarr... How's that sound?"

"It's perfect," she said with a beaming grin. "Kimara Zenarr. You'll have to have all your records changed again."

"It'll be worth it," he shrugged. "We've been through so much to get to this point; anything else is just a minor nuisance."

"I'm so excited, Keeve," she said. "I can't believe it's finally happening. It's like a dream come true. I don't know if I can wait two days, but I'll have to. My dress will be ready tomorrow night. I had another fitting today during lunch. I can't wait till you get to see it."

His crooked grin, and the drop of his hand to her rear, reeked of mischief. "I'd rather see you without a thing on," he chuckled into her ear. "Perhaps we can arrange that?"

"Oh, I'm sure we can," Kim said as she lifted a hand to one of the straps of her top. "I know you prefer it when I cook without a stitch on. Wanna help?" She let the strap slip down her shoulder.

"Do I," he replied with a playful growl and covered Kim's bare shoulder with his lips, while helping her slide off the other strap deftly. Kim giggled as her top slid down over her torso. "How am I doing?" Keeve teased.

"Perfect so far," she said. "I bet you'd be very happy if I decided to wear no clothes around here more often. Perhaps I can make that one of your wedding presents. Would you like that, my love?" She took one of his hands and moved it down to her hip where her top now bunched over the waistband of her pants. "You're doing absolutely perfect. Though, I think with the way I'm feeling right now..." She glanced down at the front of his pants and grinned. "And, your obvious state, perhaps we should put dinner on hold..."

Keeve nodded readily and spun Kim away from the range into his arms. Without delay, he carried her off for an early celebration, and to relieve his mind of the constant thoughts plaguing him, all centred on Shiv. Although he wouldn't tell Kim, Keeve knew there was no way to go through with the wedding until he could confirm where Maeren was and if she was alive. His conscience wouldn't allow it, and neither would his heart, still tethered to Maeren's by a single, weak thread. Though, Keeve suspected Kim wouldn't either and, first and foremost, he strived to please her; grinning wanly as he conveyed them to the living area sofa, despite the seriousness of his thoughts, Keeve aimed to do so in the best way he knew how.

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